Category: English

Born with the gift of second sight, I could see things others couldn’t – spirits, auras, the unseen world. After my husband, Damon Blackwood, was blinded in a car accident, I didn’t hesitate to donate my corneas. But after the surgery was a success, he tricked me and buried me alive in the mountains. Sand filled my nostrils, a terrifying sense of suffocation choking me. The last thing I heard before losing consciousness was Damon’s vengeful voice. “Die, Anya Reed! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be tormented by these spirits!” “Seraphina had already found the perfect cornea for me, why did you have to meddle?!” Turns out, he’d hated me all along. I opened my eyes again, back to the day of the surgery. This time, when Seraphina Thorne offered him a pig’s cornea, I simply stood silently to the side. But he still wasn’t done with me. To calm the frail Seraphina, he demanded large amounts of my blood daily to draw talismans. What he didn’t know was that talismans drawn with my heart’s blood weren’t something just anyone could handle.

“Patient urgently needs a suitable cornea match!” The familiar words echoed in my ears. I opened my eyes, and they weren’t just a blank void. My eyes could see again? Looking around, I instantly realized I’d been reborn. The doctor stared at me, asking anxiously, “Family?” “She’s not my family! Where’s Seraphina?!” Before I could answer, Damon Blackwood, barely clinging to life on the bed next to me, spoke first. My heart was already dead, but hearing him so eagerly disown me still made it tremble. My gaze unconsciously shifted to Damon. Born with second sight, I quickly realized he’d been reborn too. In my previous life, his soul was pure and clean. Being near him felt like basking in warm sunshine. But now, Damon was shrouded in a sinister black mist. My heart sank, understanding everything. The suffocating terror of my death in the last life made my breathing quicken. The disorientation of being led into the mountains, the searing pain after the violent blow to the back of my head, and the helplessness as sand filled my ears and nose – I couldn’t let go of any of it, even now. Such heavy sins; even with a second chance, Damon wouldn’t just get to wipe the slate clean. Seraphina Thorne, who had been sobbing beside him, rushed forward and grabbed Damon’s hand. “Damon, I’m here.” “Doctor, Seraphina is in charge of all decisions regarding my surgery.” What a pair. So devoted. So in love. And standing there, despite being his wife, I felt utterly like an outsider, a complete stranger. Seraphina gasped, her face lighting up with unconcealed triumph at Damon’s words. Her gaze met mine, filled with challenge. But my heart didn’t stir with a single ripple of emotion, only a cruel, dark satisfaction. In my previous life, my second sight had shown me that Seraphina’s intentions weren’t pure; she wasn’t as innocent as she seemed. So when she first offered a “suitable cornea,” I’d been cautious and placed a tracker on her. Sure enough, I overheard her plotting something sinister with another man. Seraphina planned to replace Damon’s eyes with a pig’s cornea, intending to blind him so she could control him! Last life, I stopped Seraphina and donated my own corneas to him. And in the end, I met a brutal, suffocating death. This time, I wanted to see if he’d be satisfied without my interference. Damon’s surgery was scheduled for an hour later. The hallway was quiet. Having trained with my Master since childhood, my senses were sharp. Even through the wall, I could clearly hear Seraphina’s conversation with the doctor. “Five hundred thousand. Another five hundred thousand after it’s done.” Seraphina looked pained, but she gritted her teeth and handed over her bank card. Along with it was a small black box. The doctor instinctively started to refuse the card, but hesitated when he heard Seraphina’s words. Finally, he silently took the items.

Damon Blackwood’s surgery, as expected, failed. But Damon knew nothing of it. When he was wheeled out of the operating room, his eyes wrapped in bandages, his first instinct was to find Seraphina. “Seraphina, thank goodness for you. You really are my little good luck charm.” Damon caressed Seraphina’s cheek, his wet kiss pressing against her skin. I had no desire to watch their lovey-dovey display and turned to leave, but Damon stopped me. “Hold it! Did I say you could leave?” A bodyguard blocked my path, forcefully pushing me back. Caught off guard, I stumbled and fell in front of them. Seraphina sat on Damon’s lap, looking down at me haughtily. A sweet smile played on her lips, but her voice was sickeningly pathetic. “Damon, big sister’s glare is so scary. I’m so afraid.” Before Damon could speak, the bodyguard behind me grabbed me, punching me hard in the stomach. I felt a sudden gush of warmth below me. “You bitch, you want to have my child? Dream on!” “He wasn’t born in the last life, and he won’t be in this one either!” Damon’s words stunned me, followed by an endless wave of despair. So, the miscarriage in my last life wasn’t an accident. I’d been pregnant for a month already. In my previous life, after Damon’s surgery was successful, I’d eagerly told him the news. Back then, he’d excitedly picked me up, spinning me around, and we sweetly discussed names for our child. He was so wonderful then, making me believe deeply in my love for him. Even later, when I inexplicably miscarried, and doctors told me I couldn’t have children, I faced the reality alone, suffering in silence. I had never doubted Damon. I lay sprawled on the floor, tears streaming down my face, mixing with the blood on the ground. Through blurry eyes, I finally saw the black mist around Damon clearly. A tiny, human-shaped shadow of black mist desperately waved at me, as if filled with deep concern. I frantically wiped away my tears, trying to see more clearly. But it was just mist; I couldn’t make out its form anymore. Damon couldn’t see my expression, but the smell of blood in the air inexplicably made him uneasy. Before he could dwell on it, Seraphina, nestled in his arms, wrapped her arms around his neck. Her fluffy head buried in his chest, tears dampening his clothes. “Damon, big sister is so scary, my heart is pounding, I can barely breathe.” Then she gasped, collapsing dramatically into his arms. Of course, I saw through Seraphina’s terrible acting, but I knew Damon wouldn’t believe me, and I was too tired to expose her, so I just let her keep slinging mud at me. What I hadn’t expected was that Damon would go to such lengths for her. “Seraphina! What’s wrong?” He frantically checked on her, his hands running over her until he touched her icy-cold hand. His face instantly contorted with fury! “Anya Reed! I told you, stop bullying Seraphina!” “It’s just a miscarriage, you’ve been cultivating for so long, nothing bad could happen to you! Why scare Seraphina like this?!” The urgency in his voice wasn’t faked; it just wasn’t for me. His dismissive tone pierced my heart. Turns out, my blood pooling on the floor mattered less than Seraphina’s cold hands and feet. “Where’s the doctor? Someone! Take her heart’s blood to draw talismans for Seraphina’s peace of mind!” Damon declared with absolute finality.

My heart leaped in shock, followed by overwhelming despair. In my previous life, Damon had used talismans drawn with my heart’s blood to stabilize himself. Because my second sight had been transplanted into his eyes, he was able to see other things. Back then, right after his surgery, as soon as they removed his bandages, he was terrified by the spirits before him. No matter how carefully I tried to comfort him, he remained utterly spooked. Left with no choice, I sacrificed some of my cultivation and took my heart’s blood to draw talismans to calm him. Though it had gravely weakened me, at least I survived. But now, I had just miscarried and was already bleeding profusely. If they took more blood for talismans, I might actually end up in the underworld. I instinctively tried to flee, but Damon ordered his bodyguards to seize me. “Anya Reed, this is what you owe Seraphina.” Damon’s words echoed in my ears, and I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. “Damon Blackwood, I haven’t said a single word this entire time! Tell me, what exactly do I owe her?” Stumped by my question, Damon instinctively wanted to argue but couldn’t find the words. He could only mumble, “If it weren’t for you, Seraphina wouldn’t be so scared.” “And you won’t die; taking a little blood for talismans is fine.” Damon knew he was in the wrong, but he was still worried about Seraphina. He stubbornly insisted, “Anya Reed, stop making a fuss. As long as you draw the talismans, I’ll agree to anything you want.” I had no chance to refuse; the doctor was already approaching with a needle. I kept backing away, but the bodyguards grabbed me, pinning me firmly to the ground. “This is illegal! You don’t have my consent!” Hearing my words, the doctor hesitated for a moment, his needle hovering over me. But when his eyes met Seraphina’s meaningful gaze, he finally made up his mind. They were all in this together now. The cold needle plunged into my chest, and a hundred milliliters of blood were quickly drawn. Just then, Seraphina “woke up,” and seeing me, she let out a piercing scream. Her shriek startled the doctor, and his hand twitched. The freshly drawn blood spilled onto the floor. Damon, hearing the commotion, asked anxiously, “What happened?!” Only after the doctor tremblingly explained everything did Damon finally relax. Then he dismissively waved his hand. “It’s fine, she’s strong. Draw it again.” My heart shuddered at his words. “Damon Blackwood, I’ll die!” But hearing me, Damon showed no pity, only a look of disgust. “Anya Reed, stop being dramatic. Don’t you think I know whether you’ll die or not?” The cold needle was plunged into my body again. I felt my body temperature slowly dropping. Just as I thought I had reached a hundred milliliters and was finally free, Seraphina walked over. The needle, which was about to be pulled out, was pushed back in by her. The doctor looked at her in surprise, then silently complied. I felt dizzy, and instinctively called Damon’s name. The last thing I saw before losing consciousness was Damon’s anxious face. So, you do worry about me. But Damon, I don’t want you anymore. I woke up again in the Blackwood family mansion, but not in the master bedroom. Instead, I was in the utility room on the first floor, where the staff often rested. Seeing me awake, a maid hurried out to inform someone. After a while, Damon was pushed in by a maid, and he urgently grabbed my hand. I was somewhat surprised, but his next words brought me back to reality.

“Seraphina had another nightmare, hurry and draw the talismans!” He yanked me from the bed, and I stumbled. I couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. Of course, Seraphina was having nightmares. Judging by the dark aura around her, she had more than just one or two lives on her hands. Doing too many wicked deeds naturally kept her from sleeping peacefully. “Damon Blackwood, do you think she can handle my talismans?” Damon froze at my words, then erupted in fury, violently flinging me aside. “Anya Reed! At a time like this, are you still playing games?!” “Seraphina is a good girl! She deserves everything!” Damon ordered his bodyguards to drag me to the study on the second floor, instructing them not to release me until I was willing to draw the talismans. On the long desk were the very same brushes and yellow talismans I used to use. He had custom-made the desk for me from the finest mahogany, and found the white jade-handled brush himself. He once said I deserved the best things in the world. But now, he was forcing me to use my heart’s blood to draw talismans for another girl. Tears splattered onto the yellow talismans. I knew deep down that there was no going back. I picked up the brush, intending to draw, but several times I raised my hand, only to hesitate. The bitterness in my heart festered deeper and deeper, growing heavier with each passing moment. It finally erupted three days later when I overheard the maids gossiping outside my door as they delivered my meal. “Mr. Blackwood is truly devoted to Miss Thorne. He even gave her Madam’s most precious warming jade.” “Isn’t that true? If you ask me, Madam’s title will change hands sooner or later!” I hammered on the door with all my might, my knuckles raw and bleeding, skin torn. But I didn’t care; I just kept shouting, “What warming jade?! Explain yourselves! Where’s Damon Blackwood! I want to see Damon Blackwood!” After such a long silence, it was the first time I had made a sound from the room. The maid outside jumped in fright, realizing she had blurted out too much, and dutifully went to fetch Damon. But Seraphina Thorne came along with him. Seraphina was wearing my mystic robes, which, worn inappropriately, looked like some kind of strange dress-up, almost suggestive. My face darkened, and my gaze immediately zeroed in on her waist. Hanging there was a piece of exceptionally fine warming jade – a gift from my Master before I left the mountain. Noticing my gaze, Seraphina simply flicked her hair carelessly and said with an airy dismissiveness, “Big sister, I haven’t been feeling well lately and keep having nightmares. You won’t be so petty about me using your clothes and warming jade to ward off evil, will you?” Before I could speak, Damon interjected. “Seraphina, don’t overthink it. This is from me to you. She won’t mind.” But before he could finish his display of authority, I cut him off. “Take it off. Give it back to me!” As if shocked by my words, they both instinctively blurted out, “What?” “I said! Take it off, and give it back to me! You want me to draw talismans, right? Give it back to me, and I’ll agree.” I didn’t even glance at them, my eyes fixed solely on the warming jade. My hands didn’t stop moving. I took out a prepared talisman paper and held it out. Seraphina was overjoyed. After all this effort, she finally had it – finally, she could get rid of those unclean things! But when she noticed how much I cherished that jade pendant, something stirred within her. Just as my hand was about to touch the warming jade she was handing over, it slipped from her fingers with a *thud*, shattering into several pieces on the floor. The last fragile thread inside me finally snapped. I sank to the ground, helplessly cradling the pile of broken jade, trying to piece it back together, but it was useless. Seraphina, holding the talisman, eagerly pressed it to her body, completely unaware of the sudden shift around her. From her perspective, the otherwise calm surroundings suddenly twisted and churned. Spirits, as if unleashed from their chains, swarmed towards her. This time, Seraphina truly fainted from fright. Damon only heard Seraphina’s shriek before silence, and without another thought, immediately ordered his bodyguards to seize me. “Anya Reed! What kind of dark magic did you use?! Why won’t you just leave Seraphina alone?!” My mind was blank, focused only on the shattered warming jade. I just let the bodyguards grab at me. Just as they were about to seize me, a single palm sent the bodyguard flying backward. I stared blankly at the man who had suddenly appeared before me. “Master?!”

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I wasn’t her biological daughter. But she raised me with her life, doing odd jobs, cleaning public restrooms, spoon-feeding me every meal. Eighteen years later, my birth parents showed up, claiming she was just a nanny. I stood at the door, watching them hand over legal documents and a thick envelope of money. Then I turned, wrapping my arms around the woman in the faded sweater, who was coughing too hard to speak. I told them, “You’re not a nanny. You’re my mom.” ### On my eighteenth birthday, Mom forgot to buy me a cake. She worked until eleven that night, dragging herself home, clothes reeking of dish soap. Panting, she pulled a hot container of my favorite takeout noodles from the bag. “Isn’t it your birthday today? You love this place. Mom even added extra eggs for you.” I sat on the couch, staring at the TV, watching a reality show, but I didn’t move. She knelt to set the bowl down, her voice a little hesitant. “I’m so sorry, sweetie. Mom’s shifts have been late these past few days. Can we celebrate your birthday a bit later?” I looked down at the noodles. They smelled good, familiar—the way she always made them when I was sick as a kid. But I didn’t touch my fork. Slowly, I pulled an envelope from the drawer and handed it to her. She froze for a moment, then took it. The moment she saw the title, her hand started to tremble. “DNA Test Results: No Biological Relationship.” Her face went instantly white, as if all the life had been sucked out of her. “Where did you get this?” My voice was eerily calm. “The hospital mailed it. You were at work that day, so I signed for it.” Her lips trembled a few times before she managed to squeeze out a single sentence: “You… you investigated me?” I didn’t deny it. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Finally, she sank to the floor, burying her face in her knees. I heard her whisper, “You were so young back then. I was afraid if you knew… you wouldn’t stay with me.” My memories before I was five were a complete blank. Mom said I was a premature baby, weak since birth. When I was little, I didn’t believe her. I always wanted to see my birth certificate. She’d say she lost it, or it burned up—any excuse would do. She was good at keeping secrets. She kept this one for eighteen years. Suddenly, I wanted to laugh. Laugh at my eighteenth birthday, when everyone else got cash gifts, and I got proof that I was “found.” I leaned back on the couch, watching her shoulders shake as she cried. My own eyes stung, but I couldn’t bring myself to comfort her. Because when I wanted the truth, she chose to hide it. We didn’t speak again that night. When I dumped the noodles into the trash, she just looked at me. She didn’t say a word. I’d never seen that look on her face before. It was like she was terrified I’d shatter, and she couldn’t make a sound. I suddenly realized she wasn’t cold; she was terrified. Terrified that the daughter she’d worked so hard to raise would, overnight, rip her out of her own heart. I woke up in the middle of the night and heard her wiping something in the kitchen. No lights were on, just the soft, careful clinking of her washing dishes, one by one. I walked over and saw her washing the unused cake plate—five times. I said, “You don’t need to wash it. It wasn’t even used.” She looked down. “You always said when you were little that a birthday wasn’t complete without this plate. I wanted to keep it.” I froze for a second. “You remember that clearly?” She gently lifted her head, her eyes red and swollen. “I remember you were scared of thunderstorms as a kid, you loved salty egg yolks in your oatmeal, and before every test, you had to put on your left sock first, then your left shoe.” “I also remember when you were three, you fell and split your chin open. Five stitches. I didn’t dare cry until you were asleep, then I went to the bathroom and threw up.” “I remember everything about you, Harper.” “I just… I’m not your biological mom. That’s all.” Finally, I understood. She hadn’t lied to me. She was just afraid that one day, I’d think blood was thicker than her love. She was afraid of losing me. But what she didn’t know was that, at first… I never even *thought* about looking for my birth parents. It was the hospital’s letter that forced me to know. It was fate that forced me to face it. I wasn’t trying to replace my mom. I just wanted to know who I really was. Once I calmed down, I asked her, “So, how did you find me?” She dried her hands. “I didn’t exactly ‘find’ you.” “That year, I was cleaning restrooms at Central Station. It was three in the morning, and I heard a bundle crying.” “I opened it and saw a baby, wrapped in a wet diaper, face red from the cold.” “No tag, no name, no one around.” “I looked at you, and my first instinct wasn’t to call the police… it was to pick you up and give you some water.” “I was thirty-two then. No husband, no kids. Everyone told me not to get involved, not to cause trouble. I didn’t listen.” “I just kept thinking: ‘This child can’t freeze to death.’” “Who knew that one hug would last eighteen years?” I stood rooted to the spot, speechless. Her tone was so calm, as if she were just saying, “It’s a bit chilly today.” But every single word hit me like a hammer to the chest. I thought about how, when I was little, she’d clean construction site restrooms just for me, how she’d queue up at 4 AM to sign me up for extracurriculars, how she’d just eat plain bread and claim she was trying to lose weight. I always thought she was just an incredibly ordinary mom. Now I knew: she was a woman who had nothing, yet she was willing to give her entire life for a child who wasn’t even hers. The next day, I went to the police station, hoping to find information about my biological parents. The officer flipped through files for a long time. “Your legal status… it’s not properly recorded,” he said. “Carol hasn’t gone through legal adoption procedures, but there was an abandoned infant report the year you were born. Found at: Central City Train Station women’s restroom.” “Discoverer: Carol Miller.” My heart pounded. “So… are there any relatives registered?” “No.” “Has anyone ever come looking?” The officer hesitated. “Hold on, let me check the system… Oh, there actually is someone.” My heart rate instantly spiked. “Five years after your birth, someone filed a missing child report for a baby girl.” “The time, location, characteristics… they all match.” I asked, “Can you tell me who it was?” He hesitated. “You’ll need to apply for official documentation. All I can tell you is that the system shows the last name… Stone.” My breath hitched in my throat. Stone. Could it be… I was really a Stone? I went home and didn’t say a word. Mom saw the look on my face and asked tentatively, “You went to check, didn’t you?” I nodded. Her eyes darkened. “Are you… leaving?” I shook my head, my voice hoarse. “I never thought about leaving. I just needed to know.” She smiled, but tears welled up and fell. “I knew you’d go back eventually.” “You’re destined for a life of privilege. I just scraped by. I can’t keep you.” For the first time, I knelt before her, holding onto her legs, crying like a heartbroken child. “Don’t say that. You’re not just a mom I found.” “You’re the mom I was meant to have.” She stroked my hair, just like she did the first time she held me, eighteen years ago. And she said: “I’m not your biological mom, but my love for you, that’s real.” I didn’t say anything, just held her tighter. What I didn’t know was that the real twist of fate was just beginning. Three days later, I got a call. A voice on the other end was polite and composed: “Hello, this is Stone Enterprises. May I speak with… Ms. Harper Stone?” “We’ve been looking for you for eighteen years.” ###

The Stones first arrived in a sleek black Maybach. The moment Mom heard the car horn, the bowl she was holding slipped, shattering on the kitchen floor. I rushed to open the door. Standing outside were two impeccably dressed people— The man was in his early fifties, his face bearing a striking resemblance to mine. The woman was incredibly well-preserved, with delicate features, dressed in a light camel trench coat. Her perfume was subtle but commanded attention. When she saw me, her eyes immediately welled up. “Harper…” I stood frozen. They stared at me for a long time, as if seeing eighteen years of dreams finally come true. Finally, she stepped forward and pulled me into a tight embrace. “You looked exactly like this when you were little. Your eyebrows haven’t changed a bit.” “Mom… Mom finally found you.” I stiffened for a few seconds, then slowly lifted my hand and lightly hugged her back. My mom, Carol, stood in the doorway. She didn’t come in, didn’t say a word. Camille Stone let go of me, glancing at her. The glance was fleeting and subtle, but I understood it immediately— It was an assessment, not gratitude. It was scrutiny, not respect. They didn’t come inside. Robert Stone said the family had arranged a welcome ceremony and wanted to take me there. I looked at Carol. She was looking down, twisting her apron. I quietly asked, “Mom, do you want to come with me?” She looked up and forced a smile. “You go. I won’t.” “I’m not dressed for a place like that.” That night, I was taken to the Stone family mansion. The moment we stepped inside, housekeepers bowed, lights gleamed, and a long row of gift boxes sat on a table beneath a dazzling “Welcome Home, Harper!” banner. It was the first time I’d seen so many unfamiliar relatives. Aunts, cousins, the Stone family’s financial partners, brand representatives… They looked at me as if I were a newly launched product. Someone laughed, “Oh, this girl truly takes after Robert, especially her nose. Flawless!” “Such poise! Definitely a Stone.” “She’ll probably be an Ivy League candidate too!” Camille smiled, turning to me. “If you want to paint, Mom will hire the best art teachers in the country for you.” “But remember, studying art doesn’t mean you can be too… wild.” “Your manners, your accent, and your clothes… they all need a little polishing.” I glanced down at my canvas sneakers, suddenly feeling every speck of dust on them. It felt glaring. They said “polishing,” but what I heard was—”You’re not good enough.” At dinner, they seated me at the head of the table. I was about to stand up and offer my seat, but Robert Stone chuckled, pressing my hand down. “Sit here. From now on, you’re the true young mistress of this house.” “But there’s one condition,” he paused. “Since you’re a Stone, you’ll need to learn all the proper etiquette and rules.” “And as for… Ms. Miller, we’ll handle her appropriately.” “She worked hard these years, but after all—” He looked at me, and then he uttered the words that finally snapped something inside me: “She was just a nanny. My fork clattered against the plate. I almost choked on my food. “What did you just say?” He was still smiling. “It’s a fact she raised you, and we’re grateful.” “We’ll compensate her with a sum of money, arrange a place for her to live. She won’t lack for anything.” “She’s done her part, and she can step aside. We won’t make it difficult for her.” I spoke, each word sharp and distinct: “What did you call her?” “A nanny?” “Or ‘done her part and can step aside’?” Everyone at the table froze. I lifted my head, my voice eerily steady, even to my own ears: “You think, by giving her a sum of money, she should quietly disappear, is that right?” “You think the daughter she raised with her very life, bearing so many scars, should suddenly take on the Stone name overnight, is that right?” “She isn’t my birth mother, but every meal she cooked, every time she rushed me to the emergency room, every month she skipped eating meat just to pay my tuition—was that fake?” “She’s not a nanny.” “She’s my mom.” Camille’s expression changed. “Harper, don’t get upset. You’ve misunderstood us.” “We just… want to help you return to your rightful place.” I sneered. “My ‘rightful place’ is for you to decide?” “Then all these years you searched for me, were you looking for a daughter, or just an accessory to fill a void?” No one answered. I put down my fork and stood up. “You’re bringing me home not out of love, but out of guilt.” “But she, with no obligation, willingly gave me everything.” “You call her a nanny.” “But I say—she, is my mom.” I walked out of the room, and Camille cried out, chasing after me: “Harper, don’t be impulsive!” “You’re our only child! You’re not hers!” I turned back, my voice calm: “Yes, she’s not mine.” “But I am hers.” “She only has me in this life.” “I can’t pretend I don’t know that.” That night, I walked out of the mansion. I walked all the way back to our rented apartment and knocked on the door. The moment the door opened, she was standing there in a faded cotton nightgown, hair disheveled, eyes wide: “Harper… why are you back?” I hugged her, my voice so hoarse it was barely a whisper: “Mom, they tried to take me, but I came back.” “I was afraid you wouldn’t wait for me.” She didn’t say anything, just gently stroked my back with a trembling hand. I said, “Mom, they called you a nanny.” “I didn’t believe them.” “I told them you’re my mom.” ###

The night I came home, she quietly made me a bowl of soup, serving it still steaming. “To warm your stomach.” “You’ve always been like this since you were little, your stomach gets upset if you get hungry.” I took a sip, saying nothing. She sat opposite me, watching me. “Were they good to you?” I nodded. “So… do you still want to go back?” I looked up at her. “Mom, I’m not going back.” “I’m afraid if I leave, you won’t eat, you won’t sleep, you won’t even go to the doctor.” She blinked, then chuckled. “Don’t be silly. Mom’s perfectly fine.” “The doctor just said it’s bronchitis. A couple of pills and I’ll be fine.” I stared at the dark circles under her eyes, and the fever patch discreetly stuck to her hand. My chest tightened. I asked her, “How long have you been going to the hospital?” She said, “Just a couple of days. It’s nothing serious.” “Last month, during my company health check, they said I had some inflammation and told me to monitor it.” “You weren’t here, and I didn’t want to bother you. I was afraid they’d laugh at you over there.” My eyes immediately welled up. “You were afraid I’d be embarrassed?” “After all this time, do you really think I’m grown up enough to be embarrassed by you?” She lowered her head, her eyes red-rimmed: “I just thought… you finally had a good place… I couldn’t let anyone look down on you.” “You wear nice shoes, I wear worn-out clothes. If you took me out… people would laugh at how pathetic your mom is.” I covered my face with my hand, tears streaming down between my fingers. “Mom, do you know? In that so-called ‘home,’ no one dared to look me in the eye and say they loved me.” “They called you a nanny. I didn’t fight them. I only did one thing—I left.” “I came back.” “You can’t get worse.” “If anything happens to you, I’ll never have a mom again.”

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Last life, I was utterly obsessed with Chloe, yet she treated me like her personal simp. I even sacrificed my life to save her, only to hear her call me a “good dog” in return. After my death, Blair, the yandere girl everyone steered clear of, cradled my lifeless body and sobbed for a day and a night. Once she saw me laid to rest, she threw herself into the river. When I opened my eyes again, I’d been reborn. And there was Chloe, ordering me to skip class and buy her a bubble tea. “Julian Hayes! What are you staring at? If I don’t get my bubble tea in ten minutes, I’m never eating your breakfast again!” Students around us were enjoying the show, pointing and scoffing: “He’s the ultimate simp!” “I’d bet anything Julian will ditch class for Chloe.” The moment I realized I was reborn, my ears were assaulted by all sorts of mocking and jeering. Seeing me frozen in place, Mia, Chloe’s best friend, frowned, a clear look of annoyance on her face. “Julian! Why are you still standing there like an idiot?” “Didn’t you hear our Campus Queen wants bubble tea? Go already!” At her words, I looked up, meeting Chloe’s gaze. It held disdain, even a hint of disgust. I scoffed internally. Her aversion had been so obvious all along, but I’d been blinded by my own infatuation. I’d always thought that with time, and enough persistence, I’d eventually win her heart. In my previous life, to pursue her, I’d bought her luxury cars, mansions, jewelry, bags, and dresses. Every morning, I’d wake up early to make her breakfast personally, creating grand romantic gestures: fireworks displays, flower confessions… I’d blown through most of my inheritance, almost getting disowned by my grandfather. Even all that hadn’t won her over. And when I died saving her, all I got was her snuggling in Trevor’s arms, calling me a “good dog.” “What ‘influential heir’?” Trevor sneered, wrapping an arm around her waist, looking down at me. “He was just a good dog I had wrapped around my finger.” “Tsk, so what if he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth? He’s still stupid as hell.” “Once you’re dead, I’ll be the top talent in the design world, adored by millions! Hahahaha!” It was only after I died that I finally understood: Chloe’s “victimization” had been a setup. Their real goal was to lure me to my death, clearing the path for Trevor to dominate the design industry. As long as I was alive, Trevor would never rise to prominence. Even with Chloe constantly making me skip class, my designs still won major awards. Pure talent, that’s all it was. Thinking this, I met Chloe’s disdainful gaze and stated, cold and resolute: “Get lost!” The words caused an uproar. Chloe’s eyes widened in shock, staring at me. “Whoa, what’s going on? Are we witnessing history today? The ultimate simp just told the Campus Queen to get lost!” “This is spicy! Did the simp finally wake up? Or is he giving up?” “I think giving up is the right choice. Julian comes from money, Chloe’s family is super poor. They’re totally mismatched!” … Hearing the other students, Chloe’s face cycled through shades of pale and purple before finally turning scarlet, like a boiled lobster. She had excellent grades and striking looks, and over the years, I’d spoiled her rotten, treating her like a princess. Her only insecurity was her family background, which she never talked about. Mia tugged her arm, saying loudly: “Chloe, don’t overthink it. I bet he’s just playing hard to get.” “He’s been chasing you for three years, there’s no way he’d suddenly give up. He just wants to piss you off to get your attention.”

Hearing that, Chloe’s expression softened a bit. She lifted her chin, arrogant as a peacock. “Julian, if you go get me that bubble tea right now, I’ll be your date to the design gala tomorrow night.” Chloe arched a brow, convinced I was just hitting too many dead ends and getting defensive. All she had to do was offer a little incentive, and I’d fall right back in line. But what she didn’t know was that the Julian standing here now wasn’t the same one who loved her more than life itself. I kept a straight face, ignored her words, and walked past her. Class was about to start, and I didn’t want to waste any more time on her. As I brushed past, I saw the smile on her face crack, like shattered glass. Mia lunged, grabbing my arm, sounding furious: “You useless simp! Chloe’s talking to you! Didn’t you hear her?” I stopped, lifting my eyes to hers, the icy glare undisguised. She instinctively let go of my arm and took a few steps back. “You— Chloe being your date, isn’t that what you’ve always dreamed of?” The students around us looked puzzled too, stroking their chins as they watched me. Seeing this, I swept my gaze over everyone and stated firmly: “Everyone, please bear witness today!” “I, Julian Hayes, am cutting all ties with Chloe Black as of this moment. There will be no further contact. If Chloe Black dares to bother me again, please judge her accordingly!” At my words, the crowd instantly erupted. “I’m impressed! Never thought I’d actually see Julian wake up one day!” “I don’t know if it’s just me, but not being a simp, he looks way hotter now.” “It’s not just you. Julian’s always been campus heartthrob material, and he’s rich. Plenty of girls like him, but his simp act was such a turn-off, that’s why hardly anyone paid him any real attention.”

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On our anniversary, I served a piece of meat to Chloe, but her assistant, Ryder, knocked it away with a fork. “Chloe’s pregnant, she can’t eat anything too greasy. Don’t you even know that, Liam?” My face froze, and it took me a moment to process. Chloe and I locked eyes, and she quickly looked away. We’d never been intimate. Where did she get a child from? “Ryder’s father is critically ill, and his last wish is to see his family line continue, to have a grandchild before he passed. You know Ryder’s been my assistant for years, he’s practically part of the family, and he’s worked so incredibly hard for me.” “So I agreed to artificial insemination.” “After I give birth, I won’t interfere anymore, I promise.” But we’d been together for four years. I’d brought up having children many times, and Chloe always refused, saying she was afraid of childbirth and didn’t like intimate things. Now she’s pregnant with someone else’s child? My whole body trembled, and my heart twisted with agony. The words clawed their way out of my throat, “Then what am I?” Before Chloe could answer, Ryder stood up, his eyes welling up with tears. “I’m sorry, Chloe. I guess my dad’s last wish before he died is something Liam can’t accept. Let him die with regret.” The next second, Chloe’s palm connected sharply with my face. Her eyes wide with fury, she snapped, “Ryder’s father is on his deathbed, and you’re still so petty? Are you even a man?!” “I didn’t even sleep with him! What are you making such a fuss about?!” With that, she grabbed Ryder’s hand and walked away without a backward glance. On our anniversary, I was left alone in an empty house. The next day, I dialed a number overseas. “Help me draft a divorce agreement, Stella.” On the other end, an excited squeal erupted. “You’re finally getting divorced? Does that mean I have a chance?!”

After hanging up, I silently started packing away all traces of myself from the house. To say I wasn’t heartbroken would be a lie. My hands even trembled when I took down our wedding photo. Chloe’s grandfather died saving me from a fire. Before he passed, he asked me to take care of Chloe. For her grandfather, and for the goodwill in my own heart, I approached her, cared for her, and married her. I still remember how her eyes shone on our wedding day, full of dreams for our future. Even though she never let me touch her after we married, she claimed a bad childhood experience left her traumatized, and she didn’t want to experience the pain of childbirth. I never suspected anything, waiting patiently, but the result… Tears splashed onto the floor, spreading into dark circles. I had just booked a flight for three days later when a call from the hospital came through. “Hello, are you Chloe’s husband?” Almost instantly, I instinctively clutched my phone and sprinted to the hospital without a word, my worry surging uncontrollably. But at the door to the hospital room, I had to stop. My blood ran cold, freezing me to the spot. Chloe and Ryder were nestled in the small hospital bed, kissing passionately, completely lost in each other. “You were too rough, you almost made me lose the baby! And you landed me in the hospital!” Ryder held Chloe’s delicate, almost childish hand, his eyes soft with adoration. “Well, Chloe, you’re just too captivating! Even pregnant, your charm is undeniable.” He curled his lips, leaning in to whisper in Chloe’s ear, “Am I better than Liam?” The man’s other large hand remained hidden under the covers. I watched Chloe’s face flush, her expression distant and blissful. “Of course, it’s you. That loser, I never even touched him. How could he be as good as you?” “If it weren’t for you, I might never have experienced this kind of joy in my life, Ryder… It’s just a shame I met you too late, too late.” My legs wobbled, and I almost collapsed. My chest ached, making it hard to breathe. A doctor suddenly appeared behind me, his brows furrowed with deep displeasure. “Do you even know your wife is pregnant? Why were you two being so rough? Are you trying to jeopardize her life?” “How can there be such an irresponsible husband in this world? You’re no different from an animal!” He slapped the medical report hard against my chest. I clutched the report, flipping through it repeatedly, but I couldn’t ignore the truth. Taking two deep breaths, I suppressed all my emotions and pushed the door open. Chloe was caught off guard by my sudden entrance. She hastily grabbed the blanket to cover herself. At the same time, she shoved Ryder off the bed. There was a faint hint of guilt in her expression as she looked at me. “Liam, what are you doing here?” I silently placed the medical report on the table. “The hospital called me, her next of kin.” “But it seems, I came at the wrong time.” Chloe’s gaze lingered on the report, a fleeting panic in her eyes. She forced a strained smile, leaned forward, and grabbed my hand. “You’re my husband, you can come anytime.” “What did the doctor just tell you?” I looked at her face, still the same as before. But why did I feel like she was a complete stranger? “You’re pregnant, and you’re in the hospital because of how rough you were during sex.” As I spoke, my gaze fell on Ryder’s face, my voice laced with ice. “Chloe, didn’t you say you two never slept together, that it was all artificial insemination?” “Are you trying to make a fool of me?”

Chloe’s face turned scarlet at my words. “Honey, listen, I can explain. There’s a reason for all this.” “Last night, Ryder kept threatening to kill himself, and I was scared something would happen, so… so I made the first move. We only did it out of desperation.” “Please don’t be angry, okay? I promise you, I’ll never do anything like that with Ryder again.” Chloe’s expression was gentle, appearing very sincere. If I hadn’t seen everything from the doorway just now, I might have actually believed her story. Taking a deep breath, I let out a cold laugh: “Last night could be an accident, but what about just now? What do you call lying together, intimately?” Chloe stiffened at my words. She hadn’t expected me to see everything. She quickly grabbed my hand, attempting to explain. But I threw her hand away. All her pretense shattered as she yelled furiously, “So what if we were intimate today too? When I got pregnant, it really was artificial insemination, I didn’t lie to you about that.” “Besides, you hurt Ryder’s feelings last night, he almost jumped off a building! I sacrificed myself to prevent you from having a death on your conscience.” “Liam, you don’t have to be grateful, but how can you talk about me like that?!” I was so choked with anger I couldn’t speak. A knot of rage tightened in my throat. “He threatens suicide, and you sell your body, roll around together, so intense you ended up in the hospital, and you want me to be grateful?!” The moment the words left my lips, Chloe slapped me hard across the face. The sound echoed, and my cheek stung with a fiery pain. Seeing this, Ryder walked over, seemingly heartbroken, holding Chloe’s hand and blowing on it, doting on her excessively: “I’m sorry, Chloe, it’s all my fault…” “I just keep causing trouble. You should have let me die last night! If I can’t fulfill my father’s last wish, I should die with him.” With that, a clear tear fell, which he quickly wiped away. But it still subtly caught Chloe’s eye. She had been momentarily stunned after hitting me, but seeing that tear, all guilt vanished. It was replaced by deep disgust. “Liam, I never realized what a jealous and selfish man you are!” “Do you have to push people to their deaths to be satisfied? If I had known you were like this, my grandfather never should have saved you!” “Shouldn’t have saved me.” Those words hammered into my chest like a giant mallet. It was hard to breathe. A thousand words churned in my throat. Emotions clogged my chest, unable to escape. I clenched my fists and let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Yes, Grandfather shouldn’t have saved me. He should have let me die in that fire. That way, maybe I would never have ended up with you in this life!” Tears streamed down my face. I hung my head, my heart tightly clenched. Chloe was momentarily stunned, staring intently at my face, a flicker of something resembling regret in her eyes. She slowly walked forward, and just as she was about to reach out to me. Ryder suddenly rushed to the window and threw himself out. The sight stunned all of us. Chloe screamed and immediately rushed to the window. Fortunately, the floor wasn’t high. Ryder had jumped from the third floor of the hospital. He was immediately rushed to the emergency room. Chloe stood at the door, trembling from head to toe, tears streaming down her face. When she looked at me, her eyes were filled with profound loathing. She glared at me, “If anything happens to Ryder, you’re the one to blame!” “You’re not just killing Ryder, but also his father, who’s in the ICU!” I turned my head away, unwilling to speak. An hour later, the doctor came out to announce that Ryder was fine, only suffering some minor fractures. Chloe slowly let out the breath she’d been holding in her throat. Her anxious expression momentarily reminded me of when we were dating, and she would worry about me the same way. But now, Chloe had no such concern or worry for me. My heart sank. I felt suffocated in this place. I tried to leave, but Chloe grabbed me. She looked at me and said, “Go home and get Ryder some of your clothes to wear.” I actually laughed, a bitter, angry sound. “You want *my* clothes for *him*?” Chloe raised an eyebrow as if it were obvious. “Of course. Liam, don’t forget, he jumped because of you.” “If you hadn’t been making a scene just now, how could Ryder have jumped? I’m just asking you to bring him some clean clothes to change into. Are you unwilling even to do that?” I gritted my teeth, and after a long pause, I managed a strained, “Fine.” Only then did Chloe release me, continuing to instruct, “Oh, and make some chicken soup. Ryder really liked the soup you used to make for me.” That chicken soup, I used to start preparing it the night before. I even spent a whole week learning how to make it. I had to cook so many failed attempts before I finally got it right. All because she worked hard overtime, and I wanted her to nourish herself. But all my effort, all my care, was going to another man’s stomach. I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned and quickly walked away. Ignoring Chloe’s calls behind me. Back home, I went to the bedroom and took out a few old, slightly worn clothes from years ago. Some of them Chloe had bought for me. When we moved to our new place, she said they were unwearable and wanted to throw them away, but I insisted on keeping them, cherishing them as precious memories. Now, screw those memories. After packing the items, I didn’t leave immediately. First, I went to arrange various passport documents and collect evidence for the divorce. I dragged my feet until the next day when Chloe called, urging me, and then I slowly made my way to the hospital. Chloe was currently wiping Ryder down. He was only wearing underwear. Chloe held the towel, gently and tenderly wiping him, their eyes sharing intimate glances, laughing and chatting. Sometimes, their faces would even flush with shyness. I swallowed down the disgust churning in my gut, walked quickly, and set the clothes down. “These are the change of clothes.” As soon as the words left my lips, I turned to leave, but Chloe called out to me in a low, venomous voice from the doorway. “Wait, who told you to bring these clothes?” I didn’t turn around. “I won’t be wearing these clothes anymore, so why can’t I bring them?” Chloe grabbed the clothes and swiftly walked up to me, throwing them hard at me. But I didn’t even raise a hand to catch them. “Do you have any idea how long I worked odd jobs in college, pinching every penny, to buy you those clothes? And you just don’t want them anymore?” The clothes slid to the floor, Chloe’s face contorted with rage. But I said calmly, “They’re too old. They’re perfectly suitable for a change of clothes, though.”

Chloe’s mouth opened and closed, her face cycling through a dozen emotions, words failing her. Finally, it twisted into a cold sneer. She stared intently at my face. “Liam, don’t think you can play these games and get my forgiveness.” “If it were just a small thing like before, I’d let it go, but this time you’ve gone too far. And where’s that chicken soup I asked you to make for Ryder? Where is it?” I raised a hand. “I can order takeout now. Do you need me to?” Chloe was furious. She raised her hand and slapped my phone from my grasp. “Liam, what is *wrong* with you? Is it so hard to show Ryder some basic care, some *empathy*?!” “He just jumped from a building, he’s still injured, and he has a gravely ill father! Are you even human? Playing these petty tricks to deliberately upset me!” Ryder, sensing the moment, let out a few soft, aggrieved sounds. “It’s okay, Chloe.” “Someone like me doesn’t deserve to live, and certainly doesn’t deserve to wear Liam’s old clothes.” At that, Chloe finally reacted. Seeing Ryder’s red, swollen eyes, she bit her lip, and as if to prove a point, she stomped on the clothes lying on the floor. The moment her foot came down, my expression stiffened. I heard her furiously demand, “That’s right! Liam, you have so many new clothes in your closet, why didn’t you bring those for Ryder to wear? Are you looking down on him?” “Go get them now, or I’m divorcing you!” “And the chicken soup. I expect to see it this time.” I kept my head down, staring at the trampled clothes on the floor. After a long pause, a sound finally emerged from my throat. “Fine. Let’s get divorced.” Chloe froze. She slowly turned to look at me. Our eyes met. Her lips trembled. “What did you say?” I scoffed, “My wife is pregnant with another man’s child, and you expect me to bring clothes and make soup for your lover? Chloe, what do you take me for? Some spineless idiot? Your personal plaything?” “Let’s end this. We’re done.” The moment I finished speaking, Ryder suddenly got off the bed, his knees hitting the floor with a dull thud. “I’m sorry, Liam, I was so foolish!” “Please don’t divorce Chloe, she loves you very much! I’ll go beg her to abort the baby right now, and I’ll stay far away from her forever, I won’t bother you two again!” Chloe’s pupils constricted. She practically rushed forward to help Ryder up. Her eyes filled with concern, “What are you doing? Get up!” Then she glared at me, “Liam! There’s a limit to your antics! I’m carrying *his* child now, and it’s his father’s only hope left in this world!” “Do you have to kill them both to be satisfied?!” I gently closed my eyes. “You can still do all of that after you divorce me.” She bit down hard on her lip. “Don’t you forget, my grandfather saved your life! What right do you have to ask for a divorce?!”

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My dad was a raging alcoholic and a gambling addict. My mom was always calling me, sobbing her heart out over it. With every penny I’d saved from work, I begged my mom to divorce him and leave with me. But my mom, that very same day, went right back and told my dad everything. My dad flew into a drunken rage and beat me to death. My mom could have called the police, she could have saved me, but she was too scared. She just stood there, watching me die. Afterward, she even lied to the police, claiming I attacked him first, and he was just acting in self-defense. The next time I opened my eyes, my mom was sobbing to me again, complaining about my dad hitting her while drunk. I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. “Why does Dad only hit *you*, Mom, and no one else? Clearly, that’s just his way of showing how much he loves you!” I was dead. Killed by my own father. It was my twenty-fifth birthday. My mom said she wanted to celebrate with me. I was so caught up in the idea of celebrating with her that I forgot: my mom had never celebrated my birthday before. She didn’t even know when it was. After work, I politely declined my colleagues’ invitations and bought my own birthday cake. But I never imagined that when I got home, I’d be met with my dad’s brutal beating. My dad was drunk, reeking of alcohol, his eyes filled with contempt and resentment. I didn’t even get a single bite of my birthday cake before I collapsed to the floor. “The deceased suffered multiple fractures, severe head trauma from a blunt object, accompanied by intracranial hemorrhage, and showed signs of violent struggle before death…” “Witness Brenda Smith, is it true that your daughter, the deceased Aubrey Wen, was beaten to death by your husband, the suspect Frank Wen?” The judge’s face was beet-red, veins throbbing in his temples. I heard him say he’d never seen such brutal violence, a man beating his own daughter to death. My mom stood on the witness stand, shaking her head wildly. “It was all my daughter’s fault! My husband didn’t mean to hit her!” “My daughter was disobedient from a young age! She even deliberately provoked my husband! My husband acted to protect himself and me. It was self-defense!” “My daughter was standing there with a knife! She’s not right in the head! She wanted to kill us! She’s always been mentally ill!” My mom was hysterical, rambling nonsense. And I, floating above them, watched her spew her nonsense with a blank expression. I *was* holding a knife, but it was a plastic cake knife. With all the fat on their bellies, that plastic knife would probably just snap if I tried to stab them. Self-defense? Protecting *her*? It was the first time I realized my mom could lie so smoothly. This was clearly my dad’s revenge. All because I said I’d take my mom, who he’d abused for years, and help her escape. I wanted what was best for her. My heart ached for her. But what did I get in return? My mom, turning around and practically melting into my dad’s arms, ‘innocently’ telling him I was trying to break them up, that I wanted them to divorce. So, I was lured back home for my birthday, only to be smashed to the floor with a stool by my dad as I was cutting the cake. It hurt so much. By the time my entire body was swollen and bruised, I couldn’t feel anything anymore. In the end, because my mom committed perjury and signed a statement of forgiveness, my dad was acquitted and walked free right there in court. The legal fees? They were paid with *my* life savings, the tens of thousands I’d scraped together from my job. It was a sick joke. I never knew that the mother-daughter bond I thought we had was nothing but my own delusion, my own one-sided fantasy. Because the case was so bizarre, even after I died, I ended up all over the trending news. I watched the online trolls rip into me, and I watched my dad, after being acquitted, put on a whole show on live stream, claiming he’d ‘spoiled’ me rotten. That’s why I was so ‘lawless,’ ‘uncontrollable,’ and ‘violent.’ Even Mrs. Jenkins downstairs, who I’d helped countless times, went on social media for clout, calling me a ‘delinquent girl’ and saying my death was a ‘blessing’ for the entire neighborhood.

Maybe my resentment was just too strong, but somehow, I was reborn. The moment my consciousness returned, I was still clutching my phone, my mom’s sobbing voice pouring through the receiver. “Your dad went drinking again! What is so damn good about alcohol anyway?!” “He drinks morning, noon, and night. And after that, he’s off with his drinking buddies, gambling away the money you sent me last time – every single cent of that five hundred dollars gone!” “My body is covered in bruises! Aubrey, please come home!” Go home? Before, I genuinely thought she wanted me back because she missed me. It was only after I died that I realized she only wanted me home so my dad could hit *me*. If he hit me, she wouldn’t get hit. I touched the tears of self-mockery welling in my eyes. Thank god, I hadn’t been abandoned by fate. My mom kept talking for a while, then, noticing my silence, asked suspiciously, “Aubrey, can you hear me? Hello? Aubrey?” My mind snapped back. I scoffed. “Why does Dad only hit *you*, Mom, and no one else? Clearly, that’s just his way of showing how much he loves you!” Before, I would always tell my mom to divorce him, then send her some money for living expenses. My unusual reaction this time made my mom freeze on the other end of the line. “But you always said loving couples don’t fight! Didn’t you even tell me to call the police?” I chuckled. “Mom, they say it’s better to preserve something old than to destroy a long-standing union. Plus, you and Dad have been married for over twenty years. If there was no love, would you really have lasted this long?” “Besides, sure, Dad likes to drink and gamble, and he loves to hit and yell at you, and he probably spends his days at shady clubs with other women, but at least he comes home, right?” “Didn’t you always say men are like that? As long as they come home, that’s what matters?” My mom hesitated. This wasn’t achieving her goal at all. She just wanted to play the victim, guilt-trip me into sending money, then hand it straight over to her ‘beloved’ husband. How could she possibly leave Dad? She’s clearly obsessed with him! But I wasn’t taking the bait, and she was stumped. “Aubrey, you seem different.” Of course I’m different. I’ve died once already. “Mom, I’ve grown up. I understand your marriage now. So just live happily with Dad, okay?” You two are a perfect match, two rotten peas in a pod. With that, I hung up. My current company is a Fortune 500 giant. Though the workload is heavy, the promotion prospects are excellent. In my last life, to stay with my mom and protect her from harm, I gave up an opportunity to be stationed abroad. I also missed out on a major promotion. The result? My mom tricked me, and my dad beat me to death. This time, I decisively wrote up my application for the overseas posting and submitted it to my boss. The last tens of thousands I had saved were now locked away in a high-interest account. From today on, I’m a miser. I won’t spend a single cent.

Just as I was packing my bags to leave town, my mom showed up at my rental apartment. Her face was covered in bruises, her left eye swollen shut. It was late at night, and she was wearing sunglasses to hide the damage. In my last life, it was at this very moment that I told my mom I had tens of thousands of dollars saved and urged her to divorce my dad and come with me. She went straight home and told my dad. “Mom, what are you doing here?” My mom didn’t say a word. She walked in, sat on the couch, and started to cry. “Aubrey, I can’t live like this anymore! Look at what your dad did to me! Please, you have to save me!” I feigned helplessness. “Mom, what do you want to do? You can’t be serious about divorce, can you?” “Divorce? Yes! I want a divorce! I can’t take this life anymore!” Divorce? My mom said this to me every time she got beaten. That’s why, in my last life, I suggested she just divorce him. But I never expected her to go home and tell my dad exactly that. After my dad got drunk, he hit me while cursing, “You worthless little brat! You dare try to break up your mom and me?” “If I don’t beat you today, you’ll forget your place!” “If it weren’t for me, do you think you’d even be alive in this world?” I was already losing consciousness from the beating, but my mind replayed the years of my life. If I’d had a choice, I wouldn’t have been born into this family. From as far back as I could remember, I’d lived under the shadow of domestic violence. My dad’s moods were unpredictable. When he was happy, he’d lift me high and play, but he never knew I had a fear of heights. When he lost money gambling, he’d come home, smashing things and hitting. My mom would push me out to bear his rage. I knew from a young age that I was a girl, and no one in my family really wanted me. If my mom could have had more kids, I’m sure I’d have younger brothers or sisters. But sadly, after my dad threw her into a freezing cold bath, she couldn’t have children anymore. Memories flashed before my eyes like a highlight reel. I looked at my mom, cowering in the corner, trembling. I let out a bitter laugh. Before, whenever she got hit, I was the one who stepped forward to protect her. Now, she just cowered, afraid to move. All her talk about loving me, about me being her only daughter, it was just comfort she sought after my dad hurt her. So now, I would never feel soft-hearted toward my mom again. I watched my emotional mom on the couch, calmly picking up my phone. “Dad, you heard that, right? Mom did come looking for me.” “But did you two have a fight? Mom actually said she wants to divorce you.” My dad’s voice, amplified by the phone, reached my mom’s ears. “Lock the door! I’m coming right over to break her legs!” “She wants to divorce me? Over my dead body!”

My dad arrived quickly. The moment he flung the door open, he charged straight at my mom, kicking her to the ground. By the time my dad finished venting, my mom was lying on the floor, unable to move. And I just watched, cold and detached, just like my mom in my last life. “Dad, aren’t you hitting her too hard? Mom isn’t moving.” My dad scoffed. “I know my limits. She’s not going to die. She’ll be up tomorrow, doing my laundry and cooking my meals.” “Oh, and do you have any money?” My dad asked if I had money while rummaging through my bag on the couch. Thankfully, I’d already put all my money in the bank, and even left the deposit slips at my best friend’s place. I bit my lip, shaking my head. “Dad, I already gave all my money to Mom. Didn’t she tell you?” My dad kicked over a stool. “What good is that pathetic amount? It’s barely enough to line my pockets!” “No wonder everyone says daughters are useless! You barely make any money in a year. Why don’t you just find some rich guy to marry, and bring home a huge wedding payout for *me* to spend!” “Dad, I’ve given Mom over ten thousand dollars these past two years. I’ll definitely work harder in the future and earn more for you both.” “Ten thousand?” My dad’s expression changed. He snatched the phone from my mom’s pocket. He saw there was nothing in SnapChat, but then he found over five thousand dollars hidden in her PayPal account. “You b*tch! Hiding money from me, your own husband?! Aren’t I beating you hard enough?!” My mom scrambled behind the couch, terrified. My dad couldn’t care less about her anymore. Humming a tune, he transferred the PayPal balance to his own account, then tossed the phone onto the floor and sauntered out. Not until his footsteps faded completely from the hallway did my mom finally drag herself off the floor. “Why didn’t you stop your dad when he was hitting me just now?” I feigned fear. “I didn’t dare, Mom. I was afraid Dad would hit me too.” “Mom, didn’t you always tell me? It doesn’t matter how much you suffer, as long as *I* live a good life?” “If it was me getting beaten, you’d be even sadder than I was, right? That’s why I just stood there, frozen.” My mom’s mouth twitched. She had indeed said those words. Then, she noticed my packed suitcase in the living room. “Are you going on a business trip?” I smiled. “The company’s sending me to City A to kick off a new project.” “City A? That’s quite far. When will you be back?” “The company hasn’t given a specific date, but it could be six months or more. But don’t worry, Mom, I heard the salary will be much higher when I return. It’s good for our family.” Hearing that, my mom’s face brightened. But she still didn’t dare to smile, because any movement would pull at her facial injuries.

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My wife and I were deeply in love. Aside from a noticeable chill in our intimacy, everything else was perfect. Until one day, I saw search terms she hadn’t bothered to delete. “How to fake interest in your husband?” “What excuses to use to refuse sex with your husband?” “Can’t stand husband’s closeness, what to do if you feel sick?” Lately, I’d been constantly wondering if Izzy was seeing someone else. But no matter if I checked her phone or hired someone to keep an eye on her, I couldn’t find any solid proof. My wife, Isabelle Sterling, was a total knockout – classic beauty, long legs, tall, and eyes that could melt anyone. Even in her everyday work suits, you could see her stunning figure. Before we got married, every time we were alone, I’d have trouble controlling myself. After we got married, I couldn’t wait to spend every night lost in each other. But who would have thought that a natural stunner like her could be so cold in the bedroom? She always claimed she was too tired, sometimes not letting me near her for an entire month. I used to be understanding. After all, as a CEO, she was under a lot of pressure, and as a freelancer, it was my job to be considerate. But a while ago, I found a hotel room receipt in her purse.

Izzy traveled a lot for work. These receipts should have been submitted to accounting for reimbursement. But she was holding onto it herself, which could only mean it was for personal use and couldn’t be shown openly. I casually asked her, “Hey, babe, were you at The Grandview Hotel last Friday? A friend said they thought they saw you.” “No way. All my recent meetings have been at The Stellar Inn. If you saw me there, that’s possible.” Her voice was soft and gentle. I used to joke that she sounded like she was flirting, not negotiating. Now, I realized lying and flirting had something in common – they both made it hard to tell what was real! The receipt wasn’t from The Stellar Inn or The Grandview. I checked the map and found it was from a cheap, no-name motel right across from The Grandview! She was always incredibly particular about her lifestyle, so why would she book a room at a place like that? And why lie about it? This bothered me for ages. Still unsettled, I quietly checked her call logs and social media, but came up empty. She seemed to have zero interest in men, with almost no male friends outside of work contacts. Those two receipts were like a splinter, digging deep into my heart. Finally, I made up my mind and dialed her assistant, Chloe Jenkins. I didn’t even know how to start, but she brought it up herself. “Leo, did you happen to find two hotel receipts at home? A couple of times, both The Grandview and The Stellar Inn were full, so I put the driver up somewhere else, but I can’t find two of those receipts for reimbursement.” Oh, so that was it! I quickly had someone deliver them to her. I trusted Chloe. She was someone I’d personally put on Izzy’s team, and her loyalty was unquestionable.

Another day, Izzy came home very late. The moment she walked in, she headed straight for the bathroom. My heart ached for how much she sacrificed for us, so I went to the kitchen to cook her some noodles. As I turned, I saw her phone sitting on the table. Izzy had never kept secrets from me. Our passwords were each other’s birthdays, for crying out loud, but I rarely looked at her phone. Suddenly, I remembered we’d just switched internet providers and I hadn’t connected her phone or laptop yet. After a few taps, I was about to turn off the screen when I saw a notification pop up: “Learn these tricks to make your husband think he’s your soulmate.” I almost laughed. Izzy and I were already so in love. She always said I was her first love, her only man. Why would she need tips on that? I was about to swipe it away, but accidentally tapped the page instead. The search questions at the top were: “How to fake interest in your husband?” “What excuses to use to refuse sex with your husband?” “Can’t stand husband’s closeness, what to do if you feel sick?” The steam rising from the pot blurred my vision, making the words on the screen harder to see. “Why are you holding my phone?” Izzy came out in her pajamas, a modest and reserved style that covered her from her neck to her calves. I’d always thought she was a traditional woman, maybe that’s how she felt secure. “Our internet contract expired. We got a new one, just updating your password.” I calmly handed her the phone back. “Don’t touch my phone without my permission! I don’t snoop through yours. Didn’t we agree on having our own space?” She ate her noodles, bite by bite. I watched her for a long time, my expression unreadable. Inside, I was seething, wanting to confront her, but also scoffing. She was such a good actress, playing it off like nothing happened. “Babe, we haven’t been intimate in ages. I want to…” “I’m too tired today! I need to rest. Maybe another time?” She firmly pressed down on my hand, stopping me from moving. “Izzy, you’re just too beautiful. I can’t help myself.” I leaned down to find her lips. Remembering my earlier suspicions, I pressed my mouth harder against hers. “Honey, my stomach hurts!” Her soft, sweet whine instantly made my heart ache. But looking into her clear eyes, devoid of any lust, I knew it was just another excuse.

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Champ wasn’t just my old family dog; he was family, my protector, almost like a father figure to me. He wasn’t just allowed on the furniture; he practically had his own seat at the dinner table. And anyone I thought about marrying? They had to get Champ’s sniff of approval first. But then, while I was away on a business trip, I saw Champ on the company’s annual party livestream. He was pinned to the wall with hundreds of needles, a horrifying patch of dried, dark blood matted beneath him. And my wife, Chloe’s, male secretary, Liam, stood beside him, a smirk playing on his lips. “I’ve been having some bad luck lately. The CEO brought this old, mangy dog here specifically to cleanse me of it. Isn’t he just too sweet to me~” Envy rippled through the crowd. My vision blurred crimson. I immediately messaged Chloe: **[Get Champ to the vet, NOW! Or I swear, you’ll regret ever being born!]** On the screen, a flicker of panic crossed her face, but she quickly composed herself, clapping and cheering with the rest. I scoffed, a cold laugh escaping my lips, and then dialed a number. The next moment, a squad of men in black stormed the banquet hall. They grabbed Chloe’s secretary and slammed his face onto the scattered needles on the floor. No one who hurts Champ gets away with it!

My wife, Chloe, called me instantly. “You sent people to beat Liam up, and I tried to ignore that! But why call the cops? Do you have any idea how hurt he is?” I glanced at my return flight ticket, my anger barely contained. “I warned you.” Chloe paused, then snapped, “It’s just a dog, Leo! Liam’s been having a rough time lately. I just let Champ help him get rid of his bad luck. Is a dog more important than a human?” “Don’t be ridiculous. Drop the charges right now, or you and your thugs who assaulted Liam can expect a court summons!” “Go ahead and sue,” I said coldly. “Champ is worth at least a hundred million. Even his fur is insured for thirty million. I’d like to see whose side the law takes!” “You’re insane! Thirty million for dog fur insurance?” Chloe’s roar echoed through the phone. “Leo, are you seriously treating a dog like your own dad?” “I don’t care. You can’t hold this against Liam today. He’s worked so hard to get where he is. Making him pay that much money would ruin him!” I suddenly chuckled. “So worried about him? You could always pay for him.” “How about it, ‘CEO’?” “Though, using marital assets to bail out your side piece… The evidence I have in my hand would make you lucky to walk out with just the clothes on your back.” Her scheme exposed, Chloe flushed with rage. “What are you talking about? There’s absolutely nothing going on between us!” “You’re just projecting! Your mind is so twisted, you see filth everywhere! You honestly sicken me!” The phone slammed down. That evening, as soon as my plane landed, I received a message from the police station: **[Mr. Jenkins, your wife has already paid the compensation and bailed the man out.]** I sneered. Then I forwarded all the evidence and files he sent me to my lawyer, instructing them to prepare for divorce proceedings. Years ago, if Champ hadn’t been so uniquely fond of Chloe, I wouldn’t have chosen her from all the potential alliances, especially since her family was the most down on its luck. Even later, when I discovered she had simply researched Champ’s preferences beforehand, I didn’t hold it against her. After all, she *did* put in the effort for Champ. When I frequently traveled abroad to expand our overseas business, I felt completely at ease leaving the company and Champ in her care. I thought she was smart, that she at least knew how to be grateful. I never imagined that just three short years of being a CEO would change her so drastically. Not only did she cheat, but she even dared to lay a hand on Champ! Lost in my thoughts, my phone suddenly buzzed with a new post from Chloe’s assistant, Liam, on Twitter. I tapped it open. The image showed two hands clasped together, fingers intertwined. I instantly recognized one as Chloe’s; there was even a faint mark where her wedding ring used to be. The caption read: **[Another hundred million spent by the CEO just for me. But I’m broke, so I guess I’ll just have to repay his kindness with my body~]** Oh, really? Cheating so brazenly? Do they think I’m a complete fool? I immediately flung the screenshot into the Jenkins family WhatsApp group, tagging Chloe: **”Ms. Jenkins, did your secretary give you a good workout tonight?”** Ignoring the group chat that had completely blown up, I drove straight to the animal hospital. When I gave the name, the receptionist immediately looked up, her expression uncertain. “Didn’t your wife say she had your permission… to put the dog down?”

I burst into the isolation room. The vet already had the syringe in hand, the needle glinting menacingly. Champ let out a low whimper, sensing the danger, but was too weak from his injuries to even put up a slight struggle. “Stop!” I roared. The vet froze, looking confused. I scooped Champ into my arms and walked out, leaving a single sentence hanging in the air. “You’re going to put a pet down without explicit consent from the owner? This hospital is going to be shut down!” Champ sniffed my familiar scent, his nose twitching, and whimpered weakly a couple of times. I gently stroked his head, my heart aching, and pushed him into the operating room. While waiting outside, Liam posted an apology video on Ins, even tagging me. His eyes were red-rimmed, but he still feigned composure. “I never thought my last post would cause Ms. Jenkins’ husband to misunderstand. ‘Boss’ is just my pet name for my girlfriend, it wasn’t meant for Ms. Jenkins.” “I apologize to Ms. Jenkins’ husband for the misunderstanding. I’m truly sorry! Perhaps a ‘Boss’ title is too high-class for a nobody like me. I swear, I won’t ever use it again. Please, just let me go!” Immediately after, Chloe liked his post: **[I never realized how my husband’s possessiveness would drag you into this mess. I’m so sorry on his behalf.]** Instantly, the comments section blew up with sympathy for Liam, outrage against the rich, and a bunch of people calling me a psycho, telling Chloe to dump me. I ignored their antics, staring at the video’s background. I almost laughed at the absurdity. He claimed “Boss” wasn’t for Chloe, yet the apology video was shot in *my* and Chloe’s bedroom! Chloe’s silk nightgown, the one she specifically wore for me last time, was still lying on the floor! I immediately slammed all the evidence online. “So, is my bed more comfortable when you’re sneaking around in it?” “Oh, and by the way, that bed cost me two million to custom make. It’s stained now, so you can keep it when you leave. Consider it a housewarming gift from me.” Soon, the hashtag #CEOGiftsSidePieceMyBed went viral. Chloe’s older brother, Caleb, showed up first. A forced smile stretched across his face. “Leo, Chloe is still young. It must have been that scumbag who seduced her, and she just made a mistake.” Mrs. Jenkins grabbed Chloe’s ear and pushed her forward. “Look at the mess you’ve made! Hurry up and apologize to Leo!” Chloe’s expression was grim. “Leo, why did you post all that stuff online? You’ve ruined both my and Liam’s reputations!” “Liam and I haven’t done anything. He had nowhere else to go, so I just let him stay. There are security cameras in the bedroom; you can check if you don’t believe me!” As she spoke, Chloe took a few steps forward and raised her hand, aiming to slap me. I caught her wrist, my face dark as I stared at her. “Chloe, you should be thankful you two didn’t *actually* do anything in that bedroom. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be standing here talking to me.” “Get out of my sight. I don’t have time for you right now.” But she mistook my calm for weakness and became bolder. “You need to post something online immediately to clear Liam’s name, or don’t even *think* about me forgiving you!” Just as her words fell, the operating room light flickered off. The lead surgeon walked out, pulling off his mask. “The surgery was successful. Champ’s life is safe.” A wave of relief washed over me. I then slammed the divorce papers onto Chloe’s face. “Forgive me? No need.” “Sign it. We’ll settle the rest of our accounts slowly after that!”

Chloe’s eyes widened, her face slowly paling. “I told you, there’s nothing between us. I didn’t betray you.” “Just because I let him stay, you want a divorce? I won’t agree!” I pointed to Champ, who was still on the hospital bed. “You don’t have a choice.” Hearing this, Chloe stumbled back a few steps and collapsed to the floor. Her eyes reddened. “Leo, I was wrong, I’m willing to make amends…” “Champ’s okay, isn’t he?” “Please, please don’t divorce me! You can’t divorce me over a dog!” My expression was cold. “Champ isn’t just a dog! How many times have I told you, Champ saved my life. Without Champ, I would have died ten years ago.” “I’ve always treated him like family, and you almost killed my family!” Every time I traveled, I would repeatedly tell her to take good care of Champ. Yet, the person I trusted most deeply was the one who hurt him the most. Seeing my indifferent, unmoving expression, Chloe crawled to my side, clutching my legs and sobbing. “Leo, please, please trust me one more time… I swear I’ll never make such a mistake again…” “I promise, I’ll be a thousand times better to you and Champ from now on…” Caleb and Mrs. Jenkins also rushed over. “Leo, come on, you two were married! Chloe really understands what she did wrong now. Everyone makes mistakes, right?” “As for that pathetic loser, it was all his fault. We’ll get rid of him for good!” Chloe quickly chimed in, “Yes, yes! I’ll fire Liam right now! I’ll never see him again!” She fumbled for her phone, calling HR to dismiss Liam. Then she looked at me with hopeful eyes. Just then, Champ slowly regained consciousness. Chloe immediately pounced on him. Champ shuddered and turned his head away, as if he didn’t want to see her anymore. Seeing this, Chloe froze, her smile more strained than a sob. “Champ, I’m so sorry, I’ll never do anything like that again…” She carefully took Champ’s paw. “Please, just give me another chance, okay?” Hot tears soaked his fur. Champ turned his head back, almost sighing. Then he looked at me with his wet eyes and nodded. I shook my head. I knew Champ was incredibly intelligent. He clearly sensed I still had feelings for Chloe, and he wanted someone by my side. “Champ, you’re the most important thing.” Hearing this, Champ whimpered and even refused to take his medicine. He only opened his mouth when Chloe came to him. I had investigated and found that Chloe hadn’t actually had a physical affair. Softening, I ultimately gave her another chance. In the following days, Chloe truly kept her vows. She not only took meticulous care of me but also showed endless patience with the injured Champ. Every day, she personally cooked his meals, bathed and groomed him, took him for walks, and even actively took him for follow-up appointments at the vet, buying him various clothes, toys, and treats. She was more dedicated than I was. Champ grew increasingly dependent on her. Watching her gently tease Champ with toys, I gradually let my guard down. Until one day, Champ suddenly suffered from uncontrollable diarrhea. I rushed him to the animal hospital Chloe had mentioned. I called out for a long time, but no one answered. Just as I was anxiously about to leave, a young nurse, rubbing her sleepy eyes, emerged. Seeing Champ, she casually pointed to a dirty, foul-smelling iron cage in the corner. “Put him there.” My anger flared. “What do you mean?” “New here? Are you Mr. Jenkins’ driver or butler?” The nurse said nonchalantly. “Ms. Jenkins said this dog made our boss unhappy, so of course he has to stay in a place like this!” “Speaking of which, Ms. Jenkins truly spoils our boss. She even opened a pet store specifically for him because he liked it, letting him manage it!” “Normally, their favorite thing to do is torment this dog. Last time, it was scalding his throat with boiling water. The time before that, I think it was needles in his paw pads, and…” “Enough!” I couldn’t listen anymore. I roared. I never imagined Chloe was secretly abusing Champ! “Where’s Chloe?” As soon as I spoke, familiar moans suddenly came from the office. The nurse winked suggestively. “They’re at it again.” I clenched my fists and strode quickly towards the partially open door. Inside, Chloe and Liam were locked in passionate embrace. Liam lifted Chloe’s leg high. “Sister, has your husband ever reached this position?” Chloe’s voice came in gasps: “He’s nothing compared to you!” “Liam, hurry… make sure I leave here pregnant today, so that fool Leo can raise our baby for us…” Hearing this, I clenched my fists tighter, unable to hold back any longer. I kicked the door open.

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Before the graduation ceremony kicked off, I was double-checking the last performance on the program when I looked up and saw Brittany standing right in front of me. The stage lights hit her face at an angle, leaving her half in shadow and half illuminated at the edge of the curtain, making it impossible to read her expression. “President Aubrey, I heard the grand finale performance for the graduation ceremony… is your piano solo…” It was clearly written on the program. Was this person illiterate? As the Student Body President and the overall director of the graduation ceremony, I was busy organizing the event schedule and honestly couldn’t be bothered with her. I just gave a noncommittal “Mm” to brush her off. To my surprise, Brittany, upon receiving my casual reply, became hysterical, screaming like a madwoman. “Aubrey! Why do you have to steal everything from me?! First place in our year is yours! Student Body President is yours! Even the grand finale solo opportunity at graduation is yours!” After her shrill shriek, Brittany trembled, consumed by injustice, her eyes blazing red as she glared at me, as if she’d suffered the greatest wrong imaginable. The students gathered around couldn’t help but whisper. “Seriously, I’m done. Is she delusional? Nobody’s even trying to take anything from her. Seriously, can she stop playing the victim and looking for trouble?” “She’s just one of those people who can’t stand to see anyone else succeed. Last time, even the prettiest girl in our class got yelled at by her, for daring to dress up too nicely and make Brittany look plain. It was just so annoying…” I used the folder in my hand to block the spit flying from Brittany’s mouth and slowly voiced my confusion. “Excuse me, I recall you never even signed up for the Student Body President election or the graduation ceremony performance?” The moment I spoke, Brittany’s face changed. She stumbled back two steps in disbelief, covering her ears and shaking her head frantically. “It’s all your fault! All because of you! You stole my chance!” With that, she burst into tears and ran out the door. I also covered my ears to block out the noise, watching Brittany’s retreating back, and slowly turned around. Because I knew that as long as Brittany was around, another person was bound to appear… “Aubrey! How could you treat Brittany like that?!” Just as expected, Brandon, my childhood best friend, who’d somehow transformed into Brittany’s personal simp, stormed out from behind the curtain, his brows furrowed, demanding an answer. “Brittany’s already under so much stress! And you had to provoke her like that! Look how heartbroken she is, don’t you feel even a shred of guilt?!” “Well, as her best ‘friend,’ maybe next time you can sign her up for the Student Body President election and the graduation ceremony performance first, to help her take the first step towards her dreams.” I offered my suggestion with utmost sincerity, silently praying this toxic duo would stick together forever and never bother anyone else again. “Aubrey, you—” “If you don’t go after Brittany, she’ll be long gone.” There was too much to prepare for the graduation ceremony. I really didn’t want to waste time with those two weirdos, so I just made up an excuse to get rid of Brandon. “I totally misjudged you, Aubrey. You’re utterly unreasonable!” Brandon threw a final cutting remark. Just as I expected, he bolted out the door after Brittany. It was a miracle my brain cells survived being friends with him. Once Brandon rushed out, the graduation ceremony venue returned to its usual order and quiet. Without taking a break, I headed to the storage room to log the stage props being checked out. Ugh, with great power comes great responsibility. Coordinating the entire event as Student Body President was definitely not easy. After the last stage prop was moved out, I finished tidying up the prop boxes and reached out to push the door, ready to head to the graduation ceremony venue. After a few attempts, I realized something was off with the door— The storage room door had been locked from the outside. I banged on the cold metal door. I quickly realized there was no way I could open it from the inside on my own. Just then, a familiar, mocking voice slowly sounded from outside the door. “Aubrey, even though you’ve done so many terrible things, for old times’ sake, as childhood friends…” Brandon “considerately” made the choice for me. “If you just give this graduation performance slot back to Brittany, we’d be big-hearted enough to forgive you for snatching Brittany’s performance slot.” “Brittany’s crying so much, why can’t you just give her a chance to be on stage?” “You’ve been on stage so many times since we were kids. Why do you have to snatch even Brittany’s only chance to shine?” I was stunned speechless by Brandon’s insane logic. “You two are always so ridiculously ‘brave.’ Honestly, you two should join one of those crazy reality challenge shows. With how ‘brave’ you both are, you’d probably win a grand prize, hand in hand.” “Even if I’ve been on stage a lot, I’m not her nanny. Why should I just hand over my performance to her?” “Besides, did I stop her from being on stage? If she had any talent at all, she could’ve signed up for a slot, and maybe it would’ve passed the auditions?” I clearly pointed out every flaw in his statement, not indulging him one bit. The person outside fell silent, then let out a low, heavy scoff. “Looks like you still haven’t realized what you did wrong. You can stay in this storage room tonight and reflect.” “Be good. Next time you come over, I’ll personally bake you your favorite cake.” I realized deeply that you can’t reason with someone that delusional. Maybe if I just cursed him out, he’d understand better. “Uh… Dude, who even are you to tell me what to do?” Turns out, when you’re speechless enough, you really do laugh. I actually laughed, clapping as I spoke. “My favorite cake is made by a world-renowned pastry chef. Who do you think you are?” “You want me to come to your house? Get ready for a lawsuit, Brandon. The partnership between the Davies and Aubrey’s family ends today.” Just as I was focused on my retort, oblivious to everything else, a soft whimper came from nearby. Without a doubt, it was Brittany. “Oh, Brandon, is it because of me that you’re having a falling out with Aubrey’s family? You really don’t have to do so much for me. You’re so good to me, I don’t even know how to repay you…” “Right. It’s all because of you. Brittany, if you let me out of this storage room right now, your Brandon won’t have to have a falling out with Aubrey’s family. You can repay him on the spot. How about it?” I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes indifferently. “Oh, Brandon, I just want to perform on stage, why is everyone in the world trying to stop me…” Brittany’s pitiful voice rang out again, showing no trace of guilt for trying to take my spot on stage. Clearly, Brandon fell for her damsel-in-distress act, and his words grew bolder in front of Brittany. “Brittany, you don’t have to listen to her! What’s yours, nobody can take away. Just confidently go be the grand finale lead for the graduation ceremony!” Is that really what you’re going with? I facepalmed, really not wanting to hear another word from this toxic duo. Luckily, to prepare for the evening’s graduation ceremony, Brandon and Brittany soon left the small storage room. Alright, so you want to perform, huh? I’ll give you this chance. I couldn’t help but smile, thinking about what was coming next. Looks like they still have no idea what the hidden grand finale for the graduation ceremony is, do they? Unable to find me at the graduation ceremony venue, the Student Body Vice President gathered a team to search the entire campus, finally rescuing me from the storage room. “Oh my gosh, President! Who on earth locked you in there?! This is illegal confinement, we should check the surveillance and sue them mercilessly!” “Oh, President, were you hurt being locked in here alone? Are you cold? Here, take my jacket.” The younger student council members chattered around me. I sipped warm ginger tea and smiled, responding to each of their concerns. Nobody truly understands the real worth of being Student Body President, do they? I fought hard for this position! “President! Do you know how brazen Brittany was while you were missing?! Not only did she and Brandon forcefully crash the backstage makeup area, she, she, she also… never mind! Just look at her SnapChat!” A student council member handed me their phone. I looked down, and it was Brittany’s SnapChat. [With @Brandon, I’m not afraid of any difficulties! See you on stage! [kiss emoji]] The latest post was just a few minutes ago, with a selfie of her cupping her face and pouting. “Well, she won’t be facing any difficulties now. She and Brandon will be sued by me directly and sent straight behind bars.” I replied calmly, but another person beside me urgently tapped the picture to show me. “But President! The urgent matter is, Brittany wore your graduation gown for the performance!” Oh, for crying out loud! No wonder that dress looked so familiar! I looked closer and saw that the outfit subtly peeking out from the bottom of that photo was indeed my custom-made graduation gown. This gown was a high-end designer piece, specially tailored for me by my private designer. It was priceless and unobtainable in the market. To ensure the stage effect, the fabric of the gown was meant for one-time wear only. After Brittany wore it this once, the gown could be considered completely ruined. The price of this theft… she could spend years behind bars for this. “All students’ performance outfits are kept in their respective backstage lockers. Brittany taking it without asking is stealing. Does she think she doesn’t have enough criminal records already?” I immediately took a screenshot by pressing the lock button and the volume down button simultaneously, instructing my classmate to send me the picture as evidence. “Then what will you do, President? She stole your dress, what will you wear on stage later?!” “Don’t worry, I have plenty of other, even better dresses.” I hadn’t originally planned to wear such a luxurious gown, but now, it seemed like an occasional display of true power was necessary to remind others of my capabilities. While sending the evidence of Brittany’s theft to my family lawyer, I also asked my butler to bring the latest arrival—a fully diamond-studded haute couture evening gown. Surrounded by the student council members, I curved my lips into a bright smile. Brittany, see you on stage. “Your ordered flower bouquet has arrived, please confirm receipt~” After changing into the latest diamond-studded haute couture evening gown and finishing my makeup, I arrived at the entrance of the graduation ceremony venue with the younger student council members, only to run into someone unexpected. Brandon was holding a bouquet of flowers, delivered by a service, about to enter the venue. When he saw me, fully dressed up and suddenly appearing, his eyes widened in shock. He clearly hadn’t anticipated this situation. “Brittany is already on stage by now. There’s no way you can make it to the grand finale performance of the graduation ceremony anyway.” He quickly recovered, his tense expression vanished, replaced by a triumphant smile. “Aubrey, you’ve finally turned over a new leaf and given the stage opportunity back to Brittany. Your character shows a hint of improvement. As your childhood friend, I’m giving you this bouquet to encourage you.” Brandon looked at me from a distance with a satisfied expression, nodding with great contentment. Then, he bent down, rummaged through the delivery flower bag that had “Brittany” written on it, and pulled out a single mini-bouquet, a complimentary gift from the flower shop owner, from the very bottom. “Happy graduation! Even though you didn’t get to perform a solo at the graduation ceremony this time, with me, your childhood friend, around, you’ll have plenty of other stages to perform on in the future.” Brandon’s lips twitched, forming what he thought was a gentlemanly smile. The crumpled mini-bouquet in his hand shook with his movements. “Uh… Big bro, are you okay? Take a look, is that even a bouquet?” Before I could say anything, the student council members immediately started talking over each other, firing back at Brandon, instantly drowning him in a sea of critical remarks. “No, dude, do you even hear yourself? Can’t you even afford to buy a proper bouquet?” “That bouquet is smaller than my palm, isn’t it? Should I slap you on the President’s behalf?” “Why are Brittany’s flowers so small? Look, those huge flower baskets at the entrance are from our Student Council members to our President~” “Keep that pathetic little flower for Brittany~ A small flower for a small-minded person, isn’t that just perfect~” The goodwill I had accumulated over time supported me. I gratefully nodded to those around me. My classmates quietly clenched their fists, all standing by me, ready to back me up. “You guys are being totally unreasonable!” Brandon’s face alternated between red and white. He gnashed his teeth, trying to argue with those around him, but my gaze froze him in place. His Adam’s apple bobbed twice, and he ultimately didn’t dare to speak. “Everyone knows who’s being unreasonable here, alright?” As my words fell, the clamor of the crowd gradually subsided. Under everyone’s gaze, I stepped forward, one step at a time. With a very shocked expression on his face, I raised my hand and unhesitatingly knocked the flower bouquet out of Brandon’s hand, walking past him without looking back. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.” “But I never said I wasn’t performing at this graduation ceremony, did I?” Dropping those words to the man, I ignored Brandon’s stunned gaze behind me, lifted the hem of my gown, and, with the student council members, firmly pushed open the doors to the graduation ceremony venue. The main battlefield was inside the venue. Meanwhile. Inside the graduation ceremony venue, the stage performances were nearing their end. The grand finale performance was about to begin. The host on stage, following the script rehearsed countless times, began the announcement. “Next up, we have an old friend everyone knows. I can guarantee every student here knows her.” “Oh? That impressive? Then she must be an outstanding student, excelling in both academics and character.” “Now, please welcome our beautiful and brilliant Student Body President, to perform a piano solo!” The students and parents attending the graduation ceremony in the audience applauded in unison, eager to see this legendary, excellent Student Body President. “Student Body President and a piano solo? That young lady is truly outstanding.” “Such an excellent and hardworking young lady has a limitless future!” “Our Student Body President is incredibly capable, and she’s gorgeous, and her family is rich. Ah, I won’t say more. Mom, you’ll see her in person soon enough.” Many students in the audience voluntarily told their parents about the Student Body President’s achievements. Everyone’s expectant gaze turned towards the stage. The curtain slowly opened, and the lights suddenly brightened. Standing center stage, however, was a stranger—Brittany! “Hello everyone, I’m Brittany. Today, at the graduation ceremony, I will be performing a piano solo—‘Fate.’” Brittany stood beaming in the center of the stage, theatrically bowing to the audience. Her ill-fitting evening gown was tightly bound to her body, making her look like a trussed-up crab. Her face was painted with an overly heavy, inappropriate influencer makeup, making her look completely out of place on stage. “Wait, isn’t your Student Body President a young lady from a good family? The person up there looks completely different in temperament and style.” “Our Student Body President is Aubrey. Who is that person on stage? Where’s our Student Body President?” “Where’s the President? We only recognize Aubrey as our Student Body President!” A wave of whispers spread through the audience, but one person excitedly stood up and shouted. “That’s my daughter, Brittany! I’ve painstakingly nurtured her for so many years, and now I’m finally seeing the rewards!” “This child has been sensible since she was little, never giving me any worries with her studies. Raising a daughter like this, as her father, I’m both proud and heartbroken!” “Thank you for your applause for Brittany! My Brittany will definitely be even more outstanding in the future!” Even though no one in the audience was applauding Brittany, Brittany’s father delivered his speech with exaggerated fanfare. On stage, Brittany’s eyes immediately reddened the moment she saw her father stand up. “Today, standing here, I’m most grateful to my father. It was his subtle influence that taught me so many life lessons…” “Without my father, I would never have been able to stand on this stage today.” Brittany clutched the microphone, launching into a lengthy, emotional speech. “Haha, what this student shared today is truly touching, but considering the time, let’s save the rest of this wonderful sharing for backstage. Now, please begin the performance!” Seeing the time dragging on and the performance delayed, with the audience constantly murmuring, the host was forced to go on stage and take the microphone from Brittany, frantically signaling her with his eyes to start playing. “What’s going on with Aubrey? Even if she had to find someone last minute to fill in, she should’ve found someone who… wasn’t so obviously out of place?” “Look at that kid on stage, her words make no sense, and her hands are flailing around. She’s on a completely different level from Aubrey.” “It would’ve been better to let one of our own step in temporarily, honestly.” Among the School Board members, some leaders who had partnerships with Aubrey’s family also began to whisper. Finally, after stalling for so long, Brittany sat down at the grand piano and lowered her head, pressing the first note. A terrible sound came from the piano, but it was quickly covered by the smooth music from the speakers. Brittany swayed her head, completely immersed in the art of faking her performance. Wait, what? The audience watched Brittany’s fake playing in stunned silence. Was this woman treating the audience like fools? Couldn’t she tell the difference between the piano and the speakers? As the audience endured Brittany’s mimed performance, feeling like an eternity, the main doors of the graduation ceremony venue creaked open. Everyone curiously turned to look, only to see a dozen figures, all in dark attire, appear at the entrance. And the person leading them was a face everyone knew all too well—Aubrey. “Aubrey! The President is back!” “The President is going to perform!” Students in the audience couldn’t help but exclaim, and instantly, the entire hall’s focus shifted to my sudden appearance. Nobody paid any attention to Brittany, who was still fakely playing on stage. Seeing my arrival, the student council’s logistics staff instinctively shifted the lights onto me. My luxurious outfit and makeup became even clearer under the spotlights. I stepped forward, my high heels clicking steadily on the floor. My diamond-studded haute couture evening gown shimmered brilliantly under the lights. The satin fabric flowed under the light, the custom-tailored shoulder lines subtly cinching, making my figure look sleek and elegant. With every step, the skirt swayed gently, reflecting brilliance from every angle. “She’s so beautiful… That dress looks like the latest haute couture, it suits the President so perfectly, ahhhhh!” “I’m done for, I can’t take my eyes off the President now.” “The President herself is beautiful! That dress is just an accessory to her.” In the interplay of light and shadow, I looked like a goddess descended from the heavens. Some students and parents seeing me for the first time were stunned, holding their breath, staring blankly as I slowly walked towards the front of the stage. “Excuse me, could the backstage please stop the music.” I raised a hand, and the large carat diamond earrings swayed gently, accentuating my exquisitely elegant makeup. All of this stood in stark contrast to Brittany on stage. The difference between us was truly a world apart. The moment my words fell, the music immediately stopped. Brittany’s hands were still miming, and the quiet venue felt incredibly awkward. The audience looked at me, then at Brittany. It clicked for everyone what was happening, and they all eagerly watched the drama unfold. A student council member brought me a microphone so my words could be heard more clearly by everyone present. “Hello everyone, I’m Aubrey, the current Student Body President, and the original performer for the graduation ceremony’s piano solo.” I deliberately emphasized “original,” and expressions of sudden understanding spread through the audience. “I knew it. This Brittany, she doesn’t look like a Student Body President at all. She completely missed the vibe of the event.” “Such a massive turn-off! Is she treating the audience like mere props to be fooled?” “And faking the performance is just too much! Is she treating us like fools?!”

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For five years, Chloe Sterling and I had been secretly married. She said she’d finally announce our wedding at our son’s welcoming party. I was ecstatic, sharing the news with my younger brother, Noah, my only family. He was just as thrilled. To show how much he respected Chloe, Noah pinched every penny. He saved up every dime to buy Chloe a pair of gold earrings. Just as I was about to carry the baby onto the stage, a total stranger suddenly snatched the child from my arms. Then, he intimately held Chloe’s hand and walked onto the stage. “Today, I have a big announcement to make at this baby’s welcoming party.” “Julian Hayes and I grew up together, and today, we’ve finally decided to get married!” The moment those words left her lips, countless complex gazes immediately landed on me. My brother, completely bewildered, asked, “Brother, isn’t that woman… isn’t she our sister-in-law?” I stared coldly at Chloe, who stood on stage with a shy smile. “Give me back my child.” But she just scoffed, “Lucas Reed, you, a small-town guy, actually dared to think I’d have your child? That’s utterly idiotic!”

Chloe Sterling stood on the stage, her gaze chillingly indifferent, completely devoid of the affection she once held for me. She outright ignored me, intimately embracing and kissing Julian Hayes, who held the baby. It was as if *they* were the family of three who had lived together for five years. I stood rooted to the spot, frozen. Watching this scene unfold, I suddenly wondered if those five years we’d spent together, day in and day out, had just been my own delusion. My hands, hanging at my sides, clenched into tight fists. I silently endured the various mocking stares raining down on me. Noah tugged at my sleeve, his voice filled with guilt. “Brother, did I make Sister-in-law mad by showing up?” I forced a smile onto my face, but before I could comfort him, a sudden force violently shoved Noah to the ground. Then, a piercingly shrill voice shrieked, “You clumsy idiot! You’re blocking my fresh air! Get out of the way, now!” I shielded my startled brother behind me, my face grim as I glared at the unfamiliar woman in front of me. After a moment, I recognized her. It was Julian Hayes’s sister, Brittany Hayes. My expression clearly angered her, and her words grew even nastier. “Honestly, just like a country bumpkin, no class! Looking at you for one more second makes me sick!” “Now get out of my sight! If you mess up my newly done nose, I swear I won’t go easy on you!” Brittany grabbed a bowl of thick soup from a nearby table and flung it all over me. The hot liquid scalded my exposed skin, stinging painfully. The rage in my heart could no longer be suppressed. I grabbed Brittany’s arm as she tried to walk away, gritting my teeth. “Apologize to me right now!” Brittany yanked her arm, annoyed, and when she couldn’t break free, she shrieked at the top of her lungs, “Help! Someone! These country people are trying to hit me!” At her shouts, many of the Hayes family members surrounded Noah and me. Brittany pointed at my brother, completely self-righteous. “That little punk almost ruined my new nose! He made it so I couldn’t breathe!” Hearing that, the Hayes relatives didn’t hesitate. They immediately dragged Noah out from behind me. They encircled him, mercilessly beating him. Someone even raised a wine bottle and smashed it hard against the back of Noah’s head. Noah let out a weak, pained cry for help. “Brother, help me! Brother, please!” Desperate, I grabbed a chair and swung it with all my might at the people attacking my brother. They finally stopped, begrudgingly, when they felt the pain. I quickly scooped up my brother, his face covered in blood. “Don’t worry, Noah, I’ll get you to the hospital right away!” Just as I helped him up, Brittany blocked my path again, sneering. “What’s the rush? You haven’t apologized to me yet.” I roared, “You better get out of my way right now! If anything happens to my brother, I swear I won’t let you off the hook!” The moment the words left my mouth, the commotion finally drew Chloe Sterling over. She had been on the second floor, toasting to the important guests. She strode quickly towards me, her brows furrowed in displeasure, and completely disregarding my dignity, she yelled, “Lucas Reed, there are so many well-known businesspeople here today! Do you *have* to embarrass me today?!” “The contract I was about to finalize, you’ve ruined it!” She publicly slapped me hard across the face. My brother, whom I was supporting, tried to explain that none of this was my fault, but Brittany cut him off. “Sister-in-law, his brother purposely tried to ruin my new nose! You need to do something about this!” Watching Brittany playing the victim and accusing me first, my fury intensified. “Brittany Hayes, don’t you dare spew such lies! We didn’t even touch you! *You’re* the one who beat my brother like this!” Chloe glanced at my brother, whose consciousness was already fading, but she still didn’t believe a word I said. She forcibly pressed me. “Apologize to Brittany right now!” I vehemently refused. “It’s not my fault. Why should I apologize to her? The one who truly needs to apologize is *her*!” Seeing that I refused to back down, Chloe’s patience completely ran out. She screamed at me, “Lucas Reed, don’t you dare push it! If you don’t apologize, I’ll have someone kick you out of here!” Noticing Chloe’s genuine anger, Julian Hayes, standing nearby, feigned kindness and tried to calm her down. “Chloe, don’t be mad. I’m sure there’s some misunderstanding.” He subtly signaled Brittany. “You should apologize to the Reed brothers.” Brittany reluctantly mumbled, “I’m not apologizing to them. Sister-in-law agrees I didn’t do anything wrong.” After she spoke, Julian put on a helpless expression. This act seemed to tug at Chloe’s heartstrings. She took Julian’s hand and yelled at me, “Lucas Reed, you’ve truly embarrassed me today! Get out of here right now!” She saw me glance at the newborn baby and continued, “Someone with your character isn’t fit to be around my child. From now on, Julian will raise the baby.” Seeing the cold indifference on Chloe’s face, my heart was completely shattered in that moment. Looking at my brother in my arms, who had been dragged into this because of me, a wave of guilt washed over me. I coldly watched Chloe, who was now cuddling with another man. All the love I once felt for her vanished. Chloe Sterling, from this moment on, you and I are nothing.

After leaving the welcoming party, I immediately drove Noah to the hospital. After a prolonged emergency surgery, the doctor finally emerged from the ER, looking exhausted. The doctor looked at me gravely, regretting, “I’m sorry, Mr. Reed. We did everything we could. The fragments of the bottle caused irreversible damage to his brain nerves. For the rest of his life, he’ll likely be in a vegetative state, lying in bed.” The doctor’s words felt like an invisible magic, instantly draining all strength from my body. I collapsed helplessly at the door of the hospital room, staring at Noah, who lay in the bed, tubes everywhere. He was only eighteen years old! He had just gotten into his dream college! His life’s ambitions were yet to be realized, and now, because of me, this kind and sensible brother would be confined to a bed for the rest of his life! In that moment, an overwhelming wave of guilt and self-reproach engulfed me. Tears of regret streamed from my eyes. At that moment, I wished it was *me* lying in that bed! I didn’t close my eyes that night, staying by Noah’s bedside until dawn. When the first rays of morning sunlight hit the room, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I had barely answered when Chloe’s impatient voice burst through. “Lucas Reed, where the hell did you go?! Why aren’t you here to feed the baby and change his diapers?! Do you have any idea how much sleep we lost all night because you weren’t here to take care of him?!” She had barely finished when Julian’s complaining voice came from the other end. “Chloe, hurry and get Lucas, that servant, back here. I’m exhausted from last night.” His tone was clearly suggestive. “Chloe, if I’m always working this hard at night, I’m afraid I’ll be too tired for… other things.” Chloe replied coyly, “Oh, you!” Listening to Chloe and Julian flirting, my hand gripping the phone trembled uncontrollably from anger. But then she spoke again, criticizing me with force. “Lucas Reed, you are such an irresponsible father! If you don’t start taking care of the baby, I swear I’ll make sure you never see him again.” After the welcoming party, such threats had no effect on me. I said coldly, “Did you forget what you said at the party? Why would I take care of a child that isn’t mine?” Chloe snapped, “Lucas Reed, you are so petty! What I said yesterday at the party was just a dare I had to do after losing a game to Julian. It was just a joke! You, with your small mind, actually took it seriously!” “Do you really think I’m that awful?! If you keep being so ridiculously jealous, I really will get the baby a different father!” With that, Chloe angrily hung up. I gripped the screen of my now-disconnected phone, my heart aching with torment. I looked at Noah, now lying in the hospital bed, kept alive by IV drips, and managed a bitter smile. In that instant, I deeply regretted ever meeting Chloe. If I hadn’t been so determined to be with her back then, Noah wouldn’t be in this state now. Chloe and I met in college. Unlike me, an outsider, she became a campus celebrity the moment she enrolled. Beautiful, academically brilliant, and from a wealthy background, Chloe quickly became the target of pursuit for all the eligible men in the college. But at the same time, she was also targeted by many girls, who even intentionally locked her in a dusty storage room. When I found her, she was crying so hard she was on the verge of fainting. She stumbled helplessly into my arms, begging me in a panic, “Lucas, please, don’t leave me!” Looking at the crying beauty in my arms, my heart immediately stirred, and I fell uncontrollably in love with Chloe. Even though, as a small-town guy, I had absolutely no advantage among Chloe’s many suitors, I still actively pursued her. Finally, in our graduating year, I beat out all the other suitors and officially started dating Chloe. At the same time, respecting Chloe’s wishes, I decided to help her start her own company. In the early stages of the startup, she was worried that news of our marriage would affect the company’s development, so she decided to keep our marriage a secret, asking me to join the company as a department director to assist her. Although I felt uncomfortable, I agreed to her proposal. But five years later, my most cherished marriage lay in pieces, and my beloved wife colluded with an outsider to hurt my only brother. She even used the child to threaten me. I didn’t want this marriage anymore.

The idea of divorce took root in my mind, and I immediately contacted a lawyer to prepare the divorce papers. After entrusting Noah to a nurse at the hospital, I immediately took the divorce papers to the company. But as soon as I entered the building, I noticed all the employees staring at me with strange looks. Just as I was wondering what was going on and opened my office door, I saw Julian Hayes with his feet propped on my desk, looking at me with a provocative smirk. My glass nameplate, with my name engraved on it, had been tossed into the trash can like garbage. I asked in a sharp voice, “Why are you in my office?” Julian looked smug. “Well, obviously, your work performance wasn’t cutting it, so Chloe specifically appointed me as the new Product Director.” I firmly countered, “Impossible. If she appointed you as Product Director, why haven’t I received any notification?” Julian suddenly leaned close to my ear, whispering mockingly, “Someone who embarrassed Chloe in front of so many partners yesterday, do you really think she’d keep using him?” Hearing that, I pushed him away hard. He suddenly showed a strange smile and intentionally fell to the floor, using my force to his advantage. Chloe, attracted by our argument, had just reached the office door and witnessed Julian collapsing. She instantly flared up. “Lucas Reed, how dare you push Julian down in front of all these people? That’s too much!” She quickly helped Julian up, her eyes filled with a tenderness I had never seen in all our years of marriage. I suppressed the bitterness in my heart, picked up Julian’s printed business card, and asked Chloe, “He said you fired me. Is that true?” Meeting my furious gaze, a hint of panic flashed across Chloe’s face. She forced herself to sound calm. “Julian has good connections with many company heads. He’s more suitable for this position than you are.” “You should just go home and take care of the child.” I looked at Chloe’s resolute face, standing there, protecting Julian, and suddenly understood the meaning of unspeakable disappointment. When the company was first founded, to lighten Chloe’s burden as a startup owner, I willingly got drenched in rain running errands for clients, just to get their signatures on contracts. I even let myself be treated like a nobody at business dinners, easily ordered around. But now, she casually told me I wasn’t suitable for the position. I laughed, and as I laughed, I felt my eyes well up. I quickly turned my head, pretending nothing was wrong, and wiped away my tears. Coldly, I said, “Fine. From now on, I won’t be involved in anything related to the company.” I handed the file containing the divorce papers to Chloe. “Take a look at these documents. Please sign them as soon as possible.” With that, I turned to leave. Just as I was about to step out of the office, Chloe suddenly called out to me, asking, “How is your brother’s injury? Julian’s relatives were just playing a joke on him. I hope he doesn’t mind.” “Later, if you have time, I’ll take him on a trip abroad. It can be Julian’s way of apologizing.” Ha, Chloe Sterling, Chloe Sterling! It seems Julian is so important to you that you’d lower your proud facade to apologize. I looked at her coldly. “You don’t need to see my brother again. I’ll take care of him myself.” As she looked on, bewildered, I continued, “The file contains the divorce papers. Chloe Sterling, let’s get a divorce.”

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I was sitting on Leo Miller’s lap, my sheer stockings rustling, and he instantly flushed from his neck to his ears. He was so damn innocent, it was almost painful to watch. I deliberately ran my fingers up his chiseled nose. “Isn’t your grandma in desperate need of life-saving surgery? Rip these sheer stockings off, and I’ll cover all her medical bills!” Leo’s breathing grew ragged, and I could feel something hardening against me. Just as he started tearing at my stockings inch by inch with his teeth, Julian Harrington, my ever-dignified and esteemed guardian, burst into the VIP room, enraged. He shoved Leo away and relentlessly pounded the scrawny guy. Then he turned, gripping my shoulders so hard it stung. “Stella Harrington! I told you, no dating! How can you be so disobedient? Are you just ignoring everything I say?!” I scoffed, meeting his scarlet eyes. “Isn’t this just your way of making sure I’m ‘suitable’ for an arranged marriage? Fine! I’m in!” That night, curled up in the wardrobe, I heard Julian’s conversation with his younger sister echoing in my ears again: “I heard that little girl likes you. What do you think?” “She’s just a stray I picked up from the rubble of that disaster, groomed precisely so she could be married off for us someday!”

I woke up groggily the next morning, hearing the housekeepers downstairs shouting my name, and the frantic pacing of footsteps in my room. I wiped away the tears in the corners of my eyes and pushed open the wardrobe door. My gaze immediately clashed with Julian’s anxious eyes. I instinctively looked away, forcing a smile as I mumbled, “Julian.” He instantly reverted to his usual cold demeanor, pointing a finger at me as he questioned, “Did you sleep in the wardrobe last night?” I feigned nonchalance. “Yeah, I’ve always liked sleeping in wardrobes since I was little. You didn’t know that?” Julian’s eyes widened in surprise for a brief moment. Of course, he didn’t know. Because I’d never told him. My entire family was buried under the ruins after the devastating earthquake that leveled our town in ’08. I knelt alone on the desolate, flattened landscape of our small town, staring at it in despair. I was five years old then. Julian was fifteen. Against his father’s wishes, Julian brought me home from that devastation. Under the protection of Julian, the heir to the Harrington family, even without my family, I lived a good life. To avoid causing him any trouble, I was always well-behaved, no matter where I was. Even if someone bullied me, I wouldn’t say a word to him. I studied hard from a young age and was lucky enough to get into a prestigious university, never shaming Julian. At fifteen, when I first felt the pangs of a crush, I broke my obedient facade and confessed my feelings to Julian. He told me I was too young and didn’t understand what love was, confusing familial affection with romantic love. At eighteen, finally an adult, I happily held my acceptance letter and asked if I could pursue him. He said he already liked someone and was pursuing her. I was so envious. At twenty, I learned from others that Julian had already broken off contact with that girl. I was ready to gather my courage again, holding my national academic award, to confess to him. But then I heard his conversation with his younger sister: “I heard that little girl likes you. What do you think?” “She’s just a stray I picked up from the rubble of that disaster, groomed precisely so she could be married off for us someday!” My heart seized, I couldn’t breathe. My nails dug into my palms, the sharp pain ignored as fresh blood bloomed on the pristine white puff-sleeve dress I’d just put on for the very first time. I thought all these years his care and protection for me were under the guise of family, but I never imagined it was for his shrewd business interests. I laughed, tears streaming down my face. “Julian Harrington, Julian Harrington, for your own sister, you played a masterful, cynical game!”

Julian’s commanding tone yanked me back to reality. “Downstairs. Go eat, now!” His voice still held the displeasure from yesterday’s intimate encounter with Leo. Before, I would have even personally handed him love letters sent to me by others, telling him that my heart only belonged to him, and I would never date prematurely. But now, it was different. I had accidentally stumbled upon his true thoughts about me. His words were like countless needles, pricking my heart day and night, making tears stream down my face. I still obediently went downstairs to eat, just as always. But at the dinner table, I was as silent as a mute. Julian sensed my unusual mood, and his tone softened slightly. “Didn’t sleep well last night?” I just nodded silently. Ever since I learned that I was merely a ‘stray’ he’d raised, I hadn’t had a single good night’s sleep. I’d always wake up crying, until I stayed in the wardrobe until dawn. “Should I call a doctor to check on you?” I shook my head again, then put down my forks, got up, and left for school. This was the first time in years I had acted this way towards Julian. Before, I would always finish every meal he personally prepared, and always say goodbye obediently before leaving for school. Now, Julian looked at the untouched food on the table, even the soy milk in my bowl was left unfinished. It felt as if something was lodged in Julian’s throat. I walked to class distracted, when I bumped into Leo Miller, the broke college guy from the bar that night. I thought he was coming to ask me for his grandma’s surgery fees, so before he could speak, I got his SnapChat ID and immediately transferred him 200,000. But he just pointed at my eyes. “Were you crying last night? Your eyes are so swollen!” I instinctively grabbed my phone to check, and sure enough, they were as swollen as if I’d been stung by a bee. I gave a numb smile. Julian and I had just eaten at the same table for so long, and he hadn’t noticed a thing, yet this person I’d just met saw it immediately. I let out a long breath, feigning lightness. “Want to grab a drink?” “Now?” “Yeah.” “Okay, since I’ve taken your money, I’m at your service!” And just like that, we skipped class and went straight to the bar, drinking all day. Only when the alcohol numbed my senses could I feel a flicker of happiness, forgetting all the unpleasant things. Meanwhile, Valerie Chen, my university advisor and Julian’s former classmate, found out I’d skipped all my classes for the day. She promptly called Julian. Julian and his security team frantically searched for me, finally finding me passed out drunk at the bar. Leo, who had just tried to cover me with his jacket, was once again beaten black and blue by Julian. Julian’s strong, lean fingers gripped my waist, preparing to carry me home, but I stubbornly resisted, wrapping my arms around his neck, my voice choked with tears. “Julian, why are you doing this to me! Why?!” My traitorous tears streamed onto Julian’s leather jacket. “I’ve loved you for so many years, why don’t you love me back! Why do you always reject me?!” Julian, as always, remained rational. “Stella, look at me clearly. I’m your guardian!” I struggled to open my blurry eyes, looking at Julian, who had raised me since childhood. “But we’re not blood relatives, so why not?!” Julian frowned slightly, looking at me for a long time before speaking. “Stella, you’ve always been well-behaved and sensible. Why are you so reckless lately, even drinking with other men? Don’t you know how dangerous that is! I’m so disappointed in you!” Honestly, I’d always been terrified of him being disappointed in me. I was afraid that if he was disappointed, he would kick me out of the Harrington family, leaving me utterly alone. So, I’d learned to pretend from a young age. When taught piano, which I didn’t like, I’d smile and say I loved it, then practice for two extra hours, even skipping meals. When taught self-defense taekwondo, even covered in bruises, I never shed a single tear. Instead, I’d comfort a distressed Julian: “Julian, you’re doing this for my own good. I’ll study hard!” Even with food I didn’t like, clothes I didn’t prefer, or a major I wasn’t passionate about, I would never argue. As long as Julian approved, I had no complaints.

Taking advantage of the alcohol’s numbing effect, I boldly reached out and caressed Julian’s face. Julian, however, turned his head away, leaving my hand awkwardly suspended in the air. “Stella, you’re becoming increasingly unruly! Even if we’re not blood relatives, I’m still your guardian! Doing this won’t just ruin you; it’ll ruin me!” So, Julian was afraid I would ruin *him*. All the grievances and helplessness transformed into a choked laugh, releasing themselves in tears. “Julian, I thought my place in your heart might not be first, but at least there was a place. Now it seems, I’m just a burden.” Julian seemed about to say something, but swallowed it back. The hand at my waist suddenly tightened, and Julian lifted me into his arms. I wiped my tears upward, calmly looking at him. “Put me down, I can walk on my own.” Back in my room, I started packing my suitcase. Now that I completely understood Julian’s true intentions, our decade-long entanglement should finally end. Staying at home before was just so I could see Julian every day. Now, it was time to move back to the dorms. After packing, I suddenly realized there were only a few changes of clothes in my suitcase. Nothing else I absolutely needed to take. All the jewelry and necklaces were bought by Julian; I’d kept them neatly in my jewelry box because I couldn’t bear to wear them. Now, they weren’t needed anymore. On my desk, the paper stars I’d folded since childhood still sat quietly in a glass jar. Inside them, every year’s birthday wish was about Julian. I ruthlessly tossed them directly into the trash can. Even Julian’s ID photo, tucked inside a book, went into the trash along with the book itself. The trash can piled higher and higher, my suitcase held less and less. As I left, I even turned our joint photo face down on the desk. When I went downstairs, Julian saw me and asked what I was doing. I simply said, “Moving back to school.” He just casually replied, “That’s fine. It’ll help you develop independence. Have the driver take you.” Develop independence? Ha! In his eyes, I was still just a little girl who clung to him. Clearly, my disguise was perfect. I got into the car without looking back. Behind me, Julian, who had been watching me, increasingly realized I was changing. I, who never touched alcohol, now went to bars all day. I, who had never dared to upset him, now openly defied him. He thought I was growing up, but in reality, I had simply seen him for who he was. I, Stella Harrington, could pick up, and I could let go. More than a decade of emotional investment had gone to waste, but I had no regrets. Back in my dorm, after simply making my bed, I lay down, ready to sleep, when I saw a concerned message from my advisor, Valerie Chen. I knew Valerie had a crush on Julian back in college, and despite repeated rejections, she never gave up. My head was pounding from a day of drinking, so I replied directly: “Valerie, just tell me what’s up!” Valerie didn’t hide her eager curiosity: “Does your guardian have a girlfriend now?” “No.” “Then, can you help me pursue him?” My typing hand trembled on the keyboard. Even though I had given up, a sense of injustice still gnawed at me. They say the one closest to you wins your heart. But after more than a decade by Julian’s side, our relationship remained strictly guardian and ward. I gritted my teeth and replied with one word: “Okay.” After a day of drinking, my head felt like it would explode. Yet, I couldn’t find any sleep. I only drifted into unconsciousness at dawn.

The May morning was still bone-chilling. It had been a month since I moved back to school. Julian hadn’t visited me once. His SnapChat chat box, aside from transfer records, didn’t even contain a single word of concern. Indeed, a businessman is just a businessman; ruthless when necessary, without a trace of hesitation. I was listlessly heading to the cafeteria for breakfast before class, when I unexpectedly saw Julian walking towards me. He smiled and waved. I was the kind of person who would bloom with a little sunshine, so I enthusiastically waved back. Just then, a woman ran up behind him, shouting loudly, “Julian! I missed you so much!” Upon closer inspection, it was my impeccably made-up advisor, Valerie Chen. I instantly pulled my hand back, embarrassed, my heart giving a painful wrench. My hand, tucked into my pocket, felt like a block of ice. Julian, holding Valerie’s hand, walked up to me and gently introduced her: “Stella, I forgot to tell you, Valerie and I are together now. You can call her Auntie from now on when we’re out.” Before I could even open my mouth to speak, Valerie, blushing, playfully hit Julian’s chest. “We’re not even married yet! You’re making me blush!” At that moment, my fingers were digging into my palms, leaving angry red marks. Julian, to make me give up, the man who was always so reserved with his emotions, was now flaunting his affection openly. Perhaps Julian truly liked her, after all, she was indeed very beautiful. Valerie walked over and patted my shoulder, chuckling. “Thanks to Stella for helping me pursue you! Otherwise, I wouldn’t even know what you like to eat, what size clothes you wear, or your measurements!” A flicker of surprise crossed Julian’s eyes. Valerie then pointed to Julian’s suit. “Stella, how do you like Julian’s suit today? I had it custom-made for him. It just arrived yesterday, and he’s wearing it today!” I quickly glanced at it, forcing a smile. “It looks great.” When I was eighteen, I’d spent all the money I saved from high school to have a custom suit made for Julian to confess my feelings. But I’d never seen him wear it. Julian handed me an ornate box. Inside was a formal marriage contract, elegantly presented on rich crimson paper with bold black script. He still spoke expressionlessly, “Stella, if you wish to marry, sign your name here. If not, it’s also—” Before he could finish, I cut him off. “I want to.” Julian’s fingers subtly trembled. “Since I already agreed to it last time, I won’t go back on my word.” I would use the rest of my life to give the Harrington Group a better future, and to give Julian’s younger sister a better future. This would be my way of repaying Julian for raising me. From then on, the sky was wide and the road long. I owed Julian nothing. The Harrington Group originally specialized in bereavement services, so some families were unwilling to engage in arranged marriages with them,

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297345”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance