Author: Momo Chan

My penny-pinching husband publicly auctioned off 365 of my intimate photos to make money. Not only did I not stop him, but I also pulled out a video recording and personally made him watch it thoroughly. However, the moment he saw the video, his face filled with terror, and he fell to his knees begging me for a divorce. After gifting me all his assets, he jumped into the river that night and committed suicide. This incident caused a huge stir, with the entire internet speculating. What exactly was in that video? Countless wealthy strangers were willing to pay high prices with company shares to acquire the video, but I ignored them all. Until my childhood sweetheart, now the richest man in town, proposed to me in grand fashion. At our wedding, I once again brought out that video… My husband Adam was notorious for being a penny-pincher. He wouldn’t let anyone touch his safe. But more than money, he valued his own life above all else. This was a man who would call the doctor for a full checkup over a simple sneeze. Yet after I showed him that video, he not only transferred all his assets to me, but even took his own life. The day after Adam’s death was confirmed, this incident blew up on social media and became a trending topic. “Adam Thompson was known to be extremely frugal. How could he possibly be willing to give up everything?” “Just confess and you’ll be treated leniently. Think carefully before you speak,” the young detective said sternly. He stared intently at my face, trying to warn me not to cover up the truth. I waved my hands anxiously. “I really don’t know, officer. Maybe he felt guilty about how he treated me and wanted to make amends?” I explained the whole sequence of events to them in detail – from Adam auctioning off my private photos with his mistress at an exhibition, to me showing him the video and watching him kneel and beg for divorce. “Impossible. From what we’ve learned, Adam wouldn’t even pay for groceries out of his own pocket,” the female officer beside him said with a grim expression. She glanced at a file and continued, “He even made the girls he cheated with pay for the hotel rooms and condoms.” “What exactly did you show him?” she demanded. “It really was just an adult video starring me, officer,” I said. I knew every word I spoke was the truth. Unable to get any useful information from me, the police had no choice but to end their interrogation. I returned to my apartment complex. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I found a crowd of reporters already gathered outside my door. “Ms. Brooks, your husband auctioned off your private photos for profit. Don’t you hate him for that?” “He didn’t do anything worth hating. And I really don’t know why he died,” I replied. Hearing my response, they exchanged excited glances and shoved their microphones closer. “Please tell us, what exactly was in that video?” “What was your purpose in showing the video? Are you sure Adam’s death had nothing to do with you?” “I really don’t know anything!” I cried, trying to dodge their cameras. But they wouldn’t listen and only grew more frenzied. The property management soon heard the commotion and came with some neighbors to drive the reporters away from my door. Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, Adam’s family angrily rushed up to confront me. “Lily Brooks, you killed my son and took all his money. You must pay for his life with your own!” Adam’s mother screamed. “What nonsense are you spouting? Lily’s been a good girl since she was little. She wouldn’t even hurt an ant, how could she possibly kill someone?” “If you ask me, it must be your son who offended the wrong person!” I didn’t say a word as the older ladies drove Adam’s family away with their scolding. No one would believe that I had killed Adam Thompson. Even I myself didn’t understand why he committed suicide after watching that video.

From a young age, I was always well-behaved and obedient. As a daughter, I was filial and never defied my elders. But Adam had been spoiled rotten since childhood, leaving a trail of broken hearts. After marrying into the Thompson family, I treated Adam as my whole world. I never went against his wishes. To satisfy his possessive nature, I would bundle up in layers even on the hottest summer days before going out. So no one believed the adult video I showed Adam was real. They also didn’t believe an ordinary video could kill a man who loved money more than life itself. But only I knew – it was all true. I just had no idea how this video could kill someone. For the next three years, Adam’s family still refused to give up on sending me to prison. They went from causing a scene at my door every day, to falling into despair after the police cleared me of suspicion. They finally accepted the reality that Adam had committed suicide. As for me, within a year of moving back to my old neighborhood, I reunited with my childhood friend Jack, who was now the heir to a business empire. We soon began dating. Three days before our wedding, Jack held me tightly and said, “Lily, I’m finally marrying you. I’ve waited 23 years for this day.” “I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world. I won’t be like your ex-husband at all.” He rested his chin on my shoulder. “If you ask me, your ex must have been fated to die young. A video killing someone? I don’t buy it! Those people will believe any rumor. How could they actually think a video can kill?” He paused, then took my hand and said, “But I have to admit, I’m quite curious too. Is there really something scandalous in that video?” He looked at me cautiously. “Don’t be angry. I’m not blaming you for making that kind of video. I just thought if I watched it, I could help prove the truth.” Jack’s eyes were full of concern. He always believed in me unconditionally like this. “I don’t know. But he really did die after watching the video,” I said quietly. “Don’t overthink it. Adam must have offended someone powerful and that’s why he died. You happened to show the video at that time, so those people used it as an excuse to avoid suspicion,” Jack reassured me. I asked worriedly, “But what if you watch it and end up dying like Adam? What would I do then?” “Marrying you is the luckiest thing to ever happen to me. Even if I die, I have no regrets,” Jack said with a bright smile. I angrily covered his mouth with my hand to stop him from saying such ominous things. After his repeated pleading, I finally nodded in agreement. “But I have one condition – you can’t watch the video alone.” Jack hugged me gently. “As you wish. I’ll watch it at our wedding then.”

At the wedding, countless guests stared at me curiously. “Who would have thought? She lost her husband but managed to marry someone even better.” “I wouldn’t dare marry a woman like that. Who knows when you might die mysteriously.” “It’s been so long, but I still want to know what was in that video. I wonder if we’ll get to see it today…” Adam’s parents had also been invited to attend my wedding. They now looked pale and gaunt, their faces like sheets of paper. But their eyes still held traces of hatred when they looked at me. I ignored it all. I was only thinking about what was about to happen, feeling increasingly nervous. Following the officiant’s blessings, I lifted my dress and walked step by step to Jack’s side. “Now, the bride has a surprise for everyone,” I said with a smile, handing the USB drive to Jack. “That’s right, as you’ve all guessed, this surprise is the mysterious video everyone’s been so curious about.” As soon as I finished speaking, the crowd erupted in whispers. Everyone’s faces showed a mix of fear and excitement. No one dared to step forward. Adam’s parents’ expressions became especially grim. When they saw Jack about to open the file, they suddenly rushed onto the stage shouting, “Don’t watch it! You absolutely must not watch it, it will kill you!” “She’s the real murderer, arrest her quickly! Wasn’t killing my son enough for you? Do you want to keep hurting more people?” Adam’s mother glared at me fiercely, her eyes filled with hatred like she wanted to devour me whole. “I really don’t know why he died. I didn’t kill him!” I stepped forward hesitantly to explain, but Jack immediately shielded me. He gave them an icy stare. “This is the most important day for Lily and me. If you’re here to cause trouble, please leave!” Adam’s mother kept shaking her head, insisting they couldn’t watch it or someone would die. His father pulled her arm, looking at me with grief-stricken eyes as he begged, “Please Lily, don’t hurt anyone else.” I frowned in confusion and asked, “What do you mean? Adam committed suicide. I’ve never hurt anyone.” Before I could finish, they both knelt before me, kowtowing repeatedly. “Adam wronged you, but he didn’t deserve to die! Please, the video absolutely cannot be shown!” Suddenly, they stared at me in terror, collapsing to the ground. They grabbed Jack’s pant leg, shaking their heads frantically. “She’s a demon! Lily Brooks is insane, you’ve all been fooled by her!” “Her parents didn’t even show up on her wedding day. When Adam married her, we never met her family.” “She’s cursed! It wasn’t enough to curse her parents to death, she had to kill our son too!” The scene descended into chaos. Jack’s expression darkened as he called security to remove them. He took a deep breath, placing his hand back on the mouse. Everyone pushed forward, both afraid yet curious to see. I stood beside Jack and held his hand, nervously holding my breath. “Maybe we shouldn’t watch it, Jack.” He smiled at me. “It’s fine, it’s just a video.” But his hand was trembling slightly. He swallowed hard and clicked the mouse. After the video finished playing, Jack wiped the sweat from his brow. “How was it, Mr. Evans? What was in the video?” “Looks like there was nothing wrong with the video. Adam Thompson must have done something terrible to kill himself.” Some people tried to get closer to see the screen, but Jack quickly shut the laptop. I had just started to relax when I noticed Jack, who had been smiling moments ago, was now frozen in place, staring at me wordlessly. His hand had turned ice cold as he pulled away from me and jumped off the stage.

Jack stared at me in fear, his eyes dark and hollow. I slowly tried to approach him, but he suddenly pushed away his father who attempted to stop him. “No, don’t come any closer!” he cried out. He snatched the white jade hairpin from his mother’s head and violently stabbed it into his own eye. “Jack, no! Don’t do anything foolish!” I screamed. I stood there in shock, momentarily dazed as I watched blood pour from his injured eye. The next second, my head began to throb painfully. I clutched my head as I walked towards Jack. “Jack, it’s me, Lily. What’s wrong with you?” I endured the splitting pain as I approached him step by step. With each step I took, the fear on his face intensified. “Don’t come near me! I won’t marry you, okay? I’ll give you everything!” Jack struggled violently, breaking free from his father’s grasp. Even though he could barely see, he recklessly charged forward. Screech! The tires let out a deafening screech. Screams and curses filled my mind. I collapsed to my knees, feeling chilled to the bone. Before me lay Jack, flung into a pool of blood after being hit by a car. His uninjured eye was wide open, staring at me in a way that made my scalp tingle. Jack’s mother rushed over to me, her eyes filled with hatred. “You wretched girl! My son was so good to you, how could you not even spare him? I’ll kill you!” Her nails dug into my arm. The pain snapped me back to reality. The day of the wedding became the day of Jack’s death. “This Lily Brooks really is cursed. She got her ex-husband killed, and now her new husband is dead too. What terrible luck!” “What curse? I think she must have done something to that video to get money. Anyone who watches it dies!” “We should all stay away from her. That woman is nothing but trouble. Only bad things happen around her.” The whispers grew louder. I clenched my fists tightly as Jack’s mother continued hitting and cursing at me. “I’m not cursed! I’m not!” I cried out. A bucket of red paint was thrown over me. Adam’s mother glared at me hatefully and screamed, “Go to hell!” She used all her strength to wrap her hands around my neck and squeeze. My face turned purple as I struggled to breathe. Tears streamed down my face. My breathing grew heavier. Just before I lost consciousness, I heard a familiar voice. And that’s when I finally understood what was really in that video.

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To have a child before my half-sister and legitimately inherit the family fortune, I selected three potential heirs. I invested in their companies and helped them prove their worth. I even went out of my way to please Zachary, all in hopes of marrying him. But Zachary always avoided me, yet knelt before my half-sister, professing his love: “You’re the true heir, my wife. If you’re not ready to accept me, I’ll pretend to marry her and help you reclaim what’s rightfully yours.” My father accused me of being fickle, asking which one I’d finally choose. Remembering Zachary’s humiliated look, I casually pointed at the most dazzling man under the spotlight and said, “That male model looks good. I’ll take him.” 0The man’s hand paused as he was handing me coffee, looking at me strangely, confusion spreading across his handsome face. My father was furious on the other end of the phone. “Ridiculous! You’ve chosen another man at random!” “You’ve been cultivating three suitors for years, and none of them satisfy you?” “And besides, is the Reed family open to just anyone?!” I flipped through the man’s profile, scanning it quickly before nodding with satisfaction. Turning to address my enraged father, I said, “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve been evaluating those three for years, and I’ve just realized they’re all style over substance.” “Since I’m the one having the child, I’ll definitely be thorough in my vetting process. The father of my child won’t be some loser, so you don’t need to worry about that.” “Just remember your promise: whoever has a child first inherits Reed Enterprises. Have the stock transfer agreement and inheritance documents ready.” Faced with my directness, my father fell silent, leaving me with only one final comment: “Just make sure that man doesn’t embarrass our family.” He knew he had wronged me. Originally, I was the only daughter of the Reed family, the destined heir to Reed Enterprises. But on my 18th birthday, my half-sister stumbled through our front door, crying, “Dad, Mom’s dead. You’re the only family I have left.” My mother had passed away when I was young, and Dad had never remarried. I thought he was devoted to her memory, but it turned out he had a mistress and a half-sister only two years younger than me. Dad said he kept it from me to avoid hurting me, but Lily Snow moved into our home in tears on my birthday, making me the laughingstock of the entire city. To make it up to me, Dad immediately wanted to hand the company over to me. But Lily cried, her face red with tears. “Dad, I don’t care about fighting for the inheritance, but Mom put her heart and soul into this company too!” “If Mom hadn’t given up her career to take care of the family, how could you have devoted yourself entirely to the company? Now you want to hand over the company that Mom poured her heart into to an outsider? Are you trying to destroy this family?” “This is all that’s left of Mom in this world. I’m begging you…” Dad was torn, until a shareholder spoke up: “Mr. Reed only has two daughters. Giving it to either one means giving it to an outsider, right?” “Instead of this, why not have your daughters find future heirs? Whoever has a child first can inherit the company.” Dad agreed wholeheartedly and made the decision on the spot. That’s what was said, but everyone knew the company would most likely go to me, Aria Reed. I was older, had a wider social circle, and my status in our circles was far above Lily’s. Finding an excellent partner and having a child would be a piece of cake for me. Although Dad felt sorry for Lily, he knew deep down she wasn’t qualified to be the heir. He just couldn’t bring himself to explicitly tell her to give up her inheritance rights due to his guilty conscience and to save face. But since someone had offered a way out, he took it, though in his heart, he had already decided I would be his heir. Marriage and childbirth were just formalities to convince others and Lily. 0

I worked efficiently. As soon as I hung up the phone, I quickly prepared a document and handed it to the male model. The model’s name was Caleb Chase. He stopped my assistant from scolding me and silently signed the prenuptial agreement, even more compliant than I had imagined. My secretary was stunned, whispering in my ear, “Miss Reed, I think he’s specifically after you. Don’t let him trick you out of your heart, body, and money.” I looked around the room, filled with handsome men and beautiful women, but the man before me was undoubtedly the most eye-catching of them all. I had originally come to inspect the newest entertainment division of our branch company, but I never expected to gain a potential heir in the process. I shrugged, “What can he trick me out of? Money? I have plenty, and once I inherit Reed Enterprises, I won’t worry about supporting an idle husband.” “If he can provide quality genes, it’s a win-win deal for me.” I briefly skimmed through Caleb’s profile. As for Zachary and the others, since they were unwilling to marry me, there was no need for them to stay with the Reed family anymore. “Take that man for a full medical checkup and bring the results to the Reed house to see me.” Having resolved one issue, I left the company in a good mood, only to unexpectedly bump into a fragile figure. Lily covered her mouth, as if she had discovered some great secret. “Sister, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I had no idea that even with three wonderful boyfriends, you still weren’t satisfied and wanted to fool around with other men…” Fearing she would start spreading rumors, I instinctively reached out to grab her. She recoiled as if I were some kind of monster, stumbling backward into Zachary’s arms, who had been right behind her. Zachary held Lily and demanded, “Aria, what have you done now? Look how scared Lily is!” Felix and Xavier came running up behind them, immediately starting to berate me without knowing the full story. “Aria, don’t go too far! Lily is part of the Reed family too. Why do you bully her the moment she comes to the company?” Lily tugged at the sleeves of all three men, pouting, “Zachary, guys, don’t blame my sister. It’s my fault for making her angry.” “I didn’t know she was flirting with a male model. I didn’t mean to interrupt her…” “Maybe it’s because you guys haven’t been paying much attention to her lately, so she’s feeling lonely and has set her sights on another man…” She directly portrayed me as a fickle woman. But over these years, I had never claimed to be any of their girlfriends. Firstly, out of respect for them, I didn’t want their reputations tarnished as men simultaneously kept by me. Secondly, whenever I brought up the topic of marriage, they would avoid it. Zachary even looked at me with disgust. “Are you that desperate to get married? Isn’t the money Reed Enterprises is giving you now enough for you to squander?” “Everyone knows that whichever Reed daughter marries and has a child first gets the entire Reed fortune. You’re pushing us to marry you, but have you considered your sister?” “Reed Enterprises belongs to her father and mother. Why are you trying to steal it?” “She’s the second daughter of the Reed family. She’s suffered for so many years outside, and now that she finally has a chance to live comfortably for a few years, you can’t wait to kick her out!” I stormed out, slamming the door. Later that night, wanting to apologize, I saw him on one knee before Lily, saying earnestly: “You’re the heir I acknowledge, my wife. If you’re not ready to accept me yet, I’ll pretend to marry her and help you reclaim the property that belongs to you.” “I swear, as long as I’m here, Aria will never be able to bully you.” Only then did I realize they didn’t want to get married; they just didn’t want to marry me. But Reed Enterprises was built by my parents. Lily’s mother willingly gave up her career to become a kept woman. Lily had been spending my father’s money and my mother’s inheritance since she was born. Yet in their eyes, Lily was the pitiful sister and the only Miss Reed. And I was supposed to hand everything over to Lily without a fight. 0

Thinking about this, any guilt I felt towards the three of them faded away. I had been wondering how to gracefully ask them to leave the Reed family, but since Lily had already seen what happened, there was no need to hide it anymore. So I cleared my throat and said, “Since you already know, let’s just lay it all out. Zachary, Felix, Xavier, our agreement is hereby terminated. From now on, I won’t invest in you with the intention of marriage, and I won’t take back the money I’ve already given you.” “From this point forward, you’re free to date and marry whoever you want. It has nothing to do with me anymore.” “I’ve already found a suitable marriage partner.” I thought they would cheer with joy, but instead, the three of them fell into an eerie silence. Lily couldn’t hide the delight in her eyes, but she pretended to be worried and asked me: “Sister, are you really giving up? Didn’t you love Zachary the most? Is it because they’ve been neglecting you, making you feel bad?” “You can’t just marry some random guy to fight for the inheritance. It’s easy to catch diseases that way.” “Guys, please talk some sense into her. Don’t let her hurt herself or you because of me.” She moved between the three men, gently persuading them. Xavier couldn’t help but laugh, then immediately fell silent, looking at me maliciously. “This is your plan, isn’t it? To make Lily push us away herself, forcing us to marry you.” Felix’s eyes lit up with sudden realization. “I knew you couldn’t have changed your mind so quickly! So it was intentional, wanting to make us jealous and fight with your own sister over men!” Zachary chuckled coldly, his eyes full of disappointment: “Aria, I never thought you were this kind of person.” “You treat us like kept men, coming and going as you please. Seeing that we’re unwilling to marry you, you come up with this despicable scheme to force us.” “Lily, as your sister, sees money as dirt. She only has us to support her, yet she’s willing to give us up to make you happy.” “And you? You’ve already taken her father, and now you want to take her mother’s inheritance too. You think you can get the Reed fortune by lowering yourself to marry just anyone? Keep dreaming!” “Compared to Lily, you’re not even close!” I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “Haven’t you always hated me? I agree to let you go, you don’t have to pay me back, and you can be with your beloved Lily. Shouldn’t you be grateful?” Xavier scoffed at my words: “You’re so devious, who knows if you’ll keep your word? You said before that you were willingly giving us the money, but what if you demand we pay it back a hundred or thousand times over in the future?” Felix chimed in: “Even if we marry Lily and let her inherit Reed Enterprises, with your skills, how could Lily possibly be your match? The company would still end up in your hands!” “You act generous, but if we really get together with Lily, you’ll definitely use every underhanded method to bully her!” I was inexplicably surrounded and attacked by the three of them, and I started to get angry too. Seeing Zachary looking down on me, I decided to give it my all and swung at his face. “Ah!” “Sister, even if Zachary doesn’t want to marry you, you can’t hit people! Wuwuwu…” Zachary couldn’t dodge in time, but Lily reacted quickly, shielding him and taking the slap for him. “Sister, I’ll let you have Zachary. I’ll tell him to marry you. Please don’t hit anymore, okay?” She fell to the ground, then hurriedly knelt before Zachary. “Zachary, please marry my sister! I don’t mind, don’t consider me. I’m willing to do anything as long as my sister is happy!” 0

I crouched down to check Lily’s injuries. Zachary’s eyes were bloodshot as he kicked me hard in the chest. “You bitch! You’re too vicious!” He treated me like an enemy, kicking me viciously. My vision went black, and I fell to the ground, clutching my chest, unable to move. Xavier took the opportunity to slap me. “How can Lily have such a shameless sister like you!” “Pah! We’d rather marry a beggar than marry you!” Zachary picked Lily up in his arms, looking at me and enunciating each word: “If anything happens to Lily, I’ll make you pay double!” I lay on the ground for a while before staggering to my feet. My chest ached, but I suppressed my anger and got into the car, telling the driver to take me back to the Reed house. If they show no compassion, they can’t blame me for being ruthless! Now, not only will I kick them out of the Reed family, but I’ll also make them pay back every penny I invested in them! I returned home furiously, only to hear a chorus of laughter. Seeing me, Lily trembled violently, as if she had seen something terrifying. Felix shielded her behind him, his eyes blazing as he looked at me: “You dare to come back!” It seems Dad had already told them. I sneered, “Since you know, why don’t you get out quickly?! You’re of no use here anymore!” “You?!” Felix pointed at me, his hands shaking. Zachary stood in front of the others, looking righteous: “If you have any anger, take it out on me. But asking us to leave the Reed family? Impossible.” “I’ve already told Mr. Reed that Lily and I are getting married. From now on, Lily and I are the heads of the Reed family.” “Felix and Xavier will be our right-hand men in the future, helping us manage Reed Enterprises. Their stay or departure is not for you to decide.” “You have no right to come back!” Xavier slapped his thigh and laughed out loud: “You still think you’re the Reed family’s eldest daughter? Once Lily has a child, you’ll be out on the streets!” “Although only one of us can marry Lily, even so, we absolutely won’t let you have any advantage. If you kneel down and apologize to Lily now, we might be merciful enough to let you have a child, so you won’t be lonely even after being kicked out of the Reed family.” 0

Lily blinked her eyes, looking at me coyly. “Sister, I didn’t mean for this to happen, but I really do love Zachary.” “Since you’ve found another man, why don’t you let him go to me? You drink and party every day, meeting far more men than I do, but I only have Zachary.” “I can’t live without him.” Zachary looked at her with extreme tenderness. “Lily, you don’t need to beg her. I make my own decisions about who I marry.” I laughed mirthlessly: “Fine, Zachary. If you’re so tough, why don’t you pay back all the money I’ve spent on you first?” His small company, his designer clothes, his clients – all were given by me. Zachary had probably forgotten that he owed his success entirely to me. So I decided to remind him. Zachary stiffened at my revelation. “You really never cared about me. All you see is money.” “When Lily and I have our child, I’ll pay you back double!” I said sarcastically: “Haha, even if you married and had a child on the same day as me, with your abilities, you couldn’t compete with me.” “I’ve been too lenient with you before, spoiling you to the point where you don’t know your place?” “Don’t forget, I am the daughter of the Reed family! Even if you marry Lily, you’re still just penniless nobodies. What qualifies you to become directors of the company?” With each sentence I spoke, the three men’s faces grew paler. “And you!” Lily opened her mouth, but I cut her off harshly. “You have no ability of your own, so you want to hand the company over to others, and to these three ungrateful men at that.” “They can benefit from me while bullying me today. Tomorrow, they’ll cheat on you behind your back and use Reed family money to keep mistresses.” “Isn’t that exactly what you and your mother did? Spending my father’s money outside.” Lily bit her lip hard, her eyes exploding with intense hatred. Zachary couldn’t bear to see Lily upset and pointed at my nose, cursing: “Aria, do you think everyone is like you, only caring about money? What Lily and I have is true love.” “As for you…” He pointed at my secretary, who had hurried over, his tone mocking: “You couldn’t buy our true feelings with money, so you went to keep a dirty man. Who knows, maybe he doesn’t even want you!” The secretary leaned close to my ear and said: “Boss! That man… he, he…” “He’s backing out?” My expression darkened. Zachary grinned triumphantly: “What did I say, Aria? A vain, money-grubbing woman like you, even if you pay to keep someone, no one would want you!” “Even a dirty man won’t marry you. Let’s see how smug you are now.” The secretary looked at the four smug faces, then at my grim expression. “He said he wants to…” A man’s magnetic voice came from the doorway. “I want to come and propose in person.”

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“Nathan, are you really going to divorce Olivia and study abroad?” In the quiet living room, Nathan looked at Mrs. Sullivan’s shocked face across from him and nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Sullivan. As you know, I wasn’t the one who was supposed to marry her in the first place. For Olivia, I was just an unexpected stand-in, a substitute when the real groom didn’t show up. Now that he’s back, she’s been so happy lately. It’s time for me to go.” Outside, a light snow was falling, creating a beautiful winter scene. He smiled lightly. “Studying abroad has always been my dream anyway.” Mrs. Sullivan looked at the young man before her, remembering Olivia’s wedding three years ago. Ethan, who was supposed to be the groom, had fled abroad at the last minute. Just as Olivia stood awkwardly on stage, red-eyed and unsure what to do, Nathan had put on an ill-fitting suit and slowly walked up. He apologetically took the microphone and addressed all the guests: “I’m so sorry, there was traffic on the way. I’m late.” With that act, he had saved Olivia’s dignity and the Sullivan family’s reputation. Mrs. Sullivan let out a long sigh, then asked uncertainly, “Will Olivia agree to the divorce?” Nathan shook his head with a smile. “I already got her to sign the divorce papers.” Two weeks ago, he had given her the divorce agreement. At the time, Olivia was in a rush to finish work and meet Ethan. She had signed without even looking and left. Now, in just seven more days, he would be able to get the official divorce certificate. He would be free. After all, the Sullivan family had a three-generation military background and couldn’t go abroad. So once he left the country, he and Olivia would never have to see each other again. Just as Mrs. Sullivan was about to speak, a gentle female voice came from behind them. “Nathan, what are you chatting about with Mom?” Nathan turned around to see Olivia, whom he hadn’t seen in days, walking towards them in a black evening gown that occasionally revealed her long legs. “…Olivia.” Seeing her daughter approach, Mrs. Sullivan was about to step forward to scold her. “Why are you here?” With a mix of surprise and reassurance, Nathan stood up, giving Mrs. Sullivan a pleading look to interrupt her. “I missed you, so I came by to pick you up,” Olivia said, her eyes looking a bit guilty. In truth, she had come on purpose after finding out Nathan’s whereabouts. After saying goodbye to the worried Mrs. Sullivan, the couple took their bags and left the Sullivan family home. On the way back, heavy rain pounded on the car windows, while inside was completely silent. Olivia remained quiet for a long time before finally speaking. “Nathan.” “Ethan and I are really over. He just got back to the country and had heart surgery a few years ago, so his health isn’t good. As an old… friend, I just went to help him get settled. I hope you can understand.” Nathan stared out the rain-blurred window and nodded. If only he hadn’t seen how Olivia had dropped everything and excitedly rushed to meet Ethan the day he returned. If only he hadn’t noticed Olivia selling the watch she had used for years and replacing it with a cheap bracelet Ethan had given her. If only… There were too many “if onlys.” Nathan no longer had any expectations or trust left. A soft sigh filled the car. Faced with this husband she had married by chance years ago, Olivia wanted to explain further. But thinking of her own actions over the past two weeks, she ultimately chose to change the subject. “Nathan, what was that document you had me sign two weeks ago?” As soon as she finished speaking, Nathan turned to look at Olivia, his eyes showing three parts surprise and seven parts bitter amusement. She was only now remembering to ask about that? Then again, ever since Ethan came back, everything else in her life had faded into the background. How could she be expected to care about anything else? Nathan was about to speak when Olivia’s phone suddenly rang. Seeing the name displayed on the car screen, Olivia’s face instantly tensed up. “It’s fine, go ahead and answer. It might be something important,” Nathan said, looking out the window with an indifferent expression that made Olivia suddenly feel afraid. But she still answered the call, with the car’s speakers automatically broadcasting the conversation. “Olivia, I miss you so much. It hurts. Can we meet?” Hearing the whiny tone on the other end, Olivia’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the steering wheel. Her expression also suddenly turned cold. “Ethan, I’m married now. I’ve told you many times, don’t talk to me like that!” There was a moment of silence on the other end before Ethan replied, “But Olivia, I was supposed to be the groom at that wedding.” The car suddenly screeched to a halt in the middle of the road, the tires making a huge noise as they skidded on the pavement. In their three years of marriage, this was the first time Nathan had seen Olivia lose control. She shouted at the screen: “But you left! You abandoned me and left!” The phone went completely silent. A moment later, Ethan’s voice came back sounding choked up: “I’m sorry. I was sick at the time and didn’t want you to worry. I had no idea it would have such serious consequences.” “Ah! Olivia! My heart hurts so much. It’s okay, just let me die like this. Then I won’t bother you anymore, and you can live happily with my substitute.” Soon, there was no more sound from the other end. Olivia instantly panicked. She immediately looked at Nathan. Nathan spoke up first: “It’s fine, I’ll take a taxi home. You go check on him. Don’t let anything really happen.” Olivia still felt somewhat guilty and said softly, “I’m not going to see him. I just remembered there’s an urgent matter at the company, so I need to stop by there.” “I’ll come back to be with you after I finish.” Nathan nodded and opened the car door to get out. Watching her car speed away, Nathan stood in the rain holding an umbrella, his eyes darkening. A moment later, he gave a bitter smile and started walking towards home, over ten miles away. Three years. It was time to end it. Three years ago, he had put on that ill-fitting suit and married a woman who could barely remember his name. Friends and relatives privately said Nathan was pitiful, just a stand-in for his wife’s true love. But in the three years since, they had shared romantic moments together and dreamed of the future. Nathan had thought he had melted the heart of this so-called ice queen. But now, Nathan clearly knew he had been wrong. If that was the case, he should return to where he truly belonged and give back this position as Mr. Sullivan. It would fulfill Olivia’s wishes. And free himself as well. Lightning split the night sky, followed closely by torrential rain that swept through like a tidal wave. It also washed away the last of Nathan’s feelings for Olivia.

Nathan slept alone that night. By noon the next day, Olivia still hadn’t returned. When he woke up, it was still raining outside. Nathan stayed at home, calmly deleting all the posts about their married life from his social media accounts. Just as he finished cleaning everything up, he saw that Ethan, who had been threatening to die yesterday, had suddenly posted on social media: “What’s it like to be doted on by your ex-girlfriend?” He included a grid of nine photos. In the first, the usually cold and indifferent Olivia was in his arms, feeding him porridge. In the second, the normally aloof Olivia was sitting by his bedside, holding his hand. In the third, the usually proud Olivia was kneeling in front of him, her eyes full of concern as she helped him take medicine. The fourth showed a pile of luxury goods, each worth millions. Ethan had captioned it: “Thanks to Olivia’s connections, I’m not angry or upset anymore.” In the photos, the handsome man smiled sweetly, looking like the happiest prince on a phone call. The comment section was full of envious remarks: “Left and experienced hardships, returned and it’s still true love. Ethan, did you save the galaxy in your past life?” “No way! It must have been at least ten galaxies. Ethan, how did you manage to make your ex still so devoted to you?” Besides the envy, there were naturally some who wanted to mock Nathan. Nathan just glanced over them briefly, a few comments catching his eye: “I wonder how Mr. Xu feels seeing all this?” “What could a mere substitute feel? Did he really think that by stepping in to save face as the groom, he could win the heart of the Sullivan family’s princess? He’s probably dying of jealousy right now. Want to bet how many minutes before this lapdog shows up?” “I bet 10 minutes!” “I bet 5 minutes!” “I bet 1 minute! He’s probably already downstairs. I’ll stake my new Lamborghini on it!” Many people eagerly joined in the betting, with the stakes getting higher and higher. But Nathan just smiled resignedly. He would soon no longer be “Mr. Sullivan” in others’ eyes, so why chase after a woman who didn’t belong to him? So Nathan quickly typed out a response on his phone: “I bet he won’t show up for a lifetime.” His words stirred up a storm, with many people immediately messaging to ask if he was joking. Nathan simply turned off his phone and stopped looking at any messages. Instead, he turned to make himself a bowl of noodles. Just then, the phone suddenly rang. Nathan didn’t answer, but the calls kept coming non-stop for five or six minutes before finally stopping. But soon after, the housekeeper Mrs. Zhang came in holding her own phone, looking troubled. “Sir, the young miss wants you to answer the phone.” Only then did Nathan pick up the phone and answer. “Nathan, it’s all a misunderstanding. I already made Ethan delete those posts. Don’t overthink it. He was feeling very unwell yesterday, that’s why I didn’t come home. Nothing happened between us.” Olivia’s anxious voice came through the phone. The moment she saw Nathan’s comment, she had panicked. Nathan looked at the noodles he had made and calmly said, “I made noodles. Are you coming home to eat?” Olivia was stunned for a moment before replying, “I’m glad you’re not angry. You can eat the noodles yourself. Ethan’s heart is hurting again, so I’m taking him to the hospital for a check-up. Don’t worry, we’re really just frie-” Before she could finish, Ethan’s panicked voice came through on the other end. “Olivia, where are you? I can’t see you. Did I lose you again? My heart feels so anxious.” The call was abruptly hung up, leaving only Olivia’s urgent voice addressing the other end: “Ethan, I’m right here. You didn’t lose me.” Looking at the ended call, Nathan sent Olivia a message: “That document you asked about yesterday is in the glove compartment on your side.” “Open it and you’ll see what it is.” It wasn’t until two hours later that Olivia finally replied with one sentence: “No need. Whatever you had me sign, I’m sure it’s not to harm me.” This meant she wouldn’t look at it. Of course. Right now she just wanted to be by Ethan’s side. Why would she bother looking at anything unrelated to Ethan? Even though that divorce agreement was right within her reach. In the afternoon, Nathan drove to follow a truck delivering supplies to the orphanage where he grew up. Nathan had been an orphan since childhood, raised here. Seeing Nathan arrive, the children were all very excited, running up to cling to him and share their experiences. After spending time with the kids, he went to the director’s office to say goodbye. “Mama Director, I’m going abroad for further studies.” The director was very happy. Nathan had been a top student in physics at Tsinghua University, but had suddenly given up studying abroad for a flash marriage. She had been regretful about it for a long time. “Nathan, that’s wonderful news.” The director held Nathan’s hand, smiling with satisfaction. But then she thought of something and her expression turned worried. “But… you going abroad to study means you and Olivia will be in a long-distance relationship. That can be very difficult.” Nathan looked out the window at a few children playing and running around, shaking his head with a light smile. “It’s not a long-distance relationship. We’re getting divorced.” “Because… Ethan came back.” The director was stunned at first, then let out a long sigh, feeling both regretful and relieved. “I guess I wasn’t wrong in my initial assessment. This marriage of yours was never going to last long. You see, once a person still has someone else in their heart, no matter how loving things seem on the surface, it’s all fake. As soon as that person comes back, the marriage is over. So it’s good that you’re divorcing.” She held Nathan’s hand sympathetically, comforting him softly. Nathan smiled back and hugged the director. Yes, it was good that it was ending.

After returning from the orphanage, Nathan went to the civil affairs bureau and learned that in five more days he could finalize the divorce. Only then did he go home to pack his luggage. It was then that he realized his clothes filled several entire closets. Inside were also various expensive watches, sports car keys, and other priceless gifts from Olivia. In truth, during their three years of marriage, Olivia had always been good to him, constantly giving him black credit cards, houses, cars, and more. But he had never touched any of it. Because every time Olivia gave him gifts, Nathan would see the shadow of someone else in her reddened eyes. To be precise, Olivia’s kindness to him was all stolen from Ethan, who had temporarily exited the stage. He used to think that with time, Olivia would see his true heart. But reality proved that what didn’t belong to him would eventually have to be returned. Nathan sorted out some of his own belongings, then took all the gifts he had given Olivia over the years and sold them for scrap. Over the years, to make her happy, he had carefully prepared many gifts for her. She had never even glanced at them. The only watch she ever wore was quickly replaced by a cheap bracelet from Ethan after he returned. Seeing all these gifts tossed aside with a thick layer of dust on them, Nathan smiled bitterly again. If Olivia truly loved him, where did all this dust come from? Watching the junk truck drive away, he was about to return to the villa when he heard a horn honk behind him. Nathan turned to see a flashy Ferrari stop in front of him. A girl in a red dress stepped out of the car with a showy air. It was his sister-in-law Sophie. Sophie frowned at the departing junk truck, then snorted disdainfully. “As expected of an orphan with no parents. Even cardboard boxes have to be sold for money. Acting like our Sullivan family is going bankrupt or something.” Nathan didn’t even look at her, turning to leave. Sophie’s mocking smile turned to anger. She stepped forward to grab him. “Nathan!” Ever since Nathan had entered their Sullivan family, he had always been very humble and tried to please everyone. He had never given her the cold shoulder like this before. Today he actually dared to turn his back on her. A fire of rage instantly rose in Sophie’s heart. “Hey orphan! Are you deaf? I’m talking to you!” Nathan turned back and pulled off her hand, his eyes flashing with annoyance. Sophie had always disliked him, feeling that someone of his background was completely unworthy of entering their prestigious Sullivan family. So for three years after the wedding, she had constantly targeted him, saying things like the breakfast he made wasn’t fully cooked, or stepping on the clothes he had washed to dirty them. But now that he was leaving, he didn’t want to tolerate her anymore. Sophie was about to continue making a scene, but seemed to think of something. The corners of her mouth curved up into a sneer. “Someone like you should sell more junk. After all, now that my sister’s true love Ethan is back, you can get lost, you so-called stand-in.” As she finished speaking, a man in a white suit, dressed quite elegantly, stepped out from behind her. This was Nathan’s first time seeing Ethan in person. A pair of almond-shaped eyes brimming with charm, messy black hair casually swept back, porcelain white skin paired with the fitted white suit – just standing there exuded an aura of nobility. No wonder Olivia had been so obsessed with him for all these years. But that suit, those accessories – Nathan found them somewhat familiar. Wasn’t this style of dress exactly the same as what was in his own closet? In that moment, Nathan fully understood. He really had just been a stand-in all along. Ethan looked Nathan up and down, as if seeing a cheap version of himself, full of disdain and mockery. But this expression was quickly hidden away when Olivia’s car pulled in behind them. He immediately put on a pitiful face and said, “Sophie, don’t talk about Mr. Xu like that. He’s your brother-in-law now. What if he gets angry and kicks me out?” Just as he finished speaking, Olivia’s panicked voice came from behind. “What’s going on? Who’s kicking who out?!”

Olivia hurried over. Her gaze fell on Ethan standing there unharmed, and she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief before turning to address Nathan. “Nathan, Ethan’s house has been empty for years and needs to be renovated. So could he stay with us for a few days?” Nathan looked at Olivia without speaking. In the silence, Ethan’s expression became very uneasy and a bit pitiful. “Olivia, maybe I should just leave. After all, it was my fault for not showing up at the wedding. Now you have a new husband, and Mr. Xu doesn’t seem to welcome me.” Olivia looked at Nathan, her face hesitating. Ethan let out a long sigh, turning away dejectedly. Sophie immediately reached out to stop him. “Ethan! Why are you leaving?! If anyone should go, it’s him. The real man of this house should be-” “Shut up, Sophie!” Olivia snapped angrily. “Who said you could talk to Nathan like that? He’s my husband and your brother-in-law. Apologize to him right now or get out!” Sophie’s eyes instantly reddened at this. Seeing the scene, Nathan finally spoke up, the corners of his mouth curving into a smile. “It’s fine, you don’t need to scold Sophie. I didn’t refuse. Mr. Fu, please make yourself at home here.” After all, in five more days, this home would belong to Ethan. There was no need to ruin the sisters’ relationship over an outsider like himself. With that, Nathan turned and walked into the villa. “Hey orphan! Who said you could speak for me?! Am I wrong?! If my sister wasn’t the Sullivan family’s princess, would you have stepped up as the groom?!” Sophie’s defiant voice came from behind, followed by Olivia’s scolding and Ethan’s placating words. Hearing Sophie’s words, complex emotions surged in Nathan’s eyes. This was his eighth year of loving Olivia. He still remembered the scene when he first fell in love at first sight with her in the dance studio. She was wearing a ballet dress, her graceful movements making her look just like a proud yet noble and beautiful white swan. In that moment, his heart was captivated. But she was the Sullivan family’s princess, the darling of high society. As an orphan, Nathan knew their backgrounds were worlds apart. But in the end, when he saw Olivia red-eyed and at a loss standing on that stage, Nathan instinctively went up. That feeling had nothing to do with status or benefits. He simply didn’t want to see the girl he liked cry. Seemingly afraid Ethan would still leave, Olivia immediately instructed the servants to move his luggage into the largest guest room. Sophie instantly strutted over to Nathan, her nose in the air. “What are you standing around for? Go make dinner. Oh, and Ethan can’t eat spicy food, so make it bland.” Hearing this, Ethan’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he looked Nathan up and down again. “I’ve heard Mr. Xu’s cooking is quite good. Then today I’ll have to trouble-” Before he could finish, Olivia came down from the guest room upstairs. “Sophie, that’s enough! How many times have I told you, we have servants. Why do you always make Nathan cook for you?” Ethan’s expression soured, his glance towards Nathan filled with hatred. But when Olivia walked over, Ethan immediately put on a different face, smiling. “I’ll cook today. I learned a lot of skills abroad these past years and have been wanting to make something for you all to try.” As he said this, Ethan was looking at Olivia. Olivia’s eyes suddenly had a moment of haziness, but when she saw Nathan standing quietly to the side, she still shook her head and said, “No need. Your health isn’t good. Let the servants-” Sophie latched onto her, grabbing Olivia’s hand and saying, “Sis, just let Ethan cook for us. He worked so hard to learn.” Olivia seemed to think of something and finally nodded. “Alright, but don’t tire yourself out.” Nathan watched all of this without saying a word, just standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the garden. Seeing Nathan so quiet, Olivia suddenly felt an increasing sense of panic. After a long silence, she walked to Nathan’s side and softly said, “Nathan, if you don’t like Ethan staying here, I’ll send him back after this meal.” “No need. Let him stay if he wants.” Nathan turned to look at Olivia. “That document, have you looked at it?” Mentioning the document again, Olivia’s brow furrowed slightly. “I haven’t looked yet. Didn’t I say I trust you? Do I really need to look at it?” Did she need to or not? Nathan didn’t know. The signature was already there anyway. But thinking of their three years together… Nathan was about to speak when Ethan suddenly came over carrying a pot of hot soup. He glanced at Nathan standing like a stranger beside Olivia, his eyes flashing with intense jealousy. Then, pretending to stumble, he rushed forward towards Nathan in a panic, spilling the entire pot of soup. “Watch out!”

“Watch out!” Seeing the hot soup flying towards him, Nathan instinctively pulled Olivia into his arms to protect her. Then he watched helplessly as a huge pot of scalding chicken broth poured all over him. “Ahh!” In an instant, Nathan was drenched in soup, his skin immediately turning bright red from the burns. The searing pain nearly made him pass out. “Nathan!” Olivia pushed Nathan away, her eyes full of panic. “Don’t be afraid, I’ll take you to the hospital right away!” He looked up at her, the pain spreading through his whole body. He used all his strength but couldn’t say a word. Then he looked at Ethan. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Xu. Are you alright? Olivia, thank goodness Mr. Xu protected you.” Seeing Ethan’s fake panic and the satisfaction hidden in his eyes, Nathan immediately realized what had happened and said shakily: “You did that on purpose?” Hearing this, Ethan was stunned for a moment, then tears started falling from the grown man’s eyes. “Mr. Xu, what are you saying? How could I do that on purpose? I know you feel insecure and prejudiced against me. It’s my fault for making you get burned!” “But you can’t slander me like this.” Seeing Ethan cry, Sophie resolutely stepped in front of him and angrily said: “Nathan! That’s enough! So what if you got a little burn? Why are you making such a big deal out of it? Ethan worked hard to cook for us, he’s tired enough already! Besides…” Sophie looked at Olivia, whose eyes were now filled with doubt and anger, and raised her chin to continue, “Besides, my sister was right there. Even if Ethan wanted to hurt someone, he’d never hurt my sister, right?” As soon as she finished speaking, the doubt in Olivia’s eyes instantly disappeared. She looked at Nathan with furrowed brows and said disappointedly, “That’s right, Nathan. Ethan wouldn’t hurt anyone, least of all me. Please don’t overthink things, okay?” Hearing these words, Nathan felt countless emotions rushing to his head, tears welling up in his eyes. Olivia sighed, her voice becoming calm. “Nathan, let’s go to the hospital, alright?” Nathan knew that no matter what else he said, Olivia wouldn’t believe him now. He was about to nod when- “Oh no, Ethan, you’re hurt so badly!” Sophie cried out. Olivia’s attention immediately shifted. She rushed over to Ethan in a panic. His snow-white arm had some small blisters, looking quite “severe” indeed. Ethan put his arm behind his back, shaking his head with red-rimmed eyes. “I’m fine. Mr. Xu looks much worse. You should take him to the hospital first.” He had barely finished speaking when Olivia turned back towards Nathan. Ethan immediately put on an agonized expression. “Ah! Olivia! My heart hurts so much. It must be the shock of Mr. Xu accusing me just now. Ah, Olivia…” Ethan collapsed, grabbing Olivia’s hand as she tried to support him. He gasped weakly, “Olivia, am I dying? Will I never see you again?” Sophie stomped her foot anxiously. “Sis! Ethan’s heart condition is bad. Let’s get him to the hospital quickly!” “I-I’m fine…” Ethan continued gasping pitifully. But this act undoubtedly made Olivia’s heart ache. She could no longer think about the disheveled Nathan. She helped Ethan up and headed for the door. Just before leaving, she seemed to remember something and turned back to Nathan with a guilty look. “Ethan’s heart is weak. I’m afraid something might happen to him. The hospital isn’t far from here.” “…Nathan, you can take a taxi to the hospital yourself.” It wasn’t until their three figures had disappeared from view that Nathan came back to his senses, inhaling sharply through clenched teeth as he fought against the pain. Seeing how severely he was injured yet left behind, the servants quickly ran over with painkillers and alcohol. But Nathan’s burns were too severe. Even after taking the painkillers, he still had to lean against the wall for support, enduring the pain as he slowly made his way towards the hospital. With each step, he moved further and further away from the place he had called “home.”

At the hospital, the doctor used cotton swabs to carefully press down the blistered areas while asking Nathan with concern why he was so severely burned yet had no family accompanying him. Nathan inhaled sharply from the pain. Two other doctors passed by the doorway, chatting. “Miss Sullivan really dotes on her husband. Just a few small blisters and she booked the entire floor, getting all the dermatology specialists to consult.” “I know, right? Those few blisters would have mostly healed on their own if he’d come in a bit later. If only I could find a caring woman like that who loved me.” “Haha, dream on. Women like that only come along once in a blue moon.” Once in a blue moon? Nathan smiled bitterly. Abandoning her severely injured husband to go take care of someone with minor injuries – she truly was a one-in-a-million good woman. Nathan’s injuries were too severe. He needed to stay in the hospital for a few days. Three days later, Nathan was finally discharged, his body still wrapped in bandages. As soon as he turned on his phone, countless missed calls and messages popped up, filling the screen. They were all from Olivia. This had never happened since Ethan’s return. While Nathan was still in a daze, Sophie called. As soon as he answered, her shrill voice came through. “Nathan, you’ve got some nerve! Where have you been for three days? Did you do it on purpose?! Can’t compete with Ethan so you’re pulling this kind of stunt? Do you know my sister’s been going crazy looking for you?! Don’t think this will get her attention. Dream on! The position of Sullivan son-in-law will always belong to Ethan!” After finishing her tirade, Sophie hung up. Nathan just furrowed his brow. Had he heard wrong? Olivia had been frantically searching for him? How was that possible? Wasn’t she busy taking care of Ethan? Why would she look for him? But when Nathan looked at the 999 missed calls on his phone, it did seem to show Olivia’s urgency in trying to reach him. Filled with confusion, Nathan returned home. As soon as he entered the gate, the servants rushed over looking immensely relieved. Several of them were on the verge of tears as they spoke. “Sir, you’re finally back. The young miss has been going crazy looking for you…” Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. “Nathan!” Olivia anxiously ran over. In the three days apart, the usually glamorous woman looked rather haggard, especially the dark circles under her eyes. “I was in the hospital. The same one where you were taking care of Ethan.” Hearing this, Olivia sighed. “About last time, I didn’t mean to abandon you. It’s just that after Ethan’s surgery, the doctors said he needed to stay calm and not get agitated, or something could happen. I’ve been used to taking care of him since we were kids, so that’s why I took him to the hospital first.” “And you didn’t object at the time either. Since you were at the hospital, why didn’t you tell me or answer my calls? You’re my husband. Don’t you know I’d be worried? Can you not do this again next time?” By the end, there was a hint of accusation in her tone. But Nathan just looked at her calmly, not responding. Because in two more days, he would be gone. So there wouldn’t be a next time. For some reason, seeing Nathan’s calmness, Olivia suddenly felt panicked as she recalled Nathan’s behavior these past few days. She stepped forward and took Nathan’s hand, sighing, “Actually, Ethan really didn’t mean to hurt you last time. Since you don’t want him staying here, I’ve already had him move out. Can you stop being upset over this little thing from now on?” Olivia stared directly at Nathan, hoping to see a trace of being moved in his eyes. But Nathan had no reaction. He removed Olivia’s hand and turned to go upstairs. As soon as he entered the room, he saw an expensive watch placed on the bed. He looked up questioningly at Olivia who had followed behind. Olivia sighed. “Nathan, this is my way of making it up to you. You won’t be angry anymore now, right?” Nathan looked at the watch in the box, worth millions, a complex look flashing in his eyes. Three years. A full three years. They had shared a bed, had happy times together. In her eyes, was he really the type of person to fake being angry and hurt just for compensation? Suddenly, he recalled the gifts Olivia had carefully prepared for Ethan in her social media posts. A mocking feeling welled up, but he quickly suppressed it. Forget it. If she didn’t understand, there was no point in explaining. Seeing no smile appear on Nathan’s face, Olivia didn’t think much of it, just assuming he didn’t like it. “Nathan, if you don’t like these, once I’m done dealing with Ethan’s situation, I’ll take you to an auction to pick out the most expensive one for you…” Olivia hadn’t finished speaking when Sophie and Ethan’s voices came from outside the door. “Ethan, I told you my sister loves you so much, she’d never really make you move out. It’s all that Nathan’s fault. I’ll scold him for you later. You’ll move back in, right?” As they spoke, the two brazenly walked into Nathan and Olivia’s bedroom. Then upon seeing the watch set on the bed, Sophie exclaimed in delight: “Oh my god, sis! Ethan just mentioned to me that he really liked these watch models. I can’t believe you actually bought them!” She looked at Ethan beside her, her eyes full of envy. Hearing this, Ethan’s face instantly reddened, then he shot a smug look at Nathan. Seeing that Olivia didn’t immediately deny it, but instead looked hesitant, Nathan didn’t even think before picking up the box and handing it to Ethan. “If it’s meant for you, then take it.” With one sentence, he made the choice for Olivia, resolving her dilemma. At this moment, Olivia looked at Nathan in shock. Seeing how generous he was being, the unease in Olivia’s heart grew stronger. She wanted to object, but seeing how happy Ethan looked, she closed her mouth. She thought to herself, it’s fine, next week is our wedding anniversary. She could make it up to Nathan then. Surely she was overthinking things. He was just jealous and sulking. Nathan loved Olivia so much. How could he possibly leave?

Another day passed. There was just one day left before the divorce cooling-off period ended and Nathan would receive the divorce certificate. Thinking that he could finally leave, he began mailing his luggage abroad. Halfway through packing, Olivia called from the office, asking him to attend a high society party at the Sullivan family mansion. Nathan wanted to refuse. With just one day left, their legal marriage was about to end. But thinking of how Mrs. Sullivan had taken care of him over the years, and that this was the last day after all, Nathan wanted to find a chance to speak with Olivia alone and explain things clearly. Though the marriage had begun in confusion, Nathan wanted to end it with clarity. In the bustling Sullivan family estate, everywhere was brightly lit, with elites gathered, clinking glasses. But as soon as he entered, Nathan didn’t see Olivia. After asking around, he learned from an old Sullivan family servant that Olivia was in a house to the north. Nathan immediately headed in that direction. The door to the house was slightly ajar, with some suggestive sounds coming from inside. Nathan suddenly felt a wave of nausea. His body trembled as he slowly peered through the door crack. Instantly, a jarring scene entered his eyes. On the sofa, Ethan was roughly and urgently pulling at Olivia’s evening gown while pinning her down. His large hands gripped Olivia’s waist as he trailed kisses from her collarbone downwards. Olivia tilted her head back with closed eyes, frowning. She seemed somewhat resistant, but didn’t push him away. Her expression was conflicted. “Olivia! Promise me you won’t leave me.” Ethan murmured. Olivia’s eyes suddenly snapped open as she forcefully shoved him away. “Ethan! What the hell is wrong with you?! I’m married! Why did you come back now? What exactly do you take me for? Something you can toss aside and pick up again whenever you feel like it? Do you know how afraid I am of being alone again?!” Olivia was furious, but Ethan wouldn’t listen. He stubbornly moved forward and embraced her waist again, pressing their bodies together. “Olivia! I was wrong!” “Ethan! Get lost!” Over and over, relentlessly. Finally, Olivia gave in and surrendered. This time she didn’t let Ethan come embrace her. She forcefully pulled Ethan to her and bit down hard on his lip. Then their lips and tongues intertwined, inseparable. Moments later, the two finally parted. Ethan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and smirked triumphantly. Then he tilted up Olivia’s chin. “So, do you still love me?” Nathan watched from outside, feeling as if countless knives were stabbing his heart. Olivia stood frozen for a long while. Eventually, she raised her head and looked at him with eyes full of restrained love. Her tone was one of surrender. The next moment, her red lips moved: “Yes!” With that, Ethan’s eyes filled with smug satisfaction. He pulled her in for another kiss, then asked, “So, will you divorce that Nathan and marry me?” Olivia’s entire body suddenly went rigid. Abruptly, she recalled that wedding years ago that she couldn’t bear to remember. She thought of the figure who had resolutely stood up and walked steadily to her side amidst all the strange looks. “…I.” Olivia turned her head, about to answer. But in that instant, she saw a pair of grief-stricken eyes gazing at her through the slowly opening door. All at once, darkness descended in Olivia’s mind. Nathan stood outside, calmly looking at her, tears streaming down his face. “—Nathan!”

Nathan couldn’t bear to watch anymore. He also didn’t want to know the answer. He turned and walked away. But the faster he walked, the more that scene replayed in his mind. Three years ago, they went on a honeymoon to a tropical island. Just because it was his first time at the beach and he glanced a second too long at some women in bikinis, Olivia’s face instantly darkened. She dragged him back to the presidential suite and didn’t let him leave for seven whole days. After seven days, when they ran out of strawberry-flavored supplies, they moved on. When the bed and sofa broke, they used the floor. She held him in her arms again and again, eyes red with jealousy: “Nathan, I have everything they have. Don’t look at other women. Don’t leave me.” He had to swear over and over before her jealousy finally subsided. Afterwards, Nathan’s waist was sore for days, and she teased him about it for weeks. From that day on, he never dared to look at another woman again. But in his heart, he was overjoyed at Olivia’s jealousy. Now, Nathan finally understood. Her jealousy didn’t come from love. She was just afraid of being alone, afraid of standing helplessly on that stage again, not knowing what to do. He had thought that after deciding to leave, his heart would no longer be moved. Now… Nathan felt suffocated with pain. He just wanted to get away from this place as quickly as possible. Never to see her again. Passing through the bustling area of the Sullivan mansion, Nathan took a deep breath. He was preparing to make his way through the crowd and leave. “Nathan.” A voice suddenly came from behind. The familiar tone made Nathan stop in his tracks. Nathan looked at the speaker, wanting to call her “Mom” but suddenly remembering something. In the end, he respectfully addressed her as “Mrs. Sullivan.” Hearing Nathan’s form of address, Mrs. Sullivan sighed but didn’t say anything. She just handed Nathan a new ID card. “Nathan, I’ve taken care of all the procedures for you to emigrate and study abroad. From now on, the name Nathan Xu will no longer be associated with you. You’ll have a completely new identity. Is there anything else you need me to do?” Nathan looked at the stack of documents in his hand, feeling a great sense of relief. Perhaps thinking of the scene in that small house earlier. Or perhaps thinking of the brand new life and identity awaiting him, Nathan’s hand began to tremble. Mrs. Sullivan noticed Nathan’s emotional state and asked with concern, “Nathan, what’s wrong?” Nathan took a deep breath to hold back his tears. He put the documents in his pocket and shook his head. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Sullivan. I’m very grateful for your care all these years and for doing this for me now. I just have one request, please promise me.” Nathan struggled to control his emotions and said softly, “My whereabouts and location – please, please don’t tell Olivia.” Nathan and Olivia should never meet again in this lifetime. Hearing this, Mrs. Sullivan looked at him in shock. “Did something happen between you two again?” Because just a few days ago, when talking about Olivia, Nathan would still smile. But now, Mrs. Sullivan could only see extreme disappointment and grief in his eyes. What could have happened in just a few days? Thinking of this, Mrs. Sullivan looked Nathan up and down carefully. Her sharp eyes finally noticed the burn marks on Nathan’s neck, partially concealed by makeup, and the bandages peeking out from his wrists. Mrs. Sullivan was stunned. Worry evident in her voice, she exclaimed, “Nathan! What happened to cause those injuries?!” Nathan pulled down his sleeves to cover the bandages on his wrists. He looked at Mrs. Sullivan solemnly: “Mrs. Sullivan! Please don’t ask anything. Just promise me what I asked earlier. I just want to leave quickly without causing any more trouble.” Nathan didn’t tell Mrs. Sullivan about what happened in the small house. Since he was leaving, never to return, what was the point in saying anything? Or even if he did say something, what good would it do? Her true love had returned. Even if he left, she probably wouldn’t care. Nathan smiled. “Mrs. Sullivan, thank you for taking care of the immigration paperwork. I’ll be going now.” He had barely finished speaking when a female voice suddenly came from behind them. Nathan turned around and found himself looking into Sophie’s deep, panicked eyes. “What immigration?!”

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Because of his religious devotion, my husband Charles could only break his vows with me once a month. After each time, he would shake his head in regret, saying he had let down God. I always thought he didn’t enjoy that kind of thing, until he brought home a black exchange student. At first, he said: “Lena is a follower I met while doing charity work in Africa. Don’t overthink it.” Later, he said: “Lena has been poisoned by a tribal love potion. If I don’t save her, she’ll die.” Finally, he said: “Lena is carrying my child. I plan to transfer our marital home to her. You don’t mind, do you?” I calmly replied: “Of course not. Add another house too, in case it’s twins.” Seeing how understanding I was, a rare look of satisfaction appeared on Charles’ usually expressionless face. “You don’t need to make dinner tonight,” he said, as if bestowing a favor upon me. The next second, Lena’s coquettish voice rang out: “Charles, darling, I suddenly have a craving for durian.” She and a group of her black classmates had just come out of the music room, which used to be my piano room. Charles indulged them to make noise in there every day. Charles immediately turned to me: “Go, open a durian for Lena.” I looked at the large, spiky durian on the coffee table. Charles had flown in a plane full of them from Lena’s home country last week. However, our housekeeper had taken leave to visit her hometown two days ago. “We don’t have a knife for opening durians, I…” “Use your hands,” Charles interrupted me. “Lena likes to eat them freshly opened, it’s fresher that way.” He said it casually, as if he was just asking me to peel an orange. Lena leaned on Charles’ shoulder, looking at me with a victorious attitude. I took a deep breath and walked over to the durian. The sharp spikes easily cut through my skin. The strong smell of durian mixed with the metallic scent of my blood, filling the living room. One of Lena’s black female classmates, sitting on the sofa, glanced at me with a look of amusement, making tsk-tsk sounds. “My, Mrs. Shaw is so virtuous, even peeling a durian is such a ceremonious affair.” “She’s just clumsy though. Look at that blood, hope it doesn’t drip onto the fruit. That would be quite unlucky according to our customs,” another shrill voice added. I shakily placed the peeled durian on a plate and pushed it in front of Lena. Lena picked up a piece and elegantly put it in her mouth, closing her eyes in satisfaction. “Mmm, Charles is so good to me, he knows I love this.” She didn’t even glance at me, as if the wounds on my hands had nothing to do with her. Later that evening, Charles suddenly announced: “From now on, Lena will be in charge of the household finances.” I was stunned. “You spend money recklessly and you’re stupid. You can’t even keep the accounts straight,” he said. “Lena is a college student. She’s smarter than you and knows how to save money.” I felt nothing but absurdity. When had I ever been reckless with money all these years? Charles’ parents were in poor health, frequently hospitalized and needing medication. Which expense hadn’t I carefully calculated, even using my own private savings to make up the difference? Charles had used the startup capital I gave him to build his business, and later to run his so-called African charity. He used those fake projects and tragic stories to scam donations from followers and wealthy businessmen. The pain from the spikes on my hands grew worse, red and swollen. Even the slightest touch was agonizing. Lena and her black classmates giggled nearby. One of them pointed at my hands and said: “Tsk tsk, how will you play the piano with those hands now?”

Late at night, Lena had already gone to bed. Surprisingly, Charles came over with a first aid kit and took my battered hand. I inhaled sharply as the alcohol swab touched my wounds. He lowered his head, carefully applying ointment. In the lamplight, his focused profile made me momentarily flash back to the past. Back then, we had just gotten married and our relationship was still good. Once, I accidentally cut my finger while cutting fruit. He had been like this too, nervously and caringly treating my wound while scolding me for being careless. He had said: “Let me handle these things in the future. Don’t hurt yourself again.” “You know I can’t stand the sight of blood now that I’m devoted to my faith.” A few days later, Lena complained in a coquettish voice that her skin had become rough due to pregnancy and needed beauty treatments. I never expected Charles would turn his attention to me. The private doctor he brought in told me that Lena needed stem cell injections to improve her skin, and my stem cells were the most compatible with hers. I lay on the cold operating table, watching my blood being slowly drawn from my body and injected into another container. Charles stood not far away, watching expressionlessly. The doctor glanced at the markings on the blood bag beside him, frowning involuntarily. “Mr. Shaw, if we continue, Mrs. Shaw’s body may not be able to take it. Extracting stem cells isn’t a matter of ‘the more the better.’ Too much could actually…” “Continue,” Charles’ voice was unwavering. “Lena has a weak constitution, and this is her first pregnancy. Of course we need to use the best.” “You’re using my life to give her the best?” I barely managed to squeeze out these words from my parched throat. Charles finally turned his gaze to me. “This is my first child, and it’s your blessing too,” he said. “Although I’m devoted to my faith, I still need an heir. As my wife, you should understand.” It was his child with another woman, yet now my flesh and blood were being used to nourish it. I could even imagine Lena lying in a comfortable bed, enjoying high-end care, while I was reduced to being her living health supplement. The doctor tried to speak again: “Mr. Shaw, this dosage is really… very dangerous. It could cause irreversible damage, even…” “I said, continue,” Charles emphasized. “Everything is cause and effect.” Lena’s classmates had somehow appeared at the door, peering in curiously. “Charles is so good to Lena. We’ve never seen such a good man in our tribe.” “As long as Lena gives Charles a child or two, Charles will surely increase his investment in our tribe in the future.” “Religious people are supposed to be compassionate. Besides, how could Charles bear to see our superior race suffer?” Another voice chimed in. His compassion, it seemed, was selective. My body grew colder and colder. “That’s enough, Mr. Shaw. We really can’t extract any more,” the doctor’s voice trembled. “If we continue, it could be fatal!” Charles seemed to walk over, his figure swaying in my blurry vision.

When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital bed. The sunlight outside the window was piercing, yet I felt chilled to the bone. Lena sauntered in, her high heels clicking. “Sister, you’re awake?” she said. “The doctor said your stem cells worked wonders. Look at my skin, isn’t it smooth and tender?” She stroked her cheeks boastfully. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see her smug face. “Oh, right,” Lena suddenly seemed to remember something and leaned in closer. “Charles took all those artistic photos of you from before and shared them with his religious friends to study, you know. For designing some custom maternity dresses for me.” “He said your body proportions are similar to mine, so he wanted them to use those as reference to make the most fitting and beautiful clothes for me.” Those photos were taken years ago when Charles had been kidnapped by a gang of thugs and beaten bloody. They had forced me to take revealing photos to spare his life. After that incident, Charles became devoted to his studies, not only improving his grades rapidly but also getting into a PhD program and later studying theology. Seeing his lofty ambitions, I finally agreed to marry him after his 99th proposal. Now, to please his new love, he actually took my shameful past and offered it up for others to ogle. Lena watched my face turn deathly pale, her smile growing more smug: “Don’t look at me like that. Charles is just doing it for the baby’s sake. He said those friends all praised your figure, just that it’s a pity you’re too prudish and don’t know how to be sexy.” Lena didn’t seem to notice my distress, or perhaps she simply didn’t care. She took out a dazzling diamond necklace from her crocodile skin handbag and dangled it in front of me: “Look, Charles bought this for me yesterday. He said it complements my skin tone.” “He said someone with a healthy complexion like mine looks good in anything, unlike some people who are as pale as paper, with no vitality at all.” She changed the subject, bringing up those photos again: “Charles said that although your old photos were artistic, they were still too conservative in the end.” “The girls from our tribe are much more open-minded than you. Charles even said if he wasn’t worried about scaring you, he would have taken me to shoot much racier ones long ago.” Lena glanced at me contemptuously: “Sister, I’m not criticizing you, but you’re just too old-fashioned, out of touch with the times. Charles may look like a devout Christian, all pure and abstinent, but his needs in that department are huge!” She giggled shrilly, her voice grating on the ears. “He said it’s because when he’s with you, he can’t get in the mood, can’t get excited, so he feels like he’s desecrating God.” Lena leaned in even closer, her overpowering perfume making me nauseous. “Do you know why Charles married you in the first place?” “Because your grandfather and Charles’ grandfather were war buddies who fought against Russia together. The two old men hoped your families would be joined through marriage.” Lena’s lipstick-stained mouth kept moving. “Charles said touching you makes him feel like he’s dirtying his hands. If it wasn’t for the sake of completing his spiritual journey and putting on a show for others, he would have divorced you long ago.” “A woman like you is just wasting oxygen by being alive. You might as well give up your place early, stop occupying a space you don’t deserve.” She laughed raucously, the diamond necklace on her chest glittering painfully in my eyes. “Oh, and you think your grandfather was some kind of good person? Back then, he…” “Enough!” A stern female voice interrupted Lena. An older nurse strode in, her face livid: “Young lady, this is a hospital ward. Patients need peace and quiet! How can you make such a racket here? Have you no sense of decency?” Lena was startled by this sudden scolding. She pouted, reluctantly sashaying out. “Nutcase,” the nurse muttered under her breath before turning to me. “Mrs. Shaw, how are you feeling? If you’re uncomfortable in any way, just press the call button.” I nodded woodenly. The nurse sighed, tucking in my blanket before leaving.

Lena’s last words reminded me of my grandfather’s instructions. I picked up my phone and dialed that number. I had just put down the phone when Charles burst in, bringing a chill with him. “Lily! What did you do to Lena again? She came back crying, saying you cursed at her and tried to hit her!” “And you shamelessly sent those photos of yours to my friends. They’re all laughing at me now!” Just then, the older nurse came in with a medicine tray. Seeing Charles, her face immediately lit up with a smile. “Mr. Shaw, you’re here? Mrs. Shaw just woke up, her spirits seem good.” “These past few days while she was unconscious, you’ve been here day and night without rest. You’re truly a model husband.” “And such a devout Christian too. Mrs. Shaw is so blessed to be married to a man like you.” Blessed? I almost laughed out loud. As before, the medical expenses were deducted from our joint account. He used my money to buy his reputation as a compassionate soul, openly transferring our marital assets. Hearing the nurse’s words, the dark clouds on Charles’ face instantly dispersed, replaced by a gentle expression. He walked to my bedside and took my hand: “Lily, we’re husband and wife. Taking care of you is what I should do.” “Your health isn’t good, so don’t overthink things, and don’t quarrel with young girls.” He even bent down and lightly kissed my forehead in front of the nurse. As those cold lips touched me, I felt a wave of nausea. The nurse nodded approvingly. “She’s just too willful,” Charles sighed, his tone indulgent yet helpless. “Alright, the doctor says you can be discharged. I’ll take you home.” With that, he bent down and scooped me up in his arms, ignoring my wishes. I stiffly allowed him to carry me, smelling the faint sandalwood scent on him, feeling nothing but irony. Back home, the house was a mess, filled with unfamiliar odors. My precious antique zithers were all gone, replaced by a shiny drum set. Several Western instruments were strewn haphazardly nearby. Charles followed behind me. Seeing me frozen in place, he impatiently waved his hand: “Come on, they’re just messing around. I’ll buy you new ones later, it’s not a big deal.” Lena’s gang of black classmates were gathered around the sofa, making faces and snickering at me in hushed voices. Charles ushered them into his room. If saving one soul was good, saving many was even better. When Charles came to me that night, he caught me sending messages. Seeing him with beads of sweat on his forehead, I quickly stepped forward and snatched the phone from his hand. “Your body hasn’t recovered yet. What are you doing playing with your phone?” he said. He tried to unlock it, his fingers swiping the screen a few times, but it remained dark. He had forgotten that the password was our wedding anniversary. He grew impatient but eventually tossed the phone back to me, probably thinking I couldn’t cause any trouble in my current state. “Get some rest early,” he said curtly before turning to leave. The TV in the hospital room was playing a local news segment. On screen, Charles wore a well-tailored suit, looking spirited and energetic. Beside him were a radiant Lena and her classmates. The news headline read: “Philanthropist Charles Shaw’s Boundless Love: International Aid and Cultural Integration Across Races”. The host praised Charles’ charitable deeds in passionate tones, saying he had promoted cultural exchange and understanding. The scene switched to Lena nestled against Charles, smiling charmingly at the camera. “Charles has always taught us that all beings are equal, and love knows no boundaries of nation or skin color,” she said. “His acceptance of me and my people is the greatest kindness and respect he could show us.” Her tribespeople also expressed their gratitude to Charles on camera, praising his compassionate heart and magnanimous spirit. Charles had indeed held another charity gala to boost his image. Lena was invited as a special guest to share her experience of being helped, while also promoting Charles’ company. I attended in simple attire. When Charles saw me, he said: “Lily, there are many important guests today. It’s good that you’re dressed like this, it shows purity.” Lena, on the other hand, wore a fiery red dress dripping with jewels, hanging on Charles’ arm like the hostess. On stage, Charles spoke at length about Christian teachings and universal love. Lena gazed at him adoringly from the side, while her classmates chimed in with their broken English. Just as Lena was thanking Charles, the lights in the banquet hall suddenly went out. Amidst the screams, several dark figures rushed in. After a moment of chaos, the big screen lit up, showing an image of me beaten bloody. The leader of the kidnappers pointed a gun at me, grinning viciously at Charles on stage: “Charles Shaw, want your wife to live?” Charles’ face turned ashen. Lena screamed and hid behind him. The kidnapper sneered: “It’s simple. Strip naked in front of everyone and kowtow three times to the screen. Then we’ll let her go.”

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At the company’s annual Christmas party, Jack won the grand prize in the raffle draw – a luxurious three-day stay at a five-star hotel. Everyone congratulated him on his luck in both career and love. Soon after, he sent me a message: “Rachel, you’re always so understanding and generous.” “I’m doing this for our future happiness. You’ll support me, right?” I didn’t reply. He added, “We’ll get married after my promotion. For now, could you buy me a box of cantaloupe-flavored condoms? Olivia likes those.” I smiled, applauding along with everyone else. He didn’t know that I had another proposal message on my phone. I had just replied, “Yes.” … Three hours later, Jack called, urging, “Rachel, I just asked you to deliver some condoms. Can’t you even do that right?” “Don’t overthink it. I only want to have children with you. I just admire and look up to Olivia.” “If I keep her company for a few days, the project manager position is mine.” Today was our eighth anniversary. I laughed bitterly, “I understand. Congratulations on achieving your goal.” His voice was excited on the other end, “Exactly! Olivia finally recognizes my talent.” “Where are you? Hurry up and bring them over. She doesn’t like other flavors. I specifically asked around.” I gently wiped away my tears, my voice bitter as I spoke, “Jack, let’s break up.” He yelled angrily, “Rachel, why are you being jealous at such a crucial moment? Men sometimes have to play along for their careers. Do you want me to be stepped on for the rest of my life?” “Both our families are waiting for us to get married. How can you talk about breaking up now? Are you crazy?” I bit my lower lip hard, my heart aching. Trying to stay calm, I said, “Yes, I’m crazy. This is it. I don’t want you anymore.” He sneered, “Fine, let’s break up then! Let’s see how long you can hold out.” The call ended. I stood dazed outside the hotel. I watched them embrace. He held her waist and turned to kiss her. We had known each other since childhood, growing up together. When he was eighteen, he pursued me relentlessly. I was twenty. I loved his profile the most, and his deep voice, calling me “baby” in a low tone during intimate moments. He said he would love me forever, be good only to me. Just eight years, and he was willing to sacrifice himself for his career. My young love had rotted away. I sat downstairs for a long time. Suddenly, Jack transferred me ten thousand dollars. I didn’t know if this was his bonus or payment for selling himself. Just when I thought he was going to apologize, he sent a voice message: “Quickly go to the mall and buy Olivia a set of silk pajamas.” “Get a size larger than yours. Her figure is better than yours. She’s not used to the hotel’s pajamas.” I accepted the payment and silently took a cab home. I found the $9.99 pajamas he had bought me from Wish in the closet and called a delivery service to send them over. Before, he always told me to save money for our wedding. None of my clothes cost more than fifty dollars, but he took out ten thousand to fawn over the female CEO. I laughed bitterly and started packing. I’d make him move out first thing in the morning. After all, I was the one paying the rent. Two hours later, he came back furious. As soon as he entered, he slapped me. “Rachel, how dare you humiliate Olivia by making her wear your cheap clothes.” I looked at the red marks on his neck. Things must have been intense. “If she’s willing to take someone’s leftovers like you, isn’t she just picking up trash?” Olivia, with her striking red hair, blew smoke rings in my face. “I didn’t expect you to be such a spitfire.” “Let me treat you both to dinner. It’s not a big deal. Jack, you shouldn’t hit women.” “No need!” I stepped back silently. Our tiny rented room was probably smaller than her bathroom. “The CEO is inviting you to dinner. It’s an honor for you. How did your parents raise you to treat a superior like this?” Jack warned me with his eyes to behave. “You’re just a country bumpkin, while Olivia is a phoenix. You should be grateful,” Jack said, trying to make me listen. “What should my parents have taught me? To thank her for choosing my fiancé in a raffle and generously inviting me to dinner?” I laughed coldly. “Or should I rush up and call her a slut for stealing other people’s men?” I retorted. He could be despicable if he wanted, but he wasn’t going to drag me down with him. I refused! “You!” Jack grabbed my wrist, his eyes cold. “Ouch!” Olivia looked down at her foot. She had kicked the broken chair. Jack rushed over anxiously, cradling her foot. “Honey, does it hurt? I’ll take you to the hospital right away.” “It’s bleeding! Jack, can’t your woman even keep the house tidy?” Olivia angrily slapped his face. He offered his other cheek after being slapped on the left. “It’s all her fault for being stupid. How could she compare to someone as capable as you, honey?” In the past, when I accidentally touched his face while playing around, he would get angry immediately, saying a man’s face couldn’t be touched, it was his dignity. Now he was kneeling in front of Olivia like a dog, wagging his tail to please her right in front of me. “Low-class women need to be trained.” Olivia gave Jack a look. He turned to me, his face full of disgust and disdain, as if I had committed some terrible sin. “Are you satisfied now that you’ve hurt Olivia? Is there anything you can do right? You can’t even keep a room tidy, yet you want to marry me? What a pipe dream.” I laughed mockingly, “How I keep my room is none of your business. I won’t be marrying you anymore.” Hearing this, Jack felt I had made him lose face in front of Olivia. He grabbed my cat and viciously threw it to the ground. I rushed over, my head hitting the table hard. Blood flowed from my forehead. But the cat was still killed by the impact. It struggled for a few moments before going still. “Kneel down and apologize to Olivia, now!” Jack grabbed the back of my neck, forcing me to kneel. He pressed my head down, making the injured area touch the ground again. The piercing pain left me speechless, at his mercy. Olivia pretended to be considerate, “Forget it! I forgive her. If you don’t want to go out to eat, then have her make me some hangover soup. My head hurts a bit. We shouldn’t have finished that whole bottle of red wine earlier. It’s all your fault.” Jack quickly went to massage her head, scolding me, “Hurry up and make it. Don’t you have any common sense?” “I won’t. I’m not your maid,” I refused, holding my head as I stood up. “Someone like you isn’t fit to be Olivia’s maid. This is an order. Don’t forget your mother told you to listen to me,” Jack threatened. Seeing I still wasn’t moving, he dragged me to the small kitchen converted from the balcony. “Don’t come out until it’s done properly.” He locked the door and went outside to comfort Olivia, making her laugh. “Actually, it’s fine if she doesn’t make it. We can order from a restaurant.” “You’re so well-educated, young, and capable. Do you really plan to marry her?” Olivia lifted Jack’s chin with her finger. “After being with you, she’s completely tasteless. I don’t want to marry her,” Jack leaned in to kiss her, and they started rolling around on my bed. I turned away, not wanting to watch them. Three years ago, when my father was critically ill, he wanted to see us get married. Jack said what era still believed in marriage bringing good luck to the sick? After my father passed away, he said that as a daughter, I should observe a three-year mourning period. All along, whenever I brought up marriage, he always had various reasons to delay. I was just his fallback option. Once he found a better prospect, he would kick me aside without hesitation. Yet all these years, I had treated him as my salvation. The wildflowers he casually picked, letting me eat the first bite of instant noodles, choosing the biggest watermelon from the field for me. I thought these were acts of love. Now I realize he was just using the smallest investment to gain a woman’s unwavering devotion. The kitchen door opened, and his voice came through, “How dare you be jealous of Olivia? What right do you have?” “Here’s a band-aid for you. Don’t look, Olivia just used it for a moment, it’s still usable.” “When you were little and your mom beat you up so badly, you could just rub some mud on it and be fine. Don’t be so delicate now.” I looked at him, “Do you think that because I’ve suffered before, I should suffer for the rest of my life?” Jack raised an eyebrow mockingly, “What else? Don’t tell me you want to be a gold digger. With your looks, you couldn’t even if you tried.” “Ugly, bad figure, sensitive personality, mediocre college degree, lack of ability, and your family situation – who wouldn’t run away if they saw all that?” “Only I would have you! So you better listen to me, be good, and don’t threaten me with breaking up, understand?” He reached out to touch my face, but I turned away in disgust. Years ago, he had said, “Rachel, you’re a wild lily from the mountains. You’ll definitely have your spring.” I took a deep breath and said very seriously, “Jack, I’m not desperate for you, and I’m not playing hard to get now.” “If I’m so bad, I won’t hold you back. We’re done. Now give me back my dad’s watch.” Jack angrily dragged me to the bed, still verbally attacking me. “Trying to force me into marriage to secure me as a potential asset?” “I just wanted you to wait a bit. I didn’t expect you to be so greedy. It’s really disgusting.” I struggled desperately, “Let go of me! I don’t want this!” He tore at my clothes, but lost interest when he saw the cheap underwear. I curled up in the innermost part of the bed where they had just been, sobbing, on the verge of a breakdown. He smoked, somewhat impatient, “What are you crying for?” “You need to understand how difficult it is for men. I’m moving to Olivia’s mansion to make it convenient for her to guide my work.” “Pack up my things. I’ll come back to get them tomorrow.” After he left, I went downstairs to dig a hole and bury the little cat. It was a stray cat I had picked up. It had kept me company for a year. I let it down. I hope it can have a better life in its next incarnation and not be a stray again. On my phone, I received a video message from Olivia. I watched it numbly and saved it. Acting like a man with potential in front of me, but bending over and taking a whipping like a puppy for her. Olivia even used her authority to fire me without any compensation. When I confronted Jack about it, he told me not to bother him and to go to the train station to pick up his mother. My mom had asked her to bring a bunch of things. After bringing Jack’s mother back, she criticized the rented apartment endlessly and complained that the noodles I cooked had no meat. “Rachel, with your conditions, you should be thankful to have snagged our Jack, you know!” “Your mother even asked me for a bride price. What bride price? You’ve been sleeping together for how many years now? You’re practically divorced as soon as you step out the door.” “You’re almost thirty. No one else will want you. Hurry up and give me a grandson. In a couple more years, you won’t be able to have children anymore.” Jack’s mother’s attitude towards me all came from Jack. In the past, I really thought I was inadequate and tried to please them, afraid of being abandoned. Not anymore. “Where are the things my mom asked you to bring? I’ll give you five hundred dollars for your trouble. Give me the things, and then take a taxi to find Jack.” “We’ve already broken up. You can ask your new daughter-in-law to give you grandchildren.” I was a bit impatient. After hearing this, Jack’s mother refused to give me the things and called Jack to come back quickly. “Rachel, what nonsense are you telling my mom! What breakup? What new daughter-in-law? Don’t be ungrateful.” “You got fired because you’re not capable enough. Why are you throwing a tantrum!” Jack yelled at me as soon as he came in, clearly embarrassed and angry. His nervous appearance made me want to laugh. Apparently, he knew that sleeping with the female CEO was shameful. He couldn’t accept it in terms of self-esteem either. Well, he was the top student from our village and town after all. “Getting fired is even better. You two can get married and have children quickly. I’m waiting to hold my grandson.” Jack’s mother said. “Rachel, a woman should regard her husband as the sky, be filial to her mother-in-law. I’ll keep this money.” “Give me all your savings from this period. We’ll use it for the wedding banquet back home.” Jack’s mother demanded haughtily, as if I were Jack’s private property. “The ten thousand I transferred to you, plus your last month’s salary, hand it all over to my mom.” “After she gets her medicine, you two go back to the hometown together to wait for me. I’ll be done in a month at most.” Jack squeezed my arm, warning me with his eyes. My dad’s watch and the things my mom brought were still in their hands, so I could only endure for now. Not resisting, not expressing any stance, just silent. “Mom, my boss wants to treat you to dinner. Let’s go together now.” Jack assumed I agreed and started arranging for his mother to meet Olivia. “Good, good, good. My son is capable and appreciated by his boss.” “Rachel, you’re really lucky. Out of so many girls in town, my son chose you.” Jack’s mother was full of pride as she took out her best clothes to go to dinner. At the dinner table, she made me serve tea and water, fawning over Olivia. “Boss, you’re beautiful and capable. Whoever marries you is blessed.” “Not like Rachel, who’s useless and can’t even do her job well.” “Hurry up and pour water for the boss. Why are you so slow? It must be because your mother didn’t teach you well.” Olivia smiled and asked me to sit down, as if the person who sent me that video and fired me wasn’t her. “Auntie, I’m pregnant. It’s Jack’s.” she said. This statement shocked me at first, but then it just hurt. So they had been together for a long time. The raffle at the annual party was just Olivia forcing Jack to make a choice. No wonder he had been coming home later and later this past month, and was unwilling to touch me. I had stupidly thought he was tired from work and bought chicken to make soup for him, to nourish him. He did replenish his energy, but used it all on another woman. I wanted to throw up all the chicken soup I had made for him. But judging from Jack’s expression, he didn’t seem to know about this either. “Oh my! This is wonderful news.” Jack’s mother held Olivia’s hand and took off her gold ring as a gift. When Jack and I got engaged, she only had him give me a silver bracelet, with a face full of bestowing grace, as if I had taken a huge advantage of their family. Indeed, she showed different faces to different people. Olivia seemed somewhat disgusted by the dirty ring and placed it on the table. “Jack, what do you think?” “Will you marry her or me?” she asked. I stood up, “Ms. Ji, I’m not an object for you to choose. I’m already married. Jack, give me back my father’s watch.” I reached out to Jack for it. He took it out of his pocket and violently smashed it on the ground. “Who did you marry? While I was working overtime, you actually hooked up with some guy?” “Just because I didn’t satisfy you for a month, you’re so desperate for a man!” he yelled. Olivia frowned, her face full of impatience. “Stop making a scene! I’m embarrassed for you.” “I can be an independent woman and have the baby on my own,” she said. “Let’s just pretend I was joking earlier. Rachel, you two can get married as planned.” Jack’s mother spoke up loudly, “That won’t do. My first grandson can’t be left out there.” “Rachel, in ancient times, the boss would be the main wife, and you’d be the concubine.” “How about this: Jack, you register marriage and have children with the boss, but hold a wedding ceremony with Rachel back in the village.” “In the future, Rachel, you’ll serve the boss during her confinement and help raise their children. Be the woman behind the scenes.” Jack nodded, “That’s a good idea! In our village, having a wedding banquet is considered marriage.” “Boss, don’t worry about giving birth. Even if it’s eight or ten kids, Rachel can take care of them all. She has experience. We won’t need to hire a nanny.” They arranged everything for me without even asking, mother and son truly alike. I took out the marriage certificate from my bag and held it up. “Look clearly. I’m already married.” Jack snatched it away, tearing it to pieces without even looking at it. “Making a fake certificate to fool people.” “Cheating on me deserves public humiliation.” He stared at my face, violently grabbing my hair and tearing my clothes, dragging me from the private room to the hotel lobby. No one came to my rescue. They all just took out their phones to record. In my moment of despair, a custom-tailored suit jacket was draped over me. He gently embraced me. “Don’t be afraid. I’m back!” “So you’re that wild man?” Jack sneered. “Let me tell you, Rachel is my woman. We grew up together since childhood. I’ve slept with her for eight years.” “You look like someone of status. Is it worth it to take a second-hand woman? She tried to trick me with a fake marriage certificate. She’ll trick you too.” “Rachel, you think rich men are so easy to get? He’s just playing with you. How could he truly care about you?” Jack ranted furiously, hurling insults. Olivia came out and, seeing us, stood there shocked. Then she respectfully called out, “Uncle.” “Uncle? He’s your uncle, so he must be the group chairman!” Jack couldn’t keep his composure anymore. I let go of his hand. He’s the chairman? Olivia’s uncle? My mind was a bit confused. He hadn’t told me any of this. I had no idea all along. “Uncle, do you really know this woman? She’s not worthy of you. The one she’s always loved is Jack.” “Aren’t you uncomfortable wearing such a big green hat? Grandfather definitely wouldn’t approve.” Olivia stood to the side, trying to intervene. I looked at him, “Chairman, I’d like to go back first.” Ethan gave his secretary a look. “You handle this. I’ll take my wife home first.” He picked me up directly. I clutched his shirt in fear. A group of men in black deleted the videos from the onlookers’ phones. Jack was beaten to the ground, unable to get up. Jack’s mother had just started cursing me when she was slapped twice. He closed the car door, and I couldn’t see what was happening anymore. It was a bit of a pity. I had promised my father I would get married before January 15th. The annual party was on January 14th. Since Jack wouldn’t marry me, I chose him. After getting married, he said he had to go on a business trip and would be back in a few days. I really had no idea he was the group chairman. After all, as a lowly employee, how could I have the chance to meet such a big shot? The walk-in closet was full of unopened women’s clothing. I chose an outfit and put it on before walking out. “Eat something first. We can talk later.” Ethan, wearing home clothes, looked warmer than before. All I knew about him was his name and age. A flash marriage like this – even now, thinking about it seems crazy. I ate while sneaking glances at him. He was actually reading a newspaper. “Um, why did you marry me?” I asked. “If you have any hidden illness, you can tell me in advance. I won’t mind.” I really couldn’t understand why such a big shot would choose someone as cheap as me. I didn’t fit in here at all. Insecurity had taken root and sprouted in my heart. He put down the newspaper and held my hand. “A walk is best for digestion after a meal.” “You still haven’t answered me?” My palms were sweaty. “My father is seriously ill. I needed a wife, and you needed someone to marry. We were both suitable,” he said. “My hidden illness is infertility. If you can’t accept that, we can divorce after a while.” Ethan’s honesty made me breathe a sigh of relief. Infertility meant he couldn’t perform. No wonder such a successful man his age wasn’t married. Seeing that even someone like him had flaws made me relax a bit. I carefully explained my situation, and that I didn’t plan to let Jack off easily. He had smashed my father’s keepsake, killed my cat, and still had my private photos. Those photos were taken while I was asleep. I had asked him to delete them, but he never did. “I know all of this,” Ethan said. After that, I didn’t know what else to say. At the Ji family’s old house, the atmosphere was tense. Over twenty people looked our way. I felt like a lamb waiting for slaughter, so nervous I could barely swallow. Ethan led me to sit down. Olivia and Jack were kneeling. Jack looked up at me, his eyes full of hatred. What right did he have to hate me? I glared back. Seeing his face swollen like a pig’s head, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Grandfather, look at how they’re still making eyes at each other. Uncle is just too kind-hearted. He doesn’t even care about being cheated on,” Olivia said. “Jack, do you still have feelings for her?” Olivia asked angrily, staring at my face with a hint of jealousy. What did I have that was worth her jealousy?

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I married a billionaire in a coma. On our wedding night, my comatose husband took me again and again. Each time, I nearly lost my resolve. But the next day, I learned that my family had been in a car accident on their way home from the wedding. Twelve out of thirteen family members died, leaving only my mother in the ICU. I begged my billionaire husband to save my mother. He sneered, “This is karma for your family. If you obey me, I might consider sparing your mother’s life.” Six years after our marriage, I became pregnant. Overjoyed, I ran to tell him, but he pushed me down the stairs to protect his adopted sister. He even allowed her to desecrate our child’s ashes. When I stood on the rooftop, ready to jump, He knelt before me, begging me to look at him one last time. … A loud bang echoed as the massive door slammed open. I lifted my tear-stained eyes, clutching the urn containing my child’s ashes. Zack Chapman’s large hand was already around my throat, his temple throbbing with rage as he glared at me with knife-like eyes. “Aria Frost! How could you be so vicious!” “Mia is so pure and kind-hearted. You’re playing with fire, always trying to cause trouble for her!” “Don’t think I won’t do anything to you!” His grip tightened until I nearly passed out before he finally let go. I stumbled back, collapsing to the floor. “Zack, it’s all my fault. I deserve whatever punishment you give me.” He frowned at me. “Aria Frost, are you planning some new trick to hurt Mia?” I shook my head, my voice devoid of emotion. “I’ll kneel before your precious Mia and beg for her forgiveness. No matter how upset she is, it’s all my fault.” The urn tilted, spilling a small amount of ashes. I silently gathered them with trembling hands, tears occasionally falling onto the white powder. Each time I wiped away a tear, it left a sticky mark. Zack approached me, slowly crouching down and gently wiping away a tear that was about to fall. When I looked at him, he abruptly pulled his hand back. Mia wasn’t just his family’s adopted daughter; she was his prized possession. Whatever Mia said, he believed. Whatever I said, he suspected ulterior motives. I had long understood that in his heart, I was nothing but a sinner through and through. If Mia caught a cold, he’d say my negative energy was affecting her. If Mia was unhappy, he’d interrogate me about what I’d done. Three days ago, Mia had faked a miscarriage, claiming I’d pushed her down the stairs. After returning from the hospital, Zack actually made Mia stand on the same stairs to push me down. I tried to protect my eight-month pregnant belly, desperately attempting to escape, but Zack grabbed me by the collar like a helpless chicken. No matter how much I begged, it was useless. At the hospital, even though the baby still had a faint heartbeat when delivered, the doctor declared him dead after accepting a red envelope from Mia. The tiny spark of hope I had kindled for life was thoroughly extinguished. Zack watched me lovingly caress the urn in my arms, a fleeting look of sympathy crossing his face. Just as I set the urn back in its place, Zack suddenly picked me up. “What are you doing?!” He carried me into the bedroom, tossing me onto the bed before starting to tug at my clothes. As he leaned down towards me, I saw the hickey on his neck. I shrank back. “My body hasn’t fully recovered yet. Maybe next time.” Zack first doubted he had heard correctly, then looked at me with a cold smirk, his tone full of mockery. “You think you have any value to me beyond your body?” I stared at him blankly as he forced himself on me, tearing my clothes despite my resistance. Tears streamed down my face, but his actions didn’t pause for a moment. Zack and I were childhood sweethearts. From playing games in kindergarten where I often played his bride, I grew up listening to his constant declarations of love. Even though he became comatose, I never gave up on marrying him, always hoping he would wake up one day. But what I waited for was greater pain and an even longer wait. My mother lay unconscious in the hospital, with no idea when she might wake. I was so tired. Perhaps it was time to leave this heartbreaking place behind.

The next morning, I found that Zack hadn’t left as usual. “You’re awake?” Zack held a steaming bowl of Chinese medicine, preparing to feed me. “Aria, stop thinking about the child. His existence was just an accident.” “You never had the right to raise a Chapman heir anyway.” Zack wasn’t wrong. I knew I had no right. Our families had always been rivals, with competition growing fiercer as we grew up. Everyone used underhanded tactics to grab market share. Later, my father hired gangsters to kidnap Zack’s mother as leverage. Who knew that his pregnant mother would be raped and die along with her unborn child. Zack snuck in and witnessed this horrific scene. While fleeing, he was hit by a car and fell into a coma. The Chapman family rose again but kept a low profile, suppressing news of their heir’s recovery until they had devoured the Frost family, leaving nothing behind. Only I remained, along with my comatose mother in the hospital. Eight months ago, Zack had a nightmare. Dead drunk, he burst into my room in the middle of the night. “You know, during the time I was in a coma, I kept dreaming. I saw my mother over and over, covered in blood, struggling on the ground, calling out to me.” “She told me to run, but no matter how much I ran, I could never escape that place.” “In my dreams, I was crushed to pieces over and over again, overwhelmed by fear and despair.” “I thought I had been locked in the depths of hell, punished for eternity. But when I woke up, my mother was gone forever.” “Today I finally dreamed of her again. She waved goodbye to me, saying farewell for the last time.” “Aria Frost, you grew up pampered and privileged. Your family feasted on Chapman flesh and drank Chapman blood. Tell me, shouldn’t I hate you?” “But what can I do? I can’t shake this bad habit of loving you…” For over a decade, we had believed we were destined for each other, longing for the day we could be together. But our wedding became the Frost family’s funeral. We had such a long life ahead, yet every step we took was drenched in blood. We carried sins that could never be atoned for. After forcing me to take contraceptives, Zack would always try to make amends. Sometimes with my favorite childhood snacks, other times by taking me to places we used to visit. I indulged in these small moments of happiness, knowing full well they were poisonous, yet addicted and unable to break free. I couldn’t tell if I loved him more or hated him more. Whenever love began to grow, hatred would tear at my heart. Later, Mia followed suit. She got Zack drunk and climbed into his bed, claiming – truthfully or not – to be pregnant. Just as I was lost in thought, I heard her voice. “Brother, I feel so dizzy! Come quick and check on me!” Mia kept knocking on the door. Zack set down the medicine and hurried out. As Mia dragged Zack away, she shot me a challenging look. It was time to go. I started packing a few clothes, ready to leave this city. I wanted to search for renowned doctors across the country, seeking a chance to cure my mother. As I was almost finished packing, I went to the small room where we kept the urn. But I saw Mia holding it, pouring the ashes onto drawing paper in a messy scatter.

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My grandfather is the wealthiest man in Country A, and as his only granddaughter, I’m on the brink of inheriting a massive conglomerate. However, my two uncles are letting their mistress take over my identity. In front of the national media, Nora Johnson snatched the share transfer document and looked at me with arrogance. “Someone like you, from the lower rungs of society, wouldn’t even dream of stepping into the conglomerate if it weren’t for me!” “I suggest you behave, or you might find yourself with no place to rest!” In my previous life, I was deceived and intimidated by my uncles, constantly backing down to Nora, allowing her to trample over me to rise higher. But this time, I’ve been given another chance. Seeing Nora’s smug face in front of me, I raised my hand and slapped her to the ground. “A woman kept as a mistress dares to act insolent in front of me!” My unexpected action stunned everyone there, and the room fell silent. My two uncles rushed forward to protect Nora, glaring at me. They couldn’t hide the pity in their eyes for their mistress who was slapped without warning. Third Uncle was furious, stepping forward and shoving me hard. “Lydia Johnson, who gave you the audacity to touch our niece!” Looking at their faces full of disdain, I couldn’t help but mock my past self for foolishly expecting any family affection from them. I sneered, lifting my eyes to look at Nora contemptuously, taunting, “A mere mistress, and I, the rightful heir of Country A’s Leading Conglomerate, the granddaughter of the richest man, don’t have the right to discipline her?!” Upon hearing this, my uncle flushed with anger and rushed over, pretending to choke me. “Lydia, what nonsense are you spouting?! Nora kindly sponsored your education, and you repay kindness with betrayal!” “Everyone listen up, Nora is my father’s real granddaughter, the heiress of Country A’s conglomerate!” I was shocked at his audacity and angrily retorted. “Second Uncle, she’s just a woman you picked up from a nightclub. How dare you say she’s a Johnson Family heiress and the conglomerate’s successor?” “Even when lying, you should know when to stop!” Third Uncle interrupted me, trying to cut me off. “Lydia, did you forget the doctor’s advice to take your medication?” Seeing this, Nora quickly chimed in, looking pitiful. “It’s all my fault. I knew Lydia had delusions and accidentally told her about inheriting the conglomerate.” The three of them twisted the truth, putting all the blame on me. For a moment, the media turned their focus on me. “Lydia is indeed just a nobody sponsored by the Johnson Family heiress. No wonder she looks so shabby.” “Miss Johnson is so kind-hearted, not caring even when slandered by such a lunatic.” Then Second Uncle waved over Assistant Manager Luke from the conglomerate. “Someone! Get Lydia out of here within a minute. Without my permission, she’s not allowed to step into the company again!” I glared icily at Assistant Manager Luke, who was leading the bodyguards towards me. “Assistant Manager Luke, my mother assigned you to help me manage the conglomerate. Don’t you recognize who the real heiress is?” Luke paused, guilt flashing in his eyes: “This… I…” Third Uncle, looking impatient, spoke sharply. “Assistant Manager Luke, my brother is the future heir of the conglomerate. Do you dare defy him? Are you risking everything?” Luke’s expression shifted instantly. He spoke to me, pained: “Miss, I’m just an employee. My whole family relies on me. I can’t lose this job. Please, stop causing trouble.” Saying this, he gestured to the bodyguards to take me away. Seeing a group of strong bodyguards surround me, I picked up a teapot from the table and smashed it on the ground. “I’m not only the heiress of the Johnson Family, the granddaughter of the richest man, but also the sole successor of the conglomerate. I dare anyone to touch a single hair on me!” Chapter Two The teapot shattered, the loud crash and my furious yell echoing through the hall. The crowd burst into scornful laughter at my words. “Reckless! First, she claims to be the granddaughter of the richest man, now the conglomerate’s heir. Fool!” “Even if she is the Johnson Family heiress, the richest man has two sons! How could it ever be her turn?” Looking at my two uncles’ smug faces, I asked coldly. “Second Uncle, are you sure you and Third Uncle have the right to inherit the conglomerate?” Third Uncle pursed his lips, briefly unnerved, then turned to Second Uncle, acting nonchalant. “Brother, today’s a big day. All the important figures are coming soon. Don’t let outsiders see a joke.” Hearing Third Uncle, I guessed he remembered his status and got scared. After all, Grandpa is the richest man in Country A, the actual power behind the conglomerate. My dad is his only son, and naturally, I am his only granddaughter. As for my two uncles, they are just sons of Grandpa’s elder brother. After Grandpa’s brother died, Grandpa took pity on them and took them in at the Johnson Family. So they have no direct blood relation to Grandpa, and naturally, it won’t be their turn to inherit the conglomerate. They were just given a chance to work in the conglomerate. But Second Uncle was too foolish to understand the implication in my words, frowning and looking displeased at Third Uncle. “She’s so unruly today, even hitting Nora. She can’t be let off easily.” “Lydia, I think your delusions have worsened. Don’t force me to send you back to the mental institution!” The mention of the mental institution reignited my fury. It reminded me of the inhumane torture I suffered before dying in my past life. Last time, they manipulated me with so-called familial affection and morality, forcing me to retreat step by step, leaving me in a sorry state. In the end, to satisfy Nora’s curiosity about how much blood a living person could lose before dying, they tricked me into the mental institution and watched coldly as I was tortured to death. Even though we were family, and after they came to the Johnson Family, I treated them sincerely for decades. But they indulged her in impersonating me to please a mistress, disregarding even a shred of familial bond. Now I understand. In my two uncles’ eyes, I, a living person, was less than their noble love. I could be discarded at will. But I’m curious, if given a choice between Nora and power, which would they choose? Returning to the present, I curled my lips into a cold smile. “Do you dare say again in public who really is the Johnson Family heiress and the conglomerate’s successor?” Before my uncles could answer, a woman came running out of the crowd, claws bared. She raised her hand and slapped me, her sharp nails scratching my cheek. “Wretch, this is the territory of Country A’s Leading Conglomerate. What right do you have to shout here?!” Caught off guard, I was furious and saw clearly the woman in front of me. She’s not a big deal, just an illegitimate daughter of a small manager under the group. Since meeting my two uncles, she’s been fantasizing about marrying one of them. Later, she heard that Nora was the Johnson Family heiress. To appear more in front of my uncles, she followed Nora around like a shadow. It’s a pity… She’s a fool, completely wrong. Nora isn’t the real heiress but the mistress kept by her lover! I narrowed my eyes and then returned the slap to the illegitimate daughter. Taking advantage of her unpreparedness, I kicked her hard, sending her tumbling to the ground. “Who are you, a stray cat or dog, to act up in front of me?! Believe it or not, a word from me could have your whole family begging on their knees!” She rolled on the ground, clutching her stomach, screaming in disbelief. “Lydia dared to hit me?! No one has ever dared to hit me before! “Just you wait, I won’t let you off!” Nora stepped up to help her, “Yara, don’t be angry. Lydia has some mental issues. I’ll apologize on her behalf, okay?” I rolled my eyes in disdain, coldly mocking, “Nora, you’re really shameless! Why not just enjoy being a well-kept mistress? Do you have no self-awareness pretending to be the Johnson Family heiress in such a setting?” Saying this, I sighed and turned to the two uncles beside me. “You have one minute to take your mistresses and leave, or don’t blame me for being rude!” The teapot shattered, the loud crash and my furious yell echoed through the hall. The crowd burst into cruel laughter at my words. “Reckless! First, she claims to be the granddaughter of the richest man, now the conglomerate’s heir. Fool!” “Even if she is the Johnson Family heiress, the richest man has two sons! How could it ever be her turn?” Looking at my two uncles’ smug faces, I asked coldly. “Second Uncle, are you sure you and Third Uncle have the right to inherit the conglomerate?” Third Uncle pursed his lips, briefly unnerved, then turned to Second Uncle, acting nonchalant. “Brother, today’s a big day. All the important figures are coming soon. Don’t let outsiders see a joke.” Hearing Third Uncle, I guessed he remembered his status and got scared. After all, Grandpa is the richest man in Country A, the actual power behind the conglomerate. Seeing the smug faces of my two uncles, I retorted sharply. “Second Uncle, do you really think you and Third Uncle have the right to inherit the conglomerate?” Third Uncle pursed his lips, guilt flashing briefly across his face before he quickly looked away towards Second Uncle. “Brother, today is a big day. Important people will be here. Let’s not make a scene.” His words suggested that he was reminded of his own status and felt intimidated. After all, my Grandpa is the richest man in Country A and the true power behind the conglomerate. My father is his only son, which makes me his only direct granddaughter. As for my two uncles, they’re merely the sons of Grandpa’s late older brother. After their father passed away, Grandpa took them in out of pity, allowing them into the Johnson Family. They aren’t directly related by blood to Grandpa, so they have no claim to the conglomerate’s inheritance. They were only given jobs there. Yet, Second Uncle, oblivious to the undertones of my words, frowned at Third Uncle with displeasure. “She’s been too unruly today and even hit Nora. We can’t let this slide.” “Lydia, it seems your delusions are worsening. Don’t force me to have you sent back to the institution!” The mention of the “institution” triggered my anger again, recalling the torment I endured before my death in my previous life. They had used fake family love and morals to manipulate me into conceding, all for Nora Johnson. They pushed me to retreat, step by step, leaving me in a miserable state. In the end, they even conspired to trick me into an institution to satisfy Nora’s morbid curiosity about how much blood a person could lose before dying. I was their real family, having genuinely cared for them since they joined the Johnson Family, sharing decades together. Yet, they preferred to indulge Nora, letting her assume my identity, disregarding familial bonds, just to please their mistress. Now, I understood. In my uncles’ eyes, a living person like me was insignificant compared to their so-called noble love. I could be discarded at will. But I’m curious, if they had to choose between Nora and power, which would they choose? Returning to the moment, I smirked coldly. “Do you dare to publicly declare again who the true Johnson Family Heiress and the conglomerate’s heir is?” Before my uncles could respond, a woman stormed out of the crowd, looking aggressive. She slapped me, her sharp nails scratching my cheek. “You have no right to make a scene here in Country A’s Leading Conglomerate’s territory!” Caught off guard, I took the hit, but even in my anger, I recognized the woman. She wasn’t anyone significant, just the illegitimate daughter of a small manager under the conglomerate. After meeting my uncles, she fantasized about marrying one of them. Later, she heard Nora was the Johnson Family Heiress, and to increase her chances of meeting my uncles, she followed Nora around like a loyal puppy. Too bad for her… she doesn’t realize how wrong she is. Nora isn’t any legitimate heiress; she’s just the cherished mistress! I narrowed my eyes, then slapped the illegitimate daughter back. While she was unprepared, I kicked her to the ground. “Who do you think you are, to act so insolently in front of me? Believe it or not, with just one word, I can have your whole family begging on their knees!” She rolled on the ground, clutching her stomach in disbelief, and screamed. “Lydia dared to hit me?! No one has ever dared to hit me since I was a child! “Just wait, I won’t let you off!” At this moment, Nora came forward to support her. “Yara, don’t be mad. Lydia has some mental issues. Let me apologize on her behalf, okay?” I rolled my eyes and mocked coldly: “Nora, you really have no shame! Why can’t you be content as a well-kept mistress? Do you have no self-awareness to impersonate the Johnson Family Heiress in such settings?” Sighing, I turned to the two uncles standing nearby. “You have one minute. Take your little lovers and leave, or don’t blame me for being rude!” Chapter Three My uncles stood still, their faces grim. “Lydia, I’m warning you, we have real power in the company now, and you’re just a poor student who hasn’t even entered the company. If anyone’s leaving, it’s you!” “Hey?—” A sudden middle-aged woman’s voice interrupted. “What are you all doing here? The shareholder meeting is about to start, hurry up and get inside!” The newcomer had an elegant aura, exuding a mature woman’s charm. It was my mother, Adeline. But she didn’t even glance at me, walking straight to Nora’s side. While wiping Nora’s tears with concern, she anxiously asked. “What happened, Nora? Who bullied you…?” “Let me deal with that blind fool!” Upon hearing this, Second Uncle immediately pointed at me, accusingly. “Sister-in-law, you arrived just in time! This poor student dares to impersonate the Johnson Family Heiress and spread lies here!” “As the main lady of the Johnson Family, you must teach her a lesson!” My mom was instantly furious, raising her hand to slap me. “Lydia, just because I haven’t been strict with you for a while, you think you can act so recklessly?” “Kneel and apologize to Nora now, or leave the Johnson Family and never come back!” Listening to my own mother’s malicious scolding, ignoring the facts, disappointment flooded my heart. Just like in my previous life, she stood with my uncles on Nora’s side. Pain throbbed in my chest. I never understood, I’m her daughter, while Nora is just a mistress of my uncles. But after knowing about Nora’s existence, my mother was overjoyed and went out of her way to be good to her. Later, when she found out my uncles were both keeping Nora, she was furious and threw a huge fit. That day, seeing my mom scold my uncles, I even spoke up for them. But my mom took her anger out on me, whipping me several times, leaving ugly scars on my back. Yet in the end, my mom allowed my uncles to continue keeping Nora and even arranged for Nora to be packaged as a wealthy, foreign-educated girl. She also told my uncles they must treat Nora well. They had to compete fairly, letting Nora decide who to be with. And whoever she chose would inherit all of my mom’s estate. Comparatively, Nora seemed more like her biological daughter. I only realized the truth after I died in my past life. Nora was actually the child my mom had with a lover before marrying my dad. Back then, to marry into a wealthy family, she hid the fact that she was pregnant and abandoned Nora, who was just a baby. Now, years later, finding Nora again, she naturally tried every way to make up for it. Poor Dad, who died young, never knew the woman he loved for years had a child behind his back. Thinking of this, a wave of nausea washed over me. “I’m not wrong! Why should I apologize?” “It’s my uncles who falsely claimed Nora is the Johnson Family Heiress and the heir to the conglomerate, Mom, don’t you have anything to say?” Upon hearing my words, Nora, with a pale face, shrank into my mother’s arms, tears streaming down her face. As expected, my mother couldn’t bear to see Nora suffer and became angry, slapping me twice again. “Lydia, stop being unreasonable! Nora is my daughter, the Johnson Family Heiress!” At that moment, all my grievances erupted, and I shouted at her. “Adeline, she’s your daughter, but what about me? How can you do this and face my dad?!” Adeline ignored my cries, coldly turning to instruct my uncles. “What are you waiting for, get this girl who bullied Nora out of here!” I felt a deep sadness. Is this the mother I’ve respected for eighteen years? The wife my dad loved for over twenty years? Dad probably never imagined that the two brothers he cared for would hurt his own daughter for a mistress. And his wife would nurture an illegitimate child while letting me be humiliated. At this moment, I truly felt it was all in vain, for me and my dad all these years. As the guards were about to grab me, I straightened my back, defiant. “Stop! This is the Johnson Family’s territory, who are you outsiders to give orders here!” I emphasized “Johnson Family” heavily. My words seemed to provoke Adeline, who lunged and grabbed my hair. She instructed my uncles to hold me down firmly, keeping me immobile. Swearing all the while. “The Johnson Family?! Over the years, I’ve managed everything inside and out, which matter in the conglomerate wasn’t handled by me, why should you inherit it?” Mom crazily slammed my head onto the floor, leaving my face bloodied. “Let me tell you! The conglomerate is mine, and I’ll decide who gets it!” My scalp felt like it was being torn apart, sweat pouring from my pain, yet my voice was firm. “The conglomerate is Dad’s. I’m his only daughter, I’m the heir!” Adeline’s anger intensified, kicking me repeatedly. “Lydia, stop dreaming about things that aren’t yours! I’ve decided to give the conglomerate to Nora as a dowry, you won’t get a single cent!” Mom, in a fit of rage, slammed my head against the floor, leaving my face covered in blood. “Listen here! The Conglomerate is mine, and I’ll decide who gets it!” The skin on my head felt like it was tearing apart, and cold sweat poured down from the pain, but my voice remained firm. “The Conglomerate belongs to Dad. I’m his only daughter, so I’m the rightful heir!” Adeline’s anger flared even more as she kicked me repeatedly. “Lydia Johnson, stop coveting what isn’t yours! I’ve already decided to give the Conglomerate to Nora as her dowry. You won’t get a single cent!” With these words, the crowd erupted in shock, their gazes toward Nora Johnson becoming more intense. At the same time, a deep, commanding male voice sounded from behind. “Adeline, who gave you the audacity to offer my Conglomerate to your illegitimate daughter as a dowry?” Chapter Four Upon hearing Grandpa’s authoritative voice, Mom and the two uncles quickly stopped what they were doing. As I saw the familiar old man before me, tears welled up in my eyes.

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I got pregnant with my boyfriend who has a low sperm count. His mother offered me a huge sum to leave him. I thought it was a joke and wanted to share the joy of my pregnancy with my boyfriend, but then I heard a woman talking about taking wedding photos with him. To get rid of me, he and his fiancée conspired to paint me as the other woman. I ended up tearing apart our “home,” erasing all traces of myself, and boarded a plane abroad. Two years later, Gideon found me in a frenzy. He stared intensely at the little child beside me, who bore a striking resemblance to him, and his eyes instantly welled up with tears. “Is this…mine??” — After hanging up the phone, I didn’t believe it. I thought it was just a prank because ever since I got with Gideon, the women around him always tried to separate us. I’d received over 1,300 calls claiming to be from Gideon’s mother. Until evening, when Gideon came back. “Ah Han, I have good news for you, I’m preg—” I leaped into his arms, wrapping mine around his neck, meeting his eyes. Gideon had a low sperm count, with an incredibly slim chance of fathering a child. His greatest dream was to have his own child. For this dream, Gideon’s family went to great lengths; his mother even became a vegetarian, hoping to bring good fortune. And now, I was pregnant with Gideon’s child, and the pregnancy test result was in my pocket as a surprise. I looked at Gideon full of anticipation, imagining how happy he would be when he found out. But unfortunately, before I finished speaking, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he hesitated, then looked at me. In just a moment, he smiled, raised a finger to his lips, signaling me to be quiet. I nodded obediently, feeling something had changed. He had never taken calls like this before. Once connected, I clearly heard a woman’s voice. “Gideon, don’t forget to take our wedding photos later.” Instantly, a chill ran from my spine to the top of my head, freezing my entire soul. Remembering the call earlier, I felt tears stinging my eyes, and my hands holding his face dropped weakly. “I’ll be right there.” He noticed my oddness but still smiled with such ease, even kissed me reluctantly. “Be good, wait at home, I’ll take care of you when I get back.” Gideon dressed up, adjusted in front of the mirror for a long time, and only after confirming there was no unusual scent did he turn to leave. I was in shock for a long time, and by the time I reacted, he was already out of the room. I hurriedly took out my phone to call him, but there was no answer. So, it’s true? Gideon is getting married to another woman. With trembling hands, I took out the pregnancy test result from my pocket. Suddenly, a wave of weakness hit me, making me collapse to the ground, tears flowing like a fountain. If he’s marrying another woman, then what am I? What about the child inside me? Seven years of love, through thick and thin. All the vows Gideon made to me flooded my mind, overwhelming my body and soul. Finally, my body couldn’t bear the shock any longer and collapsed. Before my consciousness faded, I was still wondering. What did my seven years with him mean? Gideon returned at night, half an hour after I regained consciousness. I sat alone on the sofa, tightly clutching that pregnancy test result. He looked exhausted, smelling strongly of women’s perfume, with a glaring lipstick mark on his collar. Yet, even so, he still raised his eyebrows at me and said, “Yo, Adeline, what are you dazing about?” I looked up at him, that red on his collar becoming more glaring. Going to meet his fiancée, he had to clean off the scent of other women. But with me, he was completely indifferent. Thinking about this, I couldn’t help but tighten my grip on the pregnancy test result. Gideon saw I wasn’t speaking and casually smiled, then came over, hugged me like usual, and was about to kiss me. But in the next second, I slapped him across the face. The slap was loud, especially distinct in the quiet space. “Get out!” My tone was icy, hating his careless attitude toward our relationship. “Aren’t you going to explain the wedding photos?” I looked at him, a chill filling my heart. He was stunned for a moment, then put down his hand that was covering his face, not angry, just glanced at me, and finally said blandly, “Marriage for me is just a show, it won’t affect our relationship.” “Since you already know, I won’t hide it anymore. Tell me, what do you want? I’ll buy it for you.” I was heartbroken to the extreme but still held on strong. “Gideon, you know what I want.” His face darkened, losing that playboy demeanor, leaving only impatience and fatigue. “I can give you everything except a title.” He made himself sound so noble. I clutched the pregnancy test result, my lips trembling, asking for myself and the child one last time. “So, you want me to be your mistress?” — Gideon looked at me, his eyes rarely serious. We locked eyes, mine resolute. As long as he said no, the pregnancy test result in my hand would still appear in front of him. He touched his nose, lowered his head, seemingly thinking about something. My heart raced, staring at him intently, hope rising in my heart. But in the end, he disappointed me. He nodded and said, “Yes.” I let out a bitter laugh. What a clear answer from Gideon, just like that, denying our years of relationship, placing me in the position of a mistress. It was like seeing clearly for the first time the man I had invested years in. Seeing I didn’t react, he pulled me into his arms, helplessly persuading me as if he had no choice. “I’m just helping out at school here, my focus is still on the business world, and Lydia is my best match, equal in status. But marrying her won’t affect our relationship, I promise I’ll ensure you graduate from your master’s smoothly.” So, he thought I was with him just for my master’s degree? In his eyes, our relationship was just a transaction. I pushed him away, tears welling in my eyes, biting my lip to hold them back. “Since you only see benefits, then spend your life with your benefits. A person like you doesn’t deserve a family, much less a child!” I put the pregnancy test result behind me. I already had the answer in my heart—this child, he doesn’t deserve to know about. After hearing me out, he first looked at my hand behind me in confusion, then sneered, staring at me as if seeing through me. “Adeline, you’re right.” “Yeah, I don’t deserve a child, just like you don’t deserve to marry into a wealthy family, otherwise in three years…” Gideon’s eyes glanced at my belly, full of ridicule. “Why hasn’t there been any movement from your belly? Otherwise, even if your belly was a little competitive, the position of Gideon’s daughter-in-law wouldn’t go to someone else, and I wouldn’t have to marry a woman I don’t love…” While saying this, Gideon shrugged, the face I once liked for its carefree nature now full of helplessness. I instinctively retorted, “Who said my belly isn’t…” I stopped myself in time, biting my lip. I can’t let my child be seen as a bargaining chip. He stared at me, suddenly reaching out, grabbing behind me. “Been watching you hold something since you came in, let me see?” My heart jumped, I immediately stepped back two steps, not wanting Gideon to find the pregnancy test result. “Come on! Let me see!” But the more I avoided, the more curious Gideon became, directly following up, holding me with one hand, reaching for the pregnancy test result in my hand with the other. In the next second, the pregnancy test result was already in his hand. “Give it back, you don’t deserve…” I hurriedly reached out to snatch it back, my mind full of thoughts about how Gideon doesn’t deserve to be this child’s father, and I don’t want my child’s father to be him either. But how could I win against him? Just as Gideon raised his hand to avoid my grab, about to open that pregnancy test result, seeing the child he’d been longing for about to appear before him, Gideon’s phone vibrated first. He just glanced at the phone, then tossed the unopened pregnancy test result back to me. “Mysterious, don’t look if you don’t want to.” Seeing the pregnancy test result tossed to the ground, the words “pregnancy test” glaringly obvious, I quickly ran over to pick it up. But in the next second, Gideon’s foot was already on top of it. He handed me his phone. “Help me pick a nice wedding photo, it’ll be made into a poster for the wedding day.” “Take your time choosing, I trust your taste.” I squatted on the ground, looking up at him, tears inevitably falling. “So, you have to get married, right?” Even knowing the answer, I couldn’t help but ask. I bit my lip, staring at Gideon, hoping for a different answer from him. Gideon moved his foot, walked to the front door, and opened it. Outside, at some point, it had started raining heavily. He glanced back at me, his eyes unreadable. “Why ask the same question again?” The rain poured down harder, splashing on the ground. I then heard Gideon say, “My wedding is the day after tomorrow. The marriage alliance with the Su family is my best choice, also the best choice for Gideon’s family.” “Don’t worry, if you stay with me, I won’t treat you badly!” — “My wedding is the day after tomorrow!” “Stay with me, I won’t treat you badly!” Gideon stepped aside and walked to the front door, opening it swiftly. Outside, it had begun to rain heavily at some point. He glanced back at me, his eyes dark and inscrutable: “Why ask the same question again?” The rain came down harder, splashing onto the ground. Then I heard Gideon say, “My wedding is the day after tomorrow. This marriage alliance with Lydia’s family is the best choice for both me and Gideon’s family.” “Don’t worry, if you stay with me, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of!” Chapter 3 “My wedding is the day after tomorrow!” “If you stay with me, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of!” Gideon’s words echoed in my ears, leaving me in shock. After he finished speaking, Gideon left with large strides. I picked up the pregnancy test report, holding it tightly to my chest, unable to contain my emotions. Maybe I should have realized earlier that in the eyes of a true wealthy family’s heir, only interest matters. And I was merely a tool to satisfy his needs. I should have known. At that moment, I suddenly remembered when I first got together with Gideon, people envied me, saying I had caught the eye of Gideon’s family’s heir. Even if we couldn’t stay together, there’d be plenty of money. Back then, I said, “I like him for who he is, for his genuine feelings towards me, not for the money.” But now… I was wrong; there were no genuine feelings. Only blatant arrogance. Listening to the roar of his sports car as he left, I realized he wasn’t afraid of losing me. The next day, dragging my suitcase that I’d packed overnight, I was about to go to the hospital for an abortion when a strikingly beautiful woman knocked on my door. When the woman saw me, she smiled gracefully, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, “Hello, I’m Gideon’s fiancée—Adeline, the eldest daughter of the Su family.” I caught my breath. Adeline walked directly up to me, looking me over with a flash of jealousy and disdain in her eyes. “So, you’re Cora, Gideon’s companion for three years, aren’t you? You’re certainly very beautiful.” Companion… A wave of shame washed over me. But Adeline’s next words took my breath away. “I heard you ended up in bed with him within a month of meeting?” “As a fellow woman, let me give you some advice: the easier something is to get, the less a man cherishes it. Gideon and I are childhood sweethearts; he’s never crossed the line. He said he wants to save my first time for marriage…” Hearing this, I clenched my hand, my fingertips digging into my palm. I pretended to be calm: “Miss Su, thank you for your concern. However, you might be mistaken. Gideon and I are boyfriend and girlfriend. It’s mutual consent, so it’s normal for us to have a relationship.” Adeline was taken aback, clearly not expecting a poor student like me to be so composed in front of a rich young lady like her. I looked at her, with her eyebrows similar to mine, and continued: “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going. I have other things to attend to.” “Wait!” Adeline called after me, pulling out a bank card and a property deed from her bag and handing them to me. “Gideon is eager for a child after learning about his family’s genetic disorder. I didn’t want to rush into it, so he chose this path.” “I don’t blame him. As a woman, I understand you too. It’s rare to find a wealthy bachelor, so I discussed it with Gideon’s mother.” “This is the compensation given to me as Gideon’s family’s young mistress, so please accept it.” My heart ached terribly. Did everyone think from the beginning that Gideon approached me just to use me as a surrogate? I was about to argue with her when a wave of nausea hit me, and I covered my mouth, retching, my body convulsing in discomfort. Adeline looked surprised and asked, “Is she pregnant?” But then she sneered. With a naïve and disdainful tone, she looked at me with a superior attitude. “How could that be? If you really were pregnant, someone like you, trying to climb up, wouldn’t stay silent. After all, that’s your ticket into a wealthy family.” “Even if you can’t marry into one, the scraps from a wealthy family are enough for ordinary people like you to live on for a lifetime.” Adeline’s voice was soft and sweet, like countless soft needles piercing into my heart. It stirred up wave after wave of empathy. My eyelashes trembled. I reached into my pocket and touched the pregnancy test report. I really wanted to throw it in her smug face. But then I thought, what’s the point? If word got out about a love triangle, it would seem like I still cared about Gideon. I calmed myself and gently brushed away Adeline’s hand, “No need. Even if I’m poor, I know money should be earned with a clear conscience.” Ignoring Adeline’s furrowed brows and displeasure. I turned and closed the door, placing the villa key in her hand. “Also, here’s the key. Please return it to Gideon for me.” With that, I stepped directly into the downpour without hesitation. The rain drenched me instantly. Behind me, Adeline’s hysterical shouts rang out: “Stop pretending. Weren’t you with Gideon for money? Why play hard to get with me?” “You poor people are just parasites, the scum of society. You just want to be bloodsuckers, feeding off wealthy families.” “Cora, you can’t leave! Did I say you could go?” “Come back! I order you to come back!” I heard her words, but I didn’t argue or debate. Instead, I walked forward in the rain with determination. I thought this would end with a peaceful breakup with Gideon, but they weren’t planning to let me go. “Ivy League Tech University female graduate student climbs into her thesis advisor’s bed to marry into a wealthy family for a smooth graduation” became a trending topic. Photos of me and Gideon entwined in the lab were posted online. His face was completely obscured, while I was fully exposed. The dean called me into his office. “I know you’re dating Gideon, but this has caused too much of a stir. The university has decided to expel you.” Chapter Four After leaving the university, my mind was numb as I somehow made it onto a bus, returning to the home I hadn’t seen in a long time. When I arrived home, the door was splashed with paint, with the words “Mistress, go die” written in large letters. I took out my key to open the door, only to be grabbed by my perpetually drunk dad. “Where’s the money? The breakup money? Give it to me!” He started to feel around my body, ignoring gender boundaries, and I shoved him away. “No! There’s no money!” “Gideon and I were in love and broke up peacefully. I didn’t ask him for money!” “Nonsense!” Another slap landed on my face. My dad pointed at my nose, yelling, “Bullshit! What kind of bullshit love? The internet says you got millions in breakup money. You’re trying to fool me!” “If not for money, why climb into his bed?” He stormed into the bedroom and grabbed a whip. I instinctively trembled, memories of being abused as a child flashing before my eyes. The whoosh of the whip, the unending pleas of pain, the agony of lacerations from the whip, and the ultimate torment of him rubbing salt into the wounds, making me feel like I couldn’t live or die. “Dad, don’t…” Watching him approach with the whip, I frantically pulled out the pregnancy test report and knelt down. “Dad, you can’t hit me. I’m pregnant with Gideon’s child…” He finally halted, paused, then snatched the pregnancy test report, and after reading it, kicked me in the shoulder. “Shameless, just like your mother who ran away!” “I heard Gideon has a low sperm count. How could the child be his? Tell me, which other man have you been fooling around with?” The more he spoke, the more agitated he became, and the whip was about to come down. “Today, I’m going to beat this disgraceful brat to death!” I pushed him away and got up, grabbing a fruit knife from the coffee table and pressing it to my neck. The blade cut into my neck, drawing blood. Grievance and anger filled me, and my hand shook uncontrollably, making it hard to control the pressure. “Fine! You want money, right? If I die now, you won’t get a cent!” Finally, my dad calmed down. He squinted and asked, “Is it really Gideon’s?” At this point, I could only nod. Instantly, my dad’s mood shifted, and he was all smiles, wanting to drag me to find Gideon, saying I was now Gideon’s family’s young mistress. “Stop!” “What do you want to do now?” I pressed the knife harder, causing more blood to seep out. I bitterly curled my lips, “I’ll go alone. If you come with me, it’ll just be a scene. Only if I go and play the victim will I get more money.” Hearing that I could get more money, he let me go. But I had no intention of finding Gideon. I took out my phone, checked the tickets, and planned to head to a new place to start over. To completely leave this oppressive environment. But as I was looking at the tickets, I felt eyes on me like needles. When I looked up, I noticed people passing by were giving me strange looks. At that moment, my phone rang. I opened Gideon’s social media account and saw he had posted an electronic invitation to his wedding with Adeline. He had publicly acknowledged our past and casually said, “Please don’t cyberbully Cora. She just likes me too much.” A wave of nausea surged from my stomach. I covered my mouth, overwhelmed by sadness and anger. Gideon did this, pretending to stand up for me. But! As I stared at the ticket, it felt as though curious glances were pricking at me. When I looked up, I realized that passersby were giving me odd looks. Just then, my phone rang. I opened Gideon’s social media account and saw he had posted the digital invitation for his wedding with Lydia. He casually acknowledged our past, saying, “Please don’t target Miss Cora online, she’s just overly fond of me.” A wave of nausea surged up from my stomach. I covered my mouth, feeling both grief and anger. Gideon’s words seemed like he was defending me. But! Wasn’t he just confirming that I was the other woman? I wiped at my throat, feeling the sting of pain, unsure if it was from my heart or an actual wound. With a trembling hand, I uploaded years of chat logs, photos of us together, and the gifts he gave me onto social media. “I’m Cora from the mistress scandal, but I’m not the mistress. Gideon and Lydia know very well who the real one is.” “When I found out Gideon was getting married, I was devastated. I thought our seven-year relationship was finally going somewhere. But Gideon told me he couldn’t give me a title and wouldn’t break off his engagement with Lydia.” “He wanted me to pretend nothing happened, to remain his compliant lover, while he and Lydia conquered the business world together.” “I refused and broke up with him. But to get rid of me, they painted me as a scheming graduate student willing to do anything to graduate. And what about Gideon? Isn’t he responsible for deceiving his student?” As my emotions ran high, blood trickled from my neck. I posted everything about my years with Gideon and what Lydia said to me online. I want everyone to see his true character. Chapter 5 After everything was said and done, my phone screen was stained with blood, but I felt a sense of relief. Finally, it was all out in the open. As soon as the statement was released, it went viral, and the internet was flooded with news about James and Emily’s families.

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I am an heiress from a once-prominent family that has now fallen on hard times. The marriage contracts with my two childhood friends are my family’s last hope. Even when they told me bluntly that their true love is Cora, the impoverished student my family once supported, and that they’d rather become monks than be without her, I kept myself in denial. I was willing to do anything to help my family. Then I attended a masked auction they never allowed me to go to. The final item was my private video. Trembling, I raised my hand and offered the only million I had, begging the wealthy attendees not to publicly humiliate me. But they just laughed. “This video was from a live stream. It cost just a penny to watch back then and ran for three days and nights. Didn’t you see enough, or did you miss it?” “Hey, if you like Fiona so much, make sure to come next week. Declan and Gideon said they’ll auction off Fiona’s wedding night. Even if you don’t win, you can still enjoy the live stream!” Holding back tears, I texted my father, heartbroken. “Dad, I’m not marrying into Declan’s or Gideon’s families. I want to marry Asher.” He replied almost instantly. “Asher’s family’s young master has been in a coma for three years and hasn’t woken up. Even if it’s an arranged marriage, I want you to have someone who will love you for the rest of your life. Are you sure you want to choose him?” … Before I could reply to my dad, the auctioneer tapped the microphone. “It seems we have a new friend here who doesn’t know how our auction works. The final item is actually just a game prepared by Declan and Gideon. Starting price is one cent, with each bid also one cent, capping at ten dollars.” “Old rules, inspect before delivery.” With a mocking look, he inserted a USB drive into the computer, and the big screen showed my flushed face and the devastated flower bud. Various toys had ravaged it beyond recognition. The men in attendance whistled and laughed lewdly. I could only bite my lip hard, letting the enormous shame crush me. The familiar hand in the video… The auctioneer looked pleased with everyone’s reactions and announced loudly: “This was personally orchestrated by Gideon, with Declan live streaming it as a gift to everyone. Although Miss Fiona is no longer a virgin, she’s definitely the cleanest. The highlight of the next auction will be Miss Fiona’s wedding night. We hope everyone will show their support!” It wasn’t until the USB drive was handed to me that I came to my senses. My face behind the mask was already wet. I had been kidnapped for three days back then. When Theo and Jasper found me, they were rarely gentle, saying one of them would take responsibility no matter what happened. It was a promise to me and Fiona’s family. Back then, despite the pain of losing my virginity, I still had a glimmer of hope to reach their true hearts. But in the end, it was all a show they directed themselves. The auction ended, and everyone stood up, chatting and laughing as they walked out. “Fiona’s family may be down, but a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Besides, Fiona is a stunner. Those two big shots are willing, huh?” “Come on, Declan and Gideon’s families marrying anyone is charity! I heard they favor a commoner girl and pamper her to the heavens. Otherwise, how could we get such a deal?” “I really like Fiona’s beautiful legs. Let me have a chance at the next auction, brothers!” “I’ve prepared a billion for this. This time, I’m determined to win!” I covered my mask and practically ran out. I fled into an empty alley, collapsing as I smashed the USB drive to pieces with my high heel. My father, seeing I hadn’t replied for a long time, called. “You’re getting married next week. Are you sure about not considering Declan’s or Gideon’s families?” “After all, you grew up with them, and I feel more at ease. Asher is, after all, a coma patient…” I opened my mouth but my throat felt blocked, unable to utter a word. After a while, I chuckled self-deprecatingly. I held back my emotions. A coma patient is better; Asher will never know about my shameful past. “Dad, since it’s all arranged marriages, Asher’s family will be the greatest help to us. I’ve made up my mind, you don’t need to persuade me anymore.” Since it’s all about bargaining with the devil, might as well negotiate with the strongest one! Seeing my determination, my father could only agree, saying he would arrange a meeting with Asher’s family. I wiped away my tears, resolutely tossing the mask into the trash. I stood up to choose a greeting gift for my visit to Asher’s family. After much thought, I decided to go to the temple Asher’s family often visits, intending to pray for three days and get a consecrated sandalwood bracelet for Asher. While I was focused on copying scriptures in the meditation room, a water bottle suddenly flew and hit my head.

It knocked the bracelet off the table. I held back my anger and turned around. There stood Theo, glaring coldly at me. “I’ve told you a thousand times, Cora might have been sponsored by your family for a few years, but she’s not your servant!” I immediately retorted with a cold face. “What did I do?” I hurriedly squatted to pick up the bracelet, but Jasper stepped on it along with my hand. “You made her work-study, taking up her valuable time, first ordering her to clean all your hundred pairs of shoes, and then making her help you copy scriptures. How dare you ask?” I cried out in pain, “I haven’t even seen her in the past two days. What nonsense are you talking about?” I tried to pull my hand away, but Jasper pressed down harder. His face was cold, and his eyes were filled with disappointment. “Theo, did you hear that? I told you, a vicious woman like Fiona would never admit it! You didn’t believe me.” Theo snorted coldly and brought Adeline out from the adjoining meditation room. Adeline’s face was still streaked with tears, and upon seeing me, her tears started falling again. She hesitantly tried to hide her hands in her sleeves. “Theo, Jasper, don’t blame the young lady. Cleaning her shoes and copying scriptures is my duty! Without the young lady’s generosity, I might never have touched a piano in my life. These are my debts to Fiona’s family!” Theo gently held her hands, soaked and bloodied from soap water, in his palms with pity. Then he shot a sharp glance at me. “For the little money your family sponsored, you expect Cora to be your slave for life?” “If I marry you to revive Fiona’s family, does that mean your family should be my slaves for generations?” I was numb to the injustice by now, a self-deprecating smile tugging at my lips. Over the years, Adeline had placed countless blames on me. She said I forced her to date a thug, threatened her with living expenses to serve me on her knees, and accused her of seducing the teacher out of jealousy for her piano talent… Such lowly tactics, yet they always worked. Adeline pretended to be strong as she wiped her tears and lightly tugged at Theo and Jasper’s sleeves, speaking on my behalf. “Don’t be angry, I’m already content with how things are now!” “It’s just that I really don’t have time to work outside, so I can’t buy good birthday gifts for the two of you. This is an extra scripture I copied in exchange for these at the temple.” She pulled out two wooden bracelets from her pocket and bravely placed them in Theo and Jasper’s hands. “They’re not as valuable as the young lady’s gift, but they’re a token of my appreciation for the care you’ve given me.” After saying that, she seemed to remember something, trembling and shrinking into Jasper’s embrace. “This is just something cheap, I absolutely don’t mean to compete with the young lady for Theo and Jasper’s affection! Please don’t misunderstand!” Jasper held her gently, comforting her, and carefully put on the bracelet as if it were a treasure. Theo caught a glimpse and teased, “Speaking of gifts, our birthdays are on the same day. We’re both about to marry Fiona, and she only prepared one bracelet. Looks like whoever she gives it to is who she’ll marry.” “Didn’t you say you’d become a monk if you married her? The temple gift won’t actually be for you, right?” The two tossed the marriage contract between them like a ball. I picked up my things with a cold face and walked away. Seeing I didn’t react with the expected blush or argue, they were both a bit surprised. Theo, unwilling to let it go, followed and grabbed the bracelet, looking as if he was making a noble sacrifice. “Fiona, stop tormenting Cora. I’ll accept it and marry you next week.” “But let me be clear, even if I marry you, Cora will still be the one I love most. Don’t ever think you deserve any different!” With that, he was about to put it on his wrist. I reached out desperately to grab it back, and my nails left a long red scratch on Theo’s arm. “This isn’t for you! Give it back!”

Theo scowled and shoved me hard. “You’ve really crossed the line this time. Don’t act like you’re something special!” “If it weren’t for that unfortunate arranged marriage from our childhood, we wouldn’t even give you a second glance!” Jasper’s expression was one of utter disgust, as if he had tasted something revolting. “The Declan’s family is willing to accept you, and that’s already generous. Don’t make me sick.” I fell to the ground, humiliated. Having my childhood friends treat me this way brought tears to my eyes. But this time, I refused to endure it any longer. I finally voiced my first words of defiance in years. “If not to you, then does it have to be him?” “I’m Fiona, not some trash waiting for you two to pick up!” Cora’s shoulders trembled as she tried to appear righteous. “Miss, who else do you want to give yourself to? Have you found someone new outside? Can you really do this to Theo and Jasper? Even I can see how good they are to you, you’re just going too far!” “If I were loved by two such outstanding men, I’d cherish it and not look at a third person—” I stood up, filled with anger, and interrupted her. “When did it become your place to lecture me?” I pulled open her loose collar, revealing the scattered red marks underneath. “You must be dreaming of marrying them, thinking that by getting into their bed, they’ll actually marry you? Living in my house for a few years and you’ve forgotten where you came from? Wake up, marrying into a wealthy family requires background too!” Adeline screamed, covering her clothes as tears immediately poured out. The two who had been watching the drama instantly changed their expressions. Jasper shielded her behind him, and Theo stepped forward, delivering a heavy slap to my face. I was knocked to the ground. He looked down at me, then patted my reddened cheek. “Where do you get the confidence to look down on Cora? Have you forgotten that not only did your family fall into decline, making you a second-generation failure, but you were also kidnapped for three days and lost your dignity?” “We didn’t hold it against you, that’s already saving you face. What right do you have to speak against Cora?” “Apologize!” With red eyes, I stubbornly lifted my head. “Why? Do you think I don’t know what happened during those three days?” But before I could finish, Jasper grabbed my hair and slammed my head against the ground repeatedly. He spoke each word forcefully: “We’re all girls here. What’s your intention in humiliating her like this?” I felt a warm flow on my forehead, and my vision turned crimson. Frightened, Adeline cried and hugged his arm. “Don’t do this for me, let’s go. If the Miss complains to Grandpa Gideon, you’ll get scolded again.” He clicked his tongue and finally let go. “Don’t think this is over!” After they left, I sat on the ground, dazed. It took a while to regain my senses and crawl back to the table to continue copying scriptures. I needed to copy without interruption for seventy-two hours to be sincere. I quietly copied for another day, and the whispers outside grew louder. “Hey, look, isn’t this her on the internet?” “Shameless! Looks decent ordinarily, but who knew she’d be into such wild stuff.” “Rich people have all sorts of quirks, maybe she’s addicted to that stuff, probably a public transport!” I forced myself to calm down, finishing the last copy of the Heart Sutra before checking my phone. Only then did I realize the video from the auction had been turned into photos and was all over the internet. Shortly after, Adeline sent several messages. [Don’t think marrying into the Declan’s family means you can overlook me, it’s just a useless red book. Even ancient emperors’ concubines spent their lives in cold palaces, let alone someone like you who’s only wanted because of a contract!] [Theo and Jasper love me, I won’t let you have either of them!] [Just a few tears from me and Theo and Jasper will teach you a lesson. Do you still think you’re some high and mighty Miss?] I stared at the latest trending topic, completely disheartened. [In a week, an explosive full video of a fallen two-word heiress from the capital circle will be released for free!]

Everyone around held their phones, pointing at me. Ridiculing eyes smothered me, I kept my head down, forcing myself to walk out. Just outside the temple, my father’s call came through. Hearing Dad’s voice, I couldn’t hold back my tears. “Dad, I didn’t… it was Theo and Jasper, what… what should I do!” Dad sighed deeply. “Have you finished copying the scriptures? Dad’s waiting at the foot of the mountain, don’t worry.” I ran down the mountain crying, opened the car door, and escaped inside. Only then did I see a dignified woman sitting in the back seat. “Fiona, I’m Asher’s mom, you can call me Auntie Asher.” Meeting Asher’s family for the first time, and my scandal was everywhere, tears froze on my face. She noticed my concern and comforted me. “I’ve already sent people to handle it, you’re the victim here. We’ve checked everything, don’t worry.” “Good child, let me take you to meet my son.” After staying with Asher’s family for a few days, the online trending topics were completely removed. I sat on the bed, phone buzzing incessantly. Theo’s voice was as piercing as the ringtone. “You’re quite capable, getting the Declan’s family’s trending topics removed. Few in the capital circle can do that. Did you stoop so low to seduce an old man?” “No wonder you’re into those Buddhist bead bracelets, only old men like that stuff. Fiona, calling you a bitch is actually treating you with respect now?” I didn’t respond, which made him think I knew something, and he stammered through explanations. Realizing I was still silent, Theo resignedly softened his tone. “Alright, I did release the photos, but you humiliated Cora before. I had to vent her anger.” “Jasper, don’t you agree?” A grunt came through on the line. “Yeah, Theo and I forgive you.” Theo took over the phone. “We both made mistakes in this. Can we each take a step back? The wedding on Sunday is all set. I’ll pick you up in the afternoon for the auction and get you some jewelry as a wedding gift.” “I’ll try to live well with you from now on, as long as you’re more accommodating to Cora, I’ll be good to you.” … In the evening, as they wished, I wore a gown to the auction. Everyone wore masks, making it hard to recognize each other. Only a woman in a butterfly mask was looking around. Clearly, it was Adeline. I snickered and turned away. The auction proceeded in an orderly fashion, the atmosphere growing more heated. Until the auctioneer called for the last time, bringing the scene to a boil. “Public humiliation!” “Add ten million, snatch the public humiliation!” “I’ll add too!” The wealthy raised their paddles as if they cost nothing. I watched their bidding with cold eyes. Finally, a pot-bellied middle-aged man won my wedding night for a billion. Theo and Jasper personally handed over a black and gold invitation. Theo’s hand gripped the invitation tightly, scanning the auction seats for a few seconds before reluctantly letting go. “After tomorrow’s wedding, with this invitation, someone will guide you to the room.” “Fiona’s wedding night is yours.” Suddenly, a solitary applause echoed. A gentle yet slightly cold voice resonated in the venue. “As expected of the famous Declan and Gideon families of the capital circle, jointly hosting a private auction. The auction items are indeed weighty.” The voice came from right beside me. The man slowly stood up, removed his mask, revealing an overly pale and sharply defined face. “I’m Asher, and Fiona’s wedding night being contracted out is news to me.” 5 The room fell silent immediately. I removed my mask and stood next to Asher. Theo’s face darkened as he ignored me and sneered. “Fiona, you’re lying without any preparation. Of all the people to impersonate, you chose a coma patient who’s been bedridden for three years?”

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That summer when I was 18, I found Tyler barely alive in a dirty alley. Twenty years later, in another summer, he wanted a divorce, abandoning me and our 12-year-old daughter. His idealized first love, Rachel, clung to his arm with a triumphant smile: “See? After all these years, he still chooses me without hesitation.” Heartbroken and disillusioned, I finally agreed to the divorce. I burned my wedding dress and threw away the ring he had chosen for me. I wished him and Rachel eternal happiness and true love. But later, he pinned me against the wall, our breaths intermingling, his eyes filled with regret as he said he had made a mistake. Many people said I, Lily, was lucky and blessed. I was an orphan who ended up with a good life and a great husband. My husband, Tyler, was considered by everyone to be an excellent man. As for me, I was just a barbecue stand owner, always smelling of smoke and grease. I was truly punching above my weight. I used to think I had hit the jackpot too. I remember that year when I was 18. My grandfather and I were closing up shop and heading home when we found a half-dead man in a filthy alley while taking out the trash. Grandpa, being kind-hearted, helped me bring him back home. The man had a gentle demeanor, his every gesture showing he wasn’t from our working-class background. But he had nowhere else to go. Later I found out he was actually the young master of the Tang family. His family had gone bankrupt, and he was being hunted by rivals. He had barely escaped to our neighborhood, where I happened to find him. Love often starts unexpectedly and grows deep. We let him stay, and mutual feelings developed between us. We got married and had a daughter, as if it was meant to be. I’m 38 now, no longer with the graceful figure and pretty face of my youth. He, on the other hand, has become more mature and charming. What comforts me is that I wasn’t wrong about him – he’s still as good to me as ever. Everyone says I have good judgment and luck, but only I know he has an idealized first love he could never have. One night, I heard him moaning in his sleep, his brows furrowed, his expression panicked. “Rachel, don’t leave me. I promise I’ll marry you…” My hand froze as I was about to cover him with a blanket. I immediately went online to search for that name. Rachel, the youngest daughter of the Ruan family, now a big celebrity. Beautiful and passionate, she was Tyler’s childhood sweetheart before the Tang family went bankrupt. When I came back to my senses, tears were already falling down my face. That year, our daughter was 3 years old. Daily chores had already left fine lines on my face. I gritted my teeth, struggling internally, but life had to go on. Perhaps their feelings had faded with time, just a lingering obsession from their youth. I tried to comfort myself. If only I hadn’t seen his unsent letters.

Grandpa was getting old, so I took over his barbecue business. In recent years, it’s been growing steadily, as if blessed by good fortune. With Tyler’s help, I used my savings to buy a storefront. Tyler would come help out when he had time. He started a small company, getting back into his old line of work, showing signs of making a comeback. One day I finished work early and returned home, unexpectedly seeing an unsealed envelope on his desk. The words inside were full of love for Rachel, the humble tone making my heart ache. “My beloved Rachel: How are you? I have so much I want to tell you, only words can express my love. Lately, I often fantasize about chasing the sunrise with you. I dreamed of that summer years ago…” “Just thinking of your name makes my heart surge like a tidal wave. My body may have been defiled, but my heart has always remained pure for you…” “I will definitely succeed, Rachel. Wait for me.” My heart felt like it was being squeezed, so sour I could barely breathe. Sorrow welled up, tears hanging at the corners of my eyes. I remembered when Luna had just started elementary school. She came home saying her language teacher had written many poems and love letters for her husband, and they were very loving. I looked at Tyler expectantly, but he just held me in his arms, saying our love didn’t need flowery words to decorate it. As long as I could see his true heart, that was enough. But now, the hundreds of envelopes in this study felt like slaps to my face. So it turns out Rachel was worth it, and I wasn’t. My legs went weak, and I slid down against the desk. Luna heard the noise and came to find me in the study, throwing herself into my arms: “Mom, what’s wrong?” “Mom, don’t cry. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have played on my phone in secret.” Luna had grown taller, her eyes looking just like her father’s. Luna wasn’t wrong. I was the one who was wrong. I was wrong to hold onto false hope, thinking I could keep him. I was wrong to overestimate myself. It turns out all these years of love were fake. So what were Luna and I to him?

I was silent for a long time. Tyler acted the same as before, coming to help at the store when I was busy. People who saw him would envy me, saying how lucky I was. In the past, I would have been overjoyed, happy for a long time. But now when I heard those words, they just sounded grating. One day he sent me a message saying a friend wanted to discuss using my store as a filming location. Unlike his usual one-word replies, his message seemed very excited. Before I could refuse, I saw a woman enter the store at night, surrounded by an entourage. She was dressed low-key but couldn’t hide her air of nobility. Afraid of being recognized, she wore a mask and hat, and brought several assistants and bodyguards. She covered her nose in disgust, looked around, and zeroed in on me. Then she carefully walked over. “It’s so dirty. My shoes have wool soles. One pair could buy your whole store.” I looked down at the floor. I had just finished cleaning, but they had tracked dirt in again. “So you’re Lily.” She looked me up and down, the contempt and disdain clear in her eyes. She only needed to give a look, and her assistant understood, handing me a contract and explaining their purpose. “I don’t agree.” “Didn’t Tyler tell you? Don’t be ungrateful!” She seemed surprised I would refuse her, giving me a disdainful look. My refusal didn’t matter anyway. Tyler had put up more than half the money for this barbecue restaurant. I knew I couldn’t refuse, but my heart was heavy, a bitter taste in my mouth. When we got married, Tyler promised me that I was his lifesaver, that he would never let me down or force me to do anything, that he would always stand by my side, and even… love me forever. Now I no longer dared hope for his love, but I still remembered his promises. Now he had agreed on my behalf, sending me a message telling me to be good and listen. He said this was a chance to make big money. How could I not know that? I tried to act like the lady of the house, but now it just seemed ridiculous. I was supposed to be Tyler’s wife. The assistant was already pressuring me to sign. I could only give in. The group came in a grand procession and left the same way. As they were leaving, I heard someone say: “What a dump. Poor Rachel having to film here.” It was actually very clean. I looked at the new footprints they had left, raising my hand to wipe away the tears on my face.

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