Category: English

After the SAT Test, the school belle posted my pregnancy test results in the class SnapChat group. “She’s really desperate for money! Selling herself right after turning eighteen. Do you even remember who the father is? Probably some gross old man.” Everyone else joined in mocking me, and someone even shared a photo of me kneeling in the field, digging up sweet potatoes with my hand on my lower back. Just then, the always aloof wealthy heir from the city’s elite circle said, “I’m the father. Got a problem with that?” 1 A few months ago, my grandma suddenly had heart failure. I couldn’t scrape together enough money, so I took a job as a server at a nightclub. That’s where I ran into Liam, a classmate who had been drugged. His handsome face was flushed red, and he was barely conscious. He grabbed my hand and shoved it under his shirt. I hesitated for a second, then took him back to the staff locker room. All the other staff were on shift, so he and I stayed in the back room, tangled up in passion for most of the night. The next morning, Liam just said, “Here’s fifty grand. Don’t cause any trouble.” I took the money and rushed to the hospital to pay the bills. But in the chaos, I forgot about taking the morning-after pill. By the time I remembered, I realized my period was way overdue. I bought a test kit, saw the two lines, and felt my heart sink. I kept putting off dealing with it, and my belly kept growing. I tied it down with cloth strips to take the SAT Test, but I ended up so exhausted I landed in the hospital. That’s when Bella, the school belle, snapped a photo of me and mocked me in the group chat. Liam showed up at my place the next day. His grandma came with him. Liam’s face was expressionless, his eyes scanning over my stomach. His grandma, though, was kinder. She held my hand and asked how old I was, where my parents were, and if I had any other family. I honestly told her both my parents were dead, and I only had my grandma left. The old woman’s eyes welled up. “What a poor child,” she said. She offered to take me in. I couldn’t leave my paralyzed grandma behind, so she said she’d arrange for her to stay at a nursing home owned by Liam’s family. “To be frank, families like ours don’t usually take in people from your background. But you’re carrying our family’s first grandchild, and you’re Liam’s first woman. We thought it’d be wrong to just leave you out here alone.” On the way back, Liam kept his eyes closed and didn’t say a word. I couldn’t tell if he liked me or hated me. He tossed my clothes on the sofa and told me to sleep there every night. That’s when I knew—he definitely hated me. Liam’s house was huge, with three separate bedrooms just in his wing. He put me in the smallest one, and when I looked up, I saw a bright, elegant photo of a ballet dancer. Liam walked in, hands in his pockets. “Pretty, right? I’ve liked her for a long time.” He said it while glancing at me, a faint disgust in his eyes. I lowered my head but stole another look. So graceful. No wonder he looked down on me. 2 After moving in, we started sharing a room. I couldn’t sleep, so I tilted my head to look at him. Then he said, “Stop moving around when you sleep.” “I wasn’t,” I said. “Yes, you were. Your breathing is too loud.” “Sorry.” Liam went quiet after that and slowly fell asleep. I’d had trouble sleeping for ages, but somehow, I drifted off too. That night, I had those awful nightmares again—Mom’s screams, Dad’s roars, and finally, the bloody knife. When I woke up the next morning, Liam was already up. He didn’t wait for me, so I couldn’t find the bathroom and ended up brushing my teeth and washing my face in his. When I went downstairs, the ballet dancer was sitting at the dining table, elegantly sipping milk. She saw me and smiled sweetly. “Oh, you must be Liam’s fiancée. You’re so pretty.” Angels are angels—even their compliments are kind. I’d spent years under the sun farming, so “pretty” was the last word I’d use for myself. Liam sat next to her, and I found out her name was Chloe, a lead dancer in a famous international ballet company. They’d grown up together, and to everyone else, she was like Liam’s caring older sister. But I knew Liam was in love with her—under the bed in that small room were piles of her photos. It must feel amazing to be loved like that. I couldn’t help the jealousy, but I pushed it down. After breakfast, Liam’s grandma, Eleanor, sat me down to discuss terms for the baby. She said Liam was too young to marry, especially not me. The baby would be raised as his sibling. As the mother, I’d get a huge payout—a villa in the city and ten million in cash. If I wanted, the family would even send me to study in Europe. The catch? I could never see the child again. While Eleanor was talking, Liam was nearby, flicking a lighter, giving me that same faint, mocking smile. I sighed softly and nodded. “Okay, I agree.” Liam’s hand, spinning the lighter, froze. After the exams, we had a long break with nothing to do, so both Liam and I were free. I thought he’d avoid me, but he didn’t seem to care. Besides his morning and evening workouts, he mostly read in his study. But while I was practicing French, he suddenly said, “Your pronunciation is off. The nasal sounds are too heavy—it’ll tire you out.” I stared blankly before realizing he was talking to me. “Huh? Oh, okay.” “Aren’t you tired sitting like that?” Liam pointed at my lower back. “Won’t it… crush the baby?” I followed his gaze. “No, he’s still small.” “Okay.” Liam took a sip of water. I thought he’d leave, but he invited me to study with him in the library. “The room’s big enough, and there’s an extra chair. Come on.” “Don’t crush the baby,” he added, as if worried I’d misunderstand. I grabbed my books and followed him. Liam’s library was ridiculously huge but neatly organized. As he said, he only used one corner. I picked a spot far from him and spread out my books. For hours that afternoon, I focused on studying, even forgetting the bird’s nest soup the nanny brought. Liam frowned, pushed the cup with his finger, and tapped the desk. “Hey. Drink it.” I glanced at him and obediently drank the soup. Then I went back to my book. Liam clicked his tongue. “Ava.” “Yeah?” He ruffled his hair in frustration. “Why aren’t you angry?” 3 “I… I don’t have anything to be angry about.” “Liam, I know I’m not on your level. If it weren’t for that mistake… I wouldn’t have messed up your life.” Before I knew it, tears of frustration were streaming down my face. Liam turned away. “Stop crying!” But his tone wasn’t actually harsh. After Bella posted my pregnancy test results and everyone found out Liam was the father, the class SnapChat group went eerily quiet. But I knew she wouldn’t let me off easily—not after bullying me for so long. Sure enough, a few days later, I saw Bella and her friends in the living room at Liam’s house. They were talking to Eleanor. When Eleanor saw me coming downstairs, she wasn’t as warm as before. Instead, she called a doctor to do an amniocentesis. “Your classmates say you’re always picking up men at clubs. I was careless to believe Liam without verifying first.” Bella and her friends chimed in, “Yeah, Grandma, Ava slept with almost every guy in our class. She’s no good.” “Did you know? When she was nine, her mom stabbed her dad to death and paralyzed her grandma. What kind of family raises a kid like that?” “Don’t let her looks fool you—she’s cheap. Fifty bucks will buy her. I heard several old men in her village have had her.” Bella’s words stabbed at my nerves. All the terrible memories came flooding back. I bit my lip hard, forcing myself to stay calm. I’d survived worse—dark, painful days. I was so close to my goal; I couldn’t ruin it now. I kept my head down, trying to steady my breathing. I didn’t notice Liam watching everything from upstairs. He came down slowly, about to speak, when the doctor arrived. Eleanor had someone hold my arm still for the blood draw. When the needle pierced my skin, I flinched. Liam’s eyes darkened from across the room. After it was done, Eleanor waved me away upstairs. “If you’re lying, I’ll make sure you have nowhere to run.” Rich people are like that—they can’t stand being deceived or slighted. I kept my head low and left, ignoring the laughter behind me. As I passed Liam, he grabbed my arm. “Why didn’t you defend yourself?” I looked at him through tears. “What?” “Why didn’t you argue, get angry, fight back?” I let out a bitter laugh. “Liam, are you kidding? Someone like me has no right to argue.” How could I dare offend his grandma? It was just a DNA test. I knew the baby was Liam’s, so I wasn’t worried about their lies. Bella looked smug, giggling in a fake sweet voice until she saw Liam, then softening her tone. “Liam, you’re so unlucky to be stuck with a shameless girl like her.” Liam didn’t get angry. He watched me for a moment before glaring coldly at her. “Yeah, seeing you is the real misfortune.” 4 That night, Liam finished washing up early and lay in bed on a call. After updating his parents, he hung up. I had headphones on, watching a soap opera. Suddenly, he scooped me up and put me on his bed. I’d been crying over the show, and he lifted my chin. “Why are you crying?” I was annoyed but didn’t dare say it, so I pouted and glared. Liam took my phone and tossed it on the nightstand, then climbed under the covers. “No more crying. Sleep.” What was he doing? Sharing a bed with me? I stared wide-eyed, too shocked to be mad. Liam seemed to realize how it looked, his face flashing with embarrassment before he coughed. “I just don’t want you rolling over and crushing the baby.” He said it so confidently I didn’t push it. Fine, we’d slept together before. I turned over, clinging to the edge, and fell asleep. I had no idea Liam was in and out of the bathroom all night. After that, Liam changed—he became clingy and softer. He insisted we share the bed. He said my belly was growing, and the small bed might hurt the baby. The hospital results came back, and Eleanor was relieved, adding a few million to my payout. The thought of becoming rich after the birth made me giddy. But Liam seemed down lately. He’d complain my French practice was too loud, but when I offered to study in the closet, he refused. He moped around like someone owed him money. I avoided conflict, giving in to keep peace, but it only made him sulkier. One night, he went out for dinner and came back late. He’d been drinking, stumbling a bit. The staff tried to help, but he waved them off. I heard the door click open and saw Liam slumped on the sofa, groaning about feeling sick. I had to help him change and clean up. I thought it’d be hard with him drunk, but when I tugged his collar, he sat up and shrugged off his sleeves. …Not bad for a drunk guy. Liam had a great body—defined abs, pecs, and biceps. And he was restless, grabbing my hand to feel his chest, making my heart race. I pinched him. “Liam, you’re drunk. Let me wash your face.” Eyes closed, he mumbled, “No, don’t.” Nothing like his usual cold self. I teased him, “Then I’ll touch you?” I slid my hand into his pants. Liam’s eyes flew open, and he pulled me into a tight hug. His right arm wrapped around my waist, left under his head. “Ava, you’ve got nerve.” I felt a rush of shame. “Let me go. I won’t do it again.” “No way. I finally caught you not being icy. Why would I let go?” “Unless you kiss me.” Since when did the cold-hearted heir talk like this? I didn’t hesitate, planting a loud kiss. Hey, I’d been craving this too. The physical attraction took over—two young people losing control. Only Liam’s self-restraint kept things gentle, so we didn’t go too far. Before falling asleep, he kissed my forehead, his voice unusually soft. “Sleep well, sweetheart. Sweet dreams.” Liam and I had a rare, warm period together. Like a normal couple, we went everywhere together and slept in each other’s arms. It almost made me forget it was all a transaction. Until the day Liam’s mom, Victoria, walked in, followed by Chloe and Bella. Chloe had lost weight, her foot bandaged. She saw Liam and threw herself into his arms. “Liam, I’ll never dance again.” Turns out Chloe had a car accident in Vancouver, injuring her ankle, ending her dance career. Liam held Chloe, comforting her softly. Bella smugly pushed forward. “Ava, listen up. If I can’t have him, neither can you.” “Liam loves my cousin Chloe, not trash like you. Don’t think a bastard child will get you into the family.” Gotta admit, Bella was spot-on. After just one afternoon with Chloe back, the family started pushing me out. Victoria came to my room, sat on the bed, and frowned at the nightstand. “You’re sleeping together?” I nodded, fighting back tears. Victoria rolled her eyes. “So shameless.” I’d heard insults like that before—I shouldn’t cry. But the baby kicked, and I couldn’t hold back the tears.

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The night before my wedding, I stumbled upon a post: 【I’m getting married soon, but my mom is furious and cries constantly. She can’t accept me and my wife having children. What should I do?】 Someone replied: 【Then don’t get married. Don’t ruin that girl’s life.】 He replied: 【But she’s great. She’s my best choice for marriage, though only for marriage.】 Another person said: 【Tell your mom to have her own baby!】 He actually replied: 【Even though my mom is pretty and has a good figure, she’s old now. The quality of the child definitely wouldn’t be ideal.】 Another netizen commented: 【Just find someone else to have a baby for you. Still get married. If your wife asks, tell her you’re doing it to spare her the pain. She’ll be touched to tears, I guarantee it.】 I thought these people were all insane. But then, the next second, my boyfriend pushed open my door: 【Baby, I think having a baby is too hard. I don’t want you to take that risk. How about we get someone else to have it?】 I honestly thought I’d misheard him, just staring, dumbfounded. He knelt in front of me, gripping my hands tightly, his eyes filled with an unnerving sincerity: “Baby, I just watched a video online about childbirth. “It was bloody, and the mom was screaming in pain. It sounded absolutely agonizing. “And that wasn’t even the worst of it. The key thing is, she later had a massive hemorrhage, an amniotic fluid embolism, and just died. “Baby, just thinking about all that scares me. I would never let you go through such a dangerous situation.” My mind was reeling from that post I’d just read, and I broke out in a cold sweat. Was *he* the one who posted it? Seeing my lack of reaction, he continued: “Baby, I truly can’t lose you. I can’t let you take even the slightest risk. I’m thinking…” “Then let’s just be DINKs. No kids.” I cut him off, testing him. He immediately let go of my hands and jumped up: “How could we do that? I’m a traditional guy. I want babies! I would never be a DINK; I can’t let our family line end.” “Baby, how could you even think that?” Before I could speak, he went on: “My mom wouldn’t agree either.” I’m not actually a DINK. I was just trying to gauge his reaction. But his response only fueled my suspicion. To confirm my hunch, I pressed him: “You want kids, you don’t want to be DINKs, but you’re too worried about me to let me have them. So where would the baby come from? “Popping out of a rock?” He knelt before me again: “Baby, I’ve looked into it. It’s really simple to find someone else to have a baby now. I even asked about the price—it’s only around thirty to forty thousand dollars.” Thirty to forty thousand dollars. He was actually willing to spend that much. Just a few days ago, when I mentioned our wedding should be around $20,000, he was complaining about money, saying his mom worked so hard alone and didn’t have that much. But now, thirty to forty thousand dollars was fine? To avoid alarming him, I pretended to nod. He excitedly kissed my cheek, then grabbed his phone and turned to his study. The next second, I saw the post update: 【Guys, my wife agreed! I can’t believe how easy she was to convince.】 The comment section was buzzing with people asking him for advice, and he replied smugly: 【Just tell her it’s for her own good, tell her you’re worried about her! Hahaha, women, they’re so easy to trick!】 The netizens collectively liked the comment: 【Exactly! Women, heh, they’re all idiots!】 【What do they understand beyond makeup, handbags, and jewelry? It just takes a few words from us men.】 【Right? If I want to sweet-talk them, I can get them into bed for free in minutes.】

A bunch of trash. After confirming that the post was definitely made by Ryan, I quickly packed my bags. He was messing with me like this behind my back? I wouldn’t let him get away with it. As I walked out with my suitcase, Ryan happened to come out to use the restroom. He paused, surprised: “Baby, where are you going in the middle of the night? With luggage?” To avoid raising his suspicions, I had to say: “My mom isn’t feeling well. She wants me to stay for a few days, and we can discuss our wedding details. “Ryan, you should talk to your mom about the money situation soon too.” He didn’t suspect a thing. He even drove me home himself. But as soon as I put my luggage away, I saw his post update again: 【Guys, in my situation, since I’m not making her have a baby, does that mean I don’t have to give her any money for the wedding?】 Someone replied: 【Of course! Don’t they always say money is for the ‘baby fund’? So if she’s not having the baby, why would you give her any money?】 【I say, even if she *did* have the baby, you shouldn’t have to give her money. The baby is for *her* to have, why should she get paid for it?】 【Exactly, it’s an outdated tradition! When I get married, I won’t give any woman a single cent. Marry me or die!】 Ryan liked all their comments. I clenched my phone tightly and told my mom: “The wedding’s off, Mom. Please tell all our relatives not to come.” My mom didn’t understand why. She worriedly stroked my hair: “What happened, sweetie? Tell me.” I handed her my phone. Halfway through reading, she became furious: “I’m so mad! What is Ryan thinking? Messing around with his mom and then wanting to find someone else to have a baby? “What does he intend to marry you for? Purely to ruin you? “Sweetie, don’t worry, we definitely can’t go through with this wedding, but we’re definitely not letting them get away with this.” Of course, we wouldn’t. So I only notified my side of the family to cancel. As for Ryan’s family, the wedding would proceed as planned! While my mom was still calling relatives one by one, Ryan called me: “Baby, my mom wants you to come over. She said she wants to talk about the money.” Remembering Ryan’s words in the post, I still went. Brenda sat primly on the couch in a tight-fitting mermaid dress. Ryan leaned back against the sofa behind her, playfully twirling her curled hair. They used to be this close, and back then, I’d just thought of it as the most normal mother-son affection. But now, it just looked utterly disgusting to me! “Chloe’s here, huh? Before, you mentioned $20,000 for the wedding gift. “I was originally fine with that, but yesterday, Ryan told me you don’t want to have children. So that price isn’t quite right now. “What do you think?” I glanced at Ryan: “You told her I don’t want to have kids?” He averted his gaze for a second, then quickly said: “Baby, I just can’t bear for you to have to go through it, but my mom’s right too. Maybe we can discuss taking a little less money.” I forced a smile: “How much less is ‘a little less’?” “Eight dollars and eighty cents!”

Brenda spoke up: “For good luck, right? Originally, I thought we shouldn’t give you anything at all, but I didn’t want people to say you’re cheap, so I’ll give you eight dollars and eighty cents. “After all, *you’re* not having the baby, and we have to find someone else to have one for us, which will cost hundreds of thousands. All that money should come from you.” I was seething. My fingers clenched into tight fists behind my back. “So, Ryan, in your family’s eyes, I’m only worth eight dollars and eighty cents?” He tried to come over and soothe me, but Brenda gripped his hand tightly: “Chloe, you’re a modern woman now, and the standard for a good modern girl is *not* wanting money, isn’t it? “But what *you* give can’t be less; that’s the rule. “Originally, it was agreed you’d give $20,000 and a car, but now we have to find someone to have a baby for us, so you must give $50,000 and a car. “$30,000 for the baby, and $20,000 plus the car for me. These are for your future security.” I almost flipped the table right then and there. I quickly excused myself to the restroom. I heard Ryan asking Brenda: “Mom, won’t she agree to such harsh conditions? After all, she’s so amazing; there’s a line of guys who want to marry her.” “Hmph!” Brenda wasn’t scared at all: “If she agreed to let someone else have a baby for you, would she really dare to disagree about giving a little less money? “If she makes a fuss, just tell her you don’t want her. The wedding date is set, the invitations are out. Let’s see if she’s willing to lose face like that. “Son, I’m telling you, respectable people care more about their reputation. If you grasp that, you’ve got her weakness!” I stayed in the restroom for over ten minutes. When I came out, Brenda’s face was flushed. I told them: “I can accept all your conditions. But on one condition: the wedding must be grand. All our relatives, friends, and neighbors must come, or I won’t marry.” On the way back, Ryan updated his post again: 【Guys, my fiancée is unbelievably obedient! Hahaha, she just listens to everything I say. She really loves me too much!】 Those jerks immediately lined up to ask him: 【Seriously, no money at all?】 He quickly replied: 【Hahaha, my mom gave her eight dollars and eighty cents, and she’s even giving us $50,000 and a car as part of her dowry. She actually agreed!】 The jerks groaned enviously: 【Dude, what’s your secret? How did you get her to marry you even with all that?】 【Give me a dozen women like her, please! I’m begging you!】 【Bro, you *have* to share your wisdom! My wedding’s soon, and I don’t want to give my hard-earned money to those gold-digging women.】 Ryan quickly replied to everyone: 【Well, she’s probably after my body, my looks, and my generous assets, hahaha!】 The comment section was filled with countless other disgusting remarks. Truly sickening. I quickly took a screenshot of the link, ready to exit, when I suddenly saw a new comment: 【Something’s off with you and your mom. I bet the other woman having the baby is also fishy. Bro, how many “good sisters” do you actually have?】

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The day Caleb and I got married, his first love overdosed on 108 sleeping pills and ended her life. In her dead hand, she clutched a photo of herself and Caleb, leaving behind only one sentence: “May I be your wife in the next life.” When Caleb heard the news of his ex’s suicide, he said nothing. Instead, he smiled and went through with our wedding. But on our wedding night, He took his own life, a sacrifice to join his first love. The media fell over themselves, sensationalizing their great love story, a romance so profound it transcended death. They smeared my name, painting me as the wicked homewrecker who tore apart their epic love. Reborn into this life, both Caleb and I returned. This time, he chose his first love. I chose Oxford… On our wedding day, Caleb leaped from the top floor of the hotel. Behind him, a cascade of fluttering papers declared his boundless love for Tiffany. When a lover’s suicide for love was no longer just an ancient legend, the media easily traced everything back to its source: me. They shoved microphones in my face, aimed cameras at me, and condemned me as the vicious bitch who broke up Caleb and Tiffany. “It’s this whore! She slept her way into his bed, broke up true love! Let the whole world see her despicable face!” “Maliciously destroying someone else’s relationship, may you die a terrible death!” “Bitches who ruin relationships deserve to burn in hell!” I stared blankly at the scene unfolding before me, letting the rotten eggs and vegetables pelt my body. I wanted to explain. I didn’t sleep my way into anything. I didn’t break them up. I was drugged and sent to Caleb’s bed. It was after Tiffany had married someone else that Caleb proposed to me… But no one gave me a chance to speak. I was cornered on the rooftop. My father, always so proud, knelt on the ground, begging the media to let me go. His pleas only enraged them further. In the ensuing chaos, my foot slipped. Along with the baby in my belly, I fell from the 101st floor, hitting the ground in a mangled mess. My regret and anguish were so intense, I couldn’t even close my eyes in death. Then, the pain completely vanished. Laughter echoed in my ears. I looked up and found myself sitting in a high school classroom. Tiffany was holding a love letter, confessing to Asher. Her overly dramatic declaration made the whole class erupt in laughter. My ex-husband, Caleb, was glaring at me with malice. “Aubrey, you are absolutely relentless, aren’t you?!” “This time, if you dare to mess with Tiffany, I won’t hesitate to ruin you all over again.” Seeing the dark, chilling malice in his eyes, far too old for a teenager, I dared to guess. It wasn’t just me. Caleb had also been reborn into our senior year of high school. My eyes welled up with tears as I looked at the graduation countdown on the blackboard. Thank goodness, I had a chance to do it over again. I chuckled, pretending not to understand. “What ‘this time’ or ‘next time’? Anyway, I wish you and Tiffany all the happiness in the world!” On the other side of the room, just like in my previous life, Asher rejected Tiffany. Tiffany stood there, mortified, stubbornly holding back tears. She looked so pitiful. “But during our last Truth or Dare game, you clearly said you liked Tiffany from our class. Wasn’t that…” Unlike the last life where he’d cited focusing on studies, this time, Asher put down his pen, smiling as he interrupted her. “But the Aubrey I was talking about was *you*.” The classroom instantly buzzed with excitement. After all, my crush on Caleb was an open secret. Now that Asher was involved, everyone waited for my reaction. It was from this day in my previous life that Caleb, who had always ignored me, suddenly became attentive. I thought it was because Tiffany had someone else in her heart, and he had given up. That was, until I saw the diary pages scattered when he jumped. “I know Asher’s secret. If you truly love him that much, I will stop at nothing to bring him to your side.” The “secret” he was referring to must have been that Asher liked me. So, to help Tiffany get Asher, Caleb had agreed to be with me. Just as he’d wanted, by graduation, I became his girlfriend. And Tiffany, she and Asher had made plans to meet at Oxford. But in the end, Asher, unable to bear Tiffany’s constant harassment, dropped out and left the country. Asher and I were both pawns in his twisted game to prove his ‘devotion’. This time, I was taking Asher with me, far away from that toxic jerk and his malicious accomplice.

Looking at the gossiping faces of my classmates, I smiled at Asher. “But you haven’t actually asked me out yet.” “If we end up in the same university, then let’s officially be together.” Asher gazed at me, his eyes shining like a sky full of stars. My classmates cheered and clapped, while also pointing fingers at Tiffany. Mortified, Tiffany stood rooted to the spot, the tears she’d held back for so long finally falling. Caleb slammed his dictionary onto his desk. “Everyone shut up! What’s so funny about this?!” He then grabbed a tissue from my desk and handed it to Tiffany. Unlike his hidden affection in the previous life, his blatant love now seemed to overflow from his chest. “Don’t cry, he’s not worth it!” Tiffany looked at Caleb, her eyes full of gratitude. Caleb’s eyes glowed. In the previous life, at this very moment, Tiffany never spared him a single glance. He seemed emboldened. He kicked my chair, sending it toppling over. “Aubrey, are you enjoying this? Making Tiffany look bad, isn’t that just your pathetic way of getting my attention? Well, too bad, you failed. You just make me hate you even more!” Tiffany cried even more pitifully. “Don’t say that about Aubrey, Caleb. She’s really smart, beautiful, and has a great personality. Her family is well-off too. I’m just not worthy…” Caleb sneered dismissively. “Her? She’s a complete waste of space. In my heart, she’s not even one-tenth of what you are.” Asher stepped in front of me, shielding me. He shot Caleb a quick glance, his voice soft but laced with authority. “Pick up the chair.” Asher was the only son of the Ashford family, the wealthiest in New York. In the previous life, besides Tiffany, none of us knew this until many years after college graduation. But Caleb, with memories from the last life, naturally didn’t dare to confront him directly. Caleb begrudgingly complied, an even deeper layer of disgust in his eyes as he looked at me. The drama finally ended with Asher and Caleb swapping seats. Asher leaned back casually in his seat, then suddenly turned, leaning closer to me. The fresh, clean scent unique to teenage boys enveloped me. “Miss Aubrey, I’ll see you at Oxford.” I nodded vigorously. Life became simple: classes, homework, tests, day after day. One evening after our late study session, I lingered for a few extra minutes, as was my habit. As I passed a corridor corner, I heard Tiffany’s voice, thick with tears. She pecked Caleb’s lips gently, her face flushed. “Caleb, you’re so wonderful. Of course, I don’t dislike you. It’s just, we really need to focus on our studies…” Caleb spun around, pinning her against the wall and kissing her passionately. His fingertips lightly traced her cheek, wiping away her tears. The regret of unrequited love from the previous life seemed to find its completion in this moment. After a long moment, he leaned his forehead against hers, a desperate plea mixed with intense possessiveness. “Tiffany, forget Asher. Be my girlfriend.” Tiffany shook her head. “I’m not good enough for you. Your family would never accept me, unless…” Caleb’s family? Did they even have the right to be picky? His parents were just my family’s driver and housekeeper. I’d begged my dad to get him into this elite prep school. To make him happy, I’d bought him limited edition clothes, shoes, and watches, sending them to his house like a never-ending stream. He took them all, then lectured me. “Aubrey, besides insulting people with money, what else can you do?” But the very next day, he’d wear the things I’d given him to school, marveling at his classmates’ awe. He was the mysterious, low-key scion of an old money family. In my previous life, I loved him so deeply, I couldn’t bear to expose his true background. As soon as we graduated, I convinced my dad to fund his company. To protect his fragile ego, I secretly channeled several multi-million dollar contracts his way. He became Mr. Caleb, adored by everyone. No one, not even Tiffany, knew about his humble origins. Back then, dressed head-to-toe in designer labels, she’d smiled at me faintly. “I don’t love him, but I can’t leave him. To be precise, I can’t leave his money.” I truly wished I could see Tiffany’s reaction when the money-hungry girl discovered Caleb was just a driver’s son. My thoughts drifted back, and I saw Caleb, seemingly impatient, ask, “Unless what?” “Unless I can get into Oxford. Caleb, only by getting into Oxford will I have the courage to stand by your side. Do you understand?” “I can’t give you any promises now, because if I don’t get into Oxford, my parents will force me to marry some old divorced man…” “There are only two spots. Asher will definitely take one. For the last one, I really don’t know if I can beat Aubrey, after all, she has all the resources my family can provide, and I have nothing.” Tiffany sounded so pitiful, but I knew the truth. She wanted to go to Oxford to pursue Asher, to marry into the Ashford family, and become truly rich. Caleb pulled her into his embrace, his heart aching. “You have me. I’ll make sure your dreams come true.” Tiffany stood on her tiptoes and kissed Caleb passionately. In my previous life, the day before my Oxford entrance exam, Caleb had suddenly asked me, looking utterly crestfallen. He was going to Harvard, and I to Oxford. Did this mean we would be in a long-distance relationship for four years? Talking about the hardships of being apart, he even shed a few tears. I loved him to my very core and couldn’t bear to see him sad, so I voluntarily gave up on the exam. In the end, Tiffany got the spot. This time, I wouldn’t be so foolish.

On the day of the exam, Caleb blocked my path. “We need to talk.” I flat-out refused. “There’s nothing for me to talk about with you.” Caleb, with that infuriatingly condescending tone, continued. “If you drop out of the exam, I’ll give you another chance. You can treat me to lunch, I’ll allow you to keep sponsoring me, and I’ll even let you go to the same university as me.” I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. I had no idea where he got such confidence. I retorted sharply, “Sorry, but I refuse. Because, one, I don’t want to have lunch with you. Two, I have no intention of continuing to sponsor you. And three, I have no desire to go to the same university as you.” Caleb maintained his haughty demeanor. “You refuse? You actually dare to refuse? Aren’t you afraid I’ll never forgive you?” “Whatever.” I didn’t want to argue, so I turned and ran. “Just because I like Tiffany, you target her like this? You have everything. Why are you still fighting her for one spot?” I scoffed, “I don’t target anyone. The exam is about proving your own ability. If she has the skill, no one can take it from her.” Caleb’s eyes narrowed, a dark, sinister glint within them. “It’s your own jealousy, don’t blame me!” He grabbed my wrist, covered my mouth and nose with his other hand, and dragged me into the nearest classroom, locking the door. Because of the exam, most of the students were off from school, making this area particularly deserted. I glared at him furiously. He calmly asked, “Aubrey, you’re reborn too, aren’t you?” “You’re mad because I died for Tiffany, that’s why you’re treating me like this, right?” I sneered. “You guessed half right. So why do you think I’d let you manipulate me like I did in the last life?” The next second, several bodyguards burst in, restraining Caleb. They addressed me respectfully. “Miss Aubrey, we’ll take you to the exam room.” Having learned my lesson from the previous life, I had made thorough preparations. I had bodyguards follow me 24/7, ensuring I could smoothly attend the exam. The exam results came out quickly. Asher and I were accepted into Oxford early. Caleb, for attempting to prevent me from taking the exam and disrupting the exam process, was expelled from school. While my classmates cheered for Asher and me, Tiffany cried uncontrollably. “Caleb, didn’t your dad donate to build so many of these school buildings? How can they expel you? Go talk to him!” Just then, Caleb’s father arrived to pick me up. I pointed to the car not far away, my voice not loud, but clear enough for everyone to hear. “Caleb, your dad’s here. Do you want him to talk to the school?”

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Ten years ago, I saved a drowning boy. He fixed me with an unsettling gaze and declared, “I’m going to marry you.” I laughed it off. Ten years later, that boy had become an obsessive CEO. He crashed my wedding with an army of men. They broke my fiancé, shattering his legs before dragging me away.  “I told you I’d marry you,” he whispered, his voice a deadly promise. “I am the only man you will ever call husband.” He held my family’s lives over my head and forced me into a marriage. He locked me in a private villa and forbade any contact with men. He tried everything to make me love him. I never did. Furious and humiliated, he found a stand-in whose face perfectly mimicked mine. Drunk on his favor, she invaded my villa with her guards. “You surgical imitation! How dare you wear my face to seduce my man? I’ll destroy you!” She ripped me, cut out my tongue and ordered her guards to violate me, to break me completely. By the time the CEO finally arrived, I was already gone. The substitute presented my corpse to him as a trophy. “Look, baby! I took care of this surgical freak who was lurking here, trying to tempt you!”

Tristan Blackwood was both devoted and insane. He said from the moment I saved him, he decided he would marry no one but me. To win my heart, he imprisoned me for three years. Every day he tried new ways to please me. But I didn’t love him. I could never accept him. Recently though, he found a substitute who resembled me. They’d been all over each other for months now. To provoke me, Tristan often sent me videos of their intimate moments. I was sitting in the courtyard, watching one of their videos, when suddenly a commotion erupted outside. “Tristan comes here every other day. Today I’m going to see what treasure he’s hiding in this villa!” “But didn’t Mr. Blackwood say this villa is his private sanctuary? No one’s allowed inside.” “Yeah, Melody. I heard someone just looked inside once and Mr. Blackwood broke their limbs and gouged out their eyes. Isn’t it bad if we sneak in without his permission?” “What are you afraid of? Tristan adores me. He’d never blame me.” Hearing the noise outside, I frowned. An ominous feeling washed over me. I knew better than anyone how crazy Tristan could be. He was extremely possessive. He treated me like his property and kept me imprisoned in this villa. Once, someone got curious and snuck into the villa to catch a glimpse of me. Tristan broke their arms and legs, gouged out their eyes, and the next day they vanished without a trace. At first, he was only jealous of men. But then he noticed I treated the housekeepers more gently than I treated him. In a fit of rage, he fired all the housekeepers. He’d rather bring me three meals a day himself than let anyone else look at me for more than a second. If those people outside came in, they’d be in serious trouble. I quickly stood up, wanting to warn them to leave immediately. But the moment I opened the door, a face ninety percent identical to mine appeared before my eyes. Before I could speak, she slapped me hard across the face. “Where did you come from, you bitch? How dare you get surgery to look like me and hide in Tristan’s villa? Are you trying to steal my man?”

The sudden slap made my face burn with pain. “You cheap plastic surgery freak! Do you know where you are? How dare you barge in here?” “You deliberately got surgery to look like Melody to seduce Mr. Blackwood. You’re so desperate to climb the social ladder, you’ve lost all shame!” Only then did I realize who this person was. The woman who burst in and hit me was Tristan’s substitute-Melody Winters. Because of Tristan’s pathological need for control, I’d always been cold toward him. Even though I was forced to marry him, I remained distant. I never let him touch me even once. Perhaps to spite me, or maybe to fill the void in his heart, he searched everywhere for someone who resembled me. And Melody was the substitute he found. The one who looked most like me. Right now, Melody’s face was filled with rage. Her eyes could shoot flames. “You bitch! You know Tristan loves me madly, so you went through all that surgery to look like me. You want to be my substitute and take my place, don’t you?” Melody was arrogant and vicious. But considering she didn’t know the truth, I decided not to hold this slap against her. Instead, I tried to warn her kindly. “This isn’t a place you should be. Leave now, before Tristan gets here. Otherwise, no one can help you.” However, Melody showed no appreciation. Instead, she grabbed my hair and snarled, “Tristan is MY man. What place of his can’t I go? You’re just pretending to send me away because you’re afraid I’ll ruin your scheme. Afraid you won’t even get to be the mistress, right?” “Today I’ll show you what happens when you try to steal my man!” With that, Melody kicked me to the ground. I stumbled and hit a rock. My forehead split open instantly. I touched the blood on my forehead and looked at the aggressive Melody. My voice turned cold. “Aren’t you afraid of what Tristan will do when he finds out?” Melody snorted disdainfully. “I’m the destined soulmate Tristan has been searching for all this time. If my face gets even slightly scratched, he can’t sleep for days. So what if he finds out? Would he blame me because of an insignificant bitch like you?” Melody’s friends laughed coldly in agreement. “Exactly. Everyone knows Mr. Blackwood fell for Melody at first sight. You’re just a plastic surgery copycat. How dare you compare yourself to her?” “Melody, Mr. Blackwood is so powerful. There must be plenty of vixens like this one trying to seduce him. Let’s make an example out of her today and crush those scheming sluts’ fantasies!” “Right! Let those bitches know who Mr. Blackwood’s real wife is!” These women were all vicious with their words and looks, as if they wanted to tear me apart. My expression grew serious. I spoke coldly. “You’d better go ask Tristan who I really am.” Melody lifted her chin, full of disdain. “You’re just a plastic surgery freak who snuck into the villa. Why would I bother finding out who you are?” “I’m the woman Tristan treasures most. My family, the Winters, is the Blackwood family’s biggest business partner. What are you compared to me? How dare you compare status with me?” Her eyes turned vicious. She ordered her friends behind her, “Strip this bitch naked. I want to see if she had surgery on her body to match mine too.” Immediately, her friends rushed over and violently tore at my clothes. I desperately tried to protect my clothing while shouting, “Stop! I’m Tristan’s wife!”

Hearing my words, everyone froze. Melody stood to the side, narrowing her eyes at me. “You’re saying you’re Tristan’s wife?” I said seriously, “That’s right. You’re just the substitute he found. If he finds out you hurt me like this, he’ll never forgive you.” I revealed the truth, thinking Melody would back down. But instead, they all burst into laughter at the same moment. “This bitch has lost her mind trying to climb the ladder!” “Just because she looks somewhat like Melody, she dares to twist the truth and call OUR Melody her substitute?” “Everyone knows Mr. Blackwood takes Melody everywhere. You snuck in here, you plastic surgery freak, and you dare call yourself his wife?” Melody smiled with sinister amusement. “I thought you’d have some tricks up your sleeve since you managed to get surgery to look like me and seduce Tristan. Turns out you’re just a brainless idiot.” “I’ve been with Tristan all this time. I didn’t know he had a wife. How many lives do you have? How dare you tell such an outrageous lie?” “If you’re really Mrs. Blackwood, why would you be completely unknown? Why would you live alone in this deserted villa?” With that, Melody snorted and ordered her friends, “Keep stripping. Leave nothing on her!” Her friends didn’t hesitate. They violently tore at my clothes again. Clearly, they had no idea that this entire area was deserted because Tristan had bought all the land for miles around. No one could enter without his permission. Originally this villa had bodyguards and housekeepers. But because Tristan was insanely jealous, he dismissed everyone. He never announced my identity publicly because he didn’t allow others to look at me. Even discussing me was a violation in his eyes. I never imagined these facts would become reasons for them not to believe me. Seeing my clothes torn to shreds, I panicked. I shouted again, “I really am Tristan’s wife! Call him if you don’t believe me!” Hearing this, they didn’t stop. They became even more violent. While frantically tearing my clothes, they slapped me repeatedly. “You lying bitch! Still lying? We’ll beat some sense into you today!” Soon my face was burning hot and swollen. My hair was disheveled and my clothes barely covered me, exposing large areas of skin. Seeing this, Melody’s eyes gleamed. She spoke slowly, “This bitch’s hair is an eyesore. It’s blocking the view of her body.” With that, she smiled wickedly and pulled out a lighter. She set my hair on fire. The flames spread rapidly across my head. Intense burning pain engulfed me. My cheeks, ears, and entire scalp felt the searing agony. The pain was unbearable. I instinctively tried to pat out the flames, but my hands were held down firmly. In moments, my hair was completely burned away. My scalp was covered in burn marks. Finally satisfied, Melody laughed triumphantly. “Hah! Let’s see you seduce men looking like a bald freak!” Her friends laughed and applauded too. I glared at them, trembling all over. “You’ll regret this!” For years, Tristan threatened me with my family’s lives and kept me prisoner. I lost my freedom. Day after day, I could only stare at the empty villa in a daze. This left me with pent-up frustration. And now I had to endure this torture from his substitute. The frustration in my heart instantly transformed into deep hatred. Melody walked up to me and pressed her foot heavily on my face. “Still dare to challenge me? Since your filthy mouth can’t say anything I want to hear, you won’t need to talk anymore.” “Cut out this bitch’s tongue!”

With one command, a bodyguard behind Melody immediately walked toward me holding a knife. Seeing this, one of the more timid friends spoke nervously, “Melody, this is Mr. Blackwood’s territory after all. If we go this far, won’t it be… inappropriate?” Melody said without hesitation, “What’s inappropriate about it? Tristan is my man. His home is my home. I’m just teaching a shameless bitch a lesson in my own home. Who dares say anything?” “Besides, Tristan adores me so much. Even if I killed this bitch, he wouldn’t frown at me.” The other friends chimed in, “Exactly. Our Melody is the woman Mr. Blackwood treasures. What can’t she do?” “Mr. Blackwood will only feel sorry that Melody worked so hard teaching this bitch a lesson.” With their encouragement, even the timid friend felt reassured and watched the show. I lay on the ground, watching the knife in the bodyguard’s hand come closer and closer. I was terrified. I screamed in panic, “I really am Tristan’s wife! If you do this, he’ll never forgive you!” But my threats had no effect. The bodyguard moved like a heartless machine. He reached me and thrust the knife into my mouth. I tried to escape, but Melody’s friends held me down firmly. I tried to dodge, but the gleaming blade had already pried deep into my mouth. The knife fell. Through the haze, I saw massive amounts of blood and my severed tongue falling from my lips. The pain reached its peak. It felt like every nerve in my body had snapped. I was on the verge of passing out. I lay in a pool of blood like rotting flesh, unable to move, barely breathing. Melody crossed her arms, admiring the scene from above. “With your pathetic looks, even if you got surgery to look like me, Tristan would never spare you a glance. He loves ME as a person, understand?” “Not everyone has my good fortune. Not just anyone can make Tristan fall for them.” “Since you’re so desperate for men, I’ll give you a few.” She looked at the bodyguards behind her coldly. “I’m giving this bitch to you as a reward. Whoever performs best gets two hundred thousand dollars!” Hearing this, the bodyguards’ eyes lit up instantly. They rubbed their hands together eagerly and pounced on me like wolves. I lay limp on the ground with no strength to resist. I wanted to cry out, but without my tongue and with my mouth full of blood, I couldn’t make a sound. I could only let them violate me. Though Tristan obsessively kept me imprisoned here, he never hurt me or touched me. Even when I refused to be intimate with him, he never forced me. He said he would wait until I willingly gave myself to him. He said I was destined to be his woman for life. But now I was drowning beneath these bodyguards, helpless. Despair and hopelessness engulfed me completely. I couldn’t make a sound. Only tears streamed down my face. Tristan, is this the outcome you wanted? Melody’s friends watched the show while flattering her. “Our Melody was born to be Mrs. Blackwood. You really know how to handle people.” “Right? Look at this bitch. She was so cocky at first, but now she’s crying. Haha, she’ll never dare seduce men again.” “Congratulations, Melody, on successfully eliminating another slut. Let’s see who else dares compete with you for Mrs. Blackwood’s position!” Melody beamed with pride, like a victorious general. Her triumphant smile never faded. But suddenly, the excited bodyguards showed strange expressions. The next moment, one bodyguard stood up and reported, “Miss Winters, this woman is dead!” Hearing this, Melody grimaced in disgust. “What wretched luck! Just dig a hole and bury her. The last thing we need is that filth polluting Tristan’s view.” The words had barely left her mouth when Tristan stepped into the courtyard.  “What are you doing?” his voice cut through the air, cold and demanding.

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I was willing to throw myself from a building to escape my own wedding. Yet my fiancée was the one I had secretly loved for years. I had been reborn. In my previous life, we were married for over twenty years. Everyone saw us as the perfect couple. Then, on our anniversary, the illusion shattered. She took her own life in a final, tragic pact with her “soulmate,” Ryan. Standing before her grave, I whispered. “Did you regret marrying me?” Silence. So I answered for her. “I regretted it.” When I woke up again, I was back before our wedding. I decided to run. This time, we would be strangers. But she found me anyway, her face pale and desperate. And what she said shattered everything. “I never regretted marrying you, not in this life, not in the last. You were the only one I ever wanted.” … My eyes fluttered open. Someone patted my shoulder. In a daze, I saw the grand doors swing open. Chloe, who had died ten years ago, stood on the stage in her wedding gown. Bathed in light, she looked ethereal, like an angel descended from heaven. A collective gasp of awe rippled through the audience, a sound even the music couldn’t drown out. Everyone was praising the bride’s beauty. But I was drenched in a cold sweat. Someone nudged me, reminding me it was time to walk towards the bride. I had specifically requested this part of the ceremony myself. But now, as my gaze met Chloe’s from across the hall, she curved her lips into a smile. My resolve, however, only hardened. I spun around and bolted for the exit. “The wedding is off! I’m absolutely not marrying her!” The venue erupted into instant chaos. The hotel was huge, and in my panic, I couldn’t find the right way out. Chloe’s relatives and friends started chasing me. My future father-in-law’s face was stormy. He frowned, glaring at me with displeasure. “Liam, the wedding has started. Don’t be foolish. Get back there and finish the ceremony.” I shook my head, firm. I never imagined I would be reborn, especially not right into my own wedding with Chloe. But since fate had given me a second chance, there was no way I would marry Chloe in this life. A relative tried to reason with me, their voice filled with concern: “Whatever it is, talk about it after the wedding. Chloe is waiting for you.” What? Chloe waiting for me! Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw a white figure actually chasing after me. It felt like a death knell. Without another moment of hesitation, I pushed open a nearby window. I jumped straight from the third floor. Luckily, there was an awning below that broke my fall. Even so, when I stood up, I felt a biting pain. But this slight ache was nothing compared to the heartbreak of the twenty years she’d fooled me in my past life. Clutching my waist, I limped away, desperate to leave. People from the hotel peered out the windows, their faces aghast. “Liam, you’re insane! You actually ran away from your own wedding!” Chloe was among them, her face etched with anxiety and unease. “Liam, what are you doing…? If you leave, what about our wedding?” The Liam of my past life would never have done such a thing. But now. “Chloe, marrying you was the biggest mistake I ever made. I’m correcting that mistake.” “Remember this: I’m the one who doesn’t want you.” I didn’t bother to look at Chloe’s reaction. I hailed a taxi and drove off, feeling a twisted sense of triumph. I knew better than anyone that Chloe’s pristine white wedding dress wasn’t meant for me. She never wanted to marry me at all. Memories flooded my mind. I still remembered rushing to the police station. The officer asked me: “Do you have any information about the man, Ryan, who committed suicide with your wife, Chloe?” How lost and helpless I had been then. I spent over two decades in my last life failing to truly see that woman. This life, I wouldn’t repeat the same mistake.

To escape the commotion, I conveniently used my injuries as an excuse to check into a hospital. My phone was constantly ringing with calls-I knew they weren’t checking in on me; they were either looking for drama or ready to chew me out. The messages proved it. “Liam Thompson, how dare you treat Chloe like that! She cried herself unconscious! You need to get over here and apologize now!” I couldn’t have cared less. Chloe crying over me running away? Impossible. She was probably thrilled I was gone. In this life, she and that Ryan finally had their chance to be together. They should be thanking me, honestly. If you ask me, they owed me a massive thank you. Just as I was lost in this fantasy, my hospital room door swung open. My mom and dad stood there, both furious. “Liam Thompson, you’ve really got some nerve! Running away from your wedding, jumping out of a window? Who are you trying to make a fool of?!” I hadn’t expected them to track me down so quickly. I instantly felt like shrinking into the bed, quickly begging for mercy. “Stop yelling, I’m in the hospital already.” I pitifully revealed my bandaged arm, hoping to stir some parental love. But they just scoffed. “Your injuries are your own fault. Chloe is also in the hospital because of you. You need to take responsibility.” Only then did I understand why they’d arrived so fast. Wow, Chloe’s acting was truly next level. This way, no one would suspect she didn’t want the wedding either. Then I heard my parents issue a direct order: “As soon as you’re discharged, you’re having the wedding with Chloe again.” “No way.” My firm refusal left my parents momentarily bewildered. After all, my marriage to Chloe had been largely my doing. I transferred to Chloe’s school in senior year, fell for her at first sight, and spent five years secretly crushing on her. It wasn’t until her family’s company faced a crisis that the Millers approached my parents, proposing an alliance between our families. At the time, I was overjoyed by the news and worked hard to convince my parents to agree. Now, though, I was a completely different person. They couldn’t accept it. “Why?” The question came from a female voice. My parents quickly stepped aside, revealing Chloe. She had changed out of her wedding dress and into a hospital gown. Her figure was already slender, but now she looked especially frail, as if a gust of wind could carry her away. She swayed, a fleeting pang of tenderness and sadness piercing my heart for a split second. Her eyes were fixed on me as she asked again: “Why won’t you marry me?” I frowned, my heart still hard. “Because I don’t love you anymore.” At my words, Chloe’s body seemed to lose all support. She collapsed weakly, passing out cold. My parents shot me a fierce glare, then rushed to help the nurse get Chloe back to her room. For a moment, I considered following them, but I resisted. Still, I couldn’t shake the thought: when did Chloe become so fragile? Was she acting? For the next few days, my parents were furious with me and didn’t visit again. My friend came to see me, giving me a thumbs-up. “You’re something else, Liam. You really pissed Chloe off. I thought you were crazy about her, chased her forever. Why give up now, right before the wedding?” I waved him off. “Too easy. Lost interest.” “Then, it’s my turn to chase you now.” I looked up. Chloe, just discharged, stood smiling at my doorway. “I don’t want to see you.” I didn’t hold back, practically kicking her out. She didn’t seem offended. She walked in, carrying a thermos, and started pouring soup for me. “I made you some bone broth. Drink it while it’s hot.” My friend, sensing the awkward atmosphere, quickly made his escape. Leaving me alone with Chloe. I kept a stony face. Chloe brought the bowl closer to me, coaxing me like a child: “Smell it. It’s delicious.” A familiar aroma wafted into my nostrils. In my previous life, Chloe and I had been married for over twenty years, the ‘model couple’ in everyone’s eyes. Even I thought so. She was meticulous in everything she did, though she often missed holidays and anniversaries due to work. But she’d always apologize and prepare gifts-without fail, things I liked or had mentioned offhand. Chloe, a pampered girl who had never lifted a finger in the kitchen, had even learned to cook. When she was home, she’d make the meals herself. She said she worried about my sensitive stomach, so she’d specifically learned to make all kinds of soups. This bone broth was my favorite. I once believed this was a sign of her love for me, but later, I learned the truth. The thought made the soup lose its appeal. I turned my head away. “I don’t want it, and I don’t want to see you. Just leave.” Chloe bit her lip, trembling slightly. After a long moment, she managed a faint, strained smile. “You don’t have an appetite now. I’ll put it aside. Remember to drink it when you’re hungry.” I didn’t want to hear her speak, so I pulled the blanket over my head. Chloe didn’t leave for a while; I heard her tidying up outside. Only when the door clicked shut did I peek out. The room had been cleaned by Chloe. She’d even placed a bouquet of fresh flowers where I could see them the moment I looked up. I scoffed. “What an actress.”

For the next few days, Chloe reported punctually every morning, noon, and night, bringing carefully prepared meals. I never touched them, though. I ignored her. She would tidy up the hospital room, making it feel cozy and home-like, even subtly mirroring how our room used to be in my past life. This only made me feel more uncomfortable. As soon as Chloe left, I checked myself out of the hospital. Time to go home! But I was too optimistic. I had barely stepped through my front door when Chloe showed up at my house. She doted on my parents, eagerly offering them shoulder rubs. “Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, if your shoulders are sore, I can always come over and massage them for you.” My parents glanced at me as I came downstairs, then called out: “Liam, you just got out of the hospital. Why don’t you let her give you a massage first?” Chloe immediately looked at me, her eyes seemingly filled with anticipation. There was no mistaking it. My parents had completely sided with her. I could understand why my parents were suddenly so fond of Chloe. Before I knew her true face, I, too, was fooled by her gentle thoughtfulness. But what exactly was Chloe after? I slapped my forehead in annoyance as it suddenly clicked: the Miller family’s company was facing a funding crisis, which was why they sought a marriage alliance. Chloe was probably afraid my family wouldn’t help. She worried for nothing. In my past life, after the Millers overcame their crisis, their company indeed flourished. It was a completely sound investment. With that understanding, my gaze toward Chloe softened considerably, becoming more like an evaluation of an investment target. My parents, seeing my attitude had relaxed, quickly nudged Chloe towards me. Chloe lost her balance, stumbling towards me like a feather. I instinctively caught her, only to realize how alarmingly thin she was beneath her clothes. She felt weightless, like she was nothing but bones, as if she might break if I squeezed too hard. My brow furrowed. Her eyes met mine, her face flushed with embarrassment, filled with what looked like pure joy. But I felt only irritation and pushed her away, somewhat roughly. Chloe swayed for a moment before steadying herself, but she still looked delighted. Even my parents gave me knowing looks, as if my resistance was just a childish display of defiance. I couldn’t stay in this house. “I have plans. I won’t be home tonight.” I grabbed my phone and walked straight out. Chloe, ever persistent, jogged after me. Everywhere I went, she followed. When I headed to my car, she even tried to open the passenger door. I snapped, losing my patience: “Stop it! Can you just leave me alone?” My voice was sharper than I intended. Chloe seemed startled, freezing in place, her shoulders involuntarily trembling. Seeing her so fragile only agitated me more: “I know you want my family’s money. Don’t worry. Even without marriage, I’ll invest. Are you satisfied? If so, just leave.” Seeing no reaction from her, I slammed the accelerator and drove off. Inside the bar’s VIP room, acquaintances-some not even close friends-were all discussing my exploits. “Liam, you’re a legend! Dumped the school queen you chased forever, just ran from the wedding!” “I knew it, our Liam isn’t some desperate lovesick puppy. It was all an act to reel Chloe in. She totally lost face this time.” “Serves her right, honestly. All high-and-mighty before, looking down on us party-goers. Now she’s the one being played.” Listening to their snide remarks, I realized my runaway wedding had made Chloe the laughingstock of our social circle. Her former ‘school queen’ glamour was shattered, and now she was fair game for anyone to mock. But I didn’t want to engage in their gossip. I just kept drinking.

I stumbled home in the morning, my head still hazy. My parents sat on the sofa, waiting for me, their faces grim. “You’re getting worse, staying out drinking all night. Chloe is such a good girl, and you just tossed her aside. You were the one who insisted on marrying her!” “You are going to give me a reason today, or else.” At my parents’ words, my drunken haze began to clear. They were right. I had been the one to push for it. It took living a lifetime of pain to understand that a forced relationship never ends well. … My memory flashed back to the day I heard about Chloe’s death. It was our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. The day before, I had, for once, stood my ground with Chloe. Not for anything else, but to make her come home and spend our anniversary with me. Because that day also marked thirty years since I first fell in love with her. “If you don’t come back, we should just get a divorce.” That’s what I said then. But such a threat must have seemed laughable in Chloe’s eyes. That evening, I waited for her at the restaurant, full of anticipation, only to receive the news of Chloe’s death. I hung up the phone and rushed to the police station like a madman. “Are you Chloe Miller’s husband?” The officer confirmed my identity, his eyes filled with sympathy. They told me Chloe had committed suicide, and that she had done so with another man named Ryan, suspected to be a tragic lovers’ pact. “Do you have any information about Ryan?” It was the first time I had ever heard that unfamiliar name. I shook my head, bewildered. I found out who Ryan was at Chloe’s funeral. Her best friend cried inconsolably over her coffin. “If I had known you loved Ryan, I would have stopped you from marrying Liam, even if it killed me.” That’s when I learned Ryan was Chloe’s university senior. All those years, they had never truly broken off contact. All the holidays and annivers Chloe missed? She had spent them with Ryan. Eventually, only I remained at the funeral. I stood before Chloe’s tombstone, murmuring to myself. “Chloe, did you regret marrying me?” The tombstone wouldn’t answer, but I knew the truth. “I regretted marrying you too. If I had another chance, I would never have gotten involved with you again.” With that thought, my eyes cleared, and I looked at my parents with newfound resolve. “I just can’t go through with this marriage. I can’t tell you why. But I will help the Miller family.” My mom finally sighed. “You’ll regret this. Fine, we won’t interfere anymore. Do whatever you want.” I went back to bed and slept for what felt like an eternity. Once my mind finally felt clear, I texted Chloe to meet me at my office. Chloe arrived quickly, dressed with care. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore a white dress, as if heading to a date. “Liam, you haven’t asked me out in ages.” Her face held the shy, delicate charm of a young girl in love, her lips pursed in a demure smile. I tossed a contract onto the table and spoke in a purely business-like tone. “I know the Miller family needs sixty million in funding. Sign this contract, and I’ll give you what you want. But after this, you must never come looking for me again.” Chloe stared down, no reaction. I urged her. “Hurry up. I’m giving you what you want, don’t get greedy.” At my words, Chloe looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. She bit her lip, throwing the contract back at me. Then she rushed to my side, grabbing my shirt, demanding I look deeply into her eyes. “Liam Thompson, I’m not asking for an investment at all. I’ve only ever wanted you. Haven’t I made that obvious enough?” Large tears streamed down her face. She pounded my chest with her fists, but it didn’t hurt at all. “We were married for over twenty years. Now you’ve been reborn, and you’re treating your wife like this? You weren’t like this in the last life…”

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My husband died suddenly, and then his visibly pregnant first love showed up with his will, ready to claim her inheritance. My daughter wanted me to stand my ground, to fight that homewrecker tooth and nail! But my in-laws told me, “Just let her have it. After all, she’s carrying our family’s bloodline. Even though our son wronged you, our family can’t be without an heir.” I nodded, agreeing to my in-laws’ demand. Ignoring my daughter’s furious objections, I took her and moved abroad. When my daughter fumed at my apparent weakness, I stayed silent. But when I received that familiar call, I smiled with satisfaction… Julian’s funeral drew a sizable crowd. Besides his family and friends, there were also many of his colleagues and business partners. When they saw Luna, Julian’s first love, show up visibly pregnant, clutching a will, their faces flickered with a myriad of expressions – it was quite a show. Many of them discreetly watched me, silent, seemingly waiting to see my reaction. It looked like everyone was ready for some drama. “Sarah, I know Julian and I both wronged you, but… I’m carrying his child. I have to live for this baby, right? I know what I did wasn’t right, but this is the last gift Julian left for me and our child. You can’t be so cruel as to strip us of our rights, can you?” “Ugh! You utterly shameless witch! You secretly hooked up with my dad behind my mom’s back! And now you have the nerve to show up pregnant, demanding an inheritance? I’ve never seen anyone as brazen as you!” My daughter, Mia, screamed at Luna. Her face was crimson with fury, veins throbbing in her neck, as if she wanted to tear Luna limb from limb. “Mia! Do you have no manners? I don’t remember your mother raising you to be such a wild banshee!” It was Mrs. Davies, my mother-in-law, who spoke. She shot me a glare. “How have you been raising this child?” “She ruined my parents’ relationship, she came between my mom and dad. If you won’t help my mom, fine, but now you’re siding with an outsider to accuse Mom and me? What do we even mean to you?!” Mia, usually so compliant, transformed. She shielded me like a mama bear protecting her cub, which touched me deeply, though it also filled me with shame. Mrs. Davies was stunned by Mia’s outburst, then her expression turned to anger. “This is outrageous! This little girl is starting to lecture her elders?! The adults in this family are still alive; it’s not your place to speak, young lady!” She turned back to me. “I always said daughters were useless!” Mr. Davies, my father-in-law, stepped forward. “This is adult business, Mia! Don’t you dare interrupt! If you don’t behave, don’t blame me for getting rough with you!” He finished, giving Mia a harsh glare. Mr. Davies then looked at Luna, then back at me. “Sarah, I know you’ve been married into our family for thirteen years. We’ve seen your character, and we’ve always treated you as one of our own. I hope you can consider our feelings now.” Listening to Mr. Davies, I calmly asked, “What do you mean?” “It’s just…” Mr. Davies hesitated, then continued, “Luna told us the baby is a boy. Our family has only ever had one son per generation, and we truly hope she gives birth. But now Julian is gone, and it will be difficult for Luna to raise a child alone. We hope you won’t contest the inheritance with her.”

Mrs. Davies chimed in, “Just let her have it. After all, she’s carrying our family’s bloodline. Even though our son wronged you, our family can’t be without an heir.” My daughter blurted out before I could speak, “Then am I not Dad’s child? Am I not? In your eyes, what am I?” Her eyes reddened as she looked at my in-laws, her voice trembling. I knew my in-laws didn’t truly value my daughter, but I never imagined they’d say something like this to her face. I realized then that their previous displays of affection for her had all been an act; in reality, they still saw no worth in their granddaughter. Hearing Mia’s words, Mrs. Davies dropped all pretense. “I never said you weren’t, but… you’re a girl. How can a girl carry on our family name? After all your father did for you, and you can’t even think of him? You’re so ungrateful!” Mr. Davies sternly said, “We’re talking to your mother now, young lady, don’t interrupt!” He then looked at me. “Sarah, for the sake of our years as a family, I hope you can understand us!” I looked at them, calmly stating, “So, you knew about Julian and Luna all along?” My words caught both my in-laws off guard. Embarrassed expressions crossed their faces as they exchanged uneasy glances. Seeing this, my daughter’s face twisted in disgust. “I used to respect you so much, and you always talked about decency and self-respect. I can’t believe… I can’t believe… you’re just as shameless!” “What did you say, you rotten girl?! Are you looking for a fight?!” Mrs. Davies lunged forward, trying to hit Mia, but I quickly shielded my daughter behind me. “Why are you hitting her? Was she wrong?” I asked, my voice chilling as I stared at Mrs. Davies. Mrs. Davies looked at me, then at Mia, who was safely behind me. She sneered. “Fine, fine, you two! Just because my son isn’t here, you think you can disrespect your elders, ignore me completely, is that it?” Mrs. Davies then dramatically collapsed in front of Julian’s memorial picture. “Julian, you left us too soon! Your wife and daughter are ganging up on us two old people now! They won’t listen to a word we say, and they even accuse us! All we want is for Luna to give us your heir. Why… why won’t they understand our elderly wish?” The friends and relatives sitting nearby watched Mrs. Davies’ hysterical wailing. Some looked on with disdain, others nodded in agreement, and a few, seemingly not finding enough drama, pulled out their phones to record. Mrs. Davies’ heartbroken wails sounded utterly pathetic, and Mr. Davies seized the opportunity to approach me. He said earnestly, “Sarah, I know our family has wronged you, but… we truly want to have an heir for the Davies family. And we also need Julian’s inheritance to raise the child. We hope you can agree.” “Mom! Don’t listen to them!” Mia gripped my hand tightly, as if encouraging me. Seeing my daughter trying so hard to protect me, tears welled up uncontrollably in my eyes. I reached out and stroked her hair. “It’s okay, sweetie. Let Mom make the decision. I’ve already made up my mind.”

Hearing my words, my daughter nodded obediently. I looked at my in-laws, then at Luna. “You want the company Julian left behind?” Mrs. Davies spoke up. “Luna used to work there, she naturally knows how to manage the company. To put it bluntly, even if you founded the company with Julian, didn’t you withdraw after you got married? This company… in fact, it’s my son’s personal property.” I stared at her. “You even know that? So, you’ve known about her relationship with your son all along? You and Julian conspired to keep it from me? Oh, and why didn’t you mention Julian also owns a house? Though, it’s registered under your names, so I suppose you had that planned out too, didn’t you?” Hearing my words, Mrs. Davies coughed awkwardly and said no more. Luna guiltily averted her gaze and gestured to the lawyer beside her. “You go talk to her.” The lawyer’s eyes also flickered with a hint of embarrassment, but he still braced himself and walked over. “If you voluntarily give up your claim, you can sign a voluntary waiver here, agreeing not to pursue further action.” I looked at them, then nodded. “Alright, if that’s what you want, then I agree!” “Mom!!!” My daughter stared at me in disbelief, and the surrounding onlookers also showed surprised expressions. My in-laws’ faces lit up with joy at my reaction. Mrs. Davies beamed, “Really?! You said it, no backing out now!” Luna and her lawyer also looked surprised, then wary, as if afraid I might retaliate. Luna looked at me. “What are your conditions?” Hearing her speak, I nodded. “Of course, I have conditions. From now on, I will have no further ties with the Davies family. Don’t ever contact us again.” I looked at my daughter, asking for her consent. “You’ll live with Mom, won’t you? Is that okay?” My daughter looked at me with a mix of frustration and anger, as if hating my weakness. She said, heartbroken and furious, “Mom, I’ll live with you, but… but… Dad’s money shouldn’t go to that witch! Mom, please don’t be so weak! Pull yourself together! Even if we have to live on scraps, I don’t want them to have an easy life! If we go down, we all go down together!” My daughter’s words once again infuriated Mrs. Davies. “You deadbeat girl, try saying that again! I told you girls are useless, just look at them, only brave when they’re attacking their own family!” Looking at my daughter, I remembered my younger self, kind and impulsive, never keeping anything bottled up. My heart swelled with both comfort and regret. “Sweetie, please, do this for Mom, okay? Your dad stopped loving us a long time ago. He even schemed to leave his property to his first love, regardless of what happened to us… and your grandparents are no different. So, why should we cling to your dad’s inheritance?” My daughter looked at me with tear-filled eyes. “Mom, even if you think Dad’s money is tainted, let’s donate it rather than leave it for that witch! Don’t be so foolish, please!” “You deadbeat girl!” Mr. Davies, enraged, raised his cane to hit my daughter, but I blocked him. Crack! The cane struck my arm with such force that I winced in pain. It seemed Mr. Davies wasn’t holding back, even on his granddaughter.

“You…” Mr. Davies stared at me in shock. “You’ve hit me, you’ve cursed me. Isn’t it just Julian’s company you want? I’m letting you have it, isn’t that enough?” I choked out, “Julian betrayed me, and you all conspired with him to keep it from me. Now Julian is ‘dead,’ and you’re ganging up on my daughter and me… Isn’t giving up enough?” I looked at the visibly troubled lawyer. “I will sign the agreement.” Then I turned to the surrounding friends and relatives, and those holding up phones to record. “You all can be my witnesses here. From now on, I have no relationship with the Davies family, and neither does my child. The responsibility of caring for my in-laws will fall to Luna from now on.” Luna’s face flashed with a hint of embarrassment when she heard my words, but she dared not speak. My in-laws, on the other hand, watched eagerly as I signed the agreement. A young onlooker couldn’t stand it anymore. “Sarah, why put yourself through this?” “Yeah, why be so foolish? Isn’t this just benefiting someone else?” “Exactly! Even if not for yourself, at least think of your child.” “Forget it, just look at how those old folks have been treating her!” My daughter couldn’t help but tug my hand, crying, “Mom, can’t you stop being so silly? Isn’t this just making it easy for them?” I stroked her forehead. “Honey, we’re cutting ties with them. From now on, it’s as if we have no grandparents. If you still love Mom, then do this for Mom. Cut them off, and don’t get entangled with them anymore!” Hearing this, my daughter didn’t speak but glared angrily at Luna and the Davies. After signing the agreement, I took my daughter and left. Even though she was extremely unwilling, I practically dragged her away. Some busybodies had already filmed the scene and uploaded it online. Many netizens expressed outrage on my behalf, and some legal professionals offered to help me fight for my rights. However, many others were furious at my apparent weakness, calling me a naive pushover, saying I was a saint for enabling the mistress, and destroying my and my daughter’s interests. They accused me of not being fit to be a mother. Some even used me as a cautionary tale, making videos about my story to gain views. Luna and Julian’s parents didn’t fare much better. They were also cyberbullied by outraged netizens, condemned as shameless people with no morals. I was aware of the online buzz, and my daughter argued with me about it for a long time. Facing netizens’ mockery, sarcasm, or well-intentioned advice, I decided to respond. I recorded a video explaining that I had decided to move abroad and that everyone should live their own lives in peace. Of course, this “saintly” approach, as I expected, once again provoked netizens’ mockery. Although my daughter was very reluctant, she eventually compromised and moved abroad with me. As time passed, her initial dissatisfaction with me gradually turned into reconciliation. With the help of my brother, David, who owned a company overseas, I registered my own company, bought a small apartment, and started a new life. Everything progressed smoothly and methodically; life became relatively easy. Until one day, someone called me, shattering the peace— “You damn bitch! How dare you pull a stunt like this on me!!!” A familiar voice roared hysterically from the other end of the line, as if he wanted to reach through the phone and strangle me. Hearing that voice, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Oh, you’re not dead, are you? How are you able to call me? What a miracle!”

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After my failed confession to Liam, the Miller family shipped me abroad. The day I returned, the entire family feared I’d seek him out again. Even Liam himself declared, “My biggest stain in this life is being liked by my adopted sister.” To keep me away, they introduced Liam to many girls. Liam welcomed them all, casually wrapping his arm around their waists and telling others, “If Elara can put away her inappropriate feelings, I wouldn’t mind her coming back.” He seemed to believe I was still hung up on him. But this time, I had returned for one reason only: To marry someone else. The air solidified the moment I appeared at the private room entrance. Liam had just rejected a girl who, having lost a dare, wanted to give him a kiss. He leaned back on the couch, languid and self-satisfied. Until someone finally blurted out – “Holy crap, Elara’s back!” Everyone snapped out of it, stepping forward in unison to shield Liam behind them, just like years ago. They gave me awkward smiles. “When did you get back, Elara? You should have told us! We would’ve picked you up!” “How did you find this place yourself? Have you eaten? Want to come in for some snacks…” I stood still, glanced at the room number, and smiled faintly. “No thanks, I must have the wrong place.” The few people blocking the door visibly relaxed. Just as they were about to say more, a scoff came from inside. Liam reached out, wrapped an arm around the waist of the teary-eyed girl in front of him, and pulled her into his embrace. He cupped her chin and kissed her. “Breathe. “A girl shouldn’t have to initiate a kiss like that.” His voice was lazy, and the girl in his arms blushed furiously from his kiss. She clutched his collar, trembling and nervous. “Liam, c-can I be your girlfriend…?” Liam didn’t say anything. He merely glanced at me dismissively, then deepened the kiss. His actions spoke volumes. The girl was thrilled, and everyone else in the room cheered. I checked the time on my wrist, turned to leave, but someone called out from behind me. “Elara.”

I instinctively turned back. Liam stepped out of the private room. Three years apart, his face hadn’t changed at all. He held a cigarette between his fingers, his tone flat. “When did you get back?” “Yesterday.” “Why didn’t you go home?” I stayed silent. “Don’t wander off now that you’re back. Go home and see Mom and Dad.” Still, I didn’t respond. Instead, I looked down at my watch, a flicker of impatience crossing my features. “Is there anything else?” Liam’s gaze fell on my wrist, and he frowned slightly. “Where’s the bracelet?” I paused, surprised. Then something clicked. A hint of sarcasm touched my face. “I put it away.” Three years ago, when a guy confessed to me, Liam didn’t say anything. He just led his friends to beat the guy up. Afterward, he silently took out the Miller family’s heirloom bracelet and put it on my wrist. Liam’s tightly furrowed brow relaxed, his tone calm. “It’s just a small trinket, no need to be so precious with it. “Next time…” “Liam!” Liam’s words were cut off by a clear voice from the side. The girl from the private room ran out. She took Liam’s arm, then extended her hand to me, a radiant smile on her face. “You must be Elara, right? Hi, I’m Scarlett. You can call me Scarlett, or you can call me… sister-in-law.” She seemed a little shy, glancing up at Liam bashfully when she said the last two words. My time was genuinely running out. If I was any later, that man would truly be angry. I didn’t have time to be part of these two’s little drama. I quickly nodded at her and greeted, “Hi.” Then I turned and hurried past, walking quickly towards the end of the hall. Before I reached the corner, I saw Julian Sterling leaning against the doorframe. He was dressed in black, his nose bridge sharp, his eyes hidden in the dim light, making his emotions unreadable. His thin lips, caught in the light, were perfectly sculpted and sharp. I quickened my pace towards him. Taking the gift from my pocket, I held it out. “Happy birthday!” His gaze slowly drifted downwards. “You’re late.” I looked at my watch. The hour hand already pointed to midnight. Today was over. A flicker of annoyance crossed my face. If it weren’t for those two I just ran into, I wouldn’t have missed it. Julian wrapped an arm around my waist. Pulling me closer with a sense of punishment. My flight was originally scheduled for nine in the morning, meaning I could be back to have lunch with Julian. But something unexpected came up at my university, delaying me until I rushed back late in the evening. I’d promised to have dinner with him, but then I ran into more trouble. It had been a chaotic mess until now.

The food had gone cold. But the temperature in the air steadily rose. He suppressed the emotions in his eyes, lifted me into his arms, and carried me out of the private room. It was a bit cool outside. Julian hooked the jacket off the couch and placed it over my head. The scent of cedar wood filled my nostrils, stirring my heart. A low-profile yet luxurious Maybach was parked by the road. Just as we were about to reach it, a surprised and familiar voice rang out. “Julian, when did you get back?” Not far away, Liam, with Scarlett’s arm around his waist, walked towards us. His tone was full of surprise, and even through the jacket covering me, I could feel his scrutinizing gaze. Julian merely glanced at him. “Just got back.” Liam teased, “My man, are you finally settling down? Let me see who this mysterious woman is.” With that, Liam stepped forward, reaching out to pull the jacket from my head. I instinctively tightened my grip on Julian’s collar, burying my face in his shoulder. Liam’s hand didn’t touch Julian’s jacket. Julian simply looked at him, and Liam eventually pulled his hand back. “Alright, alright. You’re guarding her so fiercely, I won’t interrupt your moment. Just remember to bring her out to meet us next time.” Julian didn’t say anything, carrying me into the back seat of the car. Julian Sterling was one of the most influential scions in The City. And Liam’s best friend. I used to often see Julian and Liam at the Miller’s house. Though they were best friends, for some reason, even back then, I always felt Julian treated Liam with a subtle distance. Later, I understood. His intentions were never truly about Liam. The day after my failed confession to Liam, the day the Miller family sent me abroad, Julian followed me.

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My father and Liam’s mother died in the same bed. They were found with their bodies still entwined. In that single moment, both our worlds shattered. He slammed his car into my father’s casket, sending it flying. I smashed his mother’s urn to pieces on the wind-whipped docks. For ten long years, we’ve hated each other, dedicated to mutual destruction. Now, he’s Southeast Asia’s most powerful arms dealer. And I’m the top bounty hunter in the city. When we met again, his hatred for me burned as bright as ever. He just didn’t know one thing: I was dying. After finishing up today’s work, I rushed back to my dessert shop to bandage my wounds. The TV on the wall was broadcasting the news of Liam Thorne’s return. Once the golden boy of the city’s elite, now Southeast Asia’s biggest arms dealer, his return to Port City was, naturally, a sensation. I hastily wrapped my injuries, ready to head to my small memorial to light a candle for my father. Just then, a girl with a pixie cut burst in, clutching red roses. “I’ll buy all these cakes!” she declared loudly. Trailing behind her was Julian, Liam’s best friend. Seeing me, he looked awkward. “Sera, maybe we should try another shop?” The girl refused stubbornly. “No way! These are Liam’s favorite desserts. It’s his birthday; I need to get him a lot.” Her eyes, red-rimmed, looked at me. “Owner, can I borrow your space to set up a surprise birthday party?” I could only nod. “Can we have some extra desserts?” I agreed, catching sight of my wound bleeding again. I quickly hid it under my apron, my legs trembling as I walked to the back kitchen. It wasn’t fear. It was just my illness flaring up again. An incurable illness. “Julian, help me set up. Liam will be here soon. I don’t want him to be upset.” Julian didn’t move. He knew Liam was never happy when he saw me. On TV, Liam smiled for the cameras, but his eyes were empty. “She’s watching the news too, isn’t she? I’m really looking forward to seeing her.” The camera zoomed in, and the scar above his eyebrow was clearly visible. I put that there with a dagger. The scar on my neck? He gave me that with a piece of broken glass. We always hurt each other, loving to see the other in pain. The TV hostess smiled coyly. “Mr. Thorne, are you planning to stay long-term this time? And those roses – are they for someone special?” He said, his voice deep, “My fiancée.” The girl was still decorating the shop, then she turned to look at the TV. “Julian, I heard Liam has a childhood friend he’s been entangled with for ten years?” I lowered my head, wiping my knife, and caught Julian’s gaze. “Liam!” The girl cried out, breaking the tense atmosphere. She ran out excitedly, forgetting her umbrella. Outside, Liam held her with one arm and an umbrella with the other. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. He seemed to flinch. We stared at each other through the rain-streaked glass. The girl started to turn back, but he gripped her chin and kissed her deeply. I pulled my gaze away, cutting the ribbon in my hand. Julian came over, speaking softly. “Seraphina, please, don’t upset Liam today.” He added, “That girl is only nineteen. She’s so innocent, and she reminds me a bit of you.” I nodded, my fingers cold. “She does look like me. She’s prettier, though.” The door pushed open. Liam walked in, holding his umbrella. “Talking about my fiancée?”

His voice carried a smile, but his eyes were ice-cold as they landed on me. Julian held his breath, staring at me, waiting for me to lose it. I ignored them, simply pushing the cake across. “Here’s your dark chocolate cake. Enjoy.” Summer Reed rested her chin on her hand, gazing at Liam. “Liam, is this your favorite?” He took a sip of coffee, then cut a small piece of cake and tasted it. “Bitter and astringent. Not good.” She lowered her head to taste it herself, doubting if he was playing a trick. She didn’t see him watching me the entire time. The doorbell chimed, and a few men laughed as they burst in. Their smiles froze when they saw me. They looked at Julian warily, like they expected me to throw something drastic at them. We’d tortured each other for years, and we’d “taken care of” his friends too. Guess they remembered it pretty clearly. One of them bumped Julian’s shoulder. “Yo, Julian, what’s going on here?” He didn’t answer. I walked over with some grapefruit tea. All of them immediately raised their hands, as if to ward me off. I turned to leave, but Summer grabbed my arm. “Sera, can you take a picture for us?” “No.” I refused. As I turned, a shadow blocked me. It was Liam, his expression indifferent. “You’re running a business, you haggle. So tell me, how much does it cost to buy you taking our picture?” I didn’t respond, trying to move around him. My arm was seized. I was forced to my knees, and a black card was thrown at my face, leaving a cut. “There’s enough money on this card to buy your life.” I struggled to my feet, touching my swollen face, and stared at him. Summer laughed, trying to smooth things over. “Liam, he’s drunk.” But he didn’t smell of alcohol. He was deliberately picking a fight. I believed her, at least about the “drunk” part. He must have had such a great time overseas that he’d forgotten how vindictive I was. I knelt down, picked up the black card, and stood firm. Someone sneered. “Liam, this woman hasn’t changed. Still bows down for money.” He confidently handed me his phone, as if pleased by my “submission.” I grabbed his chin, smeared a layer of cream from the black card onto his face, and shoved it into his mouth. I didn’t stop until I smelled blood, then I grabbed two glasses of liquor and poured them down his throat. “Dirty mouth. Just cleaning it for you.” I casually slapped the guy who had just spoken. “Filthy dog, shut your trap if you’re not called!” It happened so fast no one reacted, only the rain drumming against the glass. Julian leaned against the wall, drinking, and sighed. “Why’d you have to provoke her?” Summer, enraged, yelled, “Owner, we might be at fault, but you went too far!” She lunged to hit me. I grabbed her wrist and slapped her back. Only her scream echoed in the shop. Liam coughed up blood, a cold laugh on his face. “Hit me, fine. But harming my fiancée is where you cross the line.” He pulled the swollen-faced Summer close. “Want me to trash the place to make you feel better?” Summer nodded, tears welling in her eyes. Black-clad bodyguards stormed in, clubs swinging. Glass shattered, chandeliers exploded. Cold rain and wind poured in, soaking my face. Liam squeezed my chin, forcing me to look at him. “You’re not wrong, but I have to give her satisfaction. Think about the compensation, write it down, I’ll take it all.” His gaze was heavy, like he was looking at an old, discarded object. I yanked away from him, coughing violently, and rummaged through the wreckage. A small white pill bottle rolled out. My eyes lit up. He snatched it first, looking at it. “Six tranquilizers at once? You really have a death wish.” He tossed it into the puddle, then embraced Summer and walked away. I knelt by the water, picked up the bottle, and swallowed two pills. The medicine could calm me down and stop the pain. From half a pill to eight, it still couldn’t keep it at bay. The medicine was almost gone, and so was my life.

In three years, my mom had passed away too. I lived a precarious life, having killed people and, in turn, becoming a target. My savings had all gone into this dessert shop. Now it was trashed, and I had no idea where to go. Pain flared, and I lacked the strength to move. I sat in the ruins, letting the night rain soak me. Port City’s newspaper headlines screamed, “Liam, the Golden Boy, Returns for Revenge on Old Love.” By dawn, I was ready to leave. Before I left, I knelt and bowed my head three times towards the wreckage. Liam suddenly appeared, grabbing me and pulling me to my feet with one hand. “A rundown dessert shop, worth all this drama?” I slapped his hand away, stood steady, and delivered three stinging slaps to his face. “My parents’ memorial photos were in there, and they’re gone,” I said calmly. “Of course I’d bow my head.” He licked the corner of his mouth, a smirk playing on his lips. “Three slaps for your mom’s memorial? I think I got the better deal.” I ignored him, my gaze fixed on the ruins. He followed behind me, his words like daggers. “Seraphina Hayes, I’m talking to you.” I paid him no mind, walking towards the exit. He chased after me, blocking my path. “Don’t pretend you don’t care! Your face is as white as paper, and you’re still trying to be tough?” “My old illness has flared up; I look a little worn out.” I forced a smile. “Liam, what do you think you are, that you could affect me?” Deep down, I knew he was back just to cause trouble. If I were healthy, I’d gladly fight him again. But now, just standing there drained all my strength. The hospital smelled of harsh disinfectant. The doctor looked at the scans, his expression grave. “How much medicine was left from last time?” “It’s all gone.” “All gone? Three months’ worth of medication, gone in a week!” The doctor fell silent. I understood-my time was running out. “Do you have any family?” “My parents are both gone. It’s just me.” He rubbed his temples. “It was pretty stable before. Why has it gotten so bad this week?” I glanced at my phone. A news alert popped up-Liam, arm-in-arm with Summer Reed. The person I thought I didn’t care about still hurt me the most. “The situation isn’t optimistic. After stopping the medication, seven days, one month, three months-those are critical periods.” “Keep this bottle with you. Take three pills when the pain is severe, no more than three.” He hadn’t even finished speaking, and I’d already opened the bottle, shaking out pills and swallowing them. How many didn’t matter, as long as it stopped the pain. I crouched in a hospital corner, my back against the cold wall. Freezing until I was hypothermic could numb the pain. Cold sweat drenched my clothes. For ten minutes, the sounds of crying and prayers echoed from the operating room next door. “Mommy, is that sister from the bed next to ours? Should we go say goodbye to her?” “Her illness isn’t getting better, dear. Let’s not disturb her. Poor child, no parents, and no one to see her off in her grave illness.” The little girl looked up. “Someone in this world must care about her, right?” I blinked, my blurry vision focusing on my phone. It was a text from Liam.

Since last night, he’d been relentlessly calling, harassing me for compensation. I thought about it. Maybe no one cared about me, but there was one person who’d collect my body. I dialed that familiar number. The call was answered almost instantly. “Decided what you’re going to compensate me with?” I took a deep breath, swallowing the bitterness in my throat. “If you want compensation, Liam, you can collect my body when I die.” Silence on the other end for three seconds, followed by his sarcastic laugh. “Seraphina, you’re so vicious and stubborn, you usually live forever. But if you really do die first, I promise I’ll give you a grand funeral. The whole Port City will light eternal lamps for you!” Hearing that, I hung up, satisfied. Walking out of the hospital, I saw the mother and daughter at the entrance. The little girl patted her chest, saying innocently and firmly, “Who says no one cares about her? I care about her!” “Alright, let’s go, the bus is coming soon.” Her mom pulled her, hurrying to catch the bus. I walked to the parking garage and started my black sedan. Seeing they hadn’t caught the bus, I spontaneously rolled down the window. “Get in, I’ll give you a ride.” I dropped them off at the city center. They profusely thanked me as they got out. Just as I was about to leave, an irritating voice rang out. “Well, well, Seraphina doing good deeds? About time you earned some good karma.” Liam and a few of his friends emerged from a club. Summer Reed tightly clutched Liam’s arm, her eyes coldly fixed on me. I didn’t want to get tangled up. I rolled up my window, ready to drive off. Summer quickly walked over, pressing her hand against the car window. A fake smile played on her lips, but her eyes were icy cold. “I just found out about your past relationship with Liam. I hope I didn’t offend you yesterday?” I couldn’t be bothered to deal with her and started to close the window again. She gripped the window frame tightly. “Sis, I have something to give you. Really, no ill intentions.” “Stop talking nonsense. Get lost.” My patience had run out. Summer let go. As I started the car, she pulled a small urn from her bag. “I heard your mom’s memorial was destroyed. I was worried you wouldn’t have anything to remember her by, so I collected some ashes from the ruins this morning.” Her voice was sweet, but her actions were malicious. She reached through the car window and poured the ashes directly onto my driver’s seat. “Oh! Sera, why didn’t you catch it?” She shrieked, stepping back, her face full of innocence and schadenfreude. “You won’t blame me, will you?” I watched her performance, a furious rage boiling within me, temporarily overriding the pain of my illness. Good. Very good. She sought me out. The people nearby, still clueless, praised her. “You’re so thoughtful, not minding the bad luck, even bringing a gift.” Summer confidently turned, walking towards the brand-new Porsche in front of me, proudly jingling the keys. I rolled down my window and called out to her, “Summer Reed, I have a gift for you too!” She crossed her arms, asking casually, “What are you going to give me?” I fastened my seatbelt, my eyes locked on her, saying each word distinctly. “I’m going to send you to hell!” My words hadn’t even fully faded when I slammed the accelerator.

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Once again, I went viral for domestic violence. The entire internet was filled with curses, asking when I would finally die. When I got home, I dutifully knelt on the cold tile floor. My wife, Scarlett, slapped my face repeatedly with her slipper. “Alex, I told you so many times, when you hit me, make your expression more vicious, your movements bigger. Why don’t you listen?” “You’ve ruined me! My products aren’t selling!” That’s right, the one being abused wasn’t Scarlett, it was me. All because she’d crafted an online persona as a domestically abused wife. I went along with it because she had absolute leverage over me. Scarlett threatened me. If I didn’t play along with her act, she’d disappear with our eight-year-old daughter, Chloe. I knew Scarlett was capable of it. After Chloe was born, she was out early and back late within three days, living it up and chasing fun. I’d raised Chloe by myself since she was a baby. She was the apple of my eye. “You’ll kneel there until morning. Reflect on your mistakes.” I don’t know how long I knelt. In a daze, I heard my wife and daughter talking. “Your dad is kneeling. Don’t you feel bad for him?” Chloe’s clear voice chirped, “No, I don’t feel bad. He doesn’t deserve to be my dad. Derek deserves to be her father.”

A wave of ice washed over me. I couldn’t believe my daughter, whom I’d raised with such care, could be so heartless. To her, a stranger meant more than I did. When Chloe was little, she was often sick. I’d rush her to the hospital, staying ten days at a time was common. Back then, she’d always say, “Daddy, hug me, hug me.” Scarlett praised Chloe, “Good girl! Derek didn’t spoil you for nothing. He’ll be so happy when he hears this.” The “Derek” Chloe mentioned was Derek Jones, not only Scarlett’s former classmate but also her accomplice in all her questionable antics. When we first got married, I’d told Scarlett she was too close to Derek. Scarlett ripped into me, saying that if anything was going on with her and Derek, it was none of my business anyway. Footsteps approached. Scarlett came in front of me and kicked me hard in the head. “Wake up, you useless bum!” I scrambled up from the floor, my legs trembling uncontrollably. After kneeling all night, they were completely numb. Scarlett looked down at me smugly. “Alex, do you realize your mistake?” Seeing I didn’t answer, Scarlett scoffed. “Angry? Good. Stay angry. Come on, hit me!” I still didn’t move. Scarlett kicked me again. Already unsteady, I stumbled and fell to the floor. Chloe rushed over and slapped my face. “Why are you so useless? Mom told you to hit harder and you can’t even do that! Mom won’t make money, how will she buy me pretty dresses?” I was utterly numb. I used to have a good job, but after the “abuse” went public, the company fired me. Every day, I’d cover myself up completely before going out to do odd jobs. All the money I earned, I handed over to Scarlett. After giving so much, all I got back was being called useless. Scarlett kicked me again. “You stay home and reflect. If you haven’t changed by the time I get back, you can forget about ever seeing Chloe again.”

I lay on the floor for half an hour. I still couldn’t believe Chloe would treat me this way; she must have been forced by Scarlett. I decided to find some food; I hadn’t eaten since last night. Suddenly, I noticed Scarlett’s spare phone left at home. Normally, I wouldn’t dare touch it, but now I needed answers. The phone had no password. Inside, there were tons of videos and photos. I saw intimate photos of Scarlett and Derek. She was smiling, brighter than I’d ever seen her. And then there was more explosive stuff. Scarlett had checked into multiple hotels, wearing lingerie, entwined with Derek on large beds. I pressed down hard on my own wounds, wanting the pain to be more intense, to make myself think clearly. Every time, Scarlett used instruments on me, leaving me covered in wounds. In severe cases, I’d have exposed bone. I was often rushed to the hospital. Scarlett would claim that bystanders intervened and injured me. Meanwhile, when I played along with her act, I always feared hurting Scarlett, holding back most of my strength. I thought my sacrifices would be seen. Instead, I was a complete clown. There were also videos of Chloe. Derek laughed, asking, “What if Mommy kills Daddy?” Chloe replied, “If he dies, he dies. Then I’ll have a new dad, and my new dad will be a million times better.” Derek then asked, “Who would you choose as your new dad?” Chloe smiled sweetly, pointing at Derek, and said, “You, of course!” Scarlett and Derek burst out laughing; they looked more like a family than we ever did. “Chloe, if this really happens, what will you do?” Scarlett’s expression turned serious. My daughter replied, “I’ll testify for Mom. I’ll say Dad tried to kill Mom, and me too, and Mom was just acting in self-defense.” Scarlett chuckled softly. “Such a good girl!” Derek asked from the side, “Is Alex’s life insurance all set?” Scarlett replied proudly, “Already bought it.” My hands trembled uncontrollably. I never imagined Scarlett was planning to kill me. I quickly transferred all the evidence and factory reset the phone. Scarlett and Chloe returned. “Alex, have you learned your lesson and become a good boy?” I looked at Scarlett with a cold gaze. Scarlett thought I had finally wised up. She pointed at Chloe and said, “Come on, hit her, slap her face hard.” I understood. Scarlett was forcing me to escalate the “abuse.” Her fans were no longer satisfied with me just hitting her. I refused. Scarlett frowned. “Alex, you’re getting bold, aren’t you? Not listening to me anymore? Are you really not afraid I’ll take Chloe and throw her into the ocean?” Chloe began to shiver with fear. She said, “Dad, please listen to Mom. I don’t want to leave you.” My heart was completely unmoved. I already knew my daughter’s true colors. I hated myself for not seeing through Chloe’s terrible acting sooner. Seeing my silence, Scarlett said coldly, “Alex, what do you want?” I slowly uttered two words. “A divorce!”

Scarlett laughed. “Alex, you’re hilarious!” Hilarious? No! I was serious. I felt only hate for this mother and daughter, no love. Chloe pursed her lips. “Dad, don’t you want me anymore?” Still pretending. Scarlett had taught her well; she’d changed into a completely different person in no time. I slowly said, “Would you be willing to come with me?” Chloe shook her head. “Dad, I don’t want you and Mom to separate. We’re a complete family. I promise to be a good girl from now on, okay?” I already understood my daughter’s choice. That was my last test. If she had chosen to come with me, I would have agreed to anything, no matter the cost. But Chloe clearly knew Scarlett would harm me, yet she still chose to be an accomplice without hesitation. Scarlett laughed. “Chloe, don’t be scared. Your dad’s just throwing a tantrum. He could never really leave you.” At that moment, Scarlett simply didn’t believe I was serious about leaving. I silently returned to my room. Scarlett and I had been separated for a long time; I lived in a storage room, a cramped 50-square-foot space with no windows or ventilation, not even enough space to stretch my legs when I slept. Seeing me pack my things, Scarlett rushed over. “Alex, that’s enough. There’s a limit to how much you can pretend.” I said coldly, “The divorce papers will be mailed to you. Remember to sign them.” Scarlett scoffed. “You won’t get custody of Chloe. The law will be on my side, you abuser.” Chloe cried, “Dad, Mom won’t let me go. Stop messing around, it’s useless.” I turned around and slowly said, “Who said I wanted custody?” Chloe stopped crying. She looked at me in shock. After being the apple of my eye for eight years, Chloe was used to my unconditional love. She keenly sensed the change. Scarlett instinctively raised her leg. “Looks like you’re asking for a beating. You need to be taught a lesson.” I grabbed Scarlett’s ankle, then swung it. She lost her balance and fell to the floor. “You… you’re quite bold. You actually laid a hand on me!” This was the first time I had ever initiated physical contact. “So what?” I retorted. My reputation was already trashed. I was the universally hated abuser. Scarlett could scream all she wanted, it wouldn’t matter. People would just think I’d finally gone soft. Only Scarlett knew the seriousness of the situation. Scarlett sneered, then raised her hand and slapped Chloe across the face. Chloe’s cheek instantly showed a red handprint. I just watched, without a word. Scarlett suddenly panicked. Before, if Chloe even got a scratch, I’d be heartbroken for days, spoiling her rotten. Now, I was completely unmoved. “Alex, I hit your daughter. Why aren’t you doing anything?” I chuckled softly. “Actually, she might not be.” Chloe looked at me with tear-filled eyes. “Dad, do you really not want me anymore?” Yes, I don’t. The daughter who stabbed me in the heart can be had by whoever wants her. Scarlett kicked Chloe, sending her sprawling. “Get a grip, you little brat! What are you crying for?!” I knew this was Scarlett’s test; she still couldn’t believe I would be so heartless. “You can hit her harder, just like you usually hit me.” With that, I packed the last of my personal belongings into my bag. A single backpack held everything I owned. Scarlett crossed her arms. “Alex, let’s see what else you can do. You really surprise me, you’re quite resilient!” I pulled out my house keys, tossed them onto the bed, and walked straight out. This wasn’t my home. My home wouldn’t make me feel suffocated. Just as I reached the door, Scarlett rushed at me like a madwoman. She grabbed my hair violently, trying to slam my head against the wall. I twisted my hand, threw her to the ground, then opened the door and walked out. Scarlett didn’t understand one thing. My softness wasn’t weakness. It was because I still had hope for that family. It was she and our daughter who utterly crushed everything I held dear.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, I immediately started looking for a place to live. My standards were low enough that I quickly found a rental for $280 a month. Fortunately, I still had some savings. Lately, I’d been delivering food for an extra hour every day because Chloe’s birthday was coming up, and I wanted to buy her a gift. After a quick clean-up, I went out to buy necessities. Lying on the bed in my small room, even with the faint smell of mildew, I could stretch my legs and didn’t have to live in fear. That night, I slept exceptionally soundly. The next morning, I left early. From now on, I would live for myself. Just as I was about to accept a delivery order, I was surrounded. At the head of the group was Scarlett’s mother, Brenda. “Alex, are you even human? Abusing my daughter, and then you dare to ask for a divorce!” A group of angry women started hitting and kicking me. Luckily, I followed traffic rules and wore a helmet, or I’d have lost at least a third of my hair. I broke free from their encirclement. “Who are you all?” The women chattered angrily, “We’re Scarlett’s fans! We finally caught this scumbag.” “You hurt Scarlett, she cries herself to sleep every night.” “You deranged monster, we’re acting on behalf of justice!” “You’re the guilty party! How dare you leave Scarlett! You’re getting too big for your britches!” I slowly said, “You’re Scarlett’s fans, so you want Scarlett to live a better life.” “Of course!” “Scarlett’s products are the best!” I immediately replied, “Then your logic is flawed. I’m an abuser. A divorce would be a great thing for Scarlett, freeing her from misery. Why are you all opposing it?” That one sentence silenced them all. Divorce meant liberation. Scarlett could start a new life; it was cause for celebration. Brenda pointed at me. “Alex, don’t try to twist things around here. We respect Scarlett’s wishes; she decides whether to divorce or not. You’re an abuser, what right do you have to suggest leaving? I command you, go home right now!” I chuckled softly. “You really are a good mother, aren’t you? You think your daughter isn’t suffering enough, so you’re forcing me back to abuse her?” Some of Scarlett’s fans looked thoughtful; they must have sensed something was off. Brenda saw things were getting out of control. “Alex, just you wait.” After delivering her threat, she led the group away. After completing a few gig deliveries, I went to a law firm to find a divorce lawyer. The firm’s most famous lawyer met with me. After I explained my situation, she apologized and said she couldn’t help me. I visited several more law firms, and they all rejected me. I sensed something was wrong. One or two firms might refuse, but all of them? To turn down business? I opened my phone, intending to research legal knowledge online, but I saw a video posted by the first lawyer who had met me. “Scarlett’s abusive husband came to me, begging me to take his case.” “I don’t do anything that harms Scarlett. I refused him outright and even warned my colleagues about the risk.” “He left like a kicked dog. Sisters, don’t you think I did the right thing?” So that’s it. I never expected divorce to be this difficult. Soon, I scrolled past Scarlett’s live stream. Chloe sat beside her, her small face scrunched up in a tearful pout. Scarlett tearfully claimed she still had feelings for me, and even though I abused her, she didn’t want a divorce. She wanted to give me another chance. Fans flooded the comments, comforting Scarlett, telling her she was doing great, not to put too much pressure on herself, and that they would support her no matter what she decided. Scarlett wiped away her tears and started pushing product links. Since Scarlett was so good at playing the victim, I saw no need to hold back. I directly posted a comment. “Scarlett, this is Alex. Do you dare to video call me live?”

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I’d been drugged, locked in a room with a man. Under HD cameras, our every move was livestreamed on the dark web. The audience was ecstatic, betting on how long we could last. Now, two paths lay before me: either succumb to the drug and die an agonizing death. Or sacrifice my dignity, putting on a horrifying spectacle with this man for thousands of depraved eyes. “Hehehe, welcome everyone to ‘How Long Can They Last!’” An electronic, synthesized voice echoed in the enclosed space. The large screen on the wall clicked to life. The sudden brightness made me hiss in pain. “Awake?” the man’s voice rasped. I turned my head, my breath catching in my throat. It was Adrian Sterling, heir to the powerful Sterling Pharmaceuticals, a name synonymous with prestige in the city. Rumor had it, he was unapproachable. We’d only met twice at art exhibitions. My illustrations for their new drug had just passed final review, so we’d barely exchanged a word. “Mr. Sterling, where are we?” “An underground warehouse. We’re being livestreamed.” He retreated to a corner, his breathing heavy. “Doesn’t it feel a little hot in here?” I fanned myself, looking around. He shot me a strange look but didn’t answer. High-definition cameras were installed in all four corners, broadcasting to the dark web. A strange, burning heat was simmering under my skin. I tried to take deep breaths, anything to distract myself. “Mr. Sterling, how did you end up here too?” I usually didn’t have bodyguards, making me an easy target, but his security was legendary. Why us, specifically? “Betrayed,” he grunted, his voice low. “Who’s behind this?” “I don’t know yet, but I will find out.” The live chat on the big screen scrolled wildly: [HOLY CRAP! IS THAT SUMMER, THE ILLUSTRATOR?!] [EVEN THE CITY’S TOP BACHELORS WERE AFTER HER!] [ADRIAN STERLING, THE NOTORIOUSLY RESERVED CEO? THIS IS WILD!] [DARK WEB, YOU’RE INSANE!] Those words felt like dirty hands trying to strip me bare. “Let us out! This is illegal!” My voice trembled. The electronic voice let out an exaggerated, mocking laugh. “Oh, help me, I’m so scared!” “The 30-minute countdown has begun! Place your bets on how long they can resist, and who breaks first!” The comments became even more brazen: [PLAYING INNOCENT? ONCE THE DRUG KICKS IN, YOU’LL BE BEGGING!] [IT’S BEEN HALF AN HOUR, WHY HAVEN’T THEY STARTED?] “Drug?” I glanced at Adrian. He looked even worse than I felt. Cold sweat trickled down his face, his hands braced against the wall, muscles trembling, like he was wrestling a beast. I rushed to the steel door, pounding on it. “Hello? Is anyone out there? Open up!” “The drug will kick in faster if you exert yourself. Don’t fight it,” Adrian warned. His voice was husky, like a potent poison. I instinctively wanted to lean into his embrace, and a shiver ran through me. “The door’s welded shut…” he sighed. I glared at him. “So, we just wait to be tortured to death by the drug? Or be humiliated like animals in front of thousands?” He said, “I’m sorry. I won’t touch you.” I started to cry. “I’m just so scared.” “Don’t worry,” sweat beaded on his forehead. “I won’t touch you.”

“You’re so loud! Looks like we didn’t give you enough!” the electronic voice hissed, sinister. A pink gas sprayed out, a sickeningly sweet scent filling my nostrils, and my fingertips tingled. Adrian turned, his eyes fixed on me, pupils mere pinpricks. My body trembled, and a shameful anticipation stirred within me. “Don’t breathe it in!” He rushed towards me, covering my mouth and nose with his hand. His hand was terrifyingly hot, his thumb brushing my lips with an almost aggressive feel. I instinctively leaned into his embrace, his face inches from mine, his breath a fiery inferno of the drug’s scent. The comments section exploded: [FINALLY SOME ACTION! HOLD HER TIGHT!] [HIS HAND’S GOING TO CRUSH HER FACE!] Adrian’s fingers tightened abruptly, and I let out a muffled groan of pain. “Sorry.” He let go suddenly, stumbling back and hitting the door. A sharp edge on the door sliced his forearm, and blood welled up. I gasped. “Don’t be scared!” He dug his fingers into the wound, a primal roar escaping him like a trapped beast, forcing himself to stay lucid and away from me. The comments were vicious: [BLEEDING FOR SYMPATHY?] [LET HER LICK IT CLEAN!] I wasn’t doing well either. The drug was devouring my will, creeping through my veins. I bit my tongue, fighting the rising tide of desire. My skin crawled with an unbearable sensation, wanting to draw closer to the source of the intoxicating scent. Adrian’s wound was still bleeding, staining half his sleeve red. I tore off the lace hem of my dress. “Use this to bandage it.” My voice was trembling as I offered it to him. His eyes were bloodshot, like a wild animal’s. His gaze first fell on the strip of fabric, then on me. I tried to pull my hand back, but he grabbed it, and a tingling jolt shot through me. My mind screamed at me to push him away, but my body only wanted to burrow into his arms. “Please… no, Adrian.” I bit my lip, enduring the pain. The comments section erupted: [FINALLY GETTING HANDS-ON! PIN HER AGAINST THE WALL!] Tears streamed down my face onto his hand. He flinched, as if burned. He let go, gasping for air as he retreated two steps. “I’m sorry! No need for a bandage.” We both knew: to surrender was to become an animal, to couple in front of a thousand mocking eyes, our video sold for profit. The price would be endless agony and regret.

The comments section hissed with anticipation: [HE ACTUALLY REFUSED? WHAT A PRETENDER!] [USELESS! CAN’T EVEN HANDLE A WOMAN!] [MR. STERLING’S BACK MUST BE ACHING!] The speakers crackled to life with the cold electronic voice: “The ‘Proximity Challenge’ begins. Follow the rules, or we’ll release more of our ‘pink bubbly air.’” Adrian roared, “Go ahead! I’ll die before I let you have your way!” The electronic voice chuckled. “And what about Ms. Summer?” The drug’s effects were at their peak. I shook my head, unable to speak. The electronic voice turned cold. “He might be a mountain to climb, but for you, it’s just a veil away. Aren’t you going to make the first move?” The screen cut to a pink hair tie, a birthday gift for my sister, Chloe. She wore it every single day. The electronic voice cackled viciously, “If you don’t want anything to happen to her, make him kiss you. Don’t you want to?” The comments went wild: [BIG GUNS! KISS HER!] [IS HER SISTER’S LIFE MORE IMPORTANT, OR HER MODESTY?] [BETS ON A MISSIONARY KISS! 500,000 STAKE!] My blood ran cold. Chloe was the person I loved most in the world. My reason was slowly slipping away. “Who paid for this?” Adrian gritted out. The electronic voice replied, “Don’t you worry your head, Mr. Sterling. We just get paid to ‘handle’ problems.” The countdown began. The screen flashed, showing Chloe tied to a chair, her mouth gagged, shaking her head and crying desperately. I screamed, trying to rush forward, but Adrian held me back. “Ten… nine…” I cried, “Adrian, please…” Trapped between the drug’s torment and the threat, I gave up struggling. He looked up, shocked and pained. The comments section erupted: “She’s finally coming around!” “Mr. Sterling, don’t just stand there, kiss her!” “Kiss her, then get to it!” “Eight…” He didn’t move, just turned his head, straining against the wall, his body trembling. We both knew the consequences.

For Chloe, I moved towards Adrian. I was two steps away when my strength gave out, and I stumbled a step forward. He quickly reached out to steady me, his burning palm grasping my waist, feeling like fire. “Careful.” His voice was hoarse, his grip controlled but trembling. The electronic voice counted to four. The comments section mocked: [CAN’T EVEN HOLD HER WAIST PROPERLY?] [MR. STERLING, ARE YOU IMPOTENT?] [WOMAN, JUST THROW YOURSELF INTO HIS ARMS!] I gritted my teeth. “Kiss me!” Cold sweat from my forehead dripped into my eyes, stinging. I didn’t dare close them, staring into his. His bloodshot eyes held a fierce struggle. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his head slowly lowered. His breath caressed the top of my head, intensely invasive. The kiss was as light as a feather, faintly cool, momentarily easing some of the burning heat. The unexpected tenderness only made me more uneasy. My mind screamed to push him away, but my body responded with an honest desire to hold him close. The comments section exploded: [FINALLY KISSED! NOW GRAB HER CHEST!] He whispered, barely audible, “The tracker’s activated. Just hold on.” His wound was fake, a ruse to activate an implanted chip. I snapped awake, pulling my hand away. The electronic voice grumbled, “Ms. Summer, you’re not being active enough. Take off a piece of clothing, or we’ll feed your sister some ‘goodies’ too.” I snarled, “You wouldn’t dare!” The screen switched to Chloe’s feed; someone was clearly preparing to force-feed her the drug. I screamed, trying to touch the screen, but he held me back. “Don’t be impulsive,” he said, his voice hoarse but steady. “They want us to lose control.” I choked back a sob. “But Chloe…” Seeing my sister trembling, my heart ached. He unbuttoned his blazer, taking it off, leaving him in a white shirt, his wound still seeping blood. “Take it off,” he said. “I promise I won’t touch you, except when absolutely necessary.” My hands trembled as I unbuttoned my dress, revealing my slip. Shame washed over me. The comments section cheered, obscene words lashing out at me like whips. He held me, his palms resting on my back, no caress, just contact. His body temperature was searing, his breathing ragged. I could feel him desperately holding back. “I’m sorry, you’ve been so wronged,” he whispered in my ear. My tears fell, wetting his shirt. He suddenly lowered his head and kissed me. The kiss was laced with the drug’s wild madness and pain, a hint of metallic blood, yet his touch was so careful not to hurt me. My body was tense, my mind screaming to stop, but my body responded instinctively. We were like suppressed flames colliding, igniting an inferno. His hand slid to my sensitive waist, then abruptly stopped. He pushed me away, gasping for air, “I’m sorry, I lost control.” I fell back, my slip strap slipped, leaving me exposed. He also collapsed, his shirt soaked with sweat, his wound torn open again, blood dripping onto the floor. Sweat mixed with blood. The comments section still roared, but the electronic voice remained silent. Suddenly, I felt that holding onto my last shred of dignity, even if it meant dying here, would be worth it.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “305251”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #重生Reborn #校园School #励志Inspiring