Category: English

I poured ten years into Gaylen’s life. I personally guided him from a broke student to the CEO of a top corporation. Nearing New Year’s Eve, I discovered I was pregnant. I carefully wrapped a bouquet of red roses, tucking the positive pregnancy test inside. Tonight, I planned to propose to him. I never imagined I’d witness his betrayal with my own eyes. The girl huddled in Gaylen’s arms, sobbing plaintively. “I don’t want to sneak around with you anymore. I want to be your wife. That old woman doesn’t deserve you.” Gaylen playfully tapped Chloe’s nose, his gaze full of doting affection. “Yes, my future Mrs. Gaylen.” The roses slipped from my hand, falling to the ground. Gaylen turned, seeing me through a blur of tears. I covered my face and spun away, tears streaming between my fingers. Back at the apartment, my stomach churned, and I wretched miserably over the trash can. A cold dread spread through my limbs as a pair of black leather shoes entered my vision. Gaylen gently patted my back, instinctively reaching for the antacids. “Stomach bothering you again?” The meticulously prepared candlelight dinner I’d set on the table now sat cold. I pulled away from Gaylen’s touch and headed for the bathroom. The tiled walls were covered with silly big-headed photos, snapshots of Gaylen’s and my ten years together. He, boyish and naive, slowly matured. I, already mature, slowly grew weary. I turned on the faucet, letting the rushing water mask my fragile sobs. After a long while, I composed myself. Gaylen was busy in the kitchen, and a comforting aroma of home-cooked food filled the apartment. When adults cheat, there’s often an unspoken understanding. No need for screaming and shouting. A steaming bowl of mushroom soup was placed in front of me. There was no guilt in Gaylen’s eyes, only the calm composure of a powerful man. The air hung heavy with unspoken words. I instinctively recoiled, moving to retreat to my room. Gaylen was quicker, catching my hand and sighing with feigned resignation. “She’s so innocent and sweet, just like how you used to feel about me.” “I promise I’m just playing around with her.” “I’ll never forget the help and kindness you’ve given me.” Ultimately, the Gaylen who’d tearfully promised to love me forever in the dead of night was long gone. The unspoken cold war between us dragged on for days. During this time, the doctor called to tell me that my body was weak, and I might not be able to handle the rigors of pregnancy. But when he was younger, Gaylen had always wanted me to have his child. This baby, I thought, could have been the turning point for our relationship. Restless and upset, I decided to visit the office to inspect some work. And, if possible, find a chance to talk to Gaylen. The moment I stepped into the office, the bustling, chattering employees instantly fell silent. Chloe, the junior assistant, was handing out coffees. She smirked at me. “Rhiannon, would you like a cup?” The coffee sleeve, emblazoned with a photo of Gaylen and me standing side-by-side, was a jarring sight. My nails dug into my palms, but I smiled sweetly. “Sure.” She held up the last cup, frowning in feigned difficulty. “But Rhiannon, at your age, you probably don’t need to stay up late, do you? Why don’t we leave the coffee for the younger staff who actually need it.” Suppressed snickers rippled through the office. Before I could react, Gaylen appeared, his voice sharp and cold. “Chloe, stop messing around.” It was a reprimand, sure, but I didn’t miss the soft, doting look in Gaylen’s eyes. Pouting, Chloe defiantly stuck out her tongue and ducked behind Gaylen. Gaylen strode towards me, taking the bag from my hand. “What brings you to the office today?” I casually picked up a coffee from the table, swirling it, feigning indifference. “Just came to let you know that Chloe is fired.”

A furious shriek echoed from behind me. The glass shattered inches from my feet, a shard slicing my ankle. The sharp sting spread, and I bit the inside of my cheek, then dialed my private lawyer. “Someone just threatened my safety. Come deal with it.” I leaned against my car, annoyed, and reached for a cigarette. But the thought of the baby in my belly made me stop. Gaylen rushed over, his grip tightening painfully on my wrist. “Chloe needs this job to support her sick grandmother. She can’t lose it.” “She’s suffered enough.” Suffered enough? I flung Gaylen’s hand away, my composure snapping, and days of pent-up resentment exploded. “Just because she’s ‘suffered enough’ means she gets to steal my boyfriend? Just because she’s ‘suffered enough’ means she can strut around, flaunting it in my face?” I hiked up my skirt, revealing my bleeding ankle, and let out a choked laugh. “Or is it just *her* ‘suffering’ that tugs at your heart?” My hoarse shouts echoed in the empty parking garage. Gaylen massaged his throbbing temples. “If you won’t let her go, I’ll have to protect her my own way.” He turned and walked away without a backward glance. His broad back disappeared from sight. All my defenses crumbled, and I hugged my arms, sinking to the ground. Gaylen had been “suffering” back then, too. I’d taken him in. He had an easy job, and after work, he’d do the laundry, cook, and take care of my daily needs. He’d worry when my eyes were red from overtime, and when my stomach bled from drinking with clients. He’d worry that I had no one else to rely on, and that I wouldn’t dare take a sick day, terrified of missing a promotion. Maybe Gaylen had forgotten. His original ambition to climb the corporate ladder was just to be my rock, to build a safe haven for me. I pulled open the car door and sped off towards the hospital. While waiting in the corridor, the couple across from me, after learning they were pregnant, wept with joy. The man squeezed the woman’s hand, tearfully promising to be a good father. It was a touching, heartwarming scene. I gently touched my abdomen, my heart wavering slightly. Was I too headstrong, causing all these arguments with Gaylen? If he knew we had a baby, would he finally settle down and become a responsible father? My phone buzzed, shattering all my sweet illusions. Chloe hadn’t been fired. Gaylen had hired her as his personal assistant, reporting directly to him. The usually dormant company group chat suddenly burst to life. “OMG, Chloe is amazing! With Gaylen covering for her, she can basically run wild in this company.” “Gaylen is known for being strictly fair, but he broke all the rules to keep Chloe. What a man!” “Who knows, maybe Chloe will be our boss one day. Our respected CEO’s wife!” My heart sank deeper into the abyss. Gaylen, who never participated in company gossip, even showed up, sending out a huge cash prize to celebrate. My phone vibrated frantically, displaying a familiar number. I answered. “Gaylen pulled strings with the CEO, cashing in the favor from his last big project, just to keep Chloe.” “Your… dismissal approval has been returned to your inbox.” I responded flatly. Gaylen had taken on a difficult but high-stakes project last time. I’d pulled all-nighters for half a month, practically gave myself a heart attack. I’d gone through hell and back to help him nail that tough challenge. We’d agreed then that we’d use that success to get a week’s vacation and fly to Bali to relax. All my hard work, my very blood and sweat, just a stepping stone for him. Tears streamed down my face. I didn’t hesitate anymore; I walked into the operating room. I also applied for a transfer to the headquarters in the States.

When I pushed open the door to our apartment, an unfamiliar perfume filled the air. Chloe lay on the leather couch, wearing the expensive face mask Gaylen had given *me*. Seeing me, she arrogantly lifted her head, flashing the pigeon-egg diamond ring on her ring finger. “Gaylen gave me this. Pretty, right?” “He also said that once he’s firmly seated as CEO, he’ll kick you to the curb and marry me, you know.” A dull ache throbbed in my lower abdomen, and a warm liquid trickled down my legs. The bathroom door opened, steam swirling out. Gaylen emerged shirtless, several crimson scratch marks across his chest. In the trash can, there were used condoms. Everything screamed that Gaylen had been loving another woman in *our* home. The blood under me plopped onto the floor. Chloe clutched her nose in disgust, scrambling to Gaylen’s side. “Gaylen, do older women just get dirty now?” “The air is full of blood; it’s making me sick.” She faked a gag. Gaylen, however, merely frowned deeply and made a quick phone call. The cleaner arrived promptly. She cleaned every nook and cranny of the apartment. But the blood between my legs just kept flowing. Gaylen used to be so incredibly attentive; he knew my cycle dates without fail. When I was younger, I didn’t take care of myself, which led to irregular periods. Gaylen had insisted on me taking supplements for two years, and he’d practically memorized my monthly cycle. He would have just needed to glance at the period tracking chart on the fridge. He would have known something was wrong. The cleaner, looking at the blood beneath me, worriedly advised, “Miss, are you feeling unwell?” Gaylen glanced at me, his lips parting. But before he could speak, Chloe sagged weakly into his arms. “Gaylen, you were so rough just now.” “My back hurts, and I can’t stand straight. Carry me to the bedroom, please.” Gaylen pulled his gaze away, and as he brushed past me, he muttered an annoyed reminder. “Older people should definitely pay more attention to personal hygiene.” “You should probably stay somewhere else tonight.” He handed me a hotel keycard. I suddenly remembered the first time I met Gaylen; he was huddled under a freeway overpass. His shirt was drenched, caked in mud. I handed him a keycard, just like this, for a suite at the hotel I frequented, telling him to go take a hot shower. The fragile, helpless boy I had nurtured and guided had slowly grown into someone capable of standing on his own. Even, someone who was now my equal. My hands and feet were icy cold. I took the keycard Gaylen handed me. He looked surprised. “You’re actually agreeing to move out?” I gave Gaylen a heartbreaking look, but said nothing. I just numbly packed my bags and slammed the door shut. My chest ached with a dense, suffocating pain. I sat in my car, finally unable to control my emotions, and burst into uncontrollable sobs. The next day at the office, everyone’s eyes held a mocking glint. In the breakroom, Chloe was the center of attention, surrounded by younger girls like she was royalty. “Chloe, did Gaylen pursue you?” “When you become the CEO’s wife, please don’t forget to promote us!” Chloe shot a triumphant glance at me, standing outside the door, preening like a peacock. “Of course Gaylen pursued me! After all, I’m young and pretty, unlike some people who are old and unwanted.” “And shamelessly chase after someone else’s boyfriend.”

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My arrogant roommate, Brandon, got himself a wealthy girlfriend and has been targeting me ever since. He didn’t just steal my scholarship; he even rallied a whole crowd to cyberbully me. “Look at Mr. Number One in the department! His classmate’s family needs money, but he won’t even donate a dime. My girlfriend’s family, on the other hand, donated a million!” I was speechless. I was the one who anonymously donated a million. Brandon wasn’t satisfied. He brought his girlfriend over to show off. Wait, what? Isn’t that my house manager? When did she start driving my luxury car to pick up guys? My roommate, Brandon, recently started dating a rich girl, and he wouldn’t stop bragging about her in the dorm. “Check it out, isn’t this Richard Mille watch she just gave me super cool?” Brandon deliberately lifted his wrist, flashing the gleaming watch under the lights. “Holy crap, that’s gotta be hundreds of thousands, right? Your girlfriend really spoils you!” “Seriously! Brandon, does your girlfriend have any single friends? Hook us up!” My roommates crowded around Brandon, showering him with envy, puffing him up with their compliments. Brandon casually lent a few pairs of his limited-edition sneakers to them for a few days, making them even more grateful and their flattery even louder. I was quietly coding nearby, not participating, which made Brandon frown. “Leo, what do you think of my watch? This is a limited edition, way better than your plain old watch, right?” I glanced at the watch on Brandon’s wrist and immediately recognized it as a high-quality replica. Meanwhile, the ‘plain old watch’ on my own wrist was a Patek Philippe limited edition, albeit a discreet one. Seeing Brandon’s smug face, I didn’t have the heart to crush his ego. “Yeah, it’s pretty cool. My watch is definitely basic.” Brandon looked incredibly pleased; his frown smoothed out. He walked over and slammed my laptop shut. “I’m not trying to be rude, Leo, but you really need to get some decent clothes. Otherwise, you look really shabby standing next to me.” I was a bit speechless. We all knew about Brandon’s family situation – average working-class. He used to wear fast fashion from online stores. How could he forget who he was just because he got a girlfriend? I nodded dismissively, trying to recall where I’d left off in my code. My roommate, David, walked up to Brandon and clapped him on the shoulder affectionately. “Don’t bother with him, Brandon. You two are just not on the same level. Let’s play some games tonight, and you can tell me more about you and your girlfriend.” Brandon glanced at her, raising his voice, “No can do, I have a date with my girlfriend tonight.” A brief flicker of disappointment crossed David’s eyes. “At some fancy restaurant, I bet? Don’t forget to post on Ins!” Brandon didn’t say anything else. He spent ages messing with his hair in the mirror, then put on the most expensive designer streetwear jacket from his closet, strutting out like a proud peacock. That evening, I was eating takeout in the dorm when I heard David shriek, holding her phone. “Brandon just posted on Ins! French restaurant, foie gras, caviar, red wine… Oh my god!” A group of roommates crowded around to see the post. David, however, shot a dismissive look at me, still eating my takeout. Her voice was tinged with scorn. “Some people are on dates with rich socialites, wearing custom suits, while others are stuck eating thirty-dollar takeout. The difference between people is just wild, isn’t it?” I paused, looking at my delicious spicy stir-fry. What’s wrong with eating takeout? Why does he care so much? Seeing I didn’t react, David shoved her phone directly in my face. “Look, this is Brandon’s Ins post. He and his girlfriend look so perfect together.” I glanced at the photo and immediately perked up. The ‘rich socialite’ Brandon was cuddling in the picture was actually Sarah, my house manager! My dad won the lottery unexpectedly, which gave him his first big break to start his business. After that, his investments soared, snowballing into a massive fortune, and before he knew it, he was one of the wealthiest men in the city. In high school, my family driver would pick me up in different luxury cars every day, and even the clothes I wore under my school uniform were the latest international designer pieces. I was constantly subjected to envious and jealous stares, and then… I nearly got kidnapped. That incident terrified my dad. After I got my university acceptance letter, he repeatedly told me to keep a low profile. Even though he bought me a villa near the campus, he still insisted on the low-key approach. So, I ended up living in the dorms, only occasionally going back to the villa on holidays for a change of scenery. The villa came fully staffed: a house manager, a chef, cleaners, gardeners – the works. Sarah, my house manager, is five years older than me. She’s meticulous and thoughtful, keeping the villa running perfectly. Since I usually live in the dorms, I only visit the villa on weekends. Sarah would prepare the clothes and accessories I needed in advance, sometimes even helping me pick out outfits. Even my casual clothes cost four figures. So, when I enrolled, I made an effort to wear plain clothes without obvious logos. But some classmates still recognized the price tag. I had no choice but to claim they were designer knock-offs, not worth much. That’s how I got labeled as vain, someone who wore knock-offs in my classmates’ eyes. Later, I rushed to the mall to buy some cheaper clothes, and the rumors finally died down. I didn’t really care; I came to university to study, and these small incidents wouldn’t affect me. My dad had experienced the disadvantage of not having a higher education in his business circle, so he always told me to study hard from a young age. “Leo, we’re so rich, we’re practically poor… except for all the money! You have to study hard and make Dad proud!” One wall in our house was covered with all the awards and certificates I’d received since childhood. In my dad’s words, these were the real ‘luxury items.’ We even had staff dedicated to maintaining them. Once, when a corner of a certificate peeled off, my dad personally climbed a ladder and carefully glued it back. I came to university with the goal of getting a scholarship every year for all four years. The money itself wasn’t important; it was the invaluable honor. So, I spent most of this year in the library and rarely went to the villa. Looking at Sarah, cradled by Brandon in the photo, the Chanel jacket she wore looked incredibly familiar. Last month, when my mom stayed at the villa, I think she brought a similar one. And the diamond bracelet subtly peeking out from her wrist? It was identical to my mom’s usual Van Cleef & Arpels classic. The floor lamp and the decorative painting on the wall in the background? Those were distinctly from a corner of my villa’s living room! She should be working in my villa right now, not wearing what looked like my mom’s clothes, posing for photos in my living room, and pretending to be a rich girl to date my roommate! I watched my roommates buzzing with excited chatter around Brandon’s Ins post and fell into deep thought.

Brandon returned from his date wearing the latest designer streetwear and carrying a pile of gifts. He unwrapped them one by one, making the roommates incredibly envious. “Brandon, is that jacket a limited edition?” “Wow, those Air Jordans are a collaboration! They must be super expensive. Can I try them on?” “Brandon, I’m so jealous. You were at a Michelin-starred restaurant yesterday, weren’t you?” Brandon’s smile never faded. He subtly glanced at me, then pulled out a leather wallet from one of the bags and held it up to me. “Leo, I remember you have a similar Hermes wallet, don’t you? Why don’t you take it out and we can compare them?” I took off my headphones. Before I could say anything, Brandon already opened my drawer, pulled out my Hermes wallet, and placed the two side by side. I frowned, looking at my rummaged drawer, about to snap at Brandon, when I heard him deliberately raise his voice. “Oh, Leo, how come your wallet looks a bit different from mine?” The difference between the two wallets was obvious when placed together. Brandon’s was brighter in color, with coarser stitching and fewer leather grain details. Seeing the roommates gathered around, Brandon feigned surprise. “How could they be different? This one was a special gift from my girlfriend for our date. What about yours? I remember you brought it from home, right?” David caught on to Brandon’s taunt and immediately jumped in. “Guys, remember when Leo first came to school, he was wearing designer knock-offs? This wallet must be fake too, it can’t compare to Brandon’s at all.” “Leo, you can’t always use fakes. You can’t change your family background, but being so vain and always buying knock-offs will just make you lose sight of reality.” Brandon shot David a satisfied look, then turned to me. “I really don’t want a roommate with such questionable character.” Watching the two of them ganging up on me, I really wanted to shove my receipts in their faces, but remembering Dad’s warning, I reluctantly dropped the idea. “Brandon, you opened my drawer without my permission. Is that what you call ‘good character’? And David, you’re here sucking up to Brandon with thinly veiled jabs at me. You really are a master at flattery.” Brandon sneered, then grabbed the scissors from my desk. “If I hadn’t looked in your drawer, I never would’ve known how vain you are. Tell you what, as roommates, I’ll help you out and cut up this fake wallet. Consider it a favor.” With that, Brandon aimed the scissors at my wallet. David stepped forward and signaled a few other roommates to hold me down. I watched them surround me, not even bothering to lift an eyelid. My tone was casual. “Brandon, I don’t really care. But if you dare touch it, I’ll make sure you pay for it.” “Even if, for argument’s sake, this wallet is a Hermes knock-off, it’s still worth at least a few hundred dollars. Are you sure you can afford to compensate me?” “You just started dating your girlfriend; you wouldn’t want to tell her you ruined your roommate’s stuff and make her pay, would you?” Brandon hesitated, then reluctantly put the scissors down, glared at me, and returned to his seat. The others, seeing Brandon wasn’t doing anything, also dispersed. I hadn’t expected Brandon to be so easily fooled. The cheapest Hermes knock-offs are actually only fifty to a hundred bucks, like the one Brandon had. I gave Brandon a light glance. “Clean up my drawer later.” David immediately snapped, “Leo, don’t go too far!” Brandon deliberately ignored me, humming a tune and styling his hair in the mirror. “Brandon, I’m saying it again. Clean up my drawer.” Brandon scoffed, then leisurely started scrolling on his phone. David also let out a sneer, looking at me provocatively. I stood up abruptly and kicked Brandon’s chair over with a bang. “I won’t say it a third time.” The dorm was full of inexperienced guys who had never seen such a display. They all froze, not daring to make a sound. Even David shut up. Brandon flinched, clenched his fists as if he were the one being wronged. He glared at me for a long moment before reluctantly coming over to clean up my drawer. I heard him mumble a curse word under his breath, tears in his eyes, but I felt nothing. Once he finished, I looked at the neatly organized drawer with satisfaction, walked back to my seat, and began loudly reading an English article. The entire dorm was silent, my reading voice clear and sharp.

I didn’t waste much thought on Brandon, putting all my energy into getting the scholarship. My GPA was the highest in the department for the year, I scored perfectly on the physical fitness test, and I participated in every scholarship-eligible activity. No matter what, the single scholarship spot for the entire department should have been mine. But on the day the scholarship results were announced, I reread the list several times, still unable to believe it. The department had awarded the scholarship to Brandon, his name prominently displayed at the top of the list! And not only did I not get the first-tier scholarship, but my name wasn’t even on the list for the university-level third-tier scholarship! All those sleepless nights of studying, all the sweat from training for the physical test—it all felt like a complete joke now. Fuming and anxious, I immediately checked the detailed information below. I found that all my other entries were perfect, except for personal conduct, where my counselor had given me a failing grade! A wave of anger surged through me, my chest heaved, a mix of confusion and fury. I stormed straight to Ms. Albright’s office. “Ms. Albright, I’m not satisfied with the scholarship results and have some questions for you.” “Come in!” I pushed open the door and was surprised to find Brandon there, sitting nearby, smiling and chatting with Ms. Albright. Seeing me enter, Brandon gloated, “Oh, wow, I never thought I’d be so lucky to get the scholarship this time. It’s too bad you, who usually studies so hard, didn’t get one.” I ignored him and turned directly to Ms. Albright. “Ms. Albright, I want to ask about the scholarship.” “I know what you want to ask,” Ms. Albright adjusted her glasses, looking at me with a cold expression. “Leo, just being good at studies isn’t enough. You don’t get along with your classmates, and your character is questionable, so naturally, I can’t give you the scholarship.” Ms. Albright’s words left me completely baffled. As the class rep for academics, I had always been well-liked in class, and I even lent my notes to classmates before exams. I hadn’t offended anyone, had I? Except for those guys in my dorm! I suddenly looked up at Brandon, catching the guilty look in his eyes. It all clicked. I fought back the urge to punch Brandon and calmly turned to Ms. Albright. “Ms. Albright, if you’re drawing conclusions based on just one side of the story, then I think that’s unfair to me.” “What kind of talk is that?” Ms. Albright slammed her hand on the desk and stood up, frowning and glaring at me. “Are you implying I’m playing favorites, or that I’m an incompetent counselor?” Brandon piped in, piling on. “Ms. Albright, please calm down. Leo just has low character, so you shouldn’t stoop to his level.” I looked at the new Omega watch on Ms. Albright’s wrist and suddenly smiled. “Ms. Albright, that Omega watch you’re wearing, did Brandon give it to you?” With that, I didn’t bother with Ms. Albright’s exposed expression, turned, and walked out. Before closing the door, I stated expressionlessly, “There’s someone above the counselor—the Principal. I won’t believe I can’t get justice.” I heard Ms. Albright scoff, “Go ahead, then. I’m not afraid.” Still in the hallway, I heard my roommates chattering about the scholarship incident. As soon as I walked in, they all fell silent. Only David continued to mock me. “Oh, look, it’s our number one in the department! You studied so hard, didn’t you? How did you not even get a third-tier scholarship?” I ignored her, dialed the number for the Principal’s office listed on the university website, but no one picked up. Frustrated, I opened my laptop and wrote a long email to the Principal. I explained the whole story of the scholarship fiasco, attached relevant evidence, and sent it off. It vanished into the void. I waited for a whole week, from initial hope, to a sliver of expectation, then to utter disappointment. I should have known; the Principal was swamped with work, and my email probably got flagged as spam. Brandon went out on another date, and David couldn’t even be bothered to taunt me about the scholarship anymore. The entire dorm was quiet, but I still felt incredibly wronged and disheartened. My phone rang. I shot up from my chair, only to find it was a message from my dad. “Leo, are you so happy about getting the scholarship that you’ve forgotten your old man? Don’t get arrogant; this is just confirmation of your hard work. Keep it up!” My eyes stung, and tears almost fell. I clutched my phone and walked to an empty corner of the hallway, calling my dad on FaceTime. Seeing my parents’ concerned faces, I finally burst into tears. Dad fumbled awkwardly, and Mom shot him a glare before quickly comforting me. “Leo, don’t cry. What happened? Tell Mom and Dad.” I choked out the full story of the scholarship incident to my parents. Mom immediately blew up, slapping Dad’s shoulder hard. “How dare they bully my son! That counselor doesn’t want her job anymore! Honey, you go talk to the Principal and deal with this. That negligent counselor needs to be fired!” I sobbed, “I emailed and called the Principal, but it was no use. What can Dad do?” Dad scratched the back of his head. “Well, uh, I never told you, but I’m actually a board member of this university…” I stared at my parents, who looked all high and mighty with their wealth. My tears instantly stopped, and I even let out a hiccup. Right after I hung up the FaceTime call with my parents, before I even made it back to the dorm, I received a call directly from the Principal. “Leo, I apologize on behalf of the university. As Principal, I assure you that the university will readjust the scholarship list, and all involved personnel will face appropriate penalties.” I had just reached the dorm. Brandon had returned and was being praised by the roommates. I put the call on speakerphone. “Principal, what kind of punishment will my involved roommate receive?” “According to university regulations, he will face disciplinary action, and the scholarship funds will be reclaimed.” “Okay, thank you.” Before I could hang up, I heard Brandon’s loud sneer. “Leo, you must be crazy with scholarship fever! Where did you find someone to impersonate the Principal? That’s hilarious!” David immediately backed him up. “Seriously, he might even be losing his mind.” The Principal’s voice came through the phone. “May I ask who is speaking?” “That’s my involved roommate.” “Understood. Leo, the updated list will be posted on the official website tomorrow.” With that, the Principal hung up. I glanced at Brandon, who was oblivious to the disaster heading his way, shook my head, and went to bed.

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Everyone said my girlfriend was a sugar baby, hooking up with some rich guy, but I always brushed it off. Then, when I saw Anya get into that Range Rover for the fifth time, my certainty wavered. I followed her. I nearly broke down, confronting her, my voice raw: “Why? Who is he?!” She tried to calm me. “Babe, don’t overthink. He’s just a friend.” I roared furiously: “Just a friend? No way! I saw everything! How much longer were you planning to keep this from me?!” Seeing my genuine anger, she took my hand, her voice barely a whisper: “I’m sorry, babe. To be honest, you’re actually the other man.” “You… I… this…” I stared at Anya. A moment ago, my gut was burning with rage. Now, after holding it in for what felt like an eternity, I couldn’t string a single word together. Anya’s face was etched with apology: “It’s okay, babe, you didn’t know. This is all on me. I should have been honest with you.” I was still reeling from the shock she’d dropped on me. I looked at Anya, my face a mask of disbelief. The woman who was always so gentle with me, my Anya, was already someone else’s wife. I loved her. I loved her so much. My plan had been to propose the moment I graduated. But now? What was this? How could she be such a player? Didn’t that make me the one breaking up a family? How could I ever accept that? “Babe, please don’t be mad, okay?” Anya’s voice came again, as soft and tender as always. But right now, there was no way I could stay calm. I stared at Anya, disbelief hardening my gaze: “This isn’t just about being mad anymore.” “I just graduated college, and I’m already the other man?” “I’m not that kind of guy, so why am I being forced into it?” “You manipulative jerk, we’re over!” Anya visibly stiffened. Her eyes turned red, and she pleaded, tears welling up: “Babe, please don’t break up with me, okay?” “I don’t want to lose you.” “If you can’t accept this, then for you, I’ll divorce him.” I was utterly speechless. Was this even about divorce anymore? My head was spinning, completely overwhelmed and confused by her. My mind was a chaotic mess. “Babe.” Anya reached out, trying to come closer. I quickly stepped back, avoiding her touch. “Don’t come near me.” “Just go. Let me calm down. You’ve messed me up so badly right now!” Seeing my resolute stance, Anya didn’t press any further. She picked up her bag. As she was about to leave, something seemed to strike her. She pulled a bank card from her bag. “Babe, this is a graduation gift I specially prepared for you.” “There’s thirty million dollars on this card. Use it, and if it’s not enough, just tell me.” I snatched the card, my hand trembling, and challenged her: “What is this supposed to be?” “Are you trying to buy me?” Anya quickly explained: “No, babe, please don’t think that.” “I… I just want you to be happy.” “And you’ve graduated now. You should start building a career. This thirty million might help you launch a business, or chase some dreams.” Her explanation left me with no counter-argument. “Babe, I’m going now. Please calm down. Don’t do anything reckless.” Watching Anya leave. I slammed the bank card against the door with all my might. In that moment, I felt like my world was ending.

I spent a tormenting night alone in my apartment. But I still couldn’t get past it. I had just graduated college. I was supposed to have a bright future ahead of me. I was supposed to propose to Anya, the woman I loved most. But I never would have imagined things would turn out like this. I didn’t want to be the other man. Without a word to Anya, I packed my bags and left the country. Over the next few years abroad, I pursued various advanced degrees. A billionaire investor noticed me, gave me a billion dollars, and sent me back home to spearhead market expansion. I assumed Anya would have forgotten about me after all these years. But as soon as she heard I was returning, she immediately wanted to arrange a celebration. I arrived at the private room Anya had booked. Before I even entered, I heard her talking with her friends: “Anya, your company was on the verge of collapse all these years, drowning in countless headaches that nearly broke you. It’s thanks to Marcus’s unwavering support and his constant, loyal presence that you managed to pull through. I’m so jealous you have such a wonderful husband.” “Seriously! If my husband was even half as good as Marcus, I’d wake up smiling every day.” “Your tenth wedding anniversary with Marcus is coming up. Are you going to go all out this time?” “Yeah, Marcus has poured his heart and soul into supporting you all these years, he’s lost so much weight. I really think you should make a big deal out of your tenth anniversary. It would make him so happy.” Anya remained silent for a long time, then finally spoke: “Marcus is truly good, but our marriage was arranged by our families. It’s not the kind of love I truly wanted.” Her friends frowned, one after another: “Anya, what are you saying? You’re not still hung up on Julian, are you?” At the mention of my name, another friend, Chloe, immediately contorted her face in disgust: “Don’t even talk about him!” “Back then, when Anya’s company was on the brink of collapse, she still gave him the paltry thirty million dollars, her last resort, to save herself. But what did he do? He just took the money and vanished without a trace, didn’t even send a breakup text!” “That kind of man is absolutely not worth trusting. Even if you like someone, it shouldn’t be him!” I stood outside the door, my stomach churning. So, when I left, Anya was facing financial ruin. But even in that dire situation, she still transferred thirty million dollars to me. How could she be so foolish? That was her life-saving fund! All these years I’d been gone, I’d never regretted my decision. I even felt that her hiding the truth and being with me behind her husband’s back was just her playing me for a fool. But in that moment, a wave of bitter regret washed over me. I took a deep breath, composed myself. Then, I pushed open the door. The chatter in the room instantly died. Seeing that it was me who walked in, everyone stared at me with a strange, scrutinizing gaze. One of them asked cautiously: “Julian, when did you get back?” I masked the turmoil inside, offering a faint smile: “Just got back.” “Hmph!” Before I could say anything more, Chloe snorted: “How dare you show your face here?” “When Anya’s company was on the brink of collapse, you just bolted without a word.” “Now that Anya’s company is back on its feet, are you thinking of coming back to swindle her out of more money so you can live it up overseas again?” My face burned. I could only explain: “I didn’t know Anya was in that situation back then. If I had known, I definitely wouldn’t have left.” Chloe’s voice rose several octaves as she yelled at me: “You didn’t know?” “I saw you run faster than a rabbit back then!” “You heartless jerk, you don’t deserve to be here, and you certainly don’t deserve to be in front of Anya!” Another friend chimed in: “Exactly! You knew Anya had a husband, but you still chose to be the other man. Weren’t you just after her money?” “You don’t belong here!”

The shame in my heart made my eyes well up. Seeing Anya remain impassive to her friends’ taunts, I just wanted to disappear. I dropped my gift and turned to leave. But Anya grabbed my arm: “You’re here now, so stay and join us.” Then, Anya looked at Chloe and the others: “Please stop talking about Julian like that.” “He really didn’t know the truth back then. I deliberately kept everything from him.” “He didn’t know I had a husband, nor did he know about the impending bankruptcy.” “I was wrong first.” Anya’s friends fell silent, no longer speaking ill of me. But they still clearly wanted me gone. Just as the atmosphere hung heavy, the door opened again. Anya’s husband, Marcus, appeared at the doorway. Marcus’s expression froze for a split second when he saw me there. He quickly composed himself and walked over to Anya, taking her wine glass and saying with concern: “Anya, your stomach has always been sensitive. You really shouldn’t drink so much wine.” Anya took the glass back from him, saying: “I’m fine. It’s rare we all get together, so I have to celebrate properly.” Watching Marcus’s devoted care for her, a sour feeling twisted in my gut. After that, Anya’s friends kept teasing Marcus and Anya, pointedly leaving me out. I endured a night steeped in bitterness. The next day, Anya sent me a message. [It’s been so long since I’ve had your home-cooked meals. I really miss them.] I replied almost instantly: [Wait for me! I’ll bring it to your office!] I spent two full hours cooking, then carried the packed lunchboxes to her company. When I reached Anya’s office door, I ran into Marcus coming out. “Hey.” I offered a smile and a greeting. Marcus ignored me, pushed the office door open, and walked in. I felt awkward but followed him in anyway. Anya, who was working at her desk, frowned when she saw both Marcus and me enter. “What are you doing here?” Both Marcus and I froze. Neither of us knew who she was talking to. I forced a smile, placed the lunchboxes on her desk, and opened them one by one: “I made all your favorite dishes, the spicy ones.” Marcus’s face immediately darkened, and he yelled at me: “Are you trying to kill Anya?!” I was utterly confused. Marcus explained: “These past few years, Anya has had to drink at countless business dinners to get the company back on its feet. She even ended up with stomach ulcers.” “Now, her stomach absolutely cannot handle spicy food!” At the mention of this, my eyes burned. But Anya picked up her forks: “It’s not Julian’s fault. I wanted to eat it.” She began eating ravenously. Soon, her face became noticeably pale. I quickly urged her: “Anya, maybe you should stop eating.” Anya was clearly in pain, but she gritted her teeth and insisted: “It’s fine. It’s just been so long since I’ve had anything this spicy, I’m a bit out of practice.” That night, I heard Anya had been rushed to the hospital. Marcus was the one who told me himself. My heart felt like it was being ripped to shreds. Anya clearly couldn’t handle spicy food, so why did she eat it? Marcus roared at me over the phone: “After all these years, does she still love you that much?!” “Even knowing how severe the consequences would be, she still ate your home-cooked meal!” “I honestly believe if you gave her poison, she’d swallow it without hesitation!” “Why?!” “I’m the one who loves her most.” “I’m her husband.” “What exactly do I lack compared to you?!”

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Everyone knew Liam lived by two unbreakable rules. First, his passenger seat was mine. Second,he recoiled from any woman who dared touch him. A quirk, I’d thought. A strange, endearing flaw that didn’t apply to me. For twenty years, the rules held. I believed in our private language of love. But today, I saw his car outside a boutique. My breath hitched. Maeve was in my seat. She leaned over, kissed him. He didn’t move away. I froze, a chill seeping into my bones. His aversion wasn’t a condition. It was a choice. Even more ridiculous, the woman who’d broken both his rules was the one I’d personally hired for his company. Aria’s POV I stood frozen outside the boutique, a dull ache settling in my chest. I opened my email and typed my reply to Professor Ford: “Yes. I accept.”  Florence it would be. I’d leave the day after graduation. The screen went dark. I lifted my gaze to the shop window. There she was. Maeve, my future sister-in-law, glowing in a white mermaid gown, a circle of admirers around her. And beside her, kneeling to adjust the hem of her dress with a look of pure devotion, was Liam. My brother, by adoption. And the man I had loved for nearly twenty years. Shards of memory cut through me, sharp and unbidden. That year, my first in college, Mrs. Hayes took my hand. She watched Liam come down the stairs, a playful glint in her eye. “You two are so close,” she teased. “People might get ideas! Liam, doesn’t it worry you, what they might think?” Liam crossed the room. His hand came to rest on my head, ruffling my hair in the familiar way he’d done for years. “Let them think what they want,” he said. “I don’t care.” Those words had been the sole belief sustaining my nearly two-decade-long secret crush. I naively thought his indifference was because he’d already planned me into his future. Now, they felt like a slap in the face. The cruelest irony? I’d personally picked Maeve for this job. Liam’s assistant had just resigned, and he’d pushed a few resumes my way. “Help me pick an assistant. Find someone you like, so they don’t bother you.” I was surprised and secretly thrilled. Among several impressive resumes, I immediately chose Maeve. She seemed the most gentle and harmless. I thought it was a special privilege, proof he cared about my feelings. Now I see I was just deluding myself. “Aria? Is that really you!” Maeve spotted me from inside the store, her face instantly beaming with surprise. She hurried over, gathering her gown, and spoke warmly through the glass door. “Come in, Aria! Tell me what you think of this dress. Liam says it’s gorgeous, but I trust your taste more than anyone’s. You have the best eye!” Everyone in the store turned to stare at me. I felt like I was suffocating. I managed a stiff smile, shaking my head. “No thanks, Maeve. I’m actually busy. You two take your time.” Maeve’s smile froze. Her eyes welled up, her lower lip trembling as her voice cracked. “Aria, are you still mad at me? Liam and I are truly in love, and we’re getting engaged soon. I just want your blessing.” Her pitiable act successfully sparked whispers from the onlookers. I was the unreasonable sister, ruining the bride’s special moment. I stood there, nailed to the spot, utterly lost. Just then, Liam walked over, his tall figure casting a shadow over the glaring lights. Maeve instantly reverted to her startled fawn act, cowering behind Liam, whimpering, “Liam, I didn’t mean to. I just wanted Aria to help me pick. She still seems upset about… what happened last time.” Liam’s gaze landed on me, icy and unfamiliar, devoid of any warmth. “Aria,” he began, his voice cold as ice, “How much longer are you going to keep this up?” My heart plummeted. Keep what up? Liam seemed to fear he hadn’t hurt me enough, so he continued, “When you won that photography award and hugged me-I know you were excited. But Maeve saw it, and it gave her the wrong idea.” He paused. “That was just a sister’s dependence and admiration for her brother, nothing else. Aria, you’re not a child anymore. You need to learn to keep an appropriate distance from your brother.” My mind exploded. Not long ago, when no one was around, he would hold me from behind, his chin resting on my head, complaining in an intimate whisper that I smelled of another man’s cologne. In a flash, he’d become the brother warning me to keep my distance. Humiliation burned my cheeks, and my vision swam. I bit down hard on my lip. The metallic taste of blood forced the tears back. I couldn’t cry here. I wouldn’t show weakness in front of them. I lowered my gaze, my voice barely audible. “I’m sorry. I was being childish. I’ll make sure to keep my distance from now on.” I couldn’t stand another second. Muttering an excuse about feeling dizzy, I spun around and fled. Tears fell as I turned. I wandered the streets like a ghost for what felt like an eternity, until the evening wind stung my cheeks. Only then did I pull out my phone, my hands trembling. The screen’s light stung my eyes. I opened the app and booked a flight to Florence for ten days from now.

Aria’s POV Late that night, I returned to the Hayes estate. I tiptoed inside, desperate to avoid everyone. The living room was dim, lit only by a single floor lamp. Just as I reached the stairs, a voice came from the sofa. “You’re back?” My body instantly froze. Maeve rose from the sofa, wearing a silk robe. The neckline was loose, revealing a suggestive hickey on her neck. She strolled closer, her finger tracing the mark. “Liam was… passionate,” she said, her eyes boring into mine. “Men can never resist physical attraction. Don’t you agree, little girl?” My stomach churned. I gave her a frosty glare. “Trashy.” I turned, intending to go upstairs. “Stop!” Maeve’s voice sharpened. She rushed forward, grabbing my arm. “What’s your problem? Jealous?” Just then, the door to the upstairs study opened. Liam appeared at the top of the stairs. Maeve saw him. Her grip on my hand tightened sharply, and a cold, malevolent smile flashed across her face, gone in a blink. The next second, her expression contorted into pure terror. “Ah-” A sharp cry tore from her throat. Her body lurched backward, tumbling down the stairs. “Maeve!” Liam’s face went ashen. He was at her side in an instant, gathering her limp form into his arms. “Liam,” Maeve whispered, her face pale, tears streaming down. She leaned weakly into his embrace. “Don’t blame Aria. She didn’t mean to.” Liam’s head snapped up. His eyes, blazing with fury, pierced me like daggers. “Even if you’re upset, you shouldn’t have pushed her!” There wasn’t a hint of doubt in his voice, only accusation. I opened my mouth, wanting to say I hadn’t. But seeing his eyes, already convicting me, every word caught in my throat. He wouldn’t believe me. “I didn’t,” I finally choked out, my voice raw. Liam scoffed, standing up with Maeve in his arms. He couldn’t even spare me a glance. As he turned, Maeve, cradled in his arms, subtly looked back. She looked at me, frozen in place, and mouthed silently: You lose. … The next day, I went to the magazine office to hand in my resignation. My editor-in-chief looked from me to the signature on my resignation letter. A slow, knowing smile touched her lips. “Big news to announce? Becoming a full-time housewife? Makes sense. Liam always protected you so well. He’d never want you to work too hard.” My heart stung, but I couldn’t form an expression. I silently returned to my desk to pack my things. The receptionist’s assistant ran over, patting my shoulder excitedly. “Aria! Look downstairs! Your fiancé is here to pick you up again! Oh my god, he’s so handsome, you’re so lucky!” I paused, following her gaze. Downstairs, leaning against his familiar sports car, was Liam. Today, he wore a perfectly tailored suit, his tall figure attracting the attention of every passerby.

Aria’s POV I clutched the cardboard box, walking out of the magazine building. The afternoon sun was a bit harsh, and I instinctively squinted. My colleagues, as if on cue, didn’t follow me out. Instead, they waved excitedly from behind the floor-to-ceiling windows, grinning like they were watching a rom-com unfold. In their eyes, this was a romantic gesture. I stopped in front of the car. Liam stubbed out the cigarette between his fingers, then looked up at me, his expression cold. “Liam,” I said, my voice flat. He frowned, correcting me, “Respect.” I scoffed internally but complied. “Right. I’ll remember that.” “I apologize for last night,” he finally said, though his tone held no hint of remorse. “I was too impulsive.” I laughed. Sure enough, his next sentence exposed his “apology” as a mere prelude to a lecture. “But pushing Maeve down the stairs was still wrong,” he said, looking down at me. “Do you honestly not think you did anything wrong?” His twisted version of events made me laugh, a bitter, hollow sound. I looked up, meeting his gaze. “Twenty years,” I said, my voice sharp with anger. “You know me. Do you honestly believe I’d push a pregnant woman down a flight of stairs?” “She wasn’t pregnant,” he said, his tone flat and final. “Just an upset stomach.” My heart plummeted. He either didn’t know he’d been fooled, or he simply didn’t care. Suddenly, everything felt utterly meaningless. “You can go,” I said, my voice devoid of emotion as I looked away. “I’ve resigned. I won’t be coming back here, so your fiancée doesn’t need to waste her energy on me either.” Just then, a few bolder colleagues couldn’t resist. They came closer, smiling. “Oh, Aria, you two aren’t fighting, are you?” “You have to appreciate a man like Liam! He picks you up every single day. Who does that anymore!” “Come on, every couple has spats. Don’t let a silly argument ruin a good thing. Just kiss and make up!” I forced a smile, uglier than a grimace. Liam offered no explanation. Instead, he reached out, straightening a strand of my wind-blown hair with an unnervingly natural gesture. To my colleagues, it was intimate; to me, a stark warning. I abruptly stepped back, avoiding his hand. I turned to my colleagues. “We’re not like that. You’ve misunderstood.” My colleagues’ smiles froze. Clutching the box, I turned and walked away, not looking at Liam’s expression. I’d rented an apartment these past few days and hadn’t returned to the Hayes estate. Back at the apartment, I turned off my phone, trying to numb myself with work. I only switched it back on late that night. The screen lit up, and messages flooded in. Not a single one from Liam. It was a stark contrast to the Liam who would scour the city if he couldn’t reach me for even an hour. I idly opened my social media feed. The first post was from Maeve, thirty minutes ago: a flawless selfie. Around her neck glittered the sapphire necklace, the same one she’d snapped me this very afternoon and retracted. The caption read: “Love the birthday gift from my love! Obsessed! [heart emoji]” The photo’s background was a private room in an upscale restaurant, a birthday cake on the table. My gaze fixed on the necklace. It was Maeve’s birthday today? So, he’d only been at the magazine building to check up on me, and give me a lecture, just passing by. And here I’d thought he’d come specially for me. My phone rang abruptly. It was Mrs. Hayes. “Aria, sweetheart, why aren’t you home yet? I told Liam to pick you up. Did he get you?” Mrs. Hayes’s voice was as loving as ever. “Mrs. Hayes, I’ve moved out. He doesn’t need to pick me up.” “Moved out? What’s going on? Did that rascal Liam upset you?” “No,” I cut her off, not wanting to hear another word about him. “Mrs. Hayes, I’m exhausted. I’m going to hang up now.” I hung up and collapsed onto my bed. Tears silently streamed down, soaking my pillow. I finally understood completely: neither his passenger seat, nor his gifts, nor his future belonged to me anymore. Good. This made leaving so much easier. After a few days of tidying my apartment, I finally steeled myself to go back to the Hayes estate and retrieve my last few things. I used my spare key to open the villa door. The living room was empty. I breathed a sigh of relief, about to go upstairs, but then I bumped into someone on the landing. Maeve was coming out of my bedroom, carrying a suitcase. Seeing me, Maeve showed no surprise, only a provocative smile.

Aria’s POV Maeve stood on the staircase, looking down at me with a condescending gaze. The suitcase she was carrying was a gift from Mrs. Hayes when I graduated college. Now, it was filled with things that weren’t mine, taken from my room. “You’re back?” Maeve’s tone was light and casual. “I thought you’d never step foot in this house again.” My gaze went past her, landing on my half-open bedroom door. The room showed signs of being ransacked. “What are you doing in my room?” My voice was cold as ice. “Your room?” Maeve laughed, a loud, exaggerated sound, as if I’d told the funniest joke. “Aria, are you still half-asleep? This is Liam’s home, and soon it will be mine. Your things should have been cleared out ages ago.” As she spoke, she deliberately slammed the suitcase onto the floor. It wasn’t latched properly, and with a “snap,” it burst open. The contents spilled everywhere. All my photography portfolios, my cherished camera, and lenses. In the very center was a thick photo album. Maeve bent down, picked up the album, and slowly, deliberately, flipped it open. Inside were only photos of Liam. From his awkward teenage years to the mature, composed man he was now. Playing basketball, reading, in meetings, asleep. All sorts of him filled the entire album. These were all the moments I’d secretly captured over twenty years, all his time. “Tsk, tsk,” Maeve murmured, flipping through the pages with a feigned sigh. Her finger traced Liam’s sweat-drenched profile from a basketball game. “This shot is really good. You clearly loved him so much. Too bad, only I get to see him sweat now.” She turned another page, a photo of Liam asleep on the sofa. “And this one,” she continued. “He told me he has insomnia, that he can only truly sleep when he feels completely safe. Guess he didn’t feel safe with you watching him.” My nails dug deep into my palms, as I fought the urge to lunge at her and tear that smug face apart. “Give them back,” I grated out, my voice barely a whisper. “Give them back?” Maeve closed the album, her smile innocent and cruel. “Of course. But Liam said keeping these things would only fuel your delusions. He thinks we should just toss them. For your own good.” With that, she hugged the album, walking step by step down the stairs, towards the fireplace. My heart leaped into my throat. “You wouldn’t dare!” I shrieked. Maeve looked back and smiled at me. “Watch me.” Before I could react, she swung her arm, and the album-the keeper of my entire youthful love-was tossed into the roaring fireplace. Flames instantly leaped up, eagerly devouring those precious photographs. I could almost see his young face in the photos, slowly disintegrating into ash within the flames. “No!” I lunged forward like a madwoman, desperate to rescue the album from the fire. But it was too late. “You psycho!” My eyes bloodshot, I spun around and lunged at Maeve. I just wanted this woman to pay. However, before my hands could even touch Maeve, a powerful grip seized me from behind. Liam had returned, I didn’t know when. He clamped down on my wrist, his grip so fierce it felt like my bones would shatter. “Let me go!” I struggled wildly. “Enough! Aria, how long are you going to keep acting like a madwoman?!” Liam’s furious roar exploded above me. Maeve instantly reverted to her startled fawn act, cowering behind Liam, whimpering, “Liam, I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to help you clear out some things that would upset her. I had no idea she’d react so violently. Does she want to hit me?” “Did I tell you to touch her things?” Liam’s voice, for the first time, held a note of reproach for Maeve. Maeve froze, her tears falling in earnest. “I just…I didn’t want this to be hard for you. The photos…they’re bad for everyone.” Liam’s expression darkened. He looked at me, his voice dropping to a dangerous low. “That doesn’t justify putting your hands on her.” I stopped struggling, letting Liam hold me. My heart had died with that album. “Liam,” I said, my voice unnervingly flat. “You told me to keep my distance. Fine. Then give me back what’s mine. My room. My things. Don’t touch any of it. Once it’s gone, I’ll be gone too. You’ll never see me again.” Liam stared at my hollow eyes, a flicker of unease crossing his face. His grip on my wrist loosened. “Aria, don’t say things you don’t mean.” “I mean every word.” took a step back, reclaiming the space between us. “As of today, I’m not your sister. We’re former roommates. You and your fiancée will stay out of my life.” Liam stood rigid, his face like stone. I turned without another word, walked upstairs, and shut my door. The lock clicked into place with a final, deafening sound.

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Brittany bought a new villa, and with a smug look, she invited all our colleagues to her place for a party. “My husband’s birthday gift to me this year was a villa! I invite all of you for a party this weekend!” Looking at the photos of Brittany’s luxurious mansion, a colleague exclaimed, “That crystal chandelier is absolutely gorgeous!” I leaned in for a closer look, and my heart sank. Wasn’t that the wedding gift my father gave me? Brittany continued to brag, “My husband even hired a French designer to custom-make a crystal tea set for me.” I stared blankly at my phone, at the message my fiancé had just sent me: “Chloe, I found a crystal tea set. It matches the crystal chandelier in our villa perfectly.” Was it just a coincidence? Looking at Justin’s message, I let out a self-deprecating laugh. Hearing my laugh, Brittany shot me a dismissive glance. “Some people just love to be jealous when they don’t have things themselves.” Brittany was notorious in the office for being a gold-digger. Recalling how Justin always showered me with care and affection, I couldn’t help but doubt myself. Had I misjudged him? I put on an act of extreme admiration, taking the phone from Brittany’s hand. On closer inspection, it was indeed my villa. But this villa was my dad’s wedding gift to me. Justin had always said it was still under renovation. How had it suddenly become Brittany’s villa? Seeing me staring intently at her phone, Brittany glared at me as if I were an idiot, then snatched her phone back. “Chloe, you could stare at it for ten hours, and you still couldn’t afford it.” Sarah, a colleague next to me, chimed in, echoing Brittany’s mockery. “Brittany, you’re amazing! I heard you found a great husband. Villas in the Clear Creek district are famously expensive, and he still bought you one. Us regular folks, we’ll probably never earn enough for a house in our lifetime.” Brittany covered her mouth with a fake smile. “My husband just can’t shake his habit of overspending.” As she spoke, Brittany showed off another photo, this time of a crystal tea set. “A few days ago, I casually mentioned to my husband that I wanted a crystal tea set, and he immediately had one custom-made for me in France. Ugh, men, always wasting money.” Brittany took a delicate sip from her coffee cup, uttering words of disdain, but a proud smirk involuntarily flickered in her eyes. I shrugged indifferently, a look of contempt on my face. Clearly, this was the reaction Brittany wanted to see. “Chloe, what’s with that look?” Suppressing my anger, I feigned a look of regret. “I saw a similar crystal chandelier in a magazine. The same brand also has a crystal decorative sculpture, meant for the entryway. It’s truly stunning.” I paused deliberately, scrutinizing Brittany from head to toe, then shook my head. “Too bad it’s super expensive, and a limited edition.” Sarah quickly searched online and gasped. “Oh my gosh, it’s gorgeous! It would totally elevate any home!” Of course. That was my best friend’s masterpiece. That set of crystal sculptures was originally meant for me, but I found it too extravagant and didn’t accept it. I glanced at Brittany beside me. Noticing that everyone’s attention had shifted from her crystal tea set, she flushed with anger. I almost burst out laughing. “We’ve already paid the deposit for that crystal sculpture set. The manufacturer just said there was a slight flaw and it needed some retouching.” Brittany unconsciously raised her voice, once again capturing everyone’s attention. “Really? Then let’s have the party at your place! I’d love to see that masterpiece by a top designer!” “I can’t wait! I’ve never been to such a high-end place before!” “That’s a famous wealthy neighborhood. Looks like Brittany’s family background is seriously impressive.” … I clapped my hands casually, staring straight at Brittany, who was now beaming from all the flattery. I was looking forward to it too. Looking forward to finding out what exactly was going on.

Night gradually fell, and I paused at my doorstep. Before I could even insert my key, I heard Justin opening the door. “Chloe, you’re back! You seem a little late today!” Justin skillfully took my bag and handed me slippers. He was as considerate as ever. Even though I’d told him not to be so overly humble, he always said he couldn’t bear for me to be tired. But this man, who supposedly loved me so much, seemed to love Brittany just as much. Noticing I was distracted, Justin gently touched my forehead. “Chloe, are you feeling unwell?” Justin helped me to the couch, then went to the kitchen to pour me a glass of warm water. Watching Justin busily moving around, I started to doubt my own instincts. Maybe the chandelier in Brittany’s villa was just a coincidence. Taking the warm water Justin offered, I thought for a moment, then cautiously probed, “Justin, the crystal tea set you mentioned today, I saw it…” Before I could finish, Justin smiled and interrupted me. “I was just about to tell you about that. I don’t think that tea set really matches.” The more I listened, the more uneasy I felt. A cold sweat started to break out on my back. “This afternoon, I saw a crystal decorative sculpture that would match our new home’s chandelier even better. It’s a bit pricey, but I think only something like that can truly complement you.” The brighter Justin smiled, the more terrifying he seemed. I tried my best to control my slightly trembling hands as I took the picture Justin handed me. The picture was of the exact crystal sculpture I had discussed with Brittany earlier today. All the facts were laid out before me. Brittany’s “husband” was Justin. Suppressing the anger in my heart, I forced out a bitter smile. “This weekend, my parents plan to come see our new place. Let’s get everything ready. After all, it’s their wedding gift to me, so we should entertain them well.” “This weekend?” Justin stammered for a long time, unable to give an answer. This weekend was when Brittany had scheduled her party. Clearly, Justin already knew. I pretended not to care and slowly stood up. “I’m tired. I’m going to take a shower first. Tomorrow, I’ll find someone to clean the new house and check on the renovations.” Through the crack in the bathroom door, I saw Justin dialing a phone number, his face anxious. His expression was stern during the conversation, as if they were arguing. Sure enough, a few minutes later, I saw a message from Brittany in the company group chat. “Colleagues, can we reschedule the weekend party? I’d like to find some cleaners to thoroughly clean the place and properly host everyone.” Without giving anyone else time to think, I quickly replied, “No worries, we can help you with some simple cleaning. We can’t just inconvenience you, and besides, we’ve already cleared our schedules…” A colleague who usually enjoyed making sarcastic remarks also chimed in: “Could it be that you’re not actually in charge of this villa?” Brittany, already seething with frustration, had no choice but to reluctantly agree. When I returned to the room after my shower, Justin put on a disappointed look. “Chloe, the company just assigned me a seven-day business trip this weekend. How about we ask your aunt and uncle to come next week instead? I’ll make sure to entertain them well then.” I smiled knowingly and nodded. Oh, I’ll definitely prepare a surprise for you then.

The next morning, Brittany was beaming, loudly arranging party details in the office. “What would everyone like to eat? I’ll have my husband prepare everything in advance. He’s busy that weekend, but he’ll get the ingredients ready.” Several colleagues gasped with envy. “Your husband is so good to you.” “Rich and thoughtful husband, I’m so jealous.” “If I were that rich, I wouldn’t even work.” I pulled Brenda, our HR manager, who I usually got along well with, aside and asked quietly, “Do you know when Brittany got her marriage certificate?” Brenda glanced around, then leaned in cautiously, teasing, “You’re the third person to ask me that today! Several colleagues suspect she’s lying! But actually, she really did get married last year. I find it strange too. Someone who loves to show off so much, why was there no word about a wedding?” “I heard Brittany met her husband on a dating app. To pretend she’s a corporate executive, she never even told him where she worked.” I secretly speculated, Of course, Justin wouldn’t want to have a wedding. After all, I paid for his four years of college. Where would he get the money for a wedding? I lowered my eyes, smiling meaningfully. “I wonder if her husband would be surprised if he found out where she works.” Brenda glanced around again, then told me even more juicy gossip. “A few days ago, Brittany even submitted a pregnancy report. She’s over two months pregnant and asked the company not to assign her to business trips. I guess that villa must be her husband’s gift to her.” My jaw almost dropped in shock. After all, Justin’s medical report last year showed oligozoospermia (low sperm count). I had planned to take him abroad for treatment after we got married and had never told him this fact. Watching Brittany laugh louder and louder amidst the colleagues’ flattery, I clenched my fists in anger, feeling an urge to expose the truth right then and there. But my lawyer’s reminder made me control myself. Because I had trusted Justin too much, the villa was registered in his name. It was now legally his property. If I exposed the truth now, I wouldn’t be able to reclaim the villa. Suddenly, Brittany saw my resentful expression and walked over in front of everyone. “Chloe, I heard you and your boyfriend have been together for a long time. Why is there still no news? I told you before, women can’t just work tirelessly. You need to think about your future.” Brittany pointed to a project proposal for the Majestic Group, glancing at me. “Everyone knows the Majestic Group project proposal is equivalent to a promotion to Sales Director. My husband has tons of connections. I advise you not to waste too much effort. Instead of spending time competing with me, why don’t you spruce yourself up and get married soon?” Sarah, eager to curry favor with Brittany, quickly chimed in. “That’s right, Chloe. No matter how many Plan A’s or Plan B’s you make for this project, it’s not as good as a dinner with these rich people. You’ll probably just be a runner-up for this year’s promotion.” I gave a faint smile. They didn’t know that the Head of Procurement for Majestic Group was my best friend’s husband. The project was originally slated for me, but to ensure fair competition, I hadn’t agreed to the internal appointment. Not seeing me look defeated, Brittany’s expression grew more impatient. “Once you see my villa, you’ll know the difference between us.” I turned and walked away without looking back, leaving only one sentence: “Looking forward to it.”

That weekend evening, Brittany posted a new update. The caption read: Someone who loves you would never let you suffer. The picture showed a man’s back as he busied himself in the kitchen. That back was my fiancé’s! Watching my colleagues like the post, I let out a self-deprecating laugh. The next day around noon, led by Brittany, we entered the gated community. Noticing I was distracted, Sarah teased, “The environment here really is upscale! Brittany, you’re so capable, you’ve opened our eyes.” Brittany became even more smug. Following Brittany’s lead, a crowd of people streamed into the villa. Even though this was my dad’s wedding gift to me, Justin was in charge of the renovation. I never thought that the first person to bring me to my villa wouldn’t be Justin. Brittany proudly showed off the crystal chandelier to our colleagues. As dazzling as the chandelier was the diamond ring on Brittany’s hand. The pigeon-sized diamond on the ring drew continuous praise from my colleagues. That was my wedding ring, which I had bought with my own money because I felt bad for Justin. To save Justin’s pride, I had deliberately given it to him to hold, planning for him to use it to propose when my dad came to visit. Brittany always pretended to casually fiddle with the diamond ring in front of me. “This diamond is just too heavy. It’s inconvenient to wear at work every day. Don’t you think so, Chloe?” Just as I was about to explode, I noticed an inconspicuous ceramic doll in the corner. It was the ceramic doll my late mother and I had made together at a pottery studio before she died of cancer. It was her last memento to me. Following my dazed gaze, Brittany also looked over, a trace of impatience flashing in her eyes. “That cleaner really needs to go. Why hasn’t she thrown out this old doll yet? I’ve told her several times that it doesn’t match the decor here at all.” As Brittany spoke, she tossed the ceramic doll into the trash can. The sound of it shattering startled me. “No!” The colleagues present were startled by my panicked cry. Brittany’s mocking laughter broke the silence. “Chloe, your taste is really bad. Could it be that out of this entire villa, you only fancy this old, broken doll?” For a moment, the villa was filled with a chorus of sneering laughter. My lawyer’s call brought me back to reality. “Ms. Chloe, I’ve prepared the documents for the villa’s property proof. We have ample evidence to help you reclaim it…” I coldly watched Brittany as she continued to show off to our colleagues. Before the lawyer could finish, I interrupted him. “Mr. Smith, just taking back the villa is too easy on them. I have a new idea.” The lawyer paused, then cautiously asked, “What’s your plan now, Ms. Chloe?” The corners of my mouth curled upwards, revealing a cunning smile. “Marry Justin.”

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Seven years since it happened, I threw up again during intimacy. Asher, who had been by my side through every grueling therapy session, finally snapped. “If you hadn’t insisted on saving Seraphina from that rapist, you wouldn’t have been targeted in retaliation! You’re a damn psychologist, Iris! Why can’t you fix yourself?” As he cleaned up my vomit, he scrubbed my skin raw with the brush. “You’re the one who’s been defiled and broken, I haven’t even called you disgusting, why are you always throwing up?” I had prepared a surprise for Asher, wanting to explain everything. But then I saw him working hard on Seraphina’s bed. “You both went through the same thing, so how can you make such beautiful sounds in bed?” “Do you think that woman is faking it?” The pregnancy test report slipped from my hand and fell to the floor. The explanation I never got to say lodged in my throat. I wasn’t faking it. I was just pregnant. As his brush tore at my skin, leaving me raw and bleeding, I didn’t flinch. When I felt warm liquid splash onto my back, I reached out and clutched Asher’s trembling hand. My voice was raw and hoarse, burned by stomach acid. “I’m sorry.” Asher suddenly snapped back to reality, tossing the brush far away. His fingers trembled as he tended to my wounds. He had prepared for this moment of intimacy for a long time. Everything had been going smoothly, and we were both starting to get lost in it. But my vomiting reaction was more violent than ever before. After applying the antiseptic, he instinctively reached out to comfort me, then suddenly remembered something. He pulled his hand back, abruptly leaving without touching me. “I’m sorry, I need to cool off.” Watching him walk away. I wondered if Asher ever regretted saving me from the kidnappers, even if it meant taking three knife wounds himself. Because of the severe PTSD I developed, I resisted all forms of intimacy. Asher had put his entire career on hold, painstakingly guiding me through desensitization therapy, step by agonizing step. His family detested me to their very core because of it. “If it weren’t for that woman, Asher would have taken the company to another level by now.” “Asher’s prime years are being completely wasted on this woman. And it looks like she can’t even have a child. All because she bought into that woman’s misguided kindness.” “Refusing to be a lady of leisure, choosing to be a damn psychologist, going around saving others from rapists – she deserved what she got!” The girl I saved was Seraphina. I never imagined that one day, they would end up in the same bed. I stood outside the room, feeling like I was being ripped in two, alive. One half was a raw, bleeding pain; the other half suspected this was a nightmare, not reality. They finally noticed the movement at the door. Asher’s face went white. “Iris, what are you doing here…?” The heavy, cloying scent of their infidelity hung in the air, and I started dry-heaving uncontrollably. Asher panicked, expertly pouring water, offering me medication, and cleaning up the vomit. Seraphina knocked the water from Asher’s hand, her eyes red as she demanded, “Iris, I don’t understand. I was abused for longer than you, so how come I can be intimate with Asher, and you can’t?” “Asher is a human being, he has desires and emotions, and he gets hurt when he’s rejected. Iris, you haven’t recovered for so long, do you even care about his feelings?” Listening to her indignant questions, I remembered that terrifying memory. My stomach spasmed as if trying to expel every last drop of acid. The pregnancy test results, which I’d meant as a surprise, were now on the floor, soiled and illegible. Seraphina reached out and covered Asher’s eyes, preventing him from looking at the mess. “Don’t look. You’re human too, you’ll get disgusted.” “She doesn’t care about you, but I do.” Asher looked at my pale face, opening his mouth several times, trying to explain something. But his body was still marked with the messy aftermath of their encounter. He simply gave up, a bitter smile twisting his lips. “You already find me disgusting, so what’s one more time?” Asher grabbed his jacket and left, his back slumped in despair. He was right. I wasn’t a good wife. I had no right to question Asher’s infidelity. How many more seven-year cycles of his life would I consume? I dialed my lawyer. “Draw up the divorce papers for me. I’m willing to walk away with nothing.” I needed to give Asher back the vibrant life he deserved.

As I knelt on the floor, painstakingly cleaning up the mess, my mind drifted back to the past. I remembered Asher, covered in blood, holding me tightly. “You’re not dirty. I just came too late.” Asher brought in the best psychologists from across the country to treat me. Countless times, I thought I was getting better. He would kiss me, full of hope. But the next second, I’d throw up all over him. He’d patiently clean it all up, smiling nonchalantly. “I know you’re not disgusted by me, Iris. Don’t be afraid. It’s a sickness, and it will be cured someday.” Truth be told, more than once, I’d seen the balcony littered with cigarette butts late at night. He’d sobbed at my grandmother’s bedside, admitting how exhausted he was, but swearing he’d never give up on me. So I pushed myself through therapy, fighting for recovery, until finally, that day came. But I never expected that everything would already be utterly unrecognizable. A video from Seraphina popped up on my phone. The Asher in the video was consumed by lust, panting, letting Seraphina brand his arm with one cigarette burn after another. “Only with you can I breathe.” Asher had dismissed the crisscrossing scars on his arm with a casual shrug. “Just a lot of stress lately.” I thought they were because of me, and I’d spent sleepless nights racked with guilt. It turned out they were just their sick idea of foreplay. Asher’s voice continued. “I’m sick of feeling disgusted. She despises me, and honestly, I don’t want to be near her anymore. When she throws up, it’s truly revolting.” *Bang!* The phone crashed to the floor. My hands began to tremble violently, twitching uncontrollably. My empty stomach cramped with a brutal, twisting pain. All the gossip and rumors over the years hadn’t hurt half as much as Asher’s single sentence. The phone on the floor suddenly blared, the caregiver’s voice laced with terror. “Hurry! Grandma’s going to jump!” By the time I arrived, my body cold with dread, that figure had already made a resolute leap, landing heavily on the pavement right in front of me. Blood splattered, blurring my vision. My legs gave out, and I crumpled to the ground, my voice abruptly lost, only a hoarse, painful gasp escaping my throat. I frantically dialed Asher’s number, realizing in that moment that I had no one else to turn to. If this was a nightmare, please, just let me wake up. The call connected, and Seraphina’s seductive gasp leaked through the line. “Someone’s calling~” “What could be more important than this right now? Hang up. Focus.” The call was abruptly disconnected. My vision swam with black spots. I couldn’t even recall the face of the boy who used to answer my calls anytime, anywhere, terrified of missing a single message from me. A suicide note was handed to me. Grandma had left only one agonizing sentence. “Why did you follow your mother’s path? I’m sorry, I just don’t have the courage to endure losing another loved one.” My mom, after being betrayed, fell into a deep depression and took her own life in our fish tank. And on my grandma’s phone screen was a news report. The headline read: “New York’s Richest Man Finally Dumps Wife, Attends Prenatal Scans with New Flame.” The accompanying photo showed a blurry profile. Asher gently stroked Seraphina’s belly, a smile of undisguised joy on his face.

With trembling hands, I found a prenatal scan report deep inside Asher’s safe. This safe held his most treasured possessions. The last thing placed inside had been our marriage certificate. The report sent to my grandma’s phone was from an anonymous number. Scrolling up, there was another message: “The kidnapping was my doing. If your daughter hadn’t been so foolishly kind, she wouldn’t have fallen for it. I never imagined their relationship would be so fragile; Asher already finds her disgusting. Your granddaughter will end up just like your daughter—a pathetic woman abandoned by her man.” Grandma always taught me to be kind. So when I met Seraphina, who had been persecuted for so long and suffered from severe depression, I believed her. She pleaded with me to save her, to not call the police, claiming it would ruin her future. I agreed. Neither Grandma nor I ever imagined that my kindness would drag me into hell. When Asher married me, he knelt before my mother’s tombstone and swore an oath: never to betray me. But that vow had finally been worn away by reality. I dry-heaved, spitting out streaks of blood, unable to stand any longer. My vision went completely black. When I next opened my eyes, Asher was wiping my face. Seeing me awake, he immediately pulled his hand back, a strained smile on his lips. “The moment I leave, you turn yourself into this. Are you only happy if you force me to constantly revolve around you? What is this, you despise me, but can’t live without me?” Asher looked exhausted. “Tomorrow, the family estate is hosting a party. I’m begging you, just for my sake, don’t throw up. Don’t let anyone laugh at me for being useless again.” This was the first time in years Asher had begged me. Seeing the few strands of gray already sprouting at his temples, my heart ached. Soon. Once I leave, your life will return to its original path. When I appeared, clinging to Asher’s arm, a ripple of surprised whispers went through the room. “Her inability to touch men… it’s finally gone?” Asher’s expression finally relaxed a little. But in the very next second, I uncontrollably bent over and started dry-heaving. Seraphina walked past, innocently holding a basin of raw chicken blood. “Oh, don’t get the wrong idea, everyone. Iris probably just threw up from the smell of blood. It has nothing to do with Asher.” After being pregnant and then witnessing Grandma die right in front of me, I truly couldn’t stand the slightest whiff of blood. But no one believed Seraphina’s explanation. “Who throws up just from smelling blood? Her illness clearly isn’t cured. She held it in for so long, but she’s still disgusted by Asher.” Asher flung my hand away, his eyes filled with disappointment. “If you’re so disgusted, then stay away from me.” Asher pulled Seraphina closer. Seraphina was dressed head to toe in designer clothes, nurtured and pampered into delicate beauty. There was no trace left of her former gloomy, cowering self. Meanwhile, I was pale and thin, hiding in a corner, vomiting in a pathetic heap, avoided by everyone around me. “They look so perfect together. Seraphina is a truly good woman. She overcame her trauma on her own and found happiness.” “That’s the kind of woman Asher deserves. Not the other one, who’s still half-dead.” The quiet murmurs drifted into my ears, but Asher made no move to refute them. The whispers exploded when Seraphina flashed the diamond ring on her hand. My pupils contracted, my gaze fixed on her ring finger in disbelief. “Iris lost too much weight, so it didn’t fit her anymore. Asher just gave it to me instead. Don’t misunderstand, he hasn’t proposed yet.” Seraphina giggled as she explained. After I lost over ten pounds, Asher had taken off my wedding ring. He’d carefully put it away. “When you’re better, we’ll wear it together again.” But now, that diamond ring, symbolizing eternity, gleamed on Seraphina’s hand, its dazzling light stabbing at my eyes. She covered her mouth, mocking me. “You couldn’t keep your family, and you can’t keep your husband. Iris, your life is truly a failure.” Not wanting to cause any more commotion, I leaned on the sink, pretending not to hear her words. But Seraphina lowered her voice, leaning close to my ear. “Tell me, if your grandma in heaven saw you and your mom, both abandoned women that nobody wants, would she be so angry she’d come back to life?” I lunged, my hands clamping around her throat. The next second, a fierce shove sent me reeling. Asher flung me aside, and I slammed into the wall. “What are you doing to Seraphina?” My phone suddenly rang. It was the funeral home. I ignored the crippling pain in my body and answered. “Ms. Jiang, your grandmother’s and mother’s ashes have been picked up by a woman.”

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I Died in an Extreme Heatwave My husband locked the basement door, his mistress standing behind him. And my own son sealed the last air vent with his own hands. I woke up reborn, seven days before the apocalypse. He forced me to sign the divorce papers. This time, I didn’t fight for a thing. I just took all the water, all the food, every means of survival. —and watched them devour each other in hell. After dying from dehydration during the heatwave, I returned to the day my husband asked for a divorce. “Olivia is pregnant! I’m warning you, stop clinging!” Daniel shouted at me, his spit flying. His childhood sweetheart, Olivia, hid behind him, offering candies to my son. As I felt the cool air from the air conditioning, the suffocating sensation of being burned alive during the heatwave dissipated. I took deep breaths of fresh air. Looking at Daniel’s menacing face, I suppressed my growing hatred and agreed to the divorce without hesitation. He was taken aback, not expecting me to relent so easily, and looked at me suspiciously: “Really? You’re not planning anything, are you?” I glanced at the calendar on my phone—only seven days until the heat apocalypse. Time was short. “We either go to City Hall now, or I walk away. Your choice, Daniel.” My son, with a disdainful look, urged: “Who cares if she’s planning something? This old woman isn’t fit to be my mom!” “You need to divorce her so I can recognize Olivia as my mom!” Olivia gave Daniel a shy, coy look. Daniel shivered and eagerly drove us to City Hall. On the way, Daniel was grinning foolishly, while my son didn’t even glance at me, nestled in Olivia’s arms, full of attachment. I fought the urge to drive the car off the overpass with the three of them inside. In the last life, when the heatwave hit, Daniel and Olivia locked me in the basement, leaving me to suffer and die from the heat. This time, I swore they would pay for their blood debts.

When dividing the assets, I only took my savings card, which had 400,000 yuan. Daniel couldn’t help but boast, “Look how good I am to you. You’ve freeloaded for so many years, and I never asked for rent.” Internally, I was full of scorn, controlling the urge to slap him. “Since you were so sensible and agreed to divorce, I’ll give you an extra 100,000, so you don’t end up scavenging on the streets.” I gladly accepted the 100,000 yuan Daniel transferred. You can have issues with fools, but never with money. Besides, I knew Daniel was quite wealthy now. Three days ago, he won a thirty million lottery prize. He wanted to live with Olivia before claiming the prize, so he schemed to divorce me. In my past life, I had no idea. I thought I had a decent husband and a third-grade son, so I tried to protect my family as much as possible. Until I saw Olivia posting intimate photos with Daniel on my Snapchat feed, with the caption: “After years apart, after life’s twists and turns, it’s still you.” Daniel’s smiling face in the photo was a stark contrast to his usual impatient demeanor. I thought of how the whole family treated me after Olivia returned: Daniel mocked me for always asking for money and having no self-respect. My elementary school son despised me for not letting him play video games or eat snacks, calling me a “bad woman.” In the previous life, I rushed to the scene, gave Olivia a slap, and called her a “homewrecking sl*t,” only to be locked in the basement by them. One slap couldn’t make up for the pain of being roasted alive! I wanted them to die a hundred, a thousand times more painfully than I did! After leaving City Hall, I watched as my son jumped into Olivia’s arms. Daniel joyfully led them both away, the family of three laughing like they were on top of the world. Laugh now, but soon you won’t be able to.

Back home, I immediately began planning how to purchase supplies to protect myself. Halfway through my plan, Daniel returned with our son. Seeing his smug, satisfied expression, I guessed he had claimed the thirty million. I couldn’t be bothered to deal with the two of them and continued drawing and writing on my tablet. My son ran over, shouting, “I want to go to Miami with Dad. Hurry up and pack our things!” “I’m not your nanny. Find someone else to do it.” My son angrily threw a water cup at me, “You’re my mom; you have to do everything for me! Or I’ll have Dad hit you.” The shattered glass cut my leg. Looking at my son’s righteous expression, I felt like killing this little brat. Before having him, I was a high-ranking executive. But because he couldn’t be left alone, I became a stay-at-home mom for ten years. In the last life, when the heatwave hit, they lived comfortably off the resources I stockpiled, while I was left to die in the basement. I begged my son for a way out. But to please Olivia, he blocked the basement vent, letting me pass out. I didn’t die instantly. I watched them take a cleaver to me, heard them greedily shout: “Get a bowl to catch it! We can drink the blood!” “She’s over 100 pounds, enough for us to drink for a while!” My son jumped first to bite into my vein. Take a step back, and the sea will be vast. But the more I endured, the angrier I got. I slapped my son, swelling his cheek. He tried to bite me, yelling for me to go back to the countryside. I glanced at Daniel, who was watching the drama, and calmly said: “If you don’t control the kid, I won’t get the marriage certificate in thirty days.” Only then did Daniel intervene, “You gave birth to him. What’s wrong with packing his clothes?” “Did I reproduce asexually?” Daniel couldn’t out-argue me, so he awkwardly packed some short sleeves and shorts, dragging our son, who made faces at me, out the door. He pretended to be affectionate, asking me to stay for a while. I didn’t agree. The city apartment would soon lose water and power in the apocalypse, not only becoming useless but also making us targets for neighbors. This time, let it be the Smith family’s grave!

Once Daniel and my son left, I wasted no time rummaging through the basement. During the three special years, I developed a habit of hoarding supplies. I had stored quite a bit of food in the basement. This time, I’m taking everything! Twenty cases of bottled water? In the heatwave, water is most precious—must take! Seven bags of rice, flour, and oil? I went through hell to get these into the basement, so I’m taking them home! The vegetables growing on the balcony? They’re my hard work; no way I’m leaving them for those jerks! Light summer clothes and quilts…wear clothes and cover with quilts in the heat? I packed them into the donation box downstairs, leaving only long sleeves and thick quilts for the Smiths. I also picked up a hammer from the toolbox and gave the air conditioner a few whacks. The already-broken unit let out a few whimpers. I hope the three of them have good endurance, wearing long sleeves at 149 degrees Fahrenheit, with nothing to eat or drink, and still thrive. While emptying the house, I spotted the familiar cleaver. My son loves meat, so I used it to chop bones. But in the past life, it became the tool they used to dismember me and drink my blood. After a moment’s pause, I took it from the cabinet and placed it on the counter. Finally, I looked around the seemingly unchanged house, now empty of supplies. I ordered several surveillance cameras, installing them in hidden spots. Once everything was done, it was past 2 PM. I didn’t care about the heat outside and quickly drove back to my hometown with my things. I’m an orphan. My parents died when I was in high school, leaving me a plot of land. The villagers were kind, pooling together to support me through college. Before giving birth, I worked hard despite Daniel’s objections, building a three-story villa in my hometown. On the day it was completed, I went door-to-door, bowing and repaying the money. When the foundation was laid, most villagers helped. They used the best materials and installed eight solar panels. To avoid potential wild animals from the mountains, they even set up an electric fence around the house. Afraid I’d neglect it for long periods, the villagers planted vegetables and dug a well, maintaining it often. Even though it was 95 degrees Fahrenheit, I stood in the garden full of fruits, laughing out loud. Thanks to my stubbornness back then, this well-equipped countryside villa by the mountains is my strongest support against the heat apocalypse and my hope for rescuing villagers. With a week left until the apocalypse, I began checking the villa’s hardware. I contacted workers to install a water filtration system and bought several home-use large batteries and power banks. Even if the solar panels broke, I could manage with self-generated power. Enough cooling sources were needed. Though the house came with a complete ventilation system, I bought seven or eight stand fans, pairing them with humidifiers to ensure comfort during the apocalypse. With just a week left until the apocalypse, I began assessing the condition of my cottage’s hardware. I reached out to workers to set up a water filtration system and purchased several large home batteries and power banks. This way, even if the solar panels fail, I can still rely on alternative power sources. I also need sufficient cooling options. Although my house is equipped with a complete ventilation AC system, I wasn’t completely reassured, so I bought seven or eight stand fans and matching humidifiers to ensure I can stay cool even after the world ends. The home freezers weren’t enough. I bought an entire row of commercial freezers from the shelves, placing three on each floor of the basement. Thankfully, my house is spacious enough, so storing all this equipment didn’t make it feel cramped. After reviewing my home’s layout, I ordered five extra-large water barrels, four home fish tanks, a row of breeding cages, and a set of indoor gardening tools. I arranged for the workers to deliver these the next day. After purchasing all these items, I found myself out of money. I didn’t hesitate and quickly downloaded loan apps on my phone, borrowing nearly a million from them. By the time the water filtration system was installed, it was already late at night. I hastily ate a meal and lay in bed to rest, preparing for the challenges ahead. The next day, I started stocking up on essentials. Not knowing how long the extreme heat apocalypse would last, I bought items focusing on quantity rather than cost.

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After landing a huge project for the company, I received a ring from my boyfriend. Excited, I posted it on Ins, thinking he was finally going to make our relationship official. But then, his newly hired assistant slapped me, sending my workstation crashing down. “You’re a director, for crying out loud! Stealing a gift my husband gave me? Have some shame!” My boyfriend didn’t just stand there; he agreed, saying I was unworthy of the position. Right there, in front of everyone, he announced that his assistant would take over the big project I’d just secured. That’s when it hit me. He wasn’t going to make us official. It was her. Suddenly, everyone in the office was holding up their phones, enjoying the drama. But I wasn’t angry. Instead, I just smiled, pushing my ID badge into the assistant’s hands. “Oh, so you’re the CEO’s secret weapon, his capable lady? Consider this director position my apology gift. May you two live a long, happy life together.” My colleagues stared, shocked by my bizarre behavior. Liam, my closest co-worker, grabbed my arm, whispering, “Don’t be impulsive, Harper. A lost project is just a lost project; we can land another.” But he didn’t know the full story. I wasn’t being impulsive at all. Yesterday, walking past Julian’s office, I’d overheard his assistant, Chloe, clinging to him. “Julian, I want to make something of myself. Give me this new project you’ve landed. I promise I’ll do a great job and make you proud.” Back then, I just brushed it off. Julian and I had been in a secret relationship for seven years. I’d turned down offers from big corporations to help him build this company from the ground up. I’d secured ninety percent of all the company’s projects. He knew better than anyone how tough the journey had been, and he was always so principled. There was no way he’d ever mess with something as important as a project. Plus, he absolutely despised opportunists, having had a project stolen from him by a suck-up once before. So, when I saw the ring Julian gave me today, I thought he’d finally realized I was the best for him, that he was ready to settle down and marry me. I never expected Chloe to twist the narrative, painting me as a thief and completely humiliating me. And I certainly didn’t expect Julian to abandon all his principles for Chloe, who’d only been working here for a few months. If that’s how it was, there was nothing left for me in this dump of a company. Julian still had no idea I’d seen through their childish little scheme. He probably thought I was just jealous. He frowned at me. “What’s with the snarky comments?” Ever since Chloe showed up, he’d looked at me with this strange prejudice. This time, I didn’t waste my breath. I simply said, “Don’t overthink it, Julian. I really did give it to her.” Both him, and the job. I gave them both to her. I wasn’t planning on sticking around, but just as I was about to leave, Julian, his face cold, dragged me into his office. The office wasn’t big, and the walls weren’t soundproof. The moment he closed the door, the employees outside, eager for more drama, started buttering up Chloe, chatting excitedly about when she and Julian would get married and have kids. Chloe, feigning shyness, replied, “That depends on Julian. He hasn’t officially proposed yet.” She was playing the part of his official girlfriend perfectly, and with Julian’s silent approval, everyone believed her. Julian, hearing this, paused mid-pour with a glass of water. A flicker of guilt crossed his face. He usually acted so dominant, but now, he softened his tone, a rare occurrence, and tried to explain. “Chloe’s just a kid; she doesn’t know any better. She probably said that just for fun. Don’t take it to heart.” “She has relatives at the client company. We wouldn’t have landed this project if it weren’t for her.” I shot him a withering look. Unbelievable! Thunder Corporation, our client, had a professional tech department. They didn’t need outsourcing, which was why they’d initially rejected our collaboration. It was me who wouldn’t give up. I begged and pleaded, sending thoughtful gifts, just to get a meeting with their representative. He generously gave me thirty seconds, and I seized that opportunity to pitch our product. Seeing my expertise, he tried to poach me with a high salary. When that didn’t work, he finally agreed to work with us. I’d pulled all-nighters, traveled everywhere for this project, and he saw none of it. Chloe made one casual remark, and he believed her. If he’d used even a tiny bit of common sense, he’d realize that if Chloe truly had such powerful connections, she wouldn’t be working as an assistant in this small, struggling company. Or maybe he knew all along and was just pretending to be naive. Seeing my prolonged silence, Julian looked down for a moment, then stood up to make me a cup of coffee. He leaned close to my ear, whispering, “It’s all an act with her. You’re the only one I’ll ever marry.” In the past, whenever we fought, his soft voice and promises would always make me forgive him, no matter what. So, he probably thought it would be the same this time. He waved his hand dismissively. “Just go back to work. I’ve got the project covered.” But what he didn’t know was, I didn’t want him anymore. I scraped my chair back and stood up. “No need to go through all that trouble. I’m leaving.” With that, I pulled out a resignation form, filled it out quickly, and without a moment’s hesitation, turned and walked out of the office.

Seeing me go, Chloe rushed to block my path, feigning distress. “Harper, I know you’re an industry expert. You’re right, I don’t deserve this Head of Tech position. Here, take it back.” She grabbed the ID badge and tried to shove it into my hands. I simply pushed her away gently, but she stumbled backward, knocking over a chair and sending a computer crashing to the floor, startling everyone. Chloe got up, brushing off the concerned colleagues with a dismissive wave, saying she was fine. Julian, disturbed by the commotion, sprinted over. After making sure Chloe was okay, he glared at me, a frown on his face. “Harper, don’t think you can do whatever you want just because you’re an old employee.” Hearing him, my colleagues, who’d been watching, immediately chimed in. “That’s right, Harper. Change is good for the company. You shouldn’t bully new people just because you’ve been here a long time.” And the worst of it came from Leo, my apprentice, whom I’d personally mentored. “So what if you’ve landed a few projects? You think you’re the boss now?” “Are you addicted to forming cliques? You even look down on a genius like Chloe?” We’d worked together for years. I was the top salesperson. Everyone used to greet me respectfully. Now, they were all staring at me with schadenfreude, practically wishing me gone. Whatever. Let them say what they want. I wasn’t sticking around to entertain them. I walked out of the company without a word. Julian jogged after me. Once we were away from prying eyes, he rubbed his forehead and said, “You’ve just been too stressed lately. I’ll approve some time off for you. Take a break.” “Today is our seven-year anniversary. Wait for me at home, I’ve got a surprise planned.” Just as he finished speaking, the elevator arrived. I stepped in without saying a word. Back home, I made myself something to eat. I didn’t wait for him specifically, and he didn’t come back until it was dark. I put on my shoes, got ready to meet the client representative, but on my way, I bumped into a colleague. This guy, somewhat slow on the uptake, hadn’t distanced himself from me like the others. He greeted me warmly. “Harper, are you going to the promotion party Julian is throwing for Chloe? Let’s go together, we can split the ride fare!” He happily mumbled about not having to squeeze onto the subway, but I shook my head. “No.” He looked at me awkwardly. “Julian didn’t invite you?” I nodded curtly and walked away. I faintly heard him grumbling, “Julian always plays favorites,” but I didn’t look back. He didn’t play favorites. He just favored Chloe. He’d do anything for Chloe, and breaking plans with me wasn’t new. Once, when I was hospitalized with pneumonia, he said he’d come visit after his meeting. I waited until dawn, but he only arrived late, claiming he was working late, when in reality, he was with Chloe, watching a movie. Another time, we’d planned a couple’s photoshoot. I waited in my dress until the studio closed, and he showed up leisurely, claiming he was delayed by work, but he was actually taking Chloe shopping for new clothes. The list of such incidents was endless. Every time I questioned him, he’d act like “work is most important” and scold me. This kind of relationship was exhausting. At the coffee shop, the client representative looked at the progress report I handed in and exclaimed, “Harper, are you really not considering a jump? I could offer you ten times your salary.” This time, I didn’t refuse. The client representative happily told me we could negotiate any terms. After discussing the benefits package, I returned home. Julian was already sitting on the sofa, waiting for me with takeout. He’d stood me up again. Usually, he’d offer a million excuses, but this time he said nothing. After a moment of silence, he pushed the container towards me. “You must be tired today, too. Don’t bother cooking. Just heat this up; it’s still good.” I glanced down. Inside the plastic container, various dishes were piled together without any aesthetic appeal—some stir-fried, some boiled, and even a soggy piece of what looked like day-old cake floating in soup. Clearly, it was just leftovers, haphazardly packed. He didn’t even bother separating them, just crammed them into one big container. The sight alone was nauseating. I waved him off. “No thanks, I’ve already eaten.” Julian looked at me deeply. Usually so cold, he now reached out, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I’m sorry. She just got promoted, and as her boss, I had to acknowledge it somehow.” “I know you felt wronged today. Let’s go register our marriage this weekend.” I scoffed internally. He made it sound so good. When I was promoted to director, I excitedly offered to host my own promotion party. But I waited anxiously in the private room, the waiters reheated the food five times, and not a single colleague dared to show up until the restaurant closed. I sent message after message, but they all went unanswered. A kind colleague discreetly asked if I’d somehow offended the CEO. I was baffled at the time, only finding out later. While I was out of the office, he’d coldly reprimanded every colleague who said they were coming to my party. “Do you have too little work? Are you just idling around?” “All you do is think about eating, drinking, and having fun? Is this company paying you wastes to sit around? You might as well just quit!” The memory made me pull his restless hand from my waist. I spoke coldly. “No need. Julian, we’re done.”

The atmosphere in the room froze instantly. Julian gasped, his suppressed emotions finally exploding. “I did all this for the company’s development! Other girlfriends would be thrilled, why can’t you get it, Harper?” I ignored his twisted logic. He, however, continued to ramble on, as usual, about the importance of the company’s growth, promising me a place once the company went public. My ears were bleeding from his lectures. I raised a hand to cut him off. “No need. I’m packing my things and leaving right now.” Julian had wielded his authority as a boss for so many years; this was the first time he’d ever been interrupted. His face flushed with anger. He glared at me for a long time before snorting. “Fine! Then I’ll leave!” He slammed the door shut as he left. I didn’t chase after him. I quietly packed my belongings. The client had arranged a free, luxurious single staff apartment for me, ready for immediate move-in. Just as I finished packing and called the moving company, I coincidentally saw Chloe dropping Julian off at his place. They were walking hand-in-hand, laughing and chatting. Julian had shed his usual cold, distant CEO persona, looking down at Chloe with utmost tenderness, completely smitten. Chloe noticed me first and deliberately squeezed his hand tighter. Julian sensed something was off, followed her gaze, and quickly released her hand. He walked towards me, instinctively starting to explain, but when he saw me loading my things into the car, he paused, then changed his question. “It’s so late. Where are you going?” Was he blind? Didn’t he see the huge “Moving Company” logo on the truck? I was about to continue moving my stuff. But Julian blocked my path and suddenly shoved a bag of clothes he was carrying into my hands. Seeing me unresponsive, he pulled out a shirt and held it up against me. “I know you’ve been busy and haven’t had time to shop. I just picked this up for you when I passed by the mall.” For me? This designer shirt was clearly not my size. A receipt peeking out from the bag showed Julian’s credit card number and a price of over ten thousand dollars. He hadn’t “just picked it up for me.” He’d specifically taken Chloe to the store to choose it! He sure was generous. Just two days ago, I bought a two-hundred-dollar shirt and asked him if it looked good. He coldly lectured me for over an hour, calling me wasteful, rambling about how hard it was to make money, and saying that strong ability was more important than fancy clothes. And now? Now making money was easy, huh? My hands in my pockets, I looked at them coldly. “No thanks. As they say, ‘clothes make the man, saddles make the horse, and a bell makes a dog run happily.’ Keep such expensive clothes for Director Chloe.” Chloe, who had been holding the clothes, froze for a moment. When she realized what I’d said, she furiously threw the clothes down. “How dare you insult me?” Her eyes red, she glared at me, charging forward to strike. I didn’t move. One slap sent her sprawling to the ground. “Not just that. I dare to hit you, too.” Chloe’s slender limbs were like matchsticks. The only reason she’d managed to hit me earlier was because I was caught off guard. Now, I’d returned the favor. Julian cried out, clutching Chloe protectively in his arms. “Harper! Let’s talk this out! Why would you hit her?” “If you want to leave, then leave! Don’t you dare come back!” He didn’t need to say it. I wasn’t planning on coming back. I turned and got into the moving truck, speeding off towards my new life.

After leaving, I joined Thunder Corporation directly, entrusted with a vital role. Stepping into Julian’s company again, this time as the client, I was welcomed by the receptionist. As I reached the office area, I saw Chloe, wearing the director’s ID badge, bustling between employee workstations, looking very important. “Make this logo a bit bigger, but also a bit smaller at the same time.” “I told you to adjust the black, but not pure black. I meant that iridescent black, like a raven’s wing.” “After looking at everything, the first version is still better overall. But I like the font from the seventh version, and the color from the sixteenth… Finish it today and send it to me.” The workstations were filled with resentment. Someone couldn’t help but talk back. “This design was already approved by the client. The main problem now is program stability.” Chloe snorted. “The client is just a nouveau riche. What does he know about true art?” “I’m the director, you listen to me. With my superior aesthetic, the client will definitely be satisfied, and maybe even happy enough to give us more money.” Please! Their company was developing a new system to provide convenience for users, not to host an online art exhibition! And besides, with those garish, hard-to-read fonts, were they trying to boost business for eye doctors? The fact that Chloe, with her level of competence, was given such importance explained why the company’s performance was plummeting. The program crashed as soon as it ran, and the quality was a total joke. Some colleagues noticed me. Their former hostile gazes had turned into pleading looks. As for Leo, my apprentice who’d spoken such harsh words, he’d already been kicked out of the core creative team, relegated to buying coffee and running errands with his own money. Chloe glanced at me with disdain. “I guess I’ll have to suggest to Julian that we add a security position. Otherwise, any riff-raff can just walk into the company.” Mia, the receptionist, bowed slightly, about to remind her to watch her words, that I was here representing the client. The next second, Julian strode past me, his leather shoes clicking. Assuming I was here to apologize, he scoffed. “Well, well! If it isn’t Director Harper! Realized it’s hard to find work out there, did you? Thinking of coming back?” Chloe snickered, feigning kindness. “I think highly of Harper’s abilities. I believe we could give her a manager position. If she works hard under me, she’ll surely achieve something great soon enough.” Julian crossed his arms, looking at me with contempt. “Manager? She doesn’t deserve it!” “Coming back isn’t impossible, but she’ll have to start from scratch as a basic employee, with half the salary and all performance bonuses cut.” The other colleagues gasped, quickly distancing themselves from me, afraid of catching bad luck. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Julian still had no idea that I’d transformed into his client, no longer the obedient tag-along he could order around. Julian raised an eyebrow, curious. “What’s so funny?” I quietly pulled a contract from my briefcase and slapped it onto the desk. “Let’s reintroduce ourselves. I am Harper James, Head of Technology at Thunder Corporation.” “And I’m here to inform you…” “Project suspended. Contract terminated!”

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At the reunion, they thought I was a disposable wife— poor background, no backing, easy to bully. My husband had the divorce papers ready. His mistress brought money, threats, and hired men. Everyone waited for me to collapse. I simply made one phone call. During the Christmas break, my husband insisted that I accompany him to a class reunion. By the time we arrived at the hotel, most of the classmates were already there. The parking lot was filled with luxury cars, making our humble domestic car seem rather out of place. As we approached the entrance, I overheard some derogatory comments, “I just don’t get it. Back in school, Lucas was quite the big shot, how did he end up with someone like Evelyn…” Although the conversation cut off abruptly, the dismissive tone was unmistakable. In the face of such provocation, my husband, who should have stood up for me, was all smiles, chatting with classmates as though I wasn’t even there. After the banquet, the former campus beauty slowly approached and took my husband’s Grantd. “Evelyn, I’m quite interested in your husband. Would you let him go? You can set any condition.” I laughed instead of getting angry. “You might want to rethink that—divorcing me isn’t without consequences.” “Oh wow, you’ve become quite eloquent over the years.” “The money is a token of appreciation for taking care of Lucas all these years, think of it as compensation.” “Do you really think you can threaten me with talk of jail? Do you know my standing in New York?” Just as I was about to respond, I saw my husband pulling the campus beauty into an embrace. “Qingqing, just take the money; it’s better for everyone.” Watching them hold Grantds, a cold laugh escaped me. “So, you two have been planning this for a while, huh?” Lucas had been calling me repeatedly, urging me to attend today’s reunion. Now I see they planned to make me publicly agree to a divorce. No wonder he hasn’t been close to me since our marriage; he had someone else in mind. As soon as I finished speaking, Lucas’s expression cGrantged. “What nonsense! Vivian and I are truly in love!” “If she hadn’t been forced to study abroad back then, we’d be together now.” I was utterly shocked by his words. Everyone at school knew she dumped Lucas, and now it’s a mutual love story? I don’t know why they got back together, but at this moment, Lucas is still legally my husband. I couldn’t swallow this insult. “Lucas, do you realize how serious infidelity in marriage is?” I spoke while looking him straight in the eye, but he couldn’t meet my gaze. Then, the beauty threw herself onto him, looking pitiful, and said: “Stop with the nonsense. You’re just unhappy because the money isn’t enough.” “Name your price. I’m not short on cash!” Facing such a once-glamorous but now somewhat plump campus beauty, I felt like I was watching a joke. “Vivian, let me remind you, if Lucas agrees to a divorce today, you both will be facing legal consequences.” Before I finished, Lucas anxiously said, “Stop with the scare tactics. What could you possibly do to us?” “Since marrying you, we barely met, who knows what you’ve been up to.” “To be honest, if you hadn’t pursued me back then, don’t expect a penny.” If not for his unique status, I’d have slapped him. Lucas’s words drew laughter from the crowd. “See? It’s always said that your abilities determine your partner. A woman like Evelyn, lacking background and presence, is destined to lose her husband.” “Right? Dressed so plainly, how dare she show up here.” “When it comes to wealth and influence, the Vivian family’s daughter is generous with money and has strong backing.” Everyone was flattering the former beauty, and no one stood up for me. To them, I was just a clown for their amusement. Such friends and reunions—better to avoid them.

Ignoring their sneers, I intended to leave. But before I could stand, a Grantd pressed on my shoulder. “Trying to leave? Did you get my permission?” Vivian looked at me with a smug smile and disdain in her eyes. “Evelyn, you have two choices today: take the money and divorce, or I’ll beat you until you do.” “Think carefully and choose one.” Hearing Vivian’s words, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you sure you want me to choose?” Vivian, still not realizing the trouble she was in, remained smug. “Of course, as long as you divorce your husband, I promise you’ll have a good life afterward.” Suppressing the anger within, I said slowly: “I can divorce Lucas, and I don’t want the money, but…” I paused deliberately. “You must first let me make a call because the divorce isn’t solely my decision.” Vivian laughed heartily after hearing me. “Evelyn, you really think you’re someone important, don’t you? Giving you the choice was a courtesy, not a negotiation.” “No matter who you call, you must divorce today, understand?” I detected the threat in her tone but didn’t care, finding it almost amusing. “I’ve already said, I agree to divorce Lucas.” “But this needs approval from higher-ups; I can’t decide alone.” Vivian’s face cGrantged, ready to get rough, but Lucas stopped her. “Dear, we’re magnanimous, let’s not fuss over this.” “Let her make the call. My heart has long been set on you; nothing others say matters.” Lucas thought I was just stalling, looking very pleased with himself. I was about to argue back, but he continued: “Evelyn, don’t say I didn’t warn you, no matter who you call, I intend to divorce today.” I believed I was a good wife to Lucas after marriage. I Grantded over my monthly stipend without fail. He never worked or did chores, spending days shopping and playing mahjong. Despite being home only once a year, he was still unsatisfied. At this moment, my last bit of affection for him vanished completely. “Lucas, don’t flatter yourself, I never intended to persuade you, I just find it disgusting.” “But you and Vivian, I hope after this call, you won’t regret it.” “Because by then, no one will be able to save you.” I thought about giving her a friendly warning, but some people just don’t appreciate it. Like the campus beauty, Vivian. “Evelyn, you’re still putting on airs in front of me, who will regret it?” Vivian was about to continue, but I waved my Grantd to stop her. “Fine, your words are enough.” Then, I pulled out my phone and called my leader.

“Hello, sir, it’s Evelyn.” The person on the other end chuckled upon hearing my voice. “Evelyn? Why are you calling now?” “Sir, there’s a situation I need to report.” I briefly explained how Vivian was forcing me to divorce my husband at the reunion. As soon as I finished, I heard the sound of a glass shattering from the other end. “Who’s bold enough to force you into divorce?” Vivian grabbed the phone. “Listen up, I don’t care what your relationship with Evelyn is, I want her husband, and no one can stop me.” “You’d better mind your own business, or you’ll end up in trouble too!” The leader paused for a few seconds before speaking. “Are you the one forcing Evelyn to divorce?” Vivian, still unaware of who was on the other end, was as arrogant as ever. “That’s right, it’s me.” “Look around New York, anything Vivian wants, she gets.” “A man is nothing; he’s mine, who can stop me?” After saying that, she tossed the phone to the ground and stomped on it several times. It was my first time witnessing such audacity. “Now that you’ve made the call, fulfill your promise.” Lucas, holding Vivian with one Grantd, Grantded me a divorce agreement with the other. “I’ve got all the paperwork ready, just sign.” Looking at the stack of documents on the table confirmed my suspicions. Lucas had been cheating for a while. Facing someone like him, I had no mercy. I signed my name without hesitation and Grantded it back. Lucas looked at me in surprise. “Evelyn, what does this mean?” I looked up at him with a cold tone. “What? Isn’t this what you wanted all along?” “Now I’ve granted your wish, signed and stamped, and you’re blaming me?” “Sign it quickly, before Vivian loses interest in you too.” Lucas’s face turned red with anger. “Fine! I’ll sign, as if I’d miss you!” He immediately signed the divorce papers. Thus, our five-year marriage finally ended. I signed my name without a second thought and Grantded the papers back to him. Lucas looked at me, eyes wide. “Evelyn, what are you doing?” I met his gaze, my voice icy. “What do you mean? Wasn’t it you who wanted this divorce from the beginning?” “Now I’ve given you what you wanted—signed the papers and left my fingerprint—and you’re still blaming me.” “Just sign it already, so Vivian doesn’t leave you too.” Lucas flushed with anger. “Fine! I’ll sign it. It’s not like I care about you!” He signed the divorce agreement without hesitation. Our five-year marriage was finally over. Watching him sign, I felt no regret, only a weight lifted off my shoulders. “I’ve signed the papers, and now you’re free. Can I leave?” “Hold on!” Vivian blocked my way, grinning maliciously. “Now that the two of you are done, it’s time for us.” 0

Hearing Vivian, I narrowed my eyes. Her expression darkened. “You were the one who got me expelled from school, weren’t you?” “If it weren’t for you, my father wouldn’t have sent me abroad, and Lucas wouldn’t have been forced to marry you.” “Evelyn, did you know? I spent three whole years abroad, plotting revenge against that snitch, until Lucas told me the truth.” Vivian slammed her Grantd on the table. “Evelyn! I’ve waited for this day for so long!” Even as Vivian’s arrogance filled the room, I maintained a faint smile. “You’re right, I reported you.” “But I don’t think I was wrong. You were always causing trouble, fighting, even breaking someone’s leg.” “For people like you, I report every time without hesitation.” Vivian’s face twisted in rage. “I admire your arrogance.” “Evelyn, do you know why I called you back?” “This isn’t just a class reunion. I’m here for revenge.” Vivian snapped her fingers, and a dozen well-built men in black burst into the private booth. They looked ready for a fight. I leaned back, tapping my fingers on the table. “Vivian, this is your last cGrantce. Think it over.” “If you touch me today, you won’t be able to Grantdle the consequences.” “Even if you have the entire Harrington family backing you…” The sycopGrantts around us erupted in laughter. “Did you hear that? Evelyn thinks the Harrington family wouldn’t dare cross her.” “This is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. A nobody challenging the elite Harrington family from the capital!” My former classmates quickly took sides, verbally attacking me to curry favor with Vivian. Lucas joined in. “Evelyn, what are you shouting about? Look in the mirror and see what you’re like.” “Forget Vivian, anyone here could put you in your place.” I took a deep breath and slowly removed my wedding ring. “Lucas, from now on, we have nothing to do with each other.” “As for Vivian, she’ll pay for her actions today.” Vivian sneered. “You? Make me pay?” “I’m in charge here. Even if I beat you to death, no one would dare arrest me.” The crowd burst into laughter again. Seeing the familiar faces, I felt a profound sense of disappointment. Is this what they call classmate camaraderie? I was a top student, but I never felt superior. I always answered questions patiently. Now, all I get is mockery and disdain. They don’t deserve to be called “classmates”! Seeing me silent, Vivian thought I was afraid, becoming even more brazen. “Stupid woman, either kowtow and apologize in front of the class, and we’ll let it go.” “Or get your legs broken and crawl out.” My eyes turned cold. “Vivian, you’ve crossed the line too many times. Do you really think you’re untouchable?” Instead of backing down, Vivian got even more arrogant. “Look at the men behind me. Any one of them could knock you down.” “Quit pretending. Even if the king himself came, you’d still have to kneel!” Just then, the booth door opened, and a large man entered. Vivian quickly adjusted her clothes and greeted him with a fawning smile. “Mr. Carter, what brings you here?” Hearing her call him that, everyone turned pale. Lucas retreated to a corner. I remained seated, fingers tapping the table. Mr. Carter scanned the room, and everyone fell silent. He spoke slowly, “Whose Porsche is parked outside?” 0 Everyone turned to look at me. Vivian looked like she wanted to punch me. “Evelyn, are you deaf? Mr. Carter is talking to you! How can you sit there unmoving?”

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My fiancé took me to Las Vegas. I thought it was a vacation. A week later, I was locked in an underground casino, beaten bloody, and left behind to pay off his debt. He ran away with my foster sister. They thought I was finished. But when we met again, I kissed the casino’s owner— right in front of him. “Where’s that bitch? Bring her to me!” I cowered in the corner of the room, trembling. The locked door was being kicked in, one forceful blow after another. A week ago, I never would have imagined that the Las Vegas trip my fiancé planned would lead me to an underground casino. He and Vivian gambled recklessly day and night, but in the end, I was the one who suffered the consequences. With a loud crash, the door flew open. Several burly men in black clothes rushed in. I held up a lamp to shield myself, looking at them fearfully. “Please don’t come any closer. Ethan has gone to get money. He’ll pay off the debt soon!” The leader spat on the ground contemptuously. “Stop lying to me, girl. I fell for your trick last night, thinking they’d pay up if we kept you here. But that bastard ran off with his girlfriend!” “What? They abandoned me and ran away?” “Don’t play dumb. I bet you’re all in on this scheme together!” Cold sweat trickled down my forehead. The “bastard” their leader mentioned was my fiancé Ethan, and the woman who left with him was Vivian, my foster sister who had taken my place in the family for over a decade. They had actually conspired to leave me stranded here alone? “Boss, stop wasting time talking. Let’s teach this little bitch a lesson.” At the leader’s signal, several thugs surrounded me. With a flick of their wrists, they knocked the lamp out of my hands and roughly pinned me to the table. “Don’t touch me! Get away!” In my struggle, I accidentally kicked one of them in the shin. Immediately, a hand slapped me hard across the face. My cheek swelled instantly, and I tasted blood in my mouth. These men were brutal – if I didn’t think of something fast, I might actually die here! The leader approached me with a whip, tapping my face with the handle. “Behave yourself. I’ll show you what happens when you don’t pay your debts!” “Please, I have money! I can pay off the debt, just let me go!” “You think I’d still believe that crap? If you really had money, why would they leave you behind?” As I frantically searched for a way out, I noticed the leader’s phone screen. There was a contact labeled “Casino Owner”. When I saw the number, my eyes widened in shock. I knew that number by heart – it was Julian’s!

Julian was my adoptive parents’ biological son. Before I was reunited with my birth family, he had cherished and spoiled me for over a decade. He even plastered his room with my photos without my knowledge, harboring secret feelings for me. “Your boss is Julian?” I blurted out. “Well, well, you’ve done your homework. This whole casino is the boss’s private business. Not many people know that.” My heart steadied. I shouted at them, “Julian is my brother! We’re on the same side! Let me go now, and I can explain this misunderstanding to him!” The leader exchanged glances with his men, their faces twisted in mockery. Then, he kicked me hard. “How dare a piece of trash like you pretend to be the young miss! You don’t know your place. The young miss is the boss’s weak spot. You know what happened to the last person who tried to use her name? It’d scare you to death!” “Jay, bring me my club. I’m going to teach this audacious woman a lesson for the boss!” The kick left me dizzy, but I persisted through the pain: “I am your young miss! If you don’t believe me, call Julian here to see for himself!” Just then, the leader’s phone rang. The caller was Julian. I broke free from the thugs’ grip and lunged for the leader’s phone. “Give it to me! Let me talk to Julian. He’ll recognize my voice!” The leader slapped me hard and pointed at me, ordering me to shut up. His men pinned me down again. He gave them a look, then answered the phone obsequiously as he walked out. “Hello, boss. I was just dealing with a deadbeat gambler. What can I do for you?” I tried to shout, but only got half a syllable out before a rag was stuffed in my mouth. “We told you to shut up, you stubborn bitch!” Someone shoved me to the ground, and the others started kicking and punching me. I curled up in a fetal position, nearly passing out from the pain. The gag in my mouth prevented me from even crying out. Julian had always pampered me since childhood. He’d worry for days over a tiny scratch on my hand. His indulgence had made me proud and willful. Even after I returned to my birth family, I never suffered any hardships due to my personality. I wondered how Julian would react if he saw me in this pitiful state. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, the leader returned with his phone, looking anxious. “Stop! Stop right now!”

The rain of fists finally ceased. “What’s wrong, boss?” The leader gave me a contemptuous look. “Don’t waste any more time on this woman. The boss says the young miss is missing. She was last seen at our casino. Gather all our men to search for her immediately.” I was stunned, my head still spinning from the beating. Julian had been keeping tabs on my whereabouts even after I left, and he noticed I was missing? I propped myself up on shaky arms, making muffled sounds through the gag. One of the thugs kicked me. “Quiet!” “Boss, what should we do with this woman?” The leader’s face was grim as he pondered. “The boss is already on a plane, coming to look for the young miss himself. This woman claimed she was the young miss earlier…” My face lit up with excitement. Great, Julian was coming! He would not only rescue me but also punish these blind fools. But the leader continued: “We absolutely cannot let the boss see her. He’s already anxious about not finding the young miss. If this crazy woman jumps out claiming to be her, it might set him off and he’ll take it out on us.” “You’re right, boss. Should we get rid of her?” The leader grabbed my chin, examining my face. “She is quite pretty, though.” “Lock her in solitary confinement for now. After the boss finds the young miss and leaves, we’ll train her to be a dealer to work off the debt.” I shook my head frantically upon hearing this. They wanted me to stay and become a dealer? I’d be trapped on this island forever! But no one cared about my opinion. They dragged me away like an animal, heading for the solitary confinement cell. No, this couldn’t happen. Julian was coming soon. I had to find a way to see him. This was my last chance. Once I was locked up, it would all be over! As the two men were about to lock me in the cell, I stumbled to my feet and used all my strength to slam into the door before it closed completely. Then I grabbed a metal pipe from the ground and swung it hard at one man’s head. He clutched his head and collapsed in pain. Before the other could restrain me, I smashed the pipe into his face. After dealing with these two, my adrenaline surged. I ran forward at an incredible speed, as if my life depended on it. The sound of a helicopter came from above. It was Julian. He had arrived!

I ran like a madwoman towards where the helicopter was landing. I saw the cabin door open. Julian slowly descended the steps. My heart was racing, but before I could make a sound, a rough hand clamped over my mouth. Then my hair was yanked back violently. “You little bitch, how dare you hit me! You must have a death wish!” It was the man whose head I had struck earlier. He had caught up! The leader was respectfully waiting to receive Julian. Noticing the commotion, he frowned and looked our way. He silently shook his head at the man holding me. I was immediately dragged behind a wall. Not far away, Julian had come down. He looked travel-worn and worried. The leader immediately went to greet him: “Boss, we’ve pulled all the surveillance footage as you instructed. We’ll definitely find clues about the young miss’s whereabouts.” “Take me to the surveillance room.” Julian strode forward, passing within arm’s reach of me. We were separated by just a wall. He suddenly paused, clenching his fist. As if speaking to me, or perhaps to himself, he said: “Elena, please be safe.” My face was covered in tears and blood. He was right in front of me, but I couldn’t make a sound. In the end, I was thrown into solitary confinement. To prevent me from escaping, they dislocated my arms, tied my legs, and gagged me tightly again. For the next few days, Julian didn’t come. The underground casino was dimly lit, and Ethan had kept me confined to the hotel room during our stay. My face probably wasn’t captured on any surveillance footage. My hope was slowly fading away. But early one morning, I heard hurried footsteps and Julian’s voice. “Boss, how can you be sure that person is the young miss just from seeing her back? Could you have made a mistake? She’s just a nobody left here to pay off a debt.” Julian’s voice was agitated and slightly panicked. “Enough! Where are you keeping her?” “In… in the solitary confinement cell up ahead.” He recognized me! Hope surged within me. I tried to make muffled sounds to get Julian’s attention. But the footsteps stopped about ten paces away from me. “Mr. Ashcroft, we just confirmed with the young miss’s fiancé. He said she’s already back in the country. She was never missing.” It was Julian’s assistant’s voice. “Where does her location show?” “Also in the country. It shows she returned three days ago, but it just synced up due to signal issues.” Ethan had taken my phone when he left with Vivian. It had a tracker Julian had installed. Now he was using the phone’s location to mislead Julian! The leader eagerly persuaded him: “Boss, you must have been mistaken. I knew that woman couldn’t possibly be the young miss!” Julian instructed his assistant: “Contact the pilot immediately to prepare for our return. I need to see Elena with my own eyes to be sure.” “Yes, sir.” Hearing Julian about to leave, I threw caution to the wind. I used all my strength to slam my head against the iron door of the cell, making a loud “bang”. Julian’s footsteps halted. His tone turned cold: “Who exactly is locked in there?” The gang leader forced a smile. “Boss, it’s just a troublesome woman. She’s not worth your attention. You should go find the young miss. I’ll deal with her later.” But Julian didn’t leave.

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