Author: Momo Chan

I was employed by a wealthy family as a scapegoat, under the pretense of a life-saving favor, to marry into the family. My wife, however, despises me for disrupting her plans to marry Phoebe. Despite her immense wealth, she gives me only five dollars a day for living expenses. I’m so hungry I’ve become gaunt, while she changes boyfriends frequently. Once, to amuse her young boyfriend, she drove drunk, crashing into the hospital’s power supply, causing my mother’s tragic death. Afterward, she casually handed me a Black Card: “You actually left your mom in that rundown hospital? Well, someone as greedy as you would do anything.” “Use this card to move Auntie to a VIP Ward, but don’t think about siphoning off any money. I’ll be checking your bills.” I silently discarded the Black Card and arranged my mother’s funeral. She doesn’t know that it was Phoebe who left her at the altar, and I was just hired by her family to console her. Now that my mother is gone, my debt is repaid. It’s time to leave. — “Lydia, the ceremony has started. Where are you?” At my mother’s funeral, Lydia’s mother, Vera, used my phone to call my wife, Lydia. But a man’s voice answered: “Auntie, Lydia went to bed late yesterday and hasn’t woken up yet. I’ll let her know when she does.” “How can she miss her mother-in-law’s funeral?” Vera yelled angrily and hung up the phone. “Jude, I’m sorry. I spoiled her.” She hates me deeply, and I never expected her to come, nor was I heartbroken over it. I handed the scapegoat contract I signed years ago to Vera and said calmly: “Mrs. Song, the seven-year term is up, and the marriage certificate with Lydia is fake. I want to…” Vera anticipated what I was going to say and interrupted, wiping away tears: “When Lydia found a Heart Match for your mom, I thought she would finally recover.” “I never expected that your mom wouldn’t make it…” “Jude, Lydia made mistakes, but the coroner determined that your mom’s death wasn’t due to a power outage. It was suicide.” “Can’t you give her another chance for finding a match for your mom?” Suicide? My mother wouldn’t leave without seeing me start a family. I knew it was just an excuse to absolve Lydia, and I didn’t bother to argue: “Thank you for your help back then, but now, Lydia doesn’t need me anymore. Can I leave?” Vera sighed and slipped a gold-embossed card into my hand: “Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t stop you.” “But it’s just seven days short of the original agreement. Give her some time to adjust.” Having endured seven years, seven days doesn’t matter. I pushed the card back: “You’ve given me enough. I can’t take this money.” Vera forced the card into my pocket, patting my hand earnestly: “If it weren’t for you taking the fall, Lydia and I would have been estranged long ago. This billion is just a token of my gratitude.” “Jude, Auntie asks you to keep our secret.” This was hush money. Knowing she’d be uneasy if I didn’t take it, I reluctantly accepted with a bitter smile. Back then, Lydia defied her family, threatening to die if she couldn’t marry Phoebe. But just before the wedding, Phoebe eloped with a wealthy woman overseas. Afraid of the blow Lydia would suffer, Vera hired me to play a role. She tampered with Lydia’s car, allowing me to marry in under the guise of a life-saving favor. At first, Lydia didn’t blame me. She even wrote a farewell letter to Phoebe and married me. When she learned I injured my hand saving her and could no longer hold a scalpel, she searched everywhere for renowned doctors and remedies. When all efforts failed, she cried in my arms, promising to give me children and a family. Those were happy days for a while. Until Phoebe’s cousin, Asher, appeared with evidence accusing me of orchestrating the car accident years ago. Lydia slammed the abortion papers in my face, speaking harsh words for the first time: “Jude, someone as unscrupulous as you doesn’t deserve to be my child’s father or have a family!” I clutched the papers, my heart aching as tears streamed down my face. That day, Lydia ended our child’s life with her own hands, and any bond between us was severed. All of this was orchestrated by Vera, but with my mother’s life in her hands, I couldn’t say a word. “Stop pretending! If you love acting, keep it up!” She was unmoved by my tears and knocked over the gourmet food on the table: “From now on, your food allowance is reduced to five dollars a day.” “Jude, you love money and aspire to rise above others, but I won’t let you have your way.” She walked away without looking back, hand in hand with Asher, who resembled Phoebe. Around her were people who only flattered her and belittled me. Once Lydia spoke, they disrupted all my work outside. Even when a beggar took pity on me and bought me a bun, they trampled it mercilessly. “This meat bun costs two dollars and fifty cents, half your daily allowance. You’re really extravagant.” They kicked a dog bowl towards me: “Here, leftovers from our dog. It’s cheap for you.” I once thought that life would just drift by until the agreement was lifted. But not long ago, Lydia told me they found a heart donor matching my mom: “I can give your mom the heart, but Asher said his cousin is plagued with bad luck and needs a sincere person to kneel three thousand steps for blessings.” Heart matches are extremely hard to find. She must have worked hard to get one. I thought the three thousand steps were just punishment for lying, that she still cared for me. But after I finished, she glared at me: “Jude, your heart isn’t sincere. He didn’t get good luck and instead got heart disease.” “This heart is his now. Kneel again and pray properly!” She only wanted to mock and retaliate against me. How ridiculous. I actually thought she had a bit of love for me. I stumbled to my feet, ready to kneel again. But a passerby couldn’t bear it and stopped me: “Your legs are so injured. If you kneel again, you’ll die!” Only then did Lydia see my knees, raw and bloody. She turned away, snorting coldly: “Forget it. Insincere hearts only have bad effects. Just eat vegetarian for a month and pray for him properly.” Vegetarian meals were much better than dog food. I even gained some weight after the punishment ended. As soon as I got down the mountain, I rushed to the hospital, intending to ask about the heart transplant, only to find out my mother had been moved to a small hospital. Before I could ask her why, I learned she had passed away. I wiped my mother’s photo over and over, my eyes empty, tears long dried. Lydia was right; I didn’t deserve a family, and now I truly had none. After I finished my work, Lydia’s call finally came, albeit late. “This child, only calling after it’s over.” “But at least she knows to apologize.” Vera mumbled, answered the call, and put it on speaker. Lydia’s cold voice followed: “It’s Asher’s mom’s birthday soon. Handle it.” Embarrassed by this slap in the face, Vera flew into a rage: “Lydia, he’s your husband, not your servant!” “His mom just passed. How can you make him handle someone else’s birthday party?” Lydia was confused: “Isn’t Auntie seriously ill? Where did she go?” I didn’t want any trouble with only a few days left before I could leave. “She went back home.” I vaguely changed the subject and took on the birthday party task. She didn’t ask further, satisfied with my compliance: “Smart choice.” “Once Auntie’s health improves, I’ll throw her a birthday party, let her have her moment.” She didn’t know my mom was already dead. In seven days, I’d be gone, and there would be no future between us. 2 When I was about to go home, Lydia gave me an address and told me to go there. I thought she wanted to discuss the birthday party. But when I opened the door to the private room, all I got was a cold drink from Lydia: “I wondered why you agreed so quickly to handle the birthday. Turns out you took my mom’s money.” “Jude, seven years, and I thought you’d learned, but you’re still a dog that can’t change its ways!” Asher handed me a tissue, pretending to be a mediator. “Sorry, Jude, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have spoken about it earlier, causing you and Lydia to fight.” Then he tugged Lydia’s sleeve, pretending to slap himself a few times, eyes red: “Lydia, don’t scold Jude. It’s my fault. Blame me if you must.” But Lydia held his hand, rubbing his unhurt face with concern: “Don’t hit yourself. I care about you.” “Besides, you did nothing wrong. If not for you, I wouldn’t have known Jude dared to ask my mom for money.” “Tell me, baby, what reward do you want?” Asher propped his chin, deep in thought: “You’ve already bought me a Lamborghini, given me a lakeside villa.” “Regular gourmet food, endless gifts. Last time, I just mentioned wanting lobster, and you bought it and even peeled it for me.” “And the time before, at that auction, I liked a watch worth thirty million. You bought it without blinking and released all the sky lanterns just for me. You’ve spoiled me rotten; my material desires are incredibly low…” “Tell me, darling, what reward do you want?” Asher rested his chin in his hand, thinking deeply: “You’ve already bought me a Lamborghini and gifted me a Lakeside Villa.” “We enjoy gourmet food regularly, and the gifts never seem to stop. Last time, I casually mentioned wanting lobster, and you immediately bought it and even peeled it for me.” “And the time before that, at an auction, I took a liking to a watch worth thirty million. You purchased it without a second thought and even lit sky lanterns for me. You’ve indulged me so much that my material desires have become almost nonexistent…” Asher recounted Lydia’s generosity over the years, and the more he spoke, the colder my heart grew. While I spent decades eating unappetizing meals and living in a dark, damp servant’s room with cockroaches and rats, Asher lived a life of luxury and comfort. Driving luxury cars, residing in mansions, enjoying gourmet food daily, being served shrimp peeled by Lydia, and receiving various gifts from her. And yet, as Lydia’s husband, the most indulgent meal I’ve had in these seven years was vegetarian, and the best place I’ve stayed was a temple. Indeed, without comparison, there is no disappointment… Just then, my thoughts were interrupted by Asher’s words: “Sister Lydia, I know what reward I want! I want to eat an egg yolk pastry from that place we often visit in the east of the city!” He emphasized “often visit,” frequently glancing at me with a provocative and boastful look. I pretended not to notice. Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to Asher’s provocations. While I was lost in thought, Asher sighed and spoke to himself: “It’s such a shame it’s so far, 30 kilometers away. Maybe I should just forget it…” Asher’s deliberately forlorn act made Lydia feel quite sorry for him. In the private room, one of Lydia’s girlfriends suddenly suggested: “Let Jude go get it!” “Yeah, he’s got nothing else to do anyway! Plus, it’s his fault in the first place; this could be a way to punish him for deliberately asking Auntie for money!” Lydia paused for a moment, then nodded slightly in agreement: “That’s actually a good idea.” She turned her head, glanced at me indifferently, her voice ice-cold. “What are you standing there for? Didn’t you hear that Asher is craving egg yolk pastry? Go buy it!” Asher immediately put on a facade of goodwill, came to me and said insincerely: “Brother Jude, 30 kilometers is quite a way. You don’t have a car, right? I can lend you one.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bunch of car keys—Cayenne, Maybach, even a Rolls-Royce Phantom. All kinds of luxury car keys, you name it. Asher dangled the car keys in front of me, eyes gleaming with pride: “Brother Jude, pick whichever one you want to drive.” I knew he was deliberately flaunting, taking the opportunity to provoke me. However, before I could respond, Lydia snatched the keys away, her voice cold: “Do you think you’re worthy of driving?” “Just walk there step by step, it’s only 30 kilometers. Consider it exercise. Are you afraid of a little walk?” I didn’t react as I used to, shouting and resisting. I just nodded silently, accepting it all with calmness and composure. In the beginning, when Lydia deliberately tormented me, I resisted. But it only brought more severe torment. Since the outcome is already decided, why waste my breath and effort? Lydia’s words made her girlfriends’ eyes widen, and they laughed uproariously: “Lydia, you’re really clever.” “Don’t worry, we’ll keep an eye on him for you.” Lydia didn’t expect me to agree so readily. The words she had prepared to counter me got stuck in her throat. She stared at me for a while, feeling that I seemed different these past couple of days. In the past, every time she punished me, I would argue forcefully, accusing her of being unreasonable. But today, I seemed soulless, unusually quiet. But soon she convinced herself that I was using reverse psychology, trying to get her attention. She raised an eyebrow, quickly covering the surprise in her eyes with a cold demeanor, and snorted: “Seven years and you still haven’t learned. You guys must have been too lenient.” “This time, I’ll watch him myself.” Under the scorching sun, I limped along, with Lydia’s car following behind. The fierce sun beat down on the earth, my back soaked with sweat, and large drops of sweat fell like broken strings of beads. Occasionally, a few drops fell into my eyes, stinging painfully. Every time I wanted to stop and wipe my sweat, the car behind would honk sharply, accompanied by the cold ridicule of Lydia’s girlfriends. “Jude, didn’t you eat? Walk faster!” “Yeah, you’re so slow; are you trying to starve Asher?” And Lydia watched coldly the entire time, never intending to speak up for me. I could only endure the pain, dragging my heavy steps forward… We passed through bustling streets and entered a small alley. Suddenly, the car behind stopped. Lydia looked at me, drenched in sweat, and said coldly: “Stay there and wait. Asher wants to eat street skewers. We’ll leave after we’re done.” I didn’t know what else Lydia had in mind, but I obediently stood aside, took out a tissue, and wiped my sweat. Lydia and her friends laughed and joked, walking together toward the street vendors. As I watched their joyous departure, I couldn’t help but lower my gaze, lost in thought. I vaguely remembered when Lydia and I weren’t on bad terms, I also wanted to eat street barbecue. But she pulled me away, frowning in disdain: “Jude, the son-in-law of the Song family eating street food? It’s too embarrassing if it gets out. Don’t tarnish the Song family!” So I had to compromise and give up on eating street barbecue. After that, to be a good son-in-law for the Song family and not embarrass them, I had to attend classes every day to learn Western dining etiquette. But when it came to Asher, he didn’t know how to use a knife and fork for steak. Lydia not only got him chopsticks but also complained to the restaurant, demanding that they provide chopsticks at every table. Now, dressed in tens of thousands of dollars worth of high-end custom clothes, she stood in a place swarming with flies, eating junk food fed by Asher, smiling tenderly and indulgently. Turns out, she could be so down-to-earth. Turns out, she could eat street food, just not with me. The sun was blazing overhead, and my knees had long gone numb from the pain. I felt dizzy, and then everything went black as I lost consciousness. 3 When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital, surrounded by the pungent smell of disinfectant. My pant legs were rolled up, my knee had been treated and bandaged. Lydia sat by the bed, scooped a spoonful of bird’s nest soup, blew on it to cool it, and brought it to my mouth, complaining: “The doctor said you fainted from malnutrition. You’re so stubborn. I punished you by making you eat vegetarian; couldn’t you secretly eat something good? Your health is this poor.” “As for the card issue, mom told me it was for your mom’s medical expenses. I checked your account; you haven’t spent anything.” “Don’t you have a mouth? Why didn’t you explain it to me?” “And about your knee injury, why is it getting worse…” I raised an eyebrow at her, finding it ironic. Wasn’t it her who told Asher to make me kneel for an hour every day? Now she asks why the injury is worsening? This woman is really fickle. As for explaining… Haven’t I explained enough over the years? Back when Lydia wanted to torment me, she reduced my living expenses to 150 a month, only allowing me to spend five a day. Vera couldn’t stand it and often secretly gave me money for extra meals. But when Lydia found out, she was furious. She said I was deliberately angering her because I was eating so well despite her rules. I tried to explain to Lydia, but she never gave me the chance, locking me in the storage room despite my claustrophobia, cutting off my food and water for a week, forcing me to write self-reflections and think over my actions. There were several past conflicts with Asher, where Lydia blatantly sided with him. Asher claimed I deliberately caused a car accident to drive away Wenyan, and Lydia believed it. To punish me, she aborted our child despite my protests, saying a malicious schemer like me didn’t deserve to have a child, didn’t deserve a family. And when Asher tried to drive me away by faking a drowning incident in front of Lydia, he later framed me for pushing him. I repeatedly explained to Lydia, swore it wasn’t me, but she accused me of trying to justify myself, ordering people to dunk me in the cold sea for three hours, saying all the pain Asher suffered had to be inflicted on me until I passed out… All these years, Lydia never believed me, not once. She trusted Asher enough to share the safe’s password but always assumed the worst about me, her husband. Seeing me silent, Lydia thought I was still worried about my mom’s illness. She sighed: “Jude, don’t worry too much about your mom’s illness. I’m still looking for a heart match. I’ll make sure Auntie recovers.” I lowered my gaze, clenching my fist, feeling a pang of bitterness. But… My mom’s gone. She doesn’t need a heart anymore. I was about to speak about my mom. Lydia looked up at me and tentatively said: “By the way, the traffic police issued a notice. Asher’s drunk driving might lead to his license being revoked.” Seeing my silence, Lydia assumed I was still concerned about my mother’s illness. She sighed: “Jude, you shouldn’t worry too much about your mother’s condition. I’m still searching for a heart; I promise to help Auntie get better.” I lowered my gaze, clenching my fists as a wave of bitterness washed over me. But… My mom is gone, and she no longer needs a heart. I was about to mention my mom when Lydia glanced at me again and cautiously spoke: “By the way, the traffic police have issued a notice. It seems Asher might have his driver’s license revoked for drunk driving.” “Jude, you know Asher worked hard for three years to get that driver’s license. He can’t afford to have it revoked.” “Anyway, you have a driver’s license but no car. Why don’t you take the blame for him? If you agree, I can give you 300,000 as compensation.” 300,000? I found it incredibly amusing, and a chill ran through me. One of Asher’s ties costs 3 million. After seven years of marriage, am I worth less than one of Asher’s ties? I must have lived too poorly. Besides, it was because of this car accident that my mom died. And Lydia wants me to take the fall for Asher, the main culprit? My gaze turned cold as I pushed away the porridge Lydia offered: “I refuse. I won’t help with this, so give up.” After I rejected her, a cold glint flashed in Lydia’s eyes. “Jude, why won’t you help? Are you deliberately targeting Asher?” “Besides, it’s just taking the blame, and I’m even offering you money. Is it really that big of a deal?” “Or… do you think 300,000 isn’t enough?” Listening to Lydia’s absurd reasoning left me speechless. But my silence seemed to Lydia like an agreement. Her gaze grew even colder, with a hint of disdain, as if she had seen through my intentions. “Jude, I thought you had learned your lesson, but you still can’t change your greedy nature!” “In the end, it’s all about money. I guess you’re just obsessed with it!” After scolding me, Lydia raised her chin, acting like she was doing me a favor. “Tell me, how much do you want to agree to take the blame?” So, this is how Lydia thinks of me? After seven years of marriage, no matter how sincerely I treated her, even if I was willing to eat dog food for her, even if I acted as a scapegoat to help her move on from a breakup, even if I tolerated her tantrums and unreasonable behavior. No matter how much I did, I couldn’t warm her heart. When facing me, her heart remained as cold and hard as ice. In her eyes, I was just a greedy, malicious, calculating person. She thought I was only with her for the money. But she didn’t consider that if I were truly after money, I would have left as soon as she moved on from her shadow. Instead of staying with her year after year… Suddenly, it felt like a heavy stone pressed on my chest, and I felt exhausted. Perhaps two incompatible people shouldn’t be together. Maybe our marriage was a mistake from the start. I exhaled deeply, looked at Lydia, and spoke calmly: “Lydia, let’s break up.” 4 Lydia was waiting to negotiate a price with me. Hearing my words, she was suddenly stunned: “Break up? What do you mean by that?” I replied to her indifferently: “You said I was after your money, right?” “Anyway, you’ve been tired of me for a long time. We might as well separate, so I won’t be in your way.” Lydia thought I was being petty, mocking: “Back then, you insisted on marrying into my family, and now you’re using a breakup to make me compromise?” “If you’re so bold, why don’t you dare to propose a divorce?” She slammed the bowl on the table heavily, and the spilled bird’s nest soup instantly scalded my hand, causing me to gasp in pain. Hearing my pained cry, Lydia paused for a moment. But soon, she thought I was just trying to gain sympathy and left angrily. Watching her resolute back, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile. Lydia didn’t know that I wasn’t asking for a divorce, not because I didn’t dare, but because our marriage was a sham from the start. But since I’m leaving soon, there’s nothing left to explain. I drifted into a heavy sleep. When I woke up again, Asher came with gifts to see me, speaking coldly: “I heard Lydia offered 3 million for you to take the blame for me? She really loves me, huh.” I closed my eyes, not bothering to respond. He chuckled: “But I didn’t expect someone as greedy as you to refuse?” “The bond between you and your mom is enviably strong.” Seeing me silent, Asher leaned closer, speaking with a sinister tone: “Jude, you still don’t know, do you? Your mom transferred hospitals because of you.” Hearing him mention my mom, I looked at him sharply. “What do you mean?” Asher shrugged nonchalantly: “I just said a few words to your mom, and she immediately agreed to transfer hospitals.” I was even more confused, a bad feeling rising in my heart: “My mom wouldn’t listen to you. What did you do?” Asher, as if nothing happened, continued smiling: “Nothing much, I just showed her the video of you being punished and eating from a dog bowl.” “I told her you were living so miserably because of her. If she truly cared for you, she should end her life immediately and stop burdening you.” “Your mom immediately agreed to the transfer and even planned to end her life when the power went out as a signal.” “Jude, to give you freedom, she suffocated herself with her own hands. Your mom went to such lengths for you, yet you’re still clinging to Lydia like a leech?” A surge of anger rushed through me, and I couldn’t hold back any longer. I pulled out the needle and got out of bed, slapping him across the face: “So it was you who drove my mom to her death! You murderer!” Asher bit his cheek without a care, pulling out his phone to play a video, smirking: “Jude, don’t accuse me of murder. Your mom did commit suicide.” “To avoid being implicated, I set up a camera at the hospital to record everything. This video is the best evidence.” The video showed the entire process of my mom’s suicide. Tears streaming down her face, she suffocated herself. Before her last breath, instinct made her struggle painfully. But for my freedom, she wouldn’t let go, pressing on her nose and mouth until her pupils dilated, and she stopped breathing entirely. By the end of the video, I was already in tears, my heart aching to the point of suffocation. Asher didn’t miss a chance to provoke me: “I just said it casually, but your mom actually took it seriously!” “What a great mother’s love. I’m moved to tears!” “Asher, you beast, I’ll kill you!” In a fit of rage, I rushed forward, grabbing his collar, ready to land another punch. Just then, a clear, cold female voice called out from behind. “Stop!” 5 Before I could react, Lydia came over with a lunch box, quickly stepping between us. She pushed me away, shielding Asher as if afraid he might get hurt. “Jude, who allowed you to bully Asher!” “Asher came to see you out of kindness, but you hit him. Do you think that’s acceptable? Let me tell you, if anything happens to Asher, I won’t let you off!” I, exhausted, crashed into the edge of the bed and fell to the ground. Lydia, however, was busy caring for Asher, not even sparing me a glance, convinced I was faking it. “Had the strength to hit someone earlier, and now you can’t stand up? Who would believe that!” “Jude, your acting is too poor. Next time, have a plan before you lie.” Asher clung to Lydia’s clothes, covering his face and sobbing: “Sister Lydia, don’t blame Brother Jude, it’s all my fault.” “It’s because I look too much like my cousin. Brother Jude has always been jealous of your past relationship, so he hates me because I look so much like him.” “If that’s the case, I’ll avoid Brother Jude from now on…” I struggled to my feet, trying to explain: “Lydia, do you know my mom was killed by him…” Before I could finish, Asher sniffled, deliberately showing the red handprint on his face to Lydia. Seeing the fresh slap mark on Asher’s face, Lydia’s eyes reddened with heartache, and she slapped me, cutting off my words: “Jude! You drove Asher away back then, and now you’re so jealous you can’t even tolerate his cousin!” “Not only that, but you also dared to use your sick mother as an excuse?” Furious, she grabbed my hand, forcing me to slap my own face: “You like slapping people, don’t you?” “Then kneel here and don’t leave until you’ve slapped yourself a thousand times!” She left with Asher, shouting for a doctor as if Asher had some terrible illness. But she didn’t let me off easy, leaving behind two rows of strong men to watch me. If I didn’t slap myself or hit softly, they would do it, slapping my face hard. The crisp slapping sounds echoed continuously in the ward… When my cheeks were swollen and raw, Vera finally arrived, a trace of pity in her eyes. “Stop, don’t hit him anymore!” But the leader raised a hand to stop her: “Ma’am, these are Miss’s orders, please don’t make it difficult for us.” “Lydia! Are you crazy?” Vera anxiously called Lydia, but the line was busy. But she didn’t go easy on me either. She left two rows of strong men to watch over me. If I didn’t hit myself hard enough, they would step in, swinging their arms and slapping my face with harsh brutality. The sharp sound of slaps echoed continuously in the Ward… When both sides of my face were swollen and bleeding, Vera finally arrived, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. “Stop, that’s enough!” But the leader raised his hand to stop her: “Madam, these are Miss’s orders. Please don’t make it difficult for us.” “Lydia! Have you lost your mind?” Vera anxiously called Lydia, but the line was busy. Not until my cheeks were a bloody mess and a thousand slaps were done did the Bodyguards leave. In a detached manner, I raised my hand. Just as it was about to strike my face, Vera caught my hand, her voice choked with emotion: “Don’t wait the seven days, child. Leave today.” “The Helicopter is waiting on the Hospital rooftop. Pack your things and take your mom away. Never come back.” She carefully handed me my mother’s Urn and photograph. Looking at my mother’s kind face. My heart ached unbearably, as if encased in wet cotton. When she was alive, my mother would mend my clothes when they tore, patiently listen to my complaints, and make me my favorite Pickled Cabbage Pie when I lost my appetite. Just one bite of Pickled Cabbage Pie could chase away a whole day’s fatigue, providing comfort and warmth, filling me with energy and determination. In front of her, I was always a child and could forever remain one. But now, my mother is gone. My last family member in the world is gone too. From now on, no one will patiently listen to my troubles and complaints, tolerate me unconditionally, or endure my little tantrums. The saddest part is, my mother sought death just to trade for my freedom. But mother, you were never a burden. You were my reason to live, my hope in life. Without you, my life is only darkness, with no light at all… Thinking of this, I couldn’t hold back anymore and cried out loud, holding my mother’s Urn. After being discharged, I took my mother’s Urn home, going straight to the small servant’s room in the corner. Opening the door, I started to pack. Vera, who came along, was shocked to see the moldy walls, the blackened, rotten Bed, and the rats and cockroaches running around. “Child, you… lived here?” I nodded, managing a weak, bitter smile. “Mom, no, I should call you Auntie now.” “Auntie, having a place to stay that’s sheltered from the wind and rain is already good. Many times, Lydia punished me by making me kneel outside overnight.” “Usually, I’d kneel the whole night. The Bodyguards watched. If I tried to get up, they’d press me down…” I won’t forget how sharp stones pierced my knees with excruciating pain, leaving permanent damage, making me limp at times, with my knees aching after too much walking. Hearing this, Vera’s eyes turned red. She looked at me with sympathy and heartache, wanting to say something but finally staying silent. She knew, without her, I wouldn’t suffer so much. My misery was tied to her. Vera stood there, heartbroken and helpless, watching me. I kept packing. I didn’t have much, just some washed-out clothes, a few documents, and my mom’s Urn, barely filling a small suitcase, even less than what I brought when I married in. After marriage, Lydia and I once had sweet, happy times. At our most loving, Lydia bought me new clothes and many imported trinkets to make me happy. Knowing I liked Lily of the Valley, she set aside garden space for me to plant them. But everything changed when Asher appeared. Lydia believed Asher’s accusations, thinking I drove Phoebe away. She was so angry that she took back her love overnight, reclaiming clothes, shoes, and trinkets for Asher, even replacing the garden flowers with Asher’s favorite Violets. Whether to spite me or because Asher’s resemblance to Phoebe moved her, Lydia favored Asher more and more, even spoiling him endlessly. Our sweet photos were burned to ashes as my heart died for her. After packing, I said goodbye to Vera, then deleted Lydia’s contact information from my Phone. After doing all this, I got on the Helicopter Vera provided, leaving without looking back. Lydia, you find me annoying, and don’t want to see me anymore. Well, neither do I. I’ve been with you for seven years. I owe you nothing now. For the rest of our lives, may we never meet again. … Lydia partied and drank for three days before she realized that the husband who used to endlessly text her “good morning” and “good night,” call her to come home, and regularly send food hadn’t contacted her in a while. She went to the Hospital, asking the Nurse, only to find out her husband had been discharged three days ago. Lydia frowned in displeasure, muttering: “Jude, why didn’t you tell me when you were discharged?” She drove home but found it empty again. Frustrated, Lydia messaged Jude. [Jude, where are you now?] This was the first time in their marriage she had messaged him. She expected Jude to reply instantly as always. But instead of a quick reply, she got a red exclamation mark. Lydia was stunned, shock all over her face. She never thought Jude would delete her! She assumed Jude was still sulking and muttered in annoyance: “Alright, Jude, you dare delete me? Wait till I find you, I’ll make you pay!” Just as she was about to turn off her Phone, Lydia remembered the 99 missed calls from her mother. She thought Jude had complained to her mother and angrily drove to the Old Mansion. “Alright, hiding at the Old Mansion, are you? Just wait!” She drove to the Old Mansion, ready to knock, but heard Asher’s mocking voice at the door: “Auntie, it was my cousin who abandoned Lydia and ran, why be so hostile to me?” “Now, Jude’s mom is dead too. He won’t be back after leaving. I’m your future son-in-law, we should get along.” “After all, I kindly kept your secret about orchestrating the Car Accident to force Jude into marriage from Lydia!” About to knock, Lydia froze, her face turning pale as she heard these words. Her Phone dropped to the ground. 7 “Asher, are you threatening me?” Vera’s voice was filled with anger. “How would I dare? I’m just speaking the truth. Can you deny that what I said isn’t true?” Vera fell silent. Song Zhaoning, standing at the door, felt a chill run through her body. At first, she thought there might be some misunderstanding.

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I was with Asher for five years, yet I wasn’t even officially his girlfriend. That night, once again, he was with me until I lost consciousness. Half-awake, I found an engagement ring in the drawer and thought our relationship finally had a future. I vaguely heard him on the phone with his friend Declan, “How’s the proposal setup coming along?” I was thrilled. But in the next moment, Asher sneered, “Her? She’s worn out. If I weren’t worried about hurting Adeline on our wedding night, she wouldn’t even be in my bed.” That’s when I realized I was just a stepping stone for my sister. My mind went blank, yet I kept recalling the times with Asher. Because he liked excitement, I had to be with him in the park, in the car, even in the cinema. Initially, I refused, but Asher always said that after this, he’d come to my house to propose. Until tonight, when I was drugged and accidentally discovered his true intentions. He did plan to propose, just not to me. I held my breath and continued eavesdropping on the call, though it was unclear. All I heard was Asher’s mocking voice, “A nanny’s child can only ever serve. If Adeline wants, let her take care of us. It’s not a bad deal.” I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. Five years, and in the end, I’m only fit to be Asher’s caregiver. My mother was originally a nanny for the Williams Family. My father mistook her for someone else when he was drunk, and that’s how I came to be. My mother left in a hurry, but when she discovered she was pregnant, she couldn’t bring herself to abort me. After giving birth, she sent me back to the Williams Family. If my grandmother hadn’t taken me in, I might have died with my mother. Later, when my grandmother passed away, the lady of the house always gave me a hard time. That’s when Asher appeared; he’d sneak food from home for me, “Cora, eat slowly, no one’s going to take it from you.” He’d also promise firmly, “I’ll protect you in the future.” The call ended, and I pretended to sleep while Asher tucked me in. I started to wonder, did he ever have any real feelings for me? The next morning, I returned home. That afternoon, I saw Asher dressed formally at the Williams Family’s place. He rarely dressed so formally; the suit made him look even more handsome. Asher took out the gemstone necklace I had always wanted. Sunlight made it sparkle. I had begged him for a long time, but he never bought it for me. I hid behind the wall, like a mouse afraid of the light. Asher performed a courteous bow, “Miss Williams, would you honor me as my dance partner at tomorrow night’s gala?” Adeline gave a shy smile and accepted the necklace, “Mr. Johnson, you must know, I never partner with anyone unless he’s my future husband.” Nanny Taylor chimed in, “Yes, our Miss Williams is very self-respecting, unlike the second Miss who is out carousing every day.” With that, Nanny Taylor’s eyes locked on me, watching from afar. But Asher didn’t spare me a glance. His voice trembled, “Adeline, if you’re willing, I’ll propose to you at the gala tomorrow.” I had never seen Asher this nervous. Adeline, face full of shyness, said, “Mr. Johnson is now the heir of Johnson Corp. How could I refuse? But this isn’t my decision alone. If Mr. Johnson is sincere, he should ask my father first.” I didn’t understand. Before, when Adeline talked about Asher, she said, “That Asher, though young, has a stubborn streak. I prefer his uncle, who’s only a few years older, with a magnetic voice and gentle nature.” But now that Asher is the heir, she’s changed her tune. Adeline looked back at me, eyes full of arrogance and pride. I could only stand there, letting my nails dig into my palms. When Asher left, my phone vibrated slightly. It was a message from him.

“Tonight, the usual place.” Asher wanted me to go to him again tonight. He just said he’d propose to my sister, yet wanted to sneak around with me. Fine, it’s time to end this. As soon as I entered, I saw Asher’s robe half-open, approaching me. “Cora, you’re back.” I stepped back, looking up coldly at him. Asher still pinned me against the wall, nails teasing my chin, “Angry?” I turned away, “Don’t touch me.” “Tomorrow’s gala is important. Cora, your status isn’t suitable to attend. What’s wrong with inviting your sister as my dance partner?” “Besides being a dance partner, what about the proposal? Did you think I didn’t hear? Asher, what do you think of me?” I pushed Asher with all my might, causing him to stagger. Seeing my resistance only excited him more. He lifted my hands, pinning them to the wall. “Cora, after all these years, you really don’t know what you mean to me?” His other hand roamed my body. I frowned, tears falling from my eyes. For five years, I was just Asher’s tool to satisfy his desires. Seeing me cry, Asher didn’t force me further. He released my hands, speaking gently to console me. “Cora, I’m now the heir. Marrying your sister is more appropriate. You can still stay here; Adeline won’t trouble you.” “If you find it lonely, I can give you a child.” I laughed. He knew I was illegitimate, yet he wanted my child to be his too. I looked at Asher with disappointment, “All these years, was it all for nothing? Have you ever loved me?” Asher wiped my tears with his hand but said nothing. He didn’t give me an answer. Feeling deflated, I said, “Let me go.” Asher blocked the door with his body, “Cora, recognize your status. You know how I’ve treated you. This is the best solution I can think of.” I pushed him away, “Recognize my status? Don’t forget, you came to me first. You said you’d protect me, take care of me. Why didn’t you tell me to recognize my status then?” My words angered Asher. Usually, I would appease him, but today, he was already being patient with me. His eyes turned cold, “Cora, I advise you to stay by my side.” But I opened the door, “Asher, let’s end this.” Asher sneered, “Cora, who else would want you after I’ve worn you out?” “You’re just a nanny’s child, daring to think you can be my wife? You’re not even comparable to Adeline!” I didn’t reply, just walked out and slammed the door behind me. Asher was furious, he opened the door and shouted, “Cora, if you have guts, don’t come back!” I returned to the home that didn’t welcome me, heartbroken. I locked myself in my room, crying softly through the night. The next morning, there was a light knock at the door.

“Miss Cora, Mr. Williams said you should attend tonight’s gala too.” It was Nanny Taylor. I didn’t need to think to know it was Adeline’s idea to embarrass me. I found a dress in the closet, a gift from grandmother before she passed. She said she wouldn’t see me grow up, so this dress would witness it for her. Now, I finally had the chance to wear it, to witness my former love’s proposal. The dress was a gentle green, making me appear more refined. The hall was brightly lit, filled with guests. Asher and Adeline stood in the center, a perfect couple. Suddenly, Asher took out the engagement ring, kneeling on one knee. “Adeline, will you marry me?” Adeline covered her mouth, tears of joy streaming down, “Asher, I will!” Guests applauded, congratulating them, while I stood in the shadows, expressionless. They laughed brightly, as if I never existed. But some busybody noticed me. “Tsk, isn’t that the second Miss Williams? I heard Mr. Williams doesn’t like her. After all, she’s just an illegitimate child.” “Exactly, it’s Miss Williams’ day. Why is she here?” Just then, a gentle voice came. “Come, have a drink with me.” I looked up to see Gideon, the gentle uncle Adeline mentioned, standing not far away. He wore a well-tailored gray suit, holding a glass of red wine, looking at me with dark eyes. Gideon smiled slightly, taking a few steps closer, “What, don’t even have the courage for a drink?” I took the champagne he offered, lightly clinking glasses. I tilted my head back, downing the drink, feeling the burn in my throat. Gideon’s eyes flashed with admiration, “Interesting.” Adeline noticed the commotion, taking Asher’s arm and walking over. She wore a shy yet proud smile, but her eyes were full of deliberate disdain. She looked me over, smirking, “Sister, your dress is unique. But isn’t that the old dress grandmother left you? How pitiful, not even having a proper gown.” Asher stood by her side, expression cold. Adeline clung to his arm, playfully shaking it, “Asher, don’t you think so?” Asher’s eyes darkened, gently holding Adeline’s hand, looking at her with warmth and affection, “Yes, Adeline is right. She doesn’t belong here.” She wore a shy yet self-satisfied smile, but her eyes betrayed an unmistakable disdain. She looked me up and down with a smirk, “Sister, your dress is quite unique. But isn’t it the old dress grandmother left you before she passed away? How unfortunate that you can’t even afford a proper gown.” Asher stood beside her, his expression indifferent. Adeline clung to his arm and shook it affectionately, “Asher, don’t you think so?” Asher’s eyes darkened a little as he gently took Adeline’s hand, his gaze tender and deep. “Yes, Adeline is right. She doesn’t belong here.” I gripped my champagne glass tightly, my fingers trembling slightly. Adeline continued, “Today is a wonderful day. It’s dull to be alone. Why not have Asher find someone to keep you company?” As soon as she finished speaking, someone nearby chimed in, “I’ll pay a hundred thousand for a night with Miss Cora!” Adeline pretended to restrain them, “What are you doing? She’s my sister!” “I’ll pay two hundred thousand!” “Three hundred thousand!” The bids grew louder, yet there wasn’t a flicker of emotion in Asher’s eyes. Gideon stood at a distance, holding a champagne glass, watching the spectacle. It wasn’t until an elderly man with a white beard shouted a million that my father stepped in to stop the charade. “If you’re interested in my daughter, why don’t we arrange an engagement between our families?” My eyes filled with tears as I glanced at Asher. He still stood by Adeline, gently arranging her hair, as if none of this concerned him. “Dad!” I stepped forward, my voice so hoarse it was barely audible. “I’m not an object to be auctioned off!” My father snorted coldly, his eyes filled with disdain. “You still have the nerve to speak? Your mother climbed into bed for money! Now you’re just a cheap thing. If someone bids, shouldn’t you hurry over to serve them?” The hall erupted in laughter, and my face turned pale, almost unable to stand. My father set my wedding date for three days later.

Suddenly, I became the laughingstock of the party. I took advantage of the distraction to hide in the tree outside the mansion. As a child, to avoid being beaten, I would climb the tree, ignoring Mrs. Williams’ shouts from below. “You brat! Get down here and take your beating!” I also met Asher from next door while in that tree. He told me to jump into his yard, promising to catch me so I wouldn’t get hurt. But now I heard a familiar voice. It was Adeline and a waiter from the party. The waiter scratched his head. “Miss Williams, you agreed to Mr. Gideon’s proposal today. Should we still use Uncle Gideon’s drug?” Adeline replied smugly, “Of course. Gideon’s overseas business is much more lucrative than the Johnson Corp’s. Who wouldn’t want to marry someone wealthier?” Hearing this, an idea suddenly struck me. If I went with Gideon, I wouldn’t have to be with that white-bearded old man, right? Recalling Gideon’s face, his sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, high nose bridge, and defined jawline, perhaps the alcohol was taking effect, and I felt my cheeks warm. I had to admit, the Johnson family produces handsome men. Gideon seemed even more attractive than Asher. I heard Gideon was involved in the gray market business overseas, so he might have influence domestically too. Surely he could protect me. I didn’t want to become the plaything of that old man. Without delay, I changed into a waiter’s outfit and slipped back into the party. I saw Gideon swaying slightly, with Adeline quietly trailing behind. Asher suddenly blocked Adeline. “Adeline, you accepted my proposal today. Isn’t it time for us to share a dance?” Adeline glanced in Gideon’s direction but still agreed to dance with Asher. Asher held Adeline’s waist, and they started dancing to the song I used to dance with him most often. No one looked my way, so I followed Gideon into a room. As the door clicked shut, Gideon seemed to regain some clarity. The room was dark. He stared at me. “Who are you? Dare to follow me? Do you have a death wish?” Standing by the door, my palms were sweaty. When I didn’t respond, he abruptly turned on a lamp. Seeing my face, he smiled slightly. “It’s you.” He smirked, mockery in his eyes. “So eager to get into my bed?” I bit my lower lip, forcing myself to stay calm. “Gideon, I need your help.” His fingers slowly traced my collarbone, his voice low and tempting. “Tell me, why should I help you?” I lowered my gaze, struggling to suppress my humiliation, clenching my fists tightly. “If you agree to help me, I’m willing to be your woman.” Gideon leaned closer to my ear. “I’ve been waiting for you, but there’s no need to rush.” Perhaps it was the effect of the drug; he kissed me passionately. Suddenly, there was the sound of a door opening. He looked towards the entrance, raising his gaze. “Get out!” My back was to the door, but I guessed it was Adeline. After a moment of intimacy, Gideon held me in his arms. “So, tell me, how do I compare to Asher?” My face flushed red. “Uncle, you’re still as strong as ever.” Gideon chuckled softly at this. “Uncle? Do you think I’m old?” I closed my eyes, unable to meet his gaze. “Then what should I call you?” “Call me Gideon.” I took a deep breath and met his gaze. “Gideon.” Gideon traced my earlobe with his thumb, whispering, “You’re finally mine. I’ve waited so long for this day.” I was stunned. What did he mean by that? 5 Gideon let out a soft laugh, “Remember when you climbed that tree? I asked Asher to call you down because I had something urgent that day and needed him to look after you.”

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My fiancé became infatuated with the nanny’s daughter, and to elevate her status, he trampled over me. On our engagement day, 99 potential brides each received a tablet. Whoever was fastest would become his wife, a supposed method to find his soulmate. Yet, I knew the tablets had been tampered with. This absurd engagement ceremony was engineered to ensure a single, predetermined bride. In my previous life, I presented the family agreement and halted this charade, severing any opportunity for others to ascend. The following day, the nanny’s daughter took her own life, leaving no intact body behind. On the wedding day, my fiancé held her urn and set our bridal suite ablaze, with me trapped inside. Glaring into the flames, he declared with rage, “Cora, I’ve avenged you.” “You didn’t have a complete body, so I won’t leave her with even ashes.” “I’ll make her pray for you here for eternity!” He hired a Feng Shui master to bind my soul to the bridal suite, never to reincarnate. Yet perhaps the gods of the underworld could not bear my unjust death, and I was reborn on the day he chose his supposed soulmate.

“Congratulations to Cora for winning with a speed of 0.09 seconds and becoming Jasper’s chosen one.” The host’s fervent announcement brought a smile to Jasper’s face on stage. Today should have been our engagement celebration, yet to be with Cora, he staged a “fastest fingers first” event. Ninety-nine women each with a tablet; the fastest would join the Jasper Family as a wealthy wife. This move clearly disregarded our previous engagement. In my past life, I desperately stopped this spectacle with the agreement between my late parents and the Jasper Family, forcing him to honor the engagement. But it ended in tragedy for me. Now, with a new lease on life, amidst the mocking gazes, I stepped forward, took Cora’s hand, and placed it in Jasper’s. “Congratulations.” With that, I turned and left the stage. Jasper seemed taken aback by how smoothly things went and only after a long pause did he remember to pick up the microphone, announcing, “Thank you all for witnessing the moment I chose my destined one.” Hearing his words, I merely curled my lips in irony. The term “destined” was truly galling when applied to them. The tablet’s program had been preset; no matter how fast the other candidates were, they were doomed to lose. I sat below the stage, witnessing their entire ceremony. Throughout, Jasper’s gaze frequently glanced my way, unsure if I truly agreed to the annulment so easily. I certainly wouldn’t let it go. Having been reborn, I intended to make them pay dearly for their wrongs. As the ceremony concluded and Jasper and Cora exited, I stepped forward to block Mr. Jasper’s path. “Uncle, isn’t your family being too oppressive?” Guests were leaving, but my voice was loud enough for those in the front rows to pause. “Ah, this Lark Family girl is truly pitiful. Lost her parents early, and now a nanny’s daughter has stolen her fiancé.” “With no one left in the Lark Family, is she still a lady?” “The Jasper Family is bullying Maeve because she’s all alone.” “Even lost her job at the hospital because of them… poor girl!” … With murmurs behind me, I stood straight. “Uncle, though my parents are gone, the marriage agreement with the Jasper Family is signed.” “It was only because of that agreement that my mother handed over the pharmaceutical company to you, and now you’re breaking it…” Before I could finish, a sharp voice interrupted. “You little brat, how two-faced can you be?” “In front of guests, you pretended to congratulate Cora and Jasper, now you’re playing dirty behind their backs.” I looked at the familiar face holding a newborn, sneering. It was Nora, my former nanny and Cora’s mother. A year ago, she had a son with a small businessman in the capital, not marrying him but living as a wealthy woman, no longer needing to serve others. Now that Cora had latched onto the Jasper Family, she was in her prime. Those who once looked down on her had to call her Mrs. Nora. Now, holding a child, she had no filter. “Look at yourself, cursed by fate, killing your parents and even Jasper’s grandmother because of you.” “You still want to marry Jasper? Aren’t you afraid of cursing him to death?” I scoffed at her, as if I’d snatch her golden goose, and said, “Who says fulfilling the marriage agreement means marrying Jasper? Doesn’t the Jasper Family have another son?”

“You mean Jasper’s bedridden, comatose brother, Finn?” Nora froze, then vehemently opposed, “No, I disagree.” I glanced at her, then spoke with a tearful tone, “Aunt Nora, can’t you tolerate me? Your daughter stole my engagement, can’t I marry someone else?” The guests, mostly genuine socialites, abhorred mistresses. Hearing my words, they began to criticize. “Some people should know their place. Who is she to speak here?” “What’s that smell? Do you smell it? A fox’s stink?” … Nora remained unfazed by the snide remarks. To reach her current status, she’d long discarded shame. Realizing her overreaction, she tried to cozy up to me. “Maeve, I watched you grow up.” “How could Aunt let you suffer?” “You don’t know how hard it is to care for a bedridden person…” She kept persuading me not to marry, forgetting Mr. Jasper beside her. No father likes hearing others speak ill of his son. He cleared his throat, casting a cold glance. Realizing her mistake, Nora quickly fell silent, blending into the crowd. Mr. Jasper focused on me, asking sincerely, “Maeve, are you serious about what you just said?” Finn had always been groomed as the successor, but a year ago, a car accident left him paralyzed and semi-conscious. The blow was hard for Mr. Jasper, but he had to shift focus to Jasper, as the family needed an heir. He’d planned to care for Finn in the hospital for life, but hearing my willingness to marry him brought tears to his eyes. I nodded, and he promptly agreed, “I’ll arrange it, and we’ll have the wedding with Jasper.” I didn’t expect Mr. Jasper to plan it this way, but the wedding date didn’t matter. What mattered was the leverage Finn had over Cora. I initially guessed, but Nora’s attitude confirmed that Finn’s injury was suspicious. … With my goal achieved, I returned home. Jasper’s wedding was set for a week later; I needed to prepare. Unexpectedly, my long-empty Lark Family villa was filled with laughter. “Come catch me, Jasper…” “Nope, I’m not there…” I rushed to the second floor, following the sound. Through the door crack, I saw Cora’s “Jasper brother” had caught her in my bedroom. They were laughing, playing. Jasper’s hand was under Cora’s clothes, and fearing they’d escalate on my bed, I kicked the door open. “Can’t you pick a place to fool around? Get out.” Jasper withdrew his hand, coughing, while Cora showed no embarrassment at being caught. Instead, she tearfully nestled into Jasper’s arms. “Jasper, she used to drive me away like this.” “If not for her, would we have missed so many years?” When Nora first came to work, she brought newborn Cora. No one wanted a nanny with a child, but my parents took them in, thinking I’d have a playmate. The Lark Family and Jasper Family were close, so young Jasper often visited. We were the best playmates. Who knew we’d grow to be like this? Cora’s voice was sorrowful, seemingly heartbroken. “Jasper, I’m so afraid of losing you again.” Jasper comforted her, “It’s okay, Cora. We’re getting married soon. We’ll be together forever.” Then, looking at me, his eyes were filled with disdain. “Maeve, do you think I care about coming to this cursed Lark place?” “If Cora didn’t want to relive childhood memories, who’d come?” He spoke with disdain, as if he wanted no connection with me. Yet, as a child, in the same place, he said only I could be his bride. Those days were gone. He was now a stranger. I didn’t want to waste words and directly grabbed Cora from the bed. “Get off my bed.” I used great force, so even as Jasper held her, I pulled her down. I dragged her to the door, but Cora suddenly hooked her foot on a bookshelf. The shelf wobbled, and the books tumbled down.

Certainly, here is the adapted translation: — As a child, in that very same place, he confidently declared that only I was worthy to be his bride. But those days are long gone, and now he is just a stranger to me. I didn’t want to waste any more words on them, so I reached out and pulled Cora off my bed. “Get off my bed.” I used all my strength, and even though Jasper held onto Cora, I managed to pull her down. I dragged her toward the door, but just as we reached it, Cora suddenly stuck out her foot and hooked the bookshelf by the entrance. The bookshelf wobbled, and ancient books came crashing down. 3 I couldn’t spare a thought for Cora. Letting go of her, I used both hands to try to catch the falling ancient books. There were too many, thick and heavy, and I only managed to catch one. The rest fell directly onto Cora. Cora cried out in pain and ran to Jasper to accuse me, but I was only worried about the scattered ancient medical books on the floor. These were unique copies left to me by Grandma Jasper, her treasured possessions while she was alive. She entrusted them to me for safekeeping, and I had failed to protect them. For a moment, I was overwhelmed with guilt. But just as I was anxiously trying to gather the books, a large hand suddenly snatched the book from my grasp. Jasper, with a dark expression, said, “Didn’t you see your books hit Cora? Apologize.” I clenched my fists tightly. “She tripped the bookshelf herself.” If she hadn’t hooked the bookshelf with her foot, it wouldn’t have fallen. Hearing this, Cora’s eyes shone with cunning. “Jasper, the books really hurt me. How about we burn them?” Jasper frowned slightly but, after glancing at the old and worn cover of the book, immediately agreed. “Sure, these old books dared to hurt my baby; we might as well burn them.” Saying this, he actually took out a lighter from his pocket and headed toward the balcony outside my room. “These are the books your grandma left me,” I tried to appeal to Jasper’s conscience. The hatred in Jasper’s eyes deepened. “My grandma died because of you. What right do you have to keep her things? Why not burn them for her!” Grandma Jasper’s death is a lifelong sorrow in my heart. I’ve explained many times, but no one believes me. Right now, I just want to keep the last things Grandma Jasper left me. “No,” I followed them to the balcony, jogging. “I apologize. I’m sorry, Cora, I shouldn’t have pulled you.” Cora looked down at me with mockery. “Kneel.” Kneel to her? I’ve never even knelt to my parents. Seeing my reluctance, Cora snatched the lighter from Jasper’s hand. With a “whoosh,” the flame flickered, just a centimeter away from the ancient books. “No…” My eyes widened as I reached out to grab them. Cora stepped back, bringing the flame even closer to the books. “Kneel!” she commanded. Watching the ancient books get closer to the flame, I had no choice but to kneel in humiliation before Cora. “Hahaha… Maeve, you finally got what you deserve!” Cora laughed heartily and urged Jasper to take a picture. I couldn’t avoid the camera, squeezing out a few words through gritted teeth, “The books… can I have them now?” “Of course, I always keep my word.” Saying this, Cora smiled maliciously, and suddenly brought her hands together, letting the flames engulf the ancient books. “Stop!” I frantically tried to snatch them away. She disdainfully threw the burning books at me and then retreated into Jasper’s arms, feigning fear. “Jasper, the fire is so big, I’m scared.” “Do you think I’m cruel? I’m just mad at her for making us miss so many years.” Jasper consoled her, “Of course not. It’s just a few old books. Who cares if they hurt my baby?” “Does it still hurt? Let me get you some ointment.” Saying this, Jasper took Cora and left my room. I was left alone, desperately facing the ancient books about to be consumed by flames. I frantically grabbed the nearby garden hose and sprayed the half-height flames. But paper is flammable, and by the time I put out the fire, the ancient books were unrecognizable. I was afraid a gust of wind would scatter what little was left of the books. So, ignoring the heat from the charred remains, I picked up the remaining pages one by one. By the time I brought all the ancient books back inside, my fingers were covered in blisters. I went to the living room to find a first aid kit for bandaging, but Jasper and Cora were nowhere to be seen. After a simple bandage, I took my phone and left. With the wedding approaching, I needed to visit my bedridden fiancé at the hospital.

When I arrived, the nurse was changing the medication. I immediately noticed the color was off and asked the nurse to show it to me. The nurse handed it to me, saying, “This is a new drug from Jasper Corporation, said to be twice as effective as before.” “Is that so?” I examined the medicine closely. “Did your doctors also tell you the toxins are several times higher than before?” The nurse looked alarmed. “Miss Maeve, you shouldn’t say such things. This is the Jasper family hospital. How could we harm the eldest young master?” I knew this drug was not something a small nurse could procure, so I waved her off without causing trouble. Unexpectedly, as soon as she left, Cora walked in. “Maeve, you have quite the reach, don’t you? Meddling with what drugs Finn uses?” “Do you really think you’re a miracle doctor? Why didn’t you save Grandma Jasper back then?” She had just burned Grandma Jasper’s keepsakes, and hearing her mention Grandma Jasper now made me want to tear her apart. Back then, she insisted she saw me have a conflict with Grandma Jasper, claiming it was my fault Grandma had a stroke. But I hadn’t even seen Grandma Jasper that day. Yet, Jasper only believed her. Seeing me ignore her, Cora snatched the bottle from my hand to continue Finn’s treatment. “Maeve, it’s best not to meddle in others’ affairs.” I blocked Finn with all my might. “Who’s meddling now?” “You, about to marry Jasper, yet appearing in Finn’s room, aren’t you afraid of rumors?” Cora was at a loss for words. “You…” I quickly snatched the bottle and smashed it to the ground, shattering glass and medicine everywhere. The commotion drew attention from outside. Soon, a crowd gathered, and someone called Jasper. Within ten minutes, Jasper appeared in the room. Cora, seeing him like a savior, tearfully ran into his arms. “Jasper, I heard Maeve wouldn’t let brother change his medicine, so I came to check.” “I was afraid of delaying brother’s treatment, but she smashed the medicine bottle.” “I know she’s upset about me marrying you, but she shouldn’t take it out on brother…” With each accusation, Jasper’s anger grew more intense. He grabbed my collar and flung me aside in a rage. Instinctively, I caught myself with my hands, and the shards of glass pierced my freshly bandaged fingers. The pain was excruciating. Jasper’s accusation rang in my ears. “Maeve, it wasn’t enough that you killed my grandma, now you want to kill my brother too?” Saying this, he ordered someone to drag me out like a dead dog. Through the glass, I saw Finn still being administered the medicine. Supporting my battered body, I went to see Mr. Jasper. He was shocked by my appearance and even more startled by my words. He said, fearing problems with the marriage, he hadn’t told Jasper about me marrying Finn. But since I was to spend my life with Finn, he could arrange for me to work as Finn’s personal caregiver at the hospital. I could oversee his medication. Having already lost one son, he couldn’t afford to fall out with Jasper. This was the best he could do. I thanked him and left. … A week later. The whole city was filled with a sweet atmosphere. Today was the wedding day of the Jasper family’s second young master. Every seat on public transportation had a rose. Everyone assumed it was the doing of the Jasper family’s second young master, unaware that Jasper was puzzled, wondering who could outdo his grand gestures. Mr. Jasper had said our wedding would be on the same day as Jasper’s, but not so shabby as to share the same hotel. The top two banquet halls in Kyoto, one in the west and one in the east. By coincidence, the wedding processions met on the road. It could have been uneventful, but Cora insisted on swapping bouquets with me. The window rolled down, and in my bright red wedding attire, I held up my golden bouquet. “Sorry, sister-in-law, my bouquet is made of pure gold, can’t swap it with yours!” Sitting beside her, Jasper’s eyes widened. “You’re getting married today? Who are you marrying?” Finn, who had been resting with his eyes closed, leaned forward slightly. “Marrying me, brother.” “Hey, you’re awake?” Jasper was taken aback, completely missing the fact that Cora beside him had turned pale. Finn ignored him and instructed the driver to start the car, so as not to miss the auspicious time. The car started moving again, but at some point, the car behind us had changed.

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Asher, the billionaire CEO, had yet another heated argument with the woman who had always held a special place in his heart. On the most intense day of their quarrel, Asher made a bold declaration in front of everyone: he was determined to find someone more compliant and sweet than his cherished one. The very next day, Asher approached me: “Interested in dating? I’ll pay you a hundred thousand a month.” And so, I stayed by Asher’s side, playing the role of his sweet and agreeable girlfriend. Those around us were curious to see how long this emotional gamble would last. I was waiting too. Yet, three months, then six months passed, and Asher still hadn’t ended things with me. It was on our anniversary that his beloved professed her love with a grand city-wide display of roses. Asher suggested we part ways. I quietly accepted and immediately flew overseas to pursue my research. Three months later, having successfully completed my project, I returned home. That night, Asher confronted me at the airport: “Really? I let you go, and you just left, disappearing for three months without a word?” I smiled. I’ve always been the most compliant. Since I agreed to break up, I would never look back.

Adeline opened the private room door, and I wasn’t surprised. Ever since she returned to the country these past few months, we had met quite a few times. “Asher, haven’t you had enough fun yet?” Today, Adeline was clearly not in a friendly mood. She toyed with her big, wavy hair, sitting directly across from us, her gaze mocking as it landed on me: “Dating a girl without means, is it really that fresh and interesting?” The hand on my waist tightened slightly, and Asher’s casual voice drifted over: “Fun? Our Sage is gentle and understanding, very likable. Unlike some people, always making a scene and being a nuisance.” Adeline’s face turned sour. The atmosphere was tense. Eventually, their friends stepped in to ease the situation. “Okay, okay, it’s my birthday today, give me some face. Ash, have another drink.” Asher didn’t touch his glass, his slightly raised eyebrows glanced at me. I belatedly realized, clinging to his arm, softly and sweetly pleaded: “Ash, don’t drink too much, I don’t like it when you drink too much alcohol.” “Sage, Ash is the heaviest drinker among us, don’t mind him just drinking so much, this is just the beginning…” “Alright.” With that one word, Adeline’s expression became even more dramatic. Asher smirked, his voice low: “Sorry, my Sage doesn’t want me to drink too much. I’m done for today, you guys have fun.” Under everyone’s surprised and astonished gaze, Asher took me home. As soon as we got through the door, he kissed me, tasting of alcohol. His lips and tongue coaxed mine, Asher murmured indistinctly: “Sage, you really are something.”

I am the most compliant girlfriend Asher has ever had. Initially, Asher chose me for that reason alone. Back then, Asher and Adeline had their biggest argument. The childhood sweethearts had been bickering since high school. Occasionally passing by their classroom, I could hear many rumors. One day in college, I heard gossip that they finally broke the ice and got together. But the good times didn’t last long. Adeline was spoiled from a young age, with a bad temper. Small arguments every three days, big ones every five, were routine. Asher’s patience and gentleness at the beginning eventually ran out when he discovered Adeline planned to secretly meet a foreign male friend online. Later, his friends told me they almost trashed a bar that night. In his anger, Asher made a harsh statement. “Adeline, if you want to make a scene, go ahead, but we’re done. Without you, there are plenty of sweet and compliant girls waiting for me.” The next day, Asher stopped me on my way to the lab. “You’re Sage, right?” He looked at me, a hint of lingering animosity in his eyes: “Want to date? I’ll pay you a hundred thousand a month.” I stopped, a bit confused, looking at Asher. We didn’t know each other, despite being in the same high school and then college, our only contact before was just once. Plus, my reputation at school wasn’t great. Picking up trash in high school, working every spare moment in college to earn money. People called me impoverished, some even avoided sitting near me in class, covering their noses and gossiping. I was soft-spoken and had no temper. It sounded nice to say compliant and understanding, but at the core, it was just being poor for so long that I lost a lot of things. “What?” I asked Asher uncertainly. His brow furrowed slightly: “I said, date me, you can name your price.” Actually, I heard clearly. A hundred thousand a month to buy my practically worthless affection. I didn’t hesitate, even though I knew it might just be a prank by the rich kids to pass the time, I agreed without looking back. The fear of being poor far outweighed anything else.

I had prepared myself to be played by Asher. Even his friends thought the same. They were waiting, waiting for Asher’s passing whim to end, and for him to break up with me. But a month passed, three months passed, even half a year passed. I was still by Asher’s side. “Breathe, Sage.” His lazy voice came to my ear. His warm hand slid down my waist, Asher frowned slightly: “Is that another one of your nine-dollar free shipping purchases?” “…No.” My voice paused, unconsciously trembling: “This one is from you.” During my time with Asher, in the eyes of this rich kid, all my clothes boiled down to one word. Cheap. He couldn’t even comprehend how clothes could be nine dollars with free shipping in this world. A rich kid surrounded by wealth wouldn’t understand the struggles of ordinary people. ” Tsk.” Asher sighed, then kissed my ear: “This outfit doesn’t suit you, don’t wear it next time.” “Okay.” I understood what Asher meant. No matter how good the clothes were, on me, they seemed like cheap goods. I felt a bit exhausted. The money I intended to earn from Asher was about enough, I never planned to rely on him forever. Now that I had a formal job, with more research projects ahead, I couldn’t keep playing pretend with Asher like in college. So, I asked Asher if I could stay in the dorm. Asher looked slightly surprised, disapprovingly at me: “Reason?” I couldn’t very well say I didn’t want to be a part of his and Adeline’s play anymore. “Too much research, I can’t keep up.” Asher didn’t ask further, considering it tacit approval.

I was genuinely busy. Almost living in the lab. Until Asher’s call came, I belatedly realized. His birthday was coming up. “Did you forget?” Asher’s voice on the other end was a bit deep. I didn’t dare admit it, quickly covering: “No, just finishing up a bit, I’ll be there soon.” “I’m already outside your research institute.” With that, Asher hung up. I hurriedly wrapped up with my senior, and as I left the lab, I felt a bit of low blood sugar. Almost losing my balance, my senior steadied me: “Are you okay?” “I’m fine, thank you…” “Sage!” Asher’s angry voice interrupted my conversation with my senior. I was forcibly dragged into the car by Asher. The door locked, I was met with his cold, terrifyingly angry face: “No wonder you didn’t want to live with me, you found someone new.” “No.” I shook my head, softly explaining: “I haven’t been eating well lately, just a bit of low blood sugar, my senior was just being kind helping me.” “Really?” Asher’s face didn’t look any better. Honestly, I didn’t understand why Asher was angry. He didn’t like me, if I had someone new, wouldn’t he be happier to break up with me directly? Or perhaps, his and Adeline’s play wasn’t over, and he wouldn’t allow me to bow out early. Understanding his anger, I continued: “Really, Ash, don’t be mad, there’s nothing between my senior and me.” Asher’s expression slightly softened, but he still bit into my neck, leaving a mark. It was so visible, even covered with foundation, it wasn’t hidden. By the time we arrived at the party, Asher had already dressed me up. There were many people, including Adeline. “Wow, Ash, Sage looks really pretty today, you’re so lucky.” His friends generously praised me. Asher’s mood evidently improved, holding my waist, he hummed lightly. “Our Sage, naturally the best looking.” Not at all, earlier when picking an evening gown, his brow furrowed, carefully selecting one that matched my temperament. I stayed silent, obediently smiling, quietly staying by Asher’s side. Soon, Adeline couldn’t sit still. She approached us in her heels, arrogantly handing over a gift box: “Asher, this is your birthday gift from me, carefully chosen, much better than some people’s trash.”

Actually, Adeline got it wrong. I even forgot to prepare a gift. And clearly, Asher didn’t care whether I prepared one or not. “Just put it there.” Asher indifferently glanced up. Adeline got even angrier: “Do you even know what she used to do? In high school, there was a girl who picked up trash every day, like a beggar with a stench all over, do you know who that was?” Stepping confidently in her high heels, she haughtily presented a gift box: “Asher, here’s your birthday present. I carefully selected it, and it’s definitely better than some people’s worthless offerings.” Adeline was actually mistaken. I hadn’t even bothered to prepare any worthless offerings. Clearly, Asher didn’t care whether I brought a gift or not. “Just leave it there.” Asher glanced up indifferently. Adeline’s anger flared: “Do you even know what she used to do? Back in high school, there was this girl who collected junk every day, smelling like a beggar. Do you know who it was?” My body trembled slightly. It wasn’t my fault that my family was poor. My parents left when I was in middle school, leaving only my elderly grandmother. As a high school student without any means of earning, collecting scrap to sell was my only way to make money. I never thought it was shameful, yet they used it repeatedly to humiliate me. “She’s the Sage by your side, you know!” Adeline spat furiously. “To spite me, you’ve sunk so low as to be with a girl who collects junk?” I remained silent, looking at Asher. I didn’t even know what I was hoping for. Perhaps I hoped Asher would defend my dignity a little at this moment, just like that one encounter in high school. Back then, with bloodstained pants, I was awkwardly pressed against a wall, surrounded by people pointing and laughing at me. “Poor thing, can’t even afford sanitary pads?” “Ha, a junk collector. What, never found unused ones in the trash?” I was frozen, wanting to escape but blocked at every turn. Until a young man holding a basketball approached. His large jacket covered my head, his voice lazy yet warning: “Get lost, haven’t seen a girl before, or does your family not have a mom?” The crowd dispersed. Asher didn’t look at me, just left with: “Hurry and clean up, no need to return the jacket.” The incident was small, and Asher probably forgot. But I always remembered. Now the same embarrassment reappeared, and I tightened my grip on Asher’s shirt. But Asher just coldly faced the woman: “Adeline, I’d rather be with someone who collects junk than get back with you. Don’t you think you’re pathetic?” Junk collector. Asher said I was a junk collector. No rebuttal, no defense. He silently accepted it, blatantly showing the huge gap between us to everyone. The privileged guy and the poor girl. Once upon a time, Asher was no longer the light in my memory. Or maybe, from the beginning, it was just a filter of old feelings for Asher. I couldn’t keep up the act anymore. The crowd jeered, but Adeline’s face was ghostly pale. Right. I vaguely remembered. At Asher’s last birthday party, Adeline brought eight male models to the private room out of spite, making Asher furious. Now, a year later, Asher wanted revenge. After driving Adeline away, Asher leaned over, casually lowering his voice: “Sage, where’s my birthday gift? Hmm?”

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I know my birth was a mistake. My mother stood in for a wealthy heiress. After not finding love, she orchestrated my conception and was sent to a mental hospital. Before she passed away, she held my hand and said, “Don’t be like me, Adeline. You need to live a life more brilliant than mine.” Later, as I huddled in the corner clutching expired bread, four men stormed in with eyes burning red. My financier father handed me a platinum card. “Five million a month as an allowance, but don’t expect me to call you daughter.” Three brothers blocked the door, sneering, “With your tainted blood, you think you’re fit to be part of the Thompson family?” I turned my life around, entered a talent show, and shot to fame, starring in films that grossed ten billion. During a live stream, my childhood friend declared, “Adeline deserves the best love in the world.” On a stormy day, the four men knelt outside the villa, pleading, “Adeline, come home, please look at us.” I huddled in the corner with expired bread. The room in the orphanage was very dark, and I was afraid to sleep alone. I don’t know how long it was before the door opened. A man I didn’t recognize was looking at me, followed by three older boys. One of the boys glanced at me coldly and said, “Dad, she looks just like you.” I shrank further into the corner. I recognized the man. My mom said Dad looked just like me. But I didn’t dare call him that because Mom said Dad hated me. If he saw me, he would definitely kill me. Thinking of this, I quickly lowered my head. The man in front was very tall, his leather shoes creaking on the floor. He called out to me, “Adeline?” I shook my head desperately. Mom had said never to admit to that name. The boy in the blue shirt suddenly sneered, “Dad, is she an idiot who doesn’t even know her own name?” The other two boys laughed along. They were handsome, just like Dad. One of them kicked an empty can by my feet. “Dad, it’s disgusting to see her eating garbage.” The tip of a leather shoe hit my toe, causing pain. Dad reached out and pinched my chin. His nails scratched me painfully, but I didn’t dare move. I always knew my birth was a mistake. My mother stood in for a wealthy heiress. After not finding love, she orchestrated my conception and was sent to a mental hospital. Everyone said I was illegitimate. “Her mouth and nose are just like mine,” Dad said, suddenly letting go. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his fingers vigorously. “Filthy.” “Dad, can we go now?” one brother urged. “I have a tennis game with friends.” The boy in blue grabbed the back of my collar and lifted me up. I couldn’t make a sound as it choked me. They didn’t even let me take that leftover bread. When the car stopped in front of a white villa, I nervously pinched my palm. Just now in the car, Dad introduced these three brothers. The oldest is named Jasper, the second Declan, and the third Finn. They are my half-brothers. “Get out!” Someone pushed me, and I stumbled onto the cobblestone path. The air was filled with the scent of grass, and the fountain’s water splashed coolly on my face. “Country bumpkin,” Declan looked at me with disdain. “I heard you don’t even know how to use a toilet?” “Declan,” Jasper, the one with glasses, coughed softly, “watch what you say. After all, she was picked up from the slums.” I clutched the wrinkled corner of my clothes, feeling a bit embarrassed, and lowered my head. “Get inside,” Dad tossed the platinum card on the entryway cabinet. “Nanny Johnson, take her for a bath.” The hot water from the shower startled me. So, bathwater can be warm, and towels can be as soft as clouds. I stared at myself in the mirror, unable to resist touching the nightgown on my body. Such soft clothes… “Hey, what are you dawdling for?” Finn’s impatient voice came from outside the door. I hurried out, “Sorry, brother, it’s Adeline’s first time using a bathtub, it took too long.” The chandelier in the dining room was beautiful. I looked at the fork and knife in front of me, unsure of what to do. Do I have to use a fork and knife to eat? “Going to eat with your hands?” Finn sneered from his chair. “Well, in the orphanage, you only had expired bread, right?” Father slammed the knife and fork down heavily. “Finn, don’t talk while eating.” I mimicked their grip on the knife, but the steak slid off the plate with a “whoosh.” Sauce splattered on Declan’s white sleeve, and he jumped up as if electrocuted. “Do you know how expensive this shirt is? Figures, a country bumpkin who can’t even use utensils.” “Declan,” Jasper suddenly raised his voice, “stop it, isn’t the house noisy enough already?” I stared at the beef on my plate. It smelled so good… Suddenly, someone took my knife and fork. Jasper had somehow circled behind me. He took the knife and fork, and the steak obediently cut into small pieces. “Got it?” I was just about to say thank you when Jasper spoke again. His voice was cold, “Not knowing how to use a knife and fork is embarrassing for the Thompson family…” I felt like crying, Dad, and my brothers didn’t like me. But I held back my tears. Mom said no one likes a crying child. I chewed the meat in my mouth, unable to taste it. But the long-lost warmth in my stomach made my nose tingle; it was the first hot meal I’d had in six months.

Dad arranged for me to live in the attic. Although it only had a small window, I could see the beautiful flowers in the yard. Except for mealtime, I could only stay in the small attic. If I behaved and polished my brothers’ shoes, they occasionally took me out. Though tiring, it was much better than the orphanage. Today, they were in a good mood and willing to take me to the mall. Declan’s voice was harsh, “Adeline, if you dare touch anything, don’t expect dinner tonight.” Seeing me silent, he grabbed my ear again, “Deaf? Answer me!” I shivered, lowered my head, and whispered, “Got it, Declan.” He snorted coldly, “Don’t call me Declan, you’re just an outsider.” I sat quietly in the corner, nodding obediently, but I was starving. The smell of roasted chestnuts and meat pies made my mouth water. My stomach growled. Suddenly, I heard a “ding.” It was a piano. Before Mom passed, she taught me how to play the piano. A cleaning lady was wiping the piano bench, and I was drawn over as if by magic. I wanted to touch it, just once. I couldn’t help but play the tune Mom often played for me. I forgot what it was called. I felt like crying, unsure if the melody was too moving or if I just missed Mom. “Stupid girl!” Someone suddenly grabbed my ear, and Declan dragged me off the piano bench. “Didn’t I tell you not to wander? You dare touch things!” Many people around were discussing something. I couldn’t hear clearly. Declan yanked my hair and shoved me into the car. It hurt, but I didn’t dare cry. If I cried, there’d be no food. I was locked in the attic. The smell of food wafted from the kitchen, making me so hungry I wanted to cry. A servant secretly tossed me a bun, and I gobbled it up. I suddenly missed Mom a lot. Why did she have to leave me so soon?

The temperature dropped at night, and I had no thick clothes, so I curled up under a thin blanket. The next morning, my throat ached. Cold wind blew in through the window, and I wrapped myself tighter. I felt dizzy and didn’t leave my room all day. Half-awake, I heard someone angrily calling me. Declan kicked open my door with a “bang.” He stormed to my bed with a broken guitar. “Adeline, are you trying to get yourself killed?” I hurriedly propped myself up, not knowing why he was so angry. “Declan, what’s wrong?” “Still playing dumb?” He grabbed my collar and dragged me off the bed. My knee hit the floor hard. “The guitar has bread crumbs on it. Everyone knows you love bread.” “Yesterday when I played the guitar, I saw you hovering around. Don’t think I didn’t notice!” “How could it be such a coincidence?” He grabbed my trembling hand. “The evidence is clear, what are you pretending for?” I shook my head desperately, my voice hoarse. “It wasn’t me, I didn’t leave my room all day, I really didn’t touch the guitar…” “Yesterday, I watched you play the guitar, just admiring, not lurking.” Finn leaned against the doorframe, sneering, “Hands and feet raised in the slums are dirty. Not enough to steal, now you learn to destroy?” “Declan, isn’t your guitar limited edition? Make her pay, after all, Dad gave her the platinum card.” I argued loudly, “I didn’t steal anything, and I didn’t break the guitar. You’re framing Adeline!” Jasper’s footsteps echoed down the hallway. “Yesterday, I watched Finn play the guitar. I felt admiration, not sneaking around.” Declan leaned against the doorframe with a sneer, “People raised in poverty have sticky fingers. Stealing isn’t enough, now you’re learning to destroy things too?” “Finn, isn’t your guitar a limited edition? Make her pay for it. Anyway, Dad’s platinum card is with her.” I defended myself loudly, “I didn’t steal anything, and I didn’t break the guitar. You’re falsely accusing Adeline!” Jasper’s footsteps echoed from the hallway. I looked up, hoping for salvation, but his eyes were cold. “If something’s broken, there must be consequences. Declan, how do you suggest we handle this?” “Jasper, I really didn’t…” I reached out to tug his sleeve, but he stepped aside. Finn smirked maliciously, “Go kneel outside. You’re not allowed to get up until dinner.” I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. I still hadn’t fulfilled what Mom asked of me. I wanted to be strong, but I couldn’t. Finn dragged me out by the arm, his nails nearly cutting into my skin, “Stop whining! You think crying will get you out of this?” I stumbled as he threw me onto the cobblestone path in front of the villa, sharp stones digging into my palms. Declan stood on the steps with his arms crossed, nudging my leg with his shoe, “Kneel properly. A child like you should follow the rules meant for you.” I bit my lip hard. The sky was gloomy, like it was about to rain. Finn cursed irritably, “Damn it, you should just kneel until you drop!” “Pretending to faint won’t work either,” Declan’s voice suddenly came from above me. He crouched down, his tone mocking, “It hurts, doesn’t it? Say ‘I’m just a worthless child,’ and I’ll plead for you.” My throat burned, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart, “I didn’t break the guitar…” “Ingrate!” He grabbed the back of my neck and pressed me into the ground, “Then kneel until you understand your place!”

When the raindrops hit my back, the pain seemed to disappear. The stones beneath my knees had worn through my skin, blood mixed with rainwater seeping into the soil. I stared at the spreading ripples on the ground, a buzzing in my ears. Before leaving, Finn kicked me, my forehead hit the edge of the fountain, and warm blood mixed with rainwater flowed into my eyes. As my consciousness began to fade, I heard footsteps approaching. “Adeline?” Someone was calling me. This voice… Impossible! I shook my head. It couldn’t be him. He found his family and left the orphanage before Auntie Lin adopted me. I must be delirious. I struggled to lift my head, seeing a dark figure rushing through the rain curtain. A scorching palm pressed against the back of my neck. I shivered violently; this heat was more searing than my fevered forehead. “Don’t touch me…” I shrank back instinctively, my soaked nightgown sticking to the wounds, it hurt, “My brothers said… moving will increase the punishment…” He knelt down and pulled me into his arms, his voice trembling, “How long have they made you kneel? Speak!” I blinked, rainwater trickling from my lashes into his collar. This face hadn’t changed much from my memory, the scar on his brow still there. That winter in the orphanage, when he shielded me from the falling shovel, blood also trickled down his brow like this. I wanted to say five hours, or six? But my head hurt too much to think clearly. “Ezra?” I reached out to touch his face, but my fingers flinched away as soon as they touched him, “Am I dreaming?” He clasped my wrist to his chest, his palm scorching, “I’m real, Adeline, I finally found you.” Dad walked over, frowning, “What’s going on here?” I couldn’t stop trembling. Dad had said he didn’t want outsiders to know I was his daughter. Now that Ezra found out, he must be very angry. The arms holding me tightened abruptly. I heard Ezra coldly laugh, “Mr. Thompson, what exactly did Adeline do wrong to deserve this treatment?” Finn rushed over, “Dad, this child broke my guitar. I told her to reflect here, she deserved it… Ah!” A dull thud of bone on bone. Ezra punched him in the stomach, his voice icy, “Say one more thing about her, and I’ll make sure you never play guitar again.” I cried, throwing myself at him, “Ezra, don’t fight because of me.” Declan supported the staggering Finn, “Ezra Bennett, you’re fighting over an unworthy child?” “Unworthy?” Ezra lifted me, “Finn Thompson, is this how you treat your sister?” “And she dares call herself my sister?” Finn sneered, “A child like her, letting her live with the Thompson family was already more than enough!” Ezra held me tighter, “Fine, if the Thompson family doesn’t want her, I will!”

The Bennett family villa was even bigger than the Thompson’s. I shrank behind Ezra, palms sweating. Uncle Bennett sat on the sofa, sizing me up. I instinctively hid more behind Ezra. “Dad,” Ezra stepped forward, “you promised me that as long as I was a good heir, Adeline could live here.” Uncle Bennett kept a stern face, he looked like someone who rarely smiled. No wonder Ezra doesn’t like to smile either, he’s just like his dad. My heart pounded, but Uncle Bennett didn’t say much, just arranged for someone to take me to a room. How does that saying go? You can’t judge a book by its cover. Uncle Bennett and Ezra were both very kind to me. Unlike in the Thompson family, my room in the Bennett villa was beautiful, with a large floor-to-ceiling window. The sunlight streaming in was warm, like a princess’s room in a storybook. Auntie Taylor, the housekeeper, said that as soon as Ezra returned to the Bennett family, he started setting it up for me. It’s the best-lit room in the villa, even better than Ezra’s. Uncle Bennett found out I liked playing the piano and hired a piano teacher for me. After my first piano lesson, I cried for a long time under the covers that night. It was the first time I felt loved since Mom passed away. Time flew by, and before I knew it, I was seven. I started attending the same private school as Ezra. On the first day of school, I clung tightly to Ezra’s backpack strap at the school gate. I was terrified everyone would hate me for being a lowly child. “Ezra, I don’t want to go to school. Can’t I just stay at home?” He held my shoulders, patiently explaining, “Adeline, you’re grown up now. When it’s time for school, you have to go. If anyone bullies you, just stand up for yourself. If you can’t handle it, tell me, and I’ll get back at them for you.” “You’re a princess, and being friends with a princess is their privilege.” To my surprise, my classmates were very friendly. I even made a great friend named Nora Williams. During lunch, my desk would be piled with snacks from classmates. At the orphanage, I only ate expired bread, and at the Thompson house, I often went hungry. Now I constantly received delicious foods, like I was meant to have them all along. Dad and my brothers never came to bother me again. Maybe disappearing from their lives was a good thing. Ezra said I’ve become more confident now. At my elementary school graduation, I even performed a piano solo. “Adeline!” I had just stepped off the stage when an auntie in a suit stopped me. She crouched down to meet my eyes, speaking softly, “I’m a manager from Starlight Entertainment. You can call me Auntie Green. Your performance was amazing. Are you interested in shooting commercials? Or acting in TV dramas?” I clutched the hem of my dress, stepping back. “Adeline?” Ezra quickly approached, protectively hovering by my side. Auntie Green immediately stood up, handing over a business card, “Ezra, our company is preparing a family drama. The role of the young female lead is perfect for Adeline. We can discuss the pay, and it won’t interfere with school…” In the car on the way back, I stared out the window. Ezra handed me a warm milk, “If you don’t want to go, I’ll turn her down right now.” I shook my head, asking him, “Ezra, can acting make a lot of money?” He frowned, “Why do you ask? The Bennett family isn’t short on money.” “But I want to earn my own. Auntie Taylor said my piano lessons are expensive, and the dresses you bought me cost a lot.” The car went silent for a few seconds. “Adeline,” he wiped my mouth gently, “these things are what you should have.” “I want to try. Auntie Green said acting is simple. Two days on the weekend can earn five thousand.” Ezra rubbed his temples, looking resigned, “Adeline, the entertainment industry is complicated.” “But I want to be useful.” He was silent for a long time, eventually giving in. The day the TV show aired, I sat nervously in front of the TV, palms sweating. I didn’t have many scenes, only a few. Nora messaged me non-stop, “Adeline! Check Twitter! You’re trending!” Could you please share the specific text you would like me to address? #Nation’s Sweetheart Adeline# followed by a flame icon. Opening the real-time discussion, the screen was almost completely covered with live comments. [I need all the info on my baby girl in three minutes!] [Those crying scenes were phenomenal! Our darling daughter’s acting outshines the popular starlets!] [I found out! She’s the adopted daughter of the Bennett Corporation, and she’s won international awards for piano!]

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At the wedding, Asher’s secretary called him, saying the client was behaving inappropriately with her. Fearing that Adeline might be in danger, Asher abruptly left me and the wedding. The guests laughed, eagerly waiting for me to become the subject of ridicule. Soon after, I received a message from Adeline on Snapchat, showing a picture of Asher holding her. “See? The moment I call, Asher comes running to me,” she wrote. “So what if you’re having a wedding? The person he truly cares about is always me.” At the same time, a message from Asher appeared on my phone: “Adeline is really drunk. I’ll take care of her first and then I’ll come back for the wedding.” “Our families are just forming an alliance anyway. It’s only a formality, so please bear with it.” Reading his cold words, I took a deep breath and looked at a corner of the wedding hall, grabbing the microphone from the host. “Declan, want to get married?” The man in the corner strode forward eagerly, “Yes!” A moment ago, people were just watching the drama unfold, but after hearing the deep male voice, they turned to look. He wore a perfectly tailored suit with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, striding confidently until he stood in front of me, “I, Declan, have waited all these years, and finally, the wait is over.” If the groom is gone, you simply replace him. There are plenty of men in the world. After the wedding ended and the crowd dispersed, I picked up my phone and saw that Finn had messaged me two hours ago with just a few words, “The wedding is off.” I had painstakingly prepared for this wedding for two months. How could it be canceled just because of Finn’s words? As I was looking down at my phone, a furry head rested on my shoulder. Declan hugged me from behind, “Nora, marry me, and you’ll be happy. I promise. ” Saying that, he took my phone, “Stop looking at it. You’ve been tired all day. Rest well at the hotel, and we’ll get our marriage certificate tomorrow.” I raised an eyebrow, “You’re letting me stay at a hotel?” I had no home of my own in this city. The only place I could call home was Finn’s. Luckily, I had my documents with me, so I didn’t need to go back there. Declan avoided my gaze, “We just had a wedding, but we aren’t really married yet, so we can’t stay together.” I didn’t expect him to say that, finding it amusing. Declan avoided eye contact with me, his ears turning red down to his neck. I found it interesting and reached out to touch his ear. “Don’t!” Declan quickly dodged, but his ears turned even redder, “I’ll take you to the hotel.” On the way, the car was silent except for the sound of our breathing. After arriving at the hotel, Declan’s ears returned to their normal color. “I won’t go up with you. Get some rest today.” He spoke while looking at the ground. We had known each other since we were young, and I’d rarely seen him like this, so I felt playful. I hooked my pinky around his and rubbed it with my thumb, “You too.” Declan’s face turned red, and he drove away. Watching Declan almost flee, my bad mood from the day eased. But I didn’t expect to run into Asher and Adeline as soon as I got out of the elevator. Adeline was flushed, practically clinging to Asher. Asher, supporting her, frowned upon seeing me, “What are you doing here?” I couldn’t believe Asher could act so justified. He and Adeline had come out of the same room. His once neat tie was gone, and the open collar revealed faint kiss marks. I didn’t respond and planned to walk past him. When I didn’t reply, Asher suddenly grabbed my wrist, “I’m asking you!” “Why aren’t you at home at this hour? What are you doing at the hotel?!” Seeing his angry face, I almost thought he was worried about me. Pain shot through my wrist, and I shook his hand off, “What’s it to you?!” “I’m your boyfriend, your fiancé, why wouldn’t it concern me!” The next second, Asher’s anger faded, and he sighed softly, “Nora, be good. Don’t throw a tantrum.” I laughed out of anger, “I’m throwing a tantrum?” He claims to be my boyfriend, yet he’s holding another woman. He says he’s my fiancé, but he left me at the wedding for another woman. Now, he shows up at the hotel with all these marks on him. Asher, with patience, tried to soothe me, “Didn’t I explain before I left? Even if you’re angry, you shouldn’t run away. Let’s go home.” His so-called explanation was his concern that Adeline might get drunk while entertaining clients. “Adeline is a girl hanging out with customers. I was worried she’d get drunk and something might happen, so I went to check. I’ll be back soon.” I’ve heard pet owners comfort their dogs before leaving, saying they’ll be back soon, but I’ve never heard it applied to a wedding. What am I to him? What is this wedding to him? At that thought, anger surged to my head, and I started trembling, “Get lost!” Asher’s face turned grim, and his patience ran out after my repeated refusals, “Nora, I’m telling you for the last time, come home with me!” “Adeline is drunk and has a terrible headache. Go back and make her some hangover soup.” I thought he wanted me to go home to comfort me, but it was still for Adeline. I glared at him, a thousand words stuck in my throat but unable to come out. While we were at an impasse, Adeline, who was just in a daze, spoke up, “Nora, why are you here?” One after another, they asked why I was here, not thinking they were the ones who shouldn’t be here! “Mr. Asher, don’t be so harsh. Girls don’t like that,” she giggled, “If Nora doesn’t want to go back, she must have her own reasons.” At a hotel, besides sleeping, what else could one do? Adeline said it intentionally, hinting at Asher to think otherwise. And he didn’t disappoint her scheming, glaring at me, “Who did you meet?” I shook my head, but the room card in my hand was snatched away. When I reached to grab it back, Asher, in his rage, pushed me hard. Bam—my lower back hit the door handle painfully. Holding my waist, I crouched down, still trying to catch my breath when Asher dragged me into the room, pushing doors open one by one, “Where’s your lover?! Let him get out!” The pain lingered, and I stumbled as Asher dragged me, “No! I didn’t!” He didn’t believe me, but after searching the room and finding no one else, he pushed me onto the sofa. With his hands on either side of me, his gaze was dark, “Nora, if I find out you’re cheating, just wait and see.” I was in so much pain tears welled up, but I retorted, “Ha, fine, I’ll wait!” We’d fought before, but even during our worst argument, if I pouted and teared up, Asher would give in, even if I had been harsh. But now, Asher grabbed my chin, speaking in a voice only we could hear, “Think about those paintings~” With that, he let go and left with Adeline without looking back. With a loud bang, the door closed, and I slumped to the ground, tears silently streaming down my cheeks. Because of Finn’s words. Finn is an artist, running his own art company. When we first met, he couldn’t even be called an artist, just a broke student who could paint. At that time, I had just had a falling out with my family and moved to San Francisco alone. My living expenses were running out, and my credit card was stopped. To afford food, I worked as a model. My first and last client was Finn. We never made eye contact during the process. He painted, and I earned money. After he finished, I was about to leave when I heard things being thrown in the studio. Curious, I asked, “What happened? Did I pose wrong?” Finn was startled but quickly explained he was upset because he couldn’t get the painting right. Indeed, from proportions to color composition, there were issues. I happened to be bored that day and helped him correct the painting. A week later, he excitedly told me his painting was praised by his teacher, and he wanted to treat me to a meal. From then on, we stayed in close contact, growing into a couple. I continued to help him with his paintings when he struggled, pointing out errors and correcting them, until he became known as an artist. In love, everything was romantic and meaningful. We met because of life drawing, and naturally, left behind many such artworks during our passionate moments. But now, Asher is using those tokens of our love to threaten me. The next morning, after a sleepless night, Declan arrived and noticed my dark circles. He opened his mouth several times but said nothing in the end. The journey was quiet again, but the atmosphere was different from yesterday. I was uneasy, and Declan was uneasy. The car passed by the marriage office but didn’t stop. “Aren’t we getting the certificate?” Declan pursed his lips, “We’re going to take wedding photos first, then pick out the wedding dress.” Exhaustion from the sleepless night overwhelmed me, and I didn’t question why he changed the plan. Upon arriving, Declan went to park the car. I just entered the store and saw Finn and Adeline. Adeline stood under the lights in a white wedding dress, smiling blissfully, “Asher, do I look good?” Finn, in a matching suit, stood opposite her, kissing her hand, “Beautiful.” I stood at a distance, clearly witnessing their sweet interaction. Adeline is Asher’s secretary, always calling him Mr. Asher, but just now, she called him Asher, so intimate. The exhaustion from a sleepless night hit me hard, but I didn’t dwell on why he changed his plans. Once we arrived, Declan went to park the car. As soon as I entered the store, I saw Finn and Adeline. Adeline was standing under the lights in an immaculate wedding dress, smiling blissfully. “Finn, do I look beautiful?” she asked. Asher, dressed in a matching suit, stood across from her, lowering his head to kiss her hand gently. “Very beautiful,” he replied. I watched from a distance, clearly seeing their sweet interaction. Adeline was Asher’s secretary and always called him Mr. Asher. Just now, she called him Finn so intimately. They didn’t look like they had a superior-subordinate relationship; they seemed more like a couple… They didn’t notice me. Adeline walked over to Asher, snuggling up to him. “Then let’s go with this one. Let’s take some photos.” Asher didn’t move. Just when I thought he might refuse, he spoke up, “Adeline, wait a little longer for me.” Tears welled up in Adeline’s eyes. “Finn, I’ll wait for you, but you have to tell me how long.” “Do you know how much it hurt me yesterday?” They embraced tightly, while I stood there, feeling cold all over. Even though I had suspected their hidden relationship yesterday, hearing this made me think there was more to it. The next second, Asher raised his hand to make a promise, “Adeline, once I’m completely established, I’ll marry you!” “You know marrying Nora was just a reluctant move. Everyone in the industry knows about our relationship. I’m still in my rising phase, and I need her.” Yes, everyone knows Asher’s fiancée is me. Not just because we’ve been together for a long time, but because over the years, I’ve been the one supporting Asher. An artist isn’t worth much before they become famous. For years, I worked hard alone, supporting Asher with his artistic dreams. After he gained some success, I decisively quit my job to manage his studio. The overlap in our work made many people aware of me. People are judged not by their professions but by their worth. Managing the studio inevitably brought me into contact with people with ulterior motives. Even though Asher really needed that contract, money, and fame, he would still block those who disrespected me, refusing to work with them ever again. When a female client asked him for a portrait, Finn would stubbornly say, “The only leading lady in my paintings is my girlfriend, Nora!” But when did it all change? When did Asher stop needing me, stop painting for me, and even stop allowing me into the studio? “Asher, you know I’ve only ever had you in my heart,” his words interrupted my thoughts. “From high school until now, for so long, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.” “Look, I even have a couple’s tattoo on my chest with your birthday. You have to trust me.” The world spun around me. Asher had a half-winged butterfly and four numbers tattooed over his heart. I once curiously asked, “Why a half butterfly? What’s the meaning?” He explained it was art—”The beauty of imperfection.” He said the numbers represented the day he fell for me. I believed him. I even naively got a flower tattoo on my waist, thinking, “Butterflies always love flowers.” I stared at them unblinkingly, not noticing when Declan came in. “What are you looking at?” Declan’s voice drew Asher and Adeline’s attention. The moment Asher saw me, his face flashed with panic but quickly returned to normal. “Why did you follow me here? I told you to go home. Are you stalking me?” I stared at him steadily. Ignoring me, Asher was displeased. “I’m talking to you! When are you going home?” He came over to grab my arm, but Declan blocked him. “Dude, talk if you have something to say, but don’t lay a hand on my wife.” “Your wife?” Asher furrowed his brows. “Nora, enough with the nonsense. You don’t have to go this far to spite me by hiring someone to act.” Adeline slowly approached. “Mr. Asher, maybe Nora is just jealous. You should comfort her.” Just then, she seemed to step on her dress and suddenly fell forward, landing right in Asher’s arms. “Are you okay? Did you hurt anything?” Asher forgot to pretend in front of me, his concern glaringly obvious. I took a deep breath and couldn’t help but say, “Disgusting.” I was about to leave with Declan, but Asher stopped me. “Wait! I haven’t asked you, who is this guy?” Suddenly, he seemed to realize something. “Is this your fling from last night?!” His words became nastier, dragging Declan into it, forcing me to turn and face him. “Asher, did a donkey kick your brain? What right do you have to question me? The moment you ditched the wedding, we were done!” He seemed to find it hilarious. “Break up? Did I agree?” He said this while reaching for me again. This time, Declan didn’t hold back. As Asher reached for me, Declan grabbed his wrist, pulling him back and pinning his shoulder. “Buddy, I warned you to be respectful to my wife.” “Who the hell is your wife!” Asher’s words played right into Declan’s hands. He smiled, pulled out his phone, and showed a wedding photo of us as his screen wallpaper. “My wife. Beautiful, huh.” The next second, he turned to me, winking to reassure me. “Wife, when are we getting our marriage certificate?” Seeing Asher defeated made me feel good. “Let’s do it now!” I wasn’t lying. I had my documents with me. Declan was stunned for a second, then let out a playful whistle. Asher recognized the wedding setting, eyes wide, shouting, “Nora, who gave you permission to marry?!” I looked at him coldly. “Isn’t this perfect? Now Adeline doesn’t have to wait for you. We can all marry our first loves. It’s fair.” With that, I ignored both Asher and Declan’s shocked expressions and left without looking back. As I brushed past Adeline, I looked her up and down. “If Asher really cared, he wouldn’t have let you wear that wedding dress.” “What do you mean?” “The dress has a high neckline. It makes your big chest and short neck look bulky. If you’re taking wedding photos, you should wear something that makes you look beautiful.” Adeline looked at me deeply. After I left, Declan quickly caught up to me, wide-eyed. “What did you mean by what you said earlier? Marrying our first loves?” Meanwhile, Asher shouted from behind, “Nora, wait till those paintings spread everywhere!” I’m sorry, but it seems that the text to be translated is missing. Could you please provide the content that needs translation? A studio in San Francisco caught fire due to inadequate fire safety measures. Thankfully, there were no casualties, but renowned artist Asher’s paintings were entirely destroyed. When I saw the news, Declan was pestering me. “Come on, tell me, what did you mean by what you said that day?”

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Three months before the SATs, my mom took my sister and me to buy lucky charms. Emma immediately fell in love with a black cat charm said to bring good fortune. I chose a white cat charm that was supposed to help distinguish right from wrong. Emma, who had always been a poor student, suddenly saw her grades skyrocket. Meanwhile, my grades, which had always been excellent, began to plummet. I ultimately failed to get into any good colleges. Unwilling to accept defeat, I decided to take a gap year and retake the SATs. But the stress and endless nights of studying eventually took their toll. I died from exhaustion. In my final moments, Emma whispered in my ear: “You know, sis, the black cat doesn’t just bring good luck. It can also steal luck from others.” I died filled with resentment. But when I opened my eyes again, I found myself back on the day we chose our lucky charms. “The black cat is way cuter. That white cat looks as disgusting as you, sis!” Emma sneered. It was the exact same scene as before. Last time, I hadn’t dared to argue back. I had silently picked up the white cat’s cage and left. But this time was different. I grabbed Emma’s outstretched hand. With a slight smile, I said: “Oh really? Then I’ll take the black cat.” Emma’s smug grin instantly froze. She stared at me in disbelief: “How dare you talk to me like that! Do you need to be taught a lesson?” She raised her hand, about to slap me across the face. In my past life, I would have backed down to keep the peace in the family. But this time, I caught her hand mid-air and slapped her instead. Seeing Emma get hit, our mom, who had always stayed silent when I was bullied, suddenly changed her tune: “Your sister was just joking with you! Why did you hit her so hard? I swear, why did I give birth to such an ungrateful child like you!” I ignored her and calmly picked up the cage with the black cat, turning to leave. Just as I was about to walk out, Emma finally recovered from the shock of the pain. She screamed hysterically after me: “No! How am I supposed to pass the SATs without it!” I paused. So Emma had been reborn too. Emma and I were born just three minutes apart, but our personalities couldn’t have been more different. I had always been timid and afraid of conflict. Emma was domineering and loved bullying others at school. I generally tried to avoid her in daily life. But who could have guessed that everything would change three months before the SATs. Emma had spent her high school years smoking, drinking, and fighting. She cycled through boyfriends like changing clothes. She hung out with a bad crowd outside of school every day. Forget getting into a good college – she’d be lucky to get into any college at all. Mom was worried sick. She heard that the charms sold at this shop had special powers that could help with exams. That’s why she had brought us all this way to buy them. In my past life, even though my white cat was supposed to help distinguish right and wrong, it would mysteriously fall asleep during every exam. Meanwhile, Emma’s grades kept improving. Not only did she easily get into an Ivy League school, but she also caught the eye of a rich classmate who fell in love with her at first sight. I failed the SATs miserably. Unwilling to accept defeat, I decided to take a gap year and try again. But my grades kept getting worse and worse. In the end, I died from the stress one night. Just before I died, Emma told me the truth – that all my good luck had been stolen by her. Thankfully, the heavens had given me another chance. This time, I refused to repeat the same mistakes. “What are you spacing out for? Let’s go!” Emma snapped at me, her face dark with anger. I glanced at her and the drowsy black cat in her arms, raising an eyebrow: “Emma, you better take good care of it. After all, your entire future depends on this cat now.” “Mind your own business!” She slammed the car door shut with a thunderous bang. Through the window, I saw her viciously throw the white cat’s cage to the ground: “Useless thing! Just looking at you pisses me off!” Oh Emma, you’re being too hasty. The white cat may not be able to help you ace the SATs, but it could open up a whole different path for you.

As soon as we got home, Emma kicked the white cat’s cage, sending it tumbling. Watching the poor kitten struggle inside the cage, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for it: “If you don’t like it, just return it to the shop. Why take your anger out on an innocent animal?” Emma got even angrier hearing this. She grabbed the cage and stormed back to her room in a huff: “Stop pretending to be a good person!” I couldn’t bear to see the white cat being abused, so I ended up making a little bed for it. I also brought the black cat into my bedroom. Its eyes sparkled with curiosity as it looked me up and down. At first it was shy about letting me pet it, but after a while it started licking my hand affectionately. I couldn’t help but giggle at how cute it was. As the SATs drew closer, even with the black cat’s help, I didn’t dare slack off. I spent every day studying from dawn till dusk, trying to make the most of every minute. In my past life, I had always been a top student. I thought getting into an Ivy League was practically guaranteed. My teachers had even hinted that I might be the valedictorian of our school. But after getting the black cat, my mental state took a sharp turn for the worse. I fell asleep several times during exams. In the end, I bombed the SATs completely. Meanwhile, Emma, who had absorbed all my good luck, saw her grades mysteriously skyrocket even though she still hung out with her delinquent friends all day. I had thought she had finally buckled down and started studying. It wasn’t until I was on my deathbed that I learned the truth. Thinking about how all my hard work had ended up benefiting Emma made my blood boil with anger. But what upset me even more was my mom’s attitude. She clearly knew Emma was responsible for my death. Yet she still hastily buried me and moved the family to a new city with Emma. She didn’t even bother coming back to visit my grave on holidays. I finally understood that there was no real love in this family. Everyone had just been using me. Emma still disliked the white cat, but at this point it was too late to change anything. Plus, my temper had become unpredictable lately. The moment she tried to bully me, I would slam my hand on the table and threaten to fight her. She didn’t dare try to steal the cat back. At dinner, she viciously stabbed at the food in her bowl: “Some people are just born losers. Even with a lucky charm to help, they still can’t get into a good school.” I barely glanced up at her: “Eating dinner and giving a self-introduction at the same time? How efficient.” “You-!” She was so angry her face turned the color of a pig’s liver. She slammed her bowl and chopsticks onto the table with a crash. “What about me? At least I’m better than someone who can’t even fill out their exam registration correctly. Why are you even taking the SATs? Just to donate the registration fee to the government?” “Enough! We’re eating dinner, stop arguing! If you keep this up, you can both get out!” Mom suddenly slammed her hand on the table. That finally put an end to the squabble. I smirked coldly. Mom was always like this. She’d pretend not to see when Emma mocked me. But the moment I fought back even a little, she’d jump out and play peacemaker. Late that night as I was reviewing the day’s practice questions, my bedroom door was suddenly pushed open. Emma leaned against the doorframe, her face dark: “Sis, how come your black cat does nothing but eat and sleep all day? You sure it’s not just stupid? Better hope it doesn’t end up having side effects instead of helping you.” The black cat had been sleeping in its bed, but hearing Emma insult it, it suddenly leapt out. It extended its claws and viciously scratched Emma’s wrist. “Ahh!!” Emma screamed and stumbled backwards. Her arm was already streaked with blood. Blood dripped onto the floor as she grimaced in pain: “Just like its owner – an ungrateful little beast! Animals will always be animals!” I gently stroked the black cat’s head: “We don’t bother with crazy people.” The cat rolled its eyes haughtily and curled up in my lap to continue sleeping. In my past life, even though the black cat had been forced to obey Emma, their relationship had always been a bit strange. If Emma hadn’t been afraid the cat would die if she threw it, the black cat probably wouldn’t have listened to her at all. Seeing how well the black cat and I got along, Emma gritted her teeth: “As expected, lowly creatures of a feather flock together.” I rubbed my temples: “If you don’t leave now, I promise you’ll end up black and blue.” Remembering how I had beaten her up before, she got a bit scared. Using the excuse of needing to treat her injured hand, she quickly left. But before going, she couldn’t help muttering under her breath: “So what if it brings good luck? During the exam, my white cat can directly tell me which answers are right or wrong!” Little did she know, a few days later in the mock exam, she would end up dead last in the entire school.

As soon as we got home with our test results, Mom eagerly snatched my score report to examine it closely. The more she looked, the wider her eyes got. By the end, her voice had risen to a shriek: “How is this possible?! Your sister should have been first in the school!” I pushed up my glasses and stared at her expressionlessly: “Emma is first in the school. First from the bottom, that is.” Just as I finished speaking, Emma came bursting through the front door and threw herself into Mom’s arms, wailing: “Mom! How could this happen?! How?! Wasn’t the white cat supposed to tell me which answers were right? Why did I still end up last in the school?!” I couldn’t help but laugh coldly: “You’re really stupid, aren’t you? The most important part of the SAT is the essay section. Even if the white cat helped you ace the multiple choice, what good does that do if you can’t write a single coherent sentence?” In my past life, my weakness had been the multiple choice section. I always lost points I shouldn’t have there. That’s why I had chosen the white cat to help me identify the correct answers. But for Emma, who couldn’t even string a sentence together, the white cat was clearly useless. Mom didn’t have much education herself, so she couldn’t follow all this back-and-forth. She just defaulted to defending Emma as usual: “Did you steal your sister’s score? Haven’t I told you before that as the older sister, you need to let your sister win sometimes?” Right, let my sister win. Mom had been drilling this idea into my head since I was little. All the good food and drinks had to go to Emma. Emma got to wear the pretty clothes first, I only got her hand-me-downs. Emma got the beautiful princess-themed bedroom, while I was squeezed into the dark basement. In the end, I even had to give up my SAT scores and my bright future to Emma. What more did they want from me? Thinking about how I had listened to Mom in my past life, only to end up with such a miserable fate, I couldn’t help but feel like a complete fool. “What, should I give her my brain too? It’s not my fault she’s an idiot,” I shot back mercilessly. Mom was stunned for a moment, then exploded in rage: “How dare you talk back to me like that! I raised you to this age, and this is how you repay me? You’re not allowed to sleep tonight! Kneel in the living room and reflect on your mistakes!” If this was my past life, I would have been trembling in fear by now, obediently kneeling down. But I wasn’t going to be so stupid this time. I stared Mom straight in the eye: “You raised me? Have you forgotten that I’ve been working to support myself since I was 14? Your new clothes and new phone were all bought with my scholarship money!” Mom’s face paled. Knowing she was in the wrong, she could only resort to unreasonable arguments: “I’m your mother! I gave birth to you, so your money is my money! I can use it however I want!” “If you can’t accept that, then get out and live on your own!” She finished with a smug look, clearly expecting me to apologize. After all, without this home, I would end up on the streets. But she never expected me to calmly nod and say: “As it happens, the school has offered me a spot in the national math olympiad. They’re providing a dorm for me to focus on studying. Thanks for letting me leave, Mom.” “What?! You got into the national math olympiad?!” Emma, who had been watching from the sidelines, couldn’t hold back anymore. Her eyeballs looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets. I waved the invitation letter in my hand: “What’s wrong, never seen one before? I suppose the only thing you’ve ever held is a report card with the lowest score in school.” This was a fatal blow to Emma. After all, if I won an award at the national math olympiad, I could get into any top university without even taking the SATs. “How did your grades improve so quickly…” Mom eyed me suspiciously. I had been waiting for her to ask this: “I have to thank you for buying me that cat. I discovered that if I imitate the cat by crawling around on the ground meowing every day, I always do well on tests the next day!” As expected, Emma’s eyes lit up when she heard this. Sure enough, the next morning, I was woken up by Mom’s shouts: “Why are you still sleeping?! Quick, come see your sister! She… has she gone crazy?”

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When we got our marriage license, Lucas told me he didn’t know how to love, so for five years of marriage, he gave me sex and desire. It was an arranged marriage, and I knew I couldn’t be greedy. I thought that was enough. Until our anniversary night. I broke his bedroom rule and secretly removed my blindfold for the first time. But I accidentally saw the name tattooed on his lower back. At that moment, I realized. Lucas wasn’t incapable of love; he had just hidden it away, saving it for my sister. We had a huge fight, wishing each other dead. Who would have thought those words would come true, as we both died in a car crash off a cliff. Before dying, Lucas looked at me, his face covered in blood, and begged: “Aria, if there’s a next life, let’s not be husband and wife, okay?” I stared at him, laughing miserably like a madwoman. When I opened my eyes again, I saw Lucas kneeling with his back straight: “Uncle, Aunt, I can’t marry Aria. I’m in love with Rose.” I was stunned. But I quickly accepted it. As it happened, I didn’t want to choose him this time either.

“Are you sure you want to marry Zachary?” Lucas’s mother asked, somewhat reluctantly. I calmly exchanged marriage documents with her, and after confirming that Zachary’s name was on them, I smiled gently: “I’m sure, Aunt.” Lucas’s mother tried to persuade me again: “The fortune teller said Zachary won’t live past thirty. You…” “Aria, even if Lucas doesn’t agree to the arranged marriage, you don’t have to choose a husband from the Lu family.” In my previous life, Zachary did indeed die at thirty. His mother fainted from crying, and his father aged years in a single night. Everyone lamented his passing. He was brilliant, becoming the head of the Lu family at such a young age. His frail body housed the most determined heart. Before he died, I had intended to see him one last time. But I heard him say: “I like Aria Young.” “She doesn’t need to know anything I’ve done. I just want her to be happy.” He said not all love needs to be spoken, not all love requires reciprocation. So much so that year after year, except for his assistant, no one knew. He hid his love so deep that I never noticed a hint of it until the last moment he left this world full of regret. So, even if it was just for that “like.” I wanted to help him, at least not let him die with regrets again. After a long pause, I smiled and gently patted the back of her hand. I reassured her: “Aunt, Zachary will live to be a hundred years old.”

After Lucas’s mother left, my mother also came to ask me: “You’re not just angry at Lucas, are you?” She knew how much I liked Lucas. Childhood sweethearts, when I first fell in love, I couldn’t see any other boy. I thought he felt the same way, but I never imagined it was just my one-sided love all along. In my previous life, when Lucas and I got our marriage license, he told me: “I’ve lived in calculations since childhood. I don’t understand love and can’t love, but I’ll give you everything I can.” For five years of marriage, we were known in our circle as a talented and beautiful couple, a loving husband and wife. So to maintain this marriage, I was willing to teach Lucas how to love me. I could even indulge his occasional willfulness. Even his bedroom quirks, I could endure. In my previous life, before we went to bed, Lucas would always hand me a blindfold or use a tie to cover my eyes. He said: “Aria’s eyes are too beautiful. I’m afraid I’ll lose control and hurt you.” Each time, I would blush to the tips of my ears. Later, there were once or twice when he forgot to cover my eyes. I was delighted to see his passionate expression, but he just coaxed me to change positions, then lovingly kissed my back bit by bit. We almost never faced each other. I thought it was just Lucas’s habit. Until our fifth anniversary. For the first time, I secretly removed the blindfold, only to accidentally discover the name tattooed on his lower back. Humiliation and betrayal washed over me simultaneously. At that moment, I felt like I had fallen into an ice pit. I went crazy, smashing everything in the bedroom, grabbing an ashtray and throwing it at Lucas. I hurled all sorts of vicious words at him, wishing he would die. Cursing him to go to hell. But this time around, I didn’t want to do anything. I just wanted to stay away from him. Thinking carefully. Lucas did treat me well. He just didn’t love me.

The engagement party was set for next month. Lucas’s mother said the Lu family would handle everything, and I just needed to wait patiently. She gave me the chance to change my mind at any time. I smiled helplessly and replied: “That wouldn’t be fair to Zachary.” He’s just sick. I sent a message to the research institute’s assistant, asking them to prepare experimental equipment for me. In my previous life, after Zachary had his heart transplant, I locked myself in the lab for a while to research antibacterial drugs. Later, when the drug was ready for production, he had already died from infection. I hope we’ll be in time this time. Suddenly, Lucas sent me a message: “Come to the Nine Nights Club. I have something to discuss with you.” I refused directly. After Lucas was reborn, the first thing he did was come to my house to cancel our engagement and confess his love for my adopted sister, Rose. To make Rose happy, he set off fireworks all night. The topic about them had been trending at number one for a while. Everyone was saying they were a perfect match. Some paparazzi had recorded a video of them walking on the beach. Rose seemed to get tired and asked Lucas to carry her on his back. I thought he would refuse. But he didn’t. He smiled indulgently, knelt on one knee, gently rubbed her ankle first, and then carried her on his back. His movements were smooth and tender. Some netizens commented: “Young Master Lu really loves Rose to death.” During this time, he had been by Rose’s side, dutifully pleasing her, spoiling her like a little princess. He was trying hard to make up for the regrets of his past life, wanting to live a different life. I didn’t object, as long as it didn’t involve me. But in the end, I still went to the Nine Nights Club, though not because of Lucas. I wanted to see Zachary. His assistant called me back: “Miss Young, Mr. Lu is at Nine Nights for a business meeting. If you have urgent matters, you can come directly.” I frowned instinctively and couldn’t help but joke: “He’s still drinking when he’s sick? Is he afraid he’s not dying fast enough?” The assistant on the other end immediately muted himself. After a moment of silence, only a very light cough came through. Finally, the assistant hurriedly left a private room number and hung up.

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Even past sixty, my mother-in-law was naturally pregnant due to her fertile health. I suggested she consider terminating the pregnancy and perhaps get a tubal ligation. She wasn’t happy with my suggestion, but I respected her decision. Unexpectedly, her nine daughters were against it. They gave her sleeping pills and took her for an abortion that very night. The next day, they blamed me entirely, claiming I couldn’t accept the child. In her fury, my mother-in-law killed me. When I opened my eyes, I found myself back on the day she announced her pregnancy. I looked at the excited sisters-in-law chatting around me and the bashful mother-in-law on the sofa. It hit me instantly—I had been reborn. It was the very day my mother-in-law called the family together to announce her pregnancy. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that I clasped my hands in thanks. “Thank you, heavens, for granting me another life!” Some sharp-eyed sisters-in-law noticed and frowned, asking, “Nora, what’s wrong with you? Acting all strange? It’s your turn to share your thoughts!” Everyone turned to me, some even hinting at me to stick to what we had agreed on the day before. In my past life, it was the same. The nine sisters-in-law were all afraid of their mother, so they begged me to be the “bad guy,” to convince her to have an abortion and get a tubal ligation. They reasoned that since I was the only daughter-in-law and favored by my mother-in-law, I was the best one to speak up. Wanting to consider her health and not make them uncomfortable, I agreed. Little did I know, they turned on me. I could only watch helplessly as my mother-in-law attacked me with a kitchen knife, while they remained indifferent. After burying me in the backyard, they deceived my husband, saying I ran away after a fight with my mother-in-law. Thinking about my tragic end in the previous life sent shivers down my spine. Someone else can be the “bad guy” this time! I let out a cold snort, and with a stern face, I said, “I have no opinion. Whether to keep the baby or not is Mom’s decision.” With that, I got up and went into the bedroom. My mother-in-law was overjoyed. “My daughter-in-law is still the best. Educated people are different. I have the freedom to give birth if I want, and the baby has the right to be born too.” “Alright, meeting adjourned!” Soon, the nine sisters-in-law rushed into my room. As soon as they entered, they angrily complained, “Nora, what’s going on with you? We agreed yesterday that you’d convince Mom to handle the baby. Why did you suddenly change your mind? We didn’t expect you to be so two-faced.” Seventh Sister and Eighth Sister chimed in, “Nora, do you realize how serious this is? Mom is so old. Who’s going to care for the baby? And Big Sister already has a grandchild. Does it make sense to have another sibling? If word gets out, won’t people laugh at us?” I put down the clothes in my hands and sneered, “You’re her daughters, you tell her! I’m an outsider and just the daughter-in-law. What right do I have to dictate to my mother-in-law?” Hearing this, they immediately shouted at me, “Now you say you’re an outsider? When Dad and Mom wanted to transfer the house to you, why didn’t you say you were an outsider?” “Nora, if you don’t want to say something, then you take care of the baby when it’s born! Anyway, you’re young and have plenty of energy. Plus, we’re daughters, always outsiders. You’re the real mistress of this house.”

I let out a snort, looking at Seventh Sister, Eighth Sister, and Ninth Sister. “Aren’t you all unmarried? You’re part of this family too! Anyway, you don’t work, just stay home and take care of the baby, help out your parents, isn’t it your duty?” As soon as I said this, the three of them immediately glared. “Why should we? We don’t know how to take care of a baby! And even if it has to be done, it shouldn’t fall on us.” First Sister frowned upon hearing this. “If it’s to be done, start with Second Sister, don’t count me in! I still have to babysit my grandson!” After saying this, she walked out without looking back. Second Sister and Third Sister, who are twins, exchanged a glance, then held their heads, feigning headaches. “Ah, time spares no one. I’ve been having random headaches since last month, I don’t know why?” With that, they both held their heads and quickly slipped away. Fourth Sister, Fifth Sister, and Sixth Sister didn’t bother explaining, simply saying, “We’re not dealing with it,” and left. Seventh Sister, Eighth Sister, and Ninth Sister were left, seeing their sisters leaving one by one, they became anxious. They exchanged glances and, understanding each other, turned their attention to me. “Nora, we’re ordering you as your sisters to tell Mom to handle the baby. Otherwise, I’ll make my brother divorce you!” I couldn’t even be bothered to respond, my face full of indifference. “Fine, divorce then, find your brother right now. If I, Nora, say a single word of refusal, then I’m not human!” “Why don’t you say it? Aren’t you afraid of offending Mom and Dad, fearing they won’t leave you an inheritance? I’m telling the truth now, I’m afraid too. So don’t use me as a pawn, I’m not falling for it!” Hearing this, their anger was palpable, Ninth Sister gritted her teeth and said, “Good for you, Nora, you finally spoke the truth! I’m going to tell Mom and Dad you’re after their inheritance.” I snorted, “Are Mom and Dad fools? Can’t they tell who’s eyeing it? I have my own house and car, and my beauty salon, why would I need their peanuts? But some people stay home all day, don’t work, just mooch off their parents!” My words instantly infuriated them. “Nora, whether we work or not is none of your business! Did we spend your money? Our parents haven’t said anything, why do you get to yap?” “Whether you’ve spent or not, you know in your hearts. With your parents’ monthly pension of over five thousand, can you really live off that? You frequently ask my husband for money, isn’t that spending my money? And those two cars I bought, who’s driving them every day? Who gets free maintenance at my salon every week, isn’t that money too?” They were speechless at my retorts, but their faces showed increasing anger. I couldn’t be bothered to deal with them, so I packed my suitcase into the car. Then, I went to my mother-in-law’s room and told her, “Mom, from today, Ethan and I are moving out. Once you have the baby, this house will be too small, and we won’t fit. Also, if it’s a son, the second floor will be perfect for him in the future, as his elder siblings, we certainly won’t compete with him.” My mother-in-law was all smiles upon hearing this. “Great, great! Everything will be as you say. You think things through so well, we as parents are truly happy from the bottom of our hearts.” But Seventh Sister, Eighth Sister, and Ninth Sister were not happy about it. “Mom, you can’t let her leave, it’s clear she doesn’t want to help you with the baby, she’s trying to escape! And if she leaves, who’s going to pay the nanny? Who’s going to do the housework? We don’t agree, no way. Unless she compensates us five thousand a month, we won’t let her leave.” After Ninth Sister said this, Seventh Sister and Eighth Sister kept nodding. “Yes, Ninth Sister is right, if she doesn’t compensate us, she can’t leave this house.” Seeing their calculating faces, I said nothing and slammed the door, leaving.

When my husband found out I finally decided to move out, he was even more excited than I was. Being oppressed by his sisters since childhood, he had longed to move out. If it weren’t for me being an only daughter, always longing for sibling companionship, he wouldn’t have put up with me to continue living there. When my husband came back from work to our newly renovated home, he was so excited that he stripped naked and ran around the house. “This is great! My ears can finally have some peace!” Then he looked at me with joy. “Honey, how did you suddenly come to this decision? Before, even when Eighth Sister and Ninth Sister made you cry, you never thought of moving out. Why so sudden today?” Looking at my earnest and adorable husband, Ethan, I burst into tears. In the previous life, he got into a car accident while looking for me, became comatose, and remained in that state until he passed away. His parents and sisters initially cared for him, but over time, they saw him as a burden and dumped him in a small village to fend for himself. Seeing me cry so sadly, he got angry. “Honey, did those three bully you again? I’m going to find them now.” I quickly stopped my irrational husband and explained, “No, no, no, don’t get upset, I was just heartbroken seeing you like that! I also regret not moving out sooner.” “Oh, so that’s it, you scared me.” After saying that, he excitedly got up to organize his gaming room, saying as he did so, “Honey, do you know how long I’ve waited for this day? I just want the two of us to be together quietly, without anyone disturbing us.” “Hey, babe, are those three bothering you again? I’ll go have a word with them.” I quickly stopped my husband, who seemed ready to lose his temper, and explained: “No, no, no, don’t get upset. I just felt bad seeing you so stressed earlier! I also regret not moving out sooner.” “Oh, so that’s what it is. You startled me for a moment.” With that, he got up, visibly relieved, and started to tidy up his game room. As he cleaned, he said: “You know how long I’ve waited for this day? I just want to be with you, peacefully, without anyone disturbing us.” “Growing up, there were many kids at home, and I was the only boy, so I became the target of their teasing. My parents were too busy to notice. Honestly, having many siblings isn’t always a blessing. It really depends on the personality. If someone has a selfish nature, even siblings will try to exploit you, always taking without giving.” “You know, I’ve been working for almost six years, and I haven’t saved a single penny. As soon as I get paid, my sisters take it all and think it’s perfectly normal.” “Sigh! I really have no one to confide in! We’re going to have kids in the future, and there are expenses everywhere. How can we keep living like this with them constantly taking advantage?” … My husband went on, and tears were already streaming down my face. Finally, I couldn’t hold back anymore and interrupted him, my voice choked with emotion. “I’m sorry, honey. I shouldn’t have insisted we live with them from the start.” Ethan smiled, “Silly girl, there’s no need to apologize. You just wanted everyone to get along.” Suddenly, I made up my mind, stood up, walked over to him, and said seriously: “Honey, from now on, let’s focus on our own little family and not worry about others. It might be difficult considering your family, but can you promise to always be on my side no matter what I do?” “Of course! I’ll always be on your side. You’re the one who’ll be with me for the rest of my life. I’ll do my duty to my parents. As for my sisters, I think I’ve done enough. We’ll do what’s necessary, but I can’t do more than that.” So, my husband and I reached an agreement. From now on, our little family is the most important. Everyone and everything else can step aside. I didn’t expect them to shamelessly contact me the next day. Just after noon, I had left the beauty salon and was about to head home for lunch when my phone buzzed with a series of messages. [Ninth Sister: Nora, why didn’t the cook show up today? Are you trying to starve us?] [Eighth Sister: Nora, are you out of your mind? Even if we don’t eat, are you going to ignore Mom and Dad? Mom’s pregnant. How’s she supposed to cook for us?] [Seventh Sister: Sis-in-law, isn’t this too extreme? We’re family, do you have to be so harsh?] I couldn’t be bothered to reply and directly blocked all three of them. About half an hour later, my husband’s phone suddenly received a payment request from Ninth Sister. Then she sent another message: [Ethan, we just had lunch at DineWell with Mom, Dad, Seventh Sister, and Eighth Sister. The bill is 1386. Pay up.] My husband frowned, handed me the phone, and said helplessly: “What should we do? Maybe we should just send it to them?” “No way. Don’t bother! They’re all over thirty and can’t even cook? If they dared to eat out, they must have counted on you to cave in and pay. What about tomorrow? The day after? Are you going to pay every day? What did we agree on yesterday? Did you forget?” He sighed, “How can they keep asking me for money like this?” “Because you always give in!” Without another word, I blocked Seventh Sister, Eighth Sister, and Ninth Sister from his SnapChat too. In less than five minutes, my husband’s phone rang. He saw it was Ninth Sister. After taking a deep breath, he answered, but before he could speak, Ninth Sister started yelling. “Ethan, are you crazy? You dared to block me? I’m telling you to send the money right now, or else…” Before she could finish, Eighth Sister grabbed the phone. “Ethan, we’re family. Don’t let Nora, that outsider, get between us. Be sensible and send the money. Can you really stand to see us sent to the police station by the restaurant?” Before Ethan could respond, I grabbed the phone. “If you can’t pay, you deserve to be sent to the police station. We have one thing to say: no money!” With that, I hung up. After hanging up, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Speaking my mind felt so liberating. Even in the afternoon at the salon, I was in a great mood, feeling like everything was perfect. But just as I was enjoying myself, my husband came to the salon with a gloomy face. “Babe, my parents want us to go home right now!” Ha! I laughed coldly. What’s meant to happen will happen, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon! “Fine, let’s head back then!” As soon as we walked in, my father-in-law, with a frown, laid into us, “You just moved out, and now you act like you’re not part of this family? Do you have any idea? If I hadn’t run into someone I know and borrowed money, your mom, your sister, and I would’ve ended up at the police station.”

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I had been dating Zachary Xavier for three years before I found out he came from a wealthy family when we got married. But Zachary’s brothers all said I was just after his money, and urged him to control my finances. Zachary actually believed them. After we got married, he not only wouldn’t let me work, but also only gave me $100 a month for expenses. He said it was enough. It really was enough. I not only went shopping every day, but could also afford luxury skincare and designer bags. He grew suspicious and demanded to know where I was getting money from. I put on an innocent face: “Honey, it’s from the allowance you give me every month!” He got angry: “I only give you $100 a month, what can you even do with that?” So he did know that $100 a month wasn’t enough for anything. But it didn’t matter. He gave me $100 each month. His good brothers each gave me $100,000 every month. I had just gotten back from shopping. As soon as I walked in, I saw Zachary sitting on the couch. He looked up and asked, “Where did you go?” I waved the shopping bags in my hand. “I went shopping and bought some things.” He frowned. “Why are you shopping again? The housekeeper said you just bought a bunch of stuff yesterday.” “I’m starting to think Peter and the others were right, you really are materialistic and just after money…” His words suddenly trailed off as his gaze fell on the Gucci bag I was holding. This was a luxury brand where even a single item cost thousands of dollars. “Zoe Sullivan, you actually bought Gucci? Where did you get the money to buy Gucci?” I put on an innocent face, “Honey, from the allowance you give me every month.” He got angry. “Do I not know how much I give you each month?” “$100 a month, what can you even do with that?” I looked at him: “Honey, didn’t you say before that $100 a month was enough?” “If you think $100 a month is too little, why did you just say I was materialistic and only after money?” Zachary was at a loss for words as he realized how contradictory his two statements were. Suddenly, his phone rang. Zachary glanced at me before hurriedly answering the call and walking out. I went back to our room. Zachary’s good friend Peter had sent me a message. [Zoe, did you like the things you bought today?] [Do you need more money?] I hadn’t had a chance to reply before Peter retracted the message asking [Do you need more money?] The next second, I got a notification that $200,000 had been deposited into my bank account. Well, a real man never asks a woman if she has enough money. In this regard, Zachary’s good friends were much better than him.

Zachary and I were college sweethearts. We dated for three years in college. When I first met Zachary, he was working part-time at the library. He always seemed to be short on money when we were dating. It wasn’t until after graduation when we started talking about marriage that I found out Zachary came from a wealthy family. The first time I met his parents, I was very nervous. Because I knew rich families usually had high standards for their daughters-in-law. At least not someone from a modest background like me. But to my surprise, Zachary’s parents were very pleased with me. Because when Zachary was in college, they had only given him a very small allowance each month to teach him independence. They never expected that even with such limited means, there would be a girl willing to date Zachary. They felt I wasn’t after Zachary for his money, which made them very happy. Dating for three years, not only did I end up marrying my boyfriend, but I also found out he came from a wealthy family. And his parents approved of me too. At the time, I felt like all the good fortune in the world had fallen into my lap. Until right before the wedding, when I accidentally overheard a conversation between Zachary and his friends.

Those three were his childhood friends who had grown up with him. One was Peter Collins, who had taken over his family’s company right after graduation and was very successful. One was James Scott, who came from an artistic family and was a famous painter himself. The last one was Samuel Moore, who came from a politically connected family and was now a prominent lawyer. “Zachary, is this the girlfriend you dated for three years in college?” “She looks like she’s from a modest background. Are you sure she’s not just after your money?” The one speaking was Peter. Zachary was stunned for a while before responding. “Peter, that’s not something to joke about.” “You know my parents only gave me $100 a month in college. How could she possibly be after my money?” But then James quietly said: “Zachary, didn’t you appear in the newspapers a few times before?” “What if she knew about your background in advance and pursued you on purpose?” “James, how can you go along with Peter’s nonsense?” “Zoe’s not that kind of person.” James smiled and didn’t say anything more. “Zachary, you have to be careful.” “You know that for families like ours, what we fear most are disputes over assets.” “If you end up divorcing after two years because you’re not compatible, she’d be entitled to half your assets.” “I suggest you be cautious and have a prenup drawn up, control her finances and such.” “You know my dad made that mistake years ago and lost tens of millions…” Samuel, true to his lawyer nature, couldn’t stop talking about calculations and precautions. I didn’t listen any further. After all, as Zachary’s friends, I could understand them reminding him to be cautious. But I believed Zachary knew what kind of person I was. However, the next day, Zachary handed me a prenuptial agreement.

I looked at the agreement, my eyes full of disbelief. “Zachary, what does this mean?” “You don’t trust me?” Zachary probably didn’t realize I had already overheard their conversation, so he casually made up an excuse. “Zoe, it’s not that I don’t trust you.” “This is just a formality in our family, a prenup is necessary.” I countered. “If you trust me, why is a prenup necessary?” “Zachary, we’ve been together for three years, not three months, and certainly not three days.” “After three years, you still don’t trust me? If that’s the case, we might as well not get married.” With that, I angrily threw the agreement on the table and ran out. That night, Zachary found me and sincerely apologized, admitting he had been foolish. He promised not to bring up the prenup again. And I softened and forgave him. I thought this was just a small hiccup before the wedding, but I didn’t realize it was only the beginning.

After we got married. Zachary used the excuse that my health wasn’t good to make me quit my job. As luck would have it, the company I worked for was struggling financially at the time, on the verge of bankruptcy, and had been behind on our salaries for several months. After getting my back pay, I voluntarily resigned, planning to take a break before looking for a new job. But I never imagined. After I quit, I was never able to go back to work. First, Zachary was strongly against it, believing that being a full-time housewife was a good choice for me. I couldn’t believe Zachary would have such an idea. “Zachary, you know.” “I never wanted to be a full-time housewife, I want to have my own career.” But Zachary said. “Even if you have your own career, isn’t the end result just to make money?” “The Xavier family is already wealthy enough.” I was speechless and decided to go out and look for a job directly. But I sent out hundreds of resumes. Not a single company responded. “Zoe, don’t waste your energy, you won’t be able to find a job in this city.” Looking at Zachary’s confident expression, I seemed to know the answer.

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