Category: English

As the ace translator of the company, I actively gave up the translation opportunity for a multi-million dollar project to the receptionist. Because in my previous life, my boyfriend’s childhood friend, a middle school dropout, suddenly claimed to have mastered eight languages through self-study. Every time I translated, I had to study professional terms in advance, but Chloe could easily perform simultaneous interpretation with 100% accuracy. Everyone praised her as a genius translator, while privately discussing that I was an incompetent fool unworthy of my reputation. Until the time I stayed up late for two weeks preparing to go on stage for a multi-million dollar project, Chloe stopped me. “Harper, this is not the time for you to show off. This translation relates to the company’s IPO. Your foundation is not as solid as mine, let me do it!” Chloe’s proposal won the unanimous agreement of Ethan and my colleagues. I tried hard to fight for it, but was still forced to be replaced. Chloe completed the translation excellently and became a great hero of the company. While I was transferred to be a cleaner on the grounds of insufficient professional ability. I didn’t understand why I, who had studied hard and worked conscientiously for ten years, couldn’t compare to Chloe, who mastered translation overnight. In a trance, I slipped, fell into the water, and drowned. Just before I died, I found out that Chloe translated by eavesdropping on my inner voice. Opening my eyes again, I returned to the day Chloe claimed to have mastered eight languages. This time, I didn’t stay up late to prepare translation materials, but turned around and started reciting the Great Compassion Mantra! 1 “Harper, congratulations! The first place in this month’s assessment is indeed you again!” “Yeah! You’ve achieved a three-peat!” Colleagues gathered around, applauding and praising. Surrounded by the crowd, I was in a trance for a moment. The host cleared his throat and announced, “The champion of our company’s assessment this month is still Harper…” “Hold on!” Chloe stepped out from the crowd. “I also signed up for this assessment. Why not let me try too?” Looking at the exact same scene as in my previous life, I unconsciously shivered. The colleagues looked at Chloe with suspicion. “This is not a joke! You haven’t even studied translation, the threshold for this profession is not low!” Chloe curled her lips. “I watched for a long time and didn’t feel it was difficult. Who says I haven’t studied? Can’t I have self-taught eight languages at home this month?” The colleagues sneered. “Self-taught? Even an ace translator like Harper studied properly for ten years. How could someone with zero foundation like you rely on self-study?” “Stop embarrassing yourself! If you can translate a complete sentence, I’ll take your last name!” Everyone laughed at Chloe’s pipe dream, no one took her words seriously. Only I knew that in the same scene in my previous life, Chloe indeed fluently translated eight languages. Chloe turned around, held Ethan’s arm and acted coquettishly, “Ethan, just let me try! I’ve signed up. If you don’t let me participate, beware I’ll complain about you!” Ethan, who always valued academic background the most, didn’t object at all, looking at Chloe dotingly. “Really can’t deal with you, then you try.” With Ethan’s permission, the host started to question Chloe again. To everyone’s surprise, for several questions in a row, whether English or French. Chloe translated quickly and accurately. The crowd’s gaze also changed from mockery to amazement. Until the final simultaneous interpretation question, as soon as the host finished reading. Chloe spoke in fluent German, “…under the influence of androgen receptor inhibitors, directly targeting the ligand-binding domain. Can directly treat patients with metastatic prostate cancer.” Applause erupted at the scene. “Chloe, hiding your light under a bushel! Your level is almost catching up to Harper’s!” Some also asked curiously, “Even an ace translator like Harper sometimes needs pen and paper to take notes during simultaneous interpretation. You, a rookie with no translation experience, can actually be so fluent?” Chloe widened her eyes in surprise. “Isn’t translation just saying out directly what you hear? Harper might be getting old, her memory is naturally not as good as young people’s. Taking notes is also normal!” After Chloe finished speaking, she stuck out her tongue. “Harper, am I being too straightforward? I don’t mean anything else, don’t take it to heart!” I smiled. Just now when Chloe was translating, I deliberately translated a word wrong when reciting silently in my heart. Chloe actually read out the wrong word together directly. Exactly as I thought, Chloe didn’t master eight languages overnight at all. Recalling Chloe’s unfocused eyes when translating just now. If my guess is correct, she couldn’t control what she said when translating, and could only subconsciously repeat what was in my mind. Since this is the case, then I have to give her a big gift! The host beside was a bit troubled. “This, Harper and Chloe are tied. Then the champion of this competition…” Ethan also frowned. Chloe confidently curled the corners of her mouth. “Since it’s a tie, Harper, I wonder if you have the confidence to compete with me?” 2 Chloe’s proposal drew the attention of everyone in the room. Just as Ethan was about to speak, I smiled and said, “No need, I forfeit!” The scene was in an uproar. Ethan was stunned, somewhat surprised. He knew I was the most rigorous about my profession, and thought I would definitely not let go of this competition. I repeated again, “I quit.” What he didn’t know was that in my previous life, I confidently participated in the competition. But every time I prepared to answer, Chloe spoke first. In the end, of course, Chloe won unquestionably, making my decades of hard study a joke. I naturally couldn’t agree again. Chloe deliberately tried to provoke me with words, “Harper, you are the ace translator of our company. How come you don’t even dare to compete with a little receptionist like me? How embarrassing if word gets out!” “Why don’t you test me with more questions to see what level I’m at? See if I can compare to you.” I spoke lightly, “Your level is much higher than mine, at least level thirteen.” Chloe proudly puffed out her chest, “That’s for sure, with my level…” Everyone couldn’t hold it back anymore, burst out laughing. “Hahahaha, what spoken language has a level thirteen!” “You!” Chloe’s face turned red and purple, stomping her feet in anxiety. “Enough!” Ethan shouted violently, glaring at me very dissatisfiedly, “You should have some limits even when joking! Do you think you are amazing just because you have a few certificates? Knowing Chloe doesn’t understand these, and still bullying a little girl, have some shame!” I pinched my palms tightly. The laughter around stopped abruptly. The host squeezed out a smile, “How about, dual champions for this month?” Ethan spoke sternly, “What dual champions?! Harper has studied for so many years, Chloe just started self-study this month. The winner is clear!” With Ethan’s instruction, the host had to announce Chloe as the champion. Everyone stepped forward to compliment. Chloe cheered and went forward to hug Ethan. Ethan looked at me, coughed lightly, and unnaturally took a step back. I sneered in my heart. Chloe leaned in Ethan’s arms, blinking at me provocatively. “Harper, I guess I’ve proved my strength. Can I go along with you to the business meeting this afternoon?” I subconsciously frowned, “No…” Chloe immediately reddened her eyes, “Harper, I know you look down on my academic background. But I studied translation day and night just to share Ethan’s burden and contribute to the company. Are you going to deprive me of even this right?” Ethan hugged her with heartache, scolding angrily, “Chloe is also doing this for the good of the company! Are you so intolerant of others?!” Colleagues around also looked at me and spoke, “Harper, you are quite selfish. Even if Chloe has high talent, it won’t affect you.” “Yeah, can’t you give a new employee a chance? You are too narrow-minded.” Everyone criticized my fault one after another. I spoke calmly, “What I wanted to say just now is, why not let her follow along, just treat it as going to learn.” Everyone then awkwardly changed the subject. Chloe looked at me meaningfully. “Harper, don’t worry. I will definitely study! Hard!” 3 In the afternoon, arriving at the meeting place. Mr. Lee, who was cooperating this time, is a long-term partner of our company. After everyone from both sides arrived, the meeting began. I listened with rapt attention, while constantly marking on my hands. When the other party finished a paragraph in German, I took a deep breath and was just about to speak. A fluent translation came from behind. “…used to treat patients who have received novel endocrine drugs, there is significant improvement. Key points include overall survival and time to needing cytotoxic chemotherapy.” I turned my head abruptly. Chloe, who was originally following to learn, was translating rapidly. In the following time, every time I prepared to speak, Chloe would quickly seize the conversation and continue translating. For the whole translation session, I didn’t even get a word in. All the way until Chloe finished translating the last sentence with unfinished interest, bursts of applause rang around. Chloe seemed to just come back to her senses at this time, pretending to cover her mouth in surprise, “Sorry, I just came to learn. I was listening too intently just now, and translated it smoothly.” “Harper, please don’t mind.” Ethan also applauded excitedly, “You did very well! What is there for her to mind, translation always relies on strength!” Mr. Lee also praised repeatedly, “Usually Harper is responsible for the translation work of our company. You, a rookie translator, are actually so fluent. It seems you must have prepared for a long time privately for this business meeting!” Chloe pursed her lips and smiled, “Nothing needs to be prepared. Isn’t translation just saying directly what you hear?” “When you get proficient, it forms an instinctive reaction like eating and drinking water.” Mr. Lee pursued with some surprise, “Harper is considered a senior translator with deep qualifications. Every time we cooperate, she asks for our negotiation materials a week in advance. You actually don’t need to prepare anything?” Chloe blinked innocently, “Although I am a rookie, I also know everyone is busy. I wouldn’t deliberately ask this and that for materials to disturb everyone. Things that can clearly be translated at once, she insists on dragging for a few days to show her professionalism.” Hearing this, I couldn’t help but frown. Chloe was purely talking nonsense! As a translator, every time you come into contact with professional terms from different industries, doing homework in advance is a manifestation of responsibility for work, and also a necessary preparation as a translator. Before I could open my mouth to explain, Mr. Lee’s look towards me instantly changed. “In the future, our company’s orders will all be handled by Chloe. Some people really know how to put on airs! Our company can’t afford to hire you!” I stood aside, unable to defend myself. Ethan agreed repeatedly. After returning to the company, Ethan praised Chloe greatly. And announced Chloe’s identity changed from receptionist to formal translator. That day Chloe had her own independent office. Ethan proudly announced that this was a reward for Chloe’s excellent performance as a translator in this business meeting. I sneered in my heart. For business meetings of this scale, I have completed no less than a hundred, and never made a mistake. Having worked for ten years, I still squeeze in a cubicle with others. I’ve never had my own office. I didn’t say much, silently burying my head and continuing to work. In the following several translations, Chloe used the same method to speak first, gaining enough face for herself. I knew she relied on me every time to translate smoothly. For this, I didn’t slack off at all, but prepared even more diligently. Finally, the day before the multi-million dollar project explanation arrived. On the surface, I was still holding materials looking for professional terms. A colleague rolled her eyes, “Don’t take on porcelain work if you don’t have the diamond drill. Chloe translated directly, where is there any need for you? Putting on an act wasting everyone’s time!” Chloe also covered her mouth and smiled, “Harper, what’s the use of looking at these every day?” Chloe raised her hand and pointed to her own head, speaking disdainfully, “You worked hard to study for more than ten years, and still can’t compare to the level I reached by self-studying for a month.” The colleagues around praised her heavily again. I frowned, pretending to speak in a difficult position, “You’re right, it’s useless to talk like this,” “Anyway, having you is enough. How about I just don’t go!” 4 “No!” Chloe screamed in objection. Facing everyone’s puzzled looks, Chloe squeezed out a smile, “I, I mean, Harper can also learn some experience on such a big occasion. What if she needs it in the future?” Ethan also frowned unhappily, “What kind of temper are you throwing again? Isn’t it a fact that everyone says you can’t compare to Chloe?” “Who can you threaten by saying you won’t go? Since you don’t want to go, then don’t go!” I didn’t speak. Chloe was the one who got anxious, “Ethan, let Harper go. After all, I haven’t come into contact with such a large-scale meeting. If Harper goes, we can also learn from each other!” Colleagues praised unanimously, “Chloe, she has to put on an act and prepare for half a day every time she translates, and you still leave her face. She should be eagerly learning from you!” Chloe pestered Ethan, begging constantly. Ethan nodded reluctantly, “Alright! For Chloe’s sake, I’ll give you another chance.” “You have three minutes. Pack up and go downstairs immediately! If you are a second late, you don’t have to go!” Chloe stared at me intently, afraid I would say the word “no.” I spoke slowly, “Okay! Then I’ll still go.” Only then did Chloe breathe a sigh of relief. When we arrived at the meeting venue and the translators were ready. Chloe reached out to stop me. “Wait!” “I thought about it, let me do the translation this time!” Chloe spoke sincerely, “Usually in small occasions, I let you have it. But this translation work is very important, it’s not the time for you to show off.” “Harper, your foundation is not as solid as mine, let me do it!” Just as I was about to speak, Ethan nodded in agreement immediately. “Makes sense! This meeting is very important to the company, there can’t be any mistakes.” “Harper, hurry up and thank Chloe. She stepped out for you. If your translation mistake affects the company’s IPO, then you are the sinner of the company. Let’s see how you explain to the board of directors then!” I sneered. Decades of study and work experience were described as worthless by her. When the company was just established, I took four or five translation sessions a day, standing for eight or nine hours, to help the company establish a good reputation in the industry. Now I’ve become the sinner of the company. Chloe snatched my job, and I still have to be grateful to her? Seeing I didn’t move, colleagues also mocked one after another, “No way, Harper. Don’t tell me you really want to fight with Chloe for this translation?” “This is an opportunity Chloe gave you to learn by bringing you here. You can’t be so ungrateful!” “Let alone Chloe’s professional quality is stronger than yours, just looking at her appearance is more pleasing to the eye than yours. Look at you, your dark circles are almost like panda eyes!” I raised my hand and touched the dark circles caused by staying up late checking materials. If it were my previous life, I would definitely argue strongly. But now… I looked around and smiled, “I have no objection. I hope you also take responsibility for your choices and don’t regret it.” Colleagues laughed and said I thought too much. Ethan sneered even more, “I let her go on stage. If there’s any problem, I’ll bear it all.” I didn’t argue, yielding the position to Chloe. Chloe blinked at me, “Harper, you used to stand in this position. Whenever I approached, you would argue non-stop. You are so quiet today, I’m a bit unaccustomed to it!” “But you also have to admit the difference in talent between people. You spent twelve years to get to this position, and I can stand here in a month.” “Just watch and learn how I translate later!” I ignored her. The meeting began, and Chloe sat steadily in the translator’s position. Ethan and colleagues offstage made gestures to cheer her on. The next second, Chloe’s expression became serious. This engrossed look made Ethan sigh with emotion, “Chloe is really born to do this job, going all out in everything she does.” Colleagues also echoed one after another. The next second, Chloe opened her mouth, “Namo Ratnatrayaya, Namo Aryavalokitesvaraya…” (Verses from the Great Compassion Mantra) Instantly, everyone in the venue widened their eyes.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391119”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I married a university professor. He was always so restrained and composed, never losing control, taking me only thrice each night. During a reshoot of a kissing scene for a movie, the set happened to be in the very university classroom where he taught. He didn’t interfere, showed no signs of jealousy, and of course, he didn’t love me. Suddenly, I grew weary of the relationship and proposed a divorce. My stated reason was a lack of variety and passion. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon my “little clothes”—my intimate garments—in his study, already well-worn and familiar from his touch. Was this still the same aloof, ice-cold husband I knew? I recoiled in shock, but he advanced, step by relentless step… 1 I married my father’s most esteemed student. After graduating from college, I chose not to follow the path my parents had meticulously planned, instead plunging headfirst into the chaotic world of acting. My professor parents, naturally, vehemently opposed this decision. Eventually, we struck a compromise: within two years, regardless of my success in the entertainment industry, I had to get married. Two years flew by in the blink of an eye. My father, sequestered in his study, made a phone call to someone. A few days later, Finn Burke came to our house for dinner. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his silver-grey suit lending him an air of both dignity and refinement. He was no longer the somewhat impoverished and unassuming boy I remembered from high school. My heart gave a violent lurch, and I wished I could just bury my head beneath the table. 2 My parents, both professors, had countless accomplished students, yet I was their sole “bitter fruit.” My academic record was dismal, but I was a virtuoso when it came to dating. Throughout high school, I barely had any time between boyfriends. I’d dated them all: the school bully, the straight-A student, even the sweet but dim-witted blond surfer types. Finn was a year my senior and consistently ranked first in the entire school. He was the impoverished student in the faded uniform, his top button always meticulously fastened. And he was also the unapproachable, ice-cold figure, like a peak of a snow-capped mountain, who gave speeches every Monday at the flag-raising ceremony. One time, I was a minute late for school. Right at the gate, I was snagged by Finn, who was on discipline duty. “Oh, come on, just help me out, please?” Few could resist my charm offensive, especially for just a mere minute’s tardiness. Finn lifted his thin eyelids and glanced at me, utterly unmoved. With chilling indifference, he jotted down my name. 3 This guy was utterly infuriating. My best friend, Brittany, had a good laugh at my expense, so I made a bet with her: I’d pursue Finn and make him my boyfriend. I just couldn’t believe he’d keep that lifeless expression even with a girlfriend, right? He still had a year until graduation, and during his tenure on discipline duty, I could pretty much stroll in late or skip class whenever I pleased, couldn’t I? Brittany chuckled, saying, “Don’t forget me when you get rich.” I’d never dated anyone like Finn, so I was brimming with confidence. I poured all my accumulated wisdom into a love letter for him. The next day, as he carried a stack of assignments back to his classroom, I bit my lower lip shyly and handed it to him. Finn gave me a half-smile, his long fingers taking the letter from my grasp. I thought it would be a cinch, but after half a month of sending him love letters, he remained unyielding. Just my luck, my ex-boyfriend, Caleb Hayes, returned from an intensive training camp out of town. In the equipment room, he had me pinned against a table, kissing me. This precise moment was witnessed by Finn, on discipline patrol, and the student council members trailing behind him. 4 My ex-boyfriend, Caleb, the school’s resident bad boy, had me pressed between a desk and his body. “Baby, let’s get back together. I promise I’ll never make you angry again.” Caleb was handsome and flamboyant, a magnet for girls at school. Yet, in front of me, he was like a docile, oversized Mastiff. He was an expert kisser and incredibly good at teasing. Every time we kissed, he’d lift the hem of his shirt, guiding my hand to feel his perfectly sculpted eight-pack abs. I was naturally drawn to handsome men of all types. Being with Caleb had always been—well, let’s just say I was well-fed. But his possessiveness was overwhelming. If I went out to buy a bottle of water, he’d suspect I was cheating. Forget about me even smiling at another guy. We’d had countless arguments because of it. I was exhausted. Less than a month into our relationship, I couldn’t take it anymore and broke up with him. “No, you’re too clingy. I hate people who try to control me so much.” “I’ll change, I promise. How about that?” His voice was lazy, thick with affection. Caleb set me on the desk, his hands on my waist, as he leaned down, apologizing for his mistakes. Student council members patrolled the school daily, busting early relationships, stopping bullying… Finn, with several other student council members trailing him, pushed open the door. His eyes, frozen with coldness, looked at Caleb and me as if he’d caught us in the act. The students behind him quickly picked up their pens and started scribbling in their notebooks. I scrambled off the desk, my heart pounding with dread. Caleb didn’t even flinch. He adjusted the collar of my school shirt, then turned his head. “Write whatever you want. Just finish up and leave. Don’t interrupt me trying to win back my girlfriend.” He was a baseball player, having just won first place in his training camp and brought honor to the school, so he certainly had the capital to be arrogant. Later, after Caleb’s relentless pursuit, I got back together with him. My bet with Brittany about chasing Finn simply fizzled out. 5 That year, Finn scored the highest in the entire state on his college entrance exams, earning him a spot at State University. His high score remained unbroken, making him a legend throughout the high school. After that, I never saw him again. To my utter shock, the unapproachable “ice prince” I’d given up on pursuing years ago was now my blind date. He was a successful professional, also serving as an honorary university professor. His eyes had shed their bookish stiffness and youthful awkwardness, replaced by the distinct charm of a mature man. I was completely taken aback that Finn had agreed to a blind date with me. We sat across from each other by the floor-to-ceiling window of a fancy Western restaurant. He twirled the water glass between his fingers, then asked directly, “When can we get married?” His family was pressing him hard. And as for me, I genuinely needed a marriage partner at the moment. Finn’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he listed the advantages of marrying him: he wouldn’t interfere with anything I did, and he’d agree to a separation whenever I wished. After some thought, he seemed like the most suitable candidate for marriage. We would each get what we needed, without any emotional strings attached. 6 After getting our marriage license, I followed him back to our marital home. That evening, after showering, I lay in bed scrolling through my phone. The gentle patter of water from the bathroom soon stopped. Click. First, a rush of steamy air escaped. Then, a tall, well-built man, wrapped in a towel, revealing an impressive eight-pack, appeared strikingly before me. Finn was over six feet three inches tall. It was clear that one of his arms was twice the circumference of mine. I bit my lip, feeling a shameful flicker of desire. Finn pulled back the covers and got into bed. The crisp, minty scent of him enveloped me, surprisingly pleasant. He leaned against the headboard, putting on anti-glare glasses to read a physics research paper. He wasn’t planning on us sleeping in separate rooms? What was I supposed to do? Distractedly, I scrolled through my phone, texting Brittany, my best friend. “It’s your wedding night! You’re not getting it on with your super hot husband, and you have time to text me?” “I’m not even going to mention whose loss that body difference is.” I’d meant to use voice-to-text, but just then, Finn called my name. The next second, Brittany’s clear voice boomed through the quiet bedroom. The air instantly froze, and I felt my scalp tingle with embarrassment. Finn gently placed his book on the nightstand. “Anya, ready for bed?” My mind went blank. Uh, what? Finn took off his glasses, slid down, and leaned over me. A mint-scented kiss landed softly on my lips. Wait, he meant sleep, as in actual sleep, not sleep, as in… that! Finn was a very well-endowed man. In my teenage years, watching those explicit movies with Brittany, fifteen inches seemed like an incredible feat. I wrapped my arms loosely around his firm shoulders, thinking Finn surely topped eighteen. On our wedding night, we made love three times. The first time, he was careful. The second, he held back. The third, he indulged slightly. I was due on set soon, and I wondered if I’d even be able to walk. With tears in my eyes, I pleaded, “No more, please. I’m really at my limit.” Finn’s sweat dripped onto my neck as he carefully watched my reaction, then frowned and withdrew. He first carried me to the bathroom to clean up. Afterwards, I heard sounds of him satisfying himself in the bathroom alone. I bit my lip, silently pulling the covers over my head, muffling the low, husky groans. Again, I thought that a marriage without love, just sex, was pretty good. Physical satisfaction, no strings attached—mutual respect. 7 Soon after, Finn packed his bags, announcing he was going abroad for a business trip, with no fixed return date. I quickly joined the cast of “The Crown Princess.” It was a palace intrigue drama, and I was, once again, playing the villainous second female lead. As I was practicing my lines, a shadow suddenly appeared in the mirror. Then, a pair of hands rested on my shoulders. “Girlfriend, we meet again.” It was Ethan Vance, who had shot to fame after a massively popular BL drama, amassed countless loyal fans online, and recently won the Best New Actor award for a film. In our previous project, we’d co-starred in a high school romance. He was the male lead, I was the second female lead. Our on-screen chemistry as a couple actually outshone the main leads. Now, he was enjoying unprecedented fame in the entertainment industry. At some point, the entire lounge had emptied, leaving just me. I stood up, turned around, and put some distance between us, pulling the sheer fabric of my costume higher to cover my shoulders. “Ethan, please don’t joke around, it’s just acting.” Ethan took a step closer to me, leaning in to whisper in my ear, “To be honest, I’ve actually been thinking about making it real.” “I just landed a new movie role, and there’s a spot for the second female lead that I think would be perfect for you. How about we discuss it privately in my room tonight?” His men’s cologne was strong and bold. I instinctively wrinkled my nose. I wasn’t an idiot; I knew exactly what he meant. I smiled, “No thanks, my schedule is a bit packed these days.” “You’re turning down such a great opportunity?” Ethan clicked his tongue. Seeing someone approaching, he quickly composed himself and left. 8 I thought the matter would quietly blow over. But Ethan, true to form, decided to stir up trouble. While I was getting my makeup done, the director suddenly announced a change: the first scene would now be one where I’m humiliated by homeless men. “How can this be? Anya hasn’t even had time to memorize the lines!” My agent, Gwen, who was visiting the set, exclaimed, clutching the notice. “And this scene wasn’t even in the original script!” The assistant director grumbled, “What’s the big deal? There aren’t many lines in this scene anyway, just focus on your expressions. Last-minute additions, cuts, and script changes are normal. You guys are always making a fuss.” He then rolled his eyes and left. The entertainment industry was in a downturn, and good roles were hard to come by. Perhaps the director had his reasons. So, I obediently followed instructions. What I hadn’t anticipated was that this was Ethan’s obedience test, a test that nearly left me with lifelong psychological trauma. 9 After my makeup change, I lay draped in a transparent veil, half-reclining on a soft chaise. Soon, several actors entered, dressed in dirty, ragged homeless clothes, their eyes murky. With a shout of “Action!” several hands began to roam over my body. The scant fabric of my costume, barely covering me, was almost ripped off. Someone even took the opportunity to pinch my waist amidst the chaos, then grinned lewdly at me. This went far beyond the scope of acting, exceeding my psychological threshold. The set was a cacophony of noise, and I cried out in alarm, “Get off me! Don’t touch me!” Despite clearly breaking character and reacting strongly, no one called “Cut!” The extras didn’t stop; they became even more aggressive. I smashed the liquor decanter nearby. The prop was expensive, and that finally brought them to a halt. My tears and snot had long smeared together, and I hugged myself tightly, trying to catch my breath. “My apologies, Anya. We just thought you were still in character,” the director said casually from behind the camera. 10 I tidied my clothes and went to the monitor room to find the main director. I wanted to tell him that audiences weren’t interested in such scenes anymore. But then I saw Ethan handing him a cigarette. I heard them talking: “Ethan, adding this scene was a good idea, but it probably won’t pass censorship.” “We can just cut it out later, leave only the wide shots.” Ethan noticed me and walked out. I followed him to an deserted area where several RVs were parked. Outside the set, a few young girls held up Ethan’s posters, screaming “Brother, brother!” frantically. “Anya, I actually really like you. How about we date secretly?” “You know how many A-list and B-list actresses and idols have pursued me, and I’ve turned them all down.” “But if it’s you… I might give it a try. I have a lot of resources. Even if I just drop a few crumbs, it’ll put you in a much better position than you are now.” He spoke casually, a cigarette held between the fingers of one hand, the other reaching out to touch my face, his expression one of confident determination. I disgustedly turned my head away, raising an eyebrow. “Sorry, I have a boyfriend.” Ethan shrugged, looking nonchalant. “Lying to me? If you really do, bring him out. Then I won’t bother you.” His agent was looking for him. Luckily, I had been prepared and turned off my phone’s recording feature, finally feeling a sense of relief. If it came down to it, it would be a lose-lose situation. At worst, I’d just quit acting. 11 As dusk began to fall, I walked towards my trailer, phone in hand. Finn’s call came through. He asked if there still hurt, if the swelling had gone down after three days. Just as I was about to hang up, I suddenly asked, “Finn, when are you coming back?” “If you’re back in the country, could you pick me up from the set?” Perhaps it was the sting of recent humiliations, but a rare catch entered my voice, and my toes unconsciously scuffed the dirt beneath my feet. “Anya, what’s wrong?” His voice softened deliberately, like he was comforting a child. I opened my mouth to speak. “Mr. Burke, the client has been waiting for you in the conference room for five minutes. You need to go immediately.” His secretary was rushing him to a meeting. I hung up abruptly, then belatedly tapped my head. We were merely a contract couple. How could I possibly be acting so vulnerable and childish with him? I must have lost my mind.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “391138”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The day my father ushered his mistress and their illegitimate daughter through the front door was the same day a video of me with a stranger leaked online. The headline screamed across every gossip site: “Socialite Scandal: Norah Gates’ Wild Night and Wrecked Home.” Overnight, my reputation was incinerated. I went from the pampered daughter of the Gates dynasty to a pariah, a walking scarlet letter. My father didn’t want to hear explanations; he just wanted me gone. In the depths of that despair, Harrison appeared. He shielded me from the paparazzi flashbulbs, standing like a fortress between me and the world, declaring to anyone who would listen: “From now on, Norah is with me. Anyone who comes for her answers to Harrison Cole.” We dated for two years. Despite the immense pressure from his old-money family and the board of directors, he proposed. I said yes with my whole heart. But that very night, I stood frozen outside the door of his private study, listening to the clinking of scotch glasses and his voice drifting out, talking to his oldest friend. “Harrison, are you serious about marrying Norah? The girl is radioactive. What’s the angle?” “The angle is that she is radioactive,” Harrison replied, his voice smooth and detached. “I thought the family was blocking you from marrying Mallory?” “Decades of bad blood. They’d die before letting Mallory through the front door. So, here’s the play: I marry the most scandalous woman in New York. I force their hand. They either accept Mallory, or they watch the Cole family heir marry a woman who’s the laughingstock of the city.” Tears rolled down my cheeks, hot and fast, but my blood turned to ice. The redemption I thought I’d found was just a long con. From the beginning, I wasn’t a partner. I was a pawn in his pursuit of true love. Fine. If he wants a performance, I’ll give him the show of a lifetime. 1 I heard the flick of a lighter, followed by the sharp inhale of smoke. “Norah is the perfect tool,” Harrison said, the disdain in his voice cutting through the heavy oak door. “She’s foolish, and she’s desperate for affection. Show her a little kindness, and she becomes loyal as a dog.” “Her ruined reputation is exactly the leverage I need to break my parents. Once they cave, I’ll find a reason to cut her loose. Clean break.” His friend sounded hesitant. “But you’ve been… intense with her. You went to war with CEO Zhang over her last month. Are you sure there’s no feelings there? You can lie to me, Harrison, but don’t play yourself.” Harrison exhaled a cloud of smoke. “It’s called method acting.” “If I don’t sell it, how does she take the bait? How do my parents believe I’m actually crazy enough to marry her?” He paused, his tone shifting to something colder. “Honestly? Being around her… knowing what the internet says about her… it’s nauseating. If it weren’t for Mallory, I wouldn’t look at her twice.” The bento box I was holding slipped from my fingers. Smash. Rice and vegetables scattered across the hallway runner, a messy mirror of my shattering heart. I didn’t storm in. I didn’t scream. I turned around and walked away. Back at the apartment, I moved with mechanical precision. I took every gift he’d ever given me—the jewelry, the bags, the hollow tokens of a fake love—and shoved them into a cardboard box. What once looked like devotion now just looked like a bribe. A tear splashed onto the back of my hand. I wiped it away furiously. I shoved the box into the back of the closet, hidden in the shadows. Then, I opened my laptop and bought a one-way ticket to Europe, departing in a week. I couldn’t breathe in this city of lies anymore. When the front door unlocked, I composed my face into a mask of calm. Harrison walked in, took one look at my swollen eyes, and frowned. He reached out to cup my cheek. “Hey. What’s wrong? Who upset you?” I flinched. It was a reflex. His hand froze in mid-air, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and forced my voice to sound steady. “Nothing. Just… didn’t sleep well.” He bought it. He assumed I was doom-scrolling, reading the comments about myself again. He pulled me into a hug. “Stop reading that trash. I don’t care about your past, Norah. I only care about you.” He kissed the top of my head. “The wedding is in a week. My bride can’t be crying her eyes out. You need to be beautiful.” I rested my head against his chest. His body was as warm as it had always been. But listening to the steady beat of his heart, I felt nothing. The connection was dead. I shrank into his embrace, playing the part he wrote for me. “I’m so lucky to have you, Harrison.” He patted my back, satisfied. “Silly girl. I’m not going anywhere.” Suddenly, his phone on the counter lit up. A notification. Sender: Mallory. 2 My peripheral vision caught the preview text: “Harrison, I’m back in the city. We need to talk.” Harrison’s body went rigid against mine. His hand, resting on my waist, clenched instinctively. He pulled away, grabbed his phone, fired off a quick reply, and locked the screen before tossing it onto the sofa. He stood up, smoothing his suit jacket. “Norah, something urgent came up at the firm. I have to go in.” I watched him rush toward the door, my heart feeling like it was being squeezed by a giant, cold hand. “It’s ten o’clock at night,” I said softly. “Can’t it wait?” I held onto one last, pathetic shred of hope. Just stay. Choose me for one second. He didn’t even stop walking. He threw a look over his shoulder, impatient and annoyed. “I’m working late to close this deal so I have leverage when I tell my family we’re getting married. Can you be a little more understanding? Stop being so needy.” “Needy?” I whispered. I looked at him, tears threatening to spill, but I willed them back. “Harrison, are you hiding something from me?” He grabbed his coat, his voice hard. “No. Stop overthinking. I’ll be back when I’m done.” The door slammed shut. Bang. The sound severed the space between us. I sat on the sofa, staring at the empty, luxurious room, feeling the chill settle into my bones. Harrison didn’t come home that night. No texts. No calls. The appearance of Mallory—the “White Moonlight,” the one who got away—had turned my fragile peace into a hurricane. I didn’t sleep. Early the next morning, a text from an unknown number buzzed on my phone. “Ms. Gates, it’s Mallory Kent. We need to clear the air. Southside Café, 3 PM.” When I arrived, Mallory was already there. She was wearing a pristine white dress, hair cascading over her shoulders, makeup flawless and barely there. She looked innocent. Pure. But her eyes were sharp, filled with an undisguised sneer. “Norah. Thanks for coming.” I tossed my bag onto the chair, clinging to whatever dignity I had left. “Let’s skip the pleasantries, Ms. Kent. What do you want?” She took a delicate sip of her latte, then set the cup down. The mask dropped. “I want you to leave Harrison.” I let out a dry laugh. “Excuse me? I’m the fiancée. You’re the ex. Aren’t you overstepping?” She laughed, a harsh sound that didn’t match her angelic face. “Oh, honey. You don’t actually think he loves you, do you? You’re a bargaining chip. He’s using you to terrorize his parents into accepting me.” She leaned forward, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know why he picked you? Because you’re ruined.” “Your reputation is trash. You’re the girl from the video. The girl everyone whispers about. He needs someone unacceptable to make the family desperate. He’s showing them: ‘Accept Mallory, or watch the heir marry the town pariah.’” Her words were precise, surgical strikes. “You don’t belong next to him. You’re not even fit to hold my purse.” She smiled, cruel and sweet. “Do yourself a favor. Leave now, save yourself the embarrassment. If you wait for him to dump you, it’s going to be ugly.” I looked at her face—beautiful and rotton—and felt… nothing. Just a profound sense of absurdity. I took a sip of my black coffee. “Ms. Kent, if you want me to leave, fine. Have Harrison come tell me himself.” Mallory’s face darkened. She slammed her hand on the table. “Don’t be delusional! You think you’re actually Mrs. Cole? You’re a tool for his revenge against his father.” “Whether I am or not,” I stood up, “isn’t up to you.” I turned to leave. “Norah Gates!” she screamed after me, losing her composure. “I will run you out of this city! Once he’s done with you, you’ll be nothing but a joke!” I didn’t look back. I walked straight out into the afternoon sun. But as soon as I got home, a wave of nausea hit me. I barely made it to the bathroom before I was retching. A sinking feeling settled in my gut. I bought a test. Two red lines. 3 I was two months late. I had been so stressed I hadn’t tracked it. A child. I used to dream about this. But now? A baby born into a marriage built on lies? A baby with parents who were playing a sick game of chess? No one knew better than I did what that kind of trauma does to a kid. I didn’t hesitate. I called the clinic and scheduled the surgery for the next morning. I hung up the phone and turned around to find Harrison standing there. “Who were you talking to?” he asked, stepping closer. “Surgery? Are you sick?” I slid the phone into my pocket, keeping my face blank. “It’s nothing. My dad needs an operation. The housekeeper called to let me know.” Harrison visibly relaxed. He pulled me into a hug, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Oh, thank god. I thought something was wrong with you.” I closed my eyes, fighting a bitter laugh. “You’re worried about me?” “Of course. You’re my priority. I don’t know what I’d do if you were hurt.” I pushed him away gently, looking him in the eye. “If I’m so important, tell me where you were last night.” His jaw tightened. “I told you. The office.” “The office? Or with an old friend?” He stood up abruptly, defensive. “It was a friend. She just got back to the States. I picked her up. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to get jealous over nothing.” He reached for me again, his eyes pleading. “Norah, trust me. Everything I’m doing is for our future.” “I trust you,” I whispered, exhausted. “See? You’re just stressed about the wedding.” I closed my eyes as he held me. A tear slid down my cheek, unseen. I used to think his silence was protection. Now I knew it was just indifference. At midnight, another text from Mallory summoned him. He crept out of bed and left the apartment. I opened my eyes in the dark. This time, I didn’t ask him to stay. The next morning, the sky was grey. I walked toward the clinic entrance, only to find my path blocked. Mallory was there. Flanked by two large men in dark suits—private security. “You really are like a cockroach,” she spat. “You know the truth, yet you’re still clinging to him? And now you’re pregnant? You think a baby trap is going to work?” “This is none of your business,” I said, trying to step around her. The bodyguards moved to block me. “Ms. Gates,” one grunted. “Ms. Kent thinks you should reconsider the pregnancy. We’re here to help you make the right choice.” I stepped back, adrenaline spiking. “What are you doing?” Mallory smirked. “Helping Harrison clean up his mess. A woman like you doesn’t get to have his heir.” Suddenly, the screech of tires tore through the air. A delivery truck had jumped the curb, careening straight toward us. I tried to dive out of the way, but Mallory lunged at me, grabbing my arm in a panic. “Norah, help me!” She anchored me to the spot. In that split second, a blur of motion slammed into us—Harrison. He had been following her. He shoved Mallory out of the path of the truck, wrapping his body around hers to shield her as they hit the pavement. But the shove sent me stumbling backward. Right into the grill of the truck. The impact was a dull, bone-shattering thud. I flew through the air. The last thing I saw before the darkness took me was Harrison. He was on the ground, cradling Mallory’s face, screaming her name. He didn’t look at me once. When I woke up, I wasn’t in a hospital. I was in a damp, freezing warehouse. My kidnappers were business rivals Harrison had destroyed the previous month. They saw an opportunity. They filmed videos—me, disheveled, bleeding, humiliated—and uploaded them. The internet exploded. Hashtag: #NorahGatesFakeKidnapping The comments were vile. “She’s such an attention whore. The sex tape wasn’t enough, now she’s faking a hostage situation?” “Probably sleeping with the kidnappers. Anything to get Harrison to marry her.” For three days, I lay on a dirty mattress, burning with fever. Sharp cramps tore through my abdomen, and I could feel the warm, sticky blood soaking my jeans. When the police finally raided the place, I was barely conscious. I woke up in a sterile hospital room. The doctor’s voice was grim. The baby was gone. And because of the trauma and the infection, the damage was permanent. I would never carry a child again. I stared at the white ceiling tiles. I had no tears left. Just a vast, arctic numbness. Harrison showed up on the second day. He walked in holding a binder—wedding plans. The performance continued. “Norah! Oh my god,” he rushed to the bedside, his face twisted in performative anguish. “I’m so sorry I’m late. The company… the wedding prep… I just heard. I should have protected you.” I watched him like I was watching a bad movie. “Don’t worry,” he said, gripping my cold hand. “I’ll make the people who did this pay.” The doctor walked in for rounds. He glared at Harrison. “You’re the partner? Do you have any idea about the pregnancy complications—” I caught the doctor’s eye and shook my head slightly. A silent plea. Harrison frowned. “Pregnancy? What complications?” “My stomach,” I interrupted, my voice raspy. “The kidnappers kicked me. Internal bruising. The doctor says I need rest.” The doctor sighed, shook his head in disgust, and walked out. Harrison opened his mouth to speak, but his phone rang. He looked at the screen, glanced at me, and answered on speaker. 4 It was his mother. Her voice was shrill, panicked. “Harrison! The wedding is in two days! I am hearing about this kidnapping nonsense from TMZ! Have you lost your mind? You cannot marry this girl!” “The stock is tanking. The internet says she staged it herself. She is trash, Harrison! If you marry her, the board will vote you out. We will disinherit you. Choose. Her, or the legacy.” Harrison looked at me, feigning conflict. “Mom, she’s innocent… she’s a victim…” “She’s a liability!” his mother screamed. “Her own father threw her out. That tells you everything. Get rid of her.” Harrison hung up. He looked at me, eyes filled with “regret.” “Norah… I…” “I know,” I said. My voice was flat. “Family comes first. I understand.” He blinked, surprised by how easy it was. Then, relief washed over his face. “You’re amazing, Norah. You truly are.” He leaned in, conspiratorial. “I have a plan. We keep the wedding date. But… Mallory will stand in for you. Just for the ceremony. Just to calm the family down. Once the dust settles, I’ll bring you back. I’ll marry you properly.” He squeezed my hand. “I know it’s unfair. But it’s for our future. Can you just… bear with it for a little while?” I looked at his handsome, lying face and felt physically ill. But I nodded. “Okay. I’ll listen to you.” He kissed my forehead, ecstatic. “Thank you, baby. You’re so understanding. As soon as the wedding is over, I’ll come straight here.” He rushed out, eager to prep his real bride. I lay there, a cold smile touching my lips. On the day of the wedding, the news cycle shifted. It was all about the “Fairytale Union” of Harrison Cole and Mallory Kent. The grandeur, the history, the “true love.” My kidnapping scandal was swept under the rug, forgotten news. I checked myself out of the hospital against medical advice. I asked the nurse for the box. I placed it inside a gift bag, along with the ultrasound photo. I addressed it to the grand ballroom of the Pierre Hotel. A wedding gift. I was sure he’d remember it. I packed my life into a single suitcase and went to JFK. As I sat at the gate, a text from Harrison popped up. “Norah, I’m sorry I can’t be there today. But know that no matter who is standing next to me, you’re my wife in my heart. Just wait for me. I’ll bring you home soon.” I laughed until tears blurred my vision. He was still acting. Even now. I didn’t reply. I popped the SIM card out of my phone, snapped it in half, and dropped it into the trash can. “Flight 802 to Zurich, now boarding.” I grabbed my handle and walked down the jet bridge. I didn’t look back. Harrison, I give you these last two years. Keep them. We will never meet again.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390819”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The day he walked out, my fiancé slammed a heavy financial ledger onto the coffee table, calling me greedy and ungrateful. The reason? I had asked to withdraw thirty-three thousand dollars—the exact amount I needed to buy back my mother’s vintage Gibson guitar. He’d sneered, crushing the last shred of my hope. “Sadie, those hands are for scrubbing floors, not strumming chords. Why on earth would you buy that?” “Besides,” he added, his voice chillingly practical, “thirty-three thousand? If I sold everything you own, it wouldn’t cover half of that.” Later, I gave him exactly what he wanted. I took the fifteen thousand dollars he offered and sold myself into a marriage of convenience with the Maxwell family across town. Their son, Cullen, was rumored to be… slow. An eccentric. But it didn’t matter. He promised me that if I agreed to marry him, he would pluck the moon from the sky for me. I didn’t want the moon. I just wanted that guitar. 1 Gary Harrington called me into his home office for a final lecture before he left on his business trip. The cause of his annoyance was my unforgivable audacity: asking to borrow thirty-three thousand dollars. The manager at the Downtown Pawn Shop had reached out. Someone was sniffing around the rare vintage Gibson—the only physical thing I had left of my mother—and it was going up for auction the day after tomorrow. Panic had driven me to ask. I had spent the entire winter working three miserable jobs, scrubbing floors and washing linens for high-end clubs. My hands were cracked and bleeding, and all I had managed to save was barely a thousand dollars. I had no other choice but to ask Gary. He took the handwritten promissory note I offered, meticulously logging it in his ledger, but he refused to hand over the cash. He didn’t even look up. “Sadie, thirty-three thousand could buy you twice over. Stop dreaming.” I left the Harrington mansion, wiping my eyes, and ran straight into Auntie May, the neighborhood’s most well-connected matchmaker. Auntie May took one look at my red, tear-streaked eyes and clucked her tongue, slapping her own thigh in exasperation. “The Maxwells are serious, sweetheart. I told you, they’ll pay any price. Forget money; if you asked for the stars, that family would hire a crew to build a ladder!” I sniffled, the echoes of Gary’s words still stinging. You’re worthless. I worried the Maxwells would feel the same way. I timidly held up three fingers. “Auntie May, I don’t want the stars or the moon.” “I just want an old guitar. Thirty-three thousand dollars. Is that acceptable?” Auntie May was stunned. She had expected me to demand trust funds, real estate, a new car. “Silly girl, what good is that pittance?” She poked my forehead in loving frustration. “You’re about to become Mrs. Maxwell. Don’t you want a nest egg? How will you survive?” I drew my head back. I was afraid to ask for more. Gary had always told me I was a liability. I was terrified that if I asked for too much, the Maxwells would follow Gary’s lead—they’d get disgusted and rescind the offer. Auntie May sighed, about to leave, then paused. “Does the Harrington boy know you’re marrying Cullen Maxwell? If he gets upset and comes after you, I won’t be able to hold him off.” I shook my head. “Don’t worry, Auntie. Gary will be relieved to see me gone.” Six years ago, during the City Lights Festival, I saved Gary from a terrifying situation—he’d been cornered by a group of older teens. As a gesture of “gratitude,” the Harrington family paid fifteen thousand dollars to get me out of the terrible foster home I was living in. Gary had been a wreck after the incident, traumatized and unable to sleep alone. The expensive therapists and medication didn’t help. Only when I sat by his bed, holding his hand, could he finally rest. He used to whisper, Sadie, I’m going to marry you. You’ll be my wife, not a maid. But then Gary recovered. He got his nerve back, and the family business exploded. I—the sixteen-year-old rescue who cost them fifteen thousand—became an embarrassing fixture, an inconvenient liability in his gilded life. Mrs. Harrington went from calling us “The Golden Couple” to sighing and suggesting the Harrington threshold was now “too high” for a girl like me to cross. Whenever the subject of our engagement came up at dinner, I’d just focus on my plate of plain rice, saying nothing. Gary never defended me. He’d just condescendingly slide a piece of dry chicken onto my plate and smile coolly. “Why the act? Your appetite is massive. You’re becoming an expensive burden.” I thought he was struggling financially. I thought he genuinely believed my meager appetite was hurting his bottom line. So I started rationing. Two small meals a day, no meat, and I wore the same patched-up coat until it was threadbare. Gary was a born businessman, with an eidetic memory for numbers. He kept a perfect record of my expenses while I lived there. “The price of groceries has skyrocketed, clothing costs are up—this marriage is a net loss for the Harringtons.” His words made my stomach clench. I figured if I ate one less bite, the Harringtons would lose a little less money. That was until I saw my mother’s guitar at the pawn shop two weeks ago. I carefully wrote out a legal agreement, calculated the interest, and finally went to Gary. The family jet was waiting on the tarmac for his flight to the coast. Gary held the promissory note, his brow furrowed as if it were a complex math problem. “Sadie Reed, you can barely write your name. Why are you suddenly pretending to be cultured?” I offered a pathetic, hopeful smile. “If my mother were alive, she would have taught me.” “Your mother’s dead,” Gary cut me off, his voice impatient. “Hiring a music tutor costs money. Where does that land on the ledger?” I swallowed the words I already know how to play. “Thirty-three thousand is too expensive.” Gary folded the note and tucked it into his jacket. He looked at my hands, chapped and red like frozen carrots, and his tone softened slightly. “I’m a businessman. That guitar isn’t worth the asking price. Let’s talk when I get back from the West Coast.” When you get back, it will be gone. Desperate, I grabbed the sleeve of his expensive blazer and blurted out a half-truth. “Auntie May brought me an offer. The Maxwells will pay for the guitar as a dowry. I… I haven’t said yes yet.” Gary stopped flipping through his travel documents. He looked up, his eyes locking onto mine like hooks. “Oh? If it’s better for both you and the Harringtons, then why haven’t you left?” Before I could explain, he stood up and walked out. The glass beads on the door curtain clattered violently behind him, each noise a slap across my face. The next day, Auntie May arrived to pick me up. It was spitting rain. I had lived in the Harrington house for six years, but my belongings fit into a single duffel bag. Gary was gone. Mrs. Harrington was “napping” and didn’t show her face. Only Lila, the longtime family housekeeper, saw me off, wiping her eyes. “Mr. Cullen is a wild card, child. He doesn’t have the young master’s business sense. Sadie, you’re in for a hard time.” I pulled my patched-up coat tight and smiled at Lila. “It’s okay, Lila. I’m already used to hardship.” My life was like this old coat. Once you’re down to the bare thread, it can’t get much worse. “What will the young master say when he returns and finds you gone?” A bittersweet feeling swelled in my chest. I was marrying someone else. That meant I was saving the Harringtons money on food, clothing, and a dowry. Gary would be proud of my financial sense. He would finally see me as an asset. 2 Gary’s yacht cut through the water, heading south. He was on the deck taking a call when a shout came from a neighboring, equally luxurious vessel. “Harrington! Get over here! Come share a drink! It won’t hurt your bottom line!” It was Ben Wallace, an old childhood friend. Their families had been close business associates, but they hadn’t seen each other much since Ben’s family moved to the coast. The two boats tied up, and the men shared several rounds of expensive whiskey. Ben, a friendly man with a wide smile, still looked nervous when he brought up the past. “Those people were monsters, man. They only went after soft city kids like us. If we hadn’t been so damn lucky to run into those girls, we’d have been goners.” The moon hung in the sky, cold and distant. Gary tightened his grip on the glass, silent. Six years ago, he was terrified. He’d been starved for days, beaten for a week, and his leg was broken. The exploiters had tossed him a beat-up cup and told him to beg. Gary lay on the cold pavement, gazing up at the indifferent moon. Then, a little girl had knelt beside him and simply stared. When no one was looking, she pulled a piece of stale bread from her pocket and pressed it into his hand. “Eat fast. This is all I have left.” It was eight-year-old Sadie. Thirteen-year-old Gary was too terrified to take it. “Were you kidnapped, too?” “Where are your parents?” “Are you mute?” Sadie rubbed her frozen, chapped hands. “My mom said never to go with strangers. But Mom died, and I was looking for her, and they tricked me.” “They said they’d take me to her. It was all a lie.” Hearing the word “Mom” broke thirteen-year-old Gary. He started sobbing uncontrollably. Sadie memorized his name and the Harrington address and told him to wait. Seven days later, she returned with Gary’s desperate parents. To evade the exploiters, she had slept in barns, crawled through fences, and begged her way across two state lines to find help. Gary remembered the moment Sadie burst in, covered in mud and grime, but with eyes that shone with terrifying brightness. “See? I told you I could save you!” Those eyes were brighter than the moon tonight. The Harringtons paid fifteen thousand dollars to bring Sadie home. Gary had clutched her hand, swearing, “Sadie isn’t a servant. She’s my wife. My real wife!” But a vow, Gary learned, has a painfully short shelf life. Ben was slurring his words now. “Oh, man, I still think about the girl who saved me—Tess. She was skinny and tough as nails. Ugly, frankly. I swore if my parents tried to make me marry her, I’d run away from home!” Gary offered a weary smile. Yes, gratitude was one thing. Marriage was another. Who wants to marry a country girl from the wrong side of the city? Just then, a young woman emerged from the cabin. She was dressed in sharp designer clothes, gold and silver jewelry chiming with every step. She looked expensive and authoritative. She put her hands on her hips, her brows furrowed, and marched over to Ben, grabbing his ear. “You fat drunk! How much did you drink?” Ben, who had just been bragging, instantly crumbled, falling to his knees and pleading. “Wifey, I’m sorry! It was Gary! He forced me to drink it!” Gary stared, stunned. The woman was dressed lavishly, but her eyes and jawline were unmistakable. It was Tess. Far from being dismissed, Ben had obviously spoiled her. Her skin was soft, and she looked healthy and vibrant—no trace of the poor girl Gary remembered. Her outfit alone was worth thousands of dollars. Tess spotted Gary and her eyes lit up. “Oh, Mr. Harrington! Is Sadie with you? Did you two finally get married? Why didn’t you bring her so we could say hello?” Gary’s hand tightened around the glass. Sadie wasn’t with him. She was wearing a patched-up coat and had asked him, with frozen hands and tears, for thirty-three thousand dollars. Ben, sobered by the mood, gently pushed Tess’s hand away. Leaning on the railing, he spoke the truth in his heart. “Honestly, Gary, I’ve always been jealous of you. You’re smarter, and your business is bigger. The girl who saved you was even prettier than my Tess.” “But watching Tess wear nice clothes, yelling at me whenever she wants… I feel like a success.” “My wife is well cared for. That proves I’m the man I think I am.” The wind over the water seemed to cut through Gary’s buzz. He watched Ben and Tess playfully argue, and a sudden, sharp emptiness hit him. Thirty-three thousand dollars. To the current Harrington empire, it was the cost of a mediocre dinner. Yet he had thrown it in the face of the one person who risked everything to save him, driving her to a desperate choice. Gary put down the whiskey glass and called over his personal assistant, Stewart. “Send an immediate wire home. Tell the estate manager to go to the pawn shop and buy that guitar.” Stewart, ever the meticulous assistant, instinctively pulled out the small leather-bound ledger. “Sir, should I log this expense under Miss Sadie’s account, as usual?” Looking at the densely written columns, Gary felt a sudden, violent stab in his gut. “…No. Don’t log it.” “From now on, none of her expenses are to be logged.” “When I get back to the city, I’m going to go and get her.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390835”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I lost the drinking game at the alumni reunion. It was one of those stupid, performative dares: “Pretend to be a couple. Date for seven days.” It happened to be exactly one year to the day since we broke up. Cassandra Miller—Cass, as everyone called her—was afraid I’d cling, afraid I’d see it as a second chance. She looked bored, her voice a low, tired murmur as she laid down the ground rules. “It’s just a game, Teddy. Don’t ruin it by being serious.” I nodded in agreement. Under the rules of the challenge, we were forced to act like a real couple—holding hands, sitting close. On the sixth night, Cass got drunk. She buried her head in the hollow of my neck, her perfume flooding my senses. “I agree to get back together,” she slurred. “Isn’t that what you always wanted?” She seemed to have forgotten. That desperate version of me—the one who begged—had died ten months ago. The last time I’d pleaded for us to reconcile was ten months back. That day, she’d finally agreed to meet, but only to defend her mentee. Her impatience was a sharp, undisguised edge. “Stop asking about him plagiarizing your work, Teddy,” she’d said. “I promise I won’t break up with you. Satisfied?” 1 The one who proposed the “Seven-Day Couple Challenge” was Cass’s best friend, Blake Harrington—a certified trust fund baby. After Cass and I both tacitly agreed, Blake immediately changed her mind. “Wait, a week is too short,” she announced, swirling the liquor in her glass. “No one can develop feelings in a week. How about two weeks? I’ll double the prize money to forty thousand.” The prize had just doubled. I was sitting in the corner of the booth, my hands resting on my knees, curling slightly into fists. I looked up and nodded quickly. “I can do that.” Blake grinned. “Perfect. So, then—” “Why are you so exhausting, Blake?” Cass cut her off. Her beautiful eyes were downcast, looking at no one. “A week, or nothing.” She tapped her glass lightly on the coffee table and stood up. “Either one week, or the whole thing is off.” Blake rolled her eyes, muttering about Cass’s perpetually foul mood. I felt a small, familiar pang of disappointment, but I compromised immediately. “A week is fine.” Cass didn’t slow down. She pulled open the VIP room door and walked straight out. The guy next to me nudged my elbow. “Cass just left, dude. Aren’t you going after her?” That was the moment I realized the challenge had officially begun. I immediately chased after Cass. One of Cass’s designer watches probably cost more than the prize money. No one knew why she’d agreed to the challenge at all. 2 On the walk back to the dorms, Cass spoke the first sentence of the day to me. “Teddy.” I was walking beside her and looked up. Cass’s eyes were focused on the path ahead, distant and uninterested. “It’s just a game with a one-week deadline. Being serious will just make it miserable.” I was still calculating the prize money in my head, so I gave a vague nod. “I won’t be serious.” Cass finally tilted her head and looked at me. “Promise you won’t stalk me again?” I froze. All the humiliating, messy memories flooded back. I couldn’t help but offer a wry, defeated smile. I looked her in the eye, my promise genuine. “I promise.” “In a week, we go back to being strangers. I absolutely will not bother you.” The slight tension in Cass’s shoulders seemed to release. We had reached the entrance of her sorority house. Cass stopped. The cold, superior look in her eyes softened slightly. “Then come add me back on the app, boyfriend.” She turned to leave. “I have something to do. Go back to your room. I’ll text you later.” I had no objection. One of the rules of the challenge was that the couple had to cultivate the relationship both online and offline. After the challenge, we were required to share our chat logs as proof that we hadn’t just faked it. After all, forty thousand dollars wasn’t easy money. 3 I added Cass back on my phone after ten months. The memory of her deleting me the first time was still vivid. It was the seventh day after Cass’s abrupt, devastating breakup. The message thread was nearly covered in the green of my frantic messages, and she finally responded with a single text. I could feel her sheer impatience radiating through the screen. “Are you done yet?” She was so utterly calm; it made me feel like a complete lunatic. The Calculus professor was yelling excitedly into his microphone, but I couldn’t hear a word. I typed quickly. “I just want to know why you broke up with me. Is that so hard?” Cass: “I just didn’t want to date anymore.” Heartbroken, I still refused to give up. “Are you still mad because I got upset last time?” “I won’t ever do that again, okay?” “Cass, I’m sorry. Please don’t break up with me.” “I really love you.” I never got to send that last message. Cass’s patience had run out, and she blocked me immediately. I stared blankly at the red exclamation mark. My chest tightened, my heart painfully constricted, making it hard to breathe. As soon as the class bell rang, I grabbed my books and bolted out of the lecture hall, racing to Cass’s building. She walked out of the classroom with a guy, their backs to me. His name was Ronan, a mentee in my department. “Cass,” Ronan said, his voice bright. “I saw you blocked Teddy just now. Why’d you do that, Cass?” “He’s exhausting,” Cass replied, her voice as detached and minimal as always. Ronan was younger, with a sunny, golden-retriever vibe. “So if I just followed you to class without permission, would I exhaust you, too?” Cass asked languidly, “What do you think?” “I think since I’m so adorable, well-behaved, and kind, you wouldn’t have the heart to actually hate me!” Cass scoffed. “You’re worse than he is.” She probably didn’t even notice that her tone lacked the utter contempt she’d used when she spoke of me moments before. 4 After getting Cass back from blocking, I didn’t return to the dorm immediately. I went to the struggling local animal rescue, the one that was nearly closing its doors. The director and two volunteers looked as worried and stressed as ever. I excitedly told them I’d be getting five thousand dollars in a week. The director hugged me, sobbing. “Teddy, you’re a godsend! You’re our hero!” I was being choked, but I laughed, pulling back. “Alright, alright. Stop worrying about the costs. Get the dogs who need it into the clinic—surgery, IV fluids, whatever it takes!” The director’s tears instantly dried up, and she shot to her feet. “I saw a Golden Retriever limping in the next neighborhood, and I didn’t even dare bring him back! Oh God, I have to go find him right now!” She and the volunteers rushed out. Walking back to campus, I was overjoyed thinking about the more-than-enough prize money. Then I passed the athletic field and saw them. Ronan was crouched next to Cass, his voice low and muffled. “Why are you with him again?” “You said he was annoying, that he made you sick, and that you regretted dating him.” “Cass, do you even know I like you…?” Cass leaned against the wall, her hands hanging loosely at her sides, her beautiful face utterly devoid of emotion. She said nothing. The very first rule of the challenge was that we were not allowed to tell any third party that we were pretending. I wrinkled my nose awkwardly at the word “annoying.” I was somewhat surprised. I had taken a ten-month leave of absence, and they still hadn’t started dating. Ronan didn’t get a response. He stood up and stared into her eyes. “Tell me right now that you don’t like me at all, and I’ll never show up again.” A faint layer of irritation crossed Cass’s face. But as Ronan turned to leave, she reached out and grabbed his wrist. “Don’t go.” Cass’s voice was low, sounding slightly down, yet still effortlessly graceful. “I don’t… want you to leave.” Ronan finally cracked a small, hesitant smile. He turned back, leaned down, and kissed Cass lightly on the lips. “You like me a little, too.” “Cass.” “I’ll wait for you. Until the day you’re ready to be with me.” Cass raised a hand, gently pinching his ear, and said nothing. I pulled my scarf tighter around my neck and quietly walked away. They’d finally talked it out. Ronan probably wouldn’t have to wait long—they’d likely be together within a week. But that had nothing to do with me. I just hoped Cass wouldn’t get too emotionally distracted and terminate the challenge early. Not long after I returned to my room, I received a message from Cass. “Asleep?” I didn’t want to chat, so I lied dismissively. “Just about to.” Cass: “Just got back from returning a book at the Science library.” I yawned, not bothering to call her out. “Cool.” A few minutes later. Cass: “Good night, then?” Saying good morning and good night to each other was a mandatory requirement for cultivating the online relationship—a specific challenge rule. I quickly replied with a good night of my own, eager to end the excruciating conversation. 5 It might have been the first time seeing Cass in ten months. That night, I dreamed of the day I decided to finally let her go. The emotional backlash was lethal. I forced myself to stay rational, to avoid doing anything she disliked. I cautiously tried to please Cass. She wasn’t as resistant as she had been initially. She didn’t even chase me away when I brought my food tray to sit opposite her. I thought the progress bar of my efforts was inching forward. Even slowly was fine. Our mutual friends knew about Cass and me. That’s why, when I was stranded up on the hiking trail and called a friend for help, he pushed the task onto Cass, thinking he was playing matchmaker. “Teddy, I told Cass to go get you.” My foot was injured, I didn’t know the direction, and my phone battery was critically low. All I could do was sit on a rock and wait for Cass. When the battery was almost dead, I called her. I wanted to ask when she would arrive. No answer. The battery drained too fast. I wanted to save the last bit of power to call a friend or 911, but it shut down unexpectedly. I had no choice but to grab a branch, use it as a makeshift crutch, and limp down the hill. I fell a few more times on the way. My ankle swelled even more. But I had to grit my teeth and keep going. I ran into Cass right outside the campus gate, being intimate with Ronan. My clothes were torn by branches. I was covered in dirt, limping and bruised—a complete contrast to the clean-cut Ronan. I was too exhausted from the long walk. My voice came out as a barely audible whisper. “You know, if you couldn’t come, you could have just told me earlier.” Cass’s painted lips curved in a cold question. “So you had to wait for me?” I tugged at my dry lips. She was right, of course. Her eyes scanned me from head to toe before she looked away, her voice as icy as ever. “Stop degrading yourself like this, Teddy.” “It’s embarrassing.” My friend returned from elsewhere and happened upon the scene. He rushed forward, furious, demanding an explanation from Cass: “Didn’t you promise to go pick up Teddy? Did I not tell you his phone was dying?? Do you know how dangerous it is for him to be up on that mountain alone?” Cass was unperturbed, her tone slow and even. “Ronan was hurt, too.” “I can only take care of one of you, understood?” With that, she took Ronan’s arm and walked toward the student health clinic. My friend was livid and tried to argue with her, but I stopped him. At that moment, I suddenly felt that none of it was worth it. I couldn’t blame anyone. I could only blame myself for my own persistent foolishness, for seeking out my own misery. I looked at my friend, sighing. “Forget it.” 6 After that day, I never sought Cass out again. Even if I saw her and Ronan on the street, I would calmly avert my gaze and walk straight past them. Sometimes, thinking of Cass still hurt, a stifling pain in my chest. The withdrawal was unbearable, but I was truly done trying to win her back. Until Ronan plagiarized my thesis proposal and most of my presentation slides, and then won the regional competition with it. I went straight to his faculty advisor and accused Ronan of plagiarism. “This was my final project.” The professor closed the office door and looked at me, exasperated. “Look, I can compensate you, alright? It’s just a school assignment. It’s not like he stole your prize. There’s no need to escalate this and get the award revoked, is there?” His tone shifted to a clear threat by the end. The implication was that if I dared to report Ronan, I could forget about ever receiving a scholarship for the rest of my college career. “Young man, I’ll give you three days to think about it. No rush.” I walked out of the academic building, feeling defeated and lost. Cass was waiting for me below. She took my laptop bag without asking and silently took my hand. “Where are we going?” I asked. Cass didn’t answer. She led me to the artificial lake where we used to take evening walks. It was the most secluded spot, nearly deserted. Cass looked down at me and said softly: “Come here.” “Hug me for a minute.” I didn’t move, staring at her with a blank expression. Cass gave a faint, cynical smile, her eyes subtly lifting. My nerves tightened; I wanted to walk away. But Cass stepped directly into my space and wrapped her arms around me. She gently rubbed my back, just as she used to. “It’s okay.” It had been so long since I’d heard Cass’s voice this gentle. I was so pathetic. The moment she showed the slightest initiative, my heart betrayed me again. “Why is it so hard to fight for what’s mine…” Cass didn’t say much, but she held me tighter. My turbulent emotions slowly began to stabilize. She suddenly tilted her head and lightly kissed my earlobe. “Teddy.” “I won’t break up with you.” My eyes widened. I looked up at her, utterly bewildered. Cass’s expression was so calm, as if she were discussing a trivial matter. “You love me.” “I can agree to get back together.” “There’s just one condition: stop pursuing the issue of Ronan’s plagiarism.” My throat was constricted, choked with an invisible cotton ball, making it impossible to speak. In the silence, I could barely hear the faint music drifting from the campus radio in the distance. [She’s not worth your tears anymore.] [She doesn’t understand your heart, pretends to be calm…] Cass’s voice was utterly cold. “It’s a fair trade.” A trade. She was treating our reconciliation as a transaction, a way to ensure Ronan could keep his award. I think I cried and yelled at Cass for a long time that day. I don’t remember clearly, because I ran a high fever for several days and became seriously ill. My roommate and friends all tried to reason with me: “Why are you being so difficult? Ronan’s advisor has serious connections. What good will come of fighting them?” “Seriously, suck it up once rather than never getting a scholarship again.” While I was recovering, the scholarship results were posted. My name wasn’t on the list. Worse, I was diagnosed with clinical depression. It was severe enough that I needed medication and therapy. I had to take a year off school to recover and get my head straight. As I dragged my suitcase out of the campus gate, I thought: I need to go out there and discover things more beautiful than love.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390851”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but for me, it was worth a broken marriage. On my daughter’s fifth birthday, a post popped up on my feed. It was a photo of a cozy bedroom, captioned: “The little guy was crying for Daddy, so Super Dad dropped everything to tuck him in.” In the photo, the man lying on the bed wasn’t just any “Super Dad.” He was my husband, Harrison Reed. Ten minutes prior, I had received a text from him: “Stuck at the office tonight, honey. Give Mia a kiss for me.” I liked the post, then called my divorce lawyer. 01 Harrison didn’t stumble through the front door until 2:00 AM. The harsh hallway light cut through the dark of the bedroom. I immediately shielded my daughter’s eyes with my hand. Harrison leaned against the doorframe, smelling of cold air and guilt. “Hey, I’m home. Wake Mia up. I want to celebrate with her before the day is totally over.” In the past, I lived for these family traditions. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, anniversaries—I insisted Harrison be there. I didn’t want Mia growing up like I did, only seeing her father through a FaceTime screen. But now? I pulled the duvet tighter around us. My voice was flat. “Don’t bother.” An flash of impatience crossed Harrison’s face. “Sarah, look. I only went over there because Toby was having a meltdown. It’s not what you think. Don’t make this a thing.” “It’s because you’re always so paranoid that I can’t even tell you the truth anymore.” I wasn’t paranoid. Not anymore. I just didn’t care. “If you’re done, go to the guest room. Mia has preschool in the morning. Don’t wake her.” Harrison let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “Fine. Suit yourself. Just don’t come crying to me later saying I’m missing out on her childhood.” I turned my back to him and switched off the lamp, gently patting Mia as she stirred. Missing out? It didn’t matter. Because Mia’s birthday wish this year had been: “I wish I didn’t have to see Daddy anymore.” The next morning, Harrison didn’t rush out after breakfast like usual. He sat at the island, scrolling through the news. As we headed for the door, he grabbed his keys. “I’ll drive her to school today.” He was looking at me, but speaking to Mia. Two years ago, when Mia started preschool, Harrison drove her every day. But after Vanessa moved back to town, his “morning meetings” started earlier and earlier. He was always too busy. Until three months ago. I was dropping off a forgotten lunchbox when I saw him. The man who was supposed to be in a boardroom was at the school across the street, lifting a little boy out of the backseat of his SUV. He wasn’t busy. He just had a “priority” family. We had fought like hell that night. Since then, Mia stopped asking for him. I hesitated, then stepped aside. He was still her father, legally. Harrison smirked, thinking he’d won, and lifted Mia into his arms. But when he opened the car door, I froze. The back seat was cluttered. An Avengers water bottle. A wooden toy bow. A silk scarf draped over the headrest. And hanging from the rearview mirror was a “Family Portrait” charm. It featured Harrison, Vanessa, and Toby. Harrison saw my gaze. His expression tightened. “Vanessa put that there. She said it makes Toby feel safe when they borrow the car.” “Don’t start a fight over a piece of plastic.” Old Sarah would have ripped it down. I would have screamed, asking what Mia and I were to him. New Sarah just nodded. “It’s a nice photo.” Harrison stared at me, confused. “You’re not… mad?” Mad? Maybe I should have been. But looking at his pathetic attempts to play both sides, I felt nothing but a dull urge to laugh. “We’re going to be late, Harrison. Drive.” He gripped the steering wheel, his jaw set. Just as I was about to buckle Mia in, his phone blared through the car’s Bluetooth. A child’s voice wailed through the speakers, heart-wrenching and loud. “Daddy! Daddy, where are you?” “Are you leaving me and Mommy again?” Harrison didn’t even look at us. He shifted into gear immediately. “Toby’s having an anxiety attack. I have to go. Take the Uber, okay?” The black Mercedes sped away, leaving us in a cloud of exhaust. I knelt down to comfort Mia. “Daddy has an emergency, baby. Next time—” Mia looked at me with eyes far too old for a five-year-old. “There won’t be a next time, Mommy. He belongs to Toby now.” 02 That evening, Harrison called. “Sarah, I’ll be late. Toby’s got a fever…” “Okay.” I cut him off so fast he choked on his next excuse. He took my indifference for an attitude. “Sarah, stop being a brat.” He hung up. Ten minutes later, the “apology” texts from Vanessa started rolling in. [So sorry, Sarah! Toby is just so attached to his ‘Dad’ lately.] [I told him he shouldn’t have ditched you and Mia, but he just couldn’t stand to see Toby cry.] [I’ll scold him for you! Don’t be mad! 😉] It wasn’t an apology. It was a declaration of war. I didn’t have the energy to fight over a man I no longer wanted. I blocked her. Harrison called back instantly. “What the hell is wrong with you? Vanessa tries to apologize and you block her?” I could hear the faint sound of a woman sobbing in the background. “Sarah, I’m so disappointed in you,” he hissed. “When did you become so bitter?” It was always like this. Vanessa would poke the bear, and the moment I reacted, Harrison would label me the villain. I went home and started packing. While I packed, I talked to my lawyer. Since Harrison had built his firm during our marriage, I was entitled to at least 30% of the equity. And with his documented neglect, custody was a shoe-in. I packed the clothes, the jewelry, and Mia’s toys. In the back of the closet, I found a dust-covered cedar box. Letters. Hundreds of them. From the Harrison who was 17, to the Harrison who was 22. I opened the one on top. “To the Sarah of the future: This is Harrison at 17. By the time we open this, we’ll be married. We’ll probably have a beautiful kid. I promise to love you forever.” My phone buzzed. It was the Harrison of the present—the 27-year-old version. “Sarah! Vanessa took Toby and left because of your attitude! If anything happens to them, I’ll never forgive you!” I looked down at the letter. “Signed: Your Harrison, forever.” Something inside me finally snapped. Not with a bang, but with a quiet, hollow crack. I hung up and tossed the box into the fireplace. 03 Harrison didn’t come home that night. I didn’t call him. I didn’t beg. A week later, I needed a parental signature for Mia’s school field trip—an electronic ID verification. I called Harrison. He had blocked me. I had no choice but to go to his office. I hadn’t been there in a year. As I waited in the lobby, I saw a familiar silhouette walk straight into Harrison’s private suite without knocking. The receptionist looked at me guiltily. “Mrs. Reed… Mr. Reed gave Vanessa ‘all-access’ privileges.” I had been the one to start that tradition. I used to bring him lunch every day. We’d sit and talk for an hour. One day, Vanessa showed up to “talk business” and was made to wait in the hall. Harrison had been furious—at me. He said my lunches were a distraction. He fired the assistant who made Vanessa wait. Everyone in the building knew who the real “Mrs. Reed” was now. I walked into the office. Harrison was in a meeting with several executives. He looked up, startled. “What are you doing here?” Vanessa was perched on the edge of his desk, her hand dangerously close to his. “Sarah, don’t get the wrong idea,” Harrison sighed. “Vanessa is consulting on the new acquisition.” I didn’t blink. I handed him the tablet. “Mia needs a signature for her trip.” “You came all this way for a signature?” “What else would I come for?” The air in the room turned cold. Harrison looked annoyed—likely because I wasn’t making a scene. Vanessa chimed in with a smirk. “Oh, Harrison, she’s just using the kid as an excuse to see you. You’ve been staying at my place for days; she’s lonely.” Harrison leaned back, a mocking glint in his eyes. “Apologize to Vanessa for blocking her, Sarah. Do that, and I’ll sign.” The old me would have been heartbroken. The new me just looked at the clock. Mia would be disappointed if she couldn’t go. I looked at Harrison, then at Vanessa. Without a word, I turned to leave. I’d tell the teacher Mia didn’t have a father. “If you need a signature, I’d be happy to help,” a deep, cool voice said. A man who had been sitting in the corner of the office stood up. Everett Vance. One of the city’s most powerful venture capitalists. “I’ve seen enough of this ‘family drama’ to know who the adult in the room is,” Everett said, taking the tablet from me. The verification cleared instantly. He was listed as an emergency contact—my mother must have added him. He was an old family friend I hadn’t seen in years. He signed his name in a bold, elegant script. 04 The divorce papers were ready. I invited Harrison home one last time to end the cold war. When I went to pick up Mia from school, his Mercedes was already in the loading zone. Vanessa was in the passenger seat, wearing a designer coat I recognized from our joint credit card statement. “Still wearing last year’s North Face, Sarah?” she chirped. “Don’t want the other moms to think you’re struggling.” I ignored her. Harrison stared at me from the driver’s seat. “It’s freezing, Sarah. Get in the car.” “I’ll walk.” Near the school gate, a scuffle broke out. Two kids were fighting. One of them was Mia. The other was Toby. I rushed over to pull them apart. Toby immediately fell to the ground, wailing. “She hit me! It hurts!” Harrison and Vanessa came running. Vanessa scooped Toby up. “Sarah! If you hate me, take it out on me! Don’t touch my son!” Harrison looked at me with pure disgust, completely forgetting that Mia was his own blood. The teacher looked flustered. “Mrs. Reed, the kids… they both claimed Mr. Reed was their dad. They started arguing about who was lying, and it turned physical.” The surrounding parents began to whisper. “Is that the mistress?” “The little girl is delusional, claiming that rich guy is her dad.” “So young and already a gold-digger. Terrible parenting.” Toby was clinging to Harrison’s neck, screaming “Daddy!” Mia stood frozen, her eyes locked on Harrison, waiting. A boy from her class asked, “Mister, whose dad are you? You have to tell the truth.” Harrison opened his mouth. “I’m Mia—” Vanessa grabbed his sleeve, her eyes filling with tears. In that second, I knew. I was the second choice. Again. “Think very carefully, Harrison,” I said, my voice like ice. “Your answer will change Mia’s life forever.” Harrison’s face went numb. He looked down at Toby, then out at the crowd of influential parents. “I’m Toby’s father,” he said clearly. Then he looked at Mia. “Kid, you must have me confused with someone else.” The world tilted. My heart felt like it had been hit by a sledgehammer. The parents began to jeer. “Poor kid, lying about her dad. No shame.” “Look at the mother. Probably taught her to do it to get child support.” I moved to scream at him, but a small, cold hand squeezed mine. Mia’s eyes were dead. “It’s okay, Mommy,” she whispered. She turned to Harrison and gave a polite, shallow bow. “I’m sorry, sir. I made a mistake.” 05 In the ice cream shop later, I held Mia close. “Mia, he is your father. I won’t make you love him, but I don’t want you to grow up with hate.” “I don’t have a father, Mommy,” she said tonelessly. “He said so himself.” I booked two one-way tickets to the West Coast for that night. A text from Harrison arrived: [Sarah, I’m sorry. But Toby doesn’t have a dad. I had to lie in that moment. I’ll explain it to the teacher tomorrow. Don’t let Mia be upset.] Too little, too late. I went back to the house to grab our passports. I thought the house would be empty. It wasn’t. Toby was jumping on Mia’s favorite chair. Vanessa and Harrison were in the kitchen, cooking dinner together. “What are you doing here?” I asked. Harrison looked up. “Vanessa wanted to apologize. She’s making your favorite pasta.” “I wouldn’t eat anything she touched.” Harrison sighed. “Kids, go to the playroom. Mommy and I need to talk.” The second the door closed, Vanessa started her act. “Sarah, it’s all my fault. If it makes you feel better, I’ll take Toby and leave town. I won’t ruin your marriage.” She started sobbing. I remembered when she first showed up. Her husband had passed away, and she was “struggling.” Harrison took her in as a “charity case.” I pulled out the divorce papers. “You don’t have to leave. I am.” “Harrison, sign. Then you can be the ‘Super Dad’ Toby deserves.” Harrison’s face turned purple. “You’re threatening me? Over a childhood friend? I told you, I promised Toby’s father I’d look after them!” “Then look after them. Just don’t look after us.” He grabbed the pen and scribbled his name, throwing the papers at my feet. “There! You happy? You think you can survive without me?” Before I could answer, Toby ran out of the room, crying. “Daddy! Mia hit me!” He had a tiny scratch on his face. Harrison lunged toward the playroom. “Sarah, look at what you’ve raised!” Mia stepped out, calm. “I didn’t touch him. He tripped.” “Stop lying, Mia! Apologize now!” Harrison roared. “Harrison,” I said. “We have cameras in the playroom. Want to check the cloud footage?” Vanessa’s face went pale. “It’s fine, really! Kids will be kids!” “No,” I insisted. “My daughter isn’t a liar.” We watched the footage. Toby had clearly scratched himself on a toy and then started screaming. Vanessa tried to backtrack. “He’s just a child… he was scared…” But Harrison wasn’t looking at Toby. He was staring at the top left corner of the screen. The footage from last night. He watched me throw the box of his old letters into the fireplace without a single tear.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390869”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

When I was 18, I accidentally saw Caleb Vance helping a poor girl clasp her bra. His expression was solemn, his movements clumsy and shy. At 26, following my family’s arrangement, I married Caleb. But everyone in our high-society circle knew he kept a portrait of that poor girl locked in his study. Three years into our marriage, I asked for a divorce. He was silent for a long time before signing the papers. “If you ever need help, just ask.” Later, I attended a gala on the arm of a law firm partner. Friends teased us: “Back in the debate club, you two were at each other’s throats. Who would have thought you’d be holding hands one day?” Late that night, Caleb’s number lit up my phone for the first time in months: “Did you insist on that river-view apartment back then because you could see his law firm from there?” 1 Outside, the cold wind howled, but inside, it was warm as spring. The man sitting on the sofa opposite me wore a perfectly tailored suit, his figure tall and lean. His face was as chiseled and handsome as it was at 18. Only the fresh wound on his temple looked jarringly out of place. An hour ago, I received a call from the police station. Caleb Vance had gotten into a fight. When I arrived, a woman was cupping his face, carefully tending to his wound. I recognized her. Jenny, our high school classmate. Seeing me, she flinched back like a frightened bird. Caleb immediately shielded her behind him, speaking to me with displeasure: “She’s timid. Don’t scare her.” I said nothing and followed the officer to handle the paperwork. By the time I finished and returned, Jenny was gone. On the way home, Caleb didn’t say a word to me. He was on the phone the whole time. Even now, he was still coaxing the woman on the other end with a gentle voice. I had never seen this side of Caleb. Gentle, doting, focused. He gave all his patience to Jenny. That was when the thought of divorce first crossed my mind. 2 If Caleb and I were childhood sweethearts, then Jenny was the “white moonlight” he loved but couldn’t have. We met in high school. Unlike our privileged backgrounds, Jenny was the poor student in class. She was pretty, had good grades, and was optimistic and driven. As soon as she transferred to our class, she caught Caleb’s eye. I once thought Caleb was just intrigued by the novelty. Until that day, Jenny was falsely accused of stealing class funds. She was dragged into the girls’ bathroom by a few female classmates. When I got the news and rushed over, those girls had already left. In the empty bathroom, only Jenny remained, her outer clothes stripped off. I took off my jacket, ready to go in and help, when I saw Caleb coming out of a stall. Holding Jenny’s clothes. Jenny had her back to him, her voice choked with tears. “You go. If anyone sees, we can’t explain it.” Caleb: “Then we won’t explain. Put your clothes on first.” After a brief stalemate, Jenny compromised. But for some reason, she couldn’t fasten her bra clasp. Caleb reached out without hesitation. “I’ll do it.” His expression was solemn, his movements clumsy and shy. After fastening it, I clearly saw the tips of his ears turn blood red. Turning around, Caleb met my gaze. Panic flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by composure as he walked towards me. “You’re just in time. Help her.” Walking out of the bathroom, he turned back to warn me: “Please keep this a secret.” I agreed. But that afternoon, photos of Caleb helping Jenny dress spread throughout the campus. Caleb was convinced I betrayed him. That day, he lost his temper with me for the first time. “Winnie, don’t think I won’t do anything to you just because my parents back you.” “You are the daughter-in-law they chose, not me! No one decides who I marry.” I pursed my lips. “Whether you believe it or not, this has nothing to do with me.” Caleb sneered. “Only you were there that day. Besides you, who else saw?” “Not me!” I raised my neck stubbornly. “Besides, why would I spread rumors about her?” “Because you’re jealous she and I are together.” My head buzzed. I looked at him in disbelief. “When… when did that happen?” He looked over, his eyes full of mockery. “I saw her body, naturally I have to be responsible for her.” “But, we…” He interrupted me impatiently: “Winnie, you don’t think I like you just because I took care of you all these years, do you?” I felt like I had fallen into an ice cave, unable to move. That night, the Vance family found out about Caleb and Jenny. In the middle of the night, Caleb was forcibly brought to my house by his father to apologize. Caleb stiffened his neck and said rebellious words: “If you like Winnie so much, why don’t you marry her yourself?” Which earned him a beating from both sets of parents. Caleb back then hadn’t seen the situation clearly. Naturally, he didn’t see that I had been groomed as the Vance family’s daughter-in-law since childhood. As the only son, Caleb had no right to decide who to marry. So in the end, he married me. Not long after the photo incident, Jenny transferred schools. After high school graduation, Caleb was sent abroad to study for eight years. Eight years later, he returned to take over the company. His temperament had changed drastically. Shedding his immaturity, he became steady and reserved. He came to me and proposed marriage. “Since we are both single, let’s get married.” I knew I couldn’t escape the fate of a political marriage. Marrying someone I knew well was considered lucky. Later I learned that the first thing Caleb did upon returning was to find Jenny. But Jenny rejected him with dignity. Marrying me was just him acting out against her. 3 “I have to go out. You sleep first.” Caleb’s words pulled me back to reality. He got up and walked out, speaking softly as he went: “Don’t be afraid, I’m coming over now, they won’t dare do anything… Yeah, lock the door, wait for me.” I stood up too. “So late, are you going out?” He paused briefly, continuing to walk out. “Something urgent came up, I’ll be back late.” As he was about to reach the door, I called him again. Impatience appeared on his face. “What now?” “Caleb,” I said. “Let’s get a divorce.” Anger instantly dyed Caleb’s eyes. Suppressing his temper, he said, “What are you fussing about now?” “Jenny was frightened today. She has no one to rely on here, she can only ask me for help.” I looked at him steadily: “Help means going to the club where she works every day to back her up?” “The dignified CEO Vance, fighting with others and ending up in the police station for a waitress, that’s what you call help!” Caleb’s thin lips pressed into a cold line. Those deep eyes held danger and warning: “I’ll investigate what happened tonight.” Pausing, he added: “Ideally, it has nothing to do with you.” Like a basin of ice water poured over my head, my blood ran cold. In the two-plus years of marriage, Caleb had never lost his temper with me. For a time, I thought he had let go of Jenny and wanted to live a good life with me. Now it seems, it was just my wishful thinking. I suddenly remembered something. A portrait of Jenny once hung in Caleb’s study. Caleb painted it himself. He didn’t hide it from anyone, including the Vance family. Grandpa Vance threw a huge fit over it. In the end, it was replaced by a wedding photo of Caleb and me. That painting was locked in a cabinet by him. In this moment, I suddenly understood. He hadn’t compromised. He was using his way to silently resist his family. Outside, the wind howled. The balcony door in the dining room wasn’t closed. A gust of cold wind hit me, and I shivered unexpectedly. Just then, a piercing scream came from Caleb’s phone. Almost instantly, the gloom in Caleb’s eyes fell apart. Replaced by deep fear. He strode out quickly. “Jenny don’t be afraid, I’ll be there in ten minutes, don’t open the door for anyone…” As he spoke, he was already out the door. The door opened and closed, cutting off all his gentleness. That night, Caleb didn’t come back. I sat alone on the sofa until dawn. When the sky brightened, I received two messages. A photo of Caleb and Jenny walking into a hotel side by side. And a sentence: [Divorce him, choose me, okay?] Scrolling up, there were three unreplied messages: [Winnie, I’m back.] [Whenever you need, I’m here.] [Do you like him that much? Like me instead, okay?] I blinked my sore eyes and quickly typed on the screen: [Okay.] 4 Caleb came home the next afternoon. He had changed into a brand new suit, a brand he usually wouldn’t even look at. Cleaned up very well, not a trace of perfume on him. If the red mark on his Adam’s apple wasn’t so glaring, perhaps no one would believe he stayed in a hotel room with Jenny until the afternoon. Probably out of guilt, he prepared a gift for me. “Sorry, I spoke too harshly last night. I apologize.” He put the gift in front of me. I took out the divorce agreement I had prepared long ago from the drawer and slowly pushed it in front of him. “Take a look. If there are no problems, sign it.” Caleb frowned deeply: “Just helped an old classmate, is this necessary?” “Winnie, when did you become so petty?” I turned a deaf ear to his words. “Our pre-nuptial property was notarized and belongs to each of us. Cash after marriage is split 50/50. For real estate, I only want the river-view apartment.” Caleb finally looked at me seriously. Those deep eyes were full of scrutiny. After a long while, he sneered coldly. “Is this your new trick?” He didn’t believe me. He thought this was my way of winning him back. True, the Vance family holds significant weight in our circle. How many families want to marry their daughters in. In his view, I had no reason to give up the status of Mrs. Vance. But I had thought of giving up long ago. It was an ordinary day. Caleb was socializing as usual, got drunk, and was sent back. When I went to support him, he suddenly pointed at me and cursed: “Winnie, your love really disgusts me.” I froze in place. Bitterness spread through my chest. I clearly remember, he liked me too. That year in high school, Caleb and I hadn’t been assigned to the same class yet. Our classrooms were door to door in the corridor. When an earthquake hit the neighboring province, we felt strong tremors here. That day, Caleb was the first to dash from his classroom to mine, wrapping his school jacket over my head. Dragging and carrying me downstairs. That earthquake didn’t cause any damage. My only injury was the bruise on my wrist from his grip. His bros teased him, saying Winnie was his precious item. Some even told us to get married right there. I thought Caleb would be angry, but he said: “We will get married.” “Yo yo, don’t speak too soon, still years away from legal age.” Caleb said: “If she’s not the one beside me when I get married, none of you come.” When we got married, all his bros came. But what use was it?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390885”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

At the college reunion, my mouth ran away from me, and I accidentally let it slip that I was simultaneously dating three premium-grade boyfriends online. One runs a top-tier law firm, one is a researcher at the National Science Institute, and the last is a tech mogul from the Forbes list. My frenemy, Jessica, stopped mid-chew on a pork rib, her eyes narrowing with mock sympathy. “I really feel for your future husband,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Passing over so many good girls just to marry someone else’s second-hand rose.” I took a slow sip of my juice. “Actually, I’m in a bit of a bind,” I replied casually. “All three are great catches, and I can’t decide who to cut loose. How about this, Jess? You see one you like, I’ll let you have him.” The words had barely left my lips when Jessica’s jaw dropped, her chopsticks clattering to the floor forgotten. “Are you… are you serious?” 1. As Jessica stared at me in stunned silence, a series of glowing text boxes suddenly appeared in the air, visible only to her. [WTF, has the side character lost her mind? She’s actually giving away three titans to our precious main character!] [Jessie, don’t hesitate! This is a jackpot from the heavens! Snag any one of them and you’re set for life. The side character has no idea what she’s giving up!] Seeing the comments, Jessica’s eyes lit up. The temptation was obvious, but she was still wary. “Let’s get this straight,” she said, her gaze fixed on me. “Once you give them to me, they’re mine. You can’t take them back!” “Of course not.” I nodded, my smile as innocent as a lamb’s. “You’re my best friend. We share our blessings, right?” “Don’t worry,” I added reassuringly. “Aside from the tech mogul, who I’ve met once, the other two have never even seen my face. As long as you stick to the persona, you’ll be fine. The only question is, which one do you want?” [The ultimate choice! The legal god, the genius scientist, or the billionaire CEO? How can anyone choose?!] [You have to get them all! With your main character halo, you can conquer all three!] Jessica licked her lips, her eyes gleaming with greed. “Forget picking and choosing. Your three boyfriends… I want them all. Besides, Sophie, you’re a great catch. You won’t have any trouble finding other men.” Her answer didn’t surprise me in the slightest. I simply smiled and held out my hand. “Sure thing. The transfer fee is a million dollars each. Cash or card?” Jessica recoiled, her face turning a blotchy red and white. “I thought you said we were best friends! Why are you charging me?” “Even real sisters have to keep their accounts straight,” I said, pouting theatrically. “It takes time and energy to screen candidates and cultivate relationships, you know.” I feigned a hurt expression. “If you think I’m asking for too much, we can just forget the whole thing. I wouldn’t want money to ruin our friendship.” “No, wait! But this is a million dollars! Where am I supposed to get that kind of money?” Before Jessica could argue further, the pop-up comments started chiming in again. [Jessie, don’t be a fool! It’s only a million! Just sell your parents’ house, you’ll have it! If you miss out on these billionaire boyfriends, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!] [The side character really is just a pretty face and nothing else. She thinks she’s making a killing, but any one of these guys could drop more than that between their couch cushions. She’ll be the one crying later!] [Can’t wait to see our girl conquer all three titans and come back to rub it in this idiot’s face!] A giddy smile spread across Jessica’s face as she read the comments, clearly picturing that triumphant scene. “Fine! A million it is!” she declared. “I’ll go home and get the money. You better hold them for me. Don’t you dare transfer them to anyone else!” She paused, her expression turning stern. “And you better behave yourself. No last-minute flings with my future husbands. I don’t want your sloppy seconds!” I burst out laughing and gave her a solemn nod. “Don’t worry. They’re all virgins. Squeaky clean.” 2. Tempted by the dual allure of men and money, it only took Jessica three days to scrape together the million dollars. Once the payment was confirmed, I was more than happy to show her the social media profiles of all three boyfriends and asked which one she wanted to unlock first. After careful consideration, Jessica chose the young scientist, Dr. Alistair Finch. “This one,” she said. “He looks the kindest, like a sweet, gentle boy-next-door type. Should be easy to handle.” I smiled without comment and launched into my briefing. “Alistair Finch, 27. Holds doctorates from four of the world’s top universities. Currently a lead researcher at the National Science Institute, with high-level government clearance and a national stipend.” “We met on a forum for rare plant enthusiasts. Horticulture is his only hobby outside of research, and it’s your primary angle of attack. I can barely keep a cactus alive, so I had to put in a lot of work. I’ll send you my entire research file. You need to memorize it. Key sections must be recited verbatim.” Under Jessica’s astonished gaze, I forwarded her a 200-gigabyte file of botanical knowledge. “He’s meticulous in his academic life and values efficiency above all else. In his personal life, he’s snarky, introverted, and has a severe allergy to stupidity, though he’s not aware of it. My persona with him was the ‘proud but cute girl who never backs down.’ Playing dumb can be charming, but you have to know where the line is. Oh, and he’s deathly allergic to cats.” After handing over all of Alistair’s information and contact details, I gave her a detailed rundown of our daily interactions, our pet names, and important inside jokes. Then, I offered her a warm, encouraging smile. “That’s about it. Good luck. You’ve got this.” [Gotta admit, the side character really puts in the work when it comes to seducing men. 200 gigs of data? It would take over a month just to read through it all once!] [She only has to try that hard because she’s just a side character. She doesn’t have the main character’s halo, so she has to rely on rote memorization to score points. Our Jessie is the chosen one! Even if she knows nothing, the male lead will fall head over heels for her!] Jessica’s face, which had been scrunched in misery as she looked at the files, immediately brightened when she saw the comments. Right in front of me, she lifted her phone and deleted the 200-gigabyte file. “Sophie, your clumsy methods might work for you, but they’re not for me,” she declared smugly. “Just you wait. A woman with my kind of charm could talk about SpongeBob SquarePants and have Alistair completely captivated.” I wasn’t the least bit angry. In fact, my smile grew wider. “Well, I wish you the best of luck. Just a friendly reminder: the transfer is complete. No refunds or exchanges, regardless of the outcome.” Jessica scoffed. “Of course not. I’m more worried you’ll be the one trying to back out!” With that, she logged into my burner account and threw herself into chatting with Alistair. A week later, at another get-together, the first thing Jessica did was show off the necklace around her neck. “Isn’t it beautiful? It’s the latest from Van Cleef & Arpels’ botanical collection. A diamond necklace worth over eight hundred thousand dollars! I saw it in an article, mentioned it to Alistair, and he bought it for me just like that!” As she boasted, she shot a look at me, where I sat engrossed in a book, and deliberately raised her voice. “By the way, Sophie, you were with Alistair for so long. What did he ever buy for you?” 3. I thought about it for a moment. “Hmm… a bookmark he made from a pressed leaf, a botany book he authored that retails for $28.80, and a rose-shaped brooch he carved himself.” “That’s it?” Jessica’s grin nearly split her face. “That doesn’t even cover a fraction of what my diamond costs. You’re such a failure. All that time studying those useless books for nothing!” I just smiled and said nothing. Unsatisfied with my calm reaction, Jessica leaned in closer to continue her victory lap. “You memorized all that trivia, and he was still so snarky and condescending to you. But me? I’ve never once engaged with his boring science talk. I steer the conversation to celebrity gossip, and he eats it up! He even called me lively and cute!” “Who says science guys aren’t romantic? The difference between being loved and not loved is just that obvious!” She smirked, her eyes filled with pity. “Oops, there I go again, speaking my mind. Sophie, I hope what I said doesn’t make you too sad.” I wasn’t sad at all. Alistair might have been the fish I’d had on the line the longest, but he was also the one I cared about the least. Our story began on that plant forum. I had simply posted a picture of the dying spider plant on my balcony, asking for advice. Then, Alistair, using a default username of random numbers, appeared and, just from the angle of the light, deduced the exact latitude and longitude of my dorm and provided a fool-proof guide to reviving it. I asked for his contact info to buy him a coffee as thanks, but he was initially cold. “Sorry, my time is valuable. I can’t waste it on meaningless things.” I scoffed at his message. Then, I casually snapped another photo of the plant on the floor, making sure the reflection in the glass behind it captured the subtle, alluring silhouette of my figure. I hit send. “But Professor, what if I have more plant questions for you in the future?~” Three seconds later, he accepted my friend request. His profile was a ghost town. No posts, a default avatar—it was utterly devoid of life. But a single “like” he’d left on a short video three months prior gave him away. In the video’s comment section, his simple remark, “Not bad,” had garnered tens of thousands of likes and a flood of frantic replies. “OMG, it’s the god Alistair himself!” “First-row seat to greatness!” “If Dr. Finch would look at my project, I’d eat instant noodles without the flavor packet for ten years!” A quick search was all it took. Alistair’s identity, along with a string of brilliant achievements, lit up my screen like a supernova. From that day on, I channeled my high-school-senior energy into devouring a dozen botany textbooks, cramming my brain with obscure facts. Then, during our chats, I would “casually” drop my knowledge of niche topics. That, and a steady stream of artfully suggestive, no-face photos. Six months later, this snarky, introverted genius finally dropped his cold facade and started making his move. I found it amusing and played innocent. “But what if I’m really ugly? The kind of ugly that makes you want to puke?” I expected some sleazy line like, “It’s all the same with the lights off.” Instead, he typed back instantly. “I’ve cultivated many flowers in my life, but you’re the first rose I’ve ever tried to grow without soil. No matter what you look like, you are precious, unique, and irreplaceable to me.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390903”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

1 It was the celebration party for Cole’s third consecutive Southport Racing Championship victory. It was also the night he had promised to propose to me. Instead, with a bright smile on his face, he pulled a petite, shrinking girl into the spotlight. “Let me introduce the real hero of the night,” Cole announced, his voice booming over the music. “If Sienna hadn’t guided me through my rehab training, I would never have returned to the track.” He pulled her closer, his arm draped casually around her waist. “From today onwards, she will be my exclusive physical therapist. The twenty-four-seven kind of companionship, you know?” My eyes widened in shock. Cole caught my gaze, a mocking smirk playing on his lips. The crowd erupted into rowdy cheers, though a few people shot me teasing, sympathetic looks. “Twenty-four-seven? Won’t Cindy have a problem with that?” someone shouted. Cole just laughed, waving a hand dismissively. “Cindy is very generous. Aren’t you, babe?” I stood there, frozen in silence. Halfway through the party, I pulled him aside. He reeked of expensive alcohol. “Cole, stop this. You need to stop messing around.” He reached out, his fingers gripping my chin. He let out a dark chuckle. “What? You’re allowed to have your male best friend, but I can’t have a female one?” … Fury flickered in my eyes. “That is enough.” “I have told you countless times. Gabriel is just my brother.” “Brother.” Cole chewed on the word slowly, his eyes darkening with something unreadable. “Sounds so intimate, doesn’t it?” His grip tightened slightly. “Cindy, you barely ever call me ‘babe’ anymore. You always claim you’re too shy for pet names, yet you seem perfectly comfortable being so sweet with someone else.” My eyes widened. I couldn’t believe such insulting words were coming out of his mouth. This was the man who used to call me his innocent angel, untouched by the world. Whenever anyone cursed around me in the past, he would instinctively cover my ears and whisper, Cindy, don’t listen. A sharp pain pierced my chest. Seeing the redness rimming my eyes, Cole froze. A flash of regret crossed his face. He opened his mouth to say something. But in the next second, my phone started ringing. The name Gabriel flashed relentlessly on the screen. I turned away from Cole immediately and answered it. Behind me, I heard a self-deprecating scoff. “I’m such a damn fool.” His heavy footsteps faded into the background noise of the party. “Cindy? Is everything okay?” Gabriel asked, instantly picking up on the tremor in my voice. I swallowed hard, forcing down the lump of acidity in my throat. “I’m fine. How is my mom?” “Her condition is stable for now, but she’ll need another round of chemo. Don’t worry, Cindy. I will do absolutely everything in my power to make sure Aunt Sarah recovers.” I murmured a soft thank you and hung up. Six months ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I ran into Gabriel at the hospital by pure chance. My mother had once been married to his father, making us step-siblings for a brief period. After their divorce, we lost touch. I never expected him to become an oncologist. For the past year, Cole had been suffering from severe PTSD after a horrific crash on the track. I didn’t want to add to his burden, so I kept my mother’s illness a secret. Because of a few late-night calls from Gabriel, Cole became convinced I was cheating. He started making snide remarks, turning paranoid. He even started showering other women with attention just to get back at me. Now, he had overcome his trauma and won the championship. I decided it was time to tell him the truth. I took a deep breath, calming my racing heart. Suddenly, a loud commotion drew my attention to the other side of the room. I looked over just in time to see Cole gently wiping red wine off Sienna’s dress with a napkin. He then looked up, glaring fiercely at a woman holding a wine glass. “An accident? Are you blind?” Cole snarled. The woman stamped her foot in frustration. Sienna waved her hands frantically, her voice trembling. “I’m fine, really. I can clean it myself.” She grabbed the napkin, dabbing at her dress. She said she was fine, but huge tears began rolling down her cheeks. Cole immediately panicked. “Hey, don’t cry. I’ll make her pay for this, okay?” He stepped forward, his eyes cold as ice as he stared the woman down. “No one bullies my people and gets away with it.” The woman panicked. “It wasn’t me! She bumped into me!” When Cole got angry, he lost all sense of reason. Afraid he would cause a scene that would ruin his career, I rushed forward and grabbed his arm. “Cole, calm down. Don’t make this a big deal.” He violently yanked his arm out of my grasp. His voice was absolute zero. “Since when is my business any of yours?” My hand hung suspended in the air. The entire room fell dead silent. 2 Everyone in Cole’s inner circle knew how much he adored me. Back in high school, we lived on opposite sides of the city. One winter night, I casually mentioned over the phone how much I was craving warm cinnamon rolls. He drove across the entire city in the freezing cold just to bring them to me. When he arrived, shivering but beaming, he pulled a warm paper bag from inside his leather jacket. “Almost burned my chest off keeping these warm for you.” Seeing my tears, he panicked. “Cindy, why are you crying? I was joking, they weren’t hot at all!” When it came time for college applications, he handed the decision to me. “Wherever Cindy wants me to go, I’ll go. You own me for life.” His friends used to tease him, calling him my loyal puppy. He just smiled, completely unbothered. “It’s my absolute honor.” The memory burned. The back of my hand, where he had slapped it away, stung. My chest felt tight, as if the air was being sucked out of the room. I lowered my hand and stared at him, my voice steady. “Cole, I’m saying this one last time. Stop making a scene.” He didn’t even glance at me. He took Sienna’s hand, stepped forward, and addressed the terrified woman. “Get on your knees, apologize to Sienna, and I might let this slide.” Cole wasn’t just the hottest star in the racing world. He was the sole heir to the wealthy family behind the circuit. This woman couldn’t afford to cross him. Humiliated, she dropped to her knees, apologized to a crying Sienna, and ran off in tears. Cole patted Sienna’s head with sickening tenderness. “Don’t cry. It’s no big deal.” Whispers began to spread through the crowd like wildfire. “He really seems to like that therapist.” “Is the golden couple finally over?” “To be fair, Sienna stuck by him through his worst year. Hard times reveal true love.” “Yeah, I haven’t seen Cindy do a single thing for him lately.” Cole heard every word. He raised an eyebrow at me, his eyes saying: See? Everyone agrees with me. I sighed. “Cole, we need to talk. I have something to tell you.” Seeing the seriousness on my face, he shrugged and started walking toward me. But Sienna suddenly grabbed his arm. She clutched her stomach, her face turning pale. Cole’s demeanor shifted instantly. He caught her as she stumbled. She whispered something in his ear, and without a second of hesitation, he scooped her up in his arms. “Cole!” I shouted after him. He ignored me completely, striding out of the venue as if he were deaf. My heart felt like it was being plunged into a bucket of ice water. Cold and suffocating. The sympathetic looks from the crowd felt like slaps across my face. Cole used to say, The world is big, but Cindy is the biggest. Even if you wanted my life, it’s yours. Yet now, he was leaving me behind for someone else. Early the next morning, Cole returned home, looking exhausted. He spotted me sitting on the living room sofa. He paused, noticing the dark circles under my eyes. “Didn’t sleep at all?” “Cole, we need to talk.” “Fine. Talk. What is it?” He collapsed onto the opposite sofa, his gaze burning into me. “You’ve misunderstood everything between me and Gabriel. I’ve been in contact with him because my mother is sick, and he’s her doctor.” I poured my heart out, explaining everything in detail. After a long silence, he tilted his head. “That’s it?” His reaction was not at all what I expected. My throat went dry. “You…” “I thought it was something important,” he chuckled. “By the way, I have some news too. I’ve decided to let Sienna move in. As my therapist, she needs to monitor my health twenty-four-seven.” He waved a hand toward the hallway. “Give her your room. You can take the guest bedroom.” I frowned, standing up abruptly. “Cole, what do you mean…” “This showed up in my email,” he interrupted, his voice turning cold. A stack of photos was thrown onto the coffee table. They were pictures of Gabriel and me meeting privately. Sitting in a coffee shop, Gabriel’s hand near my cheek. Walking down the street, Gabriel’s arm around my shoulder. And finally, sitting in a car, Gabriel appearing to kiss me. My pupils dilated. “It’s not what it looks like, Cole. You have to listen to me…” He stood up, grabbing the back of my head. His grip was so tight his knuckles turned white. “Your excuses are pathetic, Cindy. If you want to play the bad girl, you should take some lessons.” His lips curled into a cruel smile. “Don’t worry. I’m not breaking up with you. If you want to play games, I’ll play with you.” 3 Sienna really moved in. In the house Cole and I had shared for five years, the scent of another woman began to linger. When we first moved in, Cole gave me the master bedroom with the best sunlight. He had said, Our Cindy deserves the best of everything. Now, I was kicked out, and the room was given to Sienna. With a simple claim of being “allergic to pollen,” Sienna had Cole throw away all the flowers I had carefully cultivated for years. Sienna loved spicy food. Suddenly, every meal on the table was loaded with chili peppers, completely ignoring the fact that I couldn’t handle spicy food at all. My best friend was furious when I told her. “Why haven’t you dumped him yet?” “Cole just misunderstands me,” I replied, a bitter taste in my mouth. I firmly believed he was doing this purely out of spite. It was just like when his mother abandoned him for another family. Years later, no matter how much she begged him to visit her, he refused. Even on her deathbed, Cole never showed up. He was a man of extremes. During this time, I was quietly investigating who took those photos. The photographer was incredibly opportunistic. Gabriel brushing a bug out of my hair was framed as him caressing my face. Gabriel pulling me out of the way of a speeding scooter was framed as him embracing me. The most ridiculous one was the “kiss” in the car. Gabriel was just leaning over to check the side mirror, but the angle made it look like a kiss. The motive was clear. Someone wanted to destroy my relationship with Cole. Following the digital footprints, I finally found the person who hired the photographer. I never expected it to be Sienna. I found them sitting in a cafe. Sienna was taking something from the man’s hands. She smiled, a malicious glint in her eyes. “I want more photos. As many as possible. I want Cole to completely loathe that bitch Cindy.” In that moment, fury eclipsed my reason. I marched up to their table. “So it was you who hired someone to stalk me!” Sienna paused, looking at me with wide, innocent eyes. “Cindy? What are you talking about?” I looked down at the flash drive she had just taken. I lunged forward to grab it, but she pulled back quickly. “Cindy, this is mine! What are you doing!” In the struggle, Sienna fell to the floor. Suddenly, a furious roar echoed through the cafe. A strong force shoved me aside. My lower back slammed hard into the sharp corner of a nearby table. The blinding pain brought instant tears to my eyes. “Cindy, have you lost your mind!” Cole stood protectively in front of Sienna, glaring at me with raw anger. “Why are you bullying Sienna!” I swallowed the pain, looking at Cole with red-rimmed eyes. My voice shook with grievance. “She hired someone to stalk me! I just heard them talking about it!” Cole frowned, looking back at Sienna for an explanation. Sienna handed the flash drive to Cole, her eyes welling up. “I didn’t do anything. This is the photographer I hired for you. He took pictures of your last race for the club’s website.” The photographer immediately chimed in, opening his laptop. “You can check the drive right now, sir. We aren’t lying. This crazy lady just showed up and accused me of stalking her.” Cole plugged the drive into the laptop. The screen lit up with high-quality photos of his race cars. I was speechless. “But I heard them talking about me just a second ago. Cole, you have to believe me.” “Believe you? Why on earth would I believe you?” “Because you’re too busy sneaking around with other men?” Cole’s gaze swept over me, filled with contempt. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried perfectly to the onlookers. Mocking, curious glances shot toward me like arrows. I felt as if I were standing naked in the middle of the room, swallowed by intense shame. I had been in a situation like this before. When I first started my writing career, a senior author falsely accused me of plagiarizing her work. No one dared to offend the industry giant, so they all pointed their fingers at me. Public opinion crushed me. At a prominent publisher’s gala, everyone looked at me with disgust. Just as I was about to flee in tears, Cole arrived like a knight in shining armor. He slammed a stack of evidence on the table for everyone to see. He pulled me into his arms, his voice firm and unwavering. “Cindy did not plagiarize. She is the most dedicated writer I have ever met, and I will not allow anyone to slander her!” That night, he fought the world for me. But today, he was the one pushing me into the fire. My heart contracted violently. For a second, I forgot how to breathe.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390920”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

At the New Year’s Eve family dinner, my father distributed the “Founder’s Shares Bonus” for the family business. My older brother got some. My adopted sister got some. Even my unborn nephew in my sister-in-law’s belly got a share. Only I got nothing. “Mandy, you’re a girl. Eventually, you’ll marry out. The shares can’t flow to outsiders.” I froze, pressing my lips together in silence. They seemed to have forgotten that I was the one who funded 90% of this company and slaved away for five years to build it from the ground up. The next day, I convened an emergency board meeting: “Since the company is now on the right track, I am withdrawing all my capital to pursue my own ventures.” 1 The dining table for the Sterling family’s New Year’s Eve dinner was full. I had just rushed back from the airport, dusty and tired. I spent three grueling days negotiating a hundred-million-dollar contract before the client finally caved. “You’re back?” My father, Richard Sterling, sat at the head of the table, radiating the authority of a patriarch. Unfortunately, that authority was built on the company I had painstakingly propped up. I nodded and sat down. “Dad, what was the important announcement you mentioned?” Richard finally looked up, a smile breaking across his stern face. “The company is going public next month. I called you all back today to take advantage of the New Year and distribute the founder’s shares as a bonus.” The living room fell silent. My older brother, Leo, immediately sat up straight, uncrossing his legs. My adopted sister, Snow, paused with her teacup, her face a mask of gentle obedience. My sister-in-law, five months pregnant, leaned into Leo’s embrace in surprise. Watching Richard pull three documents from his briefcase, I instinctively straightened up too. “Leo.” Richard called my brother’s name. Leo stood up instantly, unable to hide the smugness on his face. “30% of the company’s founder shares, worth $36 million. It’s yours. Work hard, don’t let me down.” Leo took the document and stuffed it into his pocket without even looking at it. “Dad, don’t worry. I won’t let you down.” My grip on the teacup tightened. 30%. “Snow.” Richard called my adopted sister’s name. Snow’s eyes lit up as she trotted over. “You’ve worked hard taking care of your mother and me all these years. This 20% share, worth $24 million, is what you deserve.” Snow took the document, her eyes red. “Thank you, Daddy. You’re so good to me. I’ll take good care of you forever.” Everyone’s eyes in the dining room fell on me. I put down my teacup and looked at Richard. The remaining 50% should be mine. After all, from beginning to end, I was the one holding this company together. Richard pulled the last document from his briefcase. I was about to stand up. “Leo.” He called my brother’s name again. I froze. “The child in your wife’s belly is the eldest grandson of the Sterling family. This 10% share, worth $12 million, is reserved for him.” Leo’s wife covered her mouth and giggled. “Dad, you’re too good to us.” I watched Leo take the document, my mind going blank. “Dad,” I spoke, my voice calmer than I expected. “What about me?” Richard finally looked at me, frowning. “Mandy, you’re a girl. You’ll marry sooner or later. Shares can’t go to outsiders. That’s the rule.” “Besides, you’re capable. You can earn on your own. You don’t need this. Why fight with your siblings?” Leo laughed loudly. “Exactly. Giving it to you would just benefit some wild man outside. Big brother will give you a red envelope later.” Snow chimed in with fake sweetness, “Big sister is so capable, she surely doesn’t care about these material things, unlike useless me.” I scanned their faces one by one, downed my wine in one gulp, and smiled. “Dad’s right. I don’t lack this little bit.” I turned and left, leaving the room in stunned silence. As I reached the door, my stepmother chased after me, grabbing my arm and raising her voice: “Mandy! Who are you showing attitude to on New Year’s? Are you happy only when everyone is miserable?” Me? Making everyone miserable? I shook off her hand and sneered. “If I hadn’t sold the tech company I founded and used my entire inheritance from my grandfather to fill the Sterling family’s financial black hole, you’d all be bankrupt by now!” “You take my shares and give them away, did anyone consider if I was happy today?” “Even the adopted sister gets shares, but I’m an outsider? Fine. Since I’m an outsider, we’ll do things the outsider’s way.” 2 9:00 AM. Sterling Group Main Conference Room. As the CEO, I convened an emergency all-hands shareholder meeting. The room was packed. Every shareholder was present, except for three empty seats on the stage—Chairman Richard Sterling, New Director Leo, and New Director Snow. Typical of them. Five years ago, the Sterling Group was insolvent. Richard begged everywhere, but no one would lend him money. I sold my successful tech startup, liquidated the trust fund, antiques, and mansions left by my grandfather, and scraped together $90 million to inject into the Sterling account. Before the transfer, I signed an agreement with Richard containing a clause: If the equity change is not completed within five years, the capital injection automatically converts to a personal loan. The creditor has the right to demand full repayment at any time, with compound interest. This was meant to be a risk prevention measure. I never thought it would become a prophecy. Shares for the adopted sister with no blood relation. Shares for a fetus. None for me. Then what was my five years of turning the tide and working myself to the bone for? One question, and I realized I was the only outsider. My heart turned ice cold. Since he says I’m an outsider, this money is an external debt. Don’t blame me for being ruthless. I opened the PPT and displayed a financial report. “Gentlemen, the Sterling Group’s cash flow and operations are on track. The market value has reached a five-year high.” The shareholders applauded, thinking I was announcing dividends or IPO news. “Since the company is on the right track, my mission is over.” I paused. “I formally announce that I am withdrawing all personal funds I lent to the company. I will resign to pursue my own endeavors.” The room exploded. A shareholder jumped up in disbelief. “Withdraw? That’s $90 million!” “The company is facing the final IPO review next week. That $90 million accounts for 90% of the liquid capital! If you pull it, the capital chain will snap immediately!” “Supplier payments aren’t settled, bank loans are due next month, and thousands of employee salaries… If this money moves, the Sterling Group is finished!” I nodded. “Correct. I’ve made my decision.” Shareholders tried to persuade me. “Mandy, this is five years of your blood and sweat. How can you bear to watch it collapse?” “We’re all in the same boat. We can discuss anything.” I shook my head. “Sorry. Due to private reasons within the Sterling family, which I cannot disclose.” “Private reasons?” I looked at them, feeling a twinge of regret. We worked well together for five years. As minority shareholders, they didn’t cause trouble and supported my decisions. In return, I gave them ample dividends at the end of the year. I pulled the agreement from my file and placed it on the table. “This is the agreement I signed when I injected the capital. You can see for yourselves.” The nearest shareholder picked it up and read aloud. His voice grew quieter, his face uglier. “This… Richard is insane! A debt-to-equity swap agreement, and he dragged it out until it became pure debt!” It’s debt. I can take it back. Dead silence in the conference room. A few seconds later, someone jumped up and grabbed their phone. “I’ll call the Chairman!” “You can’t do this!” Five or six shareholders dialed simultaneously. The room filled with beeping tones. However, no one answered. “What’s going on? Why isn’t the Chairman answering?” “Leo isn’t picking up either!” “Snow? Snow’s phone is off too!” I watched the anxious shareholders and took a sip of tea. No need to call. I’ve seen it clearly over the last five years. As long as I was at the company, they didn’t worry about a thing. Richard liked taking my stepmother to the Maldives for two months at a time. Leo lived in casinos and clubs, his phone always on silent. Snow was busy with socialite gatherings, updating her Instagram more often than work reports. They were used to being hands-off. Used to me blocking the wind and rain. Only this time, no one was there to save them. As the CFO hit enter, $90 million plus interest transferred into my account. I closed my laptop and nodded to the ashen-faced shareholders. “Gentlemen, until we meet again.” My phone rang. It was Leo. The shareholders looked at me with hope. 3 I answered the phone. “Mandy, transfer me $500,000.” Leo’s voice was urgent, background noise filled with slot machines and shouting. “Bad luck just now, lost a big hand!” Normally, I would yell at him and have security drag him back. But now, I nodded. “Okay.” “What did you say?” Leo couldn’t believe it. “I said okay, brother.” My voice was light. “Is $500,000 enough? I’ll send a million. It’s New Year’s, you worked hard all year. Have fun.” “Really?” Leo’s voice pitched up. “I knew my little sister was the best! Dad just scolded me for wasting money. Transfer it quick, I’m going to win it all back!” “Arranging it now.” “Great! Thanks Mandy, I’ll treat you to dinner when I win!” Hanging up, I looked at Old Zhang, the CFO. “Ms. Sterling.” His voice trembled. He knew I hadn’t taken a single dividend in five years. Now that Leo had shares, he could technically withdraw dividends. “Old Zhang, transfer one million from the company account to Director Leo.” “Ms. Sterling?” Old Zhang gasped. “You just withdrew the principal. There’s only $1.2 million left. That’s for next month’s payroll and bank interest. If you transfer this, the account is empty!” “Transfer it.” I smiled. “Note it clearly: Director Leo urgent need, advance on personal dividends.” Old Zhang paused for a second, then nodded. “Understood.” Ding. A picture from Snow. A Himalaya Birkin bag. A voice message followed: “Sister, I’m at Hermes. This bag requires $200,000 in spend to buy. Dad limited my secondary card. Can you have finance transfer it? I’m a shareholder now, I can afford it.” I looked at the picture, the corner of my mouth lifting. I looked at Old Zhang again. “Old Zhang, how much is left?” Old Zhang sounded like he was about to cry. “Ms. Sterling, after the one million transfer, only $203,000 left. That includes next week’s utility and property management fees…” “Transfer that $200,000 to Snow.” “What?!” “Note: Director Snow advance on dividends, for luxury goods purchase.” “But Ms. Sterling, that will zero out the account! We won’t even have money for printer paper!” “Transfer.” Old Zhang sighed heavily and processed the request. Immediately, a roar erupted in the conference room. “What’s happening? Why is the balance zero?” “That one million went to Leo for gambling? And this $200,000?” “Snow? Buying a bag?!” A white-haired shareholder smashed his teacup on the floor. “Sinful! Leo gambles with the company’s lifeblood, Snow buys bags with the utility money! This is the heir Richard chose!” “Richard is blind! Throwing away the God of Wealth to worship two prodigals!” “It’s over. The Sterling Group is empty.” Listening to the wailing and cursing behind me, I calmly walked out. Snow sent a “Love You” sticker. “Received, thanks sis! You spoil me.” I replied with a smiley face. Of course I spoil you. It’s not my money anymore. Why not be generous? Just then, another call came in. Richard. The shareholders looked up again, eyes full of expectation. 4 “Mandy, transfer $800,000 to the Antique House.” Richard’s voice dripped with arrogance. “I saw a Jade Cabbage sculpture. Perfect for feng shui in the new office.” I looked out the window. “Dad, no money.” “Don’t give me that.” Richard interrupted impatiently. “Do I have to beg every time? Don’t forget, I’m the Chairman now. You used to control the money tight, I let it slide. Today is a happy day, don’t block me.” “Really no money.” “Do you think I’m stupid? $3 million came in yesterday, how can there be no money?” Richard sneered. “Fine, you won’t transfer? I’ll tell Old Zhang to do it. I’m the legal rep and major shareholder. I’ll see who dares stop me. Don’t hang up, listen!” The call became a three-way conference. Old Zhang’s trembling voice joined in. “Old Zhang, how much is in the account?” “Chair… Chairman… really no money. Ms. Sterling just transferred the last $200,000 to the second miss for a bag…” Richard was silent for two seconds, then exploded. “Fine! You’re all on her side, huh? Account empty? Then get a loan from the bank! The company has a $5 million credit line. Max it out now!” Old Zhang wailed on the other end. “Chairman, you can’t! That’s the last lifeline! The account is empty, if we borrow this $5 million, we can’t pay interest next month. The bank will seize assets immediately!” “This is drinking poison to quench thirst, Chairman!” “Shut up!” Richard roared. “Am I the Chairman or you? The company isn’t dead yet and you’re cursing me? The Jade Cabbage is a must, it’s my face! Loan it now or get out, no severance!” “Loan! Do it now!” Old Zhang sobbed, the sound of keyboard typing heavy. “Yes… applying now.” Listening, I had to admire Richard’s ability to self-destruct. “Dad,” I said. “Congratulations. Sterling Group’s debt ratio just broke the red line. With this $5 million loan plus previous debts, the company is insolvent.” “You know nothing!” Richard gloated. “Once my Jade Cabbage is here, the company’s luck will turn. What’s a little money! You just can’t stand seeing me spend!” “Okay,” I laughed. “Enjoy your Cabbage.” I hung up and shook my head. Sterling Group could have limped along for a few days. Now with this high-interest loan, the collapse would be twice as fast. Even God can’t save them now. Curses still echoed from the conference room. I shrugged at the shareholders and slipped away. Five years of hard work, I never even took a vacation. I bought a ticket and went straight to the airport. Money in the account, time on my hands. Feels good! After a spa treatment, I lay on a lounge chair in an island villa, slowly turning on my phone. The moment it booted, the screen exploded with missed calls. 99+. All from Richard, Leo, Snow, and a bunch of shareholders. I opened the company group chat. It was chaos. “Finance Dept Emergency: Insufficient funds, cannot pay suppliers this month!” “HR: Issue with payroll next week, please comfort staff.” “Bank just called. Credit line frozen. Next month’s loans must be repaid early or legal action follows.” “What happened? Wasn’t there money yesterday?” “Where’s Mandy? Where did the CEO go?” “CEO resigned. Find the Chairman.” “Chairman? Why isn’t he answering!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390937”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel