Category: English

At my adoptive sister’s celebration party, a post caught my eye. “What’s it like to pull a god down from his pedestal?” A comment with ten thousand likes was pinned to the top. “The god I pulled down was my adoptive sister’s boyfriend of ten years.” “The moment I entered their home, I was drawn to his aloof, untouchable aura. I played the part of the temptress from a novel, and with a flick of my finger, he was mine.” “He was always so righteous, so principled. But for me, he secretly changed my exam scores. For me, he waived the entrance test to his top-tier law firm. For me, he became my private tutor, preparing me for the bar exam.” “And my dear sister? She spent five miserable years choking down instant noodles in a cramped study room and still couldn’t pass.” The replies were a chorus of condemnation. “Have you no shame? What about your adoptive parents?” She quickly posted a photo from the party. There I was, in the corner, bloated and puffy from a diet of cheap ramen. My hair, a dry, frizzy mess, framed a face of dull resignation. “What makes you think…” she added, her words dripping with condescension, “that they don’t know?” “My parents were worried I’d be too stressed. So, to make sure I had company, they’d drug my food before every exam. I’d fall asleep during the test and think it was my own weakness.” “But now that I’ve passed, I’ll be merciful. I’ll ask them to stop.” … My hand, clutching the phone, began to tremble. I looked up and saw my adoptive sister, Chloe, gesturing wildly, a triumphant look on her face. And next to her, my boyfriend, Damien, listened intently, his eyes filled with a tenderness I had never seen directed at me. I walked over and shoved the phone in his face. “Is this true?” I asked, my voice a raw whisper. His eyes scanned the screen, and his pupils dilated for a fraction of a second. His silence was my answer. “Why?” My voice was sharp with rage. “Damien, you knew how badly I wanted to get into Sterling & Vance! It was my dream to stand in the same courtroom as you, to fight by your side! I worked so hard for so many years…” He finally spoke. “But you’re my girlfriend.” “Audrey, everyone knows about us. There was only one spot this year. If you got in, what would people think? They’d say I pulled strings for you. How would that look for either of us?” “You’re a law student. You should understand the need to avoid the appearance of impropriety.” “Impropriety?” A bitter laugh escaped me, but tears were already streaming down my face. “My final year of university, I interviewed for an internship at your firm. You were so afraid of being accused of nepotism that you tore up my resume in front of everyone and threw it in the trash. You belittled my accomplishments, made me feel worthless.” “But I was top of my class for four years! I won every national scholarship available! I earned my place in grad school, published papers in prestigious journals! What did I have to be afraid of?” “But her!” I spun around and pointed at Chloe. “She failed her exams every year! In moot court, she couldn’t even handle a basic cross-examination! But for her, you threw your principles out the window. You changed her scores, opened doors for her, coddled her, taught her everything yourself! Damien, were your principles designed specifically to be used against me?” Chloe shrank behind him, a picture of innocence. “Audrey! What are you doing, yelling at your sister like that?” A roar from behind me, and then a hand grabbed my arm, yanking me away. My mother rushed to Chloe’s side, wrapping her in a protective embrace. “It’s okay, Chloe, Mommy’s here. This is your special day. Don’t cry.” She wiped Chloe’s tears, then shot me a look of pure disappointment. “Audrey, are you here just to cause trouble? Can’t you let your sister have one happy moment? Why do you have to humiliate her in front of everyone?” “I humiliated her?” My voice was hoarse with disbelief. “You… you didn’t even ask what happened. You just saw her crying and assumed I was the one bullying her, right?” My father waved his hand dismissively. “What else could it be? Your sister has always been a sweet, gentle girl. It must be you, acting out again.” I sighed, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. I looked straight at him. “Dad, before every exam, Mom would bring me a special scallion pancake. She said it was a taste of home, for good luck. Was there something else in those pancakes?” The anger on my father’s face froze. He looked away, unable to meet my eyes. My mother, still holding Chloe, went rigid, her face turning a ghastly white. So it was true… Tears rolled down my cheeks. “And I thought… I thought it was me. That I was weak, that I wasn’t good enough…” My mother suddenly broke down. She tried to grab my hand, but I pulled away. “Audrey, we didn’t want to!” she sobbed. “But Chloe… she’s so sensitive, not strong like you… If she failed and you passed, what if she did something drastic? I promise, next year, we won’t put anything in your food…” Damien’s voice, now soft and placating, chimed in. “She’s right. If it means that much to you, I can help you study next year. It’s just one more year. You have a strong foundation. You can do it.” “‘Just one more year’?” “I’m twenty-nine! I’ve been trying to pass this exam since I was twenty-four! Five years! The best, most valuable five years of my career, all wasted in a cold study room with moldy instant noodles! I slept four hours a night, studied until I threw up, my hands were covered in chilblains…” “Do you know what it’s like to watch people years younger than you walk past with their law licenses? I thought I was stupid, that I wasn’t working hard enough, that I was mentally weak! I doubted myself, broke down in tears, then forced myself to get up and keep going!” “And now you’re telling me that none of it had to happen?” “My five years… do they mean so little to you?” The dam of my pent-up grief and frustration finally burst. My whole body was shaking. “Audrey! Let me explain…” “We… we…” My mother was crying too, unable to form a coherent sentence. She knew. She knew what they had done. I had had enough. I turned to leave, but my father’s voice, sharp with anger, stopped me. “You stop right there! If you walk out that door today, I’ll disown you!” I turned back slowly, my face numb. “The day you started drugging me, I stopped being your daughter.” I walked out and didn’t look back. I stopped studying and started looking for a job. I thought my university transcripts, my published papers, my awards, would mean something. I was wrong. Twenty-nine years old. Female. No work experience. No law license. Each one a fatal blow. I was less valuable than the office printer. Then, I saw another post from Chloe. A nine-photo grid from the party. Everyone was smiling. As if nothing had happened. A message from Damien popped up. “Audrey, I’ve given Chloe a new case. She’s still inexperienced, and there’s a lot of paperwork. You could come and help with the filing, some basic tasks. It would be good practical experience for you. Once we win the case, I can bring you in as an intern. It would be a legitimate way in.” The condescending, charitable tone of his message made me sick. Did he really think I would come crawling back, tail between my legs, for this insulting scrap of a chance? At the same time, another message appeared, from an unknown number. It was short. “Interested in a collaboration?” At the pre-trial meeting a few days later, my presence didn’t seem to surprise Damien. He was still the same arrogant, self-assured man. “So you’ve come to your senses. Good. Pay attention. You’ll be taking the minutes for Chloe. It’s a great learning opportunity for you.” I met his gaze and sat down across from him. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Mr. Thorne.” His brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?” “Because today, I am the lead counsel for the plaintiff.” The air in the room went still. Damien was the first to break the silence, with a short, sharp laugh. “What nonsense are you talking about? You don’t even have a law license. What firm would hire you? Who would be foolish enough to take that risk?” Just then, the conference room door opened again. A man walked in and sat down beside me. “Hans Vance!” Chloe gasped. The color drained from Damien’s face. “You went to him? Do you have any idea who he is?” Of course I knew. Hans Vance was Damien’s fiercest rival. His reputation was… mixed. Some said he was ruthless, that he would do anything to win. Others said he was brilliant, a master strategist who took on the cases no one else would touch. Most importantly, he and Damien were sworn enemies. I met Damien’s furious gaze, my own voice calm. “Damien, when I needed a chance, when I needed a platform to prove myself, you were the one who pushed me away, time and time again, to ‘avoid impropriety.’” “I lost five years of my life. No firm would even look at me. When I had nowhere else to turn, he was the one who gave me a chance, who believed in my abilities. As for what kind of person he is…” “I don’t care.” “You!” Damien looked like he was about to choke. “I was trying to help you! After this case, I was going to get you into Sterling & Vance, let you start from the bottom…” “Ha!” I cut him off. “Mr. Thorne, you were going to pull strings for me? Bend the rules? I couldn’t possibly let you do that.” He was speechless. Hans tapped the table. “If you two are quite finished, perhaps we could discuss the case?” Damien’s chest heaved with suppressed rage. He shot me one last venomous look and sat down. Hours later, he and Chloe left the meeting with thunderous expressions. Hans turned to me. “So? How did it go?” I let out a long breath, my tense muscles finally relaxing. “She’s no match for me.” He raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across his face. “It seems my investment was a wise one.”

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The day I took Victoria Sullivan’s money—a cold, sickening million dollars—to save my dying father, I knew I had signed away my entire future. When I told Rhys Sullivan I was leaving him, I didn’t just shatter our decade-long love story; I shattered him. He didn’t argue. He didn’t yell. He just found the silver letter opener on his mahogany desk and, in one swift, brutal movement, drew it across his wrist. The sight of his blood, bright against the pale skin of his hand, stunned the air from my lungs. He looked at me, his face bleached white from shock and blood loss, but his eyes were filled with a terrifying, absolute devotion. “Jas,” he whispered, his voice dangerously soft. “Jasmine Moore, you are it for me. If I can’t marry you, I don’t want to be here.” He used his own life as a weapon, and his mother, Victoria, finally had to back down. But the moment he had me, he began his long, calculated revenge. On our wedding day, standing before a hundred shocked faces, he replaced the five-carat cushion-cut diamond with a cheap, plastic toy ring. “You’re a transaction, Jasmine,” he sneered, loud enough for the front rows to hear. “A deal made in an office. This ring—this piece of plastic—is the only fidelity you’ve ever earned.” After the ceremony, his life became an endless parade of beautiful women. He’d spend fortunes on them—designer bags, watches, sports cars. On me, his legal wife, the request to buy groceries required a formal, written application and an endless wait for approval. Years later, when my father’s condition worsened and I needed fifty thousand for emergency surgery, I begged Rhys for the money. I got on my knees and debased myself, sacrificing every shred of dignity left to me. For my father’s life, I was only rewarded with five hundred dollars and a cold, chilling laugh. “A good little lapdog only gets kibble,” he said. I picked up the crumpled bills, my vision blurring with tears, and rushed to the hospital. By the time I arrived, my father was gone. While I was collapsed in anguish at his bedside, Rhys was out buying out an entire luxury boutique for his latest flavor-of-the-month. Five days later, I was dead inside. I went to his office, the signed divorce papers clutched in my hand. He laughed then, too. “Seriously? All this drama over fifty thousand dollars?” … I arrived at Rhys’s office suite, the divorce agreement feeling heavy and final in my hand, and was stopped by his assistant, just like always. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Sullivan, but Mr. Sullivan requires all meetings to be scheduled. You must have an appointment to enter the CEO’s office.” I stared at the heavy mahogany door, a bitter smile twisting my lips. Seven years of marriage. Seven years of being barred from his office, always forced to wait for permission, for a notice, for the honor of his time. I stopped counting the hours I’d spent waiting years ago. Five days ago, when I received the emergency call about my father, I had tried to storm in. The assistant and two bodyguards wrestled me to the ground. I fought like an animal, clawing at the door, the skin on my fingertips tearing and bleeding, but I wouldn’t let go. Rhys finally opened the door, a scowl of annoyance on his face, after his assistant called him. He looked down at me, a dishevelled, desperate wreck on his pristine carpet, and gave a cruel, cold laugh. “Here for another handout, Jasmine? You never cease to amaze me with how low you’ll sink for cash.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping to an arctic whisper. “How much this time? Five thousand? Fifty thousand? A hundred?” “The money comes with a price,” he continued, slow and deliberate. “I need a… a lapdog today. Kneel right there. Bark for me. I’ll give you a hundred dollars for every sound you make.” The raw, stark humiliation of the command caused my whole body to shake. But the image of my father, pale and barely breathing in a hospital bed, was enough. I slowly bent my knees. Under the cynical, mocking gazes of the staff, I sank to the floor and whispered the one-syllable sound. “Woof.” Rhys threw his head back and roared with laughter. He gleefully called his latest paramour, Savannah Locke, over and led her, his arm around her waist, into his office. I couldn’t remember how many times I had to bark that day. I couldn’t remember how many sickening sweet words I heard him utter to Savannah from behind that closed door. The next morning, he opened the door, gifting Savannah his ten-thousand-dollar custom watch. He didn’t even look at me when he dropped five hundred-dollar bills onto the floor. “A good little dog only gets kibble,” he mocked, then swept Savannah away, not sparing a glance for me, even as my tears streamed down my face and I begged him to save my father. I gathered the five hundred dollars and rushed to the hospital, but it was too late. Dad was gone. His eyes had been open when the nurses found him, still calling my name. I held his cold body and cried until the darkness took me. When I woke up, the nurses were gossiping about Rhys Sullivan clearing out a major luxury store for his girlfriend. They murmured about the ten thousand dollars he’d given the sales clerk as a tip. They didn’t know that his legitimate wife had been pushed to the edge of the abyss, unable to find fifty thousand dollars to see her father one last time. My heart was a lump of cold ash. I called him, requesting the divorce, and was met with a dismissive grunt. “What, you’re throwing a fit now? Didn’t get the cash so you’re trying to use manipulative tactics? Threatening me with divorce?” “Jasmine, you’re pathetic! You couldn’t even be a good dog! Even dogs are more obedient than you are!” “What right do you have to demand a divorce? Your father’s medical bills, that apartment you live in—it all comes from me!” “You spend my money, so you follow my rules. I tell you to take it, you take it!” Before he could finish, I heard a rustling sound—Savannah, no doubt—and he abruptly hung up. I hadn’t even had the chance to tell him Dad was dead. My heart shriveled. For seven years, I’d retreated, swallowed his insults, and endured his cruel demands. Standing before that heavy, always-closed door, I finally snapped. I grabbed a glass vase from the side table and hurled it against the wall. The sound of shattering glass was deafening. I grabbed a jagged shard, held it to my throat, and screamed. “I need to see Rhys Sullivan now! If you don’t let me in, I swear I’ll bleed out right here, right now!” The assistant finally gave way, frantically punching the code. The door opened, revealing a scene that stabbed me like a thousand knives. Rhys and Savannah were tangled together on the sofa. Savannah shrieked in shock when she saw me. Rhys’s face went thunderous. He snatched a heavy crystal ashtray from the coffee table and launched it at me. “Get out! Who the hell let you in?! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!” The ashtray struck my forehead hard. My temple split open and warm blood immediately poured down my face, but the agonizing tear in my heart overshadowed the pain of the wound. A hysterical, furious laugh escaped me. I fixed a cold stare on the two of them, barely dressed and utterly shameless. “I don’t care what games you’re playing. Rhys, I’m here for one reason only. Divorce.” Rhys snatched the papers from my hand and ripped them into snowdrifts without a single glance. “Don’t use divorce to manipulate me, Jasmine! That trick doesn’t work on me anymore!” Savannah was stroking his chest, a sickeningly sweet smile on her face. “Mrs. Sullivan will do anything for attention, won’t she, honey?” She leaned in, whispering in his ear. “Rhys, don’t let her ruin our mood. Just throw her some cash and send her away. A hundred thousand isn’t worth your time.” Rhys gave a smug chuckle, then turned his icy gaze back to me. He opened a drawer, pulled out a stack of hundred-dollar bills, and slammed them onto my face. “Seriously? All this drama over fifty thousand dollars? You’re always making a scene for money, and it disgusts me!” “Take the money and get lost! I don’t want to look at you!” The bills scattered across the carpet. I ignored them, my eyes locked on his. “I told you. One purpose. Rhys, divorce.” His patience snapped. “Divorce? You’re nothing but a dog I bought for money! You don’t get to make demands!” He walked up to me, pretending to gently wipe the blood from my face, then suddenly clamped his hand around my throat. “You think I don’t know your little games? The push-and-pull?” “I’m telling you now, Jasmine. You will never leave me. Not unless you’re dead!” Just as I felt myself choking, he abruptly released me and crushed his lips to mine. The ultimate violation. I struggled wildly, desperate to push him away. “Get off me! Don’t touch me!” He grinned, a terrifying, savage look. “Stop pretending. You’re my dog, so play the part.” “Serve me well, and I’ll reward you with scraps.” Pure, blinding rage surged through me. I didn’t care about the consequences; I sank my teeth into his cheek, hard, until I tasted blood. He cried out and shoved me away. I hit the ground hard. Staring at the blood streaming down half of his face, I had a sudden, terrible flash of memory from when I was seventeen. I had been jumped by a group of thugs, and Rhys had rushed in, fighting them off. He’d smiled at me then, too, with his own face covered in blood. How did we get here? It didn’t matter. The misunderstandings, the pain, the betrayals—they could all be buried with my father. I was finally free of obligation. I could leave this prison. A sharp, dizzying pain brought me back. Rhys was dragging me up by my hair and slamming my head against the wall. His face was a mask of pure, distorted fury. “Ungrateful bitch! Get out!” With my temple still bleeding and my clothes ripped, he physically kicked me out of the office. This time, my frantic pounding and hysterical sobs at the door only earned me a final, frustrated roar from inside. “Jasmine, for the love of God, go away! Stop bothering me!” Employees hurried past in the corridor, their eyes filled with thinly veiled scorn. The feeling of being exposed was unbearable. I had to leave. I stumbled out onto the street, humiliated and disoriented, enduring the stares of passersby. The early winter chill was a physical assault, but my heart was colder. I was shaken from my daze when a group of men blocked my path. They were rough-looking, reeking of alcohol. I hugged my torn clothes tighter, but it didn’t deter their leering eyes. They closed in, forcing me into a deserted alleyway. I had nowhere to run. Their hands were immediately all over me, their actions growing bolder and more aggressive. I was sickened and in pain, but the harder I fought, the more they seemed emboldened. In that moment of absolute despair, I remembered our first encounter again. Seventeen. Working multiple jobs to support my ailing father. Cornered on the way home late at night. Rhys, my white knight, bloody but smiling, dispatching my attackers. He’d promised me, so earnestly and nervously, on the day he proposed, that I would never suffer another moment of pain or shame. Yet, for seven years, every humiliation I’d endured had been because of him. I gave a bitter, exhausted smile and lost the will to struggle. Suddenly, a piercing screech of tires echoed from the alley entrance. Rhys. He charged in like a man possessed, kicking the man on top of me clear across the alley. “Don’t you dare touch her! Are you trying to die?!” He ripped off his expensive jacket and threw it over me, shrouding me completely. I must have been delirious, because for a fleeting second, I saw tenderness and fierce protection in his eyes. The warmth was a mirage. The next second, his expression was back to his usual look of repulsion and disgust. “Jasmine, your sickness is beyond my comprehension!” “You set this up for attention? You think this cheap stunt will make me notice you? You have no shame!” His anger flared, and he planted the heel of his designer shoe on my chest, pressing down hard. “Then again. The woman who sells ten years of love for a million dollars has no shame to lose.” I bit down on my tongue, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a defense. Years ago, Rhys’s mother, Victoria, had approached me repeatedly, offering increasingly obscene amounts of money to leave her son. I refused every time. I don’t want your money, Mrs. Sullivan. I just want to be with him. But then, Rhys was away on a business trip, and the hospital called. Heart attack. My father needed a million-dollar bypass surgery, immediately. The mountain of debt was insurmountable. I called and messaged Rhys, but my calls went unanswered, my messages unread. Desperate, I went to Victoria. She didn’t even offer a chair. She simply slid the breakup agreement and a cashier’s check for a million dollars across the table. I had no choice. I signed. I rushed to the hospital with the money, only to be told the diagnosis was a mistake. My father was stable. The doctor, avoiding my eyes, sighed. “Ms. Moore, Mrs. Sullivan asked me to tell you this. Today was a mistake. Next time, it won’t be. Please keep your agreement and remain silent.” The words stole all the strength from my legs. My father’s life was now a direct variable of my cooperation. I had to break up with Rhys. He wouldn’t accept it. He cut his wrist in front of me. I thought it was love then. It wasn’t until the public humiliation at the altar that I realized it was hatred. The marriage was a meticulously planned act of revenge. He was determined to break my spirit, step by step, piece by piece. My father’s life was the chain that bound me to his cruelty. But Dad was gone now. The chain was broken. I was finally free. I struggled to my feet, throwing his jacket off. I didn’t look at him, simply walked toward the exit. He grabbed me from behind, his arms locking around my waist, his voice thick with fury. “Where do you think you’re going? Look at the state of you! Stop your pathetic games and come home!” I let out a bitter, cold laugh—and then coughed violently, bringing up a mouthful of blood. The darkness returned. When I woke up again, I was in a hospital bed. Gauze covered every part of me. I tried to sit up, but Rhys was there, his eyes red and swollen, gently pushing me back down. He looked at me with an odd, almost childlike vulnerability. “Jas,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” I froze, instinctively looking down at my flat abdomen. We had talked about wanting a family, years ago, when we were in love. But the years of torture had killed that wish. Now, just as I was finally leaving, a new life had arrived. Rhys’s tears streamed down his face. He gripped my hand. “Since we have a child, let’s forget all the ugliness. I forgive you.” The word meant nothing to me. I had waited so long for his forgiveness, but it was too late. I remembered the first time I found out he was with another woman. I had sobbed, clinging to him. Rhys, please believe me, I had no choice! Forgive me! Let’s stop this cycle of torture and just be a family! I had been crawling in the dust for him, but he’d shoved me away with a cold, cutting laugh. What kind of ‘choice’ makes you sell me out for a million dollars? How am I supposed to forgive you? I can’t force myself to believe you! I had no evidence. The initial misdiagnosis papers were gone. And my father’s life was still held hostage by his mother’s word. All my sacrifice hadn’t even bought my father a long life. My heart was a twisted knot of pain. I wanted to tell him the truth now, to finally unload the burden. But Rhys continued, blissfully unaware. “Jasmine, just focus on the baby now. Don’t worry about your father; I’ll cover all the medical expenses.” His absurdity made me laugh out loud. The doctor, who had just entered for rounds, looked confused. “Mr. Sullivan, you haven’t heard? Ms. Moore’s father passed away five days ago.” Rhys’s eyes widened, the shock of the lightning strike evident on his face. I stopped laughing. My voice was unnaturally calm. “I’ll say it one more time. I have only one purpose. Divorce.” Rhys’s face turned frantic. He shook his head violently. “No, nothing but death will separate us now! Jas, please, just rest. We’ll talk about this in a few days.” I watched his desperate escape, my gaze cold and empty. When I talked to the social worker about my father’s final arrangements, I discovered I couldn’t even claim his body. I was too poor to pay the eight hundred dollars for cremation. It was laughable. The wife of Rhys Sullivan was too broke to bury her own father. As I was leaving the hospital, I bumped right into Savannah. She smiled, blocking my path, her eyes gleaming with malicious triumph. “Mrs. Sullivan, I hear you’re pregnant. Funny, isn’t it? I’m pregnant with Rhys’s baby, too.” I looked down, unwilling to engage. She became bolder. “Just heard the nurse say you don’t even have money for your father’s funeral? You’re certainly the most pathetic socialite I’ve ever seen.” I sighed. Socialite, high society wife—I didn’t want any of it. I pushed past her and walked away. To earn the money for the funeral, I managed to get a job as a server at a luxury hotel. That very evening, the hotel was hosting a huge gala. Rhys arrived with Savannah, making a grand entrance, intimate and happy. I hid behind the velvet curtains, watching them. The event was their One Hundred Day Anniversary—a commemoration Rhys had organized to feel like a full-blown wedding reception. As the party peaked, Rhys held Savannah’s hand to cut a massive four-tiered cake. I, the legitimate Mrs. Sullivan, was weaving through the tables, serving champagne to the guests. I tried to avoid their eyes, but Rhys spotted me. His face contorted with revulsion and displeasure at my server uniform. Savannah gasped dramatically. “Mrs. Sullivan! What are you doing dressed like that?!” “Showing up here in that outfit—are you trying to humiliate Rhys? You really have no shame, begging for money this way!” I tried to hurry past, but Rhys grabbed my wrist. His eyes were blazing with fury. “Have you had enough, Jasmine?! I told you to stay home and rest!” I yanked my arm away, my voice flat and icy. “Mr. Sullivan, I’m just trying to earn money to bury my father. It has nothing to do with you.” Rhys sighed, shaking his head. He waved his hand, and an assistant rushed over, holding a small, ornate wooden box. “You’re acting like such a victim,” Rhys said, disappointment etched on his face. “I told the assistant to inform you I would handle your father’s arrangements. What is this performance for?” As he finished speaking, Savannah stepped forward and took the box. She walked toward me, then theatrically “tripped” on a small step, sending the box hurtling to the floor. My breath hitched. I screamed, diving forward, but I was too late. The urn shattered. My father’s ashes scattered across the polished ballroom floor. I frantically tried to gather the fine gray powder, but the harder I tried, the more it slipped through my fingers. My heart was a vortex of white-hot agony. I stared up at Savannah, my eyes red and burning. “You! You did this on purpose! You won’t even let my father rest!” Savannah feigned shock, her voice falsely sweet. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Sullivan. I truly didn’t mean to.” A surge of blind rage propelled me toward her. I raised my hand to strike. A hand clamped down on my wrist, hard. I looked up into Rhys’s cold, lethal gaze. He drew back his arm and slapped me across the face with brutal force. “Enough! Stop this hysteria, Jasmine!” “Your father is dead! It’s just a pile of dust! What difference does it make?!” “Savannah apologized! Can’t you let it go?! You’re turning into a monster, what’s the point?!” He shoved me to the floor and barked orders at his security detail. “Lock her up somewhere to cool down. Don’t release her without my explicit command!” He didn’t spare me another glance as he wrapped his arm around Savannah and walked away. My head was spinning. The guards dragged me to the service elevator. The wound on my forehead, still not healed, bled freely, staining the pristine carpet. Two days later, Rhys finally remembered me. He rubbed his temples, his face etched with impatience. “Where is Jasmine? Two days is enough time to cool off, isn’t it? Where is she?” “She’s pregnant, take her home.” His assistant dropped to his knees in front of Rhys. “Mr. Sullivan, she… she can’t go home. Two days ago, she jumped.”

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On Valentine’s Day, Lucas bought two gifts again. One for me, one for his sister, Luna. The siblings were famously close. We always spent Valentine’s Day as a trio. The passenger seat belonged to Luna. They shared the same straw for their milkshakes. I cried, I fought, but every time Lucas would say: “Luna is divorced. Raising a kid alone is hard. As her brother, I should take care of her.” “As a sister-in-law, you shouldn’t be so petty with her!” Later, Luna got sick and needed a kidney transplant. I was the only match in the family. “Wifey, please save my sister. Living with one kidney won’t affect your life. I’ll take good care of you forever.” Lucas knelt in front of everyone, begging me. “Okay,” I smiled and agreed. But he regretted it. Chapter 1 “Happy Valentine’s Day, honey.” When Lucas came home from work, he was holding two bouquets and two gift bags. “Change your clothes quickly. We’re picking up Luna. I booked the restaurant.” He went to the bathroom, leaving his phone and gifts together. Ping. [Brother, is it the restaurant I like? If not, I’m not going!] A message from Luna. “Why are you still standing there? Luna will be waiting.” Seeing I hadn’t changed, Lucas looked displeased. “You guys go. I don’t want to go.” This was the third Valentine’s Day we spent as a trio. I’d had enough. “Look at you, jealous of my sister again?” “She’s my biological sister. What is there to be jealous of? Be good, change your clothes. Don’t make Luna wait.” He pushed me into the bedroom. “I don’t feel well!” I shook him off. Lucas touched my forehead, then his own. “Hmm, a bit hot. Then rest at home. I’ll bring you something back.” He picked up the flowers and gift bags as he spoke. The moment the door closed, he Venmoed me $5,200. Note: Wifey, I love you. Chapter 2 Lucas and I were college sweethearts. We dated for two years after graduation before getting married. Our married life was stable. We didn’t live with in-laws. It was sweet. I thought life would go on like this. I was even preparing for pregnancy. Until Lucas’s sister, Luna, appeared. Before this, I only heard about Luna from my husband. I knew she dropped out of college to marry abroad. I knew Lucas loved his sister. They video-called a dozen times a day, saying good morning and good night. “Brother, what did you have for breakfast? What do you want for lunch?” “Come to my place for dinner tonight. Leo misses you, he asks for Uncle every day.” With Luna around, the passenger seat was always hers. I sat in the back. “Luna gets carsick. She can’t sit in the back.” At first, Lucas would explain apologetically. Later, it became natural. Even when Luna wasn’t there, he felt weird if I sat in the passenger seat. When we went shopping, Luna always tagged along. “Brother, try mine, it’s so good. Let me taste yours!” They shared drinks naturally. I stood aside like an outsider. “Luna is divorced. It’s not easy raising a kid. I don’t want her to feel her brother abandoned her after getting married.” “After all, we are the couple. You understand me, right?” Occasionally, noticing my unhappiness, Lucas would coax me. At first, I sympathized with Luna. As a woman, being a single mom is hard. But over time, I realized I was a fool. But even fools wake up one day. Once awake, they won’t be foolish again. Chapter 3 Lucas didn’t come home that night. He called me the next evening. “Wifey, feeling better? Luna felt bad about yesterday.” “She bought a lot of groceries to cook for you. Come over quickly.” “No need. I have no appetite.” My appetite really hadn’t been good lately. Lucas got anxious. “Don’t be like this. Luna went to the supermarket early in the morning. It’s rude if you don’t come.” “And Mom and Dad are here too. They want you to come. You can’t ignore them, right?” I was raised by my grandfather. My parents died early. My in-laws treated me well. They paid for Grandpa’s medical bills and gave him a decent funeral. I couldn’t refuse them. “Sister-in-law, why are you so late? I’m almost done cooking!” Seeing me, Luna pouted, unhappy. Lucas teased, “Didn’t you say you wanted to cook for your sister-in-law? Why the temper now?” “Brother, you always side with your wife.” Luna was even more unhappy. I ignored their sibling act, greeted my in-laws, and sat down to eat. After dinner, while cleaning up, my mother-in-law touched my hand and joked: “Jill’s hands are so white and tender. Youth is good. Unlike our tree bark skin.” “Hmph~ White and tender now. Wait till she has a kid and raises it for two years. See if she’s still tender.” Luna extended her right hand to Lucas. “Brother, is my hand tender?” “Your sister-in-law’s is more tender.” Lucas laughed. Luna got anxious. She grabbed Lucas’s hand, interlacing their fingers: “Whose is tender? Mine or hers?” Lucas was amused by her. He nodded repeatedly. “Yours. Yours.” My in-laws were used to it. “They’ve been like this since childhood. Always playing.” I smiled silently and took the dishes to the kitchen. “Brother, you’re biased. You sent her $5,200, but only sent me $520.” When I came out, Luna was crying. Seeing me, she cried harder. “Why? Why does she get ten times more? I’m your biological sister. We are the closest family.” I asked my mother-in-law and found out Luna saw the notification of the returned transfer on Lucas’s phone. “Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, not Family Day. Legally and morally, your brother and I are the closest.” I looked at Luna and said. “What do you mean?” “Are you saying I’m extra? Yes, I am extra. I shouldn’t have come back with my child. I’m leaving now!” She rushed into the bedroom, picked up the sleeping child, and ran out. Lucas hugged her tight. “This is your home. Forever your home. Where are you going?” “Jill! Apologize! Apologize to my sister now!” Lucas glared at me, neck stiff. Chapter 4 “Did I say anything wrong? Lucas, I am your wife. Do you think we look like a couple now?” “Or do you look more like a couple with her?” I pointed at Luna. I wanted to ask this for a long time. Might as well say it all. “Jill, you’re overthinking. Luna, stop it! Look how angry your sister-in-law is.” My mother-in-law tried to persuade me. “Fine. Looks like I’m the outsider. Even my own mother sides with the outsider. I’m leaving!” “I should just die with Leo. We don’t deserve to live.” Luna twisted in Lucas’s arms, hysterical, like a madwoman. The child woke up, scared pale by her movements and screaming, too terrified to cry. “Will you apologize?” Lucas suddenly let go of his sister, walking towards me with a dark face. “Dream on!” Slap! Before I could finish, his slap landed heavily. I was stunned, staring at him blankly. My in-laws took Luna into the room, and my father-in-law pulled Lucas’s ear: “Are you crazy? Apologize to Jill!” “I… I…” Lucas looked at his hand, panicked. Tears rushed out. I ran out the door. Without a phone or money, I walked aimlessly on the street. Lucas never hit me. This was the first time, for his sister. Last Valentine’s Day, he scolded me for the first time, also for his sister. I didn’t know how long I walked. The streets emptied. I got colder. Inside and out. “Wifey! Where did you go? Do you know I’m going crazy looking for you!” At dawn, Lucas and two police officers found me on the roadside. “Wifey, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have hit you. I was too impulsive!” “I deserve to die. I’ll hit myself. Wifey, forgive me, okay?” Lucas slapped himself all the way home. He even grabbed my hand to hit him. I didn’t speak. Let him take me home. [Okay, seeing your sincerity, I forgive you.] While Lucas showered, his phone lit up again. I unlocked it and saw his transfer to Luna. $13,142.10. Note: Love you for a lifetime! Time: 3:30 AM. When I was wandering the streets.

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In the tenth year of my secret marriage, I handled the ninety-ninth girlfriend for him. The one-hundredth was me. When I decided to divorce, I handed the signed papers to Julian Sterling. He paused, then smirked. “Nora, even you use this trick to get my attention? We are different from the others.” Ten years. He had said that too many times. Until three days ago, when I dealt with his ninety-ninth fling. She didn’t look at the contract. Instead, she looked at me with pity. “I didn’t expect the person by his side to still be you after all these years.” “If he really loved you, how could he let you clean up his mess time and time again? Mrs. Sterling, you’re not a wife. You’re a glorified fixer.” My heart clenched. At that moment, I realized this was a decade-long scam. Just as Julian threw a lavish gala to finally introduce me as his wife… He received my divorce papers. Julian, we will never meet again in this life. Chapter 1 When Julian walked into the walk-in closet, he naturally stood beside me in front of the mirror. “Nora, this one is tricky.” His voice was low as he adjusted my shawl. “You have to meet her personally.” I looked at his confident reflection and said nothing. This scenario had repeated countless times over ten years. Every time, I handled it to his satisfaction. I thought this time would be no exception. But when I saw the girl, I understood what “tricky” meant. She was different. A Chanel suit hugged her curves. A diamond ring sparkled on her finger. She smiled and pushed a cup of Blue Mountain coffee toward me—my usual order. “Miss Nora, ten years, and you’re still cleaning up his mess.” She wasn’t like Julian’s previous women. She knew exactly why I was there. She didn’t cry or scream about not being able to live without him. I composed myself, sat opposite her, and put on my professional face. “I won’t beat around the bush. Leave Julian Sterling. Name your price.” “Shares, jewelry, or that castle in Europe…” She laughed suddenly, saying something completely unexpected. “I don’t want anything.” I looked at her firm eyes and smiled. “Julian doesn’t love you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be seeing me. I’m the one he calls to get rid of you.” She smiled elegantly. “Do you think no one but you can enter his heart?” “That’s why none of his women stay as long as you.” My knuckles turned white. Suddenly, I felt exhausted. “Is staying by his side a good thing?” I had asked myself this question too many times. I looked out the window, remembering the first time I caught Julian cheating. I smashed every porcelain vase in his study. Amidst the shards, I cried and asked him why. Julian flicked the ash from his cigarette, calm as ever. “Nora, you are the legitimate Mrs. Sterling. How many people beg for this title?” “Since you sit in this seat, you should know your place.” He spoke like he was teaching a child. “Don’t act like those cheap women, throwing tantrums in front of me.” The light in my eyes went out. We were different. They only needed to sign a breakup contract. I needed to sign divorce papers. From that day on, I knew he chose to marry me secretly because I was sensible. Because I could handle the private matters he didn’t want to face. I couldn’t delude myself into thinking I was special just because I stayed longer. I pushed the document forward, business as usual. “Sign it. It’s better for everyone.” She signed quickly and pushed the blank check back to me, pity in her eyes. “Keep it. But remember, even if I sign, one day, Julian will make you bring me back personally.” She stood up, her skirt swaying. “Don’t believe me? Wait and see.” I looked at her name. Nia. So we were both named similarly to Nora. No wonder she looked familiar. She looked like me at twenty. The me who loved Julian with all my heart. A familiar black SUV pulled up outside. Julian was here. But this time, I didn’t rush out. I took another document from my bag and slowly signed my name. It was printed on the same paper, from the same printer as the ninety-nine breakup contracts before. Only this time, I wasn’t asking a young girl to sign. I signed it myself. Julian, I don’t want to be your fixer anymore. Chapter 2 I packed everything quietly, walked out the revolving door, and got into his car. The sweet perfume in the car was identical to Nia’s. I rolled down the window, letting the wind rush in. The late autumn wind felt like dull knives on my face, but I felt no pain. Julian rested his eyes in the back seat, his tone lazy and intimate. “Done? As expected, no trouble you can’t solve.” I laughed low. After a long time, I looked at the café seat where I had sat for ten years. Then, I spoke softly, my voice devoid of emotion. “Julian, let’s get a divorce.” This was the first time in ten years I called him by his full name. Usually, I called him Julian. In public, Mr. Sterling. Since we were parting ways, I should be formal. He froze, then smiled, tapping his finger on the file. “Nora, stop it. The Gala is in three days. I plan to introduce you formally.” His voice was full of indulgent confidence. “Is that sincere enough? We aren’t like those flings.” Actually, the first time Julian said he would make me public, I believed him. The second time, I hesitated. But love pushed me to keep hoping. I lost count of when I stopped believing him. I turned and met his beautiful eyes. Eyes I drowned in for ten years. No wonder so many girls fell for them. But this time, I just smiled. “I can’t wait anymore. Ten years is too long.” I placed the two copies of the divorce agreement on his lap. This time, I didn’t look back. Pain shot through my ankle. I stumbled. My four-inch heels twisted, and I fell onto the cold ground. My tight cashmere dress restricted me, making it hard to get up. Rip. The hem tore. I hissed and kicked off the torture devices. Ten years. Julian said he liked elegance, so I learned deportment and wore heels everywhere. He liked clean hands, so I maintained my manicure while cooking for him. He liked my hair up, so I never wore it down. Ten years. 120 months. 3650 days. I swallowed my grievances, thinking I was the exception. The miracle who made the prodigal son return. I walked barefoot, memories flooding back. It was the darkest winter of my life. My father went bankrupt. Debt collectors blocked our door. Mom was in the hospital. Medical bills crushed me. I worked days, studied nights in the hospital hallway, thin as paper. The collectors found the hospital. They pushed me, demanding money, spitting in my face. That was when I met Julian. He stood before me in a tailored coat. “How much does she owe?” His aura silenced them. They named a figure. Julian didn’t bargain. He gestured to his assistant. The assistant paid them off calmly. He shielded me. In that moment, the noise and despair were muted. I looked at his back like it was the only light in the dark. So when he said, “Nora, stay with me,” I grabbed him like a lifeline. I stayed for ten years. I thought I found a safe harbor. I didn’t know the storms of the next decade would come from him. A familiar voice interrupted me. “I knew you were here.” I turned. Julian stood under the streetlight. He didn’t speak. He picked me up and grabbed my shoes. I froze, forgetting to struggle. “We are divorced.” I whispered, reminding him, or myself. “I know.” He put me in the car. “But you are still my employee. I need you to handle something.” “Nia is pregnant. Two months. The breakup contract is void.” As the engine started, he added, like ordering a secretary. “Prepare a room. Pick her up next week.” I stared at the city lights blurring past. When sadness hits its peak, you lose your voice. Pressure crushed my chest. Breathing was hard. He never took anyone to the penthouse by the river. He said that was our home. My nails dug into my palm. I remembered being pregnant at twenty-five. Shaking holding the test. He glanced at it and said, “Get rid of it.” He said we weren’t ready. It wasn’t that he didn’t like kids. He just didn’t like my kids. Cold wind blew in. I closed my eyes. Nia was right. I really had to bring her back personally. Chapter 3 I drove Nia to the penthouse and rolled her luggage in. She stood by the sofa, touching a cushion, and said softly to Julian: “This color is too dark. Bad for the baby’s eyes.” Julian looked at her with a tenderness I hadn’t seen in ten years. “Whatever you want. The designer will come tomorrow. Pick that lotus pink you like, okay?” When he turned to me, his face was cold business. “Note it down. Change the living room to light colors tomorrow.” Nia leaned into him, smiling at me. A smile of victory. She tugged Julian’s sleeve. “Julian, I’m thirsty.” Before he spoke, I went to the kitchen. When I handed her the water, her fingers slipped. Scalding water splashed on my hand. The glass shattered. Pain seared my skin. Red marks appeared instantly. “Oops, sorry Sister.” Her voice was light. “Slipped.” Julian rushed over, frowning. He looked at the mess, then at me, accusingly. “Nora!” He shouted my name. “You were never this clumsy. What if you burned Nia? Can you afford the consequences?” I stared at his anger, feeling strange. In ten years, he was always gentle, detached. He never spoke to me like this. My hand burned. Blisters were forming. But he turned to check Nia’s shoulder, asking if she was hurt. At that moment, the pain in my hand vanished. Only a chill remained in my heart. Nia ate grapes on the sofa, smiling. Sunlight hit her face. Warm. My hand was numb. My heart was dead. I called the maid to clean up and left that suffocating place. Back at the company, HR looked troubled. “Nora, for your level, Julian must sign the resignation personally.” I nodded. “Call him.” She dialed nervously. “Mr. Sterling, Nora wants…” “Give her whatever she wants.” Julian interrupted impatiently. Nia’s laughter was audible in the background. “But sir, we need your signature. Can you come in?” “Go to my office and get the stamp!” He was annoyed. “Just do what she says. Don’t bother me.” HR hung up and looked at me. “Nora, the Gala is tomorrow. Julian said he’d introduce his wife. Everyone is waiting.” “It’s a pity you’re leaving now.” I smiled bleakly. “Stamp it.” The CEO’s wife bought the earliest flight out tomorrow. Not just you, but Julian himself, will never see her again. Chapter 4 When I returned to pack, Julian came out of the study. He saw my bandaged hand and frowned. “When did you learn this bitter meat trick?” Seeing my suitcase, he looked nervous. “Where are you going?” “Business trip.” I handed him the divorce papers disguised as a project contract. “Mr. Sterling, sign this.” He took it, about to flip through. He was sharp. But Nia called from the garden, voice dripping with honey. “Julian! Look! A cat! Its eyes look just like the emeralds you gave me!” He paused, signed his name quickly, and handed it back. I had fed that cat for three years. He never noticed. He walked away, adding: “Be back before the Gala tomorrow. I’ll introduce you formally.” Before, I would have been ecstatic. Now, I put away the papers calmly. It was the most useless promise in the world. He noticed my lack of reaction and stopped. But Nia called again. He didn’t look back. I watched him walk away to another person. And I let go of everything. The night of the Gala. Lights blazing. VIPs everywhere. Julian stood on stage, confident, in control. He scanned the crowd for me. His voice was solemn. “Today, I want to introduce my wife of ten years, Nora.” The crowd gasped. “Nora the assistant? Mrs. Sterling?” “No wonder he never showed her! She was right there!” Applause and whispers. The spotlight searched the crowd but found nothing. Cheers faded. Silence fell. Julian’s smile vanished. He signaled his assistant. Five minutes. Ten minutes… He checked his phone constantly. Calling. Only voicemail. He loosened his tie, sweating. He lost his composure. He roared at his assistant. “Where is she?! Go find her!” Three hours later, the assistant ran on stage with a file. “We couldn’t find her. Only this on her desk. The divorce papers you signed.”

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My husband’s little songbird had him on a KPI: twelve nights a month in her bed. This month, buried in work, he only managed eleven. So the girl threw a tantrum—a full day of nothing but tears, refusing all food and drink. And Alexander, desperate to soothe his precious bird, came begging to me, his actual wife. “Sandra, please,” he pleaded. “Just help me out. Tell her I didn’t sleep with you this month. It’s just one sentence.” He was right, of course. The intimacy between us had died long ago. Ever since he first cheated three years back, my body had developed a visceral, traumatic response to his touch. Any time he tried, I would be seized by a suffocating panic. He tried a few times. I was rushed to the emergency room a few times. After that, he didn’t dare touch me again. He still claimed I was the love of his life, the only one he truly cherished. But he never stopped cheating. I dialed the girl’s number, my voice a calm, flat line. “Alexander is all yours now. He always will be.” When I hung up, Alexander assumed I was jealous. He tried to placate me. “You know you’ll always have a place in my heart.” But I don’t want you anymore, Alexander. We’ve been separated for nearly two years. The court will grant the divorce. … But the girl wasn’t soothed. She didn’t believe it. She sent Alexander packing, right back to me. He returned looking utterly defeated, at a complete loss. He started trying to reason with me again. I cut straight to the point. “Alexander, what exactly do you want me to do?” Seeing me so composed, so devoid of anger, he dropped all pretense. “We’ll get a doctor to check you. There are specialists for this.” “Don’t worry,” he added quickly, “I’ll make sure it’s a female doctor. A thorough exam. It’s the only way to prove to her we haven’t been together recently.” He paused, his voice softening into the gentle tone he used for a child. “She’s just a simple girl, a bit stubborn. This is the only way she’ll believe it. Don’t take it personally.” He raised a hand, a fond look in his eyes, as if to pat my head. “You’ve always been the reasonable one. Not like her, always making a scene.” A wave of nausea churned in my stomach. I recoiled as if from something rotten, putting as much distance between us as I could. A tight band of pain squeezed my chest, and the familiar feeling of suffocation crept in. My heart had turned to ash for him long ago, but to hear him make such a request—for his mistress—was like a blade twisting in an old wound. My revulsion was palpable, as if I were dodging filth. In the beginning, this reaction had wounded him deeply. But after years of it, he’d grown accustomed to it. Now, fearing he’d make it worse, he took a step back himself. “Just think of it as a routine check-up,” he coaxed gently. “There’s no need to stress.” The sickness in my gut intensified. I clutched my chest and let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Don’t push me too far, Alexander.” “If you want to appease her, just give me a divorce! That would solve everything!” My voice was raw with fury. He knew he was in the wrong, so he didn’t press the issue. His tone softened again. “Don’t say things you don’t mean. You’re the most important person in my life. You always will be.” “Just calm down.” He always said that. Always told me I was the most important, right before he went crawling back to her bed. He was so sure of himself, so confident in his wealth and power, that he thought I would tolerate this degrading triangle. After all, I had fought tooth and nail to become Mrs. Alexander Prescott, beating out a legion of his other admirers. He was certain I would never give up the life of luxury he provided. What Cinderella, once she’s in the castle, would ever want to leave? He didn’t know that this Cinderella had already saved up enough to buy her own damn kingdom. His phone buzzed, the special ringtone he’d set just for Poppy. The song was called “The Only One.” Even with me standing there, trembling with rage, he answered it. I could hear Poppy’s shrill, tearful voice through the phone. “Alexander! I was eighteen when I got with you! You’re a liar! A heartbreaker! You promised me!” “You promised! Twelve times a month, and you wouldn’t touch the woman at home! That was the deal for being your bird in a cage!” “You’re a fraud! We’re done! I’m not giving you another chance to hurt me!” Of all the women he kept, Poppy was the only one who wasn’t afraid of him. She was the most demanding, the most spoiled. He doted on her completely. A year ago, when his mother passed away unexpectedly, he, as her only son, was supposed to keep vigil by her casket. But Poppy got drunk, called him sobbing, and begged him to come to her. And he did. He left me to keep vigil over his mother’s casket while he ran off to comfort Poppy. That night, she sent me a photo. A taunt. He’s exhausted. Wore himself out on me all night and fell asleep. Hope you’re managing things at home. I don’t know how I survived that night. The pain in my chest was so intense I thought my heart would stop. Before Poppy, Alexander had been a devoted son. That was the night I knew. It wasn’t just physical anymore. He had given her his heart. He loved her. Loved her enough to trample all over my dignity. “You are the bane of my existence!” I heard him yell into the phone, his voice pulling me from my thoughts. “I’ve told you a hundred times, and you still don’t believe me! Fine! I’ll have a doctor examine her tomorrow!” “Will you believe me then?!” I stared at him. After my furious refusal, he had actually agreed to it, all to placate her. Early the next morning, Poppy showed up. With a male doctor in tow. Alexander was shocked. “No,” he said, his face hardening. “No male doctors. It has to be a woman.” His jaw was tight, a flicker of jealousy in his eyes. For all his infidelity, he was still fiercely possessive of me. If I so much as spoke to another man for too long, his temper would flare. A classic case of “do as I say, not as I do.” Poppy’s face soured. “How do I know a female doctor isn’t on her payroll? What if you two conspire to trick me?” He indulged her, as always. “Fine. Find your own female doctor, then. Is that acceptable?” She pouted but reluctantly agreed. They were really acting as if I had no say in the matter. Without a word, I walked straight up to Poppy and slapped her, hard, across the face. “Who the hell do you think you are?” I hissed, a surge of righteous fury coursing through me. “You’re a mistress, a dirty little secret! What right do you have to interfere in my marriage bed?” To twist the knife, I added, “The reason Alexander missed your precious KPI is because he was with me seven times. The man is exhausted.” The number was a bomb. Poppy’s face crumpled. “You see!” she shrieked at Alexander, tears streaming down her face. “She admits it! You’re still lying to me!” Alexander turned on me, his eyes blazing. “What the hell are you talking about? Isn’t this chaotic enough for you?” Poppy, clutching her stinging cheek, ran out of the house. Alexander immediately chased after her. But as he ran, he threw a final, ironic order over his shoulder to the housekeeper. “Make sure my wife takes her medicine.” Ever since my traumatic response to him began, he’d been spending a fortune on various treatments and medications to “cure” me. “It will get better,” he would always say. “Once you’re well, we can have a baby.” He didn’t know I poured every single pill down the drain. I was just counting the days until I could finally leave. On my way to the embassy to finalize my visa, I was intercepted by Alexander’s men. I was dragged back to the villa, restrained, and forced onto a cold, hard examination table. Five female doctors tied my wrists and ankles down. As I struggled, one of the doctor’s phones rang with a video call. Poppy’s voice filled the room. “Make sure you check her thoroughly.” “Rest assured, Miss. We’re professionals in this field.” “Poppy, you will rot in hell for this!” I screamed, thrashing against my restraints. “And you, Alexander! You’ll rot right alongside her!” I knew he was there, with her. And then I heard his voice. “Sandra, Poppy is pregnant. I’m thirty-five. Please don’t make this difficult for me.”

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To let Julian Vance live his ideal rich second generation life, I fought my life to climb up in the corporate world. Finally succeeded with a seven-figure salary, holding company shares. Bringing this news, I drove overnight back home. Pushed open the door, saw him and his “Female Bro” entangled in bed. His eyes full of lust, face showed happiness I never saw. Words he said made my heart stop. “Sarah, I don’t want a lot of money, but lots and lots of love.” I sat in the living room smoking all night. Behind me in the bedroom, ambiguous sounds also rang all night. Early morning, Julian draped clothes walked out. I pushed a divorce agreement in front of him. “Since I can’t give you the love you want, then we part ways, gather well scatter well.” “Wish you guys full with love.” Chapter 1 Finished smoking the last cigarette in hand, I casually twisted the butt in the ashtray. Took out phone, unbind Julian’s unlimited Supplementary Credit Card, called Nursing Home to cut off his dad’s fees, also unbind bank card supplying his brother’s Mortgage. Done all this, sky just slightly bright. Sounds in room also quieted down, gradually stopped. Julian draped a piece of clothing casually came out, exposed neck still had fresh hickey. He first got a glass of water, then saw me still sitting in living room. “Sun rose from west today, not gone to work yet?” He slammed the cup heavily on counter with a thud, understated tone wrapped in thick mockery. “We been together so long, I thought married to me is not me, is work.” These years, he always complained in front of his few friends. “Your wife although not work, but always accompany you ah, unlike Sarah, directly live in company.” “Sarah not home again, doing what? Of course went to do that broken job again!” At first hearing these, I knew I was wrong lacking companionship to him. So no matter how busy business, I would arrive home before eight. Holidays festivals, I also pushed overtime, took him out travel. Major anniversaries, I even specially took a day off, phone off reject any call reject any message, give him wholehearted companionship. As a wife, I already won ninety-nine percent people. But these for him still far from enough. Every quarrel, he still would collapse shout, “I just want you accompany me more, am I wrong?” But when I asked him what else want me do, he stammered couldn’t say. I took off glasses rubbed brows. Now think, maybe person he wants accompany, not me. Received love if not from person in heart, maybe not count as love. Heard sound, Jessica also walked out from bedroom. Two people started kissing passionately in front of me as if no one else. Long time, Julian then patted Jessica shoulder, signaled I still aside. Jessica glanced at me, linked hand on Julian’s arm. “Sarah, me and Julian just good bros, two lonely people gather together relieve boredom only.” “Sister-in-law won’t be angry right?” After knowing Julian had a behavior intimate female bro, we once quarreled endlessly at home for this. I sent people check, Jessica had multiple fraud experiences. Relied on quite pretty appearance establish intimate relationship with many people, finally coax huge transfer roll money run. These, I all told Julian one by one, remind him keep distance with Jessica. But he not only didn’t believe, instead said I a woman actually learned those petty wife means to frame Jessica. Recall past, I sighed. These now for me all not important anymore. I took out a divorce agreement placed in front of two people. “Julian, I can’t give love you want.” “Since like this, then we gather well scatter well.” Chapter 2 I didn’t expect Julian actually red eyes. Heart sour, I subconsciously like usual start reflect if myself did too much. “You really want divorce with me?” Looking at his unbelievable expression, I forced myself turn head not look that look easy make people soft heart. “Really.” “Good, then divorce.” Said, he angry stepped forward picked up pen want sign at signature place. But blocked by Jessica in front interrupt. Woman, tears fall just fall. “You guys don’t quarrel for me anymore.” She looked at Julian deep affection, “If you and Sarah divorce because quarrel over me, then what difference with killing me?” “You guys stop quarreling, I go is fine.” Finished, she ignored our reaction, grabbed pen in hand rushed out door. Now even signing no pen. Julian face teary look also completely disappeared, look me eyes brought anger and blame. “Jessica can quit job for me, accompany by side twenty-four hours, she can give me unreserved love.” “You?!” He used sharp fingernail poking my chest, tone filled with full aggressive. “Your eyes only have money, simply no me.” “Sarah, if you can realize where you wrong, we still have room for redemption.” “Otherwise, this marriage we divorce for sure.” Door slammed heavily with a bang, home finally quieted down. I looked up, long exhaled a mouthful turbid air. No love only money, I bitter smiled. Julian, I want see you and your good bro two people how achieve drinking water full with love. Soon arrived work time, I could only hastily change a set clothes, carry bag went company. One night no rest let my state straight decline, even colleagues frequently cast caring gaze. “What happened Sarah, promotion raise let you excited yesterday one night no sleep?” Haven’t wait me open mouth pour out, ringtone belonged to Julian special concern urged life like rang. “Sarah, why I buy things today show can’t use supplementary card?” “I stopped.” Phone other side furious, “What you mean?” “You can use Jessica’s love to pay all things you want buy.” “You!” Not wait other side finish, I decisively hung up phone. “Yo, looks like you are workplace proud love field disappointed oh.” Colleague ridiculed finish, sympathetically patted my shoulder. “Women, just have advantage, active lower head admit mistake thing just passed.” “If this hurdle really can’t pass, take chance you two no child yet make a break, have child this involvement is much.” My hand typing keyboard stopped. Child. Actually me and Julian once had child. That time maybe was my happiest days since marriage. Joy of first time mother let me everyday like pumped chicken blood excited, even social events can happy drink more juice at table. But later. Child gone. Chapter 3 That day like usual, once off work I excitedly rushed back home. Since I pregnant, I rarely eat outside. Everyday no matter how bitter how tired, I will personally cook. Every prenatal checkup also green light, even he no time accompany me. When I carried big bags small bags vegetables back home, saw on table was abortion surgery, end wrote Julian’s autograph. Things spilled all over floor, I trembling hand holding paper went front Julian question. Got only light sentence, “Abort child, sign name tomorrow go hospital with me, I hungry, quick go cook.” This sentence like a heavy hammer hit on my chest, I retreated few steps, almost even stand unstable. “Why?” “Why not want this child?” “I as child mother even no chance decide child life death!” Sentence sentence question completely ignited Julian anger. We erupted most serious quarrel since marriage. He smashed all things in home on floor, a mess. Sound even alarmed downstairs neighbor. “Sarah, why I want abort child you not clear?” “You don’t pretend innocent with me here.” This sentence completely aroused onlooker neighbors pointing fingers. Instant, “Scum woman” “Cheat in marriage” “Two-timing” “Illegitimate child” tags one after another pasted on my body. I hundred mouths can’t argue, even don’t know how prove my innocence. Can only again and again helpless repeat, “I didn’t, I didn’t cheat.” Wait crowd scattered, I powerless sat on sofa. “Julian, I really didn’t cheat, you believe me okay?” “Cheat? I know you didn’t cheat.” I instantly sighed relief. “I just feel you only love money, not love me, child shouldn’t born in a family without love.” “Me and child don’t need lot money, what we need, is lot love.” That breath instantly stuck in my throat, face blood color instantly faded. “Just because this?” “Yes, just because this.” That instant I only felt whole body all strength pumped empty, whole person like walking dead. Clearly back then was him said his wish is live days spend money big hand big foot without working, live days raise dad and brother without working. I remembered in heart, and promised definitely will let him live ideal life. After marriage, he quit job at home eat drink play happy, I outside crazy pull business drink till stomach bleeding. I bind him unlimited supplementary card, never ask his every large expense. Self reluctant buy a piece clothes over two digits. In the end, he told me he lack love. I opened mouth, but didn’t know what should say. If want abort, then abort. Afterwards matter poked to father-in-law there. He open mouth to me is lecture. “If not you didn’t give Julian enough security, how would he not want this child.” “He alone at home originally easy think much, you want think think more for him.” I believed. So I left my signature, aborted child. I hypnotized myself, blamed all wrongs on myself. Crazy squeeze own time, just for can give Julian enough companionship. I felt love I gave him already much almost overflow, he yet still complaining not enough, still far not enough. Thoughts pulled away, I rubbed forehead, forced myself not think these anymore. Phone suddenly popped a message. Is Julian’s brother. “Sister-in-law, I recently want change a car, you see can sponsor me some?” I pulled mouth corner, type reply. “Go ask your brother, he has way help you buy.” Chapter 4 That side obviously thought I agreed fund support, quickly happy reply. “Okay le.” Night back home, home actually rare appeared food aroma. Julian wearing apron put down last dish. “Back, quick wash hand prepare eat.” I stunned at door, trance thought myself dreaming. Until hand held a bowl warm soup, I then gradually recover spirit. Defense line in heart appeared a trace loose. This still first time I eat meal Julian made. If he willing cut clean with Jessica… “Sarah, you willing Jessica stay by my side?” “What?” I recovered spirit, thought myself heard wrong. “She give me love, you give me money, if you willing, I can barely difficult not divorce.” Soup in mouth suddenly became sour difficult swallow. Turns out this meal actually is Hongmen Banquet (Trap). I put down bowl, slowly shook head. Soon, that agreement appeared in front of me again. This time, on it already wrote Julian’s name. “Then you sign.” “Between you and Jessica, I choose her.” One sentence, completely cut off our so many years friendship. Julian expression firm, eyes full of excitement about to rush to true love. “As you wish.” I flipped agreement, confirmed clauses inside are that one I printed, lifted pen signed name. After pen fell, I saw opposite Julian reveal relieved expression, face carrying spring boy shyness, flying sent a message. “Jessica always persuading me not divorce, specially let me come back find you make up, now look, you simply don’t know good person heart.” I didn’t know say what, could only nod express he said everything right. After signing, I got up opened door. In Julian puzzled gaze, threw his things out one by one. “What you doing!” I smoothly pushed him out too, blocked at door not let him break in. “Here is my home, is house I full payment bought, since we already no longer couple, then please you immediately roll out.” Seemed didn’t expect I treat him attitude so bad, he flushed red face, reached hand gave me a slap. “Sarah Jiang, bitch!” “We so many years couple, you actually so heartless.” Looking at him bite back, I licked blood spilled from mouth corner, indifferent, just sped up hand throwing things action. See me oil salt not enter, he angry stomped foot, made a call. “Jessica, come over!” Got positive reply, his eyes added few threads provocation. “Sarah, you just follow your money live days go.” “I bet you this life definitely can’t find true love.” Finished, he sat in hallway humming song. Phone rang, he thought Jessica arrived downstairs, flying pressed answer. “Jessica, you arrived so fast?” Didn’t expect phone other side came father-in-law loud question. “Julian, what happened, Nursing Home said my fees not renewed, now driving me out!” Haven’t wait him answer, another call came in. “Brother, how Insurance Company call me say my this month mortgage overdue? Sister-in-law card no money?” “Also promised buy car fees, how also not transferred?”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.]

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