Category: English

Husband saved childhood sweetheart’s son who was farther from shore and safer in flood, Watched helplessly as our son cried Dad Mom being washed away. Flood receded. I held son’s body painful, crazy questioned husband. Husband didn’t feel he wrong. “I am SAR Team Leader, should avoid suspicion! If I save our son, everyone learn from me, won’t it mess up?” “You should have sympathy, after all we can still have children, Sarah’s is a posthumous child, if child gone how she live?” Everyone praised husband great righteousness, Sarah’s son also knelt before me childish voice said want be filial to me for son. I confused recognized Sarah’s son as Godson, transferred love for son to him. Until I dying when running out of oil. Sarah just strange tone confessed apologized to me. “Thank you for dedication to my son, not wasted I risked danger threw two children into flood back then!” I collapsed endless, want pull Sarah die together. But kicked fly by son loved thirty years. “Godfather and my mom are a pair! You snatched my mom’s lover, I occupy your son’s life this very reasonable!” “Also this matter Godfather knew after event, he not angry what you angry?” I understood everything but can do nothing, only can tearfully die. Restart once, Husband still chose save Sarah’s son. But this time I didn’t cry, they cried… Chapter 1 “Someone come quick, there child fell water.” “Captain Gavin, fell water seems your son and your neighbor Sarah’s son!” Hearing this voice, I immediately put down work bandaging wounded, followed few survivor grandmas aunts stumbled ran to riverside, indeed saw son Leo and Sarah’s son Sam struggling in river. Situation same as last life. Leo closer to shore, but hands only pulling few not solid water plants, whole face scared pale, mouth shouting Dad Mom save life. Sam was farther from shore, but at this moment he blocked by a big tree, still holding a protruding rock, although farther, but one look know safer. As folk SAR team leader husband Gavin immediately ran out from room, seeing this situation also scared not light, I took advantage of him tying rope to body rushed before him. “Gavin, you must save Leo! I only have Leo this one child, you can’t ignore him!” Gavin looked at everyone, somewhat impatient said. “Our child is child, could it be other’s child not child?” “I now not only Leo’s dad, not only your husband, I am SAR team leader everyone elected, I can’t only care small family, ignore everyone.” I angry not light, but didn’t like last life excited speak thoughtlessly, let crowd dislike, but calm and careful explained. “I know you fair just also avoid suspicion.” “Flood came after you only care protect everyone’s property, our family didn’t snatch a cent out.” “But this time different, Leo’s situation more dangerous, closer to shore also, and Leo can’t swim you know, Sarah’s child can swim ah.” Onlookers grateful Gavin selflessness, also can see Leo and Sam who more dangerous who safer, so one by one helped me speak. Chapter 2 Gavin after all is SAR team leader, naturally also can see who should save more, so he didn’t refute, but looked at Sarah somewhat difficultly. Sarah just knelt down looked at Gavin, silently tears. “Sam no father since small, he always treat you as biological father, no matter what decision you make, Sam won’t angry.” Speaking here, Sarah actually showed a smile. “Also, maybe Sam die can see own biological father, that time I go with him, family can reunite also.” Gavin didn’t speak again, confirmed rope tied good then directly jumped into river water. Although I always screaming save Leo first, but Gavin just treated not hear, beside Leo even didn’t stay a second, straight swam towards Sam direction, soon held safe Sam in arms. This scene I not unfamiliar, more not unexpected, because this situation I truly experienced once, in nightmare experienced thousands times. Last life was like this. When flood about to recede, Leo and Sam don’t know how fell into river. That time riverside full some wounded and some women children can’t swim, only Gavin one person can go down river save people, but he just like today, chose save Sam. That time I wasn’t so calm, but crazy like didn’t allow Gavin go shore, angry and anxious forced him go bring Leo together. But no matter how I crazy, Leo still cried washed away by water drowned. And because my crazy block, caused Gavin and Sam both choked water different degrees, hospitalized, also because this, I from a reasonable mom, became unreasonable madwoman in everyone mouth. So this time I didn’t block, just whole body weak knelt on ground. Chapter 3 Without my blocking. Gavin successfully saved Sam ashore, I had no time argue with Gavin, but knelt walked to him. “Gavin, Leo still has chance, beg you, you save him.” But Gavin just stood up, held tight by Sarah. “Gavin, you can’t go, you didn’t sleep all night yesterday, just went down water, already no any strength, you if go down again, will have danger.” “Also, Leo already sunk, even you go down, will also return without success, you are SAR team leader, we all need you, sacrifice in front of disaster is common, if you go down have accident, we group women children what do.” Because had my just calm words, so crowd didn’t like last life stand Sarah side, but one by one spontaneous pulled up rope. [Captain Gavin, Leo not far from shore, still have chance.] [We die won’t let go.] Gavin didn’t listen Sarah, stood up want go water, but just walked to shore, Sarah started screaming again. “Sam no breath.” Speaking also funny, Sam’s hair even still dry, where come drowning? But Gavin believed, his foot originally already want go water, heard this words shrunk back again. Sarah voice more miserable. “Gavin, you don’t go, beg you, you save Sam, Leo in water already no hope, could it be you want Sam on shore also follow buried?” He looked at Leo farther and farther, finally turned back holding Sam want go. I completely disappointed him, picked up rope on ground then rushed towards river, but didn’t walk two steps, chopped dizzy by Gavin palm, before falling into darkness, I only vaguely heard his impatient voice. “When already, still here add chaos!” Chapter 4 Open eyes again, Sarah sitting by my bed. See I open eyes, Sarah pretending relieved look said. “Sister you finally woke up, you already slept one day one night, you here lazy sleep comfortable, but busy died us everyone.” “You can rest assured, Leo already found, although already dead, but after all left whole corpse!” I struggled get up: “I want go see Leo!” Sarah pressed me, she could see my expression calm, so more strange tone said. “Sister, you no need go!” “Experts from state said, after flood easiest happen plague, because those drowned pigs and cows corpses easy have bacteria, best way is bury soon as possible, of course, human corpse also same.” “But everyone reluctant ah, I helped Gavin gave an idea, let him lead by example, first bury Leo corpse with those dead livestock together, everyone that time won’t have opinion, so you better not go, go again want cause trouble.” I sneered few times in heart. But lazy say more to Sarah, directly fierce gave her few slaps, rushed to place buried everyone corpses last life. I came count timely, those livestock corpses just put into pit, if late one step, Leo also want be thrown down. See I come, Gavin somewhat guilty, he stopped me not let me see Leo corpse, but sighed. “Leo already gone, you now sad also useless.” “I know you angry, feel I should save Leo first, but we still young, can still have children, if Sam gone, Sarah really can’t live.” My inner heart sneered again and again. After all already reborn once, how can I not see Gavin is intentionally provoking me, intentionally let everyone feel I unreasonable, good find reason and excuse for his behavior? Chapter 5 Like last life. Everyone opened mouth persuade me, kept saying Captain Gavin already tried best, let me accept reality, don’t blame him such. Haven’t wait me open mouth. Sarah covering red swollen face crying ran apologize to Gavin. “Gavin brother, sorry, I didn’t stop Sister, but you don’t blame Sister, Sister just lost child heart uncomfortable only.” “Also…” Sarah intentionally put hand down. “Wound on face actually is me careless, no relation with Sister.” This action naturally made Gavin almost angry death. “Annie, you exactly when can change your unreasonable temper?” “Lost Leo could it be I not sad? So many people lost relatives, which one like you crazy?” “Say到底, if not yourself lazy not watched Leo good, how Leo possible fall water? You if have heart, you should know yourself wrong how outrageous, not like this inexplicable anger others!” Sarah cried more powerful. Kept apologizing to me, pulled Sam kneeling in front of me again. “Sister, I really don’t know how compensate you, I wish use my own life exchange Leo alive.” “Only thing I can do, is let Sam认 (adopt/recognize) you as Godmother, later Sam is my son, also you and Gavin brother son, he will replace Leo, live well.” Although this words said very humble. But Sarah expression very provocative. “If back then died was Sam, I definitely also won’t blame Leo, only will give everything originally belong Sam all to Leo.” “As long as you agree, this matter fixed, later we are a family.”

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A week before New Year’s Eve, I noticed my boyfriend seemed like a different person. Not only did his lifestyle change, but he became more mature and steady. Even his hobbies changed, preferring meditation and green juices over extreme sports. Regarding intimacy, he became disciplined and courteous, never greedy. I thought he grew up, finally willing to settle down and build a small family with me, ignoring those Insta-models outside. As a result, when I came home early to celebrate his birthday, I overheard him on the phone. “Bro, hold Chloe steady for a while longer, I’ll come back later, thanks for your hard work.” Boyfriend spoke: “Okay, by the way, what brand of protection do you usually use? Chloe seems allergic.” Hearing this, my breathing quickened. Turns out those changes weren’t illusions. Without me knowing, my boyfriend’s twin brother quietly took his place. Chapter 1 Xavier on the phone stuttered, “Bro, why you asking this? I usually don’t use any with her, anyway she takes birth control.” Sebastian spoke: “Just asking.” “Did she nag you? Women are like this, always insatiable. Just pretend not hearing, cold her for few days she will be obedient.” Although Xavier firmly believed Sebastian wouldn’t be interested in me, he was still a bit uneasy. “Bro, how about you move out, less contact with her, communicate online, who let Bella insist I accompany her to travel, we are still on the road.” Sebastian said in low voice: “Got it.” I stood in dark, held breath. Turns out Xavier went to accompany Bella to travel. At this moment I only felt funny. They said any ambiguity and romance between them, was true brotherhood. Yet preferred let twin brother replace him stay alone with girlfriend, also didn’t forget secret duo trip with Bella. Such truth made my brain blank, I subconsciously wanted leave here, but accidentally touched robot vacuum on ground. Next second, lights on. Sebastian noticed me immediately. My heart almost jumped to throat. Difficultly looked at Sebastian, carefully observed, he indeed different from Xavier. Sebastian eyes deep, hard to fathom what he thinking. Xavier eyes contained smile, all the time calculating how to lie deceive me. Just I thought he about to show cards, he said: “Is this cake bought for me?” I lifted cake, written Xavier’s name on it. Not wait me speak, he already took cake: “Thanks I like it very much, I almost forgot today is my birthday.” Sebastian and Xavier are twins, today indeed is his birthday too. I subconsciously said: “Happy birthday.” Sebastian hugged stiff me, dropped a kiss on my lips. I took deep breath, don’t know when they switched, but during this time I and him indeed did everything. My heart pounding, hastily took out gift from pocket. “For you.” Is a tie, I bought for eighteen thousand. Color bright, Xavier’s favorite color, but Sebastian may not like. But he expressionless opened, grabbed my wrist, tied it up. His big hand put on my lower back, constantly wandering, desire in eyes deepened. “…” No, not claim like meditation? Next second, I was carried into room by him, dense kisses fell on my body. My hands gently tied by tie, pressed over head. I wanted struggle, but blocked back by his words. “I took birth control, won’t let you allergic in future.” Chapter 2 When did I discover Xavier not right. Just because he suddenly wore protection when sleeping with me. This put in past impossible. Originally just doubt, but more not right was, always harmonious us, inexplicably painful after finished. Because this, I made a fuss with him. Unexpectedly next day suddenly red and swollen. I determined he did some strange move, angry directly rushed into his office question. Until later, I knew was myself allergic to protection. After that, Xavier didn’t touch me for a continuous week, considerate to me, personally applied medicine for me. Always noble young master personally cooked for me. Heaven knows, I saw him cooking for me, how horrified I was. After all together with Xavier these years, he never cooked, let alone soup! I thought then, this was sign of prodigal son return, didn’t expect, even boyfriend is non-original. After allergy healed, Sebastian changed another material protection. I allergic again, but symptoms lighter. Seeing red swelling on my body, his face emotion very bad, I thought he would lose temper, result heard him say: “Sorry, I will pay attention next time.” I silent. In daily life abused by spoiled young master, I never heard apology. “No… no problem…” Sebastian distressed hugged me, kissed with me, I was kissed face hot, waist soft. Same time thought in heart, Xavier kiss skill how became so good. Actually not became how good, just gentle. Xavier used to only bite me. Especially my collarbone, painful to death. Day after day, his every behavior inexplicably more attractive to me than before. Day off, he no longer ran to clubbing with sisters, instead held me in arms teaching me painting. He bit my ear, little by little teach me how to draw. Voice苏麻 (tingling), let my heart pounding. No! Continue like this, I really gonna fall in love with him. Play love with Xavier, no good ending, after money after face enough. However other side insisted I sink, I work, he massage shoulder for me. I entertainment, he hold accompany me. Even in bed, he also never forced me, even finish, will seriously help me clean, no matter how late. I flattered, hurriedly analyzed with sisters. Finally draw conclusion. “He loves you, he wants marry you!” Hearing this, honestly I was happy. But carefully think, possible? A playboy spiritual cheating every three days, really will settle down? Now seems, won’t, not only won’t, even sold his own girlfriend. Person considerate to me, always is Sebastian. Xavier’s twin brother. My heart bitter. But since this is his own choice, why don’t I enjoy it? Chapter 3 Next day, I woke up from Sebastian’s arms, whole body naked, skin close to him, under palm is his perfect chest muscle. I didn’t hold back swallowed saliva. Sebastian closed eyes, rubbed on my face, voice slightly hoarse: “Awake ah, hungry or not.” Voice just fell, my stomach growled. Sebastian heard, corner of mouth hung smile, he got up wrapped me with quilt, directly princess carry me up, my hands hugged his neck, “Baby, will you always like me?” Man lie without blinking eyes. Sebastian naturally said: “Of course will.” Saying, he brushed teeth dressed clothes for me, breakfast he already sent someone buy good, very rich. I sat on chair, staring at him: “Xavier, I found you changed recently.” Sebastian fingertips stiff, spoke with some pause. “Where changed? Changed more like by you?” Sebastian learned Xavier’s witty words, eyes flowing looking at me. Clearly same face, feeling given to me very different. “You used to not so gentle.” Sebastian long eyelashes trembled lightly, forcefully kissed my wrist. “Baby, I just want your experience better.” Man can’t provoke, more can’t let him compare with another man. I just put down chopsticks, he hugged me into room. If not detected his hand stretched into my clothes, his serious appearance, only make people think he is doing serious business. Sebastian fully exerted force asked me: “Now good, or before good.” I closed eyes, eyebrows slightly wrinkled: “Now good now good.” Sebastian forcefully pinched my waist, forehead sweat drops fell down. Wait everything end, I lay on bed playing after-event phone. And Sebastian went bathroom took shower. Coincidentally his phone vibrated, popped up Xavier message. [Bro, how you and Chloe now? Did she suspect you.] [Bro, I will try to come back early, I brought gift for you.] Below attached photo. Xavier and Bella’s two hands pasted together, palms upward, same time holding a crystal rose, glowing pink. [Bro, this crystal good looking right, you like I bring a flower back for you.] Xavier hand and Sebastian nothing different, even palm lines same. I hooked smile,恶趣味 (bad taste) typed a line words. [Who are you ah, my boyfriend is taking shower.] Other side paused for long time. Next second, bathroom door wide open, Sebastian lower body wrapped towel, he saw I reading his phone, flustered walked over. I naturally said: “Someone keeps calling you Bro, who is he ah.” Sebastian suppressed complex emotion in eyes: “Is neighbor younger brother.” I held back smile, if Xavier knows he became neighbor younger brother in Sebastian mouth, wonder what reaction. “He said he wants give you gift hey, that crystal really pretty.” Sebastian hugged me, kissed my side face: “Hubby buy for you.” And I seized opportunity put bug in his pocket. This was used to collect Xavier cheating evidence before. Discover once, fifty million compensation. Sebastian phone held in hand rang constantly, messages non-stop. I guess Xavier gonna anxious. Few seconds he directly called Sebastian. Sebastian naturally said: “I go answer call, you rest a while.” I looked at his back, smile in eyes slowly disappeared. Chapter 4 “Bro, what you and Chloe doing? How she use your phone send message to me.” In hallway, Sebastian listened to this probing tone, unhurriedly: “My clothes dirty, incidentally took a shower.” Xavier sighed relief: “Like this? Just right I want end travel early, come back tomorrow.” Sebastian didn’t utter sound. Xavier suddenly a bit anxious, “Bro, I played enough, outside I knew Chloe’s good, will you agree let me marry her?” Xavier voice more said more empty, inside probe undisguised. “Will, as long as you willing.” Xavier completely sighed relief, what kind woman Sebastian never seen, how possible fancy woman his own brother slept. He actually suspect his own Bro? Xavier exchanged few more pleasantries, found excuse hung up. After Sebastian returned, I found opportunity took bug away. Face full ignorance asking: “Xavier, what happened? How you look preoccupied?” Sebastian cupped my face, low voice asked: “Chloe, will you always accompany me?” “Of course ah.” Sebastian still very stubbornly asked: “Then you like current me, or previous me.” Even this question, three hours ago, he just asked. I lips tip slightly pursed, “Both like.” How can I give Sebastian accurate answer. If Sebastian doesn’t want play, me and Xavier can still together. But if he still wants play, pressure only on Sebastian. Sure enough, hearing this answer Sebastian, expression became trance. He subconsciously hugged me, like hugging thing about to lose. Reluctant under, two people again sticky kissed together. He pulled down zipper of my lower back dress, again pressed up. However next second, doorbell rang. Just brewed atmosphere gone. This house was given by Xavier to me, irrelevant people won’t come here. Only one possibility, Xavier returned. However此刻 (this moment) room full of paper balls flying, obviously not suitable receive guests. He advanced again. I looked up at Sebastian, his throat rolling: “I go open door.” Sooner or later face this matter. After open door, Xavier’s hiking suit not yet changed. After he saw roses all over floor, smile on face disappeared. I looked at him, said: “Big Brother, you have any matter?” I know Xavier has twin brother. Xavier squeezed out smile, chest cavity full of anger, Chloe actually didn’t recognize him. Bottom of heart exactly has him or not ah! “I come find him, a bit matter.” Xavier stared dead at Sebastian, “Come out chat.” Xavier fists placed at side about to clench tight. I hooked smile, still adding fuel to fire, I hugged Sebastian arm, kissed his side face once. “Hubby, you come back early, I wait for you at home.” Almost one second, Sebastian directly pushed me away. Xavier fist smashed on his face. I pretended surprised, screamed. “What you doing? Don’t hit my boyfriend!”

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Midnight, high fever of 103°F, called Lucas Halloway but no answer. I confusedly used his Supplementary Card to buy a pack of Tylenol. Result next day, “Sienna the Gold Digger” words hit the headlines. Endorsement finally negotiated was cancelled. Reputation already bad directly stank on street. Just struggled from bankruptcy line, I fell into quagmire again. I helpless could only find Lucas explain apologize. When walked to private room door, heard Lucas playful voice. “Do you know what is best way to control a woman?” “Not give her money, but let her owe money.” “Destroy her career, let her carry huge debt.” “Like this, want leave also can’t leave.” I looked at sky-high Breach of Contract Penalty on contract, suddenly understood. Why my family went bankrupt. Why my career stopped moving. Turns out, all my life sufferings, all thanks to Lucas Halloway. Chapter 1 Moment of daze, backstage added dozens of cursing DMs. Flip back forth nothing but those. Saying I greedy worship gold, nature hard change. Saying I not know repent, met Lucas such good lover still not know cherish. Someone found my hometown address, sent wreath dead rat threaten. Someone dug out my past movies, unanimous request take down. Social accounts, under comments. All are various ugly words. Even worse used my photo P out various vicious memes. Shouting let me quit entertainment circle, leave public view. And all this, just because I used Lucas money bought a box of fever medicine. I couldn’t help flipped out first post leading siege. It said so. “Certain S surname female star really is most shameless person I ever seen.” “Family bankrupt, Lucas invested billion to save her back.” “Result she not know gratitude, even designed climbed Lucas bed became Mrs. Halloway.” “Married these years spend money like dirt forget it, private life also extremely not check point.” “One endorsement ten million, result not only owe employee salary, even buy a box fever medicine have to specially find man pay bill.” “I really never seen such stingy and small minded artist.” Post direction very strong. Not mention a word my devotion to Lucas these years. Only grab that box of $15.86 fever medicine not let go. Saying what see big from small. Through rumor smear, prove my character improper. Yesterday burned severe, head confused. Today eased a bit, then found. Posting rumor, is Lucas new little secretary Scarlett. This little girl I seen. Young pretty, temper also violent, every time see me blow beard stare eye. At first I thought capable people temper all bit weird. Now then understand, turns out she treated herself as Mrs. Halloway. Click open her homepage, inside also shared many daily related to Lucas. Skiing ball, red wine manor. Completely a picture of paper drunk gold confused upper class scene. Among them most dazzling is last night Charity Gala. Scarlett wearing million Haute Couture, wearing ten million jewelry, with Lucas standing under spotlight accept interview. I suddenly understood. Why organizer cancelled my invitation letter in advance. Why Lucas refused answer my call last night. Turns out side already had Scarlett this new love. Now this new love, got Lucas authorization, then can’t wait want through smear step me to climb up. I couldn’t help look up at few people talking laughing in private room. Under charming light, Lucas drinking cross-cupped wine with Scarlett mouth to mouth. Scarlett pretended accidental fell into Lucas arms, again in a piece of booing sound blushed face. Friends beside smiling teased. “Brother Lucas, still you can play.” “Not spend a penny got Sienna this big beauty, also let her dead heart collapsed ground followed you so many years.” “Just you do this, not afraid sister-in-law know and fall out with you?” Lucas pulled Scarlett hand gently kissed, then not thought so smiled. “Do you know how much is Sienna’s penalty this time?” “$800 Million.” “Without me, she can’t pay off in this life.” “So no matter what happened, she has to honestly stay by my side!” Saying, Lucas triumpantly taught people around his experience of “managing wife has way”. How to make my family company bankrupt, then pretend hero save beauty capture my heart. How through a box fever medicine ruin my reputation, destroy my career, let me only can forced stay by his side. Speaking this, Lucas face full pride. Completely unaware, me outside room already flowed full face tears. Chapter 2 Remember when met Lucas, I was at life lowest valley. Family company bankrupt, dad despair suicide. Mom never experienced wind rain lifetime, directly heart attack entered hospital. To make money, I could only fight life take jobs, act. But that time I lawsuit wrapped body, artists directors formerly good with me all avoided me like plague. Only Lucas, stood out extended helping hand to me. That day sunshine bright, Lucas squatted in front of me, smiling said to me. “Sienna, I watched your acting.” “Simple, pretty, those people in fame profit field all different.” “Give me a chance, let me do something for you okay?” Not wait me make reaction, Lucas already launched action. He one hand paid off my family all debts. Found best expert treatment for mom. Brand jewelry, mansion diamond ring, Lucas gave without soft hand. After knowing I like small animals, he more spend money like dirt. In inch land inch gold New York, built a mansion occupying several acres for me. Almost everyone said I fate good, met Lucas such a God of Wealth. Hard pulled me from eighteen line female star, to top flow first line. That time I was age of maiden spring. Not understand world changing, also not understand human heart evil. Just like this fell in Lucas gentleness and bold. Until wedding day, Lucas said to me. “Sienna, I had experience being cheated, this life hate Gold Digger most.” “I hope our feelings, can not mix any other interests.” For this, he specially prepared a divorce agreement. Agreement wrote very clear. Lucas annual salary only $1. If divorce, property I can take away, only this one dollar. To let Lucas rest assured, to prove my feeling to him. I without hesitation signed my name on agreement. But after marriage, I then found. Lucas calculation far more than this. His investment to my maiden family, all in form of debt. Every penny, I have to repay principal and interest fully. Those jewelry ornaments, all recorded under Old Mrs. Halloway name. I not only no ownership, every time wear, still have to pay expensive rent. So-called mansion luxury car, also only paid down payment. Remaining high loan, all need myself to pay. Besides this, Prenup also clearly stipulated. As Mrs. Halloway, I have obligation maintain Halloway family and company image. I want often accompany Lucas attend various activities, free endorsement and promotion for company products. I want self expense buy various brand jewelry, to maintain Mrs. Halloway decency. Dense schedule arrangement and large amount social events squeezed my all time. Let my originally like sun in sky career, plummet thousand feet. Also squeezed clean my originally remaining few savings. I not didn’t complain with Lucas. But he every time hugged me said. “Sienna, I also don’t want this.” “But Halloway family big business big, I can’t change board decision.” “You endure first, wait I fully take over Halloway family industry, then good compensate your these hard work!” This endurance, is three years. Three years I dig heart dig lung, pour out all. Exchanged is family broken people dead, notoriety. Still want because Lucas calculation, carry sky-high penalty. So-called feeling, so-called sincere heart. Turns out start to end just a calculation knocking bone sucking marrow. I unable control my emotion. Almost fled in panic, hid into bathroom wailing cry. Water flow covered all crying. Look up again, but saw Scarlett standing in front of me. Scarlett wearing a body valuable big brand Haute Couture. Look me eyes full pride. “Sienna, just now our conversation you heard all right.” “Is it very sad, very sad, but no way at all.” “I kind advise you, better obediently divorce with Lucas.” “Take advantage now still have some fame, film some adult movies, hook some big spender, these debts sooner later can pay off.” “Otherwise wait till old color fade, then swept out door, days can be not good pass.” She saw my weakness, she understood my grievance. So word word sentence sentence, all poke my most painful place. See me no response, Scarlett moved closer again. Use voice only we two can hear, like demon whisper said. “Right, you still don’t know right.” “Your Prenup was drafted by me, back then your family bankruptcy also me designed.” “So, you don’t think can drive me away.” “Me and you such vase different, I am person most qualified accompany Lucas to end!” Scarlett vicious face, let me think of dad despair eyes before dying. I finally still didn’t hold back, a slap hit over. Slap just landed on Scarlett face. A force fiercely pushed me aside. Lucas unknown when already blocked in front of Scarlett. He face full heartache looking shallow red mark on other’s face. Past gentle eyes, almost can’t hide anger light. “Sienna, what you doing!” “Hurry apologize to Scarlett.” “Do you know you doing this seen by people, will smear company image!” He heartache Scarlett, he cares company. But completely didn’t notice, I long heart dead like ash. I slowly got up, almost gritting teeth said those few words. “Lucas Halloway, let’s divorce.” Chapter 3 Divorce. I can burden mom medical fee myself. I can try hard pay off these debts. Even want spend a lifetime time. Even want pay my all energy. Also better than, painful lifetime by Lucas side. Hearing my words, Lucas eyes flashed a trace shock. But soon, recovered that unruly control everything. He pulled Scarlett behind himself, looking at me with a high above gaze. “Sienna, don’t make trouble.” “You should know how bad your reputation is now.” “Leave me this time, you this life don’t think good pass.” “Be obedient, I let you apologize to Scarlett also for your good.” My life already ruined a mess by Lucas. Can still rot what look? Anyway this time, I am really don’t want bow head. I don’t look false love in Lucas eyes. Threw off his hand, head not back walked out. All the way, Lucas sent me countless texts. He still didn’t know I already knew everything. Still bitter mouth mother heart advise me apologize to Scarlett, righteous words said all for my good. I didn’t want care, but when walked to corner, stopped by people. “Sienna, you suspected intentional injury crime, please follow us accept investigation.” Other side showed video I hit people, either kneel apologize, or $300,000 compensation settlement. Lucas to maintain his loving wife persona, actually briskly transferred 300k over. Blunt said he will settle everything for me. I just strange what medicine in Lucas gourd. Saw lawyer put a video, in front of me. “Miss Shen, we just received hospital news, your mother critical need 300k surgery fee.” “Just right, Miss Scarlett compensation also 300k.” “You choose apologize to Miss Scarlett, or watch own mother die?” Looking mom pale face in video, my hand couldn’t stop trembling. Lucas one side pretend love me, want solve all troubles for me. One side use mom life threaten, force me kneel apologize to Scarlett. He is world most excellent actor. Staged one after another act deep affection drama! Heart fierce twitching. Strong endured long tears also finally fell at this moment. But finally, I still slowly closed eyes, made that extreme humiliation choice. Chapter 4 “I apologize.” I can’t let mom because of me, lost life… In a crowd mocking disdain gaze. In a piece ruthless laughable discussion. I bent my knees, bit by bit knelt down. Scarlett face still carried that winning ticket in hand pride. Just between neck, added few ambiguous strawberry marks. She smiling leaned in front of me, softly said. “Top flow star, kneel apologize.” “Sienna, how you be person later ah?” “Forget it, anyway you this life long finished.” “I also lazy calculate these with you, I still want go open gift Julian new gave me.” I watched Scarlett distant back, alone returned to that seaside villa. Just back home, Nanny Mrs. Wang anxious ran over. “Madam, why you just back.” “Just now hospital called, said… said your mother just passed away.” “I went hospital asked, said surgery fee detained, so not cure died…” “What you said?” I fiercely widened eyes, brain almost fell into a piece blank. But just at this time, phone received text from Lucas again. “Sienna, your mother medical fee went through company account, 300k, remember pay back oh.” 300k… 300k… Lucas used this 300k force me kneel apologize to Scarlett. Again used this 300k harmed mom life. This money, to him just a meal, a bag money. To me, is last straw crushed camel. I almost collapsed rushed out door, wanted perish together with Lucas. But stopped by Mrs. Wang. She red eyes advised me think open, advised me dead can’t resurrect. Advised me want live well. I dry sat one night till dawn, almost shed lifetime tears. Until after dawn, Lucas then hangover returned. He scared a jump by my messy look, hurriedly reached hand pulled me up from ground. Moment raise hand, that perfume smell belonged to Scarlett came to face. Lucas Halloway however unaware hugged me in arms, careful comfort. “What wrong Sienna, why cry like this?” “Is for Scarlett matter, or those online?” “No matter, big deal we not act.” “Later you stay in Lu family, peace mind be your Mrs. Halloway.” “I will try hard, strive early stand firm heel in company, never let anyone bully you again.” I looked up at Lucas, trance remembered. Many years ago, day first met Lucas. Lucas said to me is. “Sienna, I watched your acting, you are a very excellent very talented actress.” “Don’t give up your dream because anything.” “I will always accompany you go down, be your strongest backing.” Life hard get a confidant. I thought finally met person understand me. For this fight life act, do endorsement. Even drink till stomach bleeding not give up. But didn’t think, Lucas Halloway just use my fame gather own relationship. Now, his career stable. He no longer need a female star good at dancing with long sleeves. So I have to give up dream, turn behind scenes. So have to harm my mom life, let me nowhere rely, peace mind be his Mrs. Halloway, virtuous helper. Extreme pain let me can’t say a sentence. I tried avoid Lucas touch, he however first let go hand. Lucas looking message in phone, look anxious. “Sienna, you rest well first, I let Mrs. Wang come accompany you.” “Company side has urgent matter want handle.” He walked anxious, but didn’t know same text Scarlett also sent me one. To celebrate Scarlett thoroughly “tamed” me. Lucas bought a villa worth 30 million give her as reward. And now, Scarlett wearing sexy lingerie, waiting Lucas grand arrival. How ridiculous, how sad. I looking online consistent request block news, tears burst out eyes. Based on what, based on what? Based on what person harmed my life can so free happy. Based on what me did nothing wrong want carry this causeless bad name? Ponder long time, finally decided. I want before quit entertainment circle, last time for Lucas, stage a big drama!

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My mother dropped out of school as a teenager to work in a factory so she could put her three younger brothers through college. Thirty years later, my uncles are all highly successful professionals. My mother, however, was recently diagnosed with Stage II stomach cancer. The surgery costs $45,000. Case files in hand, I went to each of their homes to beg for help. My eldest uncle said, “My cash is all tied up in the stock market. Ask me again when it rebounds.” My second uncle said, “I just bought a new villa; money is tight. Go talk to the youngest one.” My third uncle simply blocked my number. Three months later, my mother’s condition deteriorated to terminal Stage IV. As I knelt in the hospital corridor, sobbing, a notification popped up in our family group chat: “Grandpa’s 80th birthday is coming up. Each household must contribute $7,000 for the banquet. No excuses, and no one is allowed to miss it!” I stared at my phone and laughed until I cried. 1 The family WhatsApp group was as rowdy as a wet market. The message was sent at 11:00 PM last night by my eldest uncle, Arthur. His tone was absolute. “Dad’s 80th is the top priority for the Miller family. We’ve booked the ballroom at the Kempinski. Every household contributes $7,000. Transfer it to my account by next Friday. Attendance is mandatory.” A string of “Received” followed immediately. My mother, Rose, stared at the screen, her fingers trembling. My name is Iris. I work in corporate communications; my mother is a grocery store shelf-stocker. Of the $45,000 needed for her surgery, we had saved $12,000 and borrowed $8,000. We were still $25,000 short. Over the last three months, I had practically worn out the doormats of my three uncles’ houses. Arthur Miller is a tenured professor living in a luxury condo downtown. When I visited, he didn’t even leave his study. “Iris, it’s not that I don’t want to help,” he said, adjusting his glasses. “But my portfolio is deep in the red. Selling now would be a massive loss. When the market turns, I’ll see what I can scrape together.” My second uncle, Ben, runs a successful renovation firm. His wife, Linda, poured me a glass of water and sighed. “Iris, we really can’t. We just upgraded to a detached villa, and the mortgage is suffocating us. Your youngest uncle’s business is booming—you should ask him.” My youngest uncle, Charles, deals in wholesale construction materials. He’s the wealthiest and the most heartless. I couldn’t even get a face-to-face meeting. I called him three times: the first two times he was “busy,” and the third time, he blocked my number. My mother lay on her hospital bed, trying to comfort me. “Forget it, Iris. We’ll figure something else out.” I looked at her gaunt face, and my heart twisted in a vice. Just then, the phone buzzed again. Linda tagged my mother in the group chat: “Rose, since it’s just you and Iris in your house, the $7,000 per household rule applies to you too. No objections, right?” followed by a smiley face. Something inside me snapped. I grabbed my mother’s phone and typed: “Aunt Linda, my mom is in the hospital with terminal stomach cancer. We are $25,000 short for her surgery. Can we sit this banquet out, or maybe contribute a smaller amount?” The group went dead silent. Then, Arthur’s wife, Martha, jumped in: “Rose is sick? Oh dear, you should have said something sooner. But the birthday banquet is a major milestone for the patriarch. Everyone has to show their heart. If you’re short on cash, just borrow some for now.” Charles’s wife, Sherry, followed immediately: “Exactly. Dad only turns eighty once. Besides, if Rose hadn’t put the brothers through school back then, none of us would be here today. Logically and morally, she owes this $7,000 more than anyone.” I stared at the words “back then.” Back then, my grandparents prioritized their sons over everything. My mother had the highest grades in her class, but she was forced to drop out to work in a textile mill. She earned a meager wage, kept just enough for bread and water, and sent every other cent home to fund her three brothers’ tuition until they all graduated from university. I laughed. I laughed until tears streamed down my face. “Iris, what’s so funny?” my mother asked worriedly. I wiped my eyes and looked down at the screen. “Nothing, Mom. We’ll pay.” I hit send. 2 Seven thousand dollars was nearly a year’s worth of my mother’s salary. I maxed out two credit cards and begged my best friend for a loan just to transfer the money to Arthur. When I posted the receipt in the group chat, a wave of “Rose and Iris are so filial!” messages flooded the screen. Not a single person asked if we had enough left for the surgery. At the Kempinski ballroom, my grandfather sat at the head table, basking in the spotlight. My three uncles, dressed in designer suits, stood around him with their families—a perfect picture of a happy, successful clan. My mother and I were seated at the very back, in the corner. After thirty minutes, my mother started breaking out in a cold sweat. I helped her toward the lounge. As we passed behind a decorative screen near the head table, I heard Arthur’s voice. “Dad, after paying for the banquet, we have about $30,000 left over from the contributions. I found a high-yield investment vehicle, 6% annual return. If we put it in for a year…” “Arthur, let’s hold on,” Charles interrupted. “My new project needs some bridge funding…” “Charles, don’t be like that,” Ben chimed in. “We agreed the leftover cash would go into Dad’s retirement fund.” I stopped in my tracks, peering through a gap in the screen. My grandfather, glowing with health, waved a hand. “You brothers figure it out. Just don’t fight. My only wish is that no one gets treated unfairly.” No one gets treated unfairly. My blood ran cold. I led my mother to the lounge. We had just sat down when Linda walked in. “Rose, you look terrible. Maybe you should head home?” she said, though her tone was anything but caring. “But then again, it’ll look bad if you’re missing from the family photo. Dad was just saying he hasn’t seen you in ages.” My mother forced a smile. “I just need a moment.” “Good.” Linda lowered her voice. “By the way, Rose, I heard you’re still short on the surgery money. Why don’t you just sell the old house? It’s small, but the location is prime. You could get $50,000 for it easily. Your health comes first, right?” I snapped my head up. That house was the only thing my father left us. It was sixty square meters of sanctuary—our final safety net. “Aunt Linda,” my voice was raspy, “if we sell the house, where is my mother supposed to live during her recovery?” Linda blinked. “She can rent. It was just a suggestion. It’s your lives.” She turned and left. My mother’s hands were shaking violently. “Iris… maybe the house…” “Mom!” I cut her off. “We are not selling the house. I will find a way.” Midway through the banquet, the emcee announced the next segment: the grandchildren’s tributes. My cousins went up one by one, presenting luxury gifts: designer belts, jade carvings, custom calligraphy. Finally, it was my turn. All eyes fell on me. I walked up to the microphone empty-handed. “Grandpa, I wish you a long and healthy life,” I said, my gaze sweeping over my three uncles. “I didn’t bring an expensive gift today. Instead, I’ve prepared a story I’d like to share in front of all our relatives.” The room grew quiet. My grandfather nodded, smiling. “Iris has a thoughtful heart. Go ahead.” I took a deep breath and gripped the mic. Mom, I’m sorry. But today, I’m tearing this mask off. 3 “Thirty-four years ago, there was a young worker at the Red Star Textile Mill named Rose Miller.” My voice amplified throughout the hall. “She started at sixteen, working triple shifts. The machines were so loud they made her ears ring; the cotton dust clogged her lungs. She made $200 a month.” “She kept $30 for food. The remaining $170 was sent home, without fail, every single month to her three brothers in college.” “Because her father told her: ‘You’re the big sister. You have to support them. Only if they graduate will the Miller family bring honor to our name.’” “She worked for eight years. She funded three degrees: one in Finance, one in Engineering, and one in Business.” “The brothers graduated. They got high-paying corporate jobs and married into wealthy families. She stayed a factory worker. When the mill closed, she became a grocery clerk, standing on her feet for ten hours a day.” “She married a simple blue-collar man. He died young, leaving her with a daughter and a tiny, old apartment.” “She never asked her brothers for a dime—until this year, when she was diagnosed with cancer.” I kept my voice steady, but the room was dead silent. Arthur’s face turned a deep, bruised purple. Ben was sweating profusely. Charles finally looked up from his plate. My grandfather’s smile was frozen. “The surgery costs $45,000,” I continued. “I went to my three uncles. Arthur said his money was in the stock market. Ben said he just bought a villa. Charles blocked my number.” “Last week, the family chat announced Grandpa’s 80th birthday. $7,000 per household. No excuses.” “While my mother lay in her hospital bed, I maxed out my credit cards to scrape together that $7,000.” “Today, I want to ask my three uncles one question on behalf of my mother.” I turned to them, enunciating every word: “Can we have some of that monthly $170 back? With interest? I don’t need $45,000. Just $25,000—enough to pay for the surgery.” The silence lasted for a heartbeat, and then the room exploded. The older relatives began to whisper and sigh. The younger generation looked on in shock. “No wonder Rose looks like a ghost.” “How could Arthur and the boys do that?” “I remember how hard she worked back then… it was brutal.” SLAM! Arthur slapped the table and stood up, pointing at me. “Iris! What are you talking about? You don’t wash your dirty laundry in public! Is this how your mother raised you?” “Dirty laundry?” I looked him in the eye. “Uncle Arthur, I think letting your sister die over a bill you could pay with your pocket change is the real ‘dirty laundry.’” Ben tried to play peacemaker. “Iris, let’s talk about this later. It’s Grandpa’s big day, let’s not make it unpleasant. We can discuss the money privately.” I smiled. “Ben, it’s been three months. Did you ever try to ‘discuss’ it with me? Other than telling me to sell my home, did you ever give us a second option?” Charles barked at the emcee, “Cut the mic! Get her off the stage!” But no one moved. All eyes were on them. My grandfather began to cough violently, clutching his chest. “Dad!” “Grandpa!” Chaos erupted around the head table. My mother, hearing the noise from the lounge, stumbled out. When she saw the scene, her eyes rolled back, and she nearly fainted. I rushed to catch her. Martha, Arthur’s wife, charged at me. “Iris! you ungrateful brat! The Miller family raised your mother, fed her, clothed her! It’s her duty to give back! How dare you come here and demand repayment! Have you no shame?” “Clothed her?” I held my mother upright, my spine straight. “My grandmother told me herself: Mom was cooking, cleaning, and raising those three boys by the age of ten! At sixteen, she gave every cent to this family! The Millers didn’t raise her—she raised the three Miller sons!” The truth was too sharp. Some of the older relatives who knew the history looked away in shame. “This is a rebellion!” Arthur screamed, shaking with rage. “From this moment on, you are no longer my niece! You and your mother are dead to the Miller family!” “Fine,” I said, my voice eerily calm. “We’re done. But pay her back first.” “Thirty-four years. $170 a month. Calculate the interest at a standard bank rate. Once we’re settled, we’ll walk out that door and never step foot in a Miller house again.” “Why don’t we do the math right here, in front of everyone?” The ballroom fell into a heavy, suffocating silence. My grandfather looked at me with a mix of disappointment and fury. My mother leaned against me, weeping silently. My phone buzzed with a text from my best friend: “Iris, that was savage. But how are you going to finish this?” 4 The banquet ended in a disastrous mess. The moment we got home, my mother collapsed. She curled up on the sofa, drenched in a cold sweat from the pain. I frantically got her medication, the fire in my heart growing hotter with every passing second. My phone began to vibrate incessantly. First, Aunt Linda: “Iris, you went way too far today! Grandpa’s blood pressure is through the roof! Is this how you talk to your elders? Apologize in the group chat immediately!” Then, Sherry: “Iris, let me tell you, this is extortion! Calculating interest? That money back then wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes today! Your mother gave it voluntarily. You’re the most shameless girl I’ve ever met!” Finally, a voice note from Arthur: “Iris, you have twenty-four hours to publicly apologize in the chat. Admit you were young, impulsive, and lying. Otherwise, don’t expect the Miller family to ever help you with a single cent again!” I didn’t reply to any of them. I silenced my phone and went to the kitchen to make conch for my mother. I was just putting the pot on the stove when there was a knock at the door. I looked through the peephole—it was Uncle Charles, his face grim. I opened the door just a crack. “Charles. Something you need?” “You think you’re clever, don’t you?” He looked me up and down. “Think you can embarrass us in front of the whole family and get away with it?” “I told the truth.” “Truth?” He scoffed. “Fine. Even if she gave us money, so what? She was the eldest sister—it was her job to help. Now that we’ve made it, she wants to come and pick the fruit from the tree she didn’t grow? Life doesn’t work that way.” I looked at his self-righteous face and felt an overwhelming exhaustion. “Charles, my mom doesn’t want to ‘pick fruit.’ She just wants to live.” My voice was flat. “The $25,000 for the surgery is nothing to any of you. You could find that in the cushions of your sofas.” “It’s our money! Why should we give it to her?” Charles snapped. “You think we don’t have expenses? Your cousin is going to study abroad next year—that’s sixty grand a year! Your uncle Ben has a massive mortgage! You think life is easy for us?” “So, my mother’s life is worth less than a semester abroad or a guest bedroom in a villa?” I asked. He flared up in anger. “Don’t you dare try to guilt-trip me! I’m telling you, Iris, this isn’t over. You ruined Dad’s birthday and our reputation. I’ve got your number. You work at that marketing firm, right? I know your CEO.” I looked at him and smiled. “Uncle Charles, please, go ahead. Tell the CEO. Tell the whole city how the Miller brothers are letting the sister who raised them die because they’d rather buy a third car.” “You…!” Charles raised his hand. I stared him down. “Go ahead. Hit me. I’ll call the cops and get a medical report. We’ll see who loses more face then.” “Fine, Iris. You’re a cold one. We’ll see how this ends!” He slammed the door. I leaned against the door and slowly slid to the floor. If the “family” card wasn’t going to work, I had to change tactics. I pulled out my phone and opened the voice recorder. The conversation with Charles was crystal clear. I backed up all the threatening voice notes and messages. Then, I opened my laptop and logged into the city’s most popular local forum. I registered a new account: “Evening Breeze.” Title: A True Story: The Sister Who Dropped Out to Raise Her Brothers is Now Dying of Cancer, and They Are Letting Her Rot. I didn’t exaggerate. I laid out the timeline, the facts, the dollar amounts, and the conflict at the banquet. I ended with: “I’m not asking for donations. I’m asking for justice. I want to ask everyone: Is the ‘Elder Sister as Mother’ role just a death sentence to be sucked dry and discarded? Is family really this fragile when money is involved?” I hit post. The moment it went live, my palms were sweating. I knew this was the point of no return. But looking at my mother, clutching her stomach in her sleep, I didn’t regret it. Within ten minutes, the comments began to flood in. The first one read: “I’m in tears. These uncles are monsters! OP, we’re behind you! Expose them!” 5 The post went viral. In two hours, it had over a thousand shares and hundreds of comments. Several local news blogs reached out for permission to repost. I gave it to them. By the next morning, the topic “Billionaire Brothers Abandon Dying Sister” was trending locally. My phone was buzzing nonstop with media requests and messages from supportive strangers. The family group chat remained dead silent until 10:00 AM, when Ben finally broke. He called me, his tone uncharacteristically warm. “Iris, honey, it’s Uncle Ben. That post online… you wrote that, didn’t you?” “I did.” “Oh, Iris, you’re so impulsive! Family squabbles should stay behind closed doors. Why make it look so ugly for the world?” He sounded fatherly. “People are calling my office asking questions… it’s affecting the business.” “Ben, my mother can’t wait for ‘closed doors’ anymore,” I interrupted. “Everything in that post is fact. If it’s ugly, it’s because of what you did, not because I wrote it.” He choked for a second. “Iris, I know you’re upset. Look, I’ll figure out a way to get the surgery money. Just delete the post, okay? Uncle is begging you.” “How will you figure it out?” I asked. “Does Aunt Linda agree? What about your mortgage?” In the background, I heard Linda screaming: “Ben, don’t you dare! Why should we pay? She’s the one who started this…” The line went dead. Typical. At noon, Arthur showed up at our apartment complex. He called me from the curb. I went down but stood several feet away. “Iris, delete that garbage right now!” He was shaking with rage. “Do you have any idea what this is doing to me? The university board called me in! They’re talking about ‘professional conduct’ and ‘public image’!” “Uncle Arthur, you only care about your image,” I replied. “My mother’s life isn’t as important to you as a word from your dean, is it?” “You…!” He gasped for air. “Fine! You won’t delete it? I have ways to make you! Your mother still needs the hospital, right? I can make sure she’s blacklisted from every private clinic in this city!” I pulled out my phone and hit play on the recorder. “Uncle Arthur, I just recorded that. What do you think would happen if I sent this to your dean? Or posted it as an update?” Arthur’s face went white. He pointed a trembling finger at me but couldn’t find a single word. Finally, he turned, got into his BMW, and floored it. I knew they wouldn’t give up. First, the hospital called. My mother’s lead surgeon told me that the department had received a call from “above” suggesting we transfer to a different facility. Then, my boss called. The company had decided to give me a month of “unpaid leave” to “settle my family matters.” They were trying to use the weight of the world to crush me. They wanted to force me to bow, to delete the post, to admit defeat. I sat on a bench outside the ward, looking at the grey sky. On the forum, the post had over ten thousand comments. Most were supportive, and some people had even started “doxxing” my uncles. In the evening, an unknown number sent me a message. It was a photo of my mother’s old textile mill ID and a few blurry photos of her when she was young, standing with coworkers. The text read: “Iris, enough is enough. If you keep this up, I can’t guarantee that your mother’s ‘unseemly past’ won’t be made public.” Unseemly past? I zoomed in on the ID. It was just a young girl with a tired smile. I felt a chill in my bones. To save their money and their pride, they were willing to smear their own sister’s character. Uncles, I thought, you forgot one thing. A person with nothing to lose doesn’t fear the storm. You, however, have everything to lose.

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The day my grandfather was dying, I begged my wife, Paige, to stay. She abandoned me for a frantic call from her childhood best friend: “He just got dumped. He needs me.” I buried Grandpa alone and cut her off completely. A month later, I came home to find that friend, Grant Donovan, sprawled on my couch, wearing my wedding ring. He pointed at Grandpa’s antique pocket watch, the last thing he’d touched. “This thing looks morbid,” Grant whined. Paige snatched the watch and tossed it into the junk drawer. “Don’t upset Grant,” she snapped. I silently retrieved the watch, pulled out the prestigious acceptance letter I’d sealed years ago, and filed for divorce. Paige found the papers and exploded. “What about your grandfather? How could you leave him?” I looked at her, my voice dead. “Grandpa died the day you chose to comfort your ex.” 1 Grandpa had been in the ICU for three days. My hand shook as I dialed Paige’s number, the busy signal sounding like a siren in my ears. Finally, she picked up. The background noise was a chaotic murmur. “Paige,” my voice cracked, “you have to get to the hospital. Grandpa… the doctor says it’s bad. Really bad.” She paused, and her next words were slightly breathless. “I’m on my way. Hold on, Thea.” The line went dead. I slid down the cold wall, burying my face in my hands. He was still in there. My only family left in the world. Paige arrived quickly, her silk sundress faintly wrinkled. She grabbed my shoulders. “It’s okay. I’m here.” There was a faint, but unmistakably male, scent of cedar and smoke—a cologne I didn’t recognize—clinging to her. But I couldn’t focus. I clutched her arm like she was the last buoy in a rising tide. “The doctors said… it’s going to be in the next day or two…” My throat closed, and the rest became a choked sob. She patted my back, but the movement felt mechanical, awkward. We had sat on the corridor bench for less than ten minutes when her phone vibrated in her designer clutch. She glanced at the screen, her brow immediately furrowing in a deep knot of anxiety. She shot up and walked a few steps away to answer. I heard her voice, low and laced with a frantic edge I’d never heard directed at me. “Grant? What? Where are you right now?… Don’t do anything stupid! I’m coming!” She hung up, then rushed back to me, her face a mask of undisguised panic and impatience. “Thea, I have to go! Grant’s in trouble!” My heart plummeted. I gripped her hand, my fingernails digging into her flesh. “No! Please, don’t leave! Grandpa could go any minute… he just called your name a minute ago…” Tears streamed down my face, entirely uncontrollable. She forcefully pried my hand open. The sheer strength of it made my wrist sting. “I’m sorry!” Her words tumbled out. “Grant’s girlfriend just dumped him. He’s completely shattered. He’s been drinking, and he’s threatening to jump off the parking garage roof! I can’t let him do that. He’s a life, Thea!” There was no guilt in her eyes, just the hot, frustrated annoyance of someone whose plans have been derailed. “And what about my grandfather?” My voice was trembling and thin. “Isn’t his life a life?” She pressed her lips into a hard line, avoiding my gaze. Then, she spun on her heel and sprinted toward the elevators. Her heels struck the polished floor, the sound fast and heavy. She didn’t look back. The ICU doors hissed open. A nurse leaned out, her expression grim. “Mrs. Morgan, he’s asking for you. Hurry.” I stumbled inside. Grandpa’s eyes struggled open, his hazy gaze moving with painful slowness. His lips barely moved. I threw myself beside the bed, straining to hear the faint, cracked whisper. “Paige… she…” “She’s coming! Grandpa, just hold on!” I cried, pointlessly clutching his brittle, cold hand. It stiffened in my palm, growing colder, harder. The monitor’s high-pitched alarm shrieked, slicing through the sterile air. Doctors and nurses swarmed in. The sound and motion became muted, like watching a chaotic scene through thick glass. I stood frozen, watching their futile attempts at chest compression and paddles. After an eternity, one of the doctors stood up, pulled down his mask, and shook his head at me. Time shattered and fell in on itself. Grandpa was gone. The last person on earth who loved me without condition had just slipped away. Paige never came back. I don’t remember signing the paperwork or walking out of the hospital. The late autumn wind felt like sandpaper on my face. Walking aimlessly, I pulled out my phone. The screen light stung my eyes. My fingers moved with their own detached will, opening Grant Donovan’s social media profile. His newest post was from half an hour ago. The picture was a familiar female back, carefully supporting a man’s arm—a gesture of tenderness etched into her bone structure. The caption: [Thank you for being here. No matter how hard the future is, I’m not afraid anymore.] The location tag read: An expensive private therapy center downtown. The timestamp was exactly the moment Paige had abandoned me. I clicked the comment box and typed, one word after another: Maybe I should just vacate my position for you entirely, then? I hit send, then powered the phone off. 2 I returned to the small, familiar craftsman house Grandpa and I had shared for twenty years. The faint aroma of his preferred tea still lingered in the air. I set up a small, temporary memorial in the living room myself. Grandpa’s face, smiling gently in the small black-and-white photo, was now surrounded by candles. I knelt on the cold tiles, numbly praying and silently repeating the words I wanted to say to him. When I turned my phone back on, a barrage of missed calls and texts flooded the screen—most were from Paige. The newest one was a few minutes old: Are you done being dramatic? Turn your phone on! How’s Grandpa? I glanced at it and shoved the phone back into my pocket. The only sounds were the quiet crackle of burning paper and the hollow thud of my own heart. I stayed by Grandpa’s photo for three days. Paige didn’t appear. A new text arrived late on the fourth afternoon. Come home when you’ve cooled off. Stop making a scene. I know you’re worried about Grandpa. Once I get Grant settled, I’ll find a minute to take you to see him. I stared at the screen, a strange, hysterical sense of absurdity bubbling up. She thought I was throwing a tantrum? She thought Grandpa was waiting? She thought I was still waiting for her in that house, hoping for a crumb of her pity? My finger tapped the cold glass. I replied with only a few words: I’m at Grandpa’s house. I won’t be coming back for now. Then, I powered down again. I began sorting through Grandpa’s things. Every item spoke volumes, each one a crushing weight on my chest. Paige called a few times during this process. I answered once. Her voice was flat and carried a tone of suffocating condescension. “Thea, still pouting? Grant is in a really bad place right now; he can’t be left alone. As soon as he’s slightly stable, I promise I’ll take you to the hospital to see Grandpa, okay?” I looked at the worn, half-century-old teapot in my hand—a small chip near the spout. I said quietly, “Don’t bother.” She seemed to choke on her words. A few days later, I told her I was coming back to the main house to pick up some seasonal clothes. Her reaction was unexpectedly explosive: “No! Grant’s staying here right now! He doesn’t want to see you, and I don’t want you coming back here to upset him.” The next moment, my phone buzzed with an incoming transaction. A substantial amount of money. Her accompanying text: Here’s some money. Get something nice for Grandpa. Be sensible. I looked at the cold numbers, then at Grandpa’s gentle, smiling face in the photo. I accepted the transfer. It was the least she owed him. As for that house, I wouldn’t step foot in it again until I was ready to leave for good. 3 A month passed. I needed a crucial notarized document that was kept in the main house. I opened the front door, and a rich wave of that strange cedar cologne immediately washed over me, drowning out the house’s familiar scents. In the living room, Grant Donovan was draped across the sofa. The gray cashmere throw blanket I had personally chosen for our wedding was tossed casually over his legs. He was sipping from my preferred black ceramic mug. He simply raised his eyes when he saw me, a smug, half-smile playing on his lips. He made no move to get up. Paige emerged from the study, freezing when she saw me. A flicker of panic crossed her eyes, instantly replaced by a look of combined fatigue and forced annoyance. “What are you doing here?” Her tone was harsh. “I told you not to come back right now.” I ignored her and headed straight for the study. The document was tucked neatly inside the desk drawer. As I reached for it, the silver chain of the watch I wore around my neck slipped from beneath my collar. It was the only personal item Grandpa had left me, an old, plain silver pocket watch. Grant’s gaze landed on the watch and snapped tight, as if he’d been scalded. “Paige…” His voice instantly took on a whiny, vulnerable quality, and he pointed a finger at me. “That watch… it’s so old. It looks like bad luck… I… I feel kind of weird…” He pressed a hand to his chest, his brow furrowed, seemingly in real distress. Paige exploded into action. She rushed to me, her face a storm of naked tension over Grant’s discomfort. “Did you hear him?” Her voice was low and commanding. “Grant is emotionally fragile right now. He can’t handle seeing things like that. Take it off. Don’t upset him.” I instinctively covered the watch with my hand. My fingertips were ice cold. “It was my grandpa’s,” I said, my voice flat, devoid of emotion. My refusal seemed to ignite her rage. She reached out violently, grabbed the chain, and gave it a hard yank. The silver links tore, searing a line of sharp pain across the back of my neck. The small watch, carrying the last flicker of Grandpa’s warmth, was violently snatched into her hand. She didn’t even look at it. She pulled open the bottom drawer of the entertainment center—the one crammed with miscellaneous junk—and threw the watch inside like garbage, where it mixed with old batteries, broken remotes, and forgotten charging cables. With a final, sharp thud, she slammed the drawer shut, kicking up a small cloud of dust. That muted thud was a wrecking ball, smashing the last splinter of sentimentality I held in my heart. Grandpa’s final memory was, in her eyes, less important than a single furrow in Grant Donovan’s brow. 4 The study door clicked shut behind me, muffling Grant’s low, triumphant murmur in the living room. I leaned my back against the cold wood paneling and slowly slid to the floor.

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Five years after I lost my hearing, my world suddenly flooded back with sound. I was about to call for my wife, to tell her about the miracle, when I overheard her conversation with her assistant. “Mrs. Caldwell, they’ve harvested almost every organ they can from Mr. Ashworth. Are you really going to replace his heart with an artificial one now?” “This is the seventh operation. First, Grant Kingston killed Mr. Ashworth’s parents, and you planned that crash to cover the truth—to leave him a quadriplegic, a useless dependent.” “He is no threat to you or Grant now. Why won’t you even leave him his last, natural heart?” Sabrina’s voice was unnervingly calm. “I only ever approached Nolan because his tissue matched Grant’s perfectly. And he was a brilliant forensic investigator—I couldn’t risk him finding the truth. It would have ruined Grant for life.” “Once Nolan’s heart is transplanted into Grant, I can finally take the children and return to their real father.” “As for Nolan… I’ll care for him forever. I suppose that’s my compensation to him.” I collapsed onto the floor, my chest tearing open with a pain far greater than any surgery. The one who had orchestrated the brutal death of my entire family was the woman I had loved and trusted for twelve years. She had stayed by my side all this time, not for love, but to use my life, organ by organ, to save her true love! Sabrina. If this is what you truly wanted, then I will grant your wish. But not the way you think. 1 “I had to terminate three of Nolan’s children before I could finally carry Grant’s twins to term. I will never allow anything to happen to my children’s biological father.” “Once this heart transplant is complete, tell the surgeon to permanently cripple his hands, too. Grant can’t sleep at night, knowing those hands once touched me.” “Crippling him will put Grant’s mind at ease.” Cameron, Sabrina’s long-time assistant, spoke with a tremble in his voice. “Mrs. Caldwell, those hands are the only thing Mr. Ashworth can move. Your wedding to Mr. Kingston is scheduled, and you have his children… is it necessary to go to such an extreme? To destroy him so completely?” “If, by some remote chance, Mr. Ashworth ever learned the truth, I’m terrified of the consequences.” Sabrina frowned slightly. “What consequences could a living corpse, who relies on a machine to beat his heart, possibly bring me?” “Nolan is depressed and shuts everyone out but me, which is perfect—I can keep him hidden. Besides, what truth could a deaf man possibly hear?” “We’ll revisit all this after I’ve secured my future with Grant and the children.” Cameron’s face registered a flash of resentment, but he was resigned. He instructed the men to lift me onto the gurney. Tears pooled in the corners of my eyes. Through the door, I heard the doctor pleading. “Mrs. Caldwell, in Mr. Ashworth’s current state, this operation is tantamount to murder…” Sabrina’s voice cut through the air, cold and definitive. “Do as I say. I will take full responsibility for him, crippled or otherwise. If he dies, I’ll arrange a beautiful funeral. Now, start the procedure.” The doctor sighed, accepting his grim assignment as the gurney rolled into the operating room. Even a stranger showed more compassion than the woman who had shared my bed for a decade. The anesthesia hit me instantly, blurring my vision. But the pain in my soul only sharpened. I heard Sabrina’s assistant lower his voice and give his final report. “Mrs. Caldwell, the driver who took the fall for Mr. Kingston pleaded guilty in court. He insists he accidentally killed Mr. Ashworth’s parents.” “This must remain confidential. Nolan is physically and mentally shattered after so many operations. He cannot handle any more stress.” “Grant has been suffering from anxiety attacks since the drunk-driving incident. Once the surgery is a success, we can finally hold the wedding. There can be no mistakes this time.” “Understood.” The drugs paralyzed my body, but my hearing remained intact. Sabrina and her team were right outside the door, but I felt a gaping, cold wound in my chest. Grant Kingston was the one who had murdered my parents and mutilated their bodies! And Sabrina, my wife and a sharp lawyer, had broken the law by finding a scapegoat to protect her lover. Afraid I would uncover the truth, she then personally orchestrated the car crash that turned me into a useless dependent! She had even mercilessly aborted our three children, and then lied, claiming the twins were ours. I had clung to those two boys as my only reason to live. The depth of my pity was horrifying. “Tell the surgeon to be gentle. Nolan has already endured seven operations. I’m afraid he can’t take much more.” Sabrina covered her eyes, a look of manufactured guilt crossing her face. “It’s been so many times now. It still hurts my heart to see him wheeled into the operating room.” Cameron, who had been silent, finally couldn’t hold back. “Mrs. Caldwell, Mr. Ashworth worked night and day to put you through law school. Now, he’s the only one left of the Ashworth family. Even if you have no loyalty, shouldn’t you consider your future?” Sabrina glared at him. “Why are you suddenly taking his side today?” “What is so wrong with his life now? He doesn’t have to struggle; I provide him with everything. Even if everyone else is gone, he still has me, doesn’t he?” “For Grant and the children to have a complete family, isn’t it Nolan’s duty to make this sacrifice?” Her words twisted the knife deep in my sternum. The shattering pain of my hand bones being broken forced a gasp out of me. But the physical agony was nothing compared to the desolation in my heart. Twelve years of love—a catastrophic, bloody joke. Sabrina, your lies have damned us both. 2 When I woke again, I was tethered to a dozen tubes and wires. Seeing my eyes open, Sabrina quickly wiped away her tears, forcing a gentle, grief-stricken smile that looked painfully sincere. “Nolan, you scared me to death. I was so afraid you wouldn’t wake up this time.” “The doctor says your hearing is miraculously back, but your paralysis is permanent. Don’t worry, you are my beloved husband, and I will take care of you.” I turned my head away, unwilling to meet her gaze. A searing, needle-sharp pain shot through my chest, causing the artificial heart to emit a piercing, urgent alarm. “Nolan, don’t move. You struggled unconsciously during the surgery, and it caused permanent nerve damage in your hands. I authorized the amputation.” “But it’s okay. Even if you have to lie in bed forever, we still have our healthy twin boys, darling.” She motioned for the twins to come over, but the sight of them, knowing my three children were brutally erased, made my blood run cold. I wanted to kill them all. Seeing the cold sweat beading on my brow, Sabrina’s voice was full of manufactured concern. “Nolan, are you angry with me? Please don’t upset yourself. It hurts me to see you like this.” When I remained silent, she dropped to her knees beside the bed. Her wounded expression suggested she loved me desperately. For twelve years, I had drowned in this meticulously crafted illusion. Now, the veil had been ripped away. I silently waved my hand, finally managing a weak, choked phrase. “Stop it.” Sabrina cautiously took my hand. “Nolan, do you know? They replaced your heart with the newest model.” “The doctor said this artificial heart can support you for at least twenty years. Now I can finally rest easy. You’ll be by my side forever.” She continued to sing the praises of the machine heart, deliberately twisting the knife in my psyche. I stared blankly at the ceiling. Grant merely suffered from anxiety attacks, and she ordered my healthy, beating heart to be cut out. Again and again, she used my healthy organs to save the man who had murdered my family. She reduced a living man to a living corpse, and she was still lying. “Enough!” Sabrina, seeing my rage, gently wiped the sweat from my forehead, her movements as careful as if I were fragile, priceless art. “Nolan, if you don’t want to hear it, I won’t say it. Just calm down, okay?” To any observer, the scene would evoke a gasp of admiration: Attorney Caldwell truly is devoted to her husband. But they didn’t know the blade concealed beneath that tenderness. They didn’t know the deadly poison in every loving word. She had woven a twelve-year-long nightmare for me. Now, the dream had to end. Since I was still alive, I would personally settle the accounts, every last one of them. 3 A few days later, I told Sabrina I wanted to go home to visit my parents’ memorial. She couldn’t refuse, so she brought me back. All the way there, Sabrina talked about how the day after tomorrow was our twelfth wedding anniversary, and how she had prepared a big surprise for me. I looked at her, expressionless. If this was a fake marriage, what was the point of celebrating an anniversary? Even her pretense of love was physically sickening. Once we were home, Sabrina quickly found an excuse to leave the room. My parents’ black-and-white photos gazed down at me, their eyes gentle. I could only lie here every day, head bowed before those two urns, regretting my impotence, unable to seek vengeance or justice for them. I had prayed countless times for their peace and happiness in the next life. But when I overheard the maids’ conversation, the blood froze in my veins. “Oh, Mr. Ashworth is here again. Mrs. Caldwell ordered us to keep absolutely silent, but my conscience is killing me.” The maid’s voice dropped to a whisper, tinged with a deep sigh. “I know. Those urns—they don’t hold the remains of the old Mr. and Mrs. Ashworth!” “Before their funeral, Grant had the real ashes mixed into dog food and fed to the strays in the alley!” My fingers, gripping the wooden frame of the altar, trembled violently. “Poor Mr. Ashworth, kneeling here for twelve years, talking to an urn full of concrete dust…” For twelve years, I had bowed and wept before my enemy’s careless insult—cement dust! My parents, whom I begged for peace, had been utterly erased, their remains tossed to feral dogs by the killer! My vision blurred with rage, and I passed out. When I next opened my eyes, Sabrina and Grant were shamelessly having sex on the sofa in the living room. Sabrina’s voice was a soft, gasping moan. “Grant, is this a good idea in front of Nolan? Besides, we’re getting married in two days, can’t you wait?” Grant’s movements became more aggressive, his low, husky laugh dripping with malice. “Wait? I’m doing it right in front of this waste! It’s the ultimate rush! You always told me he was impotent, anyway.” “All these years, every time the waste wanted to touch you, you turned off the lights! You wanted to sneak me in, didn’t you?” “He still has no idea he never slept with you. He was sleeping with those escorts you hired, right?” Every word was a poison-tipped needle, plunging into my already ruined heart. I used the tiny, almost imperceptible movement I had left in my fingers to fish out my hidden phone. I sent a single text to the familiar number: [Get me out.] Almost the moment the message sent, the screen lit up faintly with a reply: [You’re finally awake. Wait for me. Tomorrow.] Sabrina, Grant. I will have blood for blood. 4 After sending the text, I immediately feigned unconsciousness. The next morning, Sabrina came to push my wheelchair, ready to celebrate our anniversary. Looking at her beaming face and the hickeys she had tried to conceal beneath a high collar, I felt an intense wave of nausea. Grant stepped forward, volunteering to take my wheelchair. Sabrina gave him a tender smile and walked ahead to the car. Grant immediately leaned down and shoved his phone toward me in a deliberate act of provocation. The screen lit up, showing a gruesome scene. It was the complete, uncensored video of my parents’ brutal murder and dismemberment! Their piercing screams shredded my eardrums; every cut felt like it was slicing through my own heart! Grant laughed cruelly, pressing his mouth close to my ear. “I killed them on purpose. Who told you to always be better than me? I wanted your woman, and I wanted your parents dead!” “And I was never sick. The anxiety attacks were fake. But your woman never asked questions, she just offered up your heart.” “I had your healthy heart preserved as a specimen. Oh, and your parents’ heads? I cut those off too. They’re right next to it. Want a tour?” My eyes were burning with pure, unadulterated hatred! I used every ounce of my meager strength to slam the wheelchair into Grant! He tumbled to the ground. Sabrina and her parents rushed over when they heard the commotion. Her parents immediately cradled Grant, then turned to yell at me. “You machine-dependent waste! How dare you lay a hand on Grant?!” “Exactly! Look at yourself! How do you compare to Grant?” “Our daughter is a successful lawyer! You’re nothing but dead weight! If you had any decency, you’d disappear yourself!” I shook with fury. Without me, their daughter would never have afforded law school, and they would never have escaped their impoverished life in the country. Yet now, they spat venom at me. Grant clutched his arm, feigning unbearable pain. Sabrina looked at me, her eyes arctic cold. “Nolan, are you done with this tantrum? Honestly, your parents deserved to die! You were hit by that car because you brought it on yourself!” I clutched my chest, coughing up a mouthful of blood. My parents deserved to die? I brought the crash on myself? I pointed a trembling finger at Sabrina, my voice raw and choked. “Who planned the murder of my parents? Where are our children? Sabrina, you know everything!” A flash of genuine panic crossed her eyes. “How would I know! Stop trying to change the subject!” She waved her hand dismissively, ordering the staff. “Throw him onto the back forty. Drag him back only when he has calmed down and is ready to apologize.” I gave her a long, cold stare. She was momentarily startled by the intensity of my look, then tried to coo. “You know I only love you, but you’re being unreasonable. Go calm down, and I’ll come get you. We can go have a private anniversary celebration later.” With that, she turned to walk away. I let out a silent, bitter laugh. The person coming to get me was already waiting, just across the street. I looked past her, toward what was once the Ashworth estate. It was now fully decorated, the scene set for her wedding to Grant. Her “surprise” was just a ploy to clear me out of the house, making room for their ceremony. It didn’t matter. Just as Sabrina and Grant raised their glasses for the toast, Cameron rushed in, interrupting the ceremony. “It’s terrible, Mrs. Caldwell! Mr. Ashworth knows the truth—he took his bags and left the country, alone!”

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I was walking off the heavy guilt of another microwave meal when I stumbled upon the heir to a Manhattan dynasty on his knee, flashing a Centurion Card at the heroine of our little drama. Suddenly, a flurry of text scrolled across the sky like dense pop-up comments: [The Heroine has been Reborn! In her previous life, she accepted the sicko heir’s confession, only to be imprisoned like a gilded bird—living a life of luxury but zero freedom.] [In this new life, she’s decided to reject the heir’s offer and run into the arms of the poor-but-free school sweetheart hero instead!] [Wow, with no possessive villain standing in their way, this book is going to be a pure, sweet romance, right?] [What good is all the heir’s money if the heroine won’t even look his way?] I stared, stunned, at the celestial commentary. The next second, I heard the heroine’s cool, aloof voice. “Hmph. I would never accept your proposal.” “You will never understand the value of freedom. A man as pathologically possessive as you? No woman could ever love you.” I fought my way to the front of the small crowd, raising my hands high in a dramatic, opportunistic claim. “I can love you! I don’t mind the lack of freedom!” The heir, his eyes rimmed with red, looked over at me. “I have severe separation anxiety. If you’re with me, you’ll have to check in constantly. I’ll need cameras installed in the bedroom and the living room—” I cut him off, feigning shock. “Why not the bathroom? Are you telling me your love for me is… reserved?” 1 The comments section went ballistic. [Wait, who is this woman who just popped out of nowhere?] [Just some disposable cannon fodder who died poor in the original plot. Weird, she didn’t have a scene here before. She must smell the money and is trying to snag a payout.] [Just wait until she’s actually with the sicko heir. She’ll find out just how terrifying his possessiveness is.] The comments scrolled so furiously, my eyes started to sting. They confirmed I wasn’t hallucinating from cheap instant ramen. The stream revealed: The world I inhabited was a “Captive Romance” novel. Gia Bellwether, the girl being proposed to, was the heroine, the object of forced affection. In her first life, after accepting the sicko villain’s proposal, she had endured a humiliating cycle of buying things she didn’t need and living without autonomy. This endless, suffocating existence led her, in the third year of her captivity, to run away to find the one true love she had kept secret. Jett had found her. On the way back, Gia, in a desperate struggle for the steering wheel, crashed their car into an oncoming truck. Both died instantly. Reborn, Gia flat-out refused the villain’s love and ran to the poor school sweetheart, Sam Miller—the official hero. This was meant to be their sweet, pure, second-chance love story. Her moment of rebirth was this very proposal scene. Gia gave me a dismissive, head-to-toe once-over, letting out a soft, contemptuous sneer. When her eyes landed on Sam, however, her face melted into a saccharine smile. She darted into his arms like a butterfly finally freed. “Sam, fate gave me this second chance to get away from that life of confinement and finally love you.” Their four arms were locked in a tight, syrupy embrace. The intensity of their emotion was almost repulsive. Jett, the possessive villain, stood alone, staring at them with a dark, brooding expression. His fingers clenched and unclenched at his side. The Centurion Card in his hand curved sharply, then was successfully shoved into my arms. “Since Gia doesn’t care for this card, then… take it.” I clutched it with both hands, excited. “Possessiveness? That’s just another way of saying he loves me. I happen to adore possessiveness.” Gia’s peripheral vision snagged on the black card. Her head went higher, her chin more aristocratic. I heard her sneer: “Pathetic display. Always flaunting that blood money to humiliate people. I’d love to see how far this gold digger lasts in that cage without her precious ‘freedom.’” 2 On the drive back to my cheap off-campus apartment, Jett Coleman’s expression was a study in shadow. “Thank you for getting me out of that situation. Consider the black card a gift.” His voice was low and troubled. “Even though Gia rejected me because of my possessiveness, she is the only person I have ever loved.” He sounded exactly like the tragic second male lead in every melodramatic novel—the one whose heart belongs only to the heroine. The stream of comments was scrolling thick and fast: [LOL. Does this cannon fodder really think she has the heir’s attention? She’s just a tool to make the heroine jealous.] [Exactly. Jett has been obsessed with Gia since he first saw her. That’s why the proposal was such an insane public spectacle.] [In the original plot, his possessiveness over the heroine was off the charts. He couldn’t go a minute without seeing her.] [Waiting for the cannon fodder to be discarded and return to her predetermined fate of dying poor.] That last one startled me. I could see my own tragic future unfold: graduating, renting a cramped basement apartment, miserable commutes for a pitiful salary, subsisting on instant ramen, and wearing cheap, synthetic fabrics—my last shred of dignity. I shuddered and looked up at Jett’s sharp brow, his clean, powerful jawline. His eyes were dark, swirling with the ink-black storm of Gia’s rejection. He was still lost in the image of the hero and heroine embracing. I couldn’t let this money tree escape. Mustering all my courage, I reached out to take his hand. Snap! An electric spark jumped between us. A sudden, crackling flash of manufactured intimacy. Jett recoiled instantly, like he’d touched a live wire. He was utterly shocked, the dangerous aura surrounding him dissolving into bewilderment. He stared at me, then at his hand, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “What was that? I… I felt a static charge.” I flung myself into his arms, burying my head into his expensive, custom-made shirt. “Yes! Because I am your soulmate! Your destiny!” I declared dramatically. “Love at first sight is cheap. Love that grows over time is enduring. Just spend a little time with me, and you’ll see how amazing I am.” Jett actually looked down at me nestled in his arms. After a moment of genuine hesitation, he wrapped his arms tightly around me. He muttered softly, “Could… could you really be the one?” We stayed locked in the embrace for a long time. In a place Jett couldn’t see, I subtly tugged down the hem of my synthetic, fast-fashion dress—just to make sure the static cling didn’t strike again. 3 The next day was my university graduation. Students were everywhere, hauling boxes and suitcases, ready to leave. I spotted Gia Bellwether in the same dorm complex. It was her last day, too. She looked every bit the beautiful, aloof campus queen. When her eyes met mine, her expression turned instantly contemptuous. “Hmph. A gold digger. Sees a pile of cash and scrambles right to the top of it.” Behind us, a group of girls gasped. “Look, everyone! A Rolls-Royce! Who is that here to pick up?” At the same time, the comments began to scroll again. [Wow, that Rolls-Royce Ghost is gorgeous! Has to be over half a million, minimum. The Elite Heir is here for our heroine!] [Aww, but she won’t get in his car this time. No matter how much he begs, she won’t give him the time of day.] [Heroine, go start that sweet romance with the hero already! I can’t wait!] Gia held her neck perfectly straight, like an elegant swan. She walked down the steps under the envious gaze of every girl there. Her tone was sharp and unwelcoming as she addressed Jett Coleman. “I have told you many times, I will not accept your confession. Can you please stop stalking me?” 4 The sounds of admiration from the other students continued to swell. Gia seemed to bask in the spotlight. She slowly descended the last step. But Jett’s voice was calm. “I’m sorry, Gia. I’m here to pick up my girlfriend. Not you.” He paused, then added: “That electric shock feeling I felt last night was a bolt of fate. The person I love is Lana.” Gia’s face instantly drained of color. The humiliation and shame made her bite her lower lip until it was white. Jett bypassed her completely, waving at me. “Lana, my driver will take your bags.” Then, his face slightly darkened. “Lana, why were you talking to someone just now? Even if it was a girl, I’ll get jealous—” Gia’s expression relaxed slightly, a scornful smile crossing her lips. She looked completely familiar with this behavior, waiting for me to break under his overbearing possessiveness. Instead, I glanced at my wrist and frowned, cutting Jett off. “We agreed on 10:30 AM. Why are you one minute late?” He froze. “I… I got held up by traffic.” “I don’t believe you. A whole minute! You could have done a lot in sixty seconds. Were you looking for another woman?” “No! Lana, you have to believe me. One minute is barely enough time to look for a woman!” “Then were you looking for another man?” The chatroom exploded in shock: [What is happening? This cannon fodder is more possessive than the Elite Heir!] [Hah, just wait until she’s actually confined like a golden canary and has to check in for everything she does. She’ll regret this.] [@SecretSleuth, look, your favorite dual-male plotline is bleeding into the forced-love narrative! Come witness!] I shot a cold, confident look at the comments. Jett Coleman was that rich. If I wasn’t strict, what if someone else snagged him? In the end, Jett had to pull up his dashcam footage to finally satisfy my suspicion. Gia stood on the sidelines, seething. In her past life, it was always Jett who strictly monitored everyone she contacted. She never had to question his social circle. Her memory was broken by a clear shout: “Gia! I’m here to help you with your bags!” Gia smiled again, turning toward Sam Miller, the school sweetheart who had secretly adored her for years. The smile vanished instantly. Sam had pulled up on a beat-up electric scooter. 5 Gia stared at the miserable vehicle in disbelief. In her past life, she had been chauffeured everywhere. An army of staff ensured she never had to lift a finger. Now, she had to pack her own bags, and she’d already chipped two nails. Even the comments couldn’t handle it. [Why is Sam so poor? How is he supposed to carry all that luggage on a scooter?] [I came for a sweet romance, not a tiny rental apartment novel! He rented a place off campus—is the heroine going to live in a basement apartment with him?] [He was a successful entrepreneur in the first life! He’ll succeed in this one, too. Don’t worry.] Gia seemed to latch onto that last thought. She forced down her displeasure and reluctantly climbed onto the back of the scooter. They set off for their tiny apartment outside of campus. The Rolls-Royce Ghost blew past the electric scooter, spewing exhaust in the hero and heroine’s faces. I clearly saw the resentment and regret in Gia’s eyes. The gilded cage villa she had desperately tried to escape in the first life was now my home in this life. 6 Sitting on a sofa that cost more than my entire extended family, Jett leaned forward, trapping me between his arms. His shoulders were broad, his waist narrow, and his jawline was sharply defined. His expression was the familiar, slightly dangerous one from our first meeting. He smiled, that slightly wicked, mesmerizing smile. After several of those “electric shock” moments, he was now convinced I was the one. His low voice rumbled in my ear. “Baby, you are the first woman to embrace my possessiveness. But you have to understand, I grew up with zero sense of security.” “This entire estate is riddled with cameras so I can see you at all times.” “You can swipe my card whenever you want, but you must have a security detail with you when you leave—” “Enough,” I interrupted impatiently. What was he rambling on about? I was the one dating this ridiculously rich man! I was the one who had no security! I wanted to keep Jett locked to my hip 24 hours a day. I reached up, grabbed his jaw, and lightly patted his cheek to relax his muscles—to make him look less like a brooding anime villain. Then, I pulled out a handwritten A4 paper from my pocket. I shook it open, cleared my throat, and began to read aloud: “From this moment on, you must check in with me wherever you go.” “You must be back in the villa by 10 PM sharp every night. If you’re late, you must send me your live location, and I will track you until you return.” “Also, we need to install a camera in the bathroom. This ensures I have a seamless, 24/7, 360-degree view of you.” “Don’t look so shocked. We’re dating. What do you have that I haven’t seen?” “When you are at the office, you must report your activities every hour. What you did, what you ate, who you met. Everything.” “Jett, you have to understand. I love money… and if I don’t hear from you for an hour, I’ll worry so much I can’t eat or sleep…” Jett Coleman’s wicked smile froze solid. His pupils slowly dilated. The ‘sicko villain’ aura evaporated instantly. He leaned back, sinking into the sofa cushions. He lit a cigarette, the smoke curling lazily from his fingers. After a long, drawn-out silence, he finally made a decision. “Lana… maybe… maybe you should go get a job.”

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Seventh year of marriage, I was diagnosed with Leukemia, urgently needing a bone marrow transplant. Luckily, my son Ethan was a match. But one week before the surgery, my husband Dr. Julian Hayes said to me full of apology, “Ethan’s physical exam didn’t pass.” He comforted me, “Don’t worry, I will definitely find a new donor as soon as possible.” At the hospital’s commendation ceremony, Julian’s name was prominently on the list. The leadership praised his selfless dedication. “Dr. Hayes gave the bone marrow originally intended for his wife to Miss Zoe.” I thought the Director misspoke, Julian always treated patients equally. Until I saw the person saved was Zoe, his ex-wife who abandoned him back then. I lost my voice questioning, “Why?” Husband’s face was incomparably calm, “Sloane, you are my wife, if I directly gave the marrow to you wouldn’t everyone in the hospital scold me for abusing power? You have to avoid suspicion.” Then I looked at my son who donated the marrow, thinking he didn’t know. Ethan said with a cold face, “It was me who agreed to donate to Auntie Zoe, Mom can you not be possessive of my things!” In that instant, my whole person froze. A heart that can’t be warmed, I don’t want it anymore. … Chapter 1 These few months Julian was anxious about my illness to the point of getting mouth ulcers, worrying until several white hairs appeared. My five-year-old son Ethan called me everyday asking when I would come home. To not let father and son worry, I didn’t tell them I was diagnosed with high-risk Leukemia. Now watching them taking turns emphasizing how critical Zoe’s condition was, I finally realized it wasn’t that the physical exam failed. Just that in their hearts, I wasn’t that important. Now under the gaze of everyone, Zoe presented a Plaque to him and Ethan. She glanced at me lightly, “Julian, Ethan, thank you.” Intimate photo together, looked more like a family of three. Thunderous applause sounded like a slap hard on my face. Mist rose with pain, my vision blurred. I maneuvered the wheelchair to leave, unwilling to see those people’s pitying eyes. Someone chased out hurriedly behind, I recognized Julian’s footsteps. Still holding illusion, thinking he was worried about my body so urgent. But he forcefully held down the wheelchair, face showing hidden impatience. “Sloane, what are you making a scene for?” “Zoe is still in recovery period and has to prop up her body to send me the plaque, can’t you endure a few more minutes for me?” Fact is next month the hospital will conduct Chief of Surgery evaluation, Julian values this commendation very much. My graceful appearance, can both highlight his medical ethics, and show the beautiful atmosphere of family harmony. I looked up at him, only felt this man who used to be full of merits was very strange. Nails dug deep into palm, pain coming barely made me calm. “My body is hot and uncomfortable, want to go out for air.” Husband sighed, seemingly helpless. “I am the most authoritative expert in this field, these are all normal conditions.” “Don’t throw a temper, we agreed to accept the interview together.” Expert? I seemed to hear a huge joke. These few days my bones hurt until my whole person trembled, that was the signal of bad cells spreading. But he didn’t notice a bit. If not for me asking the nurse to forcefully give me painkillers, I probably wouldn’t even have the strength to get up. A few strands of hair slowly scattered in my palm, illness getting more and more serious. I clenched tightly, haven’t looked in the mirror for a long time, must be ugly and embarrassed right now. Also no strength to argue with him, “No, it’s time for medicine today.” Touching my exhaustion, Julian’s eyes flashed with intolerance, “Wait until I am evaluated as Chief next month, I can apply for the newly developed Experimental Drug.” “Sloane, wait for me a bit longer.” Still have to apply, means still have to continue waiting. Remembering yesterday another attending doctor Dr. Liu urged me to tell the truth to Julian quickly. She said if not doing bone marrow transplant, maybe I can’t even last till the third phase of chemotherapy. A wave of sadness surged in my heart, couldn’t help asking, “What if you don’t get evaluated as Chief?” He stunned, eyes rarely showing some confusion. Then firmly said, “Rest assured, then I will definitely cure you too.” In an instant, I understood the husband in front of me never imagined the worst consequence. Zoe gained new life, so let me go towards the ending of certain death. I chuckled, but couldn’t stop tears flowing, finally recognized reality. He kept saying to avoid suspicion, even if there is experimental drug would he really use it on me? “I really hope right now I am not your wife.” At least wouldn’t even have the chance to survive given away. Julian tsked, expression showing dissatisfaction, “I am a doctor, saving lives is my duty!” “As my wife, can you not be so selfish? Can’t even compare to a kid like Ethan!” “Moreover Zoe is just an ordinary patient, you don’t need to hold on to this matter.” My grievance he turned a blind eye to, what I got was only rebuttal. Watching his leaving back, I dialed Dr. Chase Meridian’s number. “Doesn’t your new drug lack a test subject? I can do it.” He said he could come pick me up in three days. Rather than waiting for others’ ethereal promises, better rely on myself. Chapter 2 Nurse seeing me delayed so long, almost crazy with anxiety. “Miss Sloane, if you didn’t come back we were going to check surveillance to find you.” I shook head wanted to say I was fine, her hand touched my scorching body temperature and immediately realized something was wrong. After a burst of panic in the ward, my temperature slowly dropped. Opening eyes saw Zoe looking at me with face full of apology. “Luckily Miss Sloane is fine, otherwise I would be uneasy for a lifetime.” Blamingly looked at Julian behind her, “Didn’t I tell you long ago? No need to accompany me every night, Miss Sloane is your wife.” Painkiller effect already passed, my whole body bone seams revealed biting pain. Weak to point can’t even say a sentence. Compared to her rosy face, I with disheveled hair looked like a female ghost. Julian has main job to busy, daytime coming to stare at me taking medicine is already good. At night besides duty, still have to go home take care of Ethan. So I never complained. But now what I heard was he accompanied Zoe every night. Turns out he didn’t even have half a sentence of truth to me. Didn’t get my response. Zoe bit lip, somewhat embarrassed, “Is Miss Sloane still blaming me for snatching your bone marrow? All my fault, caused your family of three disharmony.” Son Ethan stepped forward hugging her arm, “Auntie didn’t snatch, this is all my willingness to give you.” He looked at me, with dissatisfied emotion, “Mom bad, Mom has no manners!” When I gave birth to him encountered difficult labor, doctor said child high probability couldn’t be saved. Almost me fighting with life to give birth to him safely. When Ethan was three, said would forever be number one best with Mom. Now every sentence he said was obvious betrayal. An indescribable soreness, rolled from bottom of my heart, surged to throat, not up not down, but like fish bone in throat. I turned head trying to cover my embarrassment. Then Ethan actually forcefully pushed me, pulling the IV drip. “Mom no manners, quickly apologize to Auntie!” That instant, needle on hand gushed blood. Julian immediately stepped forward help me handle, coldly scolded him, “Ethan Hayes! Your mom is still sick!” Son haven’t seen his dad so strict for a long time, instantly scared hiding behind Zoe. She hurriedly comforted, “Julian, he is still a child, understand what?” “Miss Sloane you have large heart don’t blame Ethan.” This words out, Ethan had more good feelings for her, tightly hugging her arm. Little nurse received emergency bell and rushed over, cold voice, “Patient emotion can’t be too excited, you all please go out first!” I looked at Julian, painful to silent tears. Zoe gently coughed twice, his attention transferred. “Zoe your body hasn’t recovered, hurry back rest, don’t be infected by germs.” Casually perfunctory to me, “I will let Ethan come in and apologize to you later.” Nurse couldn’t bear, low voice revealed, “Miss Sloane, originally according to qualification should be you ranked front.” “But donor insisted on saving others first.” “You better confess your real physical condition to Dr. Hayes ASAP, I heard his promotion to Chief is set in stone.” Means he can apply for treatment experimental drug. I silent a moment, “I will explain clearly to him.” Then son walked in, tears still hanging on corner of eyes. Looked like was scolded. “Ethan, why even you not willing to save Mom?” I can’t understand, he is a piece of meat fell from my body. Why even closest person not willing save me. He calmly looked at me, making me crying and bleeding look more like a madwoman. “Dad said Auntie Zoe has no family, if we don’t save her, no one saves her.” “Later I am going to be a doctor like Dad, want to be fair and just!” “Mom, you have to understand us!” “Understand” these two words like deeply stabbed into my heart. Zoe alone but has father and son protecting, and I forever excluded by their so-called fairness and justice. I half propped up body, “So you and Dad go accompany that auntie everyday?” Five-year-old kid no defense, answer whatever asked. “Yes.” A crisp answer completely shattered all my hesitation. That instant, like something completely lost from my body. Turns out Julian’s white hair was born for worrying about Zoe’s illness, nothing to do with me. And Ethan asking me when return home, actually was because he donated bone marrow to Zoe and hospitalized, afraid I know. Just short few months treatment in hospital, my husband and child established closer connection with others. I smiled, like relieved, “I will tell your dad, you already apologized.” Ethan somewhat overwhelmed, those scolding he expected didn’t appear. Next second, my throat surged a stream of fishy sweet. Coughed hands all blood, stained on snow white quilt. I subconsciously wanted to comfort child, let him not afraid. But his first reaction was running away, avoiding me like dirty thing. Chapter 3 Julian who didn’t need night duty insisted on staying night to accompany me. Room silent, look at each other speechless. Husband however eyes full of guilt, actively mentioned Chief evaluation thing had result. “Sloane you rest assured, I already went to apply for experimental drug.” “Sorry, all my fault.” Because today a scene, dull as Julian finally discovered fact I kept coughing blood. He neglected too long, except occasionally staring at me taking medicine treatment. Naturally didn’t detect my current body function dropped seriously. Several days passed in a row, no good news came from Julian. Bone pain tortured me sleepless whole night whole night, even painkillers didn’t work. Hair loss became more serious. Every morning could see strands of hair scattered on pillow. Also my life bit by bit consumed out. Next day when Julian came for rounds, I actively mentioned, “That experimental drug, did you apply it?” When people pain up head not sober, will leave last trace of extravagance. Husband however avoided my expectant eyes, “Not, not yet.” I clenched quilt on body, “Oh, like this ah?” But Chase told me, he already approved Julian’s application. Now Julian said no, I just took it as hasn’t delivered to his hand. Like changing topic, he asked me. “Why didn’t you call son these few days?” Before I called son everyday, afraid nanny at home didn’t take care well. Even before chemotherapy, when I was dizzy still wanted to hear child’s voice to feel safe. But seen his appearance actively defending Zoe, even if heart has spare strength I don’t want to maintain relationship between two. “Too tired, don’t want call.” “Then I pick up Ethan to see you after rounds later okay?” I looked up at him, “Is he in kindergarten?” “Mm.” After he left, I looked at window dazing. Little nurse said could push me out for a walk. Near VIP ward there is a big terrace, “Miss Sloane, flowers over there bloom very beautiful.” Door not closed tight, I originally didn’t want spy others privacy. But voice inside really familiar, “Julian, that experimental drug used on me, then what about Miss Sloane?” Julian no longer used that set of “avoid suspicion” theory, “You are patient, used is also should be.” Turns out Zoe appeared rejection reaction, experimental drug directly used on her. Last time commendation out, already not few people praised Julian character noble. Through door crack, saw son blowing needle spot for her, “I blow blow, then won’t pain.” Ethan usually playful, every time back from kindergarten body always has some bumps. I coaxed him disinfect apply medicine, “Blow blow, then not pain.” Exactly same action, I didn’t know should be gratified or bitter laugh. Looking up at these few letters of VIP, turns out Zoe who lived not good could afford high-end ward. And few months ago Julian personally said to me, as family member need avoid suspicion, can’t let other patients think doctors can do special. So originally booked high-end ward by me was cancelled, even arranged to most corner position. I let little nurse go busy first, “I want stay alone a while.” Not a while, father and son pushed door walked out. Head on saw me, Julian guilty wanted open mouth explain. I smiled, “I almost dying.” Turns out truth said out also quite easy. He frowned, thought I was throwing temper, “Sloane, you no need curse yourself for this bit experimental drug.” “I am doctor, with me here you won’t have trouble.” “As my wife, where is your trust?” I trusted so many times, but let myself lose completely mess. Being his wife need avoid suspicion need understand, but if not? “Then we divorce, I am just an ordinary patient.” “Is it then you can give experimental drug to me?” Julian angry red eyes, “In front of child face, what nonsense you talking?” “Yesterday Zoe body appeared strong rejection reaction, me as doctor watch her go die?” “Sloane, when did you become so mean?” Just want an answer that’s all, I became that mean person. He couldn’t watch Zoe die, but willing to give up me. Zoe supported long IV drip stand, somewhat stumble walked out knelt in front of me. “Miss Sloane is my fault, nothing to do with Dr. Hayes.” “I shouldn’t rob bone marrow belong to you, I return it to you right now.” She face pale, pounced on Julian’s leg, “You do surgery for me again okay? Take bone marrow out again.” Husband helped person up, look at me like looking an insensible child. “Originally her body recovery not good, you still aggressive come provoke her unhappy.” “I only have one portion experimental drug, Sloane can you not difficult me?” He actually said is difficult. Clearly Chase gave two portions experimental drug. Unwillingness, sadness surged to mouth but swallowed down difficultly squeezed few words. “Then me? What about me?” Ethan tightly grabbed his dad’s hand, “I don’t want donate bone marrow again, so painful.” I know, let a kid donate bone marrow, originally is a very painful thing. Actually I want a clear attitude that’s all, but father and son weighed pros and cons result all is abandon me. Julian sighed, “I didn’t say not care you, wait I settle Zoe well then treat your illness.” Again let me wait, but I tired. No anger emotion, also can’t lift courage continue fight for myself. Countless empty checks, Julian you finally exhausted my trust and love. “Whatever you want.” I calmly turned wheelchair direction back to my ward. Chapter 4 Many messages sent by Chase, he advised me to consider clearly. “Sloane, I applied for new flight route, will pick you up tonight.” He said being new drug test subject is like lab rat, calling stop is non-existent thing. But if there is a trace hope to live, I all want firmly grab. I replied one sentence, “I won’t regret.” “Contrary, I still want thank you.” Suddenly overhead IV drip bottle was changed down, is Julian. Irritability in words obvious, “Who you chatting with?” “Doctor.” He looked at my plain smile, heart flashed strange emotion. Surprised I actually didn’t throw temper because of experimental drug thing. Just want open mouth, but heard nurse calling him. “Dr. Hayes, patient in 617 VIP ward appeared adverse reaction.” Julian immediately put down medical record in hand, lift foot just want walk out. Until today I then knew this 617 is ward Zoe lived, before many times he as long as alone with me would be called away by 617. I opened mouth called stop him, “You wait.” Julian thought I want delay his steps again, face ugly, “I am going to save people, can you not play small temper——” I handed out a Ethan’s school enrollment consent form, “You sign this is fine.” “Could it be Ethan’s enrollment you also don’t care?” St. Jude’s, is best school in city. This is also last thing I can do for child. He stunned, inner anxiety covered past caution. Look didn’t look content inside, immediately signed name. Then watched me act as if nothing happened lie back bed scroll phone, didn’t even look him once. No longer ask attitude let Julian faintly uneasy. Turned instant but determined I was betting anger, past as long as he and child soft submit show weakness, I would forgive them. He thought first settle Zoe well then go back find me also not late, anyway I won’t run. Footsteps gradually disappear, I then took that document on table, pulled out divorce agreement hidden inside. At night, Chase pushed me onto private jet. “Sloane, you have no turning back road.” I smiled, who could think finally actually is mortal enemy fought from small to big come save me. “I also not willing turn back.” … Zoe side just made fuss about nothing that’s all, just fever caused by recovery period. Julian pinched brow center, “You already not three times two times noise, I tomorrow will let Dr. Xu come take over.” To her, already is benevolence extreme. Thinking just now Sloane that medical record didn’t have time deep investigate abnormal data, his heart tight. Those cell indicators all not right. Zoe’s sobbing stopped, “Julian, I just somewhat afraid, so want you come accompany me.” “I don’t want change attending doctor.” Julian heart thinking that didn’t finish reading medical record, didn’t even have time say usual comfort. Back to Sloane’s ward, machine equipment inside being moved out. “What happen?” Look around all sides, didn’t see Sloane figure. Nurse astonished, “Dr. Hayes, patient already handled discharge.” “You don’t know?”

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Fifth year of dating, my boyfriend Julian Vance, who promised to spend Thanksgiving with me, looked apologetic. “Audrey, I have to fly to London to sign a contract, can’t accompany you.” I understood Julian’s busy work, turned around but saw posts on his Finsta (Fake Instagram). [First time visiting father-in-law for Thanksgiving, what should I bring?] [My wifey is tiny and cute, if I bring wrong stuff, she will jump up and hit me.] [I also secretly bought a diamond ring, propose at dinner.] My heart felt sweet, thought he wanted to give me a surprise. But ignored my 5’6″ height, which can’t be counted as tiny anyway. Until Thanksgiving dinner night, my stepsister brought her boyfriend home. I was dumbfounded, because the man in front of me who dared not look me in the eye was exactly my boyfriend. Chapter 1 Stepdad’s house is in the Hamptons villa area, luxuriously decorated, but never had my room. Every time back, I sleep on the folding bed in the maid’s room. Just entered door, I heard Serena’s delicate laughter, “Mom, Julian brought many gifts, come look!” Entered my eyes was familiar slender figure, and the camel coat I bought. My heart beat suddenly accelerated, a burst of pain. Julian’s smile froze when seeing me, pupils constricted. Serena unaware, sweetly leaned on him, “Julian, this is my stepsister Audrey Lin.” “She has weird temper, you don’t need to bother her.” Stepdad’s voice full of pride, “Serena is lucky, found a boyfriend handsome and capable.” “Unlike someone, dating five years, can’t even bring a man back.” This was obviously targeting me. But they didn’t know, the man I wanted to bring home is right in front of them. I stood at foyer, neither enter nor retreat. Serena affectionately held my hand, eyes however full of provocation, “Sister back? Heard your boyfriend can’t come again this year.” “Pity, I still wanted to see.” Mom also looked at me with disgust, “Audrey, not I say you, you are 28, should consider reality.” “I see he just doesn’t like you, no feminine charm at all.” Every time I come back, have to accept a round of trial. I lowered head covering mist in eyes, no longer spoke. Said going abroad for business trip, man who would give me future, at this moment standing beside my stepsister. As her boyfriend identity, meeting my family. I expressionlessly opened mouth, “Hello, Mr. Vance.” Julian’s face whiter a few shades, but dared not look at me. When he passed by me, I smelled the familiar woody cologne. Was the birthday gift I gave him last year. Serena showed off those gifts like showing off trophies, “Julian is so thoughtful, knew Dad loves drinking, specially asked people buy Macallan 25.” “Mom, this is La Mer set and mink coat for you.” “Auntie, your scarf, cousin’s PS5…” Saying, she picked up an exquisite jewelry box, opened in front of everyone. A diamond ring sparkled under light. Serena coquettishly pushed Julian, “I said why you mysterious, turns out prepared propose to me tonight.” Stepdad laughed loud: “Double happiness, Serena found a good home!” Amidst congratulations, I watched their family happy and harmonious like an outsider. I paralyzed on sofa, brain chaos. A chill rushed through whole body, heart cramped with pain. I took out phone, started scrolling Julian’s Finsta. Recent half year posted twenty something posts, all about wifey. [Wifey wanted cake from Uptown, I drove an hour to buy back, she ate like a cute hamster, worth it.] [Accompanied wifey shopping all day, feet about to break, but she looked so beautiful trying clothes.] [Wifey sick, anxious me took leave take care her, cooked porridge she disliked hard to drink, but still obediently drank.] Scrolling one by one, my fingers colder and colder, breathing became difficult. This is not me. Wifey in Julian’s mouth, is my stepsister. When I sick, he only told me drink more hot water on phone. He never accompanied me shopping, said how improper for a big man. Turns out these five years, I was just a joke. Stepdad’s sister, Auntie suddenly spoke, “Audrey, you also don’t be sad.” “Fate this thing can’t force, Serena casually found such good boyfriend, but your standard don’t be too high, almost there is fine.” Cousin took words, “You pick again really leftover, I know a divorced one, although bring a kid, but condition not bad.” They seven mouths eight tongues caring my life event, every word like needle pricking my heart. And Julian, from beginning to end intimately whispering with Serena, didn’t look at me once. I turned fled to kitchen, “I go help serve dishes.” Moment closing kitchen door, my tears finally burst out. My life most beautiful five years, whole heart loved a person, planned future with him. For him, I rejected chance working in Europe, stayed in New York. He wanted sign project, I stayed up late doing proposal; He couldn’t negotiate partner, I fought drinking till stomach bleeding to help him sign. Serena’s voice sounded behind, “Hiding here do what, wouldn’t be feel ashamed right.” I hurriedly wiped tears, turned back expression calm. Serena leaned on door frame, sizing up my red swollen eyes, suddenly laughed, “Sister, your boyfriend wouldn’t be doing Romance Scam right?” “I am worried you being cheated, after all some people specially cheat you this kind older leftover woman, play few years then dump.” Facing her malicious humiliation, I however unable refute. I dead bit lip, until tasted blood taste, “Don’t need your reminder.” I before also didn’t have long memory, really thought she was for my good. Until night before SATs she brought me a cup hot milk. I vomited and diarrhea next day, from prospective Valedictorian became repeater failed exam. Face sweet heart ruthless, saying is Serena. Kitchen door pushed open, Julian stood at door, face ugly said: “Serena, Auntie called you set tableware.” Serena answered, passing Julian stood on tiptoe kissed him, “Hubby perform really good today.” Her sweet and playful look, however made me nauseous want vomit. Wait Serena left, Julian then walked into kitchen closed door. “Audrey, listen me explain.” “Me and Serena already more than half year, I originally wanted tell you breakup earlier, but I afraid you seek life seek death…” I slapped on his face, “Julian Vance, you really make me disgusting.” He deeply looked me once, helplessly warned: “After tonight I will give you compensation, but now you don’t make trouble.” Living room came burst laughter, Thanksgiving dinner started. I deep breath, carried dish walked out. Table already full people, my seat at most edge, next to dog house. Stepdad raised wine glass, “Little Vance, heard your company recently took a big project?” Julian calmly talked with fervor, “Uncle, is cooperation with Lin Group, next year expect bring $200 Million revenue.” Relatives one after another amazed, “Lin Group? That is big corporation!” Stepdad brother drank mouthful wine, “Girl most important is marry well, Serena at once found golden tortoise son-in-law.” Auntie suddenly looked at me, “Audrey, you breakup early, that thrice divorced one I introduced you, although 45, but has three houses!” I sighed, “I don’t need.” Auntie unhappy, “Ungrateful thing, not biological sure enough can’t raise familiar!” Serena leaned head on Julian shoulder, mocked: “Julian, does your company have security or cleaning suitable for sister, person honest is fine.” Julian awkwardly smiled, “I keep an eye.” Atmosphere somewhat stiff. Cousin suddenly pointed me shouted: “I remembered, I saw Sister Audrey in Night Club last time, she wore so exposing, accompanying an old man drink!” Full seat uproar, all relatives eyes contemptuously shot at me. “Real fake?” “Thousand true ten thousand sure, that old man hand all on her leg!” Mom face ugly, unhappy said: “Audrey Lin, what exactly going on?” Stepdad cold snort, “I long said, she same as her gambling biological dad, not walk right path.” I wanted defend, but found simply no one believe me. Cousin more said more energetic, “I even took photo, wait I find…” He just flipping phone, Serena suddenly exclaimed: “I remembered, Julian also said saw sister in club.” “Julian, is it?” Julian holding wine glass knuckles white, Adam’s apple rolled few times, actually slowly nodded. “Yes, I saw.” Auntie sharp voice said: “What job need go club accompany drink, you an outsider don’t lose our old Sullivan family face.” Chapter 2 Cousin proudly showed phone photo, on screen indeed had a woman side face very like me. She wearing black slip dress, sitting beside a bald middle-aged man, but can’t see face clear. “Look, I just said didn’t look wrong,” Mom fierce stood up, lips angry straight trembling, “Audrey Lin, you explain clearly to me!” I wanted loud tell them that not me, but throat like blocked, only could emit broken whimper. Serena hurry got up comfort, “Maybe sister really has some difficulties, now life pressure big, girl want take shortcut also understandable.” Stepdad a slap fanned on my face, “My face all lost by you, you want money can’t open mouth, must go that kind place sell smile!” I pain trembling, mouth corner seeped blood, “That not me, I simply don’t know person in photo!” Cousin held phone to my face, “This hair this figure, not you who else can be, don’t tell me you have a twin sister.” Relatives whispered discussion up: [Really can’t judge person by appearance, usually looking quite decent.] [28 still not married, anxious dig gold bei.] [Back then she failed exam first year, second year actually got into Ivy League, maybe committed self to grading teacher!] Every sentence like knife, slow slicing my dignity. I turned to Julian, “You said you saw me, is when?” He held wine glass hand tight tight, “End of October…” “End of October I was on business trip, why you want lie!” Hearing my question, Serena pout complain, “Julian just tell truth, you fierce him for what, self did disgusting thing still not let people say?” I eye rims red, “I didn’t do wrong thing, is them framing me,” Stepdad sternly interrupted, “Big festival, quarrel what quarrel, if you don’t want stay in this home, roll now!” Mom angry straight pat my arm, “Audrey Lin, you quick apologize to Dad.” I stubbornly looked up, “I no wrong, should apologize is him,” Julian voice dry said: “You don’t make trouble out of nothing.” I coldly looked at him, “Julian Vance, we together five years, exactly who is making trouble?” Serena fierce wide eyes: “Sister what you saying, Julian how possible like you.” I sneered, “We together since university.” “Graduation year I originally want go abroad, was him begged me stay, said we will marry, want give me a future.” “These five years he said want start up business, I helped pull sponsorship; he said want buy house, I took out all savings.” “Result he actually became your boyfriend!” Information volume too big, everyone stunned. Mom unbelievable looking me, “Audrey, is what you said true?” Serena dead grabbed his arm, nails almost pinched into flesh, “Julian, what she said not true right!” Julian forehead sweat fine beads, embarrassed avoided her gaze. Auntie yin yang weird air said: “Turns out is two women fight one husband ah.” “Audrey, not auntie say you, people all chose your sister, you don’t dead pester hard beat, how ugly ah.” Cousin echoed: “Brother Julian condition so good, choose Sister Serena not very normal, she young pretty, family condition also good.” “Sister Audrey you almost thirty, dad not pain mom not love, take what compare?” I interrupted his words, “Is Serena robbed my boyfriend!” Stepdad rage said: “Yourself not chaste, go club accompany drink, Little Vance choose Serena is wise!” Mom pulled me once, small voice beg, “Audrey, don’t say, big festival.” I threw off her hand, accumulated years grievance exploded at this moment, “Why not let me say, small to big your eyes only Serena.” “She buy brand name is should, I buy new clothes is waste; now she robbed my boyfriend, still my fault!” Serena suddenly calm down, “Who robbed who boyfriend still not sure ne.” “You said Julian is your boyfriend, have any evidence? Did he publicize you on social platform?” I stunned. Yes, where I come evidence. Julian never post our photo in Instagram, said he doesn’t like show affection. His friends I never saw, let alone public show affection. I originally thought he used to low key. Now understand, he from beginning didn’t plan give me title. Serena showed a victor smile, “No right, I know you jealous me, but fabricate this kind lie also too pathetic.” She turned hold Julian, “Julian, say yourself, what relationship you and sister before?” Julian silent few seconds, long sighed, “Audrey, we just university classmates, after graduation contact not much.” “I don’t know why you have such misunderstanding, but who I love always only Serena.” He once used this thin lips kissed me countless times, said countless love words to me. At this moment using most calm tone, wiped out our five years feeling. Beat me into erotomania patient admiring him. I sniffed nose, “Dare you look my eyes say again?” He avoided my sight, lowered head said to Serena, “Serena, sorry, let you suffer grievance.” Serena snuggled in his arms, look me eyes flashed proud, “Sister, now what else you have to say?” Relatives started help voice: “Audrey, listen Auntie one advice, hurry go check, is it brain have problem.” “Want not go hospital register a psychiatry department!” Humiliation ridicule voice enter my ear. I like a clown stripped clothes public display, dumbfounded in place. Mom walked up, blame said: “Mom know you jealous Serena, but also can’t ruin people reputation like this ah.” “Quick apologize to everyone, say you are talking nonsense.” Even my biological mom not believe me. I stumbled back, “I am crazy, I am escort girl, you guys satisfied?” Serena fake concerned step forward support me, but whisper in my ear: “You count what thing, play rotten broken shoes also worthy fight with me?” I force pushed her away, Julian angry grabbed wine glass fierce smashed at me. “Audrey Lin, what attitude you have!” My forehead a burst severe pain hit, fresh blood instant gush out. Chapter 3 “These five years, I for so-called love paid everything.” “He while said love me, while talk marriage with my sister!” “Also my dear sister, you clearly knew my relationship with him, still intentional approach him snatch away, now still want step me a foot!” Finally, I looked at full table relatives, “Also you guys, small to big I do what all wrong, just because I am drag oil bottle (burden from previous marriage), not biological?” Mom cried out sound, “Audrey, how can you say such heartless words!” I disappointed looking her, “Mom, since you married into Sullivan family, eyes still have me this daughter?” “My birthday you not remember, I sick time you accompany Serena father daughter vacation, now I pointed nose scold by everyone, you only let me apologize.” Mom stunned, face pale. Stepdad angry whole body tremble, “Beast, you really reverse sky, roll out for me!” I straightened spine, “I will go.” “But before go, I want tell you guys one thing.” “Lin Group Chairman, is my father.” Living room quiet a moment. Immediately laughter exploded pot. Serena laughed back forth lean, “Sister, you wouldn’t smashed silly right? Your that gambler biological dad if is Lin Group Chairman, then I am richest man daughter!” Stepdad sneer, “Big festival say what crazy words, your that biological dad owed a butt debt, ten years ago don’t know die where went.” Auntie shake head, “This child really sick not light.” Julian frown, eyes carrying a trace pity, “Audrey, I know you stimulated, but also can’t for anger Serena, random say anything.” “I didn’t nonsense.” I calmly took out phone, dialed a number, “Uncle Wang, I at City North Villa Area Sullivan home, trouble you come pick me a bit.” Hung up phone, I looked Julian, “Didn’t you just signed Lin Group project? Should know Lin Chairman special assistant surname Wang right?” Julian face slight change, “How you know?” I faintly looked him once, “Because that project, is I look at you are my boyfriend sake, special approved to you.” “Pity, you now not anymore.” Serena sharp voice said: “Pretend what pretend ah! Julian, don’t believe her, she just jealous crazy!” Noise between, outside door came car engine sound. Not one, is several. Cousin ran to window, sucked cold air, “Three Bentleys! Nearby who has such big pomp.” Everyone looked towards cousin finger direction. Only see three black Bentleys neatly stopped at Sullivan villa door, a middle-aged man wearing custom suit, temperament steady got off car. Behind him followed two bodyguards. Julian face instant pale, “Assistant Wang.” He saw Assistant Wang at signing ceremony. This Assistant Wang is Lin Chairman right left hand, even his company boss have to respect three points. Assistant Wang straight walked to door, pressed doorbell. Stepdad flustered go open door, “May I ask you find who?” Assistant Wang look not look him, gaze fell on me, slightly bow, “Miss, Chairman let me pick you home.” Whole living room dead like silence. I took out phone, log in company internal system, “Julian Vance, you said you end of October saw me in club,” “End of October I attended exhibition in Guangzhou, have ticket hotel record as proof.” Julian changed face, guilty said: “Then maybe I saw wrong.” I sneer, call out communication company background record, “Julian Vance, you said we just university classmates, after graduation contact not much.” “Then please explain, why past five years, we average daily call exceed one hour? Why every month my bank card has a record of your mortgage deduction?” I turned screen to everyone. Serena fierce look Julian, “What she said is true?” Julian panicked, “Serena, you listen me explain.” I interrupted him, “Explain what? Explain how you while spending my money, while pursue my sister? Explain how you told her I accompany drink in club, ruin my reputation?” I walked to cousin front, “Also you, woman on photo wrist has tattoo, do I have?” I rolled up sleeve, reveal white arm. Cousin stammering, “Maybe I also saw wrong.” I approach a step, “Saw wrong?” “You so certain is me, now say saw wrong? Who let you say so? Serena? Or Julian?” Cousin panic back retreat, “I didn’t!” Auntie stand up protect her precious son, “Audrey Lin, you crazy! Scare child do what?” I turned look her, “Auntie, didn’t you want introduce me that 45 years old three houses divorced man?” “Coincidentally, I saw his file in company last week, divorced three times, has domestic violence history, ex-wife still in hospital. You sincerely for my good, or want get introduction fee?” Auntie face burst red burst white, “You nonsense!” I look Julian and Serena, “Nonsense or not not important.” “Important is, you pair golden boy jade girl, one cheat money cheat feeling, one know mistress be mistress, really heaven made pair.” Serena angry whole body tremble, “Audrey Lin, you shut up!” I laughed, “Did all did, still afraid people say?” Julian finally exploded, “Enough! Audrey Lin, even if we before had what, that also past thing! Now I love is Serena, want marry also Serena! You dead heart ba!” I suddenly felt incomparable absurd, “Julian Vance, you think I still will sad for you?” I took out a velvet box from bag, threw to his front. “This is birthday gift you gave me last year, said saved three months salary bought. I yesterday knew, is Wish.com nine ninety nine free shipping fake.” “But it’s okay, real fake I also don’t care anymore. Together with you this person, return you together.” Passing Julian side, I stopped steps, use only we two can hear voice say: “Right, forgot tell you, next year Lin Group all cooperation projects, I will personally audit.” His pupils suddenly constrict. “Especially those, rely on women drink till stomach bleeding signed orders.” I walked out door, Assistant Wang immediately hand handkerchief and ice bag, “Miss, you injured, want go hospital?” “No need, direct home.” I sat in car, head didn’t turn. I through rearview mirror saw Julian chased out, but dead blocked by bodyguard at door. Serena pulling his arm saying something, he fierce throw off her, expression is panic I never saw before. How funny. Five years deep affection not as shocking as an identity.

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Nobody thought Julian Thorne and I made sense together. He was the campus god—sculpted features, brilliant mind, full scholarship. I was just Harper Vance—plain, average, and cursed with a stutter. But Julian gave me the kind of respect and love I’d only ever read about in books. So, I treasured him. I worshipped the ground he walked on. That was, until I walked into a café and saw my father sliding a black Amex card across the table to him. “Thank you for taking care of her these past two years. Harper has become much more confident. This bonus is what we agreed upon.” Julian took the card without hesitation. He smiled, a cold, calculated smile I’d never seen before. “I’m raising my rates this year, Mr. Vance. You know how it is—she’s demanding more and more of my emotional labor these days.” In that moment, I realized that “love” could indeed be a performance art. I didn’t storm in. I didn’t scream. I continued to date him, pretending nothing had changed. In fact, I “loved” him even harder than before. Because before I left for grad school in London, I wanted to see if I could play the game too. I wanted to see if I could become the hunter. 1 In the dimly lit corner of the café, I froze. I had ghosted into a booth partially hidden by a decorative partition, purely by instinct. I shouldn’t have been there, but seeing my father and my boyfriend sitting together was too bizarre to ignore. “Thank you for taking care of her these past two years. Harper has become much more confident. This bonus is what we agreed upon.” I stared blankly at them. My mind was a hurricane of confusion. Thoughts swirled like autumn leaves in a gale, impossible to catch. My father’s voice continued. “She’s been insecure since she was a little girl. I didn’t have any other choice but to find you.” Julian smiled, his fingers deftly sliding the black card into his palm. He rubbed the surface of the card thoughtfully. “I’ve always been curious, sir. Why me?” Dad hesitated, then sighed. “I saw a photo of you giving the freshman orientation speech on her lock screen. I looked into you—you were brilliant, popular, dazzling. She liked you.” “I didn’t want to see Harper trapped in her shell forever. So, I came up with this… arrangement. I hired you to date her. I wanted her to feel a pure love, one untethered by family obligation or pity.” Julian lowered his lashes, masking his eyes. Dad watched him carefully, then asked tentatively, “Julian… after two years, what do you actually think of her?” Julian laughed. But the laughter didn’t reach his eyes. It sent a chill down my spine. “Mr. Vance, let’s be real. What exists between Harper and me is a transaction maintained by currency. Since it’s business, let’s not complicate it with sentiment, shall we?” Dad’s face fell. “I see. I overstepped.” “By the way.” Julian tapped the card on the mahogany table. Click. “I’m raising my fee this year. You know how it is. She’s getting clingy. She eats up a lot of my private time and demands a lot of emotional value.” … I sat there, paralyzed. Julian’s voice slithered into my ears like a viper. I watched his elegant fingers playing with the bank card—fingers that had warmed my hands just last night. Now, they were putting a price tag on my heart. They were negotiating the cost of loving me like they were buying a used car. The café buzz faded into white noise. All I felt was a piercing, suffocating humiliation. I wanted to run, but my legs were lead. Every ounce of strength drained from my body, leaving behind a hollow shell. Our relationship had always been a mismatch. He was the golden boy of Whitmore University. I was the rich girl with the stutter. I barely spoke in public. I was terrified of judgment. When Julian first approached me, I was terrified. But he encouraged me. He was patient. When he confessed his love, I thought I was dreaming. I often wondered: Why? Why would a god look at a mortal like me? Why did he rarely kiss me, rarely touch me beyond holding hands? Now I had my answer. 2 Sitting opposite my father, Julian was a stranger. His expression was indifferent, detached. He had two faces. I couldn’t help but think of yesterday. It was ironic. Yesterday was Julian’s birthday. I had spent nights learning to bake. I wasted pounds of flour and sugar, failing over and over until I got it right. I stood in the freezing wind outside his dorm for two hours, holding the perfect cake, until he finally rushed back from his “tutoring gig.” Under the streetlights, he ran to me. He stopped, breathless. “It’s freezing. Why didn’t you wait inside?” He rubbed my cold hands, glancing at the box. “What’s this?” I flushed. “It… It’s a c-cake. I m-made it.” He looked genuinely surprised. “You made this? By yourself?” The frosting had melted slightly, but the strawberry heart was still bright red. “Yeah.” My palms were sweating despite the cold. Julian cupped my frozen face in his warm hands, looking at me like I was the most precious thing in the world. “Thank you.” I felt my face burn. My stutter flared up. “Julian, H-Happy… B-Birthday.” He smiled. Not mocking, just gentle. “It’s okay. Take your time, Harper. Say it again?” I hesitated. “I want to hear it,” he whispered. “Can you say it for me?” His gaze was intense. He seemed to glow. I took a breath and forced the words out, one by one. “Julian. Happy. Birthday. I hope… you are always… happy.” He looked down at me, his long lashes casting shadows over his eyes. Then he pulled me into a hug. His heart was racing. “Thank you,” he rasped, wiping a tear from my cheek. “Why are you crying?” I hadn’t realized I was. He kissed the tear away. But when he leaned in toward my lips, he tilted his head at the last second, kissing my cheek instead. He’d done it a thousand times. I thought it was respect. Now I knew. A hunter doesn’t kiss the prey. He never loved me. He was just a method actor. And God, he deserved an Oscar. 3 I clenched my jaw, trying to hold back the scream building in my chest. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the hem of my coat. Dad and Julian left the café separately. I sat there until a waitress touched my shoulder. “Miss? Are you okay?” I realized my face was wet. “I’m fine.” I wiped the tears away and walked out. When I got home, Dad was wearing an apron, cooking. To the world, he was a shark. At home, he was just a dad. Mom died when I was little, and he never remarried. He loved me. He bullied the school board when I was teased. He bought me extravagant gifts. He tried to understand my generation. And he hired someone to love me because he wanted me to be confident. He was wrong. But I couldn’t hate him. “Harper, you’re home!” Dad turned, spatula in hand. “I made your favorite—sweet and sour ribs.” I sat at the table, staring at the feast. My eyes burned. “Dad.” He sat down. “What’s wrong, honey?” “That offer… to send me to grad school in London. Is it still on the table?” Dad froze. He looked at me in disbelief. “I thought you refused to go?” I smiled at him. It was a broken, jagged smile. “Dad. I saw you this afternoon. At the café.” 4 We talked until midnight. Dad took off his glasses, looking suddenly old and defeated. “I’m sorry, Harper. I just wanted you to be happy.” “But Dad, fake love expires. It can’t withstand reality. I don’t need that kind of charity.” He was silent for a long time, then he hugged me. “Okay. You’re going to London. What about Julian?” “I’ll handle him.” … Julian lied to me, but my father had paved the road for him. I planned to break up with him cleanly. But then I walked past a lecture hall and saw him with a girl. She looked young, maybe sixteen. She looked exactly like him. “Jade, why are you here?” “Bro, are you still dating that rich girl?” the girl demanded. Julian leaned against a desk, looking out the window. I couldn’t see his face, but I heard the sneer. “Yeah. Her dad pays well.” Jade eyed him suspiciously. “You didn’t actually fall for her, did you?” “Are you kidding?” Julian turned, his face twisted in annoyance. “Good,” Jade huffed. “The Vance family’s construction company built that site where Dad died. If it wasn’t for the settlement money, we’d have starved, but it wasn’t enough! I hate rich people like them.” Julian was silent. Jade sat on the desk. “You said you were going to make her fall in love with you and then dump her brutally. How’s that going?” Julian laughed. It was a dark, mocking sound. “She’s already obsessed with me. She sits with me while I study, brings me coffee… she even baked me a lopsided cake for my birthday.” Jade burst out laughing. “A billionaire’s daughter begging for your attention? Bro, you’re a legend! What’s the use of money if she’s pathetic?” Julian picked up a piece of chalk and crushed it against the desk. Snap. “She’s just an annoying little stutterer that nobody wants.” 5 I don’t remember walking out of that building. The sunlight hit my face, but I felt cold. The conversation played on a loop in my head. I thought Julian just didn’t love me. I was wrong. He loathed me. He was planning to destroy me. He wanted to watch me fall apart. The sadness evaporated, replaced by a cold, hard rage. I wanted revenge. I wanted to treat him exactly the way he treated me. … I took a day to compose myself. When I saw Julian again, I was the same shy, adoring girlfriend. He handed me a thermos. “You didn’t text all day. Are you sick?” I smiled. “J-Just tired. I’m b-better now.” He felt my forehead. I swatted his hand playfully. “Don’t you trust me?” He laughed. “My bad.” I tugged his sleeve. “No class this afternoon. Let’s go shopping?” “Sure.” The mall was crowded. We were heading for a boba shop when a man blocked our path. He glared at Julian. “It is you! You’re the little gigolo messing with my wife!” Julian shielded me. “Excuse me?” “Don’t play dumb! You tutor my son, but I saw the ring cam footage! You and my wife, all over each other at the door!” The man lunged for Julian’s collar. I shoved the man back. “Stop! My boyfriend w-would never!” The man stumbled, enraged. He swung his hand without looking. Smack. He slapped me. Hard. My chin throbbed instantly. Julian froze. He pulled me behind him, staring at the red mark on my face. His eyes were filled with panic and guilt. I watched him closely. God, he should really be in Hollywood. Julian clenched his fist, ready to fight. Passersby started yelling, threatening to call the cops. The man panicked and ran off into the crowd. Julian wanted to chase him. I grabbed his wrist. “Julian, it hurts.”

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