Category: English

My name is Alara Nightfang. My cousin Lyra Shadowmane pretended to have a bloodline frenzy at the Moon Goddess Festival, secretly took aphrodisiac wolfsbane, and tearfully begged me to lend her my alpha fiancé Chandler Lakin for one night to calm her mixed-bloodline outburst. I found Corbin Ironhowl, who had always been devoted to her, for her. Lyra woke up to find that the one who marked her was not Kael and took her own life in shame and anger. Kael did not blame me for this and still treated me as before. I always felt guilty toward Lyra and took care of her family attentively after her death. However, on the day of the bonding ceremony, Kael ordered someone to poison me with wolfsbane and threw me to rogue werewolves to be violated. “Lyra endured such pain back then, so use your wretched body to atone for her.” I was violated to death under the brightest moonlight, losing both my life and my unborn child. When I opened my eyes again, I returned to the night Lyra cried and begged me to give Kael to her. …… At the Moon God Festival, Liliana pretended to lose control of her bloodline, took wolfsbane, and tearfully begged me, “Alara, please, let Kael save me, okay?” She cried while clutching the hem of my ceremonial dress. “Alara, just lend me Kael for one night, please?” I looked at Lyra, sobbing at my feet, and sighed softly. “Lyra, Kael and I are bound by a pact. If you act like this, how will you find a partner in the future?” Kael frowned and reprimanded from the side. “I am your sister’s destined partner. Your behavior is truly disgusting!” With that, he kicked Lyra aside and pulled me away. I looked at Lyra writhing in pain on the ground from the bloodline turmoil and eventually softened. I called Corbin, who had always admired her, for her. Lyra and Corbin already had an engagement, and Corbin, being upright, would never spread this matter. Having him perform a temporary marking was the best choice at the moment. However, when she woke up and found that it was Corbin who marked her, she broke down and cried on the spot. She pointed at me, angrily accusing me of ruining her, and then resolutely took her own life. This incident became an indelible shadow in my heart; I always believed it was my fault that she died. After her death, I took care of her family wholeheartedly. Kael understood my hard work and often accompanied me in taking care of them. But on the night of our bonding ceremony, he brought several rogue werewolves to violate me to death. I begged him desperately to spare me, but he looked at me with disgust. “If it weren’t for you, I would have already bonded with Lyra’s bloodline. This is all your fault!” “Lyra endured such pain back then too. She died, so use your life to atone for her.” It turns out that before forming a pact with me, he already had an affair with Lyra. I learned from the wolf-patterned scroll Lyra gave him that she was his first love. But he didn’t know that the scroll recorded everything about me. Lyra had been jealous of my pure bloodline since childhood and obsessively imitated me. From festival attire to hunting war cries, she even imitated my wolf-patterned scroll. She thought that by imitating everything about me, she could replace my position in the tribe. In my past life, I kept tolerating her because she was my cousin, but it ultimately cost me my life. In this life, I decided to let them have their way because I have more important things to do. When the familiar plot unfolded again, I left early under the pretext of changing the festival dress, leaving the stage entirely to Lyra. Sure enough, just like in the past life, she feigned a bloodline frenzy and pretended to accidentally consume wolfsbane. Afterward, she shook off Corbin and started searching everywhere for me and Kael. When she couldn’t find me, she could only kneel on the ground and beg Kael. “Please, mark me, will you?” “If you don’t save me, my hybrid bloodline will collapse.” She used life and death to force Kael. A trace of disgust flashed across Kael’s face. However, the clan servant who came to inform me reported in a low voice, “Young Master Bloodmaw said there was an urgent matter and has already left the ritual altar.” I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and the image of my tragic death in my past life surfaced in my mind, making me shudder. Fortunately, I was reborn. In this life, I will personally send them to hell! I instructed, “Go and invite Young Master Ironhowl, tell him I’m very worried about Lyra and would like him to join me in the search.” After the clan servant left, I began openly searching for Kael. Everywhere I went, I anxiously asked, “Have you seen my fiancé and cousin?” Soon, the guests at the festival ceremony all knew that Kael and Lyra had disappeared at the same time. Corbin, upon hearing this, was also extremely anxious. “Lyra is already a half-blood she-wolf. If this spreads, it will greatly affect her reputation and the tribe’s honor.” He immediately ordered his men, “Make sure to find Lyra as soon as possible!” Everyone scattered to search, almost turning the entire altar upside down. Finally, only the chamber prepared for blessings remained unchecked. Everyone stood hesitating in front of the chamber, caught in a dilemma. At that moment, I ran over anxiously. “Have you found Lyra and Kael?” Everyone remained silent. The servant said, “We’ve searched the altar and the halls, only…” Before he finished speaking, I forcefully pushed open the stone door of the chamber. “Kael, Lyra, are you there?” The next second, a woman’s scream and a man’s roar came from inside the chamber. I stood at the doorway, stunned, as everyone behind me witnessed the scene. Kael was actually sleeping with my cousin Lyra during the Moon Goddess Festival! I looked at Kael with a pale face. “You…” Before I could finish speaking, everything went black, and I fainted. Corbin quickly caught me and glared at Kael. “Your tribe must give us an explanation for this, or else…” He didn’t finish, but everyone understood what he meant. The Ironhowl tribe is now at its peak, and even though Corbin is just the second son, he’s not someone anyone can easily bully. Corbin supported me as we left the scene.

When I woke up again, it was already evening. My parents Garrick Nightfang, Elara Nightfang, Lyra’s mother Isadora Shadowmane, along with people from the Bloodmaw clan and the Ironhowl clan, were all present. Seeing me awake, Kael’s mother Selene Bloodmaw immediately stepped forward to support me. “Alara, you’re finally awake.” I avoided Selene and threw myself into Elara’s arms, crying uncontrollably. Anyone who saw me would think I was a pitiful person who had been wronged. Selene awkwardly withdrew her hand and softly said, “Alara, what’s done is done. How about letting your sister be with Kael too? Don’t worry, you’re still the Luna of the Bloodmaw clan.” After speaking, she turned to look at Kael and Lyra behind her. “What we mean is to let Lyra be Kael’s ordinary mate. This way, the dignity of the clans is preserved, and you sisters can look out for each other. What do you think?” Garrick snorted coldly in dissatisfaction after hearing this. “Your family sure has some nerve, wanting my daughter to be with Kael? Hmph! Dream on!” The Ironhowl clan members looked displeased too. Corbin’s mate was casually offered to Kael as a partner! If this gets out, the Ironhowl clan’s honor will be completely ruined. Lyra naturally refused. Seeing herself about to go from Luna to an ordinary mate, how could she agree? She had worked so hard to get close to Kael, not to become just an ordinary mate. Lyra nestled in Kael’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “Alara, as long as you can forgive Kael, I’m willing to be just an ordinary mate. I only ask you not to be angry with Kael because of me.” At this moment, Isadora was also crying beside her. “Alara, if you don’t let Lyra go, she’ll really have no choice but to be exiled from the tribe.” “Shut up! Look at the kind of daughter you raised! Mixed blood is rotten to the core. Doing such blasphemous things on the sacred altar, and you still have the nerve to cry here?” Garrick said angrily. He had always been especially tolerant of Isadora. No matter what mistakes she made, he would overlook them out of sympathy for their situation as a widow and her child. But now, Isadora actually indulged Lyra in doing such a thing! Garrick only felt that it brought shame to the tribe. Kael, seeing his beloved crying so sorrowfully, felt heartbroken and frowned as he looked at me. “I’ve already agreed to make you Luna. What more do you want? Will you only be satisfied when Lyra is left with no way out?” As soon as he finished speaking, he received a heavy slap from his father. “Shut up! This is not your place to speak!” Garrick coldly looked at the father and son and said, “There’s no need to put on this father-son act in front of me. Alara will never join your tribe.” That slap completely enraged Kael. He glared at his father. “In this life, I only acknowledge Lyra, no one else! Father, if you like Alara so much, you can bond with her yourself!” Thorn Ironhowl, Corbin’s father, who had been watching coldly from the side, couldn’t help but sneer at this moment. “Is this the upbringing of the Bloodmaw clan?” After speaking, he looked at Garrick. “In this matter, both our families are victims. How about forming an alliance through marriage between our two tribes?” Garrick stared at Thorn in disbelief. “Do you think my daughter is some tool for breeding that anyone can pick at will?” Thorn smiled and explained, “That’s not a nice way to put it. If today’s incident spreads, our tribe loses honor, but Alara is the real victim. How will she find a partner in the future?” Garrick was about to refuse when he heard me speak calmly, “What benefit do I get from allying with your tribe?”

Thorn saw me speak and immediately beamed with joy. He had long been dissatisfied with Lyra. He always felt that not only was her bloodline impure, but there was also a scheming look in her eyes. If it weren’t for Corbin liking Lyra, he wouldn’t have allowed such a she-wolf into the tribe at all. At this moment, seeing me relent, he was naturally overjoyed. He said, “Alara, I can’t promise everything, but there are a few things I can absolutely do. “First, dividing the hunting grounds. As long as you become mates, I’ll immediately go to the tribal council of elders to arrange the witnessing for the hunting grounds and territory marks at home. My two sons will each inherit 40% of the ruling rights, and the remaining 20% will be reserved for our retirement.” “Second,” Thorn drawled, casting a disdainful glance at Kael before continuing slowly, “Our Iron Howl Tribe values rules the most. Corbin would never cause a scandal of entangling with his future mate’s cousin at the Moon Goddess Festival.” “As for the last point, after becoming mates, all your territories and resources must be registered under your wolf mark.” As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present gasped. This was almost like giving the entire tribe’s assets to Alara! The Iron Howl Tribe really went all out for Corbin’s marriage! Only Kael’s family, Lyra, and Isolde looked grim. Thorn’s words were practically calling them shameless to their faces. I listened quietly and nodded. Others might not discern the truth in these words, but I knew. In the previous life, after Lyra’s death, Corbin followed the tribe’s arrangements and partnered with another woman. Although Corbin didn’t love her, he still treated her with utmost care. The family’s territory and hunting ground marks were all registered under that woman’s wolf mark, leaving nothing under his own name. If I could be with such a wolf, even if he didn’t love me, he wouldn’t harm me. What’s more, with the information advantage from my rebirth, I may not need to rely on a male to survive. It’s just that times are harsh on female wolves now. If I don’t form a bond, Garrick and Elara will be criticized and bear a bad reputation. I don’t care what happens to me, but I can’t drag them into criticism. I said, “Alright, I’ll think about it.” Hearing this, Corbin’s parents were stunned for a moment, then showed satisfied smiles. But Lyra, who had been watching from the side, couldn’t sit still anymore. She angrily looked at Thorn. “Why? That’s not what you said before! You clearly said only 30% of the hunting grounds!” “Besides, you never said you’d transfer all the territory marks under my wolf crest name!” Thorn frowned at her. “Since you made the pact with Corbin, every bloodline nourishment you received, every moonlight ceremony you attended, weren’t they all provided by our tribe?” “I made this decision because I was afraid you’d ruin the tribe! Besides, how do your bloodline and looks compare to Alara?” “I just like Alara and am willing to hand over everything. So what?” Lyra’s face turned pale with anger, and she looked at Corbin with tears in her eyes. “Are you just going to watch them bully your future mate?” Corbin looked at her coldly. “Miss Shadowmane, watch your words. I am no longer your future mate.” Lyra was at a loss for words, burying herself in Kael’s arms, sobbing. Seeing our families settle the marriage with just a few words, Kael’s face grew even more displeased. He pushed Lyra away and stormed over to me. “Alara! You are my future mate. Have you considered my feelings when you talk about bonding with someone else right in front of me?”

At my graduation ceremony, I finally mustered the courage to confess my feelings to my crush. But then, I was hit by a car. When I woke up, my crush was standing in front of me, her face utterly cold. “Awake? Perfect. Let’s talk about the divorce settlement.” Me: What? I hadn’t even confessed yet, so how was divorce already on the table? It was graduation day, and I was finally going to tell Chloe, my long-time crush, how I felt. Across the crosswalk, Chloe was taking photos, looking stunning in her graduation gown. I was so excited, I practically sprinted towards her, completely oblivious to the fact that the pedestrian light was red. CRASH! A deafening impact, and I was thrown to the ground. Everything went black. When I opened my eyes again, all I saw was a stark white ceiling. To my surprise, Chloe was standing right beside my hospital bed. She was as beautiful as ever, and this was probably the closest we’d ever been. Chloe stood there, her gaze slowly drifting from the IV drip bag above to my face. My eyes unintentionally landed on her left ring finger, where a simple ring gleamed. I’d liked her for so long. Had she already been taken, all this time? Swallowing the bitter tang of disappointment, I forced a smile and greeted her. “Chloe? What are you doing here?” As I tried to sit up from the bed, I noticed my arm was heavily bandaged. The next second, Chloe sat on the stool beside my bed, her voice cold and distant. “Mr. Liam, you truly are skilled at manipulation. To get a divorce, you’d even risk your own life.” I stared at her, utterly bewildered. What on earth was she talking about? Divorce? I hadn’t even graduated, let alone gotten married. Where was this talk of divorce coming from? Just then, a nurse pushed the door open, carrying a tray with bandaging supplies. “Dr. Chloe, you’re still here? Sir, you have no idea how lucky you are. You were in a car accident, and it’s a good thing Dr. Chloe happened to be passing by and gave you immediate first aid. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have just been a broken arm.” The nurse lowered her head, carefully disinfecting my wound as she spoke. She gently placed my hand to the side, and that’s when I noticed it—a ring on my right ring finger! And this ring, it was clearly a matching set with Chloe’s! A wave of dread washed over me. Once the nurse left the room, I instinctively grabbed Chloe’s sleeve. “Your name is Chloe, right? You graduated from medical school in the Class of 18, correct?” Chloe frowned, as if deeply annoyed. She yanked her sleeve free from my grip, her expression icy as she looked at me. “Since you’re awake, let’s discuss the divorce settlement.”

This was insane! I was clearly on my way to graduation when I accidentally got hit by a car. How did I wake up to being accused of “resorting to extreme measures” to force a divorce from Chloe? A conviction settled deep in my gut: either I’d gone crazy, or Chloe had. “Chloe, wait a second!” Before I could finish, a little girl suddenly appeared in the room, running excitedly into Chloe’s arms. Me: ??? Wow, what an adorable kid! I reached out my uninjured hand, wanting to gently touch her cheek, but she shyly hid deeper into Chloe’s embrace. “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. Uncle just thought you were so cute, I couldn’t help myself.” Chloe shot me a disapproving look. That’s when I remembered I’d called her back but hadn’t gotten to the point. “Chloe, I know this might sound unbelievable, but I have absolutely no memory of anything you’re talking about. I only remember being on my way to graduation…” Before I could finish, Chloe impatiently cut me off. “So, you’re trying to say you have amnesia now?” Amnesia? Yes, that’s it! Amnesia. Only amnesia could explain why I had no recollection of any of this. I nodded vigorously and earnestly. Chloe’s face remained stone-cold. She pulled a document from her bag and tossed it onto the bed in front of me. “This is the divorce agreement. All the terms are written according to your demands. If you have no objections, just sign it as soon as possible.” I opened my mouth but couldn’t manage to say a single word. The little girl in Chloe’s arms, however, pouted sadly when she heard Chloe’s words. “Chloe, talking about this in front of a child… it’s not really good for her emotional well-being, is it?” “How about we put this on hold for a while?” Chloe let out a cold snort. “Someone else’s child? Liam, this amnesia act is quite convincing, but this is our daughter.” … “And when you were having dinner with other women, did you ever consider whether that was good for our child’s emotional well-being?” I hadn’t even processed Chloe’s first bombshell when her second statement completely fried my brain. I stared at the little girl, utterly dumbfounded. So, not only was I married, but I had a kid too? The little girl, however, completely ignored me, burying her head in Chloe’s neck and not even sparing me a glance. The information overload was too much. My brain completely crashed.

It took me a whole day to piece together everything in my head. I really did seem to have amnesia. I was still me, Chloe was still Chloe. The only difference was, we were married, and we had a child. But the divorce papers lying on the hospital bed silently conveyed another message: our marriage was clearly in trouble. The problem was, I might have cheated? But was that even possible? With someone as stunning and brilliant as Chloe, would I really cheat on her with another woman? Had I lost my mind? So, where did things go wrong? And how on earth was I supposed to get my memory back? I irritably scratched my head, my mind a complete blank, making me feel utterly restless and frustrated. “Daddy.” A knock on the door, and I looked up to see a small gap open. The little girl’s adorable face shyly peeked through. “Mommy says you need to remember to clean your hand. This is the antiseptic for you, she said to clean it yourself.” In her tiny hands, she clutched a bottle of iodine. I reached out my hand, gesturing for her to come in. “Daddy’s hand hurts a little. Can you bring that to Daddy?” The little girl looked at me, her expression hesitant, but eventually, she nodded. She slowly made her way to my side and placed the iodine on my nightstand. I picked her up with my other hand and sat her on my lap. I carefully examined her features: her eyes were like mine, big and round and bright; her nose was like Chloe’s, elegantly sculpted; and her face, like Chloe’s, was a perfect, delicate oval. She was absolutely beautiful. This was my daughter with Chloe. I couldn’t help myself. I hugged her close and gently kissed her cheek. She smelled sweet and baby-like, making me want to hold her forever. When I looked up, her face had instantly flushed crimson. She stiffened in my arms for a moment, then wrapped her little arms around my neck and hugged me tightly. She rested her head on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, “Daddy, you smell nice.” She was an absolute angel. I was still immersed in the joy of holding my little girl when the door to the room opened from outside. Chloe’s familiar figure appeared in the doorway, then walked towards me. “Mommy!” The little girl, still clutching me, immediately ran to Chloe, extending her arms, waiting for Chloe to sweep her up. Chloe had clearly just showered. She wore loose, comfortable loungewear, looking completely relaxed. Her hair fell naturally over her shoulders, and a few droplets of water trickled down her neck and disappeared into her collar. I instinctively looked away, feeling a strange awkwardness. As she drew closer, my heart started to pound even harder. But Chloe’s next words instantly extinguished my excitement. “Mr. Liam, don’t you think it’s a little late to start being nice to Daisy now?” “I wasn’t, I…” I wanted to explain, but the moment I met Chloe’s cold gaze, I knew she wouldn’t believe anything I said. Eventually, I just fell silent. “Forget it. You get back to what you were doing, I’m heading out.” I walked out of the study, and Daisy poked her head out from Chloe’s neck, looking at me. Seeing how close she was with Chloe, a wave of bitterness washed over me. So what if I had a wife and kid? My wife didn’t love me and wanted a divorce, and even my daughter only clung to her mom. My mind began to wander. If this was the case, why had we gotten married in the first place? And why had we had a child? Outside on the balcony, a full moon hung high in the sky. The night breeze ruffled my thoughts. Nothing had changed. It seemed only I had.

The master bedroom had only one large bed. The entire room was decorated in the most minimalist black, white, and gray tones. Aside from that, the room was impeccably clean, and the air carried the faint, elegant scent of gardenias. I remembered, this was Chloe’s favorite scent. I walked to the walk-in closet, looking for my pajamas. However, when I opened the closet, almost all I saw were women’s clothes—from elegant dresses to exquisite blouses, neatly categorized and hung. I searched carefully, but couldn’t find a single pajama set or loungewear that clearly belonged to a man. … With no other option, I had to knock on the study door. “Chloe, excuse me, sorry to bother you.” Chloe, who was working at her computer, looked up at the sound. Her gold-rimmed glasses made her appear both professional and somewhat aloof. “I can’t find my pajamas,” I explained, gesturing towards the master bedroom. “The master closet seems to have all your clothes.” Chloe stared at me for a few seconds, not speaking immediately. Just as I thought she wouldn’t answer and was about to leave, she suddenly stood up from her chair and walked towards me. She stopped in front of me. Even though I was taller than her, the cool aura surrounding her made me feel a slight pressure. Chloe subtly curved her lips, her hands tucked into her pockets. “What, are you planning to keep up the amnesia act?” I was speechless, unsure how to respond. Honestly, she didn’t believe me. Fortunately, she didn’t press further this time. She simply walked past me, heading towards the other side of the hallway. I stood there, feeling a bit lost. She turned her head, glancing at me from the corner of her eye. “Not coming?” I immediately followed, but intentionally kept a step’s distance. “Thanks.” She walked to the door of a secondary bedroom, pushed it open, and gestured for me to go in. “Your clothes should be in here.” I walked into the room and opened the closet. The sight made me pause—a uniform collection of dark, extremely conservative suits, shirts, and vests, meticulously folded, exuding a stern and rigid aura. I rummaged through them, and finally, in the bottommost drawer, I found a cotton garment that looked like pajamas—old-fashioned, overly loose, but at least comfortable. Holding these pajamas, I felt even stranger. Was this how “I” usually dressed? … I took the pajamas and walked back to the master bathroom, my mind a jumble. The issues between us were perhaps far more complex than I’d imagined. After showering, I threw on a jacket and headed towards Daisy’s room. The children’s room was warmly decorated, with soft stuffed animals and colorful stickers everywhere. It was clear Chloe poured a lot of love into our child. I tiptoed in. Daisy was already asleep, clutching a small bunny plushie tightly. I pulled the blanket she’d kicked off back over her and gently took her thumb out of her mouth, wiping it dry with a tissue. Only at this moment did a soft, paternal feeling truly wash over me. But I knew so little about her, I wasn’t even sure how old she was. My marriage certificate with Chloe showed we’d registered four years ago. So Daisy must be about three years old. I stroked her soft hair and got up to leave. Just as I closed the door and turned around, I saw Chloe standing silently in the hallway, very close by. My back instinctively pressed against the door. Chloe didn’t seem to find the proximity awkward, showing no intention of stepping back. My heart rate abruptly quickened. “Are you done with work?” I asked. “Mhm.” The atmosphere was thick. I didn’t know what to say. “So… are you going to bed?” Chloe didn’t respond, nor did she move. I pulled the jacket I was wearing tighter. “Then I’ll go back to my room first.” With that, I sidled past her, practically fleeing back to the master bedroom. I quickly threw back the covers and lay down, neatly curling up on one side. Soon after, the master bedroom door opened, and Chloe walked in. Seeing me already in bed, she paused, standing at the doorway and watching me. Her gaze made me feel uneasy. “Chloe, which side do you usually sleep on?” She didn’t answer. Helpless, I had no choice but to throw off the covers, get out of bed, and stand aside. “You pick first.” Only then did Chloe move. She walked to the window side, lay down, and then reached out to click off the bedside lamp on her side. The room plunged into darkness. I fumbled my way back into bed, the person beside me breathing steadily. But I was wide awake, my thoughts a swirling mess. The jacket sleeve pressed uncomfortably against my injured arm. I carefully shifted, and seeing no reaction from Chloe, quietly sat up, intending to take the jacket off. Just as I took off the jacket and rubbed my arm, Chloe, who had been facing away from me, suddenly turned over and moved closer in the dark. Her breath brushed my cheek, and my own breathing hitched with nerves. Though I couldn’t see her, I could feel how close she was. “Chloe?” “What exactly are you trying to do, Liam?” Her voice was incredibly clear in the darkness, laced with coldness. “What?” I froze. “You were the one who wanted to get married, then you were the one who went to great lengths to get a divorce. Now, you’re faking amnesia and sleeping here. I have no interest in cooperating with your fickle games.” “I’m not…” “Not what?” Her tone was sarcastic. “Isn’t this your usual behavior?” I was speechless, unable to defend myself. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” Silence stretched in the darkness. A moment later, Chloe pulled back, then got out of bed. “Liam, I have no feelings left for you. Whether you’re being genuine or not now, stop with these pointless theatrics.” “I’ll go to the guest room tonight.” With that, she left the room without looking back. The door softly clicked shut. The vast master bedroom was left with only me.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “313991”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn

My girlfriend has a “boy best friend” who’s attached to her at the hip. On what was supposed to be our ninth engagement party, she left me standing alone at the venue. All because it was the twentieth anniversary of the day she met that guy. “It’s just postponing the engagement, it’s not the end of the world. Are you that desperate to get married?” His new post popped up on my SnapChat feed, the words stinging my eyes. “Twenty years of friendship, how can some outsider ever compare?” In the picture, they were hugging under the guise of “best friends,” their pose intimate. I didn’t say a word. I just calmly liked the post. Then, I silently walked out of her life. Six months later, she called. “I bought that wedding suit you loved. Get back here so we can get married!” But the reply came from a woman’s voice. “My husband is busy researching pregnancy recipes for me. Can I help you?” 1 The day the engagement was called off, I threw the ring in a trash can. A cab driver by the roadside waved at me, asking where to. “Just drive,” I said. “Anywhere, as long as it’s not back to where I started.” When Skylar’s call came, I powered off my phone. It stayed off for three days. The night sea breeze was soothing, casually lifting the hem of my shirt. It reminded me of the first time Skylar confessed her feelings to me. Back then, her face was youthful, the affection spilling from her eyes impossible to hide. Young and reckless, I dove in headfirst. I was madly in love with the 20-year-old Skylar. I willingly moved from the South to an unfamiliar city in the North for her. I gave up the job I was passionate about, content to be her assistant. That lasted nine years. Fate has a funny sense of humor. We got engaged nine times too. And every single time, at the crucial moment, it was called off because of that guy. His name is Zane. We’d fought over him more times than I could count. “I’ve told you, Zane and I are like brothers from another mother! Why are you so insecure?” “We grew up together, we’re as close as family. Does it always have to be something dirty in your eyes?” “Jayden, do you have any idea how crazy you look when you’re jealous? Zane doesn’t even hold a grudge about you suspecting us, how much further are you going to take this?!” Skylar’s expression would be dark. So, after every one of those hysterical arguments, I would quietly swallow my own intense feelings. Because I was afraid of losing her, I was always the one begging for peace, lowering myself. But this time, my heart was eerily calm. I didn’t even feel the desire to confront her. I just wanted to feel the sea breeze. Doing nothing felt more than enough. It was easy for Skylar to find me. I’d forgotten the hotel I was staying at was under her name. She could even open my room door without warning. “Jayden, do you know how childish running away is?” “That day was the twentieth anniversary of me meeting Zane! I just went to celebrate! Can’t I have any other friends besides you?” Hah. Friends. Friends who kiss? I didn’t voice that question. I knew she’d argue it was just a game. It wasn’t the first time, anyway. “There’s nothing between Zane and me. Can you stop being jealous and disappearing?” She looked at me, a worried frown creasing her brow. “Tell you what, I’ll make it up to you with a bigger wedding. I’ll even have Zane be your best man. Will that make you happy?” Her tone was placating. I didn’t respond. Her frown deepened. “Jayden, if you dare to…” “Okay.” I cut her off before she could finish. The old me would have argued relentlessly, only to end up being the one at fault, apologizing meekly. But now, I just offered a faint smile. Seeing me so compliant, surprise flickered in her eyes. Then her expression relaxed, and she reached for my hand. “Let’s go home.” I coldly pulled my hand back and walked ahead of her. Skylar was stunned for a few seconds. No fight? She wasn’t used to it. When I reached her car, I found Zane waiting there too. “Jayden! Man, finally found you! You have no idea how worried Skylar was!” He laughed, giving Skylar a one-armed hug. “I told you we should’ve brought Jayden to our anniversary thing! See, he got jealous again. You’re in trouble now!” “Jayden, I apologize on her behalf. Don’t be mad. If you’re still angry, I’ll beat her up for you!” He playfully aimed a mock punch at Skylar’s shoulder, the light touch turning into him draping his arm around her. “Hitting me there again? You know that’s my spot,” Skylar raised an eyebrow at him. “Hey! Don’t look at me like that!” He chuckled, his gaze darting to me. “Jayden’s watching. Behave. Do you want to make him run away again?” 2 I didn’t look at them. I quietly and knowingly took the back seat, not even lifting my eyes. I used to fight with Skylar a lot over the passenger seat. Whenever Zane was around, she’d say it was his seat. Because he got carsick, and only sitting next to Skylar helped. It made me angry. I couldn’t understand. In Skylar’s eyes, that just made me a jealous man. This time, my silence seemed to throw Skylar off. As the car started, Zane turned from the front passenger seat to look at me. “Jayden, you look like you haven’t eaten well these past few days. Let me treat you to dinner. Consider it my apology on Skylar’s behalf.” “We’ll definitely invite you next time we hang out!” “No need,” I replied flatly. “Just take me home.” Skylar didn’t listen. She kept driving toward a restaurant district. “You clearly haven’t eaten properly for days. Stop being stubborn.” The car stopped in a bustling area with plenty of eateries. Zane nudged her with his elbow. “Skylar, I’m craving spicy wings from that place!” “Your stomach’s sensitive. Go easy on the spice.” They really did look like a couple. Skylar knew his physical quirks better than she knew mine. She picked a less crowded restaurant. While we were ordering, the server brought us each a glass of lemon water. Zane took a sip from the glass in front of Skylar. “Yours tastes sweeter!” Skylar gave him an exasperated smile. She tapped his shoulder. “Still haven’t kicked that bad habit? Why do you always have to taste my drink first?” Zane’s eyes suddenly shifted to me. “Jayden, you’re not mad, right? Skylar and I have been like this since we were kids. I always get the first taste of whatever she has.” Skylar looked slightly uncomfortable, seemingly realizing how this might appear to me. I didn’t even glance their way. “It’s fine.” “It’s normal for childhood friends to be that close.” Skylar let out a soft sigh of relief, her eyes even holding a hint of approval toward me. Not jealous. Not causing a scene. Even tolerating her flirty banter with her “boy best friend.” I guess I’d finally become more “mature.” So much so that when the food arrived, as a sort of reward, she started peeling shrimp for me. Just as she was about to hand it to me, Zane snatched it. “How did you know I was craving shrimp?” Zane put it on his own plate. “Didn’t think you’d remember what I like. You’ve got some conscience left!” Skylar shook her head, smiling. “Slow down. No one’s fighting you for it.” Zane, ever the bold one, then put a shrimp on my plate. “Jayden, you have some too. If it’s not enough, I’ll have Skylar peel more for me.” I didn’t touch the shrimp. “I don’t like shrimp,” I said plainly. Skylar’s brow furrowed slightly. I figured she was probably wondering when my taste had changed. Yes, I used to love shrimp. But I don’t eat food from other people’s plates. Things fought over and passed around? No thanks. Zane is actually allergic to seafood. He only took that shrimp to steal the attention. Sure enough, on the way back, red rashes broke out on his cheeks. The hospital was in the opposite direction of home. Skylar chose to ditch me. “Zane needs to get to the hospital now. Take a cab back.” “But…” She didn’t let me finish. Her eyes full of concern for Zane, she shut the car door and disappeared down the road. The place was remote. No cabs. A couple of streetlights were out. Two large, shadowy figures emerged from the darkness, walking toward me, eyeing me with clear ill intent. 3 A sense of danger prickled my spine. I quickened my pace, trying to leave. But the two men closed in fast, blocking me from both sides. “Hey buddy, out alone so late? Mind lending us some cash?” one slurred, reeking of alcohol, his hand already reaching for the pocket where I kept my wallet. My scalp crawled. My heart hammered. “My money’s in the bag. About two grand in cash, a few more in the cards,” I tried to negotiate, hoping to buy my way out. “Take it. I won’t call the cops.” “Tsk. Cooperative,” the other man grunted, snatching my bag. His eyes lit up at the cash. But their gazes didn’t leave me. “You got the money. Can I go now?” My voice was weak. I just wanted out. “In a hurry?” the first man’s eyes roamed over me. “Dressed nice. Bet you got more than that on you. We’re a bit short lately. ‘Lend’ us a bit more.” I knew it wasn’t going to be simple. I turned to run but was yanked back by my arm. “Stay put!” In the struggle, one of them slapped me hard across the face. My ear rang. “Think you’re too good, huh? Making this difficult!” The other man pulled out a switchblade, waving it in front of me. “The watch, the ring, anything valuable. Hand it over! Or I’ll make you bleed!” Sheer terror froze my thoughts. I fought back instinctively, trying to shove them, but a fist sank into my stomach, doubling me over in pain. In the chaos, I kicked out blindly, my foot connecting with someone’s shin. “He’s fighting back!” The man with the knife, furious now, drove the blade into my side. It hurt. So much. The blood wouldn’t stop. Seeing this, the two men sobered up fast, scrambling away in a panic. With my last bit of strength, I fumbled for my phone and dialed 91

But I was far out. Skylar was closer than any ambulance. She’d just left. Call after call, she impatiently hit decline. When she finally answered, I had little strength left. “Zane’s having a severe allergic reaction! Can you stop being ridiculous for once?!” My lips barely moved. “Help… me… I’m bleeding…” “Jayden! Why is it that every time I’m alone with Zane, you pull this stunt? Sick here, hurting there… I’m tired of your games!” “Zane is genuinely sick today! Have you no empathy?” My breath grew fainter, until only pained groans came out. She remained unmoved. “Stop acting! I wouldn’t come see you even if you were dying today!” She hung up. Her final tone was icy and final. I lay on the ground in despair, waiting for the ambulance. As darkness crept in at the edges of my vision, a figure crouched before me. “Sir? Sir, are you okay? Stay with me! I’ll get you to the hospital!” A kind stranger saved me. I lay in the ER for what felt like an eternity, long enough to think I’d die there. Luckily, they got me there in time. I survived by a thread. Skylar didn’t call me once in the following days. Zane’s SnapChat, however, was very active: “Who else has a bestie this caring? Had a little allergy scare and she insisted on staying by my side 24/7. What can I do with her?” 😊 The picture showed Skylar peeling fruit for him. His slightly flushed face wore a sweet smile. Mutual friends flooded the comments with well-wishes. “You two are my OTP! So perfect for each other!” “Twenty years of this? Just get married already! I’m ready with the wedding gift! When’s the date?!” Silently sipping warm broth from the hospital, I happily added my own comment: “Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.” 4 Skylar saw my comment. Her call came with a half-hearted explanation. “They’re just joking around. Don’t be jealous.” “Zane was sick, I had to be there. Are you really going to make a big deal out of this?” “Once he’s better, we’ll pick up the wedding planning. I’ll even go with you to buy that suit. Happy now?” I replied distractedly, “Anything else? I’m busy.” Silence on the other end for a few seconds. I used to get furious over Zane’s ambiguous posts. When I confronted Skylar, all I got was a scolding: “Can you stop being so sensitive? Close friends don’t care about stuff like that.” “You want me to cut off my best friend for you? Look at yourself. You’re being pathetic!” But now, seeing this stuff didn’t even make my heart rate spike. Before she could say more, I ended the call. The police wanted me to identify the muggers. I also wanted to find the person who saved me, but she was long gone. Zane’s new SnapChat story had a familiar background—my bedroom. He was shirtless. The woman next to him, face not shown, had her arm hooked through his. The caption read: “Sweet dreams tonight.” They’d been having a great time while I was gone. But he did remind me—I needed to go back and pack. That place was never really my home. Though, I’d rather not walk in on another “surprise” in my bed like last time. Back then, Skylar had stumbled over her excuses. “Don’t get the wrong idea.” “Zane was drunk. I couldn’t just leave him at the bar, so I brought him home.” Zane hadn’t batted an eye. “Yeah, Skylar and I are just friends. Don’t overthink it.” Right. No wonder they always talked about how “close” they were as kids. Looking at a half-undressed Zane and Skylar wrapped in just a towel, I had simply smiled. “Just a shower. No big deal.” “You’re so close. Why would I mind? It’s normal to help a drunk friend shower.” “I know. It’s pure friendship. Rare.” Skylar had frozen, her expression faltering for a moment. I guess I, the third wheel, had ruined the mood. She wasn’t pleased. So this time, before heading back, I texted Skylar. Gave her time to cook up an excuse and clean up. Spare me another unwanted sight. The next day, the place was spotless. I’d never seen her clean before. Must have been quite the night. “Where have you been?” “The hospital.” “You were sick?” She suddenly sounded concerned. The old me would have been deeply moved. Because whenever I was sick before, she’d say, “I’m busy. I can’t take you to the hospital.” “It’s just a cold. You won’t die.” Yeah, busy drinking and gaming with Zane. When I was miserable with a fever, Zane would innocently ask, “I’m a guy too, why don’t I get sick so easily?” “Men are so dramatic. Not like me, born with a strong constitution.” So now, I just got stabbed. No big deal. No point in complaining. “My eyes weren’t great.” “Your eyes? What happened?” “I was blind. Couldn’t see people clearly.” I looked at her calmly. “They’re fixed now.” HHer expression relaxed, seeming genuinely happy for me. “Good. As long as you can see clearly now.” Yeah. I could see perfectly now.

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For seven years, I was a stay-at-home wife. Then, my husband brought his pregnant secretary right to our doorstep, ready to kick me out. He carefully shielded her swollen belly, his voice dripping with venom. “Seven years of marriage, and you couldn’t even pop out a single kid. Maybe it’s time you gave up being Mrs. Sterling.” The secretary, Olivia, leaned into his arms, smug as could be. “Exactly. You’ve been freeloading for years. Isn’t it time you cleared out?” Seeing the innocent-looking smirk on Olivia’s face, I decided to grant her wish, starting by stripping my husband of everything he owned. Later, Olivia and Ryan got married. It wasn’t until their wedding day that Olivia realized my husband was just a useless nobody. The real power, the real money? That was all mine. “Get the best tonics and high-end supplements ready for me. And make sure they’re stewed perfectly.” “I’m going to be the new lady of this house soon. If you don’t all start buttering me up, I’ll fire every single one of you once I’m married in.” I hadn’t even stepped inside, but that arrogant voice stopped me dead in my tracks. Seeing the woman sitting on the living room sofa, her pregnant belly clearly visible, my heart seized up, a sharp pain twisting inside me. Ryan and I had dated for three years and been married for seven. Ten years in total, and our relationship had always been rock solid. We never had a single fight. Ryan used to check in constantly, always keeping me updated on his whereabouts. He’d even get annoyed if I didn’t respond right away. My friends all said Ryan was completely obsessed with me, that even if every other guy cheated, he never would. Now, he hadn’t just cheated, he’d let his mistress flaunt her pregnant belly right here in my house, openly challenging me! I was about to speak when Mrs. Gable, our housekeeper, quickly walked over to me. Her strained face broke into a faint smile. “Alexa, you’re finally home.” “Mrs. Gable, I respect you because you’ve been with the family for a long time.” “But you need to know who’s really in charge here.” Mrs. Gable shot a disgusted look at Olivia, about to speak, but I quickly squeezed her hand. “Did Ryan tell you to move in?” Olivia feigned surprise, carefully standing up from the sofa. “Oh, when did you get back?” “I was just laying down some ground rules for the house staff.” “Honestly, Alexa, I don’t mean to be rude, but you’re just a stay-at-home wife. You haven’t seen much of the world.” “Look at how spoiled you’ve let the staff get around here. That simply won’t do.” Olivia chuckled, covering her mouth, her eyes darting around shrewdly. I said nothing, letting the driver place the expensive gifts my parents had brought back on the porch. Olivia immediately walked over, carefully inspecting them and pulling the best ones towards her. “Even though all this money comes from my husband, I still have to thank you, Alexa. How thoughtful of you.” *All from Ryan’s money?* Ryan couldn’t even afford a single one of these. I remained silent, casually leaning back into the sofa. Mrs. Gable naturally handed me a cup of herbal tea. I took a few sips and pointed indifferently to one of the gift boxes. “That ‘tonic’ there? It’ll definitely cause a miscarriage if she drinks it.” “And that one, that’s for beauty, good for your skin, but it’ll make you infertile. Probably best you don’t use it, in your condition.” Olivia frowned, looking disappointed, but then immediately burst out laughing. She proudly patted her belly, showing off as she moved closer to me. “You couldn’t even give him a child in seven years, Alexa. Don’t you think it’s time you stepped down as Mrs. Sterling?” I tightened my grip on the teacup, a sarcastic smile playing on my lips. “Unless you pop out a boy, you’re not getting anything.” Olivia smugly caressed her belly. “How do you know it’s a boy?” She deliberately pushed her stomach closer to me. “Ryan said as soon as our son is born, he’s divorcing you.”

Divorce me? For *this* woman? Ryan once stood outside my dorm building for a hundred days straight, holding roses, just to get me to be with him. He worked two jobs to save up for my engagement ring. He fell off a scaffolding due to sleep deprivation, suffered a concussion, and was in a coma for a week. The moment he opened his eyes, he practically ripped off his hospital gown to propose to me. Before we got married, he willingly signed a prenup, swearing he wasn’t after my money. He even swore on his life, under the moonlight, that if he ever betrayed me, he’d lose everything he had. But now, he’d not only betrayed me, he was going to divorce me for *that* woman… Seeing my silence, Olivia’s smile grew even more triumphant. She proudly patted her belly. “You’ve been married to Ryan for seven years and haven’t even produced a single heir. Ryan is sick of it.” “Ryan told me that even if you found out about us, you wouldn’t dare say anything, after all…” Olivia’s malicious gaze dropped to my lower abdomen. “After all, with Ryan’s standing, he needs an heir. His family has an empire to pass on, and if you can’t give him one, plenty of other women would jump at the chance.” I stared at this mistress, so self-righteous in her actions. My face was cold, but a sarcastic smirk twisted my lips as I asked, “Ryan told you he was sick of me, and that even if I knew about you two, I wouldn’t dare say anything?” Olivia lowered her eyes. “Of course.” “Ryan said you’re stupid and useless. If you hadn’t been so careless and caused that miscarriage years ago, he’d be a father by now…” At her words, my heart gave a violent lurch. My limbs felt ice cold. Not many people knew about what happened that year. I hadn’t even told my own parents. Ryan had promised me we’d keep it a secret. Yet now, the thing that caused me such unbearable pain, he’d casually spilled to his mistress. I clenched my fists, fury rushing to my head. I couldn’t hear another word she said. With all my strength, I slapped her.

Olivia stared at me, stunned, her face instantly twisting into an ugly mask. A few seconds later, she lunged at me like a maniac. “You’re insane!” “How dare you hit me!” “You freeloading bitch, living off the Sterlings, how dare you lay a hand on me?” “If Ryan finds out, he’ll never forgive you.” “I’ll break your hand today. Let’s see if you dare touch me again.” Olivia glared at me fiercely, rolling up her sleeves, looking ready for a brawl. Just as her hand was about to grab my shirt, I quickly stepped back. She lost her footing and tumbled onto the sofa. She frantically clutched her belly, pointing at the house staff and yelling curses. “What are you all standing there for? Get this bitch on the ground and beat her!” Seeing that none of the staff sided with her, she propped herself up on the sofa, panting heavily. “Ryan Sterling is your boss! He’s the one paying you!” “This woman is going to be kicked out by Ryan soon. Anyone who stands with her, you’ll all be fired the moment I become the lady of this house!” Mrs. Gable frowned, stepping closer to me and lowering her voice. “Alexa, maybe we should have her removed.” “If something happens to her here, it’ll be a PR nightmare for you.” Seeing Olivia looking so weak, as if she could drop dead at any moment, I pulled out my phone and dialed Ryan’s number. Since the mistress had already dared to show up and cause trouble, it wouldn’t be right for the one who started it all to hide like a coward. But I dialed, and no one picked up. Ryan used to be so afraid of missing my calls during meetings that he had a special ringtone just for me. Every time I called him, he’d pick up instantly. No matter what he was doing, he’d always ask me what was wrong. But I don’t know when it started, his phone was always on silent, always busy, always out of service. It was almost as if it was targeted at me; he never picked up when I called. Seeing that my call didn’t go through, Olivia patted her belly, looking smug. “When Ryan’s in a meeting, only *I* can get through to him.” “Because he set a special alert for me.” “He said he’d make sure to answer my calls first thing…” I lowered my gaze, wanting to laugh, but my mouth felt bitter. I turned to Mrs. Gable. “Please go with the driver to Ryan’s company. Tell him if he doesn’t come back soon, his hard-won son might be gone.” Mrs. Gable nodded and hurried out. Olivia’s face suddenly changed. She abruptly stood up and grabbed Mrs. Gable, furious. “Don’t you dare go!” Mrs. Gable forcefully shook off Olivia’s hand. “I only listen to Alexa! Who do you think you are?” “You’re so young, why can’t you do something good with your life instead of destroying someone else’s family?” “Are you even twenty? Does your mom know you’ve got a belly this big?” “Honestly, if I were your mother, I’d rather you’d never been born than brought this kind of shame upon our family right now.” Mrs. Gable had a sharp tongue. Before she came to work for me, she was known as the sharpest tongue in her neighborhood disputes. The most important thing was that Mrs. Gable was a civilized person; she could curse you out without using a single vulgar word. Olivia was shaking with rage. She glared at me, then slapped Mrs. Gable across the face. “You, a housekeeper, dare to lecture me?” “You’re fired today! Get out of here right now!” Seeing Mrs. Gable get hit, I immediately rushed towards Olivia, grabbing her hand before she could strike again. “That’s enough! I’m still the lady of this house!” Olivia refused to back down, clenching her fist and trying to push it into my face. “Alexa Reid, I advise you to be smart and divorce Ryan quickly, otherwise, I’ll make sure you never have a moment of peace.” Suddenly, the sound of a car pulled up outside. Olivia’s face instantly changed. Her body went limp, and she sank to the floor. “Alexa Reid, how could you push me…”

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My entire family forced me to divorce because the girl they raised as their own fell in love with my husband. Six years later, I ran into my brother and ex-husband at the park. My ex-husband was holding my seven-year-old daughter, and he asked me: “Now that you’re back in the country, why didn’t you reach out?” I looked at him, cold as ice: “Want to buy a painting? Twenty dollars a piece.” My brother Blake came over and kicked my easel, sending it flying: “Stop acting innocent! Felicia already forgave you for causing her miscarriage. Now she’s been outed as a homewrecker, and it’ll mess with her chances for the award. Come back with us and clear her name, and I’ll let you come home.” I sneered: “Home? That stopped being my home a long time ago.” My ex-husband, Ryan, pointed to the daughter in his arms and said: “Are you really going to abandon your own daughter?” Before I could answer, Lily spoke up, her voice dripping with disgust: “I don’t want this mommy! Her hands are so creepy!” Ryan’s gaze lingered on my scarred wrists. He took a step closer, as if to reach out and touch me. “Enough, Aria, stop with the drama. You used to adore kids.” A bitter taste filled my mouth. Lily didn’t even recognize me anymore. My brother, Blake, frowned, kicking over my change box. His voice was laced with impatience. “Why are you even talking to her? Just drag her away.” “If we weren’t worried about the PR nightmare affecting Felicia’s award chances, who’d want to come to this dump?” Blake’s arrogance, the kind only old money breeds, was seeping from him. I bent down to pick up the change box that had rolled into the mud, my voice calm and steady. “I’m not going back.” At that, Blake exploded like a lit fuse, and it tore through me. “Aria, don’t you dare push your luck. Are you shacked up with some guy here? Can’t bear to leave him?” Hearing that, Ryan’s previously mild expression darkened instantly. He seemed to agree with Blake. He grabbed my wrist with one hand and started dragging me out of the park. A sharp, throbbing pain shot through my wrist. The change box clattered to the ground, ten and fifty-dollar bills scattering across the dirt. “Ryan, let go of me! I’m not going back with you!” He ignored me completely. Blake strode forward, stepping on the bills on the ground, grinding them into the mud. “Meow!” An orange blur darted out from the bushes. It lashed out with sharp claws, scratching Ryan’s arm. Seizing the chance, I managed to break free. But as I turned, Blake kicked me in the knee. With a soft thump, I fell to my knees. Here I was, knocked down by Blake. There, the little cat was sent flying several feet away. I scrambled to get up, large tears splashing onto the ground. “Little One!” I took one step, but Ryan and Blake caught me together. They dragged me forward. My struggles were useless. My stray cat lay in a pool of blood. The money I’d saved for a burial plot lay in the mud. Just like I had six years ago.

I was hauled into that familiar SUV, my daughter Lily strapped into her car seat. The moment they tossed me into the back seat, she started wailing. “Daddy, I don’t want to sit with this ugly stranger! She smells awful!” Ryan glanced at me in the rearview mirror, then put on a show of sternly scolding Lily. “Lily, that’s not polite. This is your mommy.” Lily scrunched up her nose and sniffed. She mumbled under her breath: “She’s not my mommy. Only Aunt Felicia deserves to be my mommy.” Her voice wasn’t loud, but it reached everyone in the car. Blake snorted at me with disdain. Ryan’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. He offered an explanation. “Lily’s just not used to you, but she’ll get used to it.” I turned my head to stare out the window, my voice flat. “It’s fine. I was never her mother, wasn’t that what you said yourself?” Six years ago, in this very car. When Lily was barely a year old, Ryan himself had said to me: “Aria, do you think you’re fit to be a mother in your current state?” “Lily is just a child, what does she understand? If she wants to call Felicia ‘mommy,’ let her. Do you really need to cause a scene in front of her?” Ryan’s furious expression flashed in my mind. We drove back to the house in silence. The home I had once meticulously decorated was now unrecognizable. The rose bushes I’d planted in the garden were gone, replaced by endless roses. The swing under the tree was gone, and even the tree itself had been cut down. Everything had changed beyond recognition. My gaze swept over everything with cold indifference before I lowered my eyes. I followed them inside. Ryan opened the door to a room tucked away in a corner. It was covered in dust, with cobwebs in the corners. He coughed, covering his nose, and waved away the dust in front of him. “Your old room was turned into Felicia’s music room. You’ll have to make do here for a while.” “Once things settle down…” I cut him off before he could finish. “No need. This is fine.” My final resting place would soon be a handful of ashes. The quality of the room made no difference to me. Blake couldn’t stand my indifferent attitude, as if we were all bullies. He rolled his eyes at me and scoffed. “Ryan, if she wants to stay here, let her. All these years, she still hasn’t gotten rid of that overly dramatic habit.” Ryan sighed, but didn’t contradict him. “Stay wherever you want.” I hummed in response and closed the door. I couldn’t read the expression in Ryan’s eyes. Wasn’t he the one who drove me out of the country all those years ago? What was with this look of guilt now? I couldn’t figure it out, so I stopped trying. My body went limp as I collapsed onto the narrow twin bed. Excruciating pain ripped through me. My face went pale, and cold sweat soaked the pillow. “Knock, knock.” A knock on the door woke me. I forced myself up and opened it. Blake stood there. He held a thin blanket in his hand. “Who are you trying to play pitiful for, looking like a ghost?” He blurted out, seeing my ashen face. Then he tossed the blanket at my feet. “Here, so you don’t get sick and blame Felicia again.” “And let me warn you, no funny business. Don’t go bothering Felicia. You know why we brought you back.” Familiar words fell on my ears. I’d heard these threats countless times. From initial resistance to eventual numbness, I already knew how to respond. “Got it.” With a “bang,” I shut the door. Turning, I lay back on the bed, the blanket still lying on the floor. A dying person wouldn’t fear sickness. 3. I was woken by a banging on the door in the morning. “Ms. Aria, are you up yet? Still think you’re some high society lady?” The hard wooden bed and unfamiliar room meant I hadn’t slept well. “I’m up.” Opening the door, I saw Mrs. Davis’s familiar face. Her face still held an expression of disgust, her tone icy. “If you’re up, go eat. You really think you’re a young lady, making everyone wait for you.” Six years had passed, and she still didn’t like me. Mrs. Davis had looked after Felicia since she was little. Having no children of her own, she treated the two children of the Williams family as her own. When I was first found and brought back, she had thrown dishwater on me in front of everyone. She believed I should have just died out there when I got lost. Why did I have to come back and snatch Felicia’s place? I couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. The pain from my cancer surged through my entire body. Every breath felt like a knife slicing through me. Walking into the dining room, Felicia sat between Ryan and Lily. Her face flushed red as she ate the sandwich Ryan fed her. “Ryan.” Seeing me, her eyes darted nervously. “Aria, you’re back.” “Are you blaming me? I had no choice but to marry Ryan back then.” “If…” “Screech!” The sound of a chair scraping across the floor grated on everyone’s ears. “No. Didn’t you say you two were true love? Why would I blame you?” As soon as the words left my mouth, Felicia’s eyes welled up. Ryan slammed his knife and fork onto the table, his face clouding over. “Aria, if you don’t want to eat, then don’t.” I curved my lips into a mocking smile. I sat down, my face cold, ignoring the others. The moment I bit into a sandwich, the overly sweet taste of tomato sauce made my stomach churn. I abruptly pushed my chair back and ran to the bathroom, dry-heaving. “Aria, are you… pregnant?” Felicia’s questioning voice came from behind me. I let the icy water splash on my face, sending shivers through me. She was still so good at twisting the truth. Jealous of my talent, she’d severed my tendons. Afraid of her position being affected, she accused me of being pregnant. Her methods were clumsy, but someone always believed her. Sure enough, hearing her words, Ryan frowned, a hint of disgust in his eyes. “Aria, a woman should still have some self-respect.” I laughed bitterly inside. Did “self-respect” even apply to me anymore? When they threw me into that club, letting me be humiliated, why didn’t they talk about self-respect then? “It’s none of your business.” Ryan scoffed angrily, then walked away after a final word. “Whatever.” Returning to the dining table, I sat back in my seat. “Aria, since you’re back, why don’t you perform with me at my concert in a few days?” “We used to be called the Twin Violin Stars.” Felicia looked at me with an expectant face. My expression froze, and my gaze became somber as I stared at my hands, perpetually wrapped in bandages. These hands would never hold a violin again. Before I could hide the sadness in my eyes, Lily’s clear voice rang out. “Aunt Felicia, that ugly lady isn’t good enough to play music with you. I saw her last time, her hands are so, so ugly.” The innocent child’s voice pierced my heart like a needle.

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The day my five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease, I heard my husband talking with his mother. “It’ll cost a fortune, and there’s no cure. What’s your plan?” Judy, my mother-in-law, asked. “I never intended to treat her,”Liam replied, his tone devoid of emotion. “She’s going to die regardless.” A considering pause. “True. If the illness takes her, it’s just fate. You should file for divorce from Sarah soon. Serena is pregnant now. Your heir is secure. She’s waited for you all these years. Don’t disappoint her.” Serena? Judy’s adopted daughter? I forced my hands steady, pasted on a calm face, and walked back into the living room as if I’d heard nothing. Don’t be afraid, my Lily. Even in the deepest dark, Mommy is here. I sat on the living room sofa, replaying the day’s events in my mind. My five-year-old daughter had suddenly fainted at kindergarten. When I rushed to the hospital, a doctor delivered a sentence instead of a diagnosis: a rare genetic disorder. Back then, Liam had held me, his voice a pillar of false strength. “Sarah, we’ll get through this. Together.” “If she’s sick, we treat her. Our savings will be enough to cover Lily’s treatment.” If I hadn’t overheard that conversation tonight, I might have still believed him. I might have still loved the man I’d shared a life with for seven years. From Judy’s tone, it sounded like Liam had been cheating for years. How utterly laughable. Lost in thought, Liam’s voice sliced through the silence. “Sarah? You’re back? I thought you were at the hospital.” I looked up at the sound, catching the fleeting flicker of guilt in Liam’s eyes. I forced a faint smile. “Just grabbing a few things for Lily.” His gaze scanned my face, searching. Finding only exhaustion, his shoulders loosened a fraction. Just then, Judy walked out of the other room. “Sarah, you’re back just in time. There’s something I wanted to discuss with you.” My heart sank, bracing myself for what Judy would say next. “Look, Liam and I consulted a specialist today. The chances of curing this disease are slim, and it’s going to cost a lot of money.” “You’ve scraped together what, a few hundred thousand? Tossing it into a black hole for a chance isn’t practical. It’s financial suicide.” “Think of your future. What if you pour everything into this…and still lose her? You’ll be left with nothing but debt and grief. Could you live with that?” I didn’t answer Judy, just looked directly at Liam. “Is this what you think too?” Liam looked a little embarrassed but still sat down beside me, feigning tenderness. “Sarah, I’ve thought about it. Mom isn’t wrong.” “Lily is only five. Even if we beat this, what about ten years from now? A bottomless pit.” “We’ve worked so hard for our stability. There’s no need to-” I couldn’t stand to hear any more. I stood up and walked towards the stairs. “Liam, that’s your daughter! How can you talk about her like a ledger entry? Do you even hear yourself?” “If you won’t treat her, give me the money. Every cent is marital property. Half of it is mine by law.” “As long as there’s even a sliver of hope, I will not give up on my daughter!” At my words, Judy instantly flared up, blocking my path. “Yours? What is yours? What the hell have you ever contributed?You haven’t earned a red cent in this marriage!” “You want to waste our future on a lost cause? Fine. Liam will divorce you!” “You couldn’t even give him a son. You owe this family, and this is how you repay us?” I ignored Judy and tried to walk past her, heading upstairs. “Then we divorce.” “And Liam leaves with nothing.”

My words finally broke through Liam’s pretense. He shot to his feet, flanking his mother. “Leave with nothing? Sarah, don’t be absurd!” “And…and it was Mom’s idea to divorce, not mine! Why are you so eager to agree?” “Unless…are you seeing someone else?” Liam’s audacity almost made me laugh. In the ruins of our life, with our daughter fighting for hers, he was trying to turn the tables on me. But Lily was waiting. I didn’t want to waste any more time with them. I packed my things and left the house. For the next three days, Liam didn’t call or text me once. His family never came to the hospital to check on Lily. As for his so-called adopted sister, Serena, she even posted her ultrasound scan results on SnapChat. The scan clearly stated: “Serena Miller, 11 weeks pregnant.” Her caption read: “Before you even arrive in this world, Mommy and Daddy already love you.” As I was looking at it, my daughter was wheeled out of the treatment room, and I quickly put away my phone. Lily lay weakly on the hospital bed after her radiation therapy. “Mommy, did you and Daddy fight? Why hasn’t Daddy come to see me?” “Does my illness cost a lot of money?” “Mommy, why are you crying? Don’t cry, Lily doesn’t hurt.” My daughter said, reaching out to wipe away my tears. I fought back the lump in my throat and gently held her small hand. “It’s okay, it doesn’t cost much. Mommy has money, and Mommy will definitely make Lily better.” “Mommy isn’t crying, and you shouldn’t be scared either.” “With Mommy here, I’ll definitely get better.” Lily tried to say more, but after the treatment, she was too weak and soon fell asleep again. Looking at my daughter’s sleeping face, I felt as if a giant hand was squeezing my heart, making it almost impossible to breathe. When Liam and I started our company, we navigated countless client meetings and networking events together, securing one order after another for him. Once the company was stable, Liam didn’t like me being out in the public eye, so I focused on taking care of the home for him. For all these years, Liam and I were seen as a loving couple by outsiders. If it weren’t for Lily’s illness this time, I would never have known that my husband had already been secretly having an affair with someone else, even disregarding our child’s life. Thinking of this, I dialed my sister Luna, who was a lawyer. “Luna, how are things going with what I asked you to look into?” “Good. The trial might be in a few days.” “Please help me.” That night, after Lily fell asleep, I asked the nurse to keep an eye on her for a bit. I took her clothes home to wash and also to pack some more things. But the moment I stepped through the door, I was stunned by the sight. The living room coffee table was covered in wine glasses and various alcoholic drinks, and empty bottles were scattered all over the carpet. Dozens of people were having a party in my living room, and the air was thick with a nauseating, sour smell of alcohol. If it weren’t for the familiar furniture and decor, I would have thought I’d walked into a club VIP room. The moment they saw me, there was a brief silence in the living room. I looked at Liam, pointing at the crowd of men and women in the living room, and demanded, “Our daughter is still lying in the hospital, and you’re in the mood to bring all these people here to party?” “Liam, you truly are an animal!” Hearing my blunt words, everyone in the living room started explaining to Liam’s defense. “Sarah, don’t blame Liam. We heard about Lily and worried he was upset, so we came to keep him company. Don’t be mad at him.” “Explain what? The illness isn’t Liam’s fault. If not for his company, would she be living the good life? The sick child is her problem, not his.” another one said. “I heard you’re even divorcing Liam and want him to leave with nothing? That’s just laughable.” Serena also stepped forward at this moment, apologizing to me with a look of guilt. “Sarah, if you really have to blame someone, blame me. I was worried Liam would do something reckless, so I thought of inviting some good friends to be with him.” “We didn’t expect you to come home suddenly. If you’re unhappy, we’ll leave right now…” I sneered at Serena, finally letting my gaze settle on her still-flat stomach. “Didn’t your SnapChat say you’re pregnant? I suppose you can’t drink alcohol then?” “What? Is the baby’s father not here with you? Oh, right, when are you planning to get married? Liam and I would love to send you a big gift.” Liam pulled Serena behind him. “That’s enough, Sarah! Stop being so snarky.” “I know you’re upset because of Lily, but what does any of this have to do with Serena?” I let out a cold laugh, ignoring everyone present, and walked straight towards the upstairs bedroom. My daughter was waiting for me at the hospital; I couldn’t be bothered to waste time with these trashy people. When I came downstairs with my packed things, the living room was empty, save for the empty liquor bottles and countless glasses scattered everywhere. I pretended not to see them, grabbed my things, and prepared to leave. But as I passed the guest bedroom downstairs, I heard indecent sounds. A man’s voice, hoarse with suppressed desire. “You’re not three months yet. The doctor said we shouldn’t.” “And she’s still upstairs. If she hears us, we’re done for.”

The woman’s voice was so alluring it could make your bones melt. “Don’t worry, just be gentle. It’ll be fine.” “Besides, she’s packed her things and left. Right now, her mind is completely focused on her dying daughter. She won’t care about anything else.” “And I closed the door. Your house has such good soundproofing; she won’t hear us.” “It’s been so long, don’t you want me?” The next second, the man and woman on the guest bed were entwined, and the air was thick with the scent of their passion. I pulled out my phone and, through the slightly ajar door, captured the scene. Just as I put my phone away and prepared to leave, Serena, beneath Liam, shifted her gaze, and our eyes met across the room. In that moment, what more was there for me not to understand? Serena had said she closed the door, but it was clearly open a crack. Serena did it on purpose. She left the door just so. Orchestrated the scene for my eyes alone. We are both women. How could I not understand her intentions? …… The next morning, I was at the hospital’s payment counter, ready to renew my daughter’s hospitalization fees. But the staff member, after checking, looked at me in confusion. “Lily? She’s already been discharged. No more fees are needed.” At those words, my head buzzed. I lifted my leg and ran towards the chief doctor’s office. The moment I reached the doctor’s office door, I heard Liam’s voice. “I am Lily’s biological father; I am her legal guardian. I have the right to refuse treatment.” “Alright, Dr. Lee, I just don’t want the child to suffer. Look at how much she’s already suffering…” I couldn’t bear to listen anymore and burst into the doctor’s office. Liam was sitting opposite the doctor, with a “Do Not Resuscitate” order in front of him. Every rational thought left me. I snatched the form, crushed it in my fist, and hurled the crumpled paper at his face. “Liam, what kind of monster are you?” “Refusing treatment means sending Lily to her death! Do you deserve to be a father?” Liam gave the doctor an awkward smile, then looked at me. “Sarah, what are you saying? I’m doing this for Lily’s own good.” “Just now, Mom and I went to see Lily in her room. Look how worn out she looks! Isn’t this just pure suffering?” “I think you’re just selfish. Just because you can’t bear to part with the child, you…” Before Liam could finish, I suddenly remembered. That’s right, Judy! I turned and rushed to Lily’s room. The scene before me as I entered the room made my heart shatter. Judy was dragging my daughter, still lying in her hospital bed, cursing her out with vile words. “Get home now! Do you know how much it costs for you to stay here even one day?” “Girls are just a bottomless pit for money! She’s only a few years old and already knows how to spend so much!” “Come with me now! Don’t think I won’t hit you just because we’re in a hospital!” My daughter was crying uncontrollably. “Grandma, let go of me! Don’t take me away.” “I want to wait for Mommy to come back. I want to wait for Mommy to come back.” I rushed forward and pushed Judy away, tenderly pulling my daughter into my arms. “What are you doing? The child is already sick, and you’re treating her like this!” Judy stumbled from my push, almost falling. Liam, who had followed me, quickly caught her. “Sarah! That’s my mother! How dare you lay a hand on her?” Judy also pointed a finger at me, her expression as if she had suffered some enormous grievance. “Oh, you dare to hit me!” “Divorce! I demanded my son divorces you! I demand it!”

I held my daughter tightly in my arms. “Get out! This is a hospital. Don’t make a scene here.” Liam tried to pull his mother back, but Judy shook him off. “You both have to leave! Do you think I don’t know? You’ve blown through nearly ten thousand dollars here in just a few days!” “That’s ten thousand dollars! Do you think money grows on trees?” My gaze was ice as it settled on Judy. “For ten thousand? I’d spend a million. I’d spend every last cent if it meant saving her.” “And you, Liam, if you ever sign another DNR behind my back again,” “I swear,I will burn our entire world to the ground!” Judy was so enraged by my last sentence that she almost fainted, her finger pointing at me trembling uncontrollably. “You, you, you, you wretched woman! You’re cursing my Thompson family!” “Fine, fine, fine, you want to treat her, then treat her, but don’t expect us to pay another cent. I’m making Liam divorce you right now!” I was about to say something when Lily tugged at my sleeve. “Mommy, Lily doesn’t want treatment anymore.” “Don’t argue with Daddy and Grandma.” I hadn’t felt like crying when the old woman was yelling curses in my face. But my daughter’s thoughtfulness now made my nose sting sharply. I gave Lily a reassuring look, then turned to Judy. “Divorce is fine, but as I said, Liam leaves with nothing!” Liam, who had been silent, was now breathing heavily, enraged by my words. “Sarah, if you want a divorce, fine, but leaving with nothing is a bit much, isn’t it?” “You’ve never worked a day since you married me. Every penny in this house was earned by me. What right do you have to make me leave with nothing?” “Sarah, why are you so aggressive now?” Liam’s words almost made me laugh in disbelief. He hadn’t even cleaned up his own mess, and he was calling me aggressive? Seeing that I remained silent, Liam took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and spoke each word slowly. “Sarah, I’ll ask you one last time. Are you absolutely set on divorce?” I stared at him with a half-smile, offering no reply. Liam slammed a piece of paper fiercely at my feet. “Then let’s divorce!” “But you’ve been eating my food and using my money all these years. You’re the one who should leave with nothing, not me!” I picked up the divorce papers from the floor and looked at the clause demanding I leave empty-handed, finding it utterly ridiculous. Seven years of marriage, and Liam wanted everything from this union. Except for me and our child. “You know perfectly well who the at-fault party is in this marriage. And whether your company reached where it is today solely by your efforts, you also know.” “Liam, don’t make me sick to my stomach.” The instant my words fell, Judy could no longer hold back. She grabbed the bag in her hand, intending to hit me over the head. “We never should have married a jinx like you! You wretched woman, are you trying to say my son is the one at fault?” “Let me tell you, either you leave with nothing, or we’ll see each other in court! I will absolutely not let you take a single penny from my son!” I grabbed Judy’s bag. At the same time, her words made my heart lighten. Going to court was exactly what I wanted; I was afraid Liam wouldn’t agree to it. A week later, Liam and my divorce case finally opened. The trial was public. The courtroom was packed with Liam’s family and friends. Before the hearing, Liam and Judy cornered me in the hall. Their eyes were red-rimmed with rage. “You dream of taking my son’s assets? Never!” “A barren wife demanding money? The law doesn’t reward failure!” Serena stood beside Liam, a triumphant expression on her face as if victory were already assured. I walked past them without a word. Once proceedings began, the judge reviewed Liam’s filings. After a long moment, he looked at me, his expression impartial. “Mrs. Thompson, a child’s illness is a tragedy, not a fault. A parent’s refusal of treatment, while morally complex, is not in itself unlawful.” “You may file for divorce from Mr. Thompson.” “However, you cannot use this reason to demand Mr. Thompson leave with nothing.” I stood up and faced the judge directly. “Your Honor, I have new evidence.”

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The day I found out Kevin, the head of our crime syndicate, had cheated for the first time, I filed for divorce. But he locked me in our bedroom for five days and four nights, going through two boxes of condoms. Afterward, he wore a look of utter helplessness as he explained: “Our rivals set me up, drugged me, and forced me into a one-night stand with Serena. You have to forgive me.” The second time, I saw him with Serena at her prenatal appointment. Again, I brought up divorce. He pushed me against the wall, his voice laced with menace: “Audrey, you want a divorce? Over my dead body. You need to trust me. Serena is a plant from our enemies. I have to keep her close, it’s a deep cover operation. Once she has the baby, I’ll get rid of her immediately.” But then Serena had a miscarriage, and everyone suspected I was behind it. Serena lunged at me, her hands clamped around my throat like a madwoman: “Hate me all you want! Why would you hurt my baby?!” Even Kevin looked at me, his eyes filled with disappointment: “I told you to wait, why would you touch *my* child?” With that, he ordered me to be locked in the basement. “You’ll stay down here until you’ve truly reflected on what you’ve done.” Curled in the corner, I sent a message on my phone: 【Erase all records of my child’s birth. Once the paperwork is complete, arrange for me and my child to leave.】

The blood-soaked basement door finally opened just as I was losing consciousness. Kevin scooped me up, pulling me into a tender embrace, his voice filled with concern: “You almost ruined our syndicate’s counter-scheme, I had to punish you like this to give the crew a proper explanation.” “You know I love you the most. Once my plan involving Serena succeeds, we can go back to how things were.” And his “plan involving Serena” meant getting her pregnant with his child again. He claimed it was the only way to keep Serena controlled and our enemies in the dark. I watched him put on his act of deep affection, my heart a barren wasteland. But Kevin, we could never go back to how things were. There would be no future for us. And he would never know that he already had a child, a child with me. The day he became the syndicate boss, he witnessed a subordinate’s child being held hostage by their rivals. The subordinate’s wife, in a surge of maternal instinct, died tragically in a hail of gunfire, protecting her child. From that day on, he would often tell me, haunted by the memory: “Let’s not have children. I don’t want a child to become your weakness, and I can’t bear the thought of losing you.” I agreed. But as I saw his eyes light up with joy, time and again, looking at other people’s children, I secretly wanted to give him a surprise. That year, Kevin went to Mexico for a mission and told me to stay away for a year. It was during that time I found out I was pregnant with his child. Afraid he’d worry, I kept it from him until the baby was born. Later, because of a premature birth, the baby was weak and had to stay in the hospital. And that’s when Kevin brought Serena into my life. My surprise never made it to him. Instead, Kevin handed me a massive surprise of his own. My phone vibrated, pulling me from my thoughts: 【Your expedited divorce papers are almost ready. The process will be complete in a week. Then, we’ll get you and Hugh out of here.】 I managed a faint smile. Good. In a week, Kevin and I would be nothing to each other. After that, Kevin started juggling his time between Serena and me. Afraid I’d be upset, he sent carload after carload of gifts. The latest jewelry, limited-edition handbags—all the things I used to love. “Trust me, we’ll be back to normal soon. I love you.” I’d lost count of how many times he knelt before me, proclaiming his love and his helplessness. It was laughable. He slept with Serena every night, yet he was terrified of upsetting me. Four days before the divorce was finalized, Serena, whether intentionally or not, suddenly showed up with a huge bouquet of sunflowers. I had a severe allergic reaction to pollen and was rushed to the hospital. Kevin, upon hearing the news, ripped into Serena. “If this happens again, you’re out!” Serena’s eyes reddened as she apologized, then covered her face and ran out. That night, Serena disappeared. Kevin and his men searched all night before finally finding her. When they did, she was covered in allergic rashes. She kept her eyes down, not daring to look at me, and stammered nervously: “I deserve this punishment. After all, I accidentally caused Ms. Audrey’s allergy.” I was utterly confused, but Kevin gave me a meaningful glance. It wasn’t until I overheard him talking to the doctor in private that I realized the truth. “Add Audrey’s allergen to her IV drip. Wait a night before treating her.” “She made Serena suffer, so she’ll get a taste of her own medicine.” I froze solid, my heart felt like it had been violently smashed to the ground, crushed repeatedly, making it impossible to breathe. 2. The next day, Serena and I were both discharged. Kevin drove us himself. I didn’t want to ride with them, but Kevin practically shoved me into the car. We hadn’t driven far when the steering wheel suddenly failed, sending the car careening directly toward the roadside barrier. In that critical moment, Serena suddenly lunged, shielding me. She slammed hard against the car seat. By the time Kevin reacted, he saw Serena protecting me. His hand instinctively shot out toward Serena, but then his gaze landed on me, and he snapped back to reality. “Audrey, thank God you’re okay.” He didn’t spare Serena another glance until she was taken away by the ambulance. But in the deserted hospital room, Kevin pinned her beneath him, his eyes seething with suppressed fury. “Who told you to jump in front? Don’t you know you’re pregnant?” “Are you trying to kill yourself? Is that what you want?” The next second, Kevin kissed her fiercely. She was pregnant again. My heart felt completely numb. I quietly backed out of the room. Kevin didn’t come home that night. It wasn’t until the next morning that he stood by my bed, his eyes full of disappointment: “I had that car checked. Someone tampered with the steering wheel.” I looked up, incredulous: “You suspect me?” Kevin sighed: “I told you, I’m only using Serena. Once I’m done with her, I’ll send her away. She’s no threat to you. She even risked her life to protect you. Why can’t you just accept her?” It was summer, but I felt bone-chillingly cold. Kevin actually didn’t believe me. In the days that followed, he deliberately started freezing me out. But I didn’t care anymore, because in two days, I would be leaving with Hugh for good. The day before I left was my fifth wedding anniversary with Kevin. I expected him to continue neglecting me, but instead, he chartered a luxurious yacht to celebrate. Yet, the moment we boarded the vessel, his subordinate informed him that Serena had disappeared again. That night, Kevin scoured every inch of New York, but still couldn’t find a trace of Serena. He smashed a vase, and shards scattered at my feet. “Audrey, tell me, where is Serena?” I shook my head: “I don’t know… I really don’t know…” It wasn’t the first time he’d suspected me because of Serena, but my chest still tore open with pain. Someone handed him Serena’s phone from before her disappearance. The last call was to me. Kevin rubbed his pounding temples: “Audrey, the evidence is right here. Are you still going to deny it?” I scoffed: “Just because of one phone call, you’re convinced I had someone kidnap Serena?” I remembered the call Serena made to me before she disappeared— “My allergy was self-inflicted. I intentionally messed with the steering wheel too. I knew I wouldn’t actually get hurt, I just wanted to put on a show for you, diving in front of you.” “A man’s pity and guilt are the strongest chains. I want Kevin to soften towards me, to compensate me, little by little, until I completely replace you.” Her ambition on the other end of the line was clear as day. “Audrey, I know you and Kevin have a child. Want to make a bet?” “Let’s bet whether you and your son are more important to Kevin, or if I and the baby in my belly are.” So Serena’s disappearance was a setup, all her doing, but Kevin wouldn’t believe a word I said. He looked at me with disappointment: “Audrey, Serena is crucial to the plan. Can you please stop messing around!?” 3. Minutes ticked by, the men he’d sent out still had no news, and Kevin completely lost his patience. “Serena told me you adopted a child from an orphanage.” My spine stiffened instantly. Kevin raised a hand, and someone dragged in a canvas sack. Something alive was squirming inside. He picked up a steel pipe nearby, his expression turning vicious: “Audrey, last chance. If you don’t tell me where Serena is, this child won’t make it.” “Hugh!” My eyes immediately turned bloodshot. I lunged forward, but someone held me back with an iron grip. Kevin raised the steel pipe high and brought it down with brutal force. “No!!” My pupils contracted, and the world dissolved into a blur of red, as if the blow had landed on me. A whimper escaped the sack. The person inside bounced, then fell heavily, becoming still. A dark stain of blood bloomed from the sack’s opening. “Ah!!!” I completely broke down. My entire world turned red. The second blow was raised again. “Stop it! That’s your child in there! It’s your own flesh and blood, Hugh!” I was tugged and pulled, screaming hysterically. Tears mixed with blood ran down my face, my eyes filled with shattered despair. Kevin’s hand, holding the steel pipe, paused: “Audrey, stop playing games. We agreed not to have children. Why lie to me about something like this?” I no longer cared about anything else. I struggled, crawling to his feet, my face drenched in tears as I pleaded: “He really is your child, he’s your Hugh… Please… let him go, call a doctor, save him…” Kevin bent down, pinching my chin: “Be a good girl, tell me where Serena is, and I’ll let him go.” I shook my head frantically, tears flying: “I don’t know, I really don’t know! Let the child go, please let him go!” Kevin’s eyes instantly turned cold, and the second blow came down fiercely. A muffled groan came from the sack, then absolute silence. “Ah… no…” I coughed up a mouthful of blood, my body convulsing violently. The third blow, the fourth blow… Ten blows in all. There was no sound left from the sack. “Hugh…” Seeing the stillness in the bag, the ground stained crimson, I collapsed to my knees, my body rigid as if electrocuted, yet shaking uncontrollably. I vomited another mouthful of blood, staining the ground before me. Kevin stepped forward, his black leather shoe sinking into the blood, and ground it into the sack. “Audrey, still not going to talk?” He stomped down again with brutal force. The sickening crunch of bones was sickeningly clear. “Hugh!!” I screamed in anguish, crawling forward but being held back with an iron grip. I roared hoarsely: “Kevin, I curse you! You’ll never have another child in your life!” Kevin’s body stiffened abruptly. Just then, someone rushed in: “Boss, we found Ms. Serena.” Kevin’s hand, which had been stroking my hair, paused: “Tell me the exact location!” He immediately stood up and rushed out without looking back. Not long after Kevin left, two men came in, intending to snatch Hugh from my arms. I snapped awake, pulling Hugh closer: “What do you want?” “Boss said to throw him into the sea to feed the sharks.” The men were merciless, forcibly ripping Hugh from my arms, disgustedly stuffing him back into the sack, and turning to leave. “Hugh!!!” I chased after them, my heart tearing apart, but they brutally locked me inside the cabin. When Kevin returned with Serena, he found me slumped on the floor, staring blankly. “Did you order Hugh’s body to be thrown into the sea to feed the sharks?”

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**Nova Hayes POV** Everyone in New York knew I was head over heels for Ronnie Thorne. He was my brother’s best friend, six years my senior. Eight years ago, when I was just sixteen, trapped by some thugs, he appeared and shielded me. That’s when I fell for him. Hard. I followed him around, too scared to let him know how I felt, until my eighteenth birthday when I finally mustered the courage to confess. He leaned against the hallway wall, a cigarette glowing between his fingers. He stubbed it out, a lazy smirk on his face. “Little one, what do you know about love?” I got a bit anxious. “I’ll grow up!” He chuckled, then casually said, “Alright, fine. When you turn twenty-four, if you still like me, I’ll give you an answer.” For that answer, I chased him for eight years. My entire youth was written with his name. Today, I finally turned twenty-four. I baked a cake with my own hands, ready to go to him and claim the answer that was eight years overdue. But as I reached the private room on the third floor of the club, I heard a baby crying inside. I froze. The laughing voices of men inside drifted out clearly. “Ronnie, that’s a seriously messed up move.” One man laughed. “Fake marriage, even get a kid involved? Nova’s gonna go insane!” Ronnie’s voice chimed in, with his usual lazy tone and a hint of impatience. “If I don’t go all out, will she ever let go? In these eight years, have you ever seen her give up?” Another voice echoed. “True, that woman sticks to you like glue, can’t shake her off. But wow, you really went to great lengths to get Iris Miller.” Ronnie let out a soft laugh, his voice laced with the arrogant confidence of someone who always gets what they want. “Iris is kind; she always feels sorry for Nova. I need her to see clearly that unless we cut ties completely, we can’t start anything.” “So you paid Iris to act out this whole charade with you? Even ‘borrowed’ a baby, all just to give Nova a surprise on her birthday today?” “Solving two problems at once.” Ronnie’s voice was cold as ice. “It’ll make Nova give up completely, and it’ll show Iris my determination. I’ve already sent her the invitation; today’s just a heads-up.” “Haha, that’s hardcore, Ronnie! If Nova actually shows up and makes a scene on the wedding day, it’ll be a show!” “She wouldn’t dare.” Ronnie’s two words hit me hard. So, the answer I’d waited for with all my heart was a meticulously planned humiliation. So, for another woman, he could be this cruel to me. The cake box in my hand slipped and crashed to the floor. I watched as cream and fruit splattered everywhere, a complete mess. The voices from inside the private room abruptly stopped. The door was yanked open. Ronnie stood there, his eyes showing no surprise when he saw me. His friends peered out from behind him, their faces eager for a show. I stared at him, the man I had loved for eight years. “You heard everything?” His tone was flat. I didn’t speak, just kept looking at him. “Good that you heard it. Saves me the trouble of explaining.” Ronnie pulled out a cigarette pack from his pocket and lit one. “That’s how it is. Iris and I are getting married. Nova, stop bothering me from now on.” I turned and ran into the pouring rain. I didn’t cry. I didn’t even look back. The icy rain drenched me, and my mind felt clearer than ever before. All my eight years of devotion, in his eyes, were just an annoyance. My eight years of waiting, in his eyes, were just a nuisance. I felt like such a clown. I stopped, wiped a hand across my face. I pulled out my phone and called my brother, Ben Hayes. On the other end, Ben’s voice was full of concern. “Nova? Where are you? Why are you breathing so heavily?” I took a deep breath. “Ben, I’ve figured it out.” “…What?” “What you said before, about me going to Paris to study design? I agree.” There was a few seconds of silence on the other end, then Ben’s excited voice rang out. “Really? That’s great! You finally came to your senses!” “And,” I looked at the blurry neon lights in the distance. “That friend you mentioned introducing me to last time? Arrange it. I want to meet new people.” “No problem! Nova, whatever you do, I’ll support you!” After hanging up, I let out a long breath. I gave him eight years; that was enough. I returned to my empty apartment, peeled off my soaked clothes, and stepped into the shower. Hot water cascaded over my head, washing over my body. My phone pinged. It was a message from Ronnie. It was a photo: a cute baby nestled in a blanket, beside a gold-embossed wedding invitation. [Next month, on the eighteenth. Don’t forget to come.] I stared at that photo for a long time. Then, I typed two words and sent them. [Okay.] Only after doing all that did I stand up and drag a heavy box from under my bed. It contained all of Ronnie’s things I had collected over the past eight years. The jersey he wore playing basketball, I secretly picked up and washed clean. The pen he’d carelessly used, I’d treasured until now. Our only photo together was from graduation; I stood in a corner of the crowd, while he was center stage. I took out each item, one by one, and tossed them into the giant black trash bag beside me. Finally, I picked up the graduation photo frame. The boy in the photo was dashing and brilliant, full of youthful vigor. I once naively believed that if I tried hard enough, I could get closer to that light. Now I understood. Some people are just meant to live in the shadows. I let go, and the frame dropped into the trash bag with a muffled thud. I knew then: my eight years of secret love ended here.

**Ronnie Thorne POV** I was drinking with my friends in the private room when I received her reply. I stared at the two short words on my phone screen—”Okay”—and couldn’t help but frown. She was too calm. Too calm to be the Nova Hayes who would wait five hours in a snowstorm just to see me. “Ronnie, what are you looking at?” My friend next to me leaned over, glanced at my phone, and scoffed. “Oh, Nova replied? What’s her game now? Giving up?” Another friend analyzed. “No way. She definitely heard everything outside earlier. That woman is cunning. She probably knows that a frontal assault won’t work, so she’s planning new tricks.” “Good point! She’s probably trying to act like she doesn’t care, to make us drop our guard, then pull a big stunt at the wedding!” Everyone chimed in, and soon, a “reasonable” explanation for Nova’s behavior was found. I stubbed out my cigarette and smirked. Exactly. I knew Nova wouldn’t give up that easily. Fine, I’ll play along. I’d like to see what kind of games she can come up with. I tossed my phone onto the table and told everyone, “Alright, stick to the plan. The show must go on.” Everyone chuckled, understanding. Just then, the private room door was pushed open, and Ben Hayes walked in, radiating cold fury. “Ronnie, step outside. We need to talk.” Ben’s voice was thick with suppressed anger. I slowly poured myself another drink, not looking at him. “Talk about what? Your sister?” “You know I’m not kidding!” “Neither am I.” I swirled my glass. “Ben, control your sister. Don’t let her bother me anymore.” Ben’s fists instantly clenched, veins popping on his hands. But I couldn’t be bothered to even glance at him. I grabbed my jacket and stood up. “I have plans with Iris. No time to waste talking to you.” I walked directly past Ben, shoulder-checking him hard. Leaving Ben standing there, trembling with rage.

**Ben Hayes POV** Today was my birthday party. As the host, I was worried, constantly glancing towards the entrance. Nova had promised to come, but she still hadn’t shown up. The banquet hall buzzed with cheerful guests. Suddenly, a stir at the entrance. Ronnie had arrived. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, Iris Miller clinging to his arm in a flowing white gown. Iris gently held his arm, while Ronnie carried a baby in a blanket. The picture of a happy family of three captured everyone’s attention. **Ronnie Thorne POV** I ignored everyone’s stares and walked directly towards a figure in the corner. Nova had arrived sometime earlier. She wore simple jeans and a white T-shirt, bare-faced, holding a glass of juice, as quiet as an outsider. She had lost weight; her chin was so sharp it hurt to look at. A flicker of an unfamiliar emotion crossed my mind, but it was quickly replaced by annoyance. She was playing these disgusting games again. I walked up to her, deliberately shifting the baby in my arms closer to Iris. Iris spoke softly. “Nova, long time no see. I know you’re hurting, but you can’t force feelings. Ronnie is a family man now; you should let go.” **Nova Hayes POV** Ronnie’s friends immediately surrounded me, chanting in unison. “Exactly, Nova, you’ve chased him for eight years, haven’t you faced reality yet?” “It was one thing when he was single, but now he has a kid. If you keep clinging to him, you’ll just be making a fool of yourself.” “You should know your place. Don’t make things awkward for everyone.” Each mocking word, each sneering laugh, felt like countless needles piercing me. And Ronnie, he just stood there, watching coldly. I knew he was waiting. He was waiting for me to break down, to cry and make a scene, just like I had countless times before. But I just lifted my eyes and looked at them. I looked at the smiling Iris, then at the baby in Ronnie’s arms. Finally, I looked at Ronnie’s cold face. I smiled. “Is that so?” “Then I wish you both,” I raised my glass of juice towards them. “May you grow old together.” With that, I drained the juice in my glass, then turned and walked towards another group of people. Ronnie’s smile froze. Iris’s expression was also a little bewildered. The friends around them exchanged glances, no one speaking another word. 3. **Ronnie Thorne POV** A surge of indescribable irritation swelled within me. I hated this feeling of losing control. Nova shouldn’t have reacted like that. She should have cried, she should have screamed, she should have demanded to know why I was doing this to her. Then I could have thrown all my harsh words at her face, making her disappear from my world forever. But she didn’t. She just calmly wished us well, then walked away. “Ronnie, this…” The person next to me was at a loss. Iris gently tugged my sleeve. “Ronnie, did I say something wrong? Nova looks really upset.” I suppressed that flicker of unease and scoffed. “Upset? She’s faking it.” Even as I said that, I couldn’t help but watch her. Nova walked to the other end of the banquet hall. Ben immediately went to her, murmuring something to her with a worried expression. Nova shook her head, even offering a reassuring smile. That smile infuriated me. Ben suddenly looked up, glaring at me furiously. He shielded Nova behind him and stormed over. “Ronnie!” Ben’s voice was laced with towering rage. “It’s my birthday today. What’s with you bringing people here to put on a show?” I held the baby. “I came to wish you a happy birthday. What’s the problem?” “Don’t you dare pretend with me!” Ben was so angry he spoke without thinking. “Don’t think I don’t know what you did to Nova! What kind of person are you?” “What did I do?” I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “I just let my fiancée and baby meet everyone in advance, so some people don’t cling to unwarranted fantasies. I’m helping your sister, making her face reality sooner.” “You—” Ben raised his hand, ready to throw a punch. “Ben!” **Nova Hayes POV** I quickly walked over and grabbed his arm. Looking at my brother, I gently shook my head. Seeing this, Iris quickly stepped forward, clinging to Ronnie’s arm, and softly said to Ben, “Ben, don’t be angry, it’s all a misunderstanding. Ronnie didn’t mean any harm.” As she spoke, she seemed to stumble, her body swaying. The red wine glass in her hand accidentally slipped, spilling the entire contents perfectly onto my white dress. “Ah!” Iris cried out in surprise, quickly pulling out tissues to wipe the wine stain from my chest. “I’m so sorry, Nova, I didn’t mean to. Please don’t blame me.” I felt her hand, seemingly wiping, but actually tugging hard at my clothes. The more she “wiped,” the dirtier my dress became. I slapped Iris’s hand away. “Don’t touch me.” Iris was pushed back a step, her eyes instantly reddening. She looked at Ronnie, wronged. “Ronnie, I…” Ronnie’s anger flared. He handed the baby to someone nearby, shielded Iris behind him, and sharply barked at me, “Nova, what the hell is wrong with you? Iris apologized, what more do you want?” I looked at him, feeling only absurdity. I said nothing, turning to leave this place. The moment I turned, a sound came from above. Everyone instinctively looked up. The giant crystal chandelier in the center of the banquet hall was plummeting from the ceiling! Right below it were Iris and I! I saw the terrified screams and scattering figures of the people around me. I saw my brother, Ben, rushing towards me in a panic. I saw Ronnie. I saw him move. His movements were decisive, he rushed towards Iris without hesitation. He pulled her tightly into his arms, turning his back to the danger, shielding her perfectly. In that moment, in my world, there was only Ronnie’s resolute back. Turns out, in such a moment, I didn’t even deserve a glance from him. “Nova—!” Ben’s heartbreaking cry was drowned out by a colossal crash. A sharp pain struck me from above. The second before my consciousness was swallowed by darkness, the last thing I saw was Ronnie, looking down, anxiously and gently comforting a startled Iris in his arms. My vision went black, and I completely lost consciousness.

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I had been secretly married for five years when her best friend mentioned it casually. “She was planning a big, public wedding.” Overjoyed, I immediately called my wife Chloe. But she told me she was out of town for a business trip and not to bother her. Three days later, at the wedding venue, I watched my wife slide a ring onto her childhood sweetheart’s finger. I watched them kiss. My work, credited with his name. My wife, marrying another man. I was a complete joke. I stood up. The moment she saw me, her face instantly blustered with panic. “What are you doing here?” A cold smile touched my lips. “I came to give you two my blessings. And to tender my resignation!” I drained my glass, set it down with a final click, and walked away. Just as I’d predicted, Chloe didn’t follow. No call. No text. The next time I saw her was past midnight. The front door swung open, and she brought in the night’s chill, along with the thick, cloying scent of expensive bourbon. For years, I had grown accustomed to waiting for her at home. Chloe would always unleash all her fury on me, and tonight was no different. But I wouldn’t blindly indulge her like I used to. “Liam.”Her voice was sharp. “What the hell were you doing there today? That wasn’t your place. You’re a junior analyst. People saw you. They’ll talk.” “Brandon and I are only pretending to be married. It’s all he’s ever wanted, and we’ve known him forever. How could I say no to one little performance?” I forced a bitter laugh. “So, tomorrow, everyone at the company will know you married Brandon. That kind of ‘misunderstanding’ is perfectly fine with you?” Chloe’s brows furrowed instantly at my words. “What is your problem? I explained it. It’s a charade for Brandon. Why are you so obsessed with optics? I’ve been married to you for five years, what more do you want?” “If it weren’t for Brandon, I never would have married you in the first place.” I fell silent. I’d met Chloe in my sophomore year, and it was love at first sight. Back then, I’d never been in a relationship, not even had a crush. To make Chloe fall for me, I brought her breakfast every day, attended the same classes, and engineered all sorts of “chance encounters.” She accepted all my kindness, and I thought it was proof she was falling for me. I spent my days immersed in the illusion of an impending romance. Until one day, I saw Chloe practically begging Brandon to accept a slice of cake. That’s when I knew she loved Brandon, not me. Brandon was the campus heartthrob in our major, her dream guy. But what Chloe didn’t know was that Brandon was secretly a huge playboy. Because of Brandon, I could never break through that final emotional barrier between Chloe and me. The year we graduated, Chloe approached me. If I gave her my meticulously prepared graduation project, she’d agree to be my girlfriend. I was ecstatic, believing she had finally seen through Brandon’s true colors. But on the day of the graduation defense, I watched Brandon confidently present my design on stage. Thanks to my design, Brandon not only won “Outstanding Graduate” but also landed a job at a top-tier company. I wanted to ask Chloe for an explanation, but I was afraid it would hurt our relationship, so I let the matter go unresolved. Not long after graduation, Chloe again proposed marriage to me, on the condition that I join her family’s company and all my work copyrights would belong to her. For me, it was a massive surprise, something I’d always dreamed of. But after we married, Chloe not only refused to let me touch her but also rarely came home. Later, I learned that marrying me and having me join her family’s company were all Brandon’s demands. After graduation, Brandon struggled to adapt to his new company and couldn’t produce the programs they required, so he set his sights on me. By having Chloe marry me, he would secure a stable ghost-coder. And Chloe agreed to the marriage because Brandon promised to always love her, and people who loved each other should help each other. “If it weren’t to help Brandon’s career, I would never have married that clueless nobody.” Chloe herself said this to her best friend one night when she was drunk on her birthday. I was standing right outside the door that night. I always thought that if I tried hard enough, she would eventually love me. I always thought that if I did enough, she would recognize Brandon’s incompetence. But as time went on, I remained nothing more than a tool in her eyes, filled with unrequited affection. With my help, Brandon’s reputation soared in the industry, and the Davis family’s company grew bigger and bigger. Yet I was just a junior employee in her company, at her beck and call. Now, my last shred of love for her had been extinguished by that wedding.

Looking at Chloe, I wanted to argue, but the words died on my lips, leaving only a sense of helplessness. “Chloe, let’s get a divorce.” Her face instantly shifted from anger to cold indifference. “Divorce? What right do you have to suggest divorce? This marriage, only I can decide to end it.” “You know what to say and what not to say at the company tomorrow. And send me the new program as soon as you’ve finished writing it.” Her condescending attitude stemmed entirely from my years of unwavering compliance. But I’m not a machine; I have feelings too. “Tomorrow, I’m going to the company to resign. I won’t be doing this anymore.” A flicker of fury crossed Chloe’s face. She hadn’t expected me to resist. “How long are you going to keep this up? I’ve already explained about the wedding. Haven’t things always been this way for years? Stop being so dramatic.” “I’ll give you one more night. We’ll talk again tomorrow once you’ve adjusted your emotions.” Chloe always had this attitude, believing I could handle anything on my own. The cold wind and heavy rain outside the window mirrored my mood. In my heart, I drew a final line under this relationship. The next morning, I went to the office with my resignation letter in hand. I hadn’t even reached my desk when Mike, a colleague, sidled up to me, eyes wide with vicarious excitement. “Liam, man! You’ve been holding out on us! How did you keep your connection to Ms. Davis so quiet? The whole floor is talking about it!” “Someone saw you at her wedding yesterday. Giving your blessings. You don’t do that for just anyone. Come on, what’s the real story?” I kept my expression neutral. “There’s no story, Mike. I was passing by, saw the display. Ms. Davis is gracious. She insisted I come in as a guest, a gesture to the staff, she said.” “Oh! That makes perfect sense. For a second there, I thought you were actually somebody.” At this company, everyone knew I wasn’t favored by Chloe. So, no one treated me like a friend. They all assumed I’d be fired soon. During work, I not only had to develop two separate programs for Chloe and Brandon but also helped colleagues with many of the mundane, arduous tasks they didn’t want to do. “Ms. Davis and Mr. Reed are here!” I followed the sound and saw Chloe and Brandon walking in, hand in hand. For years, Brandon had walked into this company as if it were his own. “Let me reintroduce everyone. This is my husband, Brandon Reed. We just had our wedding yesterday.” “Congratulations!” I shouted along with everyone else. “As for Liam, I just happened to run into him at the entrance yesterday, so I let him come in. We have no relationship whatsoever, so please don’t misunderstand.” This was the first time Chloe had mentioned me at the company-to introduce her dream guy and to prove she was absolutely not involved with me. Yesterday, she was flustered when she saw me, but today, she could openly accept everyone’s blessings right in front of me. Chloe, how many layers of disguise do you have in front of me?

During lunch break, Chloe texted me to come down to the underground parking garage. Perfect. I also needed to give her my resignation letter. When I arrived at the garage, Brandon was also in the car, and they were feeding each other. “You’re just in time. My mom’s birthday is the day after tomorrow. You don’t need to come. I’ll bring Brandon instead.” Mrs. Davis was a typical snob. Her first priority was money, and her second was her daughter. Over the years, as Brandon’s career improved, her mother had constantly urged her to divorce me and marry Brandon. She had always looked down on me, a mere company employee. When I first married Chloe, I had to win over not only her but also her mother. Mrs. Davis would often call me during work hours, asking me to pick up her newly ordered designer bag from the mall. Such things could easily be handled by a driver, but to win my mother-in-law’s favor early on, I personally handled it for five years. “Stop putting on that pathetic act. Brandon and I have already had our wedding; it’s perfectly reasonable for me to bring him home. Not to mention, he’s now the company’s Vice President. Unlike you, just a company employee, bringing you home would make my mom lose face.” I tightened my grip on my phone. “You don’t need to tell me that. I already told you yesterday that I want a divorce.” Brandon, who was beside her, instantly tensed at my words. “Liam, don’t be so impulsive. Chloe and I aren’t really married. Chloe and I will discuss this again. I’ll ask Chloe to promote you.” Chloe’s eyes widened when she heard this. After a long pause, she reluctantly spoke, “I’ll make you Technical Director. Are you satisfied now?” “No need. I’ll be leaving the company this afternoon. This is my resignation letter.” With that, I stopped looking at their reactions, got out of the car, and returned to my cubicle. As soon as I had gotten into the car earlier, I had installed a listening device in the backseat. I had intended to record some of their flirtatious conversations as evidence for my divorce case. But I never expected to record something truly unexpected. I guess I absolutely had to go to Mrs. Davis’s birthday party the day after tomorrow.

On the day of Mrs. Davis’s birthday, I arrived at the Davis family villa right on time. I was greeted by the scorn and disdain of Chloe’s relatives. My status in the Davis family was even lower than that of a housekeeper; before, I often helped with chores when I came over. The Davis family company was initially founded by Mrs. Davis herself. After divorcing Chloe’s father, she started her own business. The company’s current success had always been her pride. In the living room, not far away, Chloe and Brandon were gathered around Mrs. Davis, talking about something, looking utterly harmonious and happy. “Why are you here? I didn’t ask Chloe to inform you, did I? Since you’re here, go take out the trash.” Mrs. Davis spoke first. “It’s your birthday today, and I’ve come to give you a grand gift,” I said slowly. “A gift? How much money do you have to give me a gift? My daughter runs such a big company; there’s nothing I don’t have. Do I need anything from you? I’d rather you send my daughter and Brandon into the bridal chamber.” “Mom, what are you saying?” Chloe blushed shyly. I looked at their harmonious scene. Back then, if it weren’t for Chloe’s insistence, I would never have passed her mother’s approval. Her mother looked down on my background and my job. We were from the same university and major, but Brandon went into a leading corporation while I had to rely on Chloe to enter their family company. Brandon was her ideal son-in-law. “I’m here today, first, to give you a grand gift, and second, to tell you that Chloe and I have decided to divorce.” Upon hearing my words, her mother’s eyes instantly lit up. “Really? Don’t expect to take a single penny from our family after the divorce. My daughter has worked tirelessly all these years to support you, never complaining. You’re an ungrateful wretch.” “So, what’s this grand gift you’re bringing me?” Mrs. Davis eagerly asked. “Don’t be so impatient.” I opened the voice recorder on my phone. Chloe and Brandon’s voices clearly filled the ears of everyone present. “Chloe, you absolutely can’t divorce Liam! If you divorce him, who will help me with all those programs?” “Brandon, you’ll manage. We’ve played this charade long enough. I want my real life with you to start now.” “No! What about my career if he leaves? Are you willing to flush my career for a feeling?” “Then we’ll find another ghostwriter. If it makes you secure, take it. My shares. The transfer is drafted. What’s mine is yours.” “Really? All of it? I can’t bear to see you compromise for my sake.” “Every share. It’s my company. I decide. Don’t you trust me? Then sign it.” The scratch of a signature. Then, the fervent kisses, the muffled moans. The entire room fell silent. Mrs. Davis’s face was flushed with anger. She abruptly stood up. “Chloe! What is the meaning of this?”

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The third year into our marriage, my husband started coughing up blood. It’s cancer, he said. I didn’t leave him. I stayed and took care of him.. Then, one day, I overheard him talking to his mother. “Mom, I’m out of options. Willow is almost due, and my wife still won’t divorce me!” “Then make her leave. Tomorrow, soil the sheets. Make her clean them by hand. A woman has her pride.She’ll break.” “And when she finally breaks, make sure she signs everything over to you.” I froze for a second, then looked at the medical report in my hand. A smile touched my lips. My dearest husband, you actually do have cancer. I got home from work, and the moment I pushed open the door, I saw my husband devouring Buffalo hot wings, sweating profusely. He looked up. A flash of annoyance, then defiance. “Derek! The doctor said no spicy food, why are you doing this again?!” He snapped. The fork clattered against the plate as he slammed it down. “Cassidy! What do you want from me?! You won’t even let me eat?” He yelled at me. “You come home so late. Is this your plan? To starve me?” “You know Brenda only cooks spicy! If you won’t be here to cook, what am I supposed to do?!” It wasn’t enough. In a sudden fury, he shoved the table. The plate of wings flew, hitting the floor with a sickening crash, sauce and chicken scattering across the tiles. “Fine, If I can’t eat, no one eats! Let me starve! I have cancer! I’m dying anyway!” Derek’s back heaved with rage. I set my bag down slowly, the fight draining out of me. “I’m sorry, Derek.” I said, my voice carefully soft. “I’ll go make you something right now.” Brenda stood by, arms crossed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Cassidy, are you tired of our Derek?” “If you are, just say it. There’s no need for this… passive starvation. It breaks a mother’s heart to watch.” I quickly explained. “No, Brenda. I had to work late. It was just today. I didn’t intentionally starve Derek.” Two weeks ago, Derek had been rushed to the ER, vomiting blood. The diagnosis was final, brutal: advanced lymphoma. He opted for conservative treatment, going for chemotherapy every week. Perhaps it was the effects of the chemo, but his temper had grown increasingly volatile. But it was okay. I would stick by him, no matter what, until his very last breath. I brought out baked salmon and placed it in front of Derek. He took one bite and immediately threw it on the floor. “What is this crap?! Are you trying to poison me?!” “It has no flavor at all! How do you expect me to eat this?!” I sighed, took the plate back to the kitchen, and started over. I remade it three times. Each time, Derek was unsatisfied. The last time, Derek flipped the table again. He pointed a finger at my nose and swore at me. “Cassidy! What are you trying to do?! If you don’t want to cook, then don’t!” My eyes welled up, and I quickly crouched down to clean the scattered food from the floor. “I’m sorry, Derek. Tell me what you want. I’ll make anything.” Derek turned his head away. “I’ve lost my appetite. Thanks to you.” Brenda stepped forward and rubbed his back, blaming me. “He’s sick, Cassidy. Have some compassion. This stress is toxic for his condition.” “If this burden is too much for you, just divorce him!” I froze, and a shard of plate accidentally cut my palm. “Brenda, that’s not what I meant. Derek is like this; how could I ever abandon him?” Brenda rolled her eyes at me, arms still crossed. “You say you don’t mind, but deep down you do. If you really want to make it up to Derek, then leave all your money for his treatment.” I thought Brenda was saying this on purpose for me to hear, so I quickly promised, my hand over my heart, that I wouldn’t abandon him and would stay by his side. But Derek only got angrier hearing my words. He pushed his wheelchair and started to leave. “Just looking at you annoys me. Brenda, push me to the park for a walk!” Brenda snorted, her nose practically in the air. “With a daughter-in-law like you, my son will die of anger sooner or later!” “This illness was probably caused by you!” Then, with a bang, she slammed the door and left.

After they left, I finally noticed the dull ache in my palm. I silently cleaned up the mess on the floor, my eyes burning. I understood Derek. It was the cancer that had changed him. I would stay with him until the very end. When they returned that night, Derek was humming a tune. His mood was clearly much better. I noticed a smear of grease at the corner of his mouth. I couldn’t help but ask. “Derek… did you go out? Did you eat something you weren’t supposed to-?” “Cassidy!” He exploded, cutting me off. “Mind your own business!” “Is that what you want? For me to waste away until I’m nothing? I had one bite! One! And you’re on me like a prison warden!” I felt a little wronged. When you’re sick, you need to watch what you eat, especially with cancer. Brenda impatiently pushed Derek into the bedroom. “Alright, Derek only ate vegetables, nothing the doctor forbade.” “Hurry up and bring some water in for his foot bath!” I tested the water temperature, and just as I put the basin down, he kicked it over. Hot water splashed all over me. “Cassidy, what are you doing?! My legs are weak, not numb?!” “First you try to poison me with your cooking, now you want to scald me to death with a foot bath?!” I changed the water five times. Each time, he kicked it over. My clothes were completely soaked. He sneered, then flopped back onto the bed. “Forget it, I’m not washing my feet. Just clean up the water in the room. It’s too damp to sleep.” I stood rooted to the spot, clutching the cleaning rag, trying to calm my anger. After cleaning everything up, Derek yelled again that he needed to use the restroom. I went to help him up, but he pushed me to the floor with one hand. “I’m a patient?! How much do you want me to walk?!” “Didn’t Brenda buy a bedpan? Bring it over for me to use!” “My legs hurt, don’t you understand?!” Brenda rushed in, wiping away tears as she furiously berated me. “Are you trying to break my son like this?” “If you don’t want to take care of him, then divorce him! So both of you don’t suffer!” As she spoke, she shoved a bedpan into my hands. A pungent, disgusting stench assaulted me. I almost couldn’t catch my breath. That’s when I noticed Brenda was wearing a mask. Brenda glared at me. “What are you waiting for? Hurry up and serve Derek!” “Either that or divorce him. You choose.” I gritted my teeth and held my breath. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

The next day, I left the house with heavy bags under my eyes, having barely slept a wink. Derek kept wanting water, then food, then to use the restroom, then to look at the scenery. There was no moment of rest. I felt a mix of irritation and heartache. At noon, I received the medical report that had been mailed to me. This was from a check-up two months ago. I opened it with a sliver of hope, but my heart still plummeted. The report clearly stated the word “cancer.” But there was good news. Derek was still in the early stages of cancer. With proper treatment, there was a chance of recovery. I silently cursed the previous hospital. Such incompetent doctors. They’d misdiagnosed early-stage as late-stage. I raced home the second my shift ended, the report burning a hole in my bag. I wanted to surprise them. But no one was home. I called, only to be told they’d gone to the park again. He said my cooking was so bad he couldn’t stomach it. So he didn’t want to see me. The line went dead before I could speak. They didn’t come back for dinner. So I went to them, clutching the report. I was eager to tell them the good news. But when I arrived at the park, I saw Derek embracing a woman.

Brenda sat tapping her leg on a bench next to the wheelchair. Derek had his arm around a woman, walking behind her. The woman’s belly was slightly rounded, and she giggled as she leaned into Derek’s embrace. Under the moonlight, I clearly saw the woman’s face. It was Willow Green, Derek’s first love. I gripped the hem of my shirt, frozen to the spot. Brenda sighed, clasping their intertwined hands. “You two are truly a perfect match. Back then, I should never have let Cassidy marry into our family!” Derek sneered. “So what if she married in? However she wormed her way in, she’ll crawl her way out.” Willow stroked her belly and asked. “But Cassidy still won’t divorce him, what should we do?” “I’m six months along, almost due, Derek, sweetie. You can’t let our baby be born without a daddy, can you?” Derek frowned, looking at Brenda. “Brenda, what do you suggest we do?! Willow is almost due, and that woman still won’t divorce me.” “I can’t believe she wouldn’t divorce me, even after I faked cancer. What a stubborn act.” Brenda pondered for a moment, then slapped her thigh. “Alright, tonight, just make a mess in the bed and make her hand-wash it. I don’t believe she won’t divorce you then!” Derek hesitated. “That’s…a bit too disgusting.” Willow immediately pouted. “What’s wrong, Derek, sweetie? You don’t want to divorce her?” “If you don’t make Cassidy disgusted with you, how will she agree?” “Exactly! Willow’s right! Derek, you have to go all out!” “And that woman needs to leave with nothing! Not a single dime! The house needs to stay for you two as your wedding home.” Watching their repulsive expressions, my blood ran cold, inch by inch. I crumpled the medical report in my hand. Suddenly, a bitter laugh escaped me. A laugh born of pure rage. Derek, you have no idea, do you? You actually do have cancer. The insurance medical exam was two months ago, and we went together. So this report is real. They seemed to have made up their minds, triumphant smiles plastered on their faces. Perhaps thinking of their blissful future, Derek actually picked up Willow and spun her around. “Come on! Let’s go get some barbecue!” “Cassidy is such an idiot. I told her I had cancer, and she believed it. She keeps making me plain oatmeal. It makes me want to puke.” Willow lightly punched him. “Cassidy is so annoying, sweetie. From now on, you should have every meal with me, Derek.” Their laughter faded as they walked away. II stood there for a long time before the feeling returned. A sharp, sick pain twisted in my chest. I touched the wet corner of my eye, then turned and went home. If that’s how it is, Derek, then you can just wither on your own. This medical report was useless now. Back home, I tore it into shreds and flushed every last piece down the toilet.

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