Category: English

My company needed someone to go abroad to assist a branch office, and my father, the chairman, wanted my younger sister and me to draw lots to decide. Before Dad could hand me the slip, I exclaimed, “Dad, I’ll go abroad! Let Nora stay here!” In my previous life, I was engaged to Jasper, the heir of Jasper Corporation. After drawing lots to stay in the country, I married Jasper. Unexpectedly, my sister went abroad, and within a year, she was assaulted by a homeless man one night on the street and later chose to end her life by slitting her wrists. Before her death, she left a message for Jasper, claiming I manipulated the draw to avoid going abroad. From then on, Jasper resented me, and I realized my husband had always loved my sister. He deceived me into going to the street where the incident occurred under the pretense of a trip abroad, beat me, and forced me to kneel to atone to my sister. “If you hadn’t interfered with the draw, how would Nora have been assaulted? Why wasn’t it you who died?” He cursed me with fury, venting all his anger on me. He even spent a lot of money bribing that homeless man to strip me and humiliate me publicly. “You love manipulating so much? I’ll make you feel the pain Nora felt.” What he didn’t know was that I was already pregnant with his child. I pleaded with him to let me go, but he watched as the homeless man humiliated me, ordered my limbs to be broken, and eventually, I died from massive bleeding. Reborn, I decisively abandoned everything in the country, fulfilling the desires of Jasper and Nora, those two betrayers. …

When I announced I wanted to go abroad to assist, Dad and Mom looked at me in shock. “Cora, have you really thought this through? What about your engagement with the Jiang family? Don’t you love Jasper from the Jiang family?” I swallowed hard, recalling the pain of having my limbs broken. “Dad, I’ve decided to go abroad to help. As for the engagement, let my sister and Jasper decide. I’m not marrying him.” Mom stared at me, seemingly trying to discern something from my eyes. Seeing the determination in my eyes, she sighed and finally agreed to my request. Just as I turned to pack my luggage, there was a hurried knock at the door. Jasper rushed in like a madman and hugged Nora. His eyes were red, and he was panting heavily. “Thank God, I made it in time,” Jasper murmured to himself, holding Nora even tighter. After a long silence, he let go of Nora and turned to Mom. “Auntie, the one I love isn’t Cora but Nora. We’ve already pledged our lives to each other!” He knelt, eyes moist, looking at Dad and Mom. “Please, Auntie and Uncle, let us be. Annul my engagement with Cora and betroth me to Nora.” I froze for a moment. It seemed Jasper was also reborn. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to calm down. “Jasper…” I was about to tell him I wanted to break off the engagement when he interrupted me. “Cora, I’d never marry a woman like you! If I can’t marry Nora, I’d rather remain single forever!” His face twisted with anger, yelling at me. He looked just like he did in the past life, crazily seeking revenge on me. I shrank back, and Mom stepped forward to gently hold me. “Jasper, calm down. Cora already said she wants to go abroad to help. Since you and Nora are in love, prepare to marry her then!” Dad patted Jasper’s shoulder and spoke in a deep voice. Jasper was stunned for a moment, then his face lit up with wild joy. He excitedly kissed Nora. “Thank you, Uncle, for allowing this. Nora, we can finally be together.” Even though I knew what kind of person he was, my heart still ached. Jasper held Nora’s hand and left the house to discuss wedding plans. After they left, Mom and Dad were about to head back to their rooms to continue working, but I stopped them. “Mom, Dad, this time I’m going abroad, I plan to live there long term. I won’t come back unless necessary.” Mom looked back at me, and she came forward to pat my back. “Child, I know, you’ve been wronged.” “If that’s what you want, then go. Mom and Dad will always support you!”

Mom and Dad were always like this, unconditionally supporting their daughter. I knew that because I was more obedient and sensible than Nora, they favored me. In the previous life, they knew I admired Jasper for a long time and deliberately let me stay in the country to marry him. I went to the mall near home to buy some things I’d need abroad. I happened to run into Jasper and Nora picking out a wedding dress. Nora excitedly compared the most expensive wedding dress against herself. In the previous life, I also wanted this wedding dress, but Jasper refused. “Cora, I want something low-key. This dress is too flashy, and it’s only worn once, there’s no need.” Now, he bought that wedding dress without hesitation. Turns out the difference between love and not loving is this obvious! I was about to turn to leave when Nora’s sharp eyes caught sight of me, and she called out. “Sis, you’re here at the mall too!” She walked towards me holding Jasper’s hand, her face brimming with happiness. “Our wedding is set for three days from now. The master said it’s a lucky day. Sis, you must come to our wedding! Without your blessing, my wedding wouldn’t be perfect.” “I have to pack for my trip abroad, my flight is booked for tomorrow. I’m afraid…” “Since Nora asked, you better be there on time.” “I know you’re also reborn. If you’re not there that day, I’ll kill Whiskers. Make it suffer the same fate as you did in your past life.” Jasper leaned in, threatening me harshly in my ear. My body shuddered. Whiskers is my little cat, a gift from Aunt Genevieve before she passed away. Back then, Mom and Dad were always busy with work, while Aunt Genevieve pampered me like her own daughter. After Aunt Genevieve’s death, I often held Whiskers and secretly missed her. Filled with resentment, I nodded. As I turned to leave, Nora grabbed my hand. “Sis, since I’m the daughter-in-law of the Jiang family, the jade pendant around your neck…” It was the last keepsake Aunt Genevieve gave me before she passed, acknowledging me as her goddaughter, and she personally put it on me for protection. Nora smiled slyly at the jade on my neck. I glared, “This was a gift from Aunt Genevieve, not a Jiang family heirloom, there’s no need…” “Nora, I can buy you ten or eight of such jade pendants, no need for this one. I have plenty at home.” Jasper replied softly to Nora. “Sis, Aunt Genevieve’s jade pendant was meant for her daughter-in-law. Are you mad at me for taking Jasper? I’m sorry, sis.” Nora’s eyes immediately filled with tears, and she looked pitifully wronged. Jasper by her side immediately frowned with concern, patting Nora’s head. “My mom’s jade pendant is for my future wife. Take it off!” Facing Jasper’s fierce gaze, memories of him forcing me to kneel and apologize flashed back. The shadows of the past haunted me, I didn’t dare refuse him. I could only shakily remove the pendant and hand it to Nora. A sly glint passed through her eyes, and as she took the pendant, she suddenly let it slip. I instinctively tried to catch it, but it shattered on the ground. The pendant broke into pieces, and I couldn’t help but squat down, sobbing quietly. Nora pouted in a tea-like manner, “Sis, I know you hate me. If you really want to marry Jasper, I can go abroad instead. For the family business and your love, I can give up everything here!” “But… but why did you break the pendant? It was Aunt Genevieve’s keepsake! It’s Jasper’s only memory of her!” She loudly lamented her grievance, attracting the attention of passersby, and soon we were surrounded by a crowd. “This woman is so vile, breaking the pendant and trying to steal her sister’s fiancé, shameless.” “Someone like her should be executed, all her education wasted.” “Exactly, people like her pollute the air just by living. That was a keepsake!” “Eyeing her sister’s husband is a disgrace to women.” The piercing curses and mockery from the crowd reached me, and I silently picked up the pendant pieces with a handkerchief. I caught a glimpse of Nora’s smug smile towards me. Jasper, with a sullen face, approached and leaned down, giving me a hard slap. He gripped my chin, warning me. “Don’t try any tricks again, haven’t given up yet, Cora? Still want to taste being beaten and humiliated to death?” Jasper shoved me aside, holding Nora as they left. I covered my swollen face, clutching the broken pieces of the pendant tightly until my hand began to bleed, staining the handkerchief with bright red blood. I carefully wrapped the pieces, whispering to myself. “Sorry, Aunt Genevieve, I broke my promise.”

By the time I got home, it was late. Mom, Dad, and my sister were gathered around the dining table, eating. Jasper was there too. I went straight to my room to tend to my wounds. By the time I finished, Mom and Dad had already left after dinner. Jasper sat on the living room sofa, playing with his phone. Only Nora remained, smiling wickedly. “Sis, come eat! We saved food for you, it won’t taste good if it gets cold!” With that, she pushed a big plate of meat in front of me. I carefully wrapped up the shards, whispering softly to myself. “Sorry, Aunt Genevieve, I’ve broken my promise.” 3 It was late when I finally got home. My parents and sister were at the dining table having dinner, and Jasper was present as well. I headed straight to my room to treat my wound. By the time I was done, my parents had already left the table. Jasper was on the couch in the living room, absorbed in his phone. Only Nora remained, with a mischievous grin on her face. “Sis, come eat! We saved some food for you. If you wait any longer, it’ll get cold and not taste as good!” With that, she pushed a large plate of meat toward me. I picked up a piece and took a bite. The taste was odd; I couldn’t determine what kind of meat it was. Noticing the sinister smile in Nora’s eyes, realization hit me like a flash. “Whiskers! Whiskers!” Normally, Whiskers would be at my side as soon as I got home, but today, there was no sign of the cat. I began searching frantically for Whiskers. Nora chuckled and pointed at the meat in front of me. “Don’t bother looking, sis. Isn’t your Whiskers right there in front of you?” A wave of darkness washed over me. I stuck my fingers down my throat and vomited. “Oh dear sister, I’m just sad you’re heading abroad. The food there won’t match up to home-cooked meals. Anyway, that animal was of no use. I personally cooked this tasty meal for you to remind you of home.” Her laughter echoed with triumph as she took the plate of meat. I clenched my teeth, and after a moment, my anger burst forth. I punched Nora. “Nora! Why? I’ve given you everything, so why do this to me? What did Whiskers ever do to you?” Nora held her face, screaming hysterically. “How dare you ask why? Don’t think I don’t know that in our past life, Mom and Dad favored you and made sure I was sent abroad.” “Do you have any idea how much I suffered in my previous life? A vagrant followed me home and abused me day and night.” “I had to serve him just to survive. And you? You were living comfortably back home!” “Sis, it’s your turn this time to endure everything. I want you to feel the pain I went through and ruin everything you have.” I was in disbelief, shaking my head with difficulty holding back my emotions. “So… you’ve been reborn too. Then you must know how Jasper tormented me in our past life and how I died.” “I didn’t know you would face such things abroad. If I had known, I wouldn’t have let you go. Tell me, what did you say to Jasper back then?” I clutched my heart in agony, while Nora’s smile twisted grotesquely. “Stop pretending to be a saint, Cora. Your hypocrisy makes me sick.” “As for what I said, finish the dinner I made for you, and I’ll tell you.” She picked up the steaming plate of meat and approached me. She glanced at Jasper in the living room, her eyes gleaming with calculation, and let out a wicked laugh. Suddenly, she staggered backward, and the plate of meat spilled onto her, scalding her skin red. As I stood there in shock, Jasper rushed over, slapping me twice before kicking me to the ground. My ears rang, and my cheeks swelled rapidly. Jasper didn’t waste time scolding me; he just picked up Nora and ran cold water over her arms to soothe the burns. Nora whimpered and cried, while Jasper gently comforted her. I lay on the ground, unable to hear anything. After tending to Nora, Jasper walked over to me, grabbed me by the hair, and slapped me repeatedly like a madman. I was in so much pain I nearly passed out, unable to fight back. All I saw when I closed my eyes was Jasper’s ruthless demeanor before my death in our past life. Maybe it would be better to just die. Jasper seemed to tire of hitting me and tossed me aside, panting heavily. “Let me warn you again: don’t make me kill you a second time. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you can’t live or die!”

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Adeline left the country, and on that day, Asher chose to take sleeping pills to end his life. In his farewell letter, he poured out all his love for her. Yet he mentioned regretting marrying me. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself five years in the past. I watched with detachment as he and Adeline indulged in their fervent love. I turned away, determined to treat him as a stranger. But later, when he realized I no longer loved him, he knelt in the rain for three days and nights, begging me to return to him. Asher, a renowned professor of surgery at City Central Hospital, single-handedly completed a highly complex heart transplant. During an interview, his composed demeanor, impressive background, and exceptional surgical skills instantly won him a multitude of admirers. Yet, such an accomplished man couldn’t escape questions about his personal life. When the audience learned he was married, many single women watching showed visible disappointment. But they were also curious about who could inspire such a remarkable man to settle down. I sat on the sofa watching the live interview, feeling a sudden surge of secret joy. The host noticed the tattoo on the inside of Asher’s wrist—”XIN.” She asked about its meaning. The moment she asked, Asher’s composed face showed a slight hesitation. His eyelids lowered, concealing the emotions swirling in his dark eyes. “It’s my beloved.”

His tone was as calm as ever, yet it carried a hint of regret. The smile on his lips vanished instantly. The person he loves the most? Why didn’t he just say it was me? My friend sitting next to me teased me with a playful expression: “Susu, I never expected it. Your Professor Jiang seems so aloof, yet secretly he’s so romantic, tattooing your XIN on his arm.” “Truly envious of your relationship.” Hearing her words, the gloom in my heart slightly lifted. Looking at Asher’s affectionate gaze on the tattoo on TV, a smile tugged at my lips. Asher and I grew up together; we were childhood sweethearts. Later, we got married as planned. He’s not one to express love openly, but it turns out he cared for me deeply in secret. Thinking of this, my cheeks warmed slightly. My hand unconsciously touched my belly. After my friend left, I was alone in the villa. I waited quietly for Asher to come. Hoping to see his joy when he found out the news. However, what I didn’t expect was. What I received was Asher’s farewell letter.

Asher took his own life. He consumed a whole bottle of sleeping pills, choosing to end his brilliant life. He also abandoned me.

When the police handed me the farewell letter, I trembled as I took it. On A4 paper, his familiar handwriting, though a bit messy, was filled with genuine and deep love from the depths of his heart. But the person he expressed it to was not me. It was Adeline. She was a girl who got into our university through school sponsorship due to her poor family background. In all the years I’d been with him, I’d never heard him mention her name. Yet, it turned out she was the one he loved. He had kept this love so carefully. I couldn’t hold on and collapsed onto the carpet. The sudden shock caused a faint pain in my belly. But in the next second, my gaze landed on the jar of Origami Cranes in the corner of the wardrobe, making my heart ache unbearably. I hadn’t forgotten when I accidentally saw him folding Origami Cranes in the study, and he scolded me for interrupting. At the time, I thought he was embarrassed because I accidentally saw a secret gift he was preparing for me. But I didn’t realize this consideration was never meant for me. With trembling hands, I took out the jar of Origami Cranes. Each one had a message. “I love you, Adeline.” “I miss you too.” Asher’s farewell letter was filled with this phrase. He fell in love with Adeline’s coolness at first sight. And he regretted that their status differences kept them apart. XIN. It was Adeline. Not Iris. The one he couldn’t forget was never me. He admitted that the person he loved the most was Adeline. And in the farewell letter, there was only one line about me. “I regret marrying Iris.”

How absurd. All those years, I gave up inheriting Iris’s Family, choosing to be an ordinary anesthesiologist for him. I even repeatedly refused others’ kindness, focusing only on him. In the end, he ignored all my efforts. His eyes only saw that girl from the slums, Adeline, who wasn’t even worthy of him. Every word in the farewell letter was like a burning ember, leaving my heart bleeding. Asher betrayed my deep love, choosing to mentally drift away. Such a scumbag doesn’t deserve for me to endure the hardship of carrying his child for ten months. Just as I made up my mind, the villa’s doorbell suddenly rang.

Standing at the door was Adeline, who was supposed to be abroad. Her eyes were red, indicating she knew about Asher’s suicide. “Iris, if it weren’t for you, he wouldn’t have ended up like this today!” Her face was pale, and when her gaze met mine, it turned hostile. Adeline told me. She was supposed to leave the country the day Asher died, but a few days before, she received a love letter from him. The letter clearly expressed Asher’s love and affection for her. He even transferred a house to her name as a gesture of sincerity. But when she realized all this and wanted to find him. He had already chosen to end his life. Separated by life and death, they could never meet again. After saying this, seemingly unsatisfied, she rushed up and slapped me hard. “It’s because of you he died!” “If you hadn’t clung to him wanting to marry, he wouldn’t have been so miserable!” Caught off guard, the taste of blood filled my mouth, making me feel nauseous. I couldn’t hold back and vomited on the spot. What made me feel sick was their so-called mental affair. Adeline frowned slightly, contemplating for a moment before her gaze fell on my tightly covered belly. She questioned me with a hint of suspicion. “You’re pregnant?” After the nausea subsided, I slowly got up. However, I didn’t directly answer her but instead returned her slap. She probably didn’t expect me to fight back and looked at me in disbelief, holding her cheek. As Asher’s rightful wife, my pregnancy is perfectly normal. But she, being someone Asher secretly admired for years without any results, how dare she openly challenge me—it’s shameless. “Besides, our marriage was consensual. If Asher didn’t want it, I would never have forced him to spend his life with me.” “As things stand, all of this is his own choice. He wasted my feelings, my youth. Who are you to judge me?” After hearing me, Adeline suddenly burst into laughter. “Iris, if I had your status and position, do you think the title of Mrs. Jiang would still be yours?” “He had no choice but to marry you because of your status. How could you be so stupid to think he willingly wanted to be with you?” I was stunned. My mind went blank. Thoughts were racing, but I didn’t know where to start sorting them. Seeing me distracted, Adeline pulled out a prepared fruit knife from her pocket, viciously stabbing toward me. “You ruined our happiness. You and your child should die!” Blood gushed from my belly, and I felt myself gradually slipping into coldness. I couldn’t hold on any longer and fell to the ground. Into darkness.

When I woke up again. I was standing in a secluded part of the campus woods, and not far away, Asher was walking towards me. His gaze was cold when it landed on me. I was reborn. Realizing this. This time, I turned and left without saying a word to Asher. But after a few steps. Suddenly, there was a rush of footsteps behind me. Asher sprinted past me like the wind, his unsteady behavior unlike his usual self. I watched his figure disappear, and a bold idea formed in my mind. So I pursed my lips and followed. He reached the classroom before me. When I arrived, he was at the door, looking lost yet relieved as he watched Adeline quietly reading inside. Sunlight fell on his face, giving him a subtle gentleness. His gaze was so focused on Adeline. On the woman he fell for at first sight and kept buried in his heart. With just one glance, I understood. Asher was reborn too. 8 Guided by memories from my previous life, I found my place. It’s lunchtime now. The academic atmosphere at Central High School is very intense. Everyone studies at a brisk pace, with no time to waste.

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My girlfriend picked a dare and, even with my threat to break up, kissed her childhood friend for a minute. I picked [spend a night with a member of the opposite sex]. I chose Nora, the sweet girl. “Let him be, he’s just a traditional guy, really conservative.” The next day, she showed up with red eyes. “Why did Nora answer your phone last night? Are you two really together?” Adeline secured a major deal at her company. She threw a celebration party at a bar. As soon as I walked in, I saw Adeline with her group of girlfriends. “Here he comes! Adeline’s boyfriend! Beckett, super handsome! Oh my God, his body is incredible! Those pecs, those abs, he looks like he stepped out of a comic book! We’re in for a treat today!” “Sister Adeline, you’re so lucky!” Adeline’s girlfriends looked at me as if they’d discovered a new world. Their eyes were fixed on me, almost boring holes into my skin. Adeline specifically asked me to dress “sexy” today. But as a guy, what do I know about sexy? In the end, Adeline couldn’t stand it anymore. She pulled out a black shirt from the closet and handed it to me. “This one! Just unbutton two buttons to show your collarbone. I signed a major deal today and invited the company’s heiress over. Make a good impression!” I looked down at the shirt with the absurdly low neckline. But I try to meet Adeline’s requests as much as I can. Because I really love her. Adeline enjoyed the attention. She smiled and waved at me. Adeline introduced me to a man sitting across from her. Before I could react, Adeline pulled me over and sat me beside her. “Let me introduce you, this is my boyfriend. What do you think, not bad, right?” Adeline wrapped her arm around mine and nearly leaned against me. I shifted uncomfortably. Adeline, however, acted as if she didn’t notice and continued holding my arm tightly. She usually doesn’t do this. The man across from us smiled at me. I know him. Caspian, Adeline’s childhood friend. Adeline always told me they were just good friends, nothing romantic. But I know when Adeline says that, her eyes are evasive. Caspian was also startled by Adeline’s sudden move. He paused with his wine glass, and his expression turned a bit unnatural. He pretended to drink calmly, but his Adam’s apple moved up and down, revealing he wasn’t just “buddies” with Adeline. Adeline was clearly using me to make him jealous. I sighed softly. I didn’t want to ruin her mood after signing a big deal, so I smiled at everyone present.

Adeline pulled a girl over and almost pushed her into my arms. I didn’t understand what she meant. What’s the point of pushing other women onto your boyfriend? The girl seemed a bit shy, hiding timidly behind Adeline. “This is Nora, the beloved daughter of the company boss we signed the deal with today. She’s just graduated, so I brought her out to see the world. You guys better take good care of her!” Adeline introduced loudly. Everyone assured her they would. “Come on, let’s play something exciting, truth or dare!” Adeline pulled out a deck of cards from who knows where, eagerly inviting everyone to play. The cards passed around the group and eventually stopped in front of Adeline. “Wow, our protagonist is lucky today!” Someone teased. Adeline playfully rolled her eyes. She drew a card. “Kiss number 13 for a minute.” Everyone held their breath and looked at number 1

Caspian. He sat there, looking uncomfortable. Adeline is my girlfriend. How can I let another man kiss her? I stood up abruptly. “I’ll take her place!” People around us laughed. “No way, the game rules say no replacements!” Caspian took a deep breath and stood up. He walked to Adeline without a word. Adeline acted as if nothing was wrong. She turned to me and said, “It’s okay, just buddies having fun, don’t take it seriously.” I got anxious. “Adeline, if you kiss him, we break up.” Adeline paused, then impatiently waved her hand. “Oh, stop it, it’s just a game, don’t make a fuss.” She turned her head, closed her eyes, and tilted her face up. Caspian looked at me provocatively, then leaned down and kissed Adeline. I felt my blood run cold, my heart clenched by an invisible hand, making it hard to breathe. They kissed for a full minute. A minute felt like an eternity, leaving me completely chilled. 3. The second round of truth or dare continued. This time, it was my turn. I picked another card from the table. [Choose an opposite sex present to spend a night alone with.] I read the card’s content, a cold smile on my lips. “Wow, this is interesting!” Adeline wrapped her arm around mine, nearly leaning on me, laughing wildly. “Do you even need to choose? My boyfriend, of course, I’m the one to spoil him!” Her eyes darted towards Caspian, clearly trying to make him jealous. I shook off her hand. Coldly, I said, “It says ‘my choice.’” I looked around and finally fixed my gaze on the quiet girl in the corner. Nora, the boss’s daughter brought here to “see the world.” She seemed scared by the chaotic scene, shrinking into the sofa corner, head down, fingers nervously twisting her clothes. I walked over to her and held out my hand. “Let’s go.” Nora looked up in surprise, glancing between me and Adeline, her eyes full of confusion. “I…” “Come on~” I grabbed her hand and pulled her up from the sofa. “Hey, what are you doing!” Adeline finally realized something was wrong and shouted. I ignored her, pulling Nora with me as we left. “Hey! Come back here!” Adeline yelled, frustrated. Her girlfriends saw the situation. “Go after them!” “They’ll be gone if you don’t!” But Adeline just sat on the sofa, crossing her legs, indifferent. “Why chase them? Don’t I know him? His parents are highly educated, there’s no way he’d do anything inappropriate. Besides, he needs my support for his career.” She took a sip of her drink, smirking. “Nora is a good girl too, all fake propriety, super conservative, let him go.”

I drove Nora to her apartment building. “We’re here,” I said. She kept her head down, silent. “What’s wrong? Did Adeline say something to you? Don’t take it to heart, she’s just like that, no harm intended.” Nora stayed quiet, her shoulders trembling slightly. “Hey, don’t cry.” I panicked, I can’t stand girls crying. Nora suddenly looked up. Tears fell like broken pearls. “It’s not you… It has nothing to do with you…” She choked out, “It’s me…” “What’s wrong? Tell me what’s bothering you.” I was at a loss. “They all say I’m a good girl, that I listen, that I’m timid…” Nora’s voice grew louder. “But I don’t want to be like this, I want to be brave, just once…” As she spoke, she started unbuttoning her shirt. I was startled and quickly grabbed her hands. “What are you doing?!” “Aren’t they saying I’m timid? I’ll prove them wrong now!” Nora’s eyes were red as she struggled. “Calm down!” I held her tightly, “This isn’t bravery, this is just…” Suddenly, I didn’t know what to say. “What is it?” Nora asked, tears in her voice. “This is just…” I took a deep breath, “This is just punishing yourself for others’ mistakes.” Nora froze, her tears slowly stopping. “True bravery isn’t doing something ‘out of line’ in others’ eyes. It’s following your heart and doing what you believe is right.” I looked into her eyes, speaking word by word, “Do you understand?” She seemed to understand and nodded. “Can we make a pact, to break free from the good girl and good boy labels, together?” I tentatively asked, hoping to give her some strength. “How do we break free?” Nora sniffed, looking at me with tearful eyes. “What are you most afraid of?” I guided her, hoping she’d face her true feelings. “I’m most afraid of…” Nora bit her lip, hesitating, “I’m most afraid of my parents pressuring me to date and marry those rich kids.” “But I don’t like them at all, they’re all playboys, just eating, drinking, and having fun, no ambition whatsoever!” As Nora spoke, her emotions grew agitated again, tears flowing anew. I cautiously asked, trying to provide her with some support. “How do I break free?” Nora asked, her eyes glistening with tears. “What are you most afraid of?” I gently prompted, hoping she could confront her feelings. “I’m most afraid of…” Nora hesitated, biting her lip, “I’m most afraid of my parents pushing me into arranged dates with wealthy heirs.” “But I don’t like them at all. They’re playboys, only interested in partying and having no ambition!” As she spoke, her emotions surged again, and tears began to flow. I could feel her anguish, the despair of being trapped and unable to control her own life. “Then start with this. Be brave and tell your parents you need a few more years because you want to build your own career.” I encouraged her, hoping she could find the courage to stand up for herself. Nora paused, seemingly surprised by my suggestion. “But… but my parents are very strong-willed. No one ever changes their minds.” Her voice grew quieter, her eyes dimming like a balloon losing air. “You have to try. How will you know if it doesn’t work unless you try?” I encouraged her, clenching my fist for emphasis. “Just like you said, you want to be brave just this once, for yourself!” Nora took a deep breath, as if she finally made up her mind. “Okay, I’ll try!” A spark of hope reignited in her eyes. “What about you? What are you going to be brave about?” she suddenly asked, looking at me with curiosity. “Me?” I smiled, “I’m going to be brave and start my own business, even if there are many opposing voices. I have to try.”

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After My Brother Stole My Girlfriend Again, I Fell into the Arms of the Woman He’d Loved for Five Years. He Got Serious. At the dinner table, I dropped my fork. As I bent down to pick it up, I saw my brother’s foot stretched out between my girlfriend’s legs. He said, “Your current girlfriend has pretty slim legs. I approve.” Later, he got together with my girlfriend and told me, “What can I do, Adrian? It seems like none of the women around you can resist me.” I laughed and immediately fell into the arms of the woman he’d loved for five years. My brother Brandon broke up with my ex-girlfriend. “We only dated for a month. Isn’t it normal to break up?” Brandon said casually, as if he was discussing what to have for lunch. “But when you sent me those bedroom photos, you said it was true love and hoped I’d give you my blessing,” I said, taking a sip of coffee. I glanced at Emma, who was still waiting outside in the scorching heat, and clicked my tongue. Emma was the beauty queen of our department. Not only was she gorgeous, but she also excelled in her studies. Her family seemed quite wealthy too. Add to that her cool and aloof demeanor, and she was the quintessential campus goddess. Many guys at our college had fallen for her, including me. Emma was technically my ex-girlfriend, but not really. After all, I was just her fake boyfriend to ward off unwanted suitors. The day after we publicly announced our relationship, Brandon stole her away. That night, Brandon sent me several explicit bedroom photos. “I’m interested in her because you’re interested in her,” Brandon had said. “But your taste is truly garbage. For your first girlfriend, you chose such mediocre goods.” I knew Brandon wasn’t actually into Emma. He just wanted to steal everything I liked, even if he’d discard it later. He didn’t want me to have anything. Since childhood, he’d been jealous that my arrival stole all our parents’ love. So anything I liked, he’d find a way to take it for himself. It was like that with toys when we were little, with nice clothes, and now with the girls I dated. “My taste wasn’t great before, but this time, I’m dating someone high quality,” I said, my eyes filled with infatuation. Brandon looked intrigued by my expression. “Oh really? I find it hard to believe your definition of ‘high quality.’ When can you introduce us?” “She’s coming to meet me soon.” Just as I finished speaking, I saw Olivia appear at the café entrance. I smiled and said, “There, that’s my girlfriend.” She wore a white blouse and had a slender figure. A silver necklace adorned her neck, and she exuded a lazy, carefree aura. Compared to Emma, this kind of woman gave off an uncontrollable vibe. I was obsessed with women like her, and so was Brandon. He loved making all sorts of women fall for him, and he especially loved stealing my girlfriends. I saw Brandon’s eyes noticeably brighten. He looked Olivia up and down several times before finally curling his lips meaningfully. I was all too familiar with that expression of his. It meant he had his sights set on his prey. The more carefree and unrestrained a woman was, the more she aroused a man’s desire to conquer her. When Brandon saw that from the moment Olivia entered, her eyes were only on me, he got even more excited. I frowned in displeasure. The reason I dared to bring Olivia to meet Brandon was because I trusted her character. I’d known her for two years, and she was never the type to be seduced by good looks. Emotionally, she was a very loyal woman. But looking at Brandon’s flirtatious eyes and demeanor, I felt a bit uncertain. Brandon knew exactly how to manipulate women. Take Emma for example – she was so cool and aloof at school, but she became wild and flushed with desire when she was with Brandon. I held Olivia’s hand, and she smiled at me tenderly. I firmly believed I hadn’t misjudged her. Before leaving, Brandon kept his eyes fixed intently on Olivia. I observed Olivia’s expression. She seemed completely oblivious to Brandon, her attention fully focused on me. After we left the café, I accompanied Olivia to the sports field. She had plans to play badminton with some friends, while I sat on the sidelines holding her jacket and watching. Olivia exuded a uniquely feminine charm. Her aura was completely different from Emma’s – she was bold and uninhibited, like the June sun, bringing joy to those around her. Being with Olivia was actually the result of my careful planning. On the first day of college, I had noticed Olivia. At the time, she saw a guy taking advantage of the crowded hallway to grope a girl. Olivia immediately pinned the guy to the ground and beat him up. I still remember she was wearing a black t-shirt that day, with a silver necklace around her neck. She had her jacket slung casually over one shoulder as she walked past me with an indifferent expression. My first impression was that she was carefree and rebellious, with an innate bad girl vibe that deeply attracted me. Brandon had taught me that women like her were usually harder to pursue. Pestering them didn’t work – the key was using the right approach. Throughout freshman year, I didn’t make any aggressive moves. I just tried to become a familiar face to her. Sophomore year, I started messaging her frequently and occasionally asking her to hang out. To understand her likes and interests, I did a lot of research. Gradually, we started chatting more and more, eventually progressing to daily good morning and goodnight texts. The flirting intensified to the extreme, and we were just one step away from a relationship. My agreement to be Emma’s fake boyfriend to ward off other guys was what finally broke through that last barrier. That night when Olivia called me out with red-rimmed eyes, demanding to know why I was with another girl, I knew my strategy of playing hard to get had worked. When Emma was stolen by Brandon, it was the perfect opportunity for Olivia and me to get together. She was an excellent girlfriend. In the month we’d been dating, she fulfilled the role to the utmost. Even my roommates said they never imagined a girl like Olivia could be so devoted when she fell in love. Of course, I believed in Olivia’s feelings for me. But I didn’t know if she could resist the temptation of a mature man like Brandon. A cheer erupted from the crowd – Olivia had scored another winning shot. After spiking the final point, she walked towards me. The sunlight shone on her, giving her smile a golden glow. Olivia grinned and said, “Bored of waiting? I’ll treat you to something delicious later.” I smiled brightly back. “Sounds good.” We held hands as we walked along the edge of the sports field. The warm light shone on us, and I could feel the gentle pressure of her hand in mine. I wished this moment could last forever. As I had expected, Brandon finally made his move. Recently, Brandon had been coming to campus to see me much more frequently than before. Olivia would come to my dorm every day to walk me to breakfast, attend classes together, and go on dates. But lately, several times when I went downstairs, I saw Brandon waiting with Olivia. From a distance, Brandon was smiling brightly. Though Olivia’s expression remained neutral, she occasionally responded to him. Brandon seemed oblivious to his third wheel status, forcibly inserting himself into Olivia and my world. One day, Brandon suddenly invited me to dinner and specifically asked me to bring Olivia. I knew what he was up to, but I still asked Olivia to come with me. When Olivia and I arrived, Brandon was already waiting in the private room. He looked like he had dressed up carefully. Was his intention really that obvious? I brought Olivia because I had my own agenda. I wanted to see if she could resist the temptation of a man like Brandon. “Olivia, I heard you’re amazing at badminton. Could you teach me sometime?” Brandon asked in his magnetic voice. Olivia replied flatly, “If you really want to learn, you should find a coach.” Brandon was clearly dissatisfied with Olivia’s attitude, but it seemed to excite him even more. “Finding a coach is such a hassle. You’re my brother’s girlfriend, so why can’t I just ask you?” I stirred my soup with a spoon, listening to Olivia’s cold voice beside me. “You know very well I’m your brother’s girlfriend. It’s inappropriate.” Seeing Brandon’s visibly paled expression, I could barely hold back my laughter. Brandon rarely struck out with women. Aside from that one time five years ago, this was probably only the second time. I must have been smiling too obviously, because Brandon shot me an annoyed glare. My hand slipped and I said, “Oops, I dropped my fork.” With that, I immediately bent down to pick it up. They clearly didn’t have time to react. In the split second I lowered my head, I still saw Brandon’s foot that he hadn’t managed to pull back in time. Yes, just moments ago when I wasn’t paying attention, Brandon had stretched his foot towards Olivia, even between her legs… Olivia hadn’t refused. Was it because she didn’t have time to, or because she didn’t want to refuse?

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My mom was a DEA agent, lost in the line of duty. Since I was a little kid, I had one dream: to reclaim her badge number. The moment I found out my scores were high enough for the police academy, I called my dad, buzzing with excitement. But he blew up. “You, a good-for-nothing loser like you, want to be a cop? Reclaim your mom’s badge number?! Don’t you dare shame your mother! Get lost!” My heart froze solid, my world crumbling around me. I stumbled home, only to be surrounded by a gang of addicts in a dark alley. “Heard your mom, Sergeant Dana, was a narcotics expert, trained a bunch of hotshots, made it impossible for us to even get a fix? Come on, let’s talk!” Naturally, I fought back with everything I had. But they were ready. A sharp knife plunged into my lower back, draining all my strength. Before I blacked out, my dad’s last words echoed in my mind. Dad, did I really disgrace Mom…? It was the dead of night when the police got a call. A large pool of blood was found in a dark alley in South Bayport, but no one was around. The caller thought it was just some drunk fight and quickly reported it, hoping the police would find the injured person and get them to a hospital fast. The police rushed to the scene, only to find the heavy rain had already washed away most of the blood, making it a chaotic mess! There wasn’t a trace of the injured person nearby. They immediately launched a carpet search and soon found dismembered body parts in an abandoned factory nearby. The morgue lights flickered on. “What’s the situation with this case?” A calm, steady male voice broke the silence. A man in a crisp forensic uniform walked in with two young police officers. This was my dad, Dr. Miles, the top forensic pathologist in Bayport. “Dr. Miles, the victim’s condition is pretty grim. Maybe you should prepare yourself…” Dad waved a dismissive hand. “What kind of body haven’t I seen? Just start the autopsy. Let’s solve this case as soon as possible!” He was right. Dad had been practicing for nearly twenty years. He’d seen it all: bloated bodies, headless corpses, dismembered remains, even bodies encased in concrete or reduced to fluid. When it came to forensics, he was a pro. But Dad, did you ever think that the body on that autopsy table… would be your most disregarded daughter? I floated in the air, watching my dad work with a strange detachment. The moment he unzipped the body bag, his brow furrowed. It wasn’t just the jumbled mess of flesh and bone inside; it was the missing, most crucial part. “Where’s the head? Where did it go?” “Uh… Dr. Miles, we searched that abandoned factory thoroughly, but we couldn’t find it. Most likely, the suspect took it.” “Forget it! Let’s start the autopsy.” Dad put on his gloves and began his professional sorting. Bone fragments, tissue, finger pieces… Everything he could identify was carefully laid out. “The victim is female, growth plates were narrow, not yet fully fused, estimated age between eighteen and twenty-three. Height between 5’3” and 5’7”. Probably a student.” “Based on the vitality of the cuts, the culprits must have first brutally broken this kid’s finger bones, radius, ulna, humerus, tibia, and femur while she was still alive. Then they dismembered her limbs. It seems that wasn’t enough for them; they used other blunt objects. Her ribs and spine are almost entirely fractured into tiny pieces…” Dad reported the findings professionally, while the young officer in charge of recording had already gone paper-white. Just hearing the description made him want to throw up! It was even harder to imagine the pain and despair the victim must have experienced! Dad suddenly turned. “Was a murder weapon found at the scene?” “Uh, yes, sir.” The young officer quickly handed a set of photos to Dad. It showed a saw covered in rust and blood, and a large sledgehammer caked with blood and tissue. A dull saw, used to savagely cut off every one of the victim’s fingers, every joint… The pain such weapons would inflict on a living person was beyond words!

Dad frowned deeply. “This wasn’t a random attack, was it? How much hatred could they possibly have for this kid?” Normally, even in a revenge attack, the assailants wouldn’t go to such extremes. The young officer respectfully replied, “Dr. Miles, preliminary investigations by Detective Reed’s Serious Crimes Unit have ruled out robbery and random attacks. It’s definitely a vendetta. Detective Reed and his team are now checking all newly reported missing person cases across the city.” “Understood.” Dad quickly pieced together the body parts, hoping to find some useful information to help solve the case. But it was all in vain. Even teeth, which can identify a person no matter how disfigured, had been taken by the criminals along with the head. Identifying the true identity of a nearly pulverized body, without any clothing, was almost impossible! I floated in the air, half relieved, half wistful. Good, Dad didn’t recognize me. Otherwise, he’d probably call me a loser again… Dad sighed. “What a pathetic kid! Why inflict such cruelty on a child because of their parents’ feuds…” There were tears glimmering in Dad’s eyes. Dad, meticulously piecing together every inch of bone. Dad, desperately searching for every bit of useful information. Dad, showing sympathy for a stranger, a headless female corpse. He felt so… unfamiliar. I knew Dad didn’t like me. When I was in elementary school, I had a fever on a rainy night. He took me to the emergency room alone. Dad thought Mom, who worked tirelessly day and night, deserved some rest, so he didn’t wake her. But Dad didn’t know that Mom got an urgent mission notification shortly after. She didn’t even wash her face before rushing to the scene. And it was that rainy night that Mom died in a shootout with The Viper. Mom’s body… Dad handled that one too. I was too young then to understand what death meant, what it felt like. Now that I think about it, even Dad wouldn’t want to personally send off his own wife, right? It was all my fault, for getting that strange fever on that particular night. It was only natural for Dad to hate me. If I hadn’t been sick, Dad would have fought to stop Mom from going on that mission, and if she hadn’t gone, Mom wouldn’t have died. It was all my fault… I looked down at Dad, who still hadn’t recognized me on the autopsy table. I glanced at the body again, fragmented and soiled. Covered in what looked like mud or blood, each piece of flesh looked gray and black, no different from leftover food dumped in a sewer. Even I couldn’t have recognized myself. No wonder Dad didn’t. The tranquil morgue was suddenly pierced by a ringing phone. Dad stopped, frowning, and looked at the two young officers. They shook their heads quickly. “Dr. Miles, we didn’t bring anything in!” Dad then realized it was his own phone. He pulled off his gloves to check. It was Aunt Sarah. “Hello? I’m busy…” “Oh, Miles, I don’t know… Chloe, have you seen her? I can’t reach her phone…” “Chloe?” Hearing my name, Dad’s brow furrowed. “I don’t know! I disciplined her yesterday. She’s probably out messing around. Just ignore her!” Aunt Sarah sounded anxious. “Why did you scold her again? I heard Chloe scored really well on her college entrance exams, enough for the police academy! She was so happy yesterday!” “Police academy, my foot! Someone as worthless as her? She should just pick some easy major, get a regular job, and make money! Becoming a cop would be an insult to the entire profession!” Dad’s voice was as sharp as ever.

Aunt Sarah was silent for a moment. “That’s been Chloe’s dream for ages. She finally did so well on her exams, and I was planning to invite her over for a big dinner. I bought so much seafood…” Dad was furious. “I forbid her from applying to the police academy! If she does, then she’s no daughter of mine! She can go die for all I care!” With that, Dad hung up. He seemed to forget he wasn’t alone, his chest heaving with anger as he stood by the autopsy table, speechless for a long time. I’m sorry, Dad. I won’t apply to the police academy. Please don’t be angry; it’s not good for you. I wanted to say that so badly, but all I could do was float in the air, watching everything unfold, utterly powerless. I wanted to cry, but as a spirit, I had no tears. By now, Dad had pieced together most of the body, but he couldn’t put my ten fingers back together. He frowned deeply, instructing the young officer to record. “Right ring finger and pinky are missing. Have the officers at the scene search again. If they can’t find them…” My heart clenched. When I was little, I was mischievous and went to tease a police dog. It bit through the flesh of these two fingers, leaving terrible scars. That dog, because of my accidental injury, was forced into early retirement. Dad scolded me relentlessly for that incident. Had he forgotten? Of course, Dad didn’t care about me at all… No! It’s better if Dad doesn’t remember! I don’t want Dad to know that he personally sent off both his wife and daughter! The young officer saluted. “Understood! If they’re not found, it means those two fingers have distinct identifying features!” Dad nodded. “Exactly. To find the victim, look for individuals with old injuries or tattoos on their hands!” He cut a small piece of flesh. “Get a DNA test done. Compare it with the database. Find the direct relatives as soon as possible!” Hearing Dad say that, my heart clenched. If they checked DNA, wouldn’t I be exposed quickly?! Dad! Don’t check the DNA! Dad! Let this case go! Don’t investigate further! I screamed silently, but Dad heard not a single word. Dad worked in the morgue for over ten hours. He’d arrived at dawn, and by the time he emerged, night had fallen again. “Dr. Miles, you’ve worked tirelessly.” Dad nodded, about to head home for rest, but then he saw Aunt Sarah waiting anxiously at the police station entrance. “Miles, Chloe’s been missing for a whole day and night! I asked her classmates; no one’s seen her! I checked all the entertainment spots near the school, couldn’t find her! What do we do?!” Dad looked annoyed, his brows tightly knit. “This is just her using petty tricks to make me agree to her joining the police academy! Impossible! Someone as worthless as her just needs to be law-abiding. What, she wants to uphold justice too?!” Aunt Sarah was on the verge of tears. “Forget about college applications for now! Our child’s safety is more important! I just came here and heard about a major case! A young girl, just turned adult, was dismembered, right?! Aren’t you worried Chloe might have run into those people?” Dad snapped back. “Don’t pry into cases that haven’t been announced! Chloe is eighteen; she can take care of herself! If something happened to her, she can only blame her own bad luck! Knowing how dangerous it is out there, why did she have to go running off?!” Aunt Sarah paused. “I’m not prying, I… I’m just afraid something happened to Chloe!” Dad’s eyes held contempt. “If she can’t even manage basic risk assessment or know how to avoid danger, then what good is she for the police academy? She might as well go get a job!”

“Miles Chen! Listen to yourself! Chloe lost her mom when she was little; she’s already had it tough enough! She didn’t let it get her down; she became even more driven, and you keep knocking her down every single day! Are you even human?!” Aunt Sarah shrieked, tears streaming down her face. “I’m telling you, you’d better pray to God the victim in this case isn’t Chloe! Otherwise, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!” My heart leaped. Had Aunt Sarah found out? But looking at her expression, it didn’t seem like she knew the truth. It was more like she was deliberately trying to provoke Dad. Sure enough, at her words, Dad’s face instantly changed. “Impossible! Don’t you think I’d know my own daughter?! The victim in there absolutely cannot be Chloe!” Aunt Sarah bit her lip. “If it really is Chloe, don’t even think about claiming her body back! You never liked the kid anyway; let her come back to our family!” Dad raised his voice. “Fine! Take her! Do you think I care?! I’ve wanted that bad luck charm out of my life for years!” Aunt Sarah trembled with rage. “You rotten Miles Chen! If you don’t want Chloe, I do! Such a good kid, she’s suffered enough injustice living with you! You cold-blooded, heartless bastard! Ugh!” I floated in the air, a little overwhelmed. I knew Aunt Sarah was incredibly good to me. After Mom died, Dad rarely paid attention to me. Beyond making sure I ate, he ignored everything else. I still remember Aunt Sarah being the one who bought me my first bras and sanitary pads during my teenage years. I wanted to study hard and get into the police academy, but Dad wouldn’t pay for tutoring classes. In the end, it was Aunt Sarah who secretly took me to enroll. From the smallest daily necessities to tutoring, smartphones, tablets, and computers, Aunt Sarah almost always paid for them out of her own pocket. To Aunt Sarah, I was practically her own daughter. Aunt Sarah, fuming, stormed out of the police station, her trembling fingers typing a message on her phone. I floated over, peering at the screen. ‘Chloe, it’s not safe out there right now. No matter how angry you are at your dad, you still need to come home! If you don’t want to come home, that’s fine. Come to Aunt Sarah’s. I’ll send you to college and pay your tuition! We don’t need your dad. Aunt Sarah’s place will always be your home, sweetie. Be good.’ I blinked, feeling tears well up. Aunt Sarah had lost her only sister on that rainy night years ago too. Yet, she didn’t hate me like Dad did. Instead, she poured all the love she had for her sister into me. I’m so sorry, Aunt Sarah. I’m afraid I’m destined to disappoint you. It seemed that because my body was inside the police station, I couldn’t follow Aunt Sarah further than a certain distance. I could only watch helplessly as she left. When I floated back into the station, I found Dad slumped in a chair, looking exhausted. Officer Miller saw him and couldn’t help but advise, “Dr. Miles, you’ve worked for twenty hours straight. You should go home and rest!” But Dad shook his head. “No, I’m a bit uneasy about this case… I’ll just rest here briefly, then go back and see if there are any more clues on the body.” “Uh… alright.” I watched Dad’s swaying body, both admiring his dedication and wishing he’d get some proper rest. … “The DNA results are in!” A shout echoed through the police station, instantly energizing everyone! Even I couldn’t help but feel a surge of tension! Dad, who had been staying at the station for two nights, rushed to the data room. “The database, has it been checked? Have you identified the victim?” “Still comparing. It’s taking a bit. Don’t rush!” Everyone gathered around the computer, nervously watching the progress bar crawl forward. 75%… 88%… 95%… 100%! Everyone held their breath, waiting for the final result.

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Everyone knew I was the woman Mr. Sterling, the family patriarch, had personally chosen for an arranged marriage. He’d decreed that whoever I married would be the one to inherit the vast Hayes fortune. At the engagement party, I wore my custom-made gown, ready to step onto the stage and announce the union between the Hayes and Peterson families. But my fiancé, Derek Hayes, had Tiffany Peterson, my adopted sister, clasped firmly by the hand. He pulled her into the center of the crowd, standing shoulder to shoulder with her. “Tiffany and I are deeply in love; she’s the only woman I’ll ever marry.” “Scarlett is too headstrong, too unruly—she’s simply not fit to be a Hayes.” My engagement was suddenly switched to my adopted sister, and everyone’s eyes on me were a mix of pity and mockery. What they didn’t know was that Mr. Sterling had chosen me because my mother was the heiress to the formidable Vance family, a discreet yet incredibly powerful lineage. Someday, I would return to the Vance family and inherit its empire. Since Derek had made his choice, the Hayes heir would naturally have to be someone else.

Derek tightly clutched Tiffany Peterson’s hand, pulling her to stand before the gathered crowd. Tiffany gasped, trying to pull her hand back. “Bro-Derek, you can’t do this! Grandpa Sterling himself arranged your marriage to Scarlett.” “You’re the one I love, Tiffany. I won’t marry anyone else.” He held her hand firmly, his fingers intertwined with hers, as he looked up at Mr. Sterling, who sat on a raised platform. “Grandpa, I’ve always loved Tiffany. I will only marry her.” The guests looked on with a mix of sympathy and ridicule. Everyone knew that Derek and I had grown up together, childhood friends, and that I was Mr. Sterling’s chosen future granddaughter-in-law. Yet here, in front of everyone in our social circle, Derek had just publicly humiliated me. Derek’s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. “While Scarlett and I grew up together, I’ve always seen her as a sister, nothing more.” “Tiffany and I are deeply in love; we’ve been together for a while now. In my heart, she’s the only woman I’ll ever marry. No other woman compares.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes’s faces fell as they nervously glanced at the patriarch’s expression. Derek put an arm around Tiffany’s waist and looked at me, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. “Scarlett, you know I don’t have romantic feelings for you. You wouldn’t want to waste your life marrying a man who doesn’t love you, would you?” “Besides, Tiffany and I are already together. You can’t just rely on Grandpa Sterling’s favor and try to muscle in and break us up, can you?” I glanced at the two of them, then bowed to Mr. Sterling. “Grandpa Sterling, since they’re so clearly in love, how could I possibly come between them? Let’s just let them be together.” “Wishing my sister and Mr. Hayes Jr. a lifetime of happiness and everlasting love.” Derek’s face flashed with annoyance at my words, but Tiffany cautiously slipped her arm through his. “Bro-Derek, Grandpa Sterling arranged your marriage to Scarlett. Won’t he be upset about this?” Derek gently patted Tiffany’s hand, soothing her softly. “No, he won’t. Grandpa spoils me rotten. Why would he get mad at me over *her*?” “Besides, you’re the Peterson family’s true daughter, their heiress. This was always meant to be an alliance between our two families. Why would he care about an outsider?” An outsider? Only my father, Mr. Peterson, and Mr. Sterling knew my true identity. My mother is the heiress to the formidable Vance family. My father and mother’s marriage was merely a strategic alliance disguised as a union, and I would inherit the Vance family fortune, so I took my mother’s surname. Moreover, he thought Tiffany was my father’s biological daughter? Mr. Sterling frowned at Derek’s words. “Derek, don’t be foolish. Are you certain you want to marry Miss Peterson?” Derek firmly slipped the ring onto Tiffany’s finger, then kissed it with devotion. “Grandpa, I’ve thought it through. I will only marry Tiffany.” Mr. Sterling looked at Derek with disappointment. If it was just a change of fiancée, he wouldn’t have had much of an opinion. But Derek had deliberately chosen today to humiliate me in front of so many people, proving he was unreliable. “Fine, have it your way.”

Once Mr. Sterling spoke, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. This alliance had invited many business magnates to witness the event, and everyone was eager to see how it would unfold. Amidst the whispers of the crowd, Derek, holding Tiffany’s hand, faced the guests who had come to celebrate and announced, “Thank you all for attending my and Miss Peterson’s engagement ceremony today.” The guests’ faces were a mix of expressions. No one had expected the Hayes and Peterson families to actually swap fiancées on the spot. My father was equally stunned, his face instantly darkening. My own expression wasn’t much better, but I forced myself to stand tall, holding my head high amidst the murmurs, and raised my glass to offer a generous gift. “Mr. Hayes Jr. actually swapped fiancées on the spot? He gave Scarlett no face at all!” “Didn’t Mr. Sterling insist on Scarlett becoming his granddaughter-in-law? How did he agree to the change?” “Changing fiancées on the day of the engagement party—that’s truly embarrassing. Who knows what she did to make Mr. Hayes Jr. do something like that?” The guests’ whispers weren’t quiet. My father glared at Tiffany, showing Derek no deference either. “How much gossip will you cause your sister by doing this?” “And you, you’re not a child anymore. Acting without thinking of the consequences—are you trying to make a fool of me?” Tiffany, scolded by my father, timidly tried to take off the ring to give it to me. Mr. Sterling waved his hand, stopping her. He touched my head apologetically, his voice deep. “Scarlett, don’t worry. Grandpa Sterling will see to it. If you’re willing, the Hayes family has several other excellent young men.” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes heard Mr. Sterling’s words and simply assumed he was comforting me, so they didn’t pay much attention. To their shock, I pointed to Julian Hayes, Mr. Hayes’s illegitimate son, who was watching the drama unfold from a corner. “Actually, I’ve always liked Julian. I hope Grandpa can grant us his blessing.” Everyone’s gazes fell on Julian, flickering between him and me. Julian was Mr. Hayes Sr.’s illegitimate son. After Mr. Hayes Sr.’s passing, Julian wasn’t well-regarded in the family and had a difficult life. But since he was still a Hayes, Mr. Sterling didn’t want others saying the Hayes family mistreated its own blood. So he had taken Julian in and raised him personally. My father stared at me in shock, then whispered, trying to persuade me. “Scarlett, Dad knows you’re upset, but he’s an illegitimate son. The Hayes family doesn’t value him.” I casually swirled my glass, raising it to Julian in a silent toast. “He didn’t choose to be an illegitimate son. I think he’s quite good. I’m willing to give it a try with him.” Julian’s eyes met mine, his demeanor relaxed. “Since Miss Vance likes me, then let’s give it a try.” The guests’ gazes on me became even more meaningful. News of the Hayes family changing fiancées on the spot spread like wildfire in our social circle. As soon as the party ended, I received a message from my mother. In a private room, my mother held me close, her eyes glaring at my father. “Mr. Peterson, how dare you let my daughter suffer such humiliation? Are you trying to get yourself disowned?” I squeezed my mother’s hand, redirecting the conversation to the main issue. “Grandpa Sterling found me a new fiancé. His name is Julian Hayes, and I actually quite like him.” My father wiped the sweat from his forehead and sighed again. “He’s just an illegitimate son, a nobody in the Hayes family. Why would you choose him?” I looked at my parents’ confused expressions and slowly began to explain. “Grandpa Sterling and my grandfather made this arrangement, so I definitely have to marry into the Hayes family.” “Even though Julian is an illegitimate son, he’s the most capable among the younger Hayes generation. From a business perspective, he’s the most suitable partner.”

“Besides, as an illegitimate son, if I marry him, the Vance family will be his foundation for establishing himself in the Hayes family. He’ll certainly treat me well.” Now, Tiffany was the talk of the town, everyone flattering and trying to curry favor with her. Countless people rushed to meet and connect with her. After all, the Hayes and Peterson families were a powerful union. If anyone could get a chance to collaborate, they would surely rise to the next level in their respective industries. I didn’t have time to bother with such things. I was focused on completing the task my mother had given me abroad. One day, Mr. Sterling was celebrating his birthday. Tiffany specifically sent me an invitation and called me several times, so I had no choice but to go. The moment I stepped through the Hayes family’s front door, all eyes fell on me. I showed no embarrassment, smiling as I handed my gift to the Hayes butler. “Why is Scarlett here? Didn’t the engagement switch?” “You don’t know? Mr. Hayes Jr. insisted on switching fiancées, so she, in a fit of pique, chose the Hayes family’s illegitimate son to marry.” “To marry an illegitimate son just to get into the Hayes family… Miss Vance really is something else.” Just as everyone was chattering, Tiffany appeared, ostentatiously holding Derek’s arm. Unlike her usual low-key, gentle attire, she was wearing a haute couture gown today, adorned with several sets of intricate and luxurious jewelry, making her look gaudy and somewhat tacky. Seeing me there, she came over intimately, wanting to link arms with me. “Sister, it’s wonderful that both of us sisters can marry into the Hayes family! As a sisterly favor, I’ll make sure Bro-Derek promotes your husband more.” I almost laughed at Tiffany. Even now, she still believed all I cared about was marrying into the Hayes family. Derek thought so too. In his eyes, I was desperate to marry into the Hayes family, using any means necessary. He looked at me as if I were something dirty. Too lazy to bother with the two of them, I turned to leave, but then I noticed the pair of exquisitely crafted heirloom bracelets on Tiffany’s wrist. These were the Hayes family’s heirloom bracelets, always kept by Mr. Sterling. I hadn’t expected them to be on Tiffany’s wrist, and with at least three or four other bracelets on her arm, I hadn’t recognized them at first glance. The Hayes family heir hadn’t even been confirmed yet. How did those bracelets end up on Tiffany? I pointed at the bracelets on Tiffany’s wrist, my gaze filled with a hint of inquiry. “Where did those bracelets come from?” Derek looked momentarily guilty, while Tiffany caressed the bracelets on her wrist, a hint of grievance on her face. “Sister, these bracelets were meant for you before, but now I’m the one marrying Bro-Derek, so of course, they belong to me.” Derek nodded, his expression righteous. In his mind, he was the undisputed heir, so there was no harm in letting his beloved wear the bracelets beforehand. “These are my Hayes family’s heirloom bracelets. I can let anyone I want wear them. What does it have to do with you?” He then scanned me up and down, taking a step back with a disgusted look. “Don’t you dare try to use this method to cling to me. I won’t ever like you. My heart only belongs to Tiffany.” Derek’s voice wasn’t quiet, and several gazes around us landed on me. “Scarlett usually seems so proud. I can’t believe she’s trying to steal her own sister’s fiancé just to marry into the Hayes family.” “They’re clearly in love. Why is she still trying to cling on?” Tiffany blushed, her face coyly hitting Derek on the arm. “Don’t be so mean to Sister. We’ll be family when she marries in. You’ll have to help them out then.” Derek glanced at me, then dotingly pinched Tiffany’s cheek. “Fine, for Tiffany’s sake, I won’t dwell on it. But if you have any improper thoughts about me, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” The two of them were still lost in their tender moment when a voice suddenly chimed in from behind them. “Why would my wife have improper thoughts about you? “Derek, that’s incredibly rude, talking about your future sister-in-law like that.”

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I was the only daughter of the city’s wealthiest family, born late in my father’s life, and notoriously delicate. Even as an adult, I needed three maids just for my daily needs, because the slightest scratch would lead to uncontrollable bleeding that wouldn’t heal for weeks. My father replaced every cook, gardener, and maid in our mansion with top-tier doctors, terrified of even the slightest mishap. “’Pick a husband who’ll live here, someone I can trust to protect you,’ my father had insisted.” Naturally, I chose Julian, the most handsome and gentlemanly of them all. But on our wedding night, with no warning, he brutally violated me, his voice chilling. “‘Seraphina! Do you truly die if a top-tier doctor isn’t by your side?’” “‘Chloe only asked to use one of your doctors, and you let her miss her optimal treatment window, leaving her with a scar! Today, you’ll feel the despair she felt!’” Julian’s words grew coarser, and immediately, I felt a sticky wetness beneath me as the blood flowed uncontrollably. When he finally stopped, I had already lost my breath. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day I chose my husband. My father was swiping through photos on the projector, one by one. This time, I had my father scroll straight to the man wearing an eye patch. “‘I choose him!’”

“‘Miss, Mr. Sterling wants you in his study,’” Mr. Davies, the butler, knocked on my door. I shot up in bed, drenched in cold sweat, the agonizing sensation of Julian tearing me apart still lingering. I had actually been reborn to the day my father told me to choose a husband. In his study, six photos were displayed on the wall, illuminated by the projector. My father turned and smiled at me. “‘Which one do you like best?’” I scanned the faces, my gaze pausing for a second on Julian’s gentle, refined smile. In my previous life, that face had completely fooled me. “‘This one,’” I said, pointing to the first photo. “‘Atticus Davies.’” The man in the photo wore an eye patch, his brows cold, his aura distant. My father froze. “‘Seraphina, are you sure? While his medical skills are superb, he…’” “‘He what?’” My father’s face wrinkled in a frown. He cleared his throat, trying to rein in his emotions. *This man was the most outstanding in every aspect, yet he was considered a last resort.* “‘Darling, there are several more options. Why don’t you look at them first? His eye…’” Meeting my gaze, he suddenly seemed to recall some forbidden topic and quickly changed his tune: “‘He’s a recluse! Not very talkative.’” My father quickly reached out to slide the photo, but I pressed his hand down. “‘Just him,’” my voice was firm. In my previous life, those other men were either fake or greedy. He was the only one who wasn’t. Seeing my resolute attitude, my father could only agree. I returned to my room, still feeling a bit dizzy. Mr. Davies knocked again. “‘Miss, young Master Julian is here.’” My heart instantly tightened. Julian pushed the door open, with Chloe trailing behind him. Her right wrist was wrapped in gauze, and her eyes were red and swollen, looking utterly pathetic. “‘Chloe accidentally cut herself on some glass, and the wound is a bit deep. It needs professional medical attention,’ Julian said, his voice gentle. If it had been before, I would have agreed without hesitation.” Chloe started to whimper on cue. “‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have bothered you, but an ordinary hospital might leave a scar…’” I watched their act with cold eyes. In my previous life, it was always like this. Chloe would always get “injured” at crucial moments, and Julian would bring her to me. Every time I showed the slightest hesitation, he’d call me cold-blooded. “‘The Sterling family’s doctors only serve me,’ I said flatly. ‘Her injury is minor enough for a regular hospital.’”

Julian’s face darkened. “‘Seraphina, Chloe is your childhood friend. Can’t you help her?’” “‘She’s a maid’s daughter, not my friend.’” In my previous life, I treated her like a real sister. As long as I was happy, my father would be thrilled. Chloe’s lifestyle and upkeep were arranged to be exactly like mine, all at my request. Gradually, she started making all sorts of demands, and I tried my best to fulfill them. All because, to a “monster” like me, she was the only playmate who seemed genuinely willing to be around me. If only I hadn’t found out what happened later… I scoffed inwardly. Now, she probably thinks she’s actually one of us, doesn’t she? Chloe lowered her head, masking the coldness in her eyes, then looked up at me, eyes filled with tears. “‘Seraphina, I know your top-tier doctors only treat you. And I’m just a maid’s daughter, I don’t deserve them.’” “‘But I’m really in pain, and I just forgot my place for a moment, even bothering Julian…’” “‘Then go to the hospital.’” I stood up to leave, but Julian grabbed my wrist forcefully. “‘Seraphina! When did you become so cold-blooded? Is it because I said a few things to you yesterday?’” “‘Chloe grew up with you, she’s so kind, she never treated you like an outcast. She just had a craving and drank some of your tonic. Do you have to be so petty?’” Petty? Even my father, the wealthiest man in the city, had to pull every connection and spend half his fortune, taking ten years just to gather the ingredients for *that one bowl of tonic*. For ordinary people, it was just a health supplement, good for beauty and wellness. For me, it was literally a life-saver, especially crucial during childbirth to prevent fatal hemorrhages. “‘Her one craving cost me a lifetime of infertility?’” I pried his fingers off my wrist, one by one. His body stiffened, and he let go of my wrist. Chloe suddenly let out a soft whimper, and he snapped back to reality, immediately stroking her hair with concern. He turned, gave me a deep look, then pulled Chloe away. I sank back onto the couch, feeling drained, and called my father. “‘When can Atticus return?’” “‘About another month. His research in Germany has entered a critical phase.’” “‘It’s supposedly specifically for your condition.’” My heart warmed. In my previous life, how could I have overlooked someone who, though a man of few words, always showed his devotion through actions? It must have been because my eyes were only on Julian then, a man who was only sweet and gentle with his words. In the afternoon, Chloe came again, her face full of fawning smiles. “‘Seraphina, Julian and I shouldn’t have bothered you this morning,’ she said softly. ‘These are rose pastries I made myself, your favorite.’” I looked at her fake smile, a wave of nausea rolling through my stomach. In my previous life, I had eaten her pastries and nearly gone into shock on the spot. “‘Dr. Miller,’ I pressed the intercom. ‘Please analyze the ingredients of these pastries.’” Chloe’s face subtly changed. “‘Seraphina, what do you mean by that?’” “‘Routine check,’” I answered coldly. Ten minutes later, Dr. Miller rushed in. “‘Miss, these pastries contain a large amount of mango protein,’ he said, his face grave. ‘You’re severely allergic to mangoes. If you had accidentally consumed them, given your condition…’” “‘I’d be dead,’” I finished for him. Chloe instantly turned pale. “‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know…’” Didn’t know? Everyone in this mansion knew. And she, who grew up with me, didn’t?

I stood up, stepping closer to her. “‘Chloe, were you trying to kill me?’” “‘I wasn’t!’” She shook her head wildly, tears streaming down her face. “‘Seraphina, how could you think that of me? We grew up together…’” “‘Enough,’” I interrupted, disgusted. “‘Mr. Davies, call the police.’” Chloe instantly fell to her knees. “‘Seraphina, please, I really didn’t mean to!’” Julian rushed in, seeing Chloe on her knees, and immediately helped her up. “‘Chloe, what’s wrong?’” “‘Julian…’” Chloe was crying pitifully, tears streaming down her face, and as she rubbed her eyes, she deliberately exposed the burned spot on her wrist. “‘Seraphina says I tried to harm her, but I really didn’t. I just saw her eat so little at lunch and worried about her health, so I specially made her some pastries. I had no idea about any mango protein allergy…’” Julian’s eyes immediately landed on her red, swollen hand, filled with concern. He turned, his face ashen, to look at me. “‘Seraphina, are you insane? Chloe was kind enough to make you pastries, and you accuse her of trying to harm you?’” “‘The evidence is clear,’” I pointed to the pastries. “‘She added mango protein to them, trying to make me die from an allergic reaction.’” “‘Nonsense!’” Julian roared. “‘Chloe is so kind, how could she do such a thing? She already said she had no idea.’” “‘I know you’re still angry and trying to find an excuse, but aren’t you being a bit too obvious this time? Don’t you feel ashamed?!’” Seeing him so fiercely protective of her, a chill ran through me. “‘Julian, get out of my room.’” “‘What did you say?’” “‘I said, get out.’” Afternoon, I tried to get myself together to try on my custom-designed wedding gowns. When I opened the door, the ten neatly arranged gowns were gone, only empty racks remained. “‘Miss Sterling!’” The store assistant immediately rushed over. “‘Mr. Julian said you weren’t feeling well, so he took them back on your behalf…’” I took a deep breath. “‘Where did they go?’” “‘They seemed to have gone to that photography studio on the back street.’” When I arrived at the photography studio, what I saw was Chloe, giggling and sweetly snuggling up to Julian’s arm, posing for photos in *my* wedding dress. The other nine gowns were carelessly thrown on the sofa, some even on the floor. “‘You look so beautiful,’” Julian murmured, gently caressing Chloe’s face. I spoke coldly, “‘Take off the dress.’” They sprang apart in alarm. Chloe’s eyes immediately turned red. “‘Seraphina, we were just…’” Julian began to explain, but I cut him off directly. “‘Take it off.’”

I forgave Julian Davies twice. The first time, he cheated, and I caught them red-handed. The girl herself pleaded on her knees, claiming Julian was drunk and unaware. I believed her. The second time, he told me, “Willow is pregnant. Once she has the baby, things will go back to how they were.” I believed him again. It wasn’t until later, all because of a single word from Willow, that he tore down my dance studio—my only solace—and stomped on our cherished love token. When I cried, he lashed out, calling me cruel. “Can’t you just give her a break? Once the baby is born, we can go back to how things were.” That time, I picked up my phone and called my lawyer. “Please draft a divorce agreement for me, as soon as possible.” No one knew that Julian Davies, the “model husband” everyone praised, had betrayed me three times. The first time, he had a one-night stand with Willow, whom I considered my own sister. Afterward, they both knelt before me. Willow’s eyes were red. “Miss Aria, Mr. Davies was drugged! He just thought I was you. Please, don’t be mad at him!” Julian’s face was etched with pain. He hadn’t even had time to shave before rushing to confess his wrongs. “Aria, you’re the only one in my heart. Please, don’t leave me.” He wouldn’t get up until I spoke. So, my heart softened. The second time, he was absent from our wedding anniversary celebration. He told me, “Aria, Willow is pregnant.” “She had a terrible stomach ache and was crying from fear. I couldn’t leave her alone.” I accidentally put him on speakerphone, and the entire room of guests fell silent. My mother-in-law, hearing this, immediately grabbed me anxiously and dragged me towards the hospital. “Quick, quick, save our baby!” In the hospital room, Julian held Willow’s hand, comforting her softly, “Don’t be afraid. The doctor said the baby is fine.” He only let go frantically when he saw me. Willow struggled to sit up, her eyes red, her voice trembling but incredibly firm. “Miss Aria, you and Mr. Davies have always been so kind to me since I was little.” “Since you can’t have children, I don’t want money or status. I’m willing to bear this child for you.” Julian’s mother even threatened to die. “The baby is six months along! I’ve heard its heartbeat. If you can’t accept this child, then I’ll just die with it!” Julian also repeatedly held my hand and promised, “I’ll send her away after she gives birth. Nothing will change.” His hand felt as warm as it always had. I couldn’t bring myself to pull mine away. The third time, Julian tore down my dance studio because Willow said, “A spiritual guide told me the baby needs to live in the southeast room to be healthy.” He didn’t even ask me. I watched blankly as workers moved in and out. Willow intimately held Julian’s hand, dreaming aloud, “We can play games with the baby here later!” Julian fondly ruffled her hair. “You’re still such a kid yourself.” But as he turned and saw me, his smile vanished. “Aria, just give her a break. Once the baby is born, we can go back to how things were.” How things were? Before we married, I was almost a principal dancer in a top troupe. But my mother-in-law said, “A Davies family wife doesn’t perform publicly.” For love, I gave up my dream. As compensation, Julian specifically set up this dance studio for me. He even bought the potted plants and figurines himself. Later, it became the only place in this house that truly belonged to me. Willow stroked her visibly swollen belly and looked up at me. “Sister, this is all for the baby’s good.” She was the daughter of our housekeeper. She used to call me “Miss Aria” no matter how many times I told her not to. It was only today that I finally saw her true colors. I couldn’t help but scoff, “It’s your baby, so of course, you call the shots in this house.” Willow’s face instantly turned pale. She awkwardly stood up, her eyes red, and said, “Miss Aria, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I didn’t mean to stay.” The next second, she suddenly clutched her belly and screamed in pain. Julian panicked. He scooped her up and rushed out. He only threw over his shoulder, “She’s pregnant. Do you really have to be so cruel?” He knocked my bracelet off my wrist, and stomped on the bell charm attached to it. It was a gift he clumsily made for three days and three nights for my sixteenth birthday. When I looked up again, I couldn’t even see his retreating back. My tears fell uncontrollably. That was the first time he had ever spoken to me so harshly. This liar. How could anything ever go back to how it was before? I pulled out my phone. “Ms. Hayes, please draft a divorce agreement for me.” I had told Julian before that the way Willow looked at him seemed off. But he didn’t believe me. He said she was just starved for affection and saw him as a brother. He continued, without restraint, to buy her a high-end laptop worth thousands just because she mentioned envying a classmate.

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On my engagement day, I discovered that my father’s affair partner was actually my best friend. Seeing the two of them embracing in the distance, I nearly collapsed. Instinctively, I reached for my fiancé Parker’s hand, seeking comfort. But I touched only the cold, tense back of a clenched fist. Confused, I looked at Parker. His eyes were bloodshot, his face contorted with jealousy and madness. Before I could react, he charged forward and punched my father square in the face. “Henry, you dare touch my woman? I’ll kill you!” Parker roared. I stood on a busy street corner in my engagement dress, feeling as if I’d been plunged into an icy abyss. My fiancé and my father were brawling on my engagement day, all because of my best friend. I couldn’t imagine anything more scandalous and absurd than this. All the guests stared in shock at the unfolding scene, their expressions a mix of concern and schadenfreude barely concealed by hushed whispers. Yasmin, my so-called best friend, sauntered over to me with a smug grin, looking me up and down. She didn’t seem the least bit flustered, just utterly pleased with herself. “Oh Hazel, why should you have everything handed to you on a silver platter while I had nothing? It wasn’t fair. But now, one way or another, it’s all mine.” Dazed, I turned to look at my mother, desperately seeking even a shred of comfort despite knowing she was another innocent victim in all this. To my surprise, Mom watched the chaos unfold with cold detachment. My heart plummeted. In disbelief, I walked towards her. “You knew about this all along, didn’t you?” Tears streamed down my face unbidden, ruining my carefully applied makeup and painting an ugly, messy portrait of my life. Mom sighed, her expression devoid of the warmth she’d shown earlier at the engagement party when she’d held my hand and told everyone I was her precious darling. “Yes, I’ve known for a while,” she admitted flatly. “Why didn’t you tell me?!” I shouted, feeling like the world’s biggest fool. “What good would that have done? It would have only caused you pain. The merger between our family and the Parkers was never going to be called off. Did you have a better option?” I laughed bitterly, the sound hollow and despairing. “So in your eyes, I’m just a pawn for this merger? My happiness doesn’t matter, loyalty doesn’t matter, and honesty from my own family matters least of all?” Mom averted her gaze, looking towards my father and Parker, who were being pulled apart by their assistants. “Hazel, what do you have to complain about? In this family, none of us have it easy.” I stumbled backwards, shaking my head vehemently through tear-blurred vision. “How wonderful. On my engagement day, one of the most important days of my life, my father, mother, fiancé, and best friend all betrayed me at once. What a pathetic excuse for a human being I must be.” With that, I turned and ran, ignoring the voices calling my name behind me. It was all too sickening. Every single person here disgusted me to my core.

When Parker returned, I had already smashed everything in our shared apartment. The servants cowered in corners, watching me fearfully, too afraid to intervene. I finally collapsed on the floor, utterly spent. Parker casually unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. The injuries on his face were stark. He looked down at me imperiously, his expression devoid of any guilt for his actions. “Are you done with your tantrum?” he asked coldly. I remained silent, glaring up at him with as much venom as I could muster through my tears. “Hazel, ours is just an arranged marriage. I thought we had an understanding. Who I’m with or what women I play with is none of your business.” Parker’s voice was weary, the injuries marring his once-handsome face making him look grotesque. I grabbed a half-broken vase near me and hurled it at his head. He dodged easily, letting it shatter against the wall behind him. Parker sneered, stepping back and gesturing to a servant. “Bring a mirror!” All the mirrors in the apartment had been smashed in my rampage. A servant timidly brought over a small shard that was barely usable. Parker grabbed it carelessly by the jagged edge and thrust it in front of my face. “Look at yourself, princess. Look what you’ve become. Disgusting. You’re nothing like the refined lady you’re supposed to be – just a shrew! How can you even compare to Yasmin?” I gazed at my reflection in the mirror shard. My ruined makeup mingled with sweat and tears, matting my hair to my face. Black tear tracks streaked down from raccoon eyes. I looked worse than a ghost. “You’re right, I can’t compare to Yasmin anymore. She’s taken everything from me. Congratulations Parker, you get to share a woman with your future father-in-law!” SLAP! Parker’s hand connected hard with my cheek. The force sent my head snapping to the side, slamming into the nearby coffee table. Blood trickled down from my temple, mixing with the colorful mess already adorning my face. “Shut your mouth, you bitch,” Parker snarled. “I’m sick of your holier-than-thou attitude. Say one more word about Yasmin and I’ll end you.” “As for your dad, how dare he try to steal my woman? I’ll make him pay. The family business isn’t in his hands yet anyway. Marrying you was already me doing your family a favor.” Parker shook out his hand and straightened up. His gaze raked over me, brimming with disgust. Just then, his phone rang. The speed at which his expression transformed was truly impressive. Parker’s voice turned soft and sweet as he cooed into the phone, his demeanor suddenly loving. Even though the person on the other end had just publicly humiliated him in front of dozens of people. A wave of nausea washed over me. I struggled to my feet and lunged at Parker, pummeling him wildly wherever I could reach. “You bastard! You said you loved me, that’s the only reason I agreed to this marriage! Otherwise, how could I have ever consented to this arrangement?!” Liars, all of them. Consummate actors who had staged an elaborate farce, playing me for a fool. Parker snapped. In a rage, he kicked me away forcefully. My back slammed into the already shattered glass, the impact sending waves of agony through me and leaving me immobilized. He stepped forward and viciously ground his foot into one of my hands, crushing my palm into the glass shards on the floor. “That’s your own damn fault for being so gullible. I said I loved you and you believed it? Don’t blame others for your own stupidity.”

I returned to my family’s house like a soulless zombie. The servants were nowhere to be found, leaving the massive mansion eerily quiet. My parents were in a standoff in the living room. “Henry, I can smooth over this engagement fiasco, but I want 10% of the company shares in return,” Mom said calmly, sipping her tea as she negotiated with Dad. Dad leapt up from the sofa, eyes blazing. “Mia, don’t push your luck!” Mom scoffed. “I’m pushing it? You’re the one who couldn’t keep it in your pants. At least have the decency to be discreet and not let Hazel find out. You’re relying on her marriage to the Parkers to gain leverage in the company. You could have any woman you wanted, why go after Yasmin of all people? Talk about poor taste.” Dad settled back down, casually smoothing his hair. “Hazel and Yasmin were such good friends. I was just… strengthening family ties,” he said with a smirk. Mom rolled her eyes. “You’re truly shameless. Enough talk – are you giving me the shares or not?” I stood silently in the foyer, tears rolling down my cheeks. So in their eyes, I wasn’t a daughter or even a person. Just a tool to be used for their benefit. All these years of pampering me were just an investment, like fattening up livestock. And now it was time to cash in on their investment. I slowly walked out to face my parents, my expression dead and hopeless. “So why even have me in the first place? If you just wanted a pawn, wouldn’t adopting have been more cost-effective?” Dad’s expression instantly reverted to normal when he saw me. He casually picked up an ornate ruler from a side table, weighing it in his hand as he fixed me with a stern look. “Hazel, is that any way to speak to your father?” Mom watched coldly, even moving to leave. I ignored Dad’s intimidating aura and turned to Mom. “You never loved me either, did you?” So all that maternal affection was fake. All that gentle guidance had ulterior motives. All those choices forced on me in the name of love were just cold calculations. Mom looked me over and sighed. “Hazel, coming home looking like this… it’s embarrassing.” The pain that lanced through me was even worse than when Parker had slapped me. “Embarrassing? Ha! Is there anyone in this city more embarrassing than Henry and Parker right now?” Dad slowly stood and approached me, disappointment etched on his face. “Hazel, you seem to have forgotten your place. We didn’t invest all these years raising you just for you to act so recklessly.” I laughed bitterly, staring at him through my tears. Even his fatherly concern looked twisted and grotesque now. “Of course. How foolish of me to seek genuine family love. I forgot – in the deep waters of high society, there are always monsters waiting to devour you.” Dad nodded, utterly unmoved. “Since you insist on being obstinate, you need to be taught a lesson. Go kneel in the ancestral hall. Have Chen bring the red cushion.” I looked up at him in horror. The “red cushion” was something Dad used to punish disobedient employees. It was covered in hard, sharp spikes that would shred your knees to a bloody pulp within minutes. Seeing my reaction, Dad smiled. “Hazel, Daddy’s in a very bad mood today. You’ve misbehaved – did you think there’d be no consequences?” I tried to flee this hell, but the guards outside instantly restrained me. At Dad’s command, they dragged me kicking and screaming to the ancestral hall and forced me onto the red cushion. The pain was excruciating, tearing through me. I fixed my parents with a crazed, bloodshot glare as they stood watching impassively in the doorway. Through gritted teeth, I spat out: “I will never marry Parker or stay in this family again. As long as I’m alive, I’ll stay far away from all of you and never look back!”

The guards had to drag me back to my room. Late that night, I heard the roar of a sports car speeding away outside. Soon after, someone entered my room. I couldn’t open my eyes, but I sensed them bend down to examine me closely. The familiar scent instantly revealed the visitor’s identity. It was Yasmin. She chuckled softly. “No need to pretend, Hazel. I know you’re awake. Your mom left the mansion, so I came to check on my dear best friend.” I slowly opened my eyes to look at her. That beautiful face was twisted with mockery and disdain. “Why are you doing this to me?” I asked weakly. Yasmin clicked her tongue. “Your memory really is terrible. Didn’t I already tell you? I want everything you have.” She paused, then added with feigned regret: “But I didn’t expect you to be fool’s gold – shiny on the outside, worthless within. Not a single person truly loves you. How disappointing, Hazel. You’re so pathetic.” “But now they all genuinely love me. They’ll do anything for me, forgive any mistake. From that perspective, I suppose I’ve won something real after all.” Just then, my father walked in and wrapped an arm around Yasmin’s waist. Right in front of me, they began kissing shamelessly before leaving together, wrapped in each other’s arms. A hatred deeper than the ocean consumed me, drowning out even the physical pain. I grabbed my phone and sent Parker a message, then waited silently for round two of tonight’s battle royale to begin. Soon enough, the sounds of fighting and yelling erupted outside. Things being smashed echoed through the night. I knew this was my only chance to escape. Ignoring the blood still flowing from my legs, I crawled and stumbled out of the mansion. The mountain road down was pitch black and terrifying. Not a glimmer of light to be seen. Yet it filled me with hope and relief. The frantic escape left my pants completely soaked with blood, leaving a trail on the asphalt behind me. But I couldn’t stop. Just as my energy was about to give out, a pair of headlights appeared on the opposite mountain road. Someone got out of the car and walked towards me. My vision went black as I collapsed into a broad, warm embrace. Then I lost consciousness completely.

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My wife claimed to be super fertile and spent all her time messing around, even though we’d been married for five years. She never let me touch her, and she’d supposedly given birth to hundreds of kids from other men. But the first thing she did after getting AIDS was try to drag me down with her: “You swore to me we’d live and die together, remember? Are you really going to just cling to a pathetic life now?” I insisted on a divorce, but she got furious. Then she aimed her rage at the only true friend I had left in the world: “If I can’t live, I’m taking your friends with me!” I tried to reason with my friend, seeing him in trouble, but he just scoffed at me: “Why hide such a super fertile wife? Let her have a kid for me, man, help me carry on the family name.” It escalated fast. They wanted me to hand over the special cure. So they sent my brother, Leo, who was wheelchair-bound, into that notorious private club, letting over a dozen men abuse him until his lower body was… shattered. They hung my elderly parents on the Pendulum ride at an amusement park, swinging them until they died from a cerebral hemorrhage. I watched those two heartless monsters with cold eyes. They had no idea I already had the latest HIV vaccine, fresh from my lab.

My friend, Jax, ignored my warnings and insisted on sleeping with my HIV-positive wife. He thought he’d be fine after taking PEP meds, but as his body weakened day by day, he lost his last shred of sanity. Enraged, they sent my disabled brother, Leo, to that vile club, letting those perverts fulfill their sick desires. By the time I rushed into the private room, Leo was naked, his once clean body now covered in bruise after bruise. His lower body was completely ruined, and I could still smell the foul odor of someone else’s urine lingering in the air. Seeing me, he trembled, reaching up to wipe away the tears from my eyes. Leo squeezed his eyes shut, opening his mouth as if to say something, but something was stuck in his throat. Moments later, his face turned deathly pale. He suddenly lurched forward, coughing up a milky white fluid. I screamed his name, desperate, but it was no use. This was a private room in *that* kind of club. Nobody came here except *those* people. No one would care if we lived or died. Gradually, Leo went still in my arms, his body growing cold and stiff. In disbelief, I pressed my fingers to his nose… there was not a single breath. My heart seized, and tears streamed uncontrollably down my face. In my despair, I sobbed hysterically, but my wife’s mocking voice cut through the air: “Can you believe he endured so much humiliation and still held on to see you one last time?” “Asher, do you like the big gift I sent you? This is what happens when you ignore my demands!” I gasped for air, glaring viciously at my wife. She stood there, smiling helplessly: “What could I do? He wouldn’t cooperate with my plan to threaten you, right? Everyone has their fate. He was already disabled, just a burden. He was better off dead.” I lunged forward, grabbing her sleeve and roaring: “Even if my brother was disabled, it’s not your place, an outsider, to judge him!” “Besides, he always treated you like family! And you let over a dozen men assault him? How could you be so cruel?!” By the end, I was gritting my teeth, barely holding back. But she simply shrugged off my hand, stepping back with a look of disgust. “Who wanted that useless guy to be good to me? Didn’t you two brothers do all this willingly?” “He promised me so much before, and now he won’t even verbally threaten you with me. Talk about being good to me? Please!” Her brazen audacity made me see red. I was about to charge at her, ready to make her pay for Leo’s death. Then Jax stepped forward. He kicked me hard in the chest, spitting venomously: “What the hell are you looking at, you idiot? If you don’t give us the special cure, your brother’s fate will be your parents’ fate!” He kept hitting me harder, brutally breaking one of my legs completely before he finally snarled: “If you hadn’t tried to stop me back then, how would I have slept with her and gotten AIDS?!” “You’re a doctor, aren’t you? If you don’t give me the medicine to live, I’m dragging you down with me! We’ll die together!” He kicked my broken leg again, and I cried out in agony: “I *did* try to stop you! But you were the one gambling, hoping you’d get away with it! Why are you blaming me now?!” Hearing that, my wife raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face: “So what?! You were the one who swore we’d live and die together! Are you going to go back on your word now?!” “And besides, aren’t you supposed to be a compassionate doctor? If I die and you live, you’ll be infamous for letting two lives die!”

The mention of “two lives” made me realize that Blair, my super fertile wife, was pregnant again. I froze on the spot. Seeing me still unmoving, Jax panicked. He grabbed my head, forcing me to look him in the eye, then leaned in and threatened: “If either of us reports you to the hospital, your career, your entire life, will be ruined!” With that, he tied me up, then proceeded to plunge ninety-nine silver needles into my veins, his voice chillingly calm: “The needles will travel through your bloodstream to your heart, slowly causing a myocardial infarction until you die.” “You and I are tied together now, whether you like it or not. If I don’t live, you won’t either.” A fierce repulsion surged through my body, and I writhed on the floor in pain. My wife stood by, completely detached, as if it had nothing to do with her. She slowly said: “This useless guy’s been working like a dog for fifteen years, and he’s still just a junior doctor. What good is he?” “Expecting him to steal medicine from the hospital? You’d have better luck waiting for him to die first and pave the way for us to hell.” Hearing that, Jax spat a glob of thick phlegm at me, where I lay on the floor: “Maybe the old him wouldn’t have, but those silver needles are covered in both our infected blood…” “Even if he doesn’t want to save us, he’ll have to for his paralyzed brother’s funeral. He’s selfish enough to save himself.” Listening to them shamelessly discuss my brother right in front of me again, I couldn’t take it anymore: “Don’t you dare slander my brother! Even if I die, I’ll drag you both down with me to pay for what you did to him!” I pushed through the pain in my body and stood up, feeling the silver needles twitching wildly in my veins. Seeing my defiance, Jax grabbed Leo’s corpse with one hand, waving it in front of me, and sneered: “Do you still think you’re the renowned Dr. Asher from back then?” “The moment you chose to marry her, sacrificing your brother’s legs, you lost the right to wield a scalpel.” His taunt made my eyes widen, and I turned to glare at my wife, my gaze burning with fury: “Blair! I told you my secret because I valued our marriage, and you truly want to destroy me?!” Her eyes were filled with mockery, not a hint of apology as she spoke: “You’re just too stupid. That secret you’ve hidden for so long? I already broadcasted it to everyone. Your parents, your colleagues, they all know what a rotten person you are!” “Ten years ago, you watched your brother become crippled. Ten years later, you’ll watch your wife become a death that takes two lives! Asher, once these things happen, you’ll never wash away your sins!” Jax, meanwhile, continued to cruelly manipulate Leo’s lifeless body. The video call he dialed on his phone tore away my last layer of pretense. My parents’ pleading voices came through the phone, mixed with frantic shouts, and I froze solid. I could only watch, helpless, as they hung my parents on the Pendulum ride at the amusement park, then cranked the speed to maximum. Seeing me utterly broken, Jax stomped on my face, sneering viciously: “Asher, surprised, huh? You never thought you’d be this pathetic, this powerless, did you?” “You abandoned your own brother for fame and fortune, so I guess you wouldn’t care about your parents either, right?” “You always crushed me before! But now you’re so desperate, worse than a stray dog, a useless piece of trash who can’t even protect his own parents! Hilarious, hahahaha!” I realized that she and Jax were deliberately trying to trigger my deepest pain, but at that moment, I felt utterly powerless. After all, the woman who once promised to be my one and only, for life, had changed long, long ago.

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