Author: Momo Chan

Six years after my death, my wife wants me to donate my heart to her first love. To force me to show up, she broke my father’s legs, falsely accused my mother of theft, causing her to lose her job, and even threatened to disfigure my sister’s face, which closely resembles mine, with a bottle of acid. Just as she was waiting for me to beg her on my knees and cooperate with the surgery, the doctor who had once operated on me found her with my medical records: “Mr. Collins only had one heart, and he had already donated it to you six years ago.” 0 In the midst of heavy snowfall, Mia Young stared emotionlessly at the man writhing and begging on the ground. The continuously flowing blood reflected a cold gleam in her eyes: “Considering our past relationship as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, if you tell me Jack’s whereabouts right now, I’ll let you go. How about that?” Her attitude was arrogant, the contempt in her eyes evident. It was as if she had completely forgotten that the person lying on the ground was once someone who had treated her like his own daughter. Instead, he was now just a piece of garbage that could be discarded at will. “Jack, he… he can’t come… Mia, please spare me…” “What do you mean he can’t come! Isn’t he just too cowardly to show up because he’s afraid I’ll take revenge for what happened back then?” Faced with her father-in-law’s refusal, Mia’s anger was instantly ignited. She recounted the past events to her father-in-law with a face full of hatred, each word filled with resentment towards me: “If it weren’t for Jack’s interference, impersonating someone else and taking credit that didn’t belong to him, how could Ethan and I have missed each other for so long!” “It was Ethan who persuaded me not to seek revenge, allowing you to live peacefully for so many years!” “Now, having your lying son donate his heart to Ethan is an honor for him! What right does he have not to come!” I could see that when my father heard about those past events again, his cloudy eyes immediately darkened further, his tone full of vicissitudes and pain: “It’s not like that, Mia. Back then…” “How was it back then? First Jack lied to me for so many years, and now it’s your turn as his father to start lying? Your family is truly a lineage of liars!” “Fine, since you two have such a strong father-son bond and you insist on covering for him, I have no reason to show mercy.” “You guys, break his legs. I don’t believe Jack won’t show up when his father’s legs are broken!” Mia’s expression turned vicious for a moment, and with a wave of her hand, more bodyguards stepped forward. The sound of blunt objects striking flesh echoed loudly, with my father’s agonized screams hidden in between. But Mia had a smile on her face, without a hint of heartache or hesitation. Seeing my father’s life in danger, I was anxious and rushed forward quickly to shield him from those erratically falling clubs. But in reality, as soon as I lunged forward, I passed right through my father’s body. It was then that I slowly remembered, I was already dead, dead for six years. My remaining soul couldn’t save any bit of my thoughts. I collapsed in tears, but could only watch helplessly as my father’s legs were beaten to a pulp. Large patches of red stained the snow-covered ground warm. Mia covered her nose and stepped back in disgust: “Tell Jack, this is the consequence of going against me.” “As long as he refuses to agree to donate his heart to Ethan for one day, I won’t let you off for one day.” “When the time comes, we’ll settle both old and new grudges together!” Mia angrily left with a flip of her hair. I felt like I could still smell the familiar jasmine fragrance in her hair as she turned away. It was still the familiar feeling from before, but I knew very well— She was no longer the wife who loved me most, who would travel across half of China overnight just to celebrate my birthday. Now, she was a devil who could disregard human life for Ethan White! 0

Since my father was hospitalized, Mia had arranged countless people to secretly guard outside the ward, ready to capture my whereabouts at any moment. However, as several days passed, apart from my tearful mother, there was no sign of anyone else. She lost all patience and stormed into my father’s hospital room, accidentally encountering the doctor who was doing a follow-up check on my father. She wouldn’t remember him, but the doctor found her very familiar. He couldn’t help but take an extra look before hurriedly leaving, leaving only my parents to bear Mia’s provocation and mockery: “Jack really has some nerve. Even with his father injured so severely, he still manages to resist coming.” “It seems that just breaking one leg isn’t enough to threaten him. I guess I’ll have to add his mother to the mix as well.” My mother had long known about Mia’s actions from my father’s words, but she still couldn’t believe that the once innocent girl would do such things. She reached out her hand, trembling as she took two steps forward to try and pull Mia, but was instead slapped to the ground: “Stay away from me! Who do you think you are to dare touch me?!” My mother, already elderly, sat on the ground for a long time unable to get up after being hit like this, causing my father to cry in distress. As a result, due to being too agitated, he also fell straight off the bed. The wounds on his legs, not yet healed, burst open again, a truly heart-wrenching sight. Not only did Mia not react, but she raised her voice and laughed mockingly: “Oh, how touching. If I don’t do something to her, wouldn’t it be a disservice to you two showing such devotion in adversity?” “Mia! How could you become like this… You used to be such a good and filial child!” “Shut up! You all conspired with Jack to deceive me for so many years, and you still have the nerve to bring up the past?!” My mother’s words clearly reminded Mia of the truth about how I had deceived her years ago. Burning with rage, she took out her phone and in a few words pushed our whole family into an even darker abyss: “I heard you’re working as a cleaner now. I don’t think anyone would want someone with sticky fingers in their home.” Before my mother could understand what she meant, Mia had already made a call to my mother’s company. Using her money and influence, she embellished the story and falsely accused my mother of stealing valuable items from her employers while working, claiming she had major character issues. She even demanded that the entire industry blacklist my mother and never hire her again. I trembled with anger. She knew my father’s legs were broken and only my mother was left to shoulder all the burdens of the family. This was cutting off the lifeline of our entire family! Almost at the same time, my mother received her dismissal notice. She was in complete shock, crawling on her knees to Mia’s feet, begging her to give back her job: “Mia, please, I can’t lose this job!” “His father’s legs haven’t recovered yet, and I still have a daughter to raise. Please, have mercy, Mom is begging you!” My mother wept bitterly, no longer caring about dignity or face, prostrating herself at Mia’s feet and kowtowing desperately. Not to mention my father, even I felt my heart being cut to pieces on the side, only regretting that I couldn’t help at all now, not even able to pull her up! I thought my mother’s humble attitude would at least make Mia show a little bit of emotion. But she didn’t. Instead, her smile became even more smug and arrogant than before: “Jack should really see how miserable you all look now, to know this is the price of deceiving me!” “However… if you want me to let you off, it’s not impossible.” “Have Jack come before me in person to kowtow and admit his guilt, acknowledge his mistakes from back then, and agree to donate his heart to Ethan. Everything else is non-negotiable!” Mia’s resolute words made my mother’s face instantly turn ashen. Her lips were pale, and tears flowed uncontrollably. She struggled to tell the truth about what happened years ago, but Mia didn’t give her the chance. That trembling voice was drowned out by the sound of the door slamming shut. She didn’t hear those words: Jack was already dead, dead for six years. 0

After leaving the hospital room, Mia didn’t leave immediately but took the elevator upstairs. The high-end, quiet VIP ward was the service she had specially arranged for Ethan White. “Ethan? How are you feeling? Are you any better today?” Before the door was fully closed, Mia rushed impatiently to Ethan’s side to check on him. Looking at their tightly clasped hands, I suddenly felt a bit dazed. It seemed that many years ago, someone had held my hand like this too. We promised each other eternal love and never to betray. But now, that person was holding someone else’s hand, caring for them. “I’m okay… Jack, he hasn’t been found yet, has he?” “Mia, let’s… let it go… Maybe I was never meant to exist in this world. Being able to be with you for so many years, I have no regrets even if I die…” “What nonsense are you talking about!” Noticing the disappointment in Ethan’s tone, Mia’s eyes immediately reddened, not allowing him to continue: “Jack wasted so many years for us. I finally found you, and I absolutely won’t allow anything to happen!” “Don’t worry, I’ll leave no stone unturned to dig him out. If his parents aren’t enough, there’s still his sister. I don’t believe he can be so heartless as to not show his face even once!” Ethan’s eyes seemed to dodge, his mouth stammering as if wanting to say something, but was forced back by her intensity. Seeing Mia’s cold gaze, I felt a chill. No one knew that I now wanted to appear before her more than anyone else. I would willingly exchange everything I had for my family’s safety! But now, I was just a soul, a useless soul. I knew Mia always did what she said, but I didn’t expect her opportunity would come so quickly. The news of my parents being seriously injured and losing their job was deliberately spread to my sister within half a day. Emma rushed back home almost overnight, heading to the hospital without even eating. As soon as she entered, she saw our parents’ worried faces. Because of the high cost of my father’s treatment, the family’s savings had long been depleted, and my mother had no choice but to sell the house. To save money, they only let my father stay in a bed, while my mother slept alone in the hospital corridor. Although our family wasn’t wealthy before, they had never shortchanged Emma. Especially after I passed away, all the good things were left for the little girl. When had she ever seen the family in such a desperate state? Emma, young and impulsive, ignored our parents’ attempts to stop her and rushed out to confront Mia. However, just as she left the room, she was abducted. The person who took her was none other than Mia, whom she was looking for. Emma couldn’t break the habit of many years and just as she was about to call out “Mrs. Collins,” she was slapped by the woman in front of her: “Don’t try to claim any relationship! Your family is truly shameless!” “…Mia Young! We haven’t done anything to wrong you, why are you so ruthlessly trying to destroy us! How can you face my brother doing this!” “Your brother?” Mia seemed to have suddenly heard a joke, her laughter becoming increasingly shrill and unrestrained: “You don’t know yet, do you? Everything happened because of him. If Jack had shown up early and agreed to donate his heart to Ethan, why would I have to go to such extremes?” Emma was stunned by these words, the pain in her eyes instantly visible: “But, but my brother has been dead for a long time… How can a dead person appear!” The air in the room froze for a moment, falling into an eerie silence. Mia frowned, but quickly convinced herself, stepping forward to deliver two more slaps: “Is lying a family tradition for you? To help Jack hide from me, you really can say anything!” She glared fiercely at Emma, her eyes unprecedentedly switching between resentment and gentleness. But in the end, it settled on the former. “You really look like your brother, both equally… disgusting, making people annoyed even with just a glance.” Although the abandoned laboratory in the hospital had been unused for years, it was still fully equipped. Mia expressionlessly brought a bottle of clear liquid and tossed her phone to Emma: “Call your brother and tell him to show up within half an hour. Otherwise… you can say goodbye to that face of yours!” “I’ve told you, my brother is already dead! What do I have to do to make you believe it!”

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The year Adrian Foster was severely injured, I called him a burden and broke up with him decisively. He was devastated, fell into despair, and even contemplated suicide. Years later, he became a renowned surgeon, determined to make me pay for what I did. Until someone begged him to restore a badly damaged body. He didn’t know that I had already faced my comeuppance. When the police found me, heavy snow was falling from the sky. They brought tools to a wasteland outside the city, digging three feet into the earth before they finally uncovered my dismembered limbs. My mother knelt beside the crime scene, crying hysterically. My best friend, Jack, stood next to her, his hands on her shoulders. “Why… why is life so unfair?” my mother wailed. “Lily, my baby…” she sobbed. Not long ago, I was a living, breathing person. Now, all my mother could see were these broken remains of her child. She was inconsolable, fainting several times. Jack took care of her until she regained consciousness. Jack scrolled through my phone, finding it filled with news about Adrian Foster. His photos, our conversations – I had kept everything. His hands trembled, and his eyes dimmed. After a long moment, tears fell onto the screen, blurring his vision. “Lily… how could you be so foolish? To go this far for him!” He knew that my greatest wish in life was to be with Adrian. He also knew that Adrian was probably the person I wanted to see most before I died. But I would never see him again. That familiar face, which now held nothing but hatred for me. I had lost my chance forever.

Adrian Foster had become an exceptionally skilled doctor. Over the years, he had established his own private hospital and become a rising star in the medical field. However, he seemed to have never truly smiled during these years, except when dealing with patients. To everyone else, he was cold and distant, maintaining an unapproachable demeanor. But in my memories, he was so different. When I first met Adrian, he was at his lowest point. I pulled him out of that dark place, only to push him back in when he was at his peak. He spent years searching for me, to no avail. Now, he remained alone. When I was alive, I had been working hard to become an excellent lawyer, fulfilling my childhood dream. Back then, I firmly believed that good deeds would be rewarded and evil punished. After my death, my soul couldn’t leave, lingering around those familiar to me. I watched as Jack, pale-faced, slowly gathered my belongings and… what was left of me, entrusted to him by my mother. Even though my body was in such a state, Jack remained loyal. He took photos of my incomplete remains with his phone. “Lily, I’m going to take you to see him,” he said. For years, I had been hiding. My parents had aged overnight, moving from place to place with me. Now that I was gone, they were struggling mentally. The only one still holding on, still fighting, was Jack. Adrian returned home late at night. Someone was standing under the streetlight in front of his villa. He wasn’t interested and drove past. Just as his car was about to enter the parking lot, the figure appeared again. The man looked haggard, hardly resembling a young person. “Who are you?” Adrian asked, maintaining his distance from this unexpected visitor. Jack, looking bitter, took out his phone and showed him the horrifying photos. “Mr. Foster, I know you’re a gifted surgeon,” he said. “If you’re willing to help, I’ll pay any price.” Adrian sneered. “Why should I help?” “You know I’m a surgeon, not a mortician.” He glanced at the photos on the phone with disgust before looking away. Jack’s expression became panicked. “Dr. Foster, you know Lily Thompson.” Hearing my name, his cold facade finally cracked. “This person… has a significant connection to Lily Thompson.” As he finished speaking, Adrian finally took a closer look at the photo. Having spent so many years with me, how could he not recognize my face? His eyes darkened, and his expression became frantic.

Unfortunately, the photo was incomplete, making it difficult to see my original appearance clearly. But the body type and other features were undeniably similar. The parking lot lights were dim. Besides shock, it was hard to discern any other emotions on Adrian’s face. After a long silence, his expression returned to its previous disdainful look as he coldly examined Jack. “Why should I help you?” he asked. “Or rather, why should I help Lily Thompson?” “Who are you to her? Why are you here begging on her behalf? Why isn’t she here herself?” “It’s disgusting.” I had disappeared for so many years, only to suddenly reappear in such a manner. He couldn’t accept it, thinking it must be some kind of sick joke. As he was about to drive away, closing the car window, Jack stuck his hand in, getting it caught. “Please, I’m begging you,” Jack pleaded. “I’ll do anything if you’ll help. Please, restore this body!” Jack had always been a bright person. But now, he was willing to repeatedly beg an unrelated person for my sake. This man who hated me, who probably wished I was dead, and Jack was bearing his anger without a word of complaint. “You’ll really do anything?” Adrian asked. At this point, no amount of conditions could sway him. Jack, unwilling to further taint this relationship, could only repeat his plea. Adrian suddenly had a change of heart. With a hint of mockery, he rolled down the window. “Fine,” he said. “Make her kneel before me and beg for forgiveness.” “I want her on her knees.” “I want her to pay for her past mistakes!”

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I encountered a passenger with a sudden illness on the high-speed train heading home for Christmas. My husband urged me to step forward and offer medical assistance, but I refused. He then shouted, “You’re a doctor! A doctor’s duty is to save lives. How can you just stand by and watch someone die?” I stood with my arms crossed, unmoved, watching the patient die before my eyes. Bystanders accused me of being a cold-blooded monster, even flooding my hospital’s social media account demanding the director fire me. I laughed. Who said doctors must always save lives? 0 Jack Wilson grabbed my arm forcefully. “Emily, someone up front seems to be having a medical emergency. Aren’t you a doctor? Go check it out! Quickly!” I didn’t move, my gaze falling coldly on him as I refused, “I’m not going.” After pulling at me a few more times and seeing that I remained unmoved, Jack suddenly stood up and loudly berated me, “You’re a doctor! A doctor’s duty is to save lives. How can you just stand by and watch someone die?” Someone nearby heard Jack’s words and hurried over. “You’re a doctor? Thank goodness! Please go check on that man. He looks like he’s in so much pain and discomfort.” “Yes, saving a life is worth more than anything. Especially as a doctor, you should take responsibility.” I glanced at Jack, noticing his lips curling into a smile as he heard the others’ words. “That’s right, honey. Don’t refuse at a time like this. Go quickly.” I stood up and walked over to the man who was having the medical emergency. He looked to be in extreme pain, his face pale, cold sweat covering his forehead, his brows tightly furrowed. Seeing that I wasn’t moving, Jack urged me again: “Emily, hurry up! Save him!” I looked coldly at the man before me, still maintaining an indifferent expression. “I won’t.” Hearing my words, the people around started to discuss among themselves. “How can this person be so cold-blooded?” “Yeah, her husband said she’s a doctor. How can she have no medical ethics at all? How can there be such a person!” Amidst their discussions, the man in front of me was becoming increasingly distressed. He reached out and clutched at his throat as if he couldn’t breathe. The woman sitting next to him stood up and knelt before me, tears and snot streaming down her face. “Please, save my husband. He’s only 38 years old. I’m begging you!” “I’ll do anything if you’re willing to save him. I don’t want him to die!” As she spoke, she kept kowtowing to me. Her head hit the cold floor with a thud, and blood started to flow from her forehead. She looked utterly pitiful. Yet I only took a step back, still showing no reaction, my face remaining cold and emotionless. The next moment, the man suddenly stopped all movement and his hand fell limp. He was dead. The woman screamed and threw herself onto him. “Honey! Honey!” “Honey, wake up! What’s wrong? Don’t scare me!” I scanned the scene and calmly said, “He’s dead.” The woman suddenly got up and lunged at me, hitting and scratching. “It’s all your fault! If you had been willing to save my husband, he wouldn’t have died! You don’t deserve to be a doctor!” “You’re a murderer!” “I begged you so much, but you still let him die. Are you even human? You beast! You’re a devil!” I acted as if I couldn’t hear the woman’s accusations, calmly turning to return to my seat. But Jack suddenly grabbed my arm, his tone full of indignation. “How could I end up with someone like you! You’re so cold-blooded and heartless!” “You’re the one who killed him. Doesn’t your conscience hurt at all?” I smiled slightly. “I didn’t touch him at all from beginning to end. How could I have killed him?” Jack was momentarily speechless but quickly recovered. “Is letting someone die your idea of medical ethics? This was a living, breathing person who just died in front of you. Don’t you feel any guilt at all?” I pried his hand off me. “No, I don’t.” The woman was still shouting for the train attendant to come. “My husband is dead! Stop the train immediately!” I raised the corner of my lips in a mocking smile. 0

Looking at Jack’s angry face as he accused me, I suddenly remembered my past life when I had encountered this same sick passenger on my way home for Christmas. My husband had pushed me forward to save him. I had hesitated, “But I just got my medical license. I’m not allowed to practice independently yet. Maybe we should just call the train attendant for help.” Jack had been very anxious. “Can’t you see how much pain this man is in? Who knows how long it will take for the attendant to come.” “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. You’re doing a good deed by saving a life. Don’t hesitate, go quickly!” So, urged on by Jack, I had gone forward and knelt beside the man. I had just checked his pulse and complexion when he suddenly stopped breathing. The woman had shouted that I had killed her husband. Jack had also admitted in front of the train attendant and everyone else that I wasn’t qualified to practice independently, placing all the responsibility on me, saying it was my improper treatment that led to the man’s death. In an instant, I had been cursed by everyone and pushed to the top of public opinion. As a result, I had been sentenced to seven years in prison for illegal medical practice and intentional injury. It was only later that I learned it had all been a trap set up by Jack in advance. He had bribed a terminally ill cancer patient beforehand. The man didn’t have long to live anyway and wanted to earn some money for his family before he died. Before boarding the train, the man had already taken medication that conflicted with his condition. As time passed, the drug took effect, so whether I tried to save him or not, he would have died anyway! Coming back to the present, I heard the accusations of the crowd. “My God, this woman is still smiling!” “Which hospital does she work at? How can there be such a vicious doctor!” “I found out, she’s a doctor at Mercy General Hospital. Everyone, let’s report her quickly. It would be terrible if we ever encountered her as patients!” “Yes! Report her! The hospital must fire her! She’s too vicious!” Hearing the angry curses of the crowd, I found it extremely amusing and couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Jack looked even more furious. “I can’t believe I was so blind! I never imagined you were this kind of person!” I ignored him and calmly sat back down in my seat. The train attendant arrived, and the woman kept shouting, “It’s her! She killed my husband! She’s a doctor but she refused to save him! This beast!” But I hadn’t done anything wrong, so the attendant could only gently comfort the woman, telling her not to be sad. Soon, the train arrived at the station, and the attendant took the woman and her husband away. I noticed that before getting off the train, the woman’s gaze swept over to me, seemingly unintentional, and Jack, sitting next to me, made a small gesture with his hand. Only then did the woman leave with peace of mind. I laughed inwardly, pretending not to know anything as I admired the scenery rushing past outside the window. After the attendant left, people started discussing again, even calling me a murderer by name. Someone, in a fit of anger, threw their water bottle at me. “Just die!” I blocked it and calmly spoke, “He wasn’t killed by me. What did I do wrong?” “As a doctor, refusing to save a life is wrong!” “Which law states that I must save someone? Moreover, I just got my medical license. As a novice, I wouldn’t dare to act rashly.” Some people wavered. “That’s true. If you had tried to save him and something went wrong, it would definitely have been your fault.” “Yeah, that makes sense. If it were me, I wouldn’t dare either…” As people’s opinions started to shift, suddenly a shrill female voice rang out, “But if you had tried to save him, he might not have died. Now he’s dead!” I looked towards the voice and suddenly smiled. This woman was Mia Thompson, Jack’s mistress. Everything that had happened today was a conspiracy between her and Jack. 0

Mia Thompson saw my smile and panicked for a moment, but she quickly recovered. Suddenly, she clutched her stomach and started screaming. “My stomach suddenly hurts so bad! Help!” “Please save me, I’m five months pregnant. I can’t let anything happen to my baby. I won’t blame you no matter what happens.” “I just want to go home for Christmas. The baby’s father is a soldier, serving our country. I don’t want anything to happen to our child while he’s protecting our nation. Please help me!” I calmly looked away, crossing my arms and staring out the window. Mia Thompson’s cries of pain grew louder and louder. Jack, with a worried expression, suddenly spoke up, “Emily, that man just died because you didn’t save him. Now a pregnant woman is in such pain right in front of you, why are you still unmoved?” “Are you really that cold-blooded?” The crowd’s attitude towards me, which had just started to improve, instantly turned angry again. “Yeah, her husband is a soldier protecting our country. Aren’t you breaking his heart by doing this?” Someone cursed me viciously, “Since you’re refusing to save lives now, when you get pregnant, you definitely won’t be able to keep your baby!” I calmly replied, “I’m not an obstetrician. How am I supposed to help her?” Jack’s face looked very unpleasant. He thought I hadn’t noticed, but his eyes glared at me darkly. The next station was approaching. Jack suddenly stood up and walked to Mia Thompson’s side, his voice full of guilt, “I’m so sorry. My wife is a doctor, but she’s just watching you suffer. I feel so ashamed.” “Miss, if you don’t mind, when we reach the station, I’ll accompany you to the hospital for a check-up. It’s the least I can do to make up for my wife’s behavior.” The surrounding passengers praised him, “How can such a good man have such a heartless wife? He’s really ruined his life.” “Indeed, this man is too kind-hearted.” Jack shook his head and said softly, “Please don’t say that. My wife has her own concerns.” “Look, even in this situation, he’s still defending his wife. He’s too naive.” I found it laughable. Even at a time like this, he was still trying to maintain his image. Mia Thompson gratefully replied, “Thank you so much, sir. I appreciate your help.” We arrived at the station. Jack quickly pushed our luggage and then went to help Mia Thompson off the train. I slowly got off the train under the contemptuous and disgusted gazes of the crowd. As we got into a taxi, Jack turned his head, “Honey, since you’re not willing to examine her, I’ll take her to the hospital. You don’t mind, do you?” I smiled slightly, “Not at all.” I leisurely took out my earphones from my pocket and started listening to music. We got out of the taxi about a hundred meters from the hospital entrance. Jack was still supporting Mia Thompson, walking in front of me. He looked back at me as if afraid I hadn’t kept up, but I keenly noticed his eyes fall on my earphones. I gestured to him, asking what he had said, as I couldn’t hear clearly while listening to music. Jack smiled and waved his hand, turning back around reassured. I saw their lips moving as they said something to each other. I smiled too, putting my phone, which had already been set to record, into my pocket. Mia Thompson was still clutching her stomach, her face still wearing an expression of pain, but the words coming out of her mouth were completely different, “Jack, what if she doesn’t fall for it?” Jack replied viciously, “Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged everything at the hospital. She won’t be able to escape!” I became alert. It seemed that Jack, having failed one plan, was implementing another. No matter what, I would face whatever came my way. 0

As we approached the hospital, I took off my earphones. Mia Thompson started shouting in pain again, and soon a nurse came with a wheelchair to take her to the examination room. I was sitting idly outside the examination room, about to take out my phone when Jack suddenly nudged me, “Emily, even though we just met her on the train, we should help her as much as we can. She’s pregnant and it’s not convenient for her. Why don’t you go in and see if there’s anything you can do to help?” I looked at him, and Jack quickly added, “It’s not appropriate for me, a man, to go in and help. Just go in and keep an eye on things.” Unable to refuse, I thought to myself that I would avoid anything related to medical matters to not give them a chance to frame me. So I walked in and had just asked, “Do you need me to do anything?” when Mia Thompson suddenly screamed for help. “Help! Don’t hurt me!” “What are you trying to do? Someone help me!” I then realized that the nurse who had been there earlier had left at some point, and now only Mia Thompson was in the examination room. At the same time, her hand reached under her clothes, fiddling with something. I came to my senses and was about to turn and leave when suddenly the door of the examination room was pushed open violently, and the nurse walked in. “What’s all the shouting about? What happened?” The nurse’s eyes swept over and suddenly froze. “Why are you suddenly bleeding so much?” “Quick, quick, call the doctor!” Mia Thompson started crying and wailing. She pointed at me, “It’s this woman who tried to hurt me, to make me miscarry! I want to call the police! Arrest her!” I curled my lips. She dares to frame me and still wants to call the police? But the next second proved me wrong. Jack rushed in, “No, we can’t call the police!” “My wife just became a doctor. She has a bright future ahead. How can we let her have a criminal record!” “Miss, whatever demands you have, we’ll agree to them. Just please don’t call the police!” I watched coldly as these two acted out their play. I wanted to see exactly what they were trying to do. Seeing that I didn’t say anything, Mia Thompson thought I was really scared. She seized the opportunity and said, “Give me a million dollars, or I’ll call the police and send your wife to jail!” So that’s what this was about. I suddenly smiled. A month ago, my parents had sold our family property and received a million dollars. Jack had set his sights on this money. In my past life, I had fallen for their scheme on the train, and they had successfully gotten the money my parents left for me. But in this life, I’m sorry, I won’t let you have your way! Jack hurriedly agreed, sounding anxious, “Okay! We’ll give it to you. Just don’t call the police!” He turned his head and whispered in my ear, “Honey, as long as you’re okay, I’ll do anything.” “You have that million dollars from your parents selling the property, right? Give it to her first, and I’ll slowly pay you back later.” I found his act of trying to suppress his excitement while pretending to be anxious really amusing. I also pretended to reply, “It’s okay. I didn’t do anything wrong, so I’m not afraid.” Jack grabbed my arm, “No, honey. If you go to jail, what will I do? I absolutely can’t let you go to jail!” I ignored him again, shaking off his hand and stepping forward, “Go ahead and call the police. If you don’t, I’ll do it for you!” I noticed Mia Thompson’s eyes darting around the examination room. Then she immediately shouted angrily, “Fine! You won’t listen until it’s too late! You hurt me and still pretend to be innocent. I’m definitely going to send you to jail!” I raised an eyebrow, smiling as I watched her call the police. Jack, Mia Thompson, I have a big surprise for you too. I hope you won’t be too shocked.

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After three years of studying abroad, my billionaire father informed me to return home for my childhood nanny’s funeral. However, as soon as I entered the funeral hall, Rose, the nanny’s daughter, pointed her finger at my nose and angrily scolded me. “Lily! Is this how you repay our mom for funding your overseas education?” “You even dare to be late?” “Kneel down! Apologize to mom!” If this had happened in my previous life, I would have been terrified by this scene. But fortunately, I was reborn. I coldly smiled, picked up the wreath in my hand, and violently smashed it into her face. “That’s nonsense! The nanny wasn’t my birth mother!” “How dare you spread such lies?” “Just wait and see how you’ll beg for my forgiveness later!” Rose was knocked to the ground by my wreath, causing chaos in the funeral hall. She quickly got up, her face flushed red as she pointed at me and said, “Today is mom’s funeral. She ate stale bread and lived on scraps every day just to send you abroad for your studies!” “And now you deny everything!?” “Kneel down!” I frowned, my eyes filled with anger. In my previous life, this was how Rose’s false accusations led to my death! We had only met a few times when I was little, and then hadn’t seen each other for over a decade. Now, I was just back to attend the nanny’s funeral, and she was trying to pass me off as their adopted daughter. Not only did she force me to sign a million-dollar debt, but she also stripped me naked and forced me into prostitution. In the end, I could only commit suicide to preserve my dignity. But this time, I came back prepared. Not only did I bring my personal butler, but I also secretly contacted my father when no one knew. He would arrive in less than an hour! I angrily said to Mr. Thompson standing beside me, “Mr. Thompson, slap her for me. Wake her up and stop her from talking nonsense!” But Mr. Thompson didn’t move. Instead, he turned around and looked at me coldly, saying, “Who are you calling Mr. Thompson?” “I’m your stepfather. Don’t you know?” “After you went abroad, I married your mother!” I took a step back in surprise, asking in disbelief, “Mr. Thompson, what on earth are you talking about?” “How did you become my stepfather?” “This is absurd!” “Slap!” Mr. Thompson slapped me across the face without any expression, sternly saying, “Did you lose all your manners after studying abroad?” “If we hadn’t adopted you and paid for your education, how could you have become successful?” “You couldn’t even bring some valuable burial gifts for your mother when you returned?” I was slapped against the wall, my face stinging with pain. I looked around. The relatives and guests in the nanny’s funeral hall all had strange looks on their faces, gossiping about me. “Is this the adopted daughter of their family? She’s been educated abroad, but she seems quite disrespectful.” “What an ungrateful person. Adopted children are just adopted after all. Our community couldn’t produce such a shameless woman!” At this moment, someone pushed through the crowd. I looked closely and realized it was my boyfriend, Jack. He pointed at me with a pained expression, his body trembling as he said, “Lily, Rose is your adoptive mother’s biological daughter, she’s your elder sister!” “If you lack filial piety, isn’t it right for her to educate you?” “Why are you so evil-hearted that you dare to hit your own sister?” I didn’t bother questioning why Jack was here. We had been in a long-distance relationship for a long time, and he didn’t know my true identity. I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, stood up, and said sternly to Mr. Thompson, “Mr. Thompson, this is my final warning to you. Prove my identity to them.” “Otherwise, when my father arrives, you’ll all be in trouble. See who can protect you then!” But Mr. Thompson, who used to dote on me the most, looked at me with a sneer and said, “Lily, have you become stupid from studying? You’re an orphan, where did you get parents from?” “Oh! I get it now. You’ve become successful and can make big money, so you want to cut ties with our family, right?” “Fine, then sign this IOU!” “Sign it, and we’ll be done with each other, with no more relationship!” Mr. Thompson took out an unsigned IOU from his pocket and threw it at my feet. The amount on it was as high as ten million dollars!

This scene was so familiar! Wasn’t this the same ten-million-dollar IOU from my previous life? The only difference was that in my previous life, I was forced to sign it by everyone in this room, under Rose’s coercion. But in this life, I brought Mr. Thompson to protect me, only to be pressured by him instead! I laughed angrily, picked up the IOU, tore it to pieces, and threw it at them. “You’re really asking for too much, demanding ten million dollars right off the bat!” “Do you look like people who have ten million dollars?!” “Mr. Thompson, who gave you the guts to do this? Do you know what will happen when my father finds out?” Rose suddenly rushed out at this moment, shouting angrily. “Shut up, Lily!” “Today is my mother’s funeral! How can you say such things without hurting her feelings?” “Ever since we adopted an ungrateful person like you, our family has been eating porridge and pickles every day. My academic performance was clearly better than yours, but just because my mother liked you more!” “You got to attend tutoring classes, wear nice clothes!” “My mom sacrificed my future to send you to college! How is that not worth ten million dollars!” Rose covered her face and started crying, as if everything was real. But I was never their adopted daughter! Let alone talk about ten million dollars in compensation! Jack quickly rushed over to hug Rose and comfort her, “Rose, don’t be sad. None of us knew Lily was such an ungrateful person!” I coldly laughed and questioned him, “Jack! Are you my boyfriend or Rose’s!” But Jack, who used to be so gentle with me, now shouted at me angrily. “Lily! How dare you speak!” “Everyone in this room knows that your adoptive mother left you a three-million-dollar inheritance!” “Rose, as the biological daughter of your adoptive mother, didn’t get a penny. How can you say such things?” Rose also cried beside him, “Lily, are you even trying to steal my boyfriend?” I was so angry that my chest was heaving constantly, “Fine! From now on, Jack, this cheating man, is your boyfriend!” Jack’s face changed, and he said with a red face, “Don’t change the subject, Lily. Since you don’t acknowledge your adoptive mother, give that three million dollars back to Rose!” Their relatives around also agreed. “Yes, the money should be left to our family!” “We’ll just consider it as having raised an ungrateful child!” “If you don’t acknowledge us, we won’t acknowledge you either!” My face turned cold again. So it was all about the three million dollars? But the three million in my hands wasn’t the nanny’s money at all! I turned to look at Mr. Thompson, my eyes cold and sharp, “Mr. Thompson, they might not know about this three million, but are you still going to play dumb?” But Mr. Thompson seemed to have become a different person, greedily licking the corner of his mouth, raising his hand to slap me in the face again, the sound crisp. “How could I not know about this three million?” “It’s our money!” “You tore up the IOU, isn’t it because you don’t want to split from us, so you can take away this three million?” “Let me tell you, Lily, no way!” Being hit again, there was no fear in my eyes, but I suddenly remembered a text message I received on my phone when I got off the plane. “Dear Mr. Thompson, your loan of $700,000 from our company is severely overdue…” Thinking of this, I questioned him without mercy, “Mr. Thompson, have you been gambling these three years, borrowing a lot of online loans, so you’re using this trick to cheat me out of three million?” “Did you think that since my dad is abroad and I have no one by my side, you could bully me like this?” “This three million was transferred by my dad to the nanny to build roads for the community, it wasn’t her inheritance at all, was it?” The faces of the guests around changed drastically. “This is money for all of us!?”

Mr. Thompson’s face also turned ugly for a moment, but he quickly returned to normal and continued to slander me. “Our family wouldn’t borrow those harmful things online if it wasn’t for your expenses abroad, it’s all because of you!” “You bitch, I think you need a good lesson!” He was about to hit me again. I coldly snorted, “Mr. Thompson, try to touch me again, I’ve already called my dad, you’re dead when he gets here!” Mr. Thompson’s face became even more furious. He angrily rushed over, raising his hand, shouting. “You dare threaten your elders!” “I think you’ve learned the wrong things!” “I’ll let you see who your real father is today!” At this moment, some guests tried to stop him, saying, “Thompson, don’t hit her yet, the matter of the three million hasn’t been cleared up!” “Whose money is this exactly!” Thompson was stopped, his anger still boiling, and he shouted loudly, “What money? That’s all my wife’s money, who would be so kind to donate three million to our community?” “She’s just trying to trick you so she can escape and keep the money for herself!” A guest slapped his thigh, his face also turning ugly. “Damn, your ungrateful daughter is too cunning, she needs a good beating! Beat her to death!” Jack also angrily said, “She’s just a liar!” “I’ve seen her abroad, she lives quite lavishly, able to live in nice houses and drive luxury cars.” “She even hangs out with a group of black men every night, who knows what she’s doing!” At this point, Jack was even spreading false rumors about my sexual conduct! My anger towards him reached its peak. When we were in love, he said he wanted to see me but had no money. So I bought him a plane ticket to visit me, and paid for all the expenses. During that time, he stuck to me every day, saying “I love you!” all the time. But now? I pointed at Jack and cursed furiously, “Jack, you’re an animal!” Then, I looked at everyone present, “Do you really think they could have three million dollars to give me!?” “The person lying in the coffin is just my nanny, I only drank a few mouthfuls of her milk when I was little!” “How could they have raised me!” Rose then took out a stack of documents from behind her and threw them on the ground, shouting angrily, “Enough! Lily!” “How long are you going to pretend!” “You did take my mom’s three million, I checked my mom’s phone and saw it, she transferred it to you half a month ago, there are text messages, it was from winning the lottery!” After saying this, she shouted again, “Come on, everyone, look at these, these are the luxury cars and big houses Lily bought with this money!” “She didn’t leave a penny for us! This is the good daughter my mom raised!” “If she’s not ungrateful, who is!” Someone picked up the documents from the ground and looked at them, then immediately took out their phone to take pictures of me. “What a beast!” “Expose her!” “Expose her!” I was surprisingly calm, suppressing the anger in my heart, and questioned Rose, “Where did you get my personal information from?” But Rose became even more smug and shouted again, “Did you all hear that? My mom’s adopted daughter isn’t denying it anymore, she admits to using our family’s money!” Jack also chimed in, “I’ve seen the world too, I calculated the assets under her name, it’s not just three million, it’s even ten times that much!” “This ungrateful person just said someone donated money to our community to build roads, is it possible that she embezzled our road construction money!”

The people in the community all changed their expressions, threatening to tie me up and make me spit out the money, or else they would force me into prostitution to make up for it! Rose then shouted, “Never mind all that, let’s grab her phone and take a look at her balance and spending records, then we’ll know!” The guests’ eyes lit up, they spat on their hands and forcibly surrounded me, countless hands trying to snatch my phone from my pockets. I cried out in anguish, “Don’t take my phone, I have the only photo of my grandmother in it!” Rose rushed over and slapped me hard. “Still daring to resist, make her kneel, let her know the price of lying!” I was forcibly pressed to my knees by countless people, their dirty hands groping all over me. Humiliation and anger surged in my heart, but I couldn’t fight back. Rose looked down at me, her eyes full of smugness and pleasure. She took my stolen phone, used my face to unlock it, and pulled up my bank account balance. She showed it to everyone! Their eyes lit up, there was indeed over three million in there! But that was all pocket money from my dad! Immediately, everyone became even more hateful towards me, cursing non-stop, taking turns to slap my face. Mr. Thompson crouched in front of me, forcibly pulling my hair and cursing. “You beast!” “Still putting on an act! I hate ungrateful people like you the most, today I’ll make you spit out every penny you’ve eaten!” He snatched my phone and violently smashed it against my head, forcing me to reveal my bank card password. I howled in pain, feeling warm blood flowing down my face. The people around became even more excited. “Hit her well!” “Hit her well!” “We need to set a good example for our community!” Seeing that I still wouldn’t speak, Mr. Thompson suddenly lifted my head and smashed the phone into my face. My teeth flew out, and the phone shattered! The only thing I had to remember my grandmother was gone! In my grief, I suddenly bit his hand, biting out a big chunk, tearing flesh and drawing blood! “You little bitch, you’ve gone too far!” But at this moment, Mr. Thompson didn’t lash out violently. Instead, he leaned in with a cold face and whispered in my ear. “Miss Anderson, you’re not wrong, I did frame you for all this.” “You don’t need to scare me with your dad either, I know he’s far away.” “Save you? Wait for your next life!” “Hmph! Since you like to bite so much, let’s have you serve some men for ten years, it’s your turn to serve men now!” Mr. Thompson pushed me to the ground, while starting to pull off my pants in front of everyone, shouting. “Come on, virtuous women fear losing their chastity, let’s teach this ungrateful adopted daughter a lesson, all the single men in the community can have a go!” Those dirty guests’ eyes lit up, immediately wiping their hands on themselves and swallowing their saliva. They began to scan me shamelessly. I gritted my teeth tightly, clutching my pants, not letting them succeed. Anxiously praying in my heart. Dad, save me! My clothes were violently torn off, my skin exposed to the air, and the breathing of the men around obviously became heavier. They laughed and rushed towards me with red eyes. I was about to suffer their poison, could only cry out, “My father won’t let you get away with this!” “You bunch of scumbags!” But they shamelessly said, “Hehe, calling daddy so quickly, so slutty!” “But we are your daddies!” But the next second, a roar suppressing thunderous anger sounded from behind me! “I’d like to see who dares to touch my daughter!” The whole place fell silent, everyone was terrified!

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After failing to save Declan on the operating table, my wife, Nora, harbored a lifelong resentment towards me. She terminated her pregnancy with our child, her eyes blazing with anger. “You did it on purpose because he was my first love, didn’t you?” Yet later, when an aggressive patient’s family came to confront us, she shielded me from a lethal attack. I did everything to save her, but she chose to let go of life. “At last, I can be with Declan…” Her father barred me from seeing her one last time in the morgue. His eyes were bloodshot, and he yelled in agony. “You bring misfortune, wasn’t taking one life enough? Now you’ve taken my daughter too!” No one stood up for me, as if I was the source of all misfortune. Returning to the past, I set down the scalpel and quietly said. “Transplant my heart to Declan.” This time, I stepped aside for their happiness. When I declared that my heart should be given to Declan, everyone in the operating room was stunned. The head nurse was incredulous. “Are you out of your mind? If you give your heart to the patient, what about you?” I replied steadily. “Declan can have my heart; I’ll receive an artificial one.” She tried to dissuade me. “Artificial heart technology isn’t mature; it has many side effects. We wouldn’t even recommend it for patients.” I shook my head, cutting her off. “Don’t say anything more. I’ve made my decision. Arrange the surgery for us now.” This time, I would ensure Declan survives. In the previous life, I spent 32 hours in the operating room, and when I emerged exhausted, I was met with a fierce slap from Nora. Her eyes were red, and she stared at me, demanding answers. “Why? Why couldn’t you save Declan? Aren’t you the best doctor in the city?” Facing her disappointed gaze, words failed me, and I fainted from exhaustion. When I awoke, I was hit with devastating news. Nora had aborted our child. Her eyes were filled with hatred as I questioned her, “You let him die on purpose because he was my first love, right?” “Someone as vile as you doesn’t deserve a child!” Thinking of that unborn child, my heart twisted in agony. Nora had a thin uterine wall, and during the abortion, she hemorrhaged, leaving her unable to have children ever again. I knew how much she loved children, and it became her eternal pain. This time, being reborn, I aimed to make up for all her regrets. Declan, the child, and… The marriage she always wanted to escape. The green light came on, the surgery was successful, and Declan and I were both wheeled out of the operating room. As soon as the door opened, Nora rushed in, anxious. She looked at Declan, still unconscious, tears streaming down her face. “Declan, how are you? Please don’t die, don’t leave me alone in this world, okay?” “Where’s Theo? He’s the best doctor in the city; why couldn’t he save you?” She looked up, searching for me. The head nurse, holding back anger, spoke coldly. “The patient isn’t dead; the anesthesia hasn’t worn off yet, so he’s still unconscious.” She pointed to the other stretcher, frustration in her voice. “Theo is here. Do you know, he…” Facing my pleading eyes, the head nurse kept her promise and didn’t reveal that I had given my heart to Declan. She paused, annoyed. “Theo collapsed in the operating room for Declan’s sake, and you’re his wife. Don’t you feel any sympathy?” Only then did Nora notice my pale, barely surviving self. The anger in her eyes faded, leaving a trace of guilt. Nora bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, and then softly said. “Theo, thank you for saving Declan.” I forced a smile and gestured for her to come closer. Nora was puzzled but walked to my bedside. I looked at her, pleading. “Nora, no matter what, please don’t terminate the pregnancy, okay?” This was the second thing I wanted to do for her. To preserve her chance to become a mother. Nora’s expression was slightly stunned, a complicated look flashing in her eyes. “Declan and I are not what you think. I won’t divorce you because of him, nor will I terminate this pregnancy. Don’t worry.” I didn’t speak; in our previous life, she didn’t divorce me either, but in the end, we became estranged, and she harbored resentment for a lifetime. This time, I didn’t want to repeat that mistake. I was about to suggest a divorce when there was a noise from the bed next to me. Declan’s fingers twitched, as if he was about to wake up. Nora stood up abruptly, not looking back as she rushed to his side. Watching her decisive back, a bitterness welled up in my heart. No matter how many times I was reborn, Declan was always the most important person to her.

I lay on the hospital bed for several days; Nora came to see me a few times when she had time. She said impatiently. “How come you’re weaker than Declan? Anyone would think you were the one who had surgery.” After saying this, she showed a hint of regret on her face, apologizing with a touch of guilt. “Anyway, you’re like this now because of Declan. He just told me that when he’s better, he wants to throw a big party to thank you.” “I know you’ve always had issues with him because of our past, but we’re married now.” When she mentioned marriage, there was a barely noticeable crease in her brow; she paused before continuing. “Things between him and me are over. Don’t overthink it; let’s live our lives.” With that, she reached out and gently held my hand. Feeling the warmth from the back of my hand, my heart ached. If it were in our previous life, hearing these words would have made me forget everything in joy. But after experiencing all that, I knew she still had Declan in her heart. Her promises now were only out of loyalty to the marriage. I withdrew my hand, looked at Nora quietly, and said softly. “I know you still have Declan in your heart, and I’m willing to let you go. Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to my parents.” But I didn’t expect that as soon as I said this, Nora’s face turned ugly. She stared at me, her voice slightly panicked. “Theo, what nonsense are you talking! I said, my past with Declan is over!” “What do you mean by this? Are you accusing me of betraying you? Theo, can you stop having such vile thoughts!” I quickly got up, trying to grab her sleeve to explain. But as I did, a sharp pain shot through my chest, and I fell back onto the bed. Seeing my pale face, Nora spoke coldly. “What are you acting? You’re not the one who had surgery; haven’t you rested enough in bed?” “Declan was right; you’re pretending to be sick to make us feel guilty, aren’t you?” “Theo, you’re a doctor. Saving lives is your duty; don’t use it to blackmail us!” Her words, “us,” once again reminded me that I was the villain who broke them apart. I wanted to laugh bitterly but could only manage a slight twitch of my mouth as the pain in my heart almost made me faint. Seeing the cold sweat on my forehead, Nora sensed something was wrong, her voice trembling slightly. “Theo, stop acting; I won’t believe you!” “What’s wrong with you? Someone! Help! Is the nurse here?” The head nurse rushed in with others, quickly starting to check on me. Nora was pushed outside, forced to watch through the glass. Seeing her worried expression, my mood didn’t improve at all. Maybe she was more worried that if something happened to me, Declan would owe me even more. Thanks to the medical staff’s efforts, my condition finally improved. The head nurse sighed deeply, helplessly. “I told you, switching to an artificial heart would have aftereffects, but you wouldn’t listen!” “Look at your body now! If it hadn’t been for the timely rescue, you’d be dead!” Nora entered just in time to hear the last part, unable to help but speak up. “Dead? Wasn’t he just exhausted from a long surgery? How come he hasn’t recovered yet?” Her eyes darted between me and the head nurse, as if questioning if we were hiding something from her. The head nurse snapped. “Ask him yourself!” I forced a weak smile and said softly. “I was overworked from the surgeries; I just need to rest for a while.” Seeing me still hiding the truth, the head nurse had nothing more to say. Nora didn’t speak, standing still for a moment before stepping forward to change the water in the vase. Seeing her place a bunch of calla lilies with dew, I was slightly surprised. “How did you know my favorite flower is the calla lily?” Nora bit her lips, not looking at me, and said softly, “You mentioned it before.” I remembered when we first moved into the new house, my in-laws suggested putting some fresh flowers and plants to bring life to the new home. I casually mentioned it then. “I’ve been undergoing several intense surgeries lately, so I’m really exhausted. I just need some time to recover.” Seeing that I was still hiding the truth, the head nurse had nothing more to say. Nora didn’t say anything but stood still for a moment before stepping forward to change the water in the vase. I was slightly surprised when I saw her place a bunch of calla lilies with dewdrops in the vase. “How did you know that calla lilies are my favorite flower?” Nora pressed her lips together and didn’t look at me, replying softly, “You mentioned it before.” Only then did I remember. When we first moved into the new house, my in-laws said we should place some fresh flowers and plants to liven up the place. I had casually mentioned it back then. I didn’t expect that Nora would remember from that one time. Looking at the white flowers, I felt a complex mix of emotions. Finally, I asked the question that had been buried in my heart for what felt like two lifetimes. “If Declan had returned before we got married, would you still have married me?” Hearing this, Nora’s hand trembled. She didn’t answer directly but frowned in confusion. “Why are you asking this? We’re already married. There’s no point in asking now.” I pressed on, staring intently into her eyes. “I want an honest answer from you. Can you answer me sincerely?” A trace of conflict flashed across Nora’s face, and she turned away. After a while, I heard her softly say, “No.” The sword hanging over my head finally dropped, shattering the last bit of hope I had hidden. Seeing the bitterness on my face, Nora’s tone unexpectedly held a hint of panic. She bit her lip. “You said it yourself—it was an ‘if.’ The fact is, we’re already married. Those hypotheticals don’t exist, and I won’t leave you to reunite with Declan!” She hurriedly stood up and tucked the blanket around me. “Focus on getting better. Once you’re well…” She paused, a hint of determination flashing in her expression. “We’ll move to the neighboring city. I won’t have any contact with Declan after that.” Saying this, her shoulders slumped, and she turned and left the room without looking back. I watched her departing figure and pressed the call button on the bedside. The head nurse looked at me, puzzled, as I softly spoke. “Could you print me a divorce agreement?” If there’s no love, I’m willing to let go completely. This is the last thing I’m doing for Nora.

After a few days of rest, I was finally able to get up. The first thing I did was go looking for Nora. As expected, she was in Declan’s hospital room. During this time, to take care of Declan, she had applied to stay by his bedside, watching over him 24/7. In the room, Declan said something that made her laugh. I watched quietly through the glass window. In front of me, Nora rarely smiled. When we were together, it was either silence or arguments; she seldom had such moments of joy. Perhaps separating was the right choice for us. I knocked on the door, startling the two inside. When Nora saw it was me, she panicked and stood up, seemingly wanting to explain something. But just as she opened her mouth, Declan’s coughing fit drowned her out. For a moment, Nora was too busy to care about me, concerned with pouring Declan a cup of hot water and gently encouraging him to drink. Facing Declan’s provocative gaze, I felt calm, waiting silently on the side. Once Nora finished helping him drink the water, I handed over the document in my hand. “This is the treatment plan for Declan; it needs a signature.” Declan had congenital heart disease, and his parents, seeing him as a burden, had long cut ties with him. Recently, Nora had been the one signing his surgery papers. Nora took the document, glanced through a few pages, and quickly signed it. Watching her sign the last page, the weight in my heart finally lifted. “Nora, could you step out for a moment? I need to talk to Declan.” Nora hesitated but eventually left and closed the door. Once the door was closed, the gentleness on Declan’s face vanished. He scoffed. “What? Are you here to persuade me to leave Nora?” I shook my head, responding calmly. “No, I’m the one leaving. Nora and I are already divorced. I hope you can take good care of her from now on.” Declan was taken aback, looking at me incredulously. “You’d actually be willing to divorce Nora? I thought you loved her too much to ever let go.” A wave of bitterness washed over me. What good is love? I’ve realized that forcing things won’t lead to a good outcome. Thinking of something else important, I urged Declan. “Nora is pregnant now. Her uterine wall is thin, and a miscarriage could cause severe bleeding. For her health’s sake, I hope you keep the child if you two end up together.” Declan was momentarily stunned, then let out a mocking laugh. “Are you crazy? Do you expect me to raise another man’s child?” I frowned, adding, “I’ll cover child support. If you two don’t want to raise the child, I can take care of it myself without you paying a cent.” “All this is for Nora’s health.” In my past life, Nora lost her ability to have children due to a miscarriage. I won’t let that happen again. Declan coldly replied, “What does her body have to do with me? If you want her to give birth, you can take the child yourself.” “But you’ll have to pay me some money, as a sort of compensation for my troubles! If you want me to take over, you need to show some sincerity!” Hearing this, I was dumbfounded. Declan had always seemed so devoted to Nora in front of her, which was why I was willing to let them be together. But I never expected Declan to be this kind of person! I couldn’t help but ask, “You’re only with her for the money?” Declan glanced at me, sneering. “What else? Where else am I going to find a sucker willing to pay for my treatment?” Furious, I stepped forward and grabbed Declan by the collar, just as the door lock suddenly clicked. “Bang!” Declan flipped off the bed, landing awkwardly on the floor. “What are you doing, Cloud?” Nora rushed in and pushed me aside. Declan covered his face, sobbing, “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have met with you again.” She stood protectively in front of Declan, glaring at me with hostility. “Nora, I didn’t touch him…”

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My parents spent their entire lives blaming me for not answering my brother’s four emergency calls before he jumped off a building. Even my wife threw harsh words at me for a decade because of this. “Remember, you killed your brother. How can you live with yourself?” These accusations from those around me left me in a daze, and I ended up mixing reagents at work, causing an explosion. It was my wife who risked her own life to save me, but she suffered fatal injuries in the blast. Before she died, she tightly held my hand and said, “In my next life, I hope I never meet you again.” Only then did I realize that she had loved my brother for half her life. She had lied about being infertile to remain pure for him. Yet, those who didn’t know the truth accused me of being a “lonely star,” bringing misfortune to my wife and brother. In despair, I jumped to my death, only to wake up on the eve of my brother’s jump. This time, I just want to live for myself. “Please confirm your details, and if everything is correct, I’ll stamp it. Congratulations on becoming husband and wife.” The voice of the City Hall staff brought me back to reality. I turned and saw my wife, Nora Johnson, looking displeased beside me. I had been reborn on the day I registered my marriage with Nora, just one day before my brother’s death. Nora’s resentful words from my previous life still echoed in my mind. “If you hadn’t drugged me and ruined my purity, I would never have been forced to marry you. Someone like you should have died long ago!” The suffocating feeling of despair hit me again. I stood up abruptly and grabbed the household registration book from the staff. Ignoring his confused look, I turned to Nora. “There’s still time to change your mind. Isn’t Declan just outside waiting for you? Are you sure you want to marry me?” Nora was caught off guard by my actions, looking somewhat surprised at me. But she quickly regained her composure and laughed coldly, “What game are you playing now? Just get the paperwork done. I don’t have time for your childish games.” With that, Nora turned and headed towards the door. Watching her leave, I let out a faint bitter smile. In our past life, we had been childhood betrothed, and I always thought we were in love. It wasn’t until after our wedding, when she smashed our wedding photo and didn’t even glance at our marriage certificate, that I realized the ten years of sweetness I thought we had was a torturous ordeal for her. Seeing the tension between us, the staff hesitated and asked, “Sir, are you sure you want to proceed with this?” “No need.” I took the household registration book from him, intentionally lingering before walking out. Just as before, she didn’t even glance at the documents in my hand. When she reached out for her own household registration book, I grabbed her hand. The familiar warmth made my rebirth feel real. Pain and joy erupted in my mind. Nora looked at me strangely, “It’s just a marriage certificate. Is there a need to be so happy? You were just pretending to hesitate a moment ago.” I nodded, “I am very happy.” But not because we became husband and wife, but because I now had the right to choose again. Nora pulled her hand away coldly, preparing to get into the car when a staff member approached, holding a bundle of red strings, assuming we were newlyweds. “Congratulations on tying the knot. Here’s a red string for you. You can tie it on the Love Tree on the hill for good luck.” I suddenly recalled in my past life, I was eager to tie the red string with Nora, only to be met with her disdain. “Do you really believe in such nonsense? Don’t waste my time.” Back then, I thought she just didn’t want to climb, so I apologized sincerely. Now, I clutched the red string, intending to throw it away when Nora shut the car door and took a few steps towards the hill. Seeing I hadn’t followed, she frowned impatiently. “Aren’t you coming? What are you hesitating for?” I stood there, almost thinking I heard wrong. Nora returned to my side, directly taking the red string from my hand, “I’m telling you, this is the last time. I won’t play these childish games with you anymore.” I lowered my gaze, feeling a ripple in my long-stilled heart. Our ten-year marriage wasn’t entirely painful and dark. Before my brother’s incident, we were known as a harmonious couple by our colleagues. It was because of this that I continued to deceive myself, not noticing anything amiss. Nora would cook for me on my birthdays, even if her hands blistered from the heat, just to surprise me. And when I was sick, she would rush back from abroad, regardless of delaying million-dollar projects. Later, when the lab caught fire, trapping me inside, she risked her life to pull me out. In that explosion, I should have died. She shielded me, taking all the damage. Putting aside the harsh words, how could I let go of someone so good?

Seeing I hadn’t moved, Nora tugged on my arm. But before we could take two steps, Declan’s call came through. Seeing “Declan Darling” flashing on the screen, I squinted. Nora turned away, flustered, explaining casually, “It was a dare I lost, just a joke.” She then answered the call. Even though I couldn’t hear the other side, I could guess. Either his hand was hurt, or his car was hit. After all, that’s Declan’s usual trick. As expected, Nora ended the call, stuffing the red string back in my hand, “Declan was rear-ended on his way back. I’m going to check on him. You go home first.” I nodded, opening the car door for her, “Do you want me to take you there?” Seeing my unusual calm, she looked at me oddly. “Don’t you have anything else to say to me?” I shook my head, and she pursed her lips, letting out a cold laugh. “Right, Declan was going to help us celebrate, but because you delayed, he had to leave and got rear-ended. Nothing to complain about.” With that, she got in the car and drove off. Watching her car fade away, I tossed the red string, now soaked with sweat, into the trash. She always blamed me for blocking her path to happiness, not realizing Declan wasn’t her true love. Back then, Declan had amassed massive gambling debts, and I had emptied my savings to bail him out. To protect our parents from stress, we kept it a secret. Yet, Declan never cut ties with the casino dealer and even flirted with Nora during that time. Nora was a successful businesswoman with many assets. I knew Declan’s true intentions, so I often warned her against getting too close to him. But she misunderstood, thinking I was petty and didn’t even trust my own brother. So this time, I won’t meddle in their matters. Whether Nora pursues a passionate love or descends into darkness, it’s no longer my concern.

On my way home, I got a call from my parents. They sounded excited, saying they prepared a big meal and were waiting for me to bring Nora. My grip on the steering wheel tightened, and after a moment, I confessed that we didn’t register. My father’s voice turned somber, “What’s going on? You were so eager to get married, and now you don’t want to? Is it because Nora thinks the dowry isn’t enough?” My parents really liked Nora. When our family was struggling, the Johnson’s business was booming. Nora never forgot our childhood betrothal, which won my parents’ hearts. They swore they’d spare no expense for her as their daughter-in-law. I sighed, taking all the blame. “Dad, Mom, I just feel I’m not worthy of Nora right now. I want to wait a bit longer.” Hearing this, they didn’t press further, just sighed, “It’s our fault for mismanaging and going bankrupt. Son, we’re sorry.” After hanging up, I messaged my old college roommate. In my past life, I was focused on family, so when my roommate Ethan Johnson invited me to start a business, I refused. But what came of it? I lost my career, became a doormat, and lost Nora too. Ethan was thrilled with my affirmative response, eager to book me a flight to New York immediately. I had no objections, thinking that on my last day before leaving, I would settle everything with Nora. After the call, I noticed three missed calls from Declan on my phone. I ended the call and texted my old college roommate. In my past life, I was all about family, so when Ethan, my roommate, asked me to start a business with him, I flat out said no. And what was the outcome? I lost my career, got labeled as a freeloader, and completely lost Nora. After I gave Ethan the go-ahead, he was so thrilled he wanted to book my flight to New York right away. I had no objections, thinking I should resolve everything with Nora on my last day before leaving. After hanging up, I noticed three missed calls from Jasper on my phone. I frowned, my mind flashing back to the time before Jasper’s fall in my previous life. But I distinctly remember he called me four times then. A sense of dread crept over me, and just as I was about to return the call, Nora called. Her voice was angry on the line. “Jasper, what did you do? I knew you were up to no good. Now Jasper has been pushed to the edge because of you. Are you happy?” My mind went numb, and everything seemed to fade to black. It was the same in my previous life. Jasper fell from a building under mysterious circumstances, leaving only my name written in blood, with no other clues. I became the prime suspect. Even though the police questioned me for three days and nights, they found no evidence, yet everyone around insisted I was behind Jasper’s death. Cold sweat ran down my back, and I struggled to stay on my feet. Am I doomed to live under Jasper’s shadow again in this new life? I refuse! I immediately turned the car around and raced to the hospital. When I arrived outside the emergency room, the corridor was chaotic, with Nora surrounded by several intimidating men. The leader glared at her, “If you weren’t Jasper’s wife, why would you be so anxious the moment he got into trouble? Now that he’s in a bind, you must settle his debts with us, or I won’t let you go!” Nora frowned, clearly unaware of Jasper’s true nature and now utterly confused. “You’ve got the wrong person! If you don’t leave, I’ll call the police.” But these thugs never feared the police; her words only emboldened them, and they began to push her around. Seeing Nora about to fall, I hurried forward to support her, giving a cold stare to the rowdy men. “I’m Jasper’s brother. If there’s anything, talk to me.” “Perfect, your brother owes us a million in gambling debts, pay it all now!” Nora was shocked, eyes wide open, “Are you insane for money? Do you think you can extort just anyone? Jasper, ignore them. I’ll call the police right now.” “This is ridiculous. Jasper doesn’t even gamble. How could he owe a million in gambling debts?” I said nothing, just looked at my bank card balance. Seeing my silence and counting the balance, Nora tugged at my arm, “Jasper, have you lost your mind? Do you have so much money you don’t know how to spend it? Do you even know these people—” Her words stopped abruptly as she seemed to suddenly realize. So you were the one who owed the gambling debt, and you framed Jasper, right? No wonder you’re so willing to pay it back!”

Listening to her accusation, I could only manage a bitter smile. The leader lost all patience and raised his hand to hit Nora, “Shut up, you b*tch!” I immediately stepped in front of Nora. The full force of the blow landed on my face, and I collapsed to the ground, fighting the dizziness to transfer the money. Once they had the money, the thugs left satisfied. At the same time, the red light in the emergency room went out, and the doctor came out with a sigh of relief, “The patient is out of danger but needs to be transferred to intensive care for two days of observation.” Nora didn’t spare me a glance, following Jasper into the ward. I was left to be helped by a passing nurse to bandage my wounds. I sat in the hospital corridor until dawn, deciding not to tell my parents about any of this. I still couldn’t understand why Jasper fell again this time, but at least he didn’t die this time. When daylight broke, and my phone reminded me I had a flight in four hours, I forced my numb legs to stand. I looked up to see Nora approaching. She was carrying freshly made chicken soup, and when she saw me, she instinctively hid the lunch box behind her. I knew it wasn’t for me. She bit her lip before speaking, her tone softer than usual, probably out of guilt, “Why are you still here? Go home and rest, I’ll stay here.” “Also, thanks for chasing those people away yesterday, but this matter can’t just be left alone. Once Jasper wakes up, I’ll find out who really owes the million in gambling debts.” In essence, she still refused to believe her White Knight was anything but perfect. I nodded silently, but my legs were too weak to stand. Seeing this, she helped support me. “Let’s go, I’ll take you home.” Looking at her downcast eyes, a sour feeling rose in my heart, and I fought back the overwhelming emotions to speak, “Nora, if you could choose again, would you still marry me without hesitation?” She responded almost without thinking, “What’s gotten into you? What nonsense are you talking about? We’ve been engaged for twenty years; who else would I marry?” I forced a smile, discreetly wiping away a tear from my eye. Just as I was about to push her hand away, a nurse hurriedly ran over, “The patient who fell last night is awake, call a doctor quickly!” Her eyes lit up with joy, and she didn’t spare me another glance. “Jasper, you head back, I’ll talk to you later.” Watching her rush to the ward, my emotions gradually calmed. Once her figure disappeared down the hall, I whispered to the empty corridor. “Goodbye, Nora.” “This time, I’m the one letting you go.”

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“Have you made a decision?” Ryan tapped the contract on the table. “You might end up staying in the UK indefinitely.” I gave a wry smile. On the day Asher proposed to me, his long-lost love was hospitalized. Asher rushed off to the hospital from the proposal, leaving me to handle the guests and journalists on my own. At that moment, my heart broke completely. Without hesitation, I signed my name on the contract. “You’ll be flying to the UK in three days. The branch there will take care of your accommodation and meals. Will you be ready?” “Plenty of time, thank you.” As I left the law firm, I let out a deep sigh. Asher, you let me down. (1) Three days ago, Asher proposed to me. Jasper rented an entire stretch of coastline, arranged a grand fireworks display, as if to announce to the world he was marrying the girl he loved. Jasper knelt down before me and asked, “Lily, will you marry me?” His eyes were red, and his hand trembled slightly as he held the ring. “I will!” I managed to say through my tears. His eyes flickered, and he let out a relieved breath. Jasper slipped the ring onto my finger and gently embraced me. Amidst the cheers and blessings, I heard him whisper in my ear, “The result…” “The result?” A brief moment of panic passed, and I heard him say, “The result is you, that’s wonderful…” I smiled, wiping away the tears at the corners of his eyes, feeling that he truly loved me. But just as I was basking in happiness, Asher’s phone rang at the worst possible moment. I glanced at the screen; it was an unfamiliar number. “Jasperllo?” Asher answered in a different tone. “What did you say!? I’ll be right there!” he said, quickly ending the call. “What…” “Lily, there’s a problem at work, I’m sorry! I have to go!” Asher interrupted me, jumped into his car, and drove off without looking back, leaving the journalists and audience puzzled, speculating on his sudden departure. I smiled awkwardly, explaining he had an emergency, that he was busy with work. The crowd dispersed, skeptical, as if the grand and absurd drama had ended, marking the beginning of a tragedy. Exhausted, I returned to the villa, waiting until the middle of the night for Asher to come back, reeking of alcohol. “What happened?” I approached him, only to be pulled into his arms. I froze, detecting an unfamiliar perfume on him. “So good… so good…” Jasper murmured into my neck, his emotions unclear. I helped him to bed and received two messages on my phone. One was from Ryan, asking if I wanted to work at the overseas branch, promising a good future but requiring a long-term stay abroad. The other was a photo from a friend at the hospital. In the photo, a girl with black hair and a white dress was hugged tightly by Asher, as if he feared losing her. Caption: Is this your boyfriend? I was thunderstruck. Yes, it was the man who had just proposed to me. The woman in his arms was Emily, his childhood friend, whom everyone said once saved his life by donating blood after a car accident. But in truth, Emily fainted from fear, and it was I, accompanying my mom on duty, who donated the blood. That day was July 23rd. All of Asher’s passwords are 0723. I planned to tell him the truth on the day of his proposal, thinking he would love me more. Looking back, I was wrong. I looked at the man who had just proposed to me, wondering if he was hoping Emily would come back when he was waiting for my answer. Did he regret proposing to me when he rushed to Emily? Did Asher ever truly like me? As these thoughts intertwined, my mind was unexpectedly clear. I replied to my friend saying I knew, and told Ryan I would consider the overseas position. Then, exhausted, I put away my phone, crafting a plan in my mind. The next day, Asher woke up exhausted and walked into the living room. I handed him a glass of warm water. “Drink,” I said coldly. Asher, looking guilty, said, “Thanks… um…” “You drank too much yesterday,” I cut him off. “Sorry.” Jasper gently hugged me, but this embrace lacked the sincerity and love he had shown Emily. “Now, can you tell me what happened?” Asher’s eyes flickered like he didn’t know how to start. As we stood there, the doorbell rang. “Asher!” A sweet voice accompanied by the click of high heels approached—it was Emily. She boldly opened the door herself! “0723, I can’t believe you still use that date as a password after all these years.” Emily gave me a malicious look, “This is Lily? She’s beautiful.” “Lily, this is Emily, she’s my… friend.” I looked at Emily dragging a suitcase in and smiled slightly, “A good friend, I see. No wonder she knows the house password, and you left the proposal to see her.” “Don’t blame Asher, Lily. I came back to the country yesterday and accidentally got into a car accident. Asher came to see me out of friendship.” Emily leaned closer to Asher, acting pitifully. “I didn’t know you and Ms. Emily had such a special bond?” Emily, pretending to be surprised, hooked her arm around Asher’s, “You didn’t know? When we were kids, Asher had a car accident, and I was the one who donated blood to save him. That day was July 23rd.” Asher turned to look at Emily with a tenderness I had never experienced. A classic case of someone taking over, Asher silently allowed Emily’s transgression. My heart grew colder. “Sorry, Lily. I just got back and haven’t found a suitable place to stay, so I have to stay here for a while, is that okay, Asher?” She looked up at Asher, smiling sweetly, as if I was the outsider. “Of course!” Asher responded swiftly, not even glancing at me, let alone asking for my consent. At that moment, I lost all hope. “Well, then, you two talk. I have work at the law firm.” I walked out without looking back, dialing Ryan. “Draft the contract, I’m going to the UK.” (2) “Have you made up your mind?” Ryan tapped the contract again. “I just heard you got proposed to yesterday. If I had known, I would have…” Ryan scratched his head, annoyed. “No, I should thank you,” I interrupted him, signing my name on the contract. “As long as you’re sure, three days later you’ll fly to the UK. Everything will be arranged by the branch there. Will you manage?” “More than enough.” I left the law firm, raising my hand to shield my eyes from the sun, noticing the glaring diamond ring on my ring finger. I took it off in disgust, hesitating whether to throw it away. “Fancy meeting you here.” A pair of leather shoes stopped in front of me. “Running into each other so soon?” I looked up into a pair of captivating bright eyes, a handsome face with a delighted smile. “Jasper?” I said in surprise. “After all these years, aren’t you going to give me a hug?” I smiled wryly, but before I could refuse, Jasper pulled me into a hug. It was a strong embrace, filled with complex emotions, and I cried uncontrollably. Was it the same kind of hug Asher gave Emily? Jasper and I were high school classmates. His family runs a family business, and he went abroad after graduation. We hadn’t kept in touch much these years. I fulfilled my dream of becoming an international lawyer, and I thought we’d gone our separate ways until today. At the café, Jasper handed me two tissues. “You scared me. Why the sudden tears? Who bullied our Lawyer Lily?” My nose was stuffy, and I didn’t answer his question, changing the subject instead. “What brings you back suddenly?” “Not suddenly. Your law firm’s UK branch is handling my company’s IPO business, so I came to meet my partners.” Jasper smiled at me, “Impressive Lawyer Lily, looking forward to working together.” I couldn’t help but laugh. Jasper spoke, “Feeling better now?” “Mm?” “You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you going to share?” Jasper crossed his arms, looking like he had seen through everything. “You can’t hide it from me.” Just as I was contemplating whether to speak, a piercing female voice interrupted. “Oh, isn’t this Lily? What are you doing here?” Emily? What’s she doing here? “What are you doing here?” Emily was accompanied by a visibly angry Asher. “Who are you?” Asher’s sharp gaze fell on Jasper sitting across from me. “Me? Jasper.” Jasper leaned back lazily yet authoritatively, the tension between them was palpable. “I’m just saying, Lily, Asher proposed to you yesterday, and today you’re out with another man? That’s not good, is it?” The crowd murmured, until someone spoke from the crowd. “Jasper? Is that the Jasper from the Bennett family…” Emily? What is she doing here? “What are you doing here?” Asher, standing next to Emily, looked visibly angry. “And who might you be?” Asher’s piercing eyes zeroed in on Jasper, sitting across from me. “Who, me? I’m Jasper.” Jasper leaned back in his chair, exuding a laid-back yet commanding presence, creating an air of tension between them. “Honestly, Sister Lily, Asher just proposed to you yesterday, and today you’re meeting another man? Isn’t that inappropriate?” The crowd murmured until a few voices rose above the rest. “Jasper? Could it be the Jasper family…?” “Oh! Now I remember! Jasper’s the CEO whose company is doing remarkably well overseas!” Jasperaring this, Emily and Asher looked visibly uncomfortable, unsure of how to respond. “Mr. Jasper is my client. Is there an issue, Miss Emily?” I asked coldly, raising my voice. “An An means no harm; she’s just concerned about your reputation. Don’t misunderstand her intentions.” Asher lowered his voice, trying to defuse the situation. Reputation, right? I smiled, knowing the real troublemaker was right in front of me. “I’m quite curious,” Jasper chimed in. “As Miss Emily mentioned, Mr. Asher proposed to Lawyer Ye yesterday, and today Lawyer Ye met me for business. So, Mr. Asher, why are you here with another woman just a day after your proposal?” Jasper’s smile was icy as he glanced at Asher. “I’m Asher’s…” Emily started. “I wasn’t asking you.” Jasper interrupted her sharply, his expression turning cold. “Why would a colleague call someone ‘brother’ so affectionately?” someone in the crowd remarked. “She’s a cousin,” Asher lied. “She’s just my sister~~,” another guest added sarcastically. I tried hard not to smile. Jasper smiled, satisfied. “I see. Well, Mr. Jasper and I have some business to discuss. If there’s nothing else, please excuse us.” Staying any longer would be impolite. Emily’s mouth twitched, her ears turning red. “I’ll wait for you at home,” Asher said, pulling Emily away, restoring the calm. Jasper noticed my barely concealed smile and seemed in good spirits. “You probably guessed what’s going on,” I said, looking at him. “Yeah, I pretty much figured it out.” Jasper turned to me. “Let me share some good news.” “Oh?” “I know Emily.” “You know her?” I leaned in, surprised. “She didn’t seem to recognize you earlier.” “Well, I know her family and some of her scandals, which might be useful to you.” I looked at Jasper with anticipation. “Lilyt to know?” “Yes.” “I’ll tell you, but I have one condition.” “What is it?” “Be my girlfriend.”

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When my daughter was in critical condition following a car accident, my wife was at the wedding of her “idealized past love.” I called her, and she yelled at me: “I’m just attending Oliver’s wedding! Can’t you stop being so petty? You even made up a lie about Ella being critically injured in the hospital!” At that moment, her “idealized past love” chimed in: “Mr. Ethan, if you want Wanqiu to come back, just say it. My matters aren’t urgent, but don’t jinx the child with false stories!” My wife angrily hung up and blocked my number. I gripped the bedsheet so tightly that my knuckles turned white as I watched my child, still unconscious. It dawned on me that it was time to end this marriage. The day after moving out of the ICU, my wife, Lily, unblocked me and called. “Oliver had something come up. Come pick me up from his place!” She spoke as if it was a given, with an air of inevitability, making it seem like it was my fault for making her wait even a second longer. For seven years, I had followed her every instruction without question. But this time, on the way to pick up our daughter, I got into a car accident, and Lily was still at her “idealized past love’s” wedding. Looking at my barely recovering body and thinking of our child still in the ICU, I hung up the phone. I dragged my weak body to the hospital waiting room and sat silently, praying for my child. When Lily finally arrived, she looked furious. She stormed over to me, her eyebrows furrowed, and shouted: ” Ethan Johnson, what’s your problem? I told you to pick me up, and you dare hang up on me?” She paused, her glare intensifying, “Are you pretending to be sick to get away with this?” I tried to speak, but pain shot through my injured organs, so I just bowed my head and silently endured. Seeing my silence, her eyes flared up even more as she continued: “Do you know how long I’ve been working non-stop for the company?” “I brought you into the company to share my workload, not to slack off and then increase my workload when you get home!” I looked at her, full of disappointment. She didn’t know how I tirelessly worked on various technologies to ease her burden, developing patents to earn money. After endless effort, I finally brought her company to the verge of going public. But Lily stubbornly believed the company’s success was solely her doing, and I was just a parasite leeching off her and her company. “Feeling guilty now?” “Do you have any dignity as a man? Can’t you learn something from Oliver Johnson?” After barely managing to ease the pain in my organs, I finally spoke: “I understand. It won’t happen again.” Hearing that, her anger subsided a bit, and she commanded me as if I were her subordinate: “Then why are you still sitting here? Don’t you know I came straight from the airport? Hurry up and drive me home so I can take a bath.” “And what about our Bao’er? You left her alone at home. What if something happened?” But after waiting a while and seeing I was still sitting in the hospital chair, her suppressed anger erupted again: “I told you to get up and drive me home. Are you deaf? What’s wrong with you now?” I restrained my emotions, looked at her coldly, and said in a low, steady voice: “Lily, tell me exactly what you’ve been doing with Oliver Johnson these past few days.” Her body stiffened, as if a sensitive nerve had been struck, and she angrily retorted: “What do you mean? I’ve explained it to you countless times. I just helped him prepare for his wedding. What else could I do?” I didn’t reply, just took out my phone, opened Oliver’s Snapchat, and turned the screen towards her. On the screen, she was wearing a bright red wedding dress, standing gracefully on a stage draped in festive red, her face full of emotion as she reached for the dazzling diamond ring Oliver Johnson was giving her. The comments were a flurry of congratulations on their marriage from friends and family. And during our most vulnerable moment, my wife was standing at another man’s wedding in a bridal gown, becoming someone else’s bride. When she saw the photo, her pupils quivered, and her angry expression froze for a moment. But only for a second. Then she burst into a rage: ” Ethan Johnson! Are you done? I’ve known Oliver Johnson for thirteen years. I was just taking some photos for him. Who is as dirty-minded as you, spying on me?” Her eyes showed a hint of grievance, each word sincere. Once, I would have believed her without hesitation. But now, I just found it ridiculous. Noticing the coldness in my expression, she softened her stance and tone. She seemed to want to appease me, gently pulling on my arm, and kissed me softly on the corner of my lips, speaking tenderly: “Okay, stop overthinking. Let’s go home. Bao’er is waiting for us.” “Either way, leaving Bao’er alone at home isn’t good.” But as she leaned over to pull me up, a bright red wedding invitation fell out of her open bag. I instinctively bent down to pick it up, and when I saw the names on the invitation, my pupils shrank. The groom was Oliver Johnson, and the bride was Lily!

Her pupils also shook, panic spreading in her eyes like a tidal wave. “Johnson, listen to me. This was just to help Oliver cover up with his family. It’s a fake marriage; don’t overthink it.” She said anxiously, her voice trembling slightly. I listened, expressionless, to her flimsy excuse, feeling as if an invisible hand squeezed my heart, causing it to ache. So, she went over there to be his bride! And she calls it a fake marriage? Maybe, compared to this, our so-called marriage was the real farce. Ethanch things had happened repeatedly before. Whenever I brought it up, all I got from her were accusations. This time, I silently put the glaring red invitation back in her bag, my movements mechanical and slow. Seeing my actions, her face darkened, anger surging once more. ” Ethan Lin, we’ve dated for three years, married for four, and you still don’t trust me?” She raised her voice, eyes full of anger: “Oliver and I have a clear conscience. Nothing happened. I was just helping him fake a marriage to fool his parents.” “Besides, he’s an executive at the company, and our most valuable asset. What’s wrong with me caring about him?” I hadn’t said anything, yet she was already on the defensive, desperately trying to justify and conceal. My throat felt dry and itchy, and I couldn’t help but speak: “Lily, did you know?” “While you were becoming another man’s bride, Bao’er and I were in a car accident. Bao’er is still in the ICU!” Hearing this, her anger flared even more, glaring at me and shaking her head: “Do you have to make a fuss just because I took care of Oliver? Now you’re even cursing our child. Are you even a man? You make me sick!” With that, she shoved me hard. I was already weak, and couldn’t withstand her push. I staggered backward, falling to the ground. I couldn’t get up, my bandaged wounds feeling like they were tearing apart, blood seeping through. But seeing me like this, she thought I was acting, and became even more furious: “Still pretending? Are you trying to force me to lose my temper?” “Don’t forget who provides for you. Reflect on your mistakes and come to me when you realize them!” “And if you curse Bao’er again, I’ll make sure she never acknowledges you as her father!” After that, I watched her storm off in her high heels. I struggled to get up, holding my bleeding wound, sweat beading on my forehead. She probably thought I’d go begging for forgiveness once she got angry. The hospital corridor was empty and cold, exuding a chill. I could only watch Bao’er from afar in the ICU, my lips murmuring: “Bao’er, let’s not have a mom from now on, okay?”

The wound reopened, and I had to find a doctor to re-bandage it. When I tried to pay for the medication with my card, I was stunned to find that all the money had been transferred out. At that moment, it felt as if my heart had been hollowed out too. I shook my head and smiled bitterly. Over the years, to give Lily Johnson a sense of security, I had given her full control of my paycheck, keeping only $3,000 for monthly expenses. Even though I spent countless days and nights buried in research, developing valuable, money-making patents for the company—patents that I registered under the company’s name without any compensation—I never complained. All our business partners were attracted by my patents, choosing to work with her company because of them. But now, after all my efforts, all I had in return was this agonizing wound and an empty bank account. Dragging my weary body, I slowly sat back down in the cold hospital corridor, silently enduring the pain of the wound. Not long after, my phone rang. The caller ID showed Hazel Johnson, Lily’s closest friend. As soon as I answered, a barrage of criticism came through: “What’s wrong with you? Are you even a man? How dare you argue with Lily? After all these years she’s supported you, do you have any shame?” The people around Lily never thought much of me, Hazel especially. To her, marrying Lily was like winning the lottery. Before I could respond, Hazel arrogantly commanded: “We’re at the Starlight Nightclub. She’s drunk. If you don’t come to pick her up in ten minutes, Oliver will take her home!” In the past, such a threat would have sent me into a panic. But now, it just seemed absurdly amusing. “Oliver is there too?” Hazel’s tone became even more disdainful: “You think everyone is as useless as you? Without Oliver, Lily’s company wouldn’t have grown so fast.” “How did you get so lucky to marry Lily, and yet you still dare to give her attitude? Look at yourself in the mirror. Do you even deserve to be her husband?” Her words were merciless, and then I heard a familiar laugh on the other end. “Mr. Ethan, don’t worry. I won’t take advantage of the situation. I’ll make sure Lily gets home safely. After all, she’s my bride.” After a big fight with me, she went to drink with her first love. This was the woman I’d cherished for so many years. I had forgotten she had already become someone else’s bride behind my back. I couldn’t be bothered to continue the conversation and hung up the phone. Hazel was relentless, calling several more times until I finally blocked her number.

Later that night, the doctor urgently informed me that Bao’er needed surgery and I had to pay the fees. But all the money in the bank account was frozen by Lily. Remembering the safe at home, I recalled the savings book I had stored there. In a panic, I rushed back home, only to find the house brightly lit. “Lily, thank you for pretending to marry me to keep it from my parents.” “It’s just that my parents want to see our marriage certificate…” Oliver’s voice came from inside the house. Then Lily replied in her soft voice: “Oliver, don’t worry about that. I secretly divorced Ethan Johnson a while ago. We can get the marriage certificate tomorrow morning.” “Once Uncle and Auntie see the certificate, they won’t suspect anything.” Standing at the doorstep, hearing their conversation, I felt like I’d been struck by lightning, frozen in place. Bao’er was still lying in the ICU, needing a life-or-death operation. But Lily was planning to marry her first love Oliver? What hurt me even more was that I didn’t even know we’d already divorced! I thought my heart had long since gone numb, but the stabbing pain spread uncontrollably from within. I forced myself to suppress the grief, trembling as I unlocked the door. “Jing… Johnson, why are you back?” Seeing me suddenly return, Lily’s face turned pale. Ignoring her, I went straight to the safe, retrieved my savings book, and left. Watching my lonely back, Lily’s heart skipped a beat. She bit her lip and ran after me. At the entrance of the community, Lily grabbed me, looking at me with pleading eyes: “You understand, don’t you? This is all for the company. Without him, the company wouldn’t be this big. Once I pacify Oliver, I’ll divorce him and remarry you.” “Didn’t you always say you wanted to honeymoon in Phuket with me? Once I get the marriage certificate with Oliver, let’s all go together, okay?” I looked at Lily seriously and said: “Lily, since we’re divorced, there’s no need to continue…” Before I could finish, Lily’s expression turned cold: “Why are you so petty, always hung up on this divorce thing?” “ Ethan Johnson! You’ve been living off me, and Oliver is the backbone of the company. Do you think you can compare to him?” Seeing me silent, Lily became angrier: “It seems you haven’t realized your mistake. Don’t bother coming back to work at the company!” “I’m warning you, if you keep bothering me and Oliver, forget about getting back together!” I opened my mouth, full of things I wanted to say, but only one word came out: “Okay.” Even at this point, haven’t I realized the truth? Hearing my obedient response, Lily smiled in satisfaction and hurried back to Oliver. I turned away, lowering my eyes, and took out my phone. I dialed a number: “Hello, is this the Patent Office? I’d like to reclaim my patents.” As dawn broke, I went to the company to process my resignation and prepare to reclaim my patents from the company with the help of the Patent Office. Unexpectedly, I bumped into Lily and Oliver, just returning from City Hall. Lily’s face, once full of smiles, now frowned in annoyance: “What’s your problem? Why are you still causing trouble here at the company?” Seeing me silent, she berated me again: “How many times have I told you, aren’t you tired of this? Are you just here to ask for money again?” “Look at you, always burying yourself in your worthless research. You’re like mud that can’t be shaped! Look at Oliver; he just secured another big deal for the company.” “But let me be clear, the profit from this deal—you won’t get a cent. Even if you beg on your knees, there’s no chance!” Oliver, however, smiled calmly: “Lily, it’s my responsibility.” “Mr. Ethan, if you’re sincere in apologizing, I can arrange a security job for you.” Lily looked at me, frowning as she continued to scold: “Did you hear that? Hurry and apologize to Oliver. You’re of no value to the company, and keeping you is just charity!” Ring, ring… Lily picked up her phone, her expression growing even more smug, and said: “See? Thanks to Oliver’s skills, it’s probably another collaborator wanting to partner with us.” But the call was from the company secretary, whose panicked voice came through the receiver: “Ms. Lily, there’s trouble! The Patent Office is here, and they want to reclaim our patents!” “The collaborators have found out too. They said if we don’t resolve the patent issue, we owe them a penalty fee of 300 million dollars!”

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The day my family declared bankruptcy, my fiancée turned around to marry her long-lost love. I said nothing and instead married Daphne, who had confessed her love to me and helped me out during a crisis. For seven years after our marriage, I cared for her paralyzed legs. Then, on the day she stood up, I accidentally overheard her speaking in French with her best friend. “Daphne, are you really planning to stay with him forever? What if your dear brother is heartbroken again?” Daphne peeled a shrimp for her daughter and replied calmly. “Of course not! My brother is my brother, and he is him. I could never bear to see my brother sad.” “I love Uncle just like Mom does, and I can’t stand ugly Daddy,” chimed in our daughter in French. Little did they know, I understand French. I no longer want to endure this half-hearted charade for the rest of my life. Daphne stroked her daughter’s forehead, visibly pleased, and praised her instinctively in French. “Sweetie, you’ve been such a good girl. Mommy and Uncle have not loved you in vain.” “When you’re a little older, Mommy and Uncle will give you a pretty little sister so you’ll have company at school.” Lily clapped her hands excitedly and responded in broken French. “Yay, that’s awesome.” “I love Uncle and Mommy the most, and I also like the pretty sister Mommy will have.” “It would be so much better if we didn’t have that mean Daddy at home. I don’t like him at all; he annoys me.” Hearing this, I was stunned, unable to believe my ears. Maybe she noticed my gaze on them, as Daphne smiled and placed a piece of bitter melon on my plate, her voice gentle. “Honey, what’s wrong?” I shook my head, my heart aching unbearably, with a suffocating feeling spreading throughout my body. Daphne might have forgotten that I was the first in this family to learn French. She also forgot that I never eat bitter melon. I put on a stern face. Seeing my silence, Daphne immediately became nervous and unsure, carefully holding my hand. “Honey, why do you suddenly look so upset?” I avoided her touch, forcing a smile. “Nothing, just surprised you forgot I don’t like bitter melon,” I said, pretending to be playful. “By the way, what were you talking about earlier? Were you speaking French?” Daphne’s expression stiffened, guilt making her avoid my gaze. “Nothing much, just Evan being jealous of our relationship.” She came up with a random excuse before shifting focus with a guilty look. “I’m sorry, honey, I forgot. I’ll remember next time, and I promise never to give you bitter melon again.” “My best, best, best husband, in this lifetime you can only experience sweetness, not bitterness.” She coaxed softly while picking out the bitter melon for me. Our daughter rolled her eyes at me and scoffed, “Hmph, so picky, eating it won’t kill you.” “You’re such a big person, yet you’re picky, it’s embarrassing.” Just a moment ago, Daphne was so gentle, but now she turned cold and scolded sharply. “Lily, how are you speaking to your father! Apologize now!” The daughter reluctantly stuck out her tongue, stubbornly muttering an apology. Even Daphne’s friend couldn’t stand it and made a couple of complaints. “Alright, we know you two have a good relationship, no need to show off, why scold the kid?” Daphne shot her a proud glare. “Hmph, you’re just jealous I have such a handsome and understanding husband. I’ll show off, I’m proud to have him, I’d boast eight hundred times a day if I could.” I put down my chopsticks, looking at Daphne indifferently. She acted as if she loved me deeply, and seeing me watching her, she instantly served a bowl of soup, blew on it, and brought it to my lips. “Honey, want some soup?” “Honey, these seven years you’ve worked hard, taking care of me and the child.” “Honey, now that I can walk again, rest assured in the days ahead, I’ll devote my life to loving you.” If I’d heard these words before, I’d have been moved to tears. But now, all that’s left in my heart is unspeakable pain and irony. She disguised it perfectly, and I almost believed that the French conversation was just my imagination.

Before I could speak, her friend glanced at her phone, then urged in French again. “Daphne, stop dawdling, your dear brother is calling you in the group chat. Don’t keep him waiting on such an important day.” Daphne froze, set the soup bowl down, and planted a kiss on my lips, looking a bit troubled. “Honey, let the nanny clean up these dishes, and you get to bed early, okay?” “A few friends are inviting me out, please, honey, give me permission.” Seeing her like this, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Sure, go ahead.” “But you better not do anything to betray me.” “If I find out, I’ll leave you without hesitation.” She froze, panic and unease flashing in her eyes. But with her phone ringing constantly, she eventually chose to pick it up and put on her coat. Walking out, she still tried to coax me earnestly. “Honey, don’t worry. I’ll always be yours, in life and death.” “My husband’s place is yours alone.” “Lily, listen to your dad at home, don’t upset him, or I’ll deal with you when I get back!” Only after that door completely separated us did I come to my senses, letting out a long sigh, my eyes growing warm. Our daughter glared at me disdainfully again, cursing me with French she thought I didn’t understand. “Ugly monster, a grown man crying, no wonder Mommy doesn’t like you.” “What a loser.” I laughed self-deprecatingly and wiped away a tear from the corner of my eye. I know I should let go, but I just can’t. Seven years of feelings, even cold stones should have warmed by now. I’m just unwilling for myself. Our daughter is six years old this year. Since birth, she hasn’t left me for a day. I’ve given all my love to them. For seven years, I’ve been a husband and a father, but never myself. But like her mom, she’s forgotten that I taught her French. For three days straight, Daphne didn’t come home. But she texted daily, gently reporting her whereabouts, saying her legs had recovered and she was a bit wild. I quietly watched, silently packing up, planning to leave. On the seventh day after Daphne hadn’t been home, I found the agreement in the email trash, clicked the link, and carefully signed my name. I’d taken 99 steps toward them; this last step, I want to walk toward my own life. I had just bought a ticket for three days later and was about to turn off my phone when I saw our daughter, who hadn’t spoken to me for seven days, glaring at me with a stern face. I didn’t embrace her like before, just calmly got up and left. She got angry, storming past me, cursing in the French I taught her. “Ugly monster, always bothering my mom.” “Who are you scaring with a lousy ticket? If you’re brave, really leave our home.”

I thought I’d feel heartache from her sarcasm again, but I was incredibly calm. Watching her run upstairs, I spoke in French. “Alright, I will leave.” As soon as those words fell, her tiny figure whipped around, her face frozen in shock as if she’d seen a ghost. She hurriedly tapped her smartwatch to send a message to her mom in French. “Mom, Mom, it’s bad, this old man understands French.” Within seconds, a voice message came back. It was Evan, clearly dismissive, “Lily, what nonsense are you spouting! Your dad’s been bankrupt for years, how could he have had a chance to learn French?” “Behave yourself, don’t disturb your mom and me these days.” “I’ll bring you some treats next time.” Lily scrutinized me with a tense little face, and seeing I had no reaction, she tossed aside what I’d said and happily replied. “Okay, Uncle, have fun with Mommy.” “Hope you two have a pretty sister for me soon.” These days I keep thinking about my past with Daphne, and after thinking, I force myself to forget. Lily’s room was filled with the sounds of video games, and I didn’t confiscate her console or urge her to sleep early as I used to. Nor did I remind her to do her homework, which the teacher would check tomorrow. Since she hates me so much, I might as well not be her dad. But I thought for days and couldn’t figure out why Daphne’s acting skill was so perfect. At two in the morning, I received another taunting message from Evan. “Declan, my sister’s been bugging me these days, she’s really greedy, aren’t you up for it?” “She also said you don’t interest her at all.” Along with the message was a photo. Daphne stood in front of him, his large hands ambiguously slipping into her collar, eyes filled with unmistakable desire. I self-destructively looked at it countless times, my heart feeling like it was being squeezed to burst, an indescribable pain. At 2 AM, I was hit with another taunting message from Logan Parker. “Declan Harris, my sister’s been driving me crazy lately. She’s so insatiable, are you really not up for it?” “She even said you don’t interest her in the slightest.” Attached to the message was a photo. Daphne was standing in front of him, his large hands suggestively slipping into her collar, his eyes filled with an undeniable lust. I compulsively watched it over and over, feeling as if my heart was being squeezed to the point of bursting, a pain beyond words. Gazing at the bleak moonlight outside, I recalled the time the Harris family went bankrupt. My fiancée abandoned me, and I was left with nothing. Then Daphne appeared by my side like a savior, helping me pay off debts, aiding my comeback. Back then, I truly believed that she, with her paralyzed legs, was my salvation. For seven years, she showered me with affection. People called her a husband-loving fanatic, loving me to the core. I thought so, too, and I let go of my pride, caring for her, cooking for her for seven whole years. But the truth was, she professed her love for me while being tangled with her non-blood-related brother. Even worse, it was only recently that I discovered she had been hiding countless encounters over these seven years, giving all her true affection to Logan Parker.

I spent a day burning every trace of myself, clothes, photos, leaving nothing behind. My flight is tomorrow. By then, they will no longer have anything to do with me. Daphne still hadn’t returned, but from Logan’s taunts, I knew she was busy. Really busy, exploring all sorts of positions with him. As for Dahlia, she treated me like I was invisible. One last time, I fulfilled my role as a father, cooking a meal she loved. But when she came back from school, she just snorted and ordered takeout, refusing to say a word to me. I watched the meal go cold as the night deepened. In a daze, I heard faint movements at the door. By the moonlight, I saw Daphne finally willing to come home with her beloved. Daphne’s cheeks were flushed as she straddled Logan’s waist, seeking kisses, her delicate hands teasing provocatively downward. Logan, with one hand pressing her head, deepened the kiss dominantly, while the other securely supported her hips. They entered in a hurry, kissing passionately, undressing. In between breaths, Daphne whispered. “Brother, don’t wake my brother-in-law.” Logan jealously bit her earlobe, his voice full of grievance. “Good sister, didn’t you say I was your favorite?” “Didn’t you say doing it at home with Declan watching was more thrilling?” “Didn’t you say Declan was just a tool to protect our love?” “Why do you make me call him brother-in-law?” Seeing Logan sad, Daphne felt heartbroken, lovingly kissing him while soothing him gently. “Brother, isn’t it more exciting this way?” Their amorous sighs grew louder, tearing open the wounds in my already bleeding heart. Curled on the couch, the nauseating smell made my heart feel dead. I don’t know how long it was before the two, moving from the kitchen to the living room, noticed my presence. Daphne’s breath quickened. She covered Logan’s mouth, stifling the lust in her eyes. They went upstairs, clinging to each other. In the silent night, only her suppressed warning remained. “Brother, don’t mess around, if Declan finds out, he’ll definitely go down fighting.” “He’s still Dahlia’s dad; we can’t make it too ugly.” … I don’t know how long it took, but Daphne came downstairs, cautiously covering me with a blanket. The scent of their dalliance still clung to her, and her open collar showed dense kiss marks. I rigidly pushed her hand away, and she sensed something was wrong. “Honey, what’s wrong? Are you mad because I haven’t been home to keep you company?” I shook my head bitterly. “No.” “Daphne, I dreamt you cheated.” She froze, panic in her eyes as she looked at me. “Honey, what nonsense are you talking? I swear, you’ll be my only husband in this life!” At that moment, I was too disgusted to speak, stubbornly turning my head, curling up in bed, exhausted. “I’m a bit tired. I’m going to sleep now.” I turned away, not wanting to see her anymore.

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After Dad declared bankruptcy, Mom started to demand a divorce. I stayed out of it, watching as my sister shoved me aside and ran to Dad, saying: “Dad, don’t be sad. I’ll stay with you!” In my previous life, after our parents divorced, my sister went with our wealthy Mom while I stayed with our bankrupt Dad. But then Mom remarried a jerk, lost everything, and ended up with nothing. My sister suffered too. Meanwhile, Dad’s business flourished, and he became a tycoon. Jealous of my success, my sister arranged a reunion that resulted in my fatal car accident. Now, we’ve been transported back to the day our parents finalized their divorce at City Hall. This time, with a smirk, my sister declared, “I love Dad, I want to stay with him.” Little did she know, I was even happier inside. I refuse to live that life of hiding and dodging again! My sister clung to Dad’s arm, acting all sweet: “Dad, please let me stay with you! You’re my favorite, and I’m not afraid of a little hardship.” Seeing his usually spoiled daughter say this moved Dad deeply. He didn’t notice Mom standing nearby with a scowl. “No way, Amy will suffer with you. I have to take her with me,” Mom insisted. My sister would struggle with Dad, but what about me? My parents were fiercely fighting over my sister’s custody, as if I didn’t exist. In the end, they couldn’t change my sister’s mind about staying with Dad, so Mom reluctantly picked me. I got into my stepdad’s luxury car with Mom. My sister skipped away holding Dad’s hand. Before leaving, she shot me a taunting look. I didn’t care. After all, Mom was wealthy now, and Dad’s situation was a mess. In my past life, Dad and I spent every day hiding from debt collectors. I couldn’t concentrate on my studies. His career failure and Mom’s departure devastated him. He gave up, drank heavily in a dingy apartment, and ignored everything. Despite being a top student, I couldn’t afford tuition and had to drop out to support us. We came from the same womb, but my sister was luckier. She was pretty and knew how to charm our parents, who adored her. Being younger, they expected me, as her older sister, to concede to her. Even during the divorce, they only wanted her. But in this life, she chose Dad, letting him boast in front of Mom. In the car, Mom started berating me. “You’ve always been plain and unlikeable. We’re going to live with Uncle Ryan now, so don’t embarrass me.” It’s laughable; what kind of mother says such things about her own daughter? But whatever, the car rolled into the upscale villa district. I knew my stepfather was rich, but I didn’t know he was this rich. He got me into the city’s best private school. A driver picked me up and dropped me off every day. To make up for having dropped out in my past life, I studied hard. I ranked in the top three every year. Mom, who usually ignored me, was eager to attend my parent-teacher meetings. She loved being envied by other parents and praised as an excellent parent by teachers. Since my stepfather had no children of his own, I thrived in this household. I even started planning to study abroad. “Kids shouldn’t think about going abroad. Don’t think you can do anything just because you’re a top student,” my mom snapped before my stepfather could speak. Later, I realized you don’t need a reason to dislike someone. Even between a mother and daughter.

My stepfather wasn’t as Mom and my sister described him in the past: unpredictable, domineering, and violent. I found him intelligent but proud and self-respecting. Their conflicts surfaced soon after we moved in. Mom was a total pretty face with no brains. Honestly, she and Dad were a perfect match. Dad, a true rich heir, was always simple-minded and physically strong. He married Mom because of his brute force and money. When my grandparents were alive, they supported him. After they passed, Dad got dragged into investments by his foolish friends, losing everything he and my grandparents had. Mom quickly found someone else and divorced him. My study abroad plans were halted by Mom’s opposition. But with my grades, I could easily get into a top school in the country. “Amy’s here!” “Aunt Nora, is my mom home?” “She’s out shopping, but your sister’s upstairs reading.” I heard Amy’s footsteps coming toward my room. Without my permission, she opened my door. “Nean, why pretend? No one’s home. Who are you trying to impress with all this studying?” she said, snatching my books. Though Dad raised her, she came here monthly to get money, jewelry, and clothes from Mom. She’d leave with a car full and still wear shabby clothes the next month. Dad, now a gambler, traded good things for cash to squander. Mom hated seeing my sister suffer with Dad. She even asked my stepfather if they could bring her here to live. He agreed, but Dad refused to let her go. He relied on my sister to get things from Mom to sustain his life. “You study so much it’s making you dumb. What’s the use? You’re not as pretty as me, and Mom and Dad don’t like you.” “This good life is only because I let you have it. Enjoy it while it lasts.” She rifled through my things. Of course, this room was her princess room in the past life. She rummaged through everything. “Tsk tsk, you don’t know how to enjoy life. What are all these things you bought?” “All you do is bury your nose in those books.” I ignored her antics. “Amy, is my precious daughter Amy here?” I coldly watched their mother-daughter act unfold. Mom saw my room in chaos. “You won’t find anything good here. Come to my room. I just bought new clothes, jewelry, and accessories. Take whatever you like.” She dragged my sister out without a glance at me or a word of concern. Aunt Nora brought in a glass of fresh orange juice and tidied up my room. “I’ve never seen such a biased mother.” It didn’t bother me. Her good days were numbered.

A few days later, I heard a heated argument downstairs. “How shameless! Living off me and keeping a pretty boy outside!” Uncle Ryan slapped my mom. My sister rushed to intervene. Still angry, my stepfather shoved her to the ground. “I haven’t even talked about your precious daughter. Didn’t we agree to take one daughter each?” “Why does she keep coming here and taking half the stuff?” Mom retorted, “She’s taking my things. Not your business.” “Yours? Look at yourself. What isn’t bought with my money? And now I’m supporting your whole family!” “Ryan, you have the nerve to say that. If it weren’t for your infertility, would I need to do this?” This completely enraged my stepfather. He lost his temper, throwing Mom’s things out. She tried to stop him but was pushed down too. No one dared intervene, and my sister cowered in a corner. Initially, my stepfather married Mom for her looks and the two kids. After marriage, he invested in me, grooming me as a successor. In the past life, Mom exploited this, recklessly spending his assets. Though my sister was pretty, she was empty-headed. But their greed and stupidity knew no bounds. Mom had a lover, and my sister shamelessly claimed everything would be hers in the future. Word quickly reached my stepfather. She wasn’t even dead, and they were eyeing his estate. Who wouldn’t be upset? He couldn’t bond with them as they weren’t his own. He brought in his nephew to groom as an heir and kicked them out. In this life, Mom was kicked out again. But my stepfather didn’t kick me out. “Nean, following your clueless mom is worse than staying with me.” All my efforts weren’t in vain. My stepfather knew I was smart, ambitious, and had vision. I considered his opinion before making any major decision. I even discussed taking his last name privately. My mom, who only cared about buying clothes, was oblivious and uninterested. She refused to leave, saying she’d rather die there. She underestimated my stepfather. A man who built his business from scratch is different from my weak, incompetent rich heir dad. He wouldn’t be fooled by her petty tricks. “Miss Nora, pack some clothes for her in the bedroom,” he instructed. He called security. Just like that, my mom and sister were thrown out. As my stepfather passed my room, he patted my shoulder. “Nean, focus on your studies. Adult matters don’t concern you.” I nodded. Fools remain fools, no matter how many times they live. My life wasn’t affected at all; in fact, Uncle Ryan valued me even more. My mom secretly urged me to plead with my stepfather. Of course, I didn’t go. She called every day, hurling the nastiest insults at me. Aunt Lydia overheard once and doubted if I was even her biological child. Ha, in her eyes, only my sister mattered. Without my mom’s support, my sister had an even harder time. Her grades were bad, and she hated school. Seeing this, dad stopped sending her to school, but he was buried in debt and living a mess. I was single-mindedly preparing for college entrance exams. Uncle Ryan was busy and rarely home. Not long after, on my way to school, a group of thugs blocked my path. It happened that day our car was in for maintenance, so I was on my own. Just after leaving the school gate, a man stopped me. “Are you Nean?” Before I could answer, someone covered my mouth from behind and dragged me to an abandoned warehouse. Once the blindfold was off, someone kicked me to the ground. “Sister, enjoying the luxury mansion?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “295744”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn