Author: Momo Chan

The day I learned I was terminally ill with stomach cancer, Kieran was in Paris attending a ballet with his old flame, Nadia. Three years ago, he promised me with a ring, “We’ll face everything together.” Now, he’s oblivious to the fact that I’ll be gone in three months. Or maybe he’s not so unaware. Just last night, he broke into my lab, stole the core data for the anti-cancer drug, and called Nadia with glee: “We’ll own all the patents soon.” “And then, I’ll ensure she’s out of the picture.” At the Charity Gala, I confronted Nadia and demanded the data back. Kieran tightened his grip on my chin and warned, “Don’t push me.” After I fainted, I called my lawyer: “I want to amend my will—all my assets, donate to the Cancer Center.” And I sent the FBI the surveillance footage: him stealing sensitive data and poisoning me. If I can’t survive, I’ll make sure these two scoundrels pay for it behind bars. The word “terminal” on the diagnosis hit me like a dagger to the heart. The doctor’s words faded into a blur, leaving only “three months” clearly imprinted in my mind. I wiped the blood from my mouth mechanically. My phone buzzed. It was a message from Kieran: “There’s an international conference tonight, don’t wait up.” His assistant’s text followed: “Mr. Kieran has arrived at the Paris Opera House with Miss Nadia.” In the photo, he was gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. The scent of Edelweiss Perfume suddenly filled the air. I turned sharply to see his black suit jacket casually draped over the sofa. It still carried that faint scent—the exclusive perfume, with only a hundred bottles in existence. How absurd. For our anniversary last month, he gifted me a sample of the very same perfume. He said, “You rarely use perfume, try this sample.” In retrospect, it feels like a mockery. Is this how he dismisses me? A sharp pain twisted in my stomach. I staggered to the bathroom, vomiting blood mixed with bile. When I looked up, my reflection was ghastly pale, with blood still lingering at the corners of my mouth. Apollo was crouched at the door, his amber eyes silently watching me. He was a birthday gift from Kieran last year, meant to keep me company when he was away. Now I realize, it was just to make his absences more convenient. I petted the scar behind its ear—a mark from protecting its previous owner in an accident. Even a dog knows loyalty, what about people? The phone buzzed again. It was an encrypted file from the private investigator. After decompressing it, a surveillance video appeared. Late last night, Kieran broke into my lab, used my access to log into the system, and copied the core data of the anti-cancer drug onto a USB drive. The video froze on him saying into the phone: “Nadia, we’ll soon have all the patents.” “And then, I’ll ensure she’s out of the picture.” A flash of lightning outside illuminated our wedding photo on the bedside table. Once, he knelt and told me, “Meeting you was the luckiest thing in my life.” Thunder roared, I wiped the mirror clean of blood splatters, and suddenly I laughed. “Alright,” I whispered to the void, “let’s see who falls in the end.”

Apollo’s claws scratched the floor noisily as I followed him into the study, discovering the safe door ajar. The microchip backup card, supposed to be locked inside, lay on the ground with a blurred fingerprint on its edge. I inserted it into the computer with trembling hands. The system immediately flashed a red warning: [Microchip data anomaly, last modified: yesterday 23:47]. He was supposed to be on a flight to Paris then. A metallic taste churned in my stomach, and I forced it down. A new email notification suddenly popped up, a compressed package from the private investigator. After unpacking, the photos showed him with Nadia in the corridor of a private hospital. The date was the same afternoon I first fainted from stomach pain. The electronic screen in the photo corner showed a 14:30 timestamp, piercing my eyes. That day he claimed to be in a board meeting, yet he appeared at a private hospital fifteen kilometers away. Apollo suddenly perked up his ears, growling towards downstairs. The garage engine roared to life, earlier than expected by two whole days. I quickly deleted the records, just as the study door opened. “Why is it dark in here?” His voice was cold. The scent of Edelweiss Perfume grew stronger as he approached. I pretended to tidy the desk, avoiding his reaching hand: “Project finished early?” “Yeah.” He loosened his tie, a red mark faintly visible on his neck. “You don’t look well.” My nails dug into my palm as I suddenly burst into laughter: “Maybe it’s the stomach acting up again.” His gaze swept over the computer, lingering on my tightly gripped right hand: “How’s the lab lately?” “Same as always.” I turned to the medicine cabinet, swallowing two stomach pills with my back to him. “The phase three clinical data of the new drug looks promising.” The air hung still for a few seconds. Apollo nestled at my feet, his tail brushing my ankle. “There’s a charity gala tomorrow,” he suddenly said, “you don’t have to go if you’re not feeling well.” My grip on the medicine bottle tightened. The detective had just informed me this morning that Nadia would be attending the gala as a special guest. “Alright.” I heard myself agree obediently. He visibly relaxed, bending down to pat Apollo, who evaded him. The dog bared its teeth, a low growl rumbling in its throat. “What’s wrong with this beast lately?” He frowned. “Maybe it’s in heat.” I crouched down, hugging Apollo, and discreetly slipped the microchip card into the collar’s pocket. “I’m taking it to the vet clinic tomorrow.” As he turned towards the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of the USB drive peeking from his suit’s inner pocket—it was the encryption model from my lab. The bathroom’s glass door reflected his blurred figure. I gently stroked Apollo’s ears: “Tomorrow, we’ll buy a dress.” The dog looked up at me, its wet nose nudging my palm.

The next day, the Charity Gala. I stood in the corner of the banquet hall, watching Nadia enter on his arm. Her snow-white gown swept the carpet, the “Starry” brooch on her chest gleaming under the lights—an item I had personally designed, which he claimed was for an important client. Apollo suddenly stirred in the bag; I gently pressed it down. “Hold on,” I sipped the red wine, “the show is just starting.” As they approached, I clearly saw his pupils contract in an instant. “Eloise?” He released Nadia’s arm. “I thought you weren’t coming.” I waved the invitation: “Mr. Johnson sent it personally.” I turned to the woman beside him: “And you are?” Nadia extended her hand first: “Nadia, I’ve heard about you, Mrs. Kieran.” “Mr. Kieran often mentions you.” I stared at the initials engraved inside her brooch—our names’ initials. The red wine swirled in the glass, and I suddenly raised my hand, splashing the entire glass onto her face. The dark red liquid dripped down her exquisite makeup, dimming the sapphire on the brooch. The room fell silent, all eyes on us. “Are you out of your mind?” He gripped my wrist. I shook off his hand and pulled out the photos from my clutch, tossing them onto the champagne tower. The surveillance screenshots showed them kissing in my lab, with him holding the encrypted USB drive. “Your data-stealing skills,” I whispered in Nadia’s ear, “are far worse than your man-stealing tactics.” She staggered back, knocking over the champagne tower. Amidst the shattering glass, I turned to leave. He shouted my name angrily behind me, but I didn’t look back. Apollo emerged from the bag, holding my coat at the door. As I got into the car, my phone buzzed with a message from the lawyer: [The funds have been traced; all $38 million Mr. Kieran transferred went into Nadia’s overseas account.] I drove straight to the suburban laboratory. As I unlocked it with my fingerprint, the system suddenly alerted: [Warning! Core data has been copied]. The surveillance footage showed that last night he brought Nadia here, using my access to copy all research files. The screen’s blue light reflected my pale face. I pulled up the hidden folder, activating the blockchain backup program. The system prompted: [Scheduled release program activated, auto-upload in 72 hours]. Apollo suddenly barked loudly. Footsteps approached the back door; I quickly pulled out the USB drive and slipped it into his collar. “So you are here.” He pushed the door open, his suit stained with wine from the gala. “Hand over the original data.” I leaned against the console, smiling: “What, stealing the backup wasn’t enough?” He grabbed my chin: “Don’t push me.” Sharp pain stabbed my stomach as I struggled to open the phone. The screen displayed the live gala surveillance—Detective questioning Nadia, the brooch on her chest taken as evidence. “Do you know what’s hidden in the brooch?” I coughed up blood. “The data you stole is fake; the real research is hidden in the gem’s clasp.” His face turned ashen instantly. The sirens wailed from afar, drawing near. I wiped the blood from my mouth: “Now, she’s accused of stealing sensitive information.” Apollo charged towards the door. When Detective burst in, I collapsed softly, my last consciousness hearing him roar: “Eloise! You set me up!” Before darkness fell, I patted Apollo’s head. The USB drive in the collar was warm and steady against its skin. I opened my eyes to find myself in a hospital, receiving an IV. The sky outside had darkened. “You only stole fake data. The real research results have been safely hidden away for a long time.” His face went ashen. Outside, the sirens grew louder. I wiped the blood from my mouth. “Now, she’s under suspicion for stealing national secrets.” Apollo suddenly sprang toward the door. The Detective burst in just as I collapsed, my last conscious thought catching his angry shout: “Eloise! You set me up!” Before blacking out, I reached out to touch Apollo’s head. The USB drive in his collar was warm and secure against his skin. I opened my eyes to find myself in a hospital, hooked up to an IV. It was dark outside. Apollo leaped off the chair, his wet nose nudging my fingers. I tried to move, but a sharp pain shot through my stomach. “Stay still.” Dr. Beckett held my shoulder. “The gastric hemorrhage was severe. If you had arrived half an hour later, it would have been critical.” I opened my mouth, but my throat was too dry to make a sound. Dr. Beckett sighed and handed me a smartphone: “While you were unconscious, he kept holding this at the emergency room door.” The screen showed unread messages: [Nadia taken by FBI for investigation] [Wen Corporation suspected of industrial espionage, stock plummets]. At the bottom was a notification that the encrypted file transfer was complete—the data from the USB drive in Apollo’s collar had automatically uploaded to cloud storage. The hospital room door suddenly opened. Kieran stood there, his suit wrinkled and eyes bloodshot. “You planned this all along.” His voice was frightfully hoarse. “When did it start?” I gestured for Dr. Beckett to leave and slowly sat up. “From the first time you logged into her email on my computer.” His pupils contracted sharply. Three months ago, late at night, I caught him secretly checking my research emails on cancer drugs and forwarding them to an unknown account. Back then, I naively thought he was just worried about my health. “That data was fake.” I coughed, the metallic taste of blood spreading in my mouth. “I had already secured a military patent for the real formula.” His smartphone suddenly rang. After he answered, the lawyer’s panicked voice came through clearly in the quiet room: “Mr. Johnson, Swiss Bank just froze all your overseas accounts!” I watched him stagger back against the wall, my mind flashing back to the day he proposed. He was so nervous he knocked over the coffee, yet he stubbornly knelt on one knee among the shards, asking me to marry him. “Why?” He clenched his fists. “Just because I fell in love with someone else?” “No.” I pulled out the needle, blood droplets rolling from the pinhole. “Because the cancer drug formula you stole was meant to save my dad’s life.” His face went ashen. Five years ago, my dad’s stomach cancer surgery failed due to the lack of a crucial drug. I never told anyone about this secret. Apollo suddenly barked wildly at the door. Two officers walked in, flashing an arrest warrant. “Mr. Johnson, you’re under investigation for industrial espionage and attempted murder.” As he was taken away, he looked back at me with an expression that was a mix of emotions, impossible to decipher. I lifted my smartphone to show him the last photo— Me, unconscious on the hospital bed, with a hint of blue sediment in the IV tube. “Remember that glass of water you gave me last night?” I said softly. “What a coincidence, the lab surveillance captured it perfectly.” The sunset outside was as red as blood. I petted Apollo’s head, watching the police cars speed away. The smartphone vibrated, and a new message popped up: [Mrs. Wen, the ultrasound shows you’re 8 weeks pregnant]. I stared at the blurry little dot in the ultrasound photo, suddenly laughing through tears. The text marked as “ ———-此处为截断点———-” is a deliberate placeholder and is not meant to be translated or expanded upon. Please proceed with the intended content or structure as planned.

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When I opened my eyes, I found myself kneeling in Jasper’s study. Memories of my past life surged back. The bullet I took for him, his cold smirk as he embraced Luna and said, “Finally, some peace and quiet,” and my ashes left unclaimed after cremation. “Sign the divorce papers.” The scene was identical to my past life, with a Jasper from ten years ago throwing the documents in my face. I chuckled softly and decisively signed my name with the pen. This time, I wouldn’t wait for his driver to end my life before I found my own freedom. “Mr. Gu.” I pushed the papers back and stood up, meeting his shocked gaze. “This time, I’m the one who doesn’t want you.” As I turned, he grasped my wrist with surprising force. “Nora, you…” I pried his fingers off one by one. The touch I couldn’t beg for in my past life now only disgusted me. Lightning flashed outside, illuminating the panic in his eyes—a sight unfamiliar to me. How laughable. The attention I couldn’t earn in my past life came so easily now.

I stood in the top-floor conference room of Jasper Corporation, city lights sprawling outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The pen in my hand was still warm, the ink on the divorce papers not yet dry. Jasper sat at the other end of the long table, his slender fingers tapping the surface unconsciously, brows furrowed. “Are you sure about this?” His voice was low, tinged with a hesitation I’d never heard in my past life. I slowly closed the folder, my fingertips tracing the embossed cover. In my past life, it was here that I knelt, begging him for another chance, only to be met with his disdainful gaze and a “Stop embarrassing yourself here.” “Very sure.” I smiled and stood up, the sound of my heels crisp against the marble floor. “Isn’t it what you’ve always wanted, for me to disappear?” His pupils contracted sharply, his fingers clenching the armrests. I walked toward the door, but as I reached for the handle, I heard the chair behind me topple over. “Wait!” Jasper rushed to stand in front of me, his breath slightly hurried. He reached out to grab my wrist but hesitated just before touching me. The man who used to give me the cold shoulder now looked somewhat panicked. “You…” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Where are you going?” I tilted my head, finding it amusing. In my past life, he never glanced at the dinners I painstakingly prepared every day. Now he was concerned about my whereabouts? “Starting a company.” I answered lightly, “To compete with Jasper Corporation.” His face turned ashen in an instant. I took the opportunity to push open the conference room door. The employees outside immediately lowered their heads, pretending to be busy. Only my assistant, Xiao Lin, hurried over with a file. “Ms. Su, Mr. Zhang from Bright Ventures scheduled a meeting with you for tomorrow at ten.” She deliberately raised her voice. “He said he’s very optimistic about our new energy project.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jasper whip his head around, and I happily patted Xiao Lin’s shoulder. “Well done.” As the elevator doors closed, I saw Jasper rushing out. His tie was askew, his hair slightly messy, a far cry from his usual polished self. In my past life, I loved him enough to die for him, but now it only seemed ironic. In the basement parking lot, my new car awaited. A flashy red sports car, nothing like the old one he deemed “too ostentatious.” “To Bluewater Bay,” I told the driver. It’s a villa I bought last week, a place Jasper knows nothing about. As the car exited the garage, my phone buzzed incessantly. “Jasper” flashed repeatedly on the screen, and I promptly turned the phone off. Under the night sky, city neon lights streamed past the window. I rolled down the window, letting the night breeze dissipate the heaviness in my chest. The scenes from my past life’s final moments resurfaced. The harsh hospital lighting, the shrill alarm of the monitor. And Jasper’s smile as he held Dahlia, saying, “Finally free.” The phone suddenly lit up again, this time with a text from an unknown number: “When did you start drinking black coffee?” I stared at the cryptic message, a chill running down my spine. In my past life, I pretended to like lattes just to please Jasper. This time around, from day one, I drank only black coffee. And the only person who knew this habit was… Another message popped up: “Last night, I dreamed you died.” My fingers trembled uncontrollably. In the distance, the lights of Jasper Corporation’s top floor still shone, like a watchful eye.

I gripped my phone tightly, my knuckles turning white. “Turn around.” I instructed the driver, my voice calm and unlike my usual self, “To Riverside Mansion.” It was Jasper’s private villa, a place I wasn’t qualified to enter in my past life. But this time, I needed to confirm something. Was he reborn too? As the car entered the villa district, rain began to pelt the windshield. I had the driver stop by the roadside, and I walked alone under an umbrella toward the familiar building. The roses in the garden bloomed brilliantly, ones I secretly planted in my past life but never dared claim. The doorbell rang three times before Jasper answered. His shirt collar was open, hair disheveled and dripping, clutching half a bottle of whiskey. At the sight of me, the bottle fell, shattering on the ground, amber liquid soaking the carpet. “You really came.” His voice was hoarse, eyes swirling with emotions I’d never seen. “Just like in the dream…” Raindrops rolled off the umbrella’s spokes, forming a transparent curtain between us. I stared into his eyes. “Did you dream of my death?” He grabbed my shoulders suddenly, the force painful: “Not just a dream! I remember every second—you jumping in front of the bullet, blood splattering on my face…” His voice quivered. “I remember holding Dahlia and saying… saying…” “Saying ‘finally free.’” I calmly interjected, watching his face lose all color. “So you were reborn too.” The words seemed to flip a switch, and Jasper suddenly knelt in the rain. Rain soaked his shirt, outlining a gaunt figure. The ever-dominant Mr. Gu, now as pitiful as a beggar. “Nora, I…” “Shut up.” I stepped back, the umbrella blocking his pleading gaze. “Jasper, did you think being reborn was your chance for redemption?” Lightning split the sky, illuminating his pale face. I leaned closer to his ear, whispering: “No, it’s my chance for revenge.” As I turned, he lunged, wrapping his arms around my legs: “At least tell me, that bullet…” “Didn’t hit a vital spot.” I shook off his hands. “But you stopped the hospital from supporting my heart and lungs.” His cries were drowned by the thunder. I walked to the waiting car in the rain, never looking back. Just then, my phone lit up with a message from my assistant: “Ms. Su, we found out Dahlia started transferring Jasper’s funds last month.” I smirked. See, Jasper, the woman you protected with your life in the past had already planned to betray you. And this time, I’ll personally send both of you to hell.

I sat in the car, rain blurring the windows. Jasper’s figure in the rain grew smaller, eventually vanishing. The driver glanced at me cautiously through the rearview mirror and asked, “Ms. Su, where to now?” “To the office.” I flipped through the information my assistant sent, a cold smile playing on my lips. “And by the way, schedule a meeting with Dahlia.” At two in the morning, my office lights were still on. On the computer screen. Dahlia’s bank transactions from the past three months, photos of secret meetings. Even her emails with Jasper’s competitors were clearly displayed. This woman who caused my tragic death in my past life was now walking straight into my trap. “Ms. Su, Ms. Lin has arrived.” The assistant knocked to remind me. I closed the laptop, looking up at the door. Dahlia wore a white dress, makeup immaculate, her expression as innocent and fragile as ever. She bit her lip slightly, speaking timidly, “Nora, you wanted to see me?” In my past life, this pitiful act fooled Jasper into doing her bidding. I smiled slightly, gesturing for her to sit. “I heard you and Jasper have been getting along well?” A flash of pride crossed her eyes, quickly masked. “Jasper… he’s just been looking out for me.” “Is that so?” I slid a document her way. “Did you know he’s been investigating your fund transfers?” Dahlia’s face went pale instantly. She shot up from her seat, the chair screeching against the floor. “What are you talking about?!” I leisurely opened the file, pointing at the figures: “Thirty million, transferred to overseas accounts. What do you think Jasper’s reaction will be when he finds out?” Her fingers clutched her skirt tightly, knuckles white. “You… what do you want?” I stood, looking down at her: “Simple.” I said softly, “Keep going.” Three days later, Jasper Corporation’s stock plummeted. Following my plan, Dahlia recklessly liquidated Jasper’s assets, even forging his signature. And Jasper, once cold and unfeeling in my past life, seemed to have gone mad searching for me now. He blew up my phone, his car constantly parked outside the company. He even began sending flowers to my office daily, each card reading “I’m sorry.” Too bad, it’s too late. “Ms. Su, Jasper Corporation has applied for an emergency bank loan.” The assistant reported, “But on Dahlia’s end…” “Quite straightforward.” I murmured softly, “I need you to proceed.” Three days later, the stock price of Jasper Corporation nosedived. Dahlia, following my plan, started liquidating Jasper’s assets in a frenzy, even resorting to forging Jasper’s signature. Jasper, a man who was cold and unfeeling in what felt like another life, is now frantically searching for me as if he’s lost his mind. My phone was inundated with his calls, and his car was a constant presence downstairs. He even began sending flowers to my office daily, each with a card that simply said, “I’m sorry.” But it’s too late now. “Ms. Su, Jasper has already applied for an emergency loan from the bank.” My assistant reported, “But on Dahlia’s side…” “Keep going.” I signed the documents without looking up, “Make sure she transfers the last bit of money too.” The assistant hesitated for a moment: “But… if Jasper really goes bankrupt, the shares you previously held…” I let out a soft, ironic chuckle, “Who cares about that small amount of money?” What I want is for Jasper to be left with nothing. Just as I was once left with nothing. A month later, Jasper Corporation officially announced a break in its cash flow. I stood in a café opposite Jasper Tower, watching as Jasper was surrounded by reporters. He had lost a significant amount of weight, his suit hanging loosely, with dark circles under his eyes. A reporter asked sharply: “Mr. Gu, it’s said that this crisis is related to your fiancée, Dahlia?” Jasper suddenly looked up, his gaze intense, “She’s not my fiancée.” “Then did you divorce Ms. Nora for Ms. Lin?” His expression crumbled instantly. I put down my coffee cup and turned to leave. Suddenly, there was a commotion behind me, followed by Jasper’s anguished shout: “Nora!” I didn’t look back. The sky started to rain. I opened my umbrella and walked into the crowd. In this life, I’ve finally learned to leave without looking back. I’m unable to provide a translation as the original Chinese text appears to be missing. Could you please supply the text that requires translation? News of Jasper Corporation’s bankruptcy was everywhere. I sat in my office, lightly tapping my fingers on the desk, watching the screen where Jasper was surrounded by reporters. His suit was in disarray, and his eyes were bloodshot. Once a powerful CEO, now he looked utterly defeated.

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At the gathering, I unexpectedly encountered Rowan, the boyfriend who had disappeared eight years ago. He seized my chin: “Ms. Sage, weren’t you the one who despised young love the most? Have you now realized that your daughter has fallen into disrepute?” I tilted my head and replied, “You’re right. I should go back and placate my benefactor to earn my mom’s medical expenses.” He smirked: “When you forced Iris to jump off a building, did you and your mother ever imagine ending up like this?” “Sage, why aren’t you dead yet?” His question brought back memories of my past suicide attempts. But for the sake of my daughter, I chose to embrace life. To cover the medical expenses, I asked my benefactor for money, but he wanted me to appease Rowan instead. I faced his mockery and cruelty once more. In my despair, I declared: “Even if I’m at the mercy of countless others, I will never let you touch me!” Eventually, when he learned the whole truth, he broke down. “Sage, give me another chance. I’ll take care of you and your mother.”

When I saw Rowan again, I was in the arms of another man, entertaining guests. After eight years, Rowan still had that noble appearance, exuding an air of authority. Beside him was a glamorous socialite. Gideon pulled me onto his lap, his hand wandering around my waist. Rowan’s expression shifted from shock to disdain. I knew he recognized me. After several rounds of drinks, I understood the background of the socialite beside him. Celeste, the prized jewel of the Su family in Z City, and Rowan’s well-matched fiancée. Recalling the absurd past, I couldn’t help but find it laughable. My first love was holding a wealthy lady, while I was flirting with a graying man. “Mr. Nolan, don’t keep her to yourself. Let the guys have some fun too!” Mr. Nolan’s eyes roamed over me, his intentions barely hidden. Gideon, always perceptive, pushed me forward for the sake of future cooperation. I obediently poured wine for Mr. Nolan, who tossed a wad of cash in my face. “In this sweltering summer, let’s cool off!” “Little beauty, ten bills for every piece of clothing you take off, what do you say?” The room erupted in jeers, only Rowan set his glass down heavily. I caught the ridicule in his eyes, took the money, and removed my jacket. Someone swallowed hard, others raised their phones to take pictures. Mr. Nolan deliberately scattered the bills on the floor. I knelt on the carpet, picking them up one by one. Until Rowan’s shoe stepped on the last bill, looking down at me: “Even as a mistress, you’ve developed a superiority complex? Truly cheap to the core!” I looked up with a sweet smile: “Boss, could you please lift your foot?” Rowan hesitated for a few seconds, then moved his foot after Celeste softly persuaded him. I was about to continue my act when a voice suddenly interrupted the scene: “Stop!”

Celeste stood up, linking her arm with mine, suggesting we freshen up. She was Rowan’s esteemed guest, and no one dared to stop us, so I followed her out of the room. Before leaving, she draped a Chanel coat over my shoulders, covering my bare skin. In the restroom, she carefully wiped my hand that had been stepped on by the shoe. “You look about my age, why stoop to such a place?” I observed the rich girl before me, exuding superiority from head to toe. Her custom champagne-colored suit accentuated her perfect figure, the diamonds on her necklace glinting harshly. People like her would never understand the survival rules in the mud. What could I say? That I needed to support a seven-year-old daughter? That I had to pay exorbitant nursing home bills? That all this was thanks to her fiancé? When we returned to the room, the scene had ended. Because Gideon’s wife, Adeline, had arrived. While Gideon settled the bill, She finally dropped her gentle facade, grabbed my hair, and pinned me on the sofa. “Shameless woman! Only fit to be under a man!” “Look at your background, do you belong in such a place?” Her nails left scratches on my face, her curses like poisonous blades. I wanted to tell her I had no father, my mother lay in a hospital bed. No one left to teach me how to be human. But I stayed silent, letting her vent her fury. My calmness enraged her completely, and a crystal ashtray smashed onto my forehead. Warm blood flowed down my cheek, and as Adeline moved to strike again, a slender hand stopped her. “Enough, don’t mess up my place too much.” Rowan’s cold face sent her away. I held my wound, rushed out into the alley, and broke down in tears by a dumpster. I didn’t know how long passed until an engine sounded behind me. A black Maybach stopped at the alley entrance, and Rowan lowered the window. “Get in.” I shook my head: “No need.” He frowned, got out, and dragged me into the backseat without a word. The wound on my forehead hurt terribly. I gave him an address, and he started the car immediately. He didn’t need navigation; he knew the address all too well. In the summer of eight years ago, he set off countless fireworks there, deceiving me into trusting him. The car stopped at an old apartment building. He looked toward my home with a sneer: “How’s Ms. Sage doing lately?” My hand paused on the door handle, silent. He grabbed my chin, his voice icy and cruel: “Weren’t you the one who hated young love? Do you know your daughter has fallen into disgrace?” “Oh, she’s no longer a teacher, is she using the money you earn selling yourself to pay for treatment?” He bit into my collarbone, and I struggled in pain, but he held me down. “Does Ms. Sage know how many men her precious daughter has been with? Lost count of the marks, right?” When he mentioned Ms. Sage, his voice dripped with sarcasm. If he knew my mother had been in a coma for eight years because of him, would he laugh even harder? I wiped the place he bit, and he sneered: “I’m a big client of your benefactor, shouldn’t you use your skills to serve me?” I forced a professional smile: “You’re right, I should go back and appease my benefactor.” He released my hand: “Sage, you’re just a plaything for everyone now, why not warm my bed?” “I’m younger and richer than him, or do you prefer old men?” His gaze roamed over me, his words full of humiliation. I couldn’t be bothered to respond, pushed the car door, and left. His voice came from behind: “How much did Gideon give you?” “Two thousand a month.” “That little? You’re really cheap.” I heard him take a deep breath, but never looked back.

When my mother fell into a coma, Nora was only three months old, and I had already missed the best time for surgery. During that time, I was busy selling assets and caring for my mother. So busy that I temporarily forgot I was pregnant. Until my stomach grew, and I had to face the reality. Hearing the heartbeat for the first time gave me the courage to live. During my late pregnancy, I often dreamed of Rowan, endlessly questioning him why he did this to me. When Nora was born, I no longer fixated on why. I just wanted to see him, even a phone call would do. But he vanished, leaving no trace. At twenty, I met Gideon, fifteen years my senior. He offered me a job, saying it would solve my financial troubles. He said he and Adeline had lost all feelings, only maintaining a facade of marriage. When living became a luxury, who had the right to talk about dignity? So I accepted his terms, becoming his mistress without guilt. I never feared retribution because my retribution began the day I met Rowan. He approached me only to take revenge on my mother. Because his first love, Iris, committed suicide by jumping off a building in her senior year. Iris was a student my mother taught, a girl infamous for young love. This story spread because of my mother’s report. Iris wrote love letters in class, and my mother made her read them aloud. The classroom filled with jeers, and Iris knelt, begging for mercy. But my mother insisted on making the letter public, and the recipient was Rowan. My mother despised young love, believing students should focus on studies. She kept Iris in the office, reprimanding her all night. “Are you worthy of your parents’ efforts? Ruining your future for a boy!” Then, ignoring Iris’s pleas, she notified her father. The drunk man stormed into the office, swinging a chair at Iris. Several teachers held him back, but his curses were relentless. “Whore! Just like your slut mother, always seducing men!” “If you want men so much, go sell yourself like your mom!” From that day, Iris became a laughingstock at school. The once top student became a pariah. She started getting into fights, or rather, being beaten. It wasn’t fighting, it was blatant bullying. My mother thought she was acting out and became harsher. Because of repeated reports, Iris lost all scholarships. That day, she went to see my mother, probably got another lecture. Not long after, she jumped from the rooftop. From that day, Rowan entered my life. He used every trick to win me over, and I didn’t know it was a carefully planned revenge. Until the day college entrance exam results came out, he threw my pregnancy test results at my mother. “Ms. Sage, you hate young love the most, now your daughter has become a plaything for me!” That wasn’t a fight; it was outright bullying. My mother thought I was being purposely rebellious and became stricter with me. After multiple reports, Iris lost all her scholarships. That day, she went to see her mother, likely receiving another lecture. Not long after, she jumped off the rooftop. From that day, Rowan invaded my life. He used every possible way to win my favor, but I didn’t realize it was part of a carefully orchestrated revenge. It wasn’t until the day the college entrance exam results were released that he threw my pregnancy test results in front of my mother. “Ms. Sage, you despise young love the most, and now your daughter has become the disgrace I’ve toyed with!” That sentence shattered my mother’s mental support. I’ll always remember the mix of shock, shame, despair, and guilt on her face. I wanted to confess my mistake, but her tears fell before I could. “Sage, it’s all Mom’s fault. Mom didn’t teach you well, Mom doesn’t blame you…” For eight years, this memory has been a persistent torment, gnawing at me day and night. Rowan suddenly rushed out of the car and grabbed my neck. “Sage, how can you be so indifferent? Iris was a human life!” “Does your mother still think she’s so great now?” “Does she know that Iris jumped off the rooftop because of her?” Whether my mother regrets it, I can no longer know. At the moment before she lost consciousness, this question became an eternal mystery. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “This is all our fault.” Iris’s mother who exposed her was wrong. The father who abused his daughter was wrong. The classmates who bullied Iris were wrong. The bystanders who spread rumors were wrong. And I, as my mother’s daughter, was also wrong. But we’ve all paid the price. Rowan viciously pulled my hair: “Sorry? If you’re really sorry, why don’t you just die?” He trembled all over, repeatedly growling: “Why wasn’t it you who died? Go and die now!”

Death? I once attempted it when the astronomical medical bills almost crushed me. On Nora’s second birthday, I mixed sleeping pills into the milk, intending to leave with her. When the thick smoke filled the air, she woke up first. She wobbled over to me, her small hands clumsily pressing against my chest. Her childish cries alerted the neighbors, and they eventually saved us. After that, I dared not think of dying again. Even though I’ve thought about it countless times, I always wake up at the last moment. I can’t die. Nora’s and my mother’s lives are more important than mine. Especially my mother. I’ve already let her die once; I can’t let her endure it a second time. So I choose to live, by any means necessary. A phone ringing interrupted the confrontation. Rowan saw the caller ID, let go of me, and got in the car. Seeing Celeste’s name on the screen, I couldn’t help but sneer. Rowan, Rowan, after all these years of torment, you still ended up leaving Iris behind. Since our reunion that night, he’s been showing up frequently outside my apartment. That Maybach always parked there for half a day. Gideon soon noticed something was off, but he didn’t know our past and just thought Rowan was interested in me. That day, I dressed up alluringly, but he pushed me away coldly. “Sage, you’re not young anymore.” He pinched my chin: “If you’ve lost your value, you should know when to back off.” I forced myself to stay calm, trying to appear more charming. “I have a collaboration proposal. Rowan refuses to see me, but you should be able to persuade him.” Gideon handed me a document, saying if I could get the signature, he’d give me fifty thousand. Fifty thousand would be enough for my mother and Nora to live on for a long time. I took the document to find Rowan, even bluntly stating the deal’s content. “What, one patron isn’t enough for you?” “Why don’t I just give you fifty thousand, spend a night with me? After all, I was your first love.” For eight years, I’ve despised the version of myself that fell for him. At this moment, that disgust reached its peak. “Rowan, you’re revolting!” I threw the document at his face, but it felt like tossing a flimsy piece of paper. “We’ve done it before. If you’re willing, the bedroom’s over there.” His hand rested on my waist: “If not, take your document and leave.” I dug my nails into my palm and said word by word: “Even if I fall to the lowest point, I’ll never let you touch me!” The deal fell through, and I lost Gideon’s protection. He was surprised by my refusal and turned to flatter Rowan instead: “That woman is easy to deal with. She has a mother in a vegetative state and a seven-year-old daughter.” “I heard she’s depressed. Someone like her will soon come begging you.” Rowan froze, his voice trembling: “Who did you say?” “Sage!” I’m sorry, but there is no text provided for translation. Could you please provide the Chinese text you would like me to translate?

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Three years ago, I entered into a business arrangement for the sake of my family’s company, agreeing to a three-year marriage contract with Gideon Reed of Reed Corporation. During these years, whenever rumors surfaced about Gideon and Phoebe Walters from Walters Corporation, I would always step forward to clarify the situation on their behalf. But today, when Phoebe confronted me with ultrasound results, I had to face the truth. “Gideon hasn’t been with you all these years, has he? You’ve held this title for three years. It’s time you acknowledge reality and stop dreaming about something that’s not yours.” At that moment, I knew it was time. “Let’s get a divorce.” I presented the divorce papers to Gideon. After three years, this contractual marriage was finally reaching its end. He sneered, tapping his elegant fingers on the table. “Don’t forget, I paid for you!” I laughed. The next day, at the company’s shareholders’ meeting, I attended as the CEO. Holding another man’s hand, under Gideon’s pale gaze, I calmly announced, “I am divorced, and this is my new fiancé.”

Three years ago, I stood by the floor-length window in the top office of Reed Corporation, clutching the newly signed marriage agreement. The edges of the paper were crumpled from my tense grip. “Miss Adeline Reed, I hope you remember your role.” Gideon’s voice came from behind, cold and businesslike. “This is merely a transaction.” As I turned to leave, Phoebe Walters passed by me, her eyes filled with challenge and disdain, silently reminding me that I was just a pawn bought with money. She threw herself into Gideon’s arms, his eyes soft and tender as he looked at her. But when he looked at me, his gaze was always distant. Three years ago, when my father suddenly fell ill, our family business faced a crisis. Even in decline, our company held valuable core nanotechnology. My father agreed to Reed Corporation’s investment proposal, with the condition that Gideon and I marry. Gideon, always the astute businessman, agreed after some thought but demanded that I sign a marriage contract in private. For three years, Gideon consistently reminded me that ours was a contractual marriage. So, when rumors about him and Phoebe frequently emerged, I always remembered my role and helped clear them up. But today, Phoebe invited me to a café and confronted me with the ultrasound results. “Gideon hasn’t been with you all these years, has he? You’ve held this title for three years. It’s time you acknowledge reality and stop dreaming about something that’s not yours.” “Will you leave voluntarily, or do you need Gideon to force you out? Let’s keep this dignified, shall we?” When I returned home in the evening, finding Gideon there was unusual. His usual cold gaze sent a shiver down my spine. After hesitating for a moment, I finally said the words that should have ended this farce long ago. Unexpectedly, we both spoke at the same time. “Have you eaten?” “Let’s divorce.” The atmosphere instantly cooled. I saw Gideon’s slight frown. “Adeline, you don’t have the right to bring this up. Don’t forget, you were bought for a high price. I decide when it ends.” He dropped these words and headed to the bathroom. I was grateful to him for spending three billion to save the Reed Family, but every time he humiliated me, my heart still ached. Touching the wedding ring on my finger, its cold texture reminded me of the essence of this marriage—a three-billion-dollar investment in exchange for the empty title of Mrs. Reed. On our wedding night, Gideon didn’t even toast with me. He signed the marriage agreement and rushed back to the company for a ‘meeting.’ Not long after he left, Phoebe sent a photo of herself nestled in Gideon’s embrace, with a hotel in the background. The sound of water in the bathroom suddenly stopped. I hastily wiped my eyes. Gideon emerged in a robe, his hair still dripping. Upon seeing me, he frowned noticeably: “Why are you still here?” Since our marriage, we had slept in separate rooms. Gideon confined my activities to the guest room. “I…” I stood up nervously and accidentally knocked over the scented candle on the table. The sound of glass shattering was particularly piercing in the silent bedroom. “Sorry, I’ll clean it up right away…” He grabbed my wrist. “No need.” I froze, smelling the faint scent of cedarwood and shower gel on him. This was the first time we were so close. Close enough for me to see the shadow his eyelashes cast. “Mrs. Reed,” he let go of my hand, his tone warning, “remember your role. Play your part well. You have no right to have your own thoughts.” Role. What a ridiculous word. I crouched down to pick up the glass shards, not realizing my palm was cut and bleeding. It wasn’t until I heard the sound of the master bedroom door being locked that I realized I was crying. As night deepened, I curled up in the guest room bed, staring at the message my father sent me. “Adeline, you’ve worked hard all these years.” Suddenly, lightning flashed outside, followed by pouring rain. Driven by a strange impulse, I walked to the master bedroom door, raising my hand to knock—when I was little and afraid of thunder, I always hugged a stuffed animal and went to find my mom. But my hand fell back down, remembering this wasn’t home, and Gideon wasn’t someone who would comfort me. Just then, my phone screen lit up, a text from an unknown number appeared. “Miss Reed, how have you been? You’re such a heartless woman. I was planning to propose to you when I returned to the country.” I stared at the unknown number, my heart skipped a beat. I knew who it was. Asher Greene. Gideon’s biggest overseas business rival, and… my first love.

The rain battered the floor-to-ceiling windows. I stared at the text, my fingers hovering above the screen, unable to reply. Asher Greene— That name was like a sharp knife, easily cutting open the memories I had carefully sealed. The phone suddenly vibrated, startling me nearly into dropping it. It was an unknown number, and I couldn’t resist pressing the answer button. “Hello?” I lowered my voice, fearing to wake the person in the master bedroom. “Adeline, long time no see.” A deep male voice came from the other end, with a lazy smile. “How’s life as Mrs. Reed?” I gripped the phone tightly: “How do you know my number?” “I always know what I want to know.” He paused, “Like I know you’re hiding in the guest room crying right now.” I quickly looked around, feeling as if he was watching me from a corner: “Are you spying on me?” “I just happened to see your husband with another woman going to a hotel yesterday after I returned to the country, so I guessed you weren’t doing well.” I bit my lip, a sharp pain piercing my heart. His voice suddenly turned serious, “Open the door, I’m downstairs at your house.” “What?” I rushed to the window and indeed saw a black Maybach parked in the rain, its headlights casting blurry halos in the rain. “Are you crazy? This is Gideon’s mansion!” “So what?” He chuckled, “Afraid your husband will be jealous?” “Your husband already has a new girlfriend. I don’t mind being your boyfriend. It’s fair like that.” I bit my lip, not answering. He always teased like this, often leaving me blushing and at a loss for words. In the sound of the rain, I heard the car door close on the other end, followed by the sound of leather shoes stepping into a puddle. He really got out of the car. “Asher Greene! Don’t you—” “Either you come down, or I ring the doorbell.” He interrupted me, “Choose one.” I hurriedly put on a coat and slipped downstairs barefoot. As I opened the side door of the mansion, cold rain splashed on my ankles. Asher stood at the bottom of the steps with a black umbrella, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders. In three years, a small scar had appeared at the corner of his eye, adding a dangerous allure to him. “You…” I was about to speak when he suddenly stepped forward, tilting the umbrella to cover me. Too close. Close enough for me to smell the faint ebony scent on him, just like I remembered. “Why are you crying?” He wiped my tears with his thumb, the warmth of his touch making me flinch. Then he lifted my arm, placing my foot on his shoe. “Did Gideon bully you?” I quickly stepped back, my back hitting the cold door frame. “It’s none of your business.” Asher’s eyes darkened, and he suddenly pulled a shell from his pocket. “Remember this?” In the moonlight, the crack on the shell was clear— It was from when I accidentally cut him by the sea in our junior year. Memories surged like waves, merging the Asher who stayed on the phone with me all night because I was afraid of the dark, with the dangerous man before me. “Adeline…” He took a step forward, the umbrella shielding us from the world, “I can help you.” “Help me with what?” “Leave Gideon.” His voice was a soft sigh, “Just say the word.” Suddenly, the sound of glass breaking came from the second floor. I looked up, the master bedroom curtains swaying violently—someone was there. Asher followed my gaze, a smirk forming on his lips. “Looks like your husband is awake.”

The master bedroom lights suddenly blazed, the glaring light cutting through the rain and shining down. I froze, while Asher calmly stepped forward, shielding me in the shadows. “Looks like Mr. Reed is a light sleeper, interrupted sleep can affect a man’s married life.” “Don’t you think so?” He seemed to be probing something. Once again, I blushed, biting my lip, unsure of how to respond. **2.** The sound of glass shattering suddenly echoed from the second floor. I glanced up to see the master bedroom curtains shaking violently—someone was there. Asher Greene followed my gaze and smirked coldly. “Looks like your husband’s awake.” **3.** The master bedroom lights blazed on, the intense brightness cutting through the rain. I froze, but Asher Greene calmly stepped forward, shielding me in the shadows with his body. “It seems Mr. Reed is a light sleeper. A restless man can have a troubled marriage.” “Don’t you think so?” He seemed to be probing. I blushed again, biting my lip, unsure of how to respond. He seemed quite satisfied with my reaction. Lowering his voice, he gently rubbed the shell with his fingertips, “I’ll give you three days to think it over.” A gold-embossed business card was slipped into my palm, with a hotel room number scrawled on the back. Before I could decline, the second-floor window flew open, and Gideon Reed’s cold voice shouted down. “Who’s there?” Asher Greene elegantly took a half-step back, raising the umbrella to reveal his smiling eyes. “Mr. Reed, sorry for the late visit.” His fingers brushed my wrist, seemingly by accident. “I came to pick up something I left with Adeline.” He pronounced ‘Adeline’ with intimate familiarity. The rain suddenly intensified. I clutched the hot business card, watching Gideon’s expression flicker in the lightning. He stood motionless in his robe, like a cold statue. “Leave.” The word splashed to the ground, mingling with the rain. Asher Greene bowed gracefully, leaving one last whisper in my ear before leaving. “There’s a surprise hidden in the shell.” The Maybach’s taillights disappeared into the rain as I turned to face Gideon’s brooding gaze. He had somehow moved to the staircase, his robe’s collar wide open, revealing ambiguous red marks on his collarbone— The marks left by the Walters heiress on last week’s finance magazine cover. “Explain.” I thought he meant Asher, but then I saw him holding out my antidepressant medication, the one I’d been taking since we got married. I reached for the bottle, but he grabbed my wrist, pinning it against the wall. Pills scattered everywhere, sticking to the wet floor. “Mr. Reed is concerned about what his wife takes, huh?” Before I could finish, he suddenly kissed me, a punishment tinged with the taste of blood. My back hit the doorframe hard, blacking out my vision with pain. When he finally let go, I heard my own ragged breathing mixed with his hoarse questioning: “Where did he touch you?” I licked the split on my lip and suddenly laughed. “Do you really care?” Gideon’s eyes darkened. As he moved closer again, the butler’s panicked voice came from upstairs. “Mr. Reed! The video conference from New York has been moved up!” He released me, his knuckles turning white: “Wait for me to return.” Watching his retreating figure, I slowly uncurled my clenched palm to reveal the shell. Inside the crack was a tiny USB drive— Engraved with “Southeast Asia project vulnerability analysis for Reed Corporation.” The rain stopped, moonlight casting over the mess of scattered pills, each one reflecting my shattered reflection. **4.** The next evening, I opened the USB drive on my computer. As it loaded, the financial vulnerabilities of Reed Corporation spread out on the screen like a web. I stared at those deliberately hidden deficit numbers, my fingers unconsciously tracing the marks Gideon had left on my neck. In the study, my phone suddenly vibrated. A message from Asher Greene: “Did you see the surprise?” I was about to reply when footsteps sounded in the hallway. In a hurry, I pulled out the USB drive, accidentally knocking over the coffee cup. The brown liquid soaked into the divorce agreement, staining the spot where my name was written. “Not asleep yet?” Gideon’s voice came from behind me. He was in a suit, carrying the chill of the night, though his tie was crooked— Unlike his usual meticulous self. “Waiting for you.” I closed the laptop, pushing the wet document into the drawer. “Weren’t you supposed to be in New York for three days?” He loosened his tie, his gaze landing on my neck. “Changed plans last minute.” He suddenly leaned over, pressing down on the hand I was using to close the drawer. “What’s this?” The coffee-stained paper still showed the stark words “divorce agreement.” Gideon’s pupils shrank, and I could smell the strong scent of whiskey on his breath. “Explain.” His voice was soft, but his knuckles were white. “As you see.” I pulled my hand away. “The three-year contract is up.” Gideon suddenly laughed. He threw a stack of documents from his briefcase, the top one being a letter of intent from Walters Corporation. “You think divorcing now will allow the Reed Family to walk away unscathed?” I flipped through the documents, my heart sinking—Walters’ investment terms clearly stated: Gideon’s marital status must remain stable. “Such a pity.” His cold fingertips traced my collarbone. “Old Mr. Walters and your father have agreed, using nano core as leverage, your father has planned the rest of your life.” “Now, your freedom is worth five hundred million.” Suddenly, lightning and thunder lit his eyes with madness. As he lowered his head to kiss me, my phone lit up. The latest email from Asher Greene: “Complete chain of evidence regarding Reed Corporation’s financial fraud.” “No need.” I opened the email in front of him. “Mr. Reed, my father will respect my choice, but do you think Walters will still invest after seeing this?” Gideon’s expression froze. I stood up, slapping the soaked divorce agreement against his chest. “Sign it before dawn.” I’m sorry, it seems there’s no text provided for translation. Could you please provide the specific content that you want translated? 5. Gideon Reed’s hand paused as the divorce agreement slipped to the floor. “And by the way, I’m aware that Phoebe Walters is pregnant. I won’t hide your affair any longer.”

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I finally divorced my ex-husband. His current wife struts around in front of me, as if she’s achieved some grand victory. I can only feel pity for her. Because she doesn’t yet realize that she’ll soon be bruised and battered. 1 The violent struggle stirred up dust and sweat, blurring my vision. Tears mingled with snot ran down my face: “Please, don’t, I’m begging you!” My school uniform was torn to shreds. Two boys pinned my arms, while two more held my legs. A blond guy leaned over me, his foul breath hitting my cheek. I felt a chill between my legs as my school pants were pulled down to my knees. My legs were forcibly spread apart. Declan leaned casually against the doorframe, watching it all like a spectator. I called out to him for help: “Help me… Declan, help me!” In return, I got a slap to the face. He slowly walked over to me, squatted down, and lifted my chin. His face was still handsome, with soft bangs covering his forehead, looking gentle and harmless. But what he said made my heart sink: “Help you? Do you know who brought them here?” 2 I woke up from the nightmare in a cold sweat. The Snapchat notification chimed; it was a message from Uncle, inviting us home for dinner. I remembered today was my wedding anniversary with Declan. When I answered the phone, a girl’s sweet voice spoke: “Who’s this? Declan is busy right now.” The noise on the other end was deafening. I lowered my eyes: “Could you tell him his dad wants him home for dinner?” The girl’s voice was playful, like a little songbird: “Declan, your wife wants you home for dinner!” His voice came lazily from a distance: “Not going.” As I was about to hang up, Declan’s voice suddenly came through the phone: “Maeve, come pour the drinks.” Laughter erupted. I went alone to the private room he always booked at The Regency and found him there. His suit jacket was draped over the sofa, a shirt button undone, his face hidden in shadows, expression unclear. In his arms was the company’s new secretary, Esme. His circle of friends, at least twenty or thirty of them, sat with legs crossed, ready for a show. Declan nodded at me. I bent down and poured drinks for each of them. None of them said thank you; they knew Declan didn’t like me, so they didn’t have to be polite. Someone took the chance to touch my hand, and seeing Declan didn’t react, when I circled back, they placed a hand on my thigh. I shuddered and instinctively moved back, causing the tray to tip over, and the bottles and glasses shattered on the floor. The laughter stopped, and Declan’s gaze, sharp as knives, turned toward me. The opportunist quickly said: “Oh, Maeve, how clumsy of you. No worries, I’ll call for cleaning.” A flash of silver fell to the ground, mixing with the glass shards. Esme looked panicked: “Declan just gave me that diamond ring! It accidentally fell!” She nestled in Declan’s arms, smiling sweetly and innocently, her dark eyes captivating: “Could you help me find it, sis?” 3 In the dim room, I had to crawl on the floor like a dog, my face almost touching the ground. Glass shards pierced my knees, palms, and fingertips, drawing blood. The others were used to it, drinking and singing as usual. Only one gaze was firmly locked on me. A chill ran down my spine. I found the ring under the coffee table and handed it to Esme. Declan took it, frowned slightly, and tossed it in the trash: “It’s dirty. I’ll buy you a new one.” 4 I wasn’t that upset. Declan didn’t love me. He married me just to make revenge convenient. The prolonged torment had eased since Esme appeared. If he truly loved her, it would be a good thing for me. I went to the Aiden family alone that weekend. Just as I sat down, Declan appeared. Felix looked at his son curiously: “Didn’t you have something at the company?” The knife and fork in my hand shook. Declan sat next to me, naturally took my hand, and smiled warmly: “There was something, but I let Maeve come first. Then I thought it was inappropriate, so I postponed it.” “Being with Maeve is more important.” Felix nodded approvingly. My mom placed a piece of beef brisket in Declan’s bowl. He replied politely: “Thank you, Auntie.” On a cold winter night, a family gathered happily for a delicious dinner. To an outsider, it would seem warm and cozy. No one knew my palm under the table was already sweaty. Declan held my hand with all his strength. As expected, Felix asked us to stay the night. The room plunged into darkness, and I lay rigidly next to Declan, as if this luxurious bedroom were a tomb. He scoffed, turning to hug me from behind, his hand tracing my curves. His voice was void of warmth: “Maeve, you’re getting more boring.” I hoped he’d stop out of boredom, but the reality was the opposite. In the year we were married, I could count our intimate moments on one hand. “Are you scared of me?” he whispered in my ear, his actions relentless. A rhetorical question. I closed my eyes, enduring the ordeal. Tears slid down my cheeks, and his lips found them, licking them away. “Maeve, it’s normal for couples to do this.” “Didn’t you always say you wanted to marry me when you were little?” 5 Declan was nice to me before. When I first moved to the Aiden family with my mom, everything was new, moving from a poor area to a mansion. One night, I accidentally broke a glass in the kitchen. My mom beat me while scolding: “You stupid girl, do you know how much that glass costs?” “Don’t touch anything in this house! Why don’t you listen?!” I was eleven, and Declan was twelve. He was already growing tall, slender and graceful. He stopped my mom: “It’s okay, Auntie. It’s just a glass.” Then he found me sobbing behind the garden fence, crouched beside me for a long time. Seeing I wouldn’t stop crying, he offered a plum candy: “Have something sweet, you won’t feel so bad.” “I wish my mom had the energy to beat me.” I stopped crying, curious: “What’s wrong with your mom?” He looked up at the sparse stars, smiling bitterly: “She locked herself in her room and won’t come out.” I heard the lady of the house had depression and needed care for her daily life, so my mom was hired as a live-in helper. After that, I became Declan’s little shadow. He showed me every plant in the garden. As a transfer student, he was afraid I’d be bullied, so he went to and from school with me every day. During holidays, he’d even teach me piano. He said: “My mom was a famous pianist. I could play Bach’s Minuet before I could walk.” He was enchanting when he played, as if the sun favored him, shining only on his face. When I learned to play “Dream Wedding,” I watched his focused profile for a long time, my face hot, and stuttered: “Declan, when I grow up, can I be your bride?” He didn’t answer, just smiled and ruffled my hair. Felix often joked with my mom that since the two kids got along so well, maybe they should arrange a marriage. I thought life would continue smoothly like that. Surely it would all fall into place. Until Declan’s mother fell from the rooftop, right in front of us. 6 He pulled away abruptly, getting dressed. I gasped for air like a fish thrown ashore. He buttoned his cuffs and answered a call. I heard Esme’s voice on the other end. She said she was scared, working late, the alley too dark, and she thought someone was following her. Declan dressed quickly and left without looking back. Just moments ago in bed, I felt his loss of control. But now, I was sure only Esme could make him lose his mind. Everything that happened was just a punishment for me. But this punishment was completely senseless. I realized this only after becoming an adult. Esme joined the company half a year ago. With her second-rate degree, she shouldn’t have been hired. But after her interview, she fainted in the elevator from low blood sugar. I was just returning to the company with Declan when the elevator door opened, and a young girl fell into his arms. Declan took her to a nearby hospital. After learning she was an orphan, her adoptive mother cut ties after college, and she hadn’t eaten in two days— He gave her a job. So she became the company receptionist. Declan was conflicted. Outwardly, he seemed kind and just, sympathetic to the unfortunate, with the company donating a lot each year. But in reality, he unleashed his negative emotions on me. At first, Esme was like any naive college graduate, sweet-talking and calling me “sis” whenever she saw me. College students learn quickly. Noticing the lack of respect for me as the CEO’s wife, she started using my first name directly.

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I’m in the final stages of a terminal illness, with only a few days left to live. The doctor has advised me to notify my family to make final arrangements. Unfortunately, my brother Declan believed Esme’s lies, thinking I bullied her throughout high school, and blocked me long ago. While I was fighting for my life in the emergency room, Esme merely had a mild fever from the flu, and Declan waited outside her film set all night. The usually detached Declan appeared visibly worried. “Please, go see a doctor. Even a small cold shouldn’t be ignored.” Online followers were moved by his profound affection. As I was nearing the end, I called the cemetery’s sales office. “Everything’s set, right? No need for a funeral, just cremate me.” “Burn the sheet music Declan wrote for me with me too.” I died on my twentieth birthday. Declan never realized that it was Esme who bullied me for three years and swapped my medical records of terminal illness. The attending physician sighed softly and covered me with a white sheet. The sharp beeping of the monitor was a stark reminder that I was truly gone. A flash of white light, and suddenly I was outside Esme’s film set. Declan held her tenderly, her forehead adorned with a fever patch. She nuzzled against his chest and said playfully, “It’s just a little cold, you didn’t have to cancel work to come back for me.” “No matter where you are, I’ll wait patiently for your return. I’ll take good care of myself.” She nestled into Declan’s arms, her smile sweet. Declan repeatedly checked her forehead and only relaxed when he was sure she was fine. Esme took his hand and said with a hint of regret, “I had a surprise for you, but you arrived even before the gift.” Declan affectionately ruffled her hair, “More than surprises, I just want you to be healthy and happy, always by my side.” Esme’s fans eagerly captured their sweet moment. They marveled at Declan’s deep love. They felt sorry for Esme, who had to work late despite being sick. A bold fan spoke up first, “Mr. Nolan, did you really give up a nine-figure project just to be with Esme while she’s sick?” Declan held Esme close and replied calmly, “I was at the temple to fulfill a vow. The abbot suggested I return; Esme is always my priority.” Esme shyly added, “He worries too much about me. The abbot hinted he might lose his love, so he insisted on seeing me immediately.” “I won’t let Nolan or my fans down. I’ll take better care of myself and work hard. The flu is going around; everyone, please take care of yourselves too!” After speaking, she smiled and waved to the fans. Declan said firmly, “Even if the abbot hadn’t hinted, knowing Esme caught a cold, I would have rushed back immediately.” Fans expressed their admiration openly. “Esme is beautiful and hardworking; she’s sure to become a sensation!” “Mr. Nolan is handsome and capable, and so selfless too. I’m truly envious!” “When’s the engagement? We’re all waiting for the good news!” Fans’ cameras clicked away at the couple, “Mr. Nolan, you gave up such a big project. Do you really have no regrets?” Declan, who usually shied away from online publicity, stood confidently by Esme this time. “I never regret my decisions. Besides, my motivation for work is to give Esme a better life.” In the crowd, someone frowned and muttered, “Nolan? I remember he has a sister. I saw her at the hospital today, maybe I was mistaken.” His murmurs were drowned out by the crowd. Just like me, always an overlooked existence. Chapter 2 Perhaps due to a familial bond, my soul lingered near Declan. After helping Esme into the car, his secretary hesitated, “Are you still planning to celebrate Cora’s birthday today?” Declan paused, and a second later, he frowned slightly. Today is my twentieth birthday, yet he returned to San Francisco because of Esme. He casually browsed my social media, noticing I hadn’t posted my usual midnight birthday update this year, a hint of irritation flashing in his eyes. Esme curiously leaned over and asked, “You rushed back from abroad, and she didn’t even show any concern? Some sister she is.” Declan irritably turned off his phone, “She’s just spoiled, throwing a tantrum for who knows why. I won’t celebrate her birthday with her this year; I’ll go to the hospital with you first.” He then adjusted the air conditioning, gently covering Esme with a blanket. Esme lowered her voice, sounding aggrieved, “Nolan, she must have seen the news of you being with me and got upset.” “After all, it’s her birthday today. I should apologize… I don’t want you two to be unhappy because of me.” Declan’s fist clenched and then relaxed. After a long pause, he suppressed his response, “Hmm.” A flash of resentment passed over Esme’s face, but she quickly adjusted, forcing a smile and taking out her phone. After seeing a text from her assistant, a fierce look flashed in her eyes, and she dialed my number. She called many times, but no one answered. When the phone announced it was turned off, Declan coldly said, “Stop calling. If she wants to act out, let her. You don’t need to lower yourself.” With that, he urged the driver to speed up. I watched Declan calmly. Apart from a hint of irritation, there was no concern on his face. I should have realized long ago, Declan despises me because of Esme. Why would he care about me? Even if he’s in San Francisco, he won’t celebrate my birthday, not even with a simple greeting. Since Esme entered his world. I’ve been forced to endure his bias and targeting. He always said I was rude, making things difficult for Esme. Said I was petty, jealous of Esme’s success. What was once my music room became Esme’s sanctuary. Custom gifts meant for me bore Esme’s name. Even when I was bedridden, he only believed Esme’s words. Convinced I was scheming, feigning illness for sympathy. I always silently wished, hoping he’d return to how he once was. But I was wrong; because of Esme, his misunderstanding deepened, to the point he didn’t want to recognize me. I won’t get his apology anymore. I’m dead, and we’ll never meet in this life again. Chapter 3 Declan took Esme to the best private hospital. Even the hospital room was decorated to her liking. Because Esme is the person Declan feels most indebted to. In high school, everyone mocked me for being an orphan. And the one who led the bullying for three years was Esme. After the college entrance exams, I left San Francisco, thinking I’d endured the worst. But in just three years, I met Esme again; she had become Declan’s girlfriend. I tried to let go of the past, avoiding them. But Esme wouldn’t let me be, twisting the story to Declan, claiming I bullied her in high school for three years. Since then, Declan never showed me a kind face. He always said I had to pay for my actions. So he unilaterally cut off my financial support and even tried to strip me of my right to study abroad. In Declan’s eyes, I became a ruthless villain. While Esme was the rare treasure he cherished. He pitied Esme’s past, treating her better out of guilt, almost placing her on a pedestal. To the point where he stayed by Esme’s side, despite the dark circles under his eyes. Even though doctors repeatedly emphasized Esme just had a common cold. Esme was about to say something when the hospital room door was suddenly pushed open. It was Declan’s friend, Griffin, who was also an investor in Esme’s new drama. “Incredible, your buzz is higher than my new drama.” “Maybe I should ride on your social media attention; this drama would definitely explode.” “Mr. Nolan, giving up a nine-figure project for love, tsk tsk…” Declan gave him a few displeased looks, gesturing with his eyes for him to go to the hallway. “My feelings for Esme don’t need media hype to prove.” “Esme doesn’t need this kind of attention. If she wants, I’ll invest in her, not give her public pressure.” “But I want to ask, why give Esme so much work pressure?” Griffin looked at him incredulously, “For your sake, the film crew treats Esme like royalty. She volunteered for overtime.” “I was puzzled; she was fine during the day, but at midnight, she wasn’t.” Declan snorted, “Esme usually overexerts herself, won’t speak up even if she’s wronged.” “Surely your film crew’s work intensity is too high, it wore her out.” Griffin shrugged, teasingly, “Mr. Nolan is a deeply affectionate man. I’m almost envious of Esme.” “You don’t care for Cora as much as you do for Esme.” Seeing Declan’s face instantly darken, Griffin wisely stopped talking, hesitating for a long time before speaking. “Today is Cora’s birthday. I verified the audio at the scene; she was indeed at the hospital today.” After Declan watched the hospital surveillance video on Griffin’s phone, his eyes filled with anger. In the video, I looked extremely haggard, my sleeves stained with blood, eyes vacant, weakly leaning against the wall. Declan didn’t finish watching, turning off the video in frustration. “I just didn’t celebrate her birthday, and she’s using self-harm as a trick!” That’s not true! The video was maliciously edited! I didn’t self-harm. The bloodstains on my sleeves were from coughing up blood during an attack. I was anxious, but Declan couldn’t hear me. Griffin tried to persuade Declan, “No matter what, Cora is your sister. When Esme marries in, you’ll be a family; there’s no need for such tension.” In the video, I appeared utterly exhausted, with bloodstains on my sleeves, my eyes vacant, and leaning weakly against the wall. Declan didn’t even finish watching it before switching it off in frustration. “All because I didn’t celebrate her birthday with her, now she’s pulling a stunt like self-harm!” But that’s not true! The video was maliciously edited! I didn’t self-harm; the blood on my sleeves was from coughing up blood during an attack. I was frantic, but Declan couldn’t hear my side of the story. Griffin was still trying to reason with Declan, “No matter what, Cora is still your sister. Once Esme joins the family, we’ll all be together. There’s no need to make things so tense.” Declan watched the video of my pitiful appearance with a conflicted expression, his throat moving slightly. My heart ached indescribably. Even people who didn’t know me well showed concern, yet my own brother instinctively suspected me with malice. — Declan’s face remained emotionless. After Griffin hurriedly left, Declan paced back and forth in the hallway. He took out a small velvet jewelry box from his coat pocket, revealing a sapphire necklace. It turned out he had prepared a birthday gift for me. Once, Esme took the sapphire necklace that mom left for me. Declan scolded me, saying it was just a necklace and that my bullying had made Esme so depressed she nearly committed suicide. He said I owed her for life. Now, the necklace in his hand had a bigger and brighter gem than the one I originally had. But meaningful objects are unique and can’t be replaced. He repeatedly rubbed the gem, carefully putting it away afterward. Only then did his emotions fully settle. He went back to his room to grab his car keys, planning to find me at home. But just as he was about to leave, a sleepy Esme woke up. “Nolan, where are you going?” Tears shimmered in her eyes. “I’m scared being alone in the hospital. Could you stay with me?” Declan hugged her to comfort her, “Stay put with the IV drip. I’ll be back soon. I won’t leave you.” Esme clung to his sleeve, reluctant to let go, cautiously asking, “Is it because of Cora?” Declan nodded, “She’s the only person in this world with my blood. I can’t fail mom and dad’s wishes.” Esme lowered her head, feeling wronged, “It’s okay, I understand. I’ll wait for you to come back.” Declan still left, and as he closed the door, I distinctly saw Esme clenching her fists, resentment in her eyes. I followed Declan back to the empty house. Not seeing my shoes at the entrance, he hastily entered my room. It was tidied up, and even the sheet music he had written for me, which I cherished, was gone. Declan sat dejectedly at the piano, staring at the stickers we had placed on the keys together, lost in thought. Through the moonlight, I seemed to see Declan from years ago. Back then, he taught me to play the piano and wrote music for me. As long as he was there, I always wore a satisfied smile. After Esme appeared, I never played the piano again. Declan’s fingers brushed over the keys, looking at his dust-covered fingers, murmuring, “Cora… how did we end up like this?” In the moonlight, his figure seemed particularly lonely. He stood up, took one last look at my room, and left in a hurry, almost as if escaping. Growing up, Declan never apologized to me first. Even when he was wrong, he avoided and glossed over it. I used to think he was too proud, and as his sister, I shouldn’t hold it against him. Seeing him check my Instagram again, I laughed at how forgetful he was. He must have forgotten that he couldn’t receive my messages, not because I didn’t contact him, but because he blocked me. I sat in the corner of the sofa, calmly watching his panicked face. What if he knew I was dead? What if he knew Esme was the one who bullied me and switched my terminal illness medical records, indirectly causing my death? Would he still stubbornly believe he was right and avoid responsibility as he always did? Unfortunately, he no longer has the chance to apologize to me. Until dawn, a sudden ringtone startled Declan awake. I leaned closer to see that it was the cemetery salesperson. “Are you Cora’s brother?” The voice on the other end was uncertain. Declan frowned impatiently, “I am. What’s she up to now?” “I’m Cora’s representative. We need a family member’s signature for the cremation. Do you have time to come over?” Declan’s expression froze. He gripped his phone tightly, suppressing his anger, “Tell me the truth. How much did Cora pay you to play along?” Before the other side could respond, Declan hastily hung up. He took several deep breaths, “Cora is so afraid of dying. How could she bear to die? Yes! She must be pretending to be pitiful again to make me stay for her birthday!” He quickly grabbed his coat, “Esme is still waiting for me at the hospital. I have to go be with her…” “I won’t be fooled again.” I felt hopeless. Clearly, in his heart, Esme was the most important. But his panicked back betrayed him. Maybe, for the sake of blood relations, he would be moved. I’m a bit curious about the day the truth comes out.

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Our tenth attempt at a wedding, and for the tenth time, my girlfriend was whisked away by her childhood sweetheart. I stood alone on stage, a complete laughingstock. I swallowed my pride and tried to reach her, begging her to come back and finish the ceremony. But she wouldn’t even answer my calls! Her childhood sweetheart sent a smug photo of them together in bed, boasting, “I won!” My heart went completely cold. We’d held the wedding ten times, only for it to be postponed each time. The MC looked at me sympathetically, “Do you still want to go through with the wedding?” I forced a smile, “Yes! We must finish it!” I messaged the girl next door and received her assurance. I sighed in relief and turned to tell the MC to wait a little longer. This was my tenth wedding, and it couldn’t be ruined again. Cora arrived quickly, her commanding presence drawing everyone’s attention. She walked straight to the center stage, stood beside me, and smiled warmly. “Nolan, have you made up your mind?” I nodded. After all, marriage was just about pleasing the elders; the person didn’t matter. Besides, Grandma’s illness couldn’t wait any longer. Her health started rapidly declining half a year ago. Every time I visited, she’d express her wish to see me married before she passed. As the person closest to me, Grandma’s only wish was for me to find someone trustworthy. So after her passing, I’d have someone to rely on and wouldn’t be bullied. Watching Grandma grow thinner each day, I couldn’t bear to see her leave with regrets, so I took marriage seriously. Adeline had promised we’d get married. But after ten weddings, she was absent every time. She made me the laughingstock of the entire Seaside City over and over. And all her excuses were because of her childhood sweetheart, Jasper. Jasper was fine on regular days, but on my wedding days, he suddenly had issues. Either he was in a bad mood, couldn’t handle stress due to depression, or needed company after watching a scary movie. The most absurd time was when he suddenly felt like taking wedding photos while shopping and called Adeline to be his partner. I couldn’t express any dissatisfaction with these ridiculous reasons. If I messaged her, I’d get scolded. “Nolan, can you be more understanding? Jasper is my buddy, he needs me now, and the wedding can happen any day, right? Don’t be so petty, okay?” But after being abandoned and betrayed ten times, my patience finally ran out. This time, I wouldn’t wait around. After letting go completely, I realized my heart didn’t hurt as much anymore. Maybe I’d become numb. Or perhaps Grandma’s words gave me strength. “Our dear Nolan is so good, Grandma hopes that after she leaves, you’ll find someone who loves you and won’t let you suffer.” Grandma’s aged face appeared in my mind, giving me firm confidence. I can’t disappoint the people who love me. So I took Cora’s hand, and with her in her wedding dress, we walked down the aisle. I had to be in my best state for the wedding so Grandma would feel at ease when she saw the video. When we exchanged rings, my phone chimed; it was Adeline. She hadn’t realized her mistake at all, still using a casual tone. [Nolan, behave yourself, Jasper has a stomachache today, I really can’t leave, it doesn’t matter when the wedding is held, I’ll make it up to you later.] Seeing such words again, my heart still ached. I clenched my phone. Cora noticed and raised an eyebrow slightly. “Still want the ring?” I looked up, eyes firm, “Yes!” After completing all the procedures, I was exhausted. Before leaving, Cora looked at me with a particularly serious expression. “Nolan, I’ll give you two days to regret it, after two days we’ll get our marriage certificate, I hope you’ve thought it through.” These words gave me dignity, but I had already decided to end things with Adeline. “Don’t worry, I won’t regret it!” After Cora left, I received a message from Adeline. [Nolan, you have ten minutes to buy painkillers and deliver them, don’t make me angry.] Below was the address of a well-known romantic hotel in Seaside City. Immediately, my phone chimed again. It was a photo of two people lying in bed. The sender was Jasper. And my girlfriend was one of the protagonists. [I won again!] More than the pain of betrayal and abandonment, I felt disgusted. On my wedding day, my bride was with another man in a romantic hotel. I unconsciously clenched my hands until my palms bled. Chapter Two In the end, I still went to the hotel. This relationship had already come to a full stop for me. I didn’t want any more entanglement with Adeline. So I planned to break up with Adeline face-to-face and ask for my house key back. After all, the place she was living in was a house I bought outright! When I arrived at the hotel, Adeline saw I was empty-handed. She immediately lost her temper. “Nolan, what’s wrong with you? Where are the painkillers I asked for?” Jasper sat at the corner of the bed, looking pitiful. “Cora, don’t be mad, after all, Nolan has been preparing for the wedding all day, he might just be too tired.” He knew very well that he had called away my bride, yet he still spoke so nonchalantly. Being mocked to my face, my heart felt like it had been pierced a thousand times. But it still couldn’t stop the sharp pain. My fingers slowly tightened, almost drawing blood. Disappointment reached a point where I no longer felt the urge to be angry. The romantic hotel room was cramped and ambiguous, making me feel suffocated. My relationship with Adeline started in college. Initially, it was her intense and passionate pursuit that gradually made me fall for her. Once we were together, she remembered every holiday better than I did, always having gifts and surprises. Even when I was occasionally moody, she would take all the blame and patiently comfort me. Brothers and friends often marveled at how lucky I was to have such a good girlfriend. I thought the same, which is why I wanted to get married right after graduation. But everything changed the day Adeline’s childhood sweetheart, Jasper, returned from abroad. From then on, Adeline’s heart completely leaned towards someone else. Between me and Jasper, I was always the one left behind. Adeline affectionately ruffled Jasper’s hair. “Oh, you really are considerate.” Then she approached me, frowning in displeasure. “Why didn’t you reply to my messages?” My repeated concessions only made Adeline push further and further. Clearly, she was the one who abandoned the wedding and me, yet she opened with accusations. I tried to calm down and spoke coldly. “I forgot.” Adeline was stunned, seemingly shocked by my tone. I coldly lifted my eyes to look at Adeline. “Adeline, today you broke your promise again.” Hearing this, her eyes flashed with guilt, but she angrily defended herself. “I didn’t do it on purpose, Jasper wasn’t feeling well, I can’t just ignore him, right?” “We can hold the wedding another day, can’t we? Nolan, stop being unreasonable, be more sensible, okay?” Clearly, she was the one in the wrong, yet she was trying to turn the tables. I had no interest in further entanglement, suppressing my disgust as I spoke coldly. “But I don’t want to wait for you anymore, let’s break up!” With that, I turned and walked away decisively. “Nolan, what the hell did you just say?!” Adeline screamed and immediately chased after me. At this moment, behind me, Jasper let out an “Oh no.” Then came the sound of something shattering, unexpectedly loud. I stopped in confusion and turned to look, and in the next second, my eyes widened in shock. The jade pendant, shattered into pieces on the ground, was the one Grandma had painstakingly prayed for to keep me safe! I was completely stunned, a wave of anger nearly erupted from me. Realizing what had happened, I forcefully pushed Adeline aside and rushed forward to carefully pick up the pieces of the jade pendant. “Why is my jade pendant with you!?” I stared fiercely at Jasper, loudly questioning. Adeline walked over, muttering in dissatisfaction. “Nolan, why are you overreacting? You’re going to scare Jasper.” I couldn’t believe it as I met Adeline’s gaze. She knew how important this jade pendant was to me, yet she could still speak so nonchalantly. All at once, a sense of powerlessness crept over my heart. The soft flesh of my palm was gouged open, bloody and mangled. Indeed, when facing Jasper, I always had to back down. But this time, it involved Grandma, and I was done holding back. I raised my hand and gave Adeline a hard slap. “If you’re blind, go to the hospital for treatment!” “He took the jade pendant Grandma gave me without my consent, and broke it, what right do you have to forgive him for me?” The room fell silent for a moment. I had never resorted to violence before, no matter how angry I was. Now it was Adeline’s turn to be dumbfounded. “You dare hit me? Nolan, I’m your girlfriend, and you dare lay a hand on me?!” She rushed forward and grabbed my neck, squeezing so hard I could barely breathe. She glared at me, eyes filled with malice and hatred, as if looking at an enemy. I couldn’t help but think, when did the person who once looked at me with love change? I remembered when we weren’t together yet, I had posted a photo of a cut less than two millimeters on my finger on social media. Adeline was waiting outside my dorm at four in the morning just to bring me medicine. Her eyes were bright and full of concern. It was at that moment, touched by her sincerity, that I agreed to her pursuit.

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— At the centennial banquet of Perry Corporation, I accidentally wore a bracelet belonging to Declan Perry’s ex-wife. Seven-year-old Asher Perry pushed me down the stairs in front of everyone and splashed champagne all over me. He stood above me on the steps, his gaze cold and disdainful, just like his father’s. “Who do you think you are, wearing my mom’s bracelet?” “Don’t think you can replace her by trying to win me over! When I grow up, I’ll make sure you get kicked out of the Perry Family!” The evening breeze blew softly, extinguishing the last warmth in my heart. Looking at this child I had raised since birth, I suddenly understood. Awkwardly, I got up, meeting his gaze with calmness. “You don’t have to wait until you grow up. I’ll leave tomorrow.” I limped up the stairs, ignoring the curious stares, intending to change my clothes. But Asher suddenly charged at me, raising his hand to slap me. Instinctively, I blocked him, my wrist hitting the railing. The bracelet shattered with a sharp sound. “This was my mom’s favorite bracelet! How dare you break it, you wicked woman!” Asher’s eyes turned red with anger and hatred. I remained silent for a long moment before sighing softly. “Asher Perry, you’re lying.” This bracelet was a gift from Grandmother for my wedding. He froze for a moment but quickly resumed his arrogant demeanor. “So what? If I say you can’t wear it, then you won’t!” He sneered and ran off. I didn’t chase after him to explain as I usually would. When the banquet ended and I returned to the Perry Family’s old house, the housekeeper looked like she wanted to say something but held back. I rushed to the bedroom and from afar could smell the strong scent of blood. Opening the door, I saw my little dog lying in a pool of blood on the bed, and my photos were slashed to pieces on the floor. Seeing my face full of sorrow, Asher burst into laughter. “This is your punishment for offending me!” He stomped on my photos, shaking his head triumphantly. “Seeing you so upset makes me really happy!” He stuck his tongue out at me and ran off, laughing. I couldn’t understand why such a young child would harbor so much hatred against me. After Grandmother passed away, besides the bracelet she left me, only this little dog kept me company. It stayed by my side through countless sleepless nights and helped me raise Asher from a crying baby to a young boy. But that night, I lost everything. When Declan Perry returned, I was still sitting on the floor in a daze. The sound of leather shoes approaching made me look up. He looked down at me, his eyes filled with the same disdain and indifference as Asher’s. He didn’t even glance at the chaos in the room but frowned and reprimanded me in a deep voice. “Nora Taylor, today was your fault.” Seeing that I didn’t get up or respond, he grew impatient. “Asher is only seven years old; he’s still a child. Why are you arguing with him?” That simple word “child” seemed to excuse everything. But what about my little dog? How innocent it was. Seeing my unpleasant expression, he softened his tone for once. “In a few days, I’ll have the secretary get you another one.” Then he waved dismissively, and the housekeeper put my little dog into a trash bag. Soon, all traces of blood and broken glass were cleaned up, as if my little dog had never existed. Just like me, who had meticulously cared for him and Asher for seven years, it was as if nothing had ever happened. After washing up, Declan sat at the head of the bed and handed me the hairdryer, signaling me to dry his hair. Instinctively, I searched for an outlet but was unexpectedly pulled into his embrace. “In three days, accompany me to the Perry Family’s new perfume launch.” Every Perry Family perfume is crafted by Declan in memory of his sister. So every year, he uses our unmarried status as an excuse to bar me from attending, even if the whole internet mocks me as his mistress. He doesn’t care. His damp hair soaked my clothes, chilling me to the core. I’ve been married to Declan Perry for seven years and have been pregnant with his child. But when he found out, his first reaction wasn’t joy; he sought the best doctor to remove my fallopian tubes. “I’ll only have Summer Taylor as my wife in this lifetime, and only one child.” “Your responsibility is to raise Asher, so don’t think about anything else.” Declan’s usual tactic was to give a slap and then a sweet treat. But for the first time, I refused him when I should have been overjoyed. “Mr. Perry, the seven-year agreement is up. I should leave tomorrow.” Chapter

Declan’s hand around my waist froze, his gaze cold. “How long are you going to keep this up?” “Asher is just a child! Besides, you’re his mom. Isn’t it your fault for not educating him well? I haven’t even blamed you, yet you’re causing a scene!” Mom? I looked at him indifferently. When did Declan and his son ever consider me a wife and mom? Back then, Declan Perry, the Prince of the Beijing Circle, fell in love with my sister at first sight and insisted on marrying her. But the elders of the Perry Family disagreed, so he eloped abroad with my sister in a fit of anger. The two of them lived in blissful happiness. But since Perry Corporation only had one heir, Declan had to return to inherit the family business. On their way back home, they got into a car accident. My pregnant sister died from hemorrhaging during labor, leaving only the premature son. The family couldn’t afford to lose Declan, their cash cow, so I was asked to take care of my little nephew in the Perry Family. But Declan was unwilling to marry me. Even though I took on the title of Mrs. Perry and played the role of Asher’s mom for seven years, we never registered our marriage. The world called me his mistress, and it wasn’t without reason. I pursed my lips. “Mr. Perry, you promised that when Asher reached school age, you’d let me go.” “After all, I’m not really your wife. Staying here in the Perry Family isn’t good for your reputation.” Hearing my words, Declan’s cold expression softened a bit. The way he looked at me was almost gentle. “If you attend the launch event with me, who would dare gossip?” “As for the rest, it’s not that I won’t…” “No need.” I interrupted his unfinished words. In the first half of my life, I was cursed as an unwanted child. I don’t want to spend the latter half being called a mistress. “Asher is ready for school. I’ve already found him an international school. I’m really not cut out for raising kids.” “As for everything at the Perry Family’s old house, the housekeeper can handle it without me.” Declan pinched my waist and threw me onto the bed. He looked down at me, all gentleness gone, his voice as cold as ice. “Nora Taylor, who do you think you are!” “This Perry Family isn’t a place you can come and go as you please!” “You’re attending the launch with me in three days. You have no choice.” With a bang, the door slammed shut, shaking the walls. The painting on the wall fell and shattered into pieces. Looking at the fragments on the floor, I bit my lip and couldn’t help but cry. That painting was done by Declan for me. But the person in the painting wasn’t me; it was my sister. The day before I went to the Perry Family to take care of Asher, Mrs. Taylor warned me. “If it weren’t for my daughter’s misfortune and you looking like her, you shameless woman wouldn’t stand a chance!” “When you get to the Perry Family, you’d better behave and take good care of my grandson, or don’t blame me for being harsh!” She wasn’t wrong. I’ve been by Declan’s side for seven years. If it weren’t for my resemblance to my sister, he wouldn’t have painted me during his free time. Those were the rare moments of warmth I could remember. From childhood to now, only when Declan painted me did I feel a hint of warmth. But seven years made me realize it was all fake. The door was kicked open. Asher Perry stormed in angrily, holding the custom gown Declan had prepared for me. His eyes were red as he glared at me with hatred. “You wicked woman, you really want to replace my mom!” “Dream on about attending the launch!” He cursed as he cut the gown into shreds with scissors. Only when the gown was completely ruined did he feel pleased and stomped on it several times. Worried he might hurt himself with the scissors, I tried to snatch them from him but was met with a swipe that left a long cut on my arm, soaking my clothes with blood. His eyes showed panic, but he still defiantly said, “As long as you’re leeching off my family, I won’t let you have peace!” Holding my bleeding arm, I felt utterly defeated. Seven years of close care only brought resentment and neglect from this father and son. Chapter

“Don’t hurt yourself. Get some rest.” I reminded him one last time, turning to close the door. I packed my things but couldn’t leave because of Mrs. Taylor’s arrival. Dressed head to toe in luxury, she was adorned with jewelry. Seeing the suitcase in my hand, she softened her tone for the first time. “Nora, after all, Asher is your nephew. Are you really going to let him be all alone?” “Besides, staying in the Perry Family is for our good too! If Declan marries and has more children, we might end up empty-handed!” It all boiled down to not wanting to lose the villa and BMW Declan provided, afraid of losing the luxury and wealth. With a calm smile, the voices of two people approaching interrupted what I was about to say. “Aunt Luna, I’ve missed you!” Asher Perry clung to Luna Foster’s hand, acting all cutesy. Luna Foster smiled as she picked him up, affectionately rubbing her cheek against his. “Really? Then why didn’t you come find me?” “Anyway, staying with the Perry Family is for our own benefit! Otherwise, if Declan Perry marries and has children in the future, we might end up with nothing!” At the core, it’s all about clinging to the villa and BMW that Declan Perry provided, fearing the loss of such luxuries. I managed a faint smile, but my thoughts were interrupted by the cheerful voices of two people approaching. “Aunt Luna, I’ve missed you!” exclaimed Asher Perry, holding onto Luna Foster’s hand and acting playfully. Luna Foster chuckled as she picked him up, affectionately rubbing her cheek against his. “Really? Then why haven’t you come to see me?” she teased. Asher Perry rolled his eyes at me before hugging Luna Foster’s neck. “If I keep visiting you, Dad will get upset!” “Besides, if I go to you, who’s going to help me deal with the bad woman? I embarrassed her yesterday!” Watching Asher Perry’s triumphant grin made my heart ache. When he was three, he had a persistent high fever, and I stayed with him in the hospital room for three sleepless nights. Later, I tried to make him some porridge but fainted in the kitchen. Sparks ignited the curtains, nearly engulfing me in flames. Thankfully, he was worried about me and came looking for me. Seeing the fire in the kitchen, he cried and drew the attention of the security guards. Afterwards, he clung to my neck, sobbing, “Auntie, I can’t be without you!” Who could have known then? The nephew who once cried and called me Auntie would later wound me deeply with his actions. This seemingly gentle woman greeted me with a smile, but her words were full of provocation. “Miss Taylor, please don’t be upset; Asher is still young.” It’s absurd. The child I’ve cared for so attentively listens to others without question. Once they left, I turned to Mrs. Taylor. “You see, Asher isn’t short of people to look after him.” Luna Foster was originally just a waitress, but with a face that resembles my sister’s by seventy percent, she easily won over both father and son. Declan Perry handed her an entire perfume production line, holding her hand tightly both in public and private, as if they were family. Mrs. Taylor glared at me coldly. “Are you really planning to leave?” I replied firmly, “I don’t have many more seven-year periods to waste…” Before I could finish, she slapped me. “In the end, you’re just the daughter of a shameless mistress, a bastard through and through!” “If it weren’t for me pitying you and raising you, you’d have died out there already!” Back then, my father pretended to be a wealthy bachelor, deceiving my mother who had just arrived from the countryside. After my mom got pregnant with me, she found out he was already married. Mrs. Taylor cornered her at school, humiliating her, making it known to the world that she was a mistress seducing a married man. Heartbroken, she gave birth to me in a rented room and then jumped to her death. If I weren’t indeed the Taylor family’s daughter, they would have discarded me, which would have been illegal. What chance did I have? When the second slap was about to fall, I blocked Mrs. Taylor’s hand. “For thirty years, I’ve given everything to the Taylor family.” “I owe you nothing.” I endured endless humiliation and abuse at the Taylor family, being beaten and scolded whenever Mrs. Taylor was unhappy. I grew up without ever attending a day of school until I was eighteen. For the past seven years at the Perry Family, I was merely an outlet for Declan Perry. I devoted myself to taking care of Asher Perry, giving him everything I could. But what did I get in return? My grandmother’s jade bracelet was smashed, my puppy died, and Declan Perry cut off my fallopian tubes, ending my chance of motherhood. I’ve done my utmost and owe nothing to anyone. The only one I’m sorry to is myself. Mrs. Taylor stormed off in anger. I turned around, meeting Declan Perry’s complex gaze. Chapter

He beckoned me over as if he were calling a disobedient dog. I remained still. Declan Perry’s face immediately showed impatience. “Nora Taylor, you’re smart. You should realize that leaving the Perry Family means you have nowhere to go.” “I’ve asked the secretary to buy you a dog with purer bloodlines and a more expensive bracelet.” “If you find Asher hard to manage, Luna can help you; she’ll start living with you at the Perry Family from today.” Declan Perry watched me, seemingly waiting for me to accept joyfully, gratefully comply, and then take care of him and his son with Luna Foster. But I didn’t want that anymore. “You decide, it has nothing to do with me anymore.” Luna Foster stepped out from behind Declan Perry. “I know Miss Taylor doesn’t welcome me, so I should leave.” “After all, someone like me without a status doesn’t deserve to take care of Asher.” She pretended to cry, walking towards the door, but was stopped by Declan Perry after just a few steps. “Status is just a matter of my decision. If you can get pregnant, I’ll make you the real Mrs. Perry.” After casting me a glance, he picked Luna Foster up in his arms. The villa door was kicked shut by him, and the maids and butler scurried away. Asher Perry looked at me smugly. “Aunt Luna is kind and gentle; only she deserves to be my mom.” Looking at this child I raised from a young age, I was shocked. “Is that really what you think?” “Yes! You evil woman, don’t think I don’t know. It was you who seduced my dad, causing my mom’s death from difficult childbirth!” “Sooner or later, I’ll avenge my mom!” I looked at the amulet on his chest and sighed. Asher Perry was a premature baby, weak and often sick. To ensure his healthy growth, I personally took care of his every need. I even gave him the amulet my mom left me. Seven years of countless days and nights of care and companionship couldn’t compare to a few words from outsiders. I reached for the amulet around Asher Perry’s neck. He instinctively raised his hand to block, “If you dare hit me, I’ll have Dad kick you out!” But I only took off the amulet from his neck. “Asher Perry, you’re already seven. Even if you don’t understand some things now, you will in the future.” “I didn’t raise you well; someone better will take care of you. As for us, we probably won’t see each other again in this lifetime.” With Asher Perry looking at me in confusion, I headed to the airport with my luggage. The Perry Family’s old residence quickly faded, disappearing from my sight. I knew that after I left, Declan Perry would bring in someone new to care for Asher Perry. But none of that mattered to me anymore. Having wasted thirty years, it’s time I lived for myself. Just as I was about to board the plane, a large hand reached from behind, snatching the ticket from my hand. The cold, indifferent voice made me shudder. “Nora Taylor, where do you think you’re going?” I’m committed to ensuring that the content maintains its original meaning while adapting it to a more natural English expression that is easier to understand. Throughout this process, we will keep the original formatting unchanged.

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BFF got pregnant before marriage, so I kindly let her stay at my house. Then I discovered the baby she was carrying belonged to my husband, who is a mama’s boy. My mother-in-law, who favors sons, belittled me, claiming I was useless compared to my BFF, and even likened me to something worse than a female dog. The day after I refused to divorce, the Ice Age Apocalypse struck. They threw me out, watching as I froze to death, becoming an ice sculpture. But fate gave me another chance and granted me a wish. “I just wish my BFF a prosperous pregnancy with six children.” When I learned my BFF Lydia was pregnant with six children, I realized I had been reborn, and Lydia’s wish had come true. “Nora, thank you for letting me stay at your house for free and accompanying me to my check-ups.” At this moment, Lydia hadn’t revealed her true nature and looked genuinely grateful. I suppressed my disgust and hatred, forcing a natural smile. “We’re like sisters; your concerns are mine.” Back home, my mother-in-law and husband Nolan were thrilled to hear Lydia was expecting six children. Mother-in-law clapped her hands joyfully: “Lydia is incredible, the more children, the better! It’s wonderful for the family line!” Then she cast a disdainful glance at me. “Unlike some people who have been married for two years without a sign of pregnancy, freeloading off our family, not even as good as a dog that can have puppies!” Nolan, the mama’s boy, scoffed, “Why are you just standing there? Mom gets annoyed seeing you. If you can’t have kids, at least make yourself useful in the kitchen!” I swallowed my anger, pleading as I did in my past life. “I’d like my BFF to stay in the empty house next door, is that okay, Mom?” Mother-in-law feigned reluctance but agreed. “Alright then, there’s an old saying that taking care of a pregnant woman can help you conceive. You go and look after Lydia and catch some of her good fortune!”

In my past life, my unmarried BFF cried to me about being abandoned and contemplated suicide. Feeling sorry for her, I decided to help by letting her stay next door to offer support. I was puzzled by my mother-in-law’s and my mama’s boy husband’s unusual excitement but didn’t think much of it. Until I saw Nolan, Lydia, and my mother-in-law had formed a group chat named One Big Happy Family. That’s when I realized that the father of the child in my BFF’s belly was Nolan. They had been together behind my back for over half a year. I confronted the three of them. My mother-in-law, who preferred sons, pulled my hair and cursed, “Useless hen! You can’t give birth and still have the nerve to ask? Do you want the Wang family line to end with you, you disgrace?” I turned to Nolan for help, but he helped his mom pin me to the ground. “My mom said I need a woman to give me kids. If you can’t, I’ll just have your BFF do it. Show some respect to my mom; it wasn’t easy raising me.” I got injured and was bedridden. I planned to call the police, but the extreme snowstorm delayed their arrival. The next day, the Ice Age Apocalypse struck. The whole community started heating early, roads were covered in snow, and TV stations announced that the extreme weather would last a long time. Residents were warned to stay inside and conserve food and water. My mother-in-law and Nolan conspired. “One more person means one more mouth to feed, can’t let my grandson suffer, Nora is useless, just kick her out to fend for herself.” “Mom, I’ll do whatever you say!” Outside was minus thirty degrees; going out meant certain death. No matter how I begged Nolan, he just repeated, “My mom said you being alive just means one more mouth to feed!” In less than ten minutes, I lost body heat, froze to death, turning into an ice sculpture. But fate had other plans. I was reborn. And granted a wish. My wish was for BFF Lydia to have a fruitful pregnancy with six kids. Just wait, my revenge has only begun.

I directly let Lydia move into the Wang house instead of next door. My mother-in-law was indeed pleased. Affectionately holding Lydia’s hand. “Oh my, with those childbearing hips, you’re bound to have sons! If all six are boys, I’ll be over the moon every day!” I showed no suspicion, pretending to know nothing every day. Whatever BFF wanted to eat, I’d make it, acting like a fool eager to be the child’s godmother. No matter how Lydia and Nolan flirted in private. Every time they slept, I’d get up to select a shelter. Calculating, the Ice Age Apocalypse was just half a month away. Looking at the million-dollar dowry my father left me, I decided to use it to build a comfortable, warm shelter. First, I chose the apocalypse survival location in the old family bunker. That bunker, now abandoned, once saved the whole village. Built by a famous returning architect at the time. I just needed to spend money on upgrades to turn it into an upgraded bunker. I contacted my cousin still in the village to help with this. Cousin was puzzled, “You’re living well in the city, why think of the village bunker, that place is quite dilapidated now.” Seeing I didn’t want to reveal much, Cousin didn’t press, just added with concern. “If things aren’t good in the city, coming back to the village is fine too. If you’re wronged, tell your cousin.” My eyes welled up. In the past, my mother-in-law often ridiculed me for having rural relatives. Mocking me as a wild chicken trying to perch high. But my family wasn’t poor; my dad was the first in the village to attend a prestigious university, getting a decent job after graduation, where he met my mom. Unfortunately, a car accident took them away. Growing up, I misjudged people, failing to see Nolan’s mama’s boy nature. After marriage, my mother-in-law often checked my phone, fearing I’d use family money to aid my family. Little did she know, our village had long prospered. Conditions were quite good. “Where are you sneaking off to make calls, is it some poor relative looking to leech off us?” Mother-in-law stood behind me, face dark. Nolan grumbled, “Mom said no using our money for poor relatives, do you even care about my mom!” I lowered myself, smiling apologetically. “No, I was asking another family’s babysitter about making soup for Lydia.” They half-believed, and the matter passed. I sneered inside. The Wang family might have some money, but it’s all from rental income. That’s why Lydia got involved with Nolan. Willing to bear his kids. But soon, their little money would be worthless. In the Ice Age Apocalypse, only food and water were precious. Money would just be worthless paper. I’ll never forget past grievances. I’ll slowly plot, letting these three receive what’s due. By then, I’ll be in the upgraded bunker, living well. As for them, they’ll face a dog-eat-dog world!

Cousin was exceptionally attentive to my matters. In just ten days, he finished renovating the bunker. Next was equipping the bunker. The Ice Age Apocalypse will cause power outages in most areas. I bought three generators: a diesel generator, portable, providing stable power output, needing regular maintenance and fuel replacement. A solar generator, converting sunlight to electricity, emitting no harmful gases, not consuming diesel, but has obvious drawbacks, heavily weather-dependent, unusable at night. A pedaling generator, only needing manpower, but its power output is small. So, the primary one is the diesel generator. I purchased a large amount of diesel, ensuring three months’ supply, with the bunker being ideal for diesel storage. With power sorted, next was food and water. I first bought essential appliances, like a frying pan and rice cooker, minimizing electric product purchases to prevent excessive consumption. I prepared a hundred pounds of rice, flour, and oil, and bought hundreds of boxes of instant noodles of various flavors. As for water, I decided to buy a purifier. In the apocalyptic cold, outside is a snowy world, water isn’t lacking. Firstly, pure water bottles take up too much space, and secondly, saved space can create a vegetable hydroponic area. Self-sufficiency, no need for a fridge, saving space and power. I bought seeds for cabbage, spinach, cilantro, tomatoes, and bok choy. For meat, I could only buy lots of military rations, enough for three months. Other than that, just some snacks I like and daily necessities. Having solved the food problem, there’s still clothing. I purchased down jackets and snow boots worth thousands, advertised as suitable even for Antarctica. Next, medicine. Especially vitamin tablets. In apocalyptic times, lacking fruit for long periods causes vitamin deficiency, leading to scurvy. Without timely treatment, one could die from fever, swelling, and paralysis. Living alone in the bunker, I mustn’t fall ill. After completing all this, the weather grew colder. Mother-in-law often nagged in my ear. “Always running out, who’s going to care for your BFF with her big belly, are you expecting this old woman to do it?” I couldn’t help but talk back, quietly making meals for the three. BFF lounged on the sofa watching TV, more like the hostess than me. “I want some fruit, make me a nice fruit platter, it’ll cheer me up if it looks good.” My gaze turned cold. “The apples on the table are washed, you can eat them directly.” Lydia glanced at Nolan, seemingly wanting to reveal the secret. The weather had turned much colder by the time all this was over. My mother-in-law would often nag at me. “You’re always out and about. Who’s going to look after your pregnant friend? Surely you don’t expect me, an old woman, to do it!” I couldn’t help but retort, all the while quietly preparing food for the three of them. My friend was lounging on the couch watching TV, looking more like the lady of the house than me. “I feel like having some fruit. Make me a nice-looking fruit platter. I’ll only feel good if it looks good.” I gave her a frosty look. “The apples on the table are already washed. You can eat them as they are.” Lydia glanced at Nolan, as if she was eager to spill a secret. Last night, I secretly checked Nolan’s phone and saw the advice he had given her. My mom said not to tell her about us just yet. Just treat her like a free maid. If she refuses to do chores, make her feel guilty. Lydia immediately put on a sorrowful face. “Nora, you were the one who invited me to stay at your place. Are you annoyed with me now? It’s normal for a pregnant woman to have cravings.” At this, my mother-in-law spoke up. “Exactly, you were the one who said Lydia could stay with us. My son and I, the real hosts, have no issue with it. So why do you?” Ha, what I had originally suggested was for her to stay next door. It was your idea for her to move in. If I had known the child Lydia is carrying was Nolan’s, I wouldn’t have cared about her well-being at all. I smiled. “Alright, just hold on a moment. I’ll make the fruit platter now.” It looks like the text you wanted to provide is missing. Could you please share the text you’d like translated?

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Upon discovering that the auction of his wife’s “contractual rights” had become public, my husband, the CEO, was finally in a panic. He asked his friend, “Who won Adeline in the auction? Why hasn’t she returned after a month?” His friend hesitated, “It was your sister-in-law’s beloved who won her. Rumor has it they went to a hotel the night of the auction and haven’t come out for seven days and nights.” My husband’s face turned pale as he finally grasped the absurdity of what he had done to me. Just because his first love couldn’t stand my scent, for three years of marriage, if I got within three meters of him, he would throw me into a disinfectant pool and make me copy “The Women’s Commandments” as punishment. Today, when I noticed something unusual about his fragrance, I couldn’t resist stepping closer to sniff him. He yelled that I was obsessed with men, yet, for the first time, he didn’t order me to be thrown into the disinfectant pool. I thought his germaphobia was finally improving. But the next day, my “contractual rights” became the headline item at City A’s largest auction. Whoever bid the highest could replace him as my husband and spend nights in the bridal chamber with me. Teaser: To get my germaphobic husband to accept me, I learned nearly a hundred techniques from the Red Light District. Yet, in three years of marriage, I have been thrown into the disinfectant pool countless times for accidentally crossing within three meters of him, punished to copy “The Women’s Commandments.” Yesterday, I noticed a sweet perfume on him and took two steps closer to ask about its source. He yelled that I was obsessed with men but didn’t order me to be thrown into the disinfectant pool. I thought his germaphobia was finally improving. However, the next day, my “contractual rights” became the headline item at City A’s largest auction. The highest bidder could exercise any rights over me for a month.

My husband Jasper Reed’s friend was excitedly calculating the odds of winning the rights over him, tossing a card with my photo on the table. “A pair of aces, anyone interested?” Jasper Reed looked indifferent, continuously spraying perfume around. “No way. Just thinking about Adeline’s stench polluting Phoebe Clark’s air makes me sick!” “Phoebe has been studying abroad for so long. You’ve waited patiently for her return, only for Adeline to taint it. She should be taught a lesson.” Jasper Reed sneered, “Teach her? That’s a favor! I’ve never touched her. She probably can’t wait to be auctioned off and become a ‘real woman!’” “I heard Phoebe hates Adeline’s scent so much she gags at it, so Jasper has to disinfect himself every day.” Everyone burst into mocking laughter. Someone then snatched the card, grinning lewdly, “Hey! This card’s got a nice look. I’ll take it home for comfort.” Their words were full of ridicule. My face lost all color, and I staggered. Their words felt like hammers pounding my chest, leaving me breathless. Whenever I accidentally crossed the three-meter line, Jasper Reed would quickly dodge away. I always thought I was the problem, disinfecting myself with alcohol repeatedly. Because of this, my skin barrier was completely destroyed. Even slightly hot water would make my skin swell quickly. Jasper Reed even custom-ordered two single beds for our bedroom to avoid any contact with me. Driven to an emotional breakdown, I demanded an explanation. He coldly threw me a diagnosis. “I have severe germaphobia. You can’t touch me anymore.” I thought he would eventually heal. Now I know it was just a lie to stay faithful to another woman. My heart ached with bitterness. Jasper Reed and I were childhood sweethearts, engaged since we were young. But he only had eyes for Phoebe Clark. If it weren’t for his mother being diagnosed with cancer, whose only wish was for us to fulfill our engagement, we wouldn’t be together. However, Jasper Reed’s mother gave me a promise the night before our wedding: “Addie, if Jasper ever wrongs you, you can end this marriage anytime.” Thinking of this, I sent Jasper Reed’s mother a text: “Mom, the auction in three days is proof of Jasper Reed’s betrayal. I don’t want this marriage anymore.”

It was dark when I finally got home. For the first time, Jasper Reed wasn’t furious. Instead, he looked at me with interest. But the woman’s hair tie on the coffee table and the sexy ladies’ underwear on the chair clearly indicated what had happened. “What? You don’t want me to touch you?” Jasper Reed blocked my path, his breath hitting my neck as he spoke. Thinking about him putting my “contractual rights” on the auction, I felt an unexpected calm. “It’s late. Let’s rest.” I turned towards the bedroom, but Jasper Reed pulled me back. He pinned me to the sofa, eyes full of anger. “What are you pretending for? Haven’t you always wanted something to happen between us?” As he spoke, he roughly stripped me of all my clothes. I stood naked before him. He turned his head aside and shoved me into the bedroom. “Wait here obediently. I’ll be in soon. If you can’t wait, you can handle it yourself first.” Jasper Reed locked the door. Terrified, I pounded on the door, unable to open it. Feeling the chill, I frantically searched for clothes. But I found nothing, not even bed sheets or curtains. As I was about to give up, a blinding reflection hit my face. I realized the windows of the opposite building were filled with binoculars. “My God! That’s Adeline? Her body is perfect!” “Good thing I’m Jasper’s bro. I get a sneak peek!” “With that face and body, I must spend big at this auction!” I froze. Those disgusting gazes were like knives stabbing into my heart. Fear consumed me. I ran to the door, pounding on it frantically. “Jasper Reed! Please let me out! There are people outside, a lot of them!” My pleas received no response. The silence outside was terrifying. The excitement of the gazes grew more intense. I could only crawl under the bed, curling up to protect myself. Until I was on the brink of collapse, Jasper Reed finally opened the door. “Enough! Stop pretending to be a saint!” Jasper Reed sneered, tossing me a towel. I quickly wrapped the towel around myself. Jasper Reed’s phone suddenly buzzed. He answered: “Jasper, that video went viral! Several creepy old men are starting bids at millions! Adeline’s going to enjoy this!” Jasper Reed quickly ended the call, looking at me guiltily. I suddenly realized the entire bedroom was equipped with high-definition surveillance. My naked image had been shared with every wealthy man participating in the auction. My blood froze, and I struggled to breathe. “Jasper Reed! How could you do this to me!” “Come on! Is it really that big of a deal?” Jasper Reed shrugged dismissively, calling for the maid to bring a long dress. “How about this? I’ll take you to an auction tonight as an apology!” At this, my whole body trembled. “No! I’m not going!” I instinctively refused. Jasper Reed’s face darkened ominously. “Have I been too lenient? Do you dare question my decision?” “Phoebe even asked me to buy you luxury goods women love. You’re not even worthy!” He glanced at my red hands. “Look at you, you’re supposed to be a socialite, but even the servants are better maintained than you!” My chest tightened with bitterness. Over the years, Jasper Reed’s obsessive demands forced me to hand-wash all his belongings. Yet now, he saw me as less than a servant. Seeing me silent, Jasper Reed grabbed my neck, dragging me into the disinfectant pool. After disinfecting, he wrapped me tightly in a towel, disgust evident in his eyes. I was forcibly dressed up and taken to the banquet hall hosting the auction.

As soon as I entered, Phoebe Clark greeted me with a smile. Her gaze fixed on my hands. My hands were pale, veins visible beneath the skin. “Addie, your skin is so delicate. Jasper’s like a beast, full of energy, probably afraid to touch you.” “Or you’d die in bed!” A snicker erupted: “It’s not fear, it’s unwillingness! Otherwise, how has our Mrs. Reed remained a pure lady all these years?” Everyone burst into laughter, their gazes on me more lewd and disdainful. I frowned, my cheeks burning. “Enough! Haven’t you had enough?” I snapped. Jasper Reed looked displeased, glaring at me. “They’re complimenting you for being pure, and you’re upset? Stop embarrassing me!” I clenched my fists, my face darkening further. Someone intervened, laughing it off: “Addie, they’re just joking! Don’t be mad! How about I toast to you?” He downed his wine and offered another glass to me. Everyone’s gaze fell on the wine, tense. I pushed it away with a smirk: “I accept the apology, but I won’t drink!” Jasper Reed’s face turned as dark as a storm, his voice filled with anger. “People have been calling you pure and virtuous, and they were wrong? Stop making a scene here!” I clenched my fists, my expression darkening. Noticing this, someone tried to lighten the mood with a laugh: “Addie, we’re all just joking! Don’t get upset! Here, let me propose a toast to you.” With that, the man downed his red wine and offered me another glass. Everyone’s eyes were on that glass, tension hanging in the air as they waited for me to drink. I smirked with disdain and pushed the glass away: “I accept the apology, but I’m not drinking!” Jasper Reed’s expression was thunderous, his voice sharp with anger: “Adeline! You’re going too far! Not even accepting a drink from my friend? Have you lost your mind?” “Have I?” I replied icily, instinctively stepping back, my gaze wary of Jasper Reed. “Who’s lost their mind, you or me? Tonight…” Before I could finish, a sharp pain shot through my neck. My legs gave way, and I collapsed, my consciousness slipping away. “This sedative works wonders!” “I’ve been ready for this. Those rich old guys are practically fighting over Adeline! The auction can’t afford any mistakes!” Phoebe Clark provocatively leaned on Jasper Reed: “Addie, don’t worry, we’ll find you the wealthiest man. Make sure your first time is worth a fortune!” With all my strength, I crawled to Jasper Reed’s feet, clutching his pant leg, pleading: “Let me go… I don’t want to be with other men…” Jasper Reed kicked me away: “Enough! Stop pretending to be some virtuous woman! Didn’t you want someone to touch you? I’m giving away my rights, finding you a strong stand-in partner. You should be happy!” He hugged Phoebe Clark tightly, a stark contrast to how he used to avoid my touch. Disappointment surged through me. The next moment, rough hands dragged me away, stripped me, and threw me into a fully transparent glass enclosure. I helplessly pounded on the box, begging them to let me out. They ignored me, their eyes filled with desire. In despair, I closed my eyes as staff carried me backstage, waiting for my turn. Just then, Mrs. Reed finally arrived. She ordered my rescue and personally dressed me. “I’m sorry, Addie, Jasper Reed is such a jerk!” Mrs. Reed handed me the divorce agreement, instructing her assistant to get me out immediately. Outside the auction venue, I cried uncontrollably until I passed out. By then, the auction had reached its climax. Everyone was eagerly awaiting my appearance. “Where’s Adeline?” Jasper Reed was puzzled, “Why isn’t she on stage yet?” Amidst the eager gazes, Mrs. Reed slowly took the stage. Jasper Reed’s face immediately changed. Mrs. Reed threw the signed divorce agreement at Jasper Reed’s face: “You jerk! Where’s Adeline? She’s gone, remarried! From now on, she’s calling someone else husband, and you have nothing to do with her anymore!” I apologize for any confusion earlier. Could you please provide the specific Chinese text you need translated?

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