Author: Momo Chan

I successfully wrapped up a five-year research project, and my girlfriend, who comes from a wealthy family, and I finally decided to get engaged. While sampling dishes at the hotel, I happened to run into my ex-girlfriend Esme and a group of old classmates who were also celebrating an engagement party. So much has changed over the years. I had long since let go of any past grievances and was ready to offer Esme my congratulations and catch up with old friends. Esme, on the arm of her affluent fiancé Declan, pointed at my simple clothes with a finger adorned by a five-carat diamond ring, and with a smug look, mocked me as someone who could only afford verbal blessings. Laughter erupted from the wealthy guests and old classmates as Esme tossed her hair with exaggerated confidence. Fingering the black card in my pocket, I thought she might be in for a surprise. 0 “Declan, this is Caspian, our class president from high school. Look at his thrift store outfit; I wonder how he’s been managing all these years. Let’s just take his blessings as a token of goodwill.” Esme, dressed in an extravagant haute couture gown, wore a smile full of undisguised contempt, casually displaying the five-carat diamond ring on her finger while holding her fiancé’s hand. A few mocking laughs echoed around, and disdainful glances swept over me, making me frown with discomfort. These past years, I’ve been dedicated to my project, working tirelessly day and night, often re-wearing the same clothes for convenience, my mind focused solely on work, leaving little room for fashion. I came straight from the research institute today and didn’t have time to change. Despite their education, these people still judge by appearances. I suppressed my annoyance. After all, we’ve been classmates for many years; I didn’t want to argue with them. And since it’s an engagement, a joyful occasion, I should show some courtesy. I touched the black card in my pocket, feeling it might be impolite to just use it, and they might not even have a card machine. Scanning the crowd, I saw my good high school buddy Jude winking at me. “Jude, I didn’t bring my phone today. Could you lend me some money?” As soon as I finished speaking, laughter erupted. “Hahaha, really, Caspian? You’re actually asking for money?” “Look at him, so pathetic. Can he even pay it back?” “If you can’t offer anything, just say so. Don’t give me the ‘I didn’t bring my phone today’ excuse, it’s hilarious.” Jude jumped in front of me, glaring angrily at everyone, speaking harshly. “What’s wrong with you? Caspian just forgot his phone; it’s no big deal.” I patted Jude’s shoulder, ready to take out the black card, but Esme, covering her mouth with a light laugh, interrupted me. “Caspian, it’s clear you’re having a tough time. Don’t pretend to be wealthy; Declan and I aren’t concerned with your token gifts.” Declan arrogantly scrutinized me, sneering with disdain in his eyes. “Forget it, Esme. Today’s our big day. Later, let the kitchen pack up some food for him.” Esme smugly raised her eyebrows at me, then turned with a face full of affection, playfully teasing Declan. “Declan, you’re so kind-hearted.” The people around them fawned and echoed, bowing and scraping so much that calling them lapdogs would be an insult to dogs. Declan chuckled, not caring, but his words had a pointed tone. “I’m used to doing charity with my mom. It’s no trouble at all.” Jude, unable to stand it, wanted to argue with them, but I held him back. I coldly scoffed, finally seeing Esme for who she really was. Thinking she had snagged a rich guy, she wanted to flaunt and belittle her ex to satisfy her pitiful vanity. And her wealthy fiancé wasn’t any better; his refined appearance couldn’t hide his vulgar roots. “Did you throw this engagement party just to collect money?” 0

Esme’s face turned sour quickly. “Caspian, do you have to be so harsh? I kindly invited you to my engagement party and even worried about your financial difficulties. Is this how you repay those who help you, with malicious speculation?” She sure knows how to twist the truth. I was too lazy to argue with them any further, and with a nod to Jude, I planned to leave, but Esme stepped forward and grabbed me. I shook off her hand with some disgust, her face twisted in embarrassment. “What? You’re feeling guilty and admitting it? Sneaking away with your tail between your legs is really your style.” I couldn’t help but laugh at their antics. “Is hooking up with a wealthy guy not enough to satisfy your vanity? Do you have to step on me to show your superiority? You really need to work on that mindset.” “The value of life isn’t measured solely by money. Instead of stirring up trouble here, why not do something meaningful with your time?” Out of respect for old classmates, I decided to offer them some advice. My colleagues exhaust themselves daily for research, thinking of ways to contribute more to the country and its people. Their worldview, however, is truly baffling. Declan’s face also turned ugly, looking at me as if to say, “Who do you think you are to lecture me?” Esme, no need to mention, her face was so dark it could almost drip water. I respect others’ fate, just giving a kind reminder. Whether they listen or not is up to them. I shrugged indifferently, turning to leave. Behind me, Esme let out a malicious laugh. When I turned around, I saw her with tear-filled eyes, looking pitiful. “Caspian, all these years, I’ve kept quiet to protect your dignity. I was wholeheartedly devoted to you, but you dumped me for a better future, afraid I’d hold you back. Who’s more vain between us?” Her words made Esme start sobbing uncontrollably. Declan comforted her, and whispers grew louder around us. “Really? Caspian turned out to be like this? I was silently rooting for him just now.” “No wonder they broke up without warning; so that’s what happened…” “Scumbag! Pfft!” When Esme and I dated, she pursued me. Three months into the relationship, a handsome and wealthy transfer student joined our class, and since then, Esme became distant. After seeing her with the transfer student, I decided to talk to her, but she took the opportunity to break up with me. “What do you have compared to him? Can you give me money or fame? If not, stop wasting my time. Honestly, being with you is embarrassing.” Thinking of this, I’m suddenly grateful for the breakup back then. “Weren’t you the one who disliked me for not giving you money or fame? Wasn’t it you who wanted to break up to be with the transfer student?” Now playing the victim, what’s the point? Angered by her twisting the truth, I couldn’t hold back and revealed the facts. Declan, comforting the sobbing Esme, glared at me with furrowed brows. “Esme was the prom queen back then, lots of people chased her. You were broke and couldn’t give her security, what’s wrong with her leaving you?” Esme spoke between sobs. “I just wanted a stable future with someone I liked…” As I explained the truth, some people’s angry faces switched to mocking expressions. “Bottom line, you were just incompetent, couldn’t even keep a girlfriend.” “Girls are sensitive, you know? If you can’t provide basic security, what’s the point of dating?” “Caspian, seeing you like this, I bet you still don’t have a girlfriend.” “Esme was right to leave him back then. Being with him would only lead to hardship.” As the crowd discussed, all attacking me, Esme couldn’t help but smile, and Declan arrogantly raised his head, looking like he was enjoying the show. 0

You can never wake someone pretending to be asleep, and logic only works on those who understand it. Looking at this group with no basic moral values, I felt powerless. I didn’t want to bother, but thinking of my current girlfriend, such an outstanding and kind girl, I couldn’t let her become their topic of gossip. I had to speak up. “Sorry, I already have a girlfriend. She’s amazing, doesn’t judge by wealth, our relationship is stable, and we’re planning to get engaged soon.” They didn’t believe I had a girlfriend. Even if I spoke the truth, they acted like they couldn’t hear, fixated on the idea that I couldn’t afford a wife. “Anyone can brag. I could say I have a wealthy fiancée too.” But my soon-to-be fiancée, Genevieve, is indeed wealthy, and this hotel we were sampling dishes at belongs to her family’s business. I checked my watch, it was almost time for my meeting with Genevieve. I shouldn’t have stepped into this room today; it brought unnecessary trouble. “Believe it or not, that’s the truth. I have things to do, so I’ll be leaving.” I turned to go, but was blocked a few steps in. “Don’t rush off, Caspian. Since you’re Esme’s old classmate, let me introduce you to someone.” Disregarding my frown and refusal, Declan called his assistant, who soon arrived with a respectful young man. “Young Master Declan, the person is here.” He nodded to Declan, then stepped aside to reveal a cleaning lady who looked about 40 or 50. Declan placed a hand on my shoulder, speaking as if we were good friends. I turned to leave, but after just a few steps, someone stopped me. “Don’t be in such a hurry, Milo. Since you’re an old classmate of Esme’s, let me introduce you to someone.” Despite my frown and refusal, Declan took out his phone and called his assistant. Soon, a young man entered, showing respect and deference. “Mr. Declan, the person is here.” He nodded slightly to Declan and then stepped aside to reveal a cleaning lady who looked to be in her forties or fifties. Declan placed a hand on my shoulder, speaking in a patronizing tone. “This is an employee at this hotel. Don’t be fooled by her age; she has a stable job and probably earns more than you do each month. Plus, she has a son. If you marry her, you’ll have someone to look after you in your old age.” “Hahaha, suddenly becoming a dad is not something everyone gets to experience. Class leader, you’re really lucky. You should thank Mr. Declan.” Jude couldn’t handle it anymore and started cursing at them. He stood up for me today and took quite a bit of heat. I shrugged off Declan’s hand and stepped forward to stop Jude from getting into a fight. I also sent the embarrassed cleaning lady away. “As old classmates, I don’t want to make a fuss with you. But if you keep pushing it, don’t blame me for not being friendly.” “Oh, such big words. We’re so terrified.” “What, are you going to kick us out? Do you even know that Mr. Declan reserved the whole venue today? With your broke look, you probably couldn’t even afford a fraction of the cost.” They weren’t wrong. I did want them to leave. A high-end hotel had been turned into a mess because of them. High-end service sometimes needs high-end guests. “So what if I want to kick you out?” Declan snorted disdainfully at this. “Milo, don’t be ungrateful. Do you even know the status of the Declan’s family around here? You can’t afford to mess with the Declan’s family!” Although I’ve been busy with my projects these past few years, I’m not oblivious to the world. Genevieve’s family, where my girlfriend Genevieve belongs, is truly the leading enterprise locally. I’ve accompanied her to several local business banquets. Although we often just made brief appearances, I never heard of anyone with the last name Declan among those qualified to greet us. “If you can’t afford to mess with the Declan’s family, do you think you can handle Genevieve’s family?” A cool female voice rose behind me. I turned to see my girlfriend standing at the entrance of the private event room in a casual suit. Her bright eyes, behind gold-rimmed glasses, looked coldly at Declan. I’m sorry, it looks like the document you’re referring to is missing. Could you provide the text that needs translation? Genevieve caught my eye and walked over to me, gently entwining her fingers with mine and offering a warm, concerned smile. “I didn’t see you at the door. I only came over when I heard the commotion. Is this person bothering you?” “It’s just a small issue,” I replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. Genevieve and I met through an introduction by my superior. Although it was a blind date, she genuinely admired my commitment to scientific research and supported me wholeheartedly. I, in turn, respected her decisiveness in business. From the moment we met, we found ourselves kindred spirits, able to talk about anything. “Let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancée, Genevieve, Miss Genevieve.” Genevieve greeted everyone graciously and leaned in to whisper teasingly in my ear, “Oh, big scientist, aren’t you embarrassed to call me that?”

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I was shipwrecked during a voyage, and after escaping from the doomed vessel, I found myself on an uncharted island inhabited by a local tribe. A female crew member and I were captured by them. Fortunately, they didn’t plan to kill us right away. Instead, they intended to keep us for breeding. The female leader seemed to have a particular interest in me… My name is Ethan, and I’m a sailor. During a voyage, the cargo ship I was on was overturned by a storm, forcing us to abandon ship. Two lifeboats carried about a dozen survivors, drifting aimlessly at sea for days. We received no rescue, and our supplies of fresh water and food were nearly depleted. Just as despair began to set in, an island emerged on the horizon. From afar, it was clear this wasn’t a barren place; the lush vegetation suggested it had a water source. “We’re saved!” I exclaimed, reaching for the motor. “Hold on a second!” Someone held my hand back. “We should conserve the fuel; we might need it later.” I looked at the others, and they all nodded in agreement. So, to save the precious fuel, we didn’t use the motor. Instead, we gathered our remaining strength to row towards the island. Exhausted, we finally reached the beach. Just as everyone was relieved to have made it, something flew out from the dense forest near the shore with a “whoosh.” “Ah—!” A scream erupted from Nora, the female intern. Two bone spears had pierced her calf and shoulder. Before we could grasp what was happening, we heard shouting, getting closer and louder. A group of armed tribesmen emerged from the forest, hurling rocks and bone spears at us. “Run!” someone yelled. We scrambled to our feet. Several bone spears landed near me but missed. Unfortunately, the two people next to me weren’t as lucky. They were hit by the sharp bone spears and couldn’t move. “Help! Ethan, help me!” Nora cried out, but no one could spare her any attention. I was about to run too, but her plea made me pause for a second. That second was enough for a rock to hit my head, knocking me down. Soon, we were surrounded by tribesmen, who pointed their bone spears at us, snarling and jeering. A strong male tribesman approached Nora. “Please, let me go. I’ll do anything.” Nora was crying, her body trembling with fear. The tribesman grabbed her hair and pulled it back, roughly handling her. Despite the pain, Nora was too terrified to scream. The tribesman sniffed her and then shouted. Several tribesmen rushed over, tearing her clothes amid her screams, binding her to a tree branch, and carried her away like a captured animal. Nora’s life was barely spared. But the two male crew members weren’t as fortunate. The strong male tribesman made some sounds, and a dozen tribesmen repeatedly stabbed them… Seeing my colleagues brutally killed was horrifying. I knew I was next. Suddenly, a sharp whistle came from a distance. The tribesmen stopped and made way. A female tribeswoman approached. She wore a necklace of skulls and a headdress made of woven vines and bone decorations, suggesting she was the leader. I’d heard rumors about matriarchal societies in tribes with scarce females. The female tribeswoman inspected me and tugged at my clothes. Then she grabbed my lower body, making me almost faint from the pain. She then lunged at me, ripping my sailor T-shirt into strips. But my work clothes were sturdy, and I had a belt on. She couldn’t tear them open. Frustrated, she shouted at me. The male tribesmen seemed to understand, threatening me with their bone spears. I was unwilling, but seeing my dead colleagues, I knew I had to endure to survive. The female tribeswoman quickly pulled down my pants and excitedly shouted. Then, she pinned me down and bit me…

The pain was excruciating, and I was bleeding. But I was powerless and too scared to resist, letting her do as she pleased. The male tribesmen were excitedly shouting around us. After a long while, the female tribeswoman finally stood up, panting heavily. The male tribesmen tied my limbs with vine and hung me from a thick branch, carrying me into the dense forest. My two male colleagues’ bodies were tied similarly, hanging on either side of me. I was taken to a village under a waterfall deep in the forest. A bonfire burned fiercely, with a large pot above it. A nauseating stench wafted from that direction. I was taken to a cave while my colleagues’ bodies were thrown into the pot. I realized I was among a tribe of cannibals. Soon, I was thrown onto a pile of straw in the cave. I don’t know if they thought I was too weak to resist or for some other reason, but no one stayed to guard me. I immediately wriggled my body towards the cave wall. I sat up against the wall and found a sharp edge to rub the vine on my wrists against. Suddenly, shadows flickered at the entrance. A few tribesmen with spears appeared. I held my breath in fear and stopped moving. But they weren’t coming for me. After some grunts, they walked past the cave entrance. Soon, I heard heart-wrenching screams and the shouts of tribesmen from next door. It was Nora! She was right next door. The matriarchal tribe saw her as a “resource,” so they spared her life. I increased the pace of rubbing the vine. After some time, the vine finally broke. I quickly untied my legs and went to the entrance, sticking to the wall to peek outside. “Thump, thump, thump…” A series of knocks sounded, as if signaling the tribesmen, who began to move towards the sound. I quickly hid in a corner. Shadows passed by the entrance, but luckily, no one looked inside. Confirming the tribesmen were gone, I boldly went to the neighboring cave. Nora’s limbs were still tied. She lay limp on the straw pile, covered in bruises, with a pool of blood beneath her. The only relief was that the tribesmen had treated her leg and shoulder wounds to keep her alive. Hearing a noise, she thought the tribesmen were back and was about to scream. I quickly covered her mouth. “Don’t scream, it’s me!” Nora nodded, and I let go. I looked around and found a bone spear nearby. Having grown up on a farm and often fishing in the river, I could manage this weapon. I picked it up and cut the vines binding Nora. “Can you run?” Nora nodded. We cautiously left the cave. Outside, the tribesmen were dancing around the pot, seemingly performing a ritual. The female tribeswoman was leading it. This was the perfect chance to escape! “Don’t make a sound. Stay close to me!” I held the spear, leading the way, with Nora close behind. Just as we were about to leave the village, we ran into a patrolling tribesman. “Oh oh oh—!” I thrust the bone spear into his chest. But it was too late; his shout interrupted the ritual. Although we were about a hundred meters away, I felt as if the female tribeswoman instantly locked eyes with me. She smiled at me, and despite our earlier encounter, that smile seemed wickedly charming. Suddenly, the woman from the tribe emitted a piercing scream. As if on command, the tribespeople armed themselves and rushed toward me. “Run!” I grabbed Nora, who was still in shock, and sprinted into the depths of the forest. The tribespeople’s howls echoed just behind us, and bone spears and blow darts zipped past. Fortunately, the thick foliage blocked their view and their missiles, so none struck us.

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My twin sister ran away just before her wedding. Our parents, desperate to maintain the alliance with the Taylor Family, insisted that I step in and marry Declan Taylor in her place. After the wedding, Declan never laid a finger on me. “Adeline, stop wearing those clothes to try and seduce me. You’re just standing in for Hazel, so keep your little fantasies to yourself.” “If it weren’t for the fact that you and Hazel have the same face, I wouldn’t even look at you.” Declan had no idea, but he was about to get his wish. Fiona had already enjoyed her life outside. Before Declan returned, I sent a message to my father. “I agree to the switch, but you need to set up a new identity for me.” “Alright, I’ll transfer a hundred million dollars to you. Never come back to the country.” Was such a deal even possible? I laughed aloud at the message. Declan put on his coat, returning to his usual composed demeanor, and frowned at my cheerful expression. “Adeline, what’s so funny? Are you thrilled because I touched you today?” I stopped smiling and looked up at him. “I was just thinking about Grandfather’s upcoming 80th birthday.” Declan nodded, a hint of mockery in his eyes. “Another chance for you to seek favor.” “But no matter how much the Old man likes you, he’ll always see you as Hazel.” My fingers dug into my palm. When I decided to take Fiona’s place at the wedding, I was secretly pleased. After all, I’d been in love with Declan for fifteen years. The Taylor Family has a rule: one can only marry once in a lifetime, and breaking it means expulsion from the family. I thought I was finally going to spend my life with the one I loved. On our wedding night, I couldn’t wait to confess my feelings. But he coldly pushed me away and left. The next day, he brought a series of outfits, all in Fiona’s style. “From today on, pretend to be your sister until she returns.” At that moment, I felt utterly ridiculous. The phone rang. “You’re back? Where are you now?” His voice was breathless with excitement. “Okay, wait for me.” He hurried out, and soon the sound of an engine starting downstairs could be heard. He sped off. A few hours later, I saw a picture posted by Fiona on Twitter. “After all the detours, you’re still the best.” The next day, he brought Fiona home and casually instructed me, “Pack your things and move to the secondary bedroom.” I didn’t respond and pushed the suitcase I packed last night towards the door. But he suddenly stopped me, frowning. “I meant for you to move to the secondary bedroom. Hazel just came back and isn’t familiar with the Taylor Family. You must help her adjust.” “You’ve occupied the position of Mrs. Taylor for three years. You owe Hazel this.” Fiona whispered in my ear, “Dad said if you don’t behave, he won’t give you any money.” Declan hesitated a bit, saying, “If you don’t want to leave the master bedroom…” I didn’t let him finish and spoke up. “No need, I’ll stay in the empty nanny room on the first floor.” Declan looked surprised, trying to find a hint of insincerity on my face. But all he saw was calmness. He got angry and said: “If you don’t want to live in the secondary bedroom, go to the basement.” “Then it’ll be inconvenient for my younger sister to live on the same floor as us.” Fiona said with a shy smile as she pulled Declan into the room. Soon, the sound of their kissing filled the air. I silently went down to the basement, feeling a bit desolate. Declan had always been restrained. In the early days, I deliberately tried to provoke him, but he was like a monk. I’ll never forget that night when he came home drunk and kissed me urgently. But in the end, he didn’t touch me. From then on, he moved into the master bedroom, venting every night. It’s laughable that I once thought him using me to solve his needs was a sign of things getting better. What a fool I was.

I never thought there would come a day when Declan, a workaholic, would take a ten-day vacation. Turns out, love and indifference are worlds apart. The upstairs door was shut tight. Breakfast and lunch were delivered to the door by Aunt. I sat on the sofa, scrolling through my phone, looking at Finland travel spots. “Adeline, give the longevity painting you made to Hazel. The birthday banquet is in two days, and she doesn’t have time to prepare a gift.” They appeared at the top of the stairs, looking down on me. Fiona’s eyes were red as she spoke softly, “You must have worked on it for a long time, right? You surely don’t want to part with it.” I hadn’t said anything when Declan casually said, “It’s just a worthless trinket.” Indeed, it wasn’t worth much. The fabric and thread together didn’t cost more than three hundred dollars, but it was a gift I had stitched by hand for a whole year. “It’s in the Carter Family Gallery. You can get it yourselves.” I couldn’t be bothered to argue with them. I only knew that in two days, the birthday banquet would be my day to leave. As long as the gift reached Grandfather’s hands, I’d be content. But my compliance seemed to annoy Declan. He quickly walked over, grabbing my wrist, a restlessness in his eyes. “You’re being so cooperative, what are you planning? What method are you going to use against Hazel?” “I haven’t forgotten all the things you’ve done before!” I looked down at the ground. Memories of why my reputation had been so bad over the years flashed through my mind. Before college, not many could tell Fiona and me apart. We often switched places. During a piano competition, I took her place. Just because a judge praised “Fiona” for her significant improvement, she pushed me down after the event, stomping on my fingers until they nearly broke. Declan happened to witness this. He carried me home on his back. Mom and Dad said it was “Adeline” who did it to “Fiona.” They always favored Fiona, and I was born later, during a difficult childbirth that almost cost my mother’s life. They labeled me a “disaster star.” Even if they could tell us apart, they’d tell others I was the one who caused trouble. Even when my fingers were broken and healing, they took Fiona on a world tour. Only Declan would visit me daily. From that point, I had no more expectations for my parents. I thought Declan would be different, but they all liked Fiona in the end. Since that’s the case, I decided I didn’t need any of them. “Because I signed the longevity painting under Fiona’s name. I can’t go, so if the gift reaches Grandfather, I’ll be very satisfied.” He sneered, “Grandfather isn’t here, who are you pretending to be filial for?” He threw my hand away forcefully, and I lost my balance, falling to the ground. He paused for a moment, then said condescendingly: “If you want to attend the birthday banquet, you can dress as a server and hide in a corner. But make sure you wear a mask, and don’t let anyone…” “Ah!” Fiona screamed, and Declan didn’t care about me anymore. He gently picked up her sprained foot and went upstairs. I got up from the ground by myself. I received the new identity information that had just been sent and bought a ticket for the day after tomorrow. I sent a screenshot to a longtime online friend in Finland: “I’ll arrive that day, remember to pick me up.” The reply came quickly: “Yay! I’ll jot it down!” I hung up and was about to put down my phone when Fiona sent a GIF of Declan kneeling on one knee, massaging her ankle, his eyes full of unspoken tenderness. “Declan is so considerate.” She sent a happy emoji, “He said that during the years I was gone, he only treated you as a ‘real’ doll, never touching you.” “Having the same face as mine was useless. Even men I don’t want, don’t want you.” “Just like the gifts from mom and dad when we were kids. If I didn’t want them, you wouldn’t get them either.” I didn’t reply, and a few minutes later, she came downstairs. The door was pushed open forcefully. She wore my custom dress, looking at me with disdain. “Aren’t you curious why I let you stay?” She suddenly took out a small knife. Looking at her malicious face, fear rose from the depths of my heart, and I instinctively took a step back. “What are you going to do!” “What am I going to do? Of course, I’m going to ruin your face.” She slashed my face hard with the knife. Pain surged through me as my skin was instantly cut open. Blood flowed down my cheek. Fiona’s delicate features twisted with delight. “Adeline, I’ve always hated your face. Before you leave, I must ruin it.” “Remember, you don’t deserve this face.” As I fainted, I heard Declan’s familiar voice. “Hazel, where are you? The driver is here.” Fiona responded sweetly, “Declan, my sister refused to go shopping with me. She’s upset that I’m back. It’s all my fault…” She tried to block Declan at the door but was a step too late. Seeing the knife wound on my face, Declan frowned. “What happened to your face?” Fiona sighed, “My sister wants me to leave. I refused, and she threatened to kill herself.” “It was the same three years ago, but this time, I won’t part with you again.” Declan, furious, kicked me and sneered coldly: “How could someone be as scheming as you!” “Stop dreaming, Adeline.”

“Even if you drive Hazel away again for three years, ten years, twenty years, it will only make me hate you more.” I looked at him in disbelief. Clearly, it was Fiona who disappeared the day before the wedding, leaving only a note. “Mom, Dad, I don’t want to get married now. I’m young and want to see the world.” But my parents didn’t want to offend the powerful Taylor Family or lose the opportunity. They forced me into the wedding dress. I tried to speak up, but anger overwhelmed me, and I collapsed backward. As I fell, I instinctively looked at Declan, not far away, at his hesitant feet. But Fiona held onto Declan’s arm, leading him outside, “She’s at it again, ignore her. Teach her a lesson. She’s always been like this, pretending to be sick to get her way.” Fiona Carter vanished the day before her wedding, leaving behind only a note. “Dear Parents, I don’t want to get married right now. I’m still young and want to explore the world.” However, my Parents were reluctant to offend the influential Taylor Family or let such a lucrative opportunity slip away. They pressured me into the wedding dress. I wanted to explain, but I was so overwhelmed that I fainted. As I lay there, I instinctively glanced at Declan Taylor standing nearby and noticed his hesitance. Fiona Carter, meanwhile, wrapped her arm around Declan Taylor’s and headed toward the door, saying, “She’s at it again. Just ignore her. Maybe this will teach her a lesson. She’s always been like this, pretending to be sick to get her way.” She playfully urged, “Let’s hurry, we have a lot of shopping to do today.” When I woke up, I had no idea how much time had passed. The room was dim. I checked my phone. The Fake Friends Group chat had blown up with over 99 messages. “Declan Taylor ordered a million-dollar custom dress for his wife.” “Declan Taylor bought a diamond ring worth tens of millions.” People in the group kept tagging me. “I heard the mall music couldn’t even keep up today. Mr. Taylor sure knows how to spoil his wife. How much did he spend this afternoon!!” “Fiona, I remember Mr. Taylor never went shopping with you before. What’s your secret? Share it with us.” I looked at the photos of him being kind and attentive. He was personally carrying a Victoria’s Secret bag. I chuckled bitterly, but it hurt my wounded face, making me wince in pain. Training? Who needs that? The problem was the wrong person. I had the Nanny bandage me up, took my belongings, and left the Villa. Back at my home, I overheard my father and mother talking. “Isn’t giving Adeline Carter a billion too much?” Father took a sip of his drink: “Hazel Carter is going to ruin Adeline’s face.” Mother exclaimed, “Ah… really?” Father sighed, “Consider this billion as compensation for Adeline Carter.” Mother said coldly, “Even so, it’s too much. What does she want in exchange for a new identity? Ungrateful child.” I forced a smile, but my body trembled uncontrollably. I couldn’t hold back and burst into the room, shouting: “Why are you doing this to me? Am I not your child?” Mother stood up with confidence: “Your body and skin come from your parents. I can take what I want.” “Your life was given by me, it’s just a face.” My mind buzzed with shock, and my hands clenched into fists. I stood there, feeling utterly helpless. “Enough, stop causing trouble,” Father ordered coldly, “I’ve already instructed the secretary to transfer a billion to your account. Leave. Declan Taylor was meant to marry your sister.” I looked up and laughed through my tears. These were my Parents. After checking into the Hotel, Declan Taylor unexpectedly sent a birthday banquet invitation. “You can come as the Carter Family Second Daughter, but behave yourself. Don’t cause trouble for Hazel Carter.” The invitation showed my seat was on the very edge of the room. There was even Security nearby. Was this constant vigilance? I laughed at myself, deleted the chat, and removed Declan Taylor. The next day, I booked an early flight. Before canceling my phone number, I sent Grandfather an early birthday wish. The next moment. Grandfather sent a long message: “When Declan visited today, I sensed something was wrong. Whatever decision you make, Grandfather wishes you all the best.” My eyes burned, and tears fell uncontrollably. I canceled my number and removed the SIM card. It seems you’ve provided a placeholder or an incomplete text following “———-此处为截断点———-“. Could you please share the actual text you would like translated?

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The night my fiancé’s ideal love returned home, Gabriel’s unruly friends locked me in a water tank at the auction house. Through the glass, he lightly touched my scales, which had turned bluish from dehydration. “Chloe, just do me this favor, will you?” “It’s just a little performance, right?” The elite crowd below was bidding excitedly, while Gabriel whispered gently to his ideal love, “Don’t worry, mermaid tears are incredibly valuable. We can sell them and buy you that sports car.” It was then I realized Gabriel’s amnesia was just a ploy to lure me onto land. He claimed he loved me, yet he was willing to drain me of my blood and tears. Later, the Merfolk arrived, riding on the waves, and Gabriel knelt on the rocks, offering his heart in repentance. But I flipped my tail, creating a massive wave, and without looking back, I sank to the ocean floor. 0 Chained roughly, I was forced to curl up in the small water tank. A man with a beer belly grinned at me, showing yellow teeth. “Sis-in-law, we all want to see you perform. Fiona’s back today, why not dance for us?” Another man climbed a ladder and yanked my hair to make me look up. “We’ve already watched your private videos with Gabriel. Sis-in-law, stop pretending to be so innocent.” “Plus, Gabriel said the highest bidder can have you for the night.” “I’ve wanted to try sis-in-law for a while now, hahaha.” I couldn’t believe the men in front of me. My heart sank. He had said today was about celebrating our anniversary, yet I had become merchandise on this ship. “You showed them those videos?” Gabriel stroked Fiona’s waist. “So what if they saw them? It’s just flesh.” “Chloe, just do me this favor. Fiona wants to see you perform.” “This is your chance to impress her; it’s an honor to make her happy.” Fiona nestled in Gabriel’s arms, coyly saying, “Gabriel, Chloe seems unwilling. Isn’t this too much?” Bitterly, I slammed my tail against the glass, choking back my words, “I’m your fiancée. Why are you doing this to me?” The huge splash drenched Fiona’s clothes, and she shrank against Gabriel’s shoulder, eyes red. Gabriel punched the glass, “Chloe, don’t be ungrateful! Fiona is like a sister I grew up with.” “Do you really have to ruin everyone’s mood on her return?” I scoffed, turning around, “A sister you grew up with? Then what am I?” Gabriel impatiently lit a cigarette, “You’re just a mermaid. Even if I didn’t bring you ashore, you’d die someday.” “I helped you experience life on land. Now it’s time for you to repay me.” “It’s your honor to make Fiona happy.” Fiona leaned in and kissed Gabriel’s cheek, claiming her territory. “Gabriel said mermaid tears are the most valuable.” “Once we get them, we’ll buy a sports car.” Exhausted, I slumped against the glass, realizing in Gabriel’s eyes, I was merely merchandise. Gabriel waved his hand, “Enough talking, dance for us.” Seeing me unmoved, Gabriel finally picked up the long whip nearby and lashed it across me. In an instant, several scales flew off, and shocking red welts appeared on my pale skin. I painfully clung to the water tank’s edge, trying to leap out, only for Fiona to press a cigarette butt into my fingertip. She snorted coldly, “The lowest of mermaids, your only worth is to please us.” Gabriel tightened the whip around my neck viciously. I clung to it desperately. The feeling of suffocation engulfed me. His eyes were blood-red, “Didn’t I tell you to behave?” “Do you really want to embarrass me?” The beer-bellied man couldn’t stand it and patted Gabriel, “Gabriel, don’t break her. We still need to enjoy ourselves tonight.” “Sis-in-law’s mermaid body must feel great.” 0

Their words stabbed my heart like blunt knives. Three years ago, Gabriel and his friends were surfing and encountered extreme weather. Gabriel was swallowed by the waves, and I risked everything to save him ashore. In the process, my tail was shredded by a paddle. Gabriel was the first human I ever saw. His eyes were brighter than gems at the ocean’s depths. Ignoring the pain, I just wanted to save him. In gratitude, Gabriel took me home to heal, even though it violated Merfolk laws. But for him, I decisively severed ties with my family. On land, I endured dehydration, my scales turning bluish, and the pain pierced to the bone, almost costing me half my life. But Gabriel would hold me every night, comforting me. I naively thought that was love. I believed I had won the bet with my family, only to lose everything. Gabriel watched me with interest, “Didn’t you say you’d fully transform into a human after a year on land? Turns out you can’t change your nature.” Fiona covered her nose with a look of disgust, “No wonder there’s a fishy smell. It’s disgusting.” “I don’t know what you’ve been through these years, Gabriel, but you can’t just pick anyone to spite me, right?” I looked down at my tail, now turning white. When we first met, Gabriel had praised its beauty. He had held it tenderly, vowing to spend his life making it up to me. Someone beside me rubbed his hands, sneering, “This mermaid’s definitely fun. Gabriel doesn’t know how lucky he is.” Fiona’s face turned black in an instant, “What do you mean by that?” The speaker was suddenly tongue-tied, “Fiona, I didn’t mean it that way…” In anger, she grabbed a whip, ready to strike my face. I grabbed it, yanking Fiona halfway into the water tank. She screamed in terror, flailing, and Gabriel pulled her out, holding her waist. Tearful, Fiona cried, “Gabriel, I just wanted to throw the whip far away, not hurt Chloe.” “Why did she suddenly become so aggressive?” “I heard mermaids used to eat people. Chloe, you can’t act like this, even if you’re angry.” Gabriel pulled me from the water, throwing me to the ground. He slapped me across the face. I turned my head, one side of my face swelling instantly. Gabriel approached slowly, gripping my neck viciously, “Chloe, do you really think you’re something special? Touch Fiona again, and I’ll kill you!” “Do you think I kept you around to endure your fishy smell for nothing?” “If it weren’t for the fortune mermaid tears are worth, I’d have killed you long ago.” “Did you really think I loved you?” I looked at him in disbelief. Gabriel kicked me in the waist. “You’re like a dead fish. No matter what I do, you never cry.” “Since that’s the case, this is the only way. You brought it on yourself.” After hearing those words, I couldn’t help but tremble. What I thought was love at first sight was Gabriel’s meticulously laid trap. And like a fool, I walked right in. Ending up with nothing, who could I blame? This was the happiness I sought after sacrificing everything. I opened my mouth and laughed. Gabriel, seeing my red-rimmed eyes, hesitated. He angrily called for a few people, “Strip her clothes! That way, everyone can examine the goods!” 0

As soon as he said it, the crowd erupted. Some even took out their phones to take pictures. The flash blinded me. Having been drugged, I couldn’t transform into human form quickly. I crawled forward slowly, only for Gabriel to drag me back savagely. He slammed my tail against an iron railing. The immense pain blacked me out. Rough, greasy hands reached for my shoulders. I thrashed wildly, screaming, “Get away! Don’t touch me!” “Don’t touch me!” Fiona came over, stomping on my hand with her sharp heel. She looked at Gabriel expectantly, “Gabriel, why don’t we cut off one of her hands?” “Anyway, she’s useless now. The main goal today is to get the mermaid tears, right?” Gabriel quietly gazed at Fiona, a hint of menace in his eyes. Everyone fell silent, the man kneeling next to me stopped. Fiona shivered uncontrollably. It was her first time seeing Gabriel like this. She realized she’d crossed a line, so she let go and coyly ran into his arms, “Gabriel, I was just joking. We still need the goods intact, right?” “Don’t be mad, okay?” Fiona’s attempt to smooth things over got the scene lively again. Gabriel scowled and ordered the men pinning me down to leave. They exchanged looks, unwilling to stop touching me. Gabriel snapped, “Didn’t you hear me? Get down!” On stage, only the auctioneer and Gabriel’s friends remained. Fiona threw Gabriel a flattering smile, and his friends anxiously watched him, fearing he’d change his mind, denying them their fun. I looked up, a glimmer of hope in my eyes. Even if he turned back now, it would be something. Gabriel smirked, “Start the bidding.” I froze, the laughter of the crowd filling my ears. I lay on the ground, helplessly laughing. I had overestimated Gabriel’s love for me. A bearded man in the audience raised his hand, “One billion!” “`plaintext On the exhibition stand, only the auctioneer and a handful of Gabriel’s friends were left. Fiona looked at Gabriel with a sycophantic smile, while the friends beside her cast worried glances his way. They were anxious that Gabriel might have second thoughts, depriving them of any potential gains. I glanced up, a spark of hope in my eyes. Even if he reconsidered now, it would be for the best. Gabriel smirked, “Let’s begin the bidding.” I stood there, frozen, as the sound of laughter from those people filled my ears. I laughed bitterly on the ground, realizing I had overestimated what little affection Gabriel had for me. A bearded man in the audience raised his hand, “One hundred million!” All eyes turned to him as he stroked his beard. “This woman crossed me before; once I get her, I’ll make sure she pays.” He was a CEO who had once collaborated with Gabriel. I had sued him for leaking company secrets. Now, I appeared before him, reduced to a mere servant in the most humiliating way. He got up and slowly made his way to the stage, giving me a kick. “Chloe, where’s your pride now?” One hundred million was nearly the highest bid. Everyone shook their heads in resignation, “Mr. Thomas really doesn’t hold back.” “This woman won’t survive in his hands; I’ve heard he has some peculiar tastes.” Mr. Thomas lit a cigar, “Gabriel, you keep your promises, don’t you?” Gabriel looked down at me, his gaze devoid of emotion. Fiona smiled and approached, “Of course, a deal’s a deal. Businessmen value their integrity.” Mr. Thomas came closer, yanking my hair and dragging me away. I struggled, shaking off his grip. For the sake of my life, I abandoned my dignity, half-crawling to Gabriel. 0

I clung to Gabriel’s coat, “Please, don’t make me go with him.” “I saved you once; help me this time and we’ll be even, alright?” Fiona kicked me aside, “You’re disgusting, Chloe. Can’t you do something about that fishy smell?” Gabriel pressed his foot on my shoulder, “Chloe, you can’t even beg properly, can you?” Someone piped up, “Gabriel, they say mermaid tears are priceless. Is sis-in-law going to cry today or not?” “Doesn’t seem like she’s too upset. Gabriel, maybe you should ease up.” Gabriel, who was impatient by nature, couldn’t stand such provocations. Moreover, he enjoyed indulging in bizarre behaviors. He grabbed my jaw and slammed me against the water tank, “Chloe, didn’t you say you loved me the most? Shed some mermaid tears for me now. Show me how much you love me!” “Cry!” Blood stained the glass. Gabriel, like a madman, continued to assault me. His eyes were completely bloodshot. I bit my lip hard to withstand the pain. The crowd fell silent, no one uttering a word. Mr. Thomas intervened, “I’ve already paid a high price for this woman. What if you ruin her for me?” Gabriel waved dismissively, panting heavily, “Who the hell do you think you are?!” Mr. Thomas chuckled, stroking his beard, “Gabriel, don’t forget who you really are.” Upon hearing this, Gabriel’s face turned ashen, and the hostility in him subsided somewhat. He looked at me with disgust, meticulously checking if any mermaid tears had fallen. As expected, there were none. Merfolk have a higher pain tolerance, and even under immense physical and psychological torment, I hadn’t shed a single tear. Gabriel made a call, and moments later, he hung up and dragged me by the hair to a monitor. My heart sank; it displayed the ocean region where the Merfolk lived. Gabriel sneered, “What if I start capturing your family? Would you cry then?”

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My boyfriend, Asher, got married, but I wasn’t the bride. I never imagined such a dramatic turn of events would ever happen to me. To make matters worse, Asher had only been married for three days. Despite this, he was ready to rush back to me, as if nothing had changed, and continue our relationship. I didn’t even consider faking my own death; instead, I set Asher’s house on fire. Someone like me is not to be trifled with. Six months later, I showed up as a bride at his uncle’s wedding. Asher saw me and was utterly shocked, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Adeline! You’re alive! You were deceiving me all along!” With a smile, I replied, “You’ve mistaken me for someone else. Zora died at your house.”

Asher had been very busy lately, always on business trips. Out of boredom, I went to hang out at his brother’s bar. Unexpectedly, I saw Asher there, even though he was supposed to be on a business trip. He was sitting with his friends, a smirk on his face. “Asher, what if your girlfriend finds out you married Beatrix?” “She won’t find out. Adeline is so gullible, she believes everything I say. I told her I was on a business trip, and she bought it.” Asher held a glass, watching the liquid inside with amusement. “Asher, who do you truly love? It’s pitiful for your girlfriend to have no name or status.” Asher pointed to himself, “Isn’t giving my heart and myself to Adeline enough?” “I married Beatrix just to appease my parents. I won’t touch her. If Beatrix wants kids, we can go for IVF.” His friend sighed, “What will you do if your girlfriend finds out? She loves you so much.” Asher’s tone was light, “We’ll deal with that when the time comes. I’m going back to her tomorrow, so don’t spill the beans.” His friends nodded and then changed the subject. I stood there, feeling incredibly mocked. I quietly turned and left. Back home, I came to my senses, realizing Asher had deceived me. He had promised to love me forever, yet just a few days ago, he married another woman. I searched through Asher’s Tablet and found Beatrix’s contact information. I knew she was innocent too, and I didn’t want to take it out on this Heiress. I typed out a message and sent it to her. I told Beatrix the truth. If she still wanted to be with Asher, there was nothing I could do. Respecting others’ choices. Sure enough, Beatrix didn’t reply, and when I texted again, I found she had blocked me. “……” I paced around the house aimlessly. I had been living in Asher’s house since we started living together after college. Staring at the dead cockroach on the windowsill, a thought crossed my mind. Since Asher played me, I should play him back. After getting together with Asher, I felt human. But he forced me to become inhuman. I pre-recorded a suicide video, sadly recounting Asher’s actions. Then I piled all the flammable items, like bed sheets, in the living room. This was the Suburb, almost deserted. If it wasn’t for my Flower shop here, I wouldn’t want to live here. Expressionless, I lit the fire with a lighter. The flames quickly engulfed the living room. Then I placed the Will in an obvious spot. Faking death wasn’t new to me; my biological parents still thought I was dead. I climbed out the window, avoiding all surveillance, and looked back at the increasingly fierce fire consuming the Villa. Soon, someone noticed something was wrong and called the Fire alarm. I felt guilty for a second, troubling the Firefighters.

Using a fake identity, I fled to New York with trusted allies. A friend laughed and asked, “What’s the point of this? Why not ruin him completely?” I shrugged, “Just messing around out of boredom. I’ll make him pay later.” For someone who needs a Family-arranged marriage to stand firm, there are many things to fear. Didn’t Asher say he liked me a lot? I wanted to see how much he really liked me. Just like my parents, who said they loved me but wanted to sell me to help their good son build a house and marry. Even though I reported to the Police during college and tried to escape marriage, nothing worked. The Police said it was a family dispute, not their concern. Reporting too many times annoyed them. After responding, they made snide remarks. “For a college student, you should listen to your parents. In the end, you’re getting married. Who cares to whom?” Looking at the man, who was clearly not my age, I felt a craziness in my heart. After the Police left, I kept hitting him. He cried bitterly, couldn’t get close to me without getting hit. Ridiculously, he reported me, and I was detained. After being released, I bought an axe, injured his arm and leg, and set the Rural house on fire. He was seriously injured in the fire, while I faked death and escaped. I chose a distant University, changed my Residency, name, and identity. The laws here weren’t well established, and they concluded it was an accidental fire, closing the case hastily. Many uneducated people here, even my parents, thought I was dead. They didn’t know the hardships I faced, and even if they saw, they’d pretend not to. Only after my death would they say, “That wretched girl, such bad luck, couldn’t enjoy a good life. Such a good match wasted.” Looking at the seaside scenery, memories flooded back. My parents always said I was cold-blooded. I guess my blood was always cold. I wanted Asher to pay. He shouldn’t have been deceitful and unfaithful. I grasped the wind blowing by but caught nothing. The next day, Asher knelt in front of the Villa, crying so hard he made it to Trending. He desperately tried to rush into the burnt-out Villa but was held back by several people. “Asher! Accept it! She’s dead!” Asher’s eyes were fierce, “Impossible… Impossible! You must be lying, she was fine four or five days ago.” I turned off my phone, expressionless. Who was he performing for? I partied with friends for three days, almost losing myself in the fun. Online, things escalated. Someone dug up my photos. Netizens sympathized with me, saying it wasn’t worth it for a married man. Seeing this, I realized I might have gone too far. What if that jerk Asher deregistered me? That’s when I met Jasper. Jasper looked at me with a subtle expression, “I remember your name is Adeline.” In other words, aren’t you supposed to be dead? I froze, recognizing him as Asher’s Uncle. I said expressionlessly, “You’ve got the wrong person.” I quickly turned to leave, but Jasper grabbed my wrist. “You must be panicking now, there’s more than one Instigator behind this.” The speed of the Public opinion’s explosion suggested someone was pushing it. After all, many were eager to point out Asher’s faults. “What do you want?” I didn’t think Jasper would help me. He must want to expose my lie to his nephew. “I can help you, make sure you have no worries.” I was intrigued but not naive: “What’s your motive?” Jasper suddenly wrapped his arm around my waist, “I need you to marry me.” I widened my eyes, “Are you crazy?” “Yeah, lovesick,” Jasper shamelessly replied. “……”

Jasper explained the situation of the Asher family. It was simply internal and external troubles. If Asher didn’t marry Beatrix, he couldn’t stabilize his position. Asher’s father had several other sons and daughters, all Illegitimate. “You’re helping me against Asher. Aren’t you worried about your sister being upset?” Jasper suddenly said, “She deserves it. I hate Illegitimate children the most in my life.” I instantly understood. Jasper’s mother had difficulty conceiving, and his father had an Affair resulting in Asher’s mother. Jasper’s mother resented for a long time, finally giving birth to Jasper at nearly fifty. Though she was mocked for Late childbirth, it was a relief. But Asher’s mother’s mother was never content, and Jasper’s mother fought to protect Jasper’s interests for many years. Unfortunately, she died of illness. The Mistress took over, and Asher’s mother’s identity was legitimized. At nearly thirty, she married into the Asher family. Ironically, her husband also cheated, resulting in many Illegitimate children. It was karma. I genuinely laughed, “Do you want the Asher family?” “No, I want everything they rely on to be destroyed.” I fist-bumped Jasper’s chest, “What a coincidence, so do I.” The cooperation was cleverly reached. Jasper helped me perfect everything. Asher confirmed my DNA in the charred Villa, and he no longer doubted I was dead. I’m inherently a bit crazy, loving the thrill of dancing on the edge. “Jasper, since that’s the case, let’s go back.” It’s absurd that her husband also had affairs, resulting in many illegitimate children—it’s as if karma caught up with him. I laughed sincerely, “Are you after the Asher family?” “No, I want everything they depend on to be destroyed.” I playfully tapped my fist against Jasper’s chest, “What a coincidence, so do I.” Our partnership was naturally and cleverly established. Jasper helped me refine everything. Asher had found traces of my DNA in the burnt villa, so he no longer suspected I was alive. I have a wild streak and particularly enjoy flirting with danger. “Jasper, since that’s the case, let’s go back.” “I want to attend Beatrix’s birthday party.” Jasper caressed my face, “Sure, but you need to wear this.” He placed an elegant mask on my face. Initially, I found it novel, but it soon felt burdensome. “Don’t take it off. If you do, you won’t be able to play your part.” I immediately lowered my hand. Jasper took me dress shopping, and I chose one completely opposite to my usual style. It was daringly sexy. Purple certainly has its allure, making my skin look fair and beautiful. I’m sure Asher won’t recognize me. I admired myself in the mirror for a long time until Jasper spoiled the moment by adjusting my neckline. “What are you doing?” I slapped his hand away. “Your neckline is too low.” I pointed at my neckline, “Doesn’t it look good?” Jasper said teasingly, “Looks smaller in short sleeves—is it pushed up?” “…” “You’re the one pushing up!” I retorted in mock anger. Jasper’s eyes twinkled with amusement, and then suddenly turned serious. He pulled me into his arms. I leaned against his chest, puzzled, “What’s wrong?” “Shut up, your old flame is here.” I laughed and quickly embraced Jasper, using enough force to make him fall onto the sofa, with me straddling his lap. “Asher, what are you doing here?” Asher asked coldly, noticing me and inquiring, “And who is this?” Wearing my mask, I grinned, “Oh, is this the big nephew?” Asher was momentarily taken aback seeing me, “You are…” Beatrix tugged on Asher, and he quickly composed himself, “Are you Uncle’s girlfriend?” Jasper’s hand rested on my waist, casually caressing it. Jasper kissed me in front of Asher, “Yes.” Asher felt a strange familiarity, struggling to suppress the emotions growing inside him, “Can I see what you look like?” Suddenly, I pretended to cry in Jasper’s arms. Jasper’s face darkened, “Asher, you’re really insensitive! Don’t you know she’s always been self-conscious about her appearance?” Jasper scooped me up, looking anxious. Asher instinctively followed, ignoring Beatrix. Beatrix hurried after them, “Asher! Where are you going?” Lying in Jasper’s arms, I smiled, “He seems suspicious of me.” Jasper’s voice was deep, “You’re my girlfriend, not his long-lost first love.” Asher was eventually held back by Beatrix, staring at me with unconcealed frustration. “Asher, what’s wrong? Why do you look so terrible?” Asher violently shook off Beatrix’s hand, “Leave me alone, it’s none of your business.” Beatrix’s face turned pale, and she fell silent.

Beatrix’s birthday party arrived as planned. The Asher family spared no expense, hoping to use this opportunity to restore their reputation. Asher stayed by Beatrix’s side, but his mind was elsewhere. Until he saw me, he couldn’t help but be distracted again. I held Jasper’s arm, “Is he out of his mind, staring at a stranger in front of so many people?” Jasper tapped my nose, “Stay here and be good. I have something to do.” “Okay.” I knew Jasper was giving me a chance to toy with Asher. Even though I was in a remote spot, Asher found me shortly after. “Miss, can I talk to you?” I blinked, “My last name is Jasper.” “Miss Jasper.” Asher’s heart raced uncontrollably, “You look like someone I used to know.” “Asher, your opening line is so cliché.” “Your voice is also very similar,” Asher suddenly said. I leaned on my hand, “How would your wife feel about this?” Asher suddenly grabbed my hand, and I pretended to call out. Asher’s voice rose, “Don’t shout, just let me see your face, okay?” He covered my mouth tightly, his eyes full of hope, “Just let me see.” Let him give up, okay? At that moment, Jasper walked over, followed by a large group of people. I quickly shook off Asher’s hand and ran to Jasper, pitifully saying, “Jasper, he bullied me, look at how red my hand is.” Jasper tenderly rubbed my wrist, “Asher, what do you want with my girl?” Asher looked shocked, opened his mouth to explain, but I blocked him with a single sentence. “Jasper, I’m scared.” Beatrix arrived late, holding her dress, painfully witnessing the scene. Asher gritted his teeth, “Uncle, I just want to see what she looks like.” Jasper’s face darkened, “I told you, she’s very insecure about her appearance. Don’t make things difficult for her.” Asher murmured, “I just think she looks like someone.” Hearing this, Beatrix showed a hurt expression. “Asher! You still can’t forget Adeline, can you? You’ve already married me, what more do you want!” Beatrix sobbed uncontrollably, “She’s dead! She’s already dead! You killed her!” Stung by her words, Asher spat angrily, “Shut up! She’s not dead, she’s right here!” Asher was still deceiving himself. He looked at me pleadingly, “Miss Jasper, please let me see your face.” I smirked inwardly. Even though he knows the truth, why is he so stubborn? “Alright, as you wish.” Jasper’s grip tightened around me, and I gave him a reassuring look. “Asher!” Beatrix warned him, “It’s my birthday today, and everyone’s watching.” Asher causing a scene was like slapping her in the face. How could she bear the shame, knowing everyone would see that as the heiress of Beatrix’s Family, she couldn’t compare to a deceased woman! Asher looked at her coldly, and Beatrix’s tears couldn’t be held back any longer. “I love you so much…” I laughed, “Miss Beatrix, don’t be sad. I’m really not Adeline.” Saying that, I took off the mask. I’m sorry, but it looks like the text you want translated is missing. Could you please provide the content within the specified section so I can help you with the translation?

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I had been with Lucas for ten years. I tattooed his favorite jasmine flower on my collarbone. He finally agreed to marry me, but he was keeping an 18-year-old girl on the side. Before the wedding, he indulged in a countdown to breaking up with her. He went bungee jumping with her, skiing, and watching the Northern Lights in Iceland. But he didn’t know that I didn’t have much time left. I booked a flight to leave the country, donated all his assets, and removed the tattoo. While he was counting down the days to our wedding, I was planning my escape from him. On the day I was diagnosed with stomach cancer, the young girl Lucas was keeping on the side came to find me. “I know I’m the other woman,” she began, her sincerity terrifying. She bit her lip, “Sister, I know you’re getting married soon, but—” “Lucas doesn’t love you anymore.” “I’ve been with him for a year. We’ve slept together 78 times, 53 times in hotels, 21 times at my place.” “And four times at your house, in your bed.” She looked at me directly, “If Lucas still loved you, I wouldn’t exist.” I found it amusing. I lit a cigarette and looked at her through the smoke, “Anything else? Go on.” So she took out her phone and played a video for me. The angle was discreet, as if secretly recorded. The girl was crying in Lucas’s arms, “Even if you’re marrying her out of responsibility, can’t you not let me go?” Lucas pushed her away and threw a credit card at her, “Find a stable man. Being with me isn’t good either, it’s too dangerous.” “No!” She clung to his waist, pouting, “I’m not afraid of danger.” “Can’t you not let me go?” “Lucas, I won’t be a burden to you, I absolutely won’t.” Lucas paused. His gaze swept over her face, momentarily lost. Then he leaned in to kiss her.

I stubbed out my cigarette. The young girl had just turned eighteen, her face full of collagen, truly innocent. And, the moment I saw her, I knew. She looked a lot like me. Very much like Aria at eighteen. “You’re right about one thing. If Lucas still loved me, you wouldn’t exist.” I stood up, my abdomen actually hurting a bit. I leaned on the table for support, not showing it. “But I advise you not to get in too deep. Lucas doesn’t love you, nor does he love me.” “He only loves the Aria in his memories.” The pure, beautiful Aria who died on the path of helping him rise to power. “In a few years, he’ll find a new replacement. By then, you’ll be worse off than me.” Actually, I was lying to her. I was about to die, how could she possibly be worse off than me? At most, she’d just be dumped when Lucas got bored of her.

I had been with Lucas since I was eighteen. I grew up without parents, and the grandmother who raised me passed away when I was fifteen. That’s when Lucas appeared. He pursued me intensely. Spending money like crazy, as if he wanted to offer me the best of everything in the world. Lucas was handsome and gave me a sense of security. I fell for him quickly. On my nineteenth birthday, he coaxed me into my first time. That night. From pain to ecstasy. I became completely one with him. The next day, Lucas took me to meet his group of brothers. I had never been in such a situation before, timidly clinging to Lucas’s sleeve, softly greeting people with him. Their gazes as they sized me up were full of mockery. “Lucas, why did you find such a young girl?” “She’s too innocent, she’ll hold you back.” At that time, I didn’t know what they meant by “hold you back”. I couldn’t help but retort quietly, “I won’t.” “I won’t be a burden to Lucas.” Definitely not. But later, as I gradually became exposed to Lucas’s environment, I understood what kind of life he was living. It could be described as dancing on the edge of a knife. To avoid holding Lucas back, to be able to stand by his side, I had to force myself to fit into that environment. Ten years. I cut my hair short, dyed it, started smoking, got tattoos. Even accumulated countless scars on my body. Because I was tough enough, I accompanied Lucas to climb to the position of second-in-command of the underground forces in the north of the city. But Lucas didn’t seem happy. Countless nights. He would hold me in his arms, his fingers brushing over the scars on my body, then leaning in to kiss them. “Aria.” He buried his face in my chest and sighed, “I still prefer the you from back then.” And I would always pause before pushing him away and lighting a cigarette. Laughing and cursing, “Lucas, you’re really ungrateful when you say that.”

Lucas came home at dawn. I was lying in bed, actually not asleep. Just staring into the darkness with open eyes. Until Lucas pulled me into his arms. “Not asleep yet?” He leaned down to kiss me but missed. After a moment’s pause, he suppressed his temper and hugged me, “Who upset you? I’ll go cut them down, okay?” “Lucas.” “Mm.” The room was so dark I couldn’t see his face. But I could smell the jasmine scent on him. “Let’s break up.” Lucas’s movements froze, then he let go and lay down beside me, “What’s wrong now?” He impatiently pressed his brow, “You’re not a little girl anymore, why are you being so dramatic?” “What break up,” he laughed, “Aria, you’re not young anymore. Who would marry a wife who smokes, drinks, has tattoos, and is tougher than a man?” My chest ached. I pressed hard on my heart, but couldn’t suppress the fine pain. Last year when my arm was stitched, I was allergic to anesthesia. Twelve stitches, sewn raw, I didn’t make a sound. But Lucas’s few words of drunken truth made my eyes red. “Lucas,” I couldn’t help but want to ask him, “If I had a terminal illness, would you…” “Aria.” He interrupted me, his brow furrowed with impatience, “Stop asking such boring questions.” “If you really had a terminal illness, I’d accompany you in suicide, okay?” He pressed his brow, “I’m busy with the wedding and business lately, I don’t have the energy to humor you. Don’t act up.” As he spoke, his phone suddenly rang. Lucas irritably hung up. But the other party called again. After this back and forth a few times, Lucas got out of bed with the phone, “Speak.” A girl’s crying came through the receiver, not very clear. Lucas cursed, “F*cking troublesome.” Despite calling it trouble, he still hurriedly left. “There’s a problem with business, I’m going to deal with it.” “You go to sleep early, don’t wait for me.”

My wedding with Lucas was set for the third day of next month. A simple wedding. I never told Lucas about my illness. Terminal stage, basically incurable. I also never told Lucas that I had no intention of marrying him at all. I could accept everything about Lucas. Except betrayal. Just thinking about him holding another woman in his arms, kissing her brow and eyes, searching for traces of my younger self in her, made my stomach churn. Utterly nauseating. I had been with Lucas since I was eighteen, exactly ten years now. Now, the doctor said I only had about half a year left to live. By that calculation, I had wasted nearly half my life on him. For the little time I had left. I just wanted to be Aria. I booked a flight out of the country, wanting to see the world I loved but had never seen while I still had the strength. And the flight was also set for the third day of next month.

Early in the morning, I crossed off another day on the calendar. Ten days left until I leave the country. I heard the door open behind me. Lucas came in wrapped in wind and snow, took off his coat, and came over to hug me. He still didn’t like my short hair. His gaze followed mine to the calendar, Lucas looked at the heavily circled date of the third next month and laughed, gently pinching my face, “Can’t wait to marry me?” He counted, “Ten more days.” He buried his face in my neck, “I’ll make time these two days to dye your hair back to black with you, and get some hair extensions?” “You’ll be beautiful at the wedding.” “No need.” I looked at the calendar expressionlessly, “Not many days left.” “Short hair is fine too.” Lucas was silent for a while, “Mm.” He let go of me and picked up the coat draped over the chair, “There’s a lot to do for the wedding, and Old Three’s place was just trashed yesterday. I’m busy lately, I won’t be coming back for now.” Lucas stared at me as he spoke. As if waiting for me to give in. Waiting for me to say okay, come with me to dye my hair, to get long hair extensions. But I just looked back at him coldly. “Go then.” “After all, only ten days left.” Lucas said nothing, turned and stepped into the night. Never looking back.

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When I married Gabriel, I was 20, and he was 3 My mother said he was kind-hearted, successful, and could take care of me. For four years after our marriage, Gabriel treated me extremely well. Until I found my aunt’s photo in his wallet. 1 Gabriel spoiled me. He would give me anything I wanted, and being older, he seemed to have endless patience. I whined on the phone, “If you’re not coming home tonight, I might go out and find other men.” “I have to work late tonight, be good and stay home,” Gabriel paused, “Remember that bag you mentioned last time? I’ve already ordered it, it’ll be delivered tonight.” I giggled, “Why do you always try to appease me with bags?” “Don’t you like them?” His deep, magnetic voice made my heart flutter. I quickly said I loved it and kept him talking, the atmosphere turning flirtatious. After four years of marriage, I had truly experienced the benefits of being with an older man. He was so gentle, I couldn’t find a single flaw. Even when I deliberately acted up or caused trouble, he would always soothe me gently. He had a lot of money and a lot of love, and he gave both to me without hesitation. My heart was filled with warmth. Until my best friend told me she saw a woman walking arm in arm with Gabriel across the street. 2 That night, I had a huge fight with Gabriel. I didn’t even get a chance to appreciate the new bag before I threw it at his face. “What’s the meaning of this? Is your overtime work actually dating other women?” I was shaking with anger, my eyes red. Gabriel’s expression was cold, but when he looked at me, his eyes were only filled with gentleness and helplessness. He tried to approach me, but I pushed him away. “That was your aunt, darling. She just came back from abroad and happens to be cooperating with our company. We were having a business dinner.” “My aunt?” I was confused. My aunt was back? My aunt was a free spirit, 33 years old, single, traveling abroad. We hardly ever saw her throughout the year. She’s back? Why didn’t she tell me? Seeing my reaction, Gabriel pulled me into his arms, “Are you still angry?” I snorted and took out my phone to call my aunt. The call connected quickly. The woman’s soft voice came through the phone, and I felt Gabriel’s body stiffen for a moment. I glared at him and asked, “Aunt, you’re back?” “Yes, sweetie. I just called your mom. What’s up?” “Aunt, did you have dinner with my husband’s company tonight?” “Yes, I did. It was business, couldn’t be postponed. I drank quite a bit and almost tripped crossing the street. How embarrassing! Luckily your husband was there.” My doubts were completely dispelled. I arranged a welcome dinner with my aunt and hung up. Gabriel held me tightly, “Are you still angry?” “Hmph!” I pushed him away and picked up the new bag from the floor, feeling heartbroken about its condition. Gabriel was still patient, comforting me for a while longer. Finally, he carried me upstairs. 3 When I woke up early the next morning, Gabriel was already gone. He was busy with work and left early. And I found a photo in the wallet he had left behind. In the photo, a young woman looked radiant, smiling brightly with curved eyes. Her left hand was holding Gabriel’s arm, and her right hand was making an old-fashioned peace sign. Her appearance was somewhat similar to mine. No! It was very similar. With trembling hands, I stuffed the photo back. Gabriel was eleven years older than me, he must have had lovers in the past. I could let that go. But the woman in the photo was Olivia, my aunt… My husband and my aunt. What kind of relationship did they have? And what did they take me for in these four years of marriage? Like a thunderbolt, scenes from the past involving Olivia flashed through my mind. When we got married, he asked several times why Olivia didn’t attend the wedding; during New Year’s family gatherings, when my mother called Olivia, he would always lean in to say “Happy New Year”; even the clothes he bought for me were always in the cream color that my aunt loved to wear… There were too many similar incidents, scene after scene flashing through my mind, leaving me confused and shocked. The photo was old, the color fading at the edges, evidence of how many times the owner’s fingers must have caressed it longingly. Trying to avoid the reality, I stuffed the wallet into the bedside drawer. A moment later, I masochistically entered Gabriel’s study. He had warned me several times not to enter his study, and I wasn’t interested in what was inside, assuming it was just some important documents of a workaholic. I pushed aside the documents on the desk and looked at the photo album hidden beneath them. The album was filled with photos of a young couple on every page. I slowly flipped through, looking at the dates behind each photo, until I reached the last one. [October 26, 2016]. This photo was a long-distance shot taken at the airport on the day Olivia left the country six years ago. Her black hair was flowing, and her expression was melancholic. I was also in the photo. I was just a sophomore then, very reluctant to part with my aunt who had always doted on me. I was hugging Olivia and crying. I hadn’t noticed someone taking a picture from afar. On the back of the photo, there was a message written in neat handwriting. [Olivia, our ten years end here.] A month later, I met Gabriel for the first time in the cold winter. Two years later, after my college graduation, I unhesitatingly married him. 4 Everything between Gabriel and me. It was all a lie. 5 Gabriel came home very late. His posture was straight, his tailored suit and neatly combed-back hair making his handsome features look somewhat distant and cold. Those indifferent eyes seemed to melt when they saw me on the sofa. He smiled as he walked towards me, “It’s one in the morning, why aren’t you asleep?” In the past, I would have snuggled into his arms, craving his warmth. Now, I just felt disgusted. I avoided his outstretched hand and threw the photo I had been clutching onto the coffee table. These were the photos he had treasured and hidden in his study. Of course, he recognized them at a glance. Gabriel’s expression froze, but he managed to maintain a smile. “You went into my study?” he asked gently. “Yes.” Gabriel lowered his eyes and silently picked up the photos from the coffee table. “Don’t do it again.” His tone was calm, the worst attitude he had ever shown me since our marriage. I sneered, “There won’t be a next time, Gabriel. After all these years together, what exactly did you take me for?” I stood up, looking up at him. Time hadn’t left any traces on his face; he was still handsome and youthful. I stared into those seemingly affectionate eyes and saw him frown tiredly. “Alright, stop making a fuss. Let’s go to bed,” he sighed, as if yielding. “You think I’m making a fuss?” I asked. Gabriel avoided the question: “Sophia, haven’t I been good to you?” Without waiting for my answer, he continued, “I believe I’ve treated you well. At least in this marriage, I’ve never wronged you. So, can’t you understand that there are some things I can’t give you?” “Some things? You mean love?” I asked. He remained silent, implicitly agreeing. I wanted to laugh, but tears welled up instead, “So I’m just a replacement. You’ve been so good to me, but you’ve never loved me.” “You’re an adult. Love is too luxurious…” “Am I not worthy?” I interrupted him. I wanted to ask if I, Sophia, wasn’t worthy of sincere and passionate love. Should I be grateful for being a replacement? Uncontrollable sadness made me cry incessantly. Gabriel brought a warm, damp towel to wipe my tears, his movements gentle. But I felt even more miserable. See how gentle he was. So gentle that he remained calm even as he watched me break down. In this marriage, I was the only one who had invested my whole heart.

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Terminal Cancer, Husband Falls for His Young, Juicy Secretary I return home after chemotherapy to find my husband in our marital bed with his secretary, their bodies intertwined in passion. Seeing me, the secretary giggles coyly: “Oh sis, don’t be angry. I’m just helping take some of the burden off you, since I was worried it might be too much for you to handle.” My husband casually lights a post-coital cigarette: “You never let me touch you anymore. You’re as cold as a dead fish in bed!” “I’ve been so pent up I’m about to lose it. Amber here has been working overtime to help you out. From now on, give her half your allowance!” On the verge of death, I cough up blood in shock. The secretary laughs at me, saying I must have bought fake blood to make such an unconvincing performance. My husband is embarrassed by me and ignores my unconscious state. He takes his secretary to a 5-star hotel to reignite their passion. But later, when he receives my critical condition notice, he goes mad.

My husband is away on a business trip, so I have to go to the hospital alone. Seeing the word “cancer” on the diagnosis report, I’m struck as if by lightning. If I die, how will my husband who loves me so deeply go on living? I drag my heavy feet home. As soon as I open the door, I smell an intimate scent in the air. My already heavy heart sinks even further. The bedroom door is wide open. A man’s low growls and a woman’s gasps shamelessly rise and fall. Ryan’s secretary Amber clings to him like a vine, her face flushed red. Her exposed skin is white and tender, smooth as satin. Ryan’s muscular back is covered in red scratches, as he passionately grips the woman’s soft curves. Amber’s long hair is spread out like seaweed on our custom-made bed. This bed was my late father’s wedding gift to me, the only one of its kind in the world. Yet Ryan has brought another woman to do unspeakable things on our marital bed. Their intimate sounds threaten to pierce my eardrums, my very soul trembling. “Oh Ryan, you’re so bad, not being gentle with me at all.” “Hmm? How else could I satisfy an insatiable little vixen like you?” Ryan is lost in passion, their bodies tightly joined. He hasn’t noticed me at the door at all. I think I must have been delusional. Even if I died right now, he probably wouldn’t care at all. Amber peeks out from under Ryan and glances at me with a coy smile. “Darling, this is your marriage bed. Won’t your wife be upset if she finds out?” Ryan brushes his hand over Amber’s red lips, leaving a suggestive trail in the sunlight. “What does she have to be upset about? Being my lawful wife is a blessing few women could hope for in several lifetimes!” “She may be a competent wife, but she’s as stiff as a board in bed. Only a seductive little minx like you can truly excite me!” Amber shoots me a challenging look, then rakes her nails down Ryan’s back again: “You’re so bad! What am I to you? You’re my first and only man!” “Alright, alright. I’ll buy you that lakeside villa tomorrow as a gift!” Amber lets out an incredulous gasp: “Really, darling? But that villa costs at least $5 million. I’m afraid your wife won’t agree.” Ryan laughs dismissively: “So what if she finds out? She loves me so much she’d never leave me!” Amber turns away from me and clings tightly to the oblivious Ryan. My chest aches, a metallic taste rising in my mouth. I stumble, nearly falling to the ground. The noise I make interrupts their passionate moment. Ryan moves quickly, pulling the large red comforter over to wrap Amber up tightly. My stomach churns. I have to grip the doorframe to stay standing: “What’s this? You’re shameless enough to have sex in broad daylight, but too afraid to be seen naked?” “How did you sneak in like a ghost without making any sound? Barging in like this, don’t you know to respect others’ privacy?” Secure in his favoritism, Amber shrinks behind him, her face unable to hide her smugness. “Sis, Ryan was feeling unwell from the heat today. I was just helping him feel better with a massage. Please don’t misunderstand.” She coyly stretches out her delicate hands towards me: “People with heatstroke need to stay cool, so we’re a bit underdressed. But Ryan’s feeling much better now…” “Look how swollen my hands are from working so hard… I only had good intentions, please don’t be angry at Ryan!”

I don’t respond. Ryan’s brow furrows, his voice icy: “Weren’t you supposed to be at the hospital? Why are you back so soon?” It feels like every bone in my body has been crushed by a massive weight, crumbling to dust. I shake my head, hardly able to believe my ears. Has the world gone mad? How could the man who once loved me more than life itself speak such cruel words to me? Tears fall uncontrollably, blurring my vision. I use all my strength to barely choke out: “Ryan, we promised to love only each other for life!” Ryan impatiently waves his hand: “Love is love, sex is sex. Don’t confuse the two. Amber is sacrificing herself to help take your burden with no recognition. She hasn’t complained, yet you’re the one feeling wronged!” “Wake up! We’ve been together for 10 years since we were 18. Would you still wear clothes you’ve had for 10 years? Everyone in our circle has lovers on the side. Why should I have to repress myself and suffer with an old, frigid fish like you?” I look at my reflection on the floor, my heart turning cold. It’s true, I’m already 28 years old. And a 28-year-old with terminal cancer at that. Since starting chemo, my hair keeps falling out. The harsh side effects have left me gaunt and sallow. I lie awake night after night in agony, tearing holes in the sheets from gripping them so tightly. I really do look like an old, worn-out piece of clothing now. I’ve changed so drastically, yet Ryan comes and goes without noticing, as if he’s gone blind. Later, medication made me swell up all over. I looked like I’d gained a ton of weight. His gaze finally changed from indifference to disgust. I had thought that I was letting him down by having an uncooperative body that couldn’t accompany him through life as promised. I endured the torture of illness, pretending not to notice his change in attitude. But how could he compare me, with my numbered days, to a worn-out piece of clothing unfit to be seen? I shouldn’t have tied my short life to such a rotten cucumber. “Ryan, let’s get divorced.” Ryan’s mocking expression freezes in place. He sneers contemptuously: “Divorce? Where would a useless old hag like you go? Who else would pamper you like I do?” “Just be a good Mrs. Zhou and you’ll never go hungry…” Seeing my tears fall rapidly, Ryan’s tone softens slightly. “Be a good girl and listen to me. I promise I’ll never abandon you in this lifetime!” Amber pinches his waist in displeasure: “What about me? Will you toss me aside when you’re bored?” Ryan grins wickedly and pushes Amber’s head down: “Afraid I’ll get tired of you? Then you’d better learn some new tricks to keep me satisfied, you little minx!” These two shameless dogs are so brazen right in front of me. They’re not just disrespecting me as Ryan’s wife, they’re not even treating me as a human being. I can no longer control myself. A mouthful of blood sprays out. The bright red blood is shocking, splattering everywhere. Even Amber, hiding behind Ryan, isn’t spared. Her previously flawless makeup is now a mess, transforming from a beauty to a hag in an instant. She’s furious, her affected cutesy voice cracking: “You disgusting old woman, how revolting!” Anger flares in my chest. I lunge forward and grab her hair, yanking hard: “You little slut, get off my bed right now!” She effortlessly pushes me to the ground: “Ryan, I’m so upset! It took me hours to do my makeup and now it’s ruined. You have to get justice for me!” Ryan gently wipes Amber’s face with a wet wipe from the bedside table, not forgetting to turn back and warn me. “Olivia, stop acting like a shrew!” What little life force I had left is not enough to withstand such a vicious attack. My broken body collapses helplessly to the floor. I want to get up but have no strength, only able to struggle weakly on the ground. But Ryan pays me no mind, allowing Amber to mock me freely. “Ryan, it’s such a waste of talent that your wife isn’t an actress. Look how convincingly she’s faking coughing up blood!” “Even her half-dead look after spitting blood is flawless. Who knows how many times she’s rehearsed in private! What a terrifying jealousy!” My heart aches. I want to cry but have no tears left. I try to call out but my parched throat makes no sound. It feels like a million steel needles are churning in my brain. My soul is instantly riddled with holes. My vision darkens. The air seems to be thinning. I’m struck with fear… With my last shred of hope, I look pleadingly at Ryan, my lips moving weakly: “Husband, save me.” “Quickly, take me to the hospital…”

A flicker of guilt flashes in Ryan’s eyes as he pulls away from Amber’s clinging arms. “Don’t worry, honey. I’ll take you to the doctor right away.” But Amber refuses to let go, pressing herself against him again: “Don’t go, Ryan. I’m so cold, hold me! She’s clearly acting, don’t believe her!” Ryan roughly yanks Amber’s arm off him, tossing her onto the bed: “Get off me! Don’t tell me what to do! If anything happens to my wife, you’ll be in big trouble!” Amber doesn’t give up. She switches to an even more alluring pose, showcasing her body’s softness to the fullest. Her tone is seductive: “Ryan, can’t you smell it? That’s clearly chicken blood!” “How could a healthy person cough up so much blood? Look how lively your wife seems. She must have held the blood in her mouth beforehand!” Ryan’s expression turns doubtful. His steps towards me come to a halt. “She’s even using the ‘playing dead’ trick to compete for attention. Look, she’s even put on ‘seriously ill’ makeup!” “Not content with being the first wife, she’s getting a bit greedy…” Ryan’s body, which had tensed up from nervousness, completely relaxes. He stands in place, carelessly looking me over. After a long moment, his face twists with intense disgust. He picks up the trash can by the bed and dumps its contents over my face. “You want to compete for attention? Then open your eyes wide and see clearly who can truly bring out the joy of being a man!” “The stuff at home that was about to expire – Amber and I used it all up this afternoon!” “Please… you… hospital…” I beg. He can’t be bothered to look at me as I struggle on the brink of death, pleading desperately. He flips the trash can over my head, his tone ice-cold. “Give it up. Stop acting. You’ve been exposed. There’s no point in continuing this performance!” “Amber understands you lonely, bitter old women best!” Amber, feeling validated, cheers excitedly in her coquettish voice: “Of course I do! I’ve watched so many palace dramas, I know all about these troublemaking old women!” With the heavy trash can over my head, I can barely breathe. I bite my tongue to maintain my last shred of clarity: “Save me, I’m really dying. Call 911…” Amber lets out a shrill scream. “I know this one! The next act is ‘diagnosed with terminal illness’!” “Tsk tsk, sis, where did you take your acting classes? That tuition was well spent!” “But have you considered how much money Ryan could be losing? He makes millions in deals every minute. You’re being so inconsiderate!” The stench of the couple’s lovemaking from inside the trash can assaults my senses, jolting me awake. It’s better to rely on myself than others. Using my last ounce of strength, I shake off the trash can and crawl towards the door on trembling hands. The security guards patrol regularly. If I can just get outside, I have a chance of being rescued. Behind me, Amber’s mocking voice rings out loudly. “Ryan, your wife is really going all out. She’s really selling this ‘struggle for life’ act.” “It’s a shame about this fine hardwood floor though. She’s making such a mess, it’ll definitely leave marks.” My whole body is shaking, every cell trembling. Tears and sweat mingle, stinging my eyes fiercely. I ignore Amber’s sarcasm and finally reach the door. With great effort, I raise my hand to reach for the doorknob. Again and again I try, I don’t know how many times, until I finally grasp it. But the door doesn’t open. Ryan violently swats my hand away. “If your brain’s not working right, hurry up and go see a doctor. No one has time to watch you act out this sob story!” It feels like millions of insects are gnawing at my body. I clench my fists tightly, my palms bleeding. “I’m really sick, I feel terrible. Let me go to the hospital myself, I promise I won’t bother you!” The immense psychological trauma combined with extreme pain makes me feel like I’m seeing two figures, one black and one white. No, I can’t die now. I still have so many unfulfilled wishes. In this desperate situation, I can only play along, swallowing my pride and begging: “Please open the door. I’ll go to the hospital myself, I really won’t cause you any trouble…” Ryan looks at the blood smeared on his calf with disgust and kicks me hard. I’ve completely lost all my strength. I can only lie on the cold floor, feeling my heartbeat grow weaker and weaker. Ryan grabs my hair and drags me towards the door without a care.

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I attended a private auction with my Uncle Jack. Little did I know that the items up for bid were intimate photos of Bella, the girl everyone thought was the real heiress. Uncle Jack urged me to place a bid. But just then, I received a text message: “If you dare to bid, I’ll reveal your secret.” In that moment of hesitation, a man swooped in and won the bid for Bella’s private photos. I thought Uncle Jack would be angry with me, but to my surprise, he suddenly chartered a yacht, saying he wanted to celebrate my 20th birthday. He boasted that he’d give me an unforgettable surprise! But I never imagined that on the yacht, in front of everyone, he would display photos of me from when I was trafficked. Uncle Jack stood behind Bella, coldly addressing me, “You didn’t want to bid on others’ photos, so how about yours? Let’s see if you’ll bid on yourself.” I stumbled backward in disbelief. The screen displayed a series of degrading photos. In them, I was filthy, living in a pigsty, my eyes lifeless. Today’s attendees were all from high society – wealthy heirs and heiresses. They sneered at me, “We always knew this so-called ‘real heiress’ was trash, but we didn’t expect her to be this dirty, like a filthy pig.” “Holy shit, there are even photos of her in bed with old men!” I instantly recalled a terrifying scene from years ago, shuddering uncontrollably. Instinctively, I searched for Uncle Jack, but he was busy chatting with Bella, not sparing me a glance. Yet it was he who had once offered me a helping hand. Now, he was pushing me back into hell. Suddenly, Bella spoke up, “Everyone, please stop. My sister must be so upset.” She then playfully tugged on Uncle Jack’s ear, as if scolding him. Everyone watched this scene curiously. After all, Jack wasn’t just some rich kid, but a real business tycoon. Jack didn’t disappoint. He affectionately patted Bella’s head. The next moment, he slowly swept his cold gaze over me, landing on the large screen behind him. “Tonight, everyone enjoy yourselves. Consider this Bella’s 20th birthday celebration.” So that’s why Uncle Jack said he wanted to celebrate my birthday early. It was just a ruse; he only wanted to celebrate Bella’s birthday. After a pause, Jack glanced at me again, “Those photos were my first big gift to Bella. I’ve decided to auction these photos to all of you, and the proceeds will go to Bella to do as she pleases.” Bella tugged on Jack’s sleeve before continuing, “My sister was trafficked into the mountains before. I think the children there are so pitiful. I’ve decided to donate all the auction money to those children.” Jack smiled slightly and led the applause. The applause echoed throughout the room, each clap feeling like an invisible slap to my face. Everyone looked at me as if I were merchandise for sale. I excused myself to use the restroom, my body trembling as I entered. But when I came out, several people were already bidding on my photos. “This one’s not bad, she looks like a dog. Do you think if I gave her some food back then, Lily would have knelt like a bitch?” The man who said this made an obscene gesture. The men in the room burst into laughter. Jack frowned and immediately covered Bella’s eyes. “Bella, you’re still young. Don’t look, it might taint your eyes.” But had Jack forgotten that I was actually a year younger than Bella? It was just that when I first came back, Bella insisted on calling me sister, so the family defaulted to me being the older one.

Seeing me return, people mocked even louder. The next moment, a waiter looked at me disdainfully, “Miss Lily, while you were away, several gentlemen have already placed bids. The current highest bid is two million. Are you in or out?” I looked at the big screen. This photo was of me fighting with pigs for food. Because I refused to submit, that family starved me. After Uncle Jack brought me back, he once cried in front of me, vowing never to let me suffer again. I closed my eyes, swallowing the tears in my heart, and said hoarsely, “I’ll place a bid.” As soon as I finished speaking, Jack laughed coldly, “Lily, when it’s your turn, you’re not selfish anymore?” “Since you want to bid, let’s add a few videos to the mix.” Instantly, the big screen displayed a video. I watched in horror as the scene unfolded. It was a shadow I never wanted to touch in my life. In the video, I was pinned down by two men, with another man violating me. I was screaming in pain, like a lone beast fighting alone. I was so scared that I fell to my knees, hugging my head and shaking. Jack reflexively took a step towards me but was quickly pulled back by Bella. “Uncle, don’t provoke my sister anymore. She seems to be having an episode. Although my sister doesn’t like me, and even caused… that incident, I believe she didn’t mean to.” Jack immediately stopped in his tracks, as if awakening from a trance. “She deserves it.” I slowly raised my head and looked at Jack again. He clearly knew I had depression, yet he still chose to provoke me like this. The waiter ignored me and smiled at the crowd again, “Next is the second photo, a full-body nude. Starting bid is 5.2 million.” I looked at the image on the screen in horror. How did Jack have this photo? He had ordered these photos deleted when he rescued me. But Bella’s words instantly solved my confusion. “Uncle, I just wanted to see some photos of my sister in the mountains, and you actually spent a whole week recovering these high-resolution images. I don’t know what to say.” Jack still hugged Bella affectionately, “Bella, I’ll give you anything you want.” The young ladies present looked at this scene with envy or jealousy. “You had these photos recovered?” Jack just smirked, his eyes filled with amusement. “Just because I didn’t bid on Bella’s photo?” Jack only reacted when he heard this name. His sharp gaze cut into my heart like a knife. I watched bitterly as Jack turned to hold Bella’s hand tenderly. That big hand once firmly held mine as we crossed mountain after mountain. I always thought he was my real uncle. Until that night when I turned eighteen, he burst into my room. After that wild night, I realized he had no blood relation to me. But after that night, he never mentioned it again. He gradually became indifferent towards me.

I spoke up again, interrupting this seemingly warm but actually filthy and hypocritical scene. “I’ll place a bid.” But this time, these men shouted at me like crazy beasts, “Are you fucking kidding? We let you have the last one, but you can’t have this one. I want to take it back for some fun!” The men exchanged knowing glances, revealing creepy smiles. “Yeah, I gotta say, Lily’s got a nice body. You can really see it when she’s naked. I’m getting excited just looking at it.” These insulting jokes made me feel like I was back in those nightmarish years. But this time, Jack silently allowed it all to happen. “Come on, guys, bid higher. You’re adding pennies at a time. My Bella is getting anxious.” Jack held Bella’s waist, his eyes filled with enough affection to drown everyone present. Bella turned and buried herself in Jack’s arms, playfully patting his chest, “Uncle, you’re always teasing me. I just feel bad for my sister bidding. She doesn’t have money of her own, just the allowance the family gives her.” I suddenly had a bad feeling. Sure enough, Jack frowned and sneered, “I almost forgot. Lily, you just returned to the family, but everyone gave you a million dollars. No wonder you’re so reckless.” He then coldly froze all my bank cards in front of everyone. “Since you want to bid on yourself, use your own money.” Everyone knew I grew up in the countryside and was a useless bumpkin, even after returning to the family! “Looks like Mr. Cold is really angry. He used to protect Lily so much, spoiling her to the core.” “Who would have thought that after a few years, Bella would be the spoiled one.” “It’s all Lily’s fault. Even though Bella isn’t her real sister, she shouldn’t have let other men buy Bella’s private photos.” The woman who spoke was immediately glared at by those around her, reminding her that Jack was still on stage. “I’ll place a bid.” I said again in a hoarse voice. “This woman’s got guts. She doesn’t think Mr. Cold will still cover for her, does she?” “You never know, what if she has private assets?” Bella tugged on Jack’s sleeve, pretending to be innocent, “Uncle, didn’t you give my sister a lot of money before? Is she planning to use that money to bid? But that sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it?” I thought Jack would immediately demand that money back. But he just remained silent, lost in thought. I won this photo again. But the next set of photos terrified me even more. This photo showed me lying on a dirty little bed covered in blood, with a baby sleeping next to me. I immediately went crazy, rushing up to punch the big screen. This was an indelible pain in my heart. Those bastards ruined my life! “This photo is even more intense. Who knew Lily had a child out of wedlock?” “She actually had a bastard child with an old man in the mountains. Lily is such a slut. No wonder Mr. Cold ignores her. He probably thinks she’s too dirty.” I turned to look at Jack with trembling lips. Was he treating me like this because he thought I was dirty?

Jack looked at me without emotion and walked towards me, letting go of Bella’s hand. But he asked me to hand over the black card he had given me before. “I’ve decided to give that black card to Bella as a gift.” Before I could speak, he signaled with his eyes, and the next moment, a waiter searched me in front of everyone on the ship and handed the cards I was carrying to Jack. Jack held up two cards and looked at them, saying flatly, “They’re dirty. Destroy them.” He then walked back to Bella, taking out a brand new card from his pocket and handing it to her. “I wouldn’t let Bella use something dirty that someone else has used.” Instantly, my heart felt as if it had been pierced by a thousand arrows. I could barely stand, swaying as I stood at the stern of the ship. The waiter’s voice rang out again, enjoying the show, “This photo’s bidding price is 3 million. Additionally, the winner can specify one thing for the person in the photo to do.” With these words, the whole place erupted. Those men with green eyes in their sockets looked like they wanted to strip me naked with their gazes! “So, can we make Lily perform a striptease right here?” Unexpectedly, Jack sneered, his words seeming to nail me to a pillar of shame, “It’s not like she hasn’t done it before.” “Damn, who knew Lily was such a wild one under that country bumpkin appearance. Did she learn all this while servicing people in the mountains?” I had indeed danced for Jack before. It was his birthday, and I didn’t know it was called a striptease. I only knew that if I danced, those people wouldn’t beat me and might even give me food. But after I danced for Jack that time, he was so heartbroken he almost punched himself. He solemnly told me, “You must never dance in front of anyone again.” I remembered, but he forgot! When I came back to my senses, the bidding price had already reached 5 million. “Uncle, look how upset my sister is. She’s about to cry but can’t. She probably has no money left. Why don’t we call it off? I really can’t bear to see this.” “Bella, I know you’re kind-hearted, but your kindness towards enemies is hurting yourself.” Jack brought his business tactics to educate Bella, as if I were some unforgivable villain. I could barely control my swaying body. So in Jack’s heart, I had already been classified as an enemy? “Alright, Mr. Huang’s highest bid is now 5 million. Is there anyone else? 5 million once, 5 million twice, then…” I directly interrupted, my heart as dead as ashes, uttering three words, “I’ll place a bid.” But now everyone knew I had no money left. They didn’t buy it, “Lily, you country bumpkin, do you know the rules? If you bid without money, you’re disrupting order. You’ll not only go bankrupt but also have to compensate everyone present.” Another sneer was heard, “Why are you explaining to her? This idiot wouldn’t understand. Besides, talking about bankruptcy, I think she’s already bankrupt now, isn’t she?” But I ignored their words and insisted on speaking again: “I’ll place a bid.” Seeing my stubborn appearance, Jack felt a surge of anger in his chest, “Don’t let her fool you. How about this, whoever wins the bid, I’ll throw in several sets of exclusive premium photoshoots.” The next moment, he snapped his fingers, and the screen displayed various nude photos of me, some in a dark basement, some in fields, and some even in pigsties. People got more excited with their bids, quickly reaching 10 million. But at this moment, Jack suddenly spoke up to bid, “13.14 million.”

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For ten years, I was Jack’s secret lover, and during that time, I secretly gave birth to a child. In those days when I sought neither fame nor fortune, Lucas was my only salvation. Later, Jack found out about Lucas’s existence and said he wanted to give the child a family. I was moved to tears. Until that day, I saw Olivia, his first love who had disappeared for ten years, getting out of his car with a child. “Jack, are you sure that child can save Lily?” “Of course! I made her have my child to save Lily!” “I’ve been secretly monitoring his health condition, and all the test results are good! The doctor said as long as the bone marrow matches, Lily can live!” What I thought was stolen happiness turned out to be an elaborately designed scam. That night, I dialed a number I had never called before: “Can Lucas and I become your legal family?” “I’ll take care of the legal documents,” Noah’s firm answer rekindled my hope. As long as the change of Lucas’s guardianship is completed, Jack won’t be able to sign the surgery consent form! After hanging up the phone, I immediately canceled Jack’s guardianship application. We had agreed that the date for the guardianship change would be Lucas’s birthday. I had promised to take him to meet his father. Now it seems I’ll have to break that promise. The next second, Jack’s call came in. “Emma, why did you cancel the guardianship application?” “You think I’m that free? To play family drama with you?” “If you don’t want the kid to recognize me, get lost! I won’t pay a penny in child support!” His barrage of accusations made my fingers go numb. When I accidentally got pregnant back then, I was both anxious and excited. The relationship without status between Jack and me made me too eager to hold onto something. I thought Lucas was a gift from heaven, so I carefully cherished this stolen happiness. It turns out I was able to give birth to Lucas not because I was smart, but because of Jack’s careful arrangement. He wanted to use my child’s life to exchange for Olivia’s child’s life. The image of Lucas’s obedient face floated in my mind, and my heart felt like it was being sliced by countless blades. “Lucas has been sick these past few days, so the guardianship matter can only be delayed for a few days.” I answered with a straight face, but heard a woman’s voice from the other end of the phone: “Didn’t you say that child was very healthy? How could he be sick? She must be lying to you!” The voice was soft, but I guessed it was Olivia. “Jack, do you have a woman with you?” He obviously panicked and stammered: “I’m just worried that I’ll be on a business trip in a few days, and the timing won’t be good.” “Suit yourself.” Jack had always been hot and cold towards me, giving a slap followed by a piece of candy. For the past decade or so, I had been foolishly content with this treatment. I didn’t pursue the matter further and just calmly hung up the phone. Before Lucas was born, I had bought a two-bedroom apartment in the complex where Jack lived. My mom had always been helping to take care of Lucas. I sent a message to my mom, planning to pick up Lucas after school and go straight back to our hometown. But I didn’t receive a reply, and no one answered when I called. Just as I was thinking of going over to check, I bumped into Jack who had just returned as I opened the door. “A gift I bought for you on my business trip.” Jack threw a bag in front of me with an air of condescension. I looked at the bag in my arms and smiled bitterly. This was the third time he had given me this same bag, not even changing the size or color. In the past, I could still comfort myself that he was too busy, and it was already good that he remembered to buy a gift. But now, I couldn’t fool myself anymore. I coldly looked at Jack, his loose collar revealing several hickeys. There was a lipstick stain on the back of his shirt collar. Over the years, Jack would go on business trips every so often, lasting from three or four days to half a month. Now I knew that every so-called business trip was actually him accompanying Olivia and her child. “By the way, Olivia is back in the country.” His somber voice struck my heart. For the past decade, this was the first time I had heard Olivia’s name from his mouth.

Olivia was a year ahead of us in school, a campus beauty. She and Jack were the acknowledged golden couple of the school, everyone said they were meant to be together. Unfortunately, as soon as Olivia graduated, she dumped Jack and married a high-level executive at a foreign company. Jack hated her but couldn’t let her go. He drank excessively, got into fights, skipped classes, the works. It was I who quietly helped him organize his coursework, attended classes for him, wrote his papers, so he barely managed to get his diploma. At the graduation party, Jack and I had a drunken one-night stand. From then on, I became his hidden lover. I thought that someday Jack would see my goodness, but I never imagined he would only scheme to ruin me, and our child. Now that I’ve woken up from the dream, I should come to my senses too. “She’s here to treat her child’s illness, I heard it’s leukemia,” Jack continued, with a hint of regret in his voice, “She might need to stay at my place for a few days.” I nodded, “This is your home, you can let whoever you want stay.” Jack’s eyes flashed with surprise, just as he was about to ask further. At that moment, my phone rang, and I saw a message from my mom: [Lucas is in the hospital] A buzzing filled my head, and I didn’t care about anything else. I grabbed my coat and headed out: “I’m going out for a bit.” Jack blocked me, his eyes probing: “Where are you going so late?” I really didn’t have the energy to explain, so I pushed past him and rushed out the door. At the hospital, I saw my mom crying uncontrollably. “Emma, I don’t know what happened, he just ended up in the hospital…” “When I picked him up from school, the teacher said he had a stomachache. I went to the clinic to get some medicine, and he felt much better after taking it.” “In the evening, we were playing in the garden of the complex. I walked away for a moment, and he fainted…” Mom was both remorseful and frustrated, her tears unstoppable. I comforted Mom while looking at Lucas in the emergency room. His usually rosy little face was now completely pale. My heart clenched into a knot. Fortunately, the doctor said it was just mild food poisoning, and he would be fine after the IV drip. “Mom, when he’s done, go pack some things. I’m taking you and Lucas back to our hometown.” Mom looked at my grave expression and didn’t ask much, just nodded repeatedly. “Mommy…” Lucas lay on my shoulder and asked weakly, “Why are we going back to our hometown? Didn’t you say you’d take me to see Daddy on my birthday?” “Daddy, he…” “Emma!” Jack’s voice was like a summons from hell, sending a shiver through my body. “You’re delaying the guardianship because you want to take the child back to your hometown?!” “You dare lie to me?” Jack was furious, striding towards us. Lucas and Jack looked very much alike, the kind of resemblance where you could tell they were father and son at a glance. “Daddy…” Lucas cried out, wanting Jack to hold him, and refused to leave with me no matter what I said. My eyes grew hot, my nose stung, and tears fell. Lucas, meeting his father for the first time, made a fuss, insisting on going home with him: “Mommy, I want to see your home.” “Mommy, please?” Before I could answer, Jack was already coaxing Lucas to go home. No matter what I said, Lucas was determined to go with him.

What I didn’t expect was that Olivia and her daughter were waiting for us at home. “Jack, you’re finally back…” As soon as she saw Jack, Olivia clung to him like a bee to a flower: “Lily has a fever again… When can we schedule the surgery?” Her voice was soft, but I still heard it. I carried Lucas back to the room, and he kept asking when Daddy would come to tuck him in. But even late into the night, Jack didn’t appear. “Mommy, the day after tomorrow is my birthday,” Lucas said expectantly, “Is it true that Daddy will throw me a birthday party? I heard from my classmates that birthday parties are so much fun…” I couldn’t refuse a five-year-old child’s longing for fatherly love. Before this, Lucas had never asked about his father, but because of my promise last time, he now had expectations. I hugged Lucas tightly, my heart aching. “It’s true, Lucas’s birthday party will definitely be the best birthday party in the world.” I cried while comforting him to sleep. As soon as we get through the birthday, I’ll take Lucas away from here forever. I swore silently in my heart, not knowing that the next day I would experience an even bigger shock. “Horsie ride! Horsie ride!” I was woken up by a child’s laughter, and as soon as I opened the door, I saw Lily riding on Lucas’s back. She was waving a toy whip in her hand, urging Lucas to crawl faster. “Hurry up! If you don’t go faster, I’ll tell my daddy to beat you!” “That’s my daddy!” Lucas heard this and angrily straightened up to retort. “Jack is my daddy! Not your daddy! My mommy said you were born just to cure me!” “He’s not your daddy!” Lily cried as she swung the whip, leaving a bloody mark on Lucas’s face. “What are you doing!” I rushed forward and snatched the whip from her hand. Lily’s cries grew louder, and I heard a door opening behind me. Olivia saw the whip in my hand and immediately ran over to pick up her daughter. “Emma… how could you hit a child?” Jack followed closely behind, grabbing me and Lucas, his eyes bloodshot: “Emma, who told you to bully her?! Don’t you know this child is in poor health? If something happens to her, will you take responsibility?” “Apologize right now!” Jack forced me to apologize to Lily. “Mommy, if I apologize, will Daddy stop disliking me?” Lucas bit his lip, tears welling up in his eyes, and quietly apologized. Lily looked smug, which broke my heart. “Daddy, will you still throw me a birthday party?” Lucas asked cautiously. Jack was still angry and had forgotten all about the promised birthday party. He shook off Lucas’s hand impatiently and said, “What birthday party for a little brat? You’re just as troublesome as your mother.” Lucas’s crying stopped abruptly, and the light in his eyes completely disappeared. That day, Lucas didn’t cling to Jack anymore. He just sat quietly beside me, watching Jack play with Olivia and her daughter. In the evening, Lucas hugged my neck and suddenly said, “Mommy, he’s not my daddy, is he?” “He’s different from the daddies of other kids in kindergarten. He never smiles at me or hugs me.” “Mommy, is my daddy in that hometown you talked about?” “Let’s go back to our hometown!” Lucas said all this without crying, but it made me burst into tears. I held him tightly, comforting and soothing him. It was I who gave him hope, and then made him face the cruel reality. In the darkness, my phone lit up. [Legal documents are done. Meet at the airport tomorrow at 2 PM.] My anxious heart finally settled. I could finally take the child away without any worries. At this moment, I heard the sound of keys outside the door. I alertly got up and met Jack’s eyes. He made a gesture to keep quiet: “Emma, I was wrong about today. How about this, I’ll throw Lucas a birthday party tomorrow, okay?” “Don’t be angry anymore.” This was the first time Jack had been so patient in coaxing me. I knew he was just trying to keep us here. To avoid raising his suspicions, I nodded in agreement.

Early the next morning, the apartment was decorated for a birthday party. But the style was all girly, with a Frozen princess theme. The blue and white decorations were full of Jack’s love for Olivia and her daughter. The name on the backdrop wall was Lucas’s, but I could see at a glance that it was wrong – “Gu Yangyang” instead of “Gu Yanyang”. “Do you like it? Lucas, this is what Daddy specially arranged for you. There will be many little friends coming to celebrate your birthday later!” Jack smiled and pinched Lucas’s cheek. Lucas said he liked it, but secretly grabbed my hand and whispered, “Mommy, when are we leaving?” Seeing the disappointment on the child’s face, my heart felt like it was being cut by a knife. This was even more painful than when I discovered Jack’s betrayal. Just as I was about to answer, the door suddenly opened. Olivia and Lily came in with a group of children and parents, obviously Lily’s classmates. They greeted each other warmly, and Jack politely responded. He and Olivia looked every bit like a married couple, and the whole birthday party turned into Lily’s show. I sat with Lucas in the corner, texting my mom to wait for us directly at the airport. “Wait a bit, we’ll leave after Lucas blows out the candles, okay?” Today is Lucas’s birthday, and I don’t want to deny him even the chance to make a wish. But as Lucas stood in front of the cake, he was forcefully pushed away by Lily: “Who told you to stand here and blow out the candles!” “Get away from here!” Lily pushed hard, and I pulled Lucas away to dodge. She missed and fell to the ground, her foot catching on the table corner, overturning the entire dessert table. Lily, covered in cake, cried and screamed. Olivia shrieked for Jack: “Jack, Lily… she fainted!” Hearing this, I immediately pulled Lucas towards the door. But Jack grabbed us: “You can’t leave!” “Only he can cure Lily’s illness!” Jack picked up Lucas and rushed to the hospital with Olivia and Lily. “Mommy! Mommy! I want Mommy!” I chased after them closely, my heart shattering with Lucas’s cries. “Dr. Zhang! Arrange the bone marrow transplant immediately! My daughter is dying!” The hospital seemed to be prepared. As soon as Jack appeared, everything was arranged. I finally understood that the originally scheduled date for the guardianship change was the surgery date. Lucas had been given a sedative and was already asleep. “Jack, I beg you, don’t hurt Lucas!” I knelt in front of Jack, grabbing his pants leg and pleading: “I know you want to use Lucas to save her, but Lucas is a life too! He’s our child!” “Let’s find another way, please?” The immense fear made me incoherent. Jack looked down at me coldly: “Emma, I have no other way!” Jack’s outright refusal left me completely desperate. I rushed to the operating room door trying to stop the doctor. But Jack held me back, kicking me in the stomach several times. As the operating room door closed, my breathing stopped. “This surgery can’t be done!” Hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor, and a doctor wiping sweat opened the operating room door. Jack looked bewildered and stepped forward to question: “I’ve paid all the money, why can’t it be done?” The doctor looked Jack up and down angrily and said, “Mr. Gu, is this your child? Non-guardians have no right to sign for surgery! Do you know this is illegal?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296415”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic