Category: English

The day my fiancé got engaged to the true heiress, I wanted to drive my car straight into the ceremony, to die with them. But just as that insane thought consumed me, my phone started ringing relentlessly. I answered. It was the hospital. “Ms. Sera, you’re pregnant…” The car engine died, and I froze in place. Half an hour later, cheerful music drifted from the chapel. I started my car, turned around, and headed to the airport. From then on, the fake heiress of the Sterling family, as everyone wished, disappeared from New York. I went a thousand miles away to a small, quiet town, clinging to life, and gave birth to my blood-related daughter. I never contacted any of them again. Until four years later, when one by one, they reappeared before me. Four years later, I saw Liam again at the kindergarten entrance. I was picking up Lily when a mom next to me suddenly leaned in: “Lily’s mom, look at that guy across the street. He looks just like that singer… what’s his name again…?” I followed her gaze and saw him. “Liam!” The mom snapped her fingers, “Right, Liam!” I pulled my gaze away. “Don’t know him.” She looked a bit surprised. “You don’t listen to music? Liam! He’s the hottest singer-songwriter these past few years! Won so many awards! “Oh, and honestly, his face, it’s a bit like yours, you’re both so good-looking…” I smiled and shook my head, continuing to walk forward, holding Lily’s hand. “Sera Sterling.” Suddenly, his voice came from behind me. I ignored him, just kept walking. “Sera Sterling!” Lily looked up. “Mommy, is that uncle calling you? Why does he call you Sera Sterling?” I shook my head, smiling. “He’s mistaken.” But as we reached the parking lot, just as I was about to open the car door, someone suddenly grabbed my arm. I turned around, and it was a breathless Liam. “Sera, you… you’re actually alive?!” His words were as sharp and venomous as ever. Perhaps he’d run too fast, his eyes were faintly red around the edges.

I dropped Lily off at the neighbor’s house. Walking back downstairs, Liam stood with his hands in his pockets. “Why are you living in this dump? Where’s your place? I’m coming up to see.” I shook my head. “There’s no need for that.” Four years ago, he himself had said that his only sister was Celeste. He’d also said that calling someone like me a sibling only disgusted him. When I was expelled from the Sterling family, abandoned by Julian Blackwood, and had nowhere to go, I even thought of finding him, my biological brother. One snowy night, I stood outside his company building all night, nearly frozen solid. But in the end, all I got was him saying his biggest wish was that I had never been his sister. “If you hadn’t been born, Celeste wouldn’t have been swapped, and wouldn’t have suffered so much. “Sister? That’s laughable. The Sterlings don’t want you, and now you’re trying to cash in on our blood ties? “I’d never acknowledge someone like you as my sister.” Only then did I realize that no matter how kind I was to him, he hated me because of Celeste. Now, he still eyed me with a scrutinizing gaze, frowning. “That child of yours, is she Julian’s? Did you run away just to have his baby?” I was silent for a moment. “She’s my child alone.” He scoffed, a corner of his mouth twisting. “Sera, that kid is a spitting image of him. Do you take me for blind? “You wouldn’t actually think that if you secretly had his child, you could win him back? Are you sick or something… “How pathetic, what an idiot…” “I said, she’s my child alone.” I cut him off. “I never thought of going back to New York, nor did I ever think of using my child to compete with your sister for Julian. You can rest assured, and you don’t need to be so nasty. “Just like you said back then, apart from blood relation, we’re strangers. I’m not interested in your life now, and I ask you not to meddle in mine.” He froze. “If you have nothing else, please leave.” I turned. “Wait.” To my surprise, he suddenly grabbed me. He opened his mouth, then closed it. “You, you…” I frowned. “What?” “Why… why did you leave back then…?” I looked at him quietly. “You were a pampered heiress who couldn’t do anything. Were a few harsh words really enough to make you play the ‘run away with a baby’ card? “If I hadn’t run into you, how much longer would you have lived this kind of miserable life? And these four years…” He paused. “How… how did you survive?”

I watched his eyes, which were once again turning red at the corners. It was probably out of anger. He likely couldn’t believe I was alive, and my existence was a threat to Celeste’s happiness. How did I survive? Someone else gave their life so I could live. But I had no need to tell him. The old Sera Sterling couldn’t do anything, like a delicate hothouse flower. The current Sera Blackwood had long since stopped crying for help or relying on others. Seeing my silence, he grew anxious. “No, why has your personality become so wishy-washy? Could it be that the massive earthquake in that remote town years ago rattled your brain? “Running off to such a secluded place, it serves you right to face an earthquake.” At that moment, a neighbor walked past and greeted me, “Hey, Sera, not dinner time yet?” I smiled. “Almost.” Liam froze. “You should leave.” I said. But he gripped my arm tightly. “Why did you change your name? Blackwood?! Did you get married? No, whose name is that?” “Whose name it is, is none of your business.” I brushed his hand away, enunciating each word. “What my name is, how I’m living, Liam, has nothing to do with you.”

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During the New Year’s Eve performance, to stop my husband’s assistant from ruining the show, I had to suggest she needed a few more years of practice. Little did I know, she stubbornly acted out of spite, going on stage without permission to perform a sawing a person in half magic trick. She botched it, resulting in a tourist’s death. Jade pointed at me, sobbing, “You ruined my life!” That very night, she jumped to her death. My husband, Damian, covered my eyes, soothing me gently. “It’s not your fault, don’t be scared.” But later, during his next tour, he invited me as a guest to experience a water torture escape trick. As I stepped into the tank, his usually gentle eyes turned icy cold: “Seraphina, I don’t blame you.” “But you still owe Jade an apology.” The next second, countless piranhas devoured me alive, the agony unbearable, until my blood stained the water in the tank crimson. When I opened my eyes again, I was back before the first tour. But Damian stopped me first. I spoke decisively: “Interested… in playing some more thrilling magic games?”

A wave of dizziness washed over me. The organizer’s furious shouts poured into my ears. “Do you even have a brain in that skull of yours? How can you mess up such a simple thing? Are you even Master Damian’s assistant?” “Don’t tell me you’re an undercover agent sent by a competitor?” Jade’s eyes welled with tears, but she didn’t utter a single word. Then, she saw me. Her look of innocent victimhood instantly morphed into angry defiance, and she defiantly snapped back at Mr. Harrison: “I just accidentally picked up the wrong prop, and besides, it didn’t affect the performance! Master won’t blame me!” “You’re deliberately targeting me, I’m going to tell Master!” With that, she turned to enter the backstage area. Mr. Harrison gasped, practically choking on his anger, and pointed at Jade, shouting. “Where is everyone?! Someone! Get her out of here!” The familiar scene, the familiar words, brought my mind into sharp focus, yet I couldn’t help but shiver. I quickly spoke up: “Stop!” When Mr. Harrison saw it was me, his expression softened slightly, but his tone still held undeniable fury. “Miss Seraphina, just look at this… Ugh!” “Mr. Damian still has several magic shows. If things go wrong again like before, affecting the audience’s experience, I won’t be able to invite Mr. Damian to my future galas.” Every word was a thinly veiled hint directed at me. My gaze sharpened as I looked at both of them. In my previous life, to appease Mr. Harrison, And to avoid impacting my husband Damian’s career, I could only pretend to be angry. I fired Jade from her assistant position and spoke harshly to her. A scolding from me, Damian’s wife, was far better than being kicked out of the venue by the organizer and ridiculed by everyone. But I never imagined that Jade wouldn’t appreciate it; instead, when no one was looking, she went on stage without permission and caused a catastrophe. She killed someone herself, then turned around and blamed me for ruining her. Ultimately, if it weren’t for her, how would I have died such a miserable death! Thinking this, I clenched my fists. After a moment of thought, I didn’t scold her as I had in my previous life. Instead, I said assertively: “She didn’t make a mistake. She simply created that commotion deliberately for the show’s effect. Jade is the assistant to a genius magician, how could she mess up a performance?” “Look how much the audience is enjoying it. Mr. Harrison, you can’t just make wild guesses and hurt my husband and his talented assistant’s feelings for no reason.” I shook my head as I spoke. Mr. Harrison started to doubt himself, hesitating, “Really?” Perhaps my tone was too certain. He pondered for a few seconds, then let out a slow sigh of relief, no longer pursuing the matter. Just then, Jade scoffed. “I don’t need your fake kindness! Did I ask you to speak for me?” She was always like that. She held an inexplicable hostility towards me. When I invited her to dinner, she’d pass out after eating and wake up claiming I poisoned her. When I gave her high-end cosmetics as a gift, she’d break out in a full-body rash and say I was jealous of her youth and beauty. When I took her on a trip abroad, she’d disappear that very night. The next day, she’d throw herself into Damian’s arms, claiming I deliberately abandoned her in a foreign country, attempting to kill her. Later, I simply stopped interacting with her. I only took care of Damian’s daily life, and she’d tell others I was a useless woman who only revolved around men. When I complained to Damian, he would just chuckle softly, “She’s young and doesn’t know any better. Why are you getting angry with her? She’ll grow out of it in a few years.” “You’re Damian’s wife, show her some grace.” Before I could say anything more, Damian stared intently at me: “Seraphina, you know.” “I love your thoughtfulness and understanding most of all.” So, I deserved to be bullied by her? Mr. Harrison’s brows furrowed again, and the anger he’d just suppressed spilled out. “Did your mother never teach you not to speak with a mouthful of sewage? Huh? Maybe I’ll just find a scrap yard and sell you off.” I was about to speak. But someone was faster than me, “Jade, don’t listen to Seraphina!” 2. Damian’s voice attracted everyone’s attention. He jogged over, his eyes filled with shock, regret, and relief. Watching Damian’s completely different reaction from my previous life, a terrifying thought formed in my mind. He, too, had been reborn! Damian and I had been in love for seven years. He once shielded me with his body during a car accident, blocking four deadly steel bars, almost losing the career he loved. He also bravely signed up as a volunteer during a pandemic that killed countless people, just to be closer to me, who had already been infected with the virus. I couldn’t believe he had become a madman because of Jade’s death. The bone-chillingly cold water, the tearing of countless sharp teeth. The pain was so intense I bit off my own tongue in agony. Thinking of the suffering before my death, my palms instantly dug into my skin, covered in crescent-shaped indents. In this life, he’d have to chew down and swallow all the suffering I endured for it to be fair. Just then, Damian snapped back to reality. He glanced at me, his gaze growing cold: “Jade, don’t you dare listen to her nonsense.” “To me, you are the best assistant, and my most outstanding partner.” “I’ve always believed in you.” His sincere and earnest tone would move anyone who heard it. Jade was no exception. She smiled, somewhat flattered, “Really, Master?” Damian nodded. They exchanged a smile, as if the entire world consisted only of them. I didn’t interrupt him, but a faint curve played on my lips. Just as I expected. The next second, Jade straightened her back, full of confidence. “Master, let me handle the performance later by myself. If you’re willing, why not be a guest and assist me?” “I believe it will be an unparalleled, spectacular performance!” I couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter. Then, I nodded repeatedly in agreement. “Yes, Jade is the best assistant. It’s just a magic performance, it won’t be difficult for her.” “Damian, you should agree to her request.” The scene of Jade accidentally killing someone in my previous life still flashed before me. If the innocent tourist were replaced by Damian, how could that not be a good thing? On the other side. Damian’s face instantly fell; he clearly remembered the scene of the tourist’s tragic death. He asked cautiously: “Jade, there’s only one more show left. Changing the magician at the last minute would affect the audience’s experience. Next time, I’ll definitely plan a magic show exclusively for you.” “You will be the sole star.” Seeing Jade lower her head, looking hesitant, I immediately stepped in front of her and began to criticize Damian. “Honey, Jade finally wants to prove herself, why won’t you agree? Do you want her to be an assistant her whole life?” “Future plans are for the future; whether they even happen is another story.” I subtly nudged her, “Jade, don’t miss this opportunity!” Suddenly, Damian’s gaze locked onto me. His eyes subtly changed, and he asked, feigning casualness. “Seraphina, haven’t you always disliked Jade? Why the sudden change in personality today?” Having known each other for years, I naturally understood his probing. But I couldn’t let him know my secret of rebirth so soon. I linked my arm through his as usual and slowly said: “Damian, didn’t you say it? To be nicer to her.” “Just like you, treat her like a little sister.” As I said this, the smile on my face grew even brighter. Damian stared for a long moment, then said flatly. “Let’s hope so.” Hearing my words, Jade’s initial thoughts of backing down reignited. She pouted, somewhat annoyed. “Master, next time’s plan is fine, but this time… I want to perform too. Don’t you believe in me?” As she spoke, tears welled in the corners of her eyes. But Damian, remembering the tragedy of the previous life, still didn’t give in. He tried to persuade Jade patiently, but she pushed his hand away. “Master! You’ve disappointed me so much!” Just then, Mr. Harrison was urging the staff to get ready for the stage. Damian could only watch Jade run off, planning to coax her properly after the show. He decisively turned and walked to the dressing room. At this moment, someone suddenly called Jade’s name. “Where is she? She was just here, how did she vanish in an instant? Where are the props for the stage?” “Every day, why do I keep running into idiots!” My heart skipped a beat. I quickly walked backstage and, sure enough, saw Jade had changed into her costume and was pushing the props, about to go on stage. This time, Jade going on stage without permission had nothing to do with me. What would he do for her now? Unexpectedly, in the very last minute before Jade was about to go on stage, Damian appeared. He grabbed her hand and pulled her away from backstage. His voice was laced with uncontrollable panic and fear. “Jade! I told you I’d prepare an exclusive show for you next time, why won’t you listen?!” But Jade refused to give up, retorting: “Why won’t you let me on for *this* show?! You just don’t believe in me!” She covered her ears, refusing to listen to his explanation, and they pushed and pulled for about ten seconds. I leaned back, watching their argument with keen interest. Jade got so furious, she simply turned to leave, but accidentally tripped over a cable. Damian reacted quickly. He reached out and grabbed her, using his body as a cushion. The next second, he kissed Jade. Damian’s eyes melted into a tender gaze, and Jade froze too. After standing up. He looked at her, saying softly: “Just wait until my performance is over, okay?” Jade’s face flushed crimson, she no longer cared about any performance, and whispered a tiny “Mm.” I lowered my eyes, a flicker of self-mockery crossing them. The wedding ring on my ring finger felt strangely hot, burning me with a sense of unease. Without Jade’s interference, the New Year’s Eve magic show successfully concluded. Mr. Harrison immediately invited everyone to a celebration banquet, and the staff cheered excitedly. After stepping off stage, Damian didn’t take his eyes off Jade for a second. He ushered her into the car, completely unaware of me behind him. Mr. Harrison cleared his throat, “Miss Seraphina, why don’t you ride with me?” I nodded. In the car, Mr. Harrison chatted with me. Halfway through, he suddenly asked me. “Miss Seraphina, you’re so capable, why waste yourself on one man?”

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The second year after marrying Damien Knight, the notorious mob boss, I ran into Julian Vance again. He was on the same island, having splurged on buying out a pearl shop for his wife. The moment he saw me, his expression froze. “There was a reason for what happened back then.” “You know, if I didn’t save your stepsister, she would have died…” He was talking about that life-or-death moment years ago when the kidnappers forced him to choose between me and Amelia Sterling. He’d chosen Amelia without a moment’s hesitation. And I? I was taken by those kidnappers and, well, defiled. I simply smiled faintly. “It’s all in the past.” I turned to leave, but he grabbed my hand, his eyes suddenly red. “Did those men… do anything to you back then? I’m so sorry. I won’t judge you. I’m willing to take care of you from now on…” I pulled my hand free and flashed the massive diamond ring on my ring finger. “You’re overthinking things. My husband and I are very happy.” Julian froze. The pity in his eyes deepened. “Summer, you don’t have to pretend to be strong in front of me.” “So many media outlets captured it all back then, how you were… humiliated like that. I know you even suffered from depression.” Julian’s eyes were red at the corners, his lips trembling slightly. “It’s my fault these past two years. I was so focused on taking care of Amelia that I didn’t get a chance to find you—” “But it’s not too late now!” “If you don’t mind, I can keep you close, take care of you just like I take care of Amelia…” Amelia. The very same stepsister, Amelia Sterling, who mixed my mother’s ashes into flour and baked them into a pizza. A sarcastic smile touched my lips. “No thanks. I’m doing perfectly fine.” After three years apart, Julian probably felt awkward too, trying hard to find a topic of conversation. Just then, the waitress called my number. I went in, picked up my steak, and sat at a table outside the restaurant to eat. So many years had passed, but I still only loved this flavor. It was all because the owner of this restaurant made food that tasted almost exactly like my mom’s. Maybe he added a little too much seasoning; it made my eyes water. “Summer—” Julian called out my name. Only then did I notice he hadn’t left, standing there like a statue, staring at me. He approached, his gaze falling on the bowl in front of me. The pity in his eyes was overflowing. “You’re eating *this*? Such a pathetic, cheap meal?” He then looked at my clothes with the same pity, and I finally realized he thought I was living a terrible life. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have betrayed you back then.” His eyes were filled with guilt. “But it’s no use saying anything now… I know you’ve had a bad couple of years. From now on, I’ll take responsibility for you. Will you come back with me?” Julian even excitedly reached out to grab my hand. I stiffly avoided him. “No need. You know Amelia Sterling and I have too much animosity between us. There’s no way we could live under the same roof.” Julian froze, his hand suspended in mid-air. He knew better than anyone the deep-seated hatred between Amelia Sterling and me. Without Amelia and her mother meddling, my mom wouldn’t have died in that engineered car accident. Without Amelia’s repeated false accusations, I wouldn’t have been kicked out of my own home. Even now, my back bears jagged scars. Those were from the glass shards Amelia deliberately hid in my bedding. “Summer, I…” Just then, his phone rang. Amelia Sterling’s saccharine voice came through the phone. “Honey, why aren’t you back yet? Did you manage to buy out that pearl shop for me?” “I’ll be there in 5 minutes, come pick me up quickly.” Julian hung up, wanting to say something, but then silently looked at me. Before he left, he slipped a business card into my hand. “Summer, I truly wronged you three years ago.” “If you change your mind, you can call me. I have an apartment in the suburbs that I can let you—” “Without Amelia knowing.” I was about to speak, but he vanished. How interesting. Was he trying to make me his mistress? Daring to suggest that Damien Knight’s wife be his mistress? Julian has a death wish, doesn’t he? I shook my head, casually tossed the business card into the trash, and continued eating. The restaurant owner came out, smiling as he took off his apron. “Mrs. Knight, do you know that young man who was just here?” I smiled, pondering how to answer. The owner suddenly leaned in and whispered a warning. “Don’t get too close to him, you know. I saw it earlier—he has the slave mark from ‘The Abyss’ on him.” “What does that mean? It means he was born a slave. To have survived this long, he must be ruthlessly cunning.” I put down my forks and chuckled, looking down. “Yes.” “He used to be my slave for five years.” I had saved him time and time again. He’d promised to only be good to me his whole life, to even give me his life. Yet, when forced to choose, he’d chosen my enemy without hesitation. And left *me* to the kidnappers.

The restaurant owner’s interest was immediately piqued. He even ignored his business, grabbed a small stool and sat down by the door to chat with me. “Mrs. Knight, you were only 18 five years ago, weren’t you? You were so brave back then, daring to go to ‘The Abyss’?” “That’s the most famous and terrifying black market in the city. How did you dare go there at such a young age? Weren’t you afraid?” Of course, I was scared. But apart from that path, I had no other choice. Five years ago, to find the murderer who killed my mother, I went to the black market. I heard that 100,000 dollars could buy a single lead. More valuable information would, of course, cost more. I wanted to investigate if there was anything suspicious about the car accident that my father had so quickly covered up. I didn’t find any leads, but I found Julian Vance. Back then, he was an unwanted orphan. A small slave, shoved around by everyone. The chains in the basement had chafed his ankles raw, and the arrogant buyers laughed as they watched him fight three wild dogs to the death. He was covered in bite marks, yet his gaze was still like that of a wolf. It instantly captivated me. That day, I spent 100,000 dollars and bought him. The dealer took the money and handed him to me, still holding the chain. “He’s stubborn and vicious. Give him a few months before you take off the chains, or he might just bite.” After we left “The Abyss,” Julian stared at me warily. Seeing the fear and distrust in his eyes, I felt a pang of sympathy, remembering my own predicament. I immediately unfastened his chains. “What’s your name?” “Ju… Julian Vance.” His voice was hoarse, his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Master.” “Don’t call me Master. My name is Summer Hayes.” I threw him a piece of bread. “From today on, you follow me. I’ll ensure your survival and help you live a decent life.” He devoured the bread, a spark slowly igniting in his eyes. For the next three years, I bought him a gold watch. Sent him to business school. I even handed over half the assets my grandfather had entrusted to me for him to manage. And like all cliché novel stories, we fell in love. I watched him display an astonishing business acumen, every investment yielding tenfold, even hundredfold profits. I saw my assets multiply, branch companies opening one after another. By day, we were the perfect partners, dominating the business world. By night, he transformed into a hungry wolf, devouring me whole, passionately. Countless times, he held me tight, whispering in my ear. “Summer, once I’m stable, I’ll marry you.” I believed him. Until the kidnappers threw me into an abandoned warehouse, a cold gun pressed against my temple. They demanded Julian pay 10 million to ransom me. Julian arrived, panicked, carrying a briefcase full of money. “Let her go!” The kidnappers laughed, pointing to Amelia Sterling, who was cowering in a corner. She wore a white dress similar to mine, tears streaming down her face. “Julian, please save me…” “Mr. Vance, choose one.” A kidnapper patted my face. “Choose her, and this little beauty, Amelia Sterling, goes to ‘The Abyss.’ The big shots there love innocent types!” “But if you choose Amelia Sterling, your little girlfriend here belongs to us!” Julian’s gaze flickered between Amelia and me. Amelia suddenly cried out, “Julian, save me! Sister is so strong, she can definitely escape on her own!” I looked at Julian. He had once said my eyes were like stars, and he would never let those stars extinguish. I thought the answer was obvious. But Julian hesitated for only a moment before blurting out, “I choose Amelia Sterling.” The kidnappers whistled, then untied Amelia Sterling. She lunged into Julian’s arms, then turned back and made a triumphant face at me. He held Amelia Sterling by the waist, ready to leave. I stood rigid, unable to even comprehend when he and Amelia had started their affair. “Julian, don’t go…” I tugged at his pants, begging him. Julian’s steps faltered. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with sorrow. “Summer, I’m sorry, I have to choose this way.” “Amelia, she’s so innocent and kind. Going to a place like ‘The Abyss’ would be her death.” “Wait for me. I’ll arrange for her and then come back to save you!” But he wouldn’t get the chance. Just after he left, Damien Knight, the terrifying mob boss, arrived. He lifted my chin. “Still haven’t figured it out?” “Summer, I told you he wasn’t a reliable choice.” He simply waved his hand, and his bodyguards handed him a stack of photos. “If you don’t believe me, see for yourself. These are all proof of his betrayal.” The photos flashed before my eyes, stabbing fiercely at my heart. Damien Knight’s voice continued, relentless. “While he was swearing to be devoted to you, he was already sleeping with your enemy, Amelia Sterling.” “He said he loved you, that he could spend millions on a necklace for you, but he never spent two months writing a hundred love letters for you.” “But Amelia Sterling got them.” “Not just a hundred love letters, but birthday gifts for every year from age 1 to 23. She has them all.” “Even when you were asleep, he would get up in the middle of the night and sneak into your sister’s room.” “And now, in a moment of danger, he decisively chose Amelia Sterling and abandoned you.” “Summer, can’t you see it?” I remained unresponsive, tears streaming down my face. Damien Knight gently kissed away my tears. “You should choose me.” By the time the story reached this point, my meal was finished. The restaurant owner stared at me, utterly shocked. “That Julian Vance is a business prodigy in the city, but he’s so heartless? What happened next?” I looked up at him, a half-smile playing on my lips. “If you ask any more questions, Damien Knight will shut down your shop and kick you off this island.” As I spoke, I glanced behind him. A tall, well-dressed man, in a sharp suit, was walking toward us, extending a hand to me. “Gossiping about my wife’s business, are we?”

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My sixty-year-old husband took his first love on a thrill-seeking adventure, and they both had heart attacks while bungee jumping. As a lady of means, I’d never witnessed such a chaotic scene. All I could do was call my children for advice: “Your father and Susan are having medical emergencies right now. You need to tell me what to do!” My daughter snapped back: “Dad’s the Chief of Medical Staff! He wouldn’t have a heart attack even if *you* dropped dead!” My son scoffed at me: “I’m taking Jessica, Susan’s daughter, to a specialist out of state for a consultation right now. Don’t you dare cause more trouble.” I stared at the two old people, still tightly embracing each other even in unconsciousness, and dialed 91 The dispatcher, however, said they were too busy and would send someone as soon as possible. I openly wiped away tears in front of the park staff. If that old jerk dies, how am I ever going to spend this immense fortune all by myself? 1 Before Robert left, I reminded him he was getting on in years and shouldn’t push himself when out and about. But just to spite me, he took his first love, also in her sixties, bungee jumping. Watching the two old people still clinging together even after passing out, my heart shattered: “Robert, didn’t you say the hospital was busy with meetings? What in the world is going on here?” Robert grit his teeth, unable to utter a single word. I wiped the tears from my cheeks and looked around. The staff member was visibly trembling: “Ma’am, it’s like this. We tried to dissuade these two seniors, but they insisted they had some promise from their youth to fulfill, and kept talking about an ‘anti-establishment spirit’…” That explained everything. My old man, back in his youth, was smitten with Susan, who lived in the next town over. But his family was poor, and Susan’s family looked down on him. They forced Susan to marry a wealthy man. At the time, Robert had a certain pride, insisting he and Susan should jump off a cliff together to swear their eternal love. But in the end, neither of them dared to jump. And then, Robert met me. He told me that the moment he saw me, he no longer wanted to die. He wanted to live a good, long life with me. Though living with him was exhausting – he often called me stingy. And complained I was too overbearing. Yet we argued and bickered for decades, and both of us lived perfectly fine lives! How could he, in his old age, suddenly remember that “anti-establishment spirit”? It made no sense. Honestly, all my advice to him came from a place of care: “Robert, come home early after your meetings. You have so many pre-existing conditions; don’t go playing on dangerous rides like those young kids at amusement parks.” Oh, it’s all my fault. Perhaps it was my recent refusal to buy Susan a house for her retirement that sparked his rebellious streak. Robert’s face was ashen now, his jaw clenched tight. Gone was the arrogant smirk he’d wear when arguing with me. My gaze shifted to Susan beside Robert, and I sighed again. After living most of my life, I never expected to have a love rival at sixty. At my son’s engagement party, my two children excitedly ushered Susan in, everyone acting as if they were old friends. My good-for-nothing old man, Robert, even readily agreed to give her ten million dollars, plus two villas. Normally, if I bought a new dress, he’d complain for ages about my extravagance. How could he suddenly be so generous now? I sat on a mountain of wealth, yet felt like a useless old woman, so I secretly hired someone to investigate. Guess what I found. Not only did Susan know my children, but she was also having dinner and shopping with Robert every few days. I was furious. I flat-out refused to give them any money. I even drafted divorce papers to separate from Robert and take the fortune I’d built myself. But my children ripped the divorce papers to shreds: “Aunt Susan sees money as meaningless! You’re this old, and your mind is still fixated on that filthy lucre? Are you going to take it to your grave?” “Why can’t you be more like Aunt Susan? Other families discuss things together, but you dared to keep something as big as divorce from us. Don’t ever act unilaterally again!” The thought twisted my heart even more. I quickly pulled away the staff member who was trying to help: “Besides his heart condition, my husband also has high blood pressure, diabetes, and a whole host of other complications. Don’t touch him; it’s not safe for you.” The first responder immediately stepped back two paces. Their gaze, full of gratitude and tears, met mine: “Ma’am, you’re such a kind person. So, what do we do now?” What do we do? My children won’t let me make decisions on my own, so I guess I’ll have to consult them first. 2 I sighed and called my daughter, Chloe: “Chloe, your dad and Aunt Susan…” Before I could finish, my daughter interrupted with a sigh of her own: “What about Dad and Aunt Susan *now*? They weren’t together back then, is it a crime for them to have dinner and walk in the park together these days?” “Mom, I’m not trying to be rude, but how old are you? Why do you have to obsess over every little thing?” I went through so much pain giving birth to Chloe. When she was born, she was all wrinkled, her little face purple. Because I loved her so much, I used my meager savings to buy rare imported formula, while I drank vegetable broth, just hoping she’d grow up healthy and safe. As I wished, my daughter not only grew up but also became sharp-witted. But I never imagined she’d known about Robert and Susan all along. She even knew that on my birthday, during the national holiday, they were going out to the park together to reminisce and re-enact their “cliff-jumping” dream. Listening to my daughter’s sharp accusations, watching Robert and Susan’s faces gradually turn blue, I couldn’t help but interrupt her: “Um, Chloe, your dad and Aunt Susan had an accident while playing on the rides at the park. What do we do now? Should we send them to the hospital?” My daughter burst out laughing: “You’re almost sixty, can you stop playing these games? Are you trying to trick me into some kind of public spectacle to catch them in the act?” “Why don’t you think about Dad’s age? Even if he wanted to, what could he possibly *do*?” “They’re just reminiscing about their pure youth. You’re the one with the filthy mind…” I hung up before she could finish, under the strange stares of the staff. I stood there, weeping in the wind, my heart torn to shreds. I wanted to call an ambulance directly, but as a helpless old woman who had just been scolded by my daughter, I truly didn’t dare make the decision myself. I shook my head and called my son, Daniel: “Daniel, your dad and Aunt Susan…” Before Daniel could speak, a woman’s voice shouted from the other end: “Daniel, I can’t breathe!” “My chest hurts, and my head hurts too. Can you check on me, what’s wrong with me?” The phone clattered loudly, seemingly dropped. Then came Daniel’s panicked voice: “Jessica, are you still mad at my mom about the money?” “Don’t worry, ten million means ten million. I’ll make sure Mom pays it, not a cent less!” Then it was Jessica’s voice: “Why is your mother calling you now?” Daniel’s explanation was rushed and frantic: “It’s just Mom throwing a tantrum because Dad and your mom went out together for the national holiday. I swear, why can’t my mom be as graceful as yours?” “Aunt Susan is so much better – not only does she look great, but she handles everything so calmly. She’s never stingy like my mom, I really don’t know what goes on in her head.” “Dad’s lived his whole life, and now in his old age, he still has to be controlled by her. What kind of life is that?” As he was talking, my son seemed to realize the call hadn’t ended and quickly hung up. Listening to the dial tone, I felt the world spin. Someone helped me sit on the ground, and I slapped my thighs in despair: “My children don’t care about my husband! What am I going to do?” The staff, feeling sorry for me, came closer to offer suggestions: “Ma’am, how about this? Let’s just call an ambulance for them first?” My eyes lit up. I casually pulled a stack of hundred-dollar bills from my bag to thank them, then dialed the emergency line for Robert’s own hospital. Even though it meant the whole hospital would see their esteemed Chief of Medical Staff, Robert, and the famous retired artist, Susan, embracing each other. But dignity is nothing compared to life itself! Calling an ambulance for this old couple, surely that counts as a good deed, right? As I dialed, I pulled out more money, stuffing it into the hands of the surrounding staff: “My children hate it when I make decisions. I’m only calling emergency services because I’m desperate. If they cause a fuss, you all have to vouch for me…” The staff, counting the large bills in their hands, looked at me with immense pity: “Ma’am, you’ve been through so much. We’ll all stand by you!” With that, they all pulled out their phones to record my “beautiful life,” and I finally felt a sense of relief.

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The year I started elementary school, a new teacher joined our small-town school. During the first class, my sister made me draw our mom in my notebook, chained up. The next day, squad cars with flashing lights swarmed our place. They restrained my yelling dad and smashed open the rusty padlock on my mom’s bedroom door. I watched Mom take Melanie’s hand and rush towards the impeccably dressed man, a smile on her face I’d never seen before. Dad lay in a pool of blood, eyes closed. I begged Mom to save him. But she just shoved me away. “Don’t call me! If it weren’t for Melanie, why would I have ever given birth to you, you little monster!” I froze. Melanie, didn’t you say if I gave the drawing to the teacher, Mom would finally hug me? Nothing in front of me matched my fantasies. The incredibly distinguished man, whom Mom clutched tightly, stared at me with intense fury. He kicked my unconscious dad several times before turning to me. A large hand shadowed the sunlight, and I quickly shut my eyes in fear. “Don’t…” It was Mom’s voice. She tugged on the man’s sleeve, giving me a complicated look. My heart fluttered with a tiny spark of hope. So Melanie hadn’t lied. Giving the drawing to the teacher would make Mom like me. My sister, Melanie, wriggled out of Mom’s embrace and pointed at me, sobbing. “Mom, it was her! The kidnapper loved her the most!” “He always gave her the best food first, and called her his little treasure!” “Her kidnapper dad made us suffer so much, why shouldn’t we teach her a lesson?” Mom’s body stiffened, and her eyes, fixed on me, hardened instantly. The man, whom Mom was holding back, seemed provoked. His gaze on me was filled with murderous intent. Bang! He kicked me, sending me sprawling to the ground. The hard sole of his shoe slammed into my chest, making me feel like my insides had been scrambled. “Mommy… Mommy…” I cried out for Mom, but she just kept holding Melanie, never once looking back at me. For some reason, hearing me call her Mom seemed to enrage the man even more. He relentlessly punched and kicked my curled-up body. The pain choked me, and my vision blurred. Mom, didn’t you just like me a moment ago? Why don’t you like me anymore? Officers in uniform finally pulled the man away, and I was saved. My dad, covered in blood, was handcuffed and taken away in a squad car with flashing lights. As he passed me, he actually smiled faintly, muttering something I couldn’t quite hear. I knew that those who were handcuffed never came back. Mom and Melanie were also preparing to leave. I screamed and cried, grabbing Mom’s leg, falling to my knees and begging her. “Mom, please don’t leave me. I’ll be good. I promise.” Mom hesitated, but then Melanie started crying. “Mommy, I’m scared. I don’t want to see her again.” Even though Mom and Robert didn’t want to take me, the officers insisted, and they reluctantly brought me into the car. The car seats were soft, but I didn’t dare move, afraid my dirty clothes would stain them, and they’d abandon me again. I gradually felt dizzy, and on a sharp turn, I couldn’t hold it in anymore and bumped into Melanie. Melanie burst into tears. “You bullied me enough before, and now you’re bullying me again! I hate you! I never want to see you!” In the end, they found a thick rope. One end was tied to my wrist, the other fastened to the back of the car. I was dragged along behind their car like trash. By the time the car stopped, I was a bloody mess.

I was confined to the hospital for a full month. Each time the doctor came for rounds, his eyes held deep pity for me. Mom never once appeared. Only Melanie came a few times. Each time, she wore a beautiful frilly dress I’d never seen before, holding delicate snacks. She sat by my hospital bed, eating chips and boasting about her new life. “Lily, Dad bought me a huge toy castle, much bigger than our old house in the village.” “Mom took me to eat French food. The snails were so delicious, I bet you’ve never had them, right?” Her words pierced my heart a little. But I remained silent, just watching her quietly. After my injuries healed, I was brought home. It was called a home, but my room was in the attic, small and stuffy, with only a tiny skylight. They didn’t allow me to step out of the room, let alone go to school. Every day after school, Melanie would come by my room, in her pretty school uniform and cute backpack, just to show off. “Lily, today in art class, our teacher taught us how to draw, it was so much fun.” “Lily, my classmates invited me to the amusement park this weekend, and Mom already said yes.” I really wanted to go to school too, but from bits and pieces of the nanny’s conversations, I vaguely learned about my background. Until one day, Melanie took my hand and led me out of the attic, to Mom. “Mom, let Lily go to school too.” “Those things were all the kidnapper’s fault, they have nothing to do with Lily. We shouldn’t take it out on her.” After Melanie’s repeated pleas, Mom actually relented. “Go if you want, just don’t cause trouble.” Mom didn’t even look at me, coldly dropped those words, and left. Even though Mom still didn’t like me, I could finally go to school. I was transferred into Melanie’s elite private school, and I thought this was the start of a new life. But on my first day, my desk was drenched in black ink. My new textbooks were torn to shreds, paper scraps scattered everywhere. I didn’t dare speak up, silently cleaning it up alone. During break, a group of rich kids cornered me in the restroom. “Small-town hick! Do you even know how to use a proper restroom?” “Look at her clothes, so tacky!” “I heard her dad’s a kidnapper, trash’s kids should just die!” A chubby girl suddenly grabbed my hair and shoved my head into the toilet bowl. I struggled desperately, but I was too weak and choked on mouthfuls of disgusting water. Just then, Melanie appeared. She frowned and yelled, “Don’t you dare bully my sister!” She pulled me out of the toilet. “My sister just came from a small town, she doesn’t know how to use a toilet, don’t laugh at her.” “She was brought back by my mom and dad, even though… even though she doesn’t really look like she belongs in our family, but for my sake, please don’t bully her, okay?” But after she finished, she suddenly covered her nose, looking at me with disgust. “Ugh, what’s that smell? Didn’t you take a shower?” After her “defense,” the group laughed even more wildly. “So she’s Melanie’s charity case!” “Don’t worry, for your sake, we’ll take good ‘care’ of her!” After school, I returned home, filthy. Mom saw my condition and frowned in disgust. “She’s a lowlife, alright. Only good for causing trouble outside.” I said nothing, dragging my exhausted body back to the attic. Closing the door, I took out the paper and pen I’d hidden under my bed. I’d scavenged them from the trash. Lying on the floor, I drew a little girl on the paper. The girl stood on the edge of a cliff, and behind her, countless unseen hands were pushing her into the abyss.

I quickly learned the survival rules of that school. No matter how they insulted me, how they pranked me, I remained expressionless. They didn’t let me study, so I pretended not to listen to anything in class. Then, in the evening, back in the attic, I’d study little by little. Until one day, Melanie tore all my notes to shreds. “Lily, Mom won’t give you money for college anyway. This junk is taking up too much space. I cleared it out for you, no need to thank me.” In that moment, something inside me just snapped. I used all my strength and shoved her hard to the ground. She hadn’t expected me to fight back and fell heavily, hitting her forehead on the corner of a table. Blood started to seep out. “Ah!” Mom and the household staff immediately rushed up. Melanie cried and threw herself into Mom’s arms: “Mommy, Lily hit me! She said I’m a bad person and she wants to kick me out of this house!” Mom looked at the cut on Melanie’s forehead, then at me, her eyes turning instantly vicious. “You ungrateful snake! Melanie has been so good to you, and you dare lay a hand on her!” Her hand came down before I could move. The sting spread across my face, sharp and hot. Robert also rushed over. “You dare hurt Melanie? You’ll pay for this!!” He grabbed my hair and slammed my head against the wall. My scalp screamed with searing pain. Melanie hid behind Mom, revealing a pair of red-rimmed eyes, “Dad, don’t blame Lily, it’s my fault, I shouldn’t have ruined her things…” “What things does she have? A lowlife, eating my food, living in my house, and daring to bully my daughter!” He looked around, then grabbed a leather belt from the wall. The cold gleam of the belt flashed, but Mom’s eyes showed no ripples, instead, she hugged Melanie even tighter. Crack! The belt landed heavily on my back. My clothes instantly ripped, and the burning pain made me curl into a ball. “It wasn’t me…” I could barely speak through the pain, but I still used all my strength to argue, “It was her… she tore up my notes…” “Still talking back! Still slandering Melanie!” Crack! Crack! Crack! The belt struck again and again. My back, my legs, everywhere burned with tearing pain. I looked up at Mom by the door, casting her a final plea. She finally spoke, but it wasn’t the plea I’d hoped for. “Just like your kidnapper father, full of lies, a born bad seed, rotten to the core.” Robert threw down the belt and started kicking my body with the tip of his shoe. My chest, my abdomen, my back… each kick made me feel like my insides were being torn apart. The taste of blood filled my mouth, and my vision began to blur. Before closing my eyes, I saw Melanie peek out from Mom’s embrace, a barely perceptible smirk curling at the corner of her lips.

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After Liam and I got married, he treated me like a queen, envied by everyone. Anything I wanted, he’d go to any lengths, even promise to pluck the stars from the sky for me. But when my water broke, in my desperate scramble to dial 911, my shaking hands accidentally swiped away an incoming call. It was Chloe, Liam’s best friend since childhood, calling from the airport. The slap cracked through the room. First time he’d ever hit me. His eyes held a rage I’d never seen. “I’d give you my last breath,” he snarled, “so why can’t you give me a little trust?” “Chloe is sensitive. I don’t want your selfish jealousy to embarrass her.” With that, he grabbed my arm and forcibly shoved me into the trunk. His voice was chillingly cold. “Calm down and reflect. Once I pick up Chloe, apologize to her, and I’ll let you out.” I curled up in the cramped trunk, intense contractions racking my body until I was almost unconscious. I hammered on the inside, screaming for help, but Liam didn’t even flinch. He just dialed his phone again. “Chloe, I’m on my way. Stay right there. Just wait for me.”

The car sped onto the highway. Every sudden brake slammed me uncontrollably against the trunk door. I shielded my pregnant belly, trying to let other parts of my body take the brutal impact. My water had already soaked the entire trunk, and now, blood was mixing with it. “Liam! Liam! Get me to the hospital, I’m bleeding!” My voice was weak, and cold sweat drenched me. But Liam wouldn’t even glance at me. He just pressed harder on the accelerator. “Chloe landed half an hour ago! If you hadn’t hung up, would she have to wait this long for me at the airport? And now you expect me to take *you* to the hospital first?” I painfully clawed at the back of the seat, struggling to lift myself enough to beg him to look at me. “Liam, please, I’m dying. If we don’t go to the hospital now, both the baby and I will die.” Liam slammed on the brakes, stopping the car abruptly on the emergency shoulder. Ignoring the speeding traffic on the highway, he got out, walked to the back, and opened the trunk. The moment it opened, a foul stench overwhelmed him. Liam frowned deeply and covered his nose. “God, you’re disgusting! You’re a grown woman, can’t you control your bodily functions?” Tears and sweat streamed down my face. I desperately crawled towards Liam, whispering my plea. “Liam, I’m in labor, I’m in so much pain. Please, can you take me to the hospital?” Liam looked down at me, a cold sneer on his face. “You’re in labor, but you still have the energy to be jealous and hang up on Chloe? You seem perfectly fine to me. Stop putting on this pathetic act!” Seeing him about to close the trunk again, I desperately grabbed his jacket, clutching onto one last sliver of hope. “I really didn’t mean to. Please, it’s *your* baby in my belly. You can’t do this to me.” My words made Liam hesitate for a moment, but then his phone rang again. “Liam, what’s taking you so long? I’ve been freezing out here, I think I’m catching a cold.” It was Chloe. “I’m so sorry, Chloe. Ten more minutes, I’ll be there soon. Find somewhere warm, don’t catch a cold.” With that, Liam ignored my pleas, slammed the trunk shut, and sped off towards the airport. Pain and terror enveloped me, slowly suffocating me. Soon after, the car stopped. Liam got out, and the door slammed shut. He must have reached the airport. Liam will pick up Chloe, then he’ll take me to the hospital, right? I just have to get through this, make it to the hospital, and the baby and I will both survive. I silently cheered myself on, completely unaware of the growing pool of blood beneath me.

I don’t know how much time passed. Then, footsteps approached, and the car door opened. I opened my mouth to call out to Liam, but realized I was too weak, I couldn’t even speak. All I could do was reach out, desperately grasping forward, but Liam didn’t see me. He had only returned to the car to grab something. a large bouquet of pure white roses. He said they represented his and Chloe’s twenty-five years of pure friendship. He took the flowers, slammed the car door shut, locked it, and walked away without a backward glance. “Liam, two years, and you look even better than before. Your wife must really take good care of you.” I heard Chloe’s voice from outside the car. She even mentioned me. “Oh, don’t even bring her up. Alice? That woman can’t take care of anyone! Not like you, Chloe. You’ve always understood me, ever since we were kids. Do you remember when we were little…” Their voices faded into the distance, and my own consciousness began to blur. In a haze, memories of Liam and I flashed before my eyes like a carousel. He put a ring on my finger, vowing to love me for all eternity. On my birthday, he held a cake he’d baked himself, his eyes seeing only me. When we got that ultrasound, his eyes were red as he touched my belly, promising he’d never let our child or me suffer a single hardship. But when I accidentally hung up the phone, he slapped me, his face twisted in fury. “How dare you hang up on Chloe? I’ve spoiled you too much, made you forget your place!” I felt the other little life inside me slipping away. Everything around me began to spin, to blur. I wanted to lift my hand, to touch that once vibrant bump one last time, but my fingers only twitched weakly. Endless darkness gathered from all directions, like a gentle shroud, or a cold tomb. Then the car door opened again. Liam got in, and Chloe sat in the passenger seat. I instinctively tried to reach for Liam, but I couldn’t touch him. I was in the same space as them, yet I was like a ghost, able only to observe, without form. Chloe frowned as she got in, fanning her hand under her nose. “What’s that smell? It’s so stale and foul. Liam, how long has it been since you washed this car?” Liam looked a bit awkward and brushed it off quickly. “Oh, probably just a rodent that died in the engine a few days ago. The smell hasn’t completely gone away yet.” Chloe nodded, no longer complaining. She simply flipped open the vanity mirror above her head and started fixing her hair, quite at ease. Liam watched her as he drove, unconsciously chuckling. “You’re still the same, you never get carsick in my car.” Chloe smiled sweetly, playfully patting Liam’s hand on the gear shift. “Yes, it’s always been you, Liam. All these years abroad, every time I took a car, I wished you were driving. It’s been so long, hasn’t it?” They chatted away, oblivious to the other presence in the car. I stared at them, my heart slowly cracking. It hurt, yet I felt numb. “I heard your wife was pregnant. Did she give birth yet? Boy or girl?” Chloe suddenly asked. At the mention of me, Liam glanced in the rearview mirror, then snorted coldly. “Don’t know, don’t care. She’s throwing a fit today, just because I said I was coming to pick you up. Who raised her to be so spoiled!” “She’s still lying in the trunk, no need to bother with her.” Chloe gasped, covering her mouth in surprise, then straightened up to look behind her. “No one’s there… Besides, your wife is pregnant. Isn’t it bad to lock her in the trunk?” “Alice? Alice?” Liam called a few times. When there was no answer, he grew angry. He pushed Chloe back into her seat, then glared into the rearview mirror, as if I could see him. “Forget her. Let her play dead if she wants. Better yet, if she really died, I’d be glad to pick up her corpse!” My eyes felt hot, but no tears would fall. Chloe looked at Liam with a troubled expression, pursed her lips, but said nothing more.

The car continued driving, stopping in front of a French restaurant. This was the restaurant where Liam proposed to me. He had told me he’d researched for ages, that the view from the window seat at 10 PM was the most beautiful. I was so touched, I put on that heavy shackles without a second thought. Before getting out of the car, Chloe glanced back at the trunk again. It was pitch black inside without the light. “Liam, is your wife really in the trunk? Do you want to check on her?” Liam pulled her hand, giving her an impatient look, then quickly averted his gaze. “That’s just how she is. She thinks if she gives me the silent treatment, I’ll always cave. I can’t be bothered! Come on, let’s go eat! Do you remember this restaurant? We used to come here for milkshakes after high school.” I froze as if struck by lightning. All that talk about “romantic spots” and “best night views” – it was just a trick he used to string me along. It was all his and Chloe’s shared memories. I was the interloper. Chloe waved her hand and smiled. In a daze, I saw a reflection of someone in her. My reflection. Or rather, I had Chloe’s reflection. We were similar in height and build, even the dimples that appeared when we smiled were so similar. I heard she went to Canada for college after graduating, and that was the year I happened to meet Liam. Liam’s pursuit of me was relentless from the start. We only dated for six months before getting married. I wasn’t unaware that he had a best friend studying abroad, but I never imagined I was a substitute for that person. Inside the restaurant, Liam was engrossed in conversation and eating with Chloe. I floated by the door, silently watching. He ordered Chloe a mango milkshake, and her face lit up with surprise. I remembered the cake Liam made for my birthday last year, piled high with mangoes. “I remember you love mangoes,” he’d said. I shook my head then, telling him I was allergic to mangoes – something discovered during our premarital check-up. Liam’s expression had been a little awkward. He scratched his head, saying he’d mixed it up, and I just smiled it off. Now I knew. The one who loved mangoes was someone else entirely. I touched my belly, still nine months pregnant. Only, the little life inside me had already been buried with me, in that cramped trunk. “Baby, I’m so sorry.” I murmured, watching Liam toast with Chloe. Chloe glanced at the ring on Liam’s ring finger and suddenly spoke. “Speaking of which, I haven’t even met your wife. When are you going to introduce me?” Liam paused, uncomfortably twisting the ring. “What’s there to see? Two eyes, one nose, one mouth – she just looks like a person.” I floated in front of him, reaching out to pinch and rub his face, but he couldn’t feel it. “But I think your wife must be a really good person. You seem to have changed a lot.” I looked at Chloe in surprise. Was she actually defending me?

She cupped her face, smiling as she looked at Liam. “You used to hate wearing any jewelry, and you’d complain for ages about how suffocating a hat felt.” “But from just now until this moment, you’ve touched your wedding ring at least ten times.” Chloe pointed to Liam’s ring finger. “You must really love your wife. It’s a subconscious reaction.” Liam, loved me? I tilted my head, staring at Liam. His eyes began to fluster. “No way? It’s just a habit. Plus, my finger feels a bit itchy…” Chloe smiled, then encouraged him to call me. Liam couldn’t argue with her, so he pulled out his phone and dialed my number. My heart jumped. I instinctively reached for the phone in my pocket, but found nothing. Oh, I forgot I was already dead. The phone vibrated in the trunk. Liam had silenced it earlier because he found my ringtone too noisy. Several calls went unanswered, and Liam hung up. “Just because I said a few harsh words, she has to give me the silent treatment for this long?” He slammed his phone on the table in frustration. Chloe’s smile faded. She looked out the window. “You just told me you locked your wife in the trunk. That was a joke, right? The car doesn’t feel like there’s anyone in it.” Liam felt an inexplicable panic. He glanced at the several unanswered calls on his phone, then took a deep breath. “Maybe she opened the door and ran off. Ugh, what could possibly happen!” Liam didn’t know if he was trying to reassure himself or what. He took off his ring directly, acting like “out of sight, out of mind.” “Forget about that. You’re only back once in a blue moon. How about I show you around here? It’s changed so much in two years!” I stood by the car, and suddenly felt a dampness on the back of my hand. Was it raining? I looked up, seeing the same boundless starry sky. I wiped my face again, only to find tears streaming down like broken pearls. It wasn’t the earth that was sad. It was me crying. Because Liam really didn’t love me. He didn’t care if I existed, or about his baby and me. The two of them left the restaurant, walked past the car, and headed straight up the hill. I wished he would glance at the trunk. Just one look, and I would forgive everything he had done to me. But no, he had completely forgotten that I was lying alone in the trunk. I wanted to curse him. “Liam! May you die a terrible death!” But the words caught in my throat. I swallowed them back. Liam was a heartless man, but I still wished him happiness, even if it wasn’t with me. I rubbed my stinging nose, wiped away my tears, and shamelessly continued to follow behind them. They walked and talked about old times, reaching the hilltop before they knew it. The evening breeze rustled Chloe’s dress. Liam thoughtfully took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, his eyes fixed on the distant city lights. I wondered if, at any moment, he would remember that among those countless lights, there was a home for him and me. Suddenly, a phone rang abruptly. Liam answered, and his expression instantly changed.

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The day after I left the special forces, the wealthy Thorne family “recognized” me as their long-lost daughter. My cloying stepsister, Seraphina Thorne, cut me off. Her gaze traveled slowly from my head to my toes, taking in every inch of my desert-toughened skin. She wrinkled her nose, her voice a soft, almost pitying murmur. “Sister, your tactical physique isn’t quite the standard for beauty here.. From today on, I’ll join you at the gym.” “A slender figure is essential for pretty gowns. Otherwise, how will you ever find a husband?” I raised an eyebrow. Were the fitness standards in high society this insane? My 18% body fat, which I maintained as a special forces operative, was considered “fat”? Seraphina remained oblivious, cheerfully handing me a “sweat-it-out” weight loss class schedule. A thirty-kilogram weighted cross-country run, five hundred push-ups, an hour of combat training, three hours of high-intensity workouts daily. I couldn’t help but snort. Wasn’t this just the absolute minimum for recovery training? …

“What’s so funny?” Seraphina whined delicately, about to press me for an answer. That’s when our father, Richard Thorne, descended the grand staircase, immaculate in his suit. “Father.” Richard Thorne’s brows immediately furrowed when he saw me. “Crude behavior is one thing, but you don’t even have a pretty face…” He sized me up, his disapproval undisguised. “Announcing your identity now would only bring shame upon our family name.” I met his gaze, my mind a blank slate. Honestly, his manufactured gravitas was less than a tenth of what my drill sergeant commanded back in basic training. Ignoring the lengthy lecture he was clearly preparing to deliver, I looked him straight in the eye. My voice was crisp and clear. “Understood. Eight AM tomorrow. I’ll be there on time for training.” My absolute obedience clearly caught them off guard. Richard Thorne’s prepared tirade of admonishments instantly choked in his throat, neither coming out nor going back down. Seraphina’s triumphant smile on her perfectly sculpted face also froze. She pouted, letting out a dismissive huff. “Such an act!” At the dinner table, the atmosphere grew even stranger. The long table was laden with an extravagant spread, yet Seraphina’s plate held only a few sad-looking pieces of salad. She chewed daintily, her posture impeccable. “Most accomplished young women know how to maintain their figure these days, sister,” she subtly jabbed, her voice dripping with passive aggression. I paid her no mind, accurately calculating calories as per my military habit. I piled my plate with ample portions of steak, seafood, and rice. Muscle was critical for survival on the battlefield. Without enough protein and carbs, the body was nothing more than an engine running on fumes. “Oh my goodness!” Seraphina gasped dramatically. “Sister, you’re eating that much? No wonder…” She trailed off, but her pointed gaze said it all. Father’s frown deepened. He set down his fork and knife with a displeased clatter. “No decorum whatsoever for a young lady! What an outrage!” I didn’t respond, continuing to eat. Inwardly, though, I decided I’d start cooking my own meals tomorrow. While the food here was exquisite, it was far too oily and salty for my standards. I needed fuel, not baggage. Less than five minutes later, I finished the last bite on my plate, wiping my mouth with a napkin. “I’m done.” I rose from the table, preparing to leave the dining room. Richard Thorne’s cold voice stopped me. “Hold it right there.” I paused, turning back to him. “Tomorrow’s training will be monitored by the butler. If you dare to slack off or try any tricks…” I calmly cut him off. “Don’t worry. I’ve never resorted to such deceitful tactics.” With that, I turned and walked away, ignoring the stunned expressions on both their faces. The next day, I arrived punctually at the opulent private club. The polished marble floors reflected my image, and the crystal chandeliers sparkled with brilliant light. Looking around, I was reminded of crawling through mud and forced marches under the scorching desert sun, burdened with heavy gear. To me, this place was practically a five-star spa. Inside the club, Seraphina had already been waiting for a long time. She wore a meticulously tailored Pilates outfit that perfectly accentuated her slender figure. “Sister, you’re finally here. The coach has been waiting for ages; he’s notoriously strict.” I nodded. “Good.” The stricter, the better. After all, a lenient general never forges a fierce army. The coach soon made his entrance. A towering, muscular man, over six feet tall, with a bronze complexion scarred and tattooed. He introduced himself as a retired Marine. Then, he swept his gaze over me, a hint of disdain in his eyes, before announcing today’s training regimen. Thirty kilograms weighted run, at a speed above 15. Five hundred standard push-ups, to be completed within a time limit. One hour of freestyle combat. With each item he announced, Seraphina’s eyes lit up a little more. The combined intensity of these exercises was enough to make even a regularly fit adult man pass out on the spot. She was clearly eager to see me collapse to the ground, crying and wailing in utter disarray. She leaned in close, whispering conspiratorially, a smirk on her face. “Sister, there are cameras everywhere, you know. Father will be watching your performance.” I raised an eyebrow, a subtle smile playing on my lips. I turned to the muscular coach, extending my hand. “Thank you for your hard work.” “I appreciate having such professional facilities and supervision.”

The coach paused, then gave my hand a perfunctory shake. I didn’t bother to explain further, simply started warming up my wrists and ankles. A series of crisp clicks and pops echoed from my joints. The training began. For the thirty-kilogram weighted cross-country run, I pushed the treadmill to a speed that made its system error out. For the five hundred push-ups, I completed them with one hand, my other hand even charging my phone. For the hour of combat training, I disarmed and pinned the former Marine coach to the ground in just three minutes. The coach lay on the floor, drenched in sweat, his face a mask of disbelief. I stood up, not a single bead of perspiration on me. “Is the warm-up finished?” “When does the real training begin?” Hearing this, Seraphina, who had been secretly touching up her makeup in front of the mirror, let out a sharp gasp as her powder compact slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor. She spun around, staring at my completely unruffled appearance, stammering. “Sister… were you in the Italian Mafia or something?” The coach shakily picked himself up from the floor. He looked at me as if I were some kind of deity. “It’s already… it’s already over…” I sighed in disappointment, shaking my head. I walked to the nearby lounge area, tore off a club promotional flyer, and flipped it to the back. I quickly scribbled down an application. “Application. Double training intensity, extend duration to six hours.” “Reason. Current program insufficient to activate muscles.” “Applicant. Alexandria Thorne.” I finished writing, preparing to hand the paper to the coach. Just then, the gym door was pushed open by a young man in a sharp suit. Seeing the newcomer, Seraphina’s lips curved into a pout. Her body seemed to lose all strength, and she crumpled dramatically into Julian Maxwell’s arms. “Julian… Brother Julian…” She was on the verge of tears, her voice laced with a sob, “Sister forced me to train with her… I really can’t take it… it’s so hard…” Julian Maxwell’s brows furrowed exactly as expected. He steadied Seraphina, his eyes filled with reproach as he looked at me. “Alexandria Thorne, isn’t it? I know you might have some resentment, but Seraphina is a victim too! She’s frail; what if something happens to her? Would you take responsibility?” I couldn’t be bothered to argue with such illogical nonsense. I walked forward without a word. I reached out and grabbed Seraphina by the back of her collar. Like lifting a kitten, I plucked her out of Julian Maxwell’s arms and casually set her aside. I rolled my eyes at her. “Those superficial moves you were doing? You call that training? Stop blocking the way.” Then, I handed the promotional flyer with my application to Julian Maxwell. “Please pass this training adjustment plan to my father.” By now, the coach had finally recovered from his immense shock. He rushed over, speaking excitedly to Julian Maxwell. “Mr. Maxwell, you’ve misunderstood! You’ve completely misunderstood!” “Ms. Thorne is a military prodigy! I’m not fit to be her coach; she should be teaching me combat!” Julian Maxwell frowned, instinctively glancing down at the flyer. His eyes widened in sudden astonishment. When he looked up again, the disdain was gone, replaced by a profound curiosity. Seraphina, standing nearby, watched this scene unfold, her face alternating between green and white. The hatred in her eyes was almost palpable. She stomped her foot angrily, then burst into tears and ran out of the club.

That night, Seraphina came to my room. “What exactly do you want?” she asked, her voice choked with tears. I looked up, realizing her eyes were red and swollen from crying, making her look utterly vulnerable. “Close the door.” Seraphina paused, probably not expecting that reaction. She sniffled but obediently closed the door. “Alexandria, please, I beg you, don’t take Julian from me, okay?” She began to sob. “He’s the only one I have… I never had a mother, and while Father cares for me, he cares more about family interests. Only Julian is kind to me…” I felt a pang of exasperation, first closing my laptop which still contained classified information. “I don’t go for weaklings.” Seraphina looked bewildered for a moment, not understanding my words. I quirked a corner of my mouth, offering a smile that was far from friendly. “Seraphina, what exactly is going on in your head?” “A man like Julian Maxwell? I could knock out a dozen of his type with one punch. Marry him? Am I insane?” Seraphina recoiled, shocked by my words. “Your language is so crude! And girls aren’t supposed to be that strong… Don’t you understand anything?!” The image of a true vs. fake heiress in her mind involved fighting to the death over a man, not me directly expressing utter disdain for him based on his physical prowess. I stood up, taking deliberate steps toward her. I was half a head taller than her, and the aura from years of intense training made her feel uncontrollably afraid. “You think you’re pitiful for being dependent and having no one to rely on, but your most pitiful aspect isn’t your lack of support.” My voice was cold, each word distinct. “It’s that you’ve made fragility your only weapon, and you attempt to survive on the pity of others.” “Do you really think everyone falls for that?” Her face turned ashen, her lips trembling uncontrollably. Yet, she still tried to retort, her chin jutted out defiantly. “What do you know! Men like delicate girls! No one will ever like someone who’s all about fighting like you!” A surge of irritation rose within me, and I was about to simply throw her out. But then, the piercing fire alarm blared through the entire mansion without warning. My expression changed. After a split second of shock, I instantly calmed. Professional instinct drove me straight to the door. I yanked it open. A wave of scorching heat, mixed with thick smoke, slammed into my face! The hallway outside was already engulfed in raging flames! Dense smoke was rapidly spreading upwards from downstairs, reducing visibility to almost zero. My brain kicked into overdrive, running calculations in 0.1 seconds, plotting the optimal escape route. Seraphina, seeing the inferno, let out a piercing shriek. “Shut up!” I roared at Seraphina, who was still screaming. She flinched at my intensity, instantly falling silent, leaving only her trembling body. “If you want to live, follow me!” My brain had already analyzed the situation. The fire originated downstairs and was spreading upwards. The smoke was toxic; we had to evacuate immediately via the emergency exit in the opposite direction. Without a moment’s hesitation, I spun to the window and tore down the heavy velvet curtains. I rushed into the bathroom and thoroughly soaked the curtains in the bathtub. “Cover your nose and mouth!” I threw a wet piece of cloth at her. Seraphina was still trembling, but the instinct for survival made her catch the wet cloth and hastily press it to her face. I draped a larger wet cloth over myself, ready to pull her along. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the delicate lace stockings on her feet. “Take them off!” I commanded sharply. “You… why are you so mean…” she whimpered, frightened, but her body obediently started to shiveringly pull off her stockings. Nylon and synthetic fibers melt rapidly under high heat, adhering to the skin and causing severe burns. This was basic survival knowledge. Unfortunately, she didn’t know it. I grabbed her hand, crouching low, and rushed toward what I remembered as the emergency exit. The hallway was filled with rolling smoke, and the temperature was terrifyingly high. Seraphina, in her exquisite silk nightgown and soft slippers, ran less than twenty feet before she started panting, her strength failing. “I… I can’t run anymore…” Her legs gave out. Low blood sugar combined with extreme shock made her collapse to the ground, almost fainting. “Do they starve you in this ‘elite’ family?” I muttered under my breath. Time was critical; no time for pointless talk. Without hesitation, I bent down and hoisted her onto my shoulder. She was incredibly light, probably weighing less than ninety pounds. To me, it was no different than carrying a field ration pack. “Ahhh, Sister… are you even a woman?!” Seraphina shrieked, utterly shocked. “If you don’t want to die, shut up!” I held her tight, my steps steady as I pushed through the inferno. It was like a simple weighted cross-country run on the training ground. The seldom-used back door was long piled high with clutter. I swiftly kicked aside the debris and slammed my body against the locked back door. In just three or four impacts, the lock was completely violently destroyed. I kicked open the tightly shut back door, and a rush of fresh, cold air flooded in. “Alright, we’re safe.” I set Seraphina down outside the mansion, frowning as I looked back at the smoke-billowing house. I wondered if there were any other victims who hadn’t escaped. With that thought, I was about to rush back into the fire to save people, but Seraphina grabbed the hem of my shirt first. “Alex, don’t leave me alone…”

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I was introducing my girlfriend of three years, Chloe, to my parents when she shattered the dinner-table peace. “Leo,” Chloe asked, voice deceptively light, “if your mom and I both were drowning, who would you save?” I froze, caught off guard. It felt completely out of place to ask something like that in front of my parents. But then my mom, Eleanor, leaned forward, her expression serious. “I’d like to hear your answer, too, son.” The air instantly thickened, turning tense. Feeling annoyed and cornered, I blurted out without thinking, “You only have one mom, you can always find another girlfriend. I choose Mom!” Chloe’s face didn’t just fall – it collapsed. Regret surged in me, and I moved to comfort her. But before I could, she grabbed a fruit knife from the table and, without a moment’s hesitation, plunged it into her own heart. Blood erupted in a terrifying gush, splattering across my face. Chloe died right there, in front of us. That horrific moment became a relentless nightmare in my mind. After Chloe’s funeral, I stumbled back home, numb and exhausted. My mom suddenly turned to my dad,her gaze oddly intense. “Richard, I’ve always wanted to know…” she began, her voice soft and deadly. “If your mom and I fell into the water, who would you save?” …

The day Chloe was buried, the sky wept with a dreary drizzle. I stood by her grave, watching her parents clutch her tombstone, their wails tearing through the air. My mind was a complete blank. The police had closed Chloe’s case as an accidental death. I staggered back home, a ghost of myself, collapsing onto the sofa, my brain still trying to process the brutal reality of her sudden demise. Dad came over, patting my shoulder, telling me to try and move on, that it was just an accident. But then Mom sat beside me, her eyes fixed on Dad with an unsettling intensity. “Honey, actually, I’ve always wanted to know…” “If your mom and I fell into the water, who would you save?” I shot up, my blood turning to ice. The image of Chloe stabbing herself flashed relentlessly in my mind, painting my vision crimson. “Mom! What… what are you asking this for?!” My throat constricted, and my scalp prickled with dread. Dad looked horrified too, his eyes wide. “Why are you asking that out of nowhere? It’s creepy!” But Mom’s gaze remained locked on Dad, an empty, lurking something in her eyes. “Quick, tell me, who would you save?” she urged, her voice sharp. My heart hammered against my ribs, lodged in my throat. I couldn’t even breathe. This scene, especially Mom’s tone, the pauses in her words, her unnervingly serious expression… It was an exact replica of what happened before Chloe died! “Oh, come on, why ask such a boring question?” Dad said, a hint of impatience in his voice. “My mom passed away years ago. What’s the point of asking that now?” Mom ignored him, her stare unwavering, her words deliberate. “Just pick!” As far as I remembered, Mom and my grandma had a wonderful relationship when Grandma was alive. My grandma was incredibly kind to Mom, and Mom was very devoted to her. Mom had never been the unreasonable, badgering type. This was the first time she’d ever cornered Dad like this, demanding an answer. I couldn’t understand. Why had Mom changed so much after Chloe died? Dad didn’t want to answer, but Mom wouldn’t let it go. Her expression grew increasingly agitated, almost ferocious, as if someone was chasing her for an answer. Seeing Mom’s emotions spiraling, Dad finally relented, answering patiently. “You’re my wife, of course, I’d choose you!” I thought that would be the end of it, but the next second, Mom shrieked like a maniac. “You’re lying!” “You’re only choosing me because your mom is dead!” she screamed hysterically. Before Dad and I could react, Mom burst out of the house. We chased after her in a panic, only to see her grab a bottle of pesticide and chug it down. “Mom!” I yelled in terror. The next second, foam frothed from her mouth, and a strong, acrid smell filled the air. She writhed, her body curling, eyes rolling back, convulsing in agony on the ground. Dad was paralyzed with fear, his face ghostly white, as he lunged towards her. “Call 911!” I fumbled for my phone, but it slipped from my trembling hand and clattered to the floor. Then I heard Dad’s heart-wrenching wails. Mom was gone. I collapsed onto the ground, my ears ringing with the last words Chloe and Mom had spoken. “If your mom and I both fell into the water, who would you save?”

By the time Mom reached the hospital, she was gone. I stood there, numb, the lingering warmth of her body still on my trembling hands. Dad lay sprawled over her, sobbing uncontrollably. My best friend, Noah Miller, rushed over as soon as he heard. He patted my shoulder, his face grim, and sat with me, offering what comfort he could. When he heard about the bizarre behavior of both Chloe and Mom just before they died, his eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re saying both Chloe and Aunt Eleanor asked the exact same question before they died?” His voice was filled with incredulity. “How could that be such a coincidence?” “Isn’t that just the classic ‘mom or wife’ dilemma? It doesn’t usually end with people dying, does it?” I slumped to the floor, tearing at my hair, shaking my head frantically. The horrific images of Mom and Chloe dying replayed constantly. I was losing my mind. “I don’t know!” “They just suddenly asked that question, demanding that my dad and I choose who to save.” “I chose my mom, and Chloe died. My dad didn’t choose his mom, he chose my mom, and my mom died too!” Noah looked utterly perplexed. “But why? It’s not like… like that question carries a curse, right?” I froze, my mind a terrifying blank. In just two days, I had lost two of the most important people in my life. A sharp pain tore through my chest, and tears streamed down my face. Noah watched my agony, his own eyes welling up, and he wrapped me in a silent hug. Just then, my uncle, Walter Shaw, called, his voice a desperate, frantic plea. “Leo, you have to come to my place! Your aunt Joyce, she’s gone mad!” We hadn’t even had time to tell our relatives about Mom’s death yet. I was confused by Uncle Walter’s panicked call. But before I could ask for details, he let out a terrified scream, and the call abruptly ended. A chilling sense of dread surged through me. Noah, seeing my grim expression, immediately offered to come with me. “Did your uncle say what happened to Aunt Joyce?” Noah asked on the way. My head throbbed, and I felt dizzy and disoriented. “He just said Aunt Joyce went crazy. I have no idea what’s going on.” My uncle and aunt had visited me just two days ago after Chloe’s death. Aunt Joyce had seemed perfectly fine then. What could have possibly happened to them? Why did Uncle Walter say she was mad? The car quickly pulled into my uncle’s driveway. As we reached the door, Uncle Walter burst out, his hands covered in blood, his face a mask of terror. He saw me as if I were his savior. “Leo, help me!” He scrambled behind me, gasping for breath, his eyes wide with fear. “Your aunt, she’s trying to kill me!” Noah and I stared, stunned. “Why?” we asked urgently. But before Uncle Walter could answer, his pupils constricted, and he trembled, pointing ahead. It was Aunt Joyce! Her hair was disheveled, and she was covered in blood, emerging from the house like a phantom, slowly, holding a pair of scissors. Her gaze was chilling, her expression twisted. One sentence from her made my blood run cold. “Walter, I’m asking you one last time!” “If your mom and I both fell into the water, who would you save…?”

My pupils dilated in terror, and I instinctively recoiled, staring at Aunt Joyce in horror. “Aunt… Aunt Joyce, why are you asking that question too?!” My voice trembled. Noah was equally stunned. He tugged my sleeve, whispering urgently in my ear, “Leo, something’s seriously wrong!” Uncle Walter, still hiding behind me, flushed crimson and cursed angrily, “Are you insane?! Why are you forcing me to choose?!” He gestured with his arm, which was bleeding profusely from a slash wound. “Look what you did to me! You almost crippled me, you crazy woman!” “You… you’re trying to murder your own husband!” Aunt Joyce’s lips curved into a chilling, eerie smile. “Just choose!” “Don’t choose!” I almost screamed. I spun around, frantically looking at Uncle Walter, shouting in a panic, “Uncle Walter, you can’t choose!” “My mom, and my girlfriend… they both died because my dad and I answered that question!” “Please, don’t choose!” Uncle Walter stared at me as if I were a ghost. “What are you talking about? Your mom was fine earlier today!” Thinking of Mom, my heart ached, and my eyes instantly welled up. “It’s true, Uncle Walter, Mom died. You can’t choose.” “If you choose, Aunt Joyce will die too!” I thought Uncle Walter would calm down after hearing my words. But as soon as I finished, he exploded like a firecracker. “Then let her die!” he roared, shoving me aside. He then launched into a furious tirade at Aunt Joyce. “Joyce, just die already!” “I’ve had enough! You want me to choose? I choose my mom! You hear me? I choose my mom!” My heart leaped into my throat in terror, and I instinctively tried to cover Uncle Walter’s mouth. But he angrily slapped my hand away, spewing his rage uncontrollably. “My mom isn’t like you, trying to murder her husband! Why would I save you?!” “If you want to die, just do it already! I don’t want to be with you, you lunatic! Just die, don’t say I didn’t choose…” “Uncle Walter, stop talking!” I turned back in horror, only to witness a sight that made my blood run cold! Aunt Joyce, a few feet away, her eyes were filled with utter brokenness. Her pupils fluttered, and tears streamed down her cheeks, but they were blood-red. “I’m going to die!” “No!” An alarm blared in my mind, and I screamed, lunging towards her. But it was too late. Right in front of us, Aunt Joyce raised the scissors in her hand and plunged them into her own neck without hesitation. Pffft! Blood sprayed in an arc. She clutched her throat, stumbled back two steps, blood continuously oozing between her fingers. The next second, with a muffled thud, Aunt Joyce collapsed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. Noah and I were both frozen in horror. Uncle Walter was so terrified he crumpled to the ground on the spot. “Ahh!” he wailed, scrambling on his hands and knees towards her. “Honey, what are you doing?!” He stared helplessly at Aunt Joyce lying in a pool of blood, then knelt to check for her breath. The next second, all color drained from his face. He slammed a hand on his thigh, then sank back, cradling Aunt Joyce in his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “Honey, why did you kill yourself?!” “I… I didn’t mean what I said!” Everything before my eyes felt like a nightmare, choking me. My mind was a chaotic mess, threatening to explode. “How… how could this happen?!” Uncle Walter cried out, his voice hoarse, looking at me with helpless eyes. I stumbled backward in a daze, tripped over the doorstep, and fell heavily. In a blur, I saw two familiar figures walking towards me. It was Mom, and my deceased girlfriend, Chloe. Their expressions were sinister as they slowly knelt down. “Leo…” Their voices merged into an eerie overlap, grinning as they whispered. “If your mom and I both fell into the water, who would you save?”

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I was watching a show on my husband’s laptop in his office when an AI assistant notification suddenly popped up. “Hey there, handsome boss! Stop working so hard, you need your rest. We’ve got a big night ahead, you know?” I stared at the cutesy font and the screen full of pink hearts, utterly stunned. Clutching the screenshot, I stormed up to him while he was meeting a client. “Are you seeing someone else?” He paused, then chuckled, pinching my cheek. “Silly. That’s just an AI virtual girlfriend our company developed. I’m just personally testing it.” I calmly nodded, then turned and asked someone to investigate. After getting the IP address behind this virtual girlfriend, I immediately posted it in the company SnapChat group. “Come clean now, and I might just spare you some public humiliation.” Taking my money, treating me like a fool – you should be prepared for your life to be utterly destroyed! The bustling company SnapChat group instantly fell silent. Five minutes later, Alex burst through the door, his forehead beaded with sweat, breath ragged, a desperate look on his face. “Tori, it’s really just program testing, you have to believe me!” Several core senior employees followed him in, all rushing to explain. “Ms. Sterling, it’s just a beta version. There’s absolutely no real person operating it.” “The dialogue content is pre-scripted. It doesn’t mean what you think it means.” Mr. Henderson, the Technical Director, pulled out the meeting minutes and handed them to me. “These dialogue templates were designed by the team together. The goal is to boost user engagement and loyalty.” “Mr.Thorne was personally testing it for our team’s project. If you misunderstand him, we’ll all feel terrible.” Their words were earnest, all of them defending Alex. Alex took my hand, his eyes full of sincerity. “Tori, I’m so sorry I upset you. If you don’t like me using this, I’ll never touch it again.” He knew his sincerity always swayed me. Back when he was dirt poor, I saw something in his character and wholeheartedly backed his startup. To achieve success, he worked overtime for half a month straight, not coming home at night. I never doubted him, instead keeping our home perfectly organized, waiting for his return. When he needed funding, I secured investment from my father, agreeing that he’d have full control over the profits for the first five years. In the end, when the business didn’t take off, I didn’t blame him. Instead, I used his “rich experience” as a reason to recommend him for a position at the corporation my father founded. The day he became CEO, at his celebration banquet, he proposed to me a second time. He told me his love for me would always be as pure and passionate as when we first fell in love, and he would only ever love me. Every wedding anniversary after that, he would propose to me again. To prove he stayed true to his original vows. His loyalty to me, by all accounts, should have been unwavering. I wearily pinched the bridge of my nose, waving them off. “I understand. I won’t pursue this any further.” They left the office, relieved. Alex also visibly relaxed and started to walk over to embrace me. I pushed him away. I had already seen Alex’s chat logs with the AI assistant. It messaged him every few dozen minutes. While most of the content was weather alerts or schedule reminders, the language was always ambiguous, even suggestive. There were also custom, faceless emojis, and it was clear they were all from the same person. Even with all my trust in him, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious. I had to get to the bottom of this. I still had contacts among the corporation’s technical staff. I excused myself to the restroom and sent the IP address to them. The response came quickly. The user was inside our corporation building. Cross-referencing with HR records, I found her name. Chloe Miller. A new intern in Operations Department Two. My heart suddenly clenched. They kept insisting there was no real person behind it, didn’t they? Now I even had her name and profile. I took the elevator straight downstairs, spotting her the moment I stepped out. Everyone else was engrossed in their work, but her screen was streaming a reality show full-screen. Her desk was cluttered with expensive hand creams and snacks, and a personal humidifier just for her. I walked into the office. She saw me from the corner of her eye, seemingly sensing my presence, and quickly reached out and flipped over a framed photo of them together on her desk.

She slowly paused the show only when I was right beside her desk. My hands clenched discreetly. I wondered if Alex had given her such immense privileges. “Excuse me, but are you watching a show during work hours? Is all your work done?” Chloe Miller glanced at me dismissively. “I’m tired from working, so what if I take a break? Are you here to pick up recycling? Breakroom’s just around the corner.” The employees nearby looked like they didn’t want to get involved, but one still quietly reminded her, “This is Ms. Sterling, the daughter of our corporation’s founder, and Mr. Thorne’s wife.” Chloe Miller looked at me with an innocent expression. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I always imagined the President’s wife would be incredibly elegant and beautiful, so I didn’t recognize you. My apologies.” A surge of anger shot through me. Just as I was about to reprimand her, Chloe Miller glanced elsewhere, and her eyes instantly welled up. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Sterling.I’ll go back to work right away.” “What’s going on?” Alex’s stern voice cut in from behind me. Several employees immediately crowded around, all talking over each other. “Ms. Sterling accused Chloe of not working hard, and the poor intern was crying because of Ms. Sterling.” “Chloe’s work is excellent; her team lead specifically allowed her a break. Ms. Sterling is being too strict.” I was surprised. Just moments ago, these people had been silent, fearful of getting caught in an argument between me and Chloe Miller. But the moment Alex appeared, they suddenly knew which way the wind blew and started defending Chloe Miller relentlessly. “Enough.” Alex pointed at Chloe Miller. “You, come to my office tomorrow to report on your work. I’ll personally review your workload.” Chloe Miller lowered her head and agreed, but a subtle smirk played on her lips. My heart suddenly twisted in pain, a sour, churning feeling in my chest. Was he trying to warn her, or was he just creating an excuse to be alone with her at the office? I composed myself, raising my voice. “I’m not here to supervise. I’m here to announce that the corporation will be upgrading equipment. Starting with your department, all computers will be replaced.” At this news, the employees brightened with surprise. Only Chloe Miller pouted, clearly displeased. “Why so sudden? I’m used to my computer. Can’t I keep it?” “No.” Alex directly rejected her protest, then turned to me with a soft smile. “My wife represents me. All of you will follow her plan!” Chloe Miller looked at him in disbelief, her face flushed red, stifling her annoyance. I couldn’t stand her theatrics anymore. I said a quick goodbye to Alex and went home. Not long after, Alex came home early, looking a bit disheveled as if he’d rushed. He had my favorite cake in his left hand and the bag I’d eyed a few days ago in his right, an apologetic look on his face. “Tori, I’m so sorry. The AI virtual girlfriend testing has been handed over to someone else. I absolutely won’t touch anything that makes you feel neglected ever again.” I took his gifts, calmly saying, “For work, I understand.” He sighed, pulling me into a hug, his voice full of tenderness. “I know I’ve neglected you, I’m sorry. My phone password is your birthday. If you’re worried, you can check it anytime.” I nodded, saying nothing more. That evening, while Alex was showering, I unlocked his phone. It was clean, no suspicious activity at all. Suddenly, a text message popped up. “Your hot drink delivery for a female recipient has arrived.”

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My mom nearly didn’t make it when I was born, which is why I remained my dad’s only child. So, eighteen years ago, he adopted a poor young boy, raising him as his heir. He wanted someone truly trustworthy by my side in the future, someone who could help safeguard the family business and look out for me. But then, at the peak of his career, my dad suddenly died. I couldn’t handle the shock. I fell terribly ill and spent a whole year recovering abroad. When I returned, I found that the owner of the auction house was now Victor Sterling. All of my dad’s treasured collections had been sold off by him, at rock-bottom prices, to overseas dealers. What he didn’t know, though, was this: My dad adopted more than just him. Victor Sterling twirled a pen between his fingers, his gaze cold and distant, devoid of the tenderness I remembered. “Who said you could come in?” He spoke, the coldness in his voice piercing my eardrums. I took two steps forward, glaring at him. “Victor, this is my dad’s auction house.” He scoffed, leaning back in his chair. Chloe, her bright crimson nails gleaming, lifted her head from his embrace and playfully tugged at his tie. “Cassidy, get it through your thick skull. This auction house is Victor’s now.” She leaned closer to Victor’s ear, purposely raising her voice. “Some people just don’t know when to quit, do they? Couldn’t hold onto what was theirs, and now they’re crawling back, shamelessly begging.” Victor didn’t push her away. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her waist, his eyes turning even colder as he looked at me. Seeing them like this, I felt like a vice was squeezing my heart. “Victor, have you forgotten what you promised my dad on his deathbed?” “You said you’d protect the Preston legacy, that you’d treat it like your own business!” “Have you forgotten who entrusted you with all the Preston collections? Who believed in you and made you the head of the auction house?” Victor idly twirled a strand of Chloe’s hair around his finger, not even bothering to lift his gaze. “Cassidy, your sentimental games? I’m so over them.” “Those collections, those promises, they were just your dad’s wishful thinking,” Chloe added, her voice dripping with mockery. “Did you really think Victor would hold onto that ‘sentiment’?” I searched Victor’s eyes, hoping to find a hint of the man I once knew. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. “It was a setup from the start, wasn’t it?” “You got close to me, close to the Preston family, all for this auction house, for our collections?” My voice trembled, but I forced the words out. Victor finally looked up at me, his lips twisted into a cruel smirk. He didn’t answer directly. He reached out and pinched Chloe’s cheek. “See? She’s only just figured it out. Isn’t that a little stupid?” Chloe shook with laughter, a sickening, theatrical sound. I started coughing, the taste of blood rising in my throat. Every word I spoke dripped with hatred. “You owe the Prestons, you owe my dad, and I swear, I’ll make you pay back every single cent, twice over!” But Victor just chuckled as if I’d told a joke. He stood up and walked toward me. He loomed over me, his eyes full of disdain. “Pay back double? Cassidy, you have nothing left. What are you going to fight me with?” “This auction house? I call the shots now.” He then reached out and brushed his knuckles against my cheek, a gesture so dismissive and insulting it made my skin crawl. “I advise you, be smart and leave Starhaven City. Find some quiet place to live your life.” “Otherwise.” “If I can take your dad’s auction house, I can make sure you have no place to stand in Starhaven City at all!” The pain in my chest intensified, yet I started to laugh. “Victor, do you really think you can take all of this?”

The words barely left my mouth when my wrist was suddenly seized. The next second, Victor’s hand clamped down hard on my jaw. The sharp pain in my bones made me wince. “Cassidy, I’ll say it again.” His eyes were menacing, his grip tightening relentlessly. “This auction house is mine now!” “If you dare make another scene here, I won’t hesitate to have you dragged out.” People around us started to gather, their whispers like needles pricking my ears. “Is that Professor Preston’s daughter? I heard she squandered all the family collections.” “She sure did. Now she’s making a fuss here, acting like a total lunatic.” “Mr. Sterling was kind enough to take over the auction house and clean up her mess. And she’s so ungrateful.” I wrenched my hand free from Victor’s grip. “Squandered the collections? Victor, do you dare deny that you sold my dad’s priceless antique books and paintings to overseas dealers?” Those ancient texts were my dad’s life’s work! Victor scoffed, stepping back and pulling Chloe closer by the shoulder. “Easy there, Cassidy. You can’t just throw accusations around.” “You were the one desperate for cash, secretly selling off the collections. Your dad was so furious, it triggered his illness.” “Now, all of Starhaven City knows that Cassidy Preston is an unfilial daughter.” His tone was calm, but every word he uttered was a dagger straight to my heart. At the same time, Chloe pulled a blue-bound notebook from her bag and waved it in front of me. It was my dad’s Personal Appraisal Log, the culmination of thirty years of his painstaking work! “Your dad treated this log like gold. He never let anyone outside the family even glance at it.” “And what did it get him? He raised an ungrateful daughter like you, who couldn’t even protect the family fortune.” “Give it back!” My eyes blazing, I struggled to snatch it. But Victor suddenly stepped forward and kicked me hard in the knee. My balance instantly gave out, and I fell heavily to the floor. My back slammed into a nearby display stand, making a jarring crash. Bang! A delicate antique vase on the stand wobbled, then crashed straight to the ground. Shards flew everywhere, and a sharp piece of porcelain sliced my arm. Blood instantly welled up. Ignoring the pain, I tried to push myself up. But Victor crouched down, pulled a document from his suit pocket, and tossed it in front of me. “This is the collection custody agreement you signed and fingerprinted.” The signature and fingerprint on it were undeniably mine. But I had never signed anything like this! “This is fake!” I crumpled the paper in my hand, my voice filled with despair. Victor raised an eyebrow, looking at the people around us. “Everyone, take a look. Aren’t these Ms. Preston’s signature and fingerprint?” “Looks like it, I’ve seen Ms. Preston’s signature before.” “Maybe she willingly gave them up and now wants to back out?” “How can Professor Preston’s daughter be so shameless?” Accusations rose in a chorus, like a net, trapping me tightly. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. The bitter taste of being utterly speechless, with no way to defend myself, stung more than the cut on my arm. “Cassidy, what do you have to say for yourself now?”

“Do you have any conscience at all?” “My dad treated you like his own son, raised you as his heir. Is this how you repay him?” Back then, my dad saw he was alone and not only put him through school but also personally taught him how to appraise collections. He even entrusted him with the core operations of the auction house without reservation. Victor scoffed, tugging at his tie. “His own son? Cassidy, don’t you forget.” “When you secretly sold off collections to pay debts, who helped you keep it from your dad?” “And that time you were cornered in an alley by creditors, who got you out of there?” “It was me!” He emphasized the words, as if taking credit. “But you? You turned around and forgot all my kindness, and now you’re here slandering me!” These twisted lies made my blood run cold, then boiled with fury. Then, I abruptly pushed past the bodyguard next to me and lunged at Chloe. “Give me back my dad’s things!” But Chloe seemed prepared. As I charged, she suddenly recoiled, raising her hand high. Rip. The crisp tearing sound was like a knife plunging straight into my heart. The blue-bound log was torn clean in two. Paper scraps fluttered to the ground, my dad’s thirty years of painstaking work, destroyed just like that. Immediately after, Chloe’s legs gave out, and she clutched her stomach, collapsing to the floor. “Ah! Victor, my stomach hurts…” Victor, quick as a flash, caught her. His eyes, when they turned to me, were instantly filled with murderous rage. “Cassidy! You dare push her?” “I’m telling you, from today onward, I’ll make sure you can’t even get a meal in Starhaven City!” I stared at the shredded fragments of the log on the ground, my mind blank. The surrounding clamor faded, leaving only the sound of my own heavy breathing. My dad’s image, bent over his desk, writing in that log, still flashed vividly before my eyes. He used to say, every word in this log was the root of our Preston family. But now, the root was gone. A wave of pure rage surged from deep within me. I bent down, snatched a ceramic shard from the floor, and lunged toward Chloe. “I’ll kill you!” But after just two steps, security guards rushed up from behind, pinning my arms tightly. I struggled desperately, the ceramic shard in my hand digging deeper into my palm. Its sharp edges bit into my flesh. Blood streamed from between my fingers, dripping onto the floor, blooming into blinding crimson flowers. Victor set Chloe down and slowly walked toward me. His dress shoes crunched on the blood droplets I’d shed, making a sickening, sticky sound. “Do you really think those collections can be recovered?” He leaned down, whispering into my ear, his voice laced with venomous amusement. “I’ve already turned them into luxury cars and mansions, bought jewelry for Chloe.” “Your dad’s life’s work? Now it’s just capital for me to spoil Chloe.” I trembled with rage. “Victor, you ungrateful snake! You beast!” “My dad never should have saved you, never should have pulled you out of that gutter!” “You’ll get your comeuppance! You will!”

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