Category: English

My innocent face was exactly why the Thorne family picked me to marry Landon Thorne. The moment the engagement news broke, Landon Thorne publicly vowed he’d torture me to death if I didn’t call it off. I raised an eyebrow, gave his physique a dismissive once-over, and scoffed, “If you don’t manage to kill me, it just means you’re not man enough!” The day after our engagement was announced, Landon saw me take down countless burly men. His cheeks flushed crimson, and his eyes practically glowed as he stared at me. “Hey, goody-two-shoes, those moves were awesome! Teach me, won’t ya?” I pulled a cigarette from my pocket and lit it. “I don’t teach guys who aren’t man enough.” By the third day of our engagement, Landon was practically bouncing, eager to prove he was indeed ‘man enough,’ and came looking for me. Just as he was about to leave his house, he saw me coming to break off the engagement. “I’m the fake heiress. The new real heiress is super sweet, perfect for Landon Thorne.” With that, I turned and walked away with a flourish. Landon practically skipped after me, insisting he only wanted to marry me. I, utterly disgusted, kicked him away and walked off like he was yesterday’s trash. His ‘precious wife’ was actually ditching him, even trying to hand him over to someone else! No way! He vowed to win her back and prove to her that he *was* man enough!

After calling off the engagement, I returned to the Davis family home. The moment I walked through the door, I saw a scene of joyful family harmony in the living room. “Is the engagement called off? You know everything you have now belongs to Chloe. If she weren’t so kind, you’d be out on the streets already!” My father gently served the girl beside him, speaking without even looking up. “It’s off. I know.” Just as I was about to head upstairs, he called out to me again. I thought he’d ask me to join them for dinner. After all, I hadn’t eaten anything all morning; they’d rushed me to go tell the Thornes that I was the fake heiress. “Chloe needs your room. You’ll just have to crash with Buster for a couple of days until the nanny’s room is cleaned out, then you can move there.” I took a deep breath, forced a bitter smile, and nodded. Sure enough, twenty-something years of supposed love, and it still couldn’t compete with the bond of blood. I turned and walked in the opposite direction, toward Buster’s little mansion. Buster is my German Shepherd. Because I loved him so much, I specifically built him a dog mansion. I never thought that spur-of-the-moment decision would lead to *me* living in a dog mansion. Buster and I lay on the same bed, looking at the piles of luggage nearby, a bitter feeling spreading through my chest. The tenderness and attentiveness my father showed that girl were something I’d never seen from him. With me, he was always so stern. He always told me, ‘You’re a Davis, you should contribute to the Davis family.’ Recalling the scene I’d just witnessed, a sharp ache in my chest made it hard to breathe. So, they *could* care about their daughter, *could* be gentle and protective! Maybe it was because we weren’t bound by blood that they had no qualms about seeing me as a commodity, to be sold to whoever offered the highest price. Lost in thought, a call from my colleague pulled me back to reality. “Captain Hayes, suspect spotted at 99 Green River Road.” “Copy that.” I hung up, sprang to my feet, and ran out. Usually, I’d climb over the wall to avoid questions at this hour. But now that I wasn’t their daughter, they wouldn’t care when I left anymore. My colleague had spotted the suspect inside an upscale bar on Green River Road. The music inside the bar was deafening. To hear anything, we had to lean in close to talk. As my colleague was briefing me, Landon Thorne stormed over. He inexplicably shoved my colleague away and swung his fist toward his face. Just then, my phone vibrated twice. Another colleague had sent the signal. I waved my hand, signaling my team to move. Landon, seeing this, burst into a furious rage. Fearing he’d alert our target, I delivered a swift chop to his neck, knocking him out cold. Before he passed out, I heard his heartbroken murmur, “Harper Hayes, you’re breaking off our engagement for *him*, aren’t you?!” With Landon unconscious, I dragged him into a private room next to the suspect’s. After the suspect was apprehended and taken away, I returned to the room and hoisted Landon over my shoulder. “Typical Captain Hayes, always so tough! Is that your fiancé? He looks a bit weak!” a nearby colleague teased. I shot them a glance, my lips pressed thin. “Don’t talk nonsense. He’s not my fiancé anymore. And hand me a cigarette, I’m out.” My colleague seemed to remember something and slipped a pack into my pocket. “Captain Hayes, some things are better left behind. And try to smoke less.” After saying goodbye to my colleague, I found a nearby hotel and settled Landon there. With my hands free, I lit a cigarette. As I exhaled a cloud of smoke, I remembered how he became my fiancé.

The news of an engagement with a major player from the city’s elite circles had completely blindsided me. Everyone in our circle knew Landon Thorne suffered from severe rage issues. Not long ago, he’d beaten some rich kid into the ICU just because the guy rolled his eyes at him. The guy was still there, barely clinging to life. And I, well, I was pretty much his match. But my parents were lightning fast with their PR, terrified that my true reputation would get out and lower my market value. So, the outside world thought I was a timid, cowardly, easily controlled goody-two-shoes. They say two powerhouses couldn’t coexist. With our personalities, either I’d end up killing him, or he’d end up killing me! But the Thorne family offered so much, my parents didn’t hesitate to push me forward. The day the engagement news spread, my parents lectured me all morning. To make me change my ‘bad habits’ and become a lady, they not only confiscated my treasured possessions and cigarettes but also put a limit on my bank card. I wasn’t the only one unhappy with this engagement. The Thorne heir was even *more* displeased than I was. While I was being driven mad by our etiquette teacher, he was smashing everything in his house over the engagement. I heard five or six house staff were injured, and he didn’t even spare his own father. When I saw that news, I bared my teeth and let out a laugh. The moment I laughed, the etiquette teacher’s ruler smacked my hand. “What kind of laugh was that? You should never show your teeth when you laugh.” I immediately wiped the smile off my face, adopting the prim and proper look of a good girl. My father, watching from the side, looked pleased. He dismissed the etiquette teacher and walked over to me. “Keep that obedient look. The Thorne family chose you because you’re ‘obedient.’” I nodded dismissively. “Go, take these gifts to young Master Thorne. Make a good impression on him. The future of the Davis family completely rests on you.” Make a good impression? Oh, I’d definitely make a ‘good impression’! To get it over with, I promptly sold the expensive gifts my father bought to Landon Thorne’s buddy at a tenth of the price, then had him take me to Landon. He led me to a private room in a bar. The noisy music of the bar couldn’t drown out Landon’s furious shouts. “That old man’s addicted to matchmaking! It’s not enough that he’s meddling in my brother’s marriage, now he’s meddling in mine! Saying he’s found me some ‘goody-two-shoes’ for a wife! Doesn’t he realize I might just play her to death?!” “Tsk, he wants me to go through with this engagement? Fine! Let’s see if I don’t torture her to death!” I pulled open the door to the room and stepped inside, carefully sizing up Landon Thorne. Just a skinny guy, and he thinks he can kill me? “Alright. If you don’t manage to kill me, it means you’re not man enough!” Landon, hearing the challenge to his manliness, grabbed a bottle and lunged to smash it over my head. I sidestepped, picked up a bottle myself, and swung it fiercely towards his forehead. “That’s not a very nice way to say hello!” *CRACK!* Just as the bottle was about to connect with his forehead, it swerved, smashing against the floor instead. Landon clenched his jaw. This was the first time in his life someone had provoked him like this. He raised his fist, ready to strike. The moment he clearly saw my face, his hand froze mid-air. “Is that… you?” Landon’s neck and ears flushed crimson. The man who’d been so violent and ferocious moments ago had transformed in the blink of an eye. “Oops, my bad! Are you okay? Did the bottle hurt your hand? Next time, don’t hit me with a bottle. What if it shatters and cuts you? If you want to hit me, just say the word, and I’ll stand still and let you do whatever you want.” He examined me meticulously from head to toe. Seeing no injuries on me, he let out a sigh of relief. His buddies stared blankly at Landon’s sudden personality shift, then one meekly spoke up. “Uh, Landon, didn’t you just say you were going to play her to death…?” “I was going to play *who* to death? …Wait, is she my fiancée?!” All his buddies nodded. “This is *perfect*! And I never said anything about playing anyone to death! Don’t slander me!” I blinked, momentarily unable to process what was happening. He knew me? And what kind of personality flip was this? He wasn’t going to kill me if I married him? What was going on? Remembering all this, a smile tugged at the corner of my lips. His face changed faster than a chameleon, almost like he’d studied method acting. It was… entertaining. The way he’d desperately tried to avoid our engagement was still so clear in my mind. Now, it seemed he was getting exactly what he wished for. After settling him in, I stood up to leave. But a burning hot hand gripped my arm tightly.

“Please, don’t go!” A whimpering sound, like a small, distressed animal, came from Landon. Trapped in a nightmare, he mumbled incoherently. He looked exactly like Buster did when he was a puppy. I instinctively patted Landon’s head, trying to make him settle down. Only after I did it did I remember he wasn’t a dog. Good thing he was still unconscious, or with his temper, he’d probably throw a fit. Suddenly, a strong pull on my wrist sent me tumbling onto the bed, caught off guard. Landon let out a muffled grunt as I landed on him. His eyelashes fluttered. I lay sprawled on top of him, and where our skin touched, there was an intense, burning heat. Perhaps it was nervousness, or maybe guilt, but my heart started beating inexplicably fast. Something hard pressed against my hip, jolting me out of my daze. “What’s that?” I muttered, reaching down to move whatever was digging into my left hip. The moment my hand touched it, the person beneath me went incredibly rigid, and the heat beneath my palm was astonishing. When I realized what I had touched, I instinctively recoiled, a flush of heat rushing straight up to my ears. “Harper, I told you I was man enough! Are you… satisfied with what you touched…?” Landon had woken up at some point, and his warm breath caressed my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I sprang to my feet, backing away several steps, my words stumbling out in embarrassment. “You, you, you… when did you wake up?” At my question, Landon clearly looked uncomfortable. His face was beet red, practically dripping blood. The man who’d been speaking so smoothly just moments ago was now stammering. “Just, just now… yeah, just now, when you landed on me!” Normally, I could see through his lies in a second, but at that moment, I had no mind to try and read the micro-expressions on his face. “Oh, I see. Well, um, sorry, I didn’t mean to. Anyway, I have something to do, so I’m heading out.” I admit, running away might be shameful, but I was afraid if I stayed another second, he’d ask something else. To be safe, it was better to retreat. Landon watched my retreating back, a part of his heart sinking. He pulled out his phone and opened his photo album. The woman’s silhouette in the album overlapped with the person who had just left. He’d taken that photo in a desolate wilderness in the Mojave Desert. His companions had deliberately abandoned him, driving away and leaving him alone on an empty road. He didn’t know how long he’d walked. The sky had turned pitch black, and sand swirled violently ahead. He thought he would die there. In his despair, a hand reached out to him. “Hey, get in. It’s not safe out here.” The woman’s melodious yet serious voice descended upon his world like a savior. He stared blankly as she pulled him into the vehicle. The SUV sped across the desolate highway, only the woman’s stern admonishments filling his ears. “Who gave you the guts to cross the Mojave Desert without permission? Are you thrill-seekers trying to get yourselves killed?!” “Do you have any idea that if I’d been a minute later, that tornado up ahead would’ve taken your life…?” The woman said a lot, and though he didn’t hear a single word, her voice and face were deeply etched into his mind. For the first time in over twenty years, his heart pounded violently for a girl. He was taken to a remote ranger station in the desert. After getting out of the car, he was left behind by the woman. It was then that he took that photo. He still remembered what everyone there called her: “Officer Hayes.” After that mission, I moved out of the Davis family home. As the Davis family watched me pull my suitcase away, my father off-handedly remarked,

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Ten years after my college classmate died, I was dragged into a group chat. The group announcement read: Thirty days from now, welcome back to our alma mater for the class reunion. 1. Please attend with a black rose. 2. Anyone who tries to leave this city will die. 3. Anyone who doesn’t come will die. 4. Anyone who loses their rose will die. Thirty days later would be Rosalie’s tenth death anniversary. **1** I picked up my phone, staring at the cryptic group chat. I figured it was some old classmate’s prank and tried to type a question, only to find that all members were muted. I tapped on the black rose profile picture. “Cannot add user as friend.” I tried to leave the group. “Cannot exit.” What… what kind of tech was this? *Ding-dong.* The doorbell rang. I walked out of my study, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the gate of my mansion. Someone was here, this late? I checked the security feed. At the tall iron gate, a single black rose lay on the ground. “Please attend with a black rose.” The group announcement flashed in my mind. *Beep beep~* A private message popped up. I checked it. It was Marcus Green, that old buddy—he was the only one who still kept in touch with me. He was in the group, too. “Alex, what’s going on with that group?” “Did you get that flower too?” “Is it… is she back for revenge?” He sent a string of frantic voice messages, clearly terrified. I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Don’t overthink it. It’s probably just a prank.” I didn’t take it too seriously, casually arranging my collectible tea set. “Just chill. Let’s see how it plays out.” After a moment’s thought, I called my housekeeper to bring the rose inside. My busy life continued. My company had several big deals to close, so I didn’t have time to focus excessively on this. The group remained silent. None of the busy “elites” seemed to take it seriously either. **2** Ten days later, Marcus suddenly called me, his voice trembling with terror. “Alex, this is bad! Really bad! Liam White is dead!” I frowned, trying to pull up his name from my mental Rolodex of contacts. “Liam White? How did he die?” “He was on a business trip to another city. On his way to the airport, he was hit head-on by a huge truck and died instantly. They say… his head was severed on impact, flying dozens of feet.” This was the first one. Someone who died for trying to leave the city. “Anyone who tries to leave this city will die.” Maybe it was a coincidence. I tried to reassure Marcus, and myself. I opened the group chat. One person was missing—the count went from 21 to 20. Liam White was gone. **3** The next week showed me this wasn’t just a coincidence. Two more people died in the group. A female classmate, Sarah Miller, whose father was critically ill back home and wanted to see her one last time. She definitely had to go back. But as she was heading to the elevator with her suitcase, the elevator malfunctioned and plunged 28 floors. She died instantly. Another male classmate, Kevin Baker, whose mischievous daughter played with the black rose and then presumably lost it. He was electrocuted in the shower at home. The group count dropped from 21 to 18. My irritation flared. I drove back to my mansion, placed the black rose in a safe, and told my secretary to cancel all my business trips. **4** Marcus came over to my place. He was terrified. He wanted to stay with me for the next two weeks, and I didn’t refuse. “Alex! Wow! I knew you were doing well, but I had no idea you were *this* successful!” He parked his car on my private driveway and gaped in amazement. I humbly replied, “Oh, it’s nothing. Everyone’s doing great.” It was true. Everyone pulled into that group chat was now a successful professional in their respective fields. That evening, we drank red wine and talked about old times. “Alex, maybe we should call the police?” Marcus’s dark eyes stared at me intently. I pondered for a moment, then shook my head. “No. If we call the police, they’ll reopen the investigation into what happened ten years ago.” Marcus took a sip of wine and chuckled. “Right. It would be a hassle, especially since Rosalie’s death is linked to all of us…” “Shut up!” I snapped, completely unlike my usual nice-guy persona, cutting him off. Rosalie. She was our classmate who died ten years ago. She was a girl as bright and beautiful as a rose. **5** For the next few days, no one else disappeared from the group, meaning no one else died. Every time I came back to the mansion after work, I saw Marcus on the phone, seemingly contacting the others in the group. Well, he was always a social butterfly back in college. The next day, I saw a petite figure in my mansion—my ex-girlfriend, Valerie Reed. She was in the group too. But we hadn’t had any contact since graduating college. “Alex, Marcus called me. I saw the group, and people dying, I was so scared… Don’t get the wrong idea.” She looked at me with that pitiable expression, a look both familiar and strange. My mansion had plenty of rooms, and having one more person for a few days was no big deal. I shrugged indifferently. Soon, it was time for the reunion at our alma mater. But before we left, my safe was gone—the safe containing the black rose. **6** We had to leave soon, there was no time to check the security footage. I looked at Marcus’s fawning face and Valerie’s gentle smile, a chill running through me. Someone was setting me up. They wanted me dead. **截断点** “Alex, what’s wrong?” Seeing my grim face, Marcus asked with concern. I glared at them both. “My rose is gone. The one in the safe.” “What? Oh no, what are we going to do?” Valerie also sounded agitated. I gritted my teeth. “Let’s just go.” Going would mean death, but so would not going. Might as well go and find out what was going on. The three of us walked towards the parking area. Suddenly, a massive shadow plunged down… “Ah!” Marcus, who was walking behind us, let out a short, sharp cry of pain, then fell silent. The scent of blood filled the air. I turned my head. A thick lamppost had fallen, landing squarely on Marcus. His head was crushed. He died instantly… The mansion’s security quickly ran over, calling the police. I staggered back two steps. It should have been me who died. “Alex, you should thank me. Last night, Marcus stole your safe. Luckily, I found out in advance and swapped his rose into your safe. So, what he threw into the furnace to burn was his own flower.” Valerie smiled, as if seeking praise, her eyes curving sweetly. She casually pulled two flowers from her large bag and handed one to me. **7** There were 17 people left in the group, including the group admin. Valerie and I returned to our alma mater. It was summer break, so the school was empty. Strangely, the main gate was open, and there were no security guards. Having witnessed Marcus’s death, my mood was heavy. “Those four people who died, they all did something terrible to Rosalie, didn’t they? Alex, who do you think is next?” Valerie asked softly, sending a shiver down my arm. This was a revenge plot. Today was Rosalie’s death anniversary. When we arrived at the classroom, it was already full of people. Marcus’s death had delayed us a bit. Dozens of eyes stared at us from the doorway, filled with fear, exhaustion, surprise, or indifference. *Beep beep beep…* Countless phones suddenly chimed. The black rose profile picture appeared. A group message. “Welcome, 16 classmates, to this year’s class reunion, on time.” “Next, let’s play a game of Truth or Dare.” “Each student must confess a wicked deed they committed against Rosalie during college, and others will vote by raising their hands. The person with the least severe offense will die.” 1. Do not lie. 2. Do not attempt to leave. 3. Do not disrupt the game. This was terrifying! We had to tell the truth, confess our gravest sins, and then be judged by others! The person at the bottom, the one whose mistake was deemed the least severe, would pay with their life! Who among us wasn’t someone important, someone with a reputation?! Now, everyone would be forced to confess their absolute worst sins… This was a test of human nature. Who exactly was behind this black rose profile picture? **8** “I’m not playing! I’m not playing! I’m going home!” A skinny guy, Mitch Evans, suddenly stood up and ran wildly out of the classroom. As soon as he ran out the door, a tortured shriek echoed. His throat seemed to be clutched by something unseen. We rushed to the doorway to look. He was writhing, kneeling in the hallway, his hands desperately clutching his own throat, eyes bulging. He actually strangled himself to death! “Ah!” The more timid female classmates screamed. Valerie clung to my arm, trembling all over. Now, no one dared to leave. There were 16 people left in the group. **9** “Are we just going to leave Mitch there?” Back in the classroom, a man with thick brows, Julian North, questioned us unhappily.

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Arthur Vance was signing his organ donor papers when Lily Albright’s call came through. “Brandon’s flight is at five. Make sure your things are gone by three. I don’t want him upset.” The call disconnected, followed by a SnapChat transfer notification from Lily, just as always. Arthur lowered his gaze and smiled sadly. Five years. And he still hadn’t managed to melt her heart. But it didn’t matter anymore. He was dying anyway. ………………………………………. “Mr. Vance, regarding the organ donation policy, we do require a signature from a direct family member. You see…” Arthur’s eyes fell on the space for a family member’s signature, a sudden pang of bitterness in his chest. Direct family… Five years ago, his parents had died in a car accident, leaving Arthur all alone in the world. Besides Lily Albright, he had no direct family left. But he didn’t want Lily to know. So, he forced himself to speak. “I’ve agreed. Is a family signature really necessary?” The doctor paused. “It’s standard procedure. Given your current condition, you have about a month left. You should inform your family. Moreover, your records show you’re married. We can’t proceed with the donation without your wife’s consent.” Arthur’s gaze dropped. As hard as it was to accept—leukemia at thirty—it was happening. No matter how much he wished, there was no way back from this. He thanked the doctor, took the organ donation papers, and walked out. Actually, the day he was diagnosed, he’d already made up his mind: donate any usable parts of his body to those in need. He might not have much going for him, but his corneas, at least, were good. Arthur checked his watch. Two hours until Lily’s deadline. Two hours was enough time to visit Martha, the housekeeper who had served the Albright family for twenty years. Martha had lost her sight three years ago due to corneal disease. For the past three years, the Albrights had always sent Arthur to visit her. Over time, Martha had grown incredibly fond of Arthur. He often did things she couldn’t do herself and even hired a caretaker to look after her daily needs. For three years, consistently, Martha had come to treat Arthur like her own child. If she had anything good, Arthur was the first person she thought of. Arthur stepped inside. Martha was sitting on the sofa, sipping tea. Hearing his footsteps, Martha immediately recognized him. “Arthur’s here!” Arthur smiled faintly. “Your ears are so sharp! You guessed it was me so quickly!” Martha pursed her lips in a smile. “I might not know others, but I’d know yours anywhere.” With that, she handed him a plate of osmanthus cakes from beside her. “Lily bought these.” She paused mid-sentence. “Why didn’t you two come together?” Arthur froze slightly, his throat tightening. “When did she come?” Martha looked a little surprised. “Just now.” She gently took Arthur’s hand. “Are you two arguing?” Otherwise, why would she have been accompanied by a stranger? Martha didn’t voice that last thought. Arthur and Lily had an arranged, contract marriage. The Albright family had been pressing hard back then, wanting Lily to settle down quickly. At the time, Lily had a boyfriend, but he was a dead-end street, with no ambition and no future. Under constant pressure from the Albrights, he was eventually forced to leave the country. Lily was devastated, drowning herself in the nightlife every day. Seeing things worsen, the Albrights hired a professional therapist for her. And that therapist was Arthur Vance. The moment Arthur saw Lily, he was captivated. Her delicate features, those full lips, and that small, perfect nose. But it was her eyes, dark and sparkling like stars, that truly captivated him, making him want to get closer. Yet, Lily absolutely despised Arthur. The first time she saw him, she said he radiated this intellectual, almost gentle vibe that she immediately decided wasn’t “manly enough.” Arthur didn’t get angry. Every day, he diligently tried to guide Lily, telling her stories that might lift her spirits. Even when she’d cover her ears, turn her back on him, or even lock him out in the dead of winter just to shut him up, Arthur never showed anger. In his eyes, someone suffering from emotional pain often had uncontrolled emotions. And besides, this was Lily. Over time, Lily seemed to dislike him less. She began to tentatively accept Arthur’s guidance. During his patient counseling sessions, she would turn her back, whispering her deepest, most hidden feelings. Later, when the Albrights suggested another blind date for Lily, she unexpectedly grabbed Arthur’s hand, declaring, “I’ll get married, but I choose him!” Arthur was stunned. He thought Lily had genuinely changed, that she had truly developed feelings for him. It wasn’t until Lily pulled out a marriage contract that he realized the truth. She had only done this to escape the blind dates, using him as a shield. Arthur took a deep breath, forcing a smile to reassure Martha. “No, she’s busy with work. Our schedules just don’t align, so we couldn’t come together.” After he spoke, Arthur slipped a bank card from his bag into Martha’s hand. “My job situation is changing recently, and I might not be able to visit for a long time. Please keep this card. Buy anything you need, don’t hold back.” Arthur glanced at his watch. Before Martha could respond, he was gone. He needed to get back to the mansion before Lily’s deadline. Five years. He knew Lily’s temper all too well. If he didn’t follow her instructions today, she would undoubtedly tear the house apart. Most importantly, he still needed Lily’s signature. With her signature, he could proceed with the donation, and Martha could regain her sight. So, he had to rush back to the mansion now. The car drove on, and Arthur arrived at the mansion at two-thirty. The yard was as quiet as ever. He pulled out his keys, ready to unlock the door. But before he could step inside, Lily opened the door first. **Chapter 2** “Do you have no sense of time? Or are you doing this on purpose?” Arthur instinctively swallowed. “No, of course not. We said three, didn’t we? I didn’t realize you’d be back so early.” Lily’s eyes darkened, as if she realized she was in the wrong, and she lightly coughed. “My flight was moved up. Is that not allowed?!” Arthur said nothing. Lily’s attitude towards him had always been like this. She was a spoiled princess through and through. Her word was law, and whatever she wanted, Arthur had to deliver. So, for five years of their marriage, Arthur had gone along with her every whim, terrified of upsetting Lily. He didn’t want her unhappy, didn’t want to make her angry, because he loved her. But Lily was different. To show off her status as a rich heiress, every time she was happy, she would transfer a sum of money to Arthur. Her goal was to make him understand that he’d only get money if he made her happy. Arthur moved past Lily, who was blocking the doorway, and walked straight into the room to pack his things. Lily had already instructed him yesterday that their contract marriage would end the moment her ex-boyfriend, Brandon Miller, returned. So, he was now diligently packing his bags. As he reached the stair landing, Brandon stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. Their eyes met, and Arthur’s heart felt like it had been pierced by a thousand thorns, an indescribable agony. “What are you standing there for? Do you want Brandon to look at you all day?” Lily’s sharp words came from behind him. Arthur’s hand instinctively recoiled. Of course he wanted to leave quickly, but Brandon’s arm was blocking his way. It was clear Brandon didn’t want him to go inside. Arthur tried to walk upstairs, but Brandon still didn’t budge. “Mr. Vance, you haven’t changed your shoes. Aren’t you afraid of bringing germs into the room?” Brandon’s blatant provocation was completely normal in Lily’s eyes. She grabbed Arthur’s shirt, her voice icy as she commanded him, “Didn’t you hear Brandon? What are you waiting for?” Arthur looked down at Lily’s veiny hand on his arm, her eyes clearly showing impatience, as if telling him, “I can’t wait, hurry up.” Arthur turned and walked towards the entrance, putting on the disposable slippers Lily had personally set out for him. These were specifically for him last night because Brandon had a germ phobia and disliked using things others had used. This was also why, in five years of marriage, Arthur and Lily had never slept in the same room. Arthur changed into the slippers and slowly walked towards the stairs. Before returning, he had slipped the organ donation agreement into the divorce papers. He had originally planned to pack his things and then have Lily sign, but now, it seemed better sooner rather than later. Lily always dismissed Arthur, so when he handed her the papers, she only glanced at them. Seeing the bold words “Divorce Agreement,” she quickly signed her name. Arthur flipped the page, revealing only the signature box on the second page. Lily didn’t even look, signing her name directly. Everything was settled. Arthur sighed softly. He was about to say, “We’ll finalize the divorce tomorrow!” Then he swallowed the words. Their marriage had been a contract from the start. They hadn’t held a wedding or even officially registered their marriage. Just a single piece of paper had defined their entire five years together. Arthur walked directly into his room. At that moment, he didn’t look back at Lily, but he could still feel her burning gaze on his thin back. Arthur’s room was a converted study. When he first moved in, Lily had told him. Brandon would return one day, and all the rooms in the mansion were to be reserved for him. And on the day he returned, Arthur was to leave discreetly, without any delay. This was a warning, and the most crucial term of their contract. That was why Arthur had always slept in the study, and why he was so cooperative in choosing to leave. Arthur folded all his belongings into his suitcase. The room’s furnishings were mostly books. Besides his laptop and some clothes, Arthur had almost nothing. Once everything was packed, he picked up his suitcase, ready to leave. Brandon suddenly walked in, blocking Arthur’s path. “This mansion is huge, and Lily’s family has a lot of valuables. Are you…?” He trailed off, his eyes instinctively glancing at Arthur’s suitcase. Arthur understood his implication, but Brandon had no right to question him, nor to inspect his suitcase. Legally speaking, he and Lily hadn’t finalized their divorce yet, so he was still the man of this house. Arthur ignored him, walking straight past him with his suitcase. But Brandon persisted, lunging forward to block the doorway. As he rushed past, Arthur was simultaneously walking out, and by sheer accident, Brandon bumped into the doorframe. When Lily walked in, Brandon was on the floor, clutching his forehead. Arthur, meanwhile, stood expressionless, looking down at Brandon. Seeing this, Lily panicked. She pushed Arthur aside roughly. “Are you crazy?! Why would you do that to Brandon?!” Lily’s shove was powerful. Arthur lost his footing and hit his head against the bookshelf. Blood immediately seeped from his forehead. Arthur quickly pressed a tissue to the wound. Leukemia. The scariest thing was bleeding. Once he started bleeding, it wouldn’t stop. In severe cases, it could lead to infection. **Chapter 3** But Lily didn’t know, and she didn’t care. She flung Arthur’s suitcase out the door, her voice sharp as she warned him, “You, now, immediately, get out of my sight!” Arthur hadn’t eaten all day due to his check-ups. The hunger made him feel weak, almost unable to stand. Brandon, seeing this, grabbed Lily’s hand. “Baby, I’m in so much pain. Can you take me to the doctor? It really hurts…” Brandon clutched his forehead, which showed no trace of injury, pleading with Lily through a pained expression. Lily glared back at Arthur. “You’d better be gone before I get back, or else, don’t blame me for what happens next!” With that, she helped Brandon leave, completely ignoring Arthur, who was still bleeding profusely. Arthur leaned against the corner, gasping for air. He had still held onto some hope for Lily. After all, she had once been inseparable from him, even if that time was because she’d thrown a ceramic vase at him in a fit of rage. But even then, he’d felt a strange warmth. Now, though, he was utterly and completely disappointed. Arthur slowly got up from the floor. The tissue was soaked with blood. He held it to his wound and pulled the first-aid kit from the cabinet. He’d specifically stocked it the day he was diagnosed with his terminal illness. In the five years he’d been with Lily, he had never left the kitchen, often cutting his hand every few days. Each time, the bleeding wouldn’t stop. Ever since Martha got sick, Lily had never hired another housekeeper. She believed that Arthur, by marrying into the Albright family, should contribute something. So, all the household chores were handled by Arthur. He woke up early every day, prepared breakfast for Lily, and then rushed to catch the bus before eight. The first thing he did after coming home from work was prepare ginger tea and dinner for Lily, making sure everything was ready three minutes before she got back. Arthur was immersed in a life of tirelessly tending to Lily. At first, his colleagues at work used to mock him, calling him a “whipped” husband. But Arthur didn’t care. He loved Lily, and he loved doing things that made her happy. Back then, he felt it was all worth it. But now, he didn’t. Arthur sprinkled some hemostatic powder on his wound, then carefully lay down on the bed. Even though his life was counting down, he wanted to cherish the remaining time. Regrettably, the hemostatic medicine had no effect. His blood continued to flow, and the wound throbbed. Arthur forced himself up, hailed a taxi outside the mansion. He leaned his entire body against the back seat, trying to keep his forehead flat against the cushion. When he arrived at the hospital, Arthur’s face was pale, and he stumbled several times from weakness. Finally, a kind stranger helped him into the emergency room. Arthur lay on the bed, his consciousness slowly fading. But he could still feel the doctors and nurses frantically trying to stop the bleeding. The pain made him forget that Lily and Brandon were also there. As Lily walked past the emergency room, a nurse happened to call out Arthur Vance’s name. Lily stopped, casually asking, “Which Arthur Vance?” Brandon pulled her arm. “There are tons of people with that name. Isn’t your Arthur Vance at home?” Lily instinctively turned her head. Seeing Brandon’s jealous expression, she quickly pulled her hand away from the nurse. The two disappeared down the hallway without looking back. Meanwhile, Arthur, due to excessive blood loss, was admitted to the intensive care unit. Fortunately, the hospital had recorded Arthur’s emergency contact. Otherwise, he might have died in the hospital with no family showing up. Martha, supported by Daisy, rushed to the hospital. After the doctor’s explanation and persuasion, Martha collapsed onto the floor. She couldn’t believe it. How could Arthur, who had been perfectly fine, be diagnosed with aggressive leukemia? And with less than a month left? This was even more painful than when she learned she was blind. Martha stood by the ICU room, her eyes filled with tears, the rhythmic beeping of the machines tightening her entire chest. Daisy comforted her kindly. “Arthur’s a good person, good things happen to good people. He’ll be fine!” But Martha knew it was just a way to comfort herself. Arthur’s life was already counting down. Even if she wanted to try her best to save him now, it was too late. As time ticked by, nurses began to emerge from the room. Daisy quickly approached to ask, but was met with stern criticism from a nurse. “How can you be such irresponsible family members? You know the patient can’t get injured at this stage, how could you be so careless? Luckily, we acted quickly today, otherwise, if the bleeding hadn’t stopped, his life would have been in danger!” Daisy stood stunned, unsure how to respond to the nurse’s accusations. But she knew that Arthur’s injury must have something to do with Lily. Martha slowly walked over, crying as she apologized to the nurse, promising to be more careful in the future. But Daisy couldn’t stand it. Arthur was always so careful and steady. How could he get injured without reason? Even if leukemia made bleeding easy, without a violent impact or cut, how could he bleed without cause? The more she thought, the angrier she became. Just as she was about to defend Martha, the doctor stepped out. “The patient is awake. You can go in now!” **Chapter 4** Daisy quickly helped Martha inside. Arthur lay weakly on the bed. Seeing Martha, his heart felt like it was being gnawed by a thousand ants. When the hospital registered his emergency contact, he hadn’t thought much of it. He assumed he would be careful, and no emergencies would arise. But with the hospital’s insistence, he reluctantly gave Martha’s number. He hadn’t wanted Martha to know, worried she wouldn’t be able to handle it. But now, it was impossible to hide. “Arthur…” Martha choked out the name. Arthur raised a weak arm, softly calling out, “Aunt Martha.” Their hands clasped tightly together. Martha fought back tears, bringing Arthur’s hand to her ear. “Why are you so foolish? You’re sick, and there’s no one by your side. How can I not worry?” Arthur’s throat was tight, but he forced a smile to comfort Martha. “It’s okay, I’m much better!” Martha, though blind, wasn’t foolish. She guessed Arthur hadn’t told Lily about his illness. She also guessed that something had gone wrong between Lily and Arthur, likely because of that other man. But she couldn’t ask, couldn’t say anything. Because with Lily’s temper, rushing over to question her now would only lead her to blame everything on Arthur. Besides, she wanted to respect Arthur’s decision. If he chose not to tell Lily, there had to be a good reason. Martha wiped her tears and turned to instruct Daisy to prepare some bland food for Arthur. Though she couldn’t see, she could feel that Arthur was very weak right now. Daisy ran out of the hospital like a flash. When she first came to Martha’s house, it was Arthur who taught her about the local shops and Martha’s preferences. Occasionally, if she broke something, Arthur never blamed her. Instead, he’d comfort her, “Don’t be scared, Aunt Martha won’t be angry. I’ll get her something new.” For three years, whenever Daisy clumsily broke something, Arthur would use his own money to replace it. He treated Daisy like his own younger sister. When Daisy was upset, she would actively seek out Arthur to talk. They had almost no secrets. But now Arthur was sick, and Daisy felt her world had collapsed. She was terrified of losing Arthur, terrified of losing the Arthur who had protected her, taught her, and guided her for three years. She walked and cried, her sorrowful thoughts causing her to not notice Lily approaching from the opposite direction. They collided with force, both falling to the ground. Lily immediately snapped, “Are you blind?! Don’t you look where you’re going?!” It took Daisy a moment to recover. When she saw Lily in Brandon Miller’s arms, her face instantly changed. “What are you doing here?” Lily looked at her in surprise. “Is Aunt Martha not feeling well?!” Daisy was about to speak, but Brandon clutched his forehead and moaned. Lily ignored everything else, reaching out to help Brandon up. By the time she looked back, Daisy had vanished into the crowd. In the hospital room, Arthur seemed to sense something bad was happening. He gritted his teeth and reached for his phone. Before his fingers could touch it, Lily’s call came through. Arthur glanced at Martha, then lowered the volume to the minimum and answered. “Arthur Vance, what good are you? Do you know I just saw Aunt Martha’s caretaker at the hospital? If anything happens to Aunt Martha, I’m holding you responsible!” Lily’s accusing words exploded in his ear. Arthur swallowed, his throat dry. It took him a moment to speak. “I know. She’s fine, just picking up some medicine.” Arthur’s body ached, and he didn’t have the strength to argue with Lily. He also didn’t want Lily to know he was sick, because he didn’t want to receive her shallow, pathetic sympathy. Besides, even if she knew, she wouldn’t feel sorry for him. Instead, she’d blame him for being careless. So, this time, he chose to remain silent. Lily was slightly stunned. She felt Arthur was a bit strange today. Normally, whenever she lost her temper, Arthur would immediately admit his mistake. But this time, he hadn’t said anything, clearly just brushing her off. However, before she could speak, Arthur hung up. This undoubtedly pushed Lily’s last nerve. She quickly started the car, ignoring Brandon’s reaction, and floored the accelerator. Pushing open the mansion door, she shrieked Arthur’s name in a sharp voice, but the house was unusually quiet. Even the magpies that usually chattered noisily in the trees were silent. Lily grew angrier. She strode upstairs and kicked open the study door. But the room was empty, save for a pool of blood on the floor. Arthur was nowhere to be seen. Lily’s brow furrowed. She stepped closer to the bloodstain. After confirming it was human blood, Lily’s heart instantly panicked. She opened her phone and dialed Arthur’s number. The phone rang for several seconds before being hung up. Immediately after, a SnapChat message popped up: “Something came up at work. I’ll pick up my luggage as soon as possible.” Lily’s heart sank like a heavy stone, feeling a mix of suppression and anger. Arthur had never refused her calls, no matter how busy he was. He would always answer without hesitation just as the ring was about to end. But this time… She glanced at the suitcase by the door, suddenly feeling indignant. Saying something came up at work, and then mysteriously leaving a pool of blood—this was clearly deliberate, an excuse to not leave. Thinking this, she lifted her foot, ready to walk out. She wanted to confront Arthur and ask him how he dared pull such a childish stunt. Did he have no shame? But she hadn’t taken many steps before Brandon stopped her from behind. “Lily, my wound hurts. Can you please help me with it again? You know I hate pain…” Lily’s outstretched foot immediately retracted. She looked at the suitcase outside the door, then at the weak, pathetic Brandon. Yes, he hated pain the most. Normally, if he got even a small scratch, he’d desperately pull her arm, begging her to kiss it better. How much more so now? Lily helped Brandon up and then took a cotton swab to gently dab his forehead. At that moment, everything was replaced by Brandon’s cries of pain. **Chapter 5** Three days later, Arthur was discharged. His first priority was to rush back to the mansion to retrieve his luggage. Given his current relationship with Lily, he didn’t want to stay there a minute longer, nor did he want any more entanglement with her. He just wanted to get his bags and spend his remaining time in peace. But the mansion’s password had been changed. Lily and Brandon weren’t there, and Arthur couldn’t get in. He glanced at the time. He still had to go to his office later to hand in his resignation. Waiting indefinitely wasn’t an option. So, he bit the bullet and called Lily. The call connected, and Brandon’s cold, mocking voice came through. “Lily and I are on vacation in Westview. Mr. Vance, if you’re not in a hurry, would you mind waiting outside for a while?” Arthur paused. There was a very important patient list in his suitcase, and his body was getting weaker by the day. If he couldn’t get it today, he didn’t know when his next chance would be. So, he weakly asked, “How long will that be?” Brandon sneered. “That depends on my mood.” Arthur checked his watch again. “I’m afraid I can’t wait. Can you text me the password? I’ll grab my luggage and leave.” Brandon suddenly burst out laughing. “How can I do that? No one’s home. If you take your luggage and something goes missing, how do we account for it?” Arthur’s throat instantly tightened, but before he could say anything, Brandon hung up. Arthur rubbed his hands, which were red from the cold. It was December, and the frigid air made his hands and feet numb. He didn’t dare move around freely. These past few days, Lily had often posted photos of herself and Brandon on Ins, enjoying outdoor excursions. Their locations varied, sometimes far, sometimes near. He was terrified of missing their return. Arthur huddled by the mansion gate, quietly waiting for Lily’s return. Time ticked by, minute by minute. The cold seeped into his entire body, but there was still no sign of Lily. Finally, just as the sun was about to set, a black Rolls-Royce slowly pulled into the driveway. Seeing Arthur huddled by the gate, Lily’s eyes instantly darkened. She quickly opened the car door and walked up to Arthur. “What are you doing out here? It’s so cold, couldn’t you find somewhere to take shelter?” Arthur opened his eyes. Seeing Lily’s irritated expression, the words he was about to say caught in his throat. He just managed to say, “I came to get my suitcase.” Lily’s face immediately fell. “Are you that impatient? So eager to move out?” Even she felt strange saying this. She had been the one to repeatedly urge Arthur to leave, yet now she was questioning him. It truly made no sense. Arthur said nothing, just stood with his head down by the door, waiting for Lily to open it. “The previous lock was broken, and I wasn’t home during the day. For safety, I changed it.” Arthur paused, surprised for half a second. Was she explaining herself to him? But this was her house. She could do whatever she wanted. Why tell him all this? The door opened, but Arthur didn’t go inside. Only Lily’s and Brandon’s slippers were by the entrance. “Could you please bring my suitcase out?” Lily instinctively glanced at them. “Brandon doesn’t like disposable slippers, so I threw them out.” Her eyes flickered slightly as she spoke. “Why don’t you come in? You’ve waited so long, a hot drink wouldn’t hurt.” Arthur smiled. “I have other things to do. I won’t bother you.” Just then, Brandon brought out the suitcase. Lily seemed to want to say more, but Arthur left with his suitcase. Snow fell from the sky, and Arthur’s figure looked desolate and lonely. For some reason, at that moment, Lily felt Arthur had changed. He seemed thinner, quieter. In short, he was completely different from before. Arthur took his luggage to his office and handed over the patient list and his resignation to Dr. Lawrence, the head of the clinic. As a psychologist for five years, Arthur had helped countless patients with mental illnesses, but when it came to himself, he was powerless. Dr. Lawrence looked troubled, his eyes filled with regret. “Actually, with current medical technology, there have been cases of leukemia being cured. Your father-in-law…” “No need,” Arthur smiled. “No need to bother. I’ve already been checked. I don’t have much time left, and I don’t want to waste it on treatment, especially for a disease that can’t be cured anyway.” He looked up at the neon lights outside the window. He and Lily were no longer bound. They hadn’t even registered their marriage back when they signed the contract; at most, they were contractual partners. How could he trouble a top-tier hematology professor for someone who had already been given a death sentence by the hospital? Dr. Lawrence sighed, then put the resignation letter in his drawer. “If you need anything in the future, just tell me. I’ll do my best.” Arthur’s eyes shimmered. “Nothing else, just one thing: please don’t tell the Albright family about my illness and resignation.” “I’m afraid they won’t be able to handle it.” His certain tone and serious expression didn’t arouse any suspicion in Dr. Lawrence, who gritted his teeth and agreed. Arthur walked out of the hospital with his luggage. He had promised Martha that he would stay with her for his remaining days. So, after leaving the hospital, he went directly to Martha’s house. Halfway there, Arthur suddenly stopped. He started bleeding from his nose again, unsure if it was due to the day’s exhaustion or the cold weather. He tilted his head back, wiping with one hand, letting the blood flow back into his nose. The strong metallic taste of blood spread in his throat, making him cough violently twice. Just then, his phone suddenly rang. Arthur, still with his head tilted back, didn’t look at the caller ID. He answered, and Lily’s voice came through. “Do you cook lily bulb and snow fungus soup with cold water or hot water? Brandon’s sick, and I don’t really know how. Could you please…?” “Cold water.” Arthur cut her off before Lily could finish. “Just put the ingredients in when the water boils. You decide how long to cook it.” Arthur’s voice was hoarse with fatigue, sounding distant. But to Lily, it felt like defiant indifference. “You don’t have to be like this, do you? I just asked you to temporarily move out. I didn’t say you couldn’t come back. Why are you overreacting and giving me the silent treatment?” Arthur suddenly laughed. He, giving her the silent treatment? She just asked him to “temporarily move out”? Their contract was expired, both had signed, and she had signed with unusual haste. Now that everything was settled and they could go their separate ways, she was saying she hadn’t forbidden him from returning? Did she really think of him as a pet, summoned and dismissed at will? Arthur didn’t speak, simply hanging up the phone. He was feeling too unwell to argue with her now. But Lily reacted as if she had received a severe shock. She started dialing Arthur’s phone again and again. Arthur carried his luggage with one hand and clutched his continuously bleeding nose with the other. His phone only stopped ringing when it finally died and he stepped into Martha’s house. Daisy quickly brought a basin of hot water and carefully wiped Arthur’s face. Blood trickled down his nose, staining the front of his shirt. Daisy immediately started crying, her voice choked and trembling. “Does it… hurt?” Arthur smiled and shook his head. “It’s just a nosebleed. Normal people get nosebleeds too. It doesn’t hurt.” But Daisy knew Arthur was just trying to comfort her. How could a leukemia bleed be the same as a normal nosebleed? Once it started, it was hard to stop. How could it not hurt? Arthur leaned back on the pillow. Just as he closed his eyes, an urgent knocking came from the door. Daisy quickly ran over. The moment she opened the door, her throat instinctively tightened. “Is Arthur Vance here?” Lily’s aggressive questioning left Daisy momentarily stunned. She pushed past Daisy and walked straight in. Seeing Arthur lying on the sofa, covered in blood, Lily’s expression instantly darkened. “What happened to you?” Arthur paused. In five years, this was the first time she had ever asked him. It made Arthur feel, for a fleeting moment, as if she were concerned about him. But a fleeting moment was all it was. Just as Arthur was about to speak, Lily’s phone rang. He didn’t need to guess who was on the other end. “Lily, where are you? I feel so awful. Please don’t leave me!” Hearing Brandon’s voice, Lily looked directly at Arthur, as if under a spell. “Brandon’s sick and wants your lily bulb and snow fungus soup. Come back with me, and I’ll pay you for your trouble.” Hearing those words, Arthur’s chest began to heave. So, in her eyes, he was just that worthless. But before Arthur could speak, Daisy was already enraged. “Your boyfriend is sick, why should Arthur serve him? He’s sick too, Arthur’s not well! If you want service, do it yourself!” With that, she resolutely stood in front of Arthur. This scene instantly ignited Lily’s already bad mood. She brutally pushed Daisy aside, then grabbed Arthur’s arm and tried to drag him out. Arthur’s nosebleed had just stopped, but his body was still weak. He broke free from Lily’s grip, telling her in a faint voice, “I can’t go. I don’t feel well.” But Lily acted as if she hadn’t heard him. “You just have a nosebleed, but Brandon has a fever! It’s just a bowl of soup! I’ll pay you, isn’t that enough?!” She kept talking, dragging Arthur towards the door. In their struggle, Arthur accidentally tripped on a stone at the entrance, and blood immediately covered his entire face. Lily waved her hands in distress. “Why is there so much blood?” Daisy screamed and rushed over. “Lily Albright, haven’t you caused Arthur enough harm?!” “He’s dying!” **Chapter 6** The air suddenly went silent. Lily hesitated for a moment, then resumed her composed demeanor.

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Julian suffered from emotional detachment. We were together for seven long years, yet he never once believed I truly loved him. Every heartfelt word I poured into those letters was dismissed as nothing but a lie, a cheap charade. Everyone else branded me a gold-digger. And he? He just met their scornful gazes with a cold stare, utterly indifferent. It wasn’t until the sunflowers I’d planted for him in the backyard finally bloomed, and my sacrifices were laid bare for the world to see, that Julian finally believed I loved him. But what he didn’t know was this: I was already dead. I died exactly one year ago today. The mountain crumbled, burying me, but not before I used every last ounce of strength to push him to safety. Yet, Julian walked away without a single glance back, never even mentioning me to anyone. Trapped in that mountain, waiting for a rescue that never came, I slowly, painfully starved to death. He always longed to hear me say ‘I love you.’ He knew I couldn’t speak, but never bothered to learn my sign language. He never knew that every single morning, my first thought, my first silent word, was ‘I love you.’

It was a full year later when my remains were finally discovered. After the accident, the area had been sealed off, no one allowed in or out. Massive boulders blocked the path completely, and I couldn’t find my way out, trapped in a tiny cave. By the time the rescue team arrived, all that was left of me was a skeletal remains. Rats and insects had long since picked my flesh clean, leaving nothing but bone. Even the remnants of my clothes were scattered, dragged yards away. I don’t know why my soul hadn’t dissipated. After a year in that lightless place, I had long since moved from initial despair and terror to a strange calm. I stood in the corner, watching them carefully gather my bones, taking them away for DNA comparison. When I floated out of the cave with the rescue team and the sunlight found me, it felt incredibly unreal, like a daze. On the way down the mountain, one of the female team members, Sarah, was excitedly waving her phone. “Julian is talking about his fiancée again in an interview! He’s so devoted, why would she just disappear like that, so ungrateful for his devotion?” Hearing that name after so long, I instinctively looked up. “Oh, remember when his fiancée planted that field of sunflowers for him? When they bloomed, Julian posted so many updates that day, just showing them off.” “But if they really loved each other, they’ll surely clear up any misunderstandings and get back together, right? Julian’s rich and handsome, after all!” A few of them huddled together, chattering away, their eyes shining as they gushed about Julian’s meteoric rise and impressive success story. Listening to their words, I froze, my mind a chaotic mess. Julian rarely had other people around him. For all those years, the only woman he’d been close to was me. It wasn’t that he was a saint. It was that I was relentlessly, stubbornly, *desperately* clinging to him. The day before we went to the mountains, I’d planted the entire backyard with sunflowers. I’d squatted for so long that when I stood up, my vision blurred, and I fell to the ground. Julian just walked past, utterly indifferent, not even sparing me a glance. He’d always been distant, even after seven years together; most of the time, he still treated me like I was invisible. When I scrambled awkwardly to my feet and chased after Julian, he looked at me with a calm gaze. I frantically tried to explain, signing wildly, but as our eyes met, it was like a sudden, icy splash of reality. Julian didn’t understand sign language, and I couldn’t speak. Our everyday communication was always through written words. “Julian, when the flowers bloom, can we get married?” I carefully typed out the sentence, showing him the screen. Even though everyone else dismissed our relationship, I stubbornly held onto Julian. He didn’t answer for a long time, and my previously tense emotions slowly calmed down. The scrapes on the back of my hand, the cuts on my calf from the sharp spade. His gaze, light and dismissive, swept over my scrapes and the desperate mess I was, before he simply turned and walked away. He never believed I loved him. Over the years, I’d wanted to marry him countless times, but he always refused. I never even got the chance to explain myself, only able to helplessly write ‘I love you’ over and over again. When others mocked and questioned me, Julian never seemed to care, even letting their rumors fester. The phone screen automatically dimmed, but I remained standing there, my expression dazed. If he didn’t believe me, why did he choose me in the first place?

I didn’t know where I should go. When my thoughts returned, my spirit was already floating at the entrance of the villa. Before I even got close, I saw the vast golden flower sea—the entire area filled with sunflowers. On the way here, I’d already heard so much about Julian. Everyone said he’d been searching for me all this time, desperate to salvage our relationship. People dismissed me as ungrateful, calling me cold and heartless. If I truly loved him, why would I disappear for a whole year, not even giving Julian a chance to change? But they didn’t know I’d waited for Julian for seven years, and loved him for seven years. Julian claimed I loved sunflowers, so the media eagerly reported how he’d planted an entire field of them for me. This grand gesture, supposedly proof of his deep affection, actually reeked of insincerity. I didn’t even like sunflowers. That field was just the last gift I’d left behind. They even kept repeating the flower’s meaning: “silent love,” pinning it onto Julian. His public display was so overwhelming that no one bothered to care about the small patch of flowers in the backyard that truly belonged to me. Returning here after a year, I felt utterly lost. My hands passed right through the glass door, the lightness of my body once again reminding me of the grim reality of my death. I saw many framed pictures on the living room wall, displaying the love letters I had written. That was the first time Julian ever questioned my sincerity. He didn’t believe in love, and his friends looked down on me, a mute girl. They would jokingly ask if I was only with Julian for his money, their voices dripping with casual disdain. My face flushed crimson, and I frantically signed my explanations, forgetting that these rich kids couldn’t understand sign language. Julian never said a word, just stood there, watching the whole circus with a cold expression. To prove myself, I wrote countless love letters, articulating my affection word by word. But these letters were eventually thrown to the floor during one of our arguments, dismissed as trash by Julian. He claimed he didn’t believe those hollow words, sneering at my supposed insincerity. I cried, trying to pick up the scattered papers, unable to make a sound. But now, red markings covered those letters. Every one of my sentences had a response—Julian’s belated confession. So, he had always known I was telling the truth. He had always paid attention to everything I did. But Julian always pushed me away, again and again, all for his ridiculous pride. He’d deny me countless times, saying hurtful things, only to beg me to come back later. Because of Julian’s attitude, everyone around him looked down on me too. They all thought I was the one relentlessly clinging to him, but they didn’t know Julian and I were each other’s salvation. I loved the handsome boy from school, and he liked having me by his side. He’d pour out his heart to me, always standing up for me, always swearing he’d never let me suffer. He’d even tried to learn sign language for me once. But as time wore on, he simply… forgot. Those precious memories, along with his willingness to learn, were abandoned somewhere along the way.

The house felt familiar to my body, yet my memories were strangely distant. For the past year, trapped, I’d barely seen the sun, always engulfed in pitch darkness. As I fumbled my way to the study, the first thing I saw was a Julian I didn’t recognize. His desk was piled with books, all of them on sign language instruction. After I died, Julian finally began, belatedly, to learn my language. He started to study the things he had ignored, the things he’d thrown into corners as if they weren’t worth mentioning. Like the paper stars with every word I’d wanted to say to him written inside. Like the clothes I’d sewn for him myself, the clumsy stitches proof of how many times I’d pricked my fingers. It had hurt so much, but I’d been so full of hope that Julian would finally see me differently. Instead, he’d just given it a dismissive glance, tossed it into the closet, and I never saw it again. He never even tried it on. And now, Julian’s long, artistic fingers held a piece of fabric, completely at a loss. The pampered rich boy was finally humbling himself, trying to appease his late lover, a faint hint of guilt flickering in his heart. But Julian only knew the old me. He didn’t know I no longer liked plain white, or that my size had changed. Once, Julian had held me, heartbroken by how thin I was, swearing he’d make me plump and healthy. Later, he was indifferent even when I wasted away to skin and bones. When doctors subtly hinted that my condition was worsening, he just frowned at me. “Did I starve you? Why would you do this to yourself? What’s wrong?” He didn’t care, and he didn’t know. He didn’t know I was being gaslighted by his friends, spending sleepless nights tossing and turning, consumed by self-doubt. He didn’t notice the mistreatment from the household staff, or that the groceries they bought were often insufficient. He only saw the surface: he had given me so much, materially I had nothing to complain about. Julian didn’t care about my feelings. He just thought I was making a big deal out of nothing, complaining about problems that weren’t real. The day we went to the mountains, we were actually trying to salvage our relationship. Julian was coming home less and less, and our silences grew longer and longer. When the accident happened, Julian hadn’t even reacted yet. Because of my natural physical limitations, I’d always been acutely sensitive to my surroundings. But in that final moment, I resolutely pushed Julian out. And he just left, never looking back at me. I hoped he would bring a rescue team to find me. I fantasized about him appearing like a knight in shining armor, saving me from disaster. I don’t know how long I waited, but I remained trapped, despairingly huddled in the cave. The wind howled in my ears, the cave was cold and dark, and I was driven to the brink of madness. I was found a year after I died. Yet Julian sat there, composed, as if nothing had happened, simply *waiting* for me to magically reappear. He never even bothered to search for me. If he had thought of me, even once, during those agonizing days, I wouldn’t have died. I was only twenty-seven. I didn’t even die in the landslide; I starved to death. When I was alive, no one loved me, not even Julian, who constantly doubted me. It took my death for Julian to finally acknowledge me, to mercifully prepare to repay me. I was suddenly curious to see Julian’s reaction when he learned I was truly dead. In media interviews, he repeatedly spoke of his plans to propose to me. That was all I’d ever wanted, something I couldn’t have when I was alive. But now, I’d never get the chance to wear a wedding dress. Julian told everyone he missed me, but now I was right in front of him, and he couldn’t see me. The room was silent. Just then, Julian’s phone, resting beside him, abruptly rang. “Hello, is this Mr. Julian? We’ve found Ms. Harper’s remains. Do you have time to identify them?” I didn’t see Julian’s expression. Because I was too busy admiring the sunflowers in the backyard.

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My fiancé, Declan, married me because it was what his family wanted. I actually thought he’d finally given up on Chloe, the girl who held his heart. But for three years after we got married, he was barely ever home, always out and about with her. I couldn’t be bothered to catch them red-handed, so I just got bored and started an online relationship. Then, to my shock, I found out my online boyfriend was none other than Julian, Declan’s best friend. I just couldn’t reconcile the sweet, clingy guy who begged for hugs every day online with the intimidating Julian I knew in real life. I freaked out and broke up with him. But Julian burst into my apartment, crying and begging me to forgive him, not to leave him. As he was pleading, Declan suddenly walked in. Panicked, I shoved Julian into the closet. Declan hugged me, whispering, “It’s over with her. From now on, I’ll focus on you. Let’s have a baby.” Julian, furious, kicked open the closet door. “No way! I don’t agree!” *** Declan threw a lavish birthday party for Chloe on a cruise ship. My best friend, Taylor, couldn’t stand it and insisted on dragging me along to catch them and humiliate the other woman. I was about to refuse, but then I remembered my online boyfriend had sent me his location, and it was somewhere nearby. So, hoping I might bump into him, I went along. But as soon as we arrived, the birthday party was already over. We didn’t even catch a glimpse of Declan or Chloe. Taylor was so mad she started swearing like a sailor. I let her rant for half an hour before I finally managed to calm her down. “Let me take you home. I told you, don’t bother trying to catch them.” Even if we did, what would be the point? After dropping Taylor off, I walked alone down the street, glancing back at the bar behind me, and then stepped inside. I ordered a glass of red wine at the bar, but it tasted bitter, so I only took one sip. My online boyfriend sent me another message. **[My friends moved to a new spot, a bar, but don’t worry, babe, I won’t have any contact with anyone else.]** A thought flashed through my mind. Could it be the very bar I was in right now? I typed a reply. **[What’s the bar called? Do you have a room number?]** He actually sent me the address and the room number. And a teasing remark, too. **[Missing me, babe? It’s too late now. Next time you want to see your husband, let’s pick a proper time. Our first meeting has to be special.]** A smile played on my lips. What I didn’t say was, we might just meet tonight. I hurried upstairs. The corridors were a maze, but I finally found the room number he’d given me. The door wasn’t fully closed; it was slightly ajar. They seemed to be playing a game inside, and I heard Chloe’s voice. A surge of alarm went through me. Had I gone to the wrong room? I glanced back, realizing I hadn’t made a mistake at all. This was definitely the room number my online boyfriend had given me. “Julian! Your turn. Truth or Dare?” From my angle, I couldn’t see Julian’s face, only his back. His shoulders were broad, and he had a great physique. He was Declan’s best friend, closer than brothers since they were kids. Julian lazily drawled, “Truth.” “Who were you just texting, smiling so happily?” Chloe casually asked. Julian glanced at Declan, who was sitting beside him, and said, “Aubrey. My girlfriend.” The room fell silent for a moment. Chloe gave a dry laugh. “What a coincidence.” She quickly looked at Declan, who seemed oblivious, and instantly breathed a sigh of relief. My heart lurched. That was my name, and my online username. It couldn’t be such a coincidence… But the very next second, my heart sank. Julian’s phone screen was projected onto the big monitor. And there, glaringly obvious, was my chat window. “Whoa, Julian, you’re into online dating? And she’s older?” Julian frowned, smacking the person next to him. “Give me my phone back.” He snatched his phone, his expression faltering slightly, and started to walk out of the room. I was terrified and immediately fled the scene. As soon as I reached the stairwell, my phone vibrated in my pocket. In my panic, I just hit hang up. **[Babe, why aren’t you answering? Do you not like me anymore?]** The messages that followed were a rapid-fire flood of pathetic, adorable emojis. Seeing those messages, I took a deep breath. How could Julian, with his unapproachable face, say such things to me? And he’s actually older than me, yet he pretended to be some younger college guy! **Chapter 2** I sprinted all the way home, my back drenched in sweat. My phone now had several new photos of abs. The muscles were perfectly defined, very eye-catching. But I was in no mood to appreciate them. **[Don’t be mad, babe. I’m coming home now. I’ll never go to shady places again.]** **[Babe, please talk to me…]** I sent a voice message. “Sorry, my husband’s home. Don’t text me today.” There was a pause on the other end. Soon, another message came through. **[Babe, didn’t you say your husband was never home?]** I replied without batting an eye. **[He came back today.]** **[Okay, babe. I know I’m not supposed to be seen.]** I knew Julian understood I was lying, but he couldn’t call me out. I had never hidden the fact that I was married, and he also knew my husband was Declan. When we first got together, he said he didn’t care, that he could wait for me to get divorced. Before that, we could be platonic, just a spiritual connection. But I never thought he’d hide his identity. His age and even his name were all fake. And the big question: Did Declan know what Julian was up to? Hooking up with his best friend’s wife behind his back. I slapped my face, annoyed. It was all my fault for not insisting he send me a photo. My fault for trusting a stranger online so completely. I ignored Julian for a few days, planning to ice him out until he got the hint. I didn’t think he’d dare to just show up and expose everything. Julian had to have some shame, right? But Julian, shamelessly, kept sending me messages. Constantly asking, *Is your husband gone? Is your husband gone?* I typed a single word. **[No.]** Not long after, I saw Declan and Chloe trending on Ins. The two of them were shouting declarations from a hot air balloon. “Chloe! I love you!” “Declan! I love you too!” It had gone viral just because the hot air balloon cost a staggering fifty million dollars. Netizens were gushing with envy, joking that they were just NPCs in a grand romance, witnessing another fairytale billionaire love story. All I felt was awkwardness. Didn’t they think shouting from the sky was totally ridiculous? What if a bird pooped on them? Not long after, the trending topic was completely scrubbed clean. My mother-in-law called me. “Aubrey, Declan’s just having a bit of fun. Don’t make a fuss, dear. He’s very busy with work, it’s normal for him to unwind. A man, well, who doesn’t have a few people around them? The Maxwell family only recognizes you as their daughter-in-law.” My voice was flat. “Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t make a fuss.” Hearing that, my mother-in-law quickly hung up. They were being so public about it that people had forgotten I was the original wife. What good would a fuss do now? Honestly, before the marriage, I actually did make a fuss. Declan and Chloe were childhood sweethearts, while Declan and I met later. Strictly speaking, I was the latecomer. My father was Declan’s father’s army buddy. After my dad was killed in action, Declan’s father adopted me. I was sixteen then, and my looks had blossomed; I was quite pretty. Declan was smitten at first sight and made a grand show of pursuing me. Declan’s father thought it was a great idea and decided to arrange our engagement. But Declan’s mother didn’t like me. She thought I was from a common background and wasn’t good enough for her perfect son. Not long after the engagement, Declan changed his mind. He said his feelings for me were just a passing fancy, and the one he truly loved was Chloe, his childhood sweetheart! I was furious and constantly at odds with Chloe. We competed in academics, in dancing, in talents. But other than academics, I was inferior to Chloe in everything. I’d never had any exposure to classical arts. Declan and his friends often mocked me, calling me an unsophisticated country bumpkin. Yet, whenever I scored better than Chloe on a test, Declan would accuse me of being too competitive and not as gentle and lovely as Chloe. Right after high school, I poured every ounce of my effort into my exams and became the top student. While I was basking in joy, I heard Declan scornfully say, “She only knows how to bury her head in books. What good is that? She’s not worthy of being my wife.” **Chapter 3** My heart instantly sank. I had actually thought Declan still had some feelings for me. Turns out, he’d always looked down on me.

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My brother always hated me. He once told me to my face that he wished I would just die. So I granted his wish and got stomach cancer. But he regretted it. I still died anyway. With a smile on my face, right in front of him. Jake’s call came just as I arrived home. The diagnosis report in my bag was already crumpled into a ball. He never used to call me on his own initiative before. “It was Dad’s birthday two days ago,” he said, his voice cold as ice. As always. “Why didn’t you come back…” “Because I didn’t want to,” I cut him off. “You went back, didn’t you? That’s enough.” “Tina came back from abroad at the beginning of the month.” Tina was my uncle’s daughter who had lived with us since childhood. “If she was there, that’s fine. After all, you only treat her like a sister anyway.” The person on the other end seemed to suddenly flare up in anger, calling my name in a low voice: “Mia!” I hung up. The last bit of sunset glow fell into the room. I sat at the desk, tearing the diagnosis report into tiny pieces. As the shreds of paper fluttered down onto the table, my phone screen suddenly lit up. Jake: Mom’s death anniversary is coming up soon.

Jake was my brother. He had always hated me. Because I was the culprit who took away his mother. Over twenty years ago, my mother died in childbirth. As I was born, she lost her life forever on the operating table. It was a murder disguised as new life. No one welcomed my arrival. Because of me, Dad lost his beloved wife. And Jake lost his mother. This long-standing resentment began from the day I was born and has continued until now. I didn’t intentionally skip Dad’s birthday. It’s just that day, the abdominal pain was so severe I nearly passed out. That’s when I first realized something was wrong. But actually, if I didn’t go, he would probably be more at ease.

Jake didn’t contact me again. I was standing outside the company building when I took a deep breath. After graduation, I had joined his company. Working my way up from the bottom, but no one ever discovered our connection. The number of times I met with him was even fewer than his meetings with ordinary employees. Last week, a senior executive left, and this Monday they were to announce the successor. Everyone said the position was mine for sure. At least before I got the diagnosis report, I had thought so too. In the hallway, I ran into a colleague who greeted me and then excitedly came closer: “Mia, don’t forget to treat us to a big dinner when you get promoted.” I smiled and looked down: “It’s not certain yet.” “It’s definitely going to be you,” she linked arms with me, “You’re the best out of everyone here.” When we entered the conference room, Jake was there. I happened to meet his gaze for a moment before we both looked away like strangers. “Good morning, Mr. Jiang.” He didn’t look at me, just nodded slightly. As indifferent as if our argument that night had never happened. People gradually filled up the conference room. Jake cleared his throat, and my colleague immediately gave me a meaningful look. I lowered my eyes to avoid her gaze. The next second, I heard a familiar name. “Tina Tang.” A familiar figure entered from outside. Slender and graceful, Tina smiled as warmly as ever. Jake stood beside her, introducing her to everyone: “Miss Tang has just returned from abroad and will be taking over the deputy manager position.” Some people instinctively glanced at me. I avoided their eyes and looked at the beaming Tina on the stage. The atmosphere in the room seemed to stagnate for a moment. Invisible undercurrents stirred. I smiled and applauded. Scattered applause broke the slightly awkward atmosphere in the conference room. Tina met my eyes, her expression warm and friendly.

The coffee smell in the break room was so strong it seemed about to overflow. I stirred it with a spoon, took a sip, and felt some acid reflux as I swallowed. My colleague stared angrily, fuming with indignation. “How is this fair? She just parachutes in and steals your position? Is this blatant nepotism?” “Mia, aren’t you angry?” “This position was meant for you. You worked so hard, even almost ended up in the hospital from overworking last time.” Her gaze fell on the dark circles under my eyes: “Mia, I’m telling you, there’s no need to work yourself to death like this. Cut back on the coffee.” The warmth of the coffee seeped through the ceramic mug into my hands as I thanked her softly: “Mr. Jiang must have his reasons.” The girl’s eyes widened as she was about to complain in a low voice when a phone rang abruptly. Jake’s voice was crystal clear in the small break room, tinged with barely suppressed anger: “Mia, come to my office.” My hand shook, spilling a few drops of coffee on my white shirt. The heat seeped through the fabric, scalding my skin. I responded quietly: “Okay.”

The moment Jake’s office door opened, I saw Tina sitting on the sofa, her head slightly bowed. She was clutching a piece of paper in her hand. And Jake, sitting there with a cold expression, suppressing his anger. People used to say that even though Jake and I came from the same womb, only our eyes looked alike. Upturned at the corners, when not smiling, they naturally carried a cold aura that kept people at a distance. Unfortunately, neither of us liked to smile. And Jake had never smiled at me. “Although Tina is new, she has the qualifications for this position.” “Mia.” Jake frowned deeply as he called my name. “If you have complaints, say them directly. Gossiping behind people’s backs, ganging up with colleagues to isolate Tina – Mia, is your viciousness ingrained in your bones?” In just half a day. I glanced sideways at Tina. She happened to look up and meet my eyes. Her face, in her early twenties, was full of collagen. Her eyes were slightly red, with tears reflecting tiny flecks of light. Then she quickly lowered her head again. All the actors in this farce were in place, just waiting for me to play my part. But I really had no interest in acting out their drama. “What other people say with their own mouths has nothing to do with me.” “Besides-” “Everyone’s not stupid.” A sob and the sound of something falling to the ground rang out simultaneously. The expensive pen that had been on the desk was now shattered into pieces. Black ink spread by my feet. “Mia! You…” A light piece of paper fell on his desk. Jake’s words were cut off. When he saw the text clearly, his anger immediately resurged: “Mia!” “Are you still a child?” “Are you throwing a tantrum?” The crisp new resignation letter was crumpled into a ball and thrown back at my feet like trash. It’s not a tantrum at all. I’ve known for a long time. I don’t have the right to throw tantrums. Only children who are coddled have that privilege. And I don’t. “I’ll go to HR myself.” As I closed the door, his roar was shut out along with it. But I hadn’t walked far before Tina caught up with me. “Mia.” Her voice still had a nasal quality, and she carefully reached for my hand. “Mia, don’t be angry. I don’t want this position. I’ll go talk to Jake. Don’t be upset.” “If I had known, I wouldn’t have come back. Mia, don’t let me ruin the relationship between you and your brother.” There was no one in the hallway. I stopped and looked at her. Tina’s eyes naturally carried an air of innocence and pitifulness. Combined with her slightly reddened eyes and nose tip, she could easily win others’ favor. She looked just like she did over ten years ago, when she first came to our home. “Tina.” I moved closer to her, gripping her chin, “This trick never fails-” “Does it?” Tina’s face instantly turned pale. The elevator arrival chime sounded. I let go of her and walked towards the elevator. She seemed not to have recovered, standing rooted to the spot. I smiled at her: “You know very well, there was never any sibling affection between him and me.” “Come to think of it, you’re more like his sister.”

As the elevator doors closed, I saw my expressionless face reflected in them. My abdomen cramped with pain. Actually, in the beginning, my relationship with Jake wasn’t as bad as this. When we were young, although he didn’t like me, he never did or said anything too extreme. Compared to Dad who treated me like I was invisible, Jake as a brother was the only person I felt close to. Back then I thought, even if Jake didn’t like me, we were still family. That’s what blood ties meant. Until middle school, when Tina came to live with us. That’s when I realized. Brothers could actually be so nice to others. Not always wearing a cold expression, not telling her to “get lost,” not mocking her with sarcasm. That was how a brother should really treat a sister. But Tina wasn’t satisfied. On the fifth day after she transferred to my middle school, when I came home from school, Jake slapped me hard across the face. I held my cheek and stared at him in shock. He was saying things I couldn’t understand. Bullying. Evil. Vicious. Apologize. But when I saw Tina standing behind him, head bowed and clutching his shirt, These scattered words suddenly pieced together into a complete lie in my mind. I tried to explain. But he didn’t believe me. The argument that erupted that day and the obvious favoritism suddenly shattered the naive and foolish thoughts I once had. Jake wasn’t stupid enough to be unable to tell right from wrong. It was simply that he chose not to. I seemed to belatedly realize on that day. My brother truly harbored genuine hatred towards me. My relationship with Jake deteriorated rapidly. Unfortunately, in my foolishness and immaturity at the time, I only thought that rather than having him treat me like a stranger like Dad did, I might as well antagonize him. At least then, Jake would see me. The tense relationship between us continued until I was eighteen. At eighteen, I was dragged into hell. After eighteen, my relationship with Jake suddenly became that of strangers. Like a war that abruptly ceased. We no longer argued, no longer lashed out hysterically, no longer confronted each other. Just cold indifference, as if we didn’t know each other at all.

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The first thing I did after my rebirth was to dump my devoted boyfriend and immediately accept the pursuit of the obsessive guy. Why? Because in my previous life, my best friend Emma had bound an app that could transfer all my boyfriend’s love for me to herself. The 999 golden roses he prepared for me ended up in her arms. The hotel he bought for me was registered under her name. His gaze towards me changed from passionate to cold and distant, yet when he turned to look at her, it was filled with the tenderness I once knew so well. When I cried and asked him why he had changed, he looked at me with disgust. “We broke up long ago. Stop harassing my girlfriend!” On my birthday, Emma livestreamed, showing off the entire amusement park my ex-boyfriend had rented for her, with fireworks blazing behind her. As for me, they joined forces to send me to a mental hospital. They said I was a madwoman who couldn’t accept rejection. I died in despair amidst endless electroshock therapy and drug injections. When I opened my eyes again, I was reborn. This time, I didn’t invest an ounce of true feelings in my ex-boyfriend. Instead, I played along with the obsessive guy’s pursuit. When Emma opened the app again to absorb all of the obsessive guy’s overwhelming love, I smiled. I wanted to see if she could handle it. 1 “Lily, I love you!” The deafening confession, accompanied by the screams of the crowd around us, yanked me back to reality. My boyfriend, Lucas, was holding a bouquet of golden roses, professing his love to me. Cheers erupted from all sides. “Say yes! Say yes!” I was momentarily dazed before realizing I had been reborn. I had returned to the day when Lucas was about to publicly declare his love for me in front of the entire school with 999 roses. In my previous life, I had waited here, full of anticipation, for him to approach me. But just when he was one step away from me, he suddenly turned and handed that bouquet to my best friend, Emma, who was standing behind me. I could never forget that moment. The love in Lucas’s eyes that was originally meant for me extinguished in an instant, only to reignite when he turned towards Emma. Later, I learned that Emma had an app on her phone that could steal love. It was her, like a thief, who stole Lucas’s love for me. And now, history seemed to be repeating itself. I could even sense Emma behind me, quietly raising her phone, ready to use her old trick again. The cheering around us grew louder, and Lucas’s smile became more radiant. I beat him to the punch, saying in an extremely calm tone: “Lucas, let’s break up.” Everyone’s expressions froze, and the cheering came to an abrupt halt. Lucas’s smile stiffened, and he looked at me in disbelief, as if he hadn’t heard clearly. “Lily, what… what did you say?” “I said, let’s break up,” I repeated, my tone as cold as ice. “I don’t like you anymore. I’ve lost feelings for you.” These words exploded like a bomb in the crowd. “What the hell? What’s going on? Has Lily gone crazy?” “Lucas treats her so well, everyone knows that. How can she say break up?” “Is she playing hard to get? That’s too cruel!” Lucas’s face instantly turned pale. His hands holding the flowers trembled slightly, and the deep affection in his eyes was replaced by immense shock and pain. “Why? Lily, tell me why? Did I do something wrong? I can change!” In my previous life, I had also pleaded with him like this, only to be met with his disgust. Now, it was his turn to experience this pain. “Lily!” A hand grabbed my arm. It was Emma, looking at me anxiously. “Don’t be impulsive! You and Lucas have such a good relationship, how can you break up just like that? Quickly apologize to him, stop fooling around.” I looked at her hypocritical face and laughed coldly in my heart. She was panicking, as expected. I suddenly understood that her app probably could only transfer the love of my current boyfriend. Once I broke up with Lucas, she wouldn’t be able to steal anything. That’s why she was so anxious to persuade us to reconcile. I forcefully shook off her hand, abandoning the weakness of my previous life, and stared at her with a piercing gaze. “My business is none of your concern.” With that, I turned and pushed my way through the crowd, leaving behind a commotion and Lucas’s heartbroken calls. 2 The news of me dumping Lucas spread like wildfire across the campus. I became a heartless woman in everyone’s eyes, ungrateful and playing with feelings. Wherever I went, I could feel the pointing fingers and whispers behind my back. “That’s her, the one who dumped Lucas, such a good boyfriend.” “I heard she’s just riding a donkey to find a horse, must have found someone richer.” “Who would have thought, she seemed so quiet usually, but she’s so manipulative.” I didn’t care about any of this. These rumors and gossip, compared to the electroshock therapy and torture I endured in the mental hospital in my previous life, were like a gentle breeze. Emma had been buzzing around me like a fly these past couple of days, earnestly trying to persuade me to get back together with Lucas. She kept hinting at how miserable Lucas was, how he couldn’t live without me. “Lily, Lucas hasn’t been able to eat for days. He’s lost so much weight. Can you really bear to see him like this?” She held my hand, speaking with apparent sincerity. “You two were the campus’s golden couple. Don’t give up because of some small misunderstanding.” I pulled my hand away, looking into her hypocritical eyes, finding it all so ridiculous. “If you care about him so much, why don’t you date him yourself?” I said flatly. Emma’s face froze for a moment before she quickly recovered. “I’m saying this for your own good. I’m your best friend. I can’t stand by and watch you make a mistake.” “Oh, really?” I smiled. “Then I should thank you for your kind intentions.” I ignored her and walked straight towards the campus basketball court. On the court, one figure stood out. He was tall, with skin so pale it was almost sickly. His eyes were startlingly black, with a beauty mark under them that gave him an otherworldly allure. He wasn’t playing basketball, just leaning lazily against the hoop. Within a three-meter radius around him, there was no one else. This was Ethan, from a prestigious family background, but with a volatile temperament and unpredictable mood swings. He was the epitome of a yandere. In my previous life, I had heard about his exploits. A girl who had dated him for less than a month was forced to transfer schools. I took a deep breath, walked across the court, and stood in front of Ethan. He seemed to sense someone’s presence and lazily lifted his eyelids. Those pitch-black eyes fell on me, carrying a hint of scrutiny and impatience. “What do you want?” His voice was as cold and indifferent as his person. I looked straight into his eyes and said word by word: “I’ve broken up with Lucas. Now I’m agreeing to be your girlfriend.” As soon as I finished speaking, Ethan was stunned. He slowly straightened up, looking down at me with a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Didn’t you say you were deeply in love with Lucas when I pursued you before?” “What, now you’re willing to break up with him?” Ethan’s words suddenly reminded me of the time I had spent with Lucas over the past few years. Back then, we were very much in love, but that was before Emma transferred Lucas’s love away. I tried to keep my voice as calm as possible, “Not interested? If not, forget it.” I was about to turn and leave when he suddenly chuckled softly. “Of course I’m interested.” As soon as he finished speaking, Ethan’s lips came crashing down on mine. 3 The news of me getting together with Ethan spread even faster and wider than when I had dumped Lucas. The entire school was in an uproar. “Oh my God, has Lily lost her mind? Dumping Lucas to go after Ethan?” “Does she think Ethan is as good-natured as Lucas? Just wait, she’ll be a wreck within three days.” “I bet a week before she comes running back to Lucas, crying for reconciliation.” I became the laughingstock of the entire school, with everyone waiting to see how this drama would unfold. Lucas, whom I had ruthlessly dumped, finally couldn’t take it anymore when he heard the news. He burst into my classroom, his eyes bloodshot, and confronted me in front of everyone. “Lily! What the hell are you trying to do?!” He pointed at me, his voice filled with the anger of betrayal. “You broke up with me just to be with him? Why are you torturing yourself like this?!” Before I could respond, Emma immediately stepped forward, putting on an act of deep concern. “Lucas, calm down.” She held Lucas back but turned to scold me, “Lily, how could you be so foolish!” “Throwing away someone as good as Lucas, and for what? To go after someone like Ethan? What’s he worth that makes you do this?” “As your best friend, no matter how much you hate me, I have to knock some sense into you!” She stood on her moral high ground, speaking righteously, as if she truly had my best interests at heart. The classmates around us chimed in. “That’s right, Lily. Emma’s right, you should break up with Ethan right away!” “Lucas treats you so well, don’t be stupid.” I looked at this farce unfolding before me and found it laughable. “Lucas, you’re already in the past. Why can’t I start a new life?” I then turned to Emma, my eyes full of mockery: “And you, Emma, do you live by the sea? Why are you so concerned with everyone’s business?” Emma’s face turned pale instantly, probably not expecting me to publicly embarrass her like this. Lucas was so angry he was shaking all over, trembling so much he couldn’t utter a word. Suddenly, a male voice rang out. “Since when did my girlfriend become someone you could lecture?” Ethan was leaning against the doorframe, hands in his pockets, looking at everyone present. He slowly walked to my side, naturally shielding me behind him. His gaze fell on Lucas, and he immediately launched into a tirade of mockery. “Losing to me isn’t shameful.” “After all, whether it’s family background or looks, you’re far behind. Instead of barking here like a defeated dog, why don’t you go look in a mirror and see why you got dumped?” Lucas was humiliated to the point of turning red, he glared at me fiercely before turning and running out. At this moment, I noticed Emma’s gaze was glued to Ethan, even more intensely than when she used to look at Lucas. I smirked coldly. The fish had taken the bait. From that day on, she no longer tried to persuade me to get back together with Lucas. Instead, she began to do everything she could to promote my relationship with Ethan. She revealed almost all of my preferences to Ethan. From small things like my favorite color to big things like what kind of person I liked. Ridiculously, Ethan actually listened to Emma’s advice and molded himself into a perfect boyfriend. Until one day at a class gathering, Emma deliberately locked me, who had drunk too much, in an empty private room with Ethan. As she closed the door, she turned back and gave me a meaningful smile. She thought that after tonight, Ethan’s love for me would reach its peak. Then she could reap the benefits and steal all of this intense love. She wasn’t wrong. But what she didn’t know was that I had been waiting for this moment too. 4 In the private room, only Ethan and I remained. He was indeed drunk, his eyes unfocused, his usually pale face flushed an unnatural red. He approached me step by step, calling my name in a low voice. “Lily, you’re mine, only mine…” He wanted to forcibly possess me. At this moment, I was eerily calm. Just as his lips were about to fall, I didn’t dodge. Instead, I raised my hand and, using all my strength, delivered a precise chop to the back of his neck. Bang—! Ethan’s tall figure collapsed softly, unconscious. I panted heavily, looking at him lying on the ground, without a shred of pity in my heart. The night was long. I sat on the sofa, quietly watching Ethan sleeping on the floor. During this time, I felt that suffocating love emanating from him. It was a hundred, no, a thousand times more intense than Lucas’s. It felt like countless invisible chains binding and suffocating me. In my previous life, it was in the mental hospital that I felt Lucas’s disgust after his love was stolen, dying in despair. And in this life, I wanted Emma to personally experience what it was like to be wrapped in this kind of distorted love. Time passed minute by minute, second by second. Finally, just before dawn, I felt the heavy feeling on my body suddenly being forcibly pulled away! What followed was an unprecedented sense of lightness. I smiled. Emma, you finally made your move. Almost at the same time, there was a soft click from the door lock. The door opened. Emma stood in the doorway. Seeing me unharmed, she was visibly stunned. “Lily! Are you okay? I… I accidentally lost the key last night and spent all night looking for the spare key.” “You and Ethan… how are things?” As she spoke, she anxiously looked into the room, searching for Ethan. I played along with her act, putting on a heartbroken expression, my eyes instantly reddening. “We… we broke up,” I choked out. “When he woke up, it was like he had become a different person. He said he had no feelings for me anymore and told me to get lost.” Hearing this, Emma’s eyes instantly filled with poorly concealed triumph and wild joy. She forcefully suppressed her upturned lips and came over to hug me with fake concern. “Lily, don’t be sad. You’re better off without a man like that! He doesn’t deserve you! It’s not worth crying over someone like him!” “Mm…” I buried my face in her shoulder, revealing a victorious smile where she couldn’t see. “I’m going to leave now. I need some time alone.” I pushed her away and walked out, looking lost and dejected. Emma almost eagerly saw me off. I didn’t actually go far, but hid around the corner of the hallway, coldly observing. Sure enough, as soon as I left, she immediately tidied her hair and clothes, and with a smile of certainty on her face, pushed open the door and entered the private room. The door wasn’t completely closed, leaving a small gap. Soon, I heard a man’s deep, suppressed voice, and a woman’s coquettish laughter from inside. “Mr. Ethan, you’re awake?” “…Who are you?”

The day my mother took her own life, I finally decided to divorce my cancer-stricken wife, who’d stolen my mother’s life-saving money. But just as I was about to speak, a row of bullet comments suddenly popped up before my eyes. “OMG! Male lead, whatever you do, don’t get a divorce! Just hold on a few more days, and you’ll be the heir to a powerful empire!” “Don’t let the female lead’s poverty and messy appearance fool you; she’s actually worth billions! She’s just pretending to be poor to test your sincerity. She’s completely obsessed with you!” “Male lead, don’t be stupid! What’s losing a mom compared to that? You’ll have money and a beautiful wife soon enough. Marrying into that elite family is what truly matters!” I stared at the constantly flashing comments. My eyes burned as I looked at my wife, who had just returned home after stealing my mom’s life savings and abandoning her to die a tragic death. “Alright, the silent treatment is over. Take this money to save your mom. Julian has already paid off your debts.” Seraphina awkwardly handed back my bank card, her flip-flops shuffling on the floor. Instantly, the bullet comments from earlier flashed through my mind. The next second, I fixed my gaze on her eyes, trying to find some truth hidden within them. “What are you staring at? Paying back debts is just how it is. Our family is so poor; what would we have done if Julian hadn’t lent us the money?” Her brows furrowed, and her voice carried a hint of subtle annoyance. She was probably still mad that day when I chose to use the money to save my mom first. I didn’t take the card, just stared blankly at the long-overdue bank card in front of me, my eyes suddenly red. The comments said she was worth billions. Could it be true? If it was true… I couldn’t help but mock myself. Then what was my mom’s life worth? And all the hardship I endured, working eight jobs a day, killing myself to earn her medical expenses? ….. Suddenly, I felt as if a massive rock was crushing my chest. It made me feel incredibly exhausted. I remembered when we were dating, Seraphina was a scholarship student, but she was hardworking and very clingy. Even after a two-hour bus ride, she’d come to see me every weekend for a date. During graduation season, she said her family was poor and asked if I’d be willing to move in with them after we got married. I agreed, saying it was fine if we were poor; we’d work hard and earn money, supporting both our parents together. Dating, proposals, engagement—we were like countless other couples, gradually moving towards marriage. But after graduation, her family inexplicably seemed to get poorer and poorer. Seraphina frequently claimed she was being exploited by shady companies, then fired, until a top-tier graduate like her was reduced to working as a server. I never doubted any of her explanations. Instead, I’d even smile and comfort her, saying it was fine, I’d support her even if she didn’t work. Turns out, my words came true in the worst way. Seraphina was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. The massive medical bills instantly crushed my meager $4,000 monthly salary. The night she was diagnosed, Seraphina knelt before me and cried for the first time. Her eyes red, she firmly suggested we break up: “Liam, you’re still young. Don’t pour your time and money into my bottomless pit. Let’s break up. I’ll live as long as I can. I don’t want to be a burden to you. My heart aches for you…” She said she’d find a quiet place to end her life and just asked me to bury her. My mom was there that day too. To make her give up the idea of suicide, my mom literally dragged Seraphina and me to the courthouse to get married. Afterward, she reminded me not to be heartless. She had accepted Seraphina as her daughter-in-law, and no matter what, we had to cure her illness, even if it meant selling everything we owned. Seraphina also promised to give my mom a healthy grandchild. “Mom, thank you and Liam for not giving up on me. I swear, if I get better, I’ll take good care of you and make sure you and Liam never live a hard life again…” Because of that promise, for five years, my mom willingly worked herself to the bone to pay for her medical expenses. Seraphina’s words were accurate; the cancer did get better. But just as life began to look up, she came to my mom again, pale-faced and on her knees, begging for money. She said she’d lost $200,000 on online stock trading and needed to pay off debts. Her expression seemed genuine, as if her world had crumbled. My mom believed her. She immediately wanted to give Seraphina the $200,000 she’d just saved for her own surgery, but in her haste, she suffered a sudden heart attack. That day, I saw the so-called bullet comments for the first time. “It’s all that manipulative jerk’s fault for egging on the female lead to fake cancer! Now she’s lying about debt to steal the male lead’s mom’s life-saving money. The female lead feels terrible…” “It’s because the male lead is so pathetic and poor! If he had money, would the female lead have been tricked by the male supporting character into doing all these tests?” “Poor female lead! She didn’t want to lie! She’s felt guilty for five years because of this! She’s not asking for money; she just feels insecure!” That male supporting character… were they talking about Julian? And what was this “faking cancer” and “testing” all about? My mind was a chaotic mess, seeing the dense words before me, but my mother’s surgery couldn’t be delayed. I still struggled, begging Seraphina to give the money back: “…Sera, Mom needs surgery urgently. This money has to go to save my mom first. Please, can you give it back?” But I never expected that because of that single sentence, Seraphina would take my mother’s life-saving money and vanish. “Liam, are you saying I’m a burden? You don’t understand! I didn’t even want your money! I… I really misjudged you!” With that last accusation, Seraphina slammed the door and disappeared without a trace. I cried and begged her to return the money in countless phone calls, telling her my mom needed it to live. But then, after Julian said, “Don’t bother Sera,” I was blocked. That night, my mom took her own life behind my back.

Before she died, she said, “Mom won’t be a burden to you anymore. Leave the money for Sera to pay her debts.” In her last moments, she was still thinking of Seraphina. But what about Seraphina? Now, my mom was dead, and she was returning the money, saying it was for Mom’s treatment… My eyes welled with tears, Seraphina’s words echoed in my ears, shattering and reassembling. All I heard was impatient anger: “Julian checked, and he said your mom was fine. I already returned the money. Are you still going to be mad at me?” Seeing I wouldn’t take it, she slammed the bank card at my feet: “Liam, are you disgusted with me? I only asked for a measly two hundred grand, and this is how you truly are? I even told Julian you weren’t a gold-digger! Liam, is this what you meant by ‘I’ll support you’?!” A measly two hundred grand? Turns out… she didn’t even care about $200,000. Suddenly, I didn’t want to argue with her anymore. Thinking I was still holding a grudge, Seraphina angrily kicked over a nearby stool. “I was going to visit your mom at the hospital, but with that attitude, I’m not going!” The door slammed shut with a bang, and her furious footsteps faded into the distance. The comments were fuming, frustrated beyond belief: “The male lead’s lost his mind! He lasted five years, what’s wrong with him now? Trust me, the female lead’s definitely gone to Julian to complain.” “If the male lead didn’t lack a powerful family background, would the female lead have to test him like this? My poor female lead, a broken, crying mess after being scorned by her husband again, right?” “This pisses me off! The male supporting character will definitely take advantage of this to stir up trouble! Male lead, hurry up and go comfort her!” After seeing the comments, I did follow Seraphina downstairs. But not to comfort her. It was to verify if her “elite family” background was real. I simply couldn’t believe that my messy, home-bound, cancer-stricken wife could one day be a high-society heiress, someone utterly unreachable for a commoner like me. I wanted to see it with my own eyes… I followed Seraphina through the village food street, past the garbage heaps swarming with flies… Then I watched her walk straight towards the luxury car parked at the street corner. It was that red Ferrari, the one I always noticed whenever I drove her to the hospital, just outside the rundown neighborhood… A quick search on my phone showed it was worth 8.88 million. Back then, I’d found it odd and even joked with Seraphina that there must be a big shot in this rundown neighborhood if someone could afford a sports car. Little did I know, the owner was right beside me. So many things suddenly made sense, and a bitter taste filled my mouth. But I couldn’t dwell on it. The sports car roared past, and I instinctively flagged down a taxi to follow. The car stopped in front of an exclusive club. I looked up and saw the familiar sign for ‘The Sovereign Club’. Seraphina had come to the very club where I had worked part-time for years. Watching her casually take the elevator directly to the top-floor private suite, it hit me: the top-floor VIP client the manager always talked about—the one who dropped a fortune in one night and had to be treated like royalty—was Seraphina all along… So, the floors I meticulously scrubbed clean on my hands and knees every night were to prepare for my own wife’s arrival. I clenched my fists, my heart growing colder by the inch. Just as I was about to burst into the suite and demand a divorce from Seraphina, the manager’s surprised voice came from behind me. “Liam? Oh, perfect timing! Quick! We need a hand!” Before I could refuse, I was shoved into a mascot costume and sent into the suite, where guests were already impatiently demanding a dance. The music inside was deafening, and a group of people were having a wild time. It was stifling hot inside the costume, my vision limited. I couldn’t see who was who, only awkwardly swayed my limbs to the music. I wanted to finish and leave quickly, but then a foot suddenly kicked me. A familiar voice exploded. It was Seraphina, furious: “What the hell, can’t you dance? You stepped on my foot!”

Her angry shouts were followed by the music cutting off. Everyone seemed to turn and stare at me. Seraphina’s kick sent me stumbling back, twisting my ankle. I didn’t want to make a scene or confront her in such a humiliating state, so I bit back the pain and bowed repeatedly, apologizing profusely. But Seraphina didn’t recognize my voice. And today, she lacked the approachable demeanor she always had when pretending to be poor. “What good is bowing now? My shoes are Chanel! Do you think a pathetic pauper like you can just step on them? So goddamn disgusting!” Julian’s lazy chuckle drifted over. “What? Away from Liam, and your good patience is gone? That pathetic loser only scorned you once, and your heart’s already broken?” He continued, “Well, a bet’s a bet! Break up with him already and marry me according to our engagement! You’re a high-society heiress; stop humiliating yourself with this pretend marriage!” Julian spoke casually, but his words grated on my ears. “Male supporting character, get lost! The female lead only loves the male lead! Even if she breaks up with him, she won’t marry you! You scheming jerk!” “My heart aches for the female lead. She’s being hounded by the male supporting character because of the family engagement, and she has to fake marriage to hide it from the male lead. She’s already going through so much; male lead, can’t you be more understanding?” “Ugh, what’s wrong with a fake marriage? If it were real, the male lead might be ruined by the male supporting character’s revenge! The female lead is just protecting the male lead…” My breathing hitched. My heart plunged into an abyss. Even… even our marriage was fake? In their words, Seraphina seemed to love me beyond measure. But everything she did was based on lies and deception; there was no trust whatsoever. Even my genuine desire to marry her was part of her scam. At this point, I seriously doubted if Seraphina had even an ounce of sincerity towards me. “What pretend marriage? Liam and I are truly in love!” The woman solemnly retorted to Julian. “This time his mom was genuinely sick, so I’m not going to hold it against him. After all, I’ve pretended to be poor and sick for five years, and he never left me. This doesn’t count!” She added, “One last test! I’m definitely going to win the bet against you. Afterward, I’ll bring them back to the Vance family, and Liam won’t have to suffer another day.” The bullet comments flooded the screen, all praising how much Seraphina loved me, but I found it utterly laughable. “Sera, no matter how much you love Liam, it won’t change the fact that he’s a commoner! The Vance family will never accept him, just like you’ll always despise that stepping on your shoes!” Julian’s long fingers pointed directly at me, his tone mocking and playful. Following his hand, Seraphina finally bothered to look down at me, her gaze undisguisedly cold. “He doesn’t even compare to my Liam.” Hearing the man’s blatant contempt, I let out a bitter laugh. The bullet comments suddenly went awkward. “Female lead, shut your damn mouth! That’s your husband! Stop the abuse!” “Too late! The male lead heard everything they said, oh no!” “Holy crap! Have mercy on our female lead! Imagining from her perspective, realizing the stepping on her shoes is her Liam, she must be freaking out with guilt!” “Chill! The male lead definitely won’t expose the female lead; he spoils her so much. He’ll protect his wife’s dignity…” I sneered. No way. I wouldn’t play this ‘pretend-poor’ game with Seraphina anymore. Reaching up, I pulled off the mascot head, ready to tell her I wanted a divorce. But Seraphina turned her head, sitting back on the sofa, as if even a glance at me disgusted her. Seeing this, Julian lit a cigarette for her, then casually glanced at me, scoffing: “Fine, fine, all poor people are the same, aren’t they? Unlike your Liam, who’s so ‘noble’ in his poverty, so ‘dignified.’ So, you’ll test him one more time? I’ll be waiting for your good news.” One more test? Had they even asked me? My hand was already untying the straps of the mascot head. I was so tired; I just wanted to say my piece and be done with it. But the next second, a stack of brand-new bills exploded at my feet. It seemed Seraphina wanted to prove to Julian that poor people would do anything for money. She looked down at me, a cold sneer on her face, and commanded: “Want those bills? Get on your knees and pick them up! I’m bestowing this upon you.” As her words fell, I didn’t hesitate. Under her disdainful gaze, I slowly bent down. Seeing my action, Seraphina turned to Julian, pouting. “Tsk! See? As long as the money’s right, what dignity do these poor folks have? They’d even sell their lives for me. How disgusting, right?” But I was only bending down to take off the mascot head. Seraphina continued to mock me: “If it were my Liam, he’d never bend down. He’d never grovel for money like this. So, Liam truly loves me; whatever I say, he’ll believe—” “Believe what?” Seraphina’s words were interrupted by my calm question.

The mascot head was ripped off, sweat-soaked hair clinging to my forehead. My eyes, fixed on Seraphina, were as still as dead water. “Believe that you, the esteemed heiress of the Vance family, pretended to be poor and scammed me for five years to test my true love?” Seeing that it was me beneath the mascot head, Seraphina froze, her pupils shrinking instantly. And at that moment, I finally got a clear look at her, sitting on the sofa, clad in exquisite high-end designer clothes. She was a completely different person from the messy state she was in half an hour ago at home. The bullet comments exploded. “OMG, OMG! The male lead actually confronted the female lead! How awkward!” “No, how can this male lead be so unforgiving! The female lead lied to protect his dignity; it wasn’t what she wanted to do! Can’t the male lead be a little more understanding?” “Ahhh, this is a bloodbath! I love watching the male and female leads fight and love each other.” The moment she saw me, Seraphina stood stunned, her lips trembling. But the next words out of her mouth were still an excuse. “What pretending to be poor? Honey, I’m at work! Let’s talk about this at home…” Her aura of nobility vanished as she quickly bowed and scraped, apologizing to Julian and the other rich playboys around her. “Bosses, my apologies, I just have a little family matter to deal with.” Her performance left the rich kids looking at each other in confusion. And I was so disgusted I almost wanted to vomit. We were clearly at the point of no return, yet she still wanted to fake poverty? Was it ever going to end? Saying this, Seraphina tried to pull me out, but I violently shook her off and roared, “Seraphina, you’re still going to pretend to be poor? Do you think I’m stupid? The Ferrari, the high-end club, everything you and Julian said—I heard it all!” “Stop torturing me, okay? Let’s just break up!” My eyes were bloodshot as tears streamed down my face. I thought with everything out in the open, Seraphina would finally confess. Explain, apologize, or at least show some regret. But instead, the woman broke into hysterical sobs: “Liam! Don’t break up! I… I’m actually Julian’s escort girl!”

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The intern, Chloe Miller, screwed up the monitoring equipment, and it caused a patient to hemorrhage badly. But Declan Hayes – my boyfriend of six years, who was also my chief physician – he made *me*, the nurse manager, take the fall. My boyfriend sacrificed me to protect his new fling’s future. He didn’t bother coming home at night anymore, spending his time with Chloe. I was just a disposable pawn, ready to be used and discarded. “Chloe’s still an intern, Anya. One mistake could ruin her whole career.” Declan looked at me, his eyes cold, his tone utterly dismissive. “You’re experienced. Taking some responsibility is nothing for someone like you.” His face was grim, his gaze filled with disdain, as if I were nothing. “Anya, you need to know your place. You think you’re so great? If I hadn’t pulled strings for you, do you really think you’d be the nurse manager?” I stared at the man I’d dated for six years, and my heart turned to ashes. Six years of my youth, and all I got was his ruthless humiliation and betrayal. But I was going to show him. Without him, I’d thrive even more. **1** Blood. Everywhere. The monitor shrieked a piercing alarm, the patient’s blood pressure plummeting. “Clamps! Now!” Declan’s voice roared through the operating room. My hands trembled, but I quickly handed over the instrument. “Anya Stone, what did you just do?” Declan’s gaze sliced through me like a blade. “I didn’t —” “Did you touch the monitor to make it alarm?” He cut me off, his voice chillingly cold. I froze. The monitor had indeed gone off, but I hadn’t touched it. It was Chloe, the new intern. She’d clearly bumped the equipment a moment ago. I instinctively glanced at Chloe. She stood innocently in the corner, her eyes red-rimmed and wide. “Dr. Hayes, I really don’t know what happened.” Chloe’s voice was soft and sweet. “I was just watching from the side, I didn’t touch anything.” Declan frowned, his gaze sweeping between Chloe and me, finally settling on me. “Anya, you’re the nurse manager. It’s your responsibility to ensure safety in the operating room. Now the patient’s bleeding, someone has to be held accountable.” I opened my mouth, wanting to say that Chloe had touched the monitor. But seeing her innocent, helpless look, the words died on my tongue. *Forget it.* I’m the nurse manager. Taking responsibility is part of my job. “I’ll write the report,” I mumbled. Declan nodded and returned his focus to the surgery. Where he couldn’t see, Chloe flashed me a smile. It sent a shiver down my spine. After the surgery, Declan walked into the office. “Report done?” “Almost.” He glanced at the screen, then nodded. “This sounds appropriate.” “Chloe’s still an intern. One mistake could ruin her whole career.” “You’re experienced. Taking some responsibility is nothing for someone like you.” I looked up at him, the man I’d been with for six years. “Declan, do you really think this was my fault?” “It’s not *your* fault, but someone has to take responsibility.” His tone was flat. “The hospital needs to give the family an explanation.” “Then why not Chloe?” Declan frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you trying to pass the blame to an intern? Anya, when did you get so petty?” I stared at him, suddenly feeling like I was looking at a stranger. Six years, and in his eyes, I was just a tool, someone he could push forward to take the blame at any time. “I’m not trying to pass the blame.” I turned back to the computer screen. “I’ll write it as you said.” Declan patted my shoulder. “That’s my girl. You’ve always been the most understanding.” *Understanding enough to lose myself.* He turned to leave, but I called out, “Declan, let’s have dinner together tonight?” “Can’t tonight. I need to take Chloe through the hospital procedures. She’s new, there’s a lot she doesn’t know.” “How about tomorrow?” “We’ll see,” he said, walking away without a glance back. **2** The next day, Chloe was already at the nurses’ station, bright and early. She saw me and immediately flashed a sweet smile. “Anya, good morning! Thanks again for yesterday.” “Just do your job well,” I said. “Oh, by the way, Dr. Hayes took me to dinner last night. At that Italian place near the hospital,” Chloe gushed, beaming. “He said I have a lot of potential.” A knot tightened in my stomach. That Italian restaurant was where Declan and I had our first date. “Oh, Dr. Hayes asked me to bring you this coffee,” she said, handing me a mocha. “How did he know I like this?” “I asked him yesterday!” Chloe’s smile was triumphant. “Dr. Hayes didn’t even hesitate. He said mocha, and sugar-free, because you’re on a diet lately.” My grip tightened on the coffee cup. He’d told Chloe my preferences, and in such detail. Just then, Declan walked in. He wore his white coat, still the same detached expression, but when he saw Chloe, his face softened visibly. “Chloe, do you remember what I taught you yesterday?” “Yes!” Chloe nodded enthusiastically. “Dr. Hayes, can I shadow you on your rounds today?” “Of course.” Declan nodded, then looked at me. “Anya, the hospital received your accident report yesterday. Your evaluation this month might be affected.” “I know.” “But it’s fine. Just be more careful next time.” His tone was flat, as if discussing something trivial. Chloe murmured beside him, “It’s all my fault. If only I wasn’t so new and didn’t understand anything, Anya wouldn’t have had to take the blame.” Declan patted her shoulder. “It’s not your fault, Chloe. Everyone has an adjustment period when they’re new. Anya’s the nurse manager; handling these things is her responsibility.” *Right. My responsibility.* So, her mistakes are my responsibility too? I lowered my head and drank my coffee, not wanting them to see my expression. “Alright, let’s go on rounds,” Declan said to Chloe. They walked off, one after the other. I watched their backs, an unreadable feeling swirling inside me. That evening, I got home, but Declan still wasn’t back. I remembered what Chloe had said today: Declan had hugged her and told her she reminded him of someone he used to know. The sound of keys jangling outside broke my thoughts. Declan was home. “What kept you so late?” I asked. “Just practicing procedures with Chloe. It took a while,” he said, taking off his jacket. “The hospital has a medical conference tomorrow. I’m taking Chloe with me.” *Chloe, again.* “Why are you taking her? She’s just an intern.” “She’s very talented. It’ll be good for her future development to see more,” Declan said, looking at me. “Do you have an issue with that?” “I don’t have an issue, I just think it’s a bit strange.” “What’s so strange? Is there a problem with me developing my subordinates?” Declan’s voice was tinged with impatience. “Anya, what’s wrong with you lately? You’re always targeting Chloe.” *Targeting? When did I ever target her?* “I’m not targeting her. I just think you’re being too good to her.” “Too good?” Declan scoffed. “I’m good to her because she deserves it. She’s diligent and hardworking, unlike some people who just overthink everything.” *Some people? Was he talking about me?* “Declan, what do you mean by that?” “What do *you* think I mean?” His eyes were cold. “Chloe told me recently that you keep giving her dirty looks, making her feel stressed. She’s just a young girl who just started, do you really have to be like that?” Chloe told him I gave her dirty looks? When did I ever do that? “When did I ever give her dirty looks?” “You know perfectly well yourself.” Declan turned and walked towards the bedroom. “I suggest you rein it in, before people start to talk.” **3** The next day, Chloe wore a new dress, a pale blue one. “Anya, Dr. Hayes is taking me to a medical conference today! I’m so nervous,” she said with a sweet smile. “How do I look in this dress? Dr. Hayes said blue looks really good on me.” Declan complimented her on blue? Just then, Declan walked over. “Chloe, ready?” “Ready!” Chloe nodded excitedly. Declan glanced at me, said nothing, and turned to leave. “Declan, wait.” I called out. “What is it?” “Did you talk trash about me to Chloe yesterday?” Declan frowned. “I didn’t talk trash about you. I just objectively analyzed the situation.” “What situation?” “Anya, your behavior lately has been worrying.” Declan’s tone was calm. “As a nurse manager, you should be more tolerant and magnanimous, not let personal emotions affect your work.” *Personal emotions? Did I affect my work?* “When did I ever let personal emotions affect my work?” “Your attitude towards Chloe says it all.” Declan looked at me, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “She’s just a recent graduate, do you really need to target her like that?” I sighed inwardly and cut him off. “Forget it. You two go.” Around noon, Liam called me. “Anya, have you thought about yesterday’s offer?” “I want to go back.” I said the words with almost no hesitation. “Really?” Liam’s voice was filled with surprise. “That’s fantastic! When can you come?” “Let me sort things out here. Probably about a month.” “Great! I’ll go talk to Dr. Vance right away and secure a spot for you.” I hung up, feeling a huge weight lift from my chest. In the afternoon, Declan and Chloe returned. Chloe’s face was flushed with excitement. Declan walked over and glanced at the content on my screen. His face instantly changed. “A resignation letter? You’re resigning?” “Yes.” I turned to face him. “I’m going back to my family’s town.” “Why?” Declan frowned. “Is it because I’ve been busy and haven’t had time for you?” “It’s not that.” I looked at him. “Declan, do you think we still have a future?” “What do you mean?” “We’ve been together for six years. Have you ever thought about marriage?” Declan paused. “Marriage? My career is on the rise right now. It’s too early to get married.” *Too early? We’re almost thirty. Is that still early?* “Then when won’t it be early?” “Give it a few more years,” Declan said casually. “Marriage isn’t good for career development right now.” *Not good? Or is it that I’m just not important to him anymore?* “Declan, do you still love me?” The moment the question left my lips, I saw a flicker of panic in Declan’s eyes. “Why are you asking that?” “Answer me.” Declan was silent for a long time before he finally spoke. “What is love? We’ve been together for so long, it’s gone beyond love. It’s family now.” *Family?* I looked at him, a chill spreading through my heart. In his eyes, I had gone from a girlfriend to a relative—someone who could be easily ignored. “I understand.” I stood up. “Let’s break up.” Declan seemed not to have heard me clearly. “What did you say?” “I said, let’s break up.” I repeated, my voice calm. **4** “Anya, are you crazy?” Declan’s voice rose. “You’re breaking up with me because of Chloe?” “It’s not because of Chloe. It’s because we don’t have love anymore.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297075”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance

I fell for the cute guy busking on the street corner. Every time I listened to one song, I’d tip him a dollar. As it became a habit, I’d send him money even when I didn’t go. He’d send me private audio clips of his singing. “Here you go, beautiful.” I thought to myself, this puppy’s taking the bait. Until that day, when I overheard three handsome guys at my music store. “You still haven’t sealed the deal with that dollar-tipping cougar?” “The bet ends in three days. Loser pays five grand!” “Screw off. That old lady? I could have her eating out of my hand in no time.” That’s when I realized they had a bet going about me. Later, I made a bet of my own. I wagered I could sleep with all three of them within a month. 0 After my divorce, I developed a new hobby – keeping toy boys. Of course, not actual toy boys. I mean the kind that are handsome, docile, naive, and a bit stupid. So I moved my music store next to the local college. Ready to catch one on the spot. I already had someone in mind. It was this cute busker I’d been crushing on lately. He was tall and slim, sitting cross-legged on the ground with his guitar, barely looking up as he played, yet still drawing crowds of girls. The first time we met, I tossed him a coin to make him look up. Deep brown curls, long lashes, deep voice – super hot. “Carrying around dollar coins these days? You’re quite the character, miss,” he said. He flipped the coin with his thumb, and it landed right in my… well, let’s just say it went down my shirt. Embarrassingly, my neckline was rather low that day, so it went straight in. The hottie jumped up in a panic. “I’m so sorry, I really didn’t mean to do that!” I looked down at myself, then back at him. “Well, looks like you won’t be getting that dollar back anytime soon.” His cheeks turned bright red. I sent him a dollar via PayPal. That night I got a SnapChat friend request. His name was Lucas, a music student at the college. Not many gym selfies on his profile, and no photos with female friends. Seemed pretty innocent. After that, I’d make sure to pass by his corner every day after work. Each time I’d listen to one song and tip him a dollar. Lucas asked why I always tipped exactly a dollar. I said it was because he sang love songs. “Don’t you know why I sing love songs?” he asked. I knew, but I didn’t say. Ever since adding me on SnapChat, he’d been posting shirtless pics almost daily. “Because they’re popular?” I suggested. He responded with silence. As time went on, I gradually stopped going to see him perform, but I’d still send him money even when I didn’t go. That dollar was my emotional anchor for him. Lucas would send me private audio clips of his singing. “Here you go, beautiful.” “Sounds great.” “I thought you’d gotten bored of me.” “Just been busy.” “You used to come by all the time last month.” “Things change.” The push and pull of adult flirtation needs no explanation. One day, I deliberately “forgot” to send him money. Lucas waited all night, then lost it and got angry. “You’re just bored of me!” He angrily refunded all the money I’d sent him. Two months, about $60 total. What an idiot, letting me play him for so long. I hadn’t spent a cent. 0

He’d suffered enough, time to give him a taste of sweetness. I had a surprise planned for Lucas. My new music store was deliberately opened near his school. To maintain my air of mystery, I’d never told Lucas what I did for work. The identity of a music store owner should impress him. I told him I’d see him today. The new store was busy with students and teachers on opening day. I might run into Lucas by chance. Suddenly I overheard three guys talking. “You still haven’t sealed the deal with that dollar-tipping cougar?” “The bet ends in three days. Loser pays five grand!” “Screw off. That old lady? I could have her eating out of my hand in no time.” That deep, magnetic voice was unmistakable. Lucas walked in with two other guys. The three of them had their arms around each other’s shoulders – clearly close friends. They were all pretty handsome. Lucas had the purest, most innocent face. The one who called me “dollar-tipping cougar” looked a bit wilder. The last one wore glasses and had a calm, studious look, like he stepped out of an anime. Birds of a feather flock together, I suppose. Handsome guys stick together. “Who was it that said they could seal the deal in three months?” “Buy me a piano and we’ll call it even.” Lucas smirked, waving his phone at them. “See this? I get mad once, and she’s coming to find me!” I hadn’t expected Lucas to have this side to him. I thought he was an innocent puppy, but turns out he’s a sly dog. Making bets about sleeping with me in three months? What a nasty game. But I… kind of like these kinds of bets. I bet I could sleep with all three of them in one month. 0

The three of them were eyeing a piano. Lucas stood by it, pressing a few keys with one hand while texting me with the other. “How’s this sound? I’m at a music store. When are you coming to see me? I’ll play for you when we meet.” “On my way,” I replied. Lucas’s lips curled into a smile. “She’s really coming to find me! Hurry up and buy if you’re buying, don’t keep me waiting.” The three suddenly became very efficient, quickly asking about the price. “Boss, how much is this one?” I went over to help them personally. When I appeared, their expressions all changed. Lucas froze, looking uneasy. The wilder-looking one leaning against the piano subconsciously adjusted his posture. Even the one sitting at the piano looked startled for a moment before standing up. I maintained a gentle smile. “Hello, I’m the owner. Would you like me to introduce this piano?” I spoke confidently, exuding charm. Lucas stared at me the whole time. When I finished, Lucas nervously opened his mouth: “Beautiful, when did you get here?” The other two exchanged glances, realizing who I was. “Just arrived. Didn’t you say you’d play for me when we met?” I didn’t expose him. Because the game had to go on. Lucas played the piano nearby. I brought glasses of water to the other two guys. The wild one was called Zack, the studious one Ethan. As I handed the glass to Ethan, I deliberately let our fingers touch, leaning close to his ear. “You played better than him earlier.” Ethan glanced at me and pulled his hand back: “You…” The paper cup suddenly fell to the ground, spilling water all over my dress. The music stopped. Lucas had been watching us closely and stood up to look at Ethan. “What are you doing? Can’t even hold a cup steady?” Ethan hesitated without speaking. I smiled. “It’s fine.” I went to the bathroom to clean up. As I came out, I ran into the troublemaker. “I saw everything. You were hitting on Ethan.” I smiled at him. “I wasn’t.” One sentence hardly counts as flirting, does it? Zack put his hands in his pockets and smirked, looking a bit roguish. “I wasn’t going to get involved! But Lucas and Ethan are my bros. What if you mess things up between us?” It seemed Zack was the leader of the three, Ethan the youngest, which made Lucas the middle one. Zack stepped closer, lowering his head: “If you keep hitting on Ethan, I’ll tell Lucas.” I looked up at him, almost touching his nose, my voice lilting. “So if I hit on you instead, would you tell?” Before he could react, I grabbed his neck and kissed him. It all happened so suddenly. Zack was stunned as I pushed him against the wall. He stared down at me, forgetting to push me away. Until Ethan’s cool voice came from nearby. “Zack, what are you two doing?” 0

Zack finally snapped out of it, prying my arms off. There was still lipstick on his lips. “You!” He was furious. I patted his cheek. “Keep it a secret, okay?” Zack’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he breathed rapidly. His face was so hot. Lucas quickly came over. “Why are you all gathered here?” Zack looked strange and didn’t dare speak. I obediently walked to Lucas’s side, glancing at Ethan. “Ethan came to apologize, right?” Ethan pressed his lips together and gave a slight nod. But his expression was clearly unhappy, especially when looking at Zack. Big bro not only did something bad in secret, but made me cover for him. Lucas glanced at Zack. “You’ve got lipstick on your mouth.” Panic flashed in Zack’s eyes for a moment. “Uh, I put on makeup before going out today.” Lucas frowned but didn’t say anything more. The three chose a piano, with Ethan as the buyer. I kept his contact information. Lucas and I went to see a movie. In the flickering light of the big screen, he secretly took my hand, his palm slightly sweaty. “Your hand is so soft.” I turned to look at him. In the dim light, his delicate features were even more captivating. He really was my type. I leaned close to his ear and whispered, “I want to feel your abs.” Lucas hesitated, biting his lip. “We’re in public.” I pulled my hand back, losing interest. Halfway through the movie, I went to the bathroom and texted him saying I had an emergency and had to leave. When Lucas chased after me, I was already in the elevator. Back at the store, my phone kept ringing. “You left just because I wouldn’t let you touch me?” “You’ve got some nerve!” “I only said we were in public, not that I wouldn’t let you…” “Beautiful, can you give me another chance?” “…I’ll do whatever you want.” The long fingers that had been playing the piano stopped. “Aren’t you going to reply to him?” Ethan’s lashes were long. I bent down to look at him. “No need. I’d rather hear you play.” Asking for something likely to be refused is the best way to escape. I left the theater and called Ethan, telling him the piano they bought earlier had a defect and needed to be exchanged. “But I’m fighting with Lucas and don’t really want to see Zack either. Can you come alone?” Ethan hesitated for a moment. “Alright.” I took him to the second floor of the music store. It was quieter up here, better for getting closer. The piano music slowly faded. I sat down next to him, casually pressing some keys. “About earlier, Zack came looking for me.” Ethan stood up. “That has nothing to do with me.” I grabbed his wrist. “It does. I said one thing to you, and he said I was hitting on you and threatened to tell Lucas. I was worried it would affect you, so I kissed him.” I let go of him. “If you don’t believe me, ask Zack.” Ethan called Zack. It was pretty much as I’d said, except Zack claimed I kissed him first. Zack also quietly asked a favor: “Ethan, don’t tell Lucas about this. He’s really into that woman right now.” “Got it.” “By the way, when are you coming back to the dorm? Lucas is back and going crazy again.” “I’m tutoring off campus.” Ethan hung up and looked at me coldly. I pressed my lips together, my eyes full of grievance. “Of course he’d say that. He forced me to kiss him. And is complimenting your piano playing really hitting on you?” Ethan stared at me steadily, his voice flat: “Yes, it is.” I was stunned. 0

Ethan sat down next to me. His long fingers covered my hand, gently pressing down on the piano keys, producing a monotonous sound. “I know you’re trying to seduce me.” Ethan turned to face me, his expression blank. “Not just earlier, but now too.” Meeting his cold eyes behind those thin glasses, my palms started sweating nervously. Apparently the ones who seem the most well-behaved and innocent are actually the most dangerous to mess with. I unconsciously leaned away. Ethan lowered his gaze slightly, noticing this. The corners of his lips curved into a barely perceptible smile. He suddenly grabbed my waist firmly, pulling me onto him, and stared intently at me. “So, why did you kiss Zack if you were trying to seduce me?” My mind was in chaos, thoughts racing, but I still told the truth. “I just didn’t want him to tell Lucas.” Ethan calmly accepted this explanation. He leaned in closer, his breath falling on my face. “Stop playing with Lucas. Play with me instead.” He slowly moved to my ear. “I’m more fun than he is.” Ethan was telling the truth – he was way more fun than Lucas. Right there on that piano, he kissed me breathless. My hands wandered who knows where, our breathing getting heavier and heavier. “Mmm…” A seductive sound escaped Ethan’s throat. Like a kitten purring, enticing you to pet its head. My phone suddenly rang. I glanced at it – Lucas was calling. I didn’t answer. Ethan saw and reached over to hang up. But Lucas kept calling. After a while we just ignored it, only focused on kissing. Ethan pulled me onto his lap to kiss me. We were lost in it, completely absorbed. Suddenly an angry voice thundered from the doorway. “What the fuck?! Ethan, is this your fucking tutoring session?!” Lucas kicked the door open. Zack’s voice followed right after. “Lucas, calm down… Holy shit! Ethan, you dog!” 0

Ethan and I snapped back to reality. He let go of me. Looking down, he started buttoning up his messy white shirt. Lucas’s eyes were red with anger as he rushed over and punched Ethan. “Have you no fucking shame?!” Ethan’s lip started bleeding from the punch, but he didn’t fight back. He stood firm, slowly raising his eyes to stare at Lucas. His voice was muffled: “She’s not your girlfriend.” Lucas was taken aback. It’s true that we weren’t officially dating. But it still felt like Ethan was in the wrong here. “I met her first! I introduced her to you, and then I get abandoned at the movies while you’re here making out with her! Fuck, I’m gonna beat you to death!” Zack wrapped his arms around the enraged Lucas. “Lucas, calm down! Ethan’s our bro, I’m sure he didn’t mean to!” Lucas turned to look at him in shock. “Are you fucking kidding me? How can this be an accident?! What kind of bro kisses his friend’s date?” Zack fell silent for a moment. There was also him. He had kissed her too. I turned to leave. Lucas immediately pushed Zack away and grabbed my wrist. “Don’t go! Where are you going? Didn’t you come to see me today?” I was quiet for a moment, then opened my palm. “I’m going to wash my hands. I just touched…” I trailed off suggestively. Lucas took a second to process, then let go of my hand in disgust. He turned to glare at Ethan, gritting his teeth. “You… fucking… bastard!” Zack looked at Ethan too, his face twisted in pain. “Ethan! What’s wrong with you? Are you sick?” Ethan’s expression remained calm. “I have my advantages.” Zack didn’t understand. “What fucking advantages?” He turned around to find Lucas looking for something to hit Ethan with. “Being shameless, that’s what!” Lucas actually found a stick. He raised it high. I rushed over to shield Ethan. “That’s enough. This has nothing to do with him.” Lucas met my eyes for a moment, then lowered the stick, looking rather hurt. “I wouldn’t let you touch me, so you came back to touch him? He’s so easy, and you’re still protecting him?” Ethan frowned. “You wanted to touch him too?” I stayed silent. Zack took two steps back, glanced at me, and quietly covered himself. Lucas turned on Ethan again. “You dare speak? Who the fuck do you think you are? Homewrecker!” Ethan coldly repeated: “She’s not your girlfriend. We should compete fairly.” Lucas laughed bitterly. “Compete with what? If Zack and I had come a bit later, you’d have your pants off already. I’ll fucking compete with your…” He got angrier as he spoke, picking up the stick again. “I’m gonna kill you today!” Zack went to hold him back again. “Enough! Lucas, Ethan was tricked by this woman! I can testify, she was hitting on Ethan earlier when you were still here.” I narrowed my eyes at Zack. How dare he betray me. He’s dead meat now. Lucas froze in disbelief. “So before I even turned you down, you were already into him?” I sat down calmly. “Because I overheard.” I looked Lucas in the eye. “You made a bet about me. Betting you could sleep with me in three months, for five grand.” All three of their expressions soured. “Lucas, you’ve already lost that bet.” I kept smiling. “But I’ll add five grand and bet I can sleep with all three of you in one month.” Ethan’s face instantly turned cold. Lucas pressed his lips together tightly. “How can you bet on something like that?” I leaned forward, raising an eyebrow slightly. “Why not? If you guys can do it, why can’t I?” Only Zack walked over to Lucas, confidently putting a hand on his shoulder. “Take the bet! What are we afraid of? We’ll definitely win! I don’t believe it – go ahead, try and force yourself on me!” Lucas glanced at Ethan, sighed, then turned to look at Zack. “Bro, are you sure you can handle it?” Zack leaned forward, meeting my eyes. He pointed one finger at his crotch. “Let me tell you, if I can’t keep this under control, I’ll fucking cut it off myself!” Lucas was startled. “Bro, you don’t need to…” I immediately stood up, smiling with curved eyes. “Perfect! It’s settled then! Ten grand, plus your… trophy.” Zack quietly pulled the other two in front of him. “Protect me.” He looked at Lucas and Ethan again. “Never mind, I’ll have to protect myself.” 0

I chuckled softly, looking down. Zack grabbed Lucas with one hand and Ethan with the other, ready to drag his bros away. Lucas shook him off, staring at me intently, his tone pleading. “Beautiful, what about us…” Zack’s face darkened. “Seriously, bro?” “Lucas, I did consider dating you seriously before. But you made a bet about this first, so I don’t think I’ll consider you as boyfriend material anymore.” My response was sincere. Over these two months, I’d put a lot of effort into pursuing Lucas. Not to mention the 70+ different “cool older sister” outfits I’d worn. Every day I’d walk 500 meters in 4-inch heels to the street corner instead of driving, covering over 30 kilometers total. My feet would ache when I got home. And I’d even chosen this location for my new store because of him. But he made a $5000 bet about me. $5000 isn’t even enough to buy me a pair of shoes. Lucas looked at me dejectedly, his eyes reddening slightly. “I’m so sorry, beautiful. I really didn’t mean to, I wasn’t the one who suggested it.” Zack couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed Lucas’s hair and yanked him away. “Stop with the ‘beautiful’ already. Look at your bro instead.” Ethan gave me a cool glance before turning to leave. I picked up my phone and chased after him to the door. “Wait. Can I add you on SnapChat?” I stared at him quietly, my heart pounding. It was my first time actively asking for a guy’s contact info. Ethan’s expression was cold. He didn’t say anything. Zack’s confusion was obvious, his tone uncertain. “You let her touch you down there but won’t give her your SnapChat… Is SnapChat that private?” Lucas suddenly ducked out from under Zack’s grip, baring his teeth at Ethan. “I just remembered! That day when I went back bragging about meeting this hot older woman, he insisted she wasn’t into me and was just treating me like a beggar. That’s how the bet started. This was all his jealous scheme!” I was stunned, looking at Ethan. Ethan took out his phone. “Sure.” Lucas almost lunged at me. “Don’t add him!” Zack grabbed him in a bear hug. “Stop with the conspiracy theories.” After the three of them left bickering, I was surprised to discover something – I’d already added Ethan on SnapChat three years ago. But there was no name, no group, no chat history. I had no memory of it at all. Not wanting to change the subject, I ignored this and sent him a message. “Almost there?” After a while, my screen lit up. Ethan: “Mm.” I stared at that emotionless “Mm”, biting my lip hard as my heart raced out of control. He really knew how to play. “Can I ask you out?” “To win?” “Doesn’t hurt.” “I’ll give you $20,000 if you leave Zack alone.” “Sounds like you think I’ll win.” “You’ll be unhappy if you lose.” I couldn’t help but smile. Such a thoughtful thing to say – does that mean he’s agreeing? After a long while, Ethan sent another message. “I’ll be unhappy if you win.” My fingers froze over the screen. I frowned slightly. Was he rejecting me? “Is that a no?” Ethan: “What, do I look that easy to you?” “Mm.” I hadn’t seen anyone who seemed easier than him. “Oh, I just wanted to show you I’m bigger than them.” 0

I spit out my water. Complete silence. Excuse me, who asked you that? Who asked you? Does anyone here care? Who exactly is asking about your rankings? I quietly typed: “You mean age?” Ethan: “Playing dumb.” Attempt at small talk: failed. After this pointless conversation, I ended up being the one blushing, feeling like I’d done something naughty. Lucas was sunny and cute, while Ethan seemed cold and aloof, but talking to Ethan turned out to be way more interesting than Lucas. Since I couldn’t get Ethan to meet up, I had to think carefully about how to win this bet in a month. First, buy Zack a pair of scissors. Then take a selfie with the scissors and post it: [Yay!] Lucas and Ethan both liked the post. Suddenly Lucas added me to a group chat with three people, named “Totally Useless”. A message popped up. [Starting today, we have 30 days until the bet with the cougar is settled. Report daily – have you lived up to the group name?] [Why are there four people? Lucas, who did you add?] I recognized Ethan’s avatar: [It’s that woman.] [Lucas, are you insane?] [Didn’t you tell me to add everyone?] Lucas chimed in. So the first one must have been Zack. Lucas quickly sent another message: [Welcome beautiful big sis! Throwing flowers! Hearts!] The group went quiet for a moment. After a while, Ethan copied and pasted Lucas’s message. Zack: [Well, since you’re here! Face us head on, watch yourself march towards inevitable defeat!] I stared at the chat, frowning deeply. After hesitating for a moment, I sent my first message. [Are you all virgins?] That can’t be right, all three of them are too handsome… The group suddenly went silent. A full ten minutes passed with no one saying anything. I apologized first: “I’m sorry.” Ethan: “Technically, I don’t count. I engaged in foreplay yesterday.” Lucas: “Fuck, if it wasn’t for you, you bastard, I wouldn’t be anymore!!” Zack: “In this day and age, are we still shaming virgins? Scientific research has shown that virgins live longer than non-virgins…” He posted a whole essay, some fake science clearly copied from somewhere. Oh, I suddenly realized. Zack spent those ten minutes searching for that essay to post. Zack continued rallying the troops. [Brothers united! Our strength can cut through metal! Let’s resist the evil woman together!] Ethan and Lucas copied and pasted after him. [Brothers united! Our strength can cut through metal! Let’s resist the evil woman together!] [Brothers united! Our strength can cut through metal! Let’s resist the evil woman together!] The three of them were quite passionate about it. Meanwhile, the “evil woman” they spoke of received a message. It was from Lucas. “Beautiful, I’m your inside man, hehe.” Accompanied by a happy puppy wagging its tail emoji. I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and smile. Looks like Lucas will be easy to get a date with. 0

But whether I could win this bet depended on the most unwilling of the three. Besides Lucas, Ethan and Zack were both reluctant, especially Zack. He had bet everything, so there was no way he’d agree. I had to dispel his wariness. If I managed to get Lucas, Zack would definitely panic. So I needed to make him feel safe. I had a staff member call Ethan. “Hello, the piano you ordered is packaged. Shall we have it delivered?” Ethan gave the address. “We’ll need someone to sign for it. Are you home now?” Ethan’s voice was gentle and pure. “I’m not, but someone’s there. I’ll have them sign for it.” After hanging up, I got the address and went to deliver the piano. Zack and the others weren’t living in the school dorms, but renting a large apartment off campus. I rang the doorbell. The door opened to reveal Zack, shirtless and wearing only boxers. Wow, what a great body. My eyes widened involuntarily. Zack had a toothbrush in his mouth. Seeing me, he cursed and slammed the door shut! When he opened it again, he had put on a shirt and sweatpants, arms crossed as he looked at me. “Damn, you really dared to come here? I’m not like those two, acting like they’ve never seen a woman before! Please leave! I’m very sorry for any loneliness I may have caused you.” He finally finished speaking. I stepped aside, gesturing behind me. “I’m here to deliver the piano. Didn’t Ethan tell you?” Zack finally noticed the delivery men waiting silently behind me. He was stunned. “He did.” Stepping inside, the view opened up immensely. A river view stretched before us, the decor exuding luxury. They had an enormous music room with special soundproofing. There were quite a few instruments – guitars, violins, cellos, drums, and a piano… “You already have a piano, why buy another?” “That’s Ethan’s old one, he wanted to buy…” He turned to look at me. “None of your business! Why so many questions!” The piano was set up. Zack dragged me out. “Go, go, get out!” Everyone else left, but I sat on the living room couch. Zack kept his distance from me. “Why aren’t you leaving?” “Ethan told me to wait for him.” I leaned back comfortably. Zack’s eyes were highly alert and full of confusion. “What does he want you to wait for?” I propped my chin on my hand, winking at him. “Maybe you know.” Zack was stunned for a moment. When he realized, his face contorted. “Ah— Ethan’s not that kind of person! You seduced him onto the wrong path! You shameless woman!” With that, Zack really ran away. The sound of him locking his door was clearly audible. As if I could really do anything to him. Thirty minutes later, I knocked on Zack’s door. He only opened a crack, taking off his headphones. “What? Is Ethan back?” I smiled, holding up the takeout in my hand. “You haven’t had breakfast, right?” Zack looked down, swallowing. “Not hungry.” He was about to close the door, but I quickly grabbed the edge. “Don’t be like that. Take it in and eat, I won’t come in.” Zack stared at me, his tone hesitant. “You’re so insistent. Did you drug it?” I was speechless. No wonder he’s single. “No drugs. Just rice porridge and shrimp dumplings.” I went back to the living room to play on my phone. The takeout I’d left at the door was pulled inside by a hand. Not long after, Zack came out. “How much? I’ll transfer you the money.” I didn’t look up. “No need. Consider it payment for that kiss.” Zack’s voice came from above, suppressing anger. “My first kiss was only worth a breakfast?”

I was stunned. So that was his first kiss. No wonder it was so bad. I looked up at him honestly. “Uh, given the experience, it wasn’t even worth a breakfast.” If it had been Ethan’s kissing skills, I’d buy him a building, really. Zack froze, mumbling. “The experience wasn’t good?” He seemed devastated, sitting on the couch with his elbows on his knees, fingertips supporting his chin. “You’re saying the experience wasn’t good?” I was silent for a moment, then poked his shoulder. “Stop repeating yourself. Are you okay?” It was just a one-second lip touch, what kind of experience could it be? Zack suddenly turned to look at me. His expression went from disbelief to sudden realization. He burst out laughing. “I get it! You’re doing this on purpose. You’re trying to provoke me into kissing you again so you can seduce me and achieve your nefarious goals!” I was startled, leaning back, accidentally falling off the couch onto the floor. “Ah—” “Tsk, such tactics.” Zack put his hands in his pockets, looking down at me. Just then, the front door opened. Ethan stopped in the entryway, expressionless as he looked at us, his thin lips pressed into a straight line. Zack casually stepped back. “Ethan, you’re back. Why did you have her wait here? She just tried to seduce me, but luckily I have an iron will!” Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone cool. “Mm, I told her to wait for me.” As he walked over, he took off his coat, crouched beside me, gave me a cool glance, draped his coat over my legs, put one arm around my waist and the other under my knees, and lifted me onto the couch. I instinctively put my arms around his neck, all my attention on Ethan. From this upward angle, his skin really was pale, his Adam’s apple moving silently, his collarbone disappearing into the shadows of his shirt. His eyes behind those thin glasses were intensely focused, and his body temperature was just right. As he was about to set me down, his movements gradually slowed. He lowered his head, coming close, his voice barely audible. “No matter what, I’m happy to see you when I got back.” His warm breath brushed past my ear. It felt like something collapsed inside me. I stared up at him, my fingertips unconsciously gripping his coat tightly. Ethan’s lips curved. He set me down and turned to look at Zack, his voice displeased. “Don’t push her to the ground.” So he thought Zack had pushed me… Zack protested on the spot. “I didn’t push her, she’s faking it!” Ethan ignored him and poured me a glass of water. “Why did you wait for me? Have you decided?” I sat beside him, holding the glass with both hands, my heart pounding non-stop. “The piano arrived. Don’t you want to try it?” He turned to look at me, his expression cool. “Together?” With that, he walked away. I stood up, staring at his back, downed the water, took a deep breath, and followed him into the music room. As soon as we entered, he pressed me against the wall and kissed me. Something cold touched my chest. His tall figure loomed over me, firmly gripping my waist as he kissed me hard. I don’t know how long it lasted, but we were both breathless when Ethan finally let go. In the dim room, I leaned against the door, looking up at him, breathing heavily. “Really… waited for you…” He looked down at me intently. “You knew I wasn’t here.” I tilted my head, smiling ambiguously. “I didn’t do anything you wouldn’t like with him.” Ethan’s fingers twirled my curls, his eyes narrowing slightly, his thin lips moving. “You’re so bad.” Yes, I am bad. Giving him a little favoritism, but without any commitment. Pure teasing. I reached out to touch his head. Ethan smiled, leaning forward to bury his face in my neck. Just as I was happily petting him, someone started banging on the door. “Ethan, you and that… uh, what’s her name again?” “Get lost! Ethan, I heard the lady’s here! Did you bring her in there? Open up! Open the door!”

Lucas was back. Ethan raised his head, his expression cold, his eyes darkening. He used his fingertip to wipe my lips, about to open the door. I grabbed his hand, tilting my chin down, lowering my eyes to indicate. “Your glasses.” Ethan glanced down, his breathing slightly unsteady. He looked away, slowly reaching in to grab his thin-framed glasses, quickly turning around. I pressed my hand to my chest, smiling ambiguously at him. He was so bold putting them in, but now he’s shy taking them out… “Damn it, open up or I’ll kick the door down!” The door opened. Ethan’s expression was back to normal. “We were trying out the piano.” Zack held Lucas back. “I told you Ethan wouldn’t betray us!” Lucas lowered his raised foot and walked up to us, scrutinizing every detail. “Trying the piano? Or trying each other?” He suddenly leaned in close, staring at me intently, gritting his teeth. “Her lipstick’s all gone, you’ve practically kissed her bare-faced!” Bare-faced? My full makeup! I covered my face with my hands. Ethan pulled me behind him. “Lucas, you’re scaring her.” Lucas glared at him hatefully. “We agreed to resist together. What do you call this? Do you know what you’re doing?” He pulled Zack over. “Tell me, does kissing count as resisting?” Ethan stared at Zack. Zack stared at Ethan. I peeked out from behind, also staring at Zack. Lucas urged, “Say something, bro!” Zack stammered, “I guess it counts.” Lucas stumbled back two steps. “How can that count?” His brain seemed to be racing, finally reaching a blank state. “Then what are we resisting?” Ethan offered to take me home, but Lucas said he wanted to. “You taking her is like a fox guarding the henhouse. What’s the difference?” I raised my hand, weakly interjecting. “The difference is, I’m not a chicken?” Lucas turned to me, clasping his hands together, apologizing frantically. “I’m sorry, beautiful. I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s just that he can’t take you!” Ethan pressed his lips together, sighing. “Then how are you any different from me?” Lucas told me to choose one person to take me home. I looked at Ethan – I liked him but couldn’t pin him down. Then I looked at Lucas – I could handle him but… “I choose Zack.” Zack, observing from a distance, widened his eyes, doubting his hearing. “Me?” Lucas looked at me, about to say something. Ethan covered his mouth from behind, tilting his head to give me a faint smile. “Then let him take you.” I followed him downstairs. Zack told me to wait by the road. I waited in the wind for a long time before the disguised Zack arrived at lightning speed. I was silent for a minute, utterly dumbfounded. “What the hell! You’re taking me on a motorcycle?!” In the dark night, Zack took off his helmet, revealing sharp features, looking at me lazily. “Miss, this is a superbike. Very expensive.” My face turned black as night. Zack tossed me a helmet, resting his elbow on the bike, his tone extremely impatient. “Hey, are you getting on or not? You’re the one who insisted I take you!” I held the heavy helmet, looking at him with a complicated expression, but still voiced my concern. “Can we take the bike lane?” Zack was silent for a moment. “Have you asked the people in the bike lane?” I guess not. I swung my leg over, resigned to my fate. But my skirt wasn’t long enough, exposing a long stretch of leg. Zack looked back at me, the corner of his mouth curling up, his tone provocative. “Wow! If you don’t cover those legs, we’ll cause a pile-up on the road.” He produced a jacket from somewhere and had me tie it around my waist. Zack helped me put on the helmet, raising an eyebrow slightly as he tapped the top. “Hold on tight later! This has nothing to do with the bet, got it?” I looked at him through the helmet, thinking I’d call the police. I leaned forward, putting my arms around his waist. Midway, my foot slipped and I wobbled. Zack looked back down, his tone serious. “Take off your shoes.” I took off my high heels, holding them in my hand, looking around. “But where do I put them?” “Give them to me.” Zack unzipped his jacket, took my heels, and tucked them inside, zipping back up. I was stunned for a moment, then put my arms around his waist, thinking this rich boy was quite practical. I recognized Zack’s bike – it cost over a million. But there were plenty of rich kids at the music school, so it wasn’t that surprising. When Lucas was busking in the underground passage, he sang with an air that said he didn’t need money, which is why I deliberately tossed him a dollar. Not to mention Ethan’s top-tier aura – just talking to him made my body tingle. Zack looked straight ahead, lowering his helmet visor, the corner of his mouth curling slightly. “Let’s go.” In an instant, the engine roared to life. He was going too fast! The wind whistled in my ears. I clung tightly to Zack’s back, clearly feeling the young man’s spine. I couldn’t help but lower my head, tightening my arms around him, my heart in my throat. If I had a life bar above my head, it would probably be flickering by now. At several red lights, I crashed into his back. Zack glanced back at me. “Tsk.” Me: “…”

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