Category: English

Caspian Thorne and I were the most notorious antagonists in our rarefied social circle. He’d indulge in the city’s high-end escorts, and I’d use his social media credentials to post pleas for a sugar mama. I’d frequent the best male strip clubs, and he’d forge a stack of fake HIV reports for me, distributing them across every exclusive gentleman’s club in town. Later, when his favorite new girl, Hailey, had the audacity to confront me, I slapped her so hard she saw stars. To retaliate, he strapped me to a post on a private speedway, allowing his little darling to drive a car straight at me at full speed. But at the last second, he lunged, a desperate, broken man, shielding me with his own body. His ribs cracked, blood filling his mouth, yet he managed a faint, despairing smile. “Don’t cry, Mrs. Thorne.” “The kid is pregnant and high-strung; I had to give her a dramatic way to vent, didn’t I?” “I’m fine. Don’t look so devastated. When I get out of here, I’ll take her on a trip. What designer bag do you want? I’ll bring you back two.” I shook my head, tears streaming. He didn’t know. I wasn’t crying for him. I was three months pregnant, too. And just now, as I was paralyzed on the ground, terrified by his little darling’s attack, I felt the life inside me spill out, turning to a pool of hot, wretched blood. 1 The tears wouldn’t stop. Caspian looked at me with open disgust. “Mrs. Thorne, I know you’re concerned, but crying like that? You look truly hideous.” He lifted his gaze to the young woman just getting out of the car. His eyes were sickeningly soft. “Try to learn from her, Mrs. Thorne. She’s always elegant, always composed. Unlike you, who just looks…cheap.” I followed his gaze. Hailey, barely twenty, was indeed graceful and composed. She’d maintained a haughty, unbothered posture, even when I was hitting her. Three days ago, I was at the hospital visiting my mother, Helen. I ran right into Caspian and his new conquest. She was nothing but a cheap, gold-digging girl, yet she clung to his arm and looked me up and down with utter contempt. “Well, look who it is. Don’t you ever go home, old lady?” “Were you happy with those HIV reports I sent out last week?” “It was my idea, actually. It’s hilarious—I just mentioned it in passing, and Caspian actually went and printed them out and spread the gossip everywhere for you!” “I hear it trended on social media. Rich Wife with AIDS! So scandalous!” “How will you ever show your face in public again, Auntie?” It was a naked provocation. Caspian just watched her, a doting, indulgent look on his face, allowing her to humiliate me without consequence. When I instinctively glanced his way, he gently pinched her chin, his expression full of sickening affection. “Naughty girl. My wife is a terror; aren’t you afraid she’ll throw a fit and hit you?” Hailey gave a smug, triumphant smile. “She wouldn’t dare. Not with you here, darling. Who would protect her?” Caspian had certainly kept her sheltered. Ignorant, reckless, and utterly naive. So, I didn’t disappoint them. Right in front of Caspian, I grabbed a handful of her hair and violently slapped her across the face several times. Over her sharp screams, I smiled with a terrifying calm. “Didn’t your sugar daddy ever tell you that I bite?” “To provoke me like that and expect to walk away untouched? Are you stupid, or do you think I am?” “Get out of my sight before I lose it. I’m warning you: if I see you again, I’ll beat you senseless.” The girl had guts. Even as I pinned her head down, forcing her to her knees, she refused to break. She only protected her stomach and glared up at Caspian when I raised my foot to kick her. “Caspian! Your rabid dog is attacking me! Aren’t you going to control her?” The next second, my wrist was seized. The man who used to fret over a minor scrape on my skin now coldly, expressionlessly, snapped my wrist bone. Caspian’s smile was still gentle, but his eyes were pure ice. “Hailey’s mouth is just so much fun, like she’s laced with poison.” “Mrs. Thorne, I need you to show some restraint. Take your anger out on me. If she gets hurt, I’ll be truly upset.” He didn’t spare a thought for my broken hand. But when she whimpered in pain, he instantly swept her up and rushed her toward the Emergency Room. Watching his frantic back retreat, I still couldn’t understand. The man who was once willing to die for me could change so completely, so easily. I managed a bitter, twisted smile, pulling the sonogram from my purse and tearing it to shreds. It had been a surprise for him. Now, it wasn’t necessary. That evening, I returned to the villa with the prepared divorce papers. But the moment I walked in, his security detail pinned me to the ground. 2 Caspian looked down at me, his eyes full of that weary condescension. “The little one is pregnant and quite difficult to handle. I had to find a way to let her get her aggression out.” “You’ll just have to deal with it, Mrs. Thorne.” Before I could even speak, someone covered my mouth and tied me up. As I was dragged to the racetrack, I felt a chilling sense of despair. For a moment, I actually hoped to just die. It would be better than this endless cycle of pain, where the wounds were torn open again and again. But when Hailey slammed the gas and the car screamed toward me, Caspian’s expression finally shifted. He dove at me, just like he did when he was eighteen, shielding me completely. Even though Hailey, white as a sheet, managed to slam the brakes, the impact still sent Caspian flying, coughing up blood. I sank to the ground, tears falling in uncontrolled, desperate torrents. He sighed, wiping the moisture from my cheek with his thumb. But the words he spoke were like shards of glass. Hailey rushed over, striking a tearful, dramatic blow to his injured chest. “Caspian, what was that? Are you so attached to this old woman?” “What is so special about her that you’d risk your life? Tell me! Are you still in love with her? If you are, I’ll just leave!” Caspian winced in pain but clung to her. He turned his chilling gaze on me, giving the slightest, imperceptible sneer. “Oh, my little princess, I wasn’t trying to save her. I was worried about you.” “You know Mrs. Thorne is a venomous dog. If you’d hit her and she went crazy and sued you, how miserable would that be for you?” “There, now. Think of it as killing a chicken to scare the monkey. If she ever touches you again, we’ll just stop all of Helen’s medical treatments, okay?” They flirted, they made amends, completely oblivious to my humiliation. He hadn’t saved me out of love; he’d saved me to prevent his mistress from getting into legal trouble. Even my mother’s life was merely a bargaining chip he used to placate his lover. My wrist throbbed, and a searing pain pulsed in my abdomen. But none of it could compare to the desolate wasteland in my heart. Blood was now staining the ground between my legs, but I hardly noticed. I struggled to stand and threw the prepared divorce papers with all my strength, hitting Caspian in the face. I stared at him, my eyes blazing with contempt. “Since you’re so devoted, Mr. Thorne, why don’t you sign those papers and make an honest woman out of her?” Caspian didn’t even look. He tore them to shreds and threw the pieces back at me. “Stop this childish game, Mrs. Thorne.” “You know we can’t get divorced. It’s not about me not wanting to. It’s about you—you and your comatose mother can’t survive without my money.” My breath hitched. I froze. This wasn’t the first time this had happened. Everyone said Mrs. Thorne was madly in love with Mr. Thorne. She was willing to endure his abuses, to fight him viciously, but she’d never leave. They laughed at me—the scorned wife, the eternal doormat. But no one knew that when Caspian and I first got together, he was the one who adored me unconditionally. I was eighteen. My deadbeat father, a gambling addict, went on a drunken rampage. He slashed my mother’s head with a knife, then turned the blade on me. Caspian burst in, threw himself over me, and took eight full stab wounds meant for me. When the police arrived, his back was a bloody, mangled mess. Yet, with blood smeared across his face, he smiled at me, a soft, loving smile. “Tessa, don’t cry. It doesn’t hurt.” “You’re safe. I swear, as long as I’m alive, no one will ever hurt you again.” My mother became a vegetable. To give her the best care, he worked himself into a monster—Mr. Thorne. Later, just as he promised, no one dared touch Mrs. Thorne. But he changed. He became reckless and cruel, pushing me into the abyss again and again. 3 Hailey shoved me aside with a challenging smirk, helping Caspian walk toward the exit. As they passed, Caspian smiled carelessly. “Mrs. Thorne, my patience has its limits.” “Even if you don’t care about yourself, think about your mother. Without me, she will die.” “I know you feel wronged, but if you want your mother to live, you need to accept your life. Next time you bring up divorce, you better think it through. Don’t cry when I actually sign it.” I knew he was right. I should keep enduring, so my mother could get the best treatment, at least to keep her breathing. But why? Why should I allow myself to be trapped in this rotting life? I lifted my eyes, meeting his with stubborn defiance, and spoke with resolute clarity. “Caspian. I am not playing games.” “I said, I want a divorce.” He still didn’t know. Three days ago, my old mentor, Noah, called. He told me about a new drug developed overseas. It had a high chance of curing my mother, though it hadn’t hit the market yet. If I was willing, he could get me into the trial. I agreed immediately. After hanging up, I rushed to the hospital to give my mother the good news, but I collapsed on the way. When I woke up, the doctor told me I was three months pregnant. That thin sonogram report weighed a thousand pounds. The little life in my womb was trying to keep me tethered to him. I had seriously considered telling Caspian, just to give my youth an answer, a clean break. But now, I didn’t need to. The baby was gone. There was no reason left to stay. Caspian’s eyes were filled with nothing but irritation. I was once his only weakness. Now, I was a thorn in his side. He started to laugh, but the amusement never reached his eyes. I ignored him, turning to Hailey with a cynical tone. “Well, what a shame. It looks like your Caspian has no intention of making you an honest woman.” “As long as I am Mrs. Thorne, you and the illegitimate spawn in your belly will never amount to anything.” The girl didn’t disappoint. The tears started immediately. Caspian gently stroked her head. “My princess, stop crying. My heart is breaking.” “I’ll sign the papers. I’ll sign them right now, okay?” I looked down, my smile bitter. The very thing I had begged him for, the girl could get with two tears. The signed divorce papers hit my face. Caspian’s smile was cold. “Tessa. I’ll be waiting for the day you regret this and come crawling back to me.” I watched their retreating backs, laughing through my tears. I would never regret it. I would never beg him again. Soon, I would take my mother and leave. For the rest of our lives, we would never have to meet again. The speedway was far from the city. I couldn’t get a cab, so I started walking. Each step was a torment, but my resolve was absolute. When I reached the hospital, my entire lower body was soaked in blood. The baby was gone. As the anesthesia took effect, I didn’t feel the expected grief; only a profound sense of relief. After the procedure, I rushed to my mother’s room. But the moment I opened the door, a sudden, ice-cold horror engulfed me. The two entangled figures I saw, naked in my mother’s hospital bed, tore away the last shreds of my dignity. 4 I screamed, charging forward like a lunatic to pull them apart. My reason shattered. I raised my hand and slapped Caspian with all my remaining strength. “Caspian! How dare you do this in front of my mother!” He licked the blood from his swollen lip and sneered. “Tessa Thorne, by what right do you question me?” “Don’t forget, you’re not Mrs. Thorne anymore. At best, you’re a worn-out toy I tossed aside.” I knew he was retaliating. My whole body was shaking. I roared in uncontrollable rage. “You are a disgusting, pathetic bastard, Caspian!” “Get out, both of you. Get your dog and your mistress and get out of my sight!” Hailey hid behind him, smiling at me, a triumphant, challenging glint in her eyes. “Why so angry, old lady? We were just trying to help your half-dead mother.” “Maybe a little excitement will wake her up!” My vision went red. I raised my hand to hit her, but she caught my hair and violently smashed my head into the doorframe. Blood streamed down my forehead, but I barely felt it, grappling with her, fighting dirty and without restraint. The next second, a piercing scream erupted beside me. I spun around and saw my mother, her eyes wide with fear and heartbreak. She was tottering on her feet behind me, clutching a blood-stained scalpel. Hailey fell to the ground, clutching her stomach. My mother’s fingers were trembling with terror, yet when she saw me, she managed a faint, reassuring smile. “Don’t be afraid, my little girl. Mommy will protect you.” Tears streamed down my face. I wanted to hold her, but a powerful force slammed into me. I watched helplessly as Caspian kicked my mother to the ground. He grabbed her neck, his eyes filled with absolute malice. “Who in the hell gave you the right to touch Hailey?” “If anything happens to her, I swear, I’ll make both of you pay for it!” He threw my blood-soaked mother onto the floor like a rag doll. Then he picked up Hailey and rushed out, never looking back. The surgery light stayed on all night. He knelt outside the door the whole time. When they confirmed the baby was gone, he looked at me with pure hatred. He grabbed my collar and dragged me to the foot of a remote mountain. He pointed to the temple at the summit, a cruel smile on his face. “Your mother killed my child. You will atone for her sin.” “Crawl up. One prayer for every step you take. Pray for my child.” His eyes were savage. I knew this was not a game; he was truly enraged. I didn’t argue. I bit back the pain and knelt down. One step, one bow. By the time I reached the summit, my knees were raw flesh and blood, and my forehead was lacerated. Every inch of my body screamed with agony; my consciousness began to fade. Caspian had me locked in the chapel. I was pinned to the floor. He leaned down, his face utterly devoid of emotion, and handed me a tablet. On the screen, my mother was curled up, shaking uncontrollably in her hospital bed. The next instant, the door was kicked open. A group of disheveled, menacing figures—junkies and unhoused men—poured in. They swarmed her, tearing off her gown. Her broken, desperate screams tore through me, making my entire body tremble with sharp, excruciating pain. I cried hysterically, slamming my head against the floor, begging Caspian. “Please! I beg you, let my mother go!” “Caspian, if you need revenge, take it on me! I’ll give you my life. Just let her go!” A flicker of hesitation crossed Caspian’s eyes when he saw my utter despair. But he didn’t relent. He just pulled me close. His chilling voice whispered in my ear. “Tessa, your mother made a mistake, and she must be punished.” “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to her. As soon as Hailey feels better, I’ll bring you both home. No more fighting, alright?” I grabbed his shirt, the tears turning into a desperate, wretched cry. “Caspian, I won’t fight anymore! Never again! Please, let my mother go!” He gently pried my fingers off his shirt and affectionately stroked my face. “That’s a good girl, Tessa. Just stay here and reflect for a while. When Hailey calms down, I’ll come back for you.” He didn’t look at me again. He turned and walked out of the chapel. The door slammed shut, plunging the room into darkness. I scrambled to the tablet, my trembling hands clutching it. The men finished, zipping up their trousers, their faces sickly satisfied, and then they left the room. My mother lay there, covered in blood and filth, like a dying fish. After a long time, the door to the room opened again. Hailey walked in, leaning on someone for support. She stood over my mother with a victorious expression, then brutally slapped her twice. “Filthy old thing. Just as pathetic as your daughter!” “How was that? Was it fun? All those men after being asleep for so long? You must be thrilled.” She grabbed my mother’s hair, forcing her to look into the camera. “Your daughter is watching this whole depraved show.” “You’ve been asleep for so long, you probably don’t know how miserable your daughter is. A discarded wife who stayed with him, without a shred of dignity, just for you.” “Caspian said that as long as you’re alive, Tessa will never leave him. No matter how much he humiliates her, she’ll just endure it.” “If you don’t die, she’ll only suffer more. If you really love her, then you should just die!” My mother raised her head, her eyes vacant, and smiled. “Fine. I’ll die. Just let my daughter go.” I clutched the tablet, shaking with hopeless despair. “No! Mom, please, don’t!” She couldn’t hear my cries. With desperate resolve, she crawled to the window, pushed it open, and threw herself out. From eighteen stories up, she would be completely shattered. My chest felt like it was being pierced by a thousand arrows. The pain was beyond imagining. I struggled to my feet, throwing myself at the bolted door of the chapel. Again and again, I slammed into it. My shoulder felt like it was breaking, and blood poured from my forehead. I didn’t care. My mother was gone. The light in my world had been extinguished… Caspian tended to Hailey all night. He finally left her room at dawn, his face exhausted, and motioned to his assistant. “Mrs. Thorne is afraid of the dark. An entire night locked up should have taught her a lesson.” “Bring her home. And her mother, too. Tell Tessa I’ll be back to see her in a couple of days.” He looked up, smiling, only to see his assistant fall to his knees, his face ashen. “Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thorne’s mother… she jumped out the window and died yesterday.” “The people at the temple said that last night, Mrs. Thorne violently broke the door down and then, in front of everyone, jumped off the cliff.”

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A pristine, lace dress now hung in my closet. It was a jarring, almost offensive presence among my simple, worn clothes. I ran a hand over the soft fabric, a smile—one I hadn’t realized was missing—spreading across my face. “Getting all romantic with the surprise birthday gifts, are we? After all these years, Alistair?” I was giddy. I excitedly slipped it on. I didn’t even glance in the mirror before I heard the front door open. I hurried out of the bedroom, laughing. “Honey, it’s a little snug, but I haven’t taken the tag off! Can we exchange it for the next size up?” But Alistair wasn’t alone. His student was with him. The young woman looked me up and down, a nasty little smirk twisting her mouth. “Professor Wells’s wife,” she drawled. “You’re wearing my dress.” She burst into an ugly, high-pitched laugh. “How did you even manage to stuff yourself into that? It’s hilarious. You look like a sausage about to burst its casing. Please tell me you haven’t stretched it out.” My face flushed crimson, the heat stinging my cheeks. I turned to Alistair, expecting him to deliver a sharp rebuke to her insolence. Instead, he scanned me with a look of cold indifference, then spoke. “Take it off, Cathy. It’s pretty repulsive.” The words were a physical blow. I stared at him, my world silent as something immense and central within me collapsed into dust. When he returned from walking the student out, I fixed him with a hard, unwavering gaze. “Do you have anything to say to me?” I demanded. Alistair rubbed his temples, his expression already weary. “She’s just a kid, Cathy. A little tactless, maybe. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?” I gave a short, bitter laugh. “Professor Wells, you’ve missed the point.” “I’m not angry at her. I’m angry at you.” … 1 Standing in the entryway, with both of them staring at me, I felt more exposed than if I had been fully naked. The shame burned. I bolted back into the bedroom, not stopping until I was behind the locked door. This time, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Yes, the dress was a struggle. It strained across my middle, pulling tight over my belly. But that strain wasn’t just fat. It was the result of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition I’d developed years ago. When Alistair and I were kids, we both lived in Red Clay Creek, a smudge of a town we desperately wanted to escape. I only had my aging grandmother. He only had his mother, sick and struggling. The kind of tight bond that forms when two people are all the other has kept us close. Alistair was brilliant. The only way out for a kid like him, the local teacher said, was a college scholarship. I made sure he got it. I left town and moved to Amesport, a brutal port city, to work. I needed to keep him in tuition, books, and food. Amesport winters were vicious. To maximize my pay, I’d rush to the freezing coastline before dawn, when the tide was out, to dig for clams. By afternoon, I was cleaning the hulls of cargo ships, the arctic wind tearing through my clothes. Year after year. The constant exposure, the raw, chapped hands and the cold water, eventually destroyed my health. My doctor said my uterus was damaged, and the stress triggered the PCOS. I might never carry a child. Alistair has clearly forgotten all of that. He has played the role of the esteemed, morally immaculate Professor Wells for so long that he’s forgotten his rough beginnings. Forgotten that it was his ‘plain’ wife who sacrificed her body and her future to put him on this pedestal. My chest tightened with an agonizing clench. I quickly changed into my own clothes, then grabbed the crumpled lace dress and walked out. Grace took it, held it up against her own slender frame, and pouted. “Do you think it’s stretched out?” Alistair shot me a quick, chiding glance, then turned back to Grace. “Throw that one out. I’ll replace it and get you something else.” Grace’s eyes lit up. She smiled at him, a dazzling, genuine smile. “Oh, thank you, Professor!” Then she tossed the dress at me. “Here, Mrs. Wells. You keep it. Maybe if you lose some weight, you can finally wear it.” It landed on the hardwood floor. I didn’t reach for it. They turned and walked downstairs, Alistair saying he’d see her off. I moved slowly to the window. Below, the girl was smiling brightly, waving at Alistair. His frame was straight and tall as he watched her go, and I saw the undisguised fondness in his eyes. He hadn’t looked at me like that in years. A spreading bitterness filled my throat. I pressed my lips together. Thirty years with Alistair. In that moment, I knew it was finally, irreversibly over. When Alistair returned, I was still sitting at the dining table, my head bowed. He glanced at the clock, acting as if nothing had happened. “What are we having for dinner?” I spoke flatly. “Do we need to eat?” Alistair frowned. “Are you really taking up dieting now, like those silly college girls? Cathy, you know your body can’t handle that.” I looked up, my eyes cold. “You know my body can’t handle it, and yet you let her humiliate me?” Alistair sighed, a sound of manufactured patience, and walked toward me. “You’re right, the dress didn’t suit you. Do you want me to lie? Besides, Grace is just a young woman with no filter. Stop being so sensitive.” I watched him approach and offered a cold, brittle laugh. “I’m not being sensitive about her.” “I’m talking about you.” “Alistair Wells, how long have you been in love with your student?” 2 Alistair froze mid-step, his face instantly darkening with indignation. “Cathy! It was a dress! A stupid, meaningless dress! Do you have to be so paranoid after all this time?” He held his hands out, his voice rising. “We have thirty years of history. How could you possibly think I’d just throw that away for someone else?” I stood slowly, still staring into his angry eyes. “Alistair, do you remember, so many years ago, the first white dress you ever bought me?” That year, Alistair had finally made it to the city university and earned his first substantial check from a summer job. He used it to buy me a simple white summer dress. My skin was tanned and rough from the fieldwork. When I wore it, the dress looked stark and odd, like a swatch of white cloth tossed over black dirt. I wanted to take it off, feeling ugly and exposed, but Alistair held my hand. “Don’t take it off, Cathy. You look beautiful in everything.” “Wait for me,” he’d whispered. “Just wait until I make something of myself, until I’m a tall, strong oak. Then I’ll give you back the country flower you are.” Today, I’d believed—foolishly—that he’d remembered that memory and bought me a white dress to mark the occasion. Instead, he’d forgotten completely. And with one word—”repulsive”—he proved how fragile that memory was. Sure enough, Alistair was frowning now, struggling to recall. “Why drag up ancient history?” he muttered. “If you want that dress so badly, I’ll just take it back and exchange it for a bigger size.” He bent down, annoyance radiating off him, and picked up the lace dress. But he didn’t realize that in his rush back earlier, he had unconsciously stepped on it. The pure white lace now bore the smudge of a black footprint. It was ruined. Unreturnable. I watched the hand holding the stained garment. “Don’t bother,” I said, my voice low. “I wouldn’t want to wear something that offends your eyes.” Alistair’s control finally snapped. He exploded. “Cathy, you are being utterly impossible!” “You think I’m cheating? Fine! I’ll bring Grace here and let her explain everything right to your face!” He strode toward the door. Then his phone rang. He snatched it up, and as he listened, his face went alarmingly pale. He hung up and rushed out the door. Less than an hour later, the door flew open. Alistair walked in, closely followed by Grace. The girl’s eyes were red, and her cheeks still seemed to have streaks of tears. Alistair’s mood was black. My heart gave a little lurch. I briefly wondered if he had lashed out and made the girl cry. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe they weren’t involved. Maybe his comment was just a bad joke. Then, Grace stepped around Alistair and gave me a deep, theatrical bow. “Mrs. Wells, I am so sorry. I was completely out of line earlier. I apologize.” She straightened up, her voice trembling slightly. “I just… I have a terrible filter. I say whatever comes to mind. Please, please don’t hold it against me.” I watched this polished performance, remembering the version of myself that used to beg for cents just to get by. A pang of unexpected softness hit me. I spoke slowly. “It’s fine.” The girl immediately wiped away her tears and grabbed Alistair’s arm, beaming. “That’s wonderful, Professor! Mrs. Wells forgave me!” She lowered her voice, a sudden, conspiratorial note in it. “So, you can let me stay, right?” Alistair looked at her approvingly and nodded. “Of course. Where else would you go? You’re staying here.” He turned to me, his expression hardening as he saw the rigidity in my posture. “Grace’s roommates were using a faulty appliance and it started a fire in their dorm. The girl is alone in Amesport, Cathy. We’ll put her up for a few days.” 3 So, the dramatic apology was just the prelude to this arrangement. I stared at them in disbelief. “Alistair, you can’t bring a female student to live in our home! You could get her a hotel room, or a temporary transfer to another dorm…” He cut me off with a sharp frown. “The university has no spare rooms. And besides, it’s not safe for a young woman alone in a hotel.” Grace, seeing my resistance, brought the tears back. “Mrs. Wells, are you still mad at me? I’ll apologize again, okay?” She started to bend at the waist. “I really am afraid to stay in a hotel by myself. I’m scared…” Alistair stopped her. “This is my house. If I say you are staying, you are staying.” He turned back to me, his voice rough with impatience. “Stop being so petty, Cathy. She apologized. What more do you want?” I stood rooted to the spot, reflecting on Alistair’s earlier denials. His blatant favoritism was sickening. Could his feelings for her be any clearer? A furious mixture of grief and indignation began to churn in my stomach. A reckless, brilliant plan suddenly took shape. I looked at them both and didn’t argue further, simply taking a step back. Alistair led Grace inside, then clapped a condescending hand on my shoulder. “Good. Glad you’re being reasonable. I was a little harsh earlier, too.” I kept my lips pressed shut, but Alistair took my silence as submission. “Go tidy up the guest room,” he ordered. “Grace is our guest. We can’t neglect her.” I smoothed out my features, offering the placid, gentle look he was accustomed to seeing. “Of course. I’ll go clean it up now.” That night, Grace slept in the room right next to ours. The next morning, I woke up early. I started doing the cleaning, my usual daily routine, scrubbing and mopping. I made sure to be loud. The noise eventually roused Grace. She emerged from the guest room, her face crumpled with irritation. “Auntie, why are you up so early cleaning? It’s so noisy.” I froze, looking up from the mop. Grace blinked the sleep from her eyes, saw my face, and immediately clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my God! I’m so sorry, Mrs. Wells! I was half-asleep and thought you were my cleaning lady.” She gave a nervous laugh. “But honestly, you’re even more diligent than my maid. I should really tell her to step up her game.” I simply continued dragging the mop, ignoring her completely. Grace gave a forced, weak smile and retreated back into her room. She and Alistair eventually woke up around noon. Alistair was habitually an early riser; I wondered why he’d slept so late today. I didn’t ask. He spoke frankly enough. “It’s nearly lunchtime. Did you get the groceries yet?” I shook my head. Alistair frowned, then picked up a shopping bag. “I’ll come with you, then.” Grace, hearing this, immediately bounced out of her room, announcing she wanted to join. I watched their easy familiarity, feeling a stab of pure irony. I just silently followed them out the door. At the farmer’s market, Alistair picked up a tomato. “Grace loves sweet-and-sour tomato scramble,” he said. “We should get a few of these.” Passing the seafood stall, he pointed to the crabs. “Grace loves steamed crab. Grab a couple.” I looked at the crabs struggling in the tank, a cold smirk forming on my face. “You’re quite familiar with your student’s tastes.” 4 Alistair stiffened, then rushed to explain. “I have a good memory. I picked up on it when we went out to dinner a few times. I remember all my students’ favorites.” I nodded slowly, then turned to him. “And do you remember what I like to eat?” Alistair chuckled, relieved. “How could I forget! You love fish. Hey, owner, give me that big trout.” I immediately stopped him. “Don’t bother.” “Alistair, I’ve hated the smell of seafood my entire life. It makes me sick.” Alistair stared at me, dumbfounded. “But… you always buy fish! You cook it all the time!” I lowered my eyes, my voice laced with self-contempt. “I used to buy the near-dead fish for free when I worked on the docks.” “Later, I cooked it because you love it.” “Alistair, didn’t you ever notice that I never once reached for a single piece of fish?” Alistair fell silent, utterly stunned. A short distance away, Grace was standing, clutching her nose. As we approached, still silent, she seemed oblivious to the thick tension. “This market is so dirty and smelly,” she complained. “Mrs. Wells, you come here every day? You’re so brave. How do you stand it?” Alistair looked at Grace, his expression softening with sympathy. “I told you not to come. I said the environment here was unpleasant.” “Do you come here often, Professor?” Grace asked innocently. Alistair never came. He hated that the market was dirty, and he was embarrassed when I haggled over a few cents. Today, he was slumming it—coming here only to ensure Grace got her favorite ingredients. He avoided Grace’s question, awkwardly changing the subject. As we left the market, we passed a small stall selling cheap clothing. Grace pointed to a garish, black polyester floral dress. “Mrs. Wells, you like wearing dresses, right? This one really suits you.” She nudged Alistair. “Professor, don’t you think?” Alistair glanced at it and nodded. “Yes. It’s very appropriate for her.” The vendor, seeing a potential sale, hurried over, smiling. “Buying for your mother figure?” she asked Alistair and Grace. “A nice gift for your long-time family elder?” The “long-time elder.” It reminded me of the time I first met Alistair’s college roommates. One of them had asked if I was Alistair’s aunt. Alistair hadn’t defended me that night. His face had just gone beet red with shame, and he’d made an excuse to rush me home. After that, I rarely saw his friends. Even now, Alistair couldn’t acknowledge me as his wife. The bitterness intensified. I heard the vendor continue her pitch. “They’re $99, buy one get one free. Great deal.” I clearly remembered the tag on the white lace dress: $1,999. Alistair thought this cheap, ugly, clearance-rack polyester was what was appropriate for me. My eyes hardened. I spoke flatly. “I don’t like it.” I turned and walked away quickly. Alistair rushed to catch up, bewildered. “What are you mad about now? I was trying to be nice and buy you a dress! What did I do wrong?” I took a deep breath, quickening my pace. “Are you deaf? I said I. Don’t. Like. It.” Grace caught up and tried to mediate. “Professor, don’t argue with Mrs. Wells. Maybe it’s inconvenient to wear a dress while working? My cleaning lady never wears them at our house.” The word ‘cleaning lady’ was another sting, deep in my heart. Alistair didn’t deny it. He certainly didn’t scold Grace. He simply agreed. “That’s a good point.” My heart plummeted. In that instant, thirty years of shared history, even the last faint warmth, went ice-cold. When we got home, I immediately went into the kitchen to cook. Grace loved home made opened sandwich? I made it a simple cheese ham sandwich. She loved roasted ribs? I made them spicy and heavily roasted. Her favourite cabbage salad? I doused it in chili and vinegar. When the dishes came out, Alistair’s face was thunderous. “Cathy Wells, I told you what dishes to make!” I ate my food calmly. “My apologies, Professor Wells. My memory isn’t as sharp as yours.” It was a quiet meal. I was the only one who ate with any appetite. Alistair finished quickly, his face dark, and took Grace to the university. I slowly cleaned the kitchen. Then, I went to Alistair’s study and found our marriage certificate. I took out a pen and paper and began to write a letter. But I was interrupted by Alistair calling me. “I’m taking some students out to dinner tonight, and I’m going to introduce you to them.” His voice was dripping with forced patience. “Cathy, I’m doing this much. Can you please stop this childish sulking?” He spoke as if he were bestowing a monumental gift upon me. Yet, for thirty years, it had been my sacrifices that gifted him this life. I swallowed the bitter irony and agreed to the dinner. That evening, I arrived at the restaurant as planned. Just outside the private dining room, I heard Grace’s voice, sharp and distinct. “Yes, I’ve met Mrs. Wells. She wasn’t what I expected. I thought she’d be intellectual and elegant.” A cruel little laugh. “I was surprised. She’s a bit heavy, you know? Definitely the solid, working-class type.” The group erupted in laughter. “What an awful way to describe her, Grace! Aren’t you afraid of getting scolded?” Grace scoffed, her voice smug. “The Professor would never scold me. I’m his favorite student.” Alistair, as expected, only chuckled softly, saying nothing. Suddenly, Grace’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Professor, you and Mrs. Wells don’t have kids, do you? And she has that big belly… do you think she might be pregnant?” Alistair paused, then laughed lightly. “Don’t be ridiculous. She’s just heavy.” The table dissolved into fresh, low laughter. I stood in the doorway, watching the scene unfold, my expression cold. I pulled out my phone. Without a moment’s hesitation, I posted the fully edited message to the university’s private forum. I watched for the “Post Successful” notification, then, poker-faced, walked into the dining room. The students saw me. Their faces registered shock, curiosity, and disbelief—and yes, distaste. I ignored it all and walked straight to the seat beside Alistair. The group quickly masked their surprise, forcing on polite expressions as they greeted me. I met their eyes, one by one, acknowledging them calmly. Alistair, too, instantly reverted to his role as the doting husband. The dinner began, filled with forced cheer and chatter. Only I remained silent. Suddenly, one of the students gasped in surprise. “Professor! There’s a viral post about you on the school forum!” Alistair immediately snatched the phone. As he read, his face went from pale to sickly gray. He looked up at me, his eyes blazing. “Cathy, are you insane?!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390864”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My boyfriend and I got into yet another fight over putting my name on the deed of our future home before the wedding. Not long after, he posted a photo of his new car on social media with the caption: “Some people are just too calculating, trying to split my assets before we even walk down the aisle. Sorry not sorry, I used the down payment for the house to buy this baby in full!” The comments section was filled with his bros hyping him up, calling him a “real man” for not spoiling a gold digger. Just as I was about to call him to ask what he meant, a barrage of comments suddenly floated before my eyes: [Sigh, the male lead is just led astray by his bad friends. Deep down, he really wants a home with the female lead.] [The female lead is annoying too. Her parents clearly have the means to buy them a house, so why insist on the male lead saving up for the down payment and putting her name on it?] [If the female lead just clarified that any future house her parents buy will also have his name on it, he wouldn’t be angry.] I thought these floating comments were full of shit. I asked for my name on the deed because my parents didn’t ask for a bride price and even gave a dowry of $30,000. The next second, I received a text from the bro who had been cheering him on the loudest. “Downtown penthouse, paid in full. I’ll put it in your name before the marriage. Will you marry me?” 1 The text was from Lucas, my boyfriend Ryan’s best friend. I stared at the words, almost burning a hole through my phone screen. The barrage of comments flashed frantically before my eyes. [Don’t reply! This is a test from the male lead’s best friend!] [If you reply, the male lead will truly give up. He’s just stubborn right now!] I didn’t reply because Ryan came back. He threw his car keys onto the entryway console. “I’m tired. I don’t want to fight.” He walked straight to the sofa, sinking into it without even glancing at me. I suppressed my anger and walked over. “Ryan, what do you mean by that post?” He snorted. “Can’t read? It means I’m not buying the house. I bought a car instead.” I held back my rage. “That money included the dowry my parents gave, plus the savings we scraped together. What right did you have to spend it all by yourself?” He finally looked up, his eyes full of mockery. “That $30,000 dowry was just to exchange for half the property rights to my house, right? Vicky, you really know how to calculate.” “Let me tell you, this house would have been pre-marital property. It has nothing to do with you. I don’t care about your family’s little money.” I was trembling with anger. My parents understood his family wasn’t wealthy, so they didn’t ask for a cent in bride price and even gave a $30,000 dowry. Their only request was to add my name to the deed for peace of mind and security. In his mouth, it became a calculated scheme by my entire family! The barrage popped up again. [The male lead has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. He loves you so much, he wouldn’t really care about this.] [He’s just scared. He’s afraid that after giving everything, you’ll still leave him.] Looking at his cold face, I only found it laughable. “Fine, you bought the car. When do you plan to return my share of the money?” He looked at me as if I’d told the world’s biggest joke. “You want money? We’ve lived together for years. Food, clothes, daily necessities—didn’t I pay for them? If I kept a ledger, you’d owe me quite a bit.” “I’ll give you three days to move out of this apartment.” “I need to calm down and re-evaluate our relationship.” After speaking, he put on his headphones and closed his eyes, refusing to communicate. Looking at the man I had loved for five years, my heart grew colder inch by inch. Re-evaluate our relationship? It was just a tactic to force me into submission. He was certain I couldn’t leave him, certain I would compromise everything for him. But this time, he was wrong. 2 I started packing my bags in silence. Ryan thought I was just throwing a tantrum and ignored me, driving his new car out to party with his friends every day. On the third day, his mother called. As soon as I picked up, she bombarded me with accusations. “Vicky, how can you be so immature? What’s wrong with buying a car? A man needs a good car to have face outside. It’s good for his career!” “You young people need to look at the big picture! Making a scene over a name on a deed… You’ve embarrassed our family!” I held the phone, silent. “Ryan told me. As long as you apologize and promise never to mention the house again, he’ll let you move back.” “A girl living alone outside is unsafe. Listen to me, go back and soften up.” “Women ultimately have to rely on men.” I spoke calmly, “Auntie, we’ve broken up.” Silence on the other end for a few seconds, then a sharper scream erupted. “Break up? You dare! You’ve been with Ryan for five years. Your youth was spent on him. Who else would want you but him?” “I’m telling you, don’t be ungrateful. Get back there and serve my son!” With that, she hung up. I looked at the disconnected phone and exhaled a long breath. So in their eyes, my five years of youth were just leverage to control me. That evening, Ryan brought a group of his bros back, including Lucas. Carrying alcohol, they swarmed into the living room noisily, like victorious generals. Ryan kicked my suitcase in the living room. It hit the wall with a dull thud. “Vicky, you really dare to pack?” He pointed at me drunkenly, his face full of undisguised mockery. His bros laughed along, whistles and dirty jokes mixing together. “Ryan, sister-in-law is trying to show you who’s boss.” “Women just need coaxing. Leave her alone for two days and she’ll be obedient.” I ignored them and bent down to pick up my suitcase. A hand pressed down on the suitcase. It was Lucas. He didn’t look at me but said to Ryan, “Ryan, that’s enough. Don’t make a scene.” Ryan shoved him away. “Get lost! You have no say here!” “Vicky, I’ll give you one last chance. Put your things back, pour drinks for my bros and apologize, and this is over.” The barrage scrolled like crazy. [Apologize quickly, female lead! The male lead is giving you an out!] [He’s drunk, but he still loves you. Why else would he bring his bros to back you up!] I straightened up and looked at Ryan coldly. “First, we’ve broken up. Please call me by my full name.” “Second, this is my property. You damaged it, you pay.” “Third, I won’t apologize. You are the one who needs to apologize.” “Fourth, please get out of this apartment immediately. Before I move out, I still have half the right to use this place.” My voice silenced the living room instantly. Everyone looked at me in disbelief. Ryan’s face turned liver-red, alcohol-fueled anger burning in his eyes. He suddenly grabbed a wine bottle from the coffee table and smashed it on the floor by my feet. Glass shards and liquor splashed everywhere. “Vicky, you ungrateful bitch!” He roared. Lucas stepped forward, gripping Ryan’s other wrist tightly. “Ryan, you’re crazy!” “I’m crazy? I think she’s crazy!” Ryan pointed at my nose and cursed. “For money, she’ll do anything! Now she wants to kick me out? Who do you think you are!” I took out my phone, started recording, and dialed my dad. The call connected instantly. “Dad, is the moving company here? Let them come up. The code is xxxxxx.” “It’s a bit loud here. Yeah, saying goodbye to friends.” I put it on speaker. My dad’s steady voice came through clearly. “Okay, I’ll tell them to hurry. Vicky, don’t be afraid. Dad is waiting in the car downstairs.” Lucas glanced at me, his eyes full of undisguised approval and heartache. Ryan’s expression froze. His bros looked at each other, smiles vanishing completely. [How can the female lead do this! She’s slapping the male lead’s face!] [It’s over, it’s over. The male lead will never forgive her!] 3 The movers arrived quickly, well-trained and efficient. Ryan and his bros stood in the middle of the living room, watching my things being moved out one by one. The atmosphere was oppressive to the extreme. Ryan’s face turned from red to white. He probably never thought I would really leave, and so decisively. One bro nudged his arm and whispered, “Ryan, maybe… we should go?” Ryan shoved him away violently, pointing at me and shouting, “Vicky, you think you’re tough, huh? You dare to leave! If you walk out this door today, don’t think about coming back to beg me!” Ignoring him, I directed the movers: “Please be careful with that vanity, it was a gift from my mom.” [Oh my god, the female lead really doesn’t want the male lead anymore. Her heart is so cruel.] [The male lead is so pitiful. He just wanted to scare the female lead, but it backfired.] [The female lead’s dad is actually downstairs. She has nothing to fear!] The barrage chattered on, but I felt a peace I hadn’t felt before. After everything was loaded onto the truck, I took out my phone and opened the chat with Ryan. I took screenshots of every transfer record of the money we saved together over the years. Then, I calculated a total sum, adding the $30,000 dowry money transfer record, and sent it all to him. “Ryan, the total is $37,860. I don’t know how much you spent on the car. Transfer the remaining money to me within three days.” “Otherwise, I’ll see you in court.” After sending, I blocked all his contact methods. Having done all this, I took one last look at the apartment I lived in for years. There was laughter here once, and my infinite longing for the future. But now, only messy and nauseating memories remained. I turned and walked towards the door. Lucas called me, “Vicky.” I stopped but didn’t turn back. He took a few steps forward and draped a jacket over me, covering my shoulders that were splashed with liquor earlier. The jacket smelled of clean soap. “It’s cold outside.” His voice was low. “You did the right thing.” I didn’t speak, opened the door, and walked out without a trace of reluctance. Downstairs, my dad was leaning against the car smoking. Seeing me come down, he immediately put out the cigarette. He didn’t ask what happened, just opened the back door for me. “Let’s go home.” As the car started, I saw in the rearview mirror that Ryan had rushed downstairs, standing by the roadside, watching our car drive away blankly. [The male lead chased after her! He regrets it! Female lead, look back at him!] [As long as the female lead gets out of the car now, they can definitely reconcile!] I withdrew my gaze, leaned back in the seat, and closed my eyes. Back home, my mom had already prepared a table of my favorite dishes. My parents asked nothing, just kept putting food in my bowl, as if I had just returned from a long trip. After dinner, my dad called me to the study. He handed me a document bag. ” This is the purchase contract for a flat in that new downtown complex. Paid in full, in your name.” “The code is your birthday. You move in tomorrow.” I was stunned. My dad patted my shoulder. “A daughter of the Wei family doesn’t need to live by anyone’s mood, let alone exchange self-respect for a name on a deed.” “Mom and Dad will always be your foundation.” Tears burst like a dam at that moment. The next day, I moved into my new home. A 2,000-square-foot flat, decorated in my favorite minimalist style, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustling city night view. I dug out Lucas’s text message. “Downtown penthouse, paid in full, only your name. Consider marrying me?” Looking at the thousands of lights outside the window, I replied with two words. “ID card, brought it?” My phone vibrated. Lucas replied instantly. “In the car. I’ve been downstairs at your place.” I walked to the window and lifted a corner of the curtain. Beside the familiar black SUV downstairs, Lucas was leaning against the door, looking up in my direction. The streetlamp elongated his shadow. The barrage exploded instantly. [NO!!! Female lead, how can you do this! Are you worthy of the male lead?!] [It’s a trap! Lucas must be in cahoots with Ryan! They’re teaming up to scam your money!] [The female lead is blinded by greed. She’ll regret it!] The barrage was noisy, but I ignored it. Put down the phone, changed clothes, and went downstairs. Seeing me, Lucas stood straight, nervousness in his eyes. “I thought you wouldn’t reply.” “Why did you think I wouldn’t?” I asked. He was silent for a moment, took out a pack of cigarettes, pulled one out, then put it back. “Ryan said you loved him to death, willing to do anything for him, impossible to leave him.” “So, that text was a test?” He nodded, then immediately shook his head. “Half and half.” He looked at me with burning eyes. “I wanted to see if you really couldn’t leave him as he said. And also wanted to see… if I had a chance.” “What chance?” “A chance to pursue you.” I laughed. “Lucas, we’ve known each other for five years. In these five years, you were Ryan’s best friend. You saw everything he did, but you never said a word.” “Now that everyone has turned against him, you think you have a chance?” “Why do you think I would jump from one fire pit to another?” My words were like knives, stabbing the heart. Lucas’s face turned pale instantly. “I…” His Adam’s apple rolled, unable to speak a complete sentence for a long time. [Well said! The female lead is finally awake! Roast him!] [Eh? Why did the barrage change direction?] [Don’t talk nonsense if you don’t understand. We’re using reverse psychology to let the female lead see the second male lead’s true colors!] Looking at these flipping comments, I only found it absurd. “Lucas, put away those thoughts you shouldn’t have.” “I came down to see you today, not to hear your confession, but to discuss a deal.” He was stunned. “Deal?” “Yes.” I crossed my arms, looking at him. “Ryan owes me $37,860. I want you to help me get it back.” “If successful, I’ll give you 30%.” The light in Lucas’s eyes dimmed bit by bit. He smiled bitterly. “Vicky, is that the kind of person I am in your eyes?” “What else?” I countered. “You called him brother for five years, and now you stab him in the back for a woman. If not for money, is it for love?” “I…” “Don’t say you love me.” I interrupted him coldly. “Your love is too cheap.” With that, I turned to leave. “Wait!” Lucas called out. He walked quickly to me, took a kraft paper bag from the car, and handed it to me. “What is this?” “Look first.” Suspiciously, I opened the file bag and pulled out the contents. Page one: a vehicle lease agreement. Page two: a thick stack of betting slips. Page three: a loan agreement from an online lending platform. Borrower: Ryan. Emergency contact: My name and ID number. My hands started to shake. “He… didn’t buy a car?” “No.” Lucas’s voice was heavy. “The car is rented, $80 a day. The house down payment, plus your $30,000, he used it all for sports betting and lost everything.” “Not satisfied, he used your info to borrow money from several platforms, totaling over $50,000.” “Vicky, he lied to you from beginning to end.” I felt the world spin, almost unable to stand. The barrage before my eyes appeared chaotic as never before, like interference signals, the text distorting. [How can this be… How can the male lead gamble? The script wasn’t written like this!] [It’s over, it’s all over. The male lead’s character setting has collapsed!] [Quick! Female lead, think of a way to help the male lead pay back the money! He was just confused for a moment!] I held the car door, forcing myself to calm down. “How did you get these things?” “I have my ways.” Lucas said. “I know Ryan better than you. He loves saving face, bragging, acting without thinking. A little flattery and he forgets his own name.” “Those so-called brothers of his are just fair-weather friends. When he had money, everyone revolved around him. Now he has no money, they run faster than anyone.” “These evidences were sold to me by one of those brothers.” I clenched the file bag in my hand. “What do you want?” “I said, I want a chance to pursue you.” Lucas looked into my eyes, enunciating every word. “Money, I don’t want. I’ll help you get the money back, just begging you to give me a chance.” I looked at his sincere eyes and was silent for a long time. “Okay.” 4 The next day, I asked Ryan to meet. At the coffee shop downstairs of my new home. He came, wearing branded clothes, a brand new watch on his wrist, hair sleek with oil, looking smug. Seeing me, his mouth curved into a determined smile. “What? Regret it? Came back to beg me after thinking it through?” He pulled out the chair opposite me and sat down, crossing his legs. “Let me tell you Vicky, it’s too late. Now you beg me, and I set the conditions.” The barrage became active again. [The male lead is playing hard to get! He still loves the female lead deep down!] [Female lead soften up quickly, give him an out, and everything will pass.] I ignored him and the barrage, simply pushing the kraft paper bag in front of him. “Take a look.” The smile on Ryan’s face froze. He looked at me suspiciously and opened the file bag. When he saw the vehicle lease agreement and betting slips inside, his face turned pale instantly. He looked up sharply, eyes full of shock and panic. “You… how do you have these things?” “Don’t worry about how I have them.” I looked at him calmly. “Ryan, let’s talk.” “Talk about what? What do you want?” His voice started to tremble. “Simple. Return my $37,860. Also,” I took out the copy of the online loan agreement and put it on the table, “You solve this $50,000 loan yourself. It has nothing to do with me.” “Impossible!” He stood up excitedly. “I have no money! Not a cent!” “That’s your problem.” I picked up my coffee and took a sip. “I’ll give you three days. If the money isn’t in my account in three days, these things will appear on your parents’ and your company leader’s desks.” “You dare!” His eyes were about to crack. “See if I dare.” I put down the coffee cup and stood up. “Oh, by the way, forgot to tell you. Using my info for online loans constitutes fraud. Guess how many years you’ll spend inside if I call the police?” Ryan collapsed into the chair, face ashen. [The female lead has such a cruel heart! She’s pushing the male lead to death!] [The male lead is already this miserable, why won’t she let him go? Were the five years of feelings fake?] I stood up looking at him. “Ryan, you forced me.” I turned and left, leaving him trembling in despair alone. In the next two days, I received countless calls from strange numbers. Threats from collection agencies, and wailing from Ryan’s mom. “Vicky! You heartless woman! Are you trying to drive our family to death?” “What did Ryan do wrong for you to treat him like this! He’s just a child!” “You have to pay back that $50,000 too! You dated him! You have to be responsible!” I ignored them all, blocking directly. On the afternoon of the third day, my phone received a bank transfer notification. $37,860, not a cent less. Immediately after, Lucas sent a message. “Done.” I replied: “Thanks.” “Free tonight? Want to treat you to a meal.” He asked. I looked out the window, thought about it, and replied: “Okay.” That evening, Lucas picked me up. He took me to a very quiet private restaurant. During the meal, he told me the aftermath of Ryan. Ryan sold his parents’ house in their hometown to scrape together the money to pay me back. He was still trying to plug the hole of the online loans. Because of this, he lost his job, chased by collectors all day, looking haggard. Those brothers of his had scattered long ago. “His parents go to his rented apartment to make a scene every day now, calling him unfilial and a prodigal son.” Lucas put some food in my bowl. “Did his mom call you?” I nodded. “Ignore her. That whole family is delusional.” [See, the second male lead is better, gentle and considerate, not immature like the male lead.] [I’m starting to ship the female lead and the second male lead a bit.] [Don’t talk nonsense up there, the male lead was just confused for a moment, he will change! The female lead should give him a chance!] The barrage’s stance started to split, arguing in a mess. I asked Lucas: “Why help me?” Lucas put down his chopsticks and looked at me seriously. “Vicky, actually I knew you earlier than Ryan.” 5 I was stunned. “Sophomore year, the school held a welcome gala. You spoke on stage as the student council representative.” Lucas’s voice was soft, like recalling a long-cherished memory. “That day you wore a white dress, standing under the spotlight, the whole person glowing.” “I was in the audience then, a volunteer responsible for sound. From that day on, I remembered you.” “Later, Ryan said he wanted to pursue you. Everyone in our dorm gave him ideas. I didn’t speak because I knew I wasn’t as eloquent as him, nor was my family as rich.” He laughed self-deprecatingly. “I could only watch him catch you, watch you be together, watch him treat you well, and watch him treat you badly.” “I thought countless times about telling you the truth, telling you he flirted with other girls behind your back, telling you he used your money to treat guests for face.” “But I dared not. I was afraid if I said it, you wouldn’t believe me, and would think I was sowing discord.” “More afraid that if I said it, you would leave him, and we couldn’t even be friends.” I listened quietly, mixed feelings in my heart. Turns out, in a corner I didn’t know, there was such a pair of eyes watching me for so many years. [Wow! So the secret crush came true! So romantic!] [I said the second male lead is the official match! Male lead whatever, get lost quickly!] [No! I still stand by the original couple! The male lead was just possessed for a moment!] “That day you moved out of his place, seeing your dad pick you up, I finally confirmed that you and he are not the same kind of people. You deserve better.” Lucas looked at me. “Vicky, in the past five years, I missed out. In the future, I don’t want to miss out again.” “So, that text message, you really want to marry me?” He nodded solemnly. “Yes.” “Even though I just ended a failed relationship and am full of distrust towards men and marriage?” “I am willing to wait.” He said. “Wait until you believe in love again, wait until you are willing to accept me.” That meal, we talked a lot. About funny things in college, about careers after graduation, about respective hobbies. I found that Lucas and I have many common points. We both like watching old movies, both like the same director, both like drinking hot cocoa on rainy days. Chatting with him was comfortable and relaxing. This was a feeling I never had with Ryan. After eating, he sent me home. Downstairs, I saw a familiar figure. Ryan. He was much thinner, unshaven, eyes full of bloodshot veins. Seeing me get out of Lucas’s car, his eyes instantly turned red. He rushed over, grabbing my wrist. “Vicky! You’re with him?!” “You bitch! I should have known you two had something going on!” Lucas got out immediately, shielded me behind him, and punched Ryan in the face. “Watch your mouth!” Ryan stumbled from the hit, blood at the corner of his mouth. Instead of being afraid, he laughed even more crazily. “What? Did I hit a nerve? Angry from shame?” He pointed at me, then at Lucas. “You adulterous couple! I was blind to like you!” [The male lead is crazy! How can he say that about the female lead!] [He hates because of love! He still can’t let go of the female lead in his heart!] I stepped out from behind Lucas, looking at Ryan coldly. “We have broken up. Who I am with has nothing to do with you.” “Nothing to do with me?” He laughed until tears came out. “Vicky, you ruined me so badly. Home gone, career gone, carrying a huge debt. Now you want to fly away with someone else? Let me tell you, no way!” He suddenly pulled a fruit knife from his pocket and held it to his neck. “If you dare go with him, I’ll die in front of you right now!” Passersby screamed. Lucas’s face changed, immediately blocking in front of me. “Ryan, don’t be impulsive! Put the knife down!” [Omg! The male lead wants to commit suicide! Female lead persuade him quickly!] [This is all forced by the female lead! She has to take responsibility!] Looking at Ryan’s face twisted by jealousy and unwillingness, I only felt nausea. Threatening with suicide? This is his last and most despicable mean. I took out my phone and dialed 911. “Hello, police? This is xx Community. Someone is provoking trouble with a knife and attempting suicide. Please come over.” My voice was calm. Ryan froze. He probably didn’t expect I would call the police directly. His hand started to shake, the knife tip scratching a shallow blood mark on his neck. “Vicky… you…” “Ryan, put away this act.” I looked at him, saying word by word. “Your life is yours. If you want to die, don’t dirty my place.” “Also, don’t harass me again. Otherwise, I’ll call the police every time I see you.”

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I have a secret crush on my stepbrother, Adrian. But he is a perfect gentleman, which makes me feel like a twisted, dark pervert. Then he went on a blind date. The woman was too perfect for him. I went crazy with jealousy and drugged his drink. I know Adrian is a responsible man. After tonight, even if he doesn’t love me, he will have to marry me. Everything was going smoothly. However, at the last moment, I regretted it. I couldn’t bear to hurt him… Before he woke up, I tried to sneak away. But suddenly, a hand grabbed my ankle. “Giving up halfway isn’t a good habit, is it? Little… sister.” 1 At 10:00 PM, Adrian drank the water I poured for him. At 12:00 AM, I pushed open his bedroom door. My footsteps on the cashmere carpet were silent. Adrian was already deep asleep. I skillfully turned on the night light. Tracing his eyebrows and eyes with my finger, dipped in the soft light. He seemed ticklish and frowned slightly. My finger paused, but I wasn’t afraid. I’ve drugged him with sleeping pills too many times. I have the dosage down to a science. He won’t wake up before 6 AM. Sure enough, his breathing soon became even and long again. I turned off the light, kicked off my slippers. Lifted the corner of the quilt and burrowed in. Adrian habitually sleeps on his back. I rested my head on his arm, wrapped my arms around his waist, and buried myself deeply in his embrace. Sometimes I really wish the world was only night. Then Adrian would belong only to me. Unfortunately, that’s just a dream. At 5:00 AM, my smartwatch vibrated. I woke up almost instantly and turned off the alarm. The room was still dark. I carefully got up, touched Adrian’s hair. Got out of bed and went back to my room. It was almost dawn. I wasn’t sleepy anymore, so I went to wash up. In the mirror, a pale face stared back. Only then did I realize my lips were swollen and red. I touched them; there was a distinct stinging pain. Strange… I frowned. Is it allergies? Or did I eat something spicy? 2 It was the end of the year, and classes were wrapping up. I packed up early and moved back home from the dorms. Adrian seemed very busy lately, always working overtime. But he still strictly adhered to the agreement I pestered him into making when we were kids: be home before 10:30 PM every night. Tonight, I was curled up on the sofa writing a term paper. The lock clicked, and Adrian walked in. He had obviously been out drinking; the smell of alcohol drifted off him. Bending over, changing shoes—all his movements were half a beat slower than usual. My gaze stuck to him, unable to move away. Drunk Adrian seemed even more handsome. While his head was lowered, my eyes greedily traced his high brow bone, the slightly red corners of his eyes, and his moist, flushed lips… When I was very young, I wrote in an essay that my brother was a “beautiful man.” Back then, he seriously corrected me, saying “beautiful” describes women. But I stubbornly believe Adrian is beautiful. While my thoughts were running wild. Adrian suddenly stood up and stumbled. I threw my laptop aside and ran to support him. Bit by bit, I helped him sit on the sofa. His shirt was already messy. Tie loose, hem untucked. Because of his leaning posture, a section of his waist was exposed—lean and tight. I involuntarily swallowed. “Ava.” Just then, Adrian called me. “Huh?” I snapped back to reality. “Can you get me some hangover medicine?” “Oh, okay!” I hurried to rummage through the cabinet. When I came back, Adrian was asleep. Probably feeling hot, he had pulled off his tie. His collar was wide open, unreservedly exposing his chest muscles. My brain felt like it was boiling, too hot to think. After a long while, I took out my phone and took a picture. Adrian suddenly moved. I jumped and hid my phone. Guilty as a thief, I called him: “Adrian?” “Hmm?” He opened his eyes, his vision slowly focusing. He thanked me and took the medicine from my hand. After taking it, he walked unsteadily into the bathroom to shower. 3 I sat on the sofa, looking at the photo I just took. Zoom in, zoom out. Zoom out, zoom in. My heartbeat was exceptionally loud in the quiet living room. Suddenly, a loud thud came from the bathroom. Followed by Adrian’s cry of pain. I jumped up and rushed over. “Adrian, what happened?” I pounded on the door, but there was no answer. Afraid something happened to him, I turned the knob and barged in. Adrian was sitting on the floor. Probably hurt from the fall, his face twisted in pain. Seeing me enter, he frantically pulled his bathrobe together. But being drunk, his fingers were stiff and slow; he couldn’t tie the belt for a long time. “I’m fine.” I helped him up, pretending to be calm, but my hands were shaking. After confirming he was really okay, I helped him out and slowly upstairs. A pleasant scent wafted from him. I walked diagonally behind him, secretly taking deep breaths. It was the same body wash, but on him, it was extraordinarily different. Suddenly, a drop of water fell from his hair tips, landing on my fingertip. It was cold, but felt like a wildfire. I froze for several seconds before quietly rubbing it away. Adrian took hangover medicine tonight, so he shouldn’t take other drugs. But he fell asleep quickly. In the dark, I stared at him for a long time before quietly leaving. 4 On the weekend, my best friend Chloe called me out. She is the only person who knows all my secrets. As soon as we met, she teased me: “Oho, our beauty Ava has dark circles? Did you sneak into your brother’s room again in the middle of the night?” I didn’t speak. She took my silence as confirmation. Smiling slyly, she bumped my shoulder. “Did you do that to him—” “No.” Two girls exchanged a look, knowing exactly what the other was thinking. I denied it too quickly. Chloe tutted and patted my shoulder. “You are truly amazing. Call you normal, you sneak into a man’s room every night. “Call you a pervert, but you don’t dare do anything. Drugging him every few days just to sleep next to him.” I lowered my eyes: “Doing it would leave marks. With his personality, if he found out, he’d go crazy… “We wouldn’t even be able to be siblings anymore.” “True, your brother looks like a proper gentleman.” Chloe propped her chin. “You’ve been fostered in his family for so many years, no different from a biological sister. “If he knew what was in your head, he’d be scared to death.” “Yeah.” A heavy sense of loss surged, making my breathing difficult. Chloe saw it and hugged me. “Hey! Listen to me, stop liking him. “Love once to suffer, love ten times and you won’t have time to suffer.” She finished speaking and leaned in mysteriously. She said she prepared a gift for me, and I would definitely like it. Half an hour later, in a KTV private room. I saw the gift Chloe mentioned. It was a… male host… who looked 60-70% like my brother… Chloe pulled him to sit next to me, telling him to chat with me properly. The man’s hand hovered over my shoulder. I admit, I was dazed for a few seconds. But as soon as he opened his mouth, full of flattery, my interest vanished instantly. Adrian would never use that tone with me. He is someone who seems gentle and polite, easy to approach, but actually maintains a perfect distance from everyone, like being behind a layer of impenetrable glass. Even though I’ve lived with him for so long, I can’t guess what he’s thinking. “Sister?” Seeing me zone out, the host waved his hand in front of my eyes. I snapped back, told him to sit further away, and ignore me. I took out my phone and leaned back to play. A notification from a location app popped up just then. I clicked it. The next second, I was shocked to find that Adrian’s coordinates overlapped with mine. 5 I refreshed several times, confirming it wasn’t a bug, then dashed out the door. Why is Adrian here? Shouldn’t he be working overtime? I strangely walked past one private room door after another. The distance prompted by the system got closer and closer… Finally, reduced to 0. I looked through the crack in the door. Not only did I see Adrian, but I also saw several men and women his age. Instrumental music was playing inside; they were chatting and laughing. I pressed against the crack, pricking up my ears, trying to eavesdrop. After a while, I realized they were setting Adrian up on a blind date! My gaze moved slowly, landing on the only woman in the room. Features bright and beautiful, temperament elegant. I had to admit, she looked really compatible with Adrian. My heart tightened suddenly, my hand unconsciously resting on the door handle. Nail hit metal, making a slight sound. Adrian looked over curiously. Glad for my quick reflexes, I squatted down immediately. Before he came out, I fled back to my room like an escapee. In the private room, the host peeled several mandarins for me. But I had no appetite at all. I stared unblinkingly at the location app. Half an hour later, Adrian’s coordinates started moving again. I grabbed my bag and chased after him. In the lobby, a group of people were saying goodbye. Adrian personally hailed a cab and put the woman in. She was blushing. Reading lips, she seemed to say “See you next time.” Adrian nodded. He watched her leave before getting into his own car. 6 When I got home, Adrian was sitting on the sofa reading a book. As soon as I approached him, I smelled a woman’s perfume. Nails digging into my palms, I pretended not to know and asked him: “Bro, where did you go today? Why do you smell like perfume?” Adrian paused, sniffed his sleeve. A rare shyness appeared on his face: “Friends introduced a blind date. We probably sat too close, it rubbed off.” “You want to get married?” I stared at him without blinking. Adrian nodded: “Yes, at my age, I should consider marriage.” “Your age? You’re still young!” I blurted out. Adrian looked helpless. After a while, he sighed: “Ava, my biggest wish before was for you to get into a good university, so I spent all my thoughts on you, ignoring my own affairs. “But now you’re a junior, I should have my own life too, right?” “But…” “But what?” Adrian looked up at me. His neck tilted slightly back, stretching into a smooth and fragile arc. The light flowed over his eyes, jawline… landing on his slightly open collar, collarbone looming. He really is… So beautiful. I felt like I was going crazy. Or rather, I was already crazy. I wanted to kiss him, bite him, lock him up so he could never go out, never smile at anyone else. My heart beat wildly in my chest. I clenched my fists tightly, constantly adjusting my breathing to keep my emotions from showing. But Adrian still sensed something strange. He stood up, approaching me with concern. “Ava, what’s wrong?” I quickly lowered my eyes. After a long while, I managed to speak again: “But I can’t bear to let you go. If you get married and have your own family, you won’t be close to me anymore.” “I won’t.” Adrian rubbed the top of my head. “You will.” I insisted. “Since I started college, you haven’t been as close to me as before.” “That’s because you grew up. I have to avoid suspicion.” See. I closed my eyes. If the price of growing up is losing him, then I’d rather be a child forever. My eyes suddenly felt sour. Adrian rubbed my head again. “Men and women should marry, it’s normal. Ava will marry someone in the future too.” I won’t! I screamed in my heart.

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Daniel, my father, had finally won over Sophia, my mother—the loving but secondary figure in their story. He waited ten years for her to marry him, bringing along my three-year-old sister, Mia. But after I was born, Mia developed a severe eating disorder. She only smiled and ate more when feeding me. So whenever she offered a spoon, Mom would gently hold my shoulders and force me to open my mouth. At five, my teacher taught us to say no to things that made us unhappy. One day, too full to eat another bite, I refused Mia’s spoon. She cried until her face turned purple, as if I’d hurt her deeply. Mom rushed over, panicked, her nails digging into my skin. “You already have Mom and Dad’s love. Why compete with your sister?” “Can’t you be a good girl and eat a little more for her illness?” Dad looked at Mom with pity, took Mia, and said he’d take her to the amusement park to cheer her up. I writhed in pain on the floor, but Mom thought I was lying. She slammed the door, saying she’d punish me for disobeying. I clutched my stomach, tears blurring my vision. I’m sorry, Mom. Next time, I’ll be a good girl and eat to make Mia happy. … I pressed my small hands tightly against my stomach, curling up in a ball. In my mind, I remembered how Mom’s tummy aches always got better after she took the pills from the cabinet. When I finally managed to open the pill bottle, A sharp pain shot through my stomach, and the pills scattered across the floor. Just as I was about to pick them up, I heard the door open. My eyes lit up—Dad was home. I reached out to him. “Dad, it feels like there are so many bugs biting my tummy…” Dad hurried towards me, but Mom grabbed him. “She doesn’t speak a single truth.” “Have you forgotten how she stole snacks a few days ago, and when I caught her, she blamed Mia?” “Now she’s lying about a stomach ache, just trying to pretend to be sick so we won’t take Mia out.” It wasn’t like that. Last time, Mia had brought the living room snacks into my room. She tore open the wrappers, proudly stuffing them into her mouth. She didn’t look at all like the child who hated eating in front of Mom and Dad. I told her to eat fewer snacks. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have an appetite for dinner later. Mia puffed out her cheeks, deliberately waving a spicy chip in front of me. When Mom opened the door, Mia purposefully put the chip in my hand. And wiped the grease from her fingers onto my clothes. I didn’t mind. I happily told Mom that Mia’s illness was gone. But Mom angrily dragged me out of the room, making me kneel in the living room to think about what I’d done. She called me a liar. She said I had clearly stolen snacks myself and then tried to blame my sister, who had an eating disorder. I cried, saying I hadn’t stolen anything. But Mom’s face was as cold as the snow outside. Chilling. She threw me out the front door, saying she would abandon a lying child. I cried for a very long time, begging Mom not to leave me. Finally, Dad, unable to bear it, secretly slipped an egg into my hand. He told me to quickly admit my mistake and not to make Mom angry. As dusk fell, my stomach growled with hunger. Mom held a steaming bowl of noodles, asking if I knew I was wrong. Smelling the delicious noodles, I sobbed and said I knew I was wrong. I had truly lied that time. But Mom had forgiven me. Thinking about it, even though I didn’t truly know what I had done wrong this time, I still carefully tugged at Mom’s skirt, repeating over and over that I was sorry. I thought Mom would hug me like that time, and say she loved me too. But when she noticed the scattered pills on the floor, she angrily kicked me away. “Stella Peterson, have you really become this mischievous?” “First, you intentionally refuse to eat, trying to starve your sister, and now you’re trying to trash the house!” “Today, I will punish you!” Dad was about to speak, but Mom’s glare silenced him. “Daniel Peterson, if you interfere with my disciplining Stella again, we’re getting a divorce!” Dad sighed helplessly. He took me from Mom. Just as I thought Dad would carry me to the hospital, he instead locked me in my bedroom himself. Dad stroked my head. “Stella, for the sake of this family, can you just be a good girl, okay?” I clung tightly to Dad’s coat, sobbing uncontrollably. “But Dad, my tummy really hurts.” Mom’s impatient voice came from the living room. “Daniel, are you favoring Stella again?” “When we remarried, you swore you’d treat Mia like your own daughter!” “If you keep favoring the younger one, there’s no point in us staying together!” Hearing this, Dad roughly pushed me away. He quickly left. He didn’t even notice that, due to his excessive force, I had fallen to the floor. My head hit the corner of the table, leaving me dazed. Through the crack in the still-open door, I saw Dad lifting Mia high, spinning her around. A smile finally appeared on Mom’s face. She turned her head and met my gaze. Mom frowned, then slammed the door shut. The room plunged into darkness. I couldn’t see anything, but I heard Mom’s words even more clearly. She said, “Stella is a spoiled child.” “Eating is such a happy thing, yet she’s even learned to waste food.” “A day in her room will teach her to appreciate every bite.” Then came her gentle voice. She said, “Mia, you’ll always be Mom’s precious girl.” “It’s okay if you don’t like eating, but when you’re hungry, you must tell Mom.” The house gradually quieted down. It was pitch black, and my heart pounded rapidly. But I was too short to reach the light switch. I just climbed into bed. If I slept, my tummy wouldn’t hurt. That’s how I used to get through it. But this time, my tummy really, really hurt. I mimicked how Mom would coax Mia to eat, gently patting my swollen stomach. “Please, don’t hurt anymore!” “It’s all your fault, you made Mom think I’m naughty.” But it wouldn’t listen to me. Instead, it hurt even more. So, did Mom feel this much pain every time she scolded me for being naughty? Tears splattered down. I’m sorry, Mom. It’s all my fault for being naughty and making you hurt so many times. My head started to ache too. I wiped the sweat from my forehead. It was clammy. I remembered how Mom had locked me out the last time because of the oil stains on my clothes. I frantically raised my hands, desperately trying to wipe my face clean. But the sweat wouldn’t wipe away. And I felt colder and colder. Even snuggled under the covers, I shivered with cold. Gradually, I felt so, so tired, and finally fell asleep. When I opened my eyes again, I found my tummy didn’t hurt at all. I excitedly bounced and jumped. My body floated right through the locked bedroom door. Just in time to see Mom and Dad returning. Mom was patiently feeding Mia a sweet potato. “Mia, just one more bite, okay?” Mia shook her head away. “No, no. It makes me sick just looking at it.” Mom sighed, her brows furrowed. I raised my hand, wanting to smooth them, but my small hand couldn’t reach Mom. I vaguely realized that I was dead. Just like the kitten Mia had thrown to its death. Mia had insisted on getting that kitten. But after just a few days, she complained it smelled bad. So Mom gave me the task of caring for the kitten. I didn’t mind the kitten smelling bad at all. Every day after school, the first thing I did was change its water and add food. After a while, the kitten would let me pet it and even purr for me. With it, I never felt sad anymore when Mom and Dad only paid attention to Mia. Okay, I lied again. I was still a little sad. Just a tiny bit. When Mia noticed the kitten preferred me, she snatched it right out of my arms. The kitten meowed in fright, scratching her as it struggled. Mom’s face was exceptionally grim that night. When Mia came back after getting her vaccine, the kitten hid under the bed, too scared to come out. I knelt before Mom, crying and apologizing for the kitten. But Mom said that a vicious animal couldn’t be kept. She even said I was heartless. “In your heart, is your sister’s safety less important than a vicious animal?” I cried, saying it was different. Mia had Mom and Dad’s love. The kitten only had me. If I couldn’t protect it, no one else would. Mom said I was being illogical and told Dad to hold me back. She grabbed the kitten and brought it to Mia, letting her do whatever she wanted with it. I struggled desperately, but I could only watch helplessly as the kitten was thrown to its death. I cried until my throat was hoarse. But Mom only cared that Mia had eaten three more bites of food that day. As for Dad, he only cared about Mom’s mood. When the kitten died, I was sad. But I died, and no one even cared. Dad placed the various toys he was carrying on the sofa. He also had a sweet potato in his hand, and he knocked on my door. “Stella, are you asleep? Dad brought you something good to eat.” Mia, who had been playing with her Barbie doll, jumped off the stool and whined to Mom, “Mom, I want the sweet potato Dad has.” Seeing Mia’s rare appetite, Mom immediately swapped the sweet potato with Dad. Watching Mia eat bite after bite, Mom’s eyes reddened with excitement. Perhaps emboldened by Mom not being able to see me, I loudly declared that I hated Mia the most. She always so unreasonably snatched my things. Even if there were two identical items, Mia always thought mine was better. Even Mom would suspect Dad was secretly buying me better things. So every time, what I got was what Mia didn’t want, or her leftovers. Even my dresses and shoes were all hand-me-downs from Mia. Thinking about it, I sighed heavily. Mom always said she envied me for being young and carefree. But I had so many, many worries. Mom said Mia didn’t have her biological father, so she had to be extra good to her. My biological father also said he had to be good to Mia. He said he was a stepfather, and he had to be fair, otherwise people would talk. Mom and Dad both said they had to be good to Mia, repeatedly telling me that I had to be good to Mia too. I counted on my fingers. Five was clearly smaller than eight. Why did five-year-old me have to give in to eight-year-old Mia? When Mom noticed Dad still standing by my bedroom door, she immediately grew furious. “Didn’t I say she was to go without food for a day?” “If you go soft on her, you’re sleeping in the study tonight!” Dad didn’t speak, but called my name again. Still, I didn’t respond. I floated beside him, repeating over and over that I was here. But he couldn’t hear me. Dad finally lost his patience, muttering, “Why is this child so stubborn?” Mom was even more triumphant. “See? I told you so!” “Stella is just an ungrateful wretch. She’s only been locked up for three hours and she’s already deliberately ignoring you.” “If she’s like this now, who knows how rebellious she’ll be when she grows up.” “She’s nothing like our Mia, who’s so obedient and smart.” Mia proudly lifted her head, quickly swallowing the food in her mouth. Seeing this, Mom praised Mia non-stop. I watched enviously as Mom fed Mia. She had never once fed me. Mom said I already had Dad, so she had to give more of her love to Mia. She was busy cooking for Mia, busy taking Mia to elementary school, busy taking Mia to the doctor. I, however, was left with Mrs. Gable, our neighbor. As time went on, the other children started to tease me for not having a dad to pick me up. I frowned, loudly insisting they were wrong. Because not only did Dad never pick me up, Mom hadn’t either! As I got a little older, I learned to feed myself. But Mia would volunteer to feed me. The food was so hot, the spoon hit my tongue, it hurt so much, and my stomach was so, so full… But every time I mentioned these things, Mom called me fussy. She told me to eat more, saying it was the only way Mia would be happy. If Mia was happy, her eating disorder would get better. And when she was better, Mom said she’d finally have time to love me. But I waited and waited for so long. And Mom’s day to love me never came. That evening, after tucking Mia into bed, Mom went into the kitchen. After cooking a bowl of noodles, she knocked on my door. “Stella, are you hungry?” Mom sighed. “Earlier today, Mom lost her temper.” “I’m sorry, Mom didn’t mean it, it’s just…” Mom didn’t finish her sentence, placing the noodles outside the door. “If you’re hungry, just open the door and come eat.” This was the second time Mom had cooked me noodles. The first time I ate them, I thought they were delicious. Because even Mia didn’t get Mom’s specially cooked noodles. Mom would only make her braised pork ribs and sweet and sour pork. It’s such a pity. I’ll never get to eat Mom’s food again. The next morning, upon seeing the overturned bowl of noodles outside my door, Mom instantly flew into a rage. “Stella Peterson, how long are you going to keep this up?” “I apologized to you yesterday, how can such a small child hold such a grudge?” I anxiously tried to explain it wasn’t me. Mia had deliberately knocked it over in the middle of the night. But Mom couldn’t hear me. She grew angrier and angrier, pushing open the bedroom door. Mia, who had just brushed her teeth, followed her. Through the morning light, Mia pointed at the red stain on the floor, tattling: “Stella ate ketchup in her room!” “She’s not a good girl at all!” Then she pointed at the lump under the covers. “Mom, look! She’s even hiding, feeling guilty!” With each accusation, Mom’s face grew darker. She didn’t even bother to wake me, instead taking Mia’s hand and admonishing her: “Don’t be like your sister.” “She was born to be nothing but trouble!” Mia happily shook her head. “I won’t be like Stella Peterson, she’s a greedy pig!” To punish me, Mom spent the entire day shopping at the mall. But she didn’t know I was following right behind her. I listened as she boasted to the sales assistant about her obedient older daughter. Only the younger one was rebellious, always trying to compete with her sister for attention. The sales assistant said children grow out of it. Mom agreed. So, amidst bags and bags of clothes all for Mia, She finally decided to buy me a new pair of small leather shoes. But Children’s Day had long passed. Back then, I wore worn-out sandals and was teased by the other kids for looking like I came from nothing. Now, even with new shoes, I didn’t want them anymore.

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I was born with a system that rebounds rumors. Anyone who spreads a lie about me suffers the consequences of that lie themselves. In high school, a boy started a rumor that I was “easy” and had slept with several old men. That same day, he was picked up by a group of sugar daddies and transformed into a gigolo. In college, while I was dating someone, his childhood friend spread a rumor that I was the star of a leaked adult video. That night, every deepfake video on the internet suddenly wore her face. Since then, no one dared to whisper a word about me. Until my biological parents found me and brought me back to the wealthy Sterling family. The fake heiress, Chloe Sterling, linked her arm affectionately with mine: “Sister, I heard you got pregnant out of wedlock and had a baby with a murderer.” “Since you’re home now, why not bring the baby too? We are family; we won’t look down on you!” 1 As soon as the words left her mouth, my father’s face turned a sickly shade of gray. “You have a bastard child?” “Annie! How could you do something so shameful at your age!” Hearing Dad scold me, the corners of Chloe’s mouth twitched upward, but she quickly covered it with a dramatic gasp. “Oh my god… Sister didn’t tell you, Dad?” “I’m so sorry, Sister. It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have blabbed.” Then, she turned to Dad, her tone earnest and pleading. “Dad, don’t blame Sister. She’s been alone out there all these years… she must have had her reasons.” “Sister, don’t worry.” She turned back to me, eyes sincere. “From now on, I’ll help you keep this a total secret. I won’t let anyone gossip!” Just as she finished, a woman dressed in designer clothes rushed out of the villa and hugged me tightly. “Annie! My daughter… Mommy finally found you!” She wept on my shoulder, taking a long moment to notice the eerie silence around us. “What’s wrong? Why are you all staring at Annie? What were you talking about?” “It’s nothing, Mom. Sister must be tired from the long drive. Let’s go inside,” Chloe interjected quickly, winking at Dad, playing the role of the protective sister perfectly. I spoke calmly: “She said I got pregnant out of wedlock and had a baby with a murderer.” Mom’s face went pale instantly. “What! Annie, you—” “I didn’t. She’s spreading rumors.” “Sister!” Chloe’s voice pitched up, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I meant well! How can you say I’m spreading rumors?” She choked back a sob and took a half-step back. “Do I have to expose all your dirty laundry right here?” She bit her lip at the perfect moment, looking at Mom and Dad with hesitation. “What else is there?!” Veins popped on Dad’s forehead. “Chloe, speak! We need to clear this up today!” Chloe looked like she was making a huge decision. She bowed deeply to me. “I’m sorry, Sister… I know you want to hide it, but Mom and Dad have a right to know the truth.” She sighed deeply, voice soft. “When I heard Sister was coming home, I asked around about her hobbies… and accidentally found out…” She took a deep breath, as if it was too shameful to say. “Sister has been… doing that kind of work… since high school…” Boom. The air in the garden exploded. Dad was shaking with rage. “Disgrace! How did the Sterling family produce such a lowlife!” Mom stumbled back two steps, looking at me with utter disbelief. But I just looked at Chloe with a faint smile. “Are you sure these things are true? Spreading rumors brings bad karma, you know.” “Of course it’s true! You—” URGH—! Before she could finish, she convulsed with a violent dry heave, her stomach slightly distended. I blinked, the corner of my mouth lifting. I told you, karma is real. “Chloe! What’s wrong? Why are you throwing up like that?” Mom and Dad rushed forward in panic. I stood there and tilted my head. “Oh my, Chloe, you’re throwing up like you’re pregnant.” The air solidified for a few seconds. “What nonsense are you spouting!” Chloe shrieked, acting like she was deeply wronged. “I don’t even have a boyfriend! How could I be pregnant?” “Just because you… you aren’t clean and did dirty things, don’t project onto me…” Seeing her tear-streaked face, Mom and Dad’s hearts broke. Dad glared at me with fury. “Annie Sterling! You dare spread rumors about your sister’s virtue? No manners at all!” Mom looked disappointed. “Annie, that’s too much! Your sister has never even been with a man. How could she be pregnant?” I blinked, expression innocent. “I was just saying.” “But throwing up like that… maybe she should see a doctor!” “No!” Chloe blurted out, then covered her mouth and coughed lightly, eyes darting around. “I just ate something bad. I’ll be fine after a rest.” Saying that, she feigned weakness and collapsed onto Mom. Mom and Dad hurriedly helped her into the villa. I watched their backs thoughtfully. Chloe’s reaction was off. It was like… she knew she was pregnant. A strong sense of gossip ignited within me. I immediately followed them into the villa and stood by her bed with Mom and Dad. “Chloe, Sister is really worried. I called a doctor for you; he’ll be here any minute.” “Better to check and be safe, so Mom and Dad can rest easy.” Hearing my considerate words, Mom and Dad looked satisfied. But Chloe’s face lost all color. She whimpered and burrowed into Mom’s arms. “Mommy… I don’t want to see a doctor…” Mom patted her back soothingly and was about to speak— “No need.” A deep voice came from the door. My brother, Liam, walked in, looking me up and down with undisguised disgust. “You’re Annie?” “Let me tell you, even if we share blood, Chloe is my only sister.” “You have no right to interfere in her business.” He walked straight to Chloe’s bed and gently wiped her tears. “If Chloe doesn’t want to see a doctor, she doesn’t have to. Big brother is here.” Hearing this, Chloe threw herself into Liam’s arms and wept. “I knew Big Brother was the best!” I watched them, a thought sparking in my mind. I said innocently: “Brother and Chloe are so close. Even though they aren’t biological, they’re surprisingly intimate!” As soon as the words left my mouth, everyone’s expressions changed. Liam let go as if scalded, ears turning red, eyes full of anger. “What nonsense are you talking about!” Chloe sobbed quietly, looking at me with teary eyes. “Sister, how can you say that about me and Brother?” “Are you trying to divert attention? Are you spreading rumors about me just so Dad won’t pursue your pregnancy out of wedlock?” She bit her lip, looking disappointed. “Actually… I found out Sister was being bullied and wanted to ask Mom and Dad to help you… I didn’t expect you to treat me like this…” Mom instantly got nervous. “Bullying? Annie, who bullied you?” I sat down, amused. “I don’t know either, Chloe. Who bullied me?” “Sister, don’t be scared. It’s not your fault…” Her eyes filled with sympathetic tears. “I found out… a few months ago, Sister… you were dragged into an alley by seven or eight thugs…” “They did… that to you…” She sighed, reaching out as if to hold my hand. “Originally… it wasn’t your fault. But Sister, how could you be so confused? To keep entangled with them?” “The first time was forced, but later… how could you invite them over…” “Neighbors say… every few days, they see that group of men coming out of your room half-naked…” She stopped at the perfect moment, lowering her head as if she couldn’t bear to say more. “Bastard! How can you be so shameless!” Dad roared, his face as ugly as it could get. Mom clutched her chest, pointing a trembling finger at me. “Annie… tell me this isn’t true…” “Annie Sterling, you are utterly shameless!” Liam glared at me furiously. “The Sterling family has no place for someone like you! Get out now!” Looking at their twisted faces, I felt it was absurd. Setting aside the fact that I didn’t do it. Even if I had encountered something like that, shouldn’t my family’s first reaction be concern that I was assaulted? “Sister, although… although you messed around, I believe you aren’t beyond saving.” Chloe advised me. “As long as you admit your mistake and cut ties with those men… Mom and Dad will forgive you.” I chuckled lightly, looking at her calmly. “I don’t know any thugs, why should I admit a mistake?” “And… Chloe, didn’t I just tell you? Spreading rumors brings bad karma.” “Sister, why are you accusing me again?” Chloe squeezed out a few tears, tremblingly taking out her phone and shoving the screen in everyone’s face. “If I’m spreading rumors, then how do you explain these photos?” In the photo, I was wearing revealing clothes, lying ambiguously among several men. Probably fearing the evidence wasn’t strong enough, she swiped to another photo of me holding a baby. Mom and Dad’s faces were pitch black. “These photos are fake.” I reminded Chloe again. “I’ll say it one more time. Rumors rebound.” “I didn’t spread rumors! I—” “Fine,” I interrupted her calmly. “Just don’t regret it.” With the rebound system, I can’t lose. Chloe’s mouth was writing checks her reality would have to cash. Seeing my nonchalant attitude, Mom, Dad, and Liam’s anger soared. “Sister, it’s good you admit it.” Chloe smirked triumphantly, offering fake comfort: “Mom, Dad, don’t be angry… Sister was just confused for a moment…” Mom hugged her gratefully. “Chloe, you’re the sensible one.” “You’re not feeling well, so we won’t disturb you. Sleep early.” “If you still feel bad tomorrow, Mom will take you to the doctor.” They closed the door reluctantly, their eyes full of disdain when they looked at me. I didn’t care. The corners of my mouth kept rising. Until the next morning. I slept soundly until dawn, when I suddenly heard a scream: “Chloe! What… what happened to you?!” “Who did this?! Who did this!!” Chloe’s crying echoed through the villa. I stretched and walked over slowly to watch the show. In Chloe’s room, seven or eight shirtless men were pinned to the floor by bodyguards. Her eyes were swollen, red marks covered her body, and she was curled up in the corner of the bed, shaking. “Animals! Who gave you the guts to touch my daughter!” Dad kicked the nearest man over, eyes bulging. “Who touched her? She threw herself at us!” The man turned to Chloe with a lewd grin. “Little vixen, explain to your parents.” “You called us over last night. We’re all familiar, why act innocent now?” He took out his phone and shoved the chat logs in everyone’s face. “Big brothers, come keep me company tonight.” “I miss you guys. I’m waiting at home. It’s more exciting here.” Mom and Dad stumbled back, thunderstruck. Liam stared at the screen, eyes full of disbelief. “Fake! It’s fake!” Chloe screamed, tearing her voice. “I don’t know them! I didn’t send those messages!” The more she spoke, the more aggrieved she felt, tears falling non-stop. “Why are you spreading rumors about me? I don’t know you at all…” “Rumors? We aren’t spreading rumors! The chat logs are here!” The man shoved the phone closer. Chloe’s face was white. She opened her mouth to explain but couldn’t say a word. I leaned against the doorframe, watching with a cold smile. Now she should know what it feels like to be the victim of rumors. “It’s you!” Chloe suddenly looked up and glared at me. “Annie! You hired these thugs to frame me!” I looked helpless. “Me again?” “Yes! It’s you!” Chloe shouted righteously, crying like a pear blossom bathed in rain. “Sister, how did I offend you? Why did you hire people to harm me!” “These men… are clearly your clients from before!” A cold laugh escaped my chest. “You mean, I have improper relations with these men?” “Fine, Chloe. Show the evidence. Let me see clearly.” “I will!” Chloe looked prepared, glaring at me viciously. “Sister, you forced me!” A trace of malice flashed in Chloe’s eyes. She quickly tapped her phone and played a video for everyone to hear. Ambiguous moans and panting instantly filled the room. Slap!!! Dad didn’t even think. He turned and slapped me hard across the face! “I knew it! Chloe has always been well-behaved. She couldn’t do such dirty things! You orchestrated all of this!” My cheek burned, ears ringing. “I even defended you, and you harm your sister like this!” Mom looked at me with venom. Liam hugged the trembling Chloe, roaring at me: “You shameless bitch! Get out of the Sterling house immediately!” Chloe glanced at me triumphantly, then put on a magnanimous act. “Sister, I don’t blame you. As long as you apologize, I’m willing to forgive you…” My gaze swept over their hateful faces and landed on Chloe’s pitiful expression. “Apologize?” “Why should I apologize?” I reached out and pointed at the video still playing. “The person in that video is clearly you.” As my words fell, the air instantly died. Everyone’s eyes snapped to the video. The screen was dim and shaky, but the woman on it was undoubtedly Chloe! “This…” Chloe frantically turned off the video, fingers trembling, eyes wide. “Impossible… how is this possible…” “How can the person in the video be me… I didn’t…” She shook her head wildly, as if encountering the most shocking thing in her life. I silently gave the Rebound System a thumbs up and shed tears of grievance. “Chloe, you said I spread rumors about you, but clearly you’ve been framing me all along.” I deliberately looked at Mom and Dad, who were frozen in place, sobbing softly: “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been kidnapped as a child, Mom and Dad wouldn’t distrust me so much.” “The moment that video played, no one even looked at the face. Everyone just assumed it was me.” I paused, covering my cheek while sobbing. “Annie… I…” Dad snapped out of it, looking guiltily at the red mark on my face. “Dad was too impulsive just now. I shouldn’t have hit you…” Mom held my hand in heartache, her eyes full of disappointment as she looked at Chloe. “Chloe, what is going on?” “You kept saying Annie was messing around with men, doing dirty things.” “But these thugs are all in your bed, and those chat logs, photos, videos…” “How… how could you have the face to accuse Annie?” Chloe’s face was ashen, eyes swollen. “I… I didn’t…” “Mom, listen to me! These people really have nothing to do with me! The video has nothing to do with me!”

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I was filling a water bottle for my hospitalized grandfather when a middle-aged man kicked a urinal in front of me and barked: “Go dump this. Then get some warm water and sponge bath my mother.” I didn’t move. The man grabbed my arm and yanked me back. “Pretending you didn’t hear me? Is this the attitude you nurses have now?” “Believe it or not, I’ll file a complaint! Call your head nurse over!” “Hurry up! Or you can kiss your paycheck goodbye!” I exploded on the spot: “Are you insane? Did you pay me to be your nurse?” My grandfather had a sudden stroke and was hospitalized. Since I was on winter break from college, I stayed by his side to take care of him. “Hey! You, nurse! Come feed my mom!” The uncle in the bed next to us suddenly ordered me around. Before I could explain, he started yelling on his phone, sounding stressed about work. I saw the old lady in the bed looking pitiful, so I decided to help out since I had a moment. “Hey! Feed her less at a time! What if she chokes?” “Can’t you see she doesn’t want anymore? Wipe her mouth, hurry!” “You damn nurse, zero hygiene! Can’t you wash the used towel?” The uncle shouted while shoving me hard. He used too much force, and I almost fell off the stool. My anger flared instantly. “If you’re so picky, do it yourself! You just stand there flapping your gums? I’m not a nurse!” I threw the towel in his face. Arguing in front of Grandpa wasn’t good for his condition, so I grabbed the water bottle to cool off outside. The uncle rushed in front of me, shoving a urinal into my hands without a word. “Go dump this. Then get a bucket of warm water and sponge bath my mother.” I instinctively stepped back, nearly dropping the urinal. “Are you disabled or stupid? Outsourcing your filial duties?” “How dare you talk to me like that, you lowly nurse? If my mom weren’t in the hospital, I’d beat you to death today!” He interrupted me impatiently. “Hurry up, my mom is waiting! Keep stalling and I’ll complain and dock your pay!” I was almost amused by his sheer unreasonableness. “If you keep blocking me, I’m calling the cops for sexual harassment!” I tried to sidestep him. He scoffed as if he heard a joke: “Oho, I wondered why you’d take care of an old man. Turns out it’s for dirty money!” He grabbed me, shoving the urinal into my arms. “Last warning. Go dump it! Or I’ll let everyone know you’re a mistress!” This was my new limited-edition hoodie! I knocked it away in disgust. But because I swung too hard, it splashed all over me. The pungent smell hit me, making me gag. “Are you sick? I said I’m not a nurse! Pay for my clothes!” “You dare curse at me?” His voice rose sharply. “We pay you nurses to take care of patients, don’t we?” “Who do you think you are? Talking to me like that?” “How many old men have you scammed? I’ll get their kids to deal with you!” Spittle flew onto my face; his fat hand almost poked my nose. I was about to vomit my breakfast. Just as I planned to seek help from a doctor, he played the victim first. He grabbed my wrist and dragged me into the hallway, yelling. “Everyone come look! This young nurse targets old men just for money and status!” Several patients and families poked their heads out. His voice went higher, gripping my hand tightly. The Head Nurse rushed over: “What’s going on? Who’s shouting?” The uncle pointed at me immediately: “Head Nurse, this employee is outrageous!” “Refuses to work and threatens to call the cops on me!” The Head Nurse looked at me, frowning within seconds. A look of disgust, thinking I was an unruly worker clashing with a patient’s family. She glared at me: “Which agency are you from? Where’s your badge?” “I’m not a nurse! I’m a family member!” I didn’t know how many times I’d repeated that. “Bullshit! You think saying you’re not a nurse absolves you of responsibility?” “If you aren’t a nurse, would you serve that old man? Would you feed my mom?” The uncle spat as he pointed. Then he turned to threaten the Head Nurse. “If you don’t give me an explanation today, I’ll make your hospital famous!” He pulled out his phone, aiming it at us. The Head Nurse panicked, apologizing to him humbly. Her look at me grew fiercer as she grabbed my clothes. She shoved me hard; I almost fell to my knees. “Young, no degree, so you become a nurse, but you can’t even behave. I’ve seen plenty of girls like you!” “Last chance. Apologize now! If you don’t fix this, no hospital will ever hire you!” The uncle chimed in smugly: “Hear that? Even the Head Nurse ordered you!” The onlookers got excited. “Is the bar for nurses this low now? No background checks?” “Damn, hundreds a day for a nurse, and she acts like this?” “Expose her online! Don’t let her work anywhere!” … I was exploding with rage at this inexplicable siege. “Are you all sick? I said I am not a nurse!” I was almost desperate. But my roar only brought a moment of silence. The uncle actually smashed the urinal onto my head! Residual liquid dripped down my hair. “Still stubborn!” I was stunned by this sudden malice. My head buzzed; I couldn’t think of a counterattack. He put his hands on his hips and cursed again: “Keep pretending! I’ve seen nurses like you, lazy and slick!” “Let me tell you, if I’m not satisfied today, I’ll stand here and shout until everyone knows your work attitude!” People chattered, advising him. The Head Nurse kept pressuring me. But the noise faded from my ears. Just as I wanted to hit someone, a familiar figure walked over, supported by a nurse. “Grandpa!” I swallowed all my emotions instantly and went to help. But Grandpa slapped my hand away in disgust. “Who are you? Daring to bully my granddaughter? I’ll beat you to death!” I was dumbfounded. The crowd erupted in louder whispers. Seeing Grandpa angry and treating me like a stranger… It hurt more than being wronged by these people! “Grandpa, it’s me, Ava! Your granddaughter!” “Before your stroke, you said you’d buy me candy!” “Look, this is the peace charm you got for me!” I wiped the filth off my hands and pulled out a charm. Years ago, I was seriously ill. Grandpa kowtowed up the temple steps to get this for me. But seeing the charm, Grandpa became even more agitated. He snatched it away, glaring at me. “You dare steal my granddaughter’s things!” “I knew you weren’t a good person! Always hovering around me!” “Speak! Where did you hide my granddaughter?” Grandpa couldn’t hold on anymore. Medical staff rushed him back to the ward. “Family, please follow quickly!” I panicked and tried to follow, but the uncle grabbed me. His face was full of petty triumph. “I told you, a woman like you just wants to climb the ladder!” “If you don’t want me to tell his family, serve my mom well!” The crowd pointed at me. Disgust written in everyone’s eyes: “Shameless.” I clenched my fists, trembling uncontrollably. Grandpa was old and often confused these years. Plus the brain stroke, it made sense he didn’t recognize me. But his condition was serious; I had to be there! I gathered my strength and slammed into the uncle. “I’ll settle with you later!” I bolted toward Grandpa’s room. My foot caught, and I went flying. My knee smashed onto the tiles; pain silenced me. The uncle held his head high like a victor. “Without a lesson, you think you’re lawless?” “Running back to bully the old man? No way!” Cheers erupted. Some even praised the uncle for his bravery and rectifying morals. I felt like a monkey in a zoo, utterly wretched. Unbearable. I pulled out my phone to call the police. “The surveillance is here. None of you are getting away!” The Head Nurse panicked at the mention of police. She lunged for my phone. “Which agency are you from? I’m firing you on behalf of the hospital now!” “Right! Hospitals save lives, we should kill this unhealthy trend!” The uncle’s approval fueled the Head Nurse. She called security, claiming I was causing a medical disturbance! Before I could argue, two guards grabbed my arms. Struggling caused a wardrobe malfunction. Phones went up. The uncle laughed maniacally, pointing at me. “Sell yourself often? Showing skin so fast?” “Why not go to a club? Maybe a boss will pick you up, save you from cleaning old men’s shit.” Disgusting laughter filled my ears. Blood surged; anger peaked. A nurse shouted nearby. “Where is the family for Bed 316? Sign this now!” That was my Grandpa! I screamed for the guards to let go. The Head Nurse was unmoved. The uncle grinned evilly at me. “Hey, name a price. Guaranteed more than nursing!” I bit down hard on his fat hand. He screamed like a pig. The taste of blood filled my mouth. Guards intervened; I broke free. Say I’m causing a disturbance? Then watch me disturb! I kicked the Head Nurse. Before anyone reacted, I grabbed her hair and slapped her face repeatedly. “A Head Nurse, treating a patient’s family like this?” She screamed piercingly. Not satisfied, I grabbed a urinal from a passerby and dumped it on her head. Gasps everywhere. “You… you’re crazy! Security!” But I held onto her hair tight. The madness in my eyes kept the guards at bay. The uncle tried to prove himself. “See? Hiring such a disaster! Patient safety can’t be guaranteed!” “Your hospital must take responsibility! I want compensation!” Brainless people were incited by him. I laughed. Taking advantage of the chaos for profit. I attacked the Head Nurse because I couldn’t beat the uncle physically. And I knew she was in the wrong; the hospital wouldn’t pursue it. This way, I could maintain my lawsuit against the uncle! I kicked over the trash cart. Instantly, foul trash scattered everywhere. People dodged; someone called the police. “There’s a crazy woman in the hospital…” I smirked. Finally, someone did something useful. Just then, Grandpa’s doctor spotted me and ran over. “Ava! Your grandpa needs emergency surgery! Why are you making a scene? Come sign!” He grabbed my wrist. The Head Nurse was confused: “Dr. Chen, what are you doing? She’s a crazy nurse!” “Yeah! Everyone saw her go mad!” The uncle chimed in. Dr. Chen frowned: “What nurse? Ava is the direct family member of Bed 316!” The Head Nurse’s eyes darted. “They said she was a nurse! How is she family now?” Dr. Chen held up the chart and signature forms: “Many old staff know her.” “The patient’s children are busy; this granddaughter has been taking care of him since admission!” He glanced at the paling Head Nurse. “You’re new to this ward, not knowing family is understandable.” “But listening to one side without verification and fanning the flames is serious negligence!” The Head Nurse stammered, sweating. Dr. Chen tried to take me away. The uncle blocked us, neck stiff, voice shrill: “Great! I see now! Acting so real! Even faking records?” “People do anything for money these days!” “Tricked the old man into revealing his assets, huh?” He filmed us. “Signing? Probably tricking him into signing a transfer agreement!” “Doctor, you defend her so much, are you in on it? Seeing she’s young and pretty…” “Shut up!” Dr. Chen rarely got angry. He stepped forward, his tall frame imposing. “This is emergency time! Every second counts for a life!” “It’s not your place to dictate with filthy speculation!” The uncle stepped back, intimidated. But under the public gaze, especially seeing doubting looks, his vanity flared. “You… who are you scaring! It’s just your word! No proof, why believe you?” “I’ve seen plenty of little girls scamming lonely old men, colluding with unethical doctors!” “If we don’t clear this up, who knows if you’re trying to kill him to destroy evidence!” “See, she’s scared speechless!” “You…” I shook with rage. Grandpa was dying, and this scumbag was spewing filth. But I knew the priority wasn’t fighting him. I took a deep breath, forcing calm. “You say I’m scamming my grandpa? Colluding with Dr. Chen?” “Aren’t you? Why the rush to sign? Why does the doctor protect you?” The uncle held his head high. I laughed suddenly: “Fine! Since you insist I’m a scammer. Let’s bet.” I raised my voice so everyone could hear: “If I prove I’m the direct family of Bed 316, you take legal responsibility for everything today!” He was startled by my look but scoffed: “Betting? What if you can’t?” “Then you name the condition.” He rolled his eyes, thinking he couldn’t lose. “Deal! Everyone heard it!” He shouted. “If you prove you’re his granddaughter, I… I’ll kneel and kowtow to apologize!” “If not, humph, enjoy prison!” “And you!” He pointed at Dr. Chen. “You’re going down too!” I ignored him. Grabbed the file from Dr. Chen and signed. “How’s Grandpa?” “Sudden stimulation caused a heart attack, needs rescue.” My heart tightened. What stimulation? Must be this bastard yelling in the hall, upsetting Grandpa! I wanted to kill him. The uncle smirked: “Hey, signed already, don’t think about slipping away!” I stared him down, adrenaline pumping. Opened my photo album. Photos of me and Grandpa from childhood to now! The latest one taken yesterday in the ward. “Do these prove our relationship?” I showed the screen. He leaned in, still stubborn: “Anyone can Photoshop! Technology is advanced!” I sneered, opening the family group chat. Hundreds of messages about Grandpa’s condition between me and my parents! Onlookers shifted. “Eh? Seems she really is the granddaughter…” The uncle’s face turned green then white. He wouldn’t admit fault. Still shouting to cover his guilt. “Chat groups prove nothing! Maybe you scammed his kids too!” “Wait for the police to verify! Scammers are sophisticated now!” I was about to show other proof. “Ava!” A familiar shout. My parents! Dad rushed over: “How’s Grandpa? Why the emergency room again?” Mom saw my filth. “Ava? Who did this to you? Mom will get them!” “Mom!” Seeing them, my tough shell cracked. I choked up. I pointed at the uncle: “Him! Called me a scammer, a nurse, said I’m after Grandpa’s money!” “Blocked Dr. Chen from saving Grandpa!” Dad rolled up his sleeves without a word, roaring at the uncle: “Bastard! You dare bully my daughter?” He charged, fist aiming for the uncle’s face. The uncle retreated in terror. “Who… who are you? Hitting people? Police! Assault!” He yelled for police but watched my dad in fear. “We’re the parents of the child you bullied!” “The one being saved inside is her biological grandfather!” Mom hugged me tighter. “I wouldn’t know my own daughter? Need you to slander her?” “Exactly!”

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Liam and I were orphans, bound by fate. The year he loved me most, he signed a contract, becoming the personal bodyguard to a socialite heiress from a prominent family. Through gunfire and firestorms, Liam would do anything, just to earn enough money for my schooling. We had once promised that on my eighteenth birthday, we would go to Switzerland together to see the snow. But that day, he went to Switzerland, and he saw the snow, but not with me. In the photo, he was embracing the heiress, Aurora Hayes, kissing her passionately in the snow. My heart chilled inch by agonizing inch. Yet, I couldn’t give up, still asking, “Liam, will you leave all this with me and start over?” He shook his head decisively. “Aurora is far too innocent compared to you. Her nature… how could she manage without me watching over her?” He added, “Just give it a few more years.” I said no more, quietly watching the messages pop up on my phone. A highly alluring photo of a chiseled torso. [Sister, when are you coming over? Your puppy misses you so much.] Liam didn’t know. I wouldn’t wait for him anymore. Because someone else was far more deserving of my love. … Seeing my prolonged silence, Liam assumed I was simply dejected by his rejection. A flicker of hesitation crossed his face, and he was about to speak. From the room behind him, a chiding voice suddenly rang out. “Liam! Are you done yet? If you don’t come in now, you can forget about sleeping in bed tonight; you’ll be on the floor!” I abruptly looked up at Liam. “You two are sleeping together now?” “Aurora was kidnapped once. She’s afraid of the dark, so I need to stay with her to keep her calm.” His tone was matter-of-fact, as if this were the most ordinary, trivial thing. “Wendy, I’m sorry. Just wait a few more years for me. Aurora truly can’t do without me right now.” With that, he turned and entered the room, as if fearing the girl inside would wait a second longer. I remained rooted to the spot, a bitter laugh escaping me. So, Liam had already crossed the line and changed his heart during his daily interactions with Aurora Hayes. I looked down again; my phone screen was now filled with the torso photo Chase Miller had just sent, accompanied by a barrage of messages. [I’ve waited so long for you.] [Sister, do you really not miss me at all? But your puppy misses you so much.] I felt a little flustered by his relentless messages, but ultimately, I couldn’t resist. The moment I pushed open my apartment door, a fluffy head immediately nuzzled into my embrace. “I’ve been waiting forever.” Chase was wearing a black hoodie, his curly golden hair falling over his forehead as he crouched, looking up at me. “If you came any later, I’d turn into a pillar of stone, gazing for my wife.” He truly had the mannerisms of a puppy. I casually ruffled his golden hair. “I was busy just now, couldn’t leave.” Chase pouted in dissatisfaction. “Busy with what? You must have gone to see that Thorne guy again. Are you still thinking about him? I’m telling you, everyone in the City knows he’s a disloyal bodyguard, even daring to get involved with his employer’s daughter. Don’t let him fool you; he’s just a dirty, rotten…” “Chase Miller,” I cut him off. “I know what I’m doing, and it’s none of your business.” Chase’s eyes instantly widened, looking at me with a watery gaze. He looked hurt and pitiful. I really couldn’t bear it, and wanted to gently persuade him not to meddle in these things, that I could handle them myself. But before I could utter a word, Chase’s eyes already welled up. He suddenly raised his voice, a thick sob in his tone. “You’re yelling at me? You’re yelling at me because of that Liam Thorne!” The moment he finished speaking, he suddenly stepped forward, forcefully pinning me against the wall. Before I could react, warm lips pressed against my neck. First, soft kisses, which quickly turned into possessive nips and bites. Chase buried his face in my neck, his voice muffled. “You’re not allowed to like anyone else, Wendy Reed. You can only be mine.” His sudden, uncontrolled action made me furious. I pushed him away with all my might. “Chase Miller, you’re not thinking clearly right now. You need to calm down.” With that, I didn’t look at him again, opened the door, and quickly left. Chase was right about one thing: I couldn’t let go of Liam that quickly. Fifteen years of feelings—how could I just forget them? But Liam seemed to forget very quickly. I realized I had left some documents at the Hayes residence, and when I arrived, I was met with a scene of pure debauchery. “Oh, Liam… gently…” Ambiguous gasps and moans drifted from the living room. Aurora Hayes was sprawled half-naked on the leather sofa, her silk nightgown disheveled, pushed down to her waist. Liam was kneeling at her feet, two buttons of his shirt undone, his collarbone covered in lipstick marks. Aurora held a lady’s cigarette, deliberately grinding her foot against his shoulder. “Liam, keep going.” My steps faltered at the entrance, my gaze fixed on the man kneeling on the floor. In my memory, Liam was not easily swayed. Even when bullied by older kids in the orphanage, he wouldn’t lower his head or beg for mercy. If he didn’t want to do something, no one could force him. But now, that iron-willed boy was kneeling obediently, letting Aurora Hayes toy with him. Liam’s Adam’s apple bobbed. His voice was hoarse with desire. “Aurora, let’s go to the bedroom. There are cameras in the living room.” “Cameras?” Aurora chuckled softly. “Liam, have you forgotten? Is there any spot in this villa that doesn’t bear the traces of our lovemaking? The desk in the study, the hallway on the second floor, even the gazebo in the garden… My dad had the cameras removed ages ago. Who would dare to say anything?” Liam lowered his eyes, silently acknowledging her words, and continued his actions beneath her. Aurora still seemed to want more, raising a hand to cup his chin. “Liam, tell me, who’s better, me or Wendy Reed?” Liam’s voice was husky, tinged with a dazed passion. “Of course, you are, Aurora. You’re the best.” “What makes me better?” Aurora persisted, her fingertip tracing his cheek. “You’re gentle, cheerful, unlike her…” Liam paused. “Unlike her, who’s so much trouble, always distracting me.” Aurora smiled, satisfied. “Since you know, then just ditch that baggage already. A girl from an orphanage like her isn’t good enough for you.” Liam said nothing, just nodded slightly. Just then, Aurora suddenly looked up, her gaze sweeping towards my direction. The moment our eyes met, I saw the triumph and provocation in hers. She didn’t expose my presence, and I had no desire for a hysterical confrontation. I didn’t linger, gently closing the door, shutting out the sordid scene. I pulled my coat tighter as I walked through the streets of the City, and a cold drop suddenly landed on my nose. Looking up, I froze. Snow was falling in this city, which was perennially warm and humid. My fingertip caught a snowflake, watching it instantly melt into water. In a daze, my memory was pulled back to the orphanage years ago. Liam and I were both outcasts there. Because we were naturally quiet, we were often cornered and bullied by the older kids. He was half a head taller than me, and he would always shield me behind him. During those dark, sunless days, we were each other’s only light. Later, Liam was the one who pulled me out of that cage. We were penniless, wandering the streets of the City. When hungry, we picked up discarded bread; when cold, we huddled under a bridge for warmth. Back then, he stroked my head and said, “Wendy, one day I’ll make sure you have a good life.” I believed him. Until that day, we stumbled upon Aurora Hayes, the heiress of the powerful Hayes family, cornered in a dark alley by her family’s enemies. Liam, without a moment’s hesitation, grabbed a wooden stick from the ground and charged in. In the chaos, his arm was deeply cut, revealing bone, yet he stubbornly protected the young woman, who remained completely unharmed. Later, he came to me with a contract of servitude, his eyes holding a depth I couldn’t understand. He said the Hayes family would fund my education until I turned eighteen. But the condition was that he had to become Aurora Hayes’s personal bodyguard, never leaving her side. We agreed that on my eighteenth birthday, we would go to Switzerland together to see the snow. But he became increasingly busy. On my birthday, Liam told me on the phone that he had urgent business, then quickly hung up. I consoled myself, telling myself he was merely constrained by circumstances. But the photo I received on my phone told the whole story. In the snow in Switzerland, Liam, wearing a black coat, bent his head slightly to kiss the person in his arms. Aurora Hayes leaned against him, her eyes curving into a joyous smile. The snow fell heavier, landing on my face, icy and biting. I stumbled into a warm chest, carrying a faint scent of cedar. Chase Miller held a black umbrella, leaning down to brush the snowflakes from my hair. He frowned slightly, complaining with a touch of resentment. “You just left me without a word and ran off. And now you’re standing here alone in the snow. If you catch a cold, what will you do?” He rambled on, taking a hand warmer and tucking it into my palm, then unwound his scarf and wrapped it around my neck. I gazed at his constantly moving lips, and the frozen stiffness in my chest surprisingly began to thaw with a hint of warmth. Actually, Chase and I met entirely because of Liam. That year, Liam had already become Aurora Hayes’s personal bodyguard, and I constantly saw new bruises and scars on him. There was even one time I saw him shielding Aurora from drinks, being cursed at by a Hayes family relative, yet he could only lower his head and remain silent. I watched Liam trapped in the Hayes family’s gilded cage, doing dangerous, life-risking work, and my heart ached as if pricked by needles. Unable to bear his suffering, I scoured job listings and, relying on my mathematical talent, knocked on the doors of the Miller Group. The person who interviewed me was Chase Miller. He was the young heir of the Miller family, but without a trace of the typical arrogance. Looking at the proposal I handed him, his eyes lit up, and he slapped the table, saying, “Your mind, it’s a waste not to be in actuarial science.” Just like that, I became the Miller Group’s youngest actuary. Relying on those dense numbers and formulas, I saved a substantial amount of money. I had planned to tell Liam this surprise on my eighteenth birthday, when we would be watching the snow in Switzerland together. I would tell him that he no longer had to risk his life for the Hayes family, no longer had to be covered in scars—I could support both of us now. But what I got instead was him, with someone else, watching a snowfall I had dreamed of for years. “What are you staring at?” Chase’s voice pulled me back to reality. He reached out and squeezed my cheek. “Your face is all frozen white. Come on, I’ll take you for some hot noodle soup.” The umbrella tilted, shielding me from the swirling snow. The noodle soup was steaming, and Chase added a spoonful of chili oil to my bowl. “Oh, right, about studying abroad… have you thought about it? If you agree, you can’t back out.” My hand, holding the chopsticks, paused. It was then I remembered that study abroad application was still at the Hayes residence. After witnessing that scene just now, I hadn’t even thought to retrieve it. After a moment of hesitation, I pulled out my phone and dialed Liam’s number. “I left some documents at the Hayes residence. When is a good time for me to come and get them?” The moment I finished speaking, Chase suddenly leaned in close. His voice was low, but just loud enough for the person on the other end to hear: “Sister, eat more, otherwise you won’t have any energy tonight.” With that, he picked up a spare rib and placed it in my bowl. The breathing on the other end of the phone clearly hitched. After a few seconds of silence, Liam’s voice cooled. “Send me the address. I’ll bring them over.” I was taken aback, then quickly refused. “No need. The snow is falling so heavily outside, I…” He cut me off, repeating, “Send me the address.” I sighed helplessly and sent him my location. When Liam arrived, I was chastising Chase for his earlier behavior. “Wendy.” Liam stood outside the glass door, the hem of his black coat lifted by the wind. His gaze fell directly on my shoulder, pressed against Chase’s, and his face darkened. Chase, following my gaze, turned around, a smirk playing on his lips, an ambiguous smile. Liam didn’t look at Chase. He pushed the door open and walked straight to me, grabbing my wrist. “Come outside with me.” I stumbled, following his pace. He didn’t release my hand until we reached the street corner outside the restaurant. He handed me the sealed documents. I took them. He stared at me, complex emotions swirling in his eyes. “Is Chase Miller pursuing you?” The air instantly thickened. I fell silent. Liam’s frown deepened. “Stay away from him. A rich playboy like Chase Miller never lacks women throwing themselves at him. He’s just playing with you; how could he be serious?” His voice was urgent. “Wendy, just wait a little longer for me. I can’t get out of the Hayes family’s grasp that quickly.” “How long is ‘a little longer’?” My long-suppressed emotions finally erupted. “Is it one year? Two years? Or a lifetime? Liam, are you truly unable to leave, or are you just unwilling to leave?” I looked into his eyes, asking each word distinctly. “Just give me a straight answer. If you don’t love me anymore, then let’s part amicably and stop wasting each other’s time.” Liam’s face instantly turned grim. He clenched his fists. “I haven’t stopped loving you, don’t overthink it! I just need time.” Just then, Liam’s phone in his pocket suddenly rang. The screen displayed the name “Aurora.” His expression subtly changed. He glanced at me. “I need to take this call. I’ll talk to you later.” Without waiting for my response, he quickly walked to the side and answered. “Hello, Aurora… stomach ache acting up? I’ll be right there, don’t move.” He didn’t even look at me again, turning and rushing away. I stood rooted, looking at the documents in my hand, a cold smirk on my lips. If only Liam had paid a little more attention to me, he would have realized these were study abroad application forms.

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On Christmas Eve, I was delivering food on my e-bike through a blizzard when my phone suddenly buzzed. “Sister.” Just one word, mixed with static, struck me like a thunderbolt. But I had signed a non-disclosure agreement and disappeared with that money ten years ago. I didn’t understand why my biological sister, who took the college spot I sold to her, was contacting me now. “I’m at the gate of the complex where you’re delivering.” “Mom and Dad are dying. They want to see you one last time.” The gate? I slammed on the brakes, the tires carving a black mark in the snow. A stretch Lincoln was parked at the complex entrance. The window rolled down halfway, revealing a face with exquisite makeup and well-maintained skin. Looking at that face—identical to mine in features but worlds apart in fate—my freezing red hands gripped the handlebars tightly. I didn’t understand. They sucked my blood dry to pave her way. What more could they want from me now? Breathing out a puff of white mist, I ignored her. I twisted the throttle and rode past the luxury car without a glance. 1 I didn’t even look back at the stretch Lincoln. Behind me came the sound of a car door opening and slamming shut. Chloe didn’t chase after me. Of course. Wearing a couture gown worth tens of thousands and three-inch lambskin heels, how could she step onto this muddy, snowy ground? Ten minutes later. I parked my bike downstairs at the dilapidated apartment complex scheduled for demolition. My hands were frozen stiff; I could barely unclench them from the handlebars. I struggled to untie the delivery box. My phone buzzed again. An unknown number. I knew who it was without answering. I hung up directly. Then came a barrage of text messages. “Ava, how long are you going to be stubborn?” “Dad has uremia, end-stage. He needs a kidney transplant immediately.” “If you have any conscience left, stop playing dead.” Seeing the word “uremia,” I just wanted to laugh. I really wanted to laugh. Ten years ago, they tricked me the same way. Said Grandma had a brain tumor, was dying, and urgently needed that so-called “selling price.” And the result? I stuffed the phone back into my pocket and rubbed the back of my hand, covered in chilblains. The cracks opened again, oozing blood. I climbed up to the sixth floor. Before I even entered, I heard coughing inside. I pushed the door open. A damp, moldy smell hit me. The rental, less than 300 square feet, was piled high with scavenged cardboard boxes. “Honey, you’re back?” Hearing the noise, Mark dragged his lame leg, limping over to greet me. He held a cup of steaming hot water. “Warm your hands, quick.” I looked at his faded work pants and the leg crippled by a workplace injury. A corner of the ice in my heart melted. “Mommy!” My daughter, Lily, crawled out from behind Mark with a paintbrush. She had a streak of ink on her face, smiling to reveal a row of tiny teeth. “Mommy look, I drew a big house. We’ll live there one day!” The squiggly lines on the paper depicted a villa with a garden. My nose stung. I squatted down, about to hug my daughter. The door was pounded heavily. Bang! Bang! Bang! The force was strong, urgent, carrying an arrogance that refused rejection. No neighbor in this broken building knocked like that. Mark’s face changed. He instinctively shielded me and the child behind him. “Who is it?” He went to open the door. As soon as the door cracked open, it was violently kicked wide by a foot in a black leather shoe. Mark, unsteady on his feet, staggered back and almost fell onto the coal stove. Two bodyguards in black suits walked in. Followed by… An expensive perfume scent. Chloe, in her high heels, covered her nose in disgust and walked into my “pigsty.” She scanned the moldy wallpaper. Her gaze finally landed on Mark and me. The condescending charity in her eyes stung. “Sis, you live in a place like this?” She kicked a cardboard box aside. “Come back with me. Save Dad’s life, and I’ll give you fifty thousand dollars.” Fifty thousand. To buy my kidney. Just like ten years ago, three hundred thousand bought my life. 2 The air in the room seemed to freeze. Lily, terrified, shrank into my arms, sobbing quietly. Though Mark was crippled, he stood before us like an angry lion. “Get out!” He grabbed the wrench he used for fixing appliances. A bodyguard stepped forward, reaching out to shove Mark. “Don’t touch him!” I screamed, grabbing the scissors on the table used for cutting delivery bags. I aimed the sharp tip at Chloe’s exquisite face. “Get your people out, or I don’t guarantee this face will ever go on stage to play piano again.” Chloe was startled. She instinctively covered her face and took two steps back. “Ava, are you crazy?” “I’m here to help you!” Her eyes widened, full of incredulity. “Look at this loser you married, and this little brat you gave birth to.” “Don’t you want a better life?” I sneered. “Help me?” “As who? As Chloe, the name I should have had, or as ‘Ava,’ the name that stole my life?” Hearing this, Chloe’s face paled. It was her only stain. The scar she feared most being uncovered. She gritted her teeth, pulled a check from her limited edition Hermès bag, and tossed it lightly onto the ground. The thin piece of paper landed on the cold concrete floor. “It wasn’t easy for Mom and Dad to raise you. Although the methods were harsh back then, you took the money yourself.” “You squandered three hundred thousand and ended up like this. Who’s to blame?” “Unlike me. I worked hard, I improved myself. I lived up to that admission spot.” She spoke with such righteousness. As if I really took the huge sum to party, while she was the diligent genius. I just found it absurd. Anger exploded in my chest, burning my insides. But I couldn’t get physical. For my daughter, I couldn’t go to jail. I took a deep breath. Bent down. Picked up the check. A smug smile curled Chloe’s lips. “That’s rig—” Riiiip— The sound of tearing paper. I tore the fifty-thousand-dollar check into shreds right in front of her. I threw them into the air. The confetti fell like snow on her coat worth tens of thousands. Then. I picked up the cup of overnight tea on the table. Bitter tea stems still floating in it. Splash— The brown tea water flowed down her meticulously styled curls, ruining her exquisite makeup, and dripping onto the white fur. Chloe’s scream almost lifted the roof. “Ah!! Ava! You dare splash me!” The bodyguards moved to strike. I pointed at the old camera in the corner. “There’s surveillance in this room, connected to the cloud.” “Touch me, and I’ll send the story of you buying an identity and stealing my college admission ten years ago to the media.” “We’ll go down together.” Chloe froze. She was a famous pianist. A public figure. She couldn’t afford to lose. “Fine. Very good.” Chloe wiped the tea from her face. Makeup smeared, she looked like a clown. “Ava, you will regret this.” She fled in embarrassment with her bodyguards. The hurried click-clack of high heels echoed in the hallway. Until the sound completely disappeared. Only then did I go limp, the scissors clattering to the floor. Mark walked over, asking nothing. He just silently pulled me into his arms. His embrace smelled of engine oil, but it made me feel incredibly safe. “It’s okay, Ava. It’s okay.” But. Was it really okay? 3 Three in the morning. Mark’s phone rang. It was the owner of the auto repair shop. “Mark, someone complained you swapped parts on a luxury car. The evidence is solid.” “Don’t come in tomorrow. Prepare the compensation money.” I listened to the busy tone on the phone. My hands gripped the sheets tightly. Revenge came so fast. Mark hung up. In the dark, he didn’t speak, just went to the balcony to smoke a cigarette. The glowing ember seemed to be counting down our time. Early the next morning. Mark put on his faded work clothes, pretending nothing happened. “I’m going to work. I’ll bring roast duck tonight.” He smiled honestly, exhaustion hiding in the wrinkles of his eyes. I knew he was going to beg. Or look for odd jobs at other shops. With his leg, he couldn’t find a good job. After Mark left, I sent Lily to daycare. Then, I got on the bus to the city center. I was going to end this. Outside the window, scenery flew by. When passing the famous music conservatory, my heart spasmed in pain. Ten years ago. I looked out the window like this too. Back then, I held a gold-stamped admission letter. I was the provincial piano competition champion. I was Ava, the “genius girl.” My future was bright. Until that night. My parents suddenly knelt before me. That kneel broke my spine. “Ava, Grandma has late-stage brain cancer. Surgery costs a hundred thousand.” “We don’t have money! Selling the house isn’t enough!” “But someone is willing to pay, as long as you… as long as you give up your admission letter.” Give up? Was that giving up? It was making me disappear from this world! It was letting Chloe take my name, take my life, and go to that university! I refused. I was a person; I had dreams too. But Father took out a bottle of pesticide. He stood by Grandma’s sickbed, threatening to pour the poison into her mouth. “Since we can’t afford treatment, let’s all die together!” Mother kowtowed until her face was bloody. “Ava, she’s your own sister! She’s weak, can’t do heavy work. If you don’t help her, she’s ruined!” “You have hands and feet; you can live without college!” What laughable logic. To save Grandma. For this family. I signed. I signed the severance of ties, signed the non-disclosure agreement. That night, my ID was confiscated, and I was put on a bus to a factory in the south. I pressed against the window, watching Chloe wearing my favorite white dress, smiling under the streetlight. She took everything from me. Memories sawed back and forth in my brain like a rusty blade. It hurt so much I almost suffocated. The bus arrived. City Central Hospital. I got off and took a deep breath. Cold air rushed into my lungs, making me cough violently. Following the information Chloe gave, I found the VIP ward. Through the glass window. I saw those leech parents. Father David lay in bed, sallow-faced, on an IV drip. Mother Sarah was peeling an apple for him. Chloe sat on the sofa nearby, admiring her well-maintained hands. What a heartwarming scene. I pushed the door open. Bang! The door hit the wall with a loud crash. The three people in the room looked over simultaneously. Seeing me, David’s cloudy eyes showed no joy, only calculation. Like a hungry wolf seeing meat. “Ava is here?” Sarah put down the apple, put on a loving mother’s face, and rushed over. “My child, Mom missed you so much!” “Your dad is dying; he just wants to see you.” She tried to take my hand. I dodged sideways. Her hand hung in midair, awkward for a moment, then she wiped tears again. “Child, still hate Mom and Dad?” “Didn’t we give you that three hundred thousand back then?” I stood in the center of the ward, looking coldly at this family of actors. “Mark’s job, was that your doing?” I didn’t waste words. “Get him reinstated, compensate for the loss, or no deal.” Chloe stood up. She was wearing a Chanel suit today, still noble. “As long as you agree to the typing and donate a kidney to Dad.” “Forget the job, I’ll give you a hundred thousand.” “A hundred thousand is enough for a bottom-feeder like you to spend for a lifetime.” Her tone was contemptuous, like dismissing a beggar. I stared into Chloe’s eyes. Walked towards her step by step. “You think I lived well these years with that so-called selling price?” Chloe frowned, looking innocent. “Didn’t you?” “Mom and Dad gave you three hundred thousand. You said you wanted to travel the world, didn’t want to study because it was too tiring, so I reluctantly went in your place.” “In these ten years, you must have spent all the money, right?” “Otherwise, why would you be delivering food?” I froze. Then, a huge sense of absurdity welled up. I started laughing. Laughing until I couldn’t stand straight, laughing until tears spurted out. “Hahahaha…” “Three hundred thousand? Travel the world?” I stopped laughing abruptly, grabbing Chloe’s wrist. Those were hands that played piano—white, slender, callous-free. Then. I shoved my own hands right in front of her eyes. Right in front of her exquisite face. “Open your dog eyes and look!” “Are these hands that traveled the world?” Those hands. Covered in calluses, joints swollen and deformed. The backs were red and swollen with ulcerated chilblains. These were hands that turned screws for ten years. Hands that delivered food for three years. Hands that washed dishes in winter and moved cement in summer! Chloe backed away in horror, trying to break free. “You… what are you doing? So dirty!” “Dirty?” I gripped harder. “There’s dirtier.” I turned to look at David feigning death on the bed, and Sarah looking guilty. “Chloe, ask these good parents.” “Where did that three hundred thousand go back then?” Chloe looked at her parents. “Dad, Mom, what’s going on?” Sarah avoided eye contact, daring not look at me. David turned angry from shame, roaring: “Why ask! The money is spent!” I answered for him. “I’ll tell you.” “That night, a hundred thousand was taken by him to pay gambling debts!” “The remaining two hundred thousand bought you that Steinway piano, hired famous teachers, paved your way!” Chloe froze. “Then… then Grandma?” “Grandma’s surgery fee?” I gritted my teeth, every word dripping blood: “Grandma didn’t use a cent!” “She died of pain!” “Because there was no money for surgery, the hospital kicked her out. She died of pain in that leaky shack!” “And I was locked in a black factory, didn’t even see her one last time!”

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To secure the ten-billion-dollar prize pool, I spent three years desperately trying to woo the billionaire heir. But at our engagement party, he abandoned me without a second glance to pick up his “first love” from the airport. “I’m sick of looking at a fake woman like you. Now that Bella is back, count yourself lucky if I even let you stay as a trophy wife.” Realizing this billionaire heir was a blind, misogynistic dog, I filed a strong protest with the System. As compensation, the System gave me three “Golden Finger” cheats: Blood of Morpheus: A single drop works better than the strongest sedative, capable of instantly calming the heir’s bipolar episodes. The Miracle Bone-Setter: A guarantee that no matter how bad a car crash the heir gets into, he won’t end up an amputee. The Fertility Goddess: A constitution so fertile that anyone who isn’t sterile will hit the jackpot on the first try. “With these, you can definitely crush that pick-me girl and win the heir’s heart!” the System cheered. What a joke. A trash lid belongs on a trash can! Why would I use these gifts on him when I could use them on the powerful entourage standing behind him? Later, when his “first love” staged her umpteenth fake fall to frame me, and the heir prepared to explode with rage, the Butler—whose insomnia was cured by my gift—stepped in. He pulled up the 360-degree, 4K ultra-HD security footage to prove my innocence. 1 “Scarlett, how could you push Bella? I told you she’s just a childhood friend, we don’t have that kind of relationship…” Caleb Sterling’s tirade was cut short as the giant monitor on the wall replayed our interaction. The 4K Dolby Vision quality clearly showed that while my hand was still four inches away from Bella, she suddenly shrieked “Ouch!” and threw herself onto the floor, accusing me of shoving her. “So, who pushed whom? Is it clear now?” “It looks like a setup.” The maid voiced what everyone was thinking. Caleb’s face shifted as he turned a questioning gaze toward Bella. “Is that true, Bella?” But she had already come up with an excuse. “Scarlett threatened to push me! I was so scared I fell backward…” As expected, Caleb didn’t disappoint. He immediately turned back to me. “Scarlett, I knew you were vicious!” “Apologize to Bella right now, or I will never forgive you!” He even moved to physically force me down. But before Caleb could get within three feet of me, Alfred, the head butler, executed a perfect intercept, pulling Caleb back in front of the monitor. “Young Master, don’t be hasty. Why don’t we listen to the audio before deciding on the culprit?” He pressed play. The video synced with high-fidelity audio, and Bella’s voice rang out clearly: “Scarlett, a hundred of you couldn’t match a single finger of mine in Caleb’s heart.” “Believe it or not, if I scream that you pushed me, Caleb will force you to kneel and apologize.” Bella’s mind raced. “Impossible! I whispered that! How could it be recorded? This is faked!” “Miss Bella, are you claiming the audio is fabricated?” I didn’t even need to speak. Alfred adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and produced a certificate. “This is a recording device used in professional studios. It captures the sound of a mosquito’s wings. If you accuse this equipment of being fake, the manufacturer will sue you for defamation.” Bella’s face turned the color of a bruise. She decided to just cry and deny everything. Caleb, easily swayed, turned his anger onto the butler. “Alfred! How much did Scarlett pay you to stage this frame-up against Bella?” Alfred adjusted his glasses again. “It is my duty to maintain the stability of this household.” “Fine! You dare lie to me? You’re fired! Get out!” At this, Alfred’s stoic mask finally cracked. He rolled his eyes—a move that nearly gave Caleb an aneurysm—and said: “My employers are your father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling. You do not have the authority to terminate my employment.” “Fine! You’re using my mom to scare me? I’m calling her right now to see if she believes her son or an outsider!” “Please do. I will also be forwarding the unedited video and audio of today’s events to Mrs. Sterling.” Bella, who had been enjoying the drama, panicked. She grabbed Caleb’s hand. “Caleb, let’s just drop it. I think Scarlett is just jealous of our closeness and wanted your attention.” “I… I shouldn’t disturb you two anymore.” She made a graceful exit, which was actually a frantic escape because she was terrified of Caleb’s mother—the iron-fisted CEO of the Sterling Group. Caleb immediately chased after her in his wheelchair (from a previous racing injury), but not before glaring at me. “You chased Bella away. If this happens again, I won’t forgive you!” As if I was the villain. 2 I was speechless. After Caleb left, Alfred walked up to me. Breaking his professional code, he whispered: “Miss Scarlett, you are a good person. I believe you should be more… selective in your choice of a partner.” He was basically saying dump the idiot. I knew. Caleb was bipolar, addicted to dangerous street racing, and carried his mother’s genetic difficulty with fertility. Only a blind woman would want him. But that was exactly why the system reward for conquering him was so high. Three years ago, the System bound me to Caleb. If I married him, I’d get ten billion dollars. I spent three years being the perfect partner, winning over everyone in his family except him. And when Bella returned, all that progress was about to be wiped out. Thank god I had a backup plan. I smiled warmly at Alfred. “Alfred, do you still have enough of that medicine?” Alfred relaxed into a genuine smile. “I do. It works wonders. Just a drop allows me to sleep through the night, giving me the energy to clean up the Young Master’s messes…” I told him to ask for more whenever he needed it. Inside my head, the System was fuming: [I gave you that sedative blood to treat Caleb’s bipolar episodes! Imagine, every time he has an episode, you calm him down. Eventually, he’d be grateful! Feelings grow from dependency!] I ignored it. I gave two drops to the butler, and look—he installed a 4K anti-slander defense system for me. What has Caleb ever done? I know the difference between a high-yield investment and a sunk cost. Ignoring the System’s nagging, I continued my life of luxury while Caleb was away. The next day, I went shopping. I tried on clothes, went to pay, and the card was declined. While I stood there confused, an annoying voice came from behind. “Scarlett, Caleb told me you don’t do any real work and just swipe his card. I didn’t believe him, but… calling you a ‘trophy wife’ is being nice. Isn’t this just gold-digging?” “You’re giving women a bad name.” Bella scolded me with her mouth, but her eyes were glued to the Black Card in my hand with greedy desire. Beside her, Caleb looked at the pile of clothes on the counter and sneered. “Bella is right. I’ve been too lenient. I raised you until you forgot your place.” “Starting today, I’m cutting you off. Learn to stand on your own two feet!” He loudly announced he wouldn’t pay a cent. Bella covered her mouth in mock shock. “Caleb, isn’t that too cruel? A girl like Scarlett… without your supplementary card, how will she pay? These are luxury goods. Even if she washes dishes here, it would take years to pay off.” Caleb scoffed. “Good. Let her learn that the money in this family belongs to me, and only I have the right to control it.” Behind them, Bella’s clique of mean girls giggled. Just then, a crisp electronic chime cut through their laughter. Payment Successful. The sales clerk handed me the beautifully wrapped bags. “Thank you for your patronage, Miss Scarlett.” Caleb froze. “Where did you get the money?” 3 Bella’s eyes darted around, and she immediately fabricated a lie. “Caleb, check your phone! Did she steal your banking info?” She turned to me accusingly. “Scarlett, swiping someone’s card without permission is theft. You could go to jail. A thief can’t be the Lady of the Sterling House!” Caleb marched forward and snatched the card from my hand. He looked at it, puzzled. “This isn’t my card…” Of course not. “That is my salary card.” Before the System bound me, I was a high-level executive at a multinational firm. Even after getting engaged to Caleb, I never quit. I worked remotely, managing projects and earning millions a year. Furthermore, the Black Card Caleb used didn’t even belong to him—it belonged to his mother. If we’re talking about leeches, he’s the parasite, not me. “Can I have my card back now?” Caleb looked embarrassed, but Bella doubled down. “You’re just a girl from a common family. How could you have such a high-paying job? You must have used Caleb’s family name to get it.” “That money isn’t yours. It belongs to Caleb.” Caleb immediately straightened up, latching onto her logic. “Bella is right. Until we investigate whether this money is illicit income gained through my family’s influence, I will hold onto this card!” He pocketed my card without letting me speak. I laughed in disbelief. “If Bella told you the sky was green, would you believe her? If she said you were a pig, would you oink?” Caleb’s face darkened. “You dare insult me?” “Scarlett, you’re just angry because I exposed the truth,” Bella smirked. “Exactly,” Caleb sneered. “This card definitely contains illegal funds. But Bella pleaded for you. Since poor people like you lose their minds over money, I’ll give you a chance to win it back.” “Race me. If you win, you get the card.” I didn’t argue. The card was in my name; I could just call the bank and freeze it. But as I reached for my phone, the System chimed in: [Don’t miss this chance! Caleb is destined to crash in this race and shatter his legs. That is when you use the Bone-Setting Golden Finger! If you heal him, his opinion of you will skyrocket!] I paused. I hung up the phone. “Fine. I’ll race.” Caleb looked surprised. Before he could speak, Bella interjected, sensing an opportunity. “Just betting money is boring. Let’s add stakes. If Caleb wins, on the 5th of next month, he has to take me to Disney World for the whole day!” Caleb agreed instantly. “Anything for you, Bella.” He had completely forgotten that the 5th of next month was our wedding day. 4 Bella was provoking me, but I played along. “Sure. Take him for a week for all I care.” “You… you agreed?” Bella was stunned. Caleb smirked. “Fine. 8 PM. Dead Man’s Curve. Don’t be late, or kiss your card goodbye.” I nodded. As they walked past, Bella whispered, “You’ve never raced. Aren’t you afraid of dying? Or are you planning something?” “Who said I’m driving?” Bella looked panicked. “I knew you wouldn’t give up Caleb that easily!” She ran to tell Caleb. He glanced back at me, declaring he would never lose. At 8 PM, he arrived in his heavily modified supercar. When he saw me pull up in a standard Mercedes sedan, he froze. “You’re racing me in that? Even if you hired a pro… wait. Uncle Ethan? Why are you driving?” Caleb, Bella, and the crowd were stunned. “Ethan Sterling? Isn’t he crippled in one leg? He drives a modified car for the disabled. Scarlett is throwing the race!” Caleb realized what was happening. “Scarlett, you’re despicable. You think bringing my Uncle Ethan here will make me go easy on him out of respect? Racing is sacred. No mercy.” I leaned against the railing. “I didn’t ask for mercy. Ethan is racing you.” Before Caleb could retort, Ethan spoke from the driver’s seat. “I’m racing. I need to make sure you don’t kill yourself.” Caleb exploded. “You’re a cripple and you look down on me? I’ll leave you ten corners behind!” He jumped into his car. Bella started the countdown. “Go!” Caleb’s car shot forward like a rocket, leaving Ethan’s Mercedes in the dust. He got faster and faster. “Caleb is going for the record tonight! He’s amazing!” Bella cheered, casting a triumphant look at me. “Scarlett, you lost. Looks like I’m stealing your groom on your wedding day.” CRASH! A massive explosion of sound echoed from the mountain pass. “What happened?” “Caleb crashed!” “Rescue team! Go!” Bella turned pale. I jumped onto a parked motorcycle and sped up the mountain before anyone else. When I arrived, Ethan was already dragging his bad leg, trying to pull Caleb out of the wreckage. I helped him. Caleb’s upper body was fine, but his legs were a mangled mess of blood and bone. Ethan’s face was grim. “He might lose the legs.” Ding. The System prompted: [Plot Event: Caleb’s Broken Legs occurred. “Miracle Bone-Setter” item issued. Use now?] I nodded without hesitation. “Use on Ethan!” [Healing complete… WAIT! Why did you use it on the Uncle?!] 5 “Oops,” I said flatly. “Slip of the tongue. What do we do now?” The System went berserk. [I gave you that to heal Caleb! Now his legs are ruined! You can’t get the item back!] I almost laughed. “Oh no. Is Caleb going to be a cripple forever?” Just then, Caleb woke up. He looked down at his mangled lower half and screamed. “No! My legs! Help me! I can’t be a cripple!” Bella arrived, shrieking. “Caleb! Hold on! Don’t listen to her, we’ll find a way…” Caleb passed out from the shock. Bella turned on me. “This is your fault! If you hadn’t provoked him, he wouldn’t have driven so fast! If he dies, I’ll destroy you!” I picked my ear. “You better pray he doesn’t wake up and faint again from looking at himself.” “Besides, he challenged me. He drove the car. How is this my fault?” The System finally realized what I was doing. [Host, you did that on purpose.] I ignored it. [Think carefully. If the target goes insane or becomes useless, the mission fails! The penalty for failure is Erasure!] That made me pause. Damn System. I forgot about the death penalty. If I fail to conquer Caleb, I get wiped from existence. It’s forcing me to follow the script. Do I really have to save this idiot? The paramedics arrived. Bella pushed them around, crying, “Be gentle! He’s hurt!” The medics shoved her aside to work. Awkwardly standing there, Bella turned her fire on me again. “Scarlett, how can you be so cold? Caleb got hurt for us! Why aren’t you sad? You’re rubbing salt in the wound!” “What use is being sad? I didn’t ask to race. He did.” Bella choked. We followed the ambulance to the hospital. While Bella performed her grief drama, I watched Ethan. Under the influence of my “mistake,” his leg was miraculously healing by the minute. He looked at me with a complicated expression. I ignored him. I was busy trying to figure out how to not die.

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