Category: English

The day I returned from the refugee camp in Africa, my husband Asher’s mistress, Adeline, discovered she was pregnant. This happened because my mother, who suffers from dementia, ruined their celebration cake. In retaliation, Asher sent her to Adeline’s Unregulated Women’s Etiquette Camp, where she was mistreated, starved, deprived of a bed, and contracted a rare, deadly virus. I knelt in front of him, begging, “Please, I’m pleading with you. My mother has contracted a virus and needs urgent medical attention.” Without even looking up, Asher responded indifferently, “She drugged my father and caused my mother’s death. Sending her to the camp is just a way for her to learn some new skills.” “You don’t have to use her illness to gain sympathy. I know more about the camp than you do.” To save my mother, I was forced to wear revealing clothing and beg on the streets. People laughed and tore at my clothes, mocking, “Mr. Asher must be generous, letting his woman be played with by his friends.” Asher laughed with his mistress, “She’s just an old shoe. Who knows how many gang leaders have been with her? She’s filthy.” Eventually, I decided to fake my death and pursue my dreams elsewhere. Asher went mad, searching the world for any trace of me.

I lay dirty on the ground, my clothes half-torn. An old man nearby leered at me, whistling. “Enjoying the attention? You must love being ogled by men.” Asher’s teasing voice came to my ear. I shivered instinctively, and the rest of my clothes slipped off. Ignoring my dignity, I grabbed his pant leg, crying. “Asher, you promised that if I performed on the street in lingerie, you’d get my mother out of the etiquette camp.” I looked up at him, filled with hope. “Do I have to keep every promise?” Asher’s expression remained indifferent, and my heart sank. “Please, Asher, I’ll do anything…” “Enough. Addie said the camp has the best medical team. There’s no way a virus could spread.” “Your mother seduced my father and caused my mother’s death. Now you’re using her illness for sympathy. You’re both shameless.” His disdainful look drained the last of my strength. Asher was privileged from the start, and I only benefited because my mother worked as a maid for The Asher Family. From the age of three, I was always by Asher’s side. We were the best of friends until the year I turned 18, when my mother and Uncle Asher were caught together. Mrs. Asher couldn’t bear the betrayal and took her life that night. Asher didn’t make a scene; he calmly handled the funeral arrangements. He spent three years establishing himself at Asher Corp. By the time he was 20, he proposed, “Cora, a mother’s debt is paid by her daughter. I want you to stay with me to atone.” I looked at the tearful boy before me, unable to refuse. I softly agreed, “Okay.” But three years ago, on the anniversary of Mrs. Asher’s death, he brought back a woman, waking me from my sleep. “From now on, move to the storage room. The master bedroom is for Addie and me.” “And Addie’s hungry. She wants sweet and sour ribs. Go prepare them.” I stood there, confused. Before I realized what was happening, Asher dragged me out of the bedroom, putting an apron on me. I held back my emotions and served the sweet and sour ribs. But Adeline just took a bite and spat it out. “Asher, this dish is too salty. Is she targeting me on purpose?” Asher’s gaze turned sharp on me, “Why are you standing there? Do it again!” I kept remaking the sweet and sour ribs in the kitchen over and over. Each time, Adeline would take a bite and find fault. I endured the pain, raising my blistered hands from cutting the meat. “Asher, I…” “Enough, shut up. You can’t even handle a small thing.” Asher pulled Adeline into his arms, scolding me. Then he noticed my bleeding hands. The next moment, he pushed Adeline away, panic flashing in his eyes as he ran to me. “Cora, your hands are meant for holding knives.” He gently wiped the blood from my hands with a disinfectant wipe. Just then, Adeline clutched her stomach and screamed for help. “Asher, my stomach hurts…” Asher’s hand slipped in panic, driving the needle into my palm. “Addie, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” He anxiously held the screaming Adeline. She sobbed quietly in his arms, “Asher, I’m scared.” Asher glanced at the table, then turned to me. “Cora, I told you the title of Mrs. Asher will always be yours. Why make things hard for Addie?” With that, he signaled the bodyguards, “Feed the remaining sweet and sour ribs to Mrs. Asher.” The bodyguards approached and restrained me. They force-fed me the food like I was a pig. The more I struggled, the more they forced it down. Until I choked on a bone, convulsing, my vision fading as I collapsed. Asher fed an orange slice to Adeline. “Sweetheart, I punished her for you. Does your stomach still hurt?” Adeline provocatively licked Asher’s finger. “Asher, tonight I want to be in your and her bedroom. Is that okay?” Asher’s desire was instantly ignited. He picked Adeline up, and the bedroom lights flickered, mixed with man’s roars and woman’s whimpers. 2 The warmth beneath me pulled me back to reality. I looked up at Asher in panic, “Asher, the baby…” His face darkened, “What baby? Whose baby?” I clutched my aching belly, speaking numbly. “Last month’s incident, did you forget?” My words softened Asher’s expression a bit. He frowned at me, “Even if you seduced me last month when you returned, who knows if the child is a bastard from Africa?” My last hope vanished. “Sister, you’re pregnant with a gang leader’s child and want to use it to bind Asher.” Adeline’s voice was loud, and bystanders all stared at me. The lingerie I wore became a label of promiscuity. I instinctively tried to avoid their gaze. Asher thought I was guilty of being exposed. He roughly grabbed my hair, ripping away my last cover. “Weren’t the gang leaders in Africa enough for you?” I struggled to break free, but my body was weak. Just then, the tablet in my bag fell out. My mother’s pleas and men’s laughter echoed. My blood froze, and I collapsed, screaming desperately. “Please, let my mom go. I’ll do anything.” My pleas didn’t earn any mercy from the old man in the video. He maliciously tied my mom to a pillar. Then he pulled out his belt, beating her crazily. Watching my mom’s naked, scarred body, I lost control, banging my head on the ground before Asher. “Asher, I’m begging you. We were wrong back then.” “But you already took revenge, making mom demented.” “I’ll give up everything, just return my mom.” I kept banging my head until it bled. A strange emotion flickered in Asher’s eyes. He was about to help me up, but Adeline interrupted. “Asher, you’ve been to my camp. How could this happen?” “This is another AI-generated video.” She cried softly, and Asher’s hand retracted. He anxiously comforted Adeline, “Sweetheart, don’t cry. I’ll make Cora apologize.” He turned and kicked me in the stomach, “How dare you slander Addie? Apologize now.” I was thrown against a sanitation facility, its sharp edge piercing my belly. I lay on the ground, bleeding, unable to tell if my heart or body hurt more. The video call continued, and my mom seemed to sense something. She looked at the camera and smiled. I realized something was wrong, frantically shouting. “No, don’t, mom…” The next moment, mom broke free and jumped from the 30th-floor balcony. Time seemed to stand still. I forgot to breathe, and the video call abruptly ended. I went mad, clutching the tablet, laughing and crying. Asher frowned, snatching the tablet and smashing it. “Enough. Crying over an AI-generated video, how ridiculous.” Watching the shattered tablet, I clutched my chest. Overwhelmed by intense pain, I couldn’t hold on, vomiting blood. “No, don’t, Mom…” In the next moment, my mom broke free from the ropes and jumped off the 30th-floor balcony. Time seemed to stand still. I stood there, frozen, unable to breathe. The video call on the tablet cut off abruptly. I clutched the tablet, tears streaming down my face as I alternated between laughter and sobs. Asher furrowed his brows, grabbed the tablet from me, and smashed it onto the ground. “Enough. Crying over an AI-generated video won’t help.” Staring at the shattered tablet, I pressed my hand to my chest. A sharp pain coursed through me, and I couldn’t hold it any longer, coughing up blood. Asher panicked, pushing Adeline aside and lifting me up. “Cora, you can’t even die without my permission.” With the last of my strength, I opened my eyes. “Asher, we’re even now.” 3. When I came to, I was lying in a hospital bed. I glanced outside the ward where Asher was on the phone with Adeline. I smirked bitterly and pulled out my phone to make a call. “I’ve decided. I want to join the International Rescue Station with you.” “And I need you to arrange a fake death service for me.” The man on the phone chuckled. “Alright, leave it to me.” I didn’t say much more, simply sending over my personal information. “Cora, what are you thinking about? The doctor said your miscarriage was due to excessive grief.” “Here, have some porridge. I made it especially for you.” Asher approached, offering a bowl of porridge. I placed my hand on my abdomen, tears falling unbidden. My mom’s body wasn’t even cold yet, and my baby was gone too. The pain in my heart was overwhelming. “Asher, from age three to thirty, we’ve been together long enough.” I didn’t look up to take the porridge, just spoke in a low tone. Asher’s hand holding the porridge shook slightly. He seemed very displeased with my words, gripping my chin angrily. “Cora, don’t be like this. I don’t like it. We can have another child.” “Besides, Addie’s due soon. Once the baby is born, we’ll register it under your name.” Forced to look up at him, I couldn’t say anything. Maybe my gaze was too calm, so Asher let go of me, leaving with just one sentence. “Cora, don’t overthink. Once you’re discharged, we can start trying for another baby.” I laughed, then cried while laughing. Asher was always like this, never understanding what I said, or maybe he just didn’t want to. I said nothing, closing my eyes in exhaustion. The image of my mother jumping off the building kept replaying in my mind. I forced myself to endure the pain and completed the discharge procedures. In an abandoned factory, I found my mother’s body. Looking at her waterlogged, pale form, I could no longer suppress my grief. Ignoring the stench, I cradled her face. In my memory, her kind smile seemed like it was just yesterday. Thunder and lightning roared in the sky, echoing the trembling of my heart. After a long while, I stood in front of Old Mr. Asher, holding my mother’s urn. “Uncle Asher, I can’t fulfill what I promised you.” When Mrs. Asher committed suicide, Old Mr. Asher asked me to hide the truth about her death. He feared Asher couldn’t handle the truth. I wanted to refuse and tell Asher the truth directly. But my mom softened, admitting she had seduced Uncle Asher. Now, because of that well-intentioned lie, she was gone forever. Old Mr. Asher looked at the urn in my hands, regretting and crying. “Cora, it’s Uncle, I’m sorry for you both. Here is twenty percent of Asher Group’s shares, as compensation.” I didn’t refuse, taking the share transfer document and leaving. 4. I returned to The Asher Family, worn out and carrying my mother’s urn. “Since you’re discharged, go make some soup for Addie.” Asher was surprised to see me, then commanded. I looked at him with a mocking smile, “Asher, you can’t control me anymore.” My words left Asher confused, panic flashing in his eyes. “Oh, sis, where did you get that box? Is it a gift for me and the baby?” Imogen’s proud voice rang out as she snatched the urn from my hands. The last thread in my heart snapped, and I lunged at her. “Give me back my stuff.” Imogen shrieked, hiding behind Asher. “West, I just took a worthless box. Sis is so stingy.” Asher frowned, looking at me with a stern voice. “Enough. It’s just a worthless box. Is there a need to fight over it?” “Asher, do you know what’s inside?” I said painfully. But Asher dismissed it with a sneer, “Who cares what’s inside? If Addie likes it, you should give it to her.” My blood froze, and I slapped Asher across the face. “That’s my mom’s urn. Do you understand an urn?” Asher was stunned, disbelief in his eyes as he looked at me. “Cora, you hit me…” His eyes showed a hint of hurt, but I had no energy for more argument. Just as I moved to retrieve the urn, Imogen tossed it into the sewer. “Oh, sorry, sis, my hand slipped.” She turned, looking at me proudly, madness in her eyes. I froze, staring at her face. A fierce hatred surged, beyond my control. “Go to hell.” I lunged at Imogen, choking her. Imogen didn’t expect my boldness, trying to resist. But I pinned her down. “Imogen, I told you I didn’t want to fight you. Why couldn’t you leave me alone?” Seeing I was about to choke Imogen into unconsciousness, Asher finally reacted. He yanked my hair, pulling me off her. “Enough, Cora, are you insane? Claiming a worthless box is an urn.” “A few days ago, I saw your mom at the camp with two new boyfriends. So promiscuous, even with dementia, she can’t stop chasing men.” I broke down, crouching and sobbing, love and hate merging in a flash. I’ve never hated Asher more than at this moment. Not even when he sent me to an African refugee camp on a whim from Imogen. In the camp, I lived a life worse than death. Any man could take advantage of me. I always fantasized Asher would look back at me. But now, that dream shattered. Mom was gone, too. Seeing my extreme sadness, Asher tried to help me up, but Imogen’s pitiful voice interrupted. “West, I think I’m going into labor.” Asher immediately released me. “Addie, don’t be afraid. I’ll get you to the hospital.” In a rush, he picked up the crying Imogen and hurried to the hospital, not forgetting to warn me before leaving. “You better pray Addie and her baby are okay.” I laughed sarcastically. “Then wish her and the baby well!” After composing myself, I retrieved my mom’s urn from the sewer. I calmly packed my things and set fire to what I couldn’t take. Then, with Remy, I boarded a plane to Ireland. Asher sent me a message with a photo of Imogen and the safe baby. “Cora, our future child will be even cuter.” I removed the SIM card and tossed it in the trash. On the other side, holding the baby, Asher felt an inexplicable agitation. After handing the baby to a nurse, he anxiously dialed my number. But all he got was an unconnected message. At that moment, Old Mr. Asher stormed over, slapping Asher hard. “You disgrace, how long will you keep this up?” Asher scoffed, “Did Cora complain to you again?” Old Mr. Asher sighed, closing his eyes in pain. “Asher, things weren’t as you thought. You hurt Cora wrongly.” He handed Asher an agreement, his hands trembling. Asher took it, confused, and glanced at it. The next second, he was stunned, looking at Old Mr. Asher in a panic. “How is this possible? Is Cora conspiring with you to deceive me again?”

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Boyfriend has a low sperm count, and his assistant is naturally fertile, with a voluptuous figure. To have a child, my boyfriend seeks her company every night. When the assistant becomes pregnant, Declan says coolly, “I’ll send her abroad.” On the wedding day, Nora suffers from morning sickness. He leaves me to face all the guests alone while he tends to Nora’s mess. I hadn’t even taken off my wedding dress when I finally received his call, after I’d cried my eyes dry: “The wedding is postponed. We’ll wait until Nora’s pregnancy stabilizes; she can’t handle stress right now.” Hearing this, I kept sobbing. He grew more impatient: “Cora, stop making trouble. Do you want the Declan Family to be without an heir?” “When the child is born, I’ll have him call you mom. In the meantime, take good care of Nora and ensure nothing goes wrong!” I clutched the pregnancy test in my hand, feeling disheartened, and hung up the phone. He doesn’t know I’m a rabbit spirit. If I wanted to, I could have a litter of eight treasures in one go. Now, I’m returning to where I belong. … Wiping away my tears, I forced a natural smile and straightened my back to announce on stage: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mr. Declan and I have called off the wedding. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.” The crowd below began to murmur among themselves. Soon, Declan called again: “Cora, I hope you understand. I’m the heir of the Declan Family, and I must have a child.” “Nora’s pregnancy wasn’t easy. Once she gives birth, I’ll send her away. It won’t affect your status as the lady of the house.” “Don’t be stubborn. I’ve forgiven your earlier outburst. Go explain things to the guests, and I’ll come to pick you up. I can’t leave right now…” I interrupted him, “I’m pregnant.” Declan suddenly got angry: “Cora, we’ve been together for three years, and you never got pregnant. How is it that now, when Nora’s pregnant, you are too?” “Using this trick to seek attention, you’re so petty. How can you be the Declan Family’s wife like this?” I felt like I was falling into an abyss, suffocating. Trying to hide the tremble in my voice, I spoke with difficulty: “Declan, I’m not marrying you.” There was silence on the other end for a few minutes, then his cold voice came through: “Fine, fine then. Marry or not, I wonder where a lone orphan like you can go.” Beep beep beep… The line went dead, ruthlessly cut off. Ignoring the surprised looks from the banquet guests, I tossed away the bouquet and walked quickly to the dressing room. Just as I was about to change out of this heartbreaking wedding dress, Declan’s Mother suddenly burst in and slapped me hard: “You little tramp, how dare you cancel the wedding in front of everyone! You’ve disgraced the Declan Family!” “If Mr. Declan Sr. hadn’t insisted on Declan marrying you, how could an orphan with no power or influence possibly climb up to the Declan Family?” Her anger grew as she pinched me several times: “Hmph, it’s good the wedding’s canceled. At least a jinx like you won’t enter the Declan Family’s door.” By the time she vented her anger, it was already dark, and the banquet hall was about to close. I didn’t have time to change clothes, so I stood on the bustling street in a luxurious yet dust-covered wedding dress. The curious and sympathetic looks from passersby made me shrink back. Suddenly, a large coat was gently draped over my shoulders, a faint cool fragrance lingering at my nose. “Little bunny, long time no see. How did you end up like this?” A warm voice sounded in my ear. I turned around and saw the figure I’d been waiting for three years to see, my nose tingling: “Asher, I want to go home.” He gently wiped the tears from the corner of my eyes, his voice filled with unfathomable softness: “Okay, I’ll take you home.” I arranged to meet Asher three days later. Having been in the human world for three years, I had some things to deal with, like saying goodbye to my savior, Mr. Declan Sr. Just after taking off my wedding dress, Nora sent a photo. She was wearing a pearl necklace. The white pearls made her look as elegant and graceful as a swan. “The pearl necklace sister gave to Declan looks great. He made it into a necklace for me.” The bright color stung my eyes; these pearls were condensed from my inner energy. To treat Declan’s low sperm count, I trained day and night, fainting from exhaustion several times, nearly going mad. It took three years to condense these few pearls. As long as he carried my inner energy with him, he could regain normal fertility. I still remember Declan’s surprise when he received this gift. “A gift from Cora, I’ll definitely treasure it.” He carefully placed the pearls close to his heart: “Keeping them here is like having you by my side.” His gentle smile seemed like yesterday, yet today he trampled on my feelings. I stared at the screen, suddenly unable to breathe. Since I’ve decided to leave, I must take back my inner energy. I immediately went to the Declan Family villa. As soon as I opened the door, I felt like I was in an ice cave. “Ouch, Declan, you’re hurting me…” A whimper came from inside, the voice rising and falling as if she couldn’t catch her breath. “Little seductress, who told you to be so alluring? How about giving me another child?” A low, deep laugh from Declan. “No… If sister comes back and sees, she’ll be mad…” Nora’s intermittent pleading. Declan coldly snorted, “So what if she sees?” “We’ve been together for three years, and her stomach hasn’t shown any signs. Should I let the Declan Family have no heir for her?” “If she hadn’t been so cunning and sucked up to Mr. Declan Sr., insisting I marry her, I would’ve broken up with her long ago.” “A woman full of schemes. Once her tricks fail, she’ll come crawling back to me.” I stood silently by the door, tears falling silently. It turns out his love was fake. He was marrying me only because of Mr. Declan Sr.’s orders. I clenched my palm tightly, listening to their breath grow heavier, growing more intense, not knowing how long it had been… The door opened. Declan’s clothes were disheveled. Seeing my tear-streaked face, he was first stunned, then a mocking smile appeared: “Regretting it? I thought you could stay tough until New Year.” My fingertips unconsciously clenched: “Declan, where’s the pearl I gave you? Give it back to me.” He frowned, looking indifferent: “It’s just a string of pearls. Is it that important?” My grievance exploded: “Yes, it’s important! It represents my hard work, and you ruined it. I want to take it back!” Just then, Nora suddenly pushed open the door: “Sister, don’t make things difficult for Declan. It was me who insisted on having your pearls. Declan had no choice but to give them to me.” Her eyes were red, the pearl necklace on her neck shining brightly, making me look like a huge joke. Seeing Nora’s tears, Declan lost control. He suddenly grabbed my shoulders, his fingers almost digging into my flesh. “Cora, are you done yet? It’s just a lousy necklace. So what if I gave it to her? You’ve been in the Declan Family for three years, haven’t you seen enough good things? Why make a fuss over a necklace?” With that, he walked into the bedroom, grabbed a handful of cash from a drawer, and threw it in my face. “Is this enough? If not, have the butler swipe the card. Now get out!” Nora hurriedly clung to Declan’s arm: “Declan, don’t fight over me.” “If the necklace is that important to sister, I’ll give it back.” She took off the necklace and handed it to me, but just as I reached out to take it. Suddenly, she stumbled and fell heavily to the ground. “Ah! My child… My stomach hurts!” “I didn’t push her!” Surprised by Nora’s acting, I quickly explained. Declan ignored me and nervously held Nora in his arms, carefully asking her: “Nora, how do you feel? I’ll take you to the hospital.” “It’s nothing, I just lost my balance…” With tears glistening at the corners of her eyes, Nora looked at me pitifully: “Sister, I didn’t mean to take your place as Declan’s wife, but Declan treats me so well, I can’t bear to see him without an heir.” With that, she struggled to get up and kowtowed to me, continuously muttering: “I’m sorry… I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to ruin your relationship.” Declan’s forehead veins bulged, his eyes filled with disgust as he looked at me: “Are you satisfied now?” I looked indifferent; it was all her own performance. What did it have to do with me? Not wanting to argue further, I turned to leave. Who knew Declan would be provoked by my action? He suddenly shoved me. I fell heavily to the ground, my belongings scattering everywhere. Sharp pain spread through my body. Without the inner energy, my body was as weak as a human’s, and I couldn’t stand up from the pain. “What are you whining about? Get up.” Declan made no move to help, standing over me and scolding. Nora suddenly exclaimed, picking up the pregnancy test that had fallen: “Sister, when did you get depression?” Then she covered her face and sobbed: “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t gotten pregnant, sister wouldn’t have depression. I’ll leave now.” She cried as if she were about to faint, pretending to leave. Declan felt sorry for her, looking at me with loathing, as if I were a terrible person: “Cora, are you done yet?” “It’s just depression, it’s everywhere now. You think having depression will make me forgive you?” “Stop making a fuss!” “Big sister, when did you become depressed?” After saying this, she covered her face and sobbed, “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t gotten pregnant, you wouldn’t have become depressed. I’ll leave now.” She cried so hard she nearly passed out, pretending to leave. Declan was overwhelmed with emotion and looked at me with disgust, as if I were unforgivable: “Cora, are you done yet?” “It’s just depression, isn’t it? Everyone’s dealing with it these days. Do you think having depression will make me forgive you?” “Even being unreasonable has its limits!” He snatched the pregnancy test from Nora’s hand and tore it up without even looking at it. He judged me so harshly, and I looked at Declan in disappointment, as if I never knew him. Afraid of revealing my tear-streaked face, I turned to leave. Declan suddenly grabbed me, a flash of panic in his eyes, but it quickly turned cold again: “Ha, trying to get my attention again?” “Do you think I’ll fall for your trick?” “If you want to leave, then go. Just don’t come back. Seeing you cry is annoying.” The pearl necklace fell to the ground, now covered in dust. In an unnoticed corner, these pearls, along with my once sincere heart, were trampled into the mud. I broke free from his grip and left without looking back. Back home, I lay on the bed, allowing my energy to slowly dissipate, and this body gradually stopped breathing. Declan didn’t want this child, but the debt to the Declan Family is repaid, and my task is complete… I transformed into my true form, feeling a bit lost, having lived here for over three years. Suddenly, my phone rang, and Asher’s cool voice came through: “Are you ready? I’m coming to get you.” At Asher’s Family, I was stunned by the sight before me. Everywhere there were exotic plants and tall trees, like a fairytale realm. “Do you like it?” Asher held my hand, his palm dry and warm. “This will be your home from now on. Feel free to be yourself.” “Okay,” I replied softly. After I left, without my interference, Declan and Nora became even more reckless. They indulged themselves in the villa, oblivious to the world. Until the butler urgently knocked on the door. Annoyed by the interruption, Declan was furious. He grabbed a glass from the bedside and smashed it against the door: “Get lost!” “Mr. Declan, it’s really urgent!” The butler was anxious outside, knocking more urgently. Unable to ignore it, Declan grabbed a towel and opened the door. “What is it?” Seeing Declan’s barely contained anger, the butler shrank back, his voice trembling: “Miss Chen… Miss Chen is dead…” Declan froze at the words, his body involuntarily leaning forward as if afraid he’d misheard. “Say that again…” The butler’s voice grew quieter: “The cleaning staff, who regularly cleans, smelled something strange in the villa, thinking a rat had died inside…” “She didn’t pay attention until she cleaned the master bedroom and saw Miss Chen lying motionless on the bed, her body already decomposing.” Declan’s knuckles cracked as he grabbed the butler’s collar: “I don’t believe Cora is dead. Are you and she conspiring to deceive me?” “She was fine a few days ago, how could she possibly be dead!” Nora, standing quietly beside, gently held Declan’s arm: “Big sister is strong-willed, maybe she’s joking.” Declan felt a sudden surge of anger. Yes, Cora had caused a scene a few days ago and he sent her away. Perhaps she was unwilling and used this trick to get his attention. Thinking this, Declan’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Tell Cora to stop playing these petty tricks. I won’t fall for it.” “If you join Cora in her antics again, don’t bother coming to work.” Without waiting for the butler to speak, he closed the door. The butler sighed helplessly and could only have the body taken to the morgue for freezing. After ignoring Cora for two months, Declan figured she wouldn’t dare cause trouble again. Today was Mr. Declan Sr.’s return day. He had to take Cora to the family banquet; otherwise, Mr. Declan Sr. would be angry. Having ignored her for so long, Declan felt a bit guilty. He thought of bringing a gift back; Cora loved him so much, she would surely forgive him. Thinking this, Declan called the butler: “Notify Cora that I’m coming to pick her up today.” The butler looked up sharply: “Mr. Declan, but Miss Chen is already dead!” Declan furrowed his brow: “Butler, I’ve warned you before. If you keep playing along with Cora, you’ll…” Before he could finish, the butler quickly interrupted: “Mr. Declan, I’ve already sent Miss Chen’s body to the largest funeral home in the city.”

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Wedding anniversary, my husband gifted me a necklace he designed, claiming it symbolized our unique love. But there was a curly hair stuck on the chain. He pretended to be annoyed: “The store clerk was careless, leaving a strand of hair.” However, he didn’t know that I had already seen this necklace in his assistant’s Snapchat two days before. [She wore it for two days and got bored. Just to acknowledge his effort, she posted a picture to praise him.] She even set it so that only I could see it. I pushed away his hand as he tried to help me put it on and casually tossed the necklace into the trash. Asher’s face turned dramatically. “You don’t appreciate my gift at all. Seems like I shouldn’t bother giving you anything in the future.” No problem, I’ll buy my own gifts from now on. But a man who cheats on me, I won’t keep. 0 After confirming tomorrow’s abortion with the nurse over the phone, I turned and walked into the restaurant. “The hospital just informed me about a check-up.” I explained to Asher nonchalantly: “Where were we?” The man across from me stared coldly. “Eloise, are you really going to ruin our fifth wedding anniversary over a hair?” The necklace he picked up again, with its sparkling bowtie, reflected the restaurant lights, stabbing my eyes from this angle. “Asher, you forgot I really hate butterflies?” His anger was first replaced by confusion, followed by embarrassment and awkwardness. Everyone who knows me knows I hate butterflies. My dad, who was my only family at that time, died falling off a cliff while trying to take a picture of a rare butterfly for me. Since then, I can’t stand anything related to butterflies. Asher used to be more attentive to this than anyone else. Even when we went to a department store, he would scout ahead to avoid bowtie products. I didn’t expect him to forget all about this. He awkwardly touched his nose: “I just thought the pattern suited you and forgot about your dislike.” “Eloise, you’re too sentimental, holding on to the past.” I laughed at myself; indeed, too sentimental. I almost forgot this necklace wasn’t meant for me. Imogen got tired of wearing it, and only then did I have the chance to receive this second-hand item. Do I have any right to be picky? I dodged the question: “You’re right, it’s time to let go.” Seeing my mocking expression, a strange look crossed his face, but before he could think more, his phone alerted him to a new message. Seeing how anxious he was, I didn’t need to ask to know it was from Imogen. He replied with a voice message in seconds: “Got it, I’m coming now.” I looked up at his anxious face. Before he could speak, I said calmly: “Is it work requiring overtime? Go ahead.” He immediately put on his coat, kissing my forehead as he left. “Sorry, it’s really urgent at the office. I’ll make it up to you with a romantic celebration on your birthday.” “Thank you, honey, you’re so considerate. I love you.” I quietly watched his hurried back. The man who accused me of ruining our anniversary couldn’t even wait for the meal before leaving. He was in such a rush he left his phone on the table. I lit up the phone to see Imogen’s message: “Red wine steak on the table, I’m in bed, waiting for you.” It was obvious Imogen did this on purpose. She’s Asher’s assistant and must know tonight is our anniversary. This blatant provocation used to make me cry, fearing losing Asher. But now, I feel nothing. Whoever wants this trash of a man can have him. I asked the waiter to dump all the dishes and handed the necklace to a begging woman on the street as I left. She gratefully bowed to me repeatedly. Back home, I dialed Gideon’s number: “Senior, about the scriptwriting job you mentioned last time, I’ve decided to join.” “That’s great, Eloise! Professor Griffin always said you were the best filmmaker. It’s a shame Asher ‘privatized’ you. When you decided to be a housewife, Professor Griffin even cried.” “Please tell Professor Griffin, Eloise took a detour, but Eloise is coming back.” 0

Asher returned home to get his phone, telling me the project needed an all-nighter revision and I should sleep without waiting for him. I pretended not to notice the red marks on his neck and nodded indifferently, continuing to revise the script for the upcoming shoot. He glanced swiftly at it, clicking his tongue with disdain. “You’ve been out of the film industry for so long. Looking at these again is pointless.” I rolled my eyes silently. Ever since becoming a housewife, Asher’s appreciation for my artistic pursuits turned into sarcasm. Seeing my displeasure, he softened his tone. “It’s my fault for not spending enough time with you. That’s why you’re bored and keep flipping through these old things.” He suddenly draped his arm over my shoulder, reaching for my shirt button. “Eloise, let’s have a child. Having a kid with you is better than being idle all day.” He leaned behind me, his breath heavy. I could smell Imogen’s perfume on him. The strong sandalwood scent made me nauseous. I didn’t want to touch him at all. Fresh from her bed, now wanting intimacy with me. Doesn’t he find it repulsive? I excused myself to the bathroom, brushing off his hand, locking the door behind me. Disgust overwhelmed me like a tide. I used to want children so desperately, clinging to him every night to have one. He said he didn’t like kids, so he refused. Now, the child I’m carrying, I got pregnant only by faking taking birth control. I originally planned to reveal it after three months, betting he’d soften and keep the baby. But during a prenatal checkup, I saw him accompanying Imogen for her checkup; she was three weeks ahead of me. Watching him carefully protect Imogen, I realized he didn’t dislike kids, just didn’t want them with me. My heart went cold at that moment, and I immediately switched my registration to schedule an abortion. Now Asher wants a child with me only because he feels guilty about his betrayal, thinking a child would make up for it. I wonder if he’ll break down when he finds out I’d rather have an abortion than have his child. When I emerged from the bathroom, he had already taken a call and left quickly. I was glad for the peace, closing the door and getting a good night’s sleep. The next day, I went to the hospital early. As the cold anesthetic entered my body, tears fell uncontrollably. I’m sorry, baby, I once hoped for you to come, and now I’m sending you away. But I know you’d support my decision. The procedure was over quickly, and when I opened my eyes again, the nurse told me I could go home. “Ma’am, are you alone? Do you want me to call your husband to pick you up?” I shook my head, leaning against the wall to slowly leave. Behind me, I could still faintly hear the nurses gossiping. “So pitiful, her man didn’t show up.” “Love-struck fool. Hospitals can’t cure that.” I smiled wryly to myself; they weren’t wrong. My brain was waterlogged with love for Asher. Now, this is the price I pay. At the hospital entrance, I bumped into a couple. As I struggled to get up, our eyes met. Across from me, Asher was supporting Imogen, looking at me in panic. 0

“Honey, what are you doing at the maternity ward?” I coughed lightly, brushing it off: “Just picking up a test report.” “What about you guys?” My gaze fell on Imogen’s slightly bulging belly, waiting curiously for their explanation. “Imogen’s boyfriend is on a business trip, so he asked me to accompany her for a checkup.” Asher answered hastily, while Imogen cast him a resentful look. I didn’t expose the lie, just responded with a nonchalant “oh.” Suddenly, a loud cry erupted behind us. A pregnant woman, crazed, was charging through the crowd. “Compensation! Heartless hospital, give me back my child!” “It’s a medical dispute, clear the area!” someone shouted. But the hospital was crowded, and she was strong; we didn’t have time to evade. As she was about to crash into Imogen and me, Asher clung tightly to Imogen, shielding her in his arms. Because of my frail body, the force of her collision sent me sprawling to the ground. “So painful…” I clutched my stomach, waves of pain radiating from my abdomen, blood flowing from between my legs. The surrounding people screamed in alarm: “Someone’s bleeding! Someone’s bleeding! Doctor, hurry!” Asher let go of Imogen and rushed over. Seeing my blood, panic flooded his eyes: “Honey, does it hurt? I’ll take you to emergency now.” I was in too much pain to speak, reaching out for him to lift me. “Oh my God, Imogen, it hurts so much, where are you, honey?” Hearing Imogen’s cries, his attention instantly shifted to her. He didn’t even have time to explain why she called him “honey” before instinctively letting go of my hand and running to her. Imogen had scraped her hand on a nearby stone, a small cut bleeding slightly. “It hurts so much, I’m dying, Asher, I’m so scared.” She sobbed in his arms, her pitiful look tugging at his heart as he gently patted her back to comfort her. “It’s okay, I’m here. I’ll take you to the emergency room right away.” He gritted his teeth, lifting her in his arms, heading straight for the emergency room. Only then did he remember I was still sitting where I fell, looking guilty as he said to me: “Imogen’s so spoiled, cries all day over a little scratch, and being pregnant, she’s more urgent. I’ll take care of her first.” “The emergency room is just a few steps away; walk slowly and endure it for a bit.” “I’ll come back to the emergency room for you after I take her to the maternity ward.” She lay sobbing on Asher’s chest, her vulnerable appearance tugging at his heartstrings. He gently patted her back, trying to soothe her. “Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll get you to the emergency room right away.” With a determined look, he picked her up and rushed to the emergency room. Only when he was leaving did he remember I was still sitting there. With a guilty expression, he said to me, “Imogen is very sensitive. Even the smallest scratch makes her cry all day, and she’s pregnant, so she needs immediate attention. I’ll take care of her first.” “The emergency room is just a short walk away. You can take your time and hang in there.” “I’ll come back for you after I take her to the maternity ward.” I was in such pain that I had to keep my eyes shut. I couldn’t even move my legs, and my lower abdomen felt unbearably heavy. Luckily, since the incident happened right at the hospital entrance, two medical staff carried me on a stretcher to the emergency room immediately. After the surgery and fall, the doctor advised me to stay in the hospital for a couple of days to rest. As the nurse was transferring me to the ward, I overheard a conversation between the nurses. “That pregnant woman had just a small scratch, and her husband made such a scene, rushing her to the emergency room and even kneeling to beg the doctor. It was like something out of a TV drama!” “That’s love for you. A good man like that is hard to find.” I smiled to myself, feeling the irony of it all. A man who leaves his seriously injured wife but kneels for a mistress with a minor scratch is indeed a rare find. Asher and Imogen were becoming more and more repulsive to me. I’ve never felt such a strong urge to leave. 04 After settling into the ward, I turned on my phone and saw Imogen’s Snapchat. There was Asher, wearing an apron and bending over to make chicken soup for her, something he never did for me. Her caption read, “Have you ever tasted his love-filled chicken soup?” It was another post visible only to me, Imogen’s declaration of war was clear. I didn’t respond, just informed the doctor that no family would be visiting, and I could sign any paperwork myself. After all, Asher had probably forgotten all about picking me up. When Imogen saw I wasn’t reacting, she couldn’t resist sending me a private message to taunt me. First, a photo of Asher massaging her feet, then a video of the two whispering intimately, all too unbearable to watch. “He wanted me so many times, my back is sore.” “During it, he kept making me call him something like ‘daddy,’ saying the baby and I are both his precious ones.” Fed up with the harassment, I turned off my phone. After three days in the hospital, I decided to go home. I had discussed with Gideon that to save costs and speed up progress, we would head out to the wilderness for shooting the next day. He was in charge of buying tickets and notifying the crew, while I would go home and pack. When I got home, I found Asher there too. I was puzzled why he wasn’t at Imogen’s place, but he spoke first. “Even if I didn’t pick you up from the hospital that day, there’s no need to turn off your phone for three days and throw a tantrum, right?” I remembered I turned off my phone to avoid seeing their explicit videos, so I answered coldly, “The phone was out of battery.” “Imogen is timid and pampered. Her family and friends aren’t in River City, so I felt sorry for her and helped her first. You’re in your thirties and still jealous of a young girl? Eloise, aren’t you being childish?” “After my dad died, I have no other relatives or friends in this world.” My tone was calm, but his face turned stiff. My dad and I depended on each other. Since he passed away, Asher was the only family I had left. “Eloise, I’m sorry, I forgot. It’s my fault. Are your knees better now?” This jerk only had eyes for Imogen. He even remembered my injury wrong. Tired of his insincere words, I went straight into the room to pack my luggage. He followed, hugging me from behind. “Today is your birthday, and I want to celebrate it with you.” “Imogen said she wants to come and help celebrate too, and apologize. I booked the most popular Michelin restaurant. Let’s have a good meal tonight.” “Wife, you’ll always be the most important person to me.” He kept murmuring sweet nothings in my ear, but I was already beyond caring. Asher was so caught up in his act that he almost believed it himself, his eyes glistening with tears. As the audience, all I felt was profound embarrassment, remembering he could make the same solemn promises to two women. I plugged my original phone in to charge and immediately saw over a hundred missed calls from him and a message from Imogen. “Sis, you must come to dinner tonight. I’ve prepared a big gift for you.” It seemed Imogen planned to confront me tonight, but she wouldn’t get the chance. Still, I was curious about Asher’s reaction. I smirked and handed him a manila envelope. “Sure, I have a gift for you too. Open it at the dinner.” He took the envelope, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes as he frowned. “A gift? You don’t work and have no money. What could you possibly give me?” “It’s definitely a surprise. You’ll see when you open it.” At six in the evening, I was at the airport gate, admiring the sunset through the window. The plane would take off in 30 minutes. Asher sent a video call request. “Wife, I’m here. Did you leave yet? Wait, why are you at the airport?” He was in a new suit and had his hair styled, perfect for the upcoming surprise. “Don’t ask yet, just open the gift I gave you.” “This is… a divorce agreement? Wife, is this a joke? Don’t be silly!” Asher’s face was full of panic, his hand holding the divorce agreement trembling. “Shh, I’m not joking, be patient, Asher. There’s more to the surprise.” At this moment, the restaurant waiter brought over a stack of photos just as I’d arranged earlier. Asher, full of doubt, began to flip through them. With each one, his expression grew darker. He probably never imagined that the intimate scenes in the car would be captured on the dashcam and printed out for him to see. The photos scattered helplessly on the floor as he mumbled, “I can explain…” “No need, Asher. You know exactly what you’ve done. Our marriage is over. Starting today, after two years of separation, the divorce agreement will take effect.” “Just focus on being a good dad.”

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My Love, My Punishment My birthday. My childhood sweetheart, Liam, kissed his first love, Serena, during a game of Truth or Dare. Humiliated and furious, I stormed out of the house. Liam’s parents and my parents rushed to find me, worried sick. They died in a tragic car accident on the way. From that day on, Liam hated me. He forced me to drink until my stomach bled, made me kneel before his first love, and even abandoned me after a car crash to go comfort his first love’s sick puppy… When I died in that cold operating room, Liam was busy picking out a wedding ring for his new bride. It took him three days to find my body. He stared, eyes bloodshot, begging me to come back like a madman. “Riley, you still owe me. You’re not allowed to leave me.” But Liam, your family wasn’t the only one who died in that accident. “Ms. Hayes, are you really sure you want to leave all your assets to Mr. Harrison?” I clutched the stomach cancer diagnosis papers, feeling a massive weight lift from my chest. “Yes. It’s what I owe him.” The clerk looked at me with a hint of pity. “Perhaps if you underwent treatment, you could get better. You’re still so young.” I lowered my head, a bitter smile playing on my lips. “This is something I’ve longed for. I should have died ages ago.” Just then, Liam called. His voice was cold, indifferent, laced with a familiar hatred. “Did you take the day off to fool around?” Before I could explain, his tone grew even colder. “You killed my parents, Riley. You’re a sinner! You don’t deserve a single moment of peace.” My heart squeezed tight, as if a giant hand had grabbed it, the pain unbearable. “Liam, I’m…” dying. He didn’t care what I was about to say, cutting me off abruptly. “Bar 177. Serena wants cake from that fancy bakery downtown. Go buy it and bring it over.” “And walk there.” I agreed, plunging headfirst into the pouring rain. The bakery across town was on a remote street, but its business was booming. I stood in line for four hours in my soaking wet clothes. When I finally walked into the private room, the boisterous atmosphere instantly froze. One of Liam’s friends glared at me, shoving me hard onto the cold floor. A deliberately humiliating splash of wine poured from my hair all the way down my clothes. I shivered, bone-chilled. “How dare you show your face in front of Liam, you murderer!” The cake I’d brought lay splattered on the floor. I anxiously looked towards Liam, who was shrouded in the dim light. His first love, Serena, nestled against him, glanced at me like I was a joke. She whined softly into his ear, “Liam, my cake’s gone.” “Go buy another one,” his icy voice cut through the air, drilling into my ears. I stifled the throbbing pain from the blisters on my feet and forced a smile. “Alright.” “No need, Liam, my love, for being late, why don’t we make her drink all hundred glasses of wine on the table?” Serena’s smile was sickeningly sweet. I remembered my diagnosis from today. “Can I… can I do something else?” A gaze like a blade landed on me. Liam’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. “What right do you have to bargain?” Even though I’d long known Liam no longer loved me, my heart still twisted with a sharp pang. I stopped protesting, grabbed a glass, and chugged it down. The burning sensation in my stomach made me dizzy. Around me, I heard their jeers and cheers. “Liam’s really protecting his lady, huh?” “Kiss her, Liam! Kiss her!” By the ninety-ninth glass, my face was pale, and my hands trembled uncontrollably from the pain. In my peripheral vision, I saw Liam shielding Serena from drinks, gently coaxing her. “Well, well, what do we have here? A wet T-shirt contest? I like it.” Brett, one of Liam’s sleazy acquaintances, walked in, his gaze greedily raking over me. His fat hand groped my shoulder, making me gag. “Come with me, pretty thing. I promise I’ll treat you right, hehe.” Liam watched me being harassed, watched my humiliation, with cold indifference the entire time. I dodged his hand as it tried to wander lower. “Brett, I belong to Liam.” Perhaps it was just my imagination, but his gaze seemed to turn even colder.

At three in the morning, the tormenting farce finally ended. I sighed in relief. Liam’s smile was casual, almost dismissive. “I don’t trust Serena to go home alone. I’ll take her. You can walk back.” I didn’t argue. I just turned and started to leave. A hand suddenly grabbed my neck, slamming me against the couch. The multicolored lights of the room flickered across Liam’s profile. The next second, he kissed me fiercely. It was a savage kiss, one that left me gasping for air. After a long moment, he pulled away, gently wiping a trace of blood from the corner of my mouth. He was the one tormenting me, yet his eyes were red-rimmed, his lashes trembling. “Riley, were you trying to die drinking all that? Don’t you know you have a stomach condition?! Are you trying to make me feel bad?” “Brett wanted you, why didn’t you just go with him?! Riley, what makes you think you can call yourself ‘mine’?!” I swallowed the bitter tears, turning my head away to calm myself. “I haven’t paid you back yet.” In that instant, his eyes filled with hatred. He slammed his fist into the sofa. His words were sharp, like razor blades, wishing to slice me apart instantly. “Why wasn’t it you who died?! Why?! Why don’t you just die?!” I smiled bitterly, watching him calmly. “If I died, would that be enough?” He answered without hesitation. “Yes. Only by dying in atonement will it be enough.” As you wish. I’m going to die very soon. My phone rang, shattering the atmosphere thick with hatred. It was Serena. “Liam, it’s thundering outside! I’m so scared!” Liam suppressed his rage. His voice instantly softened, like he was comforting a small child. “Don’t be scared, Serena. Liam’s coming right away.” Without a backward glance, he slammed the door shut and stormed out. It wasn’t until his figure disappeared that I finally broke, violently vomiting into a nearby trash can. It was all blood, mouthful after mouthful. The shocking red oddly brought a fleeting sense of relief. My body was burning hot. I tried to stand up, but my legs gave out, and I stumbled, hitting my head on the corner of a table before blacking out completely. I dreamt of the past. Liam and I were childhood sweethearts. From a young age, he only protected me. Liam’s parents treated me like their own daughter. I dreamt of them smiling, holding my hand, and slipping me some cash. “Riley, you’re truly our sweet girl.” Liam’s face beside them darkened slightly, and he leaned closer to me. “Mom, Dad! I don’t want to be Riley’s brother!” “Hahaha, Liam’s jealous! Alright, alright, you’re not her brother, you’re her sweetheart.” Liam and I exchanged glances, both blushing fiercely. Tears unconsciously streamed down my face. I dreamt of seventeen-year-old Liam, when nasty rumors about me started circulating. He’d single-handedly fought those thugs, coming back with a bruised face, whining in my arms. “It hurts so much, Riley.” My heart ached as I disinfected his wounds, sighing resignedly. “Don’t get into fights anymore.” But the young boy just smiled, tugging at my long face. “Riley, don’t be scared. Liam will always be here. No one will ever bully you!” Seeing my distress, he made a funny face to cheer me up. “Riley, it hurts here. I want a kiss.” Seventeen-year-old Riley and Liam shared a solemn kiss in the romantic sunset. What a beautiful youth it was. Until four years ago, on my birthday. I received a video. Liam had lost a game of Truth or Dare and had to passionately kiss his first love, Serena, for ten minutes. I couldn’t believe it was him, but he wouldn’t reply to my messages or answer my calls. I stormed out of the house, hoping he’d come after me and coax me back. Liam’s parents and my parents, worried something might happen to me outside, rushed to find me. They got into a car accident on the way. When I arrived, Mom and Dad had already passed. Liam’s mom, her face covered in blood, used her last ounce of strength to gently hug me. “Riley… don’t… don’t be scared… Mom and Dad are gone, but you still have Liam. He’ll always protect you.” “Your moms and dads love you…” “Don’t… blame yourself, Riley, be hap…” Liam’s mom, who had always been so good to me, took her last breath in my arms. I cried until my voice was hoarse. When Liam arrived, what he saw were the cold bodies of his parents. His eyes were bloodshot. He tightly clutched my hand, in too much agony and despair to speak. Tears streamed down my face like an endless river. I threw myself into his arms, repeatedly whispering, “I’m sorry.” “I’m so sorry, Liam. If I hadn’t been so stubborn, if I hadn’t run off in a fit of pique, our parents wouldn’t have died.” “I’m so sorry, I…” I choked on my sobs, hearing Liam’s desperate voice say, “Riley, you’re a sinner.” I knew. My sins were profound. That’s why every night, I would self-harm to find peace enough to sleep, staying by Liam’s side to suffer as my atonement, refusing medication to endure the stomach cancer pain. That day, I lost the people who loved me most, and I lost the person I loved most. Everything became an impossible dream. Thankfully, I’m dying soon. I can finally go be with Mom and Dad. And Liam can finally stop tormenting me, and I him.

“Mom, Dad, I won’t be stubborn anymore. Can you please come back?” I didn’t want to wake up, my tears soaking the pillowcase. Familiar footsteps approached the hospital room door. “Riley, you don’t have to make yourself look so pathetic. It won’t make me feel sorry for you.” Seeing the scar on my forehead, his voice inexplicably deepened a few shades. Serena, clinging to his arm, wore the smile of a victor. “Riley, if you’re sick, who’s going to design Liam’s and my wedding house?” “I’ve been sleeping in Liam’s room these past few days. You really do have good taste, the mattress you picked out is so soft.” I swallowed the bitterness in my heart, speaking calmly. “I’ll stay up all night to get your wedding house ready.” At my words, the triumph in Serena’s eyes became even more evident. Liam’s throat bobbed, his expression darkening slightly. “Take good care of yourself. Otherwise, how will you pay off your debt?” His eyes were devoid of any warmth, leaving me unsure if he was genuinely concerned or just wanted me to get better to suffer more. I smiled bitterly. It had to be the latter. He hated me so much. He stepped out to get some medication. Serena’s voice then grew smug. “What kind of man would sacrifice his pride to personally get period pain medication for a woman? Liam spoils me too much; he just can’t bear for me to be uncomfortable.” “He even has a notebook full of prescription formulas. Liam really does love me deeply.” I froze, remembering when I used to have period cramps. He’d drive to the pharmacy in the dead of night to get my meds, then warm my stomach with his hands all night, barely sleeping just so he could make me a hot drink as soon as I stirred. I’d once asked him if he felt embarrassed, a grown man personally going to the hospital for period meds. Liam’s tears had fallen onto my neck, searing me to the core. “Riley, don’t scare me. I thought you were seriously ill. I was so afraid, so afraid you’d leave me.” “I wish it were me who was hurting instead.” Only then did I realize that loving someone could make you shed tears before they did. Seeing my blank expression, a flicker of anger crossed Serena’s eyes. She approached me with a smirk, then covered her face and stumbled back a few steps, tearfully complaining to Liam as he entered. “Oh! Liam, Riley just hit me!” I instinctively retorted, “I have a fever, I’m so weak, I couldn’t possibly hit her…” “Riley, I know you don’t like me, but you can’t ruin my face!” Serena’s eyes welled up as she looked at Liam. “Liam, it’s okay, I can put up with a little hardship for you.” Liam’s gaze fell on my fever-flushed face. He watched me for what felt like an eternity before his voice deepened. “Don’t play the victim. Get down on your knees and apologize.” Her face was smooth and unblemished, yet Liam had directly condemned me. My pride made me stiffen my spine, looking up to meet his mocking eyes. In that single moment, I crumbled. “Riley, you claim you want to atone, but you won’t even do this small thing?” I glanced at the floor. There were thumbtacks Serena had just scattered. But I still knelt down without hesitation. The sharp thumbtacks dug deep into my knees. Every movement was like a knife twisting. Blood seeped from my numb legs. I almost couldn’t hold myself up, wanting to collapse. After a long while, Liam tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and left with Serena in his arms. “Stay kneeling all day. Come back and apologize to Serena when you understand your mistake.”

The last rays of the sun kissed my haggard face. I swayed, then slowly stood up. Without even putting on ointment for my wounds, I swallowed two fever reducers and went to buy an apology gift. When Serena saw the gift I humbly offered, her smile grew even more innocent, and she enthusiastically pulled me inside. “Riley, Liam cooked for me personally. You should join us.” With that, she darted into the kitchen, playfully wrapping her arms around Liam. Liam smiled indulgently, tapping her forehead. I pulled my gaze away, a sharp pang in my heart, and began to observe the home Liam and I once shared. All the pink decorations I loved were replaced with Serena’s preferred purple. Even the family photos in the living room had been swapped out for their wedding portraits. My bedroom was knocked down and turned into Serena’s walk-in closet. I lowered my head, afraid to look around any more, but then I noticed that every dish on the dining table contained ingredients I was allergic to. I shot a look at Liam. He treated me like I was invisible, meticulously attending to Serena, serving her food, pouring her drinks, getting her tissues. I’m highly allergic. Liam used to be so worried about me, often taking me for check-ups. He’d pull the doctor aside to take notes on all the things I was allergic to. But now, it seemed he had forgotten. Serena gave me a defiant look, then placed a chili pepper on my plate. “Riley, have you still not forgiven me?” Liam glanced at me, his voice chilling. “If you’re not eating, get out!” My body stiffened as I ate the dishes. Within minutes, a rash broke out on my face. “Oh no, Riley, you look terrible! You scared me!” Serena picked up a glass of water and splashed it on my face, then cowered into Liam’s arms, her eyes glinting with malice. I frantically covered my face, drenched and humiliated. “I’m sorry…” “Get out!” Liam’s voice seemed to hold a trace of heartbreak, yet it was as cold as winter snow. Outside the villa, there was no heating. Snow fell on my shoulders, and my teeth chattered from the cold. My stomach churned with agonizing pain. In a blur, I saw Mom and Dad. They were smiling at me. I was finally going to die. Was I finally going to be with Mom and Dad? I actually felt a flicker of happiness. I staggered towards them… A rough force yanked me back into an embrace. “Are you trying to die, Riley?!” Coming back to my senses, I realized I was standing in the middle of the road, a car speeding past just inches from me. The warmth of Liam’s embrace made me feel disoriented.

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Five months pregnant, my husband, David Miller, secured approval for family relocation on base, yet he had no intention of bringing me. “Audrey, Leah’s husband died saving my life. I owe them everything.” “Just wait a little longer. In six months, I promise I’ll come for you and Mom.” I waited year after year. At first, my husband would still send letters, but then, complete radio silence. The local scoundrel, seeing my family’s vulnerability, came to force me into becoming his woman. To protect me, my mother-in-law, Martha, was beaten to death with a wooden club. My daughter was thrown into a well and drowned. David finally came back, only to curse me, calling me a loose woman who had caused our whole family’s demise. He forced me to sign divorce papers, then turned around and held a city-wide sensational wedding with his ‘benefactor’s’ widow. While they feasted in their sprawling mansion, I was left to starve to death. When I opened my eyes again, I was back—the day before that scoundrel showed up. This time, I vow to lead Martha and Daisy to the life that should have been ours!

“Audrey, why don’t you go hide somewhere?” “When Butch comes tomorrow, he’ll see it’s just me and Daisy. He won’t touch us.” Mom, her back stooped, looked at me with a worried expression, pleading. I shook my head, hearing her words. “No, Mom.” In my last life, I listened to Mom and hid in the mountains. Who knew that monster, Butch, would fly into a rage when he didn’t find me? He beat Mom to death with a wooden club. Neighbors said Mom was bleeding all over, and before she closed her eyes, she was still thinking of me: “If I’m gone, how hard will it be for Audrey to take care of the child alone?” And Daisy, for biting Butch, was directly thrown into the well. Her heart-wrenching screams abruptly ceased. Daisy was gone, her body swollen from the water. This time, I would never allow such a tragedy to happen again. I looked at my daughter, gaunt and pale from malnutrition, then at Mom, barely fifty but looking eighty. A decision solidified in my heart! “Mom, we’re going to the base to find David!” “Otherwise, even if Butch doesn’t come for us, we’ll starve to death anyway!” “Alright… alright.” Mom roughly wiped away her tears with her threadbare sleeve. “Since you’ve decided, Mom supports you.” “Are we going to find Dad?” A spark of excitement lit up Daisy’s eyes. “Yes!” I nodded firmly. No sooner said than done. I packed the last three potatoes we had in my pocket and set off with Mom and Daisy. We walked and rested, asking for directions until we finally found Major Miller’s unit, the 211th. Staring at the solemn, imposing gates of the military base, a sarcastic smile touched my lips. So, the 211th Unit’s base was this close. Barely a ten-mile distance, yet David hadn’t come home in three years, not even a single letter. Did he know that, in those three years, our home had run out of everything? Mom and I lived by digging wild vegetables and begging every day. My poor daughter, so young, suffered countless stares and insults alongside us. The entire village bullied us. Butch tried every trick to take advantage of me. And my husband… was ‘serving his country with utmost loyalty’ barely a stone’s throw from home! How… ironic! I held my frail daughter in one arm and supported my limping mother-in-law with the other, walking towards the guard post. “Officer, who can I help you with?” “David Miller.” “Major Miller?” The guard’s eyes flickered with surprise. “Strange, isn’t the Major an orphan?” The guard mumbled softly, then as if something clicked, a look of realization flashed in his eyes. “Ah, I get it! You must be relatives of the Major’s wife!” I froze. The Major’s wife? Then who was I? Just as I was about to ask, a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind me. “Audrey!” I turned to see David Miller. Compared to when he left, he seemed stronger and more handsome. “What are you doing here?” David’s face was filled with shock as he quickly walked towards us. “Major Miller, they’re relatives of your wife.” The guard eagerly explained. Hearing this, David’s face turned grim. He pulled us aside. “This is outrageous! Showing up without a word, acting on your own! What gave you the nerve?!” David looked utterly displeased. Mom was stunned, her face etched with confusion. “Son, who is he talking about? Whose wife?” David’s face stiffened. Daisy, oblivious to the tension, excitedly hugged David’s leg: “Are you my dad?” “Shut up!” David barked, glaring fiercely at Daisy. Just then, the guard not far away suddenly called out, “Mrs. Miller, you have visitors!” David quickly pushed Daisy away. He pushed too hard, and Daisy fell heavily to the ground.

Thud! Daisy’s head hit the ground, and instantly, blood welled up. “It hurts so much! Mom!” Daisy wailed. Watching her forehead swell rapidly, my heart ached. I quickly knelt down, gathered Daisy into my arms, and gently comforted her: “It’s okay, Daisy, Mom will make it feel better.” “David! How could you?! Why would you hit a child so hard?!” Mom’s eyes flashed with resentment. For the past three years, Daisy had been her precious little girl. She’d rather starve than let Daisy go without, always giving her the last potato. Now seeing her granddaughter injured, a flicker of anger ignited towards her son, who hadn’t returned home in so long. “David, who *are* these people?” The woman sashayed over to us, her eyes openly contemptuous. I looked up at her. She wore a designer dress, the form-fitting waistline accentuating her perfect figure. Her makeup was exquisite, her hair fashionably curled, and a faint sweet scent wafted from her. As for the white heels she wore, I’d seen them in town—they cost a fortune, easily twenty dollars. Then I looked at myself: a faded, patched, and worn old dress, my canvas shoes torn at the front, my big toe peeking through. My sun-baked face was covered in burn marks. No wonder… David hadn’t wanted to come home in three years. With a beauty like her by his side, he probably long forgot about his long-suffering wife. “Leah, what are you doing here?” David looked a bit awkward. “I was just heading to the daycare to pick up Leo.” Then, she pointedly glanced at me: “Aren’t you going to introduce us, David?” “This is… my mother, my daughter, and… my wife.” David’s voice grew softer with each word, the last two barely a whisper. Hearing this, Leah’s face stiffened, a flicker of displeasure flashing in her eyes. “Audrey, this is Captain Miller’s widow, whom I’m looking after.” David looked at me. But I didn’t respond. I’d known who she was all along. In my last life, after David forced me to divorce, he turned around and threw a city-wide sensational wedding with Leah Stewart. Leah, adorned in an expensive Western-style wedding gown, dripping in gold rings, earrings, and necklaces, shone like a movie star. Meanwhile, I was barely clothed, collapsing on the street after three days without food. How could I forget her? “Mrs. Miller, why didn’t you notify us you were coming?” Leah spoke politely, as if she were the lady of the house, exchanging pleasantries. A sarcastic smile touched my lips. “Do I need to notify someone to visit my husband?” “And please, don’t call me ‘Mrs. Miller’. What if those guards over there misunderstand?” Hearing this, Leah’s face turned grim. Seeing her expression, David quickly explained: “Audrey, you know military regulations are pretty strict. Only official family members can live on base.” “That’s why I asked Leah to pretend to be my wife. But we’re completely innocent, you have to believe me.” “That’s right, Mrs. Miller. It’s thanks to David’s help all these years. I truly don’t know how to thank your family enough.” Watching their sickening charade, my stomach churned. I was utterly disgusted. I really didn’t want to say another word to Leah. I looked at David, my voice cold: “Daisy’s head is bleeding. Take us to the base clinic to get it bandaged now.” “But…” David looked hesitant. “What’s wrong? You can’t even do this small thing?” I was getting angry. Leah, seeing my frustration, smiled sweetly and pulled David behind her: “Mrs. Miller, let me explain this to you.” **截断点**

“Mrs. Miller, the medical clinic on base has a limited supply of medicine. David’s quota for this month has already been used for my son, Leo.” “So it’s not that he doesn’t want to take you, it’s that there’s no point.” Leah pretended to be helping David, but her eyes were filled with triumph. My anger flared. “Daisy is your own daughter!” I roared at David. “Keep your voice down!” “Come home with me first! We’ll talk there!” With that, David scooped up Daisy and strode forward. Seeing this, I had no choice but to help Mom follow. “Wow! Dad, is this where I’m going to live? It’s so big and beautiful!” As soon as we entered the house, Daisy excitedly exclaimed. I looked around. There was even a black and white television in the living room. Even though I already knew David was living a comfortable life, I was still stunned. Even the wealthiest families in our village didn’t have a TV. After all, it was a luxury money couldn’t always buy. I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch it, but David quickly snapped: “Don’t touch it! If you break it, Leo won’t be able to watch cartoons tonight.” Hearing his words, my heart ached. Leo? He’s so ‘dedicated’ to raising someone else’s son. But what about his own biological daughter? Daisy is three, and she’s barely had a proper meal. Is he even human? I looked at David coldly: “Didn’t we agree that you’d send your military pay and allowance home every month? Why didn’t you do that?” “Audrey, you need to be more understanding.” David frowned. “It’s tough for me on base. I have to take care of Leah and her child, and I also have to spend money to grease the wheels with my superiors. I don’t have any extra.” “Besides… you three don’t really have any expenses in the village anyway!” “You shouldn’t be so demanding!” Hearing this, Mom’s eyes flashed with disbelief: “David, are you even speaking like a human being?” “Do you have any idea how hard Audrey worked? She was out in the fields, working back-breaking hours, even right after giving birth to Daisy, and you call her demanding?” “If we hadn’t come to find you today, the three of us would have starved to death!” Mom’s old tears streamed down her face as she spoke. Just then, Leah returned with her son, Leo. “Who are you? Why are you touching my toy!” Seeing the toy car in Daisy’s hand, Leo yelled unhappily. Daisy flinched, her voice trembling slightly: “Dad let me play with it.” “You little brat, who’s your dad?!” With that, Leo lunged forward, trying to snatch the toy car from Daisy’s hands. I looked at Leah with cold eyes: “Is this how you teach your child?” “Mrs. Miller, kids say the darndest things, don’t take it to heart.” Leah smiled sweetly. Just then, Leo suddenly bit Daisy. Daisy cried out in pain and instinctively pushed Leo. Leo tumbled backward and sat on the floor, wailing aggrievedly. “Dad, Mom, she bullied me!” Leo looked at Leah and David. Their hearts immediately ached. “Daisy! Who told you to hit people?!” David roared. Leah, hugging Leo, looked utterly wronged: “David, since your family is here, Leo and I will just leave. Why would you let your daughter bully Leo like this?” “I… I didn’t.” David stammered, trying to explain. Leah said nothing, just silently let the tears fall. Seeing this, David actually turned his anger towards Daisy. “You brat! Who told you to hit people!” With that, David raised his hand and harshly slapped Daisy across the face. *Smack!* Daisy flew backward, her head hitting the television cabinet with a sickening thud. “Daisy!” I cried out in alarm! “David Miller! You monster! How could you hit your own daughter like that!” I shrieked, rushing towards Daisy.

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I hated my mother most that year. To earn my forgiveness, she personally sent her best friend to my bed. After one night, I was hooked. Three months later, my wife got pregnant, and I forgave my mother. Four months after that, I used my business acumen to multiply their assets tenfold. From then on, I became Veridia City’s most talked-about financial wizard. Every time I made an investment, my mother, the city’s richest person, and my wife, the second richest, would personally oversee it, ensuring my success. Everyone envied me, saying I had it all. But on the day of the high-stakes deal, I leveraged 100x, and both my mother and wife were absent. My wife placed a kiss on my lips, “We’ll celebrate properly tonight…” I smiled, watching them leave. During the meeting, my opponent, seeing my mother and wife weren’t there, made malicious bids. I called their cell phones, but no one picked up. Five years of planning, all for nothing. Just as I worried something had happened to them, an anonymous video popped up on my phone— My mother was wearing a wedding dress, standing beside Arthur, the man who had driven my father to his death years ago. Their illegitimate son wore a groom’s suit, carefully embracing my four-month pregnant, delicate wife. “Double the celebrations!” someone in the video cheered, raising a glass. “Congratulations to Mrs. Sterling for welcoming her true love, and congratulations to Ms. Blackwell for marrying her fated love!” At the end of the video, my mother’s voice drifted softly: “You and Julian got a fake marriage certificate. Today, you actually legally married Leo. Who exactly is the father of the child in your belly?” Scarlett smiled faintly, responding: “Leo has been an illegitimate child his entire life. I couldn’t bear for his child to call someone else ‘Dad’.” Turns out, the child I had eagerly awaited wasn’t mine after all. I clenched my jaw, leaving the meeting. My phone kept buzzing with new messages— It was an appointment for a tubal ligation, and a line of text: “If you’re willing, your child with Scarlett will be my only descendant in this life.”

After leaving the hospital, I wandered aimlessly through the streets. The giant screen in the mall was playing a family exclusive interview from three months ago, right after my wife had gotten pregnant. My mother held up the auctioned diamond, explaining to the camera, “This ‘Heart of the Ocean’ is a gift for my future grandchild. The value isn’t important; what matters is the legacy.” Scarlett gently squeezed my hand, her eyes glistening. “Julian never truly experienced the warmth of a complete family growing up. Now, I can finally give him a real home.” The screen froze on the moment we smiled at each other. Below, the subtitle “Veridia City’s Happiest Family” scrolled by. I gritted my teeth, forcing back the burning sensation in my eyes. Just then, my phone rang. It was Scarlett. Before, whenever I heard her dedicated ringtone, I’d answer without a moment’s hesitation. But now, I hesitated for a long time. Finally, I picked up just before the call disconnected. I heard Chloe, Scarlett’s best friend, teasing her on the other end: “Scarlett finally got what she wanted! When Leo went abroad, she turned the entire Veridia City upside down looking for him. Now, to help Leo reclaim the Sterling Group, she even humbled herself to play along with that bigshot for two years.” “Ha, Scarlett still has her charm! Last time, Julian’s legs went weak from her kisses; he was practically leaning against the wall. No wonder he didn’t even need a marriage license, and willingly raised someone else’s child!” “Tsk, tsk, he’s the one who despised illegitimate children the most. Who would’ve thought he, who detested illegitimacy, ended up raising one as his own son!” “If you ask me, the real kicker is today’s scene! Leo said, ‘If my dad doesn’t get married, neither will I,’ and Scarlett convinced Eleanor to marry Arthur. Father and son both marrying into high society! Veridia City hasn’t seen drama like this in ages!” Chapter

I clenched my phone tightly, a ragged gasp escaping my throat. Then, Scarlett’s icy voice suddenly came through the phone. “Who touched my phone?” The clamor ceased instantly. “Honey? Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you not feeling well?” Scarlett’s voice was flawlessly gentle. It was as if those vicious words from earlier had been my hallucination. I opened my mouth, wanting to talk about divorce. But I suddenly realized our marriage certificate was fake; I didn’t even have the right to suggest divorce. Just then, a gentle male voice came from the other end of the line. “Baby, you’re pregnant; you shouldn’t stand for too long, your back will ache…” Scarlett clearly panicked for a moment. “Honey, I have an urgent matter here. I’ll come back to you later.” Without waiting for my response, the call was abruptly hung up. I don’t know how long I sat in the living room before I heard the villa’s front door open. My mom and Scarlett pushed the door open, their faces still beaming with fading joy. “Julian, Mom specially bought these for you from Switzerland; they’re all-natural brain-boosting supplements.” Scarlett came to me and leaned down, massaging the dark circles under my eyes. “Why didn’t we have a celebration party? Are you upset we weren’t there? I’ll ask Ms. Miller to reschedule for tomorrow, okay?” The two of them spoke enthusiastically, then froze when they saw I remained silent. Scarlett gave a barely perceptible shake of her head, signaling that the wedding news hadn’t leaked. I handed Scarlett a document. “Sign this.” My mother deliberately said with a touch of sarcasm, “My son now prioritizes his wife when signing contracts.” Scarlett didn’t even glance at it, signing her name with a flourish. “We’re one. What’s mine is yours. No need to be so distant in the future.” She smiled, returning the document to me. As she spoke, both their phones rang simultaneously. My mother patted my shoulder. “There’s an urgent company matter; we’ll go handle it in B Block.” Scarlett blew me a kiss. “B Block was expanded for you, so Mom and I can work without being too far from you.” With that, they hurried away. The two bride’s badges that fell from my pocket reminded me that tonight was their wedding night. I looked down at the document that read “Julian and Scarlett Sever All Financial Ties,” and laughed until tears streamed down my face. With this, all my investment gains were no longer connected to Scarlett. I, Julian, could love, and I could let go. After finishing the last cigarette, I dialed Mr. Davies’ number. “Mr. Davies, I need to end the share custody agreement early, and also—terminate all preferential treatment for Blackwell Corp.” 2 “Mr. Sterling, after initiating the inheritance process, 72% of Sterling Group shares will be transferred to your name within 10 days.” Mr. Davies paused, then added, “When your father passed away… he had thorough asset protection in place. Mr. Sterling marrying your mother won’t allow him to take a single cent from Sterling Group.” I grunted, then hung up. The year my father died, my mother knelt in front of the mourning hall, sobbing uncontrollably. She slapped herself repeatedly, saying her indiscretion while drunk was unforgivable to my father and me. I stayed hidden in my room all day, refusing to eat. It was Scarlett who brought me porridge, patiently spoon-feeding me until I swallowed. “Your father, up in heaven, would want you to be happy.” Those words helped me get through it. And they made me give her my whole heart. Only now did I understand the calculated manipulation hidden behind that gentleness. My phone vibrated endlessly. Photo after photo flooded in. A young Scarlett embracing Leo on a cruise ship, kissing him, fingers intertwined in the snow. Each photo was captioned “My Dearest Leo.” Turns out, my honeymoon itinerary was just a re-visitation of their old haunts. Chapter

“Bro, that hotel suite where you stayed for your honeymoon, the bedsheets still had traces of our passion on them.” “Scarlett said she felt safest sleeping by your side every night, right? Do you believe I could call her away right now?” Leo’s voice message turned my stomach. “Ugh—” Just as I finished throwing up, the door was suddenly pushed open by Scarlett. “Julian? Drunk again? I’ll make you something light right away!” She moved quickly, and soon brought in a steaming bowl of bird’s nest porridge. It was a stomach-soothing dish she’d specially learned from a Michelin chef. To learn it, her delicate fingers got three big blisters. My wife’s eyes held expectation, as if waiting for me to hug her tightly, moved, like before. Seeing my lack of reaction, she froze for a moment. Then, she skillfully massaged my temples. “Scarlett,” I suddenly spoke. “Have you lied to me about anything? If you tell me now…” Scarlett, just considering how you held onto me when I tried to jump out that window, not letting go even if I pulled you down with me… I’ll give you one last chance. “What are you talking about? You and our child are my true loves.” I watched her flawless act. It was utterly ridiculous. Scarlett carefully studied my expression, then chuckled softly. “I knew it. You always say things like this when you want me to coax you.” With that, she leaned in to kiss me. Outside the window, a sudden clap of thunder exploded. I instinctively ducked under the bedframe. It sounds ridiculous, a grown man, yet terrified of thunder. It was because my father had caught my mother cheating and fell from the building during a thunderstorm. But I hadn’t been afraid of thunder in so many years. After meeting Scarlett, I thought I’d found the security of a home. But now, tears and snot streamed uncontrollably. Scarlett held me tightly. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.” Her embrace was still so warm, yet I shivered uncontrollably. Just then, a servant rushed in and whispered something in Scarlett’s ear. Her face immediately changed, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Can’t you see Mr. Sterling is right here!” She patted my back dismissively, her eyes constantly darting towards the door. “Sleep, I’ll stay here with you.” But after confirming I was “asleep,” she ran out without a backward glance. My phone screen flickered on and off in the darkness. The photos Leo sent were more and more explicit. Disheveled sheets, Scarlett’s alluring back, and a bunny tail accessory, wet with fluid. The last voice message was accompanied by triumphant gasps. [Bro, your wife hasn’t let you touch her since she got pregnant, has she? But she can’t resist me. We just did it three times again…] [Heard Scarlett hasn’t told you the baby’s name yet? Our baby’s name is Nia.] As he spoke, Leo revealed a tattoo on his chest, identical in location to Scarlett’s. “Boom!” My ears rang. So, on our wedding night, when I touched the “my only love” tattoo on her chest and cried, moved… the complex emotion that flashed in her eyes wasn’t gratitude, but guilt. Every time she passionately whispered “my only love,” her mind was always on someone else. For three years, I had been living a monumental lie. I sat numbly through the night until dawn. Finally, I replied to the number that had been waiting: [That child isn’t mine. You don’t need to get a tubal ligation. Let’s work together.] 3 The next morning, I was awakened by a commotion. The grand hall was filled with Veridia City’s elite, all gathered to celebrate my birthday. I froze. Chapter

I hadn’t celebrated my birthday in ten years, not since my father passed away. I looked around; all the portraits of my father, the head of the Sterling family, on the walls had been replaced with portraits of Arthur. Mr. Jenkins, the butler, said obsequiously, “The madam specifically ordered it, saying it would make young master Leo happy.” Guests buzzed with whispers. “Did you hear? All those prime commercial properties Mr. Sterling Sr. left behind have been transferred to Mr. Arthur’s name.” “Tsk, tsk, the original wife worked hard her whole life, only for it to benefit her step-son.” “Shhh! Keep your voice down. He’s the rightful man of the house now.” Arthur stood beside my mother, his tone gentle but every word a stab. “I know young master Julian dislikes me, but today is a joyous occasion. I just wish for one small thing: to serve your mother for the rest of her life, and to care for this home in place of your deceased father.” He made no mention that today was also my father’s death anniversary. Seeing my eyes bloodshot, my mother lightly smoothed things over. “Arthur is your elder now. It’s kind of him to organize your birthday. Be more generous.” Before her words even faded, Leo appeared, holding Scarlett’s hand. “Happy birthday, my prince.” Scarlett spoke tenderly, handing me a black and gold gift box. “My God! That’s the exclusive packaging for the ‘True Love’s Heart’ brooch from Castlerock Auction House!” a guest exclaimed. “A mysterious buyer bought it for an exorbitant price last month. I can’t believe it’s Ms. Blackwell!” “What sentimental princess act! Julian’s life is too good!” But I didn’t care. Highlight auction piece, sentimental princess act—I didn’t care about any of it. I only cared about the mechanical watch on Leo’s wrist. That watch had been passed down from my grandfather and had accompanied my father his entire life. The strap had been replaced seven times, the face broken three times, and he always said the repair costs were enough to buy a new one. Yet, he personally took it for maintenance every year. On his deathbed, my father passed the watch to me, saying this old object would keep me company on my future path. “Take it off.” My voice trembled as I stared fixedly at him. Leo shivered slightly, his eyes watering, and he glanced inadvertently at Scarlett. The guests were shocked by my bluntness toward Scarlett, all gasping. Scarlett’s tone was gentle, yet authoritative. “Julian, stop it. If you like this style, I’ll invite the designer to the house tomorrow and have a new one custom-made for you, okay?” But I heard nothing, only focused on charging at Leo. Scarlett seemed frightened by me. “Julian! Calm down! The doctor said your blood pressure is high and you shouldn’t get agitated!” “Ah!” Leo suddenly fell to his knees, yanking the watch off without loosening the strap, smashing it on the ground. His wrist was covered in bloody scratches, the watch face shattered. “I know you look down on my father and me! You always bullied me!” In school, he used to self-harm like this, then cry and claim I hit him. Since then, everyone thought Julian Sterling, the eldest son, was arrogant and tyrannical, always picking on others. Guests whispered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with disdain. “Julian Sterling is indeed arrogant…” “An illegitimate child is still Sterling blood; why be so cruel?” Scarlett rushed to get gauze to wrap Leo’s bleeding wrist, giving me a cold look for the first time. “Julian, apologize.” 4 But I remained unresponsive. Watching my father’s heirloom shattered on the floor, my vision blurred. Scarlett looked at me in shock, reaching out to help me. “Julian…” Just then, Leo pretended to help me up, but as he got close, he suddenly shoved me. My lower back hit a metal railing hard, and excruciating pain instantly spread through my body. Leo, however, fell into the cake, his face smeared with cream, looking utterly disheveled. “Bro, I just wanted to apologize! Why did you push me?” “Leo!”

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In my past life, I fell for the director of that elite reality show, “Billionaire Bride.” The night before the finale, I dropped out, handing the spot of the future Mrs. Blackwood to my twin sister, Maya Hayes. But after her honeymoon, she personally pushed me off a high-rise. Just because she found out Liam Blackwood was merely an illegitimate son, and he couldn’t walk properly. The true Blackwood heir was Julian Thorne, the director who’d meticulously planned the entire show. Reborn back to the reality show set, I sneered, watching my sister shamelessly flirt with “the director.” She’d been reborn too, of course. She knew Julian was the real deal. What she didn’t know was… The night she got married in my previous life, Julian dragged me home and tormented me all night. “Anya Hayes! Why did you drop out?! If you’d won, your sister could’ve debuted on the show’s popularity, and I could’ve married her legitimately! Do you know how much effort I put into planning all of this?!” He forced me to pretend to be my sister and please him, then, once he was sober, he’d call me disgusting, slashing my face with a knife, cut after cut. When he heard about my sister’s honeymoon pregnancy, he injected me with ovulation-stimulating drugs like a madman. “If I can’t have her, then you’ll give birth to a child who looks like her.” When the doctor said I was infertile due to prolonged abuse, he had my uterus surgically removed without hesitation. “Useless trash. You’re not even fit to be a baby-making machine.” This time, I watched my sister clumsily mimic my past life’s moves to get close to Julian. Then, I turned around and slipped my choice card into Liam Blackwood’s draw box.

The “Billionaire Bride” reality show lasted three months. A hundred stunning contestants lived under the same roof with Liam Blackwood, who eliminated them one by one. Finally, it was the live finale. In my previous life, my sister and I were tied for first place. As long as one of us was chosen by him at the finale, she’d become the future Mrs. Blackwood. For Julian, I personally tore up my choice card. But now… When the host brought out the choice card draw box in front of millions of live viewers, the entire venue erupted in gasps. Because the empty box contained only one card. Even Liam Blackwood on stage couldn’t help but frown, while I smirked, knowing exactly what was coming. Just then, Maya Hayes, on the other side of the stage, dramatically announced, “I’m dropping out!” She walked step by step towards the director’s seat, extending her hand to Julian Thorne in front of millions of viewers. “Director Thorne, these past three months have made me realize my true feelings. True love shouldn’t be bound by rules. Can we be together?” The live stream chat instantly exploded. The hashtag #MayaHayesDropsOutForLove shot to the top of the trending list, and the comment section was filled with “She’s so fierce!” praises. “Congratulations to Miss Anya Hayes, our ultimate winner,” the host announced, looking a little flustered. But by then, no one cared about me, the “lucky winner.” All eyes were on the “true love” couple. Maya’s eyes were red as she “congratulated” me, but as she hugged me, she whispered in my ear, “My dear sister, do you think you’ve won by getting a cripple? Remember, in this life, you’ll only ever get my scraps.” I smiled even sweeter than her. “Thank you, sister, for making it possible.” She’d never know that what she was so desperate to get was an abyss far more terrifying than hell itself. In my past life, I discovered Julian Thorne’s darkest secret… but I wouldn’t tell her. This time, it was her turn to experience that kind of “happiness.” Liam Blackwood walked towards me, holding ninety-nine roses, and slid the diamond engagement ring onto my finger. “Congrats, brother,” Julian Thorne said from below the stage, his eyes unreadable. He deliberately emphasized the word “brother.” This unexpected congratulation was broadcast live across the entire internet. My heart sank. This secret, which had only been forced into the open after Maya’s honeymoon in my past life, was now being revealed by him directly. Sure enough… he was reborn too. And in this life, now that he had Maya, he revealed his hand early.

The live stream comments instantly blew up again. “Using today’s happy news, as the sole legal heir of the Blackwood Group, I officially announce…” His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, yet it silenced the entire venue. “Next month, Maya will become our Mrs. Blackwood.” Maya lowered her head shyly in his arms, then, out of Julian’s sight, she gave me a smug eyebrow raise. I, however, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, I could stay away from that lunatic. One reality show, two people getting what they wanted. While the cameras were focused on the “perfect couple,” I subtly moved closer to Liam Blackwood. “Hey, new husband, how about we go to the beach for our honeymoon…?” I hadn’t expected Liam’s ears to turn red, which suddenly made Julian tighten his grip on Maya. Maya yelped in pain, and noticed us in the corner. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered in Julian’s ear, “Julian, my sister actually threatened me… forced me to drop out. Luckily, I was already in love with you.” Her eyes were slightly red, but her voice was just loud enough for those nearby to hear. “Now she’s finally got what she wanted, but…” She deliberately paused, “Now that she knows you’re the true heir, will she regret choosing the wrong person?” Julian’s eyes darkened instantly when he heard the word “threat,” but his brow relaxed slightly when he heard “drop out.” He reassuringly tightened his arm around Maya’s waist. “Don’t worry, the position of Mrs. Blackwood will forever belong only to you.” He deliberately raised his voice for the last half of the sentence, his gaze fixed on me, laughing and talking with Liam Blackwood not far away. After the show ended, I arranged to grab a late-night bite with Liam and went backstage to change. To my surprise, Julian Thorne stopped me in a corner and directly laid out his cards. “Reborn, you’ve certainly gotten smarter,” he chuckled. “Too bad… do you think marrying Liam will help you escape?” He gripped my chin. “Your little schemes are probably going to fall apart. I won’t let you marry him with that face identical to Maya’s.” “You were so ruthless in your past life,” he suddenly yanked my hair, forcing my head back. “To frame Maya, you actually jumped off a building. The entire internet cursed her for forcing her own sister to die…” He sneered, “Too bad, even if I spent thirty million to bury the trending news, it still ruined her career.” Julian’s words hit me like a thunderclap. So, that fall from the building was actually a meticulously planned setup by me? Even my death was my fault? “I know you chose Liam purely for money. I’ll give you fifty million. Disappear within a month. Don’t let me see that face again.” Seeing me staring fixedly at him, he disgustedly threw my chin away. “And don’t ever covet what you shouldn’t.” I almost laughed out loud. He actually thought I still harbored any feelings for him? On my sister’s wedding night in my past life, that madman had held me captive in his basement. He slowly, methodically, pulled out my fingernails with pliers, savoring my twisted expression of pain. “Beg me,” he choked my throat, making me gasp for air. “Say you were wrong, say you want to marry me.” Blood dripped from my fingertips onto a customized wedding dress identical to my sister’s. When I was too hoarse to scream, he slapped me in a rage. “Smile for me! You don’t look like her when you cry!” He pressed me against a mirror, forcing me to look at my tear-streaked face, then gently licked away my tears. “Maya, I’ve looked for you for so long… how could you marry another man…?” Unable to have my sister, he filled the void in his heart by torturing me. Amidst my fragmented cries, he fantasized that the person beneath him was the unattainable girl of his dreams. Now, reborn, he thought I would repeat the same mistakes? He turned to leave, but suddenly pivoted back, grabbing my throat fiercely. “Tell me… if this mouth could never speak again, wouldn’t some secrets be safer?” Though I was the one suffocating, I saw a flicker of unease in his eyes. This lunatic, he was afraid of his secrets being exposed after all.

Liam Blackwood paced back and forth at the backstage door. The moment I emerged, he rushed forward. “What took you so long?” He took me to a Western restaurant I rarely visited. On impulse, I ordered him a strawberry cake. He visibly froze when he took the dessert. “How did you know…?” My heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t exactly tell him that in my previous life, I’d once stumbled upon him secretly devouring cake in the middle of the night. After dinner, he mysteriously drove me to a pet sanctuary in the city outskirts. He said it was his secret base, and being with the animals made his soul feel cleansed. Watching his tender expression as he played with the furry creatures, I couldn’t help but mention Buddy—the mutt I’d raised since childhood, now being fostered at the Hayes family home. “Why the Hayes family? Not ‘home’?” he keenly picked up on my words. I briefly recounted the cliché story: the stolen twin, how after my foster parents in the small, forgotten town had their own son, I became an afterthought. At eighteen, Maya had come down from the mountainside for an art project and recognized me, but even after being acknowledged, I remained invisible. It wasn’t until three months ago, when Maya needed a “twin gimmick” for the show, that she remembered there was still a daughter living in the basement. I’d never truly had a home, which is why I longed for its warmth so deeply. Buddy was the only family I had. In my previous life, when Julian approached me, he promised to give me a home. I believed him, I fell deeply, and I died horribly. So when Liam Blackwood looked at me and promised to give me a home, I just politely curved my lips and invited him to visit Buddy with me sometime. I never expected him to pick me up the very next day. Stepping into the Hayes family mansion, I didn’t expect to run into Julian Thorne. He sat at the head of the table, sipping tea, his gaze lingering on my hand clasped with Liam’s. “I’m going to see Buddy,” I said, turning away. Mrs. Hayes shrieked, “No manners! With a distinguished guest like Mr. Thorne here, why bother with some wretched animal!” I joined them in flattering Julian Thorne, even Liam Blackwood became an ignored side character. Maya Hayes suddenly stood up. “It’s rare for sister to bring her brother-in-law home… I’ll make a dish.” At lunch, she brought out a plate of charred meat chunks. “My first time cooking, little sister, try some,” she piled four or five pieces into my bowl. I was about to push it away when Julian Thorne suddenly spoke, “What, you don’t approve of your sister’s cooking?” Mrs. Hayes also fiercely kicked my shin under the table. “Eat it!” I forced myself to finish the burnt meat on my plate, then got up and took Liam Blackwood to the backyard to find Buddy. But I couldn’t find that familiar little figure anywhere in the Hayes’ house. “Buddy? Where’s Buddy?” I rushed back into the living room, just as Maya Hayes was pouring tea. She smiled and said, “Buddy? Didn’t you see him? Was he tasty?” My ears instantly rang, my blood ran cold, my stomach churned, and I fell to my knees, gagging. She walked over and yanked my hair. “You knew I was bringing Julian home today, so you deliberately brought Liam to show off? A country bumpkin like you dares to compete with me?” She pressed my face into the mess on the floor. “Remember, even the animal you raised is only fit to be a dish, let alone you dreaming of becoming Mrs. Blackwood.” “What’s wrong with her?” Julian Thorne’s voice came from the hallway. Maya instantly released her grip, then gently patted my back. “Sister suddenly felt unwell, she’s throwing up really badly.” Her voice held just the right amount of concern, but her fingertips fiercely twisted my lower back. Julian Thorne, uncharacteristically, showed concern. “Should I call a doctor…?” I bit her hand hard. Maya shrieked in pain. Julian immediately kicked me in the chest, sending me sprawling. “Bitch! I thought you’d learned your lesson, but a dog can’t change its spots! Are you really that jealous of your sister?” “She killed Buddy!” By the time Liam Blackwood rushed over to help me up, Maya was already crying crocodile tears, hiding in Julian Thorne’s arms. “I just wanted to cook for my sister… the maid said she couldn’t find any ingredients…” She tearfully showed her bleeding tooth marks. “Who knew it was her mutt? I’ll compensate her with ten pedigree dogs, isn’t that enough? She’s actually acting crazy over a dog…” “Acting crazy over an animal,” Julian Thorne sneered, looking down at me, yet gently blew on Maya’s wound. “Don’t be scared, Maya. I’ll have someone deal with this mad dog right away.” I glared at him fiercely. “Mad dogs can bite people to death when cornered, Mr. Thorne. Aren’t you afraid I’ll expose some… unspeakable secrets?” Julian’s face instantly twisted. He dropped a threat, then pulled Maya away to the hospital.

I found Buddy’s remains in the kitchen. Together with Liam Blackwood, we buried him in the backyard. I refused his offer to drive me home, floating through the streets like a lost soul. I knew Julian Thorne would make a move to ensure I kept his secrets, but I hadn’t expected him to be so quick. As I passed a narrow alley, I was suddenly pulled inside. A group of thugs tore at my clothes, while someone recorded on their phone. I heard a muffled voice say, “Don’t show her face. The client specifically ordered it.” I found it strangely amusing. Julian Thorne, Julian Thorne, even when you destroy me, you still care about this face that looks exactly like Maya’s? “Smack!” A slap echoed, making my eardrums ring, and the taste of blood spread in my mouth. A hand pried open my mouth. “The client said to first pull out these biting teeth, then cut out her tongue so she can’t talk nonsense.” Despair washed over me like a tide. Was I still unable to escape, even after rebirth…? I closed my eyes. “Bang!” A dull thud of heavy objects falling echoed. I trembled as I opened my eyes, finding a few thugs already subdued by bodyguards.

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The princess of the city’s elite circle, disfigured from a car accident, was looking to marry. The old patriarch invited all the unmarried men in the city to a banquet to choose a husband. I, married for five years, received an invitation. When I went to the civil affairs bureau, I was told: the marriage certificate was fake. And my wife’s legal husband was her distant cousin. I thought it was a prank, but when I hurried home, I overheard my mother-in-law sighing. “Olivia, Mom knows you married your cousin to make up for taking his virginity when he came of age.” “But now the situation is special. If you don’t give Adam legal status, aren’t you afraid he’ll be chosen to marry that princess?” She looked worried, but my wife of five years said calmly: “Everyone knows Adam is my husband. He won’t be chosen.” “Besides, Jack’s business in the city isn’t easy. If he loses the title of being married to me, it would certainly make things difficult for him.” “We have a son together after all. I can’t cruelly cut off his lifeline.” “As for Adam, I love him very much. Even without a marriage certificate, he’s my only husband.” “So Mom, don’t worry. I know what to do.” The woman spoke, her eyes full of determination. Her mother, who had wanted to say more, was stunned into silence. After a while, she couldn’t help but say: “Olivia, find a way to bring that child back.” “Mom knows Adam is a good kid, and only wants to recognize the child you have with him as a grandchild.” “But Mom has waited five years. My bones are getting old. I really can’t wait any longer.” The mother-in-law spoke, her whole body hunched over. At this moment, there was guilt towards me in her eyes, but even more, a longing for a grandchild. Hearing this, Olivia understood. “I’ve already considered it and told Jack to bring the child back to the city.” “I’ll talk to Adam today about accepting the child.” “After all, that child is still my flesh and blood. As a mother, I have to pave the way for his future.” She spoke, smiling when she thought of her cousin and that child. Inside the house, the mother and daughter were happily chatting, but I felt like I had fallen into an ice cellar. The conversation just now echoed in my ears, accompanied by a buzzing sound. I dazedly clenched my sleeves, instinctively fleeing in panic. I didn’t want to look pathetic, but tears still blurred my eyes. Because I had never imagined that the happy marriage I had for five years was fake, and Olivia’s real husband was someone else. Their marriage certificate was even issued several months earlier than my fake one. But I was like a bird trapped in a cage, unable to see anything clearly. Thinking of this, I couldn’t help but cry, not understanding why things had turned out this way. After all, Olivia and I had been childhood sweethearts, and we got married right after becoming adults. We were each other’s first love, and we promised to only have each other for life. Everyone said I was lucky to have such an excellent woman love me for life. Even my mother-in-law was fond of me. And in these five years, there had only been me by Olivia’s side. No pretty boys ever appeared to make me unhappy. In fact, she was known in the city for doting on her husband excessively. No matter what good things she came across, she always thought of me, even indulging my every request. But it turns out that in the fifth year of marriage, I finally learned that my happiness was fake, and the marriage certificate was fake too. I thought I was her husband, but the husband stamped on her household registration was someone else. They even had a child together. And now, she still refused to give me legal status, and wanted to bring back their child… Thinking of this, the tears in my eyes suddenly fell. Olivia confidently thought that everyone knew I was her husband, so I wouldn’t be chosen by the city princess. But she didn’t know that the princess had lost her legs and was disfigured in a car accident. Not a single man in the city was willing to marry her. The matchmaking banquet had already been cancelled due to the manipulation of various wealthy families. Now the only suitable unmarried man left was me. Sorrow rose from my heart as I bitterly wiped away my tears, wanting to leave and not feel sad anymore. But after just a moment, Olivia opened the door: “I knew you’d come back at this time. Come in quickly.” Just like before, she was holding my favorite dessert, waiting for me at the door. After pulling me inside, she wanted to feed me, but saw my tear-stained face. She didn’t know I had heard everything, and concern immediately filled her eyes. After hugging me, she couldn’t help but worry: “Adam, why are you crying?” Thinking I had gone to watch the commotion of the princess choosing a husband, she helplessly tapped the tip of my nose. “I know you feel bad for those men who were chosen, but everyone has their own fate that we can’t change.” “So Adam, don’t be sad. I don’t want to see you sad and crying.” She spoke, her eyes full of tenderness. Involuntarily, I wanted to know: [If the person chosen was me, would she also be so indifferent?] I opened my mouth but couldn’t make a sound. As my heart tightened slightly, I remembered that I had lost my voice last year after taking a drugged drink meant for Olivia. Now, I couldn’t say anything. Only tears fell one after another, wetting the woman’s clothes. Seeing this, she helplessly kissed away my tears, wanting to comfort me. But when she spoke, it pierced my heart even more. Because she took out a stack of documents and said: “Adam, let’s adopt a child.” Hearing this, I gave a slight smile, but it looked worse than crying. Seeing this, she raised her hand to rub my hair and promised: “You’ll like this child. He’s really well-behaved, and even looks a bit like me.” “My health isn’t good, and I’ve miscarried several times. You’ve also been taking medicine for so many years. I don’t want you to suffer anymore.” “From now on, let’s not have children of our own. We’ll just raise this child as our own, okay?” She asked, but bitterness filled my mouth. She knew how much pain I had gone through because she couldn’t keep our children. But now she wanted me to raise her child with someone else, stabbing a knife into my heart. At this moment, she put on an act of doing this for my own good, but I shook my head frantically, tears pouring down. In fact, I felt somewhat relieved that our children hadn’t survived. Because a woman with an impure heart doesn’t deserve to have children. She also doesn’t deserve to be the mother of my children. In response to her words, I said: [I don’t want to adopt.] But when I opened my mouth, there was still only silence. Olivia didn’t understand my meaning. When my fingertips touched her belly, her eyes darkened with sadness, thinking I was still upset. So she hugged me tightly and comforted: “If you really want a child of our own, then let’s focus on getting healthy first.” “We’ll bring this child back for now, and then we can try for our own later. The children can be companions, okay?” Her hot breath fell on my ear, like a lover’s most tender whisper. But I only felt cold all over. Sarcastically, I silently said where the woman couldn’t see: [Olivia, I don’t want to have children with you anymore.] With those words, I also suppressed the bitterness in my heart. But Olivia seemed unable to see my resistance, still holding me tightly in her arms.

Having no choice, I pretended to fall asleep, waiting for her to have someone send me back to the bedroom before leaving. But when I became aware again, I realized I had actually fallen asleep. Aunt Susan, the housekeeper, saw I was awake and quickly came over to pour me a glass of water, asking: “Young master, how did you sleep this time?” “Look at what’s covering you – it’s a silk summer blanket that the young mistress just bought at an auction.” “You get hot easily, so this is perfect. It’s nice and cool but won’t make you too cold.” “The young mistress is so thoughtful and gentle. It’s a shame my old man is never so considerate…” Her eyes were full of admiration and envy, and the day seemed no different than before. But I clearly understood that everything had changed. And I no longer wanted to pretend nothing had happened and continue treating her as the wife who loved me most. So I raised my hand to call Aunt Susan, and wrote on her palm. “What does the young master need 100 million for?” she asked. After pondering for a moment, I changed my request to wanting a watch. Seeing this, Aunt Susan wasn’t surprised. Good things in the city weren’t cheap, and some precious watches could sell for that price. Besides, Olivia had previously spent 200 million to set off fireworks across the city just to make me happy. Now just 100 million was no problem. Although she didn’t understand why I wanted to withdraw from my own savings, Aunt Susan still did as I asked. Seeing her leave, I breathed a sigh of relief. Before coming back yesterday, I had inquired and learned that those CEOs didn’t want their sons to jump into the fire pit, nor did they want to offend the most powerful Ning family. They had privately arranged with relevant personnel, giving 100 million each to change their sons’ unmarried status. I wanted to escape this fate for myself. But just as it was about to be resolved, Olivia cut it off at the waist. Because it off at the wa Aunt Susan said: “The young mistress brought back a seriously ill child.” “The famous doctor she invited said it would cost 70 million. The young mistress gave out all the liquid assets including the young master’s savings.” Hearing this, my face instantly turned deathly pale, and all the hope in my eyes was extinguished in an instant. Seeing me looking dazed, Aunt Susan quickly came over to support me, not forgetting to comfort me: “Young master, don’t panic.” “The young mistress is so capable, it won’t take long for her to earn back this money.” “It’s just a watch. You can buy it after a while and it’ll be the same.” She spoke, but I couldn’t listen anymore. I just staggered towards her study. I wanted to question her about why she did this, but when I was just a few steps away, I saw through the crack in the door Olivia holding a 4-year-old boy with eyes full of heartache. One hand was still holding the hand of a man whose eyes were red from crying. “Jack, don’t worry. I won’t stand by and watch our son get into trouble.” “I’ve already gone to prepare the money the famous doctor wants. Even if it means losing everything, I won’t give up.” The woman spoke, and Jack seemed to find support, choking back sobs as he tightly hugged Olivia. When his gaze met mine, his eyes were full of provocation. I frowned slightly, but saw him seem to be startled, quickly backing away and looking at me helplessly. “Mr. Adam, please don’t misunderstand. I’m the director of the orphanage who raised this child.” “I lost control just now only because I feel so bad for the child. I really have no other thoughts, and this child will be your child from now on anyway.” He spoke, looking pitiful and cautious. It was clearly his own child, yet he was handing him over and acting as if nothing had happened. Olivia couldn’t help but frown, and even her eyes held a trace of dissatisfaction when she looked at me. In an instant, my heart couldn’t help but ache, but soon, I composed myself and handed over the note I had written.

I wanted my money back, but the woman instantly turned cold, even looking at me with frost in her eyes. “Adam, when did you become so unreasonable?” “The child is sick! Is a living person’s life worth less than a watch in your eyes?” The accusations fell, and I couldn’t help but be stunned, barely able to hold back the sourness in my nose. My chest was wracked with pain, making me clench my fist hanging in my sleeve. Seeing this, Jack quickly pulled the woman away: “Mrs. Olivia and Mr. Adam, please talk it over.” He spoke, stepping forward to grab me, seemingly trying to mediate. But the words that reached my ears were: “How does “How does it feel to know your wife made you a fake marriage certificate?” “Oh right, you don’t know yet, but the reason you couldn’t keep your children was because I had Olivia give you ‘protective charms’ that actually contained drugs I specially prepared…” “No matter what, you would never be able to keep a child.” He laughed, his words stabbing into my heart like a steel knife, almost making me lose my reason. Thinking of the few children we had lost over the years, anger and grief surged in my heart. Seeing me angry, Jack raised my hand and hit himself in the face, whispering: “Guess who she’ll side with?” Before I could react, the woman protected Jack, and a sharp gust of wind came at my face. Seeing this, I couldn’t help but laugh coldly. The woman instantly came to her senses, her hand frozen in mid-air. [Not going to hit me?] I silently asked, and in response to her complex gaze, I raised my hand and slapped Jack hard across the face. Then, without hesitation, I turned and left with Aunt Susan, returning to the old Fu family home where I was the only descendant left. Seeing me leave, Jack touched his face pitifully: “Brother-in-law, how can you be so unreasonable…” He cried, and Olivia’s expression also turned cold, even abandoning the idea of chasing after me. She wanted to give me the cold shoulder for a couple days, not knowing that that very night I sent a text message to the staff in charge of the husband selection banquet, smiling bitterly. [I don’t have 100 million, so I’m willing to marry the city princess.] Hearing this, the staff members breathed sighs of relief one after another. They had taken too many bribes and were worried about having only me left as an unmarried man. Now that I was willing to become the city princess’s husband, they were happy. So they enthusiastically notified me to wait to be picked up by car in three days. After they left, Aunt Susan also understood everything. Looking at the forged marriage certificate, she angrily cursed: “How could Olivia do this to our young master!” “I’m going to give her a piece of my mind!” “I can’t just stand by and watch our young master marry a Ning family princess with no future!” She was furious, her eyes red. But I stopped Aunt Susan, smiling and shaking my head. [I don’t want to have anything to do with Olivia anymore.] [It doesn’t matter who I marry now.] … The next day, the wedding clothes were delivered. And when I went to pick up the wedding clothes, I saw Olivia sending the child to school together with Jack. With her back to the sun, I heard Olivia tell the kindergarten principal: they were a family of three. I couldn’t help but touch my chest, but thankfully, it didn’t hurt anymore. So I turned to leave, but an hour later I saw her. “Why was someone delivering wedding clothes here? Is it the rich old man who’s been pursuing Aunt Susan coming to propose?” She asked, clearly misunderstanding. But I didn’t explain, just coldly shut her out. Seeing this, she left with a dark expression. Three days later, she came to make up with me. But when she saw Aunt Susan standing next to the wedding car, she couldn’t help but frown, her heart involuntarily panicking. “Aunt Susan, what are you doing here? Who’s inside the wedding car?”

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After graduation, I accepted the marriage proposal from Julian, my childhood sweetheart, who had been chasing me for eighteen years. That very night, he made passionate love to me, whispering words of devotion that felt as countless as the stars. But no sooner had I confirmed my pregnancy than he seized my family’s company. My dad was reduced to a janitor, and my mom was forced to entertain his clients as a mere hostess for their amusement. I clutched my pregnant belly, my pleas raw with agony, and demanded to know why. He just laughed, a cruel, mocking sound. “Eighteen years ago, your family merged with ours, and my sister was bullied so relentlessly at her elite boarding school that she jumped to her death.” “Now, all I’m doing is making your family taste a bit of that humiliation. What’s so unbearable about that?” He reached out, his hand cupping my face. “Tonight’s clients are the very same people who tormented my sister back then. If you don’t want your mother to be ruined in her old age, you’ll go entertain them yourself.” After an obscene amount of alcohol, I lost the child I’d carried for only two months. But Julian, instead of using the money to pay off my parents’ workers’ wages, bound them with contracts, turning them into his personal servants. I yearned for their freedom. I sold myself: 100 for a drink, 200 for a night. I endured this for seven grueling years. Yet, on the very day I gathered enough money, his mistress had a group of men corner me, clearly intending to violate me. My parents were brutally beaten to death. When I woke up, I shattered the wine bottle in my hand, the trembling shards resting against my wrist. But he was staring at his sister, who had returned perfectly unharmed. That’s when I truly broke.

Julian had barely stepped downstairs when he heard Mrs. Davies’s complaints and lunged, his hand clamping around my throat. “You gave Chloe cold porridge! How *dare* you!” “If anything happens to the baby she’s carrying, I swear, I’ll destroy you!” Ever since Julian assigned me the task of tending to his mistress during her pregnancy, the household staff, eager to curry favor with Tiffany, began to frame me relentlessly. It was only when he noticed my high temperature that he unconsciously loosened his grip. “Why are you so hot? Are you running a fever?” I merely squatted, scooping the spilled hot porridge into the trash with my bare hands. “I’ll drink more tonight. Don’t deduct my pay.” One of Tiffany’s ways to control me was to manage my parents’ debts. If she wasn’t happy, she could complain about anything, even rolling dice to arbitrarily cut the money I was saving for my parents. My only recourse was to drink even more at the evening parties. The more I vomited, the happier Julian’s sister, Chloe, seemed. Last time, after I was so weak from a bleeding stomach ulcer that I was nearly assaulted by several men, she even ‘generously’ added a few thousand to my payment. Now, only five more drinking parties stood between me and collecting enough money. Julian looked down at me, his jaw clenched. “Did you visit my sister this morning?” Seven years ago, after Julian revealed everything, I was forced to go to Chloe’s grave every morning to ‘repent.’ Thinking about what happened this morning, I weighed my words carefully, trying to find a way not to anger him. “Tiffany, she…” But the moment I spoke her name, he grabbed my collar. “Trying to frame Tiffany again? Who taught you such a rotten habit?” When Tiffany had pushed me down the stairs, I had only muttered that someone pushed me. He had punished me by forbidding me from eating for three days, supposedly to cure me of my ‘suspicious’ habits. Now, just speaking her name, he assumed I was trying to frame him. I closed my eyes, quietly waiting for his wrath to unleash. I couldn’t risk the fleeting concern I’d seen in his eyes moments before. A cough echoed from upstairs. Julian immediately flung me to the floor and rushed up. My lower abdomen screamed with piercing pain from the impact. I finally made up my mind, my hand trembling as I opened my phone and selected a flight. For seven years, my parents believed Julian still cherished me, and willingly remained at his company, holding the lowest positions, just to be near me. Their half-century of dignity, trampled underfoot. Just five more days, and I could take them away.

That evening, as I changed, Mrs. Davies, as usual, spat viciously behind me. “Ugh, going out to sell herself every day. It’s sickening to watch.” “Good thing Ms. Reed had the foresight to sever your basic function as a woman.” I ignored her, heading to the party. The dull ache in my lower abdomen grew steadily worse, until I could barely stand straight. The clients, startled, stopped grabbing my chin and force-feeding me drinks, instead calling Julian. “Mr. Stone, Ms. Reid looks terrible. Is she…?” They thought I was pregnant again. The night I miscarried, the pain had been just like this. That night, Julian had sat outside the delivery room all night, his voice raw with agony, demanding the doctors ensure I woke up. From then on, everyone knew Julian cared for me, but scorned me after learning about my family’s ‘harm’ to him. Yet, they dared not arbitrarily decide the extent of my punishment. Until a cold voice spoke on the phone. “She upset Tiffany this morning and received a small punishment. Continue.” This morning, Tiffany had forced me to take a whole bottle of medication designed to prevent pregnancy. “Only I can give him children, you slut! You ruined his sister’s life so badly. You don’t deserve to have children, not in this lifetime.” Blood began to trickle endlessly. I crawled to the hospital. The diagnosis: I could never conceive again. Later, I learned Tiffany had been so agitated because Julian had mumbled in his sleep the previous night, “Skylar, I’m thirsty.” She thought he still had feelings for me. I laughed, a desolate, bitter sound. She hadn’t seen how madly Julian had loved me before, so she couldn’t comprehend the depth of his hatred now. “Skylar, the eighteen years I chased you were the happiest of my life.” “I swear, you’ll be my most cherished treasure, always.” But his deceased sister. She made it all seem like a cruel joke. It was dawn when I finally stumbled out, clinging to the last shred of consciousness, seeing Julian’s car waiting in the distance. The hostesses behind me scoffed, unapologetic. “Still doesn’t know her place. She’s just an escort now, but she still gets a ride every day.” “You don’t understand. Mr. Stone orchestrates this spectacle purely to humiliate her, a constant reminder of her former status as a privileged heiress, now forced to play hostess and feign smiles for men.” I touched my belly. Four more days. For the remaining days, I desperately fed myself painkillers, not daring to miss a single party. I even forced more alcohol down my throat, as if doing so would make time pass faster. Finally, on the last day, after downing the last bottle, I exhaled the easiest breath I’d taken in seven years. Excitedly, I reached for my phone to call my parents, to share the good news. Just as I stood up, one of the men grabbed me. “Where are you off to, Mrs. Stone? We’re just getting started.” A group of men rose from their seats, converging on me.

As they pressed me down, I screamed desperately. “Stop! I’m Julian Stone’s woman! He’ll destroy you if he finds out!” The man grinned, revealing yellowed teeth, as if I’d told the funniest joke. “You might be ‘Mrs. Stone,’ but we follow orders from the one Mr. Stone *truly* cherishes!” Seeing his phone on a call, I instantly guessed who was on the other end. “Tiffany! Why are you doing this to me?!” Tiffany’s casual sneer was audible. “Your debts are cleared tonight, so I need something else to control you.” “Don’t worry, they’re all pros; they’ll make sure you have a ‘good time,’ in shifts. All you have to do is cooperate while they take a few pictures. No harm done, right?” Because of her, I could no longer have children, and now, in front of all these men, my dignity, my very self, would be stripped away. My eyes burned, bloodshot, wishing I could reach through the phone and throttle her. “Tiffany, if you let them continue, I swear, tomorrow I will kill you!” “You? Please. By the way, I have a surprise for you. It’s going to tear your heart out even more.” The next moment, Julian’s concerned voice came through the phone. “The floor’s cold. Why are you out of bed?” Her voice instantly turned weak and tearful. “Sister, just because you saved your parents, do you want to kill me?” But I was staring at my parents, hogtied, gagged, and dragged in, my mind reeling, breath caught in my throat. My dad was already unconscious, and my mom was looking at me with horror and grief. The men around me leered, closing in on her. I didn’t have time to explain. I desperately begged Julian on the phone. “Julian, please, I beg you, let my parents go! It’s all my fault, I upset Tiffany!” “You can do anything to me, just don’t touch them!” “Don’t let *anyone* touch them!” I screamed, my throat raw. Julian paused for a moment. “What do you mean? I wouldn’t go as far as touching them.” I suddenly understood. This was all Tiffany’s doing. I fought with all my might, snatching the phone from the man. “Julian, I’ve saved enough money!” “But Tiffany, she’s tied up my parents, and she’s got a bunch of men trying to…” Before I could finish, Mrs. Davies’s gasp suddenly came through the phone. “Ms. Reed, are you feeling dizzy again?” “Mr. Stone, Ms. Reed has been unwell lately, she hasn’t left the house and has been resting. She can’t bear such false accusations!” But I only watched as my dad’s breathing grew weaker and weaker. He had asthma, and now with his mouth gagged, his life was in danger at any moment. I frantically tried to think of what else I could offer. “Julian, I know you hate me.” “Just let my parents go, and I’ll turn myself in for murdering your sister, or I’ll take my parents and leave this city. I promise, you’ll never see me again.” “Never see you again?” Julian’s voice was sinister, laced with an unyielding fury. “Skylar Reid, your solutions are certainly decisive.” As my dad’s chest stopped rising and falling, and the men drew closer to my mom, I screamed and lunged forward, one hand protecting the phone, the other pushing the men away. “Come and see for yourself! The driver is right outside, just have him come in and he’ll know everything!” Julian suddenly laughed, his voice so cold it seemed to freeze the blood in my veins. “Chloe isn’t feeling well today. I sent the driver to get her medication. Did you plan this whole charade for today?” I froze, completely stunned, my eyes meeting my mom’s desperate gaze. Though her mouth was gagged, I could almost hear her say, “My daughter, your dad and I are dragging you down.” I suddenly understood something, and tried to run to her, but the men around me seized the opportunity and pinned me down again. “Haha, the daughter’s still fresh meat.” “Mr. Stone’s wife being played by us, just thinking about it feels good.” Obscene words echoed above me. I only watched as my mom struggled to her feet, lunging at the men on top of me, only to be brutally shoved away. Her forehead slammed against the corner of a table, blood gushing uncontrollably. “Mom!” Blood splattered on my face. Like a wild beast, I roared, shoving the men off me, and rushed to her side. But her eyes would not open again. Her eyes and nostrils were clogged with blood. A drop of blood splattered onto the phone, and Julian’s voice amplified. “Skylar, still acting?” The men around me spat, then pinned me down again. My mind went blank. I stopped resisting. Until my clothes were ripped to shreds, and I screamed out with every last ounce of strength, “Julian, I hate you!” Then, I lost consciousness completely. 6. “No!” Julian roared, rushing forward to stop me. I saw it, the look the hostess had described. No, it was even more profound. Julian’s eyes were bloodshot, his body trembling. He reached out to pull me back but didn’t dare get close, unable to form full sentences.

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I transmigrated into the villainess of a novel. But I never did anything wrong. I even became friends with the female lead and married the gentle second male lead. I always thought I was incredibly happy, Until I read my husband’s diary. Turns out, he was reborn. All these years of tender affection were just to keep me from hurting the female lead… Staring at the pregnancy test results in my hand, feeling the tiny life stirring in my belly, I felt a sense of peace I’d never known. I’d lived in this world for 13 years, and in this moment, it felt like I finally had a true home, a real connection. I transmigrated into this novel world after my death, becoming the villainess with the same name, who had done countless terrible things. But I felt incredibly lucky. When I arrived, the story hadn’t even begun, and I hadn’t done anything to offend the main characters. In fact, because Stella was so cheerful, we became the best of friends, sharing everything. I became her wingwoman, encouraging her to pursue love, watching her and the male lead fall deeply for each other, and standing as a bridesmaid as she married the man she loved. Stella was the second person I wanted to share my good news with; As for the first, well, that was my husband, of course. My husband, Liam, was originally the gentle second male lead in the novel, always silently protecting Stella. I don’t know if my presence caused a butterfly effect, but he stopped being Stella’s loyal follower and instead showered all his attention and favoritism on me. We’d walked hand-in-hand for 13 years, and I genuinely felt loved, so I married him without a second thought. Now, our little family was about to welcome a new life, and I couldn’t wait to tell him the good news.

I pondered and pondered, thinking it would be better if he discovered it himself rather than me just blurting it out. I snuck into his study, sat down in his chair, and casually pulled open a drawer. An old notebook immediately caught my eye. I noticed it right away because it stood out amongst the neatly organized files. It must have been tucked away at the very bottom, and in his rush to leave, a corner had accidentally peeked out. I carefully picked up the notebook to look at it, feeling both amused and bewildered. It was one of those girlish notebooks from our school days, quite old, but it looked like he opened it often to write. The edges were curled, and the pages were yellowed. My husband and I had always been open with each other, so I had no qualms. I naturally opened it to browse. The first page had “Forever Love” written in large English cursive. I smiled to myself, my cheeks burning. Could this be a love letter he wrote to me? I took out my pregnancy test results, intending to tuck them inside. I wanted to give him my most precious “love letter” too. I carefully turned to the first page and instantly froze – “My forever love, Stella.” Stella. The female lead of the story. Suddenly, my blood ran cold, and my entire body went numb. It felt like my throat was stuffed with thick cotton, making even breathing difficult. My fingers trembled, yet they uncontrollably turned page after page, reading every word carefully. With a compulsive, almost masochistic drive, I read the entire diary, word for word. More than a diary, it was an unsent love letter, summed up in a few crushing words: Liam loved Stella. A love unrequited. Turns out, Liam was reborn; Turns out, Liam had always loved Stella deeply; Turns out, all his care and favoritism towards me were nothing but an act! He had to keep an eye on me, preventing any possibility of me harming his beloved. The joy of pregnancy had vanished without a trace, leaving only a bitter taste in my mouth. For 13 years, I never once thought of harming Stella, but in that moment, I genuinely envied her. I envied that a brief moment of kindness and warmth she offered could make a man love her so deeply for 13 years, even sacrificing himself to entangle with the villainess just to ensure her happiness. My emotions were a tangled mess, pain and despair intertwined. I didn’t even remember how long I cried, only that my world felt horrifyingly unreal.

Exhausted, I fell asleep on the couch until Liam came home and startled me awake. He reeked of alcohol, stumbling as he walked. “Honey, I’m home…” he said, smiling at me. “Sorry, I had a work dinner tonight, got back late.” I forced a bitter smile, one that didn’t quite reach my eyes, but still performed my wifely duties. I went over to help him, loosening his tight tie and unbuttoning his collar. “Thanks, honey. You’re the best.” I looked closely at Liam and realized his thanks were perfunctory. If he had paid any attention, he would have seen the redness and swelling around my eyes. Perhaps putting on this fake act for me had simply become his habit. I helped Liam to bed, took off his socks and clothes, and even prepared to wipe his face and body. Drunkenness had lowered Liam’s guard. He seemed to drop his vigilance, unconsciously revealing his true feelings with weary exhaustion. “Stella…” My whole body stiffened. I thought I was hallucinating. My gaze was fixed on Liam, my nails digging into my palms… “Stella.” The cruel reminder struck again. As if to torture myself, I instinctively imitated Stella’s tone. “Liam, dear.” Liam suddenly clutched my hand tightly, his hazy, drunken eyes filled with undeniable tenderness. “Stella, as long as you’re happy, everything I do is worth it.” That single sentence trapped me once more in this cage of deception. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Everything around me twisted and distorted. I stumbled out of the room, desperate to escape the bedroom. The love I had given everything for, from beginning to end, was nothing but a joke.

I slept terribly. All the horrible things the original villainess, Chloe, had done in the novel replayed wildly in my mind. Chloe leading a gang to bully the female lead, Chloe hiring thugs to assault the female lead, Chloe using her family background to suppress the female lead… In my dream, Chloe suddenly turned around, and it was a face identical to mine. That face was twisted and grotesque, so terrifying that even I was horrified. Time seemed to fly by in the dream, and the male lead and second male lead quickly grew powerful, then exacted their brutal revenge on me. Liam’s cold, indifferent eyes stared at me calmly, as if I were a dead object. “Since you enjoy ruining lives so much, why don’t you experience it yourself?” I was brutally violated and left for dead in despair, abandoned beside a filthy dumpster, choking on my last breath. “No!” I screamed, waking myself up! I looked up to meet Liam’s concerned gaze, which overlapped with the brutal, ruthless image from my dream. I trembled with fear. Liam was helping me pull up the blanket, looking utterly confused by my reaction. “Honey, what’s wrong? Why are you sleeping on the couch? What if you catch a cold?” “Honey, are you mad that I drank too much last night? I’m sorry, yesterday’s client was really important.” I shook my head, enveloped by fatigue and terror. I didn’t want to say anything. There was no guest room in the house. Liam had once vowed that he would never make me mad enough to kick him out to a guest room; even if he did, he’d be considerate enough to sleep on the floor beside me. But now, with actual conflict, I didn’t even have my own space. He was clearly keeping a very close eye on me. Liam didn’t notice my distress, frowning as he whined pitifully. “Honey, my work dinner yesterday was so tough, my head is throbbing. Where’s the hangover soup?” “I forgot.” In truth, I hadn’t made any at all. Liam came from an ordinary background, while I was a typical rich kid. He always said he wanted to earn my father’s approval through his own efforts, to achieve more so he could be worthy of me. So Liam was a workaholic. He didn’t accept help from my family, instead choosing to start his own business. In the early years, to secure projects, he often drank heavily with partners, almost getting a stomach hemorrhage. I loved Liam deeply and, as his wife, I always took great care of him. To help him with the harm drinking did to his body, I sought out many remedies, often taking care of him all night just to ease his hangovers. If I hadn’t known his true intentions, perhaps I would have continued to be a dutiful wife, just like before. Yet, in reality, my efforts were all for naught. *“Chloe used her family background to harm Stella. I can’t let her have any chance to hurt my beloved Stella. I must make a name for myself in the business world, gain enough power to contend with the Chu family’s old man. If they hurt Stella like they did in the previous life, I will make the Chu Corporation pay a heavy price!”* Liam pushed himself relentlessly, only to gain real power and protect the woman he truly loved.

“Honey, what’s wrong today? You don’t look well. Are you feeling sick somewhere? Should I take you to the hospital?” I stared blankly at the man before me, wondering how much sincerity was in his concern now. I was debating whether to confront Liam when my phone suddenly rang. The caller ID showed two big words – Stella. Liam quickly grabbed the phone and handed it to me, his eyes urging me to “answer quickly.” I numbly tapped to answer, and Stella’s cheerful voice rang out. “Chloe, honey, we said we’d go to the art exhibition today, do you remember?” “I remember.” “Then let’s just meet at the coffee shop in front of the Art Gallery. Noah’s on his way to work and can drop me off.” “Okay.” After hanging up, before I could even open my mouth, Liam spoke first: “You have plans with Stella today? I’ll drive you.” “No need. Your company isn’t on the way.” Liam lovingly stroked my cheek. “Silly girl, everywhere is on the way when it’s for my wife. Go get changed!” Liam stood up and went back to the room to get ready, his back radiating happiness. He was going to see his beloved, of course he was thrilled. And he clearly forgot that he had just said he wanted to take me to the hospital because I looked unwell. After all, in Liam’s world, nothing was more important than Stella.

When Liam dropped me off at the coffee shop, Stella was happily sipping on a Mocha Cocoa Frappuccino. She naturally handed me a cup of hot milk and cheerfully greeted me. Liam gently cautioned me. “Girls shouldn’t drink too many cold drinks, it’s not good for your body, and it makes your period hurt. You’re not a kid anymore, you should take better care of yourself.” Stella laughed and teased. “Oh, wow, you two are so sweet! You’re flaunting your affection right in front of me.” Liam smiled and casually added, “You too, drink fewer cold things!” All that build-up was just to give *her* a warning. The hot milk in my hand suddenly felt scalding hot. Actually, I didn’t even like cold drinks. The care he wanted to give was never truly for me. “Alright, alright, I get it, you’re so naggy. Only Chloe can put up with you.” Liam chuckled, then turned to me and said, “I’ll come pick you two up for lunch. I remember you said you wanted to try that new Spanish restaurant in Uptown.” Once suspicion set in, I realized how clumsy his acting really was. It wasn’t *me* who wanted to try the Spanish restaurant, it was Stella. But I had been so blinded by love, and he had tried his best to deceive me. Now that the truth was exposed, I realized how naive I had been. Stella linked her arm through mine. “Okay, okay, you go now. Don’t interrupt our girl time.” She pulled me inside, still chattering excitedly. “Chloe, I’m super excited about Master Gu’s work…” I instinctively looked back at the man not far away. He was constantly observing us with a scrutinizing gaze, but the moment his eyes met mine, he instantly reined in his emotions. He put on a show of deep affection, an act of tender sweetness. Liam, aren’t you tired? After the exhibition, as soon as we exited the gallery, Liam’s car slowly pulled up. During the exhibition, he had asked me several times when he should come pick us up.

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