Category: English

My S-class companion beastman doesn’t like me. He only wags his tail for my sister. Later, I brought home a stress-relief beastman. And my little wolf almost cried. “Anya, you can only keep me, your one and only wolf!” I was drunk. Sitting outside a bar, chain-smoking to sober up. A shady vendor sidled up to me, his voice a low whisper: “Miss, you look stressed. Need a beastman’s service? I’ve got a stress-relief beastman who can help you unwind.” I waved my hand, clearing the smoke. “What?” The vendor nervously scanned left and right, confirming no one was watching before he beckoned to a shadowy figure nearby, calling the beastman over. It was a wolf-beastman, tall and lean, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. When he stopped, he blocked the bar lights, casting a long shadow over me. Before I could react, the vendor yanked the crude collar around his neck, forcing the wolf-beastman to his knees. He removed the rusty muzzle. Then, he tugged the wolf-beastman’s hair, pulling his head back to reveal his full face. Pale skin. A high, prominent nose. Thin lips pressed into a tight line. Bruises adorned his brow bone and the corners of his mouth. His narrow, feral eyes locked onto me, unblinking. The vendor patted his face roughly. “See, Miss? With a face like this, you’ll feel good just hitting him, won’t you?” I swallowed, a flutter of interest in my chest. He was exactly my type. And my doctor had said I had a hormonal imbalance, I really did need to de-stress. But… I already had a wolf-beastman at home. Would Jax mind? Seeing my hesitation, the vendor kicked the beastman. “Get up. Show the lady your muscles.” The beastman rose slowly. Chains wrapped around his body, he could only use one hand to pull off his black T-shirt, instantly revealing sculpted, pale muscles. But his body was covered in scars and bruises. The vendor quickly reattached the muzzle and patted his powerful bicep. “See, Miss? Great stamina, astonishing recovery rate.” “Two hundred dollars for two hours of service. Just for stress relief, as long as you don’t do anything too extreme, the little wolf will recover.” “Too extreme?” I gasped, shocked. Had people’s tastes really gotten that twisted nowadays? Seriously messed up. Whatever. The one at home wouldn’t let me touch him anyway. This one was cheap, and if he was obedient, I’d just buy him. I stood up, a little tipsy, and asked, “How much to buy the little wolf outright?” “Hehe, that won’t be cheap,” the vendor rubbed his hands. “The little wolf is our best merchandise.” “Name your price.” “Then I’ll give you a lucky number: fifty-eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty-eight.” I paused. My companion wolf-beastman, Jax, had cost my parents millions. This one was actually so cheap. “Too expensive?” “How about we just round it down? Fifty-eight thousand.”

In the end, I bought Kael for five thousand dollars. I didn’t really feel like going home. So I took the little wolf to a hotel. Before leaving, the vendor gave me stern warnings. Never take off his muzzle until he was fully trained. And best not to remove the chains either.

Inside the hotel suite. Kael stood silently by the entrance, eyes downcast. Like a silent stone statue, quietly awaiting his fate. I came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, not daring to remove his restraints. “You should take a shower too.” He stared at me for a few seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom. The sound of trickling water began. A few minutes later. I knocked on the door. “I left my phone in there.” The little wolf hadn’t locked the door. So, the door simply opened. Kael froze, his back to me. His tall, powerful body was completely bare. His skin was bloodless white, making the scars even more striking. Water streamed down, washing over the rusty chains, black grime mixing with bloodstains on his forearms, flowing down his spine, across his waist, and pooling at his calves before slowly draining away. His tail hung low, trembling slightly. His fur wasn’t as sleek and shiny as Jax’s, but dry and dull. It made him seem both fragile and wild. I was utterly captivated. I moved closer, embracing the little wolf from behind, gently kissing the bruises on his spine. Kael’s whole body shuddered. He asked stiffly, “What are you doing?” It was the first time I’d heard the little wolf’s voice. Low, dry, magnetic. “De-stressing,” I answered him. The little wolf’s hands, hanging at his sides, clenched into fists. “No, this isn’t…” “Hmm?” The little wolf let out a few muffled groans. “This isn’t how you de-stress.” “I don’t have much experience. Just bear with me.” I pushed the little wolf onto the bed, gently kissing each of his scars. With his muzzle on and chains binding his hands and feet, the little wolf obediently let me do as I pleased. His body remained tense, as if he didn’t know how to react. At the most crucial moment, the little wolf suddenly reached out and gripped my waist. “Are you sure?” “Hmm?” The little wolf looked at me, his voice growing huskier. “I’m just a low-grade beastman.” My impatient movements were my answer. The little wolf groaned, closing his eyes, his long lashes trembling slightly. …

Morning. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, warm and soft on my skin. I lay with my face against Kael’s firm arm, reaching under the pillow for my phone. I saw a message from my best friend. “Where did you go? Did my introverted bestie secretly run home by herself again?” I typed: “No, I bought a new stress-relief wolf-beastman. Was busy de-stressing last night.” Chloe: [?] “Anya, what kind of person are you!?” “I know your beastman at home is disobedient and has upset you, but you can’t just go out and buy a stress-relief beastman to hit!” “You’re telling me you won’t hit your S-class beastman, but you’ll beat up a stress-relief beastman? If you weren’t my friend, I’d call the cops right now! I completely misjudged you!” Her scolding left me speechless. “No, I didn’t hit him! How could I possibly hit the little wolf?” Chloe paused for a few seconds. “Then how did you ‘de-stress’?” “Exactly how you’re thinking… de-stressing.” Silence fell between us. Then Chloe explained: Stress-relief beastmen are part of an illegal trade. They steal or abduct young beastmen, or buy low-grade, inferior ones cheaply. Then, through abuse, they select beastmen with good physical condition and strong recovery abilities to be stress-relief beastmen. Those who pass the selection sometimes become living punching bags for humans. For people to beat and torment to relieve stress. Others end up in underground beast-fighting arenas for death matches. These beastmen, though pitiable, are known for being wild and untamable. Even when rescued by official agencies, they’re offered for free adoption. Those unclaimed are scheduled for humane termination. “If you regret it, I know where he lives.” A low voice came from behind me. I jumped, hastily dimming my phone screen, and rolled over to meet Kael’s shadowed eyes. The little wolf lowered his gaze, avoiding my stare. “But he’s part of an organization. He probably won’t be willing to give you your money back.” “If he’s alone, I might be able to…” “I don’t regret it,” I cut the little wolf off. “As long as you’re obedient.” “Only obey me.” “Mm.” The little wolf agreed softly. His expression remained unchanged, but his ears twitched. His fluffy ears had a few shallow scars. I couldn’t resist reaching out, wanting to touch the little wolf’s beast ears. The little wolf’s ears immediately sprang up and backward in alarm, flinching away. I pulled my hand back, a little disappointed. Why wouldn’t this one let me touch him either? “Sorry, I’m used to it.” The little wolf tried to relax his ears slowly, lowering his head slightly. “You can touch them now.” “If you still want to,” the little wolf added. I didn’t hold back. I rolled over and straddled the little wolf’s waist, hands braced on his chest, freely kneading his ears. Silvery-white, soft, warm ears. Kael’s breathing grew heavier, and his body grew hotter. The little wolf tilted his head back slightly, his narrow eyes flushed at the corners, staring at me unblinkingly. I swallowed. “Can we de-stress again?”

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My own mother sent me to a correctional academy, telling me it was to cure me of “love addiction,” just like you’d cure someone of internet addiction. But how could she have known that place was hell on earth, tormenting me until I was practically dead? Finally, Thanksgiving break arrived, and I could go home. Yet, my mother pushed me into the path of a car, almost killing me. And my mother, she sobbed inconsolably by my bedside… The night I left the correctional academy, my mom came to pick me up. Thanksgiving was coming, and I was finally being released from that living hell. She pulled up in her car, waving at me from beneath the shade of the trees. To escape that nightmare, even though I was terrified of my mother—the very person who’d sent me there—I gritted my teeth, enduring the agonizing throbs from the steel needles still embedded deep within my body, and got into the car. Soon, we were home. My stepfather was already waiting at the door. “Willow’s back! Come on, sweetheart, dinner’s ready. You must’ve had a tough time in there, you look so thin.” His hand reached out to take mine, but I flinched back. I was terrified of touching men. I couldn’t even look at my stepfather, who had always been so good to me, the man I once depended on. Because, In the academy, any unauthorized contact with a male was a grave sin. I only remembered that one time, I just glanced at the delivery guy at the gate. The staff dragged me into a special punishment room. They shocked my body repeatedly with an electric device, asking, “Will you still dare to peek at men?” until I was so shocked I lost control of my bladder. Only then did they let me go. From then on, I learned to walk with my head down. My mom took the groceries out of the car and looked at me. “What did you learn in that bootcamp for months? You’re so slow now. What, blaming me for stopping your early romance? I’m doing this for your own good, understand? Come on, get inside, quickly.” She rattled on, juggling bags of groceries. I didn’t dare say a word. The ‘training camp’ my mother believed was preventing early romance and boosting my studies had only taught me obedience. In that hell, disobedience meant immense suffering. How could my sweet mother have known that my timidness, my fear, was forged through needle jabs, iron brands, knife cuts, and club beatings? I kept my head down, trying to avoid my stepfather, and slipped into the house. In my bedroom, I changed into dark clothes. Bright colors made me feel disoriented; in the academy, we were only allowed to wear black uniforms—yes, we called them prison uniforms. We were prisoners. My mom called me for dinner. The table was laden with food, including my favorite pot roast. The old me would have dug in with gusto. But now… I couldn’t eat. I took a few tiny bites, and my stomach churned, a wave of nausea washing over me. My mother, who had been smiling just moments before, watched her expression slowly darken. “What’s wrong? Is my cooking that bad? Or are you still thinking about Alex, blaming me for breaking you two up? If you don’t want to eat, then don’t.” She snatched my bowl away, fuming. “Day in, day out, you can’t focus on your studies, always chasing after boys. If it weren’t for that early romance, would your grades be such a mess? Now you’re back, and you’re throwing a fit at the dinner table. Looks like that training camp didn’t teach you enough. **After the holiday, you’re going straight back there and staying until you’ve learned your lesson.**” Back? That word hit a raw nerve! I’d rather eat until I puked than go back to that hell! It was a hundred, a thousand times worse than eating and throwing up! No, I couldn’t go back. I had to eat! “I’ll eat, I’ll eat! Mom’s cooking is delicious! I don’t want to go back!” I snatched the bowl back from my mom and shoved rice into my mouth. Less than two seconds later, I vomited all over the table. I’d forgotten. My stomach had already been largely removed. The staff at the academy punished me by force-feeding me sewage; my stomach was already in ruins, and they secretly operated on me so my parents wouldn’t find out!

The table was covered in filth. I scooped up the food and forced myself to swallow more. After only a couple of mouthfuls, my abdomen twisted with excruciating pain. I collapsed weakly onto the floor, clutching my stomach as if a pile driver was mercilessly pounding it. I writhed in agony. My stepfather looked worried. “Willow, what’s wrong? Are you sick? Quick, let’s go to the hospital.” My mom glanced at me, a flicker of remorse in her eyes. My stepfather held her hand, trying to reason with her. “Did she eat something bad at the academy? Maybe we should call them and ask.” Call them? I hadn’t forgotten the Director’s warning. “If you dare to say the wrong thing, you know the punishment, don’t you?” Her words were a nightmare, twisting tightly around my brain. I trembled all over, my limbs twitching with anxiety. The Director would surely punish me double if she found out! The call went through. My mom, trying to sound reasonable, asked the Director. “Counselor, did Willow eat something bad at the academy? Why is she in so much pain she’s writhing on the floor?” The phone was on speaker. The Director replied with feigned righteousness, “Willow’s mother, that’s unfair to us! The academy cafeteria is perfectly fine!” “It’s just…” The Director hesitated. My mom, sensing something, quickly responded, “Counselor, please speak openly. We’ll make sure to discipline her!” Then, the Director spun a believable lie. “We’ve seen boys from outside the school bringing her food a few times! We’ve already disciplined her severely!” My mom hung up. My stepfather tried to interject, but my mom shoved him away. Her fingers trembled with rage. “Hospital? Why bother? Still flirting in there? She deserves to hurt!” “Mom, I didn’t! The Director is lying!” I cried, ignoring the pain, and hugged my mom’s leg, explaining frantically through tears. My mom slowly knelt down. Disappointment flickered in her eyes. She slapped me. “Willow Grace, if you haven’t broken up with that Alex boy, don’t even think about coming back to school. Go straight back to the correctional academy for another six months!” My cheek burned from the slap. I begged, terrified, amidst the vomit. “Mom, I really didn’t! Please don’t send me back!” That place truly wasn’t fit for humans. The staff would beat you at the slightest provocation. Getting a full meal was even harder. Sometimes, I’d be so weak from hunger that I’d deliberately provoke the staff to get locked in solitary, just for a mouthful of sewage to fill my stomach! And during my time in that ‘rehabilitation,’ I had come to loathe men from the bottom of my heart. How could I accept a boy bringing me food? I couldn’t even look at one glance without being plunged back into the nightmare of punishment. I couldn’t forget! How could my mom know what I went through in there? She simply believed the Director’s story, unwilling to listen to my explanations. The hatred and resentment seared through me! I wanted so badly to confess everything to her, even to fight back. But the scars all over my body reminded me: I couldn’t disobey my parents or the staff. So, all I could do was kowtow again and again, admitting fault. “Mom, I won’t do it again! Please don’t send me back!” My head hit the tiled floor, leaving dark bloodstains. My mom stayed angry for a while longer, then finally spat out, “If I ever catch you having an early romance again, I’ll disown you and send you back!” My forehead was covered in blood. My mom finally softened and helped me up. Her eyes were red, brimming with tears. I knew she must have remembered something. The reason she reacted so strongly to “early romance” was because she herself got pregnant with me from an early romance, and my biological father abandoned us! Given my mom’s temporary forgiveness, I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably, a mix of relief and despair. God knows how pathetic it was that I was innocent, she didn’t believe me, and I had suffered so much, only to gain her sympathy through my misery!

Soon, the drama ended. I dared not tell my mom about the tearing pain in my stomach, enduring it in silence. Days passed uneventfully. My mom was pleased with my habit of staying in my room, diligently working on my assignments. She even suggested I go back to school in a couple of days. To celebrate, she enthusiastically dragged me out to make me a delicious meal. Of course, I didn’t dare object. In truth, I didn’t want to go out at all. I was terrified of seeing men in public. At the supermarket, my mom carefully picked out my favorite ingredients, while I silently followed her, keeping my head down, a silent shadow, just nodding along to keep her happy and satisfied. After we paid, she suddenly remembered we were out of soy sauce. She told me to wait by the supermarket entrance, so I stood in a corner, head bowed, waiting for her. Just then, someone tapped my shoulder from behind. I instinctively turned around. Alex!? What was he doing here? No, no, I couldn’t look at him. I shuddered all over, retreating several steps, drenched in a cold sweat as if I’d fallen into a pool. Alex didn’t know what was wrong with me. He continued to approach, familiarly resting a hand on my shoulder. I violently shrugged it off. He looked puzzled. “Willow Grace, what’s up? Heard you were sick, are you better? When are you going back to school?” Before I could say anything, I felt a strong pull, yanking me forward. It was my mother. She shoved me hard towards the backseat, then jammed the key in the ignition and sped off. We shot out of the parking lot so fast I was caught off guard, stumbled backward, couldn’t hold on, and tumbled clumsily to the ground. My mom slammed on the brakes. She glared at me, gritting her teeth. “You disappoint me so much. I sent you to that academy to stop you from dating and to focus on your studies. But it seems the Director was right; you’re still sneaking around with Alex. You’re going back for another six months!” “No, no, Mom, it’s not like that, please listen to me…” I was terrified. I never wanted to return to that hell. “Hmph, I can’t trust you anymore. I’m sending you back this afternoon.” She reached for her phone. Right there on the street, I dropped to my knees. Passersby pointed and whispered, and the men’s voices ringing in my ears made me dizzy. “Mom, no… it’s not like that!” I shook my head wildly, frantically trying to grab her phone. No, I couldn’t go back to that hell that drove people mad! I snatched the phone and smashed it against the pavement. It shattered into pieces. My mom stood frozen, staring at my crazed expression in disbelief. I trembled, my voice shaking, but I spoke to her seriously. “Mom, I told you, I’m not in an early romance. I just happened to run into him!” “I didn’t say a single word to him, you…” I hoped she would finally believe me, just this once, but she didn’t listen. A slap, harsh and stinging, landed on my face. It shattered the last sliver of hope I had for her. “Willow Grace, you’re getting bolder now! Dating, lying, and now you’re smashing my phone!” “Hmph, that correctional academy’s discipline is too lenient. When you go back, I’ll make sure to tell the Director to really take care of you. Even if they have to beat you, let’s see if you’ll finally behave.” Every word she spoke felt like a stab to my heart. Beatings. Ha. If only it were just beatings. The pain in my bruised and battered body was less than a thousandth of the hurt caused by her disbelief. I no longer trusted her. Desperate to avoid returning to hell, I had to run. The steel needles deep in my feet tore at me with every step, an agonizing pain. The staff had hammered them in while I was fully conscious. The needles were fine, but there were so many. But I couldn’t stop. I had to escape. Escape hell, escape the nightmare, escape the mother who, like a devil, had sent me to that inferno. “Willow Grace, stop running! Get back here!” My mom chased after me. I sprinted across the road. Maybe she wouldn’t catch me there! I charged forward heedlessly, not noticing the surging traffic. “Willow—” “Screech—” Along with my mom’s scream and the deafening sound of brakes, My body was flung several feet by the car, tumbling twice like a broken doll before landing on the ground. How wonderful. I looked up at the sky, a void. Finally, there were no annoying men in my sight! But then, a red haze quickly covered my vision, and I could no longer see the blue sky. I heard my mom screaming my name beside me, “Willow, don’t scare me! Mom will take you to the hospital right away!” I could almost hear her hysterical, panicked cries, “Quick, someone help me! Save my daughter!” I smiled. After all this time, I finally felt a sliver of warmth. Dying like this wouldn’t be so bad. To feel a bit of her motherly love before I died, I was content! I fell into a warm embrace, wanting to drift off to sleep completely. Was it Mom? Mom, your embrace is truly warm. I quietly closed my eyes, my lips trembling. “Mom, I won’t go back. I’ll be tortured… tortured to death…” The hand gripping mine grew cold, and I no longer had the strength to say anything more… And my mother, seeing me struck down, the skin exposed beneath my torn clothes, had lost her voice entirely. She couldn’t believe what her daughter had endured in just half a year. Beneath my frail body, the marks of needle jabs and iron brands were dense and scattered everywhere. From my broken arm, several pencil-thin steel needles protruded. “Willow… Willow, my daughter! Your mother is to blame! Wake up! Mom won’t force you anymore, I won’t send you away again…” In a daze, I heard her heartbroken sobs, and a tiny warmth emanated from the hand she clutched tightly. I wished I could feel that warmth a little longer, but I couldn’t hold on anymore. My eyelids were heavy, and I slowly closed my eyes.

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My wife, Chloe, and I were both swamped with work, so my mother-in-law, Brenda, offered to help out. To show our appreciation, I took her out for dinner. During the meal, Brenda turned to me. “Alex, you work way too hard. Why don’t you just quit your job and move back home with me?” I frowned, “Mom, I’m still young. This is my time to build something. And honestly, I really like my job.” “Plus, I’m used to my own place. I don’t want to move.” To my surprise, Brenda got agitated. “That’s your brother-in-law’s apartment! Kyle’s getting married soon, so you can’t hog it anymore.” My mind raced. *What?* This apartment was mine, bought before we even got married. When did it become Kyle’s? … I figured Brenda had some kind of misunderstanding, so I patiently explained. “Mom, I bought this apartment before the wedding. My name is on the deed. How could it be Kyle’s?” Brenda scoffed, “What’s ‘yours’ and ‘mine’ between family? Since you married into our family, everything you have belongs to the Davis family!” Chloe and I had fallen in love and gotten married. When did I “marry into” their family? Besides, what kind of man who “marries into a family” buys his own wedding apartment and pays an engagement gift? I felt speechless and looked at Chloe, who was sitting beside me. Chloe scooped a bowl of chicken soup and gently placed it in front of me. “Alex, Tiffany won’t marry Kyle without an apartment. Mom’s just thinking about Kyle.” “Why don’t we move out and rent for a while? Just to help Kyle out.” My heart sank. I remembered her telling me before how Brenda doted on her youngest son, Kyle. I thought it was just Brenda, but it turned out Chloe was just as obsessed with her brother. Brenda saw my lack of reaction and pressed on. “Don’t forget, we gave you ten thousand as wedding funds back then.” “That money was meant for *your* apartment.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Mom, you think ten thousand can buy my downtown apartment? You’ve got some nerve.” “First off, I gave you twenty thousand as an engagement gift. And that ten thousand you supposedly gave us? Didn’t you have Chloe transfer it back to you the day after we signed the marriage papers, saying you ‘needed money to buy Kyle a car’?” “A total of thirty thousand, and not a single cent stayed with us.” Chloe’s face instantly went pale. She probably never expected me to bring that up in front of her mom. Brenda jumped up as if stung, pointing a finger at my nose. “You ungrateful brat! You eat our food, you listen to our rules!” “Don’t forget, you’re all alone here. If you cross us, things will get ugly for you!” Hearing Brenda say that, Chloe looked uncomfortable. She snapped at her mom, “Mom, don’t talk like that.” But Brenda only got more fired up. “Talk like what? He’s an outsider! Why should he hog Kyle’s apartment? Kyle is our precious jewel of the Davis family!” “Look at him, that broke loser! You marrying Chloe was a miracle, and now you have the gall to make demands?” I instinctively glanced down at my clothes. Before coming here, my sister, Victoria, had told me to keep a low profile, so I usually picked out inexpensive-looking outfits. I guess Brenda had completely underestimated me. “Mom, what are you saying?!” Chloe finally flared up. “Am I wrong?” Brenda said, self-righteously, “If he’s rich enough to buy Kyle another apartment, then maybe I’d consider ‘lending’ him this one to live in.” At this point, Chloe didn’t try to stop her mom. Instead, she quietly pleaded with me, “Alex, don’t take it to heart. Mom just cares about Kyle.” *Cares about Kyle?* *What about me?* For her, I left everything familiar behind, coming alone to this place where I knew no one. To spare her hardship, I bought an apartment outright near her company. Didn’t I deserve some care too? Seeing Chloe’s attitude, Brenda seemed to gain confidence. She stated firmly, “Anyway, this apartment has to be vacated!” “Move out tomorrow! I’ve already told Kyle, he’ll be coming to see the place the day after tomorrow!” I didn’t want to argue with Brenda. I just tossed out, “This is my apartment. No one touches it,” then got up, paid the bill, and left. Completely ignoring Brenda’s shouts and curses behind me. I had just sat down at home when the doorbell rang. I opened the door, and it was Kyle. I didn’t expect him to show up so soon. He leaned against the doorframe, a cocky smirk on his face. “Hey, bro-in-law, don’t be so stingy. I need a place to live when I get married, right?” Before I could say anything, Brenda squeezed in past him and headed straight for my bedroom. “What are you doing!” I tried to follow her, but Kyle grabbed me. “What else? Looking for the property deed, of course! This apartment rightfully belongs to our family!” My heart seized. How did Brenda know where I kept the deed? Did Chloe tell her? As I was thinking, I saw her emerge from the bedroom, holding my property deed. I shook off Kyle and rushed forward to snatch it back, but Brenda dropped to the floor, clutching the deed, and began to wail hysterically. “Oh my God! What kind of world is this?! My son-in-law isn’t just disrespectful, he’s bullying his poor mother-in-law!” “He married into our family just to bleed us dry! The Davis family is so unlucky!” Just then, Chloe came home. Seeing the scene, she immediately pulled me aside. “Alex, calm down. Mom’s not feeling well!” I glared at her. “Your mom is rummaging through my stuff in my own home, and you’re stopping *me*?” “Mom’s just stressed. Tiffany’s really pushing for the wedding…” I never expected her to say that. My voice trembled. “Stressed enough to just grab my things?” “Chloe, this is *my* apartment!” Brenda cried even louder. “Hear that?! Hear what he’s saying?! ‘His’ apartment? He married into our family, he’s one of us now!” Kyle chimed in, adding fuel to the fire. “Exactly, bro-in-law, you’ve got the wrong idea. We’re family, there’s no ‘yours’ or ‘mine’.” My blood pressure felt like it was skyrocketing. Waves of nausea washed over me. “I’m telling you, I’m not giving you this apartment!” I pointed at the door. “Give me back the deed right now, and get out of my house!” Brenda didn’t get up; instead, she started rolling on the floor. “Everyone, look! This is our wonderful son-in-law, who married into our family, isn’t just unfilial, he’s trying to kick us out of *our own home*!” Because of the commotion, several neighbors had already gathered in the hallway, watching the show. Hearing Brenda’s words, some uninformed people started whispering, pointing fingers at me. Chloe, seeing this, quickly knelt down to help Brenda up. “Mom, please don’t do this.” “Alex, please don’t say such harsh things.” My heart went completely cold. She was worried about her mom rolling on the floor, but not about me, being unjustly pushed to this point. I sneered, “Fine, Chloe. You go get that property deed back right now. Otherwise, tomorrow, I’m calling building security to kick your entire family out.” I turned, went back into the bedroom, slammed the door shut, and locked it. Immediately, even sharper wails and screams erupted from outside the door. “You’re so shameless! You’ve barely been married and you’re already bullying your wife’s family!” Kyle started kicking the door. “Bro-in-law, open up! Let’s talk this out!” The banging rattled my head. “Alex, come out. Let’s sit down and discuss this.” Chloe was also knocking. I put on my earbuds and curled up on the bed. My head throbbed faintly. I wasn’t sure if it was from anger or something else. After a while, the noise outside stopped. Feeling unwell, I didn’t think much of it and drifted into a deep sleep. The next morning, I was jolted awake by the piercing sound of an electric drill. I heard Brenda’s voice giving orders from outside the door. My heart pounded. What was that old lady up to now? The moment I opened the door, I froze. Brenda had actually called a locksmith, and they were forcibly changing the locks on my front door! “What are you doing! Stop it!” I rushed forward to intervene. Kyle shot forward, blocking me, and shoved me hard. Caught off guard, my head slammed against the wall. “Chloe!” I clutched my head, my voice trembling. “My head really hurts!” Chloe rushed out of the kitchen. Seeing me like this, she yelled at Kyle, “Kyle! How could you push him?!” I felt a slight sense of relief. This time, she was finally on my side. But the next second, she turned to me, her eyes filled with impatience. “Can’t you just give them a break? Do you have to make such a scene?” *Me? Make a scene?* I was just protecting my own apartment. Is that “making a scene”? While we were talking, the locksmith had already finished changing the lock. Brenda took the new key, tossing it in her hand triumphantly. “See? This apartment is my son’s now.” “Either you don’t leave the house from today on and just stay here and reflect.” “Or you get out now, and only come back when you’ve seen reason!” Kyle stood beside her, his grin even more arrogant. “Bro-in-law, if you hadn’t made such a fuss, we wouldn’t have wasted money on this.” I leaned against the wall, feeling the throbbing pain in my head. I looked at the three people in front of me and suddenly smiled. I said each word slowly, “Fine, I’ll go.” Brenda’s eyes flickered. She hadn’t expected me to agree so readily. Chloe’s face changed. “Alex, don’t be impulsive…” “Impulsive?” I cut her off. “I’m just trying to get my own apartment back. You call that impulsive?” “Well, let me tell you, the *real* impulse is yet to come.” With that, I turned and went back to the bedroom to pack my things. Brenda yelled from the doorway, “Don’t bother with the act! If you’ve got the guts, don’t come back!” Kyle echoed, “Good riddance. I’ll bring Tiffany to see the apartment tomorrow.” Only Chloe stood there, looking like she wanted to say something but couldn’t. I didn’t take much, just my phone and a bag. Walking to the door, I glanced back at her. “Chloe, remember today.” “Remember how you stood by and watched your mother and brother kick me out of my own home, all for an apartment.” She opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing. I finally understood. In this family, there was never any place for me. Just as I was about to leave, Chloe suddenly grabbed my arm, a look of fake concern on her face. “Alex, why don’t you go stay at a hotel for a few days? I’ll try to talk to Mom…” Before I could shake her hand off, Brenda snatched my bag, roughly unzipped it, and dumped everything inside onto the floor. She picked up my bank card, saying viciously, “Think you can just walk away? All of this was given to you by the Davis family!” “You’re not taking a single cent with you!” Kyle kicked at my scattered belongings, stomping on my fallen phone. *Crunch.* The screen shattered. “Bro-in-law trying to call for help, huh?” I turned to look at Chloe. She said nothing, turning her head away, afraid to meet my eyes. In that moment, the last bit of warmth in my heart completely vanished. The three of them shoved me out the door and slammed it shut. I stood in the hallway, dressed in thin loungewear. From inside, I heard their celebratory noises. Kyle laughed loudly, “Finally, some peace and quiet!” Brenda also yelled from inside, “Let’s see if he dares to fight us now!” Only Chloe’s voice sounded a bit hesitant: “Isn’t this a little too…” “Too what?!” Brenda cut her off. “He deserves a lesson!” I leaned against the wall, my head still throbbing. The elevator door opened, and I walked in, my steps unsteady. Downstairs, the night wind was biting. I shivered, pulling my neck into my collar. Suddenly, I remembered that my sister had said she was coming here for a business trip two days ago. I hurried towards the convenience store near the apartment complex entrance. The owner, a man in his fifties, looked at my disheveled state, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes. I asked in a hoarse voice, “Excuse me, could I borrow your phone to make a call?” He nodded, pushing the phone towards me. I shakily dialed the most familiar number. The moment the call connected, all the accumulated grievance overwhelmed me. My voice was choked with emotion. “Sis…” “Someone’s trying to take my apartment.” My sister’s low voice immediately came through the phone. “Tell me the address.” “I’ll be right there.” Half an hour later, five black Rolls-Royces lined up in front of the apartment complex. My sister, Victoria Miller, stepped out of the lead car, followed by two bodyguards in black suits and a man carrying a briefcase. She strode towards me, taking off her tailored suit jacket and draping it over my shoulders. Seeing my lips turning blue from the cold, the chill in her eyes was enough to freeze. “Who did this?” I pointed upstairs, “They’re up there.” Victoria turned to the man behind her. “Mr. Hayes, you know what to do.” “Five minutes. I want them and their belongings out of my sight.” Mr. Hayes, with the two bodyguards, headed straight upstairs. Less than three minutes later, the Davis family, who had been smugly discussing renovation plans, were interrupted by urgent knocking. The moment the door opened, before Brenda could even react, Mr. Hayes presented the property deed. “This is Mr. Alex Miller’s private residence. You are to vacate immediately.” “Who are you? This is my home!” Brenda tried to throw a tantrum. Without a word, the two bodyguards grabbed her and dragged her out. “Let go of me! How dare you! Help!” Brenda struggled, her screams shrill and piercing. The bodyguards ignored her, tossing her out the door like a piece of trash. Kyle tried to lunge at them, but one bodyguard used a quick hold, lifting him into the air like a chicken. “Ow, ow, ow! Let go of me! Do you know who I am?!”

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I followed Jaxson Reed for ten years, all for just one sentence: “Marry me.” Yet, on our wedding day, he abandoned me to rescue his secretary, Sera Davies, who’d been secretly crushing on him for years. For his safety, I swallowed my heartbreak and chased after him. When I finally reached the scene, I saw Sera, trying to protect Jaxson’s confidential documents, thrown from a building by his rival. She became a vegetable. Overwhelmed by guilt, Jaxson sent her to the best hospital, ensuring she received top-tier medical care. I, too, obeyed Jaxson, spending two years looking after Sera’s mother, who suffered from mental illness, enduring her malicious insults every time she had an episode. Until she had another one, tearing up everything in my bag, including our marriage certificate. Dragging my exhausted body, I went to get a replacement, only to be stopped by the clerk. “Ms. Hayes, your marriage certificate is fake. Our records show your marital status as single.” My head spun, as if struck by lightning… I don’t remember how I walked out of the Civil Affairs office. I just recall the pity and sympathy in everyone’s eyes. “Did you hear? Her husband registered his marriage with someone else and gave her a fake certificate. I wonder if she’s the mistress, or the other woman is!” “Don’t be stupid! The one without the real papers is obviously the mistress! Is that even a question? A real certificate makes you legally married; anything else is just a sleazy affair, back in the day they’d call it scandalous.” I stumbled into my car, trembling like a leaf. The conversation with the clerk at the Civil Affairs office kept replaying in my ears. “How is that possible? We’ve been married for two years. Could there be a mistake? Please check again carefully!” The clerk looked a little helpless, turning the computer screen towards me. “No mistake, Ms. Hayes. You truly are single. But your husband, he is married. His spouse’s name is Sera Davies. Do you know this woman?” I sat in the car, laughing one moment, crying the next. Sera Davies. How could I not know her? She was the secretary recovering in the hospital. The woman who had loved him for so many years, never getting a response, yet never giving up hope. My head buzzed, and I floored the gas pedal, speeding home. The front door hadn’t been properly latched, so no one inside noticed my arrival. Jaxson and his buddies were in the study. Laughter and the clinking of glasses occasionally spilled out. “Jax, you’re the man! Two women, one on each arm, living like a king! We’re all seriously jealous, man. Both ladies are absolutely stunning!” Jaxson heard him and playfully kicked him with his foot. He chuckled, “What nonsense are you spouting? It’s fine to say it in front of me, but outside, never let Willow hear it, understand?” “Jax, you’re that scared of Willow finding out? Then why are you still hiding the fact that Sera woke up? And seriously, Sera told you to marry her, and you didn’t even bat an eye. If you say you don’t have feelings for her, we brothers genuinely won’t believe you!” Jaxson didn’t answer immediately. He just sat on the leather sofa, leaning his head back slightly, eyes half-closed, an unreadable expression on his face. “Willow has been with me for twelve years. Her temper is like a ticking time bomb; she explodes at the slightest thing. Sometimes, she’s so fiery, she doesn’t even seem like a woman.” “Twelve years. Touching her body is just… routine now, like touching my own. Where’s the thrill in that? It’s not that I don’t love Willow; quite the opposite, I can’t imagine living without her.” “But Sera is different.” His eyes suddenly lit up, a hint of reminiscence. “She’s gentle and shy, her skin so delicate it flushes at my touch. I gave my love and the chance to stand proudly by my side to Willow. Sera can only be my secret woman. Besides, she almost died saving me. Giving her security is the least I can do. Other than that, there’s nothing else I can offer.” I pressed myself against the wall, supporting my trembling body. “Jax, what if Willow finds out? You even tricked her into looking after Sera’s mentally ill mother for so long. If she knew, she’d absolutely hate you!” Jaxson’s gaze dropped, as if lost in thought. He sat up straight, crossing his hands in front of him. “Don’t worry. I’ll never let her find out!” A sharp pain shot through my chest, as if something had violently struck it, and my breath hitched. Tears streamed down my face, like pearls from a broken string. Twelve years. I had chased his shadow for twelve years. No wonder there was no real wedding. No wonder he was always on business trips. No wonder he worked late into the night and wouldn’t come back to our room… Right now, I felt like a complete and utter joke. The laughter from inside continued. I wiped away my tears, then turned and walked to a quiet corner to make a call. “I agree to come back, I agree to the arranged marriage…” “Really? You’re not lying to me?” The excited voice on the other end of the line was jarring to my ears, stirring only disgust. “But I have a condition.” “Name it. As long as you agree to marry into the Thorne family, darling, your mother will agree to any condition.” A mocking smile touched my lips. “I want a helicopter to pick me up, I want you to erase all my records here, and finally, I’ll give you a design. Find someone to make this… this wedding dress.” A confused voice came from the phone. “The Thorne family has already prepared everything. You don’t need to get your own wedding dress. Besides, why would a bride prepare her own gown?” My eyelashes fluttered slightly. I didn’t want to waste any more time talking. I spoke with a flat voice: “Just do as I say. Bring the things. I’ll keep my promise and marry Julian Thorne.” Just as I was about to hang up, my mother’s voice came through again. “Before you get married, remember to get a divorce. The Thorne family doesn’t care if you’re divorced, but if you’re going to break it off, it needs to be clean!” I let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Don’t worry. I’ve been single all along.” My arm fell numbly to my side. “What? What single—?” My mother’s confused questions faintly echoed from the phone. But I ignored her and hung up. “Single? Who’s single?!” A familiar voice suddenly came from behind me. I slowly turned around, seeing Jaxson Reed with a stiff face and a strange, forced smile. He strode over, grabbing my wrist tightly. It hurt, but I didn’t cry out. My face was calm, my eyes fixed on his. “I’m single.” Jaxson’s eyes stared intently at me. Suddenly, a smile tugged at his lips, and he pulled me close, his large hand resting on my shoulder. “Wife, if you’re single, then what am I to you? Don’t joke around. You’ll never get rid of me in this lifetime!” A kiss landed on my forehead. But I felt a chill run from my head to my toes. Yes, Jaxson Reed. I’m single. So who are you to me? I bit down on my tongue, tasting blood, my nails digging into my flesh. A scream surged in my throat, desperate to escape, but I clenched my jaw, biting my lower lip until it hurt, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. Seeing me like this, Jaxson looked flustered and reached out to wipe my tears. How long had it been since he’d seen Willow cry? This vulnerable side of me instantly ignited his protective instincts. He looked at me with a serious expression. “Wife, who hurt you? You never cry. What’s wrong with you today?” My brow twitched a few times. Was I crying? I instinctively reached up to wipe my face, and indeed, it was damp. Looking at Jaxson, whose eyes were filled with concern. I chose to just laugh it off with a self-deprecating smile. “I just got my period. It’s just period cramps. I’m tired and want to sleep.” Jaxson picked me up as I turned to leave. Seeing him and me enter, the group of friends who had just been joking about me. Suddenly changed their tune, praising us as a heavenly couple. Jaxson playfully cursed at them and shooed them away. Then he carried me to bed. He lay beside me fully clothed, his warm hand gently stroking my lower abdomen, rubbing it in circles. “Wife, does that feel good?” Every month during those few days, the cramps would torment me, making me feel worse than death. Jaxson would drop everything, rush home, and just lie beside me, keeping me warm until I fell asleep. He loved to hear me, half-asleep, murmur back that it felt good. He said that tone of mine. It reminded him of the past… In the past, I was Willow Hayes, the heiress of the powerful Hayes family, timid yet stubborn. After my father died, my mother became a notorious socialite, known for sleeping her way to endless wealth. I loathed my mother, absolutely detested her. To maintain a glamorous facade, she constantly slept with men to obtain inexhaustible riches. Rebellious, I started going to bars, learning to drink. Because of my mother, I almost got sexually assaulted! In that critical moment, it was Jaxson Reed, a street thug, who saved me. From that day on, I followed Jaxson. I learned he was the illegitimate son of the notoriously influential Reed family. I learned of his difficult background. I learned of his fierce pride. I accompanied him when he secretly went overseas, and I helped him build his power in this foreign country. He complained I was too delicate. So I became strong. He complained I only knew how to cry. So I learned to grit my teeth and swallow the pain, even when bullets tore through my shoulder, never shedding a single tear. I followed Jaxson for ten years, transforming from the timid, weak Willow Hayes into “Sister Willow,” a name feared within the organization. Only then did I finally crack open Jaxson’s heart. And he finally uttered the words: “Willow Hayes, marry me.” But only now did I realize. Everything was a lie. Jaxson waited for a long time, but I didn’t respond. His phone buzzed on the pillow beside him. He quickly pulled his hand away and picked up the phone. In the dim room, the screen illuminated his smiling face. His fingers flew across the keyboard. The warmth on my lower abdomen slowly faded. The next morning, I got out of bed with a pale face, feeling weak. I wanted to pack my things in advance so I could leave directly when the plane came to pick me up. As I opened the door, I nearly bumped into Jaxson, who was carrying a bowl of brown sugar ginger tea. Jaxson frowned, placing the bowl on the table. “Wife, why are you up? Why didn’t you sleep more?” I looked at his face with indifference. “Aren’t you supposed to be on a business trip? Why are you still home?” Jaxson always had various reasons to go on business trips every month. Before, I thought he was genuinely busy. Now I knew. He was indeed busy, but not with work; he was busy accompanying Sera Davies. Jaxson reached out and pulled me into his arms, tapping my straight nose with his index finger. “You’re feeling so bad, why would I go on a business trip?” “Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere today. I’ll stay home and keep you company!” His warm words, in the past. I would have been so touched, I’d have wanted to cry. I loved Jaxson so much that even the smallest bit of warmth he offered made me feel happy. Looking at Jaxson, whose eyes seemed to hold only me. I only felt a needle-like pain in my heart. My trembling lips hadn’t had a chance to speak. His phone rang. Seeing the caller’s name, Jaxson subconsciously glanced at me. “Wife, it’s Mitch’s call. I’ll go answer it.” He didn’t wait for my reply, turned, and strode into the study. I heard the sound of the door locking, clear as day. I hadn’t realized that Mitch had changed his name to Sera Davies. I didn’t touch the bowl of brown sugar ginger tea on the table, turning instead to walk outside. The study door soon opened again. Jaxson, changed into different clothes, walked out in a hurry, a joyful expression on his face. For a moment, he forgot about me. Until he almost reached the front door. “Where are you going? Weren’t you going to stay home with me?” Perhaps he was too happy, Jaxson didn’t even detect the intense sarcasm in my voice. He pulled me by the waist, excitedly planting a kiss on my lips. “Wife, a big deal just closed, but I have to be there personally to sign! You wait here patiently for me to come back and buy you your favorite little cakes!” I gave him a fake smile. After he left, I followed him out the door. Sure enough, Jaxson wasn’t going to sign any big deal. He drove his car to the airport, and soon after, I saw Jaxson emerge, embracing a woman with a slightly bulging stomach. He pulled out a bouquet of pre-prepared flowers and presented them to the woman. And that face, I was already too familiar with it. It was Sera Davies, who had been a “vegetable” for two years. My heart suddenly constricted. So, Sera hadn’t just woken up early; she was also pregnant. I trembled all over, my heart bleeding. Sera bounced happily and hid in Jaxson’s arms. Jaxson took off his sunglasses and lightly tapped her nose with his index finger. From a distance, my eyes suddenly narrowed. That gesture. Jaxson always made that gesture when he was passionately affectionate with me. It turned out that even that gesture wasn’t exclusively mine. Sera couldn’t wait and pressed Jaxson to kiss her. At first, he seemed a bit hesitant, glancing around. But as Sera persistently stood on tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck, continuously demanding a kiss. Her嬌嗔 (coy) expression, too, used to be his favorite. Jaxson’s lower body warmed. He bent down, picked up Sera, and walked towards a secluded corner of the airport. I numbly followed them, but I couldn’t keep up with their pace. When I finally reached the spot, I realized it was a mother and baby room. The door was locked, and inside, I could hear the wet sounds of intimate kissing. “Why did you suddenly come? Why didn’t you bring Maria? You alone, do you want me to worry myself to death?” Jaxson’s voice, I was all too familiar with it. Right now, he was firing questions at the woman inside like a machine gun. Seeing him anxious, Sera only giggled. “So many questions, which one should I answer first?” “Answer them all! I want to hear them all—!” Sera suddenly made a loud smacking sound as she kissed his lips. Smiling, she looked at his face. “To answer them all: ‘Honey, I missed you!’” Jaxson breathed heavily, his eyes instantly burning with desire. The next second, he clutched the back of her neck and kissed her back fiercely, forcefully. “You little minx, I’m going to make sure you can’t walk out that door!” “Ah! No… not there… Honey! Honey! I… I was wrong!” “Heh, know you’re wrong? Too late!” His voice was low and husky, but it pierced me, standing outside the door. The woman’s shy cries and the sound of splashing water continuously came from inside. My eyes were vacant and lifeless, my heart felt hollowed out and bleeding. I numbly walked in the opposite direction. But those sounds, I couldn’t shake them off no matter what. Maria was a housekeeper I had employed for a long time. But two years ago, shortly after Sera’s accident, Maria suddenly quit. Jaxson told me Maria had to return to her country to take care of her grandchildren. I couldn’t get used to the food in this foreign country, and with Maria gone, I became so thin it worried Jaxson. He made overseas calls, personally asking Maria to teach him how to cook. His serious and focused expression back then was still vivid in my mind. But now, thinking back, it all seemed so ridiculous. I don’t know how I left the airport or how I got back to my car. The phone suddenly rang. I numbly pressed answer. “Sister Willow, we found the person who attacked you at the mall!” My face instantly turned cold. “Wait for me.” When I arrived, the person had already been put through the wringer. A few days ago, Jaxson and I went to the mall to buy clothes and accessories for a banquet. But inside the mall, I was attacked by an assailant. My subordinates all thought it was Jaxson’s rival, so they focused on protecting him. But to my surprise, the attacker was aiming for me. A bullet grazed my calf. I was forced to rest in the hospital for half a month, and the banquet was canceled. The attacker, who was hanging, looked at me with disbelief when he saw me. He was barely breathing, but he grew enraged and cursed at the top of his lungs: “You kidnapped me?! Where’s Jaxson Reed! Get him out here! We clearly agreed he wouldn’t pursue this, so what is this? Are you messing with me?!” My head suddenly buzzed, and my mind went completely blank. The subordinates surrounding me instantly changed their expressions, raising their feet and kicking him hard. “Dare to talk nonsense again, and I’ll tear your mouth off!” They started punching and kicking him until he couldn’t speak. Leo, a subordinate, frowned and walked to my side. “Sister Willow, don’t believe anything he says. Maybe he’s just trying to sow discord.” I was in a daze for a long time before I finally found my voice. A pale smile appeared on my face. “What if what he said is true?” Leo looked at me in shock. “Sister Willow—” “Leo, I have something to ask him. All of you, leave.” Leo was hesitant to leave, but seeing my firm gaze, he waved his hand, signaling the others to retreat. Before he left, I called out to him. “Not a word about today’s incident to anyone.” Leo felt Willow had changed, but she had saved his life. He was more loyal to Willow than to Jaxson. The door closed, and I calmly walked over to the man on the ground. “Tell me everything you know.” The man spat out a mouthful of blood, along with some broken teeth mixed in the foamy blood. He sneered, “Your man’s little mistress paid me to cripple you, and your man knew the truth and paid me to keep my mouth shut. It’s that simple. What else do you want to know?” My nails dug deep into my flesh, but my face remained outwardly composed. The man on the ground’s eyes became eerie. The next second, taking advantage of my distracted state, a wire suddenly tightened around my neck. Leo had been guarding the door. Hearing the commotion, he kicked the door open. He saw blood marks appearing on my neck! His eyes widened in horror. To save me, he had no choice but to let the man escape. The doctor had just finished dressing my wound, and my neck was wrapped in layers of gauze. That’s when Jaxson burst in. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his eyes were bloodshot and terrifying. His gaze landed on my neck, and he violently kicked over a nearby chair. “Who was it? Who dared to hurt you? Where is he?” My gaze slowly shifted to him. I used all my strength to try and see the man in front of me clearly. When he first came overseas, he couldn’t even stand steadily. Not to mention, his half-brother wanted to hire someone to kill him. The most severe incident was when he was stabbed four times, blood gushing from his back like a leaky faucet. It was I who carried him on my shoulder, disregarding the danger. It was I who desperately brought him to the hospital barefoot on a cold winter night, saving his life. When Jaxson woke up, he grabbed my head and kissed me deeply. He pressed his forehead against mine, his voice hoarse, “Willow, it turns out that when you’re close to death, you realize what you can’t live without.” Jaxson couldn’t live without me. But just a few years later, his heart found room for another woman. My chest felt hollow, as if something had been scooped out. My eyes held a calm, detached expression. “It’s nothing. I’ll handle it myself.” Jaxson looked at me in shock. “Handle it? How are you going to handle it yourself?” He was furious. “Like this? Willow, why do you always have to be so stubborn? I’m your husband. Why don’t you ever tell me anything before you do it? Do you want me to just stand by and watch you get hurt?!” He was breathing heavily with anger, taking a large stride forward to stand before me, but his movements suddenly softened. He frowned, his tone not exactly kind, “Does it hurt?” I slowly lowered my gaze. What was the pain of a wound compared to the pain in my heart? My husband? How could Jaxson be my husband? During the time I was recovering in the hospital, Jaxson practically moved his life into my room. He bustled around, solely focused on me. Until one night, a woman dressed as a nurse, wearing a mask, gently pushed open the door and sat on Jaxson. He was instantly jolted awake, his face changing dramatically as he saw Sera on his lap. He pulled her into the adjoining suite, and before closing the door, he specifically glanced at me, seemingly sound asleep in the hospital bed. “Who told you to come here!” His voice was laced with anger. But Sera wasn’t afraid at all, and reached down towards him. “Honey, the baby misses Daddy! He wants you to touch him… touch his mommy—” Her voice was soft and seductive. Jaxson’s eyes grew dark, his throat bobbing. Until all the blood rushed to his head, and he could no longer control himself. “Sera Davies, you truly are a slut!” The man’s low growls and the woman’s deliberately provocative,娇柔 (coy and delicate) cries echoed from the other room. Sweat beaded on Jaxson’s forehead. He clamped his hand over her mouth. “Shut up!” But she insisted on making noise, wanting the woman in the sickbed outside to hear. I had actually woken up much earlier. The moment Sera stepped into the hospital room, I was already awake. I trembled all over, my heart feeling as if it were being squeezed and kneaded, the pain making my fingertips tremble uncontrollably. Jaxson, how dare he? How dare he humiliate me like this! After he, insatiably satisfied, sent Sera away, he crept quietly back to me. He carefully pulled the blanket up over me. He tried to touch my cheek with the same hand that had just touched Sera’s body. The next second, I pretended to turn over, dodging his touch. Jaxson sheepishly withdrew his hand. Only after I heard his footsteps leave did I open my eyes again. My phone vibrated. “The wedding dress has been mailed. In one week, prepare to leave.” I didn’t reply. I just clutched my phone and squeezed my eyes shut, two lines of clear tears tracing paths down my cheeks. Just one more week. Then I could say goodbye to these twelve years for good. And I would never, ever see Jaxson Reed again in this lifetime! The next morning, my favorite breakfast was laid out on the table, but Jaxson was nowhere to be found. It seemed he knew exactly when I would wake up. A message popped up on my phone. “Wife, urgent organization matters to handle. I’ll be back later, love you!” I scoffed and deleted our conversation. It seemed Jaxson had long forgotten that I was also a member of the organization. He used to report all his actions to me without exception. But starting two years ago, Jaxson had already learned to hide and deceive. I discharged myself from the hospital and took a cab home. I packed all my belongings, leaving nothing related to Jaxson behind. I numbly packed, organizing item by item. My phone suddenly rang. It was Sera’s mentally ill mother. Sera had abandoned her in this foreign country, while she herself was enjoying her good fortune. Her mother’s condition was always unpredictable. I had suffered a lot from her torment over the past two years. But every time I thought Sera became a vegetable because of Jaxson, I would grit my teeth and swallow the pain, never uttering a single complaint to him. I never imagined that I was foolishly sacrificing here. While those two were freely conceiving a new life over there! I answered the phone with a cold face. Through the receiver, I heard Sera’s mother’s enraged shouts. “Willow Hayes! You shameless slut! Did you forget I have a follow-up appointment today?! Are you hoping I die so you can get rid of me, get rid of your sins?!” “Bah! I’m telling you, you wish!” Ugly, insulting words kept pouring out of the phone. I remained eerily calm. I didn’t hang up; instead, I agreed to take her to her appointment. When I arrived at the hospital, Sera’s mother wasn’t waiting for me in the neurology department, but in obstetrics and gynecology. Before I could speak, she glared fiercely, pointing her finger at my nose and cursing. “It’s all your fault! Because of you, I got so angry I came to the wrong place!” Throughout it all, I merely watched her performance. It wasn’t until a young couple walked out of the obstetrics and gynecology department that her cursing suddenly stopped. “Wife!!”

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It was the thousandth time I’d spent the night with my childhood best friend, Liam, and he was as wild and passionate as ever. The next morning, I woke up covered in hickeys. Every movement sent a jolt of pain through my aching back. The intimate scent of the night still clung to the room. Liam’s long arm wrapped around me, pulling me closer, his voice casual. “Dress formally tomorrow. Come home with me.” My head shot up, a spark of hope igniting in my chest. “Are you finally going to… tell everyone about us?” Liam raised an eyebrow, a dismissive glance in my direction. “Tell them what? I have a blind date at my place tomorrow. I want you to come help liven things up, so the girl doesn’t feel awkward.” Each word landed like a thunderclap. My heart seized, my mind a blank. “You’re going on a blind date? Then what am I?” Liam was already up, pulling on his clothes. He spared me a lazy look. “You? You’re just my various buddies. My dinner buddy, my gaming buddy, and, of course, my bed buddy – someone to satisfy our physical urges.” A chill spread through me, draining the color from my face. My lips trembled. Seeing my expression, Liam’s smile slowly faded. He leaned closer. “No, Scarlett. You didn’t actually think, after all these years, that we were a couple, did you?” His playful tone was a dagger straight to my heart. I fought back the stinging in my nose, my voice breaking. “W-what are you talking about? I’m going to shower.” I scrambled off the bed, my steps unsteady as I stumbled into the bathroom. The moment the door clicked shut, all strength left me, and I collapsed onto the cold tile floor. His words echoed in my ears. I stared at the dense array of hickeys Liam had left on my body, and tears streamed down my face. We’d known each other for over twenty years, grown up together. We drank from the same juice box, read the same comics. And when we were eighteen, a drunken night led to us sleeping together. Once led to twice, then thrice… At night, our bodies fit together perfectly. During the day, we did everything couples did. We’d hold hands strolling through crowded streets, kiss at New Year’s Eve, promising to face the next year together, and spend hours on FaceTime every day, keeping that spark alive… I always thought we were together, just not officially public. Now, Liam was telling me we weren’t a couple? The pain was suffocating. My hands shaking, I turned the shower on full blast before finally letting out a sob. I don’t know how long I cried until my tears ran dry. Only then did I compose myself and step out. Liam was already dressed, sitting on the couch talking on the phone. “There will be a lot of people tomorrow, so make sure the restaurant private room is large enough. The lady prefers light, elegant dishes, so a modern European menu. For the cake, Black Forest, with pink and white roses for flowers. Send me pictures when it’s set up for approval. Also, prepare a dozen suits for me to choose from, all black. Izzy only likes black.” My heart clenched at the name. Involuntarily, I looked over and saw Liam’s sweet smile. Isabelle? His blind date was Isabelle Collins? The light in my eyes dimmed. If it was Isabelle, then I understood why he was so happy. In high school, Liam had a huge crush on Isabelle, mentioning her name a dozen times a day. Unfortunately, before he could confess his feelings, Isabelle moved abroad. After that, I never heard him bring her up again. When we became intimate after that wild night, I thought he’d long since moved past Isabelle. But I was wrong. That elusive dream girl, his ‘white moonlight’—he never talked about her, but he never forgot her either. The heartache, which had briefly subsided, surged back, so intense I couldn’t hold onto my phone. *Bang!* Liam turned at the sound, a playful smile on his face. “All showered? Good. Can you check out later? I already paid for the room.” He grabbed his jacket, heading for the door. Just before leaving, he turned back, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Scar, I’ve always seen you as a buddy. Don’t give me that heartbroken look. I might think you’re getting some wrong ideas about me. I know you inside out; you can read my mind with just a look. Don’t you think a relationship like that would be boring? It’d be over before it even began.” His words faded with his footsteps but echoed in my heart. I sat on the cold bed, then started to laugh, tears streaming down my face. So, all these years, that’s what Liam really thought. I sat alone until late into the night before heading downstairs to check out. A heavy rain was falling outside, but I barely noticed, drifting home in a daze. Seeing me drenched, my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, rushed over with dry towels, their voices filled with concern. “Such heavy rain, why didn’t you take a cab?” I looked at them blankly, my eyes vacant, my voice hoarse. “Dad, Mom, you’ve always wanted to emigrate because of the changes in the group’s business, right? I’ve thought it through. Let’s emigrate. Let’s never come back.” My parents had been trying to convince me for months, so they were surprised to hear me finally agree. “Are you really serious? Did you break up with that boyfriend?” Remembering Liam’s words, my heart ached. I forced a bitter smile and shook my head. “There was no boyfriend. Never. I just made it up so you wouldn’t pressure me to get married.” Though they weren’t sure if I was telling the truth, Mr. and Mrs. Miller were overjoyed. They immediately started preparing the immigration paperwork, urging me to pack. I hummed in agreement, went to my bedroom, and threw out everything related to Liam. Years of carefully preserved photo albums, all the jewelry, dresses, and handmade figurines he’d given me… All of it went into the trash. “Miss Scarlett, all these nice things? You don’t want them?” The maid’s eyes were full of pity. I nodded softly, my voice barely a whisper. “No, I don’t.” Not just these things, but this relationship, and Liam himself – I didn’t want any of it anymore. The next morning, I was woken by Liam’s SnapChat messages. He’d sent dozens, asking when I was coming over. A bitter taste filled my mouth. *Liam, do you even realize how cruel you are?* My hands trembling, I typed a short reply: “Not feeling well today. Can’t make it.” Soon after, my parents knocked on the door. “Scarlett, even if you’re upset with Liam, this isn’t the time to act out! Hurry, get dressed and go to his house. You don’t know how much Liam cares about this blind date. He’s liked that Collins girl for years, and as soon as he heard she was back, he asked your father to set it up.” “That’s right,” my mom added. “Isabelle studied piano with me for a while. I personally arranged this meeting! From the gifts to the dinner, everything is so formal. He wants you there to liven things up. With another girl your age, Isabelle won’t feel awkward. Liam is really serious about this, and you two are so close, how can you not help him?” Liam had called my parents when I didn’t respond! Listening to their earnest pleas, Scarlett could only fight back tears, wash up, and head downstairs. Their houses were close, and ten minutes later, I stood at the Hayes’ front door, opening the shoe cabinet in the entryway. It was empty. I didn’t see my little bunny slippers. I searched everywhere, eventually finding them, along with my water cup, toothbrush, towel, pajamas, and other personal items, in the trash can outside. All of it belonged to me. “Miss Miller, the young master threw these out. Please use the shoe covers for now.” I stared at the trash can, silent for a long time. Because the Millers and Hayes families had always been close, I used to visit almost daily and often stayed over. Liam had even prepared a room just for me, filled with everyday items, specifically picking out the little bunny designs I liked. He said his house was my house, no need to be polite. We’d kept it a secret from our parents, embracing and kissing at the front door, holding hands under the table during dinner, and sharing intimate moments in his study. Now Isabelle was here. He was afraid his crush would misunderstand. So he threw out everything connected to me. Scarlett took a long moment to compose herself before putting on the shoe covers. The moment I stepped inside, I saw Liam, peeling fruit for Isabelle, both of them laughing and chatting. He sat on the sofa, impeccably dressed in a tailored satin suit, his hair perfectly styled, a subtle cologne scenting the air. He had this sharp, almost too-perfect allure that screamed “sophisticated bad boy,” a vibe that could make you forget anything else. I remembered girls at school always saying he was handsome enough to make a burlap sack look good, and if he actually dressed up, he’d put all those celebrities out of business. But Liam was naturally carefree, usually just casual tees and shirts, never bothered with dressing up. So even *he* would preen for the one he liked? The man who’d been tangled with me in bed just yesterday now acted like he didn’t know me. He spared me only a fleeting glance before turning his full attention back to Isabelle. They talked about everything from hobbies to the weather, from work to jewelry brands, from childhood anecdotes to school memories. Watching Liam enthusiastically keep the conversation flowing, I lowered my gaze, a self-deprecating smile on my lips. So, *this* is how he acts when he genuinely likes someone. “It’s funny, in high school, you were a year above me, and we weren’t even in the same building, but we’d always run into each other. What a coincidence.” Hearing Isabelle laugh as she recalled the past, I looked at the faint flush on Liam’s ears and smiled silently. A coincidence? No. Liam deliberately orchestrated every single one of those “chance” encounters. Back then, I followed him around, watching him pull out all the stops for the girl he liked, my heart aching. Later, when Isabelle went abroad, I thought I finally had him. But now, it seemed Liam was the one getting his wish. Scarlett was lost in thought when she suddenly heard her name. “I heard in high school you had a very close childhood friend. That must be Miss Miller, right?” I froze, looking up to meet Isabelle’s probing gaze. Before I could speak, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes jovially chimed in. “Oh, they’re more than close! They’ve been inseparable since childhood, practically grew up in each other’s pockets! We even used to joke about them getting married one day…” Halfway through, Liam’s face darkened, and he abruptly cut them off. “Mom, Dad, stop talking nonsense. I wouldn’t like Scarlett even if she were the last person on Earth.” I lowered my eyes, hiding my disappointment, and forced a smile. “Me neither. Out of everyone in the world, Liam is the last person I’d ever be with.” Liam’s expression froze for a second, then quickly returned to normal. He slung an arm around my shoulder, like he would a brother, feigning indifference. “Exactly! We’re just pure friends.” The tension in the living room immediately lightened. I joined in the laughter, and vaguely heard Liam sighing in relief, whispering, “Nice one. You really saved me there. Thanks.” I didn’t say anything, just subtly shifted a few steps away from him, creating distance. Saved him? No. What I said was the truth. As evening approached, the Hayes family arranged a car to take them to the restaurant. The three of us young people rode in one car. Throughout the ride, Liam, sitting in the middle, showered Isabelle with attention – adjusting the AC, getting her a blanket, twisting open her water bottle. On my left, I watched them chatting animatedly, and quietly turned to look out the window. Halfway there, a torrential rain began to fall. The road was dimly lit. The car in front flashed its high beams, blinding our driver as we went downhill. He swerved, failing to make the turn, and crashed directly into the guardrail. In that split second of danger, Liam instinctively pulled Isabelle into his arms, shielding her. *CRASH!* The car windows shattered, glass flying everywhere. I, on the inner side, was slammed against the impact, my body bleeding profusely. A searing pain spread through me; I felt like I was coming apart. My consciousness blurred, but I saw the right passenger door open. Liam, frantic, carried Isabelle out of the car, calling the hospital while gently comforting her. He seemed to have completely forgotten there was another person in the car, showing no concern for me whatsoever. When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics suggested tending to the more severely injured first. But between me, lying in a pool of blood, and Isabelle, dazed with shock in his arms, Liam hesitated for only a few seconds before choosing to take Isabelle to the hospital first. Watching the car disappear into the distance, my vision blurred, and tears streamed uncontrollably down my face. Liam, Liam… Twenty years of friendship, and it still couldn’t compare to one glance from her! My eyelids grew heavy, the relentless pain fading like smoke. I didn’t wait for the next ambulance. Everything went black, and I lost consciousness. I don’t know how much time passed. I heard a muffled clamor of voices. Opening my eyes, I saw my mom, Mrs. Miller, patting her chest, her voice a mix of worry and relief. “Thank goodness, Scarlett, you’re finally awake! We were so scared! It’s a miracle the ambulance got here so fast; you lost so much blood, the hospital almost ran out. You three were in one car, how did Isabelle only get a scratch on her hand while you’re so badly hurt?” My dad, Mr. Miller, sighed with relief, taking a sip of water. “Well, that’s because Liam protected her, of course. True love shows in times of trouble. That girl was incredibly touched. I just went to visit her next door, and Liam was feeding her soup. Just seeing the loving glances between them, I’d say they’re practically official.” Scarlett listened quietly. After they finished gossiping, I spoke, my voice hoarse. “How long have I been asleep? Are the immigration papers ready?” “You’ve been asleep for two days! You scared us half to death!” “Don’t worry about the paperwork. It’ll be finalized in about twenty days. Just focus on recovering.” Hearing it was less than a month away, a sense of relief washed over me. Over the next two or three days, Scarlett occasionally heard from the nurses about all the things Liam was doing for Isabelle. He stayed by her bedside day and night, worrying for ages even if she coughed in her sleep, then going to find a nurse for hot water; He personally tested the temperature of all her medicine, and had candied fruits ready, terrified the girl would find it bitter; Fearing she’d be bored in her hospital room, he went to great lengths to find all sorts of entertaining toys to cheer her up. Scarlett listened in silence, not saying a word. When a nurse wheeled me for a follow-up, I heard a commotion in the hallway. Passing the room next door, I glanced over and saw Liam, holding a huge bouquet of roses, confessing his love to Isabelle. “Izzy, I fell for you eight years ago the moment I saw you. All those ‘chance’ encounters were me deliberately trying to get close to you. I remember all your favorites, and I know your dreams. I never got to confess back then, but now, will you give me a chance?” Hearing the anticipation and nervousness in his voice, Scarlett couldn’t help but remember that Liam had already been preparing this confession a month before Isabelle moved abroad. Even though it had been missed due to a twist of fate, it was only a few years late. When I heard Isabelle say “I do,” I smiled softly and walked towards the examination room. The moment I turned, the surrounding crowd erupted in applause. Liam turned at the sound and saw Scarlett’s lonely, desolate figure. His smile froze, a flicker of something unsettling in his heart. This discomfort lasted only an instant before being swallowed by an overwhelming tide of joy. He reached out, openly and confidently, pulling Isabelle into his embrace. That night, I opened a ticket app and searched for flights from Miami direct to Madrid. Just as I completed the payment, Liam arrived with Isabelle. “Scar, I have great news! Izzy said yes! Pretty cool, huh? You’re the first to know, buddy.” Looking at their clasped hands, I nodded, my voice neutral. “Congratulations.” Isabelle’s eyes sparkled with happiness, and she smiled shyly. “Thank you for your blessings. Mrs. Miller said you were seriously injured. Are you feeling better recently? I brought some fish soup; you should have some.” As she spoke, she urged Liam to quickly serve the soup. Seeing him obediently comply, Scarlett froze for a moment before reacting. “Thanks, but no need for the fish soup.” At my words, Liam’s face instantly hardened, and he looked at me with displeasure. “This soup was homemade by Izzy, and I was reluctant to even let you have any. It’s because Izzy cares about your injuries that I reluctantly agreed to bring you some. How can you be so ungrateful?” As he spoke, he poured a bowl and pressed it into my hand, insisting I drink it now. Scarlett tried to explain, but he gripped my wrist. In the struggle, the bowl was knocked over, and the hot soup splashed all over my wound. “Ah!” A sharp pain made cold sweat bead on my forehead, my face crumpling and turning ashen. Isabelle gasped, her face filled with remorse, as she pulled out a tissue to help wipe it away. Liam, fearing she’d get burned, quickly pulled her behind him. “Izzy, this has nothing to do with you. She’s been tough as nails since she was a kid; it’s no big deal. Don’t blame yourself.” Scarlett’s hand, holding the tissue, trembled several times, her heart seizing.

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Julian, the campus’s most notorious rich kid, posted a job ad on the university’s student forum. “My girlfriend has a terrible temper, so I need to find her a personal assistant. Duties include getting her meals, picking up packages, and keeping her happy. Pay is ten grand a month.” As soon as the post went up, girls from all over the school swarmed it. Some wanted the cash, others hoping to snag him for themselves. When it was my turn, Julian squinted at me, looking a bit tired. “Always be at her beck and call, handling everything without a single complaint – can you do that?” “Oh, and one more thing,” he added, “make absolutely sure you don’t get any ideas about me.” I agreed. But later, the night I went public with my new boyfriend… He cornered me against the wall, asking, word by word, “Is he richer than me? Is he better to you than me? You *really* want to be with him?” Julian paid me three months’ salary in advance. Thirty thousand dollars in total. He didn’t even blink. He just said, “I did my research. I heard your family’s been going through a rough time. Take this for now.” He was right. My parents passed away young, and my grandma raised me. But recently, Grandma was in a car accident and is still in the hospital. The hospital bills were a crushing weight, pressing down on me every single day. I pursed my lips. “Thank you. I’ll make sure to do a good job.” He raised an eyebrow, a casual, almost flippant tone in his voice. “Of course, you will.” “Chloe is practically my queen. Take good care of her, and you’ll be well rewarded.” I nodded. “Okay.” Honestly, I couldn’t believe such a lucky break landed in my lap. After all, I wasn’t particularly outgoing, and my presence in class was pretty much nonexistent. Of course, I later learned from Chloe herself what Julian had actually said. He’d told her, “This girl’s looks are average, her social life is average, and she seems pretty quiet. Kind of like… a humble, unassuming assistant type. Someone like that can actually put up with your terrible temper.” So, from that day on, I became Chloe’s shadow. One phone call, and I’d be there. In less than two months, I’d visibly slimmed down. Her temper was explosive. She’d call me stupid constantly, and when her emotions got out of control, she’d even slap me in front of everyone. When my roommate Brooke found out, she felt it was completely unfair. “That money doesn’t seem easy to earn at all.” “She doesn’t even treat you like a human being.” “I really envy Chloe. Just with a pretty face, she can get Julian to be so completely devoted to her.” I’d actually heard some stories about Julian and Chloe. They were high school sweethearts. Chloe came from an average family. After they started dating, Julian covered all her tuition and living expenses. When she went to college and didn’t want to live in the dorms, he bought her an apartment in the complex right across from campus. You could say that half of Chloe’s temper was Julian’s doing, he’d spoiled her rotten. At this point, Brooke suddenly took my face in her hands and looked closely. “Harper, go put on some makeup and brush your bangs back.” “You’re definitely prettier than Chloe.” “Find yourself a wealthy boyfriend too, then you wouldn’t have to put up with this crap.”

Of course, I didn’t see it as “crap.” That was thirty thousand dollars! I’d never seen so much money in my life. If I had one wish right now, it would be for Julian and Chloe, that golden couple, to stay together. But the very next day, I got some bad news. They had a fight. Chloe smashed everything in her apartment. Then she called me over: “Clean all this up, and then make me something to eat.” I immediately got to it. Halfway through, my phone rang. I picked it up. It was a SnapChat message from Julian. [You there? How is she?] I glanced at Chloe, not far away. She had just showered and was now sitting on the couch, applying a face mask, watching a popular romantic drama on her tablet. I pondered for a moment. Then I replied. [Maybe you should come and make up with her?] I really hoped they’d reconcile. Otherwise, I was at constant risk of losing my job. Unless Julian’s next girlfriend was just as delicate and needed someone running around catering to her every whim. Julian didn’t reply again. After another twenty minutes or so, the warm meal I’d been preparing was ready. I ladled it up, about to place it on the dining table. Chloe suddenly stood up from the couch, ran past me, and bumped right into me. The bowl shattered, and the meal spilled all over my wrist. It was so hot, I couldn’t help but hiss. Chloe glanced at me. “Oops, how clumsy of you.” “Clean that up yourself. I need to go change. Julian will be here soon.” With that, she went into her bedroom. I gritted my teeth against the pain, squatting on the floor, cleaning up the mess piece by piece. About fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. Chloe emerged, wearing a pure white dress and a touch of light makeup, looking like a princess. And I was the princess’s maid. Standing inconspicuously in the corner, waiting for her next command. The door opened, and I saw Julian. Every time he saw Chloe, he brought her a gift. All sorts of jewelry, bags, and roses. Each one staggeringly expensive. Tonight was no exception. Chloe eyed the luxury item in his hand, then sniffed. “So you finally decided to show up, huh?” Julian stood in the doorway, coaxing her, smiling as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Of course. No matter what, I can’t let you sulk, can’t I?” His voice was incredibly gentle, completely different from the Julian I knew at school.

I’d seen Julian a long time ago. I heard his family wasn’t just rich; they were incredibly powerful. He was always surrounded by friends, an entire entourage. Back when freshman year just started, we actually had a very brief interaction. I was working a part-time job at a club back then. All sorts of people showed up at places like that. Someone was grabbing my arm, insisting I have a drink. It was Julian who stepped in front of me, his voice cold. “Harassing a young girl? Are you even a man?” I never expected him to be so incredibly gentle with Chloe. Soon, Julian came inside. Chloe saw me and spoke up. “You can go home now. I don’t need you here anymore.” Then, she linked her arm through Julian’s, resting her head on his shoulder, and pointed to the food on the nearby table. “I made all of this myself. What do you think, looks good, right?” I stood there, gently pinching my palm. The truth was, I was used to it. In these past two months, Chloe had had me knit scarves, bake desserts, and write love letters. And in the end, when Julian was around, all of it would become something she had personally done. Julian looked up, his gaze falling on the spread of food. He stroked Chloe’s hair. “Hmm, looks great.” At that moment, I felt like a third wheel, like a super bright lightbulb. “I won’t bother you two. I’ll head back to school now.” Chloe couldn’t wait for me to leave. “Good.” I nodded, then walked past them. Halfway to the door, Julian suddenly spoke, calling out to me. He said. “Hey, you.” “Wait downstairs, I’ll drive you back.” Chloe froze, looking a bit angry. “What do you mean? Aren’t you staying with me?” Julian coaxed her. “I have something else to take care of. Be good, I’ll take you for seafood tomorrow.” Chloe gave Julian a mock-reproachful glance, then stood on her tiptoes, leaned in, and whispered something in his ear. I knew enough to make myself scarce and headed downstairs first. After about twenty minutes, Julian came down. His collar was slightly undone, and there was a small red mark on his neck. It looked… intimate. I saw it for just a second, then looked away. Once we were in the car, Julian sent Chloe a few more SnapChat messages. After that, he put his phone down, then turned his head, glanced at my wrist, and subtly raised an eyebrow. “I noticed it earlier.” “Tell me, what happened?” I froze. He actually noticed. But I couldn’t possibly tell him, ‘Your girlfriend did this.’ He wouldn’t believe me, and he certainly wouldn’t take my side. I might even lose this job. I said, “Nothing, just an accidental burn.” Julian didn’t keep pressing. He sighed. “I’ll take you to the hospital.” Hospitals are such money pits, and with my current financial situation, I absolutely couldn’t afford to go. I quickly spoke up. “No… no need.” Julian frowned. I waved my hand in front of him. “Really, it doesn’t hurt. No need to go, let’s just head straight back to school.” “Tomorrow, I still need to get Ms. Chloe her breakfast.” Chloe was very picky. She loved the pastries from that specific artisanal bakery downtown, and the smoothies from the trendy smoothie bar on Main Street. Both places were quite a distance from school. Every morning, I had to wake up at least an hour early to satisfy this demanding lady’s palate. I heard Julian used to do this himself. Hearing that, Julian narrowed his eyes. After a long moment, he said, “Alright, fine.” Then, he took out his phone and tapped on the screen. “I transferred you some money. Get some ointment when you get back.” I checked. Twenty thousand dollars. This injury was definitely worth it. All the way back, Julian’s phone kept buzzing. He casually tapped it open and listened to a few messages. The last one was from a man. His voice was a bit deep, with a hint of laughter. “Isn’t your little queen’s birthday next month?” “How are you planning to celebrate this year? I’ll help you organize it, buddy.” Julian clicked his tongue. “It’ll be a huge celebration, of course.” “And while we’re at it, I’ll have Chloe bring her friends. You can see if anyone catches your eye.” “Ryan Miller, you’re twenty-two. It’s time you started dating.” Soon, we arrived at the school gates. I got out of the car and started walking towards the main entrance. But I hadn’t taken two steps when a voice called out from behind me. His tone was slow and easygoing. “You’ve worked hard these past few days.” “If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, you can tell me directly.” I froze. I was twenty years old. To survive, I’d washed dishes in restaurants, delivered food, and worked hotel front desks, grinding day after day until I was almost numb. I’d met all kinds of employers, but no one had ever been as kind as him. I didn’t look back. “Okay.” “Thank you.”

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My parents were big on splitting everything, even when it came to us kids. Eleanor was in charge of Seraphina, Richard took care of Marcus. I was stuck in the middle, and anything I needed meant another awkward negotiation to split the bill. The result? They both ignored me. That hungriest year, I practically begged them for five bucks to buy a savory flatbread, and they just took turns guilt-tripping me. Eleanor played dumb. “Five bucks? That doesn’t split evenly, honey. Go ask your Dad.” Richard, annoyed by the noise, sent me a SnapChat link. “You want money? Fine. But from today, you’re joining the ‘Filial Contribution Settlement System,’ just like your brother and sister.” “We’ve raised you for seventeen years and three months. Even our own flesh and blood needs to settle accounts!” I wolfed down the flatbread, nodding furiously. But when the day of reckoning actually came, my whole family knelt before me, crying and begging for mercy. …….. My stomach growled, a hollow ache. As I reached the front door, the sound of laughter spilled out from inside. I pushed the door open, and the laughter instantly died. All eyes swiveled to me. Seraphina was holding a bracelet up to the light, exclaiming, “Oh my God, this is an antique diamond, fit for royalty. With this, I’ll definitely snag Liam Sterling at the gala!” Marcus held a card, grinning. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll study really hard.” Eleanor, propped up against her giant teddy bear, blinked a few times before clearing her throat awkwardly. “Aria? What are you doing back?” I didn’t answer, my eyes fixed on the steaming meat buns on the table. Seraphina, thinking I was eyeing her bracelet, quickly hid it behind her back and dragged Marcus away. The moment they left, my parents’ faces instantly turned cold. Richard frowned. “Didn’t you have evening classes? How are you back so early?” My heart sank. I glanced at my watch – it was already nine-thirty. Early? As far back as I could remember, my parents had treated parenting like a business expense, strictly splitting everything down the middle. Eleanor was responsible for Seraphina, Richard for Marcus. Money flowed like a river for them, but for me, it was a dried-up well. Seraphina and Marcus went to elite private schools from a young age, with the best clothes and allowances. I, however, was stuck in the run-down public school in the worst district, often going hungry. Finally, my Grandpa Arthur couldn’t stand it anymore. Just before my senior year, he forced Dad to transfer me to my siblings’ elite private school. Seraphina and Marcus were terrible students. One had to repeat a year, the other two. So, when I transferred, we all ended up in the same senior year. But while their monthly allowance alone was a fortune, I didn’t even have money for food. From then on, hunger became a part of me. I stared at the buns, swallowing hard for a long moment. “I can stay out late, Mom and Dad. But can you please give me five bucks a day so I can at least buy a savory flatbread from the school gate at night?” The words were barely out when Eleanor’s eyes darted away. “But your Dad and I always split everything, and five dollars doesn’t divide evenly! Go ask your Dad.” Richard’s face grew darker. He shot me a disgusted look. “Come to my study.” Inside the study, Dad got straight to the point. “You want money? Fine. But from today, you’re joining the ‘Filial Contribution Settlement System,’ just like your brother and sister. Are you sure you want this?” A glint of cunning flashed in his eyes, his expression hinting at a shrewd calculation. My heart ached, but my stomach was rumbling. I could only agree for now. I opened my phone and found it was a digital system launched by the Family Court, designed to ensure children fulfill their financial obligations to their parents, a “gratitude” system, they called it. I was carefully reading the terms when Dad impatiently snatched my phone, bypassed the fine print with suspicious speed, and quickly signed the online Filial Contribution Agreement with me, as if afraid I’d back out. Once he confirmed I was bound to the system, Richard’s expression visibly relaxed. He immediately transferred five dollars to me, then practically shoved me out. Soon, I heard the sound of a cabinet being opened and hushed, intermittent talking from inside the study. I didn’t need to guess. Dad was definitely on a FaceTime call with his relatives, bragging about Marcus and Seraphina’s ‘achievements’ while dramatically listing all the ‘expenses’ I’d incurred. Though I was bound by this system, I wasn’t overly worried. After all, from birth until now, the money they’d spent on me could be counted on one hand. My baby formula was always on the verge of expiring, my clothes were Seraphina’s threadbare hand-me-downs, and my school bag was Marcus’s discarded junk. And now, even if I didn’t have much cash, at least all my classmates were trust-fund babies. I was the poorest one in this elite private school. But being poor had its advantages. They were too lazy to do homework, so I’d do it for them. Ten dollars a pop, and I could make a decent amount. No sooner said than done. After class, I finally mustered the courage, eyeing the group of spoiled rich kids who never studied, and slowly spoke. “Does… does anyone need help with their homework? It’s… it’s only ten dollars a piece.” The rich kids, who were busy showing off their latest designer bags and watches, stopped their antics and stared at me in shock. A moment later, shouts erupted. “Ten dollars? Who do you think you’re insulting? Ten thousand! You do mine first!” “A hundred thousand! Dollars!” I nervously swallowed. Just as I was about to hesitate and refuse, Seraphina’s rival, a girl draped in Chanel, slammed a wad of dollar bills onto my desk. “I’m going all in! Let’s see who dares to challenge me for the top spot today!” I looked at her with immense gratitude, because I knew that from this day forward, I would finally no longer have to starve. In the quiet campus, under the corridor’s night lights, I wolfed down a savory flatbread with double egg and sausage, all while concentrating on homework. Both my stomach and my mind were incredibly satisfied. That day, during math class, my phone buzzed. The first bill had arrived. **[Aria: Due payment $50,000]** **[Seraphina, Marcus: No payment required]** I gasped in surprise, earning a frown from Ms. Albright. “Aria, what are you yelling about?” I frantically shook my head, quickly saying, “Nothing!” Suppressing my anger, I screenshotted the bill and blasted it into the family SnapChat group, tagging Mom and Dad. “I only asked for five bucks for a flatbread. How did it become fifty thousand?” After a moment of silence, the group exploded. **Richard:** That’s just how the system works. All the money your Mom and I spend now, you have to help split. It’s your filial contribution. **Eleanor:** I bought your sister a new bag, and your Dad bought your brother some sneakers. Those things cost money. **Seraphina:** Just pay up already, or the system will mark your record. **Marcus:** Yeah, don’t drag us down. Seeing them gang up on me like that, my chest felt like it would explode. As I was trying to figure out how to deal with this system, my phone chimed again. It was a notification from the hidden camera I’d secretly installed in the living room. I tapped it open and instantly froze, my head spinning. At this time, only Mom was home. I watched as Mom’s giant teddy bear suddenly stood up. It hugged Mom, spinning her around, then dancing with her. Mom looked utterly delighted. Deep in their play, the teddy bear abruptly stopped, then ripped right down the middle! A man emerged from inside, a smirk on his face as his hands moved over Mom’s body, lower, and lower… I couldn’t bear to watch the rest of the footage. That teddy bear was part of Mom’s dowry. Since I was little, it had been her most prized possession, untouchable by anyone. But then, Marcus and Seraphina’s bloodline… My heart thumped. The thought sent a jolt of fear through me. If it were true, then according to the system’s “Illegitimate Child Compensation Clause,” not only would they face penalties from the system, but my parents would also have to pay me a huge sum for secretly raising illegitimate children. From the looks of it, Dad probably had no idea. At that thought, my heart pounded with excitement. The show was about to begin. In the study, Richard saw my payment record and slapped me across the face. “So, you lied to me! You couldn’t even afford a five-dollar flatbread, but you suddenly have fifty thousand dollars? How?” My cheek stung, burning. I turned my head away, not looking at him, my voice eerily calm, flat as a placid lake. “It’s money I earned myself.” Richard scoffed, like I’d just told the funniest joke he’d ever heard. “You eat my food, live under my roof, I even pay for your school fees. Where would you get money?” He paused, his eyes narrowing with a vile insinuation. “Did you… sell yourself?” “Whatever. I can’t be bothered with you. Just make sure you pay on time.” I stared at him in disbelief. As a father, how much hatred must he hold for his own daughter to utter such words? But Dad, if you hate me so much, why did you even have me? As I left the study, I quietly clenched my fist. While he wasn’t looking, I’d managed to snag a few strands of his hair. My suspicions coiled and grew like ivy, compelling me to send the samples for a paternity test. The day the results came back, I stared at the report for a full thirty minutes. Marcus shared blood with Richard, but not Eleanor. Seraphina was blood-related to Eleanor, but had no connection to Richard. And after all this time, it turned out I was the real Sterling heir. For a moment, I didn’t know whether to be happy or sad about the result. All the favoritism and coldness I’d experienced growing up suddenly made sense. Mom and Dad’s marriage had always been a facade; Richard never let Eleanor into his study, and Eleanor wouldn’t let Richard touch her teddy bear… Wait, Dad’s study? A thought suddenly flashed through my mind. But before I could dwell on it, my phone chimed again with a system notification. **[Aria: Due payment $200,000]** **[Seraphina, Marcus: No payment required]** Almost simultaneously, the family SnapChat group stirred. Seraphina posted a photo of a crocodile-skin Hermes bag, captioned: “Thanks for the love, Mom!” Eleanor immediately tagged me, her message blunt. **Eleanor:** Aria, pay up. I stared at the screen, a cold smirk touching my lips. Without a word, I screenshotted it as evidence, then slammed the $200,000 payment bill into the group. The group instantly fell silent. In the days that followed, my parents’ spending became even more frantic.

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“Miss Skylar, as the heiress of the Su Corporation, are you really going to marry someone with absolutely no standing?” I nodded firmly, completely unfazed by the matchmaker’s bewildered stare, as if I’d lost my mind. “It’s the only way the Su Corporation won’t go bankrupt.” The matchmaker sighed regretfully, unable to comprehend why I was throwing myself into such ruin. “Before, every elite daughter in this city envied you. You were showered with love from the moment you were born.” “Who would’ve thought that now, the Su family would marry you off to an outcast, all for the sake of a driver’s daughter?” I remained silent, simply signing my name on the marriage contract. By the time I returned to the Su family home, dusk had already fallen. I wanted to tell everyone that the Su Corporation’s problems had been resolved. But before I could utter a single word, my brother, Liam, slapped me across the face. “Skylar, how dare you show your face here again!” “You actually forced Chloe to marry an outcast, just so *you* could continue to enjoy a life of luxury and comfort!” “And what’s this about the ‘head of the Outcasts’? This isn’t some old-school gangster flick!” “You’re truly heartless, literally throwing Chloe to the wolves!” My ears buzzed from the blow, and my heart ached fiercely. Ever since Dad died in the car accident, the Su Corporation had been targeted by malicious rivals, plunging us into crisis. Dax, the head of the Outcasts, was not to be underestimated; only he could save the Su Corporation now. But when I went to him for help, Dax’s expression was utterly unreadable. “You want me to save the Su Corporation? Only if one of you—you or Chloe—marries me and becomes mine to do with as I please.” I knew he was intentionally trying to mess with our family. And I knew Liam and my fiancé, Noah, couldn’t stand to see Chloe suffer such humiliation. So, without consulting anyone, I took matters into my own hands and agreed to Dax’s terms. I was about to explain, but Chloe, who had been sobbing quietly, suddenly knelt before me. “Sister, I know you hate me, but I’ve done everything you asked. Please, don’t hit me anymore.” With that, she pulled up her sleeves, revealing angry red marks on her arms for everyone to see. She continued to sob, tears streaming from her large, innocent eyes. Liam gazed at Chloe with aching tenderness, and Noah stepped forward, pulling her into his arms to comfort her softly. Before I could explain, Liam had the bodyguards drag me to the gloomy basement. “Skylar, you’ve always been spoiled and bossy. I used to turn a blind eye when you bullied Chloe, but now you’ve become truly malicious.” “As the eldest, I’m practically your father now. I’ll punish you, my ungrateful daughter, in Dad’s stead!” He then grabbed a wooden paddle from a nearby table and mercilessly struck me. I struggled, desperate to explain, but they wouldn’t give me a chance to speak. Gradually, my vision blurred, and the pain in my body faded into a dull throb. In a haze, I remembered a time when I hated learning the violin as a child, and Mom would hit my legs with a ruler. But back then, Liam and Noah would watch my injuries, their eyes welling up with tears. “Skylar, you don’t need to learn these things. You were born to a life of luxury.” “Before marriage, you’re the Su Corporation’s heiress; after marriage, you’ll be the lady of the Chengs. Trust us, you’ll never suffer a day in your life.” Yet now, the very two people who once promised I’d never suffer were the ones causing me the deepest pain. They only stopped when I was on the verge of being beaten to death. I gasped for air on the floor, forcing myself to endure the pain. They, meanwhile, crowded around Chloe, as if afraid she’d been hurt. Noah gently held Chloe, his voice filled with tenderness. “Chloe, I know all about your feelings for me.” “Don’t worry. Once this storm passes, I’ll convince my father to break off my engagement with Skylar, and then I’ll marry you openly and honestly.” Liam chimed in, “Exactly. All the dowry Father prepared for Skylar? It’s all yours.” Watching the three of them, so deeply in love and united, I swallowed my bitterness. There was no point in saying anything now. My clothes were in tatters, and the house staff, seeing my state, whispered and pointed. Noah noticed their gazes on me and realized I was barely covered. He quickly took off his jacket and started walking towards me. But before he could offer it, Chloe’s soft sigh reached his ears. He didn’t hesitate, immediately placing the jacket over Chloe’s shoulders. “Chloe, go back to your room and rest.” “Mrs. Davis, please make Chloe a cup of ginger tea to help her calm down. She must be shaken by all this.” A wave of bitterness washed over me. *That ‘someone else,’ was that me?* To think that the two men who once treasured me like gold now feared I might upset another woman. Seeing their disregard for me, none of the Su family staff paid me any mind. I forced a wry smile, my steps faltering as I made my way back to my room. I don’t know how much time passed before Noah came to my room, carrying a cup of ginger tea that had long gone cold. “Skylar, we’ve been betrothed since childhood, but your character is no longer fit to be a Cheng. “I remember our past affections. As long as you promise not to cause trouble for Chloe, I’ll still provide for you.” I looked at Noah, suddenly realizing I’d never truly seen him. Our past affection now felt like a cruel joke. I was the eldest daughter of the Su family, and he was suggesting I become his mistress, hidden from sight. Before my father passed, Noah was just an executive in the company. What made him think I’d agree to such a degrading proposal? Was it based on the last vestiges of our relationship, which had long withered away? I suppressed the anger bubbling within me. “Get out!” Noah remained motionless, but then Chloe gracefully walked in. “Sister, are you still angry?” She cooed delicately. “Both my brothers just couldn’t stand what you did to me, so they’re standing up for me.” “We’re family, why are you being so petty?” I looked away, ignoring her. “Sister, to apologize, let me feed you this ginger tea.” Chloe took the tea from Noah’s hand and, ignoring my protests, brought it to my lips. I struggled to pull away, and a few drops of the tea spilled onto Chloe’s hand. Her eyes immediately welled up. “Sister, do you dislike me that much?” “I know my father was just a driver, and I don’t deserve to be called your sister, an heiress.” “But I’m about to marry for the Su family’s sake, so I won’t be any threat to you. “Even then, you still can’t stand the sight of me?” With that, her tears streamed down her face. “Skylar, that’s enough! Chloe is already so pathetic, why do you have to be so cruel?” Noah, heedless of my injuries, violently pushed me. I stumbled and fell, shards of the bowl digging deep into my flesh. Blood welled uncontrollably from my hands. As I looked up, my mother stood in the doorway, a storm in her eyes.

The long-suppressed bitterness overwhelmed me the moment I saw my mother. I sobbed, shouting, “Mom…” “Shut up! I wish I never had a daughter like you!” My mother entered my room, her face cold, her eyes frightening. She picked up the ice water from my bedside table and splashed it directly on my face, her voice a harsh warning. “Chloe has always been so careful and timid, already pitiful enough, yet you still bully her like this.” “If outsiders knew about your disgraceful behavior, where would the Su family put its face?” “Did my teachings mean nothing to you?” My blood dripped onto the floor, each drop eroding the last shred of hope I had for the Su family. I stared at Dad’s portrait on the wall, lost in thought. Back then, everyone envied me. My brother cherished me since childhood, and my childhood sweetheart adored me. The only hardship I’d ever known was a severe illness at the age of twelve. At that time, Liam and Noah, hoping for my swift recovery, went to a secluded monastery in the mountains to pray for me. They kneeled at every single step, each bow a prayer for the illness to leave me. When they returned, Noah placed a blessed amulet around my neck. “I never believed in superstitions, but if it means you’ll recover, I’ll make an exception.” “You must wear this amulet from now on, as if we’re always by your side.” “We prayed before the Buddha that all your pain would be ours to bear, and you would only know happiness.” But such promises ceased on the day Dad died in his car accident. Chloe’s father, trying to protect my father, was severely injured. In the intensive care unit, he entrusted Chloe to the Su family. But my father still passed away. Without his support, the Su Corporation was on the verge of collapse. Chloe, with her innocent facade, won everyone’s sympathy. They all pitied Chloe, and the downfall of the Su Corporation. But no one pitied me. “Skylar, why aren’t you apologizing to Chloe?” Liam and Noah looked at me with expressions full of blame. When they saw the pool of blood on the floor, they froze. Noah frowned deeply. “Skylar, why are you bleeding so much?” “You’re hurt, why didn’t you say anything? Let me see!” He stepped forward to take my hand. I hid my hand behind my back, avoiding his touch. “No need.” Noah hadn’t expected me to be so cold. He furrowed his brows, looking at me with displeasure. “You’re still so stubborn at your age! The Su Corporation is facing a major crisis right now, we don’t have time to coddle you!” “Fine, I’ll go buy you some caramels. Eat them, and don’t cause any more trouble.” Ever since I was little, whenever I got angry, he would buy me caramels. Because I loved him, I would stop being angry with him. Now, everything had changed. I glanced at the caramels in Chloe’s hand and shook my head. I returned to my room and quietly packed my luggage. The magnificent ivory gown in the closet was particularly eye-catching. This was Mom’s coming-of-age gift to me. She had commissioned dozens of artisans, painstakingly crafted over three sleepless nights. The pearls on the tiara were rare South Sea gems, personally sourced by my father and Liam at great expense. The earrings beside it were specially brought back from abroad by Noah. Back then, all the society girls in the city marveled at my bridal gown. “Miss Skylar is truly so blessed.” But now, the gown remained, yet the hearts had changed.

“Skylar, quickly move out of your bedroom and let Chloe have it.” “She’s about to get married, so in her last few days at the Su family home, she deserves the best treatment.” Liam’s voice pulled me back from my memories. Before I could speak, the maids began clearing out my belongings. Chloe stared intently at my bridal gown. “This gown is so beautiful. It’s a shame I’m not a Su family daughter, so I don’t deserve to wear it…” Her words trailed off, and Chloe began to sob. Her eyes misty, she looked at Noah, her expression full of grievance. “Noah, can you let me have a wedding ceremony with my beloved before I get married?” Hearing Chloe’s words, Liam immediately handed her the gown. “Chloe, quickly, try on this gown.” “No!” I cried out, stopping them. “You can have anything else you want, but not this gown!” I looked at them with pleading eyes, clutching the gown’s sleeve tightly. I refused to let go, refusing to release the last bit of my attachment to the past. “Skylar, it’s just a dress. What’s the harm in letting Chloe try it on?” “Why are you so petty? Chloe is sacrificing her entire life’s happiness just so you don’t have to suffer.” Liam and Noah shielded Chloe, as if I might devour her. Meeting their eyes, blazing with hatred, my last shred of hope dissolved. I pushed past their obstruction, snatched the gown, and took scissors, slashing a huge gash in it. Fine, then I don’t need it! “Skylar, what are you doing! Do you know how expensive these things are?” Liam roared furiously. But then he saw me pick up a photo album nearby and immediately snatched it away, his expression panicked. “Never mind, if it’s ruined, it’s ruined. I’ll buy you new ones later, but this album can’t be destroyed.” Liam treasured the album like gold, carefully wiping it before placing it back in my hands. This album documented every single moment of Liam, Noah, and my childhood together. Only the photos of Noah and me getting married were missing to fill it completely. But fate had other plans; ultimately, we walked down opposing paths. After they all left, I shredded every single photo in the album. Our past affection, like the album, was shattered beyond repair. The next day, as I went to buy a gift to curry favor with Dax, I overheard people discussing Dax’s impending marriage. “The Su family, a century-old dynasty, is actually marrying off their daughter to an outcast.” “I hear Dax is known for his cruel ways of tormenting people. That Miss Su is probably in for a hard life.” Hearing these words, a ripple of emotion stirred within me. *Could it be harder than now?* It was merely jumping from one hellhole to another. The Su family had long since stopped having room for me. The day came for my scheduled meeting with Dax. As I was about to leave, I saw the three people I least wanted to see. Chloe was sobbing in Noah’s arms. “Noah, I don’t care what happens to me, but I can’t drag the Su family down.” “But I already have someone I love in my heart. After I help the Su family through this crisis, I’ll take this love with me to the grave.” Liam and Noah huddled around her, comforting her softly. One declared his eternal love for her, the other cursed Dax as a beast. I remained silent, organizing the ties I had bought a few days ago. I had stayed up all night embroidering Dax’s name on a discreet part of one tie, hoping he would see it and feel a flicker of affection for me. I was no longer the once carefree Miss Su who could act on impulse. Naturally, I had to learn how to curry favor. Noah turned around and finally noticed me. He frowned, glaring at me disapprovingly. “Skylar, how can you still be in the mood to buy ties!” “Don’t you know what people are saying about the Su family?” “Chloe values her reputation above all else. How can she endure such insult?” *Yes, Chloe values her reputation above all else.* The Su and Cheng families were intertwined by interests, sharing prosperity and downfall. Only I was insignificant. Seeing that I remained silent, Liam snatched the tie from my hand. The tie’s pin tore open the scab on my palm’s old wound. Instantly, crimson blood stained the tie. Watching my carefully chosen tie get soiled, and my overnight embroidery ruined, tears of grievance flowed uncontrollably. I looked up at them. “If I were the one marrying the outcast, would you two be so heartbroken?”

“Skylar, what time is it now, and you’re still trying to compete with Chloe!” “Do you think buying a tie as a gift will win us over?” “We’ll never forgive you for everything you’ve done to Chloe…” Their words stopped abruptly. They had clearly seen the name embroidered on the tie: Dax. Their faces instantly lost all color. “Skylar, what do you mean by this? Just because you’re jealous of Chloe, you’re trying to seduce the outcast too?” They were the first to parade me around. And now they were the ones calling me a disgrace. It was their mismanagement that led the Su and Cheng families to the brink of bankruptcy. Yet now, they insisted on pinning the blame on me. If that’s how it is, then I’ll leave. And never come back. As soon as I walked out of the mansion, Chloe chased after me. She looked at me with a smug grin. “Skylar, what if you’re the Su family heiress? You still couldn’t beat me.” “Everything you owned is about to be mine!” With that, she let out a sudden scream and stumbled, falling into the rose garden nearby. Liam and Noah, hearing Chloe’s cry, rushed out. Chloe cried in their arms. “It’s all my fault, it has nothing to do with Sister Skylar.” “Please, don’t blame her. It really has nothing to do with her.” Anyone would suspect me after Chloe’s thinly veiled accusation. Sure enough, Liam and Noah stared at me, their faces filled with shock. “Skylar, Chloe is sacrificing her happiness for you, what more do you want!” “Are you only happy if she dies?”

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It was our third year of marriage when Liam found the scorecard I’d made for him. My heart leaped into my throat when he casually pulled that piece of paper from his study drawer. It read: “He flew to Australia to see his ex-girlfriend on my birthday, -5 points.” “He abandoned me on the highway to pick her up from the airport, -10 points.” “He lost our wedding ring while making soup for her, -10 points…” Line by line, the deductions were listed, with a small note at the bottom: “Once I’d deducted 100 points, I’d file for divorce.” But his gaze didn’t linger on it. He didn’t even glance at it, just nonchalantly handed the paper back to me. “I keep many important things in this study. Please don’t put your stuff in here anymore.” His bookshelves were neatly lined with books Chloe gave him in college, the glass cabinet locked away letters she wrote him back then, and even the photo frame on his desk held their high school graduation picture. Those were the “important things” he spoke of. He meticulously treasured them, looking at them countless times a day. As for my things, he wouldn’t even spare them a glance. So, he didn’t know I was leaving him soon. I clutched the scorecard tightly and nodded. Just as I was about to leave, Liam’s phone suddenly rang. It was one of his friends. “Liam, something’s happened! The villa at Clearwater Bay seems to be on fire! Isn’t Chloe staying there?” At that news, Liam’s face instantly contorted in panic. He grabbed his car keys and bolted out the door. I stared at his retreating back, stunned for a few seconds, then flagged down a cab and followed. All the way there, he blew through a dozen red lights, driving like a maniac. The cab driver nearly lost him. When we arrived at the fire, seeing the towering flames and black smoke, I was shaken. Learning that Chloe hadn’t been rescued yet, Liam charged towards the flames like a man with a death wish, determined to go in. Firefighters and a few of his friends quickly held him back. “Sir, the fire in the villa area is too fierce. If you rush in like that, your life will be in danger.” “Liam, calm down! Being a pilot is your life’s dream! If you get hurt in there, your career will be ruined!” Liam didn’t hear a word. He pushed them away with force, leaving a single sentence behind as he plunged into the inferno. “If it’s ruined, it’s ruined. As long as Chloe is safe, I don’t care if I never fly again.” Seeing his figure swallowed by the thick smoke, his friends stood frozen, remorsefully blaming each other. “I told you not to tell Liam about this, but you wouldn’t listen! Every time Chloe is in trouble, he loses control!” “If you hadn’t called him, and if anything had happened to Chloe, he’d tear the whole city apart, believe me. Don’t you remember when Chloe was harassed by a teacher in high school, and he stormed into the office and beat the guy senseless? And before, when Chloe went missing for ten hours, he was so frantic he had his bodyguards scour the entire city for her…” Hearing their stories, I finally understood that the man who always seemed so cold and calm in front of me could also lose his mind when he loved someone. A whirlwind of emotions, each one a fresh stab of pain, churned within me. His friends, still arguing, noticed me and looked somewhat awkward. “Avery, you… you came with Liam? He’s just going… to rescue a friend. Don’t misunderstand.” “Yeah, yeah. He and Chloe have known each other since childhood, over ten years of friendship. They’re like siblings, that’s why he’s so worried.” I knew they were just trying to smooth things over. I managed a weak smile, but then a metallic taste filled my mouth. I realized I’d bitten my lip so hard it was bleeding. Half an hour later, Liam emerged, carrying an unconscious Chloe. A crowd rushed forward to meet them. His face was covered in soot, and his white shirt was scorched in places, but Chloe was unharmed, perfectly protected. When the medical staff took Chloe, Liam finally collapsed and passed out. The ambulance sped to the hospital. I sat on a long bench, looking at my trembling hands, remembering the first time I saw Liam. I was a sophomore in college then. My father was an aerospace engineering professor, and Liam was his most brilliant student. In his sharp uniform, full of youthful vigor and confidence, standing on the podium demonstrating flight principles, even the sunlight seemed to favor him. I fell in love at first sight and followed him around constantly. Many girls chased him, but he always kept his distance from women, turning everyone down. It wasn’t until just before graduation that my father fell critically ill. On his deathbed, he made Liam promise to take care of his only daughter. He agreed. After the funeral, he proposed to me directly. I asked him, “Is it because of my father that you agreed to marry me? You don’t have to…” He looked at me and said, “No, it’s because I want to marry you.” I thought I had finally won his heart. Until one day, he got drunk. I went to pick him up and accidentally overheard his friends’ drunken chatter. “Avery’s so naive, Liam kept her in the dark all these years, thinking he truly cared for her, pouring her heart and soul into their marriage. But Liam only married her because his ex-girlfriend married someone else, and he was so heartbroken that he married Avery just to distract himself.” In that moment, my blood ran cold. So, all these years, he hadn’t kept everyone at arm’s length because he was naturally aloof, but because his heart had long been occupied by the ex-girlfriend who broke up with him. He was like a stubborn tomb-keeper, guarding a love that had died long ago. His pride wouldn’t let him swallow his ego to win her back, and his self-respect kept him from admitting he missed her. So he could only stand still, waiting for her to return. But what he waited for was news of her marriage. Chloe, a name etched onto his very soul, along with all the restraint and waiting of those years, had since become a persistent thorn in my heart. But I loved Liam too much, so I couldn’t let go. So, I secretly made a scorecard. Once I’d deducted 100 points, I’d leave him. Over the years, the points were deducted sporadically. Sometimes it was my birthday, but he’d fly to see her because of one of her SnapChat posts. Sometimes it was our wedding anniversary, but he’d spend the whole night chatting with Chloe. And after Chloe divorced and came back home… The points were deducted more and more frequently. My heart was slowly turning to ice.

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I was in the middle of an important international conference when my sister’s call suddenly came through. On the other end of the line, she was sobbing uncontrollably: “Amelia, I’m being held at the mall! They’re insisting I ruined a dress and want me to pay a million dollars…” I immediately drove to our family’s mall. My sister was surrounded by several store employees at the entrance of a high-end couture boutique. Her eyes were red and swollen, her body trembling, and her clothes were ripped in several places. A haughty girl stood with her arms crossed, looking down at Chloe with an imperious gaze: “Let me tell you, I’m Brittany Vance, heiress of the powerful Vance Corporation in Sterling City! Forget a million dollars – even if I made you kneel here and apologize today, my dad would just cheer me on!” The Vance family from Sterling City? Since when did my dad have a third daughter besides Chloe and me? I was about to call my dad when that girl pointed at me and shrieked: “What are *you* doing here, you pathetic home-wrecker?!” … “Home-wrecker?!” I frowned, wondering if I’d misheard. I’d lived twenty-six years, dedicating myself to my studies and career. I hadn’t even had a proper relationship, so how could I be someone else’s mistress? I looked at the girl. Her name tag read “Store Manager – Brittany Vance.” A store manager claiming to be the heiress of the Vance family, then calling me a home-wrecker. Where did this person come from? I suppressed my anger and calmly explained, “You’re the store manager, right? You might have me mistaken for someone else.” Brittany suddenly exploded. “Store manager? I’m the owner and head designer of this high-end boutique! Clearly, a bumpkin like you wouldn’t know!” I almost burst out laughing. It seemed I’d stumbled upon a huge phony. Brittany looked me up and down disdainfully. “Let me tell you, Dylan Hayes is *my* man! I’ve seen plenty of old ladies like you, throwing a few measly bucks at him to keep him around! If you know what’s good for you, get lost and stop harassing him!” Dylan Hayes? That name was certainly familiar. He was the scholarship student I’d personally sponsored since high school. He was an excellent student, handsome and clean-cut, always wearing worn, faded shirts, his eyes clear yet stubborn. I sponsored him all the way through college. After graduation, seeing how hard it was for him to find a job, I even brought him into our family’s mall, starting him from an entry-level position. He was charming, a smooth talker, and incredibly efficient, quickly rising through the ranks. Six months ago, he confessed his feelings, claiming he’d admired me for years. He said he knew there was a gap between us, but he didn’t care. He’d be my rock, my supportive partner, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my career without a single worry. His gentle, considerate demeanor genuinely swayed my heart. I had even started seriously considering his pursuit. But I never imagined that while he was completely devoted and agreeable to my face, behind my back, he was twisting the narrative, painting me as some desperate, clinging old woman. I must have been completely blind! How could I have been so utterly foolish?! *** At this point, I had no desire to waste another word on Brittany Vance. I took off my blazer and draped it over my trembling sister, speaking softly: “Chloe, don’t be scared. We’re going home.” “Going home?” Brittany lunged in front of us, blocking our path, hands on her hips, utterly unreasonable. “You ruined my store’s clothes, and you think you can just leave without paying? No way!” She pointed at the torn dress on the floor, snarling, “Unless you pay a million dollars, neither of you is leaving here today!” I glanced at the dress. There was indeed a noticeable tear in the hem. More and more onlookers gathered, pointing and whispering about us. My sister was so angry, tears streamed down her face. “I didn’t! You guys grabbed me, that’s how the dress got torn!” “Who saw it? Does anyone have proof for you?” Brittany arrogantly scanned the crowd. “I call the shots here!” I forced down my surging anger and slowly spoke, “What kind of dress costs a million dollars?” Brittany scoffed. “Poor people always have the most excuses!” She sneered. “My boutique isn’t some cheap, run-of-the-mill clothing store you see on every street corner! Every piece I design is custom-made. Your sister, with her penniless self, dared to touch it, and her ‘poor’ vibe probably soiled my clothes!” “This dress was already ordered by someone else, and now it’s unsellable. Asking you to pay a million dollars is me being merciful!” I almost laughed at the absurdity. I hated it when phonies talked like this; even a retort felt like stooping to their level. Just then, Chloe tugged at my sleeve, her face filled with worry. “Amelia, maybe we should just pay. I have some money on my card…” Seeing my sister like this, my heart ached even more. She was introverted; even when it was someone else’s fault, she always blamed herself. I looked coldly at Brittany. “My sister says you accidentally bumped into her. Since you both have different stories, let’s pull up the surveillance footage and let everyone see clearly.” Brittany’s face instantly changed. “Surveillance? What surveillance? I say she ruined it, so she ruined it!” “Besides, even if I did bump her, so what? It’s her good fortune to be touched by a commoner like me!” This illogical, thuggish statement made some of the onlookers frown in disapproval. She yelled, her bravado clearly masking fear, “Who do you think you are? You think you can just demand to see footage? This mall is managed by my boyfriend, Dylan Hayes! I can do whatever I want!” I smirked. “Are you sure Dylan Hayes calls the shots in *this* mall?” Brittany froze for a moment, then became furious. “Stop trying to change the subject! Just pay up!” Too lazy to argue with her anymore, I pulled out my phone and dialed Dylan Hayes’ number directly. I wanted to hear how he planned to explain himself. When the call connected, Dylan’s impatient voice came through. “Hello? I’m in a meeting. Can we talk later?” With that, he hung up. Brittany listened to the dial tone and laughed, shaking with glee. “Oh, look, does Dylan even want to talk to you? Still pretending, it’s hilarious!” Then, she pulled out her phone, dialed a number, and her voice instantly turned tearful and wronged: “Mom! I’m being bullied at the store! It’s just a poor student and her home-wrecker sister, and they don’t want to pay! Please come quickly, bring some people, and teach them a good lesson!” After hanging up, Brittany’s arrogance intensified. “My mom will be here any minute! I advise you to bring your poor sister, kneel down, and apologize to me right now! Maybe if I’m in a good mood, I’ll let you pay a little less.” “My mom is Vanessa Price, wife of Richard Vance, Sterling City’s richest man! When she gets here, you two are going to be stripped naked and thrown out of this mall!” My pupils constricted sharply. Richard Vance’s legal wife was my mother, Eleanor Reed. Could it be…? While I was feeling uneasy, Brittany impatiently urged, “What are you standing around for? A million dollars! Hand over the money now! Otherwise, when my mom arrives, it won’t be just a million dollars that can solve this!” I took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil of emotions in my heart. Now was not the time to investigate my father’s messy affairs. The immediate priority was to get Chloe out of this troublesome situation. “I won’t give you the money. And I’m taking my sister with me now.” My voice was firm as I pulled Chloe, ready to leave. “Stop them!” Brittany shrieked. Several security guards immediately surrounded us. The head security guard, Captain Miller, looked at me sternly. “Ma’am, you cannot leave until this matter is resolved.” I looked at his unfamiliar face, my heart sinking. The mall’s head of security was someone I’d personally recruited from the special forces, and I knew most of his team by sight. These people, however, were clearly new faces. It seemed Dylan Hayes had replaced a whole new team of management with his own people without my knowledge. Was he trying to usurp my authority? What incredible audacity! Just as we stood in a stalemate, the click of high heels approached from a distance. A woman adorned in jewels, surrounded by a group of burly men, strode in, full of bluster. She was well-maintained, but her eyes held a hint of pettiness and shrewdness. “Who dares to bully my precious daughter?!” The moment Brittany saw her, she immediately burst into tears and rushed into her arms. “Mom! You’re here! It’s them! They’re bullying me!” The woman lovingly embraced her daughter, but when she saw me, a flicker of discomfort crossed her eyes, quickly masked. She sharply ordered the bodyguards behind her, “Grab this pathetic girl and her sister! Beat them within an inch of their lives!” “I’ll take responsibility for whatever happens! Let them know what happens when you offend my daughter!” The burly men, clearly paid to do a job, lunged at us without hesitation. “What are you doing! Stop!” I yelled, shielding Chloe tightly behind me. But how could two girls possibly stand against a dozen grown men? Soon, Chloe and I were roughly pinned to the ground. Fists rained down on us. I desperately protected my head and vital organs, holding Chloe close in my arms, taking the brunt of the attacks on my back. My bones felt like they were being crushed inch by inch; searing pain shot through every part of my body. Chloe was trembling in my arms, her cries turning into desperate whimpers. “Stop… Please, just stop…” Enduring the pain, I struggled to sit up and roared, “Think carefully! This is a lawful society, and there are surveillance cameras everywhere in this mall!” The burly men’s actions indeed hesitated. Seeing this, Vanessa Price sneered. “Little girl, you’re still too naive.” “You think I’d bring people here if I was scared of that?” She clapped her hands, and Captain Miller immediately understood, running to a nearby electrical box and pulling a lever. The lights on the entire floor instantly went out, plunging the area into dimness. The crowd gasped. Vanessa’s triumphant voice echoed in the darkness. “Now there’s no surveillance! What are you going to threaten me with now?” “Attack!” Chloe clung to me, terrified and trembling. My heart sank to the bottom. I never imagined that in broad daylight, in my own family’s mall, I would encounter such lawless thugs! “Stop!” a furious shout rang out. Emergency lights flickered on, and Dylan Hayes’ figure appeared before us. My heart stirred. Did he still have a shred of conscience? As soon as he appeared, Brittany immediately rushed to him, tearfully complaining: “Dylan! You’re finally here! Look at them, they not only ruined my dress, but that old woman even tried to hit me!” Dylan immediately put his arm around her, comforting her softly. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.” He turned to me, his face twisting into one of annoyance. “Amelia Reed, what exactly do you want? “I’ve already made it clear to you that I don’t like you. Are you incapable of understanding plain English?” I looked at him, feeling utterly disgusted. I spoke each word distinctly, “Dylan Hayes, I sponsored you for seven years, from your high school days until you graduated college. I even brought you in to manage this mall, and I never asked for anything in return.” His face stiffened, his eyes darting away. Brittany, however, wasn’t pleased. She pinched him hard. “Dylan, why are you wasting your breath on her? She gave you that money because she wanted to sleep with you, didn’t she? Everyone knows what her real intentions are!” At her words, the murmurs from the crowd grew louder. “So it’s a sugar mommy keeping a pretty boy, and the pretty boy found true love.” “Tsk, tsk, this woman is something else, buying affection. There’s no sincerity in that.” “Serves her right, she brought it on herself.” Dylan’s posture instantly straightened. He looked at me, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. “Amelia Reed, I like sweet, innocent girls like Brittany, not manipulative old women like you!” I was trembling with rage. “Fine. Just fine.” I laughed in my fury. “Dylan Hayes, remember what you said today!” I didn’t want to waste another second with that despicable pair. I pulled Chloe and turned to leave. “Stop right there!” Dylan blocked our path, his face a picture of smug triumph. “Pay for Brittany’s dress before you go!” He ordered the security guards, “Keep them here! Don’t let them leave until the money’s paid! I’ll take responsibility for whatever happens!” I looked at his smug, arrogant smirk and said coldly: “Dylan Hayes, have you forgotten who actually owns this mall?” He froze for a moment, then burst into maniacal laughter. “Amelia Reed, are you awake? You don’t actually think that because you sponsored me, this mall belongs to you, do you?” I looked at him, finding it ironic. Dylan only knew I was wealthy, but he had no idea this mall was *mine*. When I initially had him manage the mall, it was my assistant who conveyed the instructions. I had been too low-key, which gave him the opportunity to run wild. Seeing this, Vanessa Price pointed at the dress on the floor and made an outrageous demand: “That dress is a million dollars, plus emotional damages for my daughter, and my lost wages… Let’s round it up to five million dollars! Hand over the money now! If you can’t, then your sister will kneel down and lick the floor clean!” “You’re dreaming!” My chest heaved with fury. Vanessa’s eyes turned cold, and she told the bodyguards, “Pin the little one down! Make her lick it!” Two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, roughly grabbing Chloe’s arms, about to force her to the ground. “Let her go!” My vision blurred with rage. I lunged forward to push them away, but two other bodyguards held me firmly. “Amelia! Help me! Amelia!” “Let my sister go, you bastards!” I struggled frantically, but the disparity in strength between men and women was too great; I couldn’t break free. Dylan Hayes stood to the side, watching all of this coldly, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. Brittany was even more excited, clapping her hands. “Mom, push harder! Make her lick it! Make her lick it clean for me!” Just then, my phone suddenly slipped from my pocket and fell to the floor. The screen lit up, showing the emergency call I had frantically dialed. One of the burly men, sharp-eyed, saw the numbers on the screen, his face changing, and he subconsciously loosened his grip. “Damn it, she called the police!” The three on the opposite side were also startled. Seizing the moment the bodyguards relaxed, I violently broke free and lunged to pick up my phone. “I’ve already called the police! They’ll be here any minute! None of you will get away!” I held up my phone, screaming at them. In truth, I hadn’t even had time to dial out, but it was enough to deter them. Brittany, her voice betraying her fear, shrieked, “So what if you called the police? My dad is Richard Vance! The police will still have to show *him* some respect!” Dylan Hayes, meanwhile, rushed forward, trying to snatch my phone. “Amelia Reed! Are you crazy?! Hang up the phone now!” There was no way I’d let him succeed; I clutched my phone tightly. Failing to grab it, in a fit of desperation, he slapped me hard across the face! My face burned, my ears rang, and I tasted a metallic tang of blood in my mouth. I looked at him in disbelief. This man, whom I had sponsored for seven years, who had recently sworn to protect me, had just hit me. Dylan Hayes was also startled by his own actions, his hand frozen in mid-air. But seeing the hatred in my eyes, he hardened his heart, deciding to go all in. “You forced my hand!” He said viciously, “Let me tell you, if you dare to blow this up today, I’ll make sure you can’t survive in Sterling City!” “Oh really?” A cold, authoritative voice suddenly cut through the crowd from outside. “Who has such big talk, daring to make my daughter unable to survive in Sterling City?” I looked towards the sound. A distinguished-looking middle-aged man walked over. It was my father, Richard Vance. The moment he appeared, my tightly strung nerves finally relaxed a little. Although I harbored resentment about his possible infidelity, it could also be that Brittany and her mother were lying; nothing was confirmed yet. I was about to step forward, but Brittany ran past me, intimately linking her arm with his. “Dad, you’re here just in time! Look how they’ve bullied me!” Richard Vance’s face immediately broke into a doting smile, and he affectionately stroked her head: “Brittany, darling, with Daddy here, no one can bully you!” I froze on the spot. Vanessa Price also swayed her hips over, complaining coquettishly: “Richard, you’re finally here. Brittany and I were almost bullied to death by these two little girls.” Richard Vance patted her hand reassuringly, speaking softly, “You’ve worked hard, Vanessa.” His gaze, from start to finish, never once fell on Chloe or me. As if we were strangers. My heart sank, little by little. Chloe whispered from behind me, “Daddy…” Richard Vance’s frown deepened, and he reprimanded us sharply: “Who are you two? What are you making a scene about here? And who’s your dad? Don’t go around claiming relations! I, Richard Vance, don’t have such unsophisticated daughters!” My blood instantly ran cold. Chloe couldn’t accept this fact. She rushed out, tugging at Richard Vance’s sleeve, crying and asking: “Daddy, why won’t you acknowledge us? It’s Chloe! Don’t you want me and Amelia anymore?” A flicker of unbearable pain crossed Richard Vance’s face, but he quickly shook off Chloe’s hand in disgust, sending her stumbling and falling to the ground. “Get lost! Don’t touch me!” He said mercilessly, “I’ll say it again, I don’t know you!” Seeing this, Vanessa Price and Brittany Vance laughed, shaking with glee. “Did you hear that? My husband doesn’t know you! You two liars, trying to impersonate the Vance daughters, how delusional!” Brittany even squatted down, poking Chloe’s forehead with her finger, utterly humiliating her: “Little poor thing, did you hear? My dad said he only has one daughter, me! You and your home-wrecker sister, just get lost!” Dylan Hayes also stepped forward, looking down at me. “Amelia Reed, I’m giving you one last chance: pay up and apologize. Otherwise, one word from Mr. Vance, and you two will completely disappear from Sterling City!”

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