Category: English

My husband is a stuffy traditionalist, the kind of man who refuses to sleep with me. To keep this she-wolf at bay, he buttons his pajamas up to the very top button every night and even tucks a Bible under my pillow before we go to sleep. I’d finally had enough and was about to file for divorce when a string of comments suddenly materialized before my eyes: 【Poor Dragon Lord, about to be abandoned right in the middle of his heat.】 【This side character is so blind. He’s not putting a Bible under your pillow, it’s The Art of Seduction: 108 Positions!】 【Why don’t you just touch him? The Dragon Lord’s cock is about to explode! If he wasn’t so scared of freaking you out, he would have taken you hard a long time ago!】 I froze, pulling back the divorce papers I was about to hand him. Then, I reached out and grazed his abs. 1 The man’s expression was indifferent, his amber eyes watching me calmly. “What are you doing?” His voice was as cool and detached as ever. The floating comments continued to scroll past: 【Is the male lead a ninja? How can he hold back like this? It’s the third day of his heat!】 【It’s not his fault! He’s just terrified of scaring her off, so he’s forcing himself to be a perfect gentleman. He’s hopelessly in love with her.】 【No wonder she thinks he doesn’t like her. Tonight she’s going to storm off to a club to find a male model and get caught! That’s how the male lead and the female lead finally meet.】 Getting caught with a male model? Don’t just make stuff up that hasn’t even happened! I casually shifted my gaze away from the comments. “N-nothing. There was just a smudge on your shirt. I was just wiping it off for you.” Arthur Price didn’t say a word, just stared at me for so long I started to think he’d figured out I was planning to divorce him. Nervous, I was about to crumple the divorce papers in my hand when I saw him grab his bathrobe and head into the bathroom. My heart sank. I barely touched him, and he had to go wash himself? Is he really that repulsed by me? But the comments were going wild: 【Silly girl, he’s not washing you off, he’s… hehehe…】 【OMG! He finally lost it! She just touched him and he’s already in the shower taking a cold one.】 【Ah! He’s in there whispering her name!】 My face flushed. Was this a comment section or a peep show? An hour later, Arthur emerged from the bathroom, his voice much clearer. “There’s a charity gala hosted by the Landon Group tonight. You’re coming with me.” I frowned. “I don’t think so…” Those events are always so boring and exhausting. Arthur reached out and grabbed my sleeve, his tone softening into something almost like a plea. “Just this once.” The comments exploded: 【Aww, he’s lowering himself to ask her, but she’s still going to refuse and go find that model!】 【The Dragon Lord, abandoned during his heat, only to find his wife with another man. He’ll be heartbroken, and that’s when the female lead comes in to save him. Their love story starts tonight!】 【Just agree! If you don’t, it’s game over for you two tonight!】 【Not only game over, but without his protection, his other admirers are going to torture her half to death.】 A shiver ran down my spine. The refusal on the tip of my tongue took a sharp turn. “Fine. I’ll humor you this time.” The comments went nuts: 【Wait, what? How did she agree?】 Arthur seemed to let out a quiet sigh of relief. Before, I would never have noticed. But now, a comment reading, “A dragon’s Adam’s apple is an erogenous zone,” emboldened me to take a closer look. And that’s when I saw it. The corners of his eyes were tinged with red, a stark contrast to his usual cool demeanor. A suspicious, feverish heat seemed to radiate from his entire body. On a whim, I reached out and touched his Adam’s apple. Arthur shuddered violently, his breath catching in his throat. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and a low groan rumbled from his chest. “You… you…” Startled, I snatched my hand back. “I’m sorry! If you don’t like it, I won’t touch you again!” This was the complete opposite of the “tail-wagging-for-pets” reaction the comments described! 2 The comments fired off in a rapid stream: 【Do you even know how to touch a man? If not, let me! That’s not him disliking it, that’s him getting turned on!】 【Arthur’s inner thoughts: My wife touched my throat! She touched me! Is this my chance to finally become a dad?!】 I looked skeptically from the comments to Arthur. The next second, he grabbed my hand and pressed it firmly against his neck, his voice muffled. “I like it.” My jaw nearly hit the floor. At my core, I’m a shameless simp for a handsome face. The first time I saw Arthur Price three years ago, I was completely smitten. A year ago, when I heard the Price family was arranging a marriage, I fought my way through a sea of heiresses to marry into his family. Who knew that after tying the knot, I’d be living like a widow? The man either slept in the study or a guest room. On the rare occasion he came to our bedroom, he kept an entire galaxy’s worth of distance between us. If it were just that, I could have tolerated it. After all, getting to see Arthur’s handsome face every day was a blessing in itself. But for the past few nights! He kept pulling me into his arms in his sleep, mumbling someone else’s name. “Treasure, Treasure,” he’d whisper, over and over. My name is Nina, damn it, not Treasure! I couldn’t take it anymore. This morning, I was dead set on divorce. But now… I looked at the man whose face was beet red from a single touch. I stroked my chin with my free hand. Maybe I could hold out for a few more days. Based on these comments, we might actually sleep together soon. And I’m supposed to just hand him over to some “female lead” at a time like this? Not a chance in hell. Arthur’s body was rigid, a flash of embarrassed anger on his cool face. “Don’t do that…” He lowered his eyes, his puppy-dog gaze looking a little misty. “Stroking my chin like that… it’s like petting a dog. It’s humiliating.” I snatched my hand back, forcing a laugh. “Sorry, I zoned out. Would you believe I meant to stroke my own chin?” Arthur’s brow furrowed, his expression turning stormy. “Zoned out? Thinking about another man in front of me again?” His gaze was intense. “I saw you touching someone else the other day. Why won’t you touch me?” “Even if I don’t like it, you can’t just… not touch me…” He pressed his lips together, swallowing the rest of his sentence. I was surprised by how much he was talking today, but also a little baffled. “You say you don’t like it, but you’re insisting that I touch you?” “What the hell do you want?!” The comments sighed: 【She’s just impossible. Pushing him right into the female lead’s arms one step at a time.】 My crude words sent Arthur storming off. The comments lamented: 【And with that, he’s gone. By the time they see each other again, everything will have changed.】 3 【I really ship them. If only she could read minds, they wouldn’t have all these misunderstandings.】 【She’s so clueless. No matter how hot the models are, are they hotter than Arthur? More handsome? Do they last longer?】 How would I know if he lasts long? We’ve never even done it. And who said I was going to find a male model? I was going to march right into that kitchen and make my darling husband a bento box. Then I’d take it straight to his office. I was going to see for myself if this guy was really the volcano of passion the comments claimed, ready to erupt from a single touch. While I was cooking, my dad called. “Sweetheart, I hear Arthur is taking you to the gala tonight?” “Mhm,” I said, arranging cooked corn kernels into a heart shape. My dad’s voice was earnest. “Honey, maybe don’t go out carousing tonight, okay?” “And delete some of those guys from your phone. You don’t need so many contacts.” I paused. I remembered going out for drinks with friends a few days ago. I had indeed added a lot of new contacts. “Okay, Dad, I know.” “Gotta go, I’m making a special bento for Arthur. I have to deliver it soon.” Maybe it was the thrill of my long-held crush finally seeing the light of day, but my hands were shaking by the time I got to the Price Corporation building. Suddenly, the comments started up again: 【Why is she here now? If I remember correctly, the female lead is applying for the secretary position today. She’s probably in Arthur’s office right now.】 【This is going to be a train wreck of epic proportions. I can’t watch…】 Not on my watch! I quickened my pace into the building. Just as I was about to get on the elevator, the receptionist stopped me. “Hello, do you have an appointment?” An appointment? “No, but I’m—” The receptionist cut me off before I could finish. “Without an appointment, you’ll have to wait in the lobby. I can schedule one for you.” Another receptionist sneered. “Ashley, don’t be so soft. We get women throwing themselves at Mr. Price all the time.” “Why book her an appointment? If you ask me, we should just throw out anyone trying to sleep her way to the top.” The woman called Ashley frowned. “Don’t be rude.” I sighed and pulled out my phone to call Arthur’s executive assistant, Mr. Davis. “I’m at the front desk. Could you come get me?” Two minutes later, to the utter shock of the receptionists, I was riding the private executive elevator with Mr. Davis. As we reached the office, before we even went in, I could hear voices from inside. A delicate female voice cried out. “Mr. Price, what’s wrong?” “Oh my god, you’re burning up! Do you need help?” 4 Arthur’s cool voice followed, laced with exhaustion. “No. Don’t touch me. Just get out.” The sound of shattering glass, then the woman’s voice rose. “How can I leave you alone like this? Don’t worry, I’ll take you to the hospital.” Arthur’s voice was now thick with anger. “I said don’t touch me. Get away from me.” Mr. Davis glanced at me, his expression awkward, but he pushed the door open for me. The room was a mess. A woman with flushed cheeks was holding onto Arthur’s arm. When her gaze fell on me, her pretty, doe-like eyes filled with a timid fear. She spoke demurely. “Mr. Price is sick. As a secretarial candidate, it’s my duty to take care of him.” Mr. Davis’s face hardened. He went over and supported Arthur himself. “You haven’t passed the interview yet. You’re not needed here. Please leave.” Arthur looked terrible. The hair at his temples was soaked with sweat. He looked at me, tried to speak, but only managed a pained grunt. Mr. Davis called to me. “Mrs. Price, please, come closer.” “Mr. Price… he needs you right now.” I hesitated, feeling like something was about to happen if I got any closer. But then I thought, what’s the worst that could happen? We end up sleeping together right here? Isn’t that why I married him in the first place? What was I so afraid of? I gave myself a mental pep talk, took Mr. Davis’s place, and supported Arthur. His body was terrifyingly hot. The moment I touched him, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. He rested his chin on my shoulder, his breathing ragged and chaotic. Mr. Davis closed the door and left. Arthur shifted restlessly against me, like a big, miserable dog. 【What’s happening? Did he just kick the female lead out?】 【Isn’t helping him with his heat the female lead’s job? Why is the side character doing it?】 【The side character is fine too! Is this train about to leave the station? Go for it! Don’t let that dragon get away!】 My body was stiff. I didn’t dare move. “Um, I brought you lunch. Are you hungry? Want a bite?” 【I can’t with her. He wants to eat you, you idiot.】 【Stop asking if he wants to eat and kiss him now! Only a wild, passionate f*ck can satisfy him.】 【Are you guys crazy? If she satisfies him, what happens to the female lead? The main couple is the OTP!】 【Who cares about the OTP! I just want some smut, or my VIP subscription is a waste! Go, girl, go!】 The comments were making me antsy. My inhibitions were crumbling. I was just about to grab Arthur’s face and kiss him when he pushed me away, his expression screaming stay away from me. “Sorry. I’ll handle this myself. I won’t hold you like that again.” I flared up. He held me, he rubbed against me, and now he was saying he wouldn’t do it again? What was that supposed to mean? Was I not good enough to hold? “Fine. Should I go get that secretary for you?” I shot him a sidelong glance, waiting for his answer. Suddenly, I felt something cold and scaly slithering around my calf. I looked down and almost fainted. 5 A thick, black dragon tail, its scales shimmering in the sunlight. My hand trembled as I pointed. “Y-y-you…” Do monsters not even bother to hide anymore? Wrapping his tail around me in broad daylight? Arthur’s body went rigid for a second. He reached down to grab his tail. “Sorry, I…” I wasn’t listening anymore. It was terrifying. The tail was so creepy, and Arthur’s eyes had turned into vertical, dark green slits. For a moment, I thought I was seeing Godzilla. I turned to run, but he yanked me back. The dragon tail wrapped around my ankle again, and Arthur’s scorching body pressed against my back. His voice was hoarse and pleading, like a wet, pathetic puppy. “Don’t be afraid of me. Please.” 【Wasn’t he supposed to reveal his S-form tonight? Why is it happening now…】 【His soft, sweet wife is right there. He couldn’t hold it in anymore.】 【This is what you get for being so repressed all the time. Now you’ve blown your cover and scared your wife half to death.】 【Does this mean we’re getting an office play scene? I’m waiting!】 I stood frozen, trying to soothe him. “I didn’t see anything. I won’t tell anyone. Just don’t…” Before I could finish, sharp teeth grazed the skin on my neck. It didn’t hurt, just tickled. I was even more terrified. “Don’t scare me. Put the teeth away.” “I’m just a normal person. I can’t handle you taking a bite out of me.” How could he be so cruel? I just wanted to sleep with him, and he wanted to kill me. His ragged breathing hitched. The pressure on my neck disappeared. Arthur let me go, steadied his breathing, and said softly, “Go. I won’t force you.” I bolted. I’ve been afraid of Godzilla since I was a kid. I thought, based on the comments, that lust would conquer fear. Arthur was so ridiculously handsome, I could have accepted him being a dragon. But after today, I was done. His tail comes out and I start shaking. How is this supposed to work? It’s not! 【Wait, what? You’re just going to leave him like that?】 【He couldn’t even control his S-form! Leaving him now is like a death sentence!】 【If a shifter in heat doesn’t get relief, it’s really dangerous. They can get a high fever, even have seizures.】 I stopped in my tracks, my heart twisting in indecision. Arthur… was in danger? Maybe… I should go back and check on him? I turned and started walking back to his office. The comments erupted: 【Here we go, here we go! The iconic scene is about to happen!】 【I just hope when she sees it, she doesn’t blame him.】 6 In the end, I didn’t go back. Because the comments told me exactly what the “iconic scene” was. 【He’s in there right now, masturbating to her picture.】 【Don’t blame him! It’s the only way he can get any relief right now.】 【Even though the scene is censored, just the text description is so hot, I can’t take it.】 I couldn’t take it either. I slapped my forehead and hurried out of the Price building. My phone kept buzzing. It was messages from the male model I’d added a few days ago. 【Hey, gorgeous. Are you going to the Price gala tonight?】 【I’ve missed you so much since we last met. I wish I’d met you sooner.】 【You mentioned last time that your husband can’t get it up. I remember.】 【I brought some pills this time. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied~】 I frowned. That didn’t sound right. When had I ever told an outsider that Arthur couldn’t perform? The most I’d said was that he was cold and made me sleep alone every night. I checked the contact name. A model named Cody. Didn’t ring a bell. Whatever. At a time like this, who cares who he was? Delete. 【My husband is great, actually. I’ve turned over a new leaf. Don’t contact me again.】 I still didn’t know if Arthur was “great,” but his tail and fangs certainly were. If he ever found out I was texting male models behind his back, he’d never let me live it down. I didn’t need that kind of trouble. As I left the building, I saw a beautiful, fragile-looking woman standing by the entrance. When she saw me, she immediately glided over. “Hello, Mrs. Price. I’m here to apply for the position of Mr. Price’s secretary.” She held out her hand, her posture a little arrogant. I paused, then shook it, giving it a firm squeeze. Bianca winced, her pretty face contorting for a second. I felt much better. Revenge is a dish best served immediately. That’s what you get for being so high and mighty. I could crush you. Bianca gritted her teeth, her tone mocking. “Mrs. Price, if I were you, I’d have a little self-awareness.” “I hear you’ve been married for a year and still sleep in separate beds? It’s obvious Mr. Price has no interest in you.” “Someone from a no-name family like yours might have the title of Mrs. Price, but you won’t hold onto it for long.” I gave her a strange look. “Who told you my family is no-name? My dad’s company has an annual net worth in the billions.” She fell silent, her face a mask of disbelief. She opened her mouth to argue. I pinched her mouth shut. “Quiet. My head is a mess right now. I don’t have time for your games.” “And for the record, Arthur likes me a lot. He was just holding me and calling me his darling baby a minute ago.” Bianca muffled a protest, her face turning red with anger. I fished a business card out of my pocket. “You seem qualified. Don’t waste your time chasing after one man.” “Come work for my company. I’ll double your salary. Think about it and call me anytime.”

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To remove the scars on his “real” sister’s arms, my brother forced me to give up my skin. He personally strapped me to the operating table and ordered the surgeon to flay me alive. To ensure the graft’s success, he forbade anesthesia, forcing me to wake up screaming from the pain only to pass out again. When the surgery ended, the floor was soaked in blood. I was left barely breathing, stripped of most of my skin, a raw, bloody mess. Through the haze of agony, I heard my brother’s voice from the hallway: “No one touches her without my order. It’s just a little pain. She needs to feel every second of it.” My blood drained away, drop by drop. Infection set in, ravaging my body. In my final moments, I tried to call him, to say one last word. But his voice came through the phone, cold and cruel: “You lose a patch of skin and act like you’re dying? Did you think about how much it hurt Bella when you hurt her? If you want to see me, wait until you’re dead!” But when he found out I was actually dead, he went insane. 1 When Mrs. Zhou carried my urn back to the orphanage, a group of men were tearing the place apart. The children were screaming in terror. A tall, cold man stood in the distance, frowning in disgust. That was my brother, Ethan. Mrs. Zhou shielded the children behind her, her voice hoarse. “Ethan, you tortured Annie to death. Why can’t you leave her final resting place alone?” Ethan sneered. “She hurt her face and couldn’t sell herself anymore, so now she’s faking her death to scam me for money?” “Tell her it won’t work. Bella’s arm is scarred because of her. If she doesn’t get out here right now and give Bella her skin, I’ll bulldoze this orphanage to the ground!” Mrs. Zhou swayed on her feet. She clutched my urn tightly. “She can’t. Annie is dead. You can’t hurt her anymore.” Ethan glanced at her impatiently, then suddenly reached out and slapped the box out of her hands. Crash. The urn shattered. My ashes spilled across the cold floor. Ethan wasn’t satisfied. He stepped forward and ground his expensive leather shoe into the pile of grey-white dust. Mrs. Zhou screamed, her eyes wide with horror, and lunged at him. “You’re crazy! She was your sister!” “I don’t have such a vicious sister!” Ethan kicked Mrs. Zhou away, then stomped hard on her hand, crushing her fingers against the floor. “If she was so evil, shouldn’t her ashes be black?” “You really committed to the bit. Begging at my feet like a dog for money wasn’t enough? Now you’re faking ashes to scam me?” Mrs. Zhou convulsed in pain, but her eyes never left my scattered remains. Her tears had run dry. She could only ask, over and over again. “She was your sister… she was my Annie… why can’t you let her go, even in death?” Ethan kicked her again, venting his rage. “I wish she had died sooner. But until she pays for her sins, how dare that little monster die?” Every time he moved, his shoes kicked up clouds of my ashes. It wasn’t until his bodyguards reported they couldn’t find me in the building that he stopped. He wiped his dusty shoes on Mrs. Zhou’s clothes in disgust, then stomped on her shoulder, as if trying to shatter the bone. “Still covering for her? Tell her to show herself by tomorrow morning. Or else this orphanage, and every brat in it, will pay the price!” The malice in his eyes was crystal clear. As he turned to leave, he made sure to stomp on my ashes one last time. Dozens of bodyguards followed him, their boots tracking my remains all over the courtyard. My heart shattered. I tried to rush forward, to help Mrs. Zhou as she desperately tried to gather what was left of me. But my spirit passed right through her. Pain, sharp and suffocating, seized me. Right. I’m dead. Even if I were alive, I didn’t have a single patch of good skin left to give Bella. So please, Ethan. Let Mrs. Zhou go. Silence finally returned to the courtyard. Mrs. Zhou dragged her broken body across the floor, scooping up my ashes with trembling hands. The urn was smashed to pieces. Sharp splinters pierced her palms, blood mixing with the grey dust. But she didn’t seem to notice. She carefully pieced the box back together, treating every grain of ash like a precious jewel. When she finished, she acted as if nothing had happened, preparing dinner for the children. Only when she was alone did she allow herself to cough up blood. Shaking, she lifted her shirt. The bandages around her abdomen were soaked red. I cried, trying to hug her. That was the wound from when she sold her own blood, over and over, trying to raise money for my surgery. It wasn’t enough. So she knelt before Ethan, begging him for a loan. But Ethan was busy buying Bella a new car. When he saw Mrs. Zhou blocking his path, he kicked her aside without a second thought. She lay bleeding on the pavement for hours that day. But she still tried to find a way for me to live. She waited all day, only to receive the news of my death. Old wounds reopened, new injuries added. Mrs. Zhou’s face was ashen. I clung to her, sobbing silently. She was only fifty, but she looked eighty. When I was five, disfigured and abandoned, she took me in when no one else would. When I was eighteen, dying of snake venom and kicked out by my biological family, she fought the grim reaper for my life. I didn’t want anything for myself anymore. I just wanted to help her protect the orphanage. But in the end, my existence became the curse that destroyed it. 2 Before dawn, Mrs. Zhou dragged her injured body around, packing bags for the children. But she wasn’t fast enough. The roar of an excavator shattered the morning silence as it rammed the front gate. Mrs. Zhou rushed in front of the machine. “You’ll have to drive over my dead body before you touch this place!” A scoff came from the side. The window of a luxury sedan rolled down. “Just hand over that bitch Annie. Or do you think I actually want to be in this filthy dump?” Mrs. Zhou couldn’t stand anymore. She sat on a chair, her white hair blowing in the wind. “Annie is dust. You stepped on her yesterday.” Ethan laughed loudly. “Still lying? Annie is probably warming some old rich man’s bed right now. How much did she pay you to cover for her?” Mrs. Zhou’s shoulders shook violently. She pointed a trembling finger at him. “Ethan, she was your sister! She’s dead! Why do you have to humiliate her like this?” “I don’t have a sister like her. My only sister is Bella!” Beside him, Bella looked pale and fragile. She tugged gently on his sleeve. “Ethan, don’t be mad. I’ll just kneel and apologize to her like always. She’ll forgive me eventually…” She opened the door to get out. Ethan grabbed her arm, his eyes filled with a tenderness I had never seen directed at me. He hugged her tightly, his eyes red. “My poor sister… you’ve suffered so much. It’s all my fault for not protecting you.” Bella smiled bravely, tears streaming down her face. “No, Ethan. Being with you makes me happy.” She carefully lifted her sleeve, revealing gauze stained with blood. “It doesn’t hurt anymore, Ethan. I just want to be with you. I just want Annie to accept me.” Her tears made Ethan clench his fists. He punched the steering wheel, screaming my name, then turned to comfort her. “Don’t worry. She doesn’t have a say in this family. When I find her, I’ll make her wish she was never born!” But I already wished that. I floated beside Mrs. Zhou, my soul tearing apart with grief. I stopped expecting love a long time ago. But Ethan… Bella only needed a small patch of skin. You ordered them to skin me alive. You took so much that I couldn’t survive. After comforting Bella, Ethan gave the order. His men swarmed the orphanage. Terrified children were thrown out into the cold. Mrs. Zhou’s cherished furniture was smashed to pieces. Amidst the chaos, Mrs. Zhou charged forward, only to be shoved to the ground. She coughed up blood. She ignored it, pulling a crumpled paper from her pocket with shaking hands. “Ethan! You don’t believe me, but surely you believe a death certificate from the hospital!” I saw Ethan’s body stiffen. He finally got out of the car. But before he could take the paper, Mrs. Zhou’s phone lit up on the ground. It was an email I had scheduled to send her. The subject line [FROM ANNIE] glowed bright. Ethan let out a strange, strangled laugh. He grabbed a thermos from a nearby table and smashed it over Mrs. Zhou’s head. “You two should be in Hollywood!” “I almost fell for it again! That bitch is still playing games!” “Since you want to die, fine! I’ll help you! Destroy it all!” The excavators roared to life like hungry beasts. The building, filled with the laughter of children and my only happy memories, collapsed into rubble. Mrs. Zhou tried to stop them with her frail body, getting cut and bruised by flying debris. “No! Stop! That was…” Her voice was drowned out by the noise. I forgot I was dead. I threw myself in front of the machines, trying to stop them. They passed right through me. I fell to my knees, pounding the ground, weeping tears of blood. Ethan, why wouldn’t you just look? You could have seen. Those were scheduled emails. Every single one was a suicide note! Mrs. Zhou and the children were held back by bodyguards, forced to watch their home turn to dust. I cried until I was numb. I saw a glint of excitement in Ethan’s eyes. I always knew. He hated me, but he hated this orphanage even more. Because this was where his greatest humiliation had occurred. 3 “Cough, cough…” Hearing Bella’s weak cough, Ethan rushed back to the car and rolled up the windows. “Ugh, this dust is as dirty as Annie!” “Hold on, Bella. We’re going back to the hospital right now.” Bella coughed the whole way. Ethan was sweating with panic, calling the hospital director to be ready at the door. He didn’t forget to curse me. “Annie is a plague. If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t be suffering like this!” When the test results came back, Ethan jumped out of his chair. Bella was rejecting the graft. It could be fatal. The most effective treatment was a full blood transfusion from me. Before Ethan could speak, Bella struggled to sit up, eyes teary and fragile. “Ethan, no. We can’t hurt Annie anymore.” “I stole her place. This is my punishment. Don’t hurt her for me. Just let me die… I’m just going to miss you so much!” She hugged him and wailed, acting like she was on death’s door. Ethan was heartbroken. “What are you saying? I won’t let you die. You are my heart. If you die, I won’t survive.” “Don’t worry. Dead or alive, I will find Annie and drain every drop of her blood for you.” I watched their touching scene with a cold sneer. Oh, so Bella knew she stole my life? I was kidnapped at five. I fell down a hill, and a branch slashed my face, leaving a scar that cut to the bone. Mrs. Zhou found me and raised me for five years. When I was finally returned to my biological family, I found out “I” had been there the whole time. It was Bella. Ethan claimed they used her as a stand-in to avoid gossip. But when my father and Ethan saw the centipede-like scar on my face, they never mentioned switching us back. From then on, I was Annie. Named for “Silence.” They gave me clothes and jewelry, but their eyes were filled with disgust. When a group of rich girls screamed and cried at the sight of my face, I was officially banished from the main house to live with the servants. I saw Bella hiding behind a pillar, snickering. My school, my parties, my debutante ball… she took them all. When I went to register for college, Bella told me my acceptance letter was hers now. I didn’t believe her until she showed me the letter. The name on it had been changed to Bella. Before I could get angry, she whispered in my ear, triumph dripping from her voice. “Everything of yours is mine. Including that scar on your face. I was the one who threw the rock.” The memory flashed back. It wasn’t a branch. It was a rock. I slapped her. Ethan shoved me to the ground. My hand brushed against something cold. My parents and Ethan rushed Bella to the hospital, not sparing me a glance. Pain shot up my arm. A venomous snake was sunk into my flesh. I shook it off, but the poison was already in my veins. I used my last bit of strength to call 911. When I woke up, Mrs. Zhou was by my side. After that, Ethan gave me $50,000 and kicked me out of the family. Bella had taken everything. So now, she wanted my skin, my blood, my life? Was this all part of the plan? Search all you want, Ethan. I’m curious to see your face when you realize you’re the one who scattered my ashes to the wind. 4 The bodyguards reported that the IP address for the emails was coming from the Sacred Heart Cosmetic Surgery Clinic. Ethan stormed over. In the hallway, two janitors were gossiping. “Time to find a new job. Did you hear about the malpractice?” “A girl was skinned alive without anesthesia. They forgot about her in the OR.” “By the time they found her, the blood had soaked through the floorboards.” “If it hadn’t leaked into the ceiling below, she would have rotted there.” “Martha fainted when she went to clean it up. She said she scrubbed it twenty times and the water was still red.” Ethan froze. He grabbed one of the janitors. “The girl… did she have a scar across her face?” The janitor shook her head. “I didn’t see her face, but I heard she used to be beautiful.” Ethan exhaled, releasing her. Mrs. Zhou was disfigured and old. “Beautiful” wasn’t a word used for her anymore. I laughed at him. He was the one who ruined Mrs. Zhou, yet he couldn’t even remember what she looked like. Ethan looked at my discharge records and slammed his hand on the desk. “Bitch! She’s spoofing the IP address to mock me! She’s hiding somewhere laughing at me!” “Go tie up that old woman, Mrs. Zhou. Torture her until she talks!” Hearing Mrs. Zhou’s name, my numb soul roared with rage. I tried to slap him. I paid my debt with my life! Why drag her into this? You always believe your own twisted logic. Why couldn’t you trust me just once? Just as his men were leaving, the hospital director ran over, sweating. “Mr. Chu! Bad news!” “Miss Bella is rejecting the graft. She needs to be in the ICU, but she’s demanding to leave. Please go talk to her.” Ethan ran, ignoring his twisted ankle. When he arrived, Bella was slumped against the wall, pale as a ghost. Doctors surrounded her helplessly. “Bella, what are you doing? You’re killing me!” “Ethan…” Bella wept. “Someone sent me photos of Annie. It’s all my fault. I have to go apologize. She shouldn’t degrade herself like this.” She tried to stand, then fainted into his arms. “Bella!” Ethan held her, his eyes murderous. While she was being treated, Ethan took her phone and posted the photos online without hesitation. The photos showed “me”—with my horrific scar—sleeping with various men. Old, fat, ugly men. Surrounded by disgusting paraphernalia. The photos went viral instantly. Thousands of comments called me a whore and a monster. Ethan scrolled through the vile comments with satisfaction. “Let’s see who will hide you now. When you’re thrown onto the street, I’ll be the first to spit on you!” Minutes later, his smile vanished. He saw a new trending topic. [Woman Livestreams Suicide Attempt from Chu Corp Headquarters Roof] It was Mrs. Zhou.

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Everyone in New York’s legal circles knows that top-tier lawyer Julian Sterling loves his wife more than life itself. To declare his devotion. He even tattooed my name on his collarbone. Even when jet-setting across countries for work, he would always carve out a few hours just to fly back and see me. But outside his office, I overheard his employees gossiping: “The boss just got back, and he’s already flying out with Chloe again to ‘relax’.” “You don’t get it. The little mistress is hungry, and our boss needs to feed her.” “Gotta hand it to her, Chloe is a knockout. That body…” “Of course. Last time, they went through a whole box in his office.” I stood in silence. I glanced at the message Julian sent me this morning. [I’m flying out to handle a divorce case. Be good and wait for me at home, wifey.] What he doesn’t know is that the client for this divorce case… Is me. 1 I left without making a sound and took a cab home. On the wall hung our wedding photo. In it, Julian looked at me with eyes full of deep, unwavering love. Next to my hand lay the video Chloe had sent me. In the video… Chloe’s hands were tied to the headboard with a tie. Her tight skirt was pushed up to her waist. Julian, usually so cold and composed, was red-eyed with lust. He was panting heavily as he sent the woman beneath him to the clouds. I watched for a second. Then I turned off the screen. The floor-to-ceiling window reflected my current state. Mascara running down my face, makeup ruined. I looked pathetic. My hands trembling, I logged into my alt account and messaged Julian. [My husband is cheating on me with his mistress right now. What should I do?] An hour later, he replied. [Save all evidence of your husband’s infidelity and send it to me.] [Okay. I’ll organize it and send it to you in a few days.] Using my alt account, I formally hired Julian. To help me win this divorce lawsuit. Hubby. I hope you’re satisfied with the evidence when you receive it. I didn’t sleep a wink. The next morning, as dawn broke, I heard the roar of an engine and the hiss of tires downstairs. Julian crept upstairs carefully. He opened the bedroom door and froze when he saw my back. “Babe, why are you up so early?” I told the truth. “Insomnia.” “What’s wrong?” Julian’s eyes filled with worry and panic. He strode over and pulled me into his arms. “Babe, are you upset because I haven’t been spending enough time with you lately?” I nodded, playing along. Julian looked heartbroken. He cupped my face and coaxed me gently: “It’s all my fault. I’ll cancel all my work today. I’ll stay right here with you.” I looked up at him. He leaned in, his eyes dark with affection. Just as his lips were about to touch mine, I turned my head. I wiped a hickey on the back of his neck. “Julian, you’re dirty.” Julian’s breath hitched for a second. Years of being in power had trained him to remain calm in any crisis. He smiled and patted my head. “I was in such a rush to come back to you, I didn’t notice I got dirty. I’ll go shower right now.” I didn’t respond. I got up to wash my face. Julian thought he had fooled me perfectly. He didn’t know he was sweating with nervousness. In the bathroom, the water ran. Julian gripped his phone, whispering fiercely: “Didn’t I say not to contact me? If my wife finds out, we’re done.” Chloe sobbed on the other end: “But I bought that lace dress you like. Don’t you want to see it?” Julian didn’t answer. He hung up. But his breathing grew heavy. He turned the cold water to the max. 2 After lunch, Julian enthusiastically dragged me to a street fair. The fair was bustling, filled with people, washing away some of my gloom. Julian held various snacks, coaxing me to eat more. We walked to a wishing wall covered in wooden plaques. Julian squeezed my hand. “Babe, want to hang one?” I shook my head to refuse. Suddenly, Julian’s phone rang. It was Chloe’s exclusive ringtone. He hung up in a panic, but she called again and again. I looked at him calmly. “Answer it.” Julian answered, his face full of impatience. “Didn’t I say I’m with my wife today? Don’t call me unless it’s urgent.” I don’t know what the other side said. Julian’s breathing suddenly became heavy, his eyes darkening with desire. He turned to me, his face full of guilt. “Sorry, babe. There’s a really tricky case I need to handle.” I nodded, suppressing the nausea churning in my stomach. “Work is important.” I took a few deep breaths and clenched my fists. At the highest point of the wishing wall hung our plaque. I took it down, tracing the faded writing. [To grow old together, side by side — Sarah & Julian] Back then, Julian looked at me with such deep love and sincerity: “I wish to walk with you until our hair turns white. To never leave you, in life and death.” I used to drown in those vows of eternal love. Now, I don’t want these rusted promises or this rotten affection. Expressionless, I threw the plaque into the trash can and walked away. Chloe sent me a message. [He said he was thirsty and insisted on drinking from me. It tickles so much.] [Sister, I spilled red wine on myself, and he got drunk eating it off me. You won’t be mad, right?] In the video she sent, Julian was greedily sucking the wine off Chloe’s body. From top to bottom, exploring every secret. I didn’t reply. I just saved the evidence. When he came back, I was curled up on the sofa reading a book. Julian came up behind me and kissed behind my ear. A gesture I used to love now reminded me of him licking Chloe’s body today. I trembled with disgust and retched. Julian looked anxious for a moment, then suddenly delighted. “Babe, what’s wrong? Are you…” I cut him off. “I’m fine.” Julian lowered his head guiltily. “It’s my fault for being busy today. I didn’t keep you company properly. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.” He brought out bags of gifts from behind his back—handbags and jewelry I liked. Every time he did something wrong, he used this method to compensate. I smiled silently and tossed the gifts into a corner. Julian made me honey water and went to the kitchen to cut fruit. I picked up my book to read, but the doorbell rang. I opened the door. The visitor was wrapped up tight, holding a gift box. It was Chloe. 3 “Sister Sarah, the boss asked me to prepare this gift for you. He forgot it at my place.” Chloe handed me the box. Inside was a silk scarf—the same one Julian used to tie her hands today. Hearing the noise, Julian came out of the kitchen. Seeing Chloe, his face went pale. He strode over, blocking the space between Chloe and me. “What are you doing here?” Chloe opened her coat, revealing the lace hem of her dress on her thigh. “Boss, I’m here to deliver the gift.” Julian’s eyes fell on the box. He looked at me in panic. Seeing no anger on my face, he secretly sighed in relief. Julian pushed Chloe’s arm. “You delivered it. You can go now.” Chloe didn’t linger. She gave me a provocative look and left cheerfully. But I knew it wasn’t over. Because Julian started unbuttoning his shirt, his Adam’s apple bobbing—a sign he couldn’t hold back. I suppressed my nausea and went to my room. A moment later, Julian followed with a glass of hot milk. “Babe, drink this and sleep early.” I didn’t refuse. I drank it all in front of him. After he left, I ran to the bathroom and stuck my finger down my throat. I vomited everything up. Julian… drugged me. About an hour later, the bed dipped beside me. Julian carried Chloe in. Chloe’s moans filled the room, accompanied by the sound of tearing clothes. “You’re so bad, taking advantage of me right in front of your wife…” “You little demon, you’re asking for it.” “Aren’t you afraid she’ll wake up?” “I put sleeping pills in her milk. She won’t wake up…” I gripped the sheets, tears soaking my pillow. They were doing this right next to me, so brazenly. When they moved, Chloe’s hair brushed against my cheek. “Brother, you’re a machine.” Julian carried Chloe from the bed to the balcony. For two full hours. Even when Chloe begged for mercy, he didn’t stop. She asked softly, “Brother, who’s better? Your wife or me?” Julian thrust hard, shattering her voice. “You think you can compare to my wife? You’re not worth a single strand of her hair…” “If she wasn’t afraid of pain, do you think I’d touch you?” Julian was always gentle with me. I rarely saw this wild, beastly side of him. Like a monster breaking its seal, eager to tear its prey apart and swallow it whole. In the darkness, I quietly took out my phone and recorded a video. Finally, Julian grabbed his clothes with one hand and carried the naked Chloe out with the other. I opened my eyes, letting the tears flow freely. This would be the last time I ever cried for Julian Sterling. 4 When I woke up, Julian was pruning roses in the garden. A whole field of roses, planted just for me. He never let anyone else touch things I liked. He tended to this garden meticulously. He said, “Loving someone is like raising a flower. Sarah, you are my rose.” Back then, I truly thought I was the happiest woman in the world. But flowers wither, and love fades. Nothing is eternal. I leaned against the door, watching him quietly. Sensing my gaze, Julian stood up smiling, wiped his hands, and walked over to hold my waist. Close enough to hear him breathe. His eyes were full of me. He kissed my forehead. Reverent and gentle. “Babe’s awake. I’ll go make breakfast.” Watching Julian busy in the kitchen, I felt dazed. When we first got together, he couldn’t cook. But I was a picky eater. To help me gain weight, he studied cookbooks and even got a nutritionist license. I remembered him with soot on his face, trying to bake for me. I chuckled softly. Julian looked back at me, his eyes full of love. I looked away. My phone vibrated. I picked up. A clear, pleasant male voice spoke. “Sarah, we’re ready here. When are you coming? We’re all waiting for you.” I thought for a moment. “Tomorrow.” “Tomorrow what?” Julian came out of the kitchen, puzzled. I hung up, smiling faintly. “Tomorrow, I have a surprise for you.” Julian’s eyes lit up. He grinned like a child. “Really? You’re too good to me, wifey.” He tried to kiss me. I dodged smoothly. “Go cook. Don’t be silly.” After eating, Julian washed the dishes and negotiated with me. “Babe, there’s a case at the firm today. I have to go.” I didn’t speak. I just straightened his tie. “Go.” Julian was worried, looking back at me repeatedly. I forced a smile. The door closed. The smile vanished instantly. I knew Julian wouldn’t be back today. It was his dating anniversary with Chloe. Yesterday, he brought back fewer gifts than usual. I went to the bedroom and started packing. Dragging my suitcase, I placed a divorce agreement on the living room sofa. I used to think I would scream and smash everything, making everyone miserable. Now I knew, I didn’t care. I just wanted to leave silently. I didn’t even want to say a word to start a conflict. At the airport, my phone rang. Chloe sent me a picture of the necklace Julian gave her. [He said as long as I like it, he’ll bring the best things in the world to me.] I switched to my alt account and opened the chat with Julian. [Lawyer Sterling, the mistress is showing off the gifts my husband gave her. What should I do?] [I will help you recover all joint marital property.] I packed all the evidence of his cheating and Chloe’s taunts into a file and sent it to him. [Lawyer Sterling, I’m counting on you for the divorce.] Confirming the file was received, I blocked him immediately. Then I pulled out the SIM card and threw it away. As the plane took off, my heart finally settled.

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1 My husband’s childhood friend, Poppy, has always been the innocent, whimsical type. Despite being nearly thirty, she insists she’s just an eight-year-old at heart. She eats from a special baby bowl and drinks from a sippy cup. She even sleeps in a cradle. My husband, Arthur, and his mother enable her completely. They even had a nursery built for her in our home. Then one day, while I was busy cooking in the kitchen, Poppy picked up my one-month-old daughter and threw her onto the hard tile floor. Her tiny skull was fractured, and she died right in front of me, her blood pooling on the white floor. I grabbed a knife and went for Poppy, determined to make her pay for my daughter’s life. But Arthur and his mother stood in my way. “She was just a girl. If she died, she died. Now you can have a second child, a boy this time.” “Poppy is still just a child. Why are you making such a scene?” Why was I making a scene? Because my daughter was dead. My life was over. That night, I broke into Poppy’s room with the knife, but Arthur stopped me. He beat me until I stopped breathing. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in that same morning. Without a second’s hesitation, I called my parents and had them take my daughter to their house. But this time, a child still died. My parents’ car had just pulled away when Poppy’s shrill voice echoed from upstairs. “This is my baby cradle! What gives you the right to sleep in it!” The words were identical to the ones she’d screamed in my previous life. A chill shot down my spine, and I whipped my head around to look up at the second-floor landing. Poppy was standing there, holding an infant in her arms. When she saw me looking, a provocative smirk curled her lips. The next second, she hurled the baby to the floor below. A sickening thud, followed by a short, piercing shriek. Then, silence. A pool of crimson spread instantly from beneath the tiny body, staining the pristine tiles. The image of my own daughter lying in her own blood overlapped with the horror before me. I looked up, my eyes meeting Poppy’s. She stood just a few feet away, showing no fear. Instead, she shot me a triumphant smirk before darting back into her nursery and slamming the door. Arthur and his mother rushed out of the study, their faces draining of all color at the sight. Arthur stumbled forward to look, then collapsed to the floor. “No… not breathing…” His mother took two staggering steps back, her hand clamped over her mouth. I fought down the murderous rage boiling in my chest and walked to Poppy’s door. I hammered on it with my fists. “Poppy, open this door! Get out here right now!” Her petulant voice came from inside. “Baby is sleepy now! Go away! Don’t bother Baby!” “You murdered someone, and you think you can just hide?” My body trembled with fury. I kicked the door, the wood groaning under the force, the whole frame shaking. “What are you doing?!” Arthur scrambled over and grabbed me. “Julia, Poppy is just a child! Don’t take it out on her… She didn’t mean to do it!” Didn’t mean to? I violently threw his hands off me and glared at him, my eyes blazing. It was just like before. Poppy killed our child, and they turned on me, telling me not to blame her. But that was our daughter, a living, breathing human being! As expected, his mother repeated the same chilling words from my past life. “That’s right. What’s done is done. It was only a girl, anyway. If you’re that upset, you and Arthur can just have another one. Maybe you’ll have a son next time.” A son. A cold laugh escaped my lips, my heart turning to ice. Before we were married, Arthur and I had agreed—one child, boy or girl, that was all we wanted. But now… Thank God. Thank God I woke up this morning and sent my daughter away from this house of horrors without a second thought. But as I stared at the coagulating blood on the floor, a terrifying thought slammed into me. If my daughter is safe, then whose child did Poppy just kill? Bang! Bang! Bang! The thought sent me into a frenzy. I kicked the door with brutal, frantic force. The wood splintered and creaked, threatening to shatter. “Poppy! Get your ass out here!” My voice was a raw, terrifying rasp. “You murderer! Stop hiding in there!” “Julia, stop it!” Arthur wrapped his arms around my waist, his grip like iron. I couldn’t break free. “She’s just a child! What if you scare her?” His mother rushed over. “He’s right, Julia! Why are you fighting with a child? Poppy has never been treated harshly in her life. You’re going to terrify her!” “A child?” I stopped struggling and turned to stare at them, my eyes filled with venom. “What kind of child is almost thirty years old?” I pointed a shaking finger at the closed door. “She’s not a child, she’s a murderer! She just killed a baby, snuffed out a life! And you’re standing here defending her?” “Now, that’s not fair,” his mother said, her tone hardening. “Poppy is just innocent. How would she know anything about killing? It must have been an accident. You can’t blame her.” “An accident?” I sneered, the fire in my chest burning hotter. “Intentionally throwing a baby onto the floor is an accident? Are you both insane?” Just then, the door creaked open. Poppy peeked out, her eyes red and her lip trembling as she looked at Arthur and his mother. “Artie… Auntie…” she whimpered, her voice soft and pitiful—a complete one-eighty from the monster who had just committed murder. “She’s a mean lady… She was so loud, she scared Baby… Baby is so scared…” The sight of her broke Arthur’s heart. He instantly let me go and rushed to her side, shielding her with his body. He turned back to me, his eyes filled with fury. “Look what you did! You scared her! She’s always been timid, and you come at her like that!” His mother hurried over, stroking Poppy’s back. “It’s okay, Poppy, don’t be scared. Auntie’s here. No one can hurt you. And you, Julia,” she said, turning to me, “a grown woman acting like this with a child. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Watching them coddle this killer, the rage I’d been suppressing finally exploded. Crack! I slapped Poppy hard across the face. Her crying stopped abruptly. She stared at me, her hand flying to her cheek, completely shocked that I would dare to touch her. “How dare you hit Poppy?” Arthur roared, shoving me to the ground as he rushed to inspect her face. I stumbled back, my eyes locked on Poppy. “I’ll ask you one more time,” I said, my voice dangerously low. “Whose baby is that on the floor? Where did you get it?” Poppy, still stunned from the slap, burst into a wail. “It’s… it’s your daughter…” “My daughter?” My body went rigid, but then a cold calm washed over me. I had watched my parents drive away with my daughter this morning. The child on the floor could not possibly be my Rosie. “It is your daughter!” Poppy stomped her foot, her face a mask of petulant fury. “It’s all her fault for taking my cradle! I’m the only baby in this house! That cradle is mine, and only I get to sleep in it!” So that was it. My rage hit its peak. What baby? This was a twisted, sick adult who, over a piece of furniture, had committed an atrocity against an innocent child. If I hadn’t had a second chance, that would have been my own daughter lying dead on the floor. “Poppy just really loves that cradle,” his mother was saying, still making excuses. “Children are possessive of their things. Besides, she didn’t know it would cause such a big problem.” Arthur nodded in agreement, his tone pleading. “Julia, what’s done is done. Just let it go. Poppy didn’t mean it; she just got confused. We need to handle this quietly. If anyone finds out, Poppy’s reputation will be ruined.” “Her reputation?” I was shaking with fury, the irony of it all burning like acid. “She’s a murderer. What reputation does she have left to protect? Is her reputation more important than a human life?” I couldn’t hold back any longer. I lunged forward, grabbed a handful of Poppy’s hair, and slammed her head against the wall. Thud! The dull impact echoed through the hall. Poppy shrieked in pain. “What baby? You’re a grown woman, do you understand?” I screamed, my eyes red, my grip tightening. “You’re thirty years old! You kill someone, you pay the price! Don’t you get it?!” “Let go of her!” Arthur charged at me, grabbing the back of my collar and flinging me across the room. I landed hard on the cold tile, a searing pain shooting up from my tailbone as my vision swam with black spots. “Poppy is a baby! Are you insane?!” he yelled, pointing at me with disgust and rage, as if I were the monster. I pushed myself up, looking at his contorted face, and felt like I was staring at a complete stranger. “What baby?” I coughed, a trickle of blood escaping the corner of my mouth. My voice was thick with mockery and despair. “She’s a psychopath! And you two are the ones who made her this way!” Struggling, I pulled out my phone and dialed 911. I was calling the police. I was going to have this lunatic locked up. But Arthur lunged, snatched the phone from my hand, and smashed it on the floor. The screen shattered, sending pieces flying. “What are you doing, calling the police?” he hissed, his eyes filled with menace. “You’ll ruin her! Julia, can’t you just be reasonable for once? For the sake of this family, for Poppy, can’t we just let this go?” I clutched my chest, staring at the man who bore no resemblance to the one I married, and a hopeless laugh bubbled up from my throat. In that moment, I finally saw my husband for who he truly was. Without another word, I got to my feet and started walking downstairs. I remembered. I knew whose child it was. I had just reached the first floor when Arthur grabbed my arm. “Julia, it’s settled then. We’re moving past this.” I froze, turning to look at him. He avoided my gaze, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “If you’re really that upset about the girl,” he added, “I promise, we’ll get you pregnant again as soon as possible. We’ll just have another one.” Another one. He spoke of a child’s life so casually, as if it were a misplaced object. My face was a blank mask as I shoved him away. I needed to see the baby, to confirm my suspicion. But my pupils contracted in horror. The spot on the floor where the baby had been was empty. The child was gone. I scrambled over, my hands searching the cold tile. A faint, lingering scent of blood was the only proof that it hadn’t been a hallucination. I shot to my feet and grabbed Arthur by the collar. “Where is the baby? What did you do with the baby?!” His eyes darted away, unable to meet mine. “What baby? Don’t talk nonsense…” “Nonsense?” I almost laughed, but tears were already streaming down my face. “What did you do with the child?!” Just then, the piercing wail of a police siren sliced through the silence. Two uniformed officers appeared at the door, silhouetted against the bright light. “Who called the police?” Arthur’s face went white. He reacted instantly, clamping his hand over my mouth and forcing a stiff smile. “Officers, it’s a misunderstanding! All a misunderstanding! My wife made a mistake, no one called.” His mother came rushing down the stairs. “She’s crazy!” she yelled, pointing at me. “They had a little fight, and she blows it all out of proportion and calls the police. We’re so sorry to have wasted your time.” The officers’ eyes moved between us, their expressions skeptical. But with no body and no other signs of a crime, they treated it as a domestic dispute. After taking a statement, they left. Only when the siren had faded into the distance did Arthur release me. He was breathing heavily, his eyes full of resentment. “Julia, don’t you think I’m upset the child is dead? But you had to make a scene and drag everyone into it. How is Poppy supposed to live her life now?” I looked at the hideous man before me, my voice terrifyingly calm and laced with ice. “Is any of that more important than a human life?” I pushed him away and began to tear the villa apart. Under the sofa, behind the curtains, in the corners of the storage room… I searched everywhere, but there was no trace of the baby. It was as if the child had vanished into thin air. I stumbled out into the yard, my eyes scanning the flowerbeds, the walls. Finally, my gaze fell upon the rusty dog kennel in the corner of the yard. Inside lived two large mastiffs, which were occasionally fed raw meat. My heart began to pound. A terrible premonition seized me. I started walking toward the kennel. “What are you doing?!” his mother shrieked, rushing to block my path and grabbing my arm. “Julia, there’s nothing to see over there! You’ll get bitten!” The more frantic she was, the more certain I became. I coldly shook her off and continued toward the kennel. Before I even got close, a thick, coppery smell hit me, mingling with the stench of rust from the cage. It was nauseating. With a trembling hand, I unlatched the kennel door. In the dim light, a small, tattered piece of clothing lay in the corner. Its edges were soaked through with dark, dried blood. They had fed the child to the dogs. My body was wracked with violent tremors. A raw, guttural scream tore from my throat. “Are you insane?!” But his mother just looked proud, as if her decision had been a stroke of genius. “The baby was already dead. It was just a piece of meat at that point. This way, we didn’t have to dig a grave.” Poppy peeked out from behind her. “You evil woman! It’s your fault for having a brat that tried to steal my cradle! It deserved to be dog food!” Arthur just frowned at her words, then turned to me with a placating tone. “Come on, let’s just put this behind us. I’ll transfer the title of the penthouse to you. Don’t be angry. It was just a baby. We’ll have another one. I’m sure we’ll have a son next time.” The sheer monstrosity of this family made me weak. Black spots danced in my vision, and a crushing pain in my chest made it hard to breathe. I had only one thought left. I needed to know if this child was who I thought it was. “Bring the baby out,” I said, using every last bit of my strength. “We… we have to bury him.” Arthur frowned, looking with disgust at the tattered clothes in the kennel, clearly not wanting to touch them. I almost laughed. “Arthur, that is your nephew!” He took a deep breath, as if making a great sacrifice, and stepped forward. But his mother blocked him, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Arthur, she’s tricking you! The second you bring that body out, she’ll call the police and they’ll take Poppy away! Poppy’s life will be ruined!” As she spoke, Poppy started tugging on Arthur’s sleeve, whining and crying. “Artie, don’t listen to her! She’s trying to hurt me! It’s good that baby is dead! He tried to take my things! If you bring him out, I’ll never speak to you again!” Arthur wavered, then took a step back. “Julia, the child is already gone. Let’s not disturb him. Let him rest in peace.” I closed my eyes, suppressing the tidal wave of hatred inside me. “You’re going to regret this.” With that, I turned and walked toward the gate. His mother panicked and lunged, grabbing my wrist. “Where do you think you’re going? I’m telling you, as long as I’m here, you are not calling the police!” She tied my hands together with a piece of rope. I struggled, but it only tightened, drawing blood. I looked at my husband, begging. “Arthur, that was a life. How can you be so heartless?” He looked away, his voice cold. “Just behave yourself, Julia. Stop making trouble.” Seeing me helpless, Poppy rushed forward and slapped me hard across the face. “You think you’re so tough?” she sneered. “You hit me before! Try hitting me now! Hah!” I gritted my teeth, shaking with rage and humiliation, but my hands were bound. “You psychopath!” I screamed. This only encouraged her. She kicked me hard in the back. A sharp pain exploded, and I doubled over, drenched in a cold sweat. Even then, a small part of me hoped Arthur would show a shred of decency and stop this. But he was too busy comforting Poppy. “A baby like Poppy can’t kick that hard,” he said dismissively. “It doesn’t hurt. You scared her earlier. Just let her blow off some steam.” With Arthur’s blessing, Poppy became bolder. She kicked me in the side. “Your daughter deserved to die for trying to steal from me! And you should die too!” I curled into a ball on the ground, the pain overwhelming as my consciousness began to fade. Suddenly, the front gate was kicked open with a tremendous bang. My parents stood there, holding my daughter. Behind them were several police officers. Their faces were grim as my father’s voice boomed across the yard. “What in God’s name are you doing?!”

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I used a photo of my ex-boyfriend as my desktop wallpaper. My advisor saw it and paused. “You know him?” Without thinking, I blurted out, “That’s my boyfriend.” The next day, my advisor enthusiastically invited me over for dinner. When the door opened, I stood face-to-face with Max Jiang. “Son, I brought your girlfriend home.” I looked for a crack in the wall to crawl into. I was the one who dumped him back then… Chapter 1 After submitting my thesis revisions based on my advisor’s feedback, I happily slept the day away. I just woke up when I got a call from my advisor, Professor Zhong. “Can you come over now?” My phone showed seven missed calls. I didn’t dare refuse, so I grabbed my laptop and rushed to his office. The sea of red track changes on my paper made my heart bleed. Professor Zhong kept sighing, and my heart grew colder and colder. While I was zoning out, he accidentally minimized the document. A photo of a guy appeared on the screen. The tenderness in his eyes was palpable. Classic girlfriend POV. I took the photo. The guy was Max Jiang. My ex-boyfriend. I couldn’t bring myself to delete it and had secretly set it as my wallpaper. Professor Zhong paused for two seconds, then casually asked, “You know him?” “I don’t mean anything by it, just heard young people use photos of people they know as wallpaper, got curious.” “Is he your boyfriend?” I was stunned. Because I often used “my boyfriend” as an excuse for not being on campus sometimes. But the professor had never seen him. After a while, he got suspicious. My brain short-circuited, and I rubbed my nose. “Professor… you guessed right.” He gave a meaningful “Oh.” He didn’t react much, but he seemed to become friendlier. The next day on my way to the cafeteria, I got another call from Professor Zhong. His tone was completely different, cheerful and laughing. “Zoe, haven’t eaten yet, right?” I was confused. “No, Professor.” “Your teacher’s wife made a big feast today, come over for dinner?” I slammed on the brakes, almost nose-diving into the roadside bushes. I was terrified. “No thanks, Professor, you guys eat…” “She got up early to buy groceries, she’s been excited all morning. She made chili shrimp, crab cakes, braised ribs…” Great, successfully triggered my appetite. I ignored the weirdness of it all. When a professor invites you warmly, how can a student refuse? Eat first, deal with everything else later. “Professor, send me the address, I’m on my way.” Chapter 2 I stood at the door, and before I even rang the bell, it opened. “Is that Zoe? Come in, come in.” The woman in front of me was beaming. I realized who she was and smiled back. “I’m Zoe Lin, nice to meet you, Mrs. Zhong.” “Just call me Auntie. Who knows, you might need to change that title soon.” She couldn’t stop smiling, but I hesitated, afraid to take a step forward. She took my hand and shouted toward the kitchen. “Zhong Shuwen, go get your son out here.” Huh? Son? The professor’s son is here too? Wait, why are they inviting me to a family dinner? The professor wiped his hands and trotted out. “Okay, honey.” I almost laughed. Didn’t expect Professor Zhong to be henpecked. The next second, the smile froze on my face. The professor bellowed, “Son, I brought your girlfriend home.” “Come out!” Girlfriend? Me? Student turns into daughter-in-law? This can’t be happening! Professor, you can’t just randomly assign a daughter-in-law! Is this my punishment for academic patchwork? But didn’t he know I had a boyfriend… A sudden realization hit me, before I could process it. “What girlfriend?” “I don’t have…” A familiar voice spoke and then stopped abruptly. I saw a profile, and out of reflex, I pulled the hat in my hand back onto my head. I wanted to cry. Who would have thought Professor Zhong’s son’s last name was Jiang? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have been too lazy to wash my hair last night. I didn’t even change clothes earlier. I took off my jacket. I was only wearing a white cotton tee and plaid pants. Now I realized I looked like I was in pajamas. Can I find an excuse to escape? Is there a crack in the wall I can crawl into? My head sank lower and lower. I envied turtles, they could shrink into their shells. The dreaded thing happened. “I was wondering why you kid never wanted to come back. You didn’t even tell me and your mom you were dating. If I hadn’t seen Zoe’s wallpaper yesterday, we’d still be in the dark.” My ears burned. “Wallpaper?” “Yeah, I saw it with my own eyes, you have to treat Zoe well.” Professor, please stop talking. I’m about to lose my dignity. Max tilted his head, raised an eyebrow, and said each word deliberately. “Oh? Zoe Lin, my girlfriend?” Dragging out the strange ending sound. I was the one who unceremoniously dumped him back then. Someone tell me, how do I resolve such an awkward situation? I steeled myself, looked up, and met Max’s narrowed eyes. I greeted him with a dead heart. “Hello, boyfriend, what a coincidence.” My smile must have been ugly, even Mrs. Zhong noticed something was wrong. “You two know each other so well, why are you greeting each other like that?” “Is it too sudden? Don’t be nervous, we’re just too happy, a bit impatient.” I was stunned, seeing Mrs. Zhong’s expectant look. Suddenly I felt this lie couldn’t continue. I took a deep breath, ready to explain. I was pulled into a strong embrace. “Mom, Dad, you scared her.” “I didn’t mean to hide it from you, you guys are just too gossipy.” The professor’s mouth twitched, couldn’t help but instruct. “Zoe is still a student, don’t always take up her time in the future.” I thought about the excuses I made to the professor yesterday and before. I slowly looked up to meet Max’s confused eyes, smiling awkwardly. “Um…” Before I could explain, the professor asked curiously again. “Where did you two go play yesterday, she forgot her phone, and you didn’t help her get it.” I couldn’t hold it in anymore. Professor, why do you believe everything I say? I answered quickly, “Professor, we went hiking yesterday, and had a picnic.” “Picnic? Where? Your mom said she wanted to have a picnic a few days ago.” The smile froze on my face, why is there a follow-up… “At…” My brain searched rapidly. I hate that I usually don’t browse local forums, don’t know anything. Max spoke up and saved me, “Old man, you ask too many questions.” “I’ll take her to wash her hands.” Mrs. Zhong pushed the professor, “Why so many questions, go serve the food.” Chapter 3 In the bathroom, I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him sincerely. He turned on the faucet to wash his hands, saying nonchalantly. “I didn’t help you, I was helping my dear girlfriend.” I was speechless for a moment, I was indeed in the wrong here. But I absolutely cannot lose momentum in front of my ex-boyfriend. “If I knew you were the professor’s son, I wouldn’t have said it was you.” He paused, his gaze intense. “Then who did you want to say it was?” “I…” Seems there’s no one else to say. He sighed lightly. “If you have a boyfriend, we better explain clearly right now.” I grabbed his clothes, almost kneeling down to him. “Since it already happened, and we can’t break up right now.” “Then please pretend to be my boyfriend a little longer, please please.” I looked up with pitiful eyes. He stared at me for a long time, his Adam’s apple rolling. “I’m not interested in being a stand-in.” I was a bit confused, “What stand-in?” He was nonchalant, “Didn’t you say yesterday you were with your boyfriend?” “I was with my bed yesterday, all day.” He raised his eyebrows, radiating joy all over: “Then I’ll reluctantly agree to you.” “Okay, boyfriend.” He froze for a moment, leaned against the wall and stopped talking. Why did this person suddenly become The Thinker? Why are his ears red too? I didn’t understand, shook my head. Finished washing hands. My eyes fell on the towel rack next to me. Huh, which one did Max use just now? While hesitating, a towel covered my hand. “This one, girlfriend.” “……” Chapter 4 The professor came out of the kitchen. “Eat quickly, don’t let it get cold.” I praised generously, “Auntie, your cooking is really good.” “If it tastes good, eat more, look at you, you’re too skinny.” Mrs. Zhong kept putting food in my bowl, soon piling up into a small mountain. I hurriedly stopped her. “No need, Auntie, it’s really enough.” “I’ll get it myself if I want to eat.” “First time here, inevitably a bit uncomfortable.” “Auntie knows, no need to be polite with Auntie.” The bowl in front of me was even a large bowl. Bigger than my hand. Sighing inwardly. I’m not being polite, Auntie. It’s embarrassing not to finish the food when visiting! I was worried. A chuckle came from beside me. I turned my head slightly, Max was propping his head watching me, corners of his mouth raised. Mrs. Zhong was dissatisfied, “What are you laughing at?” “You’re not putting food in Zoe’s bowl either.” He finally raised his chopsticks. I panicked a bit, what is he doing? Won’t he put food in my bowl too! While staring at the chopsticks, I gave Max a look. The chopsticks turned a corner in mid-air, landed in my bowl. Chopstick by chopstick took away the food in my bowl. Mrs. Zhong asked: “Max, what are you doing?” His expression didn’t change, “First, she doesn’t eat green peppers.” “Second, she has a small stomach, greedy but can’t eat much.” “Your amount will stuff people to death.” My heart missed a beat. What are you doing, acting like you know me so well. We only dated for half a year. Mrs. Zhong suddenly realized, looking at us like shipping a couple. “Zoe, I’m too happy, help yourself.” I smiled, “It’s okay, thanks Auntie.”

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New Year’s Eve. I chased after my sister, Delaney, who’d stormed out of our penthouse after a vicious fight, and ended up dragged into a forgotten alley by a crew of low-lifes. The violation was profound. They didn’t just break me; they inflicted a gut-wrenching, visceral trauma that consumed the next five years of my life. I was left with chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Whenever I tried to end the pain—to cut myself free—Delaney would wrench the blade from my hand and plunge it into herself. I’d make one shallow slice, and she’d make two deep ones. Our blood would mix on the cold tile, and she’d hold me, sobbing against my neck: “Cas! I’m begging you, please, don’t do this to yourself again!” “I’m the reason you’re broken. I swear to you, I will fix this. I will make you whole.” After that night, the Delaney I knew—the reckless, fun-loving race car enthusiast—vanished. She set fire to her prized collection of high-performance bikes and started studying the books she used to scoff at. Five years later, she was Dr. Delaney Ford, a leading psychiatrist in the city. But just as the crushing fog of my illness finally seemed to be lifting, I overheard a conversation drifting from the hallway outside my room: “Miss Ford, you deserve an Oscar for this performance. If I hadn’t been in on it, I’d never guess you hired those guys back then.” “Though I have to ask—to punish your adopted brother for one fight, you’ve spent years using medication to precisely interfere with Young Master Caspian’s recovery, while simultaneously using that sisterly devotion to keep him clinging to life… Isn’t that a little… cruel?” Delaney let out a dismissive, chilling laugh. “Cruel? He deserved it. Who told him to try and hurt Toby like that? This is simply his repayment.” “I’ve got it handled, though. Cas is my brother. I’m just giving him a taste of his own medicine. I wouldn’t actually let him die. I’m not that heartless.” The world dissolved into a sheet of ice. I forgot how to breathe. It was all a performance. Every moment of sacrifice, every tear, every shared scar—it was all her elaborate, cold-blooded punishment. That night, I dragged my shattered body up to the rooftop. Delaney, this time, you won’t have to punish me yourself. … “CASPIAN!” The moment my weight shifted past the edge, a brutal force slammed into me, yanking me back. Delaney tackled me to the concrete, rolling until we were flat on the ground. Before I could even process the disorientation of the fall, a sharp, stinging crack echoed in the night air. Snap. My ear drum vibrated. I clapped a hand to my burning cheek and looked up, staring into my sister’s face. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot. “Are you out of your mind?! Do you have any idea how close you were to falling?!” “This is all my fault, my failure! If you actually went over that ledge, I would end my life right here to pay you back!” Her chest was heaving; her hands trembled with what looked like genuine terror. My gaze fell on the fresh, bloody tear in the skin of her wrist. She’d gotten that wound just last week, wrestling a box-cutter out of my hand during a psychotic episode. But the words from the hallway echoed louder than her terror. It’s all an act. A sharp ache pierced my nose. I stared at her, the words leaving my lips in a stunned, empty whisper. “Delaney…” “I didn’t want to jump.” “I just wanted you to stay with me a little longer…” The words were out before I could stop them. The panic in her eyes evaporated instantly, replaced by something cold and calculating. A flicker of palpable annoyance crossed her face. After a long pause, she violently flung my wrist away. Her voice was flat and hard. “How many times, Caspian? How many times are we going to do this?” “You know it’s Toby’s birthday party tonight. You deliberately choose these moments to throw a tantrum, finding ways to draw me away. Are you trying to ruin everything for him?” Her grip had been too strong. Five years of trauma had hollowed me out, leaving me barely bone and skin. That violent shove sent me sprawling backward. As my body hit the concrete, the familiar, searing pain shot through my legs. God, it hurts. Tears streamed uncontrollably. I curled into a tight ball, clutching my already deformed, unusable legs. Five years ago, when those thugs were demanding my sister’s whereabouts, my refusal had enraged them. They had systematically crushed my legs, leaving them beyond repair. Memories rushed back, and the monumental injustice choked me. I lay on the ground, sobbing, my body shaking with uncontrollable tremors. Delaney flinched, then quickly reached out to help me up. She pressed her lips together, her tone softening with an uncomfortable forced tenderness. “Don’t cry, Cas. I didn’t mean that. It was just the panic talking.” “I was worried sick. Why else would I bolt the second the butler told me you weren’t in your room?” The lie died in her throat, cut off by the shrill ring of her phone. She glanced at the screen, her hand freezing on my arm, then quickly turned to answer. Toby’s cheerful, mocking voice chirped from the speaker. “Dee! They said you rushed back home just to get me a present? What’s taking so long! The main course is out, everyone’s waiting for you, and it’s my birthday, remember?” She hung up, a flush of embarrassment high on her cheeks. She looked at me, a flash of indecision in her eyes, but before she could speak, the phone rang again. Clutching the phone, she said softly, “Have the housekeeper bring you down later. Stay put. I’ll bring you something amazing from the party.” Then she whirled around, answering the ringing phone as she hurried away. I pushed up onto my elbows, slowly, agonizingly, inching toward the ledge of the roof. The thick, sticky echoes of that night—the jeering laughter, the tearing agony of my body—washed over me again. Five years. I have been trapped in the moment before I turned eighteen, five years ago. I looked at the back of the woman who was leaving without a second thought. I smiled faintly, the tears in my eyes scalding. “No need, Delaney.” The moment she heard my voice and turned, I pushed off the ledge and plummeted into the void. “CAS!!!” The last thing I remembered was her face, contorted in a scream of pure, tearing anguish, and the roar of the wind in my ears. My consciousness faded. I fell into a long, dark dream. In the dream, Delaney Ford was flighty, reckless, and always in trouble. Yet, when our parents died in that accident, this same sister shouldered a monumental burden without a word of complaint. She went from barely being able to boil water to managing a three-course dinner. She was once indifferent to everything, yet because I was frail and sickly, she once climbed a thousand steep steps, leaving her knees bloodied, to beg a reclusive spiritual teacher to bless my life. She learned to be a good sister, clumsy but determined, giving me every scrap of security and preference she had to offer. Even when my father’s illegitimate son, Toby, showed up, demanding a place in the house, she kept him out of fear that I would be lonely—despite the clear, simmering annoyance in her eyes. Toby was a viper. He would raise his hand and slap himself right before she walked into the room, then point at me, tears welling: “Cas hit me…” He would hide his expensive watch in my backpack, then “find it” later, crying about how I’d stolen from him. But even his most convincing act, even his tears accusing me of school bullying, only earned him a cold sneer from Delaney: “Stop acting, Toby.” Then came that New Year’s Eve. We were gathered for a family dinner when Toby suddenly collapsed. The private doctor found a thin, specialized silver needle embedded in the back of his neck. That was the first time Delaney had ever truly screamed at me: “Caspian Ford! I gave you this needle two days ago! What do you have to say for yourself?!” In the ensuing chaos, she overturned the table and bolted. I chased after her, desperate to explain, but that’s when I was dragged into the alley… I fought my way out of the suffocating darkness. My vision swam, but the first thing I heard was Delaney’s low, venomous snarl right by my ear. “Cas-pi-an Ford!” I turned my head, disoriented. Delaney stood by the bed, looking utterly ravaged. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her voice shook with an unnatural intensity. “You’ll go to any length to compete with Toby, won’t you? You knew that ledge had a platform underneath, that you couldn’t actually die! You jumped just to ruin Toby’s birthday, didn’t you?” “Toby is in the room next door, by the way. He heard you jumped and collapsed from shock! Are you satisfied now?” “Haven’t you caused enough trouble over the years?” “If you truly want to die, find a quiet corner. Don’t you dare inconvenience anyone in the process!” I stared at her mouth opening and closing, unable to form a single word. Into the sudden silence, Toby’s phone call came again. “Dee! Is my brother awake? Is he okay? When can we come home?” The moment his voice sounded, all the fury drained from Delaney’s face. “He’s fine. Just acting out, trying to scare us. I’ve had a word with him.” “I’ll throw you an even bigger party in a few days. I’m packing up now. We’re coming home.” She hung up. The warmth vanished from her face. She glared at me, her voice cutting. “You stay here and think about what you did.” “Pull another stunt, and you will never be allowed back in this house.” With a harsh movement, she adjusted my IV line. It was too fast. When she was satisfied, she dropped my arm and stormed out, slamming the door behind her. I strained my neck to look at the syringe of morphine on the counter. Just get the needle. I gently tugged the intravenous line from my hand. Blood spotted the pristine white sheet. I tried to stand but immediately plummeted back down. I could not stand. Footsteps echoed outside. A nurse, perhaps, had heard the thud. I held my breath. Instead, I heard Delaney’s impatient voice down the hall: “His ‘condition’ is fine. He’s just faking. He’s an attention-seeker. Leave him be. The more attention you give him, the worse he gets.” “Toby, the driver is at the door. Let’s go.” The footsteps receded. The door never opened. I stared at the knife on the counter. I stared for a long time, until my eyes were dry and aching. Delaney had grown careless. I knew, from the five years of self-harm, that she would never leave anything dangerous within my reach. I tried to use my arms to pull myself up again, but the fresh agony in my legs, combined with the pain deep inside my body, exploded. My arms buckled, and I crashed back to the floor. It hurt everywhere. If I die, the pain stops. That thought focused me. I scraped my fingers against the ground, inching toward the counter. Glass shards from the IV bottle dug into my palms and knees, leaving a trail of blood, but I felt nothing. Finally, I grasped the handle of the knife. Without a moment’s hesitation, I brought it down across my wrist. A fresh red line erupted across the old, interwoven scars. I suddenly remembered Delaney. She had just as many scars as I did. It must have been the Ford blood. I had never been docile. When I was thrown into that alley, when I was eighteen and on the verge of starting college, I broke. I screamed, I shattered everything, and I pointed the blade at myself again and again. She always took the knife and used it on her own body. Blood would pour out, yet she’d seem numb to the pain, using her clean hand to wipe the tears from my face. I wasn’t crying, but my face was wet with hers. That memory—the fear of her pain—was the only thing that had kept me from hurting myself again. I was afraid of her worry, her guilt, and her tears. I was terrified of her bleeding. It was all a lie. The thugs. The suffering. Even her path to becoming a psychiatrist—it was all a weapon, used to keep my illness a precisely controlled, agonizing loop. The strength left me with the blood. I leaned against the wall, laughing and weeping at the same time. People are usually sad when they’re dying, I suppose. “I didn’t stick the needle… it wasn’t me who stole his things… I wasn’t trying to ruin his party…” My voice faded. The whimpering stopped. I slumped into the pool of blood, my vision tunneling into darkness. Suddenly, the door was violently thrown open. Screams. Rushing footsteps. The pungent smell of antiseptics. I was surrounded by a sea of white. My wound was roughly stitched, and countless needles were jammed into my body, keeping me tethered to life. I heard fragmented pieces of conversation: “Miss Ford is unlucky. I heard she got into a car accident on the way home, and her brother’s condition immediately worsened.” “Don’t remind me. The doctor said he needs a bone marrow donation. Only she and the other brother were a match. But she fainted three times and refused to let the younger one go through it. She said he’s too weak and afraid of pain.” “But Young Master Toby’s condition looks much worse now…” The door burst open again. Someone stumbled toward my bed, and a hand covered my eyes. Delaney’s voice was hoarse with exhaustion. “Cas, don’t worry. This will be over soon.” “Toby is my brother, too. I can’t just watch him…” Before she could finish, a razor-sharp, searing pain erupted from my lower back. I thrashed violently, my lips turning blue. My already tenuous hold on consciousness shattered. I knew. Delaney had made her choice. Again. The doctor extracting the marrow looked at my ashen face and hesitated. “Miss Ford, you’re a doctor… we can’t take any more! The patient is past his limit, he could die!” Delaney was silent, a clear struggle on her face. Just then, a nurse rushed in, sobbing hysterically. “Emergency! Young Master Toby’s heart rate just plummeted! He’s crashing!” “The blood shipment is still twenty minutes out!” All hesitation vanished from Delaney’s face. She gritted her teeth, her voice absolute. “Keep drawing!” She turned to me, her gaze complicated. “Cas, when we get home, I’ll get you the best supplements to recover!” The doctor tried to protest, but she cut him off with a shout. “I said, keep drawing!” “I know Caspian’s body. This is clearly a performance. It’s just cheap theatrics. You focus on your work. Toby is the priority!” She turned abruptly and sprinted toward Toby’s room. … When it was all over, the doctors were immediately pulled away. All the equipment, all the people, all the care—it was poured into Toby’s bedside. No one noticed that I was already dead. Only when Toby’s condition stabilized did Delaney finally relax. She looked at the blood on her clothes. She knew Toby was terrified of blood. She carefully washed her hands, changed into a clean jacket, and then quietly walked into Toby’s room. She fed him, soothed him to sleep, and tucked him into bed. Outside, the night had turned completely dark. She seemed to suddenly remember something. She shot up, hurried down to the hospital cafeteria, grabbed a few random dishes, and rushed to the door of my room. “Cas, look what I brought you.” “All your favorites. Get up and eat, it’s going to get cold.” Silence. The smile froze on her face. She walked closer and placed the meal tray on the nightstand. “Cas?” Still no answer. Her patience snapped. She frowned. “Caspian Ford, it was just a little bone marrow. Are you still sulking and throwing a fit?” “Stop acting and get up!” She reached out and roughly grabbed my wrist—the one with the massive wound—to pull me up. The next second, her movement froze. Her eyes widened. Her face went instantly, devastatingly white.

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When I went to the Marsden house to return the engagement gifts, I found Nathan Marsden lying in the arms of the young housekeeper, a post-coital cigarette dangling from his lips. He blew a playful smoke ring in my face. “Perfect timing. Wendy’s exhausted. Go wash the sheets for us, will you?” “The girl’s a little inexperienced. After the engagement party tonight, you can teach her a few of my favorite positions. I don’t want my nights ruined.” I didn’t answer. I just placed the bag containing the gifts on the coffee table. “Check everything. If it’s all there, let’s call off the engagement.” “I’ll send out a notice to cancel the party.” Nathan finally sat up, but the careless smirk never left his face. “How many times have you tried to scare me with this little act?” “Honey, a man gets tired of sleeping with the same woman. Sleeping with others is just my way of keeping things fresh with you.” “Can’t you try to understand?” He pulled a single rose from the bouquet of ninety-nine he’d bought for the housekeeper and offered it to me. He still thought a single flower and a cheap promise could win me over, just like all the times before. But this time, I shook my head. I was really, truly done with him. 1 When I didn’t move, he simply retracted his hand. He snapped the stem and tucked the rose into Wendy’s hair. “Honey, I promise you’ll be the one and only Mrs. Marsden. This constant jealousy over every little thing is really beneath you.” “Are you putting on such a show because I let Wendy try on your engagement ring?” He pushed Wendy away and stood up, wrapping his arm around my waist and whispering in a placating tone. “The girl has no status. She’ll never get to wear a real wedding ring in her life.” “You need to have the grace of the lady of the house. Just think of it as taking pity on her, letting her have a little fun.” I clutched the hem of my shirt, my heart turning to ice. Nathan’s first “wedding photo,” his first “honeymoon,” even his “first time” in our bed—it was all with Wendy. Every time I broke down and confronted him, he would just pinch my cheek with a look of helpless indulgence. “We’ll have a lifetime to do all those things. Why are you so obsessed with the ‘first’ time?” “So possessive, my little crybaby.” Wendy looped her arm through his, helping him persuade me. “Sophia, Nathan is so good to you. He never lets me wear lipstick or perfume, just so I don’t leave any trace on him that might upset you.” She picked up the bouquet of roses from the table, a blatant challenge in her eyes. “If one rose isn’t enough for you, you can have the rest. Nathan just bought me a rose garden a few days ago. I’m already sick of them.” Nathan cupped Wendy’s face and kissed her. “You’re being so thoughtful today, baby.” “Go get our gear. I’m taking you to the old cornfield. A reward for unlocking a new scene.” After Wendy went into the bedroom, he picked up a scarf and personally tied it around my neck. “It’s cold out. I’ll have the driver take you home.” “Just focus on getting ready for the engagement party tonight. I promise I’ll be there before it starts.” I grabbed his arm. “Don’t go just yet.” Nathan froze for a second, then relaxed. “See? You can’t bear to let me go.” “Let go, sweetheart. I’ll pick up some of your favorite farm-fresh snacks on the way.” “I don’t need them.” I shook my head and pushed a briefcase into his hands. “Before you go, check the prenup.” “So I can release the statement calling off the engagement as soon as possible.” The smile vanished from Nathan’s face. He stared at me, hard, and when he was sure I wasn’t joking, he spoke, his brow furrowed. “You don’t have a job, and your mother’s in the ICU. Her medical bills are five figures a day. Who’s going to support you two without me?” His voice turned cold. “Sophia, I’ve really spoiled you rotten all these years.” His words should have made me laugh, but my eyes stung with tears. I didn’t have a job because, in the first year of his startup, he had begged me on his knees to be a homemaker, to be the foundation that supported his career. The reason my mother was in a coma was because she had taken a knife for him from a business rival. I swallowed the sharp, stabbing pain in my heart and looked down, my voice flat. “I have my own ways of handling the money. I just… I don’t want to live like this anymore.” Nathan was about to say something else, but Wendy came bouncing out of the room. “Nate, let’s go! I was just practicing a new, difficult position in there. If we wait too long, I’ll lose the mood.” “You little vixen. Whatever you say.” Nathan swept her into his arms, playfully tapping her nose. But when he looked at me, his eyes were filled with displeasure. “Do whatever you want. Let off some steam.” “I’m not going to take your angry words seriously.” “But I will be stopping your mother’s medical payments for a few days. If you don’t get a taste of how hard it is to earn a living, you’ll never understand what I do for you.” With that, he turned and left, Wendy wrapped in his arms. As I watched them go, my breath caught, a bitter taste spreading through my mouth. I took out my phone and sent a cancellation notice to all our friends and family. Then, I made a call. “Mr. Peterson, you once said that if I took the overseas position, you would cover my mother’s medical expenses.” “I’ve made my decision. When do I leave?” “The sooner, the better. We can have you on a plane tomorrow.” I agreed and immediately went to the hospital to arrange for my mother’s transfer. When I walked into her room, I found her awake. “Mom!” Overjoyed and shocked, I rushed to her and hugged her tightly, my voice choking with sobs. My mother cried too, squeezing my hand. “I’m okay, sweetheart. Is Nate treating you well?” “As long as you two are happy, taking a little stab for him was worth it.” Seeing the hopeful look in her eyes, I slowly lowered my head. I didn’t know how to tell her that Nathan was cheating on me with our housekeeper and that I had called off the engagement. As I struggled for words, a familiar voice came from the doorway. “Mom, I’m here to see you!” Nathan walked in, followed by his assistant carrying boxes of expensive supplements, practically filling the room. “You woke up just in time. Sophia and I have our engagement party tonight. You have to be there, Mother-in-law.” He draped his arm around my shoulders intimately, as if nothing had happened between us. A wave of nausea washed over me, but I didn’t say anything. My mom was beaming. She pointed to Nathan’s neck and winked at me. “It’s good that you two are so close, but you need to take it easy. Nate has a lot of work to do.” I looked up and saw a clear bite mark on his neck. We had been living apart for six months. It was obvious who had left it there. Nathan’s face stiffened for a moment before he quickly recovered, his eyes full of adoration for me. “What can I say? I’m completely whipped. I love it when Sophia gets clingy. Don’t you worry about a thing, Mom.” My mother looked relieved and content. “As long as you two are happy, I can rest easy. Now go, get ready for your party.” I forced a smile and nodded. The moment we were out of the room, I slapped him, hard. My eyes were full of scorn. “Putting on such a good show for my mother. Aren’t you tired?” A red mark quickly appeared on his face. His eyelashes trembled, but he said nothing. Still furious, I raised my hand again, but he held up his phone. “This is Dr. Evans’s contact information. He’s a top internal medicine specialist. I was going to schedule a comprehensive check-up for Mom.” My hand froze in mid-air. As if drained of all strength, I slowly lowered it. I closed my eyes, an overwhelming exhaustion washing over me. I turned to leave. But Nathan wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Let me lean on you for a minute, honey. My stomach suddenly hurts.” I felt a strange sense of deja vu. When we first started dating, a client was giving me a hard time at a business dinner. Nathan chugged a whole bottle of hard liquor to defend me. The client never bothered me again, but Nathan ended up in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer, a problem that still plagued him. “It was wrong of Wendy to leave a mark on my neck. I’ll have a word with her.” “I was wrong, too. Usually, after a date, I’d shower for three hours before seeing you. I was just so happy to hear that Mom was awake that I didn’t even look in the mirror.” I turned to look at him. His eyes were red, pleading, like a guilty puppy. “If you’re still not happy, I’ll make myself clean right now.” With that, he picked up a fruit knife and aimed it at the red mark on his neck. He was actually going to cut that piece of flesh out! It wasn’t until I saw the blood that I snapped out of it. I lunged forward and knocked the knife to the floor. “Are you crazy? That’s your neck! What if you seriously hurt yourself?” The blood was flowing freely now. Terrified, I tried to pull him toward the emergency room. But he just smiled, a happy, triumphant smile. “Sophia, you do still care about me.” “Now, go get ready for the engagement party. Do it for Mom.” I clenched my fists, then abruptly let them go. Finally, I heard my own strained voice. “Okay.” Nathan spared no expense, booking the most luxurious hotel in the city for a million-dollar engagement party. My mother, wanting to witness my happiness, insisted on attending in her wheelchair, despite my protests. I stood on the stage, lightly holding Nathan’s arm. He sensed my distance and forcefully intertwined his fingers with mine. The guests below looked on with envy. “So many men ditch their wives after they make it big. Mr. Marsden is still so devoted to his original partner. Mrs. Marsden really bet on the right horse.” “Just a few hours ago, the future Mrs. Marsden sent us a cancellation notice. I wonder what that was all about.” “Just a little lover’s spat. Only a guy like Mr. Marsden would put up with it. If my wife tried to pull a stunt like that, I’d have to teach her a lesson!” Their words were like needles, piercing my heart. Nathan had slept with Wendy countless times over the years, yet he could still act concerned and loving toward me without batting an eye. His calmness only made me look like the crazy one. Just then, a server rushed onto the stage and snatched the microphone. The moment she took off her mask, I realized it was Wendy. Tears streamed down her face. “I’m the one Nathan truly loves! If it weren’t for Sophia using the fact that her mother saved his life, we would have been married long ago!” My mind went blank. I instinctively looked at my mother. She was staring at Wendy in shock, her body trembling uncontrollably. “Mom!” I gathered my dress and ran to her side, screaming at the staff. “Call 911! Now!” When Nathan finally reacted, his eyes burned with fury. “Wendy, are you tired of living? You’re just a housekeeper in my home! Get the hell off this stage!” But Wendy pulled out a pregnancy test, kneeling before my mother and me. “But I’m carrying Nathan’s child.”

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After my boyfriend, Mark, and I broke up, he pretended to have amnesia. He asked, “Who are you?” I froze for a moment, then smiled. “I’m your sister-in-law.” Mark was stunned. That night, his brother, who had been trying to break us up, frantically messaged me: [What the hell! When did I get together with you?!] [Mark is blocking my door with a knife!] 1 When I arrived at the hospital, Mark was lying in bed. His head was wrapped in gauze, looking the part. He looked at me with confusion and bewilderment, asking: “Who are you?” I froze for a moment, then smiled. I tugged at my collar, revealing a red mark on my neck. “I’m your sister-in-law.” The hospital room door was closed. His brother was standing outside, waiting for me and Mark to break up. When I received the news of Mark’s car accident and hospitalization, I was with his brother. Liam looked at me with a half-smile, waving a five-million-dollar check in his hand. “Miss Sullivan, no one can predict the future between you and Mark.” “But your own future will be smooth sailing from this moment on.” Mark and I had been dating for two years, and he had always kept his family background a secret. Until recently, when I was working part-time and ran into Mark. He was out having fun with friends, staying in a presidential suite that cost five thousand a night. When settling the bill, I just stood at the front desk watching him quietly. Not bitter, not tired. Mark bumped into me head-on. His expression was a bit awkward. “I didn’t dare tell you before, because I was afraid you’d feel pressured being with me.” Me: “…” I pointed at myself in disbelief. Me? Do I look like someone with that much self-respect? If you had told me you were rich earlier, you wouldn’t have had to chase me for over a year. No one knew about my relationship with Mark. That day, his friends saw us, and somehow it reached the ears of the Sterling family. I also met the head of the Sterling family, Mark’s older brother, Liam Sterling. The two brothers looked about 70% alike. When Liam looked down at me, the oppressive and heavy aura made me tremble all over. Liam wanted me to break up with Mark. Last night, he sent me a video. In the video, he and Mark were sitting opposite each other. Compared to the youthful Mark, his brother was obviously more mature and steady. Liam spoke slowly, every word hitting the mark. “I heard you met Chloe Sullivan when you were broke. You chased her for a long time. She had a bad temper, but once she knew your identity, she suddenly became submissive to you.” His implication was obvious. Gold digger, hypocritical, compromising for money. Mark hurriedly replied: “She’s not that kind of person!” His tone was impetuous, lacking confidence. He was just eager to defend. Actually, Mark didn’t quite believe what he said himself. Compared to an old fox like Liam, Mark was still a bit green. Seeing Mark take the bait, Liam couldn’t help but smile. “Really? Then why not put on a show together? You pretend to have amnesia from a car accident and ignore her, see how she reacts.” The video ended there. Now this scene left no doubt. Mark chose to cooperate. 2 The expression on Mark’s face changed again and again, as if buffering from overload. “Want an apple? Sister-in-law will peel one for you.” Five million dollars is indeed tempting. But you brothers playing me for a fool really pisses me off. Hearing the term “sister-in-law,” Mark’s face turned green with anger. He opened his mouth as if to question something, but held back at the last moment. He still had to maintain his amnesia persona. Breaking character now would undoubtedly be shooting himself in the foot. He pretended to be calm, but tears uncontrollably welled up in his eyes, and his voice choked a bit. “My… my brother seems to be single.” I smiled and waved my hand. “You have amnesia, it’s normal not to remember your brother has a girlfriend.” Mark pressed his temples hard, saying anxiously: “I seem to vaguely remember something.” I took out his medical report printed in black and white, forcing him to look. “The doctor said there’s no risk of regaining memory.” Mark clutched the medical report tightly, veins popping on the back of his hand. I placed the peeled apple on his bedside table. Before leaving, I didn’t forget to pat his head. “Since you can forget, it must mean those memories were insignificant to you. Look forward from now on.” “I’m going to get a room with your brother… I mean… I’m going to dinner with your brother. Rest well, we’ll visit you when we’re done.” I waved at him and walked out of the ward smiling. As soon as I closed the door, a kettle-whistle-like wail erupted from the room. Liam was unaware of the conversation inside. He turned to look at me, his gaze softening, as if pleased with my sensibility. On the way here, Liam had been guiding me. “Since Mark is willing to act in this play, it shows he doesn’t trust you in his heart. The cracks in the relationship can’t be repaired, they’ll only get bigger. Your attempts to salvage it are meaningless.” “Instead of a hysterical breakup at the end, it’s better to take the five million now and disappear with dignity.” Liam knew how to hit a person’s pain points. I shoved my bank card at him. “I don’t want to go to the bank with a check. Have someone transfer the money to this card.” Liam nodded and handed the check and card to his assistant to handle. When I came out of the ward, the assistant had already processed it. My phone also popped up a deposit notification a few minutes ago. When Liam handed the bank card to me, he was completely unaware— Someone was pressed against the door of the ward behind him. Through the glass on the door, Mark stared fixedly at the card in Liam’s hand. Due to the angle, he couldn’t see what the card looked like. Because of my words in the ward, he naturally assumed it was a room key card. Mark’s face was gloomy, veins pulsing on his forehead. When I took the card, I even ambiguously touched Liam’s hand. “Thanks.” I put the card in my bag and turned to leave. Liam looked down at where I had touched, his fingertips curling slightly unconsciously. As soon as I turned the corner and disappeared, Mark jumped out of the ward immediately. A person who was critically injured and dying just a moment ago was now pinning Liam to the ground and beating him like a mad dog. “Liam, you old beast! Give me back my girlfriend!” Liam: “?” 3 The hospital was in chaos. Liam was knocked unconscious by a punch. Mark sat aside, crying breathlessly. I squatted in the corner watching the drama for a long time before leaving reluctantly. I went on a shopping spree with the five million until dark before going home. As soon as I got out of the elevator, I saw Liam standing at my door like a ghost. He was full of resentment. Liam’s face was black and blue, showing no trace of his previous calm and leisurely appearance. Liam was furious. “Chloe! Go explain clearly to Mark!” I opened the door and entered, asking innocently: “Explain what?” Liam frowned, disgusted with me. “You know very well, stop playing dumb with me!” “Mark said I stole his girlfriend! Said I made him fake amnesia just to make it easier for you to cut ties with him! Now he’s blocking my door with a knife like a mad dog!” I hummed a tune, turning a deaf ear to Liam’s words. I spread the things I bought in the afternoon on the bed. In an instant, the bed was full of lingerie that couldn’t be shown in public. I held the skimpiest white lace nightgown against myself and showed it to Liam. “Will I look good in this?” Liam’s face looked even worse. He turned his head away, refusing to look at me directly, speaking through gritted teeth. “Only a blind man like Mark would like you.” “I’d rather be single for life than be with a vicious woman like you.” Just as he finished speaking, a knock came from the door. “Chloe, are you home?” The moment he heard Mark’s voice, Liam felt terrible. He looked at the door as if facing a formidable enemy. Seeing me about to open the door, he hurriedly stopped me. “Don’t open it!” Mark already misunderstood that we had an affair. Seeing him at my house in the middle of the night would be impossible to explain. I rolled my eyes speechlessly. “Since he called my name directly, it means he knows I’m home. If I don’t open the door now, won’t it seem weirder?” I took his hand and led him to the wardrobe. “Why don’t you hide in here for a while.” Liam: “…” His expression was a bit desperate. But thinking carefully, there seemed to be no other way. He took a deep breath and reluctantly crawled into the wardrobe. I turned to open the door for Mark. Mark stood outside the door with his tall figure. His head was drooping, and the corners of his eyes were still red. I raised my hand to touch his face and asked: “Why are you crying?” The tears accumulated in Mark’s eyes could no longer be held back. Warm tears fell on the back of my hand. The grievance was like a floodgate opening, unstoppable. The amnesia thing was agreed upon by himself, and pretending not to know me was also said by himself. Now, no matter what grievance he had, he had to swallow it. “My brother won’t let me go home, kicked me out, I have nowhere to go.” Hiding in the wardrobe, Liam, who had been chased all afternoon: “…” Mark held my hand and nuzzled his face in my palm. “Sister-in-law, can you take me in for a night? I can sleep on the sofa, I won’t cause trouble.” I nodded understandingly. “Of course.” Liam: “?!” Mark changed shoes and entered the house. He looked up and saw the skimpy lingerie on the bed. His expression became ferocious for a moment. I followed his gaze and explained shyly: “Your brother bought them, said to celebrate tonight…” My voice stopped abruptly, as if realizing I had said too much. With a somewhat shy expression, I complained in a low voice: “Your brother always buys these useless things, won’t listen no matter what I say.” Liam hid in the wardrobe without saying a word, just looking at the ceiling speechlessly. Looking like he wanted to have a hearty battle with the clothes rail above. I gathered those few pieces of lingerie, opened the wardrobe door, and threw them in. That white lace nightgown floated lightly onto Liam’s face. The moment I opened the wardrobe door, Liam died a little inside. He clasped his hands together at me, looking helpless and begging. Mark stood by the wardrobe, talking to me through the narrow wardrobe door. “Will my brother come back tonight?” I shook my head: “I don’t know either. Why don’t you call and ask him?” Liam’s expression was full of horror. Mark nodded thoughtfully. He took out his phone and dialed Liam’s number. The next second, Liam’s phone rang inside the wardrobe… Mark’s eyes narrowed slightly, staring dangerously at the wardrobe. “Sister-in-law, my brother’s phone seems to be ringing.” “Can I look in the wardrobe?” 4 I raised my hand before Mark and closed the wardrobe. “Your brother left his phone at home. If it’s urgent, why not call his assistant first.” Liam breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had walked through the gates of hell, covered in cold sweat. The more he thought about it, the more he regretted it. If he hadn’t hidden in the first place, there would still be a chance to explain. Now suddenly coming out of the wardrobe, Mark wouldn’t believe anything he said. Liam hated me so much his teeth itched. He messaged me frantically. [Make Mark leave quickly!] [Make him leave! Make him leave now!] [Chloe, you vicious woman, I won’t let you off when I get out!] [You want to drive a wedge between us brothers, right? Hehe, it’s useless.] [Chloe, you will pay for what you did today!] I glanced at the phone with a fake smile, then turned to the wardrobe again. “Mark, do you want to change into pajamas?” Liam’s face was livid, his heart in his throat. [Sorry, I spoke without thinking just now, don’t take it to heart.] [Don’t open the wardrobe door again, I beg you.] [Chloe, do you want to ruin our family?] The phone kept ringing. I frowned impatiently and replied. [Brother, you’re a bit noisy, I’m setting do not disturb.] [Chloe!!] When Liam sent this message, my phone didn’t make any notification sound. Liam’s face was ashen. He had no choice but to transfer money to my card. The SMS notification of the bank transfer sounded like heavenly music in my ears. I walked away from the wardrobe with kindness. I took a new set of men’s pajamas from a shopping bag on the side and handed it to Mark. “I suddenly remembered I bought a new set this afternoon, you should wear this one.” Mark glanced thoughtfully at the wardrobe and whispered thank you to me. “Sister-in-law, I don’t want to sow discord, I just think my brother seems irresponsible. Leaving his girlfriend alone at home so late, going out without his phone, as if afraid you’ll check up on him. Who knows what he’s doing outside in the middle of the night.” “If I had a girlfriend, I definitely wouldn’t treat her like that. I would definitely report to her all the time so she wouldn’t be uneasy.” “Sister-in-law, your ex-boyfriend must have done that too, right?” Mark secretly peeked at me, the little thoughts in his eyes unable to be held back. Sitting on the edge of the bed, hearing him mention “ex-boyfriend,” my expression became trance-like for a moment. I looked up at him, then quickly looked away. My eyes were slightly red, but I forced a relaxed smile. “My ex-boyfriend was indeed very attentive, I felt very safe with him.” Mark instinctively wanted to wipe my tears. Hand raised halfway, he realized his identity was different from before. Doing so was inappropriate. He lowered his hand stiffly and asked hoarsely: “Since your ex-boyfriend was so good, why did you break up with him?” Mark stared at me with teary eyes, insisting on hearing my answer. I wiped the tears from my face and said: “He was good, but I wasn’t good enough. I couldn’t make him trust me wholeheartedly, couldn’t give him a sense of security.” “When he was with me, he always held back, even tried his best to hide many things from me. Being with me, he would be in pain. Separating might be the best choice for us.” Mark turned his head away, his voice choked and trembling. “If… if he came back to find you, would you still be with him?” I hesitated for a moment, then smiled with relief. “Forget it. I hope he meets a good girl who makes him let down his guard. I hope he’s happy.” Mark could no longer hold back his tears. He turned his back to me, sobbing until his shoulders trembled. I asked knowingly. “What’s wrong?” Mark shook his head. “My rhinitis is acting up, it’s nothing.” He wiped his tears indiscriminately and said: “It’s late, sister-in-law, go to sleep early.” Mark picked up the blanket beside him and walked to the living room. I turned off the light and went back to bed. Liam made sure Mark had gone far before coming out of the wardrobe. Mark was in the living room. Liam couldn’t stay or leave. Liam’s face was extremely ugly. He locked the bedroom door, then came over and shook me awake. Liam grabbed my wrist and pulled me up from the bed. Too many things happened today. Before today, Liam never thought anyone would dare punch him in the face, and for stealing love at that. And the person who hit him was his own brother. Liam laughed in extreme anger. “Chloe, had enough fun?” Liam used a lot of strength, my wrist hurt from his grip. “You’re hurting me.” Liam glared at me with a fake smile. “You should be glad I didn’t kill you.” Liam’s tone was too fierce. I looked at him pitifully, tears falling uncooperatively. “Liam Sterling, is it because in your eyes, a motherless child like me is particularly easy to bully? People around me say orphans like me won’t have anyone stand up for them even if bullied to death.” “You forbid me to like Mark, forbid me to date him, forbid me to get angry or lose my temper, and now you hurt me, and you forbid me to even complain.” Liam frowned tightly, uncomfortable with my crying. He let go and saw my wrist was red from his pinch. I murmured: “I clearly didn’t want anything. I just wanted a small home, wanted someone to like me, wanted someone to protect me.” Liam stood silently with a gloomy face. He sighed helplessly and sat on the edge of the bed as if resigning to fate. He couldn’t stand seeing me cry anymore and quickly changed the subject. “Does your wrist hurt badly? Need to go to the hospital?” I shook my head. “Just rub it and it’ll be fine.” Liam sighed deeply and reached out to rub my swollen wrist. “It hurts… be gentle.” Liam frowned, as if annoyed by my fussiness. “How about this? Better?” I nodded: “You can go deeper.” Liam: “…That’s called pressing harder.” When I wanted to say something dirty again, Liam interrupted me impatiently. “Shut up, bear it even if it hurts! You deserve it!” After speaking, seeing me looking at him dully, he realized his words were too harsh. He awkwardly compensated: “It’s my first time doing this kind of thing. It’s inevitable not to do it well. Bear with me.” I nodded. “As long as you’re enjoying yourself, I’ll bear with it.” Liam’s frown never relaxed. He felt my words were very wrong, but thinking about it carefully, they seemed to make sense. Correcting every word would make him seem too petty. Liam simply stopped thinking about it and concentrated on treating the injury on my wrist. He turned his back to the bedroom door. The light seeping in from under the door was half blocked by someone else’s shadow. Mark stared at the closed and locked door in front of him, silent for a long time. My and Liam’s voices faintly reached his ears through the door panel. The cigarette between Mark’s fingers had burned out, the scarlet fire scorching his skin red, but he was unaware. After a long time, Mark came back to his senses. He revealed a bitter smile and murmured in a low voice: “What right do I have to be jealous?” “It’s the path I chose myself, who can I blame…”

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My husband was celebrating another woman’s birthday. The despair had hollowed me out, leaving me standing on the edge of the penthouse balcony. Just as I prepared to step over the railing, a torrent of text—a frantic, unsolicited Live Feed—flashed across my vision. [DON’T YOU DARE, SIS! That dog of a man will be on his knees for you soon!] [If you die now, you’ll miss the whole damn show where he regrets everything!] [Don’t believe us? Two minutes. He’s going to text you to run a bath and wait up for him!] I stood there, paralyzed by the sheer audacity of the words. A split-second later, my phone vibrated in my hand. Gavin: On my way home. Run a bath for me, will you? The text was there. Exactly two minutes later. I believed. This wasn’t a hallucination; it was a divine, chaotic intervention sent to teach me how to win my life back. So, following the bizarre instructions of The Feed, I adjusted the subtle, suggestive bruise on my neck—a deliberately ambiguous red mark—and braced myself to greet my late-returning husband. 1 The sound of the lock turning in the door was my cue. I took a deep, steadying breath and opened the door. Gavin Caldwell was standing there, his arms wrapped around a heavily intoxicated Gwen Foster. The air around him was thick with expensive cologne and stale alcohol. His brow was furrowed in his usual, preemptive scowl, ready with his standard excuse. “She had too much, I was just—” “I actually have to go out tonight.” I cut him off before his practiced denial could fully form, my voice as soft and inviting as a spring tide. He froze. I stepped aside, offering him a pleasant smile. “Just get her settled. Take a shower and get some rest when you’re done. Don’t worry about the house; the cleaning crew will handle it tomorrow.” This stream of cooperative, not-a-tear-in-sight, utterly accommodating dialogue stunned him into silence. Gavin’s gaze finally pulled away from his confusion and landed on me. For the first time in months, he looked at me like I was a stranger he was assessing. I was wearing a sleek black silk slip dress, which subtly defined curves I hadn’t let him see in years, and his eyes snagged immediately on the glaring red mark high on my neck. His face darkened instantly. “What is that on your neck?!” Gavin’s voice held a rare, shaky tremor. I instinctively reached up to cover it, feigning a fleeting moment of panic. “It’s nothing, probably… a mosquito bite?” Without waiting to see the full fury on his face, I grabbed my clutch from the sofa, clicked my heels, and walked straight past him. “Where in God’s name are you going?!” His voice, tight with suppressed rage, exploded behind me. I didn’t turn back, leaving him only with the image of my confident, swaying silhouette. Outside, the cool night air sent a shiver down my spine. I leaned against the exterior wall, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm. “Feed,” I whispered to the empty air, “was that… was that right?” Instantly, the dense lines of text swarmed around me again. [YES! Absolutely! You are the QUEEN!] [Did you see the look on that dog’s face? I’m living for this!] [You were too much of a good girl before, Helena! He thought you were his permanent fixture!] [Remember: Good women get a nice headstone; bad women get everything!] I thought of Gavin’s stunned, disbelieving fury—a sign of engagement and attention I hadn’t received from him in ages. I felt a rush of adrenaline. I believed The Feed more than ever. [You need to commit to the bit! Sis, go to a nightclub! Let him spin out trying to find you!] A nightclub? I was naturally reserved; I barely dared to raise my voice. But The Feed was relentless, a hundred invisible hands pushing me forward. The deafening music, the flashing, dizzying lights, the writhing mass of people on the dance floor. I perched awkwardly in a corner, nursing a single drink for ages without taking a sip. [Don’t be shy, Queen! You’re gorgeous! Own it!] [Get up! Feel the rhythm! Release the demon!] Fueled by the chaotic energy of The Feed and the atmosphere, I found myself, almost involuntarily, stepping onto the dance floor. My movements were stiff at first, but slowly, I let the music consume me. For the first time, I realized how exhilarating dancing could be. When I was finally exhausted, I returned to the booth and picked up my phone, which I’d silenced. The screen blazed with: Missed Calls (27) Gavin Caldwell. My husband, who had been emotionally distant for an entire year, had called me twenty-seven times? 2 After a year of me being the one desperately trying to reach him, the sight of those missed calls was deeply satisfying. [Ignore him! Let him stew! He needs to know what it’s like to be cut off!] I dutifully slipped the phone back into my bag, a sly smile creeping onto my face. Honey, I thought, it’s not that I don’t want to call you back. It’s that I need to make you… fall in love with me again. You’ll understand, right? I stayed out all night. I returned to the apartment the next morning, exhausted and faintly nauseous from the lingering scent of alcohol. The living room light was on. Gavin was slumped on the sofa, his eyes bloodshot, an overflowing ashtray at his feet. Seeing me, he bolted toward me, grabbing my wrist with a desperate urgency. His voice was hoarse. “Where were you?!” I caught the cloying, residual scent of Gwen’s perfume on his shirt. When I remained silent, his face contorted in disbelief. “This isn’t like you! You never stay out all night!” I lifted my eyes and blinked innocently. “What’s the big deal about staying out late?” “Gavin, we’re adults. Doesn’t everyone need their own life?” My retort silenced him instantly. The bloodshot eyes, for the first time, held a foreign mix of confusion and a flicker of genuine panic. “Isn’t that what you always used to tell me?” I tilted my head, smiling sweetly. “You said you were busy. You said you had obligations. You said… adults always need their own space.” I tossed his own dismissive, well-worn phrases right back at him. My heart was racing, my palms sweating from the sheer tension of the performance. [Steady, Queen! Don’t break character! You are now the Empress Helena Barrett!] [Yes! Fight fire with fire! So satisfying!] The Feed provided an infinite well of nerve. Just then, the master bedroom door clicked open. Gwen Foster, swathed in an oversized silk robe, rubbed her sleepy eyes and strolled out, radiating a lazy, practiced sensuality. That robe was my favorite one. In the past, this sight would have sent me into a jealous frenzy, ready to claw her eyes out. [The mistress is here! High drama alert! Remember, whoever loses their temper first, loses the game!] I took a deep breath. Calmness was my greatest weapon. Gwen feigned surprise upon seeing me, covering her mouth with a hand, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. “Oh, Helena! You’re back! I’m so sorry, I drank too much last night, and Gavin was worried I’d ruin my dress, so he just… he just grabbed one of your robes. You don’t mind, do you?” Gavin’s face was awkward and tight. “Her clothes were stained. I just grabbed the first thing.” “Mind?” I laughed, walking directly up to Gwen. My tone was full of reproach, but directed pointedly at Gavin. “Gavin, how could you give Gwen one of my old, worn-out things? That’s so thoughtless.” I took Gwen’s hand and, with startling affection, led her toward my walk-in closet. Under the astonished gaze of both of them, I pulled a brand-new, never-worn silk slip dress from the closet and pressed it into her hands. “This one’s new; it hasn’t even been worn. The color will look stunning on you. Go put it on, darling. It’s perfect.” [HOLY CRAP! That is next-level queen behavior! Psychological warfare!] [Gwen’s face is GREEN! She tried to provoke you, and you treated her like she was picking up discards!] I ignored their petrified expressions, returned to the bedroom to change into a crisp, business-ready pantsuit, and picked up my bag. Passing through the living room, I stopped at the hallway safe and removed a small velvet box. “Where are you going?! And what is that?!” 3 Gavin finally snapped out of his shock and grabbed my wrist. I gently, but firmly, pulled my hand away and opened the box. Inside, nestled on the satin lining, was a brilliant sapphire jewelry set. “Oh, this?” I picked it up, my tone intimate, laced with playful complaint. “The ‘Azure Heart,’ remember? The one you spent eight million at auction for the year we got married? The same set… you wanted to give Gwen but never did.” Gavin’s pupils contracted sharply. I looked at Gwen with a faux-apologetic expression. “I’m sorry, Gwen, it’s not that I’m stingy. It’s just that Mrs. Sinclair, the wife of the CEO of Sinclair Holdings—the massive account Caldwell Industries is chasing—saw this set a few days ago. I’m meeting Mrs. Sinclair for afternoon tea today. I’m giving her this as a gift to finalize the partnership.” “Are you insane?!” Gavin’s voice trembled with disbelief. “You know how much you cherished this set! You wouldn’t even let me touch it back then!” “I’ve had a change of heart,” I looked at him earnestly, my gaze clear. “It’s just jewelry. It’s been sitting there gathering dust. It should be used to achieve greater value, don’t you think?” I smiled, closed the box, and patted his shoulder. “You two enjoy your time at home. I’m leaving.” I clicked my heels and walked out without looking back. As I got into my car and closed the door, I held the velvet box to my chest, and a sharp, familiar pain pinched my heart. After all, this was once my most treasured proof of his love. Giving it away, no matter the reason, hurt. [Don’t be sad, sis! You have to risk the bait to catch the whale!] [Closing the Sinclair deal means at least fifty million in profit for Caldwell Industries! You’re a shareholder! You’re getting paid!] [Think bigger! You traded his tainted jewelry for money and power! Most importantly, he will see you in a completely new light!] I looked at The Feed, took a deep breath, and nodded firmly. The Feed was right. I needed to think bigger. Sacrificing a material object for a massive business advantage was absolutely worth it. When I presented “The Azure Heart” to Mrs. Sinclair, the look of unbridled delight in her eyes was all the assurance I needed. Predictably, the partnership between Sinclair Holdings and Caldwell Industries was swiftly finalized, and I was personally named the lead project liaison by Mrs. Sinclair herself. The following days were a whirlwind. I plunged back into the corporate world I had abandoned three years ago, absorbing everything like a sponge. Meetings, reports, corporate dinners… my schedule was packed tight. [Go, Queen! Let him see how utterly captivating you are when you focus on your career!] [That’s right! Ignore him! Men only slow down your money flow!] 4 The Live Feed was my unwavering support system. I could feel Gavin’s eyes constantly lingering on me, filled with curiosity and a complex emotion I couldn’t quite decipher. But I had no time to respond. Firstly, The Feed forbade it; secondly, I was genuinely too busy. The night of the massive celebration gala, as the project lead, I was required to attend with Gavin. I changed into a champagne-colored mermaid gown, which perfectly sculpted my slender figure. When I stepped out, Gavin was leaning against the wall, waiting. The moment he saw me, his breath visibly hitched, and his eyes held a look of undisguised admiration. I felt a surge of secret satisfaction but kept my face cool. I merely asked, “Shall we go?” His Adam’s apple bobbed. He silently stepped forward and opened the door for me. Just as we were about to leave, a syrupy voice chirped from the side. “Gavin, darling, Helena! Where are you two off to?” Gwen materialized seemingly out of nowhere, holding a glass of deep violet juice. She took a theatrical stumble and lunged straight toward me! The icy liquid splattered across my champagne dress, instantly spreading a large, glaring stain. “Oh! I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry, Helena!” Gwen shrieked in manufactured distress, tears instantly welling up. “I didn’t mean to… I just slipped… What are we going to do? Tonight’s gala is so important. You can’t go without a dress. We can’t let Gavin go alone, can we?” She was apologizing, but every word carried a clear implication. Gavin’s initial surprise turned into a hesitant look as he saw my ruined dress. After a few seconds of silence, he actually spoke. “Maybe… Helena, you should go home and change. We’re running out of time. I can take Gwen to the venue for now.” [NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!] [The audacity of this man! Can he really not see through that manipulative witch?!] [If you obey, Queen, all your efforts will be for nothing! He will immediately revert to treating you like the pitiful, disposable wife you used to be!] I looked up at Gavin’s hesitant, yet somehow entitled, expression. Without a moment of hesitation, I swung my hand and delivered a clean, sharp slap across his face. “Snap!” The loud crack echoed through the marble entryway. Gavin’s head jerked to the side. He stared at me in stunned disbelief. “She’s immature, but you, Gavin? You should know better.” My voice was icy. Then I turned to Gwen, who was still mid-act, covering her mouth, a triumphant glint in her eyes. “Snap! Snap!” I backhanded her twice, the force sending her sprawling onto the floor, momentarily stunned.

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My father-in-law passed away, and my mother-in-law, a woman hopelessly obsessed with a fairytale romance, took his entire inheritance and began showering it on her high school sweetheart. He told her he wouldn’t leave his wife until she gave him a child. But my mother-in-law, Brenda, couldn’t conceive. So, she did the unthinkable: she secretly swapped my and my husband’s IVF embryo with one of her own. I carried the child for ten months. The day I gave birth, her old flame dropped dead of a heart attack. Brenda was devastated. Later, when our baby needed a blood transfusion, tests revealed the baby’s blood type didn’t match my husband’s. Brenda turned on me, accusing me of cheating and plastering the story all over social media. My husband, David, consumed by disappointment, divorced me. I was cyberbullied, isolated, and lost my job. To hide her secret forever, Brenda smothered the infant and framed me for the murder. With no one to believe me, I chose to prove my innocence the only way I had left. I jumped from a building. It was only after I died that I learned the other, more terrifying truth. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day Brenda swapped the embryos. This time, I swapped them right back. And this time, I would calmly give birth to my child and wait for Brenda to light her own funeral pyre. 1 “This is amazing, honey! The clinic just called—the transfer was a success! I’m finally going to be a father! A father to a son!” Watching David’s eyes well up with tears of joy, I stood frozen. I was back. I had been reborn, sent back to a time before the tragedy unfolded. My body still ached with the phantom pain of hitting the concrete, a brutal reminder that my previous life had been no nightmare. It was real. David noticed my silence and misinterpreted it. He thought I was having second thoughts about the pregnancy, since it would mean pausing my career as a live-streamer. He tried to soothe me. “Jenna, I know your influencer career brings in more money than my job, but you’re always so public, you know? People talk. Why don’t you just quit?” “Don’t worry,” he continued, “I’ll have my mom take care of you. And every penny I earn will go toward your health and the baby’s.” In my last life, those words had moved me to tears. I’d agreed instantly, quitting my job to become a full-time mom. I had no idea that the baby growing inside me wasn’t mine at all. It was the IVF baby of my mother-in-law and her married high school flame. After my father-in-law died, Brenda claimed she was holding onto the inheritance for our future child. In reality, she was spending every last cent on Arthur, the man she’d pined for her whole life. She bought him cars and watches, desperately trying to replace his wife. But Arthur wanted a child, something Brenda could no longer give him. So, she turned her sights on me. On this exact day in my previous life, David and I had gone to the clinic, completely oblivious. After the successful transfer, Brenda doted on me, and I was filled with gratitude. I even covered for her when she was constantly out of the house. I never imagined that the ten months of pain and discomfort I endured were for another woman’s scheme. After I gave birth, Arthur died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Brenda, still determined to have David and me raise her child, kept the secret, even pushing us to get the baby a birth certificate. The truth only came out at the one-month celebration when the baby had a small accident. The blood type didn’t match David’s. Terrified of the scandal, Brenda immediately pointed the finger at me, accusing me of having an affair. But the baby wasn’t biologically mine, either. Back then, the idea that Brenda could do something so monstrous was inconceivable. I had no way to prove my innocence. A paternity test confirmed David was not the father. His disappointment curdled into rage. He slapped me across the face and demanded a divorce. My pleas were useless; he refused to believe me. Brenda posted a video of our fight online, cementing my reputation as an adulteress. My former agency cut all ties with me. I had no income, only the constant barrage of hate from strangers online and the scorn of neighbors and relatives in person. As the scandal grew and David wanted nothing to do with the child, Brenda panicked. Fearing the truth would come out, she quietly smothered the baby in its crib and framed me for the murder. I was sentenced to ten years in prison. In my despair, I took my own life. My spirit floated free, and I watched Brenda clinging to Arthur’s tombstone, her sobs echoing through the cemetery. It was then that I heard her confess everything, wailing about how unfair her life was. “You left me all alone, Arthur! I don’t want to live anymore either!” My soul trembled with rage. Her pathetic, love-sick fantasy had cost me everything. Did I deserve to suffer the consequences of her obsession? Thinking of how she had systematically destroyed me, I knew one thing for certain. This time, she would pay. If she loved drama so much, I would give her a performance she’d never forget. 2 This time, I didn’t foolishly quit my job. I applied for maternity leave, with plans to work for the first few months of the pregnancy. David was annoyed. “Either you get your mom to give us the inheritance money now,” I said coolly, “or we’re not discussing my job.” “What’s that supposed to mean? Mom already said she’s saving it for us.” I didn’t expose her lie. I wanted David to find that out for himself. “That’s my condition. Go ask your mother.” When we arrived at the clinic, Brenda was just walking out. A flash of guilt crossed her face before she replaced it with a warm, motherly smile. “Oh, there you are! I’ve been waiting forever!” I just smiled back. Before they wheeled me into the procedure room, I asked the doctor to run a final check on my embryo. When he saw the discrepancy, the color drained from his face. “It’s okay,” I whispered to him. “Just swap them back. This stays between us.” The doctor, immensely grateful, promised to keep it a secret from my family. As for the other vial, I tucked it into my purse. I spent a week recovering, letting Brenda and David wait on me hand and foot. I made sure to be as demanding as possible. “I’m craving the pot roast from that place on the east side.” David grabbed his car keys. “I’ll go get it!” Then, to Brenda: “I can’t just eat meat. I need some fruit. Mom, could you run downstairs and buy some?” Brenda, already sweating from running up and down the hospital floors, dutifully went. The pregnant woman in the bed next to me watched with envy. “Your husband and mother-in-law are so good to you!” I smirked. “It’s the least they can do.” Once I was discharged, I made a special pot of soup for Brenda. She sniffed it, wrinkling her nose. “This smells a bit off. Is the meat bad?” I leaned against David and started to cry. “Does… does Mom not like my cooking?” I stroked my belly dramatically. “Oh, little one, I hope Mommy’s bad mood isn’t affecting you.” Hearing that, Brenda grabbed the bowl and chugged the entire thing down. Not long after, she was clutching her stomach and running for the bathroom. She made the trip half a dozen times, finally emerging with her legs trembling. “What on earth was in that soup?” she asked, her voice shaky. I glanced at the empty hospital vial in the trash can and simply smiled. With the baby as my leverage, David and Brenda were wrapped around my finger. Five months into my pregnancy, I started my official maternity leave. A few days later, I got a call from my boss. She told me my husband, David, had submitted a resignation letter on my behalf. My boss knew I hadn’t planned to quit, so she called to confirm before processing the paperwork. The glass I was holding slipped from my hand and shattered on the floor. I quickly assured her it was a mistake and that I fully intended to return to work. Relieved, she wished me well with the rest of my pregnancy. After hanging up, I was seething. That night, I confronted David. He looked guilty. “I was just worried you were overworking yourself.” “Did you get the money from your mom yet?” I pressed. He stammered, “Mom said… she said it’s in a long-term deposit. She can’t take it out right now.” That was it. I snapped. In a fit of rage, I flipped the dining table over. “I don’t care! If you don’t get that money back, you can forget about having a peaceful life!” David threw his hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay! I’ll go! Just be careful! The baby!” Later that night, I woke up and overheard him talking with Brenda in the living room. “The money just isn’t accessible right now!” Brenda insisted. “But Mom, Jenna’s going crazy! That baby is our family’s last hope!” Brenda sounded completely confident. “Don’t worry. Once that baby is born, she won’t be able to cause any trouble at all.” Of course. She still thought the baby in my belly was hers. She was just waiting for the birth to unleash her storm of lies.

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