Category: English

When Tristan publicly chose another girl, people waited for me to break. But I’d already seen the future— the version where loving him killed me. So I went to the one man who mourned me for a lifetime. Silas Yates. Cold voice, steady hands, eyes burning when he thought I couldn’t see. Tonight, I won’t be the girl chasing Tristan. I’ll be the girl hiding in Silas’s bed when Tristan walks in. The day Tristan Reed confessed to the pretty transfer student, everyone thought I would break down and rush over to make a scene. But I didn’t show up at all, even after the confession was over. Tristan had no idea that at that moment, I was sitting on his roommate’s bed, wearing his roommate’s hoodie, asking in frustration: “I got your bed all wet. How are you going to sleep tonight?” Silas Yates averted his gaze, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he handed me a towel. “Go dry your hair. I’ll change the sheets before you sleep.” The day Tristan Reed confessed to the pretty transfer student, everyone thought I would break down and rush over to make a scene. But I didn’t show up at all, even after the confession was over. Tristan had no idea that at that moment, I was sitting on his roommate’s bed, wearing his roommate’s hoodie, asking in frustration: “I got your bed all wet. How are you going to sleep tonight?” Silas Yates averted his gaze, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he handed me a towel. “Go dry your hair. I’ll change the sheets before you sleep.” Tristan was going to confess to that pretty transfer student. He had asked everyone to keep it a secret from me. But he didn’t know that some gossips couldn’t hold it in and had already told me. Everyone knew I had a crush on Tristan and dreamed of marrying him someday. This time, Tristan seemed to have fallen head over heels for that girl. People thought I would throw a fit, cry and make a huge scene. Everyone loves to watch this kind of drama unfold between men and women. They were all waiting for me to lose it and rush over to cause chaos. But unfortunately, even after Tristan successfully confessed, I still hadn’t shown up. The crowd of onlookers, three layers deep, started to lose interest. Even Tristan’s face didn’t show much joy. He put his arm around his new girlfriend and took out his phone. There were no calls or messages. Tristan frowned slightly. Then he turned to the crowd and said, “I’m treating everyone tonight. You’re all invited.” The onlooking classmates all cheered. I had been standing behind some trees the whole time and only then walked out. Someone with sharp eyes spotted me and immediately shouted, “It’s Mia! Mia’s here!” “I knew it. How could Mia possibly stay away?” Tristan suddenly looked up. The moment he saw me, the corners of his lips curved up almost imperceptibly. I ignored all the people waiting to see some drama. I walked straight up to Tristan. “Mia.” Tristan held his new girlfriend tighter. He looked at me and said flatly, “You can’t force feelings.” “We’ve known each other for over ten years. I don’t want to say anything too harsh and hurt our old friendship.” “From now on, I’ll still treat you like a sister.” “If you need anything, you can still come to me.” Then he lowered his voice, “With so many people watching, don’t make a scene. Go home.” “Tristan,” I interrupted him and slowly took a step forward. He frowned again, “Mia, be good.” I smiled and handed him the bracelet I had just taken off my wrist. “I came to return this to you.” Seeing the bracelet, Tristan’s face suddenly darkened. “Mia, what game are you playing now?” “Take the bracelet back. I won’t bother you anymore after this.” Tristan stared at me, his voice growing colder, “I don’t care about this little bit of money.” “If you don’t want it, just throw it away.” As soon as he finished speaking, I turned and threw the bracelet into a nearby trash can. “You can throw away all the other things I gave you before too.” With that, I left without looking at him again. By the time I reached the riverside, it was raining heavily. Standing in the rain with an umbrella, I thought about the dreams I had in the past few days. In the dream, because of Tristan confessing to Olivia, I cried and made a scene. To force him to break up, I jumped into the river that night. But what was the result? I almost lost my life. Tristan only stayed at the hospital for five minutes before leaving resolutely. The White family who had fostered me thought I was embarrassing them by attempting suicide. And because of Tristan’s attitude, they felt I was no longer of any use to them. They forced me to drop out of school and sent me back to my birth parents, who were involved in all kinds of vices. In the end, my life spiraled downward, and I died miserably in a foreign country. After I died, the person who collected my incomplete remains turned out to be the one I had always feared and kept at a distance. And Tristan, newlywed and in high spirits, never showed up. These days, the events in my dreams came true one by one. If it weren’t for these dreams, I would have been frantically calling Tristan by now. Then I would have threatened to kill myself and jumped into the river. I’m very grateful for this dream. It made me feel like I was reborn. I can change my predetermined tragic fate bit by bit. The third time I dialed that number, it was finally answered. I clutched the phone tightly and held it gently to my ear. The name Silas Yates lingered on my tongue several times before I finally uttered it slowly. The heavy rain cut off all the noise in the world. Only Silas’s voice, slightly lazy, sounded deeply, “Mia?” “Silas, it’s raining heavily.” “I’m by the river and can’t get back. Can you come pick me up?” The other end of the phone was silent for a few seconds. I nervously gripped the umbrella handle, my palm clammy with sweat. In the dream, when Silas was collecting my remains, he seemed to cry. His tears fell one by one on my decaying flesh and bones. Even in the dream, I could feel that burning sensation. Later, he carried a small bottle of my ashes with him for a lifetime. And he was lonely for a lifetime. I couldn’t help but tear up and choked back a sob. “Why are you crying?” Silas’s voice suddenly came through. It was still that indifferent tone, even with a hint of impatience. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t come.” “Then when will you be here?” “Wait. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” “Okay, I’ll wait for you, Silas.” He didn’t say anything else, and the call ended. Fifteen minutes later, I gave my umbrella to a mother and child seeking shelter from the rain. So when Silas arrived, I was already soaked from head to toe. When he got out of the car, his thin lips were tightly pressed together, his face as cold as if it contained frost and snow. I brushed my wet bangs aside and looked up at him with a bright smile, “Silas, you’re really punctual.” “Mia, you might as well die of stupidity.” He coldly grabbed my arm and shoved me into the car. Then he threw me a soft blanket. “Dry yourself off. Don’t get my car dirty.” He glanced at me in the rearview mirror and then skillfully turned the car around. “Oh.” I obediently wrapped myself in the blanket. Then I couldn’t help but steal glances at him as he focused on driving. When he had no expression, he always looked very cold and unapproachable. Many girls at school liked him, but no one dared to confess. He was Tristan’s roommate. I often went to Tristan’s dorm, and every time I went, Silas seemed to really dislike me. Even now, although he came to pick me up, his attitude was still cold. Just now when he shoved me into the car, he used extra force. My wrist still hurt, with a ring of red marks. It’s hard to tell that he had been secretly liking me all along. I slowly lowered my eyelashes. Everything in the dream had come true. But now, because of my changes, many things have also changed. Would Silas still like me? If he didn’t like me at all, wouldn’t I be causing him trouble by doing this? “Back to the dorm?” Silas suddenly turned his head and glanced at me. My heart suddenly skipped a beat, and I blurted out, “Yeah, back to your dorm.” Silas gripped the steering wheel and snorted, “Tristan won’t be back tonight.” “I know.”

I gripped the edge of the blanket, twisting it tighter and tighter. “I’m not looking for him.” The car suddenly braked sharply and stopped by the roadside. Silas turned to look at me, the frost in his eyes so cold it made my heart tremble. “Mia, don’t treat me as part of your game with Tristan.” “I’m not…” He stared at me for a moment, then took out his phone. “I’ll call you a cab. You go back by yourself.” “Silas…” I bit my lip hard and snatched his phone away. “Mia.” He looked at me, but there was no anger or disgust in his eyes. His eyes were just very deep, filled with countless emotions. I suddenly felt inexplicably sad. “Silas, I don’t want to go back to the dorm. They’re all laughing at me.” “I’m also afraid to go home.” “Can you… let me stay at your dorm for one night…” I hid his phone behind my back, my voice getting smaller and smaller. “Of course, if you really hate me so much and don’t want to see me… then forget it.” As soon as I finished speaking, tears also fell from my eyes at the right moment. One by one, quietly and soundlessly. Silas didn’t say another word to me. But he started the car again. The car drove towards the direction of the school and finally stopped at the foot of his dormitory building. I followed Silas into the dorm. He went to the closet and took out a clean hoodie and handed it to me, “The bathroom is over there.” He’s tall, so the hoodie was very big on me. It reached almost to my knees, like a dress. After showering, I just put on the hoodie and came out bare-legged. Silas glanced at me and then averted his gaze. I walked past Tristan’s bed and sat down on Silas’s bed. My wet long hair dripped water, quickly soaking the sheets. The shampoo and shower gel on my body were all Silas’s scent. In the small space, the same scent permeated, creating an indescribable intimacy that was quietly growing. Silas took out a pack of cigarettes, coughed lightly, “I’m going to smoke a cigarette.” He went to the balcony. I curiously looked around Silas’s bed. Light gray sheets and blankets, clean and tidy. There was a computer and books on the desk, also neat. I was about to look at the decorations on his desk when my phone suddenly rang. Tristan’s name was flashing on the screen. I didn’t answer. He called again very quickly, seemingly with no intention of stopping. I simply put the phone on silent and put it back in my bag. “Silas.” I called out towards the balcony. He quickly turned around, put out his cigarette and walked over, “What’s wrong?” I sat on the bed, having to look up to see him. Silas made eye contact with me for two seconds, then looked away. But I noticed that the back of his ears seemed to be a bit red. “I got your sheets wet. How are you going to sleep tonight?” He glanced at me, then at the wet patches on the sheets. His Adam’s apple bobbed violently before he turned to get a clean sheet from the closet. “You go dry your hair first. I’ll change the sheets before you sleep.” After saying that, he went to get clean sheets from the closet. I clutched the towel, thinking of how his whole ear had turned red earlier, and couldn’t help but smile. When I came out after drying my hair, Silas had already changed to new sheets. “You go to sleep.” “What about you?” He pulled out a chair, not even turning his head, “I’ll play some games.” “Oh.” I sat down on his bed somewhat dejectedly. Silas put on his headphones and was about to put them on when his phone suddenly rang. He looked at the screen, then turned to look at me before answering. “Tristan, what’s up?” My heart suddenly tightened, and I instinctively held my breath. “Mm, I’m in the dorm.” “You say someone saw Mia come to our dorm building?” Silas turned to look at me again, “I…” In a moment of panic, I didn’t wait for him to finish speaking. I got up and walked over, straddling his legs and hooking my arms around his neck. When Silas was about to push me away, I pressed against his ear and said, “Silas, tell him I’m not here.” Under my fingers hooked around his neck, Silas’s skin instantly burned hot. I saw the blue veins on the side of his neck tense and slightly bulge. His Adam’s apple moved up and down violently, his heart beating very fast. I looked up at him, and he looked down at me. In the depths of his eyes, desire gradually spread. “No, I’ve been in the dorm the whole time.” “She didn’t come. Yeah, you should ask someone else.” Silas hung up the phone as soon as he finished speaking. He tossed the phone aside and gripped my waist with his long fingers through the hoodie. Holding me tight, pressing me into his embrace. I clearly felt the burning volcano. My ears buzzed, and my first thought was to escape. But Silas held me even tighter, “Mia.” His voice was a bit hoarse. His hot breath fell on my ear and neck. I shrank my neck, wanting to dodge, but his kiss fell directly on my lips. “Don’t tempt me… I don’t want to touch you in a place like this.” “Silas…” I twisted my body, wanting to adjust my sitting position. The volcano seemed about to erupt, frighteningly fierce. In the gap between breaths, I finally found a chance to speak. “If you don’t want to touch me, why are you kissing me?” Silas lowered his head slightly, his forehead pressed against mine. In the tangle of breaths, he closed his eyes, seemingly trying hard to calm down. “Also, do you know how to kiss… my lips are all swollen.” “Mia.” Silas didn’t open his eyes. But his hands holding my waist slightly loosened their grip. His fingers were very long and strong. Gripping my waist through the hoodie, making me both in pain and torment. “Silas…” I couldn’t help but frown, wanting to push his hands away. But Silas grabbed my fingers. “Mia, don’t move.” “I’ll be gentler this time.”

As he finished speaking, Silas’s hands fell on my lower back. He pulled me into his embrace, pressing tightly against him. This kiss was long and gentle. At the end, he seemed to lose control and kissed very deeply. “Silas…” I lightly punched him and bit him in the gap between breaths. “Mia.” Silas’s voice was extremely hoarse. His whole body tensed up. The heat from his palms almost burned my body. Silas suddenly buried his face in the crook of my neck and let out a low groan. The volcano erupted, then calmed down. But soon, it was on the verge of erupting again. However, Silas gently pushed me away and pulled me to stand up. I just felt that his expression was very strange. There was also a very unfamiliar smell permeating the air. I couldn’t help but ask, “Silas, what happened to you just now?” His ears were red as blood. The usually cold and aloof man now had eyes full of deep desire. “I’m going to take a shower.” He stood up, lowered his eyes and pulled down the hem of my messy hoodie. “You sleep first.” Before I could say anything, Silas had already quickly entered the bathroom. When the sound of water started, I lay on Silas’s bed and rolled over. Then I cooled my burning face with the back of my hand. I seemed to have vaguely guessed something. But Silas was tall and often exercised, with lean muscles all over. He had a high, straight nose bridge and a sharp jawline. His fingers were also very long, with strong knuckles. No matter how you look at it, he doesn’t seem like the type of guy who would… um, finish so quickly. Could it be that he hadn’t had a girlfriend before? And had never been intimate with a girl? Thinking this way, my heart started to fill with sweet bubbles. I lay on Silas’s pillow and accidentally felt a pearl earring under his pillow. The earring looked very familiar. It was one of a pair that I loved to wear daily. Once when I came to Tristan’s dorm, I accidentally lost one and couldn’t find it no matter how hard I looked. So it turns out Silas had picked it up. I suddenly remembered. In those previous dreams, Silas seemed to have kept this earring with him all the time. After being dazed for a while, I put the earring back under his pillow. The sound of the hair dryer stopped. When Silas came out, he was wearing a set of navy blue pajamas. After the steam, his skin looked as white as jade. With his hair falling neatly, that sharp coldness from before faded a bit. Somehow, I felt Silas looked a bit cute at this moment. Just as I was about to call out to him, there was suddenly a faint sound of people talking outside the door. My expression changed, and I froze completely. One of the voices outside was clearly Tristan’s. Silas’s face also darkened, but he obviously reacted faster than me. By the time Tristan pushed open the door, Silas had already stuffed my clothes into the closet. My shoes were hidden in the deepest part under the bed. And Silas was just lifting the blanket to get into bed. Only one night light was on in the dorm, the light dim. I was hidden under Silas’s blanket. There was only a slight, inconspicuous bulge. Even if Tristan came closer, he wouldn’t notice anything unusual unless he looked carefully. “Why did you turn off the lights so early?” Tristan asked curiously. “Got caught in the rain. My head hurts a bit.” As Silas spoke, he gently gripped my restless wrist under the blanket. The bed was only about 4 feet wide, and Silas was tall with long legs, taking up a lot of space. My whole body was almost pressed against him. My breath faintly brushed against his waist. I could clearly feel that the muscles of his waist and abdomen were very tense. “Alright then.” Tristan didn’t turn on the lights either. He sat down in a chair and took out his phone to make calls. After making several calls with no one answering, Tristan was obviously a bit angry. “Silas, do you think Mia is doing this on purpose?” “What?” “I just confessed to Olivia today, and she’s already causing trouble like this.” “Just now the news reported that a female college student committed suicide by jumping into the river because of relationship troubles.” “I thought she had done something stupid, so I rushed over there, leaving Olivia behind.” “But it wasn’t her when they pulled the person out.” “I’ve been calling her all night, and she’s not answering any of them. Now she’s nowhere to be found.” Tristan slammed his phone on the table, “She’s definitely doing this on purpose, deliberately ruining my date tonight.” At this point, Tristan let out a cold laugh, “I bet she’s going to cling to me for the rest of her life.” “Not necessarily.” Silas suddenly interjected. Tristan was a bit surprised, “Not necessarily?” “Silas, you’ve seen clearly how she’s been clinging to me these past two years.” “You’ve been annoyed by her too, never giving her a good look.” Hearing this, I couldn’t help but bite Silas’s waist. He winced in pain and instinctively moved his hand to block it, but his fingers just brushed against my lips. I simply bit his finger lightly. Silas’s whole body suddenly tensed up, and he let out a very low hiss. “What’s wrong with you?” “It’s nothing… my leg cramped.” Silas’s voice was very hoarse, and he coughed twice after speaking. “Alright, you rest well. I won’t bother you anymore.” Tristan said as he stood up, “I’ll just use the bathroom and then leave.” When he pushed open the bathroom door, I suddenly thought of something. Earlier when I showered, I had washed my socks and hung them in the bathroom. Sure enough, when Tristan came out less than two minutes later, there was a mischievous smile on his face. “Silas, did you bring a girl to the dorm?” “You’ve kept it so well-hidden. Which beauty managed to win over our ice prince Silas?” “Don’t talk nonsense.” Tristan took a few steps towards the bed, “Going to bed so early, hiding someone in bed, huh?” “Tristan.” Silas’s voice suddenly turned cold. “Okay, okay, I won’t come over.” Tristan stopped in his tracks. But he looked at Silas’s bed with interest, “Do you have protection? I have extra, want me to give you some?” Silas gently gripped the back of my neck under the blanket, making me lie still on top of him. Then he glanced at Tristan, his voice a bit cold, “Don’t make those kinds of jokes about girls.” “Are you serious?” Tristan seemed a bit surprised. Silas’s lips were tightly pressed together, his Adam’s apple bobbing, “Mm.” If the light had been a bit brighter, Tristan would have seen how pained and restrained Silas’s expression was. After all, he was gripping my neck to keep me from moving. But my other parts could still move. Anyway, no one could see under the blanket. So I properly felt Silas’s abs. Every time I touched him, his muscles tensed up a bit more. I secretly moved my hand lower, and when I reached his V-line, Silas’s reaction was quite big. It even scared me.

“Alright then, I won’t disturb you guys. I’ll stay out tonight.” Tristan turned and left the dorm. As soon as the door closed, I threw off the blanket, “Silas, I was about to suffocate…” Silas leaned against the headboard, looking at me deeply. The not-so-bright light fell on his handsome, chiseled features. Casting large patches of shadows. I was stunned by the sight. They say beauty is best viewed under the lamp. Actually, it’s the same for men. Looking at a handsome guy in the flickering light and shadows certainly creates more atmosphere. “Mia.” Silas slowly sat up. He reached out and brushed aside the messy hair by my ear. Then, cupping my face, he spoke very seriously. “I wasn’t annoyed by you.” “And I didn’t give you the cold shoulder.” “Don’t take his words to heart.” After Silas finished speaking, he let go of his hands. He got out of bed and took out a pack of cigarettes, “You sleep.” “What about you?” He pointed to the balcony, “I’ll smoke a cigarette. Go to sleep.” Very timely, I suddenly sneezed. Silas stopped in his tracks. I grabbed the sleeve of his pajamas, frowning pitifully, “I think I caught a cold. My head hurts.” Silas looked at me for a while, “Let go first. I’ll get you some medicine.” After I took the medicine, I still clung to him and wouldn’t let go, “Silas, I’m a bit cold. The blanket is too thin.” But this time Silas pushed my hand away. “Mia, Tristan left a long time ago. You don’t need to do this anymore.” “What does this have to do with him?” Silas laughed self-mockingly, “What were you doing by the river tonight?” I finally came to my senses. So the news about a girl jumping into the river that Tristan mentioned earlier had made him misunderstand. He thought I went to the river because I was feeling hopeless and wanted to end my life. Calling him and coming back to his dorm was deliberately getting back at Tristan. Actually, I know it’s normal for him to think this way. For the past two years, my foster parents from the White family had been pushing me hard. After the real daughter of the White family was found. They once wanted to send me back to my birth parents. Later, probably considering that I still had some value for an arranged marriage, they reluctantly kept me. So Tristan was like a lifeline for me. I thought since we grew up together as childhood sweethearts. There would always be some affection between us. He would save me from the quagmire. I placed all my hopes on Tristan. But all of this, in others’ eyes, was evidence of my obsessive love for him. Not to mention Silas. He was Tristan’s roommate. How many moments of my “persistent pursuit” had he witnessed? “Silas…” I wanted to explain. But he had already stood up, “Set an alarm and leave early tomorrow morning. Don’t let anyone see you.” “After all, this kind of thing isn’t good for you girls.” “Silas.” But he didn’t stop or look back. I bit my lip hard, “Then you kissed me so many times tonight.” “And even did that…” “Are you not going to take responsibility?” Silas suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned to look at me. I sat on the bed, my eyes very red, but holding back tears. “I know you hate me.” “Every time I came here before, you ignored me.” “But thank you for coming to pick me up tonight and taking me in.” “If you really don’t want to have anything to do with me anymore, then I’ll leave now.” I got up from the bed. I didn’t bother looking for my shoes, just walked towards the door barefoot. As I passed by Silas with my head down. I had already silently shed tears all over my face. “Mia.” Silas grabbed me. “I said earlier, I don’t hate you…” “Then will you take responsibility?” I shook off his hand and looked up at him defiantly. “You kissed me, hugged me.” “And even did that…” Silas suddenly gripped my chin and kissed me fiercely. “Mia.” He sucked on my lips, his breathing getting heavier. “If you insist on provoking me, then provoke me all the way.” I hugged his lean waist and stood on tiptoes to meet this deep kiss, “Okay…” During the National Day holiday, I went to the city where my birth parents lived. I stayed there for three days. When I left, that pair of scumbags who indulged in all kinds of vices. Had already been taken away by the police, awaiting the severe and merciless punishment of the law. Human trafficking, gambling, forced prostitution, thanks to those dreams, I had iron-clad evidence for each and every crime. I didn’t need to wait for rebirth or the next life. In this life, I could completely get rid of this pair of demons and let them receive the punishment they deserved. When I got on the plane, I let out a long sigh. The biggest worry in my heart was finally settled. At this moment, I felt incredibly free and relaxed. When the plane landed in the capital, I first reported to Silas that I was safe. He didn’t know the true purpose of this trip. He still thought I had gone on a short trip with my girlfriends for a few days. “I’ll come find you tonight. Is everything ready at home?” Silas had moved to an apartment off campus. He was already a senior and hardly needed to go back to school anymore. Plus, living in the same dorm with Tristan was inconvenient after all. “It’s all ready. Should I come pick you up?” “Sure.” “Mia.” “What is it?” “Today is Tristan’s birthday. He’s throwing a party and asked me to go… with my girlfriend.” I had forgotten that Tristan’s birthday was on National Day. “Mia, do you want to go with me?” I didn’t answer, feeling quite conflicted inside. It wasn’t that I was unwilling to make our relationship public. But the White family might soon cut ties with me. At that time, my unsavory background would be known to everyone. I knew Silas wouldn’t care. But I couldn’t bear to let him be criticized. Just like in the dream. They accused him of being unfilial and disloyal. For the sake of an unworthy woman. Breaking his parents’ and relatives’ hearts. But, as Silas said that day. I was the one who provoked him first, so I should provoke him all the way. You can’t have it both ways, right? “Silas.” I took a deep breath, “Do you want me to go?”

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Three years after my groom ditched me for his stepsister, he stormed back home and found me pregnant. He called me a liar.A whore. A traitor to the Hawthorne name. Then he dragged me to the pool and tried to kill the child in my belly. He thought the baby wasn’t Hawthorne blood. He was wrong. He was attacking his own uncle’s child. Three years ago. On my wedding day with Tristan Hawthorne, his step-sister Brianna threatened to jump off a building. Tristan abandoned me at the altar, still in my wedding dress, to save her. Facing the mocking eyes of the guests, I publicly announced, “Whoever comes up here to marry me today, I’ll be their bride!” Three years later, Tristan returned to the Hawthorne mansion with Brianna. I was sitting on a leather couch, sipping gourmet soup and binge-watching TV shows. Tristan glared at my swollen belly, gritting his teeth, “Whose bastard are you carrying?” I took another sip of my soup and smiled lightly, “Of course, it’s a Hawthorne child.” Tristan approached me furiously, yanking me off the couch. “You slut! I left with Brianna on our wedding day and haven’t been back for three years. How could that child possibly be mine?” I found it amusing. I never said it was his, and he wasn’t the only Hawthorne man. “Of course, this child isn’t yours. You’re not worthy of being its father!” Brianna, shocked, spoke up, “Riley, even though Tristan left you at the altar, he still let you keep the Hawthorne name and enjoy the family’s wealth. How could you be so shameless as to get pregnant with someone else’s child?” I glanced at her, “Brianna, you’re the Hawthorne’s step-sister, yet you openly seduced your own brother. When it comes to shamelessness, who could compare to you two?” Brianna immediately turned to Tristan with a pitiful voice, “Alex, for the past three years, we’ve kept our relationship purely platonic. But she’s pregnant with another man’s child, making you a cuckold.” Hearing the word “cuckold,” Tristan raised his hand and slapped me hard across the face. “You whore! You get knocked up by someone else and dare to slander me and Brianna? Get out of the Hawthorne house!” The pain on my cheek left me dazed for a few seconds. Three years ago, when Tristan ran off with Brianna, leaving me alone at the altar to face everyone’s mockery, I publicly asked for a husband. It was Tristan’s uncle, Lucas Hawthorne, who stepped up and married me. Lucas was known as the “Ice King” in the city. Since I married him, everyone treated me with utmost respect and courtesy. Since my pregnancy, Lucas had been pampering me, not letting even a hair on my head be harmed. If Lucas found out Tristan had hit me today, there would definitely be bloodshed. To avoid a family tragedy and for the sake of my unborn child, I said coldly, “If you leave now, I’ll pretend none of this ever happened.” But they didn’t appreciate my offer. Brianna grabbed my hair. “Alex, this bitch is just guilty. She wants to drive us out so she can use that bastard child to take over the Hawthorne fortune.” Tristan cursed, “You scheming witch, so that’s your plan. I won’t let you get away with it.” I twisted away from Brianna’s grip and said coldly, “From the day you ran away, Grandfather Hawthorne removed you from the family. Everything in this house has nothing to do with you anymore.” Brianna laughed lightly, “That was just Grandfather’s angry words. Alex is the only Hawthorne grandson, how could he really be removed from the family?” Tristan looked smug, “Grandfather always said everything in the Hawthorne family belongs to me.” I placed a hand on my belly and said coldly, “Not anymore. The child I’m carrying is also a Hawthorne descendant.” I thought I had made myself clear enough. But Tristan glared at me angrily, “You bitch, you really are trying to pass off this bastard as a Hawthorne heir. I’ll teach you a lesson today!” He slapped me even harder, causing me to fall to the ground, clutching my stomach. Seeing their menacing expressions, fear rose in my heart. Worried they might harm the baby, I quickly said, “The child I’m carrying isn’t a bastard, it’s…”

Before I could finish, Tristan shoved the bowl of gourmet soup, along with its broken pieces, into my mouth. “Brianna and I have been struggling for the past three years, while you’ve been living the high life here, all because of that bastard in your belly!” “I’ll make you eat your fill today!” I choked immediately, unable to speak as the sharp ceramic pieces cut into my mouth, drawing blood. As I tried to resist, Brianna dug her sharp heel into the back of my hand. My entire hand throbbed with pain, but I couldn’t even cry out. After force-feeding me the entire bowl of soup, Tristan spat on me before standing up. Brianna moved her stiletto-clad foot to my protruding belly. Terrified, I desperately grabbed her ankle, preventing her from stepping down. Lucas was infertile, and this child was the result of three years of visiting specialists both domestically and abroad. Brianna’s face wore a mocking smile, “Riley, you look just like a mother dog protecting her pups. How ugly.” Tristan frowned at my belly, “If word gets out that I’ve been cuckolded, how can I show my face in the city again? Brianna, crush that bastard in her belly!” I shook my head frantically, spitting out the contents of my mouth along with blood, struggling to say, “The child… in my belly… is Lucas’s…” Tristan paused, then burst into laughter. “Riley, you’re really terrible at lying! Everyone in the city knows my uncle avoids women and is sterile.” “Right now, I’m the only one who can continue the Hawthorne line. Why else do you think Grandfather was so eager for me to marry you and produce an heir?” Brianna chimed in, “Alex is the only Hawthorne heir. Grandfather stopped his cards to force him to come back and inherit the family business.” “You’re ridiculous, trying to pin this on Uncle Lucas after we exposed your lies.” Tristan and Brianna had eloped for three years without even a phone call home. Grandfather Hawthorne was truly disappointed in him, which was why he cut off Tristan’s funds and wanted to sever ties with him. But seeing them both in such an irrational state, I didn’t argue to avoid provoking them further. I repeated, “I’m not lying. The child really is Lucas’s.” “If you don’t believe me, I can call Lucas to confirm.” With one hand protecting my belly, I reached for my phone on the table. If I could just contact Lucas, he would rush over to save me and the baby. But just as I grabbed the phone, Tristan snatched it away and smashed it on the ground. Seeing the screen shatter into pieces, my heart sank. Tristan grabbed my chin and said, “My uncle is unpredictable and feared by everyone in the city as the Ice King.” “If he finds out I can’t even handle being cuckolded, he’ll think I’m useless and won’t pass the company to me.” “Riley, isn’t that why you wanted to call my uncle?” I shook my head quickly, “No, the baby I’m carrying is…” Before I could finish, Brianna pressed her heel into my stomach, “Alex, why waste words on this slut? Let’s quickly get rid of the bastard in her belly and go report to Grandfather.” A sharp pain shot through my abdomen, and I could feel the baby moving frantically inside. I was filled with unprecedented panic. I looked at them pleadingly, “Please, spare my child…” Brianna took out her phone and pointed it at me, “If you kneel down and bark like a dog twice, then say you’re a promiscuous bitch, I’ll spare the child in your belly.”

At this moment, for the sake of my unborn child, I could no longer care about anything else. I turned and knelt on the ground, barked “Woof, woof” twice, and said with a trembling voice, “I’m a promiscuous bitch.” Brianna bent down to look at me, a smug smile on her lips. “Riley, when I knelt before you begging you not to marry Alex, did you ever imagine this day would come?” Back then, Brianna had come to me, saying she and her step-brother were in love, asking me to break off the engagement. The marriage between the Hawthorne and Winters families was arranged by our parents, with countless business interests behind it. If I had proposed to break it off, the responsibility would have fallen on me, and the Winters family would have suffered. So I refused her request. I never expected her to hold such a grudge until today. Now, I had no energy to argue about past events. I looked at them pleadingly, “Please, call an ambulance quickly.” Tristan stomped on my back, “Riley, you really are a slut! You’d do anything for this bastard!” I was pinned to the ground, my belly hitting the hard floor. A burning pain spread across my abdomen. “You said you’d spare my child…” Brianna spoke casually, “I said I’d spare your child, but Alex didn’t say anything!” “You bitch, using that bastard in your belly to scam the Hawthorne family under my name. If you think I’ll let you off, dream on!” Tristan kicked me hard in the abdomen. An intense pain ripped through my lower belly, and bright red blood began to flow down my legs. Feeling the baby’s movements gradually cease, I was filled with despair. My eyes burned with hatred as I looked at them. “Tristan, Brianna, you’ll regret this!” Brianna stood beside Tristan, her eyes filled with malice, “Alex, this bitch still hasn’t learned her lesson. Looks like she needs more punishment!” Hearing this, Tristan’s lips curled into a cold smile, “Let’s see who makes who regret!” “Brianna, go find a rope.” Brianna immediately understood and found a rope from the living room, walking towards me. I dragged my bleeding lower body backward, my eyes full of terror, “What are you going to do?” But their only response was excitement on their faces. They tied my hands and feet together with the rope, then dragged me from inside the house to the outside, leaving a long trail of blood on the floor. They dragged me to the edge of the swimming pool. Tristan kicked me into the pool. With my limbs bound, I could only sink helplessly to the bottom. The pool water sealed my mouth and nose, and the agony of suffocation overwhelmed me. Just when I thought I was about to die, Tristan pulled me up by the rope. “Riley, have you learned your lesson? Will you ever dare to cuckold me again?” I gasped for air, but I could feel the pain in my abdomen sinking lower and lower. I had attended prenatal classes with Lucas before, and I knew this meant I was going into premature labor due to the trauma. Although I knew the chances of the baby surviving were slim, I didn’t want to give up this last hope. I pleaded with Tristan again, “I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll never do it again. Please spare me and the baby.” “I’m going into labor. Please call an ambulance, I beg you…” Tristan spat at me, “Bitch, you’re still thinking about that bastard. I see you have no remorse at all!” “There’s no way I’m letting that bastard leave the Hawthorne house alive today!” He raised his foot to kick me back into the pool. I closed my eyes in despair, my heart filled with fear of drowning. Just then, the gates of the Hawthorne mansion burst open. Lucas rushed in, his eyes filled with urgency, and shouted, “Stop!”

Tristan was startled by his uncle’s shout, instinctively dropping the rope. He had always been afraid of his uncle, known as the Ice King. But when he saw Grandfather Hawthorne following Lucas, Tristan regained his composure. After all, he was the only grandson in the family, the apple of his grandfather’s eye. He rushed to embrace Grandfather Hawthorne, forcing out a few tears, “Grandpa, I’ve missed you so much these past three years.” Brianna also stepped forward. As the Hawthorne’s adopted daughter, she wasn’t as close to Grandfather Hawthorne as Tristan. She stood to the side and said: “Grandpa, Alex and I know we were wrong. Alex has decided to come back and continue the wedding with Riley. We just didn’t expect…” Tristan added with a resentful tone, “We didn’t expect this slut to be so shameless, cheating on me and getting pregnant with a bastard, trying to pass it off as a Hawthorne child!” “But don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ve already taken care of the bastard in her belly. The Hawthorne name won’t be disgraced!” Hearing this, Grandfather Hawthorne pushed Tristan away and finally saw me, barely alive by the pool. Lucas ran to my side, his hands trembling as he untied the ropes binding my limbs. Seeing the blood flowing from my lower body, even his voice shook. “Riley, how are you?” I looked at Lucas, tears streaming down my face, “Lucas, the baby… save the baby…” Grandfather Hawthorne stared at the scene in disbelief. He raised his cane and struck Tristan hard, “You beast! What have you done!” Tristan dodged while glaring at me resentfully, “Grandpa, that bitch Riley used the Hawthorne name to cuckold me. She’s fooled you and Uncle Lucas. I never touched her, that child in her belly isn’t mine.” Brianna chimed in, “That’s right, Grandpa. Alex and I just got back to the Hawthorne house today. Her belly is already six or seven months along. It must be some bastard child.” Grandfather Hawthorne struck Brianna with his cane, “The child in Riley’s belly is not a bastard. It’s a Hawthorne descendant.” Tristan shouted, “Grandpa, that’s impossible! I never touched her!” Lucas picked up my bleeding body and kicked Tristan to the ground, his eyes full of murderous intent as he looked at him and Brianna. “If anything happens to the child in Riley’s womb, I’ll have your lives!” With that, he carried me hurriedly to the hospital. Tristan was so terrified by his uncle’s killing intent that he didn’t dare breathe. After Lucas left, he took a deep breath and looked at his grandfather. “Grandpa, has Uncle gone mad? How can he threaten my life for that promiscuous woman and her bastard child?” Brianna whispered beside him, “Alex, could this all be a plot by Riley and Uncle Lucas? Uncle is sterile, so maybe they’re using the bastard in Riley’s belly to seize your inheritance?” Tristan immediately turned to Grandfather Hawthorne, “Grandpa, you must stand up for me. All the Hawthorne fortune belongs to me. It can’t fall into outsiders’ hands.” Seeing that they still hadn’t grasped the situation even when facing death, Grandfather Hawthorne angrily struck Tristan’s head with his cane. “To think that I, Theodore Hawthorne, known for my wisdom, could have such a foolish descendant.” “The child in Riley’s belly is not a bastard. It’s Lucas’s child.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “307598”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #魔幻Magic #重生Reborn #狼人Werewolf

I put on another man’s suit and saved Riley from being left at the altar. For three years, I thought our marriage meant something. Then her ex came back sick and weak, and she ran to him without even looking at me. Now she cannot remember signing our divorce papers. She also has no idea that in seven days I will leave her for good. “Lucas, are you really going to divorce Riley and study abroad?” In the quiet living room, Lucas looked at Mrs. Sullivan’s shocked face across from him and nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Sullivan. As you know, I wasn’t the one who was supposed to marry her in the first place. For Riley, I was just an unexpected stand-in, a substitute when the real groom didn’t show up. Now that he’s back, she’s been so happy lately. It’s time for me to go.” Outside, a light snow was falling, creating a beautiful winter scene. He smiled lightly. “Studying abroad has always been my dream anyway.” Mrs. Sullivan looked at the young man before her, remembering Riley’s wedding three years ago. Tristan, who was supposed to be the groom, had fled abroad at the last minute. Just as Riley stood awkwardly on stage, red-eyed and unsure what to do, Lucas had put on an ill-fitting suit and slowly walked up. He apologetically took the microphone and addressed all the guests: “I’m so sorry, there was traffic on the way. I’m late.” With that act, he had saved Riley’s dignity and the Sullivan family’s reputation. Mrs. Sullivan let out a long sigh, then asked uncertainly, “Will Riley agree to the divorce?” Lucas shook his head with a smile. “I already got her to sign the divorce papers.” Two weeks ago, he had given her the divorce agreement. At the time, Riley was in a rush to finish work and meet Tristan. She had signed without even looking and left. Now, in just seven more days, he would be able to get the official divorce certificate. He would be free. After all, the Sullivan family had a three-generation military background and couldn’t go abroad. So once he left the country, he and Riley would never have to see each other again. Just as Mrs. Sullivan was about to speak, a gentle female voice came from behind them. “Lucas, what are you chatting about with Mom?” Lucas turned around to see Riley, whom he hadn’t seen in days, walking towards them in a black evening gown that occasionally revealed her long legs. “…Riley.” Seeing her daughter approach, Mrs. Sullivan was about to step forward to scold her. “Why are you here?” With a mix of surprise and reassurance, Lucas stood up, giving Mrs. Sullivan a pleading look to interrupt her. “I missed you, so I came by to pick you up,” Riley said, her eyes looking a bit guilty. In truth, she had come on purpose after finding out Lucas’s whereabouts. After saying goodbye to the worried Mrs. Sullivan, the couple took their bags and left the Sullivan family home. On the way back, heavy rain pounded on the car windows, while inside was completely silent. Riley remained quiet for a long time before finally speaking. “Lucas.” “Tristan and I are really over. He just got back to the country and had heart surgery a few years ago, so his health isn’t good. As an old… friend, I just went to help him get settled. I hope you can understand.” Lucas stared out the rain-blurred window and nodded. If only he hadn’t seen how Riley had dropped everything and excitedly rushed to meet Tristan the day he returned. If only he hadn’t noticed Riley selling the watch she had used for years and replacing it with a cheap bracelet Tristan had given her. If only… There were too many “if onlys.” Lucas no longer had any expectations or trust left. A soft sigh filled the car. Faced with this husband she had married by chance years ago, Riley wanted to explain further. But thinking of her own actions over the past two weeks, she ultimately chose to change the subject. “Lucas, what was that document you had me sign two weeks ago?” As soon as she finished speaking, Lucas turned to look at Riley, his eyes showing three parts surprise and seven parts bitter amusement. She was only now remembering to ask about that? Then again, ever since Tristan came back, everything else in her life had faded into the background. How could she be expected to care about anything else? Lucas was about to speak when Riley’s phone suddenly rang. Seeing the name displayed on the car screen, Riley’s face instantly tensed up. “It’s fine, go ahead and answer. It might be something important,” Lucas said, looking out the window with an indifferent expression that made Riley suddenly feel afraid. But she still answered the call, with the car’s speakers automatically broadcasting the conversation. “Riley, I miss you so much. It hurts. Can we meet?” Hearing the whiny tone on the other end, Riley’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the steering wheel. Her expression also suddenly turned cold. “Tristan, I’m married now. I’ve told you many times, don’t talk to me like that!” There was a moment of silence on the other end before Tristan replied, “But Riley, I was supposed to be the groom at that wedding.” The car suddenly screeched to a halt in the middle of the road, the tires making a huge noise as they skidded on the pavement. In their three years of marriage, this was the first time Lucas had seen Riley lose control. She shouted at the screen: “But you left! You abandoned me and left!” The phone went completely silent. A moment later, Tristan’s voice came back sounding choked up: “I’m sorry. I was sick at the time and didn’t want you to worry. I had no idea it would have such serious consequences.” “Ah! Riley! My heart hurts so much. It’s okay, just let me die like this. Then I won’t bother you anymore, and you can live happily with my substitute.” Soon, there was no more sound from the other end. Riley instantly panicked. She immediately looked at Lucas. Lucas spoke up first: “It’s fine, I’ll take a taxi home. You go check on him. Don’t let anything really happen.” Riley still felt somewhat guilty and said softly, “I’m not going to see him. I just remembered there’s an urgent matter at the company, so I need to stop by there.” “I’ll come back to be with you after I finish.” Lucas nodded and opened the car door to get out. Watching her car speed away, Lucas stood in the rain holding an umbrella, his eyes darkening. A moment later, he gave a bitter smile and started walking towards home, over ten miles away. Three years. It was time to end it. Three years ago, he had put on that ill-fitting suit and married a woman who could barely remember his name. Friends and relatives privately said Lucas was pitiful, just a stand-in for his wife’s true love. But in the three years since, they had shared romantic moments together and dreamed of the future. Lucas had thought he had melted the heart of this so-called ice queen. But now, Lucas clearly knew he had been wrong. If that was the case, he should return to where he truly belonged and give back this position as Mr. Sullivan. It would fulfill Riley’s wishes. And free himself as well. Lightning split the night sky, followed closely by torrential rain that swept through like a tidal wave. It also washed away the last of Lucas’s feelings for Riley.

Lucas slept alone that night. By noon the next day, Riley still hadn’t returned. When he woke up, it was still raining outside. Lucas stayed at home, calmly deleting all the posts about their married life from his social media accounts. Just as he finished cleaning everything up, he saw that Tristan, who had been threatening to die yesterday, had suddenly posted on social media: “What’s it like to be doted on by your ex-girlfriend?” He included a grid of nine photos. In the first, the usually cold and indifferent Riley was in his arms, feeding him porridge. In the second, the normally aloof Riley was sitting by his bedside, holding his hand. In the third, the usually proud Riley was kneeling in front of him, her eyes full of concern as she helped him take medicine. The fourth showed a pile of luxury goods, each worth millions. Tristan had captioned it: “Thanks to Riley’s connections, I’m not angry or upset anymore.” In the photos, the handsome man smiled sweetly, looking like the happiest prince on a phone call. The comment section was full of envious remarks: “Left and experienced hardships, returned and it’s still true love. Tristan, did you save the galaxy in your past life?” “No way! It must have been at least ten galaxies. Tristan, how did you manage to make your ex still so devoted to you?” Besides the envy, there were naturally some who wanted to mock Lucas. Lucas just glanced over them briefly, a few comments catching his eye: “I wonder how Mr. Xu feels seeing all this?” “What could a mere substitute feel? Did he really think that by stepping in to save face as the groom, he could win the heart of the Sullivan family’s princess? He’s probably dying of jealousy right now. Want to bet how many minutes before this lapdog shows up?” “I bet 10 minutes!” “I bet 5 minutes!” “I bet 1 minute! He’s probably already downstairs. I’ll stake my new Lamborghini on it!” Many people eagerly joined in the betting, with the stakes getting higher and higher. But Lucas just smiled resignedly. He would soon no longer be “Mr. Sullivan” in others’ eyes, so why chase after a woman who didn’t belong to him? So Lucas quickly typed out a response on his phone: “I bet he won’t show up for a lifetime.” His words stirred up a storm, with many people immediately messaging to ask if he was joking. Lucas simply turned off his phone and stopped looking at any messages. Instead, he turned to make himself a bowl of noodles. Just then, the phone suddenly rang. Lucas didn’t answer, but the calls kept coming non-stop for five or six minutes before finally stopping. But soon after, the housekeeper Mrs. Zhang came in holding her own phone, looking troubled. “Sir, the young miss wants you to answer the phone.” Only then did Lucas pick up the phone and answer. “Lucas, it’s all a misunderstanding. I already made Tristan delete those posts. Don’t overthink it. He was feeling very unwell yesterday, that’s why I didn’t come home. Nothing happened between us.” Riley’s anxious voice came through the phone. The moment she saw Lucas’s comment, she had panicked. Lucas looked at the noodles he had made and calmly said, “I made noodles. Are you coming home to eat?” Riley was stunned for a moment before replying, “I’m glad you’re not angry. You can eat the noodles yourself. Tristan’s heart is hurting again, so I’m taking him to the hospital for a check-up. Don’t worry, we’re really just frie-” Before she could finish, Tristan’s panicked voice came through on the other end. “Riley, where are you? I can’t see you. Did I lose you again? My heart feels so anxious.” The call was abruptly hung up, leaving only Riley’s urgent voice addressing the other end: “Tristan, I’m right here. You didn’t lose me.” Looking at the ended call, Lucas sent Riley a message: “That document you asked about yesterday is in the glove compartment on your side.” “Open it and you’ll see what it is.” It wasn’t until two hours later that Riley finally replied with one sentence: “No need. Whatever you had me sign, I’m sure it’s not to harm me.” This meant she wouldn’t look at it. Of course. Right now she just wanted to be by Tristan’s side. Why would she bother looking at anything unrelated to Tristan? Even though that divorce agreement was right within her reach. In the afternoon, Lucas drove to follow a truck delivering supplies to the orphanage where he grew up. Lucas had been an orphan since childhood, raised here. Seeing Lucas arrive, the children were all very excited, running up to cling to him and share their experiences. After spending time with the kids, he went to the director’s office to say goodbye. “Mama Director, I’m going abroad for further studies.” The director was very happy. Lucas had been a top student in physics at Tsinghua University, but had suddenly given up studying abroad for a flash marriage. She had been regretful about it for a long time. “Lucas, that’s wonderful news.” The director held Lucas’s hand, smiling with satisfaction. But then she thought of something and her expression turned worried. “But… you going abroad to study means you and Riley will be in a long-distance relationship. That can be very difficult.” Lucas looked out the window at a few children playing and running around, shaking his head with a light smile. “It’s not a long-distance relationship. We’re getting divorced.” “Because… Tristan came back.” The director was stunned at first, then let out a long sigh, feeling both regretful and relieved. “I guess I wasn’t wrong in my initial assessment. This marriage of yours was never going to last long. You see, once a person still has someone else in their heart, no matter how loving things seem on the surface, it’s all fake. As soon as that person comes back, the marriage is over. So it’s good that you’re divorcing.” She held Lucas’s hand sympathetically, comforting him softly. Lucas smiled back and hugged the director. Yes, it was good that it was ending.

After returning from the orphanage, Lucas went to the civil affairs bureau and learned that in five more days he could finalize the divorce. Only then did he go home to pack his luggage. It was then that he realized his clothes filled several entire closets. Inside were also various expensive watches, sports car keys, and other priceless gifts from Riley. In truth, during their three years of marriage, Riley had always been good to him, constantly giving him black credit cards, houses, cars, and more. But he had never touched any of it. Because every time Riley gave him gifts, Lucas would see the shadow of someone else in her reddened eyes. To be precise, Riley’s kindness to him was all stolen from Tristan, who had temporarily exited the stage. He used to think that with time, Riley would see his true heart. But reality proved that what didn’t belong to him would eventually have to be returned. Lucas sorted out some of his own belongings, then took all the gifts he had given Riley over the years and sold them for scrap. Over the years, to make her happy, he had carefully prepared many gifts for her. She had never even glanced at them. The only watch she ever wore was quickly replaced by a cheap bracelet from Tristan after he returned. Seeing all these gifts tossed aside with a thick layer of dust on them, Lucas smiled bitterly again. If Riley truly loved him, where did all this dust come from? Watching the junk truck drive away, he was about to return to the villa when he heard a horn honk behind him. Lucas turned to see a flashy Ferrari stop in front of him. A girl in a red dress stepped out of the car with a showy air. It was his sister-in-law Sophie. Sophie frowned at the departing junk truck, then snorted disdainfully. “As expected of an orphan with no parents. Even cardboard boxes have to be sold for money. Acting like our Sullivan family is going bankrupt or something.” Lucas didn’t even look at her, turning to leave. Sophie’s mocking smile turned to anger. She stepped forward to grab him. “Lucas!” Ever since Lucas had entered their Sullivan family, he had always been very humble and tried to please everyone. He had never given her the cold shoulder like this before. Today he actually dared to turn his back on her. A fire of rage instantly rose in Sophie’s heart. “Hey orphan! Are you deaf? I’m talking to you!” Lucas turned back and pulled off her hand, his eyes flashing with annoyance. Sophie had always disliked him, feeling that someone of his background was completely unworthy of entering their prestigious Sullivan family. So for three years after the wedding, she had constantly targeted him, saying things like the breakfast he made wasn’t fully cooked, or stepping on the clothes he had washed to dirty them. But now that he was leaving, he didn’t want to tolerate her anymore. Sophie was about to continue making a scene, but seemed to think of something. The corners of her mouth curved up into a sneer. “Someone like you should sell more junk. After all, now that my sister’s true love Tristan is back, you can get lost, you so-called stand-in.” As she finished speaking, a man in a white suit, dressed quite elegantly, stepped out from behind her. This was Lucas’s first time seeing Tristan in person. A pair of almond-shaped eyes brimming with charm, messy black hair casually swept back, porcelain white skin paired with the fitted white suit – just standing there exuded an aura of nobility. No wonder Riley had been so obsessed with him for all these years. But that suit, those accessories – Lucas found them somewhat familiar. Wasn’t this style of dress exactly the same as what was in his own closet? In that moment, Lucas fully understood. He really had just been a stand-in all along. Tristan looked Lucas up and down, as if seeing a cheap version of himself, full of disdain and mockery. But this expression was quickly hidden away when Riley’s car pulled in behind them. He immediately put on a pitiful face and said, “Sophie, don’t talk about Mr. Xu like that. He’s your brother-in-law now. What if he gets angry and kicks me out?” Just as he finished speaking, Riley’s panicked voice came from behind. “What’s going on? Who’s kicking who out?!”

Riley hurried over. Her gaze fell on Tristan standing there unharmed, and she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief before turning to address Lucas. “Lucas, Tristan’s house has been empty for years and needs to be renovated. So could he stay with us for a few days?” Lucas looked at Riley without speaking. In the silence, Tristan’s expression became very uneasy and a bit pitiful. “Riley, maybe I should just leave. After all, it was my fault for not showing up at the wedding. Now you have a new husband, and Mr. Xu doesn’t seem to welcome me.” Riley looked at Lucas, her face hesitating. Tristan let out a long sigh, turning away dejectedly. Sophie immediately reached out to stop him. “Tristan! Why are you leaving?! If anyone should go, it’s him. The real man of this house should be-” “Shut up, Sophie!” Riley snapped angrily. “Who said you could talk to Lucas like that? He’s my husband and your brother-in-law. Apologize to him right now or get out!” Sophie’s eyes instantly reddened at this. Seeing the scene, Lucas finally spoke up, the corners of his mouth curving into a smile. “It’s fine, you don’t need to scold Sophie. I didn’t refuse. Mr. Fu, please make yourself at home here.” After all, in five more days, this home would belong to Tristan. There was no need to ruin the sisters’ relationship over an outsider like himself. With that, Lucas turned and walked into the villa. “Hey orphan! Who said you could speak for me?! Am I wrong?! If my sister wasn’t the Sullivan family’s princess, would you have stepped up as the groom?!” Sophie’s defiant voice came from behind, followed by Riley’s scolding and Tristan’s placating words. Hearing Sophie’s words, complex emotions surged in Lucas’s eyes. This was his eighth year of loving Riley. He still remembered the scene when he first fell in love at first sight with her in the dance studio. She was wearing a ballet dress, her graceful movements making her look just like a proud yet noble and beautiful white swan. In that moment, his heart was captivated. But she was the Sullivan family’s princess, the darling of high society. As an orphan, Lucas knew their backgrounds were worlds apart. But in the end, when he saw Riley red-eyed and at a loss standing on that stage, Lucas instinctively went up. That feeling had nothing to do with status or benefits. He simply didn’t want to see the girl he liked cry. Seemingly afraid Tristan would still leave, Riley immediately instructed the servants to move his luggage into the largest guest room. Sophie instantly strutted over to Lucas, her nose in the air. “What are you standing around for? Go make dinner. Oh, and Tristan can’t eat spicy food, so make it bland.” Hearing this, Tristan’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he looked Lucas up and down again. “I’ve heard Mr. Xu’s cooking is quite good. Then today I’ll have to trouble-” Before he could finish, Riley came down from the guest room upstairs. “Sophie, that’s enough! How many times have I told you, we have servants. Why do you always make Lucas cook for you?” Tristan’s expression soured, his glance towards Lucas filled with hatred. But when Riley walked over, Tristan immediately put on a different face, smiling. “I’ll cook today. I learned a lot of skills abroad these past years and have been wanting to make something for you all to try.” As he said this, Tristan was looking at Riley. Riley’s eyes suddenly had a moment of haziness, but when she saw Lucas standing quietly to the side, she still shook her head and said, “No need. Your health isn’t good. Let the servants-” Sophie latched onto her, grabbing Riley’s hand and saying, “Sis, just let Tristan cook for us. He worked so hard to learn.” Riley seemed to think of something and finally nodded. “Alright, but don’t tire yourself out.” Lucas watched all of this without saying a word, just standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the garden. Seeing Lucas so quiet, Riley suddenly felt an increasing sense of panic. After a long silence, she walked to Lucas’s side and softly said, “Lucas, if you don’t like Tristan staying here, I’ll send him back after this meal.” “No need. Let him stay if he wants.” Lucas turned to look at Riley. “That document, have you looked at it?” Mentioning the document again, Riley’s brow furrowed slightly. “I haven’t looked yet. Didn’t I say I trust you? Do I really need to look at it?” Did she need to or not? Lucas didn’t know. The signature was already there anyway. But thinking of their three years together… Lucas was about to speak when Tristan suddenly came over carrying a pot of hot soup. He glanced at Lucas standing like a stranger beside Riley, his eyes flashing with intense jealousy. Then, pretending to stumble, he rushed forward towards Lucas in a panic, spilling the entire pot of soup. “Watch out!”

“Watch out!” Seeing the hot soup flying towards him, Lucas instinctively pulled Riley into his arms to protect her. Then he watched helplessly as a huge pot of scalding chicken broth poured all over him. “Ahh!” In an instant, Lucas was drenched in soup, his skin immediately turning bright red from the burns. The searing pain nearly made him pass out. “Lucas!” Riley pushed Lucas away, her eyes full of panic. “Don’t be afraid, I’ll take you to the hospital right away!” He looked up at her, the pain spreading through his whole body. He used all his strength but couldn’t say a word. Then he looked at Tristan. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Xu. Are you alright? Riley, thank goodness Mr. Xu protected you.” Seeing Tristan’s fake panic and the satisfaction hidden in his eyes, Lucas immediately realized what had happened and said shakily: “You did that on purpose?” Hearing this, Tristan was stunned for a moment, then tears started falling from the grown man’s eyes. “Mr. Xu, what are you saying? How could I do that on purpose? I know you feel insecure and prejudiced against me. It’s my fault for making you get burned!” “But you can’t slander me like this.” Seeing Tristan cry, Sophie resolutely stepped in front of him and angrily said: “Lucas! That’s enough! So what if you got a little burn? Why are you making such a big deal out of it? Tristan worked hard to cook for us, he’s tired enough already! Besides…” Sophie looked at Riley, whose eyes were now filled with doubt and anger, and raised her chin to continue, “Besides, my sister was right there. Even if Tristan wanted to hurt someone, he’d never hurt my sister, right?” As soon as she finished speaking, the doubt in Riley’s eyes instantly disappeared. She looked at Lucas with furrowed brows and said disappointedly, “That’s right, Lucas. Tristan wouldn’t hurt anyone, least of all me. Please don’t overthink things, okay?” Hearing these words, Lucas felt countless emotions rushing to his head, tears welling up in his eyes. Riley sighed, her voice becoming calm. “Lucas, let’s go to the hospital, alright?” Lucas knew that no matter what else he said, Riley wouldn’t believe him now. He was about to nod when- “Oh no, Tristan, you’re hurt so badly!” Sophie cried out. Riley’s attention immediately shifted. She rushed over to Tristan in a panic. His snow-white arm had some small blisters, looking quite “severe” indeed. Tristan put his arm behind his back, shaking his head with red-rimmed eyes. “I’m fine. Mr. Xu looks much worse. You should take him to the hospital first.” He had barely finished speaking when Riley turned back towards Lucas. Tristan immediately put on an agonized expression. “Ah! Riley! My heart hurts so much. It must be the shock of Mr. Xu accusing me just now. Ah, Riley…” Tristan collapsed, grabbing Riley’s hand as she tried to support him. He gasped weakly, “Riley, am I dying? Will I never see you again?” Sophie stomped her foot anxiously. “Sis! Tristan’s heart condition is bad. Let’s get him to the hospital quickly!” “I-I’m fine…” Tristan continued gasping pitifully. But this act undoubtedly made Riley’s heart ache. She could no longer think about the disheveled Lucas. She helped Tristan up and headed for the door. Just before leaving, she seemed to remember something and turned back to Lucas with a guilty look. “Tristan’s heart is weak. I’m afraid something might happen to him. The hospital isn’t far from here.” “…Lucas, you can take a taxi to the hospital yourself.” It wasn’t until their three figures had disappeared from view that Lucas came back to his senses, inhaling sharply through clenched teeth as he fought against the pain. Seeing how severely he was injured yet left behind, the servants quickly ran over with painkillers and alcohol. But Lucas’s burns were too severe. Even after taking the painkillers, he still had to lean against the wall for support, enduring the pain as he slowly made his way towards the hospital. With each step, he moved further and further away from the place he had called “home.”

At the hospital, the doctor used cotton swabs to carefully press down the blistered areas while asking Lucas with concern why he was so severely burned yet had no family accompanying him. Lucas inhaled sharply from the pain. Two other doctors passed by the doorway, chatting. “Miss Sullivan really dotes on her husband. Just a few small blisters and she booked the entire floor, getting all the dermatology specialists to consult.” “I know, right? Those few blisters would have mostly healed on their own if he’d come in a bit later. If only I could find a caring woman like that who loved me.” “Haha, dream on. Women like that only come along once in a blue moon.” Once in a blue moon? Lucas smiled bitterly. Abandoning her severely injured husband to go take care of someone with minor injuries – she truly was a one-in-a-million good woman. Lucas’s injuries were too severe. He needed to stay in the hospital for a few days. Three days later, Lucas was finally discharged, his body still wrapped in bandages. As soon as he turned on his phone, countless missed calls and messages popped up, filling the screen. They were all from Riley. This had never happened since Tristan’s return. While Lucas was still in a daze, Sophie called. As soon as he answered, her shrill voice came through. “Lucas, you’ve got some nerve! Where have you been for three days? Did you do it on purpose?! Can’t compete with Tristan so you’re pulling this kind of stunt? Do you know my sister’s been going crazy looking for you?! Don’t think this will get her attention. Dream on! The position of Sullivan son-in-law will always belong to Tristan!” After finishing her tirade, Sophie hung up. Lucas just furrowed his brow. Had he heard wrong? Riley had been frantically searching for him? How was that possible? Wasn’t she busy taking care of Tristan? Why would she look for him? But when Lucas looked at the 999 missed calls on his phone, it did seem to show Riley’s urgency in trying to reach him. Filled with confusion, Lucas returned home. As soon as he entered the gate, the servants rushed over looking immensely relieved. Several of them were on the verge of tears as they spoke. “Sir, you’re finally back. The young miss has been going crazy looking for you…” Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. “Lucas!” Riley anxiously ran over. In the three days apart, the usually glamorous woman looked rather haggard, especially the dark circles under her eyes. “I was in the hospital. The same one where you were taking care of Tristan.” Hearing this, Riley sighed. “About last time, I didn’t mean to abandon you. It’s just that after Tristan’s surgery, the doctors said he needed to stay calm and not get agitated, or something could happen. I’ve been used to taking care of him since we were kids, so that’s why I took him to the hospital first.” “And you didn’t object at the time either. Since you were at the hospital, why didn’t you tell me or answer my calls? You’re my husband. Don’t you know I’d be worried? Can you not do this again next time?” By the end, there was a hint of accusation in her tone. But Lucas just looked at her calmly, not responding. Because in two more days, he would be gone. So there wouldn’t be a next time. For some reason, seeing Lucas’s calmness, Riley suddenly felt panicked as she recalled Lucas’s behavior these past few days. She stepped forward and took Lucas’s hand, sighing, “Actually, Tristan really didn’t mean to hurt you last time. Since you don’t want him staying here, I’ve already had him move out. Can you stop being upset over this little thing from now on?” Riley stared directly at Lucas, hoping to see a trace of being moved in his eyes. But Lucas had no reaction. He removed Riley’s hand and turned to go upstairs. As soon as he entered the room, he saw an expensive watch placed on the bed. He looked up questioningly at Riley who had followed behind. Riley sighed. “Lucas, this is my way of making it up to you. You won’t be angry anymore now, right?” Lucas looked at the watch in the box, worth millions, a complex look flashing in his eyes. Three years. A full three years. They had shared a bed, had happy times together. In her eyes, was he really the type of person to fake being angry and hurt just for compensation? Suddenly, he recalled the gifts Riley had carefully prepared for Tristan in her social media posts. A mocking feeling welled up, but he quickly suppressed it. Forget it. If she didn’t understand, there was no point in explaining. Seeing no smile appear on Lucas’s face, Riley didn’t think much of it, just assuming he didn’t like it. “Lucas, if you don’t like these, once I’m done dealing with Tristan’s situation, I’ll take you to an auction to pick out the most expensive one for you…” Riley hadn’t finished speaking when Sophie and Tristan’s voices came from outside the door. “Tristan, I told you my sister loves you so much, she’d never really make you move out. It’s all that Lucas’s fault. I’ll scold him for you later. You’ll move back in, right?” As they spoke, the two brazenly walked into Lucas and Riley’s bedroom. Then upon seeing the watch set on the bed, Sophie exclaimed in delight: “Oh my god, sis! Tristan just mentioned to me that he really liked these watch models. I can’t believe you actually bought them!” She looked at Tristan beside her, her eyes full of envy. Hearing this, Tristan’s face instantly reddened, then he shot a smug look at Lucas. Seeing that Riley didn’t immediately deny it, but instead looked hesitant, Lucas didn’t even think before picking up the box and handing it to Tristan. “If it’s meant for you, then take it.” With one sentence, he made the choice for Riley, resolving her dilemma. At this moment, Riley looked at Lucas in shock. Seeing how generous he was being, the unease in Riley’s heart grew stronger. She wanted to object, but seeing how happy Tristan looked, she closed her mouth. She thought to herself, it’s fine, next week is our wedding anniversary. She could make it up to Lucas then. Surely she was overthinking things. He was just jealous and sulking. Lucas loved Riley so much. How could he possibly leave?

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“Lyra, leave. Now.” Cassian was trembling, fighting the venom tearing through his wolf body. But when he collapsed, his guards panicked. “Alpha, only her kiss can neutralize the toxin.” His hand grabbed mine before he could stop himself. My lips saved his life. His pride hated it. Then Theo called. “You’re still chasing my brother. Pathetic.” Cassian ripped the phone away. “You did not cherish her. I will.” His eyes were glowing when he pulled me close. Theo’s family all had the werewolf gene. After turning 20, they would go into heat every full moon. Whoever they marked for the first time would become their lifelong, sole mate. I thought the person Theo wanted to mark was definitely me. But when he first awakened his werewolf nature, his friend called me over to help him ease the symptoms. Instead, I overheard Theo saying irritably outside the private room: “I really don’t want to give Lyra the satisfaction.” “I want to pursue the campus beauty, but she’s not an easy girl.” “Unlike Lyra, who’s like an eager puppy, always at my beck and call.” “When she gets here, even if she begs to help me, I’ll have to resist.” “I don’t want to sleep with her and end up tied to her for life, completely under her thumb.” Standing outside the room, my mind went blank. I never imagined that Theo, who had grown up with me, saw me this way. His friends, always quick to jump on the bandwagon, all laughed: “So in your eyes, she’s just a plaything.” “Why don’t I call and tell her not to come? Save her from taking advantage of you tonight and trying to climb the social ladder through your bed. To be honest, I think you get what you pay for.” But Theo stopped his friend from making the call, saying uncomfortably: “Forget it. If we tell her not to come now, what will she think?” “Even if she’s just a plaything, she’s the one I’ve spoiled since childhood. I can’t bear to hurt her feelings.” “When she gets here, I’ll see if I can resist touching her.” “There are some things I don’t want to spell out. This is a good opportunity to let her see things clearly.” At that moment, I wanted to burst in and shout at Theo: “You can’t bear to hurt my feelings, yet you compare me to an eager puppy in front of your friends, letting them mock and belittle me? You don’t deserve my infatuation!” But I held back. Why waste words on someone who doesn’t cherish me? I turned and fled the scene, telling myself not to cry. After some thought, I called his brother’s bodyguard: “Remember how you begged me to help ease Theo’s brother’s symptoms? Do you still need that now?” “Send me the address. I’ll be right there.”

Half an hour earlier, the bodyguard had called to tell me a truth Theo had deliberately concealed: “Miss Lyra, do you remember five years ago when the young master took you skiing and you unfortunately fell into a ravine?” “The older young master led us on a rescue mission. We searched for three days and nights before finding you buried in the snow, frozen like an ice sculpture. You had no pulse at the time.” “The older young master told his brother that werewolves could share half their lifespan with their mate through a blood ritual on the full moon night.” “The blood ritual is another form of marking.” “Once performed, they would consider that person their lifelong, sole mate.” “But the younger master wasn’t willing to do it, yet he couldn’t bear to let you die like that. He held you and cried uncontrollably.” “In the end, it was the older master who saved you.” “You were very lucky. It happened to be a full moon night.” “To save you, the older master performed the blood ritual and shared half his lifespan with you. But in doing so, he also marked you, committing to you as his sole mate for life.” “The younger master begged his brother not to tell you about this.” “For the past five years, every full moon night, the older master has endured alone, never bothering you, and strictly forbidding anyone from revealing the blood ritual to you.” “But tonight he really can’t bear it anymore. He’s been severely injured and is fighting for his life. With the full moon, he won’t make it through without you.” “Please, could you come and help him?” At that moment, my mind went blank. I never imagined that I had actually died once five years ago. Theo, who had cherished me since childhood, wasn’t willing to sacrifice half his lifespan to save me. Instead, it was his “cold-faced” brother who had snatched me back from death’s grasp. But I still hardened my heart and told the bodyguard: “I’m sorry, but Theo needs me more tonight.” I was willing to be ungrateful just to rush over and help Theo. Only to be mocked by him as an eager puppy, a mere plaything. Yes, I was truly pathetic. I deserved to be treated so cheaply. But I won’t debase myself anymore. I wiped away my tears of hurt and humiliation, gripping my phone tightly as I told the bodyguard: “Is it too late to repay this life-saving debt now?” “If Lucas absolutely needs me tonight, I’ll go right now. I’ll give it my all!” The bodyguard wept with joy: “It’s not too late, not at all.” “Miss Lyra, I’ll send you the location right away.” “If the young master wasn’t critically injured and facing a full moon night, I would never have dared to disobey his orders and reveal this to you. The family rules are very strict.” I understood. Lucas probably just wanted to save my life, nothing more. He didn’t want me clinging to him. And I just wanted to repay his kindness for saving my life. It wasn’t because Theo had broken my heart, and I was running into his brother’s arms.

But I never expected that when I rushed to the VIP ward at the hospital, I would see Fiona, the campus beauty, standing outside the room, desperate to get in: “Let me in, quick!” “Isn’t it a full moon night? How do you know Mr. Cassian doesn’t need me?” “Cassian, Cassian, just let me in to help you, please?” I suddenly found it amusing. Theo said Fiona wasn’t an easy girl, yet here she was, offering herself to his brother. The bodyguards who had refused to let Fiona in immediately opened the door when they saw me, tears in their eyes: “Miss Lyra, you’re finally here.” “Please, come in. The young master truly needs you tonight.” Envy and hatred distorted Fiona’s face. She shrieked hysterically: “Why does Lyra get to go in?” “Cassian got hurt so badly just to save her.” “She’s nothing but bad luck. How dare you let her in?” I froze for a moment. Saved me again? What did that mean? The ward was already in chaos. I saw Cassian lying shirtless on the bed, his face flushed, short hair damp with sweat. His fingertips curled tightly from the surging heat, and the thick white bandages on his back were soaked through with bright red blood. The doctor stood nearby, shouting urgently: “For heaven’s sake, stop resisting! I’m begging you, find a woman to help you quickly. The bandages we just changed are soaked through again. How much blood do you think you have left to endure this torment?” “It’s a full moon night. The werewolf blood is raging far beyond normal levels, and your blood’s ability to clot has failed. Even the best hemostatic drugs I’ve given you aren’t working.” “We need to find a way to ease the surging heat in your body now, or you might bleed to death tonight!” “Where is this girl you say can save the young master? When will she arrive?” The bodyguards standing by the bed had already seen me. They bowed deeply to me with respect and gratitude. “Doctor, she’s here.” At these words, the man lying on the bed, enduring his private hell, suddenly opened his eyes. A pair of intimidating dark red eyes, cold yet dazzling, held back the surging, intense desire as they fell unexpectedly on my face, surprised and annoyed: “Who called her here? Take her away!” The bodyguard bowed and said: “Young master, it was me.” “I’ll accept any punishment as long as Miss Lyra can help ease your symptoms tonight.” “Besides, you were injured this time trying to save Miss Lyra again.” “You’ve risked your life twice to save her without taking credit. You might not feel wronged, but we truly feel it on your behalf.” I secretly observed the imposing man lying on the bed. Although Theo and I were childhood friends, I had always avoided Cassian like the plague. Because he was known as the living incarnation of the Grim Reaper. Even the most arrogant troublemakers became meek in his presence. It was an absolute domination of methods and aura. I usually tried to avoid him at all costs when I saw him. Now, this man who struck fear into everyone’s hearts was clutching the bedsheets, his feet involuntarily curling as he tried to resist. Every part of his body radiated heat waves, his passionate breathing becoming more and more evident. The contrast was so strong, it was captivating. A beautiful man in repose, mesmerizing. However, “You say he was severely injured because of me again?” The bodyguard was about to speak, but Cassian cut him off harshly: “Shut up! Try saying one more word!” Then he switched to a gentle yet distant tone to address me: “Lyra, leave. I don’t need you here.” The bodyguard, risking his life, said: “Young master, stop pretending. You won’t win a wife by being stubborn.” “Your mouth is the toughest part of you, but your heart is as soft as putty. Whenever Miss Lyra is in danger, you’d risk your life, even rush into a fire to save her. Do you think we’re blind?”

There was more than one bodyguard in the room, and they all fearlessly started to complain: “That’s right. Last month’s full moon night, who was it staring at Miss Lyra’s photo on his phone screen, longing and pining until he was delirious, calling out Miss Lyra’s name? I bet she was in your dreams too.” “And the full moon night before that, you parked your car outside Miss Lyra’s dorm all night. How many times did you want to rush into the dorm but held yourself back at the last second? Even a ninja turtle would kneel and call you daddy.” “If we don’t say anything, Miss Lyra will never know. Do you really want to endure this for the rest of your life?” “Shut up. I can endure it,” Cassian said, lowering his eyes. The doctor standing nearby shouted anxiously: “Endure my ass! If you keep this up, you won’t see tomorrow’s sunrise.” “Miss, why are you just standing there? Hurry up and find a way to ease his symptoms.” The bodyguards standing by the bed all bowed deeply to me with utmost respect. But, “What should I do? I don’t know how.” The doctor, while using scissors to cut away the blood-soaked bandages, said: “Kiss him!” I blushed, my cheeks turning crimson. Standing at the head of the bed, I didn’t know how to kiss this aloof man in front of everyone. Suddenly, a bodyguard shouted: “Miss Lyra, do you know how the young master got injured?” “Two days ago, there was a fire in your school’s auditorium. Weren’t you trapped inside, unable to escape? You even passed out from smoke inhalation, nearly suffocating to death.” “Let me tell you, it was the young master who rescued you from the fire.” “Because of the marking, the young master can sense when his mate is in danger.” “The young master ignored everyone’s attempts to stop him and rushed into the inferno to find you. When he carried you out, he was unfortunately struck by a falling beam, and his entire back caught fire.” “But he still endured the excruciating pain and used his last ounce of strength to carry you out of the fire, only to have his brother snatch you away.” “When the younger master saw the older master carrying you out of the fire, he immediately rushed over and took you from the older master’s arms. If he was so concerned about you, why didn’t he go in to save you himself?” What? I couldn’t believe it. Was this how Cassian got hurt? I remembered waking up from my coma two days ago with Theo by my side. I had assumed Theo had saved me. The information I was receiving today was too much to process, leaving no room for bashfulness or embarrassment. Never mind, saving a life was the priority. In the heat of the moment, I leaned down towards Cassian. Staring at his sensual lips, I kissed him hard. “Don’t touch me.” Cassian’s tone was fierce, pushing me away, but his hands gripped the bedsheets tighter and tighter. He was trying so hard to resist that his throat bobbed up and down, his eyes red and frightening. The image of this beautiful man in repose was truly tempting. But his tone grew even colder: “Lyra, do you know what you’re doing? Don’t you usually try to stay as far away from me as possible? Don’t do something you don’t like just to repay a debt. And don’t listen to their nonsense, it’s useless. Your kiss doesn’t affect me at all.” But the doctor suddenly exclaimed excitedly: “It’s working! The rate of blood loss has slowed down.” “Miss Lyra, quickly, keep kissing him!” “The young master’s body is far more honest than his mouth. Kiss him hard!” The doctor’s excited words were like a harsh slap to Cassian’s stubborn mouth. Cassian’s face grew uncomfortable, and for a moment, he buried it in the pillow. Was he actually embarrassed? The tips of his ears were so red they could drip blood.

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My husband won five million in the lottery. That same day, he brought his mistress home. He demanded a divorce and told me to get out without a cent. When I refused, he drugged me. He hired five men, and they filmed it all. The video went viral. I became the whore while he played the heartbroken, betrayed husband. The scandal gave my father a heart attack. I watched Derek kick his medication across the floor. His hired thugs tortured me to death. When I opened my eyes, I was back to the day he left to buy the winning ticket. I watched Derek heading for the door. “Honey, I’m coming with you.” He looked at me, confused. “Why?” Feigning a pout, I hooked my arm through his. On this exact day in my previous life, he bought a lottery ticket that won the $5 million jackpot. That same evening, he brought his mistress into our home and demanded a divorce. When I refused to leave, he used the vilest methods to destroy my reputation. On my birthday, he pretended he wanted to reconcile. He tricked me into drinking whiskey. The drink was drugged with aphrodisiacs. As I grew disoriented, he led me into a room. Five men wearing animal masks waited inside, holding various toys. “Not bad for an older chick!” “Who’s going first?” The men traded crude jokes over my broken sobs. Soon they gagged me. I squeezed my eyes shut, despair washing over me as hot tears of shame tracked down my face. The horror deepened when the video surfaced online. Shot from specific angles and brutally edited, it made me look like a willing participant. A storm of online abuse came crashing down. I became the target of every vile insult, while Derek played the role of the pitiful, betrayed husband to perfection. Extreme users tracked down our address. They smashed our windows and pounded on our door with midnight threats. I sank into severe depression, trapped inside home, terrified to go out. My father went to confront Derek, only to find him making out with his mistress in public. The sight was too much for my dad’s weak heart. He collapsed on the spot, consumed by rage. Instead of helping, Derek kicked my father’s emergency medication into a storm drain. I never got to say goodbye. I grabbed a knife, determined to make Derek pay. But his thugs disarmed me and threw me into the basement. “It would’ve been easier if you’d just agreed to the divorce,” Derek said coldly. “Scarlett’s pregnant. I can’t have my child born a bastard.” I spat in his face. “I’ll haunt you from my grave! Wiping the spit from his jacket, he smirked. “You? Get revenge? Don’t make me laugh.” Then he turned to his men. “She’s all yours. Have fun.” The door slammed shut, sealing my fate. After my death, Derek and his mistress lived a life of luxury with their newborn son. My case was closed as a depression-related suicide. I never become a ghost. Instead, I woke up reborn. This time, I’ll make them pay for everything!

I slipped my hand through Derek’s arm, gazing up at him sweetly. ” promised my followers I’d buy some lottery tickets for a giveaway. They all say I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful husband. They want to share in my good fortune.” As a minor influencer, I’d carefully crafted the image of a perfect marriage for my audience. The reality was… different. Before Derek could respond, I added, “I already had Scarlett bring the car around. The three of us can go together.” At the mention of Scarlett’s name, his expression shifted instantly. I knew. Today was his anniversary with his mistress. They’d planned to celebrate together, and I was crashing their precious date. Feigning innocence, I continued, “ou’re so gentle, thoughtful, and loyal. Being married to you is truly the greatest honor.” Hearing me praise, his expression softened into a proud smile. “In that case, you’d better hold on to me tightly. Don’t give any other woman a chance, alright?” A wave of nausea washed over me. How could I have been so blind in my past life? He was a gold-digger who genuinely believed he was a coveted prize. Just as we reached the curb, Scarlett pulled up in her car. “Ava, Derek, hop in.” Scarlett was wearing a red, deep V-neck dress today, her ample chest drawing all attention. It looked like Scarlett had put a lot of effort into their anniversary. In my previous life, I only found out right before I died that Derek and Scarlett weren’t cousins, as he claimed, but his lovers. Scarlett was sexy, fiery, and knew how to charm men. Taking her out probably boosted Derek’s ego immensely. I was a career woman, a boss. At home, he was a freeloader around me, but only with Scarlett could he feel like a man again. He even recommended his “cousin” Scarlett when I needed to hire an assistant for my busy job. I remembered how he used to come to my company frequently to bring me coffee. Turns out, he wasn’t coming to see me at all. He was coming to see Scarlett. Such blatant cheating! I was truly blind in my last life! And at this moment, Derek was staring at Scarlett as if he wanted to rip her dress off. I feigned jealousy. “Honey, you’re staring at Scarlett like that. People might think you two are a couple.” My words made a flicker of panic flash in both their eyes. Scarlett waved her hands frantically. “Ava, don’t joke around. Derek’s my cousin!” “Is he?” My gaze lingered between the two of them, my tone flat, as I stepped into the car. My sarcastic question made them squirm. The car was eerily quiet the whole way. Derek frequently glanced at me, his lips moving, but he said nothing. “Scarlett, how long have you been my assistant now?” I suddenly asked. Scarlett paused, then said, “Three years.” Scarlett had been my assistant for three years. And Derek’s mistress for three years. I had been kept in the dark for three whole years! Derek retorted, “Why do you ask? Scarlett is diligent and responsible. She’s helped you a lot, hasn’t she?” I looked at him desperately defending Scarlett and found it amusing. The car stopped. I turned my head, staring intently into Derek’s eyes. A flicker of panic crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by a smile. I smiled. “Nothing, just thinking Scarlett’s been here three years, figured I’d give her a raise.” “I didn’t expect you two to be so excited.” I pushed the car door open and stepped out ahead of them. Walking straight into the lottery shop, I approached the counter. “I’d like to buy every ticket with a 9 in its number. Every single one.”

The clerk stared. “That’s…a significant number. Are you sure you want all of them?” I nodded, my gaze firm. Derek, who had followed on my heels, came up and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “I had my eye on the nines today too, honey. Let me have one.” “No.” I didn’t even hesitate. There was no chance I was giving him a shot at that five million. My family’s lives depended on it. Derek’s smile stiffened on his face. Scarlett stepped in to smooth things over, pulling out five dollars. “Derek, I think the eights look lucky today too.” “Fine.” They exchanged a sweet glance, which sent shivers down my spine. “Derek, well? Did you win?” Derek sighed, rubbing his forehead, and shook his head. In my previous life, when they came out for their anniversary, Scarlett suggested buying a lottery ticket for fun. But to their surprise, that ticket hit the $5 million jackpot. Derek immediately saw Scarlett as his lucky charm and brought her right to my doorstep to gloat. Well. Now the winning ticket was safely in my hands. How this game would be played was entirely my decision. The next day, I took the ticket and claimed the prize. After taxes, I walked away with a cool $4 million. Worried Derek might snoop through my accounts, I immediately transferred the entire amount to my father’s bank account. In my previous life, because I made good money as an influencer, I’d give Derek $7,500 every month. It was for his expenses, framed as compensation for taking care of me since he didn’t work. Ever since we started dating and then got married, Derek had never held a job. He’d rub my shoulders, coaxing me. “My colleagues always isolated me. I don’t know what I did wrong.” “Ava, you work outside, and I’ll be your supportive partner at home.” “I love cooking, cleaning, and giving you massages. It makes me so happy.” At the time, I was completely swept away by his sweet talk and kept supporting him. And he, in turn, shamelessly used my money to keep his mistress! The thought made me tremble with rage. When I got home, I saw Derek and Scarlett sitting on opposite ends of the sofa. Scarlett’s hair was a little disheveled, and her lipstick was smudged. Both their clothes had wrinkles. It was clear how intense things had been on the sofa before I came home. “Ava, weren’t you supposed to be filming a commercial?” Scarlett adjusted her collar. “Yeah, why are you back so soon? Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve picked you up,” Derek said, his eyes darting away. I found the panicked looks on their faces incredibly amusing. “Oh, they canceled it last minute.” I took a couple of steps then suddenly turned back. “What were you two doing just now? You’re both out of breath.” The two on the sofa froze. A long silence hung in the air before  Derek spoke. “We were… just exercising. That’s why we’re tired.” I gave a nod of feigned understanding and retreated to my room. In minutes, I’d created a new TikTok account. My first post went live. “GUESS WHAT?! I just won $5 MILLION from that lottery giveaway!” I made sure to tag my main account. At lunch, Derek’s face was stormy. “Did you see,” he demanded, his voice tight, “that post from one of your followers? The one about winning five million from your giveaway?”

I lowered my head to sip my soup, giving a slight nod. My calmness seemed to infuriate him most. He slammed his bowl to the floor, sending shards flying. “I saw that ticket! The one I wanted! If you’d just given it to me, that five million would be mine! That money should be mine!” Watching his outburst, I felt nothing but absurdity. “I bought it first. Why would I give it to you?” “We…we’re married, Ava.” Now he remembers we’re married? Where was that thought when he killed my father? When he destroyed my life? “I don’t care! The winner was supposed to be me. Go get that ticket back.” He screamed hysterically, as if he’d lost his mind. I ignored him and went back to my room. Derek made a call from the living room. No doubt, it was Scarlett on the other end. He’d taken a hit here and needed to go back to his comfort zone. I wanted to push him to his limits. After all, even a cornered dog will bite. It wasn’t surprising he was desperate, because right about now… Scarlett had just found out she was pregnant. It was the same timing as in my previous life, only I had found out later. Derek desperately wanted to divorce me now. If he didn’t, his and Scarlett’s child would be born a bastard, and they’d constantly face the risk of me finding out and kicking them out. But he had no job and no money. His only income was the money I gave him. That’s why he was so furious when he saw the follower win $5 million. Because in his eyes, that lottery ticket rightfully belonged to him. He was the one who asked me for it first. I just didn’t give it to him. It wasn’t just $5 million; it was his leverage to divorce me. While Derek was out, I installed hidden cameras in discreet corners of the house. Then, I picked up my phone and made a call. “Yes, I’ve decided to participate in your reality show.” I slept for a whole afternoon in my room. When I woke up, Derek was back, and Scarlett was there too. The shattered bowl from lunch had been cleaned up, and Scarlett was cooking dinner in the kitchen. Seeing me come out, Scarlett rushed over and grabbed my hand. “Ava, Derek didn’t mean it this afternoon. He told me he was just really upset.” “Ava, don’t hold it against him.” I pulled my hand away and sat down at the dining table, resting my chin on my hand. I smiled. “I’m not holding it against him. Winning or not winning is just a matter of luck.” “You should blame Derek for his bad luck.” He certainly had bad luck. After all, I was reborn on the day he went to buy that lottery ticket. Thinking this, I tried hard to suppress the corners of my mouth from turning up. To be fair, Derek was an excellent cook. Had he been honest, I wouldn’t have minded increasing his monthly allowance. But he wasn’t content with honesty. He needed a mistress too. “Darling, could you lend me $150,000? I’m looking to invest in stocks.” Me: “Didn’t you just lose $75,000 in the market last month?” “I’m not even asking about that $75,000, but this $150,000 is absolutely out of the question.” Derek: “But-” Scarlett’s sudden retching cut him off. I set down my fork, feigning surprise. “Scarlett, are you… pregnant?”

“No, no, it’s nothing. Just an upset stomach lately. I’ll be fine after resting for a couple of days.” The moment Scarlett finished speaking, a glass of water appeared before her. Derek had already risen to fetch it from the kitchen the instant she started retching. What a considerate Prince Charming. “Scarlett, since you’re unwell, I’ll attend tomorrow’s event alone. You should stay at my place and let Derek look after you.” “Ava, are you sure you can manage by yourself?” I nodded calmly. “Derek, you must take very good care of Scarlett while I’m away on business.” Oh, he needed to take excellent care of her indeed. Because after today, the two of them would be utterly, completely ruined. The next day, they saw me off at the airport. The moment they returned home, they were all over each other. The high-definition cameras captured everything. You could even hear the wet smack of their kisses with perfect clarity. They had grown careless this time, never even bothering to ask what kind of show I was participating in.

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Everyone at school knew I was head-over-heels for Hugh Davies. I’d bring him breakfast, tutor him, and even when he’d trip playing basketball, I’d practically be on my knees to help him tie his laces. Until that day on the rooftop, when I overheard him say: “Chloe? She’s like glue, I can’t shake her off. After the SATs, I’ll tell her I’m applying to A University, and she’ll totally follow me blindly. Then, Serena and I can just go to C University.” His friend asked, “Why don’t you just dump her already?” He sighed, “Can’t do that. I’m afraid she wouldn’t be able to handle it.” Later, I did go to A University, but he came crying to me, saying: “But you always used to cling to me…” I was on my way to bring Hugh breakfast, but now I was frozen stiff at the staircase. Lately, Hugh had been pushing me hard to tutor him, claiming he wanted to apply to A University. Turns out, it was all just a lie to get rid of me. One of his friends asked, curious: “What if Chloe doesn’t apply to A University?” Hugh scoffed: “If I say I’m going to A University, she’ll definitely go. She’s more clingy than my dog.” The whole group laughed. Someone winked at Hugh: “Honestly, only you could put up with a girl like that.” Hugh shrugged, “She’s practically throwing herself at me, why would I say no to free attention?” Another friend asked, intrigued: “So, when are you finally going to tell Serena how you feel?” A subtle smile touched Hugh’s lips: “She said she’d go out with me if I got into C University.” I don’t know how long I stood there. My ears were ringing so loud, and my chest felt so tight, it was like my heart was being squeezed. On the way back to class, Hugh’s words kept replaying in my head. It reminded me of something that happened when I was ten. A girl in our class told me: “Hugh secretly told me to tell you he’ll be waiting for you in our usual spot after school. He has something important to tell you!” I went, full of hope. I waited there like an idiot for what felt like forever. Hugh never showed up, and the sky turned dark, then it started to rain. I was cold and scared of the dark, eventually just crying all the way home. Later, that same classmate made fun of me in class: “See? She’s so easy to fool!” That day, Hugh exploded at her for the first time. He promised me, looking me right in the eye: “I’ll never lie to you, Chloe!” But now?

Thinking back, Hugh really changed a lot. When he was little, he was so lively and bright, like a little sun. Then his parents started fighting constantly, and eventually, they divorced. After that, he became more and more rebellious, and he stopped wanting to go home. I always felt like he was just too cold, that he’d just built a wall around himself like a porcupine. And my home had so much warmth, I thought I could share some with him. He used to be the one protecting me when we were kids. Now, it was my turn to be like a little firefly, illuminating his way. So, after that. He skipped class, I’d take notes for him. He got hurt playing basketball, I’d help him tie his laces. He’d glare at me, tell me to mind my own business, even throw my notes back at me. But the next day, those notes would always be tucked deep inside his backpack. And he’d always eat every bite of the breakfast I brought him. After a while, people started joking around in front of him, saying I was his crazy admirer. That time, Hugh punched the guy right in front of the whole class. I thought I was the most important person to Hugh, but then Serena showed up. And everything changed. Serena transferred to our school in junior year. She was really pretty. One time after school, a few bullies cornered her in an alley. Hugh got into a fight with them to protect her. From then on, they became really close friends. He never walked me home anymore. I knew he was walking Serena home instead. But every time I asked, he’d just say: “You don’t understand, her family life is really complicated. She’s pretty helpless, I just want to help her out.” Hugh, who was usually so aloof. Would give her his jacket when it was cold. Would specifically buy her favorite ice cream outside of school. He even wanted to go to the same university as her, afraid she’d get picked on. But that was *our* agreement. On the day we graduated middle school. I looked at the shining stars in the sky and asked Hugh, who was beside me: “Have you ever thought about what you want to do in the future?” Hugh shook his head, a hint of resignation on his face: “Do I even need to think? My dad only has me as a son. I’ll definitely study something related to his business and manage the company after graduation.” I paused, then spoke: “So, after high school, we’ll go our separate ways?” Hugh gazed into the distance, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes: “Probably.” A cool evening breeze blew past. Hearing his words, I felt a strange sadness. Hugh looked at me, suddenly flustered. “Hey, don’t cry! Are you really that sad to leave me?” He said, haphazardly wiping away my tears. “Which university do you want to go to? I’ll apply with you.” My eyes suddenly lit up. “Really? Then I want to go to A University.” “Tsk, you change your mood so fast.” Hugh ruffled my hair, smiling lazily, “A University, huh? Looks like I’ll have to study hard then.” “You cry so easily. What if you go somewhere so far away by yourself and someone bullies you into crying again?” Maybe it was just a joke to comfort me back then, but I never forgot it. In high school, his grades never improved, and I was secretly anxious, but he didn’t react at all. It wasn’t until the end of junior year that he anxiously pulled me aside, asking me to tutor him. I thought he remembered our old promise. Now I realize, I was just fooling myself.

Hugh told me to go home without him again after school today. I was used to it, so I just left him to it. That evening, Hugh came to my house for tutoring, carrying a strawberry-flavored ice cream. Honestly, I hated strawberry flavor. But somewhere along the line, Hugh started bringing that flavor every time. Only now did I realize—it was Serena’s favorite. I said coldly, “You should go home. Don’t come to me for tutoring anymore.” It was the first time I’d ever refused him. Hugh raised an eyebrow slightly, asking, “Are you mad because I didn’t walk home with you this afternoon?” He ruffled my hair, “I know you’re clingy, but you have to let me have my own things going on too.” I shook my head, “SATs are coming up, and I have a lot to study too. You can get a tutor, or maybe, ask Serena to help you.” Hugh quickly shot down that idea. “No. Her parents have really high expectations for her, she needs to get first place, she doesn’t have time to tutor me. You’re a better fit to tutor me.” I suddenly found myself speechless. My nose stung, and my eyes felt hot. Right. One was a resilient good student in a tough situation. The other was just a cling-on who followed him around all day. Hugh didn’t want to hold Serena back; she needed to fight for her future. And I, with my comfortable background and happy family, was naturally expected to make concessions, always revolving around him. Seeing my silence, his tone softened, a hint of pleading in his voice: “Didn’t you always want us to go to the same university? Then you’re responsible for me.” He still remembered our promise. I looked at his familiar face, suddenly feeling like I was staring at a stranger. I forced back my tears, staring into his eyes as I asked, word by word: “Are you really planning to go to the same university as me?” Time seemed to freeze for a few seconds. Then, he smiled awkwardly, changing the subject: “Alright, don’t be dramatic.” “I’ll walk home with you tomorrow…” Before he could finish, I slammed the door shut, leaning against it weakly. My tears finally broke free, falling in heavy drops.

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My best friend Brooke once lost a tooth defending me. My boyfriend Luke won me over with 200 love letters and a sky full of fireworks. Then, on my 25th birthday, I caught him pressing Brooke against his car, kissing her until her lips were swollen. “What about Lena?” Brooke asked, her voice trembling. “I don’t want to hurt her,” Luke groaned, “But I can’t stop wanting you. Tell me what to do.” Then the car began to rock. I tucked my cancer diagnosis deeper into my pocket and smiled bitterly. Easy enough. That night, I booked my assisted suicide. Snowflakes lashed against my face, sharp and biting. It was the first heavy snowfall of the year. I stood behind a wall, watching them kiss in the secluded corner. The hand Luke had wrapped around Brooke’s neck still bore the couple’s watch he shared with me. And Brooke was nestled in the very scarf I had knitted for her with my own hands. After a moment of passionate kissing, they climbed into the car. I saw the vehicle begin to rock, moans faintly carrying through the frozen air. My hands and feet had gone numb with cold after waiting half an hour in the relentless snow. Only when they opened the car door and stepped out did I pretend to have just arrived, raising a hand in greeting. “You both got here so early?” “You’re the guest of honor today! How could you be late?” Brooke unwound her scarf, the one I’d knitted, and wrapped it around my neck. Her eyes were full of concern. “You’re freezing. Why didn’t you call me to pick you up?” That’s when I noticed my eyelashes were completely frosted over. I remembered how Luke used to bundle me in his coat when it snowed, terrified I’d catch a chill. But now, he only hesitated for a second before finally reaching out to gently brush the snow from my shoulder. The moment his hand brushed my shoulder, Brooke’s expression tightened. She quietly averted her gaze. Luke immediately stepped back, putting a respectful distance between us. I shook my head, pretending not to notice, and forced a cheerful grin. “Oh, come on, I’m not that delicate. Let’s get this party started!” After all, this was my last birthday. Brooke exclaimed. “Guess what I got you!” Luke snorted playfully. “My gift is definitely better!” They fell into their familiar bickering, the easy back-and-forth lightening the mood. When Luke and I first started dating, Brooke couldn’t stand him. Now, it sounded like playful banter. I wanted to pretend I couldn’t see, that if I didn’t turn my head, I wouldn’t cry. But the streetlights cruelly stretched their shadows long. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Luke secretly reach for Brooke’s hand. Their fingers intertwined tightly. A perfect match.

“Come on, get inside, it’s cold out here.” I quickly opened the door for them. “Don’t rush us, we’re coming!” Brooke laughed, quickening her pace in high heels to catch up. As she entered, she stumbled slightly. The cake she was carrying crashed to the floor. I rushed forward to help steady her. “Watch out!” Luke beat me to it, grabbing her waist to steady her. He anxiously crouched down to check her ankle. “How is it? Can you still walk?” My outstretched hand hung in mid-air, and Brooke’s smile froze on her face. The air fell into an awkward silence. Luke’s movements faltered as his eyes met mine. “Lena, don’t be mad. Brooke’s always been clumsy, she didn’t mean to drop the cake. I’ll go buy another one right away.” I watched him protect Brooke. Just like Brooke had always protected me, standing in front of me since we were kids. Brooke and I grew up together in an orphanage. She was hot-headed, and I was timid; she always protected me. Now, I just awkwardly shoved my hand back into my pocket, fingers caressing that terminal illness notice, and looked away, smiling. “I’m not a three-year-old, there’s nothing to be mad about. It’s just a cake.” “Luke, can you clean that up? I’ll go check the medicine cabinet for band-aids.” Luke lowered his head apologetically. “I’ll order a new cake right now.” I waved my hand dismissively, helped Brooke sit on the sofa, and found some ointment to gently apply. Brooke said, “Lena, you’re too kind.” I smiled and said, “You are too, Brooke.” Brooke lowered her head and stayed silent. After I put a band-aid on her, Luke had already finished cleaning up and called us over to eat the newly ordered cake. Luke lit the candles. In the flickering candlelight, I saw a photo displayed on the corner of the table. Luke and I, in our high school uniforms, holding hands tightly. Brooke, in a red spaghetti-strap dress, hugged my other arm, glaring resentfully at him. Back then, they couldn’t stand each other. Brooke would fiercely tell Luke, “Hey! You’re her first boyfriend. If you ever hurt her, you’re dead!” Luke would retort, “No way! I think *you’re* the one who looks like you’d hurt Lena!” At that time, Brooke’s eyes dimmed. I quickly told Luke to stop. When I was fifteen, the orphanage closed down. Brooke dropped out of school and worked to put me through high school. She dressed in sexy clothes, became an influencer, and each time I tried to help her shoulder the burden, she’d send me back to school with a lecture. “Lena, you’re smart, and you’re still young. You have to study hard and go to college! I don’t have that chance anymore, you need to cherish this opportunity to learn, understand?” But she was only three years older than me. Memories flooded my mind. I closed my eyes and made a sincere wish. I wished for my best friend and the boy I loved most to be happy forever. Even long after I was gone. After I made my wish, Brooke eagerly volunteered to cut the cake, then mischievously dabbed frosting on my nose. “Happy birthday, Lena, another year older.” I forced a smile, but then I saw Luke’s burning gaze fixed on her. It was tender and lingering. The bitterness in my heart flared up again. Brooke, completely oblivious, casually pulled out a small gift box. “See? Do you like it?” Luke finally snapped back to reality, playfully elbowed her aside, and, holding something mysterious in his palm, leaned in. “Guess what I got you?” “You little brat, stop trying to steal my thunder, don’t you dare compete with me!” Brooke puffed out her cheeks, exasperated. “You two rivals, stop bickering and just leave me alone.” Neither of them would back down, so I helplessly rubbed my forehead, forced to open both their gifts at once. The moment I opened them, we all froze.

They both picked rings from the same series. The styles were incredibly similar. Luke’s had a mountain pattern, while Brooke’s had waves. They weren’t just similar; they fit perfectly together, like a pair. Brooke looked a little lost, but I laughed, snatched the two rings, and quickly slid one onto each of my hands. “No wonder we’re such good friends, we’re so in sync! I was debating which design to get, but now I don’t have to.” I pulled out my phone and snapped a dozen photos. But everyone just grew more awkward. Brooke forced a smile. “He definitely copied me. But since you like it, I won’t bother arguing.” My heart ached faintly. Then, I forced myself to be cheerful and suggested we drink to celebrate. But Brooke, who usually had the best alcohol tolerance, was the first to get completely wasted, sprawling like a rag doll. She kept mumbling, “Lena… we’ll always be best friends…” Luke stood up, expertly picked up her jacket, and helped her stand, saying, “Lena, I’m taking Brooke home first. If you’re tired, just go to sleep, don’t wait up for me.” I quietly nodded. From the balcony, I watched them lean on each other as they disappeared into the distance. I took a deep breath, then scooped a spoonful of cake for myself. The cream tasted sickly sweet and bitter. I reluctantly put down my fork and went back to my bedroom, planning to sort through my belongings. But by chance, I discovered the love letters Luke had written to me when he was eighteen. Two hundred letters, their pages filled with his tight, meticulous script. “Lena, I noticed you long before you ever noticed me. You never looked up. I was always so curious-what did you think about when you were so quiet?” “Silly girl, I didn’t save you. You were the one who gave me a chance to prove my love.” “Lena, we’re going to grow old together.” As I read, my nose grew slightly sore, and the corners of my mouth unconsciously turned up, but then I abruptly stopped as I turned a page. The back of the love letters had new writing. “Strange, before I always thought of Brooke as my rival, and only gave her a friendly face for Lena’s sake. But now I realize, she seems really special.” “I ran into Brooke today. It’s the middle of winter, and her face was bright red from the cold. I felt a little pang of sympathy.” “No, I have to control my feelings.” “My hand accidentally met Brooke’s during our walk. She jumped back like she’d been shocked, her face turning red. Does she feel it too?” “Lena was surprisingly clingy today, but Brooke was clearly disappointed. I don’t want to run from my feelings anymore. I need to be clear with her.” Fragmented handwriting. It formed a reverse love letter. Though the handwriting was new, the feelings were just as genuine and passionate. I saw that it seemed to have started about a year ago, and the entries on the back were even starting to exceed those on the front. His heart, it turned out, had shifted long ago. The most recent date was just yesterday: “I’m sorry, Lena.” “But it’s time to end things. I’ve already failed you; I can’t fail Brooke too.” A torrent of tears finally burst forth. I struggled to breathe, coughing heavily twice, and hot blood splattered onto my palm. I fumbled for a tissue. Luke chose that moment to return. He habitually pulled open the door and peeked in. “Lena, are you asleep?”

I stumbled, rushing to block the door tightly. “I feel a little dizzy, I’ve already lain down.” My shirt was still stained with blood. The love letters on the floor were scattered. Luke knocked on the door twice more, asking if I needed medicine, but I brushed him off with an excuse. I couldn’t face him. I didn’t know if he was more worried about me being sick, or if he hoped to break up with me soon so he could openly pursue the girl he loved. After a long time, silence finally fell outside. Luke was probably asleep. I put the room back in order, packed a few small bags, and checked myself into the city hospital alone. The doctor frowned, trying to persuade me. “Are you really not planning on chemotherapy? Even though it’s stage four lung cancer, aggressive treatment could still buy you some more time.” “You’re still… very young.” I smiled and shook my head. “No, I’ll only be staying a few days.” Originally, I planned to leave all my savings. Enough for Brooke to get a proper streaming studio, and some seed money for Luke’s startup. With the rest of the money, I booked my assisted suicide procedure abroad. Seven more days, and I’d be free. Ultimately, I was still a coward. The next day, Luke called. I picked a random excuse and hung up. For seven days straight, he called countless times. Each time, I found various reasons to refuse, until eventually, I couldn’t even bear to hear his voice. I still remembered the burning love in that eighteen-year-old boy beneath the fireworks. So I couldn’t accept his change of heart. I wanted to beg him not to be so cruel. Just a few more days, and I wouldn’t bother them anymore. It felt like as long as he didn’t break up with me, I would die still believing I was loved. But the night before my assisted suicide, as I was counting my documents, Luke’s anxious call came through, his voice a panicked shout. “Lena! Brooke’s live stream just cut out, and her phone’s going straight to voicemail. Something’s wrong. I’m on my way, but the meetup spot is too far. I might not get there in time. You have to go check on her, now!” My eyes widened. I didn’t have time to question why he was so worried about Brooke’s live stream. I quickly said, “Don’t worry! I’m on my way!” I ripped out my IV, forgot to grab a jacket, and got into the car, speeding through the night towards the place Brooke usually streamed from. I couldn’t remember how many red lights I ran. But when I finally arrived. Brooke’s clothes were torn to shreds, and a unconscious thug lay nearby. Luke had already arrived, clearly having fought someone; his face was bruised and swollen. He was holding the trembling Brooke, comforting her over and over again. My knees buckled, and I stumbled over, trembling, trying to reach for her hand. “I’m too late, I’m so sorry.” “Get lost! Why are you still pretending to care!” Luke’s eyes were bloodshot. He fiercely slapped my hand away, in a protective stance. “You were so close, why didn’t you rush over to save her? If you had gotten here sooner, Brooke wouldn’t have…” “You’ve always enjoyed her sacrifices, why couldn’t you sacrifice for her just once? How could you be so selfish?!” “Enough!” Brooke’s voice was hoarse, and she forced a smile at me. “That animal didn’t actually violate me, I’m fine.” My throat tightened, and my nose felt terribly blocked. But he was still frantic. “Brooke! Stop pushing me away!” Hearing this, Brooke’s body trembled, and she lowered her head. She finally accepted the jacket Luke draped over her. Luke took a deep breath, then continued to scold me: “How can you say something like this is fine? This is a lifelong trauma! Lena, what have you been doing these past few days?” I didn’t know how to answer him. I stared at the bruised needle marks on the back of my hand. I was only wearing a thin undershirt, and I couldn’t help but shiver from the cold. Guilt mingled with a deep sense of injustice. Besides “I’m sorry,” no other words would come. “Lena, you wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for Brooke. Now that she’s in trouble, this is how you repay her? You’re utterly lazy. You’ve disappointed me beyond words.” Luke held her close, his expression icy as he turned to me, his gaze like that of a stranger facing an enemy. “We need some time apart. You need to think carefully about everything that’s happened recently.” I gasped in shock, wanting to explain, but then I violently vomited a pool of blood. The snow immediately stained a stark red. Before I could even cover it, I saw Luke. He was already helping Brooke into the passenger seat. He pressed the gas pedal, and he never looked back. I lowered my gaze to the blood on the ground. I was such a mess, always ruining everything. I wiped my mouth bitterly and went to the airport alone. I remembered the wish I made on my fifteenth birthday: “I wish my best friend would always be by my side, and the person I love most would always be across from me, forever and ever.” What a pity. It never came true. I sent one last text: “I wish you both a happy life together.” Then, I turned off my phone. Goodbye, Luke. Goodbye, Brooke.

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On our anniversary night, I accidentally grabbed Julian’s Apple Watch to charge. The screen lit up, revealing a heart rate peak of 158. The location was Serena Vance’s room at Southside Medical Center. Serena. His first love. And that day, was the day I found out I had cancer. The same day, his pulse was racing in her room! Julian walked out of the bathroom, snatched the watch, and slid it onto his wrist, his expression annoyed. “Checking up on me again? How many times have I told you not to touch my things?” The words died in my throat. Ten years living together, and I wasn’t even his girlfriend. Then his expression softened. He pulled a ring box from his pocket. “Just a little longer. We’ll get engaged next month.” Always “next month,” I gave a bitter smile. But this time, I don’t think I’ll live to see your “next month.” He dropped the ring box onto the bed. “What? Even this isn’t good enough for you now?” Ten years ago, Julian was a broke medical student. I funded his PhD and his personal lab with the inheritance my parents left after they died of cancer. I was the one who gave up a full scholarship to Stanford, trading a brilliant future in biochemistry to become his unseen assistant. Over a decade, he rose from a man whose tuition I worked three jobs to pay into a top surgeon hailed as a “Rising Star.” And I sacrificed it all-my family’s legacy, my future, my very life. He’d forgotten. He chose to specialize in targeted cancer therapy because he vowed to conquer it for me. He promised I’d never have to be afraid. The ultimate irony? I am now the cancer he’s trying to conquer. Seeing me still stunned, the curve of Julian’s lips completely hardened. “Clara, I’m tired from work. I don’t have the energy for your mind games.” His voice held its usual dismissive coldness. He didn’t even look at me. “I have an early flight to Zurich for the summit tomorrow.” I gave a noncommittal hum. I didn’t get up to pack his luggage as I always did. Julian seemed taken aback by my uncharacteristic calm. He stared at me for a few seconds, then ultimately said nothing and turned into his study. The door closed, separating two worlds. I looked down at the diagnosis report, still warm and crumpled in my hand. Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma. Bone and brain metastasis. The doctor had said that with aggressive treatment, I might have six months. Without it, perhaps less than two. Curled up on the sofa, my body felt cold, as if I’d fallen into an ice cave. Julian didn’t emerge from his study until late at night. He didn didn’t even look at me, heading straight to the bedroom. That night, we lay back to back, separated by an unbridgeable galaxy. The next morning, he dragged his suitcase, ready to leave. Before stepping out, he stood in the doorway, turned, and squeezed my cheek. “Keep the ring safe, don’t lose it.” “Give me a smile when I get back, okay?” I looked at him, at his expensive, perfectly tailored suit-the one I’d helped him pick out last week. I spoke softly, “Julian.” “Hm?” He sounded a little impatient, glancing down at his watch. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I wanted to ask him if I was dying, could he please not leave. But I knew the answer. He’d just think I was pulling another stunt for attention. “Never mind, it’s nothing.” Julian frowned, seemingly displeased by my hesitation. He pulled open the door without another look at me. After the loud slam of the door, the whole world fell silent. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but it couldn’t bring a speck of warmth into my heart. I took out my phone and opened Dr. Miller’s SnapChat. The interface was still on yesterday’s chat. “Two paths. One is palliative care, slowly fading away amidst endless cancer pain and breathing difficulties.” “The other… go do the things you always wanted to do but never did.” My fingers trembled as I typed, one word at a time. “Dr. Miller, I’ve made up my mind.” “I choose the second option.” My fingertip hovered over the send button. I thought for a moment, then added another sentence. “And I’m willing to sign the organ donation agreement.” It was set for the day he would have made his thirteenth promise to get engaged to me.

Three days after Julian left, a live interview with him aired on the financial channel. He appeared as a rising star in the medical world, seated beside Serena Vance, the heiress to another pharmaceutical empire. On screen, they were hailed as “the Sun and Moon of the Industry.” A perfect match of talent and beauty. The host smiled and asked him charismatically, “Professor Vance, you’re a leading authority in cardiothoracic surgery. What inspired you to pursue medicine and choose such a demanding field?” Julian turned his head slightly, gazing deeply at Serena beside him. In that moment, the tenderness in his eyes was a sight I hadn’t seen in ten years. The camera perfectly captured a close-up beneath the table. Their hands, fingers tightly intertwined, seamlessly clasped. He spoke to billions of viewers worldwide, his voice carrying clearly through the airwaves into my ears. “To prevent the most important person from ever being lost to illness again.” As soon as he finished, Serena shyly lowered her head and added to the camera, “And I am that lucky person he snatched back from the jaws of death.” A wave of benevolent laughter and applause erupted on set. I gripped my cold phone, my stomach churning violently. Those tightly entwined hands were practically a public declaration of their relationship. So, his grand ideal of saving lives was for her. His entire motivation to become “the Bright Star of Medicine” was also for her. And me? What was I for these past ten years? A joke? A generous, foolish, self-deluded… sponsor? A fierce wave of dizziness washed over me. I leaned against the wall, dry-heaving for a long time. The side effects of chemotherapy were starting to show: hair loss, nausea, bone-deep fatigue. I dragged my broken body back to that empty house. The place I once believed would be my lifelong home. On the dining table, surprisingly, was a note he’d left, tucked under a thermos bowl. It was Julian’s bold, sweeping handwriting. “There’s porridge in the fridge. Stop dieting for the wedding, you’ve lost too much weight recently.” In that moment, I almost thought I was hallucinating. Ten years. It was the first time he’d ever actively prepared food for me. Choking back bitter tears, I fiercely crumpled the note into my chest, as if embracing a person I might never see again. That heart, which had long turned cold, actually felt a pathetic flicker of warmth. Maybe he still cared about me. Maybe he just wasn’t good at expressing it. With this meager hope, I trembling opened the lid of the thermos bowl. A rich, savory aroma wafted out. Inside was a meticulously prepared seafood porridge, plump shrimp and dried scallops clearly visible. My blood ran cold instantly. I was allergic to seafood. Severely allergic, enough to trigger anaphylactic shock. He had known this since the first day he pursued me. Because back then, I’d been rushed to the emergency room after accidentally eating some shrimp paste at a company dinner. And seafood porridge, coincidentally, was Serena Vance’s favorite food. I remembered, years ago, when he was still doing his PhD, Serena had been sick in the hospital. He had clumsily learned to make porridge, then carefully carried the thermos, taking a two-hour bus ride to see her. At the time, I, a fool, thought he was preparing a surprise for me. A tremendous sense of absurdity and sorrow completely overwhelmed me. He didn’t forget. He simply mistook me for her. With trembling hands, I replaced the lid, then tossed the bowl and the note into the trash. I thought, with a self-deprecating laugh. Even if I died from a cancer attack in the next second, he’d probably just think I starved myself to death from excessive dieting. But as a top doctor in the country, could he really not see that something was wrong with me? Or was he just choosing not to see?

I started packing up this apartment, which was permeated with his presence. All his lab coats, each one ironed without a single wrinkle, the cuffs always pristine white. All his shirts, from Armani to Zegna, hung meticulously arranged by color and fabric, filling the entire walk-in closet. Then there were the foreign papers I’d translated and the case notes I’d annotated during countless late nights. Together, they had nearly filled the entire study. Once, these were all testaments to my love for him. Now, they only served to remind me, again and again, of what a fool I had been. I called a moving company and had everything that belonged to me, every single item, packed up and taken away. Clothes donated, books and notes sent to the recycling center. Workers moved boxes in and out, and the large house quickly became empty. I sat on the bare living room floor, and a strange, hollow laugh escaped me. Julian, you have saved countless cancer patients. You became a god in their eyes, a beacon of hope in the media’s narrative. Yet you never once turned around to see that I, too, was sick. Stricken with the very illness you vowed to conquer. Finally, I understood. Completely. I walked with you from obscurity, step by step, to become the revered “Bright Star of Medicine.” But your light was never meant to shine for me. My phone vibrated. It was a message from Julian, his tone demanding, with his usual air of expectation. “Where’s the spare key card for my office? My assistant can’t get in, bring it over quickly.” Before, no matter when or where, if he said a word, I would drop everything and solve it for him immediately. I looked at the message, and calmly typed my reply. “Threw it away.” After a thought, I added, “I’m traveling. From now on, you handle your own affairs.” Send. Then, I turned off my phone, took out the SIM card, snapped it in half, and dropped it into the toilet. The flush sounded, like a trivial funeral for my ten years of absurd youth. Downstairs, the vehicle from the hospice care facility was already waiting quietly. I pulled a small suitcase containing only a few changes of clothes, and took one last look at the empty house. Goodbye, Julian. I don’t want to play this game anymore. I concede.

On the way to the hospice, my phone, which should have been off, vibrated persistently, like crazy. It was Julian, who had somehow found a satellite phone and called the driver’s spare phone directly. I hesitated, but answered. As soon as the call connected, his voice, unprecedentedly urgent and suppressing rage, came through. “Clara! What are you doing?! What’s all this about?!” “Serena developed a post-op infection, her condition is critical, and she urgently needs a granulocyte transfusion!” His voice was laced with undisguised panic and helplessness, yet he didn’t ask me a single question about my willingness. “You’re the only match for her in the entire database! Clara, you need to get to the hospital. Now!” I was utterly drained from a fresh cycle of chemotherapy, each breath tinged with the metallic taste of blood. My primary doctor had warned me in the most severe tone that, given my current physical condition, any form of blood donation or component transfusion could directly lead to immune system collapse and acute organ failure. It would be equivalent to suicide. Leaning against the car seat, I used almost every ounce of strength I had to force out a few words from my raw throat. “I… I don’t feel well. I can’t go.” On the other end of the line, Julian’s voice rose sharply, even tinged with incredulous anger. Yes, when had I ever refused him? “What could possibly be wrong with you? It’s just a little blood donation! Don’t be so dramatic!” “Have you considered the impact on the hospital’s reputation and my project if anything happens to Serena?” “Clara, I know you’re jealous of Serena’s success… but don’t throw a tantrum at a time like this. This is a human life we’re talking about!” Listening to his self-righteous roar, I suddenly found it incredibly laughable. Serena’s life is a life, and mine isn’t? After the ultimate despair, came an absurd calm. I couldn’t help but let out a low laugh. “Fine, Dr. Vance.” “But you might need to send someone over quickly.” I paused, feeling my life force slowly draining away from my body. “I’m afraid… I might not last until you get here.” “Otherwise, once I’m dead, the blood won’t be fresh anymore.”

I hung up, returned the phone to the driver, and told him to ignore any further calls. The car continued smoothly toward the hospice facility in the suburbs. I thought that would be the end of it. But I underestimated Julian’s callousness, and overestimated his remaining rationality. The car stopped at a temporary infusion center for my daily nutritional support injection. Just then, the door to the infusion room was violently pushed open. Serena stood in the doorway, her face pale, but with a sickly, triumphant smile. Behind her stood two tall security guards in hospital uniforms. “Clara, Julian told me everything.” She slowly approached, looking down at me, weak and lying on the chair. “I know you’re not feeling well, but I can’t wait.” My pupils constricted. Before I could react, the two guards stepped forward, pinning my arms down tightly! I struggled with all my might, but my post-chemotherapy body couldn’t muster an ounce of strength. One of the guards skillfully took out a component blood collection kit from a medical box; the thick needle gleamed coldly under the light. “What are you doing! Let me go!” I screamed hoarsely. Serena chuckled softly, then played a recording on her phone. From it, Julian’s voice, devoid of any emotion, came through clearly. “Her blood source is the safest. Use it directly.” “Make her donate! Whatever happens, I’ll take responsibility!” “I’ll take responsibility.” I hadn’t expected Julian to be so utterly ruthless, but I still struggled with my last remaining strength. I didn’t know if Serena’s illness was real or fake, but a cancer patient’s blood cannot be used! Choking back the metallic sweetness rising in my throat, I glared at the triumphant woman before me. “I have cancer. If you’re not afraid of dying, go ahead and use it, but don’t harm innocent people.” Serena scoffed, then suddenly looked pitiful as she glanced behind me. “I know you resent me for taking Julian from you, but you shouldn’t lie like this…” I had no intention of arguing and stumbled, trying to walk past her. But Serena suddenly collapsed to the floor, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at the person who had just arrived. It was Julian. Before I could react, a stinging slap landed on my face. A mouthful of blood finally spilled from my lips. Julian looked at me with deep disappointment, the delicate woman in his arms still softly sobbing. “Julian, please don’t blame Clara. She just said she has cancer, maybe… maybe she really has some difficulties.” Julian’s eyes showed a flicker of panic for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. “Clara, don’t test my patience with these crude tricks. I know you’re not sick. Today, even if I have to drain your blood dry, I will ensure Serena’s safety.” “Clara, I don’t like women who stoop to such lows.” I wanted to laugh for some reason. The lowest I’d ever stooped in my life was giving up my career to be his personal assistant. Actually, in the first few years, I really wasn’t sick. Julian was afraid of inherited cancer from our parents, protecting me like the apple of his eye. He said, “Clara, I wish for us to have many years together.” So he took me for full body check-ups every year. But he hadn’t called me Clara in years, and he hadn’t taken me for a check-up in a long time either. Now, he used that nickname for the sake of another woman. I stopped struggling and closed my eyes in despair. Julian, once this blood is drawn, I owe you nothing. You were with me after I lost my parents, giving me the courage to live. My life was a gift from you. Now, I’m giving it back. The cold needle, mercilessly pierced my vein. Blood began to be forcibly drained from my failing body, and my consciousness slowly blurred. When I next opened my eyes from the cold operating table, no one else was around. I struggled to push myself up, but stumbled and fell after only two steps. Perhaps my light was truly fading, I thought. It was a shame, I still had so many things I wanted to do. Just as I thought I would die there, I saw a pair of polished shoes step into my shadow. I expected it to be Julian, returned, but when I looked up, I saw an unexpected face. His face was as handsome as ever, but his eyes now held a mature sharpness, and he looked at me as if I were a pile of hopeless trash. He leaned down slightly, a familiar, cutting sneer gracing his lips.

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I filed a police report after getting ghosted for $50k. Turns out, the officer taking my statement was the ex I hadn’t seen in years. He stared at the chat logs, absolutely furious. “Fifty thousand? You slept with me for three days and all I got was a $9.99 pizza!” I pointed at the photo. “He’s way younger than you!” “That photo is obviously fake.” He froze, eyes locked on his phone. His face darkened to a frightening purple. “Oh, he’s definitely young…That’s my damn nephew. The kid hasn’t even graduated high school.” Officer Ben Carter, my ex-boyfriend, sat across from me, all business. “Name?” “Chloe,” I whispered. He glanced up,and his gaze lingered on me for a second. “It’s you!” But just as quickly, his face iced over again. My heart pounded with a guilty thud. Damn. He was even hotter now. That police uniform clung to his lean waist and long legs… Ugh, Chloe, stop! Haven’t you learned your lesson with pretty faces? “Reason for your report?”he asked, not looking up from his keyboard. I forced myself to speak. “My online boyfriend disappeared…” “You sent him money.” His sardonic chuckle was pure mockery. “Yeah,” I admitted, guilt washing over me. He finally looked up, glancing at me. “Five years, Chloe. Your taste and your IQ keep hitting new lows.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “It means,” he said, his voice cold and flat, “you just fell for a classic scam. Wasted your tuition on a fantasy. Your head’s full of romance novels, not common sense.” “He’s not!” I shot back. “We had a real connection!” “A ‘connection’?” Ben’s sneer was razor-sharp. “Let me guess. Daily ‘good mornings,’ a pet name, and a sudden emergency he needed cash for?” I stared, speechless for a moment. “How did you know?” “Hmph. He’s smooth. Probably their top performer.”He dismissed my shock with a cold sneer. “Ben, that’s enough!” I slammed my hand on the table. “I’m the victim here! Could you at least pretend to be professional?” He leaned forward, his gaze pinning me in place. “My professionalism is telling you to learn some damn scam prevention, okay?” I was so angry I couldn’t speak. Then, with the detached air of someone watching a soap opera, he prompted, “So. How did you and this scammer meet?”

My online boyfriend and I met in a game. He was incredibly sweet, , though he’d often disappear mid-conversation for “class.” I was naive enough to wonder if college workloads were really that heavy. He confessed to me later. I turned him down at first. That all changed when I saw his Instagram. One photo hooked me: a face full of youthful rebellion, tall and built. “Just because of a photo?” Ben cut in, his voice sharp. “Since when did you become so shallow??” “Mind your own business!” I glared at him. “I’ve always been this superficial! Is this your first day knowing me?” Our own story had begun with a picture-perfect rescue. I was traveling out of state, my wallet got stolen, and then I got caught in a sandstorm. He was a soldier on a temporary assignment, and he found me. Back then, he was in his uniform, tall and strong, with an incredibly handsome face and cute little canines when he smiled. I was instantly smitten. What I never told him was that the scammer’s photo hooked me for one reason: he was the spitting image of Ben. But more importantly, it was a younger, more attentive, emotionally available version of Ben! We chatted daily. He was sweet, clingy, and impossibly thoughtful. Then yesterday, he went out with friends. Someone broke a leg, ended up in the ER, and they needed a deposit. I transferred the money. And then, nothing. “Officer Carter,” I said, clinging to a last shred of hope. “Could something have happened? What if his phone was stolen? Or…he was kidnapped?” He didn’t even look up. “Provide the chat logs. We’ll see what we can trace.” Fuming, I handed over my phone. He scrolled through it, then his finger suddenly stopped. His brows drew tightly together. “My Ex Is In Heaven?” Crap, he saw my SnapChat handle… “I’m still breathing, and you’ve already sent me to the grave?” I cleared my throat, my eyes darting nervously. “Please don’t take it personally. It’s not necessarily about you.” He scrolled down, then paused. “Babe?” My face burned. Damn it. I really should have changed that name for my vanished new boyfriend before filing a police report. He stared at the screen, his back teeth grinding loudly. “Seriously, Chloe? We dated for four years, and you always called me by my name. Now you’re calling some scammer you’ve never even met ‘babe’?” He kept scrolling through my chat logs. With every message he read, his face got darker. I was mortified and indignant, and I tried to snatch my phone back. Ben’s gaze suddenly froze. His voice filled with disbelief. “Fifty thousand! Chloe, you sent him fifty thousand?! You slept with me for three days and all I got was a nine-ninety pizza! And some random scammer you’ve never even met gets fifty grand?! What the hell was I to you?” His shout made several colleagues crane their necks, their eyes wide with gossip. I was mortified. I lunged to cover his mouth. “He’s different from you!” Besides, I was a broke student back then, what money did I have…’ “Different how? He’s better at faking it, better at scamming, right?” His attitude ignited my own anger. “He’d tell me everything! He’d say goodnight every single day! He’d listen to me vent! Even without seeing him, I never felt like I was dating a phone! You? Could you do that?” He fell silent instantly. His eyes swirled with emotions I couldn’t decipher. Back then, our breakup was messy. I’d chased Ben relentlessly for ages before he finally said yes. I was a college student, he was a soldier. Four thousand kilometers apart, we did the long-distance thing for three years. From sweet nothings to screaming matches. The last time we argued, I broke up with him. He just said, “Okay,” adding that he was tired anyway. In a fit of pique, I sent him photos with other guys to provoke him. He said, “I wish you happiness.” I demanded to know what he meant. He just said, “Just pretend I’m dead.” Years passed, and who would’ve thought we’d meet again under these circumstances. Ben lowered his gaze, organized the report, and handed it to me, his professional calm restored. “We’ll do our best to investigate, but the chances of recovering the money in these cases are slim. Let us know if you have any more leads.” I suddenly remembered. “He posted photos on his Ins. I saved them.” I quickly found the photo and handed it to him. He sighed in exasperation. “This is probably an AI-generated image. Useless.” But after scrolling for a bit, he suddenly stared at one photo. Then he said, “That’s my damn nephew, who hasn’t even graduated high school yet!” My eyes widened. What?!

Ben’s face was dark. He pulled out his phone and made a call. “Where’s Leo? Are you coming in yourself, or do I need to come arrest you?” A rustling sound came from the other end of the line. Moments later, a sharp-faced middle-aged woman came rushing in. “Get in here!” She yelled over her shoulder, yanking a student dressed in a school uniform inside. The kid hung his head, looking sulky. He looked up and saw me, his eyes suddenly lighting up. “You’re my online girlfriend?” I looked down, speechless. Ben’s face got even darker. He pulled Leo aside. “Leo, are you completely broke, or is the family starving you? Learning to scam people online at your age?” Leo looked wronged. “I didn’t!” “Then why did you vanish after she transferred you the money?” “Mom confiscated my phone! How could I contact her? I was going crazy too!” Leo blurted out. Ben’s sister stood by, completely lost. “Ben, what is this about?” After a terse explanation from Ben, his sister’s expression shifted. She quickly grabbed my hand, her voice filled with apology. “Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry! He skipped class, his friend broke a leg, and his teacher reported it. When I saw he was obsessed with gaming and dating apps instead of studying, I lost my temper and took his phone.” “I’ll transfer the money back to you right now. Truly, I apologize!” Leo secretly glanced at me, then cautiously spoke up. “I really wasn’t trying to scam you.” My head was still buzzing. I gritted my teeth and asked him, “You’re just a high school student? You said you were in your twenties!” He cleared his throat, his gaze evasive. “I’ll be twenty in three years.” Ben’s sister slapped him on the back of the head. “Apologize to her! Learning to trick women’s feelings at your age, huh?” Leo hung his head, pouting miserably. “I’m sorry.” Ben’s sister looked at me, then suddenly exclaimed, “Oh! Sweetie, have we met before? You look so familiar!” My heart seized up. I quickly looked down. “You must be mistaken.” Ben saw my reaction and reminded her, “I’ll walk you out. I’m off work anyway.” Ben’s sister immediately chimed in enthusiastically, “Great, great! How about we all go grab a bite?” I frantically waved my hands. “No, please! It’s really not necessary!” Wasn’t this situation chaotic enough already? But his sister simply linked her arm through mine and half-led, half-coaxed me to a restaurant near the police station. Her eyes darted subtly between Ben and me before she smiled. “Chloe, dear, how old are you this year?” “Twenty-five,” I replied. She clapped her hands. “See? My brother here is twenty-nine, just out of the military. He’s an officer, and quite handsome, don’t you think? What a perfect match!” But Leo couldn’t hold back. “Mom, Ben’s so old for her! Chloe deserves better!” “Leo!” Ben said coldly, tapping the table, warning him. Ben’s sister looked at me, then suddenly smacked her forehead. “Oh, my goodness! I remember now! You’re Ben’s ex-girlfriend from his phone!” Oh no! I can’t believe she recognized me! Someone save me! Just then, my phone rang! My best friend Sarah’s tearful voice came through. “Chloe, I broke up with him!” I quickly stood up. “Excuse me, I have an emergency. I have to go.”

At the bar, Sarah was getting wasted. “Girl, I’m miserable. Please, comfort me.” I silently took a swig of my own drink and told her, “I got scammed by my online boyfriend and went to the police.” She looked up. “Oh, really? Hugs, you poor thing.” “The officer who took my report was my ex-boyfriend, who I broke up with three years ago.” “What?!” She sobered up considerably. I nodded, then added, “Later, I found out my online boyfriend was his nephew, who’s still in high school.” Sarah froze, completely stunned. I asked, “So, are you still miserable?” She slowly recovered. “Not anymore. Tell me that joke again, hahaha!” I recounted my bizarre day. She went from shocked to even more shocked, then utterly bewildered. “That family’s taste is surprisingly consistent. How did they all fall for you?” I wanted to bury my face in my drink. “Stop talking about it!” Sarah leaned in, a mischievous grin on her face. “So, which one do you actually like?” I nearly spat out my drink. “Leo is only seventeen!” “He’s almost an adult, isn’t he?” she chuckled. “Unless you’re still hung up on your ex-boyfriend?” I said, “Maybe, a little…” After all, Ben’s face, that body-they were still my favorite. Back then, I’d gone to the wilderness alone for a photography project. My wallet was stolen, and I got caught in bad weather. Ben appeared like some guardian angel, and I fell for him instantly. I pursued him relentlessly, but he kept refusing me. “My duties are demanding. I can’t promise to always be available online, and phone calls are often impossible…” “Then I’ll just wait for your replies! However long it takes, I’ll wait!” Back then, I was young and stubborn, my heart completely set on winning him over. Eventually, he couldn’t resist my persistence and said yes. Just as he said, we couldn’t be together like regular couples. Four thousand kilometers apart, with time differences and spotty signals. Every day, I’d share my daily life with him. He’d reply to each message whenever he had time. I’d push my luck, too. “Show me your abs.” He’d furtively look around. Only when he was sure no one was there would he shyly lift his T-shirt. Through the screen, I could see him, but I couldn’t hold him. My longing grew even stronger. His leave was rare, but every time, he’d rush to see me first. To be honest, we didn’t have many dating memories. His time was so limited that whenever we met, all we wanted to do was kiss and touch. We hadn’t seen each other in so long, we craved each other’s warmth. And his stamina was terrifying. The craziest time, we stayed holed up in a hotel for three days straight. When he finally had to leave, we were reluctant. There wasn’t enough time, so we just grabbed a pizza near the campus gate before parting ways. Sarah’s eyes gleamed as she teased. “No wonder you’ve been single all this time. You’d already found the best!” “Your relationship sounded pretty good, though. What happened in the end? Did he cheat?” I shook my head. “No, nothing like that. I think we just… burned out.”

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We were the four girls the Sterling family took in. My foster mother, Mrs. Sterling, had one goal: to groom the most exceptional of us to marry her son, Damian Sterling. The other three—Lily, Sarah, and Maya—they learned flower arranging, dance, and how to charm Damian. Me? I learned finance, management, and how to bleed his family’s company dry. Damian cornered me against a wall, a smirk playing on his lips, smug and sure of himself. “Playing your little seduction games? I despise ambitious women.” He thought I wanted him. He had no idea I’d seen too many women who latched onto men, only to end up as discarded, fading roses. What I wanted was never his love. It was the power to utterly break free from his grasp. Later, he truly fell for me: “You win. I only want you. Stop working so hard, just be my Mrs. Sterling.” I laughed, slapping my resignation letter onto his chest. “Mr. Sterling, you think I was after the title of your wife?” “No. I was after *your* position.” Mrs. Sterling summoned the four of us to the main residence for afternoon tea, claiming she had an important announcement. In the enormous living room, the crystal chandelier sparkled, and the air was thick with the cloying sweetness of expensive diffusers. Lily, Sarah, Maya, and I sat side-by-side on the plush velvet sofa, like a line of products waiting to be appraised. Our postures were trained through countless repetitions: backs perfectly straight, smiles flawlessly calibrated. Mrs. Sterling’s well-maintained face wore a gentle smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Children, you’ve all been with the Sterling family for over a decade now. Each of you has grown into such beautiful young women; I’m truly delighted.” Her gaze swept slowly across our faces, as if she were inspecting her prized collection. “Damian is of marrying age now, and I’ve watched all of you grow up, so I know you well.” “I’ve decided that one of you four will be chosen to be his wife.” The moment her words fell, the breathing of the three girls beside me quickened. Lily was the least able to hide her feelings; her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, her eyes practically overflowing with anticipation, hands clutching tightly at the hem of her skirt. Sarah bowed her head, twisting her fingers into the fabric of her dress, appearing calm but with knuckles turning white. Maya, however, subtly straightened her back, striking her most poised and impeccable pose. As if the title of Mrs. Sterling was already hers for the taking. They all wanted to be Mrs. Sterling. Only I remained, picking up my coffee cup, gently blowing away the wisps of steam. The dark surface reflected my utterly calm face. I just wanted to escape this gilded cage.

After dinner, we returned to the rooms specifically prepared for us. The moment we stepped inside, the stifling tension in the room finally burst. Lily was the first to break the silence, her face alight with giddy excitement, twirling around in place. “I’m going to marry Damian! Did you hear that? Mrs. Sterling herself said so!” Sarah was mixing colors at her easel, but at Lily’s words, she calmly poured cold water on her enthusiasm. “All four of us want to marry him. But the Sterlings will only choose the most outstanding.” Lily huffed indignantly, puffing out her chest, and marched over to Sarah. “Damian has feelings for me! He treats me the most specially!” She pulled a small silver whistle from around her neck, dangling it before us like a precious treasure. “Last year, for my birthday, Damian took me to the stables, and this was his gift. He said he polished this whistle himself, that it’s one-of-a-kind.” Her voice was full of sweet memories. “He also said that if I ever blow it, no matter where he is, he’ll come to me instantly. He even said my smile was like the first flower to bloom in spring.” We all stared at the whistle, glinting with a cheap, deceptive gleam under the lamp. Damian had said similar things to every one of us. Those sweet nothings were nothing but his easy manipulation, a low-cost, high-reward hunting tool. Just last month, he’d told Sarah her paintings held the vastness of stars and oceans, a lonely genius no one else could comprehend. Then he’d turned around and told Maya her coffee had a calming, almost magical quality that perfectly mirrored her serene nature. But Lily believed him. She clung to that whistle as proof of her unique status, convinced she was the most special person in Damian’s heart. Maya scoffed, said nothing, and turned to enter the bathroom, her retreating back radiating disdain. I looked at Lily’s face, utterly lost in her fantasies, and couldn’t bring myself to tell her the truth. Some people just have to learn the hard way. There’s no talking sense into them until they get burned.

Damian’s official fiancée, Veronica Shaw, had suddenly returned from overseas. She was the sole heir to the formidable Shaw Corporation, a family as influential as the Sterlings. Their marriage had been an unspoken pact between their grandfathers for decades. Mrs. Sterling instructed us to pick her up at the airport, giving the reason that we should “familiarize ourselves with our future sister-in-law.” Truth be told, she just wanted us to be her foils. To make her see how many women Damian had wrapped around his finger, hoping to ignite some jealousy. Veronica arrived in a custom-tailored designer suit, her makeup flawless. Her eyes, hidden behind dark sunglasses, swept over us like she was assessing a few eager pets wagging their tails. Her gaze finally settled on Lily. Lily had purposely worn the limited-edition dress Damian had gifted her, and her makeup was meticulously applied. Her obvious eagerness, her desire to impress Damian, was an open book to Veronica. At the evening reception, Veronica glided towards Lily, glass in hand, a predatory smile playing on her lips. “Lily, dear, isn’t it? Damian told me you’re quite good at riding. I’ve just returned and feel like a bit of a challenge. How about we head to the stables for a little friendly competition tomorrow?” Lily was thrilled. Damian had never openly praised her like that before, not in front of others. She accepted without a second thought, believing this was Damian’s acknowledgment of her. The next day, almost all the city’s elite received invitations to what was framed as a ‘friendly match’ but was clearly a calculated public display of power. Veronica personally chose the wildest, most unpredictable horse for Lily, claiming it was a handsome steed, perfectly suited for her. Lily was a little scared, but desperate to impress Damian, she forced herself onto the horse. The race began, and Veronica’s horse took an early lead. Lily galloped close behind. Then, on a sharp bend, Lily’s horse suddenly spooked, rearing its front hooves with a piercing whinny, violently throwing her to the ground. Everyone gasped in shock. Damian was the first to rush forward, but not towards Lily. Instead, he hurried to Veronica, who had inexplicably slipped from her own horse and merely twisted her ankle. He held Veronica close, his face etched with tenderness, anxiously examining her ankle, as if his beloved treasure had shattered. Meanwhile, Lily lay on the ground not far away, her lower leg bent at a sickening, unnatural angle. Her face was deathly pale from the pain, cold sweat beading on her forehead, yet no one spared her a glance. She watched Damian and Veronica in their intimate embrace, and the light in her eyes slowly, agonizingly, faded to nothing.

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