Category: English

On our wedding anniversary, my husband personally sent me into the operating room. He knew I had already died twice. He also knew I could come back one more time. So when his white moonlight needed a heart, he chose me without hesitation. “She won’t die,” he told the doctor calmly. What he didn’t know was— This time, it was my last life. Adrian Quinn carried my lifeless body into the underground room of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Team base. My internal organs had been removed, leaving only an empty shell. My face, however, was rosy, as if I were just sleeping. He skillfully opened the cryogenic equipment, his movements clean and precise. As he placed me inside, his hands were steady, without even a hint of hesitation. “Sleep for now,” his voice was terrifyingly calm. “Didn’t you say that dying doesn’t matter?” Yesterday was our wedding anniversary. I had prepared a table full of delicious food at home and bought his favorite red wine. Seeing him come home on time for once, I was as happy as a fool. When the phone rang, he had just picked up his wine glass. It was his deputy calling: “Captain, Nora got caught in a landslide while patrolling the mountain area. She’s trapped inside…” His hand trembled, and the wine glass fell to the floor, dark red liquid splashing onto my new dress. “How badly is she hurt?” His voice was already hoarse. “It’s serious, her internal organs…” He didn’t wait for the other person to finish. He grabbed his jacket and rushed out. I caught his hand, “I’ll go too. I can help.” He turned back to look at me, his eyes complex, not with concern, but as if he were calculating something. At the scene, Nora had already been rescued, but her heart was severely damaged and urgently needed a transplant. He looked at the unconscious Nora on the stretcher, his fingers trembling. It was a panic I had never seen in him before. Then he looked at me. His eyes were bloodshot. “I’m sorry,” he said. Before I could understand what he meant, I felt a sharp pain in the back of my neck. As I lost consciousness, I saw him nod to the doctor. They had prepared for this all along. Miraculously, as I was pushed into the operating room, it was as if my soul floated out of my body. I felt myself hovering in mid-air, witnessing everything. I saw him standing right next to the operating table. As the surgeon’s scalpel cut open my body, he watched without expression, his eyes showing no ripple of emotion, as if this body was nothing more than a tool to be disposed of at will. “Her organs are in good condition, and the match is compatible,” the doctor’s voice seemed to come from far away. “It’s enough to save Nora.” I watched as my heart was taken out, placed in an ice box, and sent to the adjacent operating room. He followed the ice box out, not even sparing me a final glance. After putting me in the cryogenic equipment, he sat nearby dealing with documents, occasionally looking up at me. I floated in front of him, wanting to see if there was even a hint of guilt in his eyes. But his gaze passed through my soul and fell on his phone – it was a message from the doctor: The surgery was very successful, she’s recovering well. He smiled with relief, casually tossed my medical record aside, and left the underground room. The part of the medical record that was open clearly stated: “Organ donor – voluntary donation.” He didn’t even bother to make up a lie, thinking I would wake up soon anyway. But what he didn’t know was that this time, I really wouldn’t wake up again. Because the chance that allowed me to be reborn had already been used up the last time I saved his teammate.

My ability to be reborn was real. Three years ago, before I was pulled out as the sole survivor of that plane crash, the system informed me that I had gained three lives. The first time, I used it on myself, allowing myself to survive that plane crash. Adrian was the SAR team leader who came to investigate the accident. He was tall, wearing a dark blue uniform with straight shoulder lines. Standing in front of the plane wreckage, he was surrounded by an aura of coldness, like a general who had walked out of an old photograph. I was shivering on the stretcher when he turned his face towards me, his well-defined jawline tense. When those pitch-black eyes swept over me, it felt like they could see through to my soul. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “You’re safe now.” His voice was deep and pleasant, like warm water slowly being poured into my heart. At that moment, I was smitten. The system said that if I maintained a three-year marriage with my destined person, I could stay in this world forever. Looking at this stern man before me, I decided to take a chance. This was the first time that 28-year-old Eliza Hart had ever been so determined to want something. Adrian looked to be in his early thirties, very tall, with a lean and muscular build from years of training. He walked with a special rhythm, probably due to his military background. Every time I passed by the SAR team, I could recognize his silhouette at a glance. I started to approach him as an ordinary person. I would bring coffee to the SAR team every day and prepare late-night snacks for the team members working overtime. I knew I was like a desperate groupie, but I didn’t care. They said Adrian never accepted anything from women, but he took my coffee. He was always polite and gentle, but he always kept his distance from me. The people in the SAR team felt sorry for me, saying I couldn’t see reality clearly. “Captain Quinn never gives hope to any woman. Don’t waste your efforts.” But what I didn’t tell them was that every time I pretended to lose my balance, he would always be the first to steady me. He would tell me to be careful, but his hand would linger. Until one day, I heard him on the phone calling a woman “Nora,” his tone affectionate. It turned out to be his former deputy team leader, Nora White. They were said to be childhood sweethearts. Nora was very beautiful, and everyone said they were a perfect match. I should have known better and given up. But at that time, I still had two lives left. Young and reckless, I thought I could always make it through three years. If I had known earlier that the second life would be used to save his teammate, and the third life would be ended by his own hands, I would have stayed far away from him from the very beginning. But alas, love is blind when you’re in it.

Nora had been Adrian’s partner since their special forces days. Everyone in the SAR team knew that they were once the most outstanding sniper and spotter. On the battlefield, a spotter and a sniper need to be in perfect sync to complete their missions. So after retiring from the military, Adrian and Nora joined the SAR team together, working in perfect harmony as if they were one person. I once secretly looked through Adrian’s old photo album. In the photos, Nora wore a uniform, her eyes bright and spirited, exuding a charm that ordinary people like me could never achieve. And Adrian stood beside her, looking down at her with such gentle eyes. Later, people in the team told me that Adrian had pursued Nora for five whole years. From boot camp to special forces, from training grounds to battlefields, everyone thought they would end up together. But in the end, Nora still rejected him. “We’re not suitable for each other. You deserve better,” she said. She said this just before a mission, and Adrian still loaded her bullets for her. They remained the best partners, as if nothing had happened. But in the dead of night, Adrian would practice shooting alone on the training ground until his fingers bled. Later, Nora voluntarily applied for a transfer to a remote SAR branch. On the day she left, Adrian stood outside the airport, watching her silhouette disappear into the security check. His fingers unconsciously fiddled with the ring he had never given her. The team said that was the most lost and dejected they had ever seen Adrian. I met Adrian six months after Nora left. At that time, he was like a dead pond, even his smile was cold. But I didn’t care. Young and impetuous, I thought time would wash away all the past. “He’s never had eyes for anyone else. You think he’s being gentle? That’s just his professional habit. Not just you, even those Instagram models who send him flowers, beautiful women, he smiles and accepts them, then throws them away as soon as they leave.” That’s what an old team member once told me. They couldn’t stand seeing me running to the SAR team time and time again, kindly warning me not to embarrass myself. But I didn’t believe them. I told myself that the past was in the past. Even if I was just continuing someone else’s story, I accepted it. Even the on-duty nurse at the SAR team couldn’t bear to watch anymore: “Eliza, why don’t you understand? Adrian goes to the border to see Nora every year without fail. They may be separated by mountains and rivers, but their feelings are deeper than every day you spend by his side.” I really didn’t understand. I didn’t understand why Adrian would accept my pursuit, why he would marry me. Thinking back now, perhaps from the day I used my second life to save his teammate, he had already been planning something.

The rescue that changed everything happened in my second year of knowing Adrian. Heavy rain caused a landslide, burying an entire village. Adrian led the team at the forefront, with his lifelong friend Leo Sanders covering the rear. No one noticed the massive boulder teetering overhead. “Adrian!” Leo’s voice cut through the curtain of rain. The moment Leo pushed Adrian away, the boulder came crashing down. “No!” Adrian rushed towards the rubble like a madman, held back by three team members. Back at the SAR team compound, he knelt in the rain, his whole body shaking like a wounded animal. It was the first time I had seen him lose control. Adrian, who was always calm and composed, could actually be driven to such despair. Leo was Adrian’s brother in all but blood. They had grown up together, joined the military together, entered the special forces together, and later retired to join the SAR team together. Their relationship was closer than real brothers. When Leo was rescued, his heart had already stopped beating. The doctor said that even if they could save him, he would need a heart transplant, and the treatment would cost at least five million dollars. “Please, you must save him,” Adrian gripped the doctor’s hands, his voice hoarse. “I’ll find a way to pay, no matter how much it costs.” But he had only recently retired from the military, and his salary was mostly going towards his mortgage. His teammates pitched in, a thousand here, ten thousand there, but they only managed to gather half a million. I watched him pacing back and forth in the hospital corridor, his eyes bloodshot as if he hadn’t slept for days. “It should have been me,” he kept saying. “Why did he save me?” At that moment, I felt like I was suffocating from heartache. I couldn’t hold back anymore. “I can donate my heart,” I pushed open the door and walked in. “My tissue type is a perfect match for Leo.” Adrian jerked his head up. “Are you crazy?” His voice was raspy. “You’ll die!” I smiled at him and whispered in his ear: “Trust me, I have a superpower. I won’t die.” He still didn’t agree, but I went ahead with the surgery behind his back. Not only did I donate my heart, but also my liver and kidneys to a rich man’s daughter. The wealthy man transferred five million dollars to Adrian’s account. Three days later, I woke up. When I opened my eyes, I saw Adrian keeping vigil by my bedside. He hadn’t slept for three whole days. Dark circles under his eyes, yet he stubbornly refused to leave. “You’re awake,” his voice was hoarse as he carefully held my hand. “Does it hurt?” It was the first time I had seen him so gentle. Leo recovered quickly, and Adrian started visiting me in the hospital frequently. He would peel apples for me, help me drink water, his gaze so focused it made my heart tremble. Sometimes when I was asleep, I would feel someone gently kissing my forehead. He began to tell me his stories, about the fun times training with Leo when they were young, about the rigorous tests in the special forces, and about how much he feared losing important people. When he said these things, his eyes were gentle, but there was also something in them that I couldn’t quite understand. Later, he proposed to me. I nodded, tears streaming down my face. He kissed away the tears on my face and held me tight. After that, I applied to join the SAR team as a contract nurse, so I could be by his side. It was at this time that Nora was transferred back to the main team.

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My girlfriend made me hand over everything I’d accomplished to her first love. I even gave him the CEO title. Not because I was foolish, but because I knew one thing for sure— he couldn’t handle it. Without me, they couldn’t even get the drones off the ground. And the royal drone show contract came with a penalty clause she could never pay. Later, when she got on her knees and begged me to come back, I only said one thing: “We’re already divorced.” Chapter 1 Chloe Sterling, my wife, stood on stage, holding Ethan Moore’s hand. “Ethan, the Sterling Group’s success is thanks to you,” she announced. “This year’s entire bonus is yours.” She handed him a five-million-dollar check. The room erupted in applause. Chloe’s father, Richard Sterling, nodded in approval while our colleagues crowded around, cheering them on. “With Mr. Moore leading, our global expansion is guaranteed!” “Mr. Sterling and Chloe have a real eye for talent. And Chloe and Ethan? They work better together than most married couples!” I stood at the back of the crowd, watching the celebration, my technical proposal crumpled in my fist. Today was supposed to be the company’s annual bonus ceremony. But just as I entered the conference hall, Chloe got a call. There was a reported malfunction in the drone system—I was needed at the testing site immediately. After years together, I trusted her without question. I didn’t even grab lunch before rushing over. My team and I spent all day troubleshooting under the blazing sun, over 100 degrees. But seeing Chloe hand the entire bonus to Ethan, an intern who’d been here less than a month, it all became clear. The system glitch was just an excuse to get me out of the way. She was ready to hand my three years of work—my life’s achievement—straight to her first love. Ethan pretended to notice me then, feigning surprise. “Mr. Carter, you made it! We thought you might not show, so we started without you. Hope you don’t mind.” His words were polite, but his eyes held a clear challenge as he waved the check in my direction. Chloe shot me an impatient look. “Liam, what’s with the attitude? Did you expect the chairman and everyone to just wait for you? No wonder you drag your feet on every project bid. You’re deadweight. Since you’re here, hand over the Aldonia project to Ethan now. At least then we won’t have to worry about you messing it up.” I clenched my fists at her tone, my heart turning cold. The Aldonia project was a massive deal I’d spent three years securing. It was my life’s work. The Aldonian Crown Prince had provided a five-million-dollar advance. But to ensure thousands of drones could operate flawlessly in the desert, I’d pulled endless all-nighters. The constant travel, the jet lag, the stress-induced health issues—I’d pushed through it all. Now, just as the project was nearing completion, Chloe wanted to snatch it away with a few words and hand it to her ex. I almost laughed at how pathetic my dedication had been. Ten years ago, the Sterling Group was nearly bankrupt, unable to pay its staff. Chloe took over, announcing plans to pivot to drone technology. Without hesitation, I left my well-paying tech job and poured all my savings into building her dream from scratch. But with a background in fashion, she couldn’t even read basic code, let alone handle R&D. For years, I was the backbone of the company’s tech. Every patent bore my name. Every crisis required my attention. When we were struggling for funding, Richard refused to help, looking down on me. My parents sold their home and life savings to keep us afloat. That was what saved the Sterling Group. Only then did marrying Chloe even become an option. But I wasn’t just a husband—I was the “married-in” husband, taking her family name. Richard never missed a chance to mock my humble roots, acting as though the Sterling family was doing me a favor by letting me in. I didn’t care back then, because I was in love with Chloe. I would have done anything for her. But I never expected that after a few business trips abroad with Ethan… he’d effortlessly take credit for my work. Chloe and I had been married for ten years. Yet somehow, I still ranked below her ex, who’d treated her poorly. Today, she finally burned away the last bit of feeling I had left. After a long silence, I spoke calmly. “Fine. Do what you want.” Ethan couldn’t hide his smug grin, though he played humble. “Ms. Sterling, I’m just a beginner. How could I take over your billion-dollar international project? I heard you’ve struggled with it for three years. I only want to help.” Chloe placed a hand on his shoulder. “Ethan, you’re an Ivy League graduate! If you can’t handle this, no one here can.” Richard added firmly, “Exactly. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re better than that loser anyway.” I almost laughed out loud. Ethan’s degree was just a piece of paper. During his interview, he couldn’t explain basic control theory. But the Sterlings were determined to back him, paying him a fortune. After soothing Ethan, Chloe turned to mock me. “Liam, do you really think you’d be anywhere without me? You’ve had it too easy. You’ve forgotten your place. Making a fuss over handing over one project? If Ethan hadn’t put in a good word for you, Dad and I would’ve kicked you out long ago.” I laughed inwardly. Had she already forgotten that without me, the company’s drones wouldn’t even function? I built the tech team from scratch. Now that the Sterlings were on top, they saw me as a burden. They kept talking, painting me as the family’s biggest embarrassment. Taking a deep breath, I walked up to Ethan under Chloe’s scornful gaze. Everyone watched, probably thinking this pushover was finally about to snap. But I just smiled calmly. I pulled the CEO transfer papers from my bag and dropped them at Ethan’s feet. “Managing thousands of drones must be exhausting. How about I just make you CEO instead?” Chapter 2 The room fell silent, everyone staring in disbelief. The Sterling Group executives whispered, thinking I’d lost my mind. After all, everyone knew I’d worked tirelessly for a decade, asking for nothing in return. “Mr. Carter, you’re the company’s second-in-command! It’s just one project. Don’t throw away your future over a rash decision!” Hearing this, Chloe seemed to think I was threatening her. Her face flushed with anger. “Liam, have you lost it?” she snapped. “How dare you act up after a little criticism? Let me remind you—you’re only the CEO on paper. I’m the one who really runs this group.” I laughed inside. She should’ve been thrilled I was stepping down. Wasn’t this her dream? To see her beloved ex take the top spot? Ethan clutched the transfer document, greed flashing in his eyes. But he played the humble hero. “Mr. Carter, are you offering this in anger? Please don’t misunderstand. Chloe was just trying to help me catch up. It’s for the good of the Sterling Group. Besides, how could I replace you? You’re a veteran here. The CEO role isn’t for someone like me.” He made a show of handing the document back, but his grip stayed tight, as if afraid I’d take it. Seeing his act, I smiled faintly. “Why would I be angry? You’re an Ivy League returnee. I’m thrilled to bring in fresh talent. I have every confidence in you as CEO.” Chloe gave me a suspicious look, then snorted. “Ethan, since he’s offering, just take it. With your skills, you’d have gotten there anyway. Everyone here is a witness.” The moment she finished, Ethan stopped pretending and hugged the document, his eyes gleaming. Watching him, I sneered inwardly. Chloe, busy flirting with Ethan, had no idea how technically demanding the Aldonia project was. I’d spent a year perfecting the desert formation algorithm. But they didn’t know the core program was still on my encrypted drive, not yet handed over. Even if they stole it, without my notes, it would take months to crack. Without me, how could they possibly pull off a show with tens of thousands of drones? What they saw as a goldmine would become a swarm of locusts. Plus, Ethan probably didn’t realize that being CEO meant taking on all the responsibility. If the Aldonia show failed, they’d not only owe millions in penalties—they’d face the royal family’s wrath. Not to mention the competitors waiting to pounce. Since they thought I was useless, I saw no need to warn them. The day the project failed would be the day the Sterlings fell. Chloe seemed almost embarrassed by my easy surrender. She cleared her throat haughtily. “Alright, Liam, stop standing there. You’ll need to hand over your work. We’re celebrating Ethan’s success tonight. Since you’re being reasonable, you can join us.” Her condescending tone was almost funny. If the Aldonia project succeeded, the bonus would be tens of millions. They cut me out of the profits, and now a dinner was supposed to make it okay? The thought of eating with a weasel like Ethan made me sick. I was about to decline when he chimed in, fake concern plastered on his face. “Oh dear, Mr. Carter, I booked the private room before you arrived, so I didn’t save you a seat. My apologies. I might’ve sprained my ankle today, but I should make it right. Please, have a seat. I’ll fetch a chair and some drinks.” I knew he was playing the victim to score points. Sure enough, Chloe fretted over him, guiding him to a chair. “Ethan, you’ve done more than enough for the company. This huge project rests on you. We can’t have you running errands.” She shot me a disgusted look. “What are you waiting for? After all your years here, don’t you have any sense? Either go get the drinks, or don’t bother coming!” Her double standards made me scoff. Chloe always took me for granted. I’d worked day and night but was never included in team dinners. Now they acted like they were doing me a favor. Ethan, pushing his luck, smirked. “Mr. Carter, so sorry to trouble you. I’ll make sure to toast you properly later…” Before he could finish, I let out a cold laugh and kicked the leather executive chair out from under him. Chapter 3 Ethan stumbled back, tripping over a chair. He crashed headfirst into the million-dollar holographic projector. Glass shattered. I watched him scramble up, blood trickling down his forehead, and sneered. “What, did the star student’s ankle heal miraculously? That was some agility. Were you a tap dancer in a past life?” Chloe froze as if doused in ice water. Then she rushed to Ethan’s side, whirling on me with a roar. “Liam, have you lost your mind? What if Ethan’s hurt? I get it now! You can’t stand seeing him succeed, so you’re sabotaging the project!” I scoffed. “Jealous of an idiot? Please.” “And,” I added, “I’ve already resigned. So drop the boss act. I’m done playing your games.” Chloe trembled, eyes red, about to retort. I strode out of the conference room without looking back. The sounds of chaos and Richard’s shouts faded behind me. I packed my things from my office, my gaze lingering on the velvet box on my desk. It was a custom bracelet I’d ordered from overseas. An anniversary gift for Chloe. How ironic now. Staring at it, I drifted back. In college, Chloe was my goddess. I knew I was just an ordinary guy, not worthy of an heiress like her. So I silently adored her—running errands, buying lunch, even doing her homework. And yes, she took me for granted, treating me like a backup. One day, I found a silver bracelet she’d lost and tried to return it. But she threw it into a dirty ditch and told me to “step up” and be her boyfriend. Everyone said she was just lashing out after her first love dumped her, taking revenge on me. But I refused to believe it. I doubled down, convinced my love would win her over. Like a loyal puppy, I revolved around her 24/7. I showered her with gifts, always planning surprises. Even after ten years of marriage, nothing changed. Our anniversary was always marked in my calendar, though Chloe never remembered. I knew she was never truly passionate about me, but I believed she loved me in her way. Maybe that was just how she showed love. So, I accepted being a powerless CEO and the Sterling family’s live-in husband. I thought our life would stay happy. But I underestimated the pull of her first love. It wasn’t until I saw her with Ethan—the unconcealed affection in her eyes—that I realized my ten years of devotion were self-deception. Maybe Ethan had always had a place in her heart. And I was just a disposable stand-in. Just as I was about to toss the gift, I bumped into Chloe and her entourage returning to the office. “Well, well, Liam, weren’t you the tough guy earlier?” she sneered. “Can’t you be less petty? Resorting to cheap tricks?” Chloe stood in the doorway, arm in arm with Ethan, executives trailing behind. I sneered inwardly. This shameless pair wasn’t even hiding it. Ethan tugged Chloe’s sleeve, feigning concern. “Chloe, Mr. Carter must want to apologize. Look at the bracelet in his hand. He probably got it to beg your forgiveness!” Chloe paused, then scoffed. “Hah! Does he think a cheap bracelet will win me over? If Ethan hadn’t stopped me, I’d have called security…” She reached for the bracelet. I frowned and tossed it straight into the trash. “You’re sick,” I said. “Even trash looks good to you. Get that delusion checked.” Chapter 4 Without waiting for her reaction, I grabbed my briefcase and left. I headed home to pack. It was time to end this charade. But I’d barely started when the door slammed open. Chloe stormed in, fuming. “Liam, have you lost it today? Humiliating me in front of everyone? Have you forgotten you’re just my live-in husband?” Ethan trailed behind, pretending to be concerned. “Mr. Carter, I wanted to speak up for you, but you went too far. Is it because Chloe and I are close that you feel threatened? We’re just colleagues. If you misunderstand, there’s nothing I can do. I don’t want to be the ‘other man.’ I should leave.” He made a show of leaving, but his steps were slow. Chloe grabbed his arm, soothing. “Ethan, you’re right. He’s just a live-in husband. Who is he to tell you to leave?” She turned to me, teeth gritted. “Liam, you’ve disappointed me. You’ve changed. You’re disgusting! Apologize to Ethan, or I’ll kick you out!” I clenched my fists. It wasn’t the first time she’d threatened me with divorce. Every time we argued over Ethan, she’d dangle expulsion over my head. Back then, like a fool, I gave in, thinking she’d one day see me as her real husband. Now, I realized I’d been blind. I didn’t need a woman like this. Seeing my silence, Chloe assumed I’d back down. She tossed her hair triumphantly. “Actually, I don’t have to kick you out. As long as you and Ethan…” I cut her off. “Enough. I’ll leave. Let’s get a divorce.” Chloe was thunderstruck, mouth agape. Ethan jumped in. “Mr. Carter, even if you’re angry, you can’t joke about divorce!” I pulled the divorce papers from my bag and slapped them on the table. “I’m not joking. Sign it. Let’s end this.” Chloe finally realized I was serious. She pointed a trembling finger at me. “Fine! Get out! Go ahead and regret it!” A gleam of triumph flashed in Ethan’s eyes, but he feigned concern. “Mr. Carter, think this through. You’re part of the Sterling family. Once you leave, you lose that status. Without them, what will you have?” His meaning was clear: I was nothing without the Sterlings. Chloe, emboldened, added, “Exactly! Who’d want a nobody like you without the chances we gave you? You couldn’t handle this project, but Ethan managed it effortlessly. Once Aldonia’s show is done, our company will soar!” I scoffed. Soar? They were headed for bankruptcy! Without my core program, Ethan’s amateur skills couldn’t synchronize ten drones, let alone ten thousand. The Aldonian royal family wasn’t to be trifled with. When the project failed, the company would be ruined. Just then, Chloe’s phone rang. She shot me a smug look. “Look, it’s Prince Malik’s secretary. Once this payment comes through, I’m taking Ethan on vacation! And you? You can cry in your crappy rental!” She put the phone on speaker, eager to flaunt her triumph. A second later, a furious roar erupted from the phone. “You useless idiots! This is the billion-dollar show you bragged about? It can’t even fly in a test run! How dare you scam me! I’ll destroy your company!”

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The day I found out I was pregnant, Julian deliberately drove the car off a cliff. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my college days. Only then did I understand— from beginning to end, the person in his heart had always been his first love, Serena. I tore the love letter to shreds on the spot and walked away in the opposite direction from him. Eight years later. He booked the most expensive bar in the city, preparing a proposal for the “love of his life.” When he saw me appear, he looked at me with open mockery and said, “I know you can’t let me go, but you didn’t have to chase me all the way here, did you?” But the moment he saw me holding another man’s hand, he completely lost control. “Claire,” he demanded, eyes burning red, “didn’t you promise to love only me for the rest of your life?” I never expected to see Julian again, especially not in a nightclub. Traffic had delayed me, causing me to miss the class reunion dinner. I drove straight to the club where I had a prior engagement. To my surprise, I stumbled upon my old classmates who had moved on to their second venue of the night. They were lost in the rhythm on the dance floor. Julian, with his fair skin and tall stature, stood out in the crowd. He held Serena close, his eyes full of adoration. “Julian is truly a rare genius. At such a young age, he already owns several Formula 1 teams,” someone remarked. “Indeed. Tonight, he rented out this entire club just for Serena.” “This must be the most luxurious venue in the city. The rental fee for one night must be at least a million dollars.” “Well, you can’t put a price on a beautiful woman’s smile.” As the music stopped, Serena stood there, flushed and slightly out of breath. Suddenly, the big screen lit up, playing a montage of Julian and Serena’s romantic moments. The crowd started to cheer as Serena was ushered onto the stage. Julian, holding a bouquet of roses, got down on one knee before her. “Serena, will you marry me?” His voice was as soft as a gentle stream, almost overflowing with emotion. Someone in the crowd asked, “When did Julian break up with Claire?” The question, neither too loud nor too soft, reached everyone’s ears. Hearing my name, Julian’s expression darkened, his smile fading. Serena’s face froze for a moment before she quickly recovered, accepting the flowers from Julian with a polite smile. “Julian has always been popular with women, but who hasn’t made mistakes when they were young? The important thing is that it all worked out in the end.” The crowd laughed, continuing to compliment the couple on how well-matched they were. I stood in the corner, watching their intertwined fingers. Was I the mistake she referred to? But she didn’t know that in my previous life, it was Julian who had pursued me. He had fallen for me at first sight, launching an intense pursuit. Who could resist a handsome, tall, intelligent man who loved you to the point of obsession? So I agreed. On the day we became official, Julian cupped my face, hesitating to kiss me. “Claire, am I dreaming?” he had said. “If I kiss you, will I wake up?” I laughed, brushing his beautiful eyes before standing on tiptoe to kiss him. That night, he promised me, “Claire, I’ll be good to you for the rest of my life.” I believed him. But he lied. I took a deep breath and headed towards the elevator through the dim light. A sharp-eyed former classmate spotted me and exclaimed, “Claire, what are you doing here?” “What happened to you? You look so disheveled.” “Don’t tell me you’re still unemployed. Since Julian is here, why don’t you ask him to help you find a job that pays at least $5000 a month, for old times’ sake?” Their mockery was undisguised. I didn’t care, just smiling politely as I poured myself a glass of ice water. From the moment I entered, Julian’s gaze had been fixed on me, never wavering. Seeing me take a free glass of ice water, he seemed to relax a bit and said casually, “Order whatever you want. I’m covering all the expenses tonight.” I replied, “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.” My tone was polite but carried an unmistakable distance. Julian’s attempt to approach me halted. Half his face was hidden in the shadows, making his expression unreadable. After a long moment, he let out a bitter laugh. “Claire, after all these years, you’re still so prideful.” Serena’s gaze was filled with wariness. She intertwined her fingers with Julian’s, eyeing me with a look of ownership and contempt. “Claire, I don’t mean to be rude, but as a woman, you should at least make an effort with your appearance when you go out.” “Look at your mismatched clothes and messy hair. How do you expect any man to want to marry you like this?” “I have plenty of clothes at home that I don’t wear anymore. If you don’t mind, you can have them. After all, Julian buys me so many that I can’t even fit them all in two walk-in closets.” The crowd burst into laughter. I turned to look at my reflection in the glass. After two days of non-stop work on set, I was exhausted and hadn’t bothered with my appearance. Standing next to the impeccably groomed Serena, I did look rather unkempt in comparison. “No, thank you,” I said, waving her off as I helped myself to some chilled fruit from the bar. I was too hungry to care about my table manners. Julian suddenly walked towards me and held out his phone. I looked up at him, confused. “Give me your account number. I’ll transfer you $300,000,” he said. “Your current situation is ultimately because of me.” “But we’re in the past now. Don’t be so stubborn.” “Stop waiting for me and move on with your life.” Julian’s phone wallpaper was a picture of Serena holding a large bouquet of flowers. Looking at her carefree smile, I felt a bit dazed. In my previous life, let alone being his wallpaper, there wasn’t a single trace of me on Julian’s phone. He didn’t even save my number because he never needed to contact me. Whether in life or work, I always arranged everything for him in advance. It turns out that love and indifference are indeed very obvious. We started dating in college and got married right after graduation. He dreamed of becoming a race car driver, while I wanted to study film directing. Two completely different dreams that would never intersect. Seeing his dejected eyes, I gave in. I gave up the opportunity to study abroad without hesitation, following him around with heavy toolboxes day after day. He didn’t have professional equipment, so I would ride my bicycle around the city at night delivering food, saving money to buy him the most expensive and best racing suits. He didn’t have a maintenance team, so I taught myself car repair techniques, taking on the work of an entire team for him alone. But he still lost. His second-hand race car, bought at a low price, could never outrun others’ latest models. Despite my tireless efforts to comfort him in his depression, he pushed me away harshly, his eyes filled with a disgust I had never seen before: “I’m sick of this boring life with you.” “If I had chosen Serena back then, I wouldn’t be living like this now.” Those words shattered all my hopes for the future. I didn’t even have time to look back at the road we had traveled before we both died in that cliff accident. I wanted to beg him to save our child. But the words were swallowed by the flames before they could leave my mouth. Since fate had given us a chance to start over, we both chose to pursue the lives we wanted. There was no need for any further contact between us. I pushed the phone back to him. “There’s no relationship between us. This isn’t necessary.”

Julian frowned, his voice trembling slightly, though he didn’t seem to notice it himself. “No relationship? What do you mean? Am I just a stranger to you now?” I looked up, meeting his gaze steadily. “Aren’t we? Our lives have no intersection. Whether I dress well or poorly, whether I live comfortably or not, what does it have to do with you?” “If you have too much money to spend, you might consider helping those in need.” Perhaps feeling that I had embarrassed him in front of everyone, Julian’s expression turned impatient. He coldly rebuked me, “Claire, stop pretending. Didn’t you show up here just to get my attention?” Seeing this, Serena gently comforted him, “Julian, don’t say that about Claire. It’s too harsh.” Turning to me, the contempt in her eyes was barely concealed, though her tone remained gentle as ever. “Claire, don’t mind Julian. He’s just concerned about an old classmate.” “How about this? I opened a private clinic on South Street. We need a receptionist there, with a salary of $7000 plus room and board.” “If you’re interested, you can work there.” Someone nearby exclaimed, “South Street is prime real estate! To have a clinic there, Serena must really be something.” “Claire, you’ve struck gold! Quick, thank Serena!” I rolled my eyes, calmly eating my fruit and refusing their offer once again. “No need. I’m very happy with my current job.” Seeing that I didn’t appreciate their gesture, those trying to curry favor with Julian immediately stood up to criticize me for being ungrateful. “Claire, I think poverty has made you crazy. Julian and Serena are trying to help you, and not only are you not grateful, but you’re acting all high and mighty.” “We’re all old classmates. Everyone knows what you’re worth. Don’t miss this opportunity for the sake of your worthless pride.” After he finished speaking, Serena pretended to stop him. “Please don’t say that about Claire… Maybe she really likes her current life.” As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears, as if she had been bullied. Seeing the tears in Serena’s eyes, Julian pulled her into his arms, comforting her softly. “Serena, you’re just too kind.” He turned to me and said, “Claire, I didn’t expect you to still be so selfish and hypocritical.” “You really are beyond help! You only deserve the worst life has to offer.” I was curious why Julian would say such things about me. In both my previous life and this one, I had never done anything to hurt him. Why, after all these years, was he still speaking to me so harshly? I didn’t want to engage with them any further and stood up to go to the private room upstairs. However, a former male classmate blocked my way. He held a drink and leered at me as he approached. “Claire, I always hated that high-and-mighty act of yours. Never thought I’d see you like this.” “How about you drink with me? $500 per glass, what do you say?” “If you let me hold your hand, I might even pay extra.” I looked closely and barely recognized him as the guy who had confessed to me at the graduation ceremony. I think his name was Jack. At the time, I was focused on securing a spot for further studies abroad, so I had flatly rejected his advances. I didn’t expect him to hold a grudge for so long. Everyone was laughing, and no one came to my aid. I frowned. It wasn’t my intention to join their gathering. If I hadn’t had a prior appointment, I would have left long ago. The security guards were nowhere to be seen. As I was about to push him away, Julian, who had been quietly watching everything, suddenly threw his glass violently at Jack. His tone was ice-cold: “Stay away from her.” Jack, now drenched in alcohol, was about to lash out but stopped when he realized it was Julian. He could only turn back and glare at me viciously. The glass shattered on the floor. Serena’s schadenfreude smile instantly vanished as she looked at Julian in disbelief. “Julian, what are you doing?” Julian didn’t even glance at her, his eyes fixed on me. “This is my event tonight. I don’t want any accidents happening here.” I took two steps back, wiping the alcohol off my pants. “The security here is really poor.” Serena looked at me, her eyes almost shooting fire. “You’re complaining now?” “Do you know where you are? This is the property of Adrian, the movie star. If it weren’t for Julian, someone like you wouldn’t be able to set foot in here in a lifetime.” At the mention of Adrian, several female classmates suddenly became excited. “Is that the Adrian who’s won all those awards at such a young age and has been on the city’s richest list for five consecutive years?” “I heard he already has a child, but his wife has never been seen in public.” Just then, the main door was suddenly pushed open. A little girl, surrounded by a group of bodyguards, entered the hall. The girl looked around curiously. A butler in a suit followed closely behind her, cautiously saying, “Miss, please walk slowly. Be careful not to bump into anything.” The old classmates became excited instantly. “Someone who can freely enter a private event and is called ‘Miss’ must be the movie star’s little princess!” “My goodness, she looks exactly like Adrian!” I was about to step forward when the man who had been splashed with alcohol by Julian earlier blocked my path again. He didn’t dare confront Julian, so he took out his frustration on me: “Claire, if it weren’t for Julian, how could someone like you even get to see the movie star’s daughter? I suggest you kneel down and apologize to me right now. If I’m in a good mood, I might even marry you.” “A good man like me with a stable monthly income of $5000 is hard to come by. I advise you to be sensible!” I ignored him and watched as the movie star’s daughter was surrounded by people. They bombarded her with questions, and some had already taken out their phones to take pictures. Serena’s face no longer showed the arrogance from earlier. Instead, she wore a fawning smile: “Little sister, is your daddy Adrian?” After getting confirmation from the little girl, Serena’s smile became even more ingratiating: “What are you doing here? Would you like some fruit? Let sister get it for you.” As she spoke, she reached out to touch the girl’s face. The little girl pushed Serena’s hand away and walked straight towards me. Under everyone’s gaze, she threw herself into my arms, sweetly calling out: “Mommy!” Her bright eyes instantly filled with tears as she looked at me pitifully: “Mommy, Lily missed you so much!” “Why didn’t you answer Lily’s call yesterday?” I held her in my arms, comforting her softly: “Mommy was rehearsing with the actors on set yesterday and didn’t check her phone. Mommy won’t do it again. Can Lily forgive mommy?” Lily smiled brightly at me and planted a kiss on my cheek with a “mwah” sound. “Lily isn’t mad at mommy. I was just worried about you.” I poked her cheek: “Mommy’s little Lily is the best.”

Everyone present was shocked, all looking at us with disbelief. Julian stood frozen, frowning as he was about to speak. A handsome man wearing sunglasses rushed in from the entrance. “Honey, why didn’t you message me that you got off work early today? I would have picked you up. There’s so much traffic, I worry about you going alone.” “The manager told me your classmates are having a gathering here?” He put his arm around my shoulder, took off his sunglasses, and smiled at everyone: “Hello, I’m Claire’s husband. My name is Adrian.” “Tonight’s gathering is on me. You’re all Claire’s classmates, so feel free to make any requests. I hope everyone has a great time tonight.” The man who had just tried to get me to drink with him suddenly turned pale, while almost all the female classmates became so excited they could barely speak coherently: “Claire is actually the movie star’s wife!” “Oh my god, it’s like a drama come to life. This is too perfect!” Hearing this, I just smiled without responding. Adrian turned his head, his gaze scanning Julian up and down. After a while, he gave a contemptuous smile and said in a neutral tone: “So you’re Claire’s college boyfriend?” “I should thank you. It’s because of you that I was able to marry such a perfect wife.” Julian didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on me: “Claire, are you lying again?” “Are they actors you hired from somewhere?” I sighed, directly taking Adrian’s hand and showing the wedding ring symbolizing our vows to Julian: “He is my only husband, Adrian.” “I never lie, and I have no reason to lie to you.” Julian suddenly panicked: “But you said you would only love me forever!” Fearing that Adrian might get jealous, I quickly explained to him: “I never said that. Never.” These words made Julian’s face lose all color. He wanted to argue but knew he was in the wrong. In my previous life, I had indeed promised at our wedding to love only him for life. Living this life again, he chose a different path for himself. What right did he have to demand that I fulfill the promises of my previous life? Julian couldn’t accept it: “Even so, we were once in love. How can you be with someone else so casually? Does our past mean nothing to you?” Beside him, Serena’s face had turned completely pale. Looking at the photos still rolling on the big screen, I sighed helplessly: “Aren’t you with Serena now?” “Half an hour ago, you were proposing to her. Now you’re accusing me of not cherishing our past.” Julian had organized this gathering, and almost everyone had come with the intention of currying favor with him. When I was harassed by a male classmate, not one person reached out to help me. Now that they knew my identity, they started to criticize Julian and Serena. “That’s right, Julian. Let it go. Claire is so happy now, you shouldn’t disturb her anymore.” “After all, who wouldn’t love a handsome and rich movie star?” Serena couldn’t bear to listen anymore. She stepped forward, trying to hold Julian’s hand: “Julian, let’s go. I’m your fiancée now. You and Claire have nothing to do with each other anymore.” But as soon as her hand touched Julian, he violently shook it off. Serena lost her balance and fell onto the broken glass. Her delicate hand was instantly cut with several shallow wounds. Her face immediately turned red, and she looked at me with resentful eyes. Adrian’s smile deepened as he spoke leisurely: “Mr. Summers, you’re not regretting your choice and wanting to win my wife back now, are you?” “Claire is indeed very charming, but she’s not interested in just anyone. Mr. Summers, it’s best not to overestimate yourself.” Having his thoughts exposed by Adrian, Julian froze on the spot, stuttering as he tried to explain: “No… I…” I raised my hand to interrupt him, my tone cold: “Julian, the past can only be the past.” “I have a happy family now, and you’ve found your true love as you wished.” “Let’s not say any more meaningless words.” Our daughter had clearly lost interest in the situation. She tugged on Adrian’s hand and pouted: “Daddy, I don’t want to celebrate my birthday here anymore. I want to go home and eat the food you and mommy cook.” Adrian asked the butler to take our daughter to the car. Holding my hand, he gave a meaningful look to everyone present. “I heard that someone offered a high price of $500 earlier, wanting my wife to drink with them?” Jack’s face instantly turned pale. His shoulders trembling, he apologized profusely: “It was me… I was blind and offended Mrs. Smith. Please… please be magnanimous and forgive me.” He hung his head, stuttering slightly due to extreme nervousness. With just a glance from Adrian, the bodyguards behind him lifted Jack and dragged him into a side room. After dealing with Jack, Adrian turned his attention to Serena: “I also heard that you wanted my wife to work as a cleaner at your clinic?” “As it happens, I own an entire block of businesses in the South District. If even the cleaning staff needs to be personally recruited by the owner, I think I should reconsider the lease renewal.” The threat in his words was clear. Serena managed to squeeze out a smile, hiding slightly behind Julian: “I was just joking with your wife. Please don’t take it to heart…” Adrian then looked up, his gaze sweeping over those who had spoken disrespectfully to me earlier. They all lowered their heads, not daring to even breathe loudly. After all this, he finally turned to me, giving me a flirtatious wink. I knew what that meant. He was seeking praise for standing up for me. I took his hand and turned to leave. Just as we stepped out of the main door, Julian caught up with us. He called out to me: “Claire!”

The late autumn wind was chilly, and I instinctively hugged my arms. I signaled Adrian to wait for me in the car. After hesitating for a moment, he draped his coat over my shoulders before getting into the car. Even when facing Julian, he chose to respect and trust me. I clutched Adrian’s coat tightly, watching Julian approach with unsteady steps. His eyes were dark and unreadable. “Why did you marry Adrian? Is he really better than me?” I was speechless at his words, but thinking back to everything that happened before I married Adrian, I couldn’t help but smile. That year, I was still a rookie director barely stepping into the film industry. Even new media short drama producers wouldn’t look at my scripts. To chase my dream, I had spent almost all my savings. When I was at my wits’ end, Adrian took on my script. He didn’t look down on me. Instead, he carefully went over the plot details with me, recommended suitable actors, and helped me win my first director’s award. On the day I received the award, he confessed his feelings to me. I won’t deny that I had developed feelings for him during our long association, but because of the shadows from my past life, I forced myself to stay calm. I asked him: “If I’m with you, can I still continue my career as a director?” Adrian was surprised by my question: “You’re an independent person. You can do anything you want without needing my permission. I love you, so I’ll support you with all my might.” I took a deep breath and continued: “I like children.” Adrian chuckled softly: “So do I.” I accepted his pursuit, and from that day on, he became the catalyst for my new beginning. Later, we got married. Adrian respected my wishes and held a simple wedding in a church with only close friends and family. Then, we had Lily. Seeing my happy expression, Julian felt as if his heart was being pricked by needles. With reddened eyes, he asked me again: “That little girl, is she really your child?” “Yes.” “You weren’t willing to have a child with me, why could you have one with him!” Hearing this, I suddenly recalled the ultrasound report I had clutched tightly until my death in my previous life. That child had already developed a regular heartbeat, but ended up perishing with me in the fire. My chest hurt so much I could barely breathe, and my vision blurred with tears. Julian was still accusing me of betraying him. Finally, I couldn’t hold back anymore and slapped him across the face. Julian held his swollen cheek, looking at me in disbelief. “We once had a child.” “On the day you drove us off the cliff, I was going to tell you.” “I used to feel incredibly guilty about that child, but now I’m just relieved. At least my child didn’t have a father like you.” Upon hearing this, Julian froze on the spot. He covered his mouth, as if he had received a massive shock, and asked me with a trembling voice: “No, didn’t you go to have an abortion that day?” “Serena told me she saw you enter the abortion clinic with her own eyes!” “She said you thought I was too poor, so you didn’t want to have my child!” At that moment, I finally understood why Julian had called me selfish when we met again after all these years. “If I really looked down on you, why would I have married you without hesitation?” Julian was completely devastated. He collapsed on the ground, mumbling: “I killed my child… I killed them.” Tears rolled down my cheeks as I looked at the man before me, feeling nothing but ridicule. “I walked with you for so long, gave you so much, yet you easily believed someone else’s words.” I turned to leave, but Julian grabbed my hand: “Claire, I was wrong. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you.” “Please come back to me. I can’t live without you.” I shook my head and pulled my hand away: “Julian, you forgot.” “‘Let’s never see each other again in this life.’ Those were your words that day.” I understood that no one could change the past. Fortunately, I had truly let go.

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I was his lawful wife, yet every dollar I spent had to be approved by his secretary first. Living expenses required authorization. Purchases had to be registered. When my father was rushed into the ICU, I wasn’t even allowed to sign for his surgery. The night he rented out the entire Disneyland to set off fireworks for another woman, I stood in a hospital corridor, calling him again and again. The moment I sold my wedding ring and decided to file for divorce— he was the first time he refused to let me go. After losing control while drunk, I slept with the boy next door. He’s an extremely responsible person, so he proposed to me after sobering up. It wasn’t until later that I found out his most beloved woman had left the country that night. So I hid my deep feelings and became his obedient and virtuous wife in name only in this wealthy family. On countless quiet nights, we were incredibly in sync, yet kept our distance. My friends all said I would never be able to leave him, and I thought so too. Until one day, when I discovered his second phone. While he was in the shower, a girl sent a selfie of herself. “Mr. Sterling, thank you for the birthday gift.” She was a very young girl with delicate features. But she was wearing expensive clothes that didn’t match her age, so she looked a bit uncomfortable. I stared at it for a long time, until my eyes stung. I had always known there was someone in Alexander’s life, but I never imagined it would be a girl like this. Beyond my heartache, I was also surprised by my husband’s preferences. I thought to myself, I’m sorry for discovering Alexander’s secret. A moment later, Alexander came out with steam rising from his body. “How long are you going to look at that?” He snatched the phone from my hand, glanced at me, and started getting dressed. There wasn’t a hint of embarrassment on his face at being caught by his wife. I knew his confidence came from his control over the family finances. Because I was the one being kept at home, even though I used to be a well-known pianist in the country before we married. I didn’t confront him about the photo. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Seeing he was about to go out, I quickly spoke up. “Alexander, I have something I want to talk to you about.” He fastened his belt leisurely and looked at me. “I have five minutes. The driver is waiting downstairs.” I guessed where he was going and my eyes darkened. “Alexander, I want to go out and work.” Alexander turned to look at me, staring for a while. Then he took out a checkbook from his pocket, wrote down a number, tore it out and handed it to me. “Isn’t it nice being a full-time housewife at home? Work isn’t suitable for you.” He was about to leave after saying that. I chased after him, taking a very humble stance. “I’m not afraid of hard work. I want to go out and work. I can play the piano.” The man had no patience to listen further. In his mind, I was like a delicate vine. Used to being taken care of, completely unsuited for working outside, and unable to endure hardship. Alexander looked at his watch. Time was up. He left this home without any reluctance. I couldn’t stop him, only managing to urgently ask as he gripped the doorknob. “My dad’s birthday is on Saturday. Do you have time?” Alexander paused. “We’ll see.” The door closed softly. A moment later, the sound of a car starting came from downstairs, gradually fading into the distance. A few minutes later, the housekeeper came upstairs. “Sir is going to H City for a few days. He said it’s for something important.” “Also, a batch of Sir’s clothes just arrived for washing. Madam, should we send them to the cleaners or would you like to hand wash and iron them yourself?” They knew my relationship with Alexander was strained. In this house, they were the messengers between Alexander and me. I knelt on the sofa, taking a while to come back to my senses before softly saying, “I’ll wash them by hand.” Because Alexander didn’t like the smell of dry cleaning solvents. So almost all of Alexander’s clothes, including suits and coats, were hand washed and ironed by me. Besides this, Alexander had high standards in other areas too. He didn’t like eating out, and he didn’t like any mess in the bedroom, so I learned cooking and flower arranging. He never took this wife to heart, only marrying me because of an accident. I gradually became the perfect housewife, and my life revolved almost entirely around Alexander. But Alexander still didn’t love me. I lowered my head and stared at the check. Last year my family business failed. My father suddenly fell ill from the shock, costing over six figures every month. Every time I went home, my stepmother complained that I took too little from Alexander. “He’s the CEO of Sterling Pharmaceutical Group, worth billions.” “Elena, isn’t he your husband? Doesn’t that mean everything he has is yours too?” I smiled bitterly. How could anything of Alexander’s be mine? Alexander didn’t love me and was very cold to me usually. Our marriage only had sex, no love. He wouldn’t even let me have his child. Every time we slept together, he would remind me to take birth control. Yes, I had to take the pills. I felt for the pill bottle, took one out, and swallowed it numbly. After taking the pill, I gently pulled open a small drawer. Inside was a thick diary, filled with 18-year-old me’s deep love for Alexander. Ten years. I had loved him for a full ten years. I quietly closed my eyes. This one-sided play seemed like I could no longer keep acting it out.

I didn’t wait for Alexander to come back. My dad had another acute attack and entered the ICU. The situation was very critical and he needed immediate surgery. I stood in the hospital hallway calling Alexander over and over, but no one answered after several tries. Just as I was about to give up, Alexander answered. Afraid he would lose patience and hang up the next second, I spoke rapidly: “Alexander, my dad—” But my words were still cut off by Alexander. His tone carried a hint of impatience: “Do you need money?” “I’ve said many times, if you urgently need money just ask Secretary Mason. Elena, are you listening?” I looked up at the electronic screen, my expression dazed. It was playing today’s news. The CEO of Sterling Pharmaceutical Group had rented out the entire Disneyland for a night of fireworks to please a beauty. Under the dazzling fireworks, a young girl sat in a wheelchair, smiling sweetly and innocently. And my husband Alexander stood behind the wheelchair. He was holding his phone, talking to me. I blinked slowly. After a long while, my voice carried a hint of brokenness: “Alexander, where are you?” There was a pause on the other end. He seemed very unhappy with my questioning, but still perfunctorily said: “Still busy. If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up. Contact Secretary Mason.” He didn’t notice my near-tears tone, but his gaze looking down at the person beside him was very gentle, so very gentle. My vision blurred. So Alexander could be this gentle after all. My stepmother’s voice came from behind: “Did you get in touch with Alexander? If Alexander doesn’t help, there’s no way we can handle this.” But her words stopped abruptly, because she also saw the scene on the electronic screen. After a while, my stepmother finally found her voice again. “Elena, I just don’t believe that when Alexander was in a coma, this Sophia girl playing the piano could wake him up.” “Even if that’s true, is this how you repay someone? He can’t even remember your birthday.” My stepmother got more and more angry as she spoke. Thinking of the Miller family’s situation, she couldn’t help but shed tears. “But Elena, you have to be clear-headed. Don’t cause trouble with Alexander at a time like this.” I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, but I couldn’t feel any pain. Cause trouble with Alexander? I wouldn’t. Not because I’m a sensible Mrs. Sterling who knows better. But because I have no right as the unloved wife. The title is just an empty shell. I stared at the sky full of fireworks and said very softly: “All those fireworks must cost a lot of money, right?” My stepmother didn’t understand what I meant. I lowered my eyes and started dialing Secretary Mason’s number. Disturbing someone’s sleep in the middle of the night is always unpleasant. Secretary Mason had been by Alexander’s side for a long time and held a high position. Moreover, he knew Alexander didn’t care about this wife. So after hearing my request, his tone was cold and aggressive. “Mrs. Sterling, you need to apply first and have Mr. Sterling sign off before you can get a check.” “Just like the jewelry you wear, it needs to be registered before use.” “Madam, do you understand what I mean?” I hung up the phone. I lowered my head, very quiet. After a while, I looked up at myself in the glass, gently raised my hand. On my slender ring finger was my wedding diamond ring. This was the only thing on me that didn’t need to be requested from Alexander, didn’t need to be registered and reported to his secretary. How pathetic I was as Mrs. Sterling. I blinked dazedly and suddenly said: “Help me find someone to sell the wedding ring.” My stepmother was stunned: “Elena, have you gone crazy?” I slowly turned around. In the desolate lobby late at night, even my footsteps sounded lonely. After walking a few steps, I paused, then said firmly: “Aunt Clara, I’m very clear-headed. I’ve never been this clear-headed before. I want to divorce Alexander.”

Three days later, Alexander returned home. Alexander pushed open the bedroom door to see me sitting at the dressing table organizing items. He put down his luggage, loosened his tie, and sat on the bed examining me. After marriage, I always enjoyed doing housework, organizing things, making snacks. If I didn’t still hold the title of Mrs. Sterling Group, in Alexander’s heart I was really no different from a housekeeper. For a long time I didn’t speak. Alexander was also tired from his business trip. Seeing I didn’t speak, he was too lazy to say anything. He went straight to the closet, took a bathrobe and went to the shower. While showering, he probably thought that with my weak personality, by the time he finished I would have calmed down. Then I would continue to be a gentle wife. He was so certain I would always love him like this. So when he walked out of the bathroom and found his suitcase still in its original place, he felt it necessary to talk to me. Alexander sat down on the sofa, casually picked up a magazine to read. After a while, he looked up at me and said: “How is your father’s condition?” “I’ve already reprimanded Secretary Mason about that night.” He spoke lightly, without much sincerity. I put down what I was holding and looked up to meet his gaze in the mirror. In the mirror, Alexander’s features were deep-set and his aura was noble. Even a bathrobe looked better on him than others. I looked for a long time, until my eyes were sore, before saying very calmly: “Alexander, let’s get divorced.” Alexander was clearly stunned. He knew I must be unhappy about that night. Alexander turned and took a cigarette box from the coffee table, shook out a cigarette, put it between his lips, and lit it. A moment later, he slowly exhaled a thin wisp of smoke. “A few days ago you said you wanted to go out and work. How come after just a few days you’re now making a fuss about divorce?” “Tired of being Mrs. Sterling for so long, want to go out and experience life?” “Go out and see how many people are working overtime for just a few thousand salary, having to watch others’ facial expressions.” “Elena, you live in a 5000 square foot villa, being Mrs. Sterling. What more are you unsatisfied with?” His tone was heartless and cold. I finally couldn’t hold back anymore and smiled bitterly. “Mrs. Sterling? Is there a Mrs. Sterling like me?” I suddenly stood up and pulled Alexander to the closet, yanking open the doors with a whoosh. Inside was a whole row of jewelry cabinets, but they all had password locks. I didn’t know the passwords. These were all managed by his secretary. I pointed at those things, mocking myself sarcastically. “Is there any wife who needs to report and register with her husband’s secretary just to use a piece of jewelry?” “Is there any wife who needs to write an application to her husband’s secretary to use any money?” “Is there any wife who doesn’t even have cab fare when going out?” “Alexander, you tell me, is this how one is supposed to be Mrs. Sterling?” “Yes, you give me 1 million every month.” “But every time I receive the check, I feel like it’s just a favor after you use me for release.” Alexander coldly interrupted me: “Is that how you think?” He gently pinched my chin: “You want a divorce? You think you can live what kind of life without me?” I was in pain from his pinch and raised my hand to push him away. The next second, Alexander caught my hand, his cold gaze fixed on my empty ring finger: “Where’s your wedding ring?” “I sold it.” My tone was bleak: “So Alexander, let’s get divorced.” Those words almost exhausted all my strength. Alexander was the man I had loved for six years. If it wasn’t for that night, if I hadn’t seen those fireworks in the sky, Perhaps I would have stayed in this loveless marriage for many more years. But I saw it. I don’t want to be with him anymore. Maybe life after divorce will be harder than now, like Alexander said. But I don’t regret it. After I finished speaking, I gently pulled my hand away. I pulled out a suitcase and started packing my things. I knew in his heart he probably never imagined I would have such a rebellious day. Actually saying I want to divorce him so resolutely. But I couldn’t care about anything anymore. Just as I finished packing and was about to leave with my suitcase, The next second, I was picked up by him, carried a few quick steps, and thrown onto the bed. Alexander’s tall body pressed down on me. His face was tightly against mine, eye to eye, nose to nose. Hot, intense breath swirled between us. After a while, his thin lips moved to behind my ear, his tone frivolous: “You’re making a fuss with me just because of Sophia? Elena, why can’t you be more honest?” “Isn’t this Mrs. Sterling title what you schemed for?” “Why don’t you want it now?” I trembled at his words. Even now, he still thought I had orchestrated that night’s events. The phone rang. Alexander ignored it, lowering his body to kiss me. I refused, shaking my head trying to break free. The phone kept ringing persistently. Finally Alexander answered irritably. It was his savior, Sophia, on the other end. “Alexander, my leg hurts so much. Can you come keep me company?” The coquettish voice came through the phone. Alexander didn’t answer immediately. He seemed to consider for a moment before saying to the phone: “I’ll be over in a bit.” After hanging up, he got up and changed clothes. “I have to go out for a while. We’ll talk about the divorce when I get back.” With that, all he left me was the dull sound of the door slamming. I lay limp on the bed, powerless. After a while, I finally got up, silently changed my clothes. I took the luggage I had packed earlier and left this place.

I returned to my father’s home. Every day I was busy with my stepmother taking care of my dad in the hospital, running around non-stop. One day, my stepmother had just finished cooking and was preparing to take it to the hospital. Seeing me still at my parents’ home for several days in a row, my stepmother couldn’t stay calm anymore. She pointed at the suitcase that had been placed in the room and spoke in an unpleasant tone. “What couple doesn’t fight? It’s normal for men to occasionally cheat.” “That Sophia girl comes from a poor family and is blind. I’ve asked around, she’s even divorced before.” “Someone like that won’t affect your position at all.” What position did I have with Alexander? I smiled self-mockingly, took the food from my stepmother’s hands, packed it in a thermos, and said to myself: “Aunt Clara, you rest today. I’ll go take care of Dad.” My stepmother glared at me. After a while, seeing I wouldn’t budge, she angrily said: “Your dad will probably be furious to death if he finds out you want a divorce.” “Elena, let’s take a step back. Even if you really can’t go on with him, can you survive after divorce?” “With the Miller family in this state now, what do you have to support yourself?” I slowly screwed on the thermos lid. After tightening it, I lowered my head and said softly: “We’ll find a way. The money from selling the wedding ring is enough to cover Dad’s medical expenses for a year.” “I plan to sell this house, and I’ll also go out to work to support the family.” As I finished speaking, my eyes grew moist. This house was left to me by my mother. Even in the hardest times before, we never touched it. My stepmother was dumbfounded. She didn’t try to persuade me anymore, but clearly still didn’t approve in her heart. I cleaned up the kitchen, then went to the hospital with my stepmother. After treatment, my dad’s condition had largely stabilized. I also hadn’t mentioned the divorce to my dad. In the afternoon, the attending physician Dr. Bennett came to do rounds. After the examination, he glanced at me: “Let’s talk outside.” I was startled. Then I put down what I was holding and said gently: “Dad, I’ll step out for a bit.” A moment later, we walked to a quiet hallway. Dr. Bennett saw my nervousness and gave me a reassuring smile, then lowered his head to look at the medical records. “Last night, I discussed with several chief physicians from the surgery department and we unanimously recommend:” “Mr. Miller needs to receive customized rehabilitation therapy going forward, otherwise it will be very difficult to recover to his previous state.” “It’s just that the cost is a bit high, about 150,000 per month.” 150,000 was an astronomical figure for me now, but I didn’t hesitate to open my mouth: “We accept the treatment.” Dr. Bennett closed the medical records and was about to speak when a cold voice sounded from across: “Elena.” It was Alexander. Alexander was dressed in business attire, looking like he had come from the company. He walked towards us, his calfskin shoes making crisp sounds on the hallway floor. Shortly after, Alexander came up to them and extended his hand, his voice lazy with a hint of contempt. “Why aren’t you staying properly at home? What are you doing here?” Guessing he probably hadn’t had time to go home for several days in a row, having been by someone else’s side, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of weariness. Not wanting to show a black face in front of others, I could only turn to leave. Alexander saw me leave and followed. We walked towards the ward together, neither of us speaking. Ever since I wanted a divorce, I no longer carefully tried to please him and make him happy like before. Near the ward door, Alexander suddenly grabbed my hand, trapping me between himself and the wall. His gaze was complex, his voice hoarse: “What did you talk about with him?” I wanted to break free, but Alexander used a bit more force and I was pressed back again. “Alexander, this is a hospital.” “I know, of course.” Alexander didn’t budge. He pressed his body tightly against mine. His face was also pressed close to my ear, his voice carrying a hint of danger. I guessed his hidden thoughts. As the CEO of Sterling Group, With status and position, he wouldn’t allow his wife to be too close to other men. I smiled bitterly: “Alexander, I don’t have your filthy thoughts. I don’t have that mood either.” “Rest assured, before we divorce, I won’t get involved with anyone else.” After saying that, I pushed him away and turned to enter the ward. Alexander followed, pushing open the door. As soon as he entered, he frowned: “It’s actually not even a private room.” My stepmother brought over a chair, speaking softly: “Sit down quickly. I’ll have Elena cut some fruit for you.” For the sake of my dad’s health, I could only reluctantly serve Alexander. Alexander sat down to chat with my dad. He was usually cold to me, but performed flawlessly in front of my dad. He had been in the business world for years. As long as he wanted to please someone, it was easy for him to make people feel good. My dad had always liked him. But when Alexander suggested changing hospitals, he still refused, smiling at Alexander: “Let’s not move around. It’s fine here. That Dr. Bennett is very responsible.” Alexander grasped the right degree and didn’t insist: “It’s good if Dad is used to it here.” After some small talk, when I handed him the cut apple, he didn’t take it but instead stood up and said to my dad: “Well then, I’ll take Elena home first. Dad, take care of yourself.” My dad nodded. Alexander took me downstairs. The setting sun dyed the luxury car a blazing red, dazzling and noble. I was pushed into the car by Alexander. I wanted to get out, but my wrist was pressed down by him. Alexander’s expression was composed. From outside the car, one absolutely couldn’t tell he was using such force. I couldn’t move at all, showing the clear difference in strength between men and women. When I gave up struggling, Alexander finally let go and quietly started smoking in the car. My breathing was slightly ragged as I looked at his profile. The dim light cast a shadow on his profile. Alexander was born with good looks, and with his status, he could easily make women’s hearts flutter. I vaguely recalled back then, it was just such a face that made me lose my mind. After a while, he put out the cigarette and took out a velvet box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a diamond ring. My throat tightened. This was the wedding ring I had sold that night. Alexander had bought it back. Alexander stared at my face the whole time, not missing any subtle changes in my expression. As if he wanted to see through my skin and flesh. After a long time, he spoke flatly: “Hold out your hand, put on the ring, then come home with me.” “I’ll pretend the previous things never happened. You’re still Mrs. Sterling.” He was rarely so generous and gracious, but I refused. I curled my palm, this direct action expressing my rejection of him. Alexander’s patience was limited: “What do you really want?” I answered in a low voice: “Divorce. I want to divorce you.” As soon as the words fell, silence pervaded the car. For a long time, Alexander fastened his seatbelt and glanced sideways at me. I turned my face away, not giving him a single look. Alexander stared for a while, then lightly stepped on the gas. The car drove smoothly, the lights on both sides slowly receding. He clearly wanted to chat about something, but I didn’t engage at all. About five minutes later, Alexander spoke. “Tomorrow I’ll arrange for your father to be transferred to Sterling Hospital. He’ll have the best team of experts treating him.” “And in the future, just tell me if you need money.” His tone was quite gentle, considered a concession. He didn’t love me, and still cared about how I had schemed him back then. But he didn’t intend to change wives. This would cause trouble for his life and the company’s stock. Thinking of this, I couldn’t help but smile self-mockingly. Alexander looked over puzzled, but didn’t care. He continued while holding the steering wheel: “From now on, Secretary Mason won’t come to the house anymore. You can keep those jewels yourself. I’ll instruct him.” I listened quietly. The air conditioning in the car was very strong. I hugged myself to avoid shivering from the cold. I had been married to Alexander for five years and understood his personality quite well. To be honest, these concessions were considered favors from him. I should have been grateful and moved to tears, But I wasn’t. He said quite a lot and made concessions, but he didn’t mention Sophia at all. Which meant if I accepted his arrangements, Sophia would still appear in our lives in the future, with no changes. I was tired. I didn’t want to be trapped in a marriage I loved anymore. I flatly refused: “No need. My dad’s current doctor is fine.” Alexander heard my meaning. I didn’t accept his goodwill and insisted on divorce. He couldn’t help but get angry too. “Elena, don’t forget, we signed an agreement when we got married. If we divorce, you won’t get a penny.” “I know.” I answered quickly. Alexander’s patience was exhausted. He pulled the car over to the side of the road. One hand on the steering wheel, the other rubbing his brow, his face showing impatience. “How long are you going to make a fuss?” Even now, he only thought I was making a fuss. My heart turned cold as I sat up straight, looking ahead. After a while, I said softly: “Alexander, I’m serious. I don’t want to be with you anymore.” I stared straight into his dark, shining eyes, not giving an inch. He was handsome, with well-defined features. I used to be quite infatuated with this face. But now I felt nothing. Nothing at all. For the first time, I saw an unhappy expression appear on Alexander’s face. Before I could marvel at it, His phone rang. It was Secretary Mason calling. Alexander answered, his tone not very good: “What is it?” On the other end of the phone, Secretary Mason dutifully informed him: “Miss Sophia just fell when getting out of bed. She’s in a very bad mood now.” “Mr. Sterling, do you want to go see her? If you go, she’ll definitely be very happy.” Alexander held the phone without the strength to speak, clearly considering me beside him. His phone volume wasn’t low. I heard it. I just found it funny. Then I opened the car door and got out, leaving without looking back. A gust of cold wind blew over me, chilling me to the bone. I’m glad that when Alexander took out the wedding ring earlier, I didn’t waver. Didn’t have a change of heart, didn’t want to go back to that suffocating married life.

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My brother and I woke up, back on the day our parents divorced. In my past life, my brother chose our mom, a corporate executive, abandoning our dad, a painter lost in his art. Mom, after remarrying, poured all her energy into her new family, treating him with extreme strictness and coldness. But the dad he abandoned unexpectedly awakened a “Predictive Investment System” and became a legend in the investment world. Jasper spent his adolescence in loneliness and suppression. When he saw me on TV, living a privileged life as Dad accumulated wealth and fame, his heart filled with regret. Eventually, he rammed his car into me. When I opened my eyes again, Jasper was already grasping Dad’s hand. “You’ve had your good life already; this time, it’s my turn.” He looked at me, a smug smile playing on his lips. But he didn’t know that the so-called investment system was both a gift and a massive trap. When I opened my eyes, my mom, Eleanor, was pointing at Dad, Arthur, and scolding him sharply. “Arthur! You good-for-nothing, broke waste of space! I slave away to provide for this family, and you dare cheat on me!” A shattered glass flew past my eyes. Before I could even react, someone beside me moved faster. “Mom! How can you say that about Dad! Dad sacrificed so much for his art, and if you weren’t constantly obsessed with work, completely ignoring this family, he wouldn’t have felt so lonely!” My brother, Jasper, shielded Dad, his handsome face flushed with indignation. “This is unbelievable!” Eleanor froze for two seconds before snapping out of her shock. She reached out in annoyance to pull Jasper, but he violently shook her off. “Don’t touch me! I’m staying with Dad!” Eleanor looked at him in disbelief, unable to comprehend why her usually obedient younger son would suddenly twist the truth and spout such nonsense. In the chaos, only I caught the fleeting, sly glint in Jasper’s eyes. Just that one look, and I understood—Jasper and I had both been reborn, returning to this critical fork in our destiny. In my past life, the scene was exactly the same. Eleanor was a high-earning corporate executive, constantly busy with her career. Arthur was a struggling artist, dedicated to his so-called art, yet unable to earn a single penny. He believed others simply didn’t appreciate his talent, so he gradually grew close to a woman who did. They met frequently under the guise of discussing creative projects, until one day Eleanor, who came home early, caught them. Eleanor was furious and immediately demanded a divorce. Back then, Jasper, eyeing Mom’s financial strength and social status, unhesitatingly chose to go with her. But he never imagined that on the night of the divorce, Dad would unexpectedly acquire the “Predictive Investment System,” capable of foreseeing stock market trends. With this ability, Dad quickly amassed astonishing wealth through stock trading, becoming known in the industry as the “Midas Touch.” And as his son, I naturally lived a privileged life, receiving the best education. In contrast, Jasper, after choosing Mom, did not find the care and freedom he expected. Eleanor soon remarried, investing most of her energy into her new family, strictly disciplining him but lacking warmth. His stepsister, Brooke, brought by his stepfather, had a strong personality and constantly clashed with him. He grew up feeling suppressed. Eventually, while wandering the streets, he saw me, celebrated and thriving at an international forum on a giant mall screen. Jealousy and regret consumed him, leading him to choose the most extreme path. I just never expected that, upon reopening my eyes, we’d both be back at this starting point. This time, due to Jasper’s persistence and uproar, Eleanor ultimately relinquished custody of him, choosing me instead. But Eleanor still felt more for her younger son. Dad, who in the previous life had left with virtually nothing, was now able to keep our spacious old house because of Jasper’s choice. Watching me quietly pack my belongings, Jasper’s face displayed unconcealed triumph. “Aria, if things don’t work out for you later, come back and beg me. Maybe I’ll throw you a bone.” I merely smiled at his words, amused by his continued naivety. He thought that by choosing the “System”-bound Dad first, he held the winning hand. He didn’t know that easy success doesn’t exist in this world. Any gift received without effort always comes with a hidden price. That seemingly unbeatable card, without the matching skill and mindset, can lead straight to ruin when played alone.

Mom and I moved into a small apartment near my school. People often say it’s easy to get used to luxury, but hard to give it up. Moving from a spacious detached house to such a cramped space, Eleanor indeed found it difficult to adjust. But deep down, she knew that if it weren’t for her favoritism towards Jasper, unwilling to let him suffer even a little, it wouldn’t be us who had to move out. “Aria, don’t worry. Once this big project is done, I’ll definitely get you a bigger place.” When she noticed my clothes and shoes no longer fit into the tiny closet, her tone was filled with clear apology. But I actually didn’t care much about these things. In my past life, after Dad’s “Predictive Investment System” was fully activated and wealth rapidly accumulated, invitations to social events and collaboration opportunities poured in. I quickly moved into a more upscale neighborhood and owned many expensive possessions. I didn’t have to devote all my energy to college applications and standardized tests like most of my peers. Because with Dad’s investment foresight, which seemed to predict the market, a brief investment seminar could earn more than an average working-class family made in a year. In the eyes of others, my life was enviable, like a movie plot. But only I knew that behind this sudden surge of fame and fortune lay immense public pressure and many unspoken rules within that circle. Dad had always lacked patience for running actual businesses. After gaining immense wealth from the system, he became even lazier, refusing to learn any solid asset management or business acumen. However, wealth growth isn’t limitless. Even with that almost predictive investment intuition, his increasingly casual spending and lack of long-term planning gradually eroded his partners’ confidence. People criticized him as merely a lucky speculator, no longer willing to engage in long-term collaborations that required trust. Most of those who had once gathered around him, calling him brother, were merely opportunists chasing profit, never genuinely caring. Seeing the tides turn, they quickly distanced themselves, disappearing without a trace. Desperate, he tried to force the core mechanics of the “Predictive Investment System” onto me, wanting me to be his puppet. To completely control me, he ignored my wishes, made me drop out of high school in my senior year, and then arranged for me to attend various social galas with unclear purposes. Finally, he pushed me into the bed of a wealthy man with particular tastes, taking photos to threaten me: “If you don’t do as I say, I’ll make these public.” During that time, I was physically and mentally exhausted, once on the verge of collapse. It was in those bleak days that I fully understood: every seemingly generous gift from fate always comes with a steep price attached. This time, I didn’t want those gifts that fell from the sky, yet came with invisible chains. I wanted to stand on my own two feet, rely on my own efforts, and firmly control my own life. I created a strict study plan for myself. Thanks to Mom’s lingering guilt, this time I didn’t have to worry about basic living expenses. I used the allowance she provided to enroll in several one-on-one private tutoring sessions. Like a knight on a grueling quest, I strictly followed my daily schedule, shuttling between home, school, and the tutoring center. These days were tough. During that initial period, I’d come home every day with my brain blank from overexertion, leaving only numb exhaustion. But I knew clearly that, as someone returning to my graduation year, I had far more catching up to do than my classmates. To earn respect and a future through genuine knowledge and skill, I had to put in several times more effort than others. Hard work pays off. With the guidance of my tutors and my own full dedication, my grades steadily climbed from the bottom of the rankings. Meanwhile, Dad, just like in my past life, quickly amassed unimaginable wealth due to his sharp investment foresight, and was suddenly highly sought after by many investment banks. When Jasper reappeared at school, he was clearly the most sought-after center of attention in the crowd. “What’s the point of studying so much? What you’ll earn working later might not even be a fraction of what I make from one investment right now.” Facing the envious glances and flattery from classmates, Jasper wore a casual smile, idly flipping through my exercise book, which was covered in annotations and markings. The guy next to him, Noah, immediately chimed in: “Exactly, what does Aria know, she just studies all the time? After all that studying, she’ll still end up working for some boss.” “Our Jasper is different; he’s going to be a rising star in the investment world… I heard that popular actress, Seraphina, is even really close to him lately!” “Don’t be silly, that’s not true!” At the mention of this topic, a deliberately veiled expression of triumph immediately appeared on Jasper’s face. His feigned resistance drew another round of teasing from those around him. A celebrity named Seraphina? My pen, mid-sentence, paused almost imperceptibly. If I wasn’t mistaken, they were talking about Seraphina, the actress whose career had been skyrocketing in recent years. In my past life, she was known for her low-key professionalism, yet she showed an unusual understanding and concern for my situation. On social media, discussions about us were quite heated, with even subtle interactions sparking widespread fan speculation. Perhaps driven by a competitive impulse directed at me, this time around, as soon as Jasper gained a little fame, he actively sought her out. And, unsurprisingly, photos of them appearing together at private events began to circulate online. “Aria, seeing someone who used to only have eyes for you now getting closer to me, doesn’t that sting a little?”

Jasper leaned into my ear, his voice a low, malicious whisper. Looking at my neat homework on the desk, he seemed to deliberately pick a fight, suddenly grabbing my pen-holding hand and scribbling several crooked, paper-damaging lines across my notebook. They say there’s a limit to how much a person can take. Especially when he just ruined homework that I had spent over two hours carefully completing. I abruptly snatched the water cup from my desk, and with my other hand, quickly grabbed the front of his shirt. Amidst his surprised yelp, I splashed the entire cup of water right in his face. “Aria! You’re dead!” He froze for a second, drenched, then erupted in a furious rage, lunging at me like a wild animal. But as he came at me, my hand, already prepared and surging with power, grabbed his wrist and yanked him back hard. “You’re the one who’s dead. Do that again, and I’ll deal with your dad too.” Under my merciless grip, he grimaced in pain. The intense pain sobered him slightly. He didn’t recklessly charge forward again; instead, he recoiled a couple of steps, his eyes filled with venomous resentment. “You just wait… you’ll get what’s coming to you!” … Jasper’s “comeuppance” arrived sooner than expected. Returning home from school that evening, I found a visitor on the living room sofa. “Aria, come meet Uncle Richard.” Eleanor stood up a bit awkwardly, her introductory tone a little dry. I looked at the sofa. It was a man with a composed demeanor, dressed impeccably but not ostentatiously. He was also the formidable individual Jasper had mentioned in my past life, the one who eventually forced him out of the house. I’d once heard Dad proudly mention that the first time Eleanor introduced Uncle Richard to Jasper, Jasper threw a huge tantrum and went on a hunger strike for days. He smashed quite a few things in the house, pointing his finger at Uncle Richard and yelling: “You, a man remarrying with baggage, you’re not even fit to tie my dad’s shoes! What right do you have to step into our home!” At that time, Dad was at the peak of his fame, a media darling. Jasper, on one hand, regretted his initial choice; on the other, he looked down on Uncle Richard’s simple lifestyle and complained that Eleanor couldn’t provide him with the same prestige and lavish lifestyle as Dad. But before he could finish his rant, a solid punch landed on his face. Brooke, Uncle Richard’s daughter, stood emotionless in the doorway, her gaze as cold as a frozen lake. Ultimately, Eleanor still chose to be with Uncle Richard. And because of that terrible first meeting, Jasper and Brooke’s family became sworn enemies. Now, looking at the man before me, who offered a gentle smile, and the girl behind him, with a calm expression and a hint of scrutiny in her eyes, I extended my hand. “Hello, Uncle Richard, I’m Aria.” Brooke’s gaze shifted slightly, her previously distant scrutiny softening a little. Eleanor visibly relaxed, a relieved smile spreading across her face. “Aria is so much more sensible than her brother. If Jasper were here, who knows what kind of scene he’d make.” Sensible? I maintained a polite, shallow smile. If given the choice, what child would willingly share their parents’ affection and family resources? Jasper naturally understood this, which was why he gloated and taunted me at school. He believed I would, like him in the past life, clash endlessly with Brooke and her dad, ultimately ending up with nothing. However, what he never knew was that Uncle Richard was the head of a national research project. Though his life was simple, his social standing and network were exceptional. Objectively speaking, when it came to his marriage with Eleanor, perhaps we were the ones who benefited more. Jasper never cared about the academic world, so he had never witnessed Uncle Richard’s brilliance at professional forums. Of course, even if he knew, he probably wouldn’t care. Because his criteria for judging people always remained fixated on outward show and flashy clothes. So, while he wished Uncle Richard would leave quickly, not wanting him to touch “his” interests. I, on the other hand, was thinking about how to absorb knowledge from Uncle Richard, understand the wider world, and build my own undeniable value through genuine learning and ability. That evening, I went to the kitchen for a glass of water. As I passed the hallway corner, I was abruptly pulled into the shadows beside it by an unseen force. Moonlight streamed in through the window, outlining a face with sharp features, and a cool, keen edge in her eyes. “Aria,” her voice was a low whisper, her gaze fixed on me, “I don’t care what you’re thinking, but you’d better not have any designs on my dad.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. Brooke, the person Jasper feared most. She was my age, yet already someone no one dared to cross at school. She marched to the beat of her own drum, with a formidable personality, and thanks to her natural talent, even the guys couldn’t beat her. In my past life, when Jasper first tried to sow discord with Uncle Richard, Brooke simply stepped forward and beat him up. Because her usual tricks of pouting and whining were completely ineffective against Brooke, Jasper feared her terribly. Even after being thrown out of the house later, it was with a ‘scorched earth’ mentality that he orchestrated a trap to have her sent to juvenile detention. Yet, this was also the person who, during my most vulnerable moments, appeared like a ray of light and protected me. This time, I didn’t want to be her enemy. “Brooke.” I looked at the girl’s stern face before me and suddenly smiled. “Do you want to keep solving problems with your fists?” Her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and even the smooth lines of her arm muscles tensed slightly. No one had ever dared to bring that up directly in front of her. Everyone knew that Uncle Richard, a renowned scholar, hoped his daughter would focus on her studies and inherit his legacy in the future. However, Brooke had absolutely no interest in academics. She was straightforward and hated roundabout empty talk and tactics. In my past life, Jasper had exploited this very trait, orchestrating a trap that landed her in serious trouble. Yet now, facing her scrutinizing and defensive gaze, I simply pulled a flyer from my pocket. “If you don’t want to keep going like this, maybe this place is worth a try.” The flyer was for a fencing club’s enrollment. Even before Uncle Richard came to our house, I had already thought about how to guide Brooke onto a different path. The respect she commanded at school wasn’t just due to her intimidating aura; it was more her exceptional athletic talent. She was tall, with long arms, and her reaction speed and explosive power far surpassed ordinary people. These two qualities were precisely what fencing needed most. Jasper saw Brooke as an untamable beast who only used violence to solve problems, so he could only feel fear, ultimately leading to mutual destruction. But I was never afraid of a challenge. To me, you can find the right way to guide any beast, and you can unlock its true potential. The moonlight was cold and clear. Brooke simply stared at me intently. After a long while, she took the flyer, turned, and left. A faint “Thank you” drifted back to me. The results for the school competition team selection were finally out. With the help of my tutors and my own full dedication, I successfully made the team. On the day the results were announced, many classmates came to congratulate me. “Aria, good luck with the competition! When you get a good ranking, don’t forget to treat us!” “If you ask me, you’re the real role model here! What you earn with genuine ability is far more reliable than all that flashy nonsense!” Amidst the chorus of congratulations, only Jasper in the corner looked displeased. Unlike my smooth progress, he hadn’t had it easy lately. Initially, after discovering Dad’s system and rapid rise to fame, he indeed indulged in the adulation of the crowd. But gradually, the troubles brought by immense public attention began to surface. First were the work arrangements. Dad, inherently clueless about business operations, had relied on others his whole life. After getting the system, he became even more engrossed in various superficial social events and indulgences. Choosing work invitations and handling business collaborations ultimately all fell on Jasper. Jasper had initially thought he could ride Dad’s coattails to skyrocket to success. Instead, he ended up transforming from his family’s pampered son into an assistant constantly cleaning up his father’s messes. He was exhausted and constantly busy, following Dad around, dealing with all sorts of trivial matters, and managing media reports of Dad flitting between different women. But even so, the situation didn’t improve. A public figure’s life is magnified infinitely. Besides paparazzi photos, even more devastating was Dad’s truly deplorable knowledge base and cultural literacy. In my past life, with me there to promptly remind him or smooth things over, many issues were barely glossed over. But now, Jasper himself was someone who disliked studying and couldn’t settle down to learn. During an art interview, the host asked Dad to offer a blessing to students about to enter university. Jasper hastily searched online for some quotes, but Dad mangled a historical allusion, making a huge joke of himself. Dad, feeling humiliated backstage, slapped Jasper hard across the face on the spot. “If only I’d brought Aria along instead, this embarrassment would never have happened!” He pointed his finger at Jasper, scolding him fiercely. But he clearly still didn’t want to give up the attention and benefits he’d gained. So Dad ultimately made the same decision as in the past life—he transferred the system to Jasper. “Aria, did you know this would happen all along?” As I packed my bag, only he and I were left in the classroom. I turned, looking at his furious face, and found it somewhat laughable. “Haven’t you already gotten what you wanted most?” My tone was calm, and I watched the expression on his face slowly stiffen. Of course, I knew why Jasper, despite having the system, was so restless and anxious. Because the “Predictive Investment System” was nothing like he imagined.

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The day Chloe and I agreed to move to the same city, I never showed up. She probably still can’t figure out what happened. I just went back to my hometown to pack, and suddenly I was gone, completely off the grid. A few days later, I finally called Chloe. The moment she picked up, her voice was sharp with accusation: “Leo, are you trying to ghost me?” I glanced at the stark, cold walls around me and forced out words I didn’t mean. “Yeah, that’s right. I’m heading overseas for a better life.” “Let’s just… not contact each other anymore.” Five years later, I was running a small stall at a night market in a popular tourist spot, just trying to make ends meet. I customized handmade leather goods for tourists and sold little wooden carvings I’d made myself. One evening, a light rain started to fall. Ben, the guy at the stall next to mine, packed up his things and called out, “Leo, it’s raining, aren’t you going home?” I shook my head, a bitter taste in my mouth. I hadn’t sold anything all day, and I just didn’t want to go back to an empty apartment. Ben tried to coax me. “Buddy, this isn’t how you make money. You haven’t eaten all day. Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Just as he finished speaking, two people stopped in front of my stall—a couple. “Hey, how much for this wallet?” The man casually picked one up, examining it. I instinctively lowered my gaze, wiped down the display, and eagerly introduced, “Basic cowhide is $20. For the vegetable-tanned leather, it’s $30. If your girlfriend likes it, I can even throw in a handmade wooden carving. I made them all myself.” The man didn’t even look at me. He just pointed to a classic design. “Just this one. Forget the carving. I’m not interested in street vendor stuff.” The woman beside him held an umbrella over his head, her voice full of playful scolding. “Only you would think to wander through a night market in the rain.” My hand, which was reaching for the leather, froze. It had been a long time since I’d heard that voice, but I knew I’d never forget it. Not even if I lived a hundred years. It was Chloe. I sneaked a quick glance and finally saw her. She was thinner, even more beautiful. The awkwardness of her student days was gone, replaced by a confident, polished air. In that instant, my heart felt like a leaf ripped from its branch by a wild storm, spiraling aimlessly, utterly lost. I mechanically grabbed my tools, burying my head to steady my racing thoughts, and started working on the leather edges. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Chloe pull up a chair and sit down, her arm still raised, holding the umbrella for him. I instantly remembered college, how she’d always wait for me downstairs at the library when it rained, always tilting the umbrella to cover me more. But that favoritism, that special care, no longer belonged to me. Now, she stood beside another man, sheltering him, her eyes completely focused on him. “Wait, don’t bother.” The man suddenly tossed the wallet back onto the stall, a frown on his face. My thoughts snapped back to reality. I asked, flustered, “Miss, is it… is it not the style you like?” He shook his head, his voice laced with disdain. “The edges of this leather are so rough, and there are scratches. How can you even run a stall with workmanship like this?” That’s when I noticed my own rough hands. Years of woodworking and handling leather had left my fingers and the web between my thumb and forefinger covered in calluses and tiny scars. In that moment, my face burned, and my chest tightened with shame. Chloe, beside him, suddenly chuckled and patted his shoulder, pulling her wallet from her bag. “Forget it. Just take the money. Let’s go.” She finally looked at me. That look made her hand, mid-reach for cash, freeze. I watched her expression slowly turn rigid, even the muscles in her face subtly twitching. Those eyes, once so gentle and captivating, slowly filled with a complex mix of emotions—shock, confusion, and finally, pure hatred. The man pulled out a tissue and wiped his hands, then turned to her. “What’s wrong? You know him?” She suddenly laughed. She pulled out a few extra bills from her wallet and threw them all at me. “No, I don’t. He just looks pathetic.” “Consider it charity for a beggar. Let’s go.” Those two sentences pierced me like sharp hooks, digging deeper and deeper into my heart. She recognized me. Right when I was at my lowest.

Chloe didn’t know that my lowest point wasn’t now. The year we graduated, we’d planned to move to the same city. Before leaving, I had to go back to my hometown to pack. But the moment I walked through the door, I saw a scene straight out of a nightmare. My stepfather was pinning my mother down, one hand on her head, the other viciously swinging a fist. Seeing me enter didn’t make him stop; if anything, he hit her harder. “You worthless hag! You’re just as filthy as your son! You live off my dime, drink my liquor, and now you won’t even serve me? I’ll beat you to death!” My mother’s screams and my stepfather’s curses blended together, assaulting every nerve in my body. I couldn’t take it anymore. I lunged forward and shoved him away. But I was no match for him. In just a few seconds, he was back on his feet and punched me. Mom struggled up and grabbed his leg. “Please, stop! He’ll make money in the future!” The mention of money only enraged the brute more. He broke free from my mother, then grabbed me by the throat. In that moment, I felt like I was going to die. As despair closed in, my hand found a fruit knife on the table. Without thinking, I plunged it into his chest. Barely in my twenties, I suddenly had a death on my hands. On the day I waited for my sentence, I called Chloe. Her first words were an accusation, asking why I was so heartless. I wiped away the tears that had already streamed down my face and, for the first time, spoke to her with contempt. “Chloe, to be honest, I’m going abroad in a couple of days to live a good life.” “Only a fool would stay with a poor student like you.” Those cruel, forced words, meant to devastate the then-penniless Chloe, made my whole body tremble. Her voice shaky, she warned me not to regret it, and we never spoke again. Later, I was sentenced to five years for manslaughter. My mother took her own life a week after my sentencing. From that day on, I lost not only my mother but also my freedom. I regretted it, but it was too late. Chloe was wonderful, irreplaceable by anyone in the world. And the castle I had spent over twenty years building inside myself had crumbled. I wasn’t worthy of her. Not anymore. After I got out of prison, no company would hire me. I finally managed to find a delivery job. But when my criminal record was discovered, my usually kind boss suddenly turned cold. “You kid, do you know how much trouble you’ll get me into if the company finds out? Get out! Get far away!” Who would have thought that I, a graduate of a prestigious university, wouldn’t even qualify to be a delivery driver? After that, I could only rely on the woodworking and leather craft skills I’d learned in prison, doing odd jobs, barely getting by. The money Chloe threw at me today was almost my entire month’s income. But I didn’t want to keep it. That money, hitting my body, felt worse than a slap to the face. Before bed, I got a call from Sam, my college roommate. He was the only friend I’d kept in touch with after my release. “Leo, I’ve invited Chloe to my wedding next month. My dad has a business deal with her, so I couldn’t really avoid it.” “But you have to come. We promised each other in college.” I tidied up the money I hadn’t managed to refuse earlier and replied calmly, “It’s fine. I have something to return to her anyway.” Once it’s returned, maybe I can finally let it go.

Sam’s wedding was held at his dad’s hotel. It was my first time back in this city in over five years. Even though I’d been back in society for six months, I still felt uncomfortable and out of place in crowded areas. “Leo, don’t be so stiff.” Sam patted my shoulder, trying to reassure me. I managed a dry smile and waved him off to attend to his guests. Soon, people started taking their seats. I realized I was at a table with my old college classmates, but no one recognized me. Chloe arrived with that handsome man from the other day. Before they even sat down, they caused quite a stir. “Wow, Chloe looks like she’s about to get married!” She didn’t try to hide it, openly holding hands with the man. Then she glanced in my direction, smiling as she nodded. “That’s right. Everyone’s invited to the wedding when Brandon and I get married.” So his name was Brandon. I lowered my head, wishing I could disappear. All I could do was try to be as inconspicuous as possible. But Brandon saw me. “Hey—aren’t you that guy from the night market the other day?” His words drew countless eyes to me. Finally, someone recognized me. “You’re… Leo! Right?” I nodded faintly, still not lifting my head. The person slapped his thigh. “It really is! But what happened to you? I remember you used to be so sharp, now you look so haggard.” I forced a smile, unsure how to answer. Some of Chloe’s close friends at the table started throwing veiled insults. “Well, well, looks like our brilliant Leo finally got his karma. We hadn’t heard from you in years; we thought you’d vanished in the pandemic.” The words were harsh, but I could bear them. Compared to the abuse I’d suffered in prison, what was this? Besides, this was Sam’s wedding. I couldn’t let him be embarrassed. During dinner, I just focused on the food in front of me. Chloe scoffed, serving Brandon some food while making a sarcastic remark. “Mr. Black, have you been abroad so long you can’t stand local cuisine anymore?” I mindlessly finished my last bite, then gently set down my forks. “Please enjoy your meal, everyone. I have to go.” As I said this, my gaze swept across the room, finding no eyes to meet among the table full of people. I left in a hurry, without saying goodbye to Sam, and without finding a suitable chance to return Chloe’s money. But just as I stepped out of the hotel, someone stopped me. Chloe, somehow, had gotten to the entrance before me. She dragged me to a deserted corner without a word, her face a dark storm cloud, ready to burst. “Leo, what’s your game? You said you were going overseas for a better life. Why are you back now?” My throat tightened. I looked at her, helpless. “They’re right. This is your karma for abandoning me.” “Are you jealous? I’m rich and powerful now, and my boyfriend is handsome and caring.” “Most importantly, he loves me! He wouldn’t just abandon me! You’re the one who got dumped!” A tidal wave of pent-up anger crashed down on me, making it hard to breathe. Just then, Sam rushed out, panting, and stepped in front of me. “Chloe, what are you doing? You know Leo, he…” “Sam!” I quickly cut him off. I pressed the money I’d been carrying into Chloe’s hand, grabbed Sam, and turned to leave. I didn’t want her to know. I wanted it to stay buried forever.

Later that evening, Sam found time to call me. “Leo, don’t stay cooped up in that small tourist spot. Come work at my dad’s hotel.” I felt a mix of daze and unease. “Is that… appropriate? Won’t I cause trouble for you guys?” Sam answered casually, “No big deal. It’s just a temporary maintenance job. You won’t have to be in the public eye often, and it pays better than your stall.” This time, I suddenly wanted to try. On my third day of work, someone was having a birthday party in the main ballroom. It had nothing to do with me, but I was suddenly called down by Mr. Miller, the manager, to help move equipment. When I got to the hall, I realized it was Chloe’s birthday. I’d actually forgotten. Not only were many college classmates there, but also friends she’d made in the city over the past few years. I looked around, trying to find Sam in the crowd. I didn’t want to be seen at this party. “What are you staring at? I didn’t call you down here to gawk!” Mike, the junior manager, shoved a box of liquor into my hands without asking. “Go on, hurry! The main table is waiting for it!” I didn’t have time to refuse before he pushed me. I walked like a zombie, carrying the box through the bustling crowd. Just as I reached the main table, Brandon suddenly turned and bumped my arm. My grip slipped, and the box overturned. With a crash, several bottles shattered, liquor spilling everywhere, splashing onto Brandon’s shoes and pant legs. “Hey, what are you doing?! Watch where you’re going!” “I’m sorry.” I mumbled an apology, fumbling to clean up the glass shards on the floor. Brandon was furious. “What good is ‘sorry’? Do you know how much these pants cost? Clean it up already!” I instinctively glanced at Chloe. She frowned slightly but remained silent. I knew then; she wasn’t going to intervene. “Hurry up, what are you thinking about? Is this how your staff handles mistakes here?” Fine. I pulled out the cloth I always carried and knelt to wipe the spilled liquor from the floor. In that moment, everyone was watching me. Before I even finished, Brandon’s cold chuckle came from above me. “Friends, classmates, many of you here know this guy, right? Does anyone know where he’s been all these years?” My mind exploded. He was doing this on purpose? He asked me in a mocking tone, “Leo, right? Should I help you tell everyone where you were during those missing years?” I understood instantly. Brandon had investigated everything about me. Though I didn’t know why, he was clearly determined to expose me. The room buzzed with whispers, like an annoying swarm of flies. I looked up, meeting Brandon’s triumphant gaze. He looked down at me, smiling maliciously. In that moment, I felt like an animal backed into a corner. And they were all executioners waiting for me to surrender. If I was going to die either way, I’d rather jump myself than be played by them. I stood up, looking at him, at Chloe, at the countless eyes fixed on me. I wouldn’t hide anymore. “No need for you to trouble yourself. I’ll tell everyone myself.” “Years ago, I accidentally killed someone. The time I was gone, I was serving my sentence in prison.” This confession wasn’t for others; it was for myself. I just wanted to live my life honestly. “What did you say?” Chloe shot to her feet, staring at me in disbelief, her eyes burning with a fierce fire.

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Everyone in the company got a $300,000 year-end bonus. Everyone but me. I got three grand. Victor Thorne, my manager, clapped me on the shoulder, a condescending smirk on his face. “Ava, young people shouldn’t focus so much on money. You should value the opportunities for growth this company offers.” I just smiled, nodding, and took the pathetic three thousand dollars. Right then, my contract was expiring, and the company wasn’t renewing it. But I didn’t care. Not one bit. After all, I held the contact list for 108 of the company’s most important clients. 0 Three thousand dollars. I sneered internally as I walked back to my cubicle. It was a corner drowned in files and sticky notes, an ignored island. The air practically hummed with celebration. “Holy crap, $300K! My Hermès bag, here I come!” “Where are we hitting up tonight? Michelin three-star, baby!” “My husband’s telling me to hurry home and pay off the mortgage!” Excited, distorted faces blurred before my eyes. I sat down, my face a mask, feeling like an alien among them. “Hey, Ava, did you get your bonus?” Kyle Miller piped up, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yeah, I did,” I said calmly. “Companies are laying people off everywhere this year, but ours is so generous!” Kyle continued, oblivious, or perhaps intentionally cruel. “If you’ve got talent, you get a huge bonus! Even the useless ones, the company still gave them three thousand bucks.” A wave of snickers rippled through the office. My knuckles went white as I clenched my fists, but I bit back any response. They continued their revelry, while I just buried my head in my work. Suddenly, the phone on my desk blared, a jarring sound. “Ava, the client’s system crashed again. Get on it, pronto! The boss is fuming.” It was Kyle’s voice, an impatient, demanding tone. This client was notoriously difficult. Anyone who touched them ended up with a headache. “Got it,” I said, a single word, then hung up. Just then, Brenda Lee from HR walked over. “Ava, don’t take it to heart. You’re actually really great.” Brenda was the only one in the company who ever showed me any real concern. “It’s fine, Brenda. Thanks,” I replied. I closed my SnapChat window and clicked open a heavily encrypted folder on my computer’s D drive. Inside was just one document. This document held all my client information. Every single order I’d secured, every single client I’d personally nurtured over the past three years, it was all here. These were the “brilliant achievements” in Victor’s reports, the capital he used to curry favor with Mr. Peterson, the founder. These were also my final trump card. I transferred all these files to my personal USB drive. Then, I wiped them from my computer. In the office, Victor’s voice boomed again, “Drinks are on me tonight, everyone!” Another wave of roaring applause and flattery followed. I sent him a text message: “Can’t make it tonight. Got plans.” 0

The week before my contract expired, Victor was still squeezing every last drop out of me. He called me into his office, leaning back in his executive chair, a sly grin playing on his lips. “Ava, this project is yours.” He pushed a thick folder across the desk towards me. The cover read “Aegis Group Strategic Partnership Proposal.” Aegis Group. Our company’s biggest, most crucial, and most demanding client. I flipped open the proposal. After just two pages, my heart sank. It was an entirely new, incredibly complex customized request. And the client wanted to see the complete first draft within three days. Three days. This wasn’t just impossible; it was a deliberate setup. “Victor, a high-quality proposal can’t be finished in three days.” “Ava.” His smile deepened, laced with meaning. “Challenges are what test you.” He stood up, clapped me on the shoulder, a thinly veiled threat in his voice. “Your contract’s almost up. Your renewal depends on your performance this time.” I took the folder. “I’ll do my best.” When I came out, Kyle immediately sidled up to me, his face alight with schadenfreude. “Ava, congrats! Victor’s really giving you a chance. Work hard, and maybe you’ll actually keep your job.” His voice wasn’t loud, but it was loud enough for the entire office to hear. Everyone watched me like it was a show. Pity, mockery, indifference. I knew, deep down, Victor had no intention of renewing my contract. He just wanted to drain every last bit of value from me, then toss me aside like trash. If this project succeeded, the credit would be his. If it failed, the blame would be mine. I opened my laptop, staring at the nearly impossible task, my mind strangely calm. The next three days were a blur of intense activity. By day, I organized files at my desk, deflecting the random tasks Kyle and others constantly threw my way. By night, when the office was finally empty, I truly began my work. Brenda couldn’t bear to watch. At eleven at night, she handed me a steaming mug of coffee, her eyes filled with concern. “Don’t push yourself like this, it’s not worth it.” I gave her a small smile. “It’s okay, Brenda. This is the last time.” She sighed, quietly patting my shoulder. After Brenda left, I picked up my phone and dialed a number directly. The contact was saved as “Mr. Donovan – Aegis Group.” “Mr. Donovan, hi, this is Ava Sterling.” “Oh, Ava,” his tone immediately warmed, “It’s pretty late. Is everything alright?” “Mr. Donovan, regarding this partnership proposal, there are a few details I’d like to confirm directly with you.” I bypassed all the so-called company procedures because I knew that, for Mr. Donovan of Aegis, I, Ava Sterling, was the most efficient process. For three years, every time their internal system experienced an emergency outage, whether it was midnight or not, I was the first to respond, resolving it remotely. Every time they proposed a wild, out-of-the-box idea, I was the one pulling all-nighters to create prototypes that came closest to their needs. His trust was never in our company; it was always in me. “Alright, go ahead.” Next, I worked directly with Mr. Donovan, finalizing all the details. Three days later, I printed out a perfect proposal and placed it on Victor’s desk. Then, I deleted every single file from my computer. When Victor arrived at work, he was absolutely thrilled with my proposal. He announced to the office, beaming: “Great news! Our team has secured the Aegis Group project!” The office erupted in thunderous applause. He basked in everyone’s flattery and compliments, never once mentioning the person who actually did the work. Then, he took my proposal and went to claim credit from Mr. Peterson. My heart remained calm. The last connection between me and this company had been severed by my own hands. 0

The day my contract expired, the HR email landed in my inbox promptly at the start of my workday. “Dear Ms. Sterling, Due to company business adjustments, your employment contract will not be renewed upon its expiry today. Please complete your offboarding procedures by 5 PM.” I glanced at the email, then hit delete. Everyone in the office pretended to be busy. No one offered me comfort. Only Brenda walked over, quietly patting my shoulder. Victor didn’t even show his face today. He probably thought it wasn’t necessary. A tool, once used, is simply discarded. The offboarding process was surprisingly smooth. Everyone was distant, almost cold. As if I were just a casual visitor. I walked out, carrying my cardboard box. Passing by the office, I noticed a celebration party in full swing. Victor stood in the center of the crowd, looking smug and triumphant. “Good news!” he announced. “Because our team brilliantly landed the Aegis Group project, I’ve just been appointed Vice President!” Everyone crowded around Victor, showering him with praise. He stood on the pedestal I’d unknowingly built for him. I smiled. There was no bitterness, no resentment in my smile, just the mockery of watching a clown perform. I turned away, not looking back. I pulled out my phone and sent a text to “Mr. Donovan – Aegis Group.” “Mr. Donovan, I have officially left my previous company today. Thank you for all your support over the years, and I wish you all the best.” Almost immediately, my phone rang. “Ava, why don’t you come work for my company?” I looked at the message, the smile on my lips deepening. Then, I opened my contacts and forwarded the “Core Clients” group to a few key people. These were all the core resources Victor had once valued. I knew a storm was brewing, aimed squarely at Victor. 0

Victor’s celebration party was in full swing, reaching its climax. He raised his glass, about to make a toast. A shrill, urgent phone ring cut through the air. Victor frowned, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face as he glanced at the caller ID. “Aegis Group – Mr. Donovan.” The annoyance was instantly replaced by a fawning smile. “Excuse me, everyone, the most important client is calling to congratulate me.” Under the envious gazes of his colleagues, he walked to a corner and answered. “Hello, Mr. Donovan! You’re so quick with the news, thank you for—” The voice on the other end cut him off. “Aegis Group is terminating all cooperation with your company, effective immediately.” The smile on Victor’s face instantly froze. “What do you mean? We just signed a partnership—” “You lost the most important person.” Then, the call was abruptly disconnected. Victor stood there, phone in hand, stunned. What did he mean by… the most important person? Before he could even process it, all the phones in the office began to ring, one after another. “Hello, this is…” “Hi, this is Eos Tech. We’re informing you that all our orders are canceled.” “What? Why?” They were all termination calls. “There’s nothing to explain. We only deal with Ava.” … These were the “loyal clients” Victor had boasted about countless times. And now, these “loyal clients” were all terminating their partnerships. The scent of champagne still lingered in the office, but the joyous laughter had been replaced by a dead silence. Only the persistent ringing of phones, like death knells, echoed in everyone’s hearts. Victor slumped into his leather executive chair, his eyes vacant. His subordinates, who had been fawning over him moments before, now kept their distance as if he were carrying a plague. “Ava…” He suddenly remembered something, frantically scrolling through his phone for Ava Sterling’s contact information. Just then, the office door was kicked open. The company founder’s face was thunderous. He stormed up to Victor and slammed another report onto his face. Mr. Peterson’s voice trembled with extreme rage. “Is this what you call a massive success?!” “Is this the regional VP position you brought me?!” “Half the company’s orders, in one damn afternoon, GONE!!!”

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It was on our fifth wedding anniversary that the lawyer finally told me. “Your marriage to Mr. Thorne is not legally valid.” Elara’s POV Five years into our marriage, I was finally expecting a child. I’d scheduled an appointment with our trust attorney to set up a newborn fund as a surprise for Julian on our fifth anniversary. But when the attorney tried to access Julian’s assets for authorization, the system kept denying access. “Ms. Vance, are you certain Mr. Thorne’s marital status hasn’t changed?” After several failed attempts, a hint of professional bewilderment crossed the attorney’s face. I frowned slightly. “We’ve been married for five years, and our relationship has always been stable.” The attorney tried once more, finally projecting an encrypted file onto the screen. He pushed up his glasses with a sigh. “I suggest you verify this with Mr. Thorne yourself. According to this trust agreement, the beneficiary of all Mr. Thorne’s assets, including the legal spouse clause, is a Ms. Chloe Davies.” I walked out of the law firm, chilled to the bone. The fragile joy I’d carried as an expectant mother was utterly gone. The attorney’s words were like an ice hammer, striking over and over. “Your marriage to Mr. Thorne is not legally valid.” Our five years of marriage… was it all a lie? Julian and I had known each other since childhood. He was a golden boy, a man destined for greatness, constantly surrounded by admirers, yet he cherished me above all else, always prioritizing my needs. Everyone said Julian loved me, loved me enough to pluck the stars from the sky for me. But why, then, would he secretly care for another woman, where I couldn’t see? I barely hesitated, immediately booking a flight to Naples. Julian was there, attending a top-tier business summit. I had to get answers from him directly. When I found the private island resort hosting the summit, I walked straight into the outdoor evening gala. The Neapolitan sunset washed the scene in a soft, golden light, but I had no eyes for it. I simply pushed through the clink of glasses and the murmur of polite conversation, searching for him in desperation. My gaze swept over the man being fawned over at the VIP table, and in that instant, I felt my blood run cold. He wore a perfectly tailored white suit, tall and striking, impossibly handsome. On his face was a look of profound, unburdened happiness I had never seen before. That was my husband of five years-Julian Thorne. “Congratulations, Julian, you finally made it!” “Seriously, Julian played this perfectly. He gave Elara that fairytale wedding back home to keep her placated, while over here, he waited for Chloe to come of age, then used the family trust to secure everything for her-untouchable!” “But Julian, are you serious about Chloe? Her background isn’t exactly ideal…” Someone lowered their voice. “What about Elara? These past five years…weren’t you afraid of getting caught?” “You don’t get it, ” someone chuckled. “Julian feels guilty toward Chloe, but more than that, it’s a sense of duty. If Chloe hadn’t pushed Elara out of the way back then, Elara would’ve been the one to lose her leg. Julian says he owes Chloe for life. These five years were just a waiting game-buying time until he could make it official.” “What a brilliant move!” I froze, feeling as if I’d been shoved into the deep sea, every breath a luxury. I even wondered if I was hearing things. But the next second, Julian’s own words plunged me into an ice-cold abyss. “My commitment to Chloe is real.” His voice was calm, steady, each word a verdict. “She gave up dancing to save Elara. She’ll need a cane for life. All she wants now is security and a future-things I can give her.” So, that was it. My eyes burned. That trust fund wasn’t a mistake. It was a plan. Five years ago, at an art gallery accident, I was nearly crushed by a falling sculpture. Chloe, an art student with me, didn’t hesitate. She rushed forward and pushed me to safety. She came from nothing, parentless, but with raw, stunning talent. To repay her for saving my life, Julian and I funded her entirely: hiring renowned teachers, sending her to the best schools. Back then, Julian said Chloe saving me was like saving his own life. He was willing to give everything to compensate her. I just never imagined his “compensation” would include giving away our marriage and his entire future. The most laughable part was that for five whole years, I had been utterly oblivious. Julian’s friend asked again, “What about Elara? If she finds out…” I saw him lower his eyes, his long fingers lightly tapping his phone screen, his voice laced with the confidence of someone in complete control. “I’ll continue to treat Elara just as well; she’ll never find out.” “All of you, keep your mouths shut. Don’t let anything slip in front of her.” The next moment, my phone buzzed. I looked down at the message from Julian, my heart clutched by an invisible hand, a chill spreading from my fingertips to my bones. “Sweetheart, I miss you. This summit is so boring; every second without you is agonizing. I’ll definitely be back for our anniversary. Love, Julian.” I clenched my phone, then looked up at him, laughing and chatting amidst the crowd not far away. A dense, sharp pain pierced my heart. My vision blurred, and hot tears streamed uncontrollably-this wasn’t my Julian. My Julian was the boy who, to pick a edelweiss from a cliff for me, would smile and say “it’s worth it” even with his arm scratched by rocks; He was the man who, for my eighteenth birthday, booked an entire observatory just so I could see a star named after me; He was the man who, on my parents’ remembrance day, would put aside multi-million dollar deals to spend the entire day quietly by my side; He was the man who, after we married, spoiled me into a sheltered princess, and ceaselessly doted on me and shared passionate nights… Not this liar before me, who professed love to me with one breath, while writing another woman into the legal contract of his life with the next. My heart felt like it was being torn apart, and I bit down hard on my lip. My phone vibrated again; it was his call. I hesitated for a second, then answered. “Elara, where are you? Have you had dinner? It sounds lively on your end.” His voice was as gentle as ever, tender and affectionate. “Julian, what are you doing?” I instinctively clenched my fist, my nails digging deep into my palm. I thought, if he would just admit it, I’d give him a chance to explain. “Just dealing with a few businessmen, it’s a headache.” His voice carried a deliberately crafted weariness. “Summit dinner, you know, utterly tedious. Are you at the gallery? If you like a painting, just have the manager wrap it up.” I suddenly laughed, but the light in my eyes extinguished inch by inch. After a moment of silence, I whispered, “Okay.” He immediately sensed my distress. “Sweetheart, are you upset? Who bothered you?” “Too many people. I’ll hang up now.” The moment I hung up, I saw a girl in a white evening gown, leaning on an elegant cane, hobble towards Julian and fall into his embrace. It was Chloe. “Julian, my foot hurts a little.” “Let me see.” His voice held a tenderness and caution I had never heard directed at me. He knelt, carefully massaging her ankle, his eyes filled with heartache. “It’s my fault for letting you stand so long.” That tenderness was a cruel stab to my eyes. So, his love could be divided, and his concern could be replicated. Julian, how could your heart hold two people? I fled in a panic, hiding in the dark shadows of the hotel garden, curling up and hugging myself, letting silent tears stream down my face. When the tears finally ran dry, I rose. The last glimmer of light in my eyes hardened into something cold and absolute. This five-year farce of a marriage was over. Julian, the man, was nothing to me now. Since Chloe was the only partner he would ever claim, I would give them exactly what they wanted. In two weeks, it would be my parents’ remembrance day. After I paid my respects, I would leave. I would vanish from Julian’s world without a trace.

Elara’s POV I took the earliest flight home, and the first thing I did after landing was head straight to the hospital to schedule an abortion. “Ms. Vance, the accident five years ago damaged your uterus. It’s a miracle you even conceived. If you don’t keep this child, you may find it very difficult to have one in the future. Please reconsider and talk to your husband.” My fingertips turned cold, and my heart clenched. Julian had never told me. All these years, whenever our families asked about children, he took the blame, saying he wanted a few more years with just me. My eyes filled with tears then. He had been so thoughtful, so afraid of hurting me. But no matter how good he had been, it didn’t change the fact that he had lied. “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll think about it,” I heard myself say. I walked out of the consultation room in a daze, my steps unsteady, only to see Julian-who was supposed to be abroad-at the end of the corridor. And Chloe. Julian was carefully helping Chloe out of the obstetrics clinic, his face beaming with unconcealed joy and nervousness. His gentle gaze was fixed on her face, not willing to move away for a second. “Julian, don’t be so nervous; I’m just having some early pregnancy symptoms, it’s not like I’m sick,” Chloe said, her eyes curving into a sweet, girlish smile. Julian rarely showed a smile, but his voice was unusually tight. “This is our first child; there can’t be any mishaps.” I clutched the appointment slip in my hand, feeling the temperature being slowly drained from my body. In that moment, I distinctly heard the sound of my heart shattering, inch by painful inch. It turned out, that when pain reached its peak, tears wouldn’t come. Julian helped Chloe into the elevator. The moment the elevator doors slowly closed, I lowered my head and unfolded the appointment slip. Then, I turned and walked back into the clinic. “Let’s schedule the surgery for the day after tomorrow.” I couldn’t let my child be born into a monumental lie. As if by cruel twist of fate, I met them again in the underground parking garage. In that moment, I inexplicably started my car and followed them from a distance. Julian took Chloe to a private art gallery in the city. My heart sank completely. That gallery was one he had built exclusively for me last year on my birthday. It housed all my favorite paintings. He had personally told me it was my own private artistic sanctuary. But now, he was walking into it, hand-in-hand, with another woman. Inside the gallery, Chloe stood beneath my favorite starry night painting. Julian approached, pushing a white-draped cart laden with exquisite desserts. He elegantly took a velvet box from the cart and opened it-inside was a dazzling star-themed necklace. “To my little artist, congratulations on your promotion to expectant mother.” In that instant, I almost lost my footing. “Julian… thank you,” Chloe’s eyes reddened, on the verge of tears. “You even made desserts for me yourself.” “Go on, try it,” Julian’s voice was agonizingly tender. “Once you’re done, go back and rest. You’ve spent enough time with me; it’s time for me to go back to Elara.” Chloe blinked knowingly, forcing a hint of tears. But Julian, filled with heartache, pulled her into his embrace. “Silly girl, we’re not going anywhere today. I’m staying with you. You’re my wife now; I’ll spend more time with you and the baby.” I retreated slowly from around the corner, my back pressing against the cold wall, a chill spreading up my spine, making me tremble all over. Yes. Chloe was Julian’s wife. And I was nothing but a deceived fool, completely oblivious for five whole years. I remembered when Julian first brought me here, he also had an identical necklace for me. To make that dessert, he had secretly followed a Michelin chef for an entire month. “Elara, try my cooking. From now on, I’ll take care of all your meals.” “In this lifetime, I will only love you.” He swore these vows in my ear while putting the necklace on me. But now, this unique love and adoration, which was originally mine, was perfectly and precisely replicated for Chloe. My chest felt tight and painful. It turned out Julian’s “lifetime” was so short. I turned and fled, tears streaming down my face as I left the gallery. Immediately afterward, I went straight to my lawyer’s office to begin liquidating all my assets, stripping away everything connected to Julian. My parents’ inheritance was enough to ensure my secure and carefree life. And all I wanted was to completely sever ties with him as quickly as possible.

Elara’s POV It was dusk when I returned home. The sprawling villa was empty, only a solitary light illuminating the entryway. I practically dragged myself onto the sofa, my gaze sweeping over the artworks and books we had chosen together, my heart feeling like it was being repeatedly crushed by a giant stone. Each beat brought a clear, sharp pain. I rubbed my temples, forcing myself to stand and walk toward the massive book wall. That was the first rare art book we’d found together; he had laughed and complimented me, saying my discerning eye was unmatched. That art history book, filled with our shared notes-he had once put his arm around my waist and said we would travel the world, visiting every museum together. And that rare poetry collection he’d gone to such lengths to find for me, on its flyleaf, in his beautiful handwriting- “To my dearest Elara, my only one in this life.” … I pulled out one of the books and opened it. Then, I tore every single one of his handwritten words, page by page, into tiny pieces. The sound of tearing paper was eerily clear in the empty living room. For an entire night, I mechanically repeated the same action, systematically severing every shared thought, every passion, every piece of our combined souls. By dawn, my arms were numb, my fingertips devoid of feeling. And Julian still hadn’t returned. Today was supposed to be our wedding anniversary. At the stroke of midnight on our anniversary, Julian’s social media account updated promptly. It was a video he’d personally edited, documenting our five years together, with deeply affectionate accompanying text. It captivated the entire internet overnight. The largest outdoor screens in the city center were also looping the video. The lawn outside the villa had, at some point, been transformed into a rose garden. In the center of the garden, a drone hovered, dangling a giant gift box containing a set of rare art supplies I had long wished for. His deep, magnetic voice played on a loudspeaker- “Elara, happy anniversary. I love you, just as I did from the start.” I emotionlessly pulled the curtains closed, burying myself under the duvet, shutting out the world’s clamor. Not long after, his call came through, his voice full of apology. “Sweetheart, an urgent situation came up with the merger in Europe, so I can’t make it back today. When I return, I promise to make it up to you with an even grander anniversary celebration.” Listening to his flawless lie, I suddenly chuckled, my laugh slightly trembling. “It’s alright, you focus on your work.” “Sweetheart, you sound upset.” He keenly picked up on my mood. “Don’t you like the surprise I prepared? Don’t be angry; I’ll make it up to you tenfold in a few days.” “No, work is important,” I said, my voice calm. “I’m a little tired; I want to sleep.” I hung up, curled into a ball, and desperately tried to suppress the pain in my chest. After what felt like an eternity, the bedroom door suddenly burst open, and a blinding beam of light flooded in. Silhouetted against the light, I saw Julian standing in the doorway, his face frantic. His hair was disheveled, his face pale, and his deep eyes were filled with fear and dread. Perhaps he had sensed my unusual mood and, unable to reach me, had taken his private jet straight back. The moment he saw me, he practically rushed over, pulling me into a tight embrace, his voice hoarse and choked. “Thank goodness you’re alright! Sweetheart, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry…” His eyes were red, his body trembling uncontrollably. “I’ll never leave you alone again. When you didn’t answer my calls, my whole world collapsed.” “Nothing is more important than you; I came back to be with you.” I remained silent. He assumed I was still angry, so he knelt by the bed, softly coaxing me. “Elara, promise me you won’t ever ignore my calls again, don’t shut me out. I truly will go crazy.” His tension and fear seemed genuine. He loved me. But this love was tainted with too many lies and calculations. “You came back quickly,” I said, a ghost of a smile on my lips. His expression shifted instantly, a flash of guilt before he veered away. “Darling, you haven’t eaten all day. Let me take you to the gallery. I had your favorite made.” “No,” I shook my head. Panic tightened his features. “Then rest. I’ll make you something downstairs.” “Mm.” I gave a curt nod and turned away. He mistook my silence for petulance, drew a steadying breath, and left. The moment the door closed, I lay there, eyes wide open, staring into the darkness, my heart a barren wasteland.

Elara’s POV About ten minutes later, a commotion erupted downstairs. I went down and saw Julian’s friends crowding the living room. They were frantically trying to piece back together the torn book pages, attempting to return them to the shelves, as if restoring those fragments could somehow make everything go back to how it was. Seeing me appear, several of them spoke at once. “Elara, Julian almost tore Europe apart looking for you. Don’t scare him like that again.” “Next time you’re angry, tell us; we’ll help you beat him up. Just don’t turn off your phone again, Julian really went crazy.” “That’s right, Julian’s face turned white as a sheet when he saw the shredded paper everywhere; he almost fainted on the spot. He insisted on going through the trash, saying he’d tape every single piece back together.” “That’s enough,” Julian said, standing nearby, his face full of remorse. “It’s all my fault for upsetting Elara. I’ll accept whatever she does to me.” “Julian truly loves Elara; he has no pride in front of her. She’s so lucky.” I looked over and saw Chloe, who had arrived sometime earlier, standing in the crowd, looking envious. Julian’s expression was normal, a gentle smile on his lips. “She’s my wife, of course, I’ll spoil her.” A wave of intense nausea suddenly churned in my stomach. I spoke calmly. “No need to put the books back; I want to change the style.” Julian immediately came to my side, put his arm around my waist, his voice gentle and firm. “Alright, everyone stop. Listen to my wife.” He helped me sit on the sofa, then turned and went back to the kitchen. Soon, the dining table was laden with all the dishes I used to love. But I had no appetite. With one hand, he solicitously served me food, softly coaxing me to eat more; with the other, beneath the table, he clasped Chloe’s hand tightly. In that moment, I suddenly felt the absurdity of it all. I just wanted to escape. After dinner, Julian had arranged a fireworks display over the sea and invited my favorite jazz band. Halfway through the performance, he excused himself to go to the restroom. Impulsively, I followed him. In the yacht’s VIP lounge, I watched Chloe practically throw herself into Julian’s arms, rising on tiptoes to kiss him. “Julian, I miss you so much, just for a moment.” Julian put one arm around her waist and the other hand on the back of her head, deepening the kiss, and the room’s temperature instantly soared. After a long while, Chloe, her face flushed, pushed him away, her breath ragged. “Alright, you should go back to Elara.” “Are you sure?” Julian’s eyes, tinged with desire, caressed her red lips. Chloe lowered her gaze. “No, but Elara isn’t even answering your calls because of me. I don’t want her to be sad anymore. I can wait. You can come back to me after you’ve spent time with her.” “Your thoughtfulness always breaks my heart. Good girl, don’t think about anyone else right now, just enjoy.” Julian kissed her lips, tracing a path downward… A soft moan of pleasure escaped Chloe’s lips. “Julian, no…” It felt like being dropped into an ice bath. I bit down on the back of my hand, hard, to keep silent. I thought my heart had died, but seeing the betrayal up close-the pain was still visceral. A sharp, burning cramp twisted in my stomach. Nausea hit me like a wave. I clamped a hand over my mouth, stumbled to the bathroom, and retched until the room spun. Beneath the sickness, a familiar, dull ache pulsed low in my abdomen. I gently touched my abdomen, my eyes blurred with tears. Baby, I’m so sorry.

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Packages and food deliveries had been disappearing from the school dorms, mine included. I had no idea who the thief was. So I spiked my next order with “special ingredients.” When it was stolen too, I couldn’t help but smile. That bowl of pho contained water from a filthy bathroom mop. A week later, a police officer gave me a penalty notice. “Medical expenses are thirty-two hundred dollars. Pay by next week.” Before I could speak, Mr. Thompson, a school official, cut in. “You’ve been reported for intentional poisoning. The school has decided to cancel your first-class scholarship and financial aid.” They were trying to frame me? Interesting. I’m Lynn. The Law Department’s loophole queen. The penalty wasn’t just a fine. They were stripping me of my twenty-thousand-dollar scholarship and aid package. We’d already sold our house for my mother’s treatments. That scholarship was my last lifeline. “Sir, Can you at least tell me who filed the report?” I asked. The officer shook his head. “Procedure forbids disclosing that information.” My nails bit into my palms. My own food had been stolen seven, maybe eight times. Every report I made met the same wall: footage too blurry, perpetrator unidentifiable. So I left one out with a “special ingredient.” The thief ate it and wound up in the ER. And now I was liable? What a double standard. “Why should I pay for a thief’s bad stomach?” Mr. Thompson sighed. “Who took what first is secondary. The moment you introduced a foreign substance, the entire nature of the incident changed. A man was hospitalized. That is the primary fact.” “And the fact that he’s a thief isn’t?” I shot back, feeling utterly indignant. The younger officer beside him glanced at his notes, his tone shifting to one of condescending reason. “Listen. They’re only asking for restitution. They could have pressed charges. They’re doing you a favor.” “Can I see the other party’s medical records then? What did they find after pumping their stomach?” The officer frowned, and Mr. Thompson quickly stepped in. “Lynn, why are you asking so many questions? The school has already mediated this. Just follow the procedure and don’t make trouble for yourself.” I learned in my Freshman Orientation Week that if poor people want to live with dignity, they either need fists or brains. I didn’t have fists, so I sharpened my mind instead. For three years, I devoured legal texts. All so that when I argued, no one could push me around. Mr. Thompson mistook my silence for surrender. His tone softened. “Frankly, canceling the scholarship was due to pressure. Pay the medical fees now. Once this passes, I’ll help you apply for a hardship grant. It might cover some of the loss.” I nodded. I pulled out my phone from my pocket and opened the transfer app. “Alright, I’ll transfer it. Mr. Thompson, what are your payment details?” Mr. Thompson visibly relaxed. I typed in $3,200 and hit confirm. The screen flashed a green “Transfer Successful” message. Mr. Thompson picked up his phone, then frowned. “I haven’t received it.” “That’s impossible, mine shows it went through.” I turned my screen towards him. “Maybe there’s a network delay. Just wait a bit.” Mr. Thompson refreshed his screen a couple of times, but still nothing. I subtly reached out. “Let me see if your account has any restrictions set up?” Once people think money is within their grasp, their guard drops to its lowest. Mr. Thompson actually handed me his own phone. I took it. My eyes flew to his message history. Right at the top was a thread with a Mr. Evans. “he other side’s offer is too high. We can’t risk offending those connections.” There it was. The inside track. A jolt of pure, electric adrenaline shot down my spine. Every legal instinct I had woke up, sharp and hungry. I handed the phone back. “Maybe there was a glitch, but I’m tapped out right now. I’ll transfer it again when I get back.” The transfer slip was a fake. The money had gone straight to a shell account of my own. Just as I walked out of the office, my phone vibrated. It was Mr. Thompson. His voice was a tense, hushed rasp. “Lynn, I’ll be honest with you.” “This was a joint decision between the department and Campus Security. I’m just the messenger.” “If the funds aren’t in my account in thirty minutes… I’ll have no choice but to escalate this to Mr. Evans. Once it’s on his desk, there’s no pulling it back.” I clenched my phone, my knuckles white.

Back in Mr. Thompson’s office, I started by playing the victim. “Mr. Thompson, this isn’t fair. Why am I the only one being punished, not the thief who stole my food?” Mr. Thompson sighed, spreading his hands in a gesture of helplessness, but his words were clearly a threat. “Someone from higher up will eventually come to talk to you. At least you and I have some history as student and teacher.” “I advise you to accept the penalty quickly. If this escalates to the school administration level, the deans won’t be so easy to deal with.” Good thing I had a habit of collecting gossip. It looked like I needed to drop a bombshell. “If you don’t want to help me with this, then I might accidentally let slip about you and Chloe…” “Chloe clearly failed her exam, but you gave her an A…” Mr. Thompson’s eyelid twitched. Chloe. The ‘it’ girl of the Business department. Last semester, her overall assessment score was three points lower than mine, yet she ended up with a prestigious national scholarship. I’d found it strange then, but it wasn’t until last week, when I walked into the office and saw Mr. Thompson and Chloe. His hand was on her thigh, and they were kissing. Mr. Thompson was a married man with a family. I’d heard his wife was a total dragon lady, and they had two sons. “Enough! Don’t you dare!” Mr. Thompson slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his face beet red. “Lynn, listen to me. Some things aren’t what you think…” He took a deep breath, and his tone softened. “What exactly do you want?” “I’ve already put in a good word for you with the Dean. The penalty has been reduced from expulsion to just losing your scholarship.” I looked at him. “Who actually stole my food? And why is the school only punishing me?” After a few seconds of silence, Mr. Thompson finally spoke. “The Harringtons did pull some strings. Canceling your scholarship was a condition set by Skylar’s mother.” “The school’s new campus development still needs the Harrington family’s approval. What else could the Dean do?” “Just accept it. The school will consider compensating you for your losses later.” As I walked out of the office, my heart was pounding like a drum. So it was her. Skylar Harrington, the only daughter of the city’s wealthiest family. A third-year Business student, the ultimate rich girl of the entire school. Actually, Skylar’s little quirks were no secret to me, the legal shark. In Freshman year, someone on the campus forum claimed they saw her swipe a public power bank from the library. Others said her dorm closet was filled with random trinkets picked up from various places. Her roommate’s hair ties, the nail polish from the next room, even a cleaning staff’s forgotten mop from the hallway. All these incidents were inexplicably hushed up. And who would believe it? The Harringtons were so wealthy; why would their daughter steal other people’s things? I’d always been baffled myself. My voice recorder had captured every word of my conversation with Mr. Thompson. I pulled out the legal statutes saved on my phone, a small smirk playing on my lips. Skylar, you’re going to pay for my family’s new house. Later, I was at the cafeteria, standing at the end of the line with my tray. “Well, well, if it isn’t the poisoner?” Before I could turn around, a hand reached out, five fingers clamping directly onto the edge of my tray. Clang. The tray crashed to the floor, splashing braised pork sauce everywhere. I looked up. Skylar stood over me, looking down with a sneer, three stylishly dressed girls behind her. “Eating the cheapest meal in the cafeteria every day, and you still order deliveries?” “And if you do, why poison it?” Students around us started to gather, whispering. Skylar’s smirk widened. “Lynn, I advise you to just drop out voluntarily. It’ll be less embarrassing than getting expelled.” I crouched down, picking up the tray from the floor, and scoffed. “However embarrassing, it can’t be as bad as someone who eats actual crap.” Skylar’s smile froze. I sneered. “That Pho? The broth was made with water wrung from a filthy, old bathroom mop.” Skylar’s face instantly went pale. “It soaked for a whole night, and it was still foamy when I wrung it out.” I continued, “Did you taste it?” “Shut up!” Skylar shrieked, clamping a hand over her mouth. She bent over and threw up. The girls beside her also started gagging. It seemed they’d eaten my delivery too. A ripple of shock went through the crowd. “No way, could it be that she was the one who stole it…?” “Holy crap, this plot twist is too fast…” Skylar wiped her mouth, her eyes red. “Lynn! You bitch!” She lunged at me, trying to claw my face. “Do you really think Julian would like someone like you? Dream on!” I froze. Information about him flashed through my mind. The closed-door disciple of a Chemistry department academician, rumored to be the next Nobel Prize candidate. The school treated him like a treasure; even the Dean was polite to him. What was even more absurd was his incredibly wealthy background, and he was unfairly handsome. The untouchable golden boy of the campus, he’d never dated anyone. Skylar liking him wasn’t a surprise at all. But what did she mean by that last sentence? Julian… liked me? Skylar finally finished throwing up and took another step closer. “At the school’s mediation meeting, I will absolutely not let you off the hook.” A sinister smirk twisted her lips. “I’ll make sure you get kicked out of this school.”

The school called for a mediation, and only one companion was allowed into the meeting. Skylar sat beside her mother, Mrs. Harrington, who wore perfectly styled curled hair and scrutinized me from head to toe. I scanned the conference room and spotted a familiar figure by the window: Paige. With her there, I didn’t feel so alone. “I am Mrs. Harrington’s attorney. Based on the evidence we have, you deliberately put an unknown substance in a food delivery, causing my client’s daughter to be hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis. This constitutes the elements of a crime of endangerment by poisoning.” “Considering you are still a student, Mrs. Harrington only requires you to comply with the following points.” He held up three fingers. “First, compensation for emotional distress: five hundred thousand dollars.” “Second, a public apology, in video format, to be pinned to the top of the campus forum for a week.” “Third, voluntarily withdraw from school.” Mr. Evans, the Dean of Students, cleared his throat. “Considering Lynn’s otherwise good performance, we can temporarily put aside the withdrawal demand.” Skylar suddenly covered her face, her shoulders shaking violently. “I didn’t steal anything!” “That day, I saw a food delivery on the table and thought my roommate had brought it for me…” “How was I supposed to know it was yours? I didn’t do it on purpose!” Mrs. Harrington lovingly put an arm around her daughter’s shoulder, her gaze cutting into me like a knife. “Exactly! Who hasn’t accidentally eaten the wrong thing before?” Skylar pointed at me, her finger trembling. “If I had actually gotten seriously sick, you would be guilty of attempted murder!” I rolled my eyes. “The elements of attempted murder require subjective intent to deprive another person of life.” “How, exactly, could I have predicted you would steal my delivery?” Skylar’s sobbing abruptly stopped. She hadn’t expected me to be so familiar with legal statutes. The lawyer waved his hand. “Even if not attempted murder, it’s intentional poisoning. The hospital report shows-” I cut him off. “High E. coli levels. That’s your poison?” “What category does mop water even fall under, Counselor?” Skylar covered her mouth, dry heaving again. Her face was white with genuine disgust. Mrs. Harrington’s face darkened completely. I pulled out my voice recorder from my backpack, ready to counterattack. “I’d like everyone to hear a recording first.” Seeing the voice recorder in my hand, the assistant behind the lawyer immediately got up and moved to my side. “Wait a minute. You’ve been talking a lot, you must be thirsty. Have some water!” She held the cup in front of me, then suddenly tilted it, spilling the entire contents directly down. Warm water seeped into the crevices of the voice recorder. I snatched the recorder, pressing the power switch. The screen lit up. Thankfully, it wasn’t broken. Just as I let out a breath of relief, a figure rushed forward. Paige bumped into my arm, and the voice recorder flew out of my hand. It plunged through the conveniently open window, smashing into two pieces on the ground below. Paige’s voice was panicked. “I saw that assistant trying to grab your stuff, I wanted to help block her…” “I didn’t mean to, I’m so sorry.” Something inside me snapped. When the assistant spilled the water, Paige was sitting on my right. If she truly wanted to help, why didn’t she speak up when the assistant made her move? Her eyes held panic, apology, and evasion. Skylar and Mrs. Harrington exchanged triumphant smiles. The lawyer tidied his documents. “If the $500,000 compensation and the apology video are not delivered within three days, we will proceed with legal action. At that point, you should be prepared for expulsion.” A strange excitement surged through me. As a legal shark, I would never back down from a fight.

An apology was out of the question. Recording that video would cement my identity as a poisoner-a permanent, indelible stain. Even washing dishes, a future boss would fear I’d spit in the soup. I had to fight. There was no other path. The Harringtons moved faster than I’d predicted, dropping all subtlety. By the next morning, I was a public villain. I opened my phone to a flood. News alerts screamed: “University Student Poisons Rival in Jealous Rage.” “Future Lawyer Turns Criminal: Twisted Plot Unraveled.” Even my forgotten high school homework was unearthed, framed as definitive proof of a flawed character. The haters were relentless, hammering their story into the comments. They painted Skylar as the girl who’d just “grabbed the wrong delivery.” They called me a monster who’d “even poison a stray dog.” A soft knock came at my dorm room door. Paige was there, her eyes swollen like walnuts. She handed me two tickets to a concert I’d wanted to see for ages, front row seats, worth thousands. She sincerely apologized. “My parents have worked for the Harringtons for ten years. Skylar threatened them.” “If I didn’t help them at that moment, my parents would lose their jobs.” In the adult world, everyone has their own difficult circumstances. I thought of our three years of friendship and decided to trust her this one time. And give her a chance. I turned around and pulled a USB drive from my drawer. “The contents of this, when the trial begins in three days, help me post it on the campus forum and Ins.” “This is anonymous. As long as it’s not illegal, your parents won’t know it was you.” Paige’s eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously. “Oh, and one more thing.” Paige lowered her voice, her expression turning strange. “That day, when Skylar took the delivery, I was in the hallway.” “She said, ‘A poor nobody, still ordering deliveries? Can’t she just eat cafeteria food every day? Why does she have to show off in front of me?’” I was stunned. Just because of that? “She also said, ‘Why do poor students get so much financial aid? I pay so much tuition, and I still have to watch poor people feast like kings in front of me.’” Paige’s voice got quieter and quieter. She didn’t finish, but I understood everything. I thought Skylar targeted me because my grades were better than hers. Turns out, she just couldn’t stand to see me do well. Even if it was just a $20 delivery. Three days flew by, and Skylar sued me. Reporters crowded the courthouse steps on the day of the trial. The case had drawn massive attention. Not only were the Dean and the Secretary present, but several major networks were also broadcasting live. The whole world seemed to be waiting to see the “poisoner” get her due. The trial began. The plaintiff’s lawyer was both eloquent and thorough. He submitted a thick forensic report and played a surveillance video. The video showed a stray dog eating the pho. Within ten minutes, it was foaming at the mouth, convulsing violently, then lying still. The courtroom erupted in gasps. The live stream comments exploded. “So vicious! What if a person ate that?” “Someone like her deserves life in prison!” “Thank god for Skylar. If the campus belle had eaten it, she’d be dead!” The judge’s gavel demanded silence. “Defendant, how do you answer the plaintiff’s charges and the evidence?” Mrs. Harrington’s smile was cold and triumphant. I stood. “Your Honor, I have a question.” My voice was calm. “The plaintiff’s case rests on me poisoning a delivered meal.” I paused, scanning the room. “But I never ordered delivery that day.”

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My girlfriend loved her bikinis. She loved them even more during her private synchronized swimming sessions with her coach, Jared. Seeing them tangled up in the water, I can’t help but ask. “Does he need to touch you like that?” Chloe’s response was a sharp slap across my face. “How else is he supposed to correct my form? It’s called coaching.” Days before our wedding, Chloe threw a positive pregnancy test at me. “We’ll get married after the baby comes.” An explanation from her was rare. “I didn’t plan this. It was just…the swimming. But Jared and I are innocent. Trust me.” I scoffed. “Chloe. Do I look that stupid to you?” She only raised an eyebrow. “Believe it or not. The baby is a fact. I’m keeping it. If you can’t handle that, the wedding’s off.” Fine. Have it your way! She was sure I’d cave. I always had. For years, I’d bent my own rules for her. She’d go clubbing, letting male models grind against her. She called that modern dancing and me old-fashioned. She’d stay out all night with her childhood friend, Jared, the car shaking. She claimed they were checking for damage. I believed her. I knew she loved to play. But I had loved that wild, free spirit in her. I  just never thought she’d use such a ridiculous excuse for a pregnancy. She thought I’d let it go again. She was wrong. I tried to stay calm, but my voice still trembled slightly. “Alright, then let’s break up.” Chloe looked surprised for a second, then scoffed, clearly not buying it. “Playing hard to get? Alex, even if you threaten to break up, I’m still having this baby!” I looked at her confident face, a bitter taste filling my mouth. “Chloe, do you think I’m stupid? Is it fun to play me with such an absurd excuse?” Jared emerged from her bedroom, a couple of fresh hickeys on his neck. I was numb to it. She always said Jared was just a friend-they’d grown up together, she insisted, so close that sharing a bed meant nothing. I used to fight about it. Then she’d threaten to leave. Once, she even made me get on my knees, bark like a dog, and apologize to Jared for “disrespecting their bond.” I compromised. To this day, the video of me on all fours, barking at Jared’s feet, still gets passed around their Snapchat group. Jared shot me an arrogant smile. “Chloe, he doesn’t believe we’re just friends…maybe he needs a demonstration?” Chloe grinned, understanding perfectly. Seeing their smiles mirror each other, a cold dread tightened in my chest. “What are you going to do?” Chloe didn’t answer. She had her bodyguards grab me, strip me, and throw me directly into the backyard pool. “Go find some street women!” Chloe shouted. “Today, I’ll prove you can get pregnant from swimming. No contact required!” My heart lurched. I stared at Chloe. “Have you lost your mind? You know I’m terrified of water.” Two years ago, in Sydney, she’d gone freediving. A shark pack circled her. I dove in after her, dragged her back to the boat. And the sharks? They turned on me. My arms and legs tore open in the churning red water. Jared and Chloe watched from the deck, their laughter cutting through my screams. Later, I learned. Jared had smeared a shark-attractant pheromone gel on my wetsuit. Afterward, I confronted Jared, but Chloe shielded him. “Jared was just playing a prank to see if you’d save me. Do you really have to be so dramatic?” A prank? I almost became a crippled mess from infection because of that prank. Since then, every time I went into the water, I’d remember almost dying in the sharks’ jaws. My body would break out in rashes, and I’d have trouble breathing. Chloe’s face darkened, her eyes filled with intense disgust and impatience. “Such a big man, just going for a swim, what’s with the act? How disgusting! Afraid of swimming? You’re such an embarrassment!” Jared shoved my head underwater. Water poured into my mouth and ears. I struggled like crazy, but Jared kicked me back into the water. Extreme fear enveloped me. I couldn’t control my trembling limbs and slowly began to sink to the bottom of the pool. Seeing me stop struggling, Chloe frantically stood up. But Jared stopped her. “Chloe, he’s just playing mind games, it’s so pathetic. The pool isn’t deep, he won’t drown.” Hearing that, Chloe glared fiercely in the direction I’d sunk. “Such an act. Throw those homeless women in.” A few women were tossed in. The once clean water instantly turned murky. I could have floated up, but these women were pulling me down with all their might. My hands, reaching out instinctively for survival, were pushed down by someone. My lungs burned as if they were exploding. Blood streamed from my nose, and my vision blurred. Jared’s voice drifted from above. “Chloe, he needs to soak for 12 hours. Only then will he believe we’re innocent.” I passed out, was pulled out, then kicked back into the pool. This went on, back and forth, for a full twelve hours. My skin was covered in wrinkles, my body so swollen I was unrecognizable. Chloe had left long ago. I was alone in the mansion. It was terrifyingly silent. Like a pathetic dead dog, I lay gasping on the poolside. After a long while, I dialed my brother, Mark. “Mark, I regret it.” He sighed. “I told you back then, you couldn’t handle her. Come home, you can’t be headstrong this time. I’ve already picked a suitable match for your arranged marriage.” “I have a meeting tomorrow. I’ll send someone to pick you up the day after.”

That night, while packing my bags, I noticed the drawer in my room had been tampered with. I opened it and gasped. Inside was a portrait of my mother. But now, it was splattered with red ink. The word “BITCH” was scrawled in bright red paint across my mother’s face. Blood surged through me, my chest heaved violently, my mind went blank. Aside from me, only Chloe had a key to that drawer! Without thinking, I called Chloe. My fingers were shaking with rage. It took me several tries to dial correctly. The call was answered quickly. Chloe’s voice was languid. “What’s wrong? Realized your mistake? Let’s see if you dare to cause trouble with me again.” My eyes bloodshot, I demanded. “Who told you to touch my drawer?” The voice on the other end sounded confused. “What drawer?” “What’s in your drawer? I gave all the keys to the villa to Jared. If you’re missing anything, ask him.” “Who would touch your junk? You’re not trying to frame Jared, are you? Let me tell you, even if you lost something, it’s your own fault for not looking after it. Don’t try to shift the blame onto others!” Buzz. My mind felt like it had been violently slammed. My chest trembled. “What did you say?” The call abruptly disconnected. Years ago, I fell for Chloe, defied my family’s objections, and ran away to be with her. My father was furious, threatening to disown me. My mother and Mark were also deeply disappointed. To teach me a lesson, my family cut ties with me. I, too, stubbornly refused to contact them. Until last year, when Mark suddenly called to say Mom was gone. He said she’d tried to call me before she died, wanting me to visit, but for some reason, I hadn’t answered. The night my mother called, I was kneeling in the snow as punishment because Chloe had gotten mad after Jared and I had a small argument. She had confiscated my phone. That night, my mother called six times. I missed every single one. After Mom passed, I had even less courage to go back home. Mark had someone secretly slip me a photo of Mom, for me to keep as a memory. I didn’t dare carry the photo on me; I felt too ashamed to face her. I hid it in that drawer, and whenever I thought of her, I’d touch the drawer. But this sole keepsake… was destroyed by Jared! Towering rage, like a fiery serpent, gnawed at me. I found Jared’s house. He seemed to have already heard the news from Chloe, sitting on the sofa, waiting for me. My hands clenched into fists, and I lunged at him. “Jared! How dare you!” He took the hit, a dark smile twisting his lips. “Why wouldn’t I dare? A bastard from a bitch. You think you’re fit to stand next to Chloe?” “You’re just figuring it out now?” He let out a low, grating laugh. “I carved ‘BITCH’ into your mother’ headstone months ago. I thought you knew and were just too much of a coward to face me!” “Tsk. What a pathetic worm. And I haven’t even started on the truly sick stuff. What if I paid your mother’s grave another visit…” My eyes were bloodshot. Rage tore through me. “Shut up!” I swung at him, a wild, furious arc. But the punch didn’t land on Jared. A high heel kicked my kneecap. It was already an old injury from the shark bite, and now, being kicked again, a searing pain spread from my kneecap. I looked up. It was Chloe. Her eyes churned with a terrifying storm, her sharp gaze like daggers cutting into me. “Alex, who told you to hit Jared?!” A flicker of triumph crossed Jared’s eyes, quickly hidden, as he clutched his chin. “Ouch, Chloe, we can’t let him off easily this time.” “He lost something and blamed me, saying I took it… I explained, but he wouldn’t listen and just rushed over and punched me twice.” Chloe leaned in, her heart aching, and blew on Jared’s chin twice. Then she turned to me, her eyes looking like they wanted to devour me. My throat was dry, my eyes red. I thought I had moved on, but my heart still felt torn in two, a deep, intense pain throbbing through me. “Chloe, do you know, he messed with my mom’s…”

Jared’s cry of pain suddenly grew louder, interrupting me. Chloe’s eyes looked like they were about to spew fire. “Alex, are you deliberately jealous because of this child, using it as an excuse to hit Jared?!” “It seems the lesson wasn’t enough. You’re still being unreasonable!” My heart felt like it was being squeezed by a hand, making it hard to breathe. Whatever I said, she wouldn’t believe me. I stopped trying to explain, resignedly closed my eyes, and waited for Chloe’s verdict. She sneered. “If you lost something, then it’s your own fault for not looking after it, not anyone else’s.” “You won’t be needing those eyes anymore.” She had bodyguards bring two buckets of chili water. They forced my eyelids open and splashed the chili water onto my face. Overwhelming pain consumed me. I knelt on the ground, crying out in agony. My eyes felt like they were burning, making my temples throb. I begged desperately, screaming for help. But the second bucket of chili water was still poured over me. Before I lost consciousness, I heard one of the bodyguards speak with reluctance. “Miss, isn’t this enough? If this continues, his eyes might not be saved…” Chloe let out a relieved breath. “That’s enough. Take him to the hospital.” When I woke up again, my eyes had been rinsed with saline solution by the doctor. The doctor warned. “Your eyes are in a dangerous state. Don’t let them get injured again during this period.” My eyes were bloodshot, and even a slight blink caused pain. I endured the pain and called Mark. “Mark, I can’t take it anymore… Can you pick me up early?” He paused. “What happened?” “Okay, I’ll send my assistant to pick you up right away.” The hospital room door suddenly opened. Chloe walked in, holding a peeled apple, and eyed my phone suspiciously. “Who were you talking to?” I put my phone away. “No one important.” She didn’t press further, just told me to eat the apple. “Jared peeled it specially for you. Eat it.” “After you finish, do him a favor.” My face went pale. “No. Please leave. I need to rest.” But Chloe yanked me up. “Jared rarely asks for your help. Don’t be ungrateful.” She had someone tie me up and put me in a car. Half an hour later, Chloe dragged me into a private room. “Jared signed a betting agreement with someone. He can’t drink, so you’ll take the punishment if he loses.” My eyes widened. I felt my insides churning with anger. “Chloe! I don’t owe you anything! I said I wouldn’t help!” “We’re already broken up!”

Everyone in the room looked our way. Chloe glared at me angrily. “Enough! Don’t threaten me with breaking up!” “Just help Jared this one time, and our wedding won’t be postponed. It’ll go ahead as planned. Is that enough?!” Jared shot me a provocative smile, then lost three rounds in a row. The others looked at me with amusement. “Jared. Three losses. Penalty’s doubled!” “That’s three cubes of ‘Deep Dive.’ Neat!” Looking at the three huge buckets of mixed liquor and beer in front of me, cold sweat beaded on my forehead. “Chloe, I took antibiotics. I can’t drink alcohol.” My eyes were still injured, and the doctor had warned me not to touch alcohol or spicy food for a while. Chloe impatiently grabbed the drink and forced it down my throat. “If you don’t drink it, Jared will have to!” “Hurry up! He gets an upset stomach if he drinks too much.” I wanted to ask if I would be fine then. But I already knew the answer. Three buckets of ‘Deep Dive.’ Not a drop spared, all of it forced down my throat. My gut ignited. It felt like I’d swallowed a live coal, the nausea immediate and violent. Stomach acid surged, and I dry-heaved by the side. I heard Jared’s mocking voice nearby. “Look at him, Chloe. Pathetic. Like a wet dog.” Chloe, embarrassed, stomped her foot and ran off. My chest felt tight, my body ached all over. My eyes rolled back, and I completely passed out. When I opened my eyes again, the room was empty. They had gone to the next venue. My phone rang. Mark’s assistant had arrived. An hour later, I was on a plane heading back home. Before boarding, I called the wedding venue and told them to cancel the reception booked for next Monday. Chloe partied until the next morning before returning to the mansion. Normally, by this hour, the lights would be on for her. The bath run. Breakfast laid out to settle the chill from her nights out. But today, there was nothing. A flicker of panic rose in Chloe, then vanished into a scoff. “Still sulking.” She knew how devoted I’d been. My money was hers. I had no female friends. I answered her calls instantly. Who’d have thought I used to have rules? No late nights, no coming home drunk. I let her erase every line. She hadn’t been pregnant, of course. It was just a test-to see how far I would bend. She never thought I would actually break up with her. Last time, her prank got me bitten by sharks. I never once threatened to leave. So why would he walk away over something as small as this? Chloe smiled as she went upstairs, planning to pick out an outfit for tomorrow’s outing. Her phone suddenly rang. It was someone from the wedding venue. “Ms. Chloe, we can’t reach Mr. Alex. He called us last night to cancel the wedding banquet, but some of the decor items have already been purchased, and that portion of the fee is non-refundable. We just wanted to confirm with him again…” “We’ve tried his phone, but it’s going unanswered…”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “321167”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #校园School