Category: English

My son was a star student, accepted into a top university, but my husband dragged him to the hospital for a vasectomy. Just because our son defended me and kicked my husband’s first love, Serena. To get revenge for Serena, my husband ordered his bodyguards to forcibly take our son to the hospital. When I found out, I knelt on the ground, desperately pleading with him. “Damian, what are you doing?! Luke is your own son! What did he do wrong?” “Take it out on me, please, just don’t hurt him!” His eyes were cold as ice as he kicked me away. “It’s because you didn’t raise him right. He damaged Serena’s uterus. I’m just having him sterilized for a while as punishment. That’s fair!” I searched frantically, finally finding the hospital where my son was, only to see him leap from a high floor… And on the phone, I heard only Serena’s mocking voice: “Damian, my injuries are fine now. If Chloe knew you secretly divorced her for me, she’d really make a scene.” My mind went blank. When I finally came to, I dialed a number I hadn’t touched in years. “Please, come save my son! If you save him, I’ll agree to anything!”

The moment I rushed to the hospital entrance, I heard gasps erupt from the crowd. I looked up sharply, and a dark shadow plunged straight down from the high-rise! A dull thud echoed, heavily striking my heart. Time seemed to stand still. I saw him. It was my son, Luke. He was still wearing the red T-shirt I’d bought for him. Now, that red was soaked with blood, making it even more jarring. My legs gave out, and I practically crawled to his side. “Luke! Luke! Look at Mom!” My hands trembled, but I didn’t dare touch him, terrified he’d shatter like a porcelain doll. He struggled to open his eyes, his fractured gaze focusing on my face. Bloody foam spilled from his mouth. With his last ounce of strength, he clutched the hem of my shirt. “Mom… it’s… it’s not… sterilization…” His voice was barely a whisper, each word a knife slicing through my heart. “They… they gave me… gender reassignment surgery…” “I… I can’t live like this.” *Boom!* My mind went blank instantly, and the world spun around me! Before I could even process this cruel truth, a group of strangers in black suits rushed over. They were expressionless, their movements swift and precise. They roughly dragged my dying son and me away. “Who are you?! Let go of my son! Help!” My screams and struggles were so futile against them. A black bag was violently pulled over my head, and I was shoved into a car. I don’t know how long passed, but the car finally stopped. Luke and I were brutally thrown onto the cold concrete ground. The hood was ripped off, and the suffocating smell of mildew and dust filled my nostrils. It was an abandoned warehouse. The single metal door clanged shut, locked from the outside. *It’s over.* They were going to trap us here to die. I fumbled around. Thank goodness, my phone was still in my pocket! This was our only hope! Trembling, I dialed Damian’s number. “Damian! Save Luke! We’ve been kidnapped, he’s dying!” On the other end of the line, Damian’s voice was filled with contempt and impatience. “Chloe, what new trick are you pulling now? It’s just a small procedure, why are you making such a fuss?” “It’s true! He jumped from the building! He’s bleeding so much! We’re in a warehouse in the suburbs, please…” Before I could finish, Serena’s delicate cries came through the phone. “Damian… is Chloe mad at me again? It’s all my fault, I shouldn’t have let you get revenge for me…” “It’s my bad, go comfort her quickly, don’t let her fight with you because of me again…” Damian’s voice instantly turned cold, full of disgust. “Enough! Chloe, stop trying to gain sympathy with these tactics, it’s sickening!” *Beep… beep… beep…* The call was ruthlessly cut off. I clutched my phone, my blood feeling like it had instantly frozen. My last sliver of hope, extinguished by his own hand. A tidal wave of hatred surged from deep within me, threatening to consume me whole. At the edge of despair, I looked at my son, whose breathing was growing weaker in my arms. My finger slid across the screen, stopping on a number I hadn’t touched in years. My eyes turned cold and resolute as I dialed that number. “Please, come save my son! If you save him, I’ll agree to anything!”

Soon after I hung up, dozens of top-of-the-line ambulances, loaded with advanced equipment, swarmed into the abandoned warehouse. Medics in sterile gowns rushed to my son’s side, their movements swift and professional. I saw a glimmer of hope and immediately grabbed one of the doctors by his white coat, crying incoherently, “Save him! Please, save my son!” But the doctor just shook his head gravely, his cold gaze falling on me. “Hope is slim. His injuries are too severe – ruptured internal organs, massive blood loss. He’s missed the optimal rescue window.” His voice was devoid of emotion, like he was pronouncing a death sentence. “Ma’am, you should notify your husband. Prepare for the worst.” Husband… Damian… Those words stabbed me like poisoned darts, leaving me bleeding internally. Tears of regret blurred my vision. I remembered years ago, how I was forced to marry Damian to pay off my father’s massive company debts. Back then, we seemed affectionate in public, but behind closed doors, we were just polite strangers. Only with the birth of our son did a flicker of warmth enter our cold, business arrangement. Damian held the tiny infant, a rare, genuine smile gracing his face, and our relationship slowly warmed. I naively thought things would continue to be good. But then, his first love, Serena, returned to the country, and everything changed. Damian’s tenderness and patience vanished overnight, given entirely to another woman. I had thought about divorce, about leaving this suffocating home with my son. But my selfish father had pointed a finger at me, roaring, “Chloe! If you dare divorce, I’ll jump off this building! Our whole family will be ruined because of you!” I retreated. For my family, I silently accepted Serena’s presence. I thought my forbearance would buy me peace, but she only grew more brazen. One day, she even tried to push me down the stairs. It was my son who fiercely protected me. And it was because of that intervention that my poor son suffered this terrible calamity! The red light of the emergency room went out. My son’s heartbeat stopped. Like a puppet drained of its soul, I numbly pulled out my phone. Clinging to a final shred of hope, I dialed Damian’s number. The phone was noisy on his end, party music blaring. My voice trembled uncontrollably: “Damian, our son… he’s gone. Can you come back, just to see him one last time?” “Chloe, what game are you playing now?” His voice was utterly cold, laced with impatience. “To get me to come back, you’d even lie about something like this? How pathetic are you?” I pleaded humbly: “I’m not lying, Damian, please, just a glance, a final glance!” “Ha, if I believe a single word you say today, I’m an idiot!” “Serena’s birthday party just started. I don’t have time to play along with your drama. Don’t call me again!” “If you dare disturb us again, your father’s company can expect to go bankrupt!” *Beep… beep… beep…* The call was mercilessly disconnected. I clutched my phone, the world instantly quiet, leaving only an endless roaring in my ears.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296961”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

On the day of the graduation ceremony, I mustered up the courage to confess my feelings to my long-time crush. But I accidentally got hit by a car. When I woke up, my crush was standing in front of me, looking at me with a cold expression. “You’re awake? Perfect timing. Let’s discuss the divorce agreement.” Me: ??? I haven’t even confessed yet, how did we end up talking about divorce? 0On the day of my college commencement ceremony, I finally mustered up the courage to confess my feelings to Aria, my long-time crush. Across the street, Aria was taking photos in her beautiful graduation gown. Excited, I ran towards her, not noticing the red light at the crosswalk. A loud “BANG!” echoed, and I was struck by a car. Everything went black. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself staring at a stark white ceiling. To my surprise, Aria was standing by my bedside. She was as beautiful as ever, and this was probably the closest we’d ever been. Aria stood there, her gaze shifting from the IV drip to my face. As I looked at her, I noticed a ring on her left ring finger. My heart sank. Had the girl I’d loved for so long already found someone else? Swallowing my disappointment, I forced a smile and greeted her, “What are you doing here?” As I tried to sit up, I realized my arm was wrapped in thick bandages. Aria sat down on the chair beside my bed, her voice cold and distant. “Mr. Liam, you really know how to make a scene. Risking your life for a divorce? That’s a bit much, don’t you think?” I stared at her, completely bewildered. Divorce? I hadn’t even graduated yet, let alone gotten married. Where did this talk of divorce come from? Just then, a nurse entered the room, carrying a tray of bandages. “Dr. Aria, you’re still here? Sir, you’re so lucky. When you had the accident, Dr. Aria happened to be passing by and gave you emergency treatment. Otherwise, you’d be dealing with more than just a broken arm.” The nurse carefully cleaned my wound as she spoke. As she gently placed my hand down, I noticed something shocking – there was a ring on my right ring finger too! And it clearly matched Aria’s ring. Panic and confusion flooded my mind. After the nurse left, I grabbed Aria’s sleeve. “Your name is Aria, right?” Aria frowned, looking annoyed. She jerked her sleeve away from my grasp and stared at me coldly. “Since you’re awake, let’s discuss the divorce agreement.” 0

This was absolutely insane! I was certain I had been on my way to the commencement ceremony when I got hit by a car. How did I wake up to this scenario where I was supposedly trying to divorce Aria by “risking my life”? I was convinced that either I had gone mad, or Aria had. “Wait a second!” I started, but before I could finish, a little girl suddenly appeared in the room, running straight into Aria’s arms. I was stunned. What an adorable child! I reached out with my uninjured hand, wanting to pinch her chubby cheeks, but she shyly hid in Aria’s embrace. “Hey sweetie, I’m sorry. You’re just so cute, I couldn’t help myself,” I said, trying to sound friendly. Aria looked at me disapprovingly, reminding me that I had called her to wait but hadn’t explained why. “Look, this might sound unbelievable, but I have no memory of what you’re talking about. The last thing I remember is going to the commencement ceremony…” Aria impatiently cut me off. “So, you’re saying you have amnesia now?” Amnesia? Yes, that must be it. It was the only explanation for why I had no recollection of all this. I nodded vigorously and sincerely. Aria’s face remained icy as she pulled out a document from her bag and tossed it in front of me. “This is the divorce agreement. All the terms are as you requested. If you have no objections, sign it quickly.” I opened my mouth to speak but couldn’t find the words. The little girl in Aria’s arms looked at me with a pout when she heard Aria mention divorce. “Maybe we shouldn’t discuss this in front of the child,” I suggested. “It might not be good for her. Perhaps we could put this on hold for a while?” Aria scoffed. “The child? Liam, you’re really playing this amnesia act well. This is our daughter.” I hadn’t even processed her first statement when she continued, “And when you were having dinner with another woman, did you consider whether that was good for our child’s well-being?” My mind went blank as I tried to absorb this information. Not only was I married, but I had a child too? And apparently, I had been unfaithful? The little girl didn’t even look at me, burying her face in Aria’s neck. It was too much information. My brain crashed like an overloaded computer. 0

It took me an entire day to process the situation in my head. It seemed I really did have amnesia. I was still me, and Aria was still Aria. The only difference was that we were married and had a baby. But the divorce papers on the hospital bed silently conveyed another message: our marriage was clearly in trouble. The problem seemed to be that I might have cheated? But how was that possible? Why would I cheat on someone as beautiful and intelligent as Aria? Had I lost my mind? Where did things go wrong? How could I regain my memories? I scratched my head in frustration, feeling completely lost. “Daddy.” I looked up at the sound of a soft knock. The door opened slightly, and the little girl’s cute face peeked in shyly. “Mommy said to remember to disinfect your hand. Here’s the antiseptic. She said you should do it yourself.” Her tiny hands clutched a bottle of iodine solution. I reached out to her, gesturing for her to come in. “Daddy’s hand hurts a bit. Can you bring it over for me?” The little girl looked at me hesitantly but eventually nodded. She timidly ran to my side and placed the bottle on my bedside table. I picked her up with my good arm and sat her on my lap, studying her features closely. She had my eyes – big, round, and bright. Her nose was like Aria’s, high and straight. She had Aria’s oval face shape too. She was absolutely beautiful. This was my daughter with Aria. I couldn’t help myself. I hugged her close and planted a big kiss on her cheek. The little girl smelled like milk, and I found her utterly adorable. When I looked up, I saw that her face had turned bright red. She froze in my arms for a moment, then wrapped her little arms around my neck and hugged me tightly. She whispered in my ear, “Daddy, you smell nice.” She was the sweetest thing in the world. As I basked in the joy of being complimented by my baby, the door opened. Aria’s familiar figure appeared in the doorway and walked towards us. “Mommy!” The little girl in my arms immediately ran to Aria, stretching out her arms to be picked up. Aria had clearly just showered, wearing casual home clothes that made her look both sexy and relaxed. Her hair fell naturally over her forehead, with droplets of water sliding down her neck into her collar. I swallowed hard, feeling the allure of her beauty. As she came closer, my heart began to race even faster. However, Aria’s words quickly doused my excitement. “Mr. Liam, don’t you think it’s a bit late to start being nice to Coco now?” “I’m not… I…” I wanted to explain, but one look at Aria’s cold expression told me she wouldn’t believe anything I said. In the end, I chose to remain silent. “Never mind. You can go about your business. I’m leaving,” she said. As I walked out of the study, Coco peeked out from Aria’s neck and glanced at me. Seeing how close they were made my heart ache. What good was having a wife and child if my wife wanted to divorce me and my child was closer to her mother? I started to wonder why we had chosen to get married in the first place. Outside on the balcony, a full moon hung high in the sky. The night breeze blew in, scattering my thoughts. Everything else remained the same. It seemed I was the only one who had changed. 0

The master bedroom had only one large bed. The room’s decor was minimalist, with a simple black, white, and gray color scheme. Apart from that, the room was kept immaculately clean, with a faint scent of gardenia wafting through the air. I remembered that this was a fragrance I liked. I walked to the walk-in closet, hoping to find some of my pajamas, but all I saw was a sea of black clothing. … With no other option, I knocked on the study door. “Honey, I’m sorry to bother you,” I said, trying to sound as respectful as possible. Aria, who was working at her computer, looked up at me. “Do you know where my pajamas are? I looked in the master bedroom closet but couldn’t find any.” Aria stared at me for a few seconds without saying anything. Just as I thought she wasn’t going to answer and was about to leave, she suddenly stood up from her chair and walked towards me. Aria smirked, hands in her pockets. “What, are you planning to keep up this amnesia act?” I swallowed hard, not knowing what to say. The problem was, even if I told the truth, she wouldn’t believe me. Fortunately, she didn’t press the issue this time and walked past me towards another room. I stood there, unsure of what to do. She glanced back at me. “Aren’t you coming?” I immediately followed her like an obedient puppy, making sure to keep a respectful distance. “Thank you.” Two minutes later, when I happily opened the closet door to get my pajamas, I immediately slammed it shut. My face turned bright red. It was too embarrassing to look at! “This is…” I didn’t finish my sentence, but I was sure Aria understood. She was leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, silently watching me. Her eyes seemed to say, “Go ahead and keep pretending. I’ll just watch without saying a word.” … I took a deep breath and slowly opened the closet door again. The clothing style inside was so revealing that I could hardly believe it. The worst part was that Aria was still standing there, showing no intention of leaving. I tried my best to ignore her gaze. With my back to her, I rummaged through the clothes from top to bottom, unable to find a single “normal” piece of clothing. … I sighed inwardly, turned around, and not knowing what came over me, I asked Aria, “Honey, which one do you… prefer me to wear?” Then, I clearly saw Aria’s eyes darken. She scoffed and walked out, slamming the door shut behind her so hard it made me jump. Why did she get angry? As I took my pajamas to the bathroom, a thought suddenly occurred to me. Could our impending divorce be due to problems in our intimate life? After showering, I put on a robe and went to Coco’s nursery. The nursery was decorated warmly, showing that Aria cared a lot about the child. I tiptoed in. Coco was already in a sweet dream, hugging a stuffed animal. I gently tucked the kicked-off blanket back around her and carefully removed her thumb from her mouth, wiping it with a tissue. It was at this moment that I truly felt like a father. But I only knew her name was Coco; I didn’t even know how old she was. I looked at my marriage certificate with Aria. The date was four years ago. So Coco must be around three years old. I stroked her head and then left her room. As soon as I closed the door and turned around, I saw Aria standing in front of me. My heart started racing so fast I thought it might jump out of my throat. “Are you done?” she asked. “Yes,” I replied. The atmosphere was awkward, and I didn’t know what to say. “So… are you going to bed?” I asked. Aria didn’t respond or make any move. “I’ll go to sleep then,” I said, and quickly escaped to the master bedroom. Without another word, I lifted the covers and lay down, keeping myself as still as possible. Not long after, the bedroom door opened, and Aria walked in. Seeing me lying in bed, she paused for a moment, her footsteps stopping as she just stood there looking at me. Her gaze made my scalp tingle. “Honey, which side do you usually sleep on?” I asked. She didn’t answer. I was starting to feel that Aria’s personality had become quite strange in the years I couldn’t remember. She always liked to stare at people coldly without saying a word. I forced a smile and got out of bed. “You choose first,” I said. Petty Aria! I cursed her in my mind, knowing she couldn’t hear my thoughts. But this time, she moved. She walked to the other side of the bed, lay down, and ignored me, turning off the bedside lamp with a sharp click. I… I fumbled in the dark, getting back under the covers. The person beside me was breathing evenly. Everything around was quiet, but I couldn’t sleep at all. I couldn’t even think straight; my mind was a jumbled mess. But I could feel that she was very close to me, so close that our breaths seemed to mingle silently in the air between us. “Honey, are you still awake?” I asked softly. “What do you want?” she replied. “What?” “You were the one who wanted to get married, and you were the one who went to great lengths to get a divorce. Now you’re lying here with me, trying to seduce me. Liam, I don’t have time to play your games. If you want something, just say it.” “Seduce?” I stared at her with wide eyes, suddenly feeling a chill run through my chest. I looked down and realized how revealing the outfit I was wearing actually was. No wonder Aria thought my current behavior was an attempt to seduce her. “I… I didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry,” I stammered. But Aria clearly didn’t want to continue sharing a bed with me. She got up and left the bedroom, leaving me with these parting words: “Liam, I don’t care what you’re thinking right now. I have no feelings left for you. I hope you understand that. Whether you’re pretending to have amnesia or trying to seduce me, it doesn’t matter to me anymore.” “I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight. Do whatever you want.” Aria left. In the vast space of the bedroom, I was left alone with nothing but my sorrow. 0

I couldn’t sleep. I lay there, wide awake until dawn. Around seven, I heard Aria talking outside, along with another woman repeatedly saying “okay, okay.” I guessed it must be the housekeeper. A moment later, the front door closed, and the sound of a car engine starting up told me Aria had left for work. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind in chaos as I began to reflect. I had never been an outgoing guy; otherwise, I wouldn’t have secretly harbored a crush on Aria for so many years. But now, finding out that not only had my crush been successful, but I had become her husband, I felt shocked, yes, but more than that, I felt an undisguised joy. I thought this was a chance given to me by fate, but I never imagined I’d mess up this marriage so badly. Low emotional intelligence really is a fatal flaw. Lost in my thoughts, the bedroom door suddenly opened. A woman wearing a housekeeper’s uniform walked in. Seeing me, she quickly apologized. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize anyone was in here.” “It’s alright, I was just about to get up,” I said with a smile. She seemed relieved and slowly entered the room. “Ms. Aria left for work. I thought this room was empty. Didn’t you used to sleep in your own room?” she asked. My own room? I suddenly remembered that when I went to get clothes yesterday, there was indeed a bed in that other room. So, I had been sleeping in a separate room all along. Does this mean we were living separately? Thinking about it this way, all of Aria’s unusual behavior yesterday started to make sense. I felt utterly embarrassed. I buried my face in my hands, already regretting my actions many times over. Coco must have heard our conversation because she came running to the bedroom door, barefoot. She looked at me expectantly but didn’t dare to come in. “Coco, come here to Daddy,” I said gently, holding out my arms to her. Hearing this, the little one excitedly ran towards me. She pounced on me, knocking me back onto the bed, and flashed her little tiger teeth in a big smile. “Daddy,” she said, nuzzling her head against my chest. My heart melted. She really was my adorable baby girl. No matter how much Aria might hate me right now, Coco was still my daughter, and I was determined to be a good father to her. I said goodbye to the housekeeper and took Coco out for a day just for the two of us. We went shopping, and I bought her lots of pretty clothes. I also bought some normal clothes for myself. After all, my post-marriage style was a bit hard to accept. I carried Coco in my arms as she happily ate ice cream, her face covered in cream. I gently wiped her face clean. “Coco, what was Daddy like before?” I asked. Coco looked at me, pouted a little, and said in a slightly hurt tone, “Mean to Coco.” Then she added, “Grumpy.” Children don’t lie, and her words made my heart ache. It seemed the old me had changed so much that even I couldn’t recognize myself. So why did Aria choose to marry me? Was it because she liked me? If so, she must have had quite unusual taste. “Daddy, I want that!” Coco suddenly pointed her chubby little hand at a poster for the latest McDonald’s family meal deal. Ah, the irresistible appeal of fast food to kids. “Sure, let’s get it!” I said. An hour later, Coco and I sat with our heads down on the couch in Aria’s office, looking very much like two kids who had been caught doing something wrong. The cause of our predicament was the aromatic family meal deal sitting on the coffee table in front of us. It all started with Coco’s filial piety. She felt that while we were out having fun, her mom was working hard alone, so she wanted to share her “delicious food” with her mom. Aria’s workplace happened to be near the mall, and I couldn’t bear to refuse the little one’s request. So, we cheerfully went to Aria’s office. But in Aria’s eyes, Coco’s “delicious food” was nothing but “junk.” And that’s how we ended up in this interrogation.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296977”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I was the daughter of the city’s wealthiest family. But I had a secret: once a month, I’d transform into a Ragdoll cat. My dad, terrified this secret would get out, handpicked five fiancés for me. They had all grown up alongside me, a gesture of shared history. Each of them was a high-flyer, but their eyes held nothing but ambition and greed. Only Liam Hayes was different. When I, as a cat, was lost outside, he would always pick me up and bring me home, caring for me. On a day that was supposed to be special for us, I had planned to gift him a vintage piano worth millions and set our engagement date. But I transformed into a cat again. On the couch, Liam held me close, promising Chloe Miller, our housekeeper’s granddaughter: “Marrying Skylar is just a stepping stone. Once the Sutton empire is mine, the only one standing by my side will be you, Chloe. As for her… a payout will keep her quiet.” “Chloe, you’re the one for me.” The engagement party was just around the corner, and Dad asked me who I’d finally choose. The greedy glint in those men’s eyes flashed through my mind… I said, “When choosing a husband, I definitely need the one who’s the least trouble… and the most handsome. Let’s go with Julian Thorne from the Thorne family.” Dad’s teacup shattered on the floor. “Skylar! Julian Thorne was in a car accident three years ago… he’s been in a vegetative state ever since. Are you sure?” “Why?” Dad was incredulous. “Wasn’t Liam a good kid? The others are all the cream of the crop, and you…” “You know about… my situation. What would happen to the Suttons if word got out? What would I become?” Dad’s face instantly turned grave. “But Julian Thorne… he’s been like that for three years. My child, you’d be tied to a man who’s essentially gone, so young! How can I be at peace with that!” The Thorne family’s eldest son, once one of the most eligible bachelors in the city, had been in a car accident three years ago, leaving him in a medically confirmed vegetative state. Dad had picked those five back then, fearing I’d be alone someday, hoping at least one of them would genuinely care for me. But he couldn’t guard against the treacherous nature of people’s hearts. I leaned softly on Dad’s shoulder. “Dad, having you is enough. I’m fine on my own.” At least Julian wouldn’t harm me, nor would he have ulterior motives because I could turn into a cat. Dad sighed, finally giving up his objections. After Dad left, my heart felt icy. Who would’ve thought Liam, who seemed pure as driven snow, was actually calculating furiously with Chloe Miller behind my back! If he knew I could turn into a cat, he’d probably see me as a monster, or even… eagerly pack me off to some secret research lab, right? Just the thought sent a shiver down my spine. I had just returned from the company when four figures blocked me at the villa entrance. Everyone was there, except Liam. Dylan Reed, the investment banker, was the first to lose his patience, speaking with a languid drawl: “Skylar, darling, we’ve supported you for ages. How come there’s still no word on that five-million-dollar investment Mr. Sutton promised? You’re not playing dirty, are you?” Next to him, Dr. Alex Gray, still in his scrubs, hands in his pockets, chimed in: “Skylar Sutton, are you going to get me that Chief Resident title or not? Spit it out! My time is far more valuable than yours. A single wasted minute could mean a life lost, and you think you can afford that?” Ben Stone, the lawyer, adjusted his glasses. “No one understands the Suttons’ intentions better than I do. Are you trying to burn bridges now? Either sign a ten-year contract with our firm, or I can’t guarantee what the Sutton name will become.” Even Lucas Blackwood, who always prided himself on his artistic integrity, spoke up, full of indignant betrayal: “What about us? Forget us! What about Liam? He’s too pure for this world; he wouldn’t have gotten involved in this mess if your family hadn’t forced him! You have to compensate us!” In their mouths, I was an ungrateful, unforgivable liar. But which one of them wasn’t where they were today because of the Suttons? From their tuition for prestigious overseas education to their connections for high-paying jobs back home, the Suttons had paved the way for everything. And now they were turning around and accusing me? I pointed at the main door. “Done talking? If you’re so wronged, you shouldn’t have come in the first place. This is perfect, now get out! Isn’t it better for everyone to be free?” Their faces instantly twisted into ugly grimaces. I tugged at the corner of my lips, finding it somewhat amusing. “What? You’re free and not happy? Is it because you won’t have the chance to rightfully covet the Sutton fortune anymore?” “Stop pretending, you pillars of society. When you were falling over yourselves to get your foot in the Sutton door, why didn’t you show so much pride?” Dylan and the others flushed, their faces turning pale, but they stubbornly tried to argue. Alex forced out a defense. “Wh-what’s with the nasty talk! We… we’re from ordinary families, how could we dare challenge a family as wealthy as the Suttons? It was your dad who insisted on choosing us…” Ben echoed, “Exactly! What right did we have to refuse? Beggars can’t be choosers!” Their shamelessness almost made me laugh in exasperation. Before I could even process their ridiculous accusations, Liam and Chloe appeared. The moment Chloe saw me, she clutched Liam’s sleeve like a startled little bunny. Liam instinctively pulled her behind him, and the four others immediately surrounded them, as if I was about to tear Chloe apart. This scene was so familiar. Five years ago, when Chloe first came to the Suttons with her grandmother, she shyly handed me a small, carved wooden charm on a red string, saying it was a protective amulet from her village. I saw her genuine sincerity and was touched. Thinking little girls loved pretty things, I immediately gifted her a diamond bracelet in return as a welcome present. Who knew that just two days later, Liam would angrily confront me, holding that wooden charm. “Chloe said she’s had this since birth, that her mother had practically begged for it on her knees for days! And you’re trying to take it from her too?!” I was stunned, looking at Chloe, hoping she’d speak up for me. Instead, she sank to her knees, tears welling up instantly. “Liam, don’t blame Skylar! It was… it was my fault for insisting on giving it to her! Skylar is very good to me, she even gave me such a beautiful bracelet… *sob*… I’m not upset, really…” She cried and bowed her head, her forehead quickly growing red. This display of utter helplessness and false martyrdom instantly ignited the fury of those self-proclaimed knights in shining armor. “Skylar Sutton, just because you’re a Sutton, you think you can push people around like this?” “Someone gives you a heartfelt gift, and you throw money in their face?” “Don’t be scared, Chloe! We’re here, she won’t dare touch you!” From then on, whenever Chloe shed a single tear in front of me, no matter what I had or hadn’t done, Liam and the others would immediately decide it was my fault. Chloe, meanwhile, never once explained. Later, when I turned into a cat, I personally saw her casually toss that wooden charm into the trash, not caring about it at all. In front of those men, she’d lavish me, a cute little cat, with affection, but secretly, she’d pull my fur, even pinch my tail until I cried out in pain and fled. One time, I couldn’t stand it anymore and suggested to Dad that we send Chloe to school, to learn a skill. My mom passed away early, and Mrs. Miller had been with our family for nearly twenty years, taking devoted care of Dad and me. Because of Mrs. Miller, I had always shown Chloe a lot of patience. Sending her to school was truly for her own good. But Chloe immediately burst into tears and ran out. Those men instantly came running again, without bothering to understand the situation, accusing me: “Skylar Sutton! Chloe never got much schooling growing up, aren’t you just rubbing salt in her wounds?!” “She’s already so insecure and sensitive, can’t you just be nicer to her? Do you have to provoke her like this?” “How can you be so malicious! Can’t stand to see anyone do well, can you?!” They became even more convinced she was pathetically vulnerable and innocent. And I, through and through, was nothing but a spoiled, manipulative, and utterly irredeemable villain. My thoughts snapped back to the present. Looking at the faces of these five men, I felt a wave of nausea. “Take your pathetic little saint and get out!” Accusations once again rained down on me, overwhelming. “Skylar Sutton! How dare you speak like that! You’ve gone too far!” “Chloe came to see you out of kindness, don’t you know what’s good for you!” Chloe’s tears started to well up again. She peeked half her head out from behind Liam, pulling out a few crumpled bills and offering them to me. “Skylar, please don’t be angry… this is my allowance I’ve saved for ages, it’s not much… please don’t blame Liam and the others…” Again? I swatted her hand away, scattering the bills across the floor. “Cut the sickening act!” *SLAP!* Liam’s palm slammed against my cheek. My face instantly swelled, burning with stinging pain. “Skylar Sutton! Are you done with your tantrum?! Chloe was just trying to be kind! How dare you humiliate her like that?!” Liam’s tone was laced with condescending arrogance. “Skylar Sutton, if you still want to marry me, you *must* respect Chloe!” “And Dylan and the others, you need to compensate them properly!” He ticked off my supposed misdeeds on his fingers, one by one: “Dylan’s boss is constantly chewing him out these days; can’t the Suttons pull some strings for him?” “Alex can’t get promoted and is constantly bossed around by his supervisor; are you blind?” “Who even understands art these days? Lucas’s gallery is barely staying afloat. Is it so hard to buy a few paintings to help him out?” He paused, his voice turning threatening. “My orchestra has an overseas tour coming up in a few days. If you keep acting like this, don’t blame me if I don’t come back!” Dylan and the others looked profoundly touched.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296993”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #惊悚Thriller

My fiancé Lucas never missed a chance to criticize dark-skinned models, saying they’d always be at the bottom of the modeling world. No matter how stunning Giselle’s runway performance was, Lucas would never let her wear his designs. “Darling, my clothes are all designed for you. She’s not worthy of them!” he’d say. I thought this was his way of expressing love for me. Until at the international fashion week, Giselle dazzled the crowd wearing the wedding dress Lucas had designed for me. Lucas knelt on the spot, proposing to her with eyes full of passion. I rushed onto the stage in a frenzy to confront them, only to be labeled as the other woman and face online backlash. Wandering the foreign streets in a daze, I was ultimately assaulted by a group of drunk thugs and left to drown in a filthy gutter. When I opened my eyes again, Lucas was discussing his new collection’s model choices with me. “Aria, who do you think should be the lead model for this new collection?” Lucas’s gentle voice reached my ears. Looking at his hypocritical face, the pain and humiliation from my past life surged through me like a tidal wave. It was this very face that had showered me with sweet nothings. “Aria, my designs are all born for you.” “That Giselle, her skin is as rough as sandpaper. It’s an insult to even let her touch my work.” But in the end, he embraced Giselle, had me dragged off stage by security, and left me to die in a foreign land. Thinking of this, I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. The sharp pain kept me focused. I couldn’t act rashly. I suppressed the hatred bubbling up inside me and forced a smile onto my face. “Lucas, I actually have an idea. Would you like to hear it?” Lucas immediately put on a loving expression and held my hand. “Of course, your ideas are always the best.” His touch made me nauseous, but I endured it. I pulled my hand away and picked up the model profiles on the table, flipping to Giselle’s page. In the photo, she exuded confidence and wild beauty. “I think this Giselle isn’t bad.” Lucas’s pupils constricted sharply, and he quickly put on a look of disgust, just as I remembered. “Her? Aria, are you joking?” “My designs are so noble. How could we let her showcase them? She’d only lower our brand’s standards.” I shook my head thoughtfully, pretending to have given it deep consideration for his sake. “Lucas, listen to me. The fashion world is all about diversity now. Wouldn’t going against the grain give us more buzz?” I looked at him with sincere eyes. “Think about it. You’ve always claimed your designs are only for the classical beauty of Eastern women.” “If we suddenly use a black model with a completely different style, it’s called reverse marketing. The media will explode.” The disgust in Lucas’s eyes gradually faded, replaced by a glimmer of excitement. He pretended to ponder for a moment, furrowing his brow as if making a difficult decision. “But I’m worried about hurting you,” he said, looking at me with concern. “A little discomfort for the sake of your career is nothing,” I smiled graciously. “Let’s do it. I’ll go talk to her.” Lucas finally stopped protesting. He hugged me joyfully and kissed my forehead. “Aria, you’re truly my better half! I love you so much!” I stiffened in his embrace, my stomach churning.

Lucas accepted my suggestion and put me in charge of liaising with Giselle. Using the Snow family’s connections, I quickly got in touch with Giselle. On the phone, her tone was haughty, but as soon as she heard it was Lucas Reed’s brand inviting her to be the lead model, she immediately agreed. The next day, I accompanied Lucas to the studio to wait for her. For this act, I deliberately wore the white dress Lucas had custom-made for me last season. It was the piece that won him the national design award, supposedly inspired by me. Giselle strode into the studio doorway in 4-inch heels, right on time, exuding a powerful aura. When she saw me, a flash of contempt crossed her eyes. Her gaze lingered on my dress for a moment, her lips curling into a mocking smile. Lucas immediately went to greet her, but with a cold expression on his face. He deliberately spoke loudly: “Miss Giselle, Aria should have explained all the terms of cooperation to you.” “This collaboration is purely business. I hope you don’t have any other ideas.” Giselle crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Rest assured, Mr. Reed. I’m only interested in your designs, not you personally.” The two went back and forth, acting as if it were all real. I sat quietly on the sofa, watching their hypocritical performance. When it came time for the fitting, Lucas took out the main piece of the new collection, a sleek black gown, and handed it to Giselle. “Try it on. The size is based on standard model measurements, so it should fit.” Giselle walked into the changing room. I stood up and walked to the rack holding the new collection, my eyes falling on a champagne-colored gown. Lucas had shown me the design for this gown a few days ago, saying it was to be my birthday gift, with every detail crafted for me. I reached out my hand, wanting to feel the fabric. But Lucas suddenly came over and grabbed my hand. “Aria, don’t touch. These are all samples. The fabric is delicate, and it would be bad if they got damaged.” I grew suspicious but kept my face neutral, obediently withdrawing my hand. Just then, the changing room door opened. Giselle walked out wearing the black gown. In that moment, even I had to admit her presence was truly stunning. The dress seemed to come alive on her body, every line flowing smoothly and powerfully. Lucas’s eyes instantly lit up with undisguised amazement and fascination. But he quickly caught himself, schooling his features into a critical expression. He walked up to Giselle, adjusting her shoulder straps. His fingertips deliberately brushed against Giselle’s exposed collarbone. Their eyes met briefly in the mirror, the atmosphere suddenly turning ambiguous. I watched all of this with cold eyes. “Well?” Giselle asked lazily, looking at herself in the mirror. Lucas cleared his throat and spoke in a businesslike tone: “It’s alright, but something seems to be missing.” He suddenly turned to look at me, frowning. “Aria, come try it on.” I was taken aback. “Put it on. I want to compare the effect.”

I walked into the changing room and put on the same black gown. The me in the mirror was beautiful too. But the cut of this dress was clearly not suited to my figure. The waistline was too low, and the chest area was loose and baggy. When I walked out, Lucas and Giselle were standing side by side. Lucas looked me up and down, shook his head, and turned to Giselle: “Ah, it’s still you after all.” “Aria is too thin. Her figure isn’t as curvy as yours. She can’t bring out the soul of this dress.” Giselle let out a smug chuckle, her eyes full of challenge as she looked at me. I said nothing and returned to the changing room to change back. From that day on, the ambiguity between Lucas and Giselle grew increasingly obvious. Lucas would use adjusting clothes as an excuse to keep his hands on Giselle’s waist for far too long. Giselle would wear revealing outfits and deliberately bend over in front of Lucas, showing off her proud curves. And I, always wearing a proper smile, would serve them tea and water, even thoughtfully offering band-aids when Giselle complained about her high heels hurting her feet. My compliance and magnanimity made Lucas increasingly brazen. He would praise Giselle right in front of me, without any restraint. “Giselle, you have a natural camera presence. You’ve brought this dress to life.” “Your skin tone paired with this bright yellow is simply perfect, like the sun on the African savannah.” While to me, he grew increasingly impatient. “Aria, don’t always hang around the studio. You don’t understand anything, you’ll affect my creativity.” “How many times have I told you, coffee without sugar? Why can’t you ever remember?” Giselle’s provocations towards me also became more direct. One day, I went to the studio as usual to deliver afternoon tea. When I pushed open the door, I found it empty. I was puzzled until I heard muffled, ambiguous gasps coming from the direction of the changing room. I silently walked to the changing room door. It was slightly ajar. Through the crack, I saw Lucas pressing Giselle against the mirror. They were entangled together, clothes disheveled, their faces reflected in the mirror showing ecstasy and frenzy. Giselle, while responding to Lucas’s movements, caught sight of me outside the door in the mirror. Far from panicking, she flashed a provocative smile and deliberately increased her volume. Lucas, stimulated by her, became even more frenzied, completely unaware of my presence. I turned away expressionlessly, preparing to leave this filthy place. Just as I reached the door, Giselle chased after me. She had already tidied her clothes, her face still flushed, her eyes full of mockery. “Miss Snow, saw everything, did you?” I looked at her without a word. “It’s good that you did.” “Some things aren’t yours, so don’t try to grab them. Men are like clothes, they prefer curves.” She chuckled and leaned in close to my ear, speaking in a voice only we could hear: “You’re just a vase with no appeal. What do you have besides your family background?” “Lucas said being with you is like hugging a wooden board, no fun at all.” I listened quietly, looking at her smug face, and slowly spoke. “Are you done?” My calmness took her aback. “If you’re done, move aside. You’re in my way.” I walked around her, heading straight for the fabric area to find the silk I needed. I didn’t look at her again, nor at Lucas as he emerged from the changing room. I completely treated Lucas and Giselle as if they were air. I stopped asking about any of their fashion week affairs and stopped footing their bills. Lucas hinted several times that the budget was tight, but I brushed him off, saying, “Father’s been auditing the accounts lately, he’s keeping a tight rein on things.” Without the Snow family’s financial support, Lucas’s face grew darker by the day. But he still put on a brave face, relying on his previously accumulated fame and loans to maintain the Paris show’s grandeur. I didn’t interfere and continued doing my own thing. While tidying up the office, I stumbled upon a fashion magazine from twenty years ago. It featured Quincy Yan’s gold award-winning work from the “Rising Star” competition back then. The stunning design and unique style left me momentarily stunned. I immediately rushed back to my own studio and pulled out all of Lucas’s designs from over the years. As I compared them one by one, my hands began to tremble uncontrollably. They were exact replicas, blatant plagiarism!

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297010”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #惊悚Thriller

I was playing basketball with Scarlett, the school’s infamous rich girl, when I accidentally broke her Cartier watch. My boyfriend, Justin, carefully cradled her wrist, then turned to me and snapped, “How could you be so careless?! Can you even afford to pay for that?!” It’s just a Cartier, right? I’ve got a drawer full of Vacheron Constantins and Rolexes at home, and I’ve never seen him look at me with that much concern. The student council organized a women’s basketball game. While trying to steal the ball from Scarlett, my elbow hit something hard. It’s impossible to avoid bumps and scrapes in a game, so I didn’t think much of it. But then she screamed, “Stop! Hazel, you broke my watch!” It was just a watch. Why was she so dramatic? The game was heating up, and our team was about to win. I really didn’t want to stop. “I’m sorry, I’ll pay for it. Can we talk about this later? Let’s just finish the game first.” Scarlett pulled a dirty move, snatching the ball from my hands and throwing it out of bounds. The game was forced to stop. I wasn’t happy about it. She held her head high. “Hazel, this is a Cartier.” I glanced at it. I’m not really into watches and rarely wear them. I just knew it was a Cartier, but I had no idea about the series or how much it cost. It definitely wasn’t an antique, so it probably just cost several tens of thousands of dollars. Fixing the crystal wouldn’t cost much. There was no need for her to get so worked up. Everyone gathered around. “Oh my God, Scarlett, what are you going to do?” “The watch crystal is shattered like this, seriously, it makes my heart ache just looking at it!” Seeing everyone looking so distressed, I asked, “What? Is this watch really expensive?” Someone who knew their stuff said, “Of course! It’s a Blue Balloon!” Scarlett shoved her wrist in front of me. “Over forty thousand!” Everyone gasped. That was a bit different from the several hundred thousand I’d imagined. At that price point, fixing the crystal would probably only be a thousand or two. She looked impatient. “I have to send this watch to the boutique, and then they’ll have to send it to Switzerland for repairs. It’ll take at least a month, back and forth!” How annoying. I said, “I’ll just get you a new one.” I just wondered if she’d like a Vacheron Constantin. My parents’ gifts to me usually start at tens of thousands of dollars and up, but I don’t like wearing watches, so I just store them at home. I thought it would just be a spare one for her. “A new one?” Scarlett scoffed. “This isn’t some knock-off! My dad brought it back from Switzerland for me!” I wasn’t planning on getting her a fake one anyway. What was wrong with this person? I’d heard she had some money. She swapped between LV and Chanel bags daily and often treated classmates to coffee. But my family wasn’t exactly struggling either. That new building at school? My dad donated it. I asked her, “So, what do you want to do?” My boyfriend had just gone to get me water and was only returning now. After figuring out what happened, he looked at me reproachfully. “How could you be so careless?!” How was I supposed to know someone would wear a watch while playing basketball?! Doesn’t it feel uncomfortable? Doesn’t it affect your game? “Hazel, look, can you even afford to pay for this?!” Justin had never said such harsh words to me before. He carefully held Scarlett’s wrist, as if it were the most precious thing in the world. It was just a stupid watch. My elbow still hurt. “So, Scarlett, what do you want to do? How much do I owe you?” She still looked heartbroken. “It has to go to the store first, then we’ll see.” Fine. “Okay, then just show me the receipt when you get it, and I’ll transfer the money.” That seemed like a pretty reasonable solution. After all that drama, I didn’t feel like playing anymore. Everyone else had lost their enthusiasm for the game too and just stood around chattering. “Damn, how can Hazel be so calm? That’s at least a few thousand, right? It would take months of saving every penny to pay that back.” “She probably has no idea how much it costs to replace the crystal! She probably thinks it’s just putting on a piece of glass.” I usually kept a low profile at school. I never flaunted my wealth. My clothes and dorm supplies were very simple. Even though they were expensive, they didn’t have big logos, so most people couldn’t tell what brand they were. In a situation like this, I couldn’t exactly show them my bank account balance and shout, ‘I’m rich!’ Whatever. I couldn’t be bothered with them. I picked up my stuff and left the basketball court.

Justin caught up to me and put an arm around my shoulder. “Hazel, are you mad?” It would be a lie to say I wasn’t. He hadn’t considered my feelings at all. “Don’t be mad, babe. I did that for you. Didn’t you see me winking at you just now?” I actually hadn’t noticed. “I talked to you like that to shut Scarlett up. If I criticized you, she’d be too embarrassed to keep going.” Is that how it works? Why did it feel a bit off? “And I kept emphasizing that you couldn’t afford it. I thought Scarlett would back down, but I had no idea you’d be so silly, you totally missed my point! You immediately agreed to pay her!” I just thought it wasn’t that much money. My housekeeper spends more than that on groceries every day. There was no need to stand there arguing about it. “Hazel, I’ll pay half for you.” I waved my hand. “No need.” “We’re a couple. If we get married later, it’ll be shared assets. Half and half, perfect.” He took my hand, his smile sweet. So, he was being so calculating because he was planning our future. How nice. I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Do we have any plans for tomorrow?” Tomorrow was Valentine’s Day, and my family didn’t know I was dating. My brother, Declan, had said we should hang out, since we were both single, and wanted to take me out. He sighed. “Hazel, I have to tutor students tomorrow.” Oh, I had hoped he could meet my brother. I felt a little disappointed. But his eyes were firm. “It’s all for our future.” Justin had always been hardworking. As his girlfriend, I should support him. “Okay… fine.”

Early on Valentine’s Day, Justin asked me to come downstairs. He held a bouquet of red roses and a pretty gift bag. As soon as I came down, he gave me a big hug. “Happy Valentine’s Day, babe. Even though I can’t be with you, we still need to have our moment!” I thought I wouldn’t see him at all today. Turns out he’d prepared a gift for me. After chatting for a bit, he left. I went upstairs happily and only opened the gift in my dorm room. It was a YSL gift set. My roommates exclaimed, “Wow! Hazel! Your boyfriend is so good to you!” “That must have cost a lot! No wonder your boyfriend’s been busy lately, he was earning money to buy you a gift.” He’d given me what he thought was the best. I was very satisfied. Chloe, one of my roommates, a beauty blogger with a keen eye, looked at the gift box but didn’t say anything. Seeing her silence, the other two roommates, afraid of putting their foot in their mouth, also kept quiet. I asked, “Chloe, is there a problem?” She picked up a lipstick and looked at it, a bit hesitant. “I can’t quite tell right now. Let me have my friend take a look.” My heart dropped. I’d never encountered fakes before, nor paid attention to the differences between real and fake. But if Chloe said that, it was almost certainly fake. She was just trying to save my feelings by saying she’d have a friend look at it. My roommates tried to comfort me. “Oh, Hazel, maybe Justin just doesn’t know brands and got scammed.” “Yeah, how would guys know what’s real and what’s fake?” That made sense too. I sent Justin a message: [Where did you buy this gift set?] He replied a few minutes later: [From the official online store.] He even sent me a screenshot of the purchase history from the official store. Could you buy fakes from an official store? Or had Chloe really misjudged it? Justin: [What’s wrong, babe? Don’t you like it?] Me: [No, it’s fine. I love it.] Justin: [Glad you like it. I’m off to tutor students now. We’ll talk later.] My brother took me to an amusement park, but my mind kept wandering. It wasn’t until Chloe sent me a message: [Fake.] She sent several pictures showing the differences between the authentic product and the fake. [Justin most likely bought it on Wish.] She sent a link to a YSL gift set that cost just over a hundred dollars. The details in the buyer’s photos were identical to mine. [Hazel, if he tells the truth, maybe he just didn’t know and thought YSL was that price. But if he lied to you, you’re better off without a guy like that.] I didn’t know what to say. I asked her, [Can you buy fakes from an official online store?] [Let’s put it this way: this set is an obvious fake at first glance. Even if an official store sold fakes, they’d only fake the quality, making it hard to notice.] But Justin really did buy a gift set from the official store. I sent the screenshot to Chloe. She replied, [What if that official store gift set wasn’t meant for you at all?] She was right. What if Justin bought two sets—one from Wish and one from the official store—and gave one to me and the other to someone else? That would make sense. But how could that be? How could Justin do something so despicable? We’d been dating for over a year, and our relationship had always been good. He surely wouldn’t do that to me. Just as I was thinking this, I saw a familiar figure in the crowd. It looked like Justin. Wasn’t he supposed to be tutoring students? Why would he be here?

I was about to go after him when my brother came back with ice cream. Seeing my hurried expression, he asked, “What’s wrong?” “I think I saw a friend.” In the blink of an eye, that figure disappeared into the crowd. I licked my ice cream and sent Justin a message: [Where are you?] He replied half an hour later: [Tutoring a student.] As if to prove it, he sent another picture: a child bent over a desk writing. [What’s wrong, babe? Missing me? How about I come find you after my class?] Once the seed of doubt is planted, it easily takes root and grows. I suddenly wanted to video call him. But with my brother next to me, I had to drop the idea. After my brother politely declined the nth girl asking for his number, he finally had time to pay attention to me. “Hazel, you seem a bit down.” “Yeah.” “Is it because you didn’t get a Valentine’s Day gift?” I shook my head. My brother didn’t care what I was thinking. He snapped his fingers. Then, a group of exaggeratedly dressed “princes” seemed to pop out of nowhere and surrounded me. “Pick whichever ones you like most. I’ll have them hang out with you.” My brother always did this crazy stuff. How was I supposed to handle ten or so of them? “Oh, bro, I…” My brother’s jaw dropped. “What?! You want all of them?!” When did I say that? He waved his hand. “Fine, kids make choices, but we adults have it all.” I was a bit speechless. “Forget it, bro. Let’s just go get some food.” The princes were all handsome, but I had a boyfriend. It wouldn’t be right to do that. But very soon, I changed my mind. Not long after we got in the car, Chloe sent me another message. [Hazel, weren’t you with Justin today?] [He’s busy tutoring students. I’m out with my brother.] But then she sent me a photo. It was Justin and Scarlett playing the claw machine together. The location was the amusement park I was currently in. This amusement park wasn’t cheap. Other places might be a dollar a game, but here it was ten dollars for a single coin, and one try cost twenty dollars. Scarlett was already holding several stuffed animals. With Justin’s skill, he probably wouldn’t even get one in ten tries. He bought me a hundred-dollar gift set on Wish and tried to fool me with a screenshot of an official store purchase! But he was spending hundreds, maybe even a thousand, dollars at the amusement park playing the claw machine for Scarlett! Chloe asked me, [Hazel, do you want to come over now? I can keep an eye on him for you.] [No, Chloe, you go hang out with your boyfriend. I’ll handle this myself.] I couldn’t take it anymore. I called Justin directly. One ring, two rings, three… He didn’t pick up until the fifth! “Hazel, what are you doing? I’m in class! The student’s parents are right here!” I took a deep breath, trying my best to control my emotions. “Video call me.” “I’m really busy here. I’m tired after a full day of teaching. Don’t be unreasonable, okay?!” His tone was incredibly impatient. This time, he didn’t even bother making up a lie. “Am I being unreasonable, or do you just have a guilty conscience?” He snapped, furious, “Hazel, what do you mean by that? I’ve been working so hard for our future, and now you’re doubting me?!” He kept saying it was all for our future! But my future wasn’t going to come from him sucking up to some rich girl! I hung up, sent him the link and the photo, and left a message: [We’re over.] Then I blocked and deleted all his contacts. When did he start seeing Scarlett? That authentic YSL gift set must have been for Scarlett too. Scarlett, that kind of rich girl, so proud, claiming she never bought second-hand goods, despising vintage and antiques. But a person like that actually liked stealing other people’s boyfriends?

After dinner, my brother drove me back to school. I hadn’t walked more than a few steps when a bank text came in. My brother had transferred seventy-five thousand dollars to me. [Hazel, bro sent you some spending money. Spending makes you happy~] My smile hadn’t even fully formed when I heard a loud shout from behind me. “Hazel! I never thought you’d be such a gold-digger!” It was Justin. I didn’t have a good look on my face when I saw him. I just wanted to walk away quickly. But he wouldn’t let up, grabbing my arm. “I saw you get out of that Maybach! Who were you out with today?!” The pot calling the kettle black? Fine, I’ll clear things up with him. “You weren’t tutoring anyone today at all!” He took a deep breath. “Yes, I was out with Scarlett. I thought if I made her happy, she wouldn’t pursue the watch thing.” It was astounding he could even come up with such a ridiculous excuse. Of all days, why Valentine’s Day? Didn’t he know what day Valentine’s Day was? Did he really think I was an idiot? He softened his voice. “Hazel, I did it for you.” I sneered. “What does that have to do with me? Did I force you to pay her back? Did I force you to go to the amusement park with her? Did I force you to play the claw game with her?” My sudden outburst left him speechless. “Justin, next time you try to pass the blame, could you at least come up with a better excuse?” I stepped back, creating distance between us. But he closed in again, took my hand, and looked at me with a sickly sweet look. “Hazel, I like you.” I felt a little sick. “This was really unavoidable, you know. I’m a senior, about to enter the professional world. I just wanted to find a good internship.” “Scarlett’s family owns a company. I thought maybe she could…” I understood everything. “Hazel, love without material things is like a pile of loose sand; it’ll scatter without a breeze. I just wanted to give you a better life.” Great, quoting clichés now. He’d really mastered that line. I laughed, but it was out of anger. “Justin, stop lying to yourself. You just wanted to take a shortcut. Using ‘giving me a better life’ as an excuse is just to cover up your guilty conscience and despicable actions.” “We’re done. I can’t accept your Wish ‘grand gift.’ I’ll return it tomorrow.” My parents had given me the best since I was little. I wasn’t going to degrade myself like this. That stuff would probably give me a rash, right? “I sent you the screenshot! Who said it was bought on Wish? Was it your roommate? She’s just jealous!” He suddenly raised his voice, glaring angrily, completely different from his usual gentle, amiable self. As the saying goes, the louder they get, the emptier their words sound. He just assumed I didn’t know much about brands and thought I’d be easy to fool. Laughable. What was Chloe jealous of, a hundred-dollar item? She was swamped with gifts from brands all the time. What would she be jealous of? “You gave the authentic official store gift set to Scarlett, didn’t you? Buying fakes and then using the official store’s screenshot to trick me—only you could think of that.” One authentic gift set to charm two people. How ‘resourceful.’ Justin panicked. “You can’t take back a gift once it’s given!” I shrugged. “Oh, then I’ll throw it in the trash.” “Transfer me the money! Nineteen dollars!” What a cheapskate! How could he even say that?! It was just nineteen dollars. Normally, I wouldn’t bother arguing with anyone over that. But I couldn’t stand this insult! I sneered. “Did you forget to buy shipping insurance, perhaps?” His expression froze. Damn! I hit the nail on the head! “I’ll have your roommate return it to you tomorrow. As for me transferring money, no way.” He pointed at my nose and yelled, spit flying in my face. “Hazel, you really are a gold-digger! And you’re cheap and poor!” “You want me to buy you something from an official store? Look at yourself, do you even deserve it?!” So, it wasn’t that he didn’t have money. He just thought I only deserved a nineteen-dollar gift? I looked down at myself. A custom-made bag worth over thirty thousand dollars, shoes worth eight or nine thousand… Everything I was wearing probably added up to a nice condo in a major city. How did I not deserve it? “Scarlett wouldn’t even let you carry her shoes, she’d be too embarrassed!” My eyes stung. I never thought he’d see me as cheap goods, not even a fraction as good as Scarlett. If I kept arguing with him, I’d just burst into tears. I turned and walked away. He continued to babble behind me. “Hazel! No one will ever treat you better than me! They’re just playing with you! Do you really think anyone will genuinely like you?!” “Don’t expect me to beg you to get back together this time! Scarlett has already agreed to be with me! You’ll regret missing out on me, you’ll see!” “So what if you rode in a Maybach? I’ll just wait for you to be abandoned!” I sped up my pace. If he wasn’t ashamed, I certainly was.

Disappointed in love, I went on a shopping spree. My brother really does understand women. Spending money genuinely makes you happy. After returning to my dorm, I even bought gifts for my roommates. Chloe gasped, holding a new Dior bag, unable to put it down. “Girl, where did you make a fortune?” I smiled, saying nothing. The main reason was that Chloe had my back. When she heard I’d been tricked by a scumbag, she recorded a video about the absurd situation and shared it with her followers. She didn’t name names or reveal too many details. But her followers knew she was a student at University A. So now everyone was guessing who the cheating, super cheap scumbag at University A was. Some even posted questions on the campus gossip page. Anyway, Justin would have to keep a low profile for a while. Otherwise, he might accidentally reveal his true colors. … Friday afternoon, I went to a student council meeting. Before I even entered, I heard people chattering inside. “…She’s just come into money somehow, buying all those bags to give away. I heard her ex-boyfriend Justin spilling details, saying she was two-timing, hooking up with a rich kid on the side but also unwilling to let go of her ex, a real potential catch.” That sounded exactly like something Justin would say. Calling himself a potential catch, how shameless. “Even if a rich kid gave her bags, she wouldn’t flaunt them by giving them to others, right? I bet they’re knock-offs…” “Exactly! And last time on the court, she said she’d pay Scarlett for a new watch. Oh my God, that’s a Cartier, not some dollar store cheapie!” I was thoroughly enjoying eavesdropping when someone suddenly tapped my shoulder. Just as I was about to yelp, that person covered my mouth. I turned my head; it was Liam, the student council president. He gestured for me to be quiet, then let go of me and stood by the door, listening in with me. Wasn’t this guy always cold, distant, and perfectly put-together? Why was he doing something like this with me? The people inside kept repeating the same things, and I quickly got bored. Liam leaned close to my ear. “Done listening?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297026”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn

For our graduation trip, my boyfriend Jake chose South Korea, the country where Chloe, his first love, the one he always looked up to, was studying. I had my reservations, obviously. He just shrugged it off. “I’m just dropping by to say goodbye to her.” But once we landed, he completely abandoned me, sick and miserable from the foreign climate. He rushed off to deal with some “mistake” Chloe made at her part-time job. And then, he brought her back to our hotel. “Chloe is so amazing, and just because of a small mistake—using the wrong medicine on a client—her salon is firing her,” he explained, totally oblivious. “She can’t deal with that kind of injustice. So, Lily, you’ll just have to put up with finding another hotel for tonight.” I grabbed my luggage and walked. He had no idea. This trip was my way of saying goodbye to him too. Because when it came down to just love, the chasm between his community college and my Ivy League aspirations was simply too vast to cross. After Jake told me to find another place to stay, Chloe Price, clearly afraid I’d object, bit her lip and chimed in, “Lily and I are different. I’m not some delicate girl who can’t handle hardship.” “It’s just that I can’t go back to the salon’s staff dorm right now, and it’s too late for the university’s international student dorms, they have a curfew. I literally have nowhere to go.” “And it’s peak vacation season, hotels are so hard to find. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother you guys.” I was about to say there was an empty room right next door. A couple had just checked out. But before I could even open my mouth, Jake, looking annoyed, cut me off. “Enough! Stop making things difficult for her. She’s all alone here!” “Her parents passed away years ago, her family background wasn’t as fortunate as yours.” “Now she’s having trouble in a foreign country, and I’m all she has left to rely on.” Chloe seemed deeply touched by his words. She turned away, secretly wiping tears from her eyes. Jake looked at her, his eyes filled with such heartache. So, having a happy family background was a crime now? What else could I possibly say? Besides, from the moment we landed this evening until now, since Jake had ditched me and rushed off to play the hero, I’d thrown up multiple times due to the change in environment. Now I was freezing, dizzy, and utterly drained. I just didn’t have the energy to argue with them. I packed my bag, pulled my suitcase, and started to leave. Jake must have sensed my mood. He took two quick steps, grabbed my arm, and sighed deeply. “It was just a moment of emotion getting the best of me.” “When I think about Chloe, and how she, like me, suffered from outsiders’ cold stares because of a tough family, I just lose it a little.” “You’ll understand, right?” All I wanted was to end this conversation and find a bed. So, I just nodded vaguely. His expression softened. “Okay, then you go find a new place. Chloe’s pretty shaken up, so I’ll stay and comfort her for a bit.” “Oh, and leave the spare medicine kit we brought. “Some unreasonable client splashed water on Chloe, and I’m worried she might catch a cold tonight.” I frowned, annoyance bubbling up. “Did you forget I’m the one who’s sick from the trip? I need those meds.” Just then, Chloe let out a very deliberate sneeze. “Jake, it’s fine, really.” “Like you, I’m not some delicate, pampered person. A little cold or fever is nothing.” Her words precisely hit Jake’s ego. His face turned cold. He yanked my suitcase open, rummaging through it until he found the medicine kit. “It’s just a few pills. Why are you being so petty?” “You already took your medicine, didn’t you? I’ll buy you new ones when I come find you later.” Watching his rough actions, I remembered something my mom once told me. She said, “You and Jake are from completely different worlds.” “You’re a confident, sunny rich girl, and he’s a dark, insecure poor kid.” “And extreme insecurity can make a person incredibly rude.”

I don’t know if it was my mom’s words finally sinking in, or if I had already made up my mind to give up on Jake. But suddenly, his once charmingly arrogant and wild personality now just felt irritating. At that moment, I was simply fed up. Once Jake had taken the medicine, I casually zipped up my messy suitcase. And hurried away. My mind was a blur, drowsily recalling the past. I remembered when I first transferred to a new high school in Portland my freshman year. Unfamiliar with the area, I accidentally stumbled into local thugs’ territory. Just as they were about to drag me into an alley, Jake appeared. Tall and lean, with the hood of his black hoodie pulled up, he stood at the alley entrance, radiating a casual arrogance. A fierce fight ensued. Afterward, I emptied my pockets and offered him a hundred dollars. Jake lifted his bruised eyelids, batting away the money. “What do you take me for? Get lost!” “Think your money makes you special?” From then on, like many girls who always played it safe in their youth, I found myself deeply drawn to that type of rebellious bad boy. When I found out Jake was not only at the same school but in the same class, I used the excuse of “repaying a favor.” I revolved around him like a little sun. Not only did I bring him coffee and snacks, but because of a single comment from him, I, who never cooked, ignored my onion allergy to make him his favorite braised beef dish. But no matter how much I did, Jake’s gaze always lingered on Chloe, a year older than him. Until the end of junior year, when Chloe ignored Jake’s desperate pleas and went abroad for college. Jake spent the entire summer in a slump. I was the one who stayed by his side, took care of him, and slowly, step by step, helped him out of his funk. When senior year started, Jake asked me to be his girlfriend. I happily agreed. I knew he might have been doing it out of gratitude, or perhaps to forget Chloe. But none of that mattered. Because I was so confident. I believed Jake would fall in love with me someday. But the truth proved me terribly wrong.

When I woke up again, I was in the empty room that couple had checked out of. I thought a good night’s sleep would help me adjust. But I woke up in the middle of the night with a high fever, feeling utterly miserable. I forced myself out of bed and went to knock on the next door for help. The hotel manager, who happened to be passing by, spoke in Korean, which I didn’t understand. I just kept shaking my head and waving my hands, indicating I couldn’t understand. In a strange city, unfamiliar with the surroundings, and unable to communicate, plus the vulnerability of being sick, I was on the verge of tears. Finally, I resorted to a translator app. The hotel manager told me the young couple staying there had already left to go sightseeing. The resentment and bitterness in my heart made me dial Jake’s number. But no matter how many times I called, it wouldn’t go through. “Do you need any more help?” the hotel manager asked through the translator. After the tenth call went unanswered, I numbly spoke. “Please take me to the hospital.” I spent that night in a hospital in a strange city. I almost forgot to mention. That day was also my eighteenth birthday. Originally, Jake and I had planned to climb to the top of Namsan Tower in Seoul at night. We were going to hang a lock on the love lock wall. And there, I’d make my eighteenth birthday wish. But now, that plan was ruined. My phone, lying by my bed, vibrated. It was birthday wishes from family and friends back home, trickling in. Among all those greetings, there wasn’t one from my official boyfriend. I swallowed the bitter ache in my heart. And scrolled through Ins. My body stiffened when I saw Chloe’s latest video post. I’d added her on SnapChat back in junior year when Jake asked me to take turns visiting Chloe in the hospital after she broke her leg. My fingers trembled as I tapped into her post. Chloe had posted a video of her and Jake climbing Namsan Tower at night. The caption read: [Role-playing, being a K-drama lead today.] In the video, Jake, with the mountain wind blowing through his hair, shouted at the night sky. “Chloe Price, you are my bride, and my first love. For 939 long years, I never waited for death, but for this moment, to meet you!” It was even set to the classic OST from ‘Goblin’—‘Stay With Me’. The entire video was both romantic and filled with a fated connection. Even passersby were offering their well wishes. My throat tightened. Tears silently slipped from my eyes, tracing paths down my cheeks. They then dropped, precariously, onto the two laughing faces on my phone screen. I should have known. No matter how hard a doormat tries, they can’t compare to the power of a first love. Especially since Jake and Chloe had known each other since middle school. They had seen each other’s vulnerable sides, witnessed each other’s growth. They were two broken souls recognizing and cherishing each other, a symbiotic relationship. I, a mere supporting character, couldn’t easily intrude. After realizing this, I no longer held any lingering feelings for Jake. I opened my phone. And rebooked my flight home.

I changed my flight from a week later to two days from now. All travel plans with Jake were canceled. But since I was already in South Korea, I couldn’t miss out on the aesthetic treatments I’d booked. The next day, after being discharged from the hospital and feeling better, I returned to the hotel to shower. But I discovered my silk nightgown was missing. It occurred to me that Jake might have pulled it out when he was rummaging for the medicine last night. I got dressed and went to knock on his door. However, the person who opened it was Jake, shirtless. He froze when he saw me. Before I could even ask anything, he stammered, clearly flustered. “Chloe was upset last night, so I took her hiking to clear her head.” “We were just too exhausted when we got back, and you didn’t send me your new address, so I just crashed on the couch.” I sneered internally. He said all those lies without even bothering to wipe off the lipstick marks on his neck. “Jake, is that the housekeeper? “How inconsiderate of them to come now. We’re still in bed.” Chloe’s sweet, complaining voice floated from inside. She skipped over like a little bird, looking bashful. I saw the familiar purple silk nightgown on her. My anger instantly flared. I pushed past Jake and strode in, grabbing the hem of her gown. “Are you a beggar? So poor you can’t even afford clothes?” “How dare you wear my clothes without asking!” She shrieked, clutching the hem of her gown and looking at Jake for help. Jake, who had just moments ago looked apologetic toward me, came over, his face dark. “It’s just a nightgown! And I bought it for you!” “Do you have to say such nasty things? Who are you looking down on?!” I knew the words “beggar” and “poor” stung him just as much. When we were together, I was always so careful, weighing every word for ages before speaking, mindful of Jake’s deep insecurity and fragile ego. This kind of spoiled rich-kid mentality (of a poor kid). I was now too lazy to deal with it. I let go of the gown’s hem, about to tell her to pay for it, when I noticed my palm was sticky with a white, gooey liquid. Chloe’s face flushed, and she stammered, “It’s a milk tea stain. I accidentally spilled it.” “My bad. I shouldn’t have been drinking milk tea in bed.” The more she spoke, the more wronged she sounded. And the more certain I became that it was absolutely not milk tea. It was something *they* had produced. It was so disgusting! So filthy! The moment I realized what it was, I rushed to the bathroom and threw up.

I didn’t want the nightgown anymore. Even if it was the first gift Jake ever bought me from his part-time job. Even if I had never dared to wear it. I just didn’t want it. After leaving their little love nest of deceit, Jake sent me a SnapChat message. Asking where I was. Then explaining he’d forgotten his phone last night, which was why he couldn’t answer my calls. He even apologized. And asked why I’d called so many times. I didn’t plan to reply. A little while later, Jake sent another message. [Did you come looking for trouble this morning because you’re jealous, and you’re mad I didn’t come to find you last night?] [But what happened with Chloe was for a reason. I can explain everything later. Don’t be angry.] [Today is your birthday, I haven’t forgotten. I already scoped out Namsan Tower last night.] [We’ll go up tonight. Before that, come to this address. I have a birthday gift for you.] I only skimmed Jake’s rambling message, not paying attention to the address he sent. So, when I arrived at the beauty clinic I’d booked, based on online recommendations, I ran into Jake and Chloe. Chloe’s eyes flashed with a hint of jealousy. But on the surface, she came over and warmly took my hand. “Lily, it’s great you still came. “I thought with your temperament, you wouldn’t bother with us anymore.” “I’ve felt so guilty. Luckily, Jake mentioned you wanted to get some work done while in South Korea, so I shamelessly asked my former boss for a discount for you.” I pulled my hand away, rolling my eyes. “Getting a facial counts as plastic surgery? Then what about all that Botox on your face, is that genetic modification?” Her eyes instantly reddened. She looked like she’d said something wrong and didn’t dare to speak again.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297043”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

After I got pregnant, my husband, a notorious playboy, utterly transformed. He not only cut off all his flirtations but also showered me with affection. Until one day before my due date, I accidentally overheard him talking to his buddy, Jake. “Marcus, that young woman you’ve been sponsoring, is she still bothering you? She’s younger and prettier than your wife. Don’t you feel anything for her?” Marcus scoffed, a sneer twisting his face. “What is she? She’s not even fit to shine my wife’s shoes. I’m just doing something good to earn some good karma for my wife. The sooner she’s gone, the better.” A wave of sweetness swelled in my heart. I thought I’d finally found true happiness. But who would’ve thought? The very next day, as I was on my way to the hospital, that girl drove her car straight into us. She held a terminal diagnosis in her hand, tears streaming down her face, unable to stop them. “Marcus, I don’t have much time left. If you won’t have me, are you forcing me to die to finally feel at peace?!” I was already bleeding, kneeling in the car, begging Marcus to rush me to the hospital. But he ruthlessly kicked me away and locked the car doors. “Get out! If Vanessa gets hurt, neither you nor the baby in your belly will live!” I was trapped in the car for an entire day and night. By the time someone found me and pulled me out, my baby’s heartbeat was gone. At my lowest, Marcus actually called. “Let’s get divorced first. Vanessa’s condition can’t wait. I need to take her abroad for treatment as her husband.” Tears streaming down my face, I agreed to his demand. I clutched my baby’s ashes and left that heartbreaking place. Five years later, I was living in a remote fishing village, scavenging for junk to survive. I never expected to see Marcus again. His gaze fell on my three-year-old daughter in my arms, and his eyes actually reddened. “Didn’t I tell you to wait for me at home? And what do you do? You’re out here picking up trash with my daughter! Look how thin she is! Are you even fit to be a mother?”

“A five-year-old kid is so thin. Aurora Hayes, how exactly do you take care of her as a mother?” “I thought you were so principled, not contacting me for five years. Turns out you’re just out here picking up trash with the kid, huh? Don’t tell me you knew I was coming for an inspection today and decided to put on this show for me?” My little daughter was in my arms, and my mind went blank, being yelled at by the man who’d suddenly appeared. It took me a while to realize who he was. It was Marcus Sterling, my ex-husband from five years ago. And the woman clinging to his arm, dressed in designer clothes, was none other than Vanessa Bell, the young woman he’d sponsored back then. Seeing them so intimate, I instinctively hugged my daughter tighter. My mind spun, memories dragging me back five years. Back then, I’d just gotten pregnant. Marcus, who was always cold and distant, suddenly started sponsoring a high school girl from an orphanage and even let her move into our home. The first time I saw Vanessa, pale and in worn-out clothes, my heart softened. Even with my baby bump, I cooked her nutritious meals. I’d stay up late, helping her with her studies, tutoring her often. Under my care, Vanessa brightened up significantly, smiling more often. Her grades skyrocketed from last in class to first in her grade, and she eventually got into a prestigious university. But I never imagined that the first thing she’d do after turning eighteen was to hook up with Marcus, betraying me! Seeing that I hadn’t spoken, Marcus’s eyes fell on my daughter. His brows furrowed, and he said with clear dissatisfaction, “Why is it a girl? My mother has been hoping for a grandson for years, and she was already unhappy with you. Now you have another daughter? How am I supposed to explain this to her?” Only then did I realize he thought the child in my arms was his. I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. He had the nerve to bring that up? That child, our child, had died five years ago, suffocated to death inside me. And the one responsible for the baby’s death was *him*, the biological father! Anger churned in my chest. I took a deep breath and stepped back, hugging my daughter tightly. “You’re mistaken. This child isn’t yours…”

My clarification was cut short. Vanessa suddenly interrupted me, shaking Marcus’s arm as she purred, “Marcus, I can give you children! My illness is long gone. I can have as many as you want.” Marcus affectionately pinched her nose, smiling. “You’ve just recovered, sweetheart. I can’t bear for you to go through that right now. You just need to be my little princess.” Then, he turned to me, looking utterly disdainful. “Aurora Hayes, for the past five years, Vanessa has suffered so much abroad, endured so much pain. And you? All you know is to compete with her, throwing tantrums all day, not even a single word of comfort. Someone as cold and heartless as you truly doesn’t deserve her kindness.” I rolled my eyes at his words, completely speechless. For the past five years, my email had been flooded with photos and videos Vanessa sent from all over the world. In those pictures, she looked rosy-cheeked and full of life. Where was the sick patient? I had no interest in saying more. I picked up the garbage tongs beside me and waved them in front of him. This gesture instantly scared Vanessa, and she started crying. Marcus looked me up and down, pinching his nose and frowning as he took a step back. “Look at you now, a complete mess! You reek of garbage. What’s the difference between you and a homeless person? So you pretended to be dignified for five years? In the end, you still came crawling back to me, didn’t you?” “Don’t think bringing a child here will make me take you back or start over. We ended things the moment you impulsively blocked me.” My daughter in my arms was startled by his tone and burst into tears. Marcus’s expression softened slightly, and he reached out to her. “Shh, don’t cry, sweetie. Daddy will take you home. Don’t stay with this crazy woman.” What he got in return was Lily’s even more heartbroken scream: “I don’t want you to hug me! You’re not fit to be my daddy! You’re a meanie who bullies Mommy! I hate you the most!” Publicly humiliated, Marcus’s face instantly darkened. He glared at me and said coldly, “Is this how you raise her? She has no manners whatsoever! I lived with you for five years, no wonder you’re full of flaws! My family won’t acknowledge such an ill-mannered child. Don’t show your face to me again until you’ve sorted yourself out.” No one can tolerate someone speaking ill of their child like that. I clenched my fists and spoke coldly, “You’re wrong. This isn’t your daughter. She has nothing to do with you.” Marcus froze for a moment. Then he scoffed, completely uncaring. “Aurora Hayes, always so quick with your words, aren’t you? I hate that fake innocent act of yours. It’s disgusting.” “Still pretending at a time like this? If you don’t get down on your knees and beg me, then just get lost and spare me the sight of you!” With that, he pulled a few bills from his pocket and slapped them against my face. “Look at how poor you two look. Take this and buy yourselves some decent clothes. Don’t go around embarrassing yourselves.” Then, he put his arm around Vanessa and walked away. I looked down at my old, orange work uniform and couldn’t help but curse his ancestors in my mind. Marcus, of course, had no idea that the T-shirt I was wearing underneath was a limited-edition design by world-renowned designer Krena, priced at a staggering one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. My daughter’s cartoon jacket was also a high-end luxury brand. As for me, I had remarried four years ago and had another child. How could I ever go back to the past? My special ringtone rang. I collected myself and answered. A gentle, deep voice came from the other end: “My dearest wife, you must be tired from your business trip. I’ve arranged the lounge for you. Take the baby in and get some good rest.” “I really want to see you right now. I’ll come over right after my meeting this afternoon.” My usually reserved husband was actually whining like a big kid, and my heart warmed. After hanging up, I led my daughter to the lounge door. From inside, I heard faint, intimate sounds of heavy breathing…

Pushing the door open, I saw Marcus and Vanessa entangled on the sofa, in a very intimate embrace. I quickly covered my daughter’s eyes and ears. Marcus angrily picked up a nearby water glass and threw it at me. “Get out! Who let you in? Is this a place for a beggar like you?!” The glass hit my forehead, and the pain made my vision swim. Before I could even recover, Several project managers rushed in, politely apologizing to Marcus. “We’re truly sorry, Mr. Sterling. We were negligent. We’ll take her out immediately.” Furious, I shook off the person holding me and shouted, “This is *my* lounge! What right do you have to kick me out?” The scene fell into a sudden silence. Then, a few people started laughing. Seeing they didn’t believe me, I was about to pull out my phone to prove myself. But Marcus rushed over, snatched my phone, and violently smashed it on the floor. The screen shattered into several pieces. Before I could speak, He sneered coldly, “Have you been dreaming for too long? Is your mind not clear? This lounge is exclusively for Caleb Hayes, one of the wealthiest men in the country. Even I can only sit here to discuss business. Who do you think you are, spouting such nonsense?” “You’ve gone this far to seduce me. You really have no shame.” A few stout middle-aged men eyed me with strange looks. “Mr. Sterling, who is this woman?” Marcus chuckled coldly, casually saying, “Don’t know her. But looking at her, she’s probably selling herself, isn’t she?” Vanessa leaned against him, giggling, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. “Marcus, you’re so mean to my sister.” After hearing Marcus ruthlessly humiliate me, The project managers’ faces immediately twisted with disgust. A barrage of nasty comments followed. “This kind of woman actually dares to come here and seduce Mr. Sterling, and with a child! She has no shame. Be careful not to catch anything.” “With your pathetic appearance, you can’t do anything else. You might as well go beg for food.” “We’ve seen plenty of women like you. They’re full of tricks, willing to do anything for money. If Mr. Sterling doesn’t want her, you can give her to me to play with. I haven’t seen a piece of trash like this in ages.” I kept my daughter tightly hugged, not letting her hear those vulgar words. “Don’t go too far! There’s a child here!” But it still scared Lily. The little girl cried out. Marcus seemed to think it had gone a bit too far. His face darkened, and he roared, “Who told you to talk like that? Are you looking to die?!” The men exchanged glances and quickly shut up. I ignored him, focusing on comforting my daughter in my arms. Just as I finally managed to calm her down, I looked up and saw Marcus staring at me thoughtfully, a hint of complexity in his eyes. He seemed about to say something, but Vanessa spoke first, putting on a generous and gentle facade: “Sister Aurora, it must have been hard for you raising a child alone all these years. My body is still recovering, and I just happen to need a nanny. Why don’t you come and take care of me? I’ll pay you two thousand five hundred a month. It’s much better than picking up trash outside.” As soon as she finished speaking, Marcus pulled her close and kissed her deeply on the lips. “Vanessa, you’re so considerate. You really break my heart.” Vanessa blushed and buried her head in his chest. Watching them being so sickeningly sweet, I felt goosebumps all over my body. Suppressing my disgust, I refused: “Thank you for your kind offer, but I really like my current job.” With that, I ignored Marcus’s grim face, hugged my daughter, and walked straight out. These two lunatics. If I can’t deal with them, I can at least avoid them, right? Behind me, I heard the sound of things smashing, mixed with Marcus’s furious roar: “Aurora Hayes, are you really that useless? You’re still a complete failure, aren’t you? And you still think you can remarry me? No way!” I slammed the door shut.

My phone was shattered, so I had no choice but to find a shady spot to rest with my daughter. The little one leaned softly against me, asking in her tender voice, “Mommy, who were those people just now? Why were they saying mean things? When is Daddy coming to pick us up?” I gently kissed her forehead, softly telling her, “Those were bad people, Lily. Don’t mind them. Daddy will be here soon to pick us up. Let’s wait patiently, okay?” She nodded vigorously, and her expression made me kiss her little cheek again. The weather was getting hotter. I told my daughter to sit quietly here and wait while I went to get some water. But when I came back with the water, I suddenly heard my daughter crying loudly, “Mommy, help me! Let go of me!” The sight before my eyes broke my heart. Vanessa was clutching my daughter by the neck, slamming her onto the ground. Seeing this, my rage erupted. All reason vanished. I lunged forward and slapped Vanessa hard across the face. Just as I snatched Lily from her grasp, Marcus rushed over. Vanessa was already crying uncontrollably, snot and tears running down her face as she threw herself into his arms. “Marcus, I saw her alone there and just wanted to be nice and keep her company. But then this child suddenly bit me! I only said a few words to her, and Sister Aurora rushed over and hit me!” Marcus looked at the red mark on her face and the teeth marks on her hand. His face instantly turned cold, his eyes blazing with fury. “Aurora Hayes, how dare you lay a hand on my woman?! You truly don’t respect me!” He grabbed my hair and ruthlessly kicked me in the chest. The kick was so heavy that I coughed up blood. My chest throbbed with excruciating pain, as if my whole body was falling apart. “Mommy! Mommy!” My daughter’s heartbreaking screams came from behind me. Marcus didn’t seem satisfied. He turned and slapped my daughter, sending her sprawling onto the ground. “You little brute! If your mom can’t control you, I’ll teach you a lesson!” Hearing my child’s cries, my heart twisted with pain. I struggled to crawl towards her, but Marcus stepped on my head, pinning me to the ground. Vanessa walked over, hugged my crying daughter, and clamped her hand over Lily’s mouth, forcibly muffling her cries. Lily’s face turned bright red from holding her breath. “Sister Aurora, since you don’t know how to raise a child, making her suffer so much, why don’t you let me take her?” Marcus looked down at me with a cold sneer. “Stop talking nonsense. This woman doesn’t deserve to be a mother. The child belongs to me today. You’ll never see her again.” His leather shoe pressed down heavily on my back, and he continued with his cruel words: “She can’t even control a child. If this keeps up, this little brat will grow up to be just like you, causing trouble. Might as well get rid of her now.” “Marcus!” I shrieked, suddenly grabbing his ankle, my nails digging into his flesh. I screamed the truth hysterically— “She’s only three! She’s not your child at all! She’s Caleb Hayes’s child! And I’m Caleb Hayes’s wife, the current Mrs. Hayes!”

As my voice echoed. Everyone’s faces instantly changed. Then, piercing laughter erupted. “Hahaha, Mr. Sterling, what is this woman spouting? If she’s Mrs. Hayes, then I must be the richest person in the world! Are you serious? Is she out of her mind?!” “What nonsense! Everyone knows Mr. Hayes’s wife is a beautiful, elegant woman. This tramp, picking up garbage, thinks she can compare?” “Yeah, and the Hayes family only has one young master. That little girl beside her isn’t even fit to carry Mr. Hayes’s son’s shoes.” Amidst the noisy laughter, Marcus grabbed me and yanked me off the ground. “Aurora Hayes, you really don’t prepare your lies, do you? Someone as high-and-mighty as Caleb Hayes, do you think he’d even glance at a woman like you, a woman I tossed aside?” Marcus’s eyes were full of contempt, as if I were a piece of dirt on the ground. “I was actually wondering if you were genuinely remorseful, if I could take you back. But it turns out you’re not only unrepentant, you’re also trying to cling to Mr. Hayes. Aurora Hayes, your very essence is worse than this trash. No matter how much you wash, you’re still garbage.” Before he finished speaking, Marcus picked up a nearby garbage can and dumped it over my head. The putrid smell quickly enveloped me, making me gag. The surrounding managers pinched their noses and laughed. “Well done! That’s how you teach people like her a lesson.” One man offered a suggestion. “Mr. Sterling, rumor has it that Mr. Hayes is extremely protective of his wife. If he knew someone was impersonating his wife, he certainly wouldn’t let her off easily. I know there’s a cold storage nearby. Let’s lock her in there and let Mr. Hayes deal with her personally when he arrives. Then our collaboration project will surely be a go.” Looking at this group of ugly-faced people, my heart filled with hatred. Marcus stared at me and sighed. “Aurora Hayes, I’m giving you one last chance to apologize. Just kneel down and apologize to Vanessa in public, and I’ll let you go. Otherwise…” “You wish!” Seeing my defiance, Marcus’s expression turned completely cold. He gave a look, and several burly men immediately swarmed me, binding my hands and feet before tossing me into the cold storage. In the freezing cold storage, below ten degrees Celsius, my entire body quickly became covered in frost. A strong will to survive made me incessantly bang on the door, desperately scratching at the metal with all my might. My nails were ripped off, exposing raw, bloody flesh. My daughter cried out for Mommy from outside, only to be slapped several times. “Who do you call ‘Mommy’? From now on, *I’m* your only mommy! You little thing!” Seeing Lily continue to cry uncontrollably, Vanessa simply stuffed a foul-smelling rag into her mouth. Suddenly, a roaring sound came from a distance. A black Maybach screeched to a halt beside them. A pair of perfectly tailored long legs stepped onto the ground, and a custom suit outlined the cold, handsome figure of the newcomer. He was holding a cute little boy in his arms. In the split second before my consciousness faded, I heard someone shriek: “Mr. Hayes and the young master are here!” Caleb Hayes stepped out of the car, holding his son. He looked around, but couldn’t spot the familiar figure he was searching for.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296872”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance

Introduction：He tore my sincerity apart with his own hands, but whispered in my ear in the middle of the night: ‘Your waist is softer than before… Who touched my thing? ‘” Astrid was once the most perfect daughter of the moon god in the wolf pack, until she found out that her destined partner had betrayed her. She took off her gentle mask and was reborn in the fiery eyes of another Alpha- “Ask me for forgiveness?” She curled her red lips slightly, and her fingertips brushed across the abdominal muscles of her new partner, “What a pity… You don’t even have the qualifications to kneel down and lick my toes.” When the old love kneeled down to beg for mercy, when power and desire intertwined, this time, she wanted to let everyone know: the wolf abandoned by the moonlight will eventually rot in the eternal night.. One afternoon, I got news that made my stomach drop—my mate had been rushed to the hospital after nearly suffocating during a hookup in his car. When I arrived, my eyes immediately landed on another familiar face—his Beta’s mate—lying on a hospital bed. A dull pressure settled in my chest, not from heartbreak, just pure exhaustion. The doctor hesitated before speaking. “The patient was using a… device that got lodged inside. We’re in the process of removing it. This is the best we can do for now.” His tone was professional, but the awkward flicker in his expression said everything. Then came the inevitable question. “How are you related to the patient?” I turned slightly, avoiding eye contact. “Just a packmate.” Once, I would have exploded—demanded answers, hurled accusations, let the betrayal tear me apart. But now? I felt nothing. I was too drained to waste my energy on something so disgusting. I filled out the necessary paperwork without a single glance in their direction, my movements cold and efficient. Then, without hesitation, I turned on my heel and walked away. They deserved each other. As I stepped outside, the crisp night air wrapped around me. The scents of the forest, the distant howls of my pack, and the weight of my decision grounded me. I inhaled deeply, pulled out my phone, and dialed my family. “I accept the arranged mating ceremony,” I said, my voice steady. “Three days from now, I’ll bond.” As soon as I hung up, my phone buzzed again. Magnus’s name flashed on the screen. “Astrid, my car got towed. Take care of it when you get back and bring it home.” His voice was as smooth and confident as ever—that same commanding tone that had once made my heart race. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed that this so-called Alpha had just been caught naked in a hospital bed with another female. Then, as if the universe wanted to humiliate me even more, a muffled groan filtered through the receiver. “Mm…” My grip tightened around the phone. Before I could say a word, Magnus quickly added, “I kicked the leg of the chair.” The audacity. He muttered a few half-hearted reassurances before cutting the call—completely oblivious to the fact that I had been standing in that same hospital just moments ago. I only responded with two words, my voice void of emotion. “Understood.” I was supposed to be away on a business trip outside the pack. If I hadn’t decided to come back early to surprise him, I never would have walked in on this absolute mess. The car he had used—the one he had so carelessly defiled—was a gift from me. And yet, I still went to retrieve it. When I found the vehicle and pulled the door open, an awful stench hit me. What I saw next made my stomach churn. A crumpled men’s dress shirt lay abandoned on the driver’s seat. Nearby, scraps of torn fabric—a woman’s, judging by the lace—were shoved carelessly to the side. But the worst part? The back seat. The scent of another female clung to the air—too sweet, too heavy. A direct insult to my claim on him. Stains. Sticky, undeniable evidence of what they had done, glaring under the dim moonlight. I felt bile rise in my throat. Slamming the door shut as if I could erase the sight from my mind, I turned away. But it was too late. The nausea hit me in full force, and before I could stop myself, I bent over and vomited. A hand landed gently on my back—warm, steady. I stiffened. The touch was careful, reassuring, yet a shiver ran down my spine. Slowly, I turned my head. The doctor from earlier stood beside me. He had removed his white coat, revealing a well-built frame beneath a fitted black button-down. The fabric stretched across broad shoulders, hinting at the strength restrained beneath. His scent was different now—Alpha. Potent. A presence that made my wolf stir. Gold-rimmed glasses sat on his nose, his deep-set eyes unreadable as they studied me. “Stormholt…” My voice came out quieter than I intended. Seeing him—my childhood friend, once my closest confidant, someone I hadn’t spoken to in years—sent a wave of unexpected emotions crashing over me. I wasn’t ready for this. Not tonight. Not when my wolf was still reeling. “I was worried about you.” His voice was calm, steady. Controlled, like always. But there was something else beneath it—a challenge. A claim. A long pause stretched between us before he spoke again. “You agreed to the arranged mating?” “Mm.” I nodded, unwilling to say more. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Good. Three nights from now, I’ll be waiting for you at the ceremony.” There was something unreadable in his gaze—something primal. A promise. But I was too exhausted to decipher it. “All right.” The words left my lips automatically. I refused his offer to take me home and called for a driver instead. The car was sent for a full detailing before I listed it for sale. I never wanted to see it again. On the ride home, I leaned against the cool window, watching the city lights blur past. My thoughts drifted to the last seven years with Magnus—years that now felt like a complete waste. I could still remember the way he used to look at me, like I was the only she-wolf in the world. His eyes had once been full of love. He used to tell me I was pure, untouched, the most precious thing he had ever known. Now, I understood the truth. I had never been his destined mate. Only a possession. A temporary claim. An Omega he thought he could keep under his rule. But he had underestimated me. And in three days, he would finally learn just how wrong he was.

After Magnus marked me as his mate, he treated me like a trophy, always calling me the perfect Luna—graceful, honorable, a leader in the pack and the ideal partner. For years, I believed him. But now, looking back, I realized his words meant nothing. Seven years together, and yet our moments of true connection had been painfully rare. Maybe he had never really wanted someone like me. Maybe he craved females like Seraphina—wild, reckless, shameless. The moment I walked into our den, I didn’t hesitate. I yanked a suitcase from the closet and started stuffing it with clothes and essentials, barely bothering to fold them. The space I had once lovingly arranged for us—**our home, our future as Alpha and Luna—**felt suffocating now. I wanted nothing to do with it. While rummaging through the study, my fingers brushed against something cold and metallic. Tucked beneath a stack of documents sat a laptop. Not one I recognized. An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. I powered it on. A password screen popped up. I tried my birthday. Incorrect. Frowning, I typed another date—Seraphina’s birthday. The screen unlocked instantly. A sick feeling washed over me as the desktop loaded. Folder after folder, all neatly categorized. With a shaky breath, I clicked one open. Photos. Videos. Dozens of them. Magnus and Seraphina. My stomach twisted as explicit images flashed across the screen. Their betrayal was captured in painful detail—different positions, different settings. Seraphina bound, posed, displayed for the camera. A disgusting catalog of their time together. They had done it everywhere. **His Alpha’s office—**where Seraphina, dressed in a tight secretary outfit, knelt before him. **Our den—**on the bed, the table, the couch. Even here. In this very study. I slapped a hand over my mouth, my body trembling. I barely managed to reach for an external hard drive, copying everything. Every last file. Just as the transfer completed and I placed the laptop back where I found it, the front door creaked open. Magnus was home. It was late—he must have rushed back, worried that I had returned early and discovered his absence. I inhaled sharply, shut my suitcase, and composed myself. When he stepped into the study, his sharp Alpha instincts immediately took in the mess I had made while packing. His eyes narrowed. “Why are you cleaning all of a sudden?” “This place is filthy. I’m getting rid of the mess.” My voice was flat, detached. Disgust curled in my stomach. I couldn’t even look at him. Magnus chuckled, stepping closer. “You must be tired after patrolling with the pack. Why don’t you leave it for tomorrow? I’ll have the Omegas handle it.” His tone was smooth, filled with fake concern. He reached for me, attempting to pull me close. I shoved him away. Hard. “Go shower. You stink of her.” He blinked, then laughed. Oblivious. “Alright, alright, I’ll wash up.” Before leaving, he turned back with an easy smirk. “You should stop worrying about this, too. We’re getting mated under the moon soon. Maybe we should build a new den—deep in the heart of the territory.” He launched into a long speech about our future packhouse, renovations, decorations, furniture. Before, I would have eagerly played along, curling against him, discussing every detail. Now, my wolf was silent. Our bond was already breaking. I said nothing. Mistaking my silence for exhaustion, he kissed my temple before disappearing into the bathroom. I muttered a half-hearted reply and went to my room. Lying in bed, I stared at the ceiling, my mind racing. No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw those images. Not long after, the mattress dipped beside me. Magnus had finished showering and slid into bed, wrapping his arms around me like he always did. One arm beneath my neck, holding me close—his way of making me feel safe. Once, it worked. Now, I wanted to run. I inhaled slowly, trying to steady my breathing. But the words burned in my throat, demanding to be set free. “Magnus, I want to sever the bond—”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296888”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance

Eight years ago, I dropped out of college and worked tirelessly to pay for Valerie’s tuition. She clung to me, tears streaming, swearing she’d never betray me, not ever. Years later, she built her own empire, becoming a multi-millionaire CEO. But the night I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I saw her, under a streetlamp, kissing someone else. That same night, she broke up with me. My heart turned to ash. “Valerie, what about our eight years?” She looked at me, her voice icy. “Eight years? That’s not long at all. Not to me.” “Your eight years might have been all about me, but my eight years? They were about so much more than just you.” Yet, when she learned of my death, she completely lost her mind. “I’m sorry, Mr. Alex. The diagnosis is in. It’s late-stage stomach cancer.” The doctor handed me the report, his eyes filled with pity. I felt like I’d been struck by a lightning bolt. It was just a stomach ache, how could it be a terminal illness? A million questions flooded my mind, but a lump formed in my throat, and I couldn’t make a sound. I opened my mouth, and after a long moment, finally managed to ask, “How much longer… do I have?” The doctor adjusted his glasses. “Three months, at most.” I let out a bitter laugh, took the diagnosis, and stood up to leave. It wasn’t until I was outside, sitting in my car, that I covered my eyes and broke down, sobbing. My cries were muffled, a raw, hoarse sound tearing from deep in my throat. Only three months left to live. What about Valerie? How would she survive, alone, after I was gone? The night breeze carried a chilling bite as I stood on the balcony, waiting for Valerie to return. I’d shredded the diagnosis, tearing it into tiny pieces, then watched them swirl down the drain. I waited from day until night. In those dozen or so hours, I finally understood. I couldn’t tell Valerie. Everyone says it’s better to cut ties cleanly, better a quick, sharp pain than a lingering one. But I… I didn’t want her to hurt at all. A familiar silhouette gradually appeared under the streetlamp. I was just wondering why Valerie hadn’t driven home today when, the next second, I saw her pulled into someone else’s embrace and kissed. In an instant, the blood in my veins seemed to freeze. The two figures under the streetlamp looked exactly like a pair of lovers. Valerie didn’t pull away. She let him kiss her on the side of her lips, then watched him leave. The villa’s front door opened, let in by the housekeeper. I waited on the second floor, my mind a blank slate. Soon after, she walked into the room and gently hugged me from behind. “Alex, I’m so tired today.” My body stiffened. I subtly pulled away from her embrace. Valerie looked at me, a hint of complaint in her voice. “What’s wrong?” I reached up and plucked a rose petal from her hair. It was from when she and that other person stood under the roses, kissing. My fingers trembled slightly. I looked up at her, my voice low as I demanded, “Who was that person?” Valerie’s face instantly changed. “You saw?” I waited silently for her explanation, but she just calmly told me, “Alex, there’s nothing between us. You know I only love you.” “You’re the only one I’m truly sincere about.” My heart was practically numb with pain. I let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Oh, really? Valerie, then your ‘sincerity’ comes cheap.” Perhaps stung by my words, Valerie’s expression gradually darkened. “I don’t want to argue with you.” I repeated her words. “I don’t want to argue either. I want an explanation.” “Tell me, who was he?” Valerie’s expression grew impatient. “You can’t stand it, can you?” She coldly tossed out, “Then let’s break up.” I barely reacted, just stared at her, stunned. “You… what did you say?” Valerie’s eyes darted away, but she still told me, word for word, “I said, if you can’t stand it, then let’s break up.” Suddenly, my nose stung. My voice choked in my throat. “Break up?” My lips trembled slightly as I asked her, “Valerie, what about our eight years?” She looked at me, her gaze icy. “Eight years? That’s not long at all. Not to me.” “Your eight years might have been all about me, but my eight years? They were about so much more than just you.” A sudden, violent pain erupted in my stomach, spreading to my heart. I could barely stand. Valerie ran a frustrated hand through her hair. “I’ll meet many more people. Alex, if you don’t trust me, then what’s the point of dragging this on?” I forced myself to maintain a calm facade, my nails digging into my palms. A coppery taste filled my mouth. I gritted my teeth and said, “Valerie, say ‘break up’ one more time, and I’ll never appear before you again.” She opened her mouth, but in the end, she just slammed the door shut. “I’m staying at the apartment tonight.” It wasn’t until her voice completely faded that I collapsed weakly to the ground. Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth. I covered my mouth with my hand, but the next second, I violently vomited a large mouthful of fresh blood.

My consciousness gradually blurred, my vision hazy, and I collapsed to the floor. The second before I blacked out, I suddenly remembered the year Valerie and I first met. She was only eighteen. “Stop pretending! You think you can hide?!” A group of girls had cornered someone. The leader viciously slapped the girl, her face contorted with hatred. She grabbed the girl’s hair, cursing and venting, “You slut, trying to seduce men!” I didn’t hear a single sound of resistance. The girl silently endured the violence, so quiet it was as if she felt no pain. “Enough.” I pressed my cigarette against the wall to extinguish it, then turned and walked to the alley entrance, watching them coldly. The girls turned to look at me, their expressions dismissive. “I suggest you mind your own business.” Through a gap, the girl’s eyes fixed on me, her gaze vacant. I picked up a wooden stick leaning against the wall and slammed it against the corner. It snapped with a crack. I threw the remaining half in front of them. “I said, *enough*.” The girls exchanged glances. After a few seconds of silence, they reluctantly walked away from me. Only the girl remained, a clear handprint still on her cheek. I watched for a few seconds, then looked away, turning to leave. Footsteps followed behind me, not too close, almost matching mine. After the second street corner, I finally stopped. The footsteps ceased as well. I turned around. The girl was indeed about a yard behind me. “Why are you following me?” She looked at me in a panic, and tears suddenly streamed down her face, tracing a path over the handprint, making it seem even more stark. I was suddenly lost in thought, realizing, *she hurts too*. “Come on.” Perhaps she thought I was chasing her away. She clutched the corner of her shirt, flustered, but refused to move a single step. I paused for a few seconds, then finished my sentence. “I’ll take you home.” She trusted me without a second thought, and actually led me to her home. In the long, dark alley, she spoke for the first time. “My name is Valerie.” I curved my lips into a slight smile, though it was hidden in the darkness. “Alex.” Valerie lived in the slums, her house surrounded by piles of scavenged junk. She pushed open the yard gate, and a partially-blind old woman emerged from the small doorway. “Valerie, you’re back.” Valerie smiled and called out, “Grandma.” She introduced me to the old woman. “This is Alex. He’s my… good friend.” I paused, slightly stunned. Perhaps afraid I’d contradict her, Valerie quickly ducked into the kitchen. The old woman warmly pulled me into the house, then took out some treasured candies and offered them to me. “Good boy. Valerie has never brought a friend home before.” “You’re the first one.” I gave a bitter smile as I peeled the wrapper, putting the milky candy in my mouth. This elderly, partially-sighted woman would never know what her granddaughter suffered at school, let alone that she had no friends. She held my hand and talked for a long time. When emotions ran deep, she wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. “My Valerie has had a very hard life. She was abandoned by her parents by the river when she was just born, and I, a poor, old, almost-blind woman, found her and brought her home.” The old woman took out her sewing kit, dug out a few crumpled bills from the bottom, then tremblingly pressed the largest bill into my hand. “It’s a blessing she met a friend like you. Please, help me look after my Valerie from now on.” My nose stung, my lips parted, but no sound came out. Finally, I just mumbled, “Okay.” From that day on, I started watching over Valerie, becoming almost her constant shadow. “Alex, where’s your family?” The sunset settled on the lake, quickly sinking and taking the last light with it. Valerie asked me this for the first time. I paused for a few seconds, then told her, short and direct, “My mom died. My dad’s in prison. He killed my mom.” The air suddenly grew quiet. Valerie must have realized she’d spoken out of turn, so she immediately fell silent. After a long silence, she took my right hand. In the darkness, I heard her choked voice. “Alex, from now on… I’ll be your family.” She made that promise to me, and I believed her.

My face suddenly felt wet. I slowly opened my eyes. The white furball in front of me was licking my cheek. Seeing me awake, Buddy snuggled into my arms. I reached out and stroked his head, then staggered to the bathroom, turning on the shower to wash away the blood. The person who drove Valerie home that night was quickly identified—Brandon, Valerie’s secretary. He was young, a prestigious university graduate, and strikingly handsome. I wasn’t surprised that someone like him could attract Valerie. Valerie didn’t come home for several nights. I waited in the villa, calm as if insane. Late at night, my stomach pain grew severe. I tremblingly took out my painkillers, poured out a few pills, and dry-swallowed them. In the darkness, I curled up, letting the cold sweat soak the sheets. Just as the pain began to subside, the sound of the door lock clicked. Someone walked into the room, then quietly lay down beside me. She reached out and hugged me from behind, not saying a word. The smell of alcohol drifted into my nostrils, pungent and stinging. I pulled away from her, turning on the bedside lamp. “Have you been drinking?” Valerie’s eyes were red, but she didn’t answer. After a long moment, she finally cried, “Alex, you can’t leave me.” “You’re all I have. If even you leave me, what will I do?” I looked at her, smiling faintly, and gently wiped her tears with my fingertips. A sudden, intense bitterness welled up inside me. “Valerie, it’s not me leaving you…” I trembled as I closed my eyes. “It’s you leaving me.” Valerie gripped my hand, apologizing over and over. “I was wrong. Please forgive me.” “You know I can’t live without you.” Her tears dripped onto the back of my hand, and all my defenses crumbled instantly. “Valerie, tell me, between him and me… who do you choose?” She wrapped her arms around my neck, tilted her head back, and kissed my lips, her voice choked with tears, speaking the most devastating love words. “I choose you, Alex. Only you.” Valerie kissed my Adam’s apple, her passion evident. I cupped the back of her neck, deepening the kiss. My body gradually grew hot. The moment I took off Valerie’s shirt, I suddenly saw the dense scars on her arm. The string in my mind suddenly snapped. *That’s right*, how could Valerie possibly leave me? Everyone only saw Valerie’s dazzling success, but no one knew that she had once suffered from severe depression. The first time I found her, the bathtub water was already stained crimson. She lay there, unconscious, her fate uncertain. But even after being rescued, Valerie didn’t give up on suicide. When I broke into the locked room, her left arm was covered in countless cuts. Valerie sat on the floor, her face blank. I skillfully took out gauze to bandage her. Valerie didn’t pull away, she just looked at me and smiled. “Alex, please don’t save me.” She expressed her pain so calmly. I looked at her vacant stare and remained silent for a long time. “Does it hurt?” Valerie’s right hand still gripped a fruit knife. I took her hand, used its force, and slashed deeply across my own arm. It took her a few seconds to react. Then she screamed and threw the knife away. “Alex! Alex…” Valerie finally burst into tears. She frantically tried to cover my wound, but the blood soaked her palm, seeping through her fingers. “Valerie, it hurts so much.” I pulled her into my embrace, begging her over and over. “Please, don’t die.” “Valerie, let me be your medicine.”

The memories gradually faded, and my gaze refocused on the present. A voice reached my ears. “Sir, Ms. Valerie said you don’t need to wait for her tonight.” Mr. Davies, the butler, spoke and then quietly withdrew. The dinner on the table had grown cold. I quietly listened to the clock strike midnight. This was the third day. The third day I hadn’t seen Valerie. Just as I was lost in thought, the white furball suddenly darted into my arms. It knocked the bowls and chopsticks off the table, making a sharp clattering sound. “Buddy, cut it out.” Buddy’s tongue lolled out, like a grin. I helplessly stroked his head, then bent down to pick up the broken pieces from the floor. A sharp shard of porcelain cut my fingertip, and blood quickly seeped out. I knelt on the floor, looking at the scattered fragments around me. For a moment, I felt a strange sense of unreality. A bitter smile touched my lips. Go back to how things were… as if that were even possible. The room at night carried a chill. Ever since I fell ill, I’d become sensitive to the cold. The heat from the AC gradually filled the room, but even curled up under the blankets, I still shivered violently. Valerie appeared at some point. She gently wrapped her arms around me. “Alex, I’m home.” I strained to press closer to her, desperate for a bit of warmth, but I still shivered uncontrollably. “Valerie, I’m cold.” She gently stroked my back, then hummed a familiar lullaby to lull me to sleep. “Don’t be scared.” I called her name. “Valerie?” She said, “I’m here.” I called her name again and again, and she answered every time. Suddenly, I wanted to cry so badly. Tears welled up in my eyes. My voice choked with sobs as I told her, “Valerie, I’m dying.” Her movements suddenly stilled. “Oh? Well, that’s…” I couldn’t quite hear her voice, so I looked up at her. Valerie’s expression suddenly twisted, her eyes filled with extreme, deranged madness, her smile grotesque. “Well, that’s wonderful.” My heart jolted. I reached out a disbelieving hand toward her. “Valerie—!” When I opened my eyes again, the sky outside was bright. My back was soaked with cold sweat. I sat up, still shaken, unable to fully recover my senses. It had just been… a dream. I closed my eyes, calmed myself, then got up and walked out of the room. A housekeeper walked by in the hallway. I looked at the shirt she was holding and said, “Did Ms. Valerie come back last night?” The housekeeper respectfully nodded. “Yes, Ms. Valerie returned very late last night. She was afraid of disturbing you, so she slept in the guest room.” I took the shirt, glanced at it, then handed it back. “You can go now.” It wasn’t until I was alone that I lifted my fingers to my nose and inhaled. A familiar woody fragrance. I almost wanted to laugh. It was the birthday gift Valerie gave me when she turned twenty. The same scent. On whose body had she picked it up this time? My stomach began to cramp again. I took two painkillers, just barely managing to suppress the pain. A wave of dizziness washed over me. I lifted my hand, trying to grab onto something, but ultimately collapsed weakly onto the bed and passed out again. When I next woke, the window was pitch black. A knock sounded at the door. I reached out, gripping the edge of the table to steady myself. “Come in.” Mr. Davies slowly walked up to me. “Sir, Ms. Valerie sent someone to pick you up.” I paused, slightly confused, then nodded. It wasn’t until I was in the car that I belatedly asked, “Where are we going?” The driver’s voice held a hint of a smile. “You’ll find out when you get there.” A flicker of emotion stirred in my heart. Unease, or perhaps, expectation.

The entire floor of the riverside rooftop restaurant was empty. A waiter pushed open the glass door for me. A cascade of roses bloomed profusely, and amidst them, stood Valerie, dressed in a white gown. She walked toward me, a dazzling smile on her face. “Happy Birthday, Alex.” I was slightly stunned. It was my birthday today? I’d even forgotten myself… She explained that she had deliberately been distant these past few days to prepare this surprise for me. Valerie took a necklace from a box in her hand and fastened it around my neck. As our skin brushed, I felt her breath near my ear. “Alex, this is our ninth year.” She wrapped her arms around my waist, leaning gently against me. “And we’ll have many, many more nine years together.” I almost froze, unable to move for a long time. A sudden, intense bitterness welled up inside me. *But Valerie… we don’t have a future anymore.* She took my hand and led me to the table. A waiter poured our wine. Valerie raised her glass to me. “Alex…” She suddenly smiled shyly. For a moment, I saw the ghost of her eighteen-year-old self. “Have I ever told you?” I frowned, asking, “What?” Valerie’s expression grew serious. “I love you.” My heart lurched, then pounded in my chest with endless echoes. Valerie’s affection had always been quiet, almost shy. Never had she expressed it with such passionate, direct honesty. This was the first time. Her cheeks flushed. She took a sip of her wine, using it to hide her nervousness. I hesitated for a moment, then drained my glass. My stomach cramped painfully. I forced a smile, enduring the discomfort. “I’m very happy.” She was about to say something else when a heated argument suddenly erupted nearby. “Sir! You can’t go in!” By the time I looked up, the man had already walked in front of us. He looked utterly distraught, but his handsome face was still undeniable. His clothes were impeccably neat, yet he reeked of alcohol. “Why did you fire me?” The man’s voice was cold, yet broken, with a hint of a sob. He was fragile, like a wet, abandoned puppy, easily eliciting a protective instinct from others. I instantly knew who he was—Valerie’s secretary, Brandon. Brandon continued to demand, over and over, “What exactly did I do wrong? Was my presence a problem for you?” “But you didn’t reject me then. I thought you felt something for me…” He acted as if I wasn’t even there, passionately pouring out his heart. Valerie’s expression gradually darkened. “Shut up.” Only then did Brandon turn his gaze to me. He stared for a long moment, then gave a bitter laugh. “I see.” He turned and walked away, a look of grim determination on his face. Valerie instinctively rose to stop him. I looked up at her. “Valerie.” My eyes suddenly stung. I asked, almost pleading, “Are you leaving?” She faltered. I gripped her fingertips, forcing a difficult smile as tears traced paths down my cheeks. “Please, don’t go.” Valerie’s eyes flickered with struggle. After a few seconds, it turned to apology. “I’m sorry.” She chased after him. In that vast restaurant, I was the only one left, the only ‘star’ of her show. I stood there for a long time, then covered my eyes with my hand, letting the tears soak my palm, before a low, bitter laugh escaped me. If you’d known this was the last birthday you’d spend with me, would you regret it? Valerie, I almost fell for it. Almost.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296909”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

My husband had this strange-looking piece of meat in the fridge for half a year, and he never touched it. I got curious. What was so special about it? I secretly took it for testing. Turns out, it was a two-month-old embryo. When I got home, I frantically searched through every drawer and closet until I found it: a miscarriage report. On it, signed beside my husband’s name, was another woman’s name. My husband. He’d hidden it from me. He’d had a child with another woman. Five years of marriage, a bond that felt unbreakable. In that single horrifying moment, it all crumbled into a sick joke. When Leo got back, that box of meat was gone from the fridge. He rushed into my study, his voice laced with panic. “Skylar, have you seen the box of meat I put in the fridge?” I looked up at him, my fists clenched so tight my knuckles were white. I wanted to scream, to ask him why he’d betrayed me. But in the end, I just set my book down, pretending to be utterly unfazed. “Oh, that weird-looking stuff? I fried it up with some peppers for lunch. Honestly, it wasn’t bad.” “What?! You *ate* it?!” Leo’s eyes went wide, filled with a horrified disbelief. “Skylar, are you out of your mind?!” I let out a cold laugh. “It’s just meat, Leo. Why are you making such a big deal?” His face instantly flushed, his voice trembling as he demanded, “How could you eat *it*? That was mine! You ate my things without asking! Have you become so disrespectful?” “Eating a piece of meat is disrespectful now?” “It wasn’t just a piece of meat!” Leo’s face was beet red, his chest heaving with uncontrolled anger. I just found it darkly amusing. “Then what was it?” He bit down hard on his lip, a flash of profound grief crossing his face. He looked like he wanted to say something, but then he just choked back his tears and said, “Nothing… I don’t feel well tonight. I’ll sleep in the guest room.” With that, he turned and walked into the guest room. Five years of marriage, and this was the first time he’d ever yelled at me, the first time we’d slept in separate rooms. The irony was so bitter, it made my stomach churn. If that box of meat meant so much to him, then why did he let *her* get rid of it in the first place? For five years, Leo had been, in my eyes, the perfect husband. He was gentle, attentive, worked hard, and meticulously looked after my every need. My stomach was sensitive, so he’d spend hours perfecting recipes that were easy on my stomach. I often had social obligations that involved drinking, and he always had a hangover cure ready for me. In front of others, he was an ideal partner. So how could this wonderful man have a child with someone else? I couldn’t believe it, couldn’t accept it. It felt like a venomous sting deep in my heart, a searing, bone-deep pain. The name on the miscarriage report, I recognized it: Chloe Meng, Leo’s college junior. Chloe had pursued Leo for years. Even after we were married, she shamelessly clung to him. She’d cried, begged, threatened to jump into a river, even slit her wrists for him. She’d tried every trick in the book. But Leo had always seemed disgusted by her persistence. He’d constantly complain to me about how annoying Chloe was, how her pursuit bothered him, how he couldn’t stand the sight of her. Then, one night, I took a few friends with me and we jumped Chloe on her way home. We gave her a good beating, leaving her bruised and bloody. I warned her to stay away from my husband. After that, Leo never mentioned Chloe again. I thought she’d finally gotten the message. I never imagined that a year later, Leo’s name would appear on Chloe Meng’s miscarriage report, right there in the “partner” section.

That night, Leo and I went to bed angry. The next day, he met up with his friends for drinks. I put my work aside and secretly followed him. Through a crack in the door of a dimly lit private room at a bar, I caught a glimpse of Leo, his arm intimately wrapped around a woman. She was leaning against him on the couch, her arms around his waist, her face flushed with shyness. Even in the low light, I recognized her instantly: Chloe Meng! If there had been any doubt before, it was now crystal clear: that embryo, that lost life, was Leo and Chloe’s! A surge of white-hot fury rushed through me, and my fists clenched tight. Just as I was about to burst in, I heard one of Leo’s friends speak up. “Leo, Chloe chased you for years, and you never gave her the time of day. What finally changed your mind?” I froze. Leo turned his head to glance at Chloe, a doting smile on his face. “I wasn’t going to accept her, honestly. But then, that time my wife had her jumped and beat her until she was bruised and bloody… Chloe still showed up at my office, crying, saying she’d never give up on me, even if it killed her. I don’t know why, but in that moment, my heart just… softened.” After he spoke, they looked at each other, smiled, and then kissed right there, in front of everyone. The room erupted in hoots and cheers. I stood frozen outside the door, as if struck by lightning. So, my rage, my attempt to protect my marriage, had actually created the perfect opportunity for them to get together? A sharp, needle-like pain pricked at my chest, tightening until I could barely breathe. As my heart twisted in agony, Leo and Chloe finally broke apart, lingering in their embrace. Chloe cupped Leo’s face, her voice thick with emotion. “Leo, I’ll never love anyone but you. Only death can separate us.” Tears welled in Leo’s eyes, his face full of profound emotion. “Chloe, if I’d known being with you would be this incredible, I would have accepted you sooner. Don’t worry, for the rest of our lives, I’ll give you everything, except the title.” I stared at the sickeningly sweet scene before me, my heart aching to its very core. Suddenly, all my strength to confront them, to demand answers, drained away. I turned around and walked away, numb and disoriented. I floated like a ghost, aimlessly making my way to the bar. I ordered several strong drinks and drank until I was completely wasted. Five years of marriage. Eight years together. From college until now, Leo and I had been a couple for eight long years. Back then, to marry him, I’d given up an opportunity to study abroad. I didn’t ask for a dowry, just married him. After we wed, I’d always been a devoted wife, attentive, caring, always making sure he was comfortable. He didn’t want kids, so I’d used the excuse of being infertile to keep both our parents quiet. But in the end, he’d had a child with another woman, behind my back. Eight years of a relationship, shattered by one persistent woman. How utterly laughable.

Drunk, I stumbled out of the bar. Night was falling, the sky a heavy twilight. Suddenly, brilliant fireworks exploded in the sky, dazzling and mesmerizing. As I walked by the river, I ran into Leo and Chloe again. This time, his friends weren’t there. It was just the two of them, passionately kissing beneath the vibrant display of fireworks. They looked like something out of a fairy tale. In that instant, I couldn’t hold back anymore. A monstrous surge of rage erupted within me. I raised my hand and lunged at Chloe, screaming, “Bitch!” Chloe was caught off guard. My slap sent her stumbling back a few steps before she lost her balance and fell to the ground. The back of her head hit a rock, leaving her head bleeding. Leo’s eyes widened in horror. He immediately rushed to her side. “Chloe, are you okay?!” He spun around, his eyes blazing, and yelled at me, “Skylar, what the hell are you doing?! Are you insane?!” Me? Insane? “Leo, that’s what I should be asking *you*!” I pointed at Chloe on the ground, my voice sharp with fury. “Tell me, what were you doing with her just now?!” Leo didn’t even flinch, instead, he frowned in disgust. “Are you drunk again? How many times have I told you, drink less! You always go crazy when you drink, acting like some unreasonable shrew!” Unreasonable? I actually laughed. Leo ignored my anger. He tenderly wiped the blood from Chloe’s head, his eyes reddening, his voice choked with emotion. “Chloe, get up. I’ll take you to the hospital.” The sight of it sliced through me again. My husband, right now, was tearing up for another woman. I angrily raised my fist and lunged at Chloe again. But Leo stepped in front of Chloe and forcefully slapped me across the face. “Skylar, haven’t you caused enough trouble?! Can you just stop your drunken tantrums?!” His gaze was cold, like ice. In five years of marriage, he had never looked at me like that before. I stared at him, suddenly feeling like I was looking at a complete stranger. A fresh wave of agonizing pain ripped through my chest. Leo gently helped Chloe up, his face full of concern, and then he brutally shoved me aside. I stumbled, lost my footing, and tumbled into the freezing river beside us. *Splash!* The icy cold hit me, making me gasp and shiver. Leo didn’t even look back. Chloe called out to him, “Leo, your wife…” “Forget her!” Leo’s voice was as cold as a stranger’s, without a trace of warmth, as he walked away without so much as a glance at me in the water. “She can swim. A little dip will do her good, help her sober up!” With that, he walked away, helping Chloe, not once looking back. I tried to swim to the bank, but my thigh suddenly cramped up. I couldn’t move it. Finally, I sank into the river in despair, letting the frigid water fill my lungs. The violent sensation of drowning choked me, consuming me completely. My heart turned to ash. … When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed. A kind passerby had rescued me. Leo didn’t check on me at all. It wasn’t until the next afternoon that he finally called. His voice sounded tired, laced with subtle accusation. “Skylar, Chloe is out of danger. You went too far this time. You hit her head, and she almost got a concussion! Luckily, Chloe is big-hearted and isn’t holding it against you. But in the future, you absolutely can’t be so reckless!” My heart was a barren wasteland. His only concern was Chloe’s injury, completely oblivious that his wife had nearly drowned yesterday. After a brief silence, Leo lowered his voice and tried to explain. “Skylar, you misunderstood yesterday. Chloe and I are just good friends. It’s not as complicated as you think.” “Friends?” I laughed coldly. “Friends kiss?” Leo’s voice immediately turned icy. “You were drunk last night, you must have seen things! Chloe and I didn’t kiss! It was Chloe’s birthday yesterday, and I was just celebrating with her by the river. Can you just let it go? I’ve given you so much these past years. Am I not allowed to have other friends?” I hung up the phone. I was physically and mentally exhausted. I had no strength left to argue with him.

After being discharged, I claimed I had a business trip and didn’t go home for two weeks. Leo seemed busy caring for the injured Chloe and didn’t press me for details. It was Eleanor, Leo’s mom, who called me. It was the same old song and dance. “Skylar, when are you finally going to give me a grandchild?” In that moment, I found her words so bitterly ironic. She probably had no idea that she was supposed to have a grandchild, but her own son had personally snuffed out its life. “I’m not planning on having children.” “Not planning on it?” Eleanor’s voice rose sharply, a furious shout. “If you’re not having children, then what good are you to the Miller family? Your background is nothing special, your career’s a joke, and you can’t even pop out a kid. What good are you? I should have never agreed to Leo marrying you!” I knew Leo’s parents had always looked down on me these past five years. Before, for Leo’s sake, I had always endured it. But now, I didn’t have to keep quiet anymore. “Anyway, let’s not talk about that for now,” Eleanor paused, then lowered her voice. “Next week is Leo’s dad’s sixtieth birthday. You and Leo both need to come home. Make sure to prepare a grand gift for him. Don’t you dare embarrass my son!” I was silent for a moment. Then, I smiled. “Alright.” Oh, I would definitely give them a grand gift. … In the blink of an eye, it was Arthur’s sixtieth birthday party. When I arrived at the Miller family mansion, the grand hall was already packed with relatives and friends, buzzing with conversation and laughter. What surprised me was that Chloe was there too. Leo made no effort to hide her, introducing her to relatives and friends one by one. My face set in a grim expression, I walked towards them and asked coldly, “Leo, it’s your dad’s birthday today. Why did you bring that persistent pest, Chloe, here?” Before Leo could answer, Arthur rushed forward. “Skylar, what kind of talk is that? Chloe is my god-daughter! We met fishing. Don’t you dare be rude to her!” “God-daughter?” I was stunned. I hadn’t realized that not only had Leo’s heart drifted, but even his parents were slowly being charmed by Chloe. I, on the other hand, had become a complete outsider. Chloe suddenly extended a glass of wine towards me, her face plastered with a fake smile. “Sister-in-law, you’ve arrived just in time! I’d like to propose a toast! Honestly, you misunderstood last time. Leo was just celebrating my birthday, nothing more. And even though you almost gave me a concussion last time, thanks to Leo’s careful attention, my injuries are almost healed.” “What?!” Arthur heard her words and looked at me in shock, his nostrils flaring with anger. “Skylar, the injuries on Chloe’s head last time, *you* did that? Chloe has no quarrel with you! Are you insane?!” “Godfather, please don’t be angry,” Chloe said, feigning concern. “My injuries aren’t serious, and I’ve already forgiven Sister-in-law.” Chloe forcefully placed the wine glass in my hand, smiling artificially. “Sister-in-law, let’s drink this glass, and we can put this behind us.” With that, she raised her own glass and chugged it. I glared at her, my fingers tightening around my glass. Then, I abruptly flipped it over, splashing all the wine onto her face. “Chloe Meng, who the hell wants to put anything behind them with you?!”

“Skylar, what are you doing?!” Arthur’s eyes widened in outrage. “Chloe was being nice, toasting you. What is your attitude?!” Eleanor’s face was dark as she scolded me. “Skylar, it’s your dad’s birthday today. Are you deliberately trying to ruin the party?!” Chloe wiped the wine from her face, her shoulders trembling slightly as she feigned hurt. “Sister-in-law, do you have some misunderstanding about me? If I did something wrong, please tell me. I’ll apologize, okay?” “Chloe Meng, you know exactly what you did! Stop pretending!” No sooner had the words left my mouth than Leo stepped forward and savagely slapped me. His eyes were wide with fury, his face terrifyingly grim. “Skylar, don’t you dare take this too far! Chloe was being kind, toasting you, even humbling herself to apologize to you, and you’re still targeting her? What is your problem?!” “My problem?” I laughed, a bitter, angry sound. “I’d like to ask *you* and *her* what your problem is!” Chloe quickly stepped in to mediate. “Leo, darling, please don’t argue with Sister-in-law. It’s Godfather’s birthday today. Don’t let me upset him!” With that, she pulled a gift box from her bag and, like a child showing off a treasure, opened it in front of Arthur. “Godfather, this is the gift I prepared for you. Do you like it?” Arthur’s anger vanished the moment he saw the gift in her hand. “A top-grade red jade!” Arthur beamed, his mouth unable to close. “Chloe, you’re so thoughtful! Truly my good daughter!” “This jade must be hundreds of thousands, right?” Eleanor’s eyes sparkled. “Chloe, I had no idea you were so wealthy!” Chloe smiled, feigning shyness. “It’s just a small token of my appreciation. I hope Godfather likes it.” Then she turned to me, a provocative smirk on her lips. “Sister-in-law, what grand gift did *you* prepare for Godfather? Why don’t you show it to everyone?” “Yeah, let’s see it!” The relatives chimed in, echoing her. Watching Chloe’s smug face, I wanted to laugh with bitter irony. I knew she wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone. But I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction! “A grand gift? Of course!” In front of all our friends and family, I slowly pulled out a sealed, clear plastic box. I parted my lips and spoke softly, “This… is the grand gift I’m giving to my father-in-law!” Chloe froze instantly. Leo’s pupils constricted, his gaze locked on the box in my hand, his face turning deathly pale. Arthur frowned, looking confused. “What is that? A box of meat?” Eleanor exploded in anger, scolding me. “Skylar, Chloe bought your dad jade worth hundreds of thousands, and what did *you* prepare? Something so tacky and inappropriate!” The surrounding relatives and friends began whispering, mocking me for being cheap and embarrassing. I remained calm, my eyes fixed on Leo and Chloe, and slowly began to speak. “Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, haven’t you always wanted a grandchild? What I’m holding in my hand… is the grandchild you’ve been so eagerly awaiting!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296930”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic