Category: English

My husband came from a family renowned for its groundbreaking work in natural healing and herbal medicine. Before I met him, his adoptive sister, a prodigy in herbal remedies herself, had always been by his side. Their bond was incredibly deep; they’d spent every day together for over a decade. Until my husband rescued me from the brink of death and fell in love with me at first sight. For years, under the care of his adopted sister and my husband, my health had steadily worsened. I knew it all stemmed from Bella. Just as my husband was writing a new prescription for me, Bella called him away. He didn’t even notice that a crucial ingredient was missing from the new blend. A cold electronic voice chimed in my head at that very moment. “Congratulations, Host. You are about to achieve the death ending. Mission nearing completion.” Listening to the electronic voice in my mind, I couldn’t help but let out a relieved smile. This day, I had finally waited for it. Martha, the housekeeper responsible for my care, took the prescription and quietly asked, “Ma’am, would you like to brew the medicine now, or wait for Mr. Mason to return and supervise it himself?” “Preparing the herbal blend is especially crucial. Perhaps we should wait for Mr. Mason.” I looked at Martha, her eyes full of concern, and smiled. “No need to wait.” This blend wasn’t about the brewing; it was poison from the start. Martha started to say something else, but I had already closed my eyes, feigning rest. I don’t know how much time passed before my door was pushed open again. When I opened my eyes, I met Liam Mason’s gaze directly. His expression was one of doting affection, but to me, it was just another mask. He smiled, scooped up a spoonful of the brew, and spoke gently. “Bella and I came up with this blend together. It’s the only one that can do your body any good right now.” “That girl, Bella, she really cares about you, Alice.” My expression remained unchanged. Oh, she cares about me alright. *Deeply* cares about how to send me to an early grave. I didn’t want to waste any more breath on Liam. I took the bowl from his hand and drained it in one gulp. The brew was searing hot; it made my eyes water. Seeing my tears, Liam’s eyes filled with concern. He reached out, trying to pull me into his embrace. Just then, the bedroom door swung open, and Bella’s voice rang out. “Sister Alice, I just accidentally twisted my ankle, that’s why I called Liam away. You’re not mad, are you?” The moment her voice hit, Liam flinched, snatching his hand back as if he’d been burned. I saw his subtle movement and found it utterly pathetic. Bella saw my tears and exaggerated her expression. “No way, Sister Alice, you’re actually crying? You’re just way too sensitive. No wonder your health isn’t great.” Liam turned back, gently scolding her. “Don’t talk nonsense. Alice was just scalded, that’s why she cried.” Bella heard him and naturally leaned against Liam, smiling sweetly. “Oh, I was overthinking it. But before, Sister Alice never wanted you and me to be together. I thought she was getting a little jealous.” “Sister Alice, please don’t worry. Liam and I have a purely platonic sibling bond.” Hearing Bella’s words, Liam’s face fell a little. I pretended not to notice, speaking calmly. “My health has been getting worse lately. I’d like to go to the hospital for a check-up.”

I didn’t actually want to go to a hospital when I said that. I just wanted to test Bella. And sure enough, a flicker of panic crossed Bella’s face, quickly replaced by indignation. “Alice, what exactly are you trying to pull? You know the Masons are revered for our holistic health practices, and Liam has been meticulously tending to your recovery. Going to a regular hospital now? What do you think that says about us? If word gets out, other prominent families will laugh us right out of town! They’ll say Liam is incompetent!” Liam’s expression turned grim, and his gaze held a hint of reproach. “Don’t be ridiculous, Alice. Just rest easy. I’ll make sure you get completely healthy.” Perhaps because I was about to leave this world, I didn’t want to play the innocent, devoted wife anymore. My gaze swept over the two people in front of me, finally settling on Bella’s face. I spoke with a smirk. “Oh, really? But I somehow feel like someone *doesn’t* want me to be healthy.” Following my gaze, Liam and Bella exchanged a look. The next second, he frowned and spoke. “Are you letting your paranoia get to you again? You were like this when we first got married too.” “Bella and I are just siblings. Stop being unreasonable.” Hearing Liam’s words, I remembered how Bella had insisted on living with us after we got married. She claimed it was to better monitor my progress and perfect my regimen. But countless nights, I’d seen Liam and Bella in the study, heads bowed intimately together. I could feel that Bella’s feelings for my husband were far from platonic. I’d brought it up countless times, but Liam always dismissed it as my jealousy getting the better of me, just like now. He picked up the empty bowl I’d drunk from and took Bella’s hand. “Since you’ve finished your medicine, get some rest.” “I know you’re not feeling well because of your sickness, but you can’t just accuse people like that. Calm down.” With that, he pulled Bella from my room. Before they left, I caught Bella’s smug, triumphant glint in her eyes. Her eyes seemed to say, “See? My brother will always choose me.” But my heart was unmoved. I called out to the system in my mind. “When’s my final curtain call?” The electronic voice chimed. “Seven days from now. This incorrect blend, if taken for seven consecutive days, will lead to organ failure.” I lowered my gaze to the wedding ring on my finger and murmured. “Soon. I’ll be free soon.”

For the next three days, Martha the housekeeper would bring me a bitter brew right on schedule. And I, like a puppet on a string, numbly swallowed the liquid. Just as I thought nothing unexpected would happen, Liam, whom I hadn’t seen in three days, appeared in my room. His face was thunderous. He practically *threw* his phone at me. “I can’t believe how cruel you are, Alice! Bella is just a girl!” Confused, I picked up the phone. On the screen was a video. In it, a man was sobbing hysterically. “Mrs. Mason paid me. She said Miss Bella was too close with Mr. Mason, and she didn’t like it. So, she told me to *force myself on Miss Bella*, so she’d be too disgraced to ever bother Mr. Mason again.” After watching the video, I looked up and met Liam’s furious gaze calmly. “Don’t you realize I haven’t left this room for days? How could I have possibly paid someone to hurt Bella?” Liam scoffed. “You’re right. I truly can’t believe how utterly malicious you are.” “I don’t care how you bribed that criminal. All I know is you tried to harm the sister I grew up with.” “If I hadn’t gotten there in time, she would have been ruined.” “Alice, how many times do I have to tell you, from the day we married until now, stop causing trouble.” I thought my heart was already shattered, but hearing Liam say that, an uncontrollable pang of pain shot through me. I sat up straight, meeting his eyes. Perhaps my gaze was too intense, because Liam suddenly looked a bit guilty. I looked at him, questioning him word by word. “Liam Mason, honestly, ask yourself: are your feelings for Bella *really* just sibling affection? And her feelings for you? Are you truly so oblivious, or do you just *enjoy* the attention?” Hearing my questions, Liam, who had burst in, ready to accuse me, was instantly speechless. I watched his visibly guilt-stricken expression and couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. I knew. I had *always* known. Liam was just that indecisive. He wanted too much. He loved me, but not *just* me. He also didn’t want to lose Bella, who had grown up with him. When this mission first began, I *had* thought about loving Liam wholeheartedly. But his repeated favoritism had eroded my trust and love for him. I stared intently at Liam’s evasive eyes, waiting for his answer. Time seemed to stretch on forever until Liam finally spoke, his voice dry. “What kind of question is that? My feelings for Bella are purely platonic; I’ve told you that a thousand times! It’s just you who refuses to believe me. Alice, am I really so untrustworthy in your eyes?”

It seemed that in his long silence, Liam had finally managed to deceive himself. I should have known. I should have known Liam was a man utterly devoid of responsibility. Instantly, I felt all the strength drain from my body. A sharp, stabbing pain tore through my chest. I knew. Perhaps the “poison” Liam himself had concocted was beginning to take its toll. I slid weakly onto the bed, feeling a metallic, sickly sweet taste flood my mouth. The next moment, a trickle of bright red blood slowly flowed from the corner of my lips, and I began to cough uncontrollably. Liam, who had still been feeling a bit guilty, saw the blood at my mouth and instantly forgot the purpose of his visit. He threw himself onto my bedside, his face panicked, grabbing my trembling hand and speaking anxiously. “What’s wrong with you? Haven’t you been drinking the medicine I prepared for you properly?” “You don’t need to hurt yourself just to try and break up Bella and me. Why are you doing this?” Hearing Liam’s words, I just found it utterly laughable. It wasn’t because I *didn’t* drink his concoction. It’s because I *did*! His “medicine” is what put me in this hell! Even now, he still believed everything I did was out of jealousy for his bond with Bella. Liam Mason, should I say you’re simply too arrogant? I felt my chest about to explode, taking several deep breaths to steady myself. Then, I forcefully shook off Liam’s hand and spoke in a cold voice. “Why bother with this pathetic pretense of concern? Weren’t you here to accuse me of my supposed ‘wrongdoings’?” Liam stared blankly at his rejected hand, seemingly shocked that I would refuse his concern. In his mind, my actions against Bella were always just a cry for his attention. Rejected, Liam’s expression turned furious again. He seemed to feel his authority had been challenged. “You still have the nerve to bring that up? I was worried about your health, and you not only don’t appreciate it, but you say such cruel things.” “Alice, don’t make me hate you. I want you to be the compliant wife you used to be.” Unfortunately, I no longer wanted to comply. On what might be the last day in this body, I wanted to live for myself. Before I could speak again, Bella pushed open the door, her face looking haggard. Her hair was disheveled, and her cheeks bore several bruises, big and small. Her expression was one of agony, of disbelief. I watched her stagger towards my bed. As she nearly stumbled and fell, Liam reached out and caught her. Bella leaned weakly into Liam’s embrace, letting his strength support her. Liam’s eyes were filled with pained concern as he looked her over. Their gazes seemed to cling to each other, as if they might kiss any second. I looked at their intimate actions and let out a bitter laugh. If *that’s* what they call innocent, then I must be a saint. “Brother, it’s all my fault. If I had just kept my distance from you, Sister Alice wouldn’t be jealous.” “But I didn’t want to sacrifice our decades-long bond. I’m sorry, I was too selfish.” Bella’s obviously manipulative words struck Liam right in the heart. He immediately turned to me, his eyes sharp. “Look how understanding Bella is! Can’t you learn something from her?” “Apologize to Bella. You owe her that.” “All these years, if she hadn’t been so generous, you’d have been utterly disgraced for your actions.” Bella didn’t give me a chance to speak. Her eyes welling up with tears, she turned to me. “Sister Alice, if you didn’t like something, you could have just told me directly. There was no need to resort to such underhanded tactics.” I looked at the two of them, standing united against me, and my smile grew wider and wider. I laughed louder and louder, almost hysterically. I laughed at my own foolishness for ever thinking I wouldn’t complete the system’s mission and would grow old with Liam. I laughed at myself for ever believing Liam’s grand vows, not realizing his heart could hold two people.

Perhaps my current state was too frenzied, because the expressions on their faces morphed into terror. I felt a continuous rush of metallic, sickly sweet fluid in my throat, but my laughter wouldn’t stop. Soon, the blankets on my bed were stained red. “Bella Mason, you know perfectly well whether I harmed you or not.” “I hope you don’t regret what you’ve done. Don’t worry, even if I really die, I’ll haunt you until the end of your days.” My expression was grotesque. Bella instinctively flinched, but still spoke defiantly. “Sister Alice, making mistakes isn’t scary, but it’s important to face them. I’m not cruel like you. Rest now, we can talk about this later.” My eyes were fixed on Bella, my resentment seemingly solidifying. Bella was so unnerved by my stare that she no longer had any desire to provoke me. She clung closer to Liam, whining. “Brother, Sister Alice’s eyes are terrifying. My heart feels a little pain. Let’s just go.” Liam’s gaze flickered between Bella and me for a moment, then he finally made up his mind and spoke. “We’ll talk about everything once you’re feeling better, Alice. Regardless, you owe Bella atonement.” “Don’t think you can escape responsibility just because you’re unwell. You went too far this time.” With that, his eyes didn’t fall on me again. He lowered his head and spoke softly to Bella. “Let’s go. Brother will examine you properly.” “Your brother here is a prodigy in natural healing. I’ll definitely restore your health.” A shy smile appeared on Bella’s face as Liam embraced her and led her out. After they left, Martha knocked and entered. Seeing the messy state of my bed, her eyes instantly reddened. She silently helped me change the bedding. After a long hesitation, she finally spoke. “Ma’am, your health is getting worse by the day. Should I talk to Mr. Mason?” I lay on the bed, my gaze fixed on the ceiling, murmuring. “No need. It’s too late.” Martha tried to persuade me a few more times, but seeing I remained unresponsive, she could only leave. Unknowingly, I drifted into sleep. In my dream, I saw the first time Liam and I met. He was a shy young man then, his eyes holding an undeniable, careful affection for me. How long had it been since I’d seen that look? I don’t know how long passed before I jolted awake. As soon as I opened my eyes, I met Liam’s bloodshot gaze. He held a tray in his hands, scattered with several herbs. I wanted to ask him what he was doing here, but a wave of exhaustion washed over me. I knew my time was short. Seeing me just quietly staring at him, Liam spoke, his voice trembling. “Alice, did you purposefully tell the brewmaster to omit one ingredient just to get my attention?” “Do you know? Missing just one ingredient turns this blend into a potent poison.” I finally managed a genuine smile, the corner of my mouth bleeding again. “You’re the one who wrote this prescription, every single stroke.” “Liam Mason, remember this: my death is all thanks to you.”

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After my best friend was raped and took her own life, I protected the monster responsible. Lily’s mother pleaded on her knees, bowing her head, but I coldly slammed the door shut. When the villagers came to smash my door down and riot, I didn’t hesitate to unleash my dog on them. Ten years later, on my deathbed, suffering from multi-organ failure, my best friend Seraphina, now a furious billionaire, came back for revenge. The first thing she did upon arriving in town was to force me onto the Memory Judgment Platform, a device usually reserved for death row inmates. “Elara, you despicable animal for protecting a rapist! Lily and I must have been blind to ever call you a friend!” “Lily has been dead for ten years, and you let her attacker escape justice for ten years!” “Today, I’m going to use the memory extractor I developed to see who exactly you’ve been protecting!” But when the perpetrator’s face appeared on the big screen, Seraphina’s face drained of all color, turning ashen white. … Seraphina made a huge spectacle of my trial. The entire town gathered in the square, packed to the brim with people. Reporters set up their cameras, live streaming the scene across all major platforms. I, suffering from multi-organ failure, kept alive only by a drip of medication and nutrients, was dragged to the front of the square like a criminal. A man lunged at me, clamping his hands around my neck, roaring: “Elara, why did you protect the monster!” “You animal! You destroyed my family and took away my loved ones! Why don’t you just die!” He choked me until I could barely breathe, my vision blurring to black. The crowd erupted in a furious roar, their emotions boiling over: “It’s this heartless bitch! Her friend was raped, she knew the attacker, but she kept silent!” “Her friend drowned herself, and she wouldn’t even open the door for the victim’s mother, even after her forehead bled from pleading!” “Even worse, she unleashed her dog on people! It’s absolutely disgusting!” A torrent of insults drowned me. Seraphina stood to the side, her brow deeply furrowed in a tangled knot of confusion and anger. In this world, apart from Lily’s family, No one hated me more than her. Ten years ago, Lily, Seraphina, and I were the closest of friends. After Lily was assaulted in the woods near my house and took her own life, my friendship with Seraphina also crumbled. All because Lily’s suicide note mentioned that I had seen the attacker. I became the rapist’s accomplice. And I, I truly had protected the monster. Seraphina approached me, her face cold, her voice devoid of any warmth: “Elara, I’m giving you one last chance.” “Tell us who the attacker is now, turn yourself in to the police, it’s not too late…” “Otherwise, once the memory extractor starts, the high-frequency pulses will make every bone in your body feel like it’s been pulverized a thousand times over, and you won’t get another chance to excuse yourself!” Hearing this, my face went deathly pale. I struggled desperately, screaming out: “Sera, no!” “You can’t extract my memories!” Seraphina gripped my hand tightly, gritting her teeth: “Scared?” “It’s not up to you!” “I have to get justice for Lily!” I begged through choked sobs, tears streaming down my face: “Sera, please listen to me. My memories can’t be revealed, you’ll regret it!” Seraphina scoffed, her eyes burning crimson as she leaned closer to me: “Regret?” “My biggest regret was ever being friends with you!” Two bodyguards immediately clamped me into an iron chair, cold metal locking my hands and feet. Ignoring my fierce resistance, I was forcibly held down, and a chilling helmet was placed on my head. In an instant, a thousand needles pierced my scalp, drilling deep into my brain. I convulsed and shrieked in agony, feeling as though my soul was being torn apart. Even so, the onlookers below were still whipped into a frenzy. They pelted the stage with rotten produce and garbage, their mouths filled with curses directed at me. “Toxic friend! Disgusting! Rot in hell, you piece of trash!” On the big screen, my memories began to rewind. 2. The first scene was from three days after Lily’s death. I was dragged to Lily’s tombstone, and everyone demanded to know who the attacker was. They spat on me, they threw rocks at me. My arm was gripped tightly, my hair pulled wildly. Countless fists rained down on me; I was left bruised and battered, covered in wounds. I fled the scene in a panic, angry villagers chasing behind me. In front of me, flames roared towards the sky; my house had been burned down by the enraged villagers. I was utterly helpless. Homeless, I took Buddy and ran deep into the mountains. But the villagers found me again. Right in front of me, they skinned Buddy alive, the dog I’d grown up with. They cooked him into a stew. I clutched Buddy’s leg bone, crying heartbrokenly. That year, I was an orphan, just 16 years old. Seraphina stared at my tear-streaked face on the big screen and sneered. “Elara, isn’t this exactly what you deserve?” “If you hadn’t protected the monster, would people have treated you like this? Do you actually feel sorry for yourself?” “You’re the last person in the world who deserves pity! You’re an accomplice, and this is all on you!” Others chimed in: “Seriously, no shame! Does she really think she can defend herself?” “Trying to play the victim with these sad memories? How pathetic! Protecting a criminal makes you an accomplice! You deserve to burn in hell!” “Who do you think you are, trying to gain sympathy? Lily’s family was destroyed, their child dead, her mother driven mad – who isn’t more pathetic than you!” Just then, the clear laughter of a girl echoed from the big screen. “Lily! Slow down!” Lily’s youthful, innocent face appeared on the screen. In a vast snowy landscape, Lily, her face beaming with a smile, ran towards me. “Take this!” She threw a snowball at me. “My daughter!” Lily’s father cried out, collapsing in front of the big screen. Gazing at Lily’s smiling face on the screen, he could no longer hold back his sobs. Ten years ago, after Lily’s suicide, this once cheerful and talkative man had his hair turn white overnight. Every day since then, he would go to the police station, asking the officers: “Have you caught the attacker?” But each time, he was met with a helpless shake of their heads. At that time, there were no surveillance cameras in the village, and my house stood alone. No one knew who had followed Lily that night. And the only one who knew the truth was me. After a bout of playful chasing, I stood solemnly before the altar, making a heartfelt wish: “Please, Lord, bless my friends with health and happiness, and may our friendship last forever…” Seeing my devotion, Seraphina could no longer control her rage. “Elara, you pathological liar! You heartless bitch!” She rushed forward, pointing an angry finger at me and cursing: “You have the nerve to reminisce about our childhood! Who are you trying to sicken?” “Ten years! You never once told the truth! Do you even deserve to be our friend?” Sure enough, the next scene showed me secretly discarding a mango Lily had given me. The onlookers erupted: “What the hell, she pretends to like it to her face but throws it away behind her back!” “Seraphina and Lily were so good to her, is this how she treats her friends? She’s nothing but a selfish, cold-hearted monster!” Seraphina knew I was severely allergic to mangoes. But she didn’t explain to the crowd; instead, she listened as they continued to mock me: “She probably never imagined that Seraphina would become a billionaire and come back to settle scores!” “CEO Hayes, keep going! We can’t wait to see the monster’s face!” Amidst the insults and urging from the crowd, the memory on the big screen shifted scenes again. 3. Seraphina’s desperate, agonizing cries came from the big screen: “Lily! Don’t die!” That was the day Lily’s body was pulled from the river. It was a gloomy, rainy day, and Seraphina and I collapsed, weeping hysterically, over Lily’s body. She was bloated, her entire body cold and stiff. Completely unlike the beautiful, smiling girl I remembered. I returned home in despair, curling up in a corner, crying uncontrollably. “Ah!” I repeatedly pounded my chest, the pain of losing my dearest friend nearly tearing me apart. On the judgment platform, my eyes were tightly shut, tears silently streaming down my face. My broken sobs echoed: “Lily! Why did you have to die?!” My tears flowed relentlessly, my entire being immersed in endless agony. My heartbroken appearance stunned the entire crowd: “What’s going on?” “Why does she look so sad? How could she…” Lily’s father, seething with anger, shouted: “Crocodile tears!” He gritted his teeth: “That year, my wife knelt at her doorstep, her forehead bleeding, and Elara wouldn’t even open the door!” “She even set her dog on people! How could someone like that be a good person?” “Our Lily was her childhood playmate, yet this is how she treated her deceased friend’s mother!” Just then, Lily’s mother appeared on the scene, clutching a doll. Her hair wild and disheveled, she kept mumbling: “Lily, my sweet girl, don’t be scared!” The entire crowd erupted in anger once more. Seraphina’s face was a canvas of shock and fury, shifting from white to ashen. She rushed forward, violently shaking me with both hands, her bloodshot eyes wide as she screamed furiously: “Elara, look! This is the tragedy you caused by protecting that monster!” “You had no parents, and Lily and I, we took you in when you became an orphan at seven, we were always there for you, yet this is how you repay us!” With that, she raised her hand in a fit of uncontrollable rage and slapped me across the face. “You still think you can gain sympathy!” “You killed Lily, do you think these memories will make me soften my heart?” Her chest heaved violently, tears falling without warning, her eyes filled with boundless brokenness and struggle. “Lily is dead!” “But the one who killed her is you! It’s you, Elara!” She shook me furiously, the hatred in her eyes practically tearing me apart. Lily’s death had been a devastating tsunami that ripped through her life, leaving behind an endless, crushing dampness of grief. Suddenly, Seraphina straightened up, wiping away her tears. In an instant, her sorrow and despair were replaced by an icy resolve. “Elara, I’m telling you, I won’t stop until I find the attacker!” “Once I find that monster, I’ll make sure you both burn in hell together!” Her face grim, she motioned for the technical staff to expand the extraction range. She had lost all patience for my act. The technician quickly stepped up, adjusting the control panel. The red needle on the instrument shot up, and the fine needles in the helmet instantly plunged deeper into my brain. “Ah!” My agonizing scream tore through the square. Violent currents surged through my brain, and flashes of white light exploded before my eyes. My body convulsed, my hands and feet struggling wildly, but the chains held me fast. Blood trickled from my nostrils, ears, and the corners of my eyes, dripping onto the cold iron chair. My chest felt scorched by fire. The images on the big screen flickered erratically. One moment it was a classroom, the next a stream, then a mountain path. All happy memories of Seraphina, Lily, and me, the three of us together. But there was no scene of the night Lily was assaulted. The crowd grew restless, and the live stream’s comments section exploded: “What’s going on? Why are there no memories of her friend being raped that night?” “Didn’t she say she saw the monster?” Seraphina frowned, turning to the technician with a low voice: “What’s happening?” “Why can’t you find the memory of the attacker appearing?!” The technician wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, stammering: “CEO Hayes, she… she seems to be fighting the system…” “Refusing to let that memory be extracted!” 4. “What? Refusing to be extracted?” Seraphina’s face registered shock, and her sinister gaze swept over me. She slammed her hand on the table, shouting sharply: “Elara! At this point, you’re still resisting?” “Who is so important that you’d risk everything, even your life, to protect them? They’re just a rapist!” Ten years ago, Seraphina had questioned me just as sharply. When Lily’s suicide note was made public, I became the biggest criminal. Everyone was demanding to know who the attacker was. Seraphina’s initial disbelief that I would protect the monster turned to doubt, then to outright suspicion, all in less than a day. Only she knew that I had hidden in a mountain cave with Buddy. When Buddy was skinned alive, I pleaded desperately, but she picked up a stick and brought it down hard on my head. Blood instantly blurred my vision. Her eyes bulging with rage, she glared at me: “Elara, we grew up together, we treated you like a friend, what did you think of us?” “For the sake of a rapist, you abandoned your most important friends!” That night, I was nearly beaten to death by the villagers. Seraphina’s mother pulled the enraged Seraphina away, and two days later, they moved their entire family to another state, never to return. Now, Seraphina’s eyes were as cold as ice, fixed on me. She waved her hand, her voice sharp and resolute: “Continue to expand the extraction range! I won’t stop until I achieve my goal!” The technician hesitated: “But, CEO Hayes, her body is very weak right now, and she’s extremely resistant. If we continue to expand the memory extraction range…” “She might not be able to take it!” Seraphina scoffed, her words laced with icy sarcasm. “Can’t take it?” “I’ve spent years researching this, all to find out the truth from back then!” “Her life or death, I don’t care!” “It’s best if scum like her dies!” As her words fell, the technician nervously adjusted the parameters higher. The machine’s hum surged, climbing to a piercing shriek, and the needles in the helmet plunged violently deeper into my brain. “Ah!” My screams tore through the square. Blood gushed from my nostrils, ears, and the corners of my eyes simultaneously. My chest felt as if it were burning, and my entire body convulsed wildly in the chair. Cold sweat streamed down the technician’s forehead, his voice trembling: “CEO Hayes… should I continue?” “She… she’s almost at her limit!” Seraphina stared at the big screen, her expression dark. “Continue.” She parted her thin lips, her voice utterly devoid of warmth. The machine roared, and the display screen shook violently. That was my consciousness struggling. My screams and tormented cries echoed overhead, a horrifying sight. Seraphina’s eyes were bloodshot, and she shrieked almost hysterically: “Elara, who is it?!” “Who is worth this level of protection from you?” She suddenly broke down, sobbing uncontrollably, burying her face in my shoulder, tears streaming down. “We were your friends, weren’t we?” Her body shook violently, crying beyond control. Warm tears fell on my hand. Hearing her cries, I trembled all over. A sudden pang twisted in my heart. My friend, Sera, was crying. I instinctively raised my hand, wanting to wipe away her tears. But in that moment of weakness, the memory I had desperately hidden appeared on the big screen. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Seraphina whirled around in shock, and when she saw that familiar face on the big screen, her entire face went white.

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My Fiancée Humiliated Me on Our Wedding Day On my wedding day, I was getting ready backstage when my fiancée’s assistant suddenly handed me a marriage contract. The first clause read: “No kissing below the eyebrows without permission.” The second clause: “Based on the bride’s mood, the groom is allowed to share the bed only once a month, for no more than ten minutes each time.” The third clause: “At any time, in any place, if the bride feels uncomfortable, the groom must immediately cease current actions.” … After reading through hundreds of clauses, I bit back my fury and called my fiancée. “Ms. Hayes, could you please explain clause ninety-eight of this agreement?” “What exactly does ‘no matter who the father is, the child must take *your* surname’ mean?” It’s shameful to admit, but this grand wedding today was nothing more than an arrangement made by my grandpa’s generation. My fiancée and I hadn’t even met. All I knew was that her family was incredibly prominent, a well-known heiress in this city. But I never imagined that the rules of the wealthy could be so utterly bizarre. “You’re nothing but a pauper. Do you really expect the child to take *your* surname?” My fiancée’s voice on the phone was laced with contempt. I took a deep breath, my tone brooking no argument. “I apologize, Ms. Hayes, but I will not be signing this agreement.” The words had barely left my lips when, a second later, my fiancée’s furious shout blasted through the phone. “Miller, you’re really pushing your luck, aren’t you?” “The fact that *I* am marrying you is the best fortune of your past life; how dare you defy me?” I was completely stunned. A distinguished heiress, and this is how she behaves? This was a completely different person from the gentle and quiet image my grandpa had described. I was about to argue further when the line went dead. Witnessing the scene, my assistant next to me looked at me with disdain and sneered. “Mr. Miller, I advise you to just sign the agreement. Otherwise, with Ms. Hayes’s temper, you won’t have an easy life.” Seeing that I was young and dressed simply, the assistant didn’t give me a second glance. “Such a humiliating agreement, whoever wants to sign it can. I certainly won’t!” While my family, the Millers, might not be as wealthy as the Hayes, we’re certainly not pushovers. So what if she’s a New York Princess? Worst case scenario, I’m not getting married today! With that, I took off my suit jacket and turned to leave, but the assistant blocked my way. “The wedding is about to start, Mr. Miller. Where do you think you’re going?” I involuntarily clenched my fist, glaring at him. “My legs are my own; I’ll go wherever I please. What business is it of yours?” Instead of backing down, the assistant became even more brazen in the face of my warning. “Mr. Miller, I advise you to put your clothes back on obediently.” “If you delay the wedding, that’s a responsibility you won’t be able to bear!” He shoved me roughly, his eyes full of menace. Ever since I joined the military academy at eighteen, I’d trained day and night with my instructors. The pride etched into my bones wouldn’t allow me to compromise. Seeing his arrogant attitude, my anger level shot up. “What if I insist on leaving?” At my words, the staff in the makeup room gasped. “Holy crap, this guy’s got some nerve! Daring to talk back to Mark Davis? He must not want to make it in this city!” “It’s just a marriage contract, what’s the big deal? If he offends the heiress over this, he’ll be the one getting bullied!” 2. “Exactly, right? Getting involved with the Hayes family is every man’s dream in New York. Why would he care whose surname the child takes?” As the chatter around us grew louder, Mark Davis’s expression became increasingly smug. “Hear that? A useless nobody like you, with no power and no connections, daring to talk about dignity? Are you out of your mind?” I couldn’t care less about their mockery; in fact, I found it somewhat amusing. In New York, the Hayes family was indeed considered old money, possessing untold wealth. But if they wanted to compare family legacies with *my* family, the Millers, they’d only find humiliation. All the money in the world is just a string of cold numbers when faced with true power. “Mark Davis, I’m warning you one last time. Get out of my way, or you’ll face the consequences!” Perhaps startled by the sudden surge of aura emanating from me, Mark Davis froze, looking somewhat flustered. “Fine, fine, you jerk, you… you actually dare to threaten me? I… I’m calling Ms. Hayes right now!” I spread my hands, a nonchalant expression on my face. “Whatever.” A moment later, the makeup room door was kicked open. A tall young woman, surrounded by a group of bodyguards, strode in. “Mark Davis, you’re supposed to be my personal assistant. How can you mess up such a simple task?” “You must be Evelyn Hayes, my fiancée?” I carefully scrutinized the woman before me. I had to admit, she was quite beautiful. Standing nearly five feet seven, clad in a pristine white wedding gown that perfectly accentuated her figure. If I had to find a flaw, it would only be the excessively cold look in her eyes as she stared at me. “Ms. Hayes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Allow me to briefly introduce myself.” “My name is Alex Miller, and I’m from the milita—“ “No need!” Before I could finish, Evelyn Hayes impatiently raised a hand to cut me off. “I have absolutely no interest in who you are.” I had intended to reveal my military background to make her back off, but I hadn’t expected this proud heiress wouldn’t even let me finish speaking. It was clear from her eyes that she genuinely saw me as a good-for-nothing trying to leech off the Hayes family’s wealth. “Ms. Hayes, even though we’ve never met, and this marriage was our parents’ idea,” “To not even let me finish my sentence, isn’t that a bit disrespectful?” At my words, my fiancée’s face instantly changed. “Respect?” “Miller, why don’t you take a good look at yourself in the mirror? Do you think you’re worthy of my respect?” My fiancée glanced at me contemptuously, then scoffed. “I can tell you explicitly, if my father hadn’t forced me to marry you, a parasite who only knows how to rely on women, I wouldn’t even bother to look at you!” Towards the end, she suddenly raised her voice, addressing everyone present. “And don’t you dare think that after this wedding, you’ll be part of the Hayes family! Without my permission, you won’t lay a single finger on me!” My gaze was fixed on her, my voice devoid of emotion. “Since Ms. Hayes is so unwilling to marry me, then why force yourself?” Then, I suddenly changed my tone. “How about… we cancel the wedding? It would be better for both of us.” I had hoped for an amicable separation, but this arrogant woman before me wasn’t listening. She even thought I was provoking her. “You stinking pauper, don’t try that ‘playing hard to get’ act with me!” 3. “Do you know how many men in New York are lining up to marry me?” I didn’t get angry; instead, I smiled. “Ms. Hayes, I don’t care what others think. I simply believe we’re not a good fit.” “As for your father, Mr. Hayes, I will personally explain everything to him. You don’t need to worry about that.” After this exchange, the entire makeup room erupted in whispers. “My God, is this guy out of his mind? He actually initiated breaking off the engagement with the Hayes family?” “Right? Ms. Hayes is every man’s goddess in New York; this idiot doesn’t know how good he has it.” “If it were me, being able to marry the Hayes heiress, I’d be laughing in my sleep.” The doubts and criticisms around me were incessant, but I couldn’t care less. In *my* circles, marriage isn’t about family wealth; it’s about compatibility. And clearly, this overly privileged New York heiress wasn’t my type. I still remember the humble demeanor of Evelyn’s father, Robert Hayes, Chairman of Hayes Industries, before my grandpa. In less than half an hour, Robert Hayes’s white shirt was drenched from head to toe, as if he feared saying one wrong word. He probably doesn’t realize that the immense influence he so painstakingly acquired is being destroyed by his own daughter. “Miller! I’m asking you one last time, are you truly breaking off this engagement with me?” I slowly raised my head, meeting her gaze, my eyes more resolute than ever. “Absolutely!” The silence in the room was chilling. Evelyn Hayes probably never dreamed I would choose to give up the opportunity to marry into a prominent family; her face was flushed crimson. Just as she didn’t know how to handle the situation, Mark Davis stepped forward. “Ms. Hayes, there’s no need to panic. A good-for-nothing like him, who only knows how to rely on women, isn’t worth marrying anyway!” My fiancée nodded slightly, a hint of hesitation in her eyes. “But… the invitations have already gone out. If we suddenly cancel the wedding, how will I face anyone afterwards?” Mark Davis shot me a malicious look. “Ms. Hayes, do you remember Young Master Vance from Vance Group?” The next second, Evelyn Hayes’s eyes immediately lit up. “Mark, are you saying…?” Mark Davis nodded emphatically, his expression exceptionally excited. “Vance Group just completed its Series B funding round on Wall Street. Young Master Vance, as the sole heir, is worth tens of billions.” “The Hayes family wants to expand into international markets; this is a golden opportunity!” Evelyn Hayes shyly lowered her head. “Will he be willing to marry me?” Mark Davis thumped his chest, full of confidence. “Of course!” “I just received word; Young Master Vance is already on his way!” Witnessing this scene, I suddenly understood. It turned out that the so-called marriage contract was most likely Mark Davis’s doing. His true purpose was to facilitate a partnership between Vance Group and Hayes Industries. It was just a pity for Evelyn Hayes; she didn’t even realize she was being used. “That’s enough.” “Ms. Hayes, although I’ve broken off our engagement, it doesn’t seem right to suddenly swap grooms, does it?” As I spoke, I raised my hand, pointing to the assistant standing beside her. “Right now, I only want to know one thing: whose idea was that marriage contract?” From what I knew of Evelyn Hayes, even though she was arrogant and domineering, she definitely wouldn’t come up with such distasteful terms. There had to be another reason. 4. However, her current expression confirmed my suspicions; her eyes kept darting towards the assistant. “What business is it of yours whose idea it was? Does it even concern you?” “A man’s word carries weight. Are you trying to go back on it?” I raised an eyebrow, a cold smirk on my face. “Going back on it? Not really. I just think someone is deliberately trying to drive a wedge between Ms. Hayes and me!” Mid-sentence, I turned to look at Mark Davis. “Ms. Hayes, don’t you think everything that’s happened feels like it was orchestrated?” I had intended to advise her kindly, out of respect for her father, Mr. Hayes. But who knew this woman wouldn’t appreciate my efforts? “Miller, I’m warning you, don’t try to stir up trouble here!” “Didn’t you act all high and mighty about wanting to cut ties with me earlier? Why the sudden change of heart?” Hearing her words, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. The Hayes family had been operating so shrewdly in the business world for so many years; how could they produce a beautiful woman so utterly clueless? “Kid, hear that? You’re not welcome here, now get lost!” Mark Davis stared at me with a provocative look, but I merely smiled faintly. “That’s enough. You’ve achieved your goal; do you still need to keep up the act?” “The wedding is about to start; why don’t you let your mastermind show themselves?” The words had barely left my lips when, a second later, the makeup room door was suddenly pushed open. A man roughly my age swaggered in. “Ms. Hayes, will you marry me?” “Young Master Vance, you’re finally here!” At Mark Davis’s enthusiastic cry, everyone rose to greet the heir to Vance Group. “Judging by this spectacle, you must be Mark Davis’s true boss, aren’t you?” The man referred to as Young Master Vance approached me slowly, with an arrogant stride. “Kid, I admit you’re a bit clever.” “But sometimes, being too clever isn’t a good thing.” His tone was incredibly arrogant, even more so than Mark Davis’s earlier. I merely gave him a cold glance before looking away. “If I’m not mistaken, Young Master Vance, you’ve been waiting for this day for a long time, haven’t you?” He nodded, looking at me with feigned pity. “Mr. Miller, from what I hear, you refused to sign that marriage contract?” “That’s truly a shame.” Mid-sentence, he lit a cigarette, holding it between his fingers, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “You just lost your only chance in this lifetime to marry into wealth!” I showed no emotional fluctuation, instead offering a knowing smile. “A prominent family like that? I wouldn’t marry into it even if given the chance.” My nonchalant attitude seemed to surprise him. “Mr. Miller, aren’t you even a little angry?” “I just stole your fiancée, after all!” I waved my hand, a faint smile still lingering on my lips. “What’s there to be angry about?” “In fact, I should thank Young Master Vance. If you hadn’t intervened, I wouldn’t have known how to explain things to Mr. Hayes.” Watching our exchange, as I steadily gained the upper hand, this young master of Vance Group’s face turned green with rage; he completely lost his composure. “Then why are you still shamelessly standing here? Do you want me to get someone to kill you?!” I hooked my lips into a smirk and calmly waved at him. “Young Master Vance, don’t be so eager. Before I leave, I want to make a call to my grandpa.” With that, I pulled out my phone right in front of everyone.

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The night my in-laws were kidnapped, my husband went camping with his first love. I didn’t try to stop him. I just called the police immediately. In my last life, I had stopped him. He went to save his parents, but he never went to be with his first love. Later, his first love was mauled to death by wolves in the mountains, her body mutilated beyond recognition. Afterward, Julian became a silent shell, until I was pregnant and about to give birth. He threw me into those same deep mountains. “Anya Smith, if it weren’t for you, Serena wouldn’t have died!” “How can you live so peacefully? I want to watch you suffer every single pain she endured!” Torn apart by wild beasts, I died, taking my unborn child with me. When I woke up again, I was back on the day my in-laws were kidnapped. This time, he didn’t join the rescue. He got his wish and saved his first love, but his hair turned completely white overnight. I screamed in terror, my eyes snapping open. Drenched in cold sweat, my clothes clung to me. The phantom pain of flesh being torn still lingered. I instinctively reached down, touching my flat stomach. Listening to the frantic beat of my heart, tears streamed down my face like broken pearls. I fumbled for my phone and checked the time. I had been reborn. Back to the day my in-laws were kidnapped. Soon, the kidnappers would call, demanding a thirty-million-dollar ransom to be delivered within thirty minutes, or they’d kill them. Julian and I grew up together. Our parents had always planned for us to marry. Whether it was a family alliance or my own feelings, I was destined to be his wife. I knew he had an ex, but his family didn’t approve of her. Before we married, I’d asked him if he was marrying me willingly. If he was marrying me because he loved me? He’d said yes to everything. I stepped into our marriage with a hopeful heart. But after the wedding, he grew distant and cold. He was still in contact with his ex. I pretended not to see, not to hear, staying silent. I loved him. I didn’t want to lose him, and I didn’t want to lose our marriage. For that, I paid with my life, and I also caused the death of the child I’d carried for ten months. Given a second chance, I wouldn’t make the same mistakes. I watched Julian Hayes run down the stairs, and slowly rose from the sofa. When our eyes met, he looked at me and said in a low voice: “I won’t be home tonight.” I didn’t say anything, turning my head to look at the phone next to the sofa. It was ringing – the kidnappers. I quickly picked up and put it on speaker. “Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are with us. Thirty million dollars ransom, deliver it to Liberty Square in thirty minutes. If you dare call the police, I’ll kill them immediately!” The kidnapper’s voice boomed into Julian’s ears. He merely frowned slightly, then let out a scoffing laugh. “Anya Smith, is this supposed to be funny?” “Is it fun having them both play along with your little act?” I stared at his face, remembering him watching me descend into hell. Ten years of love had already vanished into thin air. “Julian Hayes, you heard the call. What you do is your business, I’m not getting involved.” “If you want to believe it’s an act, fine. Whatever.” “But let me emphasize this one more time: I am not playing games with them.” Perhaps my tone was too calm, because Julian hesitated for a moment. But in the end, he turned and strode out the door. Last life, when the call came, Julian believed the same thing. But I knew I wasn’t playing an act with his parents, so I did everything I could to stop him from leaving. After a night of searching, his parents were rescued. But as soon as they were safe, he left. When he returned, he brought back news of Serena Cross’s death.

He blamed everything on me. After Julian left, I immediately called the police. Thirty million dollars was no small sum, and they wanted it in cash. I couldn’t just produce it instantly, and there was no guarantee the kidnappers would release them even if they got the money. So I had to call the police, let the professionals handle this. After I dialed 911, the local precinct dispatched officers. But before they arrived, I got a call from someone familiar. “Ma’am, it’s Officer Miller. Are you and Julian having a fight?” My brows furrowed. I asked in a low voice: “Why are you calling me?” “Well, you called the police, right? We’re acquaintances, but filing a false report isn’t a small thing. You and Julian can argue all you want, but you can’t be so reckless.” “Julian and Serena have nothing going on. If you keep acting out like this, you’ll just make Julian a laughingstock.” After listening for a while, I finally understood what he meant. “What are you implying? Julian told you I filed a false report?” A silence stretched on the other end. I let out a soft laugh, then said firmly: “Officer Miller, I advise you to dispatch officers immediately and handle this situation. Otherwise, I’ll file a formal complaint.” Officer Miller scoffed: “Anya Smith, don’t treat everyone like Julian, at your beck and call. I’m not your private security. You crazy woman, Serena Cross is worth more than a strand of your hair.” After hearing that, I hung up. Then I redialed 911, and also filed a complaint against Officer Miller. The other officers arrived about fifteen minutes later. They asked me a few questions and listened to the recording of the first call. Everyone looked serious. They quickly traced the incoming number, but it wasn’t registered. Calling back led to a disconnected line. We could only wait for them to call again. The officers were waiting, and I was contacting my private financial manager. “How much liquid cash do I have in my accounts?” “Seventeen million? Prepare all of it.” After hanging up, I called Julian’s uncle, Mr. Harrison. Hearing about Mr. and Mrs. Wallace’s kidnapping, he gasped: “Who did this? Is Julian there?” “I don’t know who the kidnappers are, and Julian went camping with Serena. Uncle, the kidnappers want thirty million in cash. I can’t raise enough on my own. How much can you contribute? I’ll pay you back in a week.” “Child, you’re saving my brother! Don’t talk about paying back! How much more do you need?” “Thirteen million.” “Don’t worry, I’ll get it.” Thirty minutes passed quickly. The other party called again. I quickly answered. The technical officer beside me immediately started tracing the call, but shook his head a moment later; they couldn’t pinpoint the location. My heart sank further. I heard the person on the other end say sternly: “Time’s up. Has the money been sent?” “Not yet. Please give me more time. My husband isn’t here, and I don’t have that much money on hand.” “I told you, if the money isn’t here on time, I’ll kill them!” I pleaded frantically: “Don’t hurt them! You want money, right? Killing them means you won’t get any money, won’t that be a failure? Just give me another thirty minutes, and I promise I’ll have the money ready.” As soon as I finished speaking, I heard my in-laws’ screams from the other end of the line. The kidnapper’s sinister voice returned: “Thirty minutes. Five fingers each! “If you want to stall, keep stalling!” After the call ended, Officer Miller appeared at the doorway. He had heard the last part, and now stared at me, his face ashen.

He stammered, trying to explain: “Julian called me and said it was the elders playing along with you, just to keep him home…” I couldn’t be bothered to speak. The police officer beside me said: “Call Julian. Tell him what’s happening.” Officer Miller acknowledged and stepped aside to make the call. From his phone, I heard the line was busy. I thought of my mother-in-law’s delicate nature, how she’d need someone to blow on her fingers if hot water touched them. Now, who knew how much pain she was in. I took a deep breath to calm myself and quickly called Mr. Harrison. His line was also busy. A few minutes after I hung up, Mr. Harrison called back. Before I could even ask if he’d raised the money, I heard him sigh and say: “Anya, it’s not that I want to lecture you, but how could you use such a thing to trick your elders? Your father-in-law and mother-in-law dote on you, but you should also advise them to be reasonable. If I hadn’t asked Julian, you would’ve given me a heart attack.” At that moment, my heart died. “Julian told you this was our act? Uncle, you don’t have to believe me, but can you reach my in-laws? The police are right here with me.” The person on the other end sighed repeatedly, then said: “Julian has someone else in his heart, child. If it’s too much, just divorce him. That way, you’ll both be free.” I hung up the phone. Officer Miller finally got through to Julian. Officer Miller said: “Julian, come back quickly. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace really seem to have been kidnapped.” The voice on the other end wasn’t Julian’s, but Serena Cross’s. “Officer Miller, are you guys playing along with Miss Smith’s act too? Your Julian is grilling right now. I’ll call him to the phone.” After her words fell, I heard Serena relaying Officer Miller’s message. Julian didn’t even take the call. He just said to Serena: “Hang up. That crazy woman Anya Smith, she never wants anyone to be happy.” The call ended. Officer Miller looked at me, his brows furrowed. I lowered my gaze and smiled bitterly: “I have no idea, but they want the money delivered to Liberty Square. Even though I don’t have enough, I have to go. If I go as bait, won’t that increase your chances of solving the case?” The female detective beside me said: “Ms. Smith, I’ll go deliver it instead.” I smiled: “What if the kidnappers recognize me? If you go, won’t that just provoke them? You can protect me from the perimeter. I’ll go myself.” Since no one had a better plan, they agreed to my request. When the kidnappers called again, I lied, telling them I had gathered enough money. I asked them to confirm the delivery location, where I would deliver the money, and they would release my in-laws. I heard a cold laugh, followed by a chilling reply: “Fine.” A sudden unease gripped my heart. Before he hung up, I quickly asked: “I need to hear my in-laws’ voices.” “What’s the rush, Ms. Smith? You’ll see them soon enough.” With that, the call disconnected. I had my financial manager withdraw the cash. Dragging a suitcase full of money, I drove to the location the kidnappers specified. Then I received another call from the kidnappers, telling me to go to the underground parking lot; my in-laws were waiting for me there. I ignored the money; the police were upstairs. I sprinted to the underground parking lot. I found my mother-in-law’s car in the parking lot. The doors were open. They both had their throats slit, blood gushing out. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I ran frantically, dialing 911 as I went. “Someone has been slit in the throat at Liberty Square’s underground parking lot. Please hurry!” I clutched their hands tightly: “Mom, Dad, hold on! The doctors will be here soon!”

“I’m calling Julian. I’m telling him to come right now.” They looked at me weakly, shaking their heads. “Anya, after we’re gone, divorce Julian. Your father’s and my stocks, properties, funds, and cash are all for you. We’re sorry.” I choked, shaking my head frantically: “No, you didn’t do anything wrong to me. It’s my fault for not getting enough money, for delaying. It’s my fault.” “Anya, don’t blame yourself. It has nothing to do with you. The kidnappers never intended for us to live.” I kept calling Julian, his phone ringing endlessly, but no one picked up. I sent him a SnapChat message. “Julian Hayes, Mom and Dad are badly hurt. Come back quickly.” The message sank into the sea, met with silence. I kept sending messages, kept calling… Until they slowly closed their eyes, Julian remained out of reach. The ambulance arrived, but there was no need for resuscitation. I stood up, my vision swam, the world spinning. I grabbed the car door frantically, and a hand steadied me. I turned to see Detective Evans, the officer who came with me. “Ms. Smith, the money wasn’t taken. The kidnapper who came for the money fell from a height during the arrest and is currently unconscious.” “Please accept my condolences.” None of us slept that night. Everyone returned to the precinct. After I gave my statement, the forensics team collected evidence from Mr. and Mrs. Wallace’s bodies. There was more than one kidnapper, but only one had been caught. Given the heinous nature of the crime, the atmosphere at the precinct was tense. They were determined to apprehend all the culprits. After the police finished collecting evidence, I contacted the funeral home. Julian still hadn’t returned my calls or messages. I sent notifications to his family and friends. But I didn’t notify Mr. Harrison again. He learned the news from others and called me in a rage. “Anya, aren’t you going too far? Even if you and Julian aren’t getting along, your in-laws treated you well. Is this how you honor your elders? How could you joke about their lives and deaths?” I waited for him to finish his tirade before slowly speaking: “I’m at the precinct. I just finished my statement and arranged for the funeral home. If you don’t believe me, you don’t have to attend the funeral. I didn’t intend to notify you anyway.” A moment of silence on the other end, then he said in a low voice: “You say you’re at the precinct? Let a police officer talk to me!” Just as I was about to hand the phone to Detective Evans, I heard a police officer’s voice from the other end: “Mr. Harrison? This is Riverside Precinct. We need your cooperation in a case!” When Mr. Harrison was brought to the precinct, I was still there. He lunged at me when he saw me: “Anya Smith! Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you say you weren’t acting? You killed my brother and sister-in-law, you murderer!” I looked at him coldly, and said faintly: “I did tell you. I even asked you for money. It was Julian Hayes who told you not to believe me. Julian Hayes killed his parents, and you were his accomplice!” His face went pale, his lips trembling as he brushed past me. I turned to watch his retreating back, raising my voice: “Uncle, when I called you, the officers working on the case were all right here, listening.” He didn’t turn back, but I saw his regret. Detective Evans was still beside me. I turned to her. “You can go back to work. I’ll just wait for the funeral home staff.” She shook her head slightly, apology in her eyes: “I’ll wait with you.” While waiting for the funeral home staff, I called my lawyer. “Mr. Davis, please draft a divorce agreement for me. I’m divorcing Julian Hayes.”

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Damien Thorne’s colleague was pregnant, about to give birth. She showed up at my door, heavily pregnant, demanding something for the baby, right as I was decorating our wedding home. “I just donated sperm to her,” he said, sounding utterly innocent, “I have nothing to be ashamed of towards you.” With that, he actually took her to the mall to pick out baby gifts. I immediately blasted our family group chat on SnapChat, canceling the wedding. But everyone thought I was being dramatic. Mrs. Thorne said with grave seriousness, “Damien is good-looking and highly educated. Such excellent genes should be passed on. It’s almost a contribution to society, you know.” Mr. Thorne scoffed, “He didn’t cheat. Why are you making such a fuss?” My dad was so furious he almost had a heart attack. “Stubborn fool! How dare you cancel such a good marriage?” My mom cried until she nearly fainted. “If you break off this engagement, you’ll never get married in your life!” My eyes blazing red, I shot back, “Then I’ll stay single forever!” But then, a message popped up on my phone: “Scarlett Hayes, when will you choose me?”

That evening, Damien Thorne carefully helped Willow Frost through the door. They had bought a huge box of toys for their unborn child. Willow gently stroked her pregnant belly, and they exchanged a loving glance, their faces beaming with the joy of soon becoming parents. Seeing me, Willow smiled and handed me a small gift box. “Scarlett, this is a special gift I picked out for you. I just found out how much this whole thing bothered you, so consider it… a small apology from me.” I didn’t even look, tossing the gift box straight into the trash. Willow’s smile instantly froze, and tears streamed down her face like a broken necklace. “Scarlett, I… I’m so sorry.” She choked back sobs, cowering behind Damien. Damien immediately shielded her, looking at me with a helpless expression. “Scarlett, don’t be like this.” “I was just responding to a call for responsible donors. Willow is a free spirit and wants a child but not a husband.” “We’re just colleagues, truly nothing more.” “Just colleagues?” My voice trembled. “Exchanging good mornings and good nights every day? Sharing a single playlist? Shielding her from aggressive co-workers at office dinners? Driving her home the long way after late nights at work? Those are ‘just colleagues’?” He rubbed his temples tiredly. “Here we go again. Haven’t I explained all this? You’re always so suspicious, overthinking everything.” I let out a cold laugh. His explanations were ridiculously flimsy — just normal colleague interactions, a senior looking out for a junior. They were full of holes, yet I chose to believe him, time after time. But five years of a relationship… I wasn’t willing to let it end like this. Gritting my teeth, I pointed at Willow’s belly, testing him. “Fine, let’s say I’m overthinking it, that I misunderstood you two!” I stared hard at Damien, pushing him. “Make her get rid of that baby, and I’ll pretend nothing happened. The wedding will go on as planned.” “Impossible!” Damien’s voice shot up, then he forced his anger down. “The baby is Willow’s. I have no right to decide that.” Willow’s face instantly went pale. She suddenly dropped to her knees in front of me with a thud. She clutched her belly tightly, her voice choked. “Scarlett, there’s truly nothing between me and Damien. The baby is eight months along, and he was just kicking me. I can’t, I can’t…” She cried, her face tear-streaked, her whole body shaking. Damien’s face was tight, he struggled for a few seconds, but his resolve crumbled. He helped her up, offering a helpless smile. “Scarlett, asking her to terminate the pregnancy now, what’s the difference between that and tearing her heart out?” I stared at him, a cold smirk playing on my lips. “What, feeling sympathetic now?”

Damien clearly flinched, then his face contorted in pain. “I never thought you could be so cruel. If this is a condition for marriage, then we truly aren’t meant for each other… Let’s break up.” “Scarlett, Damien is innocent, don’t take your anger out on him!” Willow suddenly burst into loud sobs. “Blame me if you want, I just can’t bear to lose this baby… But I’ll prove our innocence with my life right now!” Before her words even faded, she lunged towards the balcony, as if to throw herself over. My heart leaped into my throat, and I instinctively started to rush forward. Damien, already frantic, was faster. But before either of us could reach her, Willow collapsed onto the floor, convulsing with sobs. Damien pulled her into his arms, his entire body trembling. After a long moment, he looked up, his eyes icy as he stared at me, still standing rooted to the spot. “Scarlett Hayes! Your baseless accusations almost killed Willow!” His gaze was frigid, like he was looking at a stranger. “She’s just a young woman, pregnant. You might stand by coldly, but I can’t.” His voice was shaking. With that, he carefully lifted Willow into his arms, walked up to me, and snarled, “Move!” I stood frozen, my mouth opening. “I didn’t mean to…” “Damien, the baby… I think the baby’s coming.” Willow suddenly let out a weak whimper, then fainted. “Willow!” Damien’s face instantly went ashen. He forcefully shoved me aside and rushed out the door, carrying Willow. I fell to the floor, biting down hard on my lip, but I couldn’t suppress the icy dread swirling in my heart. I stayed awake until dawn, my phone finally lighting up with a message from Damien: “Last night, I was too anxious, and my words were harsh.” “Scarlett, I’m sorry.” My nose stung, and tears instantly welled up. For years, he was always the first to apologize after an argument, and I would always forgive him. But this time was different. I couldn’t forgive this. Before I could reply, he sent another photo. It was a picture of him with a newborn. The tiny infant was cradled carefully in his arms, and he looked down at the child with eyes as tender as spring water. “Willow had an early delivery, but thankfully, both mother and daughter are safe.” “The baby looks a lot like me.” “She has no family or friends, so I need to stay at the hospital for three days.” “Let’s postpone the wedding for a week. I truly can’t handle anything else right now.” These seemingly ordinary words, every single one of them, pierced my heart. I numbly stood up, tearing down the wedding photos from the wall one by one, then picked up scissors and shredded my wedding dress. My fingers trembled uncontrollably as I packed my suitcase. Just as I zipped it shut, Mrs. Thorne pushed open the door, a barely concealed look of delight on her face. “Damien asked me to bring him some fresh clothes to the hospital. And as a grandmother, I’m eager to see my little granddaughter.” Seeing me silent, she warmly took my arm. “Scarlett, Damien was wrong this time, he shouldn’t have hidden the sperm donation from you, it hurt your pride. But it’s not some unforgivable crime, right?” “Auntie knows your feelings run deep. You can’t just throw it all away over a small thing like this, can you? What you said in the group chat yesterday was just anger talking, let’s not take it seriously.” “Come, come with me to the hospital to see the baby. Give Damien an out, and we’ll just put this whole thing behind us.” I was dragged along like a lifeless doll, and by the time I snapped back to reality, I was standing at the hospital room door. Willow lay weakly in the hospital bed, her pale face still streaked with tears, clearly having suffered a lot during childbirth.

And Damien was gently holding the baby, softly humming a lullaby. Mr. Thorne, for once, was smiling. “Damien is an airline captain. Let’s call this child ‘Skye’ then, to inherit the aviation career!” “What nonsense!” Mrs. Thorne chided him. “A girl can’t be named something like that!” She eagerly reached out to hold the baby. But Damien turned away. “Mom, you don’t know how to hold her properly. Don’t hurt her.” Catching sight of me in his peripheral vision, his eyes lit up. “Scarlett, come look at her. Aren’t her tiny hands and feet just adorable?” He leaned in to kiss the baby, then stopped abruptly, looking flustered like a naughty child. “No, no, Dad can’t pass on any germs to you.” I had never seen this childish side of him before. So this was what he was like, clumsy yet tender, as a new father. He was eager to show off his joy to the world, but I was the one person who shouldn’t have been included. I forced a stiff smile and turned to leave. But Damien quickly followed, carefully holding the baby out to me. “Scarlett, look, don’t her nose and mouth look exactly like mine?” I lowered my eyes. The tiny face did indeed resemble him, as if molded from the same clay. The resemblance stung my eyes, and my throat suddenly constricted with pain. I coldly pushed the swaddled infant away, looking into Damien’s expectant eyes, suddenly unwilling to give him what he wanted. “Take her away. She’s so annoying to look at, I can’t stand it.” The baby let out a wail. Damien’s eyes instantly turned cold. He gently patted the baby, comforting her with a pained expression. Mrs. Thorne’s gaze cut at me like a knife. “You’re the most annoying one here!” Mr. Thorne pointed directly at the door. “You’re not welcome here. Get out!” Willow, in the hospital bed, suddenly woke up. “Scarlett…” She pleaded with the Thorne family. “I’d like to talk to Scarlett alone for a moment.” Once the hospital room door closed, Willow’s face wore an apologetic expression. “Scarlett, I don’t want to break you and Damien up. He really loves you. Actually, that night, Damien was drunk, and we just…” My mind buzzed. “It wasn’t sperm donation?” She turned her face away. “Damien said he wanted to keep it from you, afraid you’d be sad.” “By the time I found out I was pregnant, it was already three months. He was very angry then, saying he’d give me a lump sum to keep quiet once the baby was born, and that I should never mention it again.” “Then why are you telling me now?” I stared at her coldly. “Why did you deliberately show up pregnant? Why didn’t you keep it from me forever?” She clearly hadn’t expected me to call her out so directly. Her face changed color several times, then she just pressed her lips together, silent. I laughed sarcastically. “Now that he and I have broken up, and your baby is born, you two can live happily ever after as a family of three. What else are you worried about?” She suddenly glared at me, an eerie smile curving on her lips. The next second, right in front of me, she deliberately rolled straight off the hospital bed, hitting the floor with a thud. Then she shrieked in terror. “Scarlett, I know I was wrong! Please, please don’t hit me!” I was utterly dumbfounded. Before I could react, a strong force pulled me away. “Slap!” My cheek burned, and I instantly tasted blood in my mouth. Mr. Thorne’s face was livid as he pointed at me. “You insolent brat! Is the hospital a place for your tantrums?” He raised his hand to strike again, but Damien quickly blocked him. “Dad, she’s my fiancée. I’ll handle this.”

He pulled me into the corridor and found some ice, carefully pressing it against my face. I mumbled, looking down. “I didn’t push her…” “Mmm.” He responded flatly, neither getting angry nor asking for clarification. I knew him too well. This silence was the loudest form of denial. If he believed me, he would have argued fiercely for me. If he didn’t, he would just stay silent like this. But if he didn’t believe me, why was he still being so gentle? Tears spilled from my eyes, dropping one by one onto his hand. He snatched his hand back as if burned, then stood up. “If you’re going to stay here and make Willow and the baby uncomfortable, then just go home.” I desperately grabbed his sleeve, a sob catching in my voice. “Just trust me this one time, please?” He sighed deeply, prying my fingers off his sleeve one by one, as if completely disillusioned. “Scarlett, I can overlook all the things you’ve done, because I love you, after all. But at least, you should be honest with me.” A familiar phone ringtone suddenly sounded – Willow’s exclusive ringtone. “How much further to enter your heart, how much longer until I can get close to you…” I once asked him, “Is it appropriate to have a special ringtone for a female colleague?” He looked genuinely puzzled. “The girl just likes that song. It was nothing, just a casual thing. Don’t overthink it.” I watched him answer the call, then walk away without looking back. I sat numbly on the bench, half my face swollen and red. I suddenly started to laugh and cry at the same time, like a patient given a terminal diagnosis. He told *me* to be honest, but had he been honest himself? I went back for my luggage, intending to go to my parents’ house, but their video call came through. Dad clutched his chest, his finger shaking as he pointed at me and cursed. “The Thornes said you ran to the hospital, throwing a fit and hurting the poor girl who just gave birth. What were you thinking? The Chief of Staff is a friend of mine, he called to ask us what was going on! You’ve completely humiliated our family!” Dad started to gasp violently again. Mom quickly gave him his medication, then turned to glare at me. “Damien explained everything clearly; he and that girl are just colleagues. Why do you have to be so extra, trying to push them together?” Catching sight of the injury on my face, she sneered, “Serves you right!” “What exactly did I do wrong that you’re all blaming me?” I took a deep breath, my voice hoarse. “Why do you all believe outsiders over me?” “Believe you about what? Tell us!” My parents spoke simultaneously. Looking at their unmoved faces, I suddenly deflated. “Never mind.” I hastily hung up the video call. I couldn’t let them see my tears again, or it would only lead to that familiar line: “What else can you do besides cry?” At that moment, I didn’t know where I could go. My phone suddenly vibrated. It was a message from Asher Maxwell: “Scarlett Hayes, when will you choose me?” “Now.” Without a second thought, I immediately replied. This guy, who had once been an academic disaster, barely scraping by in high school, had transformed himself in his senior year, pushing himself to get into the same university as me. After that came years of relentless pursuit. A hundred confessions, a hundred rejections from me. Who would like an academic disaster, even worse than a slacker? Even if he was sunny and handsome, with a smile that made your heart skip a beat, it was a no-go. After college graduation, Damien and I got together. Asher went to Switzerland to study, but his messages never stopped. From daily warm greetings, to sharing trivial life details, to the recurring question every few days: “When will you choose me?” I had never replied, but he was like a tireless robot, never giving up.

Thinking this, I sent another message: “Getting married in three days. You’re the groom. Satisfied?” “Bang!” The door was kicked open violently. Damien stood there, his face dark, his eyes fixed on me. “Scarlett Hayes! What the hell did you do to my clothes?!” “What…” “Shut up!” He lunged forward, grabbing my wrist and slamming me against the wall. I had never seen him like this. His eyes were bloodshot, and his breathing hitched. “I wore that shirt you sent me to hold the baby, and in less than ten minutes, she broke out in a rash and went into respiratory failure! She’s in the ICU now!” “She’s a newborn baby! Scarlett Hayes, you better give me an explanation!” “I didn’t do anything!” My wrist burned where he gripped it. I struggled desperately. “Let go of me first…” Before I could finish, he swung his fist. I instinctively closed my eyes and turned my head. There was a loud bang beside my ear as his fist slammed hard into the wall next to me. When I opened my eyes, I saw blood seeping from his knuckles. My voice trembled uncontrollably. “Damien, were you… were you really going to hit me?” He seemed to snap awake, frantically releasing his grip and pulling me into his arms. “Scarlett, I… I panicked for a moment. I’m sorry.” “I told you, I’d overlook anything you did. But this time, you’ve gone too far. Willow is crying, saying she wants to die with the baby. Go kneel down and apologize to her, please?” Hot liquid dripped onto my neck. “Just for me. I promise you, if you apologize, we can still get married.” This man, who hadn’t shed a single tear even when he broke his ribs during flight training, was crying now. Men cry when they have a weakness. Willow and the baby must be his weakness. I stared at his trembling shoulders, and suddenly, I smiled. “Alright, I’ll go apologize.” He visibly relaxed, a huge weight lifting from him. “We’ll go to the hospital right now.” He reached for my hand. I shook it off, my face devoid of expression. “I’ll walk by myself.” “Okay,” He nodded, then urged, still worried. “Hurry, I’m afraid Willow will have a breakdown…” As soon as we reached the emergency room door, Willow immediately dropped to her knees, clutching my leg. “Scarlett, please, you can take my life if you want, just let the baby be safe.” She sobbed hysterically, her whole body shaking. I was so angry I laughed. I reached down to pull her up. “Stop acting. I’m the one who should be kneeling, begging Miss Frost to let me go. I don’t want Damien anymore, you can have him.” She suddenly looked up, a flicker of triumph in her eyes. Then she instantly reverted to a terrified expression. “No, it’s not like that. Damien will always be yours. How could I ever dream of him? I just want to live quietly with my baby.” “Get up!” I completely lost my patience. She suddenly grabbed my hand. I shook it off in disgust. But she used the momentum to fall backward, hitting her head with a thud on the floor, then let out a piercing scream. “Enough!” Damien rushed over to help her up, looking at me as if I were some terrifying monster. “Scarlett Hayes, if you don’t want to apologize, then don’t come! Willow just gave birth, and the baby is still in critical condition. How can you be so cruel to her?” I lowered my head, unsure what else to say. He wouldn’t believe me anyway, would he? After a long silence, Damien laughed mockingly. “Never mind. What did I expect you to explain? I’ve seen you hurt Willow and the baby with my own eyes, time and again. Go home. You’re just making things worse here.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299237”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn

My Mother-in-Law Tried to Force Me to Adopt My Husband’s Bastard Child My husband, Caleb, and I had been married for three years, and I still hadn’t gotten pregnant. My mother-in-law, Brenda, showed me my medical report, claiming it proved I had a physical defect that made conception difficult. So, Brenda insisted I go to the hospital where she worked to undergo IVF. For a whole year, I endured 621 injections, so many that walking became a painful ordeal. Yet, I still couldn’t get pregnant, and despair consumed me. Caleb felt terrible for me and suggested I take a trip to clear my head. But when I returned home a month later, I found several used condoms in the bedroom Caleb and I shared! Seeing those condoms, my stomach churned with anger. I immediately called Caleb, who was at work, and roared into the phone: “Caleb! Get your ass home right now! I’m divorcing you!” Caleb rushed home, his face a mix of confusion and panic. “Riley, what did I do? Tell me what’s wrong, I’ll fix it, I don’t want a divorce!” I stared at him, my voice devoid of emotion: “Then why did you cheat?” Caleb’s eyes widened in shock. “Riley, that’s not true! How could I ever cheat on you!” I sneered, pointing to the used condoms in the bedroom: “The evidence is right here, and you’re still trying to deny it! I’m divorcing you, no discussion!” Caleb looked at the condoms, a blank look on his face. He stammered, incoherent: “No… I didn’t cheat… I don’t even know… where did these come from?” I replied sternly: “Stop pretending. There’s nothing left to discuss! We’re getting a divorce!” Caleb anxiously moved closer, gently trying to take my hand. “Riley, don’t you trust me? I really didn’t cheat!” His voice was filled with an uncontrollable mix of hurt and pleading. I violently shook off his hand, stating resolutely: “Tomorrow, I’ll have my lawyer draw up the divorce papers. Make sure you sign them.” Just then, Brenda, who had gone grocery shopping, returned. Seeing Caleb, she frowned disapprovingly. “Caleb, I know you’re happy your wife’s back, but you’re supposed to be at work. Why are you home? Did Riley call you back?” I sneered, not bothering to respond. Caleb anxiously turned to his mother: “Mom! Please, help me talk to Riley! She wants a divorce!” Hearing this, Brenda’s temper flared. She pointed a finger at my face and yelled: “Riley! What is the meaning of this? You’ve been married into our family for three years, and your womb is still empty! You’re the one with the problem, you useless, barren woman! My son is a saint for even putting up with you, providing for you, even paying for you to go on vacation! And the moment you return, you want to divorce him? I never imagined you were such a vile woman!” She didn’t give me a chance to reply, continuing: “My son has treated you well, hasn’t he! Since you married into our family, you haven’t done a single chore! My son works himself to death all day, and if you so much as hint you want his cooking, he’ll make it for you without a word of complaint!” “My son always puts you first, and what about you? You can’t even have a child, and you have the nerve to bring up divorce! You women are truly evil-minded!” Brenda grew more agitated with each word, eventually clutching her chest, looking as if I was about to make her collapse. I watched her coldly, my voice dripping with sarcasm: “Your son cheated, why shouldn’t I get a divorce?” Brenda immediately became agitated: “What are you talking about? My son would never cheat! Are you slandering him?!” Caleb tugged at Brenda’s arm, his face desperate as he asked: “Mom, there are used condoms in my bedroom. Do you know anything about them?” 2. Brenda froze, her eyes flickering. “I… I put those condoms there.” A flicker of guilt crossed Brenda’s face, quickly replaced by a mysterious glint. “They’re special! A good luck charm I found!” I stared at Brenda in disbelief, my eyes wide with shock: “Mom, why would you keep used condoms?” Caleb also looked at his mother, dumbfounded: “Mom! What are you doing! You made Riley completely misunderstand!” Brenda pursed her lips in annoyance. “It’s because you two haven’t gotten pregnant, isn’t it? I was trying to help you! To give you a helping hand!” Caleb looked at his mother, a bewildered smile on his face: “How could used condoms help Riley and me?” At this, Brenda’s eyes lit up, her voice rising slightly with excitement. “Those young neighbors next door, they got pregnant! They always used condoms, but they still ended up conceiving. I picked these condoms out of their trash! I washed them thoroughly! If you two use them, maybe you’ll ‘catch’ their pregnancy luck and get pregnant too!” I stood rooted to the spot, feeling like that sentence was utterly preposterous. Caleb was clearly startled too; he said nothing, and silence stretched in the room. Finally, Brenda broke the stalemate. She looked at me with displeasure, a deep impatience etched on her face: “Fine, if you weren’t so useless and couldn’t get pregnant, would I even bother with this?” The more she spoke, the more agitated she became, accusing me through tears. “I’m at this age, and all I want is a grandchild. Am I wrong? My heart is breaking over this!” Hearing her cry, I instantly felt overwhelmed. Annoyed, I turned and walked back into the room, tossing a remark at Caleb: “She’s your mom, you handle her.” That night, I curled up in bed. Caleb quietly slipped in beside me, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “Riley, I’m so sorry. You went through so much today. Mom is just too desperate for a grandchild, please don’t take it to heart.” I mumbled an absent “Mmm,” and didn’t respond further. Caleb paused, then hesitated, asking: “Riley, why do I feel like your attitude has been strange ever since you came back from your trip?” 3. I frowned, saying impatiently: “I’m too tired today.” The next morning, I was barely awake, sitting at the dining table. Brenda immediately brought over a bowl of dark, murky liquid, saying mysteriously: “Riley, drink this while it’s hot. These are expensive, top-grade medicinal herbs I managed to get my hands on. They’ll help you conceive!” I eyed the bowl suspiciously, unable to believe that what Brenda called “good herbs” were anything legitimate. “Mom, what kind of herbs are these? We shouldn’t drink random stuff without a doctor’s advice!” Brenda’s face immediately fell, her eyes glaring at me. “What do you mean by that? I went through so much trouble to get these herbs, and you’re already disgusted? If you weren’t so useless and couldn’t get pregnant, would I even bother?!” Brenda started to cry and complain again, and I really didn’t want to hear her lecture, so I picked up the bowl and quickly drank half of it. But as the liquid level dropped, and Brenda’s so-called “medicinal ingredients” floated to the surface, I felt a wave of nausea, my stomach churning. “Mom! Is that… placenta?!” I gagged and burst out, spitting up as I confronted Brenda. Brenda saw me vomit everything out and exploded in rage. She immediately furrowed her brows, grabbed the bowl, pinched my jaw, and started pouring the soup down my throat. “You brat, why did you throw it all up? Don’t you dare! I spent a fortune and pulled strings to get this placenta! Finish the rest of it, don’t leave a single drop!” 4. Caleb sat by, his struggle clearly visible on his face. Finally, under Brenda’s fierce glare, he hesitantly said: “Riley, Mom’s doing this for your own good.” I struggled to escape Brenda’s grip, but she had immense strength from years of hard labor in her youth, and I couldn’t break free. Tears mixed with the foul-tasting liquid plastered my face. Brenda watched with satisfaction as all the broth went into my stomach. “Riley, you really need to try harder. I’ve put so much thought into getting you pregnant!” The smell of the placenta soup seemed to linger deep in my throat. I rushed into the bathroom, clutching the toilet and violently vomiting. Caleb stood at the bathroom door, helpless, his face full of guilt and helplessness. “Riley, please don’t blame Mom. She’s just too desperate; don’t take it to heart!” I sneered; every time, he just talked, never actually doing anything. “Enough, Caleb.” I was desperate, but my voice was calm. “Please leave. I don’t want to see you right now.” He opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing, silently closing the door. Outside, I heard his and Brenda’s voices arguing. Brenda’s sharp voice pierced through the door, clear as day: “What’s wrong with me! I went to all that trouble to nourish her body, and that’s wrong? So what if she threw up? That just means the medicine is working! You don’t know anything! I’m doing all this for the sake of our family’s bloodline!” Ignorant! I felt a chill run through me, unable to breathe. Over the next few days, Brenda’s behavior became much more subdued. She stopped forcing me to drink those dubious tonics and stopped trying strange methods. One afternoon, Caleb was called out by Brenda to buy soy sauce. I was sitting on the sofa, chatting with my best friend. Brenda suddenly sat beside me. She rubbed her hands together, a ingratiating, fake smile on her face. “Riley,” She lowered her voice, sounding secretive, “Mom came up with a new idea these past few days. It’s guaranteed to work, and you won’t have to suffer so much anymore.” My heart sank, and I looked at her warily, not replying. She continued, full of self-satisfaction: “You see, your body… it has defects, you really can’t get pregnant.” She pursed her lips. “That placenta soup was supposed to be a powerful tonic, but there’s still no sign of a baby. Mom’s getting anxious!” I cautiously started a recording on my phone, sensing that what she was about to say would be utterly absurd. “So?” Brenda slapped her thigh, her eyes shining. “Mom figured it out! Why stick to one path when it’s clearly a dead end? Let’s try a different method. Caleb’s body must be fine, his genes must be excellent! The problem, then… it’s with you.” Her hand pointed unceremoniously at my stomach. “Mom met a girl these past few days,” Brenda leaned closer, her voice laced with coaxing, “Old Mr. Smith’s daughter from the next neighborhood, Ashley. Mom saw her, and her physique, you can tell she’s fertile! Big breasts! Big butt! And she’s young, only twenty-one! I specifically asked, and she’s perfectly healthy in every way. Her family is poor; a little money will do!” I stared at Brenda’s face, which was plastered with a righteous expression, utterly incredulous. My voice trembled slightly with anger. “What are you trying to do?” “Oh, it’s obvious, isn’t it!” Brenda looked at me as if I was slow to understand. “Let Caleb try with Ashley! Once Ashley gets pregnant, we’ll bring the baby home after it’s born, and you can just pretend it’s yours, tell everyone it’s yours! How great is that! You won’t have to suffer through injections and medication anymore, and you’ll get a baby for free! Isn’t this wonderful? You won’t have to feel guilty towards our family anymore! Mom is thinking of you, you know!” 5. “Thinking of me?” I sprang to my feet, my anger skyrocketing. “You want my husband to sleep with another woman to have a child, then bring it back for me to raise? This is your idea of ‘thinking of me’? Are you insane?!” Brenda was startled by my outburst, then she grew enraged herself. She stood up, pointing a finger at my nose and yelling: “Riley! Don’t be so ungrateful! Who am I doing this for? Isn’t it so you can keep your place in this family! You can’t have children yourself, and you won’t let me think of other ways! Do you want our family to have no children at all? How selfish can you be! You get a child for free, what more could you be unhappy about?!” The more she spoke, the more righteous she felt, her voice growing louder, her face flushed crimson: “I’m telling you, this is settled! In a couple of days, I’ll bring Ashley over for dinner! You’d better be sensible! Once Ashley gets pregnant, you’ll have a child, and everyone will be happy! If you dare to ruin my plans, I’m not done with you! You useless, barren woman, you have no right to be picky!” “Everyone happy?” I was trembling with rage. “Brenda, listen to me clearly! First, Caleb is my husband, not some breeding stud! Second, I am a human being, not a tool for your family to produce children, nor a tool to raise someone else’s child! Third, your filthy, utterly idiotic idea, don’t even think about it! You dare bring that Ashley woman into this house, just try it!” “How dare you speak to me like that?!” Brenda was completely enraged by my direct address and defiant attitude. She raised her hand to strike me. “You’ve gone too far! Let me teach you a lesson!” Just as her palm was about to land, Caleb stood in the doorway, clutching a bottle of soy sauce. His face was ashen, clearly having overheard the end of the argument. He looked at us, the tension thick in the air, especially at Brenda’s raised hand, and roared: “Mom! What are you doing?!” Seeing her son return, Brenda instantly adopted an utterly aggrieved expression, pointing at me and wailing to Caleb: “Son! You’re finally back! Look at your wife! I kindly tried to help her solve the child problem, and not only is she ungrateful, she curses at me! She said the most awful things! She even tried to hit me! What did I do wrong to marry such a disaster into our family…” Caleb’s gaze darted back and forth between me and his mother. He hesitated, unsure whose side to take. He probably only heard my defiance and Brenda’s tearful accusations. I looked at him, at this husband who once said he cared about my injections and always put me first. Seeing the hesitation in his eyes now, and his instinctive partiality towards his mother, my heart sank completely. I didn’t explain. I just spoke to Brenda, slowly and clearly, every word also for Caleb: “Brenda, cut out your disgusting theatrics. And you, Caleb.” I turned to him, my eyes icy. “Control your mother. Otherwise, between us, there will truly only be a divorce agreement left.” With that, I didn’t spare either of them another glance, turned, and strode into the bedroom. Leaning against the door, my body trembled uncontrollably. Outside, Brenda’s shrill wails and Caleb’s frantic attempts to console her echoed. In that moment, only one thought remained in my mind: I had to leave this house! Leaving that suffocating home, I dragged my suitcase back to my parents’ house. Seeing their haggard daughter, my parents’ eyes welled up with tears. My mom hugged me tightly, heartbroken: “Sweetheart, what happened? Why are you back by yourself?”

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It was a rainy night. I left work early and headed home. The moment the key slid into the lock, I heard it – sounds from our bedroom. Muffled moans, ragged breaths. My hand froze mid-air. Brooke had said she was working late tonight, wouldn’t be home for dinner. But now, there were clearly two people in our bedroom. I pushed the door open quietly. The living room was a mess. A pair of women’s heels tossed carelessly by the entrance, a man’s dress shoes slumped beside the sofa. On the coffee table, two red wine glasses with dark, crimson residue. The bedroom door was slightly ajar, and the sounds grew clearer. “Brooke, you’re so wet… He can’t satisfy you at all.” That voice. I knew it all too well. Ryan, my best friend since childhood, my colleague, the man I trusted most. “Don’t talk about him. Let’s just enjoy ourselves…” Brooke’s voice was so alluring, so *foreign* to me. I’d never once heard her speak to me in that tone. In our three years of marriage, she’d always been distant, cold, as if simply going through the motions. But now, in another man’s arms, her voice was sweet as honey. I pushed the bedroom door wide open. The two people on the bed instantly froze. Brooke shrieked, scrambling to pull the duvet over herself. Ryan rolled over, his face a roadmap of guilt and embarrassment. “Alex, let me explain…” “Explain what?” My voice was eerily calm, even to my own ears. By all rights, I should’ve been roaring, raging, maybe even grabbing a knife. But I just stood there, staring coldly at them. “Alex, we…” “We didn’t do anything!” Brooke cut Ryan off, her voice sharp enough to scrape paint. I laughed. I laughed until my eyes stung with unshed tears. “Didn’t do anything? So you two were naked in my bed, discussing work?” Brooke’s face instantly flushed crimson. Ryan scrambled out of bed, fumbling into his clothes. “Alex, man, this whole thing…” “Man?” I repeated the word, each syllable chilling the air. “Ryan, we’ve known each other for twenty years. Do you really think I’ll ever call you ‘man’ again?” He froze, the shirt in his hand dropping to the floor. I turned to Brooke. The woman I’d loved for five years, married for three. She huddled in the duvet, her eyes darting away, unable to meet mine. “Brooke, I’m asking you, how many times has this happened?” “How many times? I told you, we didn’t do anything!” She was still trying to deny it. I walked to the dresser and pulled open the top drawer. Inside was a box of condoms, clearly well-used. I picked up the box and shook it at her. “Are these ‘work supplies’ too?” Brooke’s face went completely white. Ryan was dressed and trying to sneak away. “Stop!” I called out to him. “Ryan, you think you can just *walk away*?” “Alex, we…” “We’re nothing to each other anymore.” I looked at the man who’d been my brother since childhood. We went to school together, got into fights, got punished by teachers. We were roommates in college. After graduation, I recommended him for a job at our company. I treated him like my own brother, and he was sleeping with my wife in my bed. “You two carry on. I’m leaving.” I turned and walked out. “Alex!” Brooke jumped out of bed, naked, and ran after me, grabbing my arm. I shook her hand off. “Don’t touch me. You’re tainted.” The words slapped her across the face. She froze there, her eyes instantly welling up. “Alex Greene, what right do you have to say that to me?” “What else do you even *do* besides work? All you care about is making money!” “When did you ever care about me? When did you ever spend time with me?” “Ryan at least knows how to make me happy, he buys me presents, he takes me to the movies!” “And you? What else can you offer me besides money?” I stopped and turned back to her. This woman standing before me, accusing me. The woman I poured my entire salary into every month, bought designer bags for, funded her entire lifestyle. The woman I thought was my wife. “Brooke, you’re right.” “I really can’t give you anything but money.” “But starting today, I won’t even be giving you that anymore.” I walked out of the house without looking back. The rain was still falling, icy cold on my face. I stood by the apartment complex entrance, unsure where to go. This place I’d called home for three years suddenly felt alien. That place I thought was my home, turned out to be only *my* home. My phone rang. It was Ryan. I ignored it. It rang again. Still him. I turned it off. Rainwater dripped down my hair into my eyes, salty, like tears. But I didn’t cry. I just felt tired. So incredibly tired. Tired enough to lie down on the ground and never get up. But I couldn’t. I still had things to do. I was going to make them understand the cost of betraying me.

I stayed at a nearby hotel for the night. I didn’t sleep a wink, my mind replaying the scene from earlier. At dawn, instead of going straight to the office, I went to a private investigation agency. “Mr. Greene, I understand your situation.” The detective was a middle-aged man, Mr. Davis, who looked very professional. “We have extensive experience with infidelity cases.” “However, I must warn you, some truths can be far more brutal than you anticipate.” “I want the whole truth.” I pushed my bank card across the desk. “No matter how brutal, I need to know everything.” Mr. Davis nodded, taking the card. “Give me a week.” After leaving the detective agency, I went to the office. Ryan was already there. Seeing me enter, he immediately stood up. “Alex, about last night…” “During work hours, address me as Mr. Greene.” I sat down at my desk and opened my laptop. “Mr. Greene, can we talk?” He walked over, his voice barely a whisper. “Talk about what? Project progress?” I stared at the screen without looking up. “Alex, don’t be like this. We’re friends…” “I said, during work hours, address me as Mr. Greene.” “And please, stay away from me. I’m worried about catching something contagious.” Coworkers started noticing the tension between us. Ryan’s face flushed crimson, and he retreated awkwardly to his desk. At lunch, he followed me again. “Alex, I know you’re angry, but…” “But what? But you couldn’t help yourself?” I stopped and looked at him. “Ryan, tell me, how long has this been going on?” “How long has what been going on?” “Don’t play dumb. You and Brooke, how long?” He lowered his head, unable to meet my gaze. “Over a year…” Over a year. That meant they started their affair just two years into my marriage. And I, like a complete fool, still considered him my best friend. I often invited him over for dinner, had Brooke cook his favorite meals. Turns out, those dinner invitations were just creating opportunities for them. “Alex, listen to me…” “What else do you want to say? That you two are true love?” I sneered. “That you’re in love, so I should just bless your union?” “No, that’s not it. Brooke and I…” “Your relationship means nothing to me.” I looked him in the eye. “But you betrayed me. I won’t forget that.” “Alex…” “And don’t call me Alex. We’re not close.” After work, I didn’t go home. Brooke called me over a dozen times, but I didn’t answer. Finally, she sent a text: “Alex, let’s talk. This isn’t as serious as you think.” Not as serious as I think? My wife cheating on me with my best friend isn’t serious? What *is* serious then? I texted back eight words: “Nothing to discuss. Prepare for divorce.” She immediately called. I hung up. She called again. I hung up again. Finally, I blocked her on SnapChat. The next morning, Brooke was waiting for me outside the office building. She had on a pristine full face of makeup and the Chanel coat I’d bought her. She looked truly miserable. “Alex, why aren’t you answering my calls?” “We’re married. Can’t we just talk things out?” Passersby and our coworkers were all staring. I didn’t want to make a spectacle right outside the office. “Follow me.” I led her to a nearby coffee shop. “Alright, what do you want to talk about?” “Alex, what happened yesterday was an accident.” Brooke reached for my hand. “Ryan had too much to drink, and so did I. We weren’t thinking clearly.” “It was a mistake, a moment of weakness. Don’t take it seriously.” I pulled my hand away. “A moment of weakness? A year-long moment of weakness?” She froze. “How… how did you know?” “Do you think I’m stupid, Brooke?” I looked at her. “Brooke, we’ve been married for three years, and you’ve been cheating for over a year.” “That means our *actual* marriage lasted less than two years.” “And in those less than two years, you never loved me anyway.” She tried to argue, but her mouth opened and closed, and nothing came out. Because I was speaking the truth. Our marriage was a mistake from the start. She pursued me in college, and I thought she liked me. After graduation, she wanted to get married, and I thought she loved me. But now I understood. All she wanted was a man who could provide a stable life. A man who was reliable, decent, and easy to control. And Ryan, he offered her passion and romance. Things I apparently couldn’t provide. “Alex, I admit I made a mistake.” “But we can still start over.” “I’ll change. I’ll cut off all contact with Ryan.” “We can live happily. We can just pretend nothing happened.” I laughed. Just pretend nothing happened? What does she think I am? A doormat? Her personal garbage disposal? To be thrown out and picked up whenever she pleased? “Brooke, do you really think that’s possible?” “Every night, I’ll lie in bed, wondering what you and he did on that bed.” “Every time I see you, I’ll remember that night’s scene.” “Do you really think I can live a normal life with you anymore?” Her face grew paler and paler. “So, what do you want?” “A divorce.” I said it so casually, as if discussing what to have for dinner. “We’ll sell the house, split the money evenly.” “Everything else will be divided too.” “From now on, we’ll be strangers.” Brooke jumped to her feet. “Alex Greene, don’t go too far!” “You bought the house, yes, but I’ve contributed for three years too!” “I did the laundry, cooked, cleaned the house – doesn’t that count for anything?” “And who do you think you’ll find better than me? Without me?” “Look at yourself, what else can you do besides make money?” “Boring, bland, emotionless. What woman would ever truly want you?” Her words were like daggers, piercing my heart. But I didn’t argue. Because she was right. I was boring, bland, and emotionless. That’s why she cheated. That’s why my best friend betrayed me. That’s why I felt like a joke. “You’re right.” I stood up. “Precisely because I’m like this, you should be relieved.” “Leaving me is your escape.” “You can go find those ‘interesting’ men, like Ryan.” “He’ll be leaving the company soon. You two can finally be together, happily ever after.” With that, I turned and walked out. “Alex!” She screamed my name from behind me. I didn’t look back. I knew what she wanted to say. Threats, pleas, or more insults. But it was all useless. My heart felt dead. Dead to her, dead to this marriage, dead to this so-called love. — PAYWALL —

Three days later, Mr. Davis called me. “Mr. Greene, the investigation results are in.” “However, this situation is quite complex. I recommend you come in.” I put down my work and went straight to the detective agency. Mr. Davis handed me a thick file. “Mr. Greene, are you prepared for what’s inside?” I nodded, opening the file. Inside was a thick stack of photos and documents. The first photo made me freeze. It was Brooke and Ryan at a hotel entrance, dated a year and a half ago. Which meant their relationship started even earlier than Ryan had admitted. I continued to flip through. Photos from every angle, every location, every time of day. Hotels, restaurants, cinemas, parks. They were dating, dining, watching movies like a normal couple. And me? I was at home, waiting for her, making her late-night snacks. “Mr. Greene, according to our investigation, your wife and Mr. Ryan’s relationship has indeed been ongoing for about a year and a half.” Mr. Davis pointed to the photos. “And judging by the frequency, they met more than three times a week.” “Sometimes during lunchtime on weekdays, sometimes in the evenings.” “Your wife often used working late as an excuse to meet him.” More than three times a week. That meant she spent more time with him than she did with me. I kept flipping through the photos. Suddenly, I saw a picture that filled me with absolute fury. It was taken the day after our wedding anniversary. I remembered I’d worked late that night, and Brooke said she was meeting up with girlfriends. But in the photo, she and Ryan were embracing and kissing at our favorite restaurant. She was wearing the necklace I’d given her, the dress I’d bought her. Using *my* money to go on dates with another man. “This isn’t even the worst of it.” Mr. Davis flipped to another page. “Look at this.” It was a stack of hotel receipts. Starting from a year and a half ago, there was one almost every month. The room fees were all paid with Brooke’s credit card. My secondary card, to be exact. Which meant she was using *my* money to book hotel rooms with another man. My hands started to tremble. Not from rage, but from a terrifying calmness after reaching the peak of fury. “Is there anything worse?” My voice sounded unnervingly steady. Mr. Davis hesitated. “There’s one more thing that might be a significant blow.” “Tell me.” “Based on our surveillance, your wife and Mr. Ryan have been looking at houses.” “More specifically, they were looking at houses… for their wedding.” I froze. “What do you mean?” “They plan to get married and are preparing a new home.” Mr. Davis handed me another document. “These are their house viewing records, and the real estate agent’s SnapChat messages.” “Your wife told the agent she would be divorcing soon and needed a new house for her wedding.” I read through the SnapChat messages. Brooke wrote that her husband was a boring man, incapable of anything but making money. She’d been waiting for the right moment to divorce. Now she’d finally found true love and was ready to start a new life. The agent even wished her happiness. “And this.” Mr. Davis handed me another printout. It was a screenshot of Brooke’s SnapChat conversation with her best friend. “‘I’m sick of Alex. All he cares about is work and money, no romance whatsoever. Ryan’s different; he knows how to enjoy life, how to treat a woman right. Now, every day I just look forward to seeing him. Being with Alex feels like visiting a graveyard.’ And then: ‘Once I get half the house and the savings, I’m telling Alex everything. He’s such an honest fool, he’ll definitely split everything with me.’” Reading that, I finally understood. This wasn’t just an affair; it was a conspiracy. She wanted to take our shared assets and start a new life with Ryan. And I? I was just a tool in her plan. A cash cow, a temporary placeholder. Once she’d squeezed all the value out of me, she’d kick me to the curb. “Mr. Greene, are you alright?” Mr. Davis asked, concerned. I shook my head. “I’m fine. I’m *great*.” I gathered all the documents and put them back in the file. “Mr. Davis, can these documents be used as evidence in court?” “Yes, they can. We have a professional notarization process.” “Then please arrange that.” I stood up. “Also, I have another request.” “Go ahead.” “Please investigate Ryan’s background, including his financial status, personal debts, and any professional misconduct.” “I want all the dirt on him.” Mr. Davis nodded. “Understood. That should take about a week.” After leaving the detective agency, I didn’t go straight back to the office. Instead, I went to a law firm. “Mr. Greene, based on the evidence you’ve provided, you have a significant advantage in this divorce case.” The lawyer said after reviewing the documents. “However, I advise you not to confront her immediately.” “First, secure your assets to prevent her from transferring them.” “Then, officially file for divorce.” I nodded. “Please help me with that.” “I want her to leave with absolutely nothing.” The lawyer paused. “Mr. Greene, according to family law, even in cases of infidelity, asset division won’t be drastically different…” “She used my money to book hotel rooms with another man. Does that count as misappropriation of marital assets?” I cut him off. “Furthermore, she was planning to transfer assets, and I have evidence of that.” The lawyer reviewed the documents again. “In that case, you can definitely secure more of your rights.” “I will devise a detailed strategy for you.” It was already afternoon when I returned to the office. Ryan saw me and immediately walked over. “Alex, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you all morning.” “Personal business.” I sat down and resumed my work. “Alex, about Brooke…” “I said, personal business.” I didn’t look up. “Also, you’ll be responsible for the project report next week.” “Huh? I thought we agreed you’d do it?” “Plans change.” I looked at him. “Your performance hasn’t been great lately. This will be good experience for you.” Ryan’s face clouded over. The project report was a thankless task, requiring extensive preparation and carrying significant responsibility. If anything went wrong, it would be his fault. “Alex, are you doing this on purpose?” He asked in a low voice. I stopped typing and looked at him. “Ryan, are you questioning my professional judgment?” “No, I just feel…” “Feel what? That because we’re friends, I should go easy on you?” I stood up, raising my voice slightly. Coworkers around us looked over. “Ryan, I’m going to say this again: in this company, I am your direct superior.” “You are simply to execute orders. You don’t have the right to negotiate.” “If you have an issue, you can complain to upper management.” Ryan’s face flushed crimson. He wanted to say something, but ultimately just nodded. “I understand, Mr. Greene.” Watching him fume, I felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. This was just the beginning. I was going to make them understand the cost of betraying me. And there would be more.

That weekend, I didn’t go home. Brooke had sent me countless messages, from apologies to pleas to threats. I didn’t reply to a single one. I stayed in my hotel room, organizing the information I’d gathered. The detective’s report, the lawyer’s litigation plan, and some insights I’d discovered myself. Brooke didn’t know it, but I knew far more about her and Ryan than they could ever imagine. For example, Ryan actually had another girlfriend, working in another city. They’d been dating for three years, and her family was pressing them to get married. But Ryan kept stalling, saying he was too busy with work. It was all because of Brooke. He was stringing two women along, enjoying Brooke’s company while maintaining his relationship with his girlfriend. A classic scumbag move. Another example: Ryan had recently lost a lot of money on the stock market. He’d secretly been taking cash advances on his credit cards to play the market and was now heavily in debt. His monthly salary wasn’t even enough to cover his credit card payments. He’d been frequently asking Brooke for money, claiming it was for investment projects. But Brooke didn’t know that the money she gave him was just going to fill the holes in his stock market losses. Also, Ryan actually had a terrible reputation at work. He often shirked responsibility, blaming others when problems arose. There were several times when projects went wrong, and I was the one who bailed him out. Coworkers were polite to him on the surface, but secretly, they all looked down on him. All this information, I’d observed and accumulated over the years. Before, I considered him a friend, so I tolerated it. Now, all of it became my weapon. My phone rang. It was Brooke. I hesitated for a moment, then answered. “Alex, you finally answered!” Her voice was choked with sobs. “Where have you been these past few days? I’ve been so worried about you.” “Worried about me?” I sneered. “Worried I’d die and you wouldn’t get your share of the assets?” “Alex, how can you say that to me?” “I genuinely care about you.” “I’ve been reflecting these past few days. I know I made a mistake.” “I’m willing to change. Can we please start over?” Her acting was still so good. If I hadn’t seen those SnapChat messages, I might have actually fallen for it. But now, I just felt sick to my stomach. “Brooke, do you really think we still have a chance?” “Of course, we do! We’re married. What challenge can’t we overcome?” “I’ve already made things clear with Ryan. We won’t see each other again.” “I’ll delete his contacts, change jobs, move – whatever you ask.” “Just please forgive me.” She spoke tearfully, and if I hadn’t seen the evidence with my own eyes, I really would have been moved. But now, I just felt nauseated. “Alright, I’ll give you a chance.” I intentionally softened my tone. “Really? Alex, I knew you loved me most!” “But I have a condition.” “What condition? Tell me, I’ll do anything.” “I want to see all your SnapChat messages with Ryan from the past year and a half.” The other end of the line went silent. “And all your hotel receipts, date photos, everything.” “If you truly want to start over, there should be no secrets.” “Alex, this…” “What? Can’t do it?” “It’s not that I can’t, it’s just that I don’t think it’s necessary…” “Then there’s nothing more to discuss.” I was about to hang up. “Wait!” She quickly called out to me. “I can show you, but you can’t get angry when you see them.” “I won’t get angry.” My voice was as calm as still water. “I just want the truth.” “Okay, I’ll come home tonight. We can talk things through properly.” I hung up the phone and sneered. Brooke thought she could still manipulate my emotions. She didn’t know that I was completely over her. Tonight, she would show me some “carefully selected” SnapChat messages. Deleting the most vicious ones, keeping some that looked “harmless.” Then she’d cry and say she was just misled by Ryan, and now she realizes her mistake. A classic cheater’s playbook. Too bad I’d already seen the full version. At 8 PM, I returned home. Brooke had cooked a table full of food, waiting for me. All my favorite dishes, the aroma filling the air. She was wearing loungewear, with light makeup, looking gentle and virtuous. In the past, I would have been touched by such warmth. Now, I just wanted to end this charade quickly. “Alex, you’re back.” She came forward, trying to hug me. I sidestepped her. “The documents?” Her smile faltered slightly. “Let’s eat first. The food’s getting cold.” “I’m not hungry. The documents?” I sat directly on the sofa. Brooke bit her lip, then pulled out her phone from her bag. “Alex, let me just say, these messages might make you uncomfortable…” “Hand it over.” I held out my hand. She handed me the phone, her voice trembling: “Don’t get too upset when you read them. A lot of those were just said in anger…” I took the phone and started scrolling through the messages. As expected, they had been filtered. All the vicious remarks were gone, leaving only phrases like “I’m so conflicted,” or “I feel terrible about Alex.” It made it seem like she was truly suffering from guilt and remorse over the affair. “That’s all?” I handed the phone back to her. “Yes, that’s all.” She watched my expression nervously. “Alex, you see? Even though I made a mistake, you’ve always been in my heart…” “Brooke.” I cut her off. “Do you really think I’m that easy to fool?” She froze. “What do you mean?” I pulled out my phone and displayed the SnapChat screenshots Mr. Davis had sent me. “Look at this.” The moment she saw the screenshot, her face went instantly white. It was the full, unedited SnapChat conversation between her and her best friend. Including the line where she said being with me felt “like visiting a graveyard.” “Alex, this… where did this come from?” “It doesn’t matter.” I put my phone away. “What matters is that you’re still lying to me, even now.” “I gave you a chance to be honest, and you chose to continue deceiving me.” “Alex, I can explain…” “No need to explain.” I stood up. “Brooke, we’re getting a divorce.” “Tomorrow, I’ll have my lawyer draw up the agreement.” “I want the house, I want the car, and I want the savings.” “You’ll leave with absolutely nothing.” Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Alex, have you gone crazy?” “Why should I leave with nothing?” “Because you cheated, and because you used our marital assets to book hotel rooms with another man.” I pulled out the hotel receipts. “These are all evidence, more than enough to make you lose in court.” Brooke stared at the records, her body beginning to tremble. “Alex, we were married. You can’t do this to me…” “Married?” I sneered. “Do spouses betray each other? Do spouses deceive each other?” “Brooke, you stopped treating me like a husband a long time ago.” “And now you’re remembering we were married?” She suddenly threw herself at my feet, clutching my legs. “Alex, I was wrong, I was truly wrong!” “Please give me another chance. I promise I’ll change!” “I’ll cut off all contact with Ryan, I’ll never see him again!” Watching her tear-streaked face, my heart remained utterly unmoved. How many times had she cried those same tears for Ryan? “Brooke, do you know what ‘too late’ means?” I crouched down, looking into her eyes. “It means it’s over.” “You missed your chance to be honest, and you missed your chance to apologize.” “Now, you don’t even have a chance to beg for mercy.” I stood up, dusting off my pants. “Think about it carefully. Either an amicable divorce agreement, or we’ll see each other in court.” “I’ll give you three days.” With that, I turned and walked out. “Alex Greene!” She screamed my name, utterly broken. “You heartless man!” “I gave you three years of my youth, and this is how you treat me?” “You’ll regret this! You definitely will!” I walked out of the house without looking back. Regret? My only regret was not seeing her true colors sooner.

Monday morning, my mood was surprisingly good. My colleagues sensed the change and asked if I had good news. I just smiled and didn’t explain. Ryan, on the other hand, looked preoccupied, stealing glances at me from time to time. Brooke must have told him about the divorce. At 10 AM, Ryan walked to my desk. “Alex, can we step out and talk?” “During work hours, if you have something to say, say it here.” I didn’t look up. “It’s… not very convenient.” He glanced at the surrounding colleagues. “Then there’s nothing to discuss.” I continued typing. “Alex!” He grew agitated, his voice rising. Everyone in the office looked over. “What is it, Ryan?” I looked up, feigning innocence. “Is there a problem?” He wanted to say something, but seeing so many eyes on him, he swallowed his words. “No… nothing.” “Then go back to work.” I lowered my head again. “Oh, and the project report I assigned you last week is due tomorrow.” “How’s it coming along?” Ryan’s face instantly went white. He’d been so wrapped up in Brooke’s affairs these past few days that he hadn’t focused on work at all. Not a single word of the project report was prepared. “I… I’m still organizing it…” “Oh, well, better get on it.” I checked my watch. “You have twenty-four hours. That should be enough time.” Ryan gritted his teeth and returned to his desk. I knew he hated me, but he didn’t dare act on it. At the company, I was his direct superior. Plus, he was guilty and didn’t want to escalate the situation. At lunch, Ryan followed me again. “Alex, please, let’s find somewhere to talk.” His voice was pleading. I looked at him, then nodded. “Fine. Conference room.” There were only two of us in the conference room. Ryan closed the door and turned to face me. “Alex, Brooke told me everything.” “Told you what?” “About the divorce.” He took a deep breath. “I know you hate me, but please don’t make things difficult for Brooke.” “She’s innocent. It’s all my fault.” I almost burst out laughing. Now he wanted to protect Brooke? “Ryan, do you really think you’re a knight in shining armor?” “No, I’m not. I just don’t want to see Brooke get hurt.” “Then why didn’t you think about hurting her family when you cheated?” I looked at him. “Or did you just assume I didn’t deserve consideration?” He froze, opening his mouth to speak but failing. “Let me tell you, what happens between me and Brooke has nothing to do with you.” I stood up. “You should be more concerned about yourself right now.” “Myself?” “Yes, yourself.” I looked at him, my eyes devoid of emotion. “Ryan, do you think betraying me comes without a price?” His expression changed. “Alex, what are you going to do?” “You’ll find out soon enough.” I patted his shoulder. “Oh, and don’t forget tomorrow’s report.” “Mess it up, and your quarterly performance bonus is gone.” With that, I pushed the door open, leaving Ryan alone in the conference room. At 3 PM, I received a call from my lawyer. “Mr. Greene, the asset protection measures are in place.” “All accounts under your wife’s name have been frozen.” “Additionally, a mortgage has been registered on the property deed, preventing her from disposing of it privately.” These were measures to prevent Brooke from transferring assets. Though aggressive, they were highly effective. “She should have received the notification by now,” the lawyer continued. “I expect she’ll contact you very soon.” Indeed, less than half an hour later, Brooke called. “Alex Greene, what the hell are you trying to do?” Her voice was furious. “Why did you freeze my accounts? Why can’t I withdraw any money?” “Because half of that money is mine.” I said calmly. “You have no right to dispose of marital assets before the divorce agreement is signed.” “You’re insane! How am I supposed to live?” “That’s not my problem.” “Alex Greene! You’re going too far!” “I’m going too far?” I sneered. “Brooke, when you were using my money to book hotel rooms with another man, did you think that was ‘too far’?” “When you were planning to take half my assets and marry someone else, did you think that was ‘too far’?” The other end of the line went silent. “I… I wasn’t planning to marry anyone else…” “No? Then what about that condo in [upscale neighborhood] you and Ryan were looking at?” She was utterly speechless. “Brooke, you still have two days left of the three-day deadline I gave you.” “Let me know your decision.” I hung up. My phone immediately rang again. It was Ryan. “Alex, listen to me…” I hung up directly. He called again, and I hung up again. Finally, I turned off my phone. The next morning, Ryan, as expected, hadn’t prepared the project report. “Ryan, where are the documents?” I asked him in the conference room. “I’m sorry, Mr. Greene, I… I was last night…” “Last night what?” “I… I wasn’t feeling well…” “So, being ‘unwell’ means you’re exempt from your responsibilities?” I looked at the other colleagues present. “Colleagues, do you think feeling unwell is an excuse for not completing your work?” Everyone shook their heads. In this situation, no one would stand up for Ryan. “Ryan, as a core member of this project team, you failed to complete the report on time.” “This will affect the entire project’s progress.” “I am officially issuing you a warning.” “Any similar occurrences will result in further disciplinary action.” Ryan’s face flushed crimson, but he didn’t dare argue. Because I was speaking the truth. He simply hadn’t done his job. After the meeting, Ryan followed me. “Alex, you’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” “Doing what on purpose?” “You’re deliberately messing with me! Because of Brooke!” I stopped and looked at him. “Ryan, are you suffering from delusions of persecution?” “What do you mean, I’m deliberately messing with you?” “The report was assigned a week ago. This is normal work procedure.” “You failed to complete it, and I’m giving you a warning. This is normal management procedure.” “Where exactly is the problem?” He tried to argue, but couldn’t find a reason. Because procedurally, I had done nothing wrong. “Also, from now on, do not discuss personal matters in the office.” I continued. “This is a workplace, not your private chat room.” “If it happens again, I’ll consider reassigning your duties.” With that, I turned and walked away. Ryan stood rooted to the spot, his fists clenched at his sides. But he didn’t dare act on his anger. Because he was guilty, and he knew it. More importantly, he was now a fish on a chopping block, completely at my mercy. In the afternoon, Brooke called me again. “Alex, let’s meet.” Her voice sounded utterly drained. “I’ve thought it through. I agree to the divorce settlement.” “Good. Tomorrow at 3 PM, at the lawyer’s office.” “No, Alex, I mean…” “Mean what?” “I agree to the divorce, but the asset division…” “Fifty-fifty.” I cut her off. “Brooke, you have no room for negotiation.” “Either accept, or we’ll see each other in court.” “But…” “No buts.” I hung up. Ten minutes later, Ryan stormed to my office desk. “Alex Greene, you can’t do this to Brooke!” The office instantly fell silent. Everyone stared at us. I slowly looked up at him. “Ryan, I warned you not to discuss personal matters in the office.” “I don’t care what’s private or not private! You’re just getting revenge!” His voice was loud enough for the entire floor to hear. “You’re abusing your power to get back at me, and you’re making Brooke leave with nothing!” “What’s the point of this?” People in the office started whispering. Though they didn’t know the exact details, they all guessed the general situation. I stood up, my voice calm: “Ryan, you are shouting loudly in the workplace, disrupting your colleagues’ work.” “You are suspended, effective immediately.” “What?” “Pack your things immediately and leave the company.” “Await further notice from HR.” Ryan froze. He hadn’t expected me to suspend him outright. “Alex Greene, you can’t do this!” “I can. Because I am your direct superior.” I looked at him. “And your behavior just now constitutes serious misconduct.” “Security!” I called out to the door. Two security guards walked in. “Please escort this gentleman out.” Ryan looked at me, his eyes filled with rage and resentment. But in the end, he could only slunk out of the company, humiliated, under the gaze of everyone. Watching him walk away, I felt no guilt whatsoever. This was the price of betraying me. And this was just the beginning.

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I worked my butt off at the company for three years. But my boss, to pave the way for his son, told me to pack my things and go home. My girlfriend of five years also got together with the boss’s son at that very time. They all thought I was just an ordinary guy grinding away. When I showed up in front of them again, I pulled out a rental contract: “Mr. Henderson, it’s time to pay next quarter’s rent. Otherwise, I’ll have to send someone to change the locks!” When I was delivering some documents to the boss, I accidentally caught my girlfriend of five years passionately kissing Brandon Henderson, the intern, in the stairwell. After work, I went home, intending to confront Chloe, but she never came back. I clicked on her SnapChat story, updated half an hour ago: In the video, she was wearing a sexy slip dress, dancing intimately with Brandon, her arms wrapped around him. They both wore matching couple rings on their index fingers. I stared at the video for a long time, a heavy feeling in my chest. Truth be told, Chloe’s change of heart had been brewing for a while. Three months ago, when the boss publicly announced that Brandon was his only son, the way she looked at Brandon had completely shifted. From then on, she became increasingly impatient with me. She, who used to love sleeping in, started waking up early every day, meticulously getting ready before heading out. At work, she’d always gravitate towards Brandon, chatting him up. Whatever Brandon said, it always left her cheeks flushed. Not only that, last week, when I had a high fever and was on an IV drip in the hospital, Chloe abandoned me there to go watch a movie with Brandon. It wasn’t that I hadn’t thought about breaking up. But the thought of our five years together always made me hesitant to let go. Yet, my repeated tolerance and concessions only made her even more blatant. This time, I felt completely fed up! She finally stumbled in at dawn, completely wasted. The moment she walked in, she, as usual, demanded I draw her a bath. I didn’t move, just stared at her with cold eyes. “I saw you kissing Brandon in the stairwell today.” She shrugged, completely unconcerned. “So what if you did? Not only did Brandon and I kiss, we booked a hotel room too!” “Brandon is our boss’s son! Look at you, three years at the company, and you’re still just a team leader. Your family isn’t well off, and you don’t even try hard. You’re such a loser!” I clenched my fist but quickly loosened it. Actually, I had planned to take her home to meet my parents after this busy period and casually tell her that I was a landlord with a massive portfolio, and even this very office building belonged to my family. But now, the last flicker of hope I had for her was extinguished! “Let’s break up,” I said flatly. Perhaps she hadn’t expected me to be the one to suggest breaking up, as her drunkenness seemed to fade a little. She shrieked, “How dare you break up with me? If anyone’s breaking up, it’s me!” “Hmph, people always strive for better opportunities, you know? If you’re not ambitious, you can’t blame me. Goodbye, loser!” With that, she grabbed her bag and stormed out, slamming the door behind her. The next day, as soon as I arrived at the company, I received a notice that my team leader position had been revoked. My colleagues around me looked at me with pity. Mark, a former team member, whispered, trying to stand up for me, “Alex, you’re so capable and responsible, why would the company demote you?” I frowned, a little puzzled myself. I had joined this company right after graduation, working diligently for three years, securing several major projects for them. You could say I contributed a significant part to the company’s current success. It wasn’t enough that they didn’t promote me or give me a raise; they were actively trying to suppress me. Others might tolerate it, but not me!

I went to HR. Ms. Jenkins, who handled personnel transfers, and I had a good relationship. She pulled me aside and whispered, “I only got the boss’s notice this morning, Alex. Tell me, did you offend someone…?” I narrowed my eyes. If I had offended anyone, it could only be… “Ms. Jenkins, who’s the new team leader?” She gave me a helpless look. “Brandon Henderson, officially promoted today.” I wasn’t surprised by this news at all. The boss was using me as a stepping stone for his son! The day Brandon started at the company, the boss himself brought him in, making a big fuss. The boss had said then that I was an excellent employee and he wanted me to mentor Brandon. Out of respect for the boss, I had no choice but to reluctantly agree. But I never expected this pampered heir to prop his legs on the desk, not only ordering other colleagues to run errands for him but also telling me to make him coffee. It would be one thing if he were capable. But the truth was, he couldn’t even get into college. His dad spent a fortune sending him overseas to get a fancy degree, turning him into a “returned overseas student.” These past three months, Brandon not only botched his own work but also loved passing the buck and making a mess, making my other team members suffer terribly. To reduce rework costs and overtime, I could only let him sit aside and watch shows or play games. Because of this, I figured this spoiled brat probably held a grudge against me. I refused to accept this “connections over competence” workplace principle. Ignoring Ms. Jenkins’s pleas, I strode towards the boss’s office. What’s the worst that could happen? I could just go back and help my dad collect rent! Robert Henderson, the boss, saw me barge in without knocking and had a knowing look. He smiled and told his secretary to pour me a glass of water, then began his routine of making grand promises and gaslighting. “Alex, you’ve been with the company for three years now, haven’t you? I’ve seen all your contributions to the company during these years.” I nodded and, without hesitation, listed every single contribution I’d made to the company over the past three years. Robert Henderson’s smile faded a bit. He took a sip of tea and said, “Young people should be more modest.” “It’s true these projects were under your responsibility, but for them to be successful, our partners looked at the company’s strength, not just you personally.” “Otherwise, why would they sign with you alone?” “The company decided to remove you from your team leader position because we hope you can take some time to reflect and grow. Once you make another outstanding contribution to the company, we will certainly promote you again.” “By then, you might not just be a mere team leader!” I chuckled sarcastically. “Boss, stop trying to sell me a pipe dream. I’m not an idiot!” “You can revoke my position, I have no problem with that. But why make Brandon the team leader? Is it just because he’s your own son?” Before, I thought even if Brandon’s work ability was poor, he had at least spent three years abroad, so his English should be decent. So I gave him a document and asked him to translate it. The rich kid, however, directly translated the document using Hanyu Pinyin, and even then, most of the pinyin was wrong. Robert Henderson sneered. “This is my company. It’s not a junior employee like you who gets to tell me what to do!” “Brandon is my son. If I don’t look out for him, should I look out for a broke person like you instead?” “Forget a team leader position; in the future, Brandon will be sitting in my chair. You’ll have to respectfully call him ‘Boss’ then!” Seeing him so unable to distinguish right from wrong and practicing such blatant nepotism, I only felt regret for the three wasted years and effort. “Boss, are you sure your son can handle being a team leader? Aren’t you afraid that the company you’ve worked so hard to build will be ruined in his hands?” Robert Henderson chuckled. “I’ve already thought about that. Brandon is the team leader, but until he’s fully competent, the day-to-day work of the team leader will still be your responsibility.” “Oh, and your salary, starting this month, will be paid at a regular employee’s rate.” “It’s good for young people to experience some hardship. There are only benefits, no downsides!” Oh, screw that! I suppressed my anger, barely stopping myself from cursing aloud. “Whoever wants this job can have it. I’m out!” Seeing me being so disrespectful, he slammed his teacup onto the table. “Alex Miller, you’d better think this through. Don’t make a decision you’ll regret in a moment of impulse.” “I’ve been in this business for decades. Though I’m not the best, I do wield some influence.” Facing Robert Henderson’s naked threat, I took off my ID badge and threw it in front of him. Then I slammed the door and left.

Back at my desk, most of my colleagues were sizing me up with a look of eager anticipation, like they were watching a show unfold. Only Mark and a few other team members gathered around me: “No way, Alex, you’re really abandoning us and leaving!” “It’s over, my future is looking bleak!” “Alex, what will I do without you!” I let out a soft laugh, telling them to relax. “Cheer up, guys. Greatness awaits you!” “But if you can’t stand it here, you’re welcome to come find me anytime. I’ve got your backs!” My dad’s little startup, which he started just for fun, should have no problem hiring a few more people. “Alex, could you be some kind of secret billionaire heir?!” Before I could answer, Chloe’s mocking voice came from behind me. “A secret billionaire heir? Is he daydreaming?!” “He better wake up fast. He’s about to be an unemployed bum. He should be thinking about how to feed himself!” I turned around and saw Chloe, arm-in-arm with Brandon, looking at me smugly. Brandon wore a fake smile. “Chloe, don’t say that. Alex must be feeling pretty down about losing his job. Besides, everyone needs dreams, right? What’s the difference between a person without dreams and a total slacker?” “A slacker? I think he’s a total noob, both pathetic and useless!” A burst of laughter erupted in the office. Mark couldn’t stand it and wanted to speak up for me, but I stopped him. My gaze was cold as I looked at Chloe. “Chloe, we were together for five years. I thought even if we broke up, we’d maintain some dignity. How can you be so sure Brandon will help you marry into wealth and become a socialite?” Chloe snorted. “Brandon can’t do it? And you can? I know my leaving makes you feel sour, but it’s your fault you can’t compare to Brandon in anything. You could work your whole life and still not afford one of Brandon’s cars!” Many colleagues eager to suck up to Brandon immediately chimed in. “Exactly! Young Master Brandon is the Crown Prince of our company. He’s not someone just anybody can compare to!” “These days, so many people resent the wealthy!” … Brandon, flattered, started getting a bit full of himself. “Crown Prince? Oh, no, just treat me like a regular colleague!” These people really just started spouting nonsense, not even caring if they made themselves sick. Seeing that I didn’t say anything more, Brandon thought I was speechless and became even more smug. Just then, Robert Henderson walked out. He glanced at me, then said, “Everyone, prepare for the meeting. As for non-essential personnel, please leave the company as soon as possible!” I rolled my eyes internally. He really thought I enjoyed staying here, listening to their meaningless meetings that only served to assert the boss’s dominance! I don’t know if it was intentional for me to hear, but Robert Henderson actually used a microphone. His booming voice carried through the glass doors of the conference room: “I know you young people today are ambitious and hot-headed. You achieve a little success and become arrogant, disrespecting your boss.” “Here, I advise such people to recognize their place. If you’re really so capable, go start your own company and be the boss. But if you don’t have that ability, no matter how big your temper, you’d better suppress it. Otherwise, like some people, pack your things and get out! The company doesn’t need such troublemakers!” “Regarding the removal of Alex Miller from his team leader position, it wasn’t nepotism on my part. I made this decision after extensive investigation. The investigation showed Alex Miller’s work attitude was lax, always leaving right at closing time!” “I run a company to make money, not to do charity. Right now, we’re only doing the infamous 996 (9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week). Do you know many companies out there have already started implementing the extreme 001 (midnight to midnight, one day off a week) work system?! You should be grateful how humane our company is!” Listening to Robert Henderson simultaneously attack me and gaslight everyone outside, I was so shocked I nearly dropped the cup of water in my hand. Chloe, of all people, was leading the applause. “The boss is so right!” Amidst the sparse applause, I gathered my things and walked out of the company. Before I left, I received a mocking SnapChat message from Chloe: [Brandon said if you really can’t find a job, you can come work as his driver!]

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On the first day of university, I, Skylar, enthusiastically helped a lost freshman find his way. He turned, a shy smile gracing his lips. “Thanks, senior… no, wait. It should be, ‘my future wife,’ right?” I stared at him, sure I’d just encountered a lunatic. Without a word, I turned and walked away. But the very next day, during club recruitment, that guy waltzed right into the literature club I was in, clutching a tattered ‘love journal’ and dogging my every step. My clubmates teased, saying his gaze clung to me like glue, demanding I take responsibility for his ‘pure, youthful affections.’ I just figured he was some weirdo taking role-play way too seriously, so I brushed it off. Three months later, at a club mixer, we played Truth or Dare. He lost a round and was dared to call the person he most wanted to marry. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, my phone rang. He then pulled out a stack of photos and slapped them onto the table – all pictures of me from years ago, some I’d never even seen! “Sweetheart,” his eyes gleamed with a terrifying intensity, “just admit it. We’re meant to be together.” My crush’s face went from pale to beet red in an instant. He stormed off, and later, I got a three-word text: “Good luck to you.” Eventually, pressured by his ‘evidence’ and everyone around me, I started dating him. The morning we were supposed to get married, he looked at me and said, calmly, word for word: “No matter what happens, you are my wife. You can’t escape my grasp.” The moment he finished speaking, he suddenly collapsed to the ground and never got back up. The autopsy showed nothing unusual. I was a widow overnight, and instantly branded as cursed, a ‘black widow’ who brought death to her husband! When I opened my eyes again, I found myself reborn. Reborn to the first day of university, the exact moment I first encountered him at the crossroads, asking for directions. 1 There he was, Landon, in his gold-rimmed glasses, looking perfectly innocent, yet somehow sinister, standing awkwardly in front of me, clutching a crumpled campus map. “Senior?” His voice was clear, tinged with just the right amount of embarrassment. “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the Maple Grove dorms? I think I’m lost.” It was that exact same line, not a single word different! I stared hard at him, trying to find a crack in his perfectly harmless facade. He seemed to get a little flustered under my gaze, his ear tips flushed faintly, and he instinctively pushed up his glasses. “Senior?” My roommate, Chloe, nudged me with her elbow. “Skylar, what are you gawking at? The freshman’s asking for directions. Try to act like an upperclassman, okay?” I snapped back to reality. I looked around – the familiar crossroads, the bustling crowd of freshmen and their parents. No. Something was off. I immediately noticed a detail I’d missed in my previous life. There were clearly multiple signs pointing to the dorms; you’d have to be blind to miss them. And with so many upperclassmen volunteers in their vests around, he’d deliberately bypassed everyone, zeroing in precisely on me as I passed by. I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to just slap him. “Senior, is this a bad time?” He lowered his eyes slightly, his voice filled with pitiful disappointment. “‘Oh, come on, Skylar, look how you’ve scared the poor freshman!’ Chloe blabbered on. ‘It’s just giving directions, it’s not like it’ll kill you!’” “Yeah, it’s just a small favor,” a passerby chimed in. I closed my eyes. It was exactly like this last time. My resolve crumbled, and I ended up leading him there. Not this time. Not in this new life. I’d rather die than let that guy get his hooks into me again! I plastered on a fake smile. “Oh, freshman, what terrible luck! I’m in a huge hurry to pick up a package at the campus gate, super urgent! Look over there, so many volunteer seniors. Any one of them knows their way around better than me!” I pointed towards a group of people in red vests not far away. Landon glanced in the direction I pointed, then slowly turned his head back, his eyes terrifyingly stubborn. “But senior, I only want to ask you.” “I really don’t have time!” My voice turned cold, and I started to walk away. But Chloe grabbed my backpack strap. “Skylar, when are you ever busy? It’s his first day here, what’s wrong with helping him out?” Landon took a small step forward, lowering his voice so only I could hear. “Senior, are you avoiding me?” My heart skipped a beat, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Avoiding you? Why would I? I don’t even know you!” “But I feel like…” he murmured softly, “we’ve known each other for a very long time.” With people around us starting to look curiously, and Chloe still fanning the flames, a sudden surge of desperate fury flooded my mind. I clutched my stomach, my face instantly draining of color, and let out a weak groan. “Ow! My stomach! It’s so painful, must be acute gastroenteritis! I can’t, I can’t, I need to get to the campus clinic NOW!” With that, I sagged against Chloe, my acting skills Oscar-worthy. “Quick! Help me! I’m dying, I’m dying!” Chloe gasped, startled, and quickly propped me up. “Holy crap, Skylar, what’s wrong with you? What did you eat this morning?” I subtly pinched her arm, glaring at her to shut up and get moving. Chloe half-carried me, frantically rushing towards the campus clinic. Leaning weakly on Chloe’s shoulder, I turned back to Landon, who was still frozen in place, and managed a guilt-ridden smile. “Sorry, freshman, I’ll definitely help you next time…” Then I urged Chloe to run faster. After running a long way and turning a corner, confirming that he hadn’t followed, I instantly recovered and stood up straight. “Holy crap, Skylar, you just pulled a fast one on me!” Chloe shrieked, startled. “You tricked me?” “Tricked you my ass! That guy’s bad news!” I patted my chest, still shaken. “Stay away from him from now on!” 2 Relieved to have escaped Landon, I let out a long breath, practically sprinted back to my dorm, locked the door, my heart still pounding. No, just hiding wasn’t enough. My experience from my previous life taught me this guy was insidious. This university wasn’t that big; he’d find plenty of ways to corner me. I had to cut him off permanently! I immediately pulled out my phone and frantically logged into the university club portal. First, I quit the Literature Club! That’s where he latched onto me last time! Then, I Snapchatted my best friend, Brooke, who was practically the campus’s resident gossip queen: “Brooke! Emergency intel! There’s a freshman named Landon this year, guy, glasses, white shirt, looks perfectly respectable but is probably insane! Help me spread the word: he has severe delusions, avoid at all costs!” Brooke replied with a string of question marks: “? Skylar, what’s gotten into you? Did you fall for him, or did he harass you?” “Don’t ask! Just do it! Bubble tea’s on me later!” After handling that, I felt a little more at ease. Now, with that major point of contact cut off and his reputation ruined, he surely wouldn’t have a chance to get near me, right? To be safe, I even adjusted my usual classrooms, dining halls, and the floors I frequented in the library, trying to disrupt all my routines. Everything was set. I collapsed onto my bed, feeling reborn. That evening, I nervously checked my social media feed and the class group chat. All quiet. Brooke did send me a message: “I asked around. No one named Landon among the freshmen who reported today. Are you sure about the name? Or maybe he’s from a different faculty?” My heart sank. No such person? How was that possible? Last time, he was in the same faculty but a different department! A cold dread seeped into my heart. But I forced myself to calm down. No trace of him? Even better! Maybe my rebirth had created a butterfly effect. My mood soared, and I even started humming a tune, about to put on a face mask to celebrate. Just then, my phone rang. It was Asher, my childhood sweetheart and long-time crush. A thrill shot through me. I quickly answered, my voice immediately took on a slightly flirty tone. “Hey, Asher?” But Asher’s voice on the other end was ice-cold. “Skylar, what the hell is going on?” I was confused. “Huh? What do you mean?” “That guy, Landon, what about him?” His voice was tight with suppressed fury. “How long has this been going on between you two?” My head started buzzing. “What do you mean, how long? Asher, please explain! I have absolutely nothing to do with him!” “Nothing?” Asher sneered. “Nothing, yet he’s carrying a phone charm exactly like yours, claiming it’s a love token from you? Nothing, yet he knows your home address, your birthday, or even that mole on your butt?!” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning, my entire body turning ice-cold, the phone nearly slipping from my grasp. “He… he’s where right now?!” My voice was trembling. “Right next to me.” Asher’s voice was hard. “He says he wants to compete fairly.” The phone seemed to be handed to someone else on the other end. Then Landon’s voice, that damned, persistent voice, came through the receiver, laced with a smile that sent shivers down my spine: “Sweetheart, is hide-and-seek fun?” “I found you.” 3 “Whose damn wife?! And what the hell is with your stupid love token?! How the hell do you know about the mole on my butt?! You’re a stalker! A sick, twisted pervert!” I was so furious I screamed obscenities into the phone. There was a moment of silence on the other end, then Landon’s soft chuckle. “Sweetheart, don’t be mad. All these things… you’ll tell me eventually, of course.” “Eventually, my ass! There is no eventually! If you harass me or anyone connected to me again, I’m calling the police and pressing charges for sexual harassment, defamation, and stalking!” I was shaking with rage. “Calling the police?” Landon chuckled softly, his tone surprisingly innocent. “But I’m telling the truth. Sweetheart, you just forgot, that’s all.” Forgot, my butt! I slammed the phone down, my fingers trembling. This was too bizarre! That phone charm arrived yesterday, and I’d just put it on today! How could he have an identical one?! My home address? My birthday? He might be able to dig up that information with some effort… But the mole on my butt? How the hell could he know that?! Even my parents might not remember! Unless he’d actually seen it… or… Could what he said about the future be true? No way! He had to be a pervert! A stalker! A voyeur! I immediately dug out the campus security number I had saved and dialed it, incoherently reporting that a freshman was stalking and harassing me. Campus security was surprisingly polite; they took down the information and said they’d investigate. No sooner had I hung up than my SnapChat blew up. First, Asher sent a message: “Skylar, I need an explanation.” After that, no matter how many messages or calls I sent, he didn’t reply, clearly furious. Then Brooke’s video call popped up: “Holy crap, Skylar! Huge news! Some super hot freshman just blocked Asher downstairs at the guys’ dorms and declared war, saying he was going to pursue you! He even had a phone charm just like yours! What’s going on with you? Has your secret relationship been exposed?” Immediately after, several classmates I barely even talked to started sending messages, their tones full of gossip and disbelief. “Skylar, good for you! Didn’t expect you to snag a toy boy!” “That freshman’s bold, calling you ‘sweetheart’ already? Playing a dangerous game.” “When are you buying us dinner?” My scalp crawled as I read the messages. That bastard was doing this on purpose! He wanted to ruin my reputation, to isolate me until I had no one left! I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. Since he knew all this private information, he’d been investigating or stalking me for more than a day or two. Hiding and yelling wouldn’t work. I needed solid evidence. I tapped on Landon’s blank SnapChat profile picture, gritted my teeth, and sent a friend request. It was accepted almost instantly. The next second, a picture was sent over. I clicked on it, and my pupils constricted. It was a photo, the background clearly my old bedroom desk back home! Spread open on it was my high school diary! My name and class were clearly visible! And the angle of the photo… it looked like someone had taken it while standing in my room! But I boarded at school in high school; I only stayed in that room during summer and winter breaks! And our front door was always securely locked! [Sweetheart, remembering anything? ^_^] My fingers were ice cold as I typed my reply: [How the hell did you get into my house?!] [Didn’t you open the door for me? Last summer, around 3 PM on August 17th, you said no one was home and invited me up. You even poured me an iced soda. Sweetheart, did you forget?] Bullshit! Last summer, on August 17th, I was working a summer job in the provincial capital! I wasn’t even back home! My back was instantly drenched in cold sweat. This person… he was terrifying. He wasn’t just spying on my present; he was fabricating my past! Just as I was utterly paralyzed with fear and confusion, a knock suddenly rattled my dorm room door. “Who… who is it?” My voice was trembling. The dorm supervisor’s voice came from outside. “Skylar? Someone’s downstairs looking for you, says he’s your boyfriend, bringing you some late-night snack.” I rushed to the balcony and looked down. Landon was indeed downstairs, holding a plastic bag, looking up at my window. He saw me, smiled, waved, and silently mouthed a few words: “Sweetheart! I’m waiting for you!” 4 I yanked my head back inside, my heart hammering against my ribs, threatening to burst out of my chest. “Auntie! I don’t know him! He’s a perverted stalker! Tell him to leave! Or I’m calling the police!” I shouted through the door to the dorm supervisor, my voice an unrecognizable tremble. The dorm supervisor seemed startled by my outburst, muttering, “What on earth…?” as her footsteps faded. I slumped to the floor, my hands and feet icy cold. No, this couldn’t go on. This maniac would stop at nothing; my life was completely messed up. Call the police? Yes! The police! Campus security might have dismissed it as a student dispute, but now he was harassing me right at the dorm! And it looked like illegal entry into a private residence! My trembling fingers pressed 91

The call connected, and I tried my best to stay calm, clearly stating the situation: I was being stalked and harassed by an unknown male, who knew a disturbing amount of my private information, had allegedly broken into my home, and was currently downstairs at my dorm. The dispatcher took down the information and said they would send officers. The ten-odd minutes waiting for the police felt like an eternity. I didn’t dare look downstairs again. I triple-locked the door and sat behind it, hugging my knees. My phone screen lit up. It was a message from Landon. [Sweetheart, the police will be here soon. Do you need me to help you remember what to tell them?] How could he know that?! [For example, you can tell them we’re just having a lovers’ quarrel, and I’m trying to cheer you up. ^_^] [Or, tell them you have mild delusions and memory impairment, that you often forget our relationship, and even call the police on me.] Do you need me to provide past medical records? I just Photoshopped them; they’re fresh off the press. Attached was an image: a template of an electronic diagnostic report! The patient’s name was mine! Diagnosis: intermittent memory loss and delusional attachment! I felt my vision blacken with fury, my typing hand shaking. [What the hell do you want?!] [It’s simple. Sweetheart, come downstairs, and come home with me.] Home? Which home? What insane nonsense was this lunatic talking about?! Just then, the faint wail of a police siren reached me from downstairs. Like grabbing a lifeline, I scrambled up and rushed to the balcony. A police car had indeed arrived, pulling up to the dorm entrance. Two officers got out and were talking to the dorm supervisor and Landon. Landon had his back to me, so I couldn’t see his expression, but he seemed very cooperative, even offering the late-night snack he was holding to the officers. I held my breath, eagerly anticipating the police arresting this pervert. However, a few minutes later, the officers actually patted Landon’s shoulder, then turned and walked away! They left?! I was dumbfounded. The next second, my phone rang. It was an unknown number. My hand trembled as I answered. “Is this Skylar?” It was the voice of one of the officers. “We’ve looked into the situation. The student downstairs, Landon, he showed us some… um… rather intimate photos of you two, and a gift you allegedly gave him. He says you’re just having a little disagreement…” “That’s fake! It’s all fake! I don’t know him at all! He’s stalking me! Harassing me!” I cried out desperately. The officer’s tone was a little awkward. “Skylar, we can’t really get involved in relationship disputes. And Landon was very cooperative, and he promised he wouldn’t do anything drastic. Look… why don’t you two just talk it out? You’re both college students…” Communicate, my ass! I slammed the phone down, despair instantly engulfing me. Even the police couldn’t do anything about him? Just how thoroughly had he prepared his ‘evidence’?! Downstairs, Landon looked up at my window again. He pulled out his phone. My SnapChat immediately pinged. [Sweetheart, can you come down now?] [Or would you rather I come up to you? I know your dorm room number. ^_^] 5 I stared at the message, frozen solid. He knew my dorm room number? Our university dorms were quite strict; guys weren’t allowed into the girls’ building!

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After my best friend and I died, we both simultaneously reincarnated as the unborn fetuses in my mother-in-law Eleanor’s womb. At that moment, the original fetus in her belly had already stopped beating due to a fall. Just as Mom was heartbroken and about to undergo an induced abortion, my best friend and I quickly intervened. 【No, Mom! If you have an abortion now, you’ll just be handing an opportunity to your husband’s old flame’s daughter!】 【Exactly! Don’t you dare go through with it! We’re both alive and well in here!】 Mom, who was just about to sign the consent form, froze. I quickly wiggled inside her belly, revealing a secret only we knew. 【It’s me, Mom! Your daughter-in-law! You organized my funeral with your own hands, and secretly sent me so many gifts to take to the afterlife, remember?】 【To come back, we gave away everything we had in the afterlife! We’re still racking up spiritual debt for this!】 My best friend and I spoke one after another, terrified Mom would agree to the abortion. Mom, however, was stunned. She looked down at her belly, forcing a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. “I must be grief-stricken to the point of hearing things.” With that, she reached for the pen again. Panicked, I flipped over in her belly, making sure she felt a distinct kick. 【No, Mom! It really is me! I’m back to help you!】 【Yeah, yeah! If you die now, we’ll have to go back to suffering in the afterlife!】 Mom gasped, her mouth open, and whispered. “Is it really you? Sophia?” I nodded furiously inside her belly, forgetting she couldn’t see me. My best friend groaned at my clumsiness and quickly chimed in. 【And me, her best friend! You absolutely cannot go through with the abortion now, or you’ll just be handing everything over to your husband’s first love’s daughter on a silver platter!】 Seeing that Mom still didn’t understand, my best friend and I began to explain the whole story, back and forth. My death was orchestrated by Alex, all so he could be with his first love, Jessica. And my best friend… she was just an innocent casualty. Jessica wasn’t just Alex’s first love, the one he could never let go of. She was also the daughter of the woman my father-in-law, Richard, was completely obsessed with when he was younger! Richard and Alex not only knew about this, but they also planned for Mom to never have another child, so they could eventually bring Jessica into the family as their own, as if she were a daughter! By then, Mom would not only lose her fertility forever, but she’d also be unknowingly raising the child of her husband’s old flame! Mom listened to us, her face paling, and abruptly stood up: “So, all these years, Richard kept finding excuses to go abroad—it was all to see *that woman*!?” I clenched my tiny fists, responding furiously. 【Yes! He took Alex with him! They’ve been scheming against us for ages!】 【Mom, I spent a fortune in the afterlife to get us some serious powers, and I even managed to make us boys! We *have* to make those two despicable men pay for what they did!】 My best friend was seething with indignation. 【Not only that, Mom. You thought you just lost your footing and fell, right? No, they deliberately poured water there, setting a trap for you!】 Mom was absolutely livid, and my best friend and I immediately felt uncomfortable, quickly reassuring her. 【Mom, don’t get too angry too fast. You need to steady yourself first. That’s how we’ll get our revenge.】 After I finished, my best friend suddenly remembered something important and quickly spoke up. 【But before all that, could you please go and say some prayers for me? The afterlife… it’s expensive, Mom.】 Hearing us, Mom waved off the nurse and turned to leave.

She bought a large bouquet of fresh flowers and candles, then drove to a suburban cemetery. As she paid her respects, she couldn’t help but feel a wave of sadness: “To think you’re still worrying about survival on the other side… it breaks my heart.” I interrupted her somber thoughts: 【Please don’t be sad, Mom. We have important things to do later.】 【Exactly! The most crucial thing now is to get justice for us, and help you reclaim everything that’s rightfully yours.】 Just then, an unpleasant voice came from behind us: “Aunt Eleanor, what are you doing here, mourning that short-lived person?” Jessica, arm in arm with Alex, her tone dripping with impatience. “The doctor said the baby couldn’t be saved and you need an abortion immediately. Running off like this just makes everyone worry.” Alex stood beside her, his face grim. “Mom, don’t make a scene. Come back to the hospital with us.” Inside Mom’s belly, I was absolutely fuming. 【Pfft! Worry? They’re probably worried we’re not dead *enough*! Those despicable bastards!】 My best friend was just as enraged, grumbling. 【Are you hearing this? Is that how a human being talks? Your own mother disappears, and instead of asking if she’s safe, you immediately blame her—this son truly doesn’t deserve the way you raised him!】 Mom’s body visibly stiffened. She stared at Alex, her voice trembling slightly. “Alex, don’t you have anything else to say to your mother?” Alex avoided her gaze, his tone hardening. “What’s the point of saying any of that now? Getting back to the hospital and taking care of business is what’s most important.” Jessica quickly jumped in. “That’s right, Aunt Eleanor. Facing the pain now is better than letting it drag on. You take care of yourself, and maybe you’ll have another chance later.” Her words sounded like comfort, but every single one was a knife stabbing at Mom’s heart. 【Bullshit! She’s practically cursing you to never have children again!】 I wished I could jump out right then and kick her. Mom took a deep breath, her chest heaving. My best friend and I could both feel her sadness. “Fine, I’ll go back with you.” Mom suddenly became calm, even forcing a smile. 【You’re really going?!】 My best friend sounded panicked. I, however, understood Mom’s meaning. 【Yes! Why not? Just wait and see how Mom slaps them both in the face!】 Mom ignored the two of them, turning and walking away. Alex and Jessica exchanged glances, probably thinking Mom had finally accepted her fate, and hurried to follow her. Back at the hospital, the atmosphere was oppressive. Jessica acted like the lady of the house, ordering nurses around one moment, then “comforting” Mom the next. “Aunt Eleanor, don’t force yourself. It is what it is. The baby being gone is God’s will; you need to accept it.” Alex sat nearby on the couch, head down, playing on his phone, only occasionally echoing Jessica’s sentiments. “Mom, Jessica’s right. Just listen to the doctors.” Mom’s eyes were closed; she didn’t say a word. 【Oh my god, I can’t take this anymore! Has Alex completely lost his damn mind? What kind of dark magic has Jessica put him under?!】 My best friend was restless beside me. 【Calm down, wait for it. Wait for the doctor.】 Even though I was furious, I knew we had to keep our composure. Just as I was thinking this, the door opened, and the doctor who had recommended the abortion walked in. “Mrs. Richard, have you made a decision? If you’re ready, we’ll schedule the procedure.” Jessica immediately cut in. “Doctor, Aunt Eleanor has made up her mind! She agrees to the surgery! Please schedule it now!” Mom opened her eyes, her gaze sweeping over Alex and Jessica. “Who said I agreed? I want another check-up.” Alex shot up from his seat. “Mom! What are you doing? No matter how many times you check, the result will be the same!” Jessica pouted. “Aren’t you just making things difficult for the doctor? The sooner it’s done, the sooner you can relax.” “I want a check-up.” Mom repeated, her eyes fixed. The doctor, probably used to dealing with all sorts of distraught family members, simply nodded and agreed. Once in the ultrasound room, Jessica’s mouth didn’t stop, every word dripping with sarcasm. Alex remained silent, tacitly approving all of Jessica’s words and actions. But after a while, the doctor’s expression changed. He stared at the screen, letting out an incredulous gasp. “This… how is this possible? The heartbeats have returned, and they’re incredibly strong!” Alex and Jessica, hearing the commotion, rushed over. “Doctor, what did you say?” Alex looked utterly bewildered. “Impossible! You said the heartbeats had stopped!” Jessica shrieked. The doctor ignored them completely, his full attention on the screen. “Not just that! Mrs. Richard is carrying twins! Both boys, and they’re developing perfectly!” “Twins?! And boys?!”

Grandpa had arrived. He must have heard the news and rushed over, his face a mix of shock and uncertainty. 【Well, well, if it isn’t the old jerk himself!】 Max sneered. Alex and Jessica’s faces instantly turned deathly pale. Especially Jessica, her expression was like she’d seen a ghost. Grandpa practically lunged at the ultrasound screen, his breathing ragged. “Doctor, are you absolutely sure? It’s really two boys?” “Absolutely! Mr. Richard, look, both heartbeats are strong and clear.” The doctor pointed to the screen, explaining. Grandpa looked at Mom, his eyes incredibly complex. After a long moment, as if making a sudden, firm decision, he spoke to Alex in a gravelly voice. “From today on, your mother needs complete rest. Don’t you dare disturb her without reason!” Alex and Jessica were unceremoniously escorted out of the room by Grandpa. As Jessica was being led out, she struggled. “Uncle Richard, we were just worried about Aunt Eleanor…” Mom gently stroked her belly, a smile playing on her lips, tinged with sadness. 【Mom, don’t be sad over that ungrateful idiot!】 I quickly wiggled my tiny hands and feet inside her belly. 【Exactly!】 Max immediately chimed in, 【Don’t get upset and hurt yourself, or those two jerks will just be happy!】 Mom took a deep breath. Right, now wasn’t the time for sadness. Grandpa was incredibly efficient. That same afternoon, Mom was transferred to the top-floor VIP suite. She was even assigned a dedicated nurse and nutritionist. Mom lay on the soft hospital bed, her face expressionless. 【Finally, a break.】 I stretched my tiny limbs inside Mom’s belly. 【This place is way more comfortable. You need to take it easy, Mom.】 【Seriously, I was so stressed out earlier, terrified you’d actually sign that paper.】 Max shivered, still a bit shaken. Mom’s hand rested gently on her belly, her eyes slowly firming with determination. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone manipulate me again.” The next few days were calm. Grandpa visited Mom’s belly daily, asking the doctors about our condition, ensuring his two grandsons were well. His attitude towards Mom also softened considerably; he even proactively suggested getting her a more comfortable car. Mom simply responded faintly. She knew this newfound kindness was entirely dependent on the children in her belly, and therefore, incredibly fragile.

Days turned into weeks. Max and I tried to be as well-behaved as possible inside, and the pregnancy proceeded surprisingly smoothly. During this time, Alex tried to visit a few times, but was always turned away with the excuse that Mom needed undisturbed rest. Grandpa remained noncommittal; his entire focus was on his soon-to-be-born sons. Jessica had also quieted down, no longer showing up in person, but her petty actions never stopped. For example, rumors mysteriously circulated around the hospital about Mom being a “high-risk, older mother” and that “the babies might not be healthy.” Or, Grandpa would occasionally receive anonymous calls, subtly implying that Mom was emotionally unstable and unfit to raise children. But none of it could shake Grandpa’s deeply ingrained preference for male heirs. The Richards had plenty of money; as long as it wasn’t a serious illness, they wouldn’t care. Mom didn’t even bother investigating who was behind the sabotage; she simply quietly instructed her staff to gather evidence. Finally, the day of delivery arrived. Mom’s labor was astonishingly smooth. In less than ten minutes, Max and I arrived, one after another. When the doctor came out to announce the good news, Grandpa was so excited he nearly cried tears of joy, shaking the doctor’s hand repeatedly in gratitude. Mom was wheeled back to her room, exhausted but her eyes bright. The nurse held us both. “Mr. Richard, look, the elder young master’s eyes and brows are just like yours, and the younger young master looks so clever.” Grandpa leaned in to look, a continuous smile on his face. He examined us carefully, his eyes full of warmth. I mustered all my tiny strength and beamed a smile at Grandpa. Grandpa was immediately filled with surprise and joy. “He smiled! He smiled at me! This child, he’s destined to be close to me!” Max was not to be outdone, waving his little hand at Grandpa. Max and I took turns charming the old man, and we scored a ton of cash from him. This left Alex and Jessica absolutely furious. That night, the nursery door was gently pushed open. A shadowy figure crept in stealthily, heading straight for my incubator. 【Oh no! It must be Jessica, coming to do something to us!】 【It’s okay, watch this.】 Max said, and immediately began to cry loudly. Not wanting to be left behind, I also started wailing. The next second, the lights in the room flashed on. Mom and Grandpa burst in together. The nurse, caught red-handed, froze in place, her face as white as a sheet. “What are you trying to do to my grandson?!” Grandpa’s voice was trembling. The nurse collapsed to her knees, stammering incoherently. “I wasn’t trying to do anything, I was just looking at the babies…” “Looking at the babies requires sneaking around in the middle of the night?” Mom immediately put on a distraught act, clutching Grandpa’s hand. “Richard! Someone is trying to harm us! If we hadn’t found out, what would have happened to our babies?!” Grandpa was absolutely furious and immediately summoned the hospital administration. Under intense pressure, the nurse quickly confessed that she’d been instructed to ‘take the babies and make it look like an accident.’ As for the person who instructed her, she only said she was contacted via anonymous calls, received money, and didn’t know their specific identity. But everyone knew exactly who it was. After this incident, Grandpa’s security measures were elevated to the highest level. He personally selected trustworthy nannies and bodyguards, brought Mom and us back to the family estate, and strictly limited Alex and Jessica’s visits. Jessica clearly sensed the change in circumstances and temporarily chose to remain silent. But only a few days later, Alex and Jessica arrived uninvited. Jessica’s face was pale, her eyes swollen red. The moment she walked in, she dropped to her knees before Grandpa, startling everyone

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299215”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn