Category: English

I found a box of condoms in my husband’s gym bag. I didn’t confront him. I just quietly poked a few holes in each one. Two months later, my best friend told me. She was unexpectedly pregnant and wanted someone to take responsibility. My husband, Ryan, had been a different man lately. Suddenly, he was pinching the fat around his waist in front of the mirror, eating like a bird. Even more out of character, he’d splurged on a top-tier gym membership. Before, he’d come home from work and flop onto the couch. Now, come hell or high water, he’d grab his bag the moment he walked in, heading straight for the gym. Something was definitely off. While he was in the shower, I snuck into his gym bag. The canvas pocket reeked of sweat. My fingers delved inside, brushing against a square, hard box. My blood ran cold. I pulled it out: condoms. My hands shaking, I pried open the box. The foil packets were neatly arranged. My gaze swept over them, freezing instantly. One, two… Any last shred of doubt withered and died. Two were missing from the box. My fallopian tubes were severely blocked, making natural conception impossible. We never used condoms. He had used them. With whom? A buzzing roar filled my ears. My body went numb, as if plunged into an icy abyss, chilling me from head to toe.

I stealthily retrieved his phone. The screen lit up, the lock screen still our Maldives wedding photo from three years ago. Ryan’s arm was around my waist, and my eyes curved into crescents from smiling in the sunlight. My fingerprint still unlocked it. He hadn’t thought to hide this from me yet. My SnapChat was pinned at the top, our chat history stopping at this morning’s – Remember to buy milk. His text messages were all delivery notifications. The call log for the past week only showed me, his mom, and the delivery guy. I tapped on the DoorDash app; all the order addresses were for the Downtown Tech Hub and Maplewood Residences, Unit 902. His Uber rides were strictly between work and home. Too clean. Clean like a meticulously scrubbed crime scene. I was about to lock the screen. Ding! A Mobile Legends notification popped up: Your friend “InvincibleRyan” has invited you to a ranked match. My finger, seemingly of its own accord, tapped open the game. It led me into a private chat. There were only two people: my husband and “SugarBaby.” I scrolled through the private chat. The world spun around me.

“Baby, did you enjoy that?” [InvincibleRyan] “You were moaning so loud against the glass, the whole building probably heard, hehe~” [InvincibleRyan] “Where’s your wife? Still playing dead fish, waiting for you to honor her with your presence?” [SugarBaby] “Her? She’s long asleep. Having sex with her is like having sex with a corpse, she doesn’t even make a sound. Every time we finish, I’m so disgusted I have to come find you. Nothing like you, baby, last time you screamed so loud my ears were ringing~” [InvincibleRyan] “So, are you coming over tomorrow night? I bought a new lace collar you’ll love~” [SugarBaby] “Yeah, I’ll be there, baby. I’ll make you come so hard you’ll see stars.” [InvincibleRyan] “Okay~ But, do you think she’d burst into tears if she knew you had to think about me just to get hard every time you were with her?” [SugarBaby] “Her? She’d probably just cower in her bed, too scared to even breathe.” [InvincibleRyan] “Then I want to do it right under your wedding photo, let her stare blankly at the headboard every day. Since her belly can’t produce anything, why not let me carry one?” [SugarBaby] …

Reading those chat messages… The raw mockery, the vile obscenities, the venomous personal attacks – they made my whole body tremble with rage. Suddenly, my stomach lurched, bile rising in my throat. I clapped a hand over my mouth, stumbling to the balcony. Clutching the cold railing, I dry-heaved a few times. Tears mixed with snot, a pathetic mess streaking my face. How could this be? This was Ryan, the man who once ran several blocks in a downpour to save cab fare, soaking wet but meticulously shielding the hot soup he was bringing me. This was Ryan, who spent his first paycheck on a necklace for me and ate cheap ramen for a month. This was Ryan, who woke up at 5 AM to stand in line for two hours just because I casually mentioned I wanted a pastry from that popular spot across town. This was Ryan, who cried more than I did at our wedding, declaring, “Marrying you is the greatest blessing of my life.” … Three years ago, when I had that terrible flu. I was burning up, drifting in and out of consciousness. He stayed awake all night, constantly cooling my forehead, neck, and hands with a warm cloth. In the early hours, I was so parched, I rasped out a soft moan. He startled awake, immediately got out of bed, and went to the kitchen for water. The water was too hot, so he poured it back and forth between two cups, repeatedly, until it cooled. He blew on it, tested the temperature himself, and then carefully brought it to my lips. “Slowly, drink slowly…” His eyes held nothing but anxious concern. During that time my career hit rock bottom. My boss was making things difficult, my proposals were rejected again and again. I’d come home late, exhausted, and collapse onto the hallway rug. He always heard me, always came over in silence. He never asked why. He just quietly knelt down and opened his arms. I’d bury my head deep in his embrace, like a lost ship finally finding its safe harbor. He would simply hold me gently. His embrace held a quiet power, shielding me from every storm. Even when my check-up revealed blocked fallopian tubes, meaning I couldn’t conceive naturally. He just held me tight and said, “Don’t be silly! I’d be jealous, a kid would just steal your love from me!” I even felt guilty for his boundless acceptance, believing I owed him a complete family and should repay him with boundless love and devotion. But who would have thought… One person could wear so many masks. Behind that gentle affection lay such repulsive filth. He hadn’t just betrayed his vows. He had casually, brutally, shattered everything we had built together, my genuine heart, my unwavering trust!

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My boyfriend took me to the emergency room late at night because of severe stomach pain. But before I could even finish describing my symptoms, The doctor cut me off with a dismissive tone. “I told you last time, you can’t have ten abortions!” “You insisted on doing it because it wasn’t your boyfriend’s baby. Now you come to me, and there’s nothing I can do!” At first, I denied it, then, realizing what she was implying, I angrily demanded to see her supervisor. But Hugh held me back, pulling me toward the next examination room. “I believe you’re not that kind of person. The priority is getting you treated. We can complain about her later.” But I never got to complain. That whole clinic visit went viral. My reputation was shredded. Under the weight of public ridicule and mockery, I fell into a deep depression and took my own life. After I died, The doctor apologized to me, tears streaming down her face. “I just saw how much pain she was in and wanted to distract her. Who knew she’d take it so hard?” Hugh, meanwhile, was heartbroken. “Maybe she had a guilty conscience. You shouldn’t blame yourself!” I opened my eyes again. I flung Hugh’s hand away and dialed 91

“Hello, I believe I’ve had ten abortions without my knowledge. I suspect I’ve been drugged!” 1. “It’s supposed to hurt.” “While abortion procedures are common now, they’re not truly harmless. Right now it’s just stomach pain, but there’s worse waiting for you down the line!” “But maybe you’re not afraid of any of that. After all, you’re a mess from head to toe, except for your hair. You’re probably used to it by now, aren’t you?” Dr. Riley, the on-call doctor, looked at me with utter contempt. But when she looked atHugh her face completely changed, a flirtatious glint in her eyes that was impossible to miss. In that instant, I knew. I had been reborn. It was exactly like this in my past life. I was in excruciating pain from a severe stomach flu, and Dr. Riley just glanced at my medical history before spouting nonsense. It nearly made me furious enough to die on the spot. Because I was desperate for medical attention, I didn’t cause a scene then. But the next day, Dr. Riley posted a blurred video of my visit online. “Doctors nowadays really have it tough. Ten abortions, and she still asks me why her stomach hurts. It’d be weird if it didn’t hurt.” “You weren’t there, you didn’t see her glare. Anyone would think I was a doctor, but honestly, it felt like she thought I was one of those awful men who got her pregnant and then left her to deal with it.” Even though Dr. Riley blurred the video in my past life, some people still “recognized” me. I faced a barrage of hate online. I tried desperately to explain that I had never done any of the things they accused me of. But no one believed me. Everyone said: 【If you didn’t do it, why are you running? You ran away because you knew it was true and couldn’t face it, right?】 【Exactly, a normal person who’s wrongly accused would fight back, scream, and complain.】 【Good thing the doctor released this surveillance footage first, otherwise, she might have turned it around and blamed the doctor!】 I developed depression because of it, and eventually, I just… died in a haze.

Maybe it was the memory of that desperate and painful death, but now the stomach pain felt significantly less severe. I didn’t panic. Instead, I pushed Hugh’s hand away and looked calmly at Dr. Riley. “Dr. Riley, isn’t it? Were you joking just now, or were you serious?” Dr. Riley hadn’t expected me to be so composed. She froze for a moment. But she was clearly good at making things up, so her mental fortitude was impressive. She quickly nodded. “Of course, I’m a doctor. How could I make things up?” “I used to be in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and I’ve recently moved to the emergency room. You and I are old acquaintances. Pretending not to know me won’t work.” Dr. Riley then suddenly turned to Hugh. “Which boyfriend are you of Chloe’s? I haven’t seen you with her before.” “She always comes here with different men.” Hugh didn’t answer. He was pinching his thigh hard, struggling to keep from laughing out loud. Last time, when Dr. Riley slandered me, he just pulled me away as if nothing had happened. He said he believed me, and at the time, I was touched. Now, I just found it pathetic. Of course, he believed me; he and Dr. Riley knew better than anyone how innocent I was! My expression remained calm, and my voice didn’t waver. “This is my boyfriend, Hugh. I’ve never had an abortion, nor have I ever visited an OB/GYN with other men.” Dr. Riley looked like she suddenly understood. “Oh, I see. Is this your *official* boyfriend?” “No wonder you’re trying to say I was joking. Well… alright, alright, Chloe’s right, I was joking. This isn’t due to an abortion; it’s… it’s stomach flu, or appendicitis. Quickly, I’ll order some tests for you. Let’s get you treated.” Although Dr. Riley sounded like she was clarifying things for me, her sarcastic tone made it obvious to anyone that she had no choice but to back down!

Dr. Riley finished writing the test orders and handed them to me, but I still didn’t move. I stared into her eyes. “Just saying it was a joke isn’t enough. Since you claim I’ve had ten abortions, then show me my medical records.” “If you can’t produce them…” I held up my phone. “Then I won’t let you off the hook.” Dr. Riley’s face darkened even further. She slammed her hand on the desk. “What do you mean? Are you threatening me, saying you’ll complain and report me?” “I admit, I violated protocol by revealing your medical condition directly, but I was just worried about you. Your attitude makes it seem like I’m trying to harm you.” I ignored her, simply continuing to demand to see the records. Seeing Dr. Riley’s scowl, Hugh stopped smiling too. “Chloe, don’t make a scene. Someone must look a bit like you, or have a similar name, so the doctor got it wrong.” “I believe you, and I know you. I know you’re not that kind of person. We don’t need to waste time here. Aren’t you in pain? Let’s go see a doctor first.” “We can complain about her later.” Without thinking, I slapped Hugh across the face. “Are you even a man? She’s slandering me right to my face, and your solution is to hide?” Hugh was stunned by the slap, unable to utter a single word. Dr. Riley was both pained and furious. “You’re the one who did something to betray your boyfriend, how dare you hit someone here?” “I was originally going to spare you some dignity so you could stay with your boyfriend.” “But since you don’t appreciate kindness, then take a look!” Dr. Riley finished speaking and slammed the desk again, roughly spinning her computer screen around. As the screen turned, I was a little stunned. Because on that computer, there really were pages and pages of my medical records. Every single entry was from the OB/GYN department, either for abortions or other treatments. According to this, Dr. Riley wasn’t lying; *I* was.

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My brother called me to his school, and his serious tone totally freaked me out. I rushed to his teacher’s office, only to find him, his teacher, and the female student I’d unexpectedly helped last semester, all sitting inside. The girl, clutching her slightly bulging belly, dropped to her knees in front of me, right there in front of the teacher. Tears streamed down her face. “Honey, I know this unplanned pregnancy is a lot to handle, but you can’t just abandon me and our baby because of it!” She reached out, trying to grab my shirt, but I sharply stepped back, turning to leave. Her cries behind me were absolutely gut-wrenching: “How can you be so heartless?! If I’d known you’d just use me and then forget about it, I never would’ve gone to that hotel with you!” The teacher shot me a look of pure resentment: “Look, being young is no excuse, young man. A guy needs to step up and take responsibility!” A crowd of onlookers was gathering outside the door, their whispers and disdainful stares practically drowning me. In the middle of all this chaos, my brother, Alex, leaned against the wall and casually chimed in: “Hey, sis, aren’t you going to stick around and see your unborn child?”

At his words, Brittany’s tears fell even harder. “Honey…” She gazed at me mournfully, her voice choked with grievance, “Even your brother admits this baby is yours. Why can’t you just accept it?” Alex, caught off guard, stumbled over his words, quickly interjecting: “Wait! Is there a chance I just called her ‘sis’?” “Alex, do you think I’m deaf?!” Brittany shot up, her fingers trembling as she pointed at me, her voice catching: “Ever since I got pregnant, you’ve been calling him ‘brother’ in front of me!” “You two brothers are ganging up to lie to me. How long do you plan to keep this up?!” I stared, shocked, at Alex, who was in the corner with his hands clasped together, his eyes practically screaming: *Hayden, I was just messing with her to embarrass her! I didn’t mean to screw you over!* “I’m pregnant and unmarried; my reputation is ruined… I just want the baby’s father to take responsibility, is that so wrong?” Brittany gently stroked her belly, looking at me with tear-filled eyes: “Hayden Hayes, my mom always says bald men are the most heartless… I didn’t believe her, but you’ve disappointed me so much!” *What the hell is with ‘bald men’?!* Okay, yeah, I’m 5’11”, and my voice is pretty low. But seriously, come on! If you’re going to scam someone for money, at least make sure you’ve got my gender right! *I’m a woman!* I touched my prickly, recently shaved head, feeling like snowflakes were suddenly drifting outside the summer window. If I’d known this was going to happen today, I never would’ve taken her to the hospital when she passed out from period cramps! “Brittany, you’ve seriously got this wrong. I shaved my head just to keep cool, actually, I’m—” “Enough!” Mr. Thompson sharply cut me off. “I know you’re young and scared of responsibility! But Brittany is a girl; she’s paying a much bigger price! And you just dismiss everything with a ‘misunderstanding’?” He looked at me, still trying to argue, with a disappointed expression: “Look at you. You don’t look like a man at all!” *Exactly!* *Where do I look like a man?!* “Teacher, I’m really a—” “That’s it!” He waved his hand, cutting me off again: “Call your parents, now!” He paused, then continued: “Brittany’s parents are divorced, and her family situation is special. It would be best to have your parents come discuss the baby’s situation first!” As soon as Mr. Thompson finished speaking, Brittany lunged at me: “Honey! I have no one else in this world! If you abandon me and our baby too, I won’t be able to live!” “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” I frantically waved my hands, backing away in a panic: “Don’t call me honey, I…” “I know!” Brittany cut me off, her voice choked: “You’re mad that I didn’t use protection and got pregnant, but I promise, if you just acknowledge me and the baby, I’ll listen to everything you say from now on!” At the same time, the crowd of onlookers outside erupted: “Holy crap! My fists are clenching! What kind of man gets his girlfriend pregnant and then tries to run?!” “Look at his shaved head, you just *know* he’s bad news! Scumbag!” “Record this! Record this! He needs to go viral on campus feeds! Let the whole school judge him!” “You guys, seriously! I caught a live scumbag right outside the teacher’s office! Drop a Super Chat, and I’ll go in and film for everyone!” Phone cameras, like black muzzles, aimed straight at me. Alex clearly hadn’t expected things to escalate this much. He stepped in front of me, his forehead veins throbbing with anger: “What the hell are you filming?! This is my sister—”

But the mockery and slander didn’t stop; they only intensified: “Alright, stop making stuff up! You two brothers are both bad news!” “These days, scumbags have seriously deep schemes. Girls, remember this if you ever scroll past it!” In less than an hour, I, who had done absolutely nothing, became the target of online hate. I stopped Alex from trying to defend me and looked at Brittany, who appeared so fragile and easily victimized. *Okay, so you want to sling mud, huh?* *We’ll see who ends up standing clean in front of everyone!* I looked at Brittany, still sobbing, and curved my lips into a slight smirk: “What evidence do you have to prove that the baby in your belly is mine?” The crowd instantly quieted. Those holding phones to livestream instinctively pointed their cameras at Brittany, awaiting her answer. A flicker of panic crossed Brittany’s face, but it was quickly masked by an even more torrential flow of tears: “Evidence? You’re asking me for evidence? That night at the hotel… you, you mean you’ve forgotten everything?” “Which hotel? Which night?” I asked calmly, as if discussing the weather. “What was the room number? Where’s the booking record? Or…” My gaze swept down to her abdomen: “Can you produce anything that proves I had physical contact with you? Anything that proves I have a biological connection to the child in your belly?” A trace of embarrassment flushed Brittany’s face: “How can you ask me to talk about something like that? Isn’t the baby the best proof?” Mr. Thompson frowned, seeming to think my questions were a bit much. “Hayden, this is getting out of hand! How could Brittany, a girl, produce specific evidence for such intimate matters?” “Can’t produce it?” I raised an eyebrow, my voice suddenly louder, sweeping my gaze over the cameras at the door: “So, you’re saying it’s all based on her word? Whoever she *says* the father is, *is* the father?” “Then today, could I stand here and point to any male student, or even to *you*, and say the baby is yours?” “You’re talking nonsense!” Mr. Thompson was furious. I scoffed, finally letting my anger show: “Teacher! Before you accuse me of being out of line, why don’t you consider this: based solely on her unilateral accusation, with no substantial evidence, you’re forcing me to take responsibility for her. Is that fair to me?” No sooner had I spoken than Brittany’s voice rang out again: “You want evidence? Fine!” She pulled out her phone and displayed several screenshots: “This is the movie ticket you bought for us, this is the receipt from the dinner you treated me to, and this… this is the record from the first time we stayed in a room together…” She paused, lowering her voice, but it was loud enough for everyone present to hear: “The baby in my belly was conceived the third time we stayed in a room. Honey, are you still going to deny it now?” *No wonder she kept asking me out after that first meeting—she’d been planning to frame me all along!* I glanced at those so-called “evidence” pieces, a cold smirk playing on my lips: “A few questionable tickets and receipts, plus a record that could easily be Photoshopped. And you think you can make a fool out of me? Not cool!” “Oh my god! This guy is disgusting! Didn’t he ask for evidence? Now that she has it, he denies it!” “Jerk, he’s clearly just trying to shirk responsibility!” Hearing the public opinion overwhelmingly against me, Brittany’s tears welled up again: “Honey, how can you slander me like this?!” “I know our families are very different, and you think I’m not good enough for you, but the baby is innocent!”

Mr. Thompson, even more disgusted, stepped directly in front of Brittany, his voice filled with disappointment: “Brittany is a young woman; would she really stake her innocence and reputation to falsely accuse you?!” He shook his head sorrowfully, as if looking at a lost cause, a degenerate youth beyond saving: “I initially thought you were just young and afraid of responsibility, but now, it seems you have a serious character issue! You can’t tell right from wrong, you twist facts and deny reality! No school would tolerate a student like you!” He took a deep breath, seemingly making a firm decision: “This matter is severe. It’s no longer just a private emotional dispute, but a serious violation of school rules and regulations that harms the school’s reputation! You must immediately and sincerely apologize to Brittany and fulfill your responsibilities as a man! Otherwise, I will contact your university’s leadership, and you will face serious consequences, up to expulsion!” Behind Mr. Thompson, Brittany flashed a triumphant smirk. She tugged at the teacher’s sleeve, speaking softly: “Mr. Thompson, please don’t! Hayden is just confused right now. I believe he’s not bad at heart… As long as he acknowledges me and the baby, I don’t need his apology!” This display of understanding instantly won over everyone’s sympathy, indirectly nailing me to the wall as a heartless jerk. Online discussions were spiraling out of control. Seeing the worried look in Alex’s eyes, I knew that simply stating I was a woman wouldn’t work anymore. More and more people would jump on the bandwagon, believing it was just an excuse to escape responsibility. If that happened, I wouldn’t just fail to prove my innocence; my gender and orientation might become public gossip. I took a deep breath, deciding to escalate the situation even further. Turning to the nearest camera, I spoke softly: “Fellow students, netizens, what’s happening here is not only unexpected but utterly absurd.” I paused, my gaze sweeping over the varied expressions of the crowd: “But now, I know any feeble defense seems powerless in the face of so-called evidence and a victim. In that case, I am willing to use a more scientific, more direct method to prove my innocence.” I looked at Brittany, my gaze calm but with an undeniable pressure: “Brittany, since neither of us can convince the other, let’s go to the hospital. Now, immediately, in front of everyone, let’s get a prenatal paternity test. Let science tell us whether I am, in fact, the father of the child in your belly.” Brittany’s face instantly went ashen, and she refused almost immediately: “No… no way!” This sudden refusal was too abrupt, instantly drawing everyone’s attention, even Mr. Thompson looked at her, confused. I pressed on: “Why not? Isn’t this the most definitive way to prove who’s lying? Brittany, you’re feeling guilty!” Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Brittany’s gaze darted around, and her fingers instinctively twisted the hem of her clothes. Soon, she seemed to make up her mind: “Fine, let’s go! Hayden Hayes, you’re forcing my hand! If… if the test results come back proving the baby is yours, you *must* take full responsibility for me and the child! In front of everyone, admit your wrongdoing!” Her reaction was somewhat unexpected, but that momentary guilt didn’t seem faked. I scoffed internally, readily agreeing. And so, a farce moved from the teacher’s office to the city’s most authoritative testing center. News spread like wildfire, attracting not only students from the school but also several sharp-nosed media outlets and some local big influencers, who packed the hospital corridor. No one wanted to miss the first-hand scoop on this story.

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I was the Sterling family’s true heiress. But when Briar, the girl they raised as their own, and I were kidnapped, and they could only redeem one of us… My parents, who swore they’d never play favorites, didn’t hesitate for a second. They chose Briar. Even Julian, my fiancé, who’d vowed eternal love, made the exact same choice. Five years later, Lysander Thorne, the long-lost heir to a powerful international conglomerate, was photographed at the airport. My slightly weary figure, holding my child, was also captured, making headlines. Someone immediately recognized me as Elara, the true heiress of the Sterling family, who was supposedly murdered by kidnappers five years ago. Before the Thorne family’s evening gala, my parents saw me. The moment we met, my father, Richard, slapped me across the face. “Elara, I can’t believe you’d stoop so low as to get pregnant by a kidnapper just to save your own life. How utterly disgusting.” My mother, Victoria, wiped away tears, accusing me, “You’re a Sterling. Even if you were forced, you shouldn’t have given birth to a bastard child. It’s utterly disgraceful!” Briar, the fake heiress, pretended to intervene, “Richard, Victoria, don’t talk about Elara like that. She was just trying to survive. But Elara, you really shouldn’t have brought that mongrel back.” Julian, my ex-fiancé, sneered, “Good thing I married Briar later. I couldn’t be with a woman like you, utterly devoid of dignity.” But seeing Briar holding a child who looked nothing like Julian, all I felt was bitter irony. When I didn’t respond, my parents finally looked at me with condescending pity. “As long as you get rid of that illegitimate child, we can take you back and you can be a Sterling heiress again.” Later, as my son and I were being tormented, a dark, low voice echoed from behind us. “Who are you calling a bastard child?” They all spun around, and when they saw who it was, their faces drained of all color.

“This is our final concession. We hope you’ll think carefully.” Victoria had just finished speaking when Richard cut her off. “Think carefully about what? Why would you throw away a perfectly good life as a Sterling heiress to work as a servant and raise an illegitimate child? We can’t afford that kind of shame.” “Elara, quit your job right now, come home with us, and cut ties with that bastard. We can’t afford this embarrassment. If people find out the Sterling heiress is working as a servant, where do you think that leaves our reputation?” I smirked inwardly. How did they figure out I was a servant? I glanced down at myself. My clothes were dark gray, the fabric looked plain, and I was holding a platter of sliced fruit. It certainly made it easy for them to misunderstand. But that was only because Leo had been begging for the fresh peaches from the backyard, and I, seeing it was still early for the gala, hadn’t changed into my dress yet. I’d just thrown on some casual clothes to go pick the peaches. Who knew I’d run into them all? Dressed in their exquisite evening wear, they must be here for the gala, which is why they assumed I was a servant. I coldly dodged Richard’s outstretched hand. I looked him straight in the eye, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “The Sterling heiress? If I recall correctly, in front of the kidnappers all those years ago, you explicitly stated that the Sterling family only had one heiress: Briar.” That painful memory instantly flooded back—when the kidnappers ordered them to choose only one of us, they hadn’t hesitated for a second. Victoria had cried to the kidnappers, “Let our Briar go! She’s the Sterling family’s only daughter, our future hope!” Richard’s face flashed with a hint of guilt, as if recalling his words from back then. He was about to speak, but Briar cut him off. Briar looked at me with a pained expression. “Elara, don’t throw a tantrum about what happened back then. We’re here today at the Thorne’s gala for their grandson, hoping to secure an important partnership. If they find out you’re working as a servant in their home, what will they think of Richard and Victoria?” “You should quit quickly, before they find out. Otherwise, if you prevent our cooperation, you’ll ruin the Sterling family.” “And that bastard child of yours, while not many people know, you should send him away immediately. Otherwise, it’s the Sterling family’s reputation that will suffer.” I sneered, looking at her with mockery. “I won’t send my son away. Because he’s not a bastard child.”

Because he was the guest of honor at tonight’s gala: Leo Thorne’s welcome party, the only son of Lysander Thorne, heir to the international conglomerate. Mr Thorne had initially thought his son, Lysander, had died in a shipwreck and had been heartbroken and despondent for a long time. Now, not only had his son returned, but he also had a grandson. He couldn’t be happier. He’d give Leo the moon and the stars. Just one day after his return, Mr Thorne had already transferred fifty percent of his assets to Leo. Now, if he were to find out that someone called his grandson a bastard child, I doubt they’d ever be allowed into the Thorne mansion again, let alone dream of any cooperation. Julian sneered, “A child of yours and those thugs, what else would it be but a bastard?” “Elara, we saw the news reports. That child looks at least four years old. You were kidnapped five years ago. Whose child could it be if not the kidnapper’s?” “Now, come back with us immediately. Stop making a scene. We might still throw you a bone. Otherwise, don’t blame us for being rude.” With that, he roughly grabbed my arm. The platter in my hand clattered to the ground, and the freshly picked peaches were ruined. These were the two freshly ripe peaches from the tree, Leo had been talking about eating them since last night. Enraged, I forcefully pushed Julian away. “Enough! Stop calling him a bastard. My son has a name. He’s called…” Smack! Richard slapped me again. “I knew you were trying to deliberately cause a scene here, didn’t I?” “News of your return is already out. Everyone’s talking about you. The gala hasn’t officially started, not many people have seen you yet. Come home with me right now. Otherwise, once more people arrive, do you want us to become their laughingstock?” I clutched my stinging face, staring at Richard in disbelief. This was the second time he’d slapped me today. He wanted to take me away, not because he cared for me, but because he thought I was an embarrassment. My eyes burning red, I looked at him. “I’m not leaving. And this is the Thorne estate. You can’t take me away.” Seeing my defiance, Richard’s chest heaved with anger. He grabbed my arm and started dragging me towards the gate. “We’ll see about that! I won’t let you stay here and disgrace us, no matter what.” I struggled fiercely. “You have no right to take me! Let go immediately, or I’ll scream for help!” Looking at the empty backyard, I suddenly remembered that my husband and I didn’t like too many staff around, so the servants weren’t present before the banquet. Julian also came over to help Richard drag me. “Enough! Stop struggling, or we won’t be so polite.” Briar, her eyes red, pretended to console me. “I know you resent Richard and Victoria for choosing me, Elara. That’s why you’re being so rebellious and embarrassing them.” “If you just listen to Richard and Victoria this once, don’t work as a servant here, and send that bastard away when you get home, I’ll even leave the Sterling family and let you have Richard and Victoria all to yourself.” Victoria, looking heartbroken, pulled Briar into a hug. “Briar, what are you saying? Richard and I have raised you for so many years. You are our most beloved child. No one can make you leave us.” Briar shot me a triumphant smirk. I was already being dragged out of the mansion, about to be forcefully shoved into a car. Just then, an angry shout came from behind. “What are you doing? Let go of my mom!”

It was Leo. He must have come looking for me since I’d been gone so long. He rushed over, pushing fiercely against Julian. “Let go of my mom! If my dad finds out, he’ll never forgive you!” Julian’s eyes flashed with disdain. He lifted his foot and shoved Leo hard, sending him sprawling to the ground. Leo’s elbow scraped against the concrete, immediately leaving two red marks. My heart ached as I tried to run to him. “Leo!” “Mommy, my arm hurts so bad!” Leo sat on the ground, his eyes red, looking at me. But my arms were restrained by Richard and Julian. No matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t break free. Tears streamed down my face as I watched Leo. “Do you know who Leo’s dad is…” “Shut up!” Victoria glared at me fiercely. “Still shouting? Afraid people won’t know he’s a bastard? “His father is an animal! Why are you still yelling? What, can he come help you? “If he dares to show up, I’ll make sure he never leaves!” Just as I was about to be shoved back into the car, Leo, crying, started punching Richard. “Let go of Mommy! Don’t take Mommy away! Or I’ll tell Grandpa!” Richard’s eyes turned cold. I screamed at Leo, “Leo, watch out!” But it was too late. Richard kicked Leo, sending him flying to the ground. “No!” Leo’s forehead hit the hard concrete path, and blood immediately started to flow. Richard scoffed, spitting on the ground. “What a piece of trash, daring to touch me!” “First ‘Daddy,’ now ‘Grandpa’? What, are your whole family a bunch of kidnappers and thugs? Do you think I’m scared of them? Let them come, I’ll kill them all!” Leo sobbed indignantly, yelling, “My Grandpa isn’t a kidnapper or a thug! You’re trying to steal Mommy, you’re the bad guys!” “I’ll tell Grandpa to have them all locked up!” “How dare you curse my grandfather, you little mongrel! I’ll beat you to death!” Briar’s son, Cody, rushed out, straddled Leo, and started punching and kicking him. “No!” I screamed, then used all my strength to break free and lunged towards Leo. Cody was pushed away and fell to the ground, instantly crying loudly in pain. I hugged Leo tightly. Seeing his tender, pale face bruised and swollen, my heart shattered. “I’m so sorry, Leo. Mommy didn’t protect you well.” “Mommy will take you home to Daddy, okay?” “Mm-hmm.” Leo nodded tearfully. “Let’s tell Daddy, and he’ll deal with these bad guys.” I picked up Leo and started to leave, but they blocked me. Briar, eyes red, looked hurt. “Elara, how could you hit Cody? Look, his hand is all red from falling.” I looked at the small red mark and couldn’t help but sneer. “Did you not see him hitting Leo just now? All the bruises on Leo’s face are from him!” Victoria pointed at me, yelling, “How can you compare your bastard to Cody? Cody is our precious darling! Yours is just an illegitimate child!” Julian spoke up, “Exactly! You laid hands on my son, you’ll have to pay the price!” I held my son, looking at him. “And how do you intend to make me pay?” “Kneel down and apologize to my son right now, or don’t blame us for being impolite!” Cody’s eyes gleamed with malicious joy. “Yeah! And I want that bastard to kneel and kowtow to me, and let me ride him like a horse!”

“What?!” I looked at them in disbelief. “You want me to kneel and apologize to him, and make my son let him ride him like a horse? You people wouldn’t live long enough for that.” Briar put on a weak, fainting act. “Elara, I only asked for an apology, but you’re cursing my son and Julian’s. That’s too much!” I looked at her with a half-smile. “Briar, he might be your son, but is he really Julian’s?” A flicker of guilt crossed Briar’s eyes, then she slapped me across the face. “Elara, you’re going too far! I know you resent me for replacing you and marrying Julian, but we didn’t know you’d ever return back then. You can’t just make up lies because of that!” “Julian, you have to believe me! Cody is our son!” Julian put his arm around her, looking heartbroken. “Of course I believe you. Don’t worry, I’ll make her apologize to our son right now.” Then Julian walked towards me coldly. “Are you going to kneel down yourself, or should I help you?” I tried to run, but he grabbed me. He tried to snatch Leo from my arms, but I held on tight. But Richard and Victoria joined in. Richard kicked the back of my knee, and I stumbled, almost falling. Leo was then easily snatched away by Julian. He squeezed Leo’s neck. “Are you going to kneel or not?” Leo’s small face turned deathly pale, but he still shook his head at me. “Mommy, don’t kneel! Leo isn’t scared!” Terrified, I collapsed to my knees with a thud, begging them. “Please, let go of Leo! He’s not a kidnapper’s child, he’s…” Smack! Briar reached out and slapped me. “Elara, I didn’t want to hit you, but you’re slandering my name. I have to teach you a lesson!” She slapped me a dozen times before stopping. My cheeks burned with agonizing pain. I looked at her coldly. “You’ll regret this. My husband is…” Before I could finish, Richard grabbed my hair, forcing my head down to hit the ground. “Still daring to use your low-life husband to threaten us? You’re going to bow to Cody now until he’s satisfied!” I resisted stubbornly, refusing to bow, so he threatened me, “If you don’t bow, don’t blame me for being rough with that illegitimate child of yours!” Leo’s cries continued. I instantly lost all strength to resist, and Richard forced my head down, making me hit the ground repeatedly. I don’t know how many times. He only stopped when the ground was stained red with my blood, and blood flowed continuously from my forehead. “I told you not to spout nonsense. This is your lesson!” I felt the world spinning, and Richard flung me aside like a piece of rotten meat, sending me sprawling to the ground. “Mommy!” Cody cried, trying to help me, but Julian held him down firmly. “You little bastard, you haven’t given my son a ride yet!” Leo, eyes red, screamed, “I won’t! You’re not allowed to do this to me! I’ll tell Grandpa to come save me!” “No! Let Leo go!” I weakly crawled on the ground. Briar stepped on my hand, grinding her heel into it. “You little mongrel, if you don’t let my son ride you like a horse, I’ll teach your mom a lesson!” “I will!” Leo immediately knelt on the ground. “I will! Please, let my mom go!” “Haha, I didn’t realize you two had such a touching mother-son bond!” Leo knelt on the ground, carrying Cody, crawling around in circles. Cody punched him on the head, but Leo didn’t dare to resist. My heart was breaking. “When you see his father, you’ll regret this!” “Hmph, just a bastard. Why would I be scared of a bastard’s dad?” Just then, a dark, low voice echoed from behind us. “Who are you calling a bastard child?” They all spun around, and when they saw who it was, their faces drained of all color.

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The night before my wedding, I was scrolling through TikTok when a video popped up. The location? My fiancée’s apartment complex. “One last night as lovers, then we’ll be the closest strangers.” I opened the caption, and my entire world imploded. “At 18, sponsored by my adoptive parents, I became her nominal brother.” “At 23, we burned with passion, and she cried out, lost in pleasure beneath me, so beautiful as she begged for more.” “At 24, she bore me a son. I thought we’d have a happy family.” “But fate, with a cruel twist of its pen, dictates she’s marrying someone else tomorrow.” “My love, the mother of my child, I wish you a happy wedding.” In the video, the blurry child’s hand wore a distinctive thick gold chain. It was the high-end custom bracelet, engraved with his initials, that I had personally given to my fiancée’s nephew, Leo. “Dude, how could you post something so messed up? You put this out there on purpose, hoping the groom would see it, right?” “OMG, my eyes are burning! Is this something a normal person would say?” “Bump this! Get the groom to see it, he needs to run! If he marries into this family, he’ll be dealing with baby mama drama and a secret family for life.” Staring at the familiar gold chain, the familiar address, even the familiar shape of the child. I swallowed the shock churning in my gut. I just couldn’t believe something like this was Chloe Miller, my girlfriend of five years. I screenshotted the video and immediately dropped it into our family WhatsApp group. “Was the gold chain I gave Leo stolen?” Less than a minute later, the video’s privacy settings changed; it was no longer viewable. Chloe quickly responded. “No way! He loves it, never takes it off.” “What video? Why are you still up so late? We have the wedding tomorrow, stop scrolling and get some rest.” A chill crept through me. I didn’t reply. That disgusting phrase, “one last night as lovers,” echoed in my head. Right then, I initiated a group FaceTime call. “Chloe, Liam, pick up the phone. I need to talk to you.” The next second, Mrs. Miller, who always played dumb and stayed hidden in group chats, sent a message. “What’s going on? Calling so late? Can’t it wait till tomorrow? Liam’s exhausted from groomsman duties, he’s already asleep.” Chloe quickly followed. “Yeah, tomorrow we’ll be legally married. Why call when we can see each other every day after that?” “Plus, you know we have this tradition, a superstition that the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other the night before the wedding, it brings bad luck.” Mr. and Mrs. Miller chimed in, echoing her words. I frowned, my voice unwavering. “If you don’t pick up in one minute, the wedding is off.” The group chat instantly fell silent. My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, rushed into my room. “Ryan, you’re not joking, are you? What on earth is going on?” I recounted the entire video content. My parents’ expressions instantly turned grim. “No way, really? Could it be a coincidence?” I looked at them, my resolve firm. “I don’t believe in coincidences like this. If this isn’t cleared up, I’m not marrying her!” Soon, the group chat exploded. “What does this mean? He’s canceling the wedding over some random video?” “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, you be the judge! Does the world revolve around him? He’s canceling the wedding over a minor disagreement? Is that reasonable?” My dad glanced at me. “Traditions don’t matter as much as whether someone is trustworthy! If they’re truly committed! My son has his reasons, and we support him.” At his words, the group chat seemed to go quiet, as if suddenly guilty. A minute later, the FaceTime call connected. Chloe and Liam were in their separate bedrooms, in their own beds. “Ryan, I was going to take Leo home, but Mrs. Miller said it was too late, so I just stayed here. Don’t get the wrong idea.” Her words made it sound like I was being unreasonable. I didn’t say anything, just noticed that Leo, who usually never left his dad’s side, was sleeping next to Chloe. I couldn’t ignore any suspicious detail. “Why isn’t Leo sleeping with Liam?” Chloe’s eyes, still red-rimmed, paused. “He probably just misses me.” Just then, Leo seemed to stir, startled by my voice, and rolled into Chloe’s embrace. As he shifted, a sheer pair of boxer briefs, half-hidden beneath him, became visible.

My heart plummeted. I’d seen Liam wearing an identical pair when he tried on his groomsman’s suit last time. “Wait, Ryan, don’t misunderstand…” As she stammered, I quickly took a screenshot and sent it to the group chat. “There’s a clear distinction between genders. Aren’t you worried about misunderstandings if you’re so careless?” Soon, Liam’s voice, hoarse and low, cut in. “I’m so sorry, Ryan… The main bathroom pipe broke, so I just used Chloe’s bathroom to shower. I might have forgotten to pick them up.” “Don’t get the wrong idea, it was just this once. It won’t happen again.” “I forgot, I actually washed it with their clothes this afternoon. It was probably an oversight when I was putting things away.” “It might have even hung on Leo’s clothes hook and accidentally got carried over. It’s nothing serious, really!” Three different explanations for one item. The more they explained, the guiltier they sounded. I couldn’t help but remember that Chloe had undergone a vaginal rejuvenation surgery. My fists clenched. “Alright. Then I want to see a DNA paternity test for Chloe and Leo. We’ll get married when the results are in.” Silence again filled the group chat. But almost immediately, Mrs. Miller’s message popped up. “Hey, what exactly do you mean by this? First the gold chain, then a video late at night, and now you want a DNA test? Are we even getting married tomorrow? You’re pushing it too far, acting like our feelings don’t matter!” Through the audio message, I could faintly hear suppressed sobs. Chloe disconnected the FaceTime and called me directly. “What do you want? We’re getting married tomorrow, why are you acting crazy? They already explained it, it was an accident with the laundry! Is it really that big of a deal?” I took a deep breath, steadying my voice. “We’ve moved past that. I’m talking about the paternity test now. Chloe, if you have nothing to hide, take Leo for the test. Otherwise, this wedding is off tomorrow.” A few seconds of silence on the other end. Her voice was helpless. “I have nothing to hide, but Leo just fell asleep. And it’s so late, where can we even go for a test? What if he throws a tantrum? Please, just listen. We’ll get married tomorrow, and I’ll take him for the test right after, okay?” She was trying to appease me, just like she always did. But a cold dread spread through me. “Do you know that when you’re guilty, you’ll accept anything, no matter how outrageous?” “You haven’t once asked why I’m asking you for a DNA test with a child who’s supposedly your adoptive brother’s. A normal person would find such a request absurd. Only you find it normal. What does that tell you?” She was silent for a while. The next instant, Leo started crying. Mrs. Miller’s angry voice came through the phone. “This is a disaster! This son-in-law hasn’t even entered the family and he’s already tearing our home apart! Liam may be a sponsored child, but I’ve raised him as my own!” “Chloe! Is this the good son-in-law you found me?! Insulting family like this, are you trying to kill us with anger?!” Chloe sighed. “Ryan, you can mess with me all you want, but please don’t mess with my parents. They have to get up early tomorrow.” “And I told you, Liam was tricked into raising a child that wasn’t his when he was younger.” “Stop fighting, go get some rest.” She hung up. I pulled on my clothes and headed straight for the Miller house. I wouldn’t find peace until this was cleared up. My mom looked at me hesitantly. “Ryan, are you really sure? The video’s gone, what if they manipulate us? Her mom is already difficult, and now…” I shook my head. “I trust my gut.” When the three of us arrived at the Miller house, it was in chaos. Liam was wailing hysterically. “I should just die! Why did I ever come back? Why was I soft-hearted enough to take in this child and be misunderstood like this?!” Mrs. Miller glared at me, annoyed. “Are you determined to cause trouble? You’ve come to our house now. Do you just want to see us fall apart?”

I looked at them calmly. “I’m not causing trouble. My demands are simple: First, I want to see Liam’s phone gallery and any hidden videos on his social media. Second, I want Chloe and Leo to get a DNA test right now. If these two things aren’t resolved, I will not get married.” They stared at me in shock. Chloe frowned. “It’s one thing to fight on the phone, but to come to my house and cause a scene? Do you think it’s appropriate to keep my family up all night with your drama?” Before I could speak, Liam knelt on the floor and handed me his phone. “Ryan, you can look all you want. I really don’t know what you’re talking about with that video! Are you misunderstanding something?” “I don’t know why you’d misunderstand me, or Leo, but he’s truly just a child I was tricked into taking in. Do I really have to rip open old wounds for you to believe me?” I ignored him, opening his phone. His social media profile showed no activity and no hidden drafts. A flicker of doubt rose within me. But when I clicked on his photo gallery and saw it was completely empty, even the recently deleted folder, I knew he’d tampered with it. Meeting his feigned innocent eyes, I let out a light laugh and tossed the phone onto the floor. “What does this prove? Phones can be faked, who knows if you deleted everything beforehand. I only believe what I see with my own eyes and my first instinct!” His face was pale, his eyes downcast. “I’m sorry, Ryan. I shouldn’t have mixed my clothes with theirs. I shouldn’t have forgotten my place as an outsider.” “But there’s nothing going on between us! If you think it’s inappropriate for me to have a child and be here, if you don’t want to see me, I can leave. I promise after tomorrow, I’ll never bother you again!” “Please, don’t insult me like this. I’m begging you!” Mrs. Miller immediately sat on the floor, hugging Liam and Leo, and burst into tears. “This is a tragedy, a tragedy! If you leave, I’ll leave too!” “He’s so arrogant now, who knows what life will be like after they’re married! I might as well just leave too, so I won’t be despised!” Mr. Miller’s face was ashen, clutching his chest, gasping for air. “This is the kind of person you picked, Chloe! Our whole family is in a mess! Causing such a scene the day before the wedding, where do we put our faces? He looked at the phone, what more does he want?!” Chloe looked exhausted. “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, he’s being childish and making a fuss, but why are you two going along with it?” My dad’s expression was serious. “Whether it’s a fuss or not, you just do what my son says. If he truly is making a fuss, I’ll discipline him and give you a satisfactory explanation.” “But my son is always sensible and reasonable. He wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t serious. Besides, that video had your family’s location.” “The bracelet on the child’s hand was a gift my son custom-made for Leo for the engagement. He’s three years old this year. Liam is twenty-seven, and he’s your sponsored child. If you’re innocent and have nothing to hide, then openly go get that test done!” At his words, the entire family’s faces darkened. Liam’s eyes welled up with tears. He hugged the child tightly and abruptly rushed to the balcony, his voice trembling with despair: “Fine! Since you see us as a stain on this family, since you can’t tolerate us… then I’ll take Leo and go! We’ll disappear completely, just as you wish!” Chloe’s face instantly went ashen, her voice shaking: “Liam! Calm down! Bring Leo back, it’s too dangerous up there!” “We’d rather die to prove our innocence than let our presence jeopardize your marriage with Chloe!” Leo cried hysterically. “Grandma, Grandpa, I’m scared!” Chloe’s eyes immediately turned red, her body trembling. “No, no! Liam, don’t be crazy. Bring Leo down quickly, it’s too cold up there, don’t scare Leo. Can you let me handle this?” Liam gritted his teeth and pushed open the balcony safety screen. “Mr. Miller, Mrs. Miller , I’m so sorry. It’s my fault for being so foolish and soft-hearted, becoming a stain in Ryan’s mind. I’m willing to die to ensure their marriage is happy.” “I’m just sorry I can’t repay your kindness in this life. I’ll repay you well in the next!”

With that, he extended one foot outside the window. The biting cold wind made the child cry ceaselessly. Mrs. Miller rushed forward, grabbing his leg. Mr. Miller seized the opportunity to pull the child back inside. “No! No one can kick you out of this house! You didn’t do anything wrong, why should you sacrifice yourself? We don’t need a son-in-law who’s so aggressive anyway!” “Liam, your adoptive mom can’t live without you, can’t live without Leo. Don’t be impulsive, I’ll stand up for you. Come down now, don’t let Leo catch a cold!” The group clung to each other, unwilling to let go. Liam looked at me sheepishly. “But if Ryan doesn’t want me, then I still don’t want to live!” Before he could finish, a resounding slap landed on my face. After a moment of dizziness, I saw Chloe’s furious, bloodshot eyes. “Ryan! When did you become so unreasonable? These are two human lives, are you really going to make them pay with their lives for your baseless suspicions?!” In our five years of dating, this was the first time she had ever laid a hand on me. My dad, furious, moved to strike back, but I held him off. I gritted my teeth, looking at her coldly. “Chloe, remember that slap. You’re going to regret it.” After a moment of surprise, a flicker of guilt crossed her eyes, and she reached for my hand. “Ryan, I…” I dodged her grasp and strode towards Leo. In his frightened gaze, I carefully removed the gold chain. “Since you’re being so evasive, the wedding is canceled. I’ll return the dowry in full. You can inform your own relatives.” With that, we turned and left. My dad shot her a scathing look. Downstairs, my mom looked conflicted. “Ryan, are you really canceling the wedding?” I looked at the bracelet in my hand, its design almost perfectly matching the video screenshot, and nodded. “Mom, I can’t accept someone who’s constantly lying.” I had asked Chloe for a strand of Leo’s hair to be woven into the chain when it was custom-made. That strand of hair was still inside the bracelet. Getting a DNA test from it would confirm everything. Back home, I dug out the “lovers’ knot” bracelet Chloe had given me years ago, woven with her own hair. Back then, she’d said she’d shield me from harm and weather any storm. I swallowed the bitterness, taking both strands of hair to the hospital that very night, arranging for an expedited DNA paternity test. An hour later, staring at the result showing 99% certainty, I felt as if I’d plunged into an ice-cold abyss. My parents were equally disbelieving. “That damn Chloe, she actually… she actually had another man’s child!” “This is a disaster! Why did this have to happen to us?!” Seeing my parents’ grief, I suppressed the ache in my chest. Cutting my losses now was what mattered most. I posted on Ins about our “relationship issues” and the “wedding cancellation.” As expected, my phone was bombarded with inquiries. Then my phone rang. It was Ashley Smith, my childhood friend. “The invitations are out, the venue’s booked. And you’re just canceling it like that?” “You can be reckless, you can do what you want, but what about Mr. and Mrs. Hayes? They’re old enough, do they have to clean up your mess? What will all those relatives think of them?” I choked back a sob. “What do you mean? Are you kicking me while I’m down too?” She had never approved of Chloe, always feeling that Liam had ulterior motives and that their dynamic was strange. I’d thought she was being a little harsh and hadn’t paid much attention. It turned out she was right. She sighed. “No, what I mean is, don’t cancel the wedding. And don’t let your parents become a laughingstock.” “We’ll switch brides. I’ll stand by you and put on a respectable show.”

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Ninety-nine days after our brutal split, and I was still drowning. Staring at the wreckage Luke left in my apartment, I decided it was time to purge it all. I headed downstairs for moving boxes and passed a new massage place. A guy with a killer smile handed me a flyer. “Grand opening! 20% off!” My body had been a stiff, comatose mess for weeks. Why not? His hands were professional, finding every knot and tense spot. The pain brought tears to my eyes.. Then My phone buzzed. It was Luke. The ex who’d ghosted me the day we broke up. “I think I left my belt at your place. Can you find it for me?” Blunt, to the point, no sugar-coating. I took a deep breath. “I threw it out.” “Come on, Aubrey. Throw out whatever else, but that belt… Chloe gave it to me…” The words choked me, my body shaking with a wave of anger. The cute masseur noticed my tension. “Relax,” he murmured. “Lift your leg.” “Mm-hmm…” Luke’s roar blasted through the phone. “Aubrey, what the hell are you doing?! We just broke up!” My face burned. Right before I hung up, the masseur’s hand pressed hard into a sensitive point on my lower leg. “Ow! That hurts! Easy, please…”

“Aubrey! What are you doing?!” I slammed my phone face-down, silencing Luke’s roar. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to lose myself in the massage, but the tears came anyway, disobedient and hot. Seven years. This is how it ended. Anyone who said it didn’t hurt was a liar. Later, standing at my own door with a stack of empty boxes, I took a deep, steadying breath. It was time. I hardened my resolve and stepped inside to pack away Luke’s relics. I had just tossed one box aside when the keypad at the front door beeped. “Unlocked.” The door flew open. Luke stood there, chest heaving. “Where is he?” “Who?” “The guy you were just with! He sounded young, too, didn’t he? Aubrey, are you that desperate?” As his wild eyes scanned the room, a cold dread filled my stomach. So that’s why he’d come. Because of a sound. “Are you here on a raid?” His silence was confirmation. I scoffed. “We’re broken up. You have no right to be here. And more importantly, does Chloe know you’re here?” Luke seemed to calm. His eyes swept over me. “Who said I’m here to catch you in the act?” He jutted out his chin, extending his hand. “My belt. Hand it over!” I didn’t move. My attention was locked on the lipstick near his feet. That was the first gift he ever gave me. I remembered the first weekend after we started dating. We’d planned a trip to the beach. It was our first trip together. It was also the first time I met Chloe. Chloe was Luke’s longtime family friend, practically a sister. On the train, claimed the middle seat between Luke and me. “Aubrey, I just love the middle seat! You don’t mind, right?” She then grinned. “Oh, and Luke said you’re paying for everything! Your family must be loaded.” I forced a smile, shooting a pained look at Luke. He just turned away, offering no defense. Back then, I was too hopelessly in love to stay mad at him. Our first trip, and I was already seething because of his “sister.” Later, he appeased me with a cheap lipstick. The very one now at his feet. The memory sent a wave of fury through me. “I told you, I threw it out. Try the dumpster.” I shoved Luke away, picked up the lipstick from the floor, and tossed it into a packing box. “You’re throwing that out too?” Luke stared, utterly stunned. “That was my gift!” I pointed at the still-sealed tube and smiled coldly.”An $18.80 lipstick with free shipping, Luke? I wouldn’t dare use it. I’m pretty sure it’s toxic.” Luke’s face immediately darkened, a chaotic mix of embarrassment, fury, and a pathetic attempt at disdain. “You’re not still thinking I bought you that lipstick just because it was cheap, are you?” “I explained it to you! I bought you a designer one later! You forgave me back then, didn’t you?” I just stared at him. When I first got the lipstick, I told myself the same lies. Guys just don’t get all the nuances of makeup, they’re too simple-minded, too lazy to pick out anything good… It wasn’t until months later, when I scrolled past Chloe’s Ins feed and saw picture after picture of her with designer lipsticks Luke had given her, that my defenses completely crumbled. That was the first time Luke and I had a real fight. I hysterically accused Chloe, criticizing all his boundary-crossing behavior with her. Luke just sat there, silently watching me lose my mind, watching me cry non-stop. It wasn’t until I quieted down that he finally spoke. “Aubrey, I honestly didn’t know there was so much to a lipstick. Chloe just picked it out herself and asked me to pay!” “There’s nothing going on between Chloe and me, you know that. Why would I be with you if there was?” “How about this, you pick one too, and I’ll buy it for you!” Just like that, I was placated. I picked out one more expensive than Chloe’s, but now I had no idea where it even was. “I forgave you then. Now we’re broken up. Can’t I just throw it out?” Luke jabbed a finger toward my face. “Aubrey, you’d better not come crawling back to me, begging to get back together, because I-” “I won’t.” I cut him off. The words he hadn’t spoken died in his throat.

In the 99 days since we broke up, this was the first time I felt so resolute. Just a second before Luke walked in, I was still picturing him begging for me back. Or maybe, I’d be the one, unable to hold on, begging him to come back, just like before. But in this very second, I knew there was no possibility for us. Luke looked into our bedroom. It was a mess. The floor was practically buried under all his stuff, all our stuff. That lunchbox on the very top shelf of the kitchen cabinet once held all my burning love for Luke. Luke stormed over, grabbed it, and smashed it to the floor. Bang! It shattered into pieces. “You think I ate all those breakfast burritos you waited in line for every morning freshman year?” “Let me tell you, I never even liked those breakfast burritos. Chloe did!” “Every single time, I gave them to her behind your back!” “How about that? Does that make you mad?” Luke pointed at the broken lunchbox on the floor, his brow furrowed in anger, veins bulging on his neck as he spoke. I wasn’t angry. I wasn’t crying. I merely shot Luke a deadpan look, then squatted down, picking up the pieces and tossing them into a packing box. “Do you know why I stopped bringing you breakfast after that?” My calm tone and detached demeanor made Luke’s hand, hanging by his side, tremble slightly. I still remember that freezing winter morning freshman year. I’d just left the main cafeteria after waiting in line and found it was pouring rain, but I didn’t have an umbrella. So I called Luke. He didn’t answer for a long time, until a loud commotion erupted. “Luke?” “Hello? Luke?” There was no answer on the other end, and I was about to hang up and redial. “Luke, it’s pouring out. Your girlfriend isn’t still standing in line for your breakfast burrito, is she?” I heard Luke’s roommate’s voice, tinged with a teasing note. “If she knew those burritos were all for Chloe, she’d probably lose her mind!” “It’s not like I’m forcing her to buy them.” “Besides, what’s the difference if I eat them or Chloe eats them?” “She…” Luke’s casual voice rang out, tinged with a bit of sleepiness. I couldn’t bring myself to listen to the rest. The moment I hung up, the burritos in my hand suddenly felt like they weighed a thousand pounds. The rain beat down on my face, stinging and cold. I walked back to the dorms through the downpour and came down with a high fever. Luke called me countless times, but I missed every single one. From then on, I never brought Luke breakfast again. Every time Luke brought it up, I would lightly brush it aside. Back then, I was so blindly in love, I convinced myself none of it mattered. I thought I could swallow all the hurt, but deep down, I knew I never really did. It stuck in my throat, refusing to dissolve for years. I walked into the bedroom and threw all the photos we’d taken together into a box. Luke looked a bit unsteady on his feet. “Luke, these photos? They’re all junk.” “Seven years together, and we don’t have a single decent picture of just the two of us.” “No way!” Luke looked utterly incredulous, bending down to rummage through the box. But after he looked, he couldn’t say a word. Luke didn’t like taking pictures, he’d told me that ages ago. Every time I picked up my phone to open the camera, he’d instinctively dodge. Eventually, I figured, whatever, as long as we’re together. But then I accidentally scrolled past Chloe’s Ins feed, and picture after picture showed my boyfriend, Luke. By then, I was already really bothered by Chloe. So I set a boundary with Luke. He agreed, albeit reluctantly. But whenever Luke and I tried to take a picture, Chloe would always appear. It was either a hand, or half a face, or a corner of her clothes, or half a head. She always, at just the right moment, interrupted our photos. “Forget it, if we can’t get a good one, then don’t bother.” In the end, Luke would always walk away, annoyed. That’s why none of our photos were ever good. Our photos always had Chloe in them. Luke’s face was a mess, going from pale to flushed, his mouth opening and closing. Finally, he managed, “Chloe… she…” “She probably didn’t mean to…”

Right. How interesting. He used to say things like that too. Except back then, he wouldn’t say “probably.” He’d say “definitely.” I turned to look at the piano in the living room, and Luke’s gaze followed mine. That was a gift Luke bought me after graduation, with his first big paycheck. It was a gift he promised to buy me after I nagged him for a long time-the second gift in seven years of dating. The ridiculous thing is, I never even played it before it broke. After graduation, Luke and I moved in together. I was comfortable, living off my family’s support, taking my time to find a job. Luke was different. He started clawing his way up from his senior year of college. So I focused on being his pillar of support. During that time, Chloe was busy looking for work, so she rarely appeared. Luke and I’s relationship gradually strengthened. Luke got a promotion and a raise after his first project was a success. To celebrate, he invited a bunch of friends, including Chloe. “Aubrey! You’re such a good influence on Luke! You really keep him together!” “Luke, you mean this house is yours?” Chloe looked around, sizing up the place. I had a bad feeling then, and sure enough, Luke brought up the idea of letting Chloe move in. “Aubrey, Chloe’s apartment complex has had a few break-ins recently. I’m really worried about her living alone.” “If she comes, she can keep you company too!” Luke pleaded with me for a long time. I finally softened and agreed. But the first day Chloe moved in, she “accidentally” spilled water on the piano. I blew up at her, and Chloe ran off crying. The first thing Luke said when he brought her back wasn’t to comfort me, but to accuse me. “Chloe definitely didn’t mean to.” “It’s just a piano, Aubrey. Do you have to make such a huge deal out of it? You’re being so over-the-top!” “I’ll just buy you another one next time, okay?” In that battlefield of three, I never won. That time, I called it quits, but regretted it the next day. Later, the piano was never mentioned again. Luke followed my gaze to the piano, then looked down. “The piano…” “I… I just forgot about it later…” Yes, Luke had a bad memory. But only when it came to me, not Chloe. He couldn’t remember what subway stop my office was on, but he could tell you exactly where the best coffee shop was near Chloe’s job. He couldn’t remember I had pollen allergies, but he could remember Chloe didn’t like cilantro. I didn’t answer, walking directly into the room Chloe used to stay in. The room was painted pastel blue, with a crib, a high chair, a changing table… Everything was brand new and unopened. It was the nursery I had carefully decorated for Luke and my first child. “Luke, you and Chloe owe me a life. Forever.” His eyes instantly reddened. “Aubrey…” Luke reached out to grab me, but I stepped back.

In the summer of 2023, I got pregnant. Using that as an excuse, I demanded Chloe move out. At first, Luke even got mad at me for it, saying I was disrespectful. But when I told him I was pregnant, he fell silent. Truthfully, when Chloe wasn’t around, Luke was really good to me. Chloe had a fight with Luke over it, and they didn’t speak for a long time. Luke also started making arrangements to meet my family and for our engagement and wedding. That period, I was truly happy. It felt like a dream. On our wedding day, Chloe, whom I hadn’t seen in ages, appeared. She brought lavish gifts to celebrate us. In the dressing room, I genuinely believed her well-wishes were sincere. It wasn’t until the ceremony rehearsal that Chloe, volunteering to fix my train, somehow “tripped” and stomped right on it. I lost my balance, lurching forward into a metal floral stand by the stage. A sharp, searing pain ripped through my abdomen. Then, a cold, terrifying wetness spread between my legs. “The bride! The bride is bleeding!” The whole place erupted in chaos. The wedding came to a screeching halt. My baby was gone. When I woke up, I hysterically accused Chloe. “She did it on purpose! Luke, she did it on purpose!” “She deliberately stepped on my dress!” … I screamed my accusations, but Chloe didn’t argue. She just cried and apologized. “It’s my fault, all my fault. I’m so sorry, Aubrey, I’m so sorry!” Chloe admitted her mistake, even dropping to her knees in my hospital room. She even sank to her knees on the hospital room floor. In that moment, all my hurt and anger were muted. It seemed if I didn’t forgive her, I would be the one at fault. Luke held me, his whispers a hollow comfort. “Don’t think about it, it’s over.” “We’re still young, we can have more.” “Chloe, she… she didn’t mean it.” That incident was too painful. So painful I’ve made myself forget how it even ended. Our wedding plans were shelved after that, and the subject never came up again. “Aubrey…” “It’s over.” Luke looked utterly heartbroken, his hand gently patting my back as if to offer comfort. My eyes stung. I blinked hard, then closed the door. “Luke, you’re here for the belt, right?” He had no time to answer. I turned and went to the storage room. In the corner, on a shelf, lay the belt, still in its packaging. I shoved it into his arms. “Take it. Check if there’s anything else you want. Just take it all.” “And don’t come back here.” Luke’s knuckles were pale, his face ashen. “Aubrey, I actually-” Ding-dong! The doorbell interrupted Luke. I stepped around the mess on the floor and opened the door. The cute guy from the massage place stood at my door, holding my jacket. “You left this.” One doorway, three people, a tangle of conflicting emotions. Luke’s breathing turned ragged, his fury burning like a wildfire.

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I was the ultimate simp. My bestie must have told me to dump Jake a hundred times. I never listened. When my boyfriend announced he was a business genius and decided to open an herbal burger joint with his girl best friend, Sam, I didn’t hesitate. I drained my savings for him. Then he claimed they were desperately short-staffed. I quit my $18,000-a-month job to work for free. Then I caught them. Jake said he was off for a “business meeting” with Sam. The business was her, naked in our bed. As I sobbed, Sam had the nerve to shrug. “Don’t overthink it, Chloe. Best friends can have super intense meetings under the covers. It’s all for you, so Jake can marry you!” Like an idiot, I almost believed her. Until the business went bankrupt, and Jake ran off with Sam and all the cash, leaving me with $700,000 in online loans. The debt collectors drove me to the roof’s edge. I jumped. Then I opened my eyes. I was back on the day Jake first pitched his brilliant business idea. My bestie Harper burst in, her eyes red. “Chloe, ‘love blindness’ is a real condition now. Insurance covers it.. You HAVE to get treated!”

“Harper, what are you talking about?” Jake stomped over, scowling. “Are you trying to sabotage my relationship with Chloe again?. Then he turned to me, his tone dripping with possession. “Chloe, I’m planning to open an herbal burger joint.I’m short on cash. Hand over your savings.” My love-blind self was already nodding, ready to agree. “No!” Harper cut in fiercely. “An ‘herbal burger joint’? Does that even sound like a real business? Chloe, do NOT give him your money! Come with me. Now!” Harper squeezed my hand so hard, I nearly cried ou. But when I met her tear-filled, red eyes, the truth slammed into me. Harper and I had both been reborn. The last time I saw that look in her eyes was right after I jumped. She had cradled my broken body, sobbing hysterically. And I, a mere wisp of a soul, could do nothing to wipe her tears away. My eyes instantly welled up too, and a sudden calm washed over me. I spoke to Jake, my voice stiff. “Jake, I suddenly don’t feel so good. I’m going to have Harper take me home to rest.” “I’ll figure out the money situation later.” Jake frowned, annoyed, and let out a dismissive “Tsk.” “Fine, whatever. Just send the money over as soon as you can.” I nodded, then pulled Harper and turned to leave. As we walked, Harper vented, shaking her head in frustration. “Chloe! Snap out of it!” “You just said you weren’t feeling well, and he didn’t even care! All he thought about was getting his hands on your money.” “Are you seriously going to keep being a ‘love-blind’ idiot for a guy like that?!” Once we were in the car, I urgently prompted her. “Harper, hurry! Let’s go to the hospital!” Harper’s eyes lit up. “Chloe, what did you say?!” I looked into her sparkling eyes, stating each word with serious intent. “You’re right. ‘Love-blindness’ is covered by insurance now. I’m going to get my brain fixed!”

Lying in the hospital operating room, the anesthesia needle slowly sent me into a hazy state. In my dream, I saw the debt collectors from my past life again. Last time, Jake used my phone to take out $700,000 in online loans. After the herbal burger joint went bust, he just ran off with Sam. He left me with nothing but a huge mess and those $700,000 in debts. Several tall, mean-looking guys with tattooed arms blocked my front door, yelling and banging, their mouths spewing obscenities. “You damn bitch, pay up now!” “No money? Then go sell yourself! If you don’t pay, we’ll drag you off and sell you to traffickers!” I huddled in my room, trembling and crying, calling Jake. “Jake, please, pay me back…” Jake just coldly replied, “You’re the one who owes the money, not me. Figure it out yourself. Don’t bother me.” From his end of the call, I heard Sam’s voice, sickly sweet yet trying to sound tough. “Ugh, women are so annoying with all their crying.” “Jake, forget her. Come on, have a drink with Daddy!” The next second, the call was cut, leaving only the endless “beep, beep, beep” of a busy signal. In the silent darkness, I curled up in the corner of my room, shaking and in tears. The banging and shouting from outside were terribly loud and terrifying. The scene shifted. My dream moved to the rooftop. I stood at the edge, dialing Jake’s number one last time. “Jake, I’m dying. The debt collectors are killing me…” What came through the receiver, though, was the sound of heavy, breathless panting, enough to make anyone blush. Jake was gasping, his voice hoarse but brutal. “If you’re going to die, just do it. You don’t need to tell me.” Sam’s voice echoed with an ambiguous laugh, a teasing purr. “Women are so annoying, Jake. Just block her.” The call was disconnected again. When I tried calling back, Jake had actually blocked me. In that moment, my heart turned to ash. I leaped, falling from the rooftop onto the hard concrete below. Bright red blood stained the ground. It hurt so much, truly agonizing… “No! Stop!” I jolted upright, my eyes filled with regret and terror. Harper, sitting by my bed, immediately grabbed my hand. She gently patted my back, soothing me. “Chloe, don’t be scared. The surgery is over.” “Your ‘love-blindness’ has been cured.” Two days later, I was discharged, completely recovered. After my insurance covered it, the whole thing cost me less than $500. And my love for Jake? It was completely wiped clean. This time, I was going to make them pay tenfold for all the pain they’d inflicted on me! My phone suddenly rang. It was Jake. He impatiently demanded, “Chloe, why haven’t you sent me the money for the shop yet?!” “I need to pay the store’s deposit! Hurry up and send me the money!”

After hanging up, I went straight to the bank. I locked all my savings into a long-term CD and canceled all my credit cards. Then I changed my phone password to stop Jake from taking out more loans. Only then did I go to inspect Jake’s chosen location. I stared at the three-story building. My unpaid workplace for six months. And I laughed. It was sandwiched between a McDonald’s and a KFC. A Burger King stood directly across the street. And Jake wanted to open his “herbal burger” joint here, under siege by fast-food giants. The very idea turned my stomach. Who would ever eat that? But the biggest fool was my past self who funded it. Not this time. I put on a troubled face and fidgeted. “Jake, my parents locked my savings in a long term CD,” I said. “And I maxed out all my credit cards last month. I cannot get any money right now.” Seeing Jake frown and ready to explode, I cut in quickly. “Jake, you said you saved $28,000 for our wedding. Why not use that? When we marry, I won’t ask for a single dollar. Consider it my investment in your startup.” His frown deepened, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. I smirked inside. That wedding fund was a fantasy, an empty promise he never meant to keep. I didn’t press him, instead shifting gears with a tone of innocent concern. “But… your herbal burgers don’t sound very appetizing. Will people actually eat them?” The moment I questioned him, Jake’s annoyance flared. “This is a project Sam and I researched personally! It perfectly merges health consciousness with modern food trends!” “What the hell do you know? Just keep quiet if you don’t understand!” Sam chimed in from the side, “Ugh, women just have such a narrow view, no vision at all.” “Our herbal burger joint is entering a completely blank market right now. There’s so much money to be made!” I wanted to burst out laughing. Seriously, Sam? Have you ever stopped to think why the market is blank? It’s because this garbage won’t make any money! But Sam was still lost in her self-proclaimed brilliant vision. She slapped Jake on the butt, winking and grinning. “Jake, Daddy here has found us the ultimate path to riches! We’re going for it, even if we have to take out loans!” “We’ll take over this whole three-story building! Herbal burgers on the first floor, boba tea on the second, and a trendy rooftop patio for Instagram on the third! It’s going to be an instant hit the moment we open!” Last time, they did exactly the same thing. Before they even opened, they blew nearly $100,000 on renovations for all three floors. But after opening, nobody bought the herbal burgers, and the generic tea shop on the second floor was completely ignored. As for the trendy rooftop patio? Only mosquitoes and flies ever ‘checked in’ there. In my previous life, I tried to convince them not to invest so much money all at once, to just try one floor first. But then I was called timid and lacking vision. This time, I mentally gave Sam a huge thumbs-up! Go for it! Take out massive loans! You two deserve to experience what it’s like to be hounded by debt collectors, driven to despair. But on my face, I maintained a worried expression, deliberately questioning, “Can that really work? What if your judgment is wrong and you lose everything?!” Sure enough, Jake, who couldn’t handle even the slightest challenge, got even more hyped up. “What the hell do you know?! Sam and I picked this project! How could we lose money?” “We’re listening to Sam! We’re taking all three floors and making it a huge, bustling success!” They exchanged a sweet glance, lost in their delusional dreams of getting rich. Watching their public display of affection, in my previous life, I would have been consumed by jealousy and self-doubt. Now, I just felt utterly disgusted.

I was about to make an excuse to leave when Jake dropped another task on me. “Chloe, you’re an interior designer. The design and renovation are all on you.” Memories of my past life flooded back-a brutal experience that would make a slave driver wince. Sam was impossible. She wanted American style one day, vintage the next, then industrial. She bombarded me with hundreds of photos but never gave a clear direction. “Just show me what you come up with,” was all she said. My designs changed constantly, shifting styles, sometimes reverting to the first draft. She made impossible demands, like asking for “a colorful black,” just to mess with me. I went back and forth 99 times before she finally approved one. When Jake found out, he patted Sam’s shoulder sympathetically. “Poor Sam, you worked so hard. It’s Chloe’s fault for being so incompetent.” The memory makes my blood boil. But not this time. I’m done playing. Let’s see what masterpiece Sam can create without her free, devoted labor! So, I put on my troubled face again. “I sprained my hand a couple of days ago. The doctor said I need a lot of rest, so I can’t draw any designs for at least two months.” Jake raised his voice, agitated. “Two months?! We can’t wait that long!” “Why did you have to sprain your hand at such a bad time?” I put on a hurt and regretful expression, looking down, but in my head, I’d already cursed that selfish jerk eight hundred times. Sam, looking completely confident, spoke up. “Forget it, I don’t think she’d design anything good anyway.” “I’ll handle the design and renovation. I’ll make it so dazzling it’ll blind you all!” A few months later, Sam’s renovation finally blindsided me. She had spent nearly $200,000. The result was pure apocalyptic junkyard chic. It looked like she’d just dumped a bunch of hideous, eye-sore second-hand furniture into a bare concrete shell. That was it? Any customer walking in would probably burst into tears from the ugliness. But Sam proudly declared, “Look at my design style! Isn’t it super cool? Super badass?” Jake’s expression was a little complicated. He awkwardly glanced around a few times before finally managing to squeeze out, “It definitely… has style…”

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Three days before my wedding to Ashton, I walked in on him cheating with his secretary. They were right there, in our new bed. For twenty years, I’d never seen him break. Now, his hands trembled. Tears fell. He blamed the booze. Swore it would never happen again. But one look at Valerie told a different story. Her face, a mask of cool contempt, said this was a well-practiced routine. When my mother asked if I still intended to marry him, I let out a wet, broken laugh and nodded. “The wedding is on.” Only this marriage could save my father’s failing company. It was just disappointment. Love was long gone. It didn’t matter who I married anymore. My wedding day was a storm of chaos. I sat at my vanity, detached from it all. My father found me there. He led me to the ballroom doors, his hand trembling as he fought back tears. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. My heart clenched. I forced a faint smile. “Don’t be. Ashton… still cares for me. I’ll be happy.” He fell silent. His shoulders slumped in defeat. Finally, the grand doors swung open. Ashton waited, poised in a crisp white suit, a bouquet in his hands. Forcing a smile, I stepped forward. And the memories crashed over me. Our families, the Reynolds and the Bennetts,were once neighbors, equal. Ashton, three years my senior, had always watched over me. The day I took my first steps, he stood before me, holding my tiny hands, guiding me forward. At ten, he wiped milk from my lips, then stole a kiss. My face burned. I pushed him away, my lecture on personal space firm and swift. Ashton stared back, his eyes blazing with a possessive certainty. “What are you afraid of? I’m going to marry you someday.” The memory faded. My steps faltered, then stopped. Ashton came to me, holding the flowers. My father placed my hand in his, his voice a low, desperate plea. “Please, be good to my daughter.” Ashton’s eyes were red as he promised. “I will.” It was just like when I was eighteen, when he’d held my hand tight before our families, vowing to love only me, forever. Back then, I’d blushed, believing every word. I was full of hope for a loyal, unwavering love. Now, at twenty-three, I was finally marrying him, just as I’d always expected. Then the officiant’s voice cut through. “Do you take this man…? Then, the dam broke. All the sadness I’d held back came rushing out. I lost control. Tears streamed down my face. Ashton’s face blurred behind the veil of tears. For a terrible moment, I couldn’t even see who I was marrying. I just closed my eyes and a choked whisper escaped my lips. “I do.”

The wedding was over. We were home. He was drunk, the driver helping him onto the sofa. I wrung out a cloth and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead. He frowned, eyes suddenly opening. He stared at me for a moment, then pulled my hand to his, laughing softly. “I finally married you. Wifey… wifey? That sounds so good. Will you call me that too?” His possessiveness had always been overwhelming. Since we started dating at eighteen, he’d been eager for me to call him ‘husband.’ But I believed in acting the part and never gave in. Back then, he’d just shake his head with a helpless smile, ruffle my hair, and call me his ‘good girl.’ Now, meeting his expectant gaze, I just smiled and loosened his tie. “You’re drunk. Let me help you to bed.” Ashton’s grip on my hand tightened sharply, making me wince in pain. “Why won’t you say it? Just once! Call me ‘husband’!” I pressed my lips together, staring at him, utterly silent. Finally, Ashton closed his eyes. A wave of pure torment seemed to crash over him as he collapsed into frustration and rage. “Fine! I messed up, I know! Are you still angry, Chloe? Then why won’t you yell at me? We have twenty years, and this is the only thing I’ve ever done wrong! Just this one thing!” His voice was laced with desperation. As if I was the one who was guilty. The Reynolds family had invested poorly this year, and our company was teetering on the brink of collapse. Our previously equal standing with the Bennetts had suddenly plummeted. I even felt a pang of insecurity, feeling unworthy of Ashton. My father’s company had a massive funding gap. But then Ashton suddenly proposed at that very moment. “After we’re married, we’ll be truly family. Then it’ll be my duty to help your father, and you won’t have to worry anymore.” Ashton held me close, chuckling softly against my ear. “Besides, you were always meant to be mine, weren’t you?” That day, I sobbed uncontrollably, overwhelmed by a twisted mix of gratitude and relief. The greatest burden on my heart had been effortlessly lifted by this man, once again. A tidal wave of immense love enveloped me. I wanted to give him everything. I truly felt like the happiest person on earth. I hugged him back fiercely, vowing to love him for the rest of my life. With three days left until the wedding, I was a bundle of excitement and anxiety. I was sending him messages almost constantly. If he didn’t reply within half an hour, I’d get so anxious I’d want to cry. As a bride-to-be, I had been staying at my parents’ house during that time. One day, Ashton’s messages were delayed. I waited for a long time, and for some reason, I suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to visit the new home Ashton and I had bought. My mother drove me there. When I opened the front door, a shockingly high-pitched scream echoed from the bedroom. The sounds rose and fell, one after another, sickeningly familiar. One listen was all it took. I instantly went cold, my hands and feet numb. Instinctively, I pushed my stunned mother back outside. Step by step, I walked to the bedroom door. Ashton was thrusting like some primal beast, a disgusting grin plastered across his face. His sweat-soaked hair was slicked back, revealing those wild, captivating eyes. He was spewing vile, demeaning words I’d never heard from him before. Bitch. Whore. I stood there like a puppet, frozen. My purse slipped from my hand, hitting the floor with a soft clack. Every hope, every dream, shattered with that sound.

Ashton explained to me. He’d gotten drunk, and Valerie, his secretary, had brought him back to our new house. It was a drunken mistake. His eyes red, he swore to me. It was just this one time, he’d only made this one mistake. Under the massive shock. I inexplicably leaned forward, sniffing his breath. No alcohol smell. Instead, a pungent, indescribable scent. It felt utterly, sickeningly filthy. I gasped for air. My awareness and emotions clashed violently within me. I was in too much pain to even cry out loud. My life had always been smooth sailing, following every rule, every expectation. The biggest setback I’d ever faced was my father nearly going bankrupt. And even that problem had been effortlessly solved by Ashton. From my earliest memories to my first blush of love. This man was everywhere, inside and out. In that moment, I wanted nothing more than to slap him hard. Then, stand tall. And with dignity, announce the cancellation of our wedding. But then I saw my mother’s anxious figure at the door. Reality slammed back into my mind. I forced a smile, stretching my stiff lips into a grotesque grimace. After that day, the wedding proceeded as planned. Ashton and I maintained a silent, unspoken facade of decency. Only I knew. Everything was different now. … Now, Ashton was still waiting for my answer. As if, if I just acknowledged his role as my husband. Everything could still be salvaged. I opened my mouth. But my throat seized up. Ashton sighed, standing up first. “Never mind. It’s late. Let’s just go to bed.” He took a step, then paused. Turning back, he looked at my hand gripping his jacket sleeve, a surprised joy spreading across his face. “.Wifey?” I managed a strained smile, my voice meek. “Husband.” Ashton’s face lit up. He turned back and hugged me tightly, pressing kisses all over my face. It wasn’t until my eyes met his, blazing with raw desire, that I suddenly clapped a hand over my mouth. A wave of nausea hit me.I clamped a hand over my mouth, gagging as I pushed him off. I pushed him away before stumbling to the bathroom to throw up until nothing was left. I never saw his expression darken in that instant. I never saw his fists clench.

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My boyfriend took me to the emergency room late at night because of severe stomach pain. But before I could even finish describing my symptoms, The doctor cut me off with a dismissive tone. “I told you last time, you can’t have ten abortions!” “You insisted on doing it because it wasn’t your boyfriend’s baby. Now you come to me, and there’s nothing I can do!” At first, I denied it, then, realizing what she was implying, I angrily demanded to see her supervisor. But Liam held me back, pulling me toward the next examination room. “I believe you’re not that kind of person. The priority is getting you treated. We can complain about her later.” But I never got to complain. That whole clinic visit went viral. My reputation was shredded. Under the weight of public ridicule and mockery, I fell into a deep depression and took my own life. After I died, The doctor apologized to me, tears streaming down her face. “I just saw how much pain she was in and wanted to distract her. Who knew she’d take it so hard?” Liam, meanwhile, was heartbroken. “Maybe she had a guilty conscience. You shouldn’t blame yourself!” I opened my eyes again. I flung Liam’s hand away and dialed 91

“Hello, I believe I’ve had ten abortions without my knowledge. I suspect I’ve been drugged!” 1. “It’s supposed to hurt.” “While abortion procedures are common now, they’re not truly harmless. Right now it’s just stomach pain, but there’s worse waiting for you down the line!” “But maybe you’re not afraid of any of that. After all, you’re a mess from head to toe, except for your hair. You’re probably used to it by now, aren’t you?” Dr. Riley, the on-call doctor, looked at me with utter contempt. But when she looked atHugh her face completely changed, a flirtatious glint in her eyes that was impossible to miss. In that instant, I knew. I had been reborn. It was exactly like this in my past life. I was in excruciating pain from a severe stomach flu, and Dr. Riley just glanced at my medical history before spouting nonsense. It nearly made me furious enough to die on the spot. Because I was desperate for medical attention, I didn’t cause a scene then. But the next day, Dr. Riley posted a blurred video of my visit online. “Doctors nowadays really have it tough. Ten abortions, and she still asks me why her stomach hurts. It’d be weird if it didn’t hurt.” “You weren’t there, you didn’t see her glare. Anyone would think I was a doctor, but honestly, it felt like she thought I was one of those awful men who got her pregnant and then left her to deal with it.” Even though Dr. Riley blurred the video in my past life, some people still “recognized” me. I faced a barrage of hate online. I tried desperately to explain that I had never done any of the things they accused me of. But no one believed me. Everyone said: 【If you didn’t do it, why are you running? You ran away because you knew it was true and couldn’t face it, right?】 【Exactly, a normal person who’s wrongly accused would fight back, scream, and complain.】 【Good thing the doctor released this surveillance footage first, otherwise, she might have turned it around and blamed the doctor!】 I developed depression because of it, and eventually, I just… died in a haze.

Maybe it was the memory of that desperate and painful death, but now the stomach pain felt significantly less severe. I didn’t panic. Instead, I pushed Liam’s hand away and looked calmly at Dr. Riley. “Dr. Riley, isn’t it? Were you joking just now, or were you serious?” Dr. Riley hadn’t expected me to be so composed. She froze for a moment. But she was clearly good at making things up, so her mental fortitude was impressive. She quickly nodded. “Of course, I’m a doctor. How could I make things up?” “I used to be in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and I’ve recently moved to the emergency room. You and I are old acquaintances. Pretending not to know me won’t work.” Dr. Riley then suddenly turned to Liam. “Which boyfriend are you of Chloe’s? I haven’t seen you with her before.” “She always comes here with different men.” Liam didn’t answer. He was pinching his thigh hard, struggling to keep from laughing out loud. Last time, when Dr. Riley slandered me, he just pulled me away as if nothing had happened. He said he believed me, and at the time, I was touched. Now, I just found it pathetic. Of course, he believed me; he and Dr. Riley knew better than anyone how innocent I was! My expression remained calm, and my voice didn’t waver. “This is my boyfriend, Liam. I’ve never had an abortion, nor have I ever visited an OB/GYN with other men.” Dr. Riley looked like she suddenly understood. “Oh, I see. Is this your *official* boyfriend?” “No wonder you’re trying to say I was joking. Well… alright, alright, Chloe’s right, I was joking. This isn’t due to an abortion; it’s… it’s stomach flu, or appendicitis. Quickly, I’ll order some tests for you. Let’s get you treated.” Although Dr. Riley sounded like she was clarifying things for me, her sarcastic tone made it obvious to anyone that she had no choice but to back down!

Dr. Riley finished writing the test orders and handed them to me, but I still didn’t move. I stared into her eyes. “Just saying it was a joke isn’t enough. Since you claim I’ve had ten abortions, then show me my medical records.” “If you can’t produce them…” I held up my phone. “Then I won’t let you off the hook.” Dr. Riley’s face darkened even further. She slammed her hand on the desk. “What do you mean? Are you threatening me, saying you’ll complain and report me?” “I admit, I violated protocol by revealing your medical condition directly, but I was just worried about you. Your attitude makes it seem like I’m trying to harm you.” I ignored her, simply continuing to demand to see the records. Seeing Dr. Riley’s scowl, Liam stopped smiling too. “Chloe, don’t make a scene. Someone must look a bit like you, or have a similar name, so the doctor got it wrong.” “I believe you, and I know you. I know you’re not that kind of person. We don’t need to waste time here. Aren’t you in pain? Let’s go see a doctor first.” “We can complain about her later.” Without thinking, I slapped Liam across the face. “Are you even a man? She’s slandering me right to my face, and your solution is to hide?” Liam was stunned by the slap, unable to utter a single word. Dr. Riley was both pained and furious. “You’re the one who did something to betray your boyfriend, how dare you hit someone here?” “I was originally going to spare you some dignity so you could stay with your boyfriend.” “But since you don’t appreciate kindness, then take a look!” Dr. Riley finished speaking and slammed the desk again, roughly spinning her computer screen around. As the screen turned, I was a little stunned. Because on that computer, there really were pages and pages of my medical records. Every single entry was from the OB/GYN department, either for abortions or other treatments. According to this, Dr. Riley wasn’t lying; *I* was.

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My best friend, Chloe, wanted to set me up with her good friend, Dean. I flat-out refused. But when I finally met him, I fell for him instantly. Soon after, we got married. Yet, when I was six months pregnant, Chloe suddenly dropped a bombshell: “I’ve loaned him to you for all these years. Isn’t it time you gave him back?” I was absolutely stunned. My mind just froze. Today was my OB-GYN appointment, and I was already six months along. Chloe had traveled all the way from out of state to be with me. I was even planning to ask her to be my baby’s godmother. Then she sat down and just threw that sentence at me. Every memory, every past scene, flickered before my eyes, mocking me. The truth was, the signs had always been there. I just chose to ignore them. Whenever we went out, Dean always paid extra attention to Chloe. He knew what she liked, what she hated, and he even knew her menstrual cycle details. “How do you know *everything* about her?” I’d joked. Chloe had chimed in, “We’ve known each other for ages. I’ve dated so many guys, but none of them were as thoughtful as Dean.” “The last time he took me to this awful cake place, I completely lost it right then and there. He had to treat me to dinner for a whole week before I even considered forgiving him.” “And another time, we went hiking, and he twisted his ankle. I had to practically carry him down the mountain.” Back then, I actually thought it was normal. They grew up together, so it made sense they had stories I didn’t know, and being close was fine. Turns out, it wasn’t like that at all. Chloe just dropped that line and walked out. I desperately dialed Dean’s number, hitting redial seven, eight times. He didn’t pick up. It reminded me of another time, when Chloe and I were having dinner at my place. Maybe the meat wasn’t cooked through, because we both got awful food poisoning, throwing up non-stop. I called Dean several times, but he never answered. Chloe eventually got annoyed and said, “Let *me* try!” Her call connected on the very first ring. “What’s up, Chloe? Everything okay?” Chloe complained, “Elara and I have food poisoning! Come pick us up! I called you so many times, and you didn’t answer a single one!” Dean replied so casually, “Didn’t I pick up your very first call?” At the time, I thought he just happened to see her call. It turns out, he just never missed *her* calls. I’m not one to give up easily. On my tenth attempt, Dean finally picked up. His surroundings sounded noisy, and his voice carried a faint, almost imperceptible hint of impatience. Was this how he always sounded when he answered *my* calls? “Why weren’t you picking up?” I asked. “In a meeting. Didn’t I just SnapChat you?” I deliberately said, “Chloe came to my prenatal appointment with me.” He sounded completely unaware of anything, replying naturally, “Hmm, make sure you get everything checked out. Isn’t she complaining about stomach pain lately? Can you book her an endoscopy? She’s such a wreck, completely neglecting herself.” “She didn’t tell me about any stomach pain.” “And you call yourselves best friends? You don’t care about her at all. These past few times we’ve eaten out, she’s said she can’t eat spicy food. It must be her stomach acting up again.” Oh, you truly know her so well. But do you know that *I* don’t eat spicy food either? Chloe can’t live without spice, but I can’t stand a single drop of it. Coincidentally, Dean also loves spicy food. So, I just went along with it, the minority yielding to the majority, and ate spicy meals with them. Seeing how happy they were eating, I guess I didn’t really care about how my own food tasted.

Dean came to pick me up from the hospital. I handed him my check-up report. He didn’t reach for it, just glanced at it casually, then gestured for me to hold it up. “Where’s Chloe? Wasn’t she with you?” “Oh, she said she wasn’t feeling well and went home.” Dean’s hand on the steering wheel paused, then he immediately turned the car around. “Let’s go check on her. I booked a healthy food place; I was just about to take you two. I told Chloe already, it was just a routine check-up, she didn’t need to go through all that trouble.” I stared at his profile. The concern on his face was utterly genuine. It was like he was a completely different person from just moments ago, when he’d coldly swept his gaze over my prenatal report. Things, once they start to show cracks, tend to fall apart completely. Like now. I saw everything through a different lens. I refused to believe he felt nothing for me, and I couldn’t accept even a shred of deceit from him. “Why the sudden healthy food place? I thought you hated bland food.” Dean’s face clouded with annoyance. “You really don’t care about Chloe at all, do you? She’s not feeling well, how can she eat spicy food?” “Oh, my mistake. I thought it was because *I* liked it.” Dean froze for a second, then quickly tried to recover. “Well, of course, it’s because you like it too!” Chloe, of course, didn’t come to the healthy food place. She didn’t even answer her phone. Dean drove me to her house, knocking on her door for half an hour, but no one answered. I stood in the parking lot, watching him call Chloe, then Mr. Peterson, then Mrs. Peterson. Eventually, he confirmed she was just unwell and sleeping at home. Dean finally breathed a sigh of relief. He turned to me. “That scared me to death. I thought something had happened to her.” There was a time I didn’t answer his calls either. It was our first anniversary. He had completely forgotten about it because he was in his hometown, waiting for Chloe to go back to college with him. By the time he remembered, it was the next day. He called me twice, but I didn’t pick up. Chloe, however, kept calling me. When I finally answered, I even heard Dean in the background impatiently asking her, “What could possibly be wrong with her? She’s probably just sleeping in her dorm.” Thinking about it now, it was obvious then who he loved and who he didn’t. I had just been blinded by their shared history, their “childhood friends” narrative. It was my fault for silently allowing a relationship to exist that overshadowed ours. All my fault. I’m an adult. I have to take responsibility for my choices. Elara Harrison, I had made my bet, and I would pay the price. There was one thing I still couldn’t figure out. If they liked each other so much, why didn’t they just get together? Why drag an irrelevant person like me into it? What did I ever do wrong? Looking back on these past few years, the biggest mistake I made was probably letting my delight show on my face the first time Dean appeared. After that, Dean pursued me effortlessly. Yes, he was calm and confident, because he knew he would win me over. My affection for him was obvious, and Chloe was helping us. To pursue me, he traveled over a thousand miles, two or three times a month. I always thought that was love. About six months later, I accepted his pursuit. Now, looking back, there was love, but I just don’t know who it was for. Most of our dates, it wasn’t just us two. It was *three*.

Later, giving up promotions that required travel, getting pregnant and having a baby at the peak of my career – I never thought anything of it. Because I was striding towards what I believed was a happy life. Now, I’ve decided to get a divorce. It’s nothing. What I could embrace, I could also release. My only hesitation was about the baby. My financial capacity was certainly enough to raise a child. But, did I want it to be born without a father? I hadn’t even found my own place in this web of lies; did I want my child to bear the weight of this unknown future? Only by ending this pregnancy could I truly break free from Dean, and from this sickening situation. So, was that why Chloe told me now? She didn’t want me to have this baby, did she? She thought that once I had this child, Dean and I would have an unbreakable bond. And then she and Dean could never truly be together, without lingering resentment. So, in her eyes, I was an insignificant presence in their relationship. This tiny, unborn baby was her true enemy. How laughable and absurd. Maybe my emotions had been too unstable lately. One day, while I was doing an experiment, my stomach seized with a searing pain, and cold sweat slicked my skin. My colleague freaked out and rushed me outside for some fresh air. He reminded me, “I called Dean to pick you up. You should go to the hospital. You’re almost in your third trimester, you can’t be careless.” Dean was usually very meticulous. When I brought him to company gatherings, he’d add everyone’s contact info, saying it was so he could reach me if I was in the lab. By the time Dean arrived at my company, I had already been checked out of the hospital and was walking out. “Come downstairs, Elara, I’ll take you to the hospital.” Before I could say anything, I heard my colleague’s voice on the phone. “Dean, what took you so long? I called you like two hours ago! Elara already took leave and went home.” “I was busy just now. Thanks, Mark, for looking after her. I’m heading back now.” They chatted for a few more moments, then Dean asked me, “Are you home?” “What were you busy with?” He seemed surprised by my question. He paused, then replied, “I was with Chloe.” “What’s wrong with her?” I rarely pressed him on these things, so Dean hadn’t even prepared a flimsy excuse. He countered, “Have you and Chloe been fighting lately?” That question seemed to open an emotional floodgate for him. “I knew you two have been acting weird. You’re usually so close, why haven’t you even mentioned each other?” “Did you do something to upset Chloe?” “She just has a childish temper, you just need to coax her a bit.” “Or I could buy a small gift for you to give her, as an apology, to give her an easy way out.” I thought I couldn’t get any angrier at these two, after all, I’d convinced myself they weren’t worth it. But the thought of them treating me like an idiot and fooling me for so many years made the humiliation and indignation inside me feel like a shaken soda can, ready to explode. “How about I give *you* to her?” I said that and hung up. I regretted it. I had planned to leave. But running away isn’t my style. Fighting back is. I couldn’t give them all the dignity and leave myself with all the pain.

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