Category: English

Five years into working at The Skyline Club, I found myself arrested and taken to the police station. Three days later, in the interrogation room, I saw Julian Vance, whom I hadn’t seen in five years. “Ms. Hayes, I’m Julian Vance, your attorney here to bail you out.” I looked up at the man before me. He wore a perfectly tailored, crisp Kiton suit, an Aurora diamond fountain pen clipped to his chest pocket. Golden-rimmed glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, and his gaze swept over me from behind the lenses. Calm, professional. “Julian.” I froze. Subconsciously, I glanced down at myself. My smoky makeup was half-melted by the harsh fluorescent lights, cheap cosmetics streaking down my cheeks. My flimsy fishnet stockings were ripped with several large holes, and my bare feet were covered in tiny cuts. In that instant, an overwhelming wave of humiliation washed over me. That trembling “Julian” made him look at my disheveled face. His expression remained unchanged. “According to regulations, I need to confirm your basic information.” “Your name, place of birth, and ID number?” My throat constricted. “Julian, you know all of this, don’t you?” Julian’s gaze was devoid of warmth as he corrected me. “Ms. Hayes, here, I’m just your lawyer and client. Please call me ‘Mr. Vance.’” My face drained of all color. Julian took a document from his briefcase and slid it toward me. “Before we begin, you need to sign some necessary retainer papers.” His long fingers tapped the signature line on the document, his voice calm. “Sign after you’ve confirmed everything is accurate.” I took the heavy, expensive pen, my hand trembling. I scrawled my name, barely daring to look up at Julian. Julian retrieved the document, then opened my police report from three days ago and my past records. “Records show your first arrest for soliciting a man at The Skyline Club at age 22. As of now, this is your fourth time being summoned by the police for similar activities.” “Due to your prior record and the severe nature of the case, you could face 15 days or more in penalties.” Julian’s words were like a cold, sharp blade, relentlessly slicing through my already tattered pride. I lowered my eyes, my fingers clenched so tight they turned white. “Mr. Vance, are you here to help me or to judge me?” Hearing this, Julian closed the file, his tone still icy. “Sign the bail agreement, and I’ll process your release.” “Consider it the last time I, as your… ‘family friend,’ help you.” I looked at Julian’s placid face and was suddenly overcome by an overwhelming sense of helplessness and self-loathing. It was as if, in front of him, I would always be at a disadvantage, always so pathetic. I signed my name again in the blank space. Then, I watched Julian rise crisply, turning to leave without another word. The cramped interrogation room instantly fell silent, leaving me alone. Half an hour later, a female officer opened the door, unlocking the handcuffs on my wrists. “Don’t leave New York soon, and keep your phone on.” I nodded dazedly, following Julian out of the interrogation room. Outside, seeing Julian’s retreating back, I couldn’t help but remember five years ago. It was November 7th. I had learned that Julian was handling a transnational lawsuit in Sydney. I chased after him, sending him a message. 【Julian, I need to see you. Can we meet?】 Julian replied:【Okay.】 I quickly sent another:【I’ll wait for you on MacDougal Street.】 But I waited for six hours, from broad daylight until dusk. Instead, I saw Julian and a female colleague engrossed in conversation.

That female colleague wore a well-fitted camel coat, a distinctly men’s scarf covering most of her face. And Julian, usually so aloof, was gently smiling as he plucked a jacaranda blossom from her long hair. In that moment, I ran. It wasn’t until my flight back home was about to take off that I received Julian’s message. 【I’m here. Where are you?】 I didn’t reply. I deleted Julian’s chat. For the next five years, we never saw each other again. Until today… Just then, a familiar female voice interrupted my thoughts. “Julian, what took you so long? Mom’s waiting for us to come home for dinner.” I looked up to see a woman intimately linking arms with Julian, looking up at him and smiling. Julian showed no resistance to her touch. Perhaps sensing my gaze, the woman looked in my direction. Our eyes met, and I froze. It was my sister, Violet Hayes, who had disappeared for five years! Seeing Violet, elegantly dressed in designer brands, I rushed forward. “Sis, you’re back!” Violet frowned, looking at me. “How dare you still call me ‘Sis’?” “Working at The Skyline Club, did you ever think about Mom and me?” Hearing Violet’s words, I was confused. “Sis, what are you talking about?” “You ran off abroad alone. Five whole years. Did you know Mom got sick? If I hadn’t…” My words were cut short by Violet. “Are you going to say you worked in that kind of place because you were paying for Mom’s medical treatment?” “Can you stop spouting such blatant lies?” “When Dad had his car accident, and Mom fell ill, you ran off with a man! If I hadn’t been studying and working abroad, sending money back all these years—” The word “died” remained unsaid. I was stunned. “Sis, what are you saying?! I clearly—” Violet interrupted me again, her voice cold. “Julian and I are getting married soon. You don’t need to put on a show for us in front of him.” “I know you used to like him, but he’s your brother-in-law now.” “Don’t go after him again, understand?” With that, Violet linked arms with Julian and drove away. I watched them leave, rooted to the spot. I couldn’t understand how my sister, Violet Hayes, could tell such bold-faced lies. Five years ago, after Dad’s car accident and Mom falling ill, Violet secretly left the country. The few times she contacted me from abroad, it was always to say she was in trouble and needed money! Mom was hospitalized long-term, undergoing three major surgeries, and Violet never once showed concern… Just then, my cracked phone screen lit up with a call. It was the hospital. I quickly answered. A polite female voice came through the line. “Ms. Hayes, your mother’s hospital bills have been overdue for a week. Please settle them as soon as possible. Otherwise, the hospital can’t guarantee continued medical services.” I awkwardly promised. “I’ll pay it soon.” I hailed a taxi and went home. After showering and changing, I cooked chicken congee for Mom before rushing to the city hospital. After paying the overdue hospital bills, I went to the ward. I immediately saw my sister, Violet Hayes, there. I hurried forward. “Sis, why did you lie in front of Julian today?” Violet scoffed. “I’m your sister. It’s none of your business what I do.” “If you dare expose me, I’ll ruin you!”

With that, she grabbed her bag and left. I stood there, hearing Mom’s weak voice. “Autumn, don’t argue with your sister. It hasn’t been easy for her these past five years!” My wrist ached faintly from the handcuffs, the chafing a reminder of three days in custody. I suppressed the pain and looked at Mrs. Hayes. “Mom, haven’t you seen how she’s dressed now?” “Does that look like it ‘hasn’t been easy’?” “Do you know she’s about to marry Julian Vance?” Mrs. Hayes’s eyes darted away, clearly knowing everything. “Your sister getting to be with someone she loves makes me happy, dear.” But my chest felt heavy, as if stuffed with cotton. Mom clearly knew I had once loved Julian too. I couldn’t help but ask. “Mom, when Dad had his car accident and you fell ill, Sis took all the family’s money and left the country without a word. Don’t you blame her?” Mrs. Hayes shook her head, her voice low. “No, I don’t blame her. I never wanted your sister to stay and suffer.” I froze for a moment, then asked, my voice trembling. “What about me, then?” Mrs. Hayes remained silent, avoiding my gaze. Sometimes, silence is the answer. My heart felt like it was bleeding. I took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within, and spoke again. “Mom, now that Sis is back, let her take care of you from now on.” “No.” Mrs. Hayes refused without a second thought. “Your sister has never suffered hardship since she was little, nor has she taken care of anyone. Besides, she’s getting married soon. How can she take care of a sick person like me?” Sister can’t take care of her? But how can I? I had never felt so utterly disappointed. “Mom, I wasn’t born knowing how to take care of people either.” Mrs. Hayes didn’t respond, nor did she acknowledge my suggestion about Violet taking care of her. She just kept talking about how difficult things were for Violet. How much Violet had suffered struggling alone overseas. And that I should be more accommodating to Violet. I listened silently, offering no response. Only after Mom fell asleep did I leave. Just outside the hospital. The strong wind tousled my hair, and raindrops slapped my face like a series of harsh blows. By the time I took the bus back to my rented apartment complex, I was completely soaked. I trudged up to the top floor, breathless. As I took out my keys from my canvas bag, I looked up and saw Julian Vance’s tall figure standing at my door. His sharp suit and tie looked completely out of place in this run-down neighborhood. Seeing Julian again, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. “Julian, you…” Before I could finish, Julian cut in. “I found your address from your records. How did you end up like this?” I looked down at my soaked, cheap clothes, my throat dry. I feigned composure, my hand trembling as I unlocked the door, and replied. “Like what? I think I’m doing just fine.” Hearing this, Julian seemed annoyed. “Do you even know what ‘fine’ means?” “You and your sister are from the same parents. She worked hard abroad, got into Melbourne University, and earned her degree.” “And you? All these years, you’ve only caused trouble, just wasting yourself away.” Julian’s harsh reprimand felt like a series of slaps, making my face burn. I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Julian, do you know that all the money my sister used for her studies abroad, I gave it to her?” In that moment, Julian was utterly disappointed. “You’re lying again. When Violet was abroad, I visited her regularly. “I know perfectly well whether she used your money or not.”

In that moment, I was speechless. I knew any further explanation would be useless. Julian wouldn’t believe me, so I simply stopped talking. Seeing that he still hadn’t left. I broke the silence. “Do you want to come in and sit down?” Then, I opened the door and stepped inside. Julian followed her in, scanning the room. The cramped room was sparsely furnished. Only a bed, an old table, and a chipped wardrobe. There was nowhere to sit. Suddenly, Julian’s eyes darkened. He immediately spotted the bedhead, covered with clippings of his photos from newspapers. I followed his gaze, realizing I had completely forgotten about them. I hurried to tear down the photos. “Don’t misunderstand. My place is so run-down, so I just used these newspaper clippings to cover the mold on the wall.” Julian didn’t expose my lie. I felt his gaze on me, like a knife slowly carving away at my self-esteem. “Do you have anything else? If not, I won’t keep you.” Julian pulled out a card and handed it to me. “There’s ten thousand in here, enough to live on for a while. Don’t do anything illegal again.” “Find a decent job.” I clenched my hand, my palm bleeding from my nails digging in. I pushed Julian’s hand away. “No thanks. I can earn my own money. I don’t need your help.” Julian looked at my stubbornness, a flicker of something unusual in his eyes. “This money is from your sister.” My heart seized. I couldn’t help but ask. “Julian, can I ask you something?” “Seven years ago, when I confessed to you, you said I was just a kid. But why are you now with my sister, who’s only two years older than me?” Julian was silent for a moment, then looked into my eyes, speaking each word distinctly. “Your sister is different from you.” With that one sentence, my heart utterly died. I stood there, stunned, unable to speak. I could only watch as Julian placed an invitation and the card on the table beside me. “Violet and I are getting married on September 30th.” “Your sister hopes you can dress appropriately and attend our wedding.” So Julian had come specifically to give me money, afraid I would embarrass them at the wedding. My emotions were a messy tangle. After Julian left, I walked to the table and tucked both the invitation and the card into a drawer. I wouldn’t go looking for humiliation. After doing everything. I lay on the bed, and an overwhelming wave of fatigue swept over me. I had a dream, of more than a decade ago, the first time I met Julian. Julian was wearing a dark overcoat, smiling as he asked me. “Little girl, what’s your name?” In that moment, my heart melted. I woke up the next morning. I was roused by the ringing of my phone. Still half-asleep, I grabbed the phone from my bedside table and answered. My sister Violet Hayes’s impatient voice came through the line. “Hello! What are you waiting for? Mom had an accident, the bed is all wet!” “I’m on my way.” I skipped breakfast, washed up quickly, and rushed to the hospital. As soon as I entered the ward, I heard Violet’s sharp voice. “I told you already, we have no relationship anymore. Can you please stop bothering me?”

Mrs. Hayes’s face was pale. She struggled to sit up and tugged at Violet’s sleeve. “Violet, Mom missed you so much. Every night I dream of you.” “These five years you’ve been away, Mom could only look at your SnapChat, not daring to call you, afraid of disturbing you.” “Now that you’ve finally found your place, Mom is happy for you.” Violet’s face was full of impatience. “Everything I have today, don’t I owe it all to myself? What could you two do to help me?” Mrs. Hayes was speechless. After a long while, she couldn’t help but cautiously ask. “Is the wedding all ready? When will it be? Mom can help prepare…” Before she could finish, Violet cut her off, her eyes full of disdain. “How can you attend my wedding looking like this?” “You just lie in a hospital bed all day. What if you have an accident at the wedding? Do you want me to lose face in front of Julian’s family?” “Let me tell you, from now on, I only have one mother, and that’s Mrs. Vance.” Mrs. Vance, Julian Vance’s mother. I couldn’t stand it anymore and pushed the door open. “Sis, how can you talk to Mom like that?” “I’m your sister. It’s none of your business how I talk, is it?” Violet said, then slammed the door and left. I watched her retreating back, suppressing my anger, and was about to comfort Mrs. Hayes. But I met my mother’s gaze. “Autumn, don’t be so harsh on your sister.” “She was just spoiled as a child; her nature isn’t bad.” My fingertips clenched. “Mom, Sis is practically disowning you. Are you still going to defend her like this?” Mrs. Hayes didn’t answer, weakly saying. “Autumn, Mom has wet the blankets. Can you help Mom change them?” Seeing Mom’s head full of white hair, I still couldn’t bring myself to blame her further, and neatly changed the bedding. After everything was tidied, I left for work. That evening, at The Skyline Club. After finishing my makeup and changing into my red slip dress for work, I came out to find Liam Foster, the head manager, leaning against the dressing room door. Liam saw my pale face, his expression worried. “Feeling unwell?” I nodded. “Just came from the hospital, a bit tired.” A flicker of concern crossed Liam’s eyes. “If you’re tired, rest. Don’t aim to be number one here; aim to leave.” “You’ve earned a lot of money over the years. Why don’t you think more about yourself?” “Your sister is back now; it’s her turn to carry Mom’s burden.” Liam knew about my family situation and that my sister was back, so he couldn’t help but advise me. My heart warmed. “Yeah, I’ll try to think more about myself.” Liam then slipped me an anti-hangover pill. “Tonight, you’re assigned to The Platinum Suite. The clients there are high-profile individuals, so they shouldn’t cause trouble. But still, take this, just in case.” “Thank you.” Over the years, Liam had taken good care of me. I sincerely thanked him, then headed to The Platinum Suite. At the door of The Platinum Suite. I knocked and entered, immediately spotting Julian Vance sitting among a group of men. He wore a dark suit, his face under the golden-rimmed glasses looking cool and distinguished. My body stiffened. And Julian, at that moment, looked up, our eyes meeting. Then, a colleague next to him asked. “Julian, you know her?” All those with him were prominent lawyers, sharp-eyed enough to know everything with just a glance. Julian subtly shifted his gaze from me. “Not well.” Not well… My expression faltered slightly, then I quickly regained composure and walked inside.

Now, it was true, Julian Vance and I weren’t close. I suppressed the dull ache in my heart and spoke. “I’m Autumn Hayes, number 108. It’s an honor to be in The Platinum Suite to serve you all.” As soon as I finished speaking, the man sitting next to Julian waved me over. “Come here.” I walked over and sat between him and Julian. I recognized this man; his name was Carter Stone, Julian’s partner, and he often appeared in newspapers with him. Carter smiled and instructed. “Remember not to touch Mr. Vance. He’s very principled; he doesn’t let any other woman near him except his fiancée.” So, everyone knew Julian was only special to my sister. I nodded stiffly. “I understand.” The next moment, I heard Julian’s displeased voice. “Carter, mind your own business.” Carter shrugged. After a few rounds of drinks, the people in the suite were tipsy, and a group of prominent lawyers started playing spin the bottle. Carter picked up the bottle and spun it. The neck pointed at me. Carter, his face flushed from alcohol, eyed me up and down. “Autumn, have you ever been taken out overnight by a client?” My face instantly burned crimson. I fought hard not to look at Julian. “I choose dare, I’ll drink.” Then, I picked up the brandy on the table and downed it in one gulp. My stomach instantly felt like it was on fire, burning with pain. Carter spun the bottle again. It rotated once and again pointed at me. “Julian, do you want to ask Ms. Autumn a question?” Julian finally looked at me at that moment. His eyes were indifferent, as if I were merely a stranger. “I have nothing to ask.” “Then I’ll ask for you!” Carter seemed to be getting carried away and asked me again. “How much do you charge for an overnight stay with a client? How many men have you been with?” Without thinking, I picked up the glass, about to drink. But Carter snatched the glass from my hand. “You already drank once! You can’t drink again now! You have to answer.” Hearing this, I bit my lower lip hard. “Two thousand a night. Three men.” As I spoke, I saw Julian’s gaze shoot toward me, the anger in his eyes clear. I immediately lowered my head, not daring to look at Julian again. If he weren’t here, I could have handled any intrusive game question with ease. But today, I just couldn’t do it like before. Carter didn’t want to stop and spun the bottle again. It stopped, still pointing at me. “Oh, no, Autumn, it’s you again…” Before Carter could finish, Julian cut him off. “Enough! That’s it for tonight.” With that, he picked up his suit jacket and walked out of the suite without even a glance at me. Seeing Julian suddenly angry and leaving. Carter was somewhat surprised. He turned to me and asked. “What exactly is your relationship? This is the first time I’ve seen him like this.” My fingertips clenched slightly. “Just a hostess and a client.” Carter didn’t ask further and followed Julian out. The others in The Platinum Suite also dispersed. I was the last to leave the suite, my stomach churning for some reason. Tonight was the only time I hadn’t been harassed or forced to drink, yet it was the most humiliating. Julian must be so disappointed in me. Back in the main hall. Liam handed me a stack of cash wrapped in brown paper. “This is your commission for today, a total of one thousand.” He then asked. “How were the clients today? No one laid a hand on you, did they?” I took the money and shook my head. “Thanks for arranging it. The clients today didn’t lay a hand on me.”

After saying that, I was about to walk out. Liam couldn’t help but call out to me again. “Autumn.” I looked back, puzzled. “What is it?” Liam hesitated for a moment, then gathered his courage. “If it’s possible, would you consider me?” I was startled, and before I could answer. Liam forced a light smile. “It’s fine, I just asked. It’s okay if you don’t want to.” As soon as he finished speaking, a familiar voice came from not far away. “Julian, look, Autumn has quite a few admirers.” I looked over and saw Julian and the others from The Platinum Suite also at the entrance. Carter Stone sneered and said to Julian. “That man is Liam Foster, the head manager of the club. Managers at places like this are quite promiscuous. If the girl agrees, she’ll have a hard time.” Julian followed their gaze and saw my face flushed, standing beside Liam. A strange anger welled up in his eyes. “Let’s go. It has nothing to do with us.” Julian’s car arrived. He didn’t spare me another glance, got in, and drove away. I stood not far away, my heart feeling like it had been hollowed out. Nothing to do with him… Just then, my phone suddenly rang. I answered. Mrs. Hayes’s weak voice came through. “Autumn, Mom has something to tell you.” “Okay.” I rushed to the hospital. As soon as I entered the ward and saw Mrs. Hayes, I quickly asked. “Mom, what happened?” Mrs. Hayes saw me, a look of difficulty on her face as she spoke. “Mom needs you to kneel and swear that you will always take good care of your sister from now on.” “No matter what she does, you must forgive her, or you will die a horrible death!” I heard this and froze. I knew Mom had always favored my sister, but I never imagined she would ask me to swear such a deadly oath for her sake. “Mom, am I your real daughter?” I couldn’t help but ask. Seeing my reaction, Mrs. Hayes raised her hand and slapped me across the face. “You were born from my womb after ten months. If you’re not my daughter, whose daughter are you?” “Swear it now, or we’ll cut ties as mother and daughter!” Cut ties as mother and daughter! Hearing those words, my heart utterly died. “Okay, I swear! But once I take this oath, you will truly no longer be my mother.” Mrs. Hayes’s eyes were dull. She didn’t speak, just stared at me blankly. And I, numb, knelt on the floor, raising my index and middle fingers, enunciating each word. “I swear that I will take good care of my sister, Violet Hayes, and forgive her no matter what she does, or may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!” The moment my words fell, the tension in Mrs. Hayes’s heart finally eased. After a long while, Mrs. Hayes said again. “You can go now. I need to rest.” I slowly got up, turned, and left. I never imagined that this departure would be a permanent farewell. That evening, as I was working. Suddenly, a group of uniformed police officers walked up to me, showing their badges. “Autumn Hayes, we’ve received a report. You’re suspected of murdering your biological mother. Please come with us for questioning!” My mind reeled, my eyes wide with disbelief. “What are you saying?” “Your mother was found deceased at 7 AM this morning. You were the last person seen with her before she died.” “Your sister reported it. You can say whatever you need to at the station.” After being taken back to the New York City Police Department, my mind was a blur. It wasn’t until the interrogation. I learned that after I left, someone had pulled out Mom’s breathing tube and administered illegal drugs to her. My mind suddenly flashed back to Mom’s last words: No matter what Violet Hayes does, you must forgive her! I understood everything now. It had to be Violet… I quickly told the police. “Can you investigate my sister, Violet Hayes? This morning, I was called to the hospital by my sister.” “Also, can you help me find a lawyer? I want to see Mr. Julian Vance!” 10. The police, seeing that I didn’t seem to be lying, told me in a professional manner. “We will investigate all the leads you’ve provided.” That afternoon. The detention room door opened. “The person you wanted to see is here.” I was led to the visiting room. As soon as I entered, I saw Julian Vance in a dark suit, sitting behind the table. I quickly explained. “Julian, I didn’t hurt Mom. You have to believe me.” Julian looked at me, his eyes filled with disappointment. “The evidence is stacked against you now. How do you expect me to believe you?” I was stunned. “What evidence?” Julian placed his phone in front of me and played a video. It was a video of me in Mom’s hospital room. The video showed my mother and me arguing about something. I explained. “My mom made me promise to forgive my sister no matter what she did.” “At this point, are you going to blame everything on your sister?” Julian asked. I was stunned. I refused to give up, explaining again. “Julian, I’m really being framed! When I went to the hospital, Mom was perfectly fine…” Julian, seeing that I still wouldn’t admit it, said in a deep voice. “Autumn Hayes, do you have any conscience? You killed your own mother. It’s either the death penalty or life imprisonment!” Hearing his resolute voice, I couldn’t speak another word. Julian spoke each word distinctly. “If you confess now, you might get a reduced sentence.” My eyes instantly welled up. “Julian, how can I confess to something I didn’t do?” Julian stood up. “I’ll come back when you’ve thought it through.” With that, he turned and left. I watched his retreating back, at a loss. Just then, the officer said someone else wanted to see me. The person who walked in was Violet Hayes. As soon as I saw her, I immediately stood up. “What did you do to Mom? How did she die?” Violet looked at me, smiling sweetly. “What could I do? Wasn’t it you who couldn’t stand her, so you pulled her tubes and put her out of her misery?” “I should thank you. From now on, I have no burdens whatsoever.” Hearing this, my pupils contracted sharply. “You know this is murder, right? I’m going to tell the police!” Violet laughed. “Go ahead and tell them. My husband is the best gold-standard lawyer in the country! Do you think the police will believe you, or me?” “And I have something to show you.” Violet pulled out her phone. “This is what Mom left for you before she passed.” In the video, Mrs. Hayes’s face was ashen, speaking each word distinctly. “Autumn, Mom knows she’s been a burden to you all these years, which is why you wanted Mom to die.” “Mom doesn’t blame you.” Seeing this, my head buzzed. My fingertips dug into my nails, my palm bleeding. I never imagined that the first time I heard my mother’s instructions, it would be to frame me. “Mom… why would you do this to me? Am I not your daughter anymore?” Only despair remained. After Violet left, I stayed alone in the detention center, in agony. After a week of being dazed and confused. The officer told me that my case was so severe it had spread throughout New York City. No lawyer in New York City was willing to take my case; not even legal aid wanted to touch it. But Julian Vance came to see me again. Visiting room. As soon as I entered, before I even sat down, I heard Julian speak. “Have you thought it through? Are you willing to confess?” I looked at him, my face pale, repeating my previous answer. “How can I confess to something I didn’t do?” Hearing the same answer as last time, a flicker of annoyance crossed Julian’s eyes. “Autumn Hayes! You’re still unrepentant even now. Do you know how many people outside want you to get the death penalty?” I lowered my gaze and asked. “What about you?” 11. Julian unconsciously averted his gaze, falling silent. The room was quiet. What else was there to understand? I clung to a last shred of hope, asking Julian. “Julian, do you really not believe me at all?” Julian heard the hope in my voice and his gaze returned to my face. He couldn’t help but remember the little me, always trailing behind him, her voice soft and sweet. “Julian, when I grow up, I want to marry someone just like you.” “Julian, I like you so much. Let’s be together when I’m an adult, okay?” “Julian, don’t worry about your bar exam, I’ll take care of your mom…” Thinking of these things, a strange pang of pain pierced Julian’s heart. Seeing Julian fall silent again, I smiled bitterly. “I understand. It’s fine.” “But since no one is willing to take my case now, Julian, can you be my lawyer?” I could go to jail, but I didn’t want to go to jail with a bad name. Julian, however, refused without hesitation. “I won’t take the case of someone like you.” One sentence completely crushed my heart, stripping away my last hope. My clenched hands trembled slightly. Then, I heard Julian say. “Violet’s and my wedding has been postponed. I’m now Violet’s lawyer; she has filed a lawsuit against you.” Hearing this, I suddenly understood. So this was why Julian had come to see me, to make me confess. I felt as if I’d fallen into an ice cellar, lowering my eyes in self-mockery. “Only now do I understand, Julian, you truly don’t like me.” Julian didn’t answer me, but stood up. “I will personally ensure you’re sent to prison, for your sister.” After he left, I suddenly laughed. I didn’t understand why I was laughing. Perhaps it was for my twelve-year, unrequited love. I was led out of the visiting room by the officer, but at the door, I saw Liam Foster. Liam saw me, his eyes filled with worry. “Autumn, I know you’re innocent! You took care of your mother for six years; you couldn’t possibly murder her!” My eyes welled up. The Julian I had loved for over a decade didn’t believe me, but Liam, who I’d known for five years, firmly believed in me. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have the chance to start a new life with him. “Liam, thank you for believing me.” “But I’m sorry, I have to cancel our plan to eat tiramisu.” And the promise to date him was also cancelled. Liam’s eyes immediately reddened. “Don’t say that. When you get out, I’ll make it for you again.” I shook my head. “No, I’m actually quite alright now.” “The life I lived at The Skyline Club was worse than being in jail. At least in jail, I don’t have to entertain clients, and I don’t have to worry about not having money for Mom’s treatment.” Liam, however, wouldn’t give up. “I will find evidence to prove your innocence!” “Wait for me!” After he left, I was sent back to the detention room. Soon, the day of the trial arrived. I sat alone in the defendant’s dock, facing Violet Hayes, the plaintiff, and a sharply dressed Julian Vance. I just watched. Julian meticulously presented all the surveillance footage, videos, and other evidence, explaining each point to the judge. I felt as if I couldn’t hear anything. In my mind, there were only snippets of my past with Julian. His praise for my delicious breakfasts, his gratitude for me taking care of Mrs. Vance. And the way he rejected me. And now, the way he was desperately trying to convict me. “Does the defendant have anything else to say?” My eyes were red-rimmed as I looked at the video of my mother before her death, displayed behind Violet. I then looked at Julian across from me, the corners of my eyes red. My own mother used her death to frame me; how else could I argue? “I plead guilty.”

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I was maliciously infected with a disease. In retaliation, I seduced Caleb Taylor, a wealthy heir. Four months later, Caleb became my boyfriend. On Christmas Eve, after a date, I deliberately lured Caleb to a hotel. The next day, Christmas Day, Caleb received a gift box. At the very bottom of the box was a greeting card, with a terrifying message: *Welcome to the world of the virus.* This was my special Christmas gift to Caleb. That Christmas night, someone knocked on my door. I opened it, and it was Caleb. He was panting heavily, his face etched with panic. I feigned concern and surprise. “What’s wrong, Caleb? We still have a while before we’re supposed to go out. Why are you here so early?” Caleb’s eyes were red-rimmed, his brows deeply furrowed. He bent down and hugged me in the entranceway. “Ava, I’m so scared.” He buried his face in my neck, and I gently patted his back, soothing him. “I’m here. What happened?” My tone and actions were tender, but a cold smile played on my lips. Caleb pulled me inside and showed me the Christmas gift box. He didn’t notice my eyes flicker when I saw it. He took out the card from the very bottom and held it out to me. “Look, I don’t know who sent this to me. Do you think… I really got infected?” Holding the card that had been in my hands just that morning, I narrowed my eyes. Turning to Caleb, I held his hand and calmly reassured him. “Don’t worry, it’s just a prank.” After over a year of manipulation and deception, Caleb truly prioritized me above all else. See? His first reaction to trouble wasn’t to go to his family, but to come straight to me. 3. This “prank” was so disturbing that Caleb told his family. When Chloe Taylor, Caleb’s sister, heard about it, her reaction was strange. “Bro, this kind of disease spreads in peculiar ways. Either you’ve been messing around, or… could it be Ava who infected you?” “What are you even saying?!” My heart jolted at Caleb’s sharp, furious retort that echoed through the phone and shocked me, sitting on the couch. Caleb’s brows were tightly furrowed as he snapped, “Don’t you dare accuse Ava! Not even as a joke!” A sigh of exasperation came from the other end of the line. “Fine, fine. Guess someone’s just jealous and trying to mess with you.” The moment Caleb hung up, he quickly shuffled over to me in his slippers. “Ava, you have to believe me. I’ve never cheated! Not before, not ever. I’ve always been faithful, I swear!” Of course, he hadn’t been messing around. I was the one who infected him. For several days, Caleb remained deeply uneasy. Even when I tried to get close, he pushed me away. Had he found out? No, that couldn’t be right. I couldn’t take it anymore and confronted him. “Caleb, what’s going on? Are you trying to cut me out of your life?” Caleb, still wearing a mask, tried to approach me, then instinctively pulled back. He mumbled an apology. “No, Ava, it’s not like that. I’m just afraid of ‘what if.’ If I really am infected, then… maybe we should break up.” I stepped closer, pressing him back, until he had nowhere left to retreat, pinned against the wall. I ripped off his mask. “First of all, this disease isn’t transmitted through saliva.” A muffled, weak voice responded, “I know. I just… I can’t shake this feeling. I don’t want you to be in any danger.” I tilted my head up and kissed his lips. “I don’t care. Even if you really have it, I don’t care.” *Hah. Of course, I don’t care.* *The sooner you’re infected, the sooner you can join me in hell!* 4. Two weeks later, Caleb went for a hospital check-up. Nothing. Four weeks later, another check-up. Still nothing. He hadn’t been infected. *What luck. He actually dodged it.* *What a pity.* I was tired of playing this game with him. It was my birthday that day. Caleb had arrived at my place early, cooked a huge meal, and was waiting for me to come home. When he saw I still wasn’t back, Caleb went into the bedroom to look out the window at the street below. I texted him back: *Just arrived at the gate.* In the time it took him to turn around, Caleb noticed the medical records and medication on the table. He picked them up to examine them. The more he read, the more horrified he became. His hands clutched the documents tightly, the veins on his trembling fists bulging. I walked into the bedroom, saw the scene, and instantly understood. “So, you found out.” Caleb sharply turned to me, staring intensely, his eyes bloodshot. “Why?” I gave a cold laugh. “Why what?” Caleb held up the medical records and rushed towards me. “Why did you hide your illness from me? Why did you send me that kind of gift box on Christmas? Why… did you trick me into going to that hotel?” The room fell eerily silent. Suddenly, I burst out laughing. I took a step forward, looking up to meet Caleb’s gaze. “You really are lucky, aren’t you? As for *why*… go ask your dear sister, Chloe Taylor!” “Go ask her if she remembers Anya Miller!” Caleb listened, his face filled with shock, then he abruptly turned and left. 5. Caleb sped down the road, screeched into a bar, and dragged Chloe out. Chloe, who had been in high spirits, was annoyed and about to curse him out. But seeing her usually gentle and cheerful brother’s grim face, she didn’t dare utter a sound. Caleb pulled Chloe to a quiet spot. Chloe, still bewildered, was about to ask what was going on. “Tell me, who is Anya Miller?” Chloe froze for a moment, then her face stiffened. “How do you know about her?” Caleb roared, “Don’t you dare try to change the subject! What exactly did you do to Anya Miller?!” Back in college, Anya Miller and I were in the same year, but different departments. Back then, my name was Anya Miller, not Ava. At that time, there was a senior who was very popular with the girls, and he and I grew quite close. I liked that senior, and Chloe liked him too. Chloe was spoiled and arrogant, a real princess with a terrible temper. No, she was worse than that. She was a truly nasty piece of work, enabled by endless pampering. Chloe gathered a few people to corner me outside my dorm. They threatened me, telling me to stay away from Daniel, or I’d regret it. I wasn’t going to back down. I was an orphan with no family. Why should my feelings be dictated by others? Surely, these people wouldn’t actually dare to do anything to me on campus, right? But I was wrong. I was too naive. Those people put dead mice in my bed, poured red ink all over my closet. My dorm room became a living hell for my roommates. They shoved me into a foul-smelling ditch, taking countless humiliating, ugly photos. They spread rumors around school that I was selling myself, that I was involved with shady characters off campus. Chloe herself never appeared during any of this. I went to the teachers, but they couldn’t do anything. I went to the school administration, only to be warned about my own conduct. Why? Why was I suffering, yet no one helped me? “Chloe Taylor’s family donated a whole building to the school. Can *you* do that?” “Oh, I forgot. You’re just a parentless orphan, aren’t you?” The terrifying faces of Chloe’s cronies were right in front of me, mocking, jeering, filled with pure malice. Yes, I couldn’t. I was a poor student, an orphan with no one to back me up. How could I ever fight against them? I distanced myself from Daniel. But Daniel found me. “Anya Miller, I like you. I don’t believe any of those rumors, they’re baseless, they’re just trying to slander you!” I looked at Daniel, exhausted. “Then, Daniel, can you help me? I’m scared, I’m really scared. I don’t know what to do anymore.” Daniel hugged me, his broad, warm hand gently patting my back. “I’ll help you. Don’t be afraid.” Isolated and helpless, with no one to turn to, I clung to the only lifeline I saw. Days passed, much calmer. I thought Chloe had seen Daniel protecting me and decided not to harm me further. Until that day… It was a departmental outing. I drank a little, which was unavoidable, and texted Daniel. When I went to the restroom, a hand suddenly clamped over my mouth from behind, dragging me into another private karaoke room. I struggled with all my might, but the person behind me was incredibly strong. I couldn’t move them. In that moment, I wished for just one person to appear, anyone, as long as they could save me. But there was no one. The hallway was empty. I watched, helpless, as the door slowly closed. The music in the room was deafening. No one would hear my cries for help. The person behind me blindfolded me, then roughly and savagely forced a debilitating drug down my throat that made my body go completely limp. I was violated. The next day, I took emergency contraception and rushed to the police station to report it. They found nothing. For three agonizing weeks, I felt like I was being tormented in hell, but they couldn’t find a single lead! Three weeks later, I started feeling nauseous, vomiting, and generally unwell. I went to the hospital, and the doctor told me I had been infected with a disease. When the results came back, the doctor’s somber tone and sympathetic gaze made me collapse in the hospital corridor. I felt a chill spread through my entire body. So many patients came and went around me, so many people, yet I felt completely alone. Like I was the only one abandoned by this world. When I saw those people on campus again, one of the girls leaned close to my ear and whispered, “That’s what happens when you cross Chloe Taylor.” I snapped my head towards her. “You guys? This is illegal! I’ll report you!” I thought no matter what, they wouldn’t do something this harmful and illegal. But I was too naive. She looked straight ahead, her breath on my ear like a viper’s hiss. “Go ahead and report us. It’s been so long, do you have a single piece of evidence?” It turned out that from beginning to end, Chloe Taylor had orchestrated everything. She had kept her hands clean, never once appearing herself. Simply because I hadn’t yielded to her wishes, she wanted to destroy me. 6. “SMACK!” A stark red handprint bloomed on Chloe’s face, the sound sharp and clear. Chloe’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Bro!” Caleb was dizzy with rage, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “Don’t call me bro! How could you do something like that? How could you harm someone over such a petty thing?!” After composing himself, Caleb sat down, leaning his head on his hand, and questioned her, “When you called me, asking for my help, was it all a lie? Was it just to harm Anya Miller?” Chloe lowered her head, knowing she was in the wrong. Back then, Chloe, wanting to get back at me, knew that what she was doing was illegal and needed help destroying evidence. So, Chloe called Caleb, crying. “Bro, someone outside of school is bullying me! Can you find some people to help me deal with her?” Caleb, who was far away overseas at the time, had no idea how many terrible things his sister was doing behind his back. Always doting on his sister, Caleb only knew she was being bullied by bad people. Without a second thought, he found some guys to help. “Just make sure to keep things in proportion.” He never imagined *this* was the kind of help she needed. Caleb was incredulous. “You deliberately lied to me to destroy someone else’s life? Chloe! How spoiled have you become all these years? How can you lack even basic human decency and morals?!” “Hahahaha, so, I was the one who pushed her into hell with my own hands. I was the one who harmed her!” With a crash, the glass in Caleb’s hand shattered on the floor, splintering into pieces. 7. A hesitant, slow knock echoed at the door. I opened it, and it was Caleb again. He stepped inside, looking at me urgently. “Ava, I’m so sorry, truly sorry. I didn’t know Chloe wanted those people to do something like that. I’m truly sorry. It’s my fault, it’s Chloe’s fault. I’ll drag her here tomorrow to apologize to you. I’ll do anything you want!” I violently shook his hand off, sneering. “Apologize? If an apology could fix things, what about all the suffering I’ve endured for years? What about my prime years, now reduced to perhaps less than a decade of life?! My whole life has been ruined by your family!” Caleb’s eyes were red-rimmed. “Ava, whatever it takes to make you feel better, I’ll do it.” I took a step forward, a sarcastic smile playing on my lips. “What makes you think you can atone for Chloe’s sins? Fine. Why don’t you try getting this disease yourself and see my pain?” Caleb choked on his words, stammering. “I… I…” “Hah, you can’t, can you? I knew it.” I turned away dismissively, unwilling to look at him any longer, and walked back into the house. My arm felt warm as Caleb grabbed it. “Ava, can you tell me? Did you genuinely like me when you first approached me, or was it…” Caleb’s eyes flickered, filled with hope. I only found it laughable. I lazily tilted my head, letting out a soft scoff. “Of course, I deliberately approached you. You didn’t really think you were charming enough to make me fall for you, did you?” The grip on my arm loosened. Caleb recoiled as if in pain, muttering, shaking his head. “So you planned to get close to me all along? Is that right?” “What else?” Caleb’s lips twitched slightly, his voice hoarse. “Then, did you… ever like me, even a little?” My expression remained unmoved. “No.” The hope in his eyes vanished, and his gaze dimmed. “Fine. Fine. So you’ve been acting this whole time, playing with my emotions!” Caleb left.

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  My sister smashed the necklace the CEO had given her. “Who needs your cheap stuff? Don’t you dare insult me! I’m nothing like those gold-digging opportunists who cling to power!” Standing by, I crouched down to pick up the broken pieces. The CEO kicked my outstretched hand. “Get her to wear it, and I’ll pay for your dad’s medical bills.” My sister glared at me. “You’re truly pathetic, Lena. So desperate for money and status, sucking up to rich people like this?” But if I missed this chance, my dad’s surgery costs would be completely out of reach. I stubbornly held out the necklace to my sister. She closed her eyes, a picture of haughty arrogance. I didn’t manage to get her to wear the necklace. But the CEO still paid for Dad’s medical expenses. From that day on, both my sister and I were tied to Andre. But we were worlds apart. His blatant favoritism towards her was known to everyone. And I was just the “gold digger” who shamelessly clung on. Years later, my sister returned from studying abroad. I was currently held close in Andre’s arms. “Your sister is back.” I understood instantly. “Right. I hope you and Tiffany will be happily ever after.” ***** Andre kissed my forehead in satisfaction. “Such a good girl.” He leaned against the headboard, his gaze distant. “If only your sister were as compliant as you.” A sharp, tearing pain spread through my chest. I didn’t reply, just quietly got up to get dressed. Andre suddenly grabbed my wrist. His grip was too strong, making me wince in pain. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” “What should I say?” I whispered. He scoffed, letting go of my hand and falling back onto the bed. “Before your sister left the country, she asked me to take good care of you.” My pupils constricted. The ache in my heart became sharper, clearer. The only reason I could stay by his side was because Tiffany, my sister, had granted it to me. Of course. In Andre’s eyes, I was just a replacement for her. “Your sister is always like this. She’s soft-hearted with everyone else, but always so cruel to me.” Andre’s voice carried a hint of wistfulness and an undeniable fondness. I tried to go to the bathroom, but he grabbed my hand again. “Stay with me a little longer.” Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating his handsome profile. I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him. My sister had accidentally spilled hot coffee on his hand. His hand was red and scalded, but he just smiled and said, “It’s okay, as long as you’re not burned.” “Hmph, I wasn’t going to apologize anyway. You rich people are all so arrogant and self-centered.” I was startled and wanted to apologize. But Andre seemed even more interested. “You hate me?” “Yes, I hate spoiled rich kids like you who have nothing better to do all day.” My sister let out a soft huff and stomped her foot. Andre just laughed. I shrank behind my sister, watching the amusement and indulgence in his eyes. Only one thought ran through my mind: he… he’s actually a good person. Later, I found out he had fallen for my sister at first sight. And when he spoke of it, he didn’t even remember I was standing right behind her. My thoughts snapped back to the present. I saw Andre. He lit a cigarette and spoke. “I’ve already arranged for your father’s ongoing treatment.” “Thank you,” I nodded. “No need to be so polite.” He exhaled smoke. Through the hazy smoke, his gaze fell on my face. “If you want to thank anyone, thank your sister. I’m only willing to look after your family because of her.” … The sound of running water filled the bathroom. I poured cold water over my head, trying to suppress the sobs rising in my throat. When I came out, he was still there, which surprised me a little. Andre leaned against the doorframe, fiddling with his phone. “Tomorrow, I’m picking up your sister. Arrange my schedule for me.” “Okay.” He suddenly walked over, picked up a towel, and began to dry my hair. His movements were clumsy, pulling at my scalp. It stung. I closed my eyes, not struggling. Noticing my furrowed brows, he finally softened his touch. “Sorry, I’ve never done this before… I just wanted to learn, so I can dry your sister’s hair later.” “It’s fine. Just be a bit gentler, or Tiffany will get mad at you.” I said, forcing a smile. He hummed softly, and his movements did indeed become much gentler. The next day at the airport. I followed Andre early in the morning to pick up my sister. Tiffany emerged in a vibrant red dress, captivating and radiant. Everyone’s eyes were drawn to her. Including Andre’s, beside me. He practically sprinted forward, taking her luggage. “Are you tired?” His tone was one I had never heard him use before—so gentle. My sister gave a casual “Hmm,” her gaze sweeping over the crowd and landing on me, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Lena, you came too?” “Tiffany, long time no see.” I stepped forward to greet her, my smile polite but distant. On the way back, my sister sat in the passenger seat. Andre occasionally turned to chat and laugh with her. He had never been so talkative with me. Their conversation flowed effortlessly from the weather abroad to mundane daily gossip, trivial yet natural. I sat in the back seat, like an invisible person who didn’t exist at all.

  Back at the house, my sister motioned for me to pick up her luggage and follow her. I did as told. When we reached her “princess room,” she suddenly turned around and slapped me across the face. “Lena Harvey, you are utterly pathetic.” “I was studying abroad, working on my career, and you were back here sleeping your way to the top. You, Lena, you’re just as cheap as your mother.” Tiffany was my father’s first wife’s daughter. A year after their divorce, my father met my mother through mutual friends. They found each other suitable and started dating. But Tiffany always believed my mother was a mistress. Even though my mother tried to win her over, treating her better than she treated me, her own biological daughter. But Tiffany was never satisfied. She loved to humiliate me and my mother in front of others. Calling my mother a mistress, and me, the mistress’s daughter. From a very young age, I suffered endless glares and humiliation because of these unfounded rumors. All the bullying I endured at school came directly from Tiffany. When Dad went to school to complain on my behalf, Tiffany would always retort: “Dad, why does she get bullied while no one else does? Isn’t it because there’s something wrong with her?” The stinging pain on my cheek pulled my thoughts back to the present. “What, cat got your tongue?” Tiffany looked down at me, condescendingly. I still didn’t say anything. Over the years, I had long understood my situation. I couldn’t afford to upset Tiffany. Otherwise, Andre would be displeased, and Dad’s medical funds would disappear. Tiffany wouldn’t care whether Dad lived or died. Seeing me still keeping my head down, she sneered. She walked into her walk-in closet and began to rummage through her clothes. “Here, iron this for me. Make sure it’s perfectly pressed. I hate wrinkles.” I softly replied, “Okay,” and exited the room. In the hallway, I ran into the housekeeper. Their gaze held a hint of sympathy and helplessness, but quickly shifted away. After all, no one would look up to a materialistic “gold digger.” While ironing the dress, the steam accidentally burned my wrist. A red blister immediately formed. I stared at the red mark and suddenly remembered a time when Andre was drunk. He had mistaken me for Tiffany. He kept mumbling drunkenly, “Tiffany, don’t leave.” His grip back then had also been painful, but I didn’t push him away. Sometimes, people are so greedy that they can’t bear to expose even a fake affection. Andre appeared then. His gaze fell on my reddened wrist. “What happened to your hand?” “I accidentally burned it,” I answered honestly. He anxiously grabbed my wrist, carefully examining the red swollen area. I was so startled I could barely breathe. “Who told you to iron it?” His voice was suppressed, hiding something. “Tiffany.” I still told the truth. He smiled, letting go of my hand. “She’s still as bossy as ever.” I didn’t reply. He turned to leave but suddenly stopped. “Hand over that project you’re working on to your sister.” My eyes widened abruptly. By the time I fully registered what he said, he was gone. Why? A project I had dedicated half a year to, working day and night, pouring countless efforts into—just like that, I was supposed to hand it over? But I knew I had no right to refuse. Tiffany and I, in Andre’s eyes, were worlds apart. Late that night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I got out of bed, wanting to go out for some fresh air. But I saw Andre in the living room. He was sitting on the sofa, smoking. The moonlight outlined his profile. “You’re still awake?” He saw me and instinctively put out his cigarette. “I got up to get some water.” He nodded in silence. Then, as I turned to leave, he suddenly murmured to himself. “I’ve waited so long, but now that she’s back, I feel… it’s just not the same.” My heart seemed to skip a beat. I thought I had misheard him. Andre looked up at me, his eyes filled with struggle. “If… if I said I couldn’t bear to let you go, would you think that was strange?”

  That night’s conversation, Andre and I both pretended it never happened. Tiffany started working at Andre’s company. She immediately became my direct supervisor. I took her around, familiarizing her with company procedures, but she just looked at me impatiently. “This is boring. That’s enough.” “But, there’s still…” I tried to explain, but she cut me off. “Isn’t that what you’re for? Don’t you, my subordinate, have the ability to assist your superior’s work?” Tiffany rolled her eyes at me, then smiled again. “Oh, right. All you’re good for is pleasing men in bed.” The moment those words left her mouth, the office fell silent. Everyone around us gasped, covering their mouths in shock and awkwardness. But Tiffany still wasn’t satisfied. She walked closer, her heels clicking, looking down at me. “What? Haven’t you told your colleagues that your mother was a home-wrecker? You and your mother, you’re two peas in a pod.” “My mother isn’t a mistress,” I retorted, meeting her gaze. She covered her mouth and scoffed. “You’re still denying it? Right, people like you are so shameless.” … The spectacle quickly spread throughout the company. After work, Andre called me to his office. His office was also filled with some of his friends. They all looked at me with mocking expressions. I thought Andre would issue a public statement to stop the rumors. But he only said: “You shouldn’t have made your sister angry.” I bit my lip, trying hard to hold back tears. Andre continued, “Your sister has been very good to you. If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t even have had money for college — Lena, you need to be grateful.” I looked up, my eyes red-rimmed. Yes, I knew. If it weren’t for Tiffany, we wouldn’t have received financial support from Andre’s family. Dad would have died long ago from lack of medical funds. And I would have dropped out of school early due to poverty. Now, Andre’s lecture was just to make sure I didn’t resent Tiffany. As I left the office, I could still hear the laughter inside. “Oh, Andre, you’re really ruthless. She’s such a delicate beauty, how could you be so harsh?” “Yeah, aren’t you afraid you’ll actually scare her off?” “Even though Lena is more soft-willed and has no bottom line compared to her sister, she really is so obedient to you.” Andre replied nonchalantly. “She’s nothing like Tiffany. They’re like night and day, really.” “If she didn’t look so much like Tiffany, why would I even keep her around?” At those words, another burst of laughter erupted. I quickened my pace, escaping in a hurry. That project was ultimately given to Tiffany by Andre. Tiffany just signed her name at the end, and all the credit went to her. She instantly became a rising star in the industry. When people spoke of her as an industry new star, they couldn’t help but mention me. “These two sisters, one is a daring and ambitious woman, and the other is just a clinging vine who attaches herself to power.” “Lena Harvey just rode on her sister’s coattails and isn’t even grateful.” The rumors, like vines, tightly wrapped around my neck, constricting more and more. At the celebration banquet. Tiffany was surrounded by people. She held a champagne glass, smiling radiantly. Someone raised a toast in praise. “Ms. Williams is truly capable! Our CEO is so lucky to have such a brilliant and capable partner by his side.” Andre smiled in response. But his gaze unconsciously swept over the crowd and met mine. I smiled at him and turned to leave. I didn’t see his tightly furrowed brows after I left. I moved through the banquet like a transparent person. Tiffany was a born leading lady; even stolen credit she could explain away eloquently and righteously. As for me, I didn’t even have the right to defend myself. Tiffany’s reputation soared. Andre’s family elders softened their stance, stating that as long as Tiffany performed well in the next quarter, she would be allowed to join the family. Upon hearing this, Tiffany put on a proud and aloof act, as if deeply insulted. “Do you think I should be happy? What’s so great about you? You just have better luck than me.” “I won’t exert myself to please you just to get into the Morley family.” “I study hard, I work hard, it’s all for myself, and has nothing to do with anyone else.” Her words left Andre’s family elders with pale faces, completely speechless. Andre quickly stepped in to smooth things over. His eyes were full of admiration for Tiffany. “Tiffany is just like that, real and unpretentious. Grandpa, please don’t take it to heart.” I stood by, watching the scene, finding it utterly absurd.   From then on, Tiffany thrived like a fish in water. Andre indulged her every whim. Tiffany never hid her dislike for me. She deliberately transferred me to a peripheral department, where I handled insignificant chores every day. People who used to work closely with me gradually distanced themselves. I didn’t care about any of this; I just quietly worked, trying to earn as much as I could. Dad’s recovery was going very well. I planned to take him away from this city once he was discharged from the hospital. The prerequisite was having enough money. Tiffany didn’t remain smug for long. Andre had spoiled her, making her too self-confident and a bit too impatient for quick results. On an overseas project, Tiffany, in her pursuit of speed, skipped the risk assessment and signed the contract directly. As a result, Andre’s company not only had to freeze hundreds of millions in initial investment but also had to pay double the penalty for breach of contract. When the news reached the company, the entire conference room fell silent. I sighed. I had warned Tiffany to do a risk assessment. But she had scoffed at the time, “What I choose to do is none of your business.” That day, Andre called me into his office. He looked at me, silent for a long time. I had probably already guessed what he was going to say. I smiled and spoke first, “I understand what you mean.” He nodded. “Everyone is watching. Someone has to step up and take responsibility for this.” I said nothing more. Andre paused, carefully choosing his words. “Tiffany lacks experience; it’s inevitable she’d make mistakes. And you, as her subordinate, didn’t properly advise her, which is your fault to begin with.” “She looks strong, but she’s really just a little girl who cries a lot. If people start pointing fingers and blaming her, I’m afraid she…” He didn’t finish his sentence, but I understood. I looked up, “Okay.” Consider it repayment for his kindness. Andre nodded in satisfaction, pulled a document from his drawer, and placed it in front of me. “This is a statement. It specifies that you concealed risk data during the follow-up, which led to the project failure.” I hadn’t hesitated at first, but at the crucial moment, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of doubt. Concealing risk data, what a serious charge. If the company pursued legal action, I could go to jail. He sighed, speaking casually. “I won’t let you go to jail, don’t worry.” I laughed. My laughter echoed in the office, sounding particularly ironic. “Alright.” I lowered my head, signing my name with careful strokes. As soon as I walked out of the office, I ran straight into Tiffany. Her face was a bit haggard, but her makeup was flawless. “You shouldn’t feel like it’s unfair. If you hadn’t deliberately neglected to warn me, I wouldn’t have made such a huge mistake.” I ignored her, walking straight past her. I pulled my clothes tighter. The air conditioning made me shiver. My phone vibrated then—a call from the hospital. “Ms. Harvey, your father is doing very well. He can be discharged next week.” “Okay, thank you.” I stumbled into the stairwell, crouched down, covered my face, and cried, trying to muffle the sound. I submitted my resignation to the company that day. HR was a bit surprised. “But Mr. Morley didn’t say he was firing you.” “This is what he wants.” Seeing my reply, HR didn’t say anything more. After all, everyone knew I had “made a big mistake.” Andre found out about my resignation a few days later. At the time, I was at the hospital, accompanying my father. Andre called. “I didn’t tell you to resign.” “This is the best solution,” I replied. He fell silent on the other end. After a long pause, he spoke again. “Alright, you can lay low for a while. Once this blows over, I’ll transfer you to another position.” “No need to trouble yourself.” I was very polite. Andre caught the hint of distance in my tone. He sounded displeased. “Are you blaming me?” “No, Mr. Morley. You’ve been kind to me. If anything, I should be thanking you. Why would I blame you?” I felt a little weak. Everything that had happened recently had truly exhausted me. “I owe you nothing. From now on, we’re even.” The sun shone down, warm and comforting. In the distance, car horns blared. I left the hospital with my father, heading for the airport, ready to start a new life.

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  The first time my childhood sweetheart’s werewolf traits awakened, his friends called me to help calm him down. But what they didn’t know was that I heard him say: “I really don’t want to waste my first time on her. A werewolf’s love is for life. Whoever we mark first becomes our only mate. When Pearl gets here, I’ll have to resist, even if she begs me to let her help.” But he waited and waited, and I never came. What he didn’t know was that his older brother’s bodyguard had been blowing up my phone. “Miss Jasper, the young master marked you as his mate a long time ago. Please, I’m begging you, can you come and kiss him?” It turns out, five years ago when I died in a skiing accident, his brother saved me. He performed a blood bond, giving me half of his own werewolf lifespan to pull me back from the brink of death. That night, I wrapped my arms around his brother’s neck, my voice a low, seductive whisper. “Come on, Justin. Don’t hold back. Tell me… how many years have you been secretly in love with me?” *****   My childhood sweetheart, Noah, comes from a family of werewolves. After their twentieth birthday, every full moon sends them into a powerful heat. And according to their ancient laws, the first person they mark becomes their one and only mate for life. I always thought that when the time came, Noah would choose me. So when his friends called me on the night of his first transformation, telling me he was in agony and needed me, I rushed over without a second thought. But as I reached the door of the private room, I heard Noah’s voice, tight with frustration. “God, I really don’t want to waste it on Pearl.” “I want to go after Karen, the most popular girl in school, but she’s not the easy type.” “Not like Pearl. She’s like a pathetic little lapdog who comes running whenever I call.” “When she gets here, I’ll have to resist, even if she begs me to let her help. The last thing I need is to be shackled to her for life after one mistake. She’d have me wrapped around her little finger forever.” I stood frozen outside the door, my mind a complete blank. I couldn’t believe it. The boy I’d grown up with, the boy I adored, saw me as nothing more than that. His friends, all of them the type to kiss up and kick down, burst out laughing. “So, she’s just a toy to you.” “Should I call and tell her not to come? Save her the trouble of trying to climb into your bed and trap you. Honestly, man, you get what you pay for.” But Noah stopped him. “No, don’t,” he said, his voice strained with discomfort. “If we tell her not to come now, how would that make her feel? Even if she is just a toy, she’s one I’ve cared for since we were kids. I don’t want to hurt her.” He let out a ragged breath. “When she gets here, I’ll just… see if I can hold back. I don’t want to spell things out for her, but maybe this will finally make her understand.” In that moment, I wanted to storm in there and scream at him. You don’t want to hurt me? You call me a dog in front of your friends and let them laugh at me, and you think you have the right to my devotion? But I held back. Why waste my breath on someone who didn’t value me? I turned and walked away, a humiliating retreat. Don’t cry, I told myself. Don’t you dare cry. Then, I remembered a different call. I pulled out my phone and dialed the number of his brother’s bodyguard. “That offer you made earlier… to help Noah’s brother? Is it still on the table? Send me the address. I’m on my way.”

  Half an hour earlier, the bodyguard had called and revealed a truth Noah had deliberately kept from me. “Miss Jasper, do you remember five years ago? When the second young master, Noah, took you skiing and you fell into that ravine?” “The eldest young master, Justin, led the search party. It took us three days and three nights to find you, buried under the snow. You were frozen solid, like a statue of ice. You weren’t breathing.” “Master Justin told Noah that a werewolf can give half of his lifespan to his mate through a blood bond on the night of a full moon. It’s another form of marking. Once performed, that person becomes their eternal mate.” “But Noah… he refused. He couldn’t bear to let you die, he just held your body and sobbed, but he wouldn’t do it.” “In the end, it was Master Justin who saved you. As luck would have it, that night was a full moon. To save you, he performed the blood bond himself, giving you half of his life. In doing so, he marked you. For the rest of his life, you are the only one he can ever be with.” “Noah begged him never to tell you. For the past five years, Master Justin has endured every full moon alone. He never disturbed you, and he forbade any of us from ever revealing what he did.” “But tonight… tonight is different. He’s been gravely injured, his life is on the line. And with the full moon… he won’t make it without you. Please, I’m begging you. Can you come help him?” My mind went completely blank. I had died once? Five years ago, I had actually died? Noah, the boy who had cherished me my whole life, refused to sacrifice for me. But his brother, Justin—the cold, intimidating man everyone called the Ice King—had pulled me back from death’s door. Even so, my heart had been stubborn. “I’m sorry,” I had told the bodyguard. “Noah needs me more tonight.” I was willing to be ungrateful, to ignore the man who saved me, all to rush to Noah’s side. And my reward? To be called a pathetic lapdog. A worthless toy. God, I was such a fool. I deserved to be treated like dirt. But not anymore. I scrubbed away the humiliating tears, my knuckles white as I clutched my phone. “Is it too late to repay my debt?” I asked the bodyguard, my voice shaking. “If Justin really needs me tonight… I’ll be there. And I’ll give him everything he needs.” The bodyguard’s voice was choked with relief. “It’s not too late! Not at all! Miss Jasper, I’m sending you the location right now. If the master wasn’t so badly hurt, if his life wasn’t on the line, I would never have disobeyed his orders. The family punishments are severe.” I understood. Justin probably just wanted to save my life, not to have me clinging to him forever out of obligation. And I just wanted to repay the debt. It wasn’t about being heartbroken by the younger brother and immediately running into the arms of the older one. It was just… a debt.

  I never expected what I’d find when I arrived at the hospital’s VIP wing. Karen, the most popular girl in school, was standing outside the door, frantically trying to push her way in. “Let me in! It’s the full moon, isn’t it? How do you know Justin doesn’t need me? Justin! Please, just let me in and help you!” A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Noah had called her “not the easy type,” yet here she was, throwing herself at his brother. The bodyguard who had been blocking her saw me and immediately opened the door, his eyes welling with tears of relief. “Miss Jasper, you’re finally here. Please, come in. The master really needs you tonight.” Karen’s face twisted with a vicious mix of envy and hatred. “Why does she get to go in?” she shrieked. “He’s only in this condition because he was saving her! She’s a jinx! How can you let her near him again?” I froze. Saved me again? What does she mean? The scene inside the room was chaos. I saw Justin, bare-chested and lying face down on the bed. His face was flushed with fever, his short hair soaked with sweat. His fingers were curled tightly into his palms, fighting the waves of heat rolling through him. His back was wrapped in thick white bandages, now stained a horrifying, spreading crimson. A doctor stood beside him, shouting in desperation. “For God’s sake, man, stop fighting it! I’m begging you, just find a woman to help you! We just changed these dressings and they’re already soaked through! How much blood do you have to lose? On a full moon, a werewolf’s blood is already agitated, and your clotting ability is shot. I’ve given you the strongest coagulants we have, and they’re doing nothing!” “You have to relieve this fever, or you’re going to bleed to death before morning! Where is this girl you said could save him?” The bodyguards by the bed had already seen me. In unison, they turned and bowed a full ninety degrees, their expressions a mixture of reverence and gratitude. “Doctor,” one of them said. “She’s here.” At their words, the man who had been suffering his own private hell on the bed suddenly opened his eyes. They were a deep, mesmerizing crimson, burning with a fierce, restrained desire. His gaze, powerful and sharp, landed on my face, and his expression shifted to shock, then fury. “Who brought her here? Get her out!” One of the bodyguards bowed his head. “It was me, sir. If Miss Jasper can help you tonight, I will accept any punishment. Besides, you were injured this time saving her life. Again.” “You’ve risked your life for her twice now, and you won’t even take the credit. You might not feel wronged by it, sir, but we do. On your behalf.” I stole a glance at the formidable man on the bed. Though I’d grown up with Noah, I had always been terrified of Justin. He was known as the Ice King for a reason. Even the most arrogant heirs and troublemakers in our circle turned into meek little boys in his presence. His power and aura were absolute. I usually went out of my way to avoid him. But now, that same terrifying man was gripping the bedsheets, his toes curling in agony, his whole body radiating a palpable heat. His ragged, shallow breaths filled the room. The contrast was jarring, almost… alluring. A fallen king on his sickbed was a dangerously captivating sight. “Wait,” I said, my voice small. “You said he was hurt because of me… again?” A bodyguard started to speak, but Justin cut him off with a roar. “Shut up! Say one more word and see what happens!” Then, he turned his voice on me, forcing a tone of gentle dismissal. “Pearl, you should leave. I don’t need you here.” Another bodyguard spoke up, seemingly fearless. “Sir, stop pretending. Stubbornness won’t win you a wife. You act all tough, but your heart is soft when it comes to her. Did you think we were blind? When Miss Jasper is in danger, you’d walk through fire for her. You literally did.”     It wasn’t just one; all the bodyguards in the room started chiming in, a chorus of fearless truth-tellers. “Exactly! Last full moon, who was it that spent the whole night staring at a picture of Miss Jasper on his phone? You were so out of your mind with fever you kept whispering her name. I bet you were dreaming of her, too.” “And the month before that! You parked your car outside her dorm building and sat there all night. How many times did you almost get out and go in, only to force yourself to stay put? Job himself would have tapped out.” “If we don’t say anything, she’ll never know! Are you really planning to suffer like this for the rest of your life?” “Shut up,” Justin said, his gaze dropping. “I can handle it.” The doctor practically exploded. “Handle it? Handle my ass! You keep ‘handling it’ and you won’t live to see the sunrise!” He turned to me. “Young lady, what are you just standing there for? Do something! Help him!” The bodyguards all bowed to me again, their faces pleading. But I was at a loss. “What am I supposed to do? I… I don’t know how.” The doctor, snipping away the blood-soaked bandages, didn’t even look up. “Kiss him!” My face flushed a deep crimson. Standing there, at the head of the bed, with everyone watching… how could I kiss a man who pushed everyone away? Suddenly, a bodyguard shouted, “Miss Jasper, do you know how the master got hurt? Two days ago, there was a fire in your university’s auditorium! You were trapped inside, weren’t you? You passed out from the smoke inhalation and almost died.” “It was the master who saved you. Because of the mark, he can sense when his mate is in danger. He ignored everyone’s warnings and ran into the burning building to find you. As he was carrying you out, a flaming beam fell and hit him across the back. His whole back was on fire.” “But he gritted his teeth, held on through the pain, and used the last of his strength to get you out. And what happened then? Your precious Noah swooped in and took all the credit. He saw his brother carry you from the flames and snatched you out of his arms. If he was so worried about you, why didn’t he run in there himself?” What? I couldn’t believe it. That was how Justin had been injured? I remembered waking up from the smoke inhalation two days ago. Noah was sitting by my bedside. I had assumed… I thought he was the one who saved me. My head was spinning with too much new information to feel shy or awkward anymore. Saving him was all that mattered. Acting on pure instinct, I leaned over Justin, fixed my eyes on his lips, and pressed a firm kiss against them. “Don’t,” he growled, his voice harsh, pushing me away with his words. But his hands only gripped the sheets tighter, his throat working as he swallowed hard, his eyes a terrifying shade of red. The sight of him, so powerful yet so vulnerable, was an invitation to sin. His voice turned colder. “Pearl, do you have any idea what you’re doing? You usually act like you can’t get far enough away from me. Don’t do something you’ll regret just to repay a debt. And don’t listen to them. It’s useless. You can kiss me all you want. I feel nothing.” But the doctor suddenly cried out in excitement. “It’s working! The bleeding is slowing down! Miss Jasper, keep going! Kiss him again! His body is a hell of a lot more honest than his mouth. Kiss him like you mean it!” The doctor’s words were a direct slap to Justin’s stubborn pride. His face looked deeply uncomfortable, and in a move that stunned me, he buried his head in the pillows. Was he… blushing? His ears were so red they looked like they were about to catch fire.

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  My best friend and I were both heartbroken on the same day, but unlike me, she insisted on dragging me into her twisted version of a “romantic ending” and dying together. Ignoring my protests, she set fire to my house. When she saw me burning alive, skin blistering and flesh charred, she panicked and ran. I survived with severe burns and lay in the hospital for three long months. The day I was finally discharged, I discovered she was marrying my wealthy ex-boyfriend. When I confronted her, she brushed it off with a sweet smile: “Don’t overthink. I married him to punish the scumbag and get revenge for you.” But her actions told another story. She sold all the wedding jewelry and told her husband I had taken them to buy gifts for a boytoy. She maxed out his credit cards, claiming it was to pay off my gambling debts. When she got pregnant and slept with her husband’s driver, she nearly bled to death—then told everyone I had gone to a hotel with a bunch of male models, and she miscarried while trying to “save” me. In the end, her husband sold me off to the Golden Triangle. There, they cut out my kidney and tortured me until I died in agony. But when I opened my eyes again, I was back on the very day she had her affair and miscarriage. ***** Alexia always used me as her excuse whenever she met her lover. She told her husband, Paul Eveline, that I was the one calling her out—sometimes saying I’d been beaten by a wife for being a mistress and needed comfort, sometimes that I owed loan sharks and begged for help. She even said that I was being treated for a dirty disease and needed her by my side. If Paul hadn’t once stormed into my house in my past life, spitting venom and condemning me for all those fabricated sins, I never would’ve known just how “colorful” my life had become in her lies. And now, his number was flashing on my phone again, vibrating relentlessly. The moment I picked up, his furious voice exploded in my ear. “Hedy! It’s the middle of the night—why are you keeping Alexia with you again?” “I’ve tolerated you long enough! After we broke up, you wanted to ruin yourself, fine. But must you keep sucking the life out of Alexia? She’s your best friend, not your mother!” “She’s married now, and pregnant. Can’t you have some shame and stop bothering her every damn day? Do you even know how pathetic you are?” “What is this, revenge because I dumped you? Are you trying to destroy my family? Alexia is pure and innocent—if you dare exploit her again, don’t blame me for being ruthless! Send her back right now!” His voice was so loud and venomous that my ears rang. The truth was I hadn’t had any contact with Alexia ever since she set me on fire. But Paul never believed that. I received his calls almost daily. At first, hearing his accusations, I actually thought Alexia was really punishing him on my behalf. It wasn’t until he barged into my home in a rage, beat me black and blue, stuffed me into a sack, and sold me to the Golden Triangle that I realized I had been nothing but a scapegoat. Remembering the flames she lit, the slander she spread, and his merciless revenge—a surge of hatred burned in my chest. ‘Paul, this time, you’ll see with your own eyes what your so-called “pure, good wife” really is.’ Curling my lips into a cold smile, I answered the call. “Alexia is busy right now—she’s unclogging the sewer. She won’t be back anytime soon.” Then my face hardened. Without waiting for his reply, I hung up and switched off my phone. But only moments later, pounding fists rattled my door. The lock had barely turned when a powerful force slammed it open, throwing me back. Before I could react, several bodyguards pinned me to the ground. And Paul stormed inside, footsteps heavy and furious, tearing through my home in search of Alexia.   My small two-bedroom apartment had been turned upside down by his men. Yet he still found nothing. “Didn’t you say Alexia was unclogging a sewer? Where is she?” His face flushed red as he stormed up to me, voice booming with rage. Seeing him like this, a wicked satisfaction curled in my chest. Revenge tasted sweet. I raised my brows, speaking slowly, almost lazily, “I only said she was unclogging a sewer. I never said it was in my house. Maybe she’s unclogging one at your driver’s place. Why don’t you check there?” Paul’s eyes went cold. He grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked hard. “Drop the sarcasm,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I’ll ask you one last time—where are you hiding Alexia?” Alexia’s whereabouts had always been a secret. I was nothing but her scapegoat—how could I possibly know? Through gritted teeth, I answered, “She’s a grown woman with hands and feet of her own. Why would I know where she goes? I’m not her mother!” Not getting the answer he wanted, Paul’s eyes turned vicious. He released my hair only to strike me hard across the face, the blow leaving my head ringing. Rage flared through me—yet beneath it, an even greater anticipation stirred. ‘You’re angry already? You’ve seen nothing yet, Paul. The worst is still waiting for you,’ I muttered internally. He loomed over me, striking my face again and again with his palm, as he sneered, “You think keeping your mouth shut means I can’t deal with you?” He reached into my pocket, pulled out my phone, and powered it on. Holding it up to my face, he unlocked it with the facial scan, then scrolled straight into my contacts. When he spotted my emergency contact, a cruel smile spread across his lips. He dialed. “Hello? What’s wrong?” On the other end, my husband, Leopold, answered with his usual gentle voice. I opened my mouth, desperate to speak—but one of the bodyguards clamped a hand over it, suffocating my words. “You’re Hedy’s husband, right?” Paul’s voice was cold, dripping with disdain. “And who the hell are you?” Hearing an unfamiliar man, Leopold’s tone sharpened, his calm was instantly replaced by unease. Paul met my eyes, mocking me as he replied, “I’m Hedy’s ex. But don’t worry—I’m married now. I’ve got no interest in her anymore.” There was a short silence, then Leopold demanded, “Then why are you calling me with her phone?” “No real reason. I just thought you should hear the truth about your lovely wife.” Paul began his assault, every word a dagger meant to bury me alive. “Do you know how she got those burn scars? She tried to set herself on fire when I dumped her and wanted to die with me. If my wife hadn’t tried to save her, she’d already be ashes.” “When that failed, she threw herself at man after man, desperate for company.” “She’s lived off my wife for years—sold her wedding jewelry to buy gifts for boytoys, gambled away her money, maxed out my credit cards, made my wife pay her debts.” “She even got caught playing mistress and was beaten by the man’s real wife.” “Oh, and she was at the hospital recently, getting treatment for a dirty disease. If I were you, I’d go get tested.” “Tell me, doesn’t it shame you to be married to a filthy woman like her? Don’t you feel pathetic being cuckolded? If I were you, I’d be dead already.” Each word was venom, each sentence a blade, hacking at my dignity until nothing remained. On the other end of the line, Leopold fell into a long, chilling silence. My heart twisted. Since the day we married, our relationship had always been good…

  Leopold was always upright and kind, gentle and attentive to me. He never once despised the burn scars on my body. Instead, he told me I was an angel who had survived the flames, and that for the rest of my life, he would shield me from the wind and rain. With him, no matter how badly we argued, he never gave me the cold shoulder or lost his temper. He would always coax me patiently, again and again. But this time… after hearing Paul’s lies, he said nothing. Not a word. When Paul hung up the call, triumph lit his face. “Well? Still not going to tell me where Alexia is?” The guard finally released his hand from my mouth. I glared at Paul, fury burning in my chest. “You’ve broken into my home, restrained me, assaulted me, and spouted lies. Every one of those things is against the law.” I wanted nothing more than to tear this fool apart. At my defiance, his rage deepened. “Against the law?” He sneered. “Then let me show you what real breaking the law looks like!” He barked an order at his men. “Smash her place to the ground!” Obeying instantly, the bodyguards began to wreck everything in sight. In minutes, my once neat little apartment became a wasteland of broken furniture and shattered glass. Nothing was left intact. Grinding my teeth, I spat, “Paul, with such blatant lawlessness, aren’t you afraid of the law catching up with you?” He laughed coldly, full of scorn. “The law? The law punishes leeches like you. You’ve bled Alexia dry for years—don’t you know how much you’ve stolen from her? Everything in this place was bought with her money. I’m smashing my own things. What crime is that?” His words rang with righteous fury, as if he weren’t a criminal but a judge passing sentence on the guilty. I checked the time. Less than thirty minutes until Alexia’s miscarriage. The real show was about to begin. Forcing down my rage, I smiled faintly and drawled, “Why don’t you wait a little longer? Your dear wife will be contacting you very soon.” My calmness only made him more frantic. His eyes burned with rage. “Still stubborn? Fine! Today, I’ll utterly destroy your reputation!” “Take her out!” The guards dragged me to the gate of the apartment complex. The commotion quickly drew a crowd. Dozens of eyes turned on me, whispers swelling into a storm. Paul seized the opportunity, loudly broadcasting my so-called sins for everyone to hear. And the crowd believed every word. “This is disgusting. She’s already at this age and still leeching off her pregnant best friend? That’s basically murder!” “Exactly! Her friend is just too kind. If it were me, I’d have kicked her out ages ago.” “Classic fake friend—pretending to care while scheming behind the scenes. My wife had one just like her, and drove her into debt and depression. Even now, she’s still on antidepressants!” “She’s a vampire, that’s what she is. First her family, then her friends, then her husband. Whoever meets her is cursed!” “And she’s filthy too—already married but still chasing after male models, playing mistress. Sharing a community with a tramp like her was just bad luck!” Spittle and curses rained down, painting me as some vile, irredeemable villain. Paul looked down on me, his smirk full of provocation. “Well? Still want to keep that hard mouth of yours?” He thought he had me cornered. That I would crumble under the weight of shame. Instead, I laughed coldly, lifting my chin in defiance. “A dignified tycoon—and this is the best you can do?” “What’s a few neighbors cursing me out? Even if they spit until their throats dry, all I need to do is move somewhere else, and it’s over.” “If you really want me ruined, Paul, you should’ve called some internet influencers. Let them livestream it all. That way, maybe—just maybe—you could make me infamous across the entire country.”   Paul’s expression darkened. He gritted his teeth and said, “Fine. You want it big? I’ll make it big for you!” Without another word, he pulled out his phone and made another call. My heart surged with anticipation. Yes. Stir it up. The bigger, the better. Let the whole world witness the scandal of your perfect, wealthy family. With his influence, it didn’t take long before a swarm of online streamers rushed to the scene, all raising their phones, livestreaming with eager faces. “Everyone, we’ve just caught a huge piece of gossip! See this woman right here? Don’t be fooled by her innocent looks—she’s rotten to the core!” “She once tried to drag her best friend into a suicide pact after a breakup. Her friend risked her life to save her, and she lived. But instead of gratitude, she became jealous of her friend’s better life, and has done nothing but cause trouble since!” “For years, she’s been leeching off her friend. Whenever she had no money, she runs to her. Pregnant and heavily burdened, her friend still runs errands for her, cleans up her messes, even drags herself out in the middle of the night to fetch her when she’s drunk out of her mind.” “And what does she do in return? Nothing! She spends money like water, treats her friend’s generosity as her due, even pawns her friend’s wedding jewelry to buy gifts for boytoys! She maxed out her friend’s credit cards to pay off her massive gambling debts!” “Her private life is a disaster. Already married, yet constantly fooling around, seducing men, knowingly becoming the mistress. She’s been chased down and beaten by wives multiple times!” “I heard that she even contracted a filthy disease. She went to the hospital in secret, dragging her friend along to cover for her—who knows how many men she infected before that?” “Everyone, remember her face! If you’ve got guts, slap her if you ever see her. If not, just stay far away—don’t risk catching something from her!” The streamers piled lie upon lie, weaving tales out of thin air, exaggerating every word. Soon, every livestream platform was boiling with curses. “Holy shit, her friend and husband must be saints to put up with trash like her!” “This isn’t even a woman—it’s a walking tumor!” “Right? Keeping her alive is like letting a plague spread!” The scandal fermented at lightning speed. Within minutes, my photo was plastered across the internet, shooting straight onto the trending hot search. “Leeching Woman.” “Toxic Friend.” “Slut.” Ugly labels piled onto my name, one after another, until they became my new identity. As the streamers fanned the flames, the onlookers’ emotions exploded. One by one, they began hurling eggs and rotten vegetables at me. Some who had been eating nearby even smashed their beer bottles at my feet. Like a lamb before slaughter, I stood in the middle of the filth, drowning in insults, reeking of garbage. And then—through the chaos, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd. It was Leopold. At the sight of his face, my lonely heart finally found a refuge. To me, Leopold had always been my strongest support. No matter what grievances I faced outside, he would patiently comfort me, help me, shield me. He was not only my husband—he was my safe harbor, my home. At that moment, all my defenses fell. I wanted nothing more than to run into his arms, to collapse into the warmth I trusted most. So I did. But the moment I reached him, he shoved me away. The force caught me off guard. I stumbled back, losing balance, and crashed heavily to the ground.

  Shards of broken beer bottles dug deep into my palms and thighs. The sharp pain shot straight to my brain—yet compared to the agony in my heart, it was nothing. ‘Even Leopold… doesn’t believe me anymore?’ “Hedy,” he said, his face dark with fury, his eyes filled with disappointment, “I never thought you were this kind of person.” “For all these years of marriage, I treated you like a treasure. Whatever you wanted, I gave. I never lost my temper at you, never let you suffer even the smallest grievance.” “I learned massage and therapy just to care for you better. I kept you warm, clothed, tended to every need—terrified that you might be even a little unwell.” “And you? What did you do?” “You went behind my back, sucking your best friend’s blood, gambling, destroying your own reputation and dignity!” “The body I worked so hard to nurse back to health—you ruined it with your filthy, shameful acts!” “Hedy, you’re not just degrading yourself—you’re trampling on our marriage!” The man who had always been so gentle, for the first time, was completely unhinged. His voice was raw, each word like a blade, cutting me deeper than any wound on my body. Seeing him like this, my chest tightened painfully. Holding back tears, I forced myself up and tried to explain, “Leopold, I—” But before I could finish, his palm cracked harshly across my face. “Shut up! Don’t you dare say my name—you’re not worthy!” With that, he tore the wedding ring off his finger and flung it at me. “Let’s divorce.” The cold finality in his voice pierced my heart deeper than the slap. The man I had once thought was my shelter—just shattered my last piece of faith. I froze, feeling empty, like my soul had been ripped away. Paul seized the moment, sneering. “Hedy, now do you understand what it feels like to be disgraced and ruined?” “A greedy, scheming, dirty woman like you—did you really think you deserved anyone’s love? You didn’t even deserve Alexia’s kindness!” “Thank heavens I dumped you. Staying with a disgusting leech like you would’ve been the biggest shame of my life.” “The only useful thing you’ve ever done was bringing Alexia into my life. From now on, you can choke on the contempt of everyone around you. I’ll make sure Alexia cuts all ties with you. Without her, let’s see how you survive!” His words hit like stones, and the crowd erupted in agreement. The barrage of insults multiplied—comment feeds, streamers, onlookers—thousands of voices united in cursing me. The crushing weight of being condemned by all… it was suffocating. Even though I had braced myself, I still couldn’t hold back. I broke down. And then—Paul’s phone rang. The caller was Alexia. He answered instantly, only to be met with her sobbing voice, “Hubby… I… I lost the baby…” Paul’s eyes reddened in an instant. “What happened?!” Alexia stammered between tears, “It was Hedy… She insisted on going to a hotel with a bunch of male models. I tried to stop her, but she pushed me down… she’s the reason I miscarried!” Her words made the crowd gasp. As for me, standing at the very heart of the storm—I finally let out a long, shaky breath. It’s starting. The end has finally come.

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“This is Julian Thorne, and I want to confess my love to someone special.” Sleepless in the dead of night, I turned on the radio, only to hear the deep, resonant voice of my husband, Julian Thorne, who suffered from selective mutism. I’d been married to Julian for three years. For the first two years, we could still manage a few clumsy conversations, but in the last three months, even face-to-face, he couldn’t utter a single word. “It’s been three years since we last met, and I’m really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.” The voice from the radio clearly wasn’t talking about me. “I love you, Willow.” Julian’s voice had never held so much emotion. The confession ended quickly. Then came the host’s envious praise. But I sat propped against the bed, stunned, unable to recover for a long time. Our families had arranged for Julian and me to meet, and I fell for him at first sight. Yet, Julian always wore an indifferent expression. Only when we first met did his mother explain. “Audrey, you must understand… Julian has selective mutism.” I called his mother. “Audrey, still up so late?” My nose burned, and a hint of a sob escaped my lips. Julian’s mother sounded flustered. “What’s wrong? Did Julian upset you?” “Did you know Willow Evans was back?” I froze. So, I was the only one who didn’t know. “I’m sorry, Audrey… I wasn’t honest with you three years ago. Julian’s selective mutism started when his ex-girlfriend, Willow Evans, left.” “I had no choice but to push him to find a new girlfriend…” “It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? The heir to the powerful Thorne empire, rendered speechless… But Audrey, don’t worry, no matter what, I’ll keep that boy in line.” I don’t remember how I hung up the phone, or how I spent that lonely night. I looked up a lot of information on the condition back then. One cause listed was: “Suffering a major external shock.” I didn’t understand. I tried to subtly ask Julian’s family, but got nowhere. Later, I tried everything: psychological counseling, electroshock therapy, food therapy, even some alternative chakra healing. I even took Julian to comedy shows. Unfortunately, while I was laughing my head off, he remained stiff, completely silent. It wasn’t until his proposal that he seemed to muster immense resolve and uttered two words. “Marry me.” As happy as I was then, that’s how miserable I felt now. Yes, I couldn’t cure Julian’s selective mutism because I wasn’t his cure. A bitter feeling welled up inside me, and fear slowly crept in. His cure was back, so what about me? My loosely clasped hands slowly tightened, a stubborn defiance rising within me. If Julian didn’t love me, there was no reason to remain trapped in this marriage. He wouldn’t divorce me, but what about *me*? If that was the case, I would file for divorce, completely freeing Julian and his… cure. After making up my mind, I carefully got myself ready. Three years ago, for Julian, I’d given up the chance to study medicine abroad. Maybe it wasn’t too late now. An hour later, I was out the door, planning to head to the nearby mall to buy some new clothes. “Ma’am, this is the last one left of the dress you tried on. Would you like to buy it?” I nodded, pulling out my card from my purse and handing it to the sales associate. “I’m so sorry, another lady wants to pay extra for this dress… Would you mind… giving it up?” I followed the sales associate’s gaze to a vibrant girl in high heels. She was happily chatting with a man. I stood up and took two steps forward, only to meet the man’s eyes. It was Julian! So that girl… must be Willow. Julian’s face instantly turned serious. He opened his mouth, but still couldn’t speak. He looked at me expressionless, then tapped his phone with his right index finger. I was all too familiar with that gesture; it meant he wanted to communicate via text. “What are you doing here?” “Are you following me?” “Go home.” Three messages popped up consecutively, crushing my last shred of hope. Willow, beside him, hugged Julian’s arm and asked with a smile, “Julian, who is this? A friend?” Then she gently swayed, starting to flirt. “Can she let me have this dress? I really want it.” Julian gave a soft, gentle smile and patted his phone reassuringly. He didn’t even ask me, just took out his card and handed it to the sales associate, signaling to pay. “Just a friend.” Those words felt like a block of ice, raising goosebumps all over me. I could barely stand. So… so my three years had only earned me a single word from Julian: a… friend. The lights in the mall crackled ominously. I subconsciously looked up, and the overhead light fixture suddenly came loose. There was a deafening crash, followed by a sharp pain in my back. In that single instant, I felt a dampness beneath me. I trembled as I touched it, and my hand came away covered in blood. The entire store erupted into chaos. Screams and phone calls buzzed in my ears. But when I looked up, all I saw was Julian scooping Willow into his arms, anxiously looking around. “Call an ambulance! An ambulance!” I had never seen Julian so panicked.

“Excuse me, sir, but could you please let this lady get into the ambulance first? The next one will be here shortly, and her injuries are more critical.” The paramedics carefully moved me, semi-conscious, onto a stretcher, but an enraged Julian blocked them. “Save her!” Then I felt a shove, and I fell heavily to the floor from the stretcher. The pain jolted me fully awake. I watched, helpless, as Julian gently placed Willow onto the stretcher. “Sir, she only has a sprained wrist, it’s not serious!” “You’re needlessly hogging medical resources!” “Willow’s hands are important! She’s a doctor!” I was astonished. This was the longest sentence Julian had spoken in almost two years, yet not a single word was about me. Julian finished speaking and immediately pushed the paramedics into the ambulance. I leaned against a nearby display rack, gasping for air. But every breath seemed to pull at the wound on my back, making the pain even worse. I didn’t know if the wound hurt more, or my heart. Hadn’t I given up becoming a doctor for Julian? How could someone else’s hands be more important than mine? What was I to him, then? A mechanical smile twitched at my lips. I was just a friend. I fainted from the pain. When I woke up in the hospital, the first thing I did was send Julian a message. “Let’s get a divorce.” Just as I sent it, Julian walked in, pushing the door open. He was carrying two gift boxes from the same brand I’d seen earlier today. He placed the gift boxes on a nearby cabinet and sat directly on the chair by my bed. Julian took out his phone, probably saw my message, but his face remained unruffled. The hospital room filled with suffocating silence, but my phone chimed. It was Julian’s messages. “You like this brand. I picked out two dresses that suit you.” “When you’re discharged, I’ll have their entire collection brought to the house. You can buy the whole store if you want.” “Willow is a doctor. Her hands are very important to a doctor, that’s why… I was so nervous. Please don’t be angry.” I lowered my head, staring at the phone in front of me. Message after message came in, and in an instant, tears blurred my vision again. I finally couldn’t help but ask, “You can talk to her, so why can’t you talk to me? When we’re face-to-face, you still send messages?” “Are you doing this on purpose?! Is this emotional abuse?!” I looked up, tears streaming down my face, my voice choked. Julian’s expression remained as calm as still water. After an unknown period of silence, he lowered his head and typed again. “I’m sorry, I have selective mutism.” Then he pulled a document from his pocket and handed it to me, signaling me to sign it. I looked at it. It was the property transfer deed for the house we lived in. “This is compensation.” A sudden ringtone broke the silence. Julian’s face tightened. He quickly picked up the phone. His phone had excellent soundproofing; I couldn’t hear who was on the other end. But the next second, Julian replied, “I’ll be right there.” It was Willow’s call. My heart already knew the answer. I didn’t hesitate anymore. I took out my phone and searched for the online court app. I filled out the complaint form, both our personal details, and the marriage certificate. For the separation agreement, I uploaded the property transfer deed and opted not to accept mediation. As I pressed the “submit for judgment” button, I felt a long sigh escape my chest. Countdown: thirty days. “Property transfer center, 3 PM. Transferring the house.” A week after being admitted to the hospital, I received Julian’s message. That week, Julian hadn’t sent any messages or called, nor had he visited. I was gradually getting used to life alone. I arrived at 3:30 PM, but Julian, uncharacteristically, was already waiting in the lobby. He hated tardiness, but there wasn’t a hint of impatience on his face. As soon as I arrived, a VIP counter attendant came to greet me. Julian had even thoughtfully prepared a bouquet of flowers, and next to it was a small velvet box, likely containing jewelry. The attendant stepped forward to pull out a chair, but Julian stopped him, indicating he would do it himself. This surprised me. I pondered for a moment before speaking. “Actually… you don’t have to do all this.” Julian even had a faint smile on his face, shaking his head gently. He seemed to put in a great effort before managing two words. “It’s fine.” Rare gentleness and communication. The procedures were quick. “Go home first, I still have to work late.” A strange feeling built within me, reaching a peak. I stepped out and had just hailed a cab when I realized I’d forgotten my handbag. I had to go back for it. I saw Julian still standing in the lobby, holding an even larger bouquet of roses than before. Willow came in through the main entrance, and he immediately went to meet her. They embraced. Julian affectionately patted her head. “Mr. Thorne, please come this way for your new property purchase.” “You mentioned wanting to buy an estate, right? After transferring this apartment, you now meet the purchase limit criteria and can buy another one.” “Mrs. Thorne, watch your step.” Willow leaned her head against Julian’s shoulder, both walking happily into an inner room. It was the height of summer, yet I’d never felt so cold. So cold that I couldn’t stand, so cold that cold sweat beaded on my back and forehead. So, I was the one who had been cast aside.

“Ms. Sinclair, your husband, Mr. Julian Thorne, has not responded to the relevant requests in this lawsuit. We connected with him on the phone, but there was no response, so it will be treated as tacit agreement to the divorce petition.” “Therefore, your lawsuit has been processed by this court. You have thirty days from the date of your application to withdraw it. If you do not withdraw, the marriage relationship between you two will be terminated.” The court operator’s voice was completely flat. Perhaps this was just one of countless simple lawsuits they handled every day. I took a deep breath, and even with trembling hands, I replied, “Understood.” I took a cab home and quietly surveyed everything. Then I started packing Julian’s things. I wasn’t planning to move out; I intended to clear out everything related to him. “Mrs. Thorne, you have a card.” A knock on the door. It was the delivery person’s voice. He only handed me an envelope. “I’m not Mrs. Thorne anymore.” I took the card and suddenly spoke. The delivery person paused, then smiled awkwardly. I opened the envelope. Inside was a handwritten card. The handwriting was Julian’s. I opened it, and Julian’s voice came out. “I miss you, I like you, I love you…” Before I could react, a hand snatched the card from my grasp. I stumbled, almost falling, and looked up to see a dark-faced Julian. “Don’t mess with my things.” My phone screen lit up. It was his message. Before I could reply, Julian had already turned and gone downstairs. “Julian Thorne! You’re going too far!” I was furious, and I ran downstairs after Julian, stomping my feet. “I didn’t go through your things! How dare you disrespect me!” “I don’t care what your relationship with your so-called Willow is, but you have no right to insult or humiliate me!” A piercing screech filled the air—the sound of tires skidding from an emergency brake. I felt a sudden, sharp pain in my side. Before I could even see clearly, a car slammed into me, sending me flying. With a loud thud, I hit the ground hard. I struggled to get up, but then a face with elaborate makeup and sunglasses zoomed into view. Her red high heels rolled over my right palm. “Ah—!” A strangled scream tore from my throat. Before my vision blurred completely, I saw Julian running from behind, looking frantic. His expression was utterly different from his usual cold, aloof demeanor. He nervously took Willow’s hand, examining it carefully, then let out a huge sigh of relief. Until I lost consciousness, he hadn’t even given me a second glance. “Ms. Sinclair, your SVIP privileges at Thorne Hospital have been revoked. I’m afraid we’ll have to move you to a private room.” “My apologies, just confirmed, there are no private rooms available either. You may have to wait for surgery in the hallway.” “Also, your right hand… the injury to your palm is very severe… you need immediate surgery, otherwise… you might not be able to perform delicate movements in the future.” Even in my dazed state, those words jolted me awake. “Ju… Julian… where is he…?” “Get… my phone…” I urgently tried to get up to find my phone and contact Julian. “The number you have dialed is currently switched off.” A whimpering cry escaped my throat. I slammed the phone down with a loud bang, and a sharp, throbbing pain in my right hand gnawed at my nerves. “Ms. Sinclair, we found Mr. Thorne. He’s… with Dr. Willow Evans in the psychological counseling room. He said Dr. Evans was startled, and Mr. Thorne instructed that no one should disturb them…” I covered my eyes with my left hand, blood and tears mixing and soaking my sleeve. “I hate you… I hate you…” “I hate you so much! Julian Thorne!”

I survived the night in the hallway, clinging to a pain pump, before finally getting scheduled for surgery. I felt pain in both my body and soul, so much so that I was almost numb. “I’m sorry, Ms. Sinclair, due to the comminuted fracture in your right hand and the delay in surgery, some muscle tissue has necrotized. You may not be able to lift heavy objects in the future.” The doctor gave a wry smile. “I know you’re also a medical professional, so… you probably won’t be able to hold a scalpel again.” “Would you like to speak with Mr. Thorne? The Thorne family has always been a giant in the medical field. If you seek treatment abroad, there might still be a chance.” I shook my head, looking at my bandaged right hand, which I couldn’t even bend now. “Can you please buy me a new phone? I want to call the police.” Before I could finish, the door burst open. It was Julian. His originally grim, tense expression softened with a hint of surprise when he saw me, covered in bandages and hooked up to an IV. He opened his mouth but still couldn’t speak. So, he grabbed a paper and pen from nearby. “I didn’t know you were so seriously injured last night. I’ll contact international specialists for your right hand.” I snorted, finding it somewhat amusing. “No need. I’ll heal my own hand.” Julian frowned slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with my reaction. I wanted to ask about the divorce, but then thought it wasn’t necessary. Julian pulled out his checkbook from his inner jacket pocket, wrote down a figure, and placed it on the table. “This is compensation for you. I hope you don’t blame Willow.” When I saw Willow’s name, I started to tremble uncontrollably. “Get out! I don’t want to see you again, Julian Thorne!” “What Willow? I will definitely call the police. I don’t lack money!” I picked up the check from the table, tore it in half, and angrily slapped it onto Julian’s chest. Julian froze, as if he’d never seen me lose my temper like that. “I won’t let you hurt Willow.” Those words pierced my heart like a thorn, impossible to extract. Julian left, leaving me trembling from head to toe. “Ten more days… Ten days, and we’ll have nothing to do with each other.” “Ms. Sinclair, these are flowers Mr. Thorne sent for you.” Julian had sent flowers for three consecutive days. I didn’t look at them, just mumbled a dry acknowledgment. I leaned on a crutch, quickly packed my things, and prepared to leave the hospital. As I pushed open the door, I realized that the entire hospital hallway was enveloped in a sea of flowers. They were identical to the red roses Julian had been sending these past few days. My heart skipped a beat. How did Julian know I planned to be discharged today? But the next moment, the words of other patients in the hallway shattered my illusion. “Mr. Thorne from Thorne Corp is so sweet. To make Dr. Evans feel comfortable, he sent flowers to all the patient rooms and redecorated her entire floor.” “It must cost tens of thousands every day. Rich people’s romance is truly something else.” “Shh! Lower your voice, Mr. Thorne’s wife is also hospitalized here.” I steadied myself, my face pale, leaning against the wall, then let out a self-deprecating laugh. A chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” broke out. I instinctively leaned over to look down. That’s when I saw that the ground floor lobby had also been redecorated with vibrant red roses. Julian and Willow Evans stood in the center. “Willow, will you stay with me forever?” Julian knelt on one knee, saying those age-old lines. Willow blushed shyly, accepting the ring box he offered. Everyone around them applauded and congratulated them. Julian kissed Willow’s lips. I instinctively touched my own lips. How long had it been since he’d touched mine? In just over a thousand days, I couldn’t even count anymore? Next to me, Julian didn’t just seem to have selective mutism; he also had an extreme fear of germs. At this moment, I felt as if the world was a massive, absurd play. My ex-husband, who suffered from selective mutism, was publicly proposing to his ex-girlfriend. Turns out, not being loved was the real sin.

I lingered outside for a while, bought a new phone, reported the incident, and gave a statement to the police. I finalized my master’s application plan for the fall semester with a study abroad agency and bought a ticket for a flight to the States in ten days. I planned to undergo treatment while continuing my studies. It was seven in the evening when I got home. Looking at the half-packed house, covered in a thick layer of dust, I knew Julian hadn’t returned. After eating something, I continued clearing out my belongings. The door clicked open. It was Julian. Julian watched my actions, his face returning to its cold expression. He seemed to sense something was different about me today, but couldn’t pinpoint what. He didn’t pause, walking directly into the bedroom, where I heard a rummaging sound. Then he rushed out, scattering his neatly packed clothes and various items I’d organized. “What are you doing?!” I stepped forward, but his hand blocked me, and I fell to the floor. “Where’s the voice recorder?!” It was Julian’s voice. How long had it been since he spoke to me? “What voice recorder? I didn’t take anything.” I said, watching the bandage on my right hand slowly soak with blood again. Another rummaging sound. I looked up. I’d never seen Julian so disheveled. He was frantically sweating, his tie askew, and his coat stained with dust. “Where’s the voice recorder!” Julian stopped, looking down at me. “I told you I didn’t see it!” I had never been so assertive. I used my left hand to push myself up, wobbling, and stood eye-to-eye with Julian. Julian seemed a bit flustered, and anger began to boil. He clenched and unclenched his fist, then slammed it into the nearby glass sliding door. The glass shattered to the floor. “My voice recorder, where is it.” Julian took a few steps closer, still relentlessly questioning. Blood dripped from his right hand. I’d never seen Julian so manic. I mustered my courage and shoved him away, intending to limp out the door. “This is Julian Thorne, I’m eighteen, and I want to confess my feelings to Willow Evans.” “Willow, today is our two-year anniversary. I hope we’ll stay together forever.” “Willow, we’ve been together for three years. My wish this year is still to be with you always.” “Willow… why did you leave?” “Willow, I’m getting married.” Julian crashed into a pile of clutter. A worn voice recorder rolled out from somewhere. A red light flashed repeatedly, and it began to play its contents. It was Julian’s love letters to Willow, starting from his youth. “Goodbye, Willow, I hope to see you again.” “Goodbye.” “Goodbye.” The recorder seemed broken from the impact, repeating “Goodbye” over and over. Julian quickly got up and picked it up, frantically pressing the power button, but it was no use. My departing footsteps halted. I slowly turned around, leaning against the shoe cabinet by the entrance. Tears streamed down my face. “Julian Thorne.” “Why did you marry me if you didn’t love me?” Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He seemed to want to say something but didn’t. “Let me explain, Audrey.” A message flashed on his phone. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to calm down. I brutally stifled the bitterness rising in my heart. “Leave. Take all your things and get out of my house.” Julian’s lips were pressed tightly together. He just clutched the voice recorder, still repeating that single phrase, and walked past me out the door. “I’m sorry.”

I didn’t see Julian for the next few days. But before I left, I had to go to the hospital one last time for a dressing change. The hospital corridor now proudly displayed Willow Evans’s profile, updated and hung among the other specialists on the ground floor. I glanced at it a few times and was shocked by her published paper. It was my university graduation thesis! I repeatedly checked the name and date; they were both around the same time as mine. “Ms. Sinclair, hello.” A female voice pulled me back to reality. I turned and saw Willow Evans. “Care for a chat?” She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head toward a nearby waiting area. I looked at Willow Evans, and indeed, everything about her was perfect. Her white lab coat was impeccably ironed, and every strand of her wavy hair seemed meticulously styled. Willow smiled and spoke. “That day the court called, Julian didn’t answer. I did.” She blinked, feigning a touch of grievance. “I didn’t know that not speaking meant agreeing to a divorce. Ms. Sinclair, you won’t blame me, will you?” I was silent for a few breaths, then shook my head. “No. I wanted the divorce. Not being entangled is better for me.” Willow didn’t seem to care about my answer, immediately chiming in. “And also, the car accident that day was truly an accident. I apologized to Julian, and Julian promised me everything would be fine. I suppose… Ms. Sinclair won’t hold it against me, right?” I stared at her, saying nothing. Deep down, I knew many things couldn’t be resolved by me alone, and Julian defending Willow was what I expected. “You saw it, didn’t you? That paper.” Willow continued, her tone sinking slightly. “Yes, it’s just as you think. Julian… knew I was doing research and voluntarily gave it to me.” “Thank you for taking care of Julian these past three years. I was doing research abroad and couldn’t be with him constantly. Later, I found out that my sudden departure… caused him to develop selective mutism.” Willow rubbed her forehead, feigning distress, but then immediately broke into a smile. “But he’s improved so much in the short time I’ve been back!” I lowered my gaze, unconsciously stirring the coffee the nurse had brought me. “Are you here to boast about how much Julian loves you?” I put the spoon down and drank the bitter black coffee in one gulp. “There’s no need. I don’t care about Julian’s past, present, or future. I don’t like a mute man.” “I hope you make good use of the man I left behind.” I ignored her, stood up, and walked directly to the payment counter. “Ms. Sinclair!” Willow seemed displeased with my reaction. She stood up and tried to grab my right hand. Her grip was painfully tight. I forcefully shook her off. “Bang!” Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a familiar tall figure: it was Julian! He helped Willow, who had just bumped into the railing, back up. “Julian, it’s fine, it’s fine. I’m not that… delicate. I just lost my footing.” My steps faltered, then I decided to ignore them and walked quickly forward. But Julian slapped me. The resounding crack echoed in the hospital corridor, drawing the attention of nearby patients and staff. Julian seemed a bit surprised himself. “You…” He looked at his palm, but his expression quickly returned to cold indifference. “A-pologize!” I clutched my stinging right cheek, unable to stop a bitter laugh. Every time Julian truly spoke to me, it was always about Willow. What was it about Willow that I lacked? But it didn’t matter anymore. “Julian! How could you hit Ms. Sinclair!” “It’s okay, Julian. Ms. Sinclair doesn’t need to apologize.” Julian still wanted to insist, but Willow skillfully draped herself over his arm and spoke softly. Julian, that block of ice, began to melt again. I once believed that if I was just considerate enough, Julian would eventually accept me. If I just scoured every text, Julian’s selective mutism would eventually be cured. I had fantasized a lot. But the Julian in reality had never belonged to me.

My flight to the States was at 4 PM. I received the court’s divorce decree at noon. From this moment on, I was completely free. “Meet me at the cafe downstairs from the company at 1 PM.” It was a message from Julian. I thought about it and decided to go. I arrived at the cafe early, with my luggage and the divorce decree in hand. I waited from 1 PM until 1:30 PM, then from 1:30 PM until 2 PM. Julian, who had specifically asked to meet, had stood me up. I sent Julian several messages, all of which went unanswered. Finally, I received a brief two-word reply. “Busy.” “Hello, is this Ms. Sinclair?” “I’m Mr. Thorne’s assistant. Mr. Thorne asked me to tell you that he suddenly had something urgent come up and couldn’t make it to meet you.” I didn’t respond. This was within my expectations. “Mr. Thorne… also asked me to tell you that he found a specialist in the UK for your hand bone and muscle repair, and arrangements will be made for your treatment.” “Also, he transferred another twenty million to your account for living and treatment expenses during this period.” I held the phone with one hand and my luggage with the other, standing up. The “no need” on my lips remained unspoken. Looking up, I saw Julian and Willow Evans sitting at an outdoor cafe across the street, chatting and laughing. Willow smiled shyly, and Julian dotingly brushed stray hairs from her face. The sun was beautiful today, casting a golden glow on both of them. Julian seemed to have never been so happy in the past three years. I quickly stopped myself from letting my thoughts wander. “Ms. Sinclair, are you listening?” His assistant on the other end of the line was still speaking. I resolutely pressed the red “end call” button, paid the bill, and quickly walked out the door. I walked directly over to Julian and Willow, slamming the divorce decree—which I’d clutched in my hand the entire walk—onto their table. Juice and coffee splashed instantly, staining Willow’s dress. My right hand was grabbed by Julian again. He didn’t even glance at the document. After a few seconds of pause, Julian seemed to realize that arguing with stubborn me was pointless. He immediately walked to the other side of the table and carefully wiped her dress with a tissue. “Are you okay, Willow?” I stood quietly for a moment, then hailed a cab to the airport. “Passengers traveling to the States, please check in at Gate T1.” “Audrey Sinclair, I think you should apologize to Willow.” A message came in from Julian. Without a moment’s hesitation, I blocked and deleted his contact. I handed my ID, passport, and visa documents to the security officer. The officer eyed me suspiciously. “Just got divorced today?” I checked my luggage, then looked up and smiled. “Yes, that’s right. Divorced.” The air conditioning on the plane was quite strong. I asked the flight attendant for a complimentary cashmere blanket and wrapped myself tightly. I drifted off to sleep, not even hearing the announcement for takeoff. Only one thought remained in my mind. “Julian Thorne, goodbye.”

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Last life, I impulsively divorced my ex, only to realize I was useless at earning money. I barely scraped by, ending up in a terrible state. In the end, I didn’t even have money for medical treatment, dying miserably in a hospital. He was the one who scattered my ashes. My ex-husband, on the other hand, had it all. His career skyrocketed, becoming a law firm partner with a seven-figure income, and he even reunited with the love of his life. His story was inspirational, a perfect happy ending. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I angrily filed for divorce. Alexander looked at me with an indifferent expression. “Your family’s on the verge of bankruptcy. Do you really want a divorce? Aren’t you afraid of starving to death?” That truth hit me hard, a brutal reality. But in my past life, I was too busy being stubborn, too focused on winning an argument to really listen. I even pretended to be noble, walking away from the marriage with absolutely nothing. Now? No matter what, I had to stick around until Alexander made his fortune and I could claim half of it. Then I’d use that money to live lavishly and date attractive men.

Alexander leaned on his hand, a familiar, humorless smirk playing on his lips. “Seriously, a divorce? Cassidy Hayes, have you found someone else?” There wasn’t an ounce of warmth in his eyes, as if they could burn right through me. How did I retaliate last time? Oh, I put my hands on my hips, stomped my feet, and climbed onto a chair. I tilted my chin up, glaring at him disdainfully: “Trust me, I’ve got eight guys lined up, and every single one of them is better than you. Alexander, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll sign those papers right now.” The agreement on the table reeked of my former arrogance. I hadn’t wanted the five-million-dollar villa, nor had I kept any of the luxury items he’d bought me, returning them all. My main point was not letting money ‘taint’ my perceived nobility. But after decades of roughing it, washing dishes in freezing temperatures for minimum wage until my hands were raw and bleeding… Now, looking at all those material things, they seemed absolutely adorable. Love? Without money, love is just a pile of trash. I immediately plastered on a sweet smile, my eyes crinkling as I looked at him. “Oh, darling, I was just talking nonsense. How could I divorce you? I love you so much!” “What I just said doesn’t count. You… you must be tired, right? I’ll draw you a bath so you can relax.” I snatched the papers and bolted, tearing the damn thing to shreds in the bathroom. Even the paper scraps were tossed into the trash and flushed away. The flush of the heated smart toilet was pure music to my ears. I couldn’t help but hug it, feeling its warmth. *Sob, sob.* No more freezing my butt off in winter. No more starving in winter. No more working grueling jobs for my dad’s medical bills and our family’s living expenses. I don’t know what I was being so dramatic about in my last life, obsessing over whether Alexander truly loved me. Even after he’d entrusted his entire fortune to me, I was still hung up on a few ambiguous texts. It took the crushing blows of life to finally understand the importance of money. I’ve learned my lesson now. I will never leave money again. I drew Alexander his favorite 96.4°F bathwater. Then I thoughtfully laid out the clothes he’d change into. Alexander stepped into the bathroom, and I was still grinning at the door. He stared at me for a few minutes, then quietly flipped the lock on the bathroom door. Me: … *Jerk. Who’s craving your body?* I headed into the bedroom and started tallying up my secret stash.

To be honest, for the first 25 years of my life, I truly lived like a princess. My parents ran a manufacturing business, raking in nearly eight figures in revenue annually. I was an only child, and all their love was poured onto me. My grades were always mediocre, but I was pretty and lucky. I barely scraped my way into an Ivy League university, where I met Alexander, who was dirt poor. Just like in all those novels, I fell in love with Alexander. I pestered my parents to fund his education and even give him startup capital for his business. After graduating, Alexander, to repay me, married me. And then came two years of a seemingly perfect but emotionally distant marriage. Alexander was a good man, but even good men can’t control their desires. He only felt gratitude for me, so even in bed, he never lost control. He was busy with work, dedicating a fixed hour every Saturday for intimacy. Any other time, I had to book an appointment with his assistant just to give him a kiss. In that lifeless routine, my ‘sensitive soul’ couldn’t take it anymore, and I started actively sabotaging myself. Thinking back now, I can’t blame Alexander for finding me boring. I became a housewife right after college, spending my days watching TV and playing games. Alexander and I didn’t just lack common interests; sometimes, even casual conversations fell flat. He accused me of being brainwashed by TikTok, and I thought he wasn’t as attentive or charming as other women’s husbands. That’s how our relationship slowly spiraled into a dead end. Lying in bed, I sighed deeply. *Cassidy Hayes, fate has been kind to you.* *A useless person with no real skills like me, and yet the heavens gave me a second chance? My ancestors must have been saints.* Since I had this opportunity, I resolved to live well. Forget about reversing the family’s decline or leading them to prosperity; at the very least, I needed to be a reliable safety net for my family. Just then, Alexander walked in, toweling his hair dry. He noticed I hadn’t changed, and a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes. Right, it was Saturday, my designated ‘wifely duties’ day. Unlike my usual cold demeanor, I immediately rushed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and changed into the special lingerie I’d kept at the bottom of my drawer. I’d bought it when we were newlyweds, hoping to spice things up, but Alexander had left for a business trip before I ever got to wear it. No time like the present. Anyway, we’d both be enjoying it, so I might as well get what I want. The moment I walked out, Alexander’s breath hitched. He seemed a little shocked, and there was some other emotion too. He spoke, his voice low: “Cassidy, you…” I silenced him with a kiss. “Shhh, time is precious. Don’t talk…”

Gotta say, a change of mindset makes all the difference. Before, I yearned for love, always fixated on Alexander’s every move. If he frowned, my heart would flutter, afraid he was displeased. If he groaned or pulled away, my heart would ache, thinking I’d done something wrong. But once I started seeing him as a means to an end, all those anxieties vanished. All I cared about was whether he was enjoying himself, if the angle was right, and if he was going hard enough. After three rounds, Alexander’s face was practically green. I looked up, trying to kiss him again, but he gently pushed me away. “I have court tomorrow, can’t be too tired.” Oh, okay. I’ve been ‘thirsty’ for over twenty years, so it was only natural I couldn’t hold back. He didn’t want to continue, so I wasn’t upset. I got dressed and out of bed. Alexander rolled over, looking at me with shock. “Where are you going?” Me: “To the guest room. This bed is a mess.” It was… wet. Uncomfortable. I’d catch a cold. Before, I’d put up with it to be close to him, but now I valued my own health. Someone else could deal with that discomfort. I slammed the door shut, leaving Alexander’s conflicted expression behind. The next morning, I slept until ten. He was already gone, leaving a note: [Business trip to New York for a week.] Underneath was a stack of cash for living expenses. Alexander liked to give me cash, I didn’t know if it was to humiliate me or what. I counted it: ten thousand dollars. Generous as always. I changed clothes, grabbed the money, and headed straight to the bank. As I walked in, I almost got lost. Nothing new there. I had my typical ‘spoiled princess’ syndrome; I didn’t know how to do anything. Even slightly complex environments could overwhelm me. Finally, I managed to flag down a staff member. They led me to the counter where I exchanged the cash Alexander gave me for gold bars. I then moved my own savings into a new account. After all that, I took a cab to my parents’ house. If I remembered correctly, their business was already in trouble, but they hadn’t dared to tell me yet.

The moment I stepped through the door, a palpable cloud of gloom hung over the house. Dad sat on the couch smoking, and Mom was scratching her head, staring at the computer screen. Seeing me, they exchanged a look and forced out weak, artificial smiles. They were about to speak, but I waved a hand, cutting them off. “Stop pretending. I know your business is in trouble.” My parents ran a traditional manufacturing business that had been hit hard by the internet revolution. They’d sunk all their capital into a project that had gone wrong. Now, their cash flow was about to dry up, and they faced a difficult choice. One was to risk it all again. The other was to liquidate all their assets, cover their debts, and close shop for good. In my past life, my parents, unwilling to give up, chose to risk it again. They lost everything, down to their last penny. My dad, already stressed, smoked himself sick with lung cancer. My mom tried to bounce back, but any money she earned was immediately used to pay off debts, making even basic living difficult. So this time, I cut them off directly and told them the outcome. “Dad, Mom, stop struggling. You’ve fallen behind the times. The factory business won’t get any better.” Artificial intelligence was developing too fast, delivering a devastating blow to traditional industries. My parents’ mindset couldn’t adapt, so their downfall was almost inevitable. They were shocked when I suggested closing the business. “What do you know? You’ve never been involved in the family business.” “Exactly! I asked Mr. Williams and Mr. Garcia, and they both said they’d help us if we wanted to risk it again.” Yes, those ‘uncles’ did help. And later, they became regular debt collectors. I smiled bitterly. “Come on, Dad, Mom, let me tell you why I’m saying this.” Hugging my knees on the couch, I told them everything that had happened in my past life. There was no need to hide anything from my closest family. My parents were deeply affected, especially my dad, who started to cry. “So, sweetie, for the next ten years, you were washing dishes and paying off debts? And you died alone in a hospital because you couldn’t afford treatment?” He gripped my hand, trembling. My mom didn’t speak, her head bowed for a long time. Finally, she looked up, both crying and laughing. “Okay. This time, we’ll listen to our sweetie. No more struggling.”

My parents started to liquidate the family business. Because they had accumulated decades of experience, even after deducting debts and losses, they surprisingly still had a few hundred thousand dollars and a house left. After signing the sales contracts, my parents stood in the factory lobby, sighing with emotion. “Worked so hard our whole lives, only to realize we’ve left nothing behind. This factory, this land, all these machines… they’re all someone else’s now.” I linked my arm through theirs. “Dad, Mom, don’t worry. Being alive is more important than anything.” Exiting the traditional industry competition now only meant losing a few million dollars. If they had continued to stubbornly hold on, they would never have recovered. My parents were now out of work and had a lot of free time. For a while, they didn’t know what to do and felt a bit lost. I took out the few million dollars I had saved and put it in their hands. “Dad, Mom, these are my savings from childhood. They’re all yours now.” “Even though I lived miserably in my past life, I also witnessed the rapid development of the times.” “The factory went bankrupt because you were always pushed by your work, with no time to learn new things. Jumping into new projects now blindly would definitely be risky.” “So, take this money, enroll in an MBA program, and learn some new knowledge. We’ll have money again when the opportunity arises, okay?” My parents looked at me in surprise, then smiled. “Oh, Cassidy has really grown up. What insightful words!” “Okay, Dad and Mom will listen to you. We’ll go back to school.” Striking while the iron was hot, I immediately found them top-tier executive courses. Two days later, they flew to Los Angeles to begin their classes. Meanwhile, I let go of the redundant household staff, handled security, and then returned to Alexander’s and my house. I found he was already back, reading documents on the sofa. Seeing me, he closed the file and slipped it into his laptop bag. He stood up, heading for the study. I ignored him, took a shower, and then settled into the bedroom to watch video editing tutorials. A friend of mine, an influencer, told me the internet was huge now. I didn’t have any other special skills, just this seemingly perfect life that I could use to fool people into thinking I was some effortlessly perfect socialite. I thought I’d learn how to make vlogs, just in case it took off. I was watching a video when Alexander pushed the door open and stood silently behind me. He asked: “Ready?”

I choked on my water. I instinctively glanced at the calendar. Oh, it was Saturday again. I closed my laptop, walked over to him, and stood on tiptoes, reaching up to kiss him. Alexander gripped my neck, pausing for a moment. “Wear the outfit from last time.” …Huh? Oh. After four intense rounds, I was the one who begged for mercy first. Alexander got off me, and I turned, intending to get out of bed. He grabbed my wrist. Me: “Hmm?” Alexander pursed his lips. “Sleep here.” Me: “It’s wet.” He immediately pulled fresh sheets from the cabinet and made the bed. “Not anymore.” Fine. I lay back on the pillow, and he pulled me against him, gripping my shoulder. Me: “Hmm?” Alexander: “I’m cold.” Fine. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep almost instantly. I didn’t know the person next to me stayed awake, watching me for half the night. I had a very long dream, reliving the days when I chased Alexander. From the moment he entered college, he was an incredibly brilliant figure. Countless people would gather outside the law classroom just to catch a glimpse of him. Alexander was distant and never truly warmed up to anyone. He only had one childhood friend from his village, Serena, with whom he shared a good relationship. After I set my sights on Alexander, I tried to find out if they were a couple. Before I could figure anything out, Serena left the country on her own, and Alexander’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. Pancreatic cancer, the king of cancers, was practically incurable. But with money, she could suffer less. Alexander was so worried he couldn’t sleep for nights. I went to my parents, got him a hundred thousand dollars for his mother’s hospital bills. Alexander’s mother finally got some rest, and Alexander came to find me. He said: “Thank you.” I said: “Don’t mention it. Just marry me.” I was transparent about my desires, and unapologetic in my flirtation. Alexander looked at me and smiled softly. At the time, I didn’t understand what that complex smile meant. Two years later, I finally did. It was the smile of compromise. The helpless look of someone selling their soul.

I woke up the next morning to find Alexander, uncharacteristically, not at work. He was setting out breakfast, talking to me. “Today’s a good day. We should go see your parents.” I was drinking my coffee, not looking up as I replied: “They’re not home. They went to Los Angeles.” Alexander paused. “To Los Angeles?” “Mm-hmm. I enrolled them in an MBA program. They’re taking classes.” “What about the factory business?” “It’s finished.” Alexander looked at me quietly for a moment. “Was that your idea?” “Yeah. I just thought it was pointless to keep it going. It would just drain them dry.” I wiped my mouth, went to the door to put on my shoes, and grabbed my bag. As I opened the door, I said: “I’m meeting a friend. Might be back late. See you.” Alexander was about to say something, but the door was already shut. I really was going to meet someone – my influencer friend, Brianna, to get some tips. Brianna was incredibly helpful. She meticulously explained how to set up an account, how to write a bio, how to boost engagement, and how to define my target audience. She spoke so fast, I couldn’t write quickly enough, and she even complained: “Your handwriting is like chicken scratch!” I bared my teeth. “I’m a slacker, what do you expect?” Brianna chuckled, about to playfully pinch me, but her gaze suddenly froze. “Holy crap!” I followed her line of sight. Not far away, a handsome man and a beautiful woman were walking side-by-side across the street. A car sped past, and the handsome man pulled the woman into his arms. It was Alexander and Serena. *When did she get back? Why didn’t Alexander tell me?* A flicker of regret crossed my mind, then I shook my head, dismissing it. *No more being love-struck. No more obsessing over men. Being love-struck leads to a tragic end!* I refocused on taking notes. Brianna had gone to the same university as us, so she knew about the three of us. She nudged me with her elbow. “Hey, isn’t that your husband’s… ‘special friend’? Aren’t you worried?” What was there to worry about? I already knew how it would end. In three years, Alexander would become a law firm partner and reconcile with Serena. On the day he proposed to her, fireworks lit up the entire city. The sky was dazzling, and I was huddled in a dark corner, being yelled at by my boss for accidentally breaking a dish. “You can’t even wash a dish properly, what good are you?” “Two hundred from your perfect attendance bonus. See if you dare break anything next time.”

I didn’t know that when Alexander pulled Serena close, he saw me pull my gaze away. When I got home that evening, he was standing by the window, lost in thought. My head was buzzing with new knowledge, and I was incredibly tired. I ignored him and went into the bathroom. But Alexander squeezed in after me. He was only wearing boxer briefs, but his presence was commanding. His handsome, profound face held an endless intensity as he searched my expression. “You saw me today, didn’t you?” Me: “Mm-hmm.” “Do you have anything you want to ask?” I shook my head. Alexander took a deep breath, sounding a little angry. “Why aren’t you asking?” I was confused. “Why should I ask?” What was there to ask? Whether I asked or not, wasn’t she still the one you loved? Alexander suddenly exploded, rushing forward and pinning me against the wall. His kisses rained down on me, overwhelming. His large hands moved lower and lower, igniting sparks amidst the soap suds. I trembled all over, feeling a little stifled. “Today’s Sunday.” *Damn it, it’s not our designated day.* Alexander, fuming, picked me up and carried me out. “I don’t care what day it is, I want you!” Money’s hard to make, and he’s a handful. That bastard Alexander tortured me all night. When I woke up the next day, my entire body felt like it had been run over by a truck, but the dog-man had already left for work. On my phone, there was a new friend request. The profile picture showed Serena in a business suit. She said: “Are you there? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”

Serena could dream. She wouldn’t ruin my mood. I immediately blocked her and went to the mall to buy a new laptop and a GoPro. Under Brianna’s guidance, I filmed the first vlog of my life. I was very clear about myself: I couldn’t pretend to be some high-flying, sophisticated professional, nor could I play the part of a spoiled socialite. So, I decided to launch my ‘Pretty but Useless’ Self-Rescue Plan, letting my followers see that, oh, rich people aren’t all the same. Thanks to precise positioning and relentless self-deprecating humor. I gained 3,000 followers overnight. Looking at the 99+ notifications in my backend, I couldn’t help but feel ecstatic. *Turns out, I can do something right too.* Just as I was sharing the news with Brianna, Alexander came home, bringing someone with him. He had brought Serena home. Alexander looked calm as he told me: “Serena accidentally spilled soup on herself at dinner. Her place is far, so she was wondering if you could lend her an outfit.” If I didn’t lend her something, he’d definitely say I was petty. I went into the bedroom and grabbed a casual outfit Alexander had bought me when we were newlyweds. Coincidentally or not, Serena looked incredibly good in it. She smiled faintly. “I didn’t expect you, Cassidy, to have similar taste to me. I loved this brand before I went abroad.” That was quite a compliment. I responded frankly: “Alexander bought this. I’ve never worn it.” “If you like it, you can have it.” Serena’s smile became genuinely sincere, and the hostility in her gaze lessened. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly… but I really do like it.” I gave her an eight-toothed standard smile, which made Alexander’s face darken. He frowned, losing control of his expression for the first time. “I apologize. My wife is just joking. You can’t have these clothes. I’ll go find you another set.” With that, he genuinely went and got another outfit, telling Serena to change. Serena stared at him stiffly for a moment, then angrily entered the bathroom. I thought, at this point, they were playing a game of cat and mouse, and tonight would surely turn into a dramatic showdown. Though it was a bit early, and my career hadn’t taken off yet, my family wasn’t in debt, so I wouldn’t starve. If Serena stayed tonight and they ended up in bed, I could use this opportunity to get a larger share of the assets. I definitely needed to keep this house, and a car for convenience. Savings… how much did we have in savings? Lost in thought, I opened my bank app and started checking the balance. I didn’t notice Alexander had already seen Serena off and changed his clothes. He stood before me, his face dark, looking like a storm was brewing. “What are you doing?” “Checking how much money I can get in the divorce.” I quietly turned my head away. Alexander yanked me up, sweeping my new laptop off the table. It was ruined. Before I could even regret the loss, he lifted me onto the table, leaning in to tear and bite at my lips. His right hand ripped at my collar, while his left reached for the drawer. This man’s temper was getting increasingly unpredictable. He was hurting me. I thought he was going to take it further. But Alexander suddenly stopped. He buried his head in my neck, his hot breath making me tremble. He couldn’t stop himself from muttering in frustration. “Why aren’t you angry?” “Cassidy Hayes, don’t you love me anymore?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299135”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

On the one-year anniversary of our remarriage, I snuck into the hotel where my husband was staying for his business trip, planning to surprise him with flowers. Instead, I stumbled upon a lavish birthday party he was throwing for Serena Thorne, the woman he’d always adored, his “white moonlight.” He was carefully fastening the heirloom bracelet, meant only for the Caldwell family’s true daughter-in-law, onto her wrist. A clueless guest chimed in, “If Caleb truly loves Ms. Thorne, then when his affair with her first went public, and Layla was so furious she divorced him and walked away, wasn’t that exactly what he wanted? Why did he spend six months chasing her down, begging her to remarry him?” Someone quickly offered an explanation: “Chasing her down? Remarriage? Please. Serena was just playing games with Layla.” “When Layla first filed for divorce, it blew up online, and Serena got slammed by netizens for ages. Serena was furious, so she told Caleb to pretend to win Layla back. Layla was completely played, genuinely believing Caleb had a change of heart. She held out for only six months before agreeing to remarry him.” “And in this past year of their remarriage, Serena’s ‘fun’ with Layla has only escalated. Like making Caleb dress Layla in a cheap knock-off gown to a gala just to humiliate her, or tricking Layla, who can’t swim, into going diving, then sharing the video of her nearly drowning with their entire social circle just to laugh at. It’s truly ‘entertaining’.” “I heard today is Caleb and Layla’s one-year remarriage anniversary. I bet Serena has something even better planned for Layla later. I can’t wait.” I felt like I’d plunged into an ice cellar. But I didn’t rush out to cry or yell. Instead, I began to plan my own staged death. Caleb Caldwell, you’ve deceived me for so long. It’s time I returned the favor.

“Ms. Hayes, your ‘fake death’ protocol has been activated. In seven days, everything will proceed as planned.” Hearing the voice of the covert agency staff on the phone, I let out a long breath. In seven days, I would vanish completely from Caleb Caldwell’s world. I hung up and circled the date seven days from now on my calendar in red. The vivid crimson seemed to mock me for my foolishness over the past year and a half. When Caleb returned with a cake, I was still staring blankly at the calendar. He set the cake down, wrapping his arms around me as he always did, asking tenderly, “What are you doing? You look so lost in thought.” Feeling his warm chest against my back, a bitter sadness welled up inside me. Married for five years, remarried for one. I never knew Caleb was such a brilliant actor. So good that he made me believe he had truly let go of Serena and fallen in love with me. That he truly couldn’t live without me, which was why he relentlessly pursued me for six months after our divorce, determined to remarry. I shook my head. “Nothing much, just thinking.” His gaze fell on the circled date on the calendar. “Is seven days from now an important day?” “Yes.” I suppressed the bitterness in my heart, hinting, “It’s the day I’ll give you a surprise.” Caleb stroked my hair affectionately. “I’ll look forward to it, then.” “But let’s not worry about seven days from now. Layla, do you remember what day today is? It’s our one-year remarriage anniversary. I made this chocolate cake myself. Come on, try it.” My heart lurched as I looked at the cake he held out. I remembered Serena’s birthday party earlier today, someone laughing as they asked what ‘fun’ Serena had planned for me. She had casually scooped a handful of dirt from a flowerpot and sprinkled it onto a cake, laughing, “I’m happy today, so I’ll let Layla off easy. I’ll just live-stream her eating dirt.” And now, Caleb had actually brought back *that exact cake with dirt*, trying to pass it off as chocolate. My heart stung as if pierced by needles. After a long moment, I managed to whisper, “My stomach isn’t feeling well. I don’t want anything sweet.” Caleb’s smile faded slightly. “Your stomach’s bothering you again?” “Come on, Layla. This cake is my effort, after all. Just one bite, then I’ll make you some stomach-soothing soup, okay?” He scooped up a mouthful from the area with the most dirt and brought it to my lips. I met his eyes, searching for a hint of guilt from his deception. But there was none. His gaze was sincere, as if he genuinely didn’t want me to disappoint his efforts. Forcing back the wrenching pain in my chest, I nodded slightly. “Okay, I’ll eat it.” The dirt-filled cake landed in my mouth, grinding painfully against my gums. I knew that a hidden camera, somewhere unseen, was recording my humiliating moment of eating dirt. Serena, watching the live-stream, must have been utterly delighted. Caleb, satisfied, put the cake down and went to make me the stomach-soothing soup. Watching him disappear into the kitchen, a chill spread through my heart. Caleb knew my stomach condition was severe, yet to please Serena, he didn’t hesitate to make me eat a cake filled with dirt. He truly had no love left for me. I didn’t get to drink the soup Caleb was making. Instead, I was rushed to the hospital for a stomach pump due to severe stomach cramps. As my consciousness faded, I heard a gentle voice coaxing me, “Hang in there, Layla. The pain will be gone soon.” I couldn’t tell if I was dreaming, but when I awoke, I saw Caleb asleep, slumped beside my hospital bed. His face was drawn with exhaustion, looking like he’d been taking care of me for a long time. His phone vibrated continuously in his hand. I picked it up and opened it, seeing his friends’ messages in their SnapChat group: “Caleb, Layla eating dirt today was hilarious! I’ve rewatched the video ten times!” “Right? But why were you in such a hurry to send Layla to the hospital, Caleb? Did you feel bad?” Caleb had replied below: “Don’t joke around. It wouldn’t be good if Serena saw that.” “I was just playing the role perfectly. If I don’t soothe her now, how will I trick her into cooperating next time?” So, it was all an act again. I forced a bitter smile and put the phone back. Caleb woke up soon after, sighing in relief when he saw I was okay. “I’m so sorry, Layla. It was my fault. I shouldn’t have pushed you to eat that cake.” I said nothing, just looked at him silently. My gaze made him a little uncomfortable. He quickly grabbed his jacket and stood up. “Work things. I need to go back and handle them. I’ll come see you later.” The moment the door closed, I shut my eyes, and tears finally streamed down my face. Caleb, six more days.

I didn’t wait for Caleb to visit me again; I checked out of the hospital early. I took my marriage certificate to the relevant office, intending to file for divorce. But the clerk frowned after examining it. “Ms. Hayes, your marriage certificate is a fake. It holds no legal validity whatsoever, so you can’t file for divorce based on this.” I froze, then suddenly remembered the day we remarried. Caleb had said it was too crowded at the office, and waiting in line would be tiring. He’d arranged for a friend to handle the paperwork, telling me to just wait at home. Back then, I was touched by his thoughtfulness. Now I realized that this remarriage, from beginning to end, was nothing but a sham. I clutched the fake certificate, my fingertips white, but then I laughed aloud. Good. It saved me the trouble of divorcing. When I got home, Caleb was already waiting for me on the sofa. “Layla, why did you check out of the hospital alone? Why didn’t you wait for me to pick you up?” “Are you still upset about the cake? Can you forgive me? As an apology, how about I take you to an auction to buy you a present?” I didn’t want to go, but Caleb didn’t give me a choice, pulling me out the door. Once we arrived, I immediately spotted Serena Thorne in the crowd. She wore a striking red gown, the heirloom bracelet meant for the Caldwell family’s true daughter-in-law glistening on her wrist. Noticing my gaze on Serena, Caleb hastily explained, “Layla, I don’t know why Serena is here. I haven’t been in touch with her for a long time.” “If you’re unhappy, I’ll have someone remove her right now.” I forced a smile, too tired to expose his lies. “No need.” It was just an act for my benefit anyway. The auction soon began, and I was indifferent throughout. But Caleb acted as if he genuinely wanted to make it up to me. Whenever I so much as glanced at an item, he would immediately raise his paddle. In a short while, he had acquired many things. People around us cast envious glances, but a terrible premonition bloomed in my heart. My premonition soon came true. When the ruby necklace, the grand finale item, was brought out, Serena was the first to raise her paddle. “Ten million.” I thought Caleb wouldn’t dare bid against Serena, but he didn’t hesitate to raise his paddle. “Fifteen million.” Meeting my astonished gaze, he gave me an affectionate smile. “You didn’t like any of the other things we bid on. You’ll definitely love this final necklace, right?” I was about to shake my head, but he had already turned his attention back to bidding against Serena. After a tense bidding war, Caleb made a decisive gesture. “Sold!” Suddenly, the entire room erupted. Everyone’s gaze at me was no longer just envy. I felt a pang of agony. Turning my head, I met Serena’s knowing, mocking eyes, and my heart sank. Caleb ultimately won the bid for the ruby necklace. But when the auction ended and the staff came to collect payment, he was nowhere to be found. My face went pale at the astronomical sum. I tried calling him, but only heard the voicemail message saying his phone was off. The staff’s expression slowly changed. The looks from the people around me shifted from envy to mockery. “Caleb Caldwell’s wife, can she actually not afford it?” “I thought Caleb doted on his wife so much. Turns out it was all fake.” “Maybe this woman deliberately latched onto Caleb and came to the auction, wanting to show off and buy expensive jewelry, but Caleb didn’t indulge her at all. Now look, she’s totally humiliated.” The insulting words felt like a barrage of slaps, making me feel faint. The staff had completely lost their pleasant demeanor, sneering at me, “Mrs. Caldwell, can you pay or not? If not, there’s a breach of contract fee!” I opened my mouth, but finally, my voice rasped, “Alright, I’ll pay the penalty.” I didn’t have any money on me. I had no choice but to take off my necklace, my bracelet, and even my dress, to use as collateral for the penalty. The incident quickly went viral online. The hashtag #LaylaAuctionScam trended instantly. The comments were filled with ridicule and curses. I stared at the vicious words, my nails digging into my palms, but I couldn’t even cry. So this was Caleb’s true purpose in bringing me to the auction. He wanted me to become everyone’s laughingstock. I returned home, looking at the countdown on the calendar. Five more days.

I didn’t want to go out and face the mocking stares, but in two days, it was Grandma Vivian’s birthday gala, and I had no choice but to attend. The gala was held at the Caldwell family estate. As soon as Caleb and I arrived, I saw Serena Thorne holding Grandma Vivian’s arm, chatting intimately with her. She had the usually stern Grandma Vivian laughing heartily. They looked like a perfect family. I glanced at them, then turned to look at Caleb. I saw his eyes filled with tenderness, clearly moved by the heartwarming scene. Noticing my gaze, Caleb uncomfortably explained, “Serena is a guest Grandma Vivian wanted to invite. I couldn’t stop her.” “If you don’t want to see her, we can go upstairs and wait after we’ve given Grandma your gift.” I said nothing, but Caleb had already pulled me forward. After offering birthday wishes, he instructed a servant to bring over the gift. “Grandma, this is a birthday gift Layla spent six months meticulously preparing for you herself. It’s full of her heartfelt wishes for you, and I hope you like it.” Hearing this, Grandma Vivian shifted her gaze from Serena. She gave me a casual glance and said faintly, “You’re very thoughtful.” Seeing Grandma Vivian’s attitude, I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. From the first time Caleb and I married, Grandma Vivian never liked me. After Caleb and I got divorced, and the Caldwell family and Serena were dragged onto social media, she disliked me even more. After our “remarriage,” to spare Caleb from being caught in the middle, I had spent six months carving a custom-made sculpture representing longevity and good fortune, intending it as a birthday gift to make her happy. I never imagined that before the gift was even presented, I would uncover the truth about our remarriage and prepare to leave. Before I could fully react, Grandma Vivian had already pulled back the red cloth covering the gift. A delicate urn was starkly revealed. Grandma Vivian’s face instantly darkened. She suppressed her anger, saying, “Is this the ‘heartfelt wish’ you spent six months preparing?” My heart leaped. Grandma Vivian was a traditional woman. Presenting her with an urn at her birthday gala was nothing short of a provocation. But how had my sculpture turned into an urn? I instinctively looked at Caleb. Before the gift presentation, he was the only one who had handled my gift. But I didn’t get an explanation from Caleb. Instead, I heard Serena’s gleeful voice: “Layla, why would you give such a gift? Are you unhappy with Grandma Vivian?” “Grandma Vivian, please don’t be angry. It’s not worth getting upset over someone so insignificant. Come see the gift I prepared for you.” She clapped her hands, and immediately someone brought over a gift. When it was opened, it was my meticulously carved sculpture. My heart sank. There was nothing left to misunderstand now. Clearly, Serena wanted to play another cruel joke on me, so she had Caleb switch out my birthday gift, making me offend Grandma Vivian. I squeezed my palms tightly, feeling only a chilling emptiness in my chest. I didn’t participate in the rest of the birthday gala. Instead, Serena and Caleb stood on either side of Grandma Vivian, chatting and laughing with guests, looking every bit like the Caldwell family’s daughter-in-law. My heart was bitter. With the heirloom bracelet meant for the family’s daughter-in-law on her wrist, she certainly seemed like the Caldwell’s daughter-in-law, didn’t she? Finally, the gala ended. Just as Caleb and I were about to leave, Grandma Vivian had Mr. Davies, the butler, stop me. Mr. Davies held up a whip and said, “Ms. Hayes, Grandma Vivian has decided not to dwell on the incredibly offensive ‘gift’ you brought. However, as a Caldwell daughter-in-law, you must learn respect. You will be disciplined according to family tradition to ensure you remember this lesson.” Seeing the whip covered in barbs, Caleb couldn’t help but frown. He opened his mouth, but in the end, he only said, “It’s just a few lashes, Layla. Endure it. Don’t make Grandma upset again.” I had long since abandoned any hope for Caleb. Hearing his words, I simply nodded, my voice hoarse. “Okay.” I was quickly led to the family shrine. Mr. Davies wielded the whip, lashing me again and again. The whip sliced through the air, striking me brutally. As it recoiled, its barbs tore away flesh. After nine lashes, I was covered in blood. Before I lost consciousness, I calculated the time. Two more days. The final two days.

When I woke again, I found myself in our familiar bedroom. Caleb was gently applying medicine to my wounds, a tenderness in his eyes he himself hadn’t noticed. He didn’t realize I was awake. After finishing the dressing and bandaging, he left the room. The door didn’t close tightly. Through the crack, I heard him on the phone with Serena Thorne. “Caleb, I have a new idea. Lots of people are into wilderness survival lately. I just found a remote mountain. How about you trick Layla into going there and abandon her for a couple of days?” “Just imagining her lost on a wild mountain, unable to find you, afraid to leave, forced to eat bark when she’s hungry and drink her own urine when she’s thirsty—I find it absolutely hilarious.” Caleb seemed to hesitate. “Layla just got whipped by Grandma Vivian over the birthday gift, and she’s still covered in injuries. Maybe we should wait on the wilderness survival thing?” Serena immediately grew displeased. “Are you feeling sorry for Layla? I knew it. All that talk about me being your true love was just lies.” Hearing Serena’s words, Caleb immediately caved. “How could it be a lie? I’ll do it.” Listening to Caleb’s voice, my heart felt utterly desolate. In the past, when Caleb loved me, he would be heartbroken if I so much as bumped into a table corner by accident. But now, at Serena’s behest, he had caused me to endure nine lashes. My wounds hadn’t even healed, and he was already planning to send me into the wilderness to fend for myself. If that’s the case, Caleb, let this wilderness survival trip be an unforgettable memory for you. I relayed the wilderness survival details to the fake death agency, and they quickly responded. After reading their reply, I deleted all records related to the agency from my phone. After a day of recovery, Caleb found me. “Layla, you’ve seemed a little unhappy lately. How about I take you out hiking to clear your head?” I nodded calmly. Caleb had expected me to resist, having prepared all his coaxing words, but he was surprised by my cooperation. He paused, a vague unease stirring within him. But he quickly suppressed it, smiling as he stroked my head. “Layla is so well-behaved today.” Feeling the familiar warmth on my head, I could no longer feel any joy. After lunch, Caleb and I left. The car drove on. While stopped at a red light, Caleb glanced at me several times, looking as if he wanted to say something. I asked him, “What’s wrong?” His gaze lingered on my injuries, but when he spoke, he said, “Nothing, I just remembered you mentioned you had a surprise for me, and the date was tomorrow, I think.” I forced a smile. “You remember? Don’t worry, it’ll be a surprise you’ll love.” Even though I was smiling, I felt my eyes welling up, and I quickly turned my head away. Caleb’s unease returned, stronger than before. The car soon reached the “wild mountain” Serena had mentioned. Looking at the mountain before me, a ripple of emotion still stirred in my heart. I knew this mountain. It had been in the news several times before for tiger attacks. Serena really knew how to pick a place. And Caleb? Did he know there were tigers in the mountains? As I turned to look at Caleb, a tiger’s roar echoed. Caleb heard the sound but only frowned. “Layla, I forgot something in the car. You go ahead and start up the mountain, and I’ll come find you after I get it.” With that, he walked back the way we came without looking back. Watching his retreating figure, the last shred of affection I held for Caleb completely dissipated. I truly followed Caleb’s words and ascended the mountain. By the time I reached the summit, the sun had already set. The tigers and wolves in the mountain roared again and again, but Caleb, who was supposed to retrieve something, never returned. When the appointed time came, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I simply jumped off the cliff. As Caleb drove back, the unease in his heart grew stronger. What was that sound just now? Leaving Layla alone, wouldn’t she be in danger? His mind instinctively replayed Layla’s recent calm yet sorrowful eyes, and his heart tightened. When he arrived at the place he’d arranged with Serena, he pushed open the door to find several friends already there. But he wasn’t in the mood to socialize. He immediately grabbed Serena’s hand and said, “That mountain you picked, it’s not dangerous, is it?” Serena impatiently pulled her hand away. “What danger could there be? If you’re so worried, go back and be with Layla.” Caleb quickly hugged Serena, trying to soothe her. Once he had calmed her down, he started talking to his friends. It was exactly what he always did. But today, Caleb felt a strange dread, as if something terrible was about to happen. Time ticked by. Caleb’s phone received several calls, but Serena hung up every single one for him. “It must be Layla trying to call you for help. Just ignore her.” Caleb didn’t intervene, but his heart was already filled with a growing sense of foreboding. After another urgent call rang, Caleb snatched the phone before Serena could. But it wasn’t Layla on the other end. It was an unfamiliar male voice. “Is this Ms. Layla Hayes’s husband? We’re the police. We just received an alarm from infrared sensors in the mountains. Ms. Hayes has committed suicide by jumping off a cliff.”

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He Chose the Princess. I Found My Empire. Liam Taylor and I traveled back in time. In my past life, I was the adopted sister he personally brought home from the orphanage. Later, I became his wife, and we stayed together until old age, our love deep and profound. This life, when Liam’s parents smiled and beckoned to me like before, wanting to take me home, young Liam, however, suddenly stepped forward, blocking their view: “Dad, Mom, don’t choose her. I want the girl next to her as my sister.” He grabbed Chloe, the girl standing next to me – the one who, in the previous life, died from illness before she turned ten. When he turned to look at me, his gaze was as cold as a winter blade: “You took Chloe’s place, causing her to die young. This life, it’s your turn to suffer what she went through.” I understood everything in an instant. So this time, he wanted to be the hero, protecting that fragile “princess.” “Will you come with me?” Mrs. Caldwell stood before me, her voice gentle. I looked ahead – the man who had walked hand-in-hand with me for decades, now leading another girl, walking away without a backward glance. I nodded softly. Fine by me. This life, I wanted to try a different path too.

As I stepped out of the orphanage gates, the Taylors were still there, hadn’t left. The moment he saw me, Liam’s face tightened instantly, and he awkwardly shoved Chloe into the backseat. Before the car door was even properly shut, he yelled at me: “Mila Caldwell, even if you begged me on your knees, I wouldn’t acknowledge you as my sister! There’s no place for you in the Taylor family!” “You, a thief, are meant to be with the Caldwells, the family that will torment you!” The words barely left his lips before he forcefully pushed me, and I almost fell. With a *bang*, the car door was slammed shut. My foot slipped, and I swayed twice, unable to steady myself. Several cars roared off into the distance. The exhaust fumes stirred up a swirl of dust, coating my face and eyes, making them sting so much I couldn’t open them. Just then, a sleek black Maybach slowly pulled up in front of me. The window silently lowered, revealing Mrs. Caldwell’s face, cold as ice: “Want to go to the Taylors’?” I shook my head, my voice quiet: “The Caldwells’ is fine.” She paused, then glanced at me sideways: “What’s your name?” I murmured: “Mila.” “From now on, no more ‘Mila Taylor.’” She uttered a few words calmly, “Call yourself Mila Caldwell.” Few words, but I understood her meaning. I swiftly pulled open the car door, climbed in, and politely said: “Okay, Mom.” Mrs. Caldwell’s eyebrow twitched slightly, but she said nothing, leaning back in her seat and closing her eyes. I didn’t say another word, sitting quietly. The car drove into a luxurious villa complex, stopping in front of the Caldwells’ mansion. I followed her inside, watching her set down her bag. She casually looked up, as if talking to herself, yet also introducing someone. “Asher, this is your new sister, Mila Caldwell.” I froze. Instinctively, I looked up. On the railing of the second-floor hallway stood a young man. He was even handsomer than Liam, his features so clean they seemed unreal, almost overly aloof. I didn’t know how long he’d been standing there, completely silent. My heart skipped a beat. This was Asher Caldwell? So different from how I remembered him… In my past life. Shortly after I was brought into the Taylors’ home, he was sent abroad. When we met again, it was many years later. By then he was in power, but his face was covered in scars, terrifyingly cold. Ruthless in his methods and intimidating in appearance, people in the circle secretly called him “Caldwell the Tyrant.” I smiled at him and softly called out: “Brother.” But he acted as if he hadn’t heard me, still leaning against the railing, his gaze as cold as stagnant water. “Don’t mind him,” Mrs. Caldwell said calmly, “He’s just not one to engage with people.” After she finished speaking, she called for a housekeeper, telling me to follow her to get acquainted with the house, then left herself. I was about to step over the threshold, head bowed. For some reason, as if by an impulse I couldn’t explain, I turned back for a glance. And met the young man’s gaze. His eyes were dark and deep, like a dry well, showing no emotion. My heart gave a sudden lurch. I was about to force a smile. But he shifted his gaze first, turned and went back into his room, closing the door silently.

I’d been with the Caldwells for over a month. Since that day I met Mrs. Caldwell at the orphanage, she hadn’t shown her face again. Asher, on the other hand, I’d occasionally run into him at dinner. Every time I saw him, I’d smile and sweetly call him, “Brother.” But him? He never acknowledged me, not even bothering to lift an eyelid. I wasn’t angry, nor did I feel embarrassed. Because I simply didn’t have time to dwell on such things. My days were packed lately, so much so that even taking a breather felt like a luxury. Mrs. Caldwell hadn’t appeared, but her orders certainly hadn’t stopped. From morning till night, it was either learning posture, practicing dance, or horseback riding; all sorts of elite classes were piled onto me. And it was still summer vacation, a time that should have been relaxing, but it was more exhausting than school. Even Maria, who cleaned the rooms, saw my bruised knees and her gaze softened. “Miss, won’t you tell Mrs. Caldwell to let you rest for a day?” I bent down to put on my shoes, shaking my head gently: “No need.” The day I arrived, Mrs. Caldwell had made it clear. “A Caldwell child has no right to be lazy. Even if you’re not blood-related, you can’t bring shame to this family.” “Unlike that girl next door from the Taylors’, who’s out having fun every day.” Maria sighed, handing me my backpack: “Exactly, they were making a racket early this morning. I heard the whole family booked tickets to go abroad for the summer.” She said that, really, to show she felt sorry for me. She felt that at my age, I shouldn’t be cooped up indoors every day, laboriously practicing these etiquette rules. I stood up, took the backpack, and smiled: “Maria, I’m not suffering. I want to learn this.” Outsiders might find the Caldwells’ rules terrifyingly strict, like a literal ice chamber. But I knew, this was an opportunity. The Caldwells are an old-money family, with deep roots and extensive connections. Any path they chose was something the Taylors, a new-money family, couldn’t achieve in decades. Here, I could learn, and I could rise higher. Even if everyone in the Caldwell household treated me coldly, Mrs. Caldwell was mercilessly strict, and Asher wouldn’t even give me a direct glance… I was lost in thought when suddenly something soft brushed against my leg—a ball of white fluff. Immediately after, an agitated and annoyed female voice rang out: “Oh, sweetie! Wrong person! Come back!” “Brother! Help me catch it!” “Silly thing.” I bent down, picked up the kitten, and stood up. And came face to face with a young man walking towards me. A smile played on his lips, his eyes filled with indulgence. I recognized him immediately— Liam Taylor.

The moment Liam saw me, his smile instantly vanished, replaced by pure disdain in his eyes. “How dare you show your face here again? You’re like a persistent shadow!” His tone was sharp, his words laced with venom: “Don’t think that blocking my path here will change my mind about you. Dream on!” “Mila?!” Chloe’s voice suddenly chimed in, filled with surprise and delight. She came trotting over, her fluffy skirt swaying, her eyes bright: “Wow, I really didn’t expect to run into you after leaving the orphanage! What a coincidence!” She took the kitten from my arms, then turned and saw the black sedan parked behind me, asking curiously: “That car… is it here to pick you up?” The moment her gaze swept over it, she froze, her expression changing completely. “Oh my God! You didn’t actually get adopted by the Caldwells next door, did you?” I was about to speak when my gaze inadvertently fell upon her neck – the key pendant hanging there, so familiar it made my heart tremble. Chloe noticed, instinctively raised her hand, and tightly clutched the pendant in her palm, completely hiding it. I pretended not to notice anything, just nodded calmly: “Yep, I’m living with the Caldwells now.” “So now you’re Mila Caldwell?” I calmly glanced at Liam, who stood there looking awkward, as if he’d just misunderstood something. “Something like that.” “The Caldwells are pretty intimidating, aren’t they?” She leaned closer, lowering her voice, “I heard their son has some kind of mental issue, that he can’t speak. Is it true?” She secretly pointed towards the Caldwell mansion, her face full of gossip, barraging me with questions. I had just started to frown, about to offer an explanation, but she continued to babble on. “Hey, these clothes you’re wearing… are they for horseback riding and archery? You’re actually learning that?” She tilted her head, scrutinizing me from head to toe. “I have things to do, I’m leaving.” I was about to pull away when Liam coldly cut in: “Chloe, why waste time with someone like her? Let’s go.” Chloe acknowledged him, then mischievously stuck out her tongue at me: “Don’t mind him, my brother is usually so gentle, he’s probably just in a bad mood today…” “Brother, wait for me!” She lifted her skirt and chased after him. I stood there, silent for a second, then also turned and left. The wind gently carried their words to me. “Brother, the Caldwells are really harsh, aren’t they? Mila is about my age, and she has classes every day. I saw her arms, black and blue; she must be training so hard.” “Hah, what’s the point of learning all that? A girl doing all these useless things will only suffer sooner or later.” “Our Chloe doesn’t have to suffer like that. She just needs to be pretty and act like a princess.” “Mhm! Dad, Mom, and Brother spoil me the most!” Suffering? So, in their eyes, this is considered suffering? I twitched my lips, not saying a word. In my past life. The Taylors truly poured their hearts into me, providing me with good food and drink. But whenever I wanted to learn real skills, I was always stopped. I wanted to practice horseback riding and archery. They would panic: “What if you ruin your face! How will you get married later!” I was being stalked and wanted to enroll in a self-defense class. They immediately objected: “A daughter of the Taylors learning how to fight? How disgraceful! Aren’t our bodyguards enough?” Later, I wanted to learn about business and bookkeeping. They still shook their heads: “Your brother is handling everything at home. Why bother yourself with it?” They’d say they loved you, but secretly they raised you like a flower that would wilt at the slightest breeze. But Mrs. Caldwell was different. She only said one thing, which I remember to this day: “In the Caldwell family, no one lives by relying on others. If you can learn, you must learn; if you can fight for something, you must fight for it.”

Summer break flew by in the blink of an eye. Before I knew it, it was time for school to start. My mom had already arranged for me to enroll in the same international school as Asher. The same place Liam and I had attended in my past life. On the first day of school, I got into the car early. When Asher opened the door, I cheerfully called out to him: “Morning, Brother! Mom said we’d be going to and from school together from now on.” Asher’s hand paused in mid-air. Then, without a word, he sat in the corner furthest from me. The next day, I did the same. The third day. The fourth day… This went on for nearly two months. But I noticed that even though Asher never spoke to me, and my words were always ignored like they were just thin air to him, sometimes, when I ate breakfast slowly and rushed out of the yard, I’d find him still leaning against the car, backpack on, waiting. I suppressed my surprise and said with a smile: “Brother, you’re really a good person.” As usual, he gave me a faint glance, then slipped into the car without a word. But— This time, when he got in the car, he stepped in with his right foot first! A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Interesting, he really has changed. That day. After school, I waited at the entrance of the academic building for ages, but there was no sign of Asher, and I couldn’t reach him on his phone. As I was anxiously pacing around, something suddenly *clicked* in my mind. I remembered. Around this time in my past life, a sensational incident occurred at the school gate. Back then, I was desperately trying to catch up with the school’s pace, cramming for lessons. I only vaguely heard students discussing it, saying someone from the Caldwell family had caused trouble. They also seemed to mention that their child had gotten into trouble. Years later, I happened to hear someone mention it. Asher Caldwell, the patriarch of the Caldwell family, had his face deliberately scarred in high school. Could it be… today? Oh no! No time to think! I immediately messaged the driver: “If you don’t see me at the school gate, don’t wait. Come directly to the school’s back alley to find me.” Then I bolted, running towards the back alley. Asher, please don’t let anything happen to you!

When I arrived, the situation was already bad. Asher was surrounded by several thugs at the end of the alley, unable to move. “Well, well, Caldwell’s young master isn’t playing the big shot today, huh? Too much of a mute to even beg for mercy?” “Nonsense, being mute is easier, saves him from running back to complain and cause trouble.” “Damn, this kid still has a stubborn look in his eyes!” The guy who looked like the leader, a high schooler named Mike, sneered and spat on the ground. Then he pulled out a utility knife and directly gestured it towards Asher’s face! My heart plummeted. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a baseball bat lying nearby. I took a deep breath, gritted my teeth, and charged out, shouting as I ran: “The police will be here any second! I’ve already called them!” I swung the bat wildly, my movements pure instinct. Luckily, I hadn’t slacked off in physical education classes recently, so my stamina held up. They hadn’t expected me to suddenly appear, and hearing that I’d called the police, they immediately panicked, scattering and hiding. “Damn it! This kid has serious luck!” After a few curses, they turned and ran, their footsteps hurried and chaotic. Once they were gone, I immediately rushed to Asher’s side. He had a bloody cut on his face, not too deep. But his arms and legs were black and blue, clearly having taken a beating. “Brother, hang in there, I’ll take you home!” I helped him up, ready to leave. Suddenly, a powerful force hit me from behind – I was brutally kicked to the ground! “Hey, Mike, I told you this little punk was bluffing! Called the police? Don’t make me laugh!” “So young and already learned to lie, what a piece of trash!” “A mute loser and a lying cheat, perfect together! Haha!” Mike was furious, kicking my back repeatedly. I curled up, my head tucked in, but my gaze met Asher’s eyes, wide with horror. My lips trembled, but I still managed a weak smile and whispered: “Brother, don’t be scared.” Asher’s whole body jolted. He stared fixedly at me, and I stood in front of him, not retreating a single step. The punches and kicks from behind grew fiercer. Just then— Asher, who had been silent all this time, suddenly pounced like a madman. He bit down hard on the closest guy’s hand, his teeth sinking into the flesh, not letting go! That ferocity stunned the thugs, freezing them for a few seconds. But being outnumbered and weaker, he was quickly pinned to the ground. Punches rained down on his head and chest, and someone even pulled out an iron bar… Could it be… Could we truly not escape this calamity? In my blurring consciousness, I heard voices and footsteps from the alley entrance. Was it the driver…? I desperately forced my eyelids open, trying to look that way. In my field of vision, a pair of clean white sneakers slowly appeared…

Someone stood at the alley entrance, their shadow stretched long by the sun. Mike and his crew immediately glared, yelling fiercely at them. “Where did this newbie come from, staring here for what?!” Newbie? Not the driver? I desperately forced my eyelids open. I wanted to see the person’s face clearly, but blood was smeared all over mine, making it impossible to see anything. Just then, a clear voice echoed from afar. “Liam, why are you just standing there? The cake shop is this way!” The person paused. “Oh, coming.” I blinked, my throat dry, and mumbled a single word: “Brother…” His footsteps faltered slightly. But in the end, he didn’t turn around, slowly walking away with the little girl. The little girl couldn’t help but turn her head to glance into the alley, and the next second, she shrieked. “Brother! There’s someone lying there, bleeding so much! Did you see?!” The moment her words fell, her vision went black – her eyes were covered by a hand. “Don’t look, it’s not pleasant.” Liam’s voice was gentle, like he was coaxing a child. From very, very far away. I thought I heard him whisper: “My little Chloe, this time I found you early, and I won’t let you suffer any injustice again.” “The Caldwells won’t be able to hurt you again, and you won’t leave us early like in the last life.” In my daze, I remembered him mumbling when he was close to his last breath in my past life: “It’s all my fault… if only I had found you sooner…” Back then, I thought he regretted that I hadn’t been able to keep our child, and that I couldn’t have children anymore. I choked out, comforting him: “Old man, in the next life, we’ll still be together, and we’ll have children…” Who knew that what he couldn’t let go of, deep in his heart, wasn’t me at all. What lingered in his heart was that rainy day when he was with me, getting an IV drip, and didn’t rush back to save Chloe. So this life, he kept her tightly by his side, protecting her meticulously. He came here today, not to save me. But merely to see with his own eyes how I, the thief who stole his beloved’s place, was being tormented. But in my past life. I vaguely heard classmates discussing it. After the incident at the Caldwells’, Asher was sent away, abroad. Chloe, however, couldn’t go with him, staying home, her life getting worse by the day. A knowledgeable girl had quietly mentioned: “That day, when they were escaping for their lives, Chloe was the first to run.” “Asher shielded her from the attack, and she ran off without a backward glance…” But Liam insisted on believing that his sister was pure and flawless. Hah. Did he really believe. That girl he doted on so much was truly that kind? I bared my teeth in a grimace, wiping away the blood and tears from my face. Suddenly, I pushed myself up, clinging desperately to one of the thugs’ legs. Let them kick, let them curse, I wouldn’t let go for anything. “You… don’t hit my brother!” My last bit of strength drained away. Before my eyes. Everything went black.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a blurry face resting by my bedside. The air was thick with the pungent smell of disinfectant. My mind slowly came back to me. So I was in the hospital. It seemed the driver had called the police, and I’d been brought here in time. I tried to sit up, perhaps a bit too roughly, and the person next to me stirred, then lifted their head. It was Asher. His naturally alluring eyes stared intently at me for a long time. Then he slowly raised a hand and gently touched the bandage on my head: “Sister… does it hurt?” It had been too long since I’d heard his voice. His voice was a little hoarse, as if he hadn’t used it in a long time. But it wasn’t unpleasant; rather, it was a low, comforting sound. But I was completely stunned. Asher… just spoke to me? It wasn’t just me who was dumbfounded. Even Mrs. Caldwell, who had just walked in, suddenly froze, her eyes wide: “Was that… Asher speaking?” She was always composed, but now even her voice trembled: “Asher, say ‘Mom,’ okay?” Asher merely gave her a faint glance, then turned back, staring at my wound, not uttering another word. I felt a little helpless, wanting to smooth things over, but didn’t know what to say: “Mom, just now, Brother, he… actually…” Mrs. Caldwell waved her hand, her eyes instantly reddening: “It’s okay, no rush, Asher needs time…” She didn’t finish her sentence. Just then, Maria walked in, carrying a lunchbox. During dinner, as she served us soup, she mentioned that the alley incident from that day had been thoroughly investigated. It was just a few street punks who, hearing the Caldwell family had a decent background, got some crooked ideas. What was even more outrageous was that one of them was actually a student from our school! The adult culprits had all been arrested and wouldn’t escape jail time, and the student had been expelled from school, his punishment decided. I hummed in acknowledgment, but my gaze involuntarily drifted to Asher next to me. Who would have believed it? In my past life, just because of these few rotten people’s momentary evil thoughts, such a pure person was dragged into hell. Thankfully, this time. He was sitting perfectly fine in front of me. Asher saw me just staring blankly, my forks untouched, and frowned slightly: “Sister, eat.” I froze, quickly snapped back to attention, and casually picked up a piece of ribs to place in his bowl: “You eat more too, Brother.” Dinner was just finished. A nurse rushed in, bustling and laughing as she pointed at Asher: “Running around again! Do you know your own room is on the third floor?!” Only then did I understand. He had secretly snuck over. Before leaving, he stood by my bed, reached out, and ruffled my hair: “Sister, get well soon.” Just those few words. All the adults in the room had red-rimmed eyes. Maria turned her back, subtly wiping the corner of her eye. After he left, Mrs. Caldwell didn’t move. She stood rooted to the spot, watching his receding figure, for a long time. Today she wasn’t wearing makeup, and her hair was simply tied back. She looked less sharp, with a rare hint of softness. “Asher wasn’t like this before.” “He was obedient, polite, and unnaturally intelligent for a child. Back then, everyone said the Caldwell family had produced a prodigy, not… a silent, withdrawn boy.” She sat beside me, her voice as light as a breeze: “The change began with an accident four years ago.” My heart jolted, and I froze in place.

Mrs. Caldwell began to speak. Asher indeed had a sister before, named Hazel Caldwell. She was the daughter of his father’s younger brother. At that time, Asher’s father and his uncle and aunt passed away young in an accident, and the family suddenly lost half its foundation. The entire burden of the Caldwell family fell solely on Mrs. Caldwell’s shoulders. Hazel was left without care, so Mrs. Caldwell simply took her into their home, raising her like her own daughter. Those few years, the Caldwells had a tough time. With their pillar gone, the Caldwells were like an unlocked money bag; everyone wanted to grab a share. Mrs. Caldwell had to harden her heart, acting decisively when needed, becoming increasingly assertive, and thus offending many. Four years ago, their two children were kidnapped. The kidnappers laid hands on Asher, and six-year-old Hazel, seeing this, immediately pounced. She bit down hard on the person’s hand, refusing to let go. The kidnapper went mad with rage, swinging a stick, hitting her head repeatedly… Asher witnessed the entire scene. After they were rescued, he changed. He never smiled again, nor did he speak another word. Mrs. Caldwell tried every possible method, but nothing worked. Left with no other options, she took an old friend’s advice and brought another “sister” home. Hoping to see if she could thaw the ice in his heart a little. Mrs. Caldwell stood up and slowly walked to the window. She said I wasn’t actually the first girl brought into this family. “Asher has never been this close to anyone. He truly feels differently about you.”

A week later. I returned to the Caldwells’ from the hospital. The atmosphere was noticeably different. Before, everyone looked at me like I was a temporary foster child, an outsider. Someone who could be sent away at any moment, and even calling me “Miss” felt forced. Now, their gazes had changed; it was as if they truly considered me one of the Caldwell bloodline. But my classes didn’t decrease at all; in fact, there were even more. Mrs. Caldwell said directly: “You’ll be joining Caldwell Group later. If you don’t have any real skills, who will listen to you?” At her words, the expressions of several other Caldwell family members nearby changed. Their gazes fell on me, some wary, some scrutinizing, some clearly displeased. I didn’t have time to bother with them, instinctively turning to look for Asher. Afraid he might feel awkward. But I saw him tilting his head, hand propped under his chin, his eyes shining like stars. He stammered out a few words: “Sis… sister, don’t be scared, you’re the strongest.” My nose stung, my eyes felt warm, and I nodded heavily: “Mhm!” Mrs. Caldwell also smiled, her tone gentle: “Asher, you’ll have to work hard, or your sister will leave you far behind. Then you’ll have to rely on her to protect you.” “No, no way!” Asher shot up, his face flushed with urgency. “I… I’ll protect my sister!” With that, he actually assumed a stance and performed a set of punches and kicks. His movements were clumsy, but deliberate and incredibly serious. Ever since that incident at school, he had been at the martial arts gym every day, training harder than anyone. Mrs. Caldwell and I exchanged glances, unable to help but laugh. Watching his flushed face and enthusiastic movements, my lips slowly curved into a smile. Mrs. Caldwell once said: “Asher is lucky to have a sister like you.” But this time. My entry into the Caldwell family, wasn’t it also me finding my light?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299137”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

The grand engagement ceremony played out on TV. Everyone was celebrating Alexander Thorne and Serena Davies’ wedding. “Mr. Thorne and Ms. Davies are truly a match made in heaven. Let’s send them our sincerest wishes for eternal love and happiness!” A thunderous applause erupted, and then, the couple exchanged engagement rings. The TV station zoomed in on Serena’s ring. A massive, emerald-cut diamond ring, its exorbitant cost immediately apparent. I watched the TV, finishing the last of my instant noodles. I watched my own boyfriend smiling at another woman, doting on her without reservation. That ring was supposed to be mine. After that intimate night, Alex had taken the ring out to show me. “Do you like it?” I nodded ecstatically, yet a trace of worry lingered. “Won’t this be incredibly expensive?” Alex chuckled. “For the Thorne family, what’s a little expense? Izzy, don’t worry about any of that. Just prepare to marry me.” At that moment, I was overjoyed that our five-year relationship was finally leading somewhere. In my heart, I was already fantasizing about the beautiful days ahead. But after Serena came back, I realized I was nothing. I was just a replaceable substitute, discardable at any moment. “Your flight is scheduled to depart on the 31st at 2:31 PM. Please prepare accordingly.” I finished reading the text and turned off my phone. All these years, I had given up everything to stay by Alex’s side, even abandoning my own dreams. Now, it was fine. I could pursue them again. It wasn’t until late that night that Alex came home. He fumbled his way onto the bed, embracing the warm body beside him. “Sleeping so early tonight? Hmm?” He woke me. I slowly turned over. “I’m tired.” Alex kissed my forehead, his hand beginning to roam. I stiffened, avoiding his touch. “I’m not feeling well. Let’s just skip it tonight.” Alex’s hand paused, then he let me go. “Are you upset?” I didn’t answer. No woman would be happy seeing her boyfriend get engaged to another woman. “Izzy, don’t throw a childish tantrum. It’s just an engagement.” A pang of bitterness hit me. *Just an engagement.* I had waited five years and never even got an engagement. Alex had never even been willing to take me to meet his family. But two years ago, at my birthday dinner, Alex was singing “Happy Birthday” to me one moment. The next, he took a call and rushed out the door without a single explanation. Leaving me alone and awkward at my own party. Everyone curiously asked who the girl on the phone was, but I couldn’t answer. I later found out it was Serena, his first love, whom he couldn’t have in his youth. And I? I was nothing more than a forgotten shadow. The true first love had returned, and the forgotten shadow was insignificant. Serena had only been back for three months, and Alex had already introduced her to all his friends. That took me five years to achieve. Later, Alex forcefully introduced Serena to everyone, including his parents. He made it clear that with him there, no one would dare hurt Serena. Then came the engagement, so extravagant, because he loved Serena so much, he wouldn’t let her suffer even the slightest inconvenience. It was only then that I truly understood: Alex had never loved *me*. Our relationship would never have a future.

When I woke up, Alex was already gone. I got up and packed my things into a suitcase. Yesterday, Alex told me to be more understanding. He said the engagement was just to give Serena a guarantee for her future; otherwise, she’d have no one else to rely on but him. But what about me? I felt like I only had Alex to rely on too. And now, not even Alex. Today was our five-year anniversary. A sliver of hope I didn’t even know I still held lingered in my heart. No matter what, I wanted to bring this relationship to a proper end. So I bought a lot of groceries and cooked a feast, all Alex’s favorite dishes. Over the years, it had become a habit. What Alex liked, what he disliked – it was all etched into my heart. “I’ve cooked dinner. Are you coming back to eat?” For the past four anniversaries, Alex had remembered. He’d buy me flowers, all sorts of gifts. Only today, I waited until the food grew cold, until the sun set. Alex didn’t come home, and he didn’t even send me a single text. My heart felt as thoroughly chilled as the meal on the table. I slowly ate the food, mouthful by mouthful, but for some reason, the more I ate, the saltier it tasted. “Izzy, your father is a bit tight on cash lately. Could you send some money over?” As soon as I finished cleaning up the dishes, I got a call from my father. “I don’t have any money.” My father had a gambling addiction. I’d give him small amounts, but never large sums. That would only feed his addiction, making it worse. “What about Alex? He’s so rich, tell him to give you some! I’m his father-in-law, he can’t refuse me, can he?” Listening to his utterly entitled words, my grip on the phone slowly tightened. Every time, every single time, it was like this. Why did no one ever think about me? A deep sense of fatigue washed over me. “I’m breaking up with Alex, Dad. I don’t have any money, and you shouldn’t gamble anymore.” “Breaking up? Are you crazy? If you break up with Alex, where will you find someone as good? You’ve been with him for five years, who would want you now?” If I didn’t know this man was my own father, I’d think these were words only an enemy would utter. “He’s marrying someone else. I won’t give you any more money, and don’t call me again.” I didn’t want to talk to my father anymore. The phone slipped weakly from my hand. I slid uncontrollably down the wall. My sleeves were soaked with tears. The conflicting emotions in my heart threatened to swallow me whole. It wasn’t until Alex came home. “What are you doing sitting here?” He asked. I raised my hand to shield my eyes. Having been in the dark for so long, the light was somewhat blinding. I didn’t answer, unsure what to say. Alex pulled me to my feet, then noticed the suitcase in the living room. He raised an eyebrow. “Packed so much? Where are you planning to go?” I finally spoke slowly. “To clear my head.” Alex snorted. “If you want to clear your head, go ahead. Just remember to come back.” He was calm, completely confident I wouldn’t leave him. And why wouldn’t he be? For five years, I had taken such meticulous care of Alex; this man seemed to be the sole purpose of my life. “Izzy, don’t play these ‘running away’ games just because you’re mad at me. You know that doesn’t work on me.” “I already gave your father the twenty thousand he wanted.” With that, Alex walked straight to the bedroom and lay down. I froze, a suffocating wave of profound humiliation engulfing me.

Alex never gave me any explanation about the anniversary. It wasn’t until I found Serena’s private Ins account. I couldn’t help but snoop on Serena, wanting to see what kind of woman Alex had fallen for. And there it was: on our anniversary, Alex was at an amusement park with Serena. They wore matching headbands, smiling at the camera. Alex looked down at Serena, his gaze incredibly doting. “My fiancé spoils me so much~” That was Serena’s caption. I was mesmerized. Serena was beautiful. Unlike me, Serena seemed exceptionally cheerful. I, however, was a bit quiet, not very talkative. That day, Alex spent the entire day with Serena. I remembered going to an amusement park with Alex once. I had begged Alex to go. Seeing other couples take so many beautiful photos, I had the same idea. Alex initially refused, saying he was too busy with work. But I persisted, and he eventually agreed. Yet, when I placed the cat-ear headband on his head, he snatched it off. “Why would a man like me wear something like this?” So our photo only showed me, awkwardly standing beside him with cat ears, and an annoyed Alex. I thought Alex was just naturally like that, so I comforted myself, believing he treated everyone the same way. Until I saw how he was with Serena. Only then did I understand he just didn’t love *me*. I turned off my phone and blocked Serena’s account. Since I had made up my mind, there would be no more lingering attachment. “If you ask Alex for money again, I’ll end my life.” After sending that text to my father, I continued packing. “I’m hungry, Izzy. Why didn’t you bring me lunch today?” After everything was packed, I received a message from Alex. His stomach wasn’t good, and he didn’t like food from outside; he only liked what I cooked. I had been delivering his meals for five years. I still went to buy groceries and cook. After all, Alex had given my father quite a bit of money; I couldn’t just stop doing it. The kitchen was filled with cooking fumes. Afraid Alex would be impatient waiting, I quickly changed my clothes and left. When I arrived at the company, I went upstairs, but I noticed people looking at me with varied expressions. I didn’t understand, only wanting to complete my task quickly, so I naturally didn’t hear the employees discussing behind me. “Isn’t she the one who delivers food from the restaurant?” A colleague scoffed. “New here, are you? That’s Mr. Thorne’s ex-girlfriend. Too bad, she never even got a proper title after all these years.” Unaware of their whispers, I went upstairs and pushed open the office door. “I brought you lunch…” Only to see Serena sitting in Alex’s lap. Her lips were glistening, making it obvious what had just happened. Serena seemed a bit shy and immediately stood up when she saw me. Serena was wearing the latest designer fashion, and on her finger was that emerald-cut diamond ring. Alex looked at me with a hint of impatience. “Why didn’t you knock before coming in? Have you forgotten your manners?” Serena immediately smoothed things over. “Alex, why are you being so hard on her? She just forgot to knock.” Alex immediately fell silent. Serena walked up to me. She wore a faint, expensive perfume, while I, having just cooked at home, reeked of cooking fumes. In my haste to leave, I had thrown on old clothes bought from a discount mall two years ago. “Hello, I’m Serena Davies. Thank you for bringing the food.” I thought my heart wouldn’t feel any ripple anymore. But at that moment, an unbearable sadness still overwhelmed me.

I don’t know how I left the company. Only then did I understand what everyone was whispering about. They were probably saying how all my hard work over the years had ended with me being discarded. I went home and slept with my head buried under the covers until the next day. That day, Alex didn’t come home. “Izzy, come to the studio.” I received a text from my mentor after I woke up and immediately rushed to the studio. I studied design. My mentor once said I was extremely talented and hoped I would study abroad. But at the time, I met Alex, and madly, irrevocably fell into that relationship, giving up the opportunity to go abroad. My mentor had sighed over it for ages. Now that I decided to study abroad, she was naturally very happy. When I arrived at the studio, my mentor was drawing, and a young man stood beside her. “Izzy, you’re here? This is Liam Thorne. You two will be going abroad together this time. Come and meet him.” I hadn’t known there would be someone else and felt a little nervous. But the man extended his hand first. “Nice to meet you, Izzy.” His hand was large, with well-defined knuckles. Liam looked at me, smiling, a charming and poised demeanor. “Hello.” My mentor finished her drawing and patted my shoulder. “It’s good to go together, you can look out for each other. Exchange contact info and communicate more. Izzy, you must seize this opportunity this time.” Knowing my mentor only wanted what was best for me, I felt a rare warmth and nodded emphatically. My mentor had other things to attend to, so Liam suggested they have dinner together. His sincere invitation was hard to refuse. So we went to a French restaurant. “Izzy, this place is really good, I come here often.” I smiled. “Then I’ll eat a lot. Speaking of which, why do you want to go to Germany too?” Liam poured me a glass of water. “Someone I like is going, so I’m going too.” I looked at the young man before me, lamenting how wonderful youth was, before love soured. We chatted happily, our design philosophies aligned. The cheerful atmosphere, however, was broken by a voice. “What are you two doing here?” It was Alex. Serena stood beside him. For a moment, I didn’t know what to do. Liam stood up. “Uncle Alex, Izzy and I are just having dinner.” He spoke candidly, and my eyes widened in shock. “He’s your uncle?” Liam nodded. Alex glanced at him, then looked at me. “What do you two have to talk about over dinner?” I was about to answer, but I saw the obvious defensiveness in Alex’s eyes. Alex’s parents had never met me. He was afraid I might use Liam to tell others about our relationship. That would only humiliate Serena. Before I could speak, Liam interjected. “Izzy and I share the same professor; we’re just discussing some design issues.” I remained silent. Alex’s guard dropped. He then gave me a deep look. “Just discussing design, Izzy. You two have a good chat.” He specifically emphasized “good chat.” I gave a bitter smile. I hadn’t planned on saying anything anyway. Alex finished speaking and left with Serena. “Alex, wasn’t that girl the restaurant delivery person?” Serena asked curiously. So, he had never told Serena about our relationship.

“Izzy, is the food not to your taste?” I shook my head. “It’s delicious, but I usually don’t eat much.” Liam drove me home. He didn’t ask any more questions, only said: “There are plenty of good men in the world. Sometimes, there’s no need to cling to one person, even if that person is Alex Thorne.” He showed none of the deference he had displayed when we met Alex at the restaurant earlier. I looked up at him, my eyes wide. “You… you know?” Liam chuckled softly. “Not just me, everyone in the Thorne family knows. It’s just that Alex never mentioned it, so they pretended not to know.” I fell silent. When we arrived home, as I was about to get out of the car, Liam leaned closer. The pleasant scent of cedarwood filled the air. I froze, but Liam merely removed a fallen leaf from my shoulder. “Izzy, I’m really looking forward to our time in Germany.” I didn’t understand what he meant and hastily tried to get out of the car. Liam calmly got out and opened the car door for me. “Thank you for driving me home. I’ll go now.” I didn’t know what I was thinking; I just inexplicably wanted to escape. But Liam grabbed my hand. “Izzy, sleep well.” Then, he released my hand. I scampered upstairs. Liam chuckled softly, got back in his car, and drove away. Perhaps it was because too many things had happened; I was still lost in thought before I fell asleep. In the middle of the night, I came down with a high fever. My head throbbed incessantly, and my throat was as dry as if it were smoking. I forced myself up to get some water, but I felt dizzy and lightheaded and collapsed on the floor. With great difficulty, I picked up my phone and called Alex, my first contact. He didn’t answer the first time, nor the second. On the third call, Alex’s voice came through, laced with irritation. “Why do you keep calling? I’m busy.” I could hear a girl crying in the background; I vaguely heard what sounded like Serena’s voice. “She’s clearly your ex-girlfriend. If my friend hadn’t told me, how long were you planning to hide it from me?” My throat was parched, but I managed to squeeze out a few words. “I’m sick…” Before I could finish, Alex interrupted. “If you’re sick, find a doctor. I’m still busy.” With that, he hung up. I couldn’t hold on any longer and passed out. In my daze, I thought I saw someone pick me up. “Izzy, I’ll take you to the hospital.” What happened after that, I don’t know. Until I opened my eyes. The smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils, and the sunlight was a bit blinding. There was no one else in the hospital room but me. There wasn’t even a single message on my phone. A wave of loneliness washed over me. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, staring blankly at the ceiling. The door quietly opened. Liam came in, carrying breakfast, and smiled at me. “Izzy, it’s those soup dumplings you love!” For some reason, I felt like crying. If I were to go abroad with Liam, perhaps it wouldn’t be so lonely after all. Anyway, nothing could be worse than how things were now.

When Alex arrived, Liam was feeding me. I felt awkward but couldn’t resist Liam’s insistence on feeding me, saying I was a patient. “I’ll do it.” Alex sensed something was off and snatched the bowl from Liam’s hand. “Liam, thank you for taking care of Izzy. I was busy yesterday and couldn’t make it.” Alex said, then fed me a spoonful of porridge. I nearly scalded my mouth. Liam had always blown on it to cool it down before feeding it to me. Seeing that I was scalded, Alex put the bowl aside. Liam spoke in a flat voice. “Isn’t my aunt-in-law Serena?” Alex took a deep breath. “Serena just returned to the country. Her parents are gone. No one can protect her except me. The engagement is just a temporary arrangement to help her.” “Otherwise, how could she gain a foothold?” Liam said nothing, but his sarcasm was evident. I no longer believed those words. When I went to the office that day, they were clearly kissing. “Alex Thorne! Is this how you treat me?!” Serena stood at the doorway of the hospital room, tears streaming down her face, looking at Alex. She didn’t seem to have just arrived; she had probably heard everything. “You promised you’d marry me! You said I was the one you loved most! You lied to me!” With that, she covered her face and ran out. Alex was uncharacteristically flustered. He stood up, about to chase after her. But I grabbed his hand. “Alex Thorne, you love her, and you’re going to marry her, aren’t you?” Alex’s head throbbed. “Izzy, don’t make things difficult for me right now. Whatever it is, I’ll talk to you when I get back.” I immediately let go, earning a look of approval from Alex. “Liam, take care of her.” With that, Alex rushed out. Five years of affection, easily worn away. Liam picked up the porridge again and fed me. “What’s Uncle Alex thinking?” I replied calmly. “I don’t care anymore.” Liam paused, trying to steady his trembling hand. His heart was pounding. After finishing my meal, I checked out of the hospital. Only five days were left until my departure, and I still had some things to pack. I didn’t have many photos with Alex. I figured Alex probably didn’t want them anyway, so I shredded all of them in the paper shredder. Watching past memories turn into a pile of fragments, I suddenly felt a sense of liberation. By the time everything was packed, Alex returned. He looked tired. Seeing the three suitcases in the living room and the empty bedroom, a nameless rage flared within him, having just appeased Serena. “Packed so neatly. Are you really planning to leave for good?” My cold hadn’t fully recovered, and I spoke with a stuffy nose. “If I don’t leave, how will you marry someone else?” The fire in Alex’s heart burned hotter. He scoffed. “What’s with this act? Who are you doing this for? I told you it was just a temporary arrangement. Izzy, why can’t you just be sensible? I’m already so exhausted. Do I have to come home and take care of you too?” Alex could gently soothe Serena, but I never received such treatment. In the end, I was the one deemed “unreasonable.” I didn’t want to explain, and I didn’t know where to begin. Seeing my silence, Alex laughed. “Fine, fine. Do you really think this can threaten me? That I can’t live without you? If you leave, don’t ever come back!” With that, Alex slammed the door and left. My nose stung, but I held back my tears. I didn’t want to shed another tear for Alex.

Alex didn’t come home for two days straight, and I was content to be on my own. Alex hadn’t allowed me to work all these years, so it had been a long time since I’d drawn design sketches. Holding the pen in my hand felt a bit surreal. Unfortunately, fate didn’t want to grant me such peace for long. “Izzy Miller, you’ve grown quite bold. Don’t you care about your father anymore? You said you’re breaking up with Alex Thorne, but if you really do, will he still give me money? I think you just don’t want to give it to me. I’m giving you one last chance. I’ll be waiting for you at the coffee shop. Bring me three hundred thousand, or I’ll go find Alex Thorne.” After blocking my father’s phone number, he switched to sending texts. Receiving that message, I had no choice but to go. Things were already so bad between Alex and me; I really didn’t want my father to go asking Alex for money again. When I arrived at the coffee shop, my father, William Miller, immediately asked. “Where’s the money? Cash or card?” I spoke expressionlessly. “I don’t have any money.” “You don’t have money? Are you messing with me? You even threatened me, saying you’d end your life if I asked for money again? Are you dead?” Looking at my father’s fierce expression, I didn’t want to give him any more chances. “I’ve told Alex. He won’t give you another penny. We’ve already broken up, and he has no obligation to give you money anymore.” William snorted with laughter. “Trying to lie to your old man? He gave me two hundred thousand last time. I’m asking you, are you giving me the money or not?” “I don’t have money. I can’t give it to you.” The moment I finished speaking, William grabbed me. “I’ll just have to ask him myself if you two really broke up.” William had specifically chosen a coffee shop very close to Alex’s company. He dragged me all the way into the company lobby. “Where’s Alex Thorne? I need to see him!” My clothes were pulled loose, and everyone’s eyes were fixed on the two of us. I was weak and couldn’t break free. “I told you! He doesn’t have money for you! Why do you have to be like this?” I shouted out loud. William ignored me completely. “Alex Thorne! Your father-in-law is here! My daughter followed you for five years, gave you everything, and now you say you’re breaking up? Do you really think us Millers are easy to bully?” Watching the pointing fingers and stares of the crowd, my heart died. The commotion grew too loud. Alex and Serena came down. He frowned. “What’s going on here? All this yelling.” William saw him and immediately broke into a smile. “Son-in-law, my daughter has been with you for so long, and now you’re just breaking up?” Alex started to say something, then glanced at Serena beside him. Seeing Serena’s questioning look, he finally spoke. “Yes, we’ve broken up.” “That won’t do. Izzy gave you the best years of her life. How can you just break up like that?” Alex’s frown deepened. “What do you want, then?” “Give me five million, and this matter is settled. I won’t pursue it further.” The whispers from the onlookers grew louder. Tears streamed uncontrollably from my eyes. I was being bought and sold like a commodity by my own father. Serena said to Alex. “Alex, she’s so pathetic. Why don’t you just give him the money and be done with it?” I looked up, meeting Serena’s pitying gaze. I had no dignity left. Alex was still deliberating. I slowly stood up. “Alex Thorne, we’ve already broken up. You don’t need to give him another penny.” The moment I finished speaking, William’s slap landed on my face. “Do you have a say here? Shut your mouth!” A dead silence settled in my heart.

Alex instinctively wanted to go help. But Serena grabbed his wrist. “Alex, her father looks terrifying.” My face was turned to the side from the impact. I glanced at Alex, but he made no move. I let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Love” was truly nothing more than this. “Mr. Thorne, have you decided?” Alex was about to agree. But I spoke in a chilling voice. “If you give him a single penny, I will end my life right here.” Alex had never seen such a look in my eyes. I was always gentle, always compliant. But now, my eyes were as desolate as a bottomless lake. Finally, he said. “I can’t give it to you. Security, please escort this man out.” William was dragged out, still cursing and swearing. “You rich people, what’s a little money to you? This bitch, she only cares about outsiders.” “Everyone back to work! What are you all doing standing around here?” At Alex’s command, everyone scattered like frightened birds. I walked towards the back exit. Missing the complicated gaze Alex cast at my retreating back. “Alex, let’s go upstairs. I was almost scared to death just now.” Serena clutched her chest, looking utterly frightened. In the end, he didn’t come after me. Serena had only just been appeased; he didn’t want his efforts to go to waste. No big deal, he’d just go home tonight and explain everything to me properly. Thinking that, Alex felt it wasn’t such a problem after all. He and Serena went upstairs. I walked numbly down the street, almost getting hit by a car. I found a stone bench and sat down, crying out loud. Five years ago, I met Alex. I chased him for a long time. I chased him until even I felt hopeless, wanting to give up, when Alex finally agreed. I had heard his friends mention Serena. But I naively believed that was the past, and Alex had finally been moved by me. I came from a humble background. My father gambled, and my mother had vanished without a trace long ago. Alex never said anything. He even helped me. I truly believed it was love. Even without marriage, I tried my best to play the role of a dutiful girlfriend. But now, my heart felt shattered into a million pieces, beyond repair. I stayed on the roadside until late at night before dragging my exhausted body home. Two more days, and I would be leaving the country. Now, thinking back, this might be the most correct decision I had ever made. To be able to get away from everything here and start a new life. Returning home and opening the door, Alex, awkwardly wearing an apron, said. “Why are you home so late? The food’s all cold.” I didn’t understand what Alex was doing. “I’m not hungry.” With that, I lay on the bed, quietly digesting my negative emotions. Alex leaned in to kiss me. “Not eating isn’t good for your health. Eat a little.” I pushed him away. “What do you even take me for? Your plaything?” Alex took off the apron. “What kind of talk is that? Wasn’t I just worried you’d be hungry?” “You’re worried I’ll be hungry, but not worried I’d be beaten?” Provoked by my words time and again, Alex’s face hardened. “That’s your father. All of those things were done by him. I gave him so much money, wasn’t that enough?” He cooked dinner and waited for me, only to be treated with cold words. When had Alex ever lowered himself to this extent? Since I wasn’t grateful, he had no need to endure it.

I gave a bitter laugh. “It’s all my fault. Why do I have a father like this? Why do I have a lover like this?” Alex knitted his brows. “Are you serious about breaking up?” I stared blankly at the floor. “What else can I do? I’m not shameless enough to cling to you when you’re already engaged to someone else, am I?” Seeing me like this, a pang of pain shot through Alex’s heart. Yet, he also felt I was being unreasonable. I had him for five years. In those five years, Alex had given me everything he could. But after Serena went abroad, not only was she subjected to domestic violence by her then-husband, but she also lost a child. Serena had no parents; she only had Alex. I, at least, still had family, and five years of his companionship. Why was I never satisfied? “I don’t agree to the breakup.” Alex said firmly. “But you agreed at the time, didn’t you? If we break up, you can take good care of Serena without any worries.” Alex was so angry his stomach hurt. “No matter what you say, I won’t agree.” I had been by his side for a very long time. To him, it was more than just love; it was something deeper. He couldn’t accept losing me. “A breakup doesn’t require your agreement; it’s just a notification.” I said. I had no desire to get entangled in this anymore. If possible, I just wanted to live my own life peacefully. The red and swollen marks from the slap were still on my face, but Alex didn’t care in the slightest. Having been cared for by me for so many years, Alex had come to view me as a habit. But I was a living, breathing person, and I couldn’t remain just a “habit” forever. Seeing my resolve, Alex’s head throbbed. Meanwhile, he hadn’t visited Serena for too long, and she was constantly texting him. He resisted replying. Until Serena sent him a photo of herself. Bruised knees. “Alex, I accidentally fell, it hurts so much, I can’t even walk now. What should I do?” Alex couldn’t sit still anymore. But he had a vague premonition. If I left this time, he would lose me forever. He paced agitatedly in the living room. I watched his phone vibrate incessantly, saw him go from calm to anxious. “If you have something to do, go. Don’t worry about me.” Alex heard me, and then Serena sent another message. “Alex, it’s so dark here, I’m scared.” Alex grabbed his jacket, ready to leave. “I’ll have my assistant come take care of you.” Leaving that one sentence, Alex hurried downstairs. I stood up and pulled a photo from the drawer. It was the one we took at the amusement park. Even though it wasn’t a great picture, no matter how crazy I got, shredding all the others, I’d always kept this one. As a last memento. Back then, I was happy. Alex, though busy, had still accompanied me to the amusement park. I thought that counted as a special preference. Now it seemed I was just too foolish. Picking up a lighter, I set the photo ablaze. The flames illuminated my haggard face. From now on, all grudges, all ties, were finally severed. I slept soundly that night.

I woke up bright and early. I watered all the plants in the house and made myself a hearty breakfast. All my belongings in the bedroom had completely vanished. “Izzy, I’ll pick you up at 12.” It was a message from Liam. I replied with “Okay.” I was leaving the country. Picking up the coffee from the table, I leaned on the balcony, lost in thought. Perhaps things would get better from now on? When Alex returned, this was the scene he walked into. “Izzy, can you stop being mad, please?” He pulled me into his arms from behind. “Once Serena settles in here, I’ll cancel the engagement, but as her guardian, I still have to take care of her.” Listening to Alex’s words, my heart felt not a single ripple anymore. “Alex, do whatever you want, you don’t need to tell me.” Seeing my calm demeanor, Alex thought I had truly come to terms with it. “I’ll talk to my family about marriage, and we’ll have two beautiful babies. Everything will be fine.” With that, he pulled a velvet box from his pocket. “Izzy, didn’t you say you liked this? I had someone bring back an even better one.” It was the ring I had yearned for so much. Alex knelt on one knee and slid the ring onto my ring finger. “Izzy, stay by my side.” I inspected the ring on my hand. It was indeed beautiful, even more stunning than Serena’s. But I didn’t need it anymore. Seeing my expression, Alex kissed my forehead. “I’m off to the company. I’ll be back for dinner tonight.” I didn’t answer. Alex just smiled helplessly. He always thought I’d eventually be appeased, and even if I was angry, I’d eventually get over it myself. Alex left with a relieved mind. I took off the ring and placed it back in the box on the table. It was almost noon. Liam came upstairs to help me with my luggage. “Thanks for your hard work, Liam.” Liam, inadvertently flexing his bicep, smiled and said. “It’s my honor to help you, Izzy.” We got into the car together and headed for the airport. The scenery outside the window kept changing. A news headline popped up. “Thorne Group CEO spotted dining with new love at Sycamore Tree Restaurant, the two sharing laughter.” The news was taken down within a minute. But I still saw it. The photo showed Alex and Serena. The Sycamore Tree Restaurant was where Alex and I first fell in love five years ago. Turning off my phone, I said to Liam. “I heard Germany is a food desert. Will we starve?” Liam chuckled. “Don’t worry, Izzy, I’m a good cook.” I laughed too. We picked up our boarding passes and boarded the plane together. Before leaving, I sent Alex one last message. “Alex, we’re not getting married.” After sending it, I deleted his contact information. Then I turned off my phone. When Alex received the message, he was shopping with Serena. He shook his head and replied. “Izzy, I’ve already lowered myself. What more do you want from me?” But it showed a red exclamation mark. He started calling, but the phone was constantly off. “Serena, here’s my card. Buy whatever you want.” Serena pouted. “Alex, is it her again?” Alex was anxious, but he kept a smile on his face. “No, just some urgent business. I’ll be back later.” Serena finally nodded. Alex rushed home. The living room was neatly cleaned; their matching couple’s mugs were still there. He breathed a sigh of relief, then rushed into the bedroom. The photos he had once displayed, Izzy’s clothes and belongings – all gone. Alex couldn’t believe it. He frantically searched for any trace of Izzy. Then he saw the box on the table. That exquisitely beautiful ring lay quietly inside. A note beside it read. “I’ve gone abroad. Goodbye.”

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