Category: English

Aria Collins had a secret that everyone knew – she was in love with her adoptive uncle, Ethan Foster. At eight years old, when she was nearly strangled to death by bullies at school, it was Ethan who saved her and insisted on severely punishing the wealthy troublemakers. At twelve, when she got her first period, Ethan mistakenly thought she was sick or injured. He frantically abandoned a multi-million dollar business deal to rush back and take her to the hospital, where they both awkwardly received an impromptu sex ed lesson from the doctor. At fifteen, Aria ran away from home and accepted a classmate’s confession when Ethan didn’t make it back in time for her birthday party. Ethan found her at a hotel and flew into a rage, smashing expensive decor in a frenzy. On her eighteenth birthday, Aria confessed her feelings to Ethan. He responded by darkly remaining silent. The next day, he called a press conference and publicly broadcast a video of her confession on a big screen, condemning her for disregarding moral ethics and family values. After Aria was viciously attacked on social media for three days straight, Ethan coldly sent her to a behavioral reform school. After enduring a year of hellish conditions that made her wish she was dead, Aria had barely been released when Ethan demanded she donate a kidney to his fiancée. The same Aria who had once thrown the entire Foster family into chaos over Ethan’s scandalous affairs now quietly nodded in agreement. She thought to herself, “Now we’re even.”

“I’ll do it,” Aria said softly. A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Ethan’s eyes as he nodded approvingly. “It seems this past year has indeed taught you to be more sensible. Very well, it’s decided then.” Beside him, Sophia smiled. “Thank you, Aria.” Aria stared intently at the woman in front of her. It was because of Sophia’s instigation that she had struggled through a year of hell. And now she was expected to donate a kidney to her? She gritted her teeth, barely able to speak after a long moment. “However, I have two conditions.” Ethan’s expression immediately darkened. He instinctively moved to shield Sophia behind him. “If you have any grievances, take them out on me. Don’t hurt Sophia. And if you’re thinking I’ll marry you, forget it!” Aria let out a bitter laugh, cutting him off. “My first condition is that I want to change rooms, to the guest room on the second floor. As for the second condition…I’ll tell you in three days.” In three days was the dance competition preliminary round. The winner would get a scholarship, and Ethan was one of the judges. Ethan looked suspicious, but since Sophia’s condition was urgent, he ultimately agreed. Aria signed the donation agreement. Ethan quickly made arrangements for the surgery. But just as everything was ready, the doctor came running over with the test results. “Mr. Foster, Miss Collins has too many wounds on her body. She’s weak and severely malnourished. None of her health indicators meet the standards for surgery.” Ethan frowned, only now noticing how battered Aria’s body was. After looking her up and down, he said coldly: “I understand. You may go.” After the doctor left, he deigned to give Aria a glance. “Aria Collins, put your silly tricks away. Get your body healthy. You must have the surgery in seven days!” Aria watched Ethan walk away with his arm around Sophia. Her heart clenched painfully. He actually thought her inability to have surgery was some kind of ploy. But weren’t all these injuries inflicted because of him? The year in reform school, they made her sleep next to the toilet, eat food mixed with excrement. When they were in a bad mood, they would beat and verbally abuse her at will. Slamming her head against the wall was a common occurrence. There was hardly an uninjured spot left on her body. As soon as she got out of reform school, she was roughly shoved into a car by a group of bodyguards and taken to the hospital. Not only did she learn Ethan had a fiancée, but she was also told to donate a kidney to Sophia. In the end, it was all her fault. Aria thought that perhaps she really had been wrong. She shouldn’t have fallen in love with Ethan Foster. She took off the filthy, stinking reform uniform covered in blood stains, and changed into the clean clothes the nurse gave her. Under the scorching sun, she walked for a full three hours before reaching home. When she opened the door, she was greeted by endless coldness. The Foster family’s servants and security guards had all been replaced with new ones. Seeing her arrive, they were all startled. Then they immediately picked up weapons and aimed them at her. “Where did this beggar come from? This is the Foster residence. Go beg somewhere else.” Aria was being pushed out the door when Ethan happened to hear the commotion and poked his head out from upstairs. The head of security respectfully explained: “Young Master, it’s our fault for being careless and disturbing you and Miss Evans. We’ll get rid of this beggar right away.” With that, he shoved Aria hard. Caught off guard, Aria’s foot slipped and she tumbled down the stairs. Ethan acted as if he hadn’t seen anything, his face showing irritation at being disturbed. “Let her in. She’s a girl I adopted years ago. She’ll be living here from now on.” Ethan arranged everything for her from his lofty position, but his gaze never once landed on her. Aria silently got up from the ground and followed the servant to the guest room across the hall. This room was the farthest from Ethan’s, which was why she had asked to be moved here. After showering, Aria made a phone call. “Teacher, I agree to go abroad as a dance exchange student.”

“Aria, are you sure you want to go? Although it’s officially an exchange program for dance students, it’s actually a three-year closed training known as the ‘dance world’s reform school’! Every year people drop out because they can’t handle it.” “Once I submit your name to the school, it can’t be withdrawn. Think it over carefully.” Faced with her teacher’s questioning, Aria still nodded firmly. “Teacher, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll go.” As long as she could get away from Ethan Foster, she would go through fire and water. How could it be worse than a year in prison? The teacher sighed lightly. “Alright then, you’ll leave in seven days.” Seven days? Aria was taken aback. “By the way, does your uncle know about this? He used to handle all your affairs with me. Is he going abroad with you this time?” She didn’t know how to respond to that. After a long silence, she finally replied in a low voice. “He can’t go.” Just as she finished speaking, the door was pushed open. Aria quickly hung up the phone and met Ethan’s gaze. He came in carrying a glass of warm milk and dinner, which he set down on the coffee table. “I can’t go? Go where?” Aria flipped her phone face down, startled as she stood up. But when she saw the food, she reflexively rushed over and knelt down, pouring the milk into the bowl and then dumping it all into her pocket. Then she kowtowed to Ethan three times, saying over and over: “Please don’t hit me, I haven’t eaten in a week.” Ethan was shocked by this scene, disgust evident in his voice. “Aria Collins! What are you doing now!” “If it wasn’t to get your body healthy so you can donate a kidney to Sophia as soon as possible, I absolutely wouldn’t have let you out in your current state!” “Do you want to go back in there?” Ethan stormed out, slamming the door behind him. The anger surging through him nearly broke through his self-control. Actually, the first moment he saw Aria today, his heart ached terribly. The little girl he once cherished and protected had been tortured to skin and bones, completely losing her former adorable appearance. But he couldn’t allow that kind of immoral relationship to happen, so he hardened his heart to teach her a lesson. He thought that after he married Sophia and everything was settled, she would still be his most precious girl. After Ethan left, Aria gradually came back to her senses. This wasn’t the reform school. She was back home. Aria went through her nightly routine mechanically. From time to time, the sound of a woman’s gasps and moans could be heard from the room across the hall. Without thinking, she knew how intense it must be in there. Perhaps they were deliberately letting her hear. The woman’s voice became increasingly clear. But Aria hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in so long that she fell into a deep slumber within minutes. The next morning when she woke up, she smelled the aroma of delicious food wafting up from downstairs. She had just sat down at the dining table when Sophia smiled and poured a glass of wine. Then under Aria’s gaze, she downed it in one gulp. Sophia’s body immediately began turning red at an alarming rate, breaking out in hives all over. Aria looked at her with concern. “Don’t you know you’re allergic to alcohol? I’ll go call the family doctor.” Sophia gave her an inscrutable smile, then suddenly cried out. “Ethan, help!” Ethan rushed over. Sophia’s tears immediately began falling. “Aria, I don’t know why you forced me to drink. I clearly said I’m allergic to alcohol and can’t have even a drop.” Aria opened her mouth to explain, but was angrily cut off by Ethan. “I warned you last night to keep your dirty thoughts to yourself! If anything happens to Sophia, I absolutely won’t let you off!” “Keep an eye on her until I get back!” Ethan anxiously picked Sophia up and rushed out the door. Everything happened so fast that Aria had no time to react. It wasn’t until she met Sophia’s provocative gaze that she realized she had fallen into Sophia’s trap. Sophia was certain Ethan wouldn’t listen to any of her explanations right now, and she was right. Aria’s eyes darkened, a hint of self-mockery in them. Just how confident and fearless must Sophia be to drink that glass of wine without hesitation? In the year she spent in reform school, Ethan had completely become another woman’s man. Aria no longer harbored any lingering attachment. She got up and went upstairs to pack her bags.

It took Aria all afternoon to move everything related to Ethan to the empty lot outside the villa. On top was a storybook, the first gift Ethan ever gave her. When she first came to the Foster home, she had nightmares every night. It was Ethan who cradled this storybook, reading stories to lull her to sleep. She could recite every story in it by heart. Next to it was the little bicycle Ethan gave her as an apology after making her angry. Ethan thought the bicycle took up too much space and suggested throwing it away, but she insisted on keeping it in her room. Ethan had joked, “I’ll probably have to buy another villa soon, just to store all these gifts.” Aria’s eyes reddened as she thought about it. The bicycle held too many of their memories. Ethan teaching her to ride, her never fearing falls because his hands were always there to catch her. When she was finally able to ride on the road, Ethan would drive his car slowly right next to the bike lane to protect her. At her feet was a ceramic mug Ethan had made himself, next to a portrait she had drawn of him, and beside that an unsent love letter. Eleven years of companionship had occupied most of her life. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t attached, but Aria knew that clinging on would only hurt herself in the end. She and Ethan could never be together. Thinking of this, she wiped away the tears in the corners of her eyes and tossed a lit match onto the pile. The flames grew higher and higher, the past turning to ash and scattering in the wind. Ethan, who had just returned with some soup for Sophia, happened to witness this scene. The fire blazed higher than Aria herself, as if it would consume her whole. Seeing this, Ethan rushed over and pulled Aria into his arms. “Aria Collins! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!” Falling into that familiar broad chest, Aria was jolted out of her reverie. The next second, Ethan roughly pushed her away, his face cold. “You really are good at manipulation. I can’t believe I fell for your tricks again! If you continue to be so stubborn, I’ll send you right back where you came from!” As Ethan turned to leave, Aria saw his eyes were as cold as ice. Back in the villa, Aria went upstairs to practice dancing. Tomorrow was the dance competition preliminary round. To get the scholarship, she had to win first place. Ignoring the pain from her wounds, she danced gracefully in the studio. Time passed, night fell. Finishing practice, Aria collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath. Her body ached all over, but she felt every second was full of hope. “I’ll take you there tomorrow.” It wasn’t until Ethan spoke that she realized someone was standing in the doorway. “I agreed to your request, but if your body can’t handle it, I’ll call it off immediately.” Aria’s eyes dimmed slightly as she nodded. Then she put the painkiller syringe she had prepared into her bag. She didn’t realize this small action would end up helping her in a big way. The next day at the competition venue, Ethan was present as a judge. Before the competition, he stood in the center of the crowd with his arm around Sophia, basking in everyone’s flattery. “My goodness! What a perfect match! Miss Evans was a dance prodigy in her youth, winning countless awards. She’s sure to take first place this time!” “Is she also competing for the exchange student spot? If so, she could just bat her eyelashes at Mr. Foster and go as a regular student. That way she wouldn’t have to suffer through being an exchange student!” “Miss Evans is too upright for such underhanded methods. If she wanted to study abroad, top schools would be fighting over her.” Sophia smiled charmingly in Ethan’s arms. Aria silently watched all of this. She had to admit, Sophia was naturally talented at dance. It was after watching one of Sophia’s classical dance performances that Ethan had first taken notice of her. The two grew closer and eventually became a couple. Ethan thought Aria’s insistence on learning dance was an attempt to emulate Sophia and win his heart. On her 18th birthday, Aria happened to choose the same classical dance piece Sophia had performed when Ethan first saw her. So Ethan flew into a rage and sent her to reform school. How laughable that such a vicious woman had made Ethan believe he’d found true love. Ten minutes before the competition, Aria secretly hid in a corner and gave herself a shot of painkillers. Then she returned to the dressing room and put on her dance costume. When it was her turn to go on stage, the medication had taken effect and she felt no pain, allowing her to give a stable performance. As the dance ended, Aria bowed and prepared to leave the stage. But a searing pain suddenly shot through her foot. The next second, she gasped and collapsed to the ground. Looking down, she saw her dance shoe had been dyed red with blood. She took it off to find a needle sticking out of the sole of her foot!

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296538”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

My fiancé became infatuated with the nanny’s daughter, and to elevate her status, he trampled over me. On our engagement day, 99 potential brides each received a tablet. Whoever was fastest would become his wife, a supposed method to find his soulmate. Yet, I knew the tablets had been tampered with. This absurd engagement ceremony was engineered to ensure a single, predetermined bride. In my previous life, I presented the family agreement and halted this charade, severing any opportunity for others to ascend. The following day, the nanny’s daughter took her own life, leaving no intact body behind. On the wedding day, my fiancé held her urn and set our bridal suite ablaze, with me trapped inside. Glaring into the flames, he declared with rage, “Cora, I’ve avenged you.” “You didn’t have a complete body, so I won’t leave her with even ashes.” “I’ll make her pray for you here for eternity!” He hired a Feng Shui master to bind my soul to the bridal suite, never to reincarnate. Yet perhaps the gods of the underworld could not bear my unjust death, and I was reborn on the day he chose his supposed soulmate.

“Congratulations to Cora for winning with a speed of 0.09 seconds and becoming Jasper’s chosen one.” The host’s fervent announcement brought a smile to Jasper’s face on stage. Today should have been our engagement celebration, yet to be with Cora, he staged a “fastest fingers first” event. Ninety-nine women each with a tablet; the fastest would join the Jasper Family as a wealthy wife. This move clearly disregarded our previous engagement. In my past life, I desperately stopped this spectacle with the agreement between my late parents and the Jasper Family, forcing him to honor the engagement. But it ended in tragedy for me. Now, with a new lease on life, amidst the mocking gazes, I stepped forward, took Cora’s hand, and placed it in Jasper’s. “Congratulations.” With that, I turned and left the stage. Jasper seemed taken aback by how smoothly things went and only after a long pause did he remember to pick up the microphone, announcing, “Thank you all for witnessing the moment I chose my destined one.” Hearing his words, I merely curled my lips in irony. The term “destined” was truly galling when applied to them. The tablet’s program had been preset; no matter how fast the other candidates were, they were doomed to lose. I sat below the stage, witnessing their entire ceremony. Throughout, Jasper’s gaze frequently glanced my way, unsure if I truly agreed to the annulment so easily. I certainly wouldn’t let it go. Having been reborn, I intended to make them pay dearly for their wrongs. As the ceremony concluded and Jasper and Cora exited, I stepped forward to block Mr. Jasper’s path. “Uncle, isn’t your family being too oppressive?” Guests were leaving, but my voice was loud enough for those in the front rows to pause. “Ah, this Lark Family girl is truly pitiful. Lost her parents early, and now a nanny’s daughter has stolen her fiancé.” “With no one left in the Lark Family, is she still a lady?” “The Jasper Family is bullying Maeve because she’s all alone.” “Even lost her job at the hospital because of them… poor girl!” … With murmurs behind me, I stood straight. “Uncle, though my parents are gone, the marriage agreement with the Jasper Family is signed.” “It was only because of that agreement that my mother handed over the pharmaceutical company to you, and now you’re breaking it…” Before I could finish, a sharp voice interrupted. “You little brat, how two-faced can you be?” “In front of guests, you pretended to congratulate Cora and Jasper, now you’re playing dirty behind their backs.” I looked at the familiar face holding a newborn, sneering. It was Nora, my former nanny and Cora’s mother. A year ago, she had a son with a small businessman in the capital, not marrying him but living as a wealthy woman, no longer needing to serve others. Now that Cora had latched onto the Jasper Family, she was in her prime. Those who once looked down on her had to call her Mrs. Nora. Now, holding a child, she had no filter. “Look at yourself, cursed by fate, killing your parents and even Jasper’s grandmother because of you.” “You still want to marry Jasper? Aren’t you afraid of cursing him to death?” I scoffed at her, as if I’d snatch her golden goose, and said, “Who says fulfilling the marriage agreement means marrying Jasper? Doesn’t the Jasper Family have another son?”

“You mean Jasper’s bedridden, comatose brother, Finn?” Nora froze, then vehemently opposed, “No, I disagree.” I glanced at her, then spoke with a tearful tone, “Aunt Nora, can’t you tolerate me? Your daughter stole my engagement, can’t I marry someone else?” The guests, mostly genuine socialites, abhorred mistresses. Hearing my words, they began to criticize. “Some people should know their place. Who is she to speak here?” “What’s that smell? Do you smell it? A fox’s stink?” … Nora remained unfazed by the snide remarks. To reach her current status, she’d long discarded shame. Realizing her overreaction, she tried to cozy up to me. “Maeve, I watched you grow up.” “How could Aunt let you suffer?” “You don’t know how hard it is to care for a bedridden person…” She kept persuading me not to marry, forgetting Mr. Jasper beside her. No father likes hearing others speak ill of his son. He cleared his throat, casting a cold glance. Realizing her mistake, Nora quickly fell silent, blending into the crowd. Mr. Jasper focused on me, asking sincerely, “Maeve, are you serious about what you just said?” Finn had always been groomed as the successor, but a year ago, a car accident left him paralyzed and semi-conscious. The blow was hard for Mr. Jasper, but he had to shift focus to Jasper, as the family needed an heir. He’d planned to care for Finn in the hospital for life, but hearing my willingness to marry him brought tears to his eyes. I nodded, and he promptly agreed, “I’ll arrange it, and we’ll have the wedding with Jasper.” I didn’t expect Mr. Jasper to plan it this way, but the wedding date didn’t matter. What mattered was the leverage Finn had over Cora. I initially guessed, but Nora’s attitude confirmed that Finn’s injury was suspicious. … With my goal achieved, I returned home. Jasper’s wedding was set for a week later; I needed to prepare. Unexpectedly, my long-empty Lark Family villa was filled with laughter. “Come catch me, Jasper…” “Nope, I’m not there…” I rushed to the second floor, following the sound. Through the door crack, I saw Cora’s “Jasper brother” had caught her in my bedroom. They were laughing, playing. Jasper’s hand was under Cora’s clothes, and fearing they’d escalate on my bed, I kicked the door open. “Can’t you pick a place to fool around? Get out.” Jasper withdrew his hand, coughing, while Cora showed no embarrassment at being caught. Instead, she tearfully nestled into Jasper’s arms. “Jasper, she used to drive me away like this.” “If not for her, would we have missed so many years?” When Nora first came to work, she brought newborn Cora. No one wanted a nanny with a child, but my parents took them in, thinking I’d have a playmate. The Lark Family and Jasper Family were close, so young Jasper often visited. We were the best playmates. Who knew we’d grow to be like this? Cora’s voice was sorrowful, seemingly heartbroken. “Jasper, I’m so afraid of losing you again.” Jasper comforted her, “It’s okay, Cora. We’re getting married soon. We’ll be together forever.” Then, looking at me, his eyes were filled with disdain. “Maeve, do you think I care about coming to this cursed Lark place?” “If Cora didn’t want to relive childhood memories, who’d come?” He spoke with disdain, as if he wanted no connection with me. Yet, as a child, in the same place, he said only I could be his bride. Those days were gone. He was now a stranger. I didn’t want to waste words and directly grabbed Cora from the bed. “Get off my bed.” I used great force, so even as Jasper held her, I pulled her down. I dragged her to the door, but Cora suddenly hooked her foot on a bookshelf. The shelf wobbled, and the books tumbled down.

Certainly, here is the adapted translation: — As a child, in that very same place, he confidently declared that only I was worthy to be his bride. But those days are long gone, and now he is just a stranger to me. I didn’t want to waste any more words on them, so I reached out and pulled Cora off my bed. “Get off my bed.” I used all my strength, and even though Jasper held onto Cora, I managed to pull her down. I dragged her toward the door, but just as we reached it, Cora suddenly stuck out her foot and hooked the bookshelf by the entrance. The bookshelf wobbled, and ancient books came crashing down. 3 I couldn’t spare a thought for Cora. Letting go of her, I used both hands to try to catch the falling ancient books. There were too many, thick and heavy, and I only managed to catch one. The rest fell directly onto Cora. Cora cried out in pain and ran to Jasper to accuse me, but I was only worried about the scattered ancient medical books on the floor. These were unique copies left to me by Grandma Jasper, her treasured possessions while she was alive. She entrusted them to me for safekeeping, and I had failed to protect them. For a moment, I was overwhelmed with guilt. But just as I was anxiously trying to gather the books, a large hand suddenly snatched the book from my grasp. Jasper, with a dark expression, said, “Didn’t you see your books hit Cora? Apologize.” I clenched my fists tightly. “She tripped the bookshelf herself.” If she hadn’t hooked the bookshelf with her foot, it wouldn’t have fallen. Hearing this, Cora’s eyes shone with cunning. “Jasper, the books really hurt me. How about we burn them?” Jasper frowned slightly but, after glancing at the old and worn cover of the book, immediately agreed. “Sure, these old books dared to hurt my baby; we might as well burn them.” Saying this, he actually took out a lighter from his pocket and headed toward the balcony outside my room. “These are the books your grandma left me,” I tried to appeal to Jasper’s conscience. The hatred in Jasper’s eyes deepened. “My grandma died because of you. What right do you have to keep her things? Why not burn them for her!” Grandma Jasper’s death is a lifelong sorrow in my heart. I’ve explained many times, but no one believes me. Right now, I just want to keep the last things Grandma Jasper left me. “No,” I followed them to the balcony, jogging. “I apologize. I’m sorry, Cora, I shouldn’t have pulled you.” Cora looked down at me with mockery. “Kneel.” Kneel to her? I’ve never even knelt to my parents. Seeing my reluctance, Cora snatched the lighter from Jasper’s hand. With a “whoosh,” the flame flickered, just a centimeter away from the ancient books. “No…” My eyes widened as I reached out to grab them. Cora stepped back, bringing the flame even closer to the books. “Kneel!” she commanded. Watching the ancient books get closer to the flame, I had no choice but to kneel in humiliation before Cora. “Hahaha… Maeve, you finally got what you deserve!” Cora laughed heartily and urged Jasper to take a picture. I couldn’t avoid the camera, squeezing out a few words through gritted teeth, “The books… can I have them now?” “Of course, I always keep my word.” Saying this, Cora smiled maliciously, and suddenly brought her hands together, letting the flames engulf the ancient books. “Stop!” I frantically tried to snatch them away. She disdainfully threw the burning books at me and then retreated into Jasper’s arms, feigning fear. “Jasper, the fire is so big, I’m scared.” “Do you think I’m cruel? I’m just mad at her for making us miss so many years.” Jasper consoled her, “Of course not. It’s just a few old books. Who cares if they hurt my baby?” “Does it still hurt? Let me get you some ointment.” Saying this, Jasper took Cora and left my room. I was left alone, desperately facing the ancient books about to be consumed by flames. I frantically grabbed the nearby garden hose and sprayed the half-height flames. But paper is flammable, and by the time I put out the fire, the ancient books were unrecognizable. I was afraid a gust of wind would scatter what little was left of the books. So, ignoring the heat from the charred remains, I picked up the remaining pages one by one. By the time I brought all the ancient books back inside, my fingers were covered in blisters. I went to the living room to find a first aid kit for bandaging, but Jasper and Cora were nowhere to be seen. After a simple bandage, I took my phone and left. With the wedding approaching, I needed to visit my bedridden fiancé at the hospital.

When I arrived, the nurse was changing the medication. I immediately noticed the color was off and asked the nurse to show it to me. The nurse handed it to me, saying, “This is a new drug from Jasper Corporation, said to be twice as effective as before.” “Is that so?” I examined the medicine closely. “Did your doctors also tell you the toxins are several times higher than before?” The nurse looked alarmed. “Miss Maeve, you shouldn’t say such things. This is the Jasper family hospital. How could we harm the eldest young master?” I knew this drug was not something a small nurse could procure, so I waved her off without causing trouble. Unexpectedly, as soon as she left, Cora walked in. “Maeve, you have quite the reach, don’t you? Meddling with what drugs Finn uses?” “Do you really think you’re a miracle doctor? Why didn’t you save Grandma Jasper back then?” She had just burned Grandma Jasper’s keepsakes, and hearing her mention Grandma Jasper now made me want to tear her apart. Back then, she insisted she saw me have a conflict with Grandma Jasper, claiming it was my fault Grandma had a stroke. But I hadn’t even seen Grandma Jasper that day. Yet, Jasper only believed her. Seeing me ignore her, Cora snatched the bottle from my hand to continue Finn’s treatment. “Maeve, it’s best not to meddle in others’ affairs.” I blocked Finn with all my might. “Who’s meddling now?” “You, about to marry Jasper, yet appearing in Finn’s room, aren’t you afraid of rumors?” Cora was at a loss for words. “You…” I quickly snatched the bottle and smashed it to the ground, shattering glass and medicine everywhere. The commotion drew attention from outside. Soon, a crowd gathered, and someone called Jasper. Within ten minutes, Jasper appeared in the room. Cora, seeing him like a savior, tearfully ran into his arms. “Jasper, I heard Maeve wouldn’t let brother change his medicine, so I came to check.” “I was afraid of delaying brother’s treatment, but she smashed the medicine bottle.” “I know she’s upset about me marrying you, but she shouldn’t take it out on brother…” With each accusation, Jasper’s anger grew more intense. He grabbed my collar and flung me aside in a rage. Instinctively, I caught myself with my hands, and the shards of glass pierced my freshly bandaged fingers. The pain was excruciating. Jasper’s accusation rang in my ears. “Maeve, it wasn’t enough that you killed my grandma, now you want to kill my brother too?” Saying this, he ordered someone to drag me out like a dead dog. Through the glass, I saw Finn still being administered the medicine. Supporting my battered body, I went to see Mr. Jasper. He was shocked by my appearance and even more startled by my words. He said, fearing problems with the marriage, he hadn’t told Jasper about me marrying Finn. But since I was to spend my life with Finn, he could arrange for me to work as Finn’s personal caregiver at the hospital. I could oversee his medication. Having already lost one son, he couldn’t afford to fall out with Jasper. This was the best he could do. I thanked him and left. … A week later. The whole city was filled with a sweet atmosphere. Today was the wedding day of the Jasper family’s second young master. Every seat on public transportation had a rose. Everyone assumed it was the doing of the Jasper family’s second young master, unaware that Jasper was puzzled, wondering who could outdo his grand gestures. Mr. Jasper had said our wedding would be on the same day as Jasper’s, but not so shabby as to share the same hotel. The top two banquet halls in Kyoto, one in the west and one in the east. By coincidence, the wedding processions met on the road. It could have been uneventful, but Cora insisted on swapping bouquets with me. The window rolled down, and in my bright red wedding attire, I held up my golden bouquet. “Sorry, sister-in-law, my bouquet is made of pure gold, can’t swap it with yours!” Sitting beside her, Jasper’s eyes widened. “You’re getting married today? Who are you marrying?” Finn, who had been resting with his eyes closed, leaned forward slightly. “Marrying me, brother.” “Hey, you’re awake?” Jasper was taken aback, completely missing the fact that Cora beside him had turned pale. Finn ignored him and instructed the driver to start the car, so as not to miss the auspicious time. The car started moving again, but at some point, the car behind us had changed.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296554”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I knew that when the power went out in the ICU at midnight, 200 elderly patients on ventilators would slowly suffocate to death. But at 12:01 AM, when my daughter Emily frantically asked me what to do, I calmly played on my phone, completely unconcerned. That’s because in my previous life, as soon as the power went out, I immediately went to connect the backup power supply and checked on each elderly patient one by one. After finishing, I passed out from exhaustion. At some point, Emily burst in with her colleagues and forcibly dragged me up. “Dad, isn’t saving lives your sacred duty? How could you cruelly murder those elderly patients?” That’s when I learned that all the elderly patients in the ICU had suffocated to death without exception. The police arrested me, saying I was the only one inside and my fingerprints were found on the power switch. Emily produced a video to actively assist the investigation: “My dad often complained that the elderly patients in the ICU were troublesome and wished they would all die.” My wife Linda bitterly accused me, “You killed so many elderly people – you don’t deserve to be a doctor!” Enraged family members of the patients swarmed and beat me to death. I died not understanding – the ventilators were working normally, so how did those elderly patients suffocate? Why did my own daughter produce a fake video to frame me? When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the moment the power went out.

The lights suddenly went dark, and the beeping of the monitors stopped. “Oh no, the power’s out,” I blurted out. Emily pretended to ask anxiously, “Dad, what do we do now?” I calmly turned on my phone’s flashlight and looked around. Emily had just started her medical residency at the hospital where I worked after getting her master’s degree. I had been supervising her. In my previous life, the power also went out at this time. She told me to stay and connect the backup power while she went to report to the hospital director. But she never came back until everything went wrong. “Dad!” Emily stomped her foot impatiently when she saw me not reacting. “What do we do now? If all these elderly patients die, we’re finished!” She knew how serious the situation was, so why did she disappear without a trace last time? Some of the more lucid elderly patients noticed the monitors had gone silent and started calling for help. The patients relying on ventilators to stay alive were struggling to breathe, their faces turning red. I felt terrible for them, but I knew they wouldn’t be in immediate danger, so I continued to feign calm. Emily was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, yelling at me: “You’re the head of the ICU, these are all your patients. Are you really going to just let them die?” In my previous life, I would have rushed to check on the patients and sternly scolded her. But after going through that experience, I was no longer so panicked. I noticed that although she seemed anxious on the surface, her eyes couldn’t hide her malicious intent. I suddenly wondered – could the power outage be related to her? I shrugged and snapped back irritably: “How am I supposed to save them? There are nearly 200 elderly patients in the ICU. Do you expect me to push them all out one by one?” Emily was suddenly at a loss for words, looking very displeased. She spoke even more harshly: “So you’re just going to watch them all die here? Are you even human?” I sat down helplessly and glanced at the elderly patients. “What can I do? It would take over three hours to get all these elderly patients out. This one might die before I can save that one. Whether one dies or a hundred die, I’m screwed either way. Might as well stay here and watch them all die. I’ll take whatever punishment comes.” As I spoke, I gently stroked her face and smiled resignedly. “At least my daughter will be by my father’s side when he dies. I guess my love for you wasn’t wasted after all.” Emily violently pulled her hand away and screamed at me like a madwoman: “You’re insane! You want to drag me down with you? I don’t have a father like you.” With that, she ran away like crazy, looking back as if afraid I would chase after her and implicate her. Watching her fleeing figure, my mood instantly plummeted. I had cherished and doted on her since she was little, but now when trouble came, she abandoned me without a second thought and even said she didn’t have a father like me. More and more elderly patients were calling for help, their voices rising and falling. The situation was growing dire. Looking at the closed door, I smiled bitterly. For a full ten hours, not a single person came from the hospital. It was as if we had been completely abandoned. At 10 AM the next day, family members coming to visit all gathered outside the ICU. Seeing it pitch black inside, they instantly panicked and started shouting. “Why are there no lights at all? Don’t tell me the power’s out?” “Shit, don’t scare me. My dad’s 90 years old and relies entirely on a ventilator. If the power’s out, what will happen to him?” “Let’s break down the door and push the elderly patients out. Maybe we can still save them.” The other family members thought this was a good idea and were about to do it. Just as they were about to break down the door, I opened it from the inside and walked out. “Oh, Dr. James, you’re inside. Then we have nothing to worry about.” “That’s right, I was just about to tell you all. Dr. James has impeccable ethics. With him there, everything will be fine.” “Dr. James, I haven’t had any news about my dad for 7-8 days. How is he doing? Can I see him?” The family members’ eyes were filled with tears. The elderly patients in the ICU were all critically ill. The only filial duty they could fulfill was the weekly visit. Seeing their pleading eyes, I was about to speak when suddenly someone pushed through the crowd and publicly accused me. “James, even if you’re my dad, I absolutely won’t be your accomplice.” “You knew that after the power went out, those 200 elderly patients could die at any moment. Yet you did nothing and watched them suffocate to death with your own eyes. You even wanted to drag me down with you!” “You’re not fit to be a doctor, let alone a father! I’m ashamed of you!” Emily glared at me furiously, as if we had some deep, irreconcilable grudge. She was my own daughter. With her coming forward to accuse me, the family members instantly broke down. Several women collapsed to the ground in despair, covering their faces and wailing loudly. Some men gritted their teeth and glared at me as if they wanted to tear me to pieces. Others had already pushed past me to kick at the door, hoping to save their parents. But it was a steel airtight door with a passcode lock. Only I could open it. Before I could say anything, another person squeezed into the crowd. It was my wife Linda. In my previous life, if I hadn’t drunk the coffee she bought me, I wouldn’t have slept so deeply, and those elderly patients wouldn’t have died so mysteriously. Things were becoming clear. Fine, since you want to frame me, I’ll make sure everyone knows about it.

I shrugged helplessly and said with resignation: “Over 200 elderly patients and just one doctor – how could I save them all?” “I can’t be in multiple places at once. How could I possibly get all your parents out at the same time?” “If I save this one, I can’t save that one. Someone was bound to die. Which of you would be willing to let your own parents stay behind to die?” In my previous life, I had wanted to say this. Back then, I desperately went to connect the backup power supply. But each power unit weighed over 150 pounds. After finishing, I collapsed from exhaustion. When I saw the elderly patients were all safe and sleeping peacefully, I felt it was worth all the hardship and fatigue. But when I woke up, everyone was accusing me of causing the elderly patients to suffocate to death. Even these family members who had just been praising my ethics believed it without a doubt. They beat and kicked me without letting me explain, beating me to death. Saving lives was my duty. I didn’t expect gratitude from everyone. But since they all thought I was a murderer, I might as well not bother. Before I finished speaking, the family members completely lost it. They angrily surged towards me, their imposing manner exactly the same as when they beat me to death in my previous life. Linda saw the moment had come and rushed up to slap me. “James, you’re the head of our ICU. You just received an award last month. How can you be so inhumane?” “Your daughter righteously exposed the truth, but not only do you make excuses, you’re here saying cold-hearted things.” “Who would be willing to let their parents die? Even if you only saved a few, at least it would show you tried your best.” “But you didn’t save a single one. You’re worse than an animal!” Seeing the mother and daughter speaking in perfect unison, I sighed softly and didn’t argue. I wanted to see how they would continue to frame me. Linda gave Emily a look. Emily immediately took out a pre-prepared video and played it for everyone at maximum volume. In the video, I was ranting like a madman, spewing complaints and vicious words. “Looking at you old geezers who won’t die makes me sick.” “You’re all 70 or 80 years old. Why don’t you just die already instead of clinging to life? You’re just wasting air and resources.” “What are you looking at? Sooner or later I’m going to shut off your ventilators and let you all suffocate.” In my previous life, Emily posted this video online, causing outrage across the internet. The family members swarmed me, punching and kicking, slapping my face, even stabbing me with knives, beating me to death. The real culprits were this mother and daughter pair. Coming back to my senses, I still felt pain all over my body. At this point, Linda could no longer hide the wild joy in her eyes, but she still put on a righteous act. “James, I’ve been your wife for 20 years, yet I never realized you were a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” “The whole hospital has power except your unit, and it just happens to be during your shift. You’re the murderer!” Emily shook her head in disappointment. “I don’t have a father like you! You taught me to respect the elderly, but now you’ve killed 200 elderly patients with your own hands. You deserve to be cut into a thousand pieces.” Incited by the mother and daughter, the family members now all had bloodshot eyes, like angry beasts ready to tear me to pieces. “Scum! I treated you like a lifesaving benefactor. Ptooey! You’re not even human.” “You butcher! My mom raised me through thick and thin, and you killed her. I’ll make you pay blood for blood!” “We came from far away for you to save lives. But you killed my dad. I want your life!” The family members who had been kicking the door now surrounded me from behind, about to attack. At this critical moment, a stern shout froze everyone. “Stop!” Everyone turned to look. Seven or eight police officers rushed in, separating the crowd. “Someone reported that a doctor at this hospital abused his position to deliberately kill elderly patients. Who is James? Come with us.” The family members glared at me fiercely, their fingers almost jabbing my face. “It’s this butcher who killed my dad! Arrest him and execute him!” “Why waste words on this scum? Kill him!” “A life for a life. Kill him!” The scene from my previous life was playing out again. It all seemed meticulously planned in advance, with everything falling into place. If I hadn’t lived through this once before, I would surely be at a loss now and fall victim to their scheme again. After calming myself, I looked at the police and said calmly: “I didn’t kill anyone.” “You need evidence to accuse me of murder. Otherwise it’s malicious defamation, and I will pursue legal action!” Linda laughed coldly and immediately smiled ingratiatingly at the police. “Officer, I’m the one who called the police. I’m also his wife Linda and a doctor at this hospital.” “I have ironclad evidence that can prove James killed 200 elderly patients!” Hearing this, the police officers instantly became highly alert. “200 elderly patients? This is no joke. Can you take responsibility for what you’re saying?” Linda patted her chest and said, “The ICU has always had an independent power supply. Even if the whole hospital lost power, it shouldn’t be possible here. But last night the power was out for 10 hours. It must have been deliberate. Also, I can guarantee with 100% certainty that James’ fingerprints will be on the power switch!” Seeing her speak so confidently, the gathered family members became even more enraged and tried to rush forward to hit me. If not for the police officers desperately holding them back, I would have been beaten to death already. Instead of retreating, I stepped forward and shouted: “If you kill me, you’ll never know who really murdered your parents.” Linda and Emily exchanged a glance, both looking a bit guilty, before continuing to shout defiantly. “The evidence is irrefutable. Are you still trying to deny it?” “James, I advise you to confess quickly, or it will only get worse for you!” “Officer, don’t believe my dad’s lies. Every time he does something wrong he refuses to admit it. Take him away quickly.” Some family members who had hesitated after hearing my words now all prostrated themselves, weeping bitterly. “Mom, your son is unfilial. I entrusted you to this heartless beast for treatment, causing you to die tragically.” “Officer, my dad had late-stage cancer. His last wish was to see his family again. Now it’s all been ruined by this animal.” “A life for a life. He killed 200 elderly people. We’ll give him 200 stab wounds, not one less!” Looking at the over 100 wailing family members, the police officer angrily grabbed my arm. “So many people are accusing you of being the murderer.” “James, please come with us to cooperate with our investigation and clear things up.” Seeing him take out handcuffs, I calmly blocked his hand. “I didn’t kill anyone. You have no right to arrest me!” Turning around, I entered the passcode on the lock. Beep. The steel door slowly opened. At this moment, I felt incredibly relieved. It was finally time for me to fight back.

All the elderly patients were lying in their beds, breathing rhythmically, completely unharmed. The lucid patients even turned their heads to look at me, their eyes full of kindness and gratitude. Seeing this, my eyes instantly welled up with tears. Sometimes I really don’t need them to thank me verbally or give me honorary banners. Just one grateful look makes me feel that all my efforts were worthwhile. At this moment, a 90-year-old patient reached out his hand, gesturing for me to come over. After a period of treatment, his condition had clearly improved and he could speak clearly and forcefully. “Dr. James, you’ve worked so hard these past days.” “If you hadn’t saved me in time last night, I surely would have died. Thank you, thank you so much.” The family members who had been cursing me just moments ago were now all struck dumb. They stood rooted to the spot, completely motionless. When they came to their senses, they rushed in to find their parents, eyes brimming with tears, overcome with emotion. “Mom, are you alright?” “Dad, I thought I’d never see you again.” After confirming their parents were alive, many family members knelt down and kowtowed to me. “Dr. James, I’m so sorry for wrongly accusing you.” Others slapped themselves and pounded the ground in remorse. “I’m not human.” “Dr. James, you worked so hard to save my mom, but I believed others’ false accusations and was convinced you killed her. I even shouted about killing you. I’m the one who’s worse than an animal!” Seeing so many people apologizing and begging forgiveness, I quickly told them to get up. Although they beat me to death in my previous life, it was because they had seen their parents actually dead and lashed out in extreme grief. Ultimately, it was Linda and Emily’s fault. They were the true culprits. The police officer who had been about to handcuff me now understood the truth and took the initiative to apologize. “Dr. James, we didn’t investigate thoroughly and almost caused a terrible mistake. We wronged you.” “I sincerely apologize to you. I’m so sorry.” I immediately helped them up, smiling. “It’s alright. It was just a misunderstanding. Now that it’s cleared up, everything’s fine.” “Since the elderly patients are all okay, we’ll be leaving now.” I quickly reached out to stop them, glancing at Linda and Emily. “Officer, now that you can prove I didn’t kill those 200 elderly patients, how should we deal with the people who maliciously slandered me and even produced fake evidence?” The police officer followed my gaze to the mother and daughter pair. He immediately went over to question them: “You insisted when you called that Dr. James killed 200 elderly patients. You even incited these family members to nearly cause him bodily harm.” “How do you explain yourself now?” Linda was startled, her face changing dramatically. She unconsciously took a step back. I had thought she would immediately admit her mistake and beg forgiveness, but I didn’t expect her to continue spewing vicious lies. “Officer, don’t believe his nonsense!” The police officer snorted angrily and pointed at Linda, berating her: “You’re still slandering Dr. James as talking nonsense? The elderly patients are all fine now. Who’s really talking nonsense?” “Also, didn’t you say you had evidence proving Dr. James was the murderer? Where’s the evidence?” “If you can’t produce it, I won’t let you escape legal punishment!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296570”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

My penny-pinching husband publicly auctioned off 365 of my intimate photos to make money. Not only did I not stop him, but I also pulled out a video recording and personally made him watch it thoroughly. However, the moment he saw the video, his face filled with terror, and he fell to his knees begging me for a divorce. After gifting me all his assets, he jumped into the river that night and committed suicide. This incident caused a huge stir, with the entire internet speculating. What exactly was in that video? Countless wealthy strangers were willing to pay high prices with company shares to acquire the video, but I ignored them all. Until my childhood sweetheart, now the richest man in town, proposed to me in grand fashion. At our wedding, I once again brought out that video… My husband Adam was notorious for being a penny-pincher. He wouldn’t let anyone touch his safe. But more than money, he valued his own life above all else. This was a man who would call the doctor for a full checkup over a simple sneeze. Yet after I showed him that video, he not only transferred all his assets to me, but even took his own life. The day after Adam’s death was confirmed, this incident blew up on social media and became a trending topic. “Adam Thompson was known to be extremely frugal. How could he possibly be willing to give up everything?” “Just confess and you’ll be treated leniently. Think carefully before you speak,” the young detective said sternly. He stared intently at my face, trying to warn me not to cover up the truth. I waved my hands anxiously. “I really don’t know, officer. Maybe he felt guilty about how he treated me and wanted to make amends?” I explained the whole sequence of events to them in detail – from Adam auctioning off my private photos with his mistress at an exhibition, to me showing him the video and watching him kneel and beg for divorce. “Impossible. From what we’ve learned, Adam wouldn’t even pay for groceries out of his own pocket,” the female officer beside him said with a grim expression. She glanced at a file and continued, “He even made the girls he cheated with pay for the hotel rooms and condoms.” “What exactly did you show him?” she demanded. “It really was just an adult video starring me, officer,” I said. I knew every word I spoke was the truth. Unable to get any useful information from me, the police had no choice but to end their interrogation. I returned to my apartment complex. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I found a crowd of reporters already gathered outside my door. “Ms. Brooks, your husband auctioned off your private photos for profit. Don’t you hate him for that?” “He didn’t do anything worth hating. And I really don’t know why he died,” I replied. Hearing my response, they exchanged excited glances and shoved their microphones closer. “Please tell us, what exactly was in that video?” “What was your purpose in showing the video? Are you sure Adam’s death had nothing to do with you?” “I really don’t know anything!” I cried, trying to dodge their cameras. But they wouldn’t listen and only grew more frenzied. The property management soon heard the commotion and came with some neighbors to drive the reporters away from my door. Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, Adam’s family angrily rushed up to confront me. “Lily Brooks, you killed my son and took all his money. You must pay for his life with your own!” Adam’s mother screamed. “What nonsense are you spouting? Lily’s been a good girl since she was little. She wouldn’t even hurt an ant, how could she possibly kill someone?” “If you ask me, it must be your son who offended the wrong person!” I didn’t say a word as the older ladies drove Adam’s family away with their scolding. No one would believe that I had killed Adam Thompson. Even I myself didn’t understand why he committed suicide after watching that video.

From a young age, I was always well-behaved and obedient. As a daughter, I was filial and never defied my elders. But Adam had been spoiled rotten since childhood, leaving a trail of broken hearts. After marrying into the Thompson family, I treated Adam as my whole world. I never went against his wishes. To satisfy his possessive nature, I would bundle up in layers even on the hottest summer days before going out. So no one believed the adult video I showed Adam was real. They also didn’t believe an ordinary video could kill a man who loved money more than life itself. But only I knew – it was all true. I just had no idea how this video could kill someone. For the next three years, Adam’s family still refused to give up on sending me to prison. They went from causing a scene at my door every day, to falling into despair after the police cleared me of suspicion. They finally accepted the reality that Adam had committed suicide. As for me, within a year of moving back to my old neighborhood, I reunited with my childhood friend Jack, who was now the heir to a business empire. We soon began dating. Three days before our wedding, Jack held me tightly and said, “Lily, I’m finally marrying you. I’ve waited 23 years for this day.” “I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world. I won’t be like your ex-husband at all.” He rested his chin on my shoulder. “If you ask me, your ex must have been fated to die young. A video killing someone? I don’t buy it! Those people will believe any rumor. How could they actually think a video can kill?” He paused, then took my hand and said, “But I have to admit, I’m quite curious too. Is there really something scandalous in that video?” He looked at me cautiously. “Don’t be angry. I’m not blaming you for making that kind of video. I just thought if I watched it, I could help prove the truth.” Jack’s eyes were full of concern. He always believed in me unconditionally like this. “I don’t know. But he really did die after watching the video,” I said quietly. “Don’t overthink it. Adam must have offended someone powerful and that’s why he died. You happened to show the video at that time, so those people used it as an excuse to avoid suspicion,” Jack reassured me. I asked worriedly, “But what if you watch it and end up dying like Adam? What would I do then?” “Marrying you is the luckiest thing to ever happen to me. Even if I die, I have no regrets,” Jack said with a bright smile. I angrily covered his mouth with my hand to stop him from saying such ominous things. After his repeated pleading, I finally nodded in agreement. “But I have one condition – you can’t watch the video alone.” Jack hugged me gently. “As you wish. I’ll watch it at our wedding then.”

At the wedding, countless guests stared at me curiously. “Who would have thought? She lost her husband but managed to marry someone even better.” “I wouldn’t dare marry a woman like that. Who knows when you might die mysteriously.” “It’s been so long, but I still want to know what was in that video. I wonder if we’ll get to see it today…” Adam’s parents had also been invited to attend my wedding. They now looked pale and gaunt, their faces like sheets of paper. But their eyes still held traces of hatred when they looked at me. I ignored it all. I was only thinking about what was about to happen, feeling increasingly nervous. Following the officiant’s blessings, I lifted my dress and walked step by step to Jack’s side. “Now, the bride has a surprise for everyone,” I said with a smile, handing the USB drive to Jack. “That’s right, as you’ve all guessed, this surprise is the mysterious video everyone’s been so curious about.” As soon as I finished speaking, the crowd erupted in whispers. Everyone’s faces showed a mix of fear and excitement. No one dared to step forward. Adam’s parents’ expressions became especially grim. When they saw Jack about to open the file, they suddenly rushed onto the stage shouting, “Don’t watch it! You absolutely must not watch it, it will kill you!” “She’s the real murderer, arrest her quickly! Wasn’t killing my son enough for you? Do you want to keep hurting more people?” Adam’s mother glared at me fiercely, her eyes filled with hatred like she wanted to devour me whole. “I really don’t know why he died. I didn’t kill him!” I stepped forward hesitantly to explain, but Jack immediately shielded me. He gave them an icy stare. “This is the most important day for Lily and me. If you’re here to cause trouble, please leave!” Adam’s mother kept shaking her head, insisting they couldn’t watch it or someone would die. His father pulled her arm, looking at me with grief-stricken eyes as he begged, “Please Lily, don’t hurt anyone else.” I frowned in confusion and asked, “What do you mean? Adam committed suicide. I’ve never hurt anyone.” Before I could finish, they both knelt before me, kowtowing repeatedly. “Adam wronged you, but he didn’t deserve to die! Please, the video absolutely cannot be shown!” Suddenly, they stared at me in terror, collapsing to the ground. They grabbed Jack’s pant leg, shaking their heads frantically. “She’s a demon! Lily Brooks is insane, you’ve all been fooled by her!” “Her parents didn’t even show up on her wedding day. When Adam married her, we never met her family.” “She’s cursed! It wasn’t enough to curse her parents to death, she had to kill our son too!” The scene descended into chaos. Jack’s expression darkened as he called security to remove them. He took a deep breath, placing his hand back on the mouse. Everyone pushed forward, both afraid yet curious to see. I stood beside Jack and held his hand, nervously holding my breath. “Maybe we shouldn’t watch it, Jack.” He smiled at me. “It’s fine, it’s just a video.” But his hand was trembling slightly. He swallowed hard and clicked the mouse. After the video finished playing, Jack wiped the sweat from his brow. “How was it, Mr. Evans? What was in the video?” “Looks like there was nothing wrong with the video. Adam Thompson must have done something terrible to kill himself.” Some people tried to get closer to see the screen, but Jack quickly shut the laptop. I had just started to relax when I noticed Jack, who had been smiling moments ago, was now frozen in place, staring at me wordlessly. His hand had turned ice cold as he pulled away from me and jumped off the stage.

Jack stared at me in fear, his eyes dark and hollow. I slowly tried to approach him, but he suddenly pushed away his father who attempted to stop him. “No, don’t come any closer!” he cried out. He snatched the white jade hairpin from his mother’s head and violently stabbed it into his own eye. “Jack, no! Don’t do anything foolish!” I screamed. I stood there in shock, momentarily dazed as I watched blood pour from his injured eye. The next second, my head began to throb painfully. I clutched my head as I walked towards Jack. “Jack, it’s me, Lily. What’s wrong with you?” I endured the splitting pain as I approached him step by step. With each step I took, the fear on his face intensified. “Don’t come near me! I won’t marry you, okay? I’ll give you everything!” Jack struggled violently, breaking free from his father’s grasp. Even though he could barely see, he recklessly charged forward. Screech! The tires let out a deafening screech. Screams and curses filled my mind. I collapsed to my knees, feeling chilled to the bone. Before me lay Jack, flung into a pool of blood after being hit by a car. His uninjured eye was wide open, staring at me in a way that made my scalp tingle. Jack’s mother rushed over to me, her eyes filled with hatred. “You wretched girl! My son was so good to you, how could you not even spare him? I’ll kill you!” Her nails dug into my arm. The pain snapped me back to reality. The day of the wedding became the day of Jack’s death. “This Lily Brooks really is cursed. She got her ex-husband killed, and now her new husband is dead too. What terrible luck!” “What curse? I think she must have done something to that video to get money. Anyone who watches it dies!” “We should all stay away from her. That woman is nothing but trouble. Only bad things happen around her.” The whispers grew louder. I clenched my fists tightly as Jack’s mother continued hitting and cursing at me. “I’m not cursed! I’m not!” I cried out. A bucket of red paint was thrown over me. Adam’s mother glared at me hatefully and screamed, “Go to hell!” She used all her strength to wrap her hands around my neck and squeeze. My face turned purple as I struggled to breathe. Tears streamed down my face. My breathing grew heavier. Just before I lost consciousness, I heard a familiar voice. And that’s when I finally understood what was really in that video.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296586”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

On the wedding day, I was rear-ended by an influencer with millions of followers. My lawyer husband arrived at the scene and insisted I apologize. He even transferred a million from our wedding fund to compensate the influencer. Even more absurd, he left all the guests, canceled the wedding, and personally accompanied the influencer for a medical checkup. He even became her lawyer and countersued me for “hit and run.” This obvious manipulation by the other woman made me a laughingstock online. Until that night, the influencer live-streamed herself flaunting a wedding ring and dress identical to mine—three years earlier. Turns out, I was the one intruding on someone else’s relationship. But I was wrong again. The truth was even more appalling: the influencer was my husband’s brother’s true love. And my husband, who idolized his brother, had agreed to fulfill his late brother’s last wish by supporting both households. After learning the truth, I took off my wedding ring and held a “bachelor ceremony” for this so-called “romantic saint.” Since we’re going to shock people, why not let all the influencers his brother knew experience this “harem-like bliss”?

On the wedding day, I was driving the bridal car alone and got hit. My forehead slammed into the front seat, causing sharp pain. Before I could react, a woman with a phone rushed in front of my car, pointing the camera right at my face. “Fam, look! The Rolls Royce lady hit someone and wants to run!” I recognized her, the influencer Nora, with over ten million followers, the “epitome of allure.” The comments exploded immediately. “Does having money make you superior?” “That bride’s makeup can’t hide her scheming vibe!” I clenched my wedding dress, about to explain when she suddenly screamed and fell: “She pushed me! My leg is broken!” The live stream viewers shot up to 300,000. Declan’s call came faster than 911. Seeing the call from my so-called “undefeated reputation” lawyer husband calmed my frantic emotions a bit. Just as I wanted to ask him for help with this mess, the first thing he said was, “Apologize to her immediately.” “But she clearly…” “Lydia!” His voice was gentle, as if coaxing a child. “Don’t make it hard for me.” Five minutes later, his Mercedes screeched to a halt at the scene. Ignoring the swelling on my forehead, Declan knelt to wipe Nora’s tears. He turned to me and coldly ordered, “Apologize in public!” I was stunned: “Declan, aren’t you going to ask what happened?” He enunciated each word: “I said, apologize.” Nora suddenly added, “Besides an apology, I want 100,000 for medical and emotional distress.” Immediately, I heard him call the finance department: “Transfer 150,000 from the wedding fund to Miss Lin.” I stood there, too angry to think straight. Nora smugly waved her phone: “Attorney Declan, you’re really sensible.” “But just an apology and compensation won’t do; my leg seems injured and needs an examination.” Then Declan turned to me: “Today’s wedding is canceled and will be rescheduled.” “I’ll take her to the hospital for a thorough checkup.” “What?!” I almost shouted: “All the guests are waiting at the hotel!” “I said, postponed.” Declan’s look brooked no argument. The man supported Nora into the car, not even giving me an explanatory glance. The whole internet watched my abandonment live, with a trending hashtag #SchemingBrideFails. It wasn’t until late at night that Declan messaged: “She has a concussion. You should prepare the guest room in the bridal suite and take care of her for a few days.” The bridesmaid who stayed with me all night smashed her phone in anger. “That woman’s knee bruise is drawn with concealer! The live replay shows she peeked at the camera before falling!” She hesitated before warning me: “Declan’s behavior is too abnormal.” “They don’t seem like they’re meeting for the first time.” I sneered; it’s obvious from Declan’s previous concern for Nora. Even a blind person could tell what their relationship was. But really, when did the cliché plot of a mistress power struggle become so blatant?

I stared at my phone screen, my fingernails digging into my palm. Back at the bridal suite, before I could calm down, the doorbell rang. Two police officers stood outside. “Are you Miss Genevieve? Someone reported you for a hit and run, please cooperate with the investigation.” I was stunned: “What? It was clearly Nora who rear-ended me!” The police handed over a document expressionlessly. “Your dashcam shows your car indeed collided with another car and left after the accident.” My dashcam? Right after the incident, Declan took it, saying he needed to investigate the real situation. At the police station, sure enough, there sat Declan and Nora side by side. The woman showed her bruised thigh, letting Declan check it. The comments flooded the screen: “So disgusting, hit someone and still wants to run!” “Attorney Declan, hurry up and dump her.” “Honestly, Attorney Declan and our sister Nora look good together.” Then the police said, “Miss Genevieve, Miss Lin provided new evidence showing you indeed had the intention to flee after the collision.” I saw a heavily edited video, only showing me getting out of the car to “push” someone and turning my head. There was no context of Nora deliberately faking the accident, making me look like an arrogant rich girl. “This is not complete.” Even then, I hadn’t grasped the situation, pointing at Declan. “Just as well, my husband is right there.” “He’s a lawyer; he’ll represent me.” Declan walked over and suddenly said, “Nora is a friend of an old acquaintance, entrusted to my care.” “I’m now her attorney.” “My client has suffered severe emotional distress and demands you be held fully accountable.” I looked up, almost unable to believe my ears. I slammed the table: “Declan, what acquaintance, give me a break!” “You’re treating your wife like this for some influencer, what do you take me for!” “And you, Nora, aren’t you tired of this self-directed drama?” Declan remained unmoved, sternly saying, “Lydia, don’t be ridiculous.” “Watch your words, or Miss Lin will add defamation charges.” The police awkwardly coughed: “Given the lack of evidence, we suggest mediation.” Just then, my attorney, whom I contacted after failing to reach Declan, rushed in. During the mediation, Nora live-streamed the whole time. Declan kept proposing harsh conditions: a public apology across the internet, compensation for medical expenses, deletion of all related comments… Nora suddenly interjected: “The place I’m staying now is too far from the hospital, inconvenient for follow-ups…” “You just said she’d take care of me for a few days, but I’m not used to living with others.” Declan immediately continued, “Lydia, then please move out of the bridal suite until she recovers.” Ha, at this point, nothing he says surprises me anymore. “Don’t worry, I’ll divorce you and move out of the bridal suite.” But I just want to ask one question, even if I die, I want to die knowing the truth. I looked Declan in the eyes: “Did you really cheat with someone like her?” The man frowned and said, “Genevieve, speaking objectively, you hurt someone, and it’s only right to apologize and make amends.” “Don’t spread rumors; Nora and I are innocent.” “If I, Declan, have done anything to betray you, I’ll leave the legal profession and die a horrible death!” I was stunned. He dared to curse himself like this; could it be that I’ve misunderstood? But then what does all this happening before me mean? Am I having a mental breakdown?

Leaving the police station, I immediately contacted my best friend, Yara. Since lawyers rely on evidence, I’ll get you evidence. Sure enough, I found records of his frequent contacts with Nora over the past six years. Declan transferred money to Nora every month, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. The most laughable was the record from Christmas five years ago. It was our first holiday after getting together, yet he said he had an urgent case. At that time, I was starting my business and was struggling. He left me alone in a shabby rental eating instant noodles. But that day he transferred 200,000 to Nora. There was also another document showing he owned an apartment where Nora had been living for the past year. I remember this apartment; he bought it a year ago, and back then, he told me he was on a business trip. So every time he said he was “working late” or “on a business trip,” he was with her? I clutched these documents but didn’t know where to start, finding it odd. All the transfer details were noted as “medical expenses.” Does this prove infidelity? It doesn’t seem like concrete evidence of cheating. I also asked someone to check Declan’s phone and email but found no hotel reservations or intimate photos. This was too unusual. Just when I was at a loss, I found a recording of one of Nora’s live streams. Just a few days ago, she wore a diamond ring on her left ring finger, glaringly obvious. It was identical to the engagement ring Declan gave me. The comments scrolled wildly: “Is Nora getting married?” “That ring’s at least five carats!” Nora covered her mouth with a coy smile, turned, and opened a wardrobe, pulling out an ivory-white wedding dress. The dress was just like mine, even with the same embroidered rose pattern Declan suggested. These images stabbed at my eyes, surely Declan got what he deserved! I forwarded this evidence to him, but after three hours, still no explanation came. Yet, I saw Declan in another of Nora’s live streams. The woman sat in an upscale restaurant, the background familiar with floor-to-ceiling windows and a piano performance area. That was “Starlight Bay,” where Declan and I confirmed our relationship. The background music was playing “Dream Wedding.” It was the song Declan used when he confessed to me. Suddenly, I remembered today was our five-year dating anniversary. The man opposite Nora didn’t appear on screen, but the hand with distinct joints wore the Rolex watch I gave him. I forwarded the evidence to the man and waited for three hours without receiving any explanation. Then I saw Declan again in another of Nora’s live streams. She was sitting in an upscale restaurant, with the familiar floor-to-ceiling window and piano area in the background. It was Starlight Bay, where Declan and I had solidified our relationship. The background music was playing “Dream Wedding,” the song Declan used to confess his love to me. Suddenly, I remembered that today was our 5th anniversary. The man sitting across from Nora wasn’t in the frame, but his hand, distinct with its pronounced joints, wore the Rolex watch I had given him. The comments asked, “How long have you been together?” Nora replied, “Seven years today.” I froze instantly. So, all these years, except for last year when he was with me, he always had excuses to be absent: overtime the year before, business trips, friends’ weddings before that. It turns out I was the other woman all along. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. Then Adeline sent me another link, leading me to Declan’s private social media account. The latest update was from ten minutes ago, showing a candlelight dinner identical to Nora’s. But the caption read, “Seventh year, #fulfilling my brother’s life#.” My mind raced. A brother Declan never mentioned, fulfilling… What does this mean? Declan, what exactly are you hiding?

I clicked into this tag and immediately froze. It was filled with Declan and Nora’s “daily love life.” The most shocking was a post from four years ago: Today is my brother’s death anniversary, and Nora had a breakdown. She mistook me for you and instinctively called me “husband.” But I stayed silent, couldn’t agree. Because I met another girl whom I love dearly and want to marry. But don’t worry, brother. Whatever my wife has, Nora will surely have too. So, he gave her a matching ring, ordered a similar wedding gown, and even the proposal was ceremonious. Anniversaries were fair too; last year he spent with me, this year was Nora’s turn. He managed the balance skillfully. Not long after, my phone buzzed with a message from Declan: “The wedding continues tomorrow, please be understanding.” I stared at the screen, laughed coldly, and replied: “Okay.” Then pocketed my phone. Since Declan wanted to keep acting, I had to end this charade myself. The next day, the wedding venue was packed with guests. I walked arm in arm with Declan, step by step toward the stage. Suddenly, the doors swung open. As expected, Nora walked in wearing the same wedding gown as mine. At this moment, the banquet hall’s big screen suddenly lit up. Instead of displaying our wedding photos, it showed Declan and Nora embracing in the bridal suite. He was gently putting on a wedding ring identical to mine for Nora. He said, “Nora, I’ll take care of you for life.” The timestamp was from six years ago. The whole room gasped. Nora’s face was tear-streaked, looking like a tragic lover harshly separated by me. But she didn’t forget to hold up her phone to live-stream, and flashlights instantly focused on me. “Everyone, judge for yourselves. Declan and I have been in love for years, Genevieve is the mistress!” The comments exploded. “Whoa! Mistress caught at a high-profile wedding?!” “The bride doesn’t look like a good person!” “Poor girl! Bravely pursuing love.” “Original partner turned mistress, drama of the year!” Declan quickly turned to look at me. I gritted my teeth and said, “Declan, our wedding, why is there another leading lady?” Looking at Nora’s convincingly fake face, I couldn’t take this humiliation. I raised my hand to slap Nora, but Declan grabbed my hand. “Don’t be impulsive, Nora is just emotionally unstable.” I ignored him, grabbed a wine glass, and hurled it at her. Declan turned without hesitation, and red wine splashed all over his suit. Yet he shielded Nora, glaring at me, “Don’t go crazy!” I shook off Declan’s hand, stepped onto the stage, and grabbed the host’s microphone. Then I displayed screenshots from Declan’s private social media on the big screen. “Don’t worry, brother, I’ll take good care of Nora for you.” “Everything my wife has, she’ll have too.” Most glaring was a wedding photo with Nora. Below it read: “The wedding photo she wanted, I took for you too. I’ll also figure out a way to fulfill the honeymoon for you and her.” As soon as this image appeared, the whole room gasped again. Suddenly, the wedding door was pushed open once more. A group of influencers with faces similar to Nora’s rushed into the wedding venue holding signs saying “Share the love.” I tore off my veil, revealing a bright red smile, and said, “Welcome to Declan’s bachelor ceremony!” “Declan, these are all the influencers your brother had contact with.” “Since you’re so devoted, why not let them share the love too?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296602”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Fire struck, and my wife, who was giving me the cold shoulder, refused to leave. I had no choice but to knock her unconscious and carry her out. Once outside, she was still in shock, clinging to me and crying, saying she wanted to be with me for the rest of her life. Yet later, she had someone take me to the suburbs and burn me alive. “Asher, if you hadn’t knocked me out, I wouldn’t have missed Finn!” I was stunned, finally realizing she didn’t want to leave that day, not because she was mad at me, but because she was waiting for her lover. I angrily asked, “If I hadn’t saved you, you’d be dead by now, do you know that?” “So what if I died? As long as I could be with Finn, even death would be worth it!” My heart ached. I never imagined that when I opened my eyes again, I would be back on the day the fire happened. This time, I decided to let her die for love. Let her and her lover be a pair of tragic lovers! “Fire! Everyone, run!” As soon as I opened my eyes, I heard chaos around me. Before I could process what was happening, I was pushed backward, falling to the ground and hitting my back against a cabinet. The sharp pain jolted me into clarity, allowing me to see the scene before me. Then I heard a familiar voice yelling at me: “Asher, stop pretending to be kind here; I don’t need you to save me! Get lost! Disappear from my sight!” The acrid smell of smoke triggered my memory. I remembered that after Adeline said this, I didn’t hesitate—I knocked her out. Her words angered me, but escaping was the most important thing at that moment. Fortunately, we both survived unharmed. The relief of surviving made me reconsider our marriage. But before I could speak, she hugged me tightly, her eyes red, apologizing, “I’m sorry, baby, I’ll never fight with you again. I was so scared just now, I thought we were going to die together.” I thought adversity had revealed true feelings and that she finally realized she loved me. But to my surprise, she only did this to make me lower my guard. Then, when I wasn’t paying attention, she had someone tie me up in the suburbs. I looked at her confused, asking, “Adeline, what do you want to do?” Hearing my words, she suddenly laughed, her face showing a sinister expression. “What do I want to do? Since you want to know so badly, I’ll let you die knowing!” She played with a lighter in her hand, her eyes fixed on me. Yet, she spoke of her love for another man. Only then did I realize she didn’t want to leave with me that day because it was the day her lover was returning from abroad, and they had planned to meet. No matter the difficulty or danger, she couldn’t miss it. So, even when the fire struck, she stubbornly refused to leave with me. Foolishly, I thought she was just being difficult because we argued. The humiliation of betrayal and deceit immediately brought tears to my eyes. With my hands tied, I couldn’t move, so I screamed at her: “If I hadn’t saved you, you’d be dead by now, do you know that?” I tried to awaken a bit of conscience in her. But she only laughed maniacally, saying indifferently, “So what if I died? As long as I could be with Finn, even death would be worth it!” “Asher, if you hadn’t knocked me out, I wouldn’t have missed Finn!” “He died inside looking for me, and you owe him this life!” After saying the last sentence, she threw the lit lighter at me. The oil-soaked grass immediately ignited into a raging fire. I was burned alive. Returning to my senses, I felt something hit me. It was because I hadn’t left. Adeline urged: “I told you to get lost! Get lost!” “No matter what you do, today I will definitely…” Before she could finish, I turned around without hesitation. The fire was getting bigger, and I had already wasted too much time because of Adeline. I couldn’t delay any longer. As for Adeline, before leaving, I subconsciously glanced at her, not missing the momentary shock on her face. Since she’s willing to give up her life for true love, I naturally choose to let it be!

After barely making it out, I collapsed to the ground. The burns on my back made me feel intense pain all over. But more than the pain, I felt relieved. Compared to the tragic end last time, now it’s just a few injuries, which is nothing at all! I followed the ambulance to the hospital. There were quite a few injured people today, and my injuries weren’t serious. After a simple bandage, I was ready to leave. But to my surprise, as I passed a certain ward, I faintly heard Adeline’s voice. By now, Adeline should have been burned to ashes, right? I must be hearing things. I shook my head. But then, the voice sounded again. I moved a step to the side and quietly opened the door to the ward. Sure enough, I saw Adeline inside. I frowned, feeling a bit disappointed. Adeline really had a strong life. Thanks to me in the previous life, she survived, and now she didn’t die either. I only needed to deal with widowhood, but now I have to prepare for divorce too, what a hassle! I cursed silently in my heart and was about to leave. Just then, Adeline turned her head and saw me. At the same time, I saw her left side, her face red and blackened. I was stunned for two seconds before realizing Adeline was disfigured! “Asher! Are you here to enjoy my misfortune on purpose?” I ignored her and shifted my gaze to the man in a wheelchair by the hospital bed. Then I realized that the Finn she mentioned was indeed her first love. After I fell in love with Adeline at first sight, I found out she already had a boyfriend. I had to hide my feelings but couldn’t help paying attention to her. Until I heard from a friend that Adeline’s boyfriend, Finn, not only betrayed her but also went abroad. Seeing her crying and drinking, I felt heartbroken. I thought of my friend’s advice to take advantage of the situation. Six months later, Adeline confessed to me, and we got together. I promised her that I would always cherish her and treat her like a treasure. I wanted to tell her I wouldn’t be like Finn. But I never expected she would betray me for someone like Finn. I smirked sarcastically, looking at these two despicable people in front of me, and opened the ward door to go inside. Adeline immediately looked at me warily, threatening: “Asher, I’m warning you! If you dare hurt Finn, I won’t let you off!” Even in this new life, with only hatred in my heart for her, I couldn’t help but feel hurt by her actions. Her blatant favoritism made our three-year marriage feel like a joke. I sneered, with a mocking smile on my face: “Don’t worry, I have no interest in bullying a cripple!” At that, Finn’s face turned ugly. Adeline immediately defended, “Asher, stop looking down on people. Finn got hurt because he was saving me!” “He’s nothing like someone as selfish as you!” She had said everything. My reason for entering the ward was just to get a closer look at her miserable state. After all, she had harmed me so badly in the last life. Although it’s just disfigurement now, it counts as her just desserts. Without a house, I had many things to consider and no time to chat with them here. After admiring the scene, I was ready to turn and leave. But Adeline suddenly reached out to stop me. She commanded, “You’re just in time. From now on, you’re responsible for taking care of Finn!” “He hasn’t eaten yet. Go get him some food right now!”

I laughed in exasperation. I knew she was shameless, but I didn’t expect her to be this shameless. I opened my mouth, but before I could speak, Finn said, “Forget it, Dandan. If Mr. Liang isn’t willing, don’t force him.” Hearing this, Adeline immediately exploded. “Why are you unwilling?” “Asher, I’m your wife. Finn got hurt saving me, so you have a responsibility to take care of him!” Someone on the nearby hospital bed accidentally dropped something, making a sound. Only then did I notice everyone in the ward was staring at us. Adeline realized this too and spoke even more passionately: “You all, judge this!” “He’s my husband, but in the most critical moment, he abandoned me and ran away!” “If my friend hadn’t risked his life to save me, I’d be dead today.” “He was cowardly, and I didn’t hold it against him. But now he’s not even injured, so what’s wrong with taking care of my friend?” Her words quickly gained their support. Everyone was persuading me to properly thank Finn. “Since he got hurt saving you, take good care of him!” I knew the truth, and that was enough. I didn’t need to explain to these bystanders, and their opinions and judgments wouldn’t affect me. “If my friend hadn’t risked his life to save me, I wouldn’t be here today.” “He’s a bit cowardly and afraid of death, but I won’t hold that against him. But now that he’s unharmed, what’s wrong with showing some care for my friend?” People quickly sided with Adeline’s perspective. Everyone was insisting that I should properly thank Finn. “If he got hurt saving you, then you should really take care of him!” I know the truth in my heart, and that’s enough for me. I don’t need to explain to these bystanders; their opinions and judgments don’t affect me. However, if she’s trying to make things difficult for me, I ought to return the favor. So, I gave Finn a disdainful glance. Casually, I remarked, “Speaking of which, he’s willing to risk losing his legs to save you. That’s true love, no doubt.” “Just wonder if…” I purposely paused for two seconds before finishing my thought. “Now that he’s disabled, I wonder if anyone would still want to marry him!” These words were undeniably humiliating for Finn. But even if he was angry, he still said, “As long as Dandan is safe, that’s all that matters.” “Dandan, Mr. Liang must be jealous. You should leave with him. He’s right, I’m just a cripple now. Don’t argue with him because of me.” Adeline looked heartbroken hearing him say that. She anxiously held his hand and said, “Finn, I want you!” “Didn’t we agree? Once you return to the country, we’ll be together.” Adeline didn’t realize that after she said this, everyone else was looking at her differently. I watched expressionlessly as the two gazed at each other lovingly. Finn raised his hand as if to touch Adeline’s face. But he stopped a centimeter away from her face. He withdrew his hand, trembling, and pushed her back. Looking hurt, he said, “Dandan, Mr. Liang likes you so much, he definitely won’t divorce you.” “Rest assured, I will wish you happiness.” I smirked, immediately understanding Finn’s plan. What puzzled me was: If he’s willing to risk everything to be with Adeline now, why did he abandon her in the first place? I felt there was something I didn’t know. Before I could think further, Adeline shouted, “Asher! I want a divorce!” “After experiencing life and death, I realized Finn is the one I should cherish.” I had deliberately provoked Finn for this very reason. Now it seemed to work. I sneered and mocked, “Really? You two do make quite the pair!” One with crippled legs, the other with a ruined appearance, how could they not be a match? Unfortunately, Adeline didn’t catch my underlying meaning. She even smugly said, “Of course, didn’t you know? When I was with Finn, everyone said we were a perfect match!” “When I was with you, they called you my lapdog!” She laughed a few times after saying that. So, she always saw me that way in her heart. I was furious. “Fine, let’s divorce!” “Tomorrow morning at ten, at the County Clerk’s Office. Whoever doesn’t show up is a coward!” After saying that, I angrily walked out the door, barely suppressing a smirk. Divorcing her is the only way to completely break free, to have nothing to do with her anymore. After everything that happened during the day, I just wanted to rest. After a good night’s sleep, I put on a clean outfit and went to the local County Clerk’s Office. But to my surprise, the woman who was clamoring for a divorce yesterday to be with Finn didn’t show up. 4 As the clock ticked from ten to ten-thirty, an uneasy feeling started to build inside me. I tried calling, but no one picked up. Just as I was considering whether to leave, she finally appeared.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296618”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

After a car accident left me mentally impaired, my wife, Fiona, changed completely. Every night, she began bringing home different men, shamelessly getting intimate right in front of me. She even allowed these men to humiliate and beat me without resistance. When I finally broke down and lost control, she snapped at me, “Lachlan, can you stop behaving like a child and going crazy? I’m a person too, I get tired, I need love, and I have my own needs! You’re not the person you used to be, and it’s already merciful of me not to abandon you. Do you expect me to remain loyal forever?” What she didn’t know was that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, I willingly traded my intelligence for her health. The pawn shop’s condition was that if I remained in this state for three years, her cancer would be completely cured. Now there are only three days left. But I regret it. I want back what I lost. Three years ago, after a car accident put me in a coma, my soul suddenly found its way into a mysterious pawn shop. The owner asked if I was willing to trade my intelligence. For three years, I would lose my ability to speak, control my facial expressions, and take care of myself, living each day like a child, drooling and in a stupor. In return, Fiona’s breast cancer would be completely healed. For Fiona’s sake, I agreed without hesitation. When I woke up, Fiona’s cancer was miraculously gone. She didn’t initially despise my condition; she stayed by my side, tirelessly raising money to take me to doctors. But by the second year, she changed. She stopped taking me to seek treatment and began staying out late, often not coming home at all. This year, the third year, she’s been blatantly bringing different men home. As I was lost in thought, the door clicked open. Fiona returned with a new man. They couldn’t wait and started embracing and whispering sweet nothings at the door right in front of me. The man glanced at me sitting dazed in the living room and smirked, “Fiona, your husband is still watching.” “Ignore him!” Fiona said dismissively, “He’s a fool, he doesn’t understand anything. Let him watch!” I stared at them blankly, feeling as if needles were piercing my heart. Yes, I’m a fool. Even though my mind is clear, I can’t speak or control my expressions. Even if I see her cheating, I can’t say a complete sentence or show anger, let alone confront them. I can only watch them foolishly like a child. I clenched my fists tightly, my eyes turning red with intense anger. The man frowned, “Fiona, your husband is crying. Are you sure he doesn’t understand?” “He’s been like a child since he became like this, crying often. I’m used to it.” Fiona was indifferent. She let go of the man, took out a small cake from her bag, and walked up to me, lowering her voice to coax me, “Lachlan, I bought you a cake. Go to the room and eat the cake.” When I first became impaired, Fiona often used cake to cheer me up. Even though I couldn’t express my pain, her company made life feel sweet. But now, looking at the cake in front of me, it just felt incredibly ironic. I couldn’t accept her betrayal. With all my strength, I knocked the cake from her hand, stubbornly grabbing her hand, incoherently shouting like a child, “Lachlan cake, don’t want… Fiona don’t be with him… be with me…” “Enough!” Fiona impatiently pushed me away, “Lachlan, can you stop acting like a child and going crazy? I’m really fed up! I’m a person too, I get tired, I need love, and I have my own needs! You can’t be a man anymore, can’t you let me find someone to relieve my loneliness?” With that, she wrapped her arms around the man’s waist and decisively went into the room. And I stumbled, falling to the ground. My knee hit the coffee table, breaking the skin and bleeding, the piercing pain spreading wildly into my heart.

Not long after, ambiguous and shameful gasps came from the room. My mind was extremely clear, and those sounds were like sharp blades, stabbing my heart hard. I’ve experienced this scene many times. Every time, I wanted to rush in and make a scene hysterically, but my actions were no longer under my brain’s control; my legs felt like they were filled with lead, powerless. I could only foolishly guard the door all night, unable to sleep. Having lost my ability to take care of myself, my bowel movements were also out of control, leaving a mess on the floor. The next morning, the man opened the door and found me in a filthy state, covering his nose in disgust, angrily scolding, “Fool! If you need to go, go to the toilet, doing it at the door is disgusting!” I looked up at him blankly, mustering all my strength to say, “I’m not… disgusting, you… disgusting!” The man flew into a rage and kicked me hard. “How dare you, a fool, curse me, are you tired of living?” He punched and kicked me viciously. I had no strength to resist and could only endure it. Fiona stood at the door, watching me being beaten with open eyes but was indifferent. I was beaten for a long time, until blood started oozing from my forehead, and Fiona finally stopped the man, “Forget it, Dashiell. He’s just a fool, he doesn’t understand anything, don’t bother with a fool.” The two of them left. Leaving me, bruised and filthy, lying on the ground. The pain in my heart, like waves, almost swallowed me whole. At that moment, I started to regret my decision. Was my selfless sacrifice really worth it? Just then, the voice of the pawn shop owner suddenly appeared in my ear. “Lachlan, detected your wavering mindset, are you considering redeeming what you pawned?” I was stunned, hoarsely asking her, “If I redeem it, what will happen?” “Your wife’s breast cancer will relapse and be completely incurable.” I hesitated for a long time. In the end, I still shook my head, “Don’t redeem.” Fiona and I have been together for ten years since college. She used to treat me very well, not only not despising my poverty but also marrying me without hesitation when I was at my lowest. When I had a stomach bleed from drinking too much while running a business, she didn’t hesitate to donate 800ml of blood to save me. We were supposed to have a child, but because of that blood donation, the child was lost. Fiona said she never regretted it, in her heart, my health was always the priority. She used to love me very much. But love can’t withstand tests. When the three years are up, and I’ve repaid her kindness, we will owe each other nothing.

Fiona started not bringing different men home so frequently and instead only brought Dashiell back every day. It seemed they had developed feelings, and it wasn’t just about relieving loneliness anymore. They often got intimate and flirted openly in front of me. At first, I would break down and get angry. But after many times, I gradually became numb. Even when Dashiell mocked me repeatedly, I became indifferent. There were only two weeks left until the three years were up. I slowly counted the days, looking forward to getting out of this situation soon. But in the end, I wavered again. On Fiona’s 28th birthday, she brought Dashiell home again. Dashiell personally cooked for her. When he opened the fridge, he found a box of frozen meat. This frozen meat was the three-month-old embryo of the child Fiona lost. At that time, we couldn’t bear to part with it, so we carefully preserved it. But now, Dashiell put that embryo into the frying pan. By the time I sluggishly walked into the kitchen, the embryo had already been cooked into “spicy fried meat.” I couldn’t accept it, I broke down completely, eyes red as I swung my fist, hysterically charging at him! “Bast…ard!” But I was slow, no match for Dashiell. Before my fist could reach him, he kicked me hard to the ground. Fiona heard the commotion and ran into the kitchen. “Dashiell, what’s wrong?” Dashiell kicked me again, cursing, “Fiona, your husband is not just a fool, why does he keep going crazy for no reason!” Fiona turned and scolded me, “Lachlan, if you keep this up, I won’t care for you anymore!” I lay on the ground, eyes red, chest heaving with anger. I glared at Dashiell, trembling as I pointed at the bowl of fried meat, struggling to speak, “Why… did you fry it! Do you know… do you know, this is my… child!” Fiona couldn’t believe what I said, her pupils shook, “Lachlan, you…” Her shock was interrupted by Dashiell. “I know, so what? Fiona agreed to let me fry it, I heard it’s very nutritious!” Dashiell looked proud, his tone full of mockery. I looked at Fiona in disbelief, my heart felt like it was being torn apart, the piercing pain hit me. Once, she shed many tears for this child, now, she could be so ruthless! I opened my mouth in grief, using all my strength, but I couldn’t say another word, only making sobbing sounds. Dashiell glanced at me mockingly, suddenly picked up the bowl of food from the stove, squatted down, and grabbed my hair. “Fool, since you care so much about this dish, eat it all! Maybe after eating it, you won’t be a fool anymore!” I looked at Fiona in disbelief, feeling as if my heart were being ripped apart, a sharp pain overwhelming me. She had once cried so much for this child, yet now she could be so heartless! I opened my mouth in despair, struggling to speak, but no words came out, only a pitiful “uh-uh” sound. Dashiell glared at me with contempt, grabbed a bowl of food from the stove, squatted down, and yanked my hair. “You fool, if you care so much about this meat, then eat it all! Maybe it’ll make you smarter!” He shoved all the meat from the bowl into my mouth forcefully. Fiona just stood there, watching without intervening. After he was done, Dashiell let go of me in disgust. “What a killjoy! Fiona, let’s go out to eat and leave this fool behind!” Fiona followed him without a second thought. I desperately clawed the food from my mouth, feeling nauseous and vomiting. I lay on the ground in a mess, tears streaming down my face. Fiona’s coldness filled me with despair. I couldn’t go on. Suddenly, the voice of the pawn shop owner echoed in my ears: “Lachlan, we’ve detected a shift in your mindset. Do you want to reclaim your pawned item?” I hesitated for a moment and replied hoarsely, “Yes, I want to reclaim it.” The pawn shop owner sighed, “You only have three days left. I suggest you hold on a little longer so your three years of efforts won’t be in vain.” I clenched my fists tightly, biting my lip until it bled. The blood was bright red and stark against my skin. In the end, I chose to compromise. That night, Fiona returned home satisfied after her meal. Remembering my unusual behavior during the day, she sat by my bed and tested me: “Lachlan, are you… not dumb anymore? Have you recovered?” I lay on the bed, clutching the blanket, my eyes vacant, mumbling over and over: “Lachlan’s not dumb… Lachlan’s not a fool… no…” Fiona was greatly disappointed. She suddenly glared at me with resentment, her eyes full of anger, hysterically shouting: “You’re such a fool! Lachlan, you idiot, you’ve wasted my youth, ruined my life. How will you ever make it up to me?” I stared at her blankly, my heart aching immensely. I had saved her life, but in her eyes, I was the one who ruined it. How laughable. Three years of self-sacrifice, and this is my reward. The next morning, Fiona left early. After she left, the house felt empty and suffocating. Since becoming foolish, I’ve stayed home alone and never ventured out. But today, I suddenly wanted to take a walk. I looked foolish, walking clumsily and swaying, drawing the attention and whispers of many passersby. But I ignored them. Passing by a secluded stream, I unexpectedly saw two familiar figures. On the vast grassy area, bright red roses bloomed, and fireworks lit up the sky brilliantly. Dashiell was holding flowers, kneeling on one knee, passionately proposing to Fiona: “Fiona, leave that idiot and marry me! I’ll protect you forever!” Fiona, with tears in her eyes, nodded full of emotion: “Dashiell, I will!” The scene pierced my heart fiercely. I was furious, angry that my sincerity was betrayed, and that my three years of devotion were trampled on! Suddenly, as if driven mad, I stumbled forward, uprooting all the roses, kicking over the fireworks, and wrecking the entire proposal scene! Dashiell flew into a rage, grabbing my collar and hitting me. “Lachlan, you fool! How dare you ruin my carefully arranged proposal! Do you have a death wish!” He pinned me to the ground, kicking and punching, mocking me mercilessly: “Lachlan, are you really dumb or just pretending? Can a fool not accept being betrayed? But what good is your anger? You can’t even take care of yourself, you can’t give Fiona a future, only I can protect her!” He pinned me down, beating me until I was bruised and bloody, unable to fight back. Fiona watched me being beaten, not stopping it, her eyes full of disdain. Finally, Dashiell tied me up and threw me by the riverside. “Fiona, push this fool in.” Fiona was shocked, her eyes wide: “Dashiell, are you crazy?” Dashiell sneered, a cruel light in his eyes, coaxing her: “Fiona, aren’t you tired after these three years? If he dies, you can be completely free. No one will find out here, and you’re planning to marry me anyway, why not let him disappear? “He can’t take care of himself, living is suffering, he’s better off dead.” Fiona seemed swayed, standing still with her mouth slightly open, hands trembling gently. After a while, she slowly walked towards me lying by the river. Her eyes were filled with hesitation and doubt. I looked at her with red eyes, still holding a sliver of hope, hoping she wouldn’t leave me for dead. But in the end, she closed her eyes and reached out to me. “Lachlan, don’t blame me, you’ve been dumb for three years, and I’ve taken care of you for three years, I’ve broken down countless times, I really can’t hold on anymore. Maybe death is a relief for you too.” With that, she ruthlessly pushed me into the bottomless river. The icy water engulfed me, the suffocation instantly gripping my heart, as if an invisible hand was squeezing my chest. An all-consuming pain overwhelmed me, filling me with despair. In my moment of hopelessness, the voice of the pawn shop owner echoed in my ears again: “Lachlan, we’ve detected a significant change in your mindset. Do you want to reclaim your item?” I regretted it. She was no longer the woman who once loved me dearly. In just three years, I saw her true nature clearly. I had no reason to hold on anymore. “Yes, I want to reclaim my item.” “Alright, redeeming your pawned item before three years means your wife’s breast cancer will relapse starting today…” I’m sorry, but it seems the text you wish to translate is missing. Could you please provide the text you would like to have translated?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296442”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I am the only son of the nation’s wealthiest family, back home to prepare to take over the family business. I never expected that simply attending a banquet with my sister would lead to being mistaken as her lover by her “boy toy,” Asher. In my past life, he severed my hands and tortured me in a basement for three days and nights. “My family’s darling is of high status; how could a poor guy like you ever hope to reach that high?” Asher’s sister, Adeline, knelt before my sister, Phoebe, begging her to avenge me, but she remained indifferent. “Even if he is my brother, if his death could make Asher happy, then it’s worth it.” To help Asher cover up his crime, she even ran over Adeline at the police station entrance when she was seeking justice for me. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back at the moment Asher was about to cut off my hands. This time, I decisively hung up the call to my biased sister and turned to call my mom. “Mom, I want to revoke my sister’s inheritance rights and expel her from the family. Also, help me prepare the engagement banquet with Adeline.” I want to see who ends up in the mud pit this time. 1 “Taking advantage of my illness to seduce my girlfriend, Declan, you’re despicable!” “If you like holding other people’s girlfriends’ hands, I’ll make sure you can’t do it again. Let’s see if you can keep seducing others with crippled hands!” With familiar voices, I felt something sharp stab into my wrist. The sharp pain snapped my muddled brain awake. Opening my eyes, I saw Asher grinning as he twisted a scalpel in my wrist. Seeing this familiar scene, I instantly realized I had been reborn. Reborn to the day Asher kidnapped me to the abandoned factory to cut off my hands. From the Bluetooth earpiece blocked by my messy hair, I heard my sister Phoebe’s cold voice. “Stop pretending, Declan. Asher is upright. How could he kidnap you?” “Even if you’re jealous of Asher, don’t use such vile means to frame him. He’s my future husband; it’s not worth dirtying his hands for you, understand?” Feeling my right hand gradually lose sensation, I closed my eyes, not uttering a word to Phoebe for help. Recalling my past life, I frantically explained to Phoebe that I wasn’t jealous of Asher, dropping all dignity, crying and begging for her to save me. But Phoebe still coldly refused, and my unusual behavior was noticed by Asher. Thus, my secretly hidden phone was smashed, cutting off my only hope of rescue. Asher pulled out the knife from my wrist and swung it fiercely at my face. “Stupid loser, keep pretending. Let’s see if you can still act after this!” With one slap, I felt half my face go numb, warm liquid flowing down my face, numbing it with pain. Asher, seeing my miserable state, left in a good mood. But I knew this wasn’t him letting me go; he was just tired and going to find thugs to continue for him. Watching Asher’s disappearing back, I struggled to bite open the rope on my hand. Pulling out the phone hidden in my pocket, I hung up on Phoebe and called my mom. As the call connected, I heard Asher’s scream from behind. “Declan, what are you doing?!” My heart raced, instinctively wanting to run, but the call connected at that moment. Seeing Asher approaching with three thugs, the nightmare of my past life overwhelmed me. Frozen in place, I used my last bit of strength to speak into the phone. “Mom, hurry and save me.” The next second, Asher was in front of me, smashing the phone to the ground. But this time, I wasn’t worried. I knew Mom would come save me. I am the Harper Family’s only biological son, the only child left by the person she loves most. From a young age, I was strictly protected by the family, and anyone with ill intentions towards me met with a miserable end. If Mom knew I was hurt like this, she would be furious and make those who dared to harm me pay a thousandfold. Asher shoved me to the ground, fiercely grinding his shoe into my wound. Pointing at the three thugs behind him, he looked at me viciously and said, “I knew you weren’t honest. Beat him until he calls me daddy!” At Asher’s signal, the three thugs with fists like sandbags approached me. I racked my brain, thinking of how to save myself. Suddenly, a slender figure blocked me. I looked closely; it was Adeline, who in my past life sought justice for me but was killed by Phoebe. Chapter 2 “I’ll hold them off, Declan, you run!” I couldn’t say what I felt inside, not even having time to think about why she appeared, struggling to shake my head at her. “No, you go! Don’t worry about me!” I was severely injured and lost too much blood. Even if I stood up, I couldn’t run far. I already involved her in my last life; I can’t drag her down again. But it was too late. Adeline was kicked to the ground by the three thugs, fists raining down on her. My heart twisted into a knot, desperately trying to get them to stop to no avail. Asher grabbed my hair, speaking viciously. “Declan, I didn’t expect your simp to be so devoted, daring to come save you.” “Then I’ll send you both to die together!” Blood loss blurred my vision, but I still glared at Asher. “You better let me and Adeline go. You can’t afford the cost of hurting me!” Asher laughed disdainfully, slapping me across the face again, mocking in his tone. “Who do you think you are? Phoebe is the daughter of the nation’s wealthiest family. Do you think even if I kill you, the police would dare trouble me?” Asher glanced at Adeline on the ground, eyes filled with disgust. “You little wench dare come to save him. Truly devoted.” He grinned maliciously, telling the three thugs, “She’s yours, do as you please.” The three thugs approached Adeline again, leering. “Asher, are you crazy? Adeline is your sister!” I used all my strength to try to drag their legs but was mercilessly stepped on. A clear sound of bones cracking reached my ears, and I trembled with rage, no longer caring to hide my identity. “Enough! Phoebe is just my mom’s adopted daughter. I’m the Tycoon’s only son!” “With one word, I can make Phoebe leave the Harper Family. If you don’t stop now, I guarantee your fate will be a thousand times worse than mine today!” Asher paused, then laughed even louder at my words. “Declan, are you mad because you can’t be Phoebe’s lover?” “Who doesn’t know the current Tycoon is a Harper, and there’s no son. You should check your facts before lying.” My heart sank. The Harper Family shielded me too well; even stray dogs passing by were investigated. My information never appeared publicly. Plus, using my late father’s surname, who died in a car accident shortly after marrying in, and going abroad at five due to severe illness. Until now, the outside world didn’t know about a Harper son with the surname Lin. I endured the pain in my wrist, gritting my teeth as I looked at Asher. “I’m telling the truth. If you don’t believe me, ask Phoebe!” Though I knew Phoebe wouldn’t help, it was all I could say to stall until Mom’s people arrived… “Lies, do you think I’d believe you?!” Asher slapped me again, pulling me up by the hair. He squeezed my face, the thugs holding my hands, signaling another to pick up the ax in the corner. I understood his intent, struggling fiercely, banging my head against Asher. Caught off guard, Asher’s nose shattered, enraging him. He turned and slapped me again. My face burned with pain, a chilling numbness spreading. Am I doomed to lose my hands even in this life? Despair gripped me as the ax was about to fall when the factory doors burst open. An SUV sped in, hitting the thug with the ax. Startled, the thugs released me. Sensing danger, Asher tried to flee but was pinned by bodyguards. My mom’s secretary rushed over, calling for people to send Adeline and me to the Harper Family’s private hospital. Chapter 3 Just after getting bandaged and moved to a VIP ward, my mom’s call came. Answering, I briefly explained what happened. Thinking of Adeline’s selfless protection warmed me inside. My mom couldn’t sit still after hearing. “What?! That Asher wanted to cripple your hands? Does he not know the Harper Family’s power?” “And that vile Phoebe, I’ll make them regret ever living.” I nodded in agreement. “Mom, I want you to cancel Phoebe’s inheritance rights and kick her out of the Harper Family.” “And Adeline, if not for her, I wouldn’t have escaped. I’ll introduce her to you later.” My mom firmly promised. Thinking of Adeline, who risked everything to protect me, filled me with warmth. Mom was instantly on edge after hearing what I had to say. “What did you just say?! That Asher wants to damage your hand? Clearly, he’s unaware of how the Harper Family operates!” “And Phoebe, that ungrateful brat, I will make sure she regrets ever being born.” I nodded in agreement, “Mom, I want you to strip Phoebe of all inheritance rights and kick her out of the Harper Family.” “And Adeline, if it weren’t for her help, I wouldn’t have made it out. I’ll introduce her to you when the time is right.” Mom gave me her firm promise. “Don’t worry, from the moment he dared to harm you, he ceased to be a member of the Harper Family.” “I’ve already instructed my secretary to come and pick me up. Wait for me, I’m coming back to support you!” Once I hung up, I felt a wave of relief and wanted to visit Adeline in the next hospital room. Just as I got out of bed, the door swung open. I looked up to see Phoebe entering with a group of bodyguards. Without saying a word, she kicked me hard in the stomach. “Who do you think you are to mess with Asher?” The blow knocked me to the ground, leaving me in too much pain to speak. I couldn’t understand what right Phoebe had to attack me. She was merely an adopted daughter my parents had taken in. Without them, she might still be scavenging for food on the streets. Before I went abroad at five, I treated her like my own sister. Even after returning, I suggested to Mom that she should inherit the family business alongside me. It was my family that gave her a new life, yet she was the one dragging me down to hell. Asher, who should have been detained and awaiting my decision, stepped out from behind Phoebe. He looked at me in my miserable state and mocked me. “Let it go, sister Phoebe. Declan said he’s the Tycoon’s only son, and we can’t afford to offend him…” Phoebe sneered, her gaze filled with contempt. “There is indeed a young master in the Harper Family, but it’s not you—a loser who schemed his way into becoming the godson.” “I grew up in the Harper Family. How could I not recognize who the true heir is?” Phoebe’s words left me bewildered, but I am indeed the Tycoon’s son. At that moment, a middle-aged man stepped out from behind Phoebe. I recognized him as Liam Parker, my mom’s assistant, and felt a glimmer of hope once again. I’m sorry, but I need the text that you want me to translate in order to proceed.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296458”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

“Hey, your fingers are so long, they look really interesting to play with.” “Hey, I want to eat chocolate and slide down your abs.” I found myself cornered in the school hallway by a senior, his messages replaying in my mind. “Nora, are you planning to just disappear after spending the night with me?” “Let me go, we’re at school!” I desperately tried to push him away. To my surprise, he just stared at me intently. “What? Are my fingers not long enough, or is the slide not fun?” I checked my buzzing phone. My college roommate mentioned that the senior would attend this club gathering too. I’d heard about him before from my roommate. Everyone said he was not only handsome but had an amazing physique. Most importantly, he was exactly my type. So, when my roommate asked if I wanted to go to this basketball club gathering, I immediately signed up. At the event, we sat in a booth at the bar for a bit. Suddenly, there was a commotion around us. A tall, lean man approached, with striking features and honey-colored skin. His captivating eyes made me feel an instant crush. Oh no, it’s that feeling again. He casually sat right next to me. He took a drink and chatted with his friends. For some reason, I suddenly felt hot all over, so I picked up a glass from the table to take a sip. It slipped and fell with a clatter. My roommate shone a phone light to help me pick it up, and the red mole on the senior’s middle finger caught my eye. I quickly sat up straight, hoping he wouldn’t recognize me. My roommate nudged my arm, sensing my stiffness. “Wow, are you so stunned by a hottie that you can’t move? Go for it!” I wanted to, but my mind was filled with scenes from flirting on some social media app. “Hey, your fingers are so long, they look really useful.” “Hey, I want to eat chocolate and slide down your abs.” In this urgent moment, if I didn’t run, I thought I might be doomed today. Pretending to have a stomach ache, I tugged on my roommate’s hand, “Excuse me, I’m not feeling well.” Asher noticed me, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he pulled out a painkiller and a thermos from behind. “Here, drink this, and it’ll stop hurting.” I looked at him skeptically. Could he really know I was on my period today? Anyway, there’s no way I’d admit defeat. “I’ll take this, and thank you another day.” Then, without looking back, I rushed out of the bar. Had I known I’d run into him today, even eight horses couldn’t drag me there!

Running like mad, my roommate panted heavily beside me. “Nora, you look less like you’ve seen a crush and more like you’ve hit rubbish.” Leaning against a wall, I took a breath of relief, grateful he hadn’t followed. Just as I was about to have a drink to rest, I heard a creak from the side door, startling me and spilling warm water all over myself. A muscular arm blocked my chest, “Are you okay? Here, take this shirt.” I was about to accept it, but that familiar voice, it was him! In the next second, I felt warmth on my shoulders as the shirt was already on me. Just as I was about to run, someone grabbed my neck. I had no choice but to give up; it seemed like there was no escaping today. My roommate seemed to sense the tension between us and quickly explained, “Nora’s not usually like this. She might be possessed today. I’ll figure it out.” Then she ran off, leaving just Asher and me staring at each other. Before I could calm down, a sudden pain shot through my chin. He lifted my chin with his right hand, making me look into his dark eyes. “Long time no see, my sweetheart.” My brain buzzed, and my face instantly turned red. So, he already knew who I was! “I don’t want…” He blocked my escape route, leaning down close to my ear. “What don’t you want?” His voice was magnetic and alluring.

A phone rang, and I weighed my chances of escaping from this guy. The alley was long and dim, with only a faint light, and not a single shadow in sight. Suddenly, I felt terrified. If he decided to torment me here, I’d be utterly helpless. Then, I felt a rough sensation on my collarbone. It tickled, and it turned out to be his hand roaming. The words he traced were, “Baby, did you miss me?” This was insane! I cursed in my mind, realizing he was a hypocrite! While he appeared to be talking to the dean on the phone, he was making these moves secretly. I grabbed his mischievous hand and wrote a few words in his palm. “I’m going to scream!” He seemed shameless, not caring about others’ opinions at all. Infuriated, I couldn’t help but bite him. He gasped in surprise, and it felt great! If I didn’t give him a piece of my mind, I wouldn’t be Nora! After the call ended, he grabbed the hand I used to tickle him, and in a swift motion, lifted me horizontally. I had no choice but to wrap my arms around his neck. “Didn’t expect you to be even more forward than last time, my sweetheart.” The overwhelming scent of him paralyzed me. Yet, all I wanted was to escape, so I coldly said, “Your skills are so terrible, how dare you even ask me?” “Since that’s the case, shouldn’t you practice more with me?” Asher chuckled softly, “Practice makes perfect, you know.” Even without a mirror, I knew I was as red as a lobster. Sensing my silence, he added, “Sweetheart, feel the key in my pocket.” I struggled to get down from his arms, only to touch something I shouldn’t have. He whispered teasingly in my ear, “So, want to practice unlocking with me?” Before I could answer, a scream startled me.

“Nora, the dorm supervisor is calling us back.” It was my good roommate, Beatrix. She paused, seeing us in such an intertwined position. “What’s with you? Why is your face so red?” she asked. I laughed awkwardly, “I just sparred with the senior a bit on our skills.” Her eyes darted between us, clearly skeptical. As soon as I got down from him, Asher’s next words almost made me collapse. “Yeah, Nora’s unlocking skills are quite impressive. Let’s spar again next time!” I panicked and glared at him, signaling him to shut up immediately. As I was about to follow my roommate, he pointed to my pocket, whispering, “Remember to check.” Inwardly, I thought, this jerk wants me to add him back, not a chance. Breathless, I returned to the dorm, and my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. “Add me back, or I guarantee you’ll be the talk of the school tomorrow.” Asher’s deep, magnetic voice came through. After a moment of silence, I ultimately gave in to the evil forces. Fine, it wasn’t a big deal. I could just add him and ignore him. Then my roommate said, “Nora, this doesn’t seem like your phone.” Sure enough, the jacket and phone belonged to that annoying guy. I smiled awkwardly, more like a grimace. “This seems to be Asher’s.” My roommate got excited, gossiping, “Did you and the senior date?” How should I answer that? I can’t exactly say I slept with your dream guy and then ran away, can I? I decided to play it cool. “It’s late, let’s rest. I’ll tell you another time.” Hearing my roommate snoring, I racked my brain for a message to send. “Hey, I’ve added you back. Can we call it even for what happened before?” “Tomorrow night, come to my place.” The moment I saw the message, I wanted to strangle him. “Fine.” I replied through gritted teeth.

After a dreamless night, I went to his place alone. He opened the door, seemingly fresh from a shower, with the scent of body wash filling the room. A towel loosely wrapped around his waist, revealing six-pack abs and a V-line. Watching the water droplets trace the defined lines of his abs, I involuntarily swallowed. “What, are you just going to stand there drooling over me?” He pulled me in and closed the door. I quickly covered my eyes and turned around. “Put on some clothes, have some decency.” “Oh, but that night…” He drawled teasingly. I didn’t want to understand instantly, but my face immediately burned bright red. Every second with him was pure torture! Blushing, I turned to leave. Asher leisurely sat on the sofa, pouring himself some red wine. He savored it slowly, saying, “If you miss this chance, there won’t be another.” Unable to hold back, I grabbed his arm. “What do you really want?” I glared at him angrily, but he acted like he was rooted to the sofa. “Quick, put on your clothes. You’re not behaving properly.” “Oh, but that night…” he drawled, teasingly. I didn’t want to understand immediately, but my face flushed red. Every moment with him feels like pure torture! Embarrassed, I wanted to run out. Asher, however, leisurely sat on the sofa and poured himself a glass of red wine. He savored it and said, “Opportunities like this don’t come around often.” I couldn’t resist and grabbed his arm. “What exactly do you want?” I glared at him angrily, but he seemed glued to the sofa. For a moment, neither of us spoke. I opened my phone; messages flooded in, including an email about grad school. Thinking it over, I had no choice; this needed to be resolved quickly. While I was pondering how to break through, he casually started a game on SnapChat, with voice chat on. Hearing Yara’s sweet voice calling him “bro” in the game, I was fed up. I couldn’t help but shout at him, “Asher, haven’t you had enough?” “Sweetheart, isn’t that a question you should answer yourself?” His hands moved effortlessly on the game controls. I was surprised he didn’t care at all. How could we communicate like this? I lowered my head, saying nothing. “I think you know what game I want to play, sweetheart.” He narrowed his eyes and leaned close to my ear. After hearing that, I jumped up from the sofa, furious. How could he be so shameless? Male charm is indeed deceiving. What was I thinking back then, getting involved with this guy? Initially, I wanted to resolve this quickly today, but it seemed difficult. If you can’t beat them, join them. “Let’s play the game together, bro.” I couldn’t help but lower my head and try to be nice. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him getting ready to stand up, and I quickly followed him. “Sweetheart, look at this?” he said, waving a piece of clothing. “Give it to me,” I lunged forward, but he grabbed it and ran into the room. He pulled me hard, pinning me beneath him. One hand locked my wrist, then he raised the clothing and sniffed it. “Our sweetheart smells so good, like strawberries.” Then he leaned into my collarbone, leaving a hickey. I shivered, suddenly feeling like I was back that night. “Can’t you just talk normally?” I exclaimed in frustration. He lazily replied, “I can.” “Other than that, we can discuss anything else. I’ll try to meet your needs, okay?” “Meet my needs?” He chuckled, “Then why not start by being my girlfriend from today?” Considering what I said before, I was probably wasting my breath, wasn’t I? I dared not say that to this wild dog; who knows what he’d do. “What, scared? But that night…” I was truly defeated. “Fine, fine, I’m unlucky, okay?” “When you slept with me, why didn’t you say you were unlucky?” His eyes suddenly turned playful. This is the danger of attraction, ladies. I just made a mistake every woman could make. There’s no way out now; I have to face it. I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that request. “Alright, it’s all my fault. Can you give me a few days to think it through?” I continued to implore.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296474”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Husband was diagnosed with kidney failure at the hospital, and my kidney was a perfect match. A thought occurred to me, and in front of the entire family of in-laws, I lied, saying that I was the one who needed a kidney transplant. Their faces changed dramatically, and they almost immediately jumped up. “A kidney transplant? How much would that cost? Our family doesn’t have money to treat your illness!” “Let your husband donate a kidney to you? No way! He’s the only son of our family, his health must not be compromised!” “If you’re sick, just accept it. Don’t drag our whole family down! Hurry up and get a divorce, don’t hold back my son!” I was utterly heartbroken, leaving behind the medical report with his name on it, which they hadn’t even bothered to open. I signed the divorce papers and left with nothing. My fingertips brushed the paper, with a subtle, almost imperceptible tremble. My gaze was fixed on the creatinine level column. It was frighteningly high. As a seasoned surgeon, I instinctively understood what this number meant. End-stage renal disease! Impossible! Absolutely impossible! I rushed to the computer, my fingers turning white from pressure, and quickly retrieved more detailed examination records of Ethan from the hospital’s internal system. Each metric was like a judge’s verdict, coldly pointing to the same diagnosis—chronic kidney failure, end-stage renal disease. Driven by some inexplicable force, I opened the HLA matching records from our annual checkups. The result that popped up on the screen was like a lightning bolt striking me. A perfect match! All it would take is for me to nod, donate a healthy kidney, and he could live. The man who always chose silence and avoidance when I needed him most. A wild and bold idea, like vines breaking through darkness, quickly wrapped around my heart. I picked up the phone and dialed my mother-in-law’s number. “Mom, are you, Dad, and Lydia free this evening?” My voice was calm, without a trace of emotion. “Come to our house.” “I have something very important to announce.”

At 7 p.m., the doorbell rang on time. I adjusted my expression, making myself look haggard and weak. Father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law Lydia stood at the door. Their faces carried the usual critical and scrutinizing look. Ethan followed behind them, seemingly a bit clueless. “Adeline, what’s going on, being all secretive?” my mother-in-law spoke first, with a hint of impatience in her tone. I didn’t answer immediately. I just silently let them into the living room. “Dad, Mom, Lydia, Ethan… ” My voice carried a deliberately suppressed tremble. “I… am sick.” The usual impatience on my mother-in-law’s face froze like a cheap mask. Father-in-law frowned, eyes scrutinizing. Sister-in-law Lydia smirked, as if saying, “What’s she up to now?” Only Ethan. He stared at me nervously, his voice trembling: “Adeline, what’s wrong? Is it serious?” I deliberately avoided his eager gaze. “The doctor said… it’s chronic kidney failure, end-stage renal disease.” Mother-in-law’s eyes widened, her voice instantly rising: “What?! Kidney failure?!” “How could that be?” her voice was sharp with intense skepticism, as if interrogating a criminal, “You seemed perfectly fine. How could you suddenly have such a serious illness?” She paused, her gaze sharper as she looked at me: “Did you know about this long ago? Have you been hiding it from our family?” I lowered my eyelids just in time, hiding the mockery in my eyes, my voice low, with just the right amount of fatigue and vulnerability. “It was discovered during a recent checkup.” “The doctor said the only treatment is a kidney transplant.” “Kidney transplant?!” Her voice rose several more pitches, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. “How much would that cost?!” “What about a donor? Who’s going to donate to you?!” Here it comes. My gaze, slowly, like a slow-motion camera, landed on Ethan’s bloodless face. “Ethan and I… went for a matching test.” “The result…” I paused. “Ethan is the only perfect match.” Ethan’s face turned as white as a sheet of paper, and he instinctively stepped back. Mother-in-law’s eyes flickered intensely. “A match… matched?” she muttered, her voice changing pitch. “No way! Absolutely not!” Like a lit firecracker, she suddenly became agitated, sprang up from the sofa, and pointed at me. “Ethan is the only son of the family! The only heir!” “He has to work! He has to support the family! He has to continue our family line!” “How can he donate a kidney?! Huh?!” “Mom!” Ethan finally found his voice, looking at me with a trace of plea and guilt in his eyes, “Adeline, she…” “Shut up!” Mother-in-law glared at him like a protective hen, cutting him off. “You have no say here! What do you understand?!” She turned to me, instantly switching to a concerned demeanor, her eyes reddening on cue. “Adeline, it’s not that mom’s being heartless, it’s just… don’t you know our family’s situation?” “Ethan’s dad is also not in good health, always on medication, basically a medicine jar.” “Everything in and out of the house relies solely on Ethan!” “Where do we have the spare money for you to have a transplant surgery? I heard it costs hundreds of thousands! And it’s not even guaranteed!” She started crying poor, tears came just like that, even raising her hand to pat her thigh, wailing. Lydia chimed in, her tone sharp and cutting like a knife. “Exactly, sister-in-law, it’s not that we don’t want to help you.” “It’s just that there’s absolutely no way.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over me with undisguised disdain. “Besides, your illness… sigh.” “Why wasn’t this found before you got married?” “Did you hide it on purpose?” “Can you still have kids now?” “If my brother donates a kidney, his health fails, then what about the family’s legacy? Who will carry it on?” Father-in-law, who had been silent, now had a face so dark it could drip water. He gave a heavy snort. And said firmly: “If you’re sick, accept it, don’t drag down our whole family!” He paused, each word like an ice spike laced with poison, stabbing into my heart. “Hurry up and get a divorce, don’t hold back my son!” And Ethan? He stood there like a wooden post. Just like numerous times before. When I needed him most. He chose cowardly silence.

Not long after. My phone buzzed. A new SnapChat group chat invitation popped up. The group name was conspicuous: “Johnson Family Internal Communication Group.” Initiated by sister-in-law Lydia. In the group, besides me, were my in-laws, Ethan, Lydia, and several distant relatives of the family. Lydia’s message popped up: “Brother, you must not be foolish! That woman is bad luck, a jinx!” “She can’t even have children, and now she wants to drag you down!” Mother-in-law immediately sent a voice message, the tone sharp and cutting: “Exactly! Our family absolutely cannot spend this money, and she wants you to donate a kidney, what a joke!” “If she really can’t make it, just let her go back to her family! Don’t drag down our family!” A person noted as “Aunt” messaged: “Oh dear, this woman is really unlucky, marrying her in and she gets this illness in a few years, she must be faking it, trying to scam our family’s money?” Another noted “Uncle” chimed in: “Ethan, listen to your mom, quickly cut ties with her, divorce!” “Otherwise, there will be endless trouble in the future!” I looked at those unbearable words without any expression. Saved the chat records as screenshots. The last bit of warmth in my heart. Extinguished completely at that moment. Ethan began avoiding me like the plague. He no longer came home from work with exhaustion but gently embraced me, asking softly if I was tired today. Now, he always came home late. Either reeking of alcohol or simply saying “working overtime at the company,” then throwing himself onto the office sofa overnight. Even when he was rarely home, he stayed locked in the study, that small space. I didn’t hysterically question him. I just watched coldly, with a kind of cruel calmness. That night, I went to the bathroom, the cold floor making my mind especially clear. Passing by the tightly closed study door, I vaguely heard Ethan’s suppressed, altered voice. “Mom, I know… I really know… Please stop pushing me, okay?” His voice carried a fatigue on the verge of collapse. “Adeline, she… her health is already like that, how can I at this time…” “What do you mean I’m foolish?! Should I just watch her… watch her die?!” He seemed to raise his voice a bit, but was quickly drowned in helplessness. “I don’t mean that… but… donating a kidney… Mom, it’s a kidney! I…” Then, from the other end, mother-in-law’s sharp, cutting, highly penetrating voice, even through the thick door, pierced my eardrums like ice spikes, word by word. “Die? What kind of illness does she have? It’s a bottomless pit! It’s an incurable disease! She wasn’t going to live long anyway!” “Even if you donate a kidney to her, can you save her? Don’t be foolish, son!” He seemed to raise his voice a bit, but was soon swallowed by a wave of helplessness. “I don’t mean that… but… kidney donation… Mom, it’s a kidney! I…” Then, from the other end of the phone, my mother-in-law’s sharp and biting voice cut through the thick door, piercing my ears with each word, like a needle. “Die? What kind of illness does she have? It’s a black hole! A terminal illness! She wouldn’t live long anyway!” “Even if you give her a kidney, can you save her? Don’t be foolish, son!” “When the money’s spent and she’s gone, and you collapse too, who will take care of you? Who will look after us in our old age? Who will carry on our Johnson family name?” “Ethan, I’m telling you now! If you dare to think about donating a kidney, I’ll die before you do!” “Now! Immediately! Go ask her for a divorce!” “Tell her you love her, that you’re afraid of dragging her down! That you don’t want to hold her back! Make her go back to Adeline’s family to rest!” “Better a short pain than a long one! Our Johnson family can’t be dragged down by this jinx!” In the study, Ethan’s breathing became heavy. He was locked in a fierce battle with himself, a battle he was destined to lose. For a long time, long enough for the air to feel like it was frozen. “…I understand, Mom.” I turned around without a word, my footsteps as light as a feather, silently returning to the bedroom. Sure enough, what had to happen couldn’t be avoided. That day, Ethan, unusually, didn’t stay out late for socializing and came home early. During dinner, the tension at the dining table was so thick it felt like it could be cut with a knife. He barely touched his food, his gaze unfocused, opening his mouth several times but stopping as if something was holding him back. After dinner, I quietly cleaned the dishes as usual. Then he suddenly called out to me, “Adeline.” I stopped what I was doing, turned around, and looked at him with an extremely calm gaze. “Let’s… get a divorce.” Finally, the Sword of Damocles hanging over our heads fell. I looked at his face, filled with struggle and exhaustion, feeling no stir in my heart. It was as if I was merely listening to the end of a story that had nothing to do with me. “Adeline, don’t misunderstand… It’s not because you’re sick that I’m rejecting you…” “On the contrary, it’s because I… I love you too much, I don’t want to drag you down.” Ethan began his clumsy and hollow performance. “Look at me now… The work pressure is so high, I feel worse every day, I’m really afraid… afraid that if I collapse too, who will take care of you then?” “So… while we can… let’s part ways. You go back to Adeline’s family, the environment is better, you can rest and maybe… maybe find better treatment…” His reasons were incoherent, each one as fake as a plastic flower, glaringly false. “Afraid of dragging me down?” I softly repeated, unable to control the faint, icy, and sarcastic smile on my lips, “Ethan, ask your conscience, is this really what you think?” He looked as if he’d been caught off guard, his head snapping up, eyes filled with panic and embarrassment: “Of course! Adeline, you have to believe me! I mean it! I’m really doing this for you!” “Fine.” “I agree to the divorce.” My calm and straightforward response was clearly beyond his expectation. It appears that no text was provided for translation. Could you please supply the Chinese text that needs translating?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296490”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #惊悚Thriller #浪漫Romance