Category: English

I was reborn, and so was Blake. In our last life, we were the perfect couple in everyone’s eyes. I was a master of investment, my wealth limitless. He was an artist, his works endless. I often made time and spent money to help him host art exhibitions, and he never refused to accompany me to social and business gatherings. Until I became a business mogul and he a top artist, our lives were harmonious, filled with mutual respect. Then, during an outdoor sketching trip, heavy rain triggered a mudslide. We were swallowed whole, perishing together. Reborn again, he shamelessly declared in front of everyone, “Vivian is all about money, crude and shallow. We artists pursue real thought and artistic expression, something vulgar people just wouldn’t get.” Watching Blake tenderly hold Daisy’s hand while they painted, I finally understood. He wanted a different life. Well, I’d give him exactly that. “Blake, you and Vivian have been together for three years. When are you getting married?” “She values money too much; it makes me sick. Vivian and I aren’t from the same world. Dating is one thing, but for marriage, I need someone more suitable.” Blake casually lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and nonchalantly uttered these words to the guys in front of him. “Yeah, right. Our Blake is going to be an artist. Vivian, on the other hand, spends all day mingling with men at business dinners. She calls it networking for money, but who knows what her actual relationship with those men is?” “Alright, enough. She’s not like that. Just try to keep your distance from her from now on.” Blake simply stomped out his cigarette, his face completely devoid of anger. My whole body trembled with rage, my chest tight as if I couldn’t breathe, my mind a blank. The first thing I did after being reborn was rush here from a business dinner. Because on this very day in our last life, it was Blake and my third-anniversary. He had organized an art exhibition especially for me at the gallery, proposing to me in front of everyone and speaking of his deep love for me over the past three years. Remembering all that, I’d chugged half a bottle of vodka to leave the dinner, my stomach churning and aching relentlessly. But the thought of seeing Blake soon had momentarily suppressed the pain, filling me with excitement and joy. The reality was, I stood backstage at the gallery, listening to Blake and his friends ridicule and insult me. “Brother Blake, your paintings are so beautiful! Can you teach me?” A female voice reached my ears. A girl in a white dress, holding a drawing board, walked towards Blake, her smile blooming like a flower. Blake’s usually sharp eyes suddenly softened, his voice mellowing. He stepped forward, taking her hand holding the paintbrush, and guiding it across the canvas. “Daisy, this exhibition is specifically for you. You can learn anything you want, I’ll teach you.” “Daisy is so hardworking and talented. She’ll definitely be a renowned artist someday.” His large, strong hand gently enveloped her small, delicate one. Daisy was almost cradled in Blake’s arm, both of them smiling happily. The scene before me stung my eyes. I shifted my gaze, only then realizing that all the paintings around me were of that girl in the white dress; none had anything to do with me. In that instant, I knew. Blake had been reborn too. He wanted a new life. After we got married in the previous life, I had once seen a photo in Blake’s drawer. It was of him and this girl in the white dress. They sat under a blossoming tree, heads together, gazes locked. They looked like a couple straight out of a romance movie, perfectly in sync. Back then, Blake told me she was just a junior student, that they often collaborated, and their relationship was slightly more intimate than casual acquaintances. Now I knew. This girl, Daisy, was his new choice after rebirth.

In my last life, I felt like I was always looking up to Blake, spending my whole life chasing his shadow. In high school, he excelled at painting, sweeping almost every art award. His voice always echoed from the school radio station, deep and clear. His figure was always on the school awards stage, tall and upright, his youthful back always straight and strong. I just looked up at him and his paintings, harboring a single thought: to earn tons and tons of money, to host countless exhibitions for him so his brilliant art could be seen by the world. Later, he went to a top art university to hone his painting skills, and I chose finance. To earn money, to forge more connections, I attended eight business dinners a day, holding my breath and chugging down cheap bottled liquor, only to spend hours in the restroom, throwing up until I was dizzy and disoriented. I did all this to make myself excellent enough, to be capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Blake. I spared no expense, investing heavily in Blake’s exhibitions, securing better resources for him, and introducing him to influential people in the art world. Looking back now, my last life felt like I lived entirely for Blake. I was like a pathetic dog begging for scraps; all he had to do was crook a finger, and I’d eagerly rush to him. It was time for me to be myself again, to start a new life. I turned and walked away, heading home to put on exquisite makeup and a stunning dress, ready for the evening’s cocktail party. Just as I opened the door, about to head downstairs to hail a cab, I saw Blake standing at the entrance. He wore a white suit, sleek gold-rimmed glasses, his hair meticulously combed back. Refined and incredibly handsome, this image had made my heart flutter countless times. But seeing him again, my heart was calm as still water, without a ripple. Seeing my lack of reaction, Blake spoke first, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. “I promised to take you to the business dinner tonight. Let’s go.” He subtly glanced at my high heels, then extended his hand towards me. “Be careful on the stairs with those heels. Don’t fall.” I once thought these small gestures, hidden within his actions, were signs of his care, his love and protection for me. Only after years of being together did I realize that his meticulousness, his adherence to promises, his good manners, and so on, were simply because that’s who he was. He inherently possessed these qualities; he didn’t become this way *because of* me. Blake opened the car door for me, shielding my head as I slipped into the back seat. A female voice drifted from the front, clear and delicate. “Hello, ma’am, I’m Blake’s junior, Daisy. I’d love to learn more about the world. Could you take me along to see what a business party is like?” Daisy looked at me with crescent-shaped eyes, but there was no real smile in them, only a hint of challenge. Having spent so many years in the finance world, I’d seen all kinds of people. For a girl like her, I wasn’t going to stoop to her level. To my surprise, before I could even speak, Blake interjected, trying to smooth things over for her. “You know, your heavy makeup really does make you look older. Just bring her along. Your business dinners aren’t exactly high society, are they?” I scoffed, then closed my eyes to rest, ignoring both of them.

The two followed me into the private room. The eyes of everyone in the room immediately focused on the three of us. Many of my business partners were there; they naturally knew my relationship with Blake. But now, Blake stood behind me, and Daisy shyly looped her arm through his. Blake’s eyes held a hint of indulgence, and he gently comforted her, telling her not to be afraid. I chuckled inwardly. In my previous life, no matter how much I tried to please Blake, he always remained aloof and indifferent. It turns out he preferred this ‘innocent damsel’ act. “Vivian, this is…” Someone in the room asked. I smoothed my slightly tousled curls and replied casually, “Daisy. My boyfriend’s new girlfriend.” Everyone’s eyes widened in disbelief. Blake’s face stiffened, turning an uncomfortable shade of purple. To ease the awkwardness, he stepped forward, pulled out a chair for me, and politely smiled at everyone, saying, “Vivian loves to joke. Please don’t take her seriously.” “Yeah, it’s just a joke.” I gave them both a meaningful look, then decided not to embarrass them further. Once seated, I busied myself chatting with partners about new investment projects, maintaining professional appearances. Blake and Daisy, meanwhile, were openly intimate, laughing and talking. When the food and drinks arrived, Daisy picked up her forks and began eating without a care. Blake watched her tenderly, even reaching out to pat her back, urging her to eat slowly so she wouldn wouldn’t choke. My heart ached. I remembered his art exhibition’s appreciation dinner in our last life. I hadn’t eaten all day and was dizzy from low blood sugar. I just wanted to grab some food from the table to feel better. But he had slapped the forks right out of my hand, his voice stern. “With so many people here, eating before everyone else is incredibly rude. What will people think of you? What will they say about me behind my back?” I used to think that as an artist, he was just incredibly particular about table etiquette. Now I knew, his strict demands were only for me. “Looks like our little sister is hungry! We don’t have so many rules here. Let’s all have a drink and eat!” someone in the crowd noticed Daisy’s actions and spoke up to ease the atmosphere. “Daisy, you’re still young. Don’t drink alcohol. I’ll pour you some juice.” Blake downed the wine that was originally in Daisy’s glass and then filled it with juice, placing it in front of her. Everyone raised their glasses, waiting for Daisy’s move. Daisy picked up her juice-filled glass, suddenly stood up, and her hand holding the glass tilted in my direction. Instantly, the liquid splashed out, drenching my face. Sticky liquid ran down my cheeks. Daisy rushed over with a wet wipe, vigorously scrubbing my makeup off while apologizing. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t stable, I was so clumsy! Let me help you wipe the juice. I’m so, so sorry!” Daisy’s smug smile vanished in an instant; all her actions were clearly intentional. I didn’t want to stoop to her level, but that didn’t mean I would always back down. I grabbed her wrist, picked up my own drink, and splashed it all over her face. She might have choked. I snatched the wet wipe she’d used to smear my makeup and shoved it into her mouth. “Are you choking, little sister? Let me help you wipe.” “Vivian, you’re going too far!” Daisy burst into tears. Blake stepped forward and forcefully pushed my shoulder, pulling Daisy into his embrace. “Daisy didn’t mean to do it. Do you have to be so petty? Someone as narrow-minded as you can only make friends with these uncultured, crude people who just drink and brag all day!” Having been with him for years, I knew Blake’s emotional intelligence was usually high; he wouldn’t easily offend anyone. But now, for Daisy, he had just insulted every finance professional in the room. “Mr. Blake, what do you mean by ‘uncultured, crude people’? Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?” Someone, offended by his words, questioned him. “What’s inappropriate about it? What kind of depth do you people have? You just stumble into some money through luck. Compared to us artists, you’re absolutely nowhere!” Blake’s face turned red with anger, speaking recklessly. His words infuriated everyone present. My face was grim. I didn’t hesitate, raising my hand and delivering a sharp slap directly across his face. Blake froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. “No one invited you to this party. You both shamelessly elbowed your way in.”

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Leo, the Rake Leo was a notorious playboy. After we started dating, he seemed to settle down, shedding his wild ways. Everyone said he was utterly, madly in love with me. But later, I saw him with the girl who used to bully me, laughing as he said, “Audrey? She’s just a boring, utterly unappealing deaf girl. Honestly, playing with her was a total drag.” His half-brother chuckled, “You’re willing to let her go? That’s great. Next time you see her, remember to call her sister-in-law.” Leo completely freaked out. It was Valentine’s Day, and I went to the hospital for a follow-up. “Ms. Hayes, your hearing has recovered to 60%. You can gradually stop using your hearing aid from now on.” I was practically bursting with joy at the news. My first thought was to tell Leo. But sitting in the hospital hallway, I called him three times in a row, and each call was rejected. I waited for a long time, but there was still no reply in our SnapChat chat. Disappointed, I finally put my phone away. Unexpectedly, as soon as I stepped out of the hospital, I bumped into Julian Hayes. The man leaned against his car, tall and imposing, with a sharp, cold face. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, every move he made exuded an effortless grace and aristocratic charm that drew admiring glances from passersby. “Mr. Hayes.” I greeted him, feeling a little stiff. “What a coincidence.” Julian Hayes, the youngest CEO of The Hayes Corporation. I’d heard Leo complain more than once about how his brother was a cold-blooded, ruthless corporate shark. At this moment, the handsome corporate shark pursed his lips and suddenly asked, “Are you planning to celebrate with Leo tonight?” I answered, flustered, “Leo hasn’t replied to my messages. He’s probably still busy…” Julian let out an almost imperceptible scoff. Seeing my confused gaze, he softened his voice, his tone laced with a hint of something tempting. “It’s alright. I’m not busy now. I’ll take you to him.” Julian drove me to an exclusive club. As I was getting out of the car, he suddenly called my name. “Ms. Hayes.” The emotion in his eyes was dark and unreadable. “Do you truly, genuinely like him that much?” I froze for a moment, then smiled. “Yes, I like him a lot.” I met Leo in high school. Back then, because of my hearing loss, I was bullied at school. Once, soaked to the bone and shivering like a drowned rat, covered in foul mop water, a confident, handsome boy appeared as if from nowhere. He took off his jacket and draped it over my head. Through my damaged hearing aid, I couldn’t hear anything, but I knew the hand that pulled me up was incredibly warm and strong. My young heart fluttered like a butterfly, soft and hopeful, stirred by that unexpected kindness. Years passed, and he remained as he was that first day. Julian watched me silently for a few seconds, then lowered his gaze. “Go on in. It’s cold out here.” Before I could say anything, he had already floored the gas pedal and driven towards the parking lot. I had no choice but to take the gift I’d prepared for Leo and walk into the club. From the slightly ajar door, flickering lights spilled out, and the smell of smoke and alcohol hit me. Leo was surrounded by people, his eyes slightly narrowed, a lazy, almost bored expression on his face. I reached out to push the door open, but then I stopped. Sitting next to Leo was a woman. Her back was to me, her figure tall and elegant, her face unseen. Only a cascade of red hair shone under the shifting lights, like silk. A strange unease settled in my stomach. Then I heard someone laugh loudly, “Scarlett, you don’t stand a chance. Leo’s already hooked by Little Apple. He’s a taken man now!” Suddenly, my ears felt hot. My name is Audrey. Little Apple. That was me. Leo was naturally carefree and wild. Before we dated, he drank, smoked, raced cars… indulging in every pleasure imaginable. As for girlfriends, he’d change them weekly, never truly caring. Only after he confessed his feelings for me did he calm down a lot. Even his friends would tease him, “Leo’s quieter than a mouse around his girlfriend. He’ll probably be totally whipped later on.” At that moment, I shouldn’t have doubted him. The Ms. Scarlett with her back to me let out a soft chuckle. Her voice sounded sweet and delicate, with a hint of defiance. “Leo, are you really with her?” Leo lifted his eyelids, giving her a dismissive glance, his expression cold. He took a sip of his drink before saying, “Audrey? She’s just a boring, utterly unappealing deaf girl. Honestly, playing with her was a total drag.”

Every word was slow, every syllable clear. It felt like I’d been punched square in the gut; I couldn’t react. The room fell silent, everyone staring at Leo in shock. Ms. Scarlett chuckled again. “Is that so? I heard she’s been with you for quite a while.” Leo’s face held a carefree smile, casual and unconcerned. “So what? She’s like an apple – not bad, but so boring, completely unappetizing. No one would actively seek one out, but if someone hands one to you, would you really refuse?” I stood rooted to the spot, utterly disbelieving. A chill swept through me, sinking deep into my bones. The world around me started to blur, the sounds fading into a distant hum. In a daze, I thought I heard Ms. Scarlett ask, her voice playfully whiny, “If she’s a boring apple, then what am I?” Leo hooked her chin, his smile dangerously seductive. “You, my dear, are my little cherry.” My body trembled uncontrollably, and the gift in my hand slipped, clattering to the floor. Everyone in the room turned to look at me. Leo froze for a second, then quickly regained his composure and started walking towards me. He didn’t know I had heard all those words. Because I wasn’t sure if the treatment would work, I had never told him that my hearing was gradually returning. My mind went blank. I didn’t know what to do, only frantically fumbling in my bag for my hearing aid. It was as if putting on the hearing aid would give me a sense of security. When I looked up again, Scarlett stood before me. She smiled, her eyes sparkling. “What’s with that expression? Ms. Hayes, don’t you recognize me?” My whole body trembled, my limbs stiff. It felt like I was naked, thrown into a brutal winter storm, every breath a struggle. The woman before me was strikingly beautiful, her smile open and generous, like a kind and pure princess of noble birth. But I knew the wicked heart beneath that mask! It was overturned meals, foul-smelling sewage, never-ending ridicule and pranks, wanton insults and rumors… How could it be her? It really was her! I used every ounce of strength I had to keep standing. Then I asked Leo, who was standing to the side, “She led the bullying against me in high school. Did you know?” Scarlett stood smiling. Her expression was gentle, but her eyes held a hint of mockery. Leo’s gaze flickered, avoiding mine. His tone was casual. “Is that so? Was there such a thing? I don’t really remember…” In that instant, I saw through Leo’s expression. My mind became crystal clear. I shook my head, a tearful smile on my face, correcting him. “You remember perfectly. You knew everything.” It was just that his heart had drifted away. Leo frowned. “Scarlett’s personality is a bit direct, but back then, it was just kids playing around. Audrey, don’t be so sensitive. Besides, why would Scarlett specifically target you? Were you at fault first?” The scars he had personally witnessed were now reduced to mere “sensitivity.” He even turned it around, asking if I was at fault first. I used to believe that the most precious thing in the world was true affection. But it turns out, hearts can be so fickle, so easily swayed. “Leo, you disgust me.” My chest felt hollowed out, as if a knife had carved out my very soul, but my resolve was stronger than ever. “We’re breaking up.” Leo’s face instantly darkened, his eyes clouding with an ominous anger. “Breaking up?” He scoffed. “Audrey, who do you think would want you besides me?” My face was pale, my head throbbing with pain, as I quickly turned and left. “Audrey, don’t you dare regret this!” I wouldn’t. Leo, I might be weak, but I will never regret this.

Outside, Julian was still there. His lips moved, saying something. But my ears were ringing, my steps unsteady, and I had no energy to pay attention to him, no energy to process the situation. I could only respond, my words tumbling out, disjointed and slurred: “Ears… hurt so much. Can’t hear.” Even my hearing aid was useless. Julian’s eyes widened with urgency, and some other emotion I couldn’t quite grasp. Before I could make sense of it, I fainted. I had a dream. The dream was chaotic yet familiar. A woman lay in a bathtub, gently beckoning to me. I ran to her, calling “Mom,” and heard her sigh, “If only I couldn’t hear anything, it would be so much better.” How could not hearing be better? Mom, I don’t understand. As I drew closer, I saw her skin was ashen, and the bathtub was filled with blood. Empty pill bottles were scattered across the cold, damp floor. I stumbled back a few steps, falling down the stairs. From then on, my ears heard no sound; the whole world seemed even quieter than a winter’s night. Looking up again, the scene suddenly shifted, but the empty pill bottles were still at my feet. Someone picked one up, shook a few pills into their mouth, and chewed them like candy. I cried out, rushing towards him, snatching the pills from his hand. “These are bitter. Little brother, I’ll give you candy, okay?” He took the candy, silently shedding tears, not speaking. The scene shifted again. A beautifully dressed girl smirked and said to the person next to her, “That little deafy is always so dull, so boring. Why don’t we cut her skirt?” Suddenly, someone grabbed my hand from behind. I couldn’t hear his voice, but his palm felt so warm and strong. Hope and joy surged in my heart, and I turned around, calling out, “Leo!” He affectionately ruffled my hair, smiling brightly. However, the next instant, his eyes turned cold, and he pushed me forward! I fell into a torrent of churning lava. Burning, painful, terrifying, bewildered. I couldn’t break free. In a blur, I felt parched. Suddenly, a soft, damp touch brushed my lips, bringing a comforting coolness. I used all my strength, my limbs wrapping around him, like a child desperate for candy, clinging on and refusing to let go. I ground against him, constantly taking, swallowing those few drops of moisture with desperate whimpers. But that coolness quickly turned to scorching heat, accompanied by deep gasps and unrestrained affection. “Hot,” I frowned, pulling away. “Little Apple…” someone whispered softly. I stubbornly tried to move away. That person sighed, a helpless yet indulgent sound, incredibly gentle. When he returned, he carefully wiped my forehead, hands, and feet with an alcohol-scented damp towel, repeating the motion tirelessly. Until I escaped the nightmare and fell into a peaceful sleep. I woke up the next morning. I was at Julian’s suburban mansion. He explained, “I was worried the night emergency room wouldn’t take good care of you, so I took the liberty of bringing you here and calling my family doctor.” I nodded, then heard him say, “Ms. Hayes, I’m hosting a dinner party here tomorrow night. Would you consider being my escort?” I instinctively wanted to escape. “I want to go back to school. My graduation project isn’t finished yet…” Julian thought for a moment, his expression serious. “This is a suburban area; you won’t be able to get a cab. And given the current fluctuations in your hearing, I can’t let you drive back alone. That would violate traffic safety laws.” …He had a point, and he had taken such good care of me yesterday. I couldn’t refuse. I could only carefully ask, “Will Leo be there tomorrow?” “Do you want to see him? If you don’t…” “No, no!” I quickly waved my hand. “It’s fine.” Julian had been so kind to take care of me when I was ill. Who was I to ask him to cause friction between brothers? Julian didn’t speak. After a long moment, he let out a soft, cool chuckle, and his gentle, clear eyes became unreadable. “Alright,” he said. “If you wish, then he’ll come.”

The Hayes family, true to their name, were the epitome of power and wealth in this city’s most affluent district. The room glittered with opulent gowns and sparkling jewels, filled with the murmur of conversations and the clinking of champagne flutes. The only downside was running into Scarlett. With no one nearby, she dropped her gentle facade. “Talking about breaking up with Leo, but still sniffing around like a stray dog. Audrey, do you even belong here? Are you worthy?” I didn’t want to get into it with her and turned to leave. A flash of malice crossed Scarlett’s eyes, and she actually grabbed my hair and yanked it back. “Did I say you could leave? Years apart, and your guts have certainly grown.” I was trembling with rage and tightly gripped Scarlett’s hand. My nails dug into her skin, leaving several clear red marks. Scarlett cried out in pain, her fury intensifying. She violently flung my hair away, tearing off my left hearing aid in the process. My hearing, which had been gradually recovering, had already faded due to the previous shock. Without a hearing aid now, I was completely deaf. “Stop!” My eyes burned red with fury as I tried to stop her. However, in the next instant, Scarlett’s high heel stomped fiercely on my hearing aid, grinding it into pieces. “You…” I gasped for air, enraged. “You’re going too far!” Scarlett actually smiled sweetly. “Oh, and what of it?” A fiery rage surged through me, threatening to consume me whole. I raised my hand and swung it, aiming for her temple! “Audrey!” I heard Leo shout from not far away. The commotion was quite loud, and scattered groups of people in the distance turned to look. Scarlett stood there, a bright red handprint on her face, utterly stunned. Leo quickly walked over, his face somewhat grim. He shielded Scarlett behind him. “Audrey, what are you doing?” My tone was cold. “What am I doing? Didn’t you see?” Leo sighed, softening his voice a little. “I know you came here specifically for me today. But in a place like this, you really shouldn’t make such a scene. Audrey, apologize to Scarlett, and I’ll forgive you, okay?” For a moment, I didn’t react. Then it dawned on me—he probably thought I had gone to all this trouble to show up here just to find a chance to get back together with him. Could a person’s cheek be this thick? “Leo, I remember telling you,” I said, every word slow and deliberate, “we’re already broken up.” Leo’s eyes darkened. “Audrey, don’t make a fuss. Apologize.” I almost scoffed. “Leo, do you want a slap too?” Leo abruptly seized my wrist, his expression clouded with dark fury. “Audrey, if you don’t back down, you’ll really lose your chance.” The next moment, someone chuckled from a distance. Leo looked behind me, his face suddenly changing. Julian walked forward with a relaxed stride, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. His voice, unwavering like mountains and seas, spoke. “In that case, next time you see her, remember to call her sister-in-law.” Leo and Scarlett were escorted out by security. The expressions on their faces as they left were a mix of shock and rage. Leo even yelled hoarsely, “Audrey, you can hate me, but you can’t choose him! What kind of good guy is Julian Hayes?!”

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Three years into our marriage, my wife, Scarlett, had conned me into donating blood 47 times. Meanwhile, she was getting intimate with Jax, her gym trainer. “Every time I see that look on his face, so willing to donate blood to save someone, I just find it hilarious,” Scarlett scoffed, catching her breath. “Come on, don’t say that. Our dear Leo is such a saint. He genuinely believes his blood is saving lives, all for those ‘patients’ you’ve made up.” Jax chuckled, gently holding her waist. I watched through the crack in the door, my blood freezing instantly. “We’ll need another batch of blood next month. We can raise the price again this time; Leo’s blood type is so rare after all.” Scarlett adjusted her position and kissed him. My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms. Through the door crack, I saw her sitting on the office desk, her legs wrapped around the young man’s waist, locked in a fervent kiss. “$70,000 a bag, that’s indeed a good price,” Jax replied, satisfied. My fists tightened, the blood in my veins felt like it was burning.

The moment the needle was pulled from my arm, a wave of faint dizziness washed over me. This was the forty-seventh time. The nurse carefully pressed on the needle site, a hint of concern in her eyes. “Mr. Leo, this is your third donation this month. Are you really sure your body can handle it?” I managed a weak smile, waving my hand to signal I was fine. As someone with Rh-negative O-type blood, I’d long been used to this feeling of being needed. Especially when Scarlett told me there was another patient desperately in need of my blood, I never refused. “How’s the patient doing today?” I asked, rolling down my sleeve. The nurse hesitated, then simply said, “You should ask Dr. Scarlett. She’s in the VIP ward section.” I nodded and got up, heading towards the VIP wards. After so many donations, I was incredibly familiar with the hospital. Even more so than some newly hired nurses, I knew the exact location of every department. As I walked down the corridor of the VIP ward section, I spotted the door to Scarlett’s office from afar. The door wasn’t fully closed, leaving a narrow crack, and I could hear low voices inside. I was about to push the door open, but the voices from within froze me in my tracks the moment my hand touched the doorknob. “Every time I see that look on his face, so willing to donate blood to save someone, I just find it hilarious.” Scarlett’s voice carried a mocking tone I had never heard before. “Don’t say that, our dear Leo is such a saint.” “He genuinely believes his blood is saving lives, all for those ‘patients’ you’ve made up.” Another man’s voice chimed in, sounding young and flippant. My heart began to pound violently, and my palms grew sweaty. Through the crack, I saw Scarlett sitting on the office desk, a young man standing in front of her. The distance between them was intimate, almost scandalous. “Jax, what do you think his face would look like if he knew the real use of all that blood?” Scarlett reached out and hooked her arm around the man’s neck. “He’d probably crumble, right? After all, he trusts you so much, his little angel of mercy.” Jax’s hands began to roam over Scarlett’s body. I forced myself to stay calm and kept listening. “Mr. Henderson needs another batch of blood next month. We can raise the price again this time; Leo’s blood type is so rare after all.” Scarlett’s tone was as casual as if she were discussing an ordinary business transaction. “$70,000 a bag, that’s indeed a good price. But aren’t you worried he’ll find out?” Jax asked. “Find out what? He can’t even get into the blood bank, and I always concoct a perfect story.” “Acute leukemia, massive blood loss from a car accident, he falls for it every single time,” Scarlett said with a triumphant laugh. My entire world imploded in an instant. For three years, I thought I was saving lives, but it turned out I was just providing raw material for their filthy dealings. All those patients I thought I’d saved, all that blood I’d shed, it was all a lie. The two inside the room had started embracing, and Scarlett let out soft moans. I suppressed my nausea and quietly slipped away. Back home, I sat on the couch, lost in thought. The room was filled with Scarlett’s various medical awards and certificates of honor. Our wedding photo hung on the wall; in it, she smiled so purely and beautifully. I picked up my phone and scrolled through my blood donation records from over the years. Every single time, she would convince me with a different reason. Sometimes it was an urgent late-night call, sometimes tearful pleas, sometimes a righteous speech about a doctor’s compassion. And I, like a fool, extended my arm without hesitation every single time.

When Scarlett returned home that evening, I was in the kitchen preparing dinner. “Rough day? Was the patient okay?” I tried to make my voice sound normal. Scarlett walked over and hugged me from behind, resting her face against my back. “Thank you, Leo. Without your blood, that little girl might not have made it.” My hands paused mid-air, a bitter taste rising in my mouth. She was still spinning lies, and she said it so naturally, as if there really was a little girl who needed my blood to survive. “Glad I could help,” I mumbled. “You really are the kindest person in the world.” Scarlett whispered into my ear, “Sometimes I can’t believe I got to marry such a wonderful man.” Hearing that, I almost lost control of my emotions. She called me kind, yet she was using my kindness to earn dirty money. She said she couldn’t believe she married me, yet she was tangled up with another man in her office. “Scarlett, I want to ask you something,” I turned to face her. “What is it?” She blinked those eyes I once adored so deeply. “If one day, I couldn’t donate blood anymore, would you still love me like you do now?” Scarlett paused, then chuckled, “Why would you ask such a strange question?” “I don’t love you just because you can donate blood.” “Then why?” I pressed on. She seemed a bit uncomfortable with my serious tone, her smile becoming strained. “Of course, it’s because of you, your kindness, your thoughtfulness, everything about you.” I nodded, saying nothing more. But in my heart, I already had the answer: she didn’t love me for who I was, but for the priceless blood flowing in my veins. During dinner, I deliberately brought it up: “I haven’t been feeling well lately. I might need a full check-up.” Scarlett put down her forks, asking nervously, “What’s wrong? Where do you feel unwell?” “Just feeling a bit tired. Maybe I’ve been donating too frequently.” “The doctor suggested I stop donating blood for a while to let my body recover.” After I finished, I carefully watched her expression. Sure enough, her face instantly fell, and a flicker of panic crossed her eyes. “But, but there are so many patients in urgent need of blood at the hospital lately. If you stop donating now…” “Are lives more important, or is my health?” I countered. Scarlett was speechless, and after a moment, she said, “Of course, your health is more important. I’m just worried about those patients…” “Are there other blood sources that can replace mine for those patients?” I probed further. “Well…” She stammered. “Rh-negative blood types are already rare; it’s difficult to find a temporary substitute.” Seeing her anxiety, my suspicions grew stronger. If she truly loved me, she should have been concerned about my health first, not the blood donations. “How about this then? I’ll go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. If my body’s fine, I’ll continue donating,” I pretended to compromise. Scarlett finally let out a sigh of relief. “Okay, I’ll go with you for the check-up tomorrow.” That night, I tossed and turned in bed. Scarlett quickly fell asleep, her breathing even and peaceful, as if she had no burden on her conscience. I quietly got up and went to my study, opening the computer. After some searching, I found news reports about black market rare blood type transactions. The reports mentioned that Rh-negative blood commanded astonishingly high prices on the black market. Especially when used for certain illicit cosmetic procedures, the price would double. I thought about Scarlett’s sudden increase in income over the past two years. All that extra income she claimed was from hospital bonuses, those designer bags and expensive jewelry – it turned out they were all bought with my blood.

The next day, I went to the hospital for my check-up as planned. Scarlett stayed by my side, acting like a caring wife, but I could sense her inner anxiety. Whenever the doctor asked about my donation frequency, she would quickly jump in to answer, afraid I might say something incriminating. “Mr. Leo’s donation frequency is indeed quite high,” the examining doctor stated seriously. “We recommend reducing the frequency of donations for now, to allow your body to fully rest.” “How long do I need to rest?” Scarlett asked eagerly. “At least three months,” the doctor replied. I saw Scarlett’s face instantly turn pale. She forced a smile. “Okay, we’ll follow the doctor’s orders.” After leaving the consultation room, Scarlett remained distracted. I deliberately said, “Looks like I really can’t donate blood for a while. Those patients waiting for help will have to find other solutions.” “Yeah, it’s a pity,” she replied perfunctorily, her eyes darting around. Back home, I excused myself, claiming to be unwell, and went to rest early. In reality, I wanted to observe Scarlett’s reaction. Sure enough, once she thought I was asleep, she started making phone calls in the living room. I quietly crept to the door and eavesdropped. “Mr. Henderson, things are a bit complicated… Yes, the blood supply is temporarily cut off… What? You need the shipment next week? This…” Scarlett’s voice was clearly anxious. “It’s not that I’m not trying, it’s just that he developed a health issue. The doctor advised him to stop donating blood for three months…” “I know the consequences of breaching the contract, but there’s really nothing I can do right now…” Hearing this, my judgment was completely confirmed. Scarlett was indeed involved in some kind of blood trade using my blood, and a stable business chain had already been established. After she hung up, I heard Scarlett pacing in the living room, occasionally letting out anxious sighs. A while later, another call came in. “Jax? We have a problem… Yes, he can’t donate blood anymore… Do you have any ideas?” This call lasted a long time. I couldn’t make out the specific content, but I could feel Scarlett’s emotions growing increasingly agitated. The next morning, Scarlett seemed preoccupied. She hesitated several times, then finally spoke. “Leo, I thought about it all night, and I think that doctor might be a bit overly cautious.” “Look, you’re in such good spirits now. Do you really need to stop donating blood for three months?” I pretended to consider it: “But the doctor said…” “Doctors aren’t infallible. Sometimes they give overly conservative advice to avoid liability,” Scarlett interrupted me. “And right now, there really are a lot of patients waiting in the hospital. Their lives are hanging by a thread.” “Which patients?” I asked. Scarlett paused, then quickly said, “There’s an eight-year-old boy with leukemia who urgently needs Rh-negative blood for treatment.” “And a pregnant woman who had a massive hemorrhage after childbirth. Her situation is critical.” She spoke with such passion, if I didn’t know the truth, I would have been moved. But now, I just felt sick to my stomach. “In that case, I’ll go donate one more time,” I pretended to be persuaded. Scarlett’s eyes instantly lit up: “Really? You’re really willing?” “Of course, it’s a matter of life and death. How could I just stand by?” I said. She hugged me excitedly: “I knew you were the kindest person. Those patients are saved.” I was in her arms, but my heart felt ice cold.

When it was time to donate, I made an excuse to get the nurse out of the room and stayed in the donation cubicle alone for a while. I used this opportunity to secretly mark the blood bag, a small mark only I would recognize. After the donation, I told Scarlett I wanted to visit the blood bank to understand how the blood was stored. She seemed a bit nervous but still agreed. “The blood bank staff are all very professional, so you don’t need to worry,” she said as we walked. “I’m just curious. I want to see how my blood is preserved,” I replied. She couldn’t argue with me and had no choice but to take me there. At the blood bank, the administrator greeted us warmly. I pretended to browse casually, but I was actually looking for the bag of blood I had just donated. Soon, I found it in a special storage area. To my shock, the blood in this area was all labeled “special purposes.” And the price tags displayed numbers far exceeding the value of normal blood. “What are these blood units used for?” I asked the administrator, pointing to the area. The administrator glanced at Scarlett, seemingly seeking her approval. Scarlett subtly shook her head. The administrator then said, “These are for certain special medical projects. I’m not entirely clear on the specifics myself.” I nodded, not pressing further. But in my heart, I understood. This was Scarlett’s transit station for her blood transactions. After leaving the blood bank, I suggested to Scarlett that I wanted to see the patients who had received transfusions. Especially the eight-year-old boy and the pregnant woman she had mentioned earlier. “They’re not convenient for visits right now. The doctor said they need an absolutely quiet environment,” Scarlett refused my request. “Then I’ll just glance from afar, I won’t go into the room,” I insisted. Scarlett grew increasingly uncomfortable: “Leo, why are you asking so many questions today? Usually, you just go straight home after donating.” “I just want to confirm that my blood truly helped someone,” I said, looking into her eyes. Eventually, she led me to the pediatric ward. We walked around the corridor, but I didn’t see the eight-year-old leukemia patient she mentioned. “He might have been transferred to another department,” Scarlett explained. “What about the pregnant woman?” I pressed. “She’s already been discharged. She’s recovering well,” Scarlett’s answers became increasingly evasive. My anger simmered, but I kept my composure on the surface. On the way home, I decided to investigate this matter thoroughly. That evening, while Scarlett was showering, I secretly checked her phone. In her SnapChat chat history, I found numerous conversations between her and Jax, the contents of which left me reeling. “Made over a hundred grand this month again, thanks to my good husband, haha.” “He’s still so gullible, just make up a story and he buys it.” “What do you think he’d do if he found out his blood was being sold to rich old women for anti-aging treatments? He’d probably lose his mind, right?” “Who cares? As long as we’re making money.” Seeing these chat logs, my hands trembled. It turned out that all the blood I had donated over the years had been sold by her to wealthy individuals pursuing eternal youth, for what they called “rejuvenation transfusions.” What infuriated me even more was how they mocked me in their chats, treating my kindness as a weakness to be exploited. I continued to scroll down, finding even more outrageous content. They weren’t just selling my blood; they were planning how to extract even more value. “Next time, make him donate more. His body’s robust anyway.” “I think three times a month isn’t enough. Can we increase it to four?” “Be careful not to kill him, or we’ll lose our cash cow.” “Don’t worry, I’m a doctor. I know what I’m doing.” At this point, I could no longer control my emotions.

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When I married Blake, everyone said I’d married up. After all, he was the sole heir to the billion-dollar Chen family fortune. But three years into our marriage, my mother-in-law, Evelyn, only allowed me to have a daughter. She never permitted me to have a son. It wasn’t until Blake’s ex-girlfriend showed up with a little boy that I understood why. That boy was supposed to be the Chen family’s “true heir.” To make way for his illegitimate son, Blake tried to force me into a divorce using a fake medical report claiming I was infertile. Heartbroken, I prepared to leave with my daughter. But to everyone’s surprise, Evelyn tore up the divorce papers in front of everyone and slapped Blake hard across the face. “My real son died years ago,” she declared coldly. “You’re just an adopted child I brought in. I’ve kept this secret for years, hoping my granddaughter could grow up happily!” Blake broke down on the spot, still believing his mother was just angry. “Mom! I’m the son you’ve raised for over twenty years!” Evelyn held my daughter close, her eyes ice-cold as she stared at Blake. “The Chen family’s billion-dollar fortune will only go to the true heir. As for you, an outsider, you have no right to call me mother anymore.”

It was Emma’s third birthday party. I wore a cream-colored dress, smiling as I greeted the guests. Blake seemed unusually happy too, dressed in a dark suit that showed a completely different side of him. “Honey, did you really prepare a surprise for Emma?” I tugged at his sleeve, my eyes full of anticipation. He gently caressed my cheek. “You’ll see soon enough.” My heart raced. In four years of marriage, he’d never been this mysterious. I crouched down to hug Emma as she ran around. “Sweetie, Daddy says he has a big surprise for you.” “Really?” Emma clapped her hands, jumping with excitement. In the grand hall, guests held champagne flutes while Evelyn sat at the main table. Suddenly, the ballroom doors swung open. Blake walked in, holding hands with a woman. It was Vanessa, his ex-girlfriend. Beside her was a little boy, about five or six years old, who bore a striking resemblance to Blake. My mind went blank. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Blake took the microphone, walking to the front. “On my daughter’s birthday, I have an announcement to make.” My heart was about to burst out of my chest. Something wasn’t right. “This is Vanessa, my first love. And this boy is my biological son.” The room erupted into chaos. I stood there, my mind completely blank. “Blake, what are you saying?” I rushed forward, my voice trembling. He smirked and pulled out a report from his pocket, throwing it in my face. “Take a look at this.” With shaking hands, I picked up the report. It was a medical diagnosis stating: Natalie, congenital fallopian tube malformation, unable to conceive naturally. “This is impossible!” I cried out. “Impossible? The evidence is right here.” Blake pointed at our confused daughter. “And her? Where did you pick up this bastard child?” Guests began to whisper. “I always thought Emma didn’t look like Mr. Chen at all.” “Oh my God, Natalie actually…” “Poor Mr. Chen…” Their judgmental looks cut into me like knives. Emma ran over and hugged my leg. “Mommy, what are they saying?” I crouched down to hug her, tears streaming down my face. Blake threw another document at me. “Divorce papers. Sign them and leave with Emma. Don’t take anything else.” “You’re insane! Emma is your daughter!” “My daughter?” He laughed maniacally. “How can an infertile woman have a daughter? Sign it, before I make you.” I looked towards Evelyn in the crowd. “Mom, say something!” But Evelyn remained seated, her face expressionless, her eyes lingering on Blake for a long time. My heart sank completely. Even Evelyn didn’t believe me.

My hand trembled as I held the pen. The divorce papers felt like a branding iron. If I signed them, I’d lose everything. Four years of marriage, a child, all reduced to nothing. “Sign it!” Blake sneered, urging me on. “What are you waiting for?” The guests formed a circle around us, watching like it was a show. Some whispered among themselves. “Always said she wasn’t good enough for Mr. Chen.” “Now the truth’s out. The child isn’t even his.” “How shameless, lying for all these years.” Each word cut into my heart like a knife. I gritted my teeth, the pen shaking as it neared the paper. Suddenly, a hand snatched the papers away. Rip! The papers were torn to shreds, fluttering to the ground. I froze. It was Evelyn. She stood in front of me, her face expressionless, her eyes cold and sharp. “Mom?” Blake stared at her in shock. Slap! A resounding slap landed on Blake’s face. The room fell silent. Everyone stared wide-eyed. Evelyn’s voice was ice-cold. “My granddaughter. How dare you question her?” Blake held his cheek, disbelieving. “Mom, you hit me? For a bastard child?” A warmth surged through me. Evelyn was standing up for me. She believed me. But her next words sent a chill down my spine. “Take the young madam and Miss Emma back to the old house,” she ordered her bodyguards. “No one is to see them without my permission.” What? The bodyguards approached me, their movements gentle but leaving no room for refusal. “Madam, please.” I was lifted up, holding a frightened Emma in my arms. “Mommy, where are we going?” Emma asked softly. I couldn’t speak. Looking back, I saw Blake glaring at me venomously. Vanessa stood nearby with the boy, a smug smile on her face. The guests continued to gossip. “What is the old madam thinking?” “Locking Natalie away?” “Could she actually be innocent?” My mind was in chaos. What was Evelyn’s intention? Did she believe me, or was she just protecting the Chen family’s reputation? The car started moving. Through the window, I watched the hotel grow distant. It held four years of memories, now all turned into a nightmare. Emma leaned against me, her little hands clutching my clothes tightly. “Mommy, I’m scared.” I stroked her hair gently. “Don’t be afraid, Mommy’s here.” But I had no idea what would happen next. That slap from Evelyn, what was it really for? Did she truly believe Emma was her granddaughter? Or did she have other motives? The car pulled into the old Chen family mansion. This grand, traditional house was once my safe haven. Now it felt like a prison. The bodyguard respectfully opened the door for me. “Madam, the old madam is waiting for you in the study.” I got out of the car, holding Emma. The night wind was cold, making me shiver. I wasn’t sure if it was the weather or fear. The light in the study was on. Evelyn stood by the window, her back to me. “Mom,” I called softly. She turned around, her face unreadable. “Sit.” I sat down with Emma, my heart pounding. “Natalie, do you find today’s events strange?” Evelyn asked. I nodded. “Did you look at that medical report?” “I did,” I said quietly. “But I really don’t know…” “I know,” Evelyn interrupted me. “Because that report is fake.” What? I looked up sharply. Evelyn’s expression suddenly became complex. “Natalie, it’s time I told you some things.”

She walked to the desk and pulled out a yellowed file from a deep drawer. Opening the folder, there was an old photograph inside. The man in the photo bore a slight resemblance to Blake, but his eyes were much kinder. “This is my real son, Ryan,” Evelyn said. What? I stared, wide-eyed. “Twenty years ago, he was killed by business rivals. To stabilize the company, I adopted Blake from an orphanage and fabricated his identity.” My mind was reeling. Blake wasn’t her real son? “But Mom, what does this have to do with me?” I asked, confused. Evelyn didn’t answer directly. Instead, she took off a phoenix jade pendant from around her neck. The pendant was smooth as water, exquisitely carved, gleaming softly in the lamplight. “This is the Chen family’s blood heirloom. Only a female descendant of the Chen family can activate it.” I was even more puzzled. “Activate?” “This pendant contains the key to a Swiss bank account. Half of the Chen family’s assets are there.” Her words sent a shock through me. “But I’m not part of the Chen family.” Evelyn looked at Emma in my arms, her gaze softening. “But Emma is.” My blood froze. “What do you mean?” “Natalie, I must tell you the truth. Before Ryan’s car accident, I had his sperm frozen.” Oh God. I hugged Emma tighter. “You mean…” “Emma is my real granddaughter. She’s Ryan’s daughter.” Boom! I felt like the whole world was spinning. Emma wasn’t Blake’s daughter? She was the daughter of Evelyn’s deceased son? “So you had me marry Blake just to…” “To allow my true granddaughter to be born,” Evelyn nodded. “I needed a healthy woman to carry the pregnancy. You were suitable.” My shock turned to anger. “So I was just a tool? A surrogate?” “Natalie, listen to me…” “No!” I stood up. “You’ve all been lying to me! I thought I was part of this family, but I’m just an outsider!” Emma was frightened by my outburst and started crying. Evelyn came over, trying to take Emma. “Don’t touch her!” I stepped back. “Since you’ve got what you wanted, why not let us leave?” “Because Emma needs the Chen family’s protection,” Evelyn said gravely. “The people who killed Ryan are still alive. If they discover Emma’s existence, they’ll come after her.” My anger instantly turned to fear. “Who are these people?” “The masterminds behind that business war twenty years ago. They’ve been searching for the Chen family’s core assets all this time.” Evelyn walked to the window, her silhouette looking old and tired. “I pretended to believe in Blake to protect Emma. If outsiders knew her true identity, her life would be in danger.” I felt dizzy. “So what do we do now?” “I’ll drive Blake out of the Chen family. Today’s events might mean he’s figured something out.” Evelyn turned around, her eyes flashing coldly. “He’s no longer useful, but it’s best if you take action yourself.” “You need to grow, to have the ability to protect your daughter.” I looked at her, suddenly understanding something. “You slapping him today, tearing up the divorce papers, it wasn’t to protect me. It was to protect Emma.” Evelyn didn’t deny it. “Natalie, I don’t expect you to forgive me. But Emma is innocent. She needs the Chen family’s protection.” I looked down at my daughter in my arms. She was sleeping peacefully, her little cheeks rosy. This child wasn’t Blake’s daughter after all. She was another man’s daughter. A man I’d never met. “I want to see Ryan’s photos,” I said softly. Evelyn nodded and took out an album from a drawer. Opening the first page, I saw a kind-looking, handsome man. He was holding a baby, smiling brightly. “This is Ryan as a child with his father,” Evelyn said. I continued flipping through. The photos showed the man growing from a baby to a young adult, his eyes always warm. “What kind of person was he?” “Kind, intelligent, responsible,” Evelyn’s voice was nostalgic. “If he were still alive, the Chen family wouldn’t be like this now.” I closed the album, my emotions a mix of confusion and sadness.

That afternoon, Evelyn handed me the evidence. A thick stack of documents recording Blake’s underhanded moves in the company over the years. Transfers, project approvals, each one traceable. “He’s been pushing an overseas mining project recently,” Evelyn pointed to one page. “On the surface, it’s a normal investment, but he’s actually trying to move company funds overseas.” I flipped through the documents, my fingers trembling slightly. This man’s ambitions were greater than I’d imagined. “I’ve given you access to the CEO’s office,” Evelyn handed me a card. “He’s working late tonight. Go see what you can find.” At 8 PM, I arrived at the company. The elevator went straight to the top floor. I swiped the card to enter the CEO’s office, my heart racing. Low voices came from inside. I held my breath and pressed my ear to the door. “Is everything arranged for the DNA report?” Blake asked. “Don’t worry, it’s all taken care of at the hospital,” Vanessa replied smugly. “Once the report comes out, the old lady will have to acknowledge my son’s status.” My blood froze for a moment. So Vanessa’s son wasn’t Blake’s at all! “Does that kid really look like me?” Blake asked. “The features don’t match, but the build is similar. Besides, the old lady’s eyesight isn’t great.” Vanessa laughed confidently. “Once she accepts her grandson, won’t the Chen family fortune be ours?” Blake laughed. “You’re so clever.” I quietly took out a mini camera from my bag and aimed it through the crack in the door. In the lens, the two embraced, Blake’s hands roaming over Vanessa’s body. “Once the old lady dies, we can be together openly,” Vanessa purred. “She’s so healthy, who knows how long we’ll have to wait,” Blake said impatiently. Just then, Blake’s phone rang. “Hello, Lawyer Wang,” he answered. I pricked up my ears to listen carefully. “Did you get Evelyn’s medical report?” Blake walked to the window. “What? Nothing wrong with her health?” My heart tightened. “Then create a problem. Find some doctors to certify she has symptoms of dementia.” Blake’s voice was terrifyingly cold. “Yes, say she’s mentally unfit to manage the company.” Oh God! This beast was planning to frame Evelyn!

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As I sat in the police station with Yvonne Harper, my boyfriend’s childhood sweetheart, waiting for bail arrangements to be made, the decision loomed. One of us could go home tonight. My mate, Alpha Jackson, chose to take her. “Nicole, just wait for me one more night. I’ll come back for you tomorrow,” he said. He was worried about her fragile health, but he didn’t care about my fear of the dark. Later, I called him. My voice was steady, though my heart ached. “Jackson,” I began, “for the past few years, I’ve been waiting for you.” “But I won’t wait forever.” Chapter 1 My Alpha boyfriend’s childhood sweetheart, Yvonne Harper, and I were stuck at the police station, waiting for bail. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow over the gray-tiled floor. My wolf paced restlessly inside me, ears flattened, tail lashing. I wasn’t the type to get arrested—Yvonne, though? She practically had a VIP seat here. Then, the scent of pine and warm musk filled the air. Alpha Jackson stormed in. His amber eyes locked onto mine, and for a fleeting second, I thought—he’s here for me. “Officer,” he said”I’m here to bail them out.” The officer didn’t even glance up from his paperwork. “You can only take one.” Silence. I turned to Jackson, expecting—hoping—for certainty in his expression. Instead, I saw it. Hesitation. No. He wouldn’t. Would he? The answer came a second later when his hand reached out… but not for me. For her. For Yvonne. My wolf stilled. My heart, however, shattered. “Jackson?” My voice barely came out, barely sounded like mine. Before leaving, he grabbed my hand, his grip tight, as if this—as if I—still meant something. “Nicole, just wait for me one more night. I’ll come back for you soon.” His tone was earnest, like he believed his own words. But he never once looked back. He left so quickly, he didn’t even hear my response. Didn’t hear whether I was willing to wait. Didn’t hear if I was scared, hurt, or furious. I stared at their retreating figures, Yvonne’s delicate frame leaning against his side, as they vanished beyond the station doors. Unwilling to accept it. A low chuckle snapped me out of my daze. “See?” The officer smirked, tapping his pen against the desk. “Told you he wouldn’t pick you.” I froze, unable to refute. My wolf, usually calm, let out a low growl inside me. But when Alpha Jackson pursued me, he promised—he promised he would love me wholeheartedly. The year I met Alpha Jackson was the same year my parents died in a rogue attack. Losing them felt like losing the last fragile thread connecting me to the world. The love I had received was already scarce, and after that, there was no one left to love me. So that year, I was silent. Gloomy. A ghost of a person drifting through the pack, unnoticed and unwanted. And wolves? Wolves could smell weakness. They avoided me like I was carrying a curse. Some whispered behind my back, while others barely acknowledged my existence. My wolf, once so lively and stubborn, curled up deep inside me, refusing to come out. Then, he arrived. Alpha Jackson. He was everything I wasn’t. Confident, radiant, the kind of person others naturally gravitated toward. Whenever he walked into a room, laughter followed, and conversations circled around him like planets around the sun. Yet somehow… he noticed me. Not the popular she-wolves vying for his attention. Not the warriors eager to prove their worth. Me. That day, I had skipped lunch—not that I had much appetite anymore. But the hunger gnawed at me, sharp and cruel, and my stomach cramped in protest. I had made it to the edge of the training field before my legs gave out, my entire body trembling from exhaustion. I pressed a hand to my stomach, curling inward. Breathe. Just breathe. A shadow fell over my curled-up form. A deep voice broke through the haze. “Hey, do you need some help?” I flinched at the sudden presence, but when I looked up, I found a pair of sharp amber eyes watching me. Not with pity. Not with disgust. With curiosity. Jackson crouched beside me, his brows knitting together. “You don’t look so great.” No kidding. I swallowed hard. “I’m fine.” “Uh-huh. Right.” His tone was completely unconvinced. “Because ‘fine’ people usually shake like they’re about to shift mid-air.” I blinked. My wolf stirred slightly at the teasing lilt in his voice. Alpha Jackson wasn’t just offering help. He was paying attention. And for the first time in a long time, someone saw me. Chapter 2 Everything that followed seemed to fall into place naturally. On weekends, I would go watch his sparring matches, marveling at the raw power in his movements, the effortless way he dodged and struck. Even among the most talented young wolves, Alpha Jackson stood out—his instincts razor-sharp, his dominance undeniable. And out of all the people offering him water after a grueling fight, he would only drink the one I brought. “Gotta make sure my girl didn’t poison me,” he’d joke, flashing a grin before downing it in one gulp. When the weather turned chilly, he’d drape his jacket over my shoulders without a word, pretending not to notice the teasing whistles from his friends. But I saw the way his ears turned red, and I lived for it. Alpha Jackson introduced me to his social circle, a mix of future warriors, betas, and carefree nobles who all treated me with surprising warmth. Because of him, I made an effort to be more outgoing, to fit into his world. And eventually, I did. But one evening after school, while everyone was hanging out near the training grounds, he suddenly cornered me against a wall, his golden eyes dark with something unfamiliar. “Nicole, can you stay away from them?” His voice was low, almost a growl. I blinked. “What?” “I get really jealous.” For a moment, I was stunned. Then, I couldn’t help but laugh. In that instant, the great Alpha Jackson—strong, untouchable, confident—looked like a sulking little wolf pup. Seeing me laugh, he sighed dramatically and ruffled my hair, grinning. “You little troublemaker, does it make you that happy to see me jealous?” I nodded, still giggling, and his lips crashed against mine in response. A kiss—unexpected but searing, filled with possessiveness that sent heat spiraling down my spine. My heart pounded like a drum. His scent wrapped around me, leaving no room for anything else. Jackson always felt like an exuberant pup, radiating warmth, his love pouring onto me like sunshine. On the night of our 18th birthday ceremony. Shifting for the first time was brutal. My body burned, bones cracking and reforming as my wolf—dormant for so long—finally emerged in a storm of pain and power. Then, through the agony, I caught it. That scent. Pine and musk. A voice roared in my head. “Mate!” When I lifted my head, panting, Jackson was already in front of me in his wolf form, golden eyes glowing under the full moon. He shifted back effortlessly, as if his body had never known pain, and walked toward me with a smile that made my breath hitch. He reached out, gently patting my head as I trembled from the aftershocks of my first shift. “Nicole, We’re fated mates. Are you happy?” I nodded almost dumbly, my wolf still howling with joy in my mind. Word spread like wildfire. It was as if everyone had expected it all along. Amidst the congratulations, I clung tightly to Jackson’s waist, still overwhelmed by everything that had happened. Some teased me. “Nicole, you’ve struck gold.” “Alpha Jackson is famous for how well he treats people.” And I knew they were right. I had struck gold. Jackson’s care for me was meticulous. He remembered my cycle and always had warm brown sugar water ready before I even needed it. He flooded his social media with pictures of me, proudly captioning them with things like “Mine.” and “My little Luna.” And whenever I spiraled into self-doubt, he would stand up without hesitation, declaring to anyone who would listen, “Nicole is the most amazing person in the world. End of discussion.” So, when he suggested we move in together, I didn’t even think twice. “You’re so wonderful,” I told him, my heart swelling. “If you were fire, I’d willingly dive into the flames for you.” Later, as I was sorting through our clothes in the new apartment, he suddenly hugged me from behind, pressing his face into my shoulder. I smiled, assuming he was in a playful mood, and lightly pushed at him—only to feel the dampness on his cheeks. Stunned, I turned around. “Jackson?” His voice was barely above a whisper. “I found out about your parents.” Something in my chest twisted. That night, he refused to let go of me, his arms locked around me like he could shield me from the past. It was then that he whispered a promise in my ear, one that sank into my bones like a vow. “Nicole, I’ll love you with everything I have.” “Including the love your parents would have given you.”

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I was born with cursed words. Everything I said seemed to come true in the worst way possible, so I stopped speaking entirely since I was old enough to understand. When our six-year-old son accidentally bumped into my pregnant sister-in-law, my husband sent him to a brutal dog training facility. Our son had been bitten by a dog before and was terrified of them. I desperately tried to stop it, begging on my knees until my forehead was bleeding. Gabriel helped Lily up, gently caressing her swollen belly. His voice was cold and unfeeling when he spoke to me: “Don’t think I can’t see through you. He did this because you told him to. You’re a conniving mute, and he has your tainted blood running through his veins. If we don’t teach him now, he’ll grow up to be just as rotten as you.” “We’re sending him to learn some manners, to understand respect and hierarchy. It’ll teach you a lesson too – don’t meddle in things that aren’t your business!” When I finally found our son, he was locked in a cage with five vicious dogs, his small body torn to pieces. I pieced together my son’s tiny body, and for the first time in over twenty years, I spoke: “Gabriel Curtis, I swear you’ll pay for this in blood. Your family will be ruined.”

When I returned to the Curtis mansion carrying my son’s incomplete remains, Gabriel was in the garden, personally planting roses for Lily. Blood-red roses, blooming lusciously. Gabriel’s eyes were tender when looking at Lily, but they turned to disgust when he saw me: “Aria Stone, look at yourself. You look like death warmed over. Has the Curtis family gone bankrupt that we can’t afford to feed you? You look like a beggar with your messy hair and dirty face.” “Don’t think I’ll feel sorry for you. You can’t even raise a child properly, always scheming. Why can’t you learn from Lily?” Lily gave me a smug look, then said softly, “Aria must be worried about Jack. If only I had stayed away from Jack, he wouldn’t have bumped into me. Aria must be blaming me. Gabriel, please bring Jack back soon.” Gabriel frowned, “Jack’s been spoiled by this wretched woman. I sent him to the dog training facility to teach him manners. It’s for his own good, and it’s not your fault.” He turned to me and said, “Go clean yourself up. You’re an eyesore.” I held Jack’s body, staring at Gabriel expressionlessly. I was born with cursed words. Everything I said seemed to come true in the worst way possible, so I stopped speaking entirely since I was old enough to understand. I used to hate why I was cursed with such a power, but now I only hoped my words would come true quickly, punishing them for what they’d done. My voice was hoarse from years of disuse: “Gabriel, you’re right. The Curtis family is about to go bankrupt.” Gabriel was shocked to hear me speak: “Aria Stone, you can talk!” His shock quickly turned to anger: “You’re really something, aren’t you? Pretending to be mute all these years to gain my sympathy! What a deep game you’ve been playing!” “Why speak up now? Let me tell you, the Curtis heir will only be Lily’s child. Don’t even think about it. If you dare to harm her or the baby, I won’t let you off easy.” He didn’t spare me another glance: “Looking at you makes me sick. Throw away that filthy thing in your arms and get out of my sight.” My hands trembled as I held Jack’s body. He was dead, yet his own father called him filthy. I remembered how every night, he would look up at me with his innocent face and ask, “Mommy, if I’m a little better behaved, will Daddy read me a bedtime story?” “On my birthday, will Daddy take me to the amusement park? He promised me before.” My heart ached terribly. My hands shook as I held Jack’s body, tears streaming down my face. I choked out: “Gabriel Curtis, this isn’t filthy. This is the body of your son Jack. He’s dead, just as you wanted!” Gabriel paused, then sneered, “Aria Stone, so this is why you’re not pretending to be mute anymore? You needed your voice for this performance? You’d even curse your own son. You’re truly terrifying.” He snatched Jack’s body from my arms, glanced at it carelessly, and said with cruel intent: “Since you claim this mess of flesh is Jack, let’s have the dogs identify it. We’ll see if it’s human flesh or some animal meat you’ve brought to act out your little drama.”

Soon, the butler brought two large black dogs. Gabriel threw the bundle in front of them. They smelled the blood and excitedly dragged out the remaining limbs, starting to devour them. I went mad, rushing forward to snatch Jack back, but the butler held me tightly. I screamed at Gabriel, my heart breaking: “Gabriel Curtis, that’s your son! He was killed by dogs, how can you feed him to dogs again? Are you even human?!” Gabriel carefully shielded Lily, worried the bloody smell might frighten her. He looked at me mockingly: “Aria Stone, you’re quite the actress. You’ve really put a lot of thought into this scheme, but use your brain for once. Jack is learning manners at the dog training facility. He’s fine.” “In a week, I’ll bring him back myself. No matter how you act now, I won’t give in to you.” I hated him so much my teeth bled from biting down. I fought like a wild animal against those holding me back, finally managing to grab back the remaining body parts. The black dogs, enjoying their meal, bared their teeth at me when I took away their food. Gabriel frowned and quickly had the dogs taken away. He had lost all patience with me and didn’t want to look at me anymore. He turned to leave with Lily. I spat out hatefully at their backs: “My child is dead. Her child won’t live either!” Ever since Gabriel’s older brother died, he had been taking care of his sister-in-law Lily, even to the point of sharing a bed. At first, Gabriel tried to keep the affair secret, doing his best to hide it from me. Until one day, Gabriel brought back a badly injured Lily. His eyes were cold and unfamiliar when he looked at me. He slapped me hard: “Aria Stone, I never thought you could be so vicious. If I hadn’t arrived in time, Lily would have been violated and killed. She’s pregnant, for God’s sake.” That was the first time Gabriel had ever hit me. I was confused, not knowing what had happened, and tried to ask using sign language. But he no longer had the patience to wait for me to finish signing. He warned me: “Stop acting all pitiful. I won’t fall for it anymore.” “If you can’t accept Lily, I don’t mind divorcing you and marrying her.” From then on, Gabriel and Lily’s relationship was out in the open. Even his mother, Mrs. Curtis, couldn’t do anything about it. I had thought about divorcing him countless times, but I couldn’t because I wouldn’t get custody of Jack. In the end, it cost Jack his life. I held Jack’s body and cried until I passed out. When I woke up again, Gabriel was dragging me by my hair to Lily’s bedside. Lily’s face was pale. She looked at me with tears in her eyes: “Aria, I know you don’t like me. You think I stole Gabriel from you. But the baby is innocent. How could you be so cruel as to exchange my baby’s life for your ability to speak?” The cursed words had come true. Her child was gone. I smiled coldly. Seeing my reaction, Gabriel became even more furious. He kicked me in the chest, making me cough up blood. “You bitch! I knew there was a reason you suddenly started talking. You must have used some evil method to exchange Lily’s child for your voice!” “I’ve always been too soft on you, letting you forget your place. Now that Lily’s lost her baby, you must pay the price!” “You want to talk? Wait for your next life!” Gabriel picked up a bowl of medicine and grabbed my neck, trying to force it down my throat. I tightly closed my mouth, struggling desperately. He pried open my teeth, and just as the medicine was about to pour in, I was too exhausted to resist anymore. If I drank this medicine, I would become truly mute. Gabriel Curtis, how could you be so cruel!

“Stop! Stop this instant! This is a sin!” Mrs. Curtis’s arrival interrupted Gabriel’s actions. I fell from his grasp onto the floor, coughing violently, my mouth full of a bloody taste. Mrs. Curtis looked at the scene before her and sighed deeply. She helped me up. “Aria, are you alright?” I managed to say a few words with difficulty: “I’m fine.” Mrs. Curtis’s whole body shook. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing: “Aria, you… you can speak?” She suddenly seemed to age a decade, too weak to stand. Tears streamed down her face as she muttered, “It’s over, it’s all over…” Gabriel looked at her strangely and asked, “Mom, what’s wrong?” Mrs. Curtis’s voice was heavy with age and sorrow: “Years ago, when the Curtis family was in crisis, your father paid a great price to have our fortunes read. The fortune-teller said that if you married a mute woman with a matching birth chart, it would protect the Curtis family’s fortunes from decline.” “But when the mute woman speaks, the Curtis family… will be ruined!” The fortune was correct, but it didn’t account for the fact that I was pretending to be mute because of my cursed words. Gabriel didn’t believe it, scoffing at the idea: “That’s all superstition to trick old people like you. Our Curtis family’s wealth is what we’ve earned ourselves. What does it have to do with Aria Stone?” “If she really had such power, how come she couldn’t even raise her own son properly?” Mrs. Curtis wanted to say more but held back. She had doubted it too, but the Curtis family’s business had rapidly improved after Gabriel married Aria. Mr. Curtis had died just two years after getting the fortune read. Part of her had to believe it, while another part hoped it wasn’t true. Hearing about Jack, she perked up a bit. She doted on Jack the most. “Where’s Jack? I haven’t seen him.” Gabriel looked at me coldly: “Aria Stone couldn’t teach him properly, so I sent him to a dog training facility to learn some manners.” I looked at Mrs. Curtis and said hoarsely: “Jack is dead.” Gabriel couldn’t tolerate me repeating the same lie. He impatiently said: “How long are you going to keep this up? Are you going to say that pile of rotten meat is Jack again? Someone, burn that mess to ashes and use it as fertilizer for the roses.” Watching Jack’s body being thrown into the fire, this time I didn’t struggle. Jack was gone. Keeping his body had no meaning. It was better to burn it and let him leave this world clean. In his next life, he could be born into a good family and live a happy, peaceful life. Mrs. Curtis looked from Gabriel to me, not knowing who to believe. She hurriedly left for the dog training facility. After Mrs. Curtis left, Lily said tearfully: “My poor baby, you didn’t even get to see the world. You would have grown up to be as big as Jack, calling us Mommy and Daddy.” “Gabriel, do you think we’ll have children in the future?” Gabriel kissed her forehead tenderly, comforting her: “We will, in the future.” His gaze turned even more hateful when he looked at me: “Aria Stone, I let you off easy earlier because my mother was here, but I must teach you a lesson.” “Since Lily’s child is gone, the child in your belly will have to make up for it.” Watching Gabriel approach me step by step, I fearfully backed away until I fell to the ground with nowhere else to retreat. I said with a trembling voice: “Gabriel Curtis, you’ve already killed Jack. Are you going to kill my other child too? It’s your child as well!” Gabriel paused. Seeing his hesitation, Lily spoke up: “Gabriel, you don’t need to do this for me. My position in this family is already awkward. How can my child compare to Aria’s? Even though you said the Curtis heir would be my child, no one really believes it.” Gabriel said solemnly: “I make the decisions in this house. What I say goes, and everyone will take it seriously. Aria Stone isn’t worth a single hair on your head.” He hesitated no longer, raising his foot to stomp hard on my stomach.

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After transmigrating into this novel, I was bound to a yandere system. My mission: to *dominate* the male lead, or I die. But even after giving him the full treatment, my life countdown timer still flickered. “System, what the hell are you playing at?” 【You genius, who told you the guy with a leg disability was the male lead?】 【You tied up the yandere villain!】 I instinctively ran my hand over the abs beneath me, my eyes wide with a dangerous sparkle. “Oh no, I’m a fake yandere! He’s the real deal!” When I *brought* Julian back—or rather, *nabbed* him—he was already burning up with fever, delirious. In the basement, walls lined with various ‘props’, Julian was forced into a specially designed chair, barely clinging to consciousness. His ears burned crimson, his eyes fluttering with a mix of fury and something else, as he watched my massager gun continue its downward journey on him. “Don’t you dare go too far!” “But you seem to be enjoying it, darling~” I gave an innocent smile, then cranked the massager gun up a notch. His jaw clenched even tighter. “Don’t push your luck! It’s not too late to let me go now…” It was meant to be a warning, but his voice was soft, utterly devoid of threat. “Sweetheart, what are you thinking?” I playfully slapped his scorching hot cheek. “You didn’t really think anyone was coming to save you, did you?” Watching the darkness in his eyes deepen, I scoffed. “It’s been two hours already. If anyone *really* wanted to find you, this place wouldn’t be much of a hideout.” Julian had originally been outside, punished by being left in the rain. His leg disability combined with the rain and high fever made him the perfect ‘catch’ for me. I removed the massager gun and replaced it with a thin rope, wrapping it around his chest and binding his pecs tight several times before I was satisfied. In the chair, Julian’s face was flushed even redder. He tried to struggle, but I restrained him again. “Tsk, I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn. Even *this* thing has more life in it than you.” Julian wasn’t provoked by the truth I’d just spoken, but rather by my blatant honesty. “When I get out of here, I’ll kill you!” He probably expected me to be scared, but little did he know, it only excited me more. “Oh? How are you going to kill me? Like this, or like this…” …… Ten minutes later, he looked even more like a drowned puppy. His wet eyes stared at me, so pitiful, it was enough to melt anyone’s heart. Good thing I have a heart of stone! I placed the back of my hand against Julian’s forehead. It wasn’t as burning hot anymore, but he was still feverish. Julian breathed weakly, his eyes shadowed. “Are you humiliating me for Liam?” Liam? Who’s Liam? Never heard of him. With a wicked grin, I leaned in closer, then unzipped his pants. “Looks like you still have some energy, then how about we…” The next second, the System’s mute period conveniently ended, interrupting me. 【Holy moly, what are you trying to do?!】 “Sleep with him! Can’t you tell?” As soon as the words left my mouth, I saw Julian’s… *greatness*, and my eyes widened. Whoa~ Even disabled, he’s this potent? As expected of the male lead! 【I knew what you were trying to do, that’s why I wanted to warn you…!】 “Shush, no talking during the show.” I found the System too noisy, so I muted it again for 24 hours before it could finish. As for whether I’d need longer, that depended on my performance later~ The rain outside made the air humid. The basement lights stayed on, casting flickering shadows. When I finally dragged myself up, my body felt like it had been run over by a truck. There wasn’t a single spot that wasn’t sore. Who would’ve thought that the initially frail, beautiful man would break free halfway through our ‘session’ and then reveal his fangs? I glanced at the scattered items on the floor, feeling like I’d broken five fingers. Then I looked at Julian, who was deeply asleep from exhaustion, his fever completely gone. I silently wondered: *My pathetic life should be safe now, right?* But the next second, I saw my life countdown timer in the nearby mirror: 48 hours remaining. I immediately unmuted the System to get an explanation. “System, what the hell are you playing at? Didn’t I already *force love* the male lead?” 【You genius, who told you the guy with a leg disability was the male lead?】

“No, no, no, he’s still a handsome, ‘strong’ tragic figure who’s leg-disabled and was thrown out to suffer in the rain!” 【Enough! You tied up the yandere villain!】 “!!!” I immediately felt Julian’s abs again, my eyes sparkling. “Oh no, I’m a fake yandere! He’s the real deal!” 【Why are you excited? The villain turns you into a delightful little collector’s item later on~】 My hand trembled. “But I transmigrated as the female lead! “In most novels, don’t the male lead and male second lead love the female lead to death?” The System scoffed. 【In this book, the original female lead, in her desperate attempt to win the male lead’s love, not only forcefully took what she wanted from him but also ruthlessly targeted the villain who threatened the male lead’s position. As a result, she was targeted by the villain, who straight-up slaughtered her as a sacrifice. 【It was only then that the male lead, who originally detested the female lead, finally realized his love for her. Filled with remorse, he ensured the villain received a life sentence.】 “Wow~” What a damn twisted plot. After hearing the System’s summary of the plot, the only person I felt sorry for for was myself. “So, who’s the *real* male lead?” The System sighed, looking utterly exasperated. 【The male lead is obviously the female lead’s fiancé!】 “But wasn’t Julian my fiancé?” When I transmigrated, it happened to be the day the original female lead returned from abroad. I only remembered standing at the front gate of the Thompson family mansion when the System told me that the house next door belonged to my fiancé. Then I pointed to the man sitting in a wheelchair, getting drenched in the rain, and asked who he was. The System said, “That’s Julian.” Come on, childhood friend *and* fiancé, *plus* he’s disabled? Talk about a male lead jackpot! So, without a second thought, to save my sorry ass, I immediately ‘rescued’ Julian, who was feverish from the rain. The System tried to stop me during the process, but I muted it before it could say anything. And that’s how everything before this happened. The System’s furious roar echoed in my head: 【You’re the death of me! Your fiancé is Julian’s uncle, his name is Liam!】 I hesitated. “Then am I…?” 【Yes, you defiled your future nephew.】 …… In the end, I sent Julian back exactly as I found him, threatening him to keep quiet about everything, or I’d post his ‘unflattering’ photos all over the internet. He first laughed, but it was a cold, enraged laugh, before he gritted his teeth and agreed. Pfft, a little yandere villain? That’s all? Piece of cake, I’ve got him wrapped around my finger. It was only later that I learned this, uh, rather *unique* basement, packed with ‘toys’ you wouldn’t want to explain, was actually prepared by the original female lead for Liam, out of unrequited love. But by a strange twist of fate, I… ended up using it on my future nephew… Just as I watched my life countdown hit 28 hours, the System informed me that Liam had just returned home from a business dinner, making it the perfect time to strike. So, armed with handcuffs, I stormed over to the neighboring Liam’s house. In Liam’s living room. Liam was sprawled on the sofa, seemingly asleep. I stood beside the couch, briefly debated, then decisively put the handcuffs on his wrist. *Click*. The cold touch finally made Liam realize something was wrong. A sharp, chilling glint flickered in his narrow eyes as they opened, then softened back to their usual gentle, somewhat hazy warmth. “Chloe? When did you come back?” “That’s not important. What’s important is…” I jingled the silver handcuffs, smiling sweetly. “Are you going to let me sleep with you or not?”

The warmth in Liam’s eyes cooled a few degrees, but his expression remained gentle. “Don’t be ridiculous.” I frowned. Honestly, I didn’t like the way he was looking at me right now. So, with my free hand, I grabbed his tie, then climbed onto the sofa, leaning in over him. “You don’t want to? That’s fine… “Just relax, honey. No need for you to do anything.” As I said this, my fingers traced the prominent vein down his neck— “Chloe Thompson, is this how you’ve been ‘studying’ abroad for the past year?!” Liam’s face darkened. He turned his head away, snatching my ‘naughty’ hand. His grip on my hand was surprisingly strong. I raised an eyebrow, thinking Julian was much more obedient. But then Liam said, “There’s a limit to your mischief, Chloe.” “We’re already engaged! What are you still shy about?” I should’ve just kidnapped him back to the basement. Then he wouldn’t have so much to say. But Liam’s brows furrowed even deeper, and I was already losing my patience. My hand deftly slipped free from his grip, and I immediately tore open his shirt. The next second, my hand immediately reached out, touching his bare chest— But suddenly, I heard a *click*, and then my eyes were momentarily blinded by a flash. Both Liam and I froze, then turned our heads in unison to the source. It was Julian, holding up his phone, taking our picture. “Tsk, future Auntie has so much energy at night, doesn’t she?” My hand, resting on Liam’s pecs, stiffened. I silently vowed that Julian had better not push me to post his pictures online. But while I was distracted, Liam abruptly shoved me aside. “Chloe, unlock these handcuffs.” Thanks to Julian’s little interruption, I failed to ‘pounce’ on the male lead. So, I had no choice but to leave, disappointed, with my handcuffs still on. But as I reached Liam’s front door, a sudden realization hit me. “Maybe I should bring a stun gun next time?” After I left, the uncle and nephew in the living room were locked in a silent standoff. Julian, still in his wheelchair, idly playing with his phone, propped his other hand under his chin, observing his uncle with a leisurely, almost smug air. By now, Liam had straightened his clothes. “Delete the photo.” “What’s wrong? Afraid I’ll secretly send it to *her*?” Liam’s fingers twitched, neither admitting nor denying anything, but the look in his eyes towards Julian was icy. The overhead light illuminated half of Julian’s face, revealing the slight deepening of the curve of his lips. “So fake, wanting to have your cake and eat it too.” Julian kept his eyes on Liam as he spoke. Seeing no change in Liam’s expression, he continued to mock, “Then again, without the Thompson family’s support, your precious *CEO* position wouldn’t be so secure.” At this, Julian suddenly smiled in an uncharacteristic way. His gaze dropped to Julian’s legs. “Talk when you can stand up.” …… With only 24 hours left on my life countdown, I returned to Liam’s house. But this time, I snuck in. In the pitch-black room, I walked towards the man on the bed, armed with a stun gun. But just as I was about to reach him, a large hand snatched my arm, pulling me into the covers. *Thump!* The stun gun in my hand fell to the floor. Then, the room was flooded with light. “What a coincidence, future Auntie~”

A man’s arm held me tightly in his embrace, his body heat radiating onto mine. I tried to kick him off, but I was instantly pinned down. When I realized what was happening, my pupils constricted. “Your legs…” Julian, however, showed no panic. He leaned close to my ear and slowly whispered, “Oh dear, you’ve discovered my little secret~” “…” “What should we do? Maybe I should just dispose of the evidence?” Julian said this, sucking on my earlobe. The arm clamping me was so strong it felt like he could twist me in half. I instinctively swallowed, the scene from the paid section of the basement flashing in my mind. “How about… you ‘sleep with me’ again?” But after I proposed this, the air went silent. Only the System’s voice: 【Ancestor! Please don’t add random plot lines!】 I ignored the System’s furious roar, waiting for Julian’s reply. But after a stretch of silence, I felt the vibration from Julian’s chest, and his low chuckle. “Didn’t realize before, but future Auntie is really quite cute~” I chuckled awkwardly, speechless for a moment, because… Damn it, this was getting even *more* thrilling! Suddenly, that stupid life countdown didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore. Under the covers, Julian’s fingers traced suggestive patterns on my sensitive waist. “How about you break off that engagement with my uncle? Give me a try instead?” What can I say? Damn it, his suggestion was actually pretty tempting. Too bad he wasn’t the male lead. So, the words I instinctively wanted to agree to changed into: “No.” As soon as I spoke, I saw Julian’s eyes change. I expected his expression to sour, but the smile on his face deepened instead. It felt… not normal. “Oh, so *that’s* what you’re into?” Julian said, biting my lip until it bled before letting go. Then he continued, “What a coincidence, me too.” “Heh.” “And a little secret, my uncle’s room is right next door.” “!!!” “So? Do you dare to play a *bigger* game?” System: 【Warning! Stop altering the plot! Please respect the original story!】 But I continued to ignore the System and replied, “Okay.” …… In the room next door, Liam hadn’t been asleep. He was still dealing with Thompson Group work. But as he worked, thumping sounds started coming from next door, like someone hitting a wall. At first, Liam didn’t pay much attention, thinking Julian was just deliberately causing trouble. But then, he realized something was off. He wondered if his ears were too good, or if he was hallucinating, because he heard *those* kinds of sounds! Liam finally closed his laptop, then stood up and removed his gold-rimmed glasses. When he reached Julian’s room door, the sounds from inside became significantly clearer. He knocked on the door. “Julian?” Julian’s movements inside the room paused, immediately sending shivers down my spine. I thought, *Damn this yandere, he’s totally my type!* Liam, getting no response from inside, assumed the occupants had settled down. So he decided to head back to his own room. But he hadn’t walked two steps before he heard the sounds again. Liam frowned, then turned back and knocked again. This time, the commotion got even louder… Liam’s face instantly darkened. If he couldn’t tell what was happening inside, he’d have lived thirty years for nothing. Besides, he’d felt Julian was off yesterday. Then, Liam heard a line from inside the room: “Auntie… why aren’t you calling out…?” *Whoosh.* Liam’s eyes instantly turned cold. “Julian, open the door!” The commotion in the room gradually subsided, then the sound of wheelchair wheels rubbing on the floor came from afar, drawing closer.

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I went against my family’s objections and married the chauffeur’s son. Three years into our marriage, I helped Jude rise to the position of the company’s second-in-command. “Honey, this appointment ceremony is all thanks to you. I’ll love you forever.” He endured harsh trials to marry me, kneeling in the pouring rain for three days and nights, silently enduring my father’s wrath, and shielding me in a car accident, nearly at the cost of his own life. After marriage, he treated me with endless care, just as he always had. I never regretted marrying him. The night before the promotion ceremony, I wanted to surprise him with the news that my father had agreed to give him shares. But I overheard intimate whispers from the study door! Through the crack, I saw it was Cora, the illegitimate daughter, with my husband! “Baby, after tomorrow, the company will be ours. I’ve waited for this day for so long.” “If you hadn’t endured so much to marry Nora, we wouldn’t have what we do today. You’ve worked hard, my dear.” I was in shock, overwhelmed with pain. I couldn’t believe the man I loved was so deceitful! The next day, I personally handed the promotion gift to Jude, and he was stunned on the spot!

“Honey, look at this.” On a rainy night, I changed into a light nightgown and handed the document to Jude, who was still working. “Why aren’t you asleep yet? I have a lot of work tonight; don’t let it disturb your rest.” Jude held me close, not even glancing at the document in my hand, his heart and eyes full of me. “Take a look at what this is.” I gently blocked his attempt to kiss me, nodding towards the text on the table. Jude looked at me curiously, unsure of the little game I was playing. “This is…” Jude’s smile widened, filled with surprise and excitement. “The Vice Chairman’s appointment letter!” Jude exclaimed, almost standing up in excitement, nearly dropping me in the process. “Honey, I love you so much! How did you convince those old fossils?” Jude’s eyes sparkled with joy as he kissed my cheek. “It wasn’t that hard. Although my dad threatened to cut ties with me, blood is thicker than water. Promoting you is also for my own good.” I lowered my eyes, happy for him. Jude is the son of our family’s chauffeur, from a humble background. My dad ordered us to break up, but I defied my whole family and married him. Because of his sincerity, he knelt for days in the rain to marry me, becoming gravely ill and recovering only with difficulty. He also shielded me when my dad raised a stick, leaving scars on his back and nearly breaking his arm. What finally convinced me to marry him was the car accident, where he protected me and was in a coma, his life hanging by a thread. I was hopelessly in love and immediately chose to elope with him, marrying him without hesitation, even if it made me a laughingstock in all of Seattle and a topic of gossip in the business world. As long as I was with Jude, I’d be happy. “You’ve worked hard.” I gently caressed the scar on his arm from saving me, my heart softening. “As long as it’s for you, it’s not hard. I will make Mr. Sullivan see me in a new light and acknowledge me as his son-in-law!” Jude pressed his forehead against mine, holding me tightly. “Honey, this appointment ceremony is all thanks to you. I’ll love you forever.” “Me too.” I replied sweetly, squeezing his hand. After marriage, I used all my business knowledge and natural talent to help him climb to his current position. Everyone said he married me for the Sullivan family’s power and to take over my company, but I didn’t think so. Even though I helped him climb, he treated me as he always did, caring for me tenderly, never frequenting nightlife, and keeping his phone clean, giving me a sense of security. “By the way, Nora, there’s something I’m worried about.” Jude furrowed his brows, seeming troubled. “Just tell me, there’s no need to hide anything between us.” Jude sighed: “Ultimately, it’s because I’m useless. I even have to ask you for help with this. I’m worried that even if I meet the board, I’ll be ostracized because I have no real power or shares. I don’t mind, but I’m afraid they’ll talk about you.” Jude lowered his head in disappointment, showing a dissatisfied look with himself. “I’d like to see who dares to talk. You’re the best. You need to believe in yourself. Mainly, the Sullivan family didn’t agree to our marriage. Even though my dad turns a blind eye to my little moves, this matter of shares isn’t easy to resolve.” I bit my lower lip, feeling worried. “It’s okay, Nora. I’m already content to have you by my side. I’m a man; I must solve these things myself.” After speaking, he groaned in pain, and I quickly massaged his temples. “Is your head hurting again? You’ve been working hard for the company lately.” “It’s not hard. Thinking about how you betrayed your family for me makes me feel guilty. I vowed to make you happy, so these hardships are nothing to me.” Jude looked at me with tender affection. Deep in his emotions, he suddenly kissed me, followed by a storm of passion, leaving me weak all over, unable to lift a finger afterward. “When Mr. Sullivan acknowledges me, we’ll have a child.” Jude gently rubbed my sore waist, flirting in my ear. I blushed, pouting playfully, without responding. The next morning, Jude left for the company early. I was still worried about the shares and planned to swallow my pride and visit the Sullivan family. “You still know how to come back!” As soon as I entered, a teacup was thrown at my feet, water splashing on my skirt. “Dad…” I moved my lips, lowering my head in shame: “I’m your daughter, why can’t I come back?” “Didn’t you say you wanted to cut ties with me to marry that poor boy? What are you doing back here now?” My dad was coughing in anger, and Cora immediately went up to pat his back. Cora is the illegitimate daughter. My mom, kind-hearted, took her in after learning she was gravely ill. For this, my dad always felt guilty towards my mom and me. “Don’t be angry, Dad. Sister came back with good intentions to see you.” Cora was gentle and well-mannered. After I left home, she became deeply favored by my father, always by his side learning the company affairs. “Dad, I came back this time to discuss something with you.” I coldly glanced at Cora, who seemed unwilling to leave. “What do you need from the Sullivan family? How capable are you?” My dad scolded me with a reproachful look. Though he was angry about my involvement with the chauffeur’s son, he couldn’t bring himself to abandon me out of guilt. “I suddenly want to eat Aunt May’s snacks. Cora, please tell Aunt May for me.” I found an excuse to send Cora away. She seemed reluctant but still poured new tea for my dad before leaving. After she left, my dad lowered his gaze to me, quietly waiting for me to state my purpose. “You must have helped Jude successfully join the board, right?” I got straight to the point without any pleasantries. “From the bottom of my heart, I look down on that punk. Letting him join the board is already my mercy. But I’m warning you, if there’s any mistake, you both can get lost!” My dad said harshly, but there was no hatred in his eyes. “I’m here this time also for the board’s matter. I know I’ve been unfilial, unable to make you happy, but Jude truly has the company’s best interests at heart. He’s been devoted to it for three years since we married, so I hope you can put aside your bias and give him a chance.” “What’s your purpose?” My dad abruptly interrupted, his sharp eyes staring at me ominously. “Shares.” I spoke cautiously, watching my dad’s facial changes. As expected, he raised the teacup in his hand, ready to throw it at me. “Unfilial daughter! If you were half as reliable as your sister, I wouldn’t be getting worse! How dare you come back asking for shares!” “Dad, you should know those uncles and aunts on the board aren’t easy to deal with. I’ve worked hard to get Jude to where he is today. Should I let him be bullied? I know you have animosity towards him, but we’re already married. Please, for my and Mom’s sake, help us this once.” I stepped forward, respectfully bowing to my father. “Do you know what you’re saying? You’re giving Sullivan family shares to an outsider! I always suspected that kid had ulterior motives. I don’t know what spell he’s cast on you!” Hearing my mom’s name, my dad’s tone softened a bit. He anxiously tried to dissuade me, hoping I’d come to my senses. “In the three years since marrying him, he’s never wronged me. I know my own heart in these matters, Dad, there’s no need to persuade me anymore. I just want some shares to pave the way for him. I’ll do whatever it takes.” My dad opened his mouth but said nothing, just clenched his fist and slammed it on the table. “Forget it. Some things can’t be taught by others; experience teaches better. I hope you won’t regret it in the future.” My dad took a deep breath, letting out a heavy sigh. Hearing my mom’s name, my dad’s tone softened. He anxiously tried to dissuade me, hoping I’d reconsider. “In the three years I’ve been married to him, he’s never done anything to betray me. I know what I’m doing, Dad, you don’t need to persuade me anymore. I just want some shares. As long as I can smooth the path for him, I’ll do anything.” I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, I clenched my fist and pounded it on the table. “Fine, some lessons can’t be taught by others—only experience can teach them. I hope you won’t regret this in the future.” My dad took a deep breath and sighed heavily. “If you’re determined to be with that young man, then don’t meddle in the company’s affairs anymore. I’ll give you the shares, consider it my way of making amends to you and your mom.” My dad rubbed his temples wearily, showing a pained expression. “Thank you, Dad. I believe Jude will make you proud.” “Leave now, I don’t want to see you anymore.” My dad ordered me out, and everyone in the Sullivan family ignored me. They even whispered behind my back as I passed by. But I was used to all of this. One day, I’d prove to my father that my choice was right. I returned home excitedly with the share transfer document, planning to surprise Jude after work. As soon as I got home, before even changing my clothes, I noticed a pair of high heels at the entryway. They were the ones Jude gifted me. “Why aren’t these shoes on the rack?” I placed them neatly on the shoe rack, thinking I must have been careless and forgot them in my hurry. I didn’t think much of it. Tomorrow was Jude’s inauguration ceremony. I planned to give him the share transfer document as a gift. Imagining his ecstatic expression made me smile sweetly. “Jude, you’re hurting me.” I was about to make a sumptuous dinner for Jude to celebrate when suddenly, I heard faint moaning from upstairs. I was startled. No one should be home at this time. For safety, I grabbed a baseball bat and cautiously went upstairs. The sounds came from the study. The coquettish female voice and deep breathing were unmistakable. I didn’t need to guess what was happening. I gripped the bat tightly, slowly approaching the study door. To my surprise, there was a crack. Peering through, I witnessed a scene that I’d never forget! A man and woman intertwined, moving rhythmically. And the main characters were my husband and Cora!

I froze, my pupils contracting sharply. The scene before me felt like a sledgehammer to my skull, leaving my breath stuck in my throat. I had never seen Jude with such intensity, as if he wanted to consume Cora whole. Cora’s face was flushed, writhing her waist, letting out soft moans of extreme pleasure. My face turned ashen, my lips trembled, devoid of any color. My eyes were empty, like a dried-up well, and the air seemed heavy with despair. How could they be together like this? I asked myself countless times, and each time, my heart ached more, until it hurt so much that my breath tasted of blood. Only then did I realize the scene before me wasn’t a nightmare. I held the bat tightly, trying not to drop it, but my body felt weak, as if unraveling, collapsing to the ground. My nails dug deeply into my palms, blood seeping out without me noticing. “Darling, once tomorrow is over, the company will be ours. I’ve waited for this day for a long time.” “If it weren’t for you enduring the humiliation to marry Nora, we wouldn’t have today. Thank you, my dear.” “As long as I can make you the true heir of the Sullivan family, I’ll do anything. I’ve had enough of being Nora’s dog. I only love you.” “Today, that woman angered Dad over your shares. Dad’s already handed the company over to me. Our scheme to sow discord is really paying off. Soon, they’ll all be under my feet!” In their moment of passion, they laughed heartily, their sweet words interrupted by the sound of kissing. Curled up in the corner, I tugged at my hair, my knuckles turning white, a broken sob escaping my throat. The man I loved deeply was conspiring with an illegitimate daughter to scheme against me and my family! Was his sincerity in marrying me just for Cora? Those scars, those times of enduring humiliation, were they not for me at all? I was filled with hate, but the most painful and despairing thing was that Jude wasn’t wooing me for power, but for another woman! The love that moved me, that I was grateful for, was all for Cora! The one I loved was always the false him, his deep affection was for another woman. I don’t know how I got back to my bedroom, my legs felt like they were filled with lead, dragging me into an abyss. Jude and Cora didn’t stop until dusk, sweaty and laughing, they mocked me as they passed my room. “Good thing Nora isn’t home, otherwise how would we have such a pleasant afternoon.” “I’m only happy when I’m with you. Seeing her face disgusts me.” They laughed together, their flirtatious voices fading until I heard the door close. The house became eerily silent, allowing me to finally breathe and cry out in pain. “Why do this to me?” I gritted my teeth, pounding the bed, then suddenly lifted my head. My eyes, bloodshot, fixed on the wedding photo on the wall. I grabbed a nearby ornament and smashed it. The glass shattered all over the floor. I frantically picked up a fruit knife and scratched Jude’s face on the photo until I was too exhausted to cry anymore. I slumped to the ground, noticing the fresh cuts on my hand. I smirked bitterly at my foolishness, for truly believing his sincerity. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the share transfer document on the bed. An idea sparked in my mind. Since Jude and Cora knew I’d give the shares to Jude tomorrow as a gift, and she was so eager to be the Sullivan heir, I had to prepare a grand gift! “Dear, I won’t be home tonight. Still got work to do. See you at the inauguration ceremony tomorrow morning.” Jude sent a cute emoticon, making me want to vomit. He couldn’t even keep up the act before taking office, not wanting to spend another second with me. I snorted coldly and replied with a simple “Okay.” The next morning, I packed the gift I had prepared for Jude into a gift box and tossed it into the back seat of the car before heading to the company. “Honey, you’re here.” Jude’s eyes lit up as he adjusted his suit cuffs. “Of course, I have to be here for your big day.” I subtly linked my arm with his to lower his guard. “Sister, I thought you’d never come back to the company.” Cora swayed over, giving Jude a meaningful look before quickly turning away. “How could I not? I’m the only heir of the Sullivan family after all.” I smiled with hidden intent, seeing Cora’s face stiffen with jealousy. Jude quickly interrupted our conversation, as his inauguration ceremony was about to start. My dad and all the board members would be present. I finally understood why he always talked about the shares. In such a setting, if I gave him some of the Sullivan shares, it would indirectly acknowledge him as the family son-in-law, which was a huge boon for him and Cora. Thinking of this, I showed a deep smile. “I’m very happy to become a member of the Sullivan Group’s board of directors today. None of this would be possible without my wife, Nora. Thank you for your support and companionship. In the future, we will work hand in hand to achieve great things!” From Jude’s enthusiastic voice, you could tell how proud he was. After he finished speaking, I took the prepared gift box and went on stage. “I’m very pleased with Jude reaching this position, so I specially prepared a gift for Mr. Jude.” With that, I handed the gift box to Jude. “Thank you, honey.” He smiled broadly, thinking it contained the share transfer document. He took a deep breath, smiling as he opened the box. Instantly, the smile vanished, the box fell, and Jude was shocked. Inside the box was our divorce certificate.

“What happened? Why are you so scared? Don’t you like the gift I gave you?” I sneered, bending down to pick up the fallen box. “But it was carefully prepared for you. How could you bear to drop it? Isn’t this gift what you’ve been longing for?” With a sarcastic tone, I pressed forward, watching Jude’s face change subtly. “What does this mean, honey? Don’t joke around, so many people are watching.” Jude, feeling guilty, spoke in a panic. “It’s precisely because so many people are watching that I have to give you this! Jude, we’re no longer married.” As soon as I said this, everyone reacted with shock. The rumors said I defied my family for a driver’s son, not fearing ridicule, deeply in love, and unwavering. How could it be like this? “What nonsense are you talking about, Nora? Did you misunderstand something? Don’t scare me.” Jude pretended to grab my hand, which I quickly avoided. “What’s the meaning of this, dear? Stop playing games, everyone’s watching,” Jude said anxiously, visibly shaken. “It’s because everyone’s watching that I’m giving you this! Jude, we’re no longer husband and wife.” As soon as I said it, the room fell silent in shock. Everyone had heard the rumors that I defied my family for the driver’s son, unafraid of ridicule, deeply in love with him forever. How could this scene be unfolding now? “What are you saying, Nora? Did you misunderstand something? Don’t scare me.” Jude pretended to reach for my hand, but I quickly pulled away. “Don’t touch me!” I shouted, glaring at him. “You make me sick! I haven’t misunderstood anything; I just don’t want to be with you anymore. These divorce papers are my gift to you.” I walked over to the master of ceremonies and picked up the contract, examining it for a few seconds. Jude was visibly anxious. “Also, since you’re no longer part of the Sullivan family, there’s no need for you to be on the board of directors.” I tore up the contract, letting the pieces scatter in the air. As they fell, I saw the despair in Jude’s eyes. “Nora, why are you suddenly treating me like this? Haven’t I been good enough?” “Yeah, sister, this is not a place for jokes. Being so willful, where does that leave Dad’s dignity?” Cora chimed in, trying to stir trouble. “You two are really in sync.” I approached Cora with a cold expression. “Were you and Jude this coordinated when you were having an affair?” My voice was low but clear enough for everyone to hear. “What! This woman is messing around with Ms. Sullivan’s husband? How shameless!”

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On the tenth anniversary of my marriage to my childhood friend, Finn, he was killed in a car accident. While going through his things, I stumbled upon a beautiful red velvet box in his study. Inside was a diamond hairpin, placed with such care and reverence. I recognized it immediately. In high school, my twin sister, Eloise, wore it all the time. 1. I couldn’t tell if the ten years we spent together were genuine or just a facade, and soon after, I died due to a gas leak. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back in my second year of high school. I lay in bed, feverish and weak, unable to move even a finger. The house was empty. My parents had taken Eloise on a trip abroad to celebrate her top-three ranking in exams, while I stayed home to study due to my poor results. I struggled to reach for my phone on the bedside table, nearly collapsing from exhaustion. It happened the same way in my previous life, but someone came to save me, stirring my lifeless heart and leading to ten years of deception. Half-awake from the pounding headache, someone was carrying me. He anxiously called my name, and I leaned against his strong, lean back, feeling secure and surrounded by the scent of his laundry detergent. Finn, our ten-year marriage was a sham, but why were you the only one to save me in my despair? A hot tear rolled down my cheek and onto his collar. When I woke up, I was in the hospital. A nurse came by to remove my IV and smiled. “Your classmate went to get you some food. You can wait here for a while.” I looked at the bruised needle marks on my hand and shook my head. “I want to go home. Could you please let him know, nurse?” Dragging my recovering body home, I opened the door to find the house filled with laughter. My arrival silenced everything, leaving an eerie stillness. Griffin frowned. “It’s so late, why are you just getting back? You did poorly on this exam and still had the nerve to go out. Can’t you learn from your sister? I’d be thanking my lucky stars if you were half as considerate as she is.” Tension filled the air, ready to ignite. Eloise silently retreated to her room with her gift bag. Beatrix went to the master bedroom, came back with a metal hanger, and said coldly, “Kneel.” Suppressing my exhaustion, I just wanted the farce to end quickly. I knelt obediently. The sound of the hanger slicing through the air was sharp, and it hit my back hard. I stifled my painful groan, cold sweat dripping from my forehead. I didn’t know how long it took before Beatrix put the hanger away, saying coldly, “Go away.” I gritted my teeth and stood up. As I did, my vision went dark, and I almost fell. Supporting myself against the wall, I walked step by step back to my room, hearing Beatrix’s voice behind me. “I don’t know what you’re pretending for.” I pretended not to hear, closed the door, and after a while, it opened again. Eloise tiptoed in with a small shopping bag. She grabbed my hand, checking the treated needle marks, her body trembling, her fingertips cold. “Are you sick? Why didn’t you say anything?” I pulled back my hand and said indifferently, “What’s the difference? Whether it’s for going out or talking back, I’d still be beaten.” Holding her cold hand, I smiled, “I’m the one getting hit, not you. What are you afraid of?” Eloise was silent for a moment, “Will they treat me like this one day?” Surprised, I reassured her with a smile, “No, they love you so much.” Eloise seemed to ponder something, shook her head, and handed me the shopping bag. “Open it, I got you a gift from abroad. Do you like it?” I didn’t need to look to know what it was. Inside was the diamond hairpin Finn had cherished for ten years. In the previous life, Eloise had given it to me too. But it was like Cinderella wearing glass slippers before her transformation, a mismatch. I wore it only once before returning it to Eloise. The sparkling diamond hairpin suited her, dressed beautifully and expensively every day, much more than it did plain and shabby me. “It’s not for me.” I refused Eloise without even opening the bag. She didn’t insist, after all, she liked the hairpin very much. 2. Having not slept all night, I got up early. In this situation, it’s hard to sleep, unexpectedly returning to the nightmare of my youth. “Eloise, hurry up, Finn is waiting downstairs.” I slowly packed my books. Finn was our neighbor across the door. Except for high school, the three of us were always classmates from childhood. In the past life, I thought it was a childhood friend’s fate. Now, knowing the truth, it seems the childhood sweetheart wasn’t me. Eloise suddenly opened my door, clinging to my arm, acting coy. “Can you find an excuse to leave early after school?” Looking at the shy girl before me, I understood. I was in the way. I nodded. “From today, you don’t have to wait for me to go to and from school.” “Great!” Eloise cheered, not finding anything wrong. On the way to school, they walked side by side. I followed a few steps behind, watching them. The refined boy and the pretty girl seemed like a perfect match. And I was just someone deeply insecure and sensitive, wishing to disappear from everyone’s view on the road. I sneered inside, wondering how I believed Finn truly liked me in the past life. Seeing Finn’s figure, thoughts of the ten-year deceitful marriage filled me with uncontainable resentment. Up ahead, Finn suddenly stopped, turning back to meet my resentful gaze. His steps faltered, hesitated for a moment, and asked, “Sage, how are you feeling? Has your fever gone down? The nurse told me you left the hospital.” I shook my head, saying nothing. Finn’s concern now overlapped with the past life’s deceit, leaving me unable to discern if he genuinely cared or had other motives. Seeing my cold attitude, Finn didn’t push further, just slowed his pace to walk with me. But I distanced myself, walking even slower. After tugging back and forth, Finn finally fell a few steps behind me. His eyes were cold, lingering on my neck. Returning to class, the noisy room fell silent instantly. Some girls sneered at me again. “The ugly duckling is here to escort the prince and princess to school.” Ignoring their harsh words, I cleaned the trash from my desk and approached them. “No matter how much you ridicule me, Finn won’t look at you.” “And stop stuffing your trash in my desk. This isn’t a dump.” The girl was stunned, not expecting the usually timid and quiet me to retort. Realizing it, she was furious, smacking the trash bag from my hand. “What makes you think you can talk to me like that!” Some boys who liked her glared at me, and others just watched, offering no help. But it’s okay. I learned this truth long ago. “If you’re upset, we can go to the teacher. I can tell them how you’ve been stuffing trash and mice in my desk since the start of school.” My sudden toughness caught the girl off guard. She stammered, “Fine, you’ll pay for this.” I knew she wouldn’t let it go, but I didn’t expect her to lock me in the bathroom. “You dare mess with me? This bathroom has some mice. You deserve to stay with them.” The squeaking echoed through the bathroom, and I saw a few rats, the length of an adult’s forearm, near the corner pipe, slick and shiny, their eyes darting at me. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell the teacher?” Saying that made me want to laugh. It sounded so much like a child’s tattletale. A boy’s voice answered, “There are no cameras here. If we don’t admit it, who will believe you?” Things were getting tricky. I promised Eloise I wouldn’t walk home with them tonight, and now this. No one would come looking for me. I sighed, finding a clean corner to crouch down. In class, I was always quiet, my grades average, practically invisible. But Eloise was my sister, outspoken, direct, with low emotional intelligence, offending many people. Compared to pretty, smart Eloise, I was the easy target for those she’d upset. 3. Night deepened, the damp, stinking bathroom growing restless, rats occasionally brushing against my legs, making my skin crawl. Suppressing my fear and frustration, I waited for the long night to pass. “Sage? Are you in there?” “Finn?” Hearing my voice, Finn grew more urgent. “Step away from the door!” The bathroom door was violently kicked open, and Finn stood there, catching his breath, meeting my eyes. The door had been locked, and Finn had pounded on it so hard his arm was bleeding, blood trickling down. I had prepared myself to stay here all night, not expecting him to find me. Why was it always him, appearing when I was desperate? Why him? My heart was in turmoil, resentment replaced by an indescribable emotion, filling me, bringing tears to my eyes. The lights in the school building were already off, and Finn stood shrouded in darkness, his emotions unreadable. His voice was low. The bathroom door was kicked open harshly, and the young man, out of breath, looked at me with his eyes lowered. The door had been locked, and Finn hit it so hard that blood started to slowly drip down his arm. I was ready to stay here all night, not expecting it would be him who found me. Why does he always show up when I’m in trouble? Why is it always him? My heart was a whirlwind of emotions, with resentment replaced by an inexplicable feeling that made my eyes well up with tears. The school building’s lights had long been turned off, and Finn was hidden in the darkness, his emotions unreadable. His voice was low. “Weren’t we supposed to go to and from school together? I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” I nodded, unsure of what to say. Finn suddenly spoke up. “Sage, why don’t you want to go to and from school with me anymore? Do you really dislike me?” I was taken aback. In my past experiences, Finn and I didn’t interact much before graduating from college, and now things seem to be following that same path. How could there be any talk of dislike? “Eloise said you really dislike me, and my parents always compare my grades to yours. I’m sorry.” “I can help you with your studies. Can you stop disliking me then?” Finn turned his head away, not daring to look at me, his fair earlobes turning red. I thought I was hearing things. Seeing I didn’t respond, Finn spoke again. “Let’s go to school together again tomorrow. I’ll wait for you.” With that, Finn disappeared, leaving me standing there in a daze. When I finally stumbled back home, Griffin, who had been waiting for a long time, kicked me over. “It’s so late, where have you been? What kind of girl comes home this late after school? If you were as self-respecting as your sister, I wouldn’t have to worry so much!” I lay in pain on the ground, unable to get up for a long time. Beatrix sat on the sofa, holding a clothes hanger. “You need a beating to remember. Look at you, what’s the difference between you and animals out there?” She pulled Eloise, who was standing beside her, down to squat. Eloise’s body was stiff, but she obediently crouched down. Beatrix patted her head with satisfaction. “That’s how to be good. Don’t be like your sister and make me worry.” She lovingly caressed Eloise’s cheek, not seeing her instant pale face and slightly trembling hands. Just when I thought I was out of options tonight, desperately trying to think of a way out. “Auntie.” Finn returned and, seeing me on the ground, quickly helped me up. “Sage didn’t do well on this exam, so I tutored her longer than expected. I lost track of time. Auntie, don’t blame her.” Beatrix put the hanger behind her and smiled. “No problem, it’s late. Hurry home.” Finn was sent away, and Beatrix, losing interest, tossed the hanger aside. “Go back to your room.” I was a bit surprised. I didn’t expect a casual word from Finn would make Beatrix let me off. I was also surprised Finn appeared when I was in danger. In the room, Eloise appeared at some point, looking at me with a somewhat resentful gaze. “You did it on purpose, didn’t you?” I frowned, not knowing what Eloise was talking about. “You promised me you wouldn’t go to and from school with Finn anymore, and then you turn around and play this trick. Sage, are you playing games with me?” I didn’t expect Eloise to like Finn. I patiently explained. “It was an unexpected situation today.” Eloise’s expression twisted a bit, and then she smiled. “You like Finn? Sage, do you think you deserve him?” “Do you even look at yourself? You dare to compete with me?” I was stunned. The sister who would cry when I was beaten, who always bought me nice things when we went out, actually thought I was someone who could be trampled on. Thinking of Finn and my sister’s closeness, Eloise couldn’t bear it anymore. Her sharp nails dug into her palms as she tore off the facade of sisterly harmony. “I’m really fed up! You’re not better than me in any way. Why do our parents always compare me to you?” Eloise fiercely wiped away her tears, her gaze fierce. “When I was young, I didn’t understand why our parents always hit you. I felt sorry for you but didn’t dare to resist them, fearing they’d treat me the same way one day.” “Later, I realized it. The one favored isn’t important, nor is the one ignored. What’s important is that the family needs a scapegoat.” “Sage, do you know? Every time they treated you like that, I couldn’t sleep at night from fear, and my heart ached! I studied desperately, trying to improve myself to have more value in their eyes, so they’d continue choosing you as the scapegoat.” Eloise covered her face in pain, her body trembling. “They love me because I have value. You love me hoping I’d speak for you. Only Finn loves me because he would protect me with his life.” “When I was bullied as a child, he was the only one who, despite having no relation to me, would do anything to protect me.” Eloise’s beautiful face was full of tears, her eyes red. “I won’t let anyone take him away!” No one knew how scared she was inside. Every time Sage was beaten, the connection between the twins made her feel Sage’s pain. She knew that if she lost her value, their parents would treat her like Sage. Only Finn could offer her a moment of relief from the fear and suffocation. But why, why take Finn away, why leave her in complete darkness? I’m unable to proceed with the translation as it appears there is no text provided. Could you please supply the Chinese text that needs translating? 4. I recall what Eloise mentioned. There was a group of boys in our neighborhood who enjoyed picking on others. Back then, Eloise was pretty but shy, making her an easy target for their antics. Whenever I tried to defend my sister, I’d end up getting bullied too.

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On my wedding day, it was exposed that I was tied to the murder of my fiancé’s father. He publicly called off the wedding and placed the ring on my cousin’s finger. I walked down the aisle, scorned by everyone. The hundred billion CEO gave a villa as a dowry to marry me in public, blocking everyone’s mouth. Deeply moved, I accepted. Three years later, I joyfully brought my ultrasound report to his office, only to overhear him talking with his close friend Jude and my cousin. “Are you two betting on whose child it will be? I can’t wait to see her reaction.” It turned out I was just a pawn in their game. Wiping away my tears, I called his business rival, “I have something you want and a million-dollar deal. Interested?” Laughter filled the office, chilling me to the core. “Finn really spoils me. The murder accusation was your doing. She always wanted to have a child with you, not knowing you swapped her fertility pills for birth control.” “If I weren’t curious about whose child it would be, she wouldn’t even have a chance to be a mother.” Finn adjusted his glasses, “Both have a 50% chance of winning. Maybe we should bet on who wins. The loser has to buy at least three villas on the most expensive land for Cora.” Concerned about their pride, they agreed. Cora toyed with my private photos, sitting on the desk, laughing. “I took these photos on the spot, can’t wait to see her face when she finds out the truth.” Finn placed his glasses on the desk with a touch of malice. “No one lets her know!” Cora, with a hint of jealousy, said, “Finn, feeling sorry for her?” “Not quite, just afraid she’ll abort once she knows, making the bet pointless,” Finn replied, engrossed in his papers. The photos annoyed him, so he tossed them precisely outside the door. Quickly, I grabbed the photos and walked out. Everyone’s gaze felt like I was exposed. Back home, I downed a glass of strong liquor. The fiery taste hit my stomach, and tears streamed down. The words from the office replayed in my mind. The day before the wedding, I received an anonymous package. The text and photos exposed my father as a murderer, with the victim being my fiancé’s father. After seeing it, he hugged me and said, “Let’s not let the previous generation’s matters affect us.” But at the wedding, the screen showed the text and photos. His abandonment turned me into an outcast. Finn appeared, offering a villa’s deed as a dowry to marry me, silencing everyone. He claimed he loved me and would never marry another if he couldn’t marry me. His determined gaze moved me. Now, I realize it was all part of their game. No wonder, on the wedding day, Cora looked at me with that strange smile. She mocked my foolishness, proud to have me as her plaything. I once endured bitter medicine hoping for his child. Every night, he handed me milk, and I drank it, unaware of the switch. These three years of companionship were just Finn’s act to gain my trust. Familiar perfume enveloped me from behind, a hand resting on my belly. “I heard you went to the hospital today. Are you pregnant?” Holding the glass I drank from, he said, “If you are, you shouldn’t drink.” Seeing my red eyes, he asked, “Who made my beloved wife cry? I’ll teach them a lesson.” He wiped my tears carelessly. He then asked the maid to remove all the alcohol, telling me to punish anyone I disliked. I shook my head; they were innocent. But he had the maid taken to feed the tigers.

I tried to stop it, but he took me to see it firsthand. “She failed to watch you and let you near alcohol, she deserves it.” His words decided life and death. The bloody scene made me nauseous, and I rushed to the restroom. He looked at me with genuine concern, a stark contrast to his office demeanor. “Let’s go to the hospital. Seeing you like this, I feel bad too.” I stared at his seemingly deep affection and nodded. At the hospital, Cora and Jude were at the obstetrics entrance. The next second, he told the doctor to perform amniocentesis. I realized their intention. The doctor, shocked, said, “The child is just forming, anesthesia can’t be used, it will harm the mother.” “Do it anyway,” his words pushed me into despair. As he approached, I hoped for support. Instead, he reassured, “It’s just to check the child’s health.” I almost applauded his acting skills. Inside, I heard him eagerly tell the doctor, “Check our DNA too.” Outside, people whispered, “No wonder she came for DNA so early. She must’ve done something shameful.” “No anesthesia, it’s definitely not her husband’s child.” The doctor’s demeanor changed to rough indifference. Enduring pain, I slowly exited. The doctor said the report would take a week. Finn wanted to carry me to the car, but Cora left without looking back. Jude followed her, and Finn tossed me aside to chase Cora. Clutching my belly, I struggled to the hospital entrance, blocked by passersby. “How much for a night? Pregnant women must be fun.” “She’s free!” I boarded the waiting car, enduring the insults. Returning home, I found my beloved dog dead in the rain. I ran to hold it. In the distance, I saw Finn bandaging Cora’s wound. After hearing from his men, he glanced at me before returning to Cora. He brought her over, looking down at me. “That mad dog bit Cora, so it’s silenced.” Red-eyed, I said, “It’s always been gentle, never bitten anyone.” Cora weakly caressed her bitten hand, “Nora, are you accusing me of falsely blaming the dog?” “I don’t even know if I should get a rabies vaccine.” Finn waved, and the dog was thrown into the trash. I screamed, “No.” “Nora, it’s just a dog. If you want, I’ll have someone buy another.” Then he left with Cora. The dog was a birthday gift from my parents. I’d told him. Now, because of Cora, it could never accompany me again. I ignored them, retrieving the dog from the trash, giving it a proper burial in the rain.

Inside, I saw his forgotten phone on the table. Ignoring my wet clothes, I unlocked it with Cora’s birthday. Their sweet wallpaper stung my heart. In Snapchat, a pinned chat caught my eye. I clicked it. The screen was filled with their conversations about me. The man I was to marry caught Cora’s eye. Unable to take him openly, she used underhanded means. My fiancé’s father was indeed murdered. But evidence was fabricated to frame my family, leaving my father restless in his grave. Further down, I saw videos of my intimacy in Cora’s hands, and Finn’s message crushed me. “She’s not as good as you. You know how to please.” Cora: “Then come over tonight. It’s your good brother’s turn there.” I pressed on, anger fueling me, ignoring the cold. Two days ago, I learned they long targeted my dog. Cora: “Your dog always barks at me. I’m scared.” Finn: “Come here, then I have a reason to deal with it.” I never imagined those words came from him. Seeing the chat album made my blood freeze. He once urgently needed a necklace for his younger cousin. I agreed, except for my most cherished one. He said, “Wife, you’re so kind. She’s lucky to have a sister-in-law like you.” Now, the necklace hung intact around Cora’s neck. Disbelieving, I checked the cabinet. It was gone. It was my mother’s gift for my 18th birthday. Staring at the photo, Cora’s arm bore a scar similar to mine. I knew her well, she never had scars. Before, we were the closest of cousins. I shared everything with her. After telling her about saving a bloodied Chinese in the Boundless Country, she distanced herself. Busy with work, I didn’t investigate. When we met again, she was Finn’s sworn sister, harboring hatred for me. I finally understood, “So that’s it.” Finn never knew my arm bore a scar, hidden with foundation. Checking the time, I guessed he’d soon return for his phone. I called his business rival. I used to be closest to my cousin, sharing everything with her first. But ever since I told her I saved an injured person in the Boundless Country, she grew distant. Busy with work, I didn’t look into it, and when I saw her again, she had become Finn’s adopted sister, looking at me with deep resentment. I instantly understood, “So that’s how it is.” Finn never knew about the scar on my arm, concealed with foundation. I glanced at the time, knowing he’d soon return for his phone. I dialed his business rival. “I can give you what you want and a million-dollar deal. Are you interested?” “What’s the catch?” “Kidnap me the day after tomorrow.” I gently touched my belly, “Finn will willingly pay for it.” Just as I put the phone down, he walked in, glaring at the phone. He hated anyone messing with his belongings. His demeanor was hostile as he looked at me, “You know everything?” I feigned ignorance, “What should I know?” Finn, seeing my soaked clothes, urged me to change. He didn’t forget to mention he had just taken Cora for a rabies vaccine. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I pulled at my skin, unable to smile. Messages on the phone replayed in my mind. I scrubbed myself clean, washing for an entire hour. Just as I came out dressed, I ran into Finn heading in. “I was worried you’d faint since you were in there so long.” “You’re not alone now, you’re two people. Don’t be reckless next time.” Before I could respond, he left in a hurry with his men. I started preparing the divorce agreement and recording.

I went out to the garden for some air, only to be dragged down by Cora. “How dare you treat me like this? I’m carrying Finn’s child.” She sat on the swing, looking down at me provocatively. “I had a friend rush the report; I’ll tell you first.” “The child could be anyone’s but definitely not Finn’s.” Hearing the known truth again pierced my heart. My eyes reddened, glaring at her. “The child I’m carrying is definitely Finn’s! If he knew, he wouldn’t spare you.” Cora laughed, crushing my face. “They’re betting on whose child it is in your belly. The loser has to buy me a villa.” “Turns out the child isn’t theirs but someone else’s.” I wanted to argue, but Jude walked over and pinched Cora’s waist. In my shocked gaze, he picked her up onto the swing, kissing her deeply. “To tell you the truth, when it was my turn, I found a beggar.” “Even a beggar can be with you. If not a bus, then what?” “Who knows whose child is in your belly!” While I was stunned, Jude kicked me, and two voices shouted simultaneously. Cora fell off the swing, and I looked on, confused. Finn had returned at some point, rushing to her side to help her up. “Are you okay? How could you be so careless?” Cora tearfully accused me. “Nora tampered with the swing, causing me to fall.” “Yes, and she also said the child is a bastard, isn’t that insulting you?” Jude quickly added. “Do you dare claim this child is yours?” I glared at Finn, eyes red. “` Feeling guilty under my gaze, he stammered, “It’s not mine! Then whose is it?” “This isn’t an excuse for you to hurt Cora!”

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