Category: English

After I caught my wife, Arabella, and her oldest friend, Pierce, in bed together, a single question—why?—was enough for her to have me committed. Five years in a place they called an “asylum.” When I finally got out, I was quiet. Extremely obedient. If someone told me to walk east, I wouldn’t even think about the west. Arabella brought me home, her eyes as cold as the November air. “If you ever speak to Pierce with disrespect again, Cal,” she warned, her voice low and sharp, “I won’t be so lenient next time.” I nodded obediently. Then, I turned and picked up a fruit knife, ramming it into my mouth until my tongue was a mangled mess of flesh and blood. She immediately snatched the knife away, the color draining from her face as she looked at the grotesque wound filling my mouth. Pierce leaned close, his voice a venomous whisper in my ear. “Try another pathetic stunt to win Bella’s attention, and I’ll personally ship you back to the Institute.” Then, with a practiced gasp, he slapped himself hard across the face, stumbled, and fell to the floor. “I’m sorry, Cal. I shouldn’t have gotten in your way. Hit me back. Please, take out your frustration on me.” Arabella walked in just in time to see him on the ground. Her eyes flashed with immediate, furious conviction. She stomped on my hand, grinding her heel into my knuckles. “I brought you home out of the goodness of my heart, and this is how you repay me? Uncaring, ungrateful. Have you completely lost your soul?” I got up, walked to the garage, and obediently laid down on the commercial-grade cutting machine. I found the power switch and pressed it. Bone dust and blood sprayed everywhere. Arabella froze, shaking violently, before finally snapping out of it and shutting the machine off. In the ambulance, I heard Arabella’s voice, trembling as she spoke to the EMT. “I just… I yelled at him. I didn’t tell him to start cutting off his own flesh…” I was convulsing from the pain, but I managed to nod. She hadn’t told me to do it. But five years in that place, five years of endless beatings and torture, had taught me the lesson. Obey the unspoken command. Always. Later, she would ask me to die for Pierce one more time. And when I did as she asked, she would just cry and beg for my forgiveness. … It took three days in surgery just to keep me alive. Arabella looked at me, wrapped head to toe in bandages, and a flicker of something—pity? distress?—crossed her face. Pierce was quick to shift the blame. “Bella, I know Cal wanted me gone, but I never imagined he’d throw himself onto that thing to try and manipulate us,” he whined. “Maybe I should just leave. Who knows what he’ll try to pin on me next!” Arabella instantly pulled him into a hug. “If anyone’s leaving, it’s Callum! Five years hasn’t changed him. Look at him! He’s using self-mutilation as a ploy to get attention!” she spat, her gaze never leaving me. “If he really wanted to die, he would have plunged the knife into his heart. He laid on that machine because he knew we could still save him!” I had just opened my eyes enough to hear the words. A cascade of memories—the grinning faces of my torturers, the sting of the whip—slammed into my mind. I couldn’t stop the full-body tremor. Panicked, I threw myself off the bed. The stitches in my fresh wounds ripped open, and I was instantly a bloody mess. I barely felt the pain. I scrambled, grabbed a discarded scalpel, and plunged it into my chest, aiming for my heart. A sickening thud as the blade met flesh. Blood spurted across the crisp white sheets. Slumped on the floor, my hand resting on my still-beating heart, I felt a deep disappointment. I’d missed the mark. As I struggled to thrust the blade in again, Arabella snatched the scalpel away. “Callum Forrester, what are you doing now!” I coughed up blood. A pool of it gathered beneath me. Pierce started to speak, but Arabella impatiently cut him off. “Just stop it, both of you. Whatever you’re doing, don’t provoke him right now.” Pierce’s eyes widened in disbelief. She was defending me? He immediately turned his outrage into a weapon. His eyes blazing red, he struck himself, hard, twice across the face. “You’re right! It’s all my fault! I was trying to provoke him, I made him hit me, I forced him to hurt himself!” he wailed, dissolving into theatrical, heartbroken sobs. “Bella, every mistake is mine. Punish me however you see fit.” Arabella’s gaze flickered back and forth between us, torn. Finally, she helped Pierce up, deliberately looking away from me. “Callum,” she said, her voice strained. “Pierce is kind-hearted enough not to press charges. Apologize to him. Right now. And we’ll forget this ever happened.” I looked up at her, weak, dizzy. My body reacted before my mind did. If I was to apologize, I needed to show her the appropriate level of conviction. Before either of them could stop me, I smashed the glass flower vase. The shards dug deep into my knees, shredding the muscle as I knelt before Pierce. I began to hit my forehead against the floor, a rhythmic, bone-jarring thud. Each one was done with maximum force. My vision started to tunnel. I heard a crisp, snapping sound, like a dry twig breaking. I felt the raw scrape of bone on the floor. Finally, the crippling pain consumed me, and I collapsed. Pierce, still in Arabella’s arms, stared down at me, utterly stunned. A moment later, the room erupted into panicked shouts. In the last sliver of consciousness, I saw Arabella running to get a doctor, frantic enough that she’d lost one of her high heels. That night, Arabella played the surveillance footage back for Pierce. The malicious threat, the self-inflicted injury, Pierce’s dramatic performance—it was all laid bare. Pierce’s composure shattered. Tears instantly welled up. “I was so terrified, Bella… Cal went to that place because of me. He must hate me enough to kill me.” “I was just trying to test him. I needed to know if I was safe around him,” he stammered, pulling a small pocket knife from his jacket. “I’m sorry, Bella. If you blame me, I’ll pay him back with my life.” He made a show of pressing the blade to his wrist. Arabella’s anger instantly evaporated, replaced by frantic concern. She snatched the knife away and clutched him to her chest. “I don’t blame you! Five years ago, Cal was bullying you. It’s normal that you’d be worried,” she soothed. “Besides,” she added, her eyes hardening as she looked toward my bruised and bloodied body, “what normal human being is so pathologically obedient? No one slices their own tongue or jumps into a grinder just because of a few angry words.” Pierce had completely convinced her. She dug her sharp fingernails into my torn skin. “Callum, is this what you wanted? Was this whole act just a complicated way to plot revenge on Pierce?” she accused. “Your manipulation is so deep, I almost believed you.” The agonizing pain made my lips tremble. “No,” I whispered. “I will be obedient. Even if you told me to die, I would do it.” Arabella didn’t believe me. From that night on, her eyes were filled with a cold, perpetual scrutiny. With Arabella’s tacit approval, Pierce’s torment became even more brazen. He deliberately scalded my face with boiling water. Even as the skin blistered and peeled, I didn’t make a sound. Frustrated by my silence, he snatched the antique pocket watch Arabella had given me—my most treasured possession—and smashed it to pieces. Arabella watched, arms crossed, waiting for the once-proud, arrogant Callum Forrester to finally erupt in fury. I didn’t even flinch. A flicker of irritation crossed Arabella’s face. “Doesn’t it matter to you at all?” I simply nodded in placid compliance. “If that is what you want, then no. It doesn’t matter to me.” Arabella froze. A dark shadow crossed Pierce’s eyes, quickly replaced by a smug smile. He wrapped his arm around Arabella, his tone deliberately intimate. “Since he’s so accommodating, Bella, I have one more test we can try.” He gave me a challenging look, then lowered his head and kissed Arabella. The wet, intimate sounds echoed in the sterile room. Arabella initially looked flustered, trying to push him away while staring at me. But soon, under his aggressive intensity, she began to respond. When my expression remained utterly blank, Pierce upped the ante, brazenly cupping and fondling her breasts. Arabella let out a soft, low moan, her face flushed with passion. They acted as if I were invisible, shifting positions and intensifying the act. I watched the entire obscene process in silence. When her eyes finally met mine, my calmness seemed to infuriate her. She shoved Pierce away. “Callum, how could you have no reaction?” she demanded, her chest heaving. I saw the angry red marks Pierce’s hands had left on her skin. I lowered my eyes submissively. “I said I would be obedient. I wouldn’t interrupt your pleasure.” She must have forgotten. Five years ago, I’d stumbled upon Arabella and Pierce in the throes of their passion. I was consumed by a blinding rage. I attacked Pierce, demanding to know how he could be a homewrecker. Arabella had shielded him, accusing me of being the irrational one. That night, she told everyone I was suffering from a psychotic break and had me locked away for “treatment.” But it wasn’t a hospital. It was the private hell Pierce had meticulously selected for me. I was kept like a dog in a lightless cage. Whips, branding irons, skinning, and even live experiments—I endured every type of torture. Day after day, the relentless cruelty taught me one thing: complete submission. Which is why, no matter the humiliation, I would never resist again. Arabella was red-faced and breathing heavily, a fire in her chest. Pierce saw his opening. His eyes narrowed with malice. “Bella, Cal can endure this? God knows what he’s planning for us. I hired some guys—you know, the kind who ‘train’ guys at underground casinos. Let’s see how long his nerve lasts with them.” Arabella hesitated. She was about to speak, but Pierce gripped her hand and sighed heavily. “Bella, it’s for his own good. If he’s truly compliant, you can trust him to stay at home, right?” With a wave of Pierce’s hand, two menacing thugs instantly grabbed me and dragged me toward the basement door. Arabella, silent, turned and walked away, giving them her silent consent. The moment the door slammed shut, they yanked my hair back and tried to shove my face into a box filled with thousands of tiny steel needles. I beat them to it. I grabbed handfuls of the needles and shoved them into my mouth. I started to swallow them, the pinpoints tearing at my throat and viscera. The agonizing, tearing pain made me convulse, producing only a low, guttural roar. But compared to the five years of nightmares, it was nothing. The thugs stared at me, shocked into inaction. Pierce’s gaze was pure hatred. He shrieked, “Bring in the industrial shredder! There’s no way he can endure this!” He revved the machine to full power, his eyes filled with contempt. He was absolutely sure I would finally break down, either begging for my life or cursing his name. I didn’t hesitate. I launched myself into the rapidly spinning blades. My flesh, bones, and sinews were instantly shredded and atomized. My blood and viscera splattered over Pierce, coating him head to toe. He screamed, a high-pitched sound of pure terror, and scrambled out of the basement. In the throes of my unimaginable agony, I managed a final, blood-drenched smile. This time, surely, they would be satisfied. My latest hospital visit made the local news and brought Arabella’s parents—my in-laws—to the hospital. When I woke up, my mother-in-law, Lydia, slapped me hard across the face. She ignored my mutilated, shattered body. “Callum Forrester! You’re a curse! The minute you came back, you ruined my daughter’s reputation! I regret not forcing Bella to divorce you years ago!” “You should have stayed in that damned asylum forever!” My father-in-law held her back, his voice low and serious. “Cal, if you’re still angry about five years ago, we can resolve it. Why turn yourself into a spectacle?” I looked slowly at them. Five years ago, when I begged them to help me, they’d walked away without a backward glance. Resolve it? They wouldn’t lift a finger. Arabella walked in. For the first time, tears streamed down her face in genuine distress. “Callum,” she choked out. “I believe you now. Don’t be afraid. I won’t let anyone hurt you again…” I looked at her, my face expressionless. My silence only made her sob harder. Lydia suddenly yanked Arabella away, sneering at me. “Bella, don’t fall for his tricks! He’s doing this on purpose to make you feel guilty, to drag you down for the rest of your life!” “I’m filing the divorce papers right now. We’re throwing this garbage out of the Ashworth family for good!” Arabella violently pushed her mother away. “Mom, can’t you see what he’s done to himself? He almost died!” “So what if he did!” Lydia shot back, glaring at me with disgust. “He’s a psychopath! A menace! He doesn’t deserve to be a son-in-law here!” She turned, her face softening instantly as she saw Pierce. “Pierce, honey, don’t worry. We only trust you to be by Bella’s side. No one is going to hurt you.” Pierce offered Lydia a grateful smile, then pulled out a sheet of paper, his face etched with fake concern. “Bella, the doctor sent this. It’s Cal’s psychiatric evaluation.” “The doctor says Cal has XYY Syndrome and Antisocial Personality Disorder.” Lydia’s voice rose to a screech. “Then send him back to that place! Now! Lock him up forever!” She pulled Arabella three feet away from me, as if I were a contagious piece of filth. “If he kills someone, he’ll ruin the family! Why doesn’t he just finish the job and die already!” Arabella’s expression wavered. The words “just die” echoed in my skull. I struggled to rise. While they were distracted, I managed to find a large surgical blade. I raised it to my temple. And as the look of sheer terror flashed across Arabella’s face, I rammed the blade into my own temple. Blood mixed with brain matter instantly coated the room. A piercing shriek tore through the hospital corridor. “Cal!!!”

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My childhood friend, Hank, was home for the holidays, and I overheard his mother trying to set me up on a date. He asked, “Are you that bored?” His mother seemed surprised. “Why are you getting angry?” Everyone knew he was brilliant, a graduate from a top-tier university, while I had only attended an average one – a world of difference. He had no romantic interest in me. But no one knew this was the third year since our unspoken, complicated relationship had ended. Back then, he had simply leaned against the bathroom door and said, “It’s probably better to end things early. It was quite dull.” 1 “Who’s angry?” Hank’s expression was cool and indifferent. “Don’t bother. She won’t agree.” His mother asked, “You’re so sure?” Hank didn’t reply. He took his mother’s phone, scrolled through a few photos of potential suitors, and offered a lazy smile. His mother knew his arrogant demeanor well. Hank was a golden boy, effortlessly excelling in academics and blessed with striking looks. He was always the center of attention. “They can’t compare to you,” his mother conceded, “but what if Willow likes one of them?” “You can try.” His tone was detached, as if it had nothing to do with him. Yet, he paused, halting his movement towards the door. Ten minutes later, I sent my reply. [No need, thank you, Auntie.] He barely glanced at it, a silent “I told you so” expression on his face. He turned and walked out, dismissing the matter from his mind. So, he didn’t notice the second text message that immediately followed. [Auntie, I’m getting engaged next week.] 2 The summer I loved Hank most was the darkest time of my life. On the eve of winter break in my sophomore year of university, there was a high school reunion. I was packing my suitcase, trying to resist checking if Hank had replied to my message. He hadn’t. Instead, he had added someone else to our group chat. [What’s going on?] [Who’s this?] Friends in the chat started teasing. Hank wrote: [My girlfriend.] The word “girlfriend” exploded in my mind. I knew Hank wasn’t short of admirers, but he had always seemed so indifferent. So indifferent that I clung to a foolish hope. I clicked on his girlfriend’s profile picture. She was beautiful. I sat in my dorm room, applying a full face of makeup, then removing it, finding myself looking terrible no matter what. When I arrived at the reunion, the room was buzzing with lively conversation. Seeing me appear, the laughter abruptly stopped. Hank happened to be standing up, making space for his girlfriend. He leaned halfway towards me, his eyebrow slightly raised. “Willow, what kind of awful makeup is that?” It was a perfectly normal, joking tone for a friend, exactly the same as always. It was me who was different. My insecurity overflowed, leaving me flustered. Everyone chuckled. I instinctively laughed along, trying to hide my embarrassment. “What’s so funny?” Hank’s girlfriend pulled me out of the private room and led me to the restroom. She helped me remove my patchy foundation, asking as she did, “Hank is too mean. I’ll give him a talking-to for you later.” Her hands smelled sweet, her skin delicate. She was so gentle that even I couldn’t help but like her. How much more would he like her? That night, I trailed behind the crowd, watching Hank take her hand. They looked perfect together. In the latter half of the party, someone suggested drinking. Hank declined. His girlfriend got into the driver’s seat of his luxury car. I turned to follow the crowd, but Hank grabbed me and pulled me into the back seat. “Don’t pick up bad habits,” he said, his eyes smiling. “If your mother found out, she’d kill me.” “That’s right,” his girlfriend added, “We’ll drop you off at university.” Halfway there, his girlfriend decided she wanted crawfish and asked me, “Want to come eat with us?” Hank looked at me, one hand on the steering wheel, and I understood his expression: Don’t be a third wheel. “You two go ahead,” I said. Hank still dropped me off at university first. Before I got out, I heard his girlfriend quietly ask him, “Am I still coming to your apartment tonight?” The ink-black London night, a cold wind sweeping in, carried that soft but clear question right to my ears. His car sped away. I stood there, remembering high school evenings when Hank would stop his bicycle outside my house, waiting for me. At the time, I thought, If someday he drives a car, how would I feel sitting inside it with him? Now I knew. 3 I heard Hank broke up with his girlfriend after only two weeks. My contact with him had ended long ago. I was busy with exams, lab work, writing papers—busy trying to shed that dark, unremarkable version of myself. It wasn’t until a few years later, before my senior finished university, that she dragged me to a bar. “Do you know that super handsome guy at the next table?” “I heard he’s a tech mogul, his starting salary went straight to six figures.” The speaker gestured a number, and everyone gasped in amazement. I looked at the next table. Hank sat amidst a crowd of handsome men and beautiful women. “I’m going to get his number,” a girl said, standing up and heading excitedly towards their table. She returned ten minutes later. “You didn’t get it, did you?” “That hotshot is notoriously hard to pin down, even at his university.” I got up and went to the restroom. As I came out after washing my hands, I ran into Hank, who was waiting by the door, cutting me off. He wore a black turtleneck, his figure tall and broad. His fair neck looked clean and alluring. He held my coat draped over his arm. He asked, “Did I offend you somehow?” “No.” “Then why did you block me?” His dark eyes stared straight into mine, easily making me feel irritated. “Give me back my coat.” He turned sideways. “No.” The alley outside the bar was filled with the biting cold of falling snow. He asked me again, “Is the guy sitting next to you your boyfriend? Did you learn from him, coming to a bar so late at night?” Seeing my silence, he snorted. “No offense. Just warning you to be careful who you choose. He doesn’t look like a good guy.” My steady gaze met his face. I suddenly understood that some things couldn’t be cured by quitting. They could only be appeased by obtaining them. “Are you angry?” My tone was calm. He chuckled. “Why would I be angry—” “Hank, are you coming home with me?” He froze, as if he didn’t understand the meaning of the words. “If not, then someone else will.” I turned to leave, but he gripped my wrist. On that first snowy night of November, our secret, unspoken relationship began. Honestly, I just wanted to know. What did that arrogant face look like when it was lost in passion? So this was the expression. Even in bed, he was still playing it cool, teasing me. Maliciously, he asked, “Would anyone else do?” No. I looked away, trying desperately not to cry. Month after month, we grew more addicted than the other. I felt I was beyond saving. At one point, I even thought he might genuinely like me. So when he held the hairdryer, his large hand running through my hair, and asked, “Do you like me?” I couldn’t help but say, “Let’s end this kind of relationship—” and then, truly be together. But before I could finish, he let go. The hum of the hairdryer stopped, and the bathroom grew silent, save for the sound of running water. He stared at me for a long time. Leaning against the bathroom door, he gave a faint smile. “It’s probably better to end things early. It was quite dull. Our kind of relationship, you know, it doesn’t even qualify as a breakup.” My soaking wet hair stuck to my back. One moment cold, the next hot. That was the moment I truly wanted to retreat. All these years, I had been so ordinary by his side. But I didn’t want to shortchange this ordinary self of mine anymore. [Auntie, I’m getting engaged next week.] Hank, who hadn’t seen this message, was at his childhood friend’s christening celebration. He knew I would be there today too. We hadn’t seen each other in three years. He casually glanced at my name tag, pulled out a chair, and sat down. Someone at the table mentioned, “Arthur Stone is getting engaged, did you hear?” “No way! He’s always been single, to the point the media questioned his sexuality. How did he find someone so fast?” “Met her through a setup.” Hank’s eyebrow twitched at the word. He was somewhat allergic to it today. Someone asked, “What kind of fiancée is she?” “A bit like Willow.” Hank’s gaze shifted from the door to the person who spoke. “So he likes that type,” the person joked, then asked Hank, “Why didn’t you ever think of introducing Willow to him?” Hank maintained his detached expression. But a cold draft from the half-open window ruffled the hair on his forehead, making his eyes seem a little darker. “I did introduce them,” Hank said. “She wasn’t interested.” Arthur Stone was known for his fierce, untamed nature, always hungry for more. He was a completely different type from Hank. “I was kind enough to have someone drive her home in her first year of university, to create an opportunity for them.” Hank’s voice was very soft as he spoke. “She even complained to me that Arthur was too aggressive.” Just then, Hank’s childhood friend, Patrick, walked over. He was one of the few who knew about Hank and my past relationship. He looked at Hank with interest and asked, “Do you know what ‘blind spot’ means?” Hank looked confused. Patrick didn’t explain further, but narrowed his eyes and smiled, telling the gossiping group at the table, “They say they met through a setup, but Arthur had a crush on her for many years. Too bad the girl was completely devoted to someone else. He finally got his chance.” Everyone was surprised. “No way, he’s got such great qualities, and he’s still poaching someone else’s girl.” “Whose girl is he poaching?” Patrick didn’t answer, just clapped Hank on the shoulder. “Did Arthur invite you to his engagement?” “No.” “That’s odd, you two are so close.” Patrick’s smile grew deeper as he asked Hank, “Want to see a photo of his fiancée?” With that, he pulled out his phone and shoved it in front of Hank. Hank leaned down to look, but someone nearby exclaimed, “Willow, you’re here!” His gaze instantly shifted to me at the entrance. I walked in, wearing a cream-colored knit dress. Patrick meaningfully put away his phone and said to Hank, “She looks good, doesn’t she? Never realized Willow had such a great figure back in university.” Hank’s calm gaze fixed on me, then he looked away. He knew. The first time we shared that snowy night, I wore a similar dress. I wore styles I liked for a long time. I was constant in everything. But he didn’t know that people and clothes were different. Once I hit a brick wall, I would turn back from my misguided path. I pulled out a chair and sat down. A long-lost scent drew near. Hank didn’t speak to me, didn’t even touch me. He was well-liked. People came to toast him, round after round. “When are you two getting married?” A drunken classmate clapped Hank on the shoulder, pointing at him and me. “What nonsense are you talking about?” He was pulled away by others. “Oh, right, it’s Willow.” “I thought she was Hank’s girlfriend.” “You two are dressed in black and white; I thought it was your wedding.” Hank chuckled at the remark, deflecting it, a charming glint in his eye. He raised his glass and drank the toast. This was the first time he had smiled tonight. 4 The banquet ended. Patrick, who hadn’t drunk, offered to drive me home. I opened the back car door, only to see Hank sitting there. When Hank was drunk, he didn’t like to talk; he just liked to stare at people with those dark, cold eyes. “He’s completely out of it. We’re taking him back together. You don’t mind, do you, Willow?” I got into the car and sat down. Hank’s hand remained suspended in the middle, maintaining a distinct separation. It was a long drive back to the city center. I leaned my head against the car window and closed my eyes, trying to sleep. The car would occasionally jolt, causing my head to bump slightly, but I didn’t care. The car window reflected Hank’s face. He stared at the noticeable distance between us, lost in thought. When we arrived at my place, Hank offered to see me upstairs. “No need.” He ignored me, his voice cold. “If anything happened to you, we’d all be responsible.” In the elevator, he leaned against the wall, alcohol-flushed, loosening his tie. “My mother’s setup was quite good. Why didn’t you go for it?” He tilted his chin slightly, looking down, his gaze probing. “Not impressed?” “Then what kind do you like?” He was deliberately provoking me again. “Like me?” I met his gaze in the elevator’s reflection. “Not anymore.” “Then the opposite of me, like Arthur Stone?” My gaze froze. He said, “Too late. He’s getting engaged.” Hank seemed intrigued, asking casually, “Willow, since you’re going on setups anyway, how about we give it a try?” With that, he leaned down, looking into my eyes. “You haven’t been waiting for me to say that, have you?” “No.” I looked up at him earnestly. “The day we ended things, I made it very clear: I wouldn’t like you anymore.” “Really?” He slipped one hand into his pocket, a lazy smile on his face. “Good. Don’t just marry someone to forget me.” Hank’s attitude was indifferent, explicitly a scoundrel but fond of saying pretty words. His tone was remarkably sincere: “More than anyone, I hope you find someone you love and marry them. I’ll definitely wish you well.”

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My engagement to Rhett Prescott, the crowned prince of Atherton’s old money, was decided when we were children. Because of this status, I spent my childhood trying to control his every move. Every time I pushed his limits, Rhett would lash out with the same defiant threat: “Sloan Callahan, mark my words. I am going to blow up this farce of an engagement, and you’ll be the one left holding the pieces.” Then, I discovered I was the fake heiress. I decided to retreat, to make myself small. I stopped asking about Rhett’s business, stopped forcing him to uphold our mandatory couple appearances. After half a month of silence from me, his inner circle threw him a party to celebrate his freedom. But to my surprise, Rhett completely lost it. “Mind your own damn business!” he’d screamed. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it? Now she’s got someone else’s collar to hold.” 1 “Sloan, Rhett’s out stirring up trouble again with Pierce and the usual pack of trust-fund delinquents.” The music in the Atherton club was deafening. My best friend, Harper, was delivering the latest report on Rhett, but my attention was miles away. I took the phone she handed me. In the video, Rhett looked every inch the rebellious heir. He was leaning against a black Aston Martin, looking lazy in a crimson silk button-down, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. He was surrounded by a crowd of hangers-on, all with too-attractive, scantily-dressed women draped over them. I watched it all calmly, then just as calmly handed the phone back to Harper. “It’s fine. Let him.” “What is wrong with you?” Harper pressed her palm to my forehead. “You don’t even have a fever.” She narrowed her eyes, the familiar mischief in them gone. “Are you an alien body snatcher? The real Sloan would be on her way to burn that club down right now.” “Harper,” I gave her a flat look. “Do I need to remind you of the time you accidentally dyed your hair green at your sixth-grade dance? Just to prove I’m me?” I grabbed my clutch and walked toward the exit. It wasn’t surprising that Harper was so alarmed by my change. Since the day Rhett and I were betrothed at age eight, I had taken my role as his handler seriously. I policed his life with an iron fist. Before, I felt I had the right to. Now, I wasn’t so sure. Because I might not be Rhett’s fiancée for much longer. 2 Just three days prior, I’d accidentally discovered that my parents—the Callahans—were not my biological family. I had been switched at birth. It wouldn’t be long before the Callahans’ true daughter was found and brought home. My fate as the discovered fake heiress was brutally clear. For years, I’d leveraged my status as a Callahan daughter and the fiancée of the Prescott heir. In the process, I’d made plenty of enemies in Atherton’s exclusive circles. So many people were waiting to watch me fall from grace. Especially Rhett. Ever since our engagement, I had relied on the authority of the Prescott Chairman, Rhett’s grandfather, to keep him in line. Even after he turned twenty-one, I laid down three unbreakable rules: Rule One: No smoking, no binge drinking, no fighting, and absolutely no reckless benders with his low-life friends. Rule Two: No staying out all night. He had to be home before midnight. Rule Three: We had to maintain appearances, including our fiancée obligations. At least three times a week. Every time I cracked down on him, Rhett would shoot back with his threat: “Sloan Callahan, you wait, I’m going to annul this broken engagement sooner or later.” I never took him seriously. But now, everything was different. In high-society marriages, pedigree and mutual benefit were all that mattered. No matter how fond the Chairman was of me, he would never allow his grandson to marry a woman who couldn’t benefit the Prescott business empire. The engagement was doomed. If I wanted to avoid Rhett’s public scorn and cruelty after my ‘fake’ identity was revealed, I had to cut my losses now. I had to stop controlling him entirely. 3 I didn’t go looking for Rhett. Instead, I went home early. But no sooner had I walked through the door than he returned. Hearing the commotion in the entryway, I instinctively looked up. Our eyes met. Rhett’s face flashed with guilt, but he forcibly held my gaze. He lifted his chin, his voice deliberately loud. “Sloan Callahan, you got it. I was out with Pierce and the guys, and yeah, I was drinking and smoking.” I didn’t engage in our usual sparring match. I merely gave a quiet, neutral “Mhm,” and started to walk toward my bedroom. “Sloan Callahan—” Rhett closed the distance in a few quick strides, grabbing my wrist. His dark eyes were fixed on mine, his tone tight with hidden anxiety. “Did you hear me? I said I was drinking and smoking.” “I know,” I looked at him, my voice flat. “You don’t have to tell me. If you’re happy, I’m happy.” “Alright, Sloan,” his lips curled into a smirk of forced confidence. “I know you’re still pissed.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping slightly. “I was wrong not to escort you to the gala last week. You’ve barely spoken to me for three days.” “No, I’m not—” He cut me off before I could finish. “Fine. Tonight, you can call the shots in bed, too.” With that, Rhett started unbuttoning his shirt. He had a great body—broad shoulders, a lean waist, and solid muscle. It was the kind of body that made me forget my rules. He took my hand and pressed it hard against the sculpted planes of his abdomen. Then he turned his face away, the tips of his ears slowly turning pink. “Consider yourself lucky. You can feel me up however you want tonight.” I glanced at the date on my phone. I’d completely forgotten that tonight was one of our Rule Three nights. Usually, I was the one who had to initiate. Rhett was being terrifyingly proactive. “Rhett, I’m not in the mood tonight.” I dropped the sentence like a grenade and bolted back to my room. 4 I woke up late the next afternoon. Unusually, Rhett hadn’t left the house. He was sprawled on the living room sofa, scrolling through his phone with a casual, bored air. When I walked out of my room, he snapped his phone shut, cleared his throat quietly, and spoke with an indifferent tone. “Sloan Callahan, you complained that all your clothes were out of season. I’ve got some free time today. I’ll take you to the city to get new ones.” “No, thank you. I have plans with Harper.” I rejected him without a moment’s thought. “Wait, Sloan Callahan, how much longer are you going to hold this grudge?” Rhett sprang up and grabbed my wrist, his brow furrowed. He pursed his lips, a slight impatience creeping into his voice. “I’m offering you the olive branch, Sloan! Are you just going to save this up to use against me with my grandfather?” So that was the reason for his strange behavior. He thought I was just laying a trap. I’d certainly done that enough times in the past. “Relax, Rhett. I won’t.” I waved my hand dismissively. “I admit, I was too controlling. All three rules I established? They’re null and void. From now on, you do what you want. I won’t be involved in your life.” “I mean it.” Fearing his disbelief, I raised three fingers in a mock-oath. “I swear.” “Sloan Callahan, you…” Rhett stared at me in disbelief, his eyes clouding with a faint, watery red. His chest rose and fell sharply. Finally, he turned his face away, his voice stiff and hard. “Fine. Whatever you want.” The front door slammed shut with a BAM. Wait!!? What the hell is he angry about? I met Harper at a cafe and told her everything about the identity swap. Harper froze for a long moment before reacting. “So you think the engagement is going to fail, and that’s why you’ve stopped being his warden?” She leaned forward. “But have you ever considered that Rhett might actually like you, and he won’t give up the engagement easily?” “Rhett doesn’t like me.” I managed a thin, self-deprecating smile. “Just last week, he told me so himself.” I sighed. “I only just learned how much he truly loathes our engagement.” 5 After so many years with Rhett, it would be a lie to say I had no feelings for him. The night I learned I was the fake heiress, I desperately wanted to find Rhett and use him to release my pent-up emotion. Instead, I accidentally overheard him talking to his friends: “Prescott, are you really content to be policed by Sloan Callahan for the rest of your life?” “Everyone says you’re whipped, tied up by one woman.” “You haven’t… fallen for Sloan, have you?” “Impossible!” Rhett declared flatly. “I’d fall for anyone but her.” He let out a short, cold laugh. “Sloan Callahan? She’s got pale skin and big eyes, but she is absolutely not my type. If it weren’t for my grandfather forcing me into this, I would never have submitted to her rules.” Standing outside the private room, I felt a tidal wave of unnamable emotions wash over me. The last flickering flame of hope I held for Rhett was extinguished. I left the club quietly and walked alone for a long time on the way home. “Rhett said it himself,” I told Harper, pressing my lips together. “He’s itching to dump me.” Harper opened her mouth to speak, her eyes full of unspoken feeling, but in the end, she said nothing. I explained my worries to her. I’ve always cared deeply about my reputation. When the news breaks that I’m the fake heiress and the Prescott family rejects me, I’ll be the joke of the entire city. So, before the true heiress is found, I intend to break off the engagement myself. 6 Without my restrictions, Rhett didn’t come home for days. Normally, if he wasn’t back by midnight, I’d either bombard him with texts or show up and drag him home. Tonight, just as I was getting ready for bed, Rhett’s lackey texted me a video. [Yo, Mrs. P. The Boss is insisting on hiring a ‘companion’ tonight. You might want to come down and put a stop to this.] I opened the video. Rhett was sitting lazily on a sectional sofa, a saccharine-sweet blonde in a baby-blue dress standing in front of him. A sharp pang hit my chest. He wasted no time taking my words literally. [Got it. Thanks.] I locked my phone, but another video immediately pinged through. Rhett had his arm wrapped around the blonde, and he was stuffing his black card into her hand. “My fiancée doesn’t want to control me anymore. Bring out all your tricks, baby.” My eyes stung. I deleted Rhett’s lackey from my contacts list. Before I broke the engagement, I planned to move out of Rhett’s house. It was originally the luxurious Atherton home the Prescotts intended for our marriage. Since the engagement was ending, there was no need for me to stay. After a few days of searching, I found an apartment I liked and was going today to sign the lease. Stepping out of the elevator, I ran into Nolan Hayes, a friend from college, in the hallway. We were laughing and chatting as we walked toward the exit. But just as we reached the complex gate, I saw a familiar silhouette. Rhett was staring at Nolan and me. His eyes were filled with disbelief, anger, and a flicker of raw instability. He shifted his gaze to my face, his eyes red for some reason, and asked through gritted teeth, “Sloan Callahan, who the hell is he? Don’t forget, you have a fiancé.” “I won’t for much longer,” I murmured, barely a whisper. Rhett’s pupils contracted. He surged forward and gripped my shoulders, his fingertips white with strain. His breathing was ragged, and his eyes were welling up with a thin, angry film of water. “Sloan Callahan, are you throwing me away for this guy?” I parted my lips to speak, but Rhett yanked me violently into his car. His mouth came down on mine, then he bit my earlobe viciously. “Sloan Callahan, we grew up together. We’re us. What the hell is he to you?” “Get off me!” I struggled, pushing him away, but his kisses trailed down my collarbone. “You want me to leave, Sloan Callahan?” He immediately ran his hand up my thigh and pressed his mouth to my neck, threatening me. “If you get out of this car, I will kiss you in front of him.” … That night, Rhett was back in his signature provocative attire, showing off his sculpted abs. “Sloan Callahan, inspect the merchandise.” He grabbed my wrist and forced it against his stomach, then offered an explanation. “I didn’t touch anyone the other night. When you blocked that text from Pierce, I drove straight back.” He leaned in, his voice thick. “Sloan Callahan, you clearly still care.” His words softened something in me. Maybe Rhett did care, just a little. I pushed his chest lightly. “You still smell faintly of liquor. Go wash again.” Rhett looked like he wanted to argue, but he turned and obediently headed to the bathroom. 7 While Rhett was in the shower, the screen of his tablet, which was on the sofa, lit up. I opened it and saw his friends’ group chat messages. [Boss, I tracked down the guy. He’s just Mrs. P’s old college friend, Nolan Hayes.] [The Boss is really fired up about this guy. He must be falling for Mrs. P, right?] Rhett: [Who the hell is falling for Sloan Callahan? I’m just pissed she’s having an emotional affair.] Rhett: [I’d never want a flighty, ungrateful woman like her.] Rhett: [When I’m done training Sloan, when she’s completely obsessed with me, I’m going to drop her like a hot potato!] I gave a bitter, dry laugh. Rhett’s anger and jealousy had all been an act. That was his real plan all along. I closed the tablet, a mix of hurt and fury bubbling up inside me. I was deep in thought when a clean, fresh-smelling Rhett slid next to me. His breath was hot, his kisses trailing down my neck. His voice was husky. “Sloan Callahan, it’s been too long.” I pushed him away, my tone icy. “Rhett, don’t touch me. I don’t want this.” Rhett muttered a low curse and frowned. “Sloan Callahan, you’re not letting me touch you? Are you saving yourself for Nolan Hayes?” Remembering the malicious messages on the group chat, I suddenly saw no reason to explain myself. The engagement was ending anyway. I might as well look like the winner, the one who left with dignity. I pressed my lips together. “Yes. From now on, I won’t concern myself with your family’s business. And you won’t concern yourself with mine. We can both do whatever we want.” “The hell I will!” Rhett’s eyes were bloodshot with anger. “Sloan Callahan, either you cut him off, or we end this engagement now.” “Fine,” I agreed, following his lead. “I’ll call both families tomorrow.” Then, fighting back tears, I slammed the door on my way out. 8 When I returned, the living room looked like a hurricane had passed through it. Rhett was sitting on the sofa, his arms crossed, his gaze a challenge. “Sloan Callahan, you want to break the engagement? Then pack your stuff and get out of my house immediately.” He waved his hand at my belongings. “All these new-season clothes in your room just annoy me now.” He smirked, cruel and calculating. “Once you leave me, do you think Nolan Hayes’s pathetic salary can keep you in clothes like that?” “Even if he can’t, I’d still prefer what he buys me,” I replied, my voice steady. “I’d only worry about him affording it.” I walked straight into the bedroom and dragged out a large suitcase. Then I calmly began folding the scattered clothes, tucking them neatly into the luggage. “Wait, Sloan Callahan, are you serious?” Rhett suddenly rushed over and slammed his hand down on the suitcase, his knuckles white with strain. His breath hitched, and a thin, angry moisture gathered in his eyes. “Are you really breaking up with me for that guy?” He searched my face frantically. “Is he better than me? What did I do wrong?” Rhett stared at me, then suddenly sank to his knees. His face was pale, his body trembling. “Sloan Callahan… I’m sorry. I swear I’ll listen to you from now on.” He clutched the hem of my shirt with one hand, the other clutching his chest, his face contorted in pain. “Sloan Callahan, it hurts. Please. Don’t go.” Rhett’s lips were quivering, and the pain seemed genuine. It was only then that I remembered. He had a serious heart condition. It was the reason the Prescotts indulged him so much. Rhett passed out. I immediately called 911. As he was being rushed into the emergency room and I waited outside, two warring voices fought in my head. Was he really that emotional about me leaving? Did he actually care about me? Rhett had to stay in the hospital for a few days, so I returned home to grab him a change of clothes. “The Boss is pretty clever, huh? Checked into the hospital just to stop his fiancée from leaving.” I heard one of his friends say inside the house. “I only did it because I wanted to wait until Sloan was completely obsessed with me, and then I’d drop her hard!” Rhett’s voice was defiant. “Gotta say, the pity play is working beautifully.” My hand, reaching for the doorknob, froze. I was so grateful I had come back at that exact moment. Otherwise, Rhett would have fooled me again. I should have known. Given Rhett’s arrogant personality, the only one who could end the engagement was him. If I tried to force a breakup now, I had no idea what kind of disaster he would cause. My only option was to play along. I had to continue the performance until the real heiress returned. Then the Prescott family would naturally end the engagement for me. 9 During Rhett’s few days in the hospital, I didn’t mention the breakup again, returning to our old way of interacting. Rhett was ecstatic. It was during this time that Dahlia Song, the real heiress, was found and brought back. The Callahans hosted a lavish welcome banquet for her—it was practically the talk of Atherton. Rhett was discharged from the hospital, and we attended the party together. When he learned I was the fake heiress, Rhett seemed secretly pleased. He grabbed my hand and threatened me. “Sloan Callahan, let’s see you try to break up with me now. Without the Callahans, your only support system is me.” When Dahlia saw Rhett, her eyes lit up. “It’s you. Do you remember me?” Rhett glanced at me triumphantly. “Of course, I do.” From their conversation, I learned Rhett had once saved Dahlia from being harassed by thugs when she was younger. He was her hero. I watched the two of them chatting easily, a knot of deep, unfamiliar bitterness forming in my chest. Back at home, I saw the group chat blinking on the tablet again. [Boss, you and the real Callahan heiress looked really good together today.] Rhett: [Truthfully, a gentle, easy-going type like Dahlia is what I actually like. Sloan is a battle-axe. I hate being bossed around.] [So, why don’t you dump Sloan now and marry Dahlia, Boss?] Rhett: [Not yet. I need to wait until Sloan is totally obsessed with me. Then I’ll drop her.] I closed the tablet, my heart heavy with a dull ache. The day after the banquet, my adoptive parents called me back to the Callahan manor. They felt they owed Dahlia everything. Dahlia had expressed her liking for Rhett and wanted to marry him. They asked me to hand the engagement over to her. I agreed. I had no intention of fighting Dahlia for anything. Everything was rightfully hers, and it was time to give it back. But when the news of Rhett and Dahlia’s engagement broke, I knew I would be subjected to endless ridicule. Atherton would be unbearable. Leaving the Callahan home, I hailed a cab to the private racetrack Rhett frequented. Even though I already knew the answer. To extinguish the final spark of hope, I wanted to hear it from Rhett one last time before I left the city forever. When I arrived, Rhett was leaning against his car, chatting casually with his friends. Someone with sharp eyes spotted me and nudged Rhett’s shoulder. “Yo, Boss, Mrs. P is here.” Rhett looked up, a frown creasing his forehead. “Sloan Callahan, what are you doing here?” He sneered. “I’ve only been gone for a moment, and you’re back to being my warden?” I stared at him, my voice steady. “Rhett, am I just a placeholder? Could any girl from the right family fill this spot?” “Why wouldn’t you be?” Rhett looked at me with bored amusement. “Sloan Callahan, I’m not exactly limited to you.” He put a hand on my hip, pulling me closer in a possessive gesture. “If you stop chasing other men, I won’t break the engagement. Yet.” My nails dug into my palms. I forced my voice to remain perfectly calm. “Good. I needed to know.” Rhett gave a cold snort. “Smart girl. Figured it out, didn’t you, Sloan Callahan?” I left the racetrack, had a quick dinner with Harper, and bought a ticket out of Atherton that afternoon.

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On our 10th wedding anniversary, Forest took me back to the rental apartment we lived in during college to reminisce. “Let’s have another healthy child, right on this bed.” I didn’t answer, endured the nausea and pushed him away. His phone fell out, a text message popped up, from our daughter’s attending doctor. “Mr. Forest, the surgery was very successful! Your little son currently has no rejection reaction to your daughter’s heart.” Tears suddenly burst, phone was fiercely snatched by him and smashed on the floor. “Your daughter has been in a vegetative state for three years.” “She won’t wake up, now the only heart can save people, when can you accept reality!” Before fainting from the shock, Forest’s twisted face double-imaged in front of my eyes. We were together for ten years. He couldn’t help cheating, sleeping with one starlet after another, I slowly became numb. Mistress pregnant gave birth brought to door to provoke, I pretended not to know, kept praising his friend’s child cute. To wait until daughter wakes up, I endured this rotten relationship. Didn’t expect he actually for saving illegitimate son’s life, dug out my daughter’s heart. On the ambulance to the hospital, he held my hand and said hoarsely: “Summer! We still have many ten years.” Luckily, a car accident interrupted his hypocritical deep affection. I woke up from severe pain, returned to the rental apartment when I was eighteen. … Chapter 1 My whole body was soaked in cold sweat, pain like falling apart. Forest lay beside me, dazedly opened eyes, subconsciously hugged me into his arms. “Awake? Still uncomfortable?” I fiercely pushed him away, rushed into the bathroom, crazy vomiting. Yellowed tile walls, rusty faucet, dirty and yellow toilet reflecting smell… This is the apartment Forest rented near my university. Our first home. Last night we had our first time. “Summer! What’s wrong with you? Open the door!” Forest anxiously twisted the handle. I didn’t have time to lock the door, it broke by itself. Same thing happened in previous life. “Sorry baby, I will definitely make money fast, change to a better house.” He did it. But he also changed, the sincerity in his eyes swallowed bit by bit by paper drunk gold fans. Before he smashed the door with a hammer, I opened the door from inside. I stared into his eyes, “Do you remember?” He looked confused, “What?” Only I came back alone. Inside his body is still the twenty-year-old Forest. At night, he went to work at the bar, I dragged my suitcase, sat on the Greyhound Bus home. Bumped and shook for more than twenty hours. Came with joy, returned with heaviness. One day in eighth grade, I came home from school, saw a bruised boy sitting in my seat at the dining table. He was Forest, my dad’s student. His parents divorced when he was three, mom remarried and went south, no news. Dad addicted to gambling, died of drunk driving two years ago. My dad’s earnest advice to study didn’t succeed that day, Forest still continued skipping classes, soon dropped out. Seeing him again was two years later. I rode bike home after evening Study Hall, wind lifted raincoat, blocked vision, crashed with a motorcycle. That day midterm results came out, I slipped more than fifty ranks, didn’t know how to explain to parents. Period came early again, stomach uncomfortable whole day. Also so unlucky, palms and knees burning pain. I sat in the mud and cried. “Summer Xu?” Hearing my name, I then looked up in surprise. Boy’s features sharp, eyes deep and sharp, under dim light, misty drizzle, extraordinarily good looking. Time seemed pressed pause button, only heart beat especially fast. He pulled me up, sent me home, apologizing all the way. My face burned hot, didn’t say a word, even more didn’t dare look at him. Next morning, out of community I saw him. He handed me breakfast, “Are you okay?” My tears like incontinence again, big drops fell down. He panicked, helpless, helpless tsk like annoyed himself provoked a big trouble. “Why is your face so hot? Fever?” I got up said uncomfortable, asked mom if I can skip morning study hall. Got a sentence: “Test so low score still have face ask leave?” But I skipped class. Forest took me to hospital for IV drip. “You are so good already, why your parents still not satisfied?” His one sentence provoked me cry again, raised both hands surrender. “Okay okay, little ancestor, you cry my heart hurts.” After going home that day, naturally got a storm-like scolding. But I seemed not feel so suffocated. I let Forest make amends, buy me breakfast, send me home after evening study hall, for a month. He looked at me smiling, as if saw through all my thoughts. “Okay, deal.” A month later, I asked him if he wanted to be my boyfriend. Voice trembling. His smile faded a bit, “Summer, no.” I cried again. “Wait you finish SATs, get into college, very fast.” He wiped my tears, saw by my dad. My dad’s strict eyes scraped back and forth on us two. Said to me: “Go home!” He confiscated my phone, until Graduation, he and mom took turns pick me up and drop me off. Also begged my homeroom teacher must watch me tight. Not allowed me have a bit freedom and privacy. Senior year second semester, I cut wrist suicide. Forest sneaked into hospital see me, eye rims red. “Silly girl, if you really have accident, how let me live.” “You take SATs well, we go south together, go far far away, they can’t control us.” I choked and nodded. Admission notice arrived, my parents then knew I changed application last minute, all filled schools in the south. My mom slapped me, hysterical. “You guys haven’t broken up right?” I looked at them indifferently, “No, I just want to stay away from you as far as possible, don’t want be arranged by you again.” That door closed, I never went back. Forest made breakfast for me everyday, sent me to class. Night worked as waiter in bar, sang, same time delivered food, modeled, did all odd jobs. Life turning point happened two years later. He was spotted by a music company, participated in American Idol style show, became famous overnight. Released album, held concert. Later transformed to actor, from being mocked to winning Oscar, he only used three years. When scenery most prosperous, he suddenly announced retire behind scenes, do film production company. I was pregnant, he didn’t want me and child receive malicious attacks again. That was the most peaceful, most happy time I lived. But when daughter was two, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I put all energy on her ABA Therapy. Forest’s work also more and more busy, time at home less and less. I knew he was escaping, heart disappointed. But also felt self also responsible, indeed ignored our couple feeling. On his birthday, I dressed up half day, brought flowers and gift to pick him up from work. In trash can saw two just used, still in time to throw condoms. After moment panic, he heavily sat back on chair, tired and impatient. “Wife you count, how long we haven’t shared room, how many times you rejected me?” “Your heart only has daughter, only her treatment, already fast to obsessive degree. You don’t give yourself a bit breath relax time, but I can’t stand it.” “You know what, every time I open home door, have to deep breath. Because inside too suffocating.” “Summer Xu, no longer is that girl I loved, she already completely became a mothering machine.” I stood stiff in place, how went home, consciousness blank. Divorce noise half year, he disagreed, used daughter and property to threaten me. Daughter finally could call “Mom”. I laughed, again cried. Just live like this, I too tired, can’t toss anymore. Daughter grew to seven, can simple communicate with people, self toilet eat. Just in few days of my appendicitis surgery, she fell from second floor. Forest kept small actress want act an autism movie, use my daughter “collect wind” (observe/study). They insisted was accident, was daughter self suddenly throw temper, stepped on toy slipped. But daughter afraid of height, I never let her go up second floor. Forest very guilty, let me beat scold, also always accompany me, comfort me, say daughter definitely will wake up. Passed a period time start persuade me give up, finally grabbing my hand sign give up treatment consent form. I desperately broke free, fiercely slapped him, beat my own wrist to dislocation. “You must want our mother daughter life then willing?” “You want healthy child, so many young pretty girls queuing up, every one willing give birth for you!” His eyes colder, like completely gave up me, turn leave back view indifferent and decisive. “Annie” this name, was he gave daughter, hope she safe whole life, simple pure. Also represent she is our only treasure. But was him personal hand took away daughter’s life. Maybe in his eyes, daughter from diagnosed day, just not count as a complete person. Forest arrived earlier than my Greyhound Bus, waiting at community gate. His eyes dark, beard also grew out, voice very tired. “Summer you tell me exactly what happened? Why leave without goodbye run back yourself?” I lowered eyes, “I wrote on note, I want break up.” “Why?” His voice trembling. Not wait me answer, he himself heavy nodded two times. “Good. I said, respect your every decision. You here with me, forever are free.” I felt funny in heart. When I wanted divorce, he was another set of rhetoric. What I love you, you are my this life only wife, leave me you think don’t think… “I accompany you in, I will tell Mr. Xu and Mrs. Xu, is I forced you go with me.” I shook head, “No need.” “Summer…” He grabbed my hand, eyes red scary. “Have matter anytime call me, our home, you anytime can come back. I will always wait you.” I said a “Sorry” to twenty-year-old Forest. “Such big lad, cry what!” An old man voice loud. I turned back, saw Forest squatting on ground, shoulders shrugging. I knelt at home door, told parents already broke with Forest, I repeat study, listen them, study medicine. My mom opened door, obviously still angry. “You still come back for what…” I pounced up hugged her waist. “Mom, sorry, I miss you so much.” Previous life, Forest’s obsessive fans dug out my identity, found my parents home. Smashed door, splashed paint, pointed nose scolded daughter they born is shameless bitch. My dad angry to brain stroke, after he died, my mom also followed suicide. I regret lifelong. Their education way indeed caused me big trauma. But when I most sad, most helpless, let me feel safe, still this home I grew up from small. This year of repeat study, my parents still everyday pick up drop off. But I not repel, will active hold their hands, chat with them. They occasionally careful probe, me and Forest still have contact or not. I smiling shake head, “I won’t be that silly again.” Second year SATs, I was city top scorer, admitted to UCLA Medical School. Very close to home, train three hours can arrive. Graduation party day, I hurried glance, Forest seemed stand opposite road. Ceremony ended, hotel waiter gave me a gift, said left by my classmate. Inside is a set of gray suit, on top placed a brooch. When me and Forest shopping in Beverly Hills, passed a suit custom shop. He said I go college definitely have many activities need wear formal wear, wait he salary again, take me custom make a set. Promises he made, all done. Previous life, my major was adjusted, Business Administration, I not interested. Most energy put on part-time make money, only circle Forest one person, didn’t make what friends in college. Study medicine eight years, I classroom, library, lab three point one line, year year GPA first. Get along very well with classmates roommates, had two special close friends. When choose specialty, I chose Pediatrics. Research direction is Autism. Previous life for daughter, I read all related professional books and academic papers, big small rehab institutions also almost walked all. My mentor, also one of experts I took daughter consult. He shocked by my graduation thesis workload big, ask me why interested in this field so much. I could only vague, said I have a sister is autism, already passed away. Forest still follow previous life track, became big star, big boss. In mall, bus billboard, app splash screen… everywhere can see his photo. Real person suddenly appeared at my door, I still stunned a bit then dare recognize. He wore a suit exactly same as day we got license, hand holding same bouquet. My brain buzzed. He one knee kneel, I scared back a step. “Summer, separated these ten years, I miss you everyday.” “You want restart your life, I respect you. Is me sorry you, hurt you, I really special special regret, I don’t know how redeem to you.” “Wife, except you, I never touched any other woman, moved heart to anyone. I want use time prove to you, my love to you no change.” He also reborn. In rental apartment, he lied to me. Yes ah, people is can win Oscar, acting of course good. That familiar suffocation like pain, spread from heart to whole body. “Summer, give me, give us another chance, we start over, beg you marry me again.” I subconsciously shake head, tears also fall down I then later realize, raise hand wipe two times. “You roll, immediately roll for me!” “We long bridge return bridge road return road, I impossible marry a murderer!” I person shaking. He stood up hug me. “Summer, you believe me, everything different.” I mocking laughed, force push him. “If child we born still sick ne? Won’t repeat mistake?” He shook head, “Not born, we not born, I go do vasectomy! This life just us two people.” Door pushed open from inside. “Wife, food ready. Your this friend, want come in eat together?” Forest looking man wearing home clothes inside door stunned. Pupil vibrate, full eyes disbelief. “Nate?” Nate eyebrow slight raise, eyes immediately become sharp, “You know me? Have we met?” I also very surprised, heart follow jump. Nate is DEA Agent, how Forest know him. In breath, Forest already restrain emotion. Turn head look me. “Summer…” I let Nate go in first, we have words say alone. Door close, Forest pull me to stairwell, silence long time then difficult open mouth. “I survived in car accident, but coma one year.” I listen then happy. He drop head, self-mock bitter smile, “Is my retribution.” “After I wake, have police come find me question, is that Nate. Company few small artists do drugs, Brother Tang always open one eye close one eye, hide from me.” Brother Tang is his partner, also his Bole (talent scout), like biological big brother take care him, trust him. “Summer you don’t look me like this, I really don’t know, I also give Brother Tang vaccine ahead, ordered three times five times, won’t happen that kind thing again.” My brain very messy, many lines, intuition not only these. I nodded, “Nate side I will explain.” “You and him how know? He call you… Wife? You guys together? When matter?” Instant, Forest become jealous man, strong and pitiful. “No… I impossible not know, you guys acting lie me. How possible you so fast fall in love with others?” I stare him, “You monitoring me.” He eyes guilty, didn’t deny. I sneer once, deep breath. “Me with who together, with you no any relation. You also no need keep body like jade for me, we impossible return past.” “Previous life you always let me accept reality, now this sentence I send you.” Enter home, sure enough smell very fragrant chicken soup. Nate sit on shoe change bench at door, look up see me smile, extend hand let me pull him up. “Sent away?” I hug him, warm embrace let my nose sour. He went execute mission, we already almost one year not see. “Back why not tell me?” He arms tighten, unstable breath express his miss. “Surprise how can say ahead.” Nate is my college best friend Nina’s brother. He came school give Nina birthday gift, we ate a meal together, then knew. Back dorm, Nina just excited shout: “My brother definitely interesting to you, a meal looked you twenty eight times!” I smile didn’t take serious, “I to man and dating no interest.” She hate iron not steel, “You just spend life with your thesis ba!” Later together opportunity is, Nate they caught a gang use kids transport drugs. Inside have two autism kids, ask me help communicate. But they small not accept intervention treatment, completely closed, ask nothing out. I emotion somewhat low, Nate send me back school way, get off buy an ice cream. Eyes meet, instant become very uncomfortable. And to Forest love at first sight different, heart didn’t beat how intense, just feel tongue can’t taste ice cream sweet. That day added WeChat, Nate everyday chat with me, start chase me. Half year later, I agreed his confession. He said, always feel my heart press a secret no way say out, eye bottom always reveal sadness. He hope can accompany me, with me protect this secret. Like pressed a switch, I tears flow non-stop. Suddenly realize, since come back, I never cried again. “Okay, go in eat.” Nate hold me up, carry me walk inside. Knock door sound untimely ring. “Summer, I just say last sentence…” Forest stare my lips, smeared lipstick deeply prick pain him. “You as long as live happy, joyful, I will bless you. But you believe me, I this life won’t have others again. You as long as turn back, I always there.” I indifferent look him. “I won’t turn back.” He stubborn show determination: “I will wait, until day I die.” “Up to you.” I close door, he again reach hand block a bit, low voice said: “Your this Officer Nate, not worthy.” I lean behind door, eyelid suddenly jump few times. Forest last glance inside, inexplicably make me feel very uneasy. I instruct Nate, pay more attention to Forest company, also be careful him. Nate serious nod, “Know.” Days calm passed half year. Except my birthday that day a bunch flower, Forest didn’t appear again. Until that day mentor suddenly call me to office. Forest sit on sofa. He pretend accident and surprise look, “Turns out really not same name. Summer, long time no see.” “Professor Meng, Summer father is my high school homeroom teacher, we know.” Forest establish a autism children foundation, among have scientific fund support autism research. Mentor recommended me. Forest sanctimonious face, make me vomit. I direct poke his disguise: “You use public for private interesting ma?” Then explain to mentor, he is culprit harm dead my that autism sister. I won’t accept. Mentor alone chat with me, my attitude very firm. If Forest intervene my research and work, I immediately resign. Mentor angry, “You threaten who? Your professional attitude?” Looks like Forest gave money indeed a lot. Forest waiting me at hospital gate, apologize with me. “I no other meaning, I just want help you, want redeem.” “These years I also always doing charity, I see those kids, think of daughter, heart special uncomfortable.” “Enough!” I fired, hatefully stare him, “Don’t mention daughter with me, you no qualification.” I turn want go. He pull me, “Summer, we together eat meal okay? I want let you see a person.” Leaf four years old, with daughter at least six seven point like. She intelligence healthy, but born no vision, thrown in orphanage. “Summer, we together adopt Leaf okay?” Leaf grab my hand nervous clench tight. My heart sour. This time my phone vibrate. Is Nate captain. Nate died. Shot fall sea. Police team search out drugs and guns in my home. Nate not martyr sacrifice for duty, is country traitor. I completely dumbfounded. Compare me die after reborn this matter still fantasy. Interrogation room. “Summer Xu, have you heard ‘Kingfisher’?” My pupil fierce widen, blood flow back, ears can only hear own violent heartbeat. “Summer Xu!” I horror return spirit, big mouth pant. Female police hand over tissue, I then realize self already full head cold sweat. I consecutive drank several cups water, try hard let self calm. “Heard, not once.” “He always lying me.” …

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After the breakup, my ex still wouldn’t give up: [Let’s meet offline.] [We must meet once before Winter Break, before Christmas.] [I know you have time.] Nursing a drunk head, I subconsciously replied: [Sorry, I don’t reheat old pizza.] At the same time, a sentence popped up in the dialog box. [Your thesis requires more than just online comments to fix.] Holy cow! I scrambled to retract the message. The dialog box showed “Typing…” Pierce Sterling’s message jumped into my eyes again: [Serena Ji, did you forget that I am still your thesis advisor?] I went completely numb. Chapter 1 At the class reunion today, I drank a bit too much. When I received Pierce’s message, I really thought he was begging me to get back together. So much so that I forgot that the youngest Economics Professor at Harvard, my graduation thesis advisor, is actually my ex-boyfriend. My roommate Hannah leaned her head over and saw the lit-up phone screen. “Tsk, does Professor Sterling always speak so gently?” “Reading the first three sentences, I thought he was going to confess his love to you.” “But that last sentence… hey hey, that’s a death plot twist.” Back then, Pierce and I were in a long-distance relationship, so no one had seen what my boyfriend looked like. I asked Hannah: “How do you guys usually reply to an advisor’s text?” Hannah mimicked a serious tone: “Okay, Professor, please set a time.” Fine. I followed Hannah’s tone and replied to the message. Just as I was about to lift my wine glass to continue drinking, Hannah pressed my hand down. “I haven’t finished yet. Is the reason you rejected Leo really because you can’t forget your ex?” Leo is a first-year grad student senior at our school. Excellent grades, talented, and good-looking, but I gave him the “nice guy card” and rejected him. The female classmates were all very surprised. “Was your long-distance ex really that good?” I smiled, “Really too good. Old money family, top scholar, basically the standard male lead in a novel.” Someone spoke too fast: “Then why did you break up?” I downed a mouthful of wine, “He died.” My phone vibrated. The screen displayed Pierce’s message. [Come over anytime, I’m always here.] Damn it, how did the corpse revive? Chapter 2 Pierce and I were childhood sweethearts. He is three years older than me. Since he was small, he was the most shining existence—winning Math Olympiad awards, skipping grades, studying abroad, everything was smooth sailing. The only obstacle in his life was probably me. I knew since I was small that Pierce and I had an engagement. Just as I became an adult, we naturally got together. Although it was long-distance, our feelings were very good. Until my junior year, when I was discovered to be the fake heiress. The true heiress was soon taken back home. I fell into the mud overnight. My biological father is a gambling addict. When my mother resisted his domestic violence, she was beaten by him into a vegetative state. He came out of prison and found my foster parents. He made a scene, saying that because they took the wrong child, they let me and him—flesh and blood—be separated for so many years. My foster parents gave him a sum of money and also pushed me out. The gambling addict took the money and went to the casino even more often, owing even more debt. Debt collectors would come to school to block me, forcing me to repay the money for him. My foster parents no longer cared about me, not even answering the phone. At that time, the only person standing by my side was Pierce. He paid my tuition, found a lawyer to handle my biological father’s lawsuit, and helped me mediate between my foster parents. Gifts drifted across the sea, and punctual “love takeout” meals were delivered to my dorm, just to let me live a little better. When he returned to the country for the holidays, I hugged him and cried, asking him why he treated me so well. But he just kissed me: “Silly melon, if I don’t treat you well, who else would I treat well?” “In another two years, when you graduate from university, we’ll get married.” I was naive back then. I always thought love could withstand ten thousand difficulties. Until Pierce’s mother found me and told me the two families’ engagement wouldn’t change. Except, the bride was changed to the true heiress, Giselle Ji. She said: “Serena, I watched you grow up. You are smart and pretty.” “In the past, I wouldn’t have been willing to break you guys up.” “But in our circle, marriage is an alliance of interests.” “Pierce wants to return to the country soon to take over the company. I can’t let people know he has you as a weakness, a handle for others to pinch.” “Although you are not a Ji family person, the Ji family raised you for so many years. You should always do something for them.” “So, Serena, think it over carefully.” I called Pierce on a cross-ocean phone call. “Pierce, let’s break up?” It was a question, not a statement. I thought, even if I wanted to break up, I should get his consent. In this unequal relationship, he paid more for me. It was me always dragging him down. I was very tired. I don’t know, in his days in a foreign land, did he also feel tired in the silent late nights? Pierce’s anger, which he couldn’t cover, came from the other end of the phone. “Break up? Don’t even think about it.” Chapter 3 The next night, while I was packing my luggage in the apartment, Pierce came back. Having sat on a plane for over ten hours, his face looked terrible. “What did my mom say to you?” Tears blurred my eyes, and my voice was trembling. He looked me in the face. “Don’t care what she said. Wait for me to graduate and return, and we will get married.” I was stunned and opened my mouth: “The engagement is between the Sterling and Ji families. I am no longer…” “I don’t care.” Pierce interrupted me, his voice choking. “You are just you. I like you, I care about you, and I won’t abandon you. Do you understand?” I didn’t dare to speak. “Serena,” he cupped my face, “Do you still love me?” I nodded. “That’s good.” He sighed in relief, “As long as you still love me, we won’t separate, okay?” His kiss fell on the center of my brow. I choked out: “Okay.” Can love withstand ten thousand difficulties? No, it can’t. If it could, the world wouldn’t have suffering. After that day, Pierce stayed in the country and accompanied me for a period of time. We lived together in an apartment near the school. We were like many ordinary couples, snuggled in a not-too-big, not-too-small nest. If there were no accidents, this kind of sweetness would have lasted a very long time. But an accident soon happened. My gambling addict father blocked me at the apartment door again, demanding money. To protect me, Pierce was stabbed by him. When he was lying in the hospital, Pierce’s mother and my foster parents all arrived. My foster mother’s slap hit my face heavily, and my ears buzzed. The eyes they looked at me with were contemptuous and disdainful. They also said many ugly words, so ugly that I don’t want to recall them a bit. Just like the past twenty years, the love they poured on me disappeared in that instant. I couldn’t stand it. If I were the only one bearing this, maybe it wouldn’t be so painful. But, I was tightly bound by self-blame, guilt, and helplessness. Based on what right did I implicate Pierce lying in the hospital? Just because he loves me? Should the person who loves me be dragged into the mud by me to bear pain? I was tired, really very tired. So, when Pierce was sent to Philadelphia to continue treatment, I called him and broke up. This time, he had no way to sit on a plane for more than ten hours to rush over. My tears kept falling, crying until I couldn’t speak words. Pierce nearly begged me: “Can you wait for me another year? Just one year, wait for me to graduate and return.” “Can you wait for me again?” Wait another year, what would change? I wiped my tears. “Pierce.” “I’m tired.” He was silent for a very long time. Finally, he opened his mouth, his voice hoarse: “Based on what right do you get to give up first?” “What qualification do you have to give up on me first?” Even though we were finally speechless, neither of us could bear to hang up the phone. Until the phone battery ran out. Chapter 4 I drank the wine too fast, and I really couldn’t handle it. Thinking about meeting Pierce, ten thousand emotions surged in my heart. I squatted by the side of the main road, crying continuously. Hannah passed me a tissue. “Sigh, if I knew earlier your ex died, I shouldn’t have mentioned this tonight.” My stomach was churning like overturning seas and rivers; I turned my head and vomited. Hannah patted my back, “I’ll go to the nearby pharmacy to buy some hangover medicine for you.” Actually, just after we broke up, Pierce sent me many messages. Gifts drifted across the sea, and holiday “love takeout” didn’t miss a single one. Later I got annoyed and thought of a crude method. I posted an AI-synthesized intimate photo to Instagram, officially announcing a new relationship. He never sent me a message again. Even after Pierce became my advisor, we always communicated via email. I sent the thesis to him, he annotated it and sent it back to me. He looked down on me a bit. This was mainly embodied in the thesis comments he wrote to me: [Where is the innovation point of your thesis? Is this thing from Wish.com? Pieced together.] [Very niche sentence structure, makes zero sense.] [Did I teach you your modeling? Don’t let people know you are my student, it’s quite shameful.] [Rewrite everything according to comments.] Every word was written with dissatisfaction toward me. To meet him alone, I was scared in my heart. Taking advantage of no one being around, I opened my Reddit alter ego account and posted a message: [Help! Broke up with my ex-boyfriend, he should hate me quite a bit. But he is now my graduation thesis advisor, and I still have to take my broken thesis to meet him. What do I do? Online waiting, urgent.] Netizens’ comments were various. [See, the person who hates you will find a thousand ways and a hundred plans to become your advisor, then abuse you to death.] [Is it sadistic deep love or a horror story? Only meeting him will tell. But I guess, high probability it’s a horror story.] [As everyone knows, for undergraduate graduation theses, teachers choose students. He just intentionally chose you. Careful he doesn’t delay your graduation. My words are put here.] [Wish you 99 (forever).] Does Pierce just hate me that much? Does he actually want to make me delay graduation by being my advisor? That’s too vicious! An Anonymous User with a black avatar comforted me: [Don’t listen to their nonsense. He just feels your thesis is written rottenly. Normal work process.] The thesis I wrote is rotten? Those nights I turned over JSTOR and stayed up, the hair lost modeling, the ten thousand words I wrote—are they really so rotten? I am, anyhow, a person who got a first-class scholarship. [Sister, I suggest you act spoiled, act cute, be an academic gold digger. Let your ex-boyfriend fix your thesis well for you, fix it to death. Best if later he publishes in an academic journal, he brings your name as author.] This idea actually wasn’t bad; at least it wouldn’t let me delay graduation. But recalling Pierce, that living monk who sits still and doesn’t mess around… Even if I stripped and stood in front of him, he could put my clothes back on piece by piece. I was still staring at the phone screen in a daze when a car light shone on me. The person in the driver’s seat opened the door, came down, and walked in front of me. A black coat set off his skin color very white. He just looked at me faintly but didn’t open his mouth to speak. Light shone on him. He stood there, doing nothing, just very good-looking. I stood up, took one step, and hugged his waist. Then, with a fawning face, I looked up at him. “Pierce, it’s you.” “Quick, hug me.”

Restarting a life, I actively sent the drunk Prom Queen into my Childhood Sweetheart’s room, Fulfilling his lifetime of unrequited love. In previous life, he treated me as the Prom Queen, After a night of confusion, we got married. Everyone said I climbed up to him, was a scheming woman. Even he said, “I only treated you as a sister, who knew you are so vicious, actually climbed into my bed.” Marriage without love, I endured for seven years, Moment the car sped towards me, what I thought of was actually release. Didn’t expect childhood sweetheart desperately tried to save me, Two people fell in pool of blood, at death’s door, I threw away his hand, “Next life, I don’t want to be with you…” … Chapter 1 I like the school’s Bad Boy Xavier Thorne, only my childhood sweetheart Julian Vance knows. That night at the college graduation party, Lila asked me to send her to rest. I didn’t know that was the Bad Boy’s room. And the Prom Queen’s acting skills were excellent. Once out of everyone’s sight, she instantly sobered up. Even when looking at me, eyes carried mockery. In previous life, I couldn’t understand these. After all, I was the scheming vicious bookworm in everyone’s mouth. Until before death in previous life, hearing that phone call of Julian. I finally thoroughly woke up. Turns out he could sacrifice his whole life for Lila. I actually also foolishly believed, when he proposed saying he loved me was true. Before death, me and Julian fell in pool of blood together. When speeding car hit over, he desperately protected me in arms, used back to block impact for me. However at this time, doing anything was useless. Violent impact, directly knocked me out more than ten meters away. Before consciousness dissipated, I vaguely saw. Not far away Julian, stubbornly top a body of blood and dirt. Even pain made him tremble all over, still desperately crawl to my side. Wounds on his ten fingers deep to bone, voice trembling out of shape: “Scarlett, don’t scare me. “You wake up listen me explain ah! “I wrong Scarlett.” Julian’s heartbroken voice noisy made me want vomit, mouth immediately vomited a big mouthful fresh blood. At last moment of life, I finally also fought once. I used all body strength, moved fingers. Dodged Julian desperately reaching over, want interlock fingers with me hand. Now admit mistake, late. Chapter 2 “Scarlett, what you say late ah? “This also didn’t drink much ah, come, drink more.” Woken up from memory by someone. I then realized, I reborn back to senior year. Bad Boy host, invite us these classmates in his empty villa in Hamptons, celebrate college graduation. Graduation party to others, maybe is beginning of stepping into new life. But to me in previous life, was entrance leading to hell. Just now speaking was Prom Queen Lila. Her voice sweet and charming. Julian always let me learn from her, even angry also like acting spoiled, not many people can refuse. I originally can’t drink, but Prom Queen active toast, I not drink, will be said not know appreciate. Pity my reborn node not right, just now a glass wine already down stomach, I start little dizzy. So no matter how Lila persuade, I drop wine not touch. Just hold glasses, pretend drunk look. After all later I still have things to do, can’t really drunk. Lila see situation, eyes turn. Holding her wine glass say to others on table: “Big Scholar not drink, then remaining, I drink for her.” I lower head hook lip sneer. She drink clearly is wine in her own glass, but say is drink for me. Previous life me, where have such scheme like her? She actually speak better than sing. I poured cup plain water, holding shallow sip, silently watching Lila perform. This time, Julian already helped Lila get Xavier drunk, sent upstairs. And Julian himself also drank too much, nearby rest in room next to Xavier. Lila this time, perform so hard, afraid is have other plot. Soon, Lila drank until cheeks red, eyes misty lean on me. She used voice everyone can hear say: “Scarlett, I help you block wine all drink too much, you send me upstairs rest ba! “My life property, all hand to your hand le. “Scarlett, you must guarantee my safety ah.” Previous life I early by Lila poured drunk. She said these, I just heard clear a sentence, upstairs rest. Then just dizzy taken upstairs by her. However reborn me then found, Lila words and actions at this moment, all extra clever. She mouth saying. Is my reason caused her drink too much. I have obligation safely send her to rest. And her words out. In everyone present consciousness, all buried a seed by her—— Lila tonight no matter happen what accident, all is I harmed. Plus she this moment drunk, need support me, then can walk posture, all show her harmless identity to outside. But no one knows. In angle others can’t see, is Lila rely on taller than me advantage. Hands seem put on my shoulder, a look of soft bone. Actually she right pinching my shoulder, holding me walk out. Pain on shoulder hurt me frown, simply I also pretend drunk. Borrow taking off glasses action, throw off shackles on shoulder. Then, I instantly soft in Lila arms. Shorter than her half head me, top a red baby face, soft voice hug her act spoiled: “Sister Lila, people so dizzy ah! Can’t walk le.” Everyone present didn’t expect I would be this reaction. After all in their eyes, me and Lila are love rivals relation. Because Julian likes her. And I just now Truth or Dare, when asked person like, said also is Julian. Soon, I heard someone exclaim: “Bad! Big Scholar this is really drunk.” Hide in Lila arms me, a word not say, only bury head pretend drunk. In angle crowd can’t see, I pulled mouth corner light laugh. Lila scared by my operation, eyes instant sober. But she tonight need me carry pot for her, can only bite teeth endure, didn’t push me away. And she for fake drama real do, really drank not few wine, now at least have eight points drunk. I top a head messy hair, blink eyes look her. “Sister Lila, tonight we sleep together ba.” Chapter 3 I don’t know Lila thought at this moment, but I indeed plan like this. Tonight Lila only stay with me, can stop confusion happen. And, I live ten years more than current Lila. In my eyes, she just a sister went astray. Maybe she experienced something in college, let her now can’t wait want climb a rich boyfriend. But little girl again for decent, so design me. She want let everyone think, is I jealous Julian like her. So deliberate send drunk her to Bad Boy room. Previous life her plan very successful. Second day after party, I became pronoun of vicious. Everyone said is I harmed her, everyone mention me is abuse. Gradually, I also thought, all blame I drank too much, so sent her wrong room. Is I caused her disappear ten years since then. Also caused Julian therefore lost heart person. So I start try every way redeem, I can’t find Lila, just give all repentance to Julian. I start learn love him, want use true heart warm him, only beg he don’t hate me again. After all I small adopted by Vance family, more than ten years raising grace, I no way repay. But in the end, person cheated most miserable, is me. Julian actually can for Lila, willing risk his whole life, pass marriage to drag me. Not let me have a trace possibility destroy Lila happiness. Actually car accident that day, I go find Julian, is want tell him, Lila whereabouts. Also this day, I then from Xavier there learned, Lila this ten years, exactly went where. I want let him see clear Lila true face. Let him don’t guilt again, party that day why he drank too much, didn’t protect Lila well. But words haven’t time say, we just hit dead. I very grateful heaven give me chance rebirth. Just now on wine table, I always thinking. I should do what, to repay heaven grace. I thought want fierce revenge Lila, let her also taste ruin reputation is what taste. But I look front flower like girl, again can’t harden heart come. So when Lila want me send her go rest. I then public ask her, want not want sleep together. If she choose tonight with me, no longer do wrong thing. Then previous life things, I just let bygones be bygones. After all, separated two time space. Another time space she do things to me, I no reason revenge on this time space her. But if she insist want be stupid, I also respect her choice. Everyone want for own choice responsible. So, when Lila hold me stop between two room doors. I again asked her second time. “Yourself decide. “Tonight sleep here, or follow me go other room.” This time Lila wine strength came up, look my eyes are misty. But hear my ask, she still force shake head. Want keep sober. “I think think. “Aiya, remember not up le. Lila while say while knock few times own head. See situation, I direct open ask her choose who: “Left side is…” I want tell her, left side is Xavier, right side is Julian, I at her hand side. However my words haven’t finish, just interrupted by Lila. “I forgot I gave who Spiked Drink le…” This sentence like thunder explode in my ear, shake me daze. This instant. I again look towards Lila time, only feel she like rotten same. Right blooming fresh flower, just like this from root rotten. She for achieve goal, actually use this kind dirty means. I start recall self have or not hit trick. Subconscious back one step, pull open distance with her. I again asked her once. But got same answer. She said: “Who all can, casual one just fine.” I deep breath, close eyes. Decide put down help people complex, respect her fate. So I cold eye watch her self enter Julian room. Then I turn push open next door room door. Lila remember not clear gave who spiked drink. But I have previous life memory. She one say, I just know hit drug is who. Tonight, still let me come save Bad Boy this little pitiful ba! Chapter 4 One open door, I just by cold air blow a tremble. Room messy scary, everywhere is water stain. Follow water sound look over. Always unruly cool drag Bad Boy, now right miserable sit on ground, back lean sofa. Holding ice water pour on own head. T-shirt by him throw aside. Body just wear a gray sweatpants. Xavier lower head. Black short hair wet stick on face, micro cover brows eyes. Water drop along sharp jaw line slide, drip on pants. One drop, two drops, wet a patch. Look people thirsty. Boy knuckle distinct slender fingers, pinch plastic water bottle creak sound. Xavier look up, see again pour not out a drop water, he actually stick tongue in lick a mouthful. Bright red tongue tip stick into bottle mouth turn a circle, again shrink back. Blocked sight by full lips. Xavier in my memory, still red hair ear stud, whole body write full arrogant and rebel teenager. Now look again, that arrogant face, still is dazzling handsome. Just whole body red skin, and hot panting sound, explain his this moment abnormal. He reaction some slow, then discover room entered person. Head not lift, fierce let people roll. “Who let you in, get out!” But he turn head see clear comer is me time, mouth inside that sentence don’t touch me, hard raw swallow down. Stumble want hide in fridge. Result but because legs feet soft, crooked sit on ground. I took a bottle ice water, twist open hand him. “Xavier, where is your phone, I call doctor for you.” He look up fierce pour few mouthfuls water, too late swallow, all along lip gap flow to neck. Then he dizzy, start fumble pants pocket find phone. I look his pocket bulge, like have phone look. Result half day, he also didn’t find pocket where. Still face full lost look up see me. Red lips tremble, hear not clear saying what. I dislike him too laborious. Direct pull open his in way hand, self go take. But hand reach in moment I just regret. Rely previous life many years male doctor experience. This shape, simply not phone. I haven’t scream, Xavier already in ear pant not shape. Hot air blow past ear tip, I subconscious turn head dodge itch. Just right meet Xavier red eyes. “I, I go call people for you.” I panic get up, but by him a press hold. His hand separate fabric, press on my hand. Again a sound difficult bear pant. Probably stimulus let him find back little consciousness, low hoarse voice blurting out: “Scarlett.” I stunned look towards mind some unclear Xavier. Some shock. Turns out he just now always mumble, is my name. He all like this, still can recognize me. But previous life why Julian will recognize wrong, why treat me as others? Or say in Julian eyes, I just can random play existence? More think more resentful. So I step forward, bend waist lift Xavier chin. Look straight him: “Say again, who am I?” My hand one stick up, just feel a piece hot. Again want take away time, hand by Xavier two hands hold, use cheek light rub. His sight from my lips slide to eyes, until four eyes meet. “Scarlett, help me.”

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After my parents died, I was taken in by my father’s best friend, the Vance family. On my sixteenth birthday, Caleb Vance kissed me while drunk and demanded I only like him. At eighteen, he coaxed me into tasting forbidden fruit, promising we’d be entangled for a lifetime. At twenty-four, I wanted to get married. But he said he wouldn’t marry me. After a month of cold war, our friends organized a party to help us reconcile. That day, Caleb brought a young girl with him. The girl’s shy smile looked exactly like mine at eighteen. My friends stood up for me: “Caleb, what the hell is Elara to you?” Caleb sneered. “Why are you all overreacting?” “I only see Elara as a sister. Just because she lived in my house all these years doesn’t mean I have to marry her, right?” 1 After saying that, he lowered his head and kissed his little girlfriend’s hair. He looked around the room. “Don’t spread rumors about my relationship with Elara Vance. My girlfriend might misunderstand.” “She’s young. Hard to comfort.” Sitting across from him, Liam, who grew up with us, gritted his teeth. “Caleb Vance, are you serious right now?” Everyone knew about my relationship with Caleb. Liam was speaking up for me. Caleb glanced at him lazily, lit a cigarette, and his face turned cold. “Liam, since when are you and Elara so close? Is it your turn to stand up for her?” His gaze swept over me indifferently, then he pinched his girlfriend’s cheek. “Babe, wait for me outside. It’s too noisy here. I’ll take you somewhere else later.” The girl was obedient. She glanced at him timidly and left quietly. Once she was gone, Caleb lifted his eyelids to stare at me. “Elara, we were consenting adults. Is it fun for you to keep putting our friends up to pressure me into marriage?” Before I could answer, he blew a smoke ring and smiled indifferently. “I never said you were my girlfriend, did I?” I looked numbly at the face I had loved for eight years, suddenly feeling like he was a stranger. Liam stood up to punch him. “Caleb, are you even human saying sh*t like that?” I held Liam back tightly. He gritted his teeth. “If you want to break up, do it with some dignity. Why humiliate her like this?” Caleb’s gaze was icy. “Liam, you’re defending her so much. Do you like her?” “Fine, I don’t want her anymore. Go ahead and chase her.” “I’ve slept with her for years anyway. Even if she’s not bored, I am.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Noah, sitting in the corner, smashed his wine glass. Everyone turned to look at him. 2 Noah was the “high mountain flower” of our circle—aloof and untouchable. When I first arrived at the Vance house at twelve, I was most afraid of him. He always acted older than his age, always stern, always sparse with words. Regarding Caleb and me, whether we were being affectionate or fighting, he never showed any extra emotion. His sudden outburst surprised me. He looked coldly at Caleb. “You’ve crossed the line.” “What? You’re going to lecture me too?” Caleb sneered. “I didn’t expect everyone to be more anxious about my family affairs than I am.” “Elara Vance, should I praise you for being so capable?” When I was sixteen, he said the same thing to me. But back then, it was because he found a love letter in my backpack. That day was my birthday. He looked at me with a half-smile. “Top of the class, huh? What he wrote is so cheesy.” That’s what he said. But after everyone left, he barged into my room, pinned me against the door, and kissed me. After a brief taste, he nuzzled my neck intimately. “Elara, you’re not allowed to like anyone else. You can only like me.” Back then, he was like a pitiful puppy, his tone full of grievance. I lowered my eyes, avoiding his gaze now. I just felt it was too disjointed. My heart stung a little. But I knew it was time to end things with him. “Caleb, since everyone is here today, let’s make everything clear once and for all.” He stubbed out his cigarette. “Speak.” Even though my eyes were stinging painfully, I looked up stubbornly. “Just as you said, we have no relationship.” “From now on, we go our separate ways.” Caleb’s fingers gripping the wine glass turned white, veins bulging. “Elara, you want to draw a line with me?” I dug my nails into my palm. “You have a girlfriend. Shouldn’t you keep your distance from other women?” 3 I remembered when I was seventeen, I went to bring him his jersey. But I stumbled upon the school beauty cornering him in the locker room. “Caleb, I’ve chased you from middle school to high school. I like you so much, just be with me.” I quickly retreated to the corner. I heard Caleb’s cold voice. “You like me. What does that have to do with me?” “Move.” She wouldn’t give up, grabbing his hand, tears about to fall. “Don’t be so mean to me. Don’t ignore me. I’ll be sad.” Caleb showed no mercy. He pulled his hand away and looked down at her. “I have someone I like.” “Keeping a distance from other girls, isn’t that what I should do?” She froze. Her tears fell, making her look pitiful. “Leave. If the person I like sees you, she’ll get jealous, and I won’t be able to coax her back.” She wiped her tears and ran off. I watched her retreating figure, thinking Caleb was cruel. But he had walked up behind me and hugged me without me noticing. “Seen enough?” “Aren’t you going to praise me?” “You’re cruel,” I said. He laughed roguishly. “Elara, it’s because I only love you.” “So, you can only love me too. Got it?” His kiss fell. The minty scent of his youth wrapped around me cleanly. It let me understand what it felt like to be someone’s unreserved preference. It turned out to be like this. 4 Caleb might have remembered it too. He pressed his lips together in silence. I stood up, walked over to him, and took off the ring. That was when I was twenty-two. He begged his mother for it, saying it was a family heirloom. He insisted on putting it on my finger. Now that our relationship was over, I naturally didn’t need it anymore. “Caleb, here’s your ring back.” His brows furrowed tightly. He looked up at me, his lips trembling slightly. “I don’t take back things I’ve given out.” “It’s not appropriate.” I placed the ring in front of him. He stood up abruptly, didn’t take it, didn’t look at me. “My girlfriend is still outside.” It looked like he was fleeing in panic. The room fell into a dead silence. Liam comforted me. “Elara, you guys have been together for years.” “Caleb is just spiting you.” Spiting me? A month ago, right here. In the same spot. I had prepared a wedding dress, wanting to propose to Caleb in front of everyone. He lost a game and chose Truth. I asked him, “Have you thought about getting married?” In the dim light, Caleb’s expression was obscure. Then he answered, “I won’t get married. I have a phobia of marriage.” In that instant, I froze. And because I brought it up publicly, he was very unhappy. That day, he left early. My planned proposal died before it began. Looking back now. He didn’t fear marriage. He just didn’t want to marry me. I suddenly thought of a saying. Relationships that start unclearly will end unclearly. Caleb and I, perhaps this was as far as we could go. 5 On the way back, Noah drove. He wasn’t much of a talker, and I wasn’t in the mood to chat. Silence filled the air again, only instrumental music quietly spreading in the confined space. “Elara, if you…” Before he could finish, Liam called. “Elara, Caleb got into a fight!” When we arrived, the conflict was over. Outside the crowd, I watched Caleb from a distance. Maybe it was the adrenaline from the fight, or maybe he was drunk. His face was flushed as he sat in the middle of the sofa, tightly holding his little girlfriend. The girl buried her head shyly, and he lifted her chin to kiss her. There was a roar of teasing from the crowd. Someone who knew me asked him, “Bro, aren’t you marrying Elara?” “Why are you keeping a little lover?” Caleb’s face darkened immediately. “When did I say I was going to marry her?” The person paused, seeming to want to speak up for me. “But the one in your arms looks so much like Elara…” Caleb slammed his glass down. “Don’t mention that name in front of me again. Or get out.” “Starting today, this is your sister-in-law. Say hello to your sister-in-law.” The people present looked at each other, unable to call such a young girl “sister-in-law.” I didn’t want to watch anymore. I turned and left. At the door, I met Liam who had just arrived. “What’s going on with him? Is he hurt? Does he need a hospital?” He looked inside. Just in time to see Caleb pull the girl onto his lap and nuzzle her neck. Just like how he used to love being intimate with me when he loved me so much. Liam backed out. He cursed. 6 I didn’t let them drive me home. I walked alone to the riverbank, involuntarily thinking of the past. At eighteen, after graduation, Caleb coaxed me into intimacy. He said we would be entangled for a lifetime. He was so wild and untamed outside. But because of one worried word from me, he quit all dangerous sports. He stayed by my side obediently. He went to the same university as me, becoming my twenty-four-hour devoted boyfriend. Everyone envied me, saying his love for me was something to show off. At twenty-one, the Vance parents discovered our relationship. Mr. Vance beat him with a cane, calling him a bastard. He held his head high, didn’t shed a tear, and told them he was serious about me, that he would make me happy. Even though his back was bloody and I was crying my eyes out, he smiled and comforted me, saying it didn’t hurt a bit. Later, he went to Mrs. Vance for the ring and put it on me. “You are now part of the Vance family.” Liam once asked him if feelings change, would he have a change of heart. He kicked Liam and said unless he died, he couldn’t stop loving me in this lifetime. Until last year, we survived the seven-year itch. He still hugged me and said his love for me was undying. He was such a fast-burner, wishing the whole world knew when he treated someone well. Loving fiercely and crazily. But I was such a slow-burner, slow to fall in love but loving for a long time. So much so that he has already extricated himself, and I am still reminiscing about the past. Reminiscing about the year he put the ring on me, and I took him to my parents’ grave. He held my hand and made a promise: “Uncle, Auntie, don’t worry. I will treat Elara well for the rest of my life.” It turned out his “lifetime” was only eight years. It turned out the love I believed in was just a friends-with-benefits relationship without a title. I wiped away the cold tears on my face. My phone dinged with a notification. An email came in; my application for Doctors Without Borders had been approved. Departure in one week.

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The picture of Penny Wells, a young ingenue known for her ethereal beauty, sitting on my husband’s lap hit the headlines, and the entire internet was waiting for my reaction. For years, whenever Damon Cole—the celebrated, self-proclaimed genius director—had a scandal, I was the one who stepped out. I would smile for the cameras, post a perfectly staged photo, and dutifully perform the role of the stable, devoted wife, publicly vouching for our rock-solid marriage and deep emotional connection. Damon, naturally, expected me to maintain the illusion of marital bliss this time, too. When the media caught up with him, his tone was carelessly dismissive. “It was just a work meeting, part of securing a new project,” he’d explained. “She’s the leading lady for my next film.” He paused, adding the calculated line: “Seeing her reminds me of my wife when she was younger.” Online, clickbait sites were busy looping our wedding video. Damon kissing me, slipping the ring onto my finger, and declaring with theatrical sincerity: “I love you, more than life itself.” A popular gossip account bluntly captioned the clip: “Guess Director Cole’s life isn’t that important after all.” My agent, Yvette Miller, called. “Joss, are we going to pay to bury this one?” “No,” I said. “Not this time. Not ever again.” I looked down at the external hard drive clutched in my hand. The confusion and loss that had once dominated me were gone, replaced by a cold, hard resolve. I had reached my goal. The marriage I had endured for years was finally coming to an end. 1 “Joss, have you read Damon’s new script?” “No, I haven’t. Why?” Yvette hesitated. “The heroine of the film is a debut actress whose face was disfigured in a car accident.” A cold dread sank deep in my chest, and a chilling wind seemed to sweep through my core. I was the one whose face had been half-ruined by a car accident. It happened years ago. Damon had shot a searing, realist film exposing the corruption of a powerful syndicate. While he was shielded by high-level protection, I, his unsuspecting girlfriend, became the syndicate’s target—the proxy for their fury. My parents died in that crash. My younger brother was left in a persistent vegetative state. I survived, but half my face was scarred, and my nascent acting career was instantly annihilated. Partners canceled contracts. A major film role I had fought for was recast. Damon, meanwhile, became an overnight success. The film was his breakthrough, bringing him fame, wealth, and entry into the elite circle of Hollywood power brokers. I plummeted into an abyss. He stepped in, covering the astronomical contract penalties, overseeing my physical therapy, and painstakingly helping me walk through the wreckage of my life. He even personally penned a screenplay, tailoring the lead role for me, orchestrating my return to the screen. He proposed the night I won my first major award. The entire industry lauded his deep devotion. His profile soared higher, and his company’s stock valuation climbed steadily. The façade held until three years ago when he was photographed leaving a hotel with a film student. That was Damon’s first time cheating. He brushed off the criticism and installed the student as the lead actress in his next film. Everyone advised me to be pragmatic. This is how the industry works, they said. Damon’s been better to you than most men would be. Yet, my heart had never felt so utterly calm. I printed a divorce agreement. When I presented the papers, he dropped to his knees, his eyes red with performative tears. “Joss, I was just rehearsing lines with her. Her image was perfect for the role. The internet is just rumor and conjecture.” I held firm. He tore the document to shreds and kicked over a chair. “After all these years, are you really questioning my commitment? I only love you. That woman was an accident, a momentary slip.” He pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice as emotionally resonant as ever. “If you’re unhappy about her being my lead, I’ll write a script just for you, a new one. I’ll make sure you get an Oscar nomination—they won’t dare deny me. Don’t be dramatic, Joss. How will you survive in this industry without me?” I insisted on moving into the guest room, separating our lives. I refused the tailored script he offered and signed on for a different project. Days before shooting began, the production company suddenly backed out. “I’m so sorry, Joss,” the producer, who was a friend, told me apologetically. “We found a better fit. We’ll pay the penalty, of course.” He then whispered that Damon had personally contacted the investors and had me replaced. Not only that, but every script, every commercial deal, every opportunity that came my way from then on was instantly withdrawn. To make sure I stayed obedient, Damon replaced my brother’s specialist. “Dr. Ellis is the foremost authority on neurorehabilitation, a fan of mine, and someone I paid a fortune to bring in. You know what to do, Joss.” I lowered my eyes. “I’ll move back to the master suite tonight.” He pulled me into his arms. “I’ve already dismissed that woman. I rewrote the script; the lead role is yours. Joss, I only love you. These things happen in Hollywood. I lost my way, but I promise there won’t be a next time.” When the film wrapped, he threw a spectacular anniversary party on set. While heading to the makeup trailer to grab something, I saw him passionately kissing the supporting actress. She met my eyes, a blatant smirk of triumph on her face. I closed the door quietly and stopped anyone else from walking in. 2 From that day on, Damon was repeatedly photographed with a stream of different women. He knew I wouldn’t—couldn’t—leave him. To protect his “devoted husband” brand and keep the company stock steady, he commanded me to participate in his performance. I had to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage and personally squash his scandals. Then, yesterday, I went to see my brother. I walked in just as he fell down the stairs, hitting his head. The sight of the blood was a searing pain that shattered my heart completely. He managed to utter one single word: “Go.” This marriage truly had to end. Though in a vegetative state, my brother had always been aware of the outside world. I constantly talked to him, sharing everything about my life and career. He knew how miserable I had been for years. Yesterday, he had woken up. He saw Damon cheating with a nurse in his hospital room. Unable to reach me, he crawled out of bed, tried to leave the room, and fell down the stairs. He woke up. And then he lost his life. “Joss, are you absolutely sure about this?” Yvette asked, concern thick in her voice. “I’m sure.” “Damon will never agree. Without him, you’ll be blacklisted. He genuinely can destroy your career.” My voice was tranquil. “I don’t care. If I can’t hack it, I won’t.” I hung up just as Damon walked in. He reflexively opened his arms to hug me, and I sidestepped him. His face hardened instantly. “What’s with the attitude?” “You know perfectly well why I’m upset.” Damon sighed. “I know your brother’s passing has hit you hard. Honestly, it was so unnecessary. I was just in the bathroom in his room. Why didn’t he ring the bell? Why go out alone? It was an accident. No one wanted this.” I closed my eyes, forcing back the tears that threatened to overwhelm me. My heart felt like a hollowed-out space where a vital organ had been crudely removed. Damon ignored my pain entirely, grabbing my hand to lead me out. “Don’t dwell on it. I’ve saved a role for you in the new script, you’ll love it. I set up a dinner; you need to meet people. Penny is the lead. She’s a newcomer, so look out for her.” His lips curved into a gentle smile. He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Did you know? Penny is pregnant.” I froze completely. A thousand tiny arrows from every direction pierced me, pinning me to the floor. I stared at Damon, speechless, my voice a dry rasp, as if a large stone was lodged in my throat. “Pregnant?” “Yes.” Damon’s eyes were sparkling with a joyous pride, completely oblivious to my reaction. “I wanted to delay shooting, but Penny is committed; she doesn’t want to hold up the production. I need you to take good care of her on set. And the baby, of course. Right, Joss?” I clenched my fists so tightly my nails nearly broke the skin on my palms. I managed a faint, whispered acknowledgment. 3 The atmosphere in the private dining room quickly became strained until someone made a clumsy joke: “Only Director Cole can handle this—living the dream with two beautiful women.” Everyone forced a laugh. Damon, beaming, put his arm around my shoulder. “Of course. That’s what you get when you marry Joss.” Penny raised her glass of juice. “Let’s toast Joss. This film wouldn’t exist without her. My character, the heroine, is actually based on her life.” My face instantly drained of color. I looked up and met Penny’s eyes, which held a distinct spark of challenge. Yvette had hinted at the script’s theme, but hearing the confirmation now filled me with utter, chilling despair. I turned to Damon, my voice shaking. “Is the film really based on the car crash?” Damon shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. Penny’s voice rang out, deliberately loud. “It is! And Joss is playing the mother—you know, to reflect the passage of time.” The mother… My mother. The parents who died in that accident. I slammed my hand down, knocking over Penny’s juice glass. My entire body was trembling. “Damon, how could you… How dare you?” Penny shrieked, clutching her hand, and retreated into Damon’s arms. “Joss, did I say something wrong? You hit me! My stomach hurts.” Damon looked at me with open displeasure, but paused when he saw the tears filling my eyes. “It happened years ago,” he said dismissively. “Using it as source material for a film is a great idea. It’s perfect PR, and it will boost your profile.” Before I could speak, he told Penny: “That’s enough, you. Show your sister-in-law some respect.” Penny pouted but settled down. For the rest of the dinner, I sat like a puppet, hearing them discuss investments, roles, and the screenplay. The words registered in my ears, but my soul felt as if it were floating high above my body. Mid-meal, I went to the ladies’ room. Penny followed me in. “Joss, you don’t know this, but I suggested this story to Damon,” she whispered, leaning close. “I told him I wanted to play the heroine, and he agreed without a second thought.” She lowered her voice further, into a poisonous hiss. “Not only that, but I suggested a more dramatic twist: that after the crash, the heroine’s parents don’t die right away. They watch, helpless, as she’s… assaulted.” Slap! I struck her hard across the face. Penny stumbled backward and sat down heavily on the tiled floor. “Ah! My belly! It hurts so bad!” Quick footsteps approached. Damon rushed around the corner and scooped Penny into his arms. “Penny! What happened?” Penny looked up, her eyes swimming with tears. “Damon, I don’t know! Joss suddenly slapped me, and then she pushed me! I’m terrified… is our baby okay?” “I didn’t—” I only managed two words before Damon suddenly drew his hand back, ready to strike me. I flinched, closing my eyes, but his blow never landed. He glared at me, his rage simmering. “Jocelyn Yu, I didn’t want to go along with all of Penny’s darkest suggestions, but since you have no control over your temper, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Damon carried Penny away without looking back. I yelled at his retreating figure. “I didn’t push her!” Damon’s steps paused for a fraction of a second, but he kept walking. I leaned against the sink, tears streaming down my face, splashing onto the polished countertop. Even though I had already decided to end this, the pain was excruciating. It hurts so much. He knew. He knew that incident was the unspeakable, agonizing pain of my life. My eternal nightmare. Yet, he was doing it anyway. Using it as a screenplay, turning it into a commercial film. I decided I had to go to him, beg him, and concede anything to stop him from grossly fictionalizing my trauma. I pushed the study door ajar, intending to walk in, but froze when I heard Penny’s voice. “Damon, can the heroine be disfigured and disabled? It’s not tragic enough otherwise. These kinds of movies are all about how much the audience can empathize with the suffering. The hero’s devotion is only showcased by her painstaking recovery.” She paused. “Also, let’s make it that the mother could have lived, but she watched the assault and died of shock.” Damon didn’t look up from his papers. “Fine. Whatever you want.” Penny’s voice was triumphant. “And since you and Joss never had kids anyway, why don’t we write that the car accident destroyed the heroine’s uterus and she had to have a hysterectomy…” “Wait…” Damon sounded a little hesitant. Penny coaxed him. “Damon, you promised you’d do whatever I wanted.” “All right,” he conceded. I slowly released the doorknob. Through the slight gap, my eyes locked with Penny’s. She knew I was there. Like a ghost, I retreated to my room. I found the external hard drive and sent a text to one person: Advance the plan.

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I spent three years playing the role of the devoted, brainless shadow to Gavin. He hated using protection. Every time, after it was over, he would sit on the edge of the bed with his bare back to me—a canvas of red scratches I’d left behind—and light a cigarette. He’d say, with the air of a man bestowing a great mercy: “What are you worried about? If you get pregnant, we’ll just get married.” A month later, I stared at the two pink lines on the plastic stick. I didn’t tell him. Instead, I ghosted him—a clean, clinical, cliff-edge break. Later, he ran into me at a women’s health clinic. I was leaning against a wall, my hand resting on my baby bump, chatting with another woman in the waiting room. “Don’t let the drama fool you,” I was saying. “I cried like the world was ending when we broke up, but actually having his child? I wouldn’t dare. I know the difference between crying into a pillow and crying over a crying baby. Dating is one thing, but I’ve got someone else in mind for the ’till death do us part’ stuff.” 1 The day I found out I was pregnant, I went to the private lounge where Gavin usually hung out. I was about to push the door open when I heard the guys inside debating which brand of condoms felt the most natural. Someone laughed. “Ask Gavin. He’s got a steady girl; he’s the expert.” There was a pause, and then I heard Gavin’s voice, lazy and dismissive. “Condoms? Never use ’em.” The room went quiet for a beat. “Not once? Aren’t you worried about Mia getting pregnant?” Gavin flicked a lighter. I could practically hear the smoke curling around his words. “It’s fine. She’s a good girl. She always remembers to take the pill afterwards.” The guys erupted. “Man, you’ve got her trained well.” Gavin let out a low, amused huff. “She’s not just ‘good.’ I’ve had her every which way. I know every freckle on her body better than she does.” “But seriously, Gav,” someone pressed, “what if she actually turns up pregnant? What then?” Gavin hesitated, his voice slowing down. “If it happens, it happens. We get married. Mia’s easy to live with. We fit. If I have to settle down, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to do it with her.” Someone teased him. “If I remember right, you used to swap girls like you swap watches. You’re really ready to retire for one girl?” Gavin gave a noncommittal shrug. “Well, she’s not pregnant yet, is she? I’m not losing sleep over the long term. If I get bored, I’ll just find a polite way to end it. She’ll listen. She’s got that people-pleasing streak. Every time we argue, she doesn’t blame me; she immediately wonders what she did wrong and comes crawling back to apologize. Last time, I wanted to try something in the car and she said no. I just threatened to break up, and she folded instantly.” A chorus of whistles followed. “Damn, she’s that easy?” Gavin’s voice softened slightly, but it wasn’t out of love. It was the tone of a collector talking about a fragile antique. “She’s too naive. That’s why I can’t let anyone else have her. She’d get eaten alive out there. She’s a crier. If she were with a real prick, she’d cry herself hoarse. She’s better off with me where I can keep an eye on her.” “Sounds like you’re running a charity, Gav,” someone joked. “But you better watch her. With a face like Mia’s, plenty of guys are waiting for a turn. She looks like a saint but she’s built like a sin. If she were mine, I’d never leave the house.” Gavin’s tone went cold. “Keep dreaming. You wouldn’t stand a chance.” He seemed to drift off then, his voice turning reflective. “But she is… pure. No matter how many times we do it, she cries like it’s the first time. Honestly, the thought of leaving her… I’m not sure I’m ready for that.” The guys started ribbing him about becoming a romantic, but then someone dropped the heavy question. “Seriously though, Gav. If she’s pregnant, do you really settle down? I thought you only started seeing her to spite Sloane. And I heard Sloane just broke up with her guy. She’s working at your firm now, isn’t she? Isn’t this your chance?” This time, Gavin didn’t answer. He just stared at the floor, the cherry of his cigarette glowing bright and then fading in the dark. 2 I looked at the two lines on the test. I hadn’t actually gone to the club to tell him I was pregnant. A friend had called saying he was wasted and needed a ride. But seeing Gavin lose himself in the thought of Sloane… it actually felt like a relief. The truth was, the moment I saw that positive test, I started planning our exit. Everyone knew Gavin only picked me because of Sloane. There’s a specific kind of person in this world—someone who has never known a day of hunger, never felt the sting of a real loss. Their words have this airy, “let them eat cake” quality to them. That was Sloane. She was my college roommate. Every morning, she’d look in the mirror, pump her fists, and whisper, “Good morning, Sloane! You are a ray of sunshine! Today is going to be amazing!” When Gavin chased her in college, it was a circus. Roses, designer bags, jewelry—he threw money at her like it was confetti. She’d mention she liked a certain brand of vintage gold, and the next day, a necklace worth three years of my tuition would be sitting on her desk. Gavin was the sun. When he walked into a lecture hall, phones came out. He didn’t care. He’d just lean against the doorframe in his Arc’teryx jacket, looking like a model, waiting for Sloane. He was perfect, down to the last strand of his dark hair. The first time I saw him, he was confessing his love to her. He had that half-European look—sharp jawline, high bridge of the nose, a smirk that suggested he knew exactly how much he was worth. And he was worth a lot. At the homecoming gala, the Dean sat with Gavin’s father in the VIP section. His elegance wasn’t something he bought; it was in his DNA. Gavin and Sloane were the protagonists of this world. Everything good was destined for them. And me? I was the girl with the dead mother, the gambling addict father, the sick grandmother, and three part-time jobs. I was the “broken beauty” of the campus, the one everyone felt sorry for but no one actually wanted to be. I was a footnote in their story. Sloane once asked me why I worked three jobs. “Because I need the money,” I said, my voice flat. She rolled her eyes. “Just ask your dad. Why are you acting like the world is on your shoulders? It’s so depressing.” How do you explain a life like mine to a girl like her? “My dad is the reason the world is on my shoulders,” I said quietly. Because she had never suffered, she didn’t want the billionaire’s son. She wanted the “real” experience. She fell for a broke athlete with a massive ego who fed her sweet lies and gave her nothing but cheap sentiments. Every Valentine’s Day, he’d pick a fight and break up with her, only to crawl back two days later. She didn’t see the pattern. But I knew money. I knew he was just avoiding the cost of a gift. I tried to warn her once. She looked at me with pity. “Mia, you’re so cynical. Do you think everyone is bad just because… you’ve never been truly loved? Are you just jealous?” I never spoke up again. One afternoon, I walked past Gavin’s Porsche. He was throwing a bouquet of lilies on the ground, his face twisted in a sneer. “You’re dating him and you didn’t tell me? You like playing games that much?” Sloane lifted her chin. “Gavin, you only know how to throw money at things. You don’t know the first thing about love.” I expected him to look hurt. He didn’t. He laughed—a dry, self-deprecating sound. “I don’t need to know,” he said, catching sight of me standing a few feet away. He crooked a finger. “Hey. You. I’ll give you whatever you want. Come love me.” I froze. A long moment passed before I heard my own voice. “Okay.” I thought I was helping Sloane get rid of a nuisance. But her face went pale with rage. “Mia, you’re really that pathetic? You’ll take my leftovers?” I didn’t defend myself. I just knew my grandmother’s hospital bill was due, and my father’s bookie was calling. I needed money. I needed enough money to pull myself out of the mud. 3 Gavin was good to me, in his own way. My father never showed up at campus again—Gavin handled him, though I never asked how. My grandmother was moved to a private suite in the city’s best hospital. Every day, the nurses sent me photos of her smiling in the garden. He made my problems vanish with a swipe of his black card. He made me quit my jobs. He showered me with gifts—handbags, custom jewelry, and when I mentioned I wanted to learn about finance, he hired a private tutor. Because of him, I learned how to read balance sheets and manage investments. I wasn’t just spending his money; I was learning how to make my own. Outside of that, we were a normal couple. We hugged, we kissed, we went to hotels. The first time we were together, I remember the cool line of his shoulder in the moonlight. When he leaned down to kiss me, the silver chain around his neck brushed against his collarbone, swaying with his rhythm. My heart hammered so hard I thought I’d faint. He chuckled against my lips. “Silly girl. Remember to breathe.” Gavin’s appetite was voracious, and I learned to play the part he wanted. He hated condoms, so I took the pills. He wanted excitement, so I followed him to whatever daring location he chose. But he was still a dog. Even with me, the women never stopped. His Instagram was a revolving door of models. At parties, women clung to his arm, and he never brushed them off. Some even called my phone, their voices dripping with provocation. I cried about it once. He looked at me like I was a stranger. “I’m dating you, Mia, I’m not joining a monastery. If you can’t handle it, fine. Let’s break up. I’ll find someone who can.” After that, I became “good.” I stopped asking questions. But I wasn’t as obedient as he thought. I was a woman with needs, and Gavin was rich and incredibly attractive. He was a great choice for a phase of my life. He had charisma. He had saved me when I was at my lowest. I was grateful, and for a while, I genuinely loved him. But that was the problem. He was born at the top of the pyramid. He didn’t know how to love because he had never had to sacrifice for it. He could mimic it, though. When we were in bed and I’d whisper that he was hurting me, he’d cradle my face and kiss me over and over, telling me he loved me. He was a spoiled, beautiful beast. As long as you stroked his fur the right way, he’d stay. But I was twenty-seven now. I couldn’t play forever. I was just waiting for the right moment to walk away. 4 The morning after the club, Gavin called. His voice was thick with sleep. “Mia, bring those files to the office. I need them for the board meeting.” At the office, I ran into Sloane. She was wearing a cheap, faded blazer, clutching a stack of papers. Her hair was pulled back tight, but she couldn’t hide the hollow look in her eyes. A friend had told me her father’s business had collapsed and her “soulmate” athlete had run off with her remaining savings. Now, she was a junior clerk at Gavin’s firm. She didn’t even have the security clearance to see him. She stared at me, her mouth dropping open. “Mia? You look… so different. You used to be…” “Mia, where are my files?” Gavin’s voice cut through the air. He walked up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my head. It was a gesture of practiced intimacy. Sloane watched him—the man she had rejected, now powerful and untouchable—and her knuckles turned white as she gripped her papers. Gavin never showed affection in the office. I knew exactly why he was doing it now. He was performing for her. The second time I saw her was on our five-year anniversary. Gavin booked a corner table at the most expensive steakhouse in the city. Halfway through dinner, he said, “I asked Sloane to drop by. You don’t mind, do you?” I blinked, startled. He smiled. “Don’t be nervous. I just want her to take some photos of us. She’s got a good eye.” When Sloane arrived, Gavin pulled me close. He took my phone and handed it to her. “Make us look good.” He kept his eyes on me, tucking a stray hair behind my ear, his thumb lingering on my cheek. Sloane’s hands were shaking as she held the phone. The sight seemed to thrill him. He hooked an arm around my waist, pulling me into his chest. “Smile, baby. It’s been five years.” His breath caught the shell of my ear. He looked like he was about to kiss me, but I could feel his focus shifting. He was watching her out of the corner of his eye. “Enough…” Sloane suddenly dropped the phone. Her voice broke, and tears began to stream down her face. “Gavin, I know I was stupid. I know I rejected you. But why do you have to be so cruel? You’re doing this on purpose—being this way with her just to make me watch. Do you enjoy seeing me regret it? We’ve known each other forever… why do you have to hurt me like this?” She was trembling, her eyes wide with misery. Gavin’s body went rigid. His grip on my shoulder tightened until it was painful. Sloane threw my phone onto the floor and ran out of the restaurant. Gavin swore under his breath. “Damn it.” He pushed me aside, grabbed his coat, and chased after her. I knelt down and picked up my phone. The screen was shattered. On our five-year anniversary, Gavin left me standing there alone.

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The second day after I returned to the States, I was dragged to a college reunion by my old classmates. There, I met my first love, Ethan Cole, whom I hadn’t seen in five years. In front of everyone, he pulled out a diamond ring and proposed. The private room erupted in cheers. Everyone assumed I would immediately say yes with gratitude. After all, I was the one who chased Ethan shamelessly back in the day. Everyone seemed to have forgotten. At our graduation ceremony, Ethan publicly accused me of plagiarizing my thesis for another woman. He even used fake evidence to accuse me of cheating on exams and bullying classmates. In the end, the university revoked my diploma, and I was kicked out of the ceremony under the watchful eyes of the entire school. After that day, I left the country alone. Now that I’m back, his best friend tells me: “After you left, Ethan used his family connections to get your diploma back for you.” “Even though you did so many wrong things, he never forgot you. He’s been waiting for you. He said as long as you’re willing, you’ll always be his wife.” 1 “Chloe, I’m talking to you! Are you listening?” “You know better than anyone how much Ethan hates relying on the Cole family. He didn’t use a cent of their money when he started his business. But for your diploma, he bowed to his father!” As soon as I appeared, Ethan’s best friend, Mark, sat next to me and bombarded me with words. He looked impatient, yet somewhat urgent. The eyes of the other classmates in the room were all on me—some curious, some mocking. Honestly, hearing the name “Ethan Cole” again after five years felt strange. My once passionate love for him had long been drowned in the torrent of time. Five years ago, I left the country without a word. So very few people back home knew I was already married. I didn’t know if Mark was saying these things on his own accord or if someone put him up to it. But it didn’t matter anymore. I pursed my lips and spoke slowly: “Ethan and I are ancient history. What you’re saying to me today has no meaning.” Not just Mark, but everyone present looked at me in shock, as if they hadn’t expected this answer. After all, I had chased Ethan passionately and crazily for three whole years. The commotion almost alerted the school board. Rain or shine, I delivered hot breakfast to Ethan every day. When his stomach acted up, I ran through a snowstorm to every pharmacy in the city just to buy him medicine. Whenever a girl confessed to Ethan, I was the first to appear and declare sovereignty. When he wanted to start a business but lacked funds, I not only gave him all my savings but also sold the 18th birthday gift my parents gave me—a vintage Cartier watch. Where no one could see, I, who had never suffered a day in my life, ate instant ramen for a whole semester. Finally, under my relentless efforts, Ethan agreed to date me. He was like every thoughtful boyfriend. He brought me hot chocolate and heating pads when I had cramps. He carried me on his back when I was tired of walking. When people called me a “simp” or “desperate,” he stood up to defend me. Even when he signed his first contract, he envisioned a future with me. I once truly believed he was my destiny, that we would grow old together. Until senior year, when Lily suddenly appeared. She was Ethan’s childhood friend who had just returned from abroad and transferred to my class. At first, I didn’t care, and even tried to get along with her. But slowly, Ethan stopped coming to see me whenever he was free. Sometimes, even when I asked him out, he would find excuses to decline. On my birthday, he stood me up again. He told me something came up and he had to go to a neighboring city for business. Suspicious, I quietly went to his company. And there I saw Lily. She was surrounded by employees in the center of the office. Some even loudly called her “Sister-in-law.” But they all knew I was Ethan’s girlfriend. What made me angriest was that Ethan, who told me he was on a business trip, was right there in the office. Hearing everyone call Lily “Sister-in-law,” he didn’t correct them. Instead, he watched with a smile. My heart felt like it was being cut by a knife. 2 Tears instantly welled up in my eyes. When Ethan saw my red eyes, there was no shame or guilt on his face. He just frowned and asked indifferently: “Why are you here?” I had been pampered by my parents since childhood and never let myself be wronged. I pointed directly at Lily and questioned him: “Is your so-called business trip just partying in the office with her?” I wasn’t angry or blaming, just asking calmly. Ethan suddenly frowned and said impatiently: “Lily is coming to intern at the company. I’m just throwing a welcome party for her.” “Can you stop being jealous over nothing? You’re really suffocating me!” I froze on the spot. I never thought the person who called me “baby” a few days ago would criticize me so ruthlessly in front of so many people. Perhaps my expression was too shocked, because Ethan quickly realized his words were inappropriate. Panic flashed across his face, and he apologized hurriedly: “Chloe, sorry, I misspoke. I didn’t mean that.” I gripped my handbag tightly, looked into his eyes, and asked word by word: “Then what did you mean?” “And why did you lie to me about going on a business trip today?” Ethan walked over and held my hand. “I didn’t lie to you. I really planned to go, but the client changed the time. I just didn’t have time to tell you yet!” His tone was intimate and natural, easily dispelling much of my dissatisfaction. But that “Sister-in-law” still stuck in my throat. I huffed: “Then why did your subordinates call Lily ‘Sister-in-law’?” “Just a joke between colleagues. Besides, who here doesn’t know their boss’s girlfriend is a big jealous pot?” Speaking, Ethan squeezed my palm. “Baby, don’t be mad, okay? It’s your birthday today. I’ll take you to a nice dinner tonight.” Just as I was about to warn Ethan not to make such jokes in the future, Lily ran over in a panic. She looked at me pitifully, her tone carrying a hint of submission: “Chloe, sorry to make you unhappy. If you really mind, I… I won’t intern at Ethan’s company. Just please don’t fight because of me.” Saying this, she even shed a few tears. Others saw this and assumed I was bullying her. They dared not speak up, so they all looked at Ethan. Seeing Lily cry, Ethan let go of me and walked over. He comforted her gently, his movements soft. That night he didn’t stand me up. He really took me to a nice dinner. But the food tasted like ash. Because although he was with me, every word he said was about Lily. “Lily grew up with me. She’s like a sister.” “Her parents asked me to arrange an internship for her, so I put her in my company.” “I was afraid you’d overthink it, so I didn’t tell you.” “If there was really something between us, we would have been together long ago. Why wait until now?” “Chloe, I know how good you are to me. You are the only one in my heart.” Ethan sounded sincere, and I couldn’t keep harping on it, so I nodded. He took out a pair of couple rings. After putting on the men’s ring, he slipped the women’s ring onto my finger. “Chloe, with my current conditions, I can only afford these cheap rings. Sorry for making you suffer.” “But don’t worry, when I make big money, I’ll bring the world’s most expensive ring to you.” Leaning in his arms, looking at the ring on my finger, the uneasiness in my heart finally dissipated. But in the end, he broke his promise. After that day, Ethan no longer hid it. He openly came and went with Lily. Rumors started spreading on campus that Ethan had dumped me for Lily. Before I could find the source of the rumors, Lily came to me directly. Changing her usual weak demeanor, she said to me arrogantly: “Chloe, do you know what kind of woman is the cheapest? It’s women like you who chase men!” “Ethan loves me. Be smart and quit!” I clenched my fists, not wanting to dignify Lily’s provocation. But she smiled slightly, eyes full of determination. “Since you’re deceiving yourself, let me help you face reality.” After Lily left, I immediately told Ethan about this. But I never expected that he wouldn’t believe me. On the phone, his voice was so impatient: “Chloe, I’ve already explained to you that there’s nothing between Lily and me. Why are you always so paranoid?” “I grew up with Lily. I know what kind of person she is. Why slander her like this?” “I slander her?” My voice rose sharply. “Ethan, am I that kind of person in your eyes?” The person on the other end fell silent. I don’t know how long it took before he spoke again: “If you really don’t like it, I’ll let Lily leave after her internship ends.” “But Chloe, company matters are already giving me a headache. Even if you can’t help me, please don’t add to my troubles right now, okay? I’m really tired.” “You also have to work on your graduation thesis recently. Let’s not meet for a while. Let’s both calm down. We’ll talk properly after your graduation ceremony.” With that, he hung up. Listening to the dial tone, I felt cold all over. He would rather suspect me of slandering Lily than believe she actually said those words. That was the first time I felt Ethan wasn’t worth it. It was also the first time I gave him the silent treatment. Ethan kept his word. For the next month, I didn’t contact him. He didn’t contact me either. 3 Sometimes even when we bumped into each other on campus, he turned a blind eye to me. Until the day of the graduation ceremony. Just as I was about to take the graduation gown from the counselor, the department head suddenly found me. In front of all the students and teachers, he asked me directly: “Student Chloe, your graduation thesis is identical to Lily’s. Who copied whom?” I looked at the head in shock: “Sir, it’s impossible. I wrote my thesis myself.” Lily also came to the head’s side, eyes red, saying: “Sir, I didn’t copy anyone. I wrote every word of my thesis myself!” “If you don’t believe me, you can ask senior Ethan. He can testify for me.” For a moment, everyone’s eyes fell on Ethan. I also looked at Ethan. Ethan avoided my gaze directly. At this point, if I still didn’t understand what happened, I would be hopelessly stupid. I habitually put my finished thesis and some important documents in the shared cloud drive Ethan and I used. So it was self-evident who gave my thesis to Lily. The department head’s scrutinizing gaze fell on Ethan. Ethan took a deep breath and said to the head: “Sir, Lily is interning at my company now. I’ve seen her working overtime on her thesis.” With Ethan’s testimony, the plagiarist naturally became me. Enduring everyone’s contemptuous gazes, I walked up to Ethan, looked into his eyes, and asked him word by word: “Ethan, are you saying my thesis was copied from Lily?” I saw hesitation and struggle in Ethan’s eyes. But I waited for a long time, only to hear him say: “I only know Lily wrote her thesis herself.” Hearing this, I actually laughed out loud. This was the man I loved with all my heart for four years. If I could, I really wanted to go to the eye doctor right now and fix my blindness. Seeing me like this, a trace of intolerance flashed across Ethan’s face. Just as he was about to speak, Lily beat him to it: “Chloe, although you are Ethan’s girlfriend, you can’t force him to perjure himself for you!” “I know you don’t like me. Usually you bully me, fine, but you even forced me to pass you exam answers.” “If I didn’t listen to you, you hired thugs to bully me.” Saying this, she rolled up her sleeves, revealing arms covered in bruises. “If Ethan hadn’t arrived in time that day, I might have been violated by those thugs.” Hearing Lily’s accusations, I even suspected there was something wrong with my ears. Otherwise, why did I understand every word she said? 4 But put together, I didn’t know what she meant. What do you mean I bullied her? What do you mean I wanted to copy her answers and sent thugs to bully her? “Lily, if you have persecution mania, please see a doctor. Don’t pin it on me.” Before Lily could speak, Ethan suddenly roared: “Enough!” He looked at me, guilt gone from his eyes, replaced by anger and disgust: “Those thugs confessed. You paid them to bully Lily!” “Chloe, I always thought you were just jealous, but I didn’t expect you to be so vicious.” “Lily is a girl. Did you ever think you were driving her to death by doing this!” I stood frozen, and after a long time, I whispered: “Ethan, so you’d rather believe Lily and those thugs than me?” Ethan was silent for a while before saying: “I only believe what I see with my own eyes.” I stood there in a daze, my heart trembling. Only the contempt and ridicule of others remained in my ears. The department head scolded me directly: “I didn’t expect to have a student of such bad character in my department!” “I don’t think you meet the requirements for graduation. You don’t need to attend this graduation ceremony today.” “As for your punishment, I will notify you after reporting to the school. You can go now.” I ignored the head’s words, just staring blankly at Ethan. But he looked away, frowning and scolding lightly: “Chloe, go back first. Don’t make a joke of yourself here, and don’t disturb other students’ graduation!” “As for us, we’ll talk in private!” I stood there in humiliation, my voice trembling: “Ethan, treating me like this, are you sure you won’t regret it?” But Ethan ignored me and turned away heartlessly with Lily. From then on, I became the laughingstock of the entire school. Even classmates who were once close to me avoided me like the plague. My heart died completely. I bought a plane ticket to find my parents abroad. Before boarding, I took off the ring and mailed it back to Ethan. The memory ended. I looked at Mark and the other classmates: “If you asked me here today just to tell me this, then I’ll take my leave.” Mark blocked my way directly, his tone urgent: “Chloe, wait. Ethan is coming soon. Let him tell you himself!” I frowned slightly: “I don’t think there’s anything left to say between us!” “Besides, I’m already married!”

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