Author: Momo Chan

I was drowning in the icy river, struggling desperately for my last breath. No one came to save me. As I felt my soul leaving my body, a surge of hatred consumed me. Jack Wilson, the man I had loved so deeply, had been cheating on me for years. The daughter I had cherished as my own was actually the love child of Jack and his dream girl, Chloe Parker. Chloe’s mocking laughter echoed in my ears as I died. My vision turned blood-red, reminiscent of the pool of blood left by my real daughter when she passed away. If I could start over, I would have my revenge – for myself and for my daughter! Suddenly, I heard the faint cry of a baby… I forced my heavy eyelids open. A white ceiling and the smell of disinfectant greeted me. Was I in a hospital? Hadn’t I just drowned in the river? I slowly looked around, taking in the somewhat dated decor that seemed oddly familiar. A sharp pain in my abdomen made me cry out involuntarily. “Sweetheart, you’re finally awake! You scared Mommy to death!” Mommy? I focused my gaze and saw my mother, but a much younger version of her. So… had I been reborn? Ignoring the pain, I sat up abruptly. “Mom, where’s my daughter?” In my previous life, Jack had taken advantage of my postpartum weakness to switch my baby. I wouldn’t let their evil plan succeed this time. My mom gently wiped the sweat from my forehead. I gripped her arm tightly. “Mom, please tell me, where did the baby go?” Unaware of my unusual behavior, my mom tried to reassure me, “Don’t worry, darling. The nurse took the baby for a routine check-up. They’ll bring her back soon.” “Just lie down now. You shouldn’t move around too much after giving birth.” I stared into my mom’s eyes. “Where’s Jack?” Mom smiled, “Oh, he’s such a doting father already. The nurse was just taking the baby for a routine check-up, but he insisted on going along.” What? My heart felt like it was being squeezed by a giant hand. I couldn’t breathe! No! Absolutely not! I won’t let Jack succeed this time. Despite my discomfort, I jumped out of bed and ran towards the door barefoot. My mom tried to stop me, but I dodged her and rushed to the door, only to collide with someone entering. It was Jack! He was tightly cradling the baby, glaring at me disapprovingly. Seeing how protective he was of this little bastard, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Reborn into a new life, and he had still succeeded. A wave of fury surged through me. If my anger could materialize, Jack would have been incinerated on the spot! “Honey, the floor is cold. Get back to bed quickly!” Jack switched to a facade of concern for me. He thought he was hiding it well, but I could still see the malice and impatience hidden in his eyes. My mom caught up and pulled me back to bed. As soon as I was back in bed, Jack placed the little bastard next to my hand. “Honey, the baby is hungry,” he said. Right on cue, the little bastard started crying. I stared coldly at her. This was the child of that despicable woman, who had stolen my real daughter’s life. She had taken all my love and resources, and in the end, even pushed me into the river. All the scum in the world combined couldn’t match this little bastard. I slowly placed my hand on the little bastard’s neck. I wanted nothing more than to strangle her right then and there. Jack stood there smiling, lost in his own thoughts, not noticing my actions. But it scared my mom, who was watching me closely. “Sweetheart, that’s not how you hold a baby. You need to support the neck from behind.” “Honey, she’s crying because she’s hungry,” Jack said with a smile, picking up the little bastard and trying to place her in my arms. I turned away, lying on my side. “If she’s hungry, she can have formula. I’m tired and need to rest.” I closed my eyes, but all I could see was the blood that had stained the ground when my daughter died. I wouldn’t let any of these bastards off the hook. I had to plan this carefully. Jack had married into my family and was currently working a menial job in my father’s company. Perhaps due to my financial influence, he had perfected the image of an ideal husband in everyone’s eyes. In my previous life, everyone, including myself, thought I had found the best husband in the world. It wasn’t until just before I died that I realized the truth. He called it “enduring humiliation to achieve his goal.” He had been acting all along for a beautiful future with his dream girl. His dream girl, Chloe, had deliberately chosen to get pregnant at the same time as me and had a C-section early to switch our babies. Because she was born prematurely, this little bastard was small and weak. In my previous life, I had gone to great lengths to nurse her back to health. She certainly grew strong enough to push me into the cold river with one hand. Jack was the husband my father had carefully chosen for me. He said he didn’t want me to work too hard and needed someone to help carry the banner of our family business. He had picked Jack from among the scholarship students he sponsored. Dad said Jack was handsome, well-behaved, hardworking, and had great potential. Mom, however, insisted that for a high-status family like ours, I should marry someone of equal standing. But I was attracted by Jack’s facade and agreed, even persuading my mom. That’s how the marriage went ahead smoothly. Now I realize how blind and foolish I was. I hadn’t seen the ugly face behind Jack’s human mask. It’s impossible to know exactly when Jack and Chloe started their affair. But since Chloe’s due date was later than mine, he must have been cheating at least since I was pregnant. Due to my physical condition, I had focused all my attention on the baby since becoming pregnant. I had gradually handed over the family business responsibilities I used to handle to Jack. This time, Jack won’t get his hands on a single penny of my family’s wealth. After my condition stabilized, I moved into the pre-booked luxury postpartum care center. When we got married, the background check on Jack had failed miserably. We hadn’t discovered that he had a dream girl he couldn’t forget. I contacted Uncle Mike, the head of security at our company, and asked him to conduct a detailed investigation into Jack’s background. The fact that Jack had managed to deceive professional investigators before meant he must have planned this for a long time. He had claimed his background was simple – his parents were dead, and he wasn’t in touch with any relatives or friends. My parents and I had felt sorry for his circumstances and tried our best to be good to him, wanting him to feel the warmth of family. Even I had tried to curb my spoiled rich girl attitude, afraid of hurting his fragile glass heart. Looking back now, I was truly a complete fool. This beast who could throw his own daughter into a beggar’s den deserved to have his family ruined and be left all alone. The company was very busy, and most of the time it was just me and the little bastard alone together. Looking at this inherently evil, ungrateful little wolf cub, I had to grip my right hand tightly with my left to resist the urge to strangle her. My precious baby was suffering somewhere unknown, while this little monster was lying in the most luxurious postpartum care center. Perhaps my gaze was too cold, because the little bastard started crying. With two soft sounds, the little brat had soiled herself. In my previous life, I had forced myself to overcome my germaphobia and changed her diapers countless times, wiping her bottom. This time, dream on. Even if her diaper rash spread to her face, what did it have to do with me? I had already refused to breastfeed. Despite Jack’s efforts to control himself, I could still see the ferocity in his eyes. Heh, he must be thinking about how to settle accounts with me in the future. Unfortunately for him, this time, I’ll be the one settling accounts. As a man who married into my family without a penny to his name, he’d be lucky to eat warm shit without me. Even if he’s not happy about it, he can only swallow his pride. My parents thoughtfully sent over imported high-end formula, but I rejected it outright. Chinese people have Chinese stomachs; a hundred-dollar can would do just fine. Even the staff at the postpartum care center seemed to disapprove of me. They said that despite my vast wealth, I was being so harsh on a small infant. They even speculated whether I had an extreme preference for boys over girls.

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The fortune teller said I was destined to have siblings. My foster parents found me in a dumpster and took me home. They had no children of their own and treated me like a precious gem. When my foster mother became pregnant, she patted my head and said, “Daisy, you must bring us a boy.” The following spring, they had a son. Suddenly, I became the family’s scapegoat. One day, while washing my little brother’s diapers, I added some hot water to the basin. My foster father kicked me to the ground. “You’re so delicate. Making such a fuss over washing diapers.” I looked helplessly at Grandma. When my brother was born, she had called me the family’s lucky star. But now, she just rolled her eyes at me. “We can’t afford to raise a princess,” she scoffed. I didn’t dare speak and was sent to the pigsty. With no food again today, I had to rummage through the garbage. A neighbor took pity on me and gave me some rice porridge. My foster mother stood at the door, cradling my brother and taunting me. “Hey, you old hag, if you really feel sorry for her, why don’t you take her in?” She had given birth to a son and now felt superior in the Lee household. Even the fierce Grandma had to give way to her. The neighbor awkwardly returned to her house and locked the door. I curled up, trying to avoid my foster mother’s disapproving gaze. I thought about going fishing early the next morning. My foster mother’s body hadn’t fully recovered, and fish soup would be nourishing. If she drank the soup, she might be happy for a few days, and I wouldn’t get beaten. But while fishing, I accidentally fell into the pond. The villagers called for the local doctor, who couldn’t help and suggested taking me to the hospital in town. My foster mother wailed and threw herself on top of me, squeezing my neck. “You ungrateful wretch! We’ve raised you all these years for nothing. Even a pig would fetch some money!” I couldn’t breathe and passed out. My foster father gritted his teeth and carried me on his back. As I bounced on his back, I managed to call out, “Dad, please save me.” Bang. I was tied to a rock and thrown into a pit. The sky opened up, and rain poured down. Rats crawled over my face, but I had no strength to fight them off. I thought, no one will save me now. When I was wrapped in a coat, I was completely dazed. There was a fire burning nearby, and Mrs. Johnson held me tightly, trying to warm my body. Seeing that I was awake, she finally sighed in relief. There was egg custard heating by the stove, and she tried to feed me with a spoon. Mr. Johnson peeked through the curtain and brought me a basin of hot water to wash my face. After I had eaten my fill, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson carried me back home. They went door to door asking about me, but the villagers just looked at each other in confusion. “Isn’t she from another village? I heard that child died on the way.” I clung tightly to Mr. Johnson’s neck, while Mrs. Johnson spat several times in disgust. The wind howled, and Mrs. Johnson took off her coat to cover my head. Before we even reached the door, we heard Grandma say, “You should have thrown her farther away. What if she comes limping back?” My foster father coughed, “That pit was for catching tigers. She’ll definitely die out there.” My foster mother was putting my brother to sleep and chimed in, “Whose pit is it? If she really dies, we could make some money off it.” Tears streamed down my face. Grandma came out to dump leftover food and looked at me with disgust. My foster father grabbed my ear and yanked me off Mr. Johnson’s back. “Such an unlucky thing, can’t even die properly.” My foster mother rolled her eyes at the Johnsons. “We don’t want this dead girl anymore. Don’t think you can extort us.” They pushed me into a pig cage, planning to drown me at night. I clung to Mrs. Johnson’s leg and wouldn’t let go. My foster father raised a stick to hit me, and I closed my eyes. “What do you think you’re doing?” The stick didn’t fall. My foster father was furious. Mrs. Johnson held me in her arms. “Let’s pretend we were never here. From now on, she’s our daughter.” My new parents promised to give my former foster parents, the Browns, a load of grain. Once the grain was delivered, Mrs. Brown threw me out. They had a student write a severance letter. “Everyone, bear witness. This money-losing trash belongs to the Johnsons now. Whatever happens from now on has nothing to do with us.” “We picked her up from a dumpster anyway. She’s wasted so much of our food.” Mom took me home. The heavy snow blocked the roads, so she altered her own clothes to make new ones for me. I didn’t have to do chores anymore, and they even killed several chickens to help me regain my strength. At night, when the bitter wind howled, she and Dad sandwiched me between them, like two big furnaces. Dad even made me little toys – a rocking horse, a pinwheel, and other things. These days of being well-fed and warmly dressed felt surreal. I often thought it was just a hallucination before death. As the snow gradually melted, Dad prepared to go out and find work. The village women’s director came to our house and pushed me out to play. I clung tightly to the doorframe, listening to her say, “Little brother, adopted children can never truly be your own. Listen to your big sister, take your wife to the hospital for another check-up.” “Hurry up and send the child away.” Dad shook his head, and Mom got anxious. “Sis, once we’ve taken in a child, we’ll raise her for life. She’s mine and Johnson’s daughter.” “Ai, you two stubborn fools. What if this child turns out to be ungrateful? You’ll have plenty to cry about then.” “Sis, don’t worry about these things. She’s old enough for school now.” Dad kept using sign language, seemingly urging her on. Big Sis sighed and agreed. The next day, she came to get me. Mom wanted to come along, but she was refused. She carried me, walking quickly forward. I didn’t dare ask, afraid she’d find me annoying and tell my parents bad things about me. She put me in a car and told the woman inside. “Hey, didn’t you want a daughter? I’m handing her over to you.” I knew she was selling me, but I didn’t dare move. This was the second time I’d been sold. The first time was after my birth parents were imprisoned. My father couldn’t bear the hardships of prison life and sold twelve-year-old me to a leering police officer. I became his tool for release, but I couldn’t endure it. When I woke up again, I was a baby abandoned in a dumpster. A passing fortune teller said I was destined to have siblings, and my foster father saved me. I brought them a brother, but I was still abandoned. The woman in the car frowned at me. “Is she an idiot? She’s not crying or making a fuss.” Big Sis pinched my flesh hard. “She’s not stupid. She was playing happily yesterday.” I forced a smile. “I’m not stupid.” The woman gave Big Sis $30. They were even now. The car rocked back and forth as it drove. After a while, I heard Mom calling out. The woman wouldn’t stop the car, so I jumped out. My hand hurt, but I scrambled up and ran towards my parents. My parents were covered in sweat. Mom hugged me and cried, gasping for air. The woman was furious. “Let go of her. She’s my child now. I even paid thirty bucks for her.” Dad took out thirty dollars and gave it to her, but she wouldn’t take it. Mom wiped her tears. “This is kidnapping. Let’s go to the police station and let them settle this.” She immediately snatched the money from Dad and drove away. I nestled in Mom’s arms. When we got home, Big Sis was waiting awkwardly. “You brought her back?” Mom ignored her and changed my clothes. My arm was dislocated and I couldn’t lift it at all. She panicked and wanted to take me to the hospital in town. “I don’t want to go.” Seeing a doctor would cost a lot of money, and I was afraid my parents would regret bringing me back. Dad didn’t listen to me and borrowed a bicycle from a neighbor again. Luckily, the doctor didn’t charge us, and my arm was quickly fixed. Mom thought I was traumatized and wanted to buy me some snacks. Dad went back first; he had to feed the pigs and chickens at home. Christmas was almost over, and someone had ordered fresh chicken and pork to take back to the city. The street was bustling with people. Mom bought me some roasted chestnuts to fill my stomach. I stuck close to her, never having been so happy before. As we passed the stone bridge, I saw someone sprawled on the steps, soaking wet. She was struggling to get into the river. I tugged on Mom’s arm. “Mrs. Johnson, is that person trying to catch river snails?” Mom took one look and exclaimed, rushing down the steps with me. Mom was too frail to pull the person up by herself. The person kept struggling, and I was afraid Mom would be pulled in, so I quickly called for help. Many people gathered around, and everyone worked together to save the person. The old lady wasn’t grateful and cried, beating her legs. “Why did you save this old woman? Just let me die!” “Ma’am, it’s better to live than to die. You’re already so old, what could be troubling you?” I took off my coat and wrapped it around her, just like Mom had saved me. “Grandma, I have chestnuts here. Don’t cry, I’ll peel them for you to eat.” Her crying stopped abruptly, and she let us take her to the police station. Just as we reached the entrance, someone came with news. “Mrs. Johnson, your husband has been in a car accident. He’s already been taken to the hospital.” Mom panicked. Dad was the pillar of our family. Mom occasionally made handkerchiefs and pillowcases to supplement our income. If anything happened to Dad, our family would fall apart. I choked up. Mom hugged me, reported the incident at the police station, and asked the old lady to go home with me while she went to see Dad at the hospital. “Mrs. Brown, please take care of my Pearl. She’s too young, and she’ll be scared with no adults at home.” Mrs. Brown nodded and took us home. The old lady’s hand was cold as she silently held mine. I kept my chestnuts close to my chest, intending to bring them for Dad to eat. Mrs. Brown made noodles for us, but I had no appetite. The old lady forced me to eat. “If you don’t eat and get sick, your mom will have to rush back to take care of you.” At night, I squeezed into bed with the old lady. She told me stories to help me sleep. Mom didn’t return until noon the next day. She packed up everything in the house and took out a gold bracelet from under the drawer. We went door to door borrowing money. The person who hit Dad had run away. The doctor said Dad needed immediate surgery, or his life would be in danger. We ran everywhere and only managed to borrow $2,000. Mom took me to the pawnshop. Seeing our urgency, the pawnbroker kept lowering the price. Mom gritted her teeth and pawned the bracelet anyway. On our way to the hospital, someone ran out from an alley. He tried to snatch Mom’s bag, but I bit his hand hard. Dad’s life-saving money was safe, but it was still far from enough. I tugged at Mom’s sleeve. “Mom, sell me! We can get some money to save Dad.” Mom choked up, “You’re our daughter. We’d sell ourselves before we’d ever sell you.” She sent me home and told me to wait with the old lady for her return. The old lady saw the pigs were hungry and took a sickle to cut grass for them. I went to help. At the village entrance, we met people from the neighboring village. Mrs. Brown was holding my brother and chatting with them in the sun. “Well, well, whose family have you latched onto now? You’re just a jinx. You made Little Bao sick at home. Johnson took you away and got into a car accident.” “Why don’t you go drown yourself? The sooner you die, the sooner you can be reborn.” The old lady shielded me behind her and brandished her sickle. “Why don’t you go die yourself?” The people around tried to mediate: “Mei, the child is suffering enough. You raised her for a few years, why do you need to hurt her like this?” Mrs. Brown backed away cautiously. “Hmph, I don’t want to hurt her. We’ve already severed ties. Don’t even think about coming back.” “I’m telling you, if Johnson dies, you come back and I’ll sell you to the widower in the west village.” That day, Mom sent word through someone but didn’t come home. The old lady helped me wash my face and go to bed. I had nightmares. I dreamed of the police officer lying on top of me, and then of my foster parents kicking me to death. I woke up startled, secretly prepared the next day’s pig feed, and slipped out. I had heard that if you fill your pockets with stones, your body won’t float up after you die. I wanted to ease the family’s burden so that they could raise money for Dad’s treatment sooner. The river water engulfed my head, but I wasn’t afraid at all. My ears were buzzing, and the old lady was wailing. The villagers all rushed over. Big Sis, soaking wet, stroked my head. “What a tragedy. You foolish child. If I hadn’t seen you, you would have been gone.” I couldn’t help but cry loudly. “Big Sis, I don’t want anything to happen to Dad. I want to trade my life for his.” Many people around were wiping their tears. “Everyone, let’s chip in a bit more. For the child’s sake, let’s help the Johnson family through this difficult time.” The old lady picked me up. “Pearl, don’t be afraid.” “Grandma will help your dad.” Early the next morning, the old lady took me to the city. The houses in the city were big and beautiful. I sat on a soft sofa, staring in wonder at the television. The old lady took out a bankbook and went to the bank. A whole suitcase full of red bills. The bank manager drove us himself. “Ma’am, is there an emergency? If you need any help, just say the word.” At the hospital, Dad was struggling to leave. The surgery cost too much, and he was afraid of burdening the family. Without a word, the old lady found the doctor, paid the fee, and demanded they arrange the surgery as soon as possible. The manager made some calls and arranged a small suite for my dad. He even went to the police station personally. “The police already have some leads and will make arrests soon. Don’t worry about the surgery costs. I’ll help as much as I can.” My family and I were stunned. Everything seemed to be resolved suddenly. Mom couldn’t stop crying and knelt down to kowtow to the old lady. The old lady helped her up. “Good deeds are rewarded. You saved me, so it’s only right that I repay you.” “I didn’t know it was this serious, or your husband could have suffered less.” I finally understood. The old lady was from a wealthy family. After her husband died last year, her children pressured her to divide the inheritance early. She distributed it according to her husband’s will, but her children felt it was unfair. They were cold and harsh to her, even wanting to send her to a nursing home. The old lady ran back to the county, but her old house was gone. In her despair, she tried to drown herself. If it weren’t for me and Mom, she might have really gone to join her husband. After returning home, she found a letter her husband had left for her. Her husband had arranged everything for her later life. If the children were filial, everyone would be happy. If not, she would still be well taken care of. The bank manager, Mr. Zhang, listened and was furious. He had once received help from the old lady’s husband. To thank us, Mr. Zhang specially ordered food from a big restaurant. I had never eaten so many delicious things before. After dinner, he wanted to take the old lady to his home. The old lady wanted to take me along. “Pearl, Grandma will be very, very good to you.” “Don’t you like Grandma’s big house? It will be yours in the future.” Mom let go of my hand. I felt full of grievance. Were they giving me up after just a few days? Mom kissed my forehead, “Our family’s conditions aren’t good. It would be hard on you. Go with Grandma, you’ll have a better life.” I hugged her tightly: “Mom, I don’t feel it’s hard. Please don’t give me up.” The old lady couldn’t bear to separate us mother and daughter, so she gave our family a large sum of money. Mom refused to accept it, but the old lady was fierce. “If you don’t take it, I’ll take Pearl away.” Mr. Zhang persuaded Mom not to be polite, saying the old lady was elderly and could easily fall ill if upset. Before leaving, the old lady made me promise not to forget her. “Once I’ve settled everything, I’ll come back for you.” I nodded vigorously. After they left, Mom put the money in her chest, telling me she’d deposit it in the bank for me in a few days. Dad gradually got better. He had a good constitution and could return home to recuperate in less than a month. When we returned to the village, Big Sis brought a lot of eggs. “Your Pearl is a good child. From now on, she’s my own niece.” When Dad learned about my idea of trading my life, he slapped himself hard twice. Mom was also heartbroken. “Pearl, if you were gone, Dad and Mom would go with you.” “Honey, let’s make some meat for Pearl to eat today.” Big Sis spread the word in the village, earning me a Good Samaritan award. I got two hundred dollars, bought Dad a pair of shoes, and Mom a pair of gloves. My parents couldn’t stop showing off, praising me for being filial and kind-hearted. Mrs. Brown secretly found me and told me to give her the remaining money. “You dead girl, if it weren’t for me, you’d be long gone. How dare you glare at me?” She raised her hand to hit me, and I screamed shrilly. Big Sis came running, cursing, and my foster mother fled in panic. I stood with my hands on my hips. I had people to protect me too. A month later, Mr. Zhang brought the old lady to our home. They brought many things – candies, chocolates, milk, and more. The old lady told me to share them with the village children, and I instantly became the most popular kid. After dinner, the old lady proposed that we move. “You should all come with me to the city. Johnson can be a chef at the City Wild Restaurant, earning $800 a month.” “Lisa, you’ll learn handicrafts with me. I’ve seen your pillows, they’re quite good. You’ll be my apprentice from now on.” The old lady had already found a school for me. She wanted me to go to a bilingual school first, then start elementary school at seven. Mom didn’t want to take advantage but also wanted me to have a good environment. Mr. Zhang actively tried to change their minds, worried about the old lady’s loneliness in the city and the poor quality of village education that might hold me back. Big Sis strongly supported the idea, excitedly telling the whole village. Naturally, my former foster parents also found out. The Brown family brought their relatives and friends to make trouble. Mrs. Brown rushed in and twisted my ear. “I raised her to this age, a bit of grain isn’t enough.” Mr. Brown chimed in: “Why should you get all the benefits after raising her for just two days? Daisy is mine, I picked her up. I’m not selling her anymore!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “295390”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #浪漫Romance #校园School #魔幻Magic #重生Reborn

Edward Wellington’s mom, Chloe Wellington, didn’t think I was worthy of being with Edward and offered me 50 million dollars to leave him. My good friend, Ashley Morgan, disagreed and said, “True love is the best of all worlds. Your pure love can’t be tainted with money. If you take the money and leave now, you’ll live with the guilt of Mr. Wellington for the rest of your life.” I believed her and didn’t ask for the money, only hoping that Edward would be nice to me. But later, I found out that Edward had been dating Ashley for a long time. In the end, I had nothing left and got breast cancer out of anger, while Ashley took the 100 million dollars from Chloe and broke up with Edward. I found her in her luxury villa and begged her to lend me the money for the surgery. But I got red wine thrown in my face. She said, “You’re such a dumbass. I stole your boyfriend and took the breakup fee that should have belonged to you. I’m afraid you’ll hold a grudge against me. How could I possibly save you?” In the end, I died of breast cancer. Opening my eyes again, I traveled back to when Chloe offered me 50 million dollars to demand that I leave Edward. I took off my Bluetooth headset and turned my cell phone off, then shook my head at Chloe and said, “Mrs. Chloe Wellington, I’m pregnant with Edward’s baby.”

Edward Wellington’s mom, Chloe Wellington, said, “My son is the president of the Wellington Group and is voted best bachelor, but you’re a factory girl. You are not suitable. Even if you’re together, you’ll end up apart. You’d better listen to me. Take the money and leave Edward. It’s better for both of you.” The check was placed in my palm as if it had hit me on the head. I sat up straight and held the check in both hands, carefully examining the numbers on it. My good friend, Ashley Morgan, said, “You can’t take this money. If you take it, it’s a crack in your relationship with Mr. Wellington. You’ll never be together anymore. True love is the best of all worlds. Your pure love can’t be tainted with money.” Ashley’s voice kept coming over the headphones, pissing me off so much that my breasts hurt vaguely. I thought, “You are the crack and the stinking piece of shit in my relationship with Edward.” I simply removed my Bluetooth headset and turned it off. I sighed and pushed the check to Chloe, shaking my head, “I can’t do this, Mrs. Chloe Wellington.” Chloe got a little angry and took the check back. “You’ll regret it later.” I pressed the corner of the check and said meaningfully, “I’m pregnant with Edward’s baby.” Chloe’s face went gloomy, and she gasped, thinking I wanted to marry Edward because of it. I said, “Mrs. Chloe Wellington, an abortion is quite an expense and physically damaging, even to my spirit…” “I’ll give you 100 million dollars,” interrupted Chloe, sensing what I was thinking. “Deal,” I agreed and took the check back from Chloe. Now, that was right. She had to treat everyone the same. Why did she give Ashley 100 million dollars and only give me 50 million dollars? I went straight from the restaurant to the bank to transfer the money. When I had time, I was going to learn about money management and then deal with them.

All afternoon, I was so excited I wanted to scream. I admitted that I was a woman who loved money. The heat was cool on the cab ride back, and the driver was friendly enough to keep me entertained. In my last life, I told Ashley that Chloe wanted to see me and asked her to advise me. She told me to put on my Bluetooth headset and do everything she told me. When she heard that Chloe wanted to offer me 50 million dollars in exchange for leaving Edward, Ashley was instantly angry and anxious. She said, “True love is what persists under worldly pressures and through all the trials and tribulations. Megan, these are the tests of your love. “You can’t take this money. If you take it, it’s a crack in your relationship with Mr. Wellington. You’ll never be together anymore. True love is the best of all worlds. Your pure love can’t be tainted with money. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be looked down upon.” So, I believed her. I didn’t ask for money and just wanted Edward to be true to me. It wasn’t until Edward proposed a breakup that I realized I was just a stand-in for his dead first love. Coincidentally, Ashley also looked like me, so the two of them had been together behind my back for a long time. Edward said, “You’re conservative and boring. In bed, you’re simply not as interesting as Ashley. “I’m the president of the Wellington Group, but I waste a lot of my time kissing you every day by coaxing and tricking you. “I’ve had enough. I don’t want to keep coaxing you, and I don’t want to keep hiding with Ashley. I’m going to give her an identity.” In the end, I had nothing left and got breast cancer from anger. Ashley had persuaded me to be pure in the first place, but she took 100 million dollars from Chloe and world-traveled while in a relationship. I waited until she returned home and met her in her luxury house, but she threw red wine in my face. She tapped my forehead with her fingertips and looked at me like I was a clown. Ashley said, “You’re such a dumbass. I stole your boyfriend and took the breakup fee that should have belonged to you. I’m afraid you’ll hold a grudge against me. How could I possibly save you? Go to hell.” Of course, I knew she had tricked me. But I had no other choice but to beg them. I had no father or mother and only knew them. In the end, I died of breast cancer in the basement. Perhaps God took pity on my ridiculous and pathetic life. Starting over again, I swore I’d never make the same mistake. The money would be mine, and I didn’t care about Edward anymore.

I joyfully got out of the car and saw Ashley, who was in a hurry at the entrance of the community, at once. Seeing me, Ashley quickly ran over to me, her eyes fixed on the distant cab. “How did you afford to take a cab? It costs two hundred dollars to get here from the center of the city. Did you take her money?” She took a deep breath, looking disappointed. I tried to put my smile away and said, “No, I just got startled and wanted to get home to you quickly.” Ashley’s expression got a little better, and she affectionately took my arm. She said, “Don’t mind if I nag you. Fifty million dollars is nothing. As long as you can stay with Mr. Wellington, you’ll have all the wealth of the Wellington family later. “You have to tell Edward and the Wellington family that you don’t want their wealth and that you really like Edward so that they won’t look down on you. “Otherwise, when you marry Edward, your life will not be easy, and they will bully you. So you have to refuse all those bags and jewelry that Mr. Wellington sends you. Understand?” Along the way, Ashley kept talking. I stopped abruptly and yanked her hand away. “Ashley, stop saying that.” She was stunned and looked at me helplessly. She had her mouth open but didn’t make any sound. I said, “My feelings for Edward and I are pure and sacred. I forbid you to talk about us like that.” Hearing that, she smiled, “That’s what I mean. It’s good that you understand.” “Ashley.” I said, staring into her eyes, “How come you never came back from the party yesterday when you said you were going to the bathroom? I’m surprised you didn’t come home at night either.” Ashley’s face instantly turned pale, and her expression stiffened. “I was drunk, so I slept at the hotel.” I continued, “Did you run into Edward? You guys almost left together. He said something came up at the company. But it was late by then.” Ashley licked her lip and rubbed her nose. “Probably a foreign client. You know how big his business is.” I chuckled, “That’s true.” Ashley took out her keys and ran away, saying she’d open the door. However, I saw her pat her chest and sigh in relief as she ran. It turned out they were already together at this time. I was such a dumbass in my previous life that I hadn’t suspected them at all. I was a bit angry. To prevent getting breast cancer, I took out my cell phone and tapped into the dialog box with Edward. I received his transfer of 100 thousand dollars from yesterday and messaged him: [I have picked out my birthday present. You can buy me the world’s limited edition pink Maserati.] Edward quickly replied: [Do you have a driving license?] In my opinion, it didn’t matter whether I had a driving license or not, as long as the car was expensive enough to keep me from getting angry. I replied: [Edward, how could you say that? You’re not acting like a president at all. Since I said I wanted it, you should just buy it for me. Why are you asking so many questions? Are you having another woman?] Edward replied to me after a long time: [I’m sorry. I was wrong. But I swear that you are my only woman.] I didn’t buy his words. He definitely went behind my back and got together with a lot of women who looked like his first love. However, in this life, I only needed money, and the rest was nothing.

On my birthday, Edward booked the fanciest hotel in Mountna and invited a bunch of his friends. Ashley arrived late, wearing a tight dress that showed off her figure and a fantastic emerald necklace. The necklace, which I had seen an actress wearing, was said to be worth more than 300 million dollars. The same night the actress wore it, it had been bought by a mysterious man. It turned out that the mysterious man was Edward. I held my forehead and smiled bitterly. In my previous life, they were so high-profile, but I hadn’t even suspected them. I was so stupid. Ashley stood fearfully in the doorway, looking over at me, waiting for me to beg her to take the empty seat next to Edward. My smiling face suddenly went cold, and I threw the Maserati keys away. “Edward, you disappoint me so much.” Seeing Edward’s dumbfounded face, I continued, “Ashley is a factory girl who earns two hundred dollars a month, but she wears a global limited edition dress and an emerald necklace worth 300 million dollars. “Look at me. I don’t have a single thing of value. Is this decent? Also, I can’t believe you only gave me a Maserati worth tens of millions of dollars for my birthday present. Are you abusing me?” Everyone around covered their mouths for fear of laughing out loud. Edward turned pale with embarrassment and said, “I thought you said you wouldn’t let me give you expensive gifts and that you wanted to have an equal relationship with me.” I said, “It was Ashley who told me I wasn’t allowed to spend a man’s money to save myself from being looked down upon and to be a person with a backbone.” I frowned and got up, walking towards Ashley, who was overwhelmed, “So where did you get all this? Did you win the lottery?” Ashley looked pale and glanced past me to Edward behind me, so anxious she was about to burst into tears. Edward pulled me back and whispered in my ear, “Those things could be fake. Don’t push her. She’s about to cry. Aren’t you guys good friends?” “Fake?” I raised my voice on purpose. “Don’t diss her. We have been friends for a long time. She certainly wouldn’t be vain enough to buy a fake. Am I right, Ashley?” Ashley met my gaze, tears instantly streaming down her face, her delicate makeup disappearing. Gazed upon by the teasing eyes around her, she was in a state of wretchedness at the moment. Ashley said, “They’re fake. I admit they’re fake. I just don’t want to be looked down upon by you guys. What’s wrong with me? You guys were born into rich families, so I can understand you not understanding me.” With that, she looked at me with teary eyes. “What about you? We’re the same kind of people. Do you not understand me? Or are you making a fool out of me on purpose?” I shook my glass. “Who’s the same kind of person as you? Can you find a handsome and rich boyfriend like Edward? I don’t think anyone would want you if you’re so ugly, right?” I coldly splashed the entire glass of red wine on her white dress. I said, “Yes, I did it on purpose. I can’t stand to see you being so hypocritical. Since you said the necklace is fake, I’ll transfer you 10 thousand dollars, and you give me the necklace. Otherwise, it’s real. I’ll find out exactly who sent it to you.” Ashley clenched her fists tightly and angrily removed the necklace before turning to leave. I continued, “Wait. You have to give me the ring and the earrings as well. They are a set.” Ashley cried as she took them off, and it hurt me to watch, let alone Edward. When he sat down again, he asked me in a low voice, “You’ve always had a good temper, but why are you so mad at her today?” I said, “I think she’s being a mistress. I can’t let her make more mistakes. Do you understand?” Seeing my good intentions, Edward patted my shoulder. “That’s very kind of you. I’ll go to the restroom first.” Watching his back as he left, I smiled because the fish finally took the bait.

After staying for a while, I made my excuses to leave as well. Hiding in the stairwell, I turned on my cell phone. On the phone, Edward had Ashley against the toilet wall, one hand controlling her hands, one hand stroking towards her body, and he was kissing Ashley’s tears over and over. “He’s a busy man,” I whispered mockingly. Ashley pressed Edward’s hand and questioned, “Who’s prettier, me or her? Do you like her or me better?” “You’re pretty. I only like you, baby.” Edward said calmly, “How can she be more interesting than you when she won’t let me have sex with her? Don’t worry. As soon as we have sex, I’m sure I’ll be responsible for you. I’m waiting for a chance to break up with her and give you an identity.” Ashley laughed out loud at his coaxing. I hissed, “That’s just men saying different things to different people.” An ambiguous moan came from my phone just as I finished speaking. My cheeks flushed at the sound, and I stood up abruptly. But my hands shook, and the phone smashed on the floor. I bent down to pick it up, but a big hand picked up the phone faster than me. The man’s eyes fell on the screen, and he smiled meaningfully. I recognized him. Just now, in the private room, his burning eyes made a deep impression on me. It was too normal for a rich man like Edward to have a few evil-minded friends, so I didn’t think much of it. However, I didn’t expect him to follow me. I stood on my tiptoes to grab the phone out of his hand, but I was pinned against the armrest. Surrounded by the unfamiliar smell of his body and listening to the ambiguous moans in the air, I blushed instantly. Suddenly, my cell phone rang. The man glanced at the phone, then connected it and handed it to my mouth. Edward said, “There’s something urgent at my company. You guys play first. I’ll have the driver take you back when you guys are done.” “Okay. Ah!” I then covered my mouth in panic and looked viciously at the man doing bad things in front of me. He actually took advantage of my distraction and lifted the shirt around my waist, followed by placing his palm on my waist.

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At my company’s annual party, I was lucky enough to win an iPad. Overjoyed, I rushed home to tell my mom. The next morning, my sister-in-law, Dora, knocked on my door. “Hey, could you give that iPad to your nephew, Mark? He’s been needing one for his studies, online classes, and assignments. You know how it is. You don’t have kids, anyway, so it’s not like you’ll need it. Just hand it over, okay?” I refused. What I didn’t expect was the entire family turning against me over a single iPad. “You’re living off this family after your divorce, and you can’t even spare a free iPad for your nephew?” “Ungrateful brat! Good-for-nothing freeloader!” “I’m not your brother anymore. Get out of this house!” Later, I did move out, but they begged me pitifully, asking me to come back. “Emily, you know how hard your brother works. Mark just started high school this year, and the academic pressure is immense. We don’t have extra money for tutoring classes. That iPad would be perfect for him; it’s great for online courses and practice exercises,” Dora said, gripping my hand with a face full of earnestness. I hesitated. “But I need it, too…” “What could you possibly need it for?” she interrupted, patting the back of my hand dismissively. “Watching videos? Scrolling through apps? You can do all that on your phone, can’t you? Mark is at a critical stage in his education. Shouldn’t his aunt give him a little support?” The iPad I won at the company’s annual party was the latest model, one I’d been wanting for a long time but couldn’t afford. I wasn’t about to hand it over without good reason. “Dora, why don’t you check second-hand platforms? You can find good tablets for a fraction of the price,” I suggested. “What?” Her eyes widened, appalled. “His classmates all have the newest models. How do you expect him to hold his head high with some second-hand junk? He’s a boy; his pride would be crushed!” She shot me a withering glare. “Are you trying to embarrass your nephew on purpose?” Dora felt distressed that my brother worked too hard, yet when I recommended a cheaper one, she doubted my intentions. My patience snapped. “Then, buy him a new one yourself!” Her tone changed immediately. “Why should we spend money when there’s a perfectly good one sitting right here? It’d be such a waste! And anyway, you got it for free. Giving it to Mark wouldn’t cost you a dime. Don’t be so stingy. We’re family! “And look at you now—divorced, no husband, no kids. When you’re old, you’ll have to rely on Mark, anyway!” I laughed coldly, “I’ll pass.” Then, I slammed my bedroom door in her face and left for work.

After my divorce, I moved back to my parents’ house, thinking it would give me some support while juggling work and the legal battle. Dora, however, was less than thrilled. My old room had been turned into a storage space, and she was livid when I started clearing it out. “You don’t need all that space to sleep,” she snapped. “Why can’t the stuff stay where it is?” My room was the smallest in the house, and with all the clutter, there wasn’t even space to turn around. She was basically asking for trouble. But I had just moved back and didn’t want to argue, so I quietly cleaned up. Knowing my presence was an inconvenience, I offered to contribute some money every month as a sort of “board”. Dora feigned modesty. “Oh, don’t be silly, you’re family. What’s money between us?” When I insisted, her attitude flipped. “Well, if it puts your mind at ease, I’ll take it. You just focus on being happy here. I’ll make sure to cook all your favorite dishes!” Two months later, she was complaining at the dinner table about rising grocery prices and her chronic back pain from “doing everything in this house”. One night, while everyone else was watching TV in the living room, she decided to pick a fight. “Mark’s interest classes cost money, you know,” she grumbled. When my brother didn’t cough up the cash, she turned on him. “This house has so many mouths to feed, and you barely bring anything in! I can’t even buy myself a new dress! How did I end up marrying such a useless man? “You’re all nothing but parasites! I must’ve been cursed in my last life to be your servant!” Before she could continue, my brother slapped her across the face. Dora froze, then burst into wails loud enough to shake the walls. “Enough!” My dad slammed his cup down, shattering it. Dora stopped crying, startled. “If you don’t like it here, then leave!” he barked. Dora was about to cry again, but before she could speak, I stepped in. “Dora, I know it’s hard on you. You’ve done so much for this family. I’ll chip in an extra five hundred dollars a month. It’s not much, but it’s something.” That finally calmed her down. My dad shot me a look of disdain. “Ever since you came back, this house has been nothing but trouble. You ruined your husband’s life, and now, you’re ruining ours. Jinx.” He’d never liked me. He thought daughters were liabilities to be married off. My divorce only confirmed his belief, and he never missed an opportunity to remind me of it. Feeling guilty for causing “trouble”, I went out the next day and bought groceries, seafood, and gifts for everyone to smooth things over. But their attitudes didn’t change. Other than my mom occasionally speaking to me, the rest of the family treated me like an unwelcome guest, except when they needed me to pay for something. The summer camp my nephew attended came out of my pocket. I spent a lot of my savings on hiring a lawyer. By the time I realized living there cost more than renting my own place, it was too late. Every penny I spent seemed to benefit them, while I was left with nothing but resentment. Looking back, Dora’s tantrum over my brother’s income was just a ploy. The only one who ended up losing in that situation was me.

After work, I didn’t head straight home. The morning’s confrontation with Dora had left me unwilling to see her for a while. Instead, I called my mom to let her know I’d be late and not to wait for me for dinner. Growing up, my dad ruled the household with an iron fist. When my brother got older, he naturally took on the role of second-in-command. I always thought my mom and I were on the same team. She was soft-spoken, meek, and never had much say in anything. When my brother dropped out of middle school, I’d often come home from school to find him and my dad sprawled on the couch, watching TV or playing video games. Cigarette butts, snacks, and fruit peels littered the floor. Meanwhile, my mom bustled around the house cleaning up after them. She’d sweep the floor, ask them to toss their trash into the bin, and then head to the kitchen to cook. By the time she came back, the place would already be a mess again. I felt sorry for her. Whenever I had time, I’d help with the chores. When my dad hit her, I’d step in between them, trying to shield her, hoping she could have a better life. When I won the iPad, I shared my excitement only with her, making her promise not to tell anyone else. Yet, the next morning, Dora knew. That evening, my mom called to check if I’d be working late. Frustrated, I asked, “Mom, didn’t I tell you not to mention the iPad? How does Dora already know?” She hesitated for a moment before replying meekly, “Oh, last night when you told me, she might’ve overheard a bit. And then she asked me about it this morning…” I snapped, “You could’ve made something up! Now she’s hounding me for it. What am I supposed to do?” “I’m sorry, Emily,” she murmured. “I didn’t think it through. She said Mark needed it for his studies, so I told her…” Despite my repeated warnings, she’d sold me out. I was so angry I could feel it in my chest. For a moment, I said nothing. After a brief silence, she tentatively added, “Emily, if you’re not using it, maybe you could give it to your nephew. Dora can be hard to deal with, but Mark’s studies shouldn’t suffer…” Mark, whose school performance was consistently at the bottom of his class, who was frequently called out for parent-teacher meetings. Suddenly his academic future depended on my iPad as if it were his golden ticket to Harvard or Yale. I hung up, unwilling to argue further. When I finally got home, the house was unusually quiet. This was around the time my nephew was supposed to be in bed, though he often stayed up late, glued to the TV or his phone. Most nights, his resistance would spark loud arguments with his mother in the living room. But tonight, only my parents were there. My brother and his family were nowhere in sight. I retreated to my room, determined to list my iPad for sale online. My finances were tight, and although I’d been wavering between keeping it for myself or selling it for extra cash, Dora’s antics had helped me make up my mind. I opened the drawer of my desk, only to find the iPad missing. It was gone.

My desk drawer had a lock, but it had been so long since I used it that the key was nowhere to be found. I figured it was safe enough at home, so I left for work without a second thought. Yet now, the iPad was gone. My first thought was Dora. Ever since moving back, I’d noticed things mysteriously disappearing, such as half-used skincare products, makeup, clothes I didn’t wear often, face masks, and snacks. These weren’t expensive items, so I decided to let it slide to avoid unnecessary drama. But now, she had the audacity to take something as valuable as my iPad? Fury coursed through me as I stormed out of my room to confront her. My brother was out drinking with friends, leaving Dora and my nephew lounging on their bed. When I barged in, her first instinct was to push the iPad down behind her and her son, but we were too close, and I’d already seen it clearly. “You don’t even knock before coming in?” Dora fired the first shot. I shot back. “And when have you ever knocked before entering my room?” “What kind of attitude is that? Don’t forget who’s house you’re living in!” she snapped. “You eat our food, use our things, and I practically slave away for you every day. No woman would put up with this from her husband’s sister. “And you still live with your parents? If I were you, I’d rather be crashed by a car!” I couldn’t believe the audacity. These tiny houses in the area rented for maybe a thousand dollars tops, yet I was paying her two thousand dollars a month just for the “privilege” of being treated like dirt. “This is my home,” I shouted back. “And I have every right to stay here, even if I don’t pay a single cent!” “Your home?” Dora sneered. “Who do you think you are? No wonder your husband left you. Married for three years and couldn’t even pop out a kid! Women like you deserve to be barren!” What kind of backward, archaic mindset was this? She sounded like having a son was the pinnacle of human achievement, a prize to flaunt. I forced a cold laugh, trying to rein in my temper as I remembered the reason I came here. “I’m not here to argue. Just give me back the iPad.” Her guilty glance at the iPad confirmed my suspicion, but she retorted, “How do you know it’s yours? I bought this today! You see a tablet and go crazy? You’re delusional!” Her shamelessness was mind-boggling. I let out a slow, deliberate laugh before calmly pulling out my phone and called the police. “Every iPad has a unique serial number,” I said coolly. “I took a photo of it and posted it on my social media when I got it. You’d better stick to your story when the police arrive.” Her face twisted in panic as I was about to press the call button. She lunged at me, knocking the phone from my hand. It hit the ground with a sickening crack, the screen shattering on impact. She didn’t stop there. Grabbing a fistful of my hair, she screamed, “You dare call the cops? I’ll kill you!” Anger surged through me, and adrenaline gave me unexpected strength. I shoved her hard, sending her sprawling onto the edge of the bed. Seeing his mother fall, my nephew, who had been lounging like a lazy lion cub, suddenly sprang into action. Towering over me, he pointed a finger at my nose and yelled, “How dare you push my mom!” This boy, tall and burly for his age, had been sweet-talking me for money ever since I moved in. His “Auntie, you’re the best!” routine had always netted him fifty dollars here, fifty dollars there. I thought our relationship was decent, not close, but far from hostile. Yet here he was, fists clenched, ready to charge at me like a rabid dog. As he swung, my parents finally appeared in the doorway, drawn by the commotion. “Are you all out of your minds? I’m not dead yet!” my father roared, his voice cutting through the chaos like a whip. Dora, now fully recovered, darted to my parents, dramatically clutching her arm. “Look at what your precious daughter has done to me!” she wailed. “She pushed me, threatened to call the police, and claimed I stole her iPad! Call them! Let’s see who they take away, her for hitting me or me for doing absolutely nothing wrong!” Before I could open my mouth to defend myself, my father’s hand lashed out, a slap that landed squarely on my cheek. The force left me stunned, clutching my stinging face as my surroundings blurred. The room fell deathly silent. Even Dora, mid-sob, shut her mouth. My mother’s lips quivered as tears welled in her eyes, but I couldn’t hear her over the ringing in my ears. My father’s face was a mask of rage as he spat, “All you do is embarrassing me! If you cause one more problem, don’t bother coming back to this house!”

I had feared my father since childhood; his authority was absolute in our household. When he was younger, his temper was even more volatile, often waking me in the middle of the night with his yelling. He’d come home drunk, and if my mother so much as uttered a word of advice or took too long to answer the door, he’d grab her hair and shove her onto the couch to beat her. I never knew if other fathers were like this. Growing up, the way he looked at me was filled with hatred, but he lavished my brother with affection. When introducing my brother, he’d beam with pride, calling him “my son” even though my brother was a troublemaker with no redeeming qualities. As for me? Even though I consistently excelled in school, at home, I was treated like a servant to be ordered around. I rarely spoke to my father or looked him in the eye. I never resisted him, except for one instance when he hit my mother. I couldn’t stand it and threw myself over her. Now, hearing his angry command to stop, my instinct was to back down, just as I always had. But as I looked around at Dora’s smug face, my hateful nephew, my father’s heaving chest, and my mother’s tear-streaked, helpless expression, I felt an overwhelming wave of disgust. Closing my eyes, I pushed down all my resentment and pain, speaking as calmly as I could. “It was Dora who took my iPad first.” Dora immediately shrieked, “There she goes again! Still lying through your teeth at a time like this! Does it have your name on it? How dare you. You’re trying to scam me because you’re desperate!” I let out a sneer. “You know exactly who’s scamming who. Are you absolutely sure you bought this iPad today?” “Of course!” She shot back. “Good. Then, I can rest easy,” I replied, my tone laced with sarcasm. “If I prove it’s mine, what are you prepared to do?” Dora faltered, glancing at the upturned iPad, then straightened her posture with feigned confidence. “What do you want?” “You’ll bow and apologize, then compensate me for a new iPad and phone at full price.” “Why should I?” Dora roared, her face red with anger. My father, feeling his authority undermined, barked, “I told you to stop this nonsense!” His barely contained fury made me flinch instinctively, but today, I wasn’t going to back down. “You said you bought it this morning. So, why are you afraid? Guilty conscience?” “Afraid? Of what?” Dora spat, her voice dripping with defiance. She turned to my dad and added, “Look at her! She wants me to kneel! Who does she think she is? No manners at all!” The last four words hit my father like a slap in the face. His expression turned a mix of green and white as he glanced at Dora, his gaze tinged with displeasure. Dora, oblivious to his reaction, continued her relentless verbal assault on me. Annoyed, I interrupted her tirade, “Wanna bet? If I can’t prove it’s mine, I’ll pay you ten times the price.” To ensure she understood, I added, “This model costs nearly five thousand dollars on the official website. Ten times means fifty thousand dollars. Are you in or not?” Dora hesitated for a moment, but the mention of fifty thousand dollars made her eyes gleam with greed.

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The day my wife gave birth to a child for her terminally ill first love, my in-laws stationed ten bodyguards outside the delivery room. Yet, even after the delivery was over, I didn’t show up to cause any trouble. My mother-in-law held my wife’s hand, sighing with relief. “Don’t worry, Ottilie. We’re here to make sure he doesn’t come anywhere near you.” “Your father even has people guarding the hospital entrance. If he dares to come and try to stop you from having this baby, we’ll call the police!” Ottilie nodded weakly, but she still instinctively glanced towards the elevator. Seeing it empty, she finally relaxed. She couldn’t understand why I couldn’t just be supportive of her helping her first love leave behind a legacy. Looking at the wailing newborn in the nurse’s arms, she smiled contentedly. She thought that if I came to visit her tomorrow, she would forgive all our previous arguments. She’d even be willing to let me be the child’s father. But what she didn’t know was that I had just submitted my application to join Doctors Without Borders. In seven days, I would give up my citizenship and become a stateless doctor, never to return.

The day Ottilie was discharged from the nursing home, I had just finished handing over my work at the hospital. As I reached the doorway, I heard laughter coming from inside. “This child is beautiful, with big eyes just like his father’s.” My mother-in-law was happily playing with the baby in her arms, while Kieran was bringing out a steaming bowl of chicken soup from the kitchen. “I made this soup myself. Your body is still weak, you need to eat well to recover,” he said, sitting by the bedside and tenderly feeding Ottilie. The atmosphere was that of a happy family. My father-in-law was holding a rattle, grinning from ear to ear. “This child is so adorable, just like his father. It’s a good thing he’s not Jude’s child. Having a doctor for a father would be such a burden.” My hand tightened on the doorknob. I remembered the first time I met my father-in-law. He had patted my shoulder, saying being a doctor was good, that saving lives brought honor to the whole family. He had told me he was once a doctor too, and if it weren’t for an injury caused by a violent patient, he wouldn’t have retired early. But now, he was saying doctors weren’t fit to have families. I had only been away for a year of advanced studies, and this family had already completely shut me out. I lowered my head, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. Ottilie and I had been married for three years. She had said she didn’t want children, and understanding the risks of childbirth, I didn’t pressure her. I still remember the day I left for my studies abroad. She had cried, saying she would miss me terribly. For the past year, we had called each other every day, sharing our lives. Even my colleagues would tease us, saying we still acted like newlyweds after three years of marriage. But just a month ago, when I finally managed to get some time off to come home, despite being exhausted from an eight-hour flight, I rushed back without complaint. Only to find Ottilie heavily pregnant, standing next to her first love. My thoughts were interrupted by Kieran’s words. “Jude, when did you get back? Why are you standing in the doorway?” Hearing him, the others in the room looked towards the entrance. When my father-in-law saw the resignation letter in my hand, his brow furrowed deeply. “How could I have entrusted my daughter to someone like you? What bad luck. Now you’re quitting your job, expecting us to support you?” “Is this how you act as a husband?” my mother-in-law chimed in accusingly. “You can’t even handle such a good job. What else can you do?” “Ottilie’s body is delicate now. She and the baby need money for everything. If you don’t work, are you expecting a family of three to live on air?” Hearing this, I could only laugh bitterly. “Whoever’s wife and child they are, it’s their responsibility to provide for them.” “Jude Wilson, what are you saying? How can you be so irresponsible?” Ottilie finally couldn’t hold back, shouting at me with reddened eyes. Seemingly overcome with emotion, she clutched her chest and began coughing violently. “If Kieran hadn’t saved me from that car accident three years ago, I might have died already. His parents are both gone, and now he’s been diagnosed with terminal cancer. In a short while, there might be no one left in the world to remember him.” “Why do you always have to be against him? Do you really think I’m that kind of dirty, immoral woman?” Kieran stroked her back soothingly, while turning to me with a pained expression. “Jude, please don’t say anymore. I know this is all my fault. I promise I won’t appear in your lives again after this. Please don’t let me affect your marriage.” I looked at the four people before me, who had clearly already formed a united front against me, and found it increasingly laughable. So this was what a real family looked like. Just then, Ottilie suddenly spoke up: “Jude Wilson, my patience has limits too. If you dare to target Kieran again without reason, don’t bother coming back to this house!” “If you still want to continue our life together, just keep quiet. At next week’s full-month celebration for the baby, I can announce in front of all our relatives and friends that you’re the child’s father.” Next week? I glanced at the baby, now asleep in the carrier. Next week, I would be embarking on my journey abroad. But before I left, I didn’t mind giving them an unforgettable surprise. I nodded, my expression unchanged. “Fine.”

After saying that, I turned and went back to the bedroom to pack my things, ignoring their reactions. Since I had decided to leave for good, I didn’t want to leave any trace of myself here. The sounds of laughter from the living room filtered through the door. I paused briefly as I was folding clothes. “Kieran, I want to give this child your surname. That way, even if he calls someone else ‘Dad’ in the future, he’ll always remember that you’re his true father.” Even without seeing it, I could imagine the loving expression on Ottilie’s face as she said this. And my heart, already riddled with wounds from her, ached once more. I suddenly thought back to last month when I had rushed home, carrying souvenirs I had specially bought for Ottilie from abroad. But at our doorstep, I saw Ottilie and Kieran returning from a walk, hand in hand. Unlike the look of horror on Ottilie’s face, Kieran had eyed me with confusion, asking if I had the wrong apartment. I said nothing, my gaze fixed on Ottilie’s swollen belly. After eleven months away, my wife was pregnant. There was no way I could deceive myself into thinking this child was mine. Until Ottilie hurriedly stepped in front of Kieran to introduce me. “This is my husband, Jude Wilson.” I had thought that hearing this, Kieran would show some restraint. But instead, he invited me into my own home like he was the man of the house. As we passed each other, he said in a voice only I could hear: “I heard you’re quite a bit older than me? I guess I should call you ‘brother’ then, considering your wife is carrying my child.” Hot blood rushed to my head, and I could no longer contain myself. I swung my fist, landing a solid punch on his face. I had completely lost control, the eleven months of longing for Ottilie during our separation transformed into pure rage. If I had had a knife in my hand at that moment, I might have killed them both. It wasn’t until the neighbors heard the commotion and called the police that we were all taken to the station. But because it was a domestic matter, the police couldn’t intervene much and just sent us home. As soon as we got back, my in-laws, who had rushed over after hearing the news, started berating me without even asking what had happened. They scolded me for causing such a scene as soon as I returned, making us the laughingstock of the neighborhood. They even berated me for wasting all those years of education, resorting to violence, and threatened that if anything serious had happened, they wouldn’t let me off easy. It turned out they had known all along about Ottilie and Kieran being together, and were even strongly supportive of it. In just a year’s time, Kieran had become their perfect son-in-law. Only I had been kept in the dark. There was a bitter taste in my mouth, and I felt utterly miserable. Ottilie tremblingly walked to my side, trying to take my hand and reason with me. “I never meant to betray you. Kieran is very ill, the doctors say he has at most six months to live. I couldn’t bear to see him leave without an heir.” “I had thought about discussing it with you before, but you were so far away, and I didn’t want to worry you and disrupt your studies. That’s why I planned to wait until you returned to tell you.” “If you’re willing, can we raise this child together?” Such a major life decision as having children, yet she spoke of it so casually. I put the last piece of clothing into my suitcase just as my mother-in-law pushed open the door and walked in. Seeing the suitcase at my feet, she wore an expression that seemed to say ‘at least you know your place’. “You haven’t been back for so long, so I let Kieran sleep in your room. Now the study has been turned into a nursery too. You’ll have to make do with the living room couch tonight, or maybe you should just go stay at a hotel?” I was truly exhausted and didn’t have the energy to go find a hotel. I nodded, prepared to make do on the sofa. But deep into the night, the baby’s cries kept coming from the bedroom. I turned over, about to put in earplugs, when I heard Ottilie’s complaining voice. “Can’t you do something about the baby? He just keeps crying.” “Aren’t you my baby? I just need to take care of you. A little crying is good for the baby’s lungs.” Ottilie giggled and said, “You’re terrible.” Followed by the sound of the bed creaking. I pulled the blanket over my head, trying hard to ignore those unbearable sounds. But when I closed my eyes, I seemed to see Ottilie as she was when she first confessed her love to me. Back then, she was pure and beautiful, her eyes full of nothing but me. But that Ottilie no longer belonged to me.

I dozed fitfully through the night and left at dawn with my suitcase. I went to the administration office to cancel my household registration and process the relevant paperwork for going abroad. Because I had government-approved documents, all the procedures were completed quickly, and the staff didn’t ask many questions. Just as I was leaving, the staff member suddenly called out to me and handed me a handful of fruit candies. “I hope all your wishes come true.” I smiled gratefully at her and then found a hotel nearby. After putting down my luggage, I was about to go out to find something to eat when I ran into Ottilie and Kieran with my in-laws. Kieran was wearing an expensive custom-made Armani suit, looking the picture of health, nothing like a dying man. “Jude, I thought I saw you from a distance, but Ottilie insisted you couldn’t possibly be in this area,” he said. His gaze fell on the recruitment flyer in my hand, and he smiled knowingly. “Oh, so you’re out looking for work? But with your frail build, isn’t working at a construction site just torturing yourself?” I said nothing. The flyer had been handed to me by a young girl on the street. Seeing her handing out flyers in the cold winter, I had just taken one to be polite. Seeing that I remained silent, only gripping the flyer tightly, Kieran smiled arrogantly. “You should have said earlier that you were job hunting. Maybe I could have helped. We’re all family now. If you’re doing well, Ottilie will have someone to rely on in her later years, and I can rest easy.” My silence at this point was as good as confirmation. Ottilie, who had been looking confused, now had a complete change of expression. She frowned deeply, her eyes full of contempt as she looked at me. “What’s there to recommend? He insisted on quitting his good job as a doctor. Now even if he starves on the street, he doesn’t deserve anyone’s sympathy.” “Jude Wilson, you really have no sense of responsibility. Do you think this will force me to give up the child?” I looked at her familiar face, but now it felt utterly foreign. I remembered when we first got married, there was a time when I considered quitting due to internal competition at the hospital and changing careers. Ottilie had just hugged me then, gently patting my back and whispering in my ear: “We’re in this together. Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.” “Quitting isn’t a big deal. I believe a true gem will always shine. I’ll always be by your side, honey.” But the person who said she would always be by my side was now letting another man humiliate me. She had forgotten the words she once said to me, and it seemed she had also forgotten the deep love she once had for me. Even my in-laws were shaking their heads in disappointment. “I was truly blind before, actually thinking of entrusting my daughter’s future happiness to your hands!” “It’s a good thing we’re still around. Who knows how you’d mistreat our daughter if we weren’t here.” The more they spoke, the more exaggerated it became. Passersby were starting to cast curious glances our way. I slowly clenched my fists at my sides. Just as I was about to speak, Kieran suddenly stepped forward. “We were just about to go take a family portrait. Why don’t you join us, Jude? After all, I’ll be counting on you to take care of Ottilie and the child for the rest of their lives.” Ottilie immediately cut him off, scoffing coldly. “Look at how shabby he looks. He’d only lower the quality of our family photo.” With that, she turned and headed towards the photo studio, not forgetting to urge Kieran to hurry up and follow. “Well then, we’ll be going. Don’t let us keep you from your job hunting,” Kieran said, patting my shoulder meaningfully. Watching him walk away, I felt no ripples in my heart. To outsiders, what a harmonious family they must seem. If this was what Ottilie wanted, why should I not let go and give her my blessings?

Three days before my departure, I received a message from the hospital director. He said the specialist I had asked him to contact was coincidentally attending a forum in the country and could take a look at my father-in-law’s coronary heart disease. My father-in-law’s heart had never been very good, and he had been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment years ago. So during my studies abroad, I had also asked colleagues to help me collect relevant case studies. No matter what, years of family ties still existed. After doing this, I would have no more debts to them. But when my father-in-law heard I wanted to take him to the hospital, his face immediately darkened. “Why go to the hospital when I’m perfectly fine? Are you trying to curse me? My previous heart bypass surgery was successful, what’s there to check?” “A top specialist in cardiology happens to be in the country today. You could go for a check-up, maybe for some preventive measures for the future…” Before I could finish, my father-in-law smashed his water glass at me. “You and your pretty words. Do you think a top specialist is someone an unemployed bum like you can just make an appointment with? All you do is brag! Look at Kieran, he stayed up all night to get me an appointment with a specialist. Where were you then?” He kept comparing me unfavorably to Kieran, his attitude making everything clear. So no matter what I did, it was wrong. No matter how I did it, I couldn’t compare to Kieran.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “295387”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #浪漫Romance #校园School #魔幻Magic

My mother is the chairwoman of Grayson Financial Group, a financial powerhouse. My uncle is a renowned financial tycoon both domestically and internationally. My grandfather was among the first generation of entrepreneurs in the country. However, my father lavishes all his affection on the family’s adopted son. He allows Alaric Greyson to usurp my identity, steal my fiancée, and goes out of his way to suppress me. On the day of Alaric’s 18th birthday celebration, he intercepted me and sneered: “How dare a lowly adopted son like you show up at my coming-of-age party?” “You’re an embarrassment. I think I need to teach you some manners!” He colluded with the servants to break my legs, blind my eyes, and throw me into the freezing pool behind the mansion. In my previous life, to gain my father’s love, I never exposed Alaric’s true identity. I allowed them to bully me, which eventually led to my tragic death. Now, I’ve been reborn. Looking at the smug Alaric, I kicked him to the ground and coldly looked down at him: “Who do you think you are, you piece of trash, to dare speak to me like that?” … The air in the banquet hall seemed to freeze. No one could believe I would do such a thing. With a cold expression, I ordered Sophie Harris, the nanny wearing an apron, to restore the banquet venue to its original state. Unexpectedly, Sophie disregarded my order. Instead, she helped Alaric up with a look of concern and scolded me harshly: “Young Master, today is the Young Master’s 18th birthday celebration. You’re causing too much trouble.” “I’ll report this to the Master later and let him deal with you.” Hearing this, I pulled over a chair and sat down in the center of the hall, smirking coldly: “Young Master? Aren’t I supposed to be the eldest young master of the Grayson family? When did I become the younger one?” Hearing my words, Sophie’s eyes unconsciously darted away, but her tone remained contemptuous: “You’re the Grayson family’s adopted son. What else would you be if not the younger master?” In my previous life, Sophie, as the Grayson family’s nanny, always helped Alaric bully me behind the scenes. She deceived my mother, making her increasingly disappointed in me. In the end, she even helped my father and Alaric set the fire that burned me alive, and she was the one who laughed the most gleefully. Hearing her words, I let out a cold laugh. “Adopted son? Me?” “Who else if not you?” Sophie said hatefully. “You’re just an adopted son jealous of Young Master Alaric’s status. You’re always targeting him. He’s generous enough not to hold it against you. Don’t tell me you’ve really forgotten your place?” I stared at her coldly. Everyone in the Grayson family knew who the real young master was and who was the fake one! Thinking this, I shot Sophie an icy glare. “You’re just a nanny working for the Grayson family. How dare you be so presumptuous in front of me?” “You’re fired!” Hearing this, Sophie remained unfazed and sneered: “Fire me? An adopted son like you doesn’t have that authority.” “Have you asked the Young Master? Have you asked the Master?” At this moment, Alaric, who had been helped up from the ground, angrily shouted: “James Grayson, how dare you cause trouble at my birthday party! I’ll tell father about this and make you pay!” “Are the rest of you all dead? Why are you just watching him act crazy? Quickly, take him away!” I looked at Alaric’s furious expression and smiled lightly. My father had married into the Grayson family, so I took my mother’s surname. I was the Grayson family’s eldest son and my mother’s only child. When I was sixteen, my father brought home a child, saying he was the orphaned son of his late elder brother and wanted to adopt him. But my mother said whether to adopt him or not depended on my opinion. At that time, after hearing my father’s words, I felt sorry for the boy and called him “brother.” So Alaric Sullivan changed his name to Alaric Greyson and became the Grayson family’s adopted son. From then on, my father showered Alaric with affection, giving him all his love. He even helped Alaric suppress me, causing Alaric to become increasingly arrogant in front of me. Now that I’ve been reborn, I finally understand. I am the true heir of the Grayson family. Why should I be bullied by Alaric, the real adopted son? At this moment, the other servants also reacted, intending to take me away. I looked at the mockery in Alaric’s eyes and the contemptuous expression on Sophie’s face beside him. I smirked coldly and swept my gaze across the room: “I am the eldest young master of the Grayson family. Who dares to touch me? Aren’t you afraid my mother will hold you accountable later?” The servants who were about to lay hands on me immediately stopped, looking at Alaric with difficulty. Hearing this, Alaric’s face turned pale and then flushed with anger. He threatened: “James Grayson, have you lost your mind? Everyone here knows you’re the adopted son of our Grayson family.” “And you dare to bring up mother? She’s out of state now negotiating a very important project. If you delay her because of this, you’ll be the Grayson family’s sinner!” Sophie’s face turned vicious as she pretended to be grieved: “Young Master, please stop making trouble. You’re clearly the Grayson family’s adopted son.” “Besides, the one in charge of the family now is the Master. If you keep causing trouble, when the Master gets angry, the situation might become uncontrollable.” The other guests at the party began to chime in: “That’s right, Alaric is clearly the noble eldest young master of the Grayson family!” “I can’t believe the Grayson family’s adopted son would dare to disrupt the eldest young master’s coming-of-age ceremony. This is outrageous!” Hearing this, I clenched my fists tightly, but my expression remained calm as I instructed an attendant at the party: “Since they mention father, why don’t you go ask him?” “Alaric is telling everyone that I’m the adopted son. Ask him if that’s true or not.” The attendant hesitated, and I understood what he wanted to say. Everyone in the Grayson household knew that my father doted on Alaric. In contrast, he was very cold towards me. If he found out I was causing trouble at Alaric’s birthday party, He would definitely fly into a rage and might even punish me in front of everyone. Seeing the attendant’s hesitant expression, I smiled calmly, “Go on, don’t think too much about it.” Only then did the attendant reluctantly go upstairs. Alaric smirked triumphantly, “James Grayson, once father arrives, this farce will be over.” Sophie also sneered from the side: “Young Master, you clearly know how much the Master dotes on the eldest young master. Why are you insisting on bringing trouble upon yourself?” To this, I remained coldly silent. In my previous life, the father who had raised me since childhood allowed Alaric to take everything from me. In the end, he even coldly helped Alaric set the fire that burned me alive. They scattered my ashes into the sea. Yet they told my mother I had committed suicide, causing her to weep bitterly and fall ill. Now that I’ve been reborn from the flames, I’ll make them taste the pain of scorching skin and the hatred of burning bones! 2 After a series of reprimands, the attendant came out of my father’s room with spittle on his face. He looked at me apologetically and said: “The Master said he’s changing clothes and will come down soon for the Young Master’s birthday party. He also said… he also said the younger master shouldn’t cause trouble.” I wasn’t surprised by this result. And the attendant’s words were certainly sugarcoated for my father’s sake. His original words were probably telling me to get lost. After all, in my father’s eyes, I could never compare to Alaric. He would always side with Alaric. Hearing this, Sophie immediately said in a sarcastic tone: “Young Master, I advised you earlier but you wouldn’t listen. Now that the Master has spoken, it’s too late for the Young Master to regret it.” Alaric’s face lit up with joy as he said smugly: “James Grayson, look at what you’ve done. You just had to bring this on yourself. Now the show’s over. Someone come and take him away!” I frowned and smirked, about to say something when I saw a woman in a grand white gown walk in. My gaze froze. This was Megan Williams, the daughter of the Williams family, whom my mother had arranged for me to marry as part of a powerful alliance. The people around exclaimed: “It’s the Young Master’s fiancée!” “The Young Master’s fiancée is so beautiful, and her family background is impressive too. They’re truly a perfect match!” After Megan entered the banquet hall, she went straight to Alaric’s side and took his arm, her eyes full of tenderness. When she looked at me, however, her expression was full of disgust: “James Grayson, why are you at Alaric’s birthday party? You’re just an adopted son of the Grayson family. You even lied to me before, saying you were the eldest young master!” “If Alaric hadn’t told me the truth, I might have been fooled by you. That would have made the marriage alliance between our families a joke!” At this, I shook my head and chuckled lightly. When the two families first arranged the marriage, it was the Williams family who eagerly sought an alliance with us Graysons. I had reluctantly agreed. I never expected that after meeting Alaric, Megan would be deceived by his sweet talk, believing he was the true Grayson heir, and treat me with such disdain. However, those who still had doubts about my identity seemed to fully believe it after seeing her actions. After all, what fiancée would mistake her own betrothed? Seeing this, Alaric’s eyes grew even more smug. He provocatively placed his hand on Megan’s waist and looked at me mockingly. “James Grayson, what do you have to say now?” Megan looked at me with disgust: “I came here today for two reasons. First, to attend Alaric’s birthday party, and second, to tell you, the adopted son of the Grayson family.” “The person I love will always be your big brother! Stop harassing me in the future, understand? When we meet, you should address me as sister-in-law!” She wants me to call her sister-in-law? I haven’t forgotten the scene from my previous life when she found out Alaric was the real adopted son. She knelt before my mother, crying desperately that she loved me. Hearing this, I chuckled lightly, “Alright, sister-in-law. Your big brother wishes you both the best. I hope you two will be inseparable.” Megan’s eyes narrowed as she said coldly: “Sister-in-law? You keep saying Alaric is the adopted son and that you’re the real young master. Do you have any proof?” I spread my hands, displaying my whole body, then pointed at Alaric and smiled, “Isn’t it obvious?” I stood there simply, and even though I was being denounced by everyone, I still had an air of natural nobility, clearly a son of privilege. In contrast, Alaric, despite having the upper hand, still had a shifty gaze and hunched posture. Even wearing an expensive tailored suit, he gave off the impression of a nouveau riche. “Besides, you want proof, don’t you? I wonder if this jade pendant is enough evidence?” With this comparison, people immediately exclaimed: “It’s true! James Grayson’s bearing is clearly that of someone extraordinary.” “Could that jade pendant be the one-of-a-kind natural imperial green jade that Mrs. Grayson gave to her child? Could Alaric really be the adopted son?” Hearing this, Alaric’s face stiffened. He trembled and said, “If I were the Grayson family’s adopted son, why would father tell you to get lost? That jade pendant of yours is clearly a fake, a forgery!” Sophie also said with a dark expression: “That’s right! The real jade pendant is with Young Master Alaric. I just saw it. Yours is a forgery! Besides, the Master has already spoken. I don’t know how you still have the face to stay here.” “James Grayson, no matter how well you act, you’re still a fake,” Megan paused, her voice full of contempt. “A mere jade pendant proves nothing. Even if it’s real, you might have stolen it.” Hearing this, Alaric immediately brightened up. “That’s right! This pendant is either fake or you stole it from me!” The three of them spoke one after another, making those who still had doubts believe Alaric even more, and they all began to agree. Sophie smiled and quickly added: “You say you’re the Grayson family’s eldest young master? Look around, which servant here would call you Young Master?” Hearing this, I swept my gaze around the room. Wherever my eyes landed, the servants lowered their heads and remained silent. I knew they were afraid of being beaten or scolded if they said the wrong thing. Seeing this, Sophie immediately said harshly: “Today is the Young Master’s birthday party. Not only did you impersonate the Young Master’s identity, but you also caused trouble and disrupted everything, bringing shame to the Grayson family!” “If we don’t teach you a lesson, how can we face others? Someone come and seize him to be dealt with by the Master!” Hearing this, the servants moved to grab me, but I had been trained in martial arts since childhood. Even though they outnumbered me, they were no match for me and fell to the ground one after another. As for me, only the hem of my clothes was slightly dirty. “Is that all you’ve got? This jade pendant…” Before I could finish speaking, Alaric took advantage of my distraction and smashed a bottle of red wine on my head. Glass shards scattered everywhere, and the crimson wine slowly flowed down from the top of my head, soaking my clothes. I felt dizzy and collapsed to the ground. “You…” Alaric placed his foot, stained with red wine, on my face, gradually increasing the pressure. A contemptuous smile spread across his face: “You’re good at fighting? But what use is that?” “In terms of power and background, you’re nothing but an adopted son of the Grayson family. And you dare to steal my jade pendant? Hand it over!” Alaric directly snatched the jade pendant from my hand and fastened it to his own waist, looking at me smugly. Megan came over and spat on me. “Why did you have to do this? Coveting Alaric’s identity, now you’ve completely lost face.” Sophie also grinned maliciously as she picked up a glass of red wine and slowly poured it on my face. “Since you like talking nonsense so much, why don’t you drink some more wine?” I endured the pain and humiliation, clenching my fists and gritting my teeth. “When my mother returns, I’ll make you all pay!” My mother was originally out of town on business, but I had called her before the party. Now, she was on her way back home on a private jet and would arrive soon! Hearing this, Alaric ground his foot into my face even harder, then leaned close to my ear and mocked: “Who are you trying to scare? Your mother is out of town on business and knows nothing about this. Father is in charge of the house now.” “With how much father dotes on me, even if I killed you right now, he wouldn’t say anything. He’d even help me cover it up from your mother.” Hearing this, I could no longer suppress the anger in my heart and clenched my fists tightly! Because the words from Alaric’s mouth were exactly my fate in my previous life! Now, it was time for fate to be reversed! 3 Taking advantage of Alaric’s distraction, I flipped him onto the ground, reclaimed the jade pendant, and straddled him, raining down punches like a machine gun. My fists were filled with the resentment and hatred of being burned alive in my previous life! Sophie screamed and tried to help Alaric, but I threw her aside with one hand. Megan, trying to imitate Alaric, attempted to knock me out with a wine bottle, but ended up hitting Alaric in the face instead. The scene descended into chaos, with many people trying to restrain me. At this moment, my father’s angry roar came from behind me, “You beast, stop it!” Hearing this, I turned to look at him, rage surging within me. My knuckles turned white from how tightly I was clenching them. “Beast? Father, are you calling me that, or Alaric?” He walked over and slapped me hard across the face. “Of course I’m talking about you! You beast! How dare you hit Alaric? Do you have a death wish?” While I was stunned from the slap, he helped Alaric up with a concerned look. “Alaric, are you alright?” I suppressed the anger in my chest and got up, laughing sarcastically, “If I’m a beast, then what are you? An old beast?” Even though I knew he favored Alaric, I still wanted to ask him if he ever considered me his son at all! “Father, you have to stand up for me. James has gone crazy,” Alaric said tearfully, throwing himself into my father’s arms. My father looked at me with fury in his eyes. “You beast! Beating people in public, and your own family at that. You’ve completely disgraced the Grayson name!” I frowned coldly and said word by word: “What’s wrong with hitting him? This family’s name is Grayson, not Sullivan!” Hearing this, my father’s pupils constricted, and he slapped me again, shouting in rage: “How dare you! You’ve really gone too far!” “What? My surname is Sullivan. Are you trying to drive me out?” I smiled coldly without saying a word. At this moment, Sophie came over with a pitiful look: “Master, you must stand up for the Young Master. James not only disrupted Alaric’s birthday party but also got violent.” Megan also stepped forward to accuse me of lying: “That’s right, Uncle! He even tried to take advantage of me earlier, attempting to assault me!” “If it weren’t for Alaric, I might have been…” The other people around also chimed in: “That’s right! Master and Madam have been too kind to him! That’s why an adopted son like him has become so arrogant!” “Yes! We can’t stand by and watch anymore! Master, you must discipline him!” In an instant, I was accused by everyone, and even what was clearly white was painted black by them. Rumors and slander, like a giant spider web, engulfed me. My father looked at Alaric with concern, then glared at me angrily: “Did you hear that? Are you saying everyone is wrongly accusing you?” “Apologize to Alaric and the other guests right now!” I met my father’s furious gaze, feeling as if I was facing that raging fire again! Filled with anger, I pointed at Alaric and said, “He doesn’t deserve it!” “Doesn’t deserve it? Then do I deserve it?” My father laughed coldly. “I’m your father, and I’m ordering you to apologize to everyone! You must kneel and kowtow, especially to Alaric!” Upon hearing this, Alaric immediately pretended to be troubled: “Father, no matter what, he’s still my brother. Making him kneel and apologize in front of everyone would hurt his self-esteem too much.” I coldly watched his smug and mocking expression. The party guests seemed to ignore the contempt on his face and began praising Alaric, saying the young master of the Grayson family was truly benevolent, comparable to a great historical figure. Sophie laughed coldly, “Young Master, you’re too kind to this lowly adopted son. That’s why he dared to cause trouble and hurt people at your birthday party. Kneeling and apologizing is already a light punishment.” “That’s right!” My father’s voice grew colder. “If it weren’t for the fact that he still bears the Grayson name, I would have sent him to jail for this alone!” Beside him, Megan said coquettishly: “Alaric, you’re going to lead the Grayson family in the future. Remember, ‘the benevolent cannot command an army, the righteous cannot manage wealth.’” Only then did Alaric sigh: “James Grayson, you’ve really gone too far today. Big brother has no choice.” “But you don’t need to kneel to me. After all, even though you’re the family’s adopted son, we’re still family.” My father stared at me coldly, his gaze not like looking at a son, but at an enemy. “Did you hear that? When will you learn to be as sensible as Alaric?” “Kneel down and apologize now!” Hearing this, I frowned and laughed coldly, “What if I don’t kneel?” My father took a deep breath, “Since you don’t want to save face, then father will help you save face! Someone come! Force this beast to kowtow to everyone!” Some servants were shocked, “Master, this might kill him!” “Then let him die!” My father looked at me mercilessly. “What are you all standing around for? Do I have to do it myself?!” The servants looked at me maliciously. “Young Master, we have to obey the Master’s orders. Please forgive us!” They came over to force me to kneel before Alaric. I resisted with all my strength! My father picked up a stick and hit me hard on the back of my knees, making my body bend down! I looked up, seeing the mocking expressions of everyone watching the show, gritting my teeth, unwilling to lower my head! If I kowtowed to Alaric, I’d rather die! My father pressed down on my head, personally trying to force me to kowtow heavily to the ground! A furious shout rang out, “Who dares to touch my son!”

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After five years of marriage, I finally got pregnant with our child. Excited, I rushed to share the joyful news with my husband. But his cold response shattered my heart: “I already have Ethan. One child is enough for me.” It wasn’t until I discovered that my husband had been sending flowers to his ex-wife every Valentine’s Day that I realized the truth – he had never forgotten her. He only wanted to have a child with the woman he truly loved. Without hesitation, I made an appointment at the hospital to terminate the pregnancy and handed him the printed divorce papers. “I’m bowing out of this relationship,” I said firmly. When I brought home the pregnancy test results, my husband Jack was helping his son Ethan bake a cake. “Amelia, come look at the fruit Ethan cut himself. Isn’t it great?” Jack said, his eyes full of tenderness as he looked at his son. He really was a good father. For five years, I had countless fantasies about whether Jack would treat our child the same way he treated Ethan if I got pregnant. “Honey, I have great news to tell you!” I exclaimed. Jack smiled and asked, “You look so happy. What is it?” I strode over to Jack’s side and held up the pregnancy test results in front of him. “Jack, I’m pregnant! When the baby is born, Ethan won’t have to play with his toys alone anymore.” Jack’s face suddenly darkened. He coldly replied, “I already have Ethan. One child is enough for me.” Ethan threw a tantrum, smashing the finished cake onto the floor. Cream splattered everywhere in an instant. “Dad! If Amelia gets pregnant, I’ll leave! I’ll go live with Mom! Mom said that if Amelia gets pregnant, you won’t love me anymore!” Ethan cried loudly. Jack quickly hugged Ethan to comfort him. “Dad promised Mom that he only needs you as his child, okay?” Only then did Ethan stop crying. He turned and glared at me hatefully several times. I couldn’t pretend it didn’t hurt. After five years of marriage, hadn’t Jack ever thought about having a child that belonged to us? Perhaps noticing my disappointment, Jack sighed, “Amelia, I’m not ready for another child yet. Can you give me some time?” I silently returned to our bedroom to adjust my emotions. On the nightstand was the model airplane Jack had made for Ethan, along with the scarf he had knitted for him by hand. I didn’t know how to describe the feeling in my heart. I collapsed onto the bed, gently rubbing my belly. He only wanted Ethan. What about our child? Feeling upset and restless, I fell asleep for the entire afternoon for the first time. When I woke up, Jack was sitting by the bed holding a jewelry box. “Amelia, I’m very sorry about what happened today. I bought a necklace while you were sleeping. Let me put it on you,” Jack said as he opened the jewelry box. Inside was a shiny gold necklace. He brushed my hair to the side and fastened the necklace around my neck. “Amelia, your health has always been delicate. Childbirth carries higher risks for you, so I’m more worried about you. I don’t take what my ex-wife says seriously. That’s just Ethan, right? I’m afraid he’ll overthink things,” Jack explained. Seeing that I was still upset, he continued, “My ex-wife left me when I was at my lowest point. You’ve been by my side this whole time. You’re the one I love most. Don’t think too much about it.” I remembered the year I met Jack. He couldn’t even afford $300 and was struggling to make ends meet while raising Ethan. After marrying him, I sold my dowry to raise funds for his business startup. As he earned more and more money, he treated me impeccably well. Afraid that Ethan would reject me, Jack would actively try to improve the relationship between Ethan and me.

I softened my heart once again. Since Jack took the initiative to explain things to me, I had no reason to dwell on it further. Just as I was about to say something, Jack’s phone rang. He glanced at it and walked to the balcony to answer the call. I don’t know why, but I could clearly sense that Jack’s mood had changed. After hanging up, Jack suddenly changed his tune: “Amelia, let’s have the baby. After all, it’s our flesh and blood. I’ll take care of you and make sure you deliver this child safely.” I nodded slightly, but something still felt off. That night, Jack cooked dinner himself. He even took a photo of the pregnancy test results and posted it on social media. But it was because of this pregnancy announcement that my mother-in-law showed up at our door. “I was wondering why Ethan has been so unhappy lately. So it’s because you vixen got pregnant with Jack’s child! You have such evil intentions! Are you trying to use the baby to trap Jack?” my mother-in-law accused me as soon as she arrived. She didn’t like me because when Jack married me, he was broke. My parents asked Jack to at least contribute something financially for the wedding. My mother-in-law had been holding this small issue against me for a long time. She was convinced that I had deliberately made things difficult for Jack. Now she was using this as an excuse to berate me again. “I only recognize Ethan as my grandson! When my son married Olivia, he didn’t have to spend a penny!” my mother-in-law exclaimed, bringing up Jack’s ex-wife just to upset me. I looked to Jack for help. He sighed, “Mom, Olivia and I broke up ages ago. Let it go.” My mother-in-law’s eyes widened. “But don’t you still like her?” Her words threw my mind into chaos. Part of me wondered if Jack still had feelings for his ex-wife, while another part tried to reassure myself to trust my partner. With a loud bang, Jack kicked over a chair. My mother-in-law was too frightened to make a sound. “Mom! I said, drop it! And don’t bring it up in front of Amelia anymore. It’ll make her overthink things,” Jack said, pinching the bridge of his nose before helping me back to our room to rest. I silently scolded myself. Jack had been so good to me and even stood up for me. How could I doubt him? When I woke up, it was already 11 AM. Jack had just finished bringing out the last dish. “Huh? Don’t you dislike bell peppers? Why did you cook them today?” I asked, confused. After all, Jack had mentioned before that he didn’t like the taste of bell peppers. Before Jack could answer me, the doorbell rang. My mother-in-law immediately went to open the door. It was Ethan and Jack’s ex-wife, Olivia. My mother-in-law said smugly, “Olivia, come in quickly. If you ask me, Jack still cares about you. He specially cooked bell peppers for you. Hurry and try them – see if they taste the same as before!” Jack hurriedly whispered in my ear, “Amelia, I made it for Ethan to see.” Jack reached out to hug me but pulled his hand back, looking apologetic. “Ethan’s here. I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.” The three of them looked like a real family, while I felt like an outsider. But I was Jack’s wife in name. Olivia suddenly looked up at my belly. After a moment, she said, “Once your wife gives birth, I’ll take Ethan away. After all, you’ll have your own child then, so you won’t need to think about my son anymore.” Her words seemed to draw a clear line between her and Jack, but she was actually trying to see how Jack would react. Jack didn’t answer. He just silently put a piece of beef on my plate. But I’m allergic to beef. Olivia gave Jack a long, meaningful look. “Jack Anderson, can you figure out what you really want in your heart?”

Jack’s eyes swept over Olivia like daggers. Olivia laughed recklessly, “Figure it out soon. I have to go now. I’ll leave Ethan with you to take care of for a few days.” Olivia picked up her bag and walked towards the door. Jack glanced at her retreating figure before quickly lowering his head. Ethan stared blankly at Jack and asked, “Dad, Mom said you love her the most. So why are you still with Amelia?” Jack frowned, “What do kids know?” Under the table, Jack gripped my hand tightly to reassure me. My mother-in-law snorted coldly, “Your dad is just trying to make your mom jealous!” I knew my mother-in-law was trying to upset me, but my heart wavered. “I still have some work to finish,” Jack said, putting down his chopsticks and standing up to leave. Ethan tightly grabbed Jack’s sleeve. “Dad, I hate you! Mom is always crying because of you!” The usually gentle Jack suddenly shouted at Ethan, “Go study! If you don’t study until 11 PM, don’t even think about sleeping!” Ethan burst into tears, but Jack remained unmoved. After that day, Jack treated me better and better. To put it dramatically, even if I asked for the stars in the sky, he would be willing to pluck them down for me. When I was one and a half months pregnant, Jack hurriedly threw on a coat late one night to go out. I handed him a thicker jacket. “It’s cold outside. Wear more. Are you going back to the office to deal with work so late?” He suddenly gripped my shoulders seriously and said, “Olivia has a high fever. You know her family isn’t around, so I…” “Go then,” I said. Perhaps because I spoke with no expression, Jack anxiously tried to explain, fearing I would be angry: “I’ll be back soon. I don’t have feelings for her anymore. I’m just taking her to the hospital because she’s Ethan’s mother.” I pushed him out the door, carefully placing the car keys in his hand. The next morning, Jack called me and asked me to bring Ethan to the hospital. Without hesitation, I coaxed Ethan awake and took him to the hospital. “Amelia, you haven’t eaten yet either, right? I’ll go get breakfast for you guys. Wait here for a bit,” Jack said. As soon as Jack left, Olivia pointed to the phone he had left behind on the bedside table. “Jack and I have always been deeply in love. Open our chat history. You’ll see what you want to see,” Olivia said, her words enticing. I couldn’t help but pick up Jack’s phone and unlock it. When I discovered that Jack had sent Olivia flowers every Valentine’s Day since we’d been together, I felt strangely relieved. Ethan pointed at me and laughed, “Mom, look! Amelia’s eyes are red, haha!” The hospital was 20 kilometers from home. I didn’t take a taxi or bus – I walked back on my own two feet. The wind cleared my head as I walked. I calmly drafted a divorce agreement, printed it out, and made an appointment for an abortion. When Jack returned home, he was carrying hot food. “Amelia, why did you leave? You haven’t eaten yet, right? Sit down quickly.” My mother-in-law walked over to me and deliberately glared at me. “Does my son need to feed you with his own hands?” Jack’s face hardened. “Mom, can’t you be nicer to Amelia?” I had no desire to watch Jack act anymore. I handed him the divorce papers. “I’m bowing out of this relationship. The house and car can be mine. After all, you don’t love me, so just compensate me with money. I’ll get rid of the baby. There’s no point in having it.”

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## My mother is the CEO of the powerful Brown Financial Group, a titan in the industry. My uncle is a globally renowned investor, and my grandfather was one of the first entrepreneurs in the country to revolutionize the economy. And yet, my father gave all his love and support to a foster child, Ryan Brown—the son of a housekeeper. Ryan not only stole my identity but also took my fiancée, with my father’s full backing. Together, they did everything they could to suppress me, tearing apart my life piece by piece. On Ryan’s 21st birthday, at the grand celebration held in his honor, he blocked my way, sneering at me in front of everyone. “A nobody like you, a foster child, has no business being at my coming-of-age party.” “You’re an embarrassment. Looks like I’ll have to teach you some manners myself.” He then rallied the staff and had them beat me until my legs were broken, my eyes gouged out. To seal my fate, they dumped me into the icy pool behind the mansion, leaving me to die. In my previous life, I endured their torment in silence, hoping to earn my father’s approval. I never exposed Ryan for the fraud he was. And for that, I paid the ultimate price—death. But now, I’ve been reborn. Watching Ryan bask in his arrogance and self-importance, I didn’t hesitate. I kicked him to the ground with brutal force, towering over him as he writhed in pain. My eyes were ice-cold as I said: “Who the hell do you think you are to talk to me like that?” … The air in the grand ballroom felt frozen in time. No one could have predicted I’d pull a stunt like this. Expression cold as ice, I turned to the housekeeper, Sarah, and ordered, “Clean this mess up and return the room to its original state.” But Sarah ignored me. Instead, she rushed to Ryan’s side, helping him to his feet as she scolded me with a sharp tone, her voice dripping with fake righteousness: “Young Master, today is Master Ryan’s coming-of-age party. How could you create such a scene?” “I’ll report this to Mr. Brown immediately. He’ll make sure Master Ryan gets the justice he deserves.” Hearing this, I grabbed a chair, dragged it to the center of the room, and sat down with a smirk. My voice was laced with mockery as I said: “Young Master? Aren’t I the true eldest son of the Brown family? When did I become the ‘young master’ instead?” Sarah’s eyes flickered with panic for a brief moment, but she quickly recovered, her lips curling into a sneer. “You? The eldest son? Don’t kid yourself. You’re just a foster child in the Brown family. If you’re not a ‘young master,’ then what are you?” In my previous life, this very housekeeper had been one of my greatest tormentors. Sarah constantly sided with Ryan, aiding him in humiliating me. She manipulated my mother, turning her against me, and even helped Ryan frame me for failures I didn’t commit. In the end, Sarah and my father assisted Ryan in burning me alive. I’ll never forget the way she laughed as the flames consumed me. Her words dragged me back to the present, snapping me out of the memory. I let out a cold laugh. “A foster child? Me?” “Who else could it be?” Sarah retorted bitterly. “You’ve always been jealous of Master Ryan’s rightful place in this family. He’s gracious enough to tolerate you, but you keep pushing your luck. You should be grateful he hasn’t thrown you out!” I stared at her, unflinching. Everyone in the Brown family knew the truth—who the real heir was and who the imposter was. I shot Sarah a frigid glare. “You’re just a housekeeper in this family. Don’t forget your place.” “You’re fired.” Her expression twisted with disbelief, and she let out a disdainful laugh. “Fired? You? A foster child thinks he has the authority to fire me? Did you ask Master Ryan? Did you consult Mr. Brown?” At that moment, Ryan was helped up by a few staff members. His face was livid as he pointed at me and shouted: “Michael Brown, how dare you disrupt my birthday party? Just wait until I tell Dad about this—you’re finished!” He turned to the rest of the staff with fury in his voice. “What are you all standing around for? Get him out of here!” The staff hesitated, their eyes darting between Ryan and me. I chuckled lightly, savoring the panic that flickered in Ryan’s gaze. My father had married into the Brown family, so I’d taken my mother’s last name, Brown. As her only child and the true heir to the family fortune, I was the rightful eldest son. When I was sixteen, my father had brought home a boy, claiming he was his late brother’s orphaned son. “We should take him in,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do.” My mother, ever cautious, had insisted the decision be left to me. Back then, I naively believed my father’s words. I felt sorry for the boy and called him “little brother” out of pity. That’s when Ryan entered our home, but not as “Ryan Jones.” My father gave him our family name. He became Ryan Brown—the so-called “eldest son.” From that moment on, my father showered Ryan with love and attention, treating him like the golden child. And me? I became nothing more than an afterthought, a shadow in my own home. But now, reborn and armed with the knowledge of my past life, I finally understood. I am the true heir of the Brown family. Why should I let a fraud like Ryan trample all over me? The staff began to move toward me, clearly intending to drag me out. Ryan’s smug expression and Sarah’s sneering face only fueled my resolve. I stood my ground and swept my cold gaze across the room. “I am the eldest son of the Brown family. Touch me, and you’ll face my mother’s wrath when she returns. Are you prepared to answer to her?” The staff froze, glancing nervously at Ryan. Ryan’s face turned a sickly mix of green and white as fury twisted his features. “Michael, have you lost your mind? Everyone here knows you’re just a foster child in this family!” He sneered, his tone laced with mockery. “And you dare invoke Mom’s name? She’s out of town negotiating an important deal. If she’s delayed because of you, you’ll be the disgrace of the Brown family!” Sarah stepped forward, her voice dripping with fake concern. “Young Master, stop causing trouble. Everyone knows you’re the foster child here. Think about how angry Mr. Brown will be if you keep this up.” The guests began murmuring their agreement: “Exactly. Ryan is the real Brown heir.” “Unbelievable! At Ryan’s coming-of-age party, no less—this foster kid has no shame.” I clenched my fists, but my face remained calm. I turned to one of the servers and said, “Since they’re so eager to bring my father into this, go ahead. Ask him whether I’m the foster child or not.” The server hesitated, clearly torn, knowing how much Mr. Brown favored Ryan over me. If my father found out I’d disrupted Ryan’s party, he’d likely lash out at me in front of everyone. I smiled faintly, trying to ease the server’s discomfort. “It’s fine. Just go.” Reluctantly, the server nodded and left. Ryan smirked, crossing his arms. “Michael, when Dad gets here, this whole charade will end.” Sarah chimed in, her voice thick with mockery. “Young Master, you know how much Mr. Brown dotes on Ryan. Why would you put yourself in such a humiliating position?” I remained silent, staring at them with icy indifference. In my past life, the father I had adored had stood back and watched as Ryan stripped me of everything. He had even helped Ryan burn me alive, his cold eyes watching as the flames consumed me. They scattered my ashes into the sea and told my mother I had committed suicide. The grief broke her, leaving her bedridden and sick. But now, reborn from the ashes, I vowed to make them feel the searing pain of betrayal and the torment of a fiery death. This time, I would burn their world to the ground. 2 The sharp scolding echoed down the hallway as the butler emerged from my father’s study, his face flushed with humiliation and still wet with spit. He looked at me apologetically and said: “Mr. Brown said he’s busy getting dressed and will be down soon to attend Master Ryan’s coming-of-age party. Oh, and he also said… he hopes Young Master Michael won’t cause any more trouble.” I wasn’t surprised by the response. In fact, I was certain the butler had softened my father’s words. What he probably meant to say was: Tell him to get lost. After all, to my father, I was never good enough compared to Ryan. He always favored Ryan. Sarah, the ever-loyal housekeeper, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to twist the knife. Her voice dripped with mockery as she said, “Young Master Michael, I told you to stop, didn’t I? But no, you didn’t listen. Now look—Mr. Brown’s spoken. Regret it yet?” Ryan’s face lit up with triumph as he sneered at me. “Michael, you brought this on yourself. Stop embarrassing yourself and end this farce. Someone come and drag him out of here!” I narrowed my eyes and let out a cold laugh, about to retort when the doors to the ballroom opened. A woman in an elegant white gown walked in, stealing the attention of the entire room. My gaze froze for a moment. It was her—Megan Wren, my so-called fiancée. The woman my mother had arranged for a powerful alliance through marriage. The whispers started immediately: “That’s Megan Wren, the fiancée of the Brown family heir!” “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she? And her family is just as prestigious as the Browns’. They’re a perfect match!” But Megan didn’t walk toward me. Instead, she went straight to Ryan, slipping her arm through his with a warm and tender smile. When her eyes landed on me, they were filled with nothing but disdain. “Michael,” she said sharply, “why are you here at Ryan’s party? You’re just the Brown family’s foster child. And to think—you lied to me, claiming you were the heir!” She scoffed and glanced at Ryan affectionately. “If it weren’t for Ryan telling me the truth, I might’ve been fooled. Imagine how humiliating it would’ve been if the Wren and Brown families had formed an alliance based on your lie!” I chuckled softly at her words. Back when the marriage was first proposed, it was her family who had begged for the union, desperate to link themselves to the Browns. I had reluctantly agreed. But after meeting Ryan, she’d fallen for his sweet words and decided he was the true heir, turning her contempt squarely on me. Her public display of affection for Ryan erased any lingering doubts the guests might’ve had about my identity. After all, who would mistake their own fiancé? Ryan’s smirk grew even wider as he slid his hand around Megan’s waist and gave me a mocking look. “So, Michael,” he taunted, “what do you have to say for yourself now?” Megan turned to me, her expression filled with disgust. “Let me make myself clear,” she said, her voice cold. “I’m here today for two reasons: to celebrate Ryan’s coming-of-age and to tell you, once and for all, that the person I love is your brother.” She crossed her arms and added with a sneer, “From now on, address me as your sister-in-law!” “Sister-in-law?” Her words brought back memories of my previous life—when she’d found out Ryan was the foster child, she’d knelt before my mother, screaming and crying that she’d always loved me. I couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Sure, little sister,” I said mockingly. “As your big brother, I wish you and Ryan all the best. Make sure to lock it down.” Megan’s expression darkened, and her voice turned icy. “Little sister? You keep claiming Ryan is the foster child and that you’re the real heir. Where’s your proof?” I spread my arms out casually and gestured toward Ryan with a smirk. “Isn’t it obvious?” I stood tall and unflinching, exuding a natural air of authority. Even though the room was against me, my confidence was unshaken, the mark of someone born to lead. Ryan, on the other hand, fidgeted nervously. Despite his expensive, tailored suit, he couldn’t hide the hunched posture and shifty eyes that made him look like a fraud trying to fit into a world that wasn’t his. “And if you really want proof,” I said, reaching into my pocket, “how about this jade pendant?” I held up the piece of exquisite green jade, and gasps rippled through the crowd. “Wait, isn’t that the legendary jade pendant Mr. Brown gave to his child? There’s only one in the entire world!” “Doesn’t this mean… Michael might really be the true heir?” Ryan’s face twisted with panic, and his voice trembled as he stammered, “If I’m the foster child, then why would Dad side with me? That jade pendant must be a fake! You forged it!” Sarah quickly jumped in, her expression venomous. “Exactly! I just saw the real pendant on Ryan earlier. Yours is a counterfeit!” Megan chimed in, her voice dripping with scorn. “Even if it’s real, maybe you stole it. A pendant doesn’t prove anything.” Their accusations fed the crowd’s doubts, and murmurs of agreement spread. Sarah’s smirk widened as she added, “Michael, if you’re the true heir, then why doesn’t a single servant here call you Master? Look around—none of them respect you.” I scanned the room. Everywhere I looked, the servants avoided my gaze, keeping their heads down. They were afraid. Afraid of saying the wrong thing and facing punishment. Sarah seized the moment, her voice rising in triumph. “Today is Ryan’s special day, and you’ve done nothing but ruin it! You’ve disgraced the Brown name. Someone grab him and take him to Mr. Brown!” The servants moved toward me, but I remained calm. From a young age, I had trained in martial arts. Even though they outnumbered me, they were no match for me. One by one, they fell to the ground. I stood in the center of the ballroom, my clothes slightly rumpled but still composed. “Is that all you’ve got?” But before I could say more, Ryan grabbed a bottle of red wine and smashed it over my head. The glass shattered, and the sharp sting of wine and blood trickled down my face. I staggered, collapsing to the floor. Ryan stepped on my face, pressing down with increasing force as he sneered, “You think you’re tough? So what? You’re just a foster child playing pretend.” He snatched the jade pendant from me and clipped it onto his own belt, grinning triumphantly. Megan spat at me, her voice dripping with disdain. “See what happens when you try to take Ryan’s place? You’ve humiliated yourself!” Sarah poured a glass of wine over my head, laughing cruelly. “If you love talking nonsense so much, why not drink up?” I clenched my fists tightly, enduring the pain and humiliation. “When my mother gets back,” I said through gritted teeth, “you’ll all pay for this.” Unbeknownst to them, I had already called her. She was on her way, flying home as we spoke. Ryan crouched down, his tone mocking. “Your mother? Don’t make me laugh. She’s not here to protect you. And even if she were, Dad would side with me.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I could kill you right now, and he’d help me cover it up.” His words lit a fire in my chest. Not again. This time, I would turn the tables. 3 I seized the moment when Ryan wasn’t paying attention, flipping him to the ground and snatching back the jade pendant. Pinning him beneath me, I unleashed a flurry of punches. Every blow carried the weight of my past life’s agony—of skin scorched by fire, of betrayal and humiliation. Sarah screamed as she ran over to help Ryan, but I sent her flying with a single shove. Megan, standing nearby, tried to copy Ryan’s earlier move, grabbing a wine bottle to smash it over my head. But in her panic, she missed—and the bottle shattered across Ryan’s face. The scene descended into chaos. People rushed to intervene, shouting and scrambling. Then, from behind me, I heard a furious roar: “Stop this madness, you animal!” I turned slowly, my blood boiling as I faced my father. My knuckles turned white as I clenched my fists. “Animal?” I said, my voice trembling with rage. “Tell me, father—who are you calling an animal? Me? Or Ryan?” He stormed toward me, his face twisted in fury, and slapped me hard across the face. “Of course I mean you! You dare lay a hand on Ryan? Have you lost your mind? Do you have a death wish?!” While I was still stunned from the blow, he crouched down and helped Ryan up, his face filled with concern. “Ryan, are you okay? Did that brute hurt you?” he asked, his voice tender. Suppressing the rage rising in my chest, I stood and dusted myself off, forcing a bitter smile. “I’m an animal, am I? Then what does that make you, father? An old animal?” I had always known he favored Ryan. But still, I couldn’t help but ask myself: did he ever see me as his son? Ryan, wiping fake tears from his eyes, threw himself into my father’s arms. “Father, you have to do something about Michael,” he whimpered, his voice trembling with false emotion. “He’s gone crazy!” My father turned to me, his eyes blazing with rage. “Crazy? You’re worse than crazy! Fighting your own family in front of our guests—you’ve disgraced the Brown name!” I met his gaze head-on, cold and unflinching. “So what if I hit him?” I said, my voice sharp and cutting. “This family’s name is Brown, not Moore!” At my words, my father’s eyes widened in shock. Then, with a roar of fury, he slapped me again, harder this time. “You’ve gone too far! Do you want me to disown you?!” I refused to back down, staring at him with defiance. “If you want to disown me, go ahead. Let’s see if you have the guts!” Before he could respond, Sarah stepped forward, her face painted with faux concern. “Mr. Brown, you have to stand up for Ryan! Michael didn’t just ruin Ryan’s coming-of-age ceremony—he attacked him!” Megan, emboldened, chimed in with her own accusations. “That’s not all, uncle! He’s been harassing me, too! He even tried to force himself on me!” She glanced toward Ryan with teary eyes. “If it weren’t for Ryan, who knows what might’ve happened to me?” The crowd erupted, their voices rising in condemnation: “She’s right! Mr. and Mrs. Brown have spoiled him too much—that’s why this foster child is so arrogant!” “Exactly! He’s just a foster son, but now he’s acting like he owns the place!” The weight of their accusations pressed down on me like a suffocating net. Lies twisted into truths, and the whispers of the crowd became a deafening roar. My father cast a pitying glance at Ryan before turning his furious gaze back on me. “Do you hear that, Michael? Is the entire room lying about you?” He pointed a shaking finger at me. “Apologize to Ryan and the guests immediately!” His words burned like fire, igniting the fury inside me. I pointed at Ryan, my voice steady but filled with venom. “Him? He doesn’t deserve my apology.” My father’s face twisted with rage. “Doesn’t deserve it? What about me? I’m your father! I’m ordering you to apologize—and you’ll do it on your knees!” The room fell silent as his words echoed. Ryan, ever the actor, put on a show of humility. “Father, there’s no need to humiliate him like that. He’s still my brother, after all. Let’s not hurt his pride.” But his smirk betrayed the satisfaction he felt. The crowd erupted with praise for Ryan: “Ryan is so kindhearted—he’s a true Brown heir!” “What a gentleman! He’s the perfect future head of the Brown family.” Sarah sneered. “Young Master Ryan, you’re too soft. That’s why this foster child thinks he can get away with anything. Making him kneel is the least he deserves!” My father nodded, his voice colder than ice. “If it weren’t for the fact that he still carries the Brown name, I’d have thrown him in jail already!” Megan, leaning into Ryan with a coy smile, added, “Exactly. Ryan, you’re destined to lead this family. You can’t let emotions cloud your judgment.” Ryan sighed dramatically, shaking his head. “Michael, you’ve really forced my hand today. But you don’t have to kneel to me—we’re still family, after all.” His words dripped with false benevolence, his smirk daring me to resist. My father’s gaze bore into me, colder than ever. It wasn’t the look of a father—it was the glare of an enemy. “Do you hear that? Why can’t you be more like Ryan? Now, kneel and apologize!” I raised my chin defiantly. “And if I refuse?” My father’s face darkened. He took a deep breath and bellowed, “If you won’t kneel willingly, I’ll make you kneel! Someone, hold him down and force him to bow!” The servants hesitated, glancing at each other nervously. “Sir… if we force him, we might seriously hurt him.” “Then hurt him!” my father snapped. “If he dies, so be it! Do it now, or I’ll do it myself!” The servants advanced, their faces grim, muttering apologies under their breath. “Sorry, Michael. We have to follow orders…” They grabbed me, trying to force me to my knees, but I fought back with everything I had. My father grabbed a heavy cane and swung it at the back of my legs, hitting me with enough force to buckle my knees. I fell forward but refused to bow my head. I clenched my teeth as the pain burned through me, staring defiantly at the laughing faces around me. If kneeling meant submitting to Ryan, I’d rather die. My father pressed his hand against the back of my head, trying to force me down. But just as he was about to slam my head into the ground, a powerful voice boomed from the entrance: “I dare anyone to lay another hand on my son!”

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## My CEO girlfriend betrayed me by cheating with her puppy-eyed assistant. So, I erased myself from her world—completely. Every day, Laura’s driver would drop off a box of fresh fruit for James Wyatt. But there was always one piece missing. James didn’t think much of it until, one day, the driver handed him a single strawberry. Moments later, James received a photo from the driver, Adam Cross. In the photo, Laura lay naked beneath Adam, a crushed strawberry caught between her legs. At that moment, James realized that the home he had dreamed of for six years was nothing but a long-constructed illusion. Today, that illusion shattered for good. James had once told Laura: “If I ever find out you’ve betrayed me, I’ll vanish from your world completely.” And when James disappeared, Laura went mad. “Mr. Wyatt, your identity change package is fully processed. The new papers will take effect next Wednesday. We’re just calling to confirm.” James glanced across the room at Laura. She was surrounded by her bridesmaids, glowing in her wedding dress, the picture of happiness. “I’m certain,” he replied. The employee on the other end remained detached. “Understood. Your new documents will be mailed to your address. Please remember to sign for them.” “Good luck with your new life, Mr. Chase.” James Wyatt had chosen the name Chase Ryder for his new identity. He wanted a name that symbolized moving forward, breaking free, and running toward a life where no one could hold him back. He had decided on it the day he resolved to leave. Hanging up the phone, James turned to see Laura in her wedding dress. Next week was supposed to be their wedding day. Her bridesmaids fussed over her, showering her with praise. “Wow, Laura, you’re really getting married so soon! Whoever’s marrying you is the luckiest man alive!” “Seriously, Laura, the CEO who swore she’d stay single forever is finally tying the knot! Who would’ve thought?” Laura smiled, a mix of shyness and happiness lighting her face. “What can I say? I found the one, my soulmate. I’m the lucky one for finding James. I couldn’t wait to marry him.” She ran her fingers over the embroidered tulips on her dress. One of the bridesmaids noticed the gesture and chimed in, “This design is stunning! Must’ve cost a fortune, right?” Laura nodded, her gaze drifting toward James. Her eyes brimmed with love. “It’s not about the price. This pattern means so much to us—it’s our flower, the tulip. The embroidery took 2,192 stitches, all done by hand. I designed it myself. James’s suit has a matching tulip, too.” “Because,” she added with a radiant smile, “our wedding date marks six years together.” Her bridesmaids erupted into cheers, brimming with envy. To everyone else, James and Laura were a perfect couple, the epitome of true love. They had known each other for ten years and been together for six. James had stood by Laura’s side as she transformed from a carefree young woman into the accomplished CEO she was today. He had waited so long for this wedding. Laura’s happiness wasn’t fake. If James hadn’t discovered Adam Cross, he might’ve believed that their love had truly reached its fairy-tale ending. Laura had hired Adam as her new driver. One evening, after dropping her off, Adam handed James a box of strawberries. The strawberries were flawless, red and ripe, clearly expensive. But the gift box had been opened, and one was missing. James didn’t think much of it—after all, it was just a strawberry. Later that night, James received a friend request on a messaging app. Once he accepted, a photo popped up almost immediately. In the photo, Laura was completely naked, tangled up with a man who held her from behind. Between their legs was a crushed strawberry. Her neck, where she once proudly wore a matching couple’s tattoo with James, was covered in hickeys, bruised with the unmistakable marks of passion. James’s hands trembled as he clutched his phone. The man’s face wasn’t fully visible, but James recognized him instantly—it was Adam Cross, Laura’s new driver. The same man who had dropped her off that evening. James rushed to the bathroom, retching violently as though he could expel the betrayal from his body. Hearing the commotion, Laura ran in after him, wrapping her arms around him in concern. “What’s wrong, honey? Have you been overworking yourself because of the wedding? Or did you eat something bad?” she asked, her voice filled with worry. “I told the housekeeper to be extra careful with everything this week. How could you get so sick? I’ll fire them tomorrow!” Tears welled up in her eyes as she fussed over him. “Do you want to go to the hospital? I’ll call someone to drive us. Please don’t scare me like this, James.” Her concern seemed so genuine, so heartfelt. James glanced at her chest. That night, she wasn’t wearing her usual silk robe, but a high-necked silk nightgown instead. “You don’t like high-neck clothes,” James said flatly. “Why are you wearing them so often lately?” Laura’s hand flew to her neck, her panic betraying her for just a moment before she regained her composure. “Of course I like them! I just want to avoid sun damage before the wedding—you know, I want to look my best for you.” Sun damage? At night? Under the covers? James closed his eyes, despair washing over him. Laura. It seemed he could no longer find the “truth” in her anymore.

The group around James was still laughing and teasing when his phone suddenly buzzed, cutting through the noise. The screen lit up with an unmarked number. James knew exactly who it was—Adam Cross, the man who had been bombarding him with taunting messages over the past few weeks. He hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly pressed the answer button. But instead of a voice, it was a multimedia message notification. As the photo loaded, James felt his chest tighten as if an invisible hand were squeezing his heart. The image was devastating. Adam was wearing his custom wedding suit—the one James had commissioned specifically for the big day. The suit didn’t quite fit, hanging slightly loose on Adam’s frame, but that didn’t seem to matter to him. Adam’s face was flushed, his expression a mix of smug satisfaction and taunting arrogance. His eyes gleamed with triumph, as if he had just won a prize. The background of the photo was a messy bedroom, but none of that registered in James’s mind. All he could see was Adam’s face, with that infuriatingly smug look. The caption was short but cut like a dagger: “Laura said this makes it official—I’ve basically married her already.” The words stabbed into James’s heart, twisting cruelly. A wave of nausea churned in his stomach, rising so violently that he thought he might collapse. How could this have happened? How could she, the woman who once gave up everything for him, who had filled her home with tulips just because he offhandedly mentioned liking them—how could she turn into this stranger? Tulips. They used to be the symbol of their love. Now, they were nothing but a cruel reminder of betrayal. It was years ago when James had casually mentioned, “I’ve always loved tulips, but I read somewhere that keeping them indoors can make your hair fall out.” Laura had laughed, throwing her head back teasingly. “What kind of man likes flowers, huh?” It was just a passing joke. But a few weeks later, Laura had stunned him. She blindfolded him, walked him into her small apartment, and uncovered his eyes. Before he could even take in the sight, the sweet scent of tulips filled the air. When he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by dozens of them—every corner of her apartment bursting with vibrant blooms. “So? Do you like it? Surprised?” she had asked, grinning from ear to ear. James was speechless. “But tulips… they might make you lose your hair. I’d never dare keep so many.” Laura had waved it off, completely unconcerned. “Who cares? I’ve got plenty of hair to spare. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” Every spring, her apartment would be filled with the gentle fragrance of tulips. It became their thing—a symbol of their love, their shared joy, their bright future. Back then, Laura had been so pure, so full of life and hope. Her eyes sparkled with dreams of a future they’d build together. But all of that had shattered today. James’s phone screen still glowed, the image of Adam and Laura mocking him in the dim light. He squeezed his eyes shut, desperate to block out the betrayal, to erase the image from his mind. But the harder he tried, the more vivid it became. And then Laura’s voice broke through his thoughts from behind him, sweet and filled with concern. “James, aren’t you going to try on your suit? We need to make sure it fits perfectly. The wedding’s next week, you know. Everything has to be just right.” Her tone was so natural, so cheerful, as if nothing had happened. James turned to face her. There she was—Laura, the woman he had once loved with all his heart. Her face, once so familiar and comforting, now felt like a stranger’s. He forced a smile, trying to conceal the storm raging inside him. But his voice betrayed him, trembling slightly as he replied, “You go ahead and focus on your dress. I… I’m not feeling well. I’ll try the suit some other time.” Laura’s smile faltered, replaced by a look of worry. Without hesitation, she knelt down beside him, ignoring the awkwardness of her bridal gown. “Are you okay, James? You’ve been looking unwell lately. Please, let’s go to the hospital. I’ll call someone right now. I’m really worried about you.” Her concern, so genuine and tender, only deepened James’s pain. How could someone who still seemed to love him so deeply have done something so unforgivable? For a moment, he wanted to convince himself that Adam wasn’t real—that this nightmare was just a figment of his imagination. And then she said his name again. “James, let me call Adam to drive us to the hospital. He can take us right away. I’ll find the best doctor for you.” Adam. That name snapped James back into reality, like a slap across the face. The very man who shattered his world was still being invited into their lives so casually, so freely. A driver? A personal assistant? A… bed companion? James shook his head, forcing himself to remain calm. He couldn’t let her see through him—not now. “No, it’s fine,” he said, his voice steadier this time. “I just need some rest. Don’t worry about me.” Laura hesitated but finally nodded, her concern still plain on her face. James took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had already decided to leave. There was no point in dragging this out any further. Soon, he would vanish from her world entirely. And when that day came, let’s see if Adam could keep her entertained forever.

James used his supposed “illness” as an excuse to avoid trying on his wedding suit. Though Laura seemed a bit worried, her friends quickly whisked her away, chatting about dinner plans. Laura assumed James’s upset stomach was due to the stress of wedding preparations and his irregular meals. Determined to take care of him, she decided to prepare a hearty dinner to help him “bounce back.” They all headed to a mutual friend’s house for dinner. The meal was meticulously planned, and Laura took charge in the kitchen, personally cooking James’s favorite dishes. Her friends pitched in, helping with the setup while Laura hummed cheerful tunes under the warm kitchen lights. James stood by the doorway, watching her. She looked so serene, her every move exuding warmth. There wasn’t even a hint of guilt or unease in her body language. But the nausea in James’s chest twisted tighter, like an invisible thread pulling taut around his heart. When the meal was finally served, Laura uncorked a bottle of red wine to make the evening feel more romantic. She smiled and gestured for James to sit, her eyes brimming with both expectation and an unspoken apology. Around the table, their friends couldn’t stop marveling. “James, you really hit the jackpot with Laura. She’s amazing—so thoughtful!” one of them gushed. Laura, hearing this, smiled modestly and replied with a gentle laugh, “No, no, I’m the lucky one. James is such an incredible man—I’m just grateful to have him.” Her voice carried sincerity, layered with affection. But for James, her words felt like heavy stones sinking into his stomach. He stared at the table laden with food, but his appetite was nonexistent. Yet he knew he couldn’t let his emotions spill over—not now, not when he was just days away from disappearing out of her life forever. He forced a weak smile and said, “Laura, thank you for all this, but I’m really not feeling well tonight. I don’t think I can eat much.” Laura’s face immediately clouded with worry. “In that case, why don’t we reschedule? We can have dinner another night. You really don’t look good today,” she said, her voice full of concern. “Anyway, we’ve already planned the bachelor party for tomorrow night—we can all catch up then.” None of the friends at the table suspected a thing. They just saw a loving couple, with Laura doting on James and James seemingly unwell. Their comments were filled with admiration for their relationship, calling it “couple goals.” If only they knew the truth. Later that evening, Adam arrived to pick them up. Laura climbed into the passenger seat, explaining, “James isn’t feeling well. Let him stretch out in the backseat so he can relax.” Her tone was casual, almost dismissive, as if the arrangement made perfect sense. Adam, ever the professional during work hours, barely spoke. He kept his eyes on the road, saying only what was necessary. If anyone else saw them, they’d think he was just a quiet, dutiful driver. But James wasn’t naive. From his spot in the backseat, he could see Adam’s eyes in the rearview mirror—the subtle glint of arrogance, the faint smirk hidden behind his otherwise neutral expression. James clenched his fists but said nothing. When they finally arrived home, Adam parked the car, and Laura and James got out together. As they stepped into the elevator, James broke the silence with a seemingly casual suggestion: “Don’t you think it’s a little unsafe having a male driver around all the time? I know someone who’d be a better fit—more trustworthy and easier to rely on. What do you think about switching drivers?” Laura didn’t even flinch. Her voice remained calm and even as she replied, “No need. I’ve gotten used to Adam. He’s attentive and handles everything perfectly—not just driving, but other tasks too. He’s been great.” I’m sure he’s even better in bed, James thought bitterly. But he kept his expression neutral, unwilling to betray the storm raging inside him. Laura, oblivious to his thoughts, walked into the apartment as if nothing was wrong. She turned on James’s favorite playlist, poured some tea, and started chatting about tomorrow’s party plans. Then her phone buzzed. James noticed her glance at the screen. Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. “James,” she said suddenly, her tone shifting to one of apology, “there’s something urgent at work—I need to head to the office. I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to stay with you tonight. Get some rest, okay?” Her voice carried a mix of regret and determination. James didn’t argue. He simply nodded and said, “It’s fine. You go ahead. I could use some rest anyway.” He knew perfectly well there was no “work emergency.” But he didn’t care anymore. He was numb to it all. Once Laura left, James walked to the window. He stood there, watching as she got into the car. Adam was already waiting for her. The car didn’t move right away. Instead, it stayed parked for a long time. James could only imagine what was happening inside. Eventually, the car pulled away, disappearing into the night. Two hours later, James’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Adam. Another photo. This time, it was taken inside the car. The seats were disheveled, the interior a mess. It didn’t take much imagination to figure out what had happened.

Laura didn’t come home that night. It wasn’t until the following evening, at the bachelor party, that James saw her again—and she wasn’t alone. Adam was with her. The sight of them together was like a hand tightening around James’s chest, but he forced himself to remain calm, his expression betraying nothing. Laura, as composed as ever, explained with a cheerful smile, “Since we’re all drinking tonight, I didn’t think it was a good idea to leave my driver waiting in the car. Hope it’s okay that I brought him inside!” One of Laura’s friends chimed in with a teasing grin, “Laura, you don’t have to ask for permission to bring someone. But seriously, where did you find this driver? He’s kinda cute!” Adam’s expression was smug, dripping with arrogance, as if he were silently flaunting his victory. James only glanced at him briefly, his face devoid of emotion, before looking away. Laura noticed James’s indifference and didn’t linger. She brushed off the jokes and left Adam where he stood, making her way over to James. “James, are you feeling okay? You don’t look so great. Are you still feeling under the weather?” she asked, her voice soft with concern. “I’m so sorry about last night,” she continued, her tone genuinely apologetic. “Work’s been crazy lately with the wedding coming up. I had to stay late at the office and ended up crashing in the breakroom. But as soon as I finished everything, I came straight here. You’re not mad at me, are you?” Her words were so sincere that if James had pushed back, he would’ve looked petty. Adam, ever the opportunist, seized the moment. “That’s true,” he said with mock innocence. “She kept telling me to drive faster so she wouldn’t be late to see you.” The words seemed harmless enough, but James knew better. Adam’s smirk said it all. Laura shot him a sharp glare, silently warning him to shut up. Then, turning back to James, she wrapped her arms around his and gave him a playful shake. “James, you’re not mad, right? I promise, after the wedding, I’ll make more time for you. I just need to get through this busy streak, okay?” Their friends jumped in with teasing remarks. “Man, James, how’d you land a wife like Laura? She’s a total catch!” “Forget saving the world—you must’ve saved the entire galaxy to marry someone like her!” Laura blushed, pretending to deflect the compliments, but her smile was unmistakably pleased. She leaned closer to James and said, “Come on, don’t listen to them. I’m just lucky to have you. You’re the one who has me wrapped around your finger.” The party was lively, filled with laughter and games. When it came time for a round of Truth or Dare, the energy hit its peak. Someone asked Laura directly, “Have you ever done anything to betray James?” Without missing a beat, she answered, “Never. I belong to James, and only James, for the rest of my life.” Her voice was firm and confident, like she was making a public vow. The room erupted into cheers and applause, everyone marveling at what a perfect couple they were. But when it was Adam’s turn, the game took a darker turn. As the newest face in the group—and an undeniably attractive one—he quickly became the center of attention. Someone asked him a bold question: “When’s the last time you… you know… hooked up with someone?” Adam smirked and, without a shred of hesitation, replied, “Last night. In a car.” The room burst into laughter, some people whistling and joking about his honesty. But for James, the words hit like a dagger to the chest. The pain was sharp and immediate, but outwardly, he remained composed, his face an unreadable mask. Laura, however, didn’t take it so lightly. Her expression darkened, and she shot Adam another warning look before excusing herself to the bathroom. A few moments later, Adam slipped out as well, claiming he needed to move the car. James hesitated for only a moment before following them. In the dimly lit hallway outside the restroom, James heard their voices. Laura’s tone was sharp, laced with anger and frustration. “I brought you here as a reward, and this is how you act? Dropping hints and making comments all night? Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” Adam, ever the smooth talker, sounded almost pitiful as he replied, “I didn’t mean to, Laura. I swear. I just… I love you so much. Seeing you with him, I just couldn’t help myself…” But Laura wasn’t buying it. Her voice grew colder. “You’d better not be doing this on purpose. If James starts suspecting something because of you, I swear you’ll regret it. James is my bottom line—don’t you dare cross it.” Adam, however, didn’t seem the least bit intimidated. “Fine,” he said, his tone suddenly playful. “Then punish me, Laura. I’ll be a good boy for you. Woof, woof.” Laura’s initial anger seemed to falter. Despite herself, she softened under his sweet words. It didn’t take long for her to forgive him, and within seconds, they were kissing passionately. James didn’t stay to watch. He turned and walked back to the party, his heart a mix of numbness and disgust. When Laura and Adam returned, her lipstick was smudged, and her hair looked slightly out of place. She tried to act normal, but James noticed every detail. He didn’t say a word. Not here, not now. He had no intention of causing a scene in front of everyone. The party carried on, the laughter and games continuing late into the night. But James felt like he was just going through the motions, detached from it all. In his mind, a single thought played on repeat: Just three more days. Three days until the wedding. Three days until he abandoned this façade of a life. Once his new identity as Chase Ryder was finalized, he would leave Laura and Adam behind for good.

The party finally wound down amidst cheers and laughter as the guests trickled out, leaving only James and Laura behind. James didn’t want Adam to drive them home. That car, no matter how thoroughly cleaned, was tainted—filled with the stench of their trysts. The thought made him sick. So, he came up with an excuse. “I ate too much. I think I need a walk to clear my head.” Laura didn’t hesitate for a second. She immediately dismissed Adam and offered to walk home with him. The night was calm, the streetlights casting a soft, amber glow over the empty streets. A cool breeze rustled through the trees, bringing a gentle chill to the air. Side by side, they walked in silence for a while, the quiet broken only by the distant hum of the city. The serene atmosphere seemed to bring them both back to the early days of their relationship. They started reminiscing. “Do you remember, James?” Laura said with a small laugh. “When we first started dating, you couldn’t even hold my hand without sweating buckets.” James smiled faintly, remembering how nervous he’d been on their first date. He also remembered the first meal she ever cooked for him, the long walks they used to take, the quiet moments filled with laughter and love. But those memories were now tainted. The woman who had once blushed at a simple kiss was now sneaking around with another man. The same woman who had giggled at his awkwardness now spent her nights tangled up with Adam in the very car he refused to step foot in. Laura, unaware of his thoughts, was still lost in their shared nostalgia. She looked at James with a kind of earnest affection, her eyes sparkling with conviction. James, feeling the weight of the moment, decided to test her. “I saw this post today,” he began, his voice casual, “about a couple who had been together for years. The night before their wedding, the bride cheated on him.” Laura’s brows furrowed slightly, but she quickly waved the thought away. “That’s ridiculous. I would never do something like that to you, James.” She spoke with absolute certainty, placing her hand gently on his arm. “I love you. I’ll always love you. No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.” Her words were like a dagger wrapped in velvet. James stared at her, trying to ignore the bitter taste in his mouth. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe that her promises were real. But he couldn’t. He’d already seen the truth—the stolen glances, the late-night messages, the lies. She had betrayed him. As she walked beside him, speaking with such conviction, all James could feel was a deep, aching disappointment. “People always say long-term relationships never work out,” he said, his voice low. “That if it’s meant to be, they’d get married sooner.” Laura stopped walking and turned to face him, her expression earnest. “That’s not true for us. We’re different, James. We’re going to be so happy together. We’re getting married in just a few days—what are you even worried about?” She smiled, her confidence unwavering. But James could see through her now, could see the cracks beneath her flawless exterior. “Laura,” he said, his voice unusually serious. “If you ever betray me, I’ll disappear. You’ll never see me again.” The way he said her name—her full name—made her pause. She blinked, surprised by the intensity in his tone. “James, I would never,” she said quickly, almost defensively. “I love you. You’re the only one I’ll ever love.” Her words were rehearsed, smooth, and confident. Maybe she truly believed that as long as she kept her secrets buried, nothing would ever change. It was almost laughable. Halfway through their walk, Laura’s phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen, her brows knitting together ever so slightly before she answered. James couldn’t hear the voice on the other end, but he didn’t need to. He knew it was Adam. Laura’s tone was clipped but calm as she responded. After a few moments, she hung up and turned to James, her expression apologetic. “James, I’m so sorry,” she said, tucking her phone into her pocket. “My assistant just called—there’s something urgent at the office. I need to head over and take care of it. You go ahead and head home, okay? I’ll be back before you know it.” Her explanation sounded convincing enough, but James could see the faint flicker of anxiety in her eyes, the way her fingers tightened slightly around her phone. He nodded, his voice devoid of emotion. “Sure. Go ahead. I’ll see you later.” Laura smiled, kissed him on the cheek, and hurried off into the night. James stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure. He didn’t need to guess where she was going or who she was meeting. He already knew. When James got home, he felt a strange sense of calm. There was no suffocating pain or overwhelming anger. Instead, he felt… free. The past few years of his life—every ounce of love and effort he had poured into this relationship—felt like wasted time. He had been building a future with someone who had been slowly eroding the foundation beneath him. But now, it didn’t matter. He walked over to the desk where all their wedding plans were laid out: the venue contracts, the guest list, the meticulously chosen decorations. It all felt so meaningless now. Picking up the phone, James began canceling everything. The venue, the caterer, the florist—each call felt like shedding a heavy weight. Next, he packed up his custom suit—the one he’d had made specifically for their wedding—and put it in a box to donate to a local charity. These things no longer represented joy or love. They were relics of a dream that had crumbled into dust. By the time he was finished, James felt lighter than he had in years. The pain was still there, lingering beneath the surface, but it no longer consumed him. He had made his decision. In three days, he would leave this life behind, along with Laura and Adam. He would start over as Chase Ryder, free from the lies and betrayal. And for the first time in a long time, James felt like he could finally breathe.

Early in the morning, Laura rushed home, her face filled with anxiety and unease. She had just received a call from the wedding planner, informing her that James had canceled their original wedding venue. A cold fear crept into her chest. The wedding was only two days away. What did this mean? Why would James cancel the venue now? She didn’t dare let her thoughts spiral further. Flinging the door open, she spotted James sitting calmly on the couch, a cup of tea in hand, looking completely unbothered. His composure only amplified her unease. Laura hurried over to him, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, “James, what’s going on? Why did the wedding venue get canceled? I got a call from the planner, and it scared me to death! Please tell me this is some kind of misunderstanding.” James had already prepared a calm, plausible explanation. He glanced up at her with a small smile, his demeanor steady—almost too steady. There was a subtle chill in his eyes, but it was so faint, it was easy to miss. “Oh, that? I found out last night that the venue supposedly has some bad energy—bad feng shui, if you believe in that sort of thing. And, well, I didn’t want to risk it affecting our marriage.” He took a sip of tea and continued, his tone light but measured. “I decided to cancel it and booked another place instead. It’s a surprise, though. I’ll show you on the day of the wedding.” Laura’s shoulders relaxed, her worry melting away. “So that’s it? You just wanted to surprise me?” She let out a relieved laugh, shaking her head. “I was so scared you were upset with me. I’ve been so busy lately, I thought maybe you were angry that I haven’t been spending enough time with you.” She reached for his hand, her smile softening. “After all this craziness is over, we’ll have so much time together. Once we’re married, nothing else will matter.” She had completely forgotten that the venue James had just canceled was the one they had dreamed about since they first got together—the place they had once called their “perfect wedding spot.” To her, this change was just James being thoughtful or practical. So, she nodded and accepted his explanation without further question. But what Laura didn’t realize was that every word James spoke, every measured action, was hiding a deep and bitter pain. Laura sat down beside James, leaning her head gently on his shoulder. Her smile was radiant, her voice filled with genuine happiness. “James, in just two days, I’ll be your wife. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.” James didn’t respond right away. He looked at her, at the woman who seemed so blissfully unaware of the weight of her betrayal. Her happiness almost felt like a cruel joke. How could someone who had so thoroughly betrayed him still sit here, smiling as if their love was untarnished? Last night, another photo from Adam had landed in his inbox. In the picture, Adam was naked, wearing nothing but a pair of fluffy animal ears and a matching tail. He was kneeling on a bed, smirking at the camera. The caption read: “Laura just can’t ever seem to get enough, can she?” James had stared at that photo for a long time, feeling a mix of revulsion and numb acceptance. And now, here she was, sitting beside him, playing the role of the perfect fiancée. As they talked, James’s eyes drifted to her neck. That’s when he saw it—a faint but unmistakable mark just below her collarbone. A hickey. The sight of it made his blood run cold. For a moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off it, his gaze hardening as he stared. The mark seemed to mock him, a silent confession of everything she’d been hiding. Laura noticed his shift in demeanor. Following his gaze, she immediately realized what he was looking at. Her hand flew to her neck, covering the hickey as her face flushed with panic. “It’s not what you think!” she blurted out, her voice unsteady. “I… I got bitten by a mosquito last night. That’s all it is.” The excuse was so flimsy, so ridiculous, James almost wanted to laugh. But he didn’t. Instead, he forced a small smile and reached out to pat her hand reassuringly. “It’s fine,” he said softly. “I believe you.” Inside, James felt hollow. It doesn’t matter anymore, he thought to himself. In just two days, I’ll be gone. Out of her life, out of this mess. She can keep her lies, her secrets, and her lover. None of it will matter to me anymore.

James sat alone on the couch, shrouded in darkness, as if he had melted into the shadows themselves. The faint glow of his phone broke the silence. A new message. It was from Adam. “I know you and Laura are getting married the day after tomorrow, but do you really think a wedding means you’ll own her forever?” “Here’s a fun thought: if I ask her to spend the night with me, do you think you’ll even see her before the ceremony?” James didn’t reply. He leaned back into the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling above him. In his heart, he already knew the answer. The moment Adam’s message arrived, the truth had been laid bare. And yet, some small, fragile part of him clung to hope. Hope that Laura—the woman he had loved for six years—might surprise him. Might prove him wrong. Laura, meanwhile, had also received a message from Adam. She got out of bed, her footsteps soft as she walked into the dimly lit living room. “James,” she said gently, her voice breaking the silence, “I have to go on a business trip for the next two days. I’ll leave tomorrow morning, but don’t worry—I’ll be back in time for the wedding.” “I need to pack a few things,” she added. “You stay home and get some rest, okay?” Of course. James thought to himself. The room remained shrouded in darkness, but James’s eyes burned like embers, piercing through the shadows. For a moment, his gaze was so intense, it was as if he had come alive again—his final surge of emotion before everything inside him collapsed. Before Laura could leave to pack, James stood up. His voice was soft, almost pleading. “Laura,” he said, his tone trembling slightly, “I’ve been feeling so anxious lately. I can’t shake the unease. Can you… can you not go? Just stay with me until the wedding. Please.” He stepped closer to her, taking her hands firmly in his. The desperation in his voice was unmistakable. “Business opportunities come and go,” he whispered. “But these days, these moments—we’ll never get them back. I need you right now.” His eyes glistened with unshed tears, his vulnerability laid bare for the first time. “I need you. Please, just stay with me.” Laura froze, startled by the raw emotion in his voice. She had never seen James like this before—so open, so broken. Without thinking, she reached out and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. “Okay, okay,” she said softly, her voice soothing. “I’ll stay. I won’t go. I promise.” James held her tightly, his forehead pressed to her back, his arms locked around her waist as if he were afraid she might vanish. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to believe that things could go back to the way they used to be. That her warmth, her presence, still belonged to him. But then, Laura’s phone lit up again, the glow cutting through the darkness like a knife. She reached for it, glancing at the screen. Another message from Adam. “Laura, I miss you so much. You’re about to be someone else’s wife, but tonight, can you be mine one last time?” Attached to the message was a photo of Adam, wearing nothing but a provocative costume. His smirk was full of confidence, his words dripping with temptation. “If you come over, I’ll do whatever you want.” James felt it. Her body stiffened in his arms. He could sense the subtle shift in her breathing, the way her skin warmed under his touch—excitement, longing. But it wasn’t for him. Laura gently pried his hands away from her waist, turning to kneel beside him on the bed. She rested her forehead against his, her voice soft but unwavering. “I’m sorry, James,” she said. “This is really important. I can’t skip it.” “But after the wedding, I’ll take some time off. A long vacation, just you and me, okay? I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” She didn’t wait for his response. She stood up, walked to the closet, and began picking out clothes for her “business trip.” James stayed where he was, his arms still wrapped around nothing but air. He leaned forward, forehead pressed to the spot where her back had just been, as if trying to hold onto the warmth she had left behind. But it was gone. And so was she. In that moment, something inside James finally broke. He didn’t cry. He didn’t scream. He didn’t even feel anger anymore. Instead, there was only a stillness—a numb, overwhelming quiet. He wrapped himself in the blanket, no longer caring whether Laura loved him or not. No longer caring about the memories they had shared or the promises they had made. He reached for his phone and opened the notes app, reviewing his plan for the next day. His escape route. His new identity. Chase Ryder. He read through every detail again, committing it to memory.

In a luxurious suite at a five-star hotel, Adam and Laura lay entangled on the bed, their naked bodies entwined in a way that made it hard to tell where one ended and the other began. Laura’s flushed face was still glowing from their passion, her skin marked with deep, violet bruises left by Adam’s lips—a testament to the intensity of their time together. For the past two days and nights, they hadn’t even stepped outside the hotel room. The clothes they brought remained untouched, as if they had no time or reason to wear them. It was as if they were trying to exhaust every last ounce of lust before it was too late. After their latest round, Laura was the first to recover. She sat up and reached for a glass of water, her voice rough and hoarse as she spoke. “Adam,” she began, her eyes fixed on him, “I’m marrying James in two days. I love him. He’s the only man I’ll ever marry, and I need you to understand that.” She paused, her tone growing more pointed. “James is my boundary. You can ask for anything else, but don’t you dare flaunt this in front of him. If you so much as try to mess with him, I promise you’ll regret it.” She narrowed her eyes at him, her glare cutting like a blade. Adam, still sprawled out on the bed, reached lazily for her, pulling her back into his arms. He nodded, but it was clear he wasn’t taking her warning seriously. Laura looked at him, her irritation fading into something softer. Stroking his hair gently, she allowed herself a small, indulgent smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll still take care of you after the wedding,” she said, her voice light, almost playful. “But we won’t see each other as often as we do now. Things will be… different.” For a moment, her thoughts drifted to James, sitting alone at home. Was he lonely? Was he sad? What was he thinking about, so close to the wedding? Her phone buzzed, cutting through her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw James’s name. Her lips curled into a smile. Of course he’s thinking about me, she thought. We’re so in sync—it’s why I love him. She reached for the phone, but Adam grabbed her wrist, pinning it to the bed. “Not yet,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “We’re not done.” Laura hesitated, but Adam’s mischievous grin and the fire in his eyes reignited something in her. The phone fell from her hand as she gave in to him once more. The room filled again with heat and muffled moans, while James sat alone on his bed miles away. He stared at his phone, the screen still lit with the unanswered call. His suitcase was packed, sitting neatly by the door. He didn’t move, his thoughts swirling like a storm. Finally, he let out a bitter laugh and muttered to himself, “She’s probably wrapped up with Adam right now.” When the call went to voicemail, James sighed deeply, as if releasing the last of his lingering doubts. He picked up his suitcase, walked out the door, and climbed into the waiting car. “Take me to the airport,” he said quietly. The car disappeared into the neon-lit night, leaving behind nothing but silence and emptiness in the home they had once shared. There was no love left here. At dawn, Laura caught the first flight back to Harbor City. She had arranged for someone to meet her at the airport and get her to the wedding venue as quickly as possible. She was in a hurry. She couldn’t wait to see the man she had dreamed of marrying for so many years. When she arrived at the venue, dressed in her wedding gown and veil, she was even a little early. Smiling to herself, she glanced at her watch, her heart swelling with sweetness. Today’s the day. I’m finally marrying James—the man I’ve loved for six years. The man I’ve always dreamed of being with. The car pulled up to the location James had promised—the “secret venue” he had mentioned just days ago. She stepped out, her makeup flawless, tears of joy welling in her eyes. Her smile was radiant. She could swear this was the happiest day of her life. But there were no guests waiting for her. No red carpet. No wedding march. No flowers, no tables, no arch, no balloons. Nothing. The summer wind blew across the empty lot, the scorching July sun beating down mercilessly. There was no sign of James. Her heart sank as a creeping sense of dread began to take hold. She rushed back to the car and grabbed her phone, dialing James’s number. The call went straight to voicemail. She tried again. And again. Each time, the same mechanical message played, cold and unfeeling. Her chest tightened, panic rising as she dialed over and over, desperate for him to answer. But he never did. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Laura collapsed to the ground, her phone slipping from her trembling hands. Her vision blurred, her mind spinning. And in that moment, she knew. The man she thought would always stand by her side, the man she thought she had wrapped around her finger… James was gone.

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## I had worked so hard to climb that mountain and get a protection charm from the temple—only for Anthony Sullivan to casually toss it around the neck of the class queen’s pet dog. The sound of laughter echoed all around me as I stood frozen, humiliated. I turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me. “Relax, Anthony,” one of his friends called after me, laughing. “Chloe will come crawling back in under thirty minutes. She always does.” They were wrong. I wasn’t in this for Anthony Sullivan. Not really. I was just trying to collect the beauty points my system had promised me. See, the system gave me two options if I wanted to become beautiful: One, I could “win over” Anthony Sullivan, the school’s golden boy. Or two, I could become a straight-A academic superstar. Being the lazy girl I was, I chose the first option. Who wouldn’t? Flirting seemed a lot less painful than hours of study. But standing there, humiliated by Anthony’s cruelty, I had a revelation. If I had the determination to chase after a guy like him, why couldn’t I put that effort into something meaningful? Why not aim for the top universities in the country instead? And so, I gave up on Anthony and poured everything into preparing for the national academic competition. But just when I was on the verge of winning gold, Anthony couldn’t take it anymore. “You’re doing all of this for him, aren’t you?” he snapped, pointing at the quiet, sharp-eyed boy standing beside me—the academic prodigy he had just punched in a jealous fit. I slapped Anthony across the face. I had already transformed into someone stunning. Men were lining up for me. Why on earth would I waste another second on him? For Anthony’s birthday, I’d gone all out preparing a thoughtful gift: the protection charm from the temple. It hadn’t been easy. I wasn’t exactly athletic, and climbing that mountain had felt like a death sentence. But for Anthony, I pushed through. Halfway up, I was wheezing like an asthmatic goat, ready to collapse. “Come on, Chloe!” the system chirped in my head. “You can’t win Anthony over without that protection charm! And you can’t get your beauty points without winning him over!” The system had a point. So, gritting my teeth, I pushed myself up the trail. When I finally made it to the top, drenched in sweat and on the verge of passing out, I got my charm. Later that evening, I set up the perfect birthday surprise. I decorated the room, arranged a cake, and waited for Anthony and his friends to arrive. The moment they walked in, my heart sank. Next to Anthony stood Katie Harper, the school’s undeniable queen bee. Her hair was immaculate, her makeup flawless, her features strikingly delicate. The two of them looked perfect together. Still, I wasn’t about to back down. “Happy birthday, Anthony,” I said, stepping forward and holding out the charm. “What’s this?” he asked, taking it from me with as much interest as if I’d handed him a napkin. “It’s a protection charm,” Katie chimed in, her voice sweet and melodic. She turned to Anthony, smiling. “Chloe’s so thoughtful. I heard this charm is only available at the temple on top of Redridge Mountain. She must’ve climbed all the way up to get it for you. Isn’t that sweet?” “Wait,” Anthony said, narrowing his eyes at me. “You climbed a mountain for this?” “Well, yeah,” I replied, trying to sound casual. “I heard the temple was really special and…” Before I could finish, Anthony cut me off with a laugh. “Are you serious? You climbed all the way up there for this stupid thing? What, did you think this would make me fall in love with you or something?” I froze. He wasn’t done. “God, Chloe. Do you seriously believe this is some kind of romance movie? Crawling up a mountain for a charm just to prove how much you ‘love’ me? Did you even stop to think if you’re worth it?” The room filled with laughter. “Man, Anthony,” one of his friends jeered. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a real-life stalker!” “Yeah,” another chimed in. “She finally confessed! Took her long enough!” Anthony’s face darkened, and he turned back to me with a look of pure disdain. “You really picked my birthday to pull this pathetic stunt?” he snapped, holding up the charm like it was trash. “Look at yourself in a mirror sometime, Chloe. You actually thought I’d be into you?” I felt my chest tighten, my vision blurring with unshed tears. I had known Anthony might reject me. I had prepared for that. But I hadn’t expected him to humiliate me like this. This was the same Anthony who’d once been kind to me, the same Anthony who had helped me when I was at my lowest. How could he use my insecurities to tear me apart like this? “Anthony, don’t be so harsh,” Katie said, her voice dripping with feigned sympathy. She turned to me with a pitying smile. “Chloe clearly likes you. She must’ve thought you liked her back. I mean, why else would she have the courage to confess in front of everyone?” Her words were like gasoline on a fire. “Like her?” Anthony shouted, his voice rising. “Are you out of your damn mind, Katie? What makes you think I’d ever be interested in her? I’m not blind!” 2. Anthony was so furious that the veins on his forehead were bulging. Just then, Katie’s fluffy chow chow waddled into the crowd, its tail wagging. Katie scooped up the dog and kissed its head affectionately. “Aww, tell Daddy not to be mad anymore. It’s his birthday—he should be happy!” Daddy? Wait, wasn’t that Katie’s dog? And just like that, it all clicked. Anthony had already become the daddy of Katie’s dog. “Come here, Coco,” Anthony said, his anger melting away as he patted the dog’s head gently. So that’s how it was. Anthony treated me worse than a dog. The next thing I saw made my blood boil—he took the protection charm I had painstakingly climbed a mountain to get for him and tied it around the dog’s neck. “Here, you can play with this,” he said casually. “Whoa, Anthony! You just gave your little fangirl’s gift to the dog! She’s gonna lose her mind, man!” one of his friends jeered, laughing hysterically. They weren’t wrong. I was losing my mind. I had sweated and struggled to climb that mountain for hours to get that charm. And now? He’d just turned it into a toy for Katie’s dog. I felt both angry and heartbroken. Sure, I was chasing Anthony because of the beauty system, but my feelings for him had been real. But this? This was like stomping on my pride and grinding it into the dirt. Sure, I wasn’t beautiful, but I had dignity. If Anthony saw me as nothing more than a joke, then why should I waste another second chasing after him? As laughter erupted around me, I stormed out, slamming the door behind me. “She’ll come back,” one of Anthony’s friends said, snickering. “She’s just a little lapdog—give her half an hour, tops.” But they were wrong. That was the moment I decided I would never like Anthony again. He had let me stay in his life, allowed me to orbit around him—not because he appreciated me, but because I was convenient. I wasn’t a person to him. I was a tool. And I’d been stupid enough to let myself believe otherwise. I had thrown him a birthday party. I had bought him a thoughtful gift. I had even confessed my feelings to him in front of everyone. And all I’d gotten in return was humiliation. Katie’s laughter rang out behind me, sharp and grating. Katie Harper—the transfer student who had turned everything upside down from the moment she arrived. Her striking features and hourglass figure had caused quite the stir. With her long, flowing hair and perfectly styled makeup, she had quickly become the girl everyone wanted to be—or be with. Anthony had been distant ever since she showed up. Before she came, he’d still let me hang around his group. I’d run errands for him, but he’d let me stick around and join their conversations. Back then, I’d convinced myself that Anthony wasn’t shallow. That he wasn’t just about looks. After all, he had stood up for me once. When classmates mocked my appearance, Anthony had spoken out. “Do you seriously think it’s funny to bully someone over how they look?” It was Anthony who had pulled me out of a humiliating situation, who had taken me to the nurse’s office after I’d been pushed down and pepper-sprayed by a group of bullies. “Don’t be scared,” he had said at the time, his tone firm but kind. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” That Anthony had given me hope. He had made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I could win him over. But Katie’s arrival had changed everything. 3. I had officially become a full-time errand girl. Anthony didn’t let me linger around him anymore, nor did he invite me to hang out like he used to. He’d make me deliver an umbrella to the basketball court in the middle of a downpour but wouldn’t let me stay and grab dinner with his buddies. He’d have me take my neatly organized class notes to him but wouldn’t ask me to study with him. The teasing from classmates got worse: “Chloe, don’t tell me you actually think Anthony likes you?” “Only someone like Katie—gorgeous, popular, flawless—could ever match him. Give up already.” But I refused to believe them. I stubbornly continued to treat him well. “Chloe, can you grab some cold medicine from the nurse’s office?” I saw Anthony’s message and thought he was sick. Without hesitating, I sprinted to the nurse’s office and bought the medicine. Then I hurried to his classroom to deliver it. “Well, well, Anthony, your little errand girl is here again,” one of his friends jeered. Anthony barely raised an eyebrow as he took the medicine from my hands. “Are you sick, Anthony? Is it serious?” I asked, concerned. His friends burst into laughter. “Anthony, did you hear that? Your little assistant really cares about you!” But Anthony didn’t even acknowledge me. He calmly poured the medicine into a cup, filled it with steaming hot water, and walked out the door. I stood there, stunned, watching him head straight to another classroom—the one Katie was in. “Katie, here, drink this,” he said, handing her the cup. My heart dropped. Anthony wasn’t sick. He’d sent me to get the medicine just so he could give it to her. “Anthony, how could you? I thought you weren’t feeling well…” Katie glanced between Anthony and me, then smiled sweetly. “Oh, Chloe, you got this for me? Thank you so much!” Wait. What? Why was she thanking me? What was their relationship? “Chloe,” Anthony snapped, annoyed, “it’s just some medicine. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?” He rolled his eyes, speaking to me in a tone he never used with Katie. I felt a lump in my throat. He really did like her, didn’t he? “System,” I whispered in my mind, “it looks like Anthony has fallen for Katie…” “Host, would you like to explore an alternative path to becoming beautiful?” I hesitated, unsure of what to do. I trudged back to my own classroom, feeling defeated. As I passed by a window, I caught a reflection of myself. Small eyes, flat nose, protruding mouth, and a wide face. I was hideous. So, that’s why Anthony liked Katie. Because she was pretty. But if he liked me, I’d become beautiful overnight. You see, I wasn’t just an ordinary girl. I was bound to a beauty system. The system had told me there were two paths to becoming beautiful: Win Anthony’s heart. Become a straight-A student. Naturally, I chose the first option. Who wants to bury their head in books when they can chase love instead? Anthony wasn’t just any guy. He was the most handsome guy at school—tall, athletic, charming, and from a well-off family. Most importantly, he’d never mocked me. In fact, he’d once stood up for me. I still remember that day vividly. A group of mean girls had shoved me to the ground and sprayed chili water into my eyes. Anthony had stepped in, pulled me up, and taken me to the nurse’s office. “Making fun of someone’s looks? Real classy,” he’d scolded them. “Don’t worry,” he’d told me, his voice low and comforting. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” 4. His voice was so deep, so soothing, that I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. So when the beauty system appeared, I was overjoyed. It felt like the universe was giving me permission to like Anthony. To become beautiful for the one I loved—it sounded so romantic. Without hesitation, I chose the first path. I’d even daydreamed about the moment Anthony and I got together. Would he be surprised when he realized I’d transformed into a stunning beauty? Would he be happy? But now, after more than a year of chasing him, I’d gotten nowhere. Despite everything I’d done, the system’s progress bar for my beauty hadn’t budged an inch. It was clear—I needed a new strategy. Why waste my time pining after someone who didn’t care about me? Why not aim for something bigger, something better? Like getting into one of the top universities in the country? I summoned the system. “I want to change my approach. I’ll choose the second option.” “Understood. Host has selected the academic path to beauty. If your test scores improve by 30 ranks next month, you’ll receive 10 beauty points.” With a new goal in mind, I felt a surge of motivation. “Study hard, become a straight-A student, and transform into a beauty—let’s go!” When the new week began, I threw myself into my studies. I highlighted anything I didn’t understand and stayed after class to ask the teachers questions. I used every free moment to study, staying glued to my desk during breaks. Anthony and I weren’t even in the same class. If I didn’t go out of my way to see him, we’d have no interaction at all. Maybe he noticed something was off because, after gym class one day, he cornered me in the hallway. “Why haven’t I seen you around lately? Are you mad at me?” he asked. I ignored him. Anthony shifted awkwardly. “Look, what I said on my birthday was harsh, but you have to admit, you were out of line.” Out of line? All I’d done was confess my feelings. Was that really so terrible? I guess it was, if the person on the receiving end didn’t like you. But I didn’t care anymore. Anthony, seeing that I wasn’t responding, started giving me orders again. “I’ve got a basketball game tomorrow. Make sure to bring water and tissues for the whole team.” And with that, he walked off without waiting for my answer. But there was no way I’d do it. I had no time for that nonsense anymore. My focus was on studying now. If I worked hard, I could become both a top student and a beauty. Why hadn’t I realized sooner how great this deal was? Anthony? He could go to hell. 5. The next afternoon, during club activity time, I was still glued to my seat, working through practice problems like a monk in meditation. “Chloe, aren’t you going to watch Anthony’s game today?” my desk mate whispered. I shook my head. “No. I’m done. I won’t be going anymore.” By the time I finished another worksheet, most of the classroom had emptied out. From the open-air basketball court below, I could hear the roar of the crowd, cheers erupting every now and then. But none of that mattered to me anymore. The girl who sat behind me was the top student in class. She was still at her desk, quietly working on her assignments. I glanced at her, then at the blank questions on my own worksheet. “Hey, genius, mind helping me out with this one?” I asked, forcing myself to sound casual. I braced for sarcasm or a snide remark, but none came. She simply took my paper, scanned the question, and began explaining in a calm, gentle voice. To her, I was just another classmate—no different from anyone else in the room. When she finished, I finally understood the problem. It hit me then: connecting with people wasn’t as hard as I’d made it out to be. Not everyone cared about how I looked or judged me for it. So why should I care so much? For the first time, I started enjoying studying. Just as I was diving back into my work, my phone buzzed with a new message. It was Anthony. “Where are you?” I wasn’t planning on watching his game, but I couldn’t let them go thirsty because of me. “I’m not coming. Ask someone else to grab water for you,” I replied. With that, I turned off my phone and dove back into my sea of practice problems. When the monthly exams rolled around, I hit my goal and jumped 30 spots in the rankings. “Congratulations, Host! You’ve earned +10 Beauty Points. Current Beauty Score: 15.” Wow. That’s when I realized: my starting beauty score had been a measly 5. After the system announcement, I rushed to the bathroom to check my reflection. Was it just me, or did my skin look a little less sallow? I even seemed a bit slimmer. “Host, if you improve by another 50 ranks in the next exam, you’ll earn 15 more Beauty Points.” Another 50 ranks? That would put me in the top 100! It sounded tough, but I couldn’t back down now. I doubled down on my studies, using every spare moment—even lunch breaks and bathroom trips—to memorize vocabulary and history facts. “Chloe has made remarkable progress this time. Everyone should take inspiration from her,” my homeroom teacher announced proudly after handing back the test results. It was the first time I’d ever been publicly praised like this. The feeling was… indescribable. I was still basking in the glow of those words when I bumped into Anthony on the stairs. “Chloe, looks like you’ve grown a backbone, huh? Skipping my game and even blocking me?” Anthony said, a smirk playing on his lips.

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