Category: English

Mom came from another world. She was a “player” sent here on a mission. After winning Dad’s heart, she chose to stay here forever. We were happy, for a while. Then Dad fell for his secretary. “If you see her again, I’m leaving,” Mom warned. Dad scoffed. “Where would you go? You have no family here.” He thought he had her trapped. But when she really left, Dad lost it. I pushed open the bedroom door. Mom lay still on the bed. She looked asleep. “Mom?” I called softly. No response. No hug. Nothing. I touched her nose. No breath. My mom was gone.

Mom once told me she was a “player” from another world. She completed her mission and chose to stay. Her eyes sparkled when she said it. I didn’t get it then. “What was your mission, Mom?” I asked. She squeezed my hand. “To make your dad fall for me and have you, Lily. You’re my greatest gift.” She kissed my cheek. Said she’d never regret it. But Mom stopped smiling like that after Dad’s affair. Everyone said he’d dump us soon. I hugged Mom tight. I thought: Even if Dad doesn’t want her, it’s okay. Mom still wants me. She’ll stay forever.

Usually, Mom helped me dress and brush my teeth. “Lily, you’re ten now. Aren’t you embarrassed? What if your friends knew?” I’d pout. “They’d just be jealous that my mom loves me so much.” But now Mom was gone. I had to do it all myself. At breakfast, Mrs. Davis, our housekeeper, asked, “Why isn’t the missus up yet?” “Mom’s sleeping,” I said. Mrs. Davis was the nanny Mom hired. Paid ten years upfront to care for me. We never had help before. Mom did everything. My mom was Superwoman. After chores, tucking me in, and time with Dad, she’d study law for an hour each night. Prepping for the bar exam. Dad didn’t get it. “Why bother? You’re busy enough. I support you. Just relax.” Mom shook her head. “James, this is my dream.” Her eyes shone. She looked so beautiful. I think Dad thought so too. He’d pull her close, nuzzling her neck. Mom would blush and push him away. “Lily’s still here.” I knew they were about to play their “game” – one they never let me join. I wanted to beg to play just once. But Dad’s eyes fell on me. “Lily, out.” I lost my nerve and left. Dad was usually good to me, but I hated that look. It made me agree to things without thinking. Things were good for a while after that. Dad encouraged Mom’s bar prep. Stayed up late with her. But the day before the exam, he took her IDs and locked her in. Only brought me home after it was over. Mom’s eyes blazed. “James, I’ve been preparing for a year! Do you know how important this is?” Dad held her tight. “Emily, I’m sorry. It’s for our family. I want you home where I can reach you. Lily feels the same, right?” His eyes turned to me. I remembered what he’d said earlier. “If Mom becomes a lawyer, she’ll always be traveling. Meeting clients. She might forget you. What if she falls for someone else? She could leave us all behind.” It terrified me. I didn’t want Mom to leave. I tugged her hand. “Mom, don’t be mad. I don’t want you to go either.” Mom looked at me. All fight drained from her. She went limp in Dad’s arms. After a long silence, she said, “This is the last time.” Dad smiled, satisfied. Things went how I wanted. But seeing Mom’s dim eyes, I felt uneasy. Had I done something wrong?

After dinner, I watched Mom quietly. At ten, I understood death. But I wasn’t scared. Mom said she came here at eighteen. In her world, she was on life support. When she finished her mission, the “system” gave her two choices: go home or stay. She wanted to see her mom but couldn’t leave Dad or baby me. So she stayed. I once asked, “Mom, will you stay with Lily forever?” “Of course,” she said. I held those words close. Now, I just tapped her nose. “Mom, you liar,” I whispered. The doorbell rang. Not Dad; he hadn’t been home in ages. I heard Ms. Wilson outside. “Lily, open up. I’m here to take you home. I’ll be your new mom.” I yelled back, “Go away! You’re not my mom. You’re a homewrecker!” After quitting the bar, Mom devoted herself to us. We were happy. I thought we always would be. Then Ms. Wilson showed up. Dad’s new secretary. Always fumbling things. Dad complained about her constantly. I was confused – if he hated her, why not fire her? But he came home later and later. Sometimes not at all. Ms. Wilson appeared in Dad’s social media. Once, shopping with Mom, we spotted them at the mall. Mom dropped a vase. Dad looked over, panicked. He let go of Ms. Wilson and tried to chase us. But Mom scooped me up and ran. That night, they fought. I hid, listening to Dad’s excuses. He claimed he was just helping Ms. Wilson. Said she was like a sister. It sounded so fake. In my class, Billy called girls his “sisters.” Everyone said he was playing around. Mom laughed coldly. She told Dad, “If you see her again, I’m leaving.” Dad got angry. “Where would you go? Who do you know here besides us?” Dad knew Mom was from another world. She gave up going home for him. She had nowhere else. I remember another time Dad made Mom mad. She stormed out with her bag. I begged Dad to find her. He just read his paper. “Where else could she go?” That night, Mom came back, eyes red. She held up a bag. “James, I bought dinner.” My favorite dumplings. Dad’s too. I ate happily. Then I saw Mom quietly eating old bread. I lost my appetite. I thought, if Mom had family here, she’d go to them. But her family was in another world. She had nowhere to go. Dad used this to control her.

Ms. Wilson knocked for a while, then stopped. I thought she left. An hour later, I heard someone picking the lock. The camera showed a strange man. I got scared. Mom said to find an adult if strangers came when I was alone. I ran to Mrs. Davis in the kitchen. “Someone’s outside. I don’t know them.” She grabbed a knife. We waited by the door. The lock opened. Ms. Wilson stood there smiling. She paid the locksmith. Mrs. Davis said, “Ms. Wilson, how could you do this?” She replied, “Lily, your dad asked me to get you. You wouldn’t see me, so I had to do this.” She reached for me. I bit her hand hard. “I won’t go with you,” I shouted. “Give up!” She screamed. I tasted blood. I let go. She pushed me down and stormed off. My hand got cut. Mrs. Davis brought the first aid kit. Even though she bandaged me, I said, “Mom, it hurts.” But my mom couldn’t hear me anymore. Before, Mom was always with us. Now she was gone. I realized what missing her felt like. I remembered Chinese New Year when I was six. Dad took us to the family dinner. It was full of relatives. Uncles, aunts, grandparents. So lively. But only Mom was there with me. She cooked everything herself that day. We ate while she was still in the kitchen. The uncles told Dad, “You married a great woman.” Dad smiled proudly. Mom brushed her hair back, wiped flour off her face, and smiled shyly. When she finally sat down, most food was gone. I said I was full and sleepy. She ate a few bites and took me upstairs. At the stairs, Mom stopped and looked back. I looked too. Grandparents giving out money, uncles talking work with Dad, aunts playing cards. They were all family. Mom stared for a long time. I asked, “Mom, what’s wrong?” She looked at me. Behind her was noise and light, but her eyes were so sad. “Lily, what do you think Grandma is doing now?” So my mom missed her mom too!

Mrs. Davis finished bandaging me. She frowned at Mom’s room. “It’s almost dark. Why hasn’t she woken up?” I said, “Mom’s tired. Let her sleep.” She sighed. “It’s been days. The master hasn’t checked on her.” Dad hadn’t been home in ages. He said he was on a trip, but he took Ms. Wilson on vacation. Ms. Wilson showed Mom the photos. Told her to divorce Dad. Mom’s eyes went red. She’d wanted to go there for so long. She always asked Dad, but he was too busy. Now he took Ms. Wilson instead. Mom showed Dad the photos. His face changed. He said they were fake. Photoshopped. Mom’s eyes filled with sadness. “James, what did you promise when we married? To love only me, be good only to me.” “Why else would I stay here?” Dad said, “Haven’t I been good? A million-dollar house, expensive jewelry, designer clothes. I’ve given you everything.” “Isn’t that enough?” Mom shook her head. “You just don’t get it.” She threw out all his stuff. Dad felt embarrassed. Said he wouldn’t come back. From that day, he really moved out. Soon after, Ms. Wilson’s place caught fire. She moved in with Dad. When we heard, Mom didn’t cry. She just hugged me. She said she now understood. People change. Love changes. Vows only count when made. She realized too late. No use regretting now. 8 That night, I did everything myself. Brushed my teeth. Washed up. Then I climbed next to Mom and hugged her. Even though she was stiff and cold, having her there made me happy. I once asked Mom about her mother. Mom said her mom was strict. Always scolding and hitting her for not doing homework. I frowned. Didn’t understand why Mom would miss someone like that. Sometimes Mom had nightmares. She’d call for her mom, not Dad. Her tone changed. “But when I got leukemia at sixteen, she never yelled again.” “She quit her job, sold our house, stayed with me in the hospital every day.” “My mom loved me very much too.” She sounded proud and sad. I knew Mom never forgot her mother. She was just a girl when she came here at eighteen. The day she found out about Dad’s vacation, Mom cried alone by the window. She said she shouldn’t have been blinded by love. Giving up everything, even her mom. Now she could never see her again. 9 Mom actually asked Dad for a divorce once. A month after he moved out, she called him home. Dad came in a black suit. Hair gelled. Looking extra handsome. Mom made a big dinner. Dad said smugly, “Thought it through?” I sat happily, hoping they’d make up. But Mom put down her chopsticks. “James, let’s divorce.” I knew what divorce meant. Mom and Dad apart forever. Us rarely together. Dad’s face changed instantly. “Olivia, divorce over this? Is it necessary? I won’t do anything with Rachel. I still love you. Can’t you understand?” Mom said, “This isn’t small to me. You broke your vows. Betrayed our love. How can I understand?” Dad panicked but got angry. “Where would you go if we divorced? Who do you know besides us?” Mom choked up. “I’ll meet people. I’ll wash dishes or mop floors. I’ll survive with Lily somehow.” Dad laughed coldly. “Go ahead and try.” He turned and left. Mom sent out job applications. All rejected. She kept trying. Hundreds, thousands of times. Until someone told her, “Mrs. Jiang, your husband spread the word. No one dares hire you.” A lawyer came with papers. “This shows your assets versus Mr. Jiang’s,” he said. “In a custody battle—” He pushed up his glasses. “You have no chance.” Mom went pale. I clutched her clothes, scared to speak. Soon, all Dad’s relatives came. They surrounded Mom. Interrogating her. “James is such a catch. You still want to divorce? You won’t find better.” “So ungrateful. What did he see in her?” Mom said coldly, “Stop. I want the divorce.” Someone softened their tone. “Olivia, think of the child. How sad she’d be if you divorced.” Mom’s face softened. They pounced. “Children need a healthy home.” “It’s all for the child. What can’t you endure?” Someone pushed me to Mom. “Lily, do you want your parents to divorce?” “You’ll be motherless if they do.” I burst into tears. Hugged Mom tight. “Mom, please don’t leave Dad. I can’t lose you.” Mom looked at me blankly. Her eyes watered. “Forget it,” she whispered. Like a sigh. Mom gave up. I thought this would keep her forever. I didn’t know some birds can’t be caged. Their feathers shine with freedom.

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I never imagined I’d be able to share sensations with my boyfriend of three years. This morning, I greeted him as usual and tilted my face up for a kiss. He instinctively dodged, his eyes filled with barely concealed disgust. He’s just turned twenty-one, not even graduated from college yet. At this vigorous age, he’s starting to reject my touch. He got up, took his phone, and went to the bathroom right in front of me. Moments later, muffled groans of pleasure came from inside. My heart grew colder by the inch. I sat numbly on the bed, listening to the sounds of washing up from the bathroom. I watched Chase rummage through the closet for clothes, spray on some cologne, check himself in the mirror repeatedly, then hurry off to class. Throughout it all, he didn’t spare me a single glance. I picked up Chase’s tablet from the bedside and scrolled through his chat history with an online store. Customer Service: Handsome, it’s been a while since you last shopped here. We’ve got new items in stock. Chase: Not buying anymore. I have zero interest in her now. I’m only 21, and she’s 35, almost 36 – an old woman. I feel sick just looking at her wrinkles. Can’t even get it up. Customer Service: … Customer Service: That can’t be right. You used to buy from us quite often. You said you loved your girlfriend. Chase: Anyway, I feel nothing for her now. I used to think she was low-maintenance, understanding, never dramatic. She took care of everything and always apologized first when we argued. Now it all feels so dull. Being with her, I don’t feel like I’m in a relationship at all. When I find my ideal young and cute girlfriend, I’ll buy from you again. The message showed as read, but there was no reply. I turned off the tablet, feeling dizzy. I grabbed my hair hard. I laughed at myself. I had discovered this chat last night. It was crystal clear, yet I still foolishly tried to test him this morning, only to humiliate myself. He doesn’t love me anymore. He’s disgusted by my aging. His ideal girlfriend must be the girl in the photos he looks at before pleasuring himself in the bathroom. I fell back onto the bed, surprisingly without a trace of tears. After all, for a woman my age, crying and breaking down would be undignified.

I got up quietly and washed up. Near noon, I started receiving birthday messages from various brand websites I’d registered with. Only then did I remember – today is my birthday. I stared at the wilted, yellowing hydrangeas on the coffee table, now attracting fruit flies. In a daze, I recalled that three years ago today, 18-year-old Chase was the first to say he loved me. Back then, Chase had just started college. He was being bullied at his part-time job at my company when I stepped in to help him. His eyes sparkled as he looked at me with admiration, following me around, constantly calling me “big sis”. It annoyed me so much that I had no choice but to take him under my wing. Back then, Chase was pure and sincere. He would always steal glances at me, quickly looking away when I caught him, pretending nothing happened. Only his ears would slowly turn red. When other interns tried to flirt with me, Chase would get anxious, staying close to me like a little wolf guarding its territory. Occasionally, when we had accidental physical contact, he would blush and sit still for hours, too embarrassed to move. On my 32nd birthday, he showed up with a huge bouquet of my favorite hydrangeas and a birthday cake. The young man’s gaze was shy yet brave and persistent. He said he loved me. I told him our age gap was too big and that I needed to think about it. For the next few days, Chase visibly became anxious and lost weight. When I finally said yes, the joy in his eyes was almost overflowing. He hugged me tightly, his low voice swirling around my ears like a vow, “Vera, from now on, every birthday of yours will be our anniversary. I’ll always be with you to celebrate.” … My phone kept ringing with birthday wishes from family, friends, and even colleagues flooding in. Only the pinned chat with Chase remained silent at the top. Silent as if that boy who loved me three years ago was just a figment of my imagination. I got up and threw the wilted flowers from the vase into the trash. Rotten, spoiled things shouldn’t be kept anymore. The same goes for flowers and people.

I tidied up a bit and left for work. Everything changes, except for the work I’ve poured my heart and soul into, and the balance in my bank account. While working overtime late at night, my young assistant suddenly pulled out a box. “Ms. Vera, I’ve been so busy I almost forgot the iPhone you asked me to buy for you.” She glanced at her watch and tilted her head with a smile, “This is your birthday gift to yourself, right? Good thing it’s only 11:55 PM, still before midnight. Just in time.” “Happy birthday, Ms. Vera!” I smiled and took the box, turning it over in my hands. I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Chase’s chat remained silent on my phone, as if today was just another ordinary day in the countless boring days we’ve spent together. This phone wasn’t my birthday gift. It was the third anniversary gift I had prepared for Chase. Before leaving work, I sent Chase a message. “Come home early after class tomorrow. I have something to tell you.” “Is there anything you’d like to eat?” After a while, he replied with two words: “Whatever.”

I sat in the car all night. I opened Chase’s chat, staring at the word “Whatever” for a while. Scrolling up, there were many more green bubbles than white ones, with occasional transfers of thousands or tens of thousands for his pocket money. Most of the time it was me talking, often asking what he wanted to eat, where he wanted to go on weekends, or sharing work-related stuff. Chase would either reply “Whatever,” or “Mm,” or not reply at all. Scrolling further up to chat logs from half a year ago, almost all the messages were from me, with Chase’s replies few and far between. I sighed softly and unpinned his chat. Even without his rant to the online store, his boredom and indifference towards me were obvious. … I watched the sky change from pitch black to the first light of dawn. After Chase left for school, I returned to the small apartment we shared. I had bought this apartment near his school when we first got together. Chase’s dirty clothes were strewn haphazardly on the sofa. I stuffed them into the washing machine, checked the time, then went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Braised fish, yu xiang eggplant, and sweet and sour ribs – all Chase’s favorites that I had specially learned to make. Maybe I was distracted, but while washing the knife, I sliced off a chunk of my finger. Blood immediately flowed everywhere. When Chase came home from school, I was tightly wrapping my finger with tissue paper. He didn’t look at me, just glanced at the dishes on the table and frowned. He sat down matter-of-factly and picked at the food. Perhaps to him, I was just like this table of dishes he had grown tired of. “Chase…” Chase was eating while replying to messages on his phone, the corners of his mouth curved in pleasure. He just grunted in response without looking up. “I’m going out for a bit.” The wound was quite deep. Blood quickly soaked through the tissue paper, staining my white top red. Looking at this mess, a wave of grievance welled up. My voice carried a hint of tears. “Chase…” I hoped Chase would look up at me for once. But his response was still just a low “Mm.” I sniffled and went to the pharmacy downstairs for treatment. The young pharmacist was startled. “Ma’am, the wound is too deep. I can bandage it for you, but you should really go to the hospital.” I shook my head and left. The moment I opened the door upon returning home, a sweet, coquettish “Senior, you’re so capable” echoed in the living room. Chase hurriedly paused the voice message and looked up at me somewhat unnaturally: “Where’s my blue shirt? I want to wear it tomorrow.” Then he went back to eating. The mirror in the entryway reflected my red, swollen eyes and pale, sallow complexion. Suddenly, I felt like crying. I took a deep breath to compose myself and sat down across from Chase. “Yesterday was our third anniversary. What gift would you like?” Chase’s phone on the table kept buzzing. I glanced at it – the contact was simply saved as “Junior,” simple yet intimate. Must be the young, vibrant girl of his dreams. Chase quickly flipped his phone over, sounding irritated, “I don’t know. I don’t want anything.” I took out the phone box. “I’ve prepared a gift for you – the latest iPhone model you’ve been wanting.” Chase’s eyes lit up. Just as he was about to reach for it, my phone rang. In the quiet living room, my mother’s loud voice was exceptionally clear. “You’re almost 40, an old maid! I think that Gu guy is not bad. Make time to meet him. When are you going to get married? You keep saying you have a boyfriend, but I’ve never even seen him!” I instinctively looked at Chase. He lowered his eyes guiltily. After briefly dealing with the call, I saw Chase firmly push back the phone box I had offered him. He took a deep breath, eyes downcast, not daring to look at me. I smiled and took back the box. “If you don’t want the gift, that’s fine. Are you full? This meal was to commemorate our third anniversary, and it’s also our farewell dinner.” I looked into his eyes and told him word by word: “Chase, let’s break up.”

Chase was stunned at first, then visibly relaxed. “Okay.” His answer was quick and decisive, as if afraid I might change my mind. He stared into my eyes, his tone tinged with guilt: “I don’t love you anymore. I never thought about marrying you.” “You can think I’m a jerk, but I just don’t love you anymore.” “I’m sorry.” I lowered my eyes, not wanting to look at him anymore. When we first got together, I had asked Chase, “I’m fourteen years older than you. I’ll age quickly. You won’t love me anymore in the future.” Back then, Chase hugged me, kissed the top of my head, and smiled, “They say love is like nurturing a flower. A woman who is loved won’t age. From now on, I’ll tell you I love you a thousand times every day, so you won’t grow old, Vera.” After that day, Chase always said he loved me. It became a self-fulfilling prophecy. When he stopped saying he loved me every day, I aged in his eyes. Chase, who used to always have “I love you” on his lips, now spoke of not loving me with such resolution and coldness for the sake of breaking up. I found it somewhat amusing. Suddenly feeling a sense of tearing apart, I could only nod calmly, “It’s all over.” Chase seemed surprised by my calmness.

My breakup with Chase was very peaceful. He awkwardly took a suitcase, intending to pack his things, but came out of the room empty-handed moments later. I sat on the sofa, fidgeting with the box in my hands, feeling like laughing. Almost everything he owned was bought by me. What did he have to pack? He glanced at me quickly, leaving with an almost inaudible “I’m going.” He ran out of the apartment as if escaping. I looked around the room. From the gaming computer to the socks in the drawer, everything was filled with traces of Chase. Scattered around were the speech drafts I had helped him write for the English speaking contest I had encouraged him to join at school. On the computer were the slides I had stayed up all night to prepare for his school’s publicity department. And the clothes I had bought for him whenever I saw something suitable. Those slides were saved on a USB drive that I had rushed to deliver to his school when I realized he had forgotten to take it. That day, Chase hung his head, his tone somewhat agitated, “Who asked you to come find me at school!” He snatched the USB drive and turned to leave. The boys around him laughed and teased. I don’t know what Chase said, but one of the boys turned and waved at me with a grin, his voice clear and loud: “Goodbye, auntie!” I shook my head in annoyance. I found some garbage bags and stuffed all these odds and ends into them. After cleaning up, the apartment felt empty. Unnaturally tidy. I collapsed onto the bed, feeling drained, staring blankly at the ceiling. The surroundings were eerily quiet, with the ticking of the wall clock exceptionally clear. I picked up my phone. Chase had updated his status. “I’m finally free. Ending what’s wrong to pursue what’s right.” Just now, at 2 AM, he updated again with just three words: Can’t sleep. I blinked. He must not be used to the dorm, I thought. After all, in the past, as soon as he complained about noisy roommates or hard dorm beds, I immediately rented him an apartment. Whenever he called me “Vera,” I would solve all his problems. Lost in thought, my phone vibrated, showing several transactions on the joint account I had set up for Chase. I unlinked the joint account and froze the supplementary credit card I had given him. After doing all this, drowsiness gradually overcame me. I turned over and fell into a deep sleep.

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On Valentine’s Day, my husband said he wanted to try something exciting and took me to an immersive role-playing club. The NPC assigned to accompany me was a beautiful young woman. While she was performing an intimate scene with my husband, she cried with tears streaming down her face. I thought it was just acting. But she was actually crying out for help. Not long after the New Year, Valentine’s Day arrived. It was also the fifth anniversary of my marriage to Liam. Unlike other couples whose lives tend to become mundane after marriage, Liam and I still maintained the excitement and passion from when we were dating. The secret to keeping this passion alive was twofold: money and our pursuit of “novelty” in our sex life. We were both people who pursued an exciting life, so we were used to living in our own world and hadn’t planned on having children yet. However, this couldn’t hide the signs of fatigue I started showing as I entered my thirties, while his desires remained strong. That day, after work, I was cooking in the kitchen when he loosened his tie and seductively wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. After years together, he knew all my sensitive spots, and I quickly succumbed to his teasing. “Baby, let me take you somewhere tonight. You’ll love it,” he whispered mischievously in my ear. I nodded, blushing, then remembered something and tilted my head to ask him: “Oh, Liam, your mom called today. She said she envies others who have grandchildren. We’re both thirty now, and I’m not opposed to having a child. If you want…” “I don’t want children,” he immediately cut me off, his tone somewhat impatient. “Honey, didn’t you say you’d agree to get the contraceptive implant in a few days? How about it?” The contraceptive implant Liam was referring to involved inserting a hormone-releasing device under the skin of a woman’s arm for long-term birth control. I had once suggested he get a vasectomy, but he said that would rob him of his manly pleasures. I wasn’t sure about remaining childless forever, so I had been hesitant to get the implant. “Alright. I promise I’ll make an appointment at the hospital in a few days,” I nodded reluctantly. He was excited, hugged me, and kissed me once, urging me to get ready quickly so we could go out and celebrate Valentine’s Day together. The place Liam mentioned took a full hour and a half to drive to. It was in an entertainment district far from the city center. At 9 PM, the neon lights were particularly eye-catching. As soon as we entered, a hostess smiled and handed Liam a number tag: “Mr. Wright, you’re here.” The hostess’s attentive manner suggested she was quite familiar with him. Had my husband been here often before? Seeing my confusion, Liam explained that he had come to scout the place in advance for this Valentine’s Day surprise. “This is my second time here. I really wanted you to experience it,” he said excitedly, squeezing my hand. With the staff’s introduction, I learned that this was an immersive role-playing club, featuring real-life immersive scenarios with multiple players and NPCs teaming up. Due to its “ultra-realistic” nature, the prices were quite expensive, and it operated on a VIP membership basis, only accepting member users. The scenario Liam had booked was called “Rose Island,” telling the story of a domineering male lead who held a young woman named Eva captive on a deserted island for 365 days, forcing her to fall in love with him. It sounded incredibly intense right from the description. I eagerly followed my husband inside. The space was vast, with over a dozen NPCs and fellow players. Screams from women could be heard from the adjacent room. Suddenly feeling a bit unnerved, I wondered if it was really this realistic. Seeing my hesitation, a staff member suggested: “How about this? We’ll arrange for an NPC to act out a scene with Mr. Wright first, and you can watch from the side.” Liam looked at me inquiringly. I nodded, “Okay, honey, you go try it first. I’ll see how it’s performed.” As soon as I finished speaking, the actress playing Eva slowly walked out. She was fair-skinned and beautiful, wearing a sky-blue spaghetti strap dress that slightly revealed her cleavage. Her voluptuous figure was eye-catching. Upon seeing us, she immediately put on a timid expression. She truly seemed like the shy young girl from the script. “Mr. Wright, shall we begin?” she asked coyly. “Alright, honey, let me show you how it’s done,” Liam nodded, his eyes involuntarily fixed on her snow-white chest.

I suddenly felt uncomfortable. The young woman had a slender figure and looked only eighteen or nineteen years old. A woman’s intuition made me feel wary, but I still watched as my husband walked in. Through the glass door, I could clearly see the progress of the game inside. All the NPC actors were very professional. My husband was particularly engrossed in his role, as if he truly was that all-powerful mob boss. When it came time for an intense scene, he and Eva had a conflict. Then, Liam pinned her down on the wild ground. This was a scene with just the two of them; all other NPCs had left. The dim lighting made it difficult to discern what was really happening inside. I stared intently at the man and woman entangled before me. The woman’s snow-white legs were flailing wildly in the air. Terrifying cries for help rose and fell. “I’ll teach you to run, I’ll teach you to run. Try to escape again and I’ll break your legs, understand?” And my husband’s savage roar seemed so real, as if he was truly in character! “Please, help me…” The young woman seemed to notice my presence and struggled to look at me, her messy hair clinging to her damp skin. That pitiful look seemed to be begging me for help. Because the performance was so realistic, I desperately called for the staff to yell “Cut!”, but the staff said that once it started, it couldn’t be stopped. Flustered, I went straight to the main power switch and pulled it, cutting off electricity to the entire club! I don’t know what happened in the pitch-black fifteen minutes that followed, I only heard a woman’s mournful whimper from inside. When Liam came out, he still had a look of unsatisfied desire and complained to me: “Honey, why did you cut the power? What’s the rush?” I said, “Your acting was too realistic. I got scared watching it, so I asked them to call cut, but they wouldn’t stop.” Soon after, the young woman came out too. Her eyes were red and teary, her clothes disheveled, and even her legs were trembling. I couldn’t help but suspect, did they actually do something real in there? So I hurriedly went to stop her: “Are you alright? Are you hurt?” Now I could clearly see her name tag, which read “Rose.” Rose looked at me with slight surprise: “No, it’s all in the script. Mr. Wright was quite into his role.” Looking at her calm demeanor now, so different from her terrified state behind the glass door earlier, I was confused. I watched Rose walk straight to the back, her eyes meeting my husband’s for a brief moment before she quickly looked away as if shocked. Because I had arbitrarily cut the main power to the club, many players were forced to interrupt their scenarios and came demanding compensation. As a result, I had to pay the club a significant amount. While I was apologizing and compensating at the club, Liam was smoking in the corner. But he never smoked usually. I was all too familiar with that habit – it was a post-intimacy smoke. This Valentine’s Day was extremely unpleasant for me, and I had no interest in even having the candlelit dinner, ending the night abruptly. My husband and I had a total annual income of over $200,000, and we lived in a detached house as our marital home. Our financial situation was quite comfortable. Logically, living the most carefree life of a wealthy housewife, I should have turned a blind eye to his behavior. But I had a severe aversion to infidelity in relationships. That night, as soon as I closed my eyes, I kept imagining those miserable screams, tossing and turning unable to sleep. Liam blamed me for not being able to handle the game and started giving me the cold shoulder, staying out for several days in a row. Feeling dejected, I went to talk about this with my best friend. My friend told me to relax. “Men are always looking for new thrills, aren’t they? Besides, you said it was a legitimate role-playing club, so there shouldn’t be anything illegal going on.” I sighed and told her that I had contacted the hospital about the contraceptive implant procedure, hoping it would ease the tension between my husband and me. “It was Liam who insisted. The doctor advised me to think it through, given that I’m still young and whether I’m sure I never want to have my own children.” My friend was surprised, saying it’s rare for a man with normal fertility to think that way. She suggested I communicate with my husband again. My heart sank. Was he just avoiding responsibility, or did he really not want to have a child with me? Recently, Liam often didn’t come home at night. I secretly linked his Uber emergency contact shared location and bill sharing. As a result, I discovered that he had several long trips of over ten kilometers during his work days, as well as multiple large transfer records. The places he went were almost all large shopping malls. I was suspicious and planned to confront Liam that night. When he came back, he gave me a big hug and brought me a diamond necklace with a three-carat diamond. “Happy birthday, baby. You even forgot your own birthday, but luckily I went to various malls in advance to pick out a gift for you,” he said with a grin. I frowned, feeling a twinge of guilt and gratitude. So he had been to all those places just to pick out a diamond for me. That night, our intimate time was very harmonious. He seemed to have studied a lot of materials and developed quite a bit of new knowledge. Before falling asleep, I casually opened my phone. To my surprise, I found that he had quietly turned off all the location sharing and other settings I had set up, changing them to private.

My heart skipped a beat. There was definitely something fishy going on. To resolve my doubts, on the weekend, I suggested going to that role-playing club again with my husband, and we invited a few friends along. This time I chose a normal scenario, a suspense thriller, which was noticeably cheaper than the more intense scenario we had picked before. While our friends were all enjoying themselves with great interest, he kept yawning. I leaned close to him and asked quietly: “Honey, don’t you love role-playing games the most? Why aren’t you participating properly? Our friends are all here accommodating you.” Liam looked at us apologetically. “I’m sorry, I might be too tired from work these past few days. I also stayed up late last night finishing a PowerPoint presentation.” This was clearly a lie. I had seen him fall into a deep sleep right after dinner yesterday, snoring like a log. He also got up late on Saturday, so there was no reason for him to be tired. Unless this ordinary role-playing game simply didn’t stimulate his sensitive spots, leaving him uninterested. If so, his usual excitement threshold must be quite high. My expression darkened. I excused myself to go to the bathroom, asking a staff member to take my place and continue playing. Stepping out of the dim room, I walked into the main hall. This was where Liam had played the intense scenario before. To give players a more thrilling experience, they had set up these transparent curtains, adding a sense of shame under public view. Inside, I saw Rose. This time she was playing an NPC in an ancient Chinese scenario. Her shoulders were half-exposed, with makeup simulating injuries on her shoulders and neck. She wore a rabbit mask on her face. I glanced at the script in the staff member’s hand. The scenario was called “National Beauty,” with unspeakable lines below. It was indeed another intense scene. Several men dressed as soldiers approached her, seemingly about to abuse this weak woman. They sneered: “Your Highness, even if we die, we can only die in your bed.” The lead man reached out to remove the jade hairpin from her head. The hairpin was sharp and directly cut through the ribbon on her chest. Rose was left with only a crimson undershirt, her eyes red as she sobbed slightly: “Please, gentlemen, don’t do this…” She inadvertently turned her head and gave me a deep glance. The rabbit mask was roughly pulled off, and that look was terrified and helpless. One man after another came before her… The lights suddenly dimmed, and the curtain was drawn. I couldn’t see clearly what happened next. I only heard Rose’s extremely shrill cries amidst the background music of thunder and lightning. My curiosity grew deeper and deeper, with several questions swirling in my mind, refusing to dissipate. Online, I found out that this role-playing club was a legally registered business and shouldn’t have any illegal operations as I had imagined. But its form, different from other role-playing clubs, and Rose’s reaction that day still made me suspicious. On a day when Liam was working overtime at the company, I lied about going to the hospital for a blood test before the contraceptive implant procedure. In reality, I had secretly taken his VIP membership card and went to the role-playing club by myself. To prevent the staff from tipping off Liam, I deliberately wore a mask. When asked about my preferred scenario type, I hesitated for a moment before finally choosing a script involving a black man, with a theme of forced love. The staff member smiled and asked if I wanted the hidden service. “What do you mean?” I frowned. “Many career women come here to relieve stress, and they often choose the hidden version of this scenario. It’s more expensive, though,” she explained, being mysteriously coy. “Trust me, you’ll definitely like it.” I steeled my nerves and paid nearly triple the price. I was determined to see what the catch was. To conceal my identity, I kept the mask on when entering the venue. Soon, the black NPC who was to act with me came out. His name was Jack, tall and strong, looking exactly like the image on the “Mr. Clean” kitchen products. The man wore only a pair of shorts, his muscles rippling, dark and robust. Even the veins on his arms seemed to be pulsing. My eyes involuntarily moved downward, and when they reached his tight shorts, I couldn’t help but blush. Black men’s clothing sizes were indeed larger. After familiarizing ourselves with the script content, several NPCs entered the room with us. I had requested a fully enclosed room without the glass window. After going through the basic content of the script, we reached the intense scene I was most curious about. My heart was pounding as I watched the other NPCs leave, leaving only me and the black man locked in the room. “Baby, you’re so sexy, I am coming!” His breathing noticeably heavied, and before I could react, he lifted me up against the wall. “Help!” I cried out in shock, but I was no match for his strength. The fabric on my shoulder was violently torn. As my skin was exposed to the cold air, I couldn’t help but shudder. A feeling of shame ran from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. I wanted to escape, but he held me tightly, his rough palms touching my waist and exploring upwards.

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The night was bitterly cold, and no matter how fast I ran, they would find me. “Fucking bitch.” I had to wait until their fury subsided as they hurled insults at me. Time dragged on. After nearly an hour, the last one spat at me and left. Shivering, I curled into a ball. I tried to summon happy thoughts, but nothing came. Since my parents left me at the pack, kindness was a stranger. The Alpha refused to let me go, no matter how many times I begged. The pack used me as a punching bag. Even though my wolf healing abilities were strong, I believed it only fueled their hatred. Not even the Alpha could heal as quickly as I did. I took a deep breath, feeling the heat in the air. It would end soon. One month later I sat with my wrists bound, the sounds of wailing filling the air. This wasn’t a miracle. The entire pack had tried to escape the massacre. I kept my eyes low, but I couldn’t help but notice the lead attacker standing near my Alpha’s fallen monument. Pathetic, my Alpha groaned on the ground. The man with his foot on the Alpha’s chest caught my attention. I licked my dry lips, eyes tracing from his head to his torso. He wore nothing but trousers and boots, his massive chest bare, scarred, but without ink. That scent—I knew it well. Why would he attack our pack if he was one of us? “You,” he commanded, pointing at the men. I followed his gaze to William, who was dragged to the center where the attacker waited. They’d tried to escape, but it was futile. He wasn’t alone. Men just as imposing surrounded him, smirking. The women were roped together, the men shackled. I hated being tied up, the restraints biting into my wrists. My breath caught as the man—now clearly the Alpha—drew a blade and plunged it into William’s stomach, driving it up to his heart. Blood pooled, and I had to look away before it made me sick. “You think your Alpha will save you?” He sneered, glaring at the others. “He’s weak, groveling on the floor like a coward.” I dared to glance up as he pounded his fist against his chest, the sound echoing like thunder. “You’ll pay,” he growled, scanning the crowd before signaling one of his men. They grabbed me—resistance was pointless. My pack wouldn’t save me. But they lifted me gently, one of them supporting my back as they led me to Charley. My pulse raced as they released me. I stood, waiting for his verdict, praying for a quick death. The ropes fell away. I stared at Charley, searching for a sign, but his expression was unreadable. His eyes, nearly black, bored into mine. Long brown hair framed a face that was both cruel and captivating. He flicked the blade, offering me the handle. “Finish him.” My wolf quivered in fear. “What?” “You heard me.” He kicked the moaning Alpha, curled up like a coward. I’d seen my Alpha beaten, but I knew he was no leader. He had ordered my own thrashings, and I had endured. William laughed, his voice cutting through the tension. “Well, well, I’m surprised.” Charley’s gaze never left mine. “Do you think I don’t know what this man has done?” He leaned in, his breath hot on my face. “I smell you. It’s alright, kid. I’m used to driving women wild. You’re not the first, won’t be the last.” “I won’t kill him.” “Why not? He’s tortured you for years. Has he broken you so much that you won’t seek revenge?” “How do you know?” “Why do you think I came here, Susan?” His voice was dark, persuasive. “I’ve seen it all. These monsters stood by, doing nothing, or helped in your suffering. You must avenge yourself—kill them.” William had always been different, sharp senses setting him apart even in foster care. He could hear whispered conversations from feet away. He was always prepared for an attack. Years of survival had hardened William. He’d learned to hunt, to adapt, to thrive. But being an Alpha? It was a burden he never wanted. Rogue wolves were dangerous, and he was their leader, whether he liked it or not. He caught my scent, his wolf growling with a need he couldn’t ignore. Mates were powerful, binding—but he didn’t want one. He’d bedded plenty of eager women, both human and wolf, but none made him feel this way. He noticed the mark on my neck, burned into my skin before my first shift. The Mark of the Unwanted. It was a curse, a brand that would repel other packs. Fury ignited in him. How could they do this? William had never seen a wolf heal so quickly. What took others weeks, I managed in hours. It stunned him, and his desire flared, his body betraying his restraint. “No,” I whispered, stepping back from the sword. His eyebrows shot up. “No?” “I won’t.” He threw his head back and laughed. “You won’t kill those who made your life hell?” “No.” “Do you understand these monsters hurt you?” “I’ve seen it all,” William growled, kicking the Alpha again. Hatred burned in his eyes, rare even for him. “Stop,” I pleaded. William seized the back of my neck, pulling me against him. His wolf craved me, the urge to claim overwhelming. As his lips brushed my neck, he struggled to control himself. “I had to watch them hurt you,” he murmured, voice thick with desire. “Never fighting back made you a coward. I know why you didn’t stop them—the Alpha commanded you to take the beatings like a good bitch.” “He won’t live for what he did to you.” “I don’t want his death on my conscience.” I stood before him, battered, branded, healing right before his eyes. My strength was undeniable. “Please, I want to leave without hurting the pack.” “Leave?” “I’ve begged him to let me go, but if I kill him, I’ll be trapped here forever.” William hoisted the Alpha, his legs shattered, unable to fight back. With a cruel grin, William gripped the man’s crotch, knowing he could rip it off with ease. “You can leave and never return.” For the first time, I smiled as William dropped the Alpha to the ground. “I can leave?” “Yes,” he said. “Go. Run.” I didn’t hesitate. I bolted. William branded every face that had ever hurt me with a flaming rod. This pack would bear the mark of shame and rejection forever. A month later, I walked into my tiny apartment, singing as I locked the door. Freedom had never felt so good. The place was small—just one bedroom, a bath, and a little kitchen. But it was mine. For the first time, I slept peacefully, breathing deeply without fear. I thought about William often. The crazy man. Even late at night, I imagined him nearby. Sometimes, I was sure I could hear him or feel his presence. Rogue wolves were always a threat without the pack, and I knew the dangers. But the peace was worth it. After my shower, I wrapped myself in a towel, my stomach rumbling as I headed to the kitchen for some spaghetti. I grabbed a knife, turning around—only to see William. My heart pounded at the sight of him. The knife slipped from my hand. “Why are you here?” “I came to check on you.” “You followed me?” William stepped closer. “I guess I stalked you. Your scent—it’s even more intoxicating now.” “Why are you here?” “Didn’t you miss me?” I stayed silent. He chuckled, pressing his body against mine. “That’s fine. No need to say it. Your body speaks for you.” “How did you get in here?” “The beast in me has many skills.” “And you’ve mastered invading privacy. I should’ve known.” He chuckled. “Don’t lie. Your pussy got wet the moment you saw me.” “I just want to sleep.” He grumbled, squeezing my ass. How could I want him? But I let him. I whimpered as his cock pressed against my core. His lips grazed my shoulder, teasing my neck. It took just one flick of his finger to drop the towel. Would he hurt me? The thought made me queasy, but his groan said otherwise. His brown eyes gleamed, filled with hunger. Was this real? William looked at me like he wanted to devour me. “I planned to take this slow, but I need a taste.” He scooped me up, carrying me to the bedroom. I lay helpless as his eyes roved over me, his hands sliding up my thighs, so close to my pussy. I didn’t stop him. I wanted him. My mind went blank as his fingers brushed my clit. “Oh, fuck,” he muttered. He stroked, gliding over me. “Now, let me taste.” I didn’t think pleasure could be greater until his lips met my clit. His tongue was pure bliss, sending me spiraling into ecstasy. But he’d waited too long. His cock strained against his trousers, his wolf desperate to claim me. Still, he held back, sliding his tongue over my clit, teasing until he smelled my arousal. Then he took me, riding me hard, filling me with his come and my own virgin blood. He reveled in my surrender. William kissed my clit, drawing out my orgasm, then swiped his tongue over my breasts before kissing me deeply. “And you have one tasty pussy.” I tried to push him off, but he was too strong. “You intrigue me.” He breathed deeply, sensing my wolf near. “Why?” “How long have you healed so quickly?” “Did you watch me?” “Yes. I was near your woods. I smelled you, saw what they did to you. They punished you for nothing.” “I did something wrong.” “Yet you heal in hours, but their marks remain in your mind.” “I’m fine.” “Now you’re lying. I hate liars.” “I’m being honest. I just want to forget. This was my chance to live my dream. I begged to leave.” “For how long?” he pressed. “No need to tell you.” “Why does it matter?” I shot back. “You know why.” “Get off me.” “Why? You like me on top. You like it.” I growled. “This is my apartment. I didn’t invite you.” “You’ve got a nice pussy.” “Don’t say I intrigue you. You could have any woman.” “But Susan, we both know no other woman will do for me. You’re my mate.” “We’re not mates.” “No? Then why do you get wet every time I’m near? I’m hot, but you ignored all the other guys around you.” “You never hurt me.” “Yes, but the body wants what it wants. We’re not human. You crave me, calling out in the night. Your body’s heat says it all. It wants me.” “Why did you demand he free me?” He grumbled. “I have no intention of taking anything from you. I’m yours, and you’re mine. You can’t change that.” He inhaled deeply. “I can feel your heat.” “What?” “You’ve never felt heat?” “I don’t know what you mean.” He smirked. “We’ve got a lot to discuss. But first, that lasagna isn’t going to eat itself, and I’m starving.” His stomach growled as he got out of bed. “What are you doing?” I asked. “See you in the kitchen. You grabbed a salad at the store. I’ll make it while you think, then we’ll talk.” He glanced at my body, struggling to hold back a groan. Full moon’s coming—wouldn’t be long now. A woman in mating heat was a dangerous thing. My wolf demanded his presence, the last few months a torturous build-up. Soon, his wolf would claim his mate. Humming, he headed to the fridge. The meager items inside were enough for supper—his mate needed good food. He chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber with surprising ease. I quickly changed into sweatpants, glancing in the mirror before heading to the kitchen. Seeing William so at ease in the kitchen shocked me. He looked up, catching me staring. “You like what you see, little wolf?” Something under my skin itched. I grabbed a cold water bottle, pressing it to my neck. It helped, but not enough. William appeared behind me as I closed the fridge, his cock’s firm ridge brushing my back. “I know exactly what you’re thinking.” His voice was dark, knowing. “Don’t doubt me.” My wolf whimpered. I breathed deeply and stepped away, already missing his touch. “Dinner’s ready, my lady,” he said, carrying a salad dish. My body began to burn. “Have you experienced mating heat?” “No, and women only bear heat with their mates.” He chuckled. “Your wolf’s not quiet.” “Tell me,” he pressed. “How did you feel with my lips on your pussy?” Arousal surged between my thighs. “It’s impossible. You’re not my mate.” “Would you really say that? I’m amazed you’ve held on after everything they did to you—so stubborn. I half expected to find you at the pack’s edge, fighting yourself.” “I know what they did. I felt their pain.” William cut the lasagna in half before serving me. I devoured it, confused by my need, my hunger, my thirst. “I don’t understand why you let them live,” he said, his eyes darker than usual. “Revenge is natural, but you didn’t want it. Why?” “I’ve seen their marks.” “You noticed their tattoos?” “You want to examine my whole body?” “No, that’s unnecessary,” I replied. “Not a problem.” William shed his shirt and pants. He didn’t wear boxer briefs, and I couldn’t help but notice his firm cock before looking away. “Don’t mind me, dear. I’m yours.” “I don’t understand,” I whispered, the need overwhelming. I avoided his gaze as he approached, mocking. “My placid little wolf has some strength after all.” “I don’t know what you’re doing to me, but stop.” “It can only be stopped by giving in. You know that, but you resist. Why?” “I want you gone.” “Why?” “This isn’t your flat, and I’ll call the police if you stay.” He chuckled darkly. “How could you threaten innocent people when you can’t even harm the pack that tortured you?” “If you say I’m your mate, you’ll leave because I ask.” His grin disappeared, replaced by something darker. He stepped closer, his cheek brushing my neck. “One day, you won’t be able to push me away. I hope you’re ready for that day.” His hand gripped my neck, but I didn’t feel fear. Not until he leaned in, kissing me with a force that ignited every nerve. Then, just as abruptly, he pulled away, leaving me breathless as he walked out the door, shutting it behind him with a finality that made me flinch. I collapsed against the wall, hugging my knees, pulse racing. The heat that had flooded my body ebbed away, leaving me cold. If William brought the heat, it meant he was right. He was my mate. But why didn’t he claim me? Why didn’t he do it in front of my pack? “You’re in a mood,” Leon remarked, glancing up from his game. “Not in a mood.” “You’re practically vibrating. I’ve known you long enough to recognize when you’re struggling to control your anger.” In human society, letting rage take over was dangerous. He could kill or scare others in this state. “It’s nothing,” William muttered. Leon didn’t buy it. “It’s that woman again.” He sniffed the air, returning to his game. “I can smell her on you. Maybe try using the front door next time, or court her like a human.” William scoffed. “You mean meeting them at a pub?” “A drink isn’t worth it to wolves. The smells alone are foul.” He paused the game and looked up. “You look crazed again.” “You’re too into that game to notice.” Leon didn’t flinch. “You’re too busy avoiding claiming your mate. Does she even know she’s going into heat because of you?” William’s roar echoed through the room. The frustration, the need, the battle within him to keep from taking what he knew was his, all came to a head. Leon met his gaze calmly. “You’re losing control. She’ll feel it soon enough. What will you do then?” William clenched his fists, jaw tightening. “I’ll handle it.” “You’d better. Before she finds out the hard way.” “Want me to set up the castle?” “No.” William’s voice was sharp. The castle was a fortress, perched on a remote island, accessible only by aircraft. He hated flying, but he’d bought the place as a gamble. A secluded sanctuary, perfect for a mated pair. Their solitude would protect them. No one would hear their battles, their hunts, or their lovemaking. The idea had been intoxicating when he first realized what having a mate would mean. Someday, he wanted to call it home. “Think she’d like it?” Leon asked, watching William’s brooding expression. “What now?” William snapped. “Her heat risk goes up every time I’m near. If human guys start responding to her, things will get bad.” “Just pointing out the obvious. Is it working?” William’s jaw clenched. “I have all the answers.” But if men responded to her, his control would slip. The beast inside him would emerge, and if that happened, humanity would be wiped out. He liked his spotless record—never killed anyone, despite what the alphas thought. They didn’t understand him, and that was how he preferred it. He had learned long ago that money spoke louder than anything else in this world. And he’d made sure to have plenty of it. “You getting coffee?” Leon asked, as William poured himself a cup, the dark liquid swirling in the mug. “Why are you here?” William’s voice was a low growl. He didn’t need coffee to stay awake; he rarely slept since he’d met her. The dreams of demons haunted him, and he hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in ages. “Does she know you sneak into her room at night? Cuddle her to keep the nightmares away?” William’s roar echoed through the room, vibrating with barely contained fury. “So, she doesn’t know, and you didn’t tell her.” Leon paused his game, a smirk playing on his lips. “I’m surprised.” “Mates don’t need to be told everything,” William growled. “The start’s always rough. I enjoy a challenge, but I didn’t realize how much.” “Why keep me around then?” “Maybe for the fun. You’re probably the only one I haven’t killed yet. Plenty tried, though. Remember?” Unfortunately, it was true. Leon had been found by William at eighteen, bleeding and crawling up a steep slope. He had been thrown over the edge by a group of men who thought they’d seen the last of him. William, only twenty-one then, had murdered them, taken their things, and hidden Leon in a remote cabin, treating his wounds. It was the first time William had seen the brand of the unwanted—a mark that filled him with rage every time he saw it. When William had seen it on my neck, he’d felt that same fury. I tried to hide it with makeup or a scarf, but he’d noticed. Leon, on the other hand, had wanted to kill his tormentors. I was different. I didn’t crave revenge like the others. William glanced at Leon, who had gone still. “Don’t go back to that day,” William said, setting down his coffee. He moved closer, resting a hand on Leon’s knee. Leon shuddered at the touch. “They—” “Don’t think about it. You’re alive, they’re not.” William’s grip tightened on Leon’s neck. “I sent them over the edge alive. You know that.” “Why didn’t she want them dead? Why didn’t she want them all killed?” “I don’t know,” William replied, his voice thick with frustration. Leon’s eyes darkened. “I’ve been there, William. They beat me, they hated me. They tried to break me. My transition was agony because of them.” “I never healed like her,” Leon continued. “Her life must have been hell. But she healed so fast.” “I know,” William whispered, his voice tense. “I know.” Leonabruptly stood, saying, “I need to go for a walk.” They have experienced this numerous times. Leon was too hurt by his background to recover. He let it take control, and he had to run or walk it off. “Are you okay?” Wiliam asks. He couldn’t accompany him. Leon needed solitude. “I’ll be fine.” William sipped his coffee, trying to find calm. After pouring a second cup, he set it down and headed to her flat. He locked the door behind him and copied her key, returning it during her busy lunch. In the bedroom, he found me sobbing, nightmares haunting me. He lay beside me, wrapping his arms around me. The full moon was coming, and her flushed face told the story. Work had been brutal. Surrounded by men, young and old, all vying for victims. No one stopped me from leaving work. I kept my head down, but men bumped into me, leaning in to touch and smell me.  panic took over when i returned to my flat. I gasped . He looked arrogant and crossed his legs. “Why are you here again?” “I stayed in case something interesting happened today.” He showed her a watch on his wrist,. Wolves hardly noticed time. “you’re four hours early. Any reason?” “i had to leave town. ” William caught my wrist and pulled me into him. Arm heat subsided. “You know what happens.” “The first full moon away the pack. Only that. This is what they warn about.” He snorted. “Oh, please. That rogue nonsense again?” I tried to leave, but he stopped me. “If you were rogue, you wouldn’t have been with all those men today. I get your struggles.” Confused and angry, I snarled, “You did something to me!” “I did nothing. My presence affects you.” I tried to hit him, but he laughed and grabbed my hands. “Violence won’t help.” “I can’t stay,” I said. “You’re not leaving alone.” “Why?” “I need to do this alone.” “Are you stubborn?” “Yes. I need to show I’m not their prey anymore. A month of this is all I can handle.” I didn’t fight back as he dominated me. His kisses were irresistible. I struggled but gave in. I needed him. William lifted me, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, craving his touch. Surprised by the intensity, I tore off his shirt, and he fell onto the bed. I straddled him, kissed his neck, and stroked his firm cock. “You’re hard,” I said, momentarily halting as I regained my composure. I pulled away, but William stood up. “No,” I tried to shut off my feelings, but it was impossible. His touch burned my back, and I recoiled. I bolted from the flat, not looking back. I had to escape, find peace. Apologizing to someone I bumped into, I ran into the busy street, men’s eyes devouring me. Darkness fell quickly. Sweat coated my skin. I stopped abruptly in the woods, its artificial scents jarring. William found me there, calm. “Done running?” he asked. “Leave me alone,” I snapped. “Why? Think you’re crazy?” “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “I’ve been alone too. No one kicked me out. I’ve never lost control. I haven’t killed anyone.” “You have a pack,” I retorted. “They kept you down.” “I met my first wolf at twenty-one. His pack was trying to kill him. I took him in. I grew up in foster care, alone until then. I’m telling you the truth.” “Why?” “Because wolves would flee if they knew the truth. Strong packs need strong members.” William had fought the alpha role. He sought out the unwanted. Rumors of his resistance were well-known. He looked at me. “We’re bonded by mating heat. You’re not crazy. I promise.” I hugged him, sobbing. “I just want freedom and a mate. Someone to love me.” William’s beast roared inside him. He held me tightly, knowing his pack was the only protection I had. “We’ll go to the cabin tonight. First turns away from the pack should never be alone.” “Have you helped many?” I asked. “More than you’d think. Evil exists everywhere,” he said, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Sorry for earlier.” “For riding you with our clothes on?” I flushed. William smirked. “I’ll remember you’re a virgin despite your attitude.” “Does everything seem like a game?” I asked. “No, not everything. One day, you’ll trust me. I won’t bite until you ask. I only kill those who need it.” He touched my cold hand and called Leon. “Bring the car,” he said, giving the location. Leon pulled up and William helped me into the car. As we drove to the cottage, he told me Susan had already moved my things. I nestled into William’s side as Leon and Susan greeted each other. “Are you okay?” Leon asked. “I’m fine.” William said, “She’s not rejecting me. She’s just unsure.” Leon, dealing with his own sorrow, understood the struggle. Wolves bond deeply, their emotions setting them apart. Packs are meant to connect. Leon said, “The pack’s got your back every step of the way.” “Will you help her?” “Leon, you know her pain. Mating heat is agony. She needs a leader. It might not be me.” Leon sighed. “You undervalue yourself.” “I want to be prepared for everything. She’s confused by mating heat, thinks she’s losing her mind. She’s hurting in ways I can’t even grasp.” I added, “You don’t have to stay by my side.” I was exhausted. At the cottage, I fell asleep immediately. The next morning, I felt a chill. William cooked breakfast. The smell made her hungry. i recalled waking up to find William wrapped around me and wanted to be less dependent. “Why wouldn’t I stay with you?” “Don’t you have more important things to do?” “Being with my mate is everything.” The word “mate” hit me hard. I rubbed her chest, feeling anguish. The mating bond was still absent. “Stop overthinking,” William said. “You need to get used to the pack.” A knock at the door made her jump. “It’s fine,” William said, opening the door. Three more people entered, followed by Leon. There were two women and four men. Most had scars like hers. “Hello,” one man said. “Introduce yourself so she can learn your names.” “Ashley,” the short, brown-haired woman said. “Rainy.” “Peter.” “Texts.” “Nice to meet you all,” I said, glancing at Texts. “Is that a nickname?” “No, miss. It’s my real name. They denied me a nickname, so I’m called Texts because I like texting.” He smiled. “Best day of my life being found by this pack.” William chuckled. “Don’t get too comfortable. He takes in all the strays.” “Not true. I don’t house anyone. They find me, not the other way around.” “We’re just the unwanted,” Rainy said, nodding at my neck. “That mark must be painful.” “It is,” I said, tears welling up. “They all are,” William said. “It never stops.” Leon added, “We all have stories. Doesn’t make the pack sound like a great place to live.” “Yeah, but ours is the exception,” Texts said. “We live among humans, like spies. No one knows who we are.” Ashley muttered, “Be careful with him. He thinks he’s got the next big thing.” “I could,” Texts said. “And be a giant pain in the ass,” Ashley replied. The group chuckled. “What? We need to be inclusive now that the miss is here. Right?” Texts asked. Everyone looked at me. “What?” “What kind of drama shots do you like?” Texts asked. “Er, I don’t know.” “You’ve never watched drama shots?” “I didn’t have money for a TV . I didn’t think watching by payment was worth it.” “Ah, your pack is terrible.” Texts said. The pack laughed. “Enough,” William said, handing me a plate. “You’ll join us for night.” I took the knife and fork, waiting. “You can eat,” William said. “I can wait.” “Is that a pack rule?” Ashley asked. “You can’t eat until everyone else?” Her palm trembled. “We won’t starve you,” Rainy said. “Eat before it’s cold. Alpha cooking is important.” I cut mushrooms, dipped them in tomatoes, and ate. “Good food,” I said to William, biting into a sausage and moaning. Everyone laughed. “Honestly, I was a street rat. William helped me out and then left. I didn’t want to stay in my old life. My pack was cruel, starved me for fun,” “He’s the shit.” “Ew,” Ashley said. “Can’t you say something nice about him?” “Fine. He’s dog bollocks,” Liam replied. I laughed, not quite understanding but not questioning it. I relaxed, enjoying breakfast and watching them. They felt like family. William prepared tea and sat back, feet up, hands behind his head, smiling. “Now this is life. Cabin, pack, peace.” “Some of the pack?” I asked. “Yeah, there are more of us,” Rainy said. “The others are busy working,” Ashley added. “We’d need a bigger place otherwise.” “Are you guys staying here?” I asked. “Yes,” they said. “Oh.” “Don’t worry. We won’t undercut you,” Leon added. “We’ll be nearby, just in case.” I nodded, still adjusting to the pack’s constant presence. “Do you want to explain your deal?” Leon asked, bringing a tray of coffee. “My deal?” I asked. “We all have a vague idea why we’re unwanted. What’s your story?” Leon pressed. “We don’t need to dive into that,” William added. “I’m just… weird,” I replied. Everyone moved to the sitting room. William stood by the window, arms folded. “A freak?” Texts asked. “What does that mean?” I grabbed a knife from the kitchen, stabbed it into the table, and cried out. The pain was relentless. “What the fuck?” William rushed to me, and the pack intervened. I yanked the knife out, holding it up to show them my recovering body. “A freak.” Breakfast had gone smoothly until my outburst. William asked everyone to leave for a bigger cabin. “Holy fucking shit,” Texts said. “Did you see that?” “I saw,” Rainy said, arms crossed. “She calls herself a freak? Does she realize her strength?” “Is this common?” Texts asked. “It’s rare,” Rainy said. “I knew one in my old pack. They were revered. Their healing delayed aging.” “Wait,” Leon said. “You’re saying she could be much older?” “She looks about twenty,” Rainy replied. “But it could be longer.” “How old was your elder?” “About two hundred. Time slows down after they mature.” “I saw what they did to her,” Ashley added. “She didn’t resist.” “Because she was ordered not to,” Leon said. “Alpha’s rules are law.” “She’s damaged,” Rainy said. “And she’ll be a fucked-up woman.” I was nervous during dinner. “You want us to do what?” Peter asked. “I want you to stay back while Susan adjusts. We should keep our distance,” William replied. “Is hiding the heat normal?” Ashley asked. “Not sure,” Rainy said. “In my old pack, the elder was revered. I’ve never seen such pain.” “I’m heading back. Don’t stray far, and if you hear cries, stay alert. Rush in if they’re mine.” William entered, seeing me on the couch, my wound already healed. “Sorry I sent your pack away,”I said. “You didn’t send them away,” William reassured. “They worry about you.” “They call me a freak.” “They don’t. They’re concerned.” I shrugged. “I’m fine.” “‘Fine’ doesn’t explain stabbing yourself.” “All gone, like it never happened.” “No scar doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.” He was furious at my wrongdoers. “You bruised.” “They faded eventually.” “Did your healing abilities annoy them?” “Yes,” “They hated that nothing they did could last.” William paced, then drank heavily. “Does it help?” “Nope, but it stops me from killing everyone,” he said, throwing back another drink. “I need to walk.” “I’m coming with you.” “Please, let me go alone.” “No,” he said, drinking more. His body metabolized the alcohol quickly. “Fine. Do what you want.” I stormed out, and William followed a minute later, tracking my scent. He found me by an ancient tree and tackled me. I gasped as we fell to the ground. He kissed away my tears, then nuzzled me. “William?” “I know your needs,” William said, tearing my jeans with his claws. He spread my thighs, touched me, and focused on my clit with his tongue. I begged and rocked against his face, crying out his name. He held my ass tight, savoring every drop of me. “Thanks,” I gasped. “That’s just the start, baby,” he grinned. The next morning, I watched him sleep, remembering his touch and the heat between us. I was anxious about the pack’s absence—did they dislike me? William woke, catching me staring. “I can feel you thinking all the way from here.” I blushed. “I didn’t know you were awake.” He smirked. “I didn’t want you to think I was just admiring your tits and imagining what I could do between them.” His fingers traced my thighs, making me moan. I closed my eyes, feeling his passion. “No,” I whispered. “Why stop?” he asked, his touch persistent. “I want to give you something,” I said, straddling him. “I’m a virgin. Only you have been with me.” “I’m the only man you’ll ever be with,” he assured. “Let me please you,” I offered. “Get off me then,” he said, eager to make love. “I want to taste you,” I said, lowering myself cautiously between his legs. “Don’t bite,” he warned. “Touch me first.”

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I, Calvin Gibson, started an online romance with our company’s Vice President, Miriam Wilson. There’s no way I could meet her in real life. She doesn’t know yet that the guy she’s dating online is actually a company employee. ***** Miriam’s been in a terrible mood lately. Everyone who’s picked up on this has become extra cautious, not daring to slack off at work. Miriam’s been working crazy overtime, and we don’t dare leave before she does, so we end up working until eleven or twelve every night. I’m so exhausted I’ve got dark circles under my eyes, and my skin’s looking pretty rough. Honestly, I’m probably the only person in the entire company who knows the real reason behind Miriam’s foul mood, but I can’t say anything. Because Miriam just went through a breakup. And her “ex” is me. She just doesn’t know it yet. It all started when my online girlfriend and I decided to meet in person. We met online.

“Ms. Newman, are you certain you want to change your name? Once changed, your diplomas, various certificates, and passport will all need to be updated accordingly.” Anne nodded. “I’m certain.” The clerk continued trying to dissuade her. “Changing your name as an adult is actually quite troublesome, and your original name sounds lovely. Why don’t you reconsider?” “No need.” Anne signed the name change consent form. “Please go ahead and change it.” The clerk said, “Alright, the name you want to change to is Marina Bennet, correct?” Anne nodded. “Yes.” She would use her new name to fly far away. This was the direction she had set for her future. She was going to leave this place completely. Anne asked, “Can I go change the name on my passport now?” The clerk replied, “Yes, this is your name change receipt. Take this downstairs to process your passport name change.” Anne completed the passport information update as quickly as possible. As for other documents like her diploma, she left everything untouched. After all, she would be leaving with her new passport in a week. Her past identity could stay here—she no longer needed it. Walking out of the administrative building with her new passport, she faced New York’s iconic skyline. On the large screen covering the building’s exterior wall, an interview with Jonathan Graham, CEO of Graham Group, was playing. The interviewer keenly noticed his subtle gesture and asked with a smile, “Mr. Graham, I notice you keep touching your ring. It’s just an ordinary silver ring, isn’t it? Does it have special meaning?” Jonathan smiled warmly and raised his hand to show her. “This is my wedding ring.” The interviewer said, “Oh? I’m sorry, I assumed someone in your position would have at least a diamond wedding ring, and a substantial one at that.” Jonathan replied, “I crafted this wedding ring myself, polishing it bit by bit, and even engraved my name and my wife’s name inside the band.” The interviewer exclaimed, “Wow, there really are two sets of letters—JG and…” Jonathan said, “And AN. My wife is Anne Newman.” The interviewer gushed, “Wow, I really envy your wife. How lucky must she be to marry you?” But Jonathan said, “Actually, I’m the lucky one for being able to marry her.” The surrounding crowd was making envious sounds. Only Anne, the person in question, smiled sarcastically. She and Jonathan had truly loved each other deeply once, from their school days until now—they had walked together for fifteen years. In the eyes of classmates and teachers, they were the most enviable couple on campus. Until two months ago, when she received photos from a strange woman. The girl in the photos looked barely twenty, wearing sexy stockings and a nightgown, with purple and blue marks covering her from neck to chest. Without much thought, it was obvious she had just experienced intense sexual activity. She made a provocative gesture at the camera. On her index finger was a silver ring, slightly oversized—clearly a men’s style. Inside the ring band was engraved a line of English letters: JG&AN. Later, she saw that girl in Jonathan’s office. Her name was Maeve Hicks, a recent college graduate, twenty-one years old, Jonathan’s newly hired personal assistant. At that moment, Anne’s mind went blank. She desperately wanted to storm into the office and ask, “Personal assistant—does that include your sex life?” But she never asked. The marks all over Maeve’s body in that photo had already explained everything. Amid the surrounding gasps of amazement and envy, Anne quietly left and walked into a jewelry processing shop. When she removed the ring from her left ring finger, her heart ached so much she could barely breathe. The shop owner asked, “Miss, what jewelry would you like to have processed?” She said, “This ring—please melt it down.” The shop owner looked puzzled. “This ring has engraving on it. It must have special meaning, right? Are you sure you want it melted down?” She nodded. “Yes, please do it as soon as possible.” Half an hour later, Anne returned home with an elegantly packaged jewelry box. When Jonathan came home, it was already past ten at night. He held a bouquet of flowers. “Sorry, Anne, I’ve been too busy with work lately and haven’t had time to spend with you. I brought your favorite freesias—do you like them?” As he leaned closer, Anne caught a whiff of perfume on him that wasn’t hers. Glancing sideways, she spotted a faint bite mark below his Adam’s apple. At his shirt collar, there was an obvious lipstick stain, glaringly red. Anne let out a cold laugh. Were you busy with work, or busy getting carried away with Maeve? Jonathan looked puzzled. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” Anne pushed him away. “I’m a bit tired.” He said, “Should I carry you to bed?” With that, he bent down, preparing to sweep her up in his arms. Anne pushed him away again. “You’re tired too. Take a shower and get some rest.” Jonathan reached out to take her hand but suddenly noticed something. “Anne, where’s your wedding ring?” Anne said, “I took it off.” Jonathan frowned and asked, “But I made that with my own hands. It’s proof of our love. Why did you take it off?” Anne replied dismissively, “I’ve gained some weight recently. It doesn’t fit properly anymore.” Only then did Jonathan’s expression soften, and he smiled again. “Then I’ll take it to the jewelry store to resize it sometime.” Anne said, “We’ll talk about it later.” “By the way, what’s that on the table?” Jonathan pointed to the exquisite jewelry box on the table and asked with some surprise, “Is this a gift for me?” Anne nodded. “Yes.” Inside it was a small silver piece. She had melted down their wedding rings and placed them inside. But Jonathan looked delighted. “What’s the occasion? You actually prepared a gift for me?” Anne’s heart grew cold again. “Today is our wedding anniversary.” Jonathan’s expression instantly turned panicked. He coaxed her almost pleadingly, “I’m sorry, Anne. I’ve been really busy with work lately. How about we go out for dinner tonight? I’ll make a reservation right now…” Anne said coldly, “No need. I already ate.” Jonathan suggested, “Then let me take you out to see the night view? We could take a walk by the river?” Anne said, “I’m tired. I want to sleep.” Jonathan wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his tone coaxing, “Come on, Anne. We haven’t taken a walk together in so long. I feel like you’ve been a bit cold toward me lately. If this continues, I’ll start wondering if you’ve fallen for someone else.” Have I fallen for someone else? Your heart left me first. And this time, I’m going to take back my heart completely, along with myself. Everything. On the way out, Jonathan drove while enthusiastically sharing recent happenings. Anne sat in the passenger seat, turning her head to look out the window, ignoring everything he said. Because when she was fastening her seatbelt, she had felt a woman’s stocking in the seat crack—clearly worn. She quietly pushed it back and pretended nothing had happened. Since she had already decided to leave, she didn’t want to argue about anything anymore. Besides those useless lies, she would get nothing. Since she couldn’t have it, she wouldn’t want it anymore. When they reached the river, Jonathan got out first and walked around to open her door. “Anne, we’re here.” Anne didn’t really want to come, but this used to be their favorite place when they were dating. If it started here, then let it end here too. “Wow, isn’t that Mr. Graham from TV today? The one who made the wedding ring himself!” “I remember—what a perfect husband!” “He’s even shielding Mrs. Graham from the car roof so she won’t hit her head getting out. He’s so thoughtful!” Suddenly, Jonathan’s phone rang. He said somewhat apologetically, “Sorry, Anne. Wait here for a moment. It’s work-related. I’ll take this call and be right back.” Anne said, “Go ahead.” Jonathan instructed, “Just wait here for me. Don’t wander off.” The people around them exclaimed again. “Mr. Graham loves his wife so much—he’s even worried she’ll get lost.” “He spoils her so much!” Only Anne remained expressionless throughout, standing by the river, gazing at the shimmering water in the night. When Jonathan saw the caller ID earlier, he couldn’t suppress the smile at the corner of his mouth. That smile carried affection, sweetness, and a hint of intimacy. So how could that call possibly be about work? But she was too lazy to expose Jonathan’s lie. The wind from the river was a bit cold, so she simply returned to the car to wait. On the car’s display screen, Jonathan’s social media account was still logged in, synced with his phone. Chat messages were appearing one by one. The other person’s nickname was “Greedy Cat.” Jonathan: Missing me? Greedy Cat: I’m a bit lonely on nights when you’re not here. Jonathan: Greedy Cat, wasn’t seven times with you today enough? Greedy Cat: Not enough. I want more. Jonathan: Alright, tomorrow at work, in the office, I’ll satisfy you. Greedy Cat: Then I’ll wear black stockings to work tomorrow. The content that followed became increasingly explicit, full of crude flirtation and vulgar language. Anne felt cold all over and turned off the screen. Her whole body was trembling—whether from cold or anger, she didn’t know. Her nails dug into her palms. Jonathan returned quickly, about fifteen minutes later. He got back in the car and patted his chest with relief. “When I finished the call and turned around, I didn’t see you. You scared me to death. Thank goodness you’re okay.” Anne no longer wanted to look at that hypocritical face and kept her head down, looking at her hands. She said, “It was cold outside, so I came back to the car.” Jonathan said, “Good. You can be wherever you like.” Anne suddenly looked up. After seeing their chat records, this statement took on another meaning for her. Wherever you like. The stocking in the passenger seat crack… Could it be that they had done it in the passenger seat too? Anne suddenly felt nauseous and pushed open the car door to vomit.

Jonathan panicked and rushed forward to check on her. “Anne, what’s wrong?” Anne was violently sick, and it took her a long time to recover. She couldn’t understand why Jonathan, who loved her so much, would cheat on her. Wasn’t he afraid she’d find out? Or did he think he was being discreet enough to keep it hidden from her forever? The evening breeze cleared Anne’s mind considerably. Jonathan asked with concern, “Anne, are you okay? If you’re not feeling well, I’ll take you to the hospital right now.” Anne said, “No, I probably just had something bad at dinner.” Jonathan said, “Then come to the office tomorrow and find me. We’ll have lunch together.” Anne let out a cold laugh, thinking to herself, “Go to the office to watch you and Maeve having sex in your office?” She suddenly felt mischievous: “Sure, I’ll go to the office with you tomorrow morning, keep you company while you work, then we’ll have lunch together, and come home together in the evening.” Jonathan hadn’t expected her to agree at all, and his expression immediately became somewhat strained: “But I’ve been pretty busy with work lately. I might not be able to stay with you the whole time.” Anne said, “You do your work. I’ll just wait for you in your office.” Jonathan had no choice but to say, “Alright then.” After returning home, Jonathan offered to run a bath for Anne and went into the bathroom, but unusually closed the door behind him. Anne went downstairs alone and got back in the car. After starting the engine, the latest chat messages immediately popped up on the screen. Jonathan: [Plans have changed. We can’t use the office tomorrow.] Greedy Cat: [So disappointed.] Jonathan: [Don’t be disappointed. I’ll take you to the rooftop. It’ll be more thrilling.] Greedy Cat: [Wow, you’re the best.] When Anne returned to the bedroom, Jonathan had just come out of the bathroom: “Anne, your bath is ready. Go soak for a while.” Anne said, “No thanks, I want to rest.” Jonathan nodded: “Alright, sleep if you’re tired. By the way, that gift you left on the table—can I open it now?” Anne said, “Wait another week.” Jonathan asked, “Why wait another week? I want to see what you got me right now.” Anne said, “Because…” She thought to herself, “Because in a week, I’ll be gone from your life forever.” She said, “Because the gift will only be meaningful in a week.” Jonathan kissed her gently on the forehead: “Okay, I’ll do whatever you say.” Early the next morning, Jonathan’s phone started ringing after six. He turned it off and pulled Anne closer: “Ignore it. Let’s sleep a little longer.” But the phone rang persistently again. Jonathan frowned, getting annoyed: “It’s not even work hours yet, and they’re calling non-stop this early. I’m going to fire all these useless executives sooner or later.” He turned off the phone again. When the phone rang for the third time, Jonathan finally got up impatiently: “Anne, sleep a little longer. I’ll go see what’s so urgent.” Anne softly hummed in acknowledgment and turned away from him. Jonathan took his phone and left the bedroom. Soon after, his figure appeared outside the front door downstairs. A delivery person in a yellow uniform was standing outside, handing him a package. Jonathan took it, but when he returned inside, his hands were empty. Anne asked him, “Is the company situation serious?” Jonathan said, “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. Rest well, and I’ll make you breakfast.” Whether from guilt or genuine concern about her stomach upset, Jonathan made an exceptionally lavish breakfast. Milk, eggs, bread, jam, and her favorite oatmeal. He said, “You can’t eat just anything anymore. I’ll find you a housekeeper to come cook for you every day.” Anne said, “That’s not necessary.” Jonathan said, “Be good and listen to me, or I won’t have peace of mind at work.” Anne said, “Jonathan, can I ask you something?” Jonathan said, “Go ahead.” Anne put down her knife and fork, her tone calm: “The seven-year itch—do you think there’s truth to it?” Jonathan immediately showed a look of disgust: “That’s just an excuse other men use when they fall out of love. I’m different. I’ll only love you for the rest of my life.” Anne frowned: “Only love me for the rest of your life?” Jonathan nodded: “Yes.” Anne asked, “What if you fell in love with another woman?” Jonathan said, “Then may I die a horrible death.” Anne smiled sarcastically: “Such a heavy oath—aren’t you afraid it might actually come true?” Jonathan said, “I’m telling the truth. Why should I be afraid?” Anne picked up her knife and fork again and spread jam on her bread. Jonathan said earnestly, “Anne, you have to trust me.” Anne simply said, “Let’s eat.” Jonathan said, “You still don’t believe me? Do I have to cut out my heart and show it to you before you’ll believe me?” Anne said, “People at the company are waiting for you. Don’t be late.” Jonathan finally relaxed and sat down across from her: “Let them wait. They’re a bunch of useless people anyway. I’m going to fire them all sooner or later.” Anne asked, “Fire her? Could you bear to do that?” Anne said “her,” not “them.” She didn’t know if Jonathan caught it, but she heard him say, “Besides you, there’s nothing I can’t bear to part with.” After breakfast, the two headed to the company together. Anne really didn’t want to sit in the passenger seat and insisted on sitting in the back. “I get carsick. The back seat’s more comfortable, and I can get some fresh air,” she explained. Jonathan didn’t push her. “Alright then, I’ll try to drive as smoothly as possible.” When they arrived at the company entrance, Jonathan quickly got out and walked around to open the rear door for her. As Anne stepped out, she was once again surrounded by employees during the morning rush hour. Several executives even jogged over with beaming smiles. “Mrs. Graham, you’re here! Mr. Graham always says you love coffee—I’ll go buy some for you right away.” Another chimed in eagerly, “I’ll get the snacks! Mrs. Graham, you like little cakes, right?” Jonathan laughed and teased, “You guys better stop buying her food. She’s put on a little weight lately—can’t even get her wedding ring on anymore.” “Mr. Graham, that’s not right to say,” one executive quickly interjected. “Mrs. Graham looks perfectly slim to me. If the wedding ring doesn’t fit, the ring must have shrunk!” “That’s some pretty obvious flattery, don’t you think? How could silver shrink?” “You don’t understand, Mr. Graham. You care so much about Mrs. Graham—as long as she’s happy, you’re happy, and we all get to live the good life too!” Jonathan shook his head with a smile. “Alright, you’ve figured out exactly what I like to hear.” Everyone burst into laughter. Anne was practically escorted into his office by the crowd. Fruits, snacks, coffee—everything was there. Jonathan even used his computer to find her a TV series. “Anne, I need to get to work. Just watch your show here, and if you need anything, have Zac outside help you out.” Anne deliberately asked, “What about your personal assistant Maeve? I haven’t seen her today.” Jonathan frowned slightly. “I’m not sure either. I’ll have HR call and check later.” Before leaving, he affectionately ruffled her hair and said softly, “Wait for me to come back, and we’ll have lunch together.” After Jonathan left, the executives gradually dispersed as well. Anne noticed his phone was still on the desk and was about to chase after him when she accidentally overheard a conversation between several executives. “The rooftop? Mr. Graham and Maeve are getting bolder and bolder.” “Who knew Mrs. Graham would suddenly show up at the company today? They had to change locations at the last minute.” “Should we still send condoms up there today?” “No need. When Mr. Graham went up just now, I saw he had several boxes stuffed in his pocket.” “Haha, Mr. Graham’s really something—managed to get condoms right under Mrs. Graham’s nose.” “Delivery apps, obviously. So convenient these days—you can buy anything.” Anne suddenly understood. Those phone calls this morning were from delivery drivers. Jonathan had placed an order early in the morning for condoms, clearly preparing well in advance for today’s “rooftop rendezvous.” “Wonder if a few boxes will be enough. Last time Mr. Graham and Maeve went at it in the car for a whole day and night—Maeve was walking funny the next day.” “If it’s not enough, we’ll just send more! As his subordinates, we’ve got to take good care of Mr. Graham.” “Didn’t you just say we should take good care of Mrs. Graham too?” “Ha! What does she know? A few snacks and she’s completely fooled. With Mr. Graham’s status, how could he possibly have just one woman? Anyway, he’s got money and power—playing around with women is totally normal, as long as we keep it from Mrs. Graham.” “True. She seems pretty naive—shouldn’t be hard to keep her in the dark.” Just then, Jonathan appeared. “Don’t talk nonsense in front of Anne, got it?” The executives nodded repeatedly. “Understood, Mr. Graham.” One couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you bring Mrs. Graham today? Now you and Maeve have to hide on the rooftop, and we have to watch every word we say.” Jonathan shot him a cold glare. “Anne is my wife. If she wants to come, she comes. Who are you to question that?” The man laughed awkwardly. “You’re absolutely right…” Jonathan issued another stern warning: “Take good care of Anne. She had an upset stomach yesterday, so don’t give her anything cold. And if anyone dares to mention what’s going on between Maeve and me, they’re out immediately. Clear?” The executives nodded and voiced their agreement with smiles. Anne didn’t listen to the rest of the conversation. She hurried back to the office and quietly placed his phone among the pile of snacks. After a while, Jonathan returned. He maintained that same gentle, caring demeanor. “Greedy Cat, what are you eating?” The nickname “Greedy Cat” made Anne feel nauseous. Fighting back her discomfort, she asked, “Didn’t you go to a meeting? Why are you back already?” Jonathan said, “I left my phone here. Did you see it?” Anne shook her head. “No.” Jonathan rummaged through the pile of snacks and pulled out his phone. “Found it mixed in with the snacks. Take your time eating—I’ll head out now.” This time it was Anne’s phone that rang. She answered it. The voice on the other end asked, “Hello, is this Marina Bennet?” Anne replied, “Yes, that’s me.” The person continued, “Ms. Bennet, your flight to Norway scheduled for next week has been successfully ticketed. Please bring your passport for boarding.” Anne asked, “Do I need to bring any other documents besides my passport?” The person answered, “No, just your passport will be sufficient.” Anne said, “Alright.” After hanging up, Jonathan asked with slight confusion, “Passport? Anne, what do you need a passport for?”

Anne said, “It’s a friend of mine. She lost her passport and asked me how to get it replaced.” Jonathan hurried toward her and pulled her into a tight embrace. “You scared me to death. I thought you were going abroad without me.” Anne turned her head away and threw up again. He carried a heavy, sickly sweet scent mixed with some woman’s perfume. Jonathan gently patted her back with concern. “What did they feed you? I specifically told them you’ve been having stomach issues these past few days and to take good care of you. Just wait—I’m firing all of them right now!” This time Anne pushed him away with all her strength. “Fire whoever you want, but stop using me as an excuse, okay?” Jonathan was caught off guard by her sudden outburst. “Are you mad at me? Is it because I was busy with work today and didn’t spend time with you?” He said, “How about this—tomorrow I’ll cancel all my meetings and spend the entire day with you. Sound good?” Anne laughed bitterly. “Spend the entire day with me?” Jonathan said, “Yes, I’ll be with you all day.” Anne took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “I hope you can keep your word.” That night, it suddenly began to pour. From the moment Anne got home, she couldn’t stop throwing up. Jonathan tried to get close to her, but she firmly refused. “Don’t come near me. The smell on you just makes me throw up even more.” Jonathan sniffed his sleeve and said, “Maybe you don’t like this cologne. I’ll switch to a different one next time.” Anne said, “You know damn well the problem isn’t the cologne!” Jonathan said, “Okay, don’t be angry. I won’t wear any cologne from now on. That should work, right?” Anne splashed cold water on her face and looked up at her pale reflection in the mirror, and at Jonathan standing outside the bathroom door, anxiously holding a cup of hot water. She just couldn’t understand why, even today, he still carried that sickly sweet scent of intimacy with Maeve and her perfume, yet could so naturally pretend to love her. She couldn’t understand why Jonathan seemed to care about her, yet still betrayed their relationship without any regard. Maybe that executive was right: “Men fooling around outside is no big deal, as long as they keep it from the woman at home.” She had misjudged him. She wasn’t that naive or easily fooled, and she wouldn’t compromise herself or abandon her principles anymore. If love was no longer pure, she’d rather have none of it at all. The next morning, Jonathan took her to the hospital. After a series of tests, the doctor gave his diagnosis. “She appears to have stress-induced gastritis.” Jonathan asked, “What’s stress-induced gastritis?” The doctor explained, “It’s when a patient experiences severe emotional trauma recently. The impact is so significant that it disrupts gastrointestinal function, causing vomiting.” Jonathan turned to Anne. “Have you encountered something upsetting lately? Tell me about it—maybe I can help you solve it.” Anne turned her face away, avoiding his approach. “You can’t solve it.” He said, “Just tell me. There are very few things in this world I can’t solve.” Yes, this was indeed something only he could solve. For a moment, Anne wanted to ask him: if she and Maeve were both drowning, who would he save first? But then she thought better of it. She shouldn’t place her fate in someone else’s hands. She could swim. She could save herself. She no longer needed Jonathan. She had applied to art school in Norway under the name Marina Bennet. She had given up her dream of painting to marry Jonathan, but from now on, she would live for herself. Jonathan suggested, “Anne, let me take you to see a movie this afternoon. There’s a new comedy out that you’d probably enjoy.” Anne asked, “This afternoon? Don’t you have to work?” He said, “We agreed that I’d spend the entire day with you today. I keep my word—I don’t go back on my promises.” The next second, his phone rang. He was about to decline the call, but after staring at the caller ID for a few seconds, his expression grew hesitant. Anne watched his face transform from initial irritation to resignation. She smiled coldly. “Go ahead and answer it. Company business is more important.” Jonathan said, “I’ll make it quick. Give me five minutes.” Anne nodded. “Okay.” Jonathan was about to leave with his phone when Anne suddenly called out to him. “Just take it here. I don’t understand your company business anyway, so there’s no risk of leaking secrets.” Jonathan stopped awkwardly. After hesitating for two seconds, he answered the call, his voice tinged with anger. “Didn’t we agree you wouldn’t call today? What’s going on?” Anne could vaguely hear a woman crying on the other end. In front of her, Jonathan’s tone became cautious. “Fine, I got it. Hold on.” After hanging up, Jonathan said to Anne with slight embarrassment, “The company has an important document that needs my signature. The manager is already here at the hospital, downstairs. I’ll sign it and come right back—thirty minutes tops.” Anne nodded. Jonathan practically ran out of the examination room. The doctor smiled at her. “Mrs. Graham, Mr. Graham really loves you. He’s even willing to put aside work for you.” “Yes.” Anne forced a smile. “Excuse me, doctor, I need to use the restroom.” The doctor smiled back. “Of course.” As soon as she stepped out of the examination room, Anne saw Jonathan, too impatient to wait for the elevator, running down the stairs. He did go downstairs. But that floor was the maternity ward. Her phone buzzed. Maeve: [Ms. Newman, I’m so sorry, but he probably won’t be able to spend time with you today. One call from me, and he comes running to my side immediately.] Maeve’s messages kept flooding in. Maeve: [Oh, and check this out. This is my ultrasound report—I’m pregnant.] Anne enlarged the image and finally made out the line at the top of the report: [8-week embryo, threatened miscarriage.] Maeve: [Yesterday we did it several times on the rooftop, tried all kinds of positions. Maybe we got too rough—the baby’s showing signs of threatened miscarriage. Ugh, it’s all his fault. He said he was like a dead fish with no energy around your pasta, but with me he wanted to try something exciting.] Maeve: [The doctor said that whether we keep the baby or terminate, the father needs to sign the papers, so I had to call him down here. After all, compared to his stomach bug, his child is more important, don’t you think?] Anne took a cab home from the hospital alone. She went to Dave Jacobs’ law firm. She said, “Hello, I’d like to retain your services to draft a divorce agreement.” She asked for nothing, and Dave was reliable. Half an hour later, she had the complete divorce agreement in hand. Dave told her, “No signature from the husband required. As long as you two live separately for two years, this agreement will automatically take effect.” As Anne walked out of the law firm with the agreement, Jonathan called. He said, “Anne, where are you? I’ve searched the entire hospital and couldn’t find you.” Anne said, “I waited for you for a long time and you didn’t show up, so I went home.” Jonathan said, “Good, I’m glad you made it home safely. Sorry, there really was an emergency at the company that I had to handle personally. I might need to go on a business trip for a few days. Take good care of yourself at home. Next week, I’ll definitely clear my schedule to spend time with you.” Anne sighed softly. When a lie is told ten thousand times, no one will ever believe it again. Now, she felt no emotional turmoil whatsoever. She said flatly, “Okay, go ahead.” Jonathan said, “You’re so understanding. I’ll bring you some freesias when I get back tomorrow.” “Understanding?” Anne asked. “Jonathan, do you prefer women who act cute and clingy, who won’t let you go? Am I too understanding, so I’m boring?” Jonathan paused. “How could that be? Of course I love you most. Whatever you’re like, that’s what I love.” Anne asked, “Would you ever fall in love with another woman?” Jonathan assured her, “Of course not.” Anne said, “If you change your mind, I’ll leave you forever.” Jonathan chuckled. “Go ahead and run. I can shut down airports and train stations. As long as you’re still called Anne Newman, I’ll never let you leave me.” But my passport no longer says Anne Newman. I’m now Marina Bennet. Anne emphasized again, “I’m serious. I have ways to leave you, and ways to make sure you can’t find me.” Jonathan still laughed, as if coaxing a cat. “Fine, run first then. I’ll give you three days, then I’ll come find you. Like I said, as long as you’re still called Anne Newman, no matter where you run, I can find you. You can’t shake me off.” Can’t shake you off? Anne smiled. Well, we’ll see about that.

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On the fourth anniversary of my secret relationship with my brother Noah Geller, I, Bailey White, had carefully prepared a surprise and was waiting at home for his return when I received his phone call. The background was noisy, but I could still hear every word clearly. “If it weren’t for my fight with Evelyn, how could I possibly be with Bailey? “Just thinking about being with her makes me sick. How could someone be so despicable, actually liking her own brother? Absolutely shameless! “But Evelyn’s back now, and I’ll marry her right away. Even if we don’t get married, I don’t care. I can keep playing around with her since she truly loves me.” The call ended amid a burst of laughter, and I couldn’t stop trembling. So our four years together had been nothing more than the product of his momentary spite. Heartbroken, I finally agreed to marry another man. On my wedding day, I calmly addressed Evelyn James as “Mrs. Geller.” Noah, who was always composed, completely lost his composure in that moment. ***** On our fourth anniversary, I cooked a whole table of Noah’s favorite dishes at home. I kept imagining his surprised expression when he walked through the door, but I waited for a very long time. I called him over and over, but no one answered. Just when I was getting anxious, the phone rang. It was Noah calling. I excitedly answered, asking urgently, “Where are you?” However, his cold and disgusted voice came through the phone. “If it weren’t for my fight with Evelyn, how could I possibly be with Bailey? “She actually likes her own brother—how disgusting!” In that instant, I felt like I’d fallen into an ice cave. I had imagined countless possibilities for his call. Maybe he’d be sweet-talking me, or saying he was almost home, or at least explaining why he was late. But I never expected to hear those words. After he hung up, it suddenly started pouring outside. I threw away all the food and stood by the window in a daze. Noah saw me standing by the window looking lost as soon as he got out of his car. The rain outside had soaked half of my clothes, but I seemed completely unaware. He immediately ran over to close the window and draped his coat over my shoulders. He said with concern, “Why are you standing by the window? Go take a hot shower and change into dry clothes.” He skillfully prepared my bath water and laid out my pajamas. “I’ve got the hot water ready at just the right temperature. Go wash up quickly so you don’t catch cold.” After my shower, Noah naturally took the hair dryer from my hands and dried my hair. Looking at that gentle man in the mirror, I couldn’t connect him with the voice on the phone. “Do you find me disgusting?” I asked softly. His hair-drying motion paused. “Why would you ask that? What happened? Did someone say something to you? Don’t listen to their nonsense…” Seeing his anxious and caring expression, I forced a smile. “It’s nothing, I was just asking.” Noah put down the hair dryer and gently hugged me from behind. He nuzzled his head against my neck, half apologetic and half playful. “Bailey, I was wrong today. I was too busy. I’ll definitely spend quality time with you tomorrow, okay?” If this had been before, I would have softened and patted his head, saying, “I forgive you.” But now, I just gently pushed him away and said quietly, “Noah, don’t do this.” Noah chuckled softly and held me tighter. That night, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, his warm breath falling on my neck. “Bailey, I want you…” I suppressed the emotions rising in my heart and interrupted him, “I’m not feeling well today.” Noah’s restless hand paused, then he sighed. “Alright, then rest well tonight.” I quietly closed my eyes in the silence.

I had once been the sole heir of the White family, but an accident took my parents’ lives, and I became an orphan overnight, sent to an orphanage. It was Noah who took me out and brought me away from there. I was eleven then, and he was eighteen. He was also an orphan, but he gave me a home. From then on, I became Noah’s little shadow. He took me everywhere, saying I was his only family. Young as I was, I didn’t understand emotions and mistook my dependence and gratitude toward him for love. On my eighteenth birthday, emboldened by alcohol, I confessed to Noah. “Noah, I like you.” He froze for a moment and tried to push me away, but I held him tightly. Taking advantage of his surprise, I planted a kiss on his face. Noah turned his face away and said quietly, “Bailey, you’re drunk.” I clung to him. “I’m not. I just like you, Noah.” That night, he rarely lost control, pulling me into his arms and kissing me for the first time. From that day on, we secretly became a couple. He took even better care of me, handling every aspect of my life, big and small. Back then, I was intoxicated by the sweetness of love, thinking that as long as we liked each other, it could last forever.   The next day, Noah surprisingly didn’t go to the office. He took me to an amusement park, watched a movie with me, and brought me to my favorite restaurant. Everything seemed so perfect—well, it would have been if not for that phone call. Halfway through dinner, Noah excused himself to the restroom. That’s when I saw the message from someone labeled “Babe”: [Noah, I’m not feeling well. Could you come keep me company?] Such a cheap trick, yet Noah fell for it completely. When he returned from the restroom, he glanced at his phone and hurriedly prepared to leave. “Bailey, something urgent came up at the office. Go ahead and finish eating, don’t wait for me. I’ll make it up to you next time, okay?” he said. Before I could even respond, Noah had already walked out of the restaurant. I looked down at the friend request that popped up on my phone and accepted it. The person using the same couple’s profile picture as me sent a message: [Like the profile pic? I picked it out.] Then came a photo—two people kissing in what looked like a nightclub setting. Though I couldn’t see the face clearly, I recognized Noah instantly. The bracelet on his wrist was one I had personally braided and put on him. I’d never seen him take it off. Yet here he was, holding another woman. Tears splattered onto my phone screen as I stared at that photo in shock, the last shred of hope in my heart completely shattered. I wiped the tears from my eyes and dialed a number I’d never called before. “Ivan Stewart, I agree to marry you.” There was a long silence on the other end before he responded excitedly, “Really?” I nodded. “Really.” Ivan was the heir to the Stewart family fortune and had been my classmate from elementary school through college. I knew he’d always liked me, which was why he’d specifically asked his father, Jared Stewart, to propose an arranged marriage between us. At the time, I was completely devoted to Noah, so I firmly refused. But Ivan didn’t give up. Instead, he chose to wait patiently. He once told me, “Bailey, I know you don’t like me, but I can wait—wait for you to turn around, wait for you to like me. If you ever change your mind, I promise to marry you with all the grandeur you deserve.” I always thought I’d never agree to marry Ivan, but reality hit me like a freight train. After hanging up, I took a cab back to the villa alone.

  During the ride, I couldn’t help but check Evelyn’s social media. The moment I saw her profile, I felt like I’d fallen into an ice-cold abyss. I used to think everything I had was because Noah loved me. But reality slapped me hard across the face. Evelyn’s social media was filled with photos of various gifts Noah had given her. Some she kept, while others she didn’t want—and those unwanted gifts had somehow ended up with me. In that moment, I felt nothing but bitter irony. The things I had treasured were actually someone else’s leftovers, things she couldn’t be bothered with. Through Evelyn’s posts, I pieced together their entire love story. She and Noah had fallen in love at first sight, quickly becoming inseparable. Noah would pause important meetings for her, and when she said she “wanted something,” he’d spend millions at auctions to buy priceless collectibles for her. When she was sick, he’d cancel everything to stay by her side, personally cooking for her. Their love was like something out of a movie—the domineering CEO and his precious little wife. And me? I guess I was the evil supporting character. Every time Noah went to take care of her, he’d lie to me about working overtime at the office. Ridiculously, I believed him every single time. I’d even feel sorry for him working so hard and would rack my brains to make him delicious meals. And all of that food ended up in Evelyn’s stomach. She bragged on social media that it was made by Noah’s house cook. [Noah’s house cook makes pretty good food, though I prefer it spicy.] Reading this, I suddenly understood why Noah’s taste had changed. Someone who used to hate spicy food had suddenly developed a taste for it. When I asked him about it, he said, “Because you like spicy food, I want to feel closer to you, so I thought I’d try to appreciate spicy flavors too.” I was so moved by those words at the time, thinking Noah truly cared about me. After all, he was willing to change for me. It was all lies! All that talk about wanting to understand me—complete bullsh*t! He used my love for him as an excuse to trample all over my feelings! He used the food I made to please another woman! I was shaking with rage and couldn’t help but send Evelyn a message: [Do you know who actually makes Noah’s food?] She replied instantly: [Of course I know. What other housekeeper would make love-filled lunch boxes for her employer? But since Noah calls you the housekeeper, I naturally won’t blow his cover.] I was trembling with fury. So in Noah’s eyes, I was nothing more than a free housekeeper. How utterly ridiculous!

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The moment my SAT scores came out, I, Anna Barnes, took the bottled water my mom Ella Barnes handed me and the beaded bracelet my friend Lionel Murphy gave me, and passed them both to Ryder Carter—the guy who’d been bullying me for ages, someone with AIDS and terrible grades. Because in my past life, I drank that water, and my SAT score ended up becoming my adopted sister Aubrey Barnes’, while her score became mine. Within days, my body began deteriorating rapidly for no apparent reason. I started coughing up blood, running fevers, and eventually the pain was so intense I could barely get out of bed. Meanwhile, Aubrey, who had been suffering from stomach cancer, miraculously recovered. I begged Ella to take me to the hospital, but she not only refused—she mocked me, saying I was faking it, cursing at me before locking me in the basement. While I endured the agony of illness, they were outside throwing a lively celebration party for Aubrey. In the end, I died alone in that basement. After my death, Aubrey used my scores to shine at a prestigious university and even got together with Lionel. Only then did I realize that the water Ella had given me was a swap potion—once I drank it, my grades would be stolen. And the beaded bracelet Lionel gave me would transfer Aubrey’s illness to me if I wore it for three days, completely draining my life away. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day we checked our scores. ***** “What are you spacing out for? Take it!” The familiar voice snapped me back to reality. Realizing I’d truly been reborn, I stared intensely at the water and beaded bracelet before me, a chill rising in my heart. In my past life, it was because I accepted these two items from Ella and Lionel. Three days later, my grades had swapped with Aubrey’s. Not only that, but my body began rapidly deteriorating—constant high fevers and frequent coughing up blood. At the same time, Aubrey, who had been tormented by stomach cancer, suddenly regained her health. Her complexion was rosy, her condition excellent—nothing like someone who’d been ill. I was in agony, grabbing Ella’s hand and begging her to take me to the hospital. She shook me off and coldly scolded, “You’re just being dramatic! Aubrey got better, so now you’re pretending to be sick? Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to!” Then they dragged me into the basement. After that, they threw a celebration party for Aubrey, completely ignoring whether I lived or died. Eventually, I was tortured to death from prolonged lack of water and food. After my death, I watched helplessly as Aubrey took the acceptance letter that should have been mine, got together with Lionel, and enjoyed the life that should have been mine. Only then did I finally understand—the water Ella gave me that day was a swap potion, and the beaded bracelet Lionel gave me was a luck transfer charm. My scores, my health—they had all conspired to transfer everything to Aubrey. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day we checked our scores. Looking at Ella and Lionel with their hypocritical faces, I remained expressionless, smiled as I accepted what they handed me, then turned and gave everything to Ryder. Poor grades plus AIDS—double debuff maxed out. They love swapping so much? This time, I’ll let them swap to their heart’s content!

After handing everything to Ryder, confirming he drank the water, and watching him smugly put on the bracelet, I finally felt at ease leaving the house. I bought a bottle of real water and an ordinary bracelet similar to the beaded one Lionel had given me, then returned home. Seeing me wearing the bracelet with the water bottle half-empty in my hand, Ella and Lionel visibly relaxed. A few days passed, and Aubrey truly seemed like a different person. Her previous sickly appearance had completely vanished, replaced by a rosy glow on her face. Even her steps were much lighter, and she radiated unprecedented vitality. I huddled in the corner of the sofa, pretending to cover my mouth and cough a couple of times. Seeing this, Aubrey immediately swayed over to me, her face full of smugness and mockery. “Anna, feeling unwell again? You look so pale—don’t tell me you’ve got some serious illness? How pitiful.” She then flaunted the diagnosis report in her hand. “Oh, by the way, you probably don’t know yet—I went to the hospital today, and the doctor said I’m completely recovered. Tell me, isn’t that fate? Looks like all your good fortune has transferred to me.” Watching her gloating expression, hatred surged within me. But I still suppressed my anger and forced a smile. “Congratulations, Aubrey. Though you know, good fortune has a way of… going back where it came from.” Ella, who had just walked in and heard about Aubrey’s recovery, immediately broke into a brilliant smile. She grabbed Aubrey’s hand, her eyes full of affection. “My precious daughter, your illness is finally gone!” she said excitedly, her eyes even welling up with tears. When she turned to look at me, her expression instantly turned cold, her tone filled with disgust. “Some people are always sickly and pathetic—nothing but a burden!” Hearing those words, my eyes couldn’t help but redden. In my previous life, this was exactly how Ella treated me. She would either hit or scold me, and after I got sick, she became even worse, wishing I would drop dead right in front of her. Yet I was her biological daughter, while Aubrey was merely her adopted one. Soon, the day came to apply for schools. Aubrey seemed so confident that she had successfully switched our grades that she didn’t even bother checking her scores before starting her applications. I coughed violently a few times, then asked with feigned curiosity, “Aren’t you going to check what score you actually got?” She responded impatiently, “Mind your own business. I know what I got. As for you, what’s the point of high scores anyway? With your poor health, you’ll die of illness sooner or later. When that happens, won’t it all benefit me in the end?” She spoke smugly, her face twisted with perverse pleasure. Looking at her disgusting expression, I felt a wave of intense nausea. I said, “Oh really? Well, you’d better be careful that all that good fortune doesn’t crush you.” My words made her face flush with anger, and she was about to retort when Lionel pushed the door open and walked in. “Lionel!” The moment she saw him, Aubrey immediately threw herself at him, her voice sickeningly sweet. “Anna’s coughing so badly—I’m afraid her illness might be contagious.” She deliberately snuggled closer into his arms. Lionel steadied her and frowned at me, his tone as gentle as always. “Anna, if you’re not feeling well, go rest in your room. Don’t push yourself.” In my previous life, I was fooled by his gentle facade, thinking he truly cared for me. Only after death did I realize he had been secretly conspiring with Aubrey all along. In the end, they even plotted together to take my life! Now that I’ve been given a second chance, I swear I’ll make them pay the price they deserve!

At this thought, I let out a soft laugh, a flash of sarcasm crossing my eyes. “I just coughed a few times—what’s there to be afraid of? “But Lionel, you’d better be careful. If you catch something else because of your lifestyle choices, that would really be a loss.” Lionel’s expression shifted slightly. He couldn’t grasp the deeper meaning in my words and assumed I was just being jealous, making snide remarks. Though annoyed, he maintained his composure and said quietly, “Anna, don’t overthink things. I’m just worried about you.” I didn’t want to hear any more of his nonsense, so I cut him off. “College applications are due in the next couple of days. Have you guys decided which schools you’re applying to?” Aubrey’s eyes gleamed with smugness as she said coquettishly, “Of course. I’m applying to New York University. “I want to go to college with you—after all, only a place like that is worthy of me.” “As for certain losers,” she shot me a sideways glance and snorted, “even if she applies to the best schools, it won’t matter. She probably won’t even get into a regular college.” I gently traced the ordinary bracelet on my wrist, the corners of my mouth lifting in a serene smile. “New York University?” I said. “That’s certainly a good choice. “But Aubrey, are you sure you’ll get accepted? NYU’s admission standards are pretty high.” Aubrey’s face darkened, and she was about to explode when Ella suddenly interrupted, “Don’t spout nonsense. Aubrey has recovered, and she did great on the exams. She’ll definitely get into New York University. “You’re not fit to be mentioned in the same breath as her! Get lost—I can’t stand looking at you!” Without waiting for my response, she pulled Aubrey to her side, saying with concern, “Aubrey, don’t pay attention to her. Once you get into a good college, I’ll throw you a celebration party. When that acceptance letter arrives, let’s see what she has to say then.” I stood to the side, listening quietly, a wave of desolation washing over my heart. In my previous life, Ella had acted exactly like this. Once she successfully switched our scores, she couldn’t wait to show off Aubrey’s grades, completely disregarding whether I lived or died. I pretended to nod obediently and returned to my room. Over the next few days, I continued to put on a sickly appearance on the surface while secretly keeping close tabs on their movements. Sure enough, Aubrey really did apply to New York University. That very day, Ella began organizing a celebration party for Aubrey, spending an entire day just calling to invite friends and relatives. She even dipped into her personal savings to buy Aubrey a dress worth over ten thousand dollars. Learning that Aubrey had gotten into a prestigious school, relatives flocked over to congratulate her. My second aunt, Violet Barnes, sidled up to Ella, eyes full of envy. “Ella, you’re so blessed! Aubrey is so capable—getting into New York University!” Ella beamed with joy, nodding enthusiastically. “Aubrey really is amazing!” My third aunt, Mary Barnes, went so far as to directly hand Aubrey a gift. Aubrey smiled sweetly, graciously accepting all the gifts and flattery. Amid all the praise, I received a text from my good friend Paige Lynch. [Anna, Ryder seems to be sick. I saw him coughing up blood yesterday.] I gripped my phone tightly, my gaze sweeping over the smug Aubrey and Ella, a cold smile playing at my lips. Compared to my previous life, Ryder’s condition had manifested a full week earlier. It seemed the backlash from the bead bracelet was already accelerating. Now I couldn’t wait to see what expressions Ella and Lionel would wear when they discovered that the health and test scores they had schemed so hard to steal would ultimately amount to nothing. As the celebration party drew closer each day, I intensified my act of being sick. I coughed violently every day, as if I were about to hack up my internal organs. I walked with an unsteady gait, applied special makeup to create a sickly complexion, and looked utterly frail and weak. Whenever I put on this performance, Aubrey and Lionel would show expressions of disgust, as if I were something filthy. Ella, in particular, would constantly mock me with cold sarcasm, calling me a burden and a sickly weakling. Finally, under my carefully orchestrated performance, the celebration party proceeded as scheduled. The party was held at the largest hotel in town, with a luxurious and grand setting. A huge backdrop read: Congratulations to Aubrey Barnes on her acceptance to New York University. Ella wore an elegant dress, linking arms with Aubrey and beaming with joy. Lionel stood nearby, his gaze frequently falling on Aubrey with tender eyes. Meanwhile, I stood in the corner dressed plainly with a pale complexion, like an outsider. Guests arrived one after another, offering their congratulations to Aubrey. Aubrey basked in everyone’s compliments, her face glowing with smug satisfaction. Just then, the mail carrier delivering acceptance letters arrived. “Aubrey, quick! Your acceptance letter is here!” Ella excitedly nudged Aubrey. Aubrey’s face lit up with joy as she hurried forward. The guests all raised their phones, ready to capture this joyful moment. The next second, the mail carrier called out loudly: “Is Anna Barnes here? Please sign for your New York University acceptance letter!” The air instantly froze. Aubrey’s smile froze on her face, and Ella’s complexion turned deathly pale. Lionel also looked at me in disbelief, his hand that had been supporting Aubrey recoiling as if he’d been electrocuted. All the raised phones hung suspended in mid-air, and the crowd fell into stunned silence. From the corner, under the gaze of hundreds of eyes, I slowly stood up, walked forward, took the envelope, and said clearly: “Thank you, I’m Anna.” “No! That’s mine!” Aubrey suddenly snapped back to reality, screaming as she rushed over, trying to snatch the acceptance letter from my hands. Ella also glared with furious eyes, shouting sternly: “Anna, what are you making a fuss about? Give the acceptance letter back to Aubrey right now!” I chuckled softly, gripping the acceptance letter firmly in my hands, and spoke slowly: “Mom, you’ve got it wrong. This has my name written on it.” Someone whispered: “Could it be that both Anna and Aubrey got into New York University?” But the next second, the mail carrier denied this: “Impossible. New York University is very hard to get into. Only one person from this entire area was accepted.” With these words, everyone present showed curious expressions, their gazes turning in unison toward Ella and Aubrey. Aubrey still refused to believe it, trembling as she opened the score-checking website. When she saw the score displayed on the screen, she instantly froze. She mumbled: “Impossible! Where’s my score? My health has recovered, so my score should also be…” Violet sneered: “I knew it! Aubrey’s grades have always been terrible. There’s no way she could get into New York University!” Mary loudly chimed in: “She acted like it was real! Turns out she only scored that little!” The scene immediately erupted in whispered conversations. Ryder, who had been eating fruit by the buffet table, seemed to find this interesting and craned his neck to join the commotion. Aubrey’s gaze inadvertently swept over him, and when she saw the beaded bracelet on his wrist, her face instantly became even more ashen. She asked: “Ryder, where did you get that bracelet?”

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After my husband Frankie Anderson’s brother died, his wife Amelia Anderson brought back two birds from the mountains—a large bird and a small one. Amelia said she wanted to give these two birds to my daughter Phoebe Anderson as pets. I looked up information and discovered these two birds were vultures—birds of prey. I told Amelia to release them immediately before they could hurt anyone. But I never expected that mother vulture to be so intelligent. It stared at me with its sharp eyes and made harsh, guttural calls. From that day on, this mother vulture held a grudge against me. Every day it would drop bloody chicken bones into my plate and even took the opportunity to peck out my eye. I called in people from the forestry department to capture the vulture. But Amelia secretly damaged the cage and let the vulture escape. Later, Amelia said it was inconvenient for me with my injured eye, so she offered to take Phoebe out to play. They happened to encounter a flock of vultures. Phoebe’s neck was pecked by the mother vulture, her artery was damaged, and blood wouldn’t stop flowing. The smell of blood attracted more and more vultures. I threw myself forward desperately trying to protect Phoebe, but both Phoebe and I were torn to pieces by the swarm of vultures. We died without even having intact bodies left. When I opened my eyes again, Amelia was showing me the cage in her hands. This time, I’m going to make her taste the same pain. ***** The flock of vultures loomed over Phoebe and me. Their calls seemed to carry triumphant boasting. I lay dying in a pool of blood, my one good eye helplessly watching them carry away Phoebe’s severed head. “Amelia, what kind of birds are you carrying?” Frankie asked. He curiously bent down and leaned closer to the cage to look. The mother vulture immediately positioned itself in front of the young bird, glaring at Frankie with its feathers standing on end. Its beak was razor-sharp with barbs, capable of effortlessly tearing flesh from a person. That bone-deep pain seemed to linger in my body, making me shudder involuntarily. I pulled my toddling Phoebe behind me, cold sweat unconsciously soaking my clothes. Amelia said, “I found these in the mountains. The big bird was with the little one—so pitiful. When I saw this big bird, it reminded me of myself. Your brother died too young.” Amelia wiped at nonexistent tears in the corners of her eyes and handed the cage to me. Then she said to me, “Charlotte, you’re a mother too. Could you really bear to watch this big bird wander around alone with her child? Besides, I heard that when wild birds voluntarily come to someone’s home, they bring good fortune to that family.” Charlotte James is my real name. That mother vulture, like Amelia, looked at me with expectant eyes. I knew it was intelligent. In my previous life, I firmly refused to let Amelia keep such fierce birds in our home. As a result, it held a grudge against me, ultimately leading to tragedy. This time, I wouldn’t be so foolish. As if afraid I wouldn’t agree, Amelia stuck her finger into the cage and touched the mother vulture’s tail feathers. She said, “Look how well-behaved this bird is. They’d be perfect companions for Phoebe to play with.” The mother vulture wanted to stay, so it gently flapped its wings, its feathers softly brushing against Amelia’s hand. I calmly pushed Phoebe further back, then looked down at the mother vulture. At this moment, its eyes didn’t yet hold the hatred they had when it killed me in my previous life. I forced myself to smile. I said, “Amelia, you’re right. We’re both mothers. Even with animals, who could bear to watch one struggle with her child?” Amelia was startled by my words, and the smile immediately disappeared from her face. She said, “Charlotte, aren’t you the one who loves cleanliness the most? These birds will spread bacteria when they flap their wings.” I gritted my teeth and forced myself to touch the mother vulture’s feathers with my finger. I said, “Amelia, you don’t understand. Appropriate contact with small animals helps improve children’s immunity. Hasn’t your son Ethan Anderson been clamoring to have a pet?” Amelia threw down the cage, and the young bird inside cried out from being jostled. The mother vulture immediately shielded the young bird with its wing. Amelia said, “What good can come from boys playing with birds?” After saying this, she even yanked out one of the mother vulture’s feathers and stuck it in Phoebe’s hair. She said, “I think Phoebe is better suited to play with birds. She looks like a little bird herself.” Amelia went into the house without looking back, naturally missing the malicious stares both the mother vulture and I directed at her retreating figure. I knew Amelia wasn’t feeling sorry for the bird—she was feeling sorry for herself. She became a widow at such a young age, raising Ethan alone in the city without a job, inevitably facing people’s scorn. Frankie, out of family loyalty, used the excuse that his lumber mill needed workers and personally went to the city to bring Amelia and Ethan here. He said this would not only give Amelia an income but also provide extra help caring for Phoebe and me. But seeing our harmonious marriage made Amelia uncomfortable, and she constantly caused trouble for me. I thought since we were all family, I should be patient. But I never expected that in the end, I couldn’t even save my own life and Phoebe’s. I gripped Phoebe’s small hand tightly. Since I could start over, I was going to make Amelia pay an equal price for her actions.

In my previous life, I insisted on giving the birds away. But every time I brought it up, Amelia would sit on the floor crying while clutching the bird. Whenever she cried, Frankie would come out to mediate. He’d say, “Charlotte, Amelia has no one to rely on. Just be patient with her. They’re just two birds—we can afford to keep them.” Eventually, under Frankie’s persuasion, we each made concessions. I stopped talking about giving the birds away, and Amelia promised to keep both birds caged. But that was only when Frankie was home. The mother vulture acted docile, completely putting Frankie at ease. Once Frankie left for the forest station, Amelia would secretly let the bird out. I was constantly scratched and bloodied by it. Yet Amelia would just hold it protectively in her arms, blaming everything on me. She’d say, “Charlotte, why does it only scratch you and not others? You must have scared it. Did you touch its baby? I never realized you were so vicious—you won’t even spare little birds.” Then she’d go crying to Frankie, telling him I was heartless and took my anger out on the birds, which was why I got hurt. Frankie was fed up with this and would come home scolding me for being cruel enough to pick fights with two birds. I was furious and would argue with Frankie. Whenever this happened, Amelia would reward the mother vulture by feeding it live chickens. Having received this benefit, the mother vulture would scratch me even more viciously the next time. It even spat bloody bones and flesh into my plate. It wasn’t until it pecked out one of my eyes and I was screaming that I’d kill it that Frankie finally agreed to hand the bird over to the forestry department. Before the mother vulture was taken away, I saw Amelia feeding it raw meat again. Amelia said, “It’s not that I don’t want to keep you—it’s just that woman is too vicious and doesn’t like you. She’s too stingy to feed you meat, wanting to save it all for her man so he’ll have energy in bed. That woman not only got my husband killed, but now she wants to drive you out too. She said that as long as she’s alive, she’ll kill your baby first, then kill you.” The mother vulture stared at me through the window with its sharp eyes, my face wrapped in bandages. It opened its beak wide, letting out a harsh, grating cry. With tears in her eyes, Amelia put both birds into a cage she had tampered with beforehand. The workers hadn’t gotten far before the mother vulture broke out of the cage and flew into the mountains with its young. Soon after, it gathered a large flock of vultures and flew back to seek revenge on me. Seeing the birds circling overhead, Amelia carried Phoebe outside. Then she deliberately left Phoebe alone by the roadside. The isolated Phoebe was discovered and injured by the mother vulture, and her pitiful cries drew me running outside. By the time I rushed over to protect Phoebe, Amelia had already run far away. I was torn apart by the flock of vultures until I was a bloody mess, collapsing beside her, too weak to struggle anymore, and died in agony. They believed Amelia’s words that I wanted to harm the little bird, so they used Phoebe to get revenge on me, even tearing her apart and carrying off the pieces to intimidate me. I suppressed the hatred in my heart, took a deep breath, and walked over to pick up the birdcage. I said helplessly, “What is Amelia doing? She brought them back but doesn’t want to keep them anymore. This mother bird even has a baby with her—they’re so thin it breaks your heart to see them.” Frankie frowned and glanced at me, asking, “Charlotte, haven’t you always been uninterested in animals?” I found a thick cardboard box and lined it with cotton. Then I said, “I think they’re too pitiful.” Frankie didn’t think much of it. After a quick look, he found an excuse to knock on Amelia’s door and went in to comfort her softly. I placed the cardboard box under a tree in the yard, then opened the birdcage. My whole body was trembling slightly, but I still forced myself to reach my hand inside. The mother vulture flinched and looked at me warily. I cut a few pieces of fresh meat from the refrigerator and placed them in the cardboard box. I smiled and said, “Go ahead and eat, don’t be afraid. The cage is too small, but this cardboard box has good ventilation. You can fly whenever you want.” The mother vulture observed me for a long time before cautiously poking its head out, picking up a piece of meat to feed the baby vulture. Seeing that I truly had no intention of harming them, it finally brought the baby bird into the cardboard box.

Amelia shouted, “Charlotte, what are you feeding those birds?” She rushed over and pushed me aside. When she saw the meat in the box, she flew into a rage and kicked the cardboard box over. Then she roared, “This meat is what I bought for Ethan’s beef pot roast. How could you use it to feed these two beasts? Isn’t corn enough for two birds? How can you be so stupid? I paid for this meat.” In my past life, the more I resisted the vultures, the more Amelia rewarded them. Forget meat—she’d even feed them freshly killed chickens. Now that her plan wasn’t working, she was showing her true colors. I smiled and said, “Amelia, didn’t you know? These birds are vultures, and they’re protected animals. Besides, vultures are carnivores—they’ll starve to death without meat. Amelia, you’re so kind to have brought them home. You wouldn’t begrudge them just these two pieces of meat, would you?” Amelia was so angry she was panting, glaring at me. Naturally, she didn’t notice the mother vulture staring at her face with hateful eyes. I pulled out two hundred dollars and stuffed them into Amelia’s pocket. Then I said, “Amelia, I’ll pay to buy more meat for Ethan and bring back a few pieces for the vultures too. Since they’ve come to our home, we’re meant to be together. I certainly can’t let them go hungry.” Amelia took the money, rolled her eyes at me, then turned and walked away. She muttered under her breath, “Idiot!” I pretended not to hear, put the cardboard box back in place, then filled a small dish with water for them. The mother vulture completely let down her guard around me. After eating and drinking her fill, she even nuzzled my fingers with her head. Over the next few days, I fed the vultures meat on schedule every day and personally went to buy live chickens. I placed the chopped chicken meat in Phoebe’s hands and guided her hand to the mother vulture’s beak. I looked at the two vultures with loving eyes, though my heart was pounding nervously. But to spare Phoebe from experiencing that heart-wrenching pain again, I had to take this step. The mother vulture looked at Phoebe, then at me, and opened her mouth to eat the chicken meat. I held Phoebe and whispered to her, “Phoebe, these two birds are just like you and me. I love you very much, and the big bird loves the little bird too. They’re your friends. You need to give them a warm home, okay?” Phoebe nodded vigorously and gently stroked the mother vulture’s back. The mother vulture showed no resistance at all. She said, “I want to protect them well.” The mother vulture raised her head to look at us, her eyes seeming to glisten with tears. Every day I patiently taught Phoebe how to care for them, and Phoebe learned earnestly. Within a few days, she was playing happily with the vultures. The young vulture would hop onto Phoebe’s hand, and the mother vulture would wrap her wings around Phoebe’s small hands. We were getting along harmoniously when Ethan came running over with a bucket and soaked the cardboard box completely. Steam was still rising from the water in the bucket. I immediately lifted both vultures out, but my hands got blistered from the heat. I asked, “Ethan, what are you doing?” Ethan wasn’t afraid of me and made a face at me. He said, “My mom said she found these two birds, so they belong to our family. I can do whatever I want with them.” Ethan’s commotion drew Amelia outside. She said, “I thought it was something serious. They’re just two beasts, aren’t they? If they die, it’s no big deal. Charlotte, you can treat them like treasures if you want. But how can you involve the child in this nonsense? Your hands are all red from the burns. Never mind. I’ll get revenge for you. I’ll kill these two birds right now and roast them to nourish your body.” With that, Amelia headed for the kitchen to get a knife. I roared, “Don’t you dare!” I clutched both vultures tightly to my chest, not letting Amelia get close. Amelia laughed and said, “Charlotte, have you lost your mind? You’re protecting these two beasts like they’re your children?” She grabbed the knife and slashed toward the young vulture in my arms.                         I screamed in terror, “No!” I raised my hand to shield the baby vulture, but Amelia showed no mercy and slashed my arm directly. The baby vulture let out a mournful cry as it fell to the ground, and Amelia immediately chopped off its head with her knife. I stared at her intently, wondering: “What grudge could possibly drive her to go to such lengths to kill me?” My desperate attempt to protect the baby vulture made the mother vulture completely accept me as her master. Amelia, who had killed its child, was destined to face punishment. The mother vulture broke free from my arms and bared her talons at Amelia. The mother vulture clawed Amelia’s arm until it was bloody, forcing her to drop the knife and flee with her head covered. Ethan was terrified and stood frozen in place. After attacking Amelia, the mother vulture charged at Ethan and scratched his head directly. Ethan burst into tears. Amelia wanted to save Ethan but was afraid of being clawed by the mother vulture. She sat on the ground sobbing, her cries drawing neighbors out to watch the commotion. Living a second life, I had learned to strike first and seize the initiative. While Amelia was still crying, I started crying first and said, “Amelia, how exactly have I offended you? You actually tried to hack me to death! You’re the one who brought these two birds back. You said you felt sorry for them and insisted on keeping them at home. But you never took care of them once – I’ve been looking after them for you this whole time. What did I do wrong?” I had always been well-mannered and constantly yielded to Amelia. This was the first time I had argued with her in front of so many people. Amelia was so shocked her mouth fell open and she froze in place, even forgetting to cry. Then she cursed, “Charlotte, you’re talking nonsense! That beast was clearly trying to hurt Ethan.” I kicked over the water bucket. Then I shouted, “Then tell me, why would Ethan get attacked by the bird? Phoebe is so small, yet the bird didn’t hurt her. How did Ethan get scratched?” Amelia hesitated and said, “Ethan was just trying to give them a bath.” Hearing her words, the surrounding neighbors all laughed. It was the first time they’d heard of someone wanting to bathe birds. I held up my scalded hand and said, “With freshly boiled hot water? These are protected animals. If I hadn’t blocked it, Ethan would probably be going to jail. And now you’ve killed a protected animal and even came after me. You better prepare for prison.” This time, Amelia completely dropped her act and crawled up to lunge at me. She roared, “What are you saying, you b*tch? How dare you curse me! I’m going to tear your mouth apart! I’m going to scratch up your face and see how you seduce Frankie then.” I snorted coldly, forming a bold suspicion in my mind. But before Amelia could reach me, Frankie pushed open the courtyard gate and stopped her: “What’s all this commotion about?” The neighbors enthusiastically filled Frankie in. Amelia had always been aggressive and had quarreled with all the surrounding neighbors, so naturally they wouldn’t side with her now. One woman said, “Amelia kept calling your wife a b*tch. How can she say such things?” Another woman said, “Yes. She also said Charlotte was seducing Frankie. They’re husband and wife – that’s not seduction.” A man said, “I think she’s man-crazy, so she can’t stand seeing them as a loving couple. Frankie takes care of them for his brother’s sake, and she’s truly ungrateful.” The darker Frankie’s expression became as he listened, the more he picked up the knife from the ground and threw it against the courtyard wall. The neighbors fell silent and sheepishly returned home. He said, “I’ll send the birds away tomorrow.” Frankie was afraid that if things escalated, Amelia would really go to prison, so he gave gifts to every household, asking them not to spread the word. Amelia shot me a triumphant look, then followed Frankie inside with Ethan. I crouched on the ground to carefully examine the mother vulture’s condition. Using the pain in my arm, I forced out tears. I said, “I don’t blame you for hurting people. We’re both mothers – protecting our children isn’t wrong. I’m sorry I didn’t take good care of you both. You should fly away and forget these sad things. If you stay here any longer, they’ll kill you too.” I sobbed audibly, my tears dripping onto the mother vulture’s feathers. The mother vulture flew to my shoulder and nuzzled away my tears with her head. Before flying away, she stared at Amelia’s bedroom window for a long time. After that, she never appeared again. But I knew she would definitely return. Sure enough, she didn’t disappoint me.

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On my birthday, my boyfriend set off the most dazzling fireworks for his childhood sweetheart. A passerby captured the moment on video and quickly uploaded it online, where it quickly went viral, garnering an endless stream of well-wishes. His friends joked about me, asking, “What do you think about this?” I replied indifferently, “I just watched it. What else could I do?” The video spread like wildfire online, with the comment section filled with praise for them as a perfect match. As I listened to the joyful laughter of the fireworks in the video, the feast in front of me only made my heart sink deeper. —— It was my birthday, and Alex had promised to come home early to celebrate with me, but he called in the afternoon to say he had an unexpected engagement and would be late. I believed him and was still looking forward to celebrating my birthday with him when he got back. Little did I know, his “engagement” was to accompany his childhood sweetheart, Vivian, in setting off fireworks. How ironic it was. In the video, Alex’s handsome face, usually aloof and cold, was filled with laughter, and his eyes were full of tenderness as he looked at Vivian. This was a smile I had never received. Before this, I thought he was just naturally not a smiling person, incapable of expressing affection. I laughed in self-mockery, unwrapped the cake, and ate it in silence. The greasy, sweet taste spread in my mouth, but suddenly, it felt pretty pointless. I took my phone and called Alex. He answered quickly, and his voice was as cold as ever. “What’s up?” As he spoke, I could clearly hear the sound of fireworks in the background. After a two-second silence, I swallowed the cake in my mouth and asked calmly, “Where are you?” “At the office. What’s the matter.” He seemed to have moved away from the riverside, and the sound of fireworks was gone. His voice was still calm, showing no signs of the panic one would expect when lying. I glanced at the video on my tablet and felt even more disinterested. “Let’s break up.” “You’re making a fuss again.” I sneered, “Browse the videos online more often, Mr. Internet Celebrity.” With that, I hung up the phone. Since I had proposed the breakup, I shouldn’t stay at his place any longer. I looked at the untouched dishes on the table, got up, and went to the kitchen to find some containers to pack them up. Then I packed my belongings and took a taxi back to my small apartment, which I hadn’t visited in a long time. Finishing all this, I took a taxi back to my small house that I hadn’t visited in a long time. After I graduated from university, my parents bought me a small apartment in this city. After getting together with Alex, he always said that our homes were too far apart, and it was troublesome for us to commute between them, so he asked me to move in with him. Actually, the distance between these two houses was just the distance between him and me. We looked close, but our hearts seemed to be separated by the Pacific Ocean. Back in the long-lost small house, I tidied up simply and went to bed after washing up. The next day, I found only a few messages on my phone. [What’s the matter with you now?] [Come back when you’ve calmed down. Don’t be too willful.] It seemed he came home last night and found out I had moved out. I didn’t reply to his messages and just went about my own business. This kind of thing wasn’t the first time it had happened. Vivian would call him whenever something was wrong. She would even ask him to accompany her when she was awakened by thunder at midnight and couldn’t sleep. I had questioned him and quarreled and argued with him. But he said, “People with a dirty heart see everything as dirty.” Every time he abandoned me to go to Vivian, he would send me roses afterward to appease me. And I would continue to be deeply immersed in this relationship as if nothing had happened. But I was tired this time.

As I stepped out of the company after work in the evening, I saw him standing outside. Dressed in a suit, he had a handsome face and a tall and strong figure with excellent body proportions, just like a model on the runway. Passersby couldn’t help but look at him. If it were any other day, I would have gone up to him and asked him to get in the car to keep others from looking at him. But this time, I just wanted to pretend I didn’t see him. I walked towards the station on my own, and Alex quickly caught up with me. He didn’t mention the incident and said calmly, “It’s Jason’s birthday today. He invited us to have dinner together.” I stopped and looked at him. “Sure.” We got in the car, and there was a silence inside. The wind blew in from outside the window, and I smelled a faint scent of jasmine. It was the scent of Vivian. The scent wasn’t unpleasant. On a whim, I asked, “Do you like the smell of jasmine?” Alex’s eyes flickered slightly. “It’s okay.” “Really?” I thought, “Then why have I always smelled this scent on you before?” I didn’t say anything more. We arrived at the agreed hotel, where they had been waiting for a while. Seeing us come together, Vivian was obviously surprised. “Good evening, Alex, Isabella. We’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” I smiled indifferently and looked at Jason. “I’m sorry. I came in a hurry and didn’t bring a gift.” Jason is Alex and Vivian’s childhood friend. Alex always took me with him to their gatherings, and gradually we became acquainted. “I’ve given him a gift. You don’t need to feel sorry.” Alex led me to the table. The remaining two seats were opposite each other. I didn’t know if they arranged it on purpose. I let go of his hand and walked straight to the seat opposite. Alex’s expression changed slightly, but he didn’t say anything and sat down next to the empty seat beside Vivian. I knew what his friends were thinking. They never approved of Alex and me being together and were always cold to me. Before, I wanted to get along with them, and I would give them gifts I carefully selected for every holiday. But I’ve never seen anyone really use the things I gave them. They probably didn’t want to accept me from the bottom of their hearts. I was too naive to see such an obvious thing until now. I didn’t say a word and ate quietly. Alex chatted with them with ease, peeling shrimp without stopping. He never eats seafood unless someone peels the shell for him, and he will reluctantly try a bit because he finds it troublesome to peel it himself. However, he didn’t mind the trouble now. He peeled a whole plate of shrimp, moved it in front of Vivian, and then slowly took a wet wipe and wiped his hands carefully. This was a treatment I had never had. Seeing this, I felt depressed. I decided to let him go, but I still felt sad when I really saw him like this. Jason also noticed his actions. He looked at my expression and nudged Alex, teasing, “Don’t favor one over the other. Peel some shrimp for your girlfriend too.” Alex seemed to realize it for the first time, looked at the empty plate on the table, and said, “Order another plate.” “No.” I took a sip of my drink and said calmly, “I don’t like shrimp.” “How about fish then?” “I don’t like it.” Alex looked at the table, his eyebrows slightly wrinkled. “What about chicken?” “I don’t like it either.” He looked surprised, seemingly not expecting me to say this without hesitation. Meeting his gaze, I took a napkin calmly, wiped my mouth, and added, “I don’t like anything you said.” “Isabella, are you angry?” Vivian said cautiously, “Why don’t you eat this plate of shrimp? Please don’t be angry with Alex.”

Her timid look made me look like the bad guy. “How could I be angry? Please enjoy your meal. I just remembered I have some unfinished work, so I’ll take my leave.” With a calm smile, I picked up my bag, ready to leave. “Come on, are you still upset about Alex setting off fireworks for Vivi?” Jason mentioned deliberately, his gaze filled with provocation. Hearing him bring up this, Vivian spoke up, “I’m sorry, Isabella. I was in a mood back then, and Alex just wanted to cheer me up with that. Alex, you should apologize to Isabella.” Alex frowned upon hearing this, “I just set off some fireworks. Why should I apologize?” His words caused the atmosphere to freeze. Vivian smiled subtly at me from where he couldn’t see, as if silently declaring her possession over Alex. It was laughable. The person who did wrong had no idea that he was in the wrong. Just like before, he never realized his own faults. He thought he could just casually appease me and move on from this. I smiled, “Yes, you’re right. The fireworks were quite a spectacle. Keep it up next time.” With that, I left without looking back. The moment I closed the door, I heard Vivian’s voice. “Alex, go apologize quickly. Isabella is obviously angry.” “Don’t mind her. She’ll be fine in a few days.” His words stabbed at me like a sharp sword. What on earth had I done before to make him so confident? I walked out of the hotel slowly. The cool breeze of the early autumn night was refreshing. I strolled along the bustling streets, with couples passing by, their affectionate displays genuinely enviable. Before Vivian came back, Alex and I were just like them. We held hands tightly, unwilling to let go for fear of losing each other. So, why did things turn out this way? I felt heavy breathing, a bit suffocated. Seeing an ice cream truck on the side of the road, I thought for a moment and bought an ice cream. The moment I got the ice cream, I suddenly remembered his words vaguely. “You know you get a stomachache from eating ice cream, but you still can’t resist it.” I took a bite in a daze, and it was salty. “Your ice cream tastes off,” I said to the ice cream truck owner, my voice trembling. The owner glanced at me and handed me a tissue. “Miss, maybe you need to wipe your tears first.” I looked up, my eyes blurred, and I realized that tears had fallen on the ice cream. No wonder it tasted salty. I sniffed, turned around, and went home. I received a message from Alex as soon as I got home [Have you arrived home?] I glanced at it and didn’t reply. Soon, he sent another message: [Everyone didn’t have a good meal because of you today. Let’s invite them to dinner another day.] I still didn’t reply to him. He seemed to have lost patience and called me directly. I put down my phone and turned a deaf ear. When I came back after washing up, the phone had already fallen silent. Before going to bed, I habitually browsed through the WhatsApp statuses and unexpectedly saw a photo Vivian posted five minutes ago. The driver was driving in front, and Alex and Vivian were sitting in the back seat of the car. In the photo, he was resting his eyes languidly, while Vivian was shyly looking at the camera in a posture that leaned against him. The caption of the photo was: [It turns out I am still your first choice after so many years.] I gave a self-mocking smile and replied to her: [Congratulations.]

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