Category: English

Seraphina pushed open the booth door, just in time to hear a group of men inside discussing the brutal impact of first love. “Your turn, Julian, we’ve all spilled, you can’t back out now.” Hearing that name, Seraphina’s hand on the doorknob froze. After a long, heavy silence, Julian took a slow sip of his drink. A moment later, a low, husky voice, laced with the burn of his drink, finally broke the quiet. “I have her name tattooed near my heart. It’s never been removed.” “My biker jacket has a bloodstain from our very first time together. I’ve kept it, always.” “My current girlfriend? She’s her stand-in.” Each word struck Seraphina like a bolt of lightning. She felt her blood run cold, as if she’d plunged into an icy abyss. She, a mere stand-in for his first love?! The booth went silent for a beat, then erupted into a roar of cheers. “Holy sh*t, dude! That’s intense!” “Only you, Julian. You just won the whole damn game in three sentences. You’re a hopeless romantic, man.” “Heard Elara is returning from abroad soon. Since you’ve never forgotten her, won’t you two rekindle things? All those years of pining wouldn’t be for nothing. But what about your current girlfriend? Isn’t she your sister’s best friend? If you screw this up, they won’t even be friends anymore, will they?” Julian went silent, just for a beat. He didn’t answer. Seeing someone inside the booth about to step out, a pale Seraphina jolted awake. Her legs felt like jelly as she stumbled downstairs. Outside, it was pouring rain, but she walked right into it, as if she’d lost all sensation. The icy needles of rain lashed against her face, mixing with her own hot tears as they streamed down. Her eyes blurred with tears, the words she’d just heard echoing endlessly in her mind. Memories, like a slow tide, began to surge. Cole Remington was her best friend’s older brother, four years her senior. The first time she ever saw him, she and Skylar were cornered in an alley, being harassed by a group of bullies. They were at their wit’s end when Cole appeared on his motorcycle. He unlatched his helmet with a long, clean hand, his voice cool as he asked, “Are you the ones bothering my kid sister?” The moment he took off his helmet, revealing his face, Aurora Hayes felt her heart pound. Skylar had often gushed about her incredibly handsome older brother, but seeing him in person still took Aurora’s breath away. What was even more impressive was how effortlessly he took down the bullies with just a few high kicks, leaving them completely defeated. Back then, every girl in high school had a crush, except for her. But that day, she found hers. She fell for her best friend’s brother. As she entered college, her features matured and she grew into her looks. Egged on by Skylar, Aurora finally mustered the courage to pursue Cole. She prepared thoughtful breakfasts every day, constantly engineered “chance” encounters, and meticulously researched his hobbies to find topics of conversation. She pulled out all the stops, but Cole always treated her like a kid, distant and indifferent. Only occasionally would he lose himself for a moment, his gaze lingering on her face. It wasn’t until that day, when he was driving her home and an accident seemed imminent, that she threw herself in front of him without a second thought. Luckily, the brakes engaged just in time. She wasn’t seriously injured, just a nail-sized cut near her eye where it had grazed the seat. It was a minor scratch, but Cole was uncharacteristically agitated. He insisted on taking her to the hospital and repeatedly asked the doctor if it would scar. Only after receiving reassurance did he finally relax, then immediately scolded her, demanding to know why she’d lunged at him, asking if she had a death wish. Aurora looked at him, her eyes shining brightly, her affection completely unconcealed. “Because I like you, Cole.” Cole froze, then gave a cold, cynical smile. “Like? You’re just a kid. Do you even know what ‘like’ means? How long do you think that ‘like’ will last?” “Forever!” she declared without hesitation. “Cole, I’ll like you forever.” Perhaps it was the unwavering conviction in her tone, the sheer sincerity, that made Cole reach out for the first time and gently touch her cheek. He sighed, finally speaking the words she’d longed to hear. “Aurora, let’s give it a try.” From that day on, they were officially a couple. For three years, Cole, despite his reserved nature, was always there for her in the ways that mattered. Aurora never dared to ask for more. Until tonight, when a conversation she overheard shattered her self-made dream. The truth was, his occasional distracted stares at her face were because she was a substitute. The truth was, his fear of her face being injured was because she was a substitute. And the truth was, whenever they were intimate, he liked to look at her face… It was because she was a substitute. She sobbed uncontrollably, drenched and heartbroken, until she returned home, completely drained of strength, and collapsed helplessly on the floor. After an unknown amount of time, she slowly came back to herself. The tear tracks on her face had dried, and her mind felt clear. Aurora pulled a business card from her bag. It was given to her two weeks ago at a bar by a talent scout, after she impulsively sang an original song she’d written for Cole. He said she had an excellent voice and striking looks, asking if she was interested in becoming a singer. The company would take her abroad for three years of secret training, turning her into an A-list star. Singing was Aurora’s greatest passion, and she’d certainly harbored dreams of stardom. But to stay by Cole’s side, she’d refused the scout’s offer. Yet he’d insisted on leaving his contact information. Now, knowing the truth, there was no longer any reason for her to stay. Gazing at the number on the card, Aurora raised her cold, pale hand and dialed. The moment it connected, she cleared her hoarse, tired voice and spoke softly. “Hello, this is Aurora Hayes. I accept your offer to sign.” “Miss Hayes! You finally made up your mind? Great! Let’s connect on SnapChat and meet tomorrow.” Hearing the delighted voice on the other end, Aurora nodded, then quietly added him on SnapChat. Shortly after the call ended, she heard footsteps approaching the door. A few seconds later, the door opened, and Cole walked in, holding an umbrella. Seeing her sitting on the floor, disheveled, he frowned. “Why are you all wet?” “Forgot my umbrella.” Her damp hair obscured Aurora’s face, and as the sensor light dimmed, Cole couldn’t see her expression. He ruffled her hair. “Still acting like a kid. Remember to check the weather forecast next time.” Aurora didn’t respond. After he turned and entered the bathroom, she slowly pushed herself up, her body half-numb, and went to the other bathroom. After showering, she lay in bed, staring blankly at the white wall. A moment later, Cole slid under the covers beside her. The familiar scent of cedar wood filled her nostrils, and Aurora couldn’t help but recall what had happened that afternoon. She found herself hugging him, then slowly, slowly, pulling up Cole’s pajama shirt. Just an inch above his heart, three letters were distinctly tattooed: JZY! This wasn’t the first time she’d seen the tattoo. In moments of passion, she’d glimpsed it countless times, curious but never daring to ask. Now, seeing it again, her eyes welled up. Her voice, low and choked, asked, “What do these three letters mean?” Cole paused for two seconds, his gaze following hers downward. His voice was soft, yet imbued with an endless tenderness and affection she hadn’t felt from him in three years. “It means something very important.” He paused, as if misunderstanding her intention to pull up his shirt. “Alright, you got caught in the rain today, so I’ll leave you alone. Get some sleep.” With that, he gently pushed her hand away, pulled down his shirt, and turned off the light. The bedroom plunged into a suffocating silence. Only her silent tears continued to flow, dissolving into the boundless darkness of the night. The next morning, Cole was up early. Skipping breakfast, he was putting on his shoes, ready to leave. Seeing the relentless rain outside and remembering how much he hated going out in such weather, Aurora called out to him. “Don’t you have any flights scheduled recently? Why are you going out?” Cole seemed in good spirits, a faint smile gracing his usually cool eyes. He picked up his umbrella, twisted the doorknob, and said, “I have some important things to take care of. You stay home and be good.” His last words faded just as the door clicked shut. Watching his receding figure, Aurora silently turned back to the bedroom. Her eyes immediately fell on his phone, which was vibrating endlessly on the bedside table. She picked it up and saw the SnapChat chat interface. At the top center of the screen, the name of the chat partner appeared: Seraphina. “What time’s your flight today? It’s raining heavily outside. Don’t leave the terminal, I’ll drive to pick you up.” That eager tone, that concerned voice, was a stark contrast to his cool “remember to check the weather forecast” from last night. So, when it was pouring rain, he *would* go out to pick up someone he truly cared about. Aurora had only glanced at it when she heard footsteps at the door. She put the phone down and slipped into the walk-in closet before Cole entered the room. By the time she finished her makeup and came out, the phone was gone, and the house was empty. She grabbed her bag and went downstairs to hail a cab. Upon arriving at the agreed-upon coffee shop, Aurora spotted Mr. Davis, the talent scout, waiting for her at the entrance. After exchanging pleasantries, they went into a private room. Mr. Davis thoroughly explained the training plan and future career development, then produced a contract. Seeing the bold red “Luminara Records” seal on it, Aurora paused. Luminara Records was one of the top entertainment companies globally; countless people fought tooth and nail to get in. And she had almost given it all up. She offered a self-deprecating smile, then, without hesitation, signed her name. After receiving the signed contract, Mr. Davis’s face lit up with a look of having struck gold, his eyes crinkling with a wide smile. “Miss Hayes, when you refused me before, I truly felt it was such a waste. But I’m glad you came around. A true gem wasn’t left hidden after all. Don’t worry, Luminara’s strength in the industry is top-tier. We will definitely get you onto the most dazzling stage. This training will be an intensive, closed-door program. Go home, prepare, and we’ll depart in fifteen days.” Aurora made a mental note of the date and bid him a polite farewell. On her way home, Cole’s call suddenly came through, his voice incredibly urgent. “You’re not home?” She paused, about to speak, when she heard him again the next second: “No matter where you are, come to City General Hospital right now!” In all their time together, Aurora had never heard him sound so anxious. She hesitated for a few seconds, then told the driver to turn around. When she arrived at the ER, she saw Cole standing there, perfectly fine. It wasn’t him who was hurt, then it must be… Before she could even ask what had happened, a nurse led her into an adjacent room. “You’re O-negative, right?” Aurora, confused, nodded. The nurse immediately asked about her health and then plunged a thick needle directly into her skin. The sharp sting in her arm made her wince, and she realized with a jolt that she was donating blood. As the nurse monitored the blood flow, she chatted with Aurora. “Sweetheart, what’s your relationship with that handsome guy outside? His girlfriend was in a car accident outside the airport and was rushed in. He was frantic, even pulled strings to get our chief of staff here. The hospital’s blood bank was low, and he kept making call after call, finally calling you. He must be madly in love with his girlfriend.” Hearing those words, Aurora felt her heart clench. It was as if a pair of hands had gripped her heart tightly and then released it, yet she still couldn’t breathe, the lingering pain refusing to fade. So, Cole had called her here just to make her donate blood for Seraphina Thorne?! Not to mention how hurtful it was to have a substitute donate blood for the original, but he clearly knew she suffered from severe anemia… Had he forgotten, or did he simply not care in his desperation to save Seraphina? After the blood draw, she sat there for a full half-hour before slowly recovering. During that time, Cole never once came to check on her or ask a single question. It was easy to guess he was still by Seraphina’s side. Of course, she was just a substitute; how could she ever deserve his pity? Aurora gave a self-deprecating smile, then, leaning on the wall, she walked out and saw the operating room light switch off. The doctor pushed the patient out, and Cole quickly strode forward, his face etched with anxiety, following the gurney into the patient room. Through the window, Aurora watched him sitting by the bed, tightly holding Seraphina’s pale hands, his face a mix of fervent pleading and lingering terror. Her breath caught in her throat. In her memory, no matter what happened, Cole had always maintained a calm and detached demeanor, as if nothing concerned him. In the five years she’d known him, this was the first time she’d seen such an expression. This, then, was how he truly loved someone. For the next four or five days, Cole didn’t return home. Aurora knew he was at the hospital and didn’t contact him. She did three things. First, she submitted her resignation to her company. Second, she pulled out her suitcase and began packing. Third, she marked her departure date on the calendar. Watching the days draw nearer, her deeply confused heart slowly began to settle. On the first clear day after the rainy season ended, Cole finally came home. Almost immediately, he noticed that something was off in the apartment. He saw the cardboard boxes by the wall and frowned. “Why did you bring all your office things home?” Then he spotted the luggage in the bedroom, his breathing hitching slightly. “Why are you suddenly packing?” Finally, he saw the calendar on the wall with a circle drawn around a date, and turned to her. “What’s the circle on the 30th mean?” Three questions in a row made Aurora pause her actions. She didn’t hide anything. “I found a job I prefer recently, so I resigned. I’m packing because I’m moving somewhere quite far away. The 30th is the day I leave.” Taking a soft breath, she prepared to tell him about her departure and their breakup. “Do you have a moment? There’s something very important I want to discuss with you, I…” Mid-sentence, Cole’s phone suddenly rang. Seeing Seraphina Thorne’s name on the screen, he quickly answered. Through the receiver, Seraphina’s sweet voice came through. “Cole, thank you for taking care of me these past few days. My friends are throwing a welcome-back party for me. Want to come?” Cole was about to agree, but then seemed to remember something, glancing at Aurora. “What were you just saying you wanted to talk about? Was it important?” With that question, what else was there for her to understand? She shook her head. “No, it’s not important. If you have something to do, go ahead.” Hearing that unfamiliar voice, Seraphina chuckled, surprised. “Your girlfriend’s there too? Then bring her along! She’s the one who donated blood for me, right? I haven’t properly thanked her yet.” Cole froze at the mention of blood donation, instinctively covering the receiver and moving aside. What they discussed, Aurora didn’t know, but Cole left the house with her. She hadn’t even had a chance to refuse when he eagerly ushered her into the car. On the way, he offered a brief explanation for what had happened a few days prior. “The person who just called is… a friend of mine. She was in a car accident shortly after returning to the country a few days ago, and the hospital’s blood bank was low. I remembered you two have the same blood type, and the situation was urgent, so I called you. I didn’t have time to explain. Have you been upset about it these past few days, since you haven’t messaged me?” “No, I have anemia, so I’ve been resting these past few days, which is why I haven’t contacted you.” Aurora’s tone was flat, as if she didn’t care at all. Seeing her pale face, Cole’s heart clenched, and a wave of guilt washed over him. *Right, how could he have forgotten her anemia?* He was about to apologize and ask what gift she wanted as compensation, but she had already closed her eyes, seemingly indifferent. In the end, he could only stop himself from speaking. The two got out of the car and walked directly to the designated private room. But as soon as they pushed open the door, they felt the oppressive atmosphere in the room. It was supposed to be a welcome-back party, but almost everyone present was male, mostly Cole’s friends. They all looked at him, hesitant, as if wanting to say something. But before they could speak, Seraphina smiled and greeted them, “You’re here.” Her gaze fell on Aurora’s face, and she paused, then smiled again. “So this is your little girlfriend? She looks so young. Thanks for donating blood for me last time, you actually saved my life, you know. From now on, if you ever need anything, just ask, and I’ll be there.” Aurora forced a smile. “You flatter me.” Seraphina chuckled, told them to sit anywhere, and then went to greet other newly arrived guests. Though Seraphina wasn’t near, Cole’s gaze remained fixed on her. Seeing her chatting and laughing with other men, his face immediately darkened. When he saw her take a few extra bites of a macaroon, he silently instructed a server to bring all the macaroons in the club to her table. When a champagne tower was accidentally knocked over and threatened to fall on her, he immediately rose and shielded her in his arms. “Careful!” Sharp glass shards cut his left hand in several places. Everyone urged him to go to the hospital to get it treated. But he just casually wrapped a silk scarf around it, completely unconcerned. “Minor injury, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” Watching the white silk scarf stain red with blood, Aurora put the car keys she had just taken out back into her bag. The room was quiet for a few minutes, then quickly regained its lively atmosphere. At eight o’clock, seeing that everyone was having a good time, Seraphina picked up the microphone and announced loudly, “Everyone’s here now, so I can finally announce something important!” “I’m sure you all know I broke up with my ex before coming back. I called everyone here today for a blind date. I’m looking for a new boyfriend!” At that, everyone fearfully looked at Cole. He said nothing, just stared intently at her, crushing the glass in his hand! Blood covered his hand, but Seraphina was oblivious, instead raising her glass to him with a smile. “Cole, I didn’t call you here for nothing. I need you to help me vet these guys, tell me which of your friends is a good match for me?” The private room fell silent. Seeing everyone’s evasive glances and Cole’s darkened face, Aurora finally understood why the atmosphere had been so strange when they first arrived. Just as everyone was on edge, a guy sitting in the middle suddenly stood up. “I…” Before he could even finish “need to use the restroom,” Cole flipped the table in front of him, his cold gaze sweeping over the guy. “You dare to say yes, you damn well try me?!” Suddenly challenged, the friend was speechless, unsure whether to stand or sit. Cole, his hand clenched and bloody, walked up to Seraphina, his eyes red and his voice trembling with accusation. “Seraphina Thorne, sometimes I really wonder if you have a heart.” With that, he turned and left the private room without looking back, slamming the door shut. He had completely forgotten he’d left his girlfriend behind. With things escalating like this, the welcome party couldn’t continue. Aurora offered a self-deprecating smile and headed to the restroom. As she walked down the hallway, she heard Cole’s friends arguing with Seraphina Thorne. “Seraphina, what are you thinking? Why do you insist on pulling stunts to anger Cole? You, more than anyone, should know he’s always wanted to get back with you, right? He’s been so obsessed with you, who among us would dare make a move?” “Just because he wants to get back together, I should agree? With no sincerity at all?” “Sincerity? Damn it, what more sincerity do you want?! Do you have any idea what he’s been through all these years? In our circles, you don’t see this kind of devotion. He, a golden boy from a powerful family, how crazy has he been for you?” “After you broke up and went abroad, he drank every day, almost killing himself. The moment you’d post on Ins about liking something, he’d immediately buy it, no matter the cost, then fly abroad overnight to secretly leave it at your doorstep. A while ago, you told your best friend you hadn’t seen fireworks in ages, and he immediately arranged a grand fireworks show in Paris. Don’t tell me you didn’t know any of this…” Hearing the friend’s indignant tone, Aurora’s hand trembled slightly. In the years they had been together, Cole had often disappeared mysteriously. It turned out it was all for Seraphina. The argument in the hallway intensified, but Seraphina seemed utterly unconcerned. “He’s willing to do all that for me, it’s not like I forced him. Besides, they’re just minor things, what’s the big deal? Let’s see him risk his life for me one day.” “Seraphina, you’re just taking advantage of Cole’s love and pushing your luck! One day, when his patience runs out and he stops loving you, you’ll regret it!” “Stop loving me? Laughable. He even found a girlfriend who’s my substitute. How could he not love me? My business with him is none of your concern!” Seraphina’s tone was full of certainty. After saying that, she turned around, smug, only to come face to face with Aurora, who was standing not far away! Seeing her there, everyone froze. Seraphina, however, quickly recovered. With Cole gone, she dropped her polite facade and swept a pitying glance over Aurora. “You heard all that? Good. Otherwise, it would be too pathetic to remain in the dark. Little girl, you’re nothing but a minor character in Cole and my story. I advise you to cut your losses and leave now.” With that, she clicked away on her high heels. The hallway instantly fell silent, leaving Cole’s friends red-faced and stammering explanations. “Aurora, it’s not what you heard, it’s… it’s…” They desperately wanted to explain, but couldn’t find the right words. Because everyone knew the truth was exactly as it seemed. Seeing how nervous they were, Aurora didn’t want to make it harder for them. She asked nothing, simply turned and left. As she reached the ground floor, hailing a cab, a rose-colored sports car suddenly sped past, splashing through a puddle. Dirty water splattered all over Aurora, drenching half her clothes. She frowned, looking up, and saw Seraphina’s gloating face behind the car window. “Little extra, if you don’t wise up and leave on your own, you might end up even more pathetic than this!” With that, she drove off. Aurora pulled tissues from her bag and slowly wiped the water from her face. She tossed the wet tissues into a bin, then looked up at the clear blue sky, a single tear falling. *An extra?* No, she was never anyone’s extra. Cole Remington was simply written out of her script. Back home, Aurora’s mood had settled. She ate something, showered, and then rested. At three in the morning, the bedroom light suddenly flickered on. A drunken Cole stumbled in, grabbing the startled Aurora and pulling her into his arms. “Why do you have to torment me like this? You know I can’t let you go, why won’t you give me another chance?” “You know I like you, yet you go on blind dates right in front of me. Do you enjoy humiliating me? Are you happy seeing me suffer for you? Fine, I’m in pain. I’ll give you whatever you want, as long as you’re still mine.” Seeing the agony on his face, Aurora exerted some strength and struggled out of his embrace. She watched him collapse onto the bed, still mumbling Seraphina’s name, and offered a self-deprecating smile. *So this is what you’re like when you love someone.* *So our three years together really meant nothing to you.* Her eyes red, she picked up a pillow and left the bedroom, turning off the light. The room plunged back into darkness. Cole continued to ramble in his drunken stupor, but no one was listening. The next day, Cole didn’t wake until noon. His head felt like it was splitting from the hangover as he forced himself to sit up. Aurora was by the window, tidying small trinkets. Seeing her back, a vague memory flashed in his mind, and he froze. “I drank too much yesterday. Did I say anything dumb?” Seeing her shake her head, Cole’s suspended heart slowly eased. He raised a hand to rub his temple, pulled at a wound, and winced. Aurora, who had just turned around, saw the untreated wound on his hand, inflamed from drinking. Cole was a pilot; he’d need to fly again. Only now did he remember he needed to take care of it. “Where’s the first-aid kit?” Aurora said nothing, turning to retrieve the first-aid kit from the living room. “It has everything you could need.” Cole couldn’t help but chuckle. “How could it have everything…?” But when he opened it, seeing the orderly array of medicines, from cold remedies to stomach pills, he froze. “You… prepared all this?” Aurora nodded. “Yes. You’re a pilot, you can’t get hurt, so I prepared the medicine very carefully, just in case you needed it in a hurry.” At her words, Cole’s mind buzzed, and he suddenly remembered a cascade of things he’d belatedly realized. He thought of the countless nights he’d returned home drunk, and how she’d tirelessly brewed hangover cures for him; how she’d immediately looked up recipes and learned to cook anything he casually mentioned wanting to eat; how, over the years, whenever he had been sick, big or small, she’d always known how to handle it… He remembered when they first started dating, Skylar had repeatedly told him that Aurora was a pampered princess who never had to lift a finger at home and that he needed to fulfill his duties as a boyfriend. He was a few years older than her, yet in this relationship, Aurora had always been the one taking care of him. In that moment, Cole was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. He looked at her, his face full of shame, wanting to say something. But then he saw her pick up her bag, seemingly not intending to treat his wound, but preparing to leave. He was surprised. “Are you going out?” Aurora hummed, putting on her hat. “Skylar and I planned to have lunch together.” Cole then remembered his sister had just returned from a trip. He quickly grabbed the medicine, hastily treated his hand, and followed her to the entryway. “I’ll drive you.” Aurora was about to refuse, but he took her hand directly, grabbed his car keys, and led her out the door. Once in the car, Cole set the GPS while asking about their afternoon plans. Hearing they were going shopping, he was about to offer to join them when his phone buzzed with a new message. He glanced at it, pulled the car to the side of the road, and looked at Aurora apologetically. “I wanted to spend the day with you, but I just got a message about a last-minute flight assignment. Aurora, can you take a cab?” Aurora had seen his flight mission notification, so she knew he wasn’t lying. She nodded and opened the car door. After his car disappeared from sight, she hailed a taxi. When she arrived at the agreed-upon restaurant, Skylar had already placed their order. She excitedly pulled out a gift and presented it to Aurora, her voice brimming with joy. “Ta-da! My travel gift! Open it quickly and see if you like it!” Aurora placed the gift on her lap, not opening it immediately. Instead, she looked up at Skylar, her expression serious. “Skylar, there’s something I want to tell you. I… plan to break up with your brother and then go to Vienna for advanced studies. It’ll probably be for three years.” Skylar’s eyes widened. “What?! Why so sudden? You two were doing so well, why break up?” Aurora smiled, telling her the truth. “Because your brother doesn’t like me. He only got together with me because I look like his ex-girlfriend. He’s always treated me as a substitute.” She had long since made peace with it, so she spoke without emotion. But Skylar, upon hearing this, was instantly enraged. She slammed her hand on the table, her voice filled with disbelief. “Ex-girlfriend? Who? That Seraphina Thorne? When they broke up, Cole seemed to be drunk all the time. After all these years, he still hasn’t gotten over her? How does that Seraphina even look like you? You’re so much prettier than her! My brother ignores you, someone who’s completely devoted to him, and still thinks about her, even using you as her substitute?!” The more she spoke, the angrier she became. Finally, she abandoned her meal. After inquiring about Cole’s whereabouts for a while, she stormed out. Aurora knew Skylar was always very afraid of her brother, but now she was sticking up for her like this. Aurora was deeply touched, but she had already decided to let Cole go and didn’t want things to get ugly, so she quickly tried to stop her. But despite her efforts, Skylar still rushed to the Nightfall Club. At the private room door, just as she was about to push it open, she saw Seraphina standing in the center of the crowd, looking haughtily at Cole. “If you want me to forgive you so badly, fine. Give me a piggyback ride, and I’ll consider it.” At her words, Cole hadn’t even spoken, but several of his friends immediately bristled, stepping forward to intervene. “Seraphina Thorne, you’re going too far! You were the one in the wrong that day, making a big deal about picking a boyfriend, which made Cole angry enough to storm out!” “Now you casually say you want to see him, and Cole, to make you happy, even pushed off an urgent last-minute work assignment and came here to apologize without even changing out of his uniform. Why are you being so unreasonable!” “Exactly! Cole is no ordinary person. No one in this city’s most exclusive circles would dare speak so arrogantly to him. How can you humiliate him like this!” Facing these accusations, Seraphina remained unfazed. “I don’t care about any of that. He was so fierce that day, he scared me. So, I want him to apologize like this. Besides, what’s wrong with giving the person you like a piggyback ride? If he’s too high and mighty, he shouldn’t have come to me.” Amidst the swirling arguments, Cole’s face was cold. A moment later, he met Seraphina’s spoiled gaze and said in a low voice, “If I give you a ride, will you stop looking for boyfriends?” “Yes.” Receiving her firm answer, Cole unbuttoned the top few buttons of his pilot uniform and slowly bent down. “Get on.” Everyone’s mouths hung open, their eyes wide with shock. Seeing Seraphina triumphantly climb onto his back, Skylar, standing outside the private room, was fuming. She gritted her teeth, ready to charge in, but Aurora dragged her into the elevator. Skylar struggled and cursed, then turned back, about to tell Aurora to let go, but she froze the moment she saw Aurora’s expression. There was no emotion on Aurora’s face, but tears were streaming down like broken pearls, pattering onto Skylar’s hand and extinguishing the fire in her heart. She quickly pulled Aurora into a hug, anxiously and tenderly wiping her tears, her own voice catching in her throat. “Aurora, don’t cry, please don’t cry.” “Okay, okay, you don’t have to be with my brother anymore. I’ll introduce you to other handsome guys later, alright?” Aurora smiled, trying hard to swallow the bitterness, but her sobs wouldn’t stop. “Actually, actually, I’m not that sad. I’ve decided to let him go and start a new life.” But why were the tears falling? Perhaps witnessing it all firsthand, remembering so many past events, she was suddenly struck by a realization. It turned out that when Cole truly loved someone, he would be affected by their emotions, he would rush to them regardless of anything, he would humble himself and soften his pride. His love would be undeniably clear for all to see. And she had never been loved by him. Back home, Aurora’s mood had calmed. Waking up, another day had passed, bringing her closer to her departure. She went alone to a concert of her favorite singer, recording the blue sea of glow sticks swaying with the cheering crowd. She pinned this video to the top of her Ins profile, then deleted all the posts she had shared during their relationship. Her few close friends, knowing she was pursuing her dreams, left encouraging comments. “Aurora, I hope one day I can be your biggest fan too!” “Future superstar, is it too much to ask for a signed autograph now?” Cole, who had been uncontactable for days, also liked the post. Seeing the sudden red heart, Aurora was surprised. She remembered Cole never posted on Ins and never looked at other people’s posts. It wasn’t until she saw a few messages from Skylar that she understood why. “Aurora, I got that girl’s SnapChat, it’s driving me crazy!” Below it were several screenshots of Seraphina’s daily posts: sunsets by the beach, leisurely strolls through flower fields, city lights and candlelight dinners… Each post had a comment from Cole. “Why didn’t you post the one I took?” “I heard the cherry blossoms on West Hill are blooming too. I’ll take you in a couple of days.” “Shrimp is a bit hard to peel, but since you like it, I don’t mind.” Scrolling through them, it was like a typical couple’s dating diary. It turned out he’d been so busy monitoring Seraphina’s comments that he’d accidentally seen hers and casually liked it. Aurora offered a small smile, reassured Skylar a few times, and quietly organized all the gifts Cole had given her, the various couple’s items they’d bought, and the photos and diary entries from the past three years. She made several trips to carry them downstairs, ready to throw them away, when she saw Cole suddenly return. He seemed to be in a good mood, a smile gracing his eyes. Seeing her, he paused, then veered to greet her. “What’s in the boxes? Are you throwing all this away?” “Just some old clutter I don’t need.” Cole nodded, handed her a cake he was holding, and bent down to help. The moment she saw the cake, Aurora froze for a second. “Why did you suddenly buy a cake?” At her words, Cole stopped, his face slightly falling as he looked at her. “You don’t remember? Today is my birthday.” *His birthday?* Aurora just remembered it was around this time. A month ago, she had been agonizing over what gift to get him. But after learning she was a substitute and deciding to leave, she had completely forgotten about it. After all, he would soon be her ex-boyfriend, what was the point of remembering his birthday? Seeing the fleeting look of realization on her face, Cole’s breathing deepened slightly. Many people had sent him birthday wishes this morning. Only Aurora hadn’t sent anything. He’d thought she was preparing a surprise. Had she forgotten? It wasn’t a crucial matter, but for some reason, Cole felt unsettled, a dull ache in his chest. After all, whether it was an anniversary or his birthday, the little girl used to spend ages preparing and celebrating grandly. Why had she forgotten this year? She was clearly the one who loved him most. Just as he was about to speak, his phone buzzed several times. It was a message from Seraphina, saying she was throwing him a birthday party. Seeing the address and his friends’ teasing in the group chat, Cole clenched his phone slightly. His earlier gloom vanished, a hint of a smile touching his eyes. As he replied to the messages, he turned to leave. Aurora called out to him. “Your birthday…” Cole paused. “I have something to go do right now. When I get back later, we can celebrate together.” Aurora hummed, quietly watching him leave. Once his figure completely disappeared, she threw all the boxes away. Recalling Cole’s overjoyed expression, she knew he wouldn’t be back to celebrate with her today. Strangely, she felt a sense of relief. The trash can was nearly full, so she casually tossed the cake in too, then turned and went upstairs. A few hours later, Aurora received a message from Mr. Davis. “We’re leaving tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at nine in the morning.” She had just replied “ok” when a voice message from Cole’s friend suddenly came through. “Aurora, come to the Hilton Hotel. Cole’s in trouble, you need to hurry!” Listening to his frantic tone, Aurora froze. The next second, Skylar also called, her voice choked with tears. “Aurora, my brother, my brother…” Only then did she realize the seriousness of the situation, and quickly went downstairs to hail a cab. As soon as she got out of the car, Skylar pulled Aurora and sprinted towards the lake, intermittently explaining what had happened along the way. “Seraphina’s ex-boyfriend followed her from abroad to the hotel, trying to get back together. Cole got angry and fought him. Instead of stopping them, she egged them on, threw a necklace into the lake, and said whoever retrieved it, she’d be with. Her ex was about to jump in, and my brother was going to follow him. There’s a cliff under that lake, even professional divers wouldn’t dare go down. We tried to talk him out of it for ages, but he wouldn’t listen. Aurora, please help me, he’s my only brother!” The more she listened, the more silent Aurora became. She wanted to tell Skylar that if it involved Seraphina Thorne, a hundred of her wouldn’t be able to convince Cole. But looking at Skylar’s red, tear-filled eyes, Aurora couldn’t bring herself to speak. When they reached the lakeside, Cole was still putting on his diving suit. Seraphina’s ex-boyfriend, fully ready, had already plunged into the lake. Watching his figure disappear beneath the surface, a cold glint flashed in Cole’s eyes, and his movements quickened. His friends around him were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, pleading endlessly. “The lake is so deep, the necklace is definitely lost. It’s pointless for anyone to go down, Cole, don’t be a fool!” “Is it worth risking your life for a woman? Cole Remington, damn it, get a grip!” Cole didn’t hear a word. He put on his oxygen mask and shoved aside the group of people blocking his way. Skylar couldn’t hold back any longer. She rushed forward and grabbed him, her voice filled with despair. “You’re going to die just because of her words? Brother, have you thought about Mom and Dad and me? Have you thought about Aurora? If you go today, I, Skylar Remington, will no longer have you as a brother!” The atmosphere on the scene instantly froze. Cole stopped, turning to look steadily at his sister. After a long moment, he raised his hand, took hers, and his voice was low. “I’ll be back. Don’t tell Mom and Dad about this, and don’t tell Aurora.” With that, he peeled Skylar’s fingers off one by one, and resolutely leaped into the water. Watching the ripples spread across the lake’s surface, Aurora stood not far away, her hands tightly clenched. The surroundings were quiet, but someone let out a soft laugh, immediately drawing all eyes. It was Seraphina Thorne. She walked haughtily up to Aurora, her face filled with triumph. “He loves me so much he’s willing to die for me. Aurora Hayes, what do you have to compare with that?” “Seraphina Thorne, joking about someone’s life, you’re sick, go get help!” Seeing her gloating, Skylar, who was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe, lunged forward and slapped her hard. Seraphina had never been treated this way and was about to retaliate, but the onlookers quickly pulled them apart. Aurora helped Skylar, comforting her for a long time until she slowly calmed down, staring blankly at the monitoring screen. An hour later, Noah Foster, whose oxygen had run out first, surfaced. The quiet lakeside immediately became agitated. Everyone craned their necks, waiting for Cole. But another five minutes passed, and with his oxygen almost certainly depleted, they still didn’t see him. Panic set in. Only Aurora remained composed. She contacted the Hilton’s rescue team, pleading for their help. Five or six professional divers plunged into the lake. Another ten minutes passed without any movement. Skylar was on the verge of breaking down. Even Seraphina, who had been leisurely watching earlier, became anxious and uneasy. Aurora’s face showed little emotion, but her fingernails were digging deep into her palms. Seraphina’s friends, who had been watching the drama unfold, began to speak despairingly, their voices trembling. “It’s over, it’s over. His oxygen’s been depleted for so long, and he still hasn’t been brought up. It’s probably bad news.” “If something happens, will the Remington family let us off…?” “What does that have to do with us? He’s the one who wanted to risk his life for Seraphina.” Before they could finish, a sound suddenly came from the long-still lake surface. Several rescue personnel were dragging someone, slowly swimming towards the shore. A crowd immediately rushed forward, helping to pull the person onto land. Cole was on the verge of losing consciousness. After his oxygen mask was removed, seeing his pale face, his friends and Skylar’s eyes reddened. But he pressed his hand to his chest, his gaze fixed on Seraphina’s direction. “I… found it. The necklace…” He then slowly raised his trembling right hand. The diamond necklace, washed by the water, reflected a dazzling sparkle in the late afternoon sun. It was too brilliant. And too blinding. His gaze remained on Seraphina, never once noticing Aurora standing nearby. She watched, helpless, as he so passionately loved another. Cole was rushed to the hospital. Aurora stayed with Skylar, keeping vigil in the hospital room all night. At eight in the morning, her pre-set alarm went off. Seeing “Departure” noted on the screen, Skylar suddenly snapped back to reality, hugging Aurora with a reluctant embrace. “Aurora, don’t go, please don’t go. If you leave now, won’t we only see each other again in three years? By then, you’ll be a sparkling superstar, and it’ll be even harder for us to meet. I’ll miss you so much…” Aurora’s eyes also reddened as she gently patted Skylar’s back. After much coaxing, Skylar tearfully and reluctantly saw her off. Aurora walked out of the hospital main entrance, about to hail a cab, when she suddenly paused. She had said goodbye to everyone. Except for Cole. After much thought, she decided their three-year relationship deserved a proper conclusion. She turned and went back inside. Just as she reached the hospital room door, she heard a familiar voice from within. Seraphina was in Cole’s arms, crying her eyes out. “I just wanted you to make a statement, you could have come up without the necklace, why are you so silly?” “I know you still like me. If you just broke up with her and said you wanted to be with me, I would have agreed. Couldn’t you have just softened up for me?” Cole had waited six years for these words. But hearing them now, his heart wasn’t as happy as he’d imagined. Instead, the words “break up” made him unexpectedly think of Aurora. The image of the girl selflessly throwing herself in front of him to shield him from the car, her eyes red as she said she’d love him forever, her laughing face celebrating his birthday, her passionate and adoring expressions countless times beneath him… In an instant, his head throbbed, his mind a chaotic mess, unsure how to answer. Just then, he inadvertently looked up, and for a fleeting moment, he saw Aurora. She stood outside the glass window, watching him steadily. Her dark eyes were like a calm lake, unruffled by any ripples. The moment their gazes met, Cole completely lost his composure. He pushed away the person in his arms and stood up, only to find that the person outside the window had vanished. He chased out, but the hallway was empty. Was it a hallucination? It must be. He hadn’t let anyone tell Aurora about him risking his life to retrieve the necklace for Seraphina, so she wouldn’t know he was hospitalized and wouldn’t come to see him. Cole’s heart pounded wildly. He had a strong feeling that something was slipping out of his control. But what exactly, he couldn’t quite grasp yet. On the other side, Aurora had given up on saying goodbye. Back home, she quietly tore off the calendar page, placed her apartment keys on the table, then picked up her luggage and went downstairs. On the way to the airport, Aurora opened Cole Remington’s chat. After a long deliberation, she typed only three lines. “We should break up. Thank you for taking care of me all these years.” “I also wish you and Seraphina happiness.” “Cole, I’m leaving. Goodbye forever.” With one sentence, she let go of three years of emotions. With one wish for happiness, she granted him his freedom. With one “goodbye forever,” she declared there was no longer any possibility between them. From now on, he would simply be her best friend’s brother. She pressed send. For a long time, there was no reply. Aurora knew Cole was with Seraphina now and probably had no time to check such unimportant messages. Besides, even if he did see them later when he was free, he probably wouldn’t feel any emotional波动. After all, with the person he loved by his side, why would he care about an ex-girlfriend who was just a substitute? Before boarding, Mr. Davis handed her a new phone. “Aurora, according to the contract, you need to disconnect from the outside world starting today. This is your work phone.” Aurora nodded, took out her old phone, and made the exchange. The plane was just taking off, the broadcast was a bit noisy, and a few girls in the back were chattering non-stop. Aurora didn’t see the screen of her old phone light up just before it powered off. Nor did she hear the continuous, frantic dinging of notifications. She turned her head, looking out the airplane window at the cloudy sky turning clear, and smiled faintly. From now on, Aurora Hayes’s life would only be sunny… Three years together, Cole Remington never imagined he would receive a breakup message from Aurora Hayes. When they first started dating, he didn’t know how long the relationship would last. A few days, a few months, a few years—it would be one of those. He had someone he couldn’t let go of in his heart, and Aurora was just a temporary port. So he had invested almost no real feelings in the relationship. Her hopeful eyes when she spoke of marriage, her tears on the verge of falling when she felt wronged… Cole had seen it all, but never truly taken it to heart. He thought he could remain as cold as iron, treating her merely as a substitute to get through those difficult years. But when the person he had longed for in his dreams returned, he found himself not as ruthless and decisive as he’d imagined. The person who should have broken up with him early on had stayed by his side, becoming a crucial obstacle to his reunion with Seraphina. Everyone around him urged him that only a swift cut could untangle the knot. But he struggled and clung to his old love, refusing to let go, while at the same time wavering over his substitute, unable to harden his heart. He couldn’t make a choice, foolishly hoping to drag things out. Until he saw those three messages with his own eyes. Cole felt as if his soul had been sucked out. His mind was blank, hazy, as if he were in a dream. He couldn’t tell if this was a hallucination from lack of oxygen, or the stark, inescapable reality he had to face. If it was a hallucination, why did it feel so real? If it was reality, how could Aurora break up with him? She had chased him for so many years, said she would love him forever. How could she let go so easily? Cole couldn’t make sense of it. He rubbed his eyes hard, slapped his face a few times, trying to make himself clear-headed. But when he looked down again, he still saw those two messages. Only then did he realize that what he thought was a hallucination was very likely reality. In an instant, he shot up from the hospital bed. His slightly trembling fingers furiously tapped on the screen. “Aurora, can we talk?” “There are some things I can explain to you.” “Where are you? Home, or with Skylar?” A flurry of messages, one after another, sent rattling through the phone, but they vanished without a trace, receiving no reply. Cole’s patience slowly ran out. He couldn’t sit still any longer. He ripped the IV needle from his hand, bolted downstairs, and drove frantically home. Skylar had only slept three hours when Cole, bursting in like a madman, woke her up. He shook her, his voice trembling. “Skylar, where’s Aurora? Where did she go?” The accumulated anger of days, mixed with the shock of being woken, made Skylar snap. She threw off the covers, stood up, and slapped Cole across the face. “Don’t you have your precious Seraphina now? Why do you care about Aurora?!” The stinging pain on his face briefly brought Cole back to his senses. He looked at his enraged sister, a twisted expression on his face, somewhere between a smile and a cry. “I… I can explain. Just tell me where she is first?” At his words, Skylar let out a bitter laugh. She looked at him coldly, unleashing all the words she had held back for so long. “Explain? Explain what? Explain how you used Aurora as a substitute for three years? Cole Remington, do you have to be so disgusting to Aurora, and to me?” “Where she went is none of your business! She finally put the past behind her and is starting a new life. Don’t you know a good ex should be like a dead person?” “Go find Seraphina, why don’t you? Weren’t you so desperate for her, you even abandoned your family? Go marry her and get out of the Remington family! I, Skylar Remington, don’t have a brother like you!” She seemed to be so furious that her voice was choked with tears by the end. Cole was shoved out of the room. The door slammed shut with a bang. He stared at the closed door, feeling his last shred of hope shatter with that sound. *Aurora knew. She knew he had used her as a substitute?* He felt all his strength drain away, stumbling a few steps. The guilt and regret, hidden deep within his heart for so long, erupted like a volcano, completely engulfing him. Seraphina, carrying chicken soup, walked into the hospital room and froze at the sight of the empty bed. The nurse, tidying medical equipment nearby, was muttering to herself. “What’s the rush? Even pulled out his IV.” Seraphina’s heart sank. She quickly pulled out her phone to contact Cole. No replies to messages, no answers to calls. After waiting half an hour without a response, Seraphina grew irritated. She called Noah. “Where’s Cole? Has he contacted you?” Hearing only the first part, Seraphina’s impatient expression instantly vanished. Her eyes lit up with delight. She hung up the phone, grabbed her bag, and leisurely left. She hailed a cab and went directly to the Remington family estate without a word. Since Aurora had been so sensible as to break up with him, Cole was now completely in her grasp. The thought of a blissful life where she could openly boss him around and enjoy the Remington family’s resources and connections made her feel utterly elated. When the car stopped at the villa entrance, the butler saw her and was about to announce her, but she waved him off and walked straight in. As soon as she entered the living room, Seraphina saw Cole sitting by the staircase, head down, busy on his phone. She put on a sweet smile and called his name softly. Cole seemed not to hear, not even lifting his head. Instead, a door on the second floor opened. Skylar, in her pajamas, walked out, her eyes filled with coldness as she looked at Seraphina. “Our family doesn’t welcome just any random person. Butler, escort her out!” Seraphina never expected Skylar to treat her with such disrespect, especially in front of Cole. She swallowed her anger, but due to their social standing, she could only suppress her resentment and stiffly change the subject. “I came to see Cole. What does that have to do with you?” “Then both of you can roll out!” Hearing Skylar’s undisguised disgust, the butler, who had been following behind, trembled and quickly gestured for Seraphina to leave. For Seraphina, this gesture was tantamount to humiliation. She stomped her foot a few times, walked up to Cole, and began to complain tearfully. “Cole, I didn’t do anything to your sister, why does she always target me?” Cole raised his pallid, lifeless face. The light that used to shine in his eyes when he looked at her was gone. “You should go home for now.” The expected favoritism didn’t happen, and Seraphina froze. She looked at the imperious Skylar upstairs, her face filled with disbelief. “You’re telling me to leave? Cole Remington, think carefully. If I walk out that door today, even if you beg me, I will never step foot in your house again!” Faced with her threat, Cole was at his breaking point, his voice anxious. “Please stop making a scene, can you just let me cool down for a bit?” From his tone, Seraphina sensed something was wrong with his mood. She was about to ask what had happened, but Skylar had lost her patience. “Our family doesn’t welcome people like you. Are you deaf?” The butler, who had been trying to stay out of it, heard his young lady was truly angry and dared not delay any longer. He called for some maids to escort Seraphina out. She refused to yield, and in the struggle, she overturned the coffee table. The crisp sound of glass smashing on the floor echoed, fragments scattering. The entire living room fell silent. Skylar, enraged, rushed down, ready to settle scores. But the anger that had nowhere to vent was swallowed back when she saw the figures at the doorway. “Mom, Dad, why are you back?” In an instant, all eyes turned to the doorway. Mr. and Mrs. Remington, who had flown back overnight from Europe, looked at their son, who was weak and dejected, and at the chaotic mess before them. Their worry slowly turned into displeasure. “What’s all this commotion?” The instigator shivered at the question. Seraphina quickly composed herself, putting on a docile expression. “Hello, Uncle, Auntie…” Seeing her change expressions faster than flipping a book, Skylar sneered and directly interrupted her. “Brother brought some disreputable woman home and wants to tear our house apart.” “No, it’s all a misunderstanding, Uncle, Auntie, I can explain.” Mr. and Mrs. Remington stared coldly at the unfamiliar woman for a long time, effectively silencing her. “Are you Seraphina Thorne?” Hearing Mrs. Remington’s question, Seraphina thought Cole had praised her to his parents and quickly admitted, “Yes, that’s me.” At that answer, Mr. Remington’s face darkened, and he ruthlessly ordered her out. “See her out. And she’s not to be allowed in again!” Given the family patriarch’s command, the maids no longer dared to hesitate. They roughly dragged Seraphina out. Cole, who had been silent for a long time, saw this and forced himself to stand up. “Seraphina, she…” *Slap!* Mr. Remington delivered a harsh slap to his son, his voice filled with disappointment. “I heard all about what happened yesterday. You risked your life for a woman, Cole Remington, you’re an absolute disgrace! Did you even think what would happen to your sister if you’d died in that water yesterday? What about your mother? What about the Remington family?” “I’m telling you, your mother and I will never approve of this Seraphina marrying into this family! Either you get out of the Remington family, or you cut ties with her completely!” Though a distance away, Seraphina clearly heard every word. Her face instantly went ashen. She never imagined that a casual joke could cause such a huge dispute, escalating all the way to Mr. and Mrs. Remington. If it was true what they said, then she and Cole would never have a chance, would they? But Aurora had already broken up with him, and they were on the verge of getting back together, why this setback? After being dragged to the door and left outside, Seraphina felt resentful. She forced down her panic and sent Cole over a dozen messages, trying to explain. Time ticked by, and it was almost dark, but he hadn’t replied to a single one. Looking at the blank chat interface, Seraphina grew increasingly uncertain. She quickly hailed a cab to consult her friends, and on the way, she contacted Cole’s friends to inquire about the situation. Soon, a message came back, but not the one she wanted to hear. “Cole has been contacting everyone all afternoon, trying to find out where Aurora went after they broke up. We’ve searched the whole city and haven’t found a single lead about her. He’s practically losing his mind!” Cole was distraught like this because of Aurora? This news hit Seraphina hundreds of times harder than Mr. and Mrs. Remington’s words. She never imagined that a departed substitute could make Cole abandon her. In an instant, her panic turned to rage, her face clouding with fury. And after her initial anger subsided, what emerged was more scorn and dissatisfaction. *Aurora Hayes, who does she think she is?* After being thoroughly lectured, Cole was confined to his room for reflection. He stared unblinkingly at his phone screen, afraid to miss any message. But every reply he received was, without exception, “no.” The more he saw, the deeper his heartache grew. His fingers dug tightly into his flesh, leaving crimson marks, yet it couldn’t alleviate his anxiety and restlessness. He had practically blown up every phone. But whether by car or train, air or sea, he couldn’t find Aurora Hayes’s name. Had she stayed in the city, or had she left by some other means? Cole didn’t know. He had also tried to contact her friends, but no one would answer his calls, and those who did only offered a cold “I don’t know” or a sarcastic jab. He was at his wit’s end, yet he had no choice but to rack his brain for solutions. He waited from afternoon until midnight, without a moment’s rest. Just as his anxiety reached its peak, a friend he hadn’t contacted in a long time suddenly sent a message, saying he vaguely saw someone who looked a lot like Aurora. Cole couldn’t sit still. He couldn’t open his door, so he climbed out the back window. Clutching a sliver of hope, he rushed to the address. The moment he pushed open the door and saw Seraphina and her friends, it was as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over him; he felt cold all over. Seeing that he had truly gone to such lengths for Aurora, Seraphina’s face instantly turned extremely ugly. She looked straight at him, her voice filled with undisguised indignation. “Are you really that bothered by Aurora Hayes? She’s just my substitute, Cole Remington, get it straight!” Hearing the word “substitute” again, a gnawing pain flared in Cole’s heart. He parted his parched lips, his voice hoarse. “She’s a good person. I was wrong to her. If you have a problem, come at me, but leave her alone.” Seraphina had known him for ten years. This was the first time she’d heard him stand up for another woman. Her friends couldn’t help but interject. “Cole Remington, what do you mean by that? Are you really going to abandon Seraphina for some unimportant woman?” “Exactly! Seraphina just decided to forgive you. If you don’t appreciate that and make her angry again, you’ll regret it!” “She’s just a cheap substitute. So what if you broke up? Why make such a big deal about it? Haven’t you seen how much Seraphina has suffered today?” These accusations landed on Cole’s ears, stirring his already troubled mind, leaving him in agony. Seeing him remain silent, the fire in Seraphina’s chest burned hotter and hotter. She was determined to get a definitive answer today. “Are you implying that Aurora Hayes is more important than me in your heart? You didn’t just see her as my substitute, you saw her as your girlfriend, you fell in love with her, didn’t you? Cole Remington, tell me the truth!” Facing the accusation of the person he once deeply loved, Cole’s already fractured reason was pulled to the edge of a cliff. He knew that many unpleasant truths would likely come to a head tonight. He needed to make a decision. But Seraphina, who he’d yearned for for ten years, stood before him, yet he couldn’t bring himself to say “no.” He couldn’t deny his relationship with Aurora. A thousand days and nights of living together—holding hands, kissing, embracing… Unconsciously, she had seeped into his life like a gentle rain. But she was too quiet. Whether in sorrow or joy, she rarely made a sound. So quiet that he overlooked her presence, overlooked the fact that he had fallen for her. Only after losing her completely did he finally realize. Aurora Hayes, when she first came into his life, might have been Seraphina Thorne’s substitute. But by the time she left, she had become entirely her own person, no longer bearing anyone else’s label. What he had lost was not a substitute, but a girlfriend. A girlfriend who, like Seraphina, had been by his side for three years. No matter what questions the group threw at him, Cole remained silent. In Seraphina’s eyes, this was tantamount to an admission. She had never imagined that something she held so confidently in her hands could be stolen due to her oversight. And by a substitute who imitated her in every way, yet couldn’t compare to her. She couldn’t swallow this insult, but unable to find Aurora, she unleashed all her frustration on Cole. “Speak! Why aren’t you speaking? Is it so hard to say it was just a fling? Didn’t you tell countless people she was just a substitute?” “Have you forgotten that when we broke up, you solemnly promised me you’d wait for me forever? How could you go back on your word? In just three years, you’ve fallen for someone else? Is this your true heart?” “How is she better than me? From head to toe, she reeks of unsophisticated pettiness! Falling for a woman like that is an insult to me, an insult, do you understand?!” Cole had never seen Seraphina so emotionally distraught. In their relationship, she had always been the high-and-mighty, in-control one, able to stir up trouble with just a few words. Because of her casual indifference, he had always thought she didn’t love him as deeply as he loved her. But only now did he glimpse the true feelings she had hidden away. It turned out she too could be panicked, insecure, and hurt. These emotions should have finally brought him peace. But in Cole’s wavering mind at this moment, these feelings were like oil poured on a fire, intensifying the torment in his heart. He couldn’t understand. If she cared about him so much, cared about their relationship… Then why could she be so cruel as to break up with him and go abroad, staying away for seven years? He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes red as he looked at the person before him, and finally, he couldn’t hold back his own questions. “What about you? Why did you break up with me and go abroad when I was most deeply in love with you? Why did you stay away for seven years? You never let go of me either, did you?” “I just wanted to see if you could truly love me wholeheartedly forever, as you said! Did you do it? No, you fell for Aurora Hayes, you broke your promise!” Seraphina had lost all reason, speaking without thinking. Hearing this absurd reason, Cole froze. He never imagined that the seven years he had wasted were merely to test a sincere heart. When they were together, he had nearly given his life for her, and after their breakup, he had been devastated for three years before slowly recovering. Yet she thought his love was fake, his sincerity a lie. In an instant, the years of persistence and trust that had sustained him for a decade collapsed and shattered. Looking at the person before him now, her features just as they had always been, Cole felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity. His last shred of unrequited obsession vanished. He lowered his eyes, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “Yes, I broke my word. So, let’s end this.” Days turned into weeks. Cole tried every possible way, but he couldn’t find any news about Aurora. She had vanished as if into thin air, leaving no trace. From one month to six months, then to three years. He never gave up searching for her. Slowly, Aurora, like Seraphina before her, became Cole’s insurmountable obsession. He still lived in the same apartment. Every morning he woke up to a changed room, lost in thought for a long time. All traces of her had been removed. The only things left to recall the past were the pitifully few photos on his phone. In three years, there were only seven pictures in total. He flipped through them again and again. In his endless longing, Cole grew older. His family started pressing him frequently for marriage, arranging blind dates and introducing him to various girls. But he refused to engage with any of them. Others assumed he had been so hurt by Seraphina that he had lost all hope in love. But only he knew that after that frank confrontation, he had completely let go of her. Could a love that had lasted a decade truly vanish in an instant? Cole thought it was possible. After all, between him and Seraphina, there were seven long years. Over two thousand five hundred days and nights, far longer than their time together. That intense affection, worn down by time, slowly lost its original color, tainted by the pain of unrequited desire. More than love, this emotion was closer to a habit. When that habit was broken, he finally realized that he could have escaped it long ago. But Seraphina couldn’t understand his thoughts and continued to pester him. Amidst their entanglement, Cole’s twenty-seventh birthday arrived. As in previous years, he had dinner with his family, where he was once again urged to marry. Skylar still hadn’t returned, saying she was busy when asked. He didn’t know if she was telling the truth, but he knew that since Aurora’s departure, the relationship between him and his sister had grown distant. He grew irritated by the talk and drank a bit too much. When he returned, Skylar was just getting back. He called out to her. “I’ve been drinking. Can you drive me?” Skylar looked reluctant, about to refuse, but a look from Mr. and Mrs. Remington forced her into the car. Throughout the drive, she didn’t say a word, her face cold. Cole’s mood also sank. After a long silence, he spoke. “Are you going to keep avoiding me like this?” “Avoiding? We’re on different paths; isn’t it better to have less contact?” Skylar didn’t take the olive branch he offered, instead snapping back. Seeing her unforgiving manner, Cole couldn’t help but rub his temples. “What happened before, I was wrong to Aurora. I apologize to you. Can you please stop holding a grudge? Mom and Dad are watching. Do you think they feel good when you act like this?” Hearing him even bring up Mom and Dad, Skylar rolled her eyes, utterly exasperated. “Now you care if Mom and Dad worry? Where was that concern when you were acting like you wanted to die for Seraphina? Don’t pull this big brother act on me. I told you before, I don’t recognize you as my brother!” After venting all her frustration, Skylar put on her music playlist, no longer bothering to argue with him. In the confined space of the car, only the loud, heavy metal music blared. Cole couldn’t find an opportunity to speak, so he opened the window and watched the neon lights outside. After some unknown time, the playlist ended and started over. The first song was now a pop ballad, and a light piano intro began. Cole’s somber mood finally eased. He leaned back in his seat, about to close his eyes and rest. “Gazing at the setting sun, stars and clouds wave in reply, which way does the wind blow…” As the soft, melodic singing began, he opened his eyes, instinctively looking towards the screen. Skylar, quickly realizing, swiftly skipped to the next song. Though he hadn’t seen the singer’s name, her reaction made Cole increasingly certain. That voice, just now, was Aurora Hayes! He spun his head to look at her, immediately catching the fleeting panic on her face, and her forced calm as she deliberately changed the subject. “We’re here. Get out of the car.” Watching Skylar’s fleeing figure, Cole’s intuition grew stronger. He hurried home, opened his laptop, and searched for the song lyrics. Soon, the search engine brought up relevant information. “The Unseen Star, Singer: Aurora Hayes, Song Description…” Cole’s gaze froze at the name Aurora Hayes. Suddenly, he remembered the songs she used to write in her free time and the hopeful look in her eyes when she spoke of becoming a professional singer. He reread the line countless times, then began searching for the name Aurora Hayes. “Aurora Hayes, twenty-four years old, female, rising star under Luminara Records. Officially debuted in March 2024, releasing her first album, Star River Wanderings, in the same month.” Luminara Records? Cole scrolled through his contact list and successfully found the CEO of the music company. He couldn’t wait a moment longer and immediately messaged him. Shortly after, the CEO politely explained the situation and then forwarded a SnapChat contact. It was Aurora Hayes’s current agent, and the talent scout who discovered her, Mr. Davis. From him, Cole learned many things. It turned out that Aurora had disappeared because she had signed a contract with Luminara Records for three years of secret training. After the intensive training, the company immediately tailored her first album. And upon its release, the album was widely praised both within and outside the industry, garnering significant attention. Cole, however, never paid attention to such things, so he had no impression of it. Faced with this sudden news, he felt as if he had been hit by an unexpected stroke of luck, overwhelmed and confused. The joy of a long-awaited reunion, the relief of a finally resolved obsession, long-held regret, and the uncertainty of tomorrow… In an instant, countless emotions surged through Cole’s heart. He stayed up all night, tirelessly searching the internet for every piece of news related to Aurora. He tried to fill the void of the past three years in a single night. When morning came, he rushed straight to the headquarters of Luminara Records. After waiting three hours in the conference room, he finally saw the person he had thought about day and night. The moment Aurora pushed open the door, Cole felt his heart skip several beats. After three years, she looked more mature, exuding an air of self-assurance and grace. Seeing him, she also paused for a moment, but quickly regained her composure, a polite smile on her lips. “Mr. Remington, long time no see.” Hearing her formal address, a flicker of disappointment crossed Cole’s eyes. “Long time no see. Do we have to be so formal?” Hearing their exchange, Mr. Davis, who was standing behind Aurora, quickly jumped in. “You misunderstand, sir. We just feel it’s more respectful to address you as Mr. Remington.” With his cheerful interjection, Aurora no longer needed to make small talk. She offered a slight nod, then sat down, watching the two men exchange pleasantries, and casually opened the contract on the table. She had received a message last night about a project meeting, which was why she had arrived so early. On her way, she’d gotten a message from Skylar, and vaguely guessed that Cole was looking for her. Two weeks ago, after returning from Vienna, she’d heard from various people about all the things he had done to find her over the past three years. While surprised, she was also a little confused. He had only treated her as a substitute, and Seraphina had agreed to get back with him. Why was he still so hung up on someone who had already left? So, once the collaboration discussion was over, and only the two of them remained in the conference room, Aurora didn’t hold back. She asked directly. “The Remington Group recently entered the film and television industry. Is it not a coincidence that this popular music variety show you’re investing in is being offered to a rookie like me?” Aurora’s straightforwardness and politeness slowly chilled the burning anticipation in Cole’s heart. He stared at her, trying to find some familiar trace. But no matter how he looked, he only saw a mask of icy coolness. His clasped hands unconsciously tightened, and his voice was drawn out. “What if it is, and what if it isn’t? Aurora, do we really need to be so precise between us?” It was the answer she expected. Aurora took a sip of coffee, her voice calm. “Mr. Remington, you and I are merely investor and musician. Some things, of course, need to be clarified to avoid misunderstandings.” “Is that all it is?” Seeing the fleeting disappointment in his eyes, Aurora’s voice remained firm. “Of course.” Before coming here, Cole had imagined a thousand possibilities for their reunion. Silence, tears, or feigned composure. The one thing he hadn’t expected was this professional detachment. Was he the only one still clinging to the past, unable to move on? Cole desperately wanted to deny it, so he brought up their history, trying to find confirmation. “But we were together for so long, have you forgotten all that?” “Three years. It’s been three years since we broke up. Not too long, but enough to start a new life. There’s no need to reminisce about the past, especially since they weren’t particularly pleasant memories.” Every word was like a needle piercing Cole. The gnawing ache in his heart made it difficult to control the sorrow on his face. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy, and his slightly rapid breathing was almost audible. After a long silence, Aurora heard his low, hoarse apology. “I’m sorry, Aurora. I was wrong about the past. I failed your genuine feelings. I deeply apologize.” By now, Aurora had truly moved on from those past events. In youth, fueled by passion and impulse, who hadn’t acted recklessly for love? She, perhaps, just had a bit of bad luck and loved the wrong person. She accepted her mistake and had the courage to start anew. So, facing these belated apologies, her heart remained unruffled. “It’s all in the past. No need to bring it up again.” With that, Aurora rose and left the conference room. A reunion, after all this time, ended abruptly and unexpectedly. Mr. Davis, who had been waiting outside for a long time, saw her emerge and immediately rushed over, his voice cheerful. “Aurora, you and Mr. Remington are old acquaintances? Did you have a good chat?” Having known him for so long, Aurora knew what he was getting at and carefully chose her words. “He’s a friend’s brother; we’ve met a few times before. The chat was okay, but our relationship is just casual.” Mr. Davis, who knew her temperament well, chuckled. “Are you pulling my leg again? If it was ‘casual,’ why would a spot that people fight tooth and nail for go to a newcomer like you? Give me the lowdown, what connections do you really have in the industry? That way, I’ll have leverage when I push for you with the higher-ups!” “If I really had connections, would I have been grinding under you all these years? Mr. Davis, don’t go getting any wild ideas. We just stick to singing, training, and waiting for scheduled gigs.” Aurora continued to persuade him as she ushered him into the recording studio, beginning her work for the day. She worked until evening, and the new song was recorded. After work, Aurora stretched and left the company. Downstairs, she saw Skylar waiting in the distance, waving at her. Although the two friends had met when Aurora returned to the country, she had been busy with work and moving for the past two weeks, so they had only communicated by phone. With tomorrow being a day off, the two friends decided to meet up. They first went to their favorite restaurant, then watched a movie. By the time they came out, it was already eleven o’clock, so Aurora took Skylar back to her new apartment. The moment Skylar entered and saw the brand-new slippers, pajamas, and daily necessities prepared for her, she was overjoyed. She pulled Aurora onto the sofa, and they nestled together, watching shows, eating snacks, and chatting about gossip. The scene was exactly as it used to be. Both felt like they had gone back to their school days, filled with emotion. “What? Cole Remington went to see you this morning?” Although Aurora mentioned it casually, Skylar exploded like a pot of boiling water. Seeing her so agitated, Aurora quickly pulled her down to sit and handed her the juice on the table, trying to calm her down. “It was about work, nothing much was said. Don’t be so dramatic.” Skylar took a big gulp of orange juice, still holding a grudge from three years ago, her voice indignant. “He still has the nerve to see you? Ugh. If it weren’t for blood, for what he did, I’d get a bunch of people to beat him up. I warned him countless times, but he never learns his lesson. No, I’m going to confront him tomorrow. Aurora, don’t worry, I won’t let him bother you again.” Aurora knew Skylar was doing this for her own good. But they were siblings after all, and she didn’t want Skylar to strain her family relationship because of her. She gently tried to persuade her. “Skylar, I’ve put the past behind me. You don’t need to worry anymore. From now on, in my eyes, he’s just my best friend’s brother.” Skylar stared intently at her, and seeing Aurora’s relaxed expression, she finally believed that she had truly moved on. “Brother? I don’t have a brother like that. Just treat him like a familiar stranger, don’t bother with him. If he still dares to bother you, just tell me, and I’ll teach him a lesson.” Seeing Skylar chattering on, ready to stand up for her, Aurora felt a warmth in her heart and hugged her. “Okay, everything you say is right. I’ll obey!” Skylar finally felt more at ease and fed her some fruit. Seeing her feasting heartily, she suddenly remembered something and quickly asked, “You said he sought you out for work? What kind of work?” “He invited me to be a resident guest on the third season of ‘Melodies of the Heart.’” At this, Skylar remembered that their family was indeed the biggest investor in that show. She frowned, speaking hesitantly. “This show was indeed invested in by Cole. It’s been very popular domestically for the past two years. He gave you one of the four resident guest spots. What’s he plotting?” Aurora had thought about this question too. But whatever his intentions, getting this spot was an opportunity for her, a newcomer. So she didn’t want to rack her brain trying to guess his motives. “Who cares? The company’s got my back, so nothing bad will happen. I’m just worried that getting such a good job out of nowhere, people might call me a ‘privileged artist’?” “With me around, how could that happen? Aurora, don’t worry, I’ll handle your online reputation. If anyone dares to call you a ‘privileged artist,’ I’ll get someone to tailor-make a unique music show just for you, so everyone can see what real connections look like.” Seeing that she had let go of her worries, Aurora also sighed in relief, picking up on Skylar’s playful tone. “If it’s just me, will anyone even watch? How about you invite all the big-name artists in the industry to be my guests? That’ll create buzz. Otherwise, aren’t you just promoting me for free?” “What’s our relationship? If I promote you, I promote you. Who can say anything?” The sisters bantered back and forth, endlessly enjoying each other’s company. They chatted until dawn before Skylar finally felt sleepy. Aurora tucked her in and turned off the light. Listening to Skylar’s soft breathing beside her, she smiled faintly. Everything was different now. But thankfully, she and Skylar were still the same as ever. The next day, they both slept until afternoon. After washing up, Skylar complained she was hungry and took Aurora out, saying she wanted to try a newly opened dessert shop. The shop was located halfway up a hill. Since it was a weekday, there weren’t many people. They found a spot on the outdoor terrace and exchanged secrets while looking at the mountains of red cherry blossoms and lush green leaves. As they were chatting animatedly, a few people walked by. One of them accidentally tilted their tray, and a cream cake fell onto Aurora’s clothes. Seeing her stained dress, she frowned slightly, pulling out a few tissues to wipe it. The girl who caused the trouble was about to apologize, but after seeing their faces, her apologies turned to surprise. “It’s you two?” Hearing the familiar voice, Skylar stopped helping Aurora wipe her clothes. She looked up and saw Seraphina Thorne. After half a year, she was still the same, always making a scene wherever she went. Confronted like this, Skylar’s expression immediately turned subtle. Skylar’s face also darkened, and she instantly shielded Aurora behind her. “Don’t you have a mouth? Can’t even say sorry? No wonder you hang out with people like her.” Hearing her mockery, the girl who caused the accident glared, ready to retort, but Seraphina stopped her. She raised an eyebrow, looked at Skylar, who had been causing her trouble for the past three years, and scoffed. “Well, well, if it isn’t the Remington family’s little shrew and my substitute.” When it came to comebacks, Skylar never let anyone get the better of her. “Oh, no, I’m not. How could I compare to a clingy nuisance that everyone dislikes? What, did you get rejected by Cole Remington again today, so you came here looking for attention? Sorry, but no one in the Remington family wants anything to do with someone who throws herself at him. You can give up that idea.” Having her sore spot exposed in front of Aurora, Seraphina’s anger flared, and she could no longer maintain her calm facade. “Skylar Remington, my business with Cole is none of your concern, okay? Watch your mouth! Before you speak, think about this: if I’m ‘throwing myself at him,’ what does the person behind you count as? A fake?” Whenever Aurora was involved, Skylar would bristle with anger like a protective mother animal. She didn’t bother with words and immediately picked up the half-eaten cake from the table, throwing it directly at Seraphina’s face. “Too bad for you! The man you’ve been chasing for thirteen years doesn’t want you, and now he’s chasing me and Aurora. Are you jealous?” Being humiliated like this in front of her friends, her carefully applied makeup ruined, Seraphina’s face turned beet red with fury. “Skylar Remington, don’t think that just because you’re Cole Remington’s sister, I have to put up with you…” “I never asked you to put up with anything, did I? If you’re so capable, then get your revenge!” The two were equally stubborn, and it looked like a fight was about to break out. Seraphina’s friends, wary of Skylar’s identity and afraid of offending the Remington family, quickly pulled her back. Aurora also didn’t want to waste a beautiful day off on undeserving people and tried to calm Skylar from behind. At her insistence, Skylar finally relented, pulling Aurora to leave. As they passed Seraphina, she deliberately stuck out a leg to trip someone. Aurora, caught off guard, stumbled a few steps, almost falling against a stone wall, but Skylar caught her, steadying her. The argument, which had been about to subside, instantly escalated again due to this provocation. Skylar couldn’t swallow the insult and lunged forward to teach them a lesson. Aurora, fearing she might get hurt, rushed to help. As the two girls struggled with the five friends, someone bit Skylar’s hand. Without thinking, she grabbed a plate from the table and smashed it against the person dragging her from behind. *CRASH!* Seraphina fell to the ground. Blood streamed down her forehead. *Drip, drip, drip.* Cole Remington received the news and rushed to the police station. He saw his sister still arguing with the police and took a deep breath. “I told you, she started it! The surveillance footage shows it clearly!” He walked over, pressed Skylar, who was pounding the table in protest, into a chair, and then noticed Aurora sitting inside. Their eyes met, and a hint of surprise flashed in his. He was about to ask what had happened when the police officer spoke first. “You’re here to bail them out, right? They got into a conflict at the cake shop and sent someone to the hospital. The other party agreed to a settlement, but they’re refusing. You really should talk some sense into them.” After the officer sighed and left the room, Skylar turned to Cole and repeated what she had said earlier. “Aurora and I are the victims. It was legitimate self-defense when our personal safety was threatened. Why should we seek their understanding?” Hearing her stubbornly insist on clarifying everything, Cole had no choice but to raise his voice. “Alright, first, explain exactly what happened.” Skylar then patiently recounted the entire incident. When Cole heard that Aurora had nearly been hurt, his heart pounded a few times, and he instinctively glanced at her. But she showed no expression, simply pulled out a tissue and wiped the cream from Skylar’s bag. “If I hadn’t caught her, Aurora would be in the hospital right now. I was just giving them a taste of their own medicine. Why should we settle and apologize to them?” After understanding the situation, Cole’s face also darkened. He signed the bail papers and took the two girls out of the police station. “You two go home first. I’ll handle this.” Watching their car drive out of sight, he turned and looked at the hospital, a few dozen yards away. Seraphina Thorne was in room 1406. When Cole pushed open the door, she had just returned from her last examination. Several girls were gathered around her bed, offering advice. “Seraphina, we can’t afford to offend the Remingtons. It’s just a minor injury, let it go.” “Skylar is a total shrew. From now on, let’s avoid her so she doesn’t go crazy again.” Seraphina, hurt and still having to swallow her anger, was about to lash out when she saw Cole. Her furious face instantly transformed into a pitiful, tearful expression, her eyes misty. “Cole, I knew you hadn’t let go of me. I knew you’d come to see me.” The girls exchanged glances, then tacitly found excuses to slip out, leaving them alone. Once the last person left, Cole closed the door and turned back. In three years, from gatherings to chance encounters, and later through work after he returned to the Remington Group, he and Seraphina met at least four times a week. He had told her countless times that they were over. But she still refused to give up, stubbornly believing he was just angry with her, insisting on chasing him. Slowly, he stopped bothering to explain, allowing her to engineer various “chance” encounters, offering no response. During this time, he also heard about the minor conflicts between her and Skylar, mostly verbal spats, which he hadn’t taken seriously. Yet, he never imagined that years of ignoring her would not make Seraphina come to her senses, but instead make her more reckless. The thought of Aurora almost getting hurt today deeply displeased Cole. He looked coldly at Seraphina as she, with misty eyes, walked towards him, extending her hand pitifully. Just as she was about to grasp his hand, he stepped back a few paces and spoke in a low voice. “I’ve already heard what Skylar said about today. Aurora just came back to the country and didn’t have any past dealings with you. Why did you deliberately target her?” His few words choked Seraphina’s accusations in her throat. She blinked, a tear falling, her voice filled with grievance. “They started calling me names! Vivian and Arya heard it all, you can ask them.” “They’re your friends, of course they’ll take your side. Skylar might call you names, but how could Aurora have offended you? You’re just taking advantage of her good temper, picking on the easy target, aren’t you?” Seraphina never expected him to finally take the initiative, only to side with the person who had caused her injury. She was deeply resentful and started acting stubbornly unreasonable again. “Yes, I just don’t like her, is that not allowed? If it weren’t for her, how would we be in this situation today? You’re still defending her! You clearly don’t care about me!” He had seen her breakdown and cry like this countless times in the past three years; he was immune to it now. His phone buzzed a few times. He took it out, saw a message from his secretary, and his voice turned cold. “I’ve put a stop to all five projects the Remington family was collaborating on with the Thorne family. Whether or not cooperation resumes depends on your attitude. If you continue to cause trouble for Skylar and Aurora like you did today, you will face the consequences.” Hearing his icy tone, Seraphina’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with disbelief. “What did you say?! You’re doing this to me to get back at me for them? Look closely, I’m the one who’s hurt!” Cole’s patience had run out. He gave her one last look. His eyes held nothing but utter indifference. “Skylar is my sister. Aurora is the person I care about most. Don’t you understand?” With that, he turned and left, regardless of her reaction. The moment the door closed, heart-wrenching wails erupted from the room. But Cole didn’t look back. *** [Cliffhanger] *** Aurora took Skylar home, and both changed out of their stained clothes. The housekeeper had already prepared dinner, and they ate and chatted about what had happened that day. Just as they finished eating, Cole’s call came through. “I’m done here. Where are you two? Let’s have dinner together. There are a few things I wanted to ask you.” Skylar put down her chopsticks and leisurely spoke. “No need. Aurora and I have already eaten. If you have anything you want to ask, say it now. Don’t interrupt our sister time.” “Then let’s grab some coffee. It’s still early.” Being siblings, Skylar immediately understood his intentions and scoffed. “I threw the cake, I caused the scene. It has nothing to do with Aurora. You’re just looking for an excuse to see Aurora, aren’t you? Let me tell you, she has nothing to do with you anymore. Put your silly ideas away.” After saying all that in one breath, she didn’t give him any face and hung up the phone. Seeing the smug look on her face, Aurora couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. “Skylar, why have you gotten so feisty in three years? Now you even dare to talk back to your brother.” “It’s all to protect you from getting hurt again, you know? It’s not easy being me.”

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Seraphina pushed open the booth door, just in time to hear a group of men inside discussing the brutal impact of first love. “Your turn, Julian, we’ve all spilled, you can’t back out now.” Hearing that name, Seraphina’s hand on the doorknob froze. After a long, heavy silence, Julian took a slow sip of his drink. A moment later, a low, husky voice, laced with the burn of his drink, finally broke the quiet. “I have her name tattooed near my heart. It’s never been removed.” “My biker jacket has a bloodstain from our very first time together. I’ve kept it, always.” “My current girlfriend? She’s her stand-in.” Each word struck Seraphina like a bolt of lightning. She felt her blood run cold, as if she’d plunged into an icy abyss. She, a mere stand-in for his first love?! The booth went silent for a beat, then erupted into a roar of cheers. “Holy sh*t, dude! That’s intense!” “Only you, Julian. You just won the whole damn game in three sentences. You’re a hopeless romantic, man.” “Heard Elara is returning from abroad soon. Since you’ve never forgotten her, won’t you two rekindle things? All those years of pining wouldn’t be for nothing. But what about your current girlfriend? Isn’t she your sister’s best friend? If you screw this up, they won’t even be friends anymore, will they?” Julian went silent, just for a beat. He didn’t answer. Seeing someone inside the booth about to step out, a pale Seraphina jolted awake. Her legs felt like jelly as she stumbled downstairs. Outside, it was pouring rain, but she walked right into it, as if she’d lost all sensation. The icy needles of rain lashed against her face, mixing with her own hot tears as they streamed down. Her eyes blurred with tears, the words she’d just heard echoing endlessly in her mind. Memories, like a slow tide, began to surge. Cole Remington was her best friend’s older brother, four years her senior. The first time she ever saw him, she and Skylar were cornered in an alley, being harassed by a group of bullies. They were at their wit’s end when Cole appeared on his motorcycle. He unlatched his helmet with a long, clean hand, his voice cool as he asked, “Are you the ones bothering my kid sister?” The moment he took off his helmet, revealing his face, Aurora Hayes felt her heart pound. Skylar had often gushed about her incredibly handsome older brother, but seeing him in person still took Aurora’s breath away. What was even more impressive was how effortlessly he took down the bullies with just a few high kicks, leaving them completely defeated. Back then, every girl in high school had a crush, except for her. But that day, she found hers. She fell for her best friend’s brother. As she entered college, her features matured and she grew into her looks. Egged on by Skylar, Aurora finally mustered the courage to pursue Cole. She prepared thoughtful breakfasts every day, constantly engineered “chance” encounters, and meticulously researched his hobbies to find topics of conversation. She pulled out all the stops, but Cole always treated her like a kid, distant and indifferent. Only occasionally would he lose himself for a moment, his gaze lingering on her face. It wasn’t until that day, when he was driving her home and an accident seemed imminent, that she threw herself in front of him without a second thought. Luckily, the brakes engaged just in time. She wasn’t seriously injured, just a nail-sized cut near her eye where it had grazed the seat. It was a minor scratch, but Cole was uncharacteristically agitated. He insisted on taking her to the hospital and repeatedly asked the doctor if it would scar. Only after receiving reassurance did he finally relax, then immediately scolded her, demanding to know why she’d lunged at him, asking if she had a death wish. Aurora looked at him, her eyes shining brightly, her affection completely unconcealed. “Because I like you, Cole.” Cole froze, then gave a cold, cynical smile. “Like? You’re just a kid. Do you even know what ‘like’ means? How long do you think that ‘like’ will last?” “Forever!” she declared without hesitation. “Cole, I’ll like you forever.” Perhaps it was the unwavering conviction in her tone, the sheer sincerity, that made Cole reach out for the first time and gently touch her cheek. He sighed, finally speaking the words she’d longed to hear. “Aurora, let’s give it a try.” From that day on, they were officially a couple. For three years, Cole, despite his reserved nature, was always there for her in the ways that mattered. Aurora never dared to ask for more. Until tonight, when a conversation she overheard shattered her self-made dream. The truth was, his occasional distracted stares at her face were because she was a substitute. The truth was, his fear of her face being injured was because she was a substitute. And the truth was, whenever they were intimate, he liked to look at her face… It was because she was a substitute. She sobbed uncontrollably, drenched and heartbroken, until she returned home, completely drained of strength, and collapsed helplessly on the floor. After an unknown amount of time, she slowly came back to herself. The tear tracks on her face had dried, and her mind felt clear. Aurora pulled a business card from her bag. It was given to her two weeks ago at a bar by a talent scout, after she impulsively sang an original song she’d written for Cole. He said she had an excellent voice and striking looks, asking if she was interested in becoming a singer. The company would take her abroad for three years of secret training, turning her into an A-list star. Singing was Aurora’s greatest passion, and she’d certainly harbored dreams of stardom. But to stay by Cole’s side, she’d refused the scout’s offer. Yet he’d insisted on leaving his contact information. Now, knowing the truth, there was no longer any reason for her to stay. Gazing at the number on the card, Aurora raised her cold, pale hand and dialed. The moment it connected, she cleared her hoarse, tired voice and spoke softly. “Hello, this is Aurora Hayes. I accept your offer to sign.” “Miss Hayes! You finally made up your mind? Great! Let’s connect on SnapChat and meet tomorrow.” Hearing the delighted voice on the other end, Aurora nodded, then quietly added him on SnapChat. Shortly after the call ended, she heard footsteps approaching the door. A few seconds later, the door opened, and Cole walked in, holding an umbrella. Seeing her sitting on the floor, disheveled, he frowned. “Why are you all wet?” “Forgot my umbrella.” Her damp hair obscured Aurora’s face, and as the sensor light dimmed, Cole couldn’t see her expression. He ruffled her hair. “Still acting like a kid. Remember to check the weather forecast next time.” Aurora didn’t respond. After he turned and entered the bathroom, she slowly pushed herself up, her body half-numb, and went to the other bathroom. After showering, she lay in bed, staring blankly at the white wall. A moment later, Cole slid under the covers beside her. The familiar scent of cedar wood filled her nostrils, and Aurora couldn’t help but recall what had happened that afternoon. She found herself hugging him, then slowly, slowly, pulling up Cole’s pajama shirt. Just an inch above his heart, three letters were distinctly tattooed: JZY! This wasn’t the first time she’d seen the tattoo. In moments of passion, she’d glimpsed it countless times, curious but never daring to ask. Now, seeing it again, her eyes welled up. Her voice, low and choked, asked, “What do these three letters mean?” Cole paused for two seconds, his gaze following hers downward. His voice was soft, yet imbued with an endless tenderness and affection she hadn’t felt from him in three years. “It means something very important.” He paused, as if misunderstanding her intention to pull up his shirt. “Alright, you got caught in the rain today, so I’ll leave you alone. Get some sleep.” With that, he gently pushed her hand away, pulled down his shirt, and turned off the light. The bedroom plunged into a suffocating silence. Only her silent tears continued to flow, dissolving into the boundless darkness of the night. The next morning, Cole was up early. Skipping breakfast, he was putting on his shoes, ready to leave. Seeing the relentless rain outside and remembering how much he hated going out in such weather, Aurora called out to him. “Don’t you have any flights scheduled recently? Why are you going out?” Cole seemed in good spirits, a faint smile gracing his usually cool eyes. He picked up his umbrella, twisted the doorknob, and said, “I have some important things to take care of. You stay home and be good.” His last words faded just as the door clicked shut. Watching his receding figure, Aurora silently turned back to the bedroom. Her eyes immediately fell on his phone, which was vibrating endlessly on the bedside table. She picked it up and saw the SnapChat chat interface. At the top center of the screen, the name of the chat partner appeared: Seraphina. “What time’s your flight today? It’s raining heavily outside. Don’t leave the terminal, I’ll drive to pick you up.” That eager tone, that concerned voice, was a stark contrast to his cool “remember to check the weather forecast” from last night. So, when it was pouring rain, he *would* go out to pick up someone he truly cared about. Aurora had only glanced at it when she heard footsteps at the door. She put the phone down and slipped into the walk-in closet before Cole entered the room. By the time she finished her makeup and came out, the phone was gone, and the house was empty. She grabbed her bag and went downstairs to hail a cab. Upon arriving at the agreed-upon coffee shop, Aurora spotted Mr. Davis, the talent scout, waiting for her at the entrance. After exchanging pleasantries, they went into a private room. Mr. Davis thoroughly explained the training plan and future career development, then produced a contract. Seeing the bold red “Luminara Records” seal on it, Aurora paused. Luminara Records was one of the top entertainment companies globally; countless people fought tooth and nail to get in. And she had almost given it all up. She offered a self-deprecating smile, then, without hesitation, signed her name. After receiving the signed contract, Mr. Davis’s face lit up with a look of having struck gold, his eyes crinkling with a wide smile. “Miss Hayes, when you refused me before, I truly felt it was such a waste. But I’m glad you came around. A true gem wasn’t left hidden after all. Don’t worry, Luminara’s strength in the industry is top-tier. We will definitely get you onto the most dazzling stage. This training will be an intensive, closed-door program. Go home, prepare, and we’ll depart in fifteen days.” Aurora made a mental note of the date and bid him a polite farewell. On her way home, Cole’s call suddenly came through, his voice incredibly urgent. “You’re not home?” She paused, about to speak, when she heard him again the next second: “No matter where you are, come to City General Hospital right now!” In all their time together, Aurora had never heard him sound so anxious. She hesitated for a few seconds, then told the driver to turn around. When she arrived at the ER, she saw Cole standing there, perfectly fine. It wasn’t him who was hurt, then it must be… Before she could even ask what had happened, a nurse led her into an adjacent room. “You’re O-negative, right?” Aurora, confused, nodded. The nurse immediately asked about her health and then plunged a thick needle directly into her skin. The sharp sting in her arm made her wince, and she realized with a jolt that she was donating blood. As the nurse monitored the blood flow, she chatted with Aurora. “Sweetheart, what’s your relationship with that handsome guy outside? His girlfriend was in a car accident outside the airport and was rushed in. He was frantic, even pulled strings to get our chief of staff here. The hospital’s blood bank was low, and he kept making call after call, finally calling you. He must be madly in love with his girlfriend.” Hearing those words, Aurora felt her heart clench. It was as if a pair of hands had gripped her heart tightly and then released it, yet she still couldn’t breathe, the lingering pain refusing to fade. So, Cole had called her here just to make her donate blood for Seraphina Thorne?! Not to mention how hurtful it was to have a substitute donate blood for the original, but he clearly knew she suffered from severe anemia… Had he forgotten, or did he simply not care in his desperation to save Seraphina? After the blood draw, she sat there for a full half-hour before slowly recovering. During that time, Cole never once came to check on her or ask a single question. It was easy to guess he was still by Seraphina’s side. Of course, she was just a substitute; how could she ever deserve his pity? Aurora gave a self-deprecating smile, then, leaning on the wall, she walked out and saw the operating room light switch off. The doctor pushed the patient out, and Cole quickly strode forward, his face etched with anxiety, following the gurney into the patient room. Through the window, Aurora watched him sitting by the bed, tightly holding Seraphina’s pale hands, his face a mix of fervent pleading and lingering terror. Her breath caught in her throat. In her memory, no matter what happened, Cole had always maintained a calm and detached demeanor, as if nothing concerned him. In the five years she’d known him, this was the first time she’d seen such an expression. This, then, was how he truly loved someone. For the next four or five days, Cole didn’t return home. Aurora knew he was at the hospital and didn’t contact him. She did three things. First, she submitted her resignation to her company. Second, she pulled out her suitcase and began packing. Third, she marked her departure date on the calendar. Watching the days draw nearer, her deeply confused heart slowly began to settle. On the first clear day after the rainy season ended, Cole finally came home. Almost immediately, he noticed that something was off in the apartment. He saw the cardboard boxes by the wall and frowned. “Why did you bring all your office things home?” Then he spotted the luggage in the bedroom, his breathing hitching slightly. “Why are you suddenly packing?” Finally, he saw the calendar on the wall with a circle drawn around a date, and turned to her. “What’s the circle on the 30th mean?” Three questions in a row made Aurora pause her actions. She didn’t hide anything. “I found a job I prefer recently, so I resigned. I’m packing because I’m moving somewhere quite far away. The 30th is the day I leave.” Taking a soft breath, she prepared to tell him about her departure and their breakup. “Do you have a moment? There’s something very important I want to discuss with you, I…” Mid-sentence, Cole’s phone suddenly rang. Seeing Seraphina Thorne’s name on the screen, he quickly answered. Through the receiver, Seraphina’s sweet voice came through. “Cole, thank you for taking care of me these past few days. My friends are throwing a welcome-back party for me. Want to come?” Cole was about to agree, but then seemed to remember something, glancing at Aurora. “What were you just saying you wanted to talk about? Was it important?” With that question, what else was there for her to understand? She shook her head. “No, it’s not important. If you have something to do, go ahead.” Hearing that unfamiliar voice, Seraphina chuckled, surprised. “Your girlfriend’s there too? Then bring her along! She’s the one who donated blood for me, right? I haven’t properly thanked her yet.” Cole froze at the mention of blood donation, instinctively covering the receiver and moving aside. What they discussed, Aurora didn’t know, but Cole left the house with her. She hadn’t even had a chance to refuse when he eagerly ushered her into the car. On the way, he offered a brief explanation for what had happened a few days prior. “The person who just called is… a friend of mine. She was in a car accident shortly after returning to the country a few days ago, and the hospital’s blood bank was low. I remembered you two have the same blood type, and the situation was urgent, so I called you. I didn’t have time to explain. Have you been upset about it these past few days, since you haven’t messaged me?” “No, I have anemia, so I’ve been resting these past few days, which is why I haven’t contacted you.” Aurora’s tone was flat, as if she didn’t care at all. Seeing her pale face, Cole’s heart clenched, and a wave of guilt washed over him. *Right, how could he have forgotten her anemia?* He was about to apologize and ask what gift she wanted as compensation, but she had already closed her eyes, seemingly indifferent. In the end, he could only stop himself from speaking. The two got out of the car and walked directly to the designated private room. But as soon as they pushed open the door, they felt the oppressive atmosphere in the room. It was supposed to be a welcome-back party, but almost everyone present was male, mostly Cole’s friends. They all looked at him, hesitant, as if wanting to say something. But before they could speak, Seraphina smiled and greeted them, “You’re here.” Her gaze fell on Aurora’s face, and she paused, then smiled again. “So this is your little girlfriend? She looks so young. Thanks for donating blood for me last time, you actually saved my life, you know. From now on, if you ever need anything, just ask, and I’ll be there.” Aurora forced a smile. “You flatter me.” Seraphina chuckled, told them to sit anywhere, and then went to greet other newly arrived guests. Though Seraphina wasn’t near, Cole’s gaze remained fixed on her. Seeing her chatting and laughing with other men, his face immediately darkened. When he saw her take a few extra bites of a macaroon, he silently instructed a server to bring all the macaroons in the club to her table. When a champagne tower was accidentally knocked over and threatened to fall on her, he immediately rose and shielded her in his arms. “Careful!” Sharp glass shards cut his left hand in several places. Everyone urged him to go to the hospital to get it treated. But he just casually wrapped a silk scarf around it, completely unconcerned. “Minor injury, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” Watching the white silk scarf stain red with blood, Aurora put the car keys she had just taken out back into her bag. The room was quiet for a few minutes, then quickly regained its lively atmosphere. At eight o’clock, seeing that everyone was having a good time, Seraphina picked up the microphone and announced loudly, “Everyone’s here now, so I can finally announce something important!” “I’m sure you all know I broke up with my ex before coming back. I called everyone here today for a blind date. I’m looking for a new boyfriend!” At that, everyone fearfully looked at Cole. He said nothing, just stared intently at her, crushing the glass in his hand! Blood covered his hand, but Seraphina was oblivious, instead raising her glass to him with a smile. “Cole, I didn’t call you here for nothing. I need you to help me vet these guys, tell me which of your friends is a good match for me?” The private room fell silent. Seeing everyone’s evasive glances and Cole’s darkened face, Aurora finally understood why the atmosphere had been so strange when they first arrived. Just as everyone was on edge, a guy sitting in the middle suddenly stood up. “I…” Before he could even finish “need to use the restroom,” Cole flipped the table in front of him, his cold gaze sweeping over the guy. “You dare to say yes, you damn well try me?!” Suddenly challenged, the friend was speechless, unsure whether to stand or sit. Cole, his hand clenched and bloody, walked up to Seraphina, his eyes red and his voice trembling with accusation. “Seraphina Thorne, sometimes I really wonder if you have a heart.” With that, he turned and left the private room without looking back, slamming the door shut. He had completely forgotten he’d left his girlfriend behind. With things escalating like this, the welcome party couldn’t continue. Aurora offered a self-deprecating smile and headed to the restroom. As she walked down the hallway, she heard Cole’s friends arguing with Seraphina Thorne. “Seraphina, what are you thinking? Why do you insist on pulling stunts to anger Cole? You, more than anyone, should know he’s always wanted to get back with you, right? He’s been so obsessed with you, who among us would dare make a move?” “Just because he wants to get back together, I should agree? With no sincerity at all?” “Sincerity? Damn it, what more sincerity do you want?! Do you have any idea what he’s been through all these years? In our circles, you don’t see this kind of devotion. He, a golden boy from a powerful family, how crazy has he been for you?” “After you broke up and went abroad, he drank every day, almost killing himself. The moment you’d post on Ins about liking something, he’d immediately buy it, no matter the cost, then fly abroad overnight to secretly leave it at your doorstep. A while ago, you told your best friend you hadn’t seen fireworks in ages, and he immediately arranged a grand fireworks show in Paris. Don’t tell me you didn’t know any of this…” Hearing the friend’s indignant tone, Aurora’s hand trembled slightly. In the years they had been together, Cole had often disappeared mysteriously. It turned out it was all for Seraphina. The argument in the hallway intensified, but Seraphina seemed utterly unconcerned. “He’s willing to do all that for me, it’s not like I forced him. Besides, they’re just minor things, what’s the big deal? Let’s see him risk his life for me one day.” “Seraphina, you’re just taking advantage of Cole’s love and pushing your luck! One day, when his patience runs out and he stops loving you, you’ll regret it!” “Stop loving me? Laughable. He even found a girlfriend who’s my substitute. How could he not love me? My business with him is none of your concern!” Seraphina’s tone was full of certainty. After saying that, she turned around, smug, only to come face to face with Aurora, who was standing not far away! Seeing her there, everyone froze. Seraphina, however, quickly recovered. With Cole gone, she dropped her polite facade and swept a pitying glance over Aurora. “You heard all that? Good. Otherwise, it would be too pathetic to remain in the dark. Little girl, you’re nothing but a minor character in Cole and my story. I advise you to cut your losses and leave now.” With that, she clicked away on her high heels. The hallway instantly fell silent, leaving Cole’s friends red-faced and stammering explanations. “Aurora, it’s not what you heard, it’s… it’s…” They desperately wanted to explain, but couldn’t find the right words. Because everyone knew the truth was exactly as it seemed. Seeing how nervous they were, Aurora didn’t want to make it harder for them. She asked nothing, simply turned and left. As she reached the ground floor, hailing a cab, a rose-colored sports car suddenly sped past, splashing through a puddle. Dirty water splattered all over Aurora, drenching half her clothes. She frowned, looking up, and saw Seraphina’s gloating face behind the car window. “Little extra, if you don’t wise up and leave on your own, you might end up even more pathetic than this!” With that, she drove off. Aurora pulled tissues from her bag and slowly wiped the water from her face. She tossed the wet tissues into a bin, then looked up at the clear blue sky, a single tear falling. *An extra?* No, she was never anyone’s extra. Cole Remington was simply written out of her script. Back home, Aurora’s mood had settled. She ate something, showered, and then rested. At three in the morning, the bedroom light suddenly flickered on. A drunken Cole stumbled in, grabbing the startled Aurora and pulling her into his arms. “Why do you have to torment me like this? You know I can’t let you go, why won’t you give me another chance?” “You know I like you, yet you go on blind dates right in front of me. Do you enjoy humiliating me? Are you happy seeing me suffer for you? Fine, I’m in pain. I’ll give you whatever you want, as long as you’re still mine.” Seeing the agony on his face, Aurora exerted some strength and struggled out of his embrace. She watched him collapse onto the bed, still mumbling Seraphina’s name, and offered a self-deprecating smile. *So this is what you’re like when you love someone.* *So our three years together really meant nothing to you.* Her eyes red, she picked up a pillow and left the bedroom, turning off the light. The room plunged back into darkness. Cole continued to ramble in his drunken stupor, but no one was listening. The next day, Cole didn’t wake until noon. His head felt like it was splitting from the hangover as he forced himself to sit up. Aurora was by the window, tidying small trinkets. Seeing her back, a vague memory flashed in his mind, and he froze. “I drank too much yesterday. Did I say anything dumb?” Seeing her shake her head, Cole’s suspended heart slowly eased. He raised a hand to rub his temple, pulled at a wound, and winced. Aurora, who had just turned around, saw the untreated wound on his hand, inflamed from drinking. Cole was a pilot; he’d need to fly again. Only now did he remember he needed to take care of it. “Where’s the first-aid kit?” Aurora said nothing, turning to retrieve the first-aid kit from the living room. “It has everything you could need.” Cole couldn’t help but chuckle. “How could it have everything…?” But when he opened it, seeing the orderly array of medicines, from cold remedies to stomach pills, he froze. “You… prepared all this?” Aurora nodded. “Yes. You’re a pilot, you can’t get hurt, so I prepared the medicine very carefully, just in case you needed it in a hurry.” At her words, Cole’s mind buzzed, and he suddenly remembered a cascade of things he’d belatedly realized. He thought of the countless nights he’d returned home drunk, and how she’d tirelessly brewed hangover cures for him; how she’d immediately looked up recipes and learned to cook anything he casually mentioned wanting to eat; how, over the years, whenever he had been sick, big or small, she’d always known how to handle it… He remembered when they first started dating, Skylar had repeatedly told him that Aurora was a pampered princess who never had to lift a finger at home and that he needed to fulfill his duties as a boyfriend. He was a few years older than her, yet in this relationship, Aurora had always been the one taking care of him. In that moment, Cole was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. He looked at her, his face full of shame, wanting to say something. But then he saw her pick up her bag, seemingly not intending to treat his wound, but preparing to leave. He was surprised. “Are you going out?” Aurora hummed, putting on her hat. “Skylar and I planned to have lunch together.” Cole then remembered his sister had just returned from a trip. He quickly grabbed the medicine, hastily treated his hand, and followed her to the entryway. “I’ll drive you.” Aurora was about to refuse, but he took her hand directly, grabbed his car keys, and led her out the door. Once in the car, Cole set the GPS while asking about their afternoon plans. Hearing they were going shopping, he was about to offer to join them when his phone buzzed with a new message. He glanced at it, pulled the car to the side of the road, and looked at Aurora apologetically. “I wanted to spend the day with you, but I just got a message about a last-minute flight assignment. Aurora, can you take a cab?” Aurora had seen his flight mission notification, so she knew he wasn’t lying. She nodded and opened the car door. After his car disappeared from sight, she hailed a taxi. When she arrived at the agreed-upon restaurant, Skylar had already placed their order. She excitedly pulled out a gift and presented it to Aurora, her voice brimming with joy. “Ta-da! My travel gift! Open it quickly and see if you like it!” Aurora placed the gift on her lap, not opening it immediately. Instead, she looked up at Skylar, her expression serious. “Skylar, there’s something I want to tell you. I… plan to break up with your brother and then go to Vienna for advanced studies. It’ll probably be for three years.” Skylar’s eyes widened. “What?! Why so sudden? You two were doing so well, why break up?” Aurora smiled, telling her the truth. “Because your brother doesn’t like me. He only got together with me because I look like his ex-girlfriend. He’s always treated me as a substitute.” She had long since made peace with it, so she spoke without emotion. But Skylar, upon hearing this, was instantly enraged. She slammed her hand on the table, her voice filled with disbelief. “Ex-girlfriend? Who? That Seraphina Thorne? When they broke up, Cole seemed to be drunk all the time. After all these years, he still hasn’t gotten over her? How does that Seraphina even look like you? You’re so much prettier than her! My brother ignores you, someone who’s completely devoted to him, and still thinks about her, even using you as her substitute?!” The more she spoke, the angrier she became. Finally, she abandoned her meal. After inquiring about Cole’s whereabouts for a while, she stormed out. Aurora knew Skylar was always very afraid of her brother, but now she was sticking up for her like this. Aurora was deeply touched, but she had already decided to let Cole go and didn’t want things to get ugly, so she quickly tried to stop her. But despite her efforts, Skylar still rushed to the Nightfall Club. At the private room door, just as she was about to push it open, she saw Seraphina standing in the center of the crowd, looking haughtily at Cole. “If you want me to forgive you so badly, fine. Give me a piggyback ride, and I’ll consider it.” At her words, Cole hadn’t even spoken, but several of his friends immediately bristled, stepping forward to intervene. “Seraphina Thorne, you’re going too far! You were the one in the wrong that day, making a big deal about picking a boyfriend, which made Cole angry enough to storm out!” “Now you casually say you want to see him, and Cole, to make you happy, even pushed off an urgent last-minute work assignment and came here to apologize without even changing out of his uniform. Why are you being so unreasonable!” “Exactly! Cole is no ordinary person. No one in this city’s most exclusive circles would dare speak so arrogantly to him. How can you humiliate him like this!” Facing these accusations, Seraphina remained unfazed. “I don’t care about any of that. He was so fierce that day, he scared me. So, I want him to apologize like this. Besides, what’s wrong with giving the person you like a piggyback ride? If he’s too high and mighty, he shouldn’t have come to me.” Amidst the swirling arguments, Cole’s face was cold. A moment later, he met Seraphina’s spoiled gaze and said in a low voice, “If I give you a ride, will you stop looking for boyfriends?” “Yes.” Receiving her firm answer, Cole unbuttoned the top few buttons of his pilot uniform and slowly bent down. “Get on.” Everyone’s mouths hung open, their eyes wide with shock. Seeing Seraphina triumphantly climb onto his back, Skylar, standing outside the private room, was fuming. She gritted her teeth, ready to charge in, but Aurora dragged her into the elevator. Skylar struggled and cursed, then turned back, about to tell Aurora to let go, but she froze the moment she saw Aurora’s expression. There was no emotion on Aurora’s face, but tears were streaming down like broken pearls, pattering onto Skylar’s hand and extinguishing the fire in her heart. She quickly pulled Aurora into a hug, anxiously and tenderly wiping her tears, her own voice catching in her throat. “Aurora, don’t cry, please don’t cry.” “Okay, okay, you don’t have to be with my brother anymore. I’ll introduce you to other handsome guys later, alright?” Aurora smiled, trying hard to swallow the bitterness, but her sobs wouldn’t stop. “Actually, actually, I’m not that sad. I’ve decided to let him go and start a new life.” But why were the tears falling? Perhaps witnessing it all firsthand, remembering so many past events, she was suddenly struck by a realization. It turned out that when Cole truly loved someone, he would be affected by their emotions, he would rush to them regardless of anything, he would humble himself and soften his pride. His love would be undeniably clear for all to see. And she had never been loved by him. Back home, Aurora’s mood had calmed. Waking up, another day had passed, bringing her closer to her departure. She went alone to a concert of her favorite singer, recording the blue sea of glow sticks swaying with the cheering crowd. She pinned this video to the top of her Ins profile, then deleted all the posts she had shared during their relationship. Her few close friends, knowing she was pursuing her dreams, left encouraging comments. “Aurora, I hope one day I can be your biggest fan too!” “Future superstar, is it too much to ask for a signed autograph now?” Cole, who had been uncontactable for days, also liked the post. Seeing the sudden red heart, Aurora was surprised. She remembered Cole never posted on Ins and never looked at other people’s posts. It wasn’t until she saw a few messages from Skylar that she understood why. “Aurora, I got that girl’s SnapChat, it’s driving me crazy!” Below it were several screenshots of Seraphina’s daily posts: sunsets by the beach, leisurely strolls through flower fields, city lights and candlelight dinners… Each post had a comment from Cole. “Why didn’t you post the one I took?” “I heard the cherry blossoms on West Hill are blooming too. I’ll take you in a couple of days.” “Shrimp is a bit hard to peel, but since you like it, I don’t mind.” Scrolling through them, it was like a typical couple’s dating diary. It turned out he’d been so busy monitoring Seraphina’s comments that he’d accidentally seen hers and casually liked it. Aurora offered a small smile, reassured Skylar a few times, and quietly organized all the gifts Cole had given her, the various couple’s items they’d bought, and the photos and diary entries from the past three years. She made several trips to carry them downstairs, ready to throw them away, when she saw Cole suddenly return. He seemed to be in a good mood, a smile gracing his eyes. Seeing her, he paused, then veered to greet her. “What’s in the boxes? Are you throwing all this away?” “Just some old clutter I don’t need.” Cole nodded, handed her a cake he was holding, and bent down to help. The moment she saw the cake, Aurora froze for a second. “Why did you suddenly buy a cake?” At her words, Cole stopped, his face slightly falling as he looked at her. “You don’t remember? Today is my birthday.” *His birthday?* Aurora just remembered it was around this time. A month ago, she had been agonizing over what gift to get him. But after learning she was a substitute and deciding to leave, she had completely forgotten about it. After all, he would soon be her ex-boyfriend, what was the point of remembering his birthday? Seeing the fleeting look of realization on her face, Cole’s breathing deepened slightly. Many people had sent him birthday wishes this morning. Only Aurora hadn’t sent anything. He’d thought she was preparing a surprise. Had she forgotten? It wasn’t a crucial matter, but for some reason, Cole felt unsettled, a dull ache in his chest. After all, whether it was an anniversary or his birthday, the little girl used to spend ages preparing and celebrating grandly. Why had she forgotten this year? She was clearly the one who loved him most. Just as he was about to speak, his phone buzzed several times. It was a message from Seraphina, saying she was throwing him a birthday party. Seeing the address and his friends’ teasing in the group chat, Cole clenched his phone slightly. His earlier gloom vanished, a hint of a smile touching his eyes. As he replied to the messages, he turned to leave. Aurora called out to him. “Your birthday…” Cole paused. “I have something to go do right now. When I get back later, we can celebrate together.” Aurora hummed, quietly watching him leave. Once his figure completely disappeared, she threw all the boxes away. Recalling Cole’s overjoyed expression, she knew he wouldn’t be back to celebrate with her today. Strangely, she felt a sense of relief. The trash can was nearly full, so she casually tossed the cake in too, then turned and went upstairs. A few hours later, Aurora received a message from Mr. Davis. “We’re leaving tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at nine in the morning.” She had just replied “ok” when a voice message from Cole’s friend suddenly came through. “Aurora, come to the Hilton Hotel. Cole’s in trouble, you need to hurry!” Listening to his frantic tone, Aurora froze. The next second, Skylar also called, her voice choked with tears. “Aurora, my brother, my brother…” Only then did she realize the seriousness of the situation, and quickly went downstairs to hail a cab. As soon as she got out of the car, Skylar pulled Aurora and sprinted towards the lake, intermittently explaining what had happened along the way. “Seraphina’s ex-boyfriend followed her from abroad to the hotel, trying to get back together. Cole got angry and fought him. Instead of stopping them, she egged them on, threw a necklace into the lake, and said whoever retrieved it, she’d be with. Her ex was about to jump in, and my brother was going to follow him. There’s a cliff under that lake, even professional divers wouldn’t dare go down. We tried to talk him out of it for ages, but he wouldn’t listen. Aurora, please help me, he’s my only brother!” The more she listened, the more silent Aurora became. She wanted to tell Skylar that if it involved Seraphina Thorne, a hundred of her wouldn’t be able to convince Cole. But looking at Skylar’s red, tear-filled eyes, Aurora couldn’t bring herself to speak. When they reached the lakeside, Cole was still putting on his diving suit. Seraphina’s ex-boyfriend, fully ready, had already plunged into the lake. Watching his figure disappear beneath the surface, a cold glint flashed in Cole’s eyes, and his movements quickened. His friends around him were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, pleading endlessly. “The lake is so deep, the necklace is definitely lost. It’s pointless for anyone to go down, Cole, don’t be a fool!” “Is it worth risking your life for a woman? Cole Remington, damn it, get a grip!” Cole didn’t hear a word. He put on his oxygen mask and shoved aside the group of people blocking his way. Skylar couldn’t hold back any longer. She rushed forward and grabbed him, her voice filled with despair. “You’re going to die just because of her words? Brother, have you thought about Mom and Dad and me? Have you thought about Aurora? If you go today, I, Skylar Remington, will no longer have you as a brother!” The atmosphere on the scene instantly froze. Cole stopped, turning to look steadily at his sister. After a long moment, he raised his hand, took hers, and his voice was low. “I’ll be back. Don’t tell Mom and Dad about this, and don’t tell Aurora.” With that, he peeled Skylar’s fingers off one by one, and resolutely leaped into the water. Watching the ripples spread across the lake’s surface, Aurora stood not far away, her hands tightly clenched. The surroundings were quiet, but someone let out a soft laugh, immediately drawing all eyes. It was Seraphina Thorne. She walked haughtily up to Aurora, her face filled with triumph. “He loves me so much he’s willing to die for me. Aurora Hayes, what do you have to compare with that?” “Seraphina Thorne, joking about someone’s life, you’re sick, go get help!” Seeing her gloating, Skylar, who was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe, lunged forward and slapped her hard. Seraphina had never been treated this way and was about to retaliate, but the onlookers quickly pulled them apart. Aurora helped Skylar, comforting her for a long time until she slowly calmed down, staring blankly at the monitoring screen. An hour later, Noah Foster, whose oxygen had run out first, surfaced. The quiet lakeside immediately became agitated. Everyone craned their necks, waiting for Cole. But another five minutes passed, and with his oxygen almost certainly depleted, they still didn’t see him. Panic set in. Only Aurora remained composed. She contacted the Hilton’s rescue team, pleading for their help. Five or six professional divers plunged into the lake. Another ten minutes passed without any movement. Skylar was on the verge of breaking down. Even Seraphina, who had been leisurely watching earlier, became anxious and uneasy. Aurora’s face showed little emotion, but her fingernails were digging deep into her palms. Seraphina’s friends, who had been watching the drama unfold, began to speak despairingly, their voices trembling. “It’s over, it’s over. His oxygen’s been depleted for so long, and he still hasn’t been brought up. It’s probably bad news.” “If something happens, will the Remington family let us off…?” “What does that have to do with us? He’s the one who wanted to risk his life for Seraphina.” Before they could finish, a sound suddenly came from the long-still lake surface. Several rescue personnel were dragging someone, slowly swimming towards the shore. A crowd immediately rushed forward, helping to pull the person onto land. Cole was on the verge of losing consciousness. After his oxygen mask was removed, seeing his pale face, his friends and Skylar’s eyes reddened. But he pressed his hand to his chest, his gaze fixed on Seraphina’s direction. “I… found it. The necklace…” He then slowly raised his trembling right hand. The diamond necklace, washed by the water, reflected a dazzling sparkle in the late afternoon sun. It was too brilliant. And too blinding. His gaze remained on Seraphina, never once noticing Aurora standing nearby. She watched, helpless, as he so passionately loved another. Cole was rushed to the hospital. Aurora stayed with Skylar, keeping vigil in the hospital room all night. At eight in the morning, her pre-set alarm went off. Seeing “Departure” noted on the screen, Skylar suddenly snapped back to reality, hugging Aurora with a reluctant embrace. “Aurora, don’t go, please don’t go. If you leave now, won’t we only see each other again in three years? By then, you’ll be a sparkling superstar, and it’ll be even harder for us to meet. I’ll miss you so much…” Aurora’s eyes also reddened as she gently patted Skylar’s back. After much coaxing, Skylar tearfully and reluctantly saw her off. Aurora walked out of the hospital main entrance, about to hail a cab, when she suddenly paused. She had said goodbye to everyone. Except for Cole. After much thought, she decided their three-year relationship deserved a proper conclusion. She turned and went back inside. Just as she reached the hospital room door, she heard a familiar voice from within. Seraphina was in Cole’s arms, crying her eyes out. “I just wanted you to make a statement, you could have come up without the necklace, why are you so silly?” “I know you still like me. If you just broke up with her and said you wanted to be with me, I would have agreed. Couldn’t you have just softened up for me?” Cole had waited six years for these words. But hearing them now, his heart wasn’t as happy as he’d imagined. Instead, the words “break up” made him unexpectedly think of Aurora. The image of the girl selflessly throwing herself in front of him to shield him from the car, her eyes red as she said she’d love him forever, her laughing face celebrating his birthday, her passionate and adoring expressions countless times beneath him… In an instant, his head throbbed, his mind a chaotic mess, unsure how to answer. Just then, he inadvertently looked up, and for a fleeting moment, he saw Aurora. She stood outside the glass window, watching him steadily. Her dark eyes were like a calm lake, unruffled by any ripples. The moment their gazes met, Cole completely lost his composure. He pushed away the person in his arms and stood up, only to find that the person outside the window had vanished. He chased out, but the hallway was empty. Was it a hallucination? It must be. He hadn’t let anyone tell Aurora about him risking his life to retrieve the necklace for Seraphina, so she wouldn’t know he was hospitalized and wouldn’t come to see him. Cole’s heart pounded wildly. He had a strong feeling that something was slipping out of his control. But what exactly, he couldn’t quite grasp yet. On the other side, Aurora had given up on saying goodbye. Back home, she quietly tore off the calendar page, placed her apartment keys on the table, then picked up her luggage and went downstairs. On the way to the airport, Aurora opened Cole Remington’s chat. After a long deliberation, she typed only three lines. “We should break up. Thank you for taking care of me all these years.” “I also wish you and Seraphina happiness.” “Cole, I’m leaving. Goodbye forever.” With one sentence, she let go of three years of emotions. With one wish for happiness, she granted him his freedom. With one “goodbye forever,” she declared there was no longer any possibility between them. From now on, he would simply be her best friend’s brother. She pressed send. For a long time, there was no reply. Aurora knew Cole was with Seraphina now and probably had no time to check such unimportant messages. Besides, even if he did see them later when he was free, he probably wouldn’t feel any emotional波动. After all, with the person he loved by his side, why would he care about an ex-girlfriend who was just a substitute? Before boarding, Mr. Davis handed her a new phone. “Aurora, according to the contract, you need to disconnect from the outside world starting today. This is your work phone.” Aurora nodded, took out her old phone, and made the exchange. The plane was just taking off, the broadcast was a bit noisy, and a few girls in the back were chattering non-stop. Aurora didn’t see the screen of her old phone light up just before it powered off. Nor did she hear the continuous, frantic dinging of notifications. She turned her head, looking out the airplane window at the cloudy sky turning clear, and smiled faintly. From now on, Aurora Hayes’s life would only be sunny… Three years together, Cole Remington never imagined he would receive a breakup message from Aurora Hayes. When they first started dating, he didn’t know how long the relationship would last. A few days, a few months, a few years—it would be one of those. He had someone he couldn’t let go of in his heart, and Aurora was just a temporary port. So he had invested almost no real feelings in the relationship. Her hopeful eyes when she spoke of marriage, her tears on the verge of falling when she felt wronged… Cole had seen it all, but never truly taken it to heart. He thought he could remain as cold as iron, treating her merely as a substitute to get through those difficult years. But when the person he had longed for in his dreams returned, he found himself not as ruthless and decisive as he’d imagined. The person who should have broken up with him early on had stayed by his side, becoming a crucial obstacle to his reunion with Seraphina. Everyone around him urged him that only a swift cut could untangle the knot. But he struggled and clung to his old love, refusing to let go, while at the same time wavering over his substitute, unable to harden his heart. He couldn’t make a choice, foolishly hoping to drag things out. Until he saw those three messages with his own eyes. Cole felt as if his soul had been sucked out. His mind was blank, hazy, as if he were in a dream. He couldn’t tell if this was a hallucination from lack of oxygen, or the stark, inescapable reality he had to face. If it was a hallucination, why did it feel so real? If it was reality, how could Aurora break up with him? She had chased him for so many years, said she would love him forever. How could she let go so easily? Cole couldn’t make sense of it. He rubbed his eyes hard, slapped his face a few times, trying to make himself clear-headed. But when he looked down again, he still saw those two messages. Only then did he realize that what he thought was a hallucination was very likely reality. In an instant, he shot up from the hospital bed. His slightly trembling fingers furiously tapped on the screen. “Aurora, can we talk?” “There are some things I can explain to you.” “Where are you? Home, or with Skylar?” A flurry of messages, one after another, sent rattling through the phone, but they vanished without a trace, receiving no reply. Cole’s patience slowly ran out. He couldn’t sit still any longer. He ripped the IV needle from his hand, bolted downstairs, and drove frantically home. Skylar had only slept three hours when Cole, bursting in like a madman, woke her up. He shook her, his voice trembling. “Skylar, where’s Aurora? Where did she go?” The accumulated anger of days, mixed with the shock of being woken, made Skylar snap. She threw off the covers, stood up, and slapped Cole across the face. “Don’t you have your precious Seraphina now? Why do you care about Aurora?!” The stinging pain on his face briefly brought Cole back to his senses. He looked at his enraged sister, a twisted expression on his face, somewhere between a smile and a cry. “I… I can explain. Just tell me where she is first?” At his words, Skylar let out a bitter laugh. She looked at him coldly, unleashing all the words she had held back for so long. “Explain? Explain what? Explain how you used Aurora as a substitute for three years? Cole Remington, do you have to be so disgusting to Aurora, and to me?” “Where she went is none of your business! She finally put the past behind her and is starting a new life. Don’t you know a good ex should be like a dead person?” “Go find Seraphina, why don’t you? Weren’t you so desperate for her, you even abandoned your family? Go marry her and get out of the Remington family! I, Skylar Remington, don’t have a brother like you!” She seemed to be so furious that her voice was choked with tears by the end. Cole was shoved out of the room. The door slammed shut with a bang. He stared at the closed door, feeling his last shred of hope shatter with that sound. *Aurora knew. She knew he had used her as a substitute?* He felt all his strength drain away, stumbling a few steps. The guilt and regret, hidden deep within his heart for so long, erupted like a volcano, completely engulfing him. Seraphina, carrying chicken soup, walked into the hospital room and froze at the sight of the empty bed. The nurse, tidying medical equipment nearby, was muttering to herself. “What’s the rush? Even pulled out his IV.” Seraphina’s heart sank. She quickly pulled out her phone to contact Cole. No replies to messages, no answers to calls. After waiting half an hour without a response, Seraphina grew irritated. She called Noah. “Where’s Cole? Has he contacted you?” Hearing only the first part, Seraphina’s impatient expression instantly vanished. Her eyes lit up with delight. She hung up the phone, grabbed her bag, and leisurely left. She hailed a cab and went directly to the Remington family estate without a word. Since Aurora had been so sensible as to break up with him, Cole was now completely in her grasp. The thought of a blissful life where she could openly boss him around and enjoy the Remington family’s resources and connections made her feel utterly elated. When the car stopped at the villa entrance, the butler saw her and was about to announce her, but she waved him off and walked straight in. As soon as she entered the living room, Seraphina saw Cole sitting by the staircase, head down, busy on his phone. She put on a sweet smile and called his name softly. Cole seemed not to hear, not even lifting his head. Instead, a door on the second floor opened. Skylar, in her pajamas, walked out, her eyes filled with coldness as she looked at Seraphina. “Our family doesn’t welcome just any random person. Butler, escort her out!” Seraphina never expected Skylar to treat her with such disrespect, especially in front of Cole. She swallowed her anger, but due to their social standing, she could only suppress her resentment and stiffly change the subject. “I came to see Cole. What does that have to do with you?” “Then both of you can roll out!” Hearing Skylar’s undisguised disgust, the butler, who had been following behind, trembled and quickly gestured for Seraphina to leave. For Seraphina, this gesture was tantamount to humiliation. She stomped her foot a few times, walked up to Cole, and began to complain tearfully. “Cole, I didn’t do anything to your sister, why does she always target me?” Cole raised his pallid, lifeless face. The light that used to shine in his eyes when he looked at her was gone. “You should go home for now.” The expected favoritism didn’t happen, and Seraphina froze. She looked at the imperious Skylar upstairs, her face filled with disbelief. “You’re telling me to leave? Cole Remington, think carefully. If I walk out that door today, even if you beg me, I will never step foot in your house again!” Faced with her threat, Cole was at his breaking point, his voice anxious. “Please stop making a scene, can you just let me cool down for a bit?” From his tone, Seraphina sensed something was wrong with his mood. She was about to ask what had happened, but Skylar had lost her patience. “Our family doesn’t welcome people like you. Are you deaf?” The butler, who had been trying to stay out of it, heard his young lady was truly angry and dared not delay any longer. He called for some maids to escort Seraphina out. She refused to yield, and in the struggle, she overturned the coffee table. The crisp sound of glass smashing on the floor echoed, fragments scattering. The entire living room fell silent. Skylar, enraged, rushed down, ready to settle scores. But the anger that had nowhere to vent was swallowed back when she saw the figures at the doorway. “Mom, Dad, why are you back?” In an instant, all eyes turned to the doorway. Mr. and Mrs. Remington, who had flown back overnight from Europe, looked at their son, who was weak and dejected, and at the chaotic mess before them. Their worry slowly turned into displeasure. “What’s all this commotion?” The instigator shivered at the question. Seraphina quickly composed herself, putting on a docile expression. “Hello, Uncle, Auntie…” Seeing her change expressions faster than flipping a book, Skylar sneered and directly interrupted her. “Brother brought some disreputable woman home and wants to tear our house apart.” “No, it’s all a misunderstanding, Uncle, Auntie, I can explain.” Mr. and Mrs. Remington stared coldly at the unfamiliar woman for a long time, effectively silencing her. “Are you Seraphina Thorne?” Hearing Mrs. Remington’s question, Seraphina thought Cole had praised her to his parents and quickly admitted, “Yes, that’s me.” At that answer, Mr. Remington’s face darkened, and he ruthlessly ordered her out. “See her out. And she’s not to be allowed in again!” Given the family patriarch’s command, the maids no longer dared to hesitate. They roughly dragged Seraphina out. Cole, who had been silent for a long time, saw this and forced himself to stand up. “Seraphina, she…” *Slap!* Mr. Remington delivered a harsh slap to his son, his voice filled with disappointment. “I heard all about what happened yesterday. You risked your life for a woman, Cole Remington, you’re an absolute disgrace! Did you even think what would happen to your sister if you’d died in that water yesterday? What about your mother? What about the Remington family?” “I’m telling you, your mother and I will never approve of this Seraphina marrying into this family! Either you get out of the Remington family, or you cut ties with her completely!” Though a distance away, Seraphina clearly heard every word. Her face instantly went ashen. She never imagined that a casual joke could cause such a huge dispute, escalating all the way to Mr. and Mrs. Remington. If it was true what they said, then she and Cole would never have a chance, would they? But Aurora had already broken up with him, and they were on the verge of getting back together, why this setback? After being dragged to the door and left outside, Seraphina felt resentful. She forced down her panic and sent Cole over a dozen messages, trying to explain. Time ticked by, and it was almost dark, but he hadn’t replied to a single one. Looking at the blank chat interface, Seraphina grew increasingly uncertain. She quickly hailed a cab to consult her friends, and on the way, she contacted Cole’s friends to inquire about the situation. Soon, a message came back, but not the one she wanted to hear. “Cole has been contacting everyone all afternoon, trying to find out where Aurora went after they broke up. We’ve searched the whole city and haven’t found a single lead about her. He’s practically losing his mind!” Cole was distraught like this because of Aurora? This news hit Seraphina hundreds of times harder than Mr. and Mrs. Remington’s words. She never imagined that a departed substitute could make Cole abandon her. In an instant, her panic turned to rage, her face clouding with fury. And after her initial anger subsided, what emerged was more scorn and dissatisfaction. *Aurora Hayes, who does she think she is?* After being thoroughly lectured, Cole was confined to his room for reflection. He stared unblinkingly at his phone screen, afraid to miss any message. But every reply he received was, without exception, “no.” The more he saw, the deeper his heartache grew. His fingers dug tightly into his flesh, leaving crimson marks, yet it couldn’t alleviate his anxiety and restlessness. He had practically blown up every phone. But whether by car or train, air or sea, he couldn’t find Aurora Hayes’s name. Had she stayed in the city, or had she left by some other means? Cole didn’t know. He had also tried to contact her friends, but no one would answer his calls, and those who did only offered a cold “I don’t know” or a sarcastic jab. He was at his wit’s end, yet he had no choice but to rack his brain for solutions. He waited from afternoon until midnight, without a moment’s rest. Just as his anxiety reached its peak, a friend he hadn’t contacted in a long time suddenly sent a message, saying he vaguely saw someone who looked a lot like Aurora. Cole couldn’t sit still. He couldn’t open his door, so he climbed out the back window. Clutching a sliver of hope, he rushed to the address. The moment he pushed open the door and saw Seraphina and her friends, it was as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over him; he felt cold all over. Seeing that he had truly gone to such lengths for Aurora, Seraphina’s face instantly turned extremely ugly. She looked straight at him, her voice filled with undisguised indignation. “Are you really that bothered by Aurora Hayes? She’s just my substitute, Cole Remington, get it straight!” Hearing the word “substitute” again, a gnawing pain flared in Cole’s heart. He parted his parched lips, his voice hoarse. “She’s a good person. I was wrong to her. If you have a problem, come at me, but leave her alone.” Seraphina had known him for ten years. This was the first time she’d heard him stand up for another woman. Her friends couldn’t help but interject. “Cole Remington, what do you mean by that? Are you really going to abandon Seraphina for some unimportant woman?” “Exactly! Seraphina just decided to forgive you. If you don’t appreciate that and make her angry again, you’ll regret it!” “She’s just a cheap substitute. So what if you broke up? Why make such a big deal about it? Haven’t you seen how much Seraphina has suffered today?” These accusations landed on Cole’s ears, stirring his already troubled mind, leaving him in agony. Seeing him remain silent, the fire in Seraphina’s chest burned hotter and hotter. She was determined to get a definitive answer today. “Are you implying that Aurora Hayes is more important than me in your heart? You didn’t just see her as my substitute, you saw her as your girlfriend, you fell in love with her, didn’t you? Cole Remington, tell me the truth!” Facing the accusation of the person he once deeply loved, Cole’s already fractured reason was pulled to the edge of a cliff. He knew that many unpleasant truths would likely come to a head tonight. He needed to make a decision. But Seraphina, who he’d yearned for for ten years, stood before him, yet he couldn’t bring himself to say “no.” He couldn’t deny his relationship with Aurora. A thousand days and nights of living together—holding hands, kissing, embracing… Unconsciously, she had seeped into his life like a gentle rain. But she was too quiet. Whether in sorrow or joy, she rarely made a sound. So quiet that he overlooked her presence, overlooked the fact that he had fallen for her. Only after losing her completely did he finally realize. Aurora Hayes, when she first came into his life, might have been Seraphina Thorne’s substitute. But by the time she left, she had become entirely her own person, no longer bearing anyone else’s label. What he had lost was not a substitute, but a girlfriend. A girlfriend who, like Seraphina, had been by his side for three years. No matter what questions the group threw at him, Cole remained silent. In Seraphina’s eyes, this was tantamount to an admission. She had never imagined that something she held so confidently in her hands could be stolen due to her oversight. And by a substitute who imitated her in every way, yet couldn’t compare to her. She couldn’t swallow this insult, but unable to find Aurora, she unleashed all her frustration on Cole. “Speak! Why aren’t you speaking? Is it so hard to say it was just a fling? Didn’t you tell countless people she was just a substitute?” “Have you forgotten that when we broke up, you solemnly promised me you’d wait for me forever? How could you go back on your word? In just three years, you’ve fallen for someone else? Is this your true heart?” “How is she better than me? From head to toe, she reeks of unsophisticated pettiness! Falling for a woman like that is an insult to me, an insult, do you understand?!” Cole had never seen Seraphina so emotionally distraught. In their relationship, she had always been the high-and-mighty, in-control one, able to stir up trouble with just a few words. Because of her casual indifference, he had always thought she didn’t love him as deeply as he loved her. But only now did he glimpse the true feelings she had hidden away. It turned out she too could be panicked, insecure, and hurt. These emotions should have finally brought him peace. But in Cole’s wavering mind at this moment, these feelings were like oil poured on a fire, intensifying the torment in his heart. He couldn’t understand. If she cared about him so much, cared about their relationship… Then why could she be so cruel as to break up with him and go abroad, staying away for seven years? He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes red as he looked at the person before him, and finally, he couldn’t hold back his own questions. “What about you? Why did you break up with me and go abroad when I was most deeply in love with you? Why did you stay away for seven years? You never let go of me either, did you?” “I just wanted to see if you could truly love me wholeheartedly forever, as you said! Did you do it? No, you fell for Aurora Hayes, you broke your promise!” Seraphina had lost all reason, speaking without thinking. Hearing this absurd reason, Cole froze. He never imagined that the seven years he had wasted were merely to test a sincere heart. When they were together, he had nearly given his life for her, and after their breakup, he had been devastated for three years before slowly recovering. Yet she thought his love was fake, his sincerity a lie. In an instant, the years of persistence and trust that had sustained him for a decade collapsed and shattered. Looking at the person before him now, her features just as they had always been, Cole felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity. His last shred of unrequited obsession vanished. He lowered his eyes, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “Yes, I broke my word. So, let’s end this.” Days turned into weeks. Cole tried every possible way, but he couldn’t find any news about Aurora. She had vanished as if into thin air, leaving no trace. From one month to six months, then to three years. He never gave up searching for her. Slowly, Aurora, like Seraphina before her, became Cole’s insurmountable obsession. He still lived in the same apartment. Every morning he woke up to a changed room, lost in thought for a long time. All traces of her had been removed. The only things left to recall the past were the pitifully few photos on his phone. In three years, there were only seven pictures in total. He flipped through them again and again. In his endless longing, Cole grew older. His family started pressing him frequently for marriage, arranging blind dates and introducing him to various girls. But he refused to engage with any of them. Others assumed he had been so hurt by Seraphina that he had lost all hope in love. But only he knew that after that frank confrontation, he had completely let go of her. Could a love that had lasted a decade truly vanish in an instant? Cole thought it was possible. After all, between him and Seraphina, there were seven long years. Over two thousand five hundred days and nights, far longer than their time together. That intense affection, worn down by time, slowly lost its original color, tainted by the pain of unrequited desire. More than love, this emotion was closer to a habit. When that habit was broken, he finally realized that he could have escaped it long ago. But Seraphina couldn’t understand his thoughts and continued to pester him. Amidst their entanglement, Cole’s twenty-seventh birthday arrived. As in previous years, he had dinner with his family, where he was once again urged to marry. Skylar still hadn’t returned, saying she was busy when asked. He didn’t know if she was telling the truth, but he knew that since Aurora’s departure, the relationship between him and his sister had grown distant. He grew irritated by the talk and drank a bit too much. When he returned, Skylar was just getting back. He called out to her. “I’ve been drinking. Can you drive me?” Skylar looked reluctant, about to refuse, but a look from Mr. and Mrs. Remington forced her into the car. Throughout the drive, she didn’t say a word, her face cold. Cole’s mood also sank. After a long silence, he spoke. “Are you going to keep avoiding me like this?” “Avoiding? We’re on different paths; isn’t it better to have less contact?” Skylar didn’t take the olive branch he offered, instead snapping back. Seeing her unforgiving manner, Cole couldn’t help but rub his temples. “What happened before, I was wrong to Aurora. I apologize to you. Can you please stop holding a grudge? Mom and Dad are watching. Do you think they feel good when you act like this?” Hearing him even bring up Mom and Dad, Skylar rolled her eyes, utterly exasperated. “Now you care if Mom and Dad worry? Where was that concern when you were acting like you wanted to die for Seraphina? Don’t pull this big brother act on me. I told you before, I don’t recognize you as my brother!” After venting all her frustration, Skylar put on her music playlist, no longer bothering to argue with him. In the confined space of the car, only the loud, heavy metal music blared. Cole couldn’t find an opportunity to speak, so he opened the window and watched the neon lights outside. After some unknown time, the playlist ended and started over. The first song was now a pop ballad, and a light piano intro began. Cole’s somber mood finally eased. He leaned back in his seat, about to close his eyes and rest. “Gazing at the setting sun, stars and clouds wave in reply, which way does the wind blow…” As the soft, melodic singing began, he opened his eyes, instinctively looking towards the screen. Skylar, quickly realizing, swiftly skipped to the next song. Though he hadn’t seen the singer’s name, her reaction made Cole increasingly certain. That voice, just now, was Aurora Hayes! He spun his head to look at her, immediately catching the fleeting panic on her face, and her forced calm as she deliberately changed the subject. “We’re here. Get out of the car.” Watching Skylar’s fleeing figure, Cole’s intuition grew stronger. He hurried home, opened his laptop, and searched for the song lyrics. Soon, the search engine brought up relevant information. “The Unseen Star, Singer: Aurora Hayes, Song Description…” Cole’s gaze froze at the name Aurora Hayes. Suddenly, he remembered the songs she used to write in her free time and the hopeful look in her eyes when she spoke of becoming a professional singer. He reread the line countless times, then began searching for the name Aurora Hayes. “Aurora Hayes, twenty-four years old, female, rising star under Luminara Records. Officially debuted in March 2024, releasing her first album, Star River Wanderings, in the same month.”

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Julian Blackwood was the notorious, unhinged heir of the city’s elite circles. Yet, he was utterly consumed by love for Anya Hayes, a girl with no power or connections. She was the young, impoverished girl he’d found on the streets, brought home when she was fifteen, and then cradled in his palm, pampered to the heavens until she was twenty-five. The man lavished almost all his favoritism and tenderness upon her. Anya loved playing the violin, so he dropped all his work to accompany her abroad for music studies, not batting an eye at the billions lost in stock market investments. To express his love, he sent luxurious gifts, truckload after truckload, and even live-streamed for 999 consecutive days on Ins, confessing his love and proposing marriage to her. To marry her, he willingly endured brutal family discipline for three days, finally defying the rigid expectations of his family’s elite circles regarding suitable matches. He gave her the wedding of her dreams, making her the princess everyone envied. But this very man, who had loved her so fiercely, was now making her kneel in the snow in a thin nightgown, all for a new fling he’d only known for six months. He believed Anya had forced the woman to block his contact information, making his new plaything disappear. “Baby, tell me, what did you say to Chloe?” Julian sat opposite her, casually swirling a glass of wine, his gaze fixed on her. His eyes were colder than the blizzard, yet his tone was unnervingly gentle, as if asking her if the snowy scenery was beautiful. My body was numb with cold. I opened my mouth, my teeth chattering, “Julian, I haven’t seen Chloe Evans.” Julian looked at me, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “Baby, you’re not being a good girl.” He crooked a finger. A bodyguard leaned in to hand him a phone, and he played a video. In the video, my critically ill brother, Leo, had his life support pulled. His face was turning purple from lack of oxygen, his body convulsing uncontrollably. “Julian, he’s my only family. Don’t hurt him!” Tears streamed down my face. I clung to Julian’s legs. “You have to believe me. I really didn’t say anything. I don’t know where she went.” Julian leaned forward, his hand tracing my tears. “I remember telling you, Chloe is very important to me too.” “Good girl, you have fifty seconds left. In an oxygen-depdeprived state, your brother can only last two minutes.” He sat up straight, tapping the screen with a single finger, as if losing patience. My body jolted violently, my heart struck with a heavy blow. He had said Chloe was important, but I had refused to believe it. After all, he had loved me so fiercely once. At that moment, I suddenly felt ridiculous. I had actually thought I was irreplaceable in his eyes. From beginning to end, I had only met Chloe once. It was at an auction, and Chloe was an event hostess. Chloe had stopped me as I headed to the lounge, lifting her chin to tell me to keep my husband in check. “Mrs. Blackwood, I told him I don’t like him. Your husband is a nuisance in my life.” It was then I realized that the “interesting little kitten” Julian always talked about was Chloe Evans. Chloe was born with amblyopia in her left eye, but she possessed extraordinary artistic talent. She soared to online fame as a resilient, talented young artist who rose to fame online by overcoming her disability. But instead of live-streaming to sell products, she chose to work part-time like an ordinary person, serving at various banquets. Her proud, confident, vibrant, and brilliant demeanor immediately captured Julian Blackwood, an investor. The more Chloe rejected him, the more Julian was drawn to her. His relentless pursuit became the talk of the town, known to everyone. I confronted Julian about it that day, and he didn’t deny it. He just held me, saying airily, “It’s just a game, all my buddies have played it. I just want to know how much it takes to impress her. Don’t worry, baby, I’m just having some fun. You’ll always be the only one I love.” I still asked him, “What if I don’t accept it?” He gently stroked my hair, his tender eyes reflecting my pale face. “Baby, you just be a good girl, and you’ll always be Mrs. Blackwood.” I was speechless, knowing I had no right to refuse. I could only wait for Julian to tire of her, but what I waited for was the news of them being together. Chloe didn’t ask for a single penny from him and accepted his pursuit, but she had one condition: to date him like an ordinary couple. Julian readily agreed, accompanying her to live stream her painting, taking her to art exhibitions, to amusement parks, and eating street food and junk food with her… He would also take her to various events, always glued to her side. He would post on Ins stories, flaunting their relationship like any ordinary guy. Every time I saw it, my heart twisted in agony. I cried, I argued, I even brought up divorce. But he never took it seriously, only saying casually, “Good girl, I like my compliant baby. Stop being difficult.” I forced myself to calm down, forced myself to believe his words, hoping he would soon tire of it and return to our family. But now, Chloe had suddenly blocked him without a word, and she had mentioned meeting me earlier. I knew this was Chloe’s way of showing off, but I couldn’t explain myself, and Julian wouldn’t believe me. “Baby, still not going to talk? Your brother doesn’t have much time left. 10, 9, 8…” Julian bent down, his warm breath on my ear, yet it sent shivers down my spine. “I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you.” I snapped back to reality, an internal tearing tightening my throat. For the first time, I lied to Julian. “I told her to leave you, to stop bothering you…” My emotions shattered, tears blurring my vision. My arms, wrapped around Julian’s, slowly loosened until they fell limp. Julian saw my broken state, reached out, and gently touched my cold cheek to comfort me. “Baby, don’t act on your own initiative again. Think more about your brother.” My expression became numb, and I nodded mechanically, feeling something shatter inside me, the pain spreading through every fiber of my being. My body swayed, dizziness washing over me. I stumbled and collapsed to the ground. The moment I hit the ground, I felt a warmth between my legs… **截断点** Just then, Julian’s subordinate rushed in, saying they had found Chloe. She was currently teaching a group of children with disabilities how to paint. The subordinate glanced at me, then continued, “Mrs. Blackwood told her not to see Mr. Blackwood again, so she asked Mr. Blackwood not to look for her.” Julian’s face lit up, completely ignoring the latter part of the sentence. He immediately arranged for Chloe to trend on Ins, praising her beauty and kindness. As for me, lying on the ground, he didn’t even spare me a glance. “Julian, my stomach hurts…” In unbearable pain, I reached out to Julian’s retreating back, but he walked farther and farther away, disappearing from my sight. After getting into the car, Julian simply called Alfred, instructing him to confine me to the remote chamber for reflection. Alfred saw me lying in the snow, a pool of crimson spreading beneath me, and urgently spoke. “Mrs. Blackwood, she seems to have miscarried. There’s a lot of blood…” Julian’s face instantly darkened, and he said coldly, “She was pregnant? She’s getting more and more disobedient. This child shouldn’t have happened.” Alfred sighed deeply, not daring to disobey Julian’s orders. He had me carried into the remote chamber. I woke up from the sheer pain, the excruciating pain of my abdomen tearing apart tormenting my nerves. I clearly felt the life of my child slipping away. I crawled to the door, pounding on it desperately, screaming at the top of my lungs, “Let me out! Take me to the hospital! Save my baby!” “Julian, save our baby!” “Somebody!” After a long time, only Alfred’s voice came from outside the door. “Mrs. Blackwood, this child was not part of Mr. Blackwood’s plans. Without his orders, no one dares take you to the hospital. You should just be a good girl and reflect on yourself in the chamber.” It felt as if all my strength had been instantly drained. I thought of Julian’s resolute departure and collapsed to the ground, heartbroken. I just wanted a child, a child that belonged to us. Because he didn’t want a child, I had no right to be pregnant. Now, for the sake of his plaything, he disregarded my life and death, confining me while I was pregnant… I clutched my lower abdomen, wanting to cry but unable to. The pain was so intense it felt like I was suffocating. Waves of pain swept over me, and my consciousness gradually blurred. Before losing consciousness, I whispered softly. “Julian Blackwood, the baby is gone, and I don’t want you anymore either.” When I woke up again, I had already been taken to the hospital. I touched my flat abdomen, and sorrow welled up in my heart. My child was truly gone. It seemed that Julian and I had reached the end. The ward door opened, and I turned my head to look. Julian walked in, holding Chloe’s hand, their fingers interlocked. Chloe’s eyes were cold, her eyelids slightly red. She glared at me angrily. “Mrs. Blackwood, I’ve already left. Don’t involve innocent family members. Why are you still having people threaten my parents? You can’t control your own husband, so you bully the vulnerable?” Facing these baseless accusations, I instinctively looked at Julian. His gaze was fixed on Chloe’s face, full of admiration, as if she were a precious treasure. My heart ached fiercely. He used to look at me the same way, with tenderness and doting affection, unwilling to tear his eyes away for even a moment. He had held me and said, “My wife is the best. No other woman can compare to a single strand of your hair.” But now, from the moment he entered the ward until now, he hadn’t even given me a sidelong glance. I gave a self-deprecating smile. I ignored Chloe and instead asked Julian, “Julian, why didn’t you save our baby?” “You should ask yourself why you unilaterally decided to get pregnant,” Julian said coldly, his voice commanding without needing to raise it. “In this marriage, do I not even have the right to have a child?” Even though I already knew the answer, I asked hopelessly. Julian nodded almost without hesitation, his presence exuding the undeniable authority of a superior. “That’s right.” I lowered my head, tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m not here to listen to you discuss children, Mr. Blackwood. You promised me an explanation.” Chloe looked at Julian with slight dissatisfaction. In front of him, she always maintained an image of being fearless in the face of power, intelligent, and authentic. Julian patted her back to soothe her, then looked at me with a hint of reproach. “Anya, you drove Chloe away and threatened her parents. You should apologize to her.” Meeting Julian’s gaze, my heart felt a dull ache, and I couldn’t help but retort, “I didn’t do it, I won’t apologize!” “Still causing trouble?” “I really didn’t,” I shook my head. Julian’s eyes darkened, his face growing even more grim. He waved towards the door, calling in the bodyguards. “Will you apologize yourself, or should I have the bodyguards help you?” Julian’s eyes were frighteningly cold. My heart clenched, but I stared at Julian stubbornly. I was gambling, betting that he would keep his promise not to harm me. “Help Mrs. Blackwood apologize.” Julian ordered indifferently. I instantly felt like I’d fallen into an ice cave. I had lost. I accepted my fate without struggling, pulled off the bed by the bodyguards, and forced to bow my head and apologize to Chloe. “I’m sorry.” After saying it, I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood. “Do you accept her apology?” Julian curved his lips, looking at Chloe in his arms. Chloe nodded, then said with a firm expression, “Mr. Blackwood, thank you for your deep affection, but we’re over. My parents won’t allow me to be a mistress, and I won’t allow my parents to be hurt again.” “That’s easy. Just don’t be a mistress.” Julian grabbed Chloe’s arm, pulled her into his embrace, and took out his phone to call his lawyer. “Prepare a divorce agreement. Give Anya Hayes a hundred million.” My heart felt like it was being repeatedly cut. I looked at him in disbelief. The man who had once risked his life to marry me was now divorcing me for a mistress. Julian imperiously lifted Chloe’s chin. “Once I’m divorced, you’ll be my only girlfriend.” “Then I’ll give you one more chance. If you betray me, I’ll leave immediately.” Chloe hugged Julian, and in a corner he couldn’t see, she smirked triumphantly at me. Julian gave a doting smile, then took her hand and left, leaving me sitting alone on the floor. I watched their retreating backs and let out a light laugh, a painful laugh that soon turned into a flood of tears. Not long after, Julian’s lawyer arrived with the divorce agreement. “Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood instructed you to sign, but he said this is all just temporary. Once he’s had his fun, he’ll return to the family and remarry you to have children.” “There’s a hundred million on this card. There are still two weeks until your wedding anniversary. After the anniversary, Mr. Blackwood hopes you’ll take the money and travel for a while, giving him enough private space. But don’t worry, he’ll remarry you when you return.” I stared at the divorce agreement, lost in thought. Did Julian truly believe I couldn’t live without him? But he was wrong. I couldn’t live without him before because I loved him. But now, I no longer wanted to love him. I signed the divorce agreement without hesitation, and also accepted the card and plane ticket. In the following days, Julian conspicuously took Chloe to various events. She refused to wear haute couture or expensive jewelry, always opting for a plain dress, with long straight hair or a high ponytail, and minimal, natural makeup. She was like a breath of fresh air in the stuffy elite circles. Julian publicly professed his love, praising her uniqueness, which led many socialites to imitate her style. Designers even drew inspiration from her for their new collections. To treat Chloe’s amblyopia, Julian spent millions arranging for specialists from various countries to form a consultation team. Congenital amblyopia was irreversible, but they had a way to prevent her condition from worsening. Julian flew into a rage, almost going as far as to threaten to damage his own eyesight, just to share her condition. I lay alone in my hospital bed, feeling utterly desolate, staring at the continuous news updates of Julian and Chloe’s affectionate displays on Ins. My heart slowly died. It turned out Julian’s love for me could be replicated. He could do so many crazy things for another woman. I went to see my comatose brother, Leo. Three years ago, he was in a car accident on his way to school. Julian had brought in the world’s top medical team, snatching him back from the brink of death. But he never woke up, kept alive only by machines and medication. Now, holding Leo’s hand, my eyes welled up. “Leo, big sister is leaving. Before I go, I’ll take you somewhere else.” “I used to think Julian Blackwood was my lifelong happiness, but I’ve realized I was wrong.” I felt like I’d found an outlet, pouring out all my grievances and sorrow. It was past lunchtime before I wiped away my tears and reluctantly left the hospital. I first went to the government registry office to file for new identities for myself and Leo. Using a special expedited channel, I would receive them in seven business days. Then I went to the mansion Julian had given me, gathered all the gifts I had treasured, and contacted an auction house to consign them. After that, I found a small law firm to handle the transfer of ownership, returning the mansion to Julian. Finally, I returned to the villa, searching for the gifts I had personally made for Julian. They were all sentimental trinkets, yet Julian used to love them to death. Now, I threw them one by one into the fire. In the blazing flames, our sweet past with Julian flashed before my eyes. We had truly loved each other deeply. But that happiness was as fragile as a bubble. As the flames died out, our past disappeared with them. Unbeknownst to me, tears had already streamed down my face. I wiped them away and turned, only to come face to face with Julian, who had an inquisitive look, and Chloe, who appeared cool and detached. “What are you burning?” Julian looked at me, his expression unreadable. I froze for a moment, then spoke softly, “Some things I no longer need.” Julian nodded indifferently and then ordered, “Find the jade bangle I gave you before and give it to Chloe.” Even though I had decided to leave, my heart still ached. That bangle was a Blackwood family heirloom, meant only for the eldest daughter-in-law. Now, Julian actually wanted to give it to Chloe. My fingertips curled slightly, but I finally nodded. “Okay, I’ll go look for it now.” We were already divorced; that bangle no longer belonged to me anyway. Chloe voluntarily followed me upstairs to get the bangle. Looking at the dazzling array of clothes and jewelry in the walk-in closet, a hint of jealousy and resentment flashed in her eyes, though her expression remained calm. I took out a pear wood box and handed it to Chloe, not noticing the sinister glint in her eyes. “Anya Hayes, you’re already divorced. Why aren’t you leaving yet? It’s really pathetic,” Chloe taunted from behind me. “You don’t need to worry about it, I’ll leave,” I said, giving her a faint glance. I would leave this place and give everything to Chloe. “Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor. It’s not something you’re giving me; it’s something I fought for myself. Anya Hayes, I will never allow anyone to hinder my path forward.” Chloe showed a different side of herself, her eyes full of malice. She took out the bangle, smashed it fiercely on the ground, then raised her hand and pushed me down the stairs. “Ah!” I cried out, unprepared, tumbling down the stairs. My forehead hit something, gushing blood instantly. Chloe then sat on the ground and mercilessly used a shard of the broken jade to cut her own leg. “Mr. Blackwood, quick, save Miss Hayes!” The loud crash startled Julian. He glanced at me, covered in blood, but unhesitatingly stepped upstairs, picking up Chloe. His gaze fell on Chloe’s bleeding leg, and his eyes turned cold. “Did she hurt you?” Chloe nodded without a hint of pretense, looking coldly at me downstairs. “I know I don’t deserve this bangle. She’d rather destroy it than give it to me. I just didn’t expect her to roll down the stairs herself to frame me.” Julian shot me a look, then called for the maids to tend to Chloe’s wound. “I’ll take you to get that bandaged first. I’ll handle this.” Moments later, Julian had his bodyguards drag me into the living room. “Baby, why are you getting more and more disobedient?” Julian looked down at me. “I told you, don’t touch her.” I struggled to prop myself up, meeting his gaze through my blood-red vision, and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, “She pushed me down the stairs!” Perhaps anticipating my words, Julian sneered, “Why are you always defying me lately? If you’re unwilling to admit your mistake, then it’s time for some family discipline.” “Julian Blackwood! Why won’t you check the surveillance?” I struggled in a panic. “No need. Chloe wouldn’t lie to me. You, on the other hand, have been too jealous lately, always making me angry.” Julian waved his hand, and Alfred brought over a rattan cane. My body trembled uncontrollably. Julian’s favoritism for his plaything had reached such an extent. *Whack!* He gave me no chance to defend myself. The rattan cane whipped across my back with a sickening crack, tearing skin and drawing blood that soaked through my clothes. The pain made me bite my lip so hard I tasted blood. Under Julian’s cold gaze, I gave up begging, closing my eyes in despair, enduring the agonizing blows one after another. I remembered years ago when Grandpa Arthur didn’t approve of Julian marrying me. He had Julian beaten for three days and three nights in a secluded part of the family manor, a full three hundred strokes, until he was on the verge of death. Yet, Julian never gave up. Even in a coma, he had cried out that he would marry no one but Anya Hayes, loving only her for his entire life. He said I was more important than his own life, that he would never let me suffer the slightest injustice, and that he would let the whole world know Anya Hayes was his wife. But now, for another woman, he was accusing me of baseless crimes and inflicting family discipline upon me. Julian Blackwood, were you and Chloe truly just “having fun”? I woke up a day later. The wounds on my back had been treated, and I no longer felt the pain. Julian sat by my side, smoking casually. Through the swirling smoke, his cold voice reached me. “Chloe is angry. You need to placate her.” My expression was numb as I looked at him. “Mr. Blackwood’s meaning is?” Hearing my formal address, Julian’s face immediately darkened. He extinguished his cigarette, then used his ash-stained fingers to trace my lips. “Baby, don’t throw tantrums with your husband.” A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes. My heart lurched. I suddenly remembered Grandpa Arthur’s warning to me. *“Julian Blackwood only likes obedient dogs. If you are determined to stay by his side, you must be prepared to always be an obedient dog!”* At the time, I didn’t understand, thinking Grandpa Arthur was exaggerating to break us up. Now, I somewhat understood Grandpa Arthur’s words. Julian’s love was possessive, selfish. He was the dominant force, and I could only cling to him. I lowered my gaze, hiding the fear in my eyes, and obediently nodded. “I understand.” “Prepare a piece to perform. Chloe wants to hear a violin solo.” Julian touched the top of my head with satisfaction, then personally applied medicine to my back. Everywhere his fingers touched, I felt a chilling cold. That night, I wore a long-sleeved champagne-colored luxurious gown, adorned with diamond jewelry, and was driven to the banquet venue by a chauffeur. The banquet was held at the largest hotel under Blackwood Corp. Almost the entire city’s upper crust was present. The ladies mostly wore simple, fresh dresses and minimal, natural makeup. My elaborate attire made me stand out awkwardly. The moment I appeared, I became the subject of everyone’s whispers – disdain, pity, ridicule, mockery… “Is she here to put on a show? A girl from the wrong side of the tracks is still a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, so classless. She wants to hang every expensive thing on herself.” “Mr. Blackwood doesn’t want her anymore. She’s desperately trying to win him back, like a pathetic clown.” “Can’t even compare to a single strand of Miss Evans’s hair. Ugly duckling.” All sorts of voices entered my ears, making me feel incredibly oppressed. I remembered attending a banquet with Julian once. Someone had mocked me for my impoverished past, and Julian had immediately ordered that person to be silenced in a terrifying, permanent way, declaring that anyone who dared to speak ill of me would disappear from the city. People in this circle were opportunistic. Knowing Julian no longer cared for me, they discussed and mocked me without restraint. Their mocking stopped only when Julian and Chloe appeared. I followed everyone’s gaze. Chloe wore a light-colored spaghetti strap dress, her hair in a high ponytail, her chin held high with pride. I suddenly understood why Julian treated Chloe differently. Chloe carried a shadow of my younger self. When I was first brought into the Blackwood household, I was also this free and easy, not feeling inferior because of my past. But it was he who said he disliked my bold and unrestrained manner, telling me to be gentle and obedient… My eyes dimmed, and an indescribable irritation welled up in my heart. Seeing everyone fawning over Chloe, I turned to leave. “Mr. Blackwood, didn’t you say you prepared a performance for me?” Chloe’s arrogant voice rang out, and my steps faltered, stopping me in my tracks. Everyone around cautiously observed Julian’s expression. No one had ever dared to speak to him with such an attitude. Even the once-favored Anya, had always been cautious and obedient in front of him. Julian didn’t mind at all, a smile always playing on his lips, indulging Chloe’s arrogance and disrespect. “Hmm,” he said, guiding Chloe to a seat. He snapped his fingers, and immediately someone approached me with a violin. I turned, met everyone’s gaze, and took the violin, gripping it tightly. My gaze swept through the crowd to Julian, my heart growing even more numb. I loved the violin and wanted to join an orchestra. Yet, Julian had said no one but him could hear me play; everything about me was exclusively his. I gave a self-deprecating laugh. His principles could be shattered by a single Chloe. I took a deep breath and began to play Adagio in G minor. The mournful notes echoed in the air, like sounds of a breaking heart, incredibly sorrowful. This piece declared the end of my relationship with Julian. From now on, I no longer loved Julian Blackwood. Julian frowned. A thick sadness enveloped me, making him feel inexplicably irritated and uneasy. “Enough,” Chloe suddenly interrupted my performance. “It’s too sad. It’s ruining the atmosphere. You divorced Mr. Blackwood voluntarily; I didn’t force you. There’s no need to play the victim here and seek pity.”

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Scarlett Hayes was the golden girl of her city’s most influential circles, known for her impeccable manners and pristine reputation. The most outrageous thing she’d ever done? Secretly dating her brother’s sworn enemy for three years. And, letting him record countless videos of them. Inside the Maybach, her clothes were disheveled, while he remained impeccably dressed. A phone rested nearby. “Julian…” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Can we… stop recording?” Julian Vance let out a low chuckle. He looked up, his dark eyes reflecting her face, a mix of indulgence and playful mischief in their depths. “What, shy now?” “Don’t worry, it won’t get out. I just like to watch them when I miss you, baby. Indulge me, hmm?” His pet name, “baby,” made Scarlett’s ears flush. She felt completely spellbound by his voice, unable to utter another word of refusal. After what felt like an eternity, the car stopped vibrating, and everything finally ended. Julian slowly fastened his belt, casting a glance at her before reaching out to ruffle her hair. “I have a party to attend soon. I’ll have the driver take you home first. I’ll come back to you later tonight, alright?” Scarlett nodded, her voice soft. “Okay.” After Julian got out, Scarlett slowly dressed, still feeling a bit dazed. She was about to call the driver to take her home when she suddenly noticed Julian’s card holder left on the seat. She quickly grabbed it, pushed open the car door, and hurried after him. After asking for the private room where Julian’s party was being held, she arrived at the door. The door was ajar. Scarlett was about to step in when she heard a burst of laughter from inside. “Julian, you guys were really going at it! When I came in, the whole Maybach was shaking. What do you think, if Rhys Carter found out his sister was that wild under Julian, would he be pissed enough to spit blood?” A shockwave hit Scarlett, her mind reeling, as if struck by lightning, freezing her in place. “Hahaha, Julian and Rhys have been rivals for years; that ‘Southbrook vs. Northwood’ feud isn’t just for show. Otherwise, Julian wouldn’t have orchestrated a classic damsel-in-distress scenario to ‘save’ Rhys’s sister and make her fall head over heels for him, all to get back at Rhys in a big way.” “They’ve been together for how many years now? They must have hundreds of those videos, right? When’s Julian going to release them? I’m dying to see what the good girl looks like when she sheds all that innocence. But of course, I’m even more desperate to see Rhys’s face when he sees it, hahahaha!” The men were in high spirits, completely oblivious to the woman standing outside the private room. Scarlett’s mind went completely blank, a deafening hum filling her ears. Their words echoed repeatedly in her mind, growing louder and louder, finally booming like thunder, threatening to shatter her skull. Julian… his initial rescue of her, was it all a deliberate setup? And dating her, was it just to spite her brother? “Julian, why are you so quiet? You only approached Scarlett to mess with Rhys and stop him from ever going against you again. You didn’t actually fall for his sister, did you?” “Fall for her?” The man who had just called her “baby” was now lounging in a high-backed chair, casually sipping his drink. A slow, mocking smile played on his lips. “Rhys is my sworn enemy. I only want to destroy him. I’m just thinking about the perfect time to release those videos. How about… on Scarlett’s birthday? I imagine seeing his perfect sister like that, Rhys’s expression will be priceless.” “You’re a legend, Julian!” The room erupted in excited, anticipating laughter. Scarlett’s fingers trembled, and she swayed, barely able to stand. Suddenly, a waiter’s voice came from beside her. “Miss, why aren’t you going in?” Scarlett finally snapped back to reality. In a panicked rush, she shoved the card holder at him. “I… I’m not going in. Please give this to Julian Vance. Just say you found it. Don’t tell him I was here.” With that, she turned and fled, tears streaming freely down her face in the wind, Julian’s cold words echoing endlessly in her ears— “Rhys Carter is my sworn enemy. I only want to destroy him.” Her heart felt as if an invisible hand had clamped down on it, squeezing so tightly she could barely breathe. So, their entire relationship, from the very beginning, had been his cruel design! Years ago, Scarlett had defied her brother’s objections to attend university in Northwood, drawn by its top-tier dance program. After graduation, she was determined to stay in Northwood, no matter how much her brother urged her to return to Southbrook. Her parents had doted on her since childhood, and her brother was notoriously overprotective. She wanted to forge her own path. Her whole world revolved around dance, until she met Julian Vance—the legendary rival of her brother. Rumor had it they’d been locked in a death match for years, relentlessly fighting over territories and projects, utterly incompatible. Yet, this very man had saved her twice. The first time, she’d been hit by a car. The driver fled, and no one else wanted to get involved, ignoring her cries for help as she lay in a pool of blood. It was Julian, driving by in his Maybach, who scooped her up, like a savior. The second time, she was drugged, on the verge of being assaulted. Again, it was him who saved her, carrying her away. That night, he became her antidote. She woke up the next morning to find him by the floor-to-ceiling window, casually buttoning his shirt. Hearing her stir, he turned, his captivating eyes instantly stealing her breath. He leaned down, slowly closing the distance between them. “I’ve wanted to ask since we first met, little lady, do you have a crush on me?” Her mind reeled. Staring at his shockingly handsome face, she stammered, unable to speak. He just smirked. “No? Then why do you blush every time you see me? And you secretly kissed me this morning. I remember, your medication had worn off, hadn’t it?” She was mortified and tried to run, but he pulled her back, his eyes dancing with amusement as he gently kissed her lips. After that day, they were together. Three years into their relationship, she’d believed they were deeply in love, fantasizing countless times about returning to Southbrook together to introduce him to her brother, certain her presence could help them bury the hatchet. Now, thinking back, she felt pitifully naive. She didn’t know how long she’d run, until the rain lashed down on her face, and her phone rang in her hand. It was her brother. She took a deep breath and answered. “Scarlett, I’ve opened the biggest dance studio in Southbrook for you. I’ve also found you a fiancé. Can you please break up with the one you’re seeing now, okay? You know, your parents and I can’t bear for you to marry far away. We just want you to stay in Southbrook, close to us…” Hearing his familiar voice, Scarlett’s tears finally burst forth. She fought back a sob, nodding. “I’m sorry, Rhys. I’ve worried you all these years. I’ll come back to Southbrook, and I’ll meet the fiancé you found for me.” On the other end, Rhys’s voice held a note of disbelief. “Scarlett, are you really willing to come back? And meet the person I introduce? What about the boyfriend you were so crazy about?” Scarlett’s voice was barely a whisper. “I don’t like him anymore. I never will again.” Rhys’s joy quickly turned to sharp suspicion. His tone instantly chilled. “Did he hurt you?” Scarlett’s mind flashed with the cutting conversations, the videos Julian had so casually mentioned, and his cold voice. She was in agony, but she had to stay composed. Rhys had always been fiercely protective of her. If he knew the truth, he would likely storm Northwood. She couldn’t let him worry anymore. These messy affairs, she had to handle herself. “No, Rhys.” She forced herself to calm down. “Once I take care of things here, I’ll be right back.” After a few more words of caution, her brother reluctantly hung up. Scarlett returned home. She went straight to the bathroom to wash away the day’s shame, then walked to the coffee table, pulled out a blank sheet of paper, and began to list things. Her pen wrote a few lines on the paper: * Throw things away. * Pack my bags. * Resign. * Say goodbye to friends. * Delete videos. These were all the things she needed to take care of before she left. Her gaze lingered on the last item for a long time, her fingertips trembling slightly. Thinking of the birthday plan she’d overheard at the club, she knew she had to leave before her birthday. With that thought, she picked up the calendar on the table and circled the date heavily with a red pen. “Did you deliberately mark it so I wouldn’t forget?” The villa door opened, and Julian’s voice suddenly came from behind her, laced with a lazy smile. Scarlett’s fingers stiffened, the pen leaving a long streak on the paper. She turned to see Julian leaning against the doorframe, a suit jacket slung over his arm, his shirt collar slightly open, revealing a glimpse of his collarbone. His gaze fell on the calendar in her hand, a slight smirk on his lips. “How could I forget my baby’s birthday? That day, I even have a big surprise planned for you.” Scarlett gripped the pen tightly, looking up to meet his eyes. She managed a thin smile. “I have a big surprise for you too.” Julian paused, then laughed softly. “Why would you prepare a surprise for me on your birthday?” He walked over to her, reaching out to ruffle her hair, his tone indulgent. “By the way, did you invite your brother for your birthday?” Scarlett’s heart gave a violent lurch, her fingers unconsciously clutching the edge of the table. She looked up, feigning calm. “Do you want me to?” Julian looked down at her, a complex expression flitting through his eyes. He smiled, his voice low. “Go ahead and invite him. It’ll be a good chance to bury the hatchet. We’ve been fighting for so many years, and I never wanted to give in, but who can resist when I’m so crazy about his precious sister? No shame in bending for love.” Scarlett’s throat felt constricted, unable to utter a single word. Julian leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her head slightly, murmuring, “I’m not feeling great today. Let’s not.” Julian’s movements paused for a moment, then he chuckled softly, kissing her forehead. “Alright, then get some rest.” He finished speaking and walked into the bathroom. Scarlett stood frozen, listening to the sound of water from the bathroom, her fingers tightly gripping the edge of the table. Her gaze fell on Julian’s phone, casually tossed on the sofa. Her heart pounded as if it wanted to burst from her chest. She quietly picked up the phone, tried a few passwords, but couldn’t unlock it. Her fingers trembled slightly, a wave of helplessness washing over her. Finally, she put the phone back in its place, forcing herself to calm down and figure out a solution later. The next morning, Julian woke up to find Scarlett packing. Around her feet were piles of their couple’s items: matching mugs, matching slippers, matching throw pillows… Julian frowned, walking over to her, a hint of confusion in his voice. “Why are you suddenly throwing all this away?” Scarlett didn’t look up, her voice flat. “I don’t like them anymore. I’ll buy new ones later.” Julian didn’t press further, just smiled. “Don’t bother with it. I’ll have the housekeeper sort it out for you later. Time’s almost up, should I drop you off at the dance troupe?” Scarlett shook her head. “No need, I’ve already called to resign.” Julian paused, his brow furrowing slightly. “Don’t you love dancing? Why the sudden resignation?” Scarlett looked up, her gaze calm. “I’m a bit tired. I want to rest for a while.” Julian was silent for a few seconds, then reached out and ruffled her hair. “Resigning is fine. Dancing is too strenuous, and besides…” His fingers gently traced her waist, his voice low and husky. “I don’t want anyone else to see my baby’s soft waist.” Scarlett flinched away from his hand, her tone cold. “You should go. You must be busy.” After Julian left, Scarlett spent most of the day finally throwing away all their couple’s items. Standing in the empty living room, her heart felt heavy, as if something was lodged in her throat, making it hard to breathe. Just then, her phone vibrated. She picked it up and saw an unfamiliar text message. “Meet me at Blue Mountain Café at 3 PM. I’m Julian Vance’s fiancée.” Scarlett’s fingers tightened around the phone, her knuckles turning white. Scarlett pushed open the café door, and a crisp chime rang out. Her gaze swept across the room, quickly settling on a woman seated in a corner. The woman wore a perfectly tailored Chanel suit, her makeup flawless, exuding an inherent air of superiority. Scarlett walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat down, her face completely unreadable. “My name is Genevieve Thorne, and I’m Julian Vance’s fiancée,” Genevieve stated bluntly, a hint of challenge in her voice. Scarlett said nothing, merely observing her with eyes as calm as a still pool. Genevieve clearly hadn’t expected such a reaction, and she frowned. “You’re Julian’s girlfriend, and he suddenly has a fiancée. Don’t you have anything to ask?” Scarlett managed a faint smile, her heart utterly cold. Ask? What was there left to ask? Ever since she’d overheard those words at the club, she had completely given up on Julian. Nothing he did could surprise her anymore. Seeing her silence, Genevieve’s face darkened. She’d announced her identity, hoping to see Scarlett become hysterical and heartbroken, but this girl before her was like a block of ice, making it impossible to provoke her. She gritted her teeth, her voice turning sharp. “The Vance and Thorne families will be united in marriage soon, and Julian has agreed. Regardless of who you are, he’ll break up with you immediately. So I advise you to leave on your own terms. I can even offer you some money. Otherwise, you’ll only be humiliating yourself.” Scarlett looked up, her gaze calm. “When will your engagement be announced?” Genevieve paused, then smiled smugly. “Early next month. The exact date isn’t set, but it won’t be long.” Early next month, right after her birthday. It seemed Julian had it all planned: dump her with the videos on her birthday, then get engaged to the Thorne family. Julian Vance, you truly have no heart. Scarlett’s voice was flat. “Did you ever bother to investigate me? If you had, you’d know I’m not short on money. If you came here today to humiliate me, you’ve picked the wrong target.” Genevieve’s face instantly twisted into an ugly expression. Scarlett glanced at her and added, “And let me warn you, Julian Vance has no heart. He loves no one but himself. An arranged marriage for mutual benefit is fine, but if you fall in love, you’re doomed.” With that, she stood up to leave, but Genevieve suddenly rose, grabbing her wrist, her voice shrill. “How dare you talk about him like that?!” Before Scarlett could react, Genevieve snatched a cup of coffee from the table and aggressively splashed it onto her. The warm liquid ran down her hair and face, staining her clothes. Still not satisfied, Genevieve forcefully pushed Scarlett to the floor. Her back hit the table corner hard, and she fell to the ground, her head striking the floor. A wave of sharp pain shot through her, blurring her vision. She reached up to touch her forehead, her fingertips coming away stained with blood. Just then, the café door was violently flung open. “Genevieve Thorne, what the hell are you doing?!” A cold voice suddenly echoed from behind her, laced with suppressed fury. Scarlett looked up to see Julian striding towards her, several of his friends following behind. Dressed in a black trench coat, his face looked frighteningly grim. He shoved Genevieve aside, grabbed the other cup of coffee from the table, and unhesitatingly splashed it onto her. Then, he took off his coat and wrapped it around Scarlett, his voice trembling. “Scarlett, are you alright?” Genevieve stared at him in disbelief. “Julian, I’m your fiancée! You’re splashing me for *her*?!” Julian ignored her, just looking down at Scarlett, his voice impossibly gentle. “Shh, baby. You go wait in the car. I’ll handle this and be right there.” Scarlett said nothing, letting him help her to her feet, walking step by step towards the door. Her mind was a blank, her ears buzzing, until she sat in the car and slowly regained her senses. A short while later, Julian’s friends came out. One of them walked to the car and tapped on the window. “Scarlett, don’t misunderstand. This engagement is a family arrangement for Julian. He didn’t tell you because he wanted to handle it himself, but he never expected Genevieve to provoke you like this. He loves you so much; he would never be with anyone else.” Love? She found it laughable, but she kept her gaze lowered, showing no expression, just sitting quietly, like a lifeless statue. After a while, Julian emerged, and Genevieve ran off crying, her figure utterly defeated. Julian dismissed his friends, then got into the car, tenderly applying medicine to Scarlett’s wound. His movements were as gentle as if he were handling a fragile treasure, his voice low and husky. “Scarlett, the engagement is a family arrangement. I won’t marry her. I’ll make things clear with my family very soon. Don’t overthink it.” Scarlett said nothing, just looked straight ahead. “I know, Julian. Just drive.” Julian glanced at her, on the verge of speaking, but ultimately started the car. The atmosphere in the car was suffocating. Scarlett closed her eyes, her mind a mess. Suddenly, the screech of tires pierced the air. Scarlett’s eyes flew open, only to see a truck hurtling towards them. Her pupils sharply contracted. The next second, Julian lunged, pulling her tightly into his embrace. “CRASH—” A deafening impact, and the world spun. Scarlett passed out in a pool of blood. **截断点** When she woke up again, she was lying in a hospital bed, the harsh fluorescent lights above stinging her eyes. Julian sat by her bedside, his face pale, his eyes filled with wild joy. “Scarlett, you’re finally awake. You scared me half to death.” Scarlett moved her lips, her voice hoarse. “How badly are you hurt?” Julian gently ruffled her hair, his tone light. “Just a broken bone. Nothing serious. I didn’t protect you well enough.” He quickly stood up. “You stay put. I’ll go get the doctor to check on you.” After he left, Scarlett’s phone suddenly vibrated. She picked it up and realized it was a video sent by Genevieve. The footage showed the scene in the café shortly after Julian left. Inside the café, a group of Julian’s friends were explaining in a flurry of voices: “Miss Thorne, how many times do we have to tell you before you believe it? Julian being with Scarlett was all planned. Pretending to love her was just an act, all to get revenge on Rhys Carter, his sworn enemy. Now that the Vance and Thorne families have agreed on the engagement, he’ll definitely marry you. When has he ever gone back on his word in business? So please, stop trying to mess things up, for goodness sake.” Genevieve, however, only looked at Julian, her voice trembling. “Julian, are they telling the truth? You really don’t like Scarlett at all? It was all just revenge?” His friends quickly chimed in. “Of course! How could he ever fall for his archenemy’s sister? That’s not Julian’s style at all. If he really fell for her, then it wouldn’t be Julian humiliating Rhys, it would be Rhys trampling Julian under his foot. Holy crap, I can’t even imagine that scene.” “I just want Julian to tell me!” Genevieve’s eyes were red as she stared at Julian. “Julian, you tell me.” Julian’s expression was complex, his gaze fixed in the direction where Scarlett’s car had been. Finally, he nodded. Genevieve finally threw herself into his arms, her voice choked with tears. “But I still feel insecure. We’re getting married soon, and you’re still putting on a show with another woman. How about this: later, you pretend the brakes fail and steer the car towards the passenger seat, making Scarlett crash. Then I’ll believe you, okay?” Julian was silent for a moment, then murmured, “Okay.” The video ended there. Scarlett’s fingers trembled, and the phone clattered to the floor. So, even this car accident was part of his plan. She closed her eyes, a complex mix of sorrow, despair, and hurt swirling in her chest, a suffocating ache. She couldn’t understand what Julian wanted, how he would ever be satisfied. She remembered when the crash happened, he had indeed swerved towards the passenger side. But at the very last second, he had turned and shielded her. She didn’t understand what he was thinking. If he was so determined for revenge, wouldn’t he be happier if she was hurt more badly? Why bother to shield her, only to break his own rib? A thought flickered in her mind, but she refused to pursue it. Julian Vance. I hope it’s true, as you said, that you feel nothing for me, and it was only revenge. Otherwise, if there was even a shred of genuine feeling, you would suffer terribly. For the next few days, Julian stayed by her side, taking care of her. Despite breaking a rib and the doctor advising rest, he stubbornly remained with her, never leaving her side. One moment he’d be feeding her porridge and tucking her in, the next he’d be peeling fruit and telling her stories. Anyone looking on would think he was madly in love with her. But Scarlett felt no joy. She knew it was all a pretense. His tenderness, his concern—it was nothing more than a carefully orchestrated deception. On the day she was discharged, Julian noticed her low spirits. To cheer her up, he took her to a new nightclub owned by one of his friends. Inside the VIP room, the lights were dim, and the music was deafening. Julian was exceptionally attentive, and his friends gathered around her, showering her with concern. But Scarlett felt utterly uneasy, a sense of impending doom hanging over her. Then, the VIP room door opened, and Genevieve Thorne walked in. Everyone’s faces instantly soured. Just as Julian looked like he was about to explode, his friends quickly stepped forward, whispering to Genevieve, “Didn’t we already make it clear? You told Julian to fake a car accident to hurt Scarlett, and he did it. What are you doing causing trouble again?” Genevieve smiled, her voice light as a feather. “Don’t worry, I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m here to join your plan this time. After all, Julian will be marrying me soon. If he wants to deal with someone, I should help stoke the fires.” She leaned in and whispered something into one of the friends’ ears. Their eyes lit up, and knowing smiles spread across their faces. Scarlett desperately wanted to hear what they were saying, but the music was too loud; she couldn’t catch a single word. After speaking, Genevieve walked straight up to her, a fake smile plastered on her face. “Miss Hayes, I was wrong about what happened before. Julian has already chastised me. He truly hasn’t agreed to the engagement. He loves you too much, which is why he refuses to marry anyone else.” Scarlett frowned, a sense of foreboding washing over her. She didn’t understand why the usually arrogant Genevieve had suddenly capitulated or why she was saying these things. But her gut told her that something was seriously wrong. Julian’s face also looked strained, his gaze flickering between Genevieve and Scarlett. Genevieve, however, completely dropped her aggressive stance. She suddenly pulled a set of keys from her bag and handed them to Scarlett. “Miss Hayes, this is a villa I just bought, right in the city center. It’s for you, as an apology for what happened last time.” Scarlett didn’t take them, her voice cold. “No need. I won’t be living in Northwood.” Julian’s face instantly changed color when he heard that. He grabbed Scarlett’s hand. The man who was always so confident and in control now spoke with a tremor of uncontrolled panic in his deep voice. “Scarlett, what do you mean by that? I’m in Northwood. You’ll definitely marry me someday. Where else would you go if not to stay with me here?” Scarlett looked at him calmly. Of course, she wanted to return to Southbrook, marry the man she was supposed to, and be with the people she was meant to be with. But she didn’t say it directly, merely dismissing it. “I just said it casually. Don’t overthink it. It’s just that, well, no one can really say what the future holds.” “With me around, what could be uncertain?” Julian clearly didn’t believe her and wanted to ask more, but Genevieve interjected. “Miss Hayes, I hear you’re a dancer. Don’t just sit there. Go out and dance.” Scarlett shook her head. “No, thank you. I don’t feel like dancing.” Genevieve was insistent. “Don’t worry, Miss Hayes, I’ve booked the whole place. There’s no one else on the dance floor right now. We’ll dance with you.” Julian’s face darkened. He clearly didn’t want Scarlett to go and still wanted her to clarify her earlier statement. But then, his friends began to persuade him. “Julian, let Scarlett dance. We’d love to see her moves too.” One of them then leaned in and whispered something in Julian’s ear. Julian’s face instantly turned grim, but after a few seconds of apparent hesitation, he finally nodded. As Genevieve pulled her towards the dance floor, Scarlett felt a growing sense of unease. She suspected they were concocting some plan and just wanted to finish dancing and leave quickly. But just as she and Genevieve reached the dance floor, Genevieve suddenly twisted her ankle and fell to the ground. She clutched her ankle, crying hysterically. “Julian, my foot hurts so much! Please take me to the hospital!” Julian frowned, clearly annoyed, but Genevieve tugged at his sleeve, her voice tearful. “We’re old family friends, you can’t just abandon me, can you?” Julian eventually caved. He turned to Scarlett and said, “Scarlett, I’ll take her to the hospital. You stay here and enjoy yourself for a bit. If you get bored, just head home. The driver’s waiting outside for you.” Scarlett nodded, feeling even more uneasy. After Julian left, she was about to go when his friends stopped her, saying it was a rare outing and not to be a spoilsport. She was practically surrounded, unable to leave, forced to sit and listen to the music from the dance floor. His friends sat with her for a while, then suddenly said, “Scarlett, we’re going to step out and make a call. We’ll be right back.” Scarlett’s heart tightened; she felt something was seriously wrong. Once his friends had all left, and the dance floor was completely empty, she immediately grabbed her bag, intending to leave. But just then, the VIP room door was violently pushed open. However, it wasn’t Julian’s friends who entered, but a group of ragged, disheveled men. As soon as they came in, their eyes locked onto Scarlett, and they let out lewd laughter. “Hahaha, this chick is so tender! Boys, we’re in for a treat today!” Scarlett’s face contorted in terror, and she stumbled back a few steps. But the men swarmed her like hungry wolves. She struggled desperately, but what was her strength against several men? Her clothes were torn, her screams drowned out by the pounding music. “Get away! Don’t touch me!” Scarlett’s voice trembled, tears streaming from her eyes. She kicked and fought with all her might, but the men seemed insane, grabbing her wrists and pinning her to the ground. Her clothes were ripped, her skin exposed to the cold air. A wave of nausea washed over her, her stomach churning, threatening to empty itself. “Help! Is anyone there! Help me!” “Help me!” She cried out in despair, but no one responded. Her vision blurred, and all she could hear were their leering laughs and heavy breathing. Just as she was on the verge of giving up hope, the VIP room door was kicked open. Julian burst in like a demon from hell, his eyes filled with savage fury. He grabbed one of the men by the collar and slammed his fist into his face. The man shrieked and collapsed to the floor. Julian didn’t stop. His fists rained down on the men until they were all sprawled on the ground, groaning. Scarlett trembled uncontrollably, her vision went black, and she fainted. When she woke again, she found herself in the villa bed. A chilling wail echoed from the living room. She struggled out of bed, opening the door a crack, just in time to see Julian standing in the center of the living room, the men from the club sprawled at his feet. Julian held a knife, his voice as cold as ice. “Which hand touched her?” The men trembled in fear, unable to speak. Julian sneered. “Then it must have been both hands.” With that, his hand moved, and the knife plunged fiercely into one of the man’s palms. The man screamed, and blood instantly stained the floor. The remaining men were terrified, shouting, “It was the left hand! No, the right hand!” Julian, however, didn’t hesitate. One swift strike for each, disabling their hands. His friends stood by, looking at him with complex expressions. “Julian, is this really necessary? You agreed to Genevieve’s plan in the first place, didn’t you?” “Yeah, Genevieve faked twisting her ankle so you’d have a legitimate reason to take her to the hospital. Then we’d make an excuse to leave, and a bunch of men would come in and force themselves on Scarlett, who would be alone in the club. No one would hear her cries. Rhys would be devastated to learn his beloved sister was attacked by strangers. Why did you suddenly go back on the plan, rush back like a madman, and nearly beat those guys to death? It’s been years since you’ve been this bloodthirsty. You’re insane.” Hearing this, Scarlett felt her legs give out, almost collapsing. She never imagined that even those men were part of their plan. No wonder Genevieve had whispered to his friends, and his friends had whispered to Julian… Julian said nothing, just coldly watched the men being dragged away. His friends exchanged glances, their faces growing even more troubled. Finally, someone couldn’t help but ask, “Julian, you haven’t actually fallen for Scarlett, have you? If you’ve forgotten, let me remind you: she’s your archenemy’s sister! You and Rhys have been fighting for how many years? If you really fell for his sister, you’d be…” Julian’s face instantly darkened. He violently kicked over the coffee table, his voice laced with suppressed fury. “I don’t love her! If I loved Rhys Carter’s sister, I’d cut off my head and let him kick it like a football! Is that good enough? Get out, all of you! Don’t you dare bother me for the next few days!” After chasing everyone out, Julian stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, lighting a cigarette. Through the swirling smoke, his expression looked particularly grim. He took a deep drag, the smoke swirling in his lungs before being slowly exhaled. His mind was a mess, constantly replaying the image of Scarlett being attacked by those men. Her despair, her pain, pierced his heart like a knife. He couldn’t understand his feelings for Scarlett. He’d only approached her in the beginning to get revenge on Rhys. But why did seeing her treated that way make him so furious, so desperate to kill? She shouldn’t have looked like that. Every time she lay beneath him, she was so soft and sweet, her eyes filled with love, like a gentle kitten. But that day, her eyes held only terror and despair. He dared not dwell on it, feeling a tightness in his chest. Halfway through the cigarette, he suddenly remembered Scarlett disliked the smell of smoke. He frowned, stubbing it out in the ashtray. He turned and walked towards the bedroom, his footsteps light, afraid to wake her. Scarlett heard his approaching steps and quickly closed her eyes, holding back tears, pretending to be asleep. Her heart pounded, and her fingers gripped the bedsheet tightly, terrified he would discover she was faking. Julian stood by the bed, looked down at her for a moment, gently stroked her head, then turned and left the room. For the next few days, Julian didn’t go to the office. He spent almost every waking moment tending to Scarlett. He lavished her with expensive jewelry, brought her a fresh bouquet of flowers every morning, and even cooked for her himself. Scarlett looked at the pile of gifts on the table, yet felt no joy. She knew he was trying to cheer her up, but her heart was already as cold as ice. No one mentioned what had happened that night, but everyone knew Scarlett was unhappy. Her smiles became rarer, her eyes growing increasingly blank. Julian finally couldn’t take it anymore. After dinner one evening, he pulled her into his arms, his voice husky. “Baby, I messed up. I didn’t protect you. Can we just forget that day, please? I’ll do anything you want.” Scarlett looked up into his deep eyes and quietly asked, “Anything?” Julian nodded. “Anything.” Scarlett was silent for a moment, then finally spoke. “I want to know your phone password.” Julian paused, then laughed. “That’s it?” He rattled off a string of numbers, and Scarlett froze. It was her birthday. “Why did you set my birthday as your password?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Julian leaned down and kissed her forehead, his tone gentle. “Because I love you, baby.” Scarlett was stunned. She didn’t know if his words were true or false, but regardless, she wouldn’t believe them anymore. Julian handed her his phone, smiling. “Want the password to check my phone? I’m an open book, baby. Anytime, anywhere, feel free to check.” Scarlett took the phone, and a faint smile finally touched her lips. Julian sighed in relief, holding her tight. “Finally, a smile.” His voice was tender. “Your birthday is in a couple of days. I’m planning a huge birthday party for you. So I won’t be able to be with you all the time these next few days. Will you be okay at home by yourself?” Scarlett nodded, then paused and asked, “Should I invite my brother?” Julian was silent for a long time. So long, Scarlett thought he wouldn’t answer, but then he murmured, “Go ahead and invite him.” Scarlett smiled, though tears welled in her eyes. “Okay.” Next, Julian busied himself with party preparations, while Scarlett began to pack her bags. She organized all her belongings, then bid farewell to her friends one by one. The day before her birthday party, Julian returned. He held her, wanting to kiss her, but she gently pushed him away, citing her period. Julian didn’t insist, but he left a string of possessive kiss marks on her neck, whispering, “This way, everyone will know you’re mine.” Scarlett said nothing, silently enduring his kisses. In the middle of the night, Julian was asleep. She quietly picked up his phone. The first thing she saw was his SnapChat group with his friends. In the group, his friends were discussing tomorrow’s plan. “Julian, tomorrow’s Scarlett’s birthday. Didn’t you say you were going to release her videos then? Why haven’t you sent them yet?” “Yeah, Julian, send them already!” “Julian, didn’t you see the messages? We’ve been reminding you since this morning, and it’s night now!” Scarlett’s fingers trembled. She exited the group chat, found the hidden folder, and one by one, deleted all the videos. The moment everything was deleted, and the recycle bin completely emptied, she finally felt a sense of relief. The next morning, she carried her luggage, ready to leave. Julian, however, happened to wake up. Seeing her standing by the door, he was momentarily disoriented. “Baby, where are you going?” “To pick up Rhys,” Scarlett said calmly. Julian glanced at her luggage, seemingly confused. “Just picking someone up? Why the luggage?” “These are just some dance outfits. I want my brother to take them back for me.” Now, perhaps having learned from Julian, she lied with ease. It worked. Julian didn’t ask further. He simply got out of bed and hugged her. “Wait for me. I’ll go with you.” Scarlett shook her head. “Let’s announce our relationship at the birthday party. Otherwise, I’m worried Rhys might not accept it. You go to the party first.” Julian thought about it and seemed to agree that it was too rushed. He ruffled her hair and smiled, nodding. “Alright, then come early. I’ll be waiting for you at the party.” After showering, he drove straight to the birthday party. Scarlett watched his car drive away, then hailed a cab and went to the airport. Check-in, baggage drop, boarding—everything happened swiftly. Once on the plane, Scarlett finally opened Julian’s chat window. She had thought of so many things to say in her final message to him. She wanted to tell him she’d heard everything at the club that day. She wanted to confront him, to ask why he had done this to her. But now, at the moment of truth, she only typed out a single, short sentence. **[Julian Vance, let’s break up. I don’t love you anymore.]** After sending it, the plane slowly took off. She gazed at the white clouds outside the window, blocked all his contacts, and powered off her phone. Never again. Northwood, and Julian Vance. Julian’s car slowly pulled up to the banquet hall entrance. The moment the door opened, he took one step out and was immediately surrounded by his friends. They crowded around him, chattering excitedly, their faces alight with anticipation, as if waiting for a show to begin. “Julian, where are the videos? Didn’t you say you were releasing them today?” someone eagerly asked, their eyes glinting with gossip. Julian frowned slightly. He unhurriedly pulled his phone from his pocket. Under their hungry, expectant gazes, the faint glow of the screen flickered in his hand. However, just as everyone thought he was about to unlock it, he suddenly put the phone back in his pocket and said indifferently, “I’m not releasing them.” Those simple words were like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand ripples. Everyone’s eyes widened, their faces etched with disbelief. “Not releasing them?!” they exclaimed in unison, incredulity plastered across their faces. Someone couldn’t help but press. “Julian, what do you mean? Didn’t you promise Rhys a ‘big present’ today?” “Yeah, you’ve been planning this for so long! Why suddenly change your mind? Julian, you’re not messing with us, are you?!” Julian’s eyes turned cold, his voice tinged with impatience. “It means nothing. It’s just not the right time yet. The more videos I have, the deeper Rhys’s pain will be. What’s the rush?” His friends exchanged bewildered glances, clearly surprised by his answer. Someone muttered under their breath, “They’ve been playing this game for three years, isn’t that enough? Julian, you’ve been acting really strange lately.” Another friend outright asked, “Julian, tell me honestly, are you…” “No!” Julian abruptly cut him off, his voice as cold as ice. His gaze was sharp, sweeping over everyone present. “Those videos are hers and mine. I’ll release them whenever I damn well please. You’re good friends for worrying about me, but don’t cross the line.” The atmosphere instantly became awkward. His friends quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, their voices coaxing. “Julian, we didn’t mean it like that, don’t be angry.” Someone clapped him on the shoulder. “Right, right, we just asked casually. Don’t take it to heart.” Julian said nothing more, turning to walk into the banquet hall to inspect the decorations. His gaze swept over every detail, his frown deepening. He pointed at a flower arrangement on a table, his voice low and firm, carrying an undeniable authority. “These flowers won’t do. Change them. She doesn’t like pink; she likes blue. Go buy new ones immediately.” Then he pointed at the carpet. “This carpet too. The color’s too dark. Get a lighter one.” “And why is it so empty here? Put up balloons!” “Pile the gifts here! Didn’t I buy a mountain of presents?!” The waiters and event planners were sent scurrying by his commands, while his friends stood by, utterly dumbfounded. Someone whispered, “What’s gotten into Julian? He’s never cared this much before. Is this still the reckless, devil-may-care Julian we knew?” “Yeah, I really don’t know what he’s thinking. Wasn’t Scarlett just a tool for him? Why go to all this trouble for a birthday party? Just throw a simple one and be done with it!” Another friend shook his head. “Something’s off. Really off.” Julian seemed not to hear their murmuring. He pulled out an exquisite box from his inner pocket and gently opened it. A dazzling necklace appeared before everyone’s eyes. He looked up and asked the person beside him. “Do you think she’ll like this necklace?” Someone leaned in for a closer look and gasped. “Holy crap! Isn’t that the one Princess Diana wore? It’s worth hundreds of millions! Julian, you’re really going to give that to Scarlett? That’s going all out!” Julian’s expression was a little unnatural, but his tone remained cold. “Only this way can she love me even more deeply.” His friends breathed a sigh of relief. Someone laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “So Julian’s playing the long game, huh? As expected of Julian, so meticulous!” Julian didn’t respond, just carefully put the box away. His gaze swept over every corner of the banquet hall, as if ensuring everything was perfect. His expression was so focused it felt unfamiliar, as if this party was more than just a tool for revenge to him. Soon, guests began to arrive. Most were prominent figures from the city’s influential circles. Seeing Julian, they all smiled and came forward to greet him. “Mr. Vance, throwing such a grand birthday party for your girlfriend! That’s quite the gesture!” someone teased, laughing. “When’s the wedding? We’re all waiting for the wedding banquet!” Julian offered a slight smile, his tone composed. “Soon. Once she says yes, I’ll marry her.” The guests laughed, praising his devotion. His friends stood nearby, listening to his answers, their expressions growing increasingly complex. Someone murmured, “Julian’s acting is too good. I almost believe it.” Another shook his head repeatedly. “Something’s wrong, really wrong. Julian has never been this serious before.” The banquet officially began. The lights were dazzling, the music melodious. But Scarlett still hadn’t appeared. Julian stood in the center of the banquet hall, his gaze constantly sweeping towards the entrance, his frown deepening. He pulled out his phone, about to make a call. Suddenly, the main doors were pushed open. The moment the banquet hall doors swung open, a flicker of joy crossed Julian’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced by icy coldness. Because it wasn’t Scarlett who walked in, but Genevieve Thorne. She wore a luxurious gown, her makeup exquisite, but it couldn’t hide the hurt and anger on her face. Her gaze fixed directly on Julian, and she walked purposefully towards him. Julian’s face instantly darkened, his voice as cold as ice. “What are you doing here? Who let you in? I didn’t send you an invitation.” Genevieve bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m your fiancée. You’re throwing a birthday party for another woman, and I’m not allowed to come?” Julian’s eyes were sharp, his tone filled with warning. “Genevieve, don’t cause a scene here.” Genevieve, however, seemed to ignore his words. Her gaze swept over every corner of the banquet hall, her voice growing louder. “Look at this banquet hall! These flowers are Juliet roses, the most expensive variety in the world! You’ve laid out so many; that must be over twenty million! And this carpet underfoot, it’s a hand-woven Persian rug, right? One of those costs ten million! Look at these chandeliers, these oil paintings! You’ve spent hundreds of millions just on this banquet! Not to mention all the priceless gifts you’ve prepared!” Her voice was laced with resentment and fury, as if she was unleashing all her suppressed emotions. Julian’s face grew increasingly grim, and the surrounding guests began to whisper, the scene becoming awkward. Seeing this, his friends quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. Someone grabbed Genevieve’s arm, whispering, “Miss Thorne, didn’t we already explain everything? Julian is with Scarlett only because she’s Rhys Carter’s sister. You know Rhys, right? Julian’s biggest rival, they’ve been fighting for years. He’s using Scarlett to get revenge on Rhys, and once he’s done, he’ll dump her. Don’t mess things up. What if Scarlett senses something’s off? She’ll be here soon, you need to leave!” Another person chimed in, his voice coaxing. “That’s right, Miss Thorne, please go back. Julian will explain everything to you after he deals with things here.” Genevieve, however, shook off their hands, her voice shrill. “Why should I? I’m his fiancée, yet I have to hide in the shadows, while she, a mere tool, gets to be showered with affection? It’s not fair! Julian Vance, I want you to tell me yourself: are you really just using Scarlett Hayes?” Her gaze was fixed directly on Julian, as if trying to see through his eyes into his very soul. Julian remained silent, his eyes as cold as ice, as if her questioning had nothing to do with him. His friends grew anxious. Someone nudged Julian. “Julian, say something! Don’t let this get out of hand!” “Just say you don’t like her, and this goddess will leave. Say it now!” “Julian, you’ve said it before, say it again, one more time!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298733”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn

“Dad, I’ve agreed to move to France for the arranged marriage. We need to move fast, or I’ll change my mind.” Mr. Sterling’s reply was immediate: “My sweet girl, it will be handled within a month, tops!” Lily Sterling silently wiped away her tears and put her phone away. Just an hour ago, Damon Cunningham’s kisses had coaxed soft moans from her. The Bentley’s partition was up, isolating the back seat, so the driver heard nothing. Damon deepened the kiss, taking what he wanted. Lily loved him fiercely, irrevocably. She was utterly consumed by him. They had been together for three years, trying every possible scenario, and the car was a frequent setting. Damon’s phone buzzed. He scowled at the interruption, but his expression softened slightly when he saw the caller ID. He answered. Lily glimpsed the name on the screen—a foreign one. Georgian. A rare language; few people outside of Georgia understood it. “Calling at a time like this!” Damon snapped, his tone cold. “What, are you busy with something important?” the voice on the other end chuckled. Damon’s fingers tightened on Lily’s slender waist, a silent command in his touch. He spoke with a cool, lazy drawl: “You know I am, so get to the point.” “Tell me,” the voice mused, a hint of gossip in his tone, “how much does she resemble Seraphina?” Damon traced Lily’s delicate face with a dismissive touch. “About seventy percent.” “Damn it, you absolute bastard!” the man swore with a laugh. “What’s so great about this chick?” Damon kissed Lily’s neck. “Pure. Like a docile little puppy. Her eyes are clear, almost foolishly innocent. Clean.” The man’s breathing grew heavy. Damon frowned, annoyed. “Enough of that, you sick bastard. Get to the point or I’m hanging up!” “Seraphina’s flying back tomorrow,” the man quickly blurted, “to launch her career here!” Damon froze, his breath catching. “Really?!” “Seraphina wanted to keep it a secret, but I thought I’d give you a heads-up, didn’t I? Your first love, the one that got away, is back. You won’t have trouble ditching the stand-in, will you?” “There’s nothing money can’t solve,” Damon replied, his voice flat and detached. He tossed the phone aside and continued his actions. Lily’s head was half-bowed, hidden by the seat, but she saw the phone lying on the floor mat, still connected. Damon didn’t know she understood Georgian. Her family had business dealings in Georgia; she had studied the language for over five years. She understood perfectly. Tears welled up, a burning flood that soaked into her hair as she slumped. Three years of genuine devotion. In his eyes, she was nothing more than a dog. The sun shone brightly. It felt as though summer had arrived early. The three-story European-style villa was bathed in the morning light. Damon descended the stairs, leisurely fastening the diamond buttons of his custom-tailored shirt. He was Damon Cunningham, the younger heir of the Cunningham Group, a global top 100 conglomerate. He managed several of the family’s entertainment and media companies. His figure was tall and lean, exuding a cool, detached elegance, carrying the aloofness typical of a successful man. Three years ago, she was a freshman in college. The moment she first saw him, she was completely captivated. He had noticed her in the crowd too, his eyes lighting up. He pursued her relentlessly, and though she held him at arm’s length for three months, she eventually gave in. From then on, her heart and soul belonged to him. She had lost herself. But… Lily turned her head, her expression blank. Damon didn’t notice her unusual silence. He cupped her face and kissed her hard. “I’m off to a meeting at the office. You be a good girl and wait for me here. I’ll bring you some dessert.” With that, he turned and left. His tall frame, now retreating, held a curious hint of haste. Lily offered a bitter smile and began to organize her belongings. She started by systematically discarding every item that declared their love: matching mugs, toothbrushes, keychains, scarves, T-shirts, stuffed animals – all tossed into the trash. They seemed scattered and insignificant when she wasn’t paying attention, but gathering them filled a surprising number of boxes, leaving her sweaty from the effort. Returning after throwing out a box, she saw the living room TV broadcasting news about international star Seraphina Thorne’s return to the country. The airport lobby was swamped with fans, their screams and shouts echoing. Her hair was styled in glamorous waves, her figure tall and statuesque, her features perfectly sculpted. She possessed an undeniable, camera-ready beauty from every angle, smiling and waving for the cameras, eliciting another wave of cheers from her fans. As the camera panned, Lily caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in a corner of the airport lobby. *Ding, ding, ding.* A SnapChat notification pinged on the laptop. Damon never bothered to log out, his SnapChat still open on the screen. Lily walked over and clicked on it. *Sera darling: Damon, where are you? I don’t see you anywhere.* *Damon: I’m back in the car. Too many fans, I don’t want to be seen.* *Sera darling: Then I’ll meet you at the hotel.* Damon sent an OK emoji. *Sera darling: It’s been five years, I’m so excited to see you.* Lily gave a mocking laugh and went back to throwing things away. Damon didn’t return late. He’d been drinking; a hint of lingering amusement softened his usual cool, detached expression. He held a large bouquet of red roses, his voice a deep, resonant rumble: “I’m home.” Lily was curled up on the sofa, uploading photos to an online marketplace for designer pre-owned items. She was selling off her valuables, planning to donate the proceeds. Hearing his voice, she closed her laptop and looked up. Damon walked over, tucked the flowers into her arms, then wrapped her and the bouquet in a tight embrace, kissing her lips. “What’s wrong? Miss me?” Lily kept her lips pressed together, silent, as she lowered her head to smell the roses. Damon, as if performing a magic trick, pulled a long, narrow box from the wrapping paper of the roses and opened it. His eyes, the kind that could make anyone feel like the center of the universe, were now fixed on her, intensely alluring. Lily saw it was a diamond necklace she’d admired, worth over three hundred thousand dollars. A few days ago, when they were shopping, she had only glanced at it. She hadn’t expected him to buy it today. Seeing her staring at the necklace in a daze, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “So happy you’re speechless? Let me put it on you!” Lily’s long, slender white fingers caressed the necklace. She said, flatly, “Roses, diamonds… I almost thought you were going to propose.” Damon’s hands stilled. He shot Lily a sharp glance. His voice cooled. “When I propose, there’ll be something even better.” The smile had vanished from Damon’s face, replaced by a cold glint in his deep eyes. Lily looked away, reaching to unclasp the necklace. Damon seized her hand, then crushed her lips with his, pushing her onto the sofa. Her body instantly tensed. She turned her head, avoiding his mouth, and pushed at his hands. “I… I’m not comfortable.” Damon’s voice was imperious and cold: “Don’t play coy with me, Lily. I know your period just ended.” With that, he grabbed her hands again. Panic flared in Lily’s chest. Just then, Damon’s phone rang. Lily quickly pushed him. “Your phone! Answer it!” Damon let out an annoyed sigh, pulling his phone from his pants pocket. Lily, beneath him, could see the screen clearly. Caller ID: Sera darling. Damon quickly flipped the phone face-down on the sofa. He swept a detached glance over Lily, saw her expression was normal, and stood up. “I’ll take this call.” Then, he adjusted his pants, picked up his phone, and went upstairs. A short while later, he came back down, dressed in a different custom-tailored suit. “A buddy of mine ran into some trouble, I’m going to help him out. You go to sleep first.” He didn’t notice, not once, how many small items were missing from the villa, making it feel strangely empty. Damon hadn’t returned in three days. He’d called, saying he was busy with work. Lily’s mood was surprisingly calm. Still, she couldn’t help but check Seraphina Thorne’s social media. Updates every day. The first day’s photo showed two hands clinking two glasses of red wine, with the caption: *Some friendships are like fine wine, growing richer with age.* One of the hands was a man’s. Lily recognized that long, elegant hand, and the ring on its ring finger – a custom-made couple’s ring, identical to the one on her own hand. She slipped her ring off, a bitter smile on her face. “I’m so used to wearing it, I forgot to sell it.” The second day’s photo was of a sunset by the sea. Caption: *I wish I could grow old here, slowly.* Lily recognized the two coconut trees leaning against each other in the photo. She and Damon had planted them together on the beach near his seaside villa, and she had hung a handcrafted charm on one of them. The third day was a photo at an airport, where Damon’s tall, imposing figure could be seen among the bustling crowd. Seraphina’s fans went wild, asking if she was in love. She replied to all: *No, just feeling reflective, being back in a familiar place.* Lily suppressed the bitterness in her heart. She methodically mailed off the sold items to their buyers and donated the money to a prominent celebrity charity foundation. Some extremely valuable pieces of jewelry were too high-end for the online marketplaces, so she took them to an auction house. She also went to her university, completing the withdrawal procedures for her graduate program. Then she visited the immigration office, had her photo taken, and gave her fingerprints. She deactivated her rarely used social media and online shopping accounts, keeping only two frequently used ones, which she planned to deactivate before getting on the plane. Today was her birthday. After midnight, messages and calls of congratulations poured in without a break. Her parents, brother, sister, classmates, friends, mentors, professors… But not a single word from Damon. Lily glanced up at the picture frame on the wall. She was nestled in Damon’s arms, smiling sweetly, happily, utterly content, as if she possessed the entire world. Damon’s handsome face, however, was cold and deep-set, utterly expressionless. She let out a self-deprecating laugh, pulled over a chair, and reached up to take down the frame. Suddenly, the door opened. Damon walked in. His handsome face was dark and stormy, exuding an aura that warned people to keep their distance. He saw Lily perched on the chair, rushed over, and frowned. “What are you doing up so high?” Lily offered a faint smile. “Why are you back?” Damon lifted her from the chair, kissed her lips. “Silly girl, forgot what day it is?” A sudden pang of sorrow tightened Lily’s chest, and her eyes uncontrollably reddened. Damon cupped her face, kissing her eyes. “No more sadness, I remembered, see?” Lily lowered her long lashes, pushing him away in protest. He held her tightly, chuckling softly. “Think you’re not getting a gift? Come on, let’s go see your gift.” He pulled her hand, leading her towards the door. He pushed the door open, revealing a bright red Ferrari parked in the driveway. The car, costing over a million dollars, was perfect for a young woman like her. He placed the keys in her hand, his voice affectionate. “Your birthday gift. Do you like it?” “I love it,” Lily said, smiling. She wanted to ask: *Is this my severance package?* Damon bent down to kiss her ear… His touch, through her thin clothes, brushed against her body. His breathing grew heavier. He bent, picked her up, and carried her inside. Lily frowned, wondering how to refuse, when his phone rang again. A wave of self-mockery washed over Lily. She didn’t even need to think of an excuse to refuse; the phone always rang at the most opportune moment. He set her down, ruffled her hair, and said, “Go change into a dress. I’ll take you somewhere in a bit.” Lily felt like she’d been granted a reprieve. She turned and went upstairs. Behind her, she heard him answer the phone: “Hello, Sera…” Lily went back to her room and changed into a sapphire blue silk gown. The skirt fell past her knees, revealing only a hint of cleavage, but the largely exposed back was covered by her long, dark hair. She applied light makeup, put on a pair of pearl stud earrings, and went downstairs. Damon was still on the phone. He watched her descend the stairs, his eyes locking on her. Sapphire blue was a challenging color, but Lily’s skin was exquisitely fair, making her appear noble and elegant. A form-fitting silk dress easily exposed figure flaws, but Lily’s figure was perfect, without a single imperfection. Her features were delicate, her demeanor refined, captivating attention even without elaborate jewelry. Damon hung up the phone and slipped it into his pocket. He reached for her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her lips, his touch possessive. “Why aren’t you wearing the diamond necklace?” “It’s too precious,” Lily said, her smile faint. “I bought it for you to wear,” Damon sighed. “Tomorrow, I’ll buy you an even better one.” Lily held up the car keys. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to drive my new car.” Damon affectionately ruffled the back of her head. “Alright, let’s go.” Once in the car, Damon sat in the passenger seat, setting the navigation. Lily noticed the destination was an exclusive club in the suburbs, open only to members, with an annual fee of half a million dollars. They had been there last year for Damon’s birthday. Just the two of them, for two days, they hadn’t even left the room. He had been so exhausted he’d gotten a nosebleed, and she’d ended up in the hospital. Lily frowned, realizing he intended to celebrate her birthday the same way. But she no longer had the passion or the desire. The thought made her feel sick. All the way there, she could only think about how to escape. The drive felt incredibly short. The electric gate opened, and the red Ferrari slowly drove in, stopping in front of an antique-style two-story building. Damon got out first. He walked around to the driver’s side, holding Lily’s high heels, and placed them on the ground. Lily took his arm to get out of the car, then slipped on her heels. As she stood upright, she heard two loud *bangs!* Lily jumped. A shower of red rose petals drifted down, creating a dreamlike scene. Damon pulled her close, shielding her with his arm. The handsome couple, locked in an embrace, was bathed in a rain of roses. “Oh! Hahahaha…” Many people rushed out from all directions, laughing and cheering joyfully. “Happy birthday, Lily!” “Happy birthday!” “You’re so beautiful, no wonder Mr. Cunningham kept you hidden so well!” “What a perfect couple!” Lily felt bewildered. For three years, Damon had never introduced her to his parents, relatives, or friends. He claimed that, dealing with celebrities and being part of the entertainment industry, he couldn’t make their relationship public. She had wanted to introduce him to her family, but he always said the time wasn’t right. What was happening now? Was the time finally right? Lily was in a daze, as Damon led her, arm in arm, into the grand ballroom. Music swelled, lights sparkled, rose petals floated down from the ceiling, and waiters in suits and bow ties wheeled out a birthday cake taller than a man. “Cut the cake!” In the joyous commotion, a cake knife was placed in Lily’s hand. Damon wrapped his arm around Lily, his hand over hers, whispering in her ear, “We’ll cut it together.” He found a spot, and the cake knife sliced down… “Am I late?” A tall figure appeared at the doorway. Damon’s hand froze, his eyes changing instantly. Lily looked up and saw Seraphina Thorne, backlit, radiant and dazzling, approaching. Many smiles in the room faltered – those who were in the know. Some who weren’t, paused for a moment, then erupted in excitement. “Seraphina Thorne!” “It’s Seraphina Thorne! The international star!” Many people swarmed Seraphina, taking photos, asking for autographs, and posing for selfies. Reporters and media personnel, in particular, began to pull out their equipment for interviews. Suddenly, Seraphina became the center of attention. A reporter asked, “Seraphina, why are you here? Do you know Mr. Cunningham?” Seraphina smiled gracefully and confidently. “Mr. Cunningham and I have been friends for years. I heard he was celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday, so I came to offer my blessings.” Another reporter asked, “From your Ins posts, it seems you’ve been with a mysterious man since returning to the country. Are you in a relationship?” Seraphina looked at Damon in front of her and said, “No, that was just a very, very good old friend.” A reporter teased, “Old friends can also fall in love and get married. Would you consider that mysterious man?” Seraphina looked directly at Damon and said, slowly and deliberately, “No. I. Wouldn’t.” Damon’s arm around Lily’s waist tightened, his gaze icy, his face darkening. The sudden chill in the air stiffened everyone’s smiles, and the lively atmosphere instantly cooled. “Today is my girlfriend’s birthday party,” Damon stated coldly, “not a press conference for the great Seraphina Thorne.” The event organizer quickly tried to smooth things over. “Right, right! Let’s cut the cake! Music!” These were all industry veterans; the atmosphere immediately livened up again. Lily took the first slice of cake and offered it to Seraphina, smiling. “Welcome, great Seraphina, have some cake.” Seraphina took the cake, staring at Lily’s face intently. “Why do I feel like we look a little alike?” she asked, surprised. She turned to the people around them. “What do you think?” Those in the know offered awkward smiles, trying to deflect. “Beautiful people often look similar, similar enough, haha.” Those who weren’t aware began to murmur. “Oh, she’s right, there’s a resemblance.” “At first glance, yes, but not so much upon closer inspection.” “Different styles. One is like a peony, dazzling and incomparable; the other, pure and elegant, like an orchid.” Lily smiled calmly. “What a coincidence. Even when I was little, people used to say I looked like the great star, Seraphina Thorne.” Those who understood the underlying meaning of her words exchanged knowing glances. Indeed, Lily was very young, only twenty-one, just graduated from college. Her beauty was natural, pure, and untouched by the world. She came from a privileged background, receiving the finest education and upbringing since childhood. That innate elegance, grace, confidence, and poise made her shine. Seraphina, on the other hand, wasn’t much older, only twenty-nine. But years of cosmetic procedures and navigating the entertainment industry had left her with a certain worldliness that no amount of acting could erase. Moreover, she came from an ordinary family, starting art school and joining the entertainment industry at a very young age, with insufficient academic training. This often gave people the impression of superficiality. Class and presence were qualities that radiated from within, and they were starkly evident when compared side-by-side. Someone intervened to break the tension. “Everyone, help yourselves to the buffet! Red wine, white wine, drink as much as you like.” The crowd dispersed, glasses in hand, mingling and chatting in small groups. Damon’s arm was around Lily’s waist. He whispered, “What would you like to eat? Or drink?” In such settings, no one was truly there to eat or drink. Lily didn’t know anyone and felt incredibly awkward. “Let’s sit by the French windows.” Damon brought her favorite red wine and dessert and stayed by her side, but his eyes kept drifting to Seraphina Thorne, who was skillfully working the room. Seraphina, with her radiant smile, was in her element. She chatted with reporters and independent media first, then clinked glasses with several producers and screenwriters. After that, she engaged in conversation with two powerful directors from the film industry. She wanted to build her career here, and cultivating relationships with these top directors was crucial. Under the influence of alcohol, men and women, all chasing fame and fortune, inevitably found themselves being plied with drinks, groped, and having their boundaries tested. Damon’s face grew darker, his aura colder. Initially, he made an effort to exchange a few words with Lily, but soon he couldn’t even manage that. Lily saw one director’s hand move to Seraphina’s lower back, while another handed her a large glass of brandy. Damon could no longer sit still. He abruptly stood up, strode over, snatched the glass of alcohol away, and said with a cold face, “Have you forgotten what the doctor said? And you’re still drinking!” His voice was so stern that the surroundings instantly fell silent. Everyone turned to look. Seraphina, slightly tipsy, smiled, making her even more enchanting. “Damon, you’re still so careful. Don’t worry, I know my limits.” The director, already quite drunk, chuckled. “Mr. Cunningham is deeply devoted to you, Seraphina! Back then, when you had a kiss scene, he even caused a scene on set!” A tipsy friend also laughed. “Exactly! Damon is a true romantic. Once he loves, it’s etched in stone, forever and always!” Seraphina quickly interjected, “Don’t talk nonsense, everyone. My stomach is very sensitive; he’s just worried I’ll get another stomach bleed.” Damon instinctively glanced at Lily, then at the gossiping eyes around them. He grabbed Seraphina’s hand and pulled her towards the exit. “Let’s talk outside!” Lily’s heart felt a complex mix of bitterness and sorrow. Damon was five years older than her, always composed, dignified, and capable of handling anything with calm detachment. She never imagined he would lose his composure like this, especially in public! She felt everyone’s eyes on her, filled with a strange mixture of curiosity and pity. She felt utterly uncomfortable. She stood up and went to the terrace. The wind was cool. There were no lights out here. The light from the main hall cast long, shifting shadows. She found a chair in a corner and sat down. Looking up, she saw Damon and Seraphina arguing fiercely by a flowerbed. Finally, Damon, furious, turned to leave. Seraphina reached out to grab him. He angrily shook her hand off. Seraphina, unsteady in her high heels, twisted her ankle and stumbled into the flowerbed. Hearing the commotion, Damon rushed over and pulled her out. She seemed quite injured, and her ankle was sprained. Damon picked Seraphina up and ran towards the red Ferrari. He placed her in the passenger seat, then drove off. By the flowerbed, a single silver high heel lay forgotten. With the main characters gone, people in the ballroom gradually started to leave. Lily returned to the ballroom. Leftovers and cold dishes, the party was over. The waiters, tidying up, looked at her with pity and a hint of gossip. Lily’s white high heels crunched over a carpet of red rose petals as she slowly walked out of the ballroom. The Ferrari was gone, driven away by Damon. “Ma’am,” a man’s voice called from behind her. Lily’s heart jumped. The voice sounded somewhat familiar. She turned to see a man with blond hair, appearing to be in his thirties, a mix of European and Asian descent, with deep-set eyes and a high nose—a rather handsome face. But his eyes held a lewd, unsettling glint. He extended his hand. “I’m Yuri, a Georgian-American.” Lily didn’t shake his hand. She turned away. Yuri awkwardly retracted his hand. “I’m a friend of Damon’s. It’s hard to get a cab here. I can give you a ride back.” Lily politely declined. “No need. The club has cars.” With an annual membership fee of half a million, the club offered chauffeured services. Lily walked towards a parked car in the distance. Yuri watched her perfectly curved silhouette, tilted his head, licked his lips, and flashed a predatory, confident smile. *The woman who could hold Damon’s attention for three years was indeed exceptional.* Lily felt his gaze like daggers in her back. As she settled into the club’s private car, she saw Yuri still standing there, watching her, his face filled with ill intent. Remembering his phone call with Damon earlier, a wave of disgust washed over her. She gave the driver her address and urged, “Let’s go.” Bored in the car, she picked up her phone. Online, the trending topics were exploding. The top four were all about Damon, Seraphina, and her. *DAMON CUNNINGHAM SPOTTED AT CITY HOSPITAL WITH SERAPHINA THORNE, LOOKING DISTRAUGHT, RAISING CONCERNS OF SERAPHINA’S SEVERE INJURIES/DISFIGUREMENT!* *DAMON CUNNINGHAM THROWS BIRTHDAY BASH FOR NEW GIRLFRIEND, EX-GIRLFRIEND SERAPHINA THORNE ATTENDS TO OFFER BLESSINGS, PRIVATE MEETING IN GARDEN, EARLY DEPARTURE!* *DAMON CUNNINGHAM’S NEW GIRLFRIEND 70% RESEMBLES SERAPHINA THORNE, A REAL-LIFE ‘STAND-IN’ DRAMA UNFOLDS!* *SIX YEARS APART, ARE SERAPHINA THORNE AND THE CUNNINGHAM HEIR STILL TOGETHER OR HAVE THEY REKINDLED AN OLD FLAME?!* The posts came with photos, videos, and “truth.” One particularly clear photo showed Lily offering cake to Seraphina, the two standing side-by-side. Seraphina’s fans flooded the comments. Some wished the couple well, hoping they’d finally be together. Others directly called out Damon’s new girlfriend, telling her to know her place and stop being a third wheel. Many fans suspected Seraphina’s injury was Lily’s jealous retaliation, hurling vile insults at her. Only a handful of sympathetic comments trickled in for Damon’s new girlfriend. Lily’s body trembled with rage. *How dare they publish her photos without her permission?* At such a high-end club, guest privacy was paramount. Information wouldn’t be released without explicit consent! This meant that Damon, as the host, had at least agreed to it. Lily immediately sent legal notices to the relevant websites, pursuing action for infringing on her likeness rights. Within two minutes, some of her photos and videos were deleted. But it was too late; thousands had already downloaded them, continuing to spread them in comment sections and private accounts. Lily wasn’t angry for long. By the time she returned to the villa, she had calmed down. Stepping into the living room, she saw their shared photos everywhere, finding them deeply ironic. She kicked off her high heels, tossed her bag aside, and began taking down all the picture frames. She removed the photos and burned them, then threw away the frames. She hadn’t realized how many photos there were. In the living room, the hallways, bedrooms, study, gym, on the walls, cabinets, and tables of the walk-in closet… The phone rang. Lily picked it up and saw it was her father. As soon as she answered, Mr. Sterling’s angry voice boomed: “Lily, what’s going on online? Why are you embroiled in a scandal at a time like this?” Lily sank onto the carpet, exhausted. “Dad…” Her nose stung, and her throat choked up. Mr. Sterling’s voice instantly softened. “My sweet girl, don’t cry, don’t cry! Dad’s here! We won’t be pushed around! Leave the websites to me, I’ll tear them apart!” Her family’s love instantly crumbled Lily’s composure. She covered her mouth, the evening’s accumulated grievances spilling out in choked sobs. “It’s no use crying now, honey,” Mr. Sterling sighed. “But Dad will teach that bastard Damon and that woman a lesson!” Lily wiped away her tears. “No, it’s fine. I was too foolish and naive, I brought this upon myself. I’ve already decided to emigrate and leave, so let’s just let it go.” “You, you never learn!” Mr. Sterling exclaimed, frustrated. He wanted to scold her, but he couldn’t bring himself to. He could only sigh with heartache. Lily asked about the progress of her immigration application, then hung up. She took a shower and went to sleep. Damon didn’t come back all night. No calls, no messages. She woke up to the late morning sun. First, she grabbed her phone. All her photos and videos had vanished without a trace. Damon returned during breakfast. He wore yesterday’s clothes, his hair slightly disheveled, red veins in his eyes, and a shadow of stubble. Clearly, he hadn’t slept all night. He sat across from Lily, his voice heavy as he demanded, “The online stuff, did you send legal notices and sue?” Lily dabbed her lips with a napkin, meeting his gaze directly. “Yes, I did. I need to protect my rights.” Damon spoke in a businesslike tone: “The company has already signed Seraphina Thorne. She just returned to the country and needs publicity. I’ll give you fifty million dollars to withdraw your lawsuit against the websites and allow them to use your photos and videos for promotion.” A mocking smile touched Lily’s lips. “Mr. Cunningham, I’m not an employee of your company. I have no obligation, nor any need, to cooperate with your publicity stunts.” Damon’s eyebrows furrowed. He slammed the glass of milk he’d just picked up back onto the table, his cold eyes scrutinizing her. “Are you jealous? Are you mad about me leaving you last night? Seraphina injured her face and foot last night, that’s why I rushed her to the hospital. Her career depends on her looks; she can’t be disfigured.” “I’m not angry,” Lily smiled. “How you choose to promote her is irrelevant. Just don’t involve me. Understand?” Damon’s eyes sharpened, his voice chilling. “You’ve always been so obedient, so sensible. I hope you won’t disappoint me.” “I apologize if I’ve disappointed you, Mr. Cunningham,” Lily said flatly, “but I stand by my principles.” Damon looked at her, baffled, as if he’d punched a pillow. He lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled a plume of smoke. His handsome, weary face, shrouded in smoke, took on an air of aristocratic melancholy. After a few drags, he calmed down. He stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray, walked over, and sat next to Lily. He pulled her into his embrace. “Alright, we won’t use your photos and videos. Don’t be angry anymore. How about twenty million dollars if you withdraw the lawsuit? Offending those reporters and independent media will also harm the company’s reputation.” As he spoke, he kissed her ear. His hand moved to her collar. Since it was Damon’s company that had orchestrated it, Lily decided to agree to withdraw the lawsuit. She would consider it payment for his companionship these past three years. After all, he had always been… attentive. Just as she was about to nod, Damon’s phone rang. He kept one arm around her, pulled out his phone, glanced at it, and answered. He spoke in Georgian. “Yuri, what’s up?” Yuri’s voice was insidious and malicious. “Have you smoothed things over with Lily? Has she agreed to withdraw the lawsuit? Those reporters and independent media are hounding Seraphina for responsibility, she’s practically in tears.” Damon said, lazily, “Why wouldn’t she agree?” Yuri chuckled darkly. “Man, I’m really envious. I’ve truly fallen for Lily. You’ve got Seraphina now, why don’t you let me have Lily? Just to… satisfy a craving.” Damon’s arm around Lily tightened. He snarled, “Get lost!” She was so close, Lily heard every word clearly. Damon’s previous words had been ambiguous, making her think it was his company’s operation. She hadn’t realized it was Seraphina Thorne’s doing. Damon hung up, kissed Lily’s face, and urged, “Call your lawyer and withdraw the lawsuit.” “I’m not withdrawing it,” Lily said, her voice cold. Damon’s face instantly darkened. He stood up, towering over her. “Don’t be dramatic, alright? My company will suffer losses. What good does that do you?” Lily held firm. “Your team and those reporters and independent media—they all know about privacy and likeness rights, don’t they? Yet they knowingly broke the law. Why? I was bullied, and instead of holding them accountable, you come to me to make a deal. Why?” Damon’s icy eyes stared at her. “I barely recognize you like this,” he said, disappointed. “Jealousy really distorts a person.” With that, he pushed his dining chair back and went upstairs. The chair scraped loudly, a testament to his anger. Whenever Seraphina was involved, he couldn’t remain calm. Lily lowered her eyes, continuing to slowly sip her bird’s nest porridge. A moment later, Damon came back downstairs. He had changed clothes, and his hair was still damp, indicating he had showered. He paused at the restaurant entrance, turning to look at Lily. “I’ll still transfer the twenty million to you. I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused.” He was perfectly polite. But Lily keenly sensed his coldness and detachment. She didn’t care. More orders had come in on the online marketplace. She packed everything and shipped them off. For seven days straight, Damon didn’t return, nor did he send any messages. That morning, her phone suddenly rang. Lily was startled awake. She fumbled for her phone and saw it was Damon. Her brows furrowed slightly as she answered. Damon’s voice was slurred, his words thick; he must have been heavily drunk. “Lily, quick… come pick me up, take me… home.” Lily heard loud music in the background. “Where are you?” she asked. “Lust Nightclub,” Damon slurred. “VIP Room eighty-eight.” “Alright,” Lily said. She quickly got up, pulling on a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. After a moment’s thought, she found a pair of sparkling black stud earrings and put them on. She went downstairs to the garage. The red Ferrari was parked at the very front. The car wasn’t registered under her name yet, so she hadn’t sold it. Lily opened the driver’s side door and slid in. But she noticed a pair of black stockings on the passenger seat, and a silver high heel on the floor mat. She recognized the high heel; it was a match for the one Seraphina had dropped by the club’s flowerbed on her birthday. A wave of nausea washed over her. She got out and found her BMW Mini among Damon’s dozen luxury cars. It was past two in the morning. She arrived at Lust Nightclub’s underground parking garage. Just as she parked, a middle-aged man emerged from behind a dark pillar and blocked her way. “Hey, miss! Can I borrow some tissues? I’m in a hurry and forgot my own.” Lily was highly wary of strangers approaching her. “No,” she refused. “I lost my phone,” the man tried again. “Can you spare some money? For tissues, and for a ride home.” “No!” Lily said, her voice cold. With that, she turned and walked away. As the elevator doors opened, deafening music blasted out. Flashing lights were dazzling. Men and women swayed together, drinking, singing, flirting… Lily disliked such noisy scenes. She asked the front desk attendant for directions, then went through a soundproof door into a hallway. High-end VIP rooms lined both sides of the hallway, their thick doors keeping the corridor quiet. Lily found VIP Room 88 and pressed the doorbell. The thick soundproof door opened, and a wave of ear-splitting dance music poured out. It was bright outside, but dark inside. Lily couldn’t quite make out the situation within. She stepped inside. The door suddenly closed behind her. Lily gasped, spinning around abruptly, coming face-to-face with Yuri’s lecherous eyes. At the same moment, Yuri raised his hand and *hissed* twice, spraying something at her. Lily tried to dodge, but it was too late. A subtly sweet scent enveloped her, and she inhaled several breaths. Yuri blocked the door, leaving her no choice but to retreat further into the room. “What do you want?” she asked warily. “I want you!” Yuri chuckled darkly. He then *hissed* several more times, spraying her with the substance. Lily felt a flush of heat, her heart pounding, her legs weak, her eyes swimming from the disco lights. As expected, Yuri was spraying her with a despicable drug! Nightclub VIP rooms prized soundproofing and privacy; there was only one soundproof door and no windows. With the music blaring, Lily could scream her lungs out, and no one would hear her! Yuri, who must have taken an antidote beforehand, lunged forward in a few steps, grabbed her, and pressed a kiss on her. “My darling, Big Brother finally has you!” Lily was both horrified and furious. She struggled and fought. “Let go of me! This is a crime!” Yuri grabbed her arm, flung her onto the sofa booth, and pounced on her like a starving wolf. Lily was terrified. She lifted her leg to kick him. But he anticipated her move, leaning forward to pin her down. His hands pinched and squeezed, and he gritted his teeth. “Crime? It’s just the two of us here, no cameras. I’ll say you drank too much and were willing, then woke up and tried to accuse me. Who will the judge believe? It’ll just be dismissed!” Despair washed over Lily. She struggled weakly. “Damon won’t let you get away with this!” Yuri held her down, unbuttoning her jeans, his laughter wild and perverse. “Silly girl, Damon sent you to me! Didn’t he call you here? He’s probably having a good time with Seraphina next door!” Lily felt like she’d been struck by lightning. Tears of heartbreak and indignation streamed down her face. Yuri unzipped her jeans, pulling them down. “Tonight, I’ll show you what Big Brother can do. I’m better than Damon! Seraphina has been in the West for six years, she’s into all sorts of things. Damon will definitely come back to you! By then, after you’ve been with me, you won’t even look at him! Heh heh…” Lily snapped back from the shock, her pants already pulled down to her hips. She raised her hand and slapped Yuri across the face. *Snap!* The sound was sharp and loud. Yuri’s expression changed instantly, but then he twisted it into a sick smile. “A feisty one, I like that!” Lily raised her right hand to strike again, but he caught her wrist. She raised her left hand, and he seized that wrist too. Yuri’s eyes flashed menacingly. “Your little struggles are just foreplay! Once the drug fully kicks in, you’ll be crying and begging for Big Brother!” With that, he bent down to kiss her, like a mad dog. Lily felt a burning heat in her abdomen, her entire body too weak to resist. In the adjacent VIP room, Seraphina held a glass of red wine, admiring the footage on her phone. She smiled at her assistant beside her. “If Lily hadn’t worn pants today, Yuri would have already succeeded. But this is even better; it will only further ignite Yuri’s animalistic urges.” “What if Lily reports Yuri?” the assistant asked, worried. Seraphina scoffed. “Report Yuri? What does that have to do with me? I didn’t do anything. I just suggested Damon call Lily to pick him up.” The assistant looked at her with admiration and awe. Seraphina smiled triumphantly. “With these videos, Lily *has* to withdraw her lawsuit. Otherwise, I’ll release them online! Let’s see who’s willing to sacrifice everything!” With that, she excitedly clenched her fist at her phone. “Yuri, take off her pants, go! Go, go, go!” Damon, lying on the sofa, stirred. “Water, Lily, get me a glass of water,” he slurred. Seraphina’s body stiffened. She turned to look at Damon’s handsome face, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes. “Coming.” She turned off her phone screen and went to get Damon some water. Next door, in the VIP room, Lily felt that her night was about to end in disaster. As Yuri loosened his grip on her hands to pull off her pants, she fought desperately, scratching his face and neck until they were raw. Yuri, like a beast, growled, “Little wildcat, you’ve only made Big Brother more interested! Soon, I’ll record your wild antics for your own viewing pleasure!” With that, he pulled Lily off the sofa booth. Lily’s legs were weak and useless. She crumpled to her knees on the carpet. She reached out to push Yuri, who was pressing down on her. Lily’s eyes were moist, her cheeks flushed, her body already losing control. Sounds escaped her throat, muffled whimpers… No! She couldn’t just give up! She bit down hard on her tongue. The sharp pain brought back some clarity. She abruptly raised her leg and slammed her knee into Yuri’s nose. Yuri was half-kneeling on the carpet, head bent, pulling at her skinny jeans. He hadn’t expected Lily to still have the strength to fight back, and his nose took a direct hit. “Ah!” he screamed, instinctively letting go of Lily’s hands, and sat on the floor, clutching his nose. Lily quickly scrambled to her feet, bit her tongue hard again to stay conscious, and delivered a powerful kick to Yuri’s groin. “Aow!” Yuri shrieked, curling up and rolling on the floor. Lily saw a small spray bottle peeking out of his back pocket. She decisively grabbed it, held her breath, and sprayed him in the face repeatedly, *hiss, hiss, hiss, hiss, hiss!* Then she stumbled and crawled towards the door. Opening the VIP room door, a gust of cold air rushed over her, bringing back more of her senses. She quickly wiped her fingerprints off the bottle with her T-shirt, threw it back into the room, slammed the door shut, and ran out. But her legs were weak; even holding onto the wall, she couldn’t run fast. She felt a burning heat throughout her body, with only one thought: *find a man!* She knew that if this continued, something terrible would happen. Either she’d strip naked and make a public spectacle of herself, or some other man would pick her up. Call the police? High-end nightclubs like this had powerful connections. If they got wind of it, they’d deal with her first! Call friends for help? Too late! What to do? What could she possibly do?! *Click!* A door opened. Lily spun around, startled, and saw the door to VIP Room 88, next door, open. Her scalp prickled. If Damon caught her, he would surely send her back to Yuri! Lily’s heart raced with anxiety. The best option was to find an empty VIP room, hide, douse herself in cold water, and try to ride it out! So, she quickly pushed open the door of the nearest VIP room. The door actually swung open. She didn’t hesitate, quickly slipping inside and closing the door behind her. Just as the door shut, she saw Seraphina emerge from her own room and head towards VIP Room 88. Seraphina had barely pushed open the door when someone yanked her inside, and she let out a scream. Lily locked the door from the inside and even hooked the chain. The VIP room was dark and silent; it seemed empty. She felt a wave of relief, immediately followed by the overwhelming sensation of burning heat. She slumped against the wall, slowly sliding to the floor, pulling off her T-shirt to cool herself down. She heard her own ragged breathing and pounding heartbeat. Her entire body felt as if ants were crawling over her, an unbearable agony. She couldn’t help but let out suppressed moans. Suddenly! *Click!* The lights flickered on. Lily’s consciousness was already hazy. Through the fog, she saw a tall, handsome man slowly approach her. The man appeared to be in his thirties, with striking features, deep-set eyes, a high nose, and a mixed European-Asian heritage. Lily, like a dying traveler in the desert who spots an oasis, crawled towards him. “Help me! Please, help me…” She was naturally beautiful; not just her face, but her figure was exceptional. Now, her hair was soaked, her eyes watery, her voice soft and alluring… The man’s sapphire blue eyes darkened. “Madam, should I call the police for you, or an ambulance?” Lily wanted him to help her to the restroom for cold water. “Water, cold water…” She clung to his leg, using it to pull herself to her knees. The moment her body made contact with his, *bang!* Her tightly strung rationality snapped. She had only one thought now: *I need this man!* She was like someone starved for seven days seeing bread. She embraced him, pleading, “Help me! I’ll pay you!” The man’s body stiffened. He reached down, pulled her up, his voice a deep rumble. “I’ll take you to the hospital.” Her ears were ringing, she couldn’t hear anything anymore. Her whole body felt like it had been boiling in water, her blood surging. Another second, and her heart would explode. She stood on her toes, tilted her head, and kissed him, winding around his tall, lean body like a snake, her trembling hands reaching for his casual pants. The man’s eyes instantly darkened. “This is *your* request!” He abruptly bent down, scooped her into his arms, tossed her onto the sofa booth, and with one hand, started to pull down her pants. This time, Lily was entirely cooperative. The man moved like a cheetah hunting prey on the savanna, full of primal ferocity and power. She didn’t know how much time passed until Lily gradually regained consciousness, utterly exhausted. But this place was too dangerous; anyone could walk in at any moment. Lily crawled around, gathering her scattered clothes and shoes, and dressed with trembling hands. The man’s hair was damp, his athletic body covered in a fine sheen of sweat, almost shimmering. Lily couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times. She picked up her phone, intending to transfer money to him. But then she thought, in this situation, it would be safer not to leave any digital trace. After a moment’s consideration, she took off her wristwatch and placed it on the man’s abs. “This watch is worth over five million. It’s your payment.” The man’s face instantly darkened. He picked up the watch and sat up, staring intently at her. Lily, fearing he would demand more, quickly ran out. Five million for one night—that was plenty! Afraid of running into Damon and his group, she avoided the main lobby and took the fire escape. Exiting the doors of Lust Nightclub, she found that dawn had broken. The streets were bustling with cars and hurried pedestrians, already starting their day. She took a deep breath, descended the steps, and walked towards the parking lot. “Lily!” Damon’s voice called from behind her. Lily’s body stiffened. She slowly turned around and saw Damon emerge from Lust Nightclub, his face dark and brooding. Seraphina Thorne, clinging to his arm, walked with graceful allure. A scarf was wrapped around her neck. She looked tired but offered a polite, weary smile. “Ms. Sterling, hello, we meet again.” Damon’s eyes were like ice. He’d blacked out last night, completely forgetting he had called Lily. He demanded, his voice cold, “What are you doing here?” Lily’s fury turned to a mocking laugh. “Where else should I be? In Yuri’s bed?” *Was he angry because his plan hadn’t worked?* Damon’s chest swelled with rage. So early, Lily’s hair was disheveled, her expression exhausted. It looked like she had spent the night at Lust! He desperately wanted to know what Lily had been doing at Lust all night! But he didn’t want to confront Lily in public. He walked over and grabbed her wrist. “Let’s talk back home.” His grip was strong, hurting Lily. Lily frowned, struggling. “Let go! You’re hurting me!” Damon’s expression was grim. “Behave!” he ordered, his voice deep. Seraphina caught up, gently advising, “Damon, don’t get angry. Let’s talk calmly.” Suddenly, a middle-aged man carrying a bucket of paint rushed over. “Seraphina Thorne! You harlot! Shameless!” With that, he lifted the paint bucket and hurled its contents at Seraphina. The three of them were standing close together; there was a lot of paint, and no one could escape it. In a flash of panic, Damon released Lily’s wrist, pulled Seraphina into his arms, spun around, and shielded her. At the same time, Lily instinctively raised her arm to block her face and turned away. Bright red paint splattered Damon’s back, and covered Lily’s head and body. “Ah!” “Ah!” “Ah!” Lily, Seraphina, and bystanders all screamed simultaneously. Damon roared, furious, to the Lust security guards: “Grab him!” Lily recognized the paint-wielding man as the same middle-aged man she had encountered in the parking lot last night. At the same time, the middle-aged man threw down the paint bucket, pulled out a boning knife, and lunged towards Seraphina. “You home-wrecker! You whore!” Damon had some self-defense training. He shielded the terrified Seraphina behind him and kicked out at the middle-aged man. The direction of his kick was precisely towards Lily! The middle-aged man was struck and stumbled towards Lily, the tip of the boning knife aimed directly at her! Her legs felt like jelly, and she reeled back in fear, but tripped over the steps behind her, falling backward. The middle-aged man also toppled forward. If he landed on her, Lily would surely be dead or severely injured. “Lily!” Damon shouted, his heart pounding with anxiety, but he couldn’t reach her in time. In that split second! A flowerpot fell from an upper floor of Lust Nightclub, striking the middle-aged man directly on the head. The man’s body lurched. The Lust security guards seized the opportunity, rushed forward, tackled him, and restrained him. Lily lay on the steps, her body aching, her tailbone numb. She couldn’t get up immediately. “Lily!” Damon ran over, picking her up. “Are you alright?” Tears streamed down Lily’s face from the pain. “It hurts.” “Don’t be scared,” Damon said. “We’re going to the hospital.” The middle-aged man, restrained by security, roared at her: “Lily Sterling! You can’t leave! You haven’t paid me yet! You said you’d make sure I was fine!” Damon’s steps faltered, his face instantly darkening. By now, a crowd had gathered to watch. Many held up their phones, taking photos and videos. Seraphina looked at the middle-aged man, utterly incredulous. “What are you talking about?” The middle-aged man frantically explained, “Don’t arrest me, don’t hit me! Lily Sterling promised me a hundred thousand to teach Seraphina Thorne, that bitch who stole her boyfriend, a lesson! She said she’d guarantee I wouldn’t get into trouble, that’s why I did it!” *Boom!* The gossiping crowd erupted. This scandal was massive! Two women fighting over one man, driven by jealousy, hiring someone to inflict harm! Damon’s arm loosened, and he looked down at Lily with a cold, contemptuous gaze, filled with disappointment. Lily slipped from his arms, standing on the ground, her heart plummeting into icy water. He didn’t believe her! She looked at Damon, her voice weak as she explained, “I didn’t.” Seraphina, however, nodded earnestly. “Ms. Sterling, I believe you’re not that kind of person!” She turned to the middle-aged man. “This is impossible, I don’t believe it. Do you have any evidence?” “We made the deal right here in the parking lot,” the middle-aged man insisted. “There must be security footage of it!” Lily understood everything then. It was a setup. Police cars arrived at that moment. A kind citizen had called them. The entire group was invited into the police cars. Lily sat in the police car, looking up. She saw a man standing at the window of the sixth-floor stairwell of Lust. It was the mixed-race man. Had he thrown the flowerpot and saved her? At the police station, Lily and the middle-aged man each presented their conflicting accounts. As for what happened inside Lust Nightclub, it was deemed irrelevant to the case, so no details were inquired about. Detectives went to retrieve the parking lot’s surveillance video. Damon remained seated beside Seraphina, his cold gaze fixed on Lily, clearly showing where his loyalties lay. Feeling suffocated, Lily stood up and went to the restroom. Her elbows and palms were scraped from falling on the steps. As she washed them, she trembled with pain. Her hair, neck, and white T-shirt were all covered in red paint. Water wouldn’t wash it off, leaving her in a disheveled state. Seraphina walked in, opened each stall door to confirm no one else was there, and then began to wash her hands. She had been well-protected by Damon; only a few drops of paint had splattered on her shoes. She looked at Lily’s reflection in the mirror, a triumphant smile on her face. “Look at you, what a mess! You’re disgusting. Damon protected me, not caring if you lived or died. You were together for three years, and he still doesn’t trust you. How does that feel? Does it hurt?” Lily met her gaze in the mirror, utterly silent. Seraphina let out a scornful chuckle. “Little sister, you’re so foolish and naive. Do you think I did all this for Damon?” Lily turned to her. “Then why?” Seraphina took a lipstick out of her twenty-thousand-dollar purse and twisted it up. “Who told you to be so ungrateful? Using an unknown like you for publicity was a compliment, and you sued! Damon offered you twenty million, and you still refused to withdraw the lawsuit.” “Damon doesn’t like scheming women,” Lily said calmly. “If he knew what you’ve done, he’d be disgusted with you.” Seraphina laughed as if she’d heard something hilarious. “No wonder Damon says you’re as dumb as a puppy! You have no idea what a ‘first love’ means to a man, do you? So what if I left him to pursue my career abroad? So what if we haven’t spoken in five or six years? All I have to do is snap my fingers, and he’ll come running back like a loyal golden retriever.” Lily’s heart filled with irony. Damon thought she was a puppy. Seraphina thought *he* was a golden retriever. Was this karma? Seraphina looked at her coldly. “If you’re smart, you’ll withdraw the lawsuit immediately.” “And if I don’t?” Seraphina tapped her phone a few times and held it out. “Look. What’s this?” Lily’s mind went *buzz!* when she saw it. It was a video of her and Yuri in VIP Room 88! Seraphina had edited the video cleverly. Yuri was pressing her down, pulling off her pants. Yuri’s back was to the camera, but Lily’s expression was clearly visible. Her cheeks were flushed pink, her eyes watery and dazed, looking utterly submissive. The music in the VIP room was loud, drowning out any spoken words. So, it looked as though she was completely willing. Lily was incandescent with rage. She reached out to snatch the phone, but Seraphina quickly pulled it away. “Stealing my phone won’t help. I have plenty of copies.” Lily trembled with anger, leaning weakly against the sink, glaring at her with hatred. Seraphina smiled. “Tell me, if I post this video on international social media, and it gets shared back here, what do you think will happen? There aren’t as many ‘rules’ on international platforms. These kinds of videos are common. You won’t be able to sue.” “If you’re so capable,” Lily said, her voice cold, “post the *entire* video. When I left, I sprayed Yuri with an entire bottle of that drug. He must have gone crazy, right? And then you walked into VIP Room 88. Did you enjoy what happened next?” Seraphina’s face darkened. She remembered how Yuri had acted like a beast towards her last night, and she shivered involuntarily, gritting her teeth. “What are you so proud of? The video is in my hands; I can post whatever segment I want!” Lily looked at the bruised, purple marks visible through the gap in Seraphina’s scarf. “Look at that. How intense was last night? Even a scarf can’t hide it.” Seraphina quickly adjusted her scarf in the mirror, a triumphant look on her face. “Those are from Damon!” “You and Damon can believe that,” Lily said flatly. With that, she walked out of the restroom. The police officers’ gazes were complex and unreadable. Damon was on the phone, his face grim. “Contact the websites, tell them to delete all the videos!” Lily pulled out her phone. Sure enough, today’s incident had also topped the trending searches, claiming the first and second spots. *INTERNATIONAL STAR SERAPHINA THORNE DOUSE DIN PAINT, NEARLY STABBED! ATTACKER ALLEGES LILY STERLING HIRED HIM!* *SERAPHINA THORNE AND DAMON CUNNINGHAM SPEND NIGHT AT NIGHTCLUB, DAMON’S GIRLFRIEND HIRES ATTACKER TO THROW PAINT!* Beneath these, many related videos had been uploaded. There had been too many people at the scene; videos from every angle were available. Each post was flooded with comments. Seraphina’s fans were practically spewing venom through their screens. *Die! Go to jail! Why wasn’t she stabbed to death?! Lock her in a dog pound and let the dogs have her…* Damon hung up his phone and walked over, his voice deep with condemnation. “Why did you do something so stupid? Now this is impossible to fix!” Seraphina rushed over, trying to soothe him. “Damon, don’t worry, we’ll find a way.” Damon’s voice was like an ice blade. “What way? These trending searches are real data!” A police officer commented, “This has become a public incident. Too many people are posting; it’s hard to suppress. Suing for privacy and likeness infringement in a case like this isn’t easy to manage.” Lily clutched her phone, head bowed, silent, offering no defense. Just then, the officer who went to retrieve the parking lot surveillance video returned. The date was recent, so it was easy to find. The video showed the two having some contact and speaking, but there was no audio, so the content was unknown. Fortunately, there were quite a few cameras in the parking lot, capturing both their backs and fronts. Moreover, Lily hadn’t given the middle-aged man anything. If she had exchanged a few more words or given him tissues or money, she would have been beyond refute. “Please look at my lips,” Lily argued. “I said only four words: ‘No, I don’t.’ My own name is only three syllables; how could I have communicated so much with him?” The middle-aged man’s eyes flickered, and he changed his story. “This was our second meeting. The first wasn’t here. Everything was made clear during that first conversation.” “Where did this first meeting take place?” Lily asked, her voice calm. “My home, my neighborhood, my university – they all have surveillance cameras. We can establish an alibi.” The middle-aged man heard this and couldn’t concoct another lie. “The time, the time was too long ago, I forgot the exact date!” “Do you remember the location?” the officer asked. The middle-aged man’s eyes darted around, his voice uncertain. “In, in the small grove by the river. No cameras there.” With no surveillance footage, no witnesses, and no concrete evidence of transfer or transaction, Lily was ultimately released due to insufficient evidence. “I want to sue him for defamation,” Lily said, her voice cold. “I want to sue him for endangering public safety and intentional assault!” The middle-aged man panicked, shouting in protest, “No! I’m telling the truth! It’s the truth!” “Regardless of whether you’re telling the truth,” the officer stated in a businesslike manner, “intentional assault and disturbing public safety are actions you committed. These are established criminal facts.” The middle-aged man lowered his head and was taken into custody for disturbing public safety. Other charges would be investigated further. Seraphina smiled sheepishly. “I knew it wasn’t Ms. Sterling’s doing. I’m sorry to have dragged you into this and caused you distress.” Damon also looked annoyed. “Let’s go home,” he said grimly. Lily didn’t spare either of them a glance. She told the investigating officer, “I will entrust all subsequent matters to my lawyer.” With that, she turned and walked away. Damon quickly followed, his brows furrowed, his face dark. Seraphina hurried after them, her eyes flashing with cold malice. *This Lily Sterling was really difficult to deal with!* *Hmph! Just wait until I destroy you!* She pulled out her phone, tapped a few times, and a triumphant, cold smile played on her lips. Reaching the elevator bank, Damon quickly pressed the down arrow. Lily stepped back two paces, not wanting to be too close to him. Damon frowned, looking at her, his ‘peach blossom’ eyes flashing with an apology. *Ding…* A message arrived on his phone. He glanced at the screen. The elevator arrived, empty. The three of them stepped inside. Lily stood in the innermost corner, her face devoid of emotion. Damon stood nearest the door, making a phone call, his mind elsewhere. “What is it?” He didn’t know what the person on the other end said. His expression hardened. “What did you say?!” Seraphina stood behind Damon, arms crossed, casting a sidelong glance at Lily, a smirk playing on her lips. Damon hung up and started looking at his phone, his face as dark and terrifying as the sky before a storm. “Damon,” Seraphina asked, concerned, “why do you look so terrible? Has something happened?” Damon didn’t speak until a video opened on his phone. The disco music from inside blasted out. Lily looked at Seraphina, meeting her triumphant, chilling gaze head-on. Damon’s eyes turned bloodshot. He seized Lily by the collar, yanking her towards him. He thrust the phone in front of her face. “What is this?!” he demanded, his voice trembling with fury. Lily saw the exact video Seraphina had shown her earlier. “You called me to Lust,” she said, her voice flat. “You tell me what’s going on.” Her indifferent attitude only fueled Damon’s rage. He lost all control, raising his hand and slapping Lily across the face. *Smack!* The sound, in the confined elevator, was exceptionally sharp and loud. Lily reeled from the blow, stumbling back against the elevator wall. Her face burned with pain. Her ears rang. The metallic taste of blood spread in her mouth. Tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes. A flicker of satisfaction crossed Seraphina’s eyes. She quickly clutched Damon’s arm, feigning concern. “Damon, calm down! Let’s talk things through, don’t resort to violence!” Damon’s ‘peach blossom’ eyes blazed with fury, as if he wanted to incinerate Lily. He gritted his teeth, his words forced through them: “I can’t believe… how low you are!” Lily wiped a trickle of blood from her lip with the back of her hand, her gaze icy as she met his. She surged forward, raising her hand, and slapped him back with equal force. Damon’s face was knocked sideways. Seraphina shrieked, clutching his arm. “Damon, are you okay?!” “I’m low?” Lily’s voice was cold. “You called me to Lust, delivered me to Yuri, and you call *me* low?!” Seraphina’s eyes flickered. “How could you hit Damon? He’s never been slapped in the face before!” The elevator doors opened, revealing a crowd of people outside. Their eyes gleamed with gossipy interest as they saw the paint-splattered individuals inside. Lily stepped out first. Damon and Seraphina, their faces dark, also emerged. As the three walked out of the police station, they were swarmed by an eager crowd of fans, reporters, paparazzi, and independent media. They pressed forward relentlessly, like starved, rabid dogs. “Lily Sterling, why are you out? Did you really hire someone to harm Seraphina Thorne?” “Mr. Cunningham, two women fighting over you to the point of hiring someone for assault – what are your thoughts?” “Mr. Cunningham, do you prefer Seraphina Thorne or Lily Sterling? After all, they look so similar!” “Seraphina Thorne, did Lily Sterling really try to hurt you? Will you press charges to the fullest, or choose to forgive?” None of the three spoke. Damon, his face dark, shielded Seraphina and pushed his way out. Lily forced her way through the crowd alone. Suddenly, a rotten egg splattered against Lily’s forehead. Seraphina’s fans screamed in fury, “Whore! You snake! Apologize to Sera!” “You bitch! Go to hell!” “Slut! Whore! Selling yourself at a nightclub and still bullying our goddess!” Seraphina, her face a mask of terror, stepped in front of her fans, pleading, “Lily, please don’t be angry! These fans are just too worried about me; they didn’t mean it. Take your anger out on me, just please, don’t hurt my fans, I beg you…” Her voice was laced with a tearful, mournful, tender, and kind quality. The fans’ anger surged even higher. Another rotten egg smashed against Lily’s head. The egg burst, inevitably splattering onto Seraphina. Damon pulled her into his arms, his voice grim. “Let’s go, we need to leave here now!” He glanced at Lily, his gaze like an arctic glacier, cold and merciless. Another rotten egg splattered on Lily’s face, its foul stench burning her nostrils. She numbly watched Damon shield Seraphina, push through the chaotic crowd, get into Seraphina’s personal car, and drive away. She stood like a withered leaf in the frigid wind, solitary and cold. Fortunately, they were at the police station entrance. Officers responded swiftly, and the crowd scattered like flies. A kind, middle-aged female officer handed Lily a towel, sighing with pity. “Here, wipe yourself. I’ll drive you back.” Lily took the towel, wiping the rotten egg off her face. “Thank you,” she said softly. Covered in red paint and rotten egg, she probably wouldn’t even be able to hail a cab. The kind female officer drove her to Lust Nightclub’s parking lot. As Lily got into her own car and locked the doors, feeling safe, the overwhelming wave of injustice and heartbreak finally washed over her. She slumped over the steering wheel, sobbing uncontrollably. She had already decided to leave, already mentally prepared, yet the pain and humiliation were still overwhelming. Her phone rang. Lily grabbed a tissue, wiped her tears and snot, and answered. “Dad…” Mr. Sterling immediately knew she was crying from her voice. “My sweet girl,” he said gently, “I know about the online mess. Don’t worry, your old man will make them pay!” Tears streamed from Lily’s eyes like a fountain. She sniffled. “Dad,” she choked out, “no, let me handle this myself this time.” “You’re just a young woman,” Mr. Sterling sighed, his voice full of heartache. “What can you handle? Let Dad do it!” Lily’s tears flowed into her mouth. She tilted her head back, gasping for air like a fish out of water, trying to suppress her broken sobs. Mr. Sterling’s anxious voice came through the phone: “My girl, Dad’s here, don’t be scared. Dad will protect you! No matter what happens, you’ll always be Dad’s sweet girl, Dad’s good girl.” Lily was finally able to speak. “Dad, I’m okay. Your little girl has grown up; she can handle things herself now.” Mr. Sterling’s voice also choked up. “Good girl, Dad will listen to you. But if you need help, you *must* tell Dad. Don’t try to bear it alone, understand?” “Mmm,” Lily murmured. “The immigration application has been approved,” Mr. Sterling said, his voice thick. “The villa in Paris has been ready for a while. Come over quickly.” “Mmm,” Lily said, wiping away her tears with her sleeve.

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My wife had a best guy friend, and I hated it, but she just brushed it off, claiming there was such a thing as pure friendship between men and women. One day, this best guy friend invited Stella to an overnight private party. I said no. Stella threw a massive fit, calling me petty and disgusting. The next day, news broke: the best guy friend was arrested for attending a wild party. I was so relieved I’d stopped Stella. I asked her if she finally saw his true colors. She just shrugged it off, arguing that he only went astray and got lured into that kind of place because *she* wasn’t there to keep him company. I called her stupid, thinking she was just trying to argue. But I never imagined she genuinely believed it. After Brandon was released from jail, he lost his reputable job, his fiancée left him, and everyone looked down on him. Stella felt incredibly guilty. She secretly withdrew all our savings and gave it to Brandon as compensation. Brandon got a taste of taking advantage of her. He claimed I’d ruined his life and demanded Stella sleep with him once. She hesitated, then agreed. From then on, they started sleeping together behind my back. Brandon even manipulated Stella into transferring all my business funds. Eventually, my company went under due to a lack of capital, and I was buried under massive debt. Brandon urged Stella to divorce me, cut ties, and save herself. She obediently listened. That’s when I finally learned the whole truth. I was on the brink of collapse. In the end, I couldn’t bear the pressure and jumped off the rooftop. I opened my eyes again. I was back on the day Brandon invited Stella to that private party. This time, I decided to send Stella and her best guy friend to hell!

“Ryan! You clearly promised I could go to this party, so why are you backing out now? Yes, I admit, I only said I was going with a friend, not a *guy* best friend, but a best guy friend is still a best friend! You can’t question our friendship just because he’s a guy! You’re so narrow-minded, don’t you know that?!” “Besides, I’ve told you countless times, he likes men, not women. That’s why I’m his best friend! He wouldn’t have any improper thoughts about me. When are you going to stop being so insecure?!” Her resentful voice echoed in my ears, and my consciousness slowly sharpened. When I saw myself sitting on the couch in our freshly renovated living room, I realized it: I had been reborn. And the sweet-faced, soft-voiced woman beside me, who even looked a little cute when she was pouting in anger, was my wife, Stella. Watching her stand there, so self-righteous and argumentative, I couldn’t help but smile. If I hadn’t witnessed her depraved behavior with that man, I might have actually believed her. And the thought of her tearing our once happy and loving home apart for that so-called best guy friend sent a sharp pang through my heart. Stella and I met through a blind date after graduation. By the time I reached dating age, I no longer believed in things like “love.” After all, in today’s society, everyone is very realistic. When you go on a blind date, the first thing people look at is financial stability. But I have to admit, the moment I saw Stella, I felt like spring had arrived. That sudden flutter in my heart made me believe Stella was the woman I was meant to cherish for life. So, I pursued her relentlessly. Stella was the kind of innocent, guileless girl. And at the time, my startup was just beginning to see success. I wouldn’t call myself a hotshot, but I was definitely a rising star, and I wasn’t bad-looking either. By all accounts, winning Stella over should have been easy. Yet, she kept me waiting for a whole year before agreeing to be with me, putting me through all sorts of tests. If I hadn’t been so deeply smitten, I probably would have given up. Later, I learned it was all because she had a “best friend” coaching her from behind the scenes. Initially, I thought it was normal. Girls are emotional, and it’s natural for them to ask their friends for advice when they’re unsure. It wasn’t until she mentioned her “best friend” was a guy that I realized something was off. After we got married, I playfully asked her why she agreed to marry me. I expected her to say it was because of my persistence and devotion, or that she was moved by my deep affection. Instead, she said her best guy friend told her I was “a rich fool” and a good catch, so she went for it. At first, I thought she was joking and didn’t take it seriously. But now, reborn, recalling all the awful things she did for that best guy friend, I realized she was probably telling the truth. My longed-for happy life had been utterly destroyed by that best guy friend.

Stella’s best guy friend was Brandon. He worked at a big, stable company and had a beautiful fiancée. They had known each other for years, long before I ever came into the picture. Stella knew about Brandon’s fiancée, but Brandon’s fiancée had no idea Stella existed. According to Brandon, he wanted his and Stella’s friendship to be a secret, exclusive to just the two of them. Stella was thrilled about this. Someone willing to share a secret with her meant she was important to them. When I first learned about Stella’s best guy friend, I subtly expressed my discomfort. But that made the usually gentle Stella explode. She accused me of insulting her “pure” friendship with Brandon and emphasized that Brandon didn’t like women. I retorted, “If he doesn’t like women, why does he have a fiancée?” Stella claimed he was forced into it by his family, that he had no choice. She insisted that was why she understood how much pain he was in, that she was the only one in the world who could truly understand him, and without her, Brandon might not survive. I felt bad for Brandon’s fiancée, but seeing that Stella genuinely seemed to consider Brandon just a friend, I temporarily held back. However, after I found out about the best guy friend, Stella stopped being discreet. She started FaceTiming Brandon in front of me, chatting on the phone for hours, telling him about her day, and even texting him “goodnight” while lying next to me. They were as close as a couple, and I felt like the outsider. Still, to maintain the happiness of our little family, I endured it all. But Stella began to escalate. She started going shopping and to the movies with Brandon, leaving me out. Her excuse was that she needed to “bond” with her best friend, and I wouldn’t fit in. She started rushing to Brandon’s house to take care of him when he caught a cold, while completely ignoring me, even after I’d worked all day, my back aching, and nearly fainted from low blood sugar. She started accompanying Brandon to bars and clubs, claiming she just “liked the atmosphere.” It wasn’t until I saw pictures on her phone of her and Brandon posing face-to-face that I finally reached my breaking point and exploded. I confronted Stella: “Why are you so close to a man who isn’t me? Why is it that every time you come back from a business trip, you don’t call me first to say you’re safe, but Brandon? Why, every time something fun happens, do you not share it with me first, but instead grab your phone and smile like an idiot while texting Brandon? Why, every time you’re sad or upset, do you not come to me first, but Brandon for comfort? Do you even consider me your husband?!” Stella just stared at me coldly and said, “Because you don’t understand me.” Her answer crushed me. If she said she was hungry, I’d drive thirty miles to get her favorite spicy ramen. If she said she was tired, I’d massage her back and shoulders until two or three in the morning. If she said she was feeling stressed, I’d cancel all my engagements, get in the car, and drive her all the way to a cozy cabin getaway in the mountains. But she said I didn’t understand her. Everything I did couldn’t compare to a simple word of concern from her best guy friend. I told Stella how I felt and begged her, for the sake of our happiness, to keep her distance from her best guy friend, or at least not let him affect our relationship. But my humble plea was met only with her cold reply: “If that’s how you want to think, there’s nothing I can do.” It was because of Brandon’s presence that our once happy life became a chaotic mess, and my hopes for the future vanished without a trace. It was in this situation that Stella told me Brandon invited her to an overnight party. I refused her and told her if she dared to go, we would divorce. That’s what finally stopped her. However, I never imagined that this incident would eventually lead to my family’s ruin and my tragic end. Reborn, I finally understood how foolish I had been. From the very beginning, I shouldn’t have had any expectations for Stella. She didn’t deserve the happiness I offered.

“What are you laughing at? Do you think I’m joking? If he really wanted to do anything to me, he would have done it ages ago. Why would he wait until now?” “I feel like you have absolutely no respect for me, no respect for my friends! Do you think because I married you, I’m supposed to be your slave, with no freedom at all?!” Stella tried every trick in the book to accuse me, hoping I’d agree to let her go to the overnight party with Brandon. I looked at this woman, who saw my care and concern as a restriction on her freedom, and suddenly felt a sense of release. Even if I stopped this foolish woman once, there would definitely be a second time. Besides, her actions had already left me utterly disappointed. Reborn, I wasn’t going to waste any more energy on her. If she wanted to go so badly, then let her go. According to the previous timeline, she and Brandon would be arrested together and end up in jail. That would be a good thing for me. Then I could file for divorce and ensure she wouldn’t get a single penny. Thinking about that, I felt a little better. If we divorced normally, by law, I’d have to split half my assets with Stella. Over the years, I built this company alone. This entire foundation is my hard work. Stella, in these past few years, not only quit her job to be a stay-at-home mooch, but she also constantly secretly took my money to spend on Brandon. How could I ever bring myself to give half my assets to someone like that? So, I smiled at Stella and said, “Alright, don’t be angry. I’ll let you go.” Stella’s eyes instantly lit up. “Really?” I nodded. “Really.” Stella immediately threw herself into my arms. “Oh, honey, you’re the best! Don’t worry, I promise I won’t do anything to betray you!” I felt a surge of nausea, but to avoid suspicion, I kept quiet. Stella finished her perfunctory embrace, then quickly pulled out her phone and sent Brandon a voice message: “My husband agreed to let me go to the party with you! Come pick me up quickly before he changes his mind.” Not long after, Brandon’s car pulled up outside our house. I saw Stella out. She immediately got into the passenger seat and winked at Brandon playfully, as if boasting about successfully pulling off a lie. She rolled down the window, turned to me, and said, “Darling, go back inside. Don’t worry about me. Brandon will take good care of me. Besides, we’re going to a respectable party, not the kind of dirty party you have in your head. Just relax.” With that, she urged Brandon to drive away. The moment the car pulled away, I saw Brandon glance at me through the window, a look of mockery, triumph, and a hint of disdain on his face. I knew that was the look of a man who successfully stole someone else’s beloved woman. But I smiled too, because I knew that before long, that despicable duo would be rotting in jail.

After Stella left with Brandon, I went back inside, looked at our wedding photos on the wall, and felt an overwhelming bitterness. I used to think that as long as I was more tolerant and understanding towards Stella, our happy little family could thrive. But I underestimated the importance of that best guy friend in her heart. Perhaps she was truly happy only when she was with Brandon. Maybe she only married me for my money. Scene after scene of our past flashed before my eyes, like bubbles popping, and my last shred of feeling for Stella vanished. I began to pack Stella’s things. Starting tomorrow, this house would no longer hold any trace of her. I bought this house to celebrate our third wedding anniversary. To surprise Stella, I waited until it was fully renovated before telling her, so only my name was on the deed. The first time I brought Stella here, the surprise I expected wasn’t on her face. Instead, she questioned whose name was on the house. I told her it was my name, but since it was bought after we got married, it was considered marital property, and she shouldn’t worry about it. But Stella complained about it for a long time, saying I didn’t love her because I wouldn’t put her name on the deed, treating her like an outsider. Now, I was somewhat glad her name wasn’t on it. According to the rules, as long as I could prove I bought the house with my own money, it would be my sole property. Even with a divorce, Stella wouldn’t get a dime. I carefully took down all the wedding photos and started thinking about what came next. With Stella in jail, my chances of filing for divorce were very high. Even if she was unwilling, with my connections and methods, I could easily get her to sign the divorce papers from behind bars. And reborn, with my memories of the future, I possessed information no one else could know in advance. With this knowledge, I could undoubtedly grow my company to an unprecedented scale! Maybe by the time Stella got out of jail, I would already be a top-tier magnate. I wondered how she would feel then, seeing me. Just as I was envisioning my bright future, my phone suddenly rang. It was Stella. A flicker of confusion crossed my mind. Based on the time, she should be having a blast with Brandon right now. Why would she suddenly call me? Could they be playing some twisted game, and she called me on purpose? I hesitated for a moment, then answered the call. “Honey, quick, come find me! I need your help with something!” Stella’s voice was panicked, as if she’d just been scared. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “Oh, I’ll tell you when you get here! Just come over, and be fast!” Stella was frantic. After giving me her location, she abruptly hung up. I was baffled, unsure what kind of game she was playing. Could she have discovered Brandon’s true colors and had a sudden change of heart? Regardless of what Stella was planning, I felt I should go. At the very least, I needed to see what was happening. So, I quickly tidied up and headed to the location Stella had given me. It was a small road, not exactly secluded, but usually empty at night. When I arrived, I saw Stella and Brandon standing by the roadside. Brandon’s car was parked nearby, hazards flashing. As I got closer, I noticed a person lying in front of Brandon’s car, with a puddle of blood on the ground. Brandon’s face was pale, his eyes wide with horror and lingering fear. “What happened here?” I walked up to Stella and Brandon, distinctly smelling alcohol. Both of them must have been drinking. Stella looked at me anxiously. “Honey, Brandon got distracted while driving and didn’t see someone on the road. He just hit them! We could have just taken them to the hospital and paid compensation, but Brandon was drinking today. If the police find out, this is going to be a huge problem…” I immediately guessed what Stella wanted me to do, and my face instantly turned cold. “So, why did you call me here?” Stella looked at me pleadingly. “I want you to help him! When the police arrive later, you can say *you* were the one who hit them. Otherwise, Brandon, with drunk driving and hitting someone, will go to jail! He’s still so young, and he’s getting married soon, and he’s about to get a promotion at work. If he goes to jail, everything will be ruined! Please, for my sake as his best friend, help him out, okay?” Brandon also chimed in, “Man, please, help me out! I’ll be forever grateful for your kindness, I’ll repay you in my next life…” My face darkened to an extreme. My eyes fixed on Stella. “You’re afraid of *him* going to jail, but you’re not afraid of *me* going to jail?” Stella quickly said, “No, it won’t happen! I asked a friend, and you haven’t been drinking. Even if you hit someone fatally, you just have to pay compensation, it’s fine…” “You mean I’ll have to pay for him too?” I clenched my fists. Stella bit her lip. “Brandon’s getting married soon and needs money. We can just front it for him. He’ll pay us back when he has money later. Anyway, you make a lot, so it’s not a big deal for you.” I nearly slapped Stella right then and there. This woman, for her best guy friend, was utterly shameless! But this was good. If you’re so heartless, then don’t blame me for being ruthless! I looked at Brandon, a cold smirk flashing in my eyes. A brilliant plan for revenge formed in my mind.

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“Cassidy, Julian’s been hurt. He’s at St. Mary’s Hospital! Get here, now!” The sudden ring of my phone ripped me awake from my sleep. I threw on the first clothes I could find and bolted out the door. The night was deep and heavy with dew, and a biting wind slapped my face. By the time I reached the hospital, a bone-deep chill had settled in my entire body – and it wasn’t just from the weather. I didn’t even stop to fix my messy hair or catch my breath. Just as my hand reached for the doorknob, a rush of voices, loud and jarring, suddenly spilled out from inside the room. “Julian, your wedding to Cassidy is next month, man. And you pulled that death-defying stunt, racing for Blair’s necklace? You almost got yourself killed, totaled your car! Aren’t you worried your obsessed little puppy, Cassidy, will finally wise up and ditch you?” My hand, already gripping the cold metal doorknob, froze solid. I didn’t move. I just stood there, holding my breath, waiting for *his* answer. It wasn’t long before I heard Julian’s familiar, arrogant scoff. His voice dripped with pure, venomous mockery. “Run? Her? Leave me? You gotta be kidding. She’s head-over-heels obsessed. I could literally kick her out, and she’d still find a way back!” His words weren’t surprising. Not at all. I pressed my lips into a thin, grim line. With a surge of newfound strength, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The sudden creak of the door snagged everyone’s attention. A few guys, lounging or standing in their racing gear, glanced over. Far from appearing flustered at being caught, their eyes glinted with mischievous amusement, their voices rising with a taunting edge. “Well, well, Aria Hayes, the hospital’s at least thirty minutes from your place, isn’t it? You made it here in fifteen. Guess you’re really scared something might happen to Landon, huh?” My gaze locked onto Landon Montgomery, who was sprawled on the hospital bed. I didn’t flinch or blush at their mockery. Instead, I simply nodded. “Yes. He’s very important to me.” My words unleashed a torrent of laughter from the group. One of them, a smirk plastered on his face, spoke up. “Landon just told us he’s bored out of his mind lying here. Since you love him so much, Aria, why don’t you entertain him? Do a little dance!” As soon as he finished, another chimed in, practically bouncing with excitement. “Just dancing? How dull! How about a striptease?” Their blatant malice stunned me. I knew Landon’s friends despised me, finding endless amusement in my humiliation. But I never imagined they’d demand something so… depraved. My lips parted, a refusal already forming on my tongue, but Landon’s voice cut me off, cold and sharp. “What, you won’t? Didn’t you say you loved me, that you’d do anything for me?” I stared at him, my head snapping up. His expression was utterly devoid of emotion, yet his eyes held an unnerving certainty. He clearly wouldn’t back down. It was obvious. If I didn’t perform this striptease, they wouldn’t let it go. Thinking of our wedding, now just a month away, I couldn’t risk any more complications. I swallowed hard and nodded. “Fine. I’ll dance.” The moment the words left my mouth, the shouts and catcalls erupted, louder than before. With them came a wave of crushing shame. Years of loving Landon had taught me to crush my own dignity, offering it up for their amusement, calmly enduring the brazen insults from him and his friends. But this was a hospital. Even with the door closed, his friends were here. The shame of dancing a striptease in front of them washed over me, making my body tingle with dread, each step I took stiff and unwilling. One by one, my clothes came off, a biting chill seeping into my bones. I bit my lip, silently repeating a mantra: *It’s okay. Just bear it a little longer, and it will all be over.* Finally, my trembling fingers reached for the last scrap of fabric covering me – a thin camisole. Amidst the whistles and jeers, Landon’s harsh voice suddenly cut through the air. “Enough! You’re truly shameless…” Landon’s face was a mask of disgust, his voice laced with a barely concealed snarl. When he spoke again, it was with pure arrogance. “I’m hungry. Go get me something to eat.” I kept my head down, his cruel words barely registering. I just let out a long, silent breath, gathered my clothes, and nodded as I walked out. “Seriously, Landon, she’s the city’s most notorious doormat. You’d think she’d be mad, but she’s still running off to get you food.” Their harsh taunts faded as I walked away. There were plenty of places to grab food outside the hospital, but I bypassed them all. Landon was particular. He only ever ate from a select few restaurants. By the time I returned to the hospital with his meal, his room was empty save for Landon, now fast asleep. I gently placed the food container on the bedside table. Then, I heard him murmur in his sleep, “Blair, if only you’d give in, if only you’d say you still love me… I wouldn’t marry her…” Hearing those words, my blood ran cold, a chilling torrent through my veins. My face drained of all color, turning ashen white in an instant. I stood there, utterly frozen. All I wanted was this one wedding. After it, he could do whatever he pleased. Was even that too much to ask? In the silent darkness of the night, a voice suddenly echoed in my mind. 【Host, mission progress has reached 99%. As soon as your wedding with Landon Montgomery is successfully completed, you will receive your reward.】 The system’s voice jolted me back to reality. I let out another long, shaky breath, trying to calm myself. *It’s okay. He’s just thinking out loud. He hasn’t actually suggested canceling the wedding.* I opened my phone, staring at the wedding countdown on the screen. Landon Montgomery was the golden boy of the city’s elite, and Blair Kingston, the darling socialite. Everyone in their circle called them a perfect match, a destined couple. They were each other’s first loves. Perhaps it was because they loved too fiercely, their relationship had been a whirlwind, and their breakup even more devastating. Blair, in a fit of rage, had gone abroad, leaving behind a chilling declaration: whoever crawled back first was pathetic. Landon, a man of immense pride, no matter how desperately he still loved her, refused to lower himself and chase her. He’d spend his days drowning his sorrows, claiming he didn’t care, yet he couldn’t stop obsessing over her updates – until he heard Blair had found a boyfriend overseas. That very day, out of spite, he’d agreed to marry me, me, Aria Hayes, who had always chased after him, always the object of his friends’ mocking “doormat” jokes. In the days that followed, Blair never returned home. Instead, she posted daily declarations of love with her new boyfriend on Instagram. Landon, consumed by a frenzied jealousy, escalated their silent war by announcing his engagement to me. Everyone laughed, saying I had been hopelessly in love with Landon for years, willing to sacrifice anything, even my life, for him. And through sheer stubbornness, I had actually waited for the day he would agree to marry me. But then, on the eve of our wedding, Blair came back. Years of devoted companionship vanished in an instant. He started abandoning me again and again. Everyone mocked me, saying all my efforts had been for nothing. But I didn’t care. I didn’t care whom Landon loved. I didn’t care if he would eventually cast me aside. All I cared about was whether this wedding could proceed as planned. Because that was the mission the system had given me when it brought me to this world – *Conquer Landon Montgomery and have a wedding with him.* For this, I had pursued him relentlessly for ten years, without complaint or regret. All because the system told me that completing the mission would grant me one wish. And my wish, my deepest desire, was to bring back my true love – Liam Thorne. I couldn’t remember when I’d fallen asleep. The next time I opened my eyes, it was already early morning. “Landon, thanks again for helping me get that necklace yesterday. To show my gratitude, I’ve rounded up the guys for a party at The Velvet Lounge tonight. You absolutely *have* to be there!” The sound of voices filtered into the room. I groggily opened my eyes to see Landon holding his phone, a soft, tender expression on his face – an expression I’d never seen directed at me. He was agreeing to Blair Kingston’s utterly unreasonable demand. “Okay.” He never showed me that kind of warmth. The call ended, and it was then he noticed I was awake. The softness on his face vanished, replaced by his usual indifferent mask. His voice, unlike his tone on the phone, was flat. “Go arrange my discharge.” I remained seated on the edge of the bed, hesitant. My face showed a hint of doubt. “You just got injured. You should really rest for a few more days…” I offered my quiet advice, but Landon’s face instantly hardened. “What, you’re not listening to me now?” It was as if one more word of defiance from me would make him cancel the wedding on the spot. I couldn’t risk it. After a moment of heavy silence, I finally rose and left the room to handle his discharge. Before long, we were both in a car, heading for The Velvet Lounge. By the time we arrived at the private room, everyone was already there. Blair, beaming, pulled us over to the table and pushed a few drinks towards us. “You’re late! According to the rules, you both owe three penalty shots!” Six brimming glasses sat before us, and everyone else immediately began to cheer. Watching Landon actually reach for a glass, an alarm blared in my mind. I quickly snatched them away. “You’re allergic to alcohol, you can’t drink. I’ll drink them for you.” With that, I picked up a glass and downed it in one go. The cheers grew even louder. “Amazing, Aria! Again, again!” Glass after glass, all six were quickly emptied. But the group, as if they’d found a new toy, started inventing reasons to get Landon to drink. Without exception, all those drinks ended up in my stomach. Over the years, I’d accompanied Landon to countless parties, always shielding him from drinks. I’d built up a strong tolerance, but even the best tolerance couldn’t handle this kind of onslaught. Soon, my stomach began to churn violently. Waving them off, I rushed to the bathroom again, throwing up until I felt empty. Enduring the burning pain in my stomach, I splashed water on my face and looked up. My reflection was ghastly, completely drained of color. I took a few deep breaths, not waiting for the nausea to subside before heading back. I was still uneasy leaving him alone in the room for too long. Landon’s allergic reactions were severe. If he succumbed to their badgering and drank, his injuries would only worsen. But our wedding was in a month. I couldn’t let his health become an obstacle to that. Sure enough, when I returned to the room, a fresh pile of drinks already sat in front of Landon. Blair saw me come in and glance at the drinks. She smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement as she turned to Landon. “I used to hear people say it, but I never believed it. Now that I see it, she really does love you, Landon. She’ll drink until she pukes just so you don’t touch a drop.” “Yes, she really does love me.” Landon’s lips curved upwards slightly. “Whatever I say, she does. Why else would I marry her?” Hearing his words, I quietly let out a breath of relief. *Thank goodness. It was just a dream. Thank goodness, he hasn’t actually planned to cancel the wedding.* Before I could fully relax, his voice started again. “But no matter how much she loves me, she’s still just a doormat. Blair, we’ve been playing this game for years. If only you would just…” He didn’t get to finish. Blair suddenly chuckled. “What a coincidence? I’m getting married too.” As she spoke, she pulled a stack of wedding invitations from her bag, handing them out one by one. The last one, she personally gave to Landon. “I wrote this one just for you. You absolutely have to come.” My gaze shot to Landon. Just as I expected, his face had turned dark as thunder. His eyes were fixed on Blair. After a long moment, he laughed, a cold, humorless sound. “Fine! Fine! Blair Kingston, you really are something else!” The party eventually broke up in discord. I quickly followed Landon out of the room and straight into the car. Just as he was about to drive away, I saw Blair step out of the building a short distance away, walking briskly. She got into a car, escorted by a man in a crisp suit. I’d seen him before. He was Blair’s boyfriend from abroad, now her fiancé: Rhys Sterling. “VROOM—” Landon’s face was grim as he floored the gas pedal, jolting me back to attention. I could tell he was furious. Furious that Blair had gotten into another man’s car right in front of him, even more furious that she was marrying someone else. I silently gripped the grab handle above the door, saying nothing, only watching as he repeatedly tried to cut off their car, then sped up in a fierce competition. The trees along the median blurred past. The nausea from all the alcohol surged back. I endured it for a long time, finally preparing to tell him to slow down just as I thought I couldn’t take it anymore. But the moment I turned my head, my eyes snapped wide open in horror! A deafening “CRASH!” exploded in my ears. I instinctively threw myself towards Landon. The excessive speed combined with the violent impact sent our car airborne before it slammed back down. The airbags deployed instantly, shards of glass slicing through my body. Pain flared everywhere. Fortunately, the intense pain also sharpened my senses, keeping me fully conscious. The distinct sound of dripping fuel from the gas tank warned me to get out of there, fast. I couldn’t just wait for rescue, so I tried to break the window and escape. Even after I struggled out of the mangled car, I didn’t dare rest. I pulled my cracked phone from my pocket, dialing 911 while trying to drag Landon out of the wreckage. “Landon, hang on, I’m getting you out!” Thankfully, thanks to my protection, he wasn’t seriously injured. But as soon as he was free, he bolted straight for the other utterly destroyed car. “Blair… Blair!” He stumbled towards it, just in time to see Rhys Sterling clambering out, disheveled and shaken. When Landon looked inside the car, he saw Blair, unconscious and covered in blood! Rage instantly consumed Landon’s reason. He lunged forward, grabbing Rhys Sterling by his collar, his eyes bloodshot. “How could you let this happen to Blair?!” “When it’s life or death, who doesn’t save themselves first? I’m the only heir of the Sterling family!” Rhys, still reeling from the shock, shoved Landon’s hand away and quickly ran to the roadside to flag down a car, desperate to get to the hospital. Landon was left alone, struggling to pull Blair out and hold her tightly in his arms. A second after he pulled her free, both cars erupted in a fiery explosion! The ambulance arrived quickly. We followed the vehicle to the hospital. I silently watched Landon pace frantically in front of the operating room, his face etched with anxiety and worry, yet he didn’t spare me a single glance. Finally, the doors swung open, and a nurse hurried out. “The patient is hemorrhaging badly and needs more blood, but the hospital blood bank is low. Who here is A-positive?” The words had barely left her mouth when Landon quickly volunteered. “I am! Take mine!” “No!” But just as quickly, I cried out, stopping him. I grabbed his arm, my gaze fiercely resolute. “You just got discharged. It’s not safe for you to donate blood.” He was about to snap at me, but then I continued. “I’m A-positive too. Take mine.” The nurse looked at my mottled injuries and blood-stained clothes with hesitation. “But you’re injured too. You shouldn’t donate blood…” “It’s fine. Take mine!” I stood stubbornly in front of Landon, and because of this, I missed the complex expression that flickered in his eyes. He truly hadn’t expected me to go to such lengths for him. I eventually followed the nurse to the blood donation room. Already injured, my lips growing progressively paler, the nurse tried several times to stop, but I refused. “It’s okay, I can hold on.” When it was finally over, my vision kept whiting out. I fought off the dizziness, leaning on the wall as I left the donation room, just as Blair’s surgery also concluded, and she was wheeled out of the operating room. Landon rushed to her side, his eyes overflowing with tenderness. He stayed by her, accompanying her all the way to her room, doting on her every whim. Behind him, I watched it all unfold. The exhaustion from blood loss made my body sway. I almost collapsed. As I was about to faint, the nurse who was supporting me sighed softly, unable to resist asking, “Do you really love your boyfriend that much, willing to hurt yourself for him? But I can clearly see that his heart is only with that girl who was rushed into the emergency room!” I smiled faintly, saying nothing, but in my heart, I had my answer. *No, I don’t love him at all.* But only this way could I ensure the wedding would proceed. Only this way could I save my true love. After that day, Rhys Sterling never reappeared. Landon naturally remained by Blair’s side. With each passing day, their relationship genuinely softened, no longer as antagonistic as before. My contact with Landon also dwindled significantly. The few calls or messages I did receive were always requests for me to prepare and deliver meals to Blair. But I continued to care for both of them without complaint, until one day, as I once again brought two portions of soup to the hospital, Blair looked at me and suddenly spoke. “Landon, none of the nurses are taking good care of me. Aria seems quite good at it. Why don’t you have her take care of me for the next few days?” Though it was a question, Blair’s eyes seemed to hold the certainty that Landon would agree. And she was right. He didn’t hesitate for a moment, didn’t even ask for my opinion, and simply agreed. “Aria, I’m entrusting Blair to you for the next few days. Take good care of her.” I paused, then quietly agreed, offering no protest. But it became clear that Blair’s intention wasn’t merely for me to care for her. I didn’t know what I had done to offend her, but she didn’t let up, coming up with all sorts of ways to torment me even in the hospital. On the very first day, Blair had someone bring over a bowl of nuts, handing it to me with an air of superiority and disdain. “I want to eat nuts. There are no tools here, so you’ll have to peel them by hand.” I lowered my head, said “Yes,” and dutifully squatted by her side, beginning to peel the nuts bare-handed. The shells were hard, and most were difficult to open. No matter how careful I was, my fingers inevitably got scratched. As soon as I painstakingly finished one bowl, a new one would immediately appear. All day long, my fingers were raw and bleeding, aching until they were almost numb. But when Landon appeared, I still discreetly hid my mangled hands, watching as he gently spoon-fed Blair and told her stories. The next day, Blair deliberately threw her necklace out the window. It arced through the air, landing with a soft splash in the man-made pond outside. “Oh no, my hand slipped! I lost my necklace. Go find it for me.” Step by step, I walked into the pond. It was late autumn, and the water was bone-chilling. The pond was large, and I shivered, groping inch by inch. Occasionally, I’d look up and, through the window, see Landon, who was always so domineering outside, gently wiping Blair’s hands in the hospital room. I lowered my head and continued searching. My hands were almost frozen when, as dusk settled, I finally found the tiny necklace in a corner. On the third day, a Golden Retriever appeared in Blair’s hospital room. I instinctively kept my distance, but the Golden Retriever was incredibly energetic, bounding around the room. I tried my best to hold it in, but I couldn’t stop a sneeze. The sound drew Blair’s attention. As if oblivious to my discomfort, she had someone hand me the leash. “Fluffy is very lively and needs to be walked for two hours every day. But I’m not really up to it right now, so you can take her.” I knew Blair had noticed my dog allergy and was deliberately making me walk the dog. I swallowed the words, “I’m allergic to dog hair,” forcing myself to nod. I took the leash and walked out of the room. Fluffy was very friendly. For anyone else, this might have been a pleasant task, but for me, with my dog allergy, every approach from Fluffy felt like a trial. Dog hair swirled everywhere, sticking to my clothes. I tried my best to cover my mouth and nose, but I still started to feel short of breath. Not only that, but my exposed skin began to itch, large red rashes appearing alarmingly. My eyes became bloodshot, and tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, yet I never let go of the leash. Finally, the agonizing two hours passed. Fluffy had had her fill of play, and someone came to take her. I hurried back to the room. In stark contrast to my disheveled state, the room was filled with laughter and cheerful chatter. Landon saw my miserable appearance, but there was little pity in his gaze. He merely glanced at me before turning his attention away. “Go clean yourself up. Don’t spoil Blair’s eyes.” “Okay.” I quietly agreed, then retreated from the room. Behind me, the laughter and playful voices continued. “Look at how pathetic she is! Isn’t it hilarious?” “So funny! Honestly, don’t you guys think Aria is like a personal maid on call?” “Like? She *is*! Hey, do you think Landon will just dump her and get back with Blair?” I anxiously awaited Landon’s answer. Thankfully, he said nothing. I let out a shaky breath, then turned and left. The day Landon discharged Blair, I finished the paperwork and instinctively opened the back passenger door of his car. As soon as I sat down, Blair’s face suddenly contorted. “Who told you to get in Landon’s car? I don’t want to ride in the same car as you!” I instinctively looked at Landon, and sure enough, heard his emotionless command: “Take a cab home yourself.” The rain poured down, drumming against the car windows. My fingers gripped each other, turning white. As I stood there in silence, he pressed the unlock button, his intention to kick me out undeniable. Under their mocking gazes, I miserably got out of the car. Without an umbrella, I was instantly drenched by the heavy rain. “Landon, I sent her out into the rain. You’re not mad, are you?” Though it was a question, I heard a note of triumphant gloating in Blair’s voice. “Of course not.” He replied with absolute certainty. As his words hung in the air, the car sped away. Watching the car disappear into traffic, I tried to hail a cab, but the rain was too heavy; not a single car would stop. Helplessly, I started walking home in the pouring rain. By the time I reached the villa, three hours had passed. The accumulated weakness and exhaustion of the past few days, compounded by the rain, completely overwhelmed my body. I found some medicine, took it, and vaguely lay down on the bed, soon falling into a deep sleep. In a daze, I thought I heard a sigh. I opened my eyes, and the face I’d yearned for day and night was right before me. He leaned in, his arms loosely around me, his gentle voice filled with heartache. “Aria, what happened to you?” “This is all my fault. I failed to protect you.” His words, meant to be caring, shattered my composure. All the grievances and sorrows I had bottled up poured out, tears streaming down my face. “Liam, I miss you so much. I was so close, so close to giving up…” “Liam…” I don’t know how long I slept, but the intense fever finally broke, and I woke up. Opening my eyes, I was met with Landon’s grim face. “Who is Liam?” I had clung to that name through countless agonizing days and nights over the past ten years, never imagining that one day, it would escape Landon Montgomery’s lips. My heart plummeted, a chill spreading down my spine. My throat felt tight, but I forced myself to remain calm, feigning confusion. “What’s wrong?” Landon’s deep-set eyes seemed to pierce through my pretense, straight to my soul. After a long moment, he replied, “You kept calling out ‘Liam’ in your sleep.” I felt a pang of annoyance, but kept my face carefully blank, even forcing a faint smile. “He’s my brother. Our parents died when I was young, so we grew up relying on each other.” “Then why have I never seen him?” “He passed away.” My voice grew mournful as I spoke. Fortunately, Landon, though sensing something was off, didn’t press for more details. He remained silent for a moment, then turned to leave, but paused before disappearing through the door. “There’s medicine for fever at home. Make sure you take it.” With that, his figure vanished completely. A few days later, Landon suddenly handed me a gown, telling me to change into it for an event. But when I arrived, I realized it was Blair Kingston’s birthday party. Soon after we walked in, he ditched me again, heading straight for Blair. As the city’s darling socialite, Blair’s birthday party was attended by the city’s most prominent figures. Guests mingled in small groups, clinking glasses, yet all of them, by unspoken agreement, avoided me. I was an outcast, isolated from the crowd, and I welcomed the solitude. I found a corner and watched him, always trailing Blair, attending to her every need with meticulous care. Soon, it was time for gifts. Landon was the first. He waved his hand, and several people carried in a castle made entirely of crystal. The entire castle was dazzlingly clear, without a single blemish, obviously crafted from carefully selected, expensive, high-quality materials. Gasps rippled through the room. “I heard Mr. Montgomery bid nearly ten million for a piece of crystal at an auction recently. Could it have been for this castle?” “One piece? No way! I heard he bought many pieces, all of top quality. The total value must be close to a hundred million!” “Look at this castle, doesn’t it resemble the master artist Huang’s work from a couple of days ago? Between the materials and the craftsmanship, some people probably haven’t seen this much money in their entire lives!” “You’re not talking about that doormat, are you? She’s got the title of fiancée but can’t capture Mr. Montgomery’s heart. What an embarrassment to women!” The guests’ whispers reached my ears clearly, their pointing fingers never ceasing. But when they looked at me, they didn’t see the sadness or forced endurance they expected. I looked as if I cared nothing about anything happening at the party. Others might have thought I was merely putting on a brave face, but I knew the truth: I genuinely didn’t care. After all, I didn’t love Landon, so it didn’t matter to me whom he loved. As long as he didn’t call off the wedding, I could ignore anything else he did. “Landon, it’s a bit stuffy in the ballroom. I’m going out for some fresh air.” The party was only halfway through when Blair waved to Landon, then walked out of the ballroom, leaving him to host. But it wasn’t long before a phone call shattered the calm. “Landon, a few thugs cornered me in the restroom! I’m so scared, please come save me!” Her tearful plea instantly contorted his face. He abandoned the business partners he was talking to and bolted towards the restroom. My heart inexplicably leaped when I heard that. A sense of foreboding rose within me. When I hurried after him, I arrived just in time to see Landon carefully putting his jacket around Blair, whose clothes had been half-torn off. Blair, nestled in his arms, was weeping like a wilting flower, but every word she spoke pointed directly at me. “I heard those thugs with my own ears, they said Aria paid them and brought them in, all to ruin my reputation! I know she doesn’t like me, but couldn’t she just say it to my face instead of resorting to such cruel tactics?” Landon, seeing her tear-streaked face, felt a mix of anger and heartache. Hearing her words, a wave of fury surged through him. He turned his head at the sound of my footsteps, and seeing it was me, his rage instantly doubled. “Aria Hayes, I only got with you because I thought you loved me too much and were kind and gentle. I never imagined you could be so vicious, to actually lay hands on Blair! From this day forward, our engagement is off!” He condemned me without even hearing a single word of explanation. My premonition of disaster had come true. Panic filled my eyes. Seeing Landon pick up Blair and start to leave, I frantically grabbed his sleeve, trying to explain. “No, Landon, please listen to me! I don’t know anything about any thugs, I didn’t do it!” “Landon, you can punish me however you want, hit me, scold me, I’ll take it all! I just beg you, please don’t cancel the wedding… Landon!” The hand clutching his sleeve was cruelly shaken off. He refused to listen to my pleas, striding away with Blair in his arms, leaving my desperate cries behind. I chased him all the way out of the ballroom, practically ready to fall to my knees and beg for forgiveness. But no matter how much I pleaded, he never looked back, leaving me abandoned outside the banquet hall. After that day, Landon avoided me completely, but I never gave up. I knelt outside the Montgomery family’s mansion day after day, repeating the same words. “Landon, I know I was wrong, I truly know I was wrong. Punish me however you want, please, just don’t cancel the wedding…” Staring at the perpetually closed gates, despair filled my heart. I longed to end my life, but I dared not. If I died too, the mission would fail, and Liam Thorne would truly lose his last chance at resurrection… At first, Landon ignored it all. But eventually, seeing me plead for forgiveness until my forehead was bruised and bleeding, scabs forming and breaking again, he finally frowned and opened the door, his voice filled with complex emotions. “Don’t you have any self-respect?” Tears blurred my vision, making Landon’s figure indistinct. Days of kneeling had almost drained all my strength, but hearing his voice, I felt as if I’d finally grasped a lifeline. “As long as I can marry you, I don’t need my self-respect!” My voice was hoarse, yet I desperately wanted to prove my resolve. Landon knew I loved him deeply, but he hadn’t realized it was to this extent. His eyes were complex, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, “Alright. You want me to forgive you? Then go atone for your sins to Blair.” Seeing that he was relenting, I was overcome with joy and relief, nodding repeatedly, afraid he might change his mind the next second. I followed him into the car, watching as it drove further and further out of the city, finally stopping at the foot of a mountain. He waved his hand, and several people began carrying bags up the mountain. Then, they scattered the contents downwards. I looked closely, and thumbtacks glinted coldly in the sunlight. The next second, Landon’s voice came from behind me. “Blair said that if you kneel all the way up here, three thousand steps, and finish, she’ll forgive you. And I won’t hold it against you either.” The words had barely left his lips when I took a step forward, without a hint of hesitation, and knelt down on the thumbtack-strewn stairs! Landon was instantly stunned. His original intention was just to scare me. After all, anyone seeing such a sight would naturally feel apprehensive and refuse. Looking at my slender yet determined back, he truly *saw* me for the first time. It was hard to imagine how deeply I must love him to go to such lengths. Just as he was about to pull me up, his phone suddenly rang, interrupting his thoughts. Seeing Blair’s name on the screen, he answered without a moment’s hesitation. “Landon, my head hurts so much…” Her tearful voice from the other end of the line made him forget everything else. He turned, got into his car, and sped off towards the hospital. Meanwhile, I continued my ascent, one knee after another. Thumbtacks pierced my flesh, but I seemed to feel no pain, crawling onward. Blood stained my knees, leaving crimson imprints on the steps. I knelt for an entire day, finally reaching the top of the three thousand steps. But I didn’t rest. I stumbled to my feet, ignoring the gruesome wounds on my knees, and immediately started asking for directions to the hospital. Through the small window on the door, I saw the scene inside clearly. Landon was gently holding Blair in his arms, softly coaxing her and feeding her medicine. It was an image I had pursued for ten years, yet had never once seen directed at me. My numb legs suddenly seemed to regain sensation, and waves of pain spread throughout my body. If Liam Thorne were still alive, I would be a pampered princess, cherished and loved. He wouldn’t let me suffer so many grievances, nor would he abandon me in such a wretched state. But at this moment, I lowered my eyes, suppressing all emotion. I pushed open the door and stumbled in, my voice choked with tears as I looked at him. “Landon, I finished kneeling. Can you please not cancel our engagement? As long as the wedding isn’t canceled, I’ll do anything…” Landon suddenly remembered he had forgotten about me. What shocked him even more was that I had actually completed the entire climb! Seeing the dark red stains on my knees, his heart stirred faintly. But he still didn’t plan to go through with the wedding. The marriage had been born out of spite, after all, and lately, he had spent a lot of time with Blair; their relationship was almost back to how it used to be. “I…” *Don’t love you.* He had barely started when Blair, still in his arms, suddenly pushed him away. “She’s so badly hurt, you should go take care of her. Rhys has already apologized to me, saying he failed to protect me last time, and I’ve forgiven him. He’ll be here soon, so you two should hurry and leave.” Her words struck him like a bolt of lightning. “Blair Kingston, what do you mean? You’re still marrying him?” Landon’s voice was full of disbelief. Blair, however, looked at him as if he were being strange, her expression matter-of-fact. “Of course. Before, I was just trying to spite him, that’s why I had to ask you to look after me. Besides, your girlfriend found those thugs to bully me, so it’s only right that you took care of me for a few days, isn’t it?” Landon trembled with rage, his eyes bloodshot. “Blair, I thought we…” “You thought what? You didn’t think we were getting back together, did you? We said whoever went back on their word was pathetic.” She interrupted him before he could finish, then feigned surprise. “Landon, you’re not trying to be pathetic, are you?” At her words, the anger in Landon’s chest surged even higher. He gritted his teeth, glaring at her. “Fine, Blair Kingston, you’re truly something.” After a long pause, he grabbed my hand. “Our wedding will proceed as scheduled.” Then, he turned back to Blair, a cold sneer on his face. “Blair Kingston, don’t you dare regret this.” Over the next few days, Landon acted as if he were in a fierce competition with Blair, becoming even more ostentatious in his actions. One day, Landon took me to try on wedding dresses. As soon as I changed into one and emerged from the fitting room, I saw his gaze, dark and brooding, fixed on another direction. Following his line of sight, I saw Blair Kingston, her arm intimately linked with a man’s, walking towards the bridal shop. When she entered and saw us, her expression was perfectly composed, as if she’d never had any conflict with Landon. She even greeted us. “Rhys and I are getting married next Wednesday. You’re both welcome to come…” At this point, her voice suddenly paused, as if she’d just remembered something. “Oh, I forgot, isn’t that your wedding day too? What a shame.” His face grew increasingly dark with her words. He didn’t reply, but his gaze never left her. After she finished speaking, a salesperson came to assist her, and Blair and Rhys Sterling moved away. But just as her hand pointed to a dress, asking the salesperson to take it down, a voice from behind her spoke. “Take that one down for her to try on.” Soon, a salesperson retrieved that very dress. Blair’s hand paused. She turned to Landon, and sure enough, saw undisguised provocation in his eyes. I simply watched as Blair picked out a dress, and Landon would quickly demand it for me. This continued until our side was piled high with wedding dresses, and Blair could no longer maintain her smile. The atmosphere instantly became tense, but then Rhys Sterling spoke up, smoothing things over. “Blair, I own another bridal shop we could check out. It’s a bit smaller, but the advantage is, no one will be causing trouble there. If you don’t like anything, just tell me, and I’ll have them alter it.” Blair’s expression finally softened. She looped her arm through his and shot Landon a triumphant glance. “Then let’s go quickly!” Watching them leave, despite having “won,” Landon showed no sign of happiness. He’d even lost his interest in looking at more dresses. I pretended to know nothing, picked up a wedding dress, and went back into the fitting room. After a few tries, Landon’s patience wore thin. “This one.” He impatiently pointed to a random dress. “No more trying.” He glanced at his watch, planning to head straight home, but just as he pulled out his phone, a trending topic popped up on the screen. 【City’s Darling Socialite Spends Fortune for Love: Books Giant Downtown Screen to Loop Pre-Wedding MV with Fiancé!】 His face changed. He abruptly stood up and stormed out of the bridal shop, completely forgetting that I was still in the changing room. When I finished changing and came out, his figure was nowhere to be seen. Just as I was about to call him, that trending topic appeared on my screen. The answer was obvious. I sighed, quickly hailed a cab, and chased after him. By the time I reached downtown, the roads were completely jammed. People were cheering excitedly, seemingly scrambling for something. I pushed my way through the crowd with great effort, only to find Landon throwing money into the air. “Next Wednesday is my wedding to Aria Hayes! Today, I’m celebrating, so everyone come share in the joy!” But it wasn’t long before a stretched limousine sped up from the other side. With bodyguards clearing the way, a distinguished middle-aged man walked over. It was Mr. Montgomery, Landon’s father. The cheers of the onlookers gradually faded with his appearance. Mr. Montgomery’s face was grim, radiating an oppressive aura. “Landon Montgomery, have you made enough of a scene?!” “I don’t care who you marry, but to marry into the Montgomery family, the woman *must* sign a prenuptial agreement. If you divorce, she won’t get a single penny from the Montgomery estate. Even if you don’t divorce, the family assets will have nothing to do with her!” At his words, the entire place fell silent. No one, not even Landon, had expected Mr. Montgomery to say such a thing. He instinctively glanced in Blair’s direction, but she remained silent, not speaking. The next second, my voice reached his ears, incredibly firm. “I’ll sign it!” I walked out from the crowd, took the agreement from Mr. Montgomery’s bodyguard, and carefully signed my name, stroke by stroke. After signing, I smiled at Landon. “I told you before, I only want to marry you. I don’t need anything else.” Meeting Landon’s stunned gaze, I merely smiled, looking to all the world like a woman utterly consumed by love for him. Only I knew that once the wedding was successfully completed, my mission would be over, and then I would be leaving. Other things held no meaning for me. All I ever wanted, from beginning to end, was to bring Liam Thorne back to life. After that day, Landon and Blair never caused such a public scene again, but their spiteful games never ceased. Blair would post a video flaunting her love with her fiancé, and immediately Landon would take me to spend a fortune on wedding rings. Blair and her fiancé would be photographed kissing, and immediately Landon would take me to choose wedding venues and have dinner together. Landon and Aria’s wedding, fueled by his rivalry with his first love, eventually grew lavish, with hundreds of millions invested, becoming increasingly grand. On the wedding day itself, he even launched a global live broadcast, declaring he wanted the entire world to witness it. The wedding was finally set at the most luxurious hotel in the city, with guests comprising top-tier celebrities and influential figures. I put on my wedding dress, looking at my perfectly made-up reflection in the mirror, feeling a sense of unreality. I had been in this world for ten years, chasing Landon Montgomery for ten years. Now, I had finally reached the wedding I’d sacrificed all my dignity for. Soon, everything would finally be over. A server knocked on the door, reminding me it was time to head to the ballroom for the entrance. I nodded, gathered my skirt, and walked out. The long train swept across the floor, making me appear particularly petite. Following the officiant’s directions, I walked alone towards Landon, who stood at the very front of the stage. Everything was going smoothly, but watching Landon’s distracted expression, a faint unease still gnawed at me. I was still afraid. Afraid Blair would call him. Afraid he wouldn’t be able to watch Blair marry someone else, and would abandon me to go to her. Most of all, I was afraid this wedding, in the end, would still not go as planned. “Now, will the bride and groom please exchange rings!” Only when I heard the officiant’s voice signaling the next part of the ceremony did I finally let out a breath of relief. Landon said nothing, taking the ring from the flower girl. The massive diamond glinted as it hovered over my slender finger. Just as he was about to put it on, his phone suddenly rang, a jarring sound. My heart instantly sank. I instinctively glanced at his face. His expression didn’t change at all, as if he hadn’t heard it, but the movement of his hand paused involuntarily. In that moment, I could almost hear my own heart pounding, threatening to burst from my chest. Thankfully, the call went to voicemail without him answering. But then came the second call, then the third… I could clearly see his expression shift from feigned indifference to hesitation, until finally, he couldn’t resist. He picked up the phone. A sob echoed through the phone, audible to both of us. I watched his face turn to panic. The ring, which had been frozen at my fingertip, was abruptly pulled back. He turned to leave, but his hand met resistance. When he looked back, he met my eyes, which were starting to redden. “I know you’re going to see Blair. I won’t stop you, but at least finish putting on the ring first…” His lips thinned. He reached out and painstakingly peeled my fingers off his arm, one by one. His answer sent my heart plummeting to rock bottom. “No, Blair says she needs to see me urgently.” “No, finish the ring first.” The system said that once the ring was on, the mission would be complete. But he refused, rushing to leave. I relentlessly clung to him. Landon was in a hurry, so he roughly shoved me away. The force sent me stumbling, and I crashed heavily into the corner of a table. Blood welled up. Ignoring the pain, I scrambled to my feet and chased after him, then, in front of all the guests present, I knelt down before him without hesitation. Panic seized my mind, tears streaming uncontrollably. I had no dignity left; now, only one thought remained in my mind: *At least, let this wedding have an ending.* “Landon, please…” My sobs were heartbreaking, causing a stir among the guests. “Kneeling at her own wedding just to get the groom to put on the ring—she truly is the city’s most desperate doormat!” “To go to such lengths, it’s truly astounding.” “I’d only heard rumors of her devotion before, but seeing this today, she’s really gone all out…” Landon was equally stunned. A flicker of unbearable compassion crossed his face. He couldn’t just leave like that. He pulled the ring from his pocket, hurriedly slipped it onto my finger, then turned again, leaving me with one last sentence before he left. “The wedding will continue when I get back.” But I knew the wedding wouldn’t continue. A sense of relief washed over me as I looked at the diamond ring on my middle finger. The system’s voice chimed in as promised. 【Wedding completed. Mission progress reached 100%. Mission reward has been issued. Liam Thorne has been revived. As soon as the host’s current body dies, you may exit this world.】 A genuine smile, one I hadn’t shown in ages, spread across my face. Ignoring everyone’s stunned looks, I raced out of the ballroom, took the elevator straight to the hotel rooftop. I ran towards the edge of the rooftop, my dress and veil rustling in the wind. Without a moment’s hesitation, I spread my arms and leaped! “CRASH!” Amidst screams of horror, I slammed heavily onto a car. Through the shattered glass, my eyes met Landon’s. “Someone died!” “Someone jumped!”

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I deleted my social media account with over a million followers. Almost instantly, the internet exploded with speculation, wondering if my account had been hacked. Then Emma Jenny, another influencer in the same niche, messaged me directly. [Why would you just quit out of nowhere? Are you out of your mind?] Even so, I shut everything off and went on a solo trip to see the beauty of the world. In my last life, Emma and I had posted the exact same kind of video content. People accused me of copying her and called me a knockoff clone doomed to fade. I got bombarded with hate publicly and privately, and even in real life. To prove my innocence, I shared screenshots of my scripts, behind-the-scenes content, and timestamps. But they called it fake and said I staged it all. The constant cyberbullying pushed me into a deep depression. So, I ended up alone in my apartment, slitting my wrists. But then, I woke up. To my shock, I was back on the very day Emma and I had first posted those identical videos. —— My finger was literally hovering over the post button. One second later, I would’ve hit it and sealed the fate I already knew. As such, my body jolted like I’d been pulled from deep water. I yanked my hand away just in time, chest heaving as I gasped for breath. Looking around the familiar room, at the camera, the lights, and the draft of the video, I realized I had been reborn at the moment when I first tried to pivot my content. After calming down, I saved the video to my drafts and immediately searched for Emma’s social media. It didn’t take long, and her latest post popped right up. And this one was nothing like her usual style. Her old videos were clunky, poorly edited, and barely scraping a few hundred likes. But this new one had racked up tens of thousands of likes in just thirty minutes. The comment section was also full of praise. [Imagine this look in a survival game setting—unstoppable.] [She’s doing million-follower work on a tiny account.] [God, is this level of beauty even humanly possible?] [Wife, my wife. Who the hell stole my destined wife?!] …and on and on. The dark background, the bold styling, the cinematography, music, and script, every single detail matched the video I had just saved to my drafts. If I didn’t know that I got the idea from watching a British drama and stayed up countless nights writing that script, I might have thought I copied her. But the truth was clear. Somehow, she posted it first. And just like that, she went viral overnight. In my past life, that exact video destroyed me. I remembered feeling excited, thinking the internet would finally recognize my work when I posted it. But when I checked the comments, the joy quickly turned to dread. Everyone said I was a copycat. They even linked the original, which was Emma’s video. When I clicked it, I found the same concept, same angles, and same style. A 99.9% match. But I swear. I never copied a single thing. I was instantly furious then. Desperate to prove I was the true creator, I posted all my drafts and BTS footage. But it didn’t help. Because Emma also posted her process, and somehow, her timestamps were earlier than mine. Then came the backlash. [She planned this ‘evidence’ in advance just to drag Emma down!] [Support originality! Say no to plagiarists!] [Jennifer, get out of the beauty community! You don’t belong here!] [LMAO. You came looking for proof and got slammed by it.] Even Emma’s team and management released official statements saying they didn’t copy anything, that everything was planned in-house. I, on the other hand, was just an independent creator. No team, no manager. Just me, working on every piece from start to finish. So, no one stood up for me. Not even my boyfriend. In fact, he posted a video too, announcing publicly that he was breaking up with me. Said all my content was stitched together from other creators, and that I was a serial plagiarist. And that was the final blow. The internet dragged me harder than ever. My comment sections were flooded with hate. My DMs were bombarded with unreadable and disgusting content. The pressure crushed my creativity, and brands pulled away. As such, I hardly got by. Eventually, I started hurting myself and soon visited a psychiatric clinic, where I was diagnosed with severe depression. And one sunny afternoon, in a cramped little rental apartment, I decided to end it all. But then, I opened my eyes, only to find myself back at the beginning, where none of that had happened yet. But this time, I was going to find out the truth behind all of it.

Jennifer’s POV Clinging to a sliver of hope, I logged into a side account and started digging through Emma’s other social media profiles, hoping to find something that might explain things. But, as expected, she wasn’t the type to share behind-the-scenes details about her work. I was about to give up when something in one of her live photos caught my eye—a familiar figure in the background. I zoomed in and tapped on the image. It captured someone’s left hand, and on that hand was a ring I knew all too well. It was my boyfriend Nelson Holt’s hand. I’d given that ring to him for our one-year anniversary. I had it custom-made, so there’s no way anyone else could have the same one. That was when it hit me. At some point behind my back, Nelson had gotten involved with Emma. No wonder when my world crumbled, he so quickly and cleanly cut ties with me and threw his support behind her instead. I didn’t have time to wallow in heartbreak over a cheating scumbag. I needed to think clearly. Looking back, I used to vent to Nelson all the time about work, about how hard it was, about the creative sparks I’d get in the middle of the night. Was it possible he leaked my ideas? Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me. But he’d been on a “business trip” lately and hadn’t been around. And even if I could get to his phone, he’d never just hand it over. I had no proof he told Emma anything. Still, this felt like a lead, so I wasn’t about to let it go. I pulled out my phone, sent him the photo, calmly explained what I’d seen, and told him we were done. Then I blocked him without hesitation. After that, I changed every lock code and password in my apartment. The last thing I needed was him letting himself in when I wasn’t around. With that chapter closed, I turned my attention back to what mattered—coming up with a new video idea. This time, there would be no mistakes. Just to be safe, I decided to switch up my style again. That last video had been my first time stepping out of my comfort zone, ditching the sweet and delicate “fair-skinned, skinny” aesthetic for something bold, glamorous, and confident. Since that look had been so well received, I figured going even further would only make things better. I spent hours brainstorming, refining, and finally writing out my new script. When I looked at the finished result on my laptop, I couldn’t help but smile. No way anyone was beating me to the punch this time. To avoid leaks, I filmed and edited everything at home. No outdoor shoots. No helping hands. Just me and my gear. When I watched the final cut, I couldn’t help but think—damn, maybe I was born for this self-media life. Still feeling cautious, I even went to Emma’s latest video and left a comment. [Can’t wait for your next one, queen! Please drop it soon!] Not long after, she replied to my comment. [That last video drained all my creative energy, so I probably won’t be posting anything new anytime soon.] I sent her back a crying-cat emoji and finally let out a breath of relief. Looked like she wasn’t planning on posting anything new for a while. So I was right. Last time, she must’ve heard about my concept from Nelson and rushed to beat me to it. Still, was it really possible for two people to come up with the exact same idea? It felt hard to believe, but I had no choice except to chalk it up to coincidence for now. Sometimes people just think alike, right? With that, I uploaded my new video and drafted the caption. I was just about to hit publish when a notification from my alt account popped up. I tapped it open, and immediately went pale.

Jennifer’s POV Emma just updated her page. She reposted my comment where I was begging for her next video, and dropped a brand-new one of her own right after. In the comments, she added, [I originally wanted this to be a surprise for my fans, but someone warned me that this idea might’ve been stolen. So I had no choice but to post it early to clear my name. If I waited and someone else released it first, people would think I copied them, and I’d never be able to explain myself.] My hands were shaking as I tapped the video. Then I looked back at my own video draft sitting open on my laptop. They were so identical from scene to scene, down to the exact minute and second. What the hell was happening?! I held my head in my hands, completely lost. I never told a single soul about the concept for this video. How did she end up with the exact same idea? Did being reborn still mean I couldn’t escape the shadow of my past? Was I doomed to repeat it, to be cyberbullied to death all over again, just like last time? Unsurprisingly, her video blew up. It was already climbing the trending charts. With the back-to-back viral hits, her follower count shot from tens of thousands to nearly a million on a completely different level now. But thanks to her statement, the comment section wasn’t just filled with praise. It was also crawling with suspicion. [Who copied our queen’s idea? I’m all ears.] [I’ve never seen this concept before. If anyone else posts a similar video now, we’ll know who stole it.] [People who plagiarize should just rot!] Everyone wanted to be the first to dig up the tea. Then Emma responded to the top comment. [Sweetie, the other person is a big-name influencer with millions of followers in the same space as me. So, I won’t say who it is, but she recently stopped posting because she was trying to rebrand. I guess she hit a wall and decided to steal a small creator’s idea like me.] She didn’t drop names, but she didn’t have to. That comment gave people more than enough to go on. The internet didn’t need much to put two and two together. It didn’t take long for users to connect the dots and come straight to me. Quickly, my comment sections turned into war zones full of accusations, insults, and endless doubts. But my fans did their best to defend me. Since there was no solid proof that I plagiarized, the hate was quickly buried beneath waves of support. Still, I was exhausted. Mentally drained. Physically done. Between the sleepless nights and nonstop stress, I eventually collapsed into bed and passed out without even meaning to. I didn’t know how long I was out before a loud knock jolted me awake. “Jennifer! I know you’re in there. Open the door!” “You hear me?! Don’t make this harder than it needs to be!” I opened the door and found myself staring straight into Nelson’s eyes. “What’s the meaning of this silent breakup?! I just happened to run into Emma that day. You’re being paranoid!” he barked, dragging a suitcase behind him as he pushed past me. I snapped out of it and shoved him back toward the door. “We broke up. I don’t want to see you again.” “Enough with the drama,” he said. “I came back to give you a way out. Just admit you were wrong, apologize to Emma online, and this whole thing goes away. Don’t make it uglier than it needs to be.” Hearing that, I lost it. “I didn’t copy her!” I screamed. “She stole my idea!” Nelson laughed like I’d told a joke. “Oh, so the person who plagiarized managed to post before the one who didn’t? That’s a new one. Impressive.” “Everyone knows you copied her,” he added. “You’re the only one still lying to yourself.” I pointed to the door, voice shaking with fury. “If you don’t leave right now, I’m calling the cops and reporting you for trespassing!” That finally made him back off. He picked up his suitcase, but not before throwing one last comment over his shoulder. “Pathetic. You’ll be crawling back to me before long. Just wait.” I slammed the door behind him so hard the walls shook. But it didn’t take long to figure out what he meant. Not even an hour later, he posted a video of his own, talking about our relationship and heavily implying he was ashamed of me for stealing someone else’s work. Of course, Emma jumped into the comments to say, [Thanks for speaking up, bro.] Then she followed up with a statement on her own page. [I still believe in the power of originality. As long as we stand firm, there’s always hope. I wish everyone would join me in standing against plagiarism.] Jennifer’s POV Thanks to those two, I was instantly pinned to the wall of shame, labeled a plagiarist. I wanted to defend myself, but I had no idea where to start. What was I supposed to say? That the video Emma “created” was originally mine? That somehow, by some bizarre twist of fate, the two videos turned out exactly the same, even down to the second? Who would believe me? No one. Not a single person would buy that story except me. Then, to make matters worse, some sharp-eyed internet sleuths dug up my alternate account and found the comment I left urging her to post. [So that comment wasn’t about excitement. It was fishing for material to steal?] [She really had the audacity to ask for an update. She basically treated Emma’s work like her personal content library.] Reading those comments hit me like a punch to the gut. I had no idea what to do next. Even if I came up with a great idea now, what was the point? Emma would always get there first. She’d post before me every time. That crushing feeling of helplessness wrapped around me tighter than ever. Looking at my channel, the one I had worked so hard to build up, I knew what I had to do if I wanted to avoid falling into the same pit I had in my past life. I deleted my account with over a million followers and posted one final message on social media. [I can’t prove that I didn’t plagiarize. There are things I simply can’t explain. I’ve deactivated my channel, and I’ll be stepping away from this platform for good. All I want to say is this: I, Jennifer Houston, have never copied anyone’s work.] Then I turned off the comments, disabled private messages, uninstalled the app, and forced myself to stop thinking about it. If I couldn’t fight it, then maybe it was better to just walk away. I packed my bags and gave myself permission to take a long break. I needed to breathe, to rest, to reset. I figured if I stopped posting, I’d finally see what Emma would come up with on her own.

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I found myself in a novel as the malicious supporting character. But I haven’t done anything wrong. I’ve even become friends with the heroine and married the gentle second lead. I always thought I was happy until I stumbled upon my husband’s diary. It turns out he was reborn. All these years of kindness were just to prevent me from harming the heroine… ****** Holding the pregnancy test result and touching the tiny life inside me, I felt an unprecedented sense of security. I’ve been living in this world for 13 years, and at this moment, it feels like I’ve finally found a complete sense of belonging and attachment. I transmigrated into this novel world after my death, becoming the malicious supporting character with the same name as mine. But I thought I was lucky. I arrived before the story unfolded, so I hadn’t done anything to wrong the main characters. In fact, because of the female lead’s cheerful personality, we became best friends who could talk about anything. I turned into a guardian of love, encouraging her to pursue her romantic interests actively, watching her fall in love with the male lead, and sending her off as a bridesmaid when she married the man she loved. The female lead is the second person I want to share my good news with; as for the first, it’s obviously my husband. My husband, Andrew, was originally the gentle second male lead in the novel, always silently protecting the female lead. Perhaps due to the butterfly effect of my changes, he no longer follows the female lead but focuses all his attention and affection on me. Walking together for 13 years, I truly felt loved, so I married for love without hesitation. Now, our little family is about to welcome a new life, and I can’t wait to share this good news with him.   I thought about it, and instead of saying it directly, I decided to let him discover it himself. I sneaked into the study, sat in his chair, and casually opened a drawer. An old notebook caught my eye. It stood out because it didn’t match the neat and uniform files around it. It should have been at the bottom, but a corner was accidentally exposed in the owner’s rush. I carefully picked up the notebook and couldn’t help but laugh. It was the type of girly notebook cover we used in our school days, worn with age, but the owner likely opened it frequently to record things, as the edges were curled, and the pages were yellowed. We never had secrets between us as a couple, so I opened it without any hesitation. On the title page was written in large English handwriting: Forever Love. I lowered my head with a shy smile, my face flushing. Could this be a love letter he wrote for me? I took out the pregnancy test result, planning to place it inside. I wanted to give him my most precious “love letter.” I carefully opened the first page and was instantly dumbfounded—my eternal love, Tina. Tina is the female lead in the story. Suddenly, I felt my blood reverse, and my whole body froze as if my throat was stuffed with heavy cotton, making it hard to breathe. My fingers trembled, yet uncontrollably, I read page by page. With a kind of obsessive self-torture, I read the entire diary word by word. Rather than a diary, it’s more like a love letter that can’t be sent, summarized in just a few words: Andrew loves Tina but can’t be with her. It turns out Andrew was reborn; it turns out Andrew always loved Tina deeply; it turns out all of Andrew’s care and affection for me was just an act! He needed to keep an eye on me to prevent any possibility of me harming the woman he loves. The joy of being pregnant vanished, leaving only bitterness in my heart. For 13 years, I never thought of harming Tina, but at this moment, I truly envied her. I envied her for the brief kindness and warmth she once gave, which made a man remember her deeply for 13 years, even at the cost of entangling with the malicious supporting character to ensure her happiness. My heart was in turmoil, tangled with pain and despair, and I couldn’t even remember how long I cried, just feeling that everything around me turned into a terrifying illusion.

Exhausted, I fell asleep on the sofa until Andrew came home and woke me up. He was reeking of alcohol, staggering as he walked. “Honey, I’m back…” he said with a smile. “Sorry, I had a business dinner tonight, so I came back late.” I smiled bitterly, the smile not reaching my eyes, yet I still fulfilled my duty as a wife. I went to help him, undoing his tightly buttoned tie and loosening the collar. “Thank you, honey, you’re so good.” I gazed at Andrew, realizing his gratitude was very perfunctory. If he paid a bit more attention, he would have noticed the redness and swelling in my eyes. Perhaps pretending to deal with me has become a habit for him. I helped Andrew to the bed, undressed him, and prepared to clean his face and body. Drunk, Andrew’s willpower slackened, as if he let down his guard, revealing his true feelings with weary vulnerability. “Tina…” I flinched, thinking I was hallucinating. I stared at Andrew, my nails digging into my palms. “Tina.” The cruel reminder echoed again. In a self-destructive manner, I subconsciously imitated Tina’s tone. “Andrew.” Andrew suddenly grabbed my hand tightly, his drunken eyes filled with tenderness and affection. “Tina, as long as you’re happy, everything I do is worth it.” A short sentence fixed me once again in the cage of deception. I felt breathless, everything before me becoming bizarre, and I fled from the bedroom in a mix of running and hiding. It turns out the love I chose without hesitation was a joke from start to finish.   I didn’t sleep well. The various things the malicious supporting character Amelia did in the novel replayed crazily in my mind. Amelia bullied the female lead with her group, hired thugs to humiliate the female lead, and used her family background to oppress the female lead, and so on… In the dream, Amelia suddenly turned back, with a face identical to mine. That face was twisted and ferocious, even I found it terrifying. In dreams, time flies, the male lead and the second male lead quickly grow and then take revenge on me. Andrew’s cold, indifferent eyes calmly stared at me, as if looking at a dead object. “Since you like ruining others’ innocence, go experience it yourself.” In despair, I was humiliated to death and discarded by a filthy garbage pile, dying in agony. “No!” I shouted, waking myself up! I looked up into Andrew’s concerned eyes, overlapping with the brutal and fierce image in the dream, and I trembled in fright. Andrew was covering me with a blanket, looking confused. “Honey, what’s wrong? Why are you sleeping on the sofa, you’ll catch a cold.” “Honey, are you mad at me for drinking too much last night? Sorry, the client was important.” I shook my head, engulfed in fatigue and fear, not wanting to say anything. There’s no guest room in our house. Andrew once promised he would never make me mad enough to send him to sleep in a guest room. Even if he did upset me, he’d be sensible enough to sleep on the floor beside me. But when conflicts really arose, I didn’t even have a space of my own. I was indeed under his watchful eye. Andrew didn’t notice anything unusual about me, frowning pitifully. “Honey, I had a tough time at the business dinner yesterday, my head hurts a lot, where’s the hangover soup?” “I forgot.” I didn’t make any at all. Andrew’s family isn’t wealthy, while I’m a typical rich second generation. He always said he wanted to earn my father’s approval through his own efforts, to achieve more to deserve me. So Andrew worked hard. He didn’t accept help from the Aiden family, choosing to start his own business. In the early years, to secure projects, he drank heavily with partners, almost getting a stomach ulcer. I loved Andrew deeply, and as his wife, I always took care of him personally. For the sake of his health, I found many remedies and often stayed up all night to help him recover from hangovers. If I were unaware of his true feelings, I might have continued being a dutiful wife. However, in reality, my efforts were all one-sided. [Amelia used her family background to harm Tina, I can’t let her have any chance to harm Tina. I must achieve success in the business world, have enough power to rival Amelia’s old man. If they harm Tina like the last life, I’ll make the Amelia family pay a painful price!] Andrew’s desperate efforts were merely to gain real power, to protect his true love.

“Honey, what’s wrong today? You don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell? Let me take you to the hospital.” I stared blankly at the man before me, wondering how much sincerity was in his concern. I hesitated about confronting Andrew when suddenly my phone rang. The caller ID showed two big words—Tina. Andrew quickly picked up the phone and handed it to me, signaling with his eyes, “Take it.” I numbly pressed answer, and Tina’s cheerful voice came through. “Amelia, darling, remember we’re going to the art exhibit today?” “I remember.” “Let’s meet at the Coffee Shop in front of the Art Gallery, okay? Old Ho is dropping me off on his way to work.” “Okay.” Before I could speak, Andrew said, “You have plans with Tina today, let me drive you there.” “No need, your office isn’t on the way.” Andrew lovingly touched my cheek. “Silly, driving my wife anywhere is on the way. Go change your clothes!” Andrew went back to the room to freshen up, his back radiating happiness. He’s going to see his beloved, of course, he’s thrilled. “Remember.” “Let’s meet directly at the Coffee Shop in front of the Art Gallery. He can drop me off on his way to work.” “Alright.” I hung up the phone, and before I could say anything, Andrew spoke first, “You have plans with Tina today? Let me take you there.” “No need. Your office is out of the way.” Andrew affectionately touched my cheek. “Silly, taking my wife anywhere is always my pleasure. Go get changed!” Andrew got up to freshen up, his back radiating happiness. Of course, he’s thrilled to see the one he loves. He seemed to have forgotten that he just mentioned taking me to the hospital because I looked unwell. In Andrew’s world, nothing is more important than Tina. — When Andrew dropped me off at the Coffee Shop, Tina was happily sipping a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino. She naturally handed me a cup of hot milk, greeting me cheerfully. Andrew gently reminded me, “Girls shouldn’t drink too many cold beverages. It’s bad for your health and can cause discomfort at certain times. You’re not a kid anymore; you should be more careful.” Tina teased with a smile, “Wow, showing off your affection right in front of me.” Andrew replied with a smile, “You too, drink less cold stuff!” So much preamble for a simple reminder to her. The hot milk in my hand felt uncomfortably warm. Actually, I don’t like cold drinks. His concern was never really for me. “Got it, got it. You’re so naggy. Only Amelia can put up with you.” Andrew chuckled and turned to me, “I’ll pick you up for lunch. I remember you saying you wanted to try the new Spanish restaurant in Amelia City.” Once doubt creeps in, you realize how insincerely his concern is acted. It wasn’t me who wanted to try the Spanish restaurant; it was Tina. But I was blindly in love, and he played his part well. Now that the truth is out, I see I was just blinded by my own ignorance. Tina held me close. “Okay, okay, you should go. Don’t interrupt our girl time.” She pulled me inside, mumbling non-stop. “Amelia, I’m so excited for Master Gu’s work…” I instinctively looked back at the man in the distance. He was watching us with a scrutinizing gaze, but when our eyes met, he quickly hid his emotions. He put on a performance of deep affection, acting all affectionate. Andrew, aren’t you tired? Certainly!

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I ate a snack bar because I was starving from working overtime, and my manager slapped me with a $600,000 fine! She pointed a finger right at my face, absolutely fuming. “Alex, don’t think you’re hot stuff just because you closed that deal!” “This is a workplace, not your kitchen! Eat your food at home!” “Company policy explicitly forbids snacking! You knew this and did it anyway, so your offense is even worse!” “Your $600,000 commission for that contract? Canceled!” I just looked at her, cool as a cucumber, and said, “Whatever.” I figured, why bother? I was already giving up, and that’s when she really lost it. Victoria was absolutely furious with my attitude. “Alex, write a public apology, you’ll deliver it at the all-staff meeting!” I looked at her face, crimson from anger, and clenched my fists. Then, calmly, I said, “Fine by me!” My colleagues all stared at me, disbelief written on their faces. Victoria spun around, high heels clicking, and went up to the 23rd floor. I stayed at my desk. A little while later, a notice popped up in the company-wide SnapChat group. “Sales Department’s Alex has repeatedly violated company policies. After careful consideration, it has been decided to deduct this month’s commission, totaling $600,000, and she is required to present a public apology at today’s all-staff meeting at 2 PM as a warning to others!” My colleagues looked at me in shock. Leo, at the desk opposite mine, sent me a private SnapChat: “Victoria’s having a total meltdown, don’t argue with her. Just suck it up, that’s $600,000!” I just smiled. Sucking it up wouldn’t do any good; she wanted to kick me to the curb after I’d served my purpose. She’d been eyeing my position for ages. When Mr. Sterling, the old chairman, headhunted me, he promised I wouldn’t have to clock in or out, I’d have complete freedom, and could eat or drink as I pleased, as long as I delivered results. I practically ran half the sales department on my own. This Monarch Corp. contract, worth billions, I handled the renewal myself, and wrapped it up in just a week. Victoria probably thought my job was too easy and was just green with envy! I SnapChatted back to Leo: “Just wait. This afternoon isn’t just my public shaming; someone’s also going to try and take my place.” Leo looked shocked, but I ignored him, calmly sitting at my desk, organizing and printing all my client files. Then I formatted all the data on my work phone. After doing both, I started writing my apology. Victoria came down at one point, saw me writing, and couldn’t help but flash a smug smile. At 2 PM, she arrived with some people. The all-staff meeting in the 23rd-floor conference room, with over a hundred people, was packed. Victoria’s voice was sharp and clear. “I’ll reiterate: a company is a company. Don’t think it’s your home. Despite countless warnings, some people just don’t listen!” “Don’t think you’re so special just because the chairman personally hired you. Anyone can close a deal just by schmoozing and having a fancy dinner!” “Alex, get up here and deliver your apology. Let everyone see how you messed up!” I stood up and walked to the front, under a mix of confused and secretly gloating stares. “Manager Victoria is right. I shouldn’t have eaten that snack bar in the office. From today forward, I will strictly adhere to company discipline and never cross the line again!” “Manager Victoria, I’m not much for words. If you don’t want me to eat, I won’t eat. Being a salesperson isn’t such a big deal anyway.” “Good to know! Given your repeated offenses, the senior management has decided to revoke your position as Sales Director, effective today, and demote you to a regular sales associate.” “This is our new Director, Brandon. He’s an MBA from abroad and will lead us to new heights!” A smattering of applause broke out. Victoria pulled a smarmy-looking guy forward. Leo and I exchanged glances; he was completely floored. Finally, Victoria added, “Alex, organize all your client files and hand them over. They’ll be reallocated!” I readily agreed, printed everything out, and handed it over immediately. These clients? If you can handle them, go right ahead! Seeing my cooperation, Victoria seemed a little suspicious. She checked everything carefully, ensuring nothing was missing, and finally let it go. Brandon, meanwhile, was strutting around like he owned the place. He came straight from the 23rd floor to my desk and tapped on it. “Alex, hurry up, pack all your things right now. Otherwise, if anything goes missing, you’ll be held responsible.”

I understood perfectly. As Sales Director, my desk was in the same area as everyone else, but I had a whole row to myself, with an open view, allowing me to see everyone opposite me. Now, it was different. He was eager to push me out, and my new spot was directly opposite him, by the window. Even with air conditioning in summer, we weren’t allowed to close the blinds. The scorching sun blared through the glass, not only reflecting off the computer screen but also making it unbearably hot. But none of that mattered. I quietly packed my things and was about to move my computer to the new spot when he stopped me. “Hold on. We need to check everything on your computer carefully. What if you’re taking client data with you?” “Fine, check it!” I opened my computer and let him search through everything. Mr. Sterling himself had personally headhunted me. At the time, he’d told me, “Alex, you have absolute authority in this company!” Mr. Sterling’s health had declined in recent years, and he’d gone abroad for treatment. Everything they were doing now struck me as utterly ridiculous. I knew exactly what Victoria was thinking: kicking me to the curb to cut costs. But unfortunately, costs aren’t that easy to cut. Brandon found nothing suspicious and could only wave me off. Leo sent me a message: “Don’t worry, Alex. We’re all rooting for you!” I sent back a smiling emoji. What good was their support? I didn’t believe for a second that the senior management on the 23rd floor was unaware of what Victoria was doing to me. They were tacitly approving it. That meant Mr. Sterling, far across the ocean, must also know. If that was the case, there was no point in arguing with them. I clocked out at the end of the day, just as usual. I didn’t know what their previous expectations were, but from now on, I’d strictly follow company procedures. That couldn’t be a problem, right? According to my old routine, I’d usually meet clients for tea and chats after work. But not anymore. I drove straight home, lay on my long-missed bed, and watched the sunset, feeling fantastic. Normally, I’d always be out entertaining clients, with endless social obligations. Now, I finally had time to myself. I opened my phone, searched for theater tickets, and booked one for myself. My favorite theater actor had performed hundreds of shows, but I’d never been to a single one. Now, I finally had the time. Soon after, I was added to a new sales group. Brandon was the group admin. “Attention All Staff: From now on, all sales personnel must write daily sales logs. You need to report who you met, what was discussed, and if there’s any potential interest, for my review.” “You must secure 5 potential clients each month. If you fail to meet this, your end-of-month evaluation will be reduced by 20%.” Leo messaged me privately: “Look at him! Says he came back from overseas, but he’s using all these outdated methods on us?” “Has he ever even worked in sales? Potential clients aren’t that easy to find! Five a month? The entire company only closes deals based on old clients these days!” “The economy’s rough now, it’s not that simple. And the big clients aren’t ones *we* can handle. For small clients, this city only has so many people. He really doesn’t want to give us any breathing room.” Seeing Leo’s rant, I just comforted him, “Take it easy. Just do whatever your boss tells you to.” “Alex, are you really just going to let him push you around? I wouldn’t stand for it! If it were me, I’d have quit ages ago! I can’t take this crap!” Leo was always outspoken. I smiled at his messages but didn’t reply. I wasn’t in a hurry. They’d find out soon enough.

The next day at work, I submitted my annual leave request. I’d been with the company for eight years and hadn’t taken a single day of annual leave. When I submitted the request, Brandon looked at me. “What’s the meaning of this, Alex? I just started, and you want to take time off? Are you deliberately trying to go against me?” “Director Brandon, you’re overreacting. Under your leadership, I’m sure we’ll turn things around. I haven’t had a break in so many years, I just can’t take it anymore. I plan to take some annual leave to truly relax and recover. My body can’t handle it.” He sized me up, his eyes full of disdain. “Right, I suppose you do have to service all those big clients. People over thirty certainly can’t keep up.” His words had a hidden meaning, I knew. He was implying I’d used improper methods to land those clients. Once people form a prejudice, it’s hard to change their minds. But for now, I wouldn’t explain myself further. Brandon still signed it. “Remember the end-of-month evaluation! If you don’t meet it, your base salary will be docked!” “Fail for three consecutive months, and you’ll be packing your bags and out the door!” “Understood. Don’t worry, I’m not leaving.” Because the ones leaving would have to be them! After completing the paperwork, I packed my things and started my vacation. First stop: the state capital. Today was the day of the show I’d been waiting for; I couldn’t miss it. Two hours later, as soon as I got off the high-speed train, Leo sent me a message: “Alex, the Luminar Group contract is finalized, and Victoria says the credit for this achievement will go to Brandon.” “By the end of the year, they’re going to push for Brandon to be the head of the sales department. That way, Victoria herself can get another promotion!” “The nerve! Are you just going to let them get away with it?” “Not yet. They can’t handle it. Just wait!” I sent that message and smiled. Renewing the Luminar contract wasn’t something you could just achieve by wining and dining. I ignored it, put my phone on silent, and sat in the auditorium, looking at the stage just a meter away. I felt incredibly excited. My emotions ebbed and flowed with the play, laughing at times, crying at others. Two hours later, I walked out of the auditorium, pulled out my phone, and saw over a hundred missed calls and countless SnapChat messages. The most recent one was from Victoria, sent just moments ago. “Alex, Mr. Miller from Luminar Group says there’s a problem with the contract, and they’re backing out! The direct loss is over $3 billion! You can expect to be fired!” I scoffed, and simply replied, “The contract was handed over to Brandon. If he can’t handle it, am I supposed to take the blame?” “Manager Victoria, if you want to fire me, remember to give me my severance.” After sending it, I shoved my phone back into my pocket. Even Leo couldn’t reach me. I wandered around, eating and shopping, and the constant stream of messages on my phone gave me a pretty good idea of what was happening. After I left, Brandon decided to “build rapport” with the major client and went to Luminar Group, bringing gifts. He ran into Mr. Miller, who, upon learning he was the new director, asked a few technical questions. Brandon couldn’t answer a single one. Mr. Miller felt the company was unprofessional and insisted on an on-site visit. I’d personally taken him to that site 800 times. Brandon had never been there. When they arrived, they happened to find a machine broken. Brandon told an engineer to come fix it. But no one could fix the new machine. Whenever there was a problem, I was the one who called in my contacts to repair it. Brandon used this as an excuse, claiming I had deliberately sabotaged the machine. Mr. Miller immediately declared that our company was a fraud and he wouldn’t renew the contract. Not only had Brandon botched the contract, costing the company $3 billion, but Mr. Miller also ridiculed Brandon, and it even reached Mr. Sterling, the old chairman. Just then, Leo called. “Alex, you need to come back! They’re about to call the police, saying you committed malicious fraud!”

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