Category: English

Dating for seven years, my boyfriend Julian Vance never wanted to go public with me. But on Thanksgiving, he unprecedentedly sent me an invitation. Inviting me to attend his Family Gala. I was overjoyed, ran through several malls to buy a suitable door gift. But the moment I opened the gate of the Vance family villa in The Hamptons, I saw Julian lying on the belly of the woman beside him, listening to fetal movement. Surrounded by neat and tidy Vance family members. The woman saw me first, smilingly pushed away Julian’s head, came over to pull me: “Oh, came so early.” “Introduce to everyone, this is the Doula I newly found, Sarah.” … The moment Julian looked up and met my eyes, the smile froze on his face. From his shocked expression, I clearly realized, It wasn’t Julian who invited me today, but the woman beside him. Even the dress on me, exactly the same as hers, was her handiwork. The woman looked at Julian’s expression, said with interest: “Julian should recognize this Doula, right?” Julian’s hand shook, almost knocked over the tea cup at hand. This panicked and helpless look forced me to face reality, I was the “Third Party”. Even invited to home by his wife personally to be humiliated in public. “Should be a new intern in our department, not too familiar.” Julian explained awkwardly. Seven years of relationship, turns out I am just a not too familiar colleague. Julian face gloomy, scolded me angrily: “What are you doing running here?” “Usually not attentive at work, privately fawning on leaders you have a set.” “Hurry roll (get out), I don’t buy this.” Simple few sentences cleared himself clean. People present showed contempt to me one after another. “Running to others’ home on Thanksgiving, wearing same clothes as others’ wife, what heart is this.” “Don’t know if her dress is rented or tax deduction.” “This kind of cheap girl even wearing real goods looks fake.” I haven’t recovered, the woman pulled my hand gently said: “Everyone don’t say a little girl like this, Julian you are also true, why so fierce to girls.” Saying pulled me to dining table, but only let me stand with servants behind her. She held my hand sighing: “Little girl’s hand is really tender, no wonder men like.” Immediately spat a mouthful of phlegm in my palm. The disgusting sticky touch in palm couldn’t match the shame in my heart at this moment. And Julian watching all this happen didn’t say a word, Turned head to chat with his sister. His sister didn’t know when already opened the gift bag I brought, tone exaggerated: “My god, this is Dior style from several years ago right, this thing still someone buys?” “Eh, this style looks like for my mom.” “Damn, you wouldn’t really harbor thoughts of pleasing the matriarch to ascend as Vance family daughter-in-law right.” “Trouble you see clear your own identity okay.” People in the room burst into laughter. My brain completely crashed, only left dense stinging pain in heart. I fled under excuse of washing hands, but got lost in Vance family garden. While looking for exit, I received a call from Julian. Didn’t expect before I got angry, Julian scolded me first covering head covering face. “Sarah where did you find my home address? Still wear same clothes as Giselle to provoke her? You really have ability.” “I warn you, Giselle is a very kind and beautiful girl, don’t you think about hurting her, otherwise I…” “Why lie to me.” I interrupted him asking back. Julian paused, indifferent said, “I didn’t lie to you, just didn’t tell you Giselle’s existence that’s all.” “Besides, I did this wasn’t it because didn’t want make you sad?” “Afraid I sad, so hid from me having family and children with others?” Told me DINK (Double Income, No Kids), non-marriage, unwilling to publicize personal relationship, But behind my back had wife, children, family happy and harmonious. I even started doubting if he really had feelings for me in these seven years? Or just treated me as a tool for relief. “I can’t explain clear to you this person, I let your mom talk to you.” Said then hung up phone on his own. Again like this, every quarrel he would push me to my mom. Even too lazy to say one more sentence of explanation. And my mom thinks Julian is rich, as long as I don’t break up with him, she has no objection even if he beats me to death. Actually, acquaintance between me and Julian originated from an accident. That year me and brother graduated high school together, Mom for letting brother go to expensive third-tier college, Wanted me give up going to New York University (NYU). In restaurant I angry to crazy, hysterically quarreled with my mom, Finally even fainted because heart attack. Moment consciousness about to dissipate, I heard Julian’s deep voice. He told me he is professional cardiac surgeon, let me not worry, hand everything to him. In blurred consciousness, what I smelled was the extremely nice woody scent on him. During three months hospitalization, I truly knew this Dr. Vance. Wearing white coat he was both careful and professional, To elderly who don’t understand pharmacology, illiterate, he would explain patiently, To anxious, irritable patient families, he would also use simple easy understand explanation make them relieved. Often neglected at home me, fell in his care, My heartbeat accelerated again, Just, this time seemed because of heart moved. I never chased anyone, only could under guise of thanking savior, Send Thank You Cards, flowers, various novel small gifts to Julian. In the gap year after discharge, I also often found excuse go hospital find him. Even for him, applied for medical major. But Julian was dull, until colleagues around reminded him, I seemed like him, he then startled. I till now can’t forget, the day we got together, I holding health tea I boiled myself outside operating room, waited him more than ten hours, Wait him finish that most important surgery for his career, first one say congrats to him. Julian came out from operating room, saw was me squatting on ground, holding health tea slept dead. He gently picked me up, face was indescribable tenderness. “Sarah, let’s be together!” I that time excited to forget self, forgot ask him. Being with me, exactly is like, or moved. Just now think, probably moved more than like. While thinking wild thoughts, a white figure flashed in front of me, comer is Giselle. “Sorry Miss Giselle, intervening you and Julian not my original intention, when I was with Julian, didn’t know he had wife.” I said full of apology. She however light laughed, tone relaxed: “Just a foot washing maid, what I have good to care?” “You wouldn’t think I invited you today is to give you a show of strength right?” She laughed exaggeratedly: “Oh my god, you look up yourself too much.” “I just heard Julian say your business good, really wanted let you come take care of our baby.” “And I also quite curious what that hate-to-marry little fan girl in his mouth looks like.” “Just seeing today, seems also just so so.” I clenched fist, coldly interrupted her. “Oh, since like this, then I indeed have nothing good to apologize, Doula you please hire someone else.” Said I turned want go, she however called me, wrote me a $500 check. “Today’s wage, don’t let people say Mrs. Vance renege on debt, but correspondingly.” She handed over a bill. “During time you and Julian together spent are our couple joint property, now also please you return them all.” I looked at bill detailed to a bottle of water, a condom, couldn’t help bitter smile. Turns out every penny he spent on me was carefully calculated. “He sent me things, I all returned gifts of equivalent value.” “If want calculate, does he also have to return those gifts.” She contemptuously smiled: “Sure, if you can get receipts of all things.” They just certain I loved Julian, never would care about giving, more impossible keep receipts. But Julian clearly knew my family background not good, university tuition and living expenses all saved by my own part-time work. Yet deliberately used thing I care most to ridicule me, bill crumpled in hand. Giselle still continued: “Might as well tell you a fact, me and Julian knew each other after you met.” “But so what? Still not hinder I am the main wife.” “And you, even wore same clothes as me, loved same man, others also will feel you are stolen.” I angry whole body uncontrollable trembling, gritted teeth squeezed out a sentence, “Qing Dynasty fell no one notify you? Still main wife.” “Just a rotten cucumber, only you treat as treasure, I don’t want.” But panicked footsteps still betrayed me, Giselle’s arrogant voice with laughter sounded behind: “Exit is over there.” I embarrassed turned back again. But walking walking suddenly walked into a path carefully decorated. Various colors fresh flowers neatly stacked on both sides of road. Hand folded paper cranes hung full branches. Even have fireflies captured from unknown where flying in flowers. My heart uneasy, finally when walked to end of path, “Bang” a sound, fireworks exploded over my head. Julian pushing cake, behind him were Vance family members and business partners holding various gifts. Whole garden dressed up like Alice in Wonderland. Everyone saw comer is me, all stunned. Julian even more impatient said: “Why is you, why haven’t you left?” A reporter came to shoot asked, “Who is this?” Julian faintly replied: “Irrelevant person.” I embarrassed wished find a crack in ground drill in. Before I awkwardly exit, Giselle walked out from behind me. She pretended surprise: “Wow, these all prepared for me?!” Julian face just irritable now only left full tenderness: “Yes ah, happy birthday to my baby, our Vance family greatest hero!” People around smiling stepped forward send blessing, and I squeezed to side most corner. Watching such warm picture, I suddenly remembered. Start from fourth year of relationship, Julian became very cold to me, even often not return night. I thought he work busy, specially on his birthday, personally learned make cake send to hospital give him. He however because my sudden visit without advance notice exploded rage. Smashed whole cake on me said: “This is hospital, not your home.” “Celebrating a birthday want everyone cooperate you, where you come so big face ah?” “Don’t lose face here, hurry roll home for me.” But now for Giselle birthday, he not hesitate invite all business partners, invite whole city reporters. Giselle under Julian urging, face full happiness closed eyes make wish. Man lowered eyes look her bottom of eyes is unmeltable tenderness. Completely different from that high above look when looking at me. I sneered, just want silently exit garden, heard Giselle scream out. “Julian, Vance family heirloom Emerald Necklace missing!” “Today come here all own family, except…” Everyone’s sight followed Giselle gaze look at me. “This woman when came today wore same clothes as Mrs. Vance, also fawns on Mother Vance, afraid not really stole necklace delusion replace Mrs. Vance right?” “Sigh, Mrs. Vance just heart too kind, always thinking help poor students, but don’t know current little girls, you first second spend money sponsor her, she next second take money hook your husband go la.” “Tsk tsk tsk, looking quite fresh a little girl, how is this look.” My hair stood up, hurry explain: “Not, I didn’t.” Julian looked Giselle red eyes, looked again face panic me, face solemn few points. “Also possible people many eyes mixed, accidentally lost, everyone look around first?” Giselle bean big tears rolled from cheek: “Julian, you clearly know how much I treasure this heirloom necklace, how could I casually lose.” “Are you questioning me for her now?” Julian immediately panicked helpless, hugging her coaxing. Giselle not buy it, forcefully pushed him away. “I also don’t slander her, have or not, search her body then know.” Julian busy nod, cold voice called bodyguards. Next second, few bodyguards dead pressed me on ground, in front of everyone started tearing my clothes.

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Since the Miscarriage, I started to become sensible. Never urged Julian Hale to come home again, Didn’t care about him vacationing with my Bestie. Didn’t mind him being the father of my bestie’s son. Even now, I stepped on a few used Condom Wrappers in his car, Also didn’t change expression, casually threw into trash bag. Who knew Julian slammed the brakes, voice like a snapped string, “Me and Tara were intimate in the car… you just have this reaction?” I nodded, tone calm, “Feelings hard to control, I understand.” I finally became the sensible wife Julian wanted. Just he didn’t know, Those years I was most insensible, I really loved him. … Chapter 1 “Hazel, you changed.” Julian’s voice trembled a bit, “Before you wouldn’t be so indifferent.” I looked at street view flying past window, lightly responded, “That time insensible.” “Hazel, I don’t need you this sensible, you can quarrel with me like before.” I pulled mouth corner, gaze landed on my slightly crooked little finger. That was when I slapped Tara last time, pushed down by him, stepped broken by a foot. See me silent, Julian unprecedentedly promised me, “Hazel, after Christmas, I will cut clean with Tara, we start over.” A year ago if I heard such words, would definitely moved to tears. But now, I only feel funny. Car drove all way to Hale family old mansion, just entered door, I saw Tara wearing apron setting plates, just like a hostess posture. Julian instantly panicked, “I didn’t know she would be here…” “Is I invited Tara to help.” Mother-in-law glanced at me sideways, tone with thorns, “Christmas Eve, don’t insensible make joke again.” This scene, exactly same as last year. That time Tara also entered room like this, left hand holding mother-in-law, right hand holding Julian. On reunion dinner table, I poured red wine in hand on her head. In Tara’s crying sound, Julian unhesitatingly splashed a basin of hot soup to my face. I subconsciously stroked that light scar on forehead corner, suddenly smiled, “Then hard work for Tara.” Someone willing act virtuous, I happy to be free. Just turned want grab handful melon seeds, Julian however grabbed me, voice suppressed disbelief, “Hazel Vance, you just let outsider celebrate Christmas with us?” I nodded smiling, returned Julian’s words last year intact. “Tara alone bringing child not easy, big festival, can’t let them spend alone.” “She is my best friend, I no opinion.” While speaking, Tara’s son suddenly rushed over, head butted on my lower abdomen. “Bad woman! Not allowed you snatch my mom’s position!” Tara busy covered his mouth, “Child watched too much cartoons, you don’t mind.” But in her eyes, no half apology. I quietly stood, abdomen remained dull pain. This world long nothing can make me care, Except that child I forever no chance to birth. Chapter 2 Me and Julian were a pair envied by everyone in university. He remembered my every class time, when cold my thermos always warm. I knew he doing experiment no time eat, passing cafeteria always would bring ribs he loves eating. We chatted literature, also chatted macroeconomics, were lovers, more soulmates. Graduation year Hale family bankrupted by opponent snipe, Father Hale white hair overnight, forced jump building by creditors. Julian forced drop out, took over astronomical debt. When I found him, he curled in corner of rental room, wrist knife wound hideous, blood flowed a floor. Father gone, mother sick, debt like mountain crushed him, he got severe depression. I approached him, he raised knife roared let me roll. Moment blade entered my shoulder, he however suddenly awake, holding me wailing cry. Death not afraid, still afraid living? I hid from family processed drop out, accompany him carry together. Seven years, I pieced broken him back bit by bit. We set up stall, delivered food, took odd jobs, balanced accounts together in countless early mornings. Night paid off last debt, he used glass ring polished half year propose to me. Ring circle rough, but was most precious thing I wore. At wedding, he cried speechless in front of everyone, “Hazel, this life I absolutely not fail you.” After marriage, we loving sweet, only regret was no child. These years hard work overdrafted our bodies, pregnancy for us abnormally difficult. Injections, egg retrieval, failure, try again… every time out from hospital, lower abdomen hung cold pain. At this time Tara brought child find me, We knew since childhood, her father rotten gambler, mother ran with man when she very small. Parents pitied her, brought her home take care, we ate together lived together, until college entrance exam then separated. I smilingly stuffed a big red envelope to child, blame her, “When married, also not tell me, let me prepare dowry for you.” Her eyes dodged, suddenly said, “Remember junior year, I went find you? That time you guys rented a house.” I apologetic nod, “Those few days wronged you alone in rental waiting me, lab too busy, I also didn’t take you good stroll.” “One night, you didn’t come back,” She interrupted my words, voice very light, “He took me as you.” She pushed child towards me, “This is Julian Hale’s son.” I stood in place, tinnitus covered all sounds. Julian reaction after knowing back home, was fiercely gave Tara a slap, then smoked whole night on balcony. Next day, he eyes red hugged me, “Hazel, that night I drunk knew nothing, I absolutely not recognize this child.” Day Paternity Test result out, mother-in-law holding Tommy laughed can’t close mouth. Julian however only cold face, “Except Hazel’s child, others don’t think enter Hale family genealogy.” Tara cried sad, she saying these years alone bringing child not easy, if not desperate absolutely impossible come find us. Julian impatiently threw her a check, let her disappear forever. Tara picked up check left, life seemed restored original state. Julian still accompany me go hospital, considerate to me minute, hold tight my hand when injection, wipe tears for me when failed. I gradually put down knot, after all in this matter, Julian not know, and Tara also didn’t pester much. Three months later, IVF finally successful. Just when I holding prenatal checkup report, excited call Julian, across traffic flow road, I saw him. He one hand holding jumping Tommy, other hand tightly holding Tara’s waist. He lowered head, gently kissed Tara’s lips. Chapter 3 I stood in place, paper in hand gripped deep wrinkles, finger calling phone trembling. I tried hard keep voice calm, “Julian, where are you?” Voice other end phone revealed hurried, “I meeting in company, go back accompany you later.” “Check result how? Successful?” Successful, but I rather not. See me silent, Julian thought failed again, comfort me, “It’s okay Hazel, big deal we DINK, I won’t blame you.” Opposite road, Julian while calling me, while rubbed Tommy’s head, Tara smilingly snuggled in his arms. Like extreme a happy family of three. A tear smashed on back of hand, I pain to speechless, watching helpless they disappear in my sight. Trance back home, report sent by finance impressively less $10 Million. Under questioning, other side then stammering informed, “President Hale lit sky lantern for new secretary Chen auctioned $6 Million gem ring, also bought villa car.” I in study, staring financial report sat till late night. Until door lock rang, Julian pushed door in, bringing a body of chill. “Why not sleep yet?” He wanted hug me from behind, dodged by me trace less. “Angry?” He smilingly handed a bunch roses, “Meeting dragged too late, sorry.” But he forgot remove thorns on roses, also forgot I don’t like roses, rose is Tara’s favorite flower. I turned computer screen to him. His smile froze on face, but pretended calm, “Company recently invested a new project, need liquid funds.” “What project needs light sky lantern, auction 6 million ring?” Julian’s Adam’s apple rolled once, “Doing business, always need clear some connections…” “Villa and car, all for clearing connections? I then know Tara’s connection so big.” “You all knew.” Room fell into dead silence. Half晌 (while) later, Julian sighed, “Tara alone bringing Tommy live in rental, she has no job, living environment bad.” “Tommy always is my son, I can’t watch him suffer, I do this all for child.” I face cold indifferent, “So you use company money raise them?” Julian face sank, “Company is my Hale assets, is me one hand built up, I have right decide how use!” I looked at him, suddenly felt incomparable stranger. “Julian Hale, do you still remember day company registered, who paid registered capital?” He stunned. “Is me sold all dowry jewelry, plus money I saved working three jobs.” “Company first order, is me accompany client stomach bleeding exchanged.” “Most difficult time, is me mortgaged house left by grandpa then passed.” “Now you say, company is you one hand built up?” Julian face changed and changed, finally turned into a irritable anger, “Yes, you paid, but I also gave you Mrs. Hale position, this not enough?” “And Tara forever can’t get this title, what wrong I compensate her.” “Besides, yourself can’t pregnant child, could it be want my Hale family end line?” Bruise left by ovulation needle still faintly aching, I laughed out tears. Sperm deformity rate greater than 98%, is main reason I always can’t pregnant. I took off that glass ring he personally polished, smashed pieces on ground. I sued Tara, want her spit out what ate in, Bought trending online expose her, let her reputation ruined. Tara didn’t live few days good life, then beaten back original form, company also can’t stay. She used knife against throat, knelt on ground beg me, “Hazel, I won’t snatch your Mrs. Hale position, beg you let go us mother son.” She tears voice down, at moment Julian appeared, wiped neck. Force not heavy, watching however very scary. Julian rushed over fiercely gave me a slap, picked her up ran hospital. When back, he full eyes tired, “Hazel, divorce, not for Tara, for Tommy.” “You forced them roadless to go, I can only give them a title.” I coldly threw out prenatal checkup report, Law, during woman pregnancy, husband cannot divorce. Based on what, my fought all strength legitimate child once born no dad, while mistress illegitimate child can step on my skeleton enjoy life. Julian looked at ultrasound image, face floated a trace joy, no longer mention divorce. He seemed turned back to that considerate husband. Until Tara’s son pushed down from third floor by someone, First thing Tommy wake up, was identify me in front of police, “Is Auntie Hazel, pushed me downstairs.” “She said, I die, Daddy then only belong her.” Chapter 4 Company third floor surveillance artificially destroyed, Only person suspected only me. Police investigated me, finally because evidence insufficient, gave up prosecution. I used connections, asked best lawyer help me investigate truth. But Julian however determined is me, Day I came out from police station, he forcefully choked my neck, eyes ice cold. “How you bear heart hand on child! You not fit be human!” I painful gasp not up air, hard easy then broke free. That day on, Julian started whole night not home, said want redeem sin for me. I touch Tara once, he then twist break my wrist. I say a sentence truth online, he then hold press conference invert black white, accuse me is that third party. Public opinion reverse, netizens verbal criticism pen punish me, bitterly scold my shameless. Parents helped me explain, doxxed by netizens, suffered poison beat. After a live stream of Tara, parents brake line cut by someone, car accident. Pay in hospital then found, my all accounts frozen by Julian. Found him time, he doing with Tara entangled in bed, heat not scattered. “Tommy wants a sister.” He tone normal like saying weather. I whole body cold, only repeat, “My parents in hospital, need money.” “Apologize.” He buttoning shirt, eyes not lift, “Admit mistake to Tara, admit is you pushed Tommy, money immediately arrive account.” “Julian Hale, that is people you called parents three years!” “Parents?” He light laugh, “When they gave Tara eat leftovers, use as servant order, didn’t treat selves as elders.” “If not they harsh to Tara, Tara as to desperate come find us.” These all Tara rumors when live stream, Julian believed. I thought of bowls soup mother boiled for Julian, passbook father secretly stuffed him when he start business. Also thought childhood family poor, mother wore new made cotton coat on Tara body, while I wore Tara old clothes. Just when I grit teeth bow head to them, hospital notified bad news. Sky spin earth turn, Tara blocked at door, “Haven’t apologize want go? Don’t want life saving money?” I used all strength slapped her a slap. Julian returned this slap for Tara, fiercely pushed me away. Lower abdomen hit cabinet corner, severe pain accompanied warm dampness instantly spread. Julian looking full floor fresh blood, suddenly white face, crazy like picked me up rush hospital. Child not kept. When surgery light extinguished, Julian knelt bed side slap own face. I stared pale ceiling, there nothing, like that piece suddenly empty in my heart. At funeral I pain almost faint, but flow not a drop tear. Julian accompanied me a long time, didn’t meet with Tara. He tried like before chat with me, but I only quietly sitting, not speak a word. Later he stimulate me, deliberately love with Tara, I also only feel numb. I seem no longer love Julian. Lawyer at this time gave me an investigation report. I flipped material to end, fingertip ice cold, truth more shocking than I thought. Eve Hale family bankruptcy back then, biggest that sum loophole fund flow, terminal account holder is Tara’s father. Material inside also clamped a Paternity Test report.

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My husband, Cameron Miller, had a strange, specific ritual. Every time we made love, he would first take off his hearing aids. He said he needed to see my expression clearly. To watch the truth in my eyes. And then, just as he was about to come, he would always slip them back on. He said he needed to hear my voice clearly. To listen to the confession of my pleasure. For seven years, this was our nightly script. Everyone called us the perfect couple, a seven-year marriage where the passion only deepened. On the day of our seventh anniversary, I secretly took that old hearing aid to a specialist. I wanted to have an identical one custom-made—a surprise gift for him. The doctor, a kind older man, informed me. “Mrs. Miller, this old unit has a stored voice memo. Would you like me to sync it to the new device?” Before I could answer, the doctor played the recording for me right there. The sound instantly plunged me into an ice-cold horror. I recognized it immediately: The voice of The Myth he worshiped—his unattainable first love. She was trembling, breathless, whispering at the height of her passion: “Cam, I love you…” … 1. The moment I heard that voice memo, the blood in my veins seemed to turn to solid stone. The doctor was fumbling with apologies. “I am so sorry, Mrs. Miller, I didn’t realize it was a… I’ll turn it off immediately!” But the woman’s breathless moans and declaration of love were already looping in my brain, a permanent, agonizing echo. I stumbled out of the clinic, numb and disoriented. The next second, my phone vibrated. It was Cam. I swiped to answer, and his voice, that familiar blend of possessive affection and urgent concern, came through. “Alisa, where did you disappear to? I came home and didn’t see you. You scared the hell out of me.” I opened my mouth, but my throat was too dry to form a sound. He instantly noticed my silence. “Why aren’t you talking? Your voice sounds tight. Who upset you? Tell me. If the sky falls, your husband is holding it up.” The sky falling? My sky had already collapsed. And the man who pushed it over was him. “I’m fine,” It took all the strength I had to squeeze the words out. “Just running an errand. I’m heading back now.” “Running what errand? The sun is blazing out there, you’ll burn. Stay put, I’m coming to get you.” He hung up. In less than ten minutes, his car pulled up beside me. Cam rushed out, opened the passenger door, and pulled me into a fierce hug, his hand immediately checking my forehead. “No fever, but why is your face so pale? Are you feeling unwell?” He retrieved an elegant paper bag from the passenger seat, presenting it to me with a proprietary grin, like a boy showing off a prized possession. “Look, that triple-layer mousse cake you mentioned yesterday. I drove all the way to the West Side for it.” I stared at the warmth in his eyes, at the open, undeniable love and worry reflected there, and a terrible, tight knot formed in my chest. Seven years. This man had used this flawless, relentless tenderness to wrap me up in a cocoon of my own foolish, self-satisfied belief. Back at home, the dining table was a vision of celebration: flickering candlelight and a perfectly decanted bottle of Cabernet. Our seventh anniversary. The atmosphere was strangely suffocating. I couldn’t taste the food. Cam tried to speak several times, only to be shut down by my cold, rigid expression. After dinner, he came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. His warm breath tickled my ear. “Alisa, did I mess up? Did I do something to make you angry?” I remained silent. He sighed, turned me around, cupped my face, and kissed my forehead. “If you’re unhappy, I’ll clear my schedule tomorrow. We can fly to the coast and relax, just the two of us. How does that sound?” “You know, in my heart, nothing is more important than you.” Looking into his earnest eyes, I felt a flicker of doubt. My resolve was wavering. Sensing the shift, Cam walked to the bedside table and picked up the old hearing aid. Just like he had on over two thousand nights before. As he was about to put it in, I grabbed his hand abruptly. “Cam,” I forced a smile, looking him straight in the eye. “That thing is so old, it’s about to break down. Let’s get you the new version I ordered, okay? Let me just throw this old one out.” Cam’s movement froze. The gentle smile on his face wavered, then solidified into an expressionless mask. He quickly recovered, smoothly withdrawing his hand. His tone was firm but soothing. “Why the sudden change? It’s been this way for seven years, Alisa.” He held the hearing aid, stroking it as if it were a rare, priceless artifact. “You don’t understand, Alisa. This isn’t just a piece of technology. It’s been with us since the beginning, since that awful rental apartment. It’s a testament to everything we’ve built.” A testament? A testament to seven years of lies and manipulation? A sudden, white-hot fury flared up inside me. I snatched the device from his grasp. “I am the person who stood by you! Cam, your focus should be on me, not on a cold, inanimate machine!” “I said, I’m throwing it away!” Clutching the hearing aid, I spun around, heading for the trash bin. “Don’t you dare!” Cam’s face completely darkened. For the first time, those eyes that were always filled with soft affection now held a sharp, terrifying intensity. He lunged forward, grabbing the hearing aid out of my hand. He clenched it tightly in his palm, guarding it like a sacred, irreplaceable treasure. His voice was a low, unprecedented warning, edged with ice. “Alisa Wells. Do not touch that again!” Then, without so much as a glance at me, he spun on his heel and strode out of the bedroom, slamming the door shut with a violent BANG. I stumbled backward from the force of his exit, collapsing onto the floor. I sat there, staring at the closed door, cold to the bone. In seven years, this was a first. He had left me alone. 2. Cam never came back that night. The next morning, I came downstairs, my eyes raw and swollen, only to find him in the kitchen, apron tied around his waist, busy making breakfast. He heard me and immediately turned, a cajoling smile on his face, though the dark circles under his eyes betrayed his sleepless night. “Alisa, you’re up? Come eat.” He walked over to me, carefully took my hand, and his voice was the familiar, comforting tone of a loving husband. “I was an ass yesterday. I shouldn’t have yelled about the hearing aid. It just… it holds so many memories of when we had nothing. I was overly sensitive. Please, don’t be mad at me, okay?” He lowered his head and pressed a light kiss to the back of my hand. “You know I can’t function without you.” Looking at his sincere, slightly exhausted eyes, I almost allowed myself to believe that the previous night had simply been a terrible nightmare. My heart, shamefully, softened. What if the recording was truly just a misunderstanding? The idea, once planted, grew frantically. We had spent seven years together, climbing from a cramped rental to the top of a publicly traded company. We’d weathered real storms. What could a misunderstanding be that we couldn’t talk through? I took a deep breath, deciding to break the awful stalemate. He was looking at me, his eyes pleading. “Alisa, I messed up. Please talk to me.” I nodded. “I’ll bring you lunch at the office today.” Cam’s eyes instantly lit up, as if he’d been granted a full pardon. “Perfect! I’ll finish up my morning meetings and wait for you. What do you want? I’ll have my assistant pre-order something.” “Don’t bother. I’ll make it.” That afternoon, carrying a stainless steel thermos, I walked into Cameron’s company for the first time. He always insisted that corporate life was too stressful and messy, and he wanted me to remain a worry-free princess. The receptionist was surprised to see me, but politely led me toward the CEO’s suite. The door wasn’t fully closed. As I was about to push it open, a melodic, overtly flirtatious female voice floated out. “Cam, the Q2 earnings report looks sketchy. Why don’t you come look at it over here?” This was followed by Cam’s voice, a familiar tone of exasperated indulgence. “You’re just too lazy to use your own brain, Teresa.” I pushed the door open, freezing in the doorway. The woman was a dazzling, striking beauty—a stark, vibrant contrast to my own quiet elegance. But I recognized her instantly. Teresa Sabrina. That face—the one I’d only seen on the old campus forums seven years ago, the one universally revered as the Art Department’s untouchable goddess. She was draped across Cam, practically sitting in his lap. They were bent close, heads nearly touching, intimately reviewing the same document. Hearing the door, Cam reflexively looked up, and his face instantly drained of color. He tried to pull away from Teresa, but she tightened her grip on his arm, leaning even closer, her full chest intentionally brushing against his bicep. She raised her head, giving me a slow, assessing look, her eyes holding a glint of genuine contempt. “Well, hello there. You must be Mrs. Miller. I thought you were the catering staff.” She laughed, a bright, brittle sound. “Cam is hard of hearing, you know. I have to be close so he can follow. You don’t mind, do you?” I ignored her, my eyes locked on Cam, waiting for his reaction. I waited for him to shove her away, to step in front of me and shield me, to offer the quick, practiced explanation I was used to. But he just stood there, frozen. His gaze was shifty, his face a miserable portrait of guilt and helplessness. “Alisa, please don’t misunderstand. Teresa is our new financial consultant. We were just… going over work.” Going over work? Did their “work” involve being intimately wrapped around each other? A sudden buzz filled my head. Everything fractured. The whispered gossip from college, the judging eyes, they all flooded back. “Did you hear? Campus King Cameron Miller is dating Alisa Wells now.” “Everyone knows he loves Teresa Sabrina. Alisa is just a rebound, a desperate fallback.” “Teresa didn’t want the poor guy back then, so Alisa got the sloppy seconds.” The thermos clattered from my hand, the noise swallowed by the thick carpet. Hot soup splashed across the floor. I didn’t say a word. I turned and walked out. And again, just like the night before, Cameron did not follow me. 3. I don’t know how I made it back to the house. It wasn’t until well after dark that Cam finally returned. He tiptoed into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. He smelled of Scotch and a faint, cloying scent of another woman’s perfume. Teresa’s scent. He reached out to hold me, but I pulled away. In the dark, he sighed, his voice low and placating. “Alisa, don’t be like this. Teresa just got back from overseas. She’s naive, she doesn’t know corporate protocol. I was just taking care of her a little extra.” “We’ve been together for seven years. Do you really not trust me?” He wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me tight against his body. “Okay, stop being upset. I promise you, I’ll keep my distance from her. It’s over, okay?” His embrace, once my most cherished sanctuary, now felt like a cold, suffocating cage. I didn’t struggle. I let him hold me, trying to absorb the illusion of warmth. His kisses became frantic, scattered along my neck, and his hands began to wander beneath my silk pajamas. Everything was exactly as it had been for the past seven years. In the heat of the moment, his breathing grew ragged, and his hand instinctively reached for the bedside table. That action—that unconscious reflex—was the final, crushing weight that broke the fragile dam of my suppressed anger and humiliation. The instant he picked up that old hearing aid, ready to put it on, I lunged and sat bolt upright. “Cameron Miller!” My voice was sharp, a hysterical tremor that didn’t sound like my own. “In your mind, do I even measure up to a strand of her hair?!” My reaction startled him. He froze, the hearing aid half-raised to his ear. “Tell me! These seven years—was I nothing but her replacement? Her stand-in?” He opened his mouth, perhaps to lie, but the look of genuine shock, mixed with undeniable guilt, was all the answer I needed. The last thread of my sanity snapped. I ripped the hearing aid from his grip, raised my hand, and brought it down with every ounce of force I possessed! CRACK! The device he treated as a sacred relic shattered into a dozen irreparable fragments on the hardwood floor. Cam’s eyes flew wide open, staring at the destruction in pure disbelief. He threw himself onto the floor, scrambling on his hands and knees, frantically trying to piece the shards back together. His fingers were sliced by the sharp edges, tiny beads of blood welling up. He looked up at me, his eyes bloodshot, glaring. “Alisa! Have you lost your mind?!” He roared, his voice distorted by fury. “Haven’t I been good enough for you for seven years?! I treated you like a damn princess! Do you know the hell I went through building this company? The discrimination I faced?!” He rose to his feet, stepping closer, his eyes cold and sharp as knives. “We could have coasted through this life! We could have acted happy forever! But you just had to go after Teresa! You just had to force me to say the words!” He gritted his teeth, pushing the words out through a narrow opening. “Fine! You want the truth? I’ll give it to you! Yes! I never got over her!” He turned, ready to slam the door on me again. As his hand closed around the doorknob, I used the last of my strength to ask the question that had suffocated me for seven years. “If you love her, why did you marry me?” Cam’s footsteps halted. He didn’t turn around, but the sentence he left hanging in the air was enough to cast me into eternal darkness. “Because I didn’t want her to suffer.” The door crashed shut. I started to laugh, a horrible sound that quickly dissolved into blinding tears. He didn’t want her to suffer? Teresa Sabrina was a society heiress. And what was I? To be with him, I had cut ties with my family, giving up everything that was easily handed to me. He didn’t know that when clients made him drink himself sick, I was the one who went in his place, downing hard liquor until my stomach bled, just to secure that contract. He didn’t know that when he crossed the wrong people in the city and was blacklisted, I went and knelt at the feet of my ex-fiancé, licking the dirt off his bespoke shoes, just to buy Cam a sliver of hope. I was willing to suffer for him, so he wouldn’t have to. And he? He didn’t want her to suffer. Therefore, all the suffering was reserved for me. The irony was blinding. 4. Cam returned the next morning. He came bearing an unprecedented avalanche of material compensation, as if to apologize for his brutal loss of control. A stack of documents lay before me: the deed to the city’s newest luxury high-rise property, and an official transfer of 49% of his company’s shares to my name. His face was contrite. “Alisa, I was a bastard yesterday. I said terrible things. The hearing aid… it’s just a thing. Forget about it.” He produced a velvet box from behind his back, opening it before me. Inside lay a massive pink diamond, perfectly cut, its fire dazzling. “We were broke when we got married, and all I had was a soda can tab to propose with. I swore I’d give you the world’s best one day.” He slipped the colossal pink diamond ring onto my finger, gripping my hand tightly. “Tonight, after the company’s IPO launch party, I’m going to give you the most spectacular wedding the city has ever seen. What do you say?” I looked up at him and gave him the most brilliant, radiant smile I could muster. “Yes.” That night, the IPO launch party was the talk of the town, streamed live on every major platform. Every significant figure in the city was there. In the glittering ballroom, Cam, in his bespoke tuxedo, moved with the confident swagger of a man on top of the world. He was, without a doubt, the centerpiece of the evening. Meanwhile, escorted by my closest friend, Brooke, I was in a black town car, speeding toward the airport. The car’s screen was tuned to the live broadcast of the gala. The camera focused on Cam—handsome, assured, fielding one interview after another. He was running the show, so wrapped up in the glory that he hadn’t even noticed his co-star, the woman he was about to propose to, was gone. Finally, the event reached its crescendo. Cam walked onto the main stage, standing under the spotlight, facing thousands of guests and the national audience. He took the microphone, his voice ringing clearly across the venue. “Tonight, standing here, there is one person I need to thank. Without her, there would be no Cameron Miller today.” “Seven years ago, I owed her a ceremony. Tonight, I intend to give it to her, in front of the entire world.” In the car, Brooke excitedly grabbed my arm. “The jerk finally grew a conscience! He’s about to profess his love to you in front of the world!” Before she could finish, Cam’s heartfelt voice sounded again. “Teresa Sabrina, thank you.” My heart stopped beating. “Thank you for the push, the motivation, that drove me here today. Everything I owed you from the past, I will repay in double, starting tonight.” “I’m going to give you the most beautiful thing in the world.” The entire hall erupted in a thunderous applause and cheering. Teresa Sabrina, wearing a pristine white gown, looking like a sanctified princess, walked onto the stage, surrounded by adoring guests. Cam pulled a different velvet box from his pocket and dropped to one knee. Inside the box was a teardrop-cut Ocean Heart Sapphire ring. I looked at that sapphire, then at the massive pink diamond on my own finger, and I laughed. Years ago, when we were poor, we saw them at an auction preview. The pink diamond was the most expensive, most obvious piece. The Ocean Heart Sapphire was a global one-of-a-kind, unique and impossible to attain. I slowly pulled the immensely valuable pink diamond from my finger, rolled down the window, and tossed it into the night without a second thought. Almost simultaneously on the live feed, a uniformed staff member rushed onto the stage and handed Cam a beautifully wrapped gift box. Cam, eyes full of tearful gratitude, thinking it was Teresa’s returning gesture, took the box and opened it in front of the crowd. Inside, resting on the velvet lining, was an old, identical model of the hearing aid I had just smashed. He smiled, his eyes softening with that familiar, possessive affection. He picked it up, put it on with practiced ease, and looked at Teresa with smoldering affection. “You little minx. You remembered this. What secret message did you record for me this time?” The smile was wiped clean from his face in the next second. As he registered the recording, his expression froze, instantly replaced by a look of profound horror and terror. He shoved Teresa aside and scrambled to the edge of the stage, screaming into the microphone, his voice raw and desperate. “Alisa! Where is my wife! Where is Alisa Wells!” “Turn this city upside down! Find her for me!”

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1 My daughter was a jinx. Her first word was “Die.” No one thought much of it, but the next day her grandfather was hit by a truck and killed. When she started preschool, her second sentence was, “The snow by the door is red.” My mother-in-law went downstairs and was struck by a falling flowerpot—her head split open, blood pooling on the ground and staining the snow crimson. Grief-stricken, my husband wanted to get rid of her. Then she said, “Daddy, watch out for the car.” Terrified, he barely left the house. But he slipped on a toy car, fell, and suffered a cerebral hemorrhage—he died instantly. I begged her to stop cursing us. She looked cold and guiltless. “Mommy,” she said flatly, “stay away from the fire.” On New Year’s Eve, I climbed to the roof. I didn’t want to burn—I chose my own end. As I jumped, fireworks exploded below, engulfing me in sparks. I died instantly, amid screams. My daughter watched blankly from the roof. Even in death, I couldn’t understand why she cursed us all. Then I woke up—back to the day she first learned to speak. This time, I’d finally know what her cursed words really meant. … My eyes fluttered open to see my one-year-old daughter pointing a chubby finger at my father-in-law, her baby voice clear and chilling. “Die.” At first, no one reacted. Her grandfather was still tickling her chin playfully. “What’s my little Nora saying, huh? Say ‘Grandpa,’ and Grandpa will give you a big surprise!” But Nora’s little face was a cold mask. She repeated the word. “Die.” A wave of fear and anger washed over me. I clamped my hand over her mouth. “Don’t you ever say that word! How could you wish for Grandpa to die?” Nora struggled against my hand, her face turning red as she began to wail. My father-in-law rushed to intervene. “She’s just learning to talk, Anna! Why are you getting so worked up?” I bit my lip, my body trembling uncontrollably. “Dad, she’s cursing you!” He stared at me for a moment, then burst out laughing. “What are you talking about? She’s a baby. She doesn’t even know what ‘die’ means.” I didn’t know how to explain it. All I could do was plead with him to be careful when he went out. “Especially watch out for traffic,” I begged. He agreed, but I could tell he wasn’t taking me seriously. I told my husband, Mark, the same thing. He just laughed and said I was overreacting. He looked at Nora with adoration. “She’s my lucky star, Anna, not some jinx.” Then his expression softened with concern. “Are you sure you’re not suffering from postpartum anxiety? Maybe you should take a break. Let my parents watch Nora for a while.” A jolt of panic shot through me. I shook my head violently. No. What if she cursed someone else when I wasn’t looking? But a small, hopeful part of me wondered if maybe, just maybe, everything before had been a string of horrible coincidences. I kept my father-in-law at home for the next few days. I even gathered up all the toy cars and locked them away, terrified of a repeat of what happened to Mark. After a few days of being cooped up, my father-in-law couldn’t stand it anymore. “I’m just going down to the community garden for some fresh air. Don’t fuss over me!” I pleaded with him again and again not to go anywhere near the road. But the accident happened anyway. 2 He missed a step on the way down the stairs. He tumbled, rolling all the way to the bottom, and his head landed squarely on a nail sticking out of a floorboard. He died instantly. When the paramedics arrived, they just told us to call the funeral home. My mother-in-law knelt beside him, her cries echoing in the stairwell. “How could you leave me so soon? What am I going to do without you?” But her kind, gentle husband would never answer her again. Mark rushed home from work, his eyes immediately turning red. But he held himself together, calmly calling relatives to make arrangements for the funeral. I held Nora in my arms, guilt and self-loathing threatening to drown me. But my daughter just looked on with wide, innocent eyes, as if nothing had happened. I gently turned her face towards mine. “Nora, tell Mommy. Why did you say that word? Please?” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Why did you have to curse Grandpa?” She couldn’t answer. The pressure of my fingers on her cheeks made her uncomfortable, and she burst into tears. Hearing her cries, Mark hurried over and took her from me. He frowned, his eyes filled with reproach. “It was an accident, Anna. It has nothing to do with Nora!” My own tears started to fall. I wished more than anything that he was right. But my father-in-law was dead. That was real. From that day on, I stopped speaking to Nora. I forbade anyone else from speaking to her, too. Mark thought I was losing my mind. My mother-in-law would hold Nora close and scold me. “Anna, your father-in-law’s death was a tragic accident. You can’t blame a child for it.” Nora would just play with her rattle, offering me a sweet, innocent smile. And every time she did, a chill would run down my spine. I didn’t know how to stop her curse, so I just tried to warn my family, over and over again. Years passed in uneasy peace. I had almost managed to forget about the curse. Until one day, Nora was watching TV and spoke her second sentence. “The snow by the door is red.” My heart hammered against my ribs. I bolted downstairs and swept the front entrance clean of every last flake of snow. There, I thought, panting. Let’s see the curse come true now. Then my phone rang. It was Mark, his voice choked with sobs. “Anna! Get to the entrance of the complex, quick! It’s Mom… something’s happened to Mom!” My hands trembling, I locked Nora inside the apartment. When I sprinted to the entrance, I found my mother-in-law lying on the ground, covered in blood. A bag of salt she’d bought had burst open, the white crystals scattered around her, glittering in the sun like freshly fallen snow… Nora’s curse had come true again. She had been killed by a car that ran a red light. I couldn’t even hear the driver’s apologies over the roaring in my ears. I couldn’t let her do this anymore. I clutched the object in my pocket and turned back towards home. 3 Nora was sitting like a little wooden doll, staring at the TV. When I called her name, she turned her head with a stiff, robotic motion. “Grandma is dead,” I said, my voice shaking. “Don’t you have anything to say?” She just shook her head. No tears, no emotion. My heart turned to ice. My mother-in-law had raised her, loved her, and now that she was dead, this child felt nothing. I grabbed her by the shoulders, my anger boiling over. “What do you want from us? Did our family wrong you in a past life?” I screamed. “Why do you have to curse your own family?” Her lower lip trembled, and she started to wail. “Mommy, you’re hurting me!” I froze and let go. In that moment, she seemed human again. For a second, I had truly believed she was a demon sent to destroy us. “Nora,” I pleaded, my voice soft now. “Promise me you’ll never, ever curse our family again. Please?” But her eyes drifted past me, towards the door. Mark had just returned from the funeral home, his face pale and drawn. Nora spoke again. “Daddy, you need to watch out for the car, too.” For a second, I was stunned. Then, pure rage consumed me. I slapped her across the face. “Why are you doing this? Do you want to kill your father and me?” She had never been hit before. She clutched her cheek and howled. Mark was horrified. He scooped her into his arms and roared at me. “Anna, can’t you just give it a rest? She’s a child! What could she possibly do? If you had been a little more considerate of Mom, she wouldn’t have had to go out for groceries in a snowstorm in the first place!” His words were a punch to the gut. “Fine,” I choked out. “If you don’t believe me, then don’t.” Mark grabbed a few things and headed out to his car, intending to go buy a burial plot. The moment he walked out to the parking garage, I was filled with regret. His parents were gone. I couldn’t lose him, too. He must have still been angry, because he didn’t answer my calls. I must have called him thirty times before he finally picked up. His voice was a terrified gasp. “Anna, you were right! Nora… she’s a jinx! My brakes failed! Help me!” By the time I got to him and rushed him to the hospital, the doctors told me they had to amputate his legs to save his life. I agreed without a second’s hesitation. As long as he was alive, that was all that mattered. But when Nora saw her father lying in the hospital bed, her face was still a blank slate. Her indifference was so complete that even Mark’s heart grew cold. I seethed with resentment. This child was selfish, only ever crying for herself. I secretly took her to a child psychologist. The doctor said there was nothing wrong with her, and just advised us to limit our interactions with her. If even a doctor couldn’t find what was wrong, my mind turned to more esoteric solutions. But every mystic or spiritualist I took her to see turned pale at the sight of her and said they couldn’t help. After long and agonizing deliberation, I decided to put the substance into my daughter’s cup of water. That night, Nora’s agonizing screams echoed from her room. 4 I listened from the room next door, tears of anguish streaming down my face. But I knew I had to do it. Otherwise, the next person to die would be me. The next morning, I opened her door. The walls were covered in scratches. She was huddled in a corner like a feral animal, clawing at her own throat, her eyes bloodshot and filled with a burning hatred for me. I wept as I held her. “Forgive me, Nora. Mommy didn’t want to do this.” After I gave her the concoction, my daughter became a mute. Our happy family was shattered. But it was better than the alternative, where everyone ended up dead. I threw myself into my work, trying my best to take care of my broken family. But ever since Mark became disabled, his personality had twisted into something bitter and cruel. I’d come home from a long day at work to his sullen face. If my cooking wasn’t to his liking, he’d throw his chopsticks across the table. One night, he looked at me and said, “Anna, let’s get a divorce.” I was stunned. I frantically asked what I had done wrong. He pointed a shaking finger from me to Nora. “If it weren’t for you two, my parents would still be alive, and I wouldn’t be a useless cripple!” I was consumed with guilt. I begged him not to leave us. I pulled Nora over, trying to make her apologize with me. But she ripped her hand from mine and ran back to her room. I clung to him, sobbing. “You’re all I have left. Please, don’t leave us.” Mark was silent for a long time. Then he wrapped his arms around me, his voice a low, pained growl. “Why? What did we ever do to deserve her?” I didn’t know why Nora would curse us. What had we done wrong? Nora treated us like her mortal enemies. But I had forgotten one crucial thing. She couldn’t speak, but she could still write. While cleaning her room one day, I found her diary. On one of the pages, she had written: ‘Mommy, Daddy, stay away from the fire. Be careful not to get burned to death!’

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I was the golden girl of Manhattan General, a thoracic surgeon with hands insured for millions and a reputation that spanned the East Coast. Then came the fall. Accidental exposure to HIV. A source that couldn’t be traced. The board fired me to save face, and the whispers followed me home—my own family looking at me with thinly veiled disgust, convinced my “lifestyle” was to blame. Through it all, Bennett Cole played the saint. My childhood sweetheart, the man who walked out of the light to stand by my side. We lived a life of polite, distant civility until the virus finally took me. It wasn’t until my soul was hovering over my own funeral that the truth shattered me. I watched Kylie Winters, Bennett’s tearful junior protégé, collapse into his arms by my grave. “Bennett, it’s all my fault,” she sobbed, clutching his lapels. “If I hadn’t hidden that patient’s HIV status… Jordan wouldn’t be dead.” “I just wanted him to be saved,” she wailed, playing the martyr. “If everyone knew he was positive, no one would have operated on him.” Bennett didn’t push her away. He stroked her hair, his voice sickeningly tender. “You have too much heart, Kylie. I’ve already atoned for you. You don’t need to blame yourself anymore.” A jagged, white-hot pain tore through my consciousness. I gasped, my eyes flying open. I was blinded by the harsh, sterile glare of hospital fluorescents, tears streaming down my face. I wasn’t dead. I was back. I had returned to the day of the exposure. The day of the surgery. “Dr. Calloway? Still napping?” The voice was chirpy, grating. Kylie Winters walked toward me, a blue medical file in her hand. 1 Bennett and I were the power couple of Manhattan General’s surgical wing. Kylie was his shadow—a junior resident he’d brought in three months ago to assist with anesthesia in General Surgery. Looking at her now, a wave of nausea rolled through me. The image of her face buried in Bennett’s coat at my funeral was burned into my retinas. I took the file she offered. My voice came out colder than the AC venting above us. “This patient. Any hidden history? Did we run the full preoperative viral panel?” Kylie’s eyes darted away for a fraction of a second. “Dr. Calloway, of course. We always screen. The report is right there in your hand. Why are you asking?” I remembered this moment. I remembered the fake report sitting in my drawer in that other life. A hollow laugh bubbled in my throat. “I seem to have misplaced that specific lab report,” I lied, my gaze locking onto hers. “Have him tested again. Stat. Just in case.” The color drained from Kylie’s face. Her voice pitched up, trembling with defensive energy. “Dr. Calloway, are you serious? The OR is booked. We’re close to the incision time. Running a new panel now will delay everything!” My patience for incompetence—and treachery—had evaporated. “It’s a routine cholecystectomy, Kylie. A gallbladder removal. A few hours won’t kill him. Are you the attending surgeon, or am I? Why are you so nervous?” In my past life, I had just come off an eight-hour marathon surgery. My herniated disc was screaming. I was exhausted, defenses down. I had powered through this surgery on autopilot. When the blood splattered into my eye, it was already too late. I had checked the report afterward, just to be safe, but it was a forgery. It made me miss the window for PEP—post-exposure prophylaxis. Now, Kylie stood frozen in the center of the office, vibrating with anxiety. “Why are you still standing there?” I snapped. “Go. You said the surgery was urgent, didn’t you? The sooner you get the blood draw, the sooner we cut.” Kylie dropped her head, big, performative tears splashing onto the linoleum. Before I could dress her down, Bennett walked in, fresh from rounds. “What’s going on? Kylie, why are you crying?” His tone was sharp, his eyes landing on me with a familiar, weary judgment. “Dr. Cole… Dr. Calloway wants to delay the surgery to run labs we already did,” Kylie whimpered. “How am I supposed to explain this to the family?” Bennett wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. The tenderness in his eyes was nauseating. In my last life, I thought they were just close colleagues. I thought my unrequited love for Bennett was a tragic romance. It was a farce. I expected Bennett to defend her. Instead, he surprised me. He sided with the protocol. “It’s fine, Kylie. The surgery isn’t life-threatening. If Jordan wants to be safe, let her be safe. Go tell the lab.” 2 I was stunned. Did he not know? Was I the only one who remembered the future? Less than an hour later, Bennett returned. He handed me a report. I scanned it, and my blood ran cold. Negative. The report said the patient was clean. No HIV. I gripped the paper until it crinkled. Impossible. My memory was vivid—the diagnosis, the decline, the funeral. Was it a hallucination? A nightmare? No. The pain in my lower back was too real. The hatred in my gut was too solid. “Jordan, are you happy now? Can we operate?” Bennett’s voice was laced with impatience. “The patient is waiting. Show some professional ethics. I know you get paranoid, but this is a job.” I looked up at him. I saw the annoyance in his brow, the slight curl of his lip. I took a deep breath, centering myself. “Actually, my back is seizing up. My disc is flaring badly,” I said, testing the waters. “Why don’t you take this one, Bennett? You don’t have a slot this afternoon, right, Mr. Vice-Chief?” I threw his title at him like a dart. We had grown up together, attended the same med school. I was the natural talent, the one our mentor, Dr. Keane, handpicked. Bennett was the luggage—brought along because Dr. Keane had a soft spot for me. Everyone called us the “Golden Pair.” I believed it. When the hospital board was deciding on the Vice-Chief position, Bennett had looked at me with those puppy-dog eyes in the stairwell. “Jordan,” he’d said, looking defeated. “I feel like I’m always running behind you. I’m just your shadow. If you take this promotion… I’ll be the joke of the department again. Do you think I’m useless, too?” I had been a fool. I told him he was the hardest worker I knew. I stepped aside. I let him have the title. Now, hearing me ask him to take the surgery, Bennett’s face turned an ugly shade of gray. “Jordan, are you joking? You’re handing your patient to me?” His reaction confirmed it. He knew. He absolutely knew the patient was HIV positive. Bennett was a competent surgeon. For a minor procedure like this, stepping in for a colleague was standard. He used to volunteer to take my shifts to look like a hero. “I seem to recall you begging to take my cases before,” I said coolly. “Was that just talk?” “I… I…” He stammered, unable to form a coherent excuse. Kylie jumped in, the loyal attack dog. “Jordan, that is too much! Where are your ethics? Why should Dr. Cole clean up your mess? You can’t just bully him because you grew up together!” “If something goes wrong, what happens to Dr. Cole?” She was shouting now, unaware she was tipping her hand. I raised an eyebrow. “Dr. Cole has done hundreds of cholecystectomies. What could possibly go wrong?” Kylie realized her slip and pivoted. “If you don’t scrub in right now, I’m reporting you to the Chief and the family!” Bennett stepped in front of her, shielding her. “Jordan, stop being unreasonable. The family is furious. The patient has been NPO—fasting—for six hours, and you’ve wasted another hour on this wild goose chase. Do you want to destroy the hospital’s reputation?” 3 A crowd of nurses and patients had gathered in the hallway. The spectacle was public now. I had to do the surgery. And honestly, I wasn’t going to let anyone else touch it. I couldn’t legally refuse treatment. And if I didn’t catch them in the act, how would I ever nail these two to the wall? “Fine. I’ll do it,” I said, my voice cutting through the noise. “But on one condition. Kylie is my first assist.” “No!” Bennett barked immediately. Behind him, Kylie actually trembled. “Why not?” I asked, feigning innocence. “You brought her into this department to learn from me, didn’t you? She’s been a glorified anesthesia tech for months. Time to get her hands dirty.” Bennett had dumped her on me initially, claiming he was too busy to mentor her. It was a brilliant move—he looked generous, got free time, and I did the work. “She’s not experienced enough. You…” Bennett started. “She’s my assistant. My OR, my rules,” I interrupted. “We all learned by doing. Unless her degree is just a piece of paper?” I hardened my gaze. “If she doesn’t scrub in today, she doesn’t scrub in ever. I won’t sign off on her residency.” It was her final month. Without my signature, she was finished. Kylie’s eyes hardened. She grit her teeth. “I’ll do it.” “But…” Bennett tried again. “No ‘buts’, Bennett. Don’t worry about me,” Kylie said, putting on a brave face. “Dr. Calloway is the star of the department, right? She says it’s a routine surgery. I’m sure she’s right.” Bennett looked at her, then at me. His eyes held a look I recognized but had never understood until this lifetime. Insecurity. Deep, rotting insecurity. I was Jordan Calloway. Prodigy. Success story. Insecurity was a language I didn’t speak. In the locker room, I suited up for war. Double gloves, face shield, protective eyewear, waterproof gown. Full barrier precautions. When I walked out, I locked eyes with Kylie, who was also wrapped up like she was entering a biohazard zone. “Why the hazmat suit, Kylie?” I asked. “You’re just assisting. Heavy gear will slow your reflexes.” Dani, my usual anesthesiologist and actual friend, frowned at Kylie. “Yeah, what’s with the getup?” Dani had insisted on being in the room, despite me trying to keep her out of the line of fire. She didn’t trust Kylie. I heard Kylie mutter under her breath as she adjusted her mask. “Who knows what kind of dirty diseases people have.” I almost laughed. The irony was rich. Not the time for your savior complex now, is it? The surgery began. The tension was palpable. Every time Kylie handed me an instrument, she recoiled, standing as far back as physically possible. “Who hired this girl?” a scrub nurse whispered. “Did she skip the sterile field training?” “Bennett’s pet project,” another murmured. “I heard she barely graduated. Flunked half her classes.” I tuned them out. Without the verified blood test, only I knew the truth: the blood inside this man was a loaded gun. One slip, and I was dead. Again. “Retractor,” I ordered. Nothing happened. “Retractor! Wake up!” Kylie jumped, realizing the whispers were about her. She grabbed the retractor with visible resentment and jammed it into the incision site. She pulled back hard—too hard, too fast. Blood spurted. Several drops hit my face shield, right over my eyes. I froze for a microsecond, staring at the red smear on the plastic. Thank God for the goggles. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Then, Dani screamed from the head of the table.

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On New Year’s Eve, at the selection performance for the Principal Dancer of the ballet company. Gavin’s junior sister once again, in front of everyone, ripped off the wig on my head. She smiled with feigned surprise, “Oops, what a big shiny egg! Sister-in-law why did you shave your head bald!” The surroundings erupted with earth-shaking laughter, my sure-win Principal position thoroughly ruined. I didn’t slap her. Also didn’t blame Gavin why he lied to me that I had cancer, lied to me to shave my head with him. Just calmly left the venue, but Gavin impatiently chased out and grabbed my wrist. “Scarlett was just joking with you, can you not be so petty?” I loosened his shackles, smiled understandingly. “I’m not angry, the little girl is indeed quite interesting.” Finished, I calmly left without looking back. In my previous life, after the performance was ruined, I made a big scene and proposed divorce to him. But on the day of divorce, my son was diagnosed with acute Leukemia. I cried begging him to use connections to find a match, but was deemed by him as pretending to be pitiful, after a contemptuous mockery, was driven out. In this life, I no longer ask for his sincere heart, only ask that my son can enjoy the resources he deserves, safe for a lifetime. … Chapter 1 I was just about to call an Uber to leave, but Gavin unexpectedly chased up again to explain. “You also know the little girl has no bad intentions, at most just wants to play a joke with you.” I practiced dance since childhood, more than twenty years of persistence, he clearly knew before I treated dance more important than life. Now he wants to cover it with a light joke. “So many times before, didn’t you all endure it? Anyway not difference this time…” Turns out he also knew I suffered many grievances before. Last time was Scarlett joking poured a big bucket of ice water into my collar, time before last was she locked me in a sub-zero ice room… I took a deep breath, still smiled understandingly, “I really am not angry.” His face however suddenly became gloomy. “Pretending generous? Audrey you are really capable now, what new trick is this?” He still wanted to say something more, when Scarlett came. She hid behind him, naughtily stuck out her tongue at me, “Oops, Sister-in-law, I just let Senior Brother play a joke on you, you wouldn’t be so small-minded right?” I haven’t opened my mouth, Gavin frowned and interrupted. “What is there for her to be angry about, but you, running out from the venue are you cold?” He took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, also took off his scarf and tied it for her in a flurry. Scarlett smiled provocatively at me. “Sister-in-law you don’t mind ha, we were like this when in school, Senior Brother always takes care of me like a little girl.” Numb heart felt a burst of dull pain. How ridiculous, the little girl who never grows up in Gavin’s eyes, in reality is even one year older than me. My look of not fighting not grabbing, suddenly made Gavin’s heart tighten. He frowned, “Okay, let Scarlett apologize to you, this matter counts as thoroughly passed.” Scarlett’s proud smiling face froze, glared at me fiercely. “Sorry! Is that enough!” She quickly wiped a tear, ran out crying. Her aggrieved expression overlapped with previous life, making my heart shake. Previous life after I slapped her on the spot, she just ran out like this. After that I was divorced with nothing, my son’s pale little face when he died tragically is still vivid in my mind. I hurriedly spoke: “I really am not angry, but the little girl looks unhappy, won’t you go coax her?” Gavin indeed hesitated. “Okay, then you go home with son first and wait for me.” Clearly expected, watching his figure not looking back, heart tip still felt like pricked by a needle. Both sour and astringent, is feeling unworthy for the blind self in previous life. Back home, son carefully glanced behind me. “Mom, is Dad not coming back again?” Heart felt like soaked in water-logged cotton, stifled so throat couldn’t squeeze out a sentence. Since Scarlett brought her son born out of wedlock back to the country, time Gavin came home became shorter and shorter. I already can’t remember, when was the last time he read storybook with son. Son sensibly smiled at me, “It’s okay, later I have Mom is enough.” Heart bottom suddenly softened into a ball, took out the medical report from bag, I sighed in relief. After rebirth, I took son for checkup. Luckily in this life it’s only early stage. In this life I no longer ask for Gavin’s sincere heart. Only ask him to fulfill father’s duty, use resources to find a match for son. After coaxing son to sleep, phone then came message. Is Scarlett, “Sorry ha Sister-in-law, Tiger (her son) insisted his Daddy Gavin read storybook, Senior Brother slept at my place.” I smiled, said okay. Don’t say just stay at her place one night, even him Gavin, I don’t want anymore. So, it doesn’t matter. Next day when sending son to school, Gavin came back. His eyes flashed unnaturalness, “Last night Tiger insisted I read storybook, when he fell asleep it was already very late, so I didn’t come back.” I stunned, still smiled understandingly. “No need to explain, I believe you guys.” He however sullen face grabbed my wrist. “Enough, exactly when are you going to make trouble until!” I calmly handed the report to him. “I have no time to make trouble, son got acute Leukemia, although now is early stage, but also need to treat fast.” He dazedly took the report, guilt appeared in his eyes. “I will as soon as possible use resources in hand, find a match for son.” I nodded, unconsciously sighed relief. Just about to leave, he hesitated and pulled me again. “Wife, today the parent-child meeting held by Private School, I probably can’t go…” “Tiger has no father since small, I can’t let him be bullied by other kids in kindergarten, so I have to accompany him and Scarlett.” Heart cooled down inch by inch, so he wants to abandon his own biological son again. I took a deep breath, still calmly said okay. Then wearing pajamas, rushed to the kindergarten. From far away, saw Scarlett glamorous, surrounded among parents. “Mrs. Vance is really young and beautiful, this face is really maintained too well!” My appearance made her feel a trace of discomfort. She glared at me fiercely. Parent group seemed to pass a signal, sarcasm and mockery smashed towards me face on. “Oh my god, isn’t this a noble kindergarten? How could they let a beggar in!” “Disheveled beggar, also worthy to hold parent-child meeting with us? What is security doing?” Son’s small figure rushed out wanting to protect me. Next instant, however pushed down by sturdy Tiger, “Lue lue lue, you fatherless bastard, roll out!” Son scraped a patch, but red eyes stubborn said: “I am not a bastard, I have a Dad!” But remembering Gavin’s instruction at home, he could only bite lip dead tight. Seeing him speechless, surrounding kids laughed louder, circled pointing at him scolding “bastard”. Heart seemed to be torn alive, I just wanted to seek justice for son. Teacher came out to maintain order, however contemptuously interrupted me, “Your son is expelled, take him and roll quickly!” Next instant, she changed a face, fawningly smiled at Scarlett. “Mrs. Vance, are you satisfied with this result?” Seeing about to be driven out. I mockingly looked at Gavin who still remained silent, hoarse voice said, “We leave ourselves.” Scarlett however lightly smiled. “Wait! I suddenly remembered my husband’s cufflinks worth a million are lost, wouldn’t be you stole it right!” I frowned just want to deny, phone suddenly vibrated. “Wife, when going out I took advantage you not prepared, put a cufflink in your bag.” “Little girl wants to play you just cooperate ba, anyway won’t really do anything to you.” Heart seemed suddenly grabbed by invisible big palm, I forced back the sourness in eye rims. Gavin to her, really is bottomless indulgence. Scarlett quick eye quick hand fished out a cufflink from my bag. Crowd instantly boiled, “Pah, sure enough is this shameless poor beggar did it! Poor people are poor people, just hand cheap!” Only son pale little face, futilely explaining again and again: “You misunderstood, my mom is not a thief!” But attracted more ridicule from adults and kids. Scarlett suddenly approached me, smiling said. “Sister-in-law, if you don’t want to make bigger trouble, better kneel down and apologize in front of everyone early!.” “Like this, I let you go today, how about it?” I bit teeth dead tight, understood now is not time to fall out, could only endure humiliation, word by word said. “Sorry Mrs. Vance, it was me who stole.” Son looked at me in disbelief, surrounding instantly erupted laughter, made his little face red all over. My heart hurt so breathing carried stagnation. Gavin however sullen face, suddenly grabbed my wrist. “Audrey, what did you call her just now?” I mockingly smiled, “Mrs. Vance ah.” Finished I turned and left, he however frowned and chased up. “Scarlett she just played a joke with you, do you need to be like this?” Again this sentence, Scarlett in his heart forever is a naughty little girl. Every time real harm to me, in his eyes also just an irrelevant joke. Good thing now, I long didn’t care his thoughts. My face squeezed out perfect smile, like understanding virtuous wife good mother. “You think is joke, then is joke, she seems still waiting you behind, not go look?” Gavin sure enough hesitated stopped steps. I eyes crossed mockery, turned take son leave.

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I am a Transmigrator, my mission is to marry Julian Hale. But the Hale Family Trust has a clause: only by giving birth to a son can one marry into the Hale family. In six years, I was pregnant nine times, every time a girl. So every child stayed in my belly for less than six months, before I was dragged to terminate. When I was pregnant with the tenth child, a nurse whispered congratulations to me, saying it was a boy. I excitedly went to find Julian to tell him the good news, but overheard his conversation with the doctor. “You want to lie to Miss Elena again that it’s a girl, and make her abort it?” “But Elena has already aborted nine times, now her uterus is as thin as a piece of paper. Another abortion, not only will she be infertile for life, but she might also die from massive hemorrhage!” Julian’s voice was ice cold: “Rest assured, she has a Fertility System, even pregnant a hundred times she will be fine.” “But Giselle only has this one chance to take charge of the family. I won’t allow anyone to threaten her position. When Giselle becomes the Head of the Family Trust, I will compensate Elena.” I then realized, it turns out my nine dead children, were all boys. Julian didn’t know, although I have a Fertility System, the system only gave me ten chances to get pregnant. If this time I still can’t give birth to a son and marry him, I will be Erased. So when the System asked me how I wanted to die, I told it: “Let me die on the operating table where my child is aborted.” I want Julian to regret for a lifetime. … Chapter 1 Even though Dr. Carter and Julian are friends for years, at this moment he also began to fight injustice for me. “But don’t you think this is unfair to Elena? With my understanding of Elena, if you say you want to wait for your sister-in-law to take charge before having children and marrying, she will definitely agree!” “I know.” Julian’s voice was a bit muffled, “But I can’t gamble.” “You should know how much power the Head of the Family Trust has in the Hale family. Elena for being with me, even abandoned her biological parents. How can I believe she won’t secretly give birth to my child for the position of Family Head.” Hearing this, my heart went cold. I am a Transmigrator. As long as I can marry Julian, the seriously ill me in the original world can be cured. But I didn’t expect I would fall in love with Julian. On the first day with him, I confessed everything. I told him, even if the mission is completed, I won’t leave him. Result my confession in his eyes became ulterior motives, and also became the sharp blade that killed my nine children. Dr. Carter was even more puzzled, “Even if you think her having a child will threaten your sister-in-law taking charge, you can’t let her get pregnant one after another like this. Clearly gender can be checked at three or four months, why do you always drag it to six months?” “A six-month-old child is already formed, can’t abort only induce labor, some even cry when born… Even if she has a Fertility System, the damage to the body is irreversible. How can you have the heart!” Because of his words, my nose soured, tearing pain seemed to still linger below, and the child’s cry rang in my ears. My heart felt like being fiercely pinched by someone, the whole person in agony. Julian wasn’t any better than me, “Every time seeing those children, I am also in pain.” “But there is no way, I must drag to such a big month. Jerry (Giselle’s son) has heart problem, a doctor said, as long as use six-month-old fetus heart for medicine…” Dr. Carter instantly raged, “What do you mean? Those children, you didn’t dissect their hearts, then give to your nephew as medicine right? Julian are you still human!” And I after hearing these words, uncontrollably legs went soft, body leaned forward hit the door, making a huge noise. At this time, two people inside simultaneously went silent. Before Julian found me, I almost rolled and crawled back to the ward. Lying on bed, my whole body couldn’t stop trembling, tears uncontrollably flowed down. No wonder Julian often persuaded me not to think about those induced fetuses. He said as long as not full term, they don’t count as our children. I thought he was comforting me. Turns out in his eyes, these children don’t even count as life, just medicine for his sister-in-law’s son. When Julian came back, I already wiped dry tears. He tightly hugged me, voice heavy, “Elena, this time in your belly is a girl again, abort it, I already let doctor prepare.” “Julian.” I looked up at him, tried hard to make my voice sound normal, “I want to give birth to this child.” Julian turned pale with fright, “Are you crazy, only giving birth to a son can you marry me.” Hale family genes are special. If it’s a boy in belly, born with super high IQ, appearance off the charts. If it’s a girl, born can’t live past three days. Because there were too many examples, so Hale family had an unwritten family rule. Anyone wants to marry into Hale family, must first give birth to a healthy boy. Also for this reason, women marrying into Hale family have high status. Not only can get large shares, even the Family Head, is also selected from women. My silence made Julian detect a trace of abnormality, “Elena, do you know something?” A voice in my heart told me, must hide it, so my child still has a glimmer of life. So I told him: “Nothing, I just feel a bit reluctant.” My appearance was too pitiful, Julian embraced me into arms, “Don’t be sad Elena, we are still young, I promise you, next one definitely is a boy.” He didn’t know, there is no next one. If this time still can’t marry him, my body in this world will be erased. I can die, but the child is innocent, I must let him live. So when nurse came to pick me up for surgery, I excused to go to restroom. Arrived restroom, I took out jewelry on body, exchanged a set of clothes and some cash with a lady inside. I prepared to run. System advised me think again, “Actually Julian still loves you. If you talk well with him, maybe he will let you give birth to this child and marry you.” If I didn’t hear Julian’s those words, maybe I would fight for it one more time. But so many years, as long as related to his sister-in-law, I never won. When just together with Julian, I found he was extra attentive to his sister-in-law Giselle. As long as go out with me, whatever I fancied, he would buy two portions, one for me, the other for Giselle. Even Valentine’s Day, he would prepare an extra gift and flowers, personally send to Giselle. I made a big scene because of jealousy. Julian helplessly told me, “Elena, don’t think too much, I love is you. For sister-in-law, I just want to atone.” I then knew, Julian’s big brother died long ago. Reason for death was that day Julian had a quarrel with his big brother. His big brother angry drank few more cups, result drunk driving car accident on way back. So many years, Julian always thought he killed his own big brother, took the heavy responsibility of taking care of Giselle and her son onto his own shoulders. Before I only felt Julian values emotion and righteousness. Today I discovered, his guilt towards his sister-in-law already reached a perverted level. Don’t say for sister-in-law let me pregnant nine children to cure her son, even if digging my heart, afraid he can do it. I knew Julian would definitely find me, but didn’t expect so fast. I haven’t even left hospital, just hailed a taxi, was grabbed by wrist by him. I looked back, Julian spoke. “Elena, where are you going?” Not wait me speak, he already reacted, face instantly white. “Just now person outside door was you, you heard it!” I thought Julian knowing I heard everything would at least feel guilty. But after he dragged me all way back to ward, actually didn’t even pretend anymore. “Elena, since you already know all truth, then you should also understand my difficulties. Sister-in-law is going to take charge tomorrow. After receiving the seal, she still has a one-year probation period, so the child in your belly can’t stay.” His gaze cruelly swept over my belly, “So later you go do abortion surgery, I will let doctor give you more anesthesia, you won’t feel pain.” I bit lip, “I don’t want.” “Elena, what do you want to do!” Julian somewhat angry, after touching my gaze, tone softened again. He fiercely hugged me, “Elena, I know you angry at me, previously nine children aborted without discussing with you. But sister-in-law they really very pitiful, especially Jerry, his illness, only lack this last heart…” “He pitiful, am I not pitiful?” I unbearable, directly broke free his embrace, “Julian, I don’t know if Jerry will die without this child, but I can tell you, if I don’t give birth to this child, I will die, you still let me do surgery?” Julian dumbfounded, “What meaning?” I thought of System’s words, prepared to gamble last time. I directly knelt down to Julian, “Julian, I only have ten pregnancy chances. If this time still can’t give birth to child, I will be erased.” “I know what you worry about, but rest assured, I absolutely won’t fight for any Family Head position with Giselle. If you afraid this child cause trouble, you just say to outside it’s a daughter. After born, we directly give away.” “Jerry’s illness I can also cure. As long as I complete mission, System will give me reward, that time I can use all to treat Jerry.” I cried miserably, fiercely kowtowed few times to Julian. Finally, Julian eyes appeared a trace hesitation, his lips slightly moved: “Since like this, then…” Result he haven’t finished words, outside door came a familiar female voice. “Julian, what are you guys doing?” I looked up. Giselle came. Julian ran to her side, “Sister-in-law, why you and Jerry came hospital, is Jerry body have problem?” Listening to such concerned tone, my heart cut like knife. How could I think before his feeling to this pair mother son is responsibility. Giselle told him no, she heard I here for checkup, so thought to come see. Finished, she asked him what happened just now. Seeing lying can’t cover, Julian pulled Giselle to outside door. Not long, I heard Giselle a burst rage: “Nonsense! Julian, you crazy, if I knew medicine you gave Jerry is this, say what I impossible let him eat!” “You now let doctor cancel surgery, I go apologize to Elena. I Giselle don’t need her abortion, also can sit on Family Head position.” She finished scolding Julian, then came in apologize to me, said if knew earlier those medicines were made of my previous children’s hearts, she wouldn’t accept. I looked at her eyes, heart bottom ignited last trace hope, “Sister Giselle, if you really have apology to me, can you help me marry Julian?” Giselle sure enough nodded, “This is should be, I go back tell mother-in-law this matter.” I instantly sighed a relief. Just this breath haven’t released completely, she spoke again, “Elena, you know Julian always thought his big brother was killed by him right, are you curious, that day why they two quarreled?” I was confused why she mentioned this matter at this time. Giselle suddenly pointed at herself, “Because his big brother discovered Julian likes me.” This sentence like gave me a stick on face. Julian never said this matter, he said I am first person he liked. But Giselle said she is Julian’s first love. Giselle seemed very satisfied with my expression, continued: “These years he always said want marry me, take care us mother son. I really afraid he this life won’t marry others, lucky met you.” “Even Jerry taking medicine matter also is, I just said a sentence there is a folk prescription from a doctor is eating six-month-old fetus heart, he then did this kind of bastard thing. But when he gave me those things, I all felt dirty, afraid have infectious disease, didn’t let Jerry eat, all fed to dog…” Behind words I couldn’t listen in. Maybe also no need listen, because I already understood her meaning outside words. Folk prescription was intentional. Is she designed everything behind. Truth impacted my body and mind, I almost uncontrollably raised slap hit on her face. “You actually fed my child’s heart to dog!” One slap simply not relieve anger, I raised hand want give her another slap. But my slap haven’t fallen, wrist was fiercely grabbed by someone. Julian don’t know when rushed in, pushed me fiercely back, and blocked Giselle tight tight. “Elena! You crazy what!” Giselle persuaded aside, “Julian, you don’t be so fierce, is me mentioned your children, Elena hit me is should…” “Children matter all I did, no relation with sister-in-law!” Julian raged, “You have what hate, what grievance, all come at me, don’t hurt sister-in-law!” I was pushed directly to wall by Julian. Back and lower abdomen came huge pain. But these pain, all can’t compare that cut in my heart. I couldn’t help open mouth, “Julian, you know, you know she gave our child’s heart to who eat? She simply didn’t…” I haven’t finished words, interrupted by Jerry voice. “Bad auntie! Not allowed say my mom bad words!” He drilled out from behind Giselle, directly bumped on my leg, small fists randomly hammered me. I already tottering, by this bump, feet unstable, subconsciously wanted push him away stabilize myself, hand didn’t control strength well. Jerry fell on ground. Just a second time, his face rapidly flushed purple, body also uncontrollably violent convulsion. “Jerry!” Giselle screamed, pounced kneel to Jerry side, tried press him, “Jerry! Jerry what wrong with you? Doctor! Quick call doctor!” Soon, Jerry taken away by few doctors, Julian and Giselle followed together leave. Less than two hours, Julian went and returned. I hurriedly stepped forward, ask him how is child. Julian voice ice cold, “Situation already stabilized.” I let out a breath. If Jerry really because me accident, then I this life no way forgive myself. Julian looked at my belly, “But, doctor said his recent condition not stable, best still…” I suddenly understood, immediately covered my belly, “No, no, Julian, you can’t take our child’s heart give him again, all this is Giselle conspiracy, she simply didn’t give Jerry…” “Enough.” Julian spoke, “If not you pushed like this, Jerry won’t have attack, this is you owe him!” Finished, he snapped fingers. Immediately few doctors nurses came in, pressed me onto surgery bed. I constantly struggled, told him I can’t abort this child, not only child will die, I will also die. Facing my bitter begging, Julian after all somewhat bear not. He walked over held my hand, just when I thought he finally willing listen me say a say. He told me: “Elena, you won’t die, wait next time, next time I absolutely won’t abort your child.” No next time. No next time ah. I even too late shout out this sentence, doctor pressed gave me anesthesia. Then I pushed to familiar surgery bed, those cold instruments opened my legs. Along with warm liquid flow out, child crying sound rang. I knew, I no longer have hope to live. System carefully announced I mission failed, about to be erased. But I still have some remaining points, want exchange or not, return original world say goodbye to family. “No need.” I closed eyes. Mean while, I felt my body start bleeding. Don’t know who shouted a sentence. “Blood! Patient massive hemorrhage!” Doctors nurses instant mess a ball. They surrounded me, call my name, press my body. Consciousness about to detach time, I said to System: “Those points, please help me exchange some other things, I want send Julian a big gift.” Chapter 2 After doctor friend Dr. Carter gave six-month-old fetus to Julian, he turned want go. Dr. Carter pulled him, “Julian, you don’t want look Elena? After all this already her tenth…” Julian however unhesitatingly threw off his hand, “Jerry side needs me more!” Words said so, but on car back, Julian heart always very panic, as if something want happen. Even he sent that warm heart to Hale old house, fingertips still unconsciously trembling. Butler took sealed medical cooler box, low voice said Little Master used medicine already slept. Julian nodded, turned want walk out. Maybe Dr. Carter said right, he should go look me. Result haven’t out door, Julian called by someone. “Julian, I a bit nervous tomorrow ceremony, can you stay accompany me talk?” Giselle appeared behind him, saying this request. If past, Julian would unhesitatingly stay. But since thought of my expression sent to surgery, he became somewhat hesitant. Giselle like saw something, considerate said: “I forgot, Elena just did abortion surgery, should need you more, you better go hospital.” “No need, I stay.” He heard himself say. This night extra long. Julian sat in living room sofa, Giselle chattering tomorrow ceremony details, he however a word didn’t listen in. Front eyes shaking, always that pair despair eyes when I pushed into surgery room. That time I seemed said something, he didn’t hear. Said what? Julian always ponder that sentence. Sky almost bright, he then shallow sleep on sofa moment. Chaotic dream, have baby weak crying sound, and large patch晕开 (spreading) blood. And he finally remembered my mouth shape before pushed out surgery room is what sentence. No next time ah! Julian instant woke up. This time sky not bright yet. Julian picked up phone, saw Dr. Carter called many times last night he didn’t answer. He walked to garden, heart annoyed chaotic want smoke cigarette, then return call. Result saw Giselle squatting in corner. In front of her is that German Shepherd raised many years, lowering head eating something. Julian walked over: “Feeding what?” Giselle back stiff, rapidly threw remaining thing in hand into dog bowl, stand up face already carried habitual gentle smile: “Nothing, some pig heart, give Little Black extra meal.” She naturally held Julian arm, “Help me look which dress wear good today?” Julian gaze however nailed in that dog bowl. This thing how so like what he brought back yesterday… His heart fiercely sank. Just not wait him look careful, Giselle already half pull half drag took him away. Today is big day, Julian till end also didn’t find suitable chance call Dr. Carter. He told himself, estimate is me playing small temper, intentional let Dr. Carter call him so many times. Hale old house main hall decorated solemn magnificent. Family important members all present, witness moment new Family Head take over Trust Token. Julian stood front row, watching mother hand that Jade Token symbolizing supreme power to Giselle. Giselle mouth corner contain smile, reach hand take. Just at this instant, main hall huge projection screen without warning lit up, above directly appeared my face. From yesterday I kneel beg Julian start, until Giselle whispered those words in my ear. “These years he always said want marry me, even Jerry eating medicine matter also is, I just said a sentence there is a folk prescription from a doctor is eating six-month-old fetus heart, he then did this kind of bastard thing.” “But when gave me those things, I all felt dirty, afraid have infectious disease, didn’t let Jerry eat, all fed to dog…” Full venue dead silence. Blood color on Giselle face instant faded clean, extended hand froze in mid-air. During period have several servants want turn off this screen, but TV like controlled by someone, how also can’t turn off. Julian whole body blood also at moment hearing Giselle last sentence as if frozen. He looked screen, looked again Giselle. “I, I didn’t.” Giselle instant panicked, hurry explain to Julian, “Julian you believe me, I never said these words to Elena.” At this time, present people all reacted, pointing fingers at screen. See already someone take out phone want take photo, Julian hurry step forward block. “This is my girlfriend making temper with me, video is AI synthesized, everyone don’t random spread.” Because this video, Giselle finally didn’t succeed taking charge. Julian handled this matter finish, then momentum fierce came hospital. He one kick open my ward. “Elena, you crazy, do this kind wicked thing, you not afraid karma?” However room no my shadow, only two nurses tidying bed. Julian walk in, ask them, “Person lying on this bed? Elena?” Two nurses scared by him shivering, but still tell truth. “Miss Elena she yesterday already rescue failed, passed away ah.” Julian stunned few seconds, then rage, “Is she let you say this? What? One cry two make noise no use, now start use death threaten me, you tell her, I not eat this set, quick let her come out!” Looks like I ruining Giselle taking charge this matter made Julian angry not light. He while scolding while smashed things in ward into pieces. Two little nurses scared run out, invited Dr. Carter then controlled Julian. When Dr. Carter also told Julian I yesterday because birth massive hemorrhage, rescue failed died on surgery table after. His eye bottom flashed a second hesitation, soon covered by raging anger again. “Impossible, she this morning still went old house ruined my sister-in-law taking charge ceremony, how possible die?” Julian grabbed Dr. Carter collar, “Carter, from beginning you always speak for Elena, is it she gave you money, so you cooperate her act such a play.” Dr. Carter see can’t talk sense with Julian, directly pulled Julian came morgue. He found my bed, pulled open white cloth on my head, pointed my already white corpse show Julian. “Now believe?” Julian gaze fell on my face. He trembling hand reach over, fingertip touch cold skin time fierce shrink, like burned. “Impossible…” He legs soft, actually straight knelt down, full face disbelief, “This isn’t Elena, how possible Elena die?” “How won’t.” Dr. Carter face sorrow, “I long told you, she already pregnant so many children, when we opened her belly, her uterus thin like paper, fallopian tubes stuck together, separate can’t separate, we even blood too late stop, her heart rate dropped to lowest.” Dr. Carter told Julian, so many years pregnant so many times, my uterus rotten like dumpling filling, able pregnant to tenth time already miracle. “But she has System ah!” Julian grabbed Dr. Carter arm, “She said she has System! That kind thing… that kind thing how have times limit? She definitely lying me! You all lying me!” “System?” Dr. Carter like heard some joke, he threw off Julian hand, eyes full anger, “Julian, you always say she has System, but have you seen her System? Under heaven if really have this thing, how she one time weaker than one time, uterus how rot like that!” Julian asked speechless, brain chaotic flashed some fragments—— Elena knelt on ground crying said she only has ten chances, said this time not born she will die. He that time thought that just her excuse to keep child. “No.” Julian still want say this not true, Elena not dead. But cold morgue, cold corpse all tell him, Elena died. Because he insisted abort tenth child, Elena died on surgery table. This cognition fiercely pinch Julian heart, almost let him breathless. Just when he eyes red, prepared good look me again, suddenly thought of this morning surveillance. “Right! Surveillance!” Julian like grabbed some life saving straw, “If Elena died, then who made video? Is you! Carter, is it she begged you help her change hospital surveillance, then you synthesize video revenge me? This corpse… this corpse also fake, right?!” He pounced to morgue bed, wanted more carefully check, fingers only touched a piece stiff cold. Dr. Carter thoroughly enraged by his self deception, he a grab Julian, dragged him back ward I lived, “Surveillance? You look clear! Our hospital OB-GYN and surgery room to protect patient privacy, simply not allow install surveillance! Where come surveillance recording for her use!” “Julian, are you…” Dr. Carter originally wanted ask Julian is it because my death stimulated hallucination. But he heard here, fierce understood something, “Julian, I know, maybe Elena System is true, she only can pregnant ten times also true, that surveillance have possibility is her System made, just for let you see clear Giselle true face!” Julian stunned, “What called Giselle true face?” Dr. Carter told Julian, yesterday heard him say once a doctor said can use six-month-old fetus heart cure heart disease he felt wrong. So he night found peer inquire that doctor. Coincidentally, he has a friend know this doctor, so he asked contact, called over. Through his inquiry then knew, that doctor indeed said this sentence, but that time was a rich lady found him, said want film a movie invite him cameo, designed this line for him. “So I show your sister-in-law photo to him.” Dr. Carter told him, “He said your sister-in-law is that rich lady.” Speak here, Dr. Carter sighed again, “After I felt this matter too strange, so went investigate your nephew Jerry medical record, I found he simply no illness.” “Wh, what?” How like this? If Jerry no illness, why Giselle lie him? Then only one possibility, Giselle not want Elena born own child marry into Hale family. This time, Julian then remembered those dialogues in surveillance. And things saw in garden dog bowl this morning. That simply not pig heart, is his tenth child heart. Elena didn’t lie, his sister-in-law, really fed those hearts to dog. One after another smashed Julian almost can’t straighten waist. He dare not believe he didn’t believe me, insisted want me abort tenth child time, how despair I was. Is him indulged Giselle always hurt me, is him killed our child. He simply wrong outrageous. Julian bit by bit slide down from wall. Just when Dr. Carter felt he seemed hit never stand up again, Julian fierce get up. He voice heavy, “I want go home.” Giselle since dare lie him, then have to bear end of lying him.

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In the fifth month of my pregnancy Bed Rest, I suddenly found a few Prenatal Vitamins in my husband’s bag. Isn’t that only for preparing for pregnancy? Before I could figure it out, a message popped up on the Baby Countdown App on my phone: [Congratulations, you’re about to be a dad! Baby due date is September 1st, let’s count down together!] I was stunned, this is the app shared by me and my husband. And my baby’s due date is April. I immediately called my husband, he picked up in seconds, but tone was impatient: “Today is the first day of me and Chloe’s company establishment, busy.” Right, how could I forget. Today is the day he and his “female bro” start a company together. I smiled, hung up the phone, turned around and drove to their new company. Dad is going to be a dad again, how can it do without my congratulations? … Chapter 1 Car parked under the tallest building in Silicon Valley, but mood completely different from last time. Three months ago, I rented this floor, renovated it. Told him this is the startup base I prepared for him. He was so excited then he hugged me and spun three times, said he would definitely make me and dad look at him with new eyes. But now, I actually came here to catch adultery. Moment elevator door opened, I almost thought I walked into wrong place. Whole office area was painted pink. I hate pink most, avoid it since childhood. He couldn’t possibly not know. “Hello, who are you looking for?” Receptionist girl asked politely. I looked directly at the office behind her, “I’m looking for your boss, Julian Vance.” “Mr. Vance is in the office, but…” Girl glanced at my bulging belly, hesitated, “Ms. Chloe is also there, they are in a meeting, how about you wait a bit?” Ms. Chloe? Chloe? I didn’t pay attention to receptionist anymore, directly lifted foot walked inside, “It’s okay, I’m his wife, just go in directly.” Girl’s face flashed a trace of awkwardness. Colleagues around started whispering: “Ah? Isn’t Ms. Chloe Mr. Vance’s wife?” “I think this woman is the mistress right?” “Exactly, Mr. Vance for Ms. Chloe, actually ordered whole company painted pink, even our uniforms are pink, how possible Ms. Chloe isn’t the original wife?” “This woman saw people couple start company envious, come up to make trouble for title right?” “If she knew Ms. Chloe has half of company shares, you say will she cry and run out later?” No wonder Julian always said not let me come, turns out because Mrs. Vance here is someone else. Hearing these words, I actually wasn’t very angry, instead felt quite funny. Half shares? This company’s 100% startup capital was all taken by me. If not Julian said he didn’t hope after our child born, my dad still look down on him, I wouldn’t support him startup so much. More ridiculous is, I saw Chloe’s Instagram last night, saw her proudly holding champagne, caption: [Start company with good bro, rely on you later.] I then knew, turns out Julian’s so-called startup for me, is startup with Chloe. As for Chloe, she didn’t pay a single cent. Pass through open office area, innermost independent office door slightly open. Through glass window, I saw Julian and Chloe two so-called CEOs actually share one office. Two people sitting side by side looking at computer. Just wanted push door in, inside came Chloe’s coquettish voice, “Stinky son, look is dad’s plan okay?” Julian naturally put hand on her thigh, “Listen to you, whatever you say.” My hand on door handle, didn’t move. Only heard Julian continue say, “Unlike some people, whole day just know money money money, full body copper smell, don’t understand these at all.” “You are still much better than her.” Chloe playfully stretched out hand poked his chest, “Stinky son, told you early not marry that kind of Trust Fund Baby you didn’t listen, now deserve it right?” Voice just fell, I saw Julian actually directly pressed her on table, kissed down, “You understand what?” “Am I not spending her money to raise you and baby in belly now?” Although I long imagined this scene, but see with own eyes, still couldn’t help heart twitch pain a bit. Thoughts return, I turned leave. Not want let go them, but I suddenly thought of a better way to revenge them. Chapter 2 Just walked out of office building, I took out phone and video called Julian. He who just said I was full of copper smell, still picked up in seconds. Just his face redder than just now, breath also a bit unstable, “What’s wrong? Didn’t I say busy?” I smiled especially bright: “Oh, nothing big, just want congratulate you.” “Congratulate what?” He stunned a bit. I elongated tone, still smiling said: “Congratulate you ah, Daddy going to be Daddy again.” “September due date, quite good, autumn birth not cold not hot, you think really thoughtful.” Julian face instantly white, “You, what nonsense you talking?” I thought thought, filmed scenery behind myself, “I talk nonsense, or you feel need me personally go up congratulate you?” “Julian Vance, did you forget we shared a countdown app?” Hearing my words, video that end silent few seconds. That was he actively wanted bind with me, said want commemorate our every anniversary. But soon Julian adjusted expression, skin smile meat not smile: “Did your pregnancy paranoia act up again?” “That is countdown I set for Chloe, her company opening day, where you thought?” “Is it?” I raised eyebrow, “Then prenatal vitamins in your bag? Also you eat yourself?” He stunned, turned angry from shame, “That is Chloe asked me help her buy, what happened?!” “She health not good need eat this, what happened?!” “Can you not suspicious whole day? Pregnant just troublesome, annoying not annoying?” I stared at his familiar yet strange face in screen, suddenly felt disgusting. “Julian, let’s divorce.” I calmly said. He leaned forward, “What did you say?” I looked at him, word by word said: “I said, divorce.” Before he answer, I directly hung up phone. Then opened social media, posted photos found by Private Investigator spent heavy money this morning. That is Julian and Chloe kissing side profile in front of hotel, and that pregnancy test report Chloe posted on alt account. Caption: [My husband and his female bro relationship really good ah, even help give birth.] Posted, less than two minutes. Phone crazy vibrate, all messages and calls. Saw Julian video call, I pressed answer. Result he split head cover face just a burst accusation, “Serena! What you posted on social media!” “Do you know how sad Chloe cried after seeing!” “You hurry delete for me!” And behind him, is Chloe crying pear blossom bring rain face. She crying pulling Julian sleeve, “Serena since married you disliked me, but I knew you earlier than her ah, does she want us cut off friendship then satisfy?” “Start company together is also our childhood dream, didn’t expect make her unhappy, find some wrong angle photos to slander me.” “Stinky son, if because you I can’t marry out, you responsible for me?” Julian turned head full eyes heart ache looking at her. And I just sneered, “I also didn’t say anything ah, aren’t you relationship good? I said wrong?” “Julian, you call me is agree divorce?” “If not, then I here still have many, I slowly post.” Before I didn’t less make noise break up and divorce because Julian and Chloe too close, but every time I let him go because no substantial evidence. This time see me so firm, he suddenly laughed. “Okay Serena, I know you are too love me then think too much.” “But you also can’t have no ambition at all, whole day only know some love love, random jealous ah.” “You whole day at home do nothing I didn’t say anything, you stop making trouble.” Hearing these words, compare heart pain, I more is heart cold. My health always not good, not suitable for pregnancy. But for Julian, I topped pressure and safety still wanted. Before this one, I already lost two because immunity problem. And this one, although already kept to five months, but also threatened miscarriage many times. Just because want keep child, I then chose stay at home. But now, Julian actually dislike me do nothing at home. See me not speak, Julian continue said: “Hurry delete social media post, just say is you jealous me and Chloe start company spread rumor.” “Then public apologize to Chloe, otherwise I…” He words not finish, I directly hung up. Then, I posted few Julian and Chloe hotel records, [My husband really a romantic person, every time open room want floor window.] Posted mood much better. Just front foot posted, I was blocked at community gate by mother-in-law and sister-in-law Lily. Mother-in-law saw me, immediately rushed in, pointed my nose scold, “You poison woman!” “My son hard easy have some promise, you just red eye?” “Actually still deliberate arrange him and Chloe relationship, what heart you have?” Lily also follow scold: “Sister-in-law, you also too excessive right?” “Chloe in our eyes like god sister, knew for decades, if really have thing early had, need wait till now?” “I see you just can’t see my brother good!” I leaned on door frame, quietly watch them perform. Wait them scolded tired, I then slow slow open mouth: “Mom, congratulate you ah, gonna be grandma again.” Mother-in-law stunned, subconsciously turned head away. Just this one action, I understood all. “Turns out you long knew.” I laughed out sound, “So Chloe pregnant matter, you always hide from me?” “Your son cheat, you not only not manage, still help him lie to me?” Mother-in-law reacted, roared: “You don’t blood mouth spray people!” I smiled, take out phone continue said: “Is or not, let Chloe do a fetus paternity test not know.” Finished, I slanted eye at them, “Right, I already contacted lawyer, divorce agreement can get tomorrow.” “Every cent he spent on Chloe during marriage, I want chase back.” “Include this company, and company startup fund, you guys a cent don’t think take away.” “You dare!” Lily rushed up want push me. I back a step, protect belly, coldly stare her: “You dare touch me try?” Just then, outside door came rapid footsteps. Julian panting ran back, face iron green, suppressing anger said: “Mom, Lily, you go back first.” I frowned, “They go back also can’t change my idea want divorce.” “You crazy?” Julian face change, “Just because those non-existent photos?” “Serena, Chloe she really just my friend, my startup partner, no experience, so I then take care her a bit more.” “Those social occasions, she looks good, go talk client people boss directly signed, company can’t leave her.” I stare him, word by word: “Really can’t leave her?” “Really.” Julian nod, “You have to believe me, my heart to you never changed.” “Those photos all angle problem, you delete post, I promise later keep distance with Chloe, okay?” I look up at him, suddenly laughed. He doesn’t know, this company is just one subsidiary in my family company. When I gave company to him, just thinking let him start from small. Those so-called meet sign partners, also just Sterling Group old customers I arranged. I thought wait branch company do good later, he can logical go to dad front. Didn’t expect, he not only really thought is his own, still bold to directly betray me. Chapter 3 See me not speak, Julian thought I soft heart, continue persuade: “Serena, you now pregnant, emotion unstable I understand.” “But you can’t measure gentleman belly with villain heart ah, Chloe really did nothing wrong.” “You do this, company all want be destroyed by you.” Lily also hurry nod, “Yes ah Sister-in-law, my brother hard easy have some career, you can’t support a bit ma?” “You no ability just at home good good give birth, don’t red eye others okay?” Hearing them say these words, I suddenly felt quite fun, perfunctory nodded, “Okay.” Julian sighed relief. Personal see me deleted post after, he send mother-in-law and Lily leave. And I turn head call dad a phone, “Dad, I tomorrow want use headquarters shareholder identity attend Julian branch company opening ceremony.” Next morning, Julian see me follow him, unhappy frown, “You go where?” “I told you, that occasion not suitable you, you at home good good rest just fine.” I stunned a bit, nod: “Okay, I know.” I obediently answer. Wait he go out, I immediately changed into a black dress, fix makeup, drive follow behind him. I quietly sit in corner, saw Julian right gentle holding Chloe hand on stage. Crowd all envy, say they couple file very eye catching. Julian holding microphone, voice loud, “Company and our child same day born, my wife and child are my blessing.” “I believe future have them behind me, our company definitely will steam steam day up!” Chloe lean on his shoulder, eyes contain tears. Below stage another burst cheer. Just when Julian prepare continue speak, I slowly stood up, “Mr. Vance, you use my money, raise your person, asked me agree ma?” “You, why you came?” Julian voice shaking. “Why I can’t come?” I take out a red small book from bag, raise over head. Then loud said: “Everyone, sorry interrupt a bit, self introduce.” “I call Serena Sterling, is Julian Vance legal wife.” “This is our marriage certificate, me and him never divorced.” Whole field uproar. Chloe face pale, subconscious back retreat. Julian rush down stage want snatch my microphone, blocked by security. Below stage fried pot, whisper sound one after another. “This also too scum right?” “Wife pregnant still outside find mistress?” “Also hide from wife bring mistress to company opening ceremony official announce, so scum!” Hearing these words, Julian break security block, rush over grab my wrist, lower voice in my ear low roar: “Serena Sterling! You enough!” “I just guessed you won’t so good talk, all blame me, I should lock you up right!” Finished, he fierce look up at everyone, smiling said: “Sorry, let everyone see joke.” “This woman hand holding, is forged marriage certificate.” “I just helped a hand when she was offended by people, result she just賴 (rely) on me not go, still insist say in her belly is my child!” “My wife, only Chloe one person!” Hear words mother-in-law and Lily hurry stood up, “Correct correct! My son is CEO, how possible betray my daughter-in-law!” “Exactly! My brother and sister-in-law love many years, now people hard easy open a company, how just be entangled by people!” Hearing them all say so, those guests one after another disdain look at me. “Do half day, turns out this person is shameless mistress ah?” “Means in her belly is raped wild seed? Want let Mr. Vance happy be dad, she crazy right?” “Mr. Vance just too kind then help her, now good, be entangled.” Looking at Julian, my brain buzz a sound explode. I Serena Sterling am East City Sterling family most favored daughter, and Sterling family is century family, extremely famous in East City. I incredible looking him, “Julian, you this is for Chloe, give up Sterling family son-in-law identity is it?” “If be known by my dad and three brothers, you finished!” He force drag tight my wrist, “You also know is Sterling family, but here not East City!” “Today people present, simply no one know you!” “Even I drive you out, also no one say me!” “As long as this matter not spread to East City, just no one will do anything to me!” “And even you later go back random say, I also can say is you front miscarriage many times crazy!” “I warn you! Now my company prospect a piece bright, later I am President Vance! You don’t still think self is what big miss, not put me in eyes!” Turns out like this. He indeed thought, East City and Jiang City one in north one in south (or New York and Silicon Valley). Also no wonder he have bit small money start unbridled, turns out feel my maiden family distance too far won’t know ah. But, he wrong. I fierce throw away his hand, word by word said: “Is it? Then you also unnecessary too take self as a thing!” Not wait him react, big door pushed open. My dad, and three thunder wind action brothers step together walked in, “Even my Sterling family daughter dare bully! Is think I dead?!” Chapter 4 See Dad and three brothers appear moment, Julian face instant become pale. Dad and brothers behind even follow whole Sterling Group legal team, aura strong let venue air solidify. “Chairman Sterling?” Below stage have guest recognize Dad, voice shaking. “God, that is Sterling Group Chairman!” “Sterling? Just that market value hundred billion Sterling?” Whisper sound one after another, everyone gaze move back forth between me and Dad. Big brother directly walk to stage, a grab microphone from Julian hand, “Everyone, I come formal introduce.” “This is my sister, Serena Sterling, Sterling Group headquarters shareholder, hold 15%.” “And this so-called new company, just Sterling name under 47th branch company, startup capital 30 million, all come from my sister personal account.” “As for this President Vance…” Big brother sneer, “Just a hanging name CEO that’s all, even signature right no have.” Whole field dead silence. Julian stumble back, “How can like this…” He panic look me, “Serena, isn’t this company you open for me? How turns out is your family’s!” Mother-in-law react, point me scream: “Good ah you!” “Turns out you always guard against my son! Actually take own company play him!” Their words out, everyone frown. “Turns out Sterling family big miss really is Julian wife, they just now not said so.” “Leave good Sterling family big miss not want, brain sick right?” “They now still dare scold people ne? If me early kneel beg mercy!” Mother-in-law choked hurry shrink back hand, just now arrogant flame vanish. Second brother cold face protect me behind, take over words, “And according to our legal department investigation, Julian before company open, already private Embezzled company fund 2.5 million!” “Pass investigation find, he all used for personal consumption and buy Chloe house, car, jewelry etc.” “This already constitute duty embezzlement crime.” “No, not like that!” Julian panic explain, “Those money is Serena voluntary give me! We are couple!” “Couple?” Third brother sneer walk on stage, throw a stack documents on Julian face, “Then you explain explain!” “Why company account show, this 2.5 million go direction all point to Chloe?” “Also this pregnancy report, Chloe pregnant one week, and my sister pregnant five months.” “You have clone technique, or feel we Sterling family all fools?” Julian face a burst green a burst white, lips trembling say not out words. Chloe suddenly crawl up from ground, rush to me kneel, “Serena, sorry, all my fault!” “Is I moment confused, I shouldn’t seduce Julian!” “But this child is innocent, you just look on me and Julian childhood grow up together part, let go him!” She cry tear heart crack lung, tears snot paste a face. But I know, she just want keep child. As long as I not divorce with Julian, she later still can through child spend my money. But I won’t let her wish. I hold chin, smile yet not smile look Julian, “Have thing, I feel still should let you know know.” He stunned a bit. I take out a stack material smash on table, “Three years ago Chloe at bar be waiter, I saw she is your friend, quite pitiful, introduce her enter my friend company work pass.” “You still remember?” Chloe like think of something, hurry pounce over want snatch material. But already late, Julian already took material out. Inside impressively is Chloe and few different men intimate photo. I smiled, continue say: “If not I find Private Investigator check pass, I really not know.” “I good heart introduce her go work, result she turn head just seduce company high level all pass.” “My friend is dare not tell me, otherwise, she today can’t stand here!” Chloe face sudden change, “No! Not like this…” “I all serious work! Not like this!” “Not like this?” I take out phone, click open a recording, “Then you self listen.” Recording transmit good few victims wives voice, “That Chloe! Once I own eyes see she and my husband sleep in one bed, disgusting dead me!” “Speak of her I just angry, she actually deliberate leave own tight clothes in my car disgust people!” “That have what, she even once sent me my husband used condom ne!” Recording play finish, whole field uproar. “With so many men have leg, so dirty ah!” “Help, also don’t know have disease or not, will air infect ah!” Chloe face pale as paper, “This is you forged!” “You rest think rumor!” She pounce over want drag me, by Big Brother a slap fan down on ground, “Dare touch my sister, you have qualification ma?!” Finish, Second Brother wave hand, big screen appear Chloe and various men caught adultery video. All those victims wives sent me. Julian see after, suck cold air, dead stare her belly, “Chloe, you play me?!” Chloe swallow saliva, haven’t open mouth, by mother-in-law pull hair hit on table, “Turns out you pregnant is wild seed!” “So many years I treat you not good ma! You actually lie my son!” “See I not beat die you!” Lily also angry point her big scold, “If not you tell us, company is you and my brother two people’s, we then won’t offend Serena Sterling!” “We harmed miserable by you!” Julian return mind, directly kneel in front me, “Wife, I wrong!” “I really know wrong, look on baby part, you spare me okay!” “Spare you?” Dad cold open mouth, “Dream!” Immediately, legal team people walk forward, throw a stack print out chat record in front Julian. I casual flip open few pages, saw shocking content. [Julian: Today again from Serena get 500k, night transfer to you.] [Chloe: Stinky son really great, wait get Sterling family money, we just go abroad, never need look that fool face.] [Julian: Mn, but now still can’t let her suspicious, you cooperate me continue act.] Didn’t expect Dad check compare me more. “Serena…” Julian want close me, by Second Brother a kick open, “Away my sister far point!” He scare straight shiver, but I look him, heart no wave. I from bag take out a advance print good divorce agreement, word by word say: “Sign ba.” “Also, from now on, you removed all duties.” “Company operation right take back headquarters, you and Chloe immediately leave, otherwise we will call police handle!” “No!” Julian suddenly kowtow to me, “Serena, beg you, I really know wrong!” “You want money I return you, you want company I also give you, as long as you not call police!” “You want do what I all agree!” I look him, suddenly feel very strange. This man, really is person I loved five years? “Julian, you wrong.” I calmly say, “Your heart blood? You paid a cent?” “From renovation to employee salary, from office equipment to market promotion, which one not my money?” “You only do, is bring your lover, spend my money, cheat my feeling.” Julian stunned, lips trembling speak not out word. Mother-in-law sudden rush up, “Serena, you can’t so cruel heart ah!” “Julian anyhow is your husband, you do this, let him later how be person?” “And you belly inside still pregnant child, you even not look on Julian face, also want look on child face ah!” Lily also follow beg mercy, “Sister-in-law, my mom said no wrong, you do this too excessive!” “My brother even have wrong, also crime not to this ah!” “You take company back, let my brother later how live!” I turn head look them, “Then he today bring Chloe come opening ceremony, still public slander rumor I am sticking him not let go madman.” “Why you not say let me later how be person?!” “If I take company away he just can’t live, then he really is a waste ah!” This time, Third Brother sneer, “According to our investigation, Julian this three years from my sister here cheat away money, add up exceed 50 Million.” “Most transfer to Chloe buy luxury goods, till now Chloe account still have 8 Million ne.” Hear Third Brother say so, mother-in-law eyes bright, “8 Million?!” She fierce turn head look Chloe, “That is my son money! Hurry return money to my son!” “Now his company gone! This 8 Million must return!” But not wait Chloe refute, Third Brother again smiled, “Think what?” “These money, we will all chase back, a cent not less!” Julian fall sit on ground, mumble self talk, “Those money how they possible know…” Second Brother sneer, “Julian, we Sterling family want check a person, hard ma?” Finish, Second Brother signal legal team people, “Call police ba, involve amount so big, enough him sit few years jail.” “No!” Julian thorough collapse, crawl to my feet, “Serena, beg you, I really know wrong!” “I don’t want go jail!” I couldn’t help cover mouth laugh up, “I didn’t say signed then not call police.” Finish, I satisfy pick up divorce agreement, lift foot just go. He stunned, then whole face red, “Serena Sterling! You again play me! I won’t let go you!” “You wait for me!” But he haven’t close, by my three brothers one person kick a foot, almost faint. Behind come mother-in-law and Lily roar, and Chloe crying sound. But these, all irrelevant with me.

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One year after my divorce, I announced my retirement from Hollywood. Everyone said I had gone insane after being dumped by Scarlett Vance. Then one day, a wish-granting vlogger’s video went viral. My video series was divided into seven episodes. They were the fragments of my life flashing before my eyes. The title of the first episode was: [By the time you see this, I will already be dead.] 1 I was bundled up tight, only my eyes visible. Suddenly, someone blocked my path. “Hi, I’m a vlogger who helps people grant their wishes. Can I interview you?” It had been three months since I retired. I thought I’d been recognized by the paparazzi, so I waved him off immediately. But the guy in front of me kept trying to persuade me. “Do you have any unfulfilled wishes? I can help you, no charge.” I turned to leave, but I heard him chasing after me, trying to show me his phone screen. “I’m not a scammer, I have a TikTok account! Look!” I thought he was rude, but what he said was true. He was clearly a newbie. He had barely any videos, and his view count was pitiful. Looking at his earnest face, I suddenly remembered when I first entered the entertainment industry. Back then, I was full of ambition but kept hitting walls. I suddenly felt a pang of compassion. “What kind of wishes can you grant?” The naive kid just scratched his head. “It depends on what you want. To be honest, you’re the seventeenth person I’ve asked today. No one believes me. Like, do you have someone you want to see? A place you want to go? Tell me your story, and I’ll arrange it.” I teased him a little, afraid I might scare him off. “What if… I want you to document the end of my life? Would you be willing? “The condition is, these videos cannot be released before I die. “If I don’t die, these videos are void. Do you dare to take that bet?” 2 The wish-granting vlogger’s name was Evan. He was tall and skinny. He sat in front of me. He looked extremely awkward. No, actually, he looked like he was about to cry. “Liam… I didn’t expect it to be you. Are you really…” His eyes were red, as if he couldn’t accept it. “I really loved your movies.” “Yeah. You could say I’m pretty impressive in every aspect. I don’t get sick often, but when I do, it’s a big one. I have several types of cancer in my body.” I pulled out a tissue and handed it to him. “The doctor says I have about six months left.” He held his phone up to me. “So, this is the real reason you retired?” “Yeah, I can’t film anymore. Constant chemotherapy drains all my energy. And…” I smiled. “Too many tabloids posted proof that I’m going bald.” This was the first time I took off my wig in front of a camera. Underneath the wig, there were only sparse patches of hair. My scalp was clearly visible. I looked like a ghoul. “You know I’m pretty vain. If I keep getting papped like this, where’s my dignity? “I’m greedy. I want seven wishes from you. You make seven episodes. Deal?” 3 May 2, 2024 – May 8, 2024 Episode 1 (Part 1) [By the time you see this, I will already be dead.] “Film my left side more. Fans always say my left profile looks better.” Evan was much calmer than a week ago, but he told me he cried at home for days after finding out and lost three pounds. “I’ll definitely make you look handsome.” He rubbed his eyes. “Liam, what’s your first wish?” “I want to try circumambulating Mount Kailash.” He nodded immediately. “No problem, I’ll book the tickets now. But can I ask why you want to go there?” I couldn’t smile at the camera. “Scarlett Vance and I once promised we’d go together. Now that the chance is gone, I want to see it for myself. They say it cleanses the soul, right?” Tibet is far, but not unreachable. After getting off the plane, the high altitude made me sick. It took two days of travel to reach Darchen, the starting point for the trek. On the way, Evan kept worrying about my health, nagging me with precautions. I teased him with a smile. “I asked the doctor. He said since I don’t have much time left anyway, I can go wherever I want.” One sentence made the kid’s eyes red again. He asked cautiously, “Liam, did you and Miss Vance break up amicably?” I knew he was asking politely. Actually, my divorce with Scarlett was messy and ugly. But in these final moments before leaving the world, I finally had the courage to speak up. “In her eyes, it definitely wasn’t amicable. She, like everyone else, thinks I cheated.” “So you really didn’t cheat, right?” The kid’s eyes lit up. “I knew I didn’t judge you wrong.” I nodded with a smile. “Yeah, I loved that woman to death. How could I look at anyone else?” New vloggers have one flaw: their emotions are too volatile. He started crying buckets right in front of the camera. He sobbed, “The media scolded you so badly back then. How dared they?” I had to comfort him on camera. Finally, I had to admit: “Forget it. I’ll tell you. I staged the whole thing.” 4 May 2, 2024 – May 8, 2024 Episode 1 (Part 2) [By the time you see this, I will already be dead.] “Six months before the divorce, I was diagnosed with cancer. Back then, it was only one type. The doctor told me if I cooperated with treatment, there was hope for survival. “Later I learned that most doctors are kind-hearted, but sometimes they lie. “I got my childhood best friend to act with me, just to get rid of Scarlett faster. “Don’t let her CEO title fool you. She’s decisive in business, but with me, she’s stubborn as a mule.” I didn’t say anymore. Everyone understood. Evan asked with a sad face, “Bro, why didn’t you tell her the truth about your illness?” “The process of dying is painful. Why drag someone else into it?” Evan suddenly said, “Recent news says Ms. Vance has a new boyfriend.” “Really? Then I genuinely congratulate her.” I meant it. “She deserves better.” I endured the nausea caused by the bumpy road. “I’m not acting here. When you’re about to die, you can let go of anything. “I used to joke with Scarlett that if she found another man, I’d break her legs. But look, didn’t I let go easily?” The guide suddenly spoke up. “Rest tonight. The rest of the journey is on foot. 32 miles total. But I have to warn you, the altitude is high. It feels much longer than 32 miles.” On the first day of the trek, our destination was Dirapuk Monastery. That’s where you can see the Golden Mountain at sunrise. “I suddenly feel like it’s unfair to drag you on this life-threatening trek for my own selfish desire.” Evan shook his head. “Liam, I know my body. If I can’t hold on, I won’t force it. Besides, you said you prepared for months.” Luckily, neither of us had severe altitude sickness. And we were lucky. The morning after staying at Dirapuk Monastery, I saw the sun hit the golden peaks. I copied the pose I saw online, arms wide open for a photo. I shouted, “If possible, I hope you all forget me!” I thought for a moment and shouted again, “Scarlett, I came for you! You don’t have to come anymore!” Along the way, we met many devout pilgrims prostrating themselves. We saw hail. The food was terrible. We slept in simple, uncomfortable beds. It took three days to complete the trek. I summarized the episode to the camera. “What I didn’t tell you is that when I first planned this, I wanted to come with Scarlett. Later, when I decided to come alone, I thought about killing myself here.” Evan was so scared he grabbed my hand. I patted his hand and continued. “Back then I thought, I can’t be cured anyway. I’ll die in a lake, on a snowy mountain, or just on the journey. “But later, I suddenly didn’t want to die. I wanted to live well in my final moments, to make this life worthwhile.” Evan suddenly asked, “Any regrets about this first trip?” I nodded. Thinking about it still scared me. “My parents spoil me rotten, but I lied to them. I didn’t tell them I was sick. “I even lied that I started acting again, filming a movie in Tibet. “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I ended up being an unfilial son.” 5 June 4, 2024 Episode 2 (Part 1) After returning from Tibet, it took me a full month to recover from the altitude and exhaustion before I contacted Evan again. I had a chemo session in between. Each time, it felt harder to get out of bed than the last, as if my strength was being drained, bringing me one step closer to death. I wasn’t sure if I could trust this kid I’d only met once. If he released my first video now, he could go viral instantly. I was gambling. Gambling that people generally have a bit more conscience when facing a dying man. “Liam, what’s your second wish?” “I want people to get to know me more. And I want to revisit the paths I used to walk.” Evan looked worriedly at the camera. “With your health, we can take it slow.” “It’s okay. I rested enough before calling you. In the final moments of life, people become greedy, wanting to fulfill more and more wishes.” “Your look today is great. Reminds me of your breakout role in Do You Remember Me Today?” In that drama, I played a fresh college grad with short hair who got entangled with the CEO of his internship company. I smiled and touched my head. “I can change hairstyles at will now. Handsome, right?” “But you’re getting thinner. Has no one around you noticed?” I looked down, embarrassed. “I divorced Scarlett, so we don’t meet. Since getting sick, I see my parents less and less. But they are parents, so we video call. Guess what I said? I said I’m method acting a terminally ill patient.” I only dared to tell the truth through lies. He rubbed his eyes in front of me. “So where do you want to go for this episode?” “Back to where I grew up.” Just a two-hour drive, and I arrived at my childhood hometown. “Liam, where is that assistant of yours?” My assistant, Sam, was a loyal guy. Sometimes his appearances with me created iconic moments. “Oh, Sam? I told him not to follow me.” “So he knows about your condition?” “Hahaha.” I laughed at myself. “Guess what excuse I used? He’s been with me so long, how could he not notice something was wrong?” I sat calmly in front of the camera. “I lied again. I said I loved Scarlett too much, and the cheating scandal and separation made me depressed. I wanted to retire to treat my depression.” “He believed it?” “How could he? He and my agent, Lee, dragged me crying, saying they’d take me to a doctor. I said give me some time, I’ll see a doctor myself. I’ll travel for a while and come back.” “Could they have already guessed?” “My hair falling out couldn’t be hidden. I made up these excuses, thinking I was smart. But one day Lee said he didn’t want me to make money anymore, he just wanted me to live well.” Saying this, I started crying. I wiped the corners of my eyes. “Probably no one dared to bring up these sad things in front of me, so they didn’t say how much they knew. “Sam, that kid, bought me ten wigs out of his own pocket, saying it was a gift for my trip.” I stopped talking. I was wearing a mask and hat, dressed simply in a hoodie and jeans, carrying a canvas bag. Passersby just saw me as another passerby. I pulled a thermos out of my bag and drank. “This is my elementary school.” “Bro, you went to First Experimental?” I nodded, pointing to a big tree on the playground. “Back then I competed with others on guts. I climbed up there and couldn’t get down. I was so scared I peed my pants crying in the tree.” “Liam, school is in session. The guard probably won’t let us in.” “Not going in. Just looking. Don’t disturb them. I’m just taking one last look. After I drink Meng Po’s soup (soup of forgetfulness), I won’t remember anything. “Hey, why are you such a crybaby? Directors should cast you for crying scenes.” I pointed to an alley not far from the school. “Let’s go. I’ll take you to see my old home. I haven’t been back in years.” But when I walked in, I was stunned. I stood frozen in the wind. I couldn’t help laughing. “Oh boy, it’s been demolished.” The camera facing me shook a little. “What now? Seems like my old home is gone?” I turned back to the camera. The audience probably couldn’t see my expression. To be honest, I was a little disappointed. But I couldn’t say it. “Walk forward a bit. I’ll introduce it based on my memory. “This used to be an old street. The media always says I’m a rich kid. I explained at events, but no one believed me. “Borrowing this chance, I’ll show you. I grew up here. The houses were all old bungalows. My deepest memory is teasing a dog and getting chased. It bit my butt.” “Huh?” “Luckily it was winter. I lived with my grandparents, and they dressed me in layers of pants. It bit a hole and pulled out cotton, but didn’t break the skin.” It sounded funny. At least Evan laughed hard. “Liam, I really can’t imagine you being chased by a dog.” After laughing, I said, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to see my high school. It’s not far.” I paused. “It’s also where I met Scarlett.”

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For five years, everyone I knew looked at me with a mix of pity and scorn. They all said the same thing: I was nothing more than a placeholder for Conrad Wells. I was the temporary fix, the cheap replica, waiting to be tossed out the moment the original—his legendary ex—decided to claim her rightful place. They laughed at my blatant efforts to please Conrad. They pitied the desperation they saw in the way I clung to him. What none of them knew was the profound irony of it all. The only reason I ever entered Conrad’s orbit was because she orchestrated it. I took the money she offered, hired the best coaches for etiquette and posture, and even consulted a drama professor on the nuances of mimicry. I was a professional stand-in, and my performance was so good that Conrad never once lost interest. For my dedication, I received a substantial bonus from the “original” every year. With two weeks left on my contract, her final text arrived: [I land next week. Find a reason to break with Conrad before then. You need to disappear from Aiken, permanently.] After typing a swift, one-word reply—”Done”—I shredded the fresh sonogram report I’d been clutching. The paper scraps floated down into the waste bin. Then, I forwarded Conrad a reservation for a private booth at a Michelin-starred spot downtown. [Heard they changed the menu. Any chance you have time to try it out this week?] … While I waited for Conrad’s reply, I drove to a tiny, unassuming clinic tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. It was run by Doc Davies, a kind old man who specialized in natural healing. The minute his granddaughter, Maya, saw me, she yelled, “Grandpa! Elle’s here!” She’d been glued to her tablet, probably playing some intense mobile game. A familiar thump-thump echoed from the back room—the sound of the old man’s cane. “Girl, you weren’t due for a follow-up,” Doc Davies called out, his voice thick and raspy from years of telling everyone how to stop shouting. “What’s hurting now?” He pushed aside the wooden bead curtain, squinted at me, and then his eyes widened slightly. “Well, I’ll be,” he murmured. “Look at your aura. You’re expecting, aren’t you?” Maya instantly abandoned her game, scrambling to help me onto the consultation chair. After a long, silent moment of hearing my pulse, he finally smiled a calm, small smile. “Just two months. Your health is stable, but your constitution is weak, as we both know. You need to be extra careful.” He gave me a prescription for prenatal supplements. I also grilled him for any old-school remedies that might curb extreme morning sickness. After we talked for a while—just small talk, the kind I missed from my isolated life with Conrad—my throat suddenly felt dry. “Doc Davies,” I finally choked out, my voice rough. “I actually came to say goodbye.” He looked at me intently, his eyes deep with understanding. Then he sighed. “It was always going to happen, wasn’t it? Wherever you go, take care of yourself.” His gaze dropped to my still-flat abdomen, and his expression turned complicated. “And take care of that child.” On my way out, while Maya was distracted at the counter, I slipped an envelope containing a bank card and the access code into her favorite, battered medical textbook. It was tucked right in the middle, a place she’d look a hundred times a day. I gave them both a formal, heartfelt farewell. They had saved my life once; they deserved everything. Back in the car, I checked my phone. Still nothing from Conrad. I should have been used to the silence. It was his signature move. But knowing this might be the last text I’d ever send him openly made my chest ache. I felt a desperate need to flee before I lost my resolve. I pulled up a map, found a quiet, distant city on the West Coast, and booked a one-way flight for the following week. The confirmation text arrived right as Conrad’s reply finally buzzed through: [Out of town until Friday. Spencer will reach out to schedule something after I return.] I typed a hollow “OK.” Scrolling back through our brief, years-long history of texts, the screen was overwhelmingly green—my messages—with only sparse patches of white—his replies. Most of them were me initiating a plan, and him deflecting with the same formula: Spencer will contact you. As a high-ranking public servant, Conrad was busy. I understood that. But his identical, detached tone with me, compared to his colleagues or staff, was a constant, icy reminder: Don’t expect anything. Don’t fall completely in love. My vision blurred with tears again and again. I swiped up until my eyes stung with fatigue. I stopped at his profile picture—the one I had stared at countless times. It was a stark image of a lone, ancient lighthouse on a rocky cliff. The Beacon. I’d heard the whispers at parties. Since I had no real standing, his friends and associates felt free to discuss his past right in front of me. They said The Beacon was a tribute to his great lost love, Adeline Fox. They claimed I was only kept around because my eyes were a seven-out-of-ten match for Adeline’s, and my name, Elle, was a subtle nod to her middle name, Elise. The comparison had stopped stinging a long time ago; it just felt numb. No one knew I had chosen the name Elle Regan specifically because of those rumors. Conrad being out of town was a mixed blessing. It meant no last-minute, painful interactions, but it also made packing easier. A baby required a budget. Soon, I’d lose the substantial income from Adeline and the free housing from Conrad. Until I delivered and found stable work, I had to be frugal. I remotely leased a small apartment in my destination city and arranged for all my belongings to be shipped ahead of time. I had to save every dollar. The day after I found out I was pregnant, the nausea hit. I tried every remedy Doc Davies suggested. Nothing worked. Even a sip of water made my stomach revolt. After I ate a small dinner only to immediately lose it all, I regretted making our final outing a restaurant meal. The physical distress, coupled with the terror of Conrad discovering my secret, made me curl up on the sofa and weep. I almost changed my flight to leave immediately. Then, Conrad appeared on the news. Amidst a cluster of aging dignitaries, his sharp, reserved face stood out. He was standing slightly back, yet the camera found his profile constantly. I replayed the brief segment until my emotional meltdown began to subside. I placed a hand on my still-flat stomach and spoke to the tiny life inside me, my voice a soft, desperate plea. “Please, Kit. Don’t upset your mama. Not yet. I can’t let your father know you exist. Can you just be a good boy until we’re far away?” Whether it was psychological or a lucky coincidence, the sickness eased slightly. I managed to cook a small meal, and this time, while I felt waves of nausea, I didn’t throw up. I felt a rush of fierce excitement, gently patting my stomach and thanking the baby. I accelerated my packing pace, working constantly between rest breaks. I managed to ship the first batch of boxes before Conrad’s scheduled return. Spencer Zhou, Conrad’s right-hand man, called right as the courier drove off. “Ms. Regan,” Spencer’s tone was polite but sterile. “Mr. Wells has an hour free at five P.M. this afternoon. Please be ready.” I immediately called the restaurant manager, placed an order based on Conrad’s known preferences, and stressed that we had very little time. At five o’clock on the dot, Conrad walked in. I couldn’t stop the genuine smile that spread across my face when I saw him, but I quickly tamped down the emotion, meeting his eyes as he sat opposite me. “Your color is bad. Are you feeling ill again?” It was a rare moment of unprompted concern, and my heart hammered wildly in my chest. My hands clenched under the table. I gave him a practiced, careless shrug. “It’s just the heat, I think. Not much appetite these last few days.” Conrad nodded. He glanced at the limited menu and called the server over. “Add the chilled cucumber salad, please. Make sure the spice is minimal.” I inhaled slowly, reminding myself: That’s just his ingrained good manners. It means nothing. I barely touched my food, except for the cucumber salad he ordered. But since I’d already claimed to have a poor appetite, he didn’t notice. After he set his fork down, he mentioned needing to rush back for a public hearing. As he started to rise, I spoke the rehearsed line, sharp and clear. “I want to get married, Conrad. And I need a future that includes children. This… needs to end.” Conrad froze, his head bowed slightly as he looked at me. A light knock came at the door. Spencer’s low voice followed. “Sir, the meeting starts in thirty minutes. We have to go.” Conrad ignored him. His gaze remained locked on me, filling the room with the suffocating presence of a powerful man kept waiting. I held my breath, terrified he would see the lie in my eyes. “The meeting will be two hours,” he finally said. “We’ll finish this conversation when I return.” He finally broke eye contact. Just as his hand touched the doorknob, his deep voice softened slightly. “It’s rush hour. Drive carefully.” I didn’t move until I saw his black town car pull away from the curb. Then, I collapsed back into the leather chair, gasping for air. I waited almost an hour before driving home, worried my shaky state would cause an accident. Standing in the entryway of his penthouse, I scanned the room. Everything seemed normal. Conrad wouldn’t notice anything had changed. That foolish hope evaporated the second he walked in. “The photo on the media cabinet,” he said flatly, pouring a finger of scotch. “The picture of us is gone. It’s just my single portrait now.” I was stunned by his swift, brutal perceptiveness, but I held my ground. “I’m leaving, Conrad. I can’t exactly take my things when I go, so I thought I’d start getting rid of anything that belongs only to me.” He didn’t respond immediately. He took a seat in the single armchair by the fireplace, sipping his drink. “Why the sudden urge to marry? Did you meet someone you want to settle down with?” His cold, reasoned tone was a physical stab in my chest, but I maintained a bland smile. “I’m twenty-seven. You were never going to marry me, but I can certainly find a man who will. I always told you I wanted a home and a family.” Conrad downed the drink in one swallow. The sound of the glass hitting the mahogany table was synchronized with his next sentence. “I’ll have Spencer transfer the house and car to you immediately. And I promise you this: should you ever find yourself in real trouble, you get one call. I will use every resource I have to help you, as compensation for your time.” Thinking of the baby, I didn’t refuse. Perhaps it was the fact that I had been a quiet, uncomplicated presence for five years. Or perhaps he saw the ghost of Adeline in my acceptance. Either way, he added one final, stinging instruction before he left. “I know every eligible bachelor in Aiken. Tell Spencer who you’re seeing. I’ll run a background check. I don’t want some opportunistic bastard taking advantage of you.” I waited until the door had been closed for a long time before whispering, “Okay.” I’d always known how this would end, yet the reality was crushing. I couldn’t breathe. Terrified of jeopardizing the baby with a massive emotional breakdown, I found a mindless comedy on TV and forced myself to watch. I drifted off to sleep through the sound of canned laughter. In my dream, I was sixteen again. Conrad, only a few years out of college, peeled off his expensive wool coat and draped it over my filthy, ragged shoulders. He wasn’t the stoic public figure he was now. I saw the pure pity in his eyes, and something else—a fleeting, almost paternal tenderness. When the vile man who had bought me struggled against the police, screaming obscenities, Conrad stepped in front of me and gently covered my ears. “You’re a good girl,” he said. “We were just late. That’s all. You just suffered because we were late.” He stroked my hair. “You’re so young. Think of this as a terrible nightmare. The world is huge out there. You’ll see beautiful things, you’ll find a man who loves you deeply, you’ll have a wonderful baby, and you’ll live the life you want…” In the final, disjointed moment of the dream, I had that beautiful baby. But then Conrad showed up, furious. He accused me of running away while pregnant, of denying the Wells bloodline, of sentencing his child to a life of poverty and scorn. His expression was one of such pure disgust—the look he’d never once given me in our five years together—that I woke up gasping. I lay there for a long time, the nightmare’s residue a cold, heavy lump in my chest. A soft chime. The front door intercom. It was Spencer. “Ms. Regan, these are the transfer documents. Signatures here and here, and the house and vehicle are yours.” I signed Elle Regan swiftly. The moment he left, I contacted a local realtor and put the house on the market, priced to sell quickly. I had three days left. I wasn’t afraid of Conrad knowing I’d sold the house or that I was leaving Aiken. The nightmare had been terrifying, but I knew the real Conrad. He was decisive. When something was finished, it was finished. I was, after all, just a chapter. The lower-than-market price meant the house sold the very next day. The buyer, meeting my condition, paid cash in full and rushed the transfer paperwork before the county clerk’s office closed. The car was another matter. Too impractical to drive cross-country, and selling it felt wrong. I called Doc Davies and Maya. Seeing the old man again, he immediately tried to hand back the bank card. I stopped him with a single sentence. “Doc, if you hadn’t intervened that year, I would have died. Consider that money the delayed bill you deserve. You wouldn’t want me to spend the rest of my life feeling guilty, would you?” He wavered. I pushed further. “I want to give the car to Maya. If anyone asks about me—especially anyone connected to the Wells family—please, don’t mention the pregnancy.” Relieved that I had secured their silence and given them something substantial, I was finally free. On the morning of my flight, I went into the bathroom and took out my kit. I held the prosthetic adhesives, the color palettes, and the specialized wax—the tools that had made me Adeline’s double—and burned them in a heap in the sink. The smell was acrid. Looking at my reflection, the face that was now only three-tenths a match for Adeline Fox, I managed a stiff, awkward smile. Just in case, I put on dark sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. I was crossing the lobby to the airport gate when I saw them—Conrad and Adeline—exiting the international arrivals lounge together. Perhaps he sensed my stare. Conrad looked up, and our eyes met. It was only a fraction of a second before Adeline’s voice pulled his attention away. I kept walking, my pace steady. Goodbye, Conrad, I whispered in my mind. Goodbye, my light.

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