Category: English

In my freshman year, I got a rich boyfriend. He was perfect in every way, except he wouldn’t let me into his circle. I asked him, “Can we get married after graduation?” He lit a cigarette, smiled, and said nothing. After class that day. I was stopped at the school gate by a gentle lady. She stroked her slightly bulging belly and said softly to me: “Are you the girl who wants to marry Julian Thorne after graduation?” 1 My fingers tightened around the handle of my suitcase, and I bit my lip, staying silent. In fact, I already had a bad premonition. “Don’t be nervous, Hannah. The woman in front of me smiled faintly. “My name is Eleanor Vance, and I am Julian Thorne’s legal wife. “I know you two have been in this relationship for two years, and I know you don’t know about my existence. “Today is my third wedding anniversary with Julian. He said he was working late at the company and would be home late. But the truth is, at 8:30, you two are going to the movies. After the movie, he’ll take you to his house in the suburbs to spend your winter break peacefully, right?” Yes. She was right. In my pocket was a movie ticket. During class just now, I kept looking at that ticket, daydreaming. Fantasizing about cuddling against Julian’s arm in the theater, watching a romantic blockbuster together. Eleanor’s gaze moved down to the ring on my left ring finger. “Did he give you that?” “Cartier Trinity Ring, indeed very beautiful. When I was young, I liked this style too.” Her eyes suddenly turned red, and the corners of her mouth curled up in a bitter smile: “I remember, this is a couple’s ring. He has one too, right?” A feeling of shame with nowhere to hide almost drove me crazy. I hid my left hand back into my sleeve and mumbled: “Yes.” Last Valentine’s Day. For my birthday, Julian booked a western restaurant. During our candlelight dinner, he put this ring on my hand personally. My family was poor. When I learned this ring cost $6,000, I wept with joy. I wished I could give everything to Julian. I was so happy at that time that I didn’t think about why Julian only wore the ring that one night. Thinking about it now. He was afraid Eleanor would find out. I was angry, ashamed, and felt like crying. It was hard to accept. My deeply loved boyfriend was actually a refined beast who cheated on his pregnant wife. It turned out he wouldn’t let me into his circle. Because I was his mistress kept on the side. “Hannah.” Eleanor supported her waist and gasped with some difficulty: “Is it convenient to sit with me for a while in the coffee shop across the street?” I looked at her prominent belly. Realizing that pregnant women can’t stand for long. She must have waited for me at the school gate for a long time; it was already her limit. 2 We picked the most inconspicuous booth in the coffee shop. I took off the ring and returned it to her. Eleanor glanced at it and didn’t take it. “When Julian and I got married, he never gave me a ring. He doesn’t love me, I know. “Take it back. Even if you don’t want to wear it in the future, you can sell it for some money.” Just then. The waiter came over. He asked me: “Ms. Young, the usual three? Matcha latte, classic tiramisu, and a plate of fried snacks?” Before I could answer. She looked at Eleanor sitting opposite me. “And for this lady?” “A glass of room temperature lemon water, no sugar, thank you.” “Okay, Ms. Young, the total is $25. It has been deducted from Mr. Thorne’s card.” My heart skipped a beat. I dared not look up. It happened so suddenly that I forgot there was a membership card Julian got for me in this shop. Eleanor’s eyes were gentle. “It doesn’t matter, I don’t mind. “But you, still can’t quite believe he would do such a thing, right?” Indeed. I had a thick filter for Julian. In my eyes, he was the kind of high-intellect, daddy-style boyfriend described in novels. We met online. For our first offline meeting, Julian drove a Maybach to the school gate to find me. He was gentlemanly and well-spoken. Unlike those foul-mouthed, sloppy boys at school. From the first moment I saw him. I fell in love with him uncontrollably. Which girl wouldn’t dream of a domineering CEO falling in love with her? The dream reflected into reality. I never thought it would be a trap. Under the envious gazes of my classmates. Julian took me to this coffee shop opposite the school for afternoon tea. Before meeting him, my monthly living expenses were only $100. I didn’t dare to dream of stepping into such a place. When Julian said to me, “You’re so thin, you need to eat more,” and then waved his hand to get a recharge card for me to spend freely in the future. At that time, I really felt he was the best person in the world to me. Because my biological mother would only say to me: She would say: “Why do girls eat so much? If you get fat, no man will want you. “Eat less, don’t stretch your stomach. It’s good to shrink your stomach by starving.” But turning around, she would ask my brother Henry: “Did Henry eat enough at school today? Is $20 a day enough? Tell Mom if it’s not enough.” 3 Eleanor stared blankly at the leaves outside the window. Her eyes were beautiful, amber-colored light pupils. “Do you know how I discovered your existence?” I shook my head. “One day Julian came home and suddenly sighed at the dinner table, ‘Kids who haven’t entered society are still the best. Give them a little money for food, and they are grateful. Unlike those cunning people in the workplace, never enough greed.’ “I looked at his chat records with you and had insomnia all night. “I wondered why he didn’t delete the chat records. What if I accidentally found out? Later I figured it out. He doesn’t care if I find out. “My family received favors from Julian. My parents wouldn’t agree to my divorce. And he holds a high position in Seattle; even if I sue him, it’s useless.” She smiled indifferently, as if talking about something unrelated to herself. “By the way, I saw he sent you many red envelopes at the beginning, but you didn’t accept any. “I’m curious, why didn’t you spend his money?” My eyelids trembled, throat dry, unable to speak. Actually, I really had a very naive idea. If I was sure I wanted to spend my life with someone, I would accept his financial contribution to me with peace of mind. Eleanor nodded thoughtfully: “But he knew this, so he manipulated you easily. He knew you were naive and easy to cheat, so he thought it didn’t matter if he just played with you. “Just spend a little money on you, and you are willing to give everything to repay him. In the future, no matter how unreasonable his request is, you won’t refuse him.” “Hannah, guess how much he spent to marry me?” I pursed my lips and tentatively said: “$60,000?” “$600,000. See, in comparison, does his contribution to you seem insignificant?” She curled her lips mockingly: “He was willing to spend so much money to marry me back then, but doesn’t he discard me like worn-out shoes now? “I say these things not for any other meaning, just to tell you he is not as good as you think. “You are still young. You shouldn’t be like me, stuck like this for life.” “By the way.” Eleanor took out her phone and showed me a photo. I took a look, trembling with fear. She took a picture of Julian’s phone album. And in Julian’s album. Hundreds of densely packed explicit photos, with and without faces. And the owner of those photos was invariably me. She asked me: “Did you send these photos to him voluntarily, or did he secretly screenshot them without your knowledge?” My face turned pale. In panic, I accidentally knocked over the matcha latte. 4 Not long after Julian gave me the Cartier diamond ring. He went on a business trip for a whole month. One night when we hadn’t seen each other for more than ten days, he video called me. On the phone, the usually serious man acted coquettish to me for the first time. “Hannah, turn on the camera, let me see you, okay?” I knew I should refuse. But I couldn’t resist his soft persistence. Under his instructions. I turned on the camera. Did bold and shameful actions for him to see. I even obeyed his words and wrote his name on my collarbone with lipstick. His breath deepened, and he said hoarsely: “My baby is so beautiful. “Good girl, wait for me to come back, I brought you a gift.” When I calmed down, I asked him with some fear: “Julian, will you…” He guessed what I was going to ask. He offered to let me remotely control his phone app to see his album. I looked. Indeed, there were no screenshots. “Sorry, shouldn’t have doubted you.” Julian laughed: “Silly girl, it’s good to be wary of scams.” He transferred $100 to me. “Alright, I have to work overtime. You go play with your classmates.” As usual. After 9 PM, Julian would start working overtime. He rarely replied to messages I sent afterwards. The $100 Julian gave me allowed me to show off big time in front of my roommates. My roommates used to say I was poor and stingy. Ever since they knew I was dating Julian, this “boyfriend”. They looked at me differently. “Hannah, how did you get such a good man? I also want a peerless good husband who gives me Cartier and drops gold coins at the drop of a hat.” “Really envy you to death, Hannah. Your boyfriend is highly educated and rich, not a playboy. So busy with work, yet reports to you every day.” The roommates’ praise made me feel even more elated. I was even more proud of having Julian as a boyfriend. After that, whenever he requested to see me, I compromised and agreed without hesitation.

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After five years of trying to win over the novel’s villain, he finally agreed to marry me. On our wedding day, the grand chandelier in the hall suddenly plummeted. In that split second, he shoved me aside violently to protect the trembling “white moonlight” heroine. His arm was sliced open, blood blooming on his white suit. But the heroine in his arms was completely unharmed. Clutching the gash on my neck, I finally accepted the fact that he didn’t love me. The System appeared and asked me: “Do you want to end the mission early?” I nodded. “Since his destiny is to have his limbs broken and live a fate worse than death because of her, I’ll let him have it.” 1 “Host, are you sure? Once confirmed, it cannot be reversed. There is no turning back.” The System sighed, sounding regretful. After all, the System was born from my wish. It sent me into this book when I was heartbroken over Julian Thorne’s fate, hoping I could change his ending. I held my neck, which was still oozing blood, feeling dizzy. “I tried my best…” Julian Thorne was the villain of this book. Unloved since childhood, his personality became twisted. As an adult, a mere crumb of kindness from the heroine was enough for him to walk through fire for her. In the end, he would have his limbs broken to save her, becoming a human stick, living a life worse than death. Spending five years in this world, I recorded his joys and sorrows, staying by his side to redeem him. Everyone knew I loved him. I was the only one who saw his dark side and didn’t fear it. At first, he was hostile, didn’t believe me, and only had eyes for the heroine. I knew he was cruel. When he deliberately pointed a knife at me, I stood still, letting him pierce the skin near my heart. His smirk froze, replaced by shock and confusion. I smiled and told him that he wasn’t the only one willing to sacrifice everything for someone he liked. I was too. I won the gamble. He personally took me to the hospital and stopped speaking harshly to me. He loved racing. I knew nothing about cars, but to make him smile, I worked multiple jobs, sleeping less than three hours a day, just to buy him a limited-edition helmet. In the fifth year, he went missing after a racing accident. I searched for him for a whole day without sleep. When he woke up and saw me, his eyes were red. He cupped my face, whispering intimately. He held me tight, as if wanting to merge me into his bones. Suppressing his sobs, I hugged him back, comforting him. After he was discharged, he immediately held my hand, his gaze heavy. “We’ll get married. If you want to leave then, you won’t be able to.” His voice was soft, carrying a hint of threat, but it left me stunned, unable to recover for a long time. My heartbeat deafened me, and my cheeks burned. After a long time, I squeezed his hand back, looking at him intently. “It’s a deal. We’re getting married!” That day, I started preparing everything for the wedding. From selecting the banquet hall to matching the smallest accessories on the dress, I handled everything. I was full of anticipation for the final result. I even invited the heroine to our wedding. I was confident enough to think Julian wouldn’t be obsessed with her anymore. But the moment the chandelier fell, my dream shattered. I clutched the wound the doctor had bandaged; it was still throbbing. I smiled bitterly, lowering my head to hide my tears. I took out my phone, told the wedding planner to cancel everything, then took off my wedding accessories, folded them, and sealed them away. I thought Julian and I had gone through hardships together, that I was special to him. But I still underestimated the power of the “white moonlight.” 2 No matter how long I stayed with him or how much I gave, as long as his white moonlight existed, I would lose completely. The System couldn’t help asking. “Host, do you really plan to go home?” I nodded. “You might as well tell me when I can go back.” “The tunnel will reopen in about a day. During this time, you can do whatever you want. Don’t leave with regrets.” I handed the bag in my hand to Julian’s sister, Mia, who had been relatively nice to me over the years. “After I leave, please burn this dress for me.” “I’m no longer qualified to wear it.” Mia clutched the bag, indignant. “My brother is really too much. I’m going to settle accounts with him right now and make him pay you a break-up fee before you go…” She turned to leave, but I stopped her. “No need.” She had seen how I treated her and Julian over the years. The improvement in her relationship with Julian was also thanks to my efforts. Just then, Julian appeared, clutching his freshly bandaged wound, his voice cold. “Where are you going?” I looked up at him. After only half a day, it felt like a lifetime. I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him. In the dim light of a bar, he leaned against a table, drinking alone. He wore a windbreaker, tall and straight. His eyes were pitch black, the corners of his lips slightly curled, as if rejecting everyone. But with just one look, I was drawn to him, unable to look away. Over the years, I had seen many expressions in his eyes, but I had never seen the tenderness he showed Clara. My thoughts returned, and I spoke. “You heard wrong.” “I was just asking Mia to help me dispose of some unimportant things.” As I spoke, my gaze became unfocused, as if trying to convince myself. Yes. I came clean, so I should leave clean. Julian stared at me for a long time. Finding no fault in my words, he finally compromised and left. Right, this was the normal him. A man who was always taciturn with me, only speaking more when talking about Clara. Why would he really care where I was going? 3 Soon, the front door opened. I watched Clara ignore me and rush upstairs to find Julian. As if this were her home, treating me like air. I followed her upstairs. Just as she knocked, a “Get out” came from inside. Clara became more anxious. “Julian, it’s me…” Click. The door opened quickly. I realized the “Get out” was meant for me, mistaking Clara for me. Julian suppressed the desire in his eyes and asked: “Why are you here?” “Aren’t you afraid he’ll know you came to see me?” Tears instantly filled Clara’s eyes, her voice trembling. “He’s not with me yet; he can’t control me.” “After all, you got hurt because of me. How can I be at ease without seeing you recover?” I stood frozen. It felt like someone punched my heart; a dull ache spread. These words clearly treated me as dead. Even though I tried so hard to sever the connection between them, in their eyes, I was still just cannon fodder. Clara’s tears began to fall. “Don’t you want to see me?” Julian could no longer hold back. He hugged Clara tightly right in front of me. “I need you. I’ve always needed you.” I watched his red eyes, holding her like a lost treasure recovered. These words stabbed my heart viciously. So what about me? Have I been a joke all along? After they hugged enough, Clara started checking Julian’s wound, stroking it while sobbing. “Does it hurt?” Julian looked even more distressed, taking her hand from his neck and holding it in both of his. His eyes were tender and lingering. “Don’t be afraid, Clara. It doesn’t hurt anymore.” “Look, the doctor bandaged it well. As long as I change the dressing properly, I’ll be fine.” “…You should go back.” 4 Five years, and I had never heard such a gentle voice. Sure enough, only the heroine deserved it. I didn’t want to watch anymore and left carefully. Tears couldn’t be held back, dripping down my cheeks onto the floor. I sat in the living room for a long time, silently watching the clock on the wall count down. Luckily, there were only two days left before I could leave. I wouldn’t have to come back. After a long time, Clara came downstairs carefully. Her lips were redder than when she arrived. I looked away, pretending not to see. But Clara walked straight towards me, instructing me carefully. “Julian has fallen asleep. Be careful not to wake him.” “I’m busy lately and can’t come often. You must take care of him and don’t let him get hurt again.” “Although he has a bad temper, he is a good person. If he is mean to you, come to me, and I’ll seek justice for you.” She held my hand, unable to hide the smugness in her eyes. I withdrew my hand calmly and couldn’t help but retort. “I am his fiancée. I don’t need you to say too much.” Her smugness became more obvious, and she sneered. “If I hadn’t let you, do you think you would have a chance to be with him?” “You take yourself too seriously. I am his white moonlight; you are just my backup.” “Do your job as a backup.” Strange. I thought I was thoroughly hurt. But there was no ripple in my heart. “Whether I’m a backup or not, you don’t need to say.” “At least, I am his fiancée. If we can’t get married this time, we can next time.” “You—!” Clara was furious, her voice rising. Then she took a deep breath and composed herself. “Hmph, you only win with words. I’m happy this time, I’ll let you win.” “Next time, I’ll make you roll out of this house.” 5 “Guess if Julian listens to me or you.” With that, she strode away, and the door slammed shut. I lost all strength, collapsing on the sofa, breathing heavily. Julian came down from upstairs and couldn’t help but accuse me. “Why do you have to argue with her? I just treat her like a sister…” My gaze fell on the redness at the corner of his mouth, and I couldn’t help but mock. “Looks like you two are really close.” He tried to explain, wiping the redness from his lips. “This was just an accident. Can you stop overthinking?” He walked over, looking at me with a heavy gaze. But this excuse was too pale. I couldn’t imagine how he “accidentally” got lipstick on his mouth. When I came to this world, I knew no one, only following him. Everyone thought I was crazy, shamelessly seducing Clara’s man without fear of biting back. He never explained anything, only said: “Don’t think about it. I won’t leave Clara to be with you wholeheartedly.” My eyes turned red, and I locked myself in my room, refusing to eat or drink, refusing to see Julian. He broke down the door and dragged me out, looking cold. “Do you think if you starve to death, I’ll look at you more? Eat something good instead.” I heard the implication in his words and took it as comfort. And just like that, I was coaxed. After that, no matter what others said, I remained indifferent. When people called me his simp, his expression didn’t change. Now he was worried I would suspect his white moonlight and forbade me from scolding her. I lowered my head and wiped away my tears. “You’re overthinking too. I didn’t think too much.” Julian looked at me questioningly. I continued. “Next time I see her, I’ll apologize.” In the middle of the night, I looked at the wound on my neck in the mirror and couldn’t help touching it again. It had been a whole day, and Julian hadn’t noticed such an obvious wound. As if he was certain I wouldn’t get hurt. That day was chaotic. Only Mia helped me up and took me to the hospital. “After so long, I thought my brother really loved you. Someone who hates being flashy invited so many people to his wedding.” “But you were right next to him, and he pushed you away to save Clara who was further away!” “It seems he doesn’t love you at all!”

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My daughter, Tracy, has always been the little judge, the tiny, biased referee of our house. Every single time Carl and I fought, she’d immediately side with her dad, demanding I be the one to apologize. This year, we went to Carl’s parents’ place for Christmas. Carl, ignoring all my pleas, had gotten completely hammered. When I suggested he sleep on the pullout in the guest room to avoid his midnight antics, he slurred his way into a fight. That’s when Tracy, just six years old, stepped up like a tiny, self-righteous grown-up. “This is Daddy’s house,” she shouted, burrowing into her father’s side. “He can sleep wherever he wants, and you don’t get to boss him around!” Her voice escalated into a scream, pointed right at me. “If you don’t like Daddy, then leave! Go back to your place! This isn’t your house, and you have no right to speak!” She pointed a furious little finger at the front door. “Go now! And you can’t take Daddy’s truck, because that’s his too!” The whole family—Carl’s mom, Carol, his brother Travis, and various cousins—were all chuckling, watching the spectacle with satisfied smiles. They cooed over her obedience. “Look at Tracy, all grown up, sticking up for her poor daddy.” I stared at her small, triumphant, challenging face. She was becoming more and more like her father, and her grandmother. That was the moment I checked out. Decisively. I didn’t just want out of the marriage; I wanted out of them. And the terrifying part? I realized I was willing to leave behind the one person I thought I couldn’t live without. 1 Carl, when he drank, didn’t just get drunk; he got belligerent and needed constant attention, often disrupting the whole night. I had spent the entire day cooking the huge Christmas dinner—a meal that had taken me eight hours, all by myself. I was exhausted and in no mood to play nurse. So I suggested he crash in the guest room next to his brother, Travis. Instead, he just mumbled and started a fight. No one in his family intervened. They just watched the drama unfold. Carol, his mother, casually cracked a pecan and chimed in. “Naomi, you’re being a bit insensitive. Carl is drunk. He needs his wife there to look after him. As a spouse, why can’t you be a little more caring?” I finally snapped. “You’re right, Carol. I guess I’m not nurturing enough,” I shot back, forcing a smile. “But you’re his mother—you love him. Why don’t you play nurse tonight? I’m done. He’s all yours.” Carol’s face went instantly sour. Just then, Tracy piped up. Huddled in Carl’s arms, she took up her usual post as the house’s moral guardian. “Mom, Daddy is the man of the house, and you have to listen to him. He can sleep wherever he says.” She lectured me with a solemn, forced-adult tone. “Daddy works so hard for us. It’s no big deal if he has a few drinks. You’re his wife, so taking care of him is your job.” I was physically and emotionally drained. This time, I didn’t indulge her performance. “Your dad works? And I don’t? Who pays for your school? Who buys your clothes?” “You don’t work! Daddy provides everything!” Tracy yelled, placing her hands on her hips. “You don’t even go to an office! You’re just a parasite!” Her voice was high-pitched and sharp. I froze, stung by the word. I was an online instructor, running my business from home. I taught virtual classes every day, and on top of that, I was the sole manager of the house: cleaning, cooking, laundry, homework—it had all defaulted to my tasks. Yet, Tracy didn’t see any of it as valid. How laughable. I turned back to Carl. He was still smiling a goofy, drunken smile, looking entirely detached. “Carl. Tell your daughter. Do I contribute to this family, or don’t I?” He raised an eyebrow, dripping with sarcasm. “Sure, babe, you contribute. You pay for everything, you do the most, the whole family should just kiss your feet. Is that what you want to hear?” He hugged Tracy close and kissed her cheek. “Tracy, stop fighting with your mom. We can’t compete with her.” “Hmph. Mommy is just unreasonable,” Tracy grumbled. Carol smiled, thrilled. She reached out and patted Tracy’s face, then feigned the role of mediator. “Oh, you little darling, don’t say that. You’ll just get your mother all worked up, and then your daddy will have to apologize.” Tracy pouted. “Daddy works too hard. Why should he apologize to her?” Carol sighed dramatically. “Well, your mother is the boss around here, sweetie. Even Grandma has to watch her step.” “No, she’s not! Daddy is the boss!” The relatives around the table continued their playful, mocking banter. Carol was the loudest. “Our Tracy is all grown up, standing up for her poor daddy.” Seeing my face harden, she turned to me. “Naomi, they’re just kids and jokes. Surely you won’t take offense at a child’s silly words?” Travis also jumped in to smooth things over. “Yeah, Naomi, chill out. She’s tiny. Don’t get so worked up over a kid.” They all went back to their holiday chatter, laughing and talking, quickly dismissing my hurt as a minor overreaction. Watching them, the sudden realization that I was utterly alone in that room—that my pain was their punchline—left me feeling chillingly cold. 2 The conversation had moved on, but the atmosphere felt brittle. Travis was scrolling through TikTok when he found a trending video. In the clip, a parent asks their child: if the world was ending and they could only save three things, what would they choose? The boy in the video chooses his mom, dad, and grandma. Travis, holding Tracy close, asked her, “Hey, big niece, what about you? What would you pick?” Tracy blinked thoughtfully for a few seconds. She pointed at the screen. “End of the world? I’d throw out Mom first!” “Why?” Travis prompted, clearly delighted. “Because Mom’s the most useless! I’d stay with Dad, Grandma, and my stuffed bear, Mr. Snuggles.” Carol burst into laughter. “Oh, Tracy, you little thing! You’d keep a stuffed bear over your own mother?” She pretended to defend me, but I knew she was stoking the fire. Tracy repeated it, adamant. “Yes. Because Mom’s the most useless.” To be so casually dismissed and devalued by the daughter I loved more than anything else was the final, fatal blow. My heart wasn’t just sinking; it was a frozen stone. Watching their display of cozy, loving family unity—a circle I was clearly outside of—made me sick to my stomach. I stood up to leave. Carl reacted first, grabbing my arm. “Whoa, Naomi, where are you going? You’re not actually mad, are you?” Travis, seeing the mood shift, finally stopped smiling. “Naomi, we were just joking around.” “Is that what this is? A joke?” I pulled my arm free. “Well, you all have a great rest of your Christmas. I’m not sticking around to service it.” “Naomi! Stop being dramatic! It was nothing!” Carl’s face hardened, and his grip on my wrist tightened. Tracy bounced up, furious. “Bad Mommy! Walk home! The car is Daddy’s, and you’re not allowed to drive it!” I laughed, a harsh, dry sound. I turned back to her, speaking slowly and distinctly. “Listen to me, Tracy. That car is not your father’s. It’s mine. And yes, I’m taking it. I’ll drive it whenever I please. And you won’t be riding in it again.” With that, I opened the door and walked out of Carl’s parents’ house. The drive was over two hundred miles. It was late, and snowing lightly. But nothing—not the darkness, the distance, or the weather—could have stopped me. I had snow tires on my SUV. I drove for almost six hours, fueled by adrenaline and cold rage, until I finally reached our house. Carl’s call didn’t come until the next day. His voice was lazy and demanding. “Where did you go? Get back here. The whole family is waiting on you to cook breakfast.” “You had to start drama on Christmas, now Tracy’s complaining she wants your cinnamon rolls. Stop being so stubborn and get back here.” My voice was flat. “I’m already home.” A few seconds of silence passed. He didn’t ask if I was okay. He only demanded. “…You left? Then who’s going to cook the food today?” I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to unleash every curse word I knew. “I cooked a massive holiday meal, and your sister-in-law and brother-in-law didn’t even lift a finger. I was the only one you all expected to wait on you. I’m not doing it anymore. You want food? Find someone else to make it.” I hung up before he could respond. 3 I spent the entire Christmas break alone at home, and it was glorious. The only things that spoiled it were the occasional texts from Carl. He finally went nuclear in the family group chat, tagging me directly. Carl: [@Naomi. Do you have any idea how hard this is for Mom, cooking for the whole family because you just ran off? You’re so immature!] I didn’t hold back. Naomi: [Oh, you’re so dutiful, Carl. Why don’t you take care of your mother’s cooking? Stop trying to outsource your guilt.] He was silenced, but Carol jumped in. Carol: [There is no reason for a man to be in the kitchen! I cook for my son because I want to! I do it willingly! Naomi: Good for you, Carol. Then cook more. I don’t want to.] Then, I exited the group chat. On the last day of the holiday break, Carl and Tracy finally came home. He looked exhausted, covered in a thin layer of travel dust. He started complaining the moment he walked in the door. “This is your fault, taking the car. I had to lug Tracy and all the luggage onto a train. Do you know how inconvenient that was?” Tracy chimed in. “Bad Mommy!” Carl continued, listing his demands. “Get the bags. All the laundry from the trip is in there. I need you to wash it immediately. I need my blue puffer jacket for work tomorrow.” I didn’t even look up from my phone. “Wash your own clothes. And stop ordering me around.” “Naomi! Enough of this drama!” He was gearing up for war. But I was suddenly tired. Too tired to fight. Too tired to even argue. I laid my cards on the table. “Carl, I want a divorce.” He froze. “…Are you kidding me?” “I’m not kidding.” I pulled the signed divorce papers out of my bag and slapped them onto the kitchen counter. That was the moment panic finally hit him. “No… This is all over that Christmas thing? Tracy and I were just joking, babe.” “Yes, it’s all over that Christmas thing.” I met his eyes, my own glacial. “Because those ‘jokes’ showed me everything I needed to know. You, and Tracy, don’t need a wife or a mother. You need a free housekeeper who can be mocked and degraded at will. I’m done. Sign the papers.” He was quiet for a long moment. Then he tried the sweet-talk approach. “Come on, don’t be like this. I was wrong, okay? I’m sorry.” He tried to include Tracy. “Tracy, honey, talk to your mom. She’s going on strike. Tell her you’re sorry.” Tracy shot me a glare. “I didn’t do anything wrong! I won’t apologize! Mommy’s mean and petty!” “Tracy!” Carl yelled, a rare moment of parental discipline. Tracy burst into tears, but instead of blaming her father, she took it out on me. She unhooked the small water bottle she carried and, without a word, hurled it at me. The bottle slammed painfully into my shin. “You’re a mean, bad mommy! I don’t want you anymore! Daddy, divorce her! I like Aunt Piper…” “Tracy!” Carl’s voice was suddenly a high-pitched shriek. He smacked her hard on the butt. It took me a few seconds to process the name. I raised my eyes and focused on Carl. “Who is Aunt Piper?” 4 Carl’s face immediately drained of all color. “Don’t listen to Tracy! Kids make things up all the time!” “Naomi, look, I’m sorry about everything. I never should have let things get so bad. I didn’t care for your feelings, and I was wrong…” He had finally dropped the arrogance. He forced Tracy to apologize, using a rare, brutal authority. Tracy was crying, her eyes filled with hate, but she spat out an apology. I knew, with absolute certainty, that neither of them meant it. But I accepted it. Because I needed to know who Aunt Piper was. Tracy wouldn’t pull that name out of thin air. Had Carl been cheating? If he was, I needed irrefutable proof. Not just for my sanity, but to ensure I got a better deal in the divorce settlement. I pretended to forgive them and moved on, but I immediately began investigating this “Piper.” If I remembered correctly, there was a new colleague at Carl’s office named Piper Ling. That night, I checked his phone. His normal social media and chat apps were clean. Spotless, in fact. That made me even more suspicious. I clicked on his battery usage settings, checking the power consumption ranking. That’s when I saw a strange app near the top of the list: “The Gallery Vault.” Carl never used photo editing or storage apps. There had to be a catch. I managed to open the app, and found it was a secure photo-sharing/messaging system. His only contact was nicknamed… Pixie Dust. I tapped on the private messages. The chat logs were sickening. People who want to cheat will find a million ways. Carl had resorted to a disguised chat app. The messages were explicit. Blurry, filtered nude photos and cringe-worthy, explicit talk. Clicking to view the full image confirmed my fear: it was his new colleague, Piper Ling. Their most recent exchange was from just three hours ago. Pixie Dust: [Brother… Aunt Flo finally left. Little bunny is so lonely. Want you to come stay.] Carl: [Can’t, sweetie. It’s Tracy’s birthday tomorrow. That old battle-axe will expect all three of us to go out.] Pixie Dust: [Ugh, that hag. She’s hogging both you and Tracy. Why don’t you just divorce her already?] Carl: [I want to, but where else am I gonna find a free maid who cleans, cooks, and takes care of the kid? I’d hate for my Pixie Dust to have to do all that.] The dialogue stopped there. A sharp, searing pain tore through my chest. I didn’t cry. I was shaking, but determined. I used my own phone to take clear, time-stamped screenshots of every single message and photo. I immediately texted my lawyer, instructing him to rewrite the divorce agreement. It was no longer about splitting assets. It was about Carl walking away with nothing. 5 The next day was Tracy’s birthday. We had made reservations at a nice Italian restaurant a month ago. But now, I saw no reason for us to celebrate anything together. The following morning, I lied to Carl. I told him my boss had called me in to teach a mandatory, all-day, in-person training session in a city a few hours away. I wouldn’t be able to make it to Tracy’s dinner. “But we already made plans…” Carl complained, but he couldn’t quite suppress the tiny, excited smile playing on his lips. I saw it all, but pretended to be oblivious. I grabbed a small suitcase and walked out the door. I didn’t go far. I drove two blocks away, parked, and waited. I waited until Tracy’s kindergarten let out. I hid in a corner across the street, watching. Soon, Carl’s SUV—my SUV—pulled up to the curb. I saw a woman sitting in the passenger seat. It was Piper. Tracy, backpack slung over her shoulder, skipped out of school. The moment she saw Carl and Piper, her face lit up. She ran, jumping directly into Piper’s arms, throwing her own around Piper’s neck. It was a level of closeness I, her biological mother, had never once been shown. The trio drove off and ended up at the very Italian restaurant I had booked. They looked like the perfect, happy family of three. They laughed and chatted easily. Tracy was eating the sugary dessert I had expressly forbidden her to have. She beamed up at Piper. “Aunt Piper, you’re so nice, a million times better than my mom.” “You’re prettier, too. My mom’s old and fat, and her tummy has rolls like a pig. I’m embarrassed for her to come to school events. I’m scared the other kids will laugh at me.” “I wish you were my mom.” Piper smiled, wiping a smear of red sauce from Tracy’s mouth. “I wish I had a sweet, obedient daughter just like you, honey.” Carl interjected, smiling widely. “Go on, Tracy. Call her ‘Mom.’” Tracy didn’t hesitate. “Mommy!” Watching the sickeningly sweet scene, I fought back the acidic surge of nausea. …This was the daughter I had sacrificed everything for. A spoiled, ungrateful viper, just like her father. I fought down my rage and disappointment. I didn’t rush in to confront them. Instead, with a hand that trembled slightly, I recorded the entire exchange on my phone. After dinner, Carl drove my car, carrying Piper and Tracy, back to my house. I didn’t need to wonder what would happen next. I watched them enter the house, then quickly made my way to the garage. I accessed the vehicle’s dashcam and pulled the recent footage. In the car, Carl and Piper were totally uninhibited, even with Tracy strapped into her booster seat. They started making plans for the night. “It’s been two weeks. I’m starving for you!” Carl said. “You haven’t been… with your wife these past few days?” Piper purred. “Hell no. Seeing that harpy just turns me off. She could be naked in bed, and I couldn’t get it up.” Piper giggled. “My new lingerie arrived. I’m wearing it for you tonight.” “You little demon. I’m going to make sure you can’t walk tomorrow.” I saved the video footage. Then, I walked back toward the house. Standing on the front porch, I called Carl. While the phone rang, I created a new group chat, adding Carl’s sister, his brother, and his closest college friends—everyone he cared about saving face with. As soon as the call connected, I hung up and immediately uploaded the compromising dashcam video to the group chat. It was a time bomb. I tagged everyone. Naomi: [Urgent. Get over to the house. You won’t want to miss the surprise.]

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I was a world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon. To conquer a rare, complex pediatric heart condition, I emptied my savings and tirelessly fundraised to establish The Second Chance Heart Initiative. The commitment was simple: I would personally perform pro-bono surgery for one hundred underprivileged children. I never imagined that the family of the very first child I saved—a boy named Jerry Walsh, Jr.—would turn around and collude with a professional liability agitator to report me. They claimed I used their son as a “guinea pig in unethical trials” and charged secret, exorbitant kickbacks. The public reaction was immediate and ferocious. The hospital suspended my surgical privileges, and the Initiative’s funds were frozen. Facing the storm of accusations and online vitriol, I called a press conference. Standing before the frantic media, I made a calm, deliberate announcement: “Effective immediately, The Second Chance Heart Initiative is dissolved. My research findings and the surgical techniques I’ve developed will be destroyed as of today.” The flashing of the strobe lights became a blinding chaos as I stepped away from the podium. Reporters shoved microphones into my face. … “Dr. Scott, are you truly giving up on the one hundred children on that waiting list?” “What will happen to the remaining donations now that the foundation is shut down?” “Isn’t this an incredibly irresponsible act?” My face was a mask of cold neutrality as security ushered me through the scrum toward the back exit. My phone was vibrating so hard it felt like it might combust. The incoming messages weren’t from the media; they were from the families of the ninety-nine other children on the waiting list. The tone shifted from initial shock to desperate pleas, and then, inevitably, to savage accusations and curses. Yet, I felt nothing. No sorrow, no regret. My heart had gone cold the moment the first family chose to side with the vultures who were betraying me. Just then, I saw the name of the man who had started it all: Jerry Walsh, Sr. His message was infuriatingly righteous, almost condescending. “Dr. Scott, we saw the news. You can’t be so petty about this.” “You can’t just quit. The public is on our side now, you can’t fight this. You know we’ll win.” I stared at the screen, refusing to reply. He must have taken my silence for fear, because a second message followed instantly. “Look, I know you’re mad, but we were just looking out for our boy. Tell you what.” “Since you’re not going to do the rest of the surgeries, that money is just sitting there. Why don’t you cut us a check? Call it compensation for the emotional damage of our son being your experiment. We get the money, and we’ll go online and clear things up for you.” A cold, sharp laugh escaped me as I read the proposal. Emotional damage? Clear things up? Who did they think I was? A soft touch they could shake down for cash? Still using the hospital’s official account, I posted a single, public sentence for the world to see: “Funds for The Second Chance Heart Initiative were designated for life-saving surgery, not for extortion. The Initiative is officially dissolved today, and all remaining funds will be returned to the original donors, down to the last cent.” The response detonated across the internet. Thousands swarmed the hospital’s official social media pages; the comment section became a riot. Jerry Walsh, Sr. was clearly enraged by my clinical defiance. Within ten minutes, guided by the professional agitator, Rick Keller, he posted a video designed to tug at the heartstrings. In the video, he cradled his son—the child I had pulled back from the edge of the grave—and wept a performance of gut-wrenching grief into the lens. “See that, everyone! He admitted he has the money! But he’d rather return it than give it to us!” “He’s doing this to punish us! To punish us for exposing the monster he really is!” “He never wanted to save lives; he just wanted to pocket the money meant for poor kids!” He ended the video by bowing his head several times, pressing his forehead dramatically to the floor. “Please, help us. Bring us justice!” The public narrative snapped instantly. I went from being a rogue doctor running unethical trials to a venomous thief, pocketing children’s rescue money. The online abuse was a flood: “Serpent-hearted! You don’t deserve the title of Doctor!” “Spit out the cash! That’s a child’s life support!” “He should be driven out of medicine and nailed to a wall!” I switched off my phone and leaned against the cold wall of the backstage area. The story of the farmer and the snake was not just a fable. The next day, Dr. Howard Bell, the hospital Director, called me to his office. The man who had once showered me with praise now looked tired and emotionally detached. He slid a document across the desk. “Cameron, the State Medical Board is under immense pressure. They’re discussing a permanent revocation of your license.” I picked up the file. It listed my supposed “crimes,” each one pointing to the idea that I had used the Initiative as a front for personal enrichment. My hand trembled slightly as I read the blatant distortion of facts. Dr. Bell sighed, a hint of impatience in his voice. “I know you’re the victim here, but the public outcry is destroying our reputation, and yours. Just… fall on your sword a little. Say there were procedural errors in the Initiative’s accounting. We’ll help you manage the fallout and minimize the damage.” “Your career is too valuable. Don’t ruin your life over a petty dispute.” I looked up, meeting his eyes. “What if I refuse, Director?” At that moment, the door was shoved open with a bang. Dr. Victor Shaw, the Head of Cardiology and a long-time professional rival, burst in, holding a fresh report. “Director! Cameron! We have a major problem!” He handed the report to Dr. Bell, but his eyes, filled with cold, professional satisfaction, were fixed on me. “This is the latest drug-screen report. I’ve discovered that Dr. Scott administered an unapproved, experimental drug to Jerry Walsh, Jr.!” Dr. Bell’s face went pale. He snatched the report. My chest constricted painfully as I scanned the list of compounds. Every one of them was a high-grade nutritional supplement that I had personally sourced and purchased at vast expense from overseas labs, pulling every favor I had. They were intended to maximize the child’s recovery and minimize long-term post-operative complications. I had never billed the Initiative or the family for them. “Those compounds,” I said, my voice ice-cold. “Were a private donation from me to the patient’s family. I have every purchase receipt and transfer record.” Dr. Shaw had clearly anticipated this. He allowed a smug, triumphant smile to bloom on his face. “Private purchase? Who’s going to believe that?” He turned back to the Director, his tone dripping with false concern. “Director Bell, in the eyes of the public, this is ironclad proof: Dr. Scott used free surgery as a cover to collude with foreign drug manufacturers, running illegal trials on a poor child and collecting a massive kickback from the Initiative funds!” “We have the plaintiff, the public platform, and now, the physical evidence. He won’t be able to talk his way out of this one.” Dr. Bell’s expression hardened into disappointment and a chilling finality. He slammed the report onto the desk. “Cameron Scott, you have profoundly disappointed me!” I watched them—one playing the sympathetic leader, the other the righteous prosecutor—a perfectly orchestrated, sickening theater. The last shred of warmth in my heart vanished. I ignored the Director and stared directly at Victor Shaw, speaking slowly and deliberately. “I welcome an investigation at any level.” “I, Cameron Scott, will not fold.” With that, I turned and walked out. Dr. Shaw’s speed was unnerving. That same afternoon, the “drug report,” twisted into his narrative, was leaked to the entire internet via Rick Keller’s channels. The narrative was now complete and total: I was an absolute villain—a narcissistic surgeon who performed high-risk drug trials on poor children to amass a fortune, attempted to steal the remaining funds when caught, and was now destroying evidence. My home address, cell number, and even my parents’ address were immediately doxxed. Venomous texts and calls poured in without pause. “Murderer! Give back our children’s lives!” “You don’t deserve to exist!” “I’m outside your apartment right now. You better be ready!” I pulled the blinds shut, silenced my phone, and locked myself in my dark apartment. Late that night, a violent smash. A rock had shattered my living room window. Glass fragments glittered on the floor in the moonlight. Sitting in the darkness, I felt a bone-deep cold and, for the first time, raw fear. The silent phone suddenly rang. An unknown number. I hesitated, but finally pressed ‘Answer.’ A deep, steady voice, laced with suppressed fury, cut through the silence. “Cameron, why didn’t you call me when this started?” It was Ms. Blackwood. Evie. The business titan whom I had personally pulled back from death three years earlier with a globally-pioneering surgical procedure. After the operation, she had insisted on adopting me as a godson, a title I respectfully declined, but she had treated me like her own family ever since. Hearing her voice, strong and unwavering, the tight, coiled spring of tension inside me snapped. She didn’t ask for details, or question my side of the story. Her voice held the unshakeable authority of a queen giving an order. “I’m downstairs. The security detail already cleared your street.” “Grab a bag with essentials and come down now.” “You are moving to the estate on the hill, effective tonight.” A wave of unexpected warmth washed over me, chasing away the fear and the cold. I wiped my face, threw a few items into a duffel bag, and walked downstairs. A black Rolls-Royce waited at the curb. Evie Blackwood opened the door for me herself. “Get in. I will handle the rest.” As the car smoothly pulled away from that suffocating neighborhood, a new video popped up online. A man with a heavily pixellated face, claiming to be a hospital nurse, tearfully “confirmed” my drug abuse, going so far as to imply I had unethical relationships with senior hospital staff to secure surgical privileges. The comments section exploded into a new frenzy. I handed my phone to Evie. She glanced at the screen. Her already grim expression turned to frost. After a long moment, she ground out a single phrase from between clenched teeth. “Jumping jackasses.” She picked up her own phone and dialed a number. “I want a full file on the man in this video, and everyone backing him. I want the results on my desk before tomorrow’s sunrise.” She hung up and looked at me, her eyes filled with protective concern. “Cameron, relax. We will not lose this fight.” I nodded, leaning back into the soft leather, watching the city lights blur by. Evie Blackwood did not waste a moment. By the following morning, a team of the country’s top litigation lawyers was assembled. They immediately sent a strongly-worded public letter to the hospital’s board, demanding an immediate, full-scale public hearing—a town hall—with all personnel and media present to clarify the facts. The hospital was clearly stunned by my hard-line counterattack and the undeniable influence of Evie Blackwood. Under immense pressure, they were forced to agree. The hearing was set for 2:00 PM in the hospital’s largest auditorium. When I arrived, the hall was packed to the rafters. Flashing strobe lights, a sea of grim faces—the media, the hospital executives, Victor Shaw, Rick Keller, and the Walsh family. I walked onto the stage in a perfectly tailored suit. The room fell silent. I calmly surveyed the crowd—faces filled with schadenfreude, cold indifference, and naked greed. I picked up the microphone. “Today, I stand here to announce one thing first.” I paused, locking eyes with Dr. Bell in the front row. “Effective immediately, I, Cameron Scott, am formally tendering my immediate resignation from this institution.” The auditorium exploded in a stunned roar. No one had expected me to open with a scorched-earth maneuver. Shock was visible even on the faces of Dr. Bell and Dr. Shaw. Ignoring the reaction, I pivoted, my gaze landing on Jerry Walsh, Sr. “Second, I’d like to address Mr. Walsh’s recent demand for ‘emotional damages.’” The media immediately leaned forward, cameras clicking furiously. I motioned to my assistant, who walked a velvet-lined box, wrapped like an expensive gift, to Jerry Walsh. He accepted it, a bewildered look mixed with greed crossing his face. He likely thought it was a check or a stack of cash. My voice was broadcast loud and clear throughout the hall. “Mr. Walsh, since you believe your son’s successful surgery has caused your family significant emotional distress, it is my obligation as the surgeon to meet your demands. This box contains the ‘compensation’ I meticulously prepared for you. Please, open it.” Jerry Walsh eagerly lifted the lid. His expression of anticipation instantly froze. Inside was not cash, but a clearly printed, itemized invoice. I watched him, my lips curving into a smile that was arctic-cold. “This invoice,” I explained, “details the full cost of your son’s care, from his admission to his post-operative recovery. This includes the customized surgical instruments our team had manufactured specifically for him, the elite German care specialists we hired, and the total cost of the high-grade supplements I personally purchased from overseas…” I let the figures sink into the stunned crowd, then delivered the final sum. “The total bill is two-and-a-half million dollars.” “Since you believe a life can be monetized, I expect you to pay the price.” The auditorium plunged into a momentary, deafening silence, followed by a tidal wave of noise. Jerry Walsh’s face was bloodless; the invoice fluttered from his shaking hand. Dr. Shaw shot up from his seat, pointing a furious finger at me. “Cameron Scott! This is extortion! This is nothing but a threat!” Rick Keller quickly recovered, shouting to the crowd. “Do you see this, folks! He’s retaliating! He’s trying to shake down a poor family in broad daylight!” As the room descended into pandemonium, my phone vibrated violently. It was Evie Blackwood. I answered the call. Her voice was pure ice. “Cameron, they’re live-streaming this. The whole country is watching. But that’s not the main issue.” She paused, the tone shifting to one of unprecedented gravity. “I just got confirmation that someone used top-tier political leverage to file a formal complaint with the National Institutes of Health. They are alleging your PhD and all your published international research are based on academic fraud.” “A joint federal investigative task force has been mobilized. They are en route now.”

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I hit the “golden daughter,” so my brothers committed me to a psychiatric hospital. When I was finally released, I had become unnaturally obedient. If my brothers told me to go east, I wouldn’t dare head west. But why did the fake daughter suddenly become even more “well-behaved” than me? Dr. Miller said that a professional patient never strikes back unless the other person hits first. Those are the rules of the ward. Oh? Please. Getting someone to swing first is the easiest game in the world. I have a thousand ways to make them do it. 1 The day my brother, Silas, came to pick me up from the asylum, I was wearing a Peter Pan collar blouse and denim overalls. My hands were neatly folded in front of me, my eyes downcast. The old, arrogant fire was gone. Silas looked me up and down, finally satisfied. “Do you understand what you did wrong?” I nodded obediently and recited the lines Dr. Miller taught me. “I’m sorry, Silas. I was jealous of Brianna. That’s why I hired those guys to scare her. I was wrong. I’ll never do it again.” The perfect amount of grievance, the perfect hint of remorse. Tears brimmed in my eyes but didn’t fall—a pose I had practiced by watching Brianna for a long time. It worked. Silas believed me. He reached out his noble hand and gave my head a condescending pat. “Good. If you hadn’t crossed the line so badly, Arthur wouldn’t have locked you away. From now on, try to get along with Brianna.” I mimicked Brianna’s habit of nuzzling into his palm. Silas actually smiled. No one noticed the Director of the asylum, Dr. Lowery, shuddering violently behind us. I flicked a glance at him, and cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead. “Mr. Sterling, if there’s nothing else, I’ll leave you to your family reunion.” Silas nodded. “You did well. The Sterling Group’s donation will be in your account by morning.” “Th-thank you!” Lowery stammered and bolted. “The Director is quite fast on his feet, isn’t he?” I murmured. Thump. Lowery tripped over nothing. Then, under Silas’s confused gaze, he scrambled up and ran like a ghost was chasing him. “Silas, can I go home now?” Seeing my submissive state, he nodded. But he didn’t forget a final warning: “If you bully Brianna again, even if Arthur doesn’t send you back, I will!” “Okay,” I whispered. 2 When we reached the familiar estate, I stood at the threshold. I didn’t enter. Brianna used to say this was her house. Her parents, her brothers. I was just the intruder. How could I enter someone else’s home uninvited? It wasn’t until Silas said, “Get inside,” that I forced a flattered smile. “Is it really okay?” Silas’s eyes softened with a hint of pity. But the memory of my past behavior quickly hardened his heart again. Soon, Arthur and Brianna returned. “Arthur, I brought Yasmine back,” Silas said. “Has it been six months already?” Arthur asked. Already? I had lived through a year’s worth of hell every day in that place, but to them, time flew. Arthur studied me with a cold, judgmental gaze. I immediately gave him a small, respectful half-bow. Brianna saw me and gasped, shrinking behind Arthur’s broad shoulders. Arthur patted her arm. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here. If she touches you, I promise she’ll never set foot outside that asylum again as long as she lives.” He looked at me like I was a cockroach. I pressed a hand to my chest. So, an asylum patient’s heart can still feel pain. “I’ll be very good. I’ll listen,” I said, my voice small and pathetic. Arthur shot me a look of pure disgust and led Brianna away to wash up for dinner. 3 Dinner was, predictably, all of Brianna’s favorites. Suppressing her “fear,” Brianna picked up a piece of spicy popcorn chicken and put it in my bowl. “Here, Yasmine. Eat.” Pepper, chili, and… mango dipping sauce. This chicken was a curated list of everything I hated. Arthur leaned in. “Brianna, I raised you. You aren’t inferior to anyone. You don’t have to grovel to her.” Brianna lowered her head, a tear hitting her plate. I didn’t get it. They gave her the best of everything, tailored every meal to her taste, yet they thought she was the victim? Dr. Miller said: The best actor gets the candy. I sat there, staring at the chicken, swallowing hard. Then I asked the question that made the room turn cold. “Am… am I allowed to eat?” Arthur: … Silas: … Brianna: Internally screaming. When no one objected, I picked up my fork. I was starving. I hadn’t had real food in forever. I wanted to swallow the whole table. My unrefined, desperate eating style made them scowl. “Yasmine, didn’t they feed you in there?” Silas asked. I shook my head. “They did. But the slop buckets never had meat in them…” Slam! Arthur threw his fork down. “Yasmine Sterling, who are you trying to disgust? The Sterling family funds that facility. Lowery wouldn’t dare treat you like that. There’s a limit to lying.” Wouldn’t he? Arthur, have you ever seen a bed of nails? Have you ever felt the current of an electric chair? Have you ever watched a girl fight a dog for a scrap of gristle? Arthur hadn’t. But Brianna, hidden behind her napkin, was smiling. I stood there trembling, staring at Arthur in terror. Silas frowned. “Arthur, it’s her first night back. Can’t we just have a quiet meal?” Arthur suppressed his rage, his loathing for me deepening. Silas handed me a fork. “Eat if you’re hungry.” “Thank you, Silas,” I said with a sweet, wide smile. Silas’s pupils contracted. Did his sister know how to smile like that? Why had he never seen it before? For a split second, Silas felt a strange tug at his heart. Even Arthur’s eyes flickered, though his coldness remained. 4 I was about to go to bed when Brianna walked in. “I brought you some milk, Sister.” She didn’t knock. “Thank you,” I said, taking the glass. Those two words had never passed my lips before. Every time she “offered” something, it was a trap. Brianna smirked. “You’ve become quite the little pet, haven’t you?” The next second, her hand “slipped.” The milk splashed all over my clothes. “Oh no! Yasmine, why didn’t you catch it?” She looked at me provocatively. I didn’t move. She picked up the only gift my brothers had ever given me—a small music box from the year I returned—and tossed it into the trash. I still didn’t move. She scanned the room and saw the photo on my desk. It was the only picture I had of our parents and me. This time, I moved. I caught her wrist. Brianna laughed triumphantly. With her free hand, she snatched the frame and smashed it against the floor. My eyes burned with rage. “Oh, are you mad? Hit me then! I dare you!” Blatant provocation. But as an asylum patient, the first thing I learned was to follow instructions. I swung my arm and delivered a resounding slap to her face. Brianna was stunned for a few seconds before she began her performance. “Arthur! Silas! Help me!” They burst in instantly, shielding Brianna and glaring at me. “Yasmine, what the hell is wrong with you?” I folded my hands neatly. “She told me to hit her.” Brianna sobbed, clutching her red cheek. “I just brought her milk… I saw her throwing your gifts in the trash… she tried to rip up the family photo… I tried to stop her and she just attacked me! Look!” The gift was in the trash. The photo was on the floor. The frame was shattered. The evidence was “undeniable.” “Yasmine, do you still hate us that much? It wasn’t our fault the hospital switched you at birth!” Silas shouted, his disappointment palpable. Hate? I suppose. I spent ten years on the streets. My foster parents trained me to beg. I stole, I fought, I slept in alleys. I lived like a bug in the dirt. Meanwhile, the Sterlings pampered my replacement. How could I not hate them? I hated them for not finding me sooner. I hated them for replacing me. I hated that they always believed her lies. “I should have let you rot on the streets,” Arthur spat. I looked at him, my expression returning to that eerie “well-behaved” mask. “Brianna threw the gift away. Brianna smashed the photo.” “You—!” Arthur looked like he was about to explode. I pulled out my discharge papers. “I swear on my clinical diagnosis as a psychiatric patient, I am telling the truth.” Psychiatric patient. The brothers froze. Silas snatched the papers, his hands trembling. “This… this is real.” I nodded. “Dr. Miller said that for us ‘mentally ill’ people to survive in the world, we have to be obedient. We have to be quiet.” Arthur glanced at the papers and sneered. He didn’t believe me. “Obedient? Good. Move out of this room. Brianna is staying here now.” This room was the “Princess Suite” my parents had custom-built for me. My mother designed the layout; my father picked the furniture. It was supposed to be my sanctuary. Brianna had tried to take it a dozen times. “Okay,” I said. I immediately started packing my few belongings. Arthur, Silas, and even Brianna were stunned. This room was my last line of defense. Usually, I’d fight to the death for it. Brianna’s eyes sparkled. She finally had it. She tugged Arthur’s sleeve. “Arthur, is it okay? Can I really stay here?” Arthur’s face was grim. “If she can live here, so can you.” He turned to me and pointed toward the basement—the unfinished storage room. “You sleep there.” I nodded obediently and lugged my blankets downstairs. Arthur’s hand was still half-raised, frozen in the air. He watched me settle into the cramped, dark space. His chest seemed to be heaving with a strange, repressed fury. I didn’t get it. This is what you wanted, right? Why are you angry? As I lay down to sleep, he barked: “Wait!” I stayed still. The maid walked in and poured a bucket of ice water over my mattress. “Now you can sleep,” Arthur said, his face a mask of indifference. He was waiting for me to snap. He wanted my “true nature” to come out. Too bad. I lay down in the soaking wet bedding and, within minutes, I was snoring softly. Arthur: !!! 5 I woke up in a comfortable guest room. Silas was by my bed, muttering, “How long has she been asleep? Ten hours…” When I opened my eyes, he looked worried. “Yasmine, are you really…” He couldn’t finish, but I knew what he meant. “I’m a psychiatric patient,” I said calmly. “But I’m not ashamed.” Arthur didn’t trust me. He spent the next two weeks testing me. He told me to go left; I went left. He told me to eat fish; I ate fish. He even put a large, hairy spider on my hand. I shook with terror, but I didn’t dare brush it off until he told me to. Arthur’s face grew darker every day. Finally, he looked at Brianna and asked, “Was it really you?” Brianna had never faced this kind of doubt. That same day, she found the head maid. “Doesn’t your son want that new house?” she whispered. “Do this, and the money is yours.” The maid’s eyes gleamed. She’d made a fortune off me over the years. That night, she crept into my room and pinched me awake with her sharp nails. “Don’t you dare scream!” I was obedient. I didn’t scream. I just stared at her with wide, innocent eyes. My submission gave her courage. She grinned wickedly. “Get up. Take your clothes off.” I stood up, but I wouldn’t undress. Dr. Miller said a girl must have a baseline of dignity, no matter the environment. The maid grew angry and pulled out a long sewing needle. “Remember this? Strip, or I’ll bury this in your skin!” I tilted my head. Bad memories surfaced. Once, I had a high fever. My brothers had taken Brianna on a ski trip and left me with the maid. I couldn’t get out of bed. For three days, she didn’t give me a drop of water or a bite of food. I was dying. Every time I drifted off, she’d stab me with a needle to keep me awake. When the brothers returned, I told them. Arthur slapped me across the face. I found out later that while I was in that hell, the maid had called them every day, crying about how I was abusing her. She’d even scratched her own arms for “proof.” “Scared? Good. Now do as I say!” the maid hissed, her face contorted. Dr. Miller said that people like her—servile to the powerful but cruel to the weak—need no mercy. The next second, I grabbed her by the hair and slammed her head against the wall. I took the needle from her hand and drove it deep into her thigh. A pig-like squeal echoed through the mansion. “Shh,” I whispered. “Disturbing the peace gets you sent to the water tank.” She didn’t seem to understand. I dragged her by the hair toward the door. The brothers rushed downstairs, pale. “Yasmine! What are you doing?” Silas yelled. “She’s too loud,” I said. “I can’t sleep. Where is my chainsaw? I need to cut out her tongue.” The blood drained from Silas’s face. He lunged forward to stop me. “There is no chainsaw!” “Yasmine, let me throw her out for you, okay? If she’s outside, she won’t be loud!” I tilted my head. “Really?” Silas managed to pry her hair out of my grip. He threw her out the front door. It was much quieter. I went back to my room and fell asleep instantly. The rest of them stood in the hallway, staring at each other. The house was as silent as a tomb.

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After postpartum depression, I wanted to kill myself every day. Sean Hayes hugged me as I tried to jump off the building, tears streaming down: “I will definitely cure you. No matter what you become, you are my wife.” He chased criminals during the day, fed the baby at night, and took me to see doctors in the morning. His spirited eyes became sunken, but he never gave up. Another time after getting off work, the baby was crying from hunger. I was holding a knife cutting my arm on the side. He slapped me hard on the face: “If you can’t be a mother, why did you give birth to him? “Others are fine after giving birth, why are you so special playing postpartum depression! “Don’t you want to die? Here, use this!” He stuffed his service weapon into my hand and pressed it against my chin. I didn’t cry or fuss, obediently waiting for him to pull the trigger. Until the baby cried for “Mama”. Only then did I realize I should go hug him. A woman snatched him before me: “Mentor, look at yourself, stop harming the child, okay?” Only then did I know, Sean accepted a small apprentice. Lively, healthy. And very good at taking care of children. The way Sean looked at her was the same as he looked at me in the beginning. They looked more like a family. I, could go die. Chapter 1 The baby had a fever. My mental state was terrible all day. I didn’t even cover him properly with the quilt. I wanted to check on him, but was pushed away by Sean: “Take care of yourself.” One of them dressed the baby, the other picked him up. Perfect cooperation. I became an outsider. Standing aside watching them go out, go downstairs, drive away. Sean had no hostility when working with Willow. And Willow was really better at taking care of children than me. If I died, could Sean be with her? Would he feel better? I remember there was a whole bottle of sleeping pills left. Sean was afraid I would take them all when alone, locked them in the highest part of the cabinet. I stepped on a stool to try the password. Vaguely remember it was a birthday sequence. Mine. No. Sean’s. No. Baby’s. Also no. Hesitated for a moment. Entered Willow’s. Opened. Inside was not sleeping pills. It was a bottle of poison. Beside was his friend’s handwriting: “Death within three minutes after taking, cause of death easily determined as overdose of sleeping pills, but sister-in-law will be very painful, think carefully before using.” I smiled. Turns out… Sean long had the thought of killing his wife. But… why can’t I blame him? In the half year after giving birth, wasn’t I also feeling sorry for him? An ace detective, fighting wits and courage with murderers, also taking care of baby’s eating, drinking, and sleeping. Also guarding against wife’s suicide. I also wanted to help him share the burden. But no matter how hard I tried, couldn’t resist the impulse brought by this illness. The reasons keeping me alive besides his tearful begging not to die, was the baby’s “Mama”. Now, he didn’t want me to live. The baby didn’t cry when picked up by his little apprentice. I could die放心. Sean, wish you well. Swallowed the medicine, I lay on the bed. Only remembered dying here would scare them. Wanted to climb up to change place, but couldn’t anymore. I covered my mouth not to let blood vomit on the bed. Dazed, heard Willow opening the door again: “I came back to get baby’s change of clothes, Mentor you just focus on the case.” Muscles completely softened down. Chapter 2 Sean only came back the next day. Holding my favorite small cake in hand. He called me while changing shoes. No response after calling a few times. Detective’s sharpness made him remember something. Rushed to the cabinet fiercely, saw the unlocked lock. “Nora…” His hand opening the cabinet was trembling: “No… I beg you no…” Cabinet opened. Sleeping pill bottle placed well inside. Floating in mid-air I froze— How could it be sleeping pill bottle? What I took was clearly poison. He poured out the pills and counted. Missing two. Came to the bedroom. He saw the quilt bulging. Heaved a sigh of relief. Put the small cake into the refrigerator. Watching him fall on the sofa exhausted, I suddenly smiled. Maybe Sean really wanted to kill me. But at least, later he regretted. Swapped back the sleeping pills. Poison, might be swapped by Willow. While coming back to get clothes yesterday, swapped back sleeping pills again. But… Why don’t I blame her? I know I am not a qualified mother. Not a responsible wife. I only bring trouble to others. If someone can help me take good care of the people I love, I only thank her. Only hope after they have new child later, don’t forget my child. Chapter 3 Sean slept for a short while and was called to the unit by a phone call. By the time he finished the case and returned, it was already 8 PM. Mrs. Gable, who sells vegetables, was walking around downstairs with a vegetable basket. “Mrs. Gable?” He spoke. Mrs. Gable seemed to grasp a life-saving straw: “Oh my, you are finally back! Nora didn’t come to my vegetable stall today, doesn’t answer phone, doesn’t reply text. “Is she having another episode? I can’t enter this building door, you quickly go up and see!” “Mrs. Gable.” Sean smiled relaxedly: “She is not sick at all. “Her depression, is all fake.” “What?” I looked at him in disbelief. Mrs. Gable clenched the vegetable basket even tighter: “But she said, she would come to buy things from me every day, if one day she didn’t come, trouble me to go upstairs to check on her.” Sean took the vegetable basket, paid her: “Mrs. Gable, we were all deceived by her, her medical record is forged. “If not for my apprentice discovering the original document while handling a case, I really thought her depression was severe. “She just doesn’t want to take care of the child, later, you just don’t care about her.” I suddenly smiled. Tears fell. I finally know why Sean used such hurtful words to say me. As if I deliberately left the child, as if depression is my fault. Turns out… He thought I was faking it. Sean, can’t you see the wounds on my body? Can’t you see how desperately I cried? But… I closed my eyes. Doesn’t matter anymore. Willow’s purpose is just a Sean. And I, will only drag him down. Just treat me as faking it, it’s okay. Sean, as long as you can live well. As long as you take good care of the child. Mrs. Gable still hesitated: “But I look at her not like…” “That’s because we had a little awkwardness recently, I accepted a small apprentice, she is jealous and sulking.” Mrs. Gable sighed in relief. After instructing the young couple to live well, she left. Sean entered the door: “Mrs. Gable sent today’s vegetables, what do you want to eat?” No response. “Baby is in hospital, condition good, you don’t need worry too.” Still no response. “Nora.” His tone was a bit bad. “Can you stop faking? You don’t want to take care of child I take care, you want do what go do what, I don’t stop, don’t fake depression torturing me and child every day okay!” Still no response. Vegetable basket tightly clenched in his hand: “You rest assured, as long as you are not going out to meet lover privately, whatever you do I don’t stop!” A piece of silence. “Nora you endless is it!” Bedroom door pushed open. I shrunk in quilt. He seemed to just remember I took sleeping pills. “Bang!” slammed the door. Accompanied by a cold snort. Phone rang. This time, it’s Willow. “Mentor, power outage at my home, I am a bit scared…” Hostility on Sean’s face disappeared. Smiled gently: “A detective still afraid of dark?” That gentle tone was exactly like towards me back then. I was also afraid of dark. Power outage needed him accompany me. Willow’s voice slightly trembled: “Not really afraid of dark… “Just I fear Mentor’s wife like last time sabotage my home circuit, come in hurt me…” I froze. When did I do such thing? I looked at Sean. He should know. Even when I wasn’t sick, wouldn’t do such thing. But the action of him clenching the phone told me. He believed. “Relax, she took sleeping pills and fell asleep, I won’t let her hurt you again.” “But…” Willow somewhat shy: “I also a bit afraid of dark, Mentor can you… come find me?” Sean smiled: “With such reason, of course can.” Sean went to change clothes. I smiled bitterly. It’s okay. I know I am just a person who only brings trouble to others. Willow said these, nothing more than to let me vacate the position. I vacated. Just Sean didn’t discover temporarily. As long as after they marry, don’t ignore my child. Then I didn’t suffer grievance in vain. Sean came back again. Holding a bowl of corn porridge in hand. Bedroom lights off. He placed on bedside table. Turns out… afraid I wake up with no food to eat. I smiled bitterly— But I can’t wake up. Sean, just need you lift quilt to look. Can see me covered in blood. Forget it. I shook head hard. That too scary. Better he doesn’t discover. Chapter 4 I know Sean can’t just purely go accompany Willow. After all the way he looks at Willow. Exactly same as looking at me in the beginning. But watching Willow leaning in his arms, my heart still tightened inexplicably. In dim environment, Willow tightly close to his chest: “Mentor, actually… I took exam to enter just for you.” Sean who always kept distance with other women placed hands on her waist. Hugged very tight: “Thank you, without you, I still have to be kept in dark by her for lifetime, can’t get breathing chance.” “Then why Mentor doesn’t divorce?” Sean body stiffened. Pushed person away a bit: “I fear she cause harm to you.” “I don’t care getting hurt.” “But I care about you!” In darkness, two looking at each other. Willow cried. Buried in his chest, shoulders slightly trembling. I smiled bitterly— Won’t Sean. You two, I agree. Next day Willow left one step earlier. Sent car to pick up child from hospital. But didn’t send back to my home. I also understand. After all, how can I take good care of a child? Willow also needs to work. So sent to relative’s place. Sean asked a sentence when leaving: “Is baby okay?” “Relax, good in hospital, stay few more days can discharge.” I raised head fiercely. Sean chuckled: “Thank you for taking care of him these few days.” Wait… Wasn’t picked up? I wanted to pull Sean, but how can spirit pull entity! I could only follow behind him in vain: “Sean! Child not in hospital! She picked away! “Sean you go hospital look will know!” Sean looked back, touched Willow’s hair: “Recent case a bit tricky, I can’t take care of Leo. “Luckily have you, I really rest assured. “Wait this illegal drug manufacturing case solved, I treat you dinner.” “Aiya Mentor.” Willow patted back of his hand: “I’m not for a meal.” Sean breath stagnated. All adults, how possible not understand. But, he didn’t refute. I almost cried: “Sean! She lying! You hurry find child!” Car drove away. I saw Willow’s smile gradually disappear. Sean arrived office received hospital call. I widened eyes: “Is it about Leo missing? “Sean you hurry pick up! You hurry realize Leo can’t be found!” “Hello?” Familiar voice came from phone side: “Mr. Hayes, Ms. Nora already late whole day didn’t come for follow-up, her suicide tendency so serious, nothing happened right?” “Doctor, she is faking.” Opposite stunned: “Won’t be.” “Doctor, you don’t cooperate with her lie to me okay?” Sean sat before piles of case files: “My people already found your diagnosis original, I don’t want pursue your responsibility of accepting bribe, forging diagnosis. “But you also don’t cooperate with her come find my trouble okay?” “Mr. Hayes, you misunderstood, our diagnosis all directly given to you, Ms. Nora’s illness…” “Do you really think I dare not arrest you!” One sentence, doctor shut up. Hesitated a while then tentatively opened mouth: “Then… Ms. Nora okay right?” “Took sleeping pills, slept.” Sean no good temper. Doctor sighed relief: “That’s good.” I stared at phone anxiously. Waiting for pediatrics doctor call over. But whole day, no movement at all. I was forcibly torn by inexplicable force, couldn’t leave Sean. Followed him back home. Door opened, trash still appearance of that day sending Leo to hospital. Already grew maggots. Emitting disgusting smell. Home everywhere dust, no trace of cleaning at all. He angry: “Nora! You not sick at all! Fake what! Even dump trash unwilling!” No one responded. He exasperated packed trash threw to door. I still didn’t come out. “Nora, must I throw your real diagnosis on your face you can stop faking?” Bedroom still quiet. “What, you blame me staying out all night? “But you fake illness lie to me, let me like a fool turning around you, still fearful you suicide, even my promotion gave up, I haven’t blamed you. “On what ground you blame me!” Still no response. “Nora!” Door pushed open violently. Corn porridge on cabinet dried up. Didn’t drink a mouthful. “Nora?” Bad premonition generated in his heart. Quilt lifted violently. His pupils shrunk sharply. I looked at bed, also sucked a breath of cold air.

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The apocalypse didn’t turn my fake sister into a survivor, but it certainly turned her into a leech, clinging to me for every dangerous supply run. She was useless, a burden, but my parents—Robert and Joyce Sinclair—loved her so blindly they insisted she accompany the most powerful operative in the sector: me, Delilah Sinclair. I froze mid-step, my grocery basket clattering against a derelict checkout counter. My fiancé, Garrett Caldwell, and the leech, Dahlia Parrish, were gone. “Dahlia is just so much softer, so much more delicate than that savage woman.” The voice, Garrett’s voice, hit my mind like a low-frequency hum. I pressed my lips together, a razor-sharp edge of shock slicing through the bitter familiarity of his betrayal. “Why is she walking toward us? Did she spot me?” “Good thing I managed to yank Dahlia into the industrial freezer right away.” My eyes fixed on the massive, double-door freezer unit near the back wall, a knot of pure, cold rage tightening in my chest. If they thought they could humiliate me and get away with it, they were wrong. If they wanted to play house, I would make sure their love nest became their tomb. I walked over to a damaged leather sofa near the main entrance, brushed off the dust, and sank onto it, announcing to the team, “We’re setting up camp here for the night.” Don’t worry. They would get to savor every minute of their last night alive. 1 The silence that followed was heavy, punctuated only by the distant, wind-whipped groan of the ruined supermarket. Every eye turned to me in disbelief. Mitch Doherty, one of Garrett’s loyal subordinates, was the first to object. “Dee! Are you serious? You know that’s suicide!” he barked, his face red with panic. “Camping out in the open is insane! The infected are getting more aggressive. We can’t gamble with everyone’s lives!” Garrett’s mental voice spiked with panic and fury. “What the hell is this idiot doing? Setting up camp? Has a zombie taken a bite out of her brain? Get your people and leave, you psycho!” “Damn it, she can’t hear me screaming at her. This is driving me insane! Dahlia is going to suffocate in here!” The more he cursed, the deeper the smile settled on my face. Before the fall, I was the Sinclair family’s long-lost true daughter, found and brought home, only to be treated like an unwelcome guest, a glorified housemaid. Everyone in the Sinclair compound—my parents, my supposed fiancé—adored the fragile, doe-eyed Dahlia. Then the apocalypse hit. I woke up with the rarest of gifts: S-class electrical power. I became the strongest asset in the Sector, the lightning in the storm. Yet, my parents and Garrett still only had eyes for Dahlia, the fragile woman with no power at all. If they wanted to prioritize her life over the safety of the entire camp, then I wouldn’t bother with mercy anymore. Ignoring Mitch, I flashed a grin at my team. “We’ve been on our feet all day, and there are enough supplies here to outfit an entire small base. We can’t move it all tonight. We might as well use some of it up, rest up, and hit it hard again tomorrow.” It was a perfectly rational plan for a sane world, and my loyal team members immediately nodded in weary agreement. “No! We absolutely cannot stay here!” Mitch persisted, his face a mask of frantic desperation. He was practically roaring. “We’ll draw every infected within five miles! Captain Sinclair, you are throwing our lives away for a whim!” Garrett’s thought was a wave of approval. “Well said! Mitch, keep pushing! Get this maniac out of here before Cora freezes over!” The smile finally dropped from my face. My eyes turned to granite. “Mitch Doherty.” My voice was deceptively low, but the authority in it was absolute. “Who the hell do you think you are, questioning my command?” Snap! A cluster of silver-blue electrical energy sparked at my fingertip, letting out a sharp, tiny crackle. The air in the store seemed to grow instantly taut and charged. Mitch recoiled, his face pale and eyes wide with terror. He wisely backed down, not uttering another word. I turned away from the coward and walked straight to the supermarket’s main electrical panel. I pressed my palm against the dust-caked metal. The sheer volume of my lightning power surged from my center, a sleeping dragon awakening. It slammed into the ancient wiring, instantly revitalizing the long-dead system. “Zzzzt—” The massive, overhead fluorescent lights flickered violently and then blazed to life, bathing the entire store in harsh, artificial white light. Even the dual-compressor motor on the industrial freezer unit Garrett was hiding in whirred to life. In that dead, silent world, I had single-handedly resurrected the light and life of the pre-apocalypse world. I turned back, standing in the sudden, blinding light, and gazed at the gleaming stainless-steel freezer. My heart was a frozen block. They liked hiding in the refrigerator, did they? Today, I would let them find out what it felt like to be frozen to death. 2 “You’re insane! You are completely out of your mind!” Mitch shot up as if I’d zapped him, instantly rallying Garrett’s men. “Look around, people! You see this? The Captain has decided to light up the entire store! In the middle of the night! She wants to make us a giant, moving target for every stray infected! She has no right to lead us! Let’s get out of here and head back to the Sector!” The crowd instantly erupted into a panicked murmur. “Oh God… Mitch is right. That light, the noise—we’re basically sending up a flare! Everything for miles will swarm us!” “We’re going to be overrun! We’re dead!” “Captain, you can’t do this! Turn it off! Please, we don’t want to die!” The loyalty of the men from Garrett’s team, who had respected me just moments ago, crumbled under the raw fear of death, turning into outright terror and accusation. Even a few of my newer recruits looked uncertain. Fear always stripped away a person’s humanity and loyalty in the end. “Delilah Sinclair is a fool. Lighting up the store? She might as well ring a dinner bell for the undead.” “Mitch, hurry! Dahlia is barely hanging on. Keep them busy!” Garrett’s mental voice was now frantic. But before Mitch could continue his toxic campaign, a roar cut through the noise. “Shut up, all of you!” My second-in-command, Justine “Jus” Reyes, a powerful Strength-type, stomped forward. The impact of her heavy boot hitting the floor was enough to shatter the cracked tile into a fine spiderweb pattern. A ferocious aura of pure power burst from her, instantly silencing the chaotic crowd. Justine’s icy gaze swept over the most vocal of the complainers. Her voice was steady and loud enough to carry through the massive space. “Since the Fall, how many missions has the Captain led us on?” she demanded. “Which one wasn’t a complete success? Which one didn’t leave us better supplied and safer than before? The Sinclair Sector’s fatality rate is the lowest in the region, and that’s her doing!” She paused, pointing a finger at my shamed-looking recruits. Her tone grew sharper. “You’ve forgotten, haven’t you? Who arrived like an avenging angel to save your lives when you were cornered by a horde? Who found the supply caches when you were out of food and ammo?” “And now, because of a couple of fear-mongering traitors, you question the Captain’s judgment? Is your loyalty that cheap?” Her words were like heavy stones. My own team members quickly looked down in shame. Mitch, however, was not done. He huddled in the back of the group and muttered under his breath, “That’s different. We’re talking about basic survival now! Lighting the place up is a death wish. It’s common sense!” “Yes! That’s right! Say it again! This stupid woman doesn’t understand the rules of the new world!” Garrett’s thoughts were a mix of desperation and hope. My eyes narrowed. In the next instant, a strand of silver-blue electricity condensed in my hand, morphing into a long, crackling whip. I snapped it forward, and it slammed across Mitch’s body with terrifying speed and precision. “CRACK—!” The crisp explosion was followed by Mitch’s pig-like scream. He was hurled backward, smashing into a wall of canned goods. His body convulsed, and the sickening scent of burnt flesh filled the air. I walked slowly toward him, looking down at his twitching form. My voice was utterly devoid of warmth. “You are nothing. And let me be perfectly clear: your master, Garrett Caldwell, is equally unqualified to question any decision I make.” The entire supermarket fell utterly silent. Everyone was paralyzed by the ruthlessness of my power. No one dared to challenge me again. The assertion of my authority was complete. Now, for the final setup. I retracted the lightning whip and spoke to the group in a softer, more reassuring tone. “No one needs to panic. I wouldn’t have done this without backup.” I let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. “I’ve recently awakened a secondary power. I can mask our presence from the infected for a substantial radius.” “It covers the entire store. So, rest easy, eat your fill, and enjoy the light.” A cheer erupted around me. “Really? That’s amazing!” “I knew the Captain had a plan!” “What? Did Delilah actually awaken some kind of broken stealth ability? Why didn’t I know about this?!” “Why is Dahlia so hot? I almost forgot she’s a baseline human, her immune system is shot. Her lips are blue… She’s shaking so badly.” The forced pity in Garrett’s internal voice only made the cruel smile in my heart deepen. This was just the appetizer. The main course was still ahead. 3 Garrett’s thoughts continued to trickle, weak and frantic, into my mind. “It’s so cold… Why is this stupid box so cold…” “Dahlia, stop shaking. Put my coat back on.” “That damn Delilah. When I get out of here, when I marry her and take over the Sector, I will strip her of everything and make her pay for this.” The final part was drowned out by a suppressed sound of chattering teeth and ragged breathing. I could picture the scene: the tiny, confined space, the temperature dropping rapidly. Dahlia was just a baseline. My overly-doting parents had sheltered her her entire life, making her even weaker than the average survivor. Garrett, though an elemental, had a combat-focused power that did little for his own physical endurance. The situation inside the freezer was rapidly deteriorating. “Stop it—don’t wrap your limbs around me! Can’t you keep your arms and legs to yourself?” “This is annoying! You’re freezing! Stop clinging to me!” “S-stop touching me!” It seemed Dahlia was desperately seeking warmth from her lover. The cold smirk on my face grew wider. There it was. The true nature of a man. When the romance faded, when the danger got too close, the lover became a burden, a repulsive dead weight. This was merely the introduction. I set down my glass of scavenged wine and rose to my feet. The noisy crowd immediately quieted, their attention snapping to me. “Justine.” I addressed my second-in-command. “Yes, Captain.” Justine stepped forward instantly. “Take two men and drive back to the Caldwell compound immediately,” I instructed. “Tell them that Delilah Sinclair has located an immense cache of supplies and is willing to share it with them. Ask Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell to send their heavy retrieval teams to help us move it.” I leaned in slightly, my voice dropping just enough to convey the gravity of the request. “And make sure you emphasize that I would like them to come personally to oversee the split.” Alistair and Camille Caldwell. Garrett’s parents. The true power players in their Sector. The muddier the water, the easier it was for me to fish. “What?! That stupid Delilah is calling my parents here?” Garrett’s thoughts were pure terror. “No! They can’t come! If they see me and Dahlia… everything is over! My engagement, the merger, everything!” Mitch, sensing the true danger to his leader, started thrashing against his restraints, letting out muffled, desperate sounds, his eyes pleading with Garrett’s remaining team. This time, however, Garrett’s men turned on their own. The man who seemed to be their new leader kicked Mitch in the ribs. “What the hell is your problem?” he snarled. “Captain Sinclair is showing unprecedented generosity, sharing a major haul with our Sector! And you keep trying to mess things up? What are you, some kind of spy trying to steal it all?” “Yeah! Gag him! Don’t let him cause any more trouble!” “Captain, please ignore him. We’ll follow your lead.” I gave them a small, satisfied nod before turning to Justine. “Speed is key. Get back here before dawn.” “Yes, Captain.” Justine acknowledged the order, gathered her two men, and sped off into the night in an armored SUV. I settled back onto the sofa, closing my eyes, pretending to rest while focusing every ounce of my attention on the freezer unit. Garrett was spiraling into full-blown panic. “What do I do, what do I do? My parents will be here any minute!” “Dahlia! This is all your fault! If you hadn’t found that skimpy lace lingerie and insisted on wearing it to seduce me, I never would have lost control!” “Wait, Dahlia is really fading fast… Her breathing is shallow. Hot and cold. She’s babbling nonsense!” “Damn it, she’s trying to push the freezer door open!” 4 A dull thud echoed faintly through the store. “She’s lost it! The woman’s completely lost her mind! She’s trying to open the door! Thank God I reacted fast enough!” “I snapped her hand! I had to! If she’d gotten that door open and Delilah had seen us, my engagement and the Caldwell merger would have been ruined forever!” I clenched my fists until my nails dug into my palms, completely ignoring the pain. My engagement to Garrett was initially a political maneuver to solidify my position against my parents. But when Garrett first saw me, he claimed it was love at first sight. He brought me a flower every day—a clumsy gesture, but in an apocalypse, where life was fragile, a flower was the most precious thing in the world. I, the girl raised in the foster system, the orphan, wanted nothing more than a real family. I let down my guard. I let him in. And what did I get in return? An illicit affair with Dahlia and a vile plan to murder me after the wedding so he could take over the Sinclair Sector completely. No. Exposing them and ruining their reputation wouldn’t be enough. I wanted them dead. All of them. “She’s dying… her breathing is so faint… her hand is broken, so she’s kicking the door instead…” Garrett’s mental voice became a strangled whine. Thump… thump-thump… The subtle banging came from the freezer. “Hey, did anyone else hear that noise?” a recruit asked nervously. Everyone stopped eating and tilted their heads, listening. Garrett’s mind-voice was a scream in my head. “NO! They heard it! That bitch Delilah definitely heard it too!” I met the team’s gaze, my expression perfectly neutral. I spoke calmly. “It’s an abandoned supermarket, guys. It’s been derelict for three years. Old wiring, shifting rebar. You’re going to hear strange noises.” I swept my gaze over them, giving them a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry. I’m here. You’re safe.” My words, backed by the reality of the blazing lights and my S-class power, were the perfect sedative. The team instantly relaxed and went back to their meal. But Garrett’s fear had hit its peak. Dahlia’s desperate survival instinct was kicking in. Near death, she found a final surge of strength. “THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!” The banging grew louder, more frantic, and the freezer door began to visibly vibrate. “That miserable whore! She’s trying to kill me! If you want to die, don’t drag me with you!” “I’m sorry, Dahlia… but blame that witch Delilah! If she hadn’t insisted on camping here, you wouldn’t be dying right now!” “Don’t worry, I’ll get my revenge for you! When you become a ghost, go after her! She’s the one who killed us both!” A cold, murderous intent, far more terrifying than the fear, settled in Garrett’s mind. Just then, the roar of multiple SUV engines filled the air outside the supermarket. Justine was back. She had brought Alistair and Camille Caldwell. But behind them, I saw another familiar pair step out of a second armored vehicle: Robert and Joyce Sinclair. Perfect. “A family reunion,” I whispered to myself, a true smile finally touching my lips. “It’s time to bring everyone together.” “Delilah Sinclair, what in God’s name is going on? Why did you drag us out here in the middle of the night for supplies?” My mother, Joyce, immediately started her typical scolding. “You’re always so inconsiderate, unlike your sister. If you had half of Dahlia’s common sense, I wouldn’t have to—” Her words were cut off. I lifted my hand sharply. A thin, silver-blue current of electricity zipped from my finger, transforming into an electric serpent. It shot across the room and expertly wrapped around the freezer’s door handle. Click-Clack. The magnetic door lock shattered under the force. The freezer door swung open, revealing the scene inside. My mother’s “sensible” daughter, Dahlia, was dressed in a scandalous purple lace negligee, her eyes wide and staring blankly, slumped in the arms of Garrett Caldwell. Garrett’s hands were still clamped around Dahlia’s pale neck. The pupils of every person present snapped to a terrifying, pinpoint focus.

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This year, the finance team saved the company $4.2 million in taxes and recovered $28 million in bad debt. The night before the Christmas gala, the CEO had us stack $7 million in cash in the conference room and guard it overnight. “Grace,” he said with a smile, “I’ve got a special prize for the finance team tomorrow!” That night, we took turns using the bathroom, staring at the money. Emily, our intern, whispered, “This much cash… it has a smell, right? A good one. Maybe we’ll each get a bundle?” I just smiled. With our frugal CEO, we’d be lucky to get a $500 bonus. At the gala, sales stuffed cash into bags, with the top seller taking home $280,000. Then it was our turn. The CEO handed me a cheap plastic gadget that chirped, “Reset! Reset!” “The finance team works the hardest,” he said. “So, I got you all a new calculator to make your work faster and your overtime shorter!” 1 “Beep—Reset! Reset!” The room erupted in thunderous laughter, the sound so loud it felt like it could tear the roof off the ballroom. Alex, the head of sales, laughed the loudest. He was still holding his duffel bag overflowing with cash, pointing at us. “Mr. Jackson, that gift is brilliant!” he roared. “Get the bean counters to wipe last year’s slate clean! Time to start fresh next year, do more work, and stop making trouble for the rest of us!” This was the “special prize.” This was the “surprise” we’d earned after guarding his money all night, holding our bladders until they nearly burst. Last night, after everyone left, the building’s heating was shut off. It was fifteen degrees in that conference room. To guard the seven million dollars he wanted to “show off,” the five of us huddled in oversized coats, taking shifts to watch the money, terrified to even take a bathroom break. Emily, the intern, had fallen asleep on the pile of cash and drooled on it. She woke up in a panic, her face pale with fear that she’d be docked pay for damaging the bills. Our senior accountant, Sarah, who suffers from a severe herniated disc, sat bolt upright on a hard chair all night. This morning, she could barely walk straight. We had guarded a mountain of gold, only to be publicly executed for it. “Mr. Jackson.” I took a step forward, walking to the microphone. The laughter died down a little, but the malicious stares still felt like needles piercing my skin. Mr. Jackson looked at me, his eyes full of amusement. “What is it, Grace? Too excited? No need to thank me. It’s just a little something from the company. A good craftsman needs the best tools, right?” “We don’t want a token gesture. We want fairness.” I stared at him, suppressing the inferno of rage in my chest. “This year, the finance department saved this company $4.2 million through completely legal tax planning.” “Last month, our entire department spent two weeks in the freezing snow, tracking down a debtor to recover a $28 million bad debt. We were chased by dogs and had dirty water thrown on us.” “The sales department took home their five percent commission. They deserved it. They’re the heroes.” “But what about us?” “We guarded seven million dollars of your cash all night, and all we get is a five-dollar calculator you probably bought on Amazon?” The room went quiet for a few seconds. The smile on Mr. Jackson’s face faded. He spoke slowly, deliberately. “Grace, your math is wrong.” He picked up his own microphone, addressing the entire company in a paternal tone. “The finance department certainly works hard, but everyone needs to understand the basic logic here.” “The sales team fights on the front lines. They are the rainmakers who bring money into this company!” “And you in finance? You’re the support staff. The housekeepers. The money was always the company’s. The bad debt was recovered because our legal team is intimidating. The tax savings were because of favorable government policies.” He sneered. “You just push a few buttons on a calculator. And for that, you think you deserve a cut worth millions?” “The receptionist pushes the elevator button for me every day. Should I give her company shares, too?” Another wave of laughter exploded through the room, this time more vicious and unrestrained. “Yeah, finance is always a pain in the ass. Getting an expense report approved is like pulling teeth, and now they want a commission?” “Mr. Jackson’s right. They’re just a bunch of number-crunchers. They produce nothing but want a piece of the pie? They must be crazy!” The humiliation slapped me across the face. I could feel my team behind me, trembling with suppressed rage. I could even hear Emily sniffling. “Fine.” I nodded, then slammed the calculator down on the podium with a loud crack. “Since Mr. Jackson thinks all we do is push buttons, this gift is far too valuable. We can’t accept it.” With that, I turned to my team, their eyes red and brimming with tears. “Let’s go.” 2 The moment we stepped out of the hotel, the cold wind hit me, and I realized my back was drenched in a cold sweat. “Grace, I’m so sorry, I couldn’t hold it in…” Emily squatted by the roadside, sobbing uncontrollably. “My mom’s surgery is next week…” “The doctor said we need to have fourteen thousand dollars ready. I was counting on my bonus… I thought I’d get at least five or six thousand. With my savings, it would have been just enough…” “Stop crying.” Sarah pulled a tissue from her purse and roughly wiped Emily’s tears, though her own hand was shaking. “Who are you crying for? Didn’t you hear Alex and the others? We’re just parasites!” “But Sarah…” Emily looked up, her makeup a mess. “That $4.2 million tax plan… Grace, you went through dozens of drafts to get that right! That $28 million… Grace led us and fought like hell to get it back…” “How can they say it had nothing to do with us?” she wailed. “When we started the project, Mr. Jackson promised us a one percent commission!” I remained silent, pulling a cigarette from my pocket and lighting it. He probably made that promise because he never believed we could actually pull it off. Ping. A notification lit up Sarah’s phone. A payment reminder for her son’s private school tuition. She quickly turned off the screen, avoiding my gaze. “I’ll figure out the money,” I said, looking back at the hotel. “What belongs to us, no one can take away. Everyone go home, get some sleep. Be at the office on time tomorrow.” The next morning, I arrived an hour early. The door to Mr. Jackson’s office was ajar. The room was thick with smoke and echoing with boisterous laughter. “Mr. Jackson, that move last night was genius!” “You should have seen the faces on those women in finance! They looked like they were going to be sick, hahaha!” “It’s about time someone put them in their place. They scrutinize every single one of my expense reports. That should shut them up!” “Hmph. A bunch of penny-pinching vultures. They even question how I spend my own money,” Mr. Jackson’s voice was cold. “If they weren’t still somewhat useful, I wouldn’t have even wasted the five bucks on them.” “By the way, that ‘AI Finance’ system… how are the talks with that vendor going?” “All settled!” “It’s only twenty-five thousand a year for the service. So much cheaper than keeping these freeloaders around! And it’s smart AI. It listens. It doesn’t cause trouble.” I stood at the door, my hand frozen on the handle. So that was it. It wasn’t a joke to liven up the party. It wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was a premeditated execution. Humiliate us first, force us to quit, so he wouldn’t even have to pay severance. I threw the door open. The laughter inside stopped abruptly. Seeing it was me, the flicker of panic on Mr. Jackson’s face turned to annoyance. “Don’t you know how to knock? Where are your manners?” Alex was lounging on the sofa, his legs crossed, a smirk on his face. “Well, well, if it isn’t our esteemed Director of Finance. What’s wrong? Your calculator break? Want me to get the sales team to pitch in for a new one?” I ignored the barking dog and walked straight to Mr. Jackson’s desk, planting my hands on it and staring him down. “Mr. Jackson, since you clearly think the finance department is useless, we’ll get out of your way.” “This is our severance proposal. Standard severance package, plus the bad debt commission you promised. Not a penny less.” “Sign it, and we’re gone. We’ll make room for your AI.” I slapped the proposal, which I had printed overnight, onto his desk. Mr. Jackson glanced at the number and his eye twitched. “Three hundred thousand dollars in commission? Grace, are you robbing me?” “Is it too much?” I sneered. “Alex alone walked away with a bonus nearly that size yesterday. This is for our entire department of five. Compared to the $28 million we recovered, this is pocket change.” “That’s the company’s money!” Mr. Jackson slammed his mug on the desk. “Grace, don’t push your luck. You want to leave? Fine! Write your resignation letters and get the hell out! You want severance? Not a chance in hell!” “So, there’s no room for discussion?” 3 “Discussion? What right do you have to discuss anything with me?” Mr. Jackson stood up, grabbing a stack of files and throwing them at me. “Believe it or not, I can have security throw you out right now!” “Publicly insubordinate, terrible work attitude,” he snarled. “You’re fired! And you’re getting nothing!” Alex chuckled from the side. “You hear that? Get lost before you embarrass yourself further.” I looked at Mr. Jackson’s contorted face and suddenly smiled. The smile made him pause. “Mr. Jackson, you seem to have forgotten something,” I said softly. “People in finance… we love keeping records. And we’re even better at digging up old ones.” “If you want to do this the easy way, we’ll follow labor laws. But if you want to do this the hard way…” “Then we can help you remember exactly how that $4.2 million in tax savings was planned.” Without waiting to see his face change color, I turned and left. Back in the finance department, the atmosphere was heavy. Every computer screen was black. “Grace…” Emily ran over, her voice choked with tears. “I can’t log in. It says my access is frozen. And HR just came by and told us to pack our personal belongings by the end of the day…” “Stay calm.” I patted her shoulder. “Where’s Sarah?” “In the small conference room. Linda is talking to her.” Linda, the HR Director. The woman who was always smiling and talking about “company culture” was now acting as Mr. Jackson’s executioner. I pushed open the conference room door. Sarah was huddled in a corner, her hair a mess, looking ten years older. Linda sat across from her, casually twirling a pen. Two unfamiliar men in black suits sat beside her. “…Sarah, you need to think this through,” Linda’s voice was as gentle as ever. “This is embezzlement. It’s cooking the books. If the company presses charges, not only will you have to pay back every salary you’ve ever earned, but you’ll also do a few years in prison.” “Your son is about to apply to high school, isn’t he? If his permanent record shows his mother is a felon, his life is ruined.” “Stop it! Stop it!” Sarah covered her ears, breaking down into hysterical sobs. “I’ll sign! I’ll sign the voluntary resignation! Please, just don’t call the police!” “There now, that’s better,” Linda smiled, pushing a document toward her. “Hold on!” I rushed forward, snatched the paper, and tore it in half. “Linda, who do you think you’re scaring?” I stood in front of Sarah, glaring at her. “Those transactions were personally authorized by Mr. Jackson! To evade taxes, he had Sarah split the business across five shell corporations! He signed off on every single step!” Linda shot me a disdainful look, slowly brushing the paper scraps off her suit. “Grace, I knew you’d be difficult.” She waved her hand, and the two men in suits stood up, blocking our way. Linda pulled another document from her folder and tossed it at me. “You don’t have to sign. You can sue. But let me remind you, the legal representative of those shell corporations is that junior accountant who quit six months ago. As the head of finance, do you think you can walk away clean?” “As for Mr. Jackson’s signature… what proof do you have that those are the originals? I can print as many of those as I want.” My heart sank. So that was their endgame. The junior accountant was a distant relative of Jackson’s. The trap had been set months ago. They had planted a landmine right under our department, and we were the perfect scapegoats. “And,” Linda leaned in, her voice a low whisper, “that AI finance team has already taken over the backend data. All the operation logs on your computers have been wiped. Grace, what exactly are you going to fight the company with?”

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When Julian Hale asked me to arrange a blind date for him again. I didn’t set him up with any weirdos, nor did I call a divorced woman with two kids. I just professionally opened the tablet, pulled up a photo, and placed it in front of him. “How about the Xu family’s daughter? Beautiful, intelligent, your type.” “Most importantly, she likes you.” But Julian’s gaze didn’t shift, staring tightly at me. His voice tight: “Summer, why aren’t you jealous anymore?” I froze for a moment, then laughed: “Mr. Hale, stop joking, how long have we been divorced?” “Once the debt is paid, I will resign as your Executive Assistant, as you wish.” Disappear from your world. Chapter 1 Julian’s gaze lingered on my smile for a long time. Seemed trying to see something from it. “Dates urged by family, you just arrange anyone to deal with it.” His pinky finger tapped the table twice lightly, his habitual small action to suppress irritability. “Is it Sophie? Decline it. You clearly know I can’t marry her.” “Summer, I explained to you many times, she is just a partner’s daughter, me taking care of her a bit doesn’t mean anything.” “Young girl has thin skin, I can’t reject explicitly, why did you arrange her in front of me? Summer, tricks are not used like this…” Julian hadn’t said so many words to me for a long time. In front of me, he always cherished words like gold. “Mr. Hale, you misunderstood.” I interrupted him, tone neither salty nor bland. “The one dating you is not Miss Sophie, it’s her sister Serena.” “She just flew back to the country the day before yesterday, contacted me actively.” “This date, is her idea. Do you still want to cancel?” Fingers on the table trembled violently twice, Julian lowered his head instantly, gaze falling on the tablet. The girl in the photo pursed her lips and smiled at the camera, smooth hair playfully touching her lips. Making people couldn’t help but want to reach out, organize for her. Julian’s hand fell halfway, then withdrew as if nothing happened. “Since Serena just came back, then should meet.” He opened the file to cover up, added a sentence as if explaining: “Just an old friend haven’t seen for many years.” “Okay then, your schedule this Saturday is relatively relaxed, I will arrange dinner for you and Miss Serena.” I acted professionally, turned to leave. Moment opening the office door, Julian’s voice suddenly sounded: “Summer, you don’t have to address me as ‘Mr.’.” Julian frowned slightly, using a tone close to helpless: “Even if we divorced, it hasn’t reached this point.” “Mr. Hale, we are now superior and subordinate relationship, this is appropriate.” Like a punch hit on cotton, Julian stood up somewhat out of control. “Summer Ling, what are you fussing about today? Just because this date is Serena, you act eccentric for so long?” “Don’t forget, she was forced to go abroad back then because of you!” I haven’t thought of those pasts for a long time. Suddenly mentioned, I realized that damp rain in my heart never dissipated. At that time, I was still the pearl held in the palm of the Ling family, wanton and vivid. Most outrageous time, I sponsored the grade first, that Julian who got into the elite school by grades. Others teased, asked if I fancied him. That time I didn’t care, glanced at the cold and waveless him, laughed: “Just made an investment, don’t you think he looks like a potential stock?” But I didn’t expect, this investment would make me fall in too. I liked his long eyelashes, trembling slightly when looking at me. I also liked him silently pushing over full notes, as return. Staying by his side, smelling the fresh soap scent on him, I could always calm down. I confessed to him, discussed marriage with him. And Julian accepted all. That time I owned too much, so never cared if giving had response. He was quiet, I played various tricks to force him blush. He wanted to climb up, I provided him various resources. Until the day he became the new noble of New York, he took the project he poured all efforts into to the Xu family. Project piled up by countless resources was given away for free by him, just to meet one person, say one sentence. Later I knew, when Xu family did corporate charity, they once donated a batch of books and clothes to Appalachia in Serena’s name. Inside mixed a message from Serena. Formulaically describing the beauty outside, advising people to study hard, walk out of the mountains. But happened to be remembered in heart by a boy, for twenty years. He walked very far very far road, just to come in front of Serena, say a thank you. I made a scene, very big. Whole city knew he used me as a springboard, just to see his sweetheart, the one who got away. But Julian just asked Serena out privately again. He apologized to her for me, sorry for causing her trouble. The more I fussed, the better he treated Serena. Even, during commercial competition between two families, he chose to help Xu family without hesitation. Utilizing my trust, sent my father to Federal Prison. That moment, my sky collapsed. My crying, my begging, only exchanged for Julian’s light sentence: “Ling family accounts would have problems sooner or later, I just accelerated this process.” Even I clamored for divorce, he just silenced for long time, said: “Not now. There are already rumors about Serena outside, us divorcing at this juncture, hinders her reputation.” To Serena, he considered everywhere. To me, he ruthless everywhere. That time, I probably really crazy. I went to find Serena, I humbly knelt in front of her, begged her persuade Julian let go my father, my only relative. Serena leisurely sipped coffee, forming sharp contrast with my embarrassment. She smiled saying: “Summer, don’t be naive. Someone likes me, willing do anything for me, how could I oppose?” But don’t know which paparazzi took photo, set off huge wave online. For a time, “Mistress forces wife kneel” hashtag hung high. That day, Julian holding my hand very painful, smashed bought-out photos on my face, said I shouldn’t act. My explanation, he didn’t listen a sentence. Until news came Serena went abroad to avoid limelight, Julian’s anger suddenly extinguished. He lit cigarette, smoked one after another. In smoke curling, softly spit out a sentence: “Let’s divorce.” I closed door, no response. Some words, listener doesn’t believe, speaker wears out lips useless. Chapter 2 Saturday arrived quickly. Without my reminder, Julian left work early sat in car. In silence, he suddenly spoke: “Your dad’s medical fee for next stage already wired.” “Thank you Mr. Hale, I know.” One sentence, pulled open distance between us again. I sat in passenger seat, looked him through rearview mirror. Suit like usual, just tie changed to Windsor knot, hairstyle also carefully tidied. Dressed up even we didn’t have when married. Young Julian, even dressed simple also very fresh, so I easily forgave him. Thinking now, realized one step wrong, every step wrong. Getting off car, Julian looked back at me once, carrying warning meaning. “Stay in car well.” I really wanted be sensible, pity work matters can’t wait. When I walked into restaurant holding phone, just saw Julian tucking hair falling by Serena’s cheek. Withdrawing hand, yet lingeringly rubbed fingertips. Just divorced time, I still very couldn’t stand his look of clearly liking, but not admitting. He thought he hid well, even deceived himself, thinking this is gratitude. But to me who sponsored him college, he never mentioned thank you. “Mr. Hale…” I just made sound, Julian quickly stood up. He blocked in front of Serena, face unkind. “Summer Ling, Serena is not someone you can make scene with at will.” I stunned, knew he misunderstood. Fairly speaking, from day of divorce, I haven’t made scene. Dare not, also don’t want. Julian always thought I deliberately arranged some weirdos to date him, was jealous. Actually, just a little revenge I could do. Jealousy is fake, destroying blind date adding blockage to him is real. But Serena came back, even actively found me. “Summer, that mud smell on him is gone.” Serena looked at big screen outside high building, live broadcasting video of Julian cutting ribbon for new project. “I once liked someone, but now, I want find someone likes me.” I thought, after Serena, I won’t have chance arrange blind date for Julian again. “Mr. Hale, it’s work call, that project…” “Hang up.” “What?” I paused, throat like pinched by someone. “I said hang up.” Julian angry. Last time like this was when he just entered society, busy for work till slept on desk. Call came during period, I didn’t wake him. I just wanted let him sleep a while more. But didn’t expect, after he woke up, angry eyes red. “That was partner I contacted with difficulty, how could you…” I always thought he treated work serious, looking now, just I not that important. “Okay.” I pressed off call. Serena at this moment suddenly spoke: “Julian, how can you treat your own wife like this? Clearly you are not such person.” Because you don’t need do anything, Julian will arrange everything for you. Even after you went abroad, he loved house and crow, treated your sister Sophie very good too. And me, whatever do is wrong. “Miss Serena, you misunderstood, we already divorced long ago. Mr. Hale is single now, I am just his secretary, superior subordinate relationship.” I tried best clear relationship, explain for Julian. Looked like cared being misunderstood more than him. Clearly before repeatedly difficult to me because of Serena, was him. But when I emphasized workplace relationship, face ugly, also him. This date ended earlier than I imagined. I sat in car, enduring hunger, watching Julian gentlemanly sent Serena on car, watched tail lights leave. Then, he opened driver door, let driver leave. After divorce, this is our first time sitting side by side, narrow space only two breathings, one obviously heavy, other inaudible. “Summer, interesting? I told you how many times, just old friend meeting, you insist come in check post.” “Mr. Hale, I have to remind you again, we already divorced, I can’t afford ‘check post’ two words.” I looked out window, lively extraordinary, but no place belonged to me to stay. “Also, you said old friend, I believe. Whatever you say, I believe.” Julian suddenly slapped steering wheel, emitted harsh horn sound. Like crack between us unable to stitch. “Fine, since you insist clear relationship with me, then your dad’s medical fee I won’t pay anymore.” Finished, he waited my reaction leisurely. Probably thought I would still like few years ago, hesitant, helpless, like a Stockholm patient, drill into cage he set. But I still looked out window, gaze didn’t fall on him a bit. “Up to you.” Chapter 3 I was kicked off car, walked alone on street side road. This day very like day my dad out of prison. Night wind rustling, old man’s legs also trembling slightly. He old, also suffers cardiovascular disease, special permission medical parole. I knew, since mother passed away, he always had phantom heart pain. Said, if not reluctant me, he long went with mother. I spoiled by him, thought all love in world like them. Is me wrong. Treatment needs lot expense, and my family bankrupt, unable bear. Julian just divorced three days found me again, he paid medical fee. Price is be his secretary to pay debt. Actually, debt between us never money. But a human life. Last week doctor gave me vaccination, said old man too old, even use best medicine useless. Ridiculous is, I have to count days of father’s death, waiting for release. Monday, I went company as usual. Entered door sensed atmosphere wrong. Front desk girl eyes uncontrollable excitement, frequently looked at guest sofa corner. Is Serena. She changed into a pink suit today, loose long black hair also tied up. Even actively walked towards me. “Secretary Ling, you know which floor Julian’s office is right? I sent message, he hasn’t replied, trouble you take me up.” Front desk girl secretly leaned to my side, somewhat difficultly whispered ask: “Secretary Ling, entering leaving company need register, look this…” “Follow company system.” I made a please gesture. “Miss Serena, trouble you register at front desk, I will take you up later.” Serena no movement, just half smile. Behind CEO direct elevator “Ding” sound opened, thin sole leather shoes knocked on tile issuing crisp sound. “Serena, I came down just you sent message, just elevator signal bad, message couldn’t send, you didn’t wait long right.” Julian explained while walking, breath not yet steady. “Didn’t wait long either, where need you personally come down pick me.” “This not, met Secretary Ling? Wait finish register I go up with you.” Serena postured to pick up pen, but stopped by Julian. “You enter leave no need register.” He pulled up Serena, walked to direct elevator, didn’t give me a look in process. Elevator door closed, front desk girl dared speak: “Secretary Ling, what background this person? Even you enter leave need register, why she no need?” I pulled corner of mouth, avoided talking. “All listen to Mr. Hale.” Took employee elevator up stairs, I as usual went pantry hand brew a cup coffee for Julian. Pantry crowded with gossiping people. “Omg, did you see woman Mr. Hale personally brought today? Iceberg actually can smile, won’t be CEO wife ba.” “HR colleague told me, our company will parachute a returnee director, won’t be her ba.” Arm suddenly touched, someone leaned close ask: “Secretary Ling, you with Mr. Hale longest, know or not what background that woman ah? Exactly Mr. Hale girlfriend or not ah?” About their matter, I didn’t want talk much. But now if say nothing, harder get away. I had to vaguely reply: “Count as, two quite matching.” “HR has director is good thing, I no need run back forth pass message.” Just coffee filtered finish, I holding turned, turned eye but saw Julian face gloomy standing at door. People in pantry dared not breath loud, actually no one reminded me. I really don’t understand where his anger comes from. That cup coffee finally also poured into sink. Because I was suspended. New official takes office three fires, first one burned on me. Serena found I didn’t sign any labor contract with company. “Secretary Ling, you divorced still play this workplace romance?” “Former big miss how thought come be mistress?” Serena said impolitely, I didn’t want explain to her either. These few years, I long cut off standard big waves, tied ordinary pony tail. “Summer Ling” long fell with Ling family, buried together. Only left a no name no title Secretary Ling. Back then, we one wanted keep person, one couldn’t leave, only became today this awkward situation. Julian didn’t explain either, he wanted give Serena face. Just when I left, sent me a message: “Go home tonight, we re-discuss debt content.” I suddenly felt very funny, Serena back country, he still tying me not let go count what? Full heart grievance nowhere vent. I turned off phone, unknowingly arrived hospital. Before visiting father, I specially went flower shop bought a bunch “Forget-Me-Nots”. Before mother passed away, father disliked fiddling these flowers most. But after mother left, he learned mother raising flowers, among favorite is “Forget-Me-Nots”. Julian didn’t treat father bad, ward lighting very good, through window can see lake not far. But when I holding flowers entered door, felt bad. Sunlight too dazzling, swayed me blinked tears. Just this instant, that hunched figure disappeared from window. Hearing slow a beat, my brain reacted what he said. “Summer, I old, not drag you down.” “Your mom waited me too long underground, I miss her.” I stiffened body, stood on spot. Shackles connecting Julian on body suddenly disappeared, I didn’t have imagined easy relief. I used father’s favorite “Forget-Me-Nots”, buried him. Chapter 4 Came out from cemetery, I then found Julian sent me many messages. Questioning why not go home? Why not reply message? Even, he as always used father threaten me. I thought, my situation also no need specially go back walk resignation process. So, I pulled SIM card, told no one. On a rainy day, crisp and neat left New York. Disappeared from Julian’s world. Day Summer left, New York rained a rare continuous rain. Julian sat in office, face expression uglier than weather outside. After another message got no response, he finally pieced together Summer’s phone number by memory, called. “Hello, number you dialed is off, please try again later…” Dial again, call again, always that mechanical voice. Julian angry smashed phone on table, somewhat powerlessly fell into seat. He pinched brow center, relieve continuous irritability in heart. And that trace undetectable unease. “Ding” sound, phone emitted light noise. Julian reached long hand to take, carrying urgency he didn’t detect himself. But a long string messages still no one respond. Is Serena sent message, ask him small gathering after work. Julian finger stayed in input box for long time. He suddenly remembered Summer’s back when suspended leaving. Isolated helpless. Put on her few years ago, was think dare not think. That time she always vivid beautiful, welcome everywhere, even Julian focused reading heard her name. When did she become current appearance? Julian thought, he might raised a flower to death. “Have matter tonight, another day.” This is his first time rejecting Serena. After sending, he uncomfortably put down phone. A while later, Julian got up took coat, decided leave work early find Summer back. This moment, unease in his heart maybe only seeing Summer can dissolve. … Julian drove aimlessly in city. Night lights on, lights dim. Even stayed in New York for few years, he still felt strange. Otherwise, how could he not think where Summer might go. He went to an apartment. Product of Summer tough moving out home after divorce. Even he repeatedly said she could live at home, he didn’t mind, but other side still went her own way. “But I mind.” Calm in her eyes making heart startle across years suddenly hit Julian. Property opened door, he held handle, paused long time then pressed. Moonlight sprinkled, room cold. That year, he angry, knowing Summer penniless, still cold eye watched her embarrassed rent in slum. Slum not safe, first night moved in, she harassed by drunk. Clearly he anxious rushed over overnight, but first sentence opened mouth was: “Summer Ling, how can you be so stupid.” Stupid to even those few burglar locks can’t lock. But Julian forgot, when Ling family there, Summer never had chance touch burglar lock lifetime. Julian chest causeless annoyed up. He click turned on light. But warm indoor light still didn’t change room coldness, even shone that lingering loneliness more clear. Apartment is fine decoration, bag check in. But Summer lived few years actually didn’t let it dye a trace popularity. Refrigerator empty, only two bottles water. Closet also just few suits, bright dresses Summer once liked most never see again. Opened drawer, miscellaneous daily items only occupy a corner, most, still hospital case sheets. Top one date newest. Last week. Julian picked up look, instant face white. Car start sound more restless in night. Tire issued unbearable friction sound, Julian stared constantly soaring speed, heart only one thought— Faster, faster! He flew to hospital, opened VIP ward. “People?! People inside?!” He lost control ran to nurse station roared. “Mr. Hale, old gentleman inside two days ago… jumped building…” Julian brain buzzing, blankly asked back: “Good good, how could jump building?” “Old gentleman said, didn’t want drag his daughter…” Chest suddenly surged huge sorrow, Julian covered chest dejectedly fell sitting on ground. Surroundings all exclamations, asking his situation. Julian heard nothing clear, even eyes lost focus. Half while passed, he covered eyes with hand. Cheek flowed wet traces. Julian thought, he nothing can keep Summer. So, she left. Back then, she vigorously broke into his world. When left so quiet. Even didn’t say goodbye to him. “Day I left, temperature dropped suddenly. I wandered in station, hesitating where to go. Gust wind blew, I dressed thin, couldn’t help shivered. That moment, I decided. New York too cold, I want go a warm place. Childhood, when mom still there, winter always intolerant cold. Although indoor heating hot I shouted eat popsicle, but mom hands feet still warm cool. This time, dad always lifted coat, hesitation free covered mom feet tight, used body heat warm her. I asked, why mom so afraid cold still come New York. “New York cold, but always has person make me warm.” I bought ticket, looking fog exhaled from mouth. “Mom, New York too cold, also no person make me warm. I left, chance come back see you guys again, don’t blame me.” I came to a small city seasons like spring Savannah, not prosperous as New York, but more fireworks air than New York. Once me, loved shuttle in high-end malls most, famous brand bags countless. And now, I skillfully ask way, rent house, chat with people, no single bit discomfort. Changes those few years, made me completely change a person. I learned how buckle burglar lock, learned bargain with people. Also learned, not think him. I didn’t know do what, simply opened a flower shop myself. Register shop, pick location, buy flower seeds, busy enriched my life. Just like this passed a year. I taking care fresh cut flowers arrived today, serious pick off extra branches leaves. Under flower shop window, I personally planted a large patch “Forget-Me-Nots”. This moment, blooming just bright. Next door is a small bistro, day business few, landlady bored sat front door watch shop. “Little Summer, you now completely different person from year ago ah!” She loud voice sighed, gaze look distance. Seem recalling. “That time you just came, I thought outside end of world, living dead found our small place.” She joked. “Seeing you day by day have living person vitality, really good ah.” Just came, I alone, no concern. Strong world-weary feeling always lingering. But who am I? Back then reckless dashing, dared drive sports car on winding mountain road Summer Ling. Even suffered so many changes, even ground to haggard, but bottom color in bone never change. “Yes ah, really good ah.” I looked distant skylight, tranquil quiet. “Forget-Me-Nots” small, blue purple petals gently swayed with wind. Until speeding car broke calm. “Want die ah, drive so fast! Place not big, sooner or later hit electric pole!” Landlady angry supported notice board blown down at door, stared at car tail. Didn’t expect car really stopped. “Little Summer,” Landlady swallowed, asked me uneasy, “Did you just see clear if window open, won’t really be heard by people right?” “This car looks expensive, people won’t find me trouble right.” I didn’t respond, early when car sped past, I froze on spot. That license plate… seems New York’s. “Won’t, originally their problem.” I comforted landlady two sentences, quickly picked up just tied flower bouquet, closed shop door. “Sister, I go send flowers, not chat with you.” Actually, two hours from guest required time. But I don’t know what panicking, simply send early. I holding flowers turned, that car this moment already backed, stopped at my door. I couldn’t help back step, and car owner step step pressing. “Go where? I send you.” Julian voice seems more deep, tone however gentle much. “No need, not two steps.” I lowered eyes refused, then want bypass him. Crossing, Julian suddenly pulled my hand. “Summer Ling, Summer,” He leaked a trace begging, “Just let me send you a ride.” To me, Julian always called full name, like this intimate “Summer” never called. Suddenly heard, only felt strange. Before everything happened, I also teased him. “Where call wife full name? Julian, you call me Summer, I give you a surprise.” Julian didn’t call, also didn’t want surprise. So he didn’t know, we once had a child. After father prison, before kneeling Serena, I aborted. Month too small, only feel blood clot flow out body. But pain was heart tearing lung splitting. I just, didn’t want let child not born yet, humble like me. Julian not let, next door landlady gaze frequently probing again. I still sat on Julian car. I habitually opened passenger seat, but didn’t pull open. “Summer, sit back.” “We now not superior subordinate relationship.” I put flowers middle, sat in. Julian looked once, but didn’t say much, just bitter laughed once. Way relative silent. Julian several times want open mouth, forced back by my indifference. Until almost destination, he obvious anxious. “Summer, live okay?” I heart sneer. “As you see, very good. If you didn’t appear front me, better.” Roles between us switched. Past always he pulled my joy anger sorrow happiness, now is me. I only have myself, nothing good lose, also nothing good fear. First let go, only have no fear. Until blocking flowers picked up, until car door opened a crack, Julian then sound again. Abrupt, nonsensical, but clear every syllable trembling. “Summer, I regretted.”

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On New Year’s Eve, the Billionaire Heir picked me up, dying, and brought me home. He stroked my smooth, jade-like back, his eyes gentle as if looking at a rare treasure: “From now on, your name is Vivia, meaning full of life.” “This is a lucky name, you must pray for me well.” “In exchange, for every wish you make, you must sacrifice one thing.” I nodded blushing, thinking I met salvation. At that time, I didn’t understand that my name meant exchanging my life, bit by bit, for the woman lying in the ICU. At eighteen, I wished to wear a backless dress. He peeled the skin off my back to patch her burned body. At twenty, I wished to see the Aurora. He dug out my eyes to replace her ulcerated corneas. At twenty-two, I wished to marry him. He drained my bone marrow to extend her failing life. This year, I am twenty-four. He held the critical condition notice, holding my hand trembling: “Vivia, make a wish, she is just one step away from waking up.” In the cold light of the scalpel, I closed my empty eye sockets. My only wish this year is. Please blend my heart into pieces. Chapter 1 The shadowless lamp in the operating room was dazzlingly white. But I couldn’t see. There were only two pitch-black holes in my eye sockets. When I was twenty, I wished to see the Aurora. Lucien Sterling dug out my eyeballs with his own hands. He said Sienna’s corneas were ulcerated, she would be scared if she couldn’t see. “Vivia, be obedient.” Lucien’s fingers rubbed my collarbone, fingertips burning hot. “This is the last time.” “Sienna’s heart has failed to the limit, the doctor said only you can save her.” “Your heart match with hers is perfect, simply a spare part God specially prepared for her.” I lay on the cold operating table, limbs buckled by leather straps. Hearing “spare part”, I pulled the corner of my mouth and smiled. Turns out, I am just a spare part container. “Speak.” Lucien’s fingers tightened, pinching my chin. “About to operate, don’t show me this dead face.” “Aren’t you most obedient? Make a wish.” “As long as Sienna can survive, I’ll give you whatever you want.” “Even the title of Mrs. Sterling you always wanted, I can consider burning it to you.” Burn to me? Really generous. I opened my mouth, throat dry and hoarse, every sound pulled raw pain. “Lucien.” “If I give you my heart, can I be free?” Lucien chuckled lightly. “Of course, I will find the best Private Mausoleum to bury you.” “Every year on Memorial Day and your anniversary, I will bring Sienna to see you.” “We want to thank you, for using your life to fulfill our love.” A wave of nausea in my stomach. I took a deep breath, heart hitting ribs. Thump, thump, thump. It was still beating for this man, really cheap. I endured the tearing pain in my throat, intermittently squeezed out voice: “I don’t want a grave.” “Nor want you to visit me, that would make me sick.” Lucien’s hand stiffened. “Don’t give face not want face, then what do you want?” I lifted my empty eye sockets, facing the direction of his voice. “My only wish this year is.” “Please blend my heart into pieces.” Next second, a big hand choked my neck. “Vivia! You looking for death!” “Blend heart? You’d rather destroy it than give it to Sienna?” “Your life I gave! Your name I bestowed! Which piece of meat on your body didn’t grow for Sienna?” “How dare you be so vicious! Do you want Sienna to die?” I opened my mouth wide to breathe. But only inhaled the smell of disinfectant. “Cough cough…” Lucien let go, wiped his hand on clothes. “Vicious woman, looks like I treated you too well.” “Doctor! Prepare surgery immediately!” Anesthesiologist walked over with syringe. “Mr. Sterling, general anesthesia now?” Lucien looked at me, voice cold. “What anesthesia?” “Didn’t she want to blend her heart?” “Then let her be awake, feel well how the heart is dug out.” “Give her muscle relaxant.” Doctor sucked in a cold breath. “Mr. Sterling, this… this will torture her to death alive…” “Open chest surgery without anesthesia, that is Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts)…” “Do as I say!” Lucien kicked over the instrument tray. Metal tray smashed on floor, making a loud noise. “This is punishment for her vicious curse.” “I want her to remember, even reincarnating in next life, don’t forget who gave her this cut!” Liquid flowed into body. My tongue numb, fingers couldn’t move, eyelids heavy. But I could hear, could feel. Scalpel cutting skin. I heard sound of flesh separating. Pain. Really fucking painful. Scalpel cut open chest skin, heat of blood gushing out scalded me to tremble. I couldn’t move, staring with empty eye sockets. Consciousness trance. I seemed to smell roast meat. Eighteen years old New Year’s Eve. Lucien took me to hospital. That day was my coming-of-age ceremony. I wore the white sweater he gave. “Brother Lucien, can I make a wish?” At that time, my back was smooth and clean. I blushed, pulling his shirt corner. “I saw princesses on TV wear backless dresses, I want one too.” Lucien touched my head, smiling said. “Good, Vivia can have whatever she wants.” “Brother Lucien will satisfy you right now.” Then he called doctor, pressed me on operating table. “Sienna burned her back in fire, she loves beauty most, now breaking mirrors at home all day.” “Your back is most like hers, skin also most tender.” “Since you want to wear backless dress, then give this skin to Sienna.” “Anyway you are orphan, wearing such noble dress on you is waste too.” I struggled desperately, crying begging him. “Brother Lucien! I don’t want! I don’t want to be skinned!” “Hurts so much! Brother Lucien save me!” Lucien stood outside observation window, holding cigarette, looking at me. “Good girl, bear it and it will pass.” “This is your blessing, growing on Sienna, is your life’s greatest glory.” That day, I was peeled a whole piece of back skin. Fainted from pain, woke up from pain again. Later wound scabbed, left winding scars. That red backless dress hung at my bedside. Always reminding me, this is price of wishing. Chest severe pain clearer and clearer, chest retractor stuffed in. Crack, rib broken. I trembled all over from pain, cold sweat mixed with blood water flowed into eye sockets. So painful. Really so painful. Lucien, if you knew back then the one who saved you was me. Would you have a little bit of heartache? Chapter 2 “Mr. Sterling, you go wait next door first.” Alfred’s voice sounded at door. He held ginseng soup. “Blood smell too heavy here, don’t clash with your nobility.” Lucien turned to leave, steps paused. “Feed her some ginseng soup.” Alfred stunned. “Mr. Sterling, this… this soup is for Miss Sienna to nourish body.” “Give her drink.” Lucien said. “Her body too weak, I fear she die on operating table.” “If heart stops beating over three minutes, activity won’t be good.” “Hang this cheap bone with a breath, must last until heart taken out.” Alfred sighed, helped up my head. Ginseng soup poured into mouth, carrying bitterness. Is this last meal before execution? Alfred looked at my full body scars, eye rims red. He leaned to my ear, voice lowered. “Miss Vivia, actually…” “Actually Miss Sienna simply looks down on your organs.” “Last time changing cornea, Miss Sienna threw a big temper.” “She said… she said things from Orphanage are dirty, carrying a poor acid smell.” “If not really can’t find matching source, she wouldn’t want to install this dirty thing on herself.” Dirty? My blood dirty, skin dirty, eyes dirty. But it is these “dirty” things, pieced together current Sienna. That person held in palm by Lucien, is pieced together by me. Lucien, don’t you feel disgusting? That pair of eyes you kiss every day, was what I once cried begging you not to dig. That back you stroke, was what I once rolled on bed in pain exchanged. Who exactly do you love, Sienna, or this shell composed of my flesh and blood? Beep—Beep—Beep— Alarm sounded next door. Lucien face pale. He pushed door rushed out, roaring at walkie-talkie. “What happened!” “What happened to Sienna!” “Wasn’t fine just now! How did these wastes watch!” Shouts came from walkie-talkie. “Mr. Sterling! Bad news!” “Miss Sienna sudden ventricular fibrillation! Blood pressure undetectable!” “Heart function total failure, must transplant immediately! Can’t wait a minute!” Lucien returned, kicked open door. He red eyed, staring at me. And that doctor peeling blood vessels. “Faster! Still dawdling what!” “Didn’t hear Sienna dying! Dig the heart out directly!” Doctor hand shook. “Mr… Mr. Sterling, vessels not fully isolated yet, if cut forcibly will massive hemorrhage…” “And donor vital signs still there, this… this is murder…” “I let you dig!” Lucien rushed over, pushed doctor away. He reached for that dripping blood scalpel. “She lived for this moment originally!” “As long as can save Sienna, what about murder?” “If Sienna dies, I want your whole family buried with her! As for this bitch…” He pointed at me. “What difference dying early or late?” “Her life is to pay debt! If not for Sienna, she would have frozen to death in orphanage long ago!” Heh. Pay debt. What did I owe you? I felt no pain, only cold left. Turns out in his heart, I am not human. I am just a meat lump growing a heart. “Lu… cien…” I squeezed out a bit gas sound from throat. Lucien movement paused, turned look me. I faced him with those two blood holes. I want him look at me. Look at the savior he is killing with his own hands. “That year’s… fire…” I gasping like thread. “You said… Sienna saved you…” “You said she gave you gas mask… carried you down ten floors…” Lucien stunned, sneered out. “What? Want claim credit beg me let you go now?” He leaned down, pasted my face. “Vivia, ever had a truth in this mouth?” “You are just a greedy for life afraid of death orphan, for survival any lie can tell!” “Sienna back burned rotten to save me! That is iron proof!” “You? Where were you then?” “You probably scared hiding in some dog hole stealing life!” No. Not like that. Back burned rotten, was because Sienna greedy for money, smashed when saving bags. Person carried you down was me. Person gave you gas mask was me. Because no mask, person smoked blind eyes, smoked bad throat by thick smoke, also me. My back no burn, because I protected you on back. When you woke up. I already fainted in hospital corner. And Sienna, wearing my clothes, holding my token, lying by your bed. “Is me… saved you…” “I have… token…” I wanted grab his hand. “Shut up!” Lucien grabbed metal tray smashed on my face. Clang sound. Tray smashed my forehead. Blood flowed into empty eye sockets. Became blood tears. “You despicable villain, don’t even deserve mention that night!” “Don’t think use this clumsy lie delay time!” “Doctor! Do it!” “Ignore steps! Cut directly! Dig for me!” He turned, rushed next door. That moment. I completely gave up. What use explain? He believes Sienna, not me. Then die with this secret. Let him use savior’s heart, save a thief who stole everything. Let him live in lies this life. This is most vicious revenge to him. Chapter 3 Zzz— Sound of vessels cutting exceptionally clear. Something draining. That is my life. Chest empty a big piece, cold wind poured in. “Taken out! Heart taken out!” Doctor shouted. “Activity perfect! Beating powerful!” “Quick! Send next door!” Monitor pulled into a straight line. Beep— I died. Died in bell of New Year’s Eve. Died on last day of twenty-four years old (Ben Ming Nian). I floated in mid-air, watching doctor holding heart rush next door. Lucien waiting in corridor. He looked at that heart. That is my heart. Once throbbed for him, humble for him. Now, he finally got it. But couldn’t wait to install it into another woman’s body. “Great! Sienna saved!” He trembled all over, followed doctor next door. Passing door, his foot tripped by sheet. Lucien looked back at corpse. I lay there lonely. Chest is a blood hole. But I didn’t die peacefully. My right hand dead clenched into fist, pressed on chest. Like wanting to protect that heart. “Bad luck.” Lucien frowned. “Dead already, still pose this chaste martyr look for who?” “Still want cover that heart?” “That is daddy gave Sienna, you cheap life worthy take away?” Little nurse cleaning corpse, scared trembling. “Mr… Mr. Sterling, respect dead, we send to morgue…” “Wait.” Lucien walked in. He looked at my clenched right hand, eyes sank. “I see she death nature not change, dying still want steal something from Sterling family take away.” “What hidden in this hand?” Little nurse shook head. “Don’t know… too hard, can’t open…” “Waste.” Lucien snorted, grabbed my stiff wrist. That is hand he once held. Also hand he once whipped. Now, he wants to break this dead person’s hand personally. “Open for me!” He forced break my fingers one by one. “I want see, what treasure hidden in this dirty hand!” Stiff palm opened. No gold silver jewelry. No antique. Only a medallion black from blood soaking. Only half piece. Break sharp, cut my palm flesh rotten. Flesh and medallion stuck together. Lucien froze. He stared dead at that half medallion. That is Heirloom Locket. Sterling family heirloom. But this jade special. Its edge has two deep tooth marks. That was ten years ago, in sky-filling fire. Lucien choked desperate by smoke, mark left biting jade with teeth. He said: “This half for you, if we can live out…” “We be together forever.” Unique in this world. “This… this is…” Lucien’s hand started trembling. He flustered pulled another half medallion from neck. Trembling put two jades together. Click sound. Seamless. Kylin roaring sky, patterns connected. This jade, he looked for ten years. Sienna said lost. Because Sienna knew all details, because Sienna back had burn. He never suspected. But why? Why this token. Would appear in hand of this “substitute” he peeled skin, dug eyes, pumped marrow, finally personally dug heart? And dead clenched in palm by her till death, even bone broken not willing let go? Lucien looked up. Looking at that pale corpse. Looking at those two empty eye sockets, as if crying blood tears accusation. Looking at that empty chest cavity. “Mr. Sterling! Surgery started!” Next door came doctor excited shout. “Heart implantation very smooth! Miss Sienna has reaction!” That moment. Lucien looked at blood stained Heirloom Locket. Again looked at that heart being sewn into Sienna body next door. A scream resounded through operating room. He personally killed savior. And use her heart, save a thief stole everything. What did he do! Lucien rushed into next door operating room, pounced on operating table, stop doctor suturing action. “Take heart out! Take it out!” “That’s not Sienna’s! That’s Vivia’s! Return her! Return her quick!” Chief surgeon protected Sienna chest, shouted: “Mr… Mr. Sterling? Are you crazy?” “Vessels already anastomosed! Heart already restarted!” “Force take out now, Miss Sienna will die! This heart will be wasted too!” Lucien action froze, hand suspended above heaving chest. There, thump, thump, thump. Is Vivia heartbeat sound. Through skin, he seemed see that heart beating, transporting life for another woman. Wasted… Lucien knelt before operating table. He hand clutching pieced Heirloom Locket, edges pierced palm, blood fell on floor. “How could be… how could be you…” He looked up next door, there lay a corpse, chest opened a black hole. Few minutes ago, he still humiliating her, dislike she die not decent, even personally broke her fingers. That is his savior, girl he swore love with life. “Mr. Sterling… Miss Sienna woke up!” Anesthesiologist voice broke silence. On operating table, Sienna opened eyes, face started ruddy. “Lu… Lucien brother…” Sienna reached out, want touch Lucien face. “I had a long dream… dreamed you didn’t want me…” “Luckily… heart still beating… you saved me?” Lucien looked up, eyes full bloodshot, staring dead at Sienna. Sienna fingers shrank. “Lucien brother… what wrong? Too tired?” “That Vivia ne? Surgery… smooth?” Mentioning this name, Lucien stood up fiercely, grabbed Sienna wrist. Sienna screamed: “Lucien brother! You hurt me! I am Sienna!” “What wrong with you? Did that bitch say something bad before dying?” “Don’t believe her! She is a liar full mouth lies…” Slap! A slap on Sienna face. Sienna beaten confused, half face swelled instantly. “Liar?” Lucien raised blood stained Heirloom Locket, shoved to Sienna eyes, voice hoarse: “Sienna, tell me.” “This jade, whose exactly?” Sienna saw that jade, face instantly pale. Her eyes wandering, want shrink hand. “This… this how…” “This… this is mine… didn’t I lose it then…” “Did that bitch pick it up?” “Right! Must be she stole! Lucien brother, she dare steal your money, steal jade what count!” “Till now you still lie!” Lucien choked Sienna neck, wound split, blood seeped. “This has my tooth marks! World only two pieces can puzzle together!” “This jade broke out from Vivia hand!” “Dead can’t break open! You say she stole?” “Sienna, you played me fool ten years!” Lucien hand tighter and tighter. He looked at this face, mind flashed Vivia desperate eyes before death. Is him, for this counterfeit, personally pushed benefactor to hell! “Urgh… Lu…” Sienna rolling eyes, desperately beat Lucien hand. Monitor issued alarm. “Mr. Sterling! Can’t kill her!” Doctors rushed up pull Lucien. “That heart! That is Miss Vivia heart!” “If you choke her dead, Miss Vivia heart also dies!” This sentence made Lucien sober instantly. He let go, watching Sienna panting, watching that violently beating heart. That is only trace Vivia left. If Sienna dies, Vivia really gone. Lucien stepped back two steps, leaned on wall, emitted a laugh. “Ha… haha…” “I not kill you.” “Sienna, I not kill you.” He looked up, eyes gloomy. “You must live well.” “Use Vivia heart, live well for her.” “But this debt, we count slowly.”

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