Category: English

On Valentine’s Day, my usually distant husband, Liam Sterling, followed tradition by ordering a custom-made rose bouquet for every single employee at Sterling Corp. Sterling Corp. once again trended online, lauded as the most thoughtful and employee-centric company in the region. Sure enough, there it was, front and center on Chloe, Liam’s assistant’s SnapChat story, clear as day: a photo of the company’s custom rose bouquet. [Received my first Valentine’s Day flowers! Some people just use the excuse of sending flowers to everyone to prepare a special surprise just for me. Thanks, big boss~] She was sitting in a restaurant, delicately parting the petals of her rose. Inside, nestled amongst them, was a sapphire ring. My eyes instantly recognized it. It was the one-of-a-kind piece I’d desperately wanted three months ago, snatched from under my nose at an auction, priced at five million dollars. Scrolling further down her feed, there were more posts: sweet drinks alongside transfers worth millions of dollars, the first strawberry ice cream cone of summer, and a voucher for a month-long summer vacation… The comment section was buzzing with awe: [Sterling Corp. is seriously so caring! Is it too late for me to apply now?!] I knew Liam bought gourmet coffee and ice cream treats for all his employees, but when did he start handing out huge bonuses and extra vacation days for free? In that latest restaurant photo, the man across from her was only half in frame, but the dark blue tie he wore was the exact same style as the one I had personally chosen and adjusted for him this morning. I paused, then dialed Liam’s number. “Are you still working late at the office?”

As soon as I got the confirmation, I drove straight to the company building. I rarely checked in on Marcus Davies, and I didn’t come to the office often. Seven years of marriage, and I’d been by his side as he rose from a broke kid to one of the top names in the business world. Everyone knew I was the woman he adored. But his behavior over the past six months perfectly mirrored all the red flags relationship influencers posted online. It made me suspicious, no matter how much I wanted to deny it. Suppressing a wave of irritation, I pushed open the office door. I flipped on the light, only to be greeted by Marcus, kneeling on one knee, a bouquet of flowers in his hand, his eyes full of affection. “My dear wife, I’ve been waiting for you.” “You… what are you doing?” Before I could finish, he smoothly stood up, pulled me into his arms, and rested his chin intimately on my shoulder. “My wife checking up on me just shows how much she cares. So, of course, I had to give you a surprise! If you checked in every time I worked late, I’d get to see you every day.” “I love you, Happy Valentine’s Day.” Looking into his loving eyes, I felt a flicker of emotion, almost swayed. My doubts began to fade. He put his work aside, and we drove home together. After Marcus tucked me into bed, he picked up his laptop and went to the living room to continue working. I had just closed my eyes when my phone vibrated incessantly with new messages. I picked it up. An adorable animal avatar had sent a string of texts. No contact name, but the messages were pinned to the top. [Boss Davies, you actually left me alone at the restaurant on Valentine’s Day! That’s so ungentlemanly! I’m going to punish you, you have to have dinner with me every night next week!] [Hehe, by the way, how was that trick I taught you to make your wife happy? You’re such a goofball, if only you were half as smart as me~] It was Marcus’s phone. He never set a password. I recognized the sender. It was Tiffany, the intern from his company. The moment I saw those words, my blood ran cold, freezing in my veins. It dawned on me, belatedly, that Marcus was never the type to say sweet, romantic things. Men who cheat often feel guilty towards their current partner, so they subconsciously express love to compensate. That thought flashed through my mind, and I fought down a wave of nausea, scrolling up frantically. [Boss, only my warm drink has brown sugar, right? Thank you, my period cramps are gone now~] [OMG how did you know I love strawberry sundaes, and you even prepared a whole fridge full for me? You’re like an ice cream wizard, I worship you!!]… Scrolling back through the past six months, Tiffany had been chattering away daily, sharing her favorite songs and food. Marcus, though usually reserved, had responded to every single one of her messages. Our last chat, on our wedding anniversary, was him telling me he had to work late. The chat history seemed endless, and my heart felt like it was plunging into a bottomless abyss. The messages refreshed quickly. Tiffany sent a voice note, her sweet voice laced with a hint of a sob: “Boss, I really don’t want you to go. If I were a little more stubborn, would you stay tonight? It’s my mom’s death anniversary today, everyone else is so happy, except for me.” This time, Marcus replied almost instantly, the message syncing from his laptop to his phone: [Send me your location.] At the same moment, I heard the hurried sound of a laptop closing outside. Marcus pushed open the door, speaking quickly: “Bella, something urgent came up at the company. I need to go. Oh, and I’ll be working late every night next week, so don’t wait up for dinner.” With that, he grabbed his phone and jacket, ready to leave. I suddenly called out to him, my voice trembling. “Marcus, can’t you not work late tonight?” But before I could finish, his anxious voice cut me off. “Alright, why are you acting like a child at our age? I’ll come back to you once I’m done, promise. Be good.” Since we got married, Marcus had always prioritized me. He was always sensitive to my slightest emotional shifts. If only he had looked closely, he would have seen my tear-filled eyes glistening in the moonlight. But he left without a second glance. Thunder rumbled outside. I remained silent for a long time, then opened the long-dormant family SnapChat group and sent a message: [I want to come home.]

As soon as the message went out, all my relatives in the family group immediately started asking if I was alright. My Aunt Vivienne, ever sharp, sensed something was off. [Bella, has that bastard of a man been bothering you? Tell your Aunt Vivienne, and I’ll make him pay!] I hesitated for a moment, then sent another message: [Aunt Vivienne, can you help me investigate someone?] Soon, I had all of Tiffany’s information. “She’s a student Marcus sponsored in Upstate New York. After graduating, she started an internship at Davies Industries.” “The industry is buzzing with rumors that Tiffany is Marcus’s little mistress. No one at company dinners dares to push drinks on her, and any company that tries to make things difficult for her ends up being forced into bankruptcy by Marcus.” Aunt Vivienne was furious on the phone, but I remained silent. A year ago, Marcus religiously traveled to our branch office in Upstate New York every month, without fail. Each time he returned, he’d bring me little trinkets that young women liked. Back then, I thought he was finally becoming romantic. Now, I realized the affair probably had a long trail of breadcrumbs, but I had simply trusted him too much. A dull ache settled in my chest. I suddenly wanted to know what kind of person Marcus was so captivated by. I arrived at the company. He was still in a meeting. Pushing open his office door, I saw a young woman sitting in his executive chair, focused intently on decorating her workstation. She was quite ordinary, with a high ponytail. If there was anything striking about her, it was perhaps her youthful, vibrant aura. The high-end executive chair and desk were covered in pink stickers. Everywhere I looked, there were plush toys, and nestled among them was a mischievously handwritten card: [No zoning out at work, I’m watching you~] Marcus was a man who was extremely particular about his personal space, almost a control freak about his environment. The last time an employee touched his belongings without permission, they were fired on the spot. But these stickers were already yellowing and peeling at the edges, clearly having been there for a long time. My expression hardened. Tiffany saw me, and a flicker of panic crossed her eyes as she stood up. “Everyone outside is working diligently. Who told you to do all this during work hours? Are you getting paid to do nothing?” The moment I finished speaking, a crowd had gathered at the door, drawn by the commotion. Tiffany’s eyes immediately welled up. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Davies, I’ll change it…” Her voice was tinged with a sob. Marcus, hearing the commotion, suddenly appeared, stepping between us and blocking my view of her. “She’s just a young girl, a bit immature. She’s not worth your anger, Bella.” Then, he turned and said coldly, “What are you still doing here? Can’t you see you’ve upset my wife?” At his words, Tiffany’s tears instantly spilled over, and she spun around and rushed out. Marcus’s expression, however, didn’t change. He gently touched my head, placating me. “Don’t worry, Bella. She’s just a young girl, a bit immature. I’ll talk to her later.” I subtly avoided his touch, then spoke slowly, deliberately, as if trying to provoke him. “Marcus, dereliction of duty, according to company policy, is grounds for termination.” His face stiffened, and his eyes darkened. “She’s just an intern, trying to make her way here alone. Should we fire her for just this? That’s not right.” “An intern who joined three months ago getting promoted three levels to the President’s Secretary position? Is that ‘right’? What about our employees who’ve been here for five years?” I scoffed, speaking directly. “I am the General Manager of this company. I have the right to fire an employee who makes mistakes.” Seeing my resolve, Marcus suddenly interrupted me. “Arabella Davies, are you quite done making a scene!?” His tone was harsh, and I froze for a moment. Marcus rarely used my full name. This was the first time in seven years of marriage. And it was all because of another woman.

The words had barely left his mouth when he realized he’d gone too far. He instinctively reached out to grab my arm, but I didn’t give him the chance. Some words are like knives; once they’re out, you can’t take them back. When Marcus returned home, I was packing. He hung his head, wrapping his arms around me from behind, and whispered coaxingly, “Bella, I know I messed up. Please don’t be angry.” “I’ve already transferred her to a branch office. I promise you won’t see her again, okay?” I ignored him, simply putting my clothes, one by one, into the suitcase. Seeing this, Marcus suddenly gripped my wrist, his voice soft but incredibly jarring. “Don’t be childish, Bella. Where would you go without me? As far as I know, you don’t have any other family here in New York City, do you?” “Listen to me, you used to not be this willful.” At his words, my movements stiffened. Marcus knew perfectly well that I had fallen out with my father and left home for him, coming to New York City alone. On countless lonely nights, I could only pass the time by looking at old photos of my family. Yet, he used this as his leverage against me, a free pass to hurt me. I looked at him, and suddenly the man in front of me felt like a complete stranger. After a long silence, the abrupt ring of a phone broke the quiet. It was Tiffany calling. Marcus looked at me, hesitated for a moment, then pressed decline. Soon, the phone rang again. He declined it again. It wasn’t until the third time the phone rang that Marcus, feigning impatience, finally answered. “Didn’t I tell you not to call me unless it’s important?” “Boss, please help me, they’re all making me drink… I really can’t drink anymore… I’m sorry, it’s my fault for being useless…” A slightly drunken voice came through the phone. Marcus’s brows furrowed sharply. “Where are you? I’m coming over now.” He paused, looked at me deeply, then turned to leave. “Bella, this is the last time. She’s still an employee of our company, and I can’t let her say anything that would damage our company’s reputation.” “What if I say I don’t want you to go?” I stared at him directly, but before I could finish, the door slammed shut with a bang. My heart felt like it was pierced by countless needles, riddled with holes, aching in that instant. I knew, our story was over. Soon, the news of the Davies Industries CEO speeding on the highway made headlines. He barged into a restaurant’s private dining room and, without a word, assaulted the male clients eating there, getting into a brawl. For one night, Marcus Davies saving a beautiful woman dominated local news, but just as it was about to blow up, the story was suppressed. I was alone at home, my phone still buzzing with Marcus’s messages: [Bella, you must be asleep by now. I’ll bring you your favorite pastries from that shop tomorrow. Don’t be angry, okay? I swear, she’s just a junior colleague I’m looking out for. I love you, wife.] I lowered my eyes. Even now, Marcus didn’t know that I never liked sweets. When the company was just starting out and we were severely short on funds, I often ate those pastries simply because they were cheap, and the money saved could go towards rent. I clicked on Tiffany’s Twitter profile. She was live-streaming, tears streaming down her face. “Today, Boss fought with clients for me. If only I were more capable, I wouldn’t drag him down.” “But… he wasn’t just protecting me, he was protecting our baby in my belly.” The comments were flooding the screen: [Moving so fast, I’m shipping them, may they last forever!] [He feels guilty for not protecting you, you feel guilty for being useless, aww, what a divine, mutually devoted love story!] I scoffed. Marcus, a child? The next second, my gaze fell upon her live-streaming location: the police station. Right, he had caused quite a scene this time. Without hesitation, I made a call: “Aunt Vivienne, come pick me up. We’re going to the police station.”

If Marcus Davies had any misunderstandings about me over the past seven years, it was this: I was never some naive girl from a poor family. I was Arabella Montague, the heiress of the powerful Montague family from Southford. Back then, to be with him, I fell out with my father and willingly gave up my privileged status. This time, it was no different. My inherent pride wouldn’t allow me to accept an unresolved ending. Even if tearing off the facade meant a bloody truth, I wouldn’t back down. The car quickly arrived at the police station entrance. I rolled down the window. From a short distance, I saw Marcus sitting on a bench in the police station. I rarely saw him in such a state of disarray. His usually immaculate suit was wrinkled, and his face was bruised. The clients he had beaten up looked even worse, their faces almost completely swollen. I looked at him calmly. So, Marcus could indeed cast aside his pride and impeccable reputation for someone else. “I’m so sorry, Boss. Are you alright?” Tiffany practically threw herself into his arms, crying a river of tears. Marcus’s body stiffened for a moment, but he didn’t push her away. He just looked at her deeply. “I’m just glad you’re okay.” Tiffany didn’t speak, but continued crying for a long time, facing her phone’s live stream. Soon, Marcus tenderly stroked her eyes. “Don’t cry. I’ll be fine.” Carried away by the moment, Tiffany suddenly leaned in and kissed his cheek. “That’s a reward for my knight.” Marcus froze for a second. The next moment, they embraced, lost in each other. I watched this scene in the live stream, my heart aching intensely. The comments were all about how “real” they were. But after a moment, I calmed down, making eye contact with Aunt Vivienne. The next second, I pushed open the car door, strode forward, and dramatically raised my voice: “Honey, I heard you were hurt! Are you alright? …What are you two doing?!” My voice was loud enough for everyone in the police station, and even those watching the live stream, to hear clearly. All attention immediately shifted to us. In an instant, the comments section erupted.

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My Fiancée and Best Friend Wanted Me Dead At the World Racing Championship finals. My fiancée and navigator, Scarlett, deliberately called out the wrong turn. It cost me the title, the championship. Right there on the track, she announced she was breaking off our engagement. Then, she just walked straight over to the champion, Max, and started cozying up to him. I was reeling, lost in a haze of heartbreak and defeat. That’s when Chloe, my childhood friend, found me. She looked at me with such raw sincerity, then asked me to marry her. “It’s okay,” she whispered, her voice a balm to my shattered soul. “To me, you’ll always be number one in the world.” Seven years later, I’d rebuilt myself, ready to shatter Max’s championship record. But during a training session, my brakes failed. The car plummeted, tumbling down a steep cliff. Lying in the hospital, drifting between consciousness and a nightmare, I heard voices from just outside my door. It was Chloe and Scarlett, the woman who’d abandoned me. “You’re absolutely ruthless,” Scarlett hissed, a hint of admiration and fear in her tone. “How could you even *think* of doing something like that? Weren’t you afraid he’d actually die?” Chloe’s response was chillingly calm. “So what if he died? Max is the only man I’ve ever loved. My only regret is I didn’t get to him first, that I couldn’t marry him back then. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had to endure all these years pretending to be with Ryan.” My eyes flew open, wide with a terrifying clarity. All this time, I thought her love was profound, a true lifeline. But it was all a twisted fantasy, a one-sided delusion. If Max is truly all that matters to both of you… then fine. I’ll just disappear. 0

“What’s the big deal with Liam? What do you have to be so upset about? If he wasn’t Cole’s rival, he’s… well, alright, I guess, outside of racing.” Chloe’s cold voice drifted in from outside the hospital room, and for a moment, I was disoriented. My head throbbed, making it feel like a hallucination. “Is that so? If you were married to a man you didn’t love for seven years, wouldn’t you be upset?” Seraphina shot back, clearly annoyed. Chloe seemed to fall silent for a second, then her tone shifted, a hint of triumph in her voice: “That’s why I married Cole, isn’t it?” I closed my eyes, my heart sinking. How could Seraphina even say that? For seven years, what exactly did she feel was so ‘wrong’ for her? Just because she didn’t love me, every aspect of her life was apparently a sacrifice. Seraphina’s next words were filled with fury: “Without me, could you have married him so smoothly?! I only married Liam back then because I sensed he was out to ruin Cole, to get back at him, so I sacrificed myself!” She claimed she couldn’t bear for anything to happen to Cole, that sacrificing herself to ease the conflict was better than me doing something drastic. I let out a bitter laugh, a dull, throbbing pain spreading through my chest. Seraphina didn’t realize I was awake and continued, saying my expression back then really looked like I was desperate, and that the years she’d spent with me had been utterly repulsive. “As for sabotaging the brakes this time, do you still not get it? I couldn’t let Liam shatter Cole’s record, his legacy!” At her words, not only was I stunned, but even Chloe took a sharp breath. “You’re truly…” “Enough! Just go. But I’ll tell you this too: even though I married Liam, I’ll never give up on Cole!” Seraphina urged Chloe to leave, her final sentence filled with bitter resentment. But I felt only an utter shattering inside. Seven years of marriage, and this was the result. The redemption I’d once believed in with all my heart, it was all just a scheme. “…Liam? You’re awake? When did you wake up? Are you still uncomfortable anywhere?” After Chloe left, Seraphina pushed the door open and met my eyes. Her face immediately tightened, feigning concern. I pushed away her hand as she reached to touch my forehead, my voice cold. “I really don’t understand why, every time I compete against Cole, something goes wrong.” “Maybe… it’s just a coincidence, fate’s work, who can say?” Seraphina wasn’t bothered by me pushing her away, just responded hesitantly. “That’s quite a coincidence.” I scoffed, my gaze drifting to the dark night outside the window, feeling as if my dreams had set with the sun. “Maybe Cole has a lot of fans who don’t like to see their idol’s record broken? Your brakes definitely had an issue; the event organizers are investigating.” Seeing my low mood, Seraphina thought for a long time before offering those few words of comfort. I closed my eyes, a subtle, bitter laugh welling inside. “Seraphina, what about you? Do you treat him like an idol too?” “I…” Seraphina froze, stammering for a long time, unable to deny it. Finally, she just threw caution to the wind, frowning at me. “Liam, what are you implying? Are you actually suspicious of me? I’m your wife!” “I just asked casually, why are you getting so worked up?” I watched her calmly, like a cornered cat. Seraphina’s face was pale, and after a long moment, she scoffed. “You’re just not good enough, and you’re here doubting everyone. Is it so hard to admit you’re not good enough anymore? Stop using Cole for cheap stunts and making a spectacle of yourself!” Watching her grow more agitated with every word, her face contorting into something almost monstrous, I finally believed everything I’d just overheard. Seraphina had never loved me. These seven years, utterly meaningless. 0

I fell silent, but Seraphina wasn’t satisfied. She stood up, looking down at me. “Liam, I want you to promise you’ll never do anything so idiotic again! As for anything else, isn’t asking obvious questions just hurting our marriage? Cole is already the world’s number one; it’s a done deal, the final word is out. So stop making a scene.” “I stop making a scene? Why the hell should I stop?! One more turn, and I would have been the new world champion! As for our marriage… Seraphina, are you sure we even have that ‘marriage’ anymore?” I clenched my fists, roaring. “I’m telling you! Becoming the world champion is my goal! If not now, then next time! If not next time, then the time after that! If not these seven years, then the next seven! Surely Cole won’t resort to these disgusting tactics every single time to win, will he?!” “You…” Seraphina froze, seeing the resolve in my eyes. The next second, she crossed her arms and let out a light laugh. “Fine. I wanted to keep up the act for a little longer, but Liam, if you still want to be world champion, then go right ahead.” My eyes widened slightly. Her laughter sent a chill down my spine. It was then I realized this hospital wasn’t the usual public one I frequented. The décor was far more luxurious, clearly some private clinic I knew nothing about. “What are you going to do?!” Before I could ask again, Seraphina clapped her hands. A doctor in a mask entered, his shrewd eyes slightly narrowed. “Ms. Seraphina, what can I do for you?” She took the doctor’s phone and scrolled through a diagnostic report, then glanced at my leg, which was in a cast, and spoke concisely. “Renowned racer Liam fell off a cliff and suffered a leg injury resulting in permanent disability. The hospital did everything they could, but couldn’t save his leg. Understood?” I froze completely, staring at her in disbelief. “Th-that’s not quite ethical.” The private doctor initially hesitated, but after Seraphina offered three million and a mix of threats and inducements, he finally agreed. One look at the two of them, and I knew they weren’t joking. Cold sweat instantly broke out. I immediately tried to reach for my phone on the bedside table to call the police. But the next moment, Seraphina snatched my phone away. Seven years of unspoken understanding. One glance from me, and she knew exactly what I was thinking. So she also knew exactly how to utterly destroy me. “Liam, it’s over. You can’t escape this.” Seraphina looked at me with an expression of pity. I roared, “Are you insane?! I’m your husband!” Even with my body battered, I started to struggle violently. But I couldn’t even lift my leg, which was suspended in a sling, off the hospital bed. Seraphina said nothing. Several nurses appeared in the room, reaching out to restrain my incessant struggling. “Let go of me! Don’t you know this is illegal?!” I struggled, refused, and cursed, but in the end, I only added more injuries to my already battered body. It wasn’t until the restraints were tied around me that a creeping dread started at my spine and spread throughout my body, making me voluntarily give in. “…Seraphina! I was wrong! It was my fault! I won’t appear in front of any of you ever again, okay? Let me go, and you’ll never see me again!” Seraphina stood with her arms crossed, watching my panicked expression. After a long moment, she shook her head. “Liam, I don’t believe you. You can stick to the same thing for seven years; you won’t just let it go in an instant. I’m sorry!” At her insistence, I was subdued by the doctors and nurses and given an anesthetic. As my consciousness blurred, tears streamed down my face, and I choked out a question. “Seraphina, I cared for you so much! How could you do this to me…?” In a haze, Seraphina’s hesitation lasted only a moment before her resolve hardened. “I’m sorry, Liam, this is the last time.” The last thought before consciousness slipped away was that I would never love her again. Seraphina and I had been married for seven years. I’d once believed she truly loved me, otherwise, she wouldn’t have come forward when everyone called me a failure. But this was our ending. In a daze, I seemed to see my past self whisper to me. “Don’t you dare let them get away with this.” 0

My dreams were chaotic and terrifying. When I woke up again, I could distinctly feel that my lower right leg was numb. In an instant, an overwhelming wave of despair and collapse washed over me. I burst into tears. Seraphina actually did it! She just destroyed my life! A person without a leg, let alone a racer, couldn’t even be a regular person… Tears fell onto the bedsheets, and hatred simmered in my heart. Later, in the middle of the night, as the anesthetic wore off, the phantom pain in my leg was what truly broke me. It threatened to shatter my very being. I was drenched in sweat from the agony, gritting my teeth to endure. My gaze was hollow and cold as I stared at the wall in front of me. For a moment, I even considered ending it all! “Oh, look who’s awake.” Just then, a familiar voice rang out. I hazily lifted my eyes. Cole pushed the door open and entered. He shook his head, feigning regret at my appearance, but his voice was full of triumph. “Liam, look at you now! Seven years and you couldn’t even hold onto a woman’s heart, and now you’re just a cripple. You lost to me in love, and it’s the same in racing! You’ll never beat me in this lifetime!” “…What did you say?” I rasped out, my pain-numbed brain taking a moment to process his words. The next second, I was utterly enraged. “Get out! Get out! Never show your face here again! You bastards! I won’t let you get away with this! I’ll kill you! Get out! Get lost!” Facing my madness, Cole seemed even happier. He even shrugged. “See! Liam, your wife would do all of this for me! But you’re a cripple now, so you probably can’t understand how I feel.” “Get out!!” I ripped the IV needle from the back of my hand, grabbed the medicine bottle, and hurled it. One bottle wasn’t enough; I threw pillows, blankets, anything I could get my hands on. But I overestimated my post-surgery physical condition. In just a short while, I was gasping for breath, collapsing onto the bed, too much pain in my leg to speak. Cole, arrogant, continued to mock me. But as his words poured out, I suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness and numbness. He was right. I had completely failed. Was there any chance of turning things around? In that moment, the breakdown that had amused Cole vanished, replaced only by a cold, empty numbness. “…Why aren’t you talking?! Liam! Say something! Weren’t you the wildest before? World’s best racer every year, weren’t you?! Why are you silent now?!” Cole froze. My sudden blankness made him angry and frustrated, seeking the superiority he craved. For the next ten minutes, he repeatedly tried to provoke me. “Why are you so quiet, you cripple?! Weren’t you throwing things at me a moment ago? Who are you putting on this act for now?” I weakly tossed a pillow at him, my voice weak and pale, gritting my teeth. “Get out!” As the light pillow hit him, Cole finally found his chance. The next second, he screamed, pretending to be injured, stumbling backward, speaking in disbelief. “Liam?! How could you! I was just coming to check on you!” Just then, the rhythmic click of high heels approached from outside the door. Hearing his scream, the pace quickened, followed by the sound of Chloe opening the door. “Cole?! What happened?!” She looked at the mess on the floor and immediately turned to glare at me. Seraphina, who arrived shortly after, also froze upon entering the room. “Cole?! He actually hit you?!” Seeing the two of them fussing over him with such concern, I curled my lips, a sudden, desolate laugh escaping me. “Liam! Are you crazy?! Apologize to Cole right now!” Seraphina, enraged by my laughter, stepped forward and grabbed my arm. The next moment, disregarding my leg injury, she yanked me off the bed. “Bow down and apologize to Cole right now!” Chloe, having helped Cole, stomped her high heel directly onto the bleeding needle mark on the back of my hand. She spoke concisely: “Apologize!” I lay on the floor, ignoring the pain in my hand. All I felt was the thick bandage on my amputated leg, after all that jostling, starting to subtly seep blood. My face turned ghastly pale from the pain. Seeing my silence, Chloe cursed, grabbed my hair, and forced my head down to kowtow again and again. “Can’t you understand human words?! Apologize to my husband right now!” They cruelly and humiliatingly made me apologize to Cole, only stopping when I lay on the floor, eyes half-open and barely conscious. I don’t know if it was my imagination, but for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of heartache and hesitation in Seraphina’s eyes. But it didn’t matter anymore. What was done was done. Whatever my faults, I had received my punishment! Now, I just wanted to escape them… escape this hell! 0

When I woke up again, Seraphina wasn’t there. The bleeding bandage on my leg and my hand had been re-dressed, and the hospital room was cleaned. The sunlight from outside fell on my face. I lowered my eyes, feeling as if an age had passed. It was absurd to think that a private hospital was so efficient; it was as if nothing had happened. I thought this was my chance to escape, but Seraphina soon returned, bringing me food. “Awake? Eat something.” Now, her expression had softened. She feigned regret. “Tell me, why must you suffer so much for being stubborn?” As she spoke, she picked up a spoon, ready to feed me, her tone earnest. “Just be good, and I’ll treat you well from now on.” I turned my head, almost gagging at the sight of her. I felt nothing but utter disgust. “Get lost!” Seraphina, treated this way, was somewhat enraged. “Liam, I’m forgiving you and bringing you food. Can you stop being so ungrateful?!” I closed my eyes. Once my emotions stabilized, I finally spoke, almost pleadingly. “…Seraphina, please! I’m begging you. I’ll step aside for you and Cole, okay? Or anyone else you want! Just don’t bother me anymore! I was wrong to see Cole as a rival; I overestimated myself! Please, just let me go!” Whatever happened, I had already received my due punishment! My life was ruined; now I just wanted them to leave me alone. Seraphina was stunned by my appearance, seemingly not recognizing me for a moment. After a while, she shook her head. “Liam, you being like this isn’t just about making you apologize. More than that, you owe Cole.” “…I owe him?! What could I possibly owe him?!” I asked dazedly. Seraphina frowned, unable to help but scoff at my convenient memory. She said that when Cole first started racing, I and the entire club had ostracized him and crashed into him. If Cole hadn’t been incredibly lucky, he would have died long ago. “So, you deserve this! I don’t know what you’re pretending for; I almost fell for your act just now!” I froze slightly, then recalled those distant past events. A bitter laugh escaped me. So that’s why these two women were so utterly devoted to Cole. So that’s what they thought had happened back then. There had been a crash, but it wasn’t how she described it. From the very beginning, when Cole first joined the club, I had noticed his malicious intent, always trying to win races through unfair means. But now, I had nothing left to say. It was pointless. I was already a cripple. Seeing my lack of rebuttal, Seraphina sneered. “So Liam, you have no right to complain! This is all your karma!” I remained silent, and Seraphina lost the desire to speak with me. She turned and left. I stared blankly at her retreating back. A long time later, I buried my face in my palms and wept silently. Life after that was nothing but treatment and recovery. Different psychologists came to see me every day. Seraphina seemed to consider my fan base, so she made sure I received the best medication. I acted numb but cooperative, though I didn’t speak much. After more than half a month, I finally managed to make them drop their guard. Gritting my teeth through the pain, I got into a wheelchair and struggled to leave the hospital. When I looked back at the hospital entrance for the last time, my eyes were cold. Since none of you want me to appear again, then goodbye forever! At that moment, Seraphina was intimately with Cole in a presidential suite at a luxury hotel. “I’ve done so much for you, why can’t I be the one with you?” She cradled Cole’s face, her eyes filled with deep affection. “At least we’re together now.” Cole said soothingly. Just as they were about to get more intimate, the romantic atmosphere was broken by a phone call. Seraphina impatiently pulled out her phone, about to hang up, but then frowned at the caller ID. The hospital? What could the hospital want? Liam? The thought of him made Seraphina answer anyway. “Hello?” “It’s bad, Ms. Seraphina! Mr. Liam, he… he’s gone!”

Liam had just bailed me out of the precinct. On the way home. I asked for a divorce. “Chloe, there’s a line, even for you.” I watched Liam, focused on the road, and a hollow laugh escaped me. “My mind’s made up.” “Liam,” I turned to him, my gaze unwavering, “let’s just let each other go.” The Maserati screeched to a halt by the roadside. The atmosphere in the car plummeted to freezing. “A reason.” Liam gripped the steering wheel, his voice was glacial, each word a shard of ice. “Give me a reason, Chloe. What’s this drama *now*?” I looked at Liam, and suddenly, it all just felt so utterly pointless. I lowered my window and pointed at the car that had been tailing us in the rearview mirror. “My guess? Ten seconds.” “Someone’s coming for you.” I stated, absolutely certain, and started my countdown. “Ten.” “Nine.” “Eight.” Before I could even process what was happening, a figure had already stepped out of the Porsche behind me. Alex, his eyes red-rimmed, rushed over. “Julian, I honestly didn’t mean it today. I only suggested picking up clothes because I was accompanying Hailey to a dinner. I truly didn’t know you were sleeping at home, and I certainly didn’t know you’d mistake me for a thief and call the police immediately.” “Ultimately, this is my fault. Please, don’t argue with Hailey over this. I’m begging you.” “If you’re really that upset,” Alex grabbed my hand and brought it to his face, “hit me.” “Hit me to get it all out.” My hand was clasped tight. I was about to strike. Hailey’s voice cut through the air, sharp and cold: “Julian Hayes, what about your manners?” “What, did your manners just vanish into thin air?” I just found it so ridiculous. See? I didn’t have to do a single thing; I just sat here, passively taking it, and it still somehow became my fault. I pulled my hand back and turned to face Hailey. “Do you understand now?” “Hailey,” I felt a strange sense of release, as if the pain had numbed me to the core and my emotions were finally running dry. I unbuckled my seatbelt and told her, “This is the reason.” “Hailey, let’s get a divorce.” I opened the car door. Under the shocked-then-secretly-gleeful gaze of Hailey’s assistant, I smiled at him. “Congratulations. All these years you’ve been relentlessly interfering in Hailey’s and my life, and you’re finally going to get what you want.” “I don’t want Hailey anymore.” I turned and walked away. Hailey quickly got out of the car and grabbed my wrist. “Julian Hayes, what the hell is wrong with you? Do you have any idea I missed a multi-million dollar deal today because you called the police? Just because you said you were scared, I rushed to the police station like a maniac, only to find you’d called the cops on *my assistant*!” “I’ve been putting up with you for too long.” “You constantly target Alex, and he’s always spoken well of you, telling me not to get mad and to try to get along! You’re so ungrateful!” My wrist burned from her grip, the scar there throbbing with even more pain. I frowned, looking at my badly reddened wrist. “Let go!” I forcefully yanked my hand from Hailey’s grip, rubbing my aching wrist, and then raised my hand and slapped Hailey across the face. “Hailey!” “I’ve been putting up with *you* for too long too!” Hailey and I had been together for ten years. Even after all our fights, arguments, and cold wars, I’d never done anything like this, humiliating her in front of an outsider. But I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I looked at Hailey and laid out the truth. “Let me tell you: when I was hospitalized with a high fever, you were out saving stray cats and dogs with your assistant. When my car was rear-ended, you were stargazing with your assistant. Every time I had an emergency, you chose your assistant! And today!” I stared at Hailey. “You gave your assistant our front door code, while I was taking my medicine and getting ready for bed! You let your assistant barge into our bedroom to get your stuff! After I called the police, you didn’t even check if I was okay, you just demanded I drop the charges!” “Hailey!” “We are officially done!” 2 In a fit of rage, I couldn’t control my expression any longer. My carefully maintained composure completely shattered. Hailey’s face changed slightly, then she started to explain, guilty and defensive. “How could I cancel on Mr. Thompson’s event? It was an emergency, and I had no choice but to ask Alex to get my things. Why do you always have to blow things up to this extent!” “Julian Hayes!” Hailey looked at me, her face full of disappointment. “When did you become so jealous and unreasonable, clinging to baseless accusations and refusing to let go?” “Julian Hayes, no woman would like you like this!” I genuinely thought I wouldn’t feel sad anymore. At least, from the police station where I signed the papers to drop the charges, to riding in the car with Hailey, I had maintained my composure and my manners. I had even replayed every single memory Hailey and I shared in my mind. In the end, I concluded: I wanted to end this with dignity. But tears still uncontrollably streamed down my face because of Hailey’s complaints and accusations, like pearls spilling from a broken string, impossible to stop. “Yes, no one would like me like this,” I choked out the words. “So, I don’t need your affection either.” I wiped away my tears and turned to leave, but Alex grabbed my hand. He cried with me, even harder than I did, continuously apologizing and saying he was sorry. “Julian,” he whimpered. “I truly didn’t mean it. Please don’t be mad at Hailey. I’ll quit tomorrow, I’ll disappear immediately! Hailey truly loves you. Don’t make her sad, okay?” I detested Alex’s hypocritical act the most. Watching him cry, my tears actually stopped. I forcefully shook him off and shouted, “Get lost!” Alex fell to the ground, looking up at me in shock. “Julian Hayes!” Hailey, her heart aching, helped Alex up. Seeing his palm scraped, she yelled at me, “Are you out of your mind! Apologize to Alex!” “Don’t even dream about it.” “If you want me to apologize,” I looked at Hailey, then at the flicker of triumph in Alex’s eyes, and dropped the ultimatum: “If you don’t agree to a divorce, we’ll go through legal proceedings.” I didn’t look back, nor did I pay attention to Alex’s constant whimpering and Hailey’s voice comforting him and calling me a maniac. Instead, I took a taxi directly to Liam’s house. Liam didn’t say a word. After letting me in, he pulled out dozens of beers he’d stocked up in the fridge and placed them on the table. He just asked, “Is that enough?” I looked at Liam, and my eyes welled up. Liam remained silent, just opening his arms to me and asking, “A hug?” I completely broke down, sobbing uncontrollably into his arms. I cried until my voice was hoarse, trembled uncontrollably from crying, and ended up throwing up my guts in the bathroom until the world spun. When I finally stopped, I told Liam. “I want a divorce!” “I want a divorce!” “I want Hailey to rot in hell!” What is the end of love? It’s when two people who were once intimately connected and willing to fight the world together turn into opponents, blades in hand, determined to destroy each other. It’s moving from once hoping that even if marriage was the grave of love, it would still bloom with flowers of affection, to finally realizing that even roses wither. 3 I stayed at Liam’s house for two weeks. During that time, I saw Alex’s SnapChat stories update daily. Every single post had Hailey’s presence. [The sky has the moon, and I have my star.] The accompanying photo was Alex’s selfie, with Hailey’s back in the corner, on the phone by the floor-to-ceiling window. [My star always shines, and I will chase its light.] The photo showed a star-shaped ring on Alex’s hand, refracting a halo of light under the lamp, and a pair of slender, beautiful hands. They were Hailey’s. [My star is showing me the world!] The photo: a first-class cabin. Alex smiled brightly, beside Hailey’s sleeping profile. One by one, each post. Liam jumped up and down in anger. He pointed at Alex’s SnapChat and yelled, “That scumbag! Is Hailey blind? Can’t she see that jerk likes her? Even a blind man could see it!” Liam was furious. But I felt strangely calm. It was as if I was close to getting over the pain of heartbreak. Regarding Liam’s anger, I calmly commented. “Hailey knows perfectly well.” “She knows?” Liam sat beside me. “Then why does she still claim they’re innocent?” “In Hailey’s eyes, as long as they haven’t literally *slept* together, it’s innocent. After all, she always maintains that she hasn’t cheated.” Hailey always held that line. So, whenever I threw a tantrum, she would always hit me with that line: [Alex and I are completely innocent, it’s your heart that’s dirty! You see everything with a dirty mind!] And I would be speechless. Now, looking back at all that, I felt a strange sense of release. I reminded Liam, “The moving company will be here soon.” Hailey and I were getting a divorce, and I needed to move out and retrieve my belongings. After all, my mother’s keepsakes were still there. “Good that you’ve finally come to your senses,” Liam said, following me home, waiting at my doorstep. I had seen Alex’s SnapChat and knew Hailey was away on a business trip these past few days. I thought Hailey and I wouldn’t meet, but to my surprise, as soon as I pushed open the door, I smelled food from the kitchen. As I got closer, I saw Alex sitting at the dining table, legs crossed, casually eating shrimp. Seeing me, Alex froze. Like a child caught red-handed, he immediately stood up and called out, “Julian.” I watched Alex, dressed in *my* pajamas and slippers. Then I saw Hailey emerge from the kitchen with a dish, her smile freezing. She stiffly asked, “Have you eaten?” I ignored Hailey’s attempt at pleasantries and walked into the bedroom. I suddenly froze. All my collectibles, neatly arranged by my bedside, were now scattered. The bed was a mess, the wardrobe had clearly been rummaged through, and even the innermost safe was open. My heart clenched. I instinctively looked inside the safe. “Julian…” The safe was empty. Alex, standing in the doorway, spoke so weakly I could barely hear him: “I’m sorry, Hailey and I lost our luggage on the way back from our trip, and Hailey told me to get some clothes from here to wear first.” “I accidentally… opened the safe…” My head buzzed. I turned and saw crystal fragments in Alex’s hand. My breath hitched. “I really didn’t mean it.” “Julian, please!” Alex suddenly lunged at me, then dropped to his knees in front of me with a thud, grabbing my arm and crying. “Please forgive me!” 4 “I didn’t know these were your mother’s keepsakes! I didn’t know, I really didn’t know!” Alex grabbed my hand. “Hit me!” “Please!” “Hit me and make me feel better!” Alex was about to bang his head on the floor when a hand suddenly came between us. Hailey placed her hand on his forehead, pulling the trembling Alex up. She looked at me indifferently. “The dead can’t come back, and things are just inanimate objects. There’s no need to make things difficult for the living over some possessions. Alex already knows he made a mistake.” Hailey’s tone was so flat, as if this was the most trivial matter. And I was the petty, narrow-minded one. She stood protectively in front of Alex and told me, “Don’t keep bothering Alex. He’s already carrying enough guilt.” I couldn’t say a word, couldn’t even react. As long as Alex acted pathetic, it was all my fault. From Alex stealing my watch, to him taking my painting, to him smashing Hailey’s and my wedding photo, to him brazenly intruding into my home, my sanctuary, and now, to him shattering the last keepsake my mother left me. And Hailey was still telling me to forgive, telling me to be magnanimous. My head was buzzing continuously, my throat tightened, and the tremor in my fingertips betrayed my lack of composure. I turned to look at Alex, still shedding tears in Hailey’s arms, walked directly up to him, and right in front of Hailey, I grabbed Alex by the hair and slammed his head against the wall. Then, amidst Alex’s scream of utter breakdown, I kicked his knee. This time, he truly dropped to his knees before me. “That’s not how you grovel for real.” I pressed my foot on Alex’s knee and slammed his head hard against the floor with my other hand. A violent impact echoed. I heard Alex scream and saw crimson blood seep from his forehead. I told him, “This is how you beg for forgiveness!” My eyes were bloodshot. I grabbed Alex’s head, ready to slam it down again, but Hailey grabbed my wrist. She forcefully stopped me, her gaze dark. “Let go!” “Dream on!” Hailey then raised her other hand and pressed down on me, forcefully prying my fingers open. My fingernails were almost breaking, and I frowned in pain, but she didn’t seem to notice. She continued to pry my hand open, little by little, warning me, “Don’t go too far, Julian Hayes!” Too far? I looked at Hailey, and I laughed, a bitter, furious sound: “Hailey, the difference between humans and animals is that humans think, discern right from wrong, and have moral restraints, instead of just blindly protecting someone based on mere impulse!” “Since you’ve decided to protect Alex!” “Fine!” I ignored my breaking nails. Seeing the blood ooze from my fingertips, and as Hailey froze, I endured the excruciating pain of broken nails and fiercely clawed at Alex’s face. Along with my fingernails completely breaking, Alex’s face, the one that appeared in dozens of his SnapChat stories every day, was ruined. Alex completely broke down. I burst out laughing. “What is this!” “This is karma!” “Let me tell you, Hailey,” I looked at Hailey’s disbelieving expression, then at Alex, who was screaming and clutching his face. I reminded her, “I’ve never been a good person! You should have known that long ago!” “Hailey!” “You’ve truly messed with the wrong person now!” “I swear I’ll make you pay for this, or my name isn’t Julian Hayes!” 5 When Liam arrived, his first reaction was “Holy crap!” Then, seeing my bleeding fingers, his eyes turned cold and he swore, “You absolute monster!” He approached Hailey and slapped her hard on the head, which seemed to snap her back to reality. She looked at Liam, then at me, and at the moving crew who had come in with Liam. She demanded, “What exactly do you want to do!” I just coldly replied, “Make space for your little Alex.” “But now,” I looked at Alex, still sitting on the floor, whimpering and covering his face, and at Hailey, ready to start another fight, “it seems unnecessary.” I took a wrench from one of the moving guys. I had intended to dismantle things, but now, I swung it fiercely at our wedding photo on the bedroom wall. The glass shattered into a thousand pieces, scattering across the floor. Just like Hailey’s and my relationship, nothing but a mess remained. “Guys,” I picked up the wrench and placed it in front of the crew. “I’ve transferred the money to you. Thank you for your trouble today.” “The stuff here is too dirty; it doesn’t need to be moved anymore.” The crew leader was startled but still asked, “Do you need me to call the police for you?” Alex, sitting on the floor, completely lost it: “Call the police for what?! He hit me and hurt me! You call the police?! If anyone’s calling the police, it’s me!” Liam finally noticed Alex’s face, which I had scratched badly, and let out an undignified “Yo-ho!” before mockingly taunting, “Well, well, isn’t this our Crying Buddy? What’s wrong? Not playing the victim anymore, exposing your true colors?” Alex glared, full of resentment. Enduring the pain in his face, he said, “Julian, I never wanted to compete with you for anything! Why do you always target me like this!” “Don’t you know how important a person’s reputation is?” “How could you *not* know how important a reputation is!” Alex unleashed a barrage of accusations at me: “Hailey told me everything!” “You were molested before! You’re dirty yourself, so you see everyone else as dirty!” “Alex!” Hailey roared, cutting him off. “You’re crossing the line!” I was, for once, fortunate enough to see Hailey scold Alex. In my perception, whenever Alex was involved, he was always right, and I was always wrong, even if I was just breathing. I had considered that perhaps Hailey was just acting on impulse, that maybe she would calm down and realize this deviation was wrong, and she would come back to me, apologizing. Perhaps I should have waited for Hailey to come back and apologize. Perhaps I should have forgiven Hailey one more time, giving us both more chances. But I never imagined my past trauma would be spoken from Alex’s mouth, and I certainly never imagined my unspeakable past would be told to Alex by Hailey, allowing him to use it as a weapon to hurt me. “Yes,” I suddenly smiled. “I was assaulted.” After all, that year, I offended someone trying to rescue Hailey from being kidnapped. I was locked in a basement all night. Who could ever know how I survived that entire night? No one knew. But there would always be people who would imagine I was “dirty,” who would think my successful escape was due to selling myself, to pleasing those people. I wasn’t truly made of steel. I thought Hailey was on my side, that she was unwaveringly loyal to me. My heart still ached. It hurt so much I could barely breathe. I looked at a now-panicked Hailey and said, “So, don’t make me look down on you any more.”

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Alexander’s secretary was pregnant. And it was his. At our ninth-anniversary party, he brought her home. To our home. He told me, so casually, his voice devoid of any warmth or apology: “Serena is picky with her food, so for her meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, nothing can be repeated.” “She’s delicate and gets scared easily, so she needs company to fall asleep. Pack your things, Chloe. You’ll be moving to the guest room.” I didn’t say a word. I just walked over to the neatly packed suitcase that had been waiting for days, picked it up, and calmly headed for the front door. Our butler started to protest, but Alexander just let out a cold, dismissive laugh. “Let her throw her tantrum. She’ll be crawling back in shame within three days, anyway.” Everyone burst into laughter, their cruel amusement echoing in the grand hall. Right in front of my face, they started a bet – ten million dollars. They bet I wouldn’t even last until morning, that I’d be crying, begging Alexander like a stray dog to let me back in. But what they didn’t know was that *someone else* had already arranged a Maybach for me, waiting outside the gates. This time, I was truly leaving.

As I was about to step out of the mansion’s main doors, Julian Thorne suddenly called out to me. “Celeste, leave that heirloom bracelet with the calming effect. Briar’s been having nightmares lately.” The bracelet was my parents’ legacy, their only keepsake for me. Meeting my reddened eyes, Julian’s gaze was utterly cold: “Name your price.” Nine years of a marriage that felt like I was worth dirt. How much was that even worth? I couldn’t be bothered to calculate. I only knew that last time, when I refused to give Briar my goggles at the ski resort, the consequence was him stripping me bare and leaving me stranded halfway up the mountain. I took off my heirloom bracelet and placed it on Briar’s wrist. “May the child in your womb be safe and sound,” I told her. Upon hearing my blessing, Julian, for once, offered me a way out: “Celeste, as long as you’re obedient enough, my child will be your child.” No sooner had the words left his mouth than the bracelet on Briar’s wrist slipped and shattered. Seeing Briar’s leg scratched, Julian swept her up in a bridal carry. He sharply ordered Mr. Henderson, the butler, to call Dr. Miller, the family doctor. The sight of his frantic worry made everyone present look at me with amusement. This scene, it wasn’t just amusing to them. Even I found it laughable. Last night, when I had a heart attack, Julian was about to leave to watch meteor showers with Briar. Even as I foamed at the mouth and collapsed to the floor, he remained expressionless, stepping right over me. Before losing consciousness, I heard him instruct Mr. Henderson: “Have the entire living room disinfected. Briar’s coming home tomorrow, and I won’t have her smelling any foul odors.” Clutching the handle of my luggage, I turned to leave, but his cold hand seized my wrist: “Apologize.” “Wha—” Before I could finish, he’d already dragged me to my knees at Briar’s feet. My knees scraped against the shattered fragments, staining the white floor crimson. Seeing the blood, Julian’s eyes flashed with disgust, and he let go. “You deliberately broke Briar’s bracelet and injured her. Don’t you think you should apologize to her?” After marrying Julian, “I’m sorry” had become my catchphrase. The soup I made was too bland, I’m sorry. Worried he might get drunk and feel unwell, I messaged him and bothered him, I’m sorry. I accidentally saw a text from Briar inviting him to a hotel, invading his privacy. Truly, I was sorry… Biting hard on the inside of my cheek, I resigned myself and straightened up. After bowing deeply to Briar and repeating my apologies three times, I looked at Julian with indifference. “Is that enough?” I asked softly. Staring at the trickle of blood at the corner of my lips, his chest noticeably heaved. “Celeste, my grandfather isn’t here to help you. Who are you putting on this disgusting show of pity for?” Before I could reply, Dr. Miller, the family doctor, arrived in a hurry. Julian shoved me out of the way and led the doctor to Briar’s side.

While his eyes were entirely on Briar, I quickly walked out the main doors. Just as I stepped out of the mansion, I heard Beep-beep! A double honk. Seeing the silver car beyond the iron gates, I couldn’t help but quicken my pace. However, before the gates could open, two bodyguards suddenly appeared, forcibly taking me back into the mansion. Inside his study, Julian tied me up. He ordered someone to insert a thick needle, the size of a child’s arm, into my arm. Through the half-open door, I heard Dr. Miller tell Julian: “Mr. Thorne, both Mrs. Thorne and Ms. Rosewood have RH-negative blood, but Mrs. Thorne has a history of heart issues since childhood. Forcing a blood draw could easily trigger acute shock. I think it would be better to go to the hospital first for a transfusion for Ms. Rosewood, who is anemic…” “No need to persuade me further.” Julian said coldly, “Your only task is to restore Briar’s health. As for the rest, I know what I’m doing.” Hearing Julian’s approaching footsteps, I slowly closed my eyes. “Does it hurt much?” His voice held a rare hint of comfort. “Just bear with it a little longer; it’ll be over soon.” I turned my head away, unwilling to waste words on him. After they drew eight hundred milliliters of blood, my lips had turned purple. At that moment, Briar, lying in the master bedroom, suddenly coughed. Hearing it, Julian immediately stopped the doctor from pulling out the needle, demanding he draw twice the amount of blood. The doctor, dripping with cold sweat, informed Julian that if they continued, I would likely die. Hesitating for two seconds, Julian only said: “Briar is pregnant. The pregnant woman comes first, always.” “But…” I interrupted the doctor’s protest, “Just draw it. Let me leave once you’re done.” Seeing my bloodless face, Julian’s eyes filled with cold fury, and he opened his mouth. He was about to press me, asking if I was done throwing a tantrum. Was I seriously going to leave home over such a minor thing? “Julian, darling~” Briar’s sweet voice instantly drew him away. Two days later. I woke up in the hospital, recovering from shock, to see Julian reviewing documents. Our eyes met for a long time. Expressionless, he brought over a bowl of porridge, making to feed me. But I shook my head. “I can do it myself.” After quietly watching me finish half a bowl of porridge, Julian asked, “Are you uncomfortable anywhere?” I replied, dodging the question, “Please give me my phone.” Perhaps my tone was too distant, for Julian stared blankly for several seconds before contacting Mr. Henderson, who brought my phone over. Spotting many missed calls on my phone, Julian asked abruptly, “Who was calling?” He hadn’t asked so many questions before. A flicker of annoyance crossed my eyes, and I simply said, “You don’t know them.” Julian unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, his gaze cold as he looked down at me. “Celeste Davies, how long are you going to keep throwing a diva tantrum?” “Don’t push your luck!” In the past, when Julian got angry, I would always reflect on my own actions and try my best to calm him down. But now, I just pointed at his vibrating phone, telling him flatly, “Briar’s calling you.” Hearing that, a smile touched Julian’s eyes, and he instinctively moved away from me, walking into the hospital corridor. As soon as he left, my phone rang. I answered. Before I could speak, the person on the other end anxiously said, “Didn’t you say you were coming to find me? Celeste, did you change your mind?” “No, I haven’t. Just ran into a bit of an accident…” “An accident? What happened to you? No, I have to fly back to the country myself…”

Interrupting their rambling, I lowered my gaze and pursed my lips. “Just give me a few more days.” Julian returned to the hospital room just as I finished my call. Noticing the faint smile on my lips, a smile he hadn’t seen in a long time, an inexplicable tightness squeezed his chest. But he had just promised Briar he’d return immediately to sing lullabies for her and the baby. So he didn’t have time to ask who I’d been talking to— It must have been my cousin, who often called me. After all, since marrying him, my social media was only filled with female relatives. Grabbing his documents, Julian walked out without looking back, saying coldly, “Celeste, something came up at the office. I’ll come back tomorrow.” Tomorrow, the day after, the day after that, he didn’t show up. However, thanks to mutual friends, I kept receiving videos of him and Briar. He took Briar to parties and dinners. Like a young man newly in love, he eagerly introduced her to everyone. The day I was discharged from the hospital, Julian posted many photos on Ins. At sunset, he stood in a romantic hot air balloon, cradling Briar’s blushing face, passionately kissing her. I commented: [Wishing you both an early heir and everlasting happiness.] Ten minutes later, Julian called me. I didn’t answer. Half an hour later, having completed my discharge procedures alone, I saw Julian and Briar at the entrance of the obstetrics and gynecology department. I heard the young nurse at the reception desk tell Briar: “Mrs. Thorne, your husband truly adores you. He accompanies you every time you come. During the ultrasound scan, he even worries about you getting cold from the coupling gel, so he personally warms it up every time before allowing us to use it.” The pregnant women around, hearing Nurse Chloe, all looked on with envy. Instinctively touching my abdomen, I remembered that once, there had been a child here. The day I miscarried after a car accident, due to severe bleeding, I cried and video-called Julian. What I saw was Briar, barely dressed, on the screen: “Mrs. Thorne, Julian lost a game to me, so now he’s tied to the bed, accepting his punishment. Is there something you needed him for?” I didn’t say a word, just hung up the video call. Less than a minute later, Julian called back himself. He was holding a teary-eyed Briar, and he erupted, yelling that I was petty and utterly foolish. He also said: “You incompetent idiot, who can’t even hold onto your own child, what good are you for? Celeste, why don’t you just let a truck run you over?” I pulled myself out of my thoughts. Just as I was about to walk around them, Julian walked over, his face cold: “What are you standing there like an idiot for?” My gaze dropped, and instinctively, I tried to explain: “I wasn’t following you. It was truly just a coincidence. Sorry to have bothered you.” “Wait.” As Julian frowned and uttered that word, a flicker of jealousy crossed Briar’s eyes. Tightening her grip on Julian’s arm, Briar smiled at me: “Mrs. Thorne, I’m incredibly grateful for your blood donation. Without you, I’d still be so dizzy. Julian, honey, please let Mrs. Thorne come home with us, okay?” Julian dotingly flicked Briar’s nose: “My sweetest, kindest pregnant baby, whatever you say goes.” I was already planning to go back for my luggage, so I didn’t refuse Briar’s “kindness.” Inside the spacious black car. Soon, just as Briar wished, in the crevice of the car seat, I found a lace panty, still damp. “Oh dear~ What, why is this still in the car? Julian, honey, didn’t you tell me you’d already gotten rid of it?”

Biting her lip, Briar snuggled into Julian’s arms, playfully pounding his chest with a shy blush. Julian chuckled softly, apologizing to Briar that it was all his fault, while subtly observing my expression. When he noticed that I wasn’t angry at all, that familiar tightness he’d felt in the hospital room inexplicably returned. “Celeste, you’ve been on your phone ever since we got in the car.” His tone was displeased, sounding almost jealous: “Are you chatting with your cousin, or someone else I don’t know?” Having just booked my flight, I turned off my phone screen. “Just browsing the news.” Hearing me say that, Julian’s displeasure only intensified. He snatched my phone before I could react. He asked me gruffly for the password. “My birthday.” Nine years of marriage. Such a simple six-digit number, yet he kept entering it until the phone locked itself, unable to open it. The journey was silent until we reached our destination. As soon as the car stopped, Julian tenderly helped Briar, who was suffering from morning sickness, into the master bedroom. Then he asked Chef Martha, the cook, to prepare Briar’s favorite foods. As he came downstairs, Julian saw my lonely figure walking towards the guest room. After a moment’s thought, he told Chef Martha, “Also prepare two of Mrs. Thorne’s usual dishes. And set three places for dinner.” In the guest room. I opened my luggage, surprised to find all my clothes slashed to pieces. Fortunately, my passport and other documents, placed in an inner layer, were undamaged. As I gathered my documents, ready to leave, Briar blocked the doorway. She held a black bottle in her hand, eyeing me up and down with disdain. “Celeste Davies, I didn’t realize you could endure so much. You’ve been publicly humiliated, a laughingstock in the entire upper echelon, yet you’re still clinging to the Thorne family and refusing to leave.” “Oh, right, that old woman from your family just passed away last month. With her gone, you have no choice but to desperately cling to Julian Thorne, the rich tycoon.” At this, Briar suddenly remembered something amusing. “Celeste, you cried and pleaded with Julian to fly you by helicopter to the hospital to see your grandmother one last time, do you know why he refused? Because he’d promised to take me to watch the sunset by the ocean that day. Look, this kissing photo on my phone screen, that’s from then, you see?” I slapped Briar’s phone out of her hand with a loud crack, unable to bear it any longer, and grabbed her by the neck. The bottle in Briar’s hand slipped and fell. I immediately smelled a pungent odor of gasoline. In the struggle, a panicked Briar lit the gasoline on the floor. Thick smoke billowed, flames raged. Having just been discharged from the hospital, I quickly choked, lost all strength, and collapsed to the floor. Just then, I heard Julian’s voice: “Celeste!” Followed closely by the staff’s shouts of protest: “Sir, it’s too dangerous in there, you can’t go in yet! Wait for security to bring the fire extinguisher before—” “Get out of the way! Celeste is still in there!” He disregarded the danger and rushed into the house after all. Only, he hadn’t expected Briar to be in there too. “Julian, darling, help—” Without Briar needing to finish, Julian unhesitatingly swept her up in his arms. He didn’t even glance at me, turning and leaving directly. Half an hour later. After comforting Briar, Julian searched the entire villa but couldn’t find a trace of me. Late at night at the airport. After mailing my package, I coughed as I boarded the flight to England. Just before the plane took off, I received a text from Julian: [I don’t have time to play hide-and-seek. Briar has her prenatal check-up tomorrow morning at ten. You come along, too, for a lung check-up.] I didn’t reply. I pulled out my SIM card and turned off my phone. Julian Thorne, from now on, you and I are through.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298837”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Picking up Chloe from her office after work, I found a fancy hotel water bottle in her bag. Instinctively, I looked at her. “What were you doing at a hotel?” Chloe didn’t even hesitate. “Where would I even find the time for a hotel? I come straight home every day after work.” I froze. This was the first time in all our years of marriage she had ever lied to me. Later that night, I stared at my sleeping wife. My mind kept replaying the image of that water bottle in her bag, and insomnia hit me hard. I picked up Chloe’s phone from the table and typed in the old password, but it showed an error. She’d suddenly changed her phone password. A knot of dread tightened in my stomach. After a moment, I tried her bank card PIN instead, and the screen lit up. I opened SnapChat. My chat was still pinned at the top. She didn’t have many contacts, just a few friends and colleagues. All the chat logs looked perfectly normal. I let out a sigh of relief, maybe I was just overthinking things. But then, I clicked on her Amazon app. My eyes widened at a string of recent purchases for men’s items: razors, belts, pajamas, and more. The shipping address was her company. I stared, completely baffled, re-reading it over and over, certain I had never received any of these things. She hadn’t given me a gift in ages. My hands trembled as I clicked into other apps. I discovered she’d been booking a hotel room every single lunchtime for nearly three months. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by a giant hand, leaving me breathless. Just moments ago, when we were intimate, she’d caressed my waist and said, “Honey, have you gained weight?” So, the man she was cheating with was at her company, and he was thin. I didn’t sleep a wink all night. When Chloe woke up that morning, she kissed my forehead as usual. “Honey, I’m heading to work. You sleep in a bit more.” A bitter ache surged in my nose. I rolled over, pretending to still be asleep, and didn’t answer her. Chloe got ready, then sat at her vanity, applying makeup for a full half-hour. She even put on perfume. Usually, she’d go to work without any makeup. I watched her meticulous grooming, remembering how she’d recently started yoga. It had to be for him. After she left for work, I sat on the bed in a daze for a long time. I didn’t go to work; I texted in sick. It wasn’t until nearly noon that I left the house. I called an Uber and headed to Chloe’s office building. The moment it hit twelve o’clock, I saw Chloe walk out and get into a black sedan. I immediately followed, trailing the car to a hotel – the same one I’d seen listed in her booking information. When the black sedan pulled to a stop, a tall, slender man in a dress shirt stepped out of the driver’s seat. He looked young and stylish. I looked down at my own cheap tee, probably under $10. I’d been pinching every penny for her, not even buying myself a decent shirt that cost over twenty dollars. Soon, it clicked. This man was Mason Xu, Chloe’s colleague. He was the one who drove Chloe home after their team dinner last month. Because he’d acted so normal back then, I hadn’t thought anything of it. It seemed everything had been a warning sign. Following the booking details I’d seen last night, I went to Room 1045. They must have been in too much of a hurry; the door wasn’t completely shut. I walked slowly closer. At first, I heard only playful laughter, but then it morphed into moans. My entire body went numb with cold. I never imagined something like this would happen to me. Chloe always came straight home from work, gentle, kind, and devoted to me. In everyone’s eyes, she was the perfect wife. I remembered once, when I’d accidentally scrolled past news of a woman cheating, I jokingly asked her, “Honey, would you ever cheat on me?” Chloe laughed and hugged me, saying, “Honey, I swear, I’ll only ever kiss you and love you in this lifetime.” The muffled voices from inside broke my train of thought. Mason asked, “When can we stop sneaking around like this and just be together openly?” Chloe soothed him, “Soon, you just have to trust me.” “You said you didn’t want kids, but I don’t feel comfortable getting a vasectomy.” “Then I’ll take the pill. Don’t get a vasectomy, it’s too painful.” Suddenly, my heart felt like it had been stabbed, torn and bleeding. When Chloe and I first got married, she said she didn’t want children yet, and worried about accidental pregnancies, so she always took birth control pills. I felt bad for her, so *I* got a vasectomy. Chloe was so touched, “Honey, you’ve sacrificed so much. Once our lives are stable, we’ll have a sweet baby.” Getting the vasectomy was painful, but I never complained, not a single word, because I truly loved her. For a moment, I wanted to burst in there, consequences be damned. But I didn’t. I knew I had to stay calm. I don’t know how I walked out of that hotel. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. The thought of Chloe betraying me brought immense pain, a complete breakdown. My parents didn’t support me marrying Chloe back then, but I defied them anyway, choosing to marry her, believing we’d be happy forever. Chloe had also sworn she’d love me for a lifetime, never letting me down. Liar! That evening, Chloe came home from work with bags of groceries. “Honey, I bought your favorite crab.” I looked at her quietly. “Did you forget? I’m allergic to crab.” Chloe’s movements faltered. She raised a hand and patted her head. “Oh, my memory! I’ve been so swamped lately, my head’s spinning.” She used to never forget my habits; she knew exactly what foods I was allergic to. I also used to feel she truly loved me. One winter, I was in a bad car accident, severely injured. When I woke up from surgery, Chloe cried , “Thank God you’re safe. I don’t know how I’d live without you.” During my hospital stay, she never left my bedside, even afraid to sleep at night, worried the IV might backflow. But somehow, somewhere, she changed. Her affair wasn’t without clues. Lately, her phone had been glued to her hand, and she often smiled foolishly at it. When I asked, she’d say she was just scrolling through TikTok videos. A few days ago, she bought several sexy dresses, claiming she wanted to dress up nicely so I wouldn’t lose interest. Thinking back, it was truly laughable. I looked at Chloe and asked, “Do you love me?” Chloe smiled nonchalantly. “Of course I love you, honey. You’re the one I love most.” Her acting was truly superb. If I hadn’t seen her and Mason go to that hotel with my own eyes, I would have foolishly believed every word. After Chloe went to shower, I picked up her phone and found her SnapChat messages with Mason. She must have been deleting them daily; these messages from half an hour ago she hadn’t had time to erase. Mason: “I miss you so much. Can you not let him touch you? It makes me so uncomfortable.” Chloe: “Don’t worry, he and I have no feelings left. You’re the one I love now.” My fingers clutched the phone so hard they turned white. Suppressing the pain in my heart, I clicked into Mason’s social media. His latest post: *I said I wanted crab, and someone immediately made me oil-braised crab. I’m truly the happiest man in the world.* So, he was the one who loved crab. He’d also posted many other photos showing off their relationship, none with faces visible. One picture showed him hugging a woman from behind, wearing pajamas, taking a selfie in front of a bathroom mirror. I recognized it immediately: our bathroom at home. My breath hitched. I checked the date. That day, I had been away on a business trip. I immediately pulled out my own phone, opened the security camera app, and watched as she brought Mason home while I was away. They started kissing right at the front door. The thought of them sleeping in *my* bed made my stomach churn. No wonder I saw so much cigarette ash on the table when I got back from my trip. I’d just assumed I hadn’t cleaned properly before I left. A message from her best friend popped up. I instinctively tapped it open. “Aren’t you worried Liam will find out you’re using your money — *your shared money* — to buy Mason a house?” Chloe: “Liam can live in a rental forever for all I care. He’s used to it. But Mason can’t. I can’t bear for him to suffer.” “I want to have a home with Mason.” All the blood in my body turned to ice. The apartment we were living in was rented. I’d been working myself to the bone just to buy a house. Chloe and I had a joint account. After monthly living expenses, all our remaining salary would go into it, saved for a down payment. But Chloe’s salary wasn’t high; it barely covered her own expenses. Most of the money in that account was mine. So, she was using the money I painstakingly saved to buy Mason a house. I was shaking with rage. Chloe came out after her shower. I looked at her and said, “I saw a house this afternoon. It’s pretty good.” “Let’s find some time tomorrow, and you can come with me to finalize it.” Chloe’s eyes darted away. After a long pause, she came and sat beside me. “Honey, buying a house now would put too much pressure on us.” I asked blandly, “The money in the account is enough for a down payment, and the monthly mortgage isn’t much. My salary is enough to cover it. What pressure are you talking about?” Chloe avoided my gaze. “I still think we shouldn’t buy a house for now. Let’s wait a bit.” I smiled. “Why shouldn’t we buy a house now?” Chloe frowned. “The economy isn’t good, and housing prices are falling fast. It’s not a good deal to buy now. Besides, we’re perfectly fine living here, there’s no need to rush into a new place.” My fists clenched unconsciously. I thought of her words: *Liam can live in a rental forever for all I care. I can’t bear for Mason to suffer, but she can bear for me to suffer.* What exactly was I to her? “What if I insist on buying?” Chloe stood up impatiently. “I don’t want to argue with you. I’m going to the office to work overtime tonight; I won’t be back to sleep.” With that, she walked out. I didn’t need to guess; she wasn’t going to work overtime. She was going to Mason. Chloe didn’t come back all night. At dawn, I went to the bank and checked our statements. Chloe had indeed used the money from our joint account to buy a house for Mason. The neighborhood was ironically right near ours. Immediately after, I went to the law firm my friend recommended. “Please help me prepare a divorce agreement.” The lawyer listened to me then asked, “Mr. Liam, do you have any other demands?” I closed my eyes. The woman I had truly loved for seven years had cheated on me. I was going to make her pay. That afternoon, I received a message from Chloe: “Honey, the company is having a dinner party tonight. I won’t be home for dinner.” I didn’t reply. I called my friend directly and asked him to do something for me. That evening, I arrived at the private room door. The room was packed. Chloe and Mason sat together. They seemed to be playing a game, facing each other, fingers interlaced, their eyes full of intense longing for each other. When I pushed the door open, the lively atmosphere inside came to an abrupt halt. Chloe frantically let go of Mason’s hand and stood up, walking toward me. “How did you get here?” Looking at her tense expression, I calmly asked, “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your colleagues?” Mason’s eyes were slightly red, as if he was deeply wronged. Chloe noticed, stepped forward, and grabbed my wrist, saying, “I have things to do, you should go home first.” I broke free of her grasp. “I’m here today because I also have something to do.” The moment my words fell, the screen that had been playing music switched to another video: footage of Chloe and Mason kissing at our front door. The entire room erupted in gasps. Chloe’s face drained of all color. I looked into her eyes and asked, word for word, “Chloe, was it fun to lie to me?”

On the day of our fifth anniversary, I took Julian home to meet my parents. He gave me two “unforgettable” gifts that day. First, he tied my father to a chair and, in front of the old man, tore off my clothes. Second, he deliberately opened the front door, letting my mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, rush out into the pouring rain. The moment she was struck by a truck and sent flying, my father was still bound to the chair, forced to watch it all unfold. My father, in a fit of despair, broke free from his restraints and leaped from the 23rd floor. His blood splattered onto the hot griddle of a breakfast diner below. Overnight, I lost everyone I loved. I knelt in the pool of blood and asked him why. He merely pinched my chin and sneered, “Evelyn, did you really think I loved you? I came for revenge.” It turned out that ten years ago, during a medical malpractice incident, his father died on my father’s operating table. His mother took her own life soon after. So, he spent five years meticulously weaving this web of love, just to make me experience the desolation of losing my entire family. Later, he kept me captive, tormenting me. I tried to kill myself 99 times, and he saved me 99 times. He said we would torment each other until we grew old. But he didn’t know that in the year we loved each other most, when he desperately needed a heart transplant, it was I who secretly signed the donation agreement. Now, an artificial heart beats in my chest. Only seven days left until it stops. …

I clutched the diagnosis, standing at the villa door. The words “Artificial Heart Failure” on the paper burned my eyes. The doctor’s words still echoed in my ears: “Seven days at most. Be prepared.” I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The laughter in the living room abruptly ceased. Julian sat on the leather sofa, swirling a glass of red wine with his long fingers. Around him sat four or five young women—my cousin Chloe, my other cousin Mia, my best friend Harper, and my colleague Scarlett. They were all dressed in silk slips, their faces etched with fawning smiles. “You’re back?” Julian looked up, a cruel curve playing on his thin lips. “Perfect. The game just started.” My nails dug into my palms. For the past few months, Julian had pursued every close female friend and relative I had, just to watch me break. Now, they had all fallen hopelessly in love with him. “One minute, starting now.” Julian set down his wine glass, his voice chilling. “Whoever makes her cry first gets to be my permanent partner.” The women’s eyes lit up, and they lunged at me, scrambling to be first. Chloe rushed forward, raising her hand and slapping me hard across the face. Through the stinging pain, I suddenly remembered last year’s birthday, when she’d presented me with a handmade cake, her eyes sparkling as she said, “Big sister, I hope you’re always happy.” As the second slap landed, blood oozed from the corner of my mouth, dripping onto the bracelet I’d given her—a graduation gift I’d scrimped and saved three months to buy. “Fifteen slaps already, why isn’t she crying?” Chloe gasped, looking back. Julian narrowed his eyes, like he was enjoying a good show. “Next.” The moment he spoke, Mia grabbed my long hair, brutally dragging me into the kitchen. My scalp screamed with pain, yet at that instant, I remembered my college days. Mia was being bullied on campus, and I took an overnight train to defend her. Now, this sister I had fought so hard to protect was pressing my face into scalding chili water. The fiery liquid burned my eyes. I convulsed with pain, clutching the edge of the counter until my nails split and bled. “Boring.” Julian glanced at his watch. “Next.” Harper pulled out a sewing needle, stabbing it, one by one, into my fingertips. The excruciating pain from my fingertips made my vision swim. In a daze, I saw myself in my sophomore year of college, when Harper got her heart broken and drank until she had stomach bleeding. I stayed by her bedside for three days and three nights. “Time’s up.” Julian’s voice was sharp as a knife. “Last chance.” When the last woman, Scarlett, ran downstairs clutching a cardboard box, my heart nearly stopped. It was the box I kept hidden under my bed, filled with my parents’ belongings! “No!!!” I finally found my voice. But it was too late. Scarlett smiled and threw the photo frame to the ground, glass fragments scattering everywhere. My father’s watch was crushed, my mother’s comb snapped in two. When my mother’s favorite silk scarf was torn to shreds, my tears finally hit the ground. “I win!” Scarlett excitedly ran to Julian. “Julian, from now on, you’ll only have me by your side.” But Julian just laughed, cruelly pinching her chin. “How naive. Anyone associated with Evelyn disgusts me. How could I ever want any of you?” He pressed the call button without mercy. “Throw them all out.” The bodyguards roughly dragged away the screaming women. I knelt amidst the wreckage, my trembling fingertips gently tracing the shattered fragments of my parents’ mementos. I picked up half of a faded family photo, where my mother’s warm smile still lingered. “Julian,” I cradled the mementos, my cries tearing through me, “Someone like you, who can’t love anyone, shouldn’t have tormented anyone in the first place!” “Who says I can’t love anyone?” Julian sneered. Just as he finished speaking, the front door was pushed open. A woman in a white dress walked in, dragging a suitcase. “Julian, I’ve brought my luggage. Which room am I staying in?” Julian’s expression instantly softened. He reached out, pulled Celeste into his arms, and intimately kissed the top of her head. “With me, of course.” He wrapped an arm around her slender waist, turning to me, his eyes once again freezing cold. “Allow me to introduce Celeste, my fiancée.” “Remember that car accident three years ago? I was critically injured. Celeste saved me, donating her heart so I could continue my revenge against the Su family.” “You said I couldn’t love, didn’t you?” Julian pulled Celeste even closer, his eyes fixed on me. “Now, I’ll show you exactly how I love someone!” At his words, my entire body trembled. Shock, fury, pain, despair… countless emotions surged like a tidal wave, threatening to drown me. I bit down hard on my lip, not stopping until I tasted blood. Then, I snapped awake. And I laughed. I laughed until my body shook, laughed until I coughed up blood, laughed until tears streamed down my face and splattered on the floor. How ironic. I gave him my heart, yet he cherished someone else’s as a treasure. When I signed the donation agreement back then, the doctor repeatedly assured me donor information would be confidential. I never imagined it would lead to him mistaking someone else for his savior today. But I wouldn’t explain. Explain what? Explain that it’s my heart beating in his chest? Explain that because of him, I have only seven days left to live? Two lives from my family, two from his. The blood feud and deep-seated hatred between us had long severed all possibilities. ***截断点***

That night, Julian knocked on my bedroom door. “Celeste wants chicken soup. Go make it.” I lowered my gaze, silently walking towards the kitchen. Resistance was pointless; I had long since learned to obey. In the kitchen, I mechanically processed the ingredients. The cold water on my hands numbed my fingertips. I suddenly remembered how Julian used to love my soup. Back then, he always liked to wrap his arms around my waist from behind, saying, “My fiancée is such an amazing cook.” The water in the pot bubbled and gurgled, the steam blurring my vision. I raised a hand to wipe my eyes, unsure if it was steam or tears. Three hours later, I stood before the master bedroom door with the simmering chicken soup, knocking softly. “Come in,” Julian’s voice came from inside. Pushing open the door, I saw Celeste propped against the headboard. Julian sat on the bed beside her, peeling an apple. His method of peeling was unique; the peel would form one continuous strip. He had learned it specifically for me, once. “The chicken soup is ready,” I placed the bowl on the bedside table. Celeste lazily picked up the spoon, took a sip, and immediately scrunched up her nose. “It’s too salty! Do you want to choke me to death?” I pressed my lips together. “I’ll make another one.” When I brought up the second bowl, Celeste only tasted a bit before pushing it away. “Bland as water. Make it again!” By the time the third bowl arrived, Celeste shrieked the moment she touched the rim. “It’s so hot, how am I supposed to drink this!” She abruptly flung her hand up, sending the entire bowl of scalding hot chicken soup splashing all over me. “Ah!” I cried out in pain, my chest instantly red and blistering. “Julian!” Celeste clutched her slightly reddened fingers, her eyes welling up with tears. “It hurts so much…” Julian’s face darkened. He shoved me away. “Are you trying to get yourself killed?” I stumbled back a few steps, my back hitting the wall. The pain made my vision swim. “It wasn’t me, she knocked it over herself…” “Shut up!” Julian interrupted sharply, his eyes ominous. “Still trying to make excuses?” He pressed the call button, and two bodyguards instantly appeared at the door. “Lock her in the wine cellar, for a day and a night,” Julian said coldly. “Watch her carefully. Don’t let her try to kill herself.” As I was dragged away, the last thing I saw was Julian carefully holding Celeste’s hand, gently blowing on it. The moment the wine cellar door closed, an icy chill immediately permeated my limbs. I huddled in the corner, my teeth chattering uncontrollably. The cold gradually seeped into my body, and my consciousness began to blur. In a daze, I seemed to be transported back three years ago— Back then, I was hospitalized for acute appendicitis. Julian dropped an international conference and flew back overnight. The doctor said I needed rest, and he truly stayed by my hospital room for three days and three nights. Even the nurses said they’d never seen anyone so worried about his fiancée. “Evie… Evelyn!” Through the haze, I seemed to hear Julian’s voice, tinged with an unprecedented panic. A hallucination. It must be a hallucination. The Julian of today, how could he possibly be so anxious for me? When I woke again, the pungent smell of disinfectant told me I was in a hospital. I heard the doctor’s stern voice beside me: “Mr. Julian, Ms. Evelyn’s physical condition is very poor, especially after her previous…” “Doctor,” I suddenly interjected, my voice hoarse. “I know my own body well.” The hospital room fell silent. Julian stood by the window, his expression unreadable against the backlight. “Just make sure she doesn’t die,” he said indifferently. “You don’t need to tell me anything else. I don’t care.” The moment he finished speaking, his phone rang. I saw his expression soften instantly. “Celeste… good girl. I’m paying the bills. I’ll be right there with you.” After hanging up, Julian left the room without looking back. I struggled to pick up my phone and opened my social media. Celeste had just updated her Ins status, with a photo of Julian guarding her bedside. “Just a tiny burn, and someone was so worried, staying up all night by my side~ If it weren’t for paying the bills, he wouldn’t even leave~” Looking at Julian’s tender gaze in the photo, I understood everything instantly. My being brought to the hospital was merely an afterthought. I touched my chest, where the artificial heart emitted a faint tremor. Six days. My life’s countdown, only six days left.

On the fifth day of my life’s countdown, I was discharged from the hospital. I dragged my weak body out of the hospital doors, only to run straight into the person I least wanted to see. Julian stood beside that familiar black Maybach, an arm around Celeste, his gaze as cold as if he were looking at a stranger. “Get in,” he said, his thin lips parting, his voice like ice. “We’re going to see my parents.” My fingers clenched my clothes, my knuckles turning white. I knew all too well what awaited me. The car drove towards the cemetery on the outskirts. All the way there, Celeste leaned into Julian’s embrace, occasionally giggling as she fed him fruit. I sat in the passenger seat, watching their intimacy through the rearview mirror, my chest aching. At the cemetery entrance, Julian got out first. I was about to follow, but I was stunned by the sight before me. From the entrance to the depths of the cemetery, the long path was paved with glowing hot coals, radiating a terrifying red light under the sun. Julian, holding Celeste, spoke, his voice cold as ice. “Evelyn, your family are all sinners. Your parents are dead, so you will atone for them.” He pointed to the coals. “Kneel on them. Three full prostrations. Kneel all the way to my parents’ tombstone and repent.” My legs trembled. I knew refusing would lead to a worse fate. The moment my knees touched the coals, the smell of burning flesh filled the air. The searing pain made my vision swim, but I could only clench my teeth and inch forward. Behind me, the rumble of a car engine. Julian’s car followed me at the slowest speed. The window was down, and I could clearly see him and Celeste with their fingers intertwined, see him kissing Celeste’s fingertips. Three full prostrations. Each one was like branding my body onto a red-hot iron plate. My knees were raw and bloody, my hands scorched black. Sweat mixed with blood hit the coals with a sizzling sound. By the time I finally crawled to the tombstone, I was close to blacking out. Through my blurred vision, I saw Julian and Celeste standing before the tombstone. “Mom and Dad, I’ve found the love of my life,” his voice was incredibly tender. “I specifically brought her to meet you. And the enemy who killed you, I’ve taken my revenge.” Celeste dutifully offered flowers. “Don’t worry, Aunt and Uncle, I’ll take good care of Julian.” “Bow your head,” Julian suddenly turned to me, his eyes cold again. I struggled to bow, my forehead hitting the ground hard before the tombstone. “Get back,” Julian tossed out, then turned and left with Celeste. On the way back, a sudden downpour started. I dragged my broken body, step by agonizing step, back. With every step, the rain washed over the wounds on my knees, making them sting. By the time I finally crawled back to the villa, it was already dark. Julian was sitting in the living room, looking at documents. Hearing the movement, he looked up, a flicker of something strange in his eyes when he saw my disheveled state, but it quickly returned to cold indifference. “Tomorrow is Celeste’s birthday,” he closed his file, his tone flat. “I’m holding a grand banquet for her. You’ll organize it.” I froze. “Arrange it exactly how you used to describe your dream wedding,” he added, a cruel curve on his lips. My heart gave a sharp pang. I had described my dream wedding to him countless times— There had to be a champagne tower, white roses covering the entire hall, and a band playing my favorite songs… And now, the wedding I had always longed for was merely Celeste’s ordinary birthday party. “Don’t waste time,” Julian frowned, tossing a tube of ointment at me. “Tomorrow, there can’t be any mistakes.” With that, he turned and left. The ointment fell to the floor. I picked it up and threw it in the trash. I dragged my injured body and began to decorate the banquet hall, staying up all night. The rain outside never stopped, much like my endless tears.

The lights of the birthday banquet were blindingly bright. I leaned against a pillar in the corner, listening to the guests’ hushed conversations. “Mr. Julian truly dotes on Ms. Celeste. Just a birthday banquet, costing a fortune, easily millions.” “Of course, I heard Ms. Celeste saved Mr. Julian’s life.” “Compared to that Evelyn before, this must be true love, right?” The guests’ whispers clearly reached my ears. I took a sip of water, my face expressionless, the artificial heart in my chest emitting a faint hum. The banquet progressed to the gift-giving segment. Celeste was surrounded, like a star. Julian’s gifts grew more precious with each one—a limited edition Hermes, custom-designed jewelry, an island property deed… “Thank you everyone for the gifts,” Celeste smiled sweetly, her gaze suddenly falling on me in the corner. “However, it seems someone hasn’t given me a gift yet.” All eyes turned to me. I clutched my water glass, my knuckles white. “Never mind, I won’t pressure you,” Celeste waved a hand, feigning magnanimity, yet her eyes were fixed on my neck. “That emerald necklace of yours is quite pretty. Why don’t you give it to me as a birthday present?” My hand unconsciously went to the necklace. Julian had given it to me years ago, saying it was a family heirloom, only for the future daughter-in-law. That day, he knelt on one knee, promising to love me forever. Now, thinking back, it was nothing but a meticulously designed deception. “Okay,” I calmly unclasped the necklace and handed it to Celeste. Julian’s face instantly darkened. “Does that mean you’ll give Celeste anything she wants?” His voice was cold as ice. I looked at the necklace in my hand and suddenly smiled. Yes, I’m dying soon. What else is there that I can’t give? “Yes,” I looked up, meeting Julian’s eyes. “Ms. Celeste can have anything she wants.” A flicker of inexplicable rage crossed Julian’s eyes. “Alright then,” he sneered. “Celeste actually replaced my heart with an artificial one, and our blood types are the same. Why don’t you donate your heart to Celeste?” I froze. My heart? I didn’t have one anymore. “No, no!” Celeste suddenly panicked, grabbing Julian’s arm. “I don’t want her heart! An artificial heart can be replaced regularly. She… she has a grudge against your family, and her heart is dirty. I don’t want to be tainted by all that…” Julian’s expression finally softened. He gently stroked Celeste’s long hair. “You’re right. Her heart is too dirty, unworthy of you.” During the cake-cutting, as Celeste closed her eyes to make a wish, the surrounding crowd started to cheer. “Kiss! Kiss!” Amidst the cheers, Julian leaned down and kissed Celeste. It was a deep, lingering kiss. Celeste wrapped her arms around his neck, practically hanging off him. I turned to leave, but my body was too weak, and I stumbled. I leaned against the wall, slowly making my way out, the cheers still echoing in my ears. Outside the banquet hall, the night air was cool. Unknowingly, I found myself by the lake. The lake surface shimmered under the moonlight, beautiful. I stood by the lake, and suddenly felt a push from behind— “Splash!” The icy lake water instantly swallowed me. I didn’t struggle, letting myself slowly sink. Water filled my mouth and nose. The sensation of choking came, yet strangely, it brought a sense of relief. Julian and Celeste were still locked in a passionate kiss until a scream echoed from outside the banquet hall. “Someone’s dead! Someone jumped in the lake!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298838”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

The fourth year of my marriage to Julian Hayes, I got pregnant. When I went for my first prenatal appointment, the nurse checked my details and told me there was no record of my marriage. I froze: “No? How is that possible?” The nurse pointed to the computer: “See? It shows no marriage registration for you.” Not convinced, I rushed to City Hall to verify, but the answer was identical. “Mr. Hayes is indeed married. His spouse’s name is Iris Thompson…” Iris Thompson? I was struck by lightning, my mind a blank! Iris Thompson, my half-sister, and Julian Hayes’s first love. Years ago, to pursue her dreams, my sister ran away on her wedding day, cruelly abandoning Julian. But now, she was Julian’s legal wife! … I walked out of City Hall like a zombie, my gaze unfocused, my steps unsteady. It wasn’t until I got into the waiting cab that the tears I’d held back finally fell silently. Four years ago, to save our families from public humiliation, I stepped in and married Julian, replacing my runaway sister. Initially, Julian was distant and cold towards me. But I never complained. I meticulously took care of every aspect of his life. Gradually, Julian lowered his guard, worn down by my daily presence. He started to tacitly allow me to mess with his schedule. He’d patiently listen to my boring dad jokes. He even trusted me with confidential work documents to organize. Later, Julian became increasingly kind to me. He gave me a black card with an unlimited spending limit, and took me to every Michelin-starred restaurant. I thought I had finally won Julian’s heart. Until two months ago, when Iris, diagnosed with terminal cancer, suddenly returned from abroad. That night, my father called a family meeting. He looked grim as he informed me: “Your sister has late-stage cancer, with only six months left at most. Her biggest regret is not marrying Julian. So, you need to step aside for now. Once the wedding is over, and your sister is gone, Julian will still be yours.” My stepmother pleaded desperately: “Iris is your sister, just make this one sacrifice!” Iris sobbed heartbrokenly: “This is my only wish before I die, please, make it happen.” I couldn’t believe my ears. My eyes instantly welled up. I challenged them: “You pushed me out like a puppet to be a substitute bride, and now you want Julian to marry my sister? What do you take me for? I absolutely refuse!” My father ignored my accusations, grounding me until I agreed. On the third day, I heard Julian had smashed a teacup in front of my father, furious. On the thirteenth day, my phone buzzed with news reports of Julian publicly declaring, “My wife can only be Mia.” On the twenty-eighth day, Julian froze all business collaborations with the Thompson family, demanding they hand over his wife! Finally, a month later, the locked door to my room opened. Thinking of everything Julian had done for me during that time, my eyes instantly moistened. I didn’t even bother to put on shoes, stumbling into his arms. But the next second, I heard his voice, hoarse: “Mia, I’m sorry.” “Your parents were adamant, even kneeling to beg me. For the sake of our families’ long-standing relationship, I have to go along with this charade for your sister.” “But don’t worry, it’s just a fake marriage. My only wife will always be you.” At that moment, I felt my heart plummet to rock bottom, every breath a sharp pain. After two seconds of shock, I tenderly stroked Julian’s gaunt cheek, holding back my tears: “You’ve already done so much.” Later, I watched Julian place a diamond ring on Iris’s finger under everyone’s gaze, giving her a magnificent wedding. After that, he continued to treat me as well as before. But he spent more and more time with Iris, from occasional visits to staying out for several nights in a row. When I threw a tantrum, he’d patiently explain: “I don’t love her; I just want to be her friend and accompany her through her last days.” I believed Julian. I never imagined the truth would be a brutal slap across my face. … By the time the car stopped in front of Hayes Enterprises, I had composed myself. I was still thinking about our non-existent marriage registration. As soon as I reached the top floor, I bumped into Julian’s secretary, Sarah. Sarah saw me, her expression a little unnatural. “Mrs. Hayes, what brings you here?” “I’m here to see Julian.” “Mr. Hayes is in a meeting right now, he doesn’t have time…” Ignoring Sarah’s attempts to stop me, I quickly walked to the office door. Just as I was about to push it open, I heard Iris’s voice from inside. “Julian, look into my eyes and answer me.” Iris pulled at Julian’s tie with her left hand, her right hand pressing against his chest. “Here, have you ever truly let me go?” Julian’s throat bobbed. He caught his breath, scalded by the warmth of Iris’s fingertips, yet his voice was cold: “You’re overthinking it.” “Overthinking?” Iris chuckled. “Didn’t you pretend to marry Mia just to wait for me to come back? Now that I’ve just returned, you immediately married me legally.” “And those things you wrote in your diary.” “You said you agreed to Mia taking my place to force me to come back… Mmph!” Iris didn’t finish her sentence. Julian suddenly cupped the back of her neck. All unsaid words were sealed in a nearly violent kiss. His gaze was burning, every word ground out from between his teeth: “Yes, I’ve never let you go. So, Iris, how do you plan to repay what you owe me?” I stood outside the door, my entire body as if immersed in ice water, numb to the point of losing all feeling. I remembered Julian holding me in his arms just days ago, kissing my hair, saying, “Mia, your sister is a thing of the past. Now, only you are worth my true feelings.” How ridiculous. It turned out that his so-called ‘true feelings’ were nothing but insincere lies. Our marriage, from the very beginning, was a sham. I slowly closed my eyes, fighting back the tears. If this was Julian’s choice. Then I would grant him his wish, let him and the woman he truly loves live happily ever after!

I rode the elevator in a daze. When I came to my senses, the elevator had already stopped on the basement level. An intern, Liam, enthusiastically walked up to me, “Are you here to see Ms. Iris Thompson’s art exhibition? Please follow me.” That’s when I realized I’d forgotten to press a floor. Compelled by an unknown force, I walked into the exhibition hall. Liam followed behind me, enthusiastically introducing: “This exhibition was funded by Mr. Hayes, and a national tour is planned next.” My gaze fell on one of the oil paintings. It was a man’s nude back, his back muscles clearly defined, with a unique, striking scar on his lower back. I had traced the outline of that scar countless times in the dark, so I knew exactly who the man in the painting was. Iris had painted many portraits of Julian, the dates marked in the bottom right corner clear and glaring. June 20th: Julian standing busy in the kitchen, his back bathed in a warm glow. — That was the third day I was confined to my room. I was on a hunger strike, my stomach aching until I fainted, but he was cooking porridge for Iris. July 1st: A pair of distinctly jointed hands folding a silk nightgown embroidered with irises, a wedding ring on his ring finger gleaming coldly. — That was the thirteenth day I was confined. I’d cut my finger with a blade in protest, soaking half the bedsheet in blood, while he was meticulously organizing Iris’s clothes. July 15th: He walked under a tree-lined avenue holding an umbrella, and at the edge of the frame, I could vaguely see his fingers intertwined with someone else’s. — That was the twenty-eighth day I was confined, my father had chained me to the bed, forcing me to end the relationship. I was curled up in a ball on a sweat-soaked bed, suffering from a high fever, while he walked leisurely hand-in-hand with Iris in the morning light. Each painting before me was like a needle, fiercely piercing my heart. So, during that month of utter darkness, he wasn’t fighting for me, but rather accompanying Iris the whole time! His smashing a teacup in front of my father, his public declaration of love, his cancellation of collaboration with the Thompson Corporation—it was all just a smokescreen. I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging deep into my palms, but I felt no pain. I couldn’t bear to look anymore and turned to leave the exhibition. … I booked an abortion procedure for a week later, then headed to the old family estate to collect my mother’s keepsakes. When I got home, my father unexpectedly threw an airplane ticket at me. “Your stepmother and I discussed it. We want Iris to live with Julian until she leaves.” “This is a ticket for ten days from now. Go travel for a while, consider it a little getaway.” I clutched the ticket, my lips pressed tightly together. I knew. My father was telling me to make space for Julian and Iris. After all, only if I left could they be alone without any qualms. “Mia, please don’t misunderstand. We just want Iris to have a good final journey…” My stepmother said, her eyes red, the same old platitudes that had made my ears numb. I calmly interrupted: “I get it. I’ll leave.” Julian, I no longer want him. This home, I no longer care for it. My father looked a bit surprised, not expecting me to agree so quickly, thinking my spirit had finally been broken. His tone softened slightly: “We’re holding a farewell ceremony for Iris. Remember to attend in three days.” “Okay.” … I returned home, grabbed a cardboard box, and started packing things related to Julian. There were the matching couple’s cups he gave me for his birthday. The ticket stubs from their first movie together. And the photo booth pictures I’d forced him to take. Just as I was nearly finished packing, I heard a sound from the foyer. Julian was back. Seeing the box full of items, his heart tightened. He rushed over. “Mia, what are you doing?”

I kept my head down, not even lifting my eyelids. “Iris is moving in, isn’t she? I’m just tidying my things so she doesn’t get upset seeing them.” Julian grabbed my wrist, pulling me into his arms with the momentum. “Are you still mad at me?” “No.” “Mia, you’re really bad at lying.” Julian cupped my chin and lifted it, forcing me to meet his gaze. “I’ve told you many times, I’m just playing along with her act. If I truly wanted to marry her, I would have dragged her back four years ago.” I looked into his eyes and suddenly laughed. “Julian,” my voice was soft, but every word was clear, “You know best who you truly want to marry.” Before I finished speaking, my phone suddenly rang, drowning out my voice. Julian glanced at the caller ID and quickly answered. After a few brief words, he simply said, “Something came up at the office,” and quickly left. Watching the man’s retreating back, I suddenly felt whether or not to confront him no longer mattered. After all, some feelings are like expired candy. They might look fine on the surface, but they’ve already gone bad. Even if you force yourself to swallow them, you’ll only be left with a mouthful of bitterness. Not long after Julian left, I received a SnapChat message from Iris. In the photo, Julian was on one knee, his distinctly jointed hands cradling Iris’s ankle, intently tying a red string around it. I suddenly remembered the time I dragged Julian to a local fair. I spent ages picking out a lucky red string from a stall, only to turn around and see Julian standing three feet away, impatiently checking his watch: “You actually believe in these superstitious things?” As I pondered, Iris’s message came through. 【I just casually mentioned I wasn’t feeling well, and Julian immediately went to the temple to get the most potent lucky red string for me.】 【Has he ever done that for you?】 【Mia, wake up. Julian has never loved you.】 I gripped my phone tightly, the cold screen light reflecting on my face, freezing the last bit of warmth in my eyes. Yes. Julian had never loved me. And from now on, I wouldn’t crave his love anymore. … Julian didn’t come home for the next two days. It wasn’t until the third day that I saw him at Iris’s farewell ceremony. He wore a tailored black suit, pushing a wheelchair through the crowd. Iris sat in the wheelchair, a blanket covering her legs, like a fragile flower. I just tilted my head slightly, and Julian immediately bent down, asking if I was uncomfortable. A mocking smile played on my lips. He kept saying he was just playing along with Iris’s act. But the way he looked at me was just as tender as it had been four years ago. Soon, the farewell ceremony officially began. My father announced Iris’s condition to everyone, his eyes welling up with tears: “My daughter is both unfortunate and fortunate. Although her life is short, she has a loving family and a devoted partner who never leaves her side…” The large screen lit up, showing photos of Iris from childhood to adulthood, one by one. Her first birthday, surrounded by her parents, doing the ‘Zhua Zhou’ (a traditional Chinese ritual, but could be adapted to just “first birthday celebration”). Her father teaching her to play piano, hand-in-hand, when she was ten. Her whole family embracing happily at her high school graduation at eighteen. In every frame, I was like a blurred backdrop, silently witnessing the happiness that didn’t belong to me. The scene shifted, and the person beside Iris was Julian. He celebrated her competition wins with bouquets of flowers. He quietly posed as her model when she painted. They embraced deeply at her wedding… From his youthful school uniform to his sharp business suit, years passed, yet the deep affection in his eyes remained constant. Just as everyone was immersed in emotion, the photos on the screen suddenly vanished, replaced by blood-red letters on a black background! 【Iris Thompson, a b*tch like you deserves to go to hell!】 【You stole my husband, just like your mother, both of you are whore*s who steal men!】 【I curse you to be ground to dust after death, never to be reincarnated!】 The air in the room froze for a few seconds. Then, a commotion erupted!

Everyone implicitly looked at me. I stood frozen, not yet understanding what had happened, when a startled cry came from my stepmother in the distance. “Iris!” Iris had fainted, terrified by the curse. Julian’s face changed drastically. He bent down, scooped Iris into his arms, and strode towards the first aid room. My mind was blank until a resounding slap landed on my face, jolting me back to reality. “How could I have given birth to such a monster!” My father’s eyes were red with fury, veins throbbing on his forehead. “Your sister is already so sick, and you dare to curse her?!” I staggered back half a step, accidentally knocking over a champagne tower, scattering wine everywhere. I collapsed amidst the shattered glass, explaining through the sharp pain: “It wasn’t me!” “Shut up!” My father roared, cutting me off. “I saw through you long ago; you just can’t stand us treating your sister well. But she’s already a dying woman, do you have no sympathy at all?” “Someone, lock this ungrateful wretch up!” … I was thrown into a small, dark storage room. I’ve been afraid of the dark since I was a child and also suffer from claustrophobia. The moment the door closed, my breath hitched. Darkness surged from all directions like a tide. I desperately pounded on the door, my bloodied hands leaving glaring marks on the wooden panel: “Open the door! Please, let me out!” However, outside was dead silent. I gradually lost strength, sliding to the floor, my breathing becoming more and more rapid, my vision starting to blacken. I don’t know how long passed. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, the door finally opened. I quickly scrambled out. **截断点** But the next second— “Splash!” A basin of thick, foul-smelling liquid was poured over my head! Then came the second basin, the third… I choked, almost suffocating. Through my blurry vision, I vaguely saw a familiar figure standing at the doorway. It was Julian. The man stood at the boundary of light and shadow, coldly watching his subordinates pour basin after basin of the liquid over me, never telling them to stop. Until the last basin of liquid was emptied. Julian slowly walked towards me, leaned down, and wiped my cheek with a silk handkerchief, his tone as cold as ice. “Iris is awake. She didn’t blame you for cursing her; instead, she even pleaded for you, saying you were just under a dark influence, not truly malicious.” “These foul-smelling liquids, I had my people prepare them to drive away evil,” he paused. “But for them to work, you need to soak in here for three days and three nights.” A trace of terror flashed in my eyes. I struggled to grab Julian’s hand. “Those curses really weren’t from me, please believe me…” “Mia,” Julian pried my fingers open one by one, his actions slow and cruel. “It’s a lesson even a three-year-old knows: you must accept punishment for your mistakes.” Feeling the warmth disappear from my fingertips, I opened my mouth, my last struggle turning into a humble plea. “Please, don’t leave me here, I’m afraid of the dark…” “What about Iris?” Julian’s gaze was cold and clear. “When you cursed her, did you ever consider that she might be afraid too?” I felt a pang of disorientation. I remembered a stormy night once, when the power went out at home, and I huddled in a corner, trembling. It was Julian who lit the room with candles, holding me tightly in his arms, his warm palm stroking my back: “Don’t be afraid, Mia, I’m here.” And now, the same man was pushing me into the abyss of darkness with his own hands. Suddenly, a tearing, agonizing pain erupted from my abdomen. I instinctively clutched my stomach, feeling warm liquid gush out from below. Realizing I might be having a miscarriage, I trembled as I grabbed Julian’s pant leg, my voice distorted. “Julian, my stomach hurts so badly, it feels like a miscarriage. Please, take me to the hospital…” Julian froze, frowning slightly: “You’re not even pregnant. How could you have a miscarriage?” The pain made my vision blacken. “It’s true, I’m pregnant with your…” “Enough.” Julian clearly didn’t believe my words, dropping a “I’ll pick you up in three days,” before turning to leave. A small, animalistic whimper escaped my throat. My fingers desperately dug into the ground, but I still couldn’t hold onto the man’s receding back. My spasming fingers futilely grasped at the air, eventually falling limp. I lay collapsed in a pool of blood. Before consciousness faded, a desolate laugh played on my lips. Julian… This time, I truly see you for who you are.

When I next awoke, I was lying in a hospital bed. “You’re finally awake.” The doctor sighed, her gaze full of pity. “You suffered a severe hemorrhage from the miscarriage. If you had been a few minutes later, no one could have saved you.” I learned from the doctor that I had been found unconscious by one of the house staff bringing food the next day, barely clinging to life. “Your family is absolutely out of line. How could they treat you like that? Especially your husband – he refused to answer his phone. When he gets here, I’m going to have a serious talk with him.” “Doctor,” I interrupted her, my fingers clutching the bedsheet. “Don’t tell him about the pregnancy.” He wouldn’t believe me anyway. Besides, Julian’s heart wasn’t with me anymore, and I didn’t want any more ties to him. The doctor hesitated, then finally shook her head and left. Throughout my hospital stay, Julian never showed his face. However, on Iris Thompson’s Ins stories, he was everywhere. The first day, a close-up of a bowl of chicken soup, with the caption: 【It’s been ten years, and it’s still my favorite taste.】 The second day, a photo of a man sleeping beside her bed, with the caption: 【Had nightmares again last night. Thankfully, I open my eyes and see you.】 I suddenly remembered that when *I* was sick, Julian always made chicken soup for me too. When I had a fever and was feeling unwell, he would also stay by my bedside, clutching my hand tightly, never letting go. Only now did I understand. That tenderness was never truly for me. He was merely loving someone else through me. On the day I was discharged, Julian finally called. “Something came up at the office. I’ve sent the driver to pick you up.” I asked no questions, made no hysterics, just a quiet, “Okay.” The moment the call ended, I gently stroked my flat stomach. Julian Hayes was now just a name in my contacts, about to be deleted. I no longer held any expectations for him. … I arrived home. The moment I stepped inside, I saw Iris with a drawing board, freely painting all over the living room wall. My wedding photos with Julian, our photo booth strips, were all thrown on the floor, smeared with colorful paints. Seeing me, Iris smiled, “Mia’s back?” “I thought this wall was too messy, so I decided to redecorate. You don’t mind, do you?” I scanned the chaotic mess, then simply said, “Whatever.” This home was already dead to me. From now on, I wouldn’t be the mistress of this house. Just then, Julian walked out of the kitchen, carrying a plate of sliced fruit. Seeing me about to go upstairs, he blocked my way. “Iris is trying to mend things, and this is your attitude?”

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For five years, our marriage had been purely a business arrangement. Julian and I were still practically strangers. Even our intimate moments were strangely polite. Julian would always start the same way. He’d kiss my collarbone, a routine gesture, then tell me, “I’m starting now.” Then, slowly, inch by excruciating inch, he’d peel off my clothes, his voice a low whisper as he asked, “Is this okay?” His voice would be rough, almost a whisper, as he added, “If you’re uncomfortable, just say stop.” Minutes stretched into an eternity. The bed shook violently. My breath came in ragged gasps, my slender fingers clenching the sheets until my knuckles went white. I bit my lip, enduring for what felt like forever, before finally whispering. “I’m sorry, but this is getting out of hand. It’s been three hours, Julian. I can’t take anymore. Can we please stop?” Julian froze mid-motion, his body suddenly rigid. He immediately mumbled, “I’m sorry.” Then, unable to stop himself, he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. He apologized again, then vanished into the bathroom for a cold shower. The sound of the running water from the shower echoed for a long time. Only then did I finally start to breathe normally again. Slowly, I sat up. My fingers trembled as I pulled on my clothes, covering the kiss marks branding my skin. I clicked on the bedside lamp. Then, I leaned over and pulled a document from the nightstand drawer. It was a—A divorce agreement.

　　I let out a soft breath. Five years. It was time for everything to end. 　　Everyone in our social circles knew about the strategic alliance through marriage between the Wynter and Hayes families. Julian Hayes and I, they said, had a wonderful relationship since our wedding, a model couple envied by all. 　　But what no one knew was that we each harbored a secret love. 　　Julian’s true love was Willow, his adoptive sister, but their societal roles kept them apart. 　　My true love, Leo Blackwood, had died five years ago, making it impossible for us to ever be together again in this life. 　　One parted by life, the other by death. On the very first day of our marriage, we confessed our true loves to each other and agreed to a marriage of convenience. It was a five-year contract to secure our families’ business interests and to avoid the pressure to marry. We would fulfill our obligations but nothing more. 　　After five years, we would go our separate ways. 　　Now, five years had passed, and it was time to end things. 　　I was waiting for Julian to come out so I could talk to him, but then the bathroom door suddenly burst open. 　　Julian hurried out, his hair still dripping water, grabbing his car keys and heading for the door. I froze, instinctively asking, “It’s so late. Where are you going?” Julian paused, his usually cool tone laced with urgency. “Willow had a nightmare. I need to go be with her. You should rest.” 　　Willow Hayes. His adoptive sister, and his true love. I understood. Normally, no matter when he went to see Willow, I would never question him. 　　Even when I had a car accident, a fever, or terrible period cramps… I strictly adhered to our agreement, alone in this empty house, never disturbing him and his true love. But today was different. Thinking about what I needed to discuss, I had to politely stop him. “Can you give me five minutes? I have something important to talk to you about.” 　　Julian was clearly taken aback. “Is it that important?” 　　I paused for a moment, then softly said, “It’s… moderately important.” 　　Julian was about to speak when his phone suddenly rang. 　　He glanced down. It was Willow. The moment he answered, her tearful voice came through the phone. “Brother, I’m so scared. Are you here yet? I want you to hold me while I sleep…” Julian’s eyes softened instantly, his voice gentle. “I’ll be there in a minute.” He hung up, then turned to me, speaking politely. “You can decide everything. No need for discussion.” I was stunned for a moment, then nodded. I flipped to the last page of the divorce agreement in my hand and offered it to him. “Then please sign.” 　　Julian nodded, signing it without even looking, then turned and rushed out. 　　Listening to the sound of his car engine fading into the distance, I picked up my phone and called my lawyer. “The divorce agreement has been signed. How soon can our relationship be legally dissolved?” The lawyer’s voice came through the phone. “Ms. Wynter, you just need to wait out the one-month cooling-off period.” I felt a significant weight lift off my chest. After hanging up, I opened my phone and booked a flight to Solara City. 　　There was a reason I needed to go to Solara City. 　　A while ago, my best friend, Chloe, saw a college student in a Solara City bar who looked exactly like Leo Blackwood. 　　The boy seemed very poor, working part-time at the bar. 　　I couldn’t stand the thought of someone in this world suffering such hardship while wearing a face so uncannily similar to Leo’s. 　　Since he needed money, and I had plenty, I entertained the thought of making him my kept man. 　　I asked Chloe to negotiate, and after two or three days of silence, he agreed. 　　However, his grandmother lived in Solara City, so he couldn’t come to Averna City. 　　I figured, my parents were gone, and I had no real family left here anyway. 　　In that case, I might as well move to Solara City. 　　As long as I could see that face, so much like Leo’s, every day, I imagined the rest of my life would be filled with joy.

　　That night, I had a wonderful dream. When I woke up, a faint smile still lingered on my lips. 　　The thought of no longer having to play the polite farce of a respectful marriage, and instead seeing a face so similar to Leo’s every day, made my mood lighten considerably. 　　I was even a little impatient, wishing time would speed up, just a little faster, for this “divorce cooling-off period” to pass quickly. 　　When I went downstairs, the staff had already prepared breakfast. After eating, I was about to go back to my room to pack when I heard a commotion in the entryway. I looked up to see Julian pushing the door open, followed by Willow and several bodyguards carrying large bags. 　　Julian wore a perfectly tailored black suit, making his broad shoulders and long legs even more striking, exuding an aura of cool elegance and nobility. 　　Willow, on the other hand, wore a white dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, a sweet smile on her face. She held Julian’s arm, and they looked like a perfect match, a couple made in heaven. Julian stepped aside to let the bodyguards bring in the luggage, then turned to me to explain. “Willow has been having nightmares lately. She only feels safe when I’m around, so I’ve brought her to stay with us for a while.” 　　He finished speaking and pulled a delicate gift box from his pocket, offering it to me. “This is a necklace I had someone bid on at an auction. Consider it… compensation.” I glanced down at the box, but didn’t reach for it. Instead, I gently pushed it back, my tone soft. “No, thank you. I don’t need compensation. There are plenty of rooms in the house; we have space.” Julian was clearly surprised. “You’re not angry?” I was more surprised than him. “Angry about what? After a month, I’ll be moving out anyway.” 　　Julian froze, clearly not understanding my meaning. 　　*What did she mean, she’d be moving out anyway after a month?* 　　He was about to ask when Willow beside him spoke first. 　　My lips curled into a triumphant smile, my voice tinged with a hint of provocation. “Well, thank you, Ms. Wynter.” 　　She never called me “sister-in-law,” simply because she never acknowledged my status. 　　Five years ago, when I first married into the Hayes family, Willow had stormed into our bridal suite with a group of bodyguards and smashed everything to pieces. 　　Her eyes were red then, like a cornered animal, screaming hysterically, “How dare you steal my brother!” 　　Later, Julian must have found some way to appease her, because after that, Willow never caused such a scene again. 　　Perhaps it was because, whether Julian was married or not, his doting affection for Willow never lessened. 　　He still went shopping with her, sang her to sleep, and even stayed by her bedside all night when she was sick. He treated her as he always had, loving her, while treating me, his wife, as if I were invisible. 　　“Brother, didn’t you say you’d take me to the amusement park after we finished moving in?” Willow swayed Julian’s arm, her voice sweet as honey. Julian looked down at her, his gaze so tender it could melt. “Yes, we’ll go in a little while.” 　　He finished, then looked up at me, as if he wanted to say something. But I still smiled gently. “You two go ahead. Just let me know if you’ll be back for dinner, and I’ll have the staff prepare it.” Willow’s lips curved when she heard this. “Well, thank you, Ms. Wynter.” 　　I caught the hint of provocation and triumph in her voice, but I didn’t react. I just nodded politely and returned to my room. 　　I spent the entire day packing. 　　By the time everything was sorted, night had fallen. 　　Julian and Willow hadn’t returned. I showered, changed into my nightclothes, and lay in bed, ready to sleep. 　　Just as I was about to drift off, I heard voices outside the door. “Brother, please sleep with me. I’m scared alone.” It was Willow’s voice, a hint of childish pleading in it. 　　“Willow, my wife is here. This isn’t appropriate.” Julian’s voice was still gentle, but tinged with a touch of helplessness. 　　“What isn’t appropriate? You like me, and I like you. She’s just a prop anyway.” 　　My fingers curled slightly, but I didn’t move, keeping my eyes closed as if I hadn’t heard a thing. Outside, Julian was silent for a moment, then spoke softly. “Willow, I can treat you just as well as before, and my heart belongs entirely to you, but nothing more. I’m still legally married. If anything were to happen between us, it wouldn’t be good for your reputation. Just know that I will always love you.” 　　“Then you’re not allowed to touch her tonight.” Willow’s tone was demanding. 　　Julian seemed to say something, but his voice was too low for me to catch. 　　A moment later, the bedroom door was gently pushed open. Julian walked in, his gaze falling on the suitcase by the bed. He seemed a little surprised. “What’s with these bags?” 　　I was about to tell him the truth, but then I remembered him saying earlier that I could decide everything. He didn’t even know about the divorce yet, so maybe there was no need to tell him I was leaving for Solara City either? So I lied. “Just decluttering for the new season.” 　　Julian nodded, not asking further, and turned to enter the bathroom. 　　When he came out after his shower, he was only wrapped in a towel, water droplets tracing a path down his chest to his V-line. 　　He walked to the bed and leaned down, kissing my lips. 　　I was stunned by the kiss, instinctively pushing him away. “Didn’t your sister say she didn’t want you to touch me?” 　　Julian froze. “You heard that?” 　　I nodded honestly. 　　Julian was silent for a moment, not answering my question. Instead, he changed the subject. “I want you. Is that okay?”

　　I wanted to refuse, but then I remembered our agreement before the wedding to fulfill our marital duties. Since we weren’t officially divorced yet, I reluctantly nodded, forcing myself to agree. 　　“Go ahead.” 　　Julian leaned in and kissed my lips. 　　I couldn’t help but let out a soft moan, my fingers gripping the bedsheets tightly. Julian rarely smiled, but he did then, his voice low and husky. “Can’t hold back? I’ll go easy on you then.” 　　I closed my eyes and softly said, “Thank you.” 　　“You’re welcome.” Julian’s voice held a hint of amusement, and he deepened the kiss. 　　When I woke up, the room was empty. I got up to wash, changed my clothes, and went downstairs. Julian had left at some point. In the dining room, only Willow was sitting, head bowed, eating breakfast. I walked to the dining table and politely asked, “Did you sleep well yesterday? Is breakfast to your liking?” 　　Willow didn’t answer, didn’t even lift her head, as if I didn’t exist. 　　I sighed softly, thinking how rude Willow was compared to Julian. 　　I said nothing more, silently sat down, and began to eat. 　　But as I picked up a slice of toast and took a bite, a wave of nausea suddenly washed over my stomach. 　　I abruptly stood up, rushing to the bathroom and dry heaving over the sink. 　　When I came out of the bathroom, I found Willow standing at the doorway, her face frighteningly dark. Her gaze pierced me like a knife, her voice icy. “Are you pregnant?” 　　I froze, about to explain, but Willow had already completely lost it. Her voice was sharp and furious. “I tolerated you getting married, even tolerated you sleeping together, but I will *never* tolerate you having my brother’s child!” With that, she spun around and shouted at the bodyguards by the door, “Hold her down!” 　　Then she told the staff, “Get the abortion pills!” 　　The staff and bodyguards froze, exchanging glances, none daring to move. Willow’s eyes were already red as she shrieked, “Didn’t my brother tell you to take good care of me before he left? Now you’re not even listening to a word I say. Is this how you ‘take good care’ of me?!” The bodyguards and staff looked at each other, but ultimately didn’t dare defy her orders. They stepped forward and restrained me. I finally snapped out of my daze and struggled. “You’ve misunderstood, I’m not pregnant, I just have an upset stomach…” But Willow had completely lost her mind. Seeing that the staff hadn’t returned yet, she rushed into a room, rummaging through a medicine cabinet, pulled out a bottle of pills, and strode quickly towards me. 　　“How dare you deny it? I won’t let you have this child, absolutely not!” Her voice was filled with madness. She gripped my jaw tightly, forced my mouth open, and brutally shoved the pills down my throat. 　　I shook my head frantically, but the pills still slid down my throat. 　　My stomach churned violently, and the excruciating pain made me almost unable to stand. Cold sweat trickled down my forehead, my vision blurred, and I tried to scream but found I couldn’t make a sound. Finally, I collapsed weakly to the floor, my consciousness fading. 　　When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital bed. 　　Dimly, I heard the doctor’s helpless voice. 　　“Mr. Hayes, your wife wasn’t pregnant. How could she be given abortion pills? Fortunately, she was brought in quickly and had her stomach pumped, otherwise almost half her stomach would have to be removed.”

　　I slowly opened my eyes. The doctor was gone, and Julian was sitting by the bed, his brows furrowed, a hint of guilt in his eyes. Seeing me awake, he quickly helped me sit up. “I know what happened. I’m so sorry. I didn’t think Willow would do something like that.” 　　My stomach still ached terribly, and I barely had the strength to speak. I sighed faintly. “Let the police handle it. She’s not a child anymore; her impulsiveness could lead to serious trouble. A few days behind bars might do her some good, give her time to reflect.” 　　I reached for my phone, ready to call the police, but Julian snatched it away. 　　“No, Willow didn’t mean it, Iris. Let’s just drop this.” I froze, then processed his words. “ Are you saying… I went through that stomach pump for nothing?” Julian was silent for a moment, then said, after a long pause, “I’m sorry. I’ll compensate you, but please, don’t make trouble for Willow.” 　　I looked at him and sighed again. “Aren’t you spoiling her too much?” Julian shook his head. “If your true love were still alive, you wouldn’t want him to suffer even a scratch, would you?” 　　I froze. 　　After a long while, I softly said, “I understand. Don’t let it happen again.” 　　Even though I had decided to let Willow off the hook, the words somehow made Julian feel inexplicably uncomfortable. He stared at my face, and some words slipped out. “After all this time, you’re still thinking about him? Hasn’t he been gone for ages?” 　　I didn’t understand why he suddenly said that. 　　I liked Leo Blackwood; hadn’t he always known that? 　　I had never interfered with his feelings for Willow, but now it seemed he was angry that I liked Leo. 　　I was about to speak when Julian’s phone suddenly rang. 　　It was Willow calling. 　　After answering, he composed himself, the nameless anger he’d felt moments ago now suppressed. 　　He stood up, returning to his polite demeanor, his voice tinged with helplessness. “Willow is acting up again. I have to go. I’ll come see you when I have time.” 　　As I watched his hurried departure, I couldn’t help but call out to him. 　　“Please tell your sister that she doesn’t need to worry about me getting pregnant. I won’t get pregnant. I had my tubes tied on the very first day we were together.” 　　Julian’s steps halted abruptly. He turned back, disbelief in his eyes. “What did you say?!” 　　I looked at him with growing surprise. 　　In our five years of marriage, we had always treated each other with polite distance, and Julian’s face had always been expressionless. 　　But today, I had rarely seen him so uncharacteristically reactive. 　　I said, “I won’t have any children except Leo’s. You can understand that, can’t you?” 　　Julian’s face instantly darkened, as if he was suppressing something. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Go get the surgery reversed immediately.” 　　He finished, then, as if fearing my refusal, added, “This is a marital obligation.” 　　I shook my head. “But we’re already in the process of getting divorced. I don’t need to fulfill marital obligations anymore.”

　　I finally told Julian the truth, but he didn’t hear it. 　　Because just as I spoke, Willow called again, urging him. He whispered soothing words into the phone and quickly left. 　　I let out a soft sigh, but there wasn’t much ripple in my heart. I had grown accustomed to such scenes. In Julian’s world, Willow was always the first priority. 　　Over the next few days, Julian sent staff to deliver my meals daily and hired a nurse to care for me. 　　Although he didn’t appear in person, the arrangements were quite thoughtful. 　　The only downside was that my phone vibrated constantly with provocative pictures from Willow. 　　Julian taking her shopping, buying her jewelry, taking her to upscale restaurants… 　　Each photo came with text, flaunting Julian’s doting affection for her. 　　I looked at these photos without a trace of jealousy. I simply forwarded each one to Julian with a caption: “Your sister sent this.” Julian was silent for a long time before replying politely, “I’m sorry, I’ll handle it.” 　　I replied, “Okay, thank you.” I thought our conversation was over, but then Julian sent another message: “Did you go get the tubal ligation reversed? Please do it as soon as possible.” 　　I stared at the message, not understanding why Julian was suddenly so insistent about this. 　　We were getting divorced soon, and there was no way I would have his child, so his urging me to get surgery was pointless. 　　Moreover, why was he so determined for me to reverse it? 　　I put down my phone, simply choosing not to reply. 　　On the day I was discharged, Julian came to pick me up himself. 　　I opened the car door to find Willow sitting in the passenger seat. 　　Willow turned around and said in a snide tone, “Brother and I are going to an auction later. I get car sick, so Ms. Wynter, if you don’t mind sitting in the back.” 　　I said nothing, silently getting into the back seat. As soon as I was in the car, I heard Julian softly say to Willow, “Did you forget what I told you before?” Willow pouted, then reluctantly turned to me and said, “I’m sorry, Ms. Wynter, I was too impulsive before and caused you to be hospitalized. I apologize.” 　　I was a little surprised, not expecting Willow to apologize. 　　It wasn’t until I saw Willow’s swollen lips and Julian’s helpless expression that I instantly understood. 　　Julian had always refused to touch Willow before, but now, to appease her and make her apologize to me, he had actually kissed her? 　　I saw through it but didn’t say anything, merely nodding calmly. 　　Julian glanced at me through the rearview mirror and asked again, “Did you get that surgery reversed?” I didn’t know why he asked so many times, but I calmly replied, “Yes, I did.” 　　I really hadn’t wanted to have children before, but things were different now. I thought of the college student who looked so much like Leo Blackwood. Life was long, and perhaps having a child who resembled Leo wouldn’t be so bad. 　　Julian, however, misunderstood. He nodded, a hint of a smile in his eyes, seemingly pleased. He continued, “We’re taking Willow to an auction later. Iris, you should come along too.” 　　I was about to refuse, but then I realized I hadn’t been out in a long time, so I nodded. 　　At the auction, Julian bid on almost everything Willow showed interest in—jewelry, famous paintings, antiques… each item was incredibly valuable. People around us whispered, envious. “Mr. Hayes is so good to his adoptive sister, even better than to his wife.” 　　Julian heard these words, turned to me, and asked in a gentle tone, “Is there anything you want? I’ll buy it for you.” 　　I was about to shake my head when I suddenly saw a watch displayed on the auction stage. 　　It was a classic men’s wristwatch, with a simple yet elegant design. 　　*Leo would have looked so handsome wearing it,* I thought. 　　But he couldn’t wear it anymore. 　　However, I could buy it for the college student who looked like him. 　　So, I raised my paddle and called out, “Three million.” 　　At that moment, Julian’s eyes subtly changed. 　　He had been buying things for Willow, but never for me. Yet I was thinking of buying a watch for myself? 　　A complex emotion suddenly surged within him, and his gaze towards me softened a little.

　　Willow saw the way Julian looked at me, and her face instantly changed. 　　“Five million!” 　　I wasn’t to be outdone and raised my paddle, calling out a higher bid. 　　“Six million!” 　　“Seven million!” 　　We went back and forth, the price soaring higher and higher. 　　Finally, I pushed the bid sky-high, stunning everyone in the room. Everyone assumed I was buying the watch for Julian and exclaimed, “Ms. Wynter must truly love Mr. Hayes deeply!” When I received the watch, Julian draped his jacket over my shoulders and softly said, “Thank you. Please put it on me.” 　　I froze, about to explain that the watch wasn’t for him, when Julian’s phone rang. 　　He took a call; there was an urgent company matter that required his immediate attention. 　　He could only leave in a hurry, asking the driver to take Willow and me back first. 　　I had already bought what I wanted, so there was no need for me to stay. I turned and left the auction. 　　As I was about to get into the car, I turned to tell Willow to hurry up, but then I saw her exchanging glances with one of the bodyguards. 　　I had a bad feeling. Sure enough, the next second, the bodyguard delivered a chop to the back of my neck. 　　My vision went black, and I passed out. 　　When I woke up again, I found myself locked in a cold storage unit. 　　The biting cold permeated everything, and my hands and feet were numb with frost. 　　Willow stood outside the cold room, watching me with icy eyes through the glass. 　　“Don’t think you can win my brother’s affection with a mere watch. He’ll always love only me.” I really didn’t know how to explain it to her. I shivered with cold, my voice filled with helplessness. “You’ve misunderstood. That watch wasn’t for your brother.” Willow froze, then sneered. “If not for him, then for whom? You can stay in this cold room. This is your punishment for coveting my brother.” 　　With that, she violently smashed the watch I had bought on the ground and turned to leave. 　　“Willow! Willow!” Even with my usually good temper, this time I was genuinely angry. I didn’t understand why Willow had to target me again and again like this. 　　Julian should have told me that our marriage was just a business alliance. 　　I had also heard Julian declare his true feelings to Willow countless times, saying his heart belonged only to her. 　　If I had known Willow was so irrational, I probably wouldn’t have agreed to this business marriage in the first place. 　　The cold room door was tightly shut, the outside world seemed cut off from me. 　　My phone had long lost signal, and a thin layer of ice had formed on the screen. 　　The cold felt like countless fine needles, pricking my skin, penetrating my very bones. 　　Just as I felt I was about to freeze to death, my body on the verge of losing consciousness, a loud crash suddenly echoed. 　　I vaguely looked over and saw the cold room door had been violently kicked open. Julian was running towards me. 　　When I woke up again, I was lying in my bed at home. 　　Julian sat by the bed, his eyes showing a hint of guilt and exhaustion. 　　“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize Willow would do something like this again.” I leaned against the headboard, my face pale. I softly asked, “So, I can’t hold her accountable this time either, can I?” Julian was silent for a moment, then softly said, “I’ve already punished her.” 　　I looked up at him. “Punished her how?” Julian hesitated, his voice tinged with unease. “I… I made her eat one less bowl of rice.” 　　I froze. 　　After a long while, I softly said, “I see.” 　　Julian looked at me, a hint of probing in his eyes. “Aren’t you angry?” I looked up, my gaze calm but tired. “I am angry. But then I thought, if Leo made a mistake, I wouldn’t have the heart to punish him either. Perhaps that’s just what it’s like to love someone. You love your sister so much, just like I love Leo.” 　　Julian’s face suddenly changed. 　　He abruptly stood up, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—a mix of anger and some indescribable sense of loss. 　　I looked at him, feeling a little confused, wondering why he reacted so strongly. I waited for him to speak, but he just stood there, his lips moving, eventually only managing to squeeze out, “Can we… not mention him anymore?”

　　I froze, a hint of confusion in my eyes. “Why?” Julian’s voice was low and suppressed. “Because I don’t like it.” 　　I looked at him, not understanding why. 　　But I didn’t ask further. I lowered my head, let out a soft sigh, then looked up, my tone calm. “Alright. For the next seven days, I won’t mention him again.” Julian frowned, a hint of confusion in his voice. “Why seven days?” 　　“Because in seven days, our marriage will be over.” 　　However, my words were once again drowned out by Willow’s voice. Willow suddenly pushed the door open, her voice tinged with petulance and complaint. “Brother, you’ve doted on her enough. Can’t you dote on me too? You actually punished me for another woman! I didn’t even eat enough today.” Julian, uncharacteristically, seemed annoyed. “Stop it, Willow.” Willow pouted, her eyes instantly reddening. “You don’t love me anymore, do you? Fine, I’m leaving!” 　　With that, she ran out, her eyes red. 　　Julian watched her defiant retreating back, his brow etched with helplessness. He turned to me and said, “I’ll go check on her.” 　　I hummed in acknowledgement. 　　As their figures gradually disappeared, I got up to pour myself a glass of water, when I suddenly heard a loud crash from outside! 　　My heart sank. I quickly got out of bed and went outside. 　　I saw Willow lying on the roadside in the villa complex, covered in blood, with a car stopped nearby. 　　The driver frantically got out to check, while Julian knelt beside Willow, his face terrifyingly pale. 　　“Willow, don’t scare your brother…” 　　His voice trembled as he clumsily picked Willow up and put her in the car, speeding towards the hospital. 　　I stood rooted to the spot, stunned. This was the first time I had ever seen Julian so distraught. 　　Fearing something serious had happened, I quickly hailed a taxi and followed them. Willow was rushed into the operating room. But after only a short while, the doctor hurried out, his voice grave. “The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion, but the hospital’s blood bank is insufficient. What are we going to do?” Julian immediately rolled up his sleeve. “Take mine. We’re the same blood type!” 　　The nurse quickly led him into the operating room, drawing the maximum tolerable amount, 400cc, but it still wasn’t enough. Just as she was about to stop drawing blood and find another solution, Julian grabbed her hand, his voice hoarse. “Keep drawing.” 　　“We can’t…” 　　“I said, keep drawing!” The nurse hesitated, then turned to me. “Ms. Wynter, please try to persuade Mr. Hayes. If we continue drawing, his body won’t be able to handle it.” I didn’t know how to persuade him, so I could only ask, “Julian, do you love her more than your own life?” Julian’s face was cold, and he answered almost without hesitation, “Yes.” I was silent for a moment, then turned to the nurse and said, “I can’t persuade him. Just do as he says.” 　　The nurse was distraught, but seeing both of us with the same attitude, she reluctantly continued to draw blood. 　　Not until 1000cc had been drawn was Julian’s face as white as paper, barely able to stand. 　　But he stubbornly remained outside the operating room, refusing to leave. Fearing he might die there, I quickly walked over. “I’ll stay here and watch over her. You should rest.” Julian shook his head, his reddened eyes fixed on the operating room. “No, I’m worried.” 　　I said nothing more, only stood silently by his side, watching the operating room door. 　　Not until the doctor came out to announce that Willow was out of danger did Julian finally let out a sigh of relief. 　　His body swayed, then he could no longer hold himself up and fainted.

　　I had originally thought that as long as I peacefully got through the remaining few days, I could completely leave this marriage and start a new life. 　　But I didn’t expect something like this to happen, with Julian and Willow both hospitalized. I had to take care of both of them simultaneously, and for several days, I was utterly exhausted. And Willow, to top it off, was being incredibly difficult. 　　Either she’d complain my porridge wasn’t tasty and splash the scalding hot粥 onto my hand. 　　Or she’d say she wanted dessert in the middle of the night, making me drive out to buy it. 　　I knew Willow was deliberately tormenting me. 　　But I thought, since there were only a few days left of our marriage, I’d just endure it, and it would pass. 　　I didn’t want any more conflict with Willow in these final days. Julian noticed my forbearance and said sympathetically, “You’ve worked hard these past few days. I’ll compensate you. What do you want?” 　　I shook my head. “No, thank you.” 　　Julian, however, seemed to take it to heart. 　　When he had recovered a little, he had the nurse take care of Willow and took me out himself. That day, Julian took me to an amusement park—a place we had never been to in all our years of marriage. He bought me ice cream, rode the Ferris wheel with me, and even took a few photos of me in front of the carousel. 　　We watched a movie, had a candlelight dinner, and did all the things a couple should do, without missing a single one. 　　I wanted to say I didn’t like these things and that he didn’t need to do them, but seeing Julian so absorbed in the moment, I ultimately kept quiet. 　　When I returned to the hospital, Willow was waiting at the door, her face dark with anger. She looked at me, her eyes tinged with madness. “Did my brother take you out on a date?” I was about to explain, but Willow suddenly raised her voice, agitated. “Don’t think for a second that this means he’s fallen for you! I’ll make you realize that in his heart, I will always absolutely crush you. No one can compare to me, not even you!” 　　I wanted to say I already knew that, but before the words could leave my mouth, Willow had already covered my mouth and nose with a towel. 　　The next second, my consciousness slowly blurred, and I passed out. 　　When I woke up again, I found myself suspended by ropes over a cliff. 　　The sea wind howled, and the waves crashed against the rocks with a deafening roar. 　　The rough ropes chafed painfully against my wrists, and below me was the bottomless ocean. 　　And right beside me, Willow was also suspended by ropes. A triumphant smile played on her face. “I hired a kidnapper to stage this, pretending we’ve both been abducted. My brother will be here soon. Who do you think he’ll save?” 　　I looked at Willow, feeling utterly helpless. “You.” Willow snorted coldly. “At least you have some self-awareness.” 　　I didn’t know what to say anymore. 　　How could Julian have ever loved Willow? 　　Not long after, Julian indeed arrived. 　　He stood at the edge of the cliff, his face pale, his eyes filled with anxiety. A large case of money was thrown at his feet, but the kidnapper’s purpose wasn’t just about the money. He sneered, “Mr. Hayes, you can only save one of these two. Choose.” 　　Julian roared, “I’ll save both of them!” The kidnapper impatiently brandished his knife. “Choose now, or both will die.” 　　Julian’s gaze darted back and forth between Willow and me, his eyes filled with an unprecedented panic and struggle. As the kidnapper was about to cut the rope, he finally made his choice: 　　“Save Willow!” He then looked at me, speaking with difficulty. “Willow just had a car accident, her body isn’t well, I…” I smiled, my voice calm. “It’s alright. Even if she hadn’t had an accident, you would still save her.” 　　Julian’s heart violently clenched, as if pierced by my words. 　　He was about to speak when, the next second, the kidnapper cut my rope. 　　My body instantly plummeted into the sea, and the icy water completely swallowed me. 　　“Iris!” 　　When I woke up again, I was once more in a hospital bed. 　　My wrists were wrapped in thick bandages, and my face was so pale it was almost translucent. 　　Julian sat by the bed, his eyes showing a mix of exhaustion and guilt. 　　“I’ve investigated. This kidnapping was Willow’s doing again. Three strikes and you’re out. It won’t happen again.” 　　“I will definitely compensate you, Iris. Tell me what you want, and don’t say ‘nothing’.” I looked at him, my eyes as calm as still water. “Then go be with Willow. She must be terrified too.” Julian’s pupils widened slightly, a hint of shock in his gaze. “That’s the compensation you want?” I nodded, my voice calm. “Yes. Go be with her. That way, I won’t have to waste any more thought on you.” Julian’s throat seemed to be choked by something. After a long pause, he softly said, “Okay, I’ll come back after I’ve spent time with her.” 　　With that, he tucked the blanket around me and hurried away. 　　But I just quietly watched his retreating back, gently shaking my head. 　　No need, because today, I was leaving. 　　After Julian left, I disregarded the nurse’s protests, pulled out my IV drip, and checked myself out of the hospital. 　　My flight was at eleven o’clock. Now, I only had two hours to settle everything. 　　I quickly hailed a taxi to the courthouse and got my divorce certificate as fast as possible. 　　Then I returned home, placing the divorce certificate, the divorce agreement, and my wedding ring together on the coffee table where he would surely see them. 　　Finally, I picked up my packed luggage, left the keys, and walked out of the villa. 　　Standing at the villa gate, I took one last look at the house I had lived in for five years. 　　“Goodbye, Julian Hayes.” 　　These five years were truly over.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298840”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

The day before our engagement, my fiancé orchestrated my family’s ruin, embezzling all our company’s funds and fleeing the country with Chloe Hayes. Hounded by creditors, my parents saw no other way out. I went to the Taylor mansion, desperate for answers. Instead, Caleb’s parents drugged me and sent me to a high-stakes gambling yacht. Dozens of men dragged me into a private cabin, filming every humiliating moment. The moment I was about to jump overboard, consumed by despair, my fiancé’s brother, Damon Taylor, suddenly appeared. He became my only salvation. He cleared every obstacle, punishing everyone who had wronged me. He told me he had loved me for a long time, that he didn’t care about my past. To marry me, he broke away from the Taylor family and gave me the wedding of the century. Five years into our marriage, I found myself back on a yacht as Mrs. Taylor. That’s when I overheard his conversation with his friend. “Damon, you really went all out for Chloe back then, even drugging Scarlett and ruining her life. Now that she’s finally pregnant, you’re bringing her back here to repeat the same cruel game. Isn’t that too much?” “Cruel? I promised Chloe that only her child would inherit the Taylor fortune. The bastard in Scarlett’s belly can’t stay. Besides, a dirty woman like her isn’t fit to bear my child.” “Have those men been found from last time? Just like five years ago, don’t hold back. Make sure Scarlett miscarries. And remember, don’t let her suspect a thing.” It turned out, the salvation I thought I’d found was just another abyss. The love I believed in was nothing but a meticulously woven lie. If that’s the case, I’ll help him get exactly what he wanted.

On the deck, Damon Taylor faced the sea breeze, every word laced with regret. “Since Chloe chose my brother, all I can do is clear every obstacle for her. Ruining the Hartford family was just the first step. Consider the Hartford family’s funds my wedding gift to them.” “Scarlett is already tainted. A woman like that doesn’t deserve to bear my child.” His friend beside him frowned, a flicker of pity in his eyes. “But you also hired those men who dragged her into that cabin five years ago. Scarlett has been battling depression because of that incident for years; you’ve been by her side through all her treatments. You know exactly what she’s been through. Repeating the same cruel act—how will she ever recover from this?” Damon’s face hardened. He reached for a cigarette and lit it. Through the curling smoke, he spoke softly: “Worst case, I’ll just keep accompanying her to treatment. Regardless, her child cannot be born.” “I promised Chloe I wouldn’t let Scarlett pose any threat to her.” “What about Scarlett? Does she deserve to be manipulated like this? She’s innocent, she loves you so much, how could you—” Before he could finish, Damon cut him off coldly: “Enough. I said, stick to the plan. Blame her for showing up at the wrong time.” “Give me the medicine. I need to go back and watch her drink it myself.” Seeing that he couldn’t be reasoned with, his friend could only turn and leave. Tears streamed down my face, uncontrolled. The sea wind carried them away into the night sky. I hugged myself, trembling uncontrollably. Five years ago, Caleb Taylor ruined my family’s company, taking all our money and fleeing abroad with Chloe Hayes. My parents, hounded by creditors, were driven to such despair they took their own lives. Alone, I went to the Taylor mansion, seeking justice. But they drugged me and sent me to this very yacht. I became just another lamb led to slaughter in their dark, high-society games. Dozens of men dragged me into a private cabin, filming countless humiliating videos. In despair, I crawled to the deck, ready to jump into the sea and end it all. That’s when Damon Taylor suddenly appeared, pulling me into his arms. He was my only warmth. He gently wiped away my tears and blood, stroke by stroke. He said: “Wait for me. I won’t let a single person who hurt you get away.” That night, screams echoed everywhere on the yacht. My body developed a traumatic stress response, leading to nightmares every night. He was the one who stayed by my side. When I woke from a nightmare, he would gently caress my back and comfort me. He said he couldn’t control Caleb, but Caleb owed me. He would repay it tenfold, a hundredfold. To give me a wedding, he didn’t hesitate to sever ties with the Taylor family and start his own life. He declared his love for me to the world. But in the end, five years of happiness were nothing but a mirage. The man who saved me from the abyss was also the one who pushed me into hell. I stumbled back into the private cabin. Damon saw my pale face, his eyes flashing with concern.

He pulled me into his arms, just as he always did, gently patting my back. “What’s wrong, Scarlett? Did you remember something again? Don’t worry, I’m with you this time. Those men won’t appear again.” “I specifically asked the doctor to bring your medicine before we came up. Drink it once the water cools down.” Looking at his feigned gentle gaze, I said softly: “Damon, I don’t want to take the medicine anymore.” “My illness is cured. I want to go home.” The warmth in his eyes dropped two degrees. He reached out and playfully tapped my nose. “Scarlett, be a good girl. Psychological issues are prone to relapse. Taking your medicine helps you recover faster.” “Once you’ve taken it, you won’t have nightmares anymore.” Before I could reply, he had already slipped the pill into my mouth. The warm water went down, but I felt utterly cold. As if certain I’d soon fall unconscious after taking the medicine. Damon didn’t stay with me. He turned and quickly left the cabin. I knew he was going to find those men from five years ago. The shattered, nightmare-like memories surged back. Cold sweat broke out all over my body. I collapsed to the floor, rolling around helplessly. As my consciousness blurred, a warm kiss landed on my forehead. “Good girl, Scarlett. It will be over soon. I’ll wait for you when you come out.” What followed was a tearing, agonizing pain. Blood constantly gushed from beneath me. A familiar sensation engulfed me. Countless rough hands ran over my skin. I don’t know how long it was before I heard Damon’s voice again. “She miscarried?” “Yes, she did. But Mr. Taylor, they didn’t quite hold back… it seems they were a bit rough. Miss Hartford might have trouble getting pregnant again.” “Excellent work. Double your commission. You can collect your payment when we dock.” When I opened my eyes again, it was five hours later. Damon clasped my hand tightly in his, his eyes full of tenderness. “I’m sorry, Scarlett… I didn’t protect you well enough.” “It was those men from five years ago. They heard you were here and came seeking revenge. We couldn’t save the baby, and the doctor said you might have trouble getting pregnant again…” “Don’t worry, this time I’ve rounded them all up. They’ll never bother you again. Please don’t cry. No matter what happens, I’ll be by your side. The baby is gone, but I only care about you.” I stared blankly at the cabin floor. I was so numb that I couldn’t even feel the pain. I was the one who suffered the humiliation and lost a child. Yet, he cried more sorrowfully than I did. His acting was superb, and I was too numb to expose him. After a long while, when he fell silent. I slowly said: “You must be tired, avenging me.” “Damon, you should rest. I’m fine.” Seeing that I wasn’t throwing a tantrum, he let out a sigh of relief, closed his eyes, and lay beside me. His breathing gradually became steady. I quietly picked up his phone. Married for five years, this was the first time I unlocked his screen. The passcode was Chloe Hayes’s birthday. His social media app was still open in the background. There was only one contact. Labeled “Chloe.” Clicking on it, I saw their daily “Good mornings” and “Good nights” had never stopped, from five years ago until now. Chloe was abroad, but she sent Damon her schedule every day. Whether she was shopping, drinking coffee, or at the office in meetings. No matter what she sent, Damon never spoiled the fun. One photo, ten thousand dollars as a reward. Damon had been involved in her life like this. Until ten thousand photos filled her album. But when I shared things with him, his reply was always the same: “Scarlett, I’m in a meeting. We’ll talk after work.” To make Chloe happy, he’d go through great lengths to have gifts from back home delivered to her. Auction house orders filled dozens of pages on the screen. Many brands looked familiar. Damon had given me a gift from one of them too. But it was merely a complimentary item the auction house gave to Chloe. The newest video in his album was from five hours ago. The cover image showed me after I’d taken the medicine, sinking into unconsciousness. Beside me stood dozens of familiar faces. My fingers trembled, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t tap it open. Finally, I helplessly pressed the delete button. And turned off his phone. Damon, if our beginning was a deception. This time, let me end it with one. Without hesitation, I sent a message to my best friend, Bella. Asking her to have a lifeboat waiting on the other side of the yacht tomorrow night. I also found a divorce agreement online, downloaded the electronic version, and added it to an email. After doing everything, Damon, asleep, broke out in a cold sweat. He kept mumbling: “Scarlett… no, you can’t be in trouble.” “Scarlett!” The moment he opened his eyes, he pulled me into his arms as if I were a treasure he’d almost lost. Our chests pressed tightly together, but our heartbeats were on different rhythms. After a while, he snapped out of his nightmare. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” Similar scenes had happened many times before. I used to believe it was deep love, that he felt my pain. But now, it seemed, it was just an act. Just brilliant acting. I lowered my head, letting him hold and comfort me. “Good girl, I’ll go get us some food. Wait for me.” As soon as Damon left, I followed him. He didn’t go to the restaurant but turned downstairs to a private cabin. The moment he entered, a slender wrist immediately wrapped around his shoulder.

That hand pulled him inside. I stood outside the door, listening to the rapid, urgent breathing within. Damon’s voice was strained: “Finally decided to come back?” Chloe smiled, tiptoeing to kiss his lips. “If I didn’t come back, I was afraid you’d actually fall in love with Scarlett.” “I heard you pulled the same trick again? She’s your wife of five years, and just pregnant, too. Are you really that ruthless, big brother…?” “If Scarlett finds out, she’ll definitely want to kill me.” Damon chuckled, amused by her words. He pulled her closer, pressing her against the door. “I told you, with me here, no one dares to touch you.” “As long as you’re happy, big brother will pave the way for you with her very blood.” A passing server noticed me and gasped. “Mrs. Taylor? What are you doing here? You haven’t fully recovered; you shouldn’t be walking around. If Mr. Taylor finds out, we’ll definitely be penalized!” “Let me escort you back.” As she spoke. The wealthy businessmen passing by looked at me with a hint of mockery. “Is that Mr. Taylor’s wife? The one who was just dragged into that private cabin by a dozen men? The rumor is she’s been… used… twice now. Mr. Taylor is really something else to stomach that.” “Twice? What do you mean, twice? Once with over ten men, that adds up! Mr. Taylor’s been made such a fool of, it’s pathetic! He must be blind to choose a woman like that; he’d probably throw up cuddling her at night.” “Who knows if she was forced or if it was consensual? Maybe she’s not that innocent after all. Otherwise, on such a huge yacht, why does she keep getting into trouble? This time, the baby was lost because of it. That child was unlucky to have her as a mother!”

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Julian, who’d never agreed to have kids with me, suddenly turned savage. He demanded me for three days and three nights, without any birth control. I thought he’d finally accepted me. Overjoyed, I took a positive pregnancy test to tell him the good news. Instead, I overheard him, his childhood friend Scarlett, and his two buddies laughing in the company lounge. “You guys spoil me rotten! I was just curious whose baby she’d end up carrying after *this*, and you three went and treated Alice like she was nothing, like a toy. If she ever finds out her baby’s father is unknown, do you think she’ll be mad?” My husband, Julian, sneered, “Mad? It’s a damn *reward* for her! You have no idea how thrilled she was when she heard she could finally have a baby.” “Still, Julian, Alice is totally a natural-born temptress, though!” “And you, Julian, you’re seriously brave for doing this!” “Or how about we make a bet? Who can hit the jackpot? Whoever loses has to buy Scarlett jewelry at the auction—no less than ten million dollars!” It was all about male pride, and the three of them were tripping over themselves to raise the stakes. Scarlett watched them flushing crimson with passion, practically bursting with joy. Through the blinds, she cast a fleeting, dismissive glance my way. …………

“Julian, what if Alice finds out the baby isn’t yours later? What then?” Julian scoffed contemptuously, “If she ends up carrying someone else’s seed, then no matter how you look at it, *she’s* the slut, not only cheating but getting knocked up by another man. Even if Alice found out, would she have the nerve to tell anyone?” “Besides, do you really think I don’t have backup plans?” With that, he pulled a stack of photos from his pocket and scattered them on the table. “Holy hell, her face isn’t blurred at all! If anyone saw these, Alice’s reputation would be toast, hahahaha.” “They’re like something out of a filthy magazine! You can practically feel the sleaze just looking at the pictures!” Scarlett picked one up, glanced at it with disgust, and carelessly tossed it aside. The photo slid perfectly through the crack under the door and landed right in front of my eyes. My breath almost hitched. I lunged to the floor, snatching up my dignity and reputation, stuffing the picture deep into my sleeve. Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face. Julian had been forced to marry me by our parents. For years, he’d barely touched me. I thought he was finally warming up to me, so even though I knew the drink was spiked, I still obediently swallowed it, letting my consciousness slip away bit by bit. To have a child, to win his favor, I practically threw away my dignity to please him, to respond to him for those three days. I didn’t even realize when they swapped in other men, or when those photos were taken. All of it, just because of Scarlett—a single word from the childhood friend they treasured above all. I fled the company like my life depended on it. Even though my clothes were perfectly modest, I felt like everyone’s eyes on the street were staring at the naked me in those pictures. The immense shame threatened to crush me. I ran headfirst, covering my face. A few minutes’ walk felt like a century. Back home, I rushed to the shredder, tearing the photos over and over again. I wished I could shove my own filthy self in there and be shredded too. The loud slam of the door made me jump. I snapped out of it, and there was Julian. “Did you get your period this month?” I didn’t react at first. “Wh-what?” He curved his lips into a soft chuckle, almost playful. “My little cupcake, that was three whole days. I’m pretty confident in my abilities. Come on, let’s go to the hospital for a check-up.” Julian grabbed me and pulled me towards the garage. Seeing me just sitting stiffly in the passenger seat, he sighed and reached over to buckle my seatbelt. I grasped his hand, blurting out, “To check if I’m pregnant? Julian, do you really want to have a child with me?” He ruffled my hair, his eyes tender. “What silly talk is that? Of course, I do. A girl like you, a boy like me, wouldn’t that be wonderful?” He put on such a convincing act; if I hadn’t overheard their conversation at the office, I would have truly believed him. By the time we got to the hospital, Julian’s two buddies, Mark and David, and Scarlett were already waiting. They eyed me with ill intentions. The two men’s raw, sticky stares gave me goosebumps all over. Julian pulled me behind him. “I heard you might be pregnant. They’re here to congratulate you.” The blood test for pregnancy was quick. It confirmed what I already knew: I was pregnant. Julian held the report, his expression unreadable, but Scarlett’s displeasure was obvious. He looked up at the doctor. “Can we do a paternity test now?” The doctor looked back and forth between Julian and me several times. “It’s only three weeks. It’s possible, but generally, we don’t recommend it—” He cut her off, his voice low and firm. “Then do it. Do it now.” The doctor quickly added, “At this stage, we can only do an amniocentesis. It’s not good for both the mother and the fetus, and we can’t use anesthesia. The woman will suffer greatly. Mr. Hayes, would you like to reconsider?” His brow furrowed, signaling his impatience. “No anesthesia, then no anesthesia! Are you deaf?!” The doctor then turned to me. I managed a bitter smile. “Do it.”

The paternity test would take a week, and they were already impatient for the results. Any later, and it would delay Scarlett’s auction. My suffering was clearly of no concern to them. In front of everyone, people started pointing and whispering about me. After the doctor took samples, Julian dropped another bomb: “Also take samples from my two brothers. Test them all together.” The crowd immediately ignited. “What the hell?! Is this woman playing such a wild game? With three men?!” “Why else would he bring his newly pregnant wife for a paternity test? Turns out he doesn’t know whose seed it is!” “Her husband is tall and handsome, and she still cheats? She’s so ungrateful. If I were her husband, I’d beat her to death!” The doctor, who’d initially shown me pity, now felt deceived. Without anesthesia, her hands were heavy. A sharp pain tore through my belly, making my vision go black. Tears slid down my cheeks. I clung to the wall as I came out. Julian strode forward, ready to hug me. But then Scarlett ran off, her eyes red. Julian’s two buddies immediately followed her. The arm of the man who’d just wrapped around me stiffened, then let go. I landed hard on my backside on the floor. “You go home first. I need to check on Scarlett.” With that, he turned and ran in the direction Scarlett had left. Look at him. He ran to her. The onlookers, seeing my pathetic state, openly gloated at my misery. “A slut who’ll sleep with anyone, serves her right for her husband running off with someone else!” “Hey, beautiful, wanna swap SnapChat IDs? How much for a night with you? I can definitely afford it.” “She wants money? Free of charge! You call her, and she’ll be in your bed!” I grabbed the handrail and slowly pulled myself up, keeping my head down, staring fixedly at my toes as I shuffled out. By the time I hailed a taxi and got home, it was already dark. I leaned against the doorknob, breathing heavily. As I pushed it open, a humid, intimate scent immediately hit me. The sounds of Scarlett and Julian’s desperate coupling almost pierced my eardrums. I slammed the door shut, crumbling against the wall, burying my head in my arms. Enough. This is truly enough! I don’t want to hear it! Not one bit! I don’t know how long passed before the door opened again. Scarlett was dressed lightly, her face flushed, tiny red marks dotted along her slender neck. The sound of water trickling from the bathroom reached my ears. She leaned against the doorframe, looking down her nose at me with ruthless malice in her voice. “You shamelessly keep trying to seduce Julian into having a baby with you. Where do you get such nerve?!” “So eager to have a baby, happy now? With just one word from me, I got all three of them to sleep with you. Next time, how about I toss you into a homeless shelter?” As she spoke, she moved closer to me, forcing me to retreat step by step. “So what if you made Julian marry you? He only has eyes for me. Have you ever seen how passionately he was with me just now, you pathetic thing? You’re only fit to be a sex toy!” Scarlett’s red lips opened and closed, revealing white teeth, but all I saw was the jealousy etched across her face. I scoffed internally. Was she envious of me, after being violated by three men, left shattered and broken? No, she was only envious of my one-third chance of carrying Julian’s child. Thinking this, I instinctively touched my lower abdomen. But this small gesture made Scarlett fly into a rage. “A bastard whose father is unknown, what makes you so proud of that, do you even deserve it?!” Worried Julian might hear, I feigned ignorance. “Scarlett, what are you talking about? I don’t understand. I don’t know why Julian would take me for a paternity test, but the baby in my belly is definitely Julian’s!” She was absolutely consumed by jealousy! “Who gave you permission to carry his child? Who permitted it! I can’t have his child, and neither can you!” With that, she raised her hand and violently shoved me. My heel caught on the stair. I tumbled backward, my vision blurring, my body in excruciating pain, my stomach even worse. Julian heard the commotion and rushed out. Scarlett pretended to fall to the ground, crying out: “I call you my sister-in-law, Alice. I saw you were pregnant and came over to help you clean the house. Did you really have to hit me first?!” “Why did you throw yourself down the stairs? Are you trying to frame me for pushing you? I really didn’t! Alice, why would you do this to me?!”

Then she pretended to just notice Julian, sobbing as she spoke on my behalf: “Julian, don’t mind me. Go check on Alice quickly. She accidentally fell.” Julian’s eyes flicked to the faint red marks exposed on Scarlett’s skin, and a flicker of guilt crossed his face. He quickly took off his jacket and covered her. “Scarlett, are you hurt anywhere? I’ll take you to the hospital!” “I’m fine, just my leg hurts a bit. Alice looks more serious…” He shot me a cold look, then scooped up Scarlett, yelling at me, “Don’t think I didn’t hear you! Scarlett was only trying to help you out of kindness. How could I not know you were so ungrateful?!” I lay on the floor, feeling my eyelids about to close. My lips trembled as I tried to explain: “No, I didn’t, it was her who pushed—” “Don’t you dare play the victim here! Still trying to frame Scarlett? You don’t even bother to make your lies believable! She’s so delicate, she can barely open a jar lid. Do you honestly think she could push you? Besides, Scarlett is kind-hearted. Why would she push you? Alice, when did you become like this?!” With that, he carried Scarlett downstairs. As he passed me, he contemptuously kicked me. “If you like lying there so much, then lie there a while longer! But don’t block the way!” Scarlett twisted her head, flashing a triumphant smile at me. The sound of the car engine sped away downstairs. My vision was fading fast. But I couldn’t fall asleep. My stomach pain was abnormal. Julian wouldn’t come back for me; I had to take care of myself. After a long while, I gathered enough strength to pull myself up by the handrail. Worried about bleeding on the way, I didn’t dare call a taxi. I could only walk to the hospital. The night emergency nurse saw me, bloody below the waist and in abdominal pain, and quickly helped me register. The doctor looked at my daytime medical records and sighed with regret. “My dear, who does an amniocentesis at just three weeks? The pregnancy was still so fragile! Your uterus was stimulated and contracted, and then you fell down the stairs. The baby probably won’t make it.” After the examination, the doctor scolded me urgently, “You can really endure pain! You had a major hemorrhage and waited this long. Are you trying to get yourself killed?!” I, on the other hand, let out a long sigh of relief and even laughed. “Doctor, please proceed directly with the abortion.” From the moment I learned the truth, every second, I felt an intense disgust towards the yet-unresponsive fetus in my belly. Gone, it was for the best. This child’s arrival was like a dream. Now that I was awake, it was all over. I returned home a day later. As expected, Julian hadn’t come back after carrying Scarlett away. The floor and bed were still covered with their ‘masterpieces’. I stepped around the stains and rushed into the bathroom, scrubbing myself dozens of times. I kept feeling like I smelled, and whenever it was quiet, the smell would amplify. The smell of men, the smell of a dead child—it seemed like no amount of washing could get rid of it! I broke down, smashing things to the floor, and buried my face in the bathtub, crying. As the feeling of suffocation crept in, I suddenly thought of my parents. When I first learned I was marrying Julian, I was overjoyed. I picked out every piece of my dowry, and my parents paid for it. Only the file envelope at the very bottom was given to me directly by them. I remembered the day I left home, my mother handed me the envelope: “Alice, even though this is a marriage with a purpose, your father and I still wish you happiness. If one day you no longer feel happy, remember that your parents will always be your fallback.” “If possible, we hope you never have to open it.”

I stood up and ran to the study, pulling out that file envelope. It was a divorce agreement my parents had a lawyer draft for me. They’d somehow managed to get Julian to sign it already, and the property division protected my interests 100%. I resolutely signed my name. Just as my pen left the paper, Julian called, his voice cautious. “Are you… okay?” My tone was cold. “Why wouldn’t I be okay?” “Good that you’re fine. I was wrong that day. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I just got too emotional seeing Scarlett hurt, and I said some harsh things.” “I went back to look for you later, but you were already gone. I figured you were fine.” His attempts at appeasement, tinged with resentment, almost made me laugh. “Do you need anything else?” Julian, after being given the cold shoulder twice, instantly grew impatient again. “I’ve already apologized to you, what more do you want? Haven’t *you* made any mistakes? I’m calling to tell you that Scarlett said she forgives you for pushing her that day. She even invited you to the auction; they said they’re preparing a gift to celebrate your pregnancy.” “Honestly, I can’t believe it. Your temper’s already blown up, and your belly hasn’t even grown. Can’t you learn a thing or two from Scarlett?!” I remained silent on my end of the line. Julian, realizing my silence, softened his tone. “Alright, stop being dramatic. Scarlett hurt her leg, so I’m taking care of her here. The driver will come pick you up in a bit.” As soon as he hung up, Scarlett sent me a SnapChat. “Sister-in-law, you better not miss it! I’ve prepared a big surprise especially for you!” “Your four-person party late-night photos will be the last item auctioned, and they’re all high-definition, no blurring~” She immediately sent dozens of my photos. My phone began ringing off the hook.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298833”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic