“Mr. Hayes, once you sign this adoption agreement, you’ll officially become Madam Kingston’s son. She has no direct heirs and is placing all her faith in you. Don’t disappoint her.” Mr. Peterson finished his instruction and handed me what I needed: proof of my faked death. It was a terminal illness diagnosis for stage three leukemia, stating the patient had only one month left to live. I nodded. “Please tell Madam Kingston that in one month, Asher Hayes will no longer exist. Only her son, Asher Kingston.” My car drove home, bathed in the lingering glow of the sunset. In the back seat, I watched out the window, a faint sadness hidden behind my handsome features. No one knew I had been reborn three days ago. ### In my past life, when I was seven, I was kidnapped and taken to a remote rural town. Devastated, my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, adopted Caleb, who was the same age as me. Ten years later, I was found, but my parents had already grown attached to their adopted son. They barely showed affection for their biological child. Fortunately, I was exceptionally capable. In five years, I successfully took Hayes Industries public, rocketing our family’s status in Montrose. However, shortly after, Caleb committed arson, injuring someone and facing a ten-year prison sentence. To protect him, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes actually knelt and begged me to take the fall. “Asher, you grew up in that remote town, you’re tough, you can handle hardship. Your brother isn’t like you; he’s been pampered his whole life. A place like prison… it would kill him.” My wife, Seraphina, swore to me again and again: “Asher, no matter what happens, Daisy and I will always love you. We’ll be here waiting for you to come home and reunite with us.” I endured ten years in prison. On the day of my release, my fellow inmates were picked up by their families one by one, but I waited from dawn till dusk. Not a single car from the Hayes or Davis families appeared. During my decade of imprisonment, Caleb stepped into my old position, becoming the acclaimed CEO. The woman who had solemnly promised to wait for my release married Caleb in my second year of prison, and my daughter started calling Caleb ‘Dad’. The truth turned my hair white overnight. At the end of my life, as I lay dying in a grimy alley, my daughter, Daisy Hayes, stepped out of a luxury car, clad in opulent clothes. She covered her nose and mouth, her face a mask of utter disgust. “Dad, why did you bring me here? I don’t want to see this homeless man.” Under a black umbrella, Mrs. and Mr. Hayes stood, arms linked with Caleb, their eyes cold: “How could we have raised a son like this? He’s completely shamed the Hayes family.” Seraphina stood the furthest away. When I shakily reached out to her, she turned her face away. I was reborn back to the year Caleb got into trouble. This time, I decided to abandon everyone first. The moment I opened the front door, I heard my daughter, Daisy, crying in the living room. “I don’t want Dad! I want Uncle Caleb! Uncle Caleb buys me toys and takes me for ice cream. Dad always forces me to do things I don’t like. I hate him!” Listening quietly, I bit my lower lip. A sharp pang pierced my chest. Daisy had a sensitive stomach, and even managing thousands of people at the company, I never forgot to make sure she ate properly. Unlike Caleb, who indulged her every whim, making them closer than a biological father and daughter. Years of care had only earned me my daughter’s hatred. Reborn, I decided I would no longer bother with her. I walked into the living room, not even glancing at Daisy, and calmly instructed the housekeeper: “Open the freezer. Bring all the ice cream. From now on, Miss Daisy can eat whatever she wants, do whatever she wants. No one is to stop her.” Daisy looked utterly disbelieving. “…Really?” “Really.” I looked at her, my eyes devoid of any warmth. “Don’t you want to see your Uncle Caleb? I’ll take you there later. You can stay at the old mansion for as long as you want this time.” Even if it was forever. Daisy cheered and immediately ran off to pack her little backpack. I glanced at the elegant and graceful Seraphina. This was the face that had once persuaded me to take the fall for Caleb. Now, knowing how truly cold-hearted she was, I only felt a dull emptiness. Seraphina shifted uncomfortably under my gaze, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. “You’re not yourself today. What happened?” I shrugged nonchalantly. “Nothing. I just realized I’m tired of living so exhaustingly.” I was about to fake my death and disappear from all records. The future of Hayes Industries would have nothing to do with me. As for Seraphina and Daisy, they would no longer be my wife and daughter. Why should I exert myself, only to do all the work for someone else’s gain? A slender hand rested on my shoulder. Seraphina squeezed my shoulder, her voice as melodious as a flowing stream. “Then when can you spend more time with Daisy and me? Asher, even if you stopped working, my assets are enough for you and Daisy to live comfortably for the rest of your lives. Why push yourself so hard?” My body stiffened. Remembering how she had tricked me into taking the blame in my past life, I pulled away from her embrace and stared at her intently for a long moment. Just as Seraphina grew uncomfortable, I suddenly smiled, as if the distant look in my eyes had been an illusion. “Come back to the old mansion with me. I have something to announce.” ###
The Hayes family’s old mansion. Daisy ran through the door and immediately threw herself into Caleb’s arms, dotingly clinging to him. “Uncle Caleb, I missed you so much!” “Uncle Caleb, you look so handsome today!” “Uncle Caleb’s smile is the best!” Daisy, usually a little terror who loved to throw tantrums at home, spoke as sweet as honey around Caleb. I stood by calmly, my peripheral vision catching Seraphina also watching Caleb, her eyes full of doting affection. As if sensing my gaze, Seraphina subtly averted her eyes. Just as she was about to speak, Caleb, holding Daisy’s hand, walked over. They were wearing matching outfits, one for an adult, one for a child. “Seraphina, look at the matching outfits I bought for Daisy. Aren’t they cute?” With that, he pulled Daisy’s hand and made a silly face in front of Seraphina. Seraphina paused, then, mindful of my presence, managed a restrained smile and a slight nod. “Daisy never wears pink. Only you could convince her.” A flicker of triumph crossed Caleb’s face as he looked at me. “Brother, Daisy loves me so much. You’re not jealous, are you?” Looking at that innocent face, memories of my past life flashed like a rapid-fire movie in my mind. My nails dug into my palms, the pain a sharp reminder to stay calm. … “Asher.” My father, David Hayes’ voice, reached my ears. “Today I made all your favorite dishes. Come on, try some.” I came back to myself and turned to see the home-cooked meals on the dining table. All of them were light and prepared according to my preferences. In my previous life, I had a sensitive stomach and couldn’t eat spicy food, but Caleb loved it, so the family dinner table was always a fiery red. There was only one exception. Today. For the first time ever, David Hayes had personally cooked a table full of my favorite dishes. Just as I thought I was finally receiving a little affection from my family, I heard the most cruel words. “Asher, your mother and I have discussed it. From now on, you don’t need to worry about the company. Just take care of the family at home. We’ll leave everything to Caleb.” The scrutinizing gazes from everyone at the table made me feel like a thief, stealing something that belonged to Caleb. No one remembered that before the company went public, I had ended up in the ICU multiple times from exhaustion, while Caleb was leisurely vacationing abroad. No one remembered that when Mrs. Hayes was diagnosed with liver cancer and needed a transplant, I was the one who, still recovering from a serious illness myself, bravely went under the knife to save her. At the dinner table, Daisy’s little face turned red with urgency. “Uncle Caleb wants it, so just give it to him! Why are you being so stingy?!” Seraphina’s voice was gentle and melodious. “Asher, even if you don’t work, I can support you and Daisy.” Mrs. Hayes waved her hand. “I’m still the matriarch of this family. This decision is final!” David Hayes’ eyes were teary, his gaze earnest. “Asher, as the older brother, you should make concessions for your younger brother…” On this very day in my past life, I had exploded on the spot, severing ties with everyone. I had declared that unless I died, I would never hand over the company to Caleb. Now, my gaze swept over everyone at the table—Mother, Father, wife, daughter… and my so-called brother. I smiled faintly and made my announcement first: “Mom, Dad, I actually have something to announce. “Starting tomorrow, I’d like to hand over the company to Caleb. I’m officially returning to family life.” This decision instantly transformed the somewhat tense atmosphere into one of warm excitement. Mrs. and David Hayes beamed at me with smiles I’d never seen before. They eagerly piled food onto my plate, urging me to eat more. “Asher, we’re so relieved you’re being so filial and sensible. However, Caleb is still too naive…” Amidst Daisy’s boisterous cheers of “Long live Uncle Caleb!”, I looked at the mountain of food on my plate, devoid of any appetite. I glanced up at Seraphina. Sure enough, her eyes were full of doting affection as she looked at Caleb. No one knew when I left. After the family dinner, I never went to the company again. Ten days later, I was running on the treadmill in the gym when my phone buzzed. I clicked it open to see Caleb had tagged me in a post on Ins. He’d posted a selfie of himself sitting in the CEO’s office. In the photo, he was dressed sharply, mimicking my professional elite pose. The caption read: “Leading Hayes Industries into a new era.” In less than a minute, my entire family chimed in to support him. Mrs. Hayes: [Good son, work hard! The future of Hayes Industries rests on you!] David Hayes: [Our Caleb has grown into such a man…] Daisy Hayes: [Uncle Caleb is the best!] Seraphina had only two short words: [You got this.] Looking at these warm, encouraging words that no one had ever said to me, my eyes stung with a burning ache. The fatigue from my workout suddenly enveloped me. I turned off the treadmill. Just as I was about to shower, Caleb sent another message. “Brother, the whole family is celebrating my success at Cloud Nine tonight. You absolutely have to come!” “I have a surprise for you!” Caleb’s last message was a photo. In the picture, Seraphina’s clothes were half-undone, a bare shoulder peeking out. The meaning of the photo was undeniable. ###
Half an hour after seeing Caleb’s last message, I walked straight to Cloud Nine and pushed open the private room door. Familiar voices drifted out. “Seraphina, when are you planning to divorce him? You haven’t actually fallen for him over time, have you?” After a brief silence, Seraphina’s clear voice responded. “How could I? Asher Hayes can’t even compare to you. If it weren’t for the pre-arranged marriage, why would I have married him? Caleb, you’ve just taken over the company, and things are still unstable. I need to stay by Asher Hayes’ side to help you keep him steady.” Just beyond the door, I heard every word clearly. My blood ran cold, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. I stumbled, and a passing waiter quickly steadied me. “Mr. Hayes, are you alright?” I forced myself to stand steady. “I’m fine.” I raised my reddened eyes. Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance. Mrs. and David Hayes, beaming with joy, were handing out tips to the staff. I watched the scene intently, my eyes growing even more sore. It wasn’t until David Hayes noticed me, and forced an awkward smile. “Asher, what are you doing here?” They had deliberately kept it from me, fearing I’d cause trouble at the celebration. Yet, here I was in the banquet hall. Seeing David Hayes’ discomfort and Mrs. Hayes’ displeasure, I felt incredibly superfluous. “I came to support my brother. Am I not even allowed to attend family gatherings now that I’m worthless?” My voice was hoarse, my eyes dark and moist, and my pale face made me look pathetic. Mrs. Hayes frowned. Just as the tension was about to erupt, Daisy’s joyful shout came from behind. “Grandma! Grandpa! I made a little red flower for Uncle Caleb in art class today. I’m giving it to my favorite Uncle Caleb!” Daisy scampered over, mistook me for Caleb, and with a beaming smile, she threw herself into my arms. I’d only seen her this enthusiastic and well-behaved once before, when she was less than a year old. Back then, the chubby little infant would cling to me all day. But now, the moment Daisy looked up and saw it was me, she sprang back as if she’d seen a ghost. She put her hands behind her back, hiding the handmade flower, her eyes filled with disgust and caution. An indescribable pain pierced through me. I watched her intently. Just then, the private room door opened, and Caleb and Seraphina walked out side-by-side. Both their faces changed the moment they saw me. A flicker of panic crossed Seraphina’s eyes. She immediately separated from Caleb and walked over to me, asking gently, “When did you get here? Why didn’t you go inside?” I stared at the woman I’d shared my life with for seven years. I had once believed she was merely cold-hearted by nature, but now I knew her coldness was simply because she never loved me. This marriage had been nothing more than a reluctant compromise she made to protect another man. A sarcastic smile played on my lips, my eyes filled with disappointment. “This is your family gathering. How could I intrude?” At my words, Seraphina’s expression froze, and an inexplicable tightness swelled in her chest. “Asher, don’t say that…” No amount of comforting words could heal the wound in my heart. I looked at Mrs. and David Hayes beside me, my voice calm. “I have other things to do. I won’t disturb your family reunion.” As I finished speaking, I suddenly began to cough violently, quickly covering my mouth. Suddenly, a mouthful of fresh blood splattered into my palm. Mrs. and David Hayes’ expressions subtly changed. Seraphina’s fingers twitched. Just as everyone started to approach me with concern, Caleb suddenly clutched his chest and cried out in pain. “Mom, Dad, my heart feels a little… uncomfortable.” The moment he cried out, everyone’s attention immediately shifted to him. Mrs. Hayes frantically called for an ambulance, David Hayes tenderly helped him catch his breath, Seraphina rushed out to buy emergency medicine, and Daisy cried with tear-filled eyes, muttering, “Uncle Caleb, don’t hurt, I’ll tell my dad to take your place…” I hadn’t walked far yet, but hearing Daisy’s words, my feet felt as heavy as lead. I closed my eyes, gritting my teeth, and forced myself out of the hotel. I hailed a cab alone and went to the hospital. ###
The doctor said I was overcome with anger and couldn’t afford to get angry again. I recuperated at home for several days. Aside from the housekeeper, Seraphina and the Hayes family were all at the hospital, tending to Caleb. No one remembered that I was also sick. On New Year’s Eve, I was at home alone, boiling instant dumplings. All the staff had gone home to their families for the holidays. Luckily, Mrs. Davies, seeing how thin I had become, had made and frozen some dumplings for me. I quietly watched the steaming pot, the only source of warmth in the entire house. Days earlier, the building management had suddenly announced a halt to heating. I had contacted them several times, but they said there was nothing they could do. I knew, deep down, this was probably Caleb’s doing. It was below zero outside, and the indoor temperature was nearly the same. I was wearing a thick down jacket, dishing out the dumplings, when Caleb’s FaceTime call suddenly came through. “Brother, we’re celebrating New Year’s on the island. How are you doing at home by yourself?” On the screen, he looked rosy-cheeked, in a well-fitting, warm cashmere sweater. Behind him, Mrs. and David Hayes were chatting over tea, and outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, Seraphina was setting off fireworks with Daisy. The cozy, joyful atmosphere made my eyes burn with envy. But none of that warmth had anything to do with me. My entire family had abandoned me again, leaving me alone at home while they rang in the New Year on a warm island. However, I no longer felt sad. I calmly looked at the camera. “I’m doing great. Disappointed?” Caleb smirked. “Brother, I heard you coughed up blood that day. Too bad Mom and Dad were only concerned about me and completely forgot about you. I was worried you might get scammed by some unethical doctor, so I froze your bank cards. If you’re really feeling unwell, just drink some hot water, hehe.” Ever since he took over the company, he didn’t even bother to pretend anymore. A figure flashed across the screen, and Seraphina’s voice came through. “Caleb, who are you talking to?” “No one, just wishing a friend happy New Year.” With that, Caleb immediately hung up the FaceTime call. But I still heard Seraphina’s last caring words: “You have a sensitive stomach, don’t drink too much. Be careful not to get a stomach ache.” They looked like a truly devoted couple, and it twisted something inside me. I no longer cared who Seraphina loved, but what I couldn’t accept was that they were so openly affectionate in front of Mrs. and David Hayes, and the two elders acted as if they didn’t see it, or perhaps had grown accustomed to it? A sharp pain pierced through my limbs, and my eyes stung with a burning ache. Just then, the doorbell rang. Madam Kingston’s Mr. Peterson and his staff delivered a pile of New Year’s gifts, all chosen specifically by Madam Kingston to make up for all the New Year’s gifts I’d missed from birth to thirty. “Mr. Hayes, Happy New Year. Madam Kingston wishes you all the best and peace and joy.” My family’s indifference and betrayal, I had endured it again and again. But seeing these thoughtfully prepared gifts, tears suddenly welled up. In my thirty years of life, my biological parents had used me as a tool, while Madam Kingston, who was not blood-related, cared for me like a mother. Deeply moved, I wiped away my tears and said with solemn sincerity, “In ten days, I will arrive at the Kingston family residence.” By then, I would truly be reborn. I only managed to unwrap half of Madam Kingston’s gifts before falling into a deep sleep on the sofa. In the middle of the night, there was a noise upstairs in the bedroom. I’m a light sleeper, and my eyes shot open. I saw a strange figure lingering in the darkness. I suddenly remembered a past life incident when a thief broke into our house. The strange woman entered my bedroom, and when Seraphina saw her, she thought I was cheating on her, and a deep rift formed between us. Soon after, scandalous rumors about me spread like wildfire through our social circle. The entire Hayes family, disgusted by me bringing shame to them, coupled with Caleb’s arson incident, tacitly agreed for me to take the fall. This time, I reacted quickly. I immediately hid in the downstairs bathroom, first calling Madam Kingston’s household and asking Mr. Peterson and his people to return to rescue me. Just as the strange woman from my past life found me and was about to smash the window to break in, Mr. Peterson and his men apprehended her. After giving my statement at the police station, I returned home at dawn. The moment I walked in, I saw Caleb and the others sitting neatly in the living room, waiting for me. Madam Kingston’s New Year’s gifts were also neatly stacked in the corner. Caleb picked up a limited-edition luxury watch, his eyes full of surprise. “Brother, we weren’t home for New Year’s, who sent you such an expensive gift?” “This watch, if I’m not mistaken, is a limited edition that collectors dream of, right?” “Brother, you didn’t happen to be behind Seraphina’s back…” Caleb trailed off, glancing meaningfully at Seraphina. Seraphina’s elegant face held a hint of anger. She looked up at me. “I… I really underestimated you.” ###
Watching her earnest expression, I found it strangely amusing. Even though she didn’t genuinely care for me, she would still be angry if she suspected me of cheating. If I hadn’t overheard her confession that day, I might have actually believed she held some genuine affection for me. “These gifts belong to a friend of mine. I’m just holding onto them for now.” My tone was casual; I didn’t care if they believed me or not. The cut on my arm was stinging, and I wanted to get the first aid kit to treat it. Just then, Seraphina suddenly grabbed my wrist. Her grip was unlike her usual gentleness, her eyes dark in a way that felt alien to me. She swallowed, then, after a moment, pointed at the lady’s shawl on the floor, her voice hoarse: “What kind of woman leaves her shawl at a male friend’s house?” Her grip tightened. When I struggled, I accidentally pulled on my wound, wincing sharply in pain. Seraphina immediately released my hand, looking at me bewildered. “…I barely used any force.” Then, seeing the blood seeping from my arm, her heart skipped a beat. She frowned and asked, “You’re hurt? How could you get hurt at home on New Year’s Eve?” Seraphina was simultaneously annoyed at my clumsiness and yet her fingers twitched, wanting to inspect my wound. Before she could touch me, I raised my cold eyes to meet her gaze. Seraphina’s raised hand froze mid-air. “Why are you looking at me like that?” After a long moment of silence, I walked to the downstairs bathroom and yanked the door open with a bang. The chaotic mess inside immediately came into Seraphina’s view. Mrs. and David Hayes also looked utterly shocked. Seeing their reactions, I scoffed in disappointment. “Our house was broken into. I almost didn’t live to see another day, and all you’ve been doing is trying to catch me cheating, haven’t you?” Mrs. and David Hayes exchanged glances, then fell silent. Seraphina sighed softly and walked towards me, her voice filled with guilt. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left you alone at home.” These words were better left unsaid until I was dead. My heart was completely unmoved. I coldly looked at Caleb. “I’m actually quite curious. Security in this upscale neighborhood is famously strict. Why would that woman risk breaking in on New Year’s Eve to steal something? Did she know in advance that I’d be the only one home tonight?” At my words, Caleb’s eyes flickered for a moment. He feigned composure. “Maybe she’d noticed you before, scouting out the area. Or maybe you already knew her, who knows…” I snorted, then nodded. “Alright. Since this woman is so dangerous, let’s file a police report then.” “Don’t file a report!” Caleb suddenly raised his voice. My unusual behavior made everyone look at me. Mrs. and David Hayes seemed to realize something, their faces turning pale. As Caleb was on the verge of tears, Mrs. Hayes lovingly wiped his tears, then turned to me, half-coaxing, half-scolding: “The person’s already caught, what’s the point of filing a report? Do you think it’s glorious to blow things out of proportion? Asher, just let it go. Don’t be so petty.” I had always thought my parents simply hadn’t seen Caleb’s true colors, which was why they always favored him. So, I had tried to tear off Caleb’s mask for them to see. Who would have thought that even with their biological son almost having his reputation ruined, they would still choose to side with the instigator? Why? My head felt a tearing pain. I stared at them, my gaze filled with countless invisible blades, severing the last vestiges of my attachment to the Hayes family. A slender hand wrapped around my shoulder, and Seraphina’s voice whispered in my ear: “Asher, it’s good that you’re alright. I’ll handle everything with the police station. You won’t be in danger again, okay?” She was also afraid that if I filed a report, it would eventually implicate Caleb! My heart ached even more. I turned to push Seraphina away, but then someone bumped hard into my lower back. I fell heavily to the ground, a piercing pain shooting through my spine, though it was nothing compared to Daisy’s crying words. “Bad Dad! You’re bullying Uncle Caleb, you made him cry!” “Die, you bad Dad!” Daisy was held back by Seraphina, but she still struggled, kicking at me with her legs. In that moment, the world around me slowed. My eyes saw only Daisy and Seraphina, and in my ears, that one phrase echoed repeatedly. “Die, you bad Dad!” Suddenly, tears streamed down my face. Something inside me swelled rapidly. My heart could barely pump oxygen, and the suffocating feeling grew stronger. After a few seconds, I couldn’t hold on any longer, and my vision went black as I passed out. ###
I woke up again in a hospital room. The warm air I exhaled condensed into a layer of white mist on my oxygen mask. My body felt heavy as lead, and even moving a fingertip was incredibly difficult. The nurse beside me saw I was awake and immediately walked over. “Mr. Hayes, you’re finally awake! Madam Kingston has been here several times these past three days while you were unconscious. If you hadn’t woken up, all of us in the hospital would have been jumping off the roof!” Her words made me smile. My bloodless lips moved, and I asked weakly, “Aside from Madam Kingston, has anyone else been here?” The nurse shook her head. “No, I’ve been here the whole time, and I haven’t seen anyone else. It was your housekeeper who called the ambulance. Thank goodness the blood clot was removed in time, or you’d be a vegetable for the rest of your life!” I frowned. I remembered passing out at home, and my entire family had been there. I’d been unconscious for so long, and not a single one of them had come to the hospital? A chill ran through my heart. I remembered the doctor’s advice not to get angry, so I silently took deep breaths, trying to calm my emotions. I lay in the hospital room until evening. During that time, Madam Kingston, having heard I was awake, called to check on me. The conversation soon turned to Seraphina, and her tone became utterly indignant. “That Davis girl, she’s utterly shameless! You almost lost your life, and she’s still fawning over that Caleb Hayes. I need to teach the Davis family a lesson and get some revenge for you!” I hadn’t understood what was happening, feeling puzzled, when Caleb suddenly sent me a video. In the video, I was in the hospital, wearing a hospital gown, my damp fringe clinging to my pale face—a frail, pitiable, sickly sight. Beside my bed, Mrs. and David Hayes’ eyes were swollen from crying. A slender, woman’s hand held a spoon, patiently feeding Caleb soup. The wedding ring on her left ring finger was identical to mine. Who else could it be but Seraphina? After Caleb finished a spoonful of soup, another small hand reached over, feeding him a perfectly peeled orange. A child’s voice whispered, “Uncle Caleb, get well soon. I hate seeing you sick…” So, the reason my family hadn’t shown up was that Caleb was also hospitalized, and they were all with him. I closed my eyes and turned off the video. Affection from my family was a luxury I no longer sought. All I wanted now was some peace and quiet. However, even such a simple wish seemed impossible to achieve. Not long after Caleb sent the video, the family wheeled him to my room. “Asher…” Seraphina’s voice was hoarse. She looked at me, hesitant to speak. Faint dark circles underscored her eyes. In just three days apart, she seemed to have lost weight and her face looked undeniably exhausted. The sight of the entire family rallying together gave me a bad feeling. Before I could speak, Caleb knelt beside my bed, crying. “Brother, I have a terminal illness. I don’t have much time left.” As soon as he finished, David Hayes covered his face and wept. Mrs. Hayes sighed softly, patted David Hayes’ shoulder, and looked at me with red eyes. “We’re here today to ask you to lend us Seraphina so she can take some memorial photos with Caleb before he passes.” Memorial photos? The request was so absurd that I remained silent for a long time, making sure I hadn’t misheard. Looking at my family’s expressions—so self-assured, so certain I would agree—I let out a scoff, my voice laced with sarcasm. “What if I don’t agree?” “Asher, how can you be so cold-blooded! Your brother is practically dying!” David Hayes rushed over, shouting at me with bloodshot eyes, his shock and disgust almost overflowing. I saw my own bloodless face reflected in his eyes and calmly said, “You want to pamper and spoil him, I can’t stop you. But as long as Seraphina and I are still married, I will never agree to such an absurd request. Unless—” I looked up at Seraphina, my gaze cold. “Unless we get a divorce.” Seraphina froze for a few seconds. Perhaps it was my imagination, but her pupils seemed to tremble slightly, and a flicker of anger crossed her eyes. A moment later, her red lips parted, her voice clear and cold. “Alright, then let’s get a divorce.” ###
“I, I don’t just want to take wedding photos with Caleb. This time, I want a grand wedding.” That day in the hospital room, Seraphina left those words and walked out, supporting Caleb. In the desolate hospital room, only I remained. I sat in quiet contemplation for a long time, until my tears had dried, and then I made a firm decision. At dawn, a taxi pulled up to a luxurious villa. Wearing only a thin hospital gown, I stepped out of the car. I looked up at the house that had been Seraphina’s and my marital home, gripped the lighter in my palm, and walked inside. The house was filled with traces of our family of three. Daisy’s favorite doll still lay on the carpet, the crayon drawings on the walls hadn’t been cleaned yet, and Seraphina’s shawl was draped casually over the back of the sofa. The mother and daughter had been playing pretend in the living room just a few days ago. My throat tightened. I averted my gaze and went upstairs. I headed straight for the master bedroom’s walk-in closet. Among a sea of designer suits, I pinpointed a plain, inexpensive white suit jacket. This was the one Seraphina and I had bought on our honeymoon in Las Vegas, the year we got married. That night was a mass wedding event in Las Vegas. The streets were brilliantly lit, and I bought a random white suit jacket from a small roadside shop, then pulled Seraphina along to join the fun. We were both drunk that night, dancing wildly in the crowd. After one dance, Seraphina’s hand, resting on my waist, was slow to let go. Her bright, intoxicated eyes looked at me with a tenderness that felt like it could drown me. She said she thought she was truly falling in love with me. I didn’t understand it then. Now, I finally understood what those words meant. It was also that night that Seraphina became pregnant with Daisy. People often say children born from parents deeply in love are especially beautiful. Daisy, as a child, had a round face, fair skin, and big, expressive eyes like grapes—cute and lively. She was indeed a beautiful child. But just like her mother, her heart and eyes were always fixed on Caleb. I took the suit jacket and our wedding photo album to the garden. These two items, once infinitely precious to me, were instantly devoured by flames the moment I flicked my lighter. When the fire died down, a gust of wind scattered the ashes. My connection with Seraphina and her daughter was also over. Just as I was about to leave, there was a sound at the door, followed by joyful laughter. “Daisy, your mom and dad are getting divorced. How about Uncle Caleb becomes your dad now?” His gentle voice, to my ears, felt like a knife hanging over my heart. The next second, Daisy happily shouted, “Okay!” “Daisy hates Dad, Daisy likes Uncle Caleb!” “Daisy wants Uncle Caleb to be her dad!” Caleb, triumphant, his voice grew even softer. “Good girl. Go take a bath, sweetie. After your bath, you’ll get a chocolate treat.” His tone was like someone training a dog. Daisy, oblivious to anything amiss, her small figure no taller than the doorknob, walked into the bathroom alone to run her bath. I hid in the guest room, feeling a strange pang in my heart. Seraphina, having parked the car, walked in and was immediately embraced. Caleb wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his voice coaxing, “Seraphina, I’ve finally waited for this day.” With that, he eagerly moved to undo Seraphina’s buttons, whispering seductively. “I have a surprise for you tonight.” Seraphina’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she pressed down on my hand, gently reminding me, “Daisy isn’t asleep yet. Let’s not let her see.” “Daisy’s been very good. She just volunteered to take a bath herself,” Caleb said, his eyes burning. “How about we go to our room and continue?” Caleb wrapped his arms around Seraphina’s neck, and the two, entwined, kissed their way to the master bedroom. After the master bedroom door clicked shut, I waited a while longer before emerging from the guest room. My pale face looked even more haggard than it had in the hospital. I looked up at the master bedroom on the second floor, my eyes filled with disgust. Just as I was about to leave, Daisy’s scream suddenly pierced through the bathroom door. “Ah—!” ###
“Daisy?!” I rushed into the bathroom. Through the swirling steam, I saw Daisy collapsed on the floor. I quickly helped her up. But the moment Daisy clearly saw my face, she pushed me away with all her might. “Who told you to come back? I have a new dad now. I don’t need you to take care of me!” Her distant gaze deeply wounded my heart, and it brought me back to reality. Releasing my grip on Daisy, I stood up, my expression remarkably calm. “You’re right. Since you have a new dad, you naturally don’t need my protection.” Before leaving, for the last flicker of father-daughter affection, I reminded her, “Eating candy before bed will make your teeth black. Be careful of cavities.” Those were the last words I ever spoke to Daisy. Daisy, soaking wet, watched my retreating back, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease. But then, thinking of her handsome and gentle Uncle Caleb, she quickly forgot about it. Seraphina Davis and Caleb Hayes’ wedding was a modest affair. After all, this marriage was not seen as honorable in the eyes of society. But Caleb still wore his suit, posing handsomely for photos, then sent them all to me. “Brother, my wedding is about to begin. It’s such a shame you can’t be here.” “I look pretty good in this suit, don’t I? Seraphina said I look even better than you did back then!” Receiving these messages, I was at a private airfield, preparing to board a plane. I carried only a small briefcase, but the documents inside held the fate of the Hayes family’s business empire. I looked at the constant stream of messages on my phone and chuckled sardonically. I turned, pulled out my SIM card, broke it, and tossed it into the trash. Then I instructed Madam Kingston’s professional security team: “Please announce my death in half an hour. Make sure the ‘gift’ I’m sending Caleb is delivered.” The lead team member nodded slightly. “Understood, Young Master.” The helicopter landed in front of me. I stepped onto the red carpet leading to the boarding ladder, taking one last look at the Montrose sky. The sky was azure, just as it had been the day I was reunited with my biological parents. But this time, I was leaving forever. Two hours later, the plane landed, and Asher Hayes vanished completely, replaced by Asher Kingston, the newly found heir of the Kingston family. Seraphina Davis and Caleb Hayes would soon taste the bitterness of being abandoned by all. The Hayes family’s business empire would soon be swallowed by the harsh realities of the market. I would make sure everyone who had hurt me knew how cold and miserable the heavy rain was without me to shield them! … Caleb, arm linked with Mrs. Hayes, slowly walked down the flower-strewn aisle. Daisy, dressed as a flower girl, followed behind, scattering handfuls of petals into the air. Seraphina watched Caleb slowly approach. He was the man she had loved for ten years, yet for some reason, her heart felt no joy. My image in a suit from years ago kept flashing in her mind. Just then, the wedding screen lit up. My face appeared on the screen. “Hello everyone, I’m Caleb Hayes’ ‘brother’. I regret not being able to attend because—” “I’m dead.” The hall erupted in an uproar. Seraphina froze, her ring slipping from her finger and clattering to the floor. ### I held up my medical records. The words “stage three leukemia” and “only one month left to live” were stark. With a pale, bloodless face, I slowly began to speak.
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