Author: Momo Chan

My husband, a hotel reviewer, sent intimate videos to female clients during work. “Babe, which hotel tonight?” “Your place, handsome~” Staring at their chat history, I picked up the lace lingerie that didn’t belong to me and confronted him. With his neck covered in hickeys, he scoffed, “After ten years of marriage, you suspect me of cheating?” “It’s just a tactic to entertain clients,” he said dismissively. I listened to his explanation quietly, without comment. Later, I ran into him at a hotel, my belly swollen with pregnancy. This time, he froze for a moment, his eyes bloodshot as he gripped my chin, “Tell me! Whose child is it?” I smiled, removing his hand, and pretended to be a stranger, “It’s none of this gentleman’s business, is it?” (1) This was the 99th time Jack Gordon failed to report his schedule to me. I had been staking out the airport for a month. At 3:30 AM, he finally got off the plane but headed straight for the Rose Hotel across from the airport. I followed him to the hotel entrance. Emma Rose, his female client, was waiting for him. As soon as they met, they started kissing passionately. Emma clung to his waist, her black lace strap slipping off to reveal her pale skin. She wrapped her arms around Jack’s neck and purred, “Honey, do I taste better than that old hag of yours?” “She’s dry as a bone. You’re much more delicious,” Jack teased, squeezing her waist, completely oblivious to my presence behind them. “Ten years of marriage and not even a hint of pregnancy. She’s just getting older and uglier.” I clenched my fists, the hot water bottle I’d prepared for him in my coat now half cold. Jack let go of Emma and unwrapped the scarf from his neck, putting it around her instead. “This scarf? That old hag gathered wool from the prairie herself to make it. Spent countless nights on it. I couldn’t bear to use it, so I’m giving it to you.” Emma pouted, “I don’t want it. Just thinking about her making it makes me feel dirty.” The scarf was carelessly tossed near the trash can, mixing with food scraps. Jack’s eyes swept over the scarf, a hint of disgust in his gaze. “Fine, I’ll buy you a new one next time, much prettier than what she made. Looking at this scarf now makes me sick!” The stench of rotting food wafted over, and he covered his nose in disgust, keeping his distance. Emma clung to his arm as they entered the hotel. “Well, you can warm me up in bed later. I heard this Rose Hotel symbolizes staying with your soulmate forever.” Jack held her hand tightly. “I want to be with you forever and always.” His words floated into my ears, leaving a hollow in my heart. They went into the hotel and got a room. In the middle of the night, I dragged my exhausted body home. Jack had posted on social media: “Checking in on the wife.” The post included a review of the Rose Hotel. But reflected in the computer screen was a woman covered in hickeys. (2) My fingertips instantly went numb as I realized what a hypocrite Jack truly was. Jack came home the next day, carrying a box with an expensive lipstick. “Honey, I’m back. I brought you a gift,” he said cheerfully, pushing the box into my hands. “Open it and see if it’s the shade you like.” I opened the lipstick. The bright red color didn’t suit me at all. I had told him countless times that I hated this shade. “Do you like it, honey?” Jack leaned in with a smile, the bright red lipstick marks on his neck stinging my eyes. Seems like someone else’s trash. My lips stiffened as I put the lipstick away and pointed at his neck. “Where’s the scarf I made you?” “Ah…” Jack stumbled over his words for a moment. “Since you made it yourself, I couldn’t bear to use it. I put it in my suitcase, but it got lost during the flight.” Liar! I dug my nails into my palms. That scarf had probably ended up in a landfill by now! “Honey, I really didn’t mean to lose it,” Jack nuzzled my shoulder like a puppy. “Please forgive me.” “Okay.” I agreed. After all, when you’ve been disappointed enough times, you stop caring. “Thank you, honey!” He kissed me happily, then wagged his tail as he went into the kitchen. “To make it up to you, I’ll make you breakfast!” This was the first breakfast Jack had made in our ten years of marriage. (3) At the dining table. Jack enthusiastically put cilantro in my bowl. “I remember, sweetie. You love cilantro and hate celery, so I made a big plate of cilantro. Eat up!” He got it wrong. Jack had mixed it up. The cilantro in my bowl made me want to throw up. I put down my chopsticks and looked him straight in the eye. “Jack, you got it wrong. I hate cilantro and love celery.” Jack’s smile froze. He peeled some shrimp and put it in my bowl. “I read online that shrimp peeled by your lover is a unique sign of love. Come on, don’t be mad.” “Jack, I’m allergic to seafood.” The air stood still for two seconds. Jack’s eyes flickered with emotion. “Lily, there’s a limit to how much you can sulk, you know?” “It’s just a stupid scarf. It’s not worth much anyway.” It wasn’t just a stupid scarf. It was wool I had gathered from a 1,200-mile journey to the prairie, processed and knitted over an entire year. “Jack, you know the story behind that scarf,” I said, holding back the pain. He had seen everything I did. When he first got the scarf, he almost kissed it: “Honey, I’ll cherish this gift from you forever. I’ll never throw it away!” But he was the first to discard it. “So what?” Jack said disdainfully. He put on his coat and walked to the door. “In a few years, it would’ve just been an old rag anyway.” He left without a second thought. I opened our couple’s location-sharing app. He was driving towards the Rose Hotel from last night. So that’s why he left in such a hurry. His little mistress was waiting for him. I laughed bitterly, my heart growing cold. Then, Jack sent another message. In the video, Jack was passionately kissing Emma’s neck, carrying her to the bed. He quickly deleted the video and sent a picture instead: [I remember you studied art. Can you draw a portrait using “Emma Rose” as the name?] The woman in the picture was young and pretty, with round cheeks that exuded innocence and childlike charm. I remembered Jack saying he liked this type of woman, and that I wasn’t his type. [If I see the finished product before I get off work, I might consider making dinner tonight.] In ten years of marriage, I always cooked. Now, making one meal became a condition for drawing a portrait of his mistress. I found it laughable. A moment later, Jack sent another message: [Did you see the video I accidentally sent earlier?] Yes, I saw it clear as day! I opened my local storage and, like a masochist, watched the entire three-hour video. In the end, I couldn’t help but rush to the bathroom to throw up the bitter water in my stomach. It was disgusting! My tears fell one by one. Jack’s voice from the video kept echoing in my ears: “I’ve been disgusted by that old hag for ages! Having to pretend I like her, I feel like puking every time I see her!” “Making her cook every day, she doesn’t even know how to take care of herself. Now she doesn’t have half your beauty!” “And she’s all dried up now, bone-dry every day. How can that compare to how wet and juicy you are, always keeping me satisfied?” After throwing up, I wiped away my tears. I went to the studio. Every painting there was of him; I rarely painted subjects I liked anymore. I’ll pick up the brush for him one last time, then leave him. (4) I’m good at oil painting, but not very skilled at name sketches. After drawing for half a day, I finally finished the draft. Jack came home from work. “Does this look like her?” Jack seemed unsatisfied with my drawing and casually tore it from the easel. It was the one I was most satisfied with, among the pile of discarded drafts on the floor. “Lily, you can draw me so well. Why can’t you do the same for Emma?” Jack frowned. “No dinner until you draw it properly.” I gripped the pencil tightly, tears welling up in my eyes. “Is she that important to you?” Jack sighed and came to my side, squeezing my shoulders. “Honey, what are you thinking? She’s my client, of course I have to treat her well.” “Honey, I know you’ve been upset lately. Didn’t I promise you could taste my cooking once you finished the drawing?” “I’m sorry I mixed up your tastes this morning. Look, I bought a bunch of celery on my way home, just to cook for you.” “Is that so…” I mumbled, my eyes dimming. “Jack, do you know I’m good at oil painting, not name sketches?” “Isn’t it all the same? You have an art background, you can draw anything,” Jack gripped my hands tightly, asking with expectation, “Honey, I know you can do it, right?” I pulled my hands away without answering. He whispered a warning in my ear: “Lily, I’ve been patient with you for a long time. Why do you always make me angry?” I stayed up for three nights, revising and redrawing until Jack was finally satisfied. That night, Jack made a table full of dishes, filling my bowl with celery. “Honey, you’ve finally become the obedient Lily again. I don’t know what was wrong with you these past few days, always disobeying. Now that I’ve starved you for three days, you’re back to your old self.” Recently, Jack had been coming home late with a neck full of hickeys, rejecting one drawing after another. He hadn’t given me a single bite to eat, locking me in the studio. I survived only by drinking tap water from the studio sink. I ate without tasting anything and silently returned to my room, opening my phone. A message from Charlie popped up. He was the assistant to the investor of the largest exhibition hall in South City. [Ms. Summer, our investor really admires your work and hopes you can bring your paintings to the exhibition.] The message was from three days ago. South City was my hometown, over a thousand kilometers away. My heart stirred, and I replied with a simple “okay.” As I put down my phone, Jack hugged me from behind. “Honey, why are you ignoring me? I’ve been begging you so humbly, even setting aside my male pride.” The only time Jack had ever begged me was with threatening words. I don’t know how many fights we’ve had. Every time, he dealt with it by giving me the silent treatment. I had begged him countless times. The worst time, he made me kneel. I knelt for a day, my kneecaps swollen, before he finally opened the door, acting like a different person as he helped me up. I pried Jack’s fingers off me one by one and turned my back to him to sleep. “Lily, you’re going too far,” Jack said, his face dark. “Anyone can play the silent treatment game. You’ll end up kneeling and begging me again.” He took the blanket and went to sleep in the study. His bag was left on the bedside table. I rummaged through it and found a lace lingerie that wasn’t mine and a phone. I tried to enter the password. It opened; Jack hadn’t changed it. The phone’s wallpaper had long been changed to a photo of him and Emma. He was so sure I wouldn’t check his phone. Unfortunately, he had betrayed my trust. I opened WeChat and scrolled through the chat history. [Babe, which hotel tonight?] [Your place, handsome~] [No way, that old hag is still at home. I’m sick of her. The bed she sleeps in is disgusting.] [Then I’ll punish you to do the positions from the video.] One intimate chat after another, one suggestive video after another. I couldn’t even imagine how many positions they had tried in bed. I opened the notes app, where Jack had written his diary: [The old hag isn’t behaving at all. Making such a fuss about drawing a portrait for my baby. I’ll show her by starving her for three days!] [I think making her kneel was too light a punishment. She needs something harsher!] [She’s learned to give me the silent treatment, huh? She can’t live without me anyway. I’ll make her crawl back and apologize!] I clenched my fists, picked up the lace lingerie, went to the study, and knocked on the door. “Let’s get a divorce, Jack.” Instantly, the door swung open. (5) In the living room. I placed the phone and lace lingerie on the coffee table. “After ten years of marriage, you suspect me of cheating?” “It’s just a tactic to entertain clients.” Jack scoffed, his neck covered in hickeys, as he picked up the lace lingerie and rubbed it between his fingers. “It’s just some women’s clothing and some chat messages. Don’t you trust me at all?” “Honey, I’m just trying to earn some extra money for our family. Can’t you be more understanding?” Understanding? The dirty tactics listed in his notes stabbed deep into my heart. The endless stream of chat messages made me sick to my stomach! “Jack, I can’t be understanding. I can’t accept seeing my beloved sending one suggestive video after another to his female clients. I can’t bear to see my beloved trying positions with his female client that I’ve never even seen. Most of all, I can’t accept that my sincere love isn’t reciprocated!” I stared into his eyes and said, word by word: “Jack, you starved me for three days, made me kneel, then acted nice to me again. I’ve had enough of this life. Let’s end it!”

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In the seventh year of loving Aiden Blackwood, I suddenly let go of my obsession. During our last breakup, he said, “Don’t be so blindly devoted to one person. It’s kind of scary.” “While you’re still young, try dating more people.” I smiled and replied, “Alright, I’ll give it a try.” After the breakup, Aiden’s life went on as usual. The first month, he never mentioned me. The second month, he started to feel uneasy. The third month, when he stood dejectedly outside my house late at night, I had just calmed Ethan down in bed. The man, no longer angry, deliberately carried me to the floor-to-ceiling window. Kissing me with barely concealed jealousy, he asked, “Look how pitiful he is. Do you want to go down and see him?” 0 When Aiden looked at that young, fresh-faced girl for the third time, I gazed at those eyes that had once captivated my entire adolescence. Suddenly, I let go of my obsession. He looked at every girl with deep affection. And I was just the most insignificant one. “Hazel,” Aiden leaned forward to extinguish his cigarette and looked at me. “Actually, when I agreed to be with you that day…” “It was just a moment of weakness.” “But I tried, and found that it still doesn’t work.” He raised his hand and cupped my face. His fingertips gently brushed my slightly reddened eyes, his actions gentle, his voice even gentler. “I can’t like you the way I like a woman.” “That time I kissed you when I was drunk was just an accident.” I pushed his hand away. “Aiden, if you want to say something, just say it directly.” He leaned back on the sofa, his expression casual and indifferent. “Let’s just go back to being good friends.” “That’s the most comfortable, don’t you think?” I looked at him and smiled slightly, “After today, okay?” Today was a bit special. But Aiden had probably long forgotten. He frowned and reluctantly agreed, “Fine.” 0

When I returned from the restroom, Aiden was exchanging SnapChat contacts with that pretty girl. He still remembered he had a girlfriend. Even though his eyes were burning with desire when looking at the girl, He still restrained himself from going further. But for the rest of the time, he was distracted every minute and every second. The SnapChat notification sound went off every few seconds. And he would reply immediately. I remembered the pitiful few chat records between us over the years. Large patches of green interspersed with small blocks of white. The longest time, it took him a month to remember to reply to me. It turns out the difference between liking and not liking is so obvious. Just past midnight, Aiden got up eagerly, “It’s late, let’s call it a night.” I also stood up, “Wait a moment.” Our friends were curious and stopped in their tracks. I walked in front of Aiden and looked at him calmly. “Aiden.” “I won’t wait for you anymore.” He looked as if he had heard something very funny. He shrugged and laughed, “I don’t think I ever asked you to wait.” Then he turned to everyone else, “Right, guys?” 0

Indeed, he had never asked me to wait. It was me who always followed behind him. When he was in a relationship, I would stay away. When he broke up and needed me, I was always there. Even his friends couldn’t stand it anymore. “Haze, even a backup plan isn’t as pathetic as you. Is it worth it?” “He’s just using you for entertainment, to fill the void between relationships.” But I acted as if I had never been hurt. Never thought about giving up. So now when I seriously said I wouldn’t wait for him anymore, Not a single person believed me. Aiden ruffled my hair. “Haze,” he called me like he used to when we were just friends. “It’s about time.” “Being so blindly devoted to one person is scary, you know?” Aiden smiled, his deep eyes filled with the charm of spring blossoms. At that moment, I suddenly understood. The opposite of gentleness is actually the most heartless promiscuity. “While you’re still young, go date more people.” “You’re not ugly, why hang onto one tree?” I thought for a moment, then smiled and nodded, “Alright, I’ll give it a try.” He probably didn’t expect me to agree so readily. He was stunned for a moment, then smiled, “Good luck, try a few.” 0

Aiden quickly got a new girlfriend. They hit it off and things progressed rapidly. On the third day, the girl had already moved into his house to live with him. Our mutual friends felt it was unfair to me. “Aiden is really cruel, how is this any different from a seamless transition?” “Haze, if you’re sad, just cry it out. Don’t keep it bottled up inside.” “I don’t think they’ll last long. In a few days when they break up, he’ll realize you’re the best.” “But this time, don’t make up with him so quickly. Give him the cold shoulder for a while.” I sighed and looked at the people in front of me, “We won’t be getting back together.” “Don’t joke, Haze. You can’t do it.” “Yeah, you don’t have to pretend to be strong in front of us.” My friends looked at me with pity and sympathy. I smiled and didn’t argue further. On Aiden’s day off, I went to his house. His new girlfriend opened the door. The girl looked at me curiously, “Who are you looking for?” “Is Aiden here? I came to get something.” “What do you want to get?” “A little storage jar with a bunny on it.” “I’ll help you look for it.” “It’s long gone.” Aiden’s voice suddenly came from behind. He had come downstairs at some point, probably just woken up, wearing a robe, his face still showing signs of sleepiness. The girl ran over to him with a coquettish laugh. He casually put his arm around her and kissed her cheek. Then he glanced at me with a half-smile, “What, you want to take back something you’ve given away?” “Where did you throw it? I’ll go look.” “Who remembers?” Aiden lit a cigarette, “Maybe it fell and broke.” “If not, I can buy you a new one to make up for it?” I glanced at them. The girl, as if marking her territory, was hanging all over him. Aiden seemed to be enjoying it. “Forget it.” “It’s not worth much anyway. I don’t want it anymore.” I turned to leave. “Haze.” But Aiden suddenly spoke up. I paused for a moment. But I didn’t stop, nor did I look back. 0

The first month after the breakup, I started trying to accept new relationships. Friends introduced me to two guys, but after brief interactions, nothing came of it. This left me feeling a bit defeated and slightly depressed. The second month after the breakup, my best friend invited me out to cheer up. After hanging out with some high school classmates and friends, She took me to a nightclub. The little dress I was wearing was something my best friend had forced me to change into. Drunk and dizzy, I was dragged onto the dance floor. She took a short video and posted it on Instagram. “Our little Haze has grown into a beautiful, sexy woman! PS: This beauty is single and ready to mingle! Guys, come and get her!” After posting, she tossed her phone aside and came to dance with me. Completely unaware that her Instagram was blowing up. Until the excited crowd suddenly began to stir. The girl classmate next to me pinched my arm and silently screamed: “Haze, Haze, who’s that guy?” “Ah! How lucky am I to see such a perfect specimen!” I looked over with my drunk, blurry eyes. In the dazzling lights, a tall, imposing man in a black business suit was striding towards us with long legs. Although I couldn’t see his face clearly, just his physique was enough to make one want to scream. “It’s Ethan Sterling! Am I seeing things? The genius campus heartthrob from high school, Ethan Sterling?” I couldn’t help but snicker, “Ethan Sterling? How could a good student like him come to a place like a nightclub!” “You must be seeing things.” I pushed away my classmate’s hand and turned to hug my best friend and continue dancing. But my arm was firmly gripped by someone: “Hazel.” The alcohol made my reactions a bit slow. My gaze fixed blankly on that incredibly beautiful hand. The fingers were so long, the knuckles distinct, with faint blue veins visible on the back of the hand. Indescribably sexy. An expensive steel watch adorned his slender wrist. My gaze slowly moved upward, finally settling on that handsome, noble face. I froze. “Ethan Sterling, is it really you?” “Come with me.” His expression was extremely serious, so serious that one didn’t dare to resist at all. I was pulled out of the dance floor, looking back at my best friend for help. But she was cowering behind others, not daring to take a step forward. Ethan pulled me to an empty corridor. I had just steadied myself when he pinned me against the wall. “Hazel.” He cupped my face and, catching me completely off guard, kissed me decisively. “If you’re willing to consider strangers you’ve just met, then can you… try being with me?” 0

Maybe it was the alcohol making me confused. Maybe it was this deep kiss leaving me breathless. My mind was in chaos, jumbled and then blank. Finally, as the long kiss ended, I leaned weakly against Ethan’s chest. “But…” “But what?” “Weren’t you and Aiden good friends before?” Ethan looked down at me, Raising his hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. “So what? Is it illegal?” “Of course not…” “So, are you willing?” “You’ve already kissed me, and now you’re asking if I’m willing?” I widened my eyes, with quite a fierce demeanor. Ethan suddenly smiled. “Hazel.” His fingertips brushed my cheek, then settled on the corner of my lips. “We know each other well, that’s better than strangers, right?” My brain was burning hot, and I actually thought Ethan made a lot of sense. Rather than facing a completely strange man, it was better to choose him. Not only did we know each other well, but he was also good-looking. It seemed like a win-win situation. “Then… shall we give it a try?” The smile in Ethan’s eyes deepened. He lowered his head and kissed me again: “I’ll do my best to ensure your satisfaction.” 0

Somehow, the news of my two failed blind dates reached Aiden’s ears. Someone mentioned it when they were drinking: “Last time I went out for dinner, I saw Haze with her boyfriend.” “What boyfriend? They just had two meals together, it’s already over.” “That’s right, Haze’s heart and mind are all filled with Aiden, how could she really date someone else?” Aiden casually took a sip of his drink, his voice indifferent: “She’s just stubborn, you guys aren’t meeting her for the first time.” “But come to think of it, Aiden, Haze hasn’t contacted you for a month or two, that’s a bit unusual.” “Isn’t she always like this? When I’m dating someone else, she becomes as quiet as if she’s dead.” Aiden put down his glass, but inexplicably felt a bit irritated. He had been single for seven or eight days, but there was still no news from Hazel. Last night at 3 AM, he posted on Instagram saying he was in a bad mood and wanted to drink. Hazel didn’t comment or contact him. “It’s no fun with just us guys drinking, why don’t we call Haze over?” “Why call her? She can’t even drink.” Aiden said, but then changed his tone. “It’s fine to call her. I also want to ask her what kind of taste she has, dating such losers.” His friend laughed and dialed the number. But after two calls, both were hung up. “At this hour, could she be on a date with a man?” Aiden’s expression remained unchanged, but the smile at the corner of his lips faded. He picked up his phone with a cold face and directly dialed a string of numbers. It was only when the call connected that he suddenly realized. At some point, he had memorized Hazel’s phone number by heart. The phone rang for a long time with no answer. Just as he was about to hang up in frustration, the other end suddenly picked up. “Hello, who is this?” A soft female voice answered, but it was hoarse and slightly breathless. It was hard not to think too much. Aiden’s face suddenly changed: “Hazel, what are you doing?”

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I had devoted myself wholeheartedly to my in-laws for five years, earning their wholehearted support to marry their only son. Alexander was a spoiled playboy, so I stepped up as the CEO of Hughes Corporation in his place. Under my leadership, the company flourished. At a celebration for a major project, Alexander showed up with his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Scarlett. “Marrying a commoner like you was just settling. Now that Scarlett and I have rekindled our relationship, the mother of my child deserves to run Hughes Corp. You’re fired, so get lost.” I glanced at my in-laws, who seemed hesitant to speak. With a sigh, I said, “You don’t have the authority to fire me. I’ll give you one last chance – have her terminate the pregnancy and cut ties with her. Then we can still be a family.” Everyone laughed, thinking I was delusional for trying to cling to my position. I just smiled calmly. “You’re right, I do have the qualifications to keep this job.” After I spoke, the ballroom full of socialites fell silent for a moment. Then the guests erupted in chatter. “Mrs. Hughes must have lost her mind. Without the Hughes family, she’d be nothing. What nonsense is she spouting?” “We shouldn’t even call her Mrs. Hughes anymore. She’s just a cast-off wife now, back to being a nobody.” “Olivia, why don’t you just accept it gracefully? The child was never going to have your surname anyway. Since you’re not the birth mother, what does it matter? Just be happy to play stepmom.” Amidst the mockery, Alexander frowned at me with his usual air of superiority. “Olivia, don’t try to act tough. You don’t have that privilege anymore! Without me, you’re nothing.” Looking at his handsome, aristocratic face, I recalled our years of passion and intimacy. My heart ached despite everything. “Three years of marriage, and you toss me aside so easily. You even want to force me out of the company. Have you thought about how to explain this to your parents?” Alexander’s expression turned cold, disgust flashing in his eyes. “If you hadn’t shamelessly sucked up to my parents back then, do you think you could have married me? But we’re from different worlds. I can’t stand being with you anymore. What right do you have to be CEO of Hughes Corp? My parents will take my side, of course.” “Is that so?” I folded my arms, my tone neutral. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” Seeing my confidence, the guests were taken aback. “Does Mrs. Hughes have some kind of trump card up her sleeve?” “Come to think of it, Hughes Corp was just a regular company before. In the three years since she took over, its value has multiplied several times over.” “That’s right, not to mention this billion-dollar project. Even if the company did nothing else, they could coast on this success for years.” As praise for me started to spread, Scarlett couldn’t stay calm any longer. She snorted derisively. “No matter how capable you are, you’re still just an employee. Once you’re fired, you’re worth less than dirt. Know your place – you’re not like us who were born lucky!” I ignored Scarlett’s acidic remarks and asked Alexander seriously, “Is that how you see it too?” Perhaps recalling my intense work ethic, Alexander’s gaze held a hint of pity. “Firing you is my decision, and it’s final. Look, I’ll give you $100,000 for a clean break.” I found it absurd. “You think $100,000 covers three years of my life? Just this billion-dollar project alone is worth 100 times that.” Alexander scoffed dismissively. “You think that’s unfair? But what right do you have to talk about fairness? Olivia, you should remember you never signed a contract. So even if I kick you out without a cent, that’s my prerogative. If you’re smart, you’ll take the money and leave quietly.” At these words, everyone turned to look at me. Their gazes – sympathetic, surprised, gloating – nearly overwhelmed me. I could only shake my head ruefully. Back then, I thought I was working for my own family’s company, so I hadn’t insisted on a contract. I never imagined Alexander would want Scarlett to replace me. Scarlett was his first love. Years ago, when Hughes Corp was struggling, she had ruthlessly abandoned him. She’d been silent all these years, but now that I’d put the company on the right track, she came running back. It was clear she was here to reap the benefits. I despised how Alexander could be so blind, treating me so cruelly for a woman who once abandoned him! Anger welled up inside me, and I spoke in a cold, stern voice. “Alexander, you don’t have the authority to fire me! “I’m giving you one chance. If you have her terminate the pregnancy and devote yourself to me from now on, we can still be a family. But this is your only chance!” Alexander stared at me in disbelief, then pointed at me furiously. “Who do you think you are to order me around? Scarlett is carrying the Hughes heir. From now on, I’ll devote myself to loving her. As for you, even if you beg on your knees, you’re still fired! Get out!” People shook their heads, laughing at my audacity. But I didn’t care, because they were all wrong. I never make empty threats. I had enough leverage to give Alexander this ultimatum. If I hadn’t promised his parents I would love and tolerate him, he would have lost his chance the moment he cheated. I looked at him steadily. “So you’re saying you want to fire me and divorce me for this homewrecker?” “Olivia, you bitch, watch your filthy mouth!” Scarlett immediately flew into a rage, cursing at me. “The unwanted one is the real homewrecker. Are you brain-dead? Don’t you understand even this basic logic?” Alexander unhesitatingly put his arm around her. “That’s right, Olivia. I don’t want you anymore. Without your connection to me, you have no right to be CEO of Hughes Corp. Scarlett, our child, and I are a family now.” “What a pity.” I sighed softly. “Alexander, you’ve missed your last chance.” Alexander’s expression gradually turned cold, looking at me with utter disgust. “Stop putting on airs. You think you’re still the almighty CEO of Hughes Corp? Without me, you have nothing. Who cares about your so-called chance!”

Scarlett went further, jabbing her finger at my forehead imperiously. “Are you a dog, just barking nonsense? While your brain still works, hurry up and hand over the project. I’ll be in charge of Hughes Corp from now on!” I swatted her hand away without hesitation. “You think just any stray cat or dog can handle this project?” “Olivia, have you completely lost your mind?” Alexander shoved me roughly, then held Scarlett’s hand tenderly. “Does it hurt, darling?” Scarlett gritted her teeth. “Alex, since she refuses to back down gracefully, don’t be polite anymore.” Alexander nodded gravely, looking at me with contempt. “It doesn’t matter if you cooperate with the handover or not. If someone like you could handle this project, of course a brilliant overseas graduate like Scarlett can too. Besides, my father will help Scarlett.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “What makes you so confident your father will accept her?” Alexander looked at me like I was an idiot, his hand resting lightly on Scarlett’s belly. “Scarlett is the mother of my child, the mother of the future Hughes heir. Just based on that alone, you’ve already lost completely.” Seeing his arrogant, self-righteous attitude, I couldn’t help but warn him kindly: “Being with her doesn’t guarantee your child will have the right to the Hughes name.” “You’re right!” Scarlett laughed triumphantly. “Alex loves me so much, he’s already agreed our first child will take my surname, Evans. See the difference? This is what happens when you’re loved versus unwanted. You’ve sucked up for years, but you still can’t compare to a single hair on my head!” The guests couldn’t help but laugh too. “Olivia thought everyone was like her, desperately trying to marry into money, with children who could only take the man’s name?” “The Hughes and Evans families are equally matched. The child’s surname is open for discussion.” “Mr. Hughes only has this one son. Of course he’ll let him do as he pleases.” Alexander looked at me with disdain, announcing rudely: “Olivia, no matter how much you cling on, it’s useless. You’re fired. From now on, Scarlett will be CEO of Hughes Corp.” I laughed coldly, completely unfazed. “I told you, you don’t have the authority to fire me.” Hearing this, everyone reacted as if they’d heard a joke, pointing and whispering about me. Scarlett didn’t bother hiding her mockery and contempt. “You stupid bitch, stop putting on a brave face. You’ve offended Hughes Corp. Not only are you fired, but no one in this industry will dare hire you again. Your good days are over!” People were shaking their heads, saying I was foolish. I could have gotten compensation before, but now I’d lost everything and ruined my future prospects too. But I didn’t care. Instead, I stood tall with complete confidence. I looked around at each guest in turn. “Do you really think someone with my abilities deserves to be fired?” Everyone attending this celebration had deep business ties with Hughes Corp. Alexander had always been a spoiled playboy, only interested in enjoying life, with zero interest in management. Previously, Mr. Hughes ran the company, then handed it over to me. The guests didn’t know Alexander well, but they’d all dealt with me personally. Some had companies on the brink of bankruptcy, but I saw potential in their projects. Through collaboration, I’d given them a lifeline. Afterwards, they’d gratefully said I was like a parent giving them a second chance at life. Some had initially been prejudiced against me as a trophy wife who married into money. But after working together repeatedly, they came to respect me wholeheartedly and became close friends. As for those who actively tried to curry favor with me and maintain good relationships, they were too numerous to count. But now, they were all either avoiding my gaze or openly showing contempt in their eyes. “Olivia, it’s no use looking at me. If you’d agreed to part ways amicably with Hughes Corp earlier, I might have considered taking you in, thrown you a bone.” “Your abilities are decent, but you’ve burned your bridges. There’s plenty of talent out there, we don’t need to offend Hughes Corp for your sake. Who do you think you are?” “You’ll never work in this industry again. Next time, remember to keep your head down. If not, go find another man to suck up to. After all, that’s your real expertise!” By the end, waves of unrestrained laughter echoed through the ballroom. The very people who once put me on a pedestal were now kicking me while I was down. This scene reminded me of what Mr. Hughes said when I first took over the company. He said when things are going well, everyone around you seems nice. But once you fall into hardship, it’s a different story. Looking at these fickle, hypocritical faces, I truly understood what he meant. Too bad for them, I wasn’t going to play along. I stopped giving them any attention and spoke firmly: “I’ll say it again – no one here has the authority to fire me!” “You gold-digging parasite, how shameless can you be?” Scarlett gnashed her teeth, shouting at me uncontrollably. “Alex has abandoned you. You don’t belong in high society anymore!” But I treated her outburst like a dog’s barking. Instead, I calmly took a glass of champagne, swirled it gently, and began to sip. Perhaps because I looked so composed, the crowd’s expressions turned uncertain. They started to wonder if I really did have an ace up my sleeve. In the huge venue, not a single person dared to force me out. But Alexander didn’t believe for a second that I could turn the tables. He glared at me impatiently, repeatedly glancing towards the entrance. Suddenly his eyes lit up. “Mom, Dad, you’re finally here!” “Olivia, you said no one here could fire you. But surely my father has that authority, right?” Alexander smugly took his father’s arm as he spoke arrogantly. He wasn’t wrong. Although I was CEO of Hughes Corp, I still worked for Mr. Hughes as the Chairman. He did have the power to decide whether I stayed or left. “Dad, I know Olivia is good at sucking up and you like her. But I’m miserable with her. I only love Scarlett, and she’s already pregnant with my child. Please give us your blessing!” “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes.” Scarlett put away her arrogant expression, smiling demurely. Mr. Hughes had never liked Scarlett, especially since she’d dumped Alexander before. But now, looking at her pregnant belly, Mr. Hughes held his tongue and said nothing. Mrs. Hughes seemed to want to speak but hesitated, asking Scarlett: “Are you… really carrying Alexander’s child? Are you feeling alright?” “I was fine until Olivia upset me so much my stomach started hurting.” Seeing Mrs. Hughes’s concern, Scarlett immediately took advantage, complaining coquettishly. Hearing this, Mr. Hughes looked at me gravely, his eyes full of complex emotions. The guests had wavered a bit due to my confident attitude earlier. But seeing Mr. and Mrs. Hughes’s care for Alexander and Scarlett, they no longer doubted. They were convinced I had just been bluffing. Countless scornful gazes stabbed at me like knives. Alexander’s lips curled in a smug smile, certain of his victory. “Mom, Dad, I want to divorce Olivia. I know you like having someone fuss over you and massage your feet, but you can just hire some attentive housekeepers for that. Normal women don’t do such undignified things. Once you get to know Scarlett better, I’m sure you’ll love her.” The disgust in Alexander’s eyes was undisguised. Hearing that I’d even massaged feet, the crowd stepped back, acting like they couldn’t get away fast enough, as if I were something filthy. Seeing I had no chance of a comeback, Scarlett laughed gleefully. “So what’s the use of sucking up? Without status or leverage to back it up, you end up with nothing in the end!” Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were about to speak, but I waved them off. Alexander looked at this in surprise, then immediately berated me angrily. “You used to not dare breathe if Mom and Dad told you not to, but now you dare stop them from speaking! Since you’ve given up hope with me, are you trying to burn all your bridges? You really are rotten to the core! “Mom, Dad, how can you bear to see me with such a vicious person? I want a divorce. Please agree.” Scarlett immediately chimed in: “Father, Mother, you wouldn’t want your first grandchild to be born out of wedlock, would you? As soon as Alex divorces, I’ll marry him right away.” Mr. and Mrs. Hughes looked steadily at me, then at Alexander and Scarlett’s tightly clasped hands. They let out a long sigh. “What a pity. It seems you’re not meant to be family after all. We can’t force it.” “Alexander, do as you wish.” Alexander was overjoyed and immediately had someone bring the divorce papers. “Olivia, you could have gotten compensation, but you were too greedy. Once you sign this, we’ll have no connection, and you’ll no longer be CEO of Hughes Corp. You brought this on yourself!” Around me, the guests’ mocking laughter filled the air as Alexander impatiently urged me to hurry up. At this point, I decisively signed the divorce agreement. “Now that we have no more ties, it’s time to let you know where my confidence comes from.” I tossed down the pen and spoke to Alexander word by word. Alexander ignored what I said. He picked up the divorce agreement and carefully checked my signature. 2 After confirming I hadn’t played any tricks, he sighed in relief and smiled happily. “Scarlett, I’m finally free. I can marry you now.” Scarlett couldn’t hide her excitement either. “Alex, I’ve been waiting for this day for so long! But before that, we should deal with this pest first. She’s still trying to act tough.” Saying this, Scarlett snuggled up to Alexander, looking at me with amusement. “Go ahead and say whatever you want. I can’t wait to see how you’ll eat your words!” Alexander also snorted coldly. “Olivia, you have 30 seconds. If you’re still putting on an act, we’ll have to ask you to leave. After all, today’s celebration is for the CEO of Hughes Corp – that’s Scarlett now. This has nothing to do with you anymore.” Everyone looked at me like I was a clown, certain I was just bluffing. But I didn’t speak. Instead, I turned to look at Mr. and Mrs. Hughes. Oh, I can’t call them that anymore. “Mom, Dad, why don’t you explain instead?” Alexander glared at me angrily. “Shut up! I’ve already divorced you. How dare someone like you still call them Mom and Dad?” Scarlett softly comforted him while calling for security. “There’s no need to listen to this madwoman’s ravings. Just throw her out.” “Wait!”

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Emma, my wife of ten years, suddenly posted on Instagram during her business trip abroad. In the photo, she was sporting a visible baby bump, coyly nestling in the arms of a blonde man. Beside them stood two identical boys. The caption read: “For you, I’d give up the whole world.” Shocked, I called Emma. As soon as she picked up, her impatient voice came through, “Don’t call me unless it’s urgent. How many times do I have to tell you I’m busy? Can’t you understand that?” She hung up a second later. I stared at the photo of the two children, my hand unconsciously moving to my abdomen, where a deep scar remained. So this was why she insisted on us being child-free and wouldn’t let me treat my injury. Looking at the woman I had loved for over twenty years, I broke down in tears. After ninety-nine unanswered calls, Ms. Wilson, my assistant, came to see me. I promptly asked her to call Emma, telling her I was hospitalized. Ms. Wilson looked at me quizzically, but a second later, the call connected. “Hello, Wilson. What’s up?” Emma’s cheerful voice came through the phone. I could imagine her smiling, lazily draping her legs over that Frenchman. “Mrs. Hamilton, Mr. James has been hospitalized. When do you think you can return? The company needs you,” Ms. Wilson said. Emma paused, her tone changing, “He’s sick again? What can he do right? He’s utterly useless.” “I know. Arlo and Cyril are turning ten. I’ll be back in two days after spending some time with them.” After hanging up, Ms. Wilson looked at me awkwardly, stammering, “Mr. James, about this…” I waved her off, “You can go back to the office now.” Three days later, Emma returned. I sat haggard on the sofa, the coffee table littered with empty bottles. She bounced over excitedly, hugging my neck and planting a kiss, “Darling, Wilson said you were sick. Are you better now? Did you miss me?” “I’m not leaving for a while this time. You can take a few days off from work to rest and recover.” She took out a watch, “Look, I bought this gift especially for you. I had our names engraved on it. The moving hands represent my never-ending love for you.” If it weren’t for the pungent cologne on her, I might have believed her. After all, she constantly professed her love and affection for me. So much so that she was tightly embracing that French man right before boarding the plane, leaving her drenched in his cologne. I gazed at Emma desolately, my eyes finally resting on her slightly protruding belly. With a hoarse voice, I asked, “Are you pregnant?” Emma froze, blurting out, “No!” I smiled bitterly, “I saw your Instagram post. Does the ‘whole world’ you’re willing to give up include me?” Emma paused, immediately took out her phone, and opened Instagram. Her expression changed several times. After a moment, she slowly took off her clothes, undoing the belly band, “James, since Hamilton has already posted about me on Instagram, I won’t hide it from you anymore.” “They are my husband and children abroad. They are also my family.” I looked at her in astonishment. Her face was calm and natural, without a trace of shame or remorse. I sat up straight, glaring at Emma, “Do you know what you’re saying? Husband and children? What am I then?” Emma took my hand, carefully putting the watch on my wrist. She spoke casually, “They are my family abroad, it has nothing to do with you. Hamilton’s home is in France, he won’t come to China. It doesn’t affect your position at all.” “He runs his trading company, you do your tech research and production. You two don’t conflict.” “Besides, I’m doing this for our family. Look at you, your health isn’t good, you can’t have children. The Hamilton Group is such a big company, it needs an heir, right? Hamilton is tall, handsome, and a graduate from a prestigious university. There’s nothing wrong with me giving the Hamilton family an excellent heir.” I stared at Emma in shock. If she wasn’t standing right in front of me, I would have thought someone had replaced her personality. In the twenty years I’ve known her, I never knew her values were so warped. Had she been poisoned by some ‘advanced culture’? My chest heaved violently. The scar on my abdomen, where I had taken a bullet for her, still ached on rainy days. And now she was so casually dismissing me. On our wedding night, her vow to remain child-free to spare me from surgery still echoed in my ears. How could she now speak so righteously about an heir?

Just as I was about to question her, the phone suddenly rang. Emma glanced at it and immediately stood up, “I’m tired from the flight. I’ll sleep in the other room tonight. You should rest early too.” She patted my shoulder, “Honey, I know it’s hard for you to accept right now, but we’ve known each other for twenty years, been married for ten. We’ve been through so much together. I do love you, please try to understand me.” I desperately grabbed Emma’s hand, “Let’s have our own child. We can terminate this pregnancy, okay?” Emma froze for a moment, then angrily shook off my hand, “James, I never knew you could be so cruel. He’s already six months along, moving in my belly. How can you bear to terminate him? He’s a living being too.” Emma finished speaking, and the phone rang again. Emma glared at me as she answered the call. A childish voice came through, “Mommy, Arlo took Cyril’s ice cream again. Daddy said to call you.” Emma’s face visibly brightened, her voice softening, “Cyril, be good. When Mommy comes, I’ll buy you more ice cream, okay?” A man’s deep voice sounded nearby, “Darling, it’s fine. They just miss you so much, and so do I. What should we do? We’ve only been apart for a day.” The man’s voice was light-hearted yet helpless. Emma glanced at me and walked towards the bedroom. Although she lowered her voice, I could still hear her, “Alright, alright, big baby. Didn’t I say I’d come to be with you all in a week at most?” “Ham, don’t post on my Instagram next time… Okay, okay, I’m not blaming you. Just remember to block certain people next time. Mmhmm, love you too.” I collapsed onto the sofa, my heart feeling as if it was being pricked by countless fine needles. It wasn’t intensely painful, but it spread an unbearable, suffocating feeling throughout my body. Emma and I had grown up as childhood sweethearts, recognized by everyone as the perfect couple. When I was twenty-two, just back from abroad, Emma’s parents suddenly died in a car accident. The company was left leaderless, and Emma’s uncles and cousins began eyeing the Hamilton Group greedily. Within a month, the company faced a cash flow crisis, and half the clients had left. At that time, Emma hugged me fearfully, “James, what should I do? What can I do?” At that critical moment, I got down on one knee and proposed to Emma in front of the entire company. I promised never to take a single share of the Hamilton Group, and that our children would take the Hamilton surname. My father was furious, threatening to disown me. He didn’t even attend our wedding. Within six months of our marriage, I stabilized the company, suppressed several ambitious relatives, and fired her uncle. Little did we know that her uncle, harboring resentment, colluded with her eldest uncle to hire an assassin to kill Emma. When the gun went off, I shielded Emma. The bullet passed through my abdomen, damaging my pancreas and leaving me infertile. That day, Emma held me, crying uncontrollably, swearing she would love only me for the rest of her life, never to leave or betray me. Later, her uncle was sent to prison, and her eldest uncle resigned voluntarily. From then on, we had full control of Hamilton Group. Emma, your vows still echo. How could you do this to me? What does your love mean? Sympathy? Exploitation?

I fell asleep in the living room without realizing it. When I opened my eyes again, it was already bright outside. I suddenly felt dizzy and congested, probably from the cold night air. Emma suddenly opened the door, happily talking on the phone, “Yes, yes, follow the location I sent. Four people for cleaning, as soon as possible. Yes, I have relatives arriving this morning. I can pay extra.” I looked at Emma confused. Relatives? Most of her relatives were estranged, and my side of the family had cut ties. A bad feeling rose in my heart. I shook my head. It couldn’t be. She said yesterday that the blonde man wouldn’t come to China. She promised me it wouldn’t disturb our life. Seeing Emma bustling about happily, I couldn’t help but ask, “Emma, who’s coming?” Emma seemed to just remember my presence. She smiled awkwardly, came over, and said softly, “James, I’m sorry. Hamilton suddenly decided to bring the kids overnight. He only told me after they were already on the plane. I couldn’t stop them.” “Hamilton is impulsive and emotional. Please don’t be angry.” She hugged me briefly, patting my back, “Don’t worry, they’ll only stay for two days at most. I’ll send them back right away, okay?” “Don’t be upset. Look, I still need to prepare the room and get things ready for the kids. There’s so much to do…” “Oh, right, Hamilton mentioned wanting to try some Chinese specialty liquors. Could you go to the supermarket and buy a few kinds? He also wants to try some local specialties. Please buy those too. I’m too busy to go myself. For pajamas and toiletries, just choose the best ones.” As Emma spoke, she started directing the cleaners to tidy our bedroom, changing the sheets and carpet. Watching her instruct the cleaners to move my things to the downstairs guest room, I couldn’t hold back my anger anymore and shouted, “Emma, what do you mean? Letting him stay in our bedroom?” Emma didn’t even pause, “You can sleep anywhere. The master bedroom is spacious, and Hamilton is bringing two children. They’ll be more comfortable there.” I asked coldly, “You mean I should sleep downstairs while my wife accompanies her lover and illegitimate children right above me?” Emma froze for a moment, then angrily retorted, “James, how can a grown man be so petty? What do you mean by lover and illegitimate children? I’ve told you, they are my family too. Hamilton flew all the way here overnight. He’s accepted you.” “He’s not even jealous about you being here. Why are you fussing over a room? When did you become so narrow-minded and small?” I was stunned for a moment. So this is how she saw me. Two men, and she couldn’t distinguish between us. So when her lover comes, I should be considerate and buy food and drinks for him, otherwise I’m narrow-minded and small? Anger erupted. I smashed the vase on the coffee table, “Emma, you’re cheating on me and calling me narrow-minded? Then tell me, what’s not narrow-minded?” “A threesome? He takes the first half of the night, I take the second? Or I get odd days, he gets even days, and you flip a coin on Sundays?” Seeing me red-faced and furiously pointing at her, Emma threw down the towel in her hand, equally enraged, “James, you’re despicable. How did you become so filthy and dirty-minded? I work hard for this family, and all you can think about is that kind of thing? Are you even human?” We erupted into our first fierce argument since marriage, arguing as if the sky was falling.

Suddenly, Emma stopped. Following her gaze, I saw a tall, handsome blonde man standing at the door with two identical little boys. This was my first time seeing Hamilton in person. Just as I had seen in the Instagram post, he was handsome and sunny, exuding an aura of overwhelming masculinity. And me… Red-eyed, disheveled hair, a thin frame wrapped in wrinkled clothes after a night of drinking. I was truly outclassed. Hamilton stood at the door, shrugging helplessly with his hands spread, “Emma, I really didn’t know I would cause you trouble. I’m so sorry.” He turned to leave, pulling the two children with him. Emma panicked and ran over, hugging him from behind, “Hamilton, I won’t let you leave!” Hamilton turned around, embracing her in his broad chest, gently kissing her forehead, “Emma, have I put you in a difficult position?” “But the kids really missed you. They insisted on coming to find you. Arlo hurt his head, and I couldn’t console him.” Only then did Emma notice that one of the little boys had a bandage on his head, looking at her pitifully, “Mommy, my brother hit me.” Emma immediately hugged him lovingly, “Baby, I’m sorry. Mommy wasn’t there to take care of you.” Emma picked up the child and enthusiastically welcomed them in. Hamilton saw me, his blue eyes filled with nonchalant amusement, “James, I’m sorry for the intrusion. This is a gift I brought you from France.” He took out a rolled-up painting and slowly opened it. It revealed a lush green meadow with a towering tree casting a dense shade. A thin, weak donkey lay under the green canopy. My pupils dilated suddenly. I didn’t expect a foreigner to be so insidious. This was blatant provocation and mockery. Emma put down the child and said happily, “Hamilton, you’re so thoughtful to bring a gift.” She rewarded him with a kiss on the cheek. “You Chinese value human relationships. Your family is naturally my family,” Hamilton said with a light laugh, wrapping his arm around her waist and quickly kissing Emma. Right in front of me, they showed me what a real French kiss looked like. A full five minutes later, Emma, red-faced, finally stood up straight from Hamilton’s embrace. She impatiently criticized me, “Look at Hamilton. Why can’t you learn from him? He’s so attentive and considerate in everything.” I laughed coldly, raising the painting in my hand and slowly tearing it from the middle, then tearing it again. Emma’s pupils suddenly dilated, her face gradually turning ugly. An unclear meaning also appeared on Hamilton’s face. Emma suddenly rushed over and slapped me across the face, “James, how dare you insult Hamilton like this? What position are you putting me in?” “Hamilton generously brought you a gift, and you tear it up in front of him? Do you have any manners left as a man? You’ve disappointed me so much!” I looked straight at Emma, pointing at Hamilton, “Emma, since everyone’s here today, let’s settle this. Do you want him or me?” “If you want me, send your lover and illegitimate children back to France right now, and never see them again.” Emma coldly looked at me, “What if I choose Hamilton?” I was stunned for a moment. After a long while, I said, “Then let’s get divorced. I’ll let you two be together.” Emma stared at me, her head held high, “James, do you have to make a scene? Do you have to force Hamilton and the children away?” I stared at her coldly, not wanting to explain or accuse anymore. The air was silent. Emma took a deep breath, turned and pulled out a blue marriage certificate from her bag, placing it in front of my eyes, “Hamilton isn’t a third party. He’s my legal husband abroad. If anyone should leave, it’s you.”

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I’m a Blind Girl, But I Never Imagined I Was the Long-lost Billionaire’s Daughter My brothers found me begging on the streets. They brought me home, promising to take good care of me. But on the very first day, the fake daughter attempted suicide. Everyone rushed to her side, taking her to the hospital, leaving me alone at home. After that, the fake daughter kept having accidents, and all evidence pointed to me. Everyone despised me. Until one day, I was kidnapped. The kidnapper called my oldest brother, demanding a ten-million-dollar ransom. He scoffed on the other end of the line: “Lily, what are you up to now? I don’t have time for your games.” At that moment, I felt utterly hopeless. But when I climbed to the rooftop, the kidnapper panicked. “Girl, you’re going to off yourself? Hey, have you considered my feelings?” When I woke up, I found myself tied to a chair. Being blind, I couldn’t see anything, but I could smell the damp, musty air around me. I tried to move my limbs, and the chair creaked. Then, I heard footsteps. “Awake?” It was a deep male voice, sounding young but dangerous. I didn’t dare move or respond. He didn’t bother with small talk. A hand gripped my neck, forcing my head up. I tilted my head back but had no idea where he was, my gaze vacant. After a moment, he asked, “Blind?” I closed my eyes and let out a soft “Mm-hmm.” His grip loosened, and after a pause, he said, “Blind or not, don’t expect any pity from me. I’m going to call your family now. You’d better do as I say, or I’ll kill you!” I nodded obediently and said, “Okay.” I don’t know what he did next, but I assume he took my phone, unlocked it with facial recognition, and called the top contact in my list. After a brief dial tone, I heard my oldest brother’s voice. He sounded casual and slightly annoyed: “Hello? What is it now?” Kidnapper: “Is this Alexander James? I’ve got your sister. You have two days to get a million dollars, or I’ll kill her!” Alexander was silent for two seconds, then scoffed: “Nice act. Tell her that it’s Rosalie’s birthday tonight. If she doesn’t come back, she shouldn’t bother coming back at all.” Then he hung up. The kidnapper seemed incredulous and asked me, “Who’s Rosalie?” I was at a loss for words, unsure how to explain. Rosalie James was the adopted daughter of the James family. When I was very young, I was kidnapped by my family’s enemies and sold to human traffickers. My mother was devastated by the loss of her daughter and became mentally unstable. To comfort her, my father adopted Rosalie from an orphanage and changed her birthday to match mine, convincing my mother that she was me. Over time, everyone seemed to accept that she was me, the pampered little princess of the James family. It wasn’t until my parents passed away that my father, on his deathbed, told my brothers to find me. The day I returned home, my brothers surrounded me, calling me “Rosalie” over and over. My birth name was Lily, and Rosalie’s name was given to her by my father, meaning that seeing her would remind him of me. When Rosalie found out about this, she attempted suicide in a moment of despair. After that, no one dared to call me “Rosalie” anymore. My second brother gave me a new name, Lily James. He said, “You’re so small and thin, let’s call you Lily. It’s pretty and easy to remember.” What he didn’t know was that I was small because of malnutrition from a young age, and thin because I had rarely eaten a full meal. During those years away from home, I was sold to human traffickers. They said I had a nice voice, so they blinded me and taught me to sing begging songs. I only got to eat when I earned money. But my brothers didn’t care about any of this. They only cared about whether Rosalie would feel hurt.

The kidnapper still wouldn’t give up. He called two or three more times, but my oldest brother kept hanging up. He didn’t even get a chance to show Alexander the photos of me being kidnapped. On the last call, Alexander finally exploded, yelling into the phone: “Lily, what are you playing at? I don’t have time for your games!” Then he not only hung up but also blocked my number. The room fell into a deathly silence, and the smell of cheap tobacco slowly wafted into my nostrils. He must have been frustrated, smoking and questioning his life choices. After a long while, I calmly asked, “Are you going to kill me?” He slowly said, “Huh?” Then he started trying to reassure me: “Girl, don’t rush. You’ve got several other contacts. I’ll call them one by one. Someone’s bound to pay the ransom, right?” I gave a bitter smile. Would they? My contacts were only my brothers, and they were probably all gathered around Rosalie right now, celebrating her birthday. No one would care about my life or death. Sure enough, when he called my second brother, William immediately questioned me: “Lily, it’s one thing to be rebellious normally, but today is Rosalie’s birthday. Can’t you let her have this day? Do you have to fight for attention right now?” “Who’s Rosalie? Her or me?” For the first time, I fought back: “Is there a possibility that today is my birthday too?” William was silent for a long time. In the background, I could hear the “Happy Birthday” song and the sound of people laughing and cheering. Rosalie’s voice was particularly sweet: “William! Come cut the cake!” He seemed to snap back to reality and lowered his voice: “Lily, stop this nonsense. Come back quickly, don’t ruin everyone’s mood.” Then he hurriedly hung up. At that moment, I felt utterly pointless. If I had known it would be like this, why did they even bother bringing me back? It would have been better if they had let me die out there, pretending I never existed. Wouldn’t that make them happier? The kidnapper was still making calls, but I stopped him. “Don’t bother, no one will pay the ransom. Just let me go, and I’ll transfer you my savings.” When I first came home, Alexander gave me a card. He said Rosalie got $2 million in pocket money every month, so I should have the same. He’d been transferring money to me monthly. I had never seen so much money before and didn’t know how to spend it, so I just saved it all. The card was linked to online banking, so I gave the kidnapper the password and told him to transfer it himself. He was quite principled and immediately untied me, letting me go. Before I left, he suddenly asked, “Girl, do you want me to take you home? Will you be okay on your own?” I waved him off with a smile, saying, “No need, I have somewhere to go.”

I left and felt my way up to the rooftop. The wind was strong up there, making me sway. I slowly walked forward, the wind getting stronger with each step, until my foot hit a low wall. I crouched down to feel it, and after touching the top of the wall, I managed to sit on it with great effort. The street must be right below, right? I couldn’t see, but I hoped I wouldn’t land on anyone if I jumped. As I clasped my hands together and said a silent prayer, a familiar male voice came from behind me. “Girl, you’re going to off yourself? Hey, have you considered my feelings?” The kidnapper’s voice sounded a bit nervous. It made sense. He had my phone and had made ransom calls to my brothers. If I died, they might really think he killed me when the ransom failed. Well, since I was going to die anyway, I might as well do one last good deed. I sighed and said to him, “Brother, can you bring me my phone? I’ll record a message as a suicide note. That way, my death won’t be connected to you.” He sighed too: “Girl, it’s not just that. There’s also a daily transfer limit on your bank card. It’s only ten thousand a day. Why don’t you come down, and tomorrow we can go to the bank together to withdraw the money?” I remained sitting on the edge of the rooftop, not moving. The kidnapper’s voice softened, as if coaxing a child: “Girl, help me out one last time, okay?” After a moment of standoff, the kidnapper moved behind me, gave me a quick chop to the neck, and then grabbed my waist to pull me back. Halfway through, I covered my neck and said to him, “Brother, I was about to come down anyway. You didn’t need to hit me, it hurts.” “Oh, you didn’t pass out?” He apologized: “Sorry, girl. I saw on TV that people always pass out when you do that.” “Watch less TV.” “Got it.” I was taken back to the kidnapper’s place, but this time he didn’t tie me up. He even got me a towel to put on my neck. The kidnapper’s name was Jack Wilson, a very ordinary name that matched his simple personality. I wondered how he ever got the courage to attempt a kidnapping. After he finished tending to my neck, he asked what I wanted to eat. I thought for a moment and said, “I’d like some cake.” I had only eaten cake once before, on the day I first returned home. My brothers had prepared a welcome cake for me. But that cake had only been cut once before the housekeeper let out a scream, and then everyone rushed upstairs. I couldn’t see, but from their conversation, I learned that Rosalie had attempted suicide, and there was blood everywhere. Alexander carried her into the ambulance, with everyone else following closely behind. I wanted to go too, but William stopped me. He said, “Rosalie is afraid of you. She was shaking just looking at you. You’d better stay home.” So I was left alone in the empty house. I ate a few bites of the cake, but perhaps because I had been used to eating stale food and had never had cream before, I suddenly felt sick from eating too much. I threw up terribly but managed to clean everything up before everyone returned, not wanting them to notice. They were my family, and I didn’t want to worry them. Nor did I want them to think I was a burden. I carefully maintained my relationship with everyone like this, trying to fit in. But in the end, I realized that no matter how well-behaved and understanding I was, it couldn’t compare to a single tear from Rosalie. I was really tired.

Jack went out to buy me a cake, reminding me not to wander off before he left. With nothing else to do, and not wanting to eat his cake for free, I felt my way around the room and made the bed. When he returned, there was a hint of surprise in his voice: “You can do housework?” “A little bit. I can manage by feeling around,” I smiled and asked, “Impressive, right?” As I smiled, I lowered my head, and the corners of my mouth slowly turned down. Actually, I knew I wasn’t just keeping busy; I was deliberately trying to please. Over the years, I had grown accustomed to smiling at everyone. I tried to do whatever I could, humbly pleasing everyone. Afraid of causing trouble for others, afraid of being disliked, afraid of being abandoned again… Just like a stray dog that had been taken in, carefully observing the owner’s expression every day, not daring to eat even an extra bite of food. Thinking that this way, I could hold onto a bit of warmth. I lowered my eyes, not saying a word. Jack seemed to notice my low mood and pushed a piece of cut cake towards my hand. “Girl, eat some cake. Don’t think too much. Those brothers of yours are sick in the head. If I had a sister like you, I’d cherish you more than anything.” I suddenly froze. The soft cream slowly melted in my mouth, but I couldn’t taste any sweetness. Tears fell from the corners of my eyes, sliding down my cheeks and past my lips. They were salty. At that moment, even I was shocked. I was actually crying. Before, I didn’t cry when the traffickers beat me, I didn’t cry when I couldn’t beg for money and had nothing to eat, and I didn’t even cry when my brothers abandoned me. But now I was crying because of a kind word from a stranger. I really was useless. I bit my lip, trying to hold back, but the tears were like a broken dam, unstoppable. “Hey, girl, why are you crying?” A rough hand brushed across my cheek, and I instinctively flinched, saying, “Don’t hit me.” The hand froze instantly, then moved away. I wiped my tears and explained with a smile, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. I just remembered some bad things.” Perhaps because I had cried, the atmosphere became particularly heavy. For some reason, I suddenly asked, “Brother, if I pay you, can you be my brother for a day? Just one day.” Before Jack could respond, my phone rang. I fumbled to answer it, and my third brother Christopher’s cold voice came through: “Lily! Where the hell are you? Do you know Rosalie has been waiting for you all day? Why do you always have to cause trouble for us?” “I’m not coming back,” I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm. “I won’t bother you anymore from now on.” “You think you’re all grown up now, huh? If it weren’t for Dad’s dying wish, do you think anyone would want to take care of you? I’ll give you one hour. If you’re not back by then, I’ll tell Alexander to cut off your allowance!” I wanted to argue back, but I couldn’t help but burst into tears. Just as I didn’t know how to respond, someone took the phone from me. Jack’s angry voice came from beside me: “Didn’t you hear her say she’s not coming back? What’s with all the questions? Go to hell!” Hearing a man’s voice, Christopher was stunned for a moment, then his tone became somewhat anxious: “Who are you? Why are you with my sister? What have you done to her?” Jack’s tone was hostile: “Who I am is none of your business! And she’s not your sister anymore. Don’t call again! Get lost!” The call ended, and the person beside me sighed, handing me a pack of tissues. “You don’t even know how to argue, just crying. It’s okay, I told him off for you.” Something ruffled the top of my head, very gently, like petting a cat. “Girl, from now on, I’m your brother.”

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That was the year Connor Hayes loved me the most. Late one night during study hall, I got locked in the pitch-black dorm building. He stood outside my window and sang songs all night to comfort me. Later, on our engagement day, he abandoned me and rented a bar to host a private concert for his childhood sweetheart, Madison Carter. He even sang the love song he’d written just for me. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to that night when I was trapped. I poured a basin of cold water down from the window. “Shut up! Your singing is awful.” Today was supposed to be my engagement day with Connor. We’d invited only our closest friends and family. I smiled faintly, squeezed into a too-tight dress and uncomfortable heels, and rushed around for two hours straight. Despite downing countless glasses of champagne, I hadn’t even had a chance to take a sip of water. I overheard someone whispering, “Jeez, the ceremony’s almost over, and still no sign of the groom. I feel so embarrassed for the Fosters.” “Well, he is a celebrity. It’s normal for her to be the one making all the sacrifices.” “But this is just disrespectful. Who misses their own engagement party?” They were right. This was an engagement party without a groom because Connor never showed up at all. Fighting the churning in my stomach, palms slick with sweat, I kept calling Connor again and again. Usually, even if he had work, he’d have his manager contact me beforehand. Instead of being completely silent all day like he was today. More than anything, I was terrified something had happened to him. When it was all over, my parents couldn’t hide their disappointment. My family had always cared deeply about reputation, which was precisely why they never approved of my marriage to Connor. “I honestly don’t understand what you’re thinking, choosing someone like him. You’ve embarrassed the entire Foster family.” Before leaving, my mother squeezed my hand and said with painful sincerity, “Amelia, you’re the only one who truly knows how this relationship feels. It’s not too late to walk away.” My eyes welled up with tears, but I smiled faintly. “Mom, Dad, Connor just had an emergency. I’ll bring him home another day, and you can scold him all you want.” After the last guest left, I called Connor’s manager while absently stuffing leftover food into my mouth. The call went unanswered and disconnected again. I took a deep breath, staring blankly at the dark phone screen, my heart sinking heavily. My best friend, Ella Reed, stormed over and thrust her phone into my hands. “Look at this.”

It was a recording of a live stream. In the dimly lit center stage, Connor sang with deep emotion while the otherwise empty booths held only one person, someone I knew all too well. Ella’s voice crackled with fury, her hair practically standing on end with anger. “This livestream is trending everywhere. Now the whole world knows your fiancé has another girlfriend. “Amelia, we should go there right now.” “Ella.” I interrupted her abruptly, my eyes fixed on the replaying video, my voice barely above a whisper. “Did you know? “I was the first person to ever hear this song.” That was why I’d been able to overlook Connor’s screw-ups time and time again because he swore he wrote this song just for me. Back when he was a nobody, he told me I was the only listener he ever wanted to keep. Ella fell silent, gently taking back the phone I’d been clutching too tightly. “So what are you going to do now? The engagement party’s over. Are you planning to walk down the aisle alone at the wedding too?” She shook my shoulders in frustration. “Wake up! How long are you going to keep performing this one-woman show?” I didn’t answer. I just forced myself to stand. The day’s anxiety finally ebbed away, leaving only one thought. “At least he wasn’t hurt or in danger.” Wrapped in a cocoon of exhaustion and discomfort, I had no room for other emotions. I closed my eyes to steady myself, then sent Connor a simple message. [What time will you be home?]

It was already late by the time I finished handling everything. I was packing my clothes backstage when a hotel employee hurried over and handed me a gift with a card. He explained that a gentleman had left it along with a plastic bag containing stomach medicine. I glanced at it. The card on the gift said “Happy Engagement” and was signed simply with “Mr. Blake.” I froze for a few seconds, my throat tightening as my stomach seemed to clench in response. Before I could process this, Ella rolled down her car window and called for me. “Going to confront Connor?” I closed the car door and shook my head. “Go home.” From booking the venue to arranging the catering, I handled everything myself. Now, I just didn’t have the energy for a confrontation. I swallowed a stomach pill and drifted into an uneasy sleep. It was nearly ten when I got home. The apartment was completely dark. Clearly, no one had been back. I poured myself a glass of wine, sat by the window, and waited with uncharacteristic patience, minute by dragging minute. We’d moved in two years ago. Back then, Connor had just gained some recognition with his new album. Persistent stalker fans kept showing up at our door, forcing us to relocate to this more private, upscale, clean, and orderly neighborhood. Even the people here kept a cold, polite distance from each other. Nothing like the cozy place we’d once created together. And the apartment wasn’t the only thing we couldn’t go back to.

At two in the morning, the sound of someone entering the door code finally broke the silence. Connor was visibly startled when he saw me sitting by the window, dropping what he was holding. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?” He knew my habits well. Usually, even when he came home late, I’d only wait until midnight before giving up, not like tonight. I set down my wine glasses, walked past him, and switched on the living room light. Instantly, the quiet space became as bright as day. Connor loosened his tie, carelessly tossed his suit jacket on the sofa, and strode over to embrace me. For a moment, I felt disoriented. Even the engagement suit he wore today, I was the one who had chosen it. Yet he’d worn it while running to someone else. “Tired?” he asked placatingly, treating serious matters with his usual casual air. I quietly inhaled the alcohol on him and raised my hands to push him away. Connor didn’t let go, explaining with complete confidence, “I had a last-minute emergency today. I didn’t mean to skip it. Besides, our families have already met. These ceremonies don’t really matter, right? “It’s late. Let’s not fight, okay?” When I remained silent, he suddenly remembered something and turned to pick up the paper bag he’d dropped. “I brought you a little cake from that place you mentioned you wanted to try. I stood in line specially for you.” He affectionately took my hand. But when he opened the box, the cake was completely smashed, its filling spilled throughout. Only then did I let out a bitter laugh. Connor, seeing my expression soften, immediately relaxed. “It’s okay. I’ll get you another one later.” Then I asked quietly, “Does she like this bakery too?” Connor froze. “Who?” I looked him in the eyes. “Madison.” “You… found out?” Connor’s voice instantly dropped, then sharpened with irritation. “Her mother passed away recently, and she was really upset today. I was worried something might happen to her, so I went to keep her company. You know she doesn’t have many relatives. We grew up…” I calmly finished his sentence. “You grew up together, practically like siblings.” Connor choked and then continued, after a moment, “I’ve already had the trending topic removed, and we’ll release a statement tomorrow.” I just said, “Oh,” and slowly started clearing the cake off the table. “Maybe you should just issue a statement saying you’re single.” He frowned, genuinely confused, “What do you mean?” “Connor.” The bitterness I’d been holding back finally reached my eyes. I blinked, trying hard not to lose composure, but my voice trembled uncontrollably. “I’m allergic to mango.”

It took Connor a moment to process what I’d said. Then, he became flustered. “I’m sorry. I completely forgot.” He took the fork from my hand and shoved the entire cake into the trash can as if venting his frustration. “Madison mentioned this flavor was good. That was why I specially…” I interrupted him abruptly, my voice drained, “I’m not interested in things other people like.” The engagement ring felt suffocating on my finger. I thought, “So this is how heartbreak travels, starting at the fingertips.” I twisted the ring until my finger turned red before finally managing to pull it off. Then, I casually dropped it into the wine glass on the table. Connor grabbed my wrist, his brow furrowed. “You’re upset over this?” He sighed with exasperation. “You know how packed my schedule is every day. It’s perfectly normal to forget little details sometimes. “You’re not seriously going to hold this against me, are you?” I thought, “You’ve forgotten far too much. It was like talking to a brick wall.” Connor started to say something else when his phone rang. I saw the name lighting up his screen with perfect clarity. After a moment’s hesitation, he released my hand. “You need to calm down. We’ll talk when you’re thinking straight.” Then he grabbed his coat and left. I stood motionless for a while, then started messaging Ella before heading to the bedroom to pack. From graduation until now, we’d accumulated countless shared memories. Most of our everyday items came in matching pairs: couple’s slippers, gaming consoles, throw pillows… Even the paintings on the wall were custom-made from our photos. Traces of our life together surrounded me completely. Facing the overwhelming mess, I took a deep breath and packed only a few clothes and valuables. It wasn’t until I was sitting in a late-night taxi, the night wind blowing against my face, that the day finally seemed to end. The alcohol amplified my emotions as I leaned dizzily against the window. From school uniforms to wedding dresses, our once-enviable young love. My thoughts drifted back to graduation year. The night Connor rushed to my house clutching his college acceptance letter, he was eager to tell the whole world we’d be together for many more years, long enough to grow numb, long enough for one to propose engagement out of fear of losing the relationship. In the end, it became a joke. My chest ached so intensely I could barely breathe. Suddenly, I opened my eyes in the darkness, hearing someone desperately calling my name. “Amelia, come to the window.”

My legs had lost feeling from being curled up too long. The slightest movement nearly sent me tumbling off the bed. In the moonlight, the school uniform on his body felt both intimately familiar and utterly foreign. I tugged at the collar, stunned for a long while, struggling to accept the impossible truth that I seemed to have truly returned to the past. “Amelia…” The calling voice faded in and out. I closed my eyes, steadied myself, and slowly moved to the window. The man below, separated by just an hour in my time but now ten years younger, suddenly appeared, momentarily disorienting me. The dormitory was on the second floor. Seeing me appear, Connor looked up and waved. “You begged me to come, remember? “How is it? Scared of being all alone in there?” He wore that cocky smile, his tone distinctly more arrogant than I remembered. Under the streetlight, his eyes looked sincere and bright, like freshly polished glass. I stared down at him, my breathing unconsciously quickening. My fingertips silently traced where the ring had been, but there was no mark, no indentation from years of wear. Everything was brand new. “The teachers are all in a meeting. I specifically skipped class to come keep you company. “If you hadn’t kept calling, I wouldn’t have bothered coming. “Want to hear a song?” ***** Too many years had passed. I’d almost forgotten. So many things I thought were gifts had actually been things I’d begged for from the start. Connor had a naturally good voice. After graduation, he signed with a company smoothly. During countless nights when I couldn’t see him, I fell asleep listening to his songs. Now, they sounded more like an enchanting curse. After so long, complex emotions tangled in my chest, leaving me utterly speechless. Perhaps thinking I was entranced, Connor sang with increasing enthusiasm. The streetlight hit him like a spotlight, creating a stage seemingly just for me. Then my phone rang unexpectedly. I snapped back to reality. On the other end was an anxious male voice accompanied by hurried footsteps. “I’m almost there, Amelia. Just wait for me. The dorm building lost power for maintenance. How did you get locked in?” I pulled the phone away to check the caller ID: Class President Logan Blake. I had no memory of him appearing during this night the first time around. The call fell silent for a long moment. Finally, breathing heavily, Logan asked, “Amelia, are you afraid of the dark?” Connor’s singing continued below. I stepped away from the window, turned the faucet on full blast, watched the basin slowly fill under the moonlight, and asked softly, “Logan, are you afraid of ghosts?” “What?” I chuckled softly, suddenly threw open the window, lifted that basin of freezing water, and mercilessly dumped it down. The singing below abruptly drowned in spluttering silence. I looked down, my slightly trembling fingers bracing the windowsill, and sneered at the drenched figure below, “Shut up! Your singing is awful.”

By the time Logan arrived to rescue me, Connor was long gone from downstairs. The next day, during the break period, Connor was called to the office for skipping evening study. With Logan vouching for me, not only did I avoid a scolding, but the homeroom teacher patted my shoulder sympathetically, comforting me by saying I must have been frightened and that it was the dorm manager’s mistake. Instead, it was Madison who walked over and blocked my path. “Connor got in trouble because of you, and here you are acting like nothing happened. You should tell the teacher the truth.” “Are you sure you want me to tell the truth?” I stared directly into her eyes, emphasizing each word, “Because we can start with exactly how I got locked in the dormitory.” Madison nervously released my arm. My past self would have been incredibly moved, rushing into the office without a second thought, eager to face punishment alongside Connor. So much so that in the many arguments and silent treatments years later, I would always be the first to back down because of his appearance that night. Now, it felt like another lifetime entirely. It was my affection that had given Connor too many free passes. Noticing my unusual demeanor, Madison softened her voice. “I was just worried. You know, we grew up together…” I frowned in irritation, having no patience for their oft-repeated childhood bond. Looking around, I realized Logan was nowhere in sight. Someone burst through the classroom door, shouting, “Connor fainted, and they took him to the infirmary!” “Probably fainted from getting chewed out.” “I heard he has a fever.” ***** Everyone started talking at once. My heart instinctively tightened, then I inwardly mocked myself. I thought, “Amelia, you really never learn, do you? Some habits needed to change starting now. This second chance wasn’t meant for me to make the same mistakes all over again.” Madison rushed out, pulling me along. She ran so fast that we accidentally bumped into someone at the infirmary corner. I rubbed my sore nose and crouched down to help Logan pick up the scattered papers. “Did you come to see Connor?” A voice sounded beside my ear. “Um…” I hesitated briefly. “Sort of.” Even though I was dragged here, I was partly responsible. Connor peeked his head out from the doorway, looking weak and sick, his voice feeble. “I knew you’d worry about me.” I glanced up at him. Connor’s lips were pale, his fever making it difficult to keep his eyes open, yet he still insisted on walking toward me while leaning against the wall. I looked down indifferently, quickly scanning the papers in my hands. The next second, I froze abruptly. Noticing my reaction, Logan took the papers from me. “Thank you.” I thought, “Maybe it was my imagination, but his voice seemed colder than before.” Connor reached for me, his voice hoarse. “Help me up. I can barely stand.” I hastily pushed his hand away, completely ignoring his shocked expression, and instead grabbed Logan’s sleeve, calling out instinctively, “Logan!” He slowly looked down at me. “Is there something else?” I thought, “Were you at my engagement party?”

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I returned from studying abroad to find a future sister-in-law in my house. She proclaimed herself the future lady of the Sherman family, the young mistress. She even threatened to put this never-before-met little sister in her place. But no one told her my brother was adopted. Being the sole heir of the Sherman family, I even had my brother tread carefully around me. When my brother, Rylan Sherman, picked me up from the airport and brought me home, my parents were eagerly waiting. Due to the pandemic, I hadn’t been home in ages, so everyone was overjoyed. After exchanging warm greetings and catching up, Rylan pulled a strange woman toward me. With slight awkwardness, he introduced her, “This is my girlfriend, your future sister-in-law, Kenna Burke.” Then he tilted his chin at her. “This is my sister, Adeline Sherman. Just call her Ada.” “Hello,” she said with a polished smile, extending both hands. Still buzzing from the reunion, I greeted her briefly before turning back to chatter with my parents. That night, curled up with Mom, I learned Kenna was an intern at a branch Rylan managed, sweet, uncomplicated, and utterly adored by him. Within weeks of dating, he’d brought her home, already talking about marriage. “Seriously? He’s really getting married?” I gasped, thrilled by the gossip. “Your father and I hoped for someone of equal standing,” Mom sighed. “But if he’s set on her, we won’t interfere.” Mom had always been open-minded, so I wasn’t worried. Until the next day, when I realized I’d underestimated Kenna. Jet-lagged, I woke in the late afternoon. Heading downstairs for food, I was halfway through breakfast when a voice drawled behind me. “You just woke up? Your brother’s already put in half a day at the office.” Excuse me? My brain short-circuited. I turned to see Kenna. “Uh… were you talking to me?” I asked, incredulous. She rolled her eyes so hard I swore they’d get stuck. Arms crossed, she sauntered down the stairs like she owned the place, a far cry from her demure act yesterday. “Who else? Or do you see a third person here?” The hostility was unmistakable. So I hadn’t misread her. After a stunned pause, I laughed, “Thought you were talking to a ghost. We’re not close. Don’t mind my business.” I dismissed her and went back to eating. What did Rylan see in this train wreck? She marched over, ready to snap back, until the front door swung open. Instantly, Kenna morphed into a wounded fawn. “Don’t be mad, Ada. If you hate it, I’ll stop…” Wow. A textbook mean girl act. Did she even hear herself? Mom and Rylan walked in. Noticing Kenna’s pout, Mom hurried over. “What’s wrong?” Seizing the moment, Kenna summoned tears. “Ada hates it when I say she woke up late. I just wanted to be close… Don’t worry. I’ll never do that again.” Her voice trembled. Oscar-worthy. I gaped. Twenty-plus years alive, and I’d never met a real-life drama queen. Mom waved it off. “It’s not a big deal.” Rylan shot me a look. “She’s jet-lagged and grumpy. Don’t take it personally.” Arm around his “distressed” girlfriend, he whisked her away to comfort her. My appetite vanished. When Mom asked what had happened, I shrugged. Let’s see what else this clown had up her sleeve.

Fresh back from abroad, I was like a starved animal, reuniting with old friends every day and eating like there was no tomorrow, determined to make up for all the meals I’d missed over the years. During this time, I had no intention of dealing with Kenna. But then, a friend brought her up unprompted. “So how’s your future sister-in-law? Not your average girl, huh?” It was my childhood friend, Bruce Wall, wearing that smug look he always had, the one that said, “I know something you don’t, but I’ll wait for you to beg me to spill it.” Typical of him. I shot him a glance and played along. “Just spit it out already.” His grin turned downright conniving. “That girl was just an intern at your family’s company. Barely started working before she had your idiot brother wrapped around her finger.” I scoffed, “That’s it? Everyone knows that. Give me something new.” Unfazed, Bruce leaned in. “Did you know her only goal from day one was to seduce your brother? Now she’s parading around as the young mistress of the Sherman family.” That got my attention. I turned fully toward him as he pulled out his phone, triumphant, and showed me screenshots of Kenna’s chats with her friends. Kenna: [Rylan Sherman’s already mine. Rich boys like him? They fall in line for someone like me. He took me home to meet his parents. The Sherman Villa is huge, maids and all. I’m locking this down. His sister’s coming back soon. Girls from these families like hers are always trouble. I’ll put her in her place the second she steps through the door.] I thought to myself, “Pathetic. Bragging about this? She’s got no self-control.” I side-eyed Bruce. “And how did you get these screenshots?” He chuckled, utterly shameless, “What’s the big deal? Mutual benefits. Not everyone’s as clueless as your brother.”

I had no choice but to keep an eye on Kenna. From what I observed, she was very ambitious. On the surface, she played the sweet, unassuming girl, never asking for a thing. In reality, she’d maneuvered Rylan into promoting her, transferring her to a cushy department job, and practically moving her into our house. She was a master at playing the victim and at winning people over. Everyone in the family adored her. Everyone except me and the maid. She buttered up my parents, her future in-laws, and coaxed Rylan, her ticket to becoming Mrs. Sherman. Only with me, her sister-in-law, did she drop the act entirely. One night, when the housekeeper, Marina, brought me a late-night snack, Kenna threw a fit demanding the same. It was past midnight. The soup had been simmering for hours; no time to make more. And Marina needed to sleep. When Marina hesitated, Kenna planted her hands on her hips and snapped, “What, I can’t even get soup now? Are you the maid here or some pampered lady? Since when do I need your permission?” Marina had no choice but to obey. That was Kenna. Tyrannical when no one was watching, yet playing the martyr in front of my parents. I refused to humor her charades, which only made me look like the petty one. Once, I cautiously asked Rylan, “Are you sure you want to marry her? Do you even know who she really is?” He brushed it off as childish tantrums. “We’re getting married. Try to get along.” My parents doted on her more each day. Kenna accompanied Mom on shopping sprees, gushing over every handbag she picked out until Mom was preening with delight. Naturally, she also walked away with lavish gifts, trading flattery for luxury. A win-win. Rylan was thrilled at their “harmonious” dynamic. I was the only one who saw through her. The contrast grew starker. Now I looked like the villainous sister-in-law. Emboldened, Kenna escalated her antics, especially when our parents weren’t around. “Your room is so spacious,” she mused one day, her tone dripping with faux innocence. “Once your brother and I marry, we should swap. You’ll move out eventually anyway, and this room has the best light. Such a waste to leave it empty.” It wasn’t a request. It was a declaration. She’d had her eye on my room all along. I glanced at Rylan. He stayed silent. Livid, I laughed coldly, “Oh? You’re not even married yet, and you’re already claiming my room? Can’t Rylan afford a real home for you? Or are you just mooching off us?” “Ada! Enough.” Mom stormed over. “Kenna, ignore her.” She soothed Kenna first, then scolded me, “Apologize to them. Now.” Not a chance. Even if I regretted my words, I’d never back down in front of her. Kenna smirked, emboldened by Mom’s defense. “It’s okay. Ada’s just upset. We’d never move out. Rylan and I will take care of you forever.” Her saccharine tone was a slap in my face. Rylan played mediator. “Kenna was just teasing about the room. Don’t take it seriously.” He turned to me, placating. “She was joking. No hard feelings, okay?” Mom piled on. “She’s so mature. Why are you so petty? It was just a joke.” The wedding preparations were actually underway now, and I started to panic. I couldn’t let her marry into our family. Living under the same roof with that drama queen was out of the question. I seized a day when Kenna wasn’t around to call a family meeting with my parents and brother. “I object to Kenna marrying into our family.” The moment I said it, everyone turned to stare. Mom chided, “Ada, stop causing trouble.” Rylan looked unsurprised. “Just as Kenna predicted, you’d oppose it.” Wow. She actually saw this coming. He sighed, exasperated, “What’s your problem with Kenna? You’d had it out for her from the start. She warned me, but I didn’t believe her. Yet here you are, making things difficult.”

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On Christmas Eve, my husband, Jonathan Perez, and I fought because of his brother’s wife, Stella Perez. Stella had bought his mom a gold necklace, but I didn’t prepare anything. Jonathan felt I made him lose face in front of his family. I didn’t cut him any slack and retorted, “You never gave me an engagement gift!” My words totally shut him up. My husband, Jonathan Perez, and I were college classmates. When we were planning to get married, and my family asked for an engagement gift worth one hundred and eighty thousand dollars, Jonathan got annoyed right away. He said, “No way. Your parents are selling you. I don’t have the money, and I’m not about to ask my parents for such a huge sum. They’ve saved up their money with so much trouble. If I take it all, I’ll be a total jerk. If you want it, I’ll borrow the money, and we’ll pay it back together later.” He kept trying to convince me that we shouldn’t use our parents’ savings and said he couldn’t bring himself to use his parents’ life savings to marry me. Finally, he came up with what he thought was a brilliant idea: that we could adopt a two-sided marriage, in which the couple maintained close ties with their respective families of origin after marriage, without being forced to fully integrate into each other’s families, and there were no engagement gifts, no wedding gifts, and an equal sharing of household chores. At that time, I just thought Jonathan was so filial and sensible. Without thinking twice, I agreed. At first, things were nice. We kept our finances separate and shared the housework equally. But a few months later, conflicts started. It all began when my mother, Penelope Bennett’s birthday was approaching. I asked Jonathan what gift he was planning to give Penelope. For some reason, that question set him off, and he yelled, “Emilia Bennett, have you forgotten? We have a two-sided marriage. We agreed to take care of our own parents. Now, you’re trying to get money out of me again. Is your family that broke? You’re always eyeing other people’s wallets.” Jonathan’s words were so mean that my face turned red with anger. “Why are you being so nasty? You married me, so my parents are your parents, too. Can’t you do something on their birthdays?” To be honest, I had no clue what a two-sided marriage really was. At first, I thought it was just like a bare-bones marriage. After being scolded by Jonathan, I was completely dazed. He said, “I can do something willingly, but you can’t ask for that. Besides, with our two-sided marriage, we agreed to handle our own relatives. It’s not my duty to give gifts. If I do, it’s just out of kindness.” Seeing my unhappy face, Jonathan finally softened his tone a bit. “Sorry. I know I was a bit harsh, but I made it clear before we got married. You can’t break the rules.” Seeing how sure of himself Jonathan looked, I finally realized something was off. “Are you saying that with our two-sided marriage, I don’t have to do anything for your parents on their birthdays or during holidays?” “Of course. We agreed to take care of our own parents. I’m not going to break the rules,” Jonathan said, raising his chin, looking all cocky. “Then why didn’t you say anything when I bought your mom clothes and supplements on Mother’s Day?” I asked. Jonathan blushed under my gaze. After a while, he tried to argue, saying, “That was just your kindness to my mom. After all, you’re my wife.” “Well, you’re my husband. Aren’t you going to show your kindness on my mom’s birthday?” I was so angry that I shouted. “I already told you. I can do it willingly, but you can’t ask for that. I was going to. But since you asked, I won’t. Figure out what to do for your mom’s birthday by yourself. I won’t show up that day,” Jonathan said with a cold face, trying to intimidate me.

I didn’t want to bother with him and just said, “Suit yourself.” Sure enough, on Penelope’s birthday, Jonathan didn’t show up. He didn’t even send a WhatsApp message to wish her a happy birthday. To keep Penelope’s birthday party from being spoiled, I muddled through with vague excuses. After all the relatives had left, I told my parents the whole story. At first, I could tell it calmly. But as I went on, my tears streamed down. I shouted, “Mom, Dad, I had no idea a two-sided marriage was like this before. I thought it just meant no engagement gift or wedding gift. The last time his family came over, I did everything, from booking the hotel to showing them around. I never thought that when it came to our family matters, he’d just say I couldn’t ask him to do something. He’s such a jerk!” That night, the more I talked, the angrier I got, cussing like crazy. I thought my parents would angrily side with me against Jonathan. But to my surprise, they were much calmer than I expected. Penelope said, “Don’t cry. Isn’t this a good thing? From now on, you don’t have to worry about what to give Jonathan’s parents during the holidays. Let him handle his family’s affairs. That’s pretty great, isn’t it?” I never thought my parents would be so open-minded. They broke it down for me, and I suddenly saw the light.

After that, I completely changed my attitude toward Jonathan’s family. No more gifts and no more greetings; I even left their family group chat. The moment I left, Jonathan got upset. “Emilia, why’d you leave the group chat? What if my parents need to reach you?” Jonathan burst through the door after work, demanding answers. I retorted, “Why would they need me? They have you, don’t they? We agreed on a two-sided marriage with no interference. Besides, you never joined my family’s group chat.” Jonathan was completely stumped by my logic, unable to come up with a response for quite a while. Finally, he gave me a long look before disappearing into the study to make a call. I didn’t know what he said, but he stopped bugging me about the group chat after that. Once I stopped dealing with Jonathan’s family affairs, I felt relaxed. After work, I’d cook if I was in a good mood or just order takeout if I wasn’t. One day, Jonathan came home to find I’d ordered Fish and Chips. His face immediately became serious. “Takeout again? That’s so unhealthy. My doctor just told me I have liver issues and shouldn’t eat such food. Can’t you think about me for once?” “Then don’t eat it! The kitchen’s right there. Cook something yourself!” I snapped, rolling my eyes. Hearing that, Jonathan completely got angry. “I’m already exhausted from work, and now I have to cook? Can’t you be like other wives, handling things at home and giving me a comfortable place to come back to?” Hearing Jonathan’s demands, I rolled my eyes and sneered, “Please, dude. Other men’s wives got fancy engagement gifts, so naturally, they went the extra mile. You never gave me anything. We have a two-sided marriage. You can’t just have everything you want.” Jonathan’s face turned ashen again, completely stunned by my comeback. Finally, he slammed the door and left.

After that, Jonathan and I pretty much ignored each other. But right before Christmas, Jonathan finally gave in and sent me five hundred dollars. I was shocked when I saw the notification. “Why did you send me money?” During the three months we were married, we kept our finances super clear. So, honestly, after getting such a big transfer out of nowhere, my first thought wasn’t joy but suspicion. I thought, “What’s he planning now?” “My year-end bonus came in. Can’t I send you some money?” Jonathan rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. His words made my suspicion just now seem petty. I felt a bit embarrassed and awkwardly scratched my head. That transfer was the start of us warming up again, like before we got married. But that didn’t last long. A week later, new problems cropped up. One night, just as I was about to fall asleep, Jonathan suddenly whispered in my ear, “Honey, how about spending Christmas with my family this year? Next year, we can go to yours. How’s that sound?” He sounded so careful like he was worried I’d say no. Honestly, I didn’t care where we spent Christmas. My parents’ place was just a neighborhood away, and I often went there for meals. However, with the tension between Jonathan and me, I hadn’t thought about getting along with his family. Now, going there for Christmas… My expression was a bit mixed. Jonathan noticed my hesitation and quickly added, “Honey, even though I said we’d do our own thing for Christmas, this is our first year married. If you don’t come with me, my parents will feel embarrassed in the village.” Jonathan sounded so pitiful that I couldn’t help but agree, “Alright, we’ll go to your place this year. But remember, it’s my turn next year. After Christmas, I’m heading back home. You have to come with me, and don’t even think about backing out.” Jonathan nodded eagerly, patting his chest to promise he wouldn’t. Jonathan’s place wasn’t too far from where we worked, just about 40 miles away. It would take around an hour to drive there. Since it was not that far, I didn’t bring much. But I didn’t expect Jonathan to look so annoyed when he saw me getting into the car with just one bag. “Only one bag?” Jonathan circled me a few times before hitting me with the question. “What? Your place isn’t that far. What’s wrong with just one set of clothes?” I asked back. He shouted anxiously, “I saw you buying a bunch of stuff yesterday, like fish oil, high-end red wine, and lobster. Where are those? Are you planning to let them rot at home?”

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Life handed me beauty, wealth, and privilege. But with all of that came a curse. I was a simp. In my last life, I ruined myself trying to please Gavin Winston. He was my everything, but it ended with me imprisoned in a dark basement, tortured until I met my end. This time, everything is different. Out of nowhere, the live chat started popping up in my head. [Hazel, never forget. Simping gets you nowhere.] [Your childhood friend is just a whiny masochist. Don’t hold back. Call him out.] [If you scold him enough, he’ll be all yours.] I wiped my tears, took a shaky breath, and met his eyes. “You… you’re nothing but a pathetic bastard.” The live chat appeared again. [Nice, but not quite there. Give him a slap.] I reached out, trembling, and slapped his face. It wasn’t hard, but the sound was sharp. Gavin’s gaze shifted, his eyes turning darker. Now this was getting interesting… Gavin, the youngest of the Winston family’s three sons, had always been the center of attention. As the youngest general manager in the business world, his success was nothing short of legendary. But all it took was one scandal to bring him crashing down. It was revealed that he wasn’t his father Leo Winston’s biological son, but the product of an affair between his mother and her childhood sweetheart. The fallout was brutal. Leo lashed him thirty times before throwing him out of the house. Gavin, once celebrated, was now homeless and disgraced. I was the little girl next door who always tagged along behind him, tearful and needy. He found my constant crying unbearable. I thought I was meant to be the one to comfort him during his lowest moments and to save him. But the live chat had other plans. [Stop crying. Your childhood friend is hurt, but tears won’t fix anything.] My hands trembled as I held the medicine. “But Gavin’s injuries… They’re terrible. He must be in so much pain.” Gavin’s face, once delicate and handsome, was now sharp and hostile. His cold glare made him hard to approach. Even kneeling, his posture was straight, his muscles tense. His back was covered in angry welts, blood streaking through the cuts. It was terrifying to look at. The live chat appeared again. [Your childhood friend’s physique is… impressive.] Was that really the focus? I hesitated for what felt like forever before stepping forward. The boiling water spilled out, scalding my hand and leaving blisters. My grip faltered, and the pain was overwhelming. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced myself to hold it together. I finally reached him. “Gavin, does it hurt?” The live chat appeared again. [Stop. He hates it when you cry. Be firm.] Fine. I would be firm. I gathered my courage and poured the medicine over his wounds. My hand shook so badly, that the liquid splashed onto his thigh instead of his back. Gavin’s face darkened. Before he could speak, my tears broke free. The live chat was relentless. [You’re an idiot. Can’t even pour medicine properly. How do you expect to win his heart?] [Being a spoiled brat isn’t that hard. Stop failing.] [No wonder he’s annoyed. Who likes a girl who cries all the time?] I lowered my head. “I’m sorry. I’ll be tougher next time.” The live chat didn’t stop. [Do you want Gavin to like you? Stop being soft. He’ll only hate you more. Be ruthless. It’s the only way into his heart. If you don’t change, Gavin will turn dark and make you all disappear. You’ll be the first to go.] My heart raced. Memories of my past life flooded back: the basement, the torture, the despair. My shoulders shook as I sobbed. Gavin’s patience snapped. “Get out!” His voice was icy, his presence suffocating. I froze, unable to move. The live chat screamed at me. [Fix this. You’re supposed to be a spoiled brat. Kick him. Hard. Do you want to change your fate? Then act like it.] I lifted my foot and kicked his thigh. The live chat wasn’t satisfied. [Is that all you’ve got? Put some force into it. Don’t stop there. Crush him. Break him. Drag him down with you.]

The live chat wasn’t exactly helpful. With a deep breath, I pressed the tip of my shoe against Gavin’s thigh, applying just enough pressure to make him flinch. Gavin’s expression didn’t change much. His fists tightened, but he stayed completely still. His Adam’s apple bobbed faintly, and his bloodshot eyes locked on me, as if trying to read my every move. The live chat mocked. [Not bad, crybaby. Now go harder. Say something he won’t forget!] I hesitated but managed to say, “I was just trying to help, and this is how you’re acting? “You’re not Sir Winston’s real son, so you’re not my fiancé anymore. You don’t have the right to yell at me now.” My voice wavered, but I added, “If you listen to me and behave, maybe… maybe I’ll talk to my dad about keeping the engagement.” Gavin’s eyes grew sharper, darker with each word. The live chat teased relentlessly. [Crybaby, was that supposed to be a kick? Even a child could hit harder!] [And that’s your idea of a threat? Sounds more like you’re begging him. He’s not the type to fall for weak threats. Make it count.] The mocking stung, but I refused to cry. Not again, not in front of him. Trying to recover, I moved my foot away, but Gavin suddenly grabbed my ankle, his grip firm and steady. “Hazel,” he muttered, his voice low and rough. “Try harder.” I hesitated, then kicked him harder. But as I did, I noticed his ears flush a faint red. Was he… angry? “Did I go too far?” I whispered to the live chat. The live chat replied, unhelpfully vague. [Uh-oh. Could he be feeling something now?] Feeling something? Pain? Gavin’s sharp gaze held me in place. “Hazel, do you even realize what you’re doing?” His tone sent a chill through me, dredging up memories of the suffocating darkness from my past life. My legs felt weak, and I stammered, “I’m sorry,” trying to pull away. But Gavin didn’t let go. His hand slid across my ankle, the warmth startling me. The sudden contact made me lose my balance, and I fell to the floor, tears slipping out despite my best efforts to hold them back. Gavin glanced down at me, his expression unreadable. “Next time you try something like this, it won’t end with just a fall.” The threat was clear, but I couldn’t look at him. Instead, I awkwardly patted the spot on his thigh where I’d kicked earlier. “I’m not scared of you. You’re just… just a stray dog now.” My hand brushed against something hard. Did he have a weapon? I quickly pulled back. “Let me go,” I demanded, my voice weak. Instead of letting go, Gavin’s grip tightened. For the first time, a faint blush spread across his face. His tone dropped further, darker. “Hazel, do you even know where you were touching?” Panic rose in me. “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t know!” I stammered. Gavin let out a slow, sharp exhale, his gaze almost burning. “Get out of my sight.” The sheer intensity in his voice made my legs tremble. The moment he let go, I scrambled up and ran, not stopping until I was safely back in my room. Slumping against the door, I asked the live chat, “How did I do this time? I poured hot water on him, and I kicked him. Does that count as being a spoiled villainess?” The live chat paused before delivering its judgment. [Crybaby, you’ve got no idea what being a villainess means. You need to lock him up, whip him, humiliate him. That’s the job.] I blinked at the live chat, speechless. I… I didn’t even know how to do any of that. [Fine, just follow our lead next time.]

Kicked out and covered in wounds, Gavin had nothing but the pendant his mother left him. I thought he’d just leave, but he surprised me by asking the servant, “Where’s Hazel Clark?” The servant froze. “You’re no longer Ms. Clark’s fiancé. Her schedule isn’t your concern.” Gavin’s gaze darkened, a sneer on his lips. “Good riddance to that crybaby. From now on, the Winston and Clark families are nothing to me.” Hearing this from my hiding spot, my heart sank. In my past life, Gavin turned ruthless, taking just five years to crush both families and rise as a power in the capital. His revenge spared no one, not my loving parents, not the Winston family. Bloodshed marked the end of both clans. This time, I’ll stop it. I’ll save my family, my friends, and myself. [Go on, crybaby! Grab the stick, knock him out, and lock him up!] The live chat urged me on. Summoning all my courage, I rushed forward and swung hard at the back of his head. He went down instantly. The live chat praised me. [Not bad, crybaby.] [Guess we taught you well.] Following their lead, I dragged him toward the dark little shed in the garden, murmuring, “Sorry, Gavin, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He was thinner than I’d expected, his sharp jawline like a sculptor’s masterpiece. If someone asked why I loved him across two lifetimes. Okay, I would admit it. It was shallow. But his face and that body? Total my weakness. With great effort, I got him into the shed. When I adjusted his face, he accidentally ended up leaning against my chest. He was out cold anyway. Not like he’d know. I tried to ignore how hot his breath felt against my skin. After laying him down, I froze. “Is Gavin running a fever?” His face was bright red, almost absurdly so. The live chat lit up. [Is he actually unconscious?] “He is, for sure,” I answered, my voice soft and sugary. [Hurry, tie him up. Just like how he tied you up in the last life.] “Okay.” I started with the iron collar around his neck, then locked cuffs onto his wrists and ankles. He didn’t react. Not a twitch. He had no idea I’d already taken off his clothes. Apparently, in this book’s setting, the male lead only fell for the villainess. If that was the case, all I needed to do was become one. [Pour cold water over him to wake him up, then hit him until he begs for mercy. Got it?] [And step on his face, make him call you master. Understand?] I nodded, again and again. This time around, I would stick to the role. New life, new me. No more softie. Just pure villainess energy. I gritted my teeth and lifted the basin of cold water. But when I turned around, Gavin was already sitting up, the ropes still holding him. He glared at me coldly. “What are you trying to do?” Caught off guard, I blurted out, “I was going to splash you awake.” Something felt off. I looked up, and hostility was radiating from him. Panicking, I stumbled backward, slipping, and the cold water spilled all over me. My shirt clung tightly to my skin. So cold. So cold! I couldn’t stop trembling. Gavin tugged at the chains, trying to approach me, but they held him firmly in place. His dark gaze locked onto me. “Hazel, what are you up to now?” The live chat was livid at my disheveled appearance. [How did you even mess this up? You’re the hardest student to teach as a villainess!] [All you ever do is stammer and trip over your own feet. Are you an idiot?] [You tied him up! What are you scared of? Do you even want revenge?] I quietly protested to myself, “But he’s awake now. Splashing water in his eyes would be uncomfortable for him.” The live chat gave up. [Fine, skip the water. Say this. Gavin, you’re nothing now. Here’s your chance to be my dog.] “Got it.” I hugged my shivering body and tried to sound wicked. “Gavin, as long as you become my dog, I’ll give you everything.” But when he looked at me, his eyes softened. I must have looked like a little rabbit with watery red eyes, easy to bully. The live chat didn’t understand. [Hazel, why does everything you say sound like it’s coming from a simp?] Instead of getting angry, Gavin’s gaze darkened, the hostility draining away. “Hazel, if I become your dog, will that include you?”

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I paid with my husband Daniel’s payment card at a boutique, spending 30,000 dollars on a designer bag. When Daniel’s mother, Nora Howard, saw this, she immediately rushed over, snatched the bag from my hands, and slapped me across the face. “You bitch! Daniel works so hard for his money, and you’re spending it so recklessly! “You dress yourself up so beautifully every day. Tell me, are you carrying on with other men?” With these words, she picked up the scissors and slashed the bag open before throwing it into the trash. She even threatened to have Daniel divorce me. I shrugged my shoulders and gave her an indifferent look. After all, this bag wasn’t for me. It was a gift Daniel had asked me to buy for his client. When I got home, Nora was just coming out of the bedroom. It looked like she had just gotten up. Before I could greet her, she immediately spotted the bag in my hand and rushed over to grab it. “You bitch! Daniel works so hard for his money, and you’re spending it so recklessly!” My lips moved slightly as I was about to explain, but she slapped me across the face first. She looked at me with a twisted expression, then scolded, “I’ve always known you were a spendthrift woman. If Daniel didn’t like you so much, there’s no way I’d let you marry him! “In all the years that you’ve been married, you’ve never contributed anything to this family. You just stay at home every day, spend Daniel’s money, and expect me to take care of you.” With that, she spat on the floor. “You dress yourself up so beautifully every day. Tell me, are you carrying on with other men?” I was furious, unable to believe how shameless she was. What did she mean, I only stayed at home and spent Daniel’s money? Why was she accusing me of having an affair? I stayed at home because my job was running a social media account. Now I made over 10,000 dollars a month. Aside from regular savings, I spent all of it on the family. I knew Daniel was busy with work, so after finishing my video editing tasks, I took on chores like grocery shopping and cooking. I also knew he was a filial person, so when he said he wanted to bring his mother to live with us, I didn’t object. If anyone hadn’t contributed to this family, it should be Nora.

I covered my face, which was slightly swollen. Although I was really angry inside, I didn’t lash out. After all, I still had to live with Nora in the future, and she was an elder. I tried to explain, “Nora, this bag wasn’t for me. It was for Daniel’s client…” Before I could finish my sentence, she angrily slapped me again. The force of the slap was so strong that I stumbled back. Now, both sides of my face were burning with pain. I had explained everything clearly, but she wouldn’t listen. “Do you think I’ll believe your excuses? “Yesterday, I asked Danny for money to shoot some craps, and he told me that the money from his payment card went to you to buy this bag!” Her eyes were filled with resentment as she glared at me. “It’s all your fault, spending all of Daniel’s money, leaving me without money for shooting some craps. “You’re such an unfilial, spendthrift wife. Back in our hometown, they’d tie you to a tree and beat you!” That was when I realized why she was so furious. It turned out that she hadn’t been able to get the money for the craps yesterday. She was just taking out her anger on me. Even the calmest person would be enraged by those two slaps. And with her constantly interrupting me and wrongfully accusing me, I couldn’t take it anymore. I yelled at her, “What do you mean I’m unfilial? “I give you money for craps once a month, and this month I already gave you 3,000 dollars. You lost it all yourself! “Look around the house—these health care products, the massage chair—didn’t I buy all of these for you?” I stormed into her room and grabbed a few boxes of healthcare products from her drawer. “You were scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars for them. You were afraid that Daniel would find out, so you had me pay for all of it. “How have I treated you badly? “Don’t even say this bag wasn’t for me. Even if it was, so what?” After hearing all that, her face grew even darker. When she saw the boxes of medicine in my hand, it seemed like she couldn’t take it anymore. She rushed over and knocked the boxes out of my hand. The pills scattered all over the floor.

“It’s your duty to spend money on me, but spending Daniel’s money is wrong.” Nora was being unreasonable, hands on her hips, her neck flushed red. Her face was twisted with anger as her eyes darted to the scissors on the living room table. She strode over. Realizing what she was about to do, I rushed to stop her, but she shoved me away. Without hesitation, she grabbed the scissors and slashed the surface of the bag. “How could you buy this! How could you spend Daniel’s money! “Today, I’m going to show you who’s in charge of this house!” After slashing the surface, she snipped the strap off the bag and then casually threw it into the trash can. She looked at me smugly. “I bet you won’t dare buy another bag again! This is the consequence of defying me!” I stood there, my mouth agape in shock. A 30,000-dollar bag, just like that, was tossed away. Seeing me frozen in place, she grew even bolder, not the slightest bit remorseful. It seemed like she wasn’t done yet; she stormed into my bedroom, her eyes fixed on my vanity. With a swift motion, she knocked the entire vanity over. My cosmetics and skin care products shattered on the floor. “Nora! What are you doing?” I screamed, unable to believe the scene unfolding before my eyes. I bought these cosmetics last week. I’d barely used them, and now they were all broken! “Don’t you love makeup? You always spend so much of Daniel’s money on it. I’ve hated it for a long time! “Today, I’m going to clean all your stuff out! “Without these, let’s see if you can still seduce other men!” She said this as she looked around the room, her eyes landing on my wardrobe. She opened it, grabbed the scissors, and began cutting my clothes, one by one. In no time, every piece of clothing was ruined, shredded into tatters. She kept cutting, her jealousy almost palpable as she looked at me. “Look at you, Stella. Buying so many clothes I’ve never seen before! “Tell me, did some man buy these for you? Are you carrying on with other men?”

Looking at the twisted expression on Nora’s face and then at the shattered cosmetics and shredded clothes all over the floor, I couldn’t hold back my anger anymore. It felt like I lost my mind. I grabbed her by the hair and slapped her face, one slap after another. My hands shook with rage, and I had no idea how hard I was hitting her. “Stella! You dare hit me… you bitch!” She struggled, but I held her tightly, slapping her over and over again. With the combined pain in her scalp and cheek, her arrogance from before turned into begging. “Stell… stop hitting me, please! It’s my fault. It’s all my fault! “Please stop. My head hurts… my face…” Hearing her groaning, I finally regained some control. I let go of her, and she fell onto the broken glass scattered on the floor. “Ahh!” Immediately, her hands were cut by the shards of glass. She stared at her hands in disbelief, then shot me a vicious glare, as if she wanted to tear me apart. “Stella! You bitch! You’ve beaten me like this. Daniel will never forgive you! “When he comes back, I’ll make sure he divorces you!” I took a deep breath, trying to suppress my fury, and picked up my phone to call him. The moment the call was connected, she grabbed my phone like a mad woman. “Daniel! I’m at home, and Stella’s going to kill me! If you don’t pick up now, you’ll never see me again! “Come back and divorce this bitch!” I just turned on hands-free, so I could hear him impatiently saying, “I’m at work right now. Why do you keep stressing me out every day?” She kept complaining on the phone, insisting that he come back right away. Finally, he relented. “I’ll come back after work.” She instantly wore a triumphant expression, looking at me smugly. “When Daniel gets back, you’re toast!”

After Nora realized she was holding my phone, she immediately threw it to the ground. The screen flickered a few times before going black. “Ugh! Who gave you permission to use such an expensive phone? “Just so you know, those clothes you’re wearing, Daniel bought them for you. Once you’re divorced, you won’t be able to take anything with you!” I was absolutely furious. At this point, nothing she said would surprise me anymore. I was more curious to see Daniel’s reaction when he came back. After all, this bag was something he had asked me to buy for his client, and it was a limited edition. The one I bought was the last one in the boutique. His company had recently faced a financial crisis, and the client he was gifting the bag to was the only one who could save his company. I’ve always had a love for designer bags, and I know the salespeople at the boutique. After begging me for three days, he finally convinced me to help him buy it. Now, the bag was ruined. Without that bag to win over the client, his company was probably doomed. “Fine, let’s see who Daniel will blame when he comes back.” Seeing that I still wasn’t backing down, she became even angrier. She pointed at me as if to scold me, but in the end, she held back. It seemed like she realized that, being elderly, she couldn’t win against me. But she wasn’t ready to give up just yet. She tilted her head, thinking for a moment. And then, as if coming up with a devious plan, she quickly walked to the door, opened it, and sat down in the hallway outside. She started crying loudly, “My life is so miserable! At my age, being abused by my son’s wife! I must have had the worst luck in the world! “Someone, help me! If I hadn’t run out of there, this bitch would have killed me! “She’s abusing me! She’s trying to kill me!” As she said this, she slapped her thigh and then suddenly screamed in pain. It seemed she had forgotten that her hands were covered in broken glass, and blood was still oozing from her palm. Though I was still very angry, I couldn’t help but be amused by her actions. She shot me a glare and, seeing no neighbors come out, got up and started knocking on doors. “Someone’s going to die! Someone’s going to die!”

Nora kept banging on the door and shouting, and the neighbors could no longer pretend they didn’t hear. They cracked their doors open just enough to peek outside. Mary Nelson, a neighbor who was friendly with Nora, immediately gasped. “Oh my God, what happened to you? Why are your face and hands all bruised? Who did this to you?” Nora looked at Mary like a savior, almost moved to tears. She pointed at me and yelled, “She’s the one who did it. “She spends all of Daniel’s money on useless luxury items. I only said a few words to her, and she hit me! “Look, my face and hands are all bruised from her! “I’m so old. How can I stand this kind of abuse from her?” People love gossip. Soon, several other neighbors came out to watch the drama unfold. They looked at her, bruised and battered, and then at me, who appeared completely unharmed. They believed her words, and one by one, they shot me looks of disgust. Mary started accusing me, “She’s your husband’s mom. How could you abuse her? “You’re just a stay-at-home wife. How can you be so shameless to spend all your husband’s money?” Two other neighbors also started murmuring about me, “She’s really a wolf in sheep’s clothing. She seemed so gentle, but who would have thought she’d be so cruel to her husband’s mom?” “Daniel’s really pitiful, marrying a woman like her. What bad luck!” “If I were Daniel, I’d break her legs and lock her in the house to make her reflect on her actions. What kind of wife hits her husband’s mom?” “I’ve always said she’s not a good woman. Look at how she dresses up so brightly every day. She probably has an affair!” Listening to their slander, Nora almost laughed out loud. I felt my face go dark, barely holding back my anger. I was about to shout back at them when the elevator dinged. Daniel walked out from inside.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296198”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #浪漫Romance