Category: English

The day before the final round of the Beta selection, I was poisoned with wolfsbane and locked inside my home as it was engulfed in flames. The fire spread unnaturally fast. My wolf, Seraph, was screaming inside my head, but the wolfsbane had weakened me too much to shift. I clawed at the door, my nails breaking against the wood, the heat searing my skin. When I was rescued, my face was severely scarred, my skin torn and raw, and my body covered in extensive burns. Outside the operating room, I heard my mother’s agonized sobs. She kept repeating, “It’s my fault… I locked the door by accident… I never meant to…” My mate, Alpha Laurence, mobilized every healer in the Silver Claw Pack, swearing to restore my health. “Easy, girl,” the doctor whispered. “We’ll get through this. One step at a time.” The doctor busied himself with the anesthesia. Then ,Drowsiness pulled me under, but just before I slipped into unconsciousness, I overheard my mother’s hesitant voice: “Laurence… wasn’t it too much? Poisoning Ella with wolfsbane, setting the fire, locking the door… just so Celia could become Beta? She’s—she’s burned beyond recognition…” Alpha Laurence let out a cold scoff. “If Ella wasn’t so vain and selfish, I wouldn’t have had to do this. She knew Celia was fragile, struggling with depression, yet she paraded her victories in front of her like a damn trophy. All Ella lost was her looks, but Celia lost her confidence, her happiness. This is what Ella owes her.” “Don’t worry. I’ll marry Ella. Once she’s Luna, no one will dare say a word about her disfigured face. She should be grateful I’m treating her so well.” Destroying my health and my career is what he calls treating me well? I pressed a trembling hand to my bandaged chest, barely feeling the pain through the numbness creeping over me. My wolf let out a low, agonized growl inside me, the remnants of wolfsbane still dulling her strength. I bit down on my cracked lip, tasting blood. The mother who once cherished me. The mate who was meant to protect me. I didn’t want either of them anymore.

“Hold off on the surgery. Have all the doctors wait outside,” Alpha Laurence commanded. The doctor, who had just slipped on his gloves, froze. “Alpha Laurence, Miss Ella’s burns are severe. There are traces of wolfsbane in her system, preventing her natural healing. If we don’t act now—if we don’t detoxify and operate—she won’t just be disfigured. She could lose her wolf completely. If that happens, she’ll be wolfless, vulnerable, and—” “Ruined?” Alpha Laurence cut in with a cold chuckle. “If she’s ruined, so be it.” I was barely conscious, my body a wreck of seared flesh and excruciating pain, but my hearing was sharp. And the way he said it—so indifferent, so final—made my stomach churn harder than the wolfsbane had. A pause. Then my mother spoke, her voice hesitant. “Laurence… Ella is too gravely injured to participate in the Beta selection tomorrow. Maybe we should—” “Should what?” His voice turned sharp. “Let her recover? Give her a chance to fight back? No. If she can’t be Beta, she’ll find ways to sabotage Celia. You know how Ella is—vain, competitive, selfish. Leaving her half-dead, wolfless, and helpless is the only way to stop her from bullying Celia.” Vain. Selfish. That’s what he thought of me? Alpha Laurence exhaled, Then, with a tenderness so grotesquely out of place, he dipped a swab into water and gently pressed it to my cracked lips. The contrast made me want to retch. “Ella, this is for your own good, You need to learn humility.” My mother sighed, then turned to the doctors. “Just relieve her pain. Clean her burns lightly—don’t let her suffer too much.” Suffer too much? My breath came in ragged gasps, my chest rising and falling in a painful rhythm. No one noticed how violently I trembled beneath the blankets, as if a blade had pierced my heart and pinned me to the bed. The fire hadn’t been an accident. The wolfsbane wasn’t a coincidence. It had been him. It had always been him. And my mother—my own mother—had helped. Outside, they stood talking about me like I wasn’t even here. “It’s for the best,” Alpha Laurence murmured, more to himself than to anyone else. “I promised Celia she’d be Beta. I won’t let anyone stand in her way.” The numbness in my limbs couldn’t stop the fire of hatred igniting in my heart. I had loved this man. The mate the Moon Goddess had chosen for me. The one I thought would fight beside me, protect me. But I was wrong. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, forcing myself not to cry out. Don’t give them the satisfaction. A metallic taste spread over my tongue as the pain gnawed at my chest. My vision blurred, and before I could stop it, a mouthful of blood surged up, splattering onto my sheets. The room fell into momentary chaos. My mother gasped and rushed toward me, stopping short when she realized there wasn’t a single inch of me she could touch without causing more harm. Tears streaked her face. “Ella, Mommy is here. Does it hurt? Don’t be afraid. Mommy will always stay by your side.” Alpha Laurence, on the other hand, was seething. “Where are the damn doctors? If anything happens to my Luna, this hospital will cease to exist!” The doctors, already in on the scheme, fumbled for an excuse. “Alpha Laurence, they’re on their way. There was a traffic accident—the car is stuck. They won’t arrive until tomorrow at the earliest.” Alpha Laurence didn’t even let him finish before he kicked the man out of the room with a growl. “Get lost!” Then, he turned back to me, his expression softening into a look of practiced guilt. He crouched beside my bed, his eyes searching mine as if he actually cared. “Ella, I’m so sorry. It’s my fault for not getting here sooner. I should’ve protected you better. But don’t worry,” he whispered, grasping my unburned fingers. “No matter the cost, I’ll make sure you’re healed. You’ll always be the strongest Beta in my heart.” I looked at him. This man—who had orchestrated my downfall—was playing the role of a devoted mate so flawlessly that if I hadn’t heard him earlier, I might have believed him. I swallowed down the bile in my throat, my voice so weak it barely made a sound. “Will I really recover?” “You will,” he vowed, his thumb grazing the back of my hand. “I promise.” his false sincerity painting me as nothing more than a fool. To eliminate me as a threat to Celia, my mate—the man who had promised to love me all his life—had strung me along with one lie after another, only to push me down a path of destruction. Even my mother, who had once held me as her treasure, chose to raise the blade against me for Celia, the two-faced adopted daughter. At that moment, I wanted to ask them why they had been so cruel to me. But every word dissolved into the growing coldness in my heart, leaving nothing but a suffocating silence. A group of doctors entered with disinfectants, their faces marked by pity and regret as they gazed at my mutilated body. “Miss Ella,” one of them said gently, “the specialists aren’t here yet. We’ll just do some basic disinfection for now. Please bear with it.” The moment the disinfectant touched my burns, agony ripped through me like lightning. My fragile veins, still weakened by wolfsbane, burst under the treatment. Blood and pus seeped through the sheets, the sharp, acrid scent filling the air. My mother let out a strangled sob, her hands trembling violently as she covered her mouth. Alpha Laurence clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, his red-rimmed eyes making it look as if he were the one in pain. Their performances were flawless. But I saw the truth. Everything was a lie. Only the betrayal—and the scars—were real.

The first thing I felt when I woke up was pain. A deep, bone-gnawing pain that made my wolf whimper weakly in the back of my mind. She was still there—barely—but I could feel how weak she was, how much the wolfsbane had drained her. Normally, a werewolf’s body would heal on its own, even from severe burns. But with the poison still in my system, I was trapped in this raw, agonizing state. And that’s when I heard them. “Laurence, Ella’s condition is already so severe. We’ve delayed her treatment for two days now, and you still want to give her the hospital’s newly developed psychological medication?” It was my mother’s voice, just outside my hospital room. “The doctor said the drug hasn’t been fully tested yet. The side effects might include seizures and incontinence,” my mother said hesitantly. After a few seconds of silence, Alpha Laurence’s voice turned resolute. “That’s exactly what we need.” A cold sweat prickled down my spine. “Today is Celia’s celebration banquet. There will be many pack elites and Alphas attending. Ella is already a disgrace; a little more humiliation won’t make a difference. Once she’s completely stripped of her dignity, she won’t fight Celia for the Beta position anymore.” I clenched my fists beneath the thin hospital blanket, my burned skin screaming in protest. My nails dug into my palms, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the hurt in my chest. “Tomorrow, after the banquet, I’ll announce our engagement—it’ll be my way of making it up to her.” Making it up to me? Burning me alive, poisoning me, robbing me of my future as Beta—and now parading my humiliation in front of the entire pack? And somehow, an engagement to the mate who betrayed me was supposed to fix it? Alpha Laurence continued, completely unfazed. “Mom, make sure the doctors wait outside the packhouse. Once the banquet ends, they can detoxify her and schedule the surgery.” “Alright,” my mother agreed without hesitation. I stared at the ceiling, my mind blank, my throat too dry to even scream. This was the man I had once trusted with my life. And the woman who had given birth to me had just sealed my fate without a second thought. The two people I trusted most had destroyed everything I had worked for. From a young age, despite my frail health, I had strived tirelessly to become a Beta worthy of my father’s legacy. With just a few casual words, they crushed all my dreams. A sharp, searing pain shot through my chest, as if my wolf was howling in grief. If I had known this was the outcome, I’d rather have died in the fire. The door creaked open. Alpha Laurence entered, his face a perfect mask of concern. If I hadn’t overheard his little plan, I might have been fooled by the way he softened his eyes, the way he lowered his voice like he actually cared. “Sweetheart,” he murmured, pulling a small bottle from his pocket. “I just spoke to the doctor. These are newly developed painkillers—completely safe. They’ll help you suffer less.” I lowered my gaze to the two bright red pills, my throat feeling like it was coated with rust. My voice came out hoarse. “Laurence, the pills taste too bitter. I don’t want to take them.” He hesitated for only a moment before smiling and taking my hand. “Watching you endure all this pain hurts me too. Can you really bear to see me like this?” He exhaled heavily, shaking his head as if I were the unreasonable one. “My sweet Ella, do it for me.” Without giving me a chance to refuse, he pressed the pills to my lips. “Good girl, let me help you.” The moment the pill touched my tongue, its bitterness spread like acid, searing through my senses. I tried to spit it out, but it dissolved almost instantly in my mouth, leaving a thick metallic taste coating my throat. A wave of dizziness hit me, making the room spin. My vision blurred at the edges. Not enough to knock me out completely—but just enough to dull my reflexes, to make sure I wouldn’t put up too much of a fight. Alpha Laurence seized the moment to grab my hand. “Ella, today is Celia’s celebration banquet. Her greatest wish is for your blessing. If you don’t attend, people will spread rumors that you’re petty and can’t accept your adopted sister’s success…” I cut him off before he could drag it out any longer. “I’ll go. Prepare the clothes.” Alpha Laurence blinked, surprised by how quickly I agreed. He had expected resistance—an argument, at the very least. But I knew there was no point in fighting him now. He had already planned everything, left me no room for refusal. If I couldn’t escape the humiliation, then fine. I’d let him think he had won. Let them all think they had broken me. My mother walked in just as I spoke. When she heard my agreement, her face lit up with joy. “Good girl, Ella. I knew you were always so sensible.” “Once Celia’s banquet is over, I’ll personally host your wedding with Laurence,” she added with a warm smile. I numbly pulled my hand away, my heart completely dead inside. The car ride to the celebration banquet was silent. I didn’t bother looking out the window, didn’t try to track the route. It didn’t matter where I was being taken. By the time we arrived, the dizziness had worn off, but my body still felt sluggish, like I was wading through mud. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I was blinded by a burst of flashing lights. Cameras. Journalists. A pack of them, waiting like hungry rogues. Panic flared in my chest. My hand shot out instinctively, reaching for my mother— But I grasped at empty air. In the corner of my eye, I saw her walking away, her arm linked with Celia’s, the both of them beaming as they stepped into the banquet hall. She didn’t even glance back. My breath hitched, and I yanked my hat down over my face, trying to shield myself. But the reporters had already closed in, their voices like claws, ripping into me. “Miss Ella, is it true that you tried to burn your sister alive out of jealousy because you didn’t want her to become the Beta of the Silver Claw Pack?” “Miss Ella, how does someone as malicious as you even have the audacity to show up at your sister’s celebration banquet? Don’t you feel any shame?” “Miss Ella, you were so fierce in past combat tournaments, yet you couldn’t escape a simple fire. Could it be that the rumors were true all along? I heard you bribed male warriors with your body to go easy on you during matches. But since your opponent this time was your sister, that tactic didn’t work, so you resorted to arson instead?” The words slammed into me, but I barely reacted. Until— A hand shot out. And in one ruthless motion— The reporter tore off my hat.

Gasps erupted in unison. A face disfigured beyond recognition by fire was exposed under the cameras’ relentless scrutiny. “Oh my God, that’s disgusting. Is that even human?” “I’m gonna puke. Damn, that’s hideous—a hell devil come to life in broad daylight.” Their words sliced through me like silver blades. My heart pounded, the sound deafening in my ears. I couldn’t even process the shame fast enough before another voice, gleeful and dripping with malice, rang out: “The most arrogant female warrior—immoral, malicious, and spiteful. She deliberately set a fire to kill her sister and ended up paying the price. They say there isn’t a single patch of intact skin left on her. Let’s see for ourselves what it means when karma comes knocking.” Phones were lifted. Streams went live. My stomach churned. My vision blurred as black spots danced before my eyes. Then— A hard shove. I hit the ground, my already battered body collapsing under the force. My clothes—thin, oversized hospital scrubs—ripped like wet paper. My arms were exposed. My thighs. My waist. A sharp, broken gasp tore from my throat, but the noise of the crowd swallowed it whole. Then came the tremors. My hands and feet twitched first. Then my entire body seized violently, jerking against the cold pavement as if struck by an electric current. The cameras zoomed in. “She’s having a seizure! This is gold—get a close-up, quick! It’s all prime footage!” I writhed in agony, my eyes rolling back as my fangs pushed painfully against my gums, as foam spilled from the corners of my mouth.. I knew the drugs were taking effect, but there was nothing I could do. Like a clown stripped bare, I was at their mercy as they shredded my dignity into nothingness. And the worst was yet to come. A horrifying warmth spread beneath me, wet and shameful. The acrid scent hit my nose first, just before the gasps and laughter started. “Oh, shit! She pissed herself!” “I thought wolves had some dignity left—guess not!”

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Just because I accidentally broke the dried flower arrangement made by my wife’s childhood friend, she sent me to a “men’s etiquette school” for reformation. Facing inhuman torture at the school, I desperately screamed, struggled, and begged on my knees. But no one paid any attention to me. After forty-nine days of brutal body modification, my limbs were removed and I was molded into a vase. When Sophia received an invitation to a private auction, she whispered to the boy beside her: “Jake, I’ll bid on this vase. It would be perfect to display your new dried flower arrangement.” At the moment of my last breath, a commotion broke out in the crowd. With just one glance, Sophia’s eyes widened in shock as she frantically raised her bidding paddle. With a crisp slap, Sophia’s hand struck my face. “Ryan! You useless good-for-nothing!” she snarled, her face dark with anger as she jabbed a finger at my nose. “I didn’t marry you so you could live a life of luxury! You can’t even handle this simple task! How dare you carelessly ruin Jake’s heartfelt gift?” Jake rushed over, looking very apologetic. “Sophia, please don’t blame Ryan. It wasn’t intentional,” he pleaded. “These dried flowers weren’t anything special – just a small gift I stayed up late for a week to make for you,” Jake continued. “It’s a shame you liked them so much, but I didn’t even get a chance to give them to you before Ryan broke them…” He crouched down and carefully gathered up the remains of the dried flowers. I hurriedly tried to explain: “It was an accident! I was being careful, but he-” “Enough!” Sophia cut me off impatiently. “Look at yourself, then look at Jake!” “Jake always puts me first and considers my feelings. But you? All you do is cause trouble for me!” “I’ve told you before not to mess with Jake. Did it all go in one ear and out the other?” She looked at me with disdain and disappointment in her eyes. “Apologize to Jake right now and learn from him how to be a proper husband!” I held my stinging cheek, my heart bitter. After five years of marriage to Sophia, I took care of the household chores, shielded her from drinking at social events, and gave up my own career and hobbies for her. Yet in her eyes, I couldn’t compare to a simple dried flower arrangement from Jake. An immense sense of loss washed over me as I forced myself to apologize through gritted teeth. But Jake still wasn’t satisfied. Sophia declared she would “punish” me to teach me a lesson. Jake approached and patted my shoulder. “Ryan, don’t be upset with Sophia. She just wants you to improve,” he said smoothly. “You’re so handsome and strong. You just need some refinement in your manners.” His tone suddenly shifted. “I heard about a top-notch men’s etiquette school that recently opened downtown. Not only does it cultivate proper behavior, but it also offers physical training.” “Why don’t we send Ryan there to study? It’ll be like returning him to his prime at age 20. What do you think?” This wasn’t a suggestion – it was a poisoned trap! Fear gripped me like an invisible hand. By the time I realized what was happening, I was already restrained by security guards, unable to move. “No! Sophia! I won’t go! You can’t do this to me! Jake has ulterior motives!” I couldn’t help but scream, struggling desperately and crawling to clutch at her legs. But Sophia turned a deaf ear, her eyes cold and impatient. She ignored my pleas and protests. A guard chopped the back of my neck. Darkness instantly swallowed me.

I was awakened by the glare of surgical lights above me. The scent of antiseptic mixed with crisp cedar cologne filled my nostrils. My hands and feet were bound, leaving me completely immobile. I used all my strength to shout: “This is illegal detention! It’s a crime! I’m calling the police!” But the room was empty – no one responded to my cries for help. Overwhelming panic seized me like a tidal wave. They had taken my phone, cutting off all contact with the outside world. I realized with horror that no one was coming to save me. Despair coiled around my heart like vines, making it hard to breathe. After a while, the heavy door opened. A man in a white coat entered, his face expressionless. Without a word, he gestured to the men behind him. Two large men came forward and held me down as a syringe was forcibly injected into my arm. My body gradually went numb, but my mind remained terrifyingly alert. The man in the coat approached and firmly pinched my now-insensate arm. “Ah!” I couldn’t help but cry out in pain, my body shaking violently. He smiled eerily. “Good, the pain receptors are still active. This will make our ‘artistic creation’ much more soulful.” The familiar scent of cedar cologne wafted into my nose. I forced my eyes open wide, finally recognizing the face hidden behind the surgical mask. It was Jake! That bottle of cedar cologne was a gift Sophia had given him just yesterday to welcome him. Now he was discussing my “vase modification plan” with two doctors. “Jake! Let me go right now! Sophia won’t let you get away with this!” I shouted. He didn’t even glance my way. Sophia, you fool! She had no idea that Jake, her dear childhood friend, wasn’t sending me for simple fitness training. He intended to humiliate me, to turn me into a living… vase for people to admire! With the last bit of strength left in my body, my survival instinct exploded. I desperately struggled to roll off the operating table. I had to crawl away! I had to escape! I had barely crawled half a meter when a shiny leather shoe stomped down hard on my right hand! “Ahhhhh!” An agonized scream erupted from my throat. “Trying to escape? Where do you think you can go? Ryan, you need to learn to submit,” Jake said. As he spoke, he deliberately twisted his shoe, grinding it into my fingers. I was in so much pain I nearly passed out. The sound of bones crunching was sickeningly clear. I no longer cared about dignity: “I was wrong, please, I’m begging you, let me go please…” Just then, Jake’s phone rang. He casually answered and put it on speaker. Sophia’s voice came through. “Jake, how is… Ryan doing? Is he still causing trouble?” I thought I detected a hint of concern in her voice, but quickly dismissed the notion. How naive of me – even at this point, what was I still hoping for? Jake glanced at me and smiled smugly. “Don’t worry, Sophia. Ryan is undergoing a body modification treatment. He’ll be completely obedient to you soon.” As he spoke, he ground the toe of his shoe into my hand again. I let out an even more piercing scream. I used my last ounce of strength to beg Sophia for help. But not only did she show no mercy, she laughed coldly: “Ryan, don’t be so ungrateful! Jake is helping you – you should be thankful! Stop trying to play the victim and gain sympathy. I’ve seen through your act!” “Behave yourself and don’t embarrass me!” I thought back to five years ago at our wedding, when she vowed to love me for life and support each other forever. Those promises now seemed utterly ironic and laughable. Immense disappointment and betrayal washed over me. I stopped calling for help and closed my eyes, my heart dying in that moment. Jake hung up the phone and directed the men to move me back onto the operating table. He gripped my jaw, forcing me to look at him. “Ryan, what I hate most is that pretentious face of yours,” he sneered. “And you’re too noisy. It would be better if you were quiet.” Before I could react, a cold scalpel slashed viciously at my tongue! Excruciating pain shot through me as blood gushed out. The agony was so intense I couldn’t even scream. My vision went black as I passed out completely.

When I regained consciousness, I discovered I had truly been turned into a “vase”! And before me was an auction hall. I was trapped inside the vase mold, completely immobilized. Every inch of skin, every bone in my body, screamed with unbearable pain. In a daze, flashes of the operating table came back to me. That devil Jake had personally broken my bones, forcibly molding my body into the shape he desired with clay. Countless tiny needles repeatedly pierced my skin, carving out bizarre patterns. I kept waking from the extreme torture only to pass out again, unable to bear it. That feeling of wishing for death was so intense, I almost forgot I was still alive. The more my body hurt, the deeper my hatred for Sophia and Jake grew. But I was utterly helpless, like a fish on a chopping board, at their mercy. The crowd stared at me intently as the auctioneer spoke passionately. “Ladies and gentlemen, look at this human vase! It took exactly forty-nine days to create the crackle glaze effect!” “Real human blood was used for the red glaze. The more pain the subject felt, the more beautiful the patterns became!” Whispers spread through the audience. Apparently I had been sent to an auction. “This is so artistic! I’ve never seen a vase made from a real person before. It would be quite a conversation piece!” “New patterns are still forming – how fascinating! Truly a rare treasure!” “This auction was well worth attending!” I could feel my life force slowly draining away, barely clinging to existence. Looking closer, I saw Sophia seated in the front row. Her gaze paused on me briefly as it swept across the room. She didn’t recognize me, instead turning to complain to her assistant. “Why hasn’t Ryan made any contact recently?” Jake immediately reassured her, his voice low but just loud enough for me to hear. “Sophia, Ryan is probably focusing on his training. Don’t be angry with him. Maybe he’s planning a surprise for you.” Sophia scoffed after hearing this. “Speaking of vases, why is he so special? I prefer the one on stage.” I had no energy to argue. Let her think what she wants. I was already at their mercy. The crowd below had gone into a frenzy, emotions running high as they bid astronomical sums to acquire me. My gaze met Sophia’s again. From not far away, she seemed to finally recognize me. A look of disbelief flashed in her eyes. “This vase… why does it look like… Ryan? What’s he doing here?” “Putting a person… inside a vase? Is that safe?” She stood up, perhaps wanting a closer look, but Jake grabbed her arm. “Sophia, don’t worry. This must be Ryan’s way of pursuing an artistic effect – he made himself into a vase shape.” “Besides, isn’t he more special this way?” “He can’t go anywhere or cause any more trouble for you now.” Sophia nodded thoughtfully at his words and sat back down calmly. Watching them chat intimately, the physical pain paled in comparison to the despair and hatred in my heart. Sophia! Jake! I truly hate you both so much!

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The day Asher confessed to me, Serena, who had chased him for three years, jumped off the roof. Before she took her life, she cried, accusing me of campus bullying and having a messy personal life. It was only when I went into labor and Asher refused to take me to the hospital that I realized his confession had just been a ploy to get rid of Serena. And after Serena’s death, Asher became obsessed with her, falling madly in love. He blamed me entirely for her demise. When I was heavily pregnant, he imprisoned me at home, tormenting me until I drew my last breath. I never expected to open my eyes again and find myself back on the day Serena jumped. “Get together! Get together!” The chaotic shouts jolted me back to reality, the familiar scene merging with my memories. My gaze fell on Asher, standing before me with flowers in hand. Just like me, he looked around, a bewildered expression on his face. His eyes lit up, then he tossed the flowers aside and frantically ran towards the rooftop. Watching his retreating figure, I realized that both Asher and I had been reborn. We were back on the day Asher confessed to me. In my previous life, on this very day Asher confessed, Serena had stood on that rooftop. From the top of the building, her face filled with despair, she cried out to the entire school, accusing me of campus bullying. Everyone pressured me, demanding I kneel and beg for her forgiveness, for her to come down. Even though I had never bullied her, I was forced by the whole school to kneel and plead with her not to jump. But after I knelt, she screamed even louder, collapsing in tears: “You’re willing to kneel in public just to force my forgiveness? Does a bully apologizing mean the bullied has to forgive them?” “I’ll tell you this: I’ll never forgive you, never.” With that, she leaped from the rooftop. The incident went viral online, and without any real evidence, I became the infamous bully everyone demonized across the internet. Later, after a police investigation, a statement was released proving my innocence, that I hadn’t bullied anyone. But by then, no one believed me. The official police clarification video was filled with hateful comments about me: “Why would she kneel and apologize if she didn’t bully anyone?” “Do you think anyone would use their life to frame someone else?” “Who’s pulling strings for this bully? Why isn’t she in jail?” … The school couldn’t handle the online pressure either and advised me to withdraw. I gradually developed depression, and after multiple failed suicide attempts, Asher reappeared. He repeatedly told me he believed I was innocent, helping me slowly recover. He gradually became my only lifeline. Later, I moved to another city for college, choosing the same university as Asher, and we officially started dating. After graduation, we got married. Lulled by his sweet words, I pregnant and promptly quit my job to become a stay-at-home wife. Little did I know, that was the beginning of my nightmare. He imprisoned me at home, cutting me off from the outside world, tormenting me daily with photos of Serena. When I was heavily pregnant and nearing delivery, he forcibly locked me in a room, brutally abusing and tormenting me. It was then I realized that after Serena’s death, Asher had suddenly realized she was the one he truly loved, regretting that he hadn’t cherished her. He blamed me for Serena’s death, believing I had provoked her into taking her own life He channeled all his hatred onto me, exacting a furious revenge. His prolonged torment led to my water breaking and premature labor. He watched coldly as I struggled in the room, cruelly tormenting me until I drew my last breath. I never expected to open my eyes again and find myself back on the day Asher confessed to me, the day Serena jumped.

I watched his retreating figure with cold indifference. Facing the curious gazes of the bystanders, I picked up a broom and swept the flowers into the trash can. My eyes scanned Asher’s friends, the ones who had been loudest in their cheering, and I spoke flatly: “What’s with all the fuss? College entrance exams are coming up soon. Don’t you want to focus on your studies, or do you plan to repeat this year?” Under my cold stare, they exchanged glances, then quickly returned to their seats. Once the classroom was quiet again, I pulled out my textbook and buried myself in studying. Thinking of everything I’d suffered in my previous life because of that toxic pair, an irritable rage simmered within me. This time, I had to stay far away from those two. Asher didn’t reappear at school after leaving until evening dismissal. I glanced at their empty seats, packed my things, and practically sprinted home. Seeing my parents, looking years younger, in the living room, my eyes welled up. I let out a choked sob and threw myself into my mom’s arms. Seeing me like this, she panicked, holding me close and gently patting my back. “Honey, what’s wrong? Did someone bully you at school? Tell Mom, I’ll make sure you get justice.” After a long while, I calmed myself, sniffling. “No, I just… suddenly missed you both so, so much. And I’m so sorry.” Hearing me, Mom sighed in relief, playfully patting my head. “Did you mess up a test this time?” My dad chimed in from behind, “Don’t be too stressed, it’s just the college entrance exam. Even if you mess up, Dad will support you for life.” Watching the harmonious atmosphere at home, my heart gradually settled. My parents were so good to me, yet in my previous life, Asher’s manipulation had led me to give up my career after pregnancy and become a stay-at-home wife, handing over full control of the company to him. Because my parents disagreed, I had a huge fight with them and cut off all contact. This also allowed Asher to use my pregnancy as an excuse to trick me into moving away, imprisoning me in a secluded basement he’d prepared just for me. No one found me for a long time after I died. Meanwhile, he used his position to embezzle company funds, draining the accounts and leaving the company bankrupt. My parents, reeling from the twin shocks of my death and the company’s bankruptcy, became distraught and were tragically killed in a car accident. I clenched my fists. This time, I would protect them, no matter what. In the middle of the night, I dreamed of my previous life again. In a dimly lit room, my hands were cuffed to the bed frame. Suddenly, a beam of light, and a pair of polished leather shoes appeared before me. I recoiled in terror, shrinking into the corner, but the owner of the shoes wouldn’t let me go. He stomped on my calf, grinding his heel back and forth: “Does that hurt? Imagine how desperate Serena must have been when you bullied her until she jumped. You should go to hell to atone for your sins.” I croaked, struggling to explain, “Asher, I never bullied her.” “Still trying to deny it!” He lifted his foot and slammed it without hesitation into my stomach. “No!” As I struggled, the handcuffs snapped. Seizing the opportunity, I threw a straight punch directly at his most sensitive spot. I didn’t waste a second, getting up and hitting Asher with a left hook, then a right hook, until he was on his knees, begging for mercy.

I woke up feeling incredibly refreshed and headed to school. Asher and Serena entered the classroom one after another after the second period ended. Serena, walking in behind Asher, had swollen, glistening lips and flushed cheeks. Faint hickeys peeked from her neck. It was obvious to anyone what had happened last night. Asher’s friends exchanged knowing glances and started chanting: “Asher, what happened? Weren’t you going to confess to our class president, Avery? How did you end up with Serena overnight?” As they spoke, their eyes darted between Serena and me. They were all curious how Asher, who had rejected Serena so many times, had suddenly gotten together with her overnight. Asher shot me a dismissive glance, then pulled Serena into a tight embrace. “Serena and I had some misunderstandings before, but now they’re cleared up. Say hi to your new sister-in-law!” At his words, Serena’s face flushed deep red, and she quickly buried her face in Asher’s chest. At the same time, she cast a guilty glance my way. I gave them a bland look and returned to my worksheets. Serena and I used to be best friends. We were neighbors back then, and we practically lived at each other’s houses, always sharing meals and sleeping over. I remember being smaller than other kids my age, and often getting picked on by classmates. Afterwards, she would always take me to confront the bullies. We promised to be best friends for life. But later, in middle school, her dad got into gambling, and the sounds of him yelling and hitting people often came from her house. My parents told me not to go to Serena’s house anymore. But I felt sorry for her, so I kept playing with her. Until eighth grade, I suddenly had a growth spurt, and my features became more defined. The boys who used to bully me started sending me love letters and told me the real reason they had picked on me in elementary school: it was Serena who had used the snacks I gave her to bribe them into bullying me. When I found out, I confronted her. She sneered, “Why? There’s no why. I just didn’t like you.” I was heartbroken. Around that time, my parents’ company also started making a profit, and they decided to give me a better environment for school. We quickly moved out of our old neighborhood. I never expected we’d meet again in high school. I thought we’d be casual strangers. Until one day after school, I saw her being beaten by a group of people in an alley. When I went to help her, I found out she was the other woman, and the people beating her were the man’s wife and her friends. I promised to keep her secret. The very next day, she stood on the rooftop, crying and accusing me of campus bullying. There was less than a hundred days left until the college entrance exams. This time, I was determined to study hard, aiming for a top-tier university in finance and management, to take over the company and expand it significantly. Because Asher had been reborn and was already an adult mentally, he wasn’t afraid of the teachers’ authority. He openly dated Serena at school, not even trying to hide it. He even dramatically recorded their love story on his phone and posted it online. This was the era when the internet was booming. I knew he wanted to get into the influencer game. In just a few days, Asher and Serena’s accounts were gaining significant traction. Ever since I was subjected to that online mob in my previous life, I realized the immense harm that biased, one-sided reports from sensationalist online accounts could cause. Later, I started learning how to run an account myself, to expand my influence and speak up for more people who faced injustice. Gradually, I understood how to crack the algorithm for going viral and successfully built a following. In my spare time, I even started a daily couple’s account with Asher in my previous life, explaining the techniques to him and guiding him to become an internet influencer. I scrolled through his current account’s cringey, low-quality videos titled “High School Love Daily.” I clicked one open. They were hugging and deeply kissing, the captions vulgar and overly dramatic. Serena in the video smiled sweetly, swaying her hips in a way that left little to the imagination. I closed my phone, the comments below full of disgusting remarks. The account he was running now was the exact case study of the simplest, most successful launch by a popular influencer that I had analyzed and explained to him years ago in my previous life. It involved starting with controversial content to gain traction, then leveraging a major incident to ‘cleanse’ their image and go mainstream. I had told him that while this method was simple, promoting problematic values could easily get you banned, and successful transformation was incredibly difficult. Clearly, he had only heard the “simple” part. This time, he was using this strategy directly. I wondered how he planned to pivot later. I didn’t pay them any more attention. With my experience from the previous life, I also registered an account, studying and running my own content page simultaneously. I absolutely had to seize this internet opportunity. Their public displays of affection didn’t last long. Soon, their indulgent, anti-study behavior was reprimanded by the school, and their parents were notified. Reportedly, the principal’s office was utter chaos that day. Asher’s family was very conservative. Knowing that Asher’s grades had plummeted and he faced expulsion, his mother immediately grabbed Serena’s hair in the office and slapped her repeatedly, left and right. The teachers present couldn’t even stop her. She only stopped when Serena’s dad showed up and saw the scene. Asher’s mom then started yelling obscenities at Serena’s father. Serena’s father, a notorious lowlife, wasn’t angry after learning Serena and Asher were dating and had slept together. Instead, he started demanding a hefty payout from Asher’s family. Initially, Asher’s parents refused, but since Serena was underage, taking it to the police would mean Asher could be charged with sexual assault. And so, with the teachers as witnesses in the office, they negotiated the payout and got engaged. The principal had originally wanted to expel both of them, but Asher’s mother threw such a dramatic, shameless tantrum on the floor that he reluctantly compromised, agreeing to expel only one. Asher’s parents, who hated Serena, forced her to drop out so their precious son could continue school. They believed their brilliant son had Ivy League potential, but was now obsessed with the internet, talking crazy about making money online. Serena’s father, after getting the money, didn’t care about her at all. Serena dropping out for love caused a huge stir, spreading throughout the school. The campus social media was filled with praises for their love story. I seized the opportunity to report on this incident. Soon, the story went viral online, and they gained even more popularity. Asher was overjoyed, immediately telling Serena to start live streaming from home to make money. Just as I expected, their follower count skyrocketed. Their account name changed from “Serena’s High School Love Daily” to “Serena, High School Dropout, Caring for Boyfriend Daily.” I created a new burner account to follow them. After school, I saw them engaging in sleazy live challenges and casually sent them a few thousand dollars in donations. Watching their beaming faces, a slight smirk played on my lips. Enjoy this happy time while it lasts. In the days of peak popularity, Asher took a leave of absence from school to live stream with Serena at home. He returned to school three weeks later. Asher caused a stir, strutting in his latest Air Force Ones and a PRADA outfit.

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I was betrothed to Asher since childhood, but because he didn’t love me, I became just another woman in his life. Mrs. Chen said whoever gives birth to a son for the Chen family will be the future mistress. In my previous life, because I loved Asher deeply, I swapped the birth control pills and got pregnant at the same time as his cherished first love. She accused me of carrying a child that wasn’t of Chen blood to secure her position! Asher was furious and forcibly ended the life of my five-month-old unborn child! “You treacherous woman! How dare you betray me? I’ll make sure you can never have another child again!” But the real traitor was his cherished first love! Not only that, she staged a miscarriage and suicide to frame me! “If my sister can’t tolerate me, then I’ll just die!” “You vile woman, disgracing yourself and trying to harm Cora! I’ll make your life a living hell!” He forced me to swallow the ashes of my closest kin, removed my uterus in front of Cora’s grave despite my cries, and left me to die in the wilderness. In this life, I won’t foolishly give my heart or let anyone trample on me. Asher, I don’t need your cheap affection.

“What, you’re pregnant?” Asher turned his head in disbelief, frowning slightly with irritation. “Didn’t I give you birth control pills? How could you still get pregnant?” Asher grabbed my chin, his gaze deep and probing. “How could this be? Didn’t Asher always stay in Cora’s room?” “Who knows what tricks Adeline used; now she and Cora are both pregnant. Guess who the Chen family will choose.” “Who knows, but it’s definitely not me.” “Isn’t it obvious? Just look at how Asher favors Cora. Adeline is just a sycophant.” A few beautiful, tall women gathered, discussing with envy and jealousy. They were all Asher’s lovers and contenders for the position of the Chen family’s mistress. Grandma Chen once said whoever gives birth to a son first will be Asher’s wife. In my previous life, I tried everything for this title but never won his affection. I ended up switching the birth control pills to get pregnant. I never expected Asher to torment me to the point of wishing for death for Cora, and now standing in this scene again, I just want to escape, away from this sickening place. “I don’t know.” I turned my head impatiently, breaking free from his grip. “How can you not know, you shameless woman! You just want to have my child? You don’t even care about your dignity for the mistress position!” Asher insulted me angrily, his eyes full of disdain. “This is my child, none of your concern.” I said coldly, my gaze sharp. “Stop pretending to be high and mighty! Shameless thing! Go to the hospital and abort this child now!” With that, Asher forcefully dragged me outside. “Nonsense!” Mrs. Chen suddenly came downstairs, tapping the floor hard with her cane. “Since Adeline is already pregnant, this child is of Chen blood, and your wedding can be arranged.” Mrs. Chen and my grandmother were very close friends. After my parents died in a car accident, she took me in and cared for me, always intending for me to be her granddaughter-in-law. “Grandma!” Asher protested unwillingly, “Didn’t you say whoever gets pregnant first will be my wife? Cora is also pregnant, did you forget?” “Grandma.” Before Mrs. Chen could speak, I quickly interjected, “Cora got pregnant a month before me, so logically, she should be the mistress of the Chen family.” Asher and everyone else looked at me in surprise, not expecting the usually eager-to-marry-him follower to willingly give him up. “Stop pretending to be innocent! You just want to gain Grandma’s sympathy, you scheming woman. I will never marry you!” Asher glanced at me disdainfully, pulling the silent Cora close. “Grandma, Cora is my first love, my only true love in this life. Please fulfill your promise and let me marry her.” “There’s no need to discuss this further. Adeline is from a reputable family, far more suitable than someone who can’t be presentable.” Mrs. Chen spoke with underlying meaning, clearly looking down on Cora. “Grandma, are you going back on your word?” Asher asked in a low voice, challenging Mrs. Chen’s authority, which was incredibly foolish. I wisely stayed silent. “Forget it, Asher.” Cora moved slightly in his arms, looking down pitifully. “If Grandma doesn’t like me, just let me go. I hope you and Adeline have a happy life.” “Don’t worry, Cora. If I can’t marry you, I would rather die alone!” Asher swore sincerely, his emotional display making me sick. Cora’s eyes brightened, casting a triumphant glance at me. “You ungrateful thing!” Mrs. Chen was furious, but Asher didn’t even glance at her, his mind full of Cora. “Grandma, don’t be angry. Although Adeline and I are both pregnant, it’s still uncertain if it’s a boy or a girl. Asher is just afraid of marrying a sister who might give birth to a girl.” My body went cold, remembering how my unborn child was beaten to death in my past life, the bloody scene making my stomach churn. I covered my mouth, dry heaving. “Stop pretending to be pitiful!” Asher glared at me viciously, then looked at Mrs. Chen. “I think Cora is right. It’s uncertain if they are boys or girls, and there’s the question of a safe birth. It’s too early to discuss a wedding date.” Asher’s dangerous gaze filled me with fear, and my lower abdomen ached faintly. “Besides, it’s uncertain if this child is even of Chen blood.” “Cora!” I reflexively shouted in anger. In my past life, my poor child was killed because of Cora’s deceit. I clenched my fist tightly. “Are you trying to disgrace the Chen family with your words?” “Sister Adeline, don’t misunderstand. I’m just thinking of Asher. Everyone knows you have a childhood friend studying abroad. Who knows if you’ve been in contact?” Cora spoke with a slow, deliberate tone, her eyes shifting. The childhood friend she mentioned was Jasper, my mother’s classmate’s son, who went abroad for college. We grew up together, but I always had a crush on Asher, so I had little contact with him. In my past life, Cora framed me with Jasper similarly. Seeing the scene about to repeat, this time I didn’t avoid it. I chuckled, responding confidently, “Sister, if you say it’s for the Chen family, I’m willing to take a paternity test to prove my innocence.” Cora didn’t expect my calmness, nervously clenching her fists. “Adeline, if I find out your child isn’t mine, you’re done for. I’ll make sure you suffer!” Asher sneered, threatening me. He had said this countless times in my past life, and I was already numb to it. “Since Cora is also considering the Chen family’s best interest, for fairness, let’s have her tested too, so everyone can be at ease.” “Why should I!” Cora was the first to speak, pouting, “I’ve only ever been with Asher. Do you think everyone is like you?” I smiled mockingly at her. Of course, she wouldn’t agree because she was the one involved with someone else! She switched the paternity test in the past, leading to my cruel fate. “Why are you panicking? Do you have a guilty conscience?” I pressed on, scaring Cora into clinging to Asher’s arms. “Asher.” She called out weakly. “Enough! The child in Cora’s belly is certainly mine. She would never be as shameless as you!” “The shameless one is you!” Mrs. Chen scolded, “Since both children concern the Chen family bloodline, let’s follow Adeline’s suggestion and have both tested.” “Grandma!” Asher wanted to protest, but Mrs. Chen waved her hand, cutting him off. Cora stood behind Asher, looking at me with venomous eyes. The next day, Cora and I went to the hospital to have the paternity tests signed. To prevent any repeat of past tragedies, I kept a close watch on her to ensure she couldn’t switch the reports again. “You think I don’t know what you’re up to?” Cora sneered, “If you know my child has issues, why not expose me?” “Because you’re afraid Asher won’t believe you. You’re really deep.” Cora’s face twisted, abandoning her sweet facade. “I’m aware of your tricks. You want to harm my child, but it’s not going to happen.” I crossed my arms, planning to leave once her deceit was exposed. I no longer loved Asher, so there’s no need to stay. “You’re wrong.” While I was lost in thought, Cora suddenly began to laugh wickedly. “Do you think I stayed in the Chen family with only one trick?” With that, she deliberately fell backward down the stairs. “Asher! Save me! My baby!” Suddenly, blood spread beneath her.

I was stunned. Though such a clumsy method often appeared on TV, I didn’t expect her to be so ruthless, disregarding her own body. “You’re crazy!” I shouted, panicking. “So what if this child isn’t of Chen blood? Now it’s gone because of you, dead with no proof. Guess who Asher will blame first?” She laughed triumphantly, then clutched her belly, weeping loudly. “It hurts! It hurts! My baby!” Everyone in the hospital gathered to watch, and Asher rushed through the crowd, lifting Cora’s frail body. Suddenly, blood spread beneath her. 2. I was stunned. I’ve seen such clumsy tricks on TV all the time, but I never imagined she’d be so ruthless, disregarding her own body. “Are you out of your mind?!” I shouted, feeling utterly helpless. “Even if this child isn’t from the Chen family, what does it matter? Now that he’s gone because of you, there’s no evidence left. Who do you think Asher will blame first?” She laughed triumphantly before clutching her stomach and crying out. “It hurts! It hurts! My baby!” The entire hospital staff gathered around to watch the commotion. Asher anxiously pushed through the crowd, cradling Cora’s weakened body. “Cora, hang in there. The doctor is on the way.” “My baby… my baby.” Cora’s voice was choked with sobs, tears streaming down her face, while the blood beneath her continued to spread. “Adeline!” At that moment, Asher despised me, shouting hoarsely, “I’m going to kill you! You killed my child with Cora, you malicious woman!” “I didn’t!” I was shocked but immediately defended myself, “She fell on her own; it has nothing to do with me. If you don’t believe me, we can check the security cameras!” I looked up, hoping to find footage, only to realize we were in a camera blind spot. No wonder Cora spoke to me here. She feared the child’s parentage would be exposed, so she planned everything in advance. “You’re still denying it in the face of danger!” Asher picked up Cora. “If anything happens to Cora, I’ll make you pay with your life!” With a vicious threat, he hurried to the emergency room with her in his arms. “Miss Cora’s body suffered severe trauma. It will be difficult for her to conceive again.” The doctor shook his head in regret, while Asher held the tearful Cora, his expression filled with pain. “It’s okay, Cora. Even if we don’t have children, I will only marry you. This is what the Chen family owes you.” “Asher…” Cora softly leaned against his shoulder, occasionally glancing at me. “Don’t blame my sister. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.” Only then did Asher remember I was still there. He immediately stood up and rushed over, grabbing my throat. “Adeline, you deserve to die! You killed my child with Cora. I’ll make you pay!” His grip tightened, making it hard for me to breathe, and my vision began to blur. “How do you know… the child is yours?” Using the last of my strength, I spoke. Asher let go, and I fell to the floor, gasping for air. “Sis Adeline!” Cora cried stubbornly, tears in her eyes, “I know you hate me, hate that I took Asher away, but you can’t insult my child like this! He’s already gone, and you still won’t let him rest?” “Adeline, you’re asking for it!” Asher clapped his hands, and several strong bodyguards came in. “Hold her down and beat her hard.” I widened my eyes in disbelief, shouting anxiously, “I’m carrying your child! How can you do this to me!” “Who knows if your child is part of the Chen family? Besides, you killed Cora’s child, so yours will pay for it!” I struggled in panic. Though I avoided the paternity test, I still couldn’t protect this child! I cried out, “This is your child! Let him go, please!” “If I let him go, who will let my child with Cora go? A child born of such a vicious woman is just as worthless!” Asher’s cruel words pierced my heart like a stake, leaving me pale with pain. “How can you treat me like this? What did I ever do to you? You’ve already killed me once, isn’t that enough?” In desperation, I screamed, clutching my belly. “What nonsense are you talking about!” Asher frowned impatiently, stuffing several pieces of paper into my mouth. “You’re too noisy, disturbing Cora’s rest.” He gave me one last cold look, then ordered the bodyguards to act. I whimpered in pain, but the paper in my mouth choked me, preventing any cries for help. Just like in my past life, the thick stick fell brutally onto my body. My lower abdomen throbbed with a tearing pain, and a warm flow beneath me—blood, I knew it was. “Mr. Chen, the report is out.” The secretary rushed into the hospital room, her pupils shrinking when she saw me lying weak on the floor. Despite the intense pain, I lifted my head, thinking I was finally saved. But the next second, Asher tore the report into pieces. “So what if it’s my child? She killed Cora’s child, so she must pay!”

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In the fifth year of our marriage, I helped my wife’s family business, which was on the verge of bankruptcy, go public. At the celebration party, my wife showed up with a pair of twins and her much-admired ex-boyfriend. She remarked, “Jack is a top student, and you should appreciate him for bringing in some fresh genes to improve the family line.” “You’ll still stay with my family, and as a token gesture, one of the kids can take your last name.” She wanted me to step down from my Vice President position. “The company’s success has nothing to do with you. Even a pig can fly when there’s a strong enough wind!” “Replace you with Jack, and he’ll do even better!” Everyone was mocking me, and my father-in-law and mother-in-law, who always claimed to value me, silently agreed with everything. Watching this shameless family, I sneered, “Fine, let the Anderson Group go bankrupt then!” “Declan, what kind of joke is this? Everything you have now was given to you by our family!” “If the Anderson Group goes bankrupt, you’ll have nothing left!” My wife Fiona didn’t believe a word I said and continued to mock me: “I even thought about letting you manage the company as a formality after you step down as VP.” “But now it seems someone as lowly as you, with ambitions beyond reach, is unworthy of managing our Anderson Group!” “I want a divorce. Get out of the Anderson Group!” I looked at Fiona’s disgusted, perfectly made-up face and gritted my teeth: “Fine, let’s divorce!” Fiona sneered and handed me a divorce agreement. The terms demanded that I leave with nothing! “When you married into our family, we signed an agreement. If we divorce, you can’t take a penny, and you have no right to refuse!” Instinctively, I looked at my in-laws. Fiona might not understand my contributions to the company since she doesn’t work, but they should know better. But my in-laws, who praised me at lunch, now avoided eye contact, their stance clear! Amid the guests’ laughter, I heard some whispers. “No matter how capable Declan is, he’s just a son-in-law living with them. If his wife says to dump him, she can dump him!” “He’s just brought in billions in revenue for the company, acting all superior in front of us. But at home, he’s still just a pushover for his wife.” I knew these people always looked down on me. Even though I poured my heart into Anderson Group and took it public in five years, expanding into overseas markets. I looked at my wife and the man behind her, and the last glimmer of hope in my heart extinguished. The person I once shared a bed with used me as a stepping stone, secretly plotting with that man to replace me entirely! “Alright!” I choked out. Before I finished speaking, Jack eagerly put his arm around Uma’s shoulder: “Oh dear Una, rest assured. With my help, the company will develop even faster!” Uma returned his embrace, her radiant smile dazzling, stinging my eyes! It was a smile she never showed me! Even though I married into her family and endured countless humiliations! Even though I turned myself into a vassal of the Anderson family! With those thoughts, I hesitated no more. I signed the divorce papers and left without looking back!

As soon as I left, the employees who never respected me started to gossip. “With that son-in-law gone, our days will be much better.” “Yeah, the Andersons are wealthy and kind. With Declan gone, company benefits will surely improve!” “I heard from a friend in the secretarial department that the Andersons wanted to increase employee benefits several times, but that son-in-law always vetoed it. After climbing from the bottom, he looked down on us!” Not far from them, I heard their words and couldn’t help but chuckle. Did they really think I could veto decisions made by the top leadership? In fact, during my years in charge, I constantly applied for benefits for the company, only to be blocked by my in-laws, who didn’t want to give any benefits, wishing employees would work for free. Now, hearing them praise my in-laws as kind-hearted, I almost laughed! If I hadn’t always spoken up for the employees, they wouldn’t be so eager to kick me out. To them, I was just a VP. Kicking me out was no big deal! I left the venue and called a number that had been in my phone for five years. “I’m done with Fiona.” The person on the other end chuckled coldly: “You should have ended it sooner! Since I found out Fiona was seeing other men, I’ve been telling you to leave. Now you’ve finally come to your senses! Since that’s the case, come home.” “For years, you stopped me from taking action against the Andersons, but I won’t hold back anymore.” I said, “Got it, sis. I’ll come home soon.” Fiona didn’t know I was actually from a wealthy family. Years ago, due to family changes, my sister had to exile me to protect me. Two years ago, she finally avenged us against the Li family, allowing us to live peacefully again. She reconnected and showed evidence of Fiona’s affairs. Unfortunately, I was still in love with Fiona then, thinking she hid it because she loved me. Why else would she do it, right? Despite knowing my unreliable in-laws, I started planning for any unforeseen changes, hoping to have leverage against the Andersons. But I never thought I’d need to use it. After losing hope, I agreed to go home. My sister immediately wanted to send someone to fetch me. I smiled and said, “No need. I should handle these things myself.” My sister agreed but couldn’t help but nag: “I’ve always told you to come home. I’m getting married, and the family business will be yours. There’s no need to marry into another family. Who needs a small, shabby company like that?” “For your next marriage, I’ll find you a suitable heiress.”

The next morning, Fiona was at the registry before I was for the first time. Throughout our seven years of dating and marriage, she always made me wait, whether for a small meal or a whole day of plans. She’d rather pay to replay a movie than arrive early. For her, it was a game to tame me. Making me wait at least half an hour each time showed I loved her. Seeing me, she stood there arrogantly, waiting for me to approach. I coldly looked at her and said, “If you don’t come over, there won’t be a divorce.” That hit a nerve, and only then did Fiona walk over. After getting the papers, she smugly said. “Look at you now, older than Jack and less capable.” “Did you know? Yesterday, Jack took over the company and immediately signed a big contract with Carter Corporation! You couldn’t close that deal after a month, but he did it right away. Haha, without you, my future is smooth sailing!” I coldly watched her, not bothering to respond. Carter Corporation’s contract was always picky, and they were rushing us lately. I didn’t take it because I suspected issues with the deal. I didn’t expect Jack to take it right away. He didn’t even consider if it would impact them. It seems this so-called top student might be overhyped. Anyone with a brain wouldn’t make such a blunder. I sneered, too lazy to deal with these fools, and turned to leave. As I stepped outside, I saw an eye-catching Rolls Royce my sister sent. The woman in the car took off her sunglasses, revealing a stunningly beautiful face. It was my sister’s longtime friend, Phoebe. Seeing me looking, Fiona sneered: “Don’t bother looking. No matter how much you look, she won’t be yours!” I ignored her and walked over. The woman got out, smiling as she tossed me the keys, saying: “Young Master, the car returns to its rightful owner.” I got in the car, and as I did, Fiona’s disdainful voice rang out: “You brought out a domestic limited edition car, Declan. I didn’t know you loved me this much. Too bad, do you think I can’t tell you’re putting on a show, trying to make me think you’re a super-rich second generation so I’d grovel and beg?” I found her amusing. Fiona, spoiled since childhood, always carried an unwarranted confidence. Seeing my silence, she added. “Don’t forget, the only one available for rent is with my friend. Do you believe I can call her now, and she’ll revoke your rental rights, ensuring you never rent a luxury car for show again?” I ignored her foolishness, hit the gas, and sped away. The phone rang, and Phoebe put it on speaker. I heard Fiona’s furious voice: “Without you, my life will get better and better! And you, you’ll always be the trash beneath my feet!” “If you’re smart, come back and apologize on your knees. I might consider giving you a way out. Otherwise, let’s see how long your little stash can keep you alive!” I disregarded that foolish woman, stepped on the gas, and quickly drove away. My phone rang, and Phoebe put it on speakerphone for me. I heard Fiona yelling, “Without you, my life will only get better! And you, you’ll always be beneath me!” “If you have any sense, come back and beg for forgiveness. I might consider giving you a way out. Otherwise, let’s see how long your little stash of money can keep you afloat!” I replied, “Fiona, after the divorce, you have no right to involve yourself with me, understand?” With that, I hung up and threw the phone out of the car, deciding to sever all ties with her completely. Phoebe taunted me, “You and your sister fought over this woman for years?” I was at a loss for words. “Wanna grab a bite at my place?” She replied, “Of course, after all, I am your future fiancée.” I paused, a bit taken aback. I hadn’t expected my sister to have plans for us. Phoebe just smiled and asked, “What, you don’t like me?” I thought, it’s not about liking or disliking. After all, no matter how promising the beginning, the end is always the same.

Back home, my sister looked at me for a long time, snorted, yet didn’t say anything. She directly arranged for me to join the company and handed over all her responsibilities to me, showing complete trust. It warmed my heart. In the Anderson Family for years, I never earned this kind of trust. They either criticized me for not being a top university graduate or complained that a project I handled lost them a million dollars. No matter how much I explained about relationships, long-term benefits, or concessions, they didn’t care. When their precious daughter brought home an unknown man, they immediately arranged for me to divorce her. I don’t know how much my in-laws despised me over the years. Even when they smiled at me, they were always thinking about how to get rid of me. Thinking back now, I was foolish. But not anymore. My sister placed Phoebe by my side, supposedly to help me take over the company. I looked at the woman in front of me, speechless. She stretched out her leg wrapped in black stockings and teasingly asked, “What, afraid of me?” Afraid of her? I snorted. But it led us to start working together on company matters. Soon, we were handling the first deal after I returned to the company. Just after the project was discussed, I got a call from Fiona. “Things haven’t been going well for you, right? Here’s a chance. If you lower your head and apologize to me, I’ll let you come back to work at the company. How about that?” I knew right away that Fiona must have run into some trouble with a project. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so generous. I said, “No thanks.” I was about to hang up when she suddenly yelled, “Declan!” “I’m giving you a chance because we were married for years. Otherwise, believe it or not, I’ll blacklist you online, and you’ll never find a decent job again!” I laughed, more in disbelief than anger. “No need. Without you, I’m doing just fine.” I hung up. A minute later, she called back, unable to contain her frustration. “Do you know there’s a problem with the project you signed before? The company is expected to lose fifty million! If you don’t come back and fix it, I’ll sue you and make you pay!” 5 Hearing this, I couldn’t help but laugh. Her inexplicable confidence was both amusing and puzzling. “Go ahead then, do as you please. I’ve already left the company, so whatever happens there is no longer my concern. If you insist on blaming me, I have nothing to say.”

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I grew up alongside Asher, the grandson of Los Angeles’ wealthiest man. Over the course of ten years, I transformed from his doting sister to his undisclosed lover, ultimately becoming the least troublesome among the myriad women surrounding him. Everyone knew I loved him until the day his idealized love returned from abroad. For her, he dismissed all the other women around him, including me. The night I left, he and his friends laughed uproariously. But later, they all said Asher had gone mad. When I got up from bed, Asher was still asleep. The floor was a mess, and my thigh-high stockings were beyond repair. But I had a meeting at the company this morning. I clicked my tongue, rubbed my sore lower back, and rummaged through the drawer. I was sure I had left a pair there last time, but I couldn’t find them. Just then, a whistle sounded behind me, and Asher’s voice was filled with playful teasing. “Hey, Sis, still got that great figure.” I ignored him. “Where are my socks?” He frowned, thinking about it casually, “I think Sasha or Lily from State University took them last time?” “Can’t remember.” I paused my search. Even though it wasn’t the first time I’d heard him say something like that, my heart ached slightly, tinged with self-mockery. After all these years, haven’t I learned yet? I was never special to him. I sighed deeply and stood up to get dressed. But Asher patted the space beside him, like a lazy big cat, heavily implying. “Why are you leaving so early, Sis?” “I have a morning meeting at the company.” He glanced at me and clicked his tongue, “Is it for that piece of land again? Why work so hard? Stay with me this morning. That land will be yours.”

By the time I got to the company, it was already afternoon. My whole body ached, and as soon as I sat down, Dad called, full of praise. “Mimi, you got that piece of land. Well done this time. Stick with Asher, your brother will need you.” I held the phone, looking at the reflection of a twenty-six-year-old woman in the mirror, full of self-mockery. “Dad, I’m not young anymore. There are plenty of eighteen or nineteen-year-old girls around Asher. How do you think I can keep him?” Dad’s voice noticeably paused. “Besides, this is probably the last time Asher takes care of you.” “Why?” The voice on the other end became tense, “Mabel, did you offend him? Apologize quickly! Your brother…” I gripped the phone tightly. My so-called family was so greedy. In their eyes, as long as I slept with Asher, I could bring resources to the family. I could be anything, but not a person. The overwhelming humiliation finally made my tears fall uncontrollably. “Because Nora is coming back.” I didn’t want to say more and hung up the phone. Outside, the secretary knocked cautiously. “Miss Jiang, the gift you requested is ready. Do you want to take a look?” I wiped away my tears, signaling her to bring it in. The watch in the box was beautiful and expensive. A Vacheron Constantin Flying Dutchman. Just like me, a Flying Dutchman that could never find land.

This was the relationship between Asher and me. You could call it a romance or a transaction of interests. I was probably the most obedient woman around him. After all, my dad needed his family. Since high school, I’ve been constantly reminded, “Take good care of the young master of the Asher family.” I carried his backpack, did his homework, and cleaned up his messes. He went from rejecting me and ordering me around to later secretly beating up an older guy who harassed me. I thought I was special. I watched him grow into a handsome and charming young man. Watched as countless beautiful girls surrounded him. Watched him, even after hanging out with one or several of them the day before, proudly drape his arm over my shoulder the next day. “Remember, this is my sister.” His hand was so warm it almost burned me. I watched as my heart sank, yet I had to hide it carefully. Until that night when he got drunk and called me to pick him up. It was hard to get the drunk cat home, and just as I was about to leave, he reached out and grabbed me. He squinted, half-awake, looking at me with deep affection. “Mimi.” When his kiss landed, I didn’t push him away. No confession, no flowers, just pain. But I savored it. I didn’t expect that the next morning, when Asher woke up, he looked at me with such disdain. “Mabel, you really are…” Really what? I sat up in confusion, not even having time to feel shy as Asher went straight to shower, change, and leave. The door slammed with a loud “bang,” and he didn’t even glance at me. I sat on the bed for a long time, not knowing what I had done wrong. Later, I found out. The day before, my dad begged him to invest in our family’s struggling company. Much later, I learned that he was calling out for Nora. He didn’t love me. That bit of girlish affection died before it even started. From then on, he only called me sister. As if it was a kind of exclusive humiliation from him.

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Julian, my husband, was ridiculously frugal. He’d kept his phone for five years and refused to get a new one. To surprise him, I secretly bought him a new phone. But while transferring data, I stumbled upon something horrifying: he had meticulously saved every single chat record with Celeste, the woman he’d lost, his first love. I intended to hide the chat thread, but my finger slipped, and I accidentally hit ‘delete.’ That’s when Julian walked in. He’d never shown a hint of anger before, but he snatched the phone back from me. When he realized the chat history was gone, unrecoverable, he shoved me, *hard*, then stormed out. My head slammed against the sharp edge of the table. As life drained from me, I frantically dialed his number, again and again. Every call was ruthlessly rejected. The last time I managed to dial, he finally picked up, his voice seething with irritation. “Vera, are you ever going to stop?” He didn’t know. He didn’t know that the moment he chose those chat records over my life, *I* was already stopped. Forever.

When I opened my eyes again, bleeding out, I found myself in the passenger seat of Julian’s car. He was just hanging up the phone, furious, then slammed his fist against the steering wheel in frustration. He didn’t even notice me there. That’s when it hit me: I was dead. My soul was now tethered to Julian. It was the first time I’d ever seen him so completely lose his composure. Julian, who’d remained calm even after his company was sabotaged and he was left bankrupt, was now red-eyed with rage because I’d accidentally deleted Celeste’s chat history. All because Celeste was the love of his life, his first love who’d died young. If Julian knew I died because of those chat records, would he still be this frantic? He sped through the streets, blowing past red lights, until he finally found a phone repair shop that was still open. “I accidentally deleted some really important chat records. Is there any way to get them back?” Julian carefully handed his phone to the young man behind the counter. The ‘guy’ took the phone, but didn’t say a word for a long time. “Well? Is it difficult? Name your price, I’ll pay whatever it takes to get them back.” Julian asked anxiously, but then he froze, staring at the repair ‘guy.’ The ‘guy’ awkwardly pulled their cap low, handing the phone back. “I can’t recover them here. You should try somewhere else.” “Celeste…?” Julian stared, dumbfounded, then his trembling hand reached out and yanked the cap off. Long hair cascaded down. The ‘guy’ turned their face away, burying it behind the curtain of hair, their voice muffled and cold. “Sir, you’ve got the wrong person.” But their trembling voice betrayed them. Julian couldn’t hold back anymore. He lunged over the counter and pulled Celeste tightly into his arms. “Celeste… it’s really you… This is amazing, you’re alive! Where have you been all these years?” Even though no one could see me, witnessing my husband embrace another woman as if she were the most precious treasure made my ethereal presence feel utterly pathetic. But I couldn’t move more than a foot and a half away from Julian. I was trapped, forced to watch this agonizing scene. A flicker of surprise crossed Celeste’s eyes. She didn’t answer, nor did she try to break free from Julian’s embrace. A moment later, she tentatively replied, “Mr. Lawson, you’re wearing a wedding ring. Does it really matter where I’ve been all these years? Did you accidentally delete your wife’s chat records? If her records are still there, they can be recovered.” At her words, Julian released Celeste. Celeste offered a knowing, bittersweet smile. The next second, Julian roughly yanked the wedding ring from his ring finger and, without a second thought, threw it out the door. Under Celeste’s stunned gaze, Julian gravely took her by the shoulders, looking into her eyes as he said slowly, every word punctuated with gravity: “Celeste, you’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to marry. But back then, my project secrets were leaked, and I ended up in massive debt. Then I suddenly heard about your death. Vera was the one who came up with the money to help me through. She’d been secretly in love with me for years, and I had no way to repay her… Now, my company is thriving. If you’re willing, I can divorce Vera anytime. I don’t care if everyone curses me. I can’t lose you again!” My gaze followed the ring. My non-existent body instinctively chased after it, trying to catch it outside the door. But I had no physical form. I could only watch helplessly as the ring passed right through my hand, plunging directly into the street drain, instantly washed away by the sewage. I’d always known Julian had no real affection for me, that he was only with me for the money I’d provided. But seeing him toss that ring away with such utter indifference, my heart ached so intensely I could barely breathe. I sank to the ground, powerless. The next second, my body was forcibly pulled back, closer to Julian, as I had drifted too far. I was then forced to witness Julian, overcome with emotion, leaning in to kiss Celeste. “The chat records I want to restore today are also with you. Do you still have them on your phone?”

“I can’t believe you’re still using the phone I bought you.” Celeste connected her phone to the computer, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips. “Of course,” Julian said, wrapping his arms around Celeste from behind, resting his chin on her neck as he watched her work. “It was the first gift you ever gave me. Not long after that, you… how could I ever bring myself to replace it?” No wonder Julian refused to get a new phone. I curved my lips into a self-deprecating smile, but tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. That old phone often acted up, dying suddenly. Once, Julian was on a FaceTime call with me while driving, and it abruptly cut out. When I tried to call back, his phone was off. Julian never let his phone run out of battery. I immediately thought he’d been in an accident. My world crumbled. I trembled as I drove to his usual route to find him. In my panic, I rear-ended another car. My leg was broken, but I didn’t even care. I cried, crawling out of the car, desperate to find Julian. It was only when his assistant called to tell me he’d safely arrived at work that I finally calmed down. When he heard I’d been in an accident trying to find him, he didn’t even come to see me. He just said, “You’re overreacting.” That old phone had caused so many problems, yet Julian never once thought about replacing it. I thought it was because he’d gotten into the habit of being frugal over the years. I never imagined that the phone held such significant meaning for him. After all, his tolerance for that phone far exceeded his tolerance for me. Halfway through the data transfer, Celeste mumbled, “You still need to replace it. The memory is full. Transfer failed.” “How can that be?” Julian frowned. After a quick check, he simply deleted all his chat records with me. “There. Plenty of space now.” Celeste’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Is that okay? Aren’t you afraid your wife will be mad?” Julian shrugged indifferently. “They’re just unimportant messages anyway. Doesn’t matter.” Though it was only for a moment, I saw that Julian had set my messages to ‘Do Not Disturb.’ Unimportant messages, indeed. After all, the entire chat thread was just me harassing Julian with one-sided messages. He had never replied once. I used to think he just didn’t reply. Now I realized he hadn’t even looked. The message count on the right side of the chat box was a red half-ellipsis, indicating countless unread messages. The pain in my heart was no less agonizing than the fatal blow to my head. I crouched down, burying my head between my knees, unwilling to watch their intimacy any longer. Once the data transfer was complete, Julian carefully put away his phone, then spoke with a serious tone: “What exactly happened that year? Your brother told me you had a sudden heart attack. By the time I rushed back to your apartment, all your personal belongings had been taken by your family. They didn’t even let me attend your funeral, and I didn’t know where your hometown was…” Recalling the past, Julian shuddered, the memory still haunting him. He pulled Celeste into another tight embrace. “All these years, I’ve blamed myself for not becoming successful sooner, for letting you suffer so much, which led to you overworking and having a heart attack. Your family wouldn’t even let me see you one last time.” Celeste’s gaze darted away, and she lowered her head. “It doesn’t matter anymore, Julian. Since you’re already married to Ms. Vera, and your career is back on track with her help, you should focus on your life with her. Pretend you never saw me today. I won’t interfere with your life.” They were perfectly normal words, yet Julian’s face instantly darkened. “Vera threatened you, forced you to fake your death, didn’t she? She’d always wanted to be with me. I never imagined she’d resort to such despicable tactics to get me! My company’s bankruptcy back then was orchestrated by someone. I’ve been investigating who leaked the project’s confidential data, but I never once suspected her!” Celeste was stunned. I was stunned too. But she didn’t say a word in rebuttal, and I couldn’t say a word in rebuttal. Julian’s large hand gently caressed the back of Celeste’s head. “Celeste, it must have been so hard for you all these years. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Vera pays double for all the suffering you’ve endured!” I touched the back of my own head, thinking, *You’ve already made her pay. Celeste’s faked death has nothing to do with me, but I truly died because of her.*

Julian had been struggling with how to approach me about a divorce without me clinging to him. But with just one ambiguous sentence from Celeste, he immediately concluded that his bankruptcy and the death of his first love were all part of a scheme I orchestrated to get him. Julian instantly shed any moral burden. All he felt for me was an even more intense fury and disgust. He couldn’t wait to bring Celeste home, eager to expose “my” plot from years ago and force me to leave with nothing. I quietly sat in the back seat of the car, listening to Julian’s baseless accusations against me, my heart slowly growing numb. Back then, I’d selflessly transferred ninety percent of my parents’ inheritance into his name, all to help him get back on his feet. Turns out, in the eyes of someone who doesn’t love you, every sacrifice you make can be twisted into a selfish motive. Opening the door, Julian’s muscle memory made him hang his keys on the hook by the entryway. It was a heart-shaped key holder I’d specially bought, part of a set with our heart-shaped keychains. Julian’s was the left half of the heart, mine was the right. When we were both home, the keychains would connect to form a whole heart on the holder. Celeste glanced at it and gave a bitter laugh. “Looks like you and Vera were quite loving all these years I was gone.” Julian saw the complete heart on the wall and realized. He yanked his keys off, the force so strong that the plastic holder ripped right off the wall. The holder shattered on the floor. My keychain, with its right half of the heart, lay forlornly amidst the scattered pieces. Julian looked at it, annoyed. He kicked my keychain away. “Vera! Get out here!” I didn’t come out. Buddy, our beloved Bichon Frise, pattered out of the bedroom. Buddy saw Celeste and immediately bounded towards her, wagging his tail. Celeste delightedly picked Buddy up. “You’re still keeping Buddy? I thought he’d be long gone…” “He’s our little treasure, we adopted him together. He’s like half our son. How could I ever abandon him?” Julian said, a doting smile on his face. Buddy was a dog Julian and Celeste had shared. Years ago, when Julian brought him home, I took care of him every day, even taking allergy meds for my dog fur allergy. Back then, Buddy’s eyes were crusted over with discharge, his fur was a tangled mess of knots, and he’d even contracted parvo. He was wary of everyone, biting anyone who touched him. Even the pet store refused to bathe him. In the end, I put on several layers of rubber gloves, and my hands were bleeding from his bites by the time I finally cleaned him. His illness too was something I cured myself, after running to countless pet hospitals and researching tirelessly online until I was practically an expert. The Buddy I’d cared for, now fluffy and healthy, was a completely different dog from before. “Why are Buddy’s paws and fur covered in blood?” Celeste shrieked. My heart jumped. Only then did I notice the trail of bloody paw prints leading from the master bedroom to the front door. He must have stepped in the blood from the back of my head. Imagining Buddy whimpering around my corpse, tears streamed down my face again. Buddy barked twice at Julian, then tugged at his pants, whimpering, trying to lead him to the master bedroom. Julian didn’t understand what Buddy meant. He just picked the dog up to check for injuries on its fur. Buddy struggled to get down, but Julian mistakenly thought he’d touched a wound and hurt him. “That cruel woman, taking her anger out on the dog.” He cursed through clenched teeth. “Let’s take Buddy to the vet first. We’ll settle things with her later!”

The vet examined Buddy thoroughly, a worried expression on his face. “The dog isn’t hurt, and he’s perfectly healthy. The blood on him isn’t dog blood either. In fact, it looks like… human blood.” He carefully observed Julian’s reaction. “Did someone in your household get hurt? This amount of bleeding doesn’t look like a minor injury. You really need to get immediate medical attention.” Julian froze, and his face instantly darkened. “Crazy woman, trying to get me to give in by self-harming.” At the word “self-harm,” Celeste’s eyes flickered. “Does Vera have a history of self-harm?” As if recalling unpleasant memories, a flicker of disgust crossed Julian’s face. “History? She used to carve my name into her arm with a knife when she self-harmed!” I instinctively looked at my arm. I never thought the old wounds would leave a mark on my soul too. If Julian had cared about me just a little more, he would have noticed that his name was carved facing his direction. Meaning, his name wasn’t carved by me, for myself. It was carved by someone else, holding my arm down. That person was Celeste. Years ago, after my parents died unexpectedly, I transferred from a private school to a public high school to cut costs. On my first day, from the front of the classroom, I saw Julian, whom my parents and I had helped at the orphanage when I was a child. Julian didn’t recognize me. I had no intention of revealing myself. After all, no one wants their new classmate to know embarrassing childhood memories. But that one glance was enough. At lunchtime, when I returned to my dorm, I found myself locked inside. Celeste entered the room, shoved me to the ground, and I saw stars. I tried to get up, but she kicked me in the shoulder. “You slut, transferred here and eyeing my man already?” I quickly shook my head. “No, I just thought he looked familiar. Like I’d seen him somewhere before.” Clearly, Celeste was annoyed by more than just that. She lifted her chin, and the other two roommates rushed forward, roughly tearing open my suitcase. They started dividing my slightly more expensive clothes and jewelry like vultures dividing their spoils. When I saw them pull out the little white pipe cleaner dog Julian had twisted for me years ago, I couldn’t sit still. “Can you please not take that?” I pleaded, looking at Celeste. She just let out a malicious laugh. “This, or the photo? Which do you choose?” Celeste pulled out my family photo from my wallet’s hidden compartment. “Please, these aren’t valuable items. They’re useless to you.” I knelt, begging her. Celeste immediately made a motion to tear it. “The photo! The photo!” I shrieked. “Why are you suddenly so loud?!” Celeste tossed the photo back to me. I quickly pounced on it, carefully putting it away. “What’s the point of this stupid dog? Treating it like a treasure.” Celeste didn’t understand. She tucked the dog away and went to class. That morning, Julian hadn’t recognized me, but that afternoon, he immediately recognized the little dog. “Celeste, is this yours?” Julian tentatively stepped forward, asking, his gaze searching her face. Celeste’s face instantly flushed, and she became flustered and coy. “Y-yes, it is. Why?” Hearing Celeste’s answer, Julian’s gaze softened. “Do you remember how you got it?” Celeste panicked, clearly not expecting that question. “It’s okay, I was just asking.” Julian gently returned the little dog to Celeste, casually ruffling her hair. I stood by, watching it all unfold, saying nothing. That night, Celeste forced me to explain how I got the little dog. I remained silent, unwilling to reveal Julian’s past at the orphanage. “You’re still denying you’re trying to hook him!” Celeste raged, grabbing a utility knife and slashing at my arm. The other two roommates came forward and held me down tightly. “Since you like him so much, I’ll just carve his name onto you. Let him see how sick your obsession is!” Celeste viciously carved Julian’s name into my arm. Years later, Julian finally agreed to be with me. To remove the scars on my arm, the best way was to re-injure the wounds and give them a chance to heal anew. I couldn’t bring myself to go to the hospital, so I had to treat them myself at home. Just once, Julian walked in on me. I thought he’d be worried, concerned. Instead, he just frowned, a look of disgust on his face. “Why are you self-harming?”

Because of my blood, Julian completely lost interest in confronting me face-to-face. He decided to divorce me via SnapChat. Since he’d deleted my chat thread when transferring data, he typed my name into the SnapChat search bar, only to find “no user found.” It was then he realized he’d never even saved me as a contact. Julian froze, unable to recall what my SnapChat username was. He then opened his phone book, intending to search for my account by number, but discovered he hadn’t even saved my phone number. *Check recent calls, you idiot!* I wanted to sigh. *He probably forgot I called him so many times.* He opened his SnapChat contacts and started scrolling through, one by one. This was the first time he’d ever paid this much attention to me, all just to find my SnapChat so he could divorce me. I didn’t make him work too hard. My profile picture was Buddy, and my username was “Spring and Sunshine,” starting with ‘S’, so he found it quickly. He even noticed the clever touch in my username. “Gross,” he muttered. He drafted the message and, the moment he hit send, Julian let out a long, slow breath, then leaned back, casually draping an arm around Celeste’s shoulders, looking utterly relaxed. Celeste stroked Buddy, her face etched with lingering fear. “I was so scared earlier. Seeing Buddy’s fur covered in bright red blood almost made me faint.” Julian’s arm dropped. “You’re afraid of blood?” “Yeah, sometimes I even faint at the sight of red liquids that look like blood.” Noticing Julian’s darkening expression, Celeste cautiously asked, “What’s wrong?” “How can someone with red-green colorblindness be afraid of blood?” “I’m not red-green colorblind,” Celeste replied, utterly confused. “Why are you suddenly asking that?” Julian’s breathing quickened. “You’re not red-green colorblind? Then how did you get that little white pipe cleaner dog?”

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Married for six years. It was a union between our families, but also a love story that began in childhood. Watching him now, holding a girl who looked somewhat like me, but was so much younger, so much more innocent. Tears streamed down my face. Childhood sweethearts, it seems, aren’t always meant to last a lifetime. The divorce papers were the last gift I left for him. Outside the car window, rain lashed against the body of the car. Through the glass, I watched the two of them by the dorm entrance. Julian, in a black trench coat, held a young, beautiful girl in his arms, who was playfully snuggling into him. He raised his hand and gently stroked her head, a gesture full of comfort. The streetlights beside the dorm cast their glow into the rain, making the scene look like something out of a romantic drama. Seeing this, I had no desire to wait for their lingering goodbyes. I spun the steering wheel and drove straight off. On the way back, a drop of rain landed on my arm. I blinked, realizing it was a tear. I wiped my face haphazardly, feeling utterly numb. Back in college, when we were dating, Julian often walked me to my dorm like this. Once, during a heavy rain, I casually mentioned I craved those street noodles near the campus gate. Half an hour later, Julian appeared downstairs from my dorm. His coat was a little damp, but those noodles were still piping hot. My tears fell uncontrollably onto my hands, burning just like those noodles did back then.

As soon as I got home, I quickly got ready for bed and burrowed under the covers. Julian tiptoed into the room, a bouquet of flowers in his arms, which he gently placed on the table. He walked to the bedside, resting an arm on my shoulder, his voice full of apology, tinged with a hint of playful cajolery. “Honey, I’m so sorry. I had some business to discuss today and couldn’t make it for dinner with you.” I looked at him, saying nothing. His routine was exactly the same as before, only then it was for work engagements; now, it was for his young girlfriend. He then opened a gift box, revealing a necklace from a brand I often wore. It was indeed a style I liked. “Honey, do you like it? Let me put it on for you.” I stared into his eyes. “No need. I really like the one you gave me before. I’m not that greedy.” Julian paused, then grinned. “Honey, that’s not greedy at all! The old one’s beautiful, but with a new one, it’s nice to switch them up. My wife is so gorgeous, everything looks good on you.” As he spoke, he reached out, cupped the back of my head, and leaned in to kiss me. I fought down the surge of nausea and turned my head, avoiding his lips. I managed to compose myself, unwilling to waste another word on him. “Just wash up and go to bed. I’m a bit tired from today. I want to sleep.” Julian, just like always, affectionately stroked my head. “Alright, honey. Get your rest. Beautiful people need their beauty sleep, you know.”

When I woke up the next day, it was almost noon. I barely slept last night, only drifting off in the dead of night. I opened SnapChat, found Madison’s chat, and scrolled, stopping at our conversation from two days ago. “Girl, is this Julian? My brother’s doing his grad studies at this university, and I dropped him off today. Thought I’d check out some hot guys, and guess what? I saw your husband!” “Why is your husband downstairs from the girls’ dorm? Does he have a sister studying here?” Ten minutes later. “Did I see that right? Your husband is hugging that girl? Is that a sister? That’s clearly a *girlfriend*!” I tapped on the first picture. It was identical to what I saw yesterday: the two of them, flirting outside the dorm, just like a newly infatuated couple. “I think I stumbled upon a huge secret.” Below the photo was a video. In the video, Julian opened the car door for the girl, shielded her head, then got into the car himself, and sped away. My thoughts drifted, back to the past. A girl’s playful voice echoed. “Julian! Is that you? Where’s Mr. Lim?” Julian rested one hand on the sports car window, slowly turning his head, his tone lazy. “Our houses are close. You can just ride with me, it’s on the way. No need to trouble Mr. Lim.” He walked up to me, took my small backpack, opened the passenger door, and made a “please” gesture. “Get in, my princess?” I gave a small huff, as if granting a favor, and stepped into the car in my cute leather shoes. “You don’t have to flatter me like this. Don’t worry, I’ll still give you the courtesy of riding with you.” Julian fastened my seatbelt, then grinned, his eyes blinking at me. “So, does this mean we’re good? You’re so generous; don’t be mad at me anymore.” Mad? Why was I mad? I couldn’t remember. We were about the same age; little squabbles were common, but from childhood on, Julian always made it up to me. I didn’t understand why Julian would fall for someone else. I reached for something, wanting to tidy up, but I didn’t know what to organize. It felt like there was nothing I absolutely had to take with me. I just felt like a jumbled program, emotions running wild. I needed to grip something, anything, to keep myself from unraveling. Then, a photo album appeared in my hands. Inside were photos of Julian and me. I flipped through them, page by page, each picture seemingly telling me that Julian loved me. Tucked deepest inside was a high school yearbook photo of us. I was in my school uniform, white shirt, blue blazer skirt, hair in a high ponytail, leaning my head against the person beside me, smiling and giving a peace sign to the camera. Beside me was Julian, his hair closely cropped, holding two bunny ears above my head, his smile exceptionally bright. I looked into the eyes of my 18-year-old self in the photo, tears blurring the image. I couldn’t control my tears, and I couldn’t control the 28-year-old Julian falling in love with someone else. I took a deep breath, deciding to go find him. Julian, the 18-year-old you, please save me one more time.

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Everyone in the city knew Julian was utterly obsessed with Eleanor. They’d been married for eight years, but Eleanor still faced constant criticism from Julian’s family elders for not having children. Julian’s grandma, in particular, had tried to force him to divorce and remarry countless times. He stood his ground, defying her and enduring her wrath, even when it meant pushing himself to the brink of collapse. He wouldn’t give in. “Eleanor, she’s the only one for me, this lifetime.” Then, Julian’s grandma brought a girl from her hometown and practically shoved her at Julian. Her name was Brooke. With her ruddy cheeks and a thick country accent, she looked completely out of place. Julian’s disdain for her was obvious. “She’s a complete country bumpkin, not even worthy of a single strand of Eleanor’s hair.” Eleanor never even bothered to look at her. How could some naive country girl ever compare to a sophisticated heiress like her? Until two months later, Eleanor overheard the house staff gossiping: “That country girl has some tricks up her sleeve. She’s pregnant already! Julian’s grandma must be relieved now, right?” “It’s strange, though. She got pregnant on the first try.” “Mr. Julian never even looked at her properly. That little sparrow really hit the jackpot, didn’t she? From rags to riches, just like that.” **Chapter 1** Eleanor’s nails dug into her palms as she clenched her fists, her mind a blank. When she suggested divorce, Julian had knelt in the pouring rain for a full day and night. He’d said, “Eleanor, I’m so sorry. I was drunk that night, I mistook her for you…” “Don’t worry, I’ll send her away immediately!” Eleanor looked at him, shivering, his lips blue from the cold. Her heart softened. But six months later, Eleanor saw him at the hospital, accompanying Brooke for a prenatal check-up. Julian’s eyes were red as he explained, “Grandma found out she was pregnant and threatened to take her own life. I had no choice but to hide her in the suburban villa.” “As soon as she has the baby, I’ll give it to Grandma and be done with it. It won’t affect our lives, I promise.” She gave him another chance. Until three days ago, ruthless kidnappers mistakenly identified Brooke as Eleanor and snatched her. Julian, who always claimed he didn’t care about Brooke, panicked the moment he received the kidnappers’ call. “Any amount of money! Just don’t hurt Brooke!” But what the kidnappers wanted wasn’t money. It was “Mrs. Julian’s” life. Julian’s eyes were bloodshot as he grabbed Eleanor’s shoulders, begging. “Eleanor, please, you go rescue Brooke. She’s timid and pregnant, I’m scared… I promise I’ll come save you as soon as she’s safe, okay?” Eleanor snapped back to reality. His address for Brooke had changed from “country bumpkin” to “Brooke” and now “Brookie.” Without realizing it, Brooke had carved out a place in Julian’s heart. Eleanor gave a bitter laugh. “What if I don’t go?” A cold glint flashed in Julian’s eyes. “Eleanor, Brooke is carrying the heir to the Julian family. This would be your contribution to our family legacy.” “Don’t worry, I promise I’ll save you.” She sniffled, her voice trembling and breaking in two. “What if… I don’t make it back?” Julian frowned. “Eleanor! Lives are at stake! Can’t you be more understanding?” Watching his resolute expression, her heart shattered into a million pieces. Eleanor closed her eyes in despair the moment Julian pushed her towards the kidnappers. At the same time, Brooke, clutching her belly, lunged towards Julian. “Brooke!” Julian’s expression changed instantly, his voice laced with a tremor. “It’s good you’re safe…” She leaned weakly into Julian’s embrace, reaching out. “I’m so scared I won’t be able to keep your baby…” Julian’s eyes reddened instantly. He scooped her up and rushed out. “I won’t let anything happen to you! I absolutely won’t!” He ran so fast, he didn’t even glance at Eleanor, who was being shoved by the kidnappers. She stumbled and fell onto the hard concrete ground, but felt no pain. In a daze, she remembered the day Julian confessed his love to her. He’d held her close, repeating, “Eleanor, in this life, I’ll never let anyone hurt you.” Now, thinking back, how ridiculous it all seemed. Eleanor was bound at the feet and thrown into the ocean. As she sank deeper and deeper, she gradually lost consciousness. **Chapter 2** When Eleanor woke up, she saw Julian by her side. “Eleanor, you’re finally awake!” She thought he was relieved by her safe return, but his next sentence was: “Now Brooke can rest easy. You don’t know how guilty she felt.” … Eleanor pulled her hand away. “Guilty? I’m sure that’s not the only thing she should feel guilty about, is it? Like climbing into the master’s bed and getting pre—” Julian’s face instantly darkened. “Didn’t we agree not to bring that up again? I explained why we kept the baby.” Meeting her gaze, Julian softened his tone. “Brooke kept saying she wanted to apologize to you in person, but I made her keep it a secret. I was afraid you’d leave me if you found out.” Eleanor: ??? “Besides, you’re back safe and sound now. Do you really have to dwell on this?” Eleanor paused, then said with a hint of sarcasm, “Have you ever thought that if the kidnappers hadn’t chosen to drown me, but to use a knife, I might already be dead?” Julian scowled and clicked his tongue. Brooke suddenly rushed in, kneeling at Eleanor’s bedside, sobbing. “It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have brought Mr. Julian hangover soup when he was drunk, and I definitely shouldn’t have kept his baby!” Julian immediately helped her up and sat her gently beside him, coaxing her in a soft voice. “I was the one who couldn’t control myself. How could this be your fault?” “Besides, Grandma made you keep the baby. You’re just a country girl, it’s not like you could make your own decisions.” Julian dotingly rubbed her swollen belly. “Don’t overthink things anymore. It’s not good for the baby.” Brooke’s tears turned into a smile, and she pouted, blushing, “Mr. Julian, I want to eat the roasted chestnuts from that shop on the east side of town.” Julian didn’t hesitate for a second. He got up and started to leave. “Wait patiently, I’ll go buy them for you right now.” Eleanor watched him with cold eyes, her chest aching as if a thousand-pound stone was pressing down on it. Only the two of them remained in the room. Brooke, clutching her waist, feigned to kneel again. “Mr. Julian is being so kind to me now just to ensure a smooth delivery. He only has you in his heart, I know I don’t deserve to stay by his side.” Eleanor wasn’t in the mood for her act. “Julian’s gone. You can drop the charade now.” “Julian offered you a hundred million back then to leave, but you’d rather work as a maid just to stay, and you even schemed to get pregnant with his child. I know exactly what kind of person you are.” Brooke’s expression instantly froze. Eleanor lowered her gaze. “Rotten love is like a rotten apple. I won’t take another bite.” “I’ll finalize the divorce papers as soon as possible. If you want to be the legitimate Mrs. Julian, it’s up to you to get him to sign them.” Brooke’s eyebrows twitched. “Mrs. Julian, you misunderstand. I never thought of becoming Mrs. Julian…” “I’m only giving you one chance. It’s your decision.” A moment later, Brooke bowed ninety degrees. “On behalf of the Julian family’s eldest grandson in my belly, thank you for making this possible, Mrs. Julian.” Julian family’s eldest grandson? Eleanor gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Then I wish your family of three a life of happiness.” After Brooke left, Eleanor signed the discharge papers and checked out. Returning to the house she’d lived in for eight years, she saw the photo wall in the living room, adorned with thousands of photos. There was Julian’s flushed face on the day he successfully confessed his love, and Eleanor’s tear-streaked face of joy when he proposed in Bali. Everywhere she looked were beautiful memories of her and Julian. She called the maids to take all the photos down and piled them in the yard, burning them clean. She’d once thought she would grow old with Julian, but she never imagined that an unassuming country girl could so easily shatter the vows Julian had made. From now on, she and Julian would go their separate ways. Chapter 3 Perhaps out of guilt for Eleanor, Julian had his secretary send her an invitation to the Paris Fashion Week. Going to Paris Fashion Week had been an annual ritual for her and Julian. Along with it came a red velvet slip dress and a Cartier jewelry set. While she was lost in thought, Julian hugged her from behind, his voice soft. “Eleanor, are you still mad at me?” Eleanor’s voice trembled as she replied, “No,” her eyes immediately welling up. Julian kissed her earlobe. “I knew you wouldn’t really stay mad at me. Once Brooke gives birth, everything will go back to how it was.” Eleanor wanted to ask him, could they really go back? Brooke was already a barrier between them, an uncrossable chasm. Julian’s breath against her ear grew ragged, and one hand gripped her waist, pressing her forward. Eleanor thought of him treating Brooke the same way, and a bitter taste filled her mouth. She subtly moved away. “The flight’s tonight. I’ll go pack my luggage.” Julian was left wanting more but didn’t press her. He suddenly remembered the empty photo wall upstairs and casually asked, “Eleanor, where did all the photos on the wall go?” Eleanor’s eyelashes fluttered. “They were old. I wanted to take some new ones to hang up.” Julian didn’t suspect a thing. “Sounds good. We’ll take plenty of new ones when we go to Paris.” At dawn, Julian’s car pulled up to the villa. When the driver took Eleanor’s suitcase, his eyes darted away, as if he wanted to say something but held back. She immediately had a bad feeling. Sure enough, the rear car door opened, and Brooke was sitting next to Julian. She was wearing a linen maternity dress, her ruddy cheeks giving her a rustic yet natural look. She nervously rubbed her hands, her voice humble and ingratiating. “Mrs. Julian, I… I pestered Mr. Julian to let me come. Please don’t blame him…” Before Eleanor could speak, Julian anxiously shielded Brooke behind him. “I wasn’t comfortable leaving her alone in the country. Brooke even said she was afraid you’d think she was intruding on our private time.” Eleanor’s lips curled into a smile. His gesture of protecting Brooke was so familiar. For the past eight years, whenever the Julian family elders had reprimanded her, he had always protected her the same way. The two of them, singing in unison, made it sound as if Eleanor was some sort of fearsome monster. To Julian’s surprise, Eleanor merely said, “Whatever,” and sat in the back. Her unusual behavior caught Julian off guard. He observed Eleanor through the rearview mirror. She seemed too calm, which made him uneasy. Brooke gently tugged his sleeve. “Mr. Julian, I’m thirsty…” Julian frowned. “Water’s in the drawer to your right.” Brooke froze. Ever since she’d been pregnant, Julian had taken meticulous care of her, doing everything himself. When she heard he was going to Paris with Eleanor, she’d started complaining about stomach pains early on. Julian had been very nervous, almost canceling the trip. It was she who “sensibly” consoled him, “Mr. Julian, I’m fine, don’t worry about me. Go with Mrs. Julian.” How could Julian agree? He frowned in thought for a moment. “Brooke, why don’t you come with us? It’ll be easier for me to look after you.” Only then did she reluctantly agree to join them. Eleanor hadn’t cried or made a fuss, and had simply agreed. She was originally relieved, but Julian’s expression clearly showed he still cared about Eleanor. Brooke resented it inwardly, but her face remained serene. She deliberately exposed her bulging belly as she reached for the water, tiny beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Julian’s attention was indeed drawn back to her. He quickly helped her sit properly. “You’re pregnant, how can you move around so much while the car’s moving?” He then leaned over and attentively buckled her seatbelt, adjusting the tension. Brooke seized the opportunity to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Mr. Julian.” Julian’s body stiffened, and his eyes darted to Eleanor in the back. Seeing that she was looking out the window and hadn’t noticed, he let out a slight sigh of relief. Chapter 4 The car came to a stop, and Eleanor got out first, walking ahead. Julian carefully helped Brooke, following behind her. They walked from the entrance to the VIP lounge, attracting countless gazes. “Wow, that man is so handsome and attentive, constantly supporting his pregnant wife.” “His wife looks pretty plain, but the woman in sunglasses in front of them is a top-tier beauty!” “What’s the point of being pretty? She’s still all alone, no one loves her.” Brooke proudly glanced at the gossiping bystanders, holding her head high, acting every bit the wealthy lady. These words fell into Eleanor’s ears, every single one of them. After settling Brooke, Julian sat in the seat next to Eleanor. “Eleanor, don’t be mad at Brooke. She’s from the countryside, everything is new and exciting to her.” Eleanor ignored him. He awkwardly covered her with a blanket. “Ouch!” Brooke’s gasp came from behind. She clutched her belly, her face pale as she leaned back in her seat. “I tried to get up to grab a blanket, but I twisted my ankle… It hurts so much…” Julian’s face changed instantly. He forcefully pushed Eleanor aside. He half-knelt, gently massaging Brooke’s ankle, his movements as tender as if he were handling a fragile piece of art. Eleanor’s heart ached, remembering last year when she fell off a swing and sprained her wrist. Julian had been so heartbroken he’d cried, staying by her side almost constantly until she recovered. At that moment, she finally believed that love doesn’t die; it simply migrates. For the next dozen hours, Julian stayed by Brooke’s side. “Mr. Julian, can you tell the baby a story? He loves listening to them.” “Okay, little one, Daddy is going to tell you the story of *The Little Prince* today.” “On a distant planet, lived a little prince… In the end, he decided to return to his beloved rose.” Only when a tear fell onto her hand did Eleanor realize she was already in tears. She put on her earphones, swallowed a few sleeping pills indiscriminately, and drifted into a groggy sleep. She didn’t know how long she slept, but her throat felt like it was on fire. She struggled to get up and pour herself a glass of water, hearing laughter from the back. “Mr. Julian, who do you think the baby will look like? I hope he looks like you, handsome and dashing… not like me, a country bumpkin.” Brooke’s voice was soft and boneless. Julian raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I actually hope he looks like you—kind, soft-hearted, and pure…” Eleanor glanced at them out of the corner of her eye. Brooke, blushing, leaned against Julian. They looked like a real couple, eagerly anticipating their unborn child. The glass of water in Eleanor’s hand *clattered* to the floor, shattering into pieces. She stooped down to pick it up, but her vision went black, and she fell directly. Her palm was cut and bleeding from the shards, and the pain made her whole body tremble. “Eleanor! What’s wrong with you?” Julian picked her up by the waist and gently placed her in her seat. Jealousy flashed in Brooke’s eyes. “It’s all my fault for monopolizing Mr. Julian, but Mrs. Julian, you shouldn’t hurt yourself to get his attention.” At her words, a flicker of doubt entered Julian’s eyes. He pulled out a tissue and pressed it to Eleanor’s bleeding palm, but his words were accusatory. “If you wanted something, you could have just told me. Why pull a stunt like this?” “I came with you to the Paris Fashion Show, and I bought you the jewelry you liked. What else are you not satisfied with?” Eleanor looked over his shoulder at Brooke, who was watching her with cold eyes, not a trace of the country woman’s simplicity left. Julian followed her gaze to Brooke, who immediately put on an innocent, bewildered expression. Julian frowned. “You fell and hurt your hand. Are you blaming Brooke for that too?” Eleanor pulled back her still-bleeding hand, her words crumbling into a choked sob on her tongue. “Julian, do you really think I’m such a despicable person?” Chapter 5 Julian’s hand hung in mid-air. He realized he’d spoken too harshly. “Eleanor, that’s not what I meant, I was saying…” Eleanor shook her head, interrupting him. “We’re landing soon. Please call a doctor for me. Thank you.” The plane inevitably experienced some turbulence during landing, and Brooke shrieked, hiding in Julian’s embrace. Julian patiently soothed her, “I’m here, nothing will happen to you.” Eleanor’s heart tightened. He had said the same words to her once. That year, Julian was 22, and he rushed in front of a group of thugs who had surrounded Eleanor. He was clearly scared himself, yet he stretched out his arms to shield her behind him. “Don’t be scared, Eleanor. I’m here, nothing will happen to you.” The plane landed smoothly. A private doctor bandaged her hand. “The wound is a bit deep. It might leave a scar.” Eleanor whispered her thanks, and a flicker of distress crossed Julian’s eyes. Brooke pulled his arm, murmuring, “Mr. Julian, will I have an ugly scar on my stomach after I have the baby?” Julian chuckled softly. “I’ll find the best doctors in the world. I promise it won’t leave any mark.” Brooke smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Mr. Julian!” Upon arriving at the hotel, Brooke pestered Julian to take her sightseeing. “I’ve lived in the village my whole life, I’ve never seen such beautiful streets.” Julian immediately took her on a shopping spree in Paris, bags of luxury goods piling up at the hotel. Hermes, Chanel, diamond jewelry… Brooke linked Julian’s arm, her face innocent. “Mr. Julian, how much do these cost? Is it enough to build a house in my hometown?” Julian looked at her tenderly. “Silly girl, if you like it, I’ll buy it for you. You don’t need to worry about money. You’re the Julian family’s biggest hero, after all.” As soon as he spoke, he saw Eleanor standing around the corner. His expression stiffened. “Eleanor, why don’t you come pick something you like too?” Eleanor turned and returned to her room. Brooke’s voice drifted from behind her. “Mr. Julian, give all these to Mrs. Julian. How could a country woman like me deserve such nice things…” Julian frowned. “Don’t belittle yourself. Who says you don’t deserve them? Eleanor has plenty at home. I’ll take her shopping next time.” As night fell, Julian, citing Brooke’s discomfort with the foreign environment, spent the entire night by her side. The next day, when Eleanor arrived at the show, Julian and Brooke were already seated in the reserved spots. Julian pointed to the cramped seat next to him. “Brooke’s back hurts from sitting too long. Let her have this chair.” Eleanor acted indifferent. “I’m just here to see the show, not a public display of affection.” Julian was speechless. Eleanor had been eagerly awaiting this spring/summer show, as it featured her favorite designer. As the wedding dress collection began its walk, Brooke’s eyes widened. “Is this a wedding dress? It’s so beautiful!” Julian looked at her with soft eyes. “Do you like it?” Brooke lowered her head with a look of regret. “I do, but I’ll probably never get a chance to wear such a beautiful wedding dress in my life.” Julian seemed moved. “Who says you won’t? Which one do you like? I’ll buy it for you. After you have the baby, we can do a wedding photoshoot.” Brooke looked at him with admiration. “Really, Mr. Julian?” “But I don’t have a groom…” Eleanor cleared her throat. “Mr. Julian has already been a one-night groom, what’s a wedding photoshoot with you?” Julian’s face turned ashen. He opened his mouth and called out, “Eleanor.” Suddenly, the chandelier directly above his head *clicked* and then crashed down. Chapter 6 “Mr. Julian, watch out!” Brooke shrieked, throwing herself selflessly towards Julian. The heavy chandelier crashed onto her back, sending crystal shards scattering. Julian’s face instantly drained of color. “Brooke!” Brooke slightly lifted her chin. “You’re okay. That’s good.” After saying that, she fainted in his arms. Julian’s lips trembled slightly. He scooped her up and rushed out. “Everyone, get out of the way!” His shoulder slammed hard into Eleanor – *Thud!* She was knocked to the ground, her forehead hitting the corner of the catwalk. Blood immediately flowed. She lay on the ground, staring blankly at Julian’s receding back. Pregnant, selflessly saving someone. Brooke would never be erased from Julian’s heart now. Eleanor, helped by those around her, stood up and stumbled towards the hospital alone. Just as she reached the emergency room entrance, she ran straight into Julian. A nurse rushed over. “The pregnant woman needs a blood transfusion, but the blood bank doesn’t have RH-negative blood right now. Are there any family members who can donate?” Julian turned and grabbed her wrist. “Eleanor, you’re RH-negative. Save Brooke!” She looked at him in disbelief. He knew she was anemic. Because her anemia had been so severe once, he’d invested in building a private hospital. There was an entire medical team on standby for her 24 hours a day. But now? Julian’s voice was urgent and brooked no refusal. “Brooke was hurt trying to save me. You can’t be so selfish!” Without waiting for Eleanor to speak, he forcefully pushed her into the blood donation room. The thick needle pierced her vein, and Eleanor couldn’t help but press her hand to her chest. Her heart felt as if an invisible giant hand was squeezing it, hurting so much she couldn’t breathe. Six hundred cc’s of blood were drawn. Julian’s gaze was anxiously fixed on Brooke’s direction, completely oblivious to Eleanor’s pale face. After the blood draw, Julian finally came to his senses. “How did your forehead get hurt?” “I’m so sorry, Eleanor. I’ll have a doctor give you a full check-up and then bandage it for you.” Eleanor curled her lips in a self-deprecating smile, letting him push her into the examination room. Soon, the doctor walked out with the examination report. Julian rushed forward to ask, “How is my wife?” The doctor shook his head. “Why did you let her donate blood? Don’t you know she’s already pregna…” A nurse suddenly ran out. “Brooke’s family? She woke up and has been calling for ‘Mr. Julian’.” Julian turned and left without hesitation, not hearing the rest of the doctor’s words. “Ms. Eleanor, you’re already anemic, and you’re eight weeks pregnant! Donating blood is extremely dangerous!” Eleanor took the report in surprise. “I’m pregnant?” Her mind went blank. The next second, a warm gush flowed from her lower abdomen. She slowly looked down. Fresh blood was streaming down her inner thigh, dripping onto the floor. Before she passed out, she saw Julian gently stroking Brooke’s face. When she woke up, Eleanor was lying alone in the hospital bed. The doctor regretfully informed her, “You donated too much blood. We couldn’t save the baby.” Tears streamed from her eyes. She fiercely pounded the bed, soft whimpers escaping her throat. Eleanor insisted on being discharged, despite the doctor’s objections. She dragged her weak body back to the hotel, standing in front of the bathroom mirror, laughing and crying. She looked down at the wedding ring stuck on her ring finger, and with a harsh tug. The diamond ring *clinked* as it rolled into the drain.

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Six years into our marriage, my husband, Liam, suddenly updated his Ins story: “Whose adorable little noob is this, totally obsessed with gaming?” The picture showed a girl in a tight-fitting bunny T-shirt, pouting and cross-legged on a gaming chair. It was Ashley, the new idol from his company. I was staring, lost in thought, when a comment popped up from a mutual friend below: “Dude! You forgot to switch accounts!” Seconds later, Liam’s post vanished without a trace, only to reappear on Ashley’s Ins page shortly after. Liam called me almost immediately. Back in the day, I would have screenshot that post, saved it, and blown up at Liam, ready to raise hell until the world turned upside down. But this time, I just quietly watched the screen, waiting for the call to automatically hang up. When Liam finally got home, I was curled up on the sofa watching a movie. He tossed his car keys onto the entryway table, then bent down to change his shoes. “You’ve got nothing to do, so why didn’t you answer my call?” Liam rarely probed unless he had something to hide. My eyes didn’t leave the TV screen. I casually replied, “The movie was too good, I didn’t notice my phone.” “The client dinner dragged on, that’s why I’m late. You don’t need to sit here waiting for me every day. Nobody wants to see you making yourself so pathetic.” In the past, I would have tirelessly emphasized that this was just how much I loved him. But today, I suddenly couldn’t be bothered to say another word. Liam stood lazily in front of me, casually handing me a luxury brand paper bag. It was the premiere night for Liam’s company’s biggest show of the year. To celebrate the premiere and wish it huge success, I’d left work early, as usual, to cook a lavish meal and prepare drinks. I’d even invited a few of our mutual friends, expecting him to come home early so we could watch it together. But four episodes of the show had aired, our friends had finished dinner in an awkward silence and left, and still, there was no sign of Liam, who’d promised to be back early. I pretended not to see his gaming history, which showed ten hours straight of play. I took the shopping bag and set it on the carpet. I’d seen this exact bag before, just a while ago, when Liam missed our wedding anniversary. Even the shape and size were identical. Liam stared down at me for a moment, his brows furrowed, his voice turning cold. “Chloe, can you just stop throwing a tantrum?” Buying me gifts was Liam’s go-to apology. If I accepted the gift, he’d automatically assume everything was forgiven, and if I ever brought it up again, I’d be accused of never letting things go. Now that I wasn’t giving him an easy out, he was clearly annoyed. “I’ll open it for you.” Before I could speak, he unwrapped the package himself, pulling out a new bag and handing it to me. “The sales associate said this bag was really hard to get. You’ll definitely love it.” I lifted my eyes. Liam followed my gaze to the bag I’d casually tossed on the sofa when I rushed home to make dinner—it was exactly the same as the one in his hand. The atmosphere instantly froze. “It’s late. Let’s clean up and go to bed. We have work tomorrow.” I said in a detached tone, getting up to head to the bedroom. “I’ll have my assistant pick you up tomorrow. You can go pick out another one.” Liam’s voice held a rare show of cautiousness. “No need.” I refused him without even turning my head. The next morning, perhaps feeling that he’d truly overdone it, Liam, for the first time ever, suggested we go to the office together. Tired from a lack of sleep, I nodded. He stood by his car, his face a mix of suppressed frustration and impatience. I’d forgotten when it started, but Liam had begun making excuses not to let me ride in his car. He guarded his passenger seat like a sacred shrine, absolutely forbidding me to even touch it, forcing me to buy my own car. Any time I asked, he’d get all gruff and lecture me, saying my brain was rotting from too much internet, always fighting with him over some bizarre possessiveness about the passenger seat, claiming he had no time for my nonsense. But now, his passenger seat had clearly become Ashley’s exclusive domain. It was decorated with all sorts of plush bunny toys and covered in cute bunny stickers. The passenger seat itself was customized, just to make petite Ashley more comfortable; even the vanity mirror on the sun visor had been modified, just for Ashley to touch up her makeup. Liam glanced at me, then sighed and opened the car door, moving all the plush bunnies to the back seat. Watching his back, I frowned slightly and said, “Don’t bother. I’ll just drive myself to work.” Liam, still buried in the endless task of putting away the plush bunnies, mumbled, “I promised we’d go together. Ashley’s young, she just likes cute stuff, don’t take it personally.” Even without the plush toys, the customized seat was still all pink and cutesy, still clashed wildly with the car’s overall style. Ultimately, I didn’t get into Liam’s car. No other reason, just a feeling of nausea that made me want to throw up.

I unlocked my car, but Liam rushed over, pulled open the driver’s side door, and sat down. “I’ll drive. We can still go together.” I stood speechlessly by the car window, not missing the fleeting look of awkwardness in his eyes. So, he *did* know how messed up he’d made the passenger seat. Liam was silent for a few seconds, seemingly trying to figure out how to smooth things over. Not wanting to hear his excuses, I quickly cut him off. “We’re going to be late. Just drive.” He finally shut his mouth and started the car. We’d been driving for less than ten minutes when his phone rang – a sickly sweet pop song about ‘a racing heart and eyes that can’t look away.’ It was definitely Ashley singing. A faint, pitiful voice came from the phone, the kind that made you instantly want to protect her. “Big brother, my heart’s beating so fast. I think it’s because I stayed up too late playing games last night. I’m not going to die, am I, big brother? Waaah, big brother, come save me. I need big brother to take me to the hospital.” He hung up, not saying a word, not even glancing my way. He just pulled over immediately and reached over to unbuckle my seatbelt. His voice was curt, all business. “My artist isn’t feeling well. I need to rush over right away. The office isn’t far now; you can walk the rest of the way.” As soon as I got out and closed the car door, Liam impatiently started the car, leaving me with a cloud of pungent exhaust. This was a high-end business park where every square foot costs a fortune; nobody walked to work here. A small electric scooter, probably not expecting anyone to be walking across the crosswalk, rounded the corner and collided head-on with me without slowing down. I suffered soft tissue contusions to my forehead, palms, and knees, all to varying degrees. The nurse cleaned my wounds, taped on a few sterile gauze pads to prevent infection, and meticulously instructed me: “Take off the gauze when you get home tonight to apply the medicine. And whatever you do, don’t get them wet before they scab over.” On the way to the office in a taxi, the young driver was balancing two phones—one for navigation, and the other displaying Ashley’s live stream. The chat was filled with messages, all expressing concern for Ashley’s health. “Thanks for your concern, everyone! Don’t worry, Momo Bunny isn’t feeling so bad now, because Big Brother came like a superhero so quickly. My heart settled down.” “Nooo~ I didn’t confess to Big Brother, we’re not like that, don’t make stuff up, guys! Big Brother is just super, super kind, and super, super good to Momo Bunny~” Amidst her sweet, soft voice, two messages popped up on my phone. “Chloe, my assistant said you missed this morning’s project planning meeting? Where the hell are you?! Business comes first, do I really need to teach you that?!” “I asked you to walk a bit, and you’re throwing a tantrum and bailing on me?!” The rage and impatience in his words practically leaped off the screen to slap me in the face. I swear he had a split personality, otherwise, he wouldn’t treat us so differently. That evening, I changed my dressing in front of the mirror, then dragged my injured leg to the sofa to binge-watch a show. The fingerprint unlock sound echoed from the front door, followed immediately by Liam’s mocking voice. “I thought you’d finally changed your nasty attitude. You’ve been acting so docile lately, turns out you were just saving up to drop a bombshell on me, huh?” My still back must have infuriated him, because Liam rushed to the TV and forcefully yanked out the power cord. “Chloe, have you lost your damn mind?! This movie project is aiming for an award! Do you know how much money it costs to delay it even a single day?!” I still didn’t move or speak, just quietly watched him suddenly freeze. He scanned my forehead suspiciously, lingering on the ugly wound, and then his exposed elbows and knees. His brows furrowed. “What happened?” I met his gaze, replying indifferently, “Just a minor bump, got hit by a car on my way to work, that’s all.” Liam blinked, then suddenly reined in his temper and came over to examine my wounds. “You got into a car accident and didn’t even call me?” I pulled my hand away from his, speaking lightly. “Just a minor injury, not life-threatening. Besides, you were busy tending to your artist’s health.” What a joke, always playing the hero *after* the fact. He could say all the right things, but how many times had I called him only to get a torrent of accusations without bothering to ask what happened? Liam hadn’t cared if I was in danger for a long time. After being hurt so many times, if I still didn’t know he wouldn’t show up, then I truly was beyond stupid. Liam was especially sensitive to that comment. He suddenly stood up, glaring down at me with a cold sneer. “Do you really need to be so sarcastic? Chloe, was leaving you by the roadside some kind of heinous crime? You’re twenty-eight, not two point eight! You got hit by a car while walking, and you think you’re in the right?! I think you intentionally hurt yourself to get back at me!” I just stared at his sudden outburst, speechless. What else was there to say? I’d only spoken one sentence, and he’d slapped a ridiculous pile of accusations on me. I couldn’t be bothered to argue, so I got up to go back to the bedroom. Seeing how difficult it was for me to move, Liam reined in his temper, sighed, and came over to help me. “I’ll sleep with you tonight. Just call me if you need anything.” Liam hadn’t been back in our bedroom before 2 AM for a long time. Ashley needed to stream daily to gain popularity, and she claimed that nightly streams attracted harassers and she’d be scared without protection. So, Liam would reliably lock himself in his study every night, dedicating himself to guarding Ashley. He’d occasionally buy her virtual gifts to cheer her up or have sweet video calls, making sure everyone knew Ashley was under his wing. I’d fought with him countless times, tried everything, but I couldn’t change his mind. He said it was just work, and eventually even threatened me with divorce. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I had no choice but to compromise. I looked into his eyes, not refusing his offer. But as he reached out to lift me, I softly said, “Liam, I agree to a divorce.”

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