Category: English

I was a D-list celebrity, struggling to stay relevant in an industry that forgot me yesterday. One day, while gaming online, a teammate decided to get nasty. “A girl at this rank? Must have sold herself to get here. Need Big Brother to help you out?” Normally, a celebrity would ignore it. But I’m a nobody, so I don’t have a reputation to protect. I turned on my mic and let loose. “You sound like an expert. Done this a lot? Need me to introduce you to some clients so you can make some cash? You sound jealous.” “With a mouth like that, you could open a stinky tofu stand without buying supplies.” “If the vice squad picked you up, they wouldn’t even need an interrogation. One look at that mouth and it’s life without parole.” I flamed him for the entire match. When it ended, I discovered that our Jungler, who had been defending me, was a pro player livestreaming the whole thing. The chat went wild: [Sister went off! Please open a masterclass, I’m on my knees listening!] 1 As a D-list actress, my schedule is emptier than a politician’s promises. I had plenty of time. Bored out of my mind, I launched Glory of Kings. Less than six minutes in, our Mid Laner started raging on voice chat. “Just my luck. How do trash players get into this rank? Boosted much?” I checked the scoreboard. He was 0-5. I was 4-1. Probably not talking about me. Curious, I opened the details panel. He had the worst stats and the lowest gold. I stayed silent. There are too many fragile egos online, and I’m not a therapist. A team fight broke out mid. He was out of position and got instantly deleted. Luckily, the rest of us were farmed enough to win the fight with just his casualty. I went back to base to heal, and heard him again. “ADC, do you even know how to play? Idiot. That girly profile pic must be yours, huh?” I was about to mute him when he doubled down. “Heh, no wonder this game feels so hard. Matched with a girl. Bad luck to see a girl at this rank. Can’t you females just go play your own games? Stop ruining it for everyone else. Who carried you here? Did you sleep with someone for it?” My temper flared instantly. Our Jungler spoke up: “Watch your mouth, bro. If you can’t speak properly, donate your tongue to someone who can.” Mid Laner laughed knowingly. “I get it, Jungler bro. Is the ADC fun? Share the joy with the boys, hahaha.” If I tolerated this any longer, I might as well be a doormat. 2 The Jungler started to reply, “Your mouth…” I cut him off. “Brother, stand down. Don’t interrupt my flow.” The Jungler had a nice voice, but I didn’t have time to appreciate it. I took a sip of water to clear my throat. “You sound like an expert. Done this a lot? Need me to introduce you to some clients so you can make some cash? You sound jealous.” “With a mouth like that, you could open a stinky tofu stand without buying supplies.” “If the vice squad picked you up, they wouldn’t even need an interrogation. One look at that mouth and it’s life without parole.” He got excited hearing my voice. “Ooh, hit a nerve, did I? Triggered much? Hahahaha!” My comeback was rapid-fire. “Triggered? I’m not the one who’s 1-7. If I had your stats, I’d have smashed my keyboard by now. Anyone with hands could do better.” “Hey, you know what? Only triggered people accuse others of being triggered. Takes one to know one, right?” I was feeling great. Since entering showbiz, I’ve had to wear a mask—no eye-rolling, no frowning, always smiling. Today, this guy walked right into the line of fire. All my pent-up frustration was unleashed on him. As a former keyboard warrior, I have my own set of rules. Rule #1: Be loud. Volume establishes dominance. But avoid banned words. Swearing is weak. On the internet, I am an orphan. My family tree begins and ends with me. That’s the only way to be invincible. I stood up, fully immersed in the roast, unaware that the Jungler was a pro player named Frost, and he was live to over 100,000 people. [Sister isn’t using curse words but every sentence is lethal. Satisfying.] [If I were that Mid, I’d die of anger.] [Sister went off! Please open a masterclass, I’m on my knees listening!] 3 After a few rounds, I felt like I’d unlocked a hidden superpower. The more I scolded, the more energized I became. The game chat and the livestream were dominated by my voice and the noise coming from that animal in Mid lane. He went AFK in the fountain just to focus on cursing me out. “What the hell are you playing? Trash! An ADC who doesn’t rotate? Are you stupid?” “I don’t even want this win anymore. I’m going to flame you until I’m happy.” I drank some water and continued the battle. “If you’re so amazing, how come I haven’t seen your name in the pro leagues? If you think I’m trash, work harder! Get to 500 stars and you won’t match with me.” “Bad luck for you meeting me today. If you were actually good, you wouldn’t be in my matchmaking bracket.” “Since you matched with me, you’re not all that either. We’re trash together.” “You never shut up. Even a pager would bow down to you. Are you the ancestor of all pagers?” The chat in the livestream slowed down as people listened. [Sister, slow down, I can’t take notes fast enough!] [I envy her mouth. I used to get scolded until I cried at night.] [Am I the only one who thinks this voice sounds familiar?] [Just you. It sounds like heaven to me.] [I think Mid is right. Why do girls play games? They all suck and feed.] The streamer, Frost, who had been enjoying the show, stopped playing. He glanced at the chat. His deep voice cut in: “Mods? Ban that toxic guy in chat.” 4 Thanks to the Jungler and me, we won the game in fifteen minutes. I got MVP. The Mid Laner went 1-7 and AFK’d. I reported him immediately. Score deduction: 10+3. Satisfied, I tried to return to the lobby, but both the Jungler and Mid invited me. [Quick, Frost, invite the sister! Carry her!] [+1] [+10086] One game, one grudge. The game was over, and I didn’t want to fight anymore. The Jungler was really good. Since he invited me, duo-queue seemed like a safe bet for ranking up. I entered the lobby and typed: “Thanks for backing me up earlier, bro.” He turned on his mic. “No problem. I hate people like that. You’re really good. Great skills, great insults.” I felt a bit shy hearing that, especially with his nice voice. Just hearing it, I could imagine a handsome face to match his anime profile pic. But the Mid Laner wouldn’t let it go. He kept inviting me. Seeing I wouldn’t accept, he added me as a friend: [Scared to join the lobby? Coward?] I had calmed down thanks to the soothing voice of the Jungler, but that one sentence reignited my rage. I asked the Jungler: “Mind if I invite someone? That Mid from last game, he’s asking for it.” He paused, then said seriously, “Go ahead. Need me to leave? Or help you?” I waved my hand, realizing he couldn’t see, and quickly said, “I won’t drag you into this. Just watch me work.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “388124”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Ten years ago, I walked in on my wife, Isabelle, in an intimate moment with my adopted brother, Noah. Unable to process it, I flew into a rage, slapped them both hard, and smashed everything in the room. Faced with my fury, Isabelle offered no explanation. She just watched me break, her expression unnervingly calm. That same night, she had men tie me up and haul me off to prison. Before they took me away, she cooked a lavish meal for me, her voice soft and gentle. “Jacob, you really scared Noah yesterday. You need to go cool off for a few days. I’ll comfort him, and once he’s feeling better, I’ll come get you.” But “a few days” turned into ten years. When I was finally released, I found a small town and took a job as a waiter in a diner, living under a new name. Until I saw her again. My ex-wife, Isabelle. She was dressed head-to-toe in designer brands, her makeup flawless. She froze when she saw me, and then her eyes reddened as she grabbed my hand. “Jacob, you’re out. Why didn’t you tell me?” she choked out. “These past years… have you been okay?” I gave a bitter smile, touching my head through my worn cap. I had no hair left. A decade of torment had left me with terminal cancer. By my calculations, I had about a month left to live. … I didn’t answer her, just tugged the sleeves of my worn jacket down further, trying to hide the dense constellation of needle marks on my arms. Isabelle, unwilling to let it go, was about to speak again when my boss yelled from across the diner. “Owen! What are you dawdling for? Get over here and clear that table!” “Coming!” I called back, not daring to look at Isabelle again as I practically fled. In my peripheral vision, I saw her mouth open as if to call my name, but no sound came out. Later, I brought out her order. She had only ordered braised short ribs, a bowl of spicy lamb stew, and a bottle of wine. I frowned. She was allergic to fish and hated the smell of lamb, yet these were my two favorite dishes. It was a cruel irony, as stomach cancer had prevented me from eating them for years. I placed the dishes in front of her, my face a blank mask. “Ma’am, your order is complete. Please enjoy your meal.” I turned to leave, but she grabbed my sleeve. “Jacob, this is all for you. Sit down. Have a drink with me, please?” I froze, the memory of her preparing my favorite foods just before sending me to hell for ten years flashing through my mind. Seeing my silence, she pressed on, her voice cracking. “I’m begging you. Just let me talk to you for a minute…” I sighed and finally sat down across from her. She poured me a glass of wine. “Jacob, I was supposed to pick you up the day you were released. I went to the prison, but I couldn’t find you anywhere. I asked everyone for information, but they all said… they said you were dead.” I didn’t touch the wine or the food. “I’m not. Sorry to disappoint you, Isabelle.” Her reaction was unexpectedly emotional. She leaned forward, her hands closing over mine. “Jacob, I know I wronged you. Please, come back with me. I’ll make it up to you! In three days, it’s your father’s sixtieth birthday. Come home with me, and I’ll explain everything for you.” Ten years ago, just to appease my adopted brother Noah and to keep me from exposing their affair, Isabelle had fabricated evidence of me accepting bribes at the company. It landed me a ten-year prison sentence for a crime I didn’t commit. My own parents, without asking a single question, disowned me on the spot, calling me a parasite on society. Her words brought all the pain and despair of those years rushing back. I fought to suppress the overwhelming anguish, but my body began to tremble uncontrollably. “Explain?” I rasped. “What is there to explain? Are you going to explain the disgusting things you and Noah were up to?” My voice, thick with emotion, was louder than I intended. The curious, gossiping eyes of the other diners turned toward us. I shot to my feet and walked away. I thought I would never see Isabelle again. After all, how much remorse could the person who sent me to hell truly feel? But the next morning, when I arrived for my shift, she was already there, waiting by the door. She rushed toward me, her eyes searching my face. “Jacob, you were a top-tier engineer. Are you really content to waste away in a small diner like this?” I laughed coldly. “But didn’t you already destroy my life? Don’t you feel sick saying this now?” My words struck a nerve. A flicker of panic crossed her face, and she opened her mouth to explain, but I walked past her and into the diner. Isabelle didn’t leave. She ordered a single dish and a pot of tea and stayed for the entire day. I ignored her, carrying on with my work as usual. Just before my shift ended, a searing pain ripped through my stomach. A hot, metallic liquid surged up my throat. I staggered back, trying to stifle the agony, and accidentally knocked over a bottle of red wine on a customer’s table. The wine drenched the man’s shirt. He stared for a moment, and before I could even apologize, his hand cracked across my face. “What the hell, are you blind? This jacket is designer, you piece of trash! You think you can afford to replace it?” He grew more enraged, ignoring my apologies. He kicked me hard in the stomach, sending me sprawling to the floor. Then, he picked up the wine bottle and poured the rest of it over my head. I couldn’t hold it back any longer. A strangled gasp escaped me as I coughed up a mouthful of blood. The crimson liquid mixed with the red wine, staining my clothes in a sickening mess. Still not satisfied, the man raised his foot to kick me again, but someone shoved him aside. Isabelle stood over me, her eyes blazing with fury, shielding me with her body. “I dare anyone to touch him!” she roared. The man started to curse, but when he saw the feral look in her eyes, a flash of fear replaced his anger. He muttered a few more insults and quickly fled the diner. Isabelle knelt down, gently helping me up, her face etched with panic. “Jacob, all this blood…” I glanced down at the red stains on my shirt and stammered, “It’s… it’s just the wine.” I pushed her away and ran. The next day, I quit my job. I had only been working to pay for my chemotherapy drugs anyway. Since I was going to die soon, there was no point in continuing. Besides, my greatest wish now was to get as far away from Isabelle and her world as possible. I wanted to die in peace. There were no formalities. I told my boss, collected my final paycheck, and left. As I walked out, I remembered my last medical report was still at the hospital. I decided to pick it up and buy some more painkillers. But just as I collected my report, I saw a familiar figure. My adopted brother, Noah. And with him were Isabelle and my own parents. Noah saw me first. He froze, his face a mask of disbelief. “Jacob? You’re not dead?” My eyes fell to the bag in his hand. It was from the maternity ward. The name written on the label was Isabelle’s. Only then did I notice the slight, but definite, swell of her stomach. Even after ten years, seeing them together like this felt like having a piece of my heart violently ripped out. A bitter laugh escaped me. “Still alive. Sorry to disappoint you.” A dark look flashed across Noah’s face, quickly replaced by a wounded expression. “Jacob, I know you hate me for marrying Isabelle. But you two were divorced, and you went to prison for what you did ten years ago. You couldn’t expect her to wait for you forever…” Isabelle chimed in. “Mom and Dad are here. If you just apologize properly, I’m sure they’ll forgive you. Tomorrow is Dad’s birthday, after all.” I scoffed. They were the ones who were wrong. Why should I be the one to apologize? “I have nothing to apologize for,” I said sharply. “You know the truth about what happened ten years ago.” At that moment, my parents noticed me. They looked much older. Not yet sixty, but their hair was almost completely white, their backs stooped. They stared at me, stunned. My mother was the first to speak, her brow furrowed in disapproval. “Why are you so thin? Are you on something? You were trouble ten years ago, and you didn’t even come to us after you got out. You must have a guilty conscience!” I was floored. It took me a moment to understand what she was implying. Ten years, and this was her first reaction. Not concern, not a question about my health, but a suspicion that I was on drugs. This was the image they had of me. I laughed, a hollow, tear-filled sound. Seeing me laugh, my father’s frown deepened. “Your mother’s right. You don’t look healthy.” He grabbed my arm and started dragging me toward the hospital’s lab. “You’re coming with me for a drug test!” His voice was loud, drawing a crowd. In the struggle, he shoved me, and I fell, my head hitting the corner of a table. Blood trickled down my forehead. The sudden stress sent another wave of agony through my stomach, and a cold sweat soaked my clothes. Isabelle’s voice cut through the haze, gentle but laced with concern. “Jacob, I didn’t notice yesterday, but you really should… listen to your parents. Go get the test. It’s not too late to get help.” Noah added his fake concern. “Brother, I know you’ve been through a lot, but you can’t keep making these mistakes!” Their condescending tones, their righteous certainty. Why? I had done nothing wrong. Why did I have to pay for their paranoid fantasies? My father tried to grab me again, but I pushed his hand away and struggled to my feet. “Fine. I’ll go.” I limped into the testing room. The results, of course, were negative. A flicker of embarrassment crossed my parents’ faces, but there was no apology. My mother just glanced at me and said awkwardly, “Well, that’s that. Come home. Tomorrow is your father’s sixtieth birthday. Make sure you’re there.” I took a step back, putting distance between us. “You were right all those years ago. I’m not your son. We cut ties a long time ago. I won’t be coming to the party. Happy birthday, Mr. Melling.” I gave them a formal bow, and ignoring their curses and pleas, I turned and walked out of the hospital. On the morning of my father’s sixtieth birthday, I woke up choking on blood. The pain was constant now, so intense that I could barely stand. I knew my condition was worsening rapidly. Every day was a new form of torture. I probably didn’t even have a month left. After I had coughed up another mouthful of blood, Isabelle started pounding on my door. “Jacob, open up! It’s me!” I didn’t want to see her. “Isabelle,” I said through the door, “you’re a pregnant, married woman. It’s not appropriate for you to be here, visiting your ex-husband.” Her voice faltered. “Jacob, I know you hate me. We can talk about us later. But today is your father’s birthday. You have to be there. We need to be a family and talk things through.” I had no intention of going, but she called a locksmith and had him force the door open. Weakened by the cancer, I was powerless to stop her. She was insistent, practically dragging me into her car. In the car, she kept looking at me in the rearview mirror. Finally, she couldn’t hold back any longer. “Jacob, why are you so thin?” I ran a hand over the needle marks on my arm and smiled bitterly. “Terminal cancer. Would you believe me?” Isabelle stared, then burst out laughing. “Jacob, don’t even joke about something like that. How could you have cancer? You must have been on some crazy diet. I always told you, a little meat on the bones looks good on a man. You shouldn’t be so anxious about your body…” I didn’t hear the rest of what she said. I just nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. It was a joke. I don’t have cancer. Just a stupid diet.” We drove the rest of the way in silence. The party was already underway when we arrived. I kept my eyes down, standing off to the side, a silent shadow. My parents, in a tacit agreement, didn’t introduce me to anyone. Instead, Noah played the part of the dutiful son, and Isabelle the perfect daughter-in-law, mingling with the guests. I was the odd one out. As the party was winding down, a swarm of reporters burst in, surrounding Noah. “Mr. Melling, is it true that your current wife was once your sister-in-law?” “How long has this inappropriate relationship been going on? Is it connected to your brother, Jacob Melling’s, sudden criminal behavior?” Faced with the onslaught, Noah’s eyes immediately reddened. Under the glare of the flashing cameras, he fell to his knees before me.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “387880”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After graduation, my arch-nemesis handed me a note with an unnatural expression on her face. Written on it was a simple sentence. Even a slacker like me could understand those few words. “NO ONE LIKES YOU.” Heartbroken, I tore up the note and left the country the very next day. Years later, I returned, accomplished. The day I came back, a storm was raging, delaying my flight. And my arch-nemesis stood in the rain, holding an umbrella, waiting for me all night long. 1 Flight delays are annoying enough. What was even more annoying was that as soon as I got off the plane and my phone regained signal, a trending topic popped up. [Shocking! Heiress of the Sterling empire waits in the rain for a mysterious man all night.] Clicking on the news, the photo showed a woman with a perfect profile, long eyelashes slightly lowered, hiding her dark eyes. A sense of melancholy was palpable. I suppressed my anger and scrolled through the comments, all filled with “heartbroken for my queen” sentiments. This attention seeker! Yes, the person in the photo was none other than my childhood nemesis, Bella Sterling, the culprit who caused my breakdown and departure. While I lived a miserable life as an international student, struggling with academics and terrible food, she was sailing smoothly back home. A random photo from a banquet could go viral, making her famous for her beauty and wealth. Comments were full of people calling her “wife,” praising her cool goddess vibe. In my eyes, she was just a hypocrite. Doesn’t she have a car? Or an assistant? Standing in the rain acting pitiful for whom? Scrolling further down, some people were even cursing the man who made her wait. ? Excuse me? After the note incident years ago, I unilaterally cut ties with Bella Sterling, blocking all her contacts. Feeling ashamed, I didn’t tell my family. Given our families’ long-standing friendship, when my mom called today saying Bella was picking me up, I could only silently agree. Who knew she would pull this stunt? Luckily, I had foresight. Putting on sunglasses and zipping my jacket to the top, I sneaked into the taxi I had booked in advance. The driver was startled by me, probably thinking I was a terrorist. His voice trembled: “Young man, confirm the last digits of your number.” After confirming I was a passenger, he sighed in relief and started chatting cheerfully. “I’ve been to the airport three or four times today. This girl has been standing here the whole time, don’t know who she’s waiting for.” The driver gestured with his chin for me to look out the window. I looked at Bella Sterling standing in the rain, like a wet bamboo stalk, her calm, deep eyes staring straight at the airport exit. As if finally tired, thinking I wouldn’t come, she sighed and turned to leave. Her disappointed look was indeed captivating. I frowned, an unknown emotion pressing on my heart. In a trance, that note appeared before me again. I heard myself say coldly: “Sir, can you drift?” The driver was stunned. “To be honest, that person is my ex. She was abusive before, but always acts affectionate in public.” Afraid the driver would be reluctant, I quickly added, “I can give you a tip.” The driver was indignant. “Young man, no need for extra money! Bad women like that deserve a lesson!” With a beautiful drift, water from the ground splashed all over Bella’s expensive custom suit. Seeing her drenched and wretched appearance, I felt a secret thrill. That’s what you get for pretending! You cold, sharp-tongued woman, I will never forgive you! 2 Bella Sterling and I shouldn’t have reached this point of incompatibility. Even the title of “arch-nemesis” was unilaterally bestowed by me. Our parents were close friends and business partners. When we were little, at family gatherings, our parents even joked about arranging a marriage for us. I always liked good-looking people since I was a kid. Back then, the expressionless, chubby-cheeked little Bella was even chased and kissed by me a few times. But my parents, smiling on the surface, would start comparing me to her as soon as we got home. Saying I wasn’t as good as Bella in this or that. I wanted to escape, but my parents put us in the same class from kindergarten onwards. I lived in Bella’s shadow until graduation. A friend whose family was also rich, and a fellow slacker like me, we had a lot in common. He asked me: “Oliver, are you going abroad or to a private college here?” Did he even need to ask? Although going abroad meant attending a subpar school, a domestic private college would be even more embarrassing for my family. But looking at the fresh and pretty back of Bella’s head during high school, the words that should have slipped out lingered on the tip of my tongue. “…I haven’t decided yet.” Maybe because it was time to part ways, and the burden of exams was finally lifted, everyone became active. Confession scenes were everywhere on campus. A pile of notes appeared on Bella’s desk. Every now and then, a boy would shyly drop one and run. I sorted through the few confession letters in my desk, feeling uninterested. In high school, grades were the real halo; looks were just bonus points. Thanks to my parents for giving me a good face. This time I still lost to Bella, but at least not with a zero score. I was ready to leave when the surroundings suddenly quieted down. Looking up, Bella’s face always dazed me. Her expression was a bit strange, at least I had never seen it before. A small note was handed to me. Classmates started cheering. My head spun even more, my face numb from shock. With trembling hands, I opened the note. It was a sentence in English. Short, simple. Even a slacker like me could understand. [NO ONE LIKES YOU.] 3 A bone-chilling cold invaded me. I woke up from the dark dream. The AC had been on at 60 degrees all night, and I had kicked off the quilt. Checking my phone, a message from a pinned contact. [Got over the jet lag?] I sneezed and typed slowly: [Jet lag is mostly gone, but caught a cold…] The sender was an online seller recommended by a friend, who occasionally helped students buy things abroad. Back then, I swore not to return until I achieved something. In my miserable life, this seller lady helped me a lot. Plus, we had many common topics, and unknowingly became good online friends. [Take some medicine first, and drink plenty of hot water.] The seller lady had a great personality, just very straightforward. Wonder how she does sales with that. I secretly roasted her. But precisely because of her straightforwardness, I told her many troubles. [Last night I dreamed of that day again…] The other side showed “typing” for a while. [Did you meet her? The one who made you feel bad.] I felt a bit guilty. Being told no one liked me was shameful, so I was vague about the note’s content. I only told her that seeing that note made me feel like the sky had collapsed. Seeing my long silence, she sent another message. [If you want to completely walk out of the nightmare, escaping blindly is useless.] I hesitated and typed: [But… meeting her makes me feel ashamed.] Instant reply. [She made you feel uncomfortable; she should be the one ashamed.] Like fog clearing, I suddenly saw the light. Right, I may not be smart, but I’m good-looking. Why say no one likes me? A smile appeared on my face. This is why I like chatting with the seller lady. I don’t need mere comfort and “hugs.” I’m truly happy someone can tell me how to solve problems. 4 Since returning home, my family kept urging me to meet Bella. Their filter on my “friendship” with Bella was too thick. Finally, my mom spoke again. “Ollie, your uncle opened a new restaurant on the top floor next to our company. Go support it with Bella.” I looked calm: “Sure, I’ll go tonight.” My mom beamed. I rummaged through boxes to find those confession letters from high school. Plus the crooked Chinese notes written by foreign girls when I was studying in the UK. Ever since Bella humiliated me saying no one liked me, I accepted every confession seriously, then politely declined with a return gift. This time, I was going to throw these letters in Bella’s face. I, Oliver Vance, am not disliked by everyone! With this ambition, I straightened my back, lifted my chin, and walked elegantly into the restaurant. Bella was already waiting at the reserved seat. Seeing me, her eyes lit up. She stood to pull out a chair for me, speaking gently. “Long time no see.” Wait, there’s a waiter right here, why do you need to do that? I hummed lightly, curling my lip in disdain. Pretentious. Bella was beautiful today, a different kind of beauty from high school. I even smelled the faint perfume on her. Future female CEO vibe is different. I thought sourly. Looked kinda impressive. I ignored her. She didn’t get angry, good-naturedly handing me the menu to order. Opening it, the names of the dishes killed my enthusiasm. Damn, can’t escape the torture of British food even back home. I schemingly picked many dishes I thought were the worst. Closing the menu, I put on a fake smile. “Bella Sterling, let’s talk.” She looked me in the eye: “Go ahead.” Beauty trap? I won’t fall for it. My eyes drifted up, tactical throat clearing. “About the note you gave me back then.” I pulled out that thick stack of letters and notes from my clutch. “This is my response.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “387896”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The perennial number one student, the cold and aloof “Academic God,” was dragged off his pedestal by a girl. She didn’t have great grades, but she was cute and clingy. I was very happy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not that girl. I’m the one who’s always stuck in second place. My chance has finally come! 1. “Lately, Julian has been walking to school with Chloe.” “No way, did the Academic God really get taken down by a slacker?” Whispers from passing girls drifted through the hallway. In a deserted corner, I straightened up and pricked up my ears. “It’s true! Julian seems distracted in class these days.” I pushed away the person in front of me and coldly retied my hair. “What do you want?” The school bully held my hand, dissatisfied. “Turning hostile again?” I pointed to my watch. “Ten minutes are up. I have to go back to class.” “Seriously, Sarah,” he muttered, “I tolerated not going public with our relationship, but do you have to time our meetings too?” I ignored him and got up to leave. He wrapped his arm around my waist, acting like a spoiled puppy. “Stay a little longer.” This shameless behavior was completely different from his usual arrogant self when fighting. However, I didn’t buy it. He was just a tool for me to release stress. “Not interfering with my studies is the bottom line. Make a fuss again, and we break up.” He looked impatient, pressed my head down, and kissed me hard. “Don’t say those two words!” After cursing under his breath, he obediently let go. Back in the classroom, I bumped into the Academic God, Julian. His cold gaze lingered on my chest for a few seconds before moving away. “Button,” his voice was clean, “you missed one.” I looked down. “Thanks.” When I looked up again, he had already entered the classroom. Quiet, hard to pursue. Logical mind, calm and self-possessed. My homeroom teacher once told me, “It’s normal for girls not to do as well as boys in studies. Some boys seem not to care, but they learn as soon as they try.” “Girls can only study hard.” My diligence became “the clumsy bird must fly first” in the teacher’s mouth. While someone like Julian could surpass my efforts with just a little bit of study. So when his name dominated the top spot above mine year after year, I was unconvinced. One day, I will pull him down. 2. Julian and I are actually childhood acquaintances. But not the kind where anything happens. Just neighbors. Like now, I was doing exam papers by the window. Looking up, I could see Chloe standing at Julian’s door. She was holding a bag of handmade cookies. Waiting for him obediently. Julian came down quickly, looking fresh. The boy who had just showered was like a swaying locust tree on a midsummer night. Provocative, yet innocently unaware. His appearance made Chloe blush and stare blankly. The two whispered a few words. Chloe handed him the cookies. Don’t be fooled by Julian’s aloofness. He’s actually wicked inside and loves leading girls on. Growing up with a halo, he knew his advantages very well. He liked watching ordinary girls become obsessed with him the most. I finished two sets of exam papers. Chloe was leaving. Waving goodbye, looking back every three steps. Julian stood under the streetlamp, watching her disappear at the intersection from afar. I took out my notebook of mistakes and started reviewing. Accidentally, my eyes met Julian’s downstairs. He chuckled. As if interested, Standing under the streetlamp, he opened the handmade cookies and ate them slowly, one by one. Staring at me lazily. I avoided his eyes and looked down to review my mistakes. The hot summer evening breeze blew through the asparagus fern by my window. The residual light of the streetlamp illuminating him spilled onto my desk. He was still watching. Watching leisurely. I got up and closed the window. 3. The monthly exam opportunity came quickly. Rumors about Julian and Chloe also increased. Every time Chloe came to our class to find him, classmates would always tease. Some bold boys even shouted, “J-God, your girlfriend is here for you again.” Making Chloe blush with shyness, leaving after saying only a few words. And Julian didn’t deny it. It’s just that my seat is right by the door. Every time, I was forced to be on the front line of gossip. During break today, I was busy memorizing vocabulary. Chloe came. The boys in the back started teasing again. Banging tables and shaking chairs. Noisy as hell. I covered my ears, but could still hear it. “What’s the fuss? Can you be quiet!” I stood up and scolded them. Turning around, I met Julian’s eyes. Everyone around quieted down because of my roar. The air stagnated. Chloe, like a little rabbit, was scared to tears. “Sorry, I disturbed your study. I didn’t mean to.” I wasn’t scolding her. Why was she crying first? The boys in the back, losing face because of me, rolled their eyes at me. “It’s break time, what’s wrong with us talking for a while? Just because you love studying doesn’t mean you get first place.” “Exactly, why are you so anxious?” someone next to him echoed. “Do you like J-God and are just jealous? Hahahaha.” I was stunned. Meeting Julian’s cold gaze, I felt very unhappy. Why? It was clearly his business, but he could always stay out of it. He looked at me being cornered like watching a show. “Have you never seen a pig run or eaten pork?” I sneered at the boy. “Others are dating, why are you so excited?” The boy blushed at my retort, stammering, “Where… where am I excited!” I raised my eyebrows. “Don’t be shy. If you like it, we can try it too.” His ears turned red instantly, staring at me without saying a word for a long time. Julian frowned slightly. Just as he was about to say something, I turned and sat down again. Picked up the vocabulary book, put on headphones, and continued memorizing. 4. The monthly exam arrived. I dreamed of solving problems for weeks. During the last exam, Julian handed in his paper early. He rarely handed in papers early. Besides, the math problems in that exam were hard. When he packed his things and left the classroom, his peripheral vision fell on me at the door. I was struggling with the last two questions. Very hard. But I solved them. After that, Julian went to a closed training camp for the physics competition. Chloe hardly came to our class anymore. On the way to school, a sudden thunderstorm in summer. At the back alley, I saw the school bully fighting. His sharp-featured face was wild and unruly. He leaned against the wall with a half-smile. Raising his hand, his movements were agile. It was obvious his Taekwondo had improved again. I glanced at him and continued walking indifferently. Listening to English listening practice in my ears. Reviewing the English questions of this monthly exam in my mind. English should be solid this time. Turning the corner, I was pulled into a corner. My heart jumped, but my mouth was covered by him. His big hand was hot. A few strands of my hair came loose. Wet from the rain. The hair lightly touched his hand, making him even more irritable. “F*ck!” He let go, cursing in a low voice. I tucked my hair behind my ear. “Can you have some self-control?” “You’re the one lighting the fire but not putting it out!” He raised his eyebrows. “What do you call this? ‘Double standards’!” I hate his foolish look the most. “What is it?” My tone was cold. “Speak quickly, I have to go to class.” “Why didn’t you reply to my message?” What message? Oh, I remembered. It seemed he got a black belt in Taekwondo. “Monthly exam recently.” I told the truth. “That’s not a reason to ignore me!” I glanced at a smear of blood on his brow and frowned slightly. Following my gaze, he raised his hand and wiped it. “It’s okay, not mine.” “Are you worried about me?” His eyes sparkled, like a puppy waiting for praise. “Clean it up before hugging me next time,” I turned my face away. “Too dirty.” He let go, not holding me tightly anymore. Afraid I would be angry. “Why don’t you even give me ten minutes lately?” “Busy with exams, can you stop being clingy?” Clearly, he was arrogant and unruly, cold-eyed and taciturn when fighting just now. He whined, “Do you not like me anymore!” “Spend some time studying and I’ll like you.” I raised my hand to check the time. Class was starting soon. “Be good, listen.” I tiptoed and lightly pecked the corner of his mouth. He obediently let go, and I turned to leave. Young guys are the easiest to coax. But just as I lifted my foot, I was hugged by him. Thunder rumbled outside the alley, and the rain suddenly intensified. Like his kiss. Coming like wind and rain. Outside, the sounds of students walking to school, mixed with bicycle bells. His Adam’s apple rolled, his eyes suddenly hot like fire, then gentle like rain. The thunderstorm mixed with the summer heat, suffocating people to lose their measure in every breath. I instantly understood his curse. Summer rain is annoying without knowing it. “I have to go to class.” My voice was a bit soft. He laughed muffledly. “What are you laughing at?” I was rarely soft-spoken. “If you want to leave,” he said, “it’s better not to make a sound.” Rain showers are teasing. Delaying people and things. Studying is the most important thing. “Are you participating in some competition recently?” I found an excuse to stall. What competition did he say he was participating in this afternoon? He looked up. “Yeah, 2:30 PM.” “If you get first prize in that competition, I’ll spend this weekend with you.” The smile on his lips couldn’t be hidden. “Keep your word. If you lie to me, you’ll have to spend the whole summer vacation with me!” “Deal.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “387912”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

1 Six years after Kane went legit, I ran into him at St. Jude’s Abbey in Southport. The snow was coming down thick and heavy that day. He was there with his pregnant wife, praying for their unborn child. I was there to light votive candles for my parents, who had been dead for six years. Our eyes met, and for a split second, we both froze. After a moment of charged silence, he spoke first, asking how I’d been all these years. I answered politely. “Getting by.” After his prayers, he didn’t leave. He just stood there, watching me with a thoughtful expression. The wind whipped snow and freezing rain under the cloister’s eaves. I thought he was just waiting for the storm to pass, but then he asked, his voice laced with a nervous tremor, “Li, do you still hate me?” I watched the flickering flames of the candles before me, their light dancing on the cold stone. I bit my lip and said nothing. How could I not hate him? Three lives were lost because of him. … The man’s lips parted, as if he wanted to say more. Just then, a few other visitors approached a monk, asking how to refill the oil in the votive lamps. Seeing this, Kane swallowed his words and stepped aside. I didn’t look at him again. I walked to the altar, picked up the oil vessel, and carefully refilled the three lamps engraved with the names of my loved ones. The flames leaped, their light reflecting on my calm face. Every lamp here represented a memory, a past that could never be reclaimed. My parents. My brother. They were all taken from me six years ago. And the man responsible was standing just a few feet behind me. “Kane, we should go.” A soft, feminine voice called from the cloisters, tinged with impatience. Through the swirling incense smoke, I saw Chloe, one hand on the small of her back, looking at Kane with clear annoyance. “I know.” Kane’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He took a step closer to me and pulled a business card from the inner pocket of his suit, holding it out. “Li, if… if you ever need anything, you can call this number.” I didn’t take it. He awkwardly placed the card on the edge of the nearby donation box and turned, walking quickly away. I watched as he reached Chloe’s side, gently adjusting the expensive cashmere shawl around her shoulders and carefully guiding her down the steps. A sharp, unexpected pain twisted in my gut. Outside the abbey doors, a black Bentley had been waiting. A driver held the door as Kane settled Chloe safely inside before getting in himself. The car sped away, crushing the freshly fallen snow. I pulled my gaze away, picked up the business card from the donation box, and, without a second glance, dropped it into a brazier where paper offerings were being burned. The flames licked at the edges of the card, consuming it in seconds until it was nothing but a wisp of smoke. 2 The next day was the anniversary of my mother’s death. I cooked my parents’ favorite dishes and brought them to the cemetery. I arranged the food, knelt on the cold stone slab, and, as I always did, began to speak softly to the headstone. “Mom, Dad, brother… I’m here to see you.” The wind chilled my cheeks. I reached out and gently traced the cold, carved names on the stone, as if I could still feel the warmth of my parents’ hands. “Dad, Mom,” I whispered, a faint smile touching my lips. “I saw Kane yesterday.” “But don’t you worry. He can’t hurt me anymore.” “I’m on my own now, and I’m doing just fine…” Now, I was just Clara, the owner of a small dessert shop tucked away in a Southport alley. My life was simple, steady. I was no longer the woman of the North Harbor crime boss. I would no longer have blood on my hands for his sake. And I would never again be the crazy woman who, unable to accept his betrayal, threatened to take his mistress down with her. … The year I met Kane, he was just an orphan on the streets of North Harbor, fighting dogs for scraps in a dumpster. He was young, and to get a mouthful of food without being beaten or starved to death, he was always covered in a patchwork of fresh and faded bruises. Not a single inch of his skin was unmarked. That winter, a blizzard buried the city for three days and three nights. Kane, who hadn’t eaten in days, collapsed from hunger right on our doorstep. Looking at this boy, who was my age but thin as a skeleton, I couldn’t bear it. I begged my father, the head of the North Harbor syndicate, to take him in. My parents couldn’t refuse me. They adopted Kane and began to train him. “Boss, I, Kane, will remember this debt for the rest of my life. I will repay you.” Kane was a man who honored his debts. And he did. In five years, he went from a low-level street punk to the undisputed king of North Harbor, climbing his way to the top over the blood and bones of his rivals. Throughout North Harbor, everyone addressed him with respect as “Boss Kane.” The same people who once looked down on him now scrambled to get on his good side, but he kept them all at a polite distance. Only with my father was his respect genuine, coming from the heart. Even after my father got out of the game and stepped away from power, Kane’s loyalty never wavered. “If it wasn’t for the Boss back then, I’d have died in some gutter. I wouldn’t be here today.” “You and Ma’am are like my own parents.” “I will always be a good son to you, and I will take care of Li.” And in the days that followed, two young hearts, spending every day together, began to fall in love. The old guard in the organization, who resented his rise, constantly tried to undermine him. During those years, I stood by his side through countless sleepless nights, shielded him from schemes at the negotiation table, and patched up his knife wounds in the dead of night. From internal power struggles to violent clashes with other factions, we walked the most dangerous path together. Until no one in North Harbor dared to challenge him again. But the higher he climbed, the more women threw themselves at him. Though I trusted him, I couldn’t help but feel a tremor of insecurity. He saw my anxiety and held my hand tightly. “Li, in my heart, no one compares to you.” “You’re the one who stood by me when I was bleeding, the one who walked through fire and blood with me. No one can ever replace that.” To put me at ease, he took me with him everywhere he went. He knew I loved the pan-fried dumplings from an old shop on the west side, and no matter how late he finished his business, he would drive across town to buy them for me. If I so much as burned a finger while cooking, he would frown for ages, carefully applying ointment as if it were a mortal wound. Everyone said I was the woman Kane loved to his bones, that you could cross anyone but me. I believed our bond, forged in hardship, was unbreakable. I never imagined reality would deliver such a savage slap to my face. 3 The day I discovered Kane’s affair was a day like any other. I went to find him at one of his clubs, carrying his stomach medication. But in his office, I found him tangled with the new lounge singer, their clothes in disarray. In that instant, I felt like I had been encased in ice. I stood frozen, unable to utter a single word. Helplessness, confusion, betrayal… the emotions washed over me like a flood of ice water. Kane, however, was unnervingly calm. He slowly straightened his clothes and moved to shield Chloe behind him. “I was going to tell you in a few days, but since you’ve seen it, there’s no point in hiding it.” “Publicly, you’ll still be my wife. Privately, Chloe will have the same status as you. There will be no distinction.” I watched him gently drape his suit jacket over Chloe’s shoulders. I fought back the bile rising in my throat. “Kane, you promised you would only love me. You said you would be good to me for the rest of our lives. Have you forgotten all of that?” I thought that after everything we’d been through, even if he cheated, there would still be some affection left for me. But his face was a mask of impatience. “Clara, don’t bring up the past. I was young then, I didn’t know what love was. I mistook gratitude for love. It wasn’t until I met Chloe that I understood. Real love shouldn’t be held hostage by a debt.” He said it with such finality. In that moment, all my sanity burned away. I lunged at him like a madwoman, pounding on his chest, my voice raw as I screamed at him, asking him where this left my pride, my position. Was our history worth less than some singer? Kane just stood there calmly, letting me vent. It was only when I cursed them, calling them a cheating scumbag and a whore, that his eyes turned to ice. “Enough! You can insult me, but I won’t let you talk about Chloe like that. She is the only woman I’ve ever truly loved.” “And what about me?” His gaze fell on my pale face. He paused, then said flatly, “Li, you were just a suitable wife.” In that one moment, I understood everything. When his position was unstable, many of his men didn’t respect him. Being with me was a way to use my parents’ influence to win them over. All those years of doting on me, putting me on a pedestal—it was all an act to make his crew believe he was a loyal, honorable man, someone worth following. The mask was off. The coldness in Kane’s eyes was like a row of rusty steel needles, stabbing into my heart and leaving it to bleed. My great love story had been nothing more than a calculated move in his long game. 4 While I was still reeling from this brutal truth, Kane began to pave the way for Chloe with great fanfare. He started bringing her to all important events, making sure everyone knew who the future “boss’s wife” was. I was only in my twenties then, an age where love is everything and there’s no room for compromise. I couldn’t accept that years of my devotion and love were being stolen by another woman. If I was going to be miserable, I was going to make sure they were too. So, at the birthday party Kane threw for Chloe, I made a scene. In front of more than a hundred of his men, I aired all their dirty laundry for the world to see. Amid the sound of shattering glasses and plates, Kane’s eyes were filled with weariness and annoyance. “Clara, do you have to make this so ugly? Let my men laugh at me?” I looked up at him, refusing to back down. “Yes! Why should I suffer while you two get to be happy?” Furious, Kane wrapped an arm around Chloe and stormed out. That night, I received a video call from Chloe. On the screen, Kane’s back was to the camera. He had her pinned to the sofa, dressed only in her underwear, kissing her passionately. “Baby, you smell so good today.” Chloe’s pale arm was wrapped around his neck. “Kane,” she purred, “who gets you more excited, me or my sister?” Kane gave her lips a tender kiss. “Baby, she’s a woman with blood on her hands and a body full of scars. How can she compare to you? If it weren’t for the fact that her father’s old crew is still useful, I’d find it disgusting to even touch her.” As he spoke, one of his hands slid lower. Chloe let out a playful protest. “Hey, stop it, I just gave it to you yesterday…” “Yes, and I hate it…” Kane’s voice was a low, husky growl. The sounds of their breathing grew heavier as their bodies twisted together. My heart felt like it had been ripped open. The pain was unbearable. In that moment, I finally snapped. I smashed our wedding photo against the floor. I destroyed everything in the room. While Kane was away, I stormed into Chloe’s apartment, grabbed her by the hair, and slapped her dozens of times. Then, I used the connections my father had spent a lifetime building and reported all of Kane’s illegal activities and violent crimes to the city police. I was going to drag him down from his throne and turn him back into the begging, worthless orphan he was. But reality delivered another crushing blow. With a single phone call, Kane made all my reports disappear into thin air. Instead, I was the one charged with “malicious slander and public disturbance.” The day before I was taken into custody, Kane came to see me. His voice was calm and cold. “Li, give up. You can’t beat me. I have connections on both sides of the law now. I’m not the same street punk who needed your father’s help to survive.” He paused, a hint of pity in his tone. “But, for the sake of our past, if you admit you were wrong and promise not to bother Chloe again, you can still be my wife in name. Out of respect for what your parents did for me, I won’t treat you poorly.” But I was young and proud. How could I endure my husband loving another woman? I screamed at him, calling him a heartless, ungrateful dog. If it weren’t for me, he would have frozen to death in the snow. Perhaps my words stung him, or perhaps he really wanted to teach me a lesson for Chloe’s sake. Kane signed the detention papers without hesitation. The days in the holding cell were far worse than I had ever imagined. It was dark, damp, and the air was a permanent, nauseating mixture of sweat, body odor, and rancid food. A dozen people were crammed into a tiny room, where we ate, slept, and relieved ourselves. The bunk I was assigned was right next to the toilet, perpetually reeking of urine. Our daily meals consisted of a watery soup with a few rotting vegetable leaves and hard, stale buns that could break your teeth. Just as I was on the verge of a complete breakdown, Kane had me released. Because in the holding cell, they discovered I was pregnant. 5 After getting out, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the men were looking at me strangely. I finally asked and found out what had happened. When my father heard about what Kane had done to me, he went to him that very night, begging him to let me go. When Kane refused, they argued, and it turned violent. On his way home, my father was hit and killed by a runaway truck. Grief-stricken and furious, my brother, seeking justice, had Chloe kidnapped. But the men Kane sent to rescue her “accidentally” shot and killed him. My mother, who already had a weak heart, couldn’t handle the successive blows. Her heart gave out, and she was gone too. When I learned the truth, I felt like my soul had been ripped from my body. I stopped fighting. I stopped caring about Kane and Chloe. I spent my days curled up in my room, an empty puppet consumed by the overwhelming grief of losing my family. Kane came to see me, a rare visit. He held my hand and apologized. “Li, I’m so sorry about your parents and your brother. I never wanted to hurt them.” He placed his hand on my stomach. “We have a child now. For the sake of this child, please, let’s stop fighting.” Tears streamed down my face. This time, I chose silence. Not for him, but for the tiny life inside me. My parents and brother were gone because of me. This piece of my own flesh and blood became the only reason I had left to live. The ordeal had broken my spirit. After staying with me for a few days, Kane quickly returned to Chloe’s side. He even rented out a private island to throw a lavish wedding for her. When I saw the two of them on that island, exchanging vows of eternal love, I broke all over again. When Kane and I got married, I didn’t even have a proper wedding dress. When I told him I wanted a big wedding, he said, “Li, ceremonies are just formalities. Besides, you know how much I hate all that fuss.” Because I loved him, I compromised. And because I loved him, I lost everything. The emotions I had suppressed for so long finally erupted. I couldn’t stay by his side any longer. Just as I was preparing to leave, Chloe found me, dressed in her pristine white wedding gown. Her face was a mask of triumph. “Clara, your father didn’t have to die. But he was so entitled, trying to use his past favors to threaten Kane into releasing you. Things aren’t that simple. So I sent some people to teach him a little lesson. Who knew he’d be so fragile? He died on the spot.” “As for your brother, he dared to kidnap me. So Kane had no choice but to send him on his way!” Chloe’s words were the final straw. I lost my mind. I grabbed her, and pulled her with me as I jumped from the third-story window. The moment Kane rushed outside, I couldn’t see his expression clearly. I only saw him, without a moment’s hesitation, catch the screaming Chloe while I slammed into the ground. Through the searing pain, I felt a hot rush of liquid from between my legs. A tiny life, slipping away from my body. My leg was shattered, the baby was gone, and the last flicker of my will to live was extinguished. But I didn’t die. Kane had his men rush me to the hospital. Everyone said I had gone insane. But I knew with perfect clarity that I was not. When Kane came to visit me, I lunged at him with a fruit knife. My family had paid with three lives. This time, Kane didn’t hesitate. He called the police. I was sentenced to three years for assault. A set of divorce papers soon followed. Kane finally got what he wanted. He was free to be with Chloe, legally and publicly. I was released early for good behavior. With the meager compensation I received, I left the territory under Kane’s control. I came to Southport and opened a small dessert shop. Life was hard, but for my parents and my brother, I forced myself to live. To live until I could find a way to avenge them. To live until I could see their murderers burn in hell. … A chill wind brought me back to the present. I bowed my head one last time to the headstone, bidding my family farewell. I was about to stand and leave. But as I turned, I saw him. A short distance away, Kane was watching me, his expression impossible to read.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “387928”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

When my biological parents found me, I was setting up my fortune-telling stall on the street side. “Don’t marry within three years, or you’ll ruin your luck,” I told a customer. They didn’t seem to expect this to be my profession. They just stood there in a row, silent, until my brother, Julian, scoffed. I glanced at him and said, “No charge if it’s not accurate. Want a reading, sir?” My mother’s tears fell instantly. “Child, I’m your mother. Come home with us.” I looked at them, and four words floated into my mind: “Dark aura, impending doom.” 1 I packed up my folding table, compass, pen, and yellow paper, stuffing them into the small cart beside me. “I need to go home and pack my things. It’s messy inside, so wait out here.” Mom insisted on following me, so the rest had to tag along. The four of them followed me into the dirty alley. Rats scurried past occasionally, and I heard retching sounds from behind. “Can people actually live here?” I stopped and turned back. “Sure. I’ve lived here for over ten years.” Julian’s face changed colors. I ignored him and kept walking until I reached a small red door. I pushed it open. The furnishings were simple: a stove, a table, and an old electric fan. I opened the door to the side room and started packing my clothes from the wardrobe. Julian covered his nose. “Why bring these rags? We’ll buy you new ones at home.” Before I could speak, a crowd of neighbors burst into the room, surrounding the Sterling family. “You must be Mia’s family. You have to treat her well; she’s suffered a lot.” “You look rich. Why did it take you so long to find Mia?” “Heard you have an adopted daughter at home. Wonder how she’ll treat Mia?” I had no parents; these neighbors and my Master raised me. They were happy I was leaving but also reluctant to see me go. Auntie May started stuffing things into my arms. “These are clothes we bought for you. Don’t wear the old ones; you need new clothes for your new home.” Soon, my arms were full of bags. The corner of a bag accidentally brushed Mom. She flinched as if repulsed, then, seeing my gaze, awkwardly tried to help me carry them. I said no need, and she didn’t insist. The others probably thought the bags were dirty and made no move to help. My neighbors helped me move the luggage to the car. I hugged my small yellow bag and sat in the back seat. Julian frowned. “You’re not bringing these unlucky things home, are you? There’s no space for this junk.” Mom slapped him hard. “Is that how you talk to your sister?” I looked up at them. “Then I won’t go back.” I reached for the door handle. Julian froze, seemingly surprised, and opened his mouth but said nothing. It was my older brother, Lucas, who spoke. “Julian, apologize.” Julian reluctantly muttered, “Sorry.” In the car, Mom started asking how I had been living, saying I had suffered all these years. The term “biological parents” was foreign to me. I didn’t even have adoptive parents. When traffickers almost broke my arm, it was Master who rammed into them and snatched me back. I answered whatever Mom asked, but the atmosphere was weird. I looked at Chloe, who was sobbing non-stop. “Is this person also a Sterling child?” Seeing my gaze, Julian said angrily, “You just came back and you want to kick Chloe out! Even if you’re back, we won’t send Chloe away!” Lucas explained, “Chloe has lived with us for so long; we have feelings for her. We’ll treat you as family too, but please don’t target Chloe.” Chloe’s eyes were red. “Sorry, sister. I didn’t know about any of this. If you don’t want to see me, I can move out.” My gaze swept across their faces. “I didn’t say anything, did I? I just asked if she was a Sterling child.” They realized they had overreacted. Mom hurriedly smoothed things over. “Chloe is the child who was switched with you back then. Mia, you’re the older sister now, and Chloe is your younger sister.” I lacked the water element in my horoscope, so Master named me Mia (meaning “ocean” or “water”). I nodded and said nothing more. Chloe’s sobbing annoyed me, so I closed my eyes to rest. After a bumpy ride, we arrived at the Sterling mansion. When we got out, no one helped me with my luggage. The four of them walked into the house before realizing they had left me behind. Mom ran back out. Our eyes met. I ignored her and walked straight in. Seeing me walk in alone, their faces didn’t look good. Julian, who had been wiping Chloe’s tears, crumpled the tissue in his hand. Lucas scolded the maids. “Miss just came back, why didn’t anyone help her with her luggage?” I watched him shift the blame. “No need. I can carry it myself.” Mom looked even more guilty. “Mia, your room isn’t ready yet. You’ll have to stay on the first floor for now.” I nodded and asked, “Do the three of them live on the second floor?” Julian scoffed. “Just got back and already eyeing the second floor.” Chloe hurriedly pulled him. “Sister, Julian is immature. He just grew up with me and feels close. If you want, I can give you my room on the second floor.” I shook my head. “No need. I don’t want to live where you’ve lived. It affects my luck.” I ignored their reactions and went to my room. At dinner, the maid called me out. They were already seated, leaving a spot next to Chloe for me. Chloe called me “Sister” sweetly. I looked at her. Her mother was the one who switched us. If not for Master, I would have died long ago. With these feelings, I couldn’t smile at her. Chloe looked awkwardly at her bowl, her eyes reddening. Lucas looked at me. “Mia, Chloe is calling you.” I didn’t stop eating. The spoon in my left hand fell into the bowl. “I heard her. Just didn’t want to answer.” Hearing the clatter, Lucas frowned. “Where are your manners? Is this how your Master and those people taught you?” They can say whatever about me, but not about Auntie May and the others. “Who are ‘those people’? You make me eat at the same table as a thief and ask about my manners?” Hearing this, Chloe’s tears fell into her rice. Julian couldn’t stand seeing her cry. “What’s with your attitude! Chloe knew you were coming back and bought you lots of gifts!” “Gifts?” I put down my chopsticks. “You weren’t the one switched. You weren’t the one thrown in a trash can. You don’t know how cold it is to wear a thin shirt in winter. While I was wandering the streets, people tried to break my arm to make me a disabled beggar.” I rolled up my sleeve, revealing several obvious scars on my arm, some deeply indented. It was clear the spoon fell because of my arm injury. Lucas’s face changed, but he swallowed his apology. Mom was shocked; she didn’t expect my life to have been so hard. Dad couldn’t hide his grief. “Mia, let Lucas take you for a checkup tomorrow.” I shook my head. “No need. Master took me to see a doctor. This arm can move, but can’t do much else. So sorry, brother. When I was little, I only cared about eating and surviving. No one taught me manners, only how to live. I don’t deserve to sit at the same table with you. I’m full, you guys continue.” Lucas stood up. “It was my fault for misunderstanding you. Sorry.” I turned back. “What if I said, this house can only have one of us?” Julian clearly wanted to argue but shut up remembering the scars on my arm. Mom became mute. Dad said seriously, “We raised her for over ten years. If we send her away just because we found our biological daughter, what will outsiders think of the Sterling family? Mia, I hope you can get along with Chloe.” I looked at the family one last time. “What if you had to choose?” No one answered. I left feeling bored. The next day, I woke up hungry. I hadn’t even had a full meal on my first day here. I put on the new clothes Auntie May bought me: bright green with a cat print. When I went out, the family was up. Julian’s shocked gaze hadn’t left my clothes since I emerged. He stifled a laugh. “What are you wearing?” I tugged at my clothes. “New, no patches, unworn. What’s wrong?” Julian stopped laughing, thinking of my past, and awkwardly picked up his phone. Lucas handed me a glass of milk. I sipped it slowly. Mom called me to eat. I looked and shook my head. “I’m allergic to eggs.” Mom looked awkwardly at the egg noodles on the table and hurriedly asked the maid to cook a new bowl. After eating the noodles, my hunger subsided. After breakfast, Mom gave me ten thousand dollars to buy clothes. Perhaps because of earlier, Julian volunteered to take me. Chloe froze. “Julian, aren’t you going with me to pick up the jewelry I ordered today?” Julian said “Ah,” looked between us, and walked to my side. “Sorry, Chloe. Mia has no friends here. Ask your bestie to go with you.” Julian went to get the car, leaving Chloe and me at the door. 2 She had a manicure, nails sparkling in the light. “Sister, want to get one too?” Then she looked at my hands with disdain. “Forget it. Some people aren’t born to eat rich people’s food. Right, sister?” I just looked at her without answering. Creeped out by my stare, she muttered “bad luck” and left in the driver’s car. Julian drove over. Seeing me still standing there, he unexpectedly got out and opened the door for me. I sat in and raised my right hand. “I still have one usable hand.” He scratched his head. “Who cares. I was afraid you’d scratch my car.” The mall was huge. I had never seen such a big place. I stared at the entrance a bit too long, and Julian pushed me impatiently. “Stop looking, let’s go.” Halfway through, he left, leaving me alone in a store. I picked a few cheap clothes, paid, and went next door to buy some plus-size clothes for Auntie May and the others. Thinking about it, I used the remaining money to buy a gift for everyone in the Sterling family. I waited at the mall entrance until 2 PM, but Julian didn’t return. I bought a three-dollar bun from a nearby convenience store to fill my stomach. At 5 PM, a call finally came through. It was a strange number, but I picked up. It was Mom. “Mia, Chloe hurt her leg and is in the hospital. Take a taxi back yourself.” I said “Okay” and hung up. I didn’t have enough money for a taxi to the Sterling mansion, so I asked the driver to stop and walked back. Hungry and thirsty, I arrived home. Everyone was there, even Dad who was usually busy working. Seeing me, Chloe smiled apologetically. “Sorry, sister. Julian couldn’t pick you up because of me. I told Mom and Dad not to come, but they insisted. Luckily it’s just a sprain, or they would have worried.” I looked at her foot wrapped in thin gauze. Chloe popped a grape into her mouth. “Tired from walking all day, sister? Sit down and have some grapes.” The maid took my bags and exclaimed, “These must be gifts for the Master and Madam! Oh, and for the young masters and miss.” They seemed surprised. Mom came over, took the bags, and took things out one by one. Chloe looked sullen but forced a smile. “Probably nothing for me. It’s okay, it’s expected that sister doesn’t like me.” Mom took everything out. Five items, exactly. Chloe’s smile froze. Mom seemed to realize something. She laid out everything I bought: cheap clothes, plus-size ones definitely not for me, plus the gifts. Mom paused and asked, “Mia, how did you get back?” As if to confirm her guess, the maid pointed at my foot. “Miss’s foot is bleeding!” I looked back. The skin on my heel was rubbed raw, staining the white sock blood red. Julian jumped up to get the first aid kit. Lucas helped me sit on the sofa and carefully took off my shoe. But the sock was stuck to my flesh. I ignored him and tore the sock off my skin. Lucas frowned; Mom gasped and covered her mouth. Blood dripped down, forming a small pool on the floor. Chloe’s face changed colors. The maid hurriedly brought a towel for my foot. Julian carefully dabbed iodine on the wound. I snatched it and poured it directly on the wound, wrapping it haphazardly with gauze because my left hand was clumsy. Mom couldn’t watch. “Get a doctor for Mia quickly.” Lucas grabbed my hand. “Stop wrapping, wait for the doctor.” I finished wrapping, ignored everyone, said “No need, I’m tired,” and went back to my room. 3 I was woken by knocking. Faintly, I heard, “Did she faint? Kick the door down!” It was Mom’s voice. I limped over to open the door. Mom stood outside, followed by a doctor in a white coat. “Mia, come eat. Let the doctor look at your foot.” The atmosphere in the living room was serious. The argument hadn’t ended when I arrived. Chloe’s eyes were red. It turned out Dad had scolded her. Julian, unusually, didn’t defend his sister. Seeing me, he stood up hurriedly, at a loss for words. “Are you okay?” I didn’t answer and let the doctor bandage my foot. After dinner, Julian followed me around. If I wanted to watch TV but couldn’t work the remote, he helped me. If I moved, he put fruit in my hand. After I ate the fourth orange, another peeled one was extended to me. I glanced at Julian. “Eat it yourself.” Julian awkwardly retracted his hand. “Um…” “I…” Our voices overlapped. I looked at him. “You first.” Julian put the orange in my hand anyway and said, “Sorry about today. I didn’t mean to leave you at the mall. I went to the pharmacy, but Chloe called saying she was hurt and wouldn’t say how bad. At the hospital, I found out it was just a sprain, but she insisted I stay. I couldn’t leave her alone.” Thinking of leaving me at the mall, he blushed and said, “Sorry.” He seemed to be waiting for my reaction. “I won’t forgive you.” His head lowered further. “But I don’t blame you either. You asked Mom to call me, right?” He nodded hesitantly. He was the only one in the family who had asked for my number. A few days later, my foot healed. Mom transferred money to me again, saying she’d accompany me shopping. I shook my head. “Let Julian go with me.” Julian jumped up from the sofa. “I’ll go with sister!” Ignoring Chloe’s green face, he ran to the garage. Lucas said, “I’ll go too. He’s young and unreliable.” Chloe cried out, “Who will go with me for my checkup today? My foot still hurts.” Mom noticed her other daughter. “Chloe, Mom will go with you.” Chloe stomped her foot angrily. “I don’t want to! I want brothers to go with me!” She realized Mom’s face had darkened. Lucas didn’t look happy either. “Your foot looks fine. No need for a checkup. If you must go, let the driver take you.” Chloe cried, but no one comforted her this time. I refused Mom and Lucas, only taking Julian. In the car, Julian hummed happily. at a red light, he pulled something from his pocket. “Here, sister. Scar removal cream. I got it from the hospital specially. It’s a private formula from an expert, very expensive!” I didn’t expect this. Struggling internally, I asked, “Do you have money?” Julian nodded. “Yeah. If you need money, ask Mom and Dad. I don’t have much. Why, trouble?” I shook my head. “No. How much do you have? Can you give me twenty thousand?” Julian paused, then took out his phone to transfer money without hesitation. I stopped him, rubbing the text on the cream tube. “Julian, when did you get your driver’s license?” Surprised by the topic change, he answered obediently, “This March.” I nodded and asked, “Are you going hiking with friends this Saturday?” He was shocked. “How did you know? I haven’t told the family.” I looked at him. “Don’t go.” Julian said “Ah” and asked, “Why? We already planned it.” I said again, “I also know it’s four of you. Don’t go.” Julian was even more surprised but, seeing my serious expression, reluctantly agreed. “Okay.” I nodded. “You can transfer the money now.” He transferred it reluctantly this time. He only cheered up when I bought him a bracelet. 4 Back home, he happily helped me organize my purchases. Chloe walked over with a plate of cut apples. “Julian, tired? Have some fruit.” Julian ate a piece and stabbed one for me. “Thanks, Chloe.” Chloe stood there. I saw a band-aid on her left index finger and understood immediately. But Julian didn’t notice. She put down the plate and glared at me. I ignored her and ate the apple. Chloe noticed the cheap bracelet on Julian’s wrist. “Where did you get that cheap thing? Aren’t you afraid of getting dirty?” The bracelet was indeed cheap, but it had a good meaning: safety and protection. I didn’t tell Julian the price, and he didn’t ask, putting it on next to his expensive watch without disdain. Chloe grabbed his hand. “Careful, it might scratch the watch I gave you.” She tried to take it off. Julian pulled away. “Mia bought this for me. It’s definitely not cheap.” Chloe looked at me provocatively. “Is it?” I smiled frankly. “It wasn’t expensive. A few hundred bucks.” Chloe looked at the bracelet with disdain and reached for it again. Julian protected it. “I’ll wear it even if it’s cheap. Don’t worry, Chloe. Mia wouldn’t harm me.” Chloe looked at me angrily, as if complaining I stole her brother. But he was my brother to begin with. At dinner, Chloe brought up Julian’s hiking trip. “Julian, can I come? One more person won’t matter.” I knew Chloe wanted to butt in because she saw Julian and me getting close. Mom put a piece of braised pork in my bowl. “Take Mia too.” Chloe frowned but quickly recovered. “But the car only seats five. No room for Mia.” I shook my head. “No need. I’m not going. Julian isn’t going either.” Julian nodded. “Right, I have something else to do Saturday. Not going hiking. Chloe, if you want to go, I’ll tell them.” Chloe said “Ah” and looked at me, forcing a smile. “Why not? Didn’t you plan it last week?” Julian said carelessly, “Just don’t want to.” Chloe sensed my involvement and sneered. “Did Mia use her fortune-telling stuff to predict some bad omen for you?” Dad frowned, speaking up at the dinner table for the first time. “Is that true, Mia?” I nodded. Their expressions grew serious. Mom was unusually stern. “Mia, don’t mention these things at home. We don’t believe in this. Julian, go if you want to. Don’t believe in bad omens.” Julian looked at me worriedly. “Okay. But you wronged Mia. She didn’t calculate those things.” I interrupted Julian. “I did. If Julian goes out this Saturday, there will be a bloody disaster.” Dad slammed his chopsticks on the table. “Mention this again and get out!” Dad was breathing heavily with anger. Lucas patted his back. Mom started crying. Julian put down his bowl and wiped Mom’s tears. Chloe leaned close to Mom, but her eyes were on me, full of triumphant malice. In this atmosphere, I spoke calmly. “Is it because of the little sister who died at five?” Silence fell. Dad’s face turned iron blue, and he threw a plate at me. “Since you know, why give Julian readings? People like you killed Lily!” Mom sobbed continuously. “Mia, throw those things away, okay?” Lucas signaled me to go throw the stuff away immediately. I didn’t move. Chloe said angrily, “You know how much these things hurt the family, yet you still play tricks and fool Julian!” Julian raised his hand tentatively. “Um, I didn’t tell Mia about this.” They didn’t say it, naturally assuming Julian told me.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “387944”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

At our engagement party, my twin sister intentionally wore a dress identical to mine. She asked my fiancé to guess which one was me. Lucas smiled confidently: “I could never mistake my baby.” But that night, I saw him and my sister in the wine cellar, kissing passionately. When caught, he knelt before me, crying: “Cynthia, I didn’t mean to. I mistook her for you. You two look too much alike!” My sister calmly picked up her discarded black lace lingerie from the floor. “Sister, don’t misunderstand. I just wanted to test my brother-in-law’s loyalty for you. I felt he really loves you; he almost devoured me.” She even deliberately revealed a fresh hickey on her neck. Three months later, my sister crashed my wedding with a pregnancy test report. My parents looked heartbroken. “Things have come to this; there’s no other way. Let… let your sister have this marriage!” I smiled bitterly, accepting it, then turned to face the seven groomsmen present. “My wedding is missing a groom. Who wants to fill the spot?” 1 As soon as the words left my lips, the seven groomsmen scrambled to raise their hands. Some even stood on chairs, afraid I would overlook them. “Pick me! Pick me!” “Cynthia, I can be your groom!” “And me! I’m the one who suits you best…” Until Ethan stepped forward. “Let’s draw lots.” The wedding scene, which had been awkward and tense, suddenly became lively again. Ethan had someone prepare seven straws and looked around. “There are six long straws and one short one here. Whoever draws the short one gets to be Cynthia’s groom.” I found a seat with interest and watched them draw lots. The guests’ gazes fell on me. “I didn’t expect Cynthia to be so lucky, having so many suitors fighting to marry her.” “I bet Lucas, who just backed out of the marriage, is regretting it now.” My sister, Chloe, clenched her fists in anger. “Lucas, my sister is doing this on purpose to get back at us.” “Mom and Dad clearly said to let us get married first today. Why is she making a scene here? It’s like this has become her show.” Lucas, however, looked lazy and unconcerned. “What are you afraid of? Those groomsmen are my best buddies. I know them best. They’re definitely fighting to marry Cynthia as a prank, just for fun.” “A used shoe like her, how could they treat her like a treasure? They’re just teasing a cat.” His words fell into my ears, and I curled my lips in a cold sneer. He didn’t know yet. The seven groomsmen had been secretly pursuing me behind his back. Three months ago, Lucas complained about me in a VIP room at a bar. “Cynthia is so boring, like a dead fish. Not nearly as sexy as Chloe.” “They’re twins, but Chloe’s eyes are so seductive. I even want to sleep with her to try it out. I won’t be satisfied until I get her.” Two months ago, Lucas bragged in their group chat. “Finally got her. I hooked up with Chloe behind Cynthia’s back several times, even went to hotels, and she had no idea.” And last time, after being caught by me, Lucas thought he had deceived me well and went to the group chat to boast again. “Cynthia, that idiot, I tricked her into thinking I mistook the person and kissed her sister, and she actually believed it.” “In the future, even if she’s sleeping in the bedroom, Chloe and I could make out right under her nose, and she probably wouldn’t notice…” Every time he said these things. Someone would immediately forward them to me. And fight for credit. “Cynthia, I should be the first one to tip you off this time, right?” “Lucas is such a scumbag. You should have kicked him to the curb long ago. Let me take his place, okay?” “Besides, he hooked up with your sister long ago. A jerk like that should have been dumped ages ago.” “I’m different from him. I’ve been loyal from the start, only liking you all these years, even going undercover for you.” “Let me take over, let me take over.” “And me!” … Thinking of this, a light smile appeared on my face. At the same time, the result of the seven groomsmen drawing lots came out. “I drew the short straw.” The corners of Ethan’s mouth turned up. The other six immediately protested, “Ethan, you cheated!” “Exactly, how could it be you? You’re too lucky!” “This round doesn’t count, re-draw!” Ethan ignored them and raised his hand to signal the bodyguards to maintain order. The other six groomsmen instantly wilted. “Damn, knew this would happen. The six of us were delusional. Who can compete with the heir of the Hunt family?” “And Ethan is the most devoted. He’s crazy enough to do anything to chase Cynthia. How could he let this opportunity slip?” “Forget it, forget it. Let’s just be good groomsmen.” Under everyone’s gaze, Ethan walked towards me with a shallow smile and extended his hand. “Come, I am your groom.” 2 I handed my hand to him. Just as I was about to turn and go on stage, Ethan suddenly stopped. “Wait.” He looked at the wedding dress I was wearing, frowned, and took out his phone to call his assistant on the spot. “Air freight that wedding dress I personally designed two years ago immediately.” The moment the phone screen went dark. I saw Ethan’s lock screen wallpaper. It was a very revealing photo of me, revealing enough to make one blush. If I remember correctly, that photo was only sent to Lucas. He always sent my photos to the group chat to show off to his good buddies, boasting about his conquest. And took pride in it. It’s a pity Lucas was stupid enough not to know that these “brothers” were like hungry wolves, all coveting his girlfriend. Ethan was the most frenzied one. Every time Lucas posted a photo of me, he frantically screenshot and saved it. He even set it as his lock screen wallpaper. I heard this from other groomsmen. I thought they were joking, but I didn’t expect it to be true. While waiting for the wedding dress, my parents frowned and tried to drive me away. “Cynthia, marriage is a major life event, not a game. How can you just pick a groom randomly and get married?” “Since you’re not getting married today, give the wedding venue to your sister. Let her and Lucas get married quickly.” I sneered, “Who said I’m not getting married?” In front of everyone, I took Ethan’s arm. “My husband just sent someone to get the dress.” My parents frowned again, lowering their voices to persuade me. “Stop messing around. Your sister is pregnant; she can’t wait.” “If you keep making a scene like this, both you sisters will become a joke. You’re the older sister; be sensible.” My dad also looked stern, scolding me for being ignorant. Self-mockery rose in my eyes. It was precisely because I had been too sensible all these years. Whatever Chloe wanted, she could snatch away smoothly. Even my fiancé. If she wanted to play, she could just crook her finger and lead him to bed. Now she crashed my wedding with a pregnancy test report, kneeling on the ground looking pitiful, begging me. “Sister, I just found out I’m pregnant with Lucas’s child. It was because he got drunk and accidentally mistook me for you.” Lucas also looked pained. “Chloe is pregnant with my child; I have to be responsible. Cynthia, I can’t marry you.” Actually, I knew long ago. He found me rigid and boring and didn’t want to marry me at all. That’s why he staged this drama with Chloe. Now facing my mom’s questioning, I spoke coldly: “What do I have to be afraid of being laughed at? The one who got pregnant out of wedlock is the joke.” Saying this, I looked at Lucas again. “And some people who can’t control their lower body are also jokes.” Fire flashed in Lucas’s eyes. “Cynthia, who are you cursing?” “I said it was just an accident.” He looked me up and down with a sneer. “You couldn’t handle the situation, so you did this on purpose, right? As long as you kneel and beg me, I’ll let my buddy marry you.” A condescending and charitable tone. As if his buddies would listen to him just because he said so. Ethan was about to speak up for me, but I stopped him in time. I gently spat out two words. “Dream on.” Lucas’s face instantly became extremely ugly. He gave a sinister smile and sat back down. “Then I want to see how you end this today.” Ten minutes later, a commotion came from outside the wedding venue. Ethan’s assistant pushed the door open and entered. “Mr. Hunt, the wedding dress you asked for is here!” 3 As soon as the voice fell, everyone looked towards the door with envy. “Oh my god, Mr. Hunt is too generous, actually air freighting it by helicopter.” “Am I seeing this right? Isn’t this the wedding dress that won awards at International Fashion Week two years ago?” “Heard it’s worth millions. Didn’t expect to see it at today’s wedding. Miss Jiang is really lucky.” Ethan personally brought the wedding dress to me and asked me to change into it. His voice was even gentler than the faint smile on his face. “The wedding the Miller family prepared for you is too shabby. Only this set is worthy of you.” I nodded, went to the fitting room to change into the wedding dress, and reappeared in front of everyone. The guests gasped. “Oh my god, this is too beautiful.” “Simply a princess from a fairy tale alive. Sure enough, clothes make the man. This million-dollar wedding dress looks good on anyone!” Chloe stood up in disbelief, clenching her fists, staring at me intently. “This wedding dress must be a fake.” She deceived herself like this. Her voice wasn’t loud, but the groomsmen next to her heard it. Those groomsmen looked her up and down and sneered. “Your shoes are probably fake, even your bracelet is fake. Think everyone is like you?” Although Chloe is my twin sister, her seducing Lucas behind my back made them lose all good will towards her. They even secretly called her a “vixen.” My parents looked at me with jealousy. “How do you deserve to wear such a good wedding dress? Take it off!” “Today is your sister’s wedding, don’t join the fun.” I ignored them and walked past. My mom actually wanted to strip my wedding dress. Before she could touch me, she was stopped by the bodyguards behind Ethan. “If you dare to touch Miss Cynthia again, don’t blame Mr. Hunt for throwing you out.” Complex gazes came from behind, but I turned a blind eye. Now no one blocked the way. Ethan and I held hands and walked up the high platform together, exchanging rings under the host’s guidance. Seeing that we had no intention of joking. The smile on Lucas’s face slowly faded. Until the host asked us to kiss, and people around also cheered, “Kiss, kiss!” Lucas stood up abruptly with a pale face. “Enough!” “Ethan, acting to this point is enough. I know you, my good brother, are venting anger for me. Let’s stop here.” 4 Ethan looked up at him coldly. “You think I’m acting with you?” He sneered. “Marrying Cynthia… for this day, I have waited for five full years.” Lucas was stunned. “What do you mean?” Ethan didn’t explain further. Just then, Chloe stood up with a smile, looking at Ethan with seductive eyes. “You must have mistaken me for someone else, Mr. Hunt. You must be my fan too, right?” “Although my sister Cynthia looks exactly like me, she’s not as interesting as I am.” Chloe looked arrogant, like a little princess. She is a minor influencer with over 200,000 followers. She often posts videos of herself dancing online, occasionally showing some skin in live broadcasts, attracting many straight male fans. Wherever she goes, she thinks men are crazy about her. Even seducing Lucas was to prove her charm. She knew that during the five years Lucas and I dated, I rarely interacted with other men, so she thought Ethan made a mistake and the person he wanted to marry was her. Ethan sneered and didn’t speak. Chloe stood up again, looking around at the several groomsmen. “I know you guys are all qualified extras. Seeing your eyes glued to my sister just now, you must have treated her as my stand-in.” “In your online life, you must be my fans. Since we met today, I can give you an autograph.” “For my sake, don’t embarrass my sister anymore. If you keep coaxing her like this, she’ll take it seriously.” But these words were met with eye rolls from everyone. “Who are you? Such a big tone.” “Exactly, the person we’re chasing is Cynthia. Who has heard of you, Chloe? Like a fox, affected and pretentious.” “There are so many plastic surgery girls imitating Cynthia now. Who knows if you are a perverted scheming plastic surgery girl.” Chloe’s smile froze on her face. “What… what did you say?” She pretended to be calm on the surface, but she was about to explode inside. When had she ever suffered such anger? Her eyes turned red with anger, but she couldn’t swallow this breath. She pointed at Ethan’s phone in public and shouted: “The person Ethan likes must be me.” “If you don’t believe it, you can look at Mr. Hunt’s phone. His wallpaper is set to my photo!” As soon as these words came out, everyone’s eyes turned to Ethan. Even the guests gasped. “Is there another inside story?” “This Chloe really has some tricks. Why do the men Cynthia chooses always fall in love with her?” “Comparisons are odious. This is probably the charm of a woman…” Chloe listened to the discussions around her, becoming arrogant again. She felt there was no man she couldn’t conquer. Ethan was the famous heir of the Hunt family. If she could conquer him, Chloe would definitely kick Lucas away. She revealed a pair of wet doe eyes, looking at Ethan. “Mr. Hunt, do you dare to show your phone wallpaper to everyone?” Ethan turned his head to look at me, his gentle eyes seeming to ask. I nodded. “What’s there to dare?” Ethan took a step forward, took out his phone, and turned on the screen. Chloe, who was still triumphant, froze the moment she saw the wallpaper clearly. She bit her lower lip hard, unwillingness flashing in the corner of her eyes. Even though we twins look exactly the same. Strangers can’t tell, but we know each other too well and can recognize each other at a glance. The person in the photo wasn’t Chloe. It was me. “How is this possible?” Lucas exclaimed and rushed forward. He stared wide-eyed, fixated on the wallpaper on Ethan’s phone screen. “Ethan! Why did you set my wife’s photo as wallpaper?” He rushed up emotionally out of control, suddenly grabbing Ethan’s collar. “Don’t touch a friend’s wife. When did you have thoughts about my wife? Or…” He realized suddenly and looked at me sharply. “This wedding today wasn’t random; you did it on purpose?!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “387960”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

When the rockstar Liam Shaw was asked about his love life on a talk show, his first thought was of me. “Did Ava Reed pay you guys?” he scoffed. “Are you that desperate to ship me with her?” He leaned into the mic, a smirk playing on his lips. “I’ll give her this, she’s persistent. Chased me for two years straight. She’s obviously head over heels for me, but she plays these weird games, telling me I should treat her with respect, like… like she’s my sister-in-law or something.” The internet immediately erupted in a chorus of mockery aimed at me. [Ava Reed, the industry’s prettiest face, is just another one of Liam Shaw’s simps. How pathetic.] [Sister-in-law? What kind of weird kink is that? Ava’s really trying everything.] The live comments were a torrent of insults until one of Liam’s die-hard fans dropped a bomb. [Hold on, doesn’t Liam actually have a brother?] At that exact moment, I was at home, watching the livestream. And my phone rang. It was a call I hadn’t received in a very long time. “Ava,” a deep, familiar voice said. “I’ll be back in the States in three days. Thank you for looking after my little brother for me.” 1 Liam saw that comment on the monitor and immediately shook his head. “Get your minds out of the gutter. My brother’s been overseas for years. How would Ava even know him?” he said, dismissing it with a wave. “Besides, my brother told me a long time ago he has a girlfriend.” The die-hard fan replied: [Maybe… Ava is that girlfriend?] The internet, never one to pass up good drama, seized on this. A secret romance with the mysterious older brother was infinitely more exciting than a one-sided crush. The trolls and shippers immediately started fanning the flames. User #1: [To be fair, Ava might not be the best actress, but that face is a 10/10. And that body? Damn.] User #2: [I’m calling it. She’s the real sister-in-law.] Liam let out a cold, humorless laugh. “My brother said his girlfriend is the definition of perfection. Is Ava Reed perfect?” He started counting on his fingers, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Sure, Ava’s got a pretty face, flawless skin, a killer body, and a smile that could stop traffic, but besides all that, what else does she have going for her!” He was getting worked up, his voice rising until he slammed his hand on the table, making the host jump. The live chat went into overdrive. User #3: [Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, my friend.] User #1: [Bro, you just listed, like, a dozen good qualities.] Die-hard Fan: [I hear the sound of my idol’s world crashing down.] Seeing the tide turn, Liam’s smirk faltered slightly, but his gaze remained defiant. “Let me be clear. I could never fall for Ava Reed. You can all relax. I’m not interested in girls who play these kinds of manipulative games.” He then added, as a final, definitive statement, “And neither is my brother!” 2 After hanging up, I went back to the livestream, marveling at the internet’s detective skills. They’d somehow sniffed out the truth from two throwaway lines. When Liam declared with absolute certainty that he could never like me, a wave of relief washed over me. Good. That would save us a lot of awkward family dinners down the road. As for his narcissism, I was well acquainted with it. Ever since we were kids, if a girl so much as glanced at him twice, he’d run home and tell his brother he had another secret admirer. He’d complain about the “curse of his own charisma.” So I didn’t take his ridiculous statements personally. The kid was born self-obsessed. But that last thing he said… I had to disagree. His brother wasn’t just interested. He was completely, utterly, head-over-heels in love. I glanced down at my phone, which was buzzing incessantly. As expected, my social media was under siege. The consensus was that I was a frog trying to eat swan meat. I was the frog, Liam was the swan. Honestly, I think they had it backward. Sure, I was known as the industry’s most famous “pretty face,” with zero acting talent to my name. But that face alone had made me an overnight sensation. Liam, on the other hand, had to grind for two years to make a name for himself as a musician. If anyone was the swan here, it was me. But I’ve never cared much for fame. I only got into showbiz to keep an eye on Liam, to make sure he didn’t get into trouble. It was a promise I’d made. He, however, seemed to have completely missed the point of my “doting care.” Just then, my phone rang again. It was Liam, calling me live on the air. I looked at the TV screen. His face was a mask of annoyance. “Ava Reed,” he said, not bothering with pleasantries. “The show is making us invite the last person we called to be a guest at ‘The Hideaway.’ Are you coming or not?” “The Hideaway” was the reality show he was currently filming, broadcast 24/7 via livestream. The producers were notorious for stirring up drama, which was why it had millions of viewers just after its premiere, with numbers still climbing. I was worried Liam’s ego would get him bullied on the show, or worse, that he’d be tricked into leaking corporate secrets. The Shaw Corporation was in a precarious state; it couldn’t afford any more scandals. So, I didn’t hesitate. “Okay. When do I need to be there?” On the TV, Liam theatrically covered the phone’s mouthpiece, as if I couldn’t hear him, and gave the camera a long-suffering smile. “See? I told you. She’s obsessed.” I just… I had no words. 3 I remember the first time we met. I showed up at his front door with a suitcase, and he answered, bleary-eyed from sleep. I gave him a friendly smile. “I’ll be looking after you from now on,” I said. “Don’t feel pressured. You can just think of me as… family.” The hint was obvious enough, I thought, though I cringed internally. But I remembered the instructions I’d been given before a certain someone left the country, and I was determined to put his mind at ease. I plastered on my most benevolent smile, ready to explain further. But Liam just laughed. He recognized me as an employee who’d been with his family’s company for three years. He summed up the situation in his own unique way: “You want me to think of you as family? What, you want me to call you ‘sis’ like you’re my brother’s wife or something?” My eyes lit up. I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, that’s perfect!” It was exactly what I wanted. But then his smile vanished. His face darkened, and he ground out the words through his teeth. “In your dreams!” A long, tense silence followed. “I’m not a pervert!” he finally spat out. “I’m not into that weird stuff!” Worried he’d gotten the complete wrong idea, I decided to show him the picture in my wallet. I thought once he saw the photo of the two of us, he’d understand everything. Instead… The moment he saw the picture, his eyes widened in shock. He pointed a trembling finger at it. “You’re even more obsessed than I thought! You actually photoshopped yourself into a picture with me!” Honestly, a profound sense of helplessness washed over me. How could two people, born from the same mother, identical twins, be so vastly different in the brains department? This was going to be a long, hard road. No matter how many times I tried to explain, he always circled back to his conclusion: I was a desperate stalker using any means necessary to get his attention. Eventually, I gave up. I chose to endure in silence, focusing on taking care of him and selectively ignoring his daily narcissistic pronouncements. Then, he decided he wanted to be a rockstar. The entertainment industry is a shark tank, and I was worried he’d get eaten alive, so I jumped in too. Unfortunately, I had no talent for acting and ended up as a decorative “pretty face.” Fine. As long as I could be near him, that was enough. But for two whole years, Liam rarely gave me the time of day. He was either convinced I was trying to seduce him or that I was after his money. As if! It came to a head when he tried to force me to make a vow. “Ava, swear on that pretty face of yours that you have no ulterior motives. Swear that you want nothing from me. If you’re lying, may your face rot and fester until you’re a hideous monster!” What a vicious oath. I chickened out. Because, technically, I did want something from him. I wanted his brother. His twin brother. I told him this, sincerely. Liam’s face turned a fascinating shade of purple. “Ava Reed,” he seethed, “have you no shame?” And then he just stormed off, leaving me to deal with the verbal assault. So frustrating. Trying to communicate with a brainless narcissist was exhausting. Later, in a desperate attempt to get me to “give up” on him, he found some girl from the industry and started showering her with affection, trying to make me jealous. When I first heard the news, I was ecstatic for a solid half-day. It felt like my difficult, overgrown son was finally getting married off. A true milestone. Then I did a background check on the girl, Sophie. And discovered she had multiple shady connections to the Shaw Corporation’s biggest rival. This was not a simple romance. My joy evaporated. This was a classic honey trap, set up specifically for Liam. And I’d gotten my hopes up for nothing. Why was it so hard for this kid to find a nice girl? It was stressing me out. All I could do was warn him to be careful. Don’t sell out the family company for a pretty face. The Shaw Corporation had been in crisis for the past two years, which was why his brother had to go abroad to stabilize things in the first place. I wasn’t asking Liam to be a business genius. Just… cautious. If only for the sake of his own future trust fund. But after my heartfelt warning, he just sneered. “Ava, is this another one of your pathetic schemes? Trying to scare me away from Sophie so you can swoop in?” I… what? Is he incapable of understanding human language? Unfortunately, he was a grown man. I couldn’t just beat some sense into him. Otherwise, I would have been tempted. Maybe it was his rebellious phase. The more I warned him to stay away from Sophie Clarke, the closer he got. Case in point: for the two guest spots on the show, he invited me. And Sophie.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “387976”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My salary is fifty thousand a month. Right now, I’m standing at the hospital payment counter, my face burning with embarrassment because of insufficient funds. I quickly text my husband. “Send me three hundred, fast. I can’t pay for my prescription.” A moment later, a document appears on my screen. “Honey, don’t forget to fill out the advance request form!” In that instant, I knew. We were done. I set the bill down, walked out of the hospital, and went straight to a law firm. “I need your help,” I told them. “I want a divorce.” 1 We’ve been married for three years. In that time, I put all of my personal assets into our joint account. It was Ryan’s idea. “Honey,” he’d said, “a marriage needs to be equal. Our incomes are so different, it could easily cause friction.” “So, let’s pool our money. I’ll manage it, handle all the expenses. It’ll help us cut down on unnecessary spending.” I agreed. And now, here I am, stomach cramping in pain, my health insurance tapped out, and still two hundred dollars short. The clerk at the counter is getting impatient. “Are you paying or not? There are other people in line.” I awkwardly push the bill back towards her. “Sorry, I’ll have to come back another time.” Ignoring her stunned look, I clutch my stomach and hobble out, each step a fresh wave of pain. Ryan’s texts keep coming. “Honey, why haven’t you filled it out yet? If you miss the approval window, you won’t get the money today!” I glance at the message and let out a bitter laugh. Right. According to his rules, I had to submit the form within ten minutes of receiving it, or I’d lose my “advance privileges” for the day. I’d have to wait until tomorrow to try again. I take a deep breath, open my phone again, and message my best friend. I ask for a thousand. She calls me immediately. “Vivi, what’s wrong? Is it an emergency?” I quickly explain. A moment later, a transfer notification pops up: fifty thousand dollars. “Let me know if you need more!” Staring at the number, a chill runs down my spine. The man I share a bed with makes me fill out a form for two hundred dollars. My best friend sends fifty thousand without a second thought. The difference between them is staggering. With the money, I get my prescription. The relief is almost immediate. On the way home, my resolve hardens. I walk in to find Ryan on the sofa, preening. “Check it out,” he says, showing off a new watch. “Just came out. I snagged it.” “Ten percent off, paid in full!” Seeing his smug face, my own darkens. “Ryan, from now on, I’m not giving you my money to manage.” He blinks. “Babe, what are you talking about? The way you spend? You make fifty grand a month, you think you could save even ten of it on your own?” “I know you’re mad,” he continues, his tone placating, “but don’t be. This watch is an investment.” I laugh internally. When I spend money, it’s reckless. When he does, it’s an investment. I’d truly underestimated his hypocrisy. I push past him into the bathroom and check our joint account. There’s only three hundred dollars in it. Ryan’s voice comes from the other room. “Honey, I know you’re upset. Tell you what, for this three hundred, you don’t have to fill out a form. I’ll just give it to you. See? Your husband takes care of you, right?” I don’t answer. I just text my lawyer and tell him to start the divorce proceedings. He advises me that first, we need to figure out exactly how much we have in assets. He warns me that splitting it evenly, let alone getting back the majority of what I rightfully earned, will be difficult. Since I’m the one filing for divorce, I might have to make some financial concessions. I clench my fists and start scrolling through Ryan’s social media. I see a post from his brother, showing off a new apartment. Prime location, best school district, paid in full. His brother is in his thirties with no steady job, and his wife is a stay-at-home mom. Where did they get that kind of money? It’s obvious. Ryan. He’s been funneling money from our joint account. He wants to keep bleeding me dry. Not a chance. My first instinct is to storm in and confront him, but my lawyer’s words echo in my mind. I need proof. If I blow up now, I’ll be the one who loses. I compose myself. Then, I go online and report all my bank cards as lost or stolen. 2 I do a quick calculation. Fifty thousand a month, plus bonuses, commission, and stock options. Over the past three years, that’s nearly three million dollars that I’ve handed over to him. Ryan himself makes eight thousand a month. That’s it. Yet he’s amassed a net worth in the millions, buying himself hundred-thousand-dollar watches and other luxury goods. And me? I have nothing. My own jewelry is locked away. If I want to wear it, I have to submit a request, explaining the occasion. In his words, my frequent client dinners and networking events are “unnecessary.” “Eating at home is healthier,” he’d say. And jewelry? “Simplicity is best.” Back then, I bought into his talk of “simple beauty.” I was busy, and simple accessories were easier to pair with my work wardrobe. Now, I see it for what it was. He’s been gaslighting me all along. I take another deep breath, pull myself together, and head for the safe. Ryan follows me. “Honey, what are you doing?” “I have a product launch in two days. I need to pick out some jewelry.” But when I enter the code, it’s incorrect. I turn to him. “You changed the password?” “I did. If you need something, just ask me. I’ve changed all the passwords in the house.” My temper flares. “On what authority? It’s my safe, my password, and my things inside it. What right do you have to change my code?” “From this day forward,” I declare, “you will not control another cent of my assets. You’re on your own.” He remains calm. “Sweetheart, you’re just tired. Has work been stressful lately? You’re the one who authorized me to do this. Why the change of heart? Has someone been talking to you?” He reaches out to pat my head. I slap his hand away. “Don’t touch me. I don’t even know who you are anymore.” He glances at the red mark on his hand, a warning in his eyes. “Be a good girl, honey, and we won’t have any problems. If you misbehave, I’ll have to punish you.” “Open the safe,” I demand. “I need my jewelry.” “No can do. Remember to submit a request!” I’m about to slap him, but he grabs my wrist. “Vivi, you’re being emotional. From now on, you shouldn’t handle our joint finances. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it for you. If you want money, just ask.” I’m so angry I could laugh. “You think I can’t do anything to you?” He just smiles. “You’re overthinking things. Get some sleep.” He’s so sure of himself. He probably thinks I’ll never go through with a divorce. And I don’t need to ask to know that the safe is empty. I can’t take it anymore. I turn and walk out. As I reach the lobby, my phone rings. It’s him. “Thinking of going to the apartment on the west side? Sorry, I sold that too.” I stop in my tracks and look up. He’s standing at the window of our penthouse, smiling down at me. “Come back up. It’s getting late.” My nails dig into my palms. I can’t believe he sold my apartment. “Ryan, forging a signature is illegal! You just wait.” I have my lawyer draft the divorce papers and send them to him, then get in my car and drive away without a second thought. His calls go unanswered. Time is of the essence. The gloves are off. 3 I call a friend who’s a computer whiz, transfer him four thousand dollars, and ask him to trace all of Ryan’s financial transactions, as well as the sources of his family’s income. At the same time, I submit an anonymous tip about his unexplained wealth. Ryan works for a state-owned enterprise. They’re cracking down on corruption right now. He just bought a thirty-thousand-dollar watch and drives a hundred-thousand-dollar car. Most people in his position are trying to fly under the radar, but not Ryan. He’s new money, and he flaunts it. He’s made a lot of enemies. He used to claim it was all my money. Now, let’s see what the authorities think of that. My friend works fast. Soon, he sends me the files. As I look through the transaction details, my heart sinks. For three years, under the guise of supporting his parents, he’s been sending them five thousand a month, with a minimum of fifty thousand on holidays. In total, he’s given them over two hundred thousand. He spent three hundred thousand on his brother’s new apartment. He’s also bought countless luxury goods in their names. His sister-in-law is constantly showing off new designer bags. And the whole time, he’s been telling his colleagues he’s buying these things for me. All my money, lavished on his family, while I have to beg for money to buy medicine. My friend who works at the bank calls me. Ryan’s work is investigating him, and they’ve requested his bank statements. “Hey, is Ryan in some kind of trouble?” “Yeah,” I say. “I reported him.” She’s stunned. When I tell her what he’s done with my money, she explodes. “Vivi, are you insane? You were never on equal footing. Marrying him was one thing, but giving him your money?” “I know. I regret it. That’s why I’m divorcing him.” She’s silent for a moment. “If you need anything, just ask.” She hangs up and immediately transfers me another ten thousand. A text follows: “I know you’re broke right now. A girl’s gotta have her sister’s back. Don’t worry about it.” I laugh, then I start to cry. I’m a mess, sitting on a park bench, scaring away the passersby. I wipe my tears and stand up. Ryan calls again. “Vivi, you’re trying to ruin me. It was you, wasn’t it?” “They brought me in for questioning. Guess what? I walked out of there clean. You can’t touch me.” I just laugh. “I have plenty of time to fight you.” “I sent you the divorce papers. You’re on your own.” He’s stunned. “What? You’re divorcing me? Over a piece of jewelry? You reported me, and now you want a divorce?!” “That’s right.” I hang up and immediately boost a post about him online. While his work is investigating, I’m going to make sure everyone knows what he’s done. I don’t use his name, but I provide enough details that it’s obvious. “My Husband, the State Employee, Thinks He’s a CEO. I Have to Submit a Request to Spend My Own Money!” The title alone is enough to get people talking. I post a copy of the advance request form, along with a few “highlights,” like a twelve-dollar cake and a nine-dollar pair of pantyhose. I even include his annotations. “Honey, you can get a birthday cake for four dollars if you use a coupon. It’s just a birthday, you have one every year. No need to be so extravagant.” “Your pantyhose always rip. Stop buying expensive ones. Just get them wholesale from Wish.” I hope you’re ready for this, Ryan. You’re about to go viral.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “387993”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My husband fell in love with an intern at his company. There was no cheating, no ambiguity, no homewrecker label. He gave me the cars, the house, and all the money. He walked away with nothing but a divorce certificate. He said, “Alice, I can’t let Emily down, and I don’t want to let you down either.” I looked at this man, the one who once shared instant noodles with me in a cramped rental, who promised to spend his life with me. I wiped the corner of my eye and whispered, “Okay.” 1 Hearing my answer, Jason froze. It seemed he hadn’t expected me to agree so easily. He thought, at the very least, I would cry, scream, and refuse to let go. After all, he was prepared for a war of attrition. He had the resolve to sue, to fight, to endure the cold shoulder. That was Jason. Once he set his mind on something, he never looked back, regardless of the cost. Just like when he loved me. He fought for me, took me away from that suffocating home. He had said, “If you want to bully Alice, you have to go through me first.” A beer bottle smashed over his head, glass shards scattering everywhere. His fierce glare made those thugs back down. They swayed, then slowly released me and retreated. They only wanted me to pay my father’s gambling debt; they didn’t want a murder charge. I cried, covering his wound, heartbroken. Yet he managed a smile, hugging me triumphantly. “Alice, I told you. I like you, and I won’t let anyone bully you.” But now, he doesn’t like me anymore. He likes the new intern. 2 Jason opened his mouth, guilt finally flickering in his eyes. “Alice, I’m sorry for this. But I love Emily. I can’t let her bear the stigma of being the ‘other woman.’ I want to be with her openly and cleanly.” He was so upright, so noble. Even nearing thirty, he still had that youthful righteousness. How noble. Who wouldn’t praise the power of true love? “But I just have one question.” I wiped my eyes, looked up, and smiled. “Just one small question.” “Did your Emily only find out today that you aren’t single?” At first, he frowned and complained that the new assistant was clumsy, timid as a kitten. He wasn’t satisfied. Later, he pointed at my Valentine’s Day gift, annoyed. “How did Emily choose this gift? Who gives a giant capybara plushie for Valentine’s Day?” Yet, the assistant being scolded just blinked her innocent eyes and said, “But… I think it’s cute.” Jason laughed in exasperation, but I saw the helplessness and affection in his eyes at that moment. In the end, he said Emily truly loved him. That kind of pure, innocent girl deserved the best. It was only right that he regain his freedom so he could stand beside her in the sun. But Jason said he didn’t want the innocent Emily to bear the homewrecker label. So, before their feelings deepened, did she not know Jason was married? Hearing my question, Jason’s expression went blank for a second. He turned his head away. “Alice, we… we couldn’t help ourselves.” “But I promise you, before this, we never crossed any lines. We have a clear conscience toward you.” Indeed. Laughing in the office isn’t cheating. Helping an assistant out of a jam and driving her home isn’t cheating. Seeing her cry and standing up for her isn’t cheating either. I smiled bitterly and nodded. “Okay. Let’s divorce.” 3 After all, Jason gave up everything. The house, the cars, the money—he gave it all to me. He left with nothing but a divorce certificate. What more could I ask for? Jason finally let out a sigh of relief, looking at me happily. “Alice, I knew it. You understand me best. You would definitely want us to be happy.” Of course he knew. From eighteen to twenty-eight, I walked every step of the way with him. We knew each other for a year, dated for four, and were married for five. My personality is gentle; I dislike conflict, especially when I was younger. So much so that in the beginning, Jason often complained that I didn’t like him at all. Otherwise, why wouldn’t I show even a hint of jealousy? He got so mad he disappeared for three days. Three days later, he came back, head hung low, looking defeated. He gritted his teeth. “Alice, you win. I really like you. Even if you don’t care, I’m willing to be your lapdog.” It was when I heard him say that that I threw myself into his arms. He didn’t know that for those three days, I went everywhere looking for him. I almost had a breakdown. Hugging him, I whispered fearfully, “You said it. Don’t leave. I’m scared.” He stiffened, then hugged me back joyfully, like he had won a great victory. The corners of his mouth lifted high. “I thought you really didn’t care.” “You… you’re just like a cat.” 4 From then on, we went to the same college, graduated, and squeezed into a rental apartment eating instant noodles. When the company was just founded, we braved the elements to get business. Later, when things were on track, he proposed. The wedding was grand because he said: “I love Alice. Alice deserves the best.” Now, with everything settled, he held the divorce certificate and said: “Alice, don’t blame me. Emily deserves the best.” The intern was waiting not far away. She looked pure and innocent, glancing at me timidly as if I had bullied her. Jason noticed and pulled her into his arms protectively. “Emily is shy. If you’re upset, take it out on me. Don’t scare her.” Emily blushed, whispering apologetically to me. “Mrs. Sterling… I mean, Ms. Vance, please don’t mind him. He just has a bad temper, he doesn’t mean any harm.” Her tone was so familiar, one might think she was the one who had been with Jason for ten years, not me. I was just an outsider. And indeed, I was. Looking at the scene before me, the bitterness in my heart had long turned to numbness. I raised the divorce certificate and smiled. “It’s fine. We won’t be in contact anymore anyway.” For some reason, Jason frowned, hesitating. “Alice, even though we’re divorced, we’re still friends. If you need anything in the future, you can come to me.” Beside him, Emily’s smile froze. I had no reaction. I shook my head. “No need.” I wouldn’t need anything, and even if I did, I wouldn’t go to him. After all, he left with nothing. No money, no power. Finding him would be useless. Moreover— “I don’t have a habit of bothering married men.” That sentence successfully changed both their expressions. As if guarding against me, Emily eagerly tried to pull him back into conversation. She sat in the passenger seat that used to be mine and asked kindly: “Where are you going, Ms. Vance? Should I ask Jason to give you a ride?” Husband divorced, took the b*tch, tears soak the Mercedes-Benz. I tearfully refused, then drove my Mercedes to the hospital. The doctor had been waiting for me for a long time. He handed me a new report. “Ms. Vance, the situation is this: the fetus is very stable.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “388009”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel