Category: English

At the altar, through the delicate lace of the veil, I saw it. My fiancée, the woman I was supposed to marry, had been replaced. Instead of exploding, I gave the fake bride the wedding of a lifetime. Because in my previous life, I’d publicly exposed the stand-in bride, tearing the whole ceremony apart. Forcing Celeste, who was practically glued to her childhood sweetheart, Felix, in his hospital room, to reluctantly return and marry me. But her beloved Felix, refusing treatment, died on the operating table. When the devastating news hit, I urged Celeste to see him one last time. She refused, her voice chillingly dismissive: “Blame his bad luck, then. Not mine.” After the wedding, we seemed blissfully happy. I kept pouring money from my family’s fortune into her company, pulling it back from the brink of collapse. But on Felix’s death anniversary, my wife pushed me from the top floor of our company building. I plummeted, crashing onto the pavement below, my body utterly mangled. As I plunged, the wind tearing at me, I saw her face – awash with tears: “If you hadn’t forced me to marry me, Felix wouldn’t have died!” “You took me, but I lost Felix forever. How dare you live so happily?” It all clicked into place. She had always resented me for Felix’s death, never showing me an ounce of genuine affection. Then, I opened my eyes, and I was back at my wedding to Celeste.

“Bride, do you take this handsome man beside you to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer…” “I… I do.” The woman’s voice, muffled through the veil, sounded tight, almost strained. The guests whispered, full of praise. They believed Celeste Vance, from the prominent Vance family, was so deeply in love that she was pushing through a terrible cold just to finish this grand wedding, terrified of upsetting me. “Hold on.” The woman beneath the veil, her eyes darting nervously, had fine beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. I smiled, my voice laced with fake concern. “Celeste, you don’t look too good. Are you feeling overwhelmed?” She nervously cleared her throat. “Yes, I…” I subtly signaled the Officiant to halt the proceedings, then gently led the bride into a private lounge. On the table, my phone vibrated. More than a dozen unread messages, all from Felix. 【You know the bride’s a fake now, right? Surprise! Celeste and I are watching your wedding livestream together.】 Attached was a photo: Celeste, her head nestled intimately on Felix’s shoulder, looking completely relaxed and at ease. 【Oh, and I forgot to mention, this whole ‘stand-in bride’ idea? It was mine. This wedding is just a little game she’s playing to keep me entertained.】 I quickly typed a reply and hit send. 【Really? Want to bet that one call from me, and she’ll ditch you and come crawling back, begging for my forgiveness?】 Just as I expected, the other end of the line went completely silent. Perfect. The bait was taken. I tucked away my phone and turned to the silent bride beside me. She looked at me, a flicker of apprehension in her eyes. “Actually, I… I…” I patted her shoulder. “Aria, relax.” A wave of relief washed over her. “So, you knew all along.” After a moment of silence, she seemed to steel herself, taking a deep breath. “Celeste isn’t worth marrying. She only arranged this today to deliberately humiliate you.” I leaned closer. “I didn’t stop the wedding to expose you. I just need you to play a part with me.” Only after I died in my previous life did I learn that Aria had quietly watched over me for years. When news of my death broke, she was the only one who didn’t believe it was an accident. Later, she discovered Celeste was the killer, but without concrete proof, she chose to confront Celeste on my death anniversary, dragging her down with her in a final act of vengeance. Tears inexplicably welled in my eyes. Aria, seeing them, started to reach out, then hesitated, her hand freezing in mid-air. “If you feel… wronged by this, I could…” I looked at her, my gaze unwavering. “Aria, listen carefully. You are the woman I want to marry.” When we returned to the ballroom, the Officiant smiled, announcing, “Now, the exchange of rings, please.” I picked up the ring, and as I slid it onto her finger, I deliberately made it catch, stopping just before her knuckle. She looked embarrassed, trying to push it further, but I gently held her hand, stopping her. Below us, the guests began to murmur, their whispers buzzing like a hive of disturbed bees. “What’s going on? Is the ring the wrong size?” “How could they mess up something so important? The Sterling and Vance families are usually so meticulous!” In the audience, Celeste’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vance, instantly blanched. They exchanged a frantic glance, panic and unease flashing in their eyes. Clearly, they’d known about Celeste’s little farce all along, but hadn’t stopped it. My own mother, Mrs. Sterling, frowned deeply, her gaze filled with worry as she looked at me. I gave her a reassuring look, a silent promise that everything was under control. Then, under the stunned, uncertain gazes of everyone present, I lifted Aria’s veil. “Oh my God! The bride isn’t Celeste!” “Then where’s the real bride?”

Celeste’s mother, Mrs. Vance, was the first to react. She stormed onto the stage, completely abandoning all decorum. “What in the world is going on?! Who are you?!” Mr. Vance’s face was ashen with fury. He bellowed at the chaotic crowd of guests and reporters, “Everyone, quiet down! There’s been a minor hiccup with the wedding, it will be resolved immediately!” How utterly delightful. In my previous life, I was the one panicking on this stage. Now, it was Celeste’s parents. My mother, Mrs. Sterling, had also risen, clearly alarmed, her eyes fixed on me. “Liam, what is happening?” I turned and gave my parents a reassuring glance. Under the stunned gaze of everyone present, I took Aria’s hand. “Thank you all for coming today to celebrate the wedding of Aria and myself. Due to a minor oversight, there was a mix-up with the wedding invitations and the rings.” I paused, then continued, “However, it’s nothing serious. The wedding will proceed as planned.” Beside me, Aria straightened, her head held high, meeting the bewildered gazes of the crowd with serene confidence. Mrs. Vance, shaking with rage, glared at me. “Liam, you’re insane! Do you have any idea what you’re doing?!” Mr. Vance rushed forward too, hissing at me under his breath, “Liam, stop this nonsense! Call off the wedding, now!” I ignored them, instead turning and handing the microphone to the stand-in beside me. “Aria, tell everyone why you’re standing here today.” Aria exchanged a knowing look with me, her voice calm and clear as she spoke into the mic. “I’m standing here today because Celeste offered me fifty thousand dollars to impersonate her at the wedding.” At her words, the entire ballroom erupted in a collective gasp, then a furious uproar. “What?! She paid someone to marry in her place?” “My God, is Celeste insane?” Exposed so publicly, Mr. and Mrs. Vance’s faces drained of all color, leaving them ghostly white. My father, Mr. Sterling, exploded in a fit of rage. He pointed a trembling finger at Mr. Vance, yelling, “So this is the Vance family?! This is Celeste?! To treat my son’s future, his life, as some pathetic game?! This is an absolute outrage! You’ve gone too far!” My mother, Mrs. Sterling, her eyes blazing red with fury, stormed onto the stage. She pulled me behind her, then turned to the Vances, her voice cutting like ice. “This wedding is off! From this day forward, the Sterling family will have absolutely no ties, no connection, with the Vance family!” Seeing the lucrative family alliance crumble before her eyes, Mrs. Vance panicked. “Liam, Celeste was just being foolish, a silly prank! I’ll call her right now, she’ll come immediately to apologize to you.” I smirked, a cold smile playing on my lips. “Fine. I’ll give her one more chance. If you can get her on the phone, I’ll pretend none of this ever happened.” Aria’s hand tightened in mine. I leaned down, whispering, “Don’t worry. Celeste won’t be coming back.” Mrs. Vance, clinging to that last desperate lifeline, frantically dialed Celeste’s number. Once, twice, a third time… Each time, the same cold, automated female voice answered: “We’re sorry, the number you have dialed is currently switched off.” I feigned disappointment. “Well, it seems Miss Vance isn’t interested in returning.” “Security, escort these irrelevant individuals out.” Mr. and Mrs. Vance were practically dragged out by security, their faces illuminated by the frantic flashes of countless excited reporters, shoved right into their faces. My mother squeezed my hand, not asking a single question, only repeating, “Liam, whatever decision you make, your father and I will support you.” My father simply clapped my shoulder, and a warmth spread through my chest. In my previous life, my insistence on marrying Celeste had caused a deep rift with my family. After my death, they’d aged decades overnight from grief. This time, I wouldn’t make the same mistake. And as for Celeste, the real mastermind behind all this, I wouldn’t let her off easy. As soon as the altered wedding ceremony concluded, I called my assistant. “Immediately terminate all partnerships with the Vance family, and withdraw every single penny of our invested capital. Leave nothing behind.”

The news of my marriage to Aria didn’t spread quickly. The Vance family, desperate to stabilize their plummeting stock, had someone suppress the news. Right after the wedding, Aria and I rushed to get legally married. Afterward, she told me she had to go out of the country for a few days on urgent business. Meanwhile, a completely oblivious Celeste had spent two blissful days living it up with Felix in their lavish villa. It wasn’t until later that she finally, belatedly, realized something was off. Usually, by now, I would have made a massive scene, practically dragging her back home. But there was nothing. Complete silence. Celeste absently scrolled through her phone, not even registering Felix’s voice calling her name. No, this man must be playing hard to get. A smug smile curled on Celeste’s lips. I’ve spoiled him too much, clearly. I hadn’t expected to run into those two utterly infuriating individuals at my father’s business gala. Celeste noticed me first. But when she saw me chatting with another woman, her expression instantly clouded over, dark as a storm. Felix, seeing me, subtly leaned against Celeste, feigning weakness. “Celeste, I’m not feeling so good. My head is spinning.” Celeste solicitously helped him, but her gaze, seemingly casual, kept flickering towards me. She was probably waiting for me to approach her. Too bad. I was happy to disappoint her. From start to finish, I didn’t spare her so much as a sidelong glance. She finally couldn’t take it anymore. She strode over to our table, slammed her wine glass down, and declared, “Liam, are you still mad because I hired a stand-in for our wedding?” I didn’t even bother to look at her, making to leave. “I missed the last wedding because Felix was sick, it was an emergency, that’s why I wasn’t there!” Felix, feigning instability, lurched forward and blocked my path. “Mr. Sterling, please don’t blame Celeste. It’s all my fault, my weak body messed up your wedding…” Celeste, listening to him, scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips as she looked at me. “Liam, I never realized how petty you were! It was just a wedding, for crying out loud!” As she spoke, she reached out, a sense of entitlement in her gesture, to grab my arm. My eyes turned to ice. I sharply yanked my arm away. “Miss Vance, show some self-respect.” “Didn’t your parents tell you about the wedding?” Celeste froze. “Tell me what?” Felix, a panicked look on his face, grabbed my wrist. “Mr. Sterling, don’t do this! Celeste was only looking out for you…” He spouted conciliatory words, but his nails dug sharply into my skin, making me gasp in pain. I violently flung his hand off. “Get lost!” “Ah—!” Felix stumbled backward, collapsing onto the floor in an undignified heap. Celeste’s eyes blazed with fury. She rushed to help Felix up, then rounded on me, screaming, “You lunatic! Apologize to Felix right now!” I sneered, then gestured to the security guards rushing over. “Security, throw them out!” Celeste’s face was livid with rage. “Don’t think this pathetic stunt will get my attention! If you just behave, I’ll go get the marriage license with you in a few days.” She genuinely believed that if she just ‘returned,’ I’d immediately fall at her feet, overflowing with gratitude. I smiled. “But I’m already married.”

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My foster mother shoved me out of the car when she fled. I hit my head hard, leaving me with the mind of a five-year-old. After that, I became even more docile, more obedient. When my birth parents finally found me, the fake daughter wouldn’t let me in, throwing a fit and threatening to kill herself. She stood by the shallow pool, barely a foot deep, wailing about jumping in, “If this family can’t accept me, then I’ll just die!” But she just stood there, hesitating. I innocently walked over, cautiously extending my hands, and pushed her in. “Scarlett, I’ll help you.” A splash! My mom and dad stared at me, their eyes wide with shock. When my birth parents finally found me and brought me home, I hadn’t even stepped through the door yet. Scarlett, the fake daughter, was already standing by the villa’s pool, sobbing hysterically. “Mom, Dad, I’m the daughter you raised for fifteen years! Are you abandoning me?” Seeing her cry, Mom’s eyes immediately welled up with sympathetic tears. “Scarlett, it’s not like that.” “You’ll always be our good daughter, we’ll always love you.” Scarlett shook her head frantically, tearing at her own hair. “Then why did you bring her back? Send her away!” She pointed at me, her gaze filled with pure hatred. I clutched my teddy bear, shrinking behind Dad, terrified. Dad spoke with a troubled voice, “Scarlett, didn’t the orphanage and the police contact us after they found her? Please don’t blame Mom and Dad, okay?” “Now that Alyssa is found, it wouldn’t be right not to bring her home, would it?” Hearing this, Scarlett calmed down slightly. I hated it when adults argued. When my foster mom and dad fought when I was little, they would beat me. Brenda would grab me, her teeth gritted, and hit my bottom hard. “It’s all your fault, you good-for-nothing!” “Why aren’t you dead yet?” Frank wouldn’t be outdone. He’d grab the leather belt nearby and lash my back like a madman. “Don’t you dare cry, you’re so annoying!” As they beat me, they’d even compete to see who left the deepest red marks. So, I learned to please adults very early on. Every day, I had to be extra careful, afraid they’d be in a bad mood, afraid they’d suddenly start fighting. Watching Scarlett and Mom and Dad argue, their faces flushed with anger, I was so scared. Wanting to change the subject, I cautiously spoke. “Mom, Dad, is Scarlett really Foster Mom’s biological daughter? Foster Mom used to miss Scarlett a lot.” Mom immediately squeezed her eyes shut at me. I didn’t understand. “Mom, are your eyes hurting?” Scarlett looked at Mom and Dad, tears streaming down her face. Mom looked anxious, pulling me out from behind Dad. “Don’t talk nonsense! Go apologize to Scarlett!” I was confused. “But you said…” Before I could finish, Mom pushed me towards Scarlett. Scarlett looked at Mom and Dad, her voice trembling with injustice, “Mom, Dad, it’s all my fault for not being your real daughter. I shouldn’t be taking Alyssa’s place.” “If this family can’t accept me, then I’ll just die!” She edged little by little towards the pool. But she still didn’t jump. I hugged my teddy bear, walked over obediently, and carefully, tremblingly, reached out and pushed her in. “Scarlett, I’ll help you.” A splash! Mom and Dad stared at me, their eyes wide with shock.

“Ah! Help me!” Scarlett tumbled into the water, bobbing up and down, struggling desperately. I smiled, stroking my teddy bear’s head. “Beary, don’t be scared. We helped Scarlett.” “Now Scarlett will be happy.” Mom and Dad were still frozen, staring blankly at me. “Dad! Mom! Help!” Scarlett’s cries rang out again, jolting Dad into action. He plunged into the pool and pulled Scarlett out. As soon as Scarlett was out, she pushed me away violently, throwing herself into Mom’s arms. I was shoved to the ground. My little bear rolled right into the pool. Scarlett, her eyes brimming with tears, wailed, “Mom, Dad, Alyssa tried to kill me! Wahhh! I don’t know what I did to make her hate me so much!” Mom and Dad quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped her up tightly, comforting her with worried faces. They didn’t even notice my favorite bear had been pushed into the pool. I stood by the edge of the pool, crying anxiously. “Beary, don’t be scared! I’m coming to save you!” Splash! I jumped into the pool. I desperately swam towards my sinking bear, forgetting I couldn’t swim. I finally grabbed Beary. But I couldn’t breathe. I slowly sank, just like when Brenda threw me into the river before, watching the surface of the water get farther and farther away. Mom and Dad on the bank didn’t notice me at all. Once again, I quietly closed my eyes. When I was little, I was washing clothes by the river in winter. The water was so cold my hands went numb. I accidentally let a piece of clothing get swept away by the current. When Brenda found out, she simply threw me into the icy river. I struggled frantically, while Brenda stood on the bank, yelling angrily. “You worthless brat! I’m going to teach you a lesson today!” “Let’s see if you dare to be lazy again!” But I was always so obedient, I never was lazy. That day, as I sank into the icy river, scenes from my life flashed before my eyes like a movie. Tiny me, cooking on the stove. Being beaten savagely by my foster parents. And endless, hateful curses… When I vaguely woke up, I found myself in a hospital bed. The doctor next to me spoke regretfully, “The head trauma has left Alyssa with the intelligence of a five-year-old. But if she receives proper training, there’s a chance she might recover in the future.” Dad sighed deeply. “Doctor, please take care of Alyssa’s rehabilitation from now on.” The doctor hesitated. “There’s one more thing. We just examined Alyssa and found her body covered in injuries. Should we report it to the police?” Hearing this, Mom walked closer to me. She pulled up my clothes. The moment they saw my body covered in scars, Mom and Dad froze, their eyes both reddening.

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On my wedding night, my heart was soaring as the veil was gently lifted. But the face looking back wasn’t Damian’s. It was Liam, the “Idiot” son of Damian’s family’s housekeeper. Laughter erupted around us, mocking and cruel. Serena, Damian’s childhood friend, smirked, her voice dripping with fake pity: “Since the veil has been lifted, by tradition, you have to spend your wedding night with the groom.” Then she turned to Damian, batting her eyelashes. “I’ll make the sacrifice, Damian darling. I’ll keep you company tonight instead.” It was only then that Damian casually strolled in. “Chill out, Cassidy. It’s just a prank. Don’t be such a sore loser.” He shrugged, a dismissive sneer on his face. “Anyway, he’s an idiot. He won’t know anything. Spending one night with him won’t kill you.” His sarcastic tone, his cruel indifference – it made me laugh. A cold, bitter laugh. “If he’s the one who lifted my veil, then one night won’t be enough, will it?” My voice was icy. “If I’m marrying him, I’m marrying him for life.”

My bridesmaids, who had been expecting a harmless prank, stared, dumbfounded. “Are you serious, Damian? You want Cassidy to spend her wedding night with… with an idiot?” Chloe burst out, disbelief etched on her face. Ashley chimed in, “It’s your wedding day! Even a joke has limits!” Damian just scoffed, raising an arrogant eyebrow. “What’s it to you? My fiancée doesn’t mind, so why are you making a big deal out of it?” He walked up to me, his voice dropping to a low, menacing tone. “Last month, you publicly humiliated Serena and docked her half a year’s bonus. Tonight, I’m getting my revenge for her.” He paused, letting his words hang in the air. “Either you sleep with this idiot for a night, or… our engagement is off!” Threatened by Damian like that, I felt less anger and more a profound sense of absurdity. Last month, Serena, who was my assistant, accompanied me to an auction. But she ignored all my instructions, bidding recklessly during the auction. Our company ended up buying an artifact for far more than our budget. Afterward, I disciplined her according to company policy, and the incident spread through the office. Naturally, it gave Serena a bad reputation. But if she hadn’t ignored my orders, I wouldn’t have wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to company rules, she should have been fired. I only docked her half a year’s bonus as a light punishment, mostly out of respect for Damian. Yet, Damian stubbornly insisted I was just finding an excuse to target Serena and make her look bad. No matter how I tried to explain, he wouldn’t listen, convinced I was cold and ruthless. He forced me to make a public apology, a statement that twisted the facts and painted me as an uncaring boss, all just to “make amends” to Serena. It cost me a lot of respect and damaged my professional standing. Only then did he reluctantly drop the issue. I thought that whole awful episode was behind us. I never imagined it would come back to haunt me like this. My heart, in that moment, turned to ice. To appease Serena, he was willing to orchestrate this ridiculous charade on our wedding day. I could already imagine the gossip, the ridicule that would follow. I’d be the laughingstock of everyone we knew. Damian’s posture screamed his certainty that I loved him too much to defy him. He was smug, convinced that even if this was an obvious trap, I’d willingly jump into it. But what he didn’t know was that even the most passionate love couldn’t endure such reckless extravagance and blatant disrespect. I let out a soft huff, tearing my gaze away from them. Instead, I knelt down on one knee in front of the man who was happily munching on wedding candy. I took his hand, looking up at him. “Liam, will you marry me?” The words had barely left my lips when Damian’s eyes widened, shocked. “Cassidy, are you insane?! I only told you to spend one night in the bridal suite with him. Are you actually going to marry this idiot?” Serena quickly grabbed his arm, whispering urgently, “Damian, calm down. Cassidy would never actually marry a fool like him. She’s just trying to provoke you, waiting for you to back down.” “If you lose your cool now, you’ll be playing right into her hands.” Hearing Serena’s words, Damian stopped, a smirk slowly spreading across his face. “Cassidy, make sure you scrub yourself clean before you come crawling back to me tomorrow. I don’t want to catch anything dirty!” When I ignored him, Damian rolled his eyes. “Well, if the bride wants to marry someone else, then we might as well make up for the bachelor/bachelorette party! Tonight, we party until we drop!” With that, he grabbed Serena and stormed out of the bridal suite without a backward glance. I remained kneeling, my hand suspended in the air, a hollow ache in my chest. Just then, a warm, soft hand gently touched my palm. I instinctively looked up, my eyes meeting Liam’s. He gazed at me, a soft smile slowly curving his lips. His voice was quiet, yet incredibly clear. “I do.”

I was taken aback. For some reason, Liam, despite his childish demeanor, had eyes that were surprisingly clear and bright when he looked at me. But the thought flickered and vanished; I didn’t dwell on it. I softened my voice, trying to coax him. “Liam, since you’ve agreed to marry me, we need to go to City Hall first to get our marriage license. Only then will it count.” I paused, looking into his eyes, and asked again, seriously. “This isn’t just playing house, Liam. Are you sure you’ve thought this through?” Liam didn’t answer. He just clapped his hands happily. Seeing his pure, joyful expression, a bittersweet smile touched my lips. I drove Liam to City Hall myself. During the process, Liam was a handful. When it was time to sign, he held the pen and scribbled wildly, finally managing to scrawl his name crookedly. When it was time for his fingerprint, he found the red ink fascinating. He not only got it all over his hands but accidentally smeared some on his cheek. Liam just giggled foolishly at his smudged, cat-like reflection in the mirror. Soon, two crisp marriage certificates were handed to us. Liam clutched his certificate, his eyes sparkling, holding it to his chest as if it were the most precious treasure. Stepping out of City Hall, I called the driver. I gently stroked Liam’s head, my voice soft. “Liam, why don’t you go back with the driver for now? I have something to take care of, but I’ll be back soon.” Liam looked at me, confused, but nodded obediently. I changed direction, heading alone to that bar. When I pushed open the private room door, only Damian and Serena were left inside. He was meticulously wiping Serena’s mouth with a damp napkin. Her shirt collar was still stained with a bit of vomit. I remembered Damian had severe germaphobia. Once, when I had a bad cold and a fever, I accidentally threw up on the sheets in the middle of the night. He woke up, his first reaction to flinch back, pinch his nose, and snap at me, “Cassidy, that’s disgusting! Can’t you go to the bathroom if you need to throw up?” In the end, I had to change the sheets myself, struggling through my sickness, and he offered no words of concern. That very night, he went to Serena’s place. Yet now, he seemed utterly oblivious to the obvious stains on Serena’s clothes. Serena, somewhat recovered, her eyes hazy with drink, grinned when she saw me. “Cassidy, didn’t you say you were going to spend your wedding night with that idiot? What, regretting it already…?” Damian’s hand didn’t stop, but he gently admonished her, “Serena, don’t say another word.” Then he finally looked at me, his voice flat. “Cassidy, you’ve learned your lesson from today, so I won’t hold it against you. I’ll make up the wedding for you in a few days. I need to take Serena home first; she’s had too much to drink.” Seeing his concern for Serena, contrasted with the cold distance he always showed me, the already frozen part of my heart felt another stab of an ice pick—a dull, sharp pain. The last ripple of emotion in my heart settled into complete stillness. I nodded, then pulled the marriage certificate from my pocket. “Suit yourself. But there’s no need to make up the wedding. Liam and I already got married.” The moment Damian saw the marriage certificate in my hand, his face instantly turned ashen. “Cassidy, are you kidding me? You actually went and married that idiot?!” “I swear, you’re crazy. How could you do something like this? What will people say? How am I supposed to show my face after this?” Even now, all he cared about was his own reputation. After all, if people found out that the daughter of the prominent Montgomery Group abandoned him to marry an idiot, how much would he be ridiculed? At that moment, Serena, still tipsy, scoffed from the side. “Cassidy, I have to admire you. You’d go this far just to spite Damian. But if you want to embarrass yourself, fine. Why drag him down with you?” Hearing her words, I found it utterly absurd. They were the ones who told me to spend the night with Liam. When I said I’d marry Liam, Damian didn’t object. Now they’re blaming me? Serena suddenly dry-heaved again. Some of the mess splattered onto Damian’s sleeve. He yelped, but didn’t push her away. Instead, he anxiously scanned the room. The tissues in the private room were gone. His gaze landed on me, and he urged, panicked, “Cassidy, where’s your handkerchief? Give it to me, fast!” I froze. The handkerchief Damian was referring to was one he had personally embroidered when we first started dating, with our initials on it. He’d told me it was a token of his love, and I should carry it every day. For years, I had treasured it, never letting it leave my side. Now, he was asking for this precious keepsake so casually, to wipe Serena’s mess. My heart shattered into a million pieces. After a moment of silence, I pulled out the handkerchief, my face devoid of emotion. I didn’t hand it to him. Instead, I simply dropped it at his feet. “Damian, we’re done.” He bent down, picked up the handkerchief, and, still busy wiping Serena, impatiently yelled at me, “It’s just a damn handkerchief! Why are you making such a big deal? If it’s dirty, I’ll just wash it. I can buy you a new one later if I have time!” I ignored his words, turning and walking straight out the door. Later… There was no later for us. Seeing I didn’t stop, Damian grew even angrier. “Go ahead and leave, Cassidy! Do you really think I care about being with you?!” “You’ll regret this, eventually. Don’t come crawling back begging me then!”

It was late when I returned to the mansion. Liam was curled up on the living room sofa, asleep, still clutching the marriage certificate tightly. Seeing this, something in my chest softened. I walked over quietly, intending to help him to the bedroom. But Liam woke up with a start, his hazy eyes brightening the moment he recognized me. “You… you’re back.” “Yeah.” I bent down and smiled. “If I come home late from now on, you don’t have to wait up for me. Go to bed when you’re tired.” After settling Liam, I returned to my study. Just then, my phone screen lit up. It was a message from Damian. [Cassidy, come back and apologize to me now, and I might consider forgiving you.] [If you want to be mad and fight with me, fine. But you can’t marry that idiot to spite me!] I stared at the screen, my mind perfectly calm. The words that once could easily sway my emotions now just seemed annoying. I didn’t reply. I simply blocked Damian’s number. The world instantly felt clearer. Early the next morning, I took Liam out. For years, he hadn’t even had his own phone. I figured it would be easier to find him if anything happened. While setting up his new phone plan, I casually saved his number in my contacts. When it came to entering his name, I paused, then deliberately typed two words: “My Husband.” Just as we were about to leave, we ran into Damian and Serena right at the mall entrance. Damian’s gaze was like a knife, cutting through our clasped hands before finally settling on my face. He was a mix of anger and disbelief. “Cassidy, are you seriously still playing house? Dragging that… thatthing around town, aren’t you afraid of embarrassing the Montgomery family?” Serena chimed in, her tone dismissive. “Cassidy, that’s enough. Damian’s anger has passed. Just apologize, and this whole thing can be over.” “Excuse me. We need to go. I’m taking my husband to pick out a wedding dress.” I cut them off directly, my voice devoid of emotion. Hearing me address Liam so intimately, Damian completely exploded. “Cassidy! Have you forgotten how you begged me to be with you? Forgotten how you said you’d only love me your whole life?!” “How long are you going to keep up this charade with that idiot? Are you seriously not going to marry me?!” I stared back at him, then calmly replied, “That’s right, Damian. I don’t want you anymore.” As his face drained of color, I shielded Liam and walked past him.

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I crashed my car, breaking my leg and getting a concussion. When I woke up, Julian Blackwood, my boyfriend’s enemy, was standing by my bedside, yelling at me: “Throwing your life away for a man? Your mom might not judge you for that, but I sure as hell do.” His words annoyed me. I glared at Julian, irritated. “Who are you?” Julian frowned, staring at me in confusion for a long moment before saying, “I’m your fiancé.” My mom and Julian’s mom both thought I had amnesia. They sat by my hospital bed, chiming in, one after another, telling me all about Julian and my supposed relationship. “You used to trail after Julian, calling him your ‘future hubby’ even when you were just a little kid.” “From kindergarten to high school, you two took the same car to school every single day.” “You officially started dating in college.” “After graduating, both you and Julian returned to your family businesses.” “You loved each other deeply, a perfect couple.” My mouth twitched. I cut them off. “Then why would I try to end my life for *another* man?” They both stiffened. Mrs. Blackwood was quick-witted. She dabbed at her eyes, letting out a soft, theatrical sob. “It’s all Julian’s fault. I told him not to go drinking with his secretary, but he just had to.” I looked at Mrs. Blackwood, asking, “Did he cheat on me with his secretary?” Mrs. Blackwood froze, then quickly shook her head. “No!” My mom joined the act, dabbing at imaginary tears in the corner of her eye. “He just went drinking with his secretary, and you got upset.” Julian’s secretary was a guy. Why would I get upset? I bit back a smile and asked my mom, “So I got mad and decided to kill myself?” My mom squeezed my hand. “Chloe, promise me you won’t do anything foolish again. You scared your mother half to death.” Mrs. Blackwood also squeezed my hand. “Chloe, you and Julian need to get married soon. Don’t worry, if he dares to drink with his secretary again, I’ll break his legs.” Drinking with someone hardly warranted breaking their legs. I looked up, meeting Julian’s eyes. He’d been standing silently behind them the whole time. Didn’t he say he was my fiancé? You wanna play games? Two can play at that game. “Will you marry me?” I asked him.

Julian’s dark eyes locked onto mine, a gaze so intense it felt like it could pull me in. “As long as you’re willing, I’m willing.” He said. My heart pounded when I heard that. The two moms weren’t entirely making things up. The Miller and Blackwood families were old friends. Julian and I were born in the same month, the same year; he was only three days older than me. From the moment they knew our genders, both families practically groomed us to be a couple. From preschool to college, we attended the same schools. They even pulled strings to make sure we were always in the same class. It wasn’t until college, when we chose different majors, that we weren’t in the same classroom anymore. Julian and I were *too* close. I swear I knew him better than he knew himself. Maybe it was that familiarity, but I’d never felt that heart-fluttering sensation with him. During college, I met Ryan Hayes, a gentle guy, and *he* was the one who made my heart race. Ryan and Julian were rivals, enemies. *I* pursued Ryan. When I confessed my feelings, he didn’t reject me. We had a very sweet relationship. My parents saw there was no spark between Julian and me. After trying to convince me otherwise, they eventually gave in and approved of my relationship with Ryan. It was only after I started dating Ryan that I learned he had someone else in his heart: his first love. I told him I didn’t mind, that it was all in the past. Julian, of course, called me an idiot, and his hatred for Ryan just intensified. I’d always wanted to get married, but Ryan was hesitant. Then, one day, he suddenly proposed to me. I later found out he proposed on the same day his first love got married to another man in America. The day before our engagement, he got a call from his first love. She was crying on the phone, saying her husband had beaten her. Ryan hung up and told me he was going to America to bring her back. I looked at Ryan, my voice cold. “What do you mean, you’re going to America to bring her back? Are you trying to kidnap someone else’s wife?” Ryan frowned, displeased. “Haven’t you seen all the horror stories online about domestic violence? Serena’s all alone, miles away in America, being beaten by her husband. Do you have any idea how helpless she must be?” “Can’t she call her parents? Can’t she call the police?” I shot back at Ryan. Ryan’s tone grew angry. “Chloe, stop being so unreasonable! I’ll still get engaged to you when I get back. You’re the only woman I’ll marry.” I looked at Ryan, my expression calm. “Tomorrow is our engagement party.” Ryan came over and pulled me into his arms. “We’ll postpone the engagement. I’ll pick Serena up and we can choose a new date.” I pushed him away. “If you dare to go find her, we’re over.” Ryan still flew to America to find his first love. As I drove home after our argument, I got into a car accident. Both the Blackwood and Miller families thought I tried to end my life because of Ryan. When I woke up from the crash, my irritation with Julian and my question about who he was, they all mistook it for amnesia.

The doctor came in and examined me. Once my mom and Mrs. Blackwood knew I was out of danger, they slipped away. They said Julian would take care of me and help me regain my memories. With them gone, only Julian and I were left in the luxury VIP suite. Julian stood by my bedside, looking down at me. My left leg was in a cast, my head wrapped in bandages. I didn’t need a mirror to know how awful I looked. I licked my cracked lips. “I want some water.” Julian went to pour water and helped me drink it. After drinking water, my appetite slowly returned. I said I wanted porridge, and he made it himself. I said I wanted soup, and he cooked it himself. Watching him busy in the VIP suite’s kitchen felt like being a child again. Julian was a Blackwood heir, but he wasn’t one of those spoiled rich kids who only knew how to party. He wasn’t just handsome and smart; he was also an excellent cook. In elementary school, I loved his noodles. In middle school, I loved his braised pork. After college… I hadn’t eaten his cooking anymore. After I started dating Ryan, Julian either ignored me or just snapped at me. His eyes would turn cold whenever he looked my way. I looked at Julian. Now, I was a person with “no memory.” I deliberately teased this somewhat stiff man. “Are we really deeply in love?” Julian turned to look at me. “You have a mole on the arch of your foot, and two small hypertrophic scars on your back.” His gaze darkened, settling on my chest, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. “You have a little red birthmark just under your right breast. So, tell me… how deep do you think our connection goes?” My cheeks flushed. The mole on my foot, fine. The scars on my back, fine. But that red birthmark on my right breast? How did he know about that? I discovered it when I was eighteen. It was in a very hidden spot; no one could see it when I wore a bra. I silently fumed. He’d definitely seen me naked, somehow! I glared at him, grinding my teeth. “Did you confess first, or did I?” Julian smirked. “I did.” I asked again, “When?” Julian truly treated me like I had amnesia. “After the exams, I gave you a card.” My mind went blank for a second. I remembered. After the exams, we walked out of the classroom together. Julian pulled me to a maple tree and asked me how I thought I did. I smiled brightly. “I feel pretty good about it.” He handed me a card. “This is for you.” I took the card. It was a photo of a famous piano master performing on stage. He knew the artist was my idol, but a week before the exam, my idol had a massive scandal, a total fall from grace. The thought of his scandal made me feel like my hands were dirty just holding the card. I looked for a trash can to toss it. Julian’s voice came from above me. “You don’t like it?” I nodded. “No, I don’t.” His voice changed subtly. “Didn’t you look at the words on the back of the card?” There were words on the back? I dutifully flipped the card over. The handwriting was elegant, with a confident flourish. [There’s a woman I can’t forget the moment I see her. A day without her, and I ache with longing.] My first reaction when I saw those words was: *Seriously? Is this plagiarized?* Julian’s voice came again. “Still don’t like it?” That piano master’s moral issues were just too severe. If I still liked him after *that*, I’d be a complete idiot. I said, “No, I don’t.” Then I threw the card away. Looking back now, I realized Julian’s face had been terrifyingly grim, with a hint of pained desolation. I stared at Julian, stunned. Was he confessing to me then? And I threw away his confession card right in front of him. Wasn’t that a blatant humiliation? No wonder he left the country right after the exams and didn’t come back until the first day of college. And no wonder his gaze was always so icy when he looked at me, always keeping his distance— I pursed my lips, stammering, “I… I didn’t know…” If I had known he was confessing to me then, I would never have said I didn’t like it. Strange. Why couldn’t he have just *said* it? Julian shook his head. “It’s normal that you don’t remember many things from before since you lost your memory. I’ll be by your side from now on, and I’ll tell you anything you want to hear.”

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I got into a car accident and landed in the hospital. Suddenly, I felt like teasing my boyfriend. “Who are you?” Watching Leo’s face freeze, I was about to burst out laughing. But Leo suddenly pointed at his best friend, Asher. “I’m your boyfriend’s friend. He is your boyfriend, Asher.” My expression stiffened. Asher, however, stepped forward. “Yes, I’m your boyfriend.” I forced a smile. “Then take me home.” Asher took me home. He said I’d been living here all along. I looked around the place, devoid of any personal touches of my own, and, playing along, nodded like a blind person. I slept in his bed for a while, then went out to get some water, only to hear voices from a FaceTime call in the living room. “Asher, do me a solid, pretend to be Aurora’s boyfriend for a bit.” “Aren’t you afraid she’ll suddenly get her memory back?” “If she gets her memory back and gets angry, I’ll just win her over. She loves me so much, she wouldn’t really leave me. It’s just… I’m a bit tired of things between us, from way back then until now. This is a good chance to catch my breath and have some fun out there.” “So, you and Camilla are really hooking up, huh? You just want to take advantage of this to be with her.” “You know me, but I definitely love Aurora more. Keep Aurora safe with you during this time, and don’t try anything with her. But between us brothers, you’re the one I trust most. You always seemed to dislike Aurora anyway.” My bare feet retreated, then I deliberately made a noise opening the bedroom door, before walking towards the living room again. Hearing the sound, Asher quickly ended the call and stood up. “The floor’s cold, why aren’t you wearing shoes?” Asher quickly came over, scooped me up, and placed me on the sofa. “I’m thirsty.” I said, still a bit disoriented, searching for where the water might be. “I’ll get it for you.” Asher walked to the water dispenser and poured me a glass. He sat beside me, looking at me. “Are you uncomfortable anywhere else?” I drank the water and shook my head. He reached up, smoothed my messy hair, and leaned in to kiss my forehead. My eyes widened slightly. I’d just heard Leo tell him not to touch me. And I’d also thought Asher hated me. But now… When he leaned in to kiss my lips. I turned my head away. He casually stroked my face. “You don’t remember, we’ll take it slow. You’ll get used to me again.” It seemed Asher was playing his brother, too. 2　　 Asher brought me to a private room, which was already buzzing with activity. A bunch of privileged guys from the city’s elite crowd, upon seeing me, fell into a synchronized silence, all looking at Leo. “Oh, Aurora’s here! Do you remember me? I’m Camilla, your college roommate!” Camilla, sitting next to Leo, greeted me. Asher led me to a seat. I looked at her and shook my head. “I’m sorry.” “It’s okay, we can just get reacquainted.” Camilla said, hooking her arm through Leo’s and leaning intimately against his shoulder. This former college roommate, now friend, thinking I had amnesia, leaned on Leo as if to declare her claim, a hidden smugness in her eyes. Leo, too, seemed to enjoy the perverse thrill of being so intimate with another woman right in front of me. “Yeah, that’s right! Both your best friends’ boyfriends are in this circle, how great is that?” “You can hang out together often. Amnesia or not, it won’t make a difference.” The other friends exchanged knowing glances and comments, as if savoring a sick thrill in watching someone get publicly humiliated. They continued with their game. Leo and Camilla played a game that involved them eating from the same snack, their faces getting closer and closer. “Kiss! Kiss!” The crowd cheered them on. In that atmosphere, Leo and Camilla shared a deep kiss. Afterward, Camilla shyly leaned into Leo’s embrace, secretly glancing at me with triumph. Leo, too, looked pleased as he held Camilla close. Then, I lost the game and faced a dare: pick someone to kiss for thirty seconds. Everyone fell silent, looking at me. Curious who I would pick? Would I still instinctively choose Leo? Leo seemed a bit nervous, avoiding my gaze. He apparently didn’t want me to have an instinctive reaction so soon. Asher, sitting beside me, also tensed. I said with a smile, “Of course, I’ll pick my boyfriend.”

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My husband brought his ex-girlfriend and her son home after learning she’d divorced. He even let her son put a potent, dangerous abortifacient into my food. I nearly bled to death, writhing in agony, but he just held Evelyn’s son close and calmly declared, “Don’t worry, Daddy Derek will only ever have you as his child.” I didn’t fight back. Derek visibly relaxed, a wave of relief washing over his face. But what he didn’t know was that I’d just signed a top-secret agreement with the government, and soon, I would vanish from his world entirely. “Aurora Collins, we’ll finalize your divorce once you sign. Are you absolutely sure about this?” My superior, Captain Reed, looked at my pale face, his eyes heavy with concern. My lower abdomen still pulsed with the phantom pain of a recent miscarriage. I sat on the hospital bed, carefully signing my name, stroke by painful stroke. “My duty comes before my personal life.” “What duty?” The hospital room door swung open. Derek Miller, dressed in his military uniform, strode in, carrying Evelyn Hayes’ son, Leo, in his arms. Evelyn stood by his side, her hand linked with his, leaning into him. At first glance, they looked like the picture-perfect happy family of three. Who would remember that I was Derek Miller’s legal wife, the one he’d officially married? Seeing me, Evelyn put on a pitiful act. “Rory, how are you feeling?” Before I could even reply, she dropped to her knees by my bed, tears streaming down her face. “Leo didn’t mean to put the abortifacient in your food. I’m begging you, please don’t let him go to jail!” At that, Leo jumped out of Derek’s arms. He lunged at my blanket, snarling at me like a feral pup. “Bad woman! I won’t let you have babies! You won’t steal my daddy!” Daddy? I looked up at Derek, my heart twisting as if ground by a dull knife. Derek’s gaze flickered, avoiding mine. He bent down and picked up Leo. “Don’t be scared, Leo. Daddy will only ever have you as his child.” Only then did he look back at me. His voice, usually so gentle, now carried a hint of impatience. “Rory, the child didn’t know any better. Don’t hold it against him.” “Our baby… it’s gone. It’s fine. We can just focus on raising Leo together.” My abdomen still throbbed, but my heart had already plummeted into an abyss. I struggled to keep my voice from trembling. “Yeah. You’re right. It’s better this way.” If the baby had been born, he would have been heartbroken seeing his own father act like this… Maybe it was my sudden compliance, but a flicker of panic crossed Derek’s eyes. He opened his mouth to say something more, but Leo, overjoyed, immediately hugged Derek. “Yay, Daddy! Can you and Mommy take me skiing now?” Evelyn cast me a hesitant glance, offering a forced smile. She pulled at the restless child. “Leo, stop bothering your daddy!” But Derek simply said, “It’s fine!” He turned to Captain Reed, requesting, “Please approve our leave. I want to take them skiing.” He didn’t spare me another glance. Nor did he bother to ask why Captain Reed was even here. Captain Reed looked at me, then at Evelyn and her son. Finally, with a subtle look, he responded, “Very well.” The ‘family of three’ before me instantly beamed with joy. When Derek’s gaze finally landed on my pale face, his smile froze, a fleeting mix of guilt and pity flashing in his eyes. “You should come too.” I didn’t refuse. I did need to pack, but not for skiing. Derek had no chance to say anything else before Leo tugged him away, chattering excitedly. Evelyn shot me a triumphant look. “So sorry, Rory. I had no idea Derek liked Leo so much.” Then she hurried after them, her retreating figure disappearing through the doorway. The hospital room fell silent again. I clutched the white bedsheet, Captain Reed’s sigh echoing in my ears. “I understand the situation. Seven days from now, come to the base to pick up your divorce certificate.”

I returned alone to the military housing complex. The medicine bowl, knocked over on the day of the incident, still lay on the table. A dark, scorched stain marked the floor. Clearly, Derek hadn’t been home in days. I ignored it all, walking straight to my desk. From the drawer, I pulled out a small notebook. Flipping it open, I saw it was filled with every little thing Derek had done for Evelyn over the past five years. Arranging for her to join the military’s arts and entertainment corps, taking my spot. Leaving me with a fever to celebrate Leo’s birthday, even letting the child put an animal-grade abortifacient in my food, nearly costing me my life… The entire notebook was crammed with entries, every inch filled, leaving no space for more pain. My hand paused. I could only squeeze one last sentence into the corner of the final page— “Leave Derek Miller.” The baby was gone. The debt I owed him for saving me from that cliff all those years ago? It was paid in full. Suddenly, I heard the door open behind me. Strong, calloused hands wrapped around me from behind, slipping under my clothes. “What are you writing?” I frowned, trying to pull away. “I just had a miscarriage.” My words didn’t seem to dampen Derek’s mood. He’d always liked to bother me late into the night. He nibbled on my earlobe. “I won’t move. I’ll just hold you.” I instinctively tilted my head, but I couldn’t escape his intimacy. As I sighed in resignation, I heard him say, “There’s something else I need to tell you.” “I’m going to officially adopt Leo and give him my surname. That way, Evelyn and her son will have someone to rely on.” His breath hitched against my neck, making me feel sick. Yet, his hand continued to roam restlessly. I let out a hollow laugh. “Fine. Whatever you say.” Derek’s hand froze. As if sensing something was off, he forcefully turned my body to face him. “You don’t mind?” I looked up at him, my voice indifferent. “It’s a good thing, isn’t it?” He stared at me intently for a few seconds, then finally indulged me. “I knew I married a good wife. Well, get ready. We’ll have a celebratory dinner in a couple of days to announce I have a son.” With that, he pulled out his wallet, casually peeling off a few bills and handing them to me. “Buy yourself some dresses. For skiing in a couple of days.” I thought of the research facility I was headed to. I’d heard winter came early there, and by the peak of the season, the snow could be waist-deep. My current clothes definitely wouldn’t hold up. Thinking this, I didn’t decline, and agreed. The next day. Taking all the money I had at home, I went to a store and walked straight past the racks of dresses hanging at the entrance. My eyes fixated on the padded winter coats in the back corner. “Please pack up all your winter clothes for me.” Two days later, the day of the banquet arrived. Derek was unusually excited. He woke up early, put on his neatest military uniform, and even pinned a red flower to his chest. It was the same uniform he’d worn on our wedding day. I said nothing, quietly packing my belongings. There was nothing left for me to cherish in this house. The most conspicuous items in my large suitcase were the two new outfits I’d bought yesterday. Derek suddenly glanced at me, his brows knitting together. “I told you to buy dresses, why did you buy winter coats?”

I calmly tucked a pair of rough, padded mittens into my suitcase, explaining, “They’re last year’s winter coats. They’re cheaper now.” “We’re not short on cash…” Derek grumbled, but didn’t seem suspicious. “It’s almost time for the party to start. I’m going to pick up Evelyn and Leo.” With that, he left without waiting for my reply. Watching the joy radiating from the man’s retreating figure, my hands paused their packing. Then I furiously tied another knot. Only two more days until I left. The name-change banquet was held on the base’s mess hall. By the time I’d finished packing and went downstairs, the banquet had already begun. The lively hall was packed, but there was no sign of Derek or Evelyn and her son. I pursed my lips, intending to find a quiet corner to sit in. But then, my sleeve was suddenly clutched tightly. “Aunt Rory…” Leo, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, grabbed my hand, his eyes red and brimming with tears. “I’m sorry, Aunt Rory. Leo didn’t mean it that day. I… I have an apology gift for you over there. Can Aunt Rory forgive me?” A shiver went through me as I remembered the day of the miscarriage. I frowned, wanting to refuse. But Leo stubbornly pulled me along, heading towards the backyard storage shed. “Daddy Derek is there too! He told me to definitely bring you!” Hearing Derek was there, my guard dropped a little. Could it be that he wanted to apologize to me but was too embarrassed, so he sent Leo? I pursed my lips, half-heartedly following Leo to the door of the dilapidated shed. But it was empty. Something felt wrong. I immediately pulled my hand from Leo’s grip. “Where is Derek Miller?” The next second, Leo shoved me from behind, sending me tumbling helplessly into the not-quite-closed shed. “I knew you still wanted to steal my daddy! Go die!” The wooden door slammed shut behind me with a loud thud. The shed was pitch black. I heard the lock click into place, and panic surged through me. I scrambled to my feet, pounding on the wooden door. “Leo, let me out!” Suddenly, I heard the heavy breathing of a man behind me. The next instant, my body was pressed tightly from behind, and the stench of alcohol filled the air. “You slut, pretty little thing, aren’t you brave…” As he spoke, a pair of thick, coarse hands began tearing at my clothes. A wave of nausea hit me, and I struggled fiercely. “Who are you! Let go of me!” I was pushed to the ground. In my terror, I instinctively kicked and thrashed. Suddenly, a commotion of footsteps sounded from outside the door. Leo’s crying voice filtered through the wood. “Aunt Rory and an uncle are fighting without clothes in the shed! Daddy Derek, quickly, save Aunt Rory!” My mind reeled, a sickening ‘buzz’ in my head. The next second, the shed door was kicked open. Evelyn’s shrill scream pierced the air. “Oh my God, Rory! How could you cheat on Derek with someone else!” The weight on me suddenly lifted. The man who had been pinning me down was violently yanked away. I felt nauseated, my vision swimming. The next second, a military jacket was flung over me. I flinched, looking up to meet Derek’s complicated gaze. “Derek, I…” I wanted to explain, but then I saw the circle of soldiers and their families behind him. No one spoke, but their eyes, scrutinizing me, felt like they were stripping me bare. Evelyn, holding her son and standing behind Derek, actually spoke up. “Sister, how could you be so foolish? Adultery means execution!”

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I was fiercely independent and couldn’t sit still from a young age. My family, on the other hand, was painfully reserved, always shying away from any kind of commotion. I’d pulled another all-nighter, crafting a handmade birthday gift for Julian, my brother. He flinched when the butterflies fluttered out of the box, and his face instantly darkened. The very next day, I found myself dropped off at Mrs. Davies’ etiquette academy. Julian’s brow was furrowed: “Mrs. Davies, my sister’s temperament will make her a laughingstock among the other socialites. There’s no other choice; I have to ask you to teach her proper manners.” “In return, consider your daughter’s future handled by the Millers.” We met again three years later. Julian looked at me, elegant and poised, and nodded with satisfaction, ready to take me home. But I tilted my head, utterly bewildered: “Who are you?” Julian froze for a split second, then his face clouded over as he reached for me again: “What are you playing at? You don’t recognize your own brother?” “Mom and Dad are back from their world tour tonight. Come home with me, let’s give them a surprise.” His tone was harsh, and I instinctively recoiled two steps. Then, a pair of hands from behind me gave me a ruthless shove: “Mia, hurry and go home with your brother!” I glanced back at Mrs. Davies, who had spoken. Meeting her sharp, warning gaze, I instinctively flinched. Mrs. Davies was my etiquette teacher. She was elegant and poised, always wearing a gentle smile. But beneath that smile, a subtle, chilling threat lurked in her eyes. “Remember to behave yourself when you get back, don’t get sent here again!” My knuckles whitened as I clenched my fists in anxiety, then someone took my hand. Julian looked down at me: “Why are you sweating so much? Is it hot?” I felt Mrs. Davies’ dangerous gaze and quickly shook my head: “N-not hot.” Julian nodded, then smiled politely at Mrs. Davies: “Chloe’s enjoying her stay so much, it looks like she might be with us for a few more days.” Hearing Julian mention her daughter, Mrs. Davies’ eyes immediately lit up. “Oh, it’s no trouble at all, she can stay as long as she likes, even a lifetime!” “You’ve not only secured her a place in a top school but also laid out her future path to study abroad these past few years. We can’t thank you enough!” Julian gave a slight nod: “You’ve taught Mia very well. This is only right.” With that, he led me to the car waiting to take us home. All the way, I sat quietly, a little distance from Julian. My hands were clasped in my lap, my back straight, not daring to speak. Julian’s gaze on me was incredibly gentle: “Excellent. You finally look like a true Miller heiress.” “Perhaps we should double Mrs. Davies’ compensation.” Soon, the car pulled up to a sprawling villa estate. Julian got out first, then thoughtfully walked around the car, opening my door and extending a hand to me. I remembered all these etiquette lessons. My left hand slightly lifted, gently resting in his palm. I stepped out, my foot firm on the ground, descending from the car slowly and gracefully. The smile in Julian’s eyes deepened, a look of proud admiration on his face: “Mia is very well-behaved.” But the very next second, my hand in his suddenly tightened! The villa before me felt strange, unsettlingly familiar, and my heart clenched in an icy grip. Julian frowned: “What’s wrong?” My skin prickled with goosebumps, but I forced myself to maintain my poised demeanor, quickly shaking my head. “N-nothing.” Julian released my hand, “Let’s go home then. I have a gift for you.” I followed behind him. The closer we got to the villa, the worse my headache became. We stepped through the door, and Julian handed me a beautiful gift box. “Mia, welcome home.” He opened the box, revealing a delicate butterfly charm bracelet inside. My face went bone-white, and my head throbbed as if it would split open. The butterflies on the bracelet seemed to flutter to life, their wings beating, soaring straight for my face. My vision blurred, and I seemed to hear a sharp, grating voice: “So you stayed up all night just to plan a prank? Mia Miller, it’s my birthday! Can you *please* act your age for once?!”

I’d always been the ‘unpopular’ one, mostly because I was too loud, too boisterous. The Millers upheld strict decorum. My brother, Julian, was born with an innate grace, reserved and elegant, earning him constant praise from our parents. But I was different. I was a whirlwind of energy, impulsive and carefree, always bouncing off the walls like I had a perpetual sugar rush. I was nothing like a ‘proper’ Miller child. Before I turned fifteen, Mom and Dad had me take several DNA tests. Each time, they’d just shake their heads in resignation after seeing the results. “Mia’s so vivacious, completely unlike any other heiress in our circle.” “Honey, is she really our child? It’s a complete disaster!” “Oh, Mia is supposed to take over the family empire with Julian one day. If she’s always so ill-mannered, how can she possibly…” They never bothered to whisper when they said these things, but I never took it to heart. Usually, I’d flash a sly grin, tug on Mom’s arm, and whine playfully: “What, you two don’t want me anymore? Did you forget who played peacemaker last time you and Dad had a fight?” “Would you have made up so quickly without me?” Mom would sigh, tapping my forehead playfully. “You’re impossible.” And so, my life before fifteen, though my family often ‘disapproved’ of me, wasn’t too bad. Until I got into a fight with the daughter of one of Dad’s oldest business partners over a dress. My parents gave me the cold shoulder all night, then quietly discussed with Julian: “With a personality like that, she’ll be a joke when she’s supposed to run the company. Julian, find a good etiquette teacher for her, someone to teach her proper manners.” Julian simply nodded, “After my birthday.” That night, I pulled an all-nighter, preparing a butterfly-themed kaleidoscope as Julian’s birthday gift. The next morning, still yawning, I shoved the gift into his arms: “Happy birthday.” A flicker of something crossed his brow as he looked at my bloodshot eyes, and a small smile touched his lips. But when he opened it, he used a bit too much force. The butterflies were supposed to float out one by one, beautifully. With his clumsy snap, they exploded outwards in a chaotic rush. Two wings grazed past Julian’s eyes, almost taking out his eye. His face instantly went rigid with fury. For the first time, his composure finally snapped, giving way to a furious outburst. He slammed the box to the ground right there. “So you stayed up all night just to plan a prank? Mia Miller, it’s my birthday! Can you *please* act your age for once?!” I tried to explain, but he wouldn’t listen to a word, turning and storming off. The very next day, I was sent to Mrs. Davies’ academy. These memories used to be crystal clear in my mind. But now, I could only recall fragments: a harsh, dismissive scolding from Julian. The rest? Utterly forgotten. My head was pounding harder with each second. I couldn’t help but lift my hand, pressing my fingers to my throbbing temples. Julian watched me, puzzled, the gift box still patiently held out. Until a girl ran over and snatched the box from him. “Wow, this bracelet is so pretty, Julian! Can I have it?” “But it’s Mia’s gift…” Julian, seemingly unable to refuse, frowned and looked at me. A sudden memory flashed in my mind: fighting over a dress when I was little, and Mom and Dad scolding me for not sharing. I quickly forced a smile: “Sure, you can have it. Here, let me help you put it on.”

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Seven years into our marriage, I found records of Julian and his intern checking into a hotel on his phone. It was 3 AM. I sat on the closet floor, clutching the luxury scarf he’d brought back from his business trip. The packaging had a label from a Fifth Avenue boutique, but his credit card statement showed no such purchase. The shower in the bathroom stopped. I quickly locked his phone screen, which he’d forgotten to close, revealing SnapChat. The latest message was a voice note from Chloe, “Julian, no more bites on the neck. It’s asking for trouble at the office.” In the background, I heard the familiar ticking of the watch I’d given him last month. “Still awake?” Julian walked out, toweling his hair dry, water still clinging to his abs. My eyes caught the fresh scratches across his collarbone. And then I remembered the medical report from earlier that day. My CA125 levels were soaring, a red flag for gynecological tumors. He leaned in to kiss me, but I turned my head, dodging him. “You said you were in Seattle last week for a meeting?” “Yeah, discussing a project with Mr. Thompson.” He answered quickly, his fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of his phone. That was his tell when he lied. How pathetic. The boy who once stood up for me now couldn’t even bother to change his excuses for cheating. My phone buzzed. Chloe had sent an ultrasound image: “Mrs. Julian, what do you think the baby should call you when it’s born? Auntie or Mommy?”

The champagne tower at the company’s IPO celebration reflected the crystal chandeliers. I stood beside Julian, watching him effortlessly charm various investors. The sapphire cufflinks on his suit – my birthday gift to him last year – sparkled with a cold light as he raised his glass. “Mrs. Julian, you truly are blessed,” a board member’s wife leaned in. “I hear you two were college sweethearts? From campus to a publicly traded company, that’s rare among young people these days.” I forced a smile, my gaze unconsciously following Julian. He was leaning in to listen to a female investor, a familiar curve playing on his lips. The woman wore berry-colored lipstick, her fingers subtly brushing Julian’s arm as she spoke. My phone vibrated in my palm-a reminder about my medical report from the hospital. I swiped the screen open, my eyes suddenly fixated on a particular number. CA125 levels, abnormally high. A gynecological tumor marker. “What are you looking at?” Julian appeared beside me, his breath carrying the scent of wine. I instinctively locked the screen. “Nothing, just a routine check-up from the hospital.” As I reached to straighten his slightly crooked tie, my fingertips brushed his neck. There, a trace of rose-red that didn’t belong under the ballroom lights caught my eye. Julian flinched back a step. “What’s wrong?” I asked, my hand frozen in mid-air. “Just a little warm.” He loosened his tie, his gaze sweeping over my shoulder. “Mr. Thompson is looking for me. Why don’t you head home first?” That rose-red smudge was clearly half a lipstick print.

In our seventh year of marriage, Julian started putting a password on his phone. “The client information I’m handling lately is too sensitive,” he explained, his fingers tracing a pattern on the screen that I couldn’t understand. Back in college, we’d shared the same Amazon account. He even wrote in his graduation thesis acknowledgements, “Thanks to Audrey for letting me check her phone anytime for inspiration.” Now, his phone was always face down. I stood in the closet, clutching the silk scarf he’d brought back from his business trip last week. The Hermès box had a label from a Fifth Avenue boutique, but there was no record of this purchase on his credit card statement. Deep in his closet, in the pocket of a gray suit he often wore, I found a crumpled hotel receipt. The date on it was the exact day he claimed to be in Seattle for a meeting. At the bottom of the receipt, it read: The Ritz-Carlton, downtown LA. I opened the map app. It was only 0.75 miles from company headquarters. The sound of the shower started in the bathroom. I mechanically tied the scarf around my neck. The silk fabric felt like a cold snake against my skin. The woman in the mirror had a pale face, dark circles under her eyes from insomnia. A thirty-year-old woman, no matter how well she takes care of herself, can’t compete with a twenty-year-old’s collagen. The water stopped. I quickly exited the map app. Julian walked out, drying his hair, water droplets trailing down the ridges of his abs. I had touched this body countless times, but now it felt like a stranger’s. “Tomorrow’s your birthday,” he said, picking up his phone from the bedside charger. “What do you want for a gift?” I gazed at the fresh scratches on his collarbone and softly replied, “Come with me for my check-up tomorrow. My report just came in.” “Tomorrow?” He frowned. “I don’t think I can make it. I have to fly to New York unexpectedly for an important client.” His fingers tapped rapidly on the screen, a subtle smile playing on his lips. “I’ll have my assistant book a restaurant. You can celebrate with your best friend?” I watched his eyebrows twitch as he typed. Ten years ago, when he confessed his feelings for me, he’d been texting and secretly smiling like this. Later, I learned he was live-streaming his confession to his dorm group chat; his buddies had bet he wouldn’t dare kiss me. Now, the curve of his lips was exactly the same as it had been back then.

On the morning of my birthday, I received flowers from Julian via his assistant. Ninety-nine Ecuadorian roses, with a card bearing a standard printed greeting. Even the signature was typed. My phone vibrated. A message from Julian. “Flight’s been moved up. Heading to the airport now. Happy Birthday, I’ll make it up to you when I get back.” I called him. It rang seven times before he picked up. The background was silent, definitely not the bustling airport. “Are you in the taxi yet?” I asked. “Yeah, almost at Terminal 3,” his voice had a strange gasp to it. “Signal might be unstable.” I opened the location sharing app. Our shared location, set up for safety, showed him in a high-end apartment complex in downtown LA. That red dot stung my eyes. “Which hotel did you say you stayed at last time?” I tried to make my voice sound casual. “The Peninsula,” he blurted out, then quickly corrected himself, “No, it was the Hyatt near the airport.” A faint female voice whispered in the background: “Julian, the hot water in the bathroom…” The call suddenly disconnected. I stood in front of the full-length mirror, looking at my carefully chosen nude-pink silk dress. It was Julian’s favorite color. He said it reminded him of the nightgown I wore on our first date. Now, the dress hung empty on my body. I’d lost twelve pounds in the last two months. On the coffee table lay the gift I hadn’t been able to give him. A pair of matching Patek Philippe watches. The men’s watch had “To My Lighthouse” engraved on the inner side of the dial. The women’s, “To My Harbor.” In our senior year of college, we watched a lighthouse by the sea. He said I was his eternal light when he was lost. I said he was my safe harbor after wandering. A sound came from the entryway. I turned, surprised and hopeful, but only saw the delivery guy. He handed me a cake box. “Mr. Julian ordered it. Requested delivery for 7 PM sharp.” Inside was a one-pound Tiramisu. But I was lactose intolerant.

I drove to the apartment complex. The security guard waved my Porsche through without question. Julian’s Audi A8 was parked on basement level B2. Its license plate ended in 668, our wedding date. The elevator required a key card. I stood in the lobby and called Julian. On the seventh try, he finally picked up, his voice laced with suppressed anger. “What’s wrong? I’m with a client.” “I’m in the lobby of The Sycamore Residences,” I said. “Either you come down, or I’ll ask the building management to open the elevator.” A dead silence filled the other end of the line. Five minutes later, the elevator doors opened. Julian stood there, wearing dark blue loungewear I’d never seen before, his collar open, revealing fresh hickeys. Behind him stood a young woman in a silk robe, pinning her bangs with one of my hair clips. “Audrey?” the girl gasped. “Oh my god, Julian, why didn’t you say anything sooner…?” I recognized her. Chloe Yang, a marketing management trainee hired last year during campus recruitment. I had personally put her employee badge on her when she started. She’d told me she envied Julian and my love story. Now, she wore my wedding ring on her ring finger. Last year, I mentioned my ring felt a bit loose and needed resizing. Julian had offered to take it to the jeweler. Later, he said the jeweler suggested a complete redesign, which would take three months. “Let’s talk upstairs,” Julian reached out for me. I shrugged him off, pulling the pair of watches from my bag and throwing them to the ground. The sound of the watch faces shattering echoed through the lobby, and the security guards looked our way, alerted. “Happy Birthday, Julian,” I said, turning towards the revolving door. “The divorce papers will be in your inbox tomorrow.” Behind me, Chloe cried out, “Audrey, you’ve misunderstood! We were just discussing a project…” I pressed my car key, and the Porsche’s headlights cut through the dusk like a knife. In the rearview mirror, Julian stood rooted, only looking down at the mess on the floor. I knew that posture too well. In our junior year, when I was hospitalized with acute appendicitis. After signing the surgical consent form, he had stood in the hallway just like that, staring at his sneakers for forty whole minutes. “Audrey,” he’d said then, “what would I do if something happened to you?” Now, his expression was identical. Only this time, his “what would I do” no longer included me.

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I helped my husband Derek build his empire from the ground up. I stood by his side when we had nothing. Yet, when I was six months pregnant and needed him most, he told me he was going to a remote village for charity work. He’d always been kind-hearted, so as his wife, I understood and fully supported him. That was, until I saw a man, hailed as “the most discreet philanthropist,” appear on my best friend Maya’s livestream. Maya, flushed and coy, snuggled into his arms, thanking him for splashing a fortune on her. The man didn’t show his face, but as he gently wiped the sweat from Maya’s forehead, I saw the ring on his ring finger. It was that cheap $5 silver band we’d bought when we got married. “Honey, the signal in the mountains can be spotty, so please be careful. If you need more cash, just tell me.” I gently stroked my six-month pregnant belly, softly reminding him over the phone. Derek’s voice, tired yet content, drifted through: “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they get their supplies makes it all worth it.” “I just feel bad about leaving you alone at home while you’re pregnant.” “Don’t be silly. You’re doing good deeds. I couldn’t be prouder of you.” I hung up, a sweet warmth filling my chest. Turning, I reheated last night’s leftovers and ate them with plain rice. Derek was teaching in the mountains; I knew he must be roughing it, so I had to be frugal too. We’d been together since college, scraping by on ramen and cheap takeout in a dingy basement apartment for three years, before finally building our way up to owning a house and cars and our own company in this major city. Now that he was successful, he hadn’t forgotten his roots, choosing to help those in need. I admired him from the bottom of my heart and felt a pang of sympathy for the hardships he was enduring. After dinner, I opened Maya’s livestream, planning to send her some gifts to boost her viewership. Maya was my best friend, a moderately popular outdoor content creator. Today’s stream was being broadcast from the city’s most exclusive luxury resort. “Hey everyone, we’ve got a super special guest in the stream today!” Maya’s voice buzzed with barely contained excitement. “It’s the internet-famous ‘most discreet philanthropist,’ Mr. Miller, who anonymously donated ten million dollars to schools in remote areas!” My heart gave a sharp lurch. Miller? And a philanthropist? What an odd coincidence. The chat exploded instantly. “Wow! Is that the mystery billionaire who refused all interviews?” “Maya, you’re awesome! How did you get him on your stream?” On screen, Maya coyly linked her arm through the man’s, but he subtly turned, keeping his face out of frame. “Mr. Miller is a very private person, everyone, so let’s not overwhelm him,” Maya explained, a radiant smile on her face, but the adoration in her eyes was impossible to hide. I frowned, a strange discomfort settling in. Maya had a boyfriend. This kind of flirty behavior with another man felt totally inappropriate. “A huge shout-out to Mr. Miller! He’s covering all the gifts for tonight’s livestream!” As Maya cheered, the screen was instantly flooded with super chats and gift bombs. I watched the animations for gifts worth thousands of dollars flash by, my jaw slightly agape. This Mr. Miller certainly had deep pockets. Maya was flushed with excitement, her forehead dotted with fine sweat. Seeing this, the man beside her naturally reached up, gently wiping away the beads of perspiration with his thumb. It was that simple gesture that made my blood run cold. The ring on the man’s ring finger was plain, almost dull, with some of its cheap plating already chipped. It was the $5 silver band Derek and I bought at a night market right after we graduated. He’d said it was more precious than any diamond, a promise of a lifetime to me, and he’d never take it off. I felt a wave of icy dread wash over me, as if I’d plummeted into a frozen abyss. Still desperate, I posted a comment in the chat. “Could Mr. Miller say a few words? I really admire him!” Maya saw my comment and playfully nudged the man’s arm. “Mr. Miller, my fans want to hear your voice.” The man paused, then let out a soft chuckle. That voice, that tone, I knew it to my very core. “Hello, everyone.” Just three words, and I was utterly shattered. It was Derek! Wasn’t he supposed to be teaching in the mountains? He’d said the children there couldn’t even afford food, yet here he was, splashing a fortune to make my best friend smile! My stomach churned violently. I rushed to the bathroom, throwing up until I was dizzy and breathless. My phone chimed. A text from Derek. “Sweetheart, just finished distributing school supplies to the kids. Exhausted. It’s cold in the mountains at night, so I’m heading to bed. Don’t reply.” The message was accompanied by a photo: a pair of mud-caked, worn-out boots next to a dim, dilapidated shack. But on the livestream, Maya was standing on tiptoes, kissing “Mr. Miller’s” cheek, with a dazzling crystal chandelier from the resort sparkling in the background. “Thank you, darling. You’re the best to me.” I clutched my phone, my nails digging into my flesh. Tears blurred my vision, and a sharp, twisting pain shot through my belly. My hands trembling, I dialed Maya’s number. It rang for a long time before she finally answered, her voice languid and laced with a suggestive intimacy. “Hey, babe, what’s up? I’m a little busy right now.” Through the phone, I heard Derek’s suppressed panting. “Maya, that ‘Mr. Miller’ in your livestream…” My voice was an uncontrollable tremor. “Oh, him?” Maya chuckled, her tone triumphant. “Just a man who’s completely in love with me, that’s all.” “What, are you interested in him too?” “Well, I wouldn’t bother if I were you. He only has eyes for me.” “He said his wife is old and boring, a worn-out housewife with a burden of a child, and he’s been sick of her for ages.” Maya’s words were like venomous darts, piercing my heart one by one. I could even hear her and Derek’s unrestrained laughter and heavy breathing on the other end. I couldn’t take it anymore. I slammed the phone down. A worn-out housewife… a burden of a child… I looked down at my swollen feet, a common side effect of pregnancy, then at my haggard face in the mirror. My heart felt like it was being torn to shreds. For this family, for his career, I’d worked tirelessly for ten years. Was “old and boring” all I got in return? No, I couldn’t let myself be defeated like this. I wiped away my tears, my gaze hardening, turning icy cold. Derek, Maya, you two-timing cheats. I’ll make you pay for this. Taking a deep breath, I opened a phone app I’d long suspected but never wanted to confront. It was a home surveillance app. Derek had installed cameras all over the house, ostensibly “for your and the baby’s safety,” and linked them to his phone. But what he didn’t know was that the installer, while calibrating the system, had discreetly set up a copy on my phone as well. I opened the app, my heart pounding, and immediately tapped on the live feed from the living room camera. The screen was empty. They weren’t back yet. I stared at the screen, like a hunter waiting for their prey to fall into the trap. Suddenly, something else occurred to me, and a fresh wave of icy dread washed over me. Derek’s so-called “charity” trip had cost me a full five million dollars. That was the last of my parents’ inheritance. He’d claimed the company was facing a cash flow crisis and desperately needed the funds. I had, with tears in my eyes, given it to him. Now, it hit me. That money wasn’t for the company; it was for Maya! I couldn’t wait any longer! I sprang up, changed clothes, grabbed my car keys, and rushed out the door. I had to get to the company. Before he returned, I needed to find proof and protect my parents’ last legacy and what was rightfully mine! The night was cold, but my heart was even colder. Derek, you’d better pray I don’t find anything to use against you!

I sped all the way to the company building and used my spare key to unlock the empty office. The familiar surroundings now felt utterly alien and repulsive to me. Without hesitation, I headed straight for Derek’s office. His self-proclaimed secrets were utterly exposed to me, his wife of ten years, with whom he’d shared a bed. I walked to the massive framed calligraphy piece behind his desk, a quote that read “Fortune Favors the Bold,” and lightly pressed an inconspicuous spot on the lower right corner of the frame. The frame silently sprang open, revealing a hidden safe behind it. Derek thought I’d never know the password. He used the anniversary of his first time sleeping with Maya. How ironic. I still remembered the scent of perfume on him that night, a scent that definitely wasn’t mine. I entered the password, and the safe door clicked open. Inside, there wasn’t much cash, just a few luxury watches and a black hardcover ledger. This was my true target tonight. My hands trembling, I flipped open the ledger. The dense pages recorded far more than just the whereabouts of my five million dollars. It detailed how he’d abused his position to falsify company records, illegally transfer assets, and pay under-the-table kickbacks to various “partners.” Every single entry was enough to land him in jail for life. It turned out his so-called charity trip to the mountains was just a cunning ruse. He’d planned it all along: to bleed me dry using my five million, then run off with the assets he and Maya had secretly transferred, leaving me and our child to fend for ourselves! I pulled out my phone, turned on the video recorder, and meticulously filmed every single page of the ledger. The light from my phone screen illuminated my face, cold as ice. Derek, you want me and my child to suffer the consequences of your actions? Then tonight, I’ll personally dig your grave and show you what it means to reap what you sow! I placed the ledger back, closed the safe, restored the framed calligraphy, and wiped away every trace of my presence. After it was done, I felt utterly drained, collapsing onto the cold floor. The baby in my belly seemed to sense my despair, kicking me uneasily. I jolted, looking down and stroking my swollen belly. No, I couldn’t fall apart. For my child, I had to get back up. I wiped away the mess on my face, pulled myself off the floor, and dialed a number I knew by heart. “Mr. Davies, it’s Chloe.” The voice on the other end was steady and firm. “Ms. Dawson, it’s late. Is everything alright?” I calmly recounted everything that had happened. After listening, Mr. Davies was silent for a moment, then his tone took on a hint of approval. “Ms. Dawson, you are more composed and decisive than I imagined.” “This evidence is crucial, but it’s not enough. We need undeniable proof, something that will utterly destroy him.” “Go home now. Act as if nothing happened. Remember, from this moment on, every word you utter could be used against you in court.” After hanging up, the huge stone in my chest eased slightly. I drove home. As I pulled my car into the garage, Derek’s familiar BMW slowly drove in after me. He was back. I took a deep breath, adjusted my expression, and pushed open my car door. Derek saw me, paused, then his face broke into a tired yet doting smile. “Sweetheart, why are you still up so late? I told you to get some rest.” He walked over, opening his arms to embrace me. The scent of an expensive cologne mixed with Maya’s perfume clung to him. My stomach churned. I subtly sidestepped, clutching my waist, and frowned. “My stomach’s been a bit uncomfortable, couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d come down for a walk.” His hands froze in mid-air. A flicker of something dark, almost imperceptible, crossed his eyes, but it quickly morphed back into tenderness. “Really? Do you want to go to the hospital to get checked out?” “No need, it’s just my usual discomfort.” I looked at him, feigning concern. “You… weren’t you in the mountains? Why are you back?” “The project finished ahead of schedule, and the local leaders insisted on celebrating, so I had a few drinks and stayed at the resort overnight.” He lied without batting an eye. “I wanted to give you a surprise, you know?” A surprise? I stared at his affectionate face, finding it utterly sarcastic. He pulled a beautifully wrapped gift box from the trunk and handed it to me. “Sweetheart, look, I had someone bring you the latest designer bag from abroad. Do you like it?” I opened the box to find a six-figure Hermes Birkin bag nestled inside. I scrimped and saved, barely buying myself anything new, while he used my money to splash a fortune on the other woman, then tried to buy me off with a mere designer bag. My heart bled, yet I forced a moved smile onto my face. “I love it, honey. You’re too good to me.” “Silly girl, who else would I be good to?” He laughed, playfully nudging my nose, his actions as intimate as ever. Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, his eyes instantly softening, and walked away to answer it. “Hello, darling… yeah, I just got home… she didn’t suspect anything… don’t worry, everything’s going according to plan…” His voice was hushed, but I heard every word crystal clear. I stood rooted to the spot, chilled to the bone. He hung up and walked back, the tenderness still lingering on his face. He looked at me, then suddenly sighed, pulling me into his embrace, resting his chin on my head. “Sweetheart, you’ve worked so hard all these years, following me.” His voice held a chilling, almost “farewell” tenderness I’d never heard before. “Once things settle down, we’ll sell the company and travel the world. How does that sound?” I stiffened in his arms, feeling the warmth of his chest, yet a wave of dread shot from my feet all the way to the top of my head. I finally understood what Mr. Davies meant by “undeniable proof.” The ledger could only prove his financial crimes, not his complete lack of affection for me, nor could it force him to leave empty-handed. I needed evidence that he not only didn’t love me but even wanted me dead! And now, it seemed, that opportunity had arrived. I looked up, meeting his “loving” gaze, my voice trembling with a feigned excitement. “Honey, are you serious?”

“Of course, I’m serious.” Derek stroked my hair, his eyes brimming with a tenderness that seemed to drip with honey. “I’ve already lined up a buyer. Once the company is sold, we’ll have endless money to live the life we’ve always wanted.” He paused, his hand gently covering my lower belly, his voice filled with a vision of the future. “By then, our baby will be born, and the three of us will go watch the sunset on the beaches of Santorini, soak in hot springs in the Swiss Alps, making up for everything we missed.” The future he painted was so beautiful, every scene a dream I’d once cherished. But now, coming from his lips, it sounded like a carefully spun web leading straight to hell. My heart screamed, it wept, yet my face had to maintain the facade of happiness. “Honey…” I choked, burying my face in his chest, hot tears soaking his shirt. Half of it was an act; the other half, genuine heartbreak. Derek gently patted my back, as if comforting a wronged child. “There, there. You’re about to be a mom, acting like a little girl.” The more tender he was, the more the hatred churned within me. Back home, he thoughtfully drew a bath for me and brought me a cup of warm milk. “Sweetheart, get some rest. Tomorrow I’ll have Mom come over to take care of you. Her special herbal tonic is the best for pregnancy.” Herbal tonic… My heart sank. I remembered that from my fourth month of pregnancy, my mother-in-law, Mrs. Miller, had, without fail, personally brought this special herbal tonic every single day, urging me to drink it while it was warm. She claimed it was a secret recipe she’d obtained from a renowned herbalist, after pulling countless strings, and was the best for the baby in my belly. I’d always believed it was her way of expressing a grandmother’s anticipation for her unborn grandchild. But now, thinking back, could there be a darker plot hidden behind it? “Fine,” I said, suppressing the turmoil in my heart, and gave him a compliant smile. “Thank Mom for me.” He smiled contentedly, leaned down, and kissed my forehead goodnight. “Good girl, sleep tight.” I lay in bed, listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom, feeling like I was submerged in ice water, utterly devoid of warmth. I pulled out my phone and opened the home surveillance app. I needed evidence, undeniable proof that would nail them to the pillar of shame! But, I scrolled through months of cloud recordings and found nothing useful. Derek and Maya were incredibly cunning; they never showed any intimacy at home. And Mrs. Miller’s daily tonic, I’d always drunk every drop. In the surveillance footage, she always appeared as a kind and affectionate mother-in-law. Could I be overthinking this? No. My woman’s intuition told me that tonic was definitely suspicious! But where was the proof? Without it, everything was just my speculation. I tossed and turned restlessly until the bathroom water stopped. Derek walked out, wrapped in a towel, drying his hair. Seeing me still awake, he frowned. “What’s wrong? Still uncomfortable?” “No… just having trouble settling in.” I mumbled a random excuse. He didn’t press further, walking straight to the bed, pulling back the covers, and lying down. His familiar masculine scent enveloped me, but I only felt waves of nausea. I lay with my back to him, my body stiff as a board. In the darkness, he suddenly pulled me into an embrace from behind, his warm breath on the back of my neck. “Sweetheart,” his voice was a husky, seductive whisper, “we… it’s been a while.” His hand began to roam over my body, becoming bolder. Every hair on my body instantly stood on end, a chill of revulsion shooting from my tailbone to the top of my head. My first instinct was to push him away. “No… don’t… the doctor said it’s not safe during late pregnancy,” I stammered. His movements paused, then he let out an ambiguous chuckle. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. It won’t harm the baby.” His hand, with an undeniable force, slipped beneath my nightgown. My mind went blank with a deafening roar. I struggled desperately, but my strength was nothing compared to his. In despair, my hand fumbled frantically on the nightstand, just wanting to find something to defend myself with. Suddenly, I felt my phone. A wild thought instantly flashed through my mind. I stopped struggling, my body slowly going limp, letting out a suppressed sob. Derek mistook my submission for consent, his actions growing bolder and more aggressive. I closed my eyes, letting tears of humiliation stream down my face, while my other hand, hidden beneath the covers, clutched my phone tightly, my fingers rapidly manipulating the screen. I opened Maya’s familiar livestream app. Then, with every ounce of strength I had, I turned the phone’s volume to maximum. The next second, Maya’s sweetly seductive, yet now piercingly shrill voice, echoed through the entire bedroom. “Thank you, darling. You’re the best to me!”

Maya’s sweet, simpering voice, amplified by my phone’s speaker, blared through the silent bedroom like a clap of thunder, instantly shattering the illusion of tender intimacy. “Thank you, darling. You’re the best to me!” Derek’s movements on top of me froze. I could distinctly feel every muscle in his body tense up instantly, even his breathing hitched. The air in the room was thick with a deathly silence. I slowly opened my eyes, meeting his gaze-a mixture of shock, panic, and finally, a chilling malice. “Derek,” I enunciated each word, my voice low but sharp as an ice-cold blade, “the signal in the mountains… it’s really good, isn’t it?” His face, before my very eyes, drained of color, turning sickeningly pale. “You… what are you talking about?” He tried to fight back, but his voice was riddled with unconcealed panic. I didn’t answer him. I simply raised my phone. On the screen, Maya’s livestream replay was still playing. She was coyly snuggling into “Mr. Miller’s” arms, and on that man’s ring finger, the $5 silver band glinted with an unbearable irony under the resort’s dazzling lights. Derek’s pupils contracted sharply. It was as if all the strength had been sucked out of him. He rolled off me, landing clumsily on the carpet. “You… you know everything?” “Yes, I know everything.” I slowly sat up, pulling my slipped nightgown back into place. I looked down at him with an expression of pure disgust, as if he were a piece of trash. “I know you took my parents’ five million dollar inheritance to send lavish gifts to my best friend.” “I know your so-called charity work in the mountains was just an excuse to roll around in bed with her at the city’s most expensive luxury resort.” “I know that while you were whispering sweet nothings to me, you were telling her on the phone that you were sick of me, your old and boring worn-out wife!” Every word I uttered was like a resounding slap, hitting him hard across the face. His face was a sickly combination of green and white, his lips trembling, but he couldn’t utter a single word in rebuttal. “Chloe, let me explain.” He struggled, trying to crawl over and grab my hand. “Explain?” I scoffed, then abruptly threw my phone at his face. “Explain that you’ve been with her for five years! Explain that you have more photos with her than with me! Or explain that your safe’s password is her birthday!” “Derek, you make me sick!” He was utterly stunned by my outburst, his eyes now filled only with terror. He couldn’t fathom where his foolproof plan had gone wrong. “You… you touched my safe?” He finally reacted, his voice sharp and distorted. “Not just the safe,” I looked at him, slowly, a chilling smile forming on my lips. “Also that ‘broken’ old computer in your study.” On that computer, there were videos of him and Maya intimate on our marital bed. There were recordings of him explicitly stating that after I gave birth, he’d find an excuse to divorce me and seize all our assets. That was incriminating evidence he could never erase! Derek’s face completely lost all color. He collapsed onto the floor, his eyes vacant, muttering to himself, “Impossible… impossible…” “Nothing’s impossible.” I threw back the covers and stood before him. The sharp pains in my abdomen reminded me that I couldn’t waste any more time on him. “Derek, we’re done.” “Tomorrow, my lawyer will contact you to discuss divorce and asset division. You committed marital infidelity and illegally transferred marital assets; the evidence is irrefutable. I advise you to cooperate. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to make all of this public and destroy your reputation!” “Divorce?” Derek reacted as if those words had pierced him. He suddenly looked up, his eyes blazing with a savage hatred. “Chloe, don’t even think about it!” He sprang up from the floor like a cornered beast, lunging at me! “You think you’ve won? I’m telling you, without my signature, you won’t get a single penny!” “You damn bitch! You pushed me to this!” His face was contorted in a grotesque mask, his hands tightly clasped around my neck. The sensation of suffocating instantly overwhelmed me. I struggled desperately, clawing at his hands with my nails. But the stark difference in our strength made all my resistance futile. My vision blurred, and the baby in my belly seemed to sense the danger, kicking me violently. Baby… my baby… The instinct to survive ignited a final surge of strength within me. With all my might, I raised my knee and slammed it hard into his lower abdomen! “Agh-!” Derek let out a piercing scream of pain, clutching himself and curling into a ball on the floor. I scrambled to the door, fumbling with trembling hands to open it. Just as I was about to unlock the door, Derek’s voice, like a vengeful ghost, echoed behind me. “Chloe! Stop right there!” I turned, seeing him leaning against the wall, swaying as he stood up. His handsome face, distorted by pain and fury, looked utterly monstrous. “Do you really think I haven’t prepared for this?” He spat the words through gritted teeth, a chilling, malicious smirk spreading across his face. “You want a divorce? Fine! I’ll give you one!” “But first, you’ll have to pay back the five million dollar loan shark debt you owe me!”

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When they told me I was the real heiress, I was busy with a corpse in the basement. I smirked, reading the provocative message from the fake heiress. I was currently on the organization’s hit list anyway, so this “real heiress” identity might just come in handy. My phone rang, making me pause my work. Seeing the caller ID, I was genuinely shocked. It was the police. Had I been exposed already? This fast? “Hello, Ms. Skylar?” “Mmm,” I hummed in response. Listening to the officer on the other end, I let out a sigh of relief. It was about my background, my family. But how did the police find me? And my phone number? I hadn’t been in this country for long. Still, I agreed to the DNA test. This new identity was exactly what I needed to get out of my current predicament. I sat in the basement, wiping blood from my short blade. I’d been kidnapped as a child and raised as an assassin in a foreign country. For the right price, I’d kill anyone. But the organization had gone too far. They ordered me to kill a one-year-old girl. Their twisted reason? She was the daughter of a drug lord, a target for revenge. But even I had a bottom line. I never harmed children. So, I was unfortunately put on the organization’s kill list. That’s why I’d fled to this remote country. But I never expected them to send people after me, all the way here. I glanced at the man’s body before me, then let out a frustrated click of my tongue, carefully maneuvering him into a newly bought chest freezer. Then, I pulled out my phone, snapped a picture, and sent it to Agent A. “Stop sending people.” Agent A was my superior, the one who’d groomed me from childhood. To this day, I didn’t even know his real name. After leaving the basement, I went for the DNA test. There, I met the people who claimed to be my parents. They were dressed in opulent clothes. “My darling!” The middle-aged woman was incredibly emotional. She rushed forward, wanting to embrace me, but I instinctively recoiled. Physical intimacy wasn’t something I was used to. The woman clearly noticed my distant reaction. “It’s okay, let’s just go home first!” On the way, they talked endlessly. From my birth to how I got lost – every single detail. But then, Mr. Hayes suddenly changed the subject. “Sweetheart, you were seven when you were taken from us. We searched for you for years. When we thought you wouldn’t come back, your mother was heartbroken. So, we adopted a girl, Chloe. She’s a year younger than you.” Ah, so all that was just a preamble. This was what they were leading up to. “Your brother Leo couldn’t join us today because Chloe.” “She felt like we would kick her out once you returned, so she took an overdose of sleeping pills last night. We just had her stomach pumped.” “Leo is worried sick, so he’s staying with her at the hospital.” It was the same old, tired story. I just nodded, not saying much. As long as she didn’t bother me, I didn’t mind living under the same roof.

Back home, I finally met my so-called sister. She was pretty, with long hair cascading down to her waist, and eyes so swollen they looked like two puffy red cherries. She was still in a hospital gown, her small face ashen, making her look utterly fragile. Next to her, my brother, Leo Hayes, carefully supported her, not even sparing me a glance. My parents, upon seeing her, rushed forward, showering her with concern. Yet, moments before, they hadn’t asked me a single thing about how I’d spent all those years. I lowered my head, a bitter chuckle escaping my lips. “Chloe, why are you back so soon? You should be resting! You’re too delicate for all this stress.” Mrs. Hayes’ gaze was starkly different when she looked at Chloe compared to me. The family continued to chat amongst themselves right in front of me for what felt like ages. Just like Agent A always said, for people like us, family bonds were always a luxury. Chloe walked toward me. “Skylar, welcome home.” I simply nodded, my face unreadable. “Skylar, I’m so sorry. Your room has been mine for years, so would you mind staying on the first floor for now? I’ll move my things to the third floor as soon as I can, but I have a lot of stuff, and it’ll take a while to sort through.” Chloe’s face was etched with a look of feigned embarrassment. I looked at the maid’s room on the first floor, falling silent. Her intentions were as clear as day. She was basically calling me an outsider. “Fine. But from now on, you can just call me Skylar.” Within the organization, my codename was X. Skylar was the name he had given me back then, and all my official documents used it. Thinking about it, my memory of that man was very distant now. He was nine years older than me, an assassin from the same organization. I only knew his codename: L. He went on a solo mission once and never came back. Everyone said he was dead, but I didn’t believe it. Leo Hayes, who had been silent until now, spoke up, his gaze filled with impatience. “Since you’re back in the Hayes family, you should use our surname. You’re Skylar Hayes.” “If you don’t change your name, isn’t it just because you want to constantly remind Mom and Dad that they lost you?” I was about to speak, but he cut me off again. “If you don’t change your name back, don’t even think about inheriting the Hayes family fortune!” I raised an eyebrow. In his eyes, I was only back to claim the inheritance, just for the money, right? “Oh, well. You can call me Skylar.” With that, I grabbed my luggage and walked into the room. The truth was, I wasn’t short on money. My bounty over the years had been the highest in the entire organization. Just then, I heard a rustling sound from the window. A shadow flashed past. As I pondered what it could be. Knock, knock! A knock on the door. “Skylar, dinner’s ready.”

At the dining table. I was placed next to Chloe. “Skylar, try this! I made this braised pork just for you.” Chloe scooped a piece of braised pork onto my plate. She watched me with a look of eager anticipation. Looking at the braised pork before me, I felt a wave of nausea. When I was twenty, I secretly rescued a dog named Make. The organization forbade assassins from developing emotions for anything. Only Agent A knew Make existed. Back then, Agent A and I had a decent relationship. “You’re back. Eat up.” Agent A had put a piece of braised pork on my plate, but he didn’t touch his own food. But as I took the first bite, the taste felt off. Seeing Agent A’s expression and actions, I understood, and I spit all the meat into the trash. My stomach churned. “Why?” Agent A only said one thing. “It will become your weakness.” After that, my relationship with Agent A plunged to an all-time low. I buried Make and his toys in the backyard. And I never ate braised pork again.

“I don’t like braised pork. You can have it.” I picked up some shredded potatoes with my fork and put them in my mouth. Chloe looked a little embarrassed. “I’m so sorry, Skylar. It’s my fault. I didn’t know you hated it. Our whole family loves it, so I thought you would too.” I had to admit, Chloe always managed to layer her words with subtle digs. Leo Hayes directly snatched my plate. “Skylar, we’re not even fighting you about your name anymore, so don’t push your luck. Chloe burned her hand making that meal for you.” I glanced at Chloe’s bandaged thumb and almost burst out laughing. When the organization trained us, I sustained injuries a thousand times worse than that. I even took a bullet during a mission. “It’s okay, Leo. Skylar just doesn’t like me. I’ll just go stay somewhere else.” As she spoke, Chloe shed a few convenient tears right there, then stood up as if to leave. Mrs. Hayes finally couldn’t sit still, her eyes filled with heartache. “Chloe, it’s already dark. Where are you going?” I checked the time, took a few more bites, completely ignoring Chloe’s little act. But Leo wasn’t having it. He actually snatched my fork and slammed it onto the floor. “Skylar, it’s all your fault! If it weren’t for you, Chloe wouldn’t have taken those sleeping pills, and the atmosphere in this house wouldn’t be like this! I wish you’d never been found!” I clenched my fists, barely resisting the urge to punch him in the face. Leo continued to lecture me, his words growing crueler. “Don’t think that just because of blood ties, you can kick Chloe out. She’s my sister!” Seeing my silence, Leo assumed I was scared. “But, if you behave yourself, this family can still afford to raise another daughter.” I almost laughed at how ridiculous that was. He spoke as if I weren’t even their biological child. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes didn’t contradict him, clearly siding with Chloe. I chuckled softly, then looked up, mimicking Chloe’s expression. But I simply couldn’t cry. I could only adjust myself into a fragile, pitiful facade. “I thought finding my biological parents would give me a safe haven. It seems I was wrong. You’re a family. I understand. I’ll move out.” Feigning vulnerability? Who couldn’t? I’d learned plenty of acting skills in the organization. Mr. Hayes finally spoke, his face stern, yet with a hint of sympathy for me. “Skylar, don’t say that. You are my daughter, and this home will always have a place for you.” After he spoke, no one dared to utter another word. It seemed Mr. Hayes held the highest authority in the family. That dinner ended with no one feeling satisfied.

For the next few days, Chloe was surprisingly docile. But that changed when Mr. Hayes announced he was holding a welcome-home celebration for me. That evening, Chloe sent me a message brimming with provocation. “Don’t think your homecoming means you can get rid of me. I’m already engaged to Landon Vance. Once I marry him, I’ll be Mrs. Vance. You’ll always be an outsider. Of course, if you don’t cause trouble, this family might keep you around like a pet dog.” Chloe was far too confident. I replied with just one sentence, but it was a cut that went straight to the bone. “Would the Vance family really want a fake heiress?” “You just wait!” The Hayes and Vance families’ alliance was purely business, all about status. Mr. Hayes had always told everyone Chloe was his biological daughter, so no one knew she was the fake heiress. If they knew Chloe wasn’t the real heir, they wouldn’t even give her a second glance. I changed into the gown Mrs. Hayes had given me. It fit perfectly, making me look like a true socialite. Standing before the mirror, I felt a strange sense of unreality. If I hadn’t been kidnapped and taken to that foreign country all those years ago, would I have been like Chloe, growing up thinking only about what dress to wear or where to travel? But there were no “ifs.” I strapped my short blade to my leg. I hadn’t been without this knife for years. When I finished getting ready and stepped out of my room, the butler looked at me awkwardly. “My apologies, Miss Skylar, but your parents and the others have already left.” Just as expected. Chloe, again. “Is there a car?” The butler looked confused for a moment before he finally understood. “Yes, but you’ll have to drive yourself, Miss.” “Give me the keys.” The butler looked even more awkward. “What now?” “There’s only one motorbike left, the one Mr. Leo bought. The other cars have all been borrowed by Miss Chloe.” Chloe was truly childish, but motorbikes were my specialty. I took the keys and went to the garage. Thankfully, the gown wasn’t too long, so riding the motorbike would be perfectly fine. I put on my helmet and started the navigation. My gown fluttered behind me in the wind. When I arrived at the hotel entrance, I saw Chloe and Leo standing there, greeting guests. They both froze the moment they saw me. Many young socialites were also at the entrance. I handed the keys to the valet, then took off my helmet. Chloe stepped forward, speaking in a voice just loud enough for everyone around to hear. “Skylar, why did you ride a motorbike here by yourself? That’s so improper, especially in a dress.” “I know you’ve just returned, so you might not understand, but you could have asked me.” I turned my head to look at Chloe. “Why don’t you mention that your family left without me, leaving me only a motorbike?” “Sister, try to be less transparent with your little schemes.” The people around us immediately started whispering. “Chloe is so calculating. Compared to her, Miss Skylar looks so much more like Mrs. Hayes. And Chloe, tch, tch, could she not be their real daughter?” “By the way, the Hayes heiress is pretty cool. My car was right behind her on the road, and so many people were taking pictures.” Chloe’s face flushed with anger. She glanced at Leo, seemingly waiting for him to speak up for her. Leo was about to open his mouth when Chloe suddenly looked behind me, then ran over, blushing shyly. “Landon, you’re here.” I turned around, puzzled. The next second, my heart skipped a beat. Chloe had linked her arm with Landon. He was L, the man who had vanished years ago. How could he be here? I couldn’t help but step forward, my eyes slightly red. It was him. L. The tear mole at the corner of his eye, exactly the same. I knew it. I knew he was still alive. Chloe looked at me, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. “Skylar, this is Landon Vance, my fiancé.” “Hello, Ms. Skylar. Impressive driving skills.” He extended his hand. I took it, my entire body trembling uncontrollably. How had he become Landon Vance?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “301644”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring