Category: English

The day sky-filling fireworks bearing my name lit up Hong Kong, Julian Star dialed my number. “Yvonne, happy birthday. Pity I still can’t be by your side this year to celebrate.” “Be good and wait a bit more, three days later is our eighth anniversary, I will definitely go back to accompany you.” Phone hung up, the woman under Julian entwined him like a water snake. “Really going back?” “Then what about me?” Looking at Serena’s eyes red with grievance, he heartached and kissed her passionately. “If not go back, she will make a scene.” But what Julian didn’t know was, I would never throw a tantrum at him again. Because I died two years ago. The one who just answered his call was merely an AI Voice Clone system I made for him before dying. Chapter 1 Julian flipped over, pressing Serena who was originally straddling him under his body. “We have to be fast, my flight is at ten tonight.” Serena stiffened. “Leaving tonight? Didn’t you say three days later?” Julian said carelessly: “Mm, plan to go back early, give her a surprise.” Words fell, he pinched her chin and kissed fiercely. A big hand exploring constantly, strength so big as if to knead Serena into pieces. I have never seen Julian like this. He in my impression, was such a gentle person. Still remember my 18th birthday coming of age day, I overheard his conversation with friends. “Star Bro, your that little princess finally eighteen today, are you preparing to go big tonight?” “Look how thoughtful brother is, prepared ultra-thin ones for you, whole ten oh~” Julian threw the box in hand onto the ground. “Yvonne is still small, no.” “What rotten idea, roll roll roll.” Crowd scattered, I watched Julian sitting on sofa irritably lighting a cigarette. I pushed the door, he immediately extinguished the cigarette. I picked up the box thrown on the ground, sat opposite him, looked into his eyes. “If you want, I am willing.” “As long as it’s you, I am willing anything.” I could see lust rising in Julian’s eyes. But finally, he just pressed that not fully extinguished cigarette fiercely on his own hand. “I am not willing, I want to keep your best everything for our wedding night.” “So Yvonne, let’s get married early, okay?” I floated aside, watching the two entangled on bed inseparable. Good thing, ghosts don’t feel heartache. Afterwards, Serena leaned obediently in Julian’s arm bend. “Does your family’s that good girl also play with you like this?” Julian satisfied touched Serena’s head. “Yvonne understands nothing, of course won’t.” “Speaking of in bed, still cooler with you.” Serena looked up smilingly asked: “Then how about you divorce her, marry me?” Her voice just fell, Julian immediately cold face. “Back then when I took you abroad, I said, I give you resources, you provide physiological value for me, not let you have excessive delusions right?” A trace of jealousy flashed in Serena’s eyes, but still lowered head. “Sorry.” “I overstepped.” Abrupt phone ringtone broke the stiff atmosphere between the two. Driver’s voice came from phone. “Mr. Star, I arrived, go to airport now?” “Mm, I go down now.” Julian pushed away Serena, neatly got off bed dressed. Serena bit lip asked: “Then when will you come back?” Julian put on last coat. “Not coming back, these two years hard on you, resources I gave you before unchanged, additionally I wire you another $20 Million.” “You take money, stay here act obediently, don’t return to Hong Kong, if matter between us two known by Yvonne, you know consequences.” Julian reached out touched Serena’s head. Just about turn leave, but grabbed by Serena. “Can you, not leave today?” Serena mumbled: “Tomorrow is Charity Gala, you said back then, would accompany me go.” “I looked forward for long time, just treat as good gathering good parting…” Julian looked down, met Serena’s eyes full of begging. Still remember three years ago day Julian left, I also begged him like this. “What project started so urgent?” “Can’t wait tomorrow accompany me finish birthday then leave?” I red eyes, looked at Julian somewhat aggrieved. Together with Julian twelve years, every my birthday, he always pushed all schedule, prepared one week in advance. But this time, he just took out a necklace from chest. “I know tomorrow is your birthday, but Yvonne, this project really important, won’t work without me personally watching.” “This necklace is I specially begged French designer make birthday gift for you, I put on for you, treat as I accompanied you birthday.” He gently put necklace on my neck, didn’t even have time look one glance, dropped a kiss on my forehead. “You be good, I have to go, wait I arrive place, call you.” But that day, I waited from day to past midnight. Didn’t wait Julian’s reply. Until 2 AM, outside lightning thunder. I shrank in quilt, dialed his phone. Phone rang many times, finally hung up. I got, only Julian’s one cold message. [Yvonne, I am busy, reply you later.] That time, I really thought Julian was busy. Busy to forget say happy birthday to me. Now think, he just put all heart on Serena. Julian looked at Serena, hesitated long time. But finally, he dialed assistant phone. “Delay ticket to tomorrow night, I still have some things here.” “You find time tomorrow go see Yvonne, see what she likes recently, tomorrow auction, I good bring some gifts for her.” Julian has heart remember me. Pity, I long died. Chapter 2 Charity Gala, Serena attended in full dress as image ambassador, won all traffic and gaze of whole venue. Originally everything orderly, until auction proceeded to last round. A top flow little flower always at odds with Serena opened mouth: “Today auction, all money will be used for charity.” “Miss Serena as image ambassador, how not see your lot? Could it be don’t want do charity.” Just this one sentence, all eyes in venue gathered on Serena. Serena calm and composed smiled: “Naturally not, I just waiting for this last one.” “After all, finale appearance are all high price good stuff, I also want contribute more.” Her voice just fell, last round auction also just started. Serena first raised paddle with price three times higher than lot. “$10 Million.” Whole venue instantly silent. Only that top flow little flower, slowly raised paddle: “$12 Million.” After, every time Serena called, opposite would follow raise paddle. Until that necklace lot was raised to $50 Million. Serena’s face instantly black. She knew opponent absolutely impossible let her go just like this. But she already spoke just now, if not raise, inevitable leave gossip. Just in moment she hesitated, auctioneer already called to end. “$50 Million three…” “Blank Check Bid.” Julian slowly raised hand. I along with everyone present, all sucked a cold breath. He carelessly raised eyes, looked at that little flower. “Want follow?” Julian Star is famous dignitary in Hong Kong. Who present doesn’t know him? Finally, he easily won that necklace. In front of everyone, put necklace on Serena’s neck. “This necklace matches Miss Serena very well, I then give it to Miss Serena.” “Also, money for lot just now, all donated in Miss Serena’s name.” He now is indeed greatly different from before. Think back his startup early stage, we two couldn’t even rent a decent house. Could only hide in dark damp basement, hug for warmth. That time, he put soda can pull ring on my fingertip, promised me: “Yvonne, you relax, I absolutely will kill out from blood wind blood rain, stand on top of Hong Kong, let you live good life.” Now, he indeed did it. Tens of millions blank check, eyes didn’t blink. Just to support Serena. Chapter 3 As expected, Serena became focus of whole venue, surrounded by people, fighting to toast Serena. Serena didn’t want drink, but dare not offend. Just when left right difficult, Julian pulled her into arms from crowd. “She alcohol allergy, can’t drink.” “This glass, I drink for her.” My heart fiercely trembled. Once upon a time, whenever someone wanted persuade me drink, Julian also blocked in front of me like this. Not I can’t drink, but back then Julian company heavily hit. I heartached Julian, secretly went out talk cooperation, attend various dinners. Raw drank myself stomach bleeding entered hospital three times. Last time even stomach perforation, almost died. Open eyes again, I already in hospital. Bedside, is Julian who should be on business trip. I surprised: “How you back…” “Cheng Yuanyuan, who let you go out drink?” “Still drank yourself into this look! Do you know how dangerous? If you had a bit accident, want me do what!” That was in so many years, Julian first time lost temper to me. I instantly red eyes. “I just, don’t want watch you so hard…” “Did I mess up? Sorry, originally wanted help you, is me useless, conversely helped busy work…” Julian raised hand fiercely slapped himself. “Sorry, I shouldn’t fierce you, I just too afraid, I afraid you have accident.” “Is me useless, is me didn’t protect you well, later I absolutely won’t let you drink again…” But what Julian didn’t know is, countless sleepless days and nights after he left. I didn’t know how many times drunk. Drank all in one gulp, Julian patted Serena shoulder. “I go, future if have anything, no need call me, you contact Lee, he will help you solve.” “I afraid hear Yvonne jealous.” Words fell, Julian turned leave. But just walked downstairs, heard Serena voice behind. “Julian!” Julian turned back, watching Serena red eyes running towards him. Next second, her foot slipped. Heavily rolled down from stairs. “Serena!” Chapter 4 In hospital corridor, Julian face worried looking at light on in operating room. Then, he lowered head, looked at watch, still one and half hour distance flight takeoff. He sighed helplessly, opened phone, just wanted dial Lee phone. But found 99+ missed calls. All Lee. Julian puzzled frowned, Lee’s call popped up again. He answered, Lee anxious voice came from other end: “Boss, bad, Madam she…” Operating room light instantly extinguished, doctor walking out attracted Julian’s sight. He then said to phone. “Delay flight a bit, I am a bit busy now, even sky big news say later.” Words fell, he hung up phone. Bounced up from chair, looked doctor asked: “Doctor, how is it? Is she okay?” Doctor took off mask, shook head. “Fine, just some bone crack, already fixed.” “Patient needs rest more, cannot use leg excessively.” Julian sighed relief, smiling said: “Okay, hard work.” He watched Serena supported by nurse walk out, stepped forward picked up horizontally. “Careful.” He carried Serena all way back to ward, until gently put Serena on sickbed. Lowered head instructed: “Doctor said you need rest well, cancel schedule recently, all loss, I bear.” “I really going this time, otherwise can’t catch anniversary, Yvonne will be sad.” He just turned, but waist circled by Serena arms. Serena choked: “Julian, can you not go?” “I really can’t leave you.” Julian rolled in business field so long, naturally not a stupid one. He could see, Serena delaying him time and again. Julian reached hand, pinched her chin. Raised eyebrow smiled: “Didn’t tell you? Don’t have excessive thoughts on me, why you, just not good?” “Your next drama male lead traffic very big, go contact him more, if together, I sign him, future push your couple file.” “Not like, just treat as hype scandal, also good for you.” Serena naturally understood Julian meaning. She paralyzed on bed, bit lip cried: “Julian Star, you ruthless to me, don’t want me, fine.” “Then our child? You also don’t want?” “What did you say?” I could clearly see, Julian body stiffened. Child, always pain in me and Julian heart. Just because, second year I married Julian, kidnapped by his deadly rival. That time, I already pregnant five months. That group kidnappers raw used stick beat off my child. I don’t know how I was rescued by Julian. I only know when wake up again, doctor talking to Julian. My uterus prolapse. Never can have child again. Since then, child became taboo me and Julian kept silent. Until I saw, Julian holding his good brother’s child, long time unwilling let go. I endured heartache, forced smile said to Julian: “Julian, let’s go adopt one.” But he saw through my fragility at one glance. He red eyes, hugged me into arms. “Not you birthed, I don’t want.” I held a breath, floated aside watching Julian. Waiting his decision. Only saw him lower head. Long time, he took deep breath. “Didn’t you always want go overseas be international star? After child born, I will send you abroad, don’t come back.” Sure enough, to Serena, he finally different. I lowered head self-mockery smiled, last trace affection for Julian in heart, instantly dissipated.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390105”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Three years after Harvey disappeared, the old house was bought out by developers for a fortune. Just as I was holding the check, ready to start a new life, he pushed the door open. He brought a young nurse with him. She was heavily pregnant, calling me “Sister” in a sickeningly sweet voice. Harvey pushed his gold-rimmed glasses and ordered me self-righteously: “Nicole, since you can’t have children, you should have some self-awareness.” “Hand over the buyout money for Lola’s baby. When the child is born, he can call you Godmother.” “As for you, stay home and serve Lola during her recovery. Consider it atonement for me.” I silently put away the keys to my new BMW and looked at him like he was brain-damaged. “Harvey, did you lose your brain along with your memory? This house is my pre-marital property. The money has nothing to do with you.” “Also, I already declared you legally dead. I flushed your ashes down the toilet. You are now officially a ghost.” Chapter 1 I was still holding the thermos lunch box I made for Pierce. The heat was still radiating from it. But Harvey sat on my new Italian leather sofa like he owned the place. He crossed his legs, patting the armrest with disgust. “What is this taste? The color is too bright. Tacky. When the money comes, throw all this furniture out. Lola likes French Country style.” The woman named Lola covered her nose and fake-retched. “Oh, Harvey, is the Feng Shui bad here? My chest feels tight. Will it hurt our little golden nugget?” Harvey immediately supported her nervously, then glared at me viciously. “Did you hear that? Open all the windows! If you scare my son, can you afford to pay?” I sneered and slammed the thermos onto the coffee table. “Pay? Are you worthy?” I went into the bedroom, took out a file folder, and threw it in Harvey’s face. “Read it. This is the receipt for your death certificate cancellation. Three years ago, you ran away from gambling debts. Everyone was looking for you.” “As your legal widow, I did my duty and cleaned up your mess.” Harvey picked up the paper, his face turning purple. He tore the certificate into shreds, confetti raining down. “Nicole! You toxic woman! Cursing me when I’m not even dead?” “I just went into hiding for a few years! I did it for this family!” “And you? Unfaithful! While I was gone, did you hook up with some wild man?” The more he spoke, the more righteous he felt. He stood up and pointed at my nose. “Who is this Pierce? The security guard mentioned him. Your boy toy?” “Fine. Spending my money on a gigolo? Now that I’m back, I’m the head of this house! Hand over the bank card with the buyout money immediately! It will be my startup capital for returning to the family! Otherwise, I’ll make you leave with nothing!” Lola chimed in sarcastically: “Sister, you’re being unreasonable. The man is the sky. No matter what he did outside, as long as he comes back, you should welcome him on your knees.” “Especially since Harvey has an heir now. A hen that can’t lay eggs like you should be grateful.” Watching these two sing their duet, I felt disgusted. And amused. Three years ago, Harvey sold everything we owned to gamble. He owed loan sharks and ran away overnight. Debtors splashed paint on my door and threatened me. I sold my jewelry and worked day and night to pay them off. I took care of his paralyzed father until he died. Harvey never called once. Now that he heard about the buyout money, he sniffed his way back? I picked up the cup of hot tea on the table. “You’re right. I should welcome you.” Harvey smiled smugly, thinking I gave in. “That’s right. As long as you obey…” Splash. A cup of scalding tea, right in his face. Tea leaves hung from his glasses. He screamed like a pig. “Nicole! Are you crazy?!” I watched him jump around blankly. “This is a libation for the dead. You’re welcome. Also, the deed has only my name on it. My parents left it to me. I signed the buyout agreement alone.” “As for leaving with nothing…” I took out my phone and dialed 911. “Hello, police? I want to report a break-in.” “Two unidentified intruders are in my home. The man claims to be my dead husband. The woman is an accomplice.” “Yes, they are trying to rob me and threatening me.” Hearing me call the police, Harvey finally panicked. He lunged to grab my phone. “You dare call the cops? I’m your husband!” I dodged and grabbed the heavy crystal ashtray. “My husband died three years ago. I flushed his ashes.” “If you touch me now, it’s home invasion and assault.” The police arrived quickly. Two officers looked at the mess and the screaming Harvey. “ID, please.” Harvey took out his scratched-up ID card. The officer scanned it. Frowned. “ID invalid. Status: Deceased.” “Sir, in the system, you are dead.” Harvey was frantic. “Officer, this woman harmed me! I’m alive! Look, I’m warm!” The officer looked at him coldly. “Doesn’t matter. Your legal status is revoked. You are a ghost in the system.” “This lady is charging you with trespassing. Come with us.” Lola turned pale, hiding behind Harvey. “Harvey… this isn’t what you said…” As Harvey was dragged out, he yelled back: “Nicole! Just you wait! I went on a secret mission abroad to protect you!” “You’ll regret treating me like this!” I leaned against the door, twirling my BMW keys. “Goodbye, ghost.” Chapter 2 Harvey wasn’t held for long. He was alive, after all. Proving his identity was just a matter of time. But I underestimated his thick skin. The next morning, I was woken up by wailing in the hallway. I opened the door. Harvey had brought his nightmare of a mother. His mom sat on my doormat, slapping her thighs and crying. “No justice! My daughter-in-law stole the family fortune and tried to kill her husband! My son suffered for three years, and now he can’t even enter his own home!” “Everyone look! This toxic woman got rich and turned heartless!” It was rush hour. Neighbors gathered around. Harvey stood there, looking disheveled and pitiful. Lola, with her belly, handed out candy to the neighbors. “Auntie, have some candy. I’m Harvey’s partner. Even though Sister doesn’t accept me, I hope for your blessings.” “Sister isn’t bad, just… too greedy.” The neighbors started whispering. “That’s too much. Not letting her husband in?” “I heard the buyout was huge. She probably wants it all.” “The mistress is wrong, but she’s pregnant. Can’t be too harsh.” I stood at the door, laughing in anger. Moral kidnapping? I, Nicole, have never been afraid of a shrew. I went back inside and brought out the megaphone I charged last night. Max volume. Play. “Harvey! Male! 32! Three years ago, abandoned wife and child due to massive gambling debts! Debt list: $50k to John, $80k to Mike, $300k to loan sharks…” “Harvey’s Mom! While her son ran away, faked illness to scam daughter-in-law out of $50k for medical bills, actually used it for Mahjong!” The megaphone looped my “Indictment” loudly. It drowned out the old lady’s crying. The neighbors froze. “Gambling debts?” “Faked illness for Mahjong?” “Came back for the money with a pregnant mistress?” Seeing the tide turn, Harvey’s mom jumped up and rushed at me. “You little slut! I’ll tear your mouth!” She clawed at my face. I dodged. She slipped and face-planted on the floor. “Ouch! Assault! Daughter-in-law beating her mother-in-law!” She rolled on the ground. Harvey rushed up to push me. “Nicole! You dare touch my mom!” Just as his hand reached my shoulder… A strong hand clamped onto his wrist like a vice. “Touch her and see what happens.” A low, cold voice. Pierce stood there in his uniform, tall and imposing. He just came from the station. He held a file. His massive Land Rover was parked downstairs, a sharp contrast to Harvey’s poverty. Harvey grimaced in pain, eyes red with jealousy. “Is this the gigolo? Did you incite Nicole to kill me?” Pierce sneered and applied pressure. Harvey screamed and dropped to his knees. “Kill you? Legally, you’re dead. Also, according to the latest city ordinance, this is a demolition zone. No loitering.” “You are a squatter. Leave, or I’ll have security throw you out like trash.” Pierce let go. Chapter 3 Seeing Harvey lose, Lola clutched her belly and screamed. “Ouch… my stomach… it hurts…” “He pushed me! He wants to kill our son!” “She’s pregnant! Don’t let anything happen!” I took out my phone. “Stomach ache? Let’s call an ambulance.” “Pierce knows the director of the City Hospital. Let’s do a full checkup.” “And while we’re at it, an amniocentesis. Let’s see if it’s Harvey’s seed. I’ll pay.” Hearing “amniocentesis,” Lola stopped screaming. “No… it’s fine. I just need to rest.” “Harvey, let’s go. The energy here is bad.” Harvey got up, glaring at me and Pierce. “Nicole! Wait and see! This isn’t over!” He helped his cursing mother and guilty mistress away. They scurried off like rats. Pierce turned around, his cold aura vanishing. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes gentle. “You okay? Next time, let me handle the trash.” I shook the megaphone. “No need for your ‘Ultimate Move’ on these low-level mobs.” Pierce held my hand. Warm and dry. “Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, they can’t do anything.” But I underestimated their shamelessness. Two days later, I came home to find my lock glued shut. Harvey’s mom was wearing my pajamas, eating a green onion in the hallway. “Oh, you’re back? Buy some ribs. I want soup tonight.” Inside, I almost had a stroke. Living room trashed. Cigarette burns on my leather sofa. Harvey smoking with his feet on the table. Lola at my vanity, smearing my $500 face cream on her belly. My dog locked on the balcony under the sun, panting. Harvey blew a smoke ring. “Nicole, don’t bother. I changed the lock. If you don’t give the money, we live here.” “Half this house is mine anyway. If we can’t live well, no one lives.” “Oh, the dog was too loud. If you don’t pay tomorrow, I’ll stew it for Lola.” I looked at my Golden Retriever on the balcony. Pierce gave him to me. He was my son. “Fine. Stay if you want.” I put down my bag and went to the kitchen. “Want rib soup? I’ll make it.” The three of them exchanged victorious glances. “Should have done this sooner,” the old lady grumbled. I opened the cabinet and took out a packet of strong laxatives I bought for the neighbor. I dumped the whole packet into the soup. Added lots of pepper to mask the taste. “Dinner!” I served the soup, giving Lola a huge bowl. They were starving. They gulped it down. “Your cooking got worse. Too bitter,” the old lady complained. Lola was happy. “Sister, I’m the mistress of this house now. You sleep in the maid’s room.” “Sure. If you can sleep tonight.” Thirty minutes later. First the old lady. Face green. A thunderous fart. She rushed to the bathroom. Then Harvey. Pale faced. Dancing at the bathroom door. “Mom! Hurry up! I’m gonna explode!” Finally Lola. Rolling on the floor in pain. Chapter 4 One bathroom. Three people. Chaos. It was a biohazard zone. While they were weak and collapsing, I ran to the balcony and saved my dog. Then I threw their luggage into the hallway. Holding my breath, I dragged the three stinking bodies out the door one by one. “Get out!” Slam. I called Pierce. “Bring someone to change the lock. The most expensive fingerprint one!” That night, the Harvey family wrapped themselves in sheets and cursed in the hallway. Neighbors complained about the smell. Security threw them out. But the next day, Harvey’s mom hung a banner at the gate. “Toxic Wife Nicole Murders Husband’s Family!” I looked at the banner. No more games. Pierce brought his legal team. A row of suits stood at the gate. Pierce handed Harvey a letter. “Mr. Harvey, regarding your illegal entry, destruction of property, and defamation.” “My client is suing.” But Harvey knew how to play the victim in the age of viral traffic. He found a sleazy media outlet and started a livestream. On camera, Harvey looked beaten (from falling while having diarrhea). He claimed it was domestic abuse. “Family! I didn’t disappear! I was imprisoned by that toxic woman for three years!” “She wanted the buyout money! She poisoned me! Locked me in the basement!” “If Lola didn’t save me, I’d be dead!” He showed his scars. (From loan sharks in Vegas). Lola cried beside him. “Harvey is so pitiful… Sister, how could you be so cruel? This is his child…” They forged a diary. Detailing how I conspired with my “lover” Pierce to make Harvey disappear. Public opinion exploded. “Omg! Real life Gone Girl!” “Evil woman! Death penalty!” “That lover is a cop? Investigate him!” Netizens doxxed me. Death threats. Abusive texts. “Die, toxic woman!” “I’ll throw poop at your door!” I dared not go out. Neighbors looked at me with fear. Someone threw a dead rat at my window. I hid behind the curtains, watching the streamers downstairs. They filmed my window, chanting justice for clicks. Pierce was suspended pending investigation. “Nicole, don’t be scared. I’m finding evidence. Don’t go out,” he rasped on the phone. But before Pierce’s evidence came, the police knocked. “Ms. Yu, based on the diary and allegations, you are suspected of attempted murder and illegal imprisonment. Please come with us.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389923”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

When I learned that the high school student I was sponsoring was the future villain of the story, he knocked on my door. I opened it to see a nervous boy carrying a bag of local specialties from the mountains, his eyes bright with hope. Rows of comments floated across my vision: [Is this the future human trafficker villain in the book?] [Tsk tsk, the mad dog in his domestic phase.] [Just wait until he becomes successful; he’ll be the biggest stumbling block for the male and female leads.] [The villain will seek his own death and end up being destroyed by the male lead, leaving nothing but ashes.] I paused, instinctively taking two steps back. Liam’s eyes dimmed, revealing a bitter smile. “Sorry, I just wanted to come and thank you, Miss Carter.” He put down the fertilizer sack he was using as a bag and turned to leave. I frowned and called out to him, “Wait!” 1 Liam froze, slowly turning around. He kept his head down, not looking at me, his voice low and hoarse. “Is there anything else you need me to do, Miss Carter?” I asked him, “You’re leaving just like that?” Liam nodded. “School is on summer break, and I just wanted to see you. Now that I have, it’s time to go back.” Comments floated by: [The villain is actually kinda pitiful. If he could keep this loyal dog persona, he’d definitely be a top-tier character!] [Seriously, bro? You took a motorcycle from the village to town, a bus from town to the county seat, another bus to the city transit center, then a subway to the train station, and endured a 13-hour hard seat ride to New York, just to give your sponsor a bag of local produce?] [This produce is what the villain got in exchange for helping an old lady in the village with farm work. How did such a good seedling grow crooked?] [I really feel for the villain now. God knows how many eye rolls and disdain he suffered carrying that fertilizer sack on the way here!] My throat tightened. Looking at his sweat-streaked face, I couldn’t help but say, “Never mind. Come in and cool off for a bit.” Liam was clearly reluctant, stepping back a few paces. “My… my shoes are a bit dirty.” I looked down. His white sneakers, washed until the fabric was fuzzy, were grey with dust. But it was clear they had been scrubbed clean by their owner many times. I didn’t say anything, just pointed at the fertilizer sack. “Help me carry that in. I have slippers for you.” Liam looked up sharply, stunned. I took out a new pair of slippers for him. “Put these on.” Liam put down the produce and stood awkwardly in the living room. I poured him a cold drink and smiled, “Sit on the sofa. What are you standing there for?” Liam gave me a forced smile. He seemed terrified, as if afraid of dirtying my sofa. I asked about his studies, finally diverting his attention. As soon as studies were mentioned, Liam visibly relaxed. His grades were excellent. He was top of his class at the best high school in his county. I listened quietly, suddenly feeling that this boy was nothing like what the comments described. His eyes were very dark and bright, hiding a resilient strength. That was clearly a hope for the future, a desire to make something of himself. How could a kid like this become the kind of person who would bleed for a woman, as the comments claimed? 2 After he finished, I asked him, “What are your plans for the summer?” Liam paused, scratching his head a little sheepishly. “I plan to do some practice problems, preview the next semester’s content…” [The villain really has a talent for lying from a young age. He was clearly planning to tutor someone else.] [Don’t delay the SATs, big bro! Even if you’re a villain, the obsession with college entrance exams is carved into our bones!] [Ten dollars an hour? Even slave labor isn’t this cheap, right?] [And that parent has a terrible temper and is hard to talk to. If their kid’s grades don’t improve, they scold the villain. The villain suffers endless eye rolls and ridicule, and his heart starts to twist!] [Upstairs, he has no choice. The villain only wants to spend the sponsor sister’s money on his studies; he insists on earning his own living expenses.] I interrupted Liam’s lie. Choosing my words carefully, I asked, “My friend’s bookstore is hiring. If you’re willing…” Before I could finish, an anxious look appeared on Liam’s face. “Is it a very important friend? Can I really help?” My probing words got stuck in my throat. Staring at the boy’s overly handsome face for a few seconds, I slowly nodded. “Can you watch the store for her? I’ll pay you 100 a day.” Before Liam could speak, the comments exploded. [What is this sponsor sister doing? If the villain doesn’t go through those hardships, how will he become that paranoid, gloomy business tycoon later?] [Exactly! If the villain doesn’t go back to tutor the rich kid in the city, how will he accidentally meet the female lead who is traveling there?!] My heart moved slightly. Suffering has never been a necessity for success. If possible, who wouldn’t want to walk in the sunlight? As for the female lead mentioned in the comments… If she would only bring pain to Liam. Then what meaning did their meeting have? Why should Liam, with such a bright future, become the touchstone for the main couple’s love? Liam nervously picked at the seam of his jeans, “I… I haven’t done this before. I’m afraid I won’t do a good job…” I smiled at him and patted his shoulder encouragingly. “It’s okay. There’s always a first time for everything. I believe in you.” Liam was a little stunned. His droopy puppy eyes suddenly widened. His lips trembled as if he wanted to say something. But he was interrupted by the sudden sound of the door opening. “Cousin! I had a huge fight with my mom!” The comments suddenly started scrolling. [Great! The female lead is here!] [Oh ho! Turns out the sponsor sister is the female lead’s cousin!] 3 Female lead? Who? My cousin? I looked up at Chloe at the door, a flash of surprise on my face. But I quickly understood. Chloe is my aunt’s daughter. Her parents are loving, and the Su family has been in business for generations—a standard wealthy family. She has a naive and straightforward personality, holding a natural kindness towards everyone and everything. Looking at it this way, she really is the standard configuration for a novel’s female lead. [Damn it! Our male lead is still on his way, why did the villain meet her so early?] [It’s okay. When the female lead goes abroad to study, the Su family will face a crisis, and the female lead can get engaged to the male lead!] [The main couple marries first and loves later, falling for each other without knowing it. Luckily, the villain became a business upstart by then, appearing beside the female lead to make the male lead feel threatened.] Me: ? Wait— According to the comments. The Su family’s company is operating well; how could a crisis suddenly appear? Liam is already successful and famous. How can he still be a part of the main couple’s play?? In the blink of an eye, Chloe had already walked up to me. “Sis, I want to go to an ancient town in the Southwest to sketch, but my mom just won’t agree. You have to persuade her!” After saying that, she realized there was someone else in the living room. Chloe paused, holding my hand: “Oh, we have a guest.” I came back to my senses and introduced, “This is Liam, the student I’m sponsoring.” Turning to Liam, I said, “This is my cousin, Chloe.” They greeted each other. I watched helplessly as Liam’s gaze stayed on Chloe’s face. Then it traveled down, fixing on our joined hands. The comments were excited: [Who can resist the aura of the little sunshine female lead!] [Haha, the villain must be lovestruck already.] [The place the female lead wants to go is where she meets the male lead, right? So the plot is advancing ahead of schedule.] [Oh my god, sponsor sister, quickly separate the female lead and the villain! Our female lead baby belongs to the male lead!] I frowned slightly in discomfort. Afraid Liam would feel uncomfortable, I told Chloe to wait for me in the study upstairs. After she left, I looked at Liam: “Since I asked you to stay, you can live here. There are many guest rooms on the third floor; pick one.” Liam gazed at me and slowly nodded. “I’ll listen to you, Miss Carter.” After settling Liam, I immediately went to the second-floor study. Listening to Chloe chatter about the causes and consequences, I finally understood. It turned out she went sketching to put together a portfolio to apply to prestigious art schools abroad. Superior family background, prestigious school degree. It seemed indeed to be a good path. I nodded, “I’ll help you persuade Auntie.” Before leaving, Chloe asked me: “Sis, you’re a college student. Why sponsor a high school student?” 4 Choosing to sponsor Liam was a coincidence. I am a person with very low material desires. Just started college, my mom gave me fifty thousand dollars a month for pocket money. Accidentally scrolled onto a post seeking sponsorship. Found many children from impoverished areas leaving messages in the comments. I felt at the time that money sitting in my card was just a dead object; better to use it for something more meaningful. I left a sentence in the comments section, stating I could sponsor. Nearly a thousand people messaged me privately. Liam was just one of them. I started sponsoring 30 students. Later I found out that only a very small number of them were truly poor. So 30 people were reduced to 18. Liam was still among them. But I only had a very shallow impression of him. We truly became familiar because after he finished his high school entrance exams, he got first place in the county and received a scholarship of a thousand dollars. He transferred all that thousand to me. [Miss Carter, I know this money isn’t much, but I earned it myself. Could you please accept it?] It was from that moment that I noticed this orphan child. Destitute but proud. Insecure yet resilient. Every holiday, I would receive his greetings on time. For the money sent every month, he would also be meticulous, sending me a breakdown of expenses. But what he sent more often were his grades, ranking first in his grade every time. I checked the high school Liam attended. It was a key county school. Although the teaching resources were limited, it was a solid good school. The competitive pressure was immense, making the first place in the grade even more rare. I told Chloe all this. She was a bit surprised, murmuring: “…So that’s how it is.” Chloe changed the subject. “But just because of that, you let him live in your house?” I paused. Outside the window, the sun was bright, and the cicadas were loud. For no reason, I thought of Liam carrying his schoolbag and the fertilizer sack. And then I thought of the comments saying Liam would do anything for Chloe, becoming crazy and demonic. I exhaled heavily. I don’t know if I was saying it to myself or to Chloe. “Maybe, it’s because I feel he shouldn’t have that ending.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389939”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was so deep in character during the final scene that I instinctively shoved the prop “Termination of Pregnancy Consent Form” into my jacket pocket. Back at my condo, Kellan Maxwell, my A-list actor boyfriend—whose relationship with me was strictly classified—found the paper while hanging up my coat. His voice was hoarse, grated with sand: “When?” I thought he was asking when filming wrapped: “Just this afternoon. It was quick, honestly. Barely felt a thing, and then it was over.” The light in Kellan’s eyes instantly went out. He staggered backward, collapsing onto the sofa. The next day, I left for a locked-down period-piece shoot. When I finally emerged, the rumor mill was churning. Kellan had canceled all his projects. He had spent weeks at a remote monastic retreat, performing a silent vigil for a lost soul—for a child who never drew breath. 1 I hadn’t even managed to take off my heels when Kellan Maxwell’s warm, mint-scented kiss found me, his arms locking around my waist in a tight, possessive hold. Normally, faced with Kellan’s demanding affection, I’d happily go three hundred rounds. But not today. I was fresh off a month-long shoot, exhausted, and desperately needed a hot shower. “Stop, please…” I turned my head, dodging his lips. “I think my spine is fractured. Have mercy.” Kellan froze. The playful, sultry look in his eyes instantly morphed into one of sharp concern. “That bad?” “The worst.” I let out a groan as I shrugged out of my heavy coat and shoved it into his arms. “Hang this up, would you? I’m hitting the makeup wipes.” I headed straight for the bathroom. Behind me, I heard the rustle of fabric. Kellan always took care of the laundry and dry cleaning. He was already efficiently hanging my coat, his hands instinctively checking the pockets. The shower was running, and I was squeezing a pump of cleansing oil onto my palm, working on the waterproof mascara, when Kellan’s voice cut through the running water. It was barely a whisper, yet it carried an unnatural tremor. “Cassidy, when did this happen?” My eyes were closed, my face slick with oil. I assumed he was asking about my final scene. “Just this afternoon. It was quick, honestly. Didn’t feel a thing, and then it was over.” I’d expected the closing scene to be brutal, but it had gone surprisingly well, which was why I was home early. “…Did it hurt?” I felt a little warmth in my chest. I’d been in a wire harness for over an hour that day. It had definitely hurt, but complaining was unprofessional. So I answered casually: “Not really. A bit sore at the time, I guess, but I’m fine now. Totally numb.” I hadn’t noticed the rain that had started outside. The mist on the glass blurred the warm light in the room. The air outside the bathroom door thickened and hardened. Kellan’s voice trembled again, lower this time: “…Why didn’t you tell me?” Oh, here we go. The man was sulking. Was he really upset that I hadn’t given him a heads-up about wrapping early? I rolled my eyes. “Kellan, it was a tiny thing. Why would I call you? Half the crew was still there. We’re supposed to be keeping things on the low, remember?” With that, I shut the bathroom door, ready to start my long-awaited bath. I was just sinking into the tub when I heard a soft knock. “Cass?” I swished the water. “What now?” Silence for a beat. “Don’t run the water too hot. It’s not good for your system. And… don’t soak too long. You might get dizzy.” “I know, I know. God, you’re turning into such a nag.” He didn’t reply to my complaint. But I heard the low murmur of his phone call outside. “…If she gets chilled… what meds should I have on hand… Yes, I know she’s healthy, but we have to be careful…” I just assumed he was calling his overly cautious family doctor on my behalf. I didn’t see Kellan hang up, walk to the thermostat, and quietly raise the condo temperature by two degrees. 2 When I finally emerged, clean and in a soft robe, Kellan was sitting motionless on the sofa, like a marble statue. The reading lamp cast a long, lonely shadow behind him. He looked like a small child who’d been utterly abandoned by the world. Kellan was a method actor. Sometimes he’d get deep into a script and drift off into his own world. I didn’t worry about it. I couldn’t worry about it. I was leaving the next morning for a remote, highly demanding period piece. While toweling my hair, I wrestled my massive suitcase onto the floor and started packing. I was mentally running through my pre-dawn schedule as I stuffed clothes into the case. Kellan watched my frantic activity, several times parting his lips as if to speak, then snapping them shut. Finally, as I reached for the zipper, he pressed his hand over mine. “Cassidy.” “Do you absolutely have to leave tomorrow?” “You haven’t recovered yet…” I stared at him, bewildered. “What are you talking about? I’m perfectly fine. I’m a rock star.” “Besides, the entire crew is waiting for me to show up. Hundreds of people. If I back out now, it’s a breach of contract. Do you know how much the penalty is?” “I’ll pay it.” The words flew out of him. “Just stay home for a few days. Rest. Please.” I frowned, looking at him incredulously. “Kellan, what is wrong with you today?” “You’re the one who always told me an actor must have integrity, and you honor your contracts! And again, I’m fine. I’m full of energy. I don’t need ‘rest’ like some delicate flower.” Kellan’s face went instantly, horrifyingly pale, as if I had slapped him across the mouth. I didn’t understand his expression; I just felt he was being unusually clingy and difficult. I stood up straight, snapping the lock on the suitcase. “Besides, you were the one who pushed me to focus on my career. Now that I’m finally getting some traction, are you trying to keep me locked away like a gilded cage doll?” That phrase seemed to break something in him. Kellan stumbled back half a step, dropping heavily onto the sofa. He looked up at me, his eyes shattered. “It… it was me who told you to focus on your career.” He let out a terrible, choked sound that was not quite a laugh and not quite a sob. “I was wrong.” I turned away to wheel the suitcase out of the way, not paying his whispered words any mind. 3 I was exhausted from the long day, and packing had finished me off. I was asleep the second my head hit the pillow. But I woke up, groggy, to the familiar scent of Kellan’s minty body wash. I was leaving tomorrow. Two months was a long time. The thought of the separation made me feel a little reckless. I rolled over and snuggled into his chest, my hand wandering under the hem of his pajama top. “Kellan…” My voice was a soft, sleepy purr, and I lifted my chin, searching for his lips. The next second, my whole body went rigid. Kellan had pushed me away. It was a gentle move, but the refusal was absolute and unmistakable. He pressed my errant hand against the sheet. “Don’t, Cass. Sleep.” I pouted. “I’m leaving tomorrow. We won’t see each other for weeks. And that’s your reaction?” The Kellan I knew would have consumed me already. Tonight, he was rigid, acting like some kind of saint. He retreated slightly, pulling the duvet up to my chin, tucking me in so tightly only my eyes were visible. “Listen to me.” In the dark, his gaze was heavy. “Your body hasn’t fully recovered. We can’t risk it.” I frowned. “I’m tired, sure, but you’re actually rejecting me?” “Don’t expect me to be this eager next time, Kellan!” “Please. Just behave.” There was a desperate plea in his voice. I narrowed my eyes at him. This man was truly off-kilter tonight. Fine, Kellan Maxwell. Maybe you’re bored of me. “Whatever! Who cares!” I huffed, rolling onto my side with my back to him, pulling the comforter over my head. “Good! Sleep! Don’t touch me!” A single, heavy sigh sounded behind me. 4 That night, Kellan Maxwell did not sleep. He lay there, staring at the ceiling, looking at Cassidy, who was sulking next to him. His heart felt as if an invisible hand were squeezing it, wringing it out until only pain remained. He didn’t dare close his eyes. Every time he did, he saw the crumpled, clinical form: Termination of Pregnancy Consent. He remembered an afternoon two months prior. The sunlight was perfect, catching the fine downy hairs on her cheek as she scrolled through videos on his lap. Suddenly, she held the phone up to his face. On the screen was a little girl in a pink dress. Cassidy’s eyes were shining. “Kellan, look! Isn’t she the cutie? Who do you think our kid would look like?” She tilted her head, her face full of a heartbreaking, naive hope for the future. “I hope the features are yours, but the expression is mine.” Kellan had sighed, a weary smile touching his lips. He loved her, and because he loved her, he knew the ruthless nature of their business. “Cass, you’re still young.” “This industry is brutal for actresses. You have maybe a decade in your prime. If you take a year off to have a baby, the market forgets you instantly.” “I don’t want you to regret it later—giving up your chance to be brilliant and unforgettable just to be a mom.” He had analyzed the pros and cons, calmly and logically. “You have the fire, the talent. You shouldn’t slow down this soon. As for kids… can we talk about it later?” The light in Cassidy’s eyes dimmed noticeably. Right. He was the massive star, the A-lister with the career on fire. He wasn’t ready to be a father. She masked her disappointment quickly, throwing him a brittle smile. “God, don’t look so serious. I was just making conversation.” Now, Kellan buried his face in his hands, a groan escaping his throat. He was a monster. What if she had already been pregnant then? Her casual question—was it a test? Was she waiting for him to say: I want a baby with you, or I can’t wait for our child to look just like you? But his cold, pragmatic response told her everything she needed to know. Kellan couldn’t bear to imagine it. What must it have been like for her to go through that—alone? To come home and say it was “quick” and she “barely felt a thing”? He knew her. The more casually she dismissed it, the more deeply she was hurting inside. The regret that burned in his chest was a wildfire. He looked at Cassidy, whose brow was furrowed slightly even in sleep. His hand shook as he reached out to touch her cheek, then stopped inches away, terrified of disturbing her fragile rest. Finally, he settled his arm in a stiff, protective curve around her empty stomach. He spent the long, endless night internally condemning himself. I killed our child. I am the one who killed the only family we had. Hours later, Kellan sat up. He opened the private chat group he shared with a few childhood friends. [Kellan Maxwell: My child is gone.]

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389957”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was the adopted daughter, but I fell in love with the biological son. At ten, Julian Sterling said he would marry me. At sixteen, Julian kissed me, telling me: “Blair is my only moon.” At eighteen, I gave myself to Julian, thinking our love was mutual. A night of passion. But when dawn broke, Julian suddenly despised me. “Get out. I don’t have a sister as cheap as you.” From then on, he never looked at me again. Later, the true daughter Serena Sterling returned. She hated me, effortlessly crushing everything I had. Father’s gaze, Julian’s love, and my dignity. Until she framed me for leaking classified military intelligence, causing Father’s mission to fail and his death in depression. Julian loathed me completely. He personally dragged me out of the funeral home, sweeping me out the door: “The Sterling family doesn’t have a daughter like you, and I don’t have a sister like you.” “In this life, don’t let me see you again!” Chapter 1 The third year after being kicked out of the Sterling family was also the first year I was kept by Jace. I saw Julian Sterling again. It was a charity gala hosted by the Sterlings. I knew I shouldn’t come, and I didn’t want to come. But this was Jace’s will. He was my patron, and I had no right to refuse. I lowered my eyes, my voice trembling: “Mr. Jagger, I don’t want to go over there…” Jace patted my face, not hard, but full of humiliation. “What’s wrong? Afraid to see Julian? Afraid he’ll see you like this now?” “Blair, you know. Wrongdoings always come with a price. I treat you well, why take birth control pills behind my back? Think I didn’t know?” My blood ran cold instantly. Then I laughed self-deprecatingly, actively wrapping my arms around his neck with a coquettish smile, a numbness of broken jars smashing. “Then you have to pay more.” “Give me fifty thousand, and I’ll accompany you to the gala.” My special medicine is running out. Fifty thousand is enough to buy three more bottles, to live three more months. Jace froze. His eyes went from astonishment to amusement, finally laughing low: “Fifty thousand?” “Blair, since when did you value yourself so low? I’ll give you a hundred thousand.” He leaned in, lips almost touching my ear. Malice poured out: “Remember to watch your eyes. I am your man.” “You, Blair, were thrown away by him long ago. Rotten, smelly, now picked back up by my money. Understood?” I lowered my eyelashes, answering meekly: “Understood, Mr. Jagger.” I followed Jace closely. He seemed dissatisfied, actively putting his arm around my waist, walking towards the center. Julian also saw our approach. Turning around, facing us directly. Jace extended his hand, greeting actively: “Mr. Sterling, long time no see. My father often mentions you, saying you are the one he admires most among the younger generation in the military.” Julian spoke politely. His voice was the same as in my memory, with a metallic coldness: “Your father flatters me. Mr. Jagger is the young hero, taking down the Hamptons project so easily.” Jace smiled. Didn’t let go of my waist, instead patting it, with a hint of showing off: “This is Blair, she’s been with me for a while.” “Blair, say hello.” Jace paused maliciously, waiting for my reaction. My throat was tight, every word like grinding on sandpaper: “Mr. Sterling.” Julian glanced at me coldly, as a response. Just then, Serena not far away let out a soft “Huh,” as if just discovering me. Walking towards me actively, smiling meanly: “Sister Blair? It really is you!” “Never thought I’d meet you here. You are now… with Mr. Jagger? That’s really fortunate. Although without a title, life must be much better than before.” “Sister must be more sensible, serve Mr. Jagger well. Don’t do shameless things like before.” I listened quietly, not even refuting. Serena hated me to the bone. If I said anything more, she would only humiliate me more severely. Just that my chest hurt badly, maybe the heart failure worsened again. Fortunately, with money, I can go buy more medicine later. Jace was initially interested in admiring my embarrassment, but seeing my face getting paler. Just as he frowned preparing to interrupt, Julian spoke first. “Serena!” “Mom has been waiting for us over there for a long time, let’s go.” Julian spoke. Serena, even if in high spirits, could only shut up resentfully. But still angry, she simply cursed before leaving: “Cheap!” Julian didn’t react, letting Serena finish cursing before taking her away. I remained silent. Quietly listening to the discussions from all directions caused by Serena’s insult. “Miss Sterling really hit the nail on the head. With such character, she only deserves to be a plaything.” “Heard Old Mr. Sterling died of anger because of her. Such an ingrate! Restless in the Sterling family back then, shamelessly climbing into Julian’s bed. Now latching onto the Jagger family… really growing skills.” “What skills? Great in bed I guess. That slutty vibe, men like it most.” … The buzzing in my ears grew louder, and the colic in my chest began to intensify. I couldn’t tell if it was because of Julian’s coldness or my illness. Vision began to shake, body falling backward uncontrollably. Luckily caught by Jace. His fierce voice swept across, surroundings instantly quieted down. He moved not gently, leaning close to mock: “What’s wrong?” “Seeing an old lover, pain unbearable now?” I knew Jace was getting angry again. Wanted to explain, but the severe pain from the heart strangled my throat, breathing becoming shallow and weak. Could only ask for help with gasping breath: “Medicine…” “My medicine…” Chapter 2 Jace finally noticed I was breaking out in cold sweat, unable to stand steady. Face changed instantly, picking me up princess style and walking out. In the center of the ballroom, Julian, nodding in conversation, looked back as if sensing something. Watching Jace carrying me away hurriedly. Serena followed his gaze: “Yo, what good means. Hooking Mr. Jagger even at the banquet, can’t wait already.” “Brother, say when she seduced you back then…” Crash! The crisp sound of glass exploding suddenly. Serena looked at the wine glass crushed in Julian’s hand, scared to say more. In the parking lot, Jace almost crashed open the car door, placed me in the passenger seat, and started rummaging for the medicine always in my bag. Poured out the last two pills, unscrewed water bottle to my lips. Medicine entered body. I recovered for a quarter of an hour, face gradually improving. Jace’s face became even uglier, asking anxiously: “What exactly is wrong with your stomach?” “Resting for a year, still not well. Tomorrow I’m taking you to the hospital for a full checkup!” I didn’t answer, eyes a bit unfocused. Following Jace initially was to survive, to find out the truth of that year. To tell Julian personally, I didn’t leak the secret. But today looking at Julian’s cold eyes, listening to Serena and others’ poisonous insults, nothing seems to matter anymore. Just felt a big hole in my chest. Wind blowing through, cold all over. Incurable. I looked up again, at Jace: “Jace, I don’t want to be with you anymore.” “Let me go.” Jace stared at me dead for a few seconds, suddenly sneered. Touching my face comfortingly: “Throwing a tantrum? I know, embarrassed you tonight.” “I promise you, won’t take you to such occasions if you don’t want to in future. If you want money, I’ll give you another five million, okay?” I dodged his hand, still insisting. “No.” “Jace, I don’t want to follow you anymore.” Jace didn’t speak again, just with a dark face, buckling my seatbelt and driving away. I thought he would take me home, but soon, I found the direction wrong. “Where to?” Jace snorted, voice hard. “Hospital.” “You are uncomfortable now, throwing a tantrum, I won’t argue with you. Wait till the doctor cures you, we talk about other things.” I chuckled lightly, hearing the concern in Jace’s words. “Jace, thank you.” I said it seriously. Perhaps the most sincere sentence in the three years with him. Jace raised his eyebrows proudly, smile not yet curled up. Only heard me slowly accepting fate: “But no need.” “I might… not live long.” The moment the voice fell, the sound of brake pads sounded suddenly. Jace’s throat rolled, very hoarse. “What did you say?” He grabbed me suddenly, eyes wide questioning: “What do you mean not live long?” “How come… it’s not stomach trouble, is it? You lied to me?” I looked into Jace’s eyes. Strange, saying it out felt a weird release. “Do you know… heart failure? The average survival period given by doctors is three years.” “This year, is the third year.” I lowered my eyes, seeing warm wetness falling on the back of my hand, a few drops at first, finally surging like a rainstorm. Not my tears. It was Jace crying. A crazy thought surged, I couldn’t help using Jace’s sympathy. This is my last chance. “Can you… help me find out the truth about the Sterling family secret leak back then?” “I don’t want to die wrongly accused.” “Jace, I beg you.” Chapter 3 Jace agreed to my request, the only condition was for me to cooperate with the treatment he arranged. This was simply a bargain for me. Only I didn’t expect Julian would want to see me actively. “Leave Jace, return to the Sterling family. Go back to Father’s spirit, kneel, kowtow, confess, explain clearly what you did back then.” “As long as you confess, repent sincerely, you are still the eldest daughter of the Sterling family.” I looked up, seeing Julian’s annoyed eyes. Word by word replying: “I didn’t do it.” “I did nothing wrong.” Julian repeated, voice suddenly rising. “Not you?” “Do you think the whole Sterling family is blind? Butler Lee, servants Aunt Zhou and Xiao Shuang, Serena, even Mother can testify! Only you frequented Father’s study during that time. What else do you want to argue!” “Are you going to tell me even Mother is framing you?” His roar was hoarse, making my vision black. I gripped the edge of the tablecloth tightly, fingertips white with force, barely supporting myself not to fall. Still insisting: “I did nothing wrong!” “I won’t go back, I will prove to you…” Julian’s face darkened completely. Speaking indiscriminately. “Enough! Refusing to be the eldest lady, insisting on being Jace’s shady mistress.” “Blair, why are you so cheap!” I froze. Looking up blankly at him. This face full of disdain and disgust overlapped infinitely with the man in my memory who held my face and kissed me. Only he was gentle then, he would tell me: “Blair is my only moon.” Later, nothing left. My eyes extinguished suddenly, the last faint love crushed by people. Murmuring: “Julian, at that time I thought you loved me.” Julian heard my words, laughing in extreme anger. “Blair, you don’t think I want to see you this time because I still can’t let you go?” “If not for Mother seeing you humiliated at the banquet last night, really pitying you. Willing to give you a way out, you think I want to see you?” I twitched my mouth corners lightly. Bitterness overflowed from the heart, murmuring: “Mother pities me?” “Is it pity, or… guilt?” I didn’t want to say more. Supporting the table edge to stand up slowly, walking towards the door. “Blair, if you dare leave today, I will never forgive you in this life!” Julian’s voice was trembling for some reason. But I didn’t look back, nor stopped, pushed the door and walked out. The Jagger family car was waiting for me. Just as I was about to get in, a crying voice sounded not far away: “Blair…” My movement stopped. It was Mother’s voice, containing tears, eyes red. “Blair, you’ve lost so much weight.” “You must have suffered a lot outside, come home with me.” I looked at her quietly. No resentment, no grievance, no expectation. As if genuinely confused: “Mother, why are you crying?” “Isn’t this what you wanted?” Finished, I bent into the car, Mother in the rearview mirror struck hard, crying to collapse. Driver drove me away, speaking respectfully: “Miss Blair, Mr. Jagger just got on the plane. He asked me to tell you, Mayo Clinic abroad is very good at treating heart failure, he has rushed there, will notify you immediately with good news.” “Any needs, tell me directly or contact Assistant Xu.” “Also, your matter is being investigated. Mr. Jagger asked you to rest assured, he guarantees to find out clearly for you.” I responded. Days Jace was gone, Mother’s contact entangled relentlessly. First texts, then calls, sending people to the villa these two days. Until this afternoon, she texted me: [Blair, Mother is sick, very serious, doctor said many scary words.] [Mother knows sorry to you, dare not ask forgiveness. Only beg… before I go, see you one last time. Come home once, okay? Treat it as Mom’s last wish.] I sat for a long time. Maybe still couldn’t cut off that little warmth, asked to drive to Sterling House. Butler Lee led me into the hall, dark, no lights. Subconsciously felt wrong, wanted to leave. But from the center of the second floor, a woman’s figure walked out slowly. Not the sick Mother. It was Serena. “Sister, you finally came.” “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time!” Chapter 4 This is probably a trap. I turned to run, but was pinned down by Serena’s men. “Serena, what do you want?” Serena tilted her head slightly, revealing an innocent and cruel smile. “Sister, don’t be nervous. I just invite you to… revisit the old place!” She signaled a direction. Those two bodyguards immediately dragged me towards Julian’s study. “I just want Brother to see clearly, how the thief who leaked secrets back then, still has a thief’s heart, how… unrepentant!” “Once failed, twice, thrice. Brother will eventually despise you completely, you fake!” Before her voice fell, a bodyguard roughly grabbed my right hand, forced my index finger straight, and pressed it hard on the fingerprint recognition area of the control panel! “No—!” Then pressed my palm on the keypad randomly. “Error, password verification failed!” Panel screen flashed red blindingly! “Alert! Abnormal authority access attempt detected!” “Location: Master Study Security Panel. Trigger: Blair (Authority Status: Frozen).” “Alert Level: High Risk!” Sharp beep exploded from inside the panel instantly, piercing eardrums! Meanwhile, red warning text scrolled clearly on the panel screen, displaying: [Real-time alert sent to bound terminal: Julian Sterling. Security Center responded.] Rapid footsteps sounded throughout the Sterling house. Bodyguard let go, I was thrown on the floor panting by inertia. Serena retreated a few steps quickly, putting on a panicked expression. Pointing at me and the still flashing screaming control panel, shrieked to Butler Lee who rushed in: “She, she suddenly broke in!” “I don’t know what she wants! She pounced on the panel, I couldn’t stop her! Then…” Just then, a familiar voice suppressing anger sounded: “What’s going on?” Julian arrived. Serena pounced over, grabbing Julian’s arm, sobbing: “Brother! You finally came!” “I’m so scared… She suddenly rushed in, I couldn’t stop. Blair killed Father not enough, now stealing secrets in your study, wants to kill you!” Serena’s tears fell on cue. Julian looked at the pale me, then at the beeping panel, finally at the crying Serena, face instantly becoming extremely ugly. Closed eyes, heart thoroughly broken. “Blair, you really opened my eyes!” “Not me! It’s Serena framing me! She grabbed my hand…” I defended urgently, but interrupted by Serena. She cried, extremely wronged: “Sister! Even now you want to frame me?” “I know you hate me, hate the Sterling family, but how can you use this way… Father’s spirit won’t rest in peace!” I screamed with last strength, tears finally bursting. “I didn’t!” “It was Serena’s men pressing my hand! She is framing me!” “Julian, can you believe me once?” Julian seemed to hear a huge joke, pointing at the iron-clad alert record, sneering: “Framing you? System doesn’t lie, your fingerprint doesn’t lie!” “She did it to make you hate me more! To completely destroy me!” I cried, huge injustice almost breaking me. Julian walked closer step by step, pinching my chin and slamming me to the ground viciously: “Do you think you have anything worth ‘destroying’ now? Blair, you destroyed yourself completely long ago!” “I won’t let you go again!” “Someone, take to the basement. Report to DoD for processing!” I was forcibly dragged away from the study, screaming with all might, voice shrill and desperate: “Julian, I am wronged—!” “I didn’t, really didn’t!” No one answered me. Just before being dragged to the basement entrance, my unfocused eyes saw a figure standing quietly at the corner. It was Mother. She stood there unknown how long, tears falling, lips trembling slightly. No sound. But I read the lip shape. Three words. [I am sorry.] I despaired completely. With her there, Julian won’t believe me. That text, surveillance, all doubts… will be wiped out silently. Basement iron door closed completely in front of eyes. Struggling and screaming exhausted my last strength, heart began colic due to intense emotional fluctuation and hypoxia. Looking at the darkness, I collapsed on the cold damp floor, almost no strength to breathe. I knew heart failure attacked again. Subconsciously reached for medicine, but pocket empty. Probably dropped somewhere during struggle. Wanted to cry, but laughed out loud suddenly, feeling relieved. Maybe… this is fate. Body started twitching uncontrollably, like fish out of water, bouncing, cramping futilely on the ground, sound of nails scratching floor sharp and distant. At the very end, I actually thought of Jace. Felt a bit sorry to him. He said he would cure me, find out truth, marry me when cured. Long time, chest pain and suffocation disappeared suddenly. Last thought dissipated like gossamer: Sorry, Jace. Worked so hard, wasted your effort. I might… not wait for you.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389973”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

“I was injured in combat and became sterile. So, whose child is in your belly?” At the military commendation ceremony, my officer husband publicly produced a medical report stamped with a red seal. Every word was an ice pick. The crowd was shocked, then looks of contempt pricked my face like needles. The husband who held my hand last night saying “You’ve suffered” was now shielding the sister of a fallen hero behind him. I finally understood. He wanted to be the hero of loyalty, marrying his comrade’s sister to care for her life. But constrained by his status, he could only make me, his wife, the sinner. “Luke Vance, remember what you said today. This child has nothing to do with you.” I tore up the military housing application in front of everyone and left the hall in the snowstorm. Seven years later, a boy with eyes just like his coldly pushed away the military’s cooperation invitation. When he demanded a paternity test with a green face, the boy said nonchalantly, freezing him instantly: “Uncle, your sterility report was confirmed by the organization. How could you father a genius like me?” Chapter 1 The conference room was so quiet you could hear the sycamore leaves falling outside. The subordinates who came with Colonel Luke Vance all lowered their heads, pretending to read files. Luke slammed the contract on the table, suddenly reaching out to grab Andy’s thin wrist, dragging him out without a word. Just then, a calloused hand firmly gripped Luke’s wrist. I used all my strength, nails digging deep into his skin. Luke looked up and met my eyes, cold as frost. The subordinates behind him also looked up. Time seemed to stop. I saw something crack in Luke’s eyes, then shock, then an absurd scrutiny. “M… Mary?” People behind him gasped. “Mary? The Colonel’s wife who cheated seven years ago?” “Didn’t she disappear at the train station? How…” I knew what they were shocked about. Seven years ago, when I left the military compound, I only had a train ticket. Later, news spread that a pregnant young woman disappeared at the station. Everyone thought it was me. Including Luke. “Mary? You’re alive? How do you have the face to come back?” I ignored him. Taking advantage of his momentary slack, I pulled Andy back to my side. A red circle already formed on Andy’s wrist. I squatted down, gently rubbing the mark. “Does it hurt?” Andy shook his head, eyes fixed on Luke. I straightened up. My tone should be calm, at least I couldn’t hear any waves. “Colonel Vance must be mistaken. I am Dr. L.F. Lee, Technical Director of Deep Blue Salvage.” “L.F. Lee?” A staff officer behind Luke repeated subconsciously. “Yes.” Before the words fell, the door was pushed open again. Scarlett burst in, sweat on her forehead, looking rushed. She glanced at Luke first, then her eyes swept over me, pupils shrinking slightly. “Sister Mary?” She stepped forward, trying to take my hand, but I dodged sideways. Her hand froze in the air, then she smiled again. “It really is you! Where have you been all these years? We were worried to death…” Her eyes turned red as she spoke, acting better than seven years ago. “You left without a word, we thought… thought you did something foolish. Later hearing about the station, Brother Luke couldn’t sleep for days. It’s good you’re back, as long as you’re alive…” Clever words. Every word reminding everyone. I was once an “unchaste” woman, a wife who “embarrassed” her husband, a burden who “disappeared.” Disgust deepened in Luke’s eyes. “Mary, I don’t care what you call yourself now. Take that child and leave.” I glanced at Luke and Scarlett sticking together, then looked at the secretary standing by the door, afraid to speak. “Joey, notify everyone.” My voice wasn’t loud, but clear enough for everyone. “Deep Blue is willing to cooperate with the military, but there is a condition. The representative must change. We start talking when the person changes.” “Mary!” Luke’s face turned iron, stepping forward aggressively, “Do you know where you are? How dare you act wild here?! Take this bastard—” “You are the ones who should leave.” I calmly cut off his insult, taking Andy’s hand, walking back to the desk step by step. The leather chair was wide and steady. I sat down calmly, looking up at his burning eyes. “Since seeking technical cooperation, the military should at least send—” I tilted my head slightly, mouth curling into a faint, cold arc, “Someone with clear eyes and basic manners. Don’t you think, Colonel Vance?” Joey was too scared to breathe, looking at Luke, then me, helpless. “See them out.” I said. Chapter 2 Andy stayed in the office waiting for me until I got off work. I led him out of the office. Just reaching the lobby, two figures stepped out from the side shadows. Luke stood there, epaulets removed, jacket on his arm. Scarlett followed him closely. They blocked the way between us and the door. Outside the glass door, the sky darkened, streetlights flickering on. “Mary, two choices. One, let the kid do a blood test with me. Before the result comes out, you go nowhere.” “Two, I don’t mind making you, your adulterer, and this bastard disappear for real this time.” Luke’s last sentence scraped the tenderest meat of my heart like ice mixed with gravel. Scarlett stood behind him, fingers twisting the strap of her worn green bag. Her voice was soft and light as a feather, but carried a chill that drilled into bones. “Sister Mary, even if you don’t think for yourself, think for the child.” She moved half a step forward, looking “pityingly” at Andy behind me. “This place isn’t big. For school, work, everything needs a background check. If his file says his mother has issues, bad conduct…” She paused deliberately, observing my face, voice lower but audible to us three, “The child’s life is ruined. He won’t be able to lift his head anywhere.” “Even if…” She lowered her eyes, showing appropriate difficulty and “kindness,” “Even if back then, Brother Luke’s injury… doctors said there might be a chance, but after so many years, who knows? Sister Mary, I know it’s hard raising a child alone, but you can’t gamble with his future. For the child’s good, just…” Slap—! A crisp, loud slap cut off her “persuasion.” I used all my strength, palm numb. Scarlett was knocked to the side, hair messy, sticking to her instantly swollen cheek. She covered her face, staring in disbelief, tears filling her eyes instantly, hanging on lashes, looking pitiful. Next second, a heavier force slapped my face with wind. My vision went black, ears buzzing, metallic taste of blood in my mouth. Face burning, I stumbled back, hitting the cold rough wall to stand steady. Dust fell on my shoulder. Luke blocked Scarlett like a wall. He shook his hand as if touching something unclean, looking at me with undisguised disgust and cold disappointment. “Mary!” His voice low but heavy, “You dare hit people after what you did? What did Scarlett say wrong? She’s doing this for who?!” Always like this. No matter when or where, no matter the truth, he always stood by Scarlett without hesitation. Seven years ago at the ceremony, in front of the clinic, and now. Even if Scarlett almost killed me and my unborn child, in his eyes, she was always the weak, innocent “sister of a hero” needing protection, and I was the scheming, unreasonable one. “Mom!” Andy rushed out like an enraged little leopard, small fists flying at Luke, “Bad man! Don’t hit Mom!” “Andy! Come back!” Ignoring the pain, I hugged him tight, shielding him with my body. The child trembled in my arms. I felt his rapid breathing and suppressed tears. Can’t let him fight. Absolutely not. He’s too small to be dragged into adults’ dirty wars. I looked up, over Luke’s shoulder protecting Scarlett, at his once familiar, now strange face. Dim corridor light cut cold lines on his face. “Colonel Vance.” My voice hoarse but clear, every word fished from ice water, “Whether you were injured or how bad, you know better than anyone. Why pretend to be confused and force this dirty water on me and my child?” His eyes flickered violently, jaw tighter, but didn’t refute immediately. I straightened up slowly, released Andy, and took his hand. His hand small and cold. I squeezed it, trying to pass some warmth. “Want a blood test?” I met his scrutinizing gaze, tone calm and strange to myself, “Fine. Tomorrow morning at nine, City First Hospital, lab entrance. Be there.” Finished, I didn’t look at his changing face, picked up Andy, turned, and walked out of this suffocating corridor step by step. Pushing the heavy door, cold winter wind hit my face like a sobering slap, dispersing the burning pain and nausea. I carried Andy to the old green Jeep by the wall. Settled him in the back, covered with a blanket, then sat in the driver’s seat. Didn’t start the car immediately. From the canvas bag, I took out the bulky satellite phone. “It’s me.” “If the stuff I wanted is ready, send it to me the fastest way.” Chapter 3 Five days later, Norfolk Workers’ Cultural Palace Auditorium. Red banner: [Military-Civilian Advanced Technology Exchange Conference]. Packed with representatives from the military, research institutes, and factories. Noisy, smell of tea and smoke. I sat by the aisle, Andy quietly looking at a ship catalog beside me. Just then, Luke sat next to me with Scarlett. He lowered his voice. “Mary, the report is out. If you don’t want this report leaked, cooperate with me on the salvage mission.” “And apologize to Scarlett. Or, you don’t want your child to have a mother with a bad background, right?” I closed the catalog, tone nonchalant. “I will cooperate with the mission, but not with you.” “As for apologizing… my way is another slap. Wonder if Miss Scarlett can take it?” Luke looked at me darkly. “Seems you don’t care about your son’s future?” I blinked, changed tactics. “I can agree to your conditions. Destroy the report after the meeting. My child and I will have nothing to do with you, Luke Vance.” Luke sneered mockingly. “Heh, now you know this report can’t see the light?” “Do those two things, and I’ll destroy it.” Meeting halfway, the host announced. “Next, speech by military representative, Colonel Luke Vance!” Amidst applause, Luke walked to the podium steadily. Adjusted the mic, scanned the audience, eyes fixed on me. “Comrades, today is a happy day, but I must speak of something heartbreaking.” His voice spread through speakers, silencing the hall. My heart sank. Luke took a yellow envelope from his briefcase, holding it high. “This is the paternity test regarding the child my ex-wife carried seven years ago.” “As a soldier, I shouldn’t discuss private matters here. But when personal issues affect military image and purity of cooperation, I must clarify!” “Today, I will prove my innocence in front of all comrades!” He moved to open the envelope. Just then, the projector at the back of the hall lit up… A beam cut through the dimness, hitting the screen. The noise stopped instantly. All eyes glued to the image. A familiar face appeared. Dr. Zhang, the military doctor who issued Luke’s disability report. Hair white, sitting on a simple bed, nervous, facing someone unseen. “I… I confess.” Dr. Zhang’s voice trembled through speakers. “Seven years ago, I changed Luke Vance’s medical report. His reproductive system wasn’t damaged. All indicators were normal. It was… Scarlett and Luke Vance who found me, gave me $5,000, to change it to ‘Permanent Reproductive Dysfunction’.” This exploded like a bomb in the hall. Chapter 4 Crowd boiled instantly. Whispers rose. Countless eyes turned to Luke and Scarlett. The video continued. “Scarlett said she’s a hero’s sister, no one to care for her, Colonel Luke is her only reliance.” Dr. Zhang buried his head lower, voice full of regret. “She said Luke’s wife Mary was too strong, not suitable. As long as Luke thought he was sterile, he would break with Mary. Then she could stay by his side legitimately. I was confused, took the money, did wrong. Harmed Comrade Mary, misled Colonel Luke. My conscience was uneasy all these years, finally I can tell the truth.” Video stopped. Beam died. Deathly silence in the hall, only heavy breathing. Just then, Andy stood up. Small figure, under everyone’s gaze, walked to the podium, holding a thick envelope. He handed it to the host, loud voice: “Uncle, please project these for everyone.” Host stunned, looked at Luke, then me, finally followed Andy’s request. First projected were bank transfer records. Clearly showing seven years ago, Scarlett transferred $5,000 to Dr. Zhang in three parts. “This is proof of Auntie Scarlett paying Dr. Zhang.” Andy pointed, speaking clearly. Then, several letters appeared. Scarlett wrote to her cousin in the countryside, detailing how she and Luke plotted against me. Every word piercing. Scarlett and Luke lost all color, paralyzed in chairs. Crowd erupted. Luke swayed. Staring at the evidence, fists clenched, nails digging into palms. Huge regret and anger drowned him. He turned to me, eyes full of pain and guilt. “Mary… I…” I didn’t look at him, gently pulling Andy back. Seven years of endurance and grievance finally found an exit. But I felt no pleasure, only bone-deep coldness. “Colonel Vance, can you look at the report in your hand now?” My voice calm without waves, like a cold dagger, piercing Luke’s last luck. Luke remembered the envelope. Hands shaking, opened it, took out the report. Seeing “DNA comparison confirms Luke Vance and Andy Lee are biological father and son, probability 99.99%”, he was struck by lightning, frozen. Report drifted to the floor. Eyes empty, muttering: “Biological son… Andy is my son… I actually…” Just then, accident happened. Back door kicked open. Men in black jackets, fierce faces, rushed in with iron bars and daggers. Leader scanned the hall, fixing on Scarlett, shouting. “Scarlett, took our money and want to run? Not so easy!” Scarlett screamed, hiding behind Luke. “Brother Luke, save me! They are loan sharks! I… I borrowed to clear connections, couldn’t pay back…” Thugs rushed up, swinging bars at Scarlett. Luke instinctively shielded her, fighting them. But unarmed against many with weapons, he was losing fast. Arm slashed deep, blood gushed. “Mom, careful!” Andy pulled my hand nervously. I shielded Andy, watching the chaos alertly. Crowd fled in panic. Host tried to call police, kicked down by a thug. In the rush, Andy and I were separated. A thug approached Andy. Closest was Luke protecting Scarlett. “Luke Vance! Save Andy!” Luke wanted to move, but stopped by Scarlett’s scream. Subconsciously, he still protected Scarlett. I pushed through the crowd, lunging at Andy, pushing him away. Critical moment, sirens wailed outside. Police rushed in, controlling the scene. Turns out, Andy predicted Scarlett might have backup or trouble. So he contacted police early. Thugs tried to run, subdued. Scarlett was taken away for fraud, bribery, and illegal loans. Crying and struggling, looking at Luke with hate, no longer soft. Luke held his bleeding arm, watching Scarlett taken away, eyes extremely complex. He won the report, but lost everything. Protected Scarlett, exchanged for wounds and endless regret. Police took statements. Medics bandaged Luke. He walked to us, eyes full of guilt and pleading. “Mary, Andy, I know I did many wrongs. I don’t ask for forgiveness, but I want to make up. Andy is my son, I want to see him grow up, do a father’s duty.” I looked at his wound, then Andy, heart unmoved. Silent Andy took out a small recorder, pressed play. Luke and Scarlett’s voices. “Vivian (Scarlett), don’t worry. As long as the report says the kid isn’t mine, I can ruin Mary. She and the bastard will never turn over.” “Brother Luke, what if Andy is yours?” “Even if he is, I won’t recognize him.” Recorded by Andy when following them. Small but remembered my words, keep evidence of harm. Hearing this, Luke turned pale, shaky. Looking at Andy in disbelief: “Andy, you…” “I thought you might have some conscience.” Andy’s voice disappointed. “Now I know, you don’t deserve to be my dad.” I looked at Luke’s desperate eyes, finally speaking. “Luke Vance, seven years ago, for ‘comradeship,’ you humiliated me publicly, put me and my unborn child in desperation.” “Snowy day, I left with a ticket, hiding in a fishing village, almost died in childbirth. Seven years, carrying cargo by day, studying salvage by night, holding up a home. Andy pointed at as a bastard without a dad. You’ll never know how much he suffered.” “You say make up. It’s not just words. You owe us a lifetime can’t repay.” My voice rose, “I tell you, I will never forgive you. Andy doesn’t need a father like you.” Finished, I took Andy’s hand to leave. “Mary, wait!” Luke shouted, despairing. “I know I was wrong! Really! I have nothing now, rank gone, reputation ruined, even fertility…” Before finishing, he coughed violently, blood at corner of mouth. Fighting thugs, his abdomen was hit hard, endured till now. Medics rushed to help. Doctor said gravely: “Severe abdominal impact, reproductive organs likely damaged. Needs immediate surgery.” Luke lay on the chair, watching us leave, eyes full of infinite regret and despair. Finally understood, his biggest mistake was losing Mary and Andy. All caused by himself.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “389990”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The day Willow Cheng was crowned Best Actress, I threw a lavish party to celebrate her victory. She poisoned the wine, ensuring we would die together. As the life drained from me, her eyes burned with a raw, blistering hatred. “Why did you have to adopt me? My real mother, my rich, high-society mother, she came for me that day.” “You vile woman. If it weren’t for you, we would have been reunited. I wouldn’t have had to struggle for so long.” “If I could go back twenty years,” she hissed, her voice a venomous whisper, “I would pray that you never came for me at all.” I died in a haze of confusion and righteous fury. When I opened my eyes again, I was twenty years in the past. This time, I decided to grant Willow’s wish. I would not adopt her. What she didn’t know, what she could never have known, was that her birth parents were already dead. … The searing pain in my stomach still felt terrifyingly real. But then, a familiar voice cut through the fog. “Ms. Hayes, you see? This is Willow. She’s the brightest child in the whole orphanage.” My eyes flew open. I wasn’t staring at the sterile white walls of a psychiatric ward. I was in the slightly damp, musty office of the orphanage. Standing across from me was the beaming director. And huddled in the corner was a small, seven-year-old girl. Clothes washed thin and pale, a smudge of dirt on her cheek. Willow. I had truly gone back twenty years. Back to the very day I had chosen to adopt her. Before the shock of rebirth could fully register, the small figure moved. This time, she didn’t timidly clutch at my clothes, her eyes filled with a desperate hope that I would take her home. Instead, she stared at me, her eyes churning with a venomous loathing that was horrifying in a child so young. It was as if she wasn’t looking at the woman who was about to change her life, but at a sworn enemy. “I’m not going with her!” Willow’s shriek was sharp and sudden. She scrambled backward until her back hit the peeling paint of the wall. She pointed a trembling finger at me, her voice shrill with rejection. “You evil woman! Get away from me! I’d rather die than be adopted by you!” “I want my real parents to come for me!” The director’s smile froze on her face. The hand she had extended to pat Willow’s head hung awkwardly in mid-air. “Willow! What on earth are you saying?” the director stammered, sweat beading on her forehead. She turned to me, flustered. “Ms. Hayes, please don’t mind her. She’s usually such a well-behaved child. Maybe… maybe she’s not feeling well today. She’s just talking nonsense.” “I’m not sick!” Willow snapped, her gaze like a poisoned dart. “I know exactly what I’m saying. I hate her! I don’t want to go with her!” I watched her, the way she looked at me as if I were a predator, and the last embers of warmth in my heart turned to ash. Her dying words from our previous life echoed in my mind: If I could go back twenty years, I would pray that you never came for me at all. So, she had been reborn too. Fine. If the feeling was mutual, it would save me the trouble of trying to rid myself of this ungrateful viper. I smoothed down my dress, my expression a cool mask of indifference as I watched the little drama unfold. “If the child is unwilling,” I said, my voice light, devoid of any attachment, “then let’s just forget it.” The director’s face fell. “Ms. Hayes, she’s a very talented girl. Please, reconsider…” “There’s no need,” I cut her off, my gaze sweeping one last time over the wary child. “You can’t force a thing to grow where it doesn’t want to. And I have no interest in raising a wolf that will one day bite the hand that feeds it.” At my words, Willow didn’t look disappointed. A wave of relief washed over her, and her face lit up with a triumphant, manic glee. Looking at her foolish expression, I couldn’t help but find it amusing. In our last life, in this very room, she had been a filthy, sobbing mess, clinging to my legs and begging me to take her away. “Please, auntie,” she’d cried, “take me with you. I’ll be good. I’ll repay you for the rest of my life.” I had pitied her, an orphan with no one in the world. I took her home and raised her as my own. I wasn’t rich, but I worked three jobs to send her to the best acting schools, to help her chase her dream of becoming a star. And what was my reward? Twenty years of devotion meant nothing to her. She believed I was the one who had kept her from her wealthy birth parents. The very first thing she did after achieving her dream was to murder us both. This time, I was morbidly curious to see how two piles of bones were going to come and take her home. After leaving the director’s office, I didn’t leave the orphanage right away. I slipped into the shadows at the end of the hallway, watching the entrance through a grimy window. Before long, a black sedan, not particularly expensive, pulled up to the gate. The driver revved the engine unnecessarily, as if desperate to be noticed. The door opened, and a woman stepped out. Her hair was a mess of permed curls, and she was dripping with cheap, flashy jewelry. She looked like she’d just won the lottery, but I recognized the woman beneath the gaudy exterior. Brenda, a woman from my old hometown. In the last life, Brenda had moved away shortly after I brought Willow home. I never imagined that a brief, fleeting encounter could have left such a deep, twisted impression on Willow’s mind for two decades. But one thing I knew for sure: there was no way Brenda was Willow’s birth mother. Willow, however, saw her as a savior. She scrambled down the steps, her face plastered with the same practiced, red-carpet smile she’d worn in her past life. She threw herself at Brenda. “Mom! I knew you’d come for me!” she wailed. “I’m your daughter, the one you left at this orphanage!” Brenda stumbled back, startled. She looked down at the grimy child clinging to her and her face twisted in disgust. She shoved Willow away, brushing at imaginary dust on her clothes. “What’s wrong with you, you little psycho? You’re filthy! Get away from me!” Willow fell to the ground, but she didn’t seem to feel the pain. She was panicking. This wasn’t how the grand family reunion was supposed to go. She grabbed onto Brenda’s leg, her voice cracking. “Mom, I’m not dirty! I’ll be good! If you take me with you, I’ll do anything! I can do laundry, I can cook! I’ll be so obedient!” “Please, don’t leave me here!” At the words “do anything,” Brenda paused. She looked down at Willow again, her eyes cold and assessing, like a farmer inspecting livestock. “You do look like a clever one,” she mused. “And I could use an extra pair of hands around the house.” Brenda sneered, nudging Willow with the toe of her shoe. “Fine. It’s your lucky day. Come on.” Willow was ecstatic. She nodded frantically and scrambled into the “luxury” car without so much as a goodbye to the director. Watching from the shadows, I almost laughed out loud. I didn’t know how Willow had gotten it into her head that Brenda was her mother. But I knew one thing for sure: this life was going to be very, very different for her. Once the car was gone, I turned and left. On my way home, I passed a bank. I took out the card I had prepared, the one that was supposed to pay for Willow’s private school tuition and acting classes. In the last life, I had scrimped and saved, sacrificing my own dreams to make hers come true. I had loved to sing. I had a good voice. But Willow always complained that my practicing disturbed her when she was trying to memorize her lines. For her, I had silenced my own voice. For twenty years. This time, without a moment’s hesitation, I walked into the best vocal training center in the city. I swiped the card, signed the forms, and looked at my own name on the receipt. I felt a lightness I hadn’t felt in years. This life, to hell with selfless devotion. I was going to live for myself. The days that followed were a blur of happy, fulfilling activity. I practiced my singing, took care of my skin, and simply enjoyed life. Then, one rainy night about two weeks later, a frantic, violent pounding on my door shattered the peace. I opened it to find Brenda standing there, soaked to the bone, her face a mask of fury. At her feet, tossed like a bag of garbage, was a small, crumpled figure. It was Willow. Her face was flushed, her breathing shallow. She was burning up, and her small body was covered in angry, purple bruises. Brenda saw me and scowled. She pointed at the child on the ground. “The director told me you wanted to adopt this worthless thing. Take her! She’s been running a fever for days. If she dies in my house, it’ll bring bad luck.” “The little brat keeps babbling about not wanting to die. So, if you want to play the saint, she’s all yours.” I didn’t even glance at Willow. I took a deliberate step back, my disgust evident. “Brenda, I did consider adopting her. But as she made perfectly clear, she would rather die than have me as her mother.” I crossed my arms, a small, mocking smile playing on my lips. “Besides, since she has accepted you as her mother, this is a family matter. Whether she lives or dies in your house is none of my concern.” Brenda was speechless, her face turning shades of red and white. She raised her foot to kick the child on the ground. “You hear that, you little bitch? Nobody wants you!” But then, Willow, delirious with fever, found a sudden burst of strength. She wrapped her arms around Brenda’s muddy leg. Her lips were cracked and dry, her voice a hoarse rasp, but there was a strange, feverish intensity in her words. “Mom… don’t leave me… don’t give me to that evil woman…” “I’ll be famous… I’m going to be an award-winning actress… I’ll make so much money for you… buy you a big house…” Even in this state, she was still clinging to her delusions of grandeur. Brenda was furious. She kicked Willow away. “Actress? You’re delirious! You’ve fried your brain!” “You’re nothing but a drain on my resources!” But for all her blustering, Brenda didn’t dare actually kill the child. We were still neighbors, for now. If something happened, the police would come knocking. Muttering curses under her breath, she grabbed Willow by the collar and dragged her out into the rain like a dead dog. “I’ll take you to some back-alley clinic and get you a drip. If you don’t get better after that, you can just rot for all I care!” The sound of Willow’s faint pleas and Brenda’s harsh curses faded into the night. I watched them go, my face a cold, blank slate. Then I closed the door and went back to my singing practice. Willow, it turned out, was a survivor. After three days of a raging fever, dumped in a shady, unlicensed clinic with a cocktail of unknown drugs pumped into her veins, she somehow pulled through. But fate, while sparing her life, had collected its due. The prolonged fever had damaged her throat and her nerves. She was left with a permanent lisp and slurred speech. Forget being an actress; she could barely hold a normal conversation. A few weeks later, Brenda, either on the run from debt collectors or having found a new get-rich-quick scheme, packed up and prepared to leave town. On the day they were leaving, Willow came to see me. She was wearing some tattered old clothes she must have found somewhere, but she held her head high, like a defeated but defiant rooster.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390007”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After the engagement, my fiancée arranged for a child to be sent to me from overseas. The delivery came with an email, too: “Ben, I was so bored overseas, and oops, I made a baby with Noah Becker. Since you’ve been so eager to lick my boots for years, consider this your reward.” “I’m leaving the kid with you. You can get some practice in before I come home. Then you can be our live-in nanny.” I didn’t argue. I simply handed the child over to the housekeeper. Seven years later, all the foreign CEOs were recalled to the States for annual reports. Blair Harrington rolled up to the gates of the Caldwell estate in a black Maybach, an intimidating entourage in tow. She was blocking my way out. She pulled a cigarette from her mouth, tilted her head, and slid her sunglasses down her nose. “Miss me so bad you were waiting by the gate?” “Just so you know,” she continued, “Noah and I got married overseas for the kid’s passport. You two will be like brothers now. He gets what you get.” “The Caldwells and the Harrisons are family, Ben. You don’t care about a piece of paper, right?” She blew a stream of smoke straight into my face, and the acrid smoke made my eyes water. Wiping my tears, I backed away quickly. Jamie’s mother—my wife, Quinn Caldwell—is incredibly possessive. She had repeatedly warned me to maintain distance from all younger female relatives. If she saw her niece harassing her husband, the Caldwell estate would turn into a war zone. Blair watched me retreat, then burst into a condescending laugh. “Alright, drop the act. I know you’re practically crying with excitement,” she sneered. “I’m back. There’s no need for these silly games. As long as you keep me and Noah happy, the position of ‘little Mr. Harrison’ is still yours. Don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere.” The sheer arrogance of her statement almost made me laugh myself. I wiped away the last of the tears and offered a slow, cold rebuttal. “Blair Harrington, what makes you think I’m still obsessed with you?” She took another drag and then exhaled a plume of smoke, looking at me as if I were a particularly slow child. “We were engaged since we were twenty. You’ve been wearing the Caldwell tag for years, and you’ve raised my son for me. Who else are you going to go with, Ben? Who would even have you?” Hearing her, I was only grateful. Grateful that I had dumped this trash and moved on to a real marriage. The last time we parted at the airport, she was holding me, teary-eyed and swearing, “Wenjing, give me five months. I’ll make a name for myself and come back to marry you early.” Tragically, just eight months later, her and Noah’s baby was delivered. They had been sleeping together all along. Everyone in the city knew, and I was the last to find out. The thought still makes me want to slap her. I raised my hand. “Daddy!” Jamie suddenly popped up, arms outstretched, waiting for me to pick him up. His mother was busy in a board meeting today, so he had to stick with me. As I bent down, Jamie was violently yanked away. “Who are you calling Daddy?! I’m your father!” Noah Becker leaped out from behind Blair, face flushed with anger, and delivered two quick slaps to Jamie’s arm. My eyes twitched with rage. I spun around and shoved him. Before he even hit the ground, he was clinging to Blair’s sleeve, his eyes red and theatrical. “Blair, I just wanted the boy to call me Dad. If he refuses, fine. But why did Ben have to get physical?” His shout instantly drew Blair’s entire security detail. They surrounded Jamie and me. Blair stood back, watching with cold eyes. I pulled Jamie behind me and gritted out a question. “Are you blind? You’re circling me for a hired hand? Do you even know who I am?” “Enough!” Blair raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, crushed the cigarette under her heel, and pointed at me. “Ben Harrison, who gave you the guts to talk about Noah like that?” “He is my husband, the boy’s biological father. Not only are you blocking them from reuniting, but you’re insulting him in public?” I scoffed and shoved her hand away. “A servant wants to be my son’s father? Does he really think he’s worthy?” If I hadn’t been kind enough to let him stay at the Caldwell place years ago, he would have starved. The thanks I got was him crawling into my fiancée’s bed. Blair was even more enraged. She forcibly snatched Jamie from my arms and shoved him into Noah’s. The courtyard echoed with Jamie’s frantic cries: “You’re bad people! Go away!” Seeing Jamie’s face bright red with tears and distress felt like a physical tearing in my chest. Then, Noah suddenly dropped to his knees at my feet. He stroked the boy’s cheek and burst into tears. “Ben, even if you hate me, you can’t poison the child against me. Jamie is so small, and he keeps calling you ‘Daddy.’ How could you abuse him behind our backs?!” With that, he lifted the boy’s shirt, revealing patchy, red marks on his back. Blair’s eyes went wide. The look she gave me shifted completely. “Ben Harrison! I kindly gave you my son for practice, I trusted you—and you beat him with a whip?” “Did not getting me turn you into such a monster?” The boy’s back was covered in stripes that ran from top to bottom, terrifying in their shape. Blair couldn’t imagine the suffering her son had endured over the years. But she didn’t know. Those were cupping marks—a deep tissue massage done to relieve the fever. A few days ago, Jamie had a high fever of 104 degrees because he’d gotten cold. He has a sensitive constitution and can’t be given strong medication. The doctor recommended only physical therapy. Because of this fever, every nanny, housekeeper, and even the nutritional team who oversaw his care was given a formal warning by his mother and temporarily dismissed from the main house. If Quinn knew the humiliation and suffering Jamie and I were enduring today… a hundred Blairs wouldn’t be enough to satisfy her rage. Seeing my own security team start to close in from outside the gate, I gave up the pretense of negotiation. I pointed at the two sickening people. “Take them! And give them a lesson on Caldwell house rules!” Blair’s face turned bright red with fury. While wrestling with the bodyguards, she didn’t forget to yell at me. “Ben Harrison, you maniac! Keep this up, and I swear I’ll never take you back! I’ll have you thrown out of the Caldwell estate this minute!” I gave a cold laugh. “Try it.” These bodyguards were hand-picked by Jamie’s mother. With them here, Jamie and I wouldn’t be harmed. Realizing they were losing ground and that the bodyguards were wary of the child in his arms, Noah’s eyes darted around. He suddenly grabbed Jamie and threatened. “Stop right now! Or I’ll strangle him!” Jamie struggled desperately in his grasp. His breathing grew shallow, and his face started to turn blue. Even his cries were fading. I immediately pulled the pocket knife from my coat and plunged it toward Noah’s arm. Noah shrieked and instantly released his hold. I lunged forward, quickly trying to restore the air to Jamie’s lungs. “Jamie, Jamie?” “Don’t be afraid. Daddy’s here!” Seeing the child convulsing and gasping for breath, I quickly pulled out his asthma rescue inhaler. Just as I was about to administer it, I was violently seized by the wounded Noah. He went crazy, hitting and punching me. “You dog! It’s not enough that you abused my son, now you’re trying to murder him in public!” Blair’s face was deathly pale. She screamed, “Ben Harrison! Don’t you dare!” But it was too late. The medication was already in Jamie’s mouth. Almost immediately, the child’s convulsions and wheezing began to subside. The two of them shut up, stunned. But the child was over-stimulated and had passed out. He needed immediate IV fluids. I ordered my bodyguards to restrain Blair and Noah, slung Jamie onto my back, and ran. Blair’s frantic, furious shouts exploded behind me: “Ben Harrison, you’ve caused enough chaos! If you walk away now, you’ll never be my man again!” “No one’s begging you!” The woman let out a loud snicker. “You’re all talk! If I don’t want you, who would take a piece of rotten goods like you?” Ignoring the mad dog, I gave my command to my men. “To the main estate!” I calculated the time. Jamie’s mother should be leading the Caldwell family in the ancestral rites right now. As soon as the car stopped, I sent someone to notify her, then rushed the child into the on-site clinic. Jamie had woken up at some point. His small hand was tightly clutching my coat, and he was trying to comfort me. “I don’t hurt, Daddy. Don’t cry…” The more composed he was, the deeper the guilt and self-reproach cut into me. If I hadn’t brought him back to the Caldwell compound today, we would never have run into those two lunatics. “Mr. Harrison, please don’t worry. The young master… he’s under a lucky star!” The doctor, terrified by Jamie’s weak breathing, was stammering as he spoke. Just as Jamie was being placed in a medical hyperbaric chamber, the clinic door was kicked open again. Blair, supporting Noah, stormed in with her bodyguards. Seeing me, a look of triumphant realization flashed across her face. She looked at me with disdain. “Didn’t you say you weren’t begging for me? Yet you ran straight back to the main estate? How pathetic!” Noah leaned on her shoulder, his eyes full of venom. “Ben Harrison, you stole my child, stabbed me, and now you dare to cause trouble here at the main estate? Aren’t you afraid of offending the Head of the Caldwells?” “Everyone in the city knows that if you cross the Caldwell Matriarch, you won’t even know how you died!” After he spoke, Blair put him down, shooed the doctor out, and dragged me into a corner, her tone impatient. “Ben Harrison, I’ll spare you this one last time, purely out of charity for your past devotion to me. Now, get lost!” Seeing her bully me, Jamie picked up a nearby water pitcher and hurled it at her. Clang— Blair touched the blood on her forehead, her face dangerously dark. She lifted the child with one hand. “Are you looking for a death wish?! Attacking your own mother!” Seeing Jamie’s face turning purple again, I fought free, turned, and slapped her. “Let go of my son!” Noah’s expression changed. He snatched the sterile cotton from the table and tried to gag me. “Why are you screaming?! If you want to die, don’t take us with you! Disrupting the ancestral rites—ten of you wouldn’t be enough to pay for it!” His sudden surge of crazy strength knocked me to the floor. Caught off guard, my mouth was stuffed full of cotton. I couldn’t worry about anything else. I immediately started fighting with Noah. In the midst of the muffled grunts and shoves. Blair watched me with wide, bewildered eyes. “Ben Harrison, I only allowed you to look after my child because of the old family engagement—you were educated and presentable. But look at you now!” “You’re acting like a lunatic! The boy will go crazy if he stays with you. From today on, Noah and I will personally raise Jamie!” The moment the words left her mouth, she let out a sharp cry of pain. Jamie, seeing me being brutalized, was frantic. He mustered all his strength and sank his teeth deep into Blair’s wrist. He grew up by my side because of his asthma. He is closer to me than to his biological mother. When he was four, he would swing his tiny fists to chase away stray cats and stand in front of me, his voice piping up: “I’m here! Don’t you dare bully my Daddy!” Seeing Jamie shaking, yet still refusing to let go of her wrist, a raw, sharp pain tore through my heart. I finally delivered a last kick that sent Noah sprawling. Just as I was about to grab the child back, Blair grabbed my hair and kicked me away. “Ben Harrison! You’ve trained my son into a little beast who doesn’t recognize his own mother and father!” “Don’t hit my Daddy!” Seeing me thrown to the ground, my forehead bleeding, Jamie screamed desperately. He prepared to bite her again. Blair saw through him. She grabbed his jaw, looked toward Noah in the corner, and tightened her grip. “You little animal! Open your eyes and look! Your real father is right there!” “He is not my Daddy! You are bad people!” Jamie strained his neck, his mouth torn and bloody, still trying to bite and tear at her. Blair completely lost her patience. She slammed him onto the floor, the sharp heel of her shoe coming down hard on his chest. She laughed coldly. “This boy has been totally ruined by Ben Harrison. He doesn’t even recognize his own parents!” “Fine! Fine! I’ll teach you a lesson today on how to apologize to your mother and father!” She applied pressure to her heel, grinding and pressing into the child’s chest. Jamie’s muffled cries of agony echoed in the room. “Let go of him! You monster! You don’t deserve to touch my son!” I screamed hoarsely, scrambling desperately toward Jamie, my voice ragged with blood and tears. “He’s having an asthma attack! Can’t you see he’s fading?!” “If anything happens to him, Blair Harrington, your entire family will pay!” The woman laughed as if I’d told a joke. She turned her head, glanced at me, then at the bloody and pathetic Noah. A cold ferocity washed over her face. “Asthma? Can’t breathe?” “He doesn’t recognize me, so why should I care if he lives or dies? Even if I accidentally kill him today, it’s all your fault for raising him wrong!” With that, she grabbed Jamie’s hair and forced him to kneel. Poor Jamie could no longer even hold himself up on his knees. He couldn’t even cry out for help. I lunged toward Blair like a madman, wanting to tear her apart. She kicked me hard, knocking me back down, then shoved my head toward Noah. “It’s your fault the child is ruined! Now, kowtow three times to Noah and apologize!” I was held down, my head slammed violently against the floor. Blood ran down my face, mixing with my tears. I stared at her, stubborn and silent. My silence completely enraged Blair. She pulled a steak knife from the fruit basket, flashed it in front of my eyes, and smiled with dark meaning. “You stabbed Noah. By all rights, you should repay him! If you’re smart, just apologize and beg…” She leaned close to my face, her voice soft and tempting. “I’ll forget all the past incidents. Otherwise…” Before she could finish the sentence. I opened my mouth and spat a mouthful of bloody foam right into her face. Blair closed her eyes, then opened them again, her gaze completely overtaken by towering rage. She slowly wiped her face, violently yanked my hair, and condescendingly patted my cheek. “Don’t blame me for being cruel. I gave you a chance, and you threw it away!” She then looked down and kicked Jamie. “Watch, this is the first lesson Mother is teaching you!” “When a person is foolish, when they make mistakes, they have to pay the price!” Jamie was startled awake by the pain. His eyes snapped open and he saw the knife plunging toward my heart. His pupils constricted instantly. “Daddy!” I don’t know where he found the strength. He struggled free from Blair’s feet and darted, throwing himself in front of me. “No!” Thwack! Hot blood sprayed like scattered petals, covering my face. I stared blankly at Jamie. My vision was filled with crimson. Tears mixed with blood poured down my cheeks. My heart was completely shredded. Jamie trembled, his hand reaching slowly, haltingly, toward me. His voice was broken. “J-Jamie doesn’t hurt… Daddy, don’t cry…” The bloody little hand fell limply before it could touch my face. Blair’s eyes were bloodshot. She pulled out the knife and aimed for my heart again. “You really did it! You let my son die for you!” When the tip of the knife had pierced an inch into my chest. A sudden gunshot erupted behind us. “The Matriarch has arrived!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390023”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

While waiting for the doctor, I scrolled through a local Reddit thread. [What’s the most thrilling thing you’ve ever done?] Among a sea of wholesome replies, a post bragging about being a mistress shot to the top. “Definitely training a woman-hater into my personal simp!” “There was this rich heiress who sponsored my college tuition but actually looked down on me. So after graduation, I joined her husband’s company and hooked him.” “The funniest part? Once, while we were hooking up, she came home early.” “I left through the back door and ‘forgot’ to close the gate. Her daughter ran out to chase a ball and got hit by a car. Dead.” “That stupid woman still thinks it was her fault. Karma.” Three minutes ago, her latest reply appeared. “Admit it, you guys are just jealous my man is rich, hot, and great in bed!” “That idiot wife is at therapy again.” “Her husband says her crying face annoys him. He’s celebrating my birthday right now.” Below was a photo of cutting a cake. I recognized the man’s cufflink instantly. It was my husband. The “idiot” who invited the wolf into her home… Was me. Chapter 1 Facing the angry questions from netizens, the OP posted a photo wearing a jade bracelet. “I don’t care about a marriage certificate. He only loves me.” That jade bracelet was the finale item Lucas Vance bought for $3 million at an auction recently. Media praised him as a devoted husband. Buying gifts for his wife even on business trips. I smiled bitterly. Since Lily died in that car accident, Lucas hated me. He dragged me to her small memorial shrine countless times, eyes red with rage: “Sarah, why didn’t you close the back gate?!” “You knew the road behind the fence is busy! You killed our daughter!” I bit my lip until it bled, silently accepting his blame. Because I hated myself too. Grief buried my memory. I couldn’t remember if I closed the gate or not. And the broken surveillance camera couldn’t tell the truth—because I forgot to call maintenance. Lucas made me kneel before Lily’s shrine to repent every day. But in this torture, I found a little relief. Later, I knelt all day, refusing food and water. My body collapsed. Soon, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. After Lily died, I wanted to join her. But facing death, I hesitated. Lucas cursed me to die with our daughter. But when I slashed my wrist in a breakdown, he pressed the wound tight, begging me to live. I knew his love, and understood his hate. So I hid the cancer. I didn’t want him to feel guilty for a dying woman. I used therapy as an excuse for my chemo appointments. I thought, if I survive, I’ll fix our marriage. If not, I’ll divorce him so he won’t have to suffer another loss. But my retreat didn’t win his heart back. Last week, our 8th anniversary. I still had hope. But the cancer pain hit. I hid in the bathroom, using the shower noise to mask my groans. When the pain passed, it was morning. The bed was cold. Since Lily died, Lucas never slept in our room. I never suspected cheating. I thought it was just grief. Now I realize how laughably confident I was. Tears fell uncontrollably. “Mrs. Vance? Are you okay?” The nurse asked worriedly. I wiped my tears. “Cancel all future chemo. Including today’s.” “But it’s late-stage. Without treatment, you might not last a month.” I smiled bitterly. “No more.” One month is enough. I waited in the living room until 3 AM for Lucas. I used to think he was working late to numb his pain. In reality, he was sleeping in another woman’s bed. Seeing me, Lucas frowned. “What are you doing here? Killing our daughter wasn’t enough? Trying to scare me to death now?” Words like daggers. I heard them too many times. Before, I felt guilty. But I didn’t kill Lily. Why should I pay for someone else’s sin? “I didn’t kill Lily…” Before I finished, Lucas choked me. “You have the nerve to mention her?” “If you closed the gate, she wouldn’t have been hit!” Suffocation hit me like a tide. I pushed him away and rasped: “Lucas, I found out! Lily’s death is related to Lyla!” His pupils shrank. He squeezed my neck harder. “What nonsense are you spouting? You think everyone is as evil as you?” Seeing him protect Lyla, the last spark of hope died. My stomach cramped violently. Cold sweat dripped. Just as I thought I would die, Lucas’s finger brushed my face. He pulled back like he was burned. “Sarah, don’t think dying is an escape!” “You will stay by my side and atone for life!” His phone buzzed on the coffee table. Lyla. He picked it up and walked away. I heard his gentle voice: “I hate her. Why would I touch her?” “Glad you like the bracelet. I’ll take you to Paris for New Year’s.” I blinked back tears. Soon, my phone rang. Lyla. “Sarah, did Lucas fight with you again?” “Don’t blame him. You did kill his daughter.” “Oops, sorry. Don’t take it to heart.” No guilt in her sweet apology. She changed the topic. She was pregnant. About a month after Lily died. I suffered in hell for 200 days. Lucas moved on in 30. “Sarah, what if he doesn’t like this baby?” I used to comfort her. Now I knew she was mocking me. Seeing my silence, she hung up. Then she posted an Instagram Story. Interlocked fingers. Caption: Someone promised to give me a home. Hope it comes soon. Lucas liked it instantly. Comment: Won’t be long. I sat until dawn. Then I revised the divorce papers. Assets: All to Lucas. Changed to All to Sarah. I hired private investigators. Lucas noticed my change. After another late night, he exploded. “Sarah, do you know?” I looked up. I thought he knew Lyla was the murderer. But he said coldly: “I warn you. Don’t target Lyla.” “I won’t let you hurt my second child!” “What about Lily?” I asked. He froze. Lyla called. “Lucas! Someone is following me!” “I’m scared! Save me!” Screams followed. Lucas dragged me to the car. He ran red lights, just like when I went into premature labor with Lily. Now, he was saving another woman. When we arrived, Lyla in pajamas rushed into his arms. “You’re finally here!” Lucas wiped her tears and turned to the handcuffed men. “Who sent you?” The leader looked at me, then looked away guiltily. Lucas kicked him. “Speak! Or you’re done in this city!” “It… it was your wife. She paid us to make Miss Lyla miscarry!” Lucas turned to me, eyes full of murder. “Sarah! I knew it!” He loomed over me. “Lily’s death didn’t teach you a lesson?” “How dare you hire thugs to scare a pregnant woman!” I endured the stomach pain. “I never wanted to hurt her baby.” Lucas grabbed my phone. He shoved a transfer record in my face. “Explain this!” “If I say I don’t know, will you believe me?” He smashed my phone. “Why should I believe you!” Lyla tugged his sleeve. “Forget it. Sarah didn’t mean it.” “I’m willing to let her raise the baby.” “But I’m afraid…” She stopped, biting her lip. Everyone knew what she meant. She was afraid I’d kill her baby like I “killed” mine. Lucas gripped my jaw. “Admit it!” “I won’t admit what I didn’t do.” He threw me to the ground. “Reflect in the basement!” “Don’t come out until you admit your mistake!” Chapter 2 I was thrown into the basement like trash. Untreated wounds festered. High fever. Delirium. Three days without food. Stomach cancer tortured my insides. I hallucinated Lily. In her blood-stained princess dress, crying for Mom outside the fence. I reached out, grasping only air. The door opened. Lyla walked in, glowing with pregnancy. “Look at you. Pathetic.” “You deserve this. Always showing off your happiness.” “As for your daughter… bad luck. She died to make room for my son.” Rage exploded. I slapped her pitiful face. Lucas rushed in. Lyla covered her face, weeping. “I just wanted to persuade her…” “She said my baby will die too…” Lucas glared at me. “Sarah, you are hopeless!” He ordered a whip. “Hit her as many times as she hit you!” Lyla grinned.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390039”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

It was my tenth year as the “Headline Queen” of GNN. On New Year’s Eve, my paparazzi snapped a bombshell about my husband. Harrison Sterling told me he was working late at the office. In reality, he was ringing in the New Year with another woman. In the photo, there was a red mark on the woman’s neck. It was clear how wild they played. Seeing my dark expression, the paparazzo whispered, “Nicole, do we still publish these?” I smiled indifferently. “The first scandal of the year. Why would I say no to money?” Besides, old trash doesn’t belong in the new year. Chapter 1 Just then, I received a text from Harrison. “Honey, Happy New Year. Tired from overtime. Going to sleep now.” I smirked. Physical labor all night is indeed tiring. I didn’t reply. I opened my laptop and started typing. The next morning, the headlines in Manhattan exploded. [The Crown Prince’s New Year Bang!] [Exclusive! Harrison Sterling Tames a Wild Mare on NYE!] Within thirty minutes, Harrison stormed into my office, ignoring security. “Nicole! Issue a clarification immediately!” I calmly handed him a document from my desk. “Sure. Sign this, and I’ll pull all the reports.” Harrison stared at me for two seconds. “Nicole, I’m not leaving you.” But the next moment, he sighed, feigning helplessness. “But she’s pregnant.” “I’m thirty this year. I want a child of my own.” He dropped his arrogance and softened his voice. “Honey, when the baby is born, we can raise it together, okay?” My eyes stung. I asked him: “Who is she?” He promised me that no matter how much he played around, he would never bring a child into this. My hand trembled as I touched my lower abdomen. There was a scar there, ugly as a centipede. Harrison knew that my inability to conceive was the greatest pain of my life. Suddenly, there was a commotion at the door. “Ma’am, you cannot enter the Director’s office without permission!” “I’m pregnant! Who dares to touch me?” She screamed, squeezing through the door and rushing in front of me. “Sister Nicole, my child is innocent! Please let us be!” It was Sienna. The nurse responsible for my care. So, the woman under my husband last night was her. I sneered at Harrison. “All these years, you flew around the world finding hundreds of doctors for me. You spent a billion dollars just to get me pregnant.” “In the end, you knocked up a little nurse!” I raised my hand and slapped him hard. “Harrison Sterling, you disgust me.” He opened his mouth to speak, but Sienna dropped to her knees with a thud. “Sister Nicole, I know you two have a deep bond.” “Please keep me! I’m willing to be the second wife. I’ll serve you and Harrison for the rest of my life!” What a move. Retreating to advance. I almost wanted to applaud her. Harrison rushed to help her up, kissing and comforting her, checking her knees. By now, the doorway was crowded with people watching the drama. Their looks of pity or schadenfreude burned me like fire. I smashed my mug on the floor. Shards flew everywhere. “Harrison, if you’re not signing, get out.” “Look at whose territory this is. Don’t make me call security!” Harrison recognized the mug. We bought it ten years ago when we got married. It symbolized a lifetime of happiness. His pupils shrank. He silently took Sienna’s hand and left. After everyone was gone. I held back the tears in my eyes. I picked up the internal line. “Send a banner to the hospital for me.” The photos the paparazzi took were blurry. But it didn’t matter. I would let all of New York know who the loose woman from last night was. My assistant sent me the live feed. Sienna opened the banner with a smile in front of everyone. Until she saw the words: [Thank you, Miss Sienna, for providing sexual services to my husband.] She screamed, frantically trying to roll the banner back up. But the patients and colleagues around her had already seen it. Sienna covered her face and cried amidst the pointing fingers. Harrison called me quickly. This was the first time he shouted at me for another woman. “You painted Sienna as an escort! She’s crying and wants to abort my child!” “Nicole, get over here and apologize to her!” I sneered and hung up. I went back to work. When I checked my phone again, 99+ notifications filled the screen. Chapter 2 An uncensored video was trending. In it, a greasy middle-aged man groped me, and I fawned over him. My worst nightmare was exposed to the world. Suffocation wrapped around me. It felt like being stripped naked and paraded on Fifth Avenue. Only he knew where my weak spot was. And how to hurt me the most. This was my first big undercover assignment. I infiltrated a VIP club to get intel. Harrison was the only one who encouraged me back then. Later, he bought back all the footage at a high price. Over the years, Harrison used his resources to lift me up. He told me firmly, “Nicole, I’m willing to let you stand on my shoulders to see the view you want.” But after we married, we could never go back. I was the “Headline Queen” for ten years. I reported thousands of scandals. Hundreds of them were about my husband. The Harrison who encouraged my career now only said, “I play around, but I love you the most.” “No matter how many women I have, they have to call you Sister.” I thought a child would make him settle down. But the woman outside was faster. Just then, Sienna posted a photo of her interlocking fingers with Harrison on Instagram. An official announcement. The ruthless “Crown Prince” of Manhattan looked at the camera with tender eyes. I followed the location tag to his private booth at the club. A drunk man suddenly spoke up. “Harrison, your plan was brilliant!” “Setting up Nicole ten years ago so she couldn’t have kids… now you can play around guilt-free!” Harrison swirled his wine, looking bored. “I was too young back then. Didn’t want to be tied down by a kid.” I froze. The last bit of warmth in my heart vanished. The gold heist that shocked the city ten years ago. I rushed to the scene but was stabbed in the uterus by a robber. That knife cut through my unborn child and churned my insides. So, it was Harrison’s setup… No wonder the robber got out on medical parole after a few months. The man sleeping next to me for ten years was the one who stabbed me the deepest. His friend looked at Sienna and asked: “Why do you want a kid now? Turning over a new leaf?” Harrison didn’t deny it. He smiled faintly. “Sienna is clean. Unlike all of them.” He kissed her hand like a rose. “I promise to be a good father and protect our baby.” Sienna blushed and buried her face in his chest. “Harrison… Hubby, people are watching!” But she couldn’t hide her smugness. His friend said enviously: “Young women are the best. Makes me want to date again.” I dug my nails into my palm. I suppressed the urge to rush in and smash everything. I recorded his friend’s words and sent them to his wife—the fiercest tiger in our circle. Then, I called a strange number. “I accept your offer.” Ten years later, I learned to hide my blade. I was no longer the reckless rookie reporter Nicole. Chapter 3 That night, I didn’t rush to leave. I didn’t play the obedient wife waiting for a man who wouldn’t come home. I found a booth in the lobby and sat down. I threw Harrison’s supplementary credit card on the table. I waved my hand. “Whoever makes me happy can swipe this card!” Several young men stood respectfully in front of me, calling me “Sister” sweetly. Just as one of them was about to touch my hand… Smack! His hand was slapped away violently. Harrison stood before me, face cold, radiating danger. He grabbed my arm, veins popping. “Nicole, what are you doing!” This time, I was the calm one. I said lightly, “I just wanted to know if cheating feels that good.” “Worth doing over and over again.” Harrison’s eyes turned red. “Tell me, where did he touch you?” I didn’t answer. I shook off his hand. “Harrison, you cheated last night. All of New York is my witness.” “I will hire the best lawyer and leave you with nothing.” Suddenly, he scoffed. He looked down at me like an ant. “Nicole, you can’t do it. And I won’t give you the chance.” That night, Harrison sent female bodyguards to escort me home. They forced me into the bathtub. Ignoring my screams, they scrubbed me with brushes over ten times before leaving. Harrison knew. Since that incident ten years ago, I revolted against anyone’s touch but his. Yet he humiliated me by any means necessary. Ten years of deep love turned out to be a massive joke. I hugged the toilet and vomited all night, sitting there until dawn. The second day of the New Year. I hosted the annual meeting at the TV station. A man suddenly burst in with documents. “Nicole threatened me to make fake AI photos of her husband! Or she’d fire me!” “I have a family to feed! I had to listen to her!” My brain exploded. More subordinates squeezed in. They shouted out evidence of my “crimes.” I couldn’t understand. How much money did it take to make loyal subordinates fabricate lies and betray me? My heart felt squeezed. I couldn’t breathe. The board decided to fire me and fine me millions. But the day wasn’t over. As soon as I stepped out of the station. Police officers rushed over, pinning me to the ground and handcuffing me. “Nicole, you are under arrest for defamation. Come with us.” Ridicule erupted behind me. “Some Headline Queen. Look at her now, like a chained dog!” “Faking news for money? Scum of the industry!” Chapter 4 Half an hour later, Sienna stood outside the bars. Holding Harrison’s hand, she smiled victoriously. Harrison said deeply, “Sienna is carrying my heir. You are sisters now. Take care of each other.” “If you kneel and apologize to her, I’ll clear your name. You can be the Headline Queen again.” Even after countless disappointments, I couldn’t believe my ears. To vent anger for Sienna, he destroyed my bright future. I really wanted to ask him. Where did the Harrison who praised my ambition as brighter than the Hudson River skyline go? I gritted my teeth and swallowed my emotions. “No need. I don’t want it.” Harrison’s face darkened instantly. The last trace of pity in his eyes vanished. Sienna grabbed my hand and yanked off my wedding ring. “No jewelry in detention. Sister Nicole, I’ll take this ring!” She scratched my skin, drawing blood. But it didn’t hurt as much as my heart. She whispered in my ear. “Nicole, I bribed some killers inside.” “Tell me… if your beautiful hands are ruined, will Harrison still want you?” I was thunderstruck. I tried to scratch her face. Harrison blocked my hand effortlessly. “Nicole, cool off in there for a few days. When you figure it out, I’ll let you out!” Not long after Harrison left, he was engulfed in a scandal. News about Sterling Motors’ cars spontaneously combusting, previously suppressed, resurfaced. Stocks plummeted. Trading was halted. Even the retired Old Man Sterling had to step in. Finally, the old man gave Harrison a path: “Go say hello to the newly appointed City Director of Communications.” Harrison went straight to City Hall. Staff in black uniforms led him to the office and closed the door respectfully. The leather chair slowly turned around. The person spoke. “Do you like my gift on my first day?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390058”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel