Category: English

“Ms. Dawson, this is for the simulated death service you booked with us. The specified date of death is half a month from now, at your wedding. The method of death is suicide by drowning, and the person faking their death is you. Please confirm and sign here.” Evelyn nodded, signing her name at the bottom of the document without hesitation. On a bustling street, Evelyn walked home alone. She looked up and saw the giant advertising screen on a nearby building, looping the video of Liam Sterling proposing to her. In the video, he was on one knee, his usually steady hand trembling slightly as he held the ring. The moment she said “yes,” the tears he’d held back in his eyes finally fell. The beautiful scene made two girls beside Evelyn hug each other, gushing with envy. “Oh my god! Liam Sterling truly loves Evelyn Dawson!” “Right? Mr. Sterling is the ultimate romantic. I heard they were childhood sweethearts. He was so eager, he confessed his feelings to her at seventeen. At twenty, he had a crown made for her with the world’s most expensive pink diamonds, telling her she’d always be his princess. When Ms. Dawson got into a car accident at twenty-three, and the blood bank was critically low for her rare blood type, Mr. Sterling donated blood against all advice, almost draining himself to save her. Then at twenty-six, he proposed on a global live stream, and finally managed to marry the girl he loved most. How can there be a man in the world who dotes on his wife like that?” … Evelyn didn’t listen further, lowering her gaze to hide the self-mockery in her eyes. Everyone envied her and Liam’s love story. Everyone said Liam Sterling was utterly crazy about her. So no one would ever imagine that this very man had been secretly keeping a mistress stashed away for three whole years. Discovering that on countless nights he’d claimed to be busy with work, he was actually intimately entwined with a little influencer, her heart felt as if it had been pierced by a sharp blade, bleeding, raw, and mangled. As she scrolled through those obscene photos, she vaguely remembered that at fifteen, when her parents divorced and fought tooth and nail over who wouldn’t have her, it was Liam Sterling who burst through the door, took her hand, and said, word for word, “If you don’t want her, I do!” From that day on, Liam Sterling gave his entire heart to her alone. He’d broken three ribs fighting for her. He remembered every single one of her periods. His Ins feed was filled with only her. All his friends said he was completely love-struck when it came to Evelyn Dawson… When he slipped the wedding ring onto her finger, he kissed her through his tears, his voice filled with pleas. He begged her to love him forever, to never leave him, swearing he’d lose his mind if she did. He was the one who first said he couldn’t live without her. Yet, he was the first to betray her. In that case, she would fake her death and escape, change her name, and vanish completely from his world, so he could never find her again. Evelyn reached up to wipe away the faint dampness from her eyes. Just as she was about to leave, a Maybach suddenly braked in front of her. A tall figure opened the rear door and rushed towards her. “Evie, didn’t you say you’d wait for me at home? I told you I’d pick you up for your wedding dress fitting once I finished work. Why are you out here alone?” Liam said, taking her hand. When he felt her fingertips were icy cold, he quickly took off his jacket and draped it over her. “Your hands are freezing, and you’re not even wearing a jacket. Do you want to make me worry myself sick?” Evelyn didn’t speak, just looked up at him silently. The concern in his eyes didn’t seem fake, but that only made it harder for her to understand how someone could genuinely love two people at the same time. Liam tightened the jacket around her. As he was about to lead her to the car, the two girls opposite them heard the commotion and instinctively turned to look. Seeing who it was, their eyes immediately lit up. They excitedly walked closer, their faces flushed, their words stammering. “H-hello, are you Evelyn Dawson and Liam Sterling? W-we’re your fan club, can we take a picture with you?” Evelyn didn’t want to disappoint them. After a moment of thought, she nodded. Given permission, the two girls surrounded them, looking at the camera. Liam didn’t particularly like taking photos, but he dutifully put an arm around Evelyn and looked at the camera with her. After the photo, the two girls, still blushing, kept thanking them, their words filled with hopes that they would grow old together and have a happy marriage. Grow old together? Evelyn looked up at Liam beside her. As their eyes met, he offered a doting, tender smile, full of affection. He seemed to be agreeing with the girls’ wishes. Only she knew that they would never make it to old age. Outside the bridal boutique, the moment Evelyn stepped out of the car, the store assistant, who had been waiting at the entrance, rushed forward, her voice tinged with envy. “Ms. Dawson, all thousand custom-made wedding gowns Mr. Sterling ordered for you are ready. You can try them on anytime and see which one you like.” She didn’t speak, just looked silently at Liam behind her. He was looking at something on his phone, his eyes filled with an undeniable longing – that same look she’d only seen in his bed photos with the little influencer. Noticing her gaze, he quickly put away his phone and walked over, a hint of apology on his face. “Evie, I’m sorry, something urgent came up at the office that I need to handle. I’ve asked the driver to wait for you here. He’ll take you home after you’ve finished trying on the dresses.” With that, he kissed her forehead and hurriedly got into another car, leaving her alone. The assistant quickly approached, tentatively asking, “Ms. Dawson, would you like to try on wedding dresses now?” Evelyn withdrew her gaze and shook her head. “No, I won’t. I don’t want any of these.” After all, at their wedding, there would only be a “dead” bride. Evelyn got into the car heading home. The moment she opened her phone, a SnapChat message from Seraphina popped up. It was a chat screenshot. In the picture, Seraphina wore a black lace bunny outfit, sprawled delicately on the floor, her eyes hazy as she looked at the camera. 【If Master can make it here in twenty minutes, your little bunny is all yours to devour.】 Below, Liam’s black profile picture sent a brief two-word reply: 【Wait for me.】 Evelyn turned off the screen, closed her eyes, and tried to suppress the sharp, dense pain in her heart. She thought that after seeing so many photos, her heart would grow accustomed, would become numb. But an uncontrollable wave of agony swept through her body, invading her very bones. Finally, she forced her eyes shut and turned off her phone. Deep in the night, Evelyn curled up by the bed, her eyes red, and fell into a deep sleep. But the phone beside her pillow vibrated every hour, right up until the next morning. When she woke up and checked it, she found that from last night to this morning, Seraphina had sent her a picture every hour – each one showing used condoms. 【He took me all night last night, trying every position on me. I can barely get out of bed. Has he ever been like that with you?】 Evelyn didn’t move, yet she turned over and over, staring at those pictures and that message dozens of times. When Liam returned, he found Evelyn lying in bed, her eyes red-rimmed, her knuckles white as she clutched her phone. His heart gave a sudden lurch. He quickly walked over, pulled her into his arms, his voice tight with alarm. “Evie, why are you crying?” Was she crying? Evelyn finally came back to herself and looked at him, belatedly touching her face. Only then did she realize that, unknowingly, tears were streaming down her face. After a long moment, she let out a soft laugh, though the sadness in her eyes remained unconcealed. “It’s nothing, just saw some very touching pictures.” Liam gently stroked her face, dotingly saying, “What pictures made you cry like this, babe? You’re going to break your husband’s heart.” Evelyn was about to speak when Alfred, the butler, knocked respectfully on the open bedroom door. “Sir, the car is ready.” Liam hummed in acknowledgment, then turned and kissed the woman in his arms. “Evie, I was wrong yesterday, leaving you alone at the bridal boutique. As an apology, I’ll take you to the auction. Anything you want, I’ll buy for you, okay?” Evelyn didn’t answer, but he took it as consent, sweeping her into his arms and out of the room. He personally helped her pick out an outfit, jewelry, and shoes. At the auction. To cheer Evelyn up, Liam spared no expense in the first half, buying up all the precious items, even though she wasn’t particularly interested in them. During the intermission, several men, Liam’s buddies, walked over. “I wondered who was so generous, buying everything in the first half. Turns out it’s Liam!” “I was planning to buy a gift for my grandma’s birthday, but nope, nothing left.” “Truly, his reputation as a wife-pampering maniac is well-deserved. Liam, give me a chance in the second half, let me buy at least one thing!” The men joked with Liam. He just gave them a glance, then turned his attention back to peeling an orange for Evelyn. “You won’t have a chance in the second half either. All the items today belong to my Evie.” The men groaned dramatically, clutching their chests in mock pain, but had to concede defeat. Liam’s lips curved upward slightly, ignoring them as he dotingly finished peeling the orange and offered it temptingly to Evelyn. Evelyn shook her head, her expression distant. “I don’t have an appetite. You eat it.” Soon, the second half of the auction began. Just then, the main doors suddenly opened. A server respectfully ushered in a woman in a short red dress. The next second, Evelyn felt Liam’s body stiffen beside her. She looked up and saw Seraphina’s striking face appear right before her eyes! Seraphina pulled some red bills from her bag and tucked them into the server’s chest, then flashed a captivating smile. Before the server could react, she walked straight over and sat down next to Liam. Everyone in the room gasped, trying to guess Seraphina’s identity. “How audacious is this little influencer, daring to sit next to Mr. Sterling?” “Doesn’t she fear Mr. Sterling will blacklist her in a fit of rage?” “Shhh, keep it down, you don’t know anything! I heard she has a powerful backer. Didn’t you see all the designer jewelry and bags in her apartment during her live streams?” … Evelyn was about to look away when she saw Seraphina brazenly take Liam’s hand and place it under her skirt. Liam’s hand instantly froze. He instinctively tried to pull it back, but Seraphina smiled and pressed it down, then shifted slightly. Finally, Liam stopped resisting. His hand remained. Evelyn sharply turned her head, desperately clenching her trembling hands. Throughout the second half of the auction, Evelyn was distracted until the grand finale item was presented, and gasps of awe from the crowd pulled her from her pain. Evelyn looked up, seeing a dazzling necklace resting quietly on velvet. The auctioneer passionately introduced its history, claiming it was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite necklace, symbolizing unwavering love. Perhaps sensing Evelyn’s interest, Liam unhesitatingly raised his paddle. “Ten million!” Then a female voice beside him chimed in. “Thirty million!” He turned his head and saw Seraphina had also raised her paddle. Noticing his displeased look, she gave a seductive smile, her eyes full of allure. “Oops, sorry, Mr. Sterling. My boyfriend loves me very much too, so he also wants to give me this necklace!” Liam’s face darkened. “Fifty million!” “One hundred million!” “One hundred fifty million!” … Finally, Liam made a decisive gesture. The auctioneer upfront excitedly tapped his gavel. “He sealed the deal with a ‘lights-out’ bid! Mr. Sterling made the ultimate bid!” “Congratulations to Mr. Sterling for acquiring the Heart of True Love!” As applause erupted, Liam subtly withdrew his hand and kissed Evelyn beside him. “Stay here, sweetie. I’ll go get your necklace for you.” Evelyn watched him get up and leave. Then, Seraphina opposite her also stood, giving her a meaningful look.

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For our fifth wedding anniversary, Julian’s ‘gift’ to Eleanor was forcing her to drink nine hundred ninety-nine bottles of strong liquor. “Julian, I really can’t drink any more…” I pleaded, my voice hoarse. He scoffed, leaning closer to me. “Your parents loved drinking so much, didn’t they? Loved it enough to drive drunk and wipe out my entire family. As their daughter, you must share their passion.” “I’m so sorry.” My eyes burned with desperate tears. “Sorry” – I’d said it a million times, it was a habit now. “But my parents already paid for their sin with their lives. Isn’t that… isn’t that enough?” “Their deaths won’t bring my family back!” He savagely squeezed my jaw, his grip so powerful it felt like my bones would shatter. “Eleanor Vance, it’s only been five years. Are you already giving up?” He released me, then flicked his eyes at the bodyguards behind him. “Force her.” Two men in black suits stepped forward. One pinned my shoulders, the other pried open my mouth. The icy liquor poured down my throat, making me choke, tears streaming down my face. I was powerless to fight back. I slumped to the floor, my face flushed with agony, my clothes drenched in alcohol. When would this torment finally end? I didn’t know. “Julian, weren’t we supposed to have a romantic candlelit dinner? What’s going on here?” A clear female voice suddenly chimed in from the doorway. Through my tear-filled eyes, I saw Vivian Hayes standing there, dressed in a white dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, her face as beautiful as a painting. My breath hitched. A wave of profound sadness washed over me. Vivian… she really did look exactly like my twenty-two-year-old self. No wonder Julian chose to keep her by his side. Seeing Vivian, Julian’s expression softened instantly. “Sweetheart, could you wait a moment? Today is my wedding anniversary with Eleanor, and I’m giving her a gift.” Hearing this, Vivian cast a disdainful glance at me, then tugged playfully on Julian’s sleeve. “Don’t waste your time on someone so unworthy, okay?” Julian fell silent. Clearly, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. So he gently changed the subject. “Come on, are you hungry? I’ll take you to dinner right now.” With that, he took Vivian’s hand and walked towards the exit. However, as they passed me, Vivian deliberately reached out, knocking over the stack of countless liquor bottles piled beside her. *CRASH!* The bottle tower collapsed with a deafening roar. Glass shards flew everywhere, showering down on me. I instinctively shielded my head and face, but I was still cut and bruised all over. “Oh!” Vivian gasped. “I didn’t mean to! Should we send her to the hospital?” Julian didn’t even spare me a glance. “Don’t bother with her.” He lifted Vivian’s hand, his brow furrowed. “You cut your hand.” It was just a shallow red mark, not even bleeding, yet Julian treated it like fragile porcelain, gently kissing her fingertips. “Does it hurt?” Vivian wrapped her arms around his neck, initiating a kiss. “Not anymore, not like this.” Julian quickly took control, deepening the kiss. I lay in a pool of my own blood, listening to the sounds of their lips intertwining, my heart twisting in agony. “Vivian…” In the throes of passion, Julian whispered Vivian’s pet name. Vivian. Eleanor. How similar the names sounded. The kiss ended, and Julian, now consumed by desire, swept Vivian into his arms. Without looking back, he told the bodyguards, “Clean this up. Don’t let her die.” He paused, his voice as cold as ice. “Her body is the only thing left of her that’s worth tormenting.” I watched him carry Vivian away, my heart torn in two. Things had changed, people were gone, and everything was over. Tears flowed before I could even speak. The love we once shared felt like a distant, faded memory. Five years ago today, we should have been the happiest newlyweds. Julian would have held me close, kissed my forehead, and said, “Eleanor, I finally married you.” But now, he held another woman in his arms. We grew up together, childhood sweethearts, inseparable from kindergarten all the way through university. Everyone knew how deeply Julian loved Eleanor. If I casually mentioned wanting a cake from across town late at night, he’d drive two hours through a blizzard to get it. When I had period cramps, he’d stay up all night, gently rubbing my stomach. On the day he proposed, he knelt to put shoes on my feet, promising to cherish me like a princess for the rest of my life. Then, the car accident on our wedding day changed everything. My parents, driving under the influence, killed Julian’s entire family. That day, our wedding turned into a funeral, and my lover became my enemy. He lost his father, his mother, and his sister. The Blackwood family, utterly obliterated, with only his name left. His hatred was boundless. He immediately sent my parents to prison, specifically instructing people to give them “special attention.” The last time I saw them was when I was notified that my parents had taken their own lives. In prison, the elderly couple had already been tortured beyond recognition, skeletal and covered in wounds. After their resolute act of slitting their wrists, they were barely clinging to life, with only a final breath left. They gently caressed my face, their voices choked with sobs. “Ellie, your father and I did something wrong. We deserve to go and atone to the Blackwood family. But you did nothing wrong. You must live well…” “Julian hates you, but he also deeply loved you once… Your father and I are begging you, no matter what happens, you must endure for five years. If after five years, you still find no hope for living, then… then come join us.” That day, my parents died. And I became the one to continue paying for the Blackwood family’s atonement. Five years, over eighteen hundred days and nights, I was tormented by Julian in every conceivable way. Kneeling in the snow during the bitterest winter, locked in a scorching room without AC in the dead of summer, forced to eat foods I was deathly allergic to… Countless times, I contemplated suicide, but that five-year promise repeatedly pulled me back from the brink of death. Until three months ago, when Vivian appeared. She looked like me, her name sounded like mine – she was Julian’s carefully selected replacement. He poured all his love into this substitute, while unleashing all his torment upon me, the original. His methods of torture were always bizarre, and I should have been used to it. But watching them kiss countless times, hearing him call her “Vivian,” witnessing him showering her with the same affection he once showed me, I still felt a suffocating pain. Now, only seven days remained until the five-year term was up. Lying in a pool of blood, I fumbled for the family photo tucked inside my clothes. Blood seeped from my fingertips, staining the picture. The three people in the photo smiled brightly, a dream now unreachable. “Mom… Dad…” I whispered softly. “I’ll hold on for just seven more days… After seven days… I’ll come find you…” When I next awoke, it was the following day. I was lying in the guest room bed, my wounds already treated and wrapped in clean, white bandages. I touched the family photo over my heart, remembering the five-year promise to my parents— Six days left. I had to listen to them and try to find a reason to live. Seeing the circled date on the calendar, I remembered it was Julian’s birthday. One last try, I told myself. I forced myself to ignore the pain in my hands, busying myself in the kitchen all day. When my fingers blistered from burns, I simply bandaged them and kept going. The cake batter burnt twice, but I patiently started over each time. Finally, by evening, a delicate chocolate cake was finished. I then pulled out a photo album, cherished for years, and selected a few old pictures of Julian and me from our youth, assembling them into a handmade album. Finally, I mustered the courage to text Julian: [Julian, I’m waiting for you at our old spot. There’s something I want to tell you.] After the message sent successfully, I left the house and drove to the restaurant we used to frequent. I arrived half an hour early, placing the cake and gift on the table, nervously waiting. Julian was an hour late. When he pushed open the door, he was impeccably dressed in a suit, his expression cold and stern. His face instantly darkened upon seeing the cake on the table. “Did you forget I don’t celebrate my birthday after my family died?” he said icily, then swept the cake off the table. Cream splattered onto my dress, but I didn’t flinch. “I know… but it’s been so many years. My parents paid with their lives, and I’ve suffered so much…” My voice trembled. “Can we just let go of each other and start over?” “No!” Julian’s answer was definitive. “The torment you’ve endured is nowhere near a tenth of what I experienced.” He leaned in close, his eyes blazing with an inferno of hatred. “Eleanor Vance, because your parents drove drunk, I watched my mom, dad, and sister die right in front of me. My loving grandfather saw their bodies, was heartbroken, and suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage. Overnight, my family was destroyed.” He gripped my chin. “You want me to let it go? How could I possibly do that?” Tears streamed down my face. “I’m so sorry… I really…” “Julian!” A sweet voice interrupted me. Vivian ran in, wearing a white dress, holding a glass jar filled with colorful origami cranes. “Happy Birthday!” She smiled brightly, handing the jar to Julian. “I folded them myself, a thousand of them. From now on, every time you take one out, you can make a wish to me.” Julian froze. My heart felt like it was being brutally squeezed by an invisible hand. The scene was all too familiar. When I was eighteen, I had given Julian a jar of origami cranes just like that, and said the exact same words. “Vivian…” Julian’s voice was hoarse. He took the jar, his fingertips gently tracing the glass surface, his gaze distant, as if seeing someone else through Vivian. The next second, he suddenly pulled Vivian into a hug. “I love this gift.” Vivian shot me a triumphant glance, then hugged Julian back. “I’m glad you like it.” I sat by myself, my fingers unconsciously tracing the neglected photo album. My heart felt like it was being slowly carved out with a blunt knife, bleeding and torn in an instant. I never imagined that my defeat wouldn’t come from another, but from my past self. Julian would always hate the current Eleanor. But he deeply loved the girl named ‘Ellie’ in his memories. Watching them embrace intimately, I didn’t have the courage to look any longer. I got up, left the restaurant, and drove into the night. The neon lights outside the car window blurred into streaks, and tears fell uncontrollably. I wiped them away, but new tears kept welling up, endless. I thought I had long gone numb, but it still hurt. Just then, a white figure suddenly darted out from the roadside. “BANG!” A loud crash, and the car screeched to a halt. I trembled, looking up to see a figure thrown into the air by the impact, then falling heavily to the ground in front of my car. It was… Vivian?! I scrambled out of the car, my legs weak, and ran over. Sure enough, Vivian lay on the ground, a shocking pool of blood spreading beneath her. “Vivian!” Julian’s roar came from behind me. He rushed over like a madman, scooped up the unconscious Vivian, and glared at me with eyes that promised murder. “Eleanor Vance, wasn’t it enough that your family killed all of mine? Why can’t you leave even her alone?!” I trembled all over. “It wasn’t me… she ran out into the road herself…” Julian didn’t listen. He carried Vivian into the car that had just pulled up, his eyes red as he threw one last icy command: “Take her to the hospital! Make her kneel outside the ER and atone!” Two bodyguards grabbed me, roughly shoving me into another car. Outside the emergency room, Julian stood at the end of the corridor, his back rigid, like a drawn sword ready to kill. I was forced to my knees on the cold floor, my knees throbbing, but I didn’t dare move. “If anything happens to her, Eleanor Vance, I’ll make you pay with your life.” Julian’s voice was like ice, every word a knife plunging into my heart. I hung my head, tears silently splashing onto the floor. *Tick-tock, tick-tock…* Minutes dragged on, then finally, the emergency room light went out. The doctor walked out, pulling off his mask, his expression grave. “Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Hayes’s kidney was damaged in the accident. She needs a transplant immediately, or her life will be in danger.” Julian’s face changed instantly. “Arrange a matching test at once!” The doctor nodded. “Ms. Hayes has B-type blood. We need a matching donor.” Julian’s gaze shifted to me, his voice chilling. “She and Vivian have the same blood type. Make her do the matching test.” I suddenly looked up, my body trembling as I stared at him. He wanted me… to donate a kidney to Vivian? I stumbled, trying to run, but the bodyguards instantly pinned me down. Julian walked over, looking down at me, his eyes devoid of warmth. “Eleanor Vance, this is what you owe me, what you owe her. You have no right to refuse!” I trembled all over, tears blurring my vision. “Julian…” My voice choked. “Are you really going to do this to me?” He didn’t answer, just turned away coldly and told the doctor, “Arrange the surgery immediately!” Before I was wheeled into the operating room, Julian signed the consent form as my spouse. I lay on the operating table, staring at the glaring surgical lights above, my mind drifting back to the past. Fifteen-year-old Julian, carrying me with a fever, running three blocks to the hospital; eighteen-year-old Julian, heartbroken when I cut my hand chopping vegetables, never letting me into the kitchen again; twenty-year-old Julian, staying up all night to apply cream when I broke out in an allergic rash. Once upon a time, if I felt even the slightest discomfort, his eyes would redden with worry, wishing he could suffer in my place. “Ellie, I’ll protect you from now on. You’ll never be hurt again.” But now, it was also him who personally sent me to the operating table. After the surgery, I was wheeled back to the ward. The anesthesia slowly wore off, and the pain in my wound made me tremble all over. I bit my lip, refusing to cry out. The nurses, while applying my medicine, quietly gossiped: “Mr. Blackwood is so good to his wife. He stayed outside the operating room the whole time, never leaving her side.” “I know, right? Such a handsome and rich man, and so devoted to his wife. I really envy their relationship. Ms. Hayes is truly blessed.” Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I weakly mumbled, “I’m his wife…” The nurses froze, then quickly and awkwardly left. Silence returned to the ward, broken only by the drip of the IV. I struggled to prop myself up, wanting to go to the bathroom. But as soon as I got out of bed, my legs gave way, and I collapsed to the floor, my wound hitting the bed frame. The pain made my vision swim. The ward door opened a crack. Julian stood outside, subconsciously taking a step forward. But when he saw me struggling to get up, he abruptly stopped. He withdrew his hand, turned, and walked away. His assistant followed, puzzled. “Mr. Blackwood, you clearly care about Ms. Vance, so why…” Julian paused, his voice icy. “This is her torment. She deserves it.” The assistant hesitated, then spoke again. “But it wasn’t Ms. Vance’s fault back then. Her parents already paid with their lives, and you’ve tormented her for five years. Isn’t that enough?” Julian remained silent for a long time, finally replying, “If I let her go, who will let me go?” After that, I remained in the hospital, and no one came to visit me. Until the buzzing of my phone startled me awake from a hazy sleep. I struggled to find my phone. The screen displayed a message from an unknown number: [Your kidney is working great for me~ From now on, not just your kidney, but everything you have—including Julian—will be mine!] Attached below was a photo: Vivian’s slender wrist, prominently adorned with the emerald heirloom bracelet my mother had left me. That was… the last relic my parents had left me. My blood ran cold instantly. I violently yanked out the IV needle. Blood spurted from the back of my hand, but I didn’t bother to wipe it, stumbling and rushing towards Vivian’s ward. When I pushed open the door, Vivian was leisurely leaning against the headboard. Seeing me enter, a triumphant smile curved her lips. “Well, well, isn’t it our kidney-donating hero? What, here to visit your kidney?” I stared intently at the bracelet on her wrist, my voice trembling. “Give it back to me!” Vivian lightly caressed the bracelet, smiling innocently. “Why should I give it to you? Julian said it looks beautiful on me, and that it makes me look a lot like the old you, so he gave it to me.” I felt a chill spread through me. I reached out to grab it, but stopped myself abruptly, afraid of damaging the bracelet. I swallowed my pride and pleaded, “This bracelet means a lot to me. I can exchange it for anything else you want, anything I can give you…” Vivian tilted her head, feigning innocence as she thought. “There’s nothing I really want. The only thing I’m missing… is the title of Mrs. Blackwood.” She chuckled. “How about you give that position to me?” I closed my eyes for a moment, my voice hoarse. “Okay. As long as you give me the bracelet back, I’ll let you become Mrs. Blackwood!” The words had barely left my lips when the ward door was violently pushed open. Julian stood in the doorway, his face terrifyingly dark. “Eleanor Vance, in your eyes, my wife’s title is less important than a lifeless object?” I froze, my throat tight. “This is the last thing my parents… left me.” “Parents?” Julian sneered, hatred surging in his eyes. He ripped the bracelet from Vivian’s wrist. “I almost forgot, anything related to your parents, I want to destroy!” With that, he turned and walked towards the window, raising his hand to throw the bracelet down! “No!” I shrieked, throwing myself forward without a second thought. The moment I collided with Julian, the bracelet flew from his hand, and I, too, tumbled out the window— “Eleanor Vance!” Julian’s voice was almost a撕裂. He reached out to grab me, but only clutched at empty air. “THUD!” I crashed heavily onto the lawn below. The bracelet shattered beside me, emerald fragments piercing my palm, but I felt no pain. In a haze, I saw Julian rush downstairs like a madman, kneeling beside me, trembling as he gathered me into his arms: “Eleanor Vance! Eleanor Vance!” His voice held a panic I’d never heard before, just like that fire many years ago when he rushed into the flames to find me, calling my name just like this. “Doctor! Call a doctor, fast!” My consciousness blurred. A faint glimmer of hope ignited in my heart— Did he still care about me? Was it possible… that he still cared about me just a little? When I next awoke, my whole body ached as if it had been crushed and reassembled. In the ward, the doctor was speaking softly with Julian. “Mrs. Blackwood has multiple fractures and internal organ damage. She needs careful rest, or there will be lasting complications.” Julian ordered coldly, “Give her the best medicine.” The doctor nodded and left. Julian turned, his eyes meeting mine as I opened them. Our eyes locked. The concern in his instantly vanished, replaced by coldness. “Don’t think that just because I’m giving you the best medicine means I still care about you.” He walked closer, looking down at me, his voice cruel. “I just want you to live longer, so I can torment you better.” “The moment your parents killed my family, our fate was sealed—” “It will only be an endless cycle of suffering until death!” I stared at him blankly, tears silently falling. So… I had just been fooling myself. I slowly closed my eyes and whispered, “Okay, then I’ll just die.” My voice was too soft; Julian didn’t hear me clearly. He frowned, leaning closer. “What did you just say?” I opened my mouth, about to repeat myself, when the ward door suddenly burst open. A nurse rushed in. “Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Hayes needs to go for her check-up, but she can’t find you and refuses to cooperate…” Julian’s brow furrowed. He turned and left, not sparing me even a glance. … The moment the ward door closed, I pulled out my IV needle. Ignoring the excruciating pain and the doctor’s protests, I checked myself out of the hospital. My time was running out. Since I had decided to die, I should take care of some arrangements beforehand. I gave a bitter smile. Julian… he wouldn’t even claim my body. I went to a photography studio and had a memorial photo taken. Then I bought a burial plot and chose a small urn. When I returned to the villa, the sound of padding paws came from the living room. A golden retriever joyfully bounded over, its tail wagging like a propeller, its wet nose rubbing against my leg. My eyes welled up. I crouched down and hugged it. “Buddy…” This was the dog Julian and I had adopted together when we were eighteen. Back then, we had just moved in together. He held this little puppy, smiling, and said, “Ellie, from now on, we’re a family of three. We’ll grow old together.” But now, the family was gone, the love was gone, and growing old together was just a pipe dream. “Woof!” Buddy brought over a toy ball, looking at me expectantly. I stroked his head. “Good boy. Mama will make you something delicious.” I forced myself to cook Buddy some meat porridge. Watching him gobble it down, my heart ached. I would be leaving this world in three days. Buddy was getting old; I had to find him a good home. After searching all day, I finally found a suitable adopter. A retired couple, with a yard, experienced in raising golden retrievers. I packed Buddy’s toys and dog food. Just as I was about to take Buddy out, the villa door suddenly swung open. Vivian walked in, high heels clicking, her gaze falling on Buddy, a cold smile curving her lips. “Eleanor Vance, Julian hates you and has destroyed most of the things you cherish. Now… only this dog is left, right?” My body tensed. I instinctively shielded Buddy behind me. “What do you want?” “Julian hasn’t even said anything, you have no right to touch him!” My voice trembled. “This is our dog, we’ve had him for ten years. He cares about him too, he won’t let you hurt him!” Vivian scoffed. “You’re too naive. He hates you, and everything connected to you!” She clapped her hands, and two bodyguards immediately rushed in, roughly grabbing Buddy’s collar! “No!” I lunged forward to stop them, but was shoved aside. My forehead hit the coffee table, and blood instantly streamed down. Buddy, startled, struggled wildly to protect me, but he was struck by a stun baton and collapsed, whimpering. “Buddy!” I screamed, my heart tearing apart. I desperately pushed past the bodyguards to hold my dog, accidentally bumping into Vivian. “Ah!” Vivian tumbled down the stairs, a pool of blood instantly spreading on the floor. “What are you doing?!” Julian’s voice roared from the doorway. Seeing the scene, he instantly strode over, scooped up Vivian, and glared at me with icy eyes. “You pushed her? She just had a kidney transplant, are you trying to kill her?!” My face was covered in blood. I trembled, pointing at the dying Buddy. “She beat Buddy to death first! He didn’t do anything wrong!” Julian paused, his gaze falling on Buddy’s lifeless body, his eyes momentarily distant. But soon, he said coldly, “It’s better that he’s dead.” “Any proof of our love should not remain.” Those words utterly shattered me. I looked at him in agony, tears flowing uncontrollably. He was right… nothing should remain. After all, he didn’t even love *me* anymore. “Julian…” Vivian weakly leaned in his arms. “My leg hurts so much…” Julian kissed her forehead, his eyes full of tenderness. “Hold on. I’ll take you to the hospital right away. Before we go, think about how you want to punish her?” Vivian leaned in his embrace, her voice weak. “How about… we lock her in the basement and starve her for a day? Let her reflect properly.” “Okay,” Julian said, picking up Vivian and leaving without a backward glance. “Lock her in.” I was locked in the basement. It was dark, damp, and freezing cold. After an unknown amount of time, the door opened. Vivian walked in, carrying a small jar, a sweet smile on her face. “Hungry? Weren’t you so attached to that dog?” She lifted the lid. Inside was a pile of greyish-white powder— “Come, I’m sending you to be reunited.” My pupils constricted. Before I could react, Vivian grabbed my chin, forcing the ashes into my mouth! “Mmm… No… Don’t…” I struggled desperately, but I was too weak to resist, forced to swallow several mouthfuls. “Does it taste good?” Vivian’s smile was twisted. “This is your beloved ‘Buddy’!” Only when the jar was empty did Vivian pat her hands in satisfaction, clean up the scene, and leave. “Buddy… Buddy…” I was in unbearable agony, collapsing in dry heaves, but nothing came up. I curled up on the floor, my tears long gone, my consciousness slowly fading. A high fever made my body burn, and my wounds began to get infected. In a daze, I felt someone gently pick me up, wipe the grime from my face with a wet towel, and carefully apply medicine to the wound on my forehead. “Ellie…” A familiar voice whispered in my ear, carrying a tenderness I hadn’t heard in so long. Was it a dream? I tried hard to open my eyes, but only saw a blurry outline— Julian, his eyes red, was gently feeding me medicine. My eyelashes trembled. I didn’t dare fully open my eyes, fearing that the next second, he would simply leave. Perhaps, after all, we couldn’t completely hate each other. But love… that was also impossible now. Julian’s phone suddenly rang, breaking the oppressive silence in the room. He released the hand that was supporting me and walked aside to answer the call. On the other end, Vivian’s voice held undisguised excitement. “Julian, I… I haven’t had my period in over a month. I went to the hospital for a check-up, and do you think… we’re going to have a baby?” Her voice was soft, with a careful, hopeful tone. “I’ve already thought of names. If it’s a boy, we’ll call him Nathan Blackwood, and if it’s a girl, Naomi Blackwood. How does that sound?” Julian’s fingers tightened sharply around his phone. Nathan Blackwood. Naomi Blackwood. These names were like a blunt knife, savagely stabbing into his heart. He vaguely remembered five years ago, I had leaned against him, my eyes sparkling as I said, “Julian, how about we have two children in the future? A boy named Nathan, a girl named Naomi. That way, even when we’re old, we’ll always remember how much we loved each other now…” Back then, I had smiled so sweetly, as if our future would be forever happy. “Julian? Are you listening?” Vivian’s voice pulled him back to reality. Julian’s throat bobbed. He subconsciously replied, “Okay, those names are fine.” He paused, his voice low. “I’m coming to the hospital now.” Hanging up the phone, Julian glanced back at me, sleeping in the bed. I had opened my eyes at some point, quietly watching him, my gaze as lifeless as a dried-up well. Julian felt a strange pang in his heart. He wanted to say something, but in the end, he just turned and left. The moment the door closed, I slowly closed my eyes. How wonderful, he had new hope… And I, I could finally die. After that, Julian never came back. Until the last day of the five-year promise, I could finally die. I forced myself out of bed and called a delivery service for a bouquet of white lilies and some offerings. It had been too long since I visited my parents. After they died, Julian hated them so much that he never allowed me to mourn them. Now that I was about to die, I should at least go see them. “Where are you going?” Just as I reached the door, Julian returned, his face dark as he stared at the lilies in my hand. My voice was very soft. “One last time… let me go see them.” “Please,” I looked up, tears in my eyes, “I also want to visit your parents, too…” “You still have the nerve to mention them?!” Julian violently gripped my neck, his eyes burning with boundless hatred. “Your parents killed them, how dare you go to their graves?!” I struggled to breathe, my face slowly turning pale, but I didn’t fight back. I just looked at him silently, as if waiting for release. Julian’s heart suddenly trembled. He instinctively loosened his grip. I fell to the floor, coughing violently, a stark red mark left on my pale neck. Julian stared at me, his voice icy. “Fine. You can go to their graves.” “But you’ll go from here, crawling on your knees, step by painful step, all the way to their graves. With every kneel, you’ll shout—’I am a sinner, I deserve to die a thousand deaths!’” He leaned down, pinching my chin, his eyes full of mockery. “After all, your parents are dead. The only one left to atone… is you.” I looked at him, slowly nodding. “Okay.” The scorching sun beat down. I knelt on the burning ground, my forehead hitting the earth heavily. “I am a sinner, I deserve to die a thousand deaths!” “I am a sinner, I deserve to die a thousand deaths!” “I am a sinner, I deserve to die a thousand deaths!” My voice was hoarse, but each shout was clearer than the last. One step, one kneel, one bow. From the villa to the cemetery, a full ten kilometers. Passersby stared, some pointing, some pulling out their phones to record. But I seemed oblivious to the outside world, mechanically repeating the ritual of kneeling and bowing. My knees were raw, a bloody mess, blood seeping through my pants. My knees were worn out, the blood mixing with sweat and stinging my eyes. But I never stopped. Julian drove slowly behind me. He watched my frail figure inch forward under the blazing sun, watched the trail of blood from my knees stretch into a long red mark, watched how every bow seemed to drain all the strength from my body… His fingers unconsciously tightened on the steering wheel, veins bulging. From day to night, I finally crawled to the cemetery. My knees were a bloody mess, my forehead bore a thin crust of dried blood over the wounds. I swayed, on the verge of collapsing at any moment. But I forced myself, step by step, to Julian’s parents’ tombstone. “Sir, Madam…” My voice was hoarse. “I’m so sorry…” Again and again. Julian stood by, his eyes cold. “Do you think apologies are useful? Even if you say it a thousand, ten thousand times, it won’t bring them back. Your entire family are sinners.” I didn’t argue. I just struggled to move to my parents’ tombstone again. In the photo, my parents smiled gently, as if looking at me. I gently caressed the tombstone, tears silently falling. Dad, Mom… I’m coming to find you. What our family owed him, I’ll pay with my life. I can’t hold on anymore. Let me be free, and let him, Let himself go. After the memorial, night had fallen deep. Julian drove in silence. I sat in the passenger seat, the blood on my knees and forehead dry, my entire being like a hollow shell, as if my soul had been drained. Halfway there, Vivian’s call came in. “Julian, the test results are back, I’m pregnant!” Her voice held undisguised excitement. “The doctor said the baby is very healthy. Can you come pick me up from the hospital, please?” Julian’s fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel. He subconsciously glanced at me beside him. My gaze was empty, staring out the window, as if completely unaware of everything. “Okay, I’ll be right there,” he finally said. The car pulled over. Julian said coldly, “Go home yourself.” I didn’t respond, just quietly pushed open the car door and stepped out into the night. The car door closed, and the engine sound faded into the distance. I lowered my head to look at my phone— 00:00. The five-year term was up. I looked at the brightly lit bridge spanning the river in the distance, and suddenly smiled. These past five years, Julian and I had gone from love to hatred. I couldn’t blame him, but I couldn’t blame my parents either. No one wanted that accident to happen. Just as Julian said, between us, it was an endless cycle of suffering. Now that I was dead, everything could finally end. The night wind ruffled my long hair. I walked step by step towards the edge of the bridge. The river surface, dark as ink, mirrored the scattered city lights. It was as if another world was beckoning me. I stood by the railing, taking one last look back at the city lights. “Julian,” I whispered in my heart, “Goodbye forever.” The next second, I let go, and plunged down— “SPLASH!” The icy river instantly swallowed me. The immense impact felt like my internal organs were being crushed. Darkness, suffocation, and bone-chilling cold swept over me… But I felt an unprecedented sense of relief. Finally… freed.

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Elara Hayes found herself back at 27, reborn. She had two children, a son and a daughter, and was married to Dominic Thorne, the global billionaire. The man who consistently topped the Forbes list, was hailed by *Time* magazine as “the world’s most desirable bachelor,” and whom even the British monarchy reportedly wished to marry off their princess to. Everyone said she was incredibly lucky. Yet, the first thing she did was take a divorce agreement to his first love. She slid the papers across the table to Cassandra Sterling, her voice calm. “I want a divorce. Dominic is yours. The children are yours too.” Cassandra stared at her, stunned, unable to believe that the woman who’d occupied the “Mrs. Thorne” title for six years would suddenly give it up so willingly. Elara simply added, a faint weariness in her tone, “Since they both prefer you, I’ll grant your wishes. Just get Dominic to sign, and once the mandatory waiting period is over, I’ll leave.” This time, she refused to repeat her past mistakes. She refused to remain the invisible Mrs. Thorne, overlooked by everyone. Cassandra’s fingers unconsciously traced the rim of her coffee cup, her brow furrowed. “Elara, what game are you playing?” Elara watched the shifting expressions on Cassandra’s face, repeating calmly, “No game. I’m just fed up.” “Elara, do you have any idea how many women out there would kill for your position?” “I do.” Elara met her gaze. “Which is why I’m giving it to you.” A crack finally appeared in Cassandra’s composure. She stared at the agreement for a long time, then finally picked it up. “Alright. Since you’re so generous, I won’t refuse.” “But remember, what I get my hands on, I never let go of.” “Don’t worry,” Elara offered a small smile. “I won’t regret it. Not ever.” After all, in her previous life, she’d already tasted the bitterness of a solitary existence. Cassandra rose and moved to another table in the coffee shop. With an elegant flick of her wrist, she pulled out her phone, her fingers dancing across the screen. When the call connected, her voice instantly softened. “Dominic, I’m at the Blue Mountain Café. Can you come pick me up?” Elara sat nearby, a bitter smile playing on her lips. Once upon a time, when she called Dominic, his assistant answered nine out of ten times. Now, in less than twenty minutes, the man who was perpetually “in a meeting” appeared at the café entrance. Through the glass, Elara watched Dominic stride into the café, his broad shoulders and narrow waist accentuated by his custom-tailored black suit. Six-year-old Leo and four-year-old Mia instantly rushed to Cassandra, showering her with hugs and kisses. “Auntie Cassie!” Mia chirped sweetly, rubbing her little face against Cassandra’s arm. Dominic placed a cake box on the table, his long fingers gently pushing it toward her. “Your favorite matcha. I specifically asked the chef to go easy on the sugar.” Cassandra’s eyes lit up. “You always remember.” Elara sat in the corner, her fingers unconsciously digging into her palm. Six years of marriage, and Dominic didn’t even know her favorite flavor. Last life, when she was hospitalized and craved strawberry cake, he had his assistant buy a random one. It turned out to be mango, which she was allergic to. “What do you want for dinner tonight?” Dominic’s voice was deep. “French, or Italian?” Cassandra smiled, taking the divorce agreement from her bag. “Before that, there’s a document I’d like you to see.” She opened the agreement to the signature page. “I’ve set my sights on a villa, but I’m a bit short on liquid funds. Could you…?” Dominic took the pen, signing without even glancing at the contents. “Between us, why be so formal?” “Auntie Cassie, are you buying a new house?” Leo asked, looking up. “Dad, why don’t you buy one next door? Mia and I want to move in with Auntie Cassie. We don’t want to stay with Mom every day.” Dominic’s brow furrowed slightly, but seeing the children’s expectant faces, he relented. “Alright, I’ll buy one.” “No need for such trouble,” Cassandra quickly said. “I’ll just leave three rooms for Leo and Mia… and you. You can come and stay whenever you like.” The children cheered with delight. Mia even hugged Cassandra’s neck and gave her a kiss. “Auntie Cassie is the best! A thousand times better than Mom!” Elara’s heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, a dull ache that made it almost impossible to breathe. She saw the slight upward curve of Dominic’s lips—a gentle smile he had never once given her. Unable to watch any longer, she grabbed her bag and walked out. The moment she stepped outside, memories of her previous life flooded back. In her past life, she and Dominic had an arranged business marriage. She bore him a son and a daughter, lived to 62, but was never truly happy. All because Dominic’s heart had always belonged to his childhood sweetheart, Cassandra Sterling. After their breakup years ago, Cassandra went abroad. Dominic drowned his sorrows for a few days, but being too proud to beg her to stay, he soon agreed to his family’s arranged marriage. Dominic had been her teenage dream, as noble as a god. Every socialite in the city dreamed of marrying the head of the Thorne family. So, when she learned of their impending marriage, she was overjoyed. But after the wedding, despite pouring her entire heart into loving him, all she received was Dominic’s perpetual distance and coldness. It wasn’t until Cassandra returned home. He never mentioned divorce to Elara, yet his gaze never left Cassandra. Even worse, both children grew fond of Cassandra and gradually distanced themselves from her. In her later years, Elara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Dominic, under the guise of “quiet recuperation,” abandoned her alone in the old mansion. On her birthday, she shakily dialed her husband and children, only to learn they were with Cassandra on vacation in the Maldives. She tried to make herself a special birthday meal, but her confused memory made her forget to turn off the stove… As the flames consumed her, the last thing Elara remembered was Dominic’s icy gaze when he placed the wedding ring on her finger. She closed her eyes in agony, her sole wish being that if there was a next life, she would never again sacrifice her entire existence for him. It was late when Elara returned to the mansion. Instead of resting, she immediately began to clear out her belongings. Dominic’s suits and shirts, the children’s toys, family photos… one by one, everything was tossed into cardboard boxes. “What are you doing?” Dominic’s voice suddenly echoed behind her. Elara turned to see him standing at the doorway, holding the children’s hands, his brow deeply furrowed. “Mommy, why are you throwing away our stuff!” Mia ran over, her little face red with anger at seeing her teddy bear in a box. Leo also glared at her furiously. “We just went to play with Auntie Cassie for a bit. Do you have to be so upset?” Dominic looked at her, his gaze as cold as ever. “The children like being with Cassandra. Do you really have such a tantrum over something so trivial?” “I’m not upset,” Elara said calmly. “Liar!” Mia shrieked. “You’re just jealous of Auntie Cassie! That’s why you threw away my teddy bear. You’re a bad mommy!” “When I grow up, I’m moving in with Auntie Cassie,” Leo said, pulling his sister’s hand, his voice venomous. “I’ll never come back to see you!” Dominic didn’t stop the children’s shouting. He merely frowned slightly, his deep eyes briefly sweeping over Elara. His gaze was like that of someone looking at an unreasonable stranger. “Enough.” His thin lips parted, his deep voice carrying an inherent air of nobility. His long fingers absently adjusted his cuff links. “I have a video conference for the board. Throw whatever you want, just don’t make a scene.” The moment the door closed, Elara’s tears finally fell. Her heart felt torn to shreds, every breath tasting of blood. She wiped away her tears, looked at the mess around her, and suddenly laughed. Don’t worry, she wouldn’t bother him. Not for the rest of her life. From the moment the divorce agreement was signed, Elara stopped managing the household. She no longer woke up at five in the morning to prepare nutritious breakfasts for the children. She no longer waited up for Dominic to return from his late-night engagements to make him a hangover remedy. All the chores she once considered her duty were now left to the housekeepers. At first, no one noticed anything amiss. Until Leo was late for school and reprimanded by his teacher, Mia couldn’t find her homework, and Dominic’s pocket watch stopped ticking. The housekeepers fumbled around, yet could never meet the standards of the lady of the house. Unwashed dishes piled up in the kitchen, children’s toys lay scattered in the living room, and the ironed shirts were never quite smooth enough. The once meticulously organized home gradually descended into chaos. When Dominic pushed open the bedroom door, Elara was leaning by the window, reading. Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled patterns on her. “How long are you going to keep this up?” He stood at the doorway, his voice low. Elara closed her book, looking up at him. “I’m not ‘keeping anything up.’” “Then why aren’t you managing the household anymore?” He took a few steps closer, the subtle, expensive scent of his cologne filling the air. “Are you still upset about what happened last time?” “I’m not upset.” She placed the book aside. “I just don’t want to anymore.” Dominic narrowed his eyes, his long fingers lightly tapping the tabletop. “Reason.” “I’m tired,” she said calmly. “We have housekeepers. I don’t need to do it.” She remembered her previous life, waking before dawn every day. Dominic’s coffee had to be exactly 185°F, his sandwiches toasted golden and crispy. The children’s clothes had to be hand-washed, even their socks ironed flat. But what had it all been for? For Dominic’s tenderness towards Cassandra, for the children’s closeness to “Auntie Cassie,” for her lonely death on her sixty-second birthday. “Elara.” His voice turned cold. “If you’re having a tantrum, just say so. Don’t act like a three-year-old.” She tugged at the corner of her lips. “I’m not having a tantrum. I just want to rest.” Before the words fully left her mouth, the door was suddenly flung open. Leo and Mia burst in, their small faces etched with fury. “Mommy’s too lazy!” Mia shrieked. “We want Auntie Cassie to take care of us!” Leo echoed, “Auntie Cassie is gentler than you, more diligent than you, a million times better than you!” Dominic’s gaze remained fixed on Elara’s face, as if waiting for her to concede. But she simply took a deep breath and said softly, “If you think she’s so great, then invite her to stay. I have no objections.” The air instantly froze. Dominic’s face darkened completely. “Are you sure?” Elara took another deep breath. “Absolutely.” “Dad, let’s go!” Mia eagerly tugged on Dominic’s sleeve. “I want Auntie Cassie to come over right now!” “With Auntie Cassie, we don’t need you anymore!” Leo made a face at Elara. “Go away! Leave this house!” Dominic gave Elara one last look. Seeing her still unmoved, he turned and strode out with the children. Elara stood rooted to the spot, listening to the sound of the car engine fading into the distance, and gently closed her eyes. Soon, she would grant their wish. To leave them completely, to leave this home. The day Cassandra moved in, she immediately directed the housekeepers to redecorate the living room. “This sofa set is too somber,” she said, her slender fingers lightly brushing the leather. She turned to Dominic with a soft smile. “Dominic, how about we get a cream-colored one?” Dominic didn’t bat an eye, simply instructing Mrs. Gable, “Do as Ms. Sterling says.” Elara stood at the top of the stairs, watching the workers carry out the sofa she had carefully chosen just six months prior. Leo and Mia trailed behind Cassandra like two excited puppies, pointing and exclaiming, “Auntie Cassie, this cushion needs to go too! Mommy’s was so ugly!” Cassandra gently stroked their heads. “Alright, we’ll change everything.” Elara’s fingers tightened slightly, but then quickly relaxed. Those cushions were ones she had painstakingly sewn stitch by stitch during her pregnancy, stuffed with hypoallergenic down because the children had sensitive skin when they were little. Now, they were unceremoniously tossed into the trash. Over the next few days, the house grew increasingly unfamiliar. At the dining table, Cassandra sat in Elara’s usual spot, gently serving the children. Dominic would occasionally pour her a cup of coffee himself, his long fingers gently pushing it toward her, his eyes holding a softness Elara had never received. In the evenings, the living room lights would dim, and the four of them would crowd onto the sofa to watch movies. Mia would be curled in Cassandra’s lap, Leo leaning against Dominic’s shoulder, their laughter echoing through the room. When Elara walked past, they wouldn’t even glance at her, as if she were invisible. Even more absurd, Dominic, Leo, and Mia had once been meticulously particular about their quality of life. But now? She watched Cassandra casually toss his multi-million dollar Patek Philippe watch face down on the coffee table, and he just indulgently let her; she watched the children happily wear their school uniforms, thrown into the washing machine by Cassandra, with yesterday’s sauce still clinging to the collars; she watched Cassandra pour takeout onto plates and claim she cooked it, and no one ever called her out. Even more ridiculously, they doted on Cassandra as if she were a princess. “Cassandra, don’t bother with these chores.” Dominic stopped Cassandra as she reached for the tea set, his long fingers gently pressing on her wrist. “Your hands are meant for playing the piano.” “Auntie Cassie, I’ll get your bag!” Leo eagerly took Cassandra’s limited-edition handbag, an obsequious look on his face Elara had never seen directed at herself. “Ms. Sterling simply needs to rest,” Mrs. Gable respectfully offered a pair of Italian handmade slippers. “Leave everything else to us.” How ironic. She had been a housekeeper in this home for six years, and they hadn’t noticed. But Cassandra, upon arrival, became the center of their world, a princess adored by all. The housekeepers, too, whispered amongst themselves. “Mr. Thorne is so good to Ms. Sterling. I’ve never seen him treat the Mrs. like this.” “The children are so attached to her. I think, this house will have a new mistress sooner or later!” Elara was already heartbroken and indifferent, managing nothing, simply packing her own belongings in silence. Until that afternoon, her phone suddenly vibrated wildly. “Mrs. Hayes! The young master and young lady had an allergic reaction at school! The ambulance just took them to the hospital!” When Elara arrived at the hospital, both children had already been rushed into the emergency room. Dominic stood in the hallway, his suit jacket casually draped over his arm, his tie loose around his neck, his eyes burning with cold fury. “Elara.” His voice was low, filled with suppressed anger. “What exactly have you been doing?” Elara froze. “What?” “They’re allergic to mango, didn’t you know?” Dominic stepped closer, his tall figure looming over her. “Why did you let them drink mango juice?” “It wasn’t me!” Elara met his gaze. “I never buy mangoes for the house.” Ever since the children were first hospitalized for mango allergy, she had been extremely careful, repeatedly cautioning everyone not to give them mangoes, even personally reviewing the school cafeteria menu. How could she possibly make such a basic mistake? “Not you?” Dominic sneered. “Then who? The housekeepers? Or did they try to kill themselves?” Elara opened her mouth, about to speak, when a nurse pushed open the door. “The children are awake.” Inside the ward, Leo and Mia lay pale on their hospital beds. Seeing them enter, their eyes flickered. “What happened?” Dominic asked in a low voice. The two children exchanged a glance, then suddenly pointed at Elara. “It was Mommy! She bought snacks with mango in them!” Elara froze, looking at them in disbelief. “What are you saying?” “It was Mommy!” Mia cried, her voice choked with tears. “She knew we were allergic, but she still deliberately fed it to us!” Leo nodded emphatically. “She’s so mean!” Elara’s fingers gripped the doorframe tightly, her knuckles white. “Leo, Mia, do you know what you’re saying? You’d better tell the truth right now!” “Enough!” Dominic abruptly stood up, grabbing her wrist, his grip so strong it felt like he was about to crush her bones. “Elara, is this how you mother? Not only harming them, but forcing them to lie?” “I didn’t…” Elara’s voice trembled slightly. “Are you trying to say they’re framing you?” He scoffed. “How old are they? If they can’t even take responsibility for that, do you deserve to be a mother?” The two children suddenly burst into tears. Dominic immediately released her and turned to comfort them. But they cried even harder, their small faces turning red. “Daddy…” Mia whimpered. “We feel so bad…” “What can I do to make you feel better?” Dominic asked softly, gently wiping away her tears. Leo, his eyes red, looked at Elara. “She’s allergic to mangoes too. Make her drink mango juice! Make her suffer too!” A chill spread through Elara’s heart. She looked at Dominic, the coldness in his eyes making her shiver. “Alright.” He straightened up, snapped his fingers, and two bodyguards immediately entered the room. “Hold her down.” Before Elara could react, she was pinned to a chair. A bodyguard pinched her chin, forcing her mouth open. A liter of mango juice was poured down her throat. The sweet, cloying liquid choked her, and she coughed violently, her throat burning. Red rashes appeared on her skin at a visible pace, her face began to swell, and breathing became increasingly difficult. She clawed desperately at her neck, her vision blurring, as she looked towards Dominic. He stood there, watching with cold indifference, showing no intention of stopping them. The children had stopped crying, excitedly clapping their hands. “Serves her right! She deserves to suffer too!” Before darkness fully enveloped her, the last thing Elara saw was Dominic’s icy gaze. … Elara woke up in a hospital bed, an unknown amount of time later. Her throat burned, and her face was still covered in allergic rashes.

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“I need you to fake a private jet crash for me. A way out. A clean break from Julian Blackwood.” My best friend, Chloe, looked like her jaw was about to unhinge. She probably thought she was hallucinating. It was the same shock I’d felt when they announced Julian and I were getting married. A poor girl from a forgotten town, an heir from one of the city’s most powerful families—they were worlds apart. Nobody ever imagined they’d end up together. People gossiped, of course. Some whispered Julian was just looking for a new thrill. Others speculated I was nothing more than a stand-in for some ‘unattainable first love’ he couldn’t have. There were even rumors he’d married me on a dare. But after three years of marriage, Julian Blackwood proved them all wrong. He showed that there was no other reason for our wedding, except for his insane love for me. And he loved me to the point of madness. Julian fell for me at first sight and launched a relentless pursuit. Beyond showering me with gifts, he donated hundreds of millions to major charities in my name, and built elementary schools across the globe, all uniformly named ‘Anya’s School.’ He wanted everyone in the world to know me, to appreciate me, so if I ever faced trouble, countless hands would reach out to help. To spend more time with me, he joined me in my odd jobs: catering, handing out flyers, sorting packages… This pampered heir, who’d never even washed his own clothes, gritted his teeth and worked by my side for two whole years. The slender hands that once played the violin were now calloused and rough. That unwavering sincerity finally won me over. But the gap between our families was immense, and his parents absolutely forbade our relationship. To get their approval, he endured countless family punishments, physical ones that left him bruised and battered, even whip marks on his back. When he realized that wasn’t working, he simply gave up all his inheritance, striking out on his own to build an empire from scratch. No one was going to dictate his choices in love. His friends in the elite circles thought he’d completely lost his mind. This brilliant, sharp man, throwing away a fortune he couldn’t spend in ten lifetimes, all for one woman. His family had no choice but to finally agree to our marriage. After we married, he replaced all his staff with men. Even though I never asked him to, he meticulously reported his every move, installed a GPS tracker, even, just so I could check up on him. Online, people raved about our ‘fairy tale love,’ calling it the ultimate win for true romantics. Our ‘couple’s popularity’ skyrocketed, eclipsing even major celebrities. But no one, except for me, knew that this perfect husband had secretly fathered twins with another woman and built a second family behind my back. When I found out, the pain ripped through me so violently I felt like I was choking on my own heart, and then everything went black. Hearing the news, Julian canceled a multi-million-dollar deal and rushed back home, staying by my side for two days and nights without rest. When I woke up, he was there, watching over me with a worried expression, warming the IV fluid in his hand before it reached me. “You’re awake? You scared the hell out of me.” Julian pressed my hand to his face, looking on the verge of tears. He’d faced down armed men in business deals without batting an eye, but the news of my illness made his legs turn to jelly. Looking at his eyes, brimming with worry and anxiety, my heart felt like it was being torn to shreds. The love in his eyes was undeniable; he truly loved me. But did this man, who loved me so genuinely, look at Seraphina the same way? Whisper those same sweet nothings to her? Seraphina was the woman he cheated with, his childhood friend. When news of Julian pursuing me got out, Seraphina led a group to bully me at school. She’d then harassed me at my part-time jobs, ruining several of them, and even hired thugs to humiliate me. Julian caught them red-handed when he came to confess his feelings. He utterly disregarded their long-standing family ties, bankrupting Seraphina’s family without a second thought. If his mother hadn’t intervened, he would have ruined her life completely, maybe even worse. So, if I hadn’t seen those disgusting videos and the DNA test results with my own eyes, I would never have believed Julian cheated, let alone that the children were already a year old. I closed my eyes and turned away, tears streaming down my face, soaking a large patch of the pillow. Julian didn’t notice my tears, thinking I was just tired. “Anya, the doctor just checked you and found out you’re two months pregnant! We’re going to have our own baby!” The usually cold and dignified man was now as giddy as a child. “Our anniversary is in five days, and now you’re pregnant! It’s like double the celebration!” My eyes shot open. When I was a child, my father had thrown me into an icy river, causing injuries that many doctors said would make it impossible for me to ever conceive. Because of this, Julian’s parents, already not thrilled with me, had given me the cold shoulder more than once. I had tolerated it because they were Julian’s parents, but Julian refused to see me suffer for his sake. He’d declared, “Anya is the woman I love. Her choosing to be with me is a blessing I earned in a past life. If you dare give her any grief over this baby issue, then we’ll cut ties completely, and you’ll never see me again.” I gently touched my belly, unable to hold back the sobs that wracked my body. This baby… why now? Why couldn’t you have come at a different time? Julian pulled me into his arms, murmuring softly. “Why are you crying all of a sudden? Who upset you? Your husband will make them pay.” But at that moment, I smelled a faint, unfamiliar perfume on him, mixed with the distinct smell of baby formula. I shoved Julian away and leaned over the bed, vomiting. Julian thought it was morning sickness and instinctively cupped his hands beneath my chin, unafraid of me throwing up on him. He looked at me with worry. Of course, he was happy I was pregnant, but he’d been with Seraphina throughout her pregnancy and childbirth. He knew how much women suffered through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. I stared at Julian, stunned. I knew how much he hated anything dirty, yet he was willing to do this for me. He even hand-washed all my clothes and shoes, always. He’d given me three years of his wholehearted love, and I had done the same. I truly couldn’t imagine life without him. For a moment, I almost threw all my principles out the window. If Julian would just cut ties with Seraphina, maybe we could go back to how things were. But the next moment, he received a text, said there was an urgent company matter, and hurried off. Half an hour later, Seraphina sent me a photo. In it, Julian was holding the twins, leaning down to kiss their foreheads. That single photo shattered all my illusions. After leaving the hospital, I went to Chloe, asking her to fake a private jet crash for me. Because I knew Julian. He would never agree to a divorce, never let me go. He would simply lose his mind. After returning from Chloe’s, I immediately booked an abortion appointment in another state. The Blackwood family had eyes and ears everywhere, extremely powerful. If I stayed in this city, Julian would know before I even made it to the operating table.

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My credit card had been maxed out. Someone had stolen my identity. I called the police. Mid-way through giving my statement at the police station, I saw my husband, Rhys Davies, who was supposed to be away on a business trip. Trailing behind him, face flushed crimson, was Lila Stone – his first love. “Aria, is this how you waste police resources?” A withdrawal of charges statement was slapped onto the table by Rhys. “Just sign it, quickly. I don’t have time to argue with you about this nonsense.” I looked at the amount displayed on the statement—it was equivalent to three years of Rhys’s salary. I smiled. “You want me to sign it?” “Fine,” I said, meeting the smug, assured faces of Rhys and his first love. I picked up the statement. “Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness.” “Grovel at my feet.” “You missed a step.” My voice dropped, icy. “No deal.” My lawyer, who had come with me, immediately spoke up. “According to the law, fraudulently using someone else’s credit card for over $50,000 constitutes a felony—” “Enough!” Rhys brutally interrupted my lawyer, then turned, his eyes burning into me. “Aria! We’re married! Don’t make this ugly. If you push me, *you’ll* be the one regretting it, not me!” Lila, Rhys’s first love, immediately burst into tears. “Aria, I know you resent me and Rhys being together for three years. I know my presence makes you uncomfortable, but you have to be reasonable. Rhys and I met and were together first. Just because you married him doesn’t mean you can cut off all his ties with me.” Lila’s voice was choked with sobs, yet it cut through the air, sharp as a blade. “My son needed to get into a good school, and I couldn’t afford the tuition! That’s why I asked Rhys for help! Do you think I *wanted* to use your credit card? Do you think I felt good about it? It was humiliating for me too, okay?” Lila cried, her eyes red. “Before I came here with Rhys, do you know where I was? Trying to enroll my son in school! Now, the whole school knows I’m a credit card fraudster! Are you happy now?” Lila screamed the last sentence, then crumpled into Rhys’s arms. He gently stroked her back, comforting her. “It’s okay.” “I’m right here.” “As long as I’m here, I won’t let anyone mess with you or the kid,” Rhys said, still soothing Lila but not forgetting to warn me. “Aria, do you see? Even a sweet, gentle person like Lila has been driven to this by you! I advise you to sign the damn papers and clear things up with Lila. Tell everyone this was just a misunderstanding! Otherwise, how will she and her son ever live this down?” I looked at Rhys’s self-righteous, indignant face. I remembered when I first found out my credit card was stolen. I’d even wondered if something terrible had happened to Rhys. After all, Rhys hadn’t been home for a while, always claiming he was handling some big project out of town. Even for our anniversary, all I got was a cold, terse text: ‘Happy Anniversary, Wife.’ No gift. No call. He just disappeared for the entire day. Now, seeing Rhys stand there, defending another woman, I finally realized all my worries were for nothing. And if that’s the case, why should I care about his ‘face’? I walked over to Rhys, grabbed Lila’s hair, and slapped her hard. As Lila shrieked, I raised my hand again, delivering a stinging slap across Rhys’s face. I then declared, “Now, I’m not just dealing with credit card fraud.” I turned to my lawyer. “I want to accuse my husband of possible bigamy, of having another family and even an illegitimate child behind my back.”

“As for the credit card fraud,” I sneered, “since they refuse to admit their wrongdoing, we’ll proceed strictly according to the rules.” My lawyer, following my instructions, noted all my demands and was about to approach the police, but Rhys blocked his path. “Aria!” Rhys stood in front of my lawyer, his eyes like daggers, fixed on me. “Are you out of your mind? Bigamy? An illegitimate child? Do you have *any idea* how much damage your words are doing to me and Lila?” “And you,” Rhys said, looking at my lawyer with disgust. “How much did Aria pay you to do her dirty work? Do you know I’m her husband? Every penny she spends is our joint marital property! You’re using *my* money to sue *me*? Are you really that naive?” Lila, too, joined Rhys in shoving and pushing my lawyer. “How dare you sue me!” “I’ll sue Aria for assault!” Lila cried, clutching half her face, staring at me. “Don’t blame Rhys for not liking you! You’re so domineering, no man wants a woman like that! You deserve to be alone forever!” Listening to Lila’s commentary, and seeing Rhys’s fleeting flicker of guilt, I understood everything. Behind my back, this is how Rhys described me. If that’s the case, why should I put myself through any more trouble? I smiled at Lila, then looked at Rhys and nodded earnestly. “You’ve got a point.” Rhys thought Lila had convinced me. He was about to speak. “You—” But I cut him off. “After all, I’m not a morally bankrupt person like you,” I said, changing my tone. “I’m not the kind of person who’d step over their morals even if they were lying on the ground.” I pointed to my face. “If you want to sue, go ahead!” “But for now,” I smiled, “enjoy your fifteen days in lockup and the hefty compensation bill.” After all. Buying a house for Lila’s son’s schooling. If he had to pay that back, it would practically kill Rhys. I walked out of the police station and got into Finn Hayes’ car. The car radio was playing a breakup song, the singer crooning, “Happy breakup, wish you happiness, you can find someone better.” Finn handed me a green hat, asking, “Like it?” I looked at the green hat in my lap, a bitter laugh escaping me. I slapped Finn on the head. “Drive, unless you have a death wish.” I sat in the two-bedroom condo Rhys had bought for Lila. Inside the house. The layout was cozy, with a family portrait hanging in the living room: Rhys with his arm around Lila and a child. The kid, Leo, was probably at school right now, oblivious to the fact that both his parents were cooling their heels in jail. From the bills in the living room, I saw Rhys’s expenses for Lila over the past few years. From a single dollar to hundreds, then thousands, tens of thousands, and even hundreds of thousands. The figures were staggering. I remembered that in our three years of marriage, Rhys and I were often apart. He’d always use that line: “I want to be worthy of you.” This excuse stifled all my simmering resentment about our lukewarm relationship. Then, I noticed a USB drive in the TV stand drawer. In bold, block letters, it read: [Rhys Davies x Lila Stone]. I inserted the USB drive into the projector. The timeline on the screen showed last year. It was Thanksgiving weekend. My parents and I had waited for Rhys all day at our family estate. He finally showed up, festive treats in hand, apologizing about being too busy, hoping we weren’t mad. Now, watching the projected content from the USB drive, I felt as if I’d been plunged into an ice bath.

In the video, Rhys was on one knee before Lila, a bouquet of flowers in his hand, his eyes red. “All the romantic gestures I never gave you back then,” he choked out, “I’m giving it to you now.” “This house is my ultimate proof of love for you.” The background was this very house, packed with Rhys’s family. Everyone was saying, “Rhys finally caught a break.” “Seriously!” “Rhys has been through so much these past few years, living with *that woman* just to give Lila a home.” “Lila’s so lucky, so loved by Rhys. Even though he doesn’t love *that other woman*, he was willing to ‘sleep next to her’ just for the money, all for Lila.” Lila cried, her eyes red, and nodded, saying she accepted. Then, a tear-jerking kiss, a moment that moved everyone, ended with Leo’s delighted cheers. I finally understood why, even when Rhys and I were in the throes of passion, he was always so controlled. And when I brought up having a child, he’d just give me this vague, distant look. “Aria.” “We’re still young. We have plenty of time to think about kids. But your family is so powerful, so wealthy. I don’t want to just be seen as a kept man. I want people to talk about me and make you proud.” On that Thanksgiving weekend, Rhys had come home smelling of strange perfume. I wasn’t oblivious, but Rhys would always explain, “It’s just a client’s wife’s perfume. If you don’t like it, I’ll drop the deal.” Rhys was a master of disguise, and he’d protected Lila so well. Even when I knew of Lila’s existence, he’d just tell me, “If it weren’t for Lila, I wouldn’t know how to love.” “They say a woman who helps a man grow up often gets replaced by a later one. I never believed it before.” Rhys held me in his arms. “But now, I’m truly grateful for my ex. Without her, how would I have learned to appreciate such a wonderful wife.” It was all a trap. All deliberate. My fingertips went numb, and even in the blazing summer heat, shivers ran down my spine. Finn, who was sitting beside me, hadn’t dared to utter a sound until the video ended, when he gently patted my shoulder. My body reacted instinctively. I pushed Finn away and rushed to the toilet, throwing up until my head spun. As I reached for a tissue, I noticed that even the tissues were the same brand I used. I remembered someone asking Rhys at the end of the video: “Aria won’t really find out, will she?” “She’s so sensitive and suspicious.” But Rhys was utterly confident. “I’ve covered every angle. She won’t find a single flaw.” Everything—from the tissues and toiletries to the pillowcases and kitchenware—was identical to mine. Even the skincare products and perfume on the vanity were my brand. Every detail was meticulously copied, as if Rhys were truly living, loving, and marrying the same person. No wonder I never suspected anything. I thought of Lila at the police station—her hair color was *exactly* like mine. Identical. It sent a chill down my spine, but then a soft jacket was draped over my shoulders. “Have you figured out what you’re going to do?” I turned, meeting Finn’s unusually concerned gaze, and squeezed out a smile. “Of course.” My mom always said if you get hit, you hit back. If someone wrongs you, you make them feel worse. I wasn’t raised to quietly endure. My education was always about fighting fire with fire. I grabbed the deeds to this house, listed it online for 70% below market value, with one condition. The buyer had to be aggressive. Ruthless. Then, I had Finn use his connections to apply pressure, launching a full investigation into Lila’s son’s school enrollment. After that, I arranged for hair samples from Rhys and Leo to be used for a DNA paternity test.

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After marrying billionaire Alex Thorne, he gave his heart to me, but his fortune to his childhood flame, Sera Maxwell. “You claim to like me? How am I supposed to know you’re not just a gold-digger?” “For three years, I won’t give you a single penny. I want you to prove yourself!” I never wanted Alex’s money, so I stubbornly set out to prove him wrong. For three long years, I worked three jobs, doing food deliveries under scorching 104-degree heat. To save every penny, when I gave birth to Leo, I couldn’t even afford an epidural. Until our wedding anniversary, when Leo was bullied by Sera Maxwell’s son, simply because we were poor. Caleb was shielded by Alex, with his soft skin, fancy clothes, and extravagant lifestyle. Alex, without question, took his side, no matter what. And Leo? He was bruised and miserable, huddled in my arms like a frightened kitten. That’s when it hit me. “Today is the last day. Mr. Thorne, let’s get a divorce.” Alex stared at me for a moment after I spoke, silent. Then, a scoff escaped his lips: “Divorce? You can actually bring yourself to do it?” “You’ve endured three years of hardship. Tomorrow, you’ll be the undisputed Mrs. Thorne, with a twenty-million-dollar monthly allowance. You’re really going to throw away such a good life.” “All because of this minor incident, you want a divorce?” I ignored him, lowering my head to gently blow on Leo’s wounds. He’d been pushed to the ground, his knees and arms scraped raw and bloody. The large dabs of antiseptic made the wounds look even more gruesome. Leo didn’t cry. He bit back his tears, as if he’d grown used to such injustice. It tore at my heart even more. I looked up and saw the culprit, shielded behind Alex. My anger flared, completely uncontrollable: “This isn’t a minor incident! You saw the security footage, Alex. Your own child was beaten, yet you’re protecting someone else’s! Alex Thorne, do you have any heart at all?!” I rarely lost my temper. My sudden outburst seemed to startle Alex. The atmosphere grew tense, bordering on hostile. And right then, Sera Maxwell stepped in to smooth things over. “Children are so young, what do they know? Caleb already realizes he was wrong. I apologize to your Leo on his behalf, Aria.” “Aria, please don’t be angry.” I looked at Caleb, clinging to Sera’s hand, still making defiant faces at us. He didn’t look sorry in the slightest. My face darkened, and I didn’t accept her apology: “He made the mistake, he should apologize himself. As his mother, you can’t do it for him.” Sera was used to her fragile act. At my slight harshness, her lips instantly drooped, and tears welled up. She turned to Alex: “Alex…” Alex was already annoyed by my outburst, and seeing Sera’s tears made him even angrier. He snapped at me: “Enough! Kids play rough, bumps and scrapes happen. Why are you making such a big deal out of a child’s antics?” “Besides, Sera has already apologized. Don’t be so relentless.” Before I could retort. Leo, in my arms, spoke up first. “Dad, why do you always take Caleb’s side? You saw it! Caleb called Mom names first. I couldn’t stand it, so I went to get the teacher. He aggressively pushed me, and I didn’t even push back.” “Dad, do you… do you not love me?” The raw disappointment in my child’s innocent eyes stung Alex. He instinctively moved forward to offer a few comforting words, but Caleb, from behind him, grabbed onto his leg. “You’re only just figuring that out?!” “Everyone in our class knows Mr. Thorne doesn’t like you, you little beggar son. Even my mom says it! Your mom’s a beggar, and you’re a little beggar. Beggars like you don’t belong in the same school as me, and you and your mom will be kicked out of the Thorne mansion eventually!” “Then Mom and I can move in and live a good life…” Caleb’s words were cut short. Sera’s hand shot out, smacking him hard on the back of his head. “Caleb Maxwell, what nonsense are you spewing?! Apologize to Leo right now!” Caleb opened his mouth to cry and throw a tantrum, but Sera shot him a warning glance. With tears still streaming, he reluctantly walked over to us, sniffling as he mumbled: “Leo Thorne, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you or made fun of you and your mom.” Leo glanced at him, softly responded: “It’s okay.” Then he buried his face back in my arms, his voice muffled: “Mom, I don’t want to go to school here anymore.” “It’s really expensive, and Dad doesn’t give us money, so you work so hard, Mom. The other kids here don’t like me either.” Leo’s words broke my heart. I stroked his head, comforting him in a low voice: “Alright, then we won’t study here. I’ll arrange your transfer later.” The bell rang for class. The incident was over, and the two children were led back to their classrooms by the teacher. Perhaps Leo’s words had stirred a rare warmth in Alex’s heart today. As he was leaving, he offered to give me a ride. “Don’t take the bus. It’s hot; I’ll drive you.” The man leaned out of his million-dollar luxury car. According to my previous mindset, I should have refused, should have continued to wait for the bus under the scorching sun. To prove to Alex that I wasn’t a gold-digger. But I looked down at myself, still wearing my worn-out delivery uniform, and remembered Leo’s faded sneakers. Meanwhile, Sera in the passenger seat was impeccably dressed, and Caleb was covered in designer brands. The stubborn lump in my throat suddenly dissolved. Alex, proving anything didn’t matter anymore. Love did. I pulled open the car door, something I’d never done before, and got in. Alex raised an eyebrow in surprise, letting out a soft laugh: “Not playing hard to get anymore? I knew it. With the three years up, and twenty million a month starting tomorrow, how could you bear to leave me?” “Alright, where am I taking you?” I looked at Alex, my voice calm: “To the courthouse. We’re filing for divorce.”

Alex’s pupils widened slightly. He thought I was just throwing a tantrum, and a furious laugh escaped him. “Fine, fine, fine! Don’t you dare regret this!” I said nothing, staying silent the entire ride. We quietly completed all the paperwork. It wasn’t until we walked out of the courthouse that I slowly spoke: “In thirty days, we’ll come back to finalize the divorce. I’ll go home and pack; Leo and I will be leaving later.” Before Alex could respond, I flagged down a taxi and left. Sera, standing nearby, seized the opportunity to fan the flames: “Alex, don’t chase her. It’s probably good for Aria to cool down. Once that twenty million allowance hits her account tomorrow, someone who’s lived such a hard life will surely never be able to leave. But for her to constantly bring up divorce, even forcing you to come here…” “It’s truly ungrateful of her!” Alex coldly glanced at Sera’s hand clutching his arm. He pulled away, his eyes narrowed as he warned: “Stay out of my business with Aria.” “Grandpa has old ties with your family, which is why he asked me to look after you and Caleb. So, stay in your lane. I told you before: you can try to ‘test’ or ‘provoke’ Aria and Leo all you want, but don’t you dare touch my son. I don’t want to hear Caleb say those things again.” “Otherwise, I’ll pull all my investments from Maxwell Enterprises.” Sera was furious, but she still had to maintain her pitiful facade: “Alex, don’t think that of me. Kids say silly things, they don’t mean it. I was just worried that Aria was a gold-digger and wanted to help you test her. I won’t do it again.” “Speaking of Grandpa, could you drop me off at the old mansion? We can have dinner with him.” Alex ignored her, getting straight into his car: “It’s not on my way. I’m going back to the office.” “It’s hard to get a cab near the school, that’s why you asked me to give you a ride. This is downtown; you can handle yourself.” He floored the gas pedal. Sera could only watch the receding taillights, fuming. After some thought, Sera finally dialed her phone: “Hello, Grandpa, it’s Sera. Do you know, Aria suddenly filed for divorce! And she said she’s taking Leo with her!” “She’s trying to keep you from seeing your grandson, trying to threaten the Thorne family…” Alex’s car stopped at the last traffic light near his office, watching the countdown. He inexplicably thought of our marriage, now counting down its final thirty days. We definitely wouldn’t divorce. Both my son and I loved him fiercely, enduring three years of hardship without a word of leaving. But then he remembered Leo’s disappointed eyes and my utterly cold expression at the courthouse entrance. The more Alex thought about it, the more agitated he became, a strange panic slowly rising within him. He slammed his fist on the steering wheel in frustration, then turned the car around, heading home to find me. When Alex returned, I was tossing our wedding photos into a box. Calling them wedding photos was generous; they were just selfies taken with a veil. Because we had no money, I couldn’t afford proper wedding photos. I bought a cheap veil for a few bucks on Wish, then dragged Alex to take a quick selfie in front of the courthouse. In the photo, Alex’s face was stone-cold, and even though he seemed reluctant, he obediently let me rest my head on his shoulder for the shot. Later, when he saw that awkward photo hanging on the wall, he didn’t say anything. I thought then that Alex loved me. But his love was tinged with doubt and suspicion, and I just needed to try harder to make him believe. So later, no matter how much I suffered, a glance at that photo was enough to make me endure it all. I reached out, gently touching Alex’s face in the photo. “I knew you couldn’t let me go.” “Aria, let’s withdraw the divorce application.”

*Thud.* The moment Alex spoke, I dropped the photo into the box. I frowned, looking at him: “Why are you back so early?” “Didn’t the teacher say you took Caleb to the old mansion to see Grandpa?” My words caught Alex off guard. I looked at the empty space behind Alex and immediately realized something. I called the teacher, and after my repeated questioning, the teacher reluctantly revealed the truth: “It was… it was Mr. Thorne Sr. He took the child.” “He told us not to tell you, and said Leo would never live with you again.” No way! Leo was my entire world. I didn’t care about anything else now. I told Alex to drive me to the old mansion. When I arrived, Leo was crying pitifully. “I want my mom, I want to go home. Grandpa, she’s not my mom!” Grandpa Thorne pressed Leo into Sera’s arms: “This is your home.” “What’s so good about that mother of yours? She’s so common, so petty. She only married Alex for his money.” “Grandpa will get you a new mom. Sera is educated and gentle. She’ll not only be good to you, but she’ll also nurture you. You’ll have a bright future!” I rushed forward, pulled Leo out, and hugged him, whispering reassurances. Then I looked up, glaring fiercely at Grandpa Thorne: “Leo is my son! No one can take him from me!” “Grandpa Thorne, aren’t you going too far?!” Grandpa Thorne had always looked down on me, and now he felt it was beneath him to even speak to me. He simply looked at Alex, his face cold, and commanded: “Get rid of her. Give her some money and send her away. Consider it compensation for her youth and for having a child these past few years.” “If Sera hadn’t told me you two were fighting about divorce, I wouldn’t have known!” “Let me tell you, I’ve seen countless women like her. She’s ‘demanding a divorce’ now, but it’s just a tactic to use the child’s custody to extort money from you, endlessly!” Alex shot Sera a furious glare. Then he turned to his grandfather, trying to explain: “We’re just having a small disagreement, Grandpa. Aria isn’t like that.” Grandpa Thorne only grew more impassioned: “Not like that? Not like that, then why did you ‘test’ her for three years? You still doubted her, didn’t you?” “Alex, you don’t love her, you just pity her. If that’s the case, don’t let this woman monopolize the Mrs. Thorne title. Leo stays, and you give her some money for a divorce.” “I’m your father, I wouldn’t harm you. Listen to me!” The bodyguards on the side stepped forward, ready to snatch Leo from me. I looked at Alex, tears streaming down my face: “Alex, say something!” “These three years of marriage, am I a gold-digger or not? Don’t you know, deep down?” “I was sincere with you, and even more so with Leo!” Alex remained silent. He still doubted me. I stared at him in disbelief, my heart aching as if it had been ripped from my chest. “You… you still don’t believe me after all this time?” “These three years, have I spent a single penny of your money, Alex Thorne? Even when I gave birth to Leo, I couldn’t afford an epidural, so I endured the pain without it. Delivering packages, cleaning offices—I literally let my dignity be trampled on for those jobs. Yet I never once reached out to you for help.” “Alex Thorne, you truly have no heart.” I didn’t want to say anything more. I took Leo and turned to leave. The bodyguards weren’t thugs. The child was small; if anything happened, Grandpa Thorne would surely blame them. Just as I was about to walk out the front door. Sera’s startled cry suddenly came from behind me. “Oh no, Grandpa Thorne fell!” Although I didn’t like Grandpa Thorne, he was still an elder. I held Leo and accompanied him all the way to the hospital. I just didn’t expect that the mess he’d caused by falling would have to be repaid with my son’s blood.

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I was eighteen when Damon Blackwood stormed into my house and stabbed my father eighteen times. As the police led him away, he smiled into the camera. “Why would I regret it? “No beast will ever again hide behind the guise of family to torment her. “From now on, she’s the freest woman in the world, Sera Maxwell!” When he got out of prison, he found me broke, my resume rejected again. He extinguished his cigarette. He plunged himself into the city’s elite circles, clawing his way up until he became Mr. Blackwood. After we married, every single one of his passwords was my birthday. I scrolled through his photo album, seeing pictures of a strange woman. Over eighteen hundred photos, and not a single one of them was me. He seemed to remember then. Without a flicker of emotion, he deleted all eighteen hundred pictures and tossed his phone back to me. “It’s all in the past. Just pretend you didn’t see it.” I pushed the divorce papers across the table. “I told you, sign them.” He threw down his pen. “I told you, there’s no divorce between us. Only widowhood.” … Damon Blackwood didn’t sign. Between us, there was only widowhood, no divorce. We’d said those words when we got married. He didn’t even look at the divorce papers before storming out, slamming the door behind him. Not long after he left, an unknown number popped up on my phone. “You’re Sera Maxwell, right? “You must have seen them too. He’s been collecting my photos since I was still in school. “Damon loves me, not you. If you don’t step aside now, he’ll make you regret it later!” The girl’s voice held an innocence and boldness untouched by the world. Or perhaps, Damon Blackwood had just protected her too well. Before I could reply, she sent me over a dozen photos. The girl had a perfect waist-to-hip ratio, a delicate chain casually draped around her midriff. The large hand resting lightly on her waist sometimes forgot to remove *our* wedding ring. Only when her belly began to swell did the chain disappear. “Sera Maxwell, you couldn’t give Damon a child in three years of marriage, but he let me carry his baby. “Don’t you get it? What’s the point of clinging on? “I’m telling you, if you don’t back off, I’ll move into your house. We’ll see then whose side Damon takes!” When Damon Blackwood returned, he found the SnapChat history and a house full of shattered crystal and porcelain. He merely raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you have anything to explain?” My ragged breathing mixed with the scent of his cigar. He let out a soft laugh, sighing as he blew a smoke ring. “She’s just a naive kid, Sera. Why bother stooping to her level?” His tone was so dismissive. As if the bloody battles he fought expanding his empire in those elite circles hadn’t fallen on us, but on that little girl and him. “The little girl certainly is foolish.” A miscarriage report landed on the table. He immediately sat up straight. I let my next words fall light as a feather. “So, I took the liberty of teaching her a lesson.” “Sera Maxwell!” His large hands gripped my shoulders, digging in so hard I thought they’d shatter. My back was pressed tightly against the wall, and I smiled, enjoying the furious red in his eyes. He’d only had red eyes twice in his life. Once was in senior year, when my father dragged me by my hair, half-naked, to the side of the road, threatening to drown me in the river. He stabbed my father eighteen times. The second time was now, because that girl had a miscarriage. He clutched my shoulders, accusing me of being “repugnant.” “How rare, to see Mr. Blackwood so distressed.” My smile held no trace of remorse. “You’re a woman… how could you do something like that to her?!” “You also said, between us, there’s no divorce, only widowhood.” I leaned closer to him. “Mr. Blackwood, if you can’t kill me, then I’ll just have to kill both of you!” Blood dripped onto the floor. Only then did he notice my hand, cut when I was smashing things. He slowly released my shoulders. “Good hit. I didn’t want that child anyway.” He took my hand, gently wiping away the blood. When the iodine was pressed onto the wound, he blew softly, just as he always did. He was used to treating my wounds this way. Because back then, when my father beat me black and blue, he could only find alcohol to disinfect my cuts. Even now, without needing alcohol, he was always careful not to hurt me. A bloody handprint appeared on his face. “Don’t. It’s dirty.” His face tilted slightly to the side. He didn’t argue whether I meant the blood was dirty or if he was. He simply called for Mr. Davies, the butler, and handed him the first-aid kit. The girl’s name was Chloe Thorne. When I tried to dig deeper, I found nothing. I knew Damon Blackwood was protecting her. If I hadn’t moved fast, I might not have even known her name. I confronted Damon Blackwood. “You like her so much you’re even blocking her information from me?” He sighed. “Sera, what’s the point of fixating on her?” The divorce papers landed in front of him again. “Sign them, and I’ll naturally let her go.” The divorce papers lasted less than two seconds in his hands. They were torn into shreds. He tossed them, and confetti of paper scattered across the floor. “I told you, between us, there’s no divorce, only widowhood.” I smiled. The next second, a wine bottle smashed against his head. Red liquid streamed down his face, impossible to tell if it was wine or blood. I grabbed a dagger from the table and lunged. He gripped my wrist tightly, resisting the downward force. “Damon Blackwood.” Less than an inch separated us. “Do you really think I wouldn’t dare?” Both our hands were trembling, but I wouldn’t back down. “Divorce, or one of us dies?” The standoff lasted only a few more seconds. With a soft laugh. He guided my hand towards himself. My hand, still clasped by his, plunged the dagger deep into his shoulder. Blood splattered onto my face. “I told you, I won’t let you die before me.” “Damon Blackwood!” Through my gritted teeth, he released my hand. “Go on, Sera.” I yanked the dagger out. He grunted, and my face was stained with blood. The metallic smell of blood dragged my thoughts back to that rainy night in senior year. I swayed, stumbled, and he caught me with lightning speed. “Don’t be afraid, it’s okay, I’m here.” His fingers gently stroked my cheek. I watched the beads of blood from his forehead drip onto my face. His eyes showed no concern for his own wound. Only worry for me. In the countless nights my father beat me raw, he’d held me just like this. He used his back to shield me from my father’s bottles, chairs, even kitchen knives. Amidst my father’s curses, he’d grin at me. “Don’t be afraid, it’s okay, I’m here.” We had embraced in blood, kissed in downpours. When love reaches its peak, betrayal becomes even more monstrous. I pushed him away. “Don’t touch me.” Stumbling, I left the blood-soaked room. We lived separate, peaceful lives for a while. The girl was still well-protected by him; I couldn’t find a single piece of information about her. But the girl was young, after all. She couldn’t hold back and came to find me herself. “Have you been looking for Damon recently? I’ll just tell you directly, he’s with me.” She was dressed in haute couture, full of smug triumph. “Do you think knocking off my baby solved everything?” She leaned in, her smile brimming with glee. “As long as his love is with me, no matter how many babies you make me lose, he’ll only love me more. “He’s been working even harder recently, actually. I should really thank you for the assist, sis.” Her high-slit top showcased her flawless neck and partially exposed cleavage. Countless hickeys loudly declared— how Damon Blackwood had loved this girl without reservation, deeply and passionately. She clutched her flat stomach, pride radiating from her. “Too bad, I’m pregnant again.” I calmly took a sip of my coffee. She sat directly on my freshly ordered couch, propping her chin in her hands. “I heard you haven’t had any children in three years of marriage, sis. “And you finally got pregnant with one.” She seemed to think of something hilarious. “Ha! And you couldn’t even keep it! “Sometimes, you really can’t blame the man.” The coffee cup met the tabletop with a sharp clink. Accompanied by her scream. My bodyguards silently watched Chloe Thorne on the floor, clutching her belly, blood seeping from below. “Sera Maxwell! May you rot in hell!” Amidst her heartbreaking screams, the bodyguards dragged her out the door. “Sera Maxwell! Aren’t you afraid Damon will get back at you for this?!” My fingers tapped lightly on the marble table. I spoke. “You should know, the position of Mrs. Blackwood isn’t something you get just by having a man’s love.” That night, Damon Blackwood came home. With dozens of men. They filled an entire floor. He only ever went to such lengths when facing a truly formidable opponent. This was the first time he’d been so openly hostile towards me. We sat at opposite ends of the negotiation table, dozens of men standing behind each of us. “Twice now.” His distinct knuckles tapped lightly on the marble tabletop. “Sera, you should apologize to her.” “An idiot who shows up on my doorstep and dares to barge in should take responsibility for her own recklessness.” Half of Damon Blackwood’s face was cloaked in shadow, his expression unreadable. “Does Mr. Blackwood truly think his wife is so docile she’ll do nothing when a mistress shows up?” The flicker of a lighter in the dark illuminated the lady’s cigarette between my lips. “Mr. Blackwood, you should know, in all these years clawing our way through the elite circles, I bled alongside you. “To pit a pampered pet like that against me—are you insane, or is she?” The divorce papers were once again placed before him. I blew out a smoke ring. “This is your last chance.” The moonlight on the marble table couldn’t reflect either of our expressions. We stared at each other in the darkness. “From childhood, you killed my beast of a father for me, you stormed into the lions’ den for me. “I lost a child for you, bled myself dry for you. “Mr. Blackwood, let’s part ways, owing each other nothing. “This is the best outcome for us.” “The best outcome…” Damon Blackwood’s soft laugh echoed in the darkness. He picked up the divorce papers. Using the lighter he used to light his cigar, the divorce papers turned to ash. “From now on, she won’t appear before you.” The ash scattered with the wind. He stood up, leading dozens of men, and left the estate in a grand procession. A sharp pain twisted in my lower abdomen. I hunched over, clutching my stomach. My bodyguards immediately rushed forward to support me. “Ms. Maxwell!” “It’s fine…”

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During crunch time for grad school applications, a spot in the library was more valuable than gold. That day, I woke up at 5 AM just to claim one. I went to the restroom for five minutes, and when I came back, all my books and notes were dumped on the floor. A girl was comfortably sitting in my spot, scrolling on her phone. I swallowed my anger. “Excuse me, someone’s sitting here.” She didn’t even look up. “Where? I don’t see anyone.” “You’re the worst kind of person, just leaving a few books to hog a spot all day. I’m here to put an end to that kind of entitlement.” I pointed at my scattered books. “I was in the restroom for five minutes. What gives you the right to steal my spot and throw my stuff?” “Five minutes? For all I know, you were off hooking up in the bathroom!” “Watch your mouth! Hooking up in the bathroom? Sounds like you do that often, doesn’t it?” As if I’d hit a nerve, she grabbed the coffee cup from the desk and splashed it straight into my face. “Here’s a little something to cool you down. Don’t go around barking like a mad dog. This spot is mine now.” The scalding coffee streamed down my face, burning painfully.

I glared at her, feeling my skin sear. The library was dead silent. Everyone was stunned by the sudden scene. Brittany, the girl who had just assaulted me, carelessly tossed the coffee cup. It hit the floor with a loud clatter. She crossed her arms, chin held high, her eyes full of scorn and provocation. “What are you looking at? Got a problem?” “What gives you the right to throw coffee on me?” My voice trembled with rage. Brittany scoffed, a sharp, piercing sound. “Because you’re just hogging a spot you’re not even using, and it’s messing with my grad school prep!” “I’m telling you again, I was only gone for the bathroom!” “Who’d believe that?” She rolled her eyes. “I can’t stand people like you. You don’t put in the effort, and you stop others from doing so.” I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. A guy with glasses, Liam, couldn’t stand it anymore. He whispered, “Hey, that’s really out of line. She was here first.” Brittany immediately turned her venom on him. “Who asked you, huh? Trying to play hero? Take a good look in the mirror, buddy! You’re just another stressed-out grad student wannabe, so mind your own business!” Liam’s face flushed crimson. He opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t get a single word out. Finally, he just bowed his head, pretending to read. Seeing his reaction, Brittany became even more emboldened. She turned back, her gaze locking onto me. “Hear that? That’s called knowing when to back down. I’m telling you, I want this spot, so it’s mine. Now get lost, you’re bothering me.” I stared at her incredibly arrogant face, a wave of humiliated hatred surging from deep within me. I didn’t move. I just watched her with icy cold eyes. “What if I don’t leave?” Brittany froze for a second, apparently surprised I dared to talk back. Her eyes hardened. She grabbed my textbook, the one she’d thrown on the floor, and began tearing it page by page into tiny pieces. The sound of paper ripping was shockingly loud in the quiet library. “Not leaving? This is what you get!” She showered me with the scraps of paper, like a malicious rain. “Are you going to leave, or what?” Tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced them back. I couldn’t cry. Crying meant giving up. Just then, Ms. Albright, the librarian, rushed over, drawn by the commotion. “What’s going on? Why are you two making so much noise in the library?”

Seeing Ms. Albright, I felt a surge of hope, like grasping a lifeline. But Brittany beat me to it. Her face instantly crumpled into a mask of tearful injustice, her voice catching as she appeared utterly helpless. “Teacher, she’s bullying me!” She pointed at me, sobbing. “I just wanted to study quietly for my grad school applications. I saw this spot was empty, so I sat down.” “Who knew she’d start screaming at me, saying I stole her spot, and calling me names…” As she spoke, tears streamed down her face like a broken faucet. “…She even said people like me would never get into grad school and should just go back to the sticks and farm. I got upset and argued back, and then she just…” She cried, secretly glancing at me from the corner of her eye, a triumphant smirk hidden beneath her tears. Ms. Albright, a stern-looking woman in her fifties with bifocals, frowned as she listened to Brittany’s tearful account. Then she turned to me, her eyes filled with disapproval. “Look, I understand everyone’s under a lot of stress with grad school applications. But you can’t be so aggressive over a study spot.” I couldn’t believe my ears. “Teacher, *she* stole my spot first, she threw my books on the floor, she poured coffee on me, and she ripped my book!” I pointed at the mess on the floor and the coffee stains on my face, trying to prove I was telling the truth. Ms. Albright pushed up her glasses, her tone laced with impatience. “It’s just a spot, what’s the big deal? Why couldn’t you just let her have it? You’re a university student, for crying out loud. Where’s your composure?” She then turned to Brittany, her voice instantly softening. “Now, now, sweetie, don’t cry. Just sit down and study. Don’t let a small thing like this ruin your mood. Grad school is important.” Brittany immediately stopped crying, flashing me a victorious smile, then calmly sat down and opened her study materials. I stood there, frozen, feeling like a complete fool. My chest felt crushed by a giant boulder, making it hard to breathe. When did the world become so twisted, where the bad guy cries foul first and gets support? “Teacher, there are security cameras here! You can check the footage!” I said, clutching at a last shred of hope. Ms. Albright waved her hand, a ‘don’t bother me’ expression on her face. “Check what footage? It’s not worth the hassle for such a petty squabble.” “Alright, alright, everyone back to what you were doing. Don’t disturb other students.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing alone, subjected to the strange stares of those around me. Some held sympathy, some contempt, but most were just curious onlookers. I looked at Brittany’s smug face, at my ripped-up book on the floor, at the coffee stains drying on my skin. A chill ran from my feet straight to the top of my head. Slowly, I knelt down, picking up the torn pieces one by one. Each fragment felt like a knife twisting in my heart. Brittany’s friend, Courtney, another grad school applicant, walked past me with a water bottle. She feigned an “oops,” tilting the bottle, and half its contents spilled all over the wet paper I’d just gathered. “Oh, my bad, butterfingers,” she said, though a smirk played on her lips. Brittany laughed too. “Well, now. You won’t be able to piece *that* back together.” I looked up, my eyes bloodshot, glaring intensely at them. The two girls flinched under my stare, their smiles fading, and they quickly walked away. I stopped picking up the pieces. Instead, I slowly stood up and walked to Brittany’s desk. “I’m going to say this one last time. Get out of my spot.” My voice was quiet, but it was colder than ice. Brittany was momentarily taken aback by my intensity, but quickly regained her arrogant composure. “Who are you trying to scare? I’m not moving. What are you going to…” She didn’t get to finish her sentence. I grabbed the thick grad school English vocabulary book from her desk and slammed it straight into her face.

“Ah!” Brittany shrieked. The corner of the book hit her forehead squarely, instantly leaving a large red mark. Everyone in the library stood up in shock. “You hit me?” Brittany clutched her forehead, her face a mask of disbelief. Her friend, Courtney, reacted too, screaming as she lunged at me: “You psycho! How dare you hit Brittany? I’ll tear you apart!” I sidestepped, and she missed, crashing into a bookshelf. Books went “thud, clatter” everywhere. The scene descended into chaos. Ms. Albright and several campus security officers rushed over, forcibly pulling us apart. “Everyone, stop right there! What on earth is going on?! This is a library, not your personal arena!” We were taken to the university’s campus security office. Brittany sat in a chair, crying theatrically, as if she had suffered the greatest injustice. “Officers, look what she did to me!” “My head is throbbing, I need to go to the hospital. I’m definitely concussed!” She pointed at the red mark on her forehead, wailing to Officer Miller. “She’s just jealous! Jealous of my youth, jealous that I’m a better student! She can’t get into grad school herself, so she wants to ruin everyone else! People like her should be expelled!” Courtney chimed in, adding fuel to the fire: “Exactly! We all saw it, she threw the first punch! Brittany just wanted her to stop hogging the spot, and she went absolutely crazy!” Officer Miller, a grizzled, near-retirement security officer, listened to their twisted accusations, his brow furrowed into a deep ‘V’. He turned to me, his tone stern. “Alright, what really happened, young lady? Did you hit her first?” I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “She stole my spot first, splashed coffee on me, and ripped my book.” “I asked her to leave, she refused, so I…” “I did not!” Brittany instantly cut me off, her voice an octave higher. “You’re lying! The coffee was an accident! You ripped your own book and are trying to blame me!” “You’re a total liar and a psycho!” Officer Miller rubbed his temples, annoyed by the bickering, and rapped his knuckles on the desk. “Alright, that’s enough, both of you!” He looked at me, speaking in a long-suffering tone. “Look, Chloe, no matter the reason, hitting someone is wrong.” “You’re a bright student, aren’t you? Why be so impulsive?” A cold dread settled in my heart. It was the same old story. This kind of spineless mediation, where they just sweep things under the rug and side with the troublemaker, without bothering to find out what really happened. “Officer, there are cameras in the library,” I repeated, clinging to my last hope. Officer Miller sighed. “I already checked. Your spot is a blind spot, nothing was caught.” My heart sank. How could that be such a coincidence? First the cameras in my neighborhood, now even the library cameras? Brittany’s eyes flickered with a hint of triumph when she heard that. She cried even harder. “Officer, my head really hurts, I need to go to the hospital…” “If this injury affects my grad school applications, she has to take full responsibility!” Officer Miller was clearly fed up with her tears. He waved his hand. “Alright, go to the campus clinic for now.” “As for you, Chloe, what’s your name and department? You’ll need to come with us to file a report. The university will handle this seriously.” I gave him my name and department: Chloe, PhD candidate, Life Sciences Department. When I said “PhD candidate,” Brittany and Courtney’s expressions noticeably stiffened. Officer Miller also paused, pushing up his glasses and looking at me again. “You’re… a PhD student?” “Yes.” His attitude seemed to shift subtly, but ultimately he maintained his official tone. “Still, hitting someone requires disciplinary action. Please come with us.” I was led to another office to give a detailed account of what happened. Brittany, meanwhile, was dramatically “fainting” her way to the campus clinic, supported by Courtney.

By the time I finished giving my statement, it was already dark. I dragged my exhausted body back to the lab. Professor Thompson, my advisor, was still waiting for me. Seeing my haggard face and the uncleaned coffee stains, he frowned. “Chloe, what happened?” I recounted everything that had happened at the library, from start to finish. Professor Thompson’s face darkened as he listened. He paced silently in his office. The lab was eerily quiet, save for the low hum of the instruments. After a long while, he stopped and looked at me. “The samples are ruined?” I nodded, my voice hoarse. “They were soaked. Probably gone.” Those were experimental samples I’d been preparing for three weeks, for a critical national research project. Now, everything would have to start from scratch. Professor Thompson sighed heavily and patted my shoulder. “At least you’re okay. Samples can be remade, we’ll make up the time. But this, this cannot stand.” I looked at my advisor’s determined gaze, my nose stung, and I almost cried again. “Professor, campus security said that spot was a blind spot for the cameras.” “Blind spot?” Professor Thompson scoffed. “That grad study area has the best spots in the entire library, top-notch views and light. The university wouldn’t install cameras there? They’re trying to fool us.” My heart skipped a beat. “Professor, are you saying…?” “Don’t worry about it, I’ll handle this.” Professor Thompson picked up his phone. “You go home, get some rest, and clear your head. Remember, we researchers don’t look for trouble, but we never back down from it.” The next day, I received a call from Mr. Harrison, my academic counselor, asking me to come to the department office. In the office, besides Mr. Harrison and me, were Brittany and her counselor, Ms. Hayes. Brittany had a huge bandage on her forehead, and her face was pale. When she saw me, she immediately cowered behind Ms. Hayes, like a frightened deer. Ms. Hayes, a shrewd-looking young woman, instantly shielded her, glaring at me. “Chloe, is it? Is this how you act as an older student? Causing a student in my department to suffer a mild concussion over a study spot? Do you have any sense of responsibility?” I looked at her calmly and asked, “Excuse me, has the concussion diagnosis report been issued yet?” The woman choked for a moment, then retorted forcefully, “The doctor said she needs to stay for observation! This is the consequence of your violent behavior!” My counselor, Mr. Harrison, a mild-mannered middle-aged man, quickly tried to smooth things over. “Ms. Hayes, please don’t get agitated. Chloe didn’t do it on purpose, there must be a misunderstanding here.” “Misunderstanding? Is the injury on my student’s head a misunderstanding?” Ms. Hayes pressed on, “Our student, Brittany, is an excellent student, a top candidate for grad school this year.” “Now, after this incident, she’s suffered immense emotional trauma, and her study progress will be affected. Who will bear this responsibility?” She turned to me, delivering an ultimatum. “This matter is non-negotiable!” “Either you publicly apologize to Brittany and compensate her for all medical expenses, nutritional costs, and emotional distress, totaling twenty thousand dollars.” “Or, we will report this to the university and you’ll receive a major disciplinary action! You choose!” I almost laughed from sheer indignation. What a masterful act of twisting facts! Before I could speak, Mr. Harrison frowned. “Ms. Hayes, twenty thousand dollars? Isn’t that a bit…” “Too much? I don’t think so at all!” Ms. Hayes cut him off. “So what if she’s a PhD student? Does that give PhD students the right to bully our undergraduates?” “I’m telling you, if this isn’t resolved today, we’re not dropping it!” Brittany, hiding behind her counselor, started to sob on cue, her shoulders shaking, looking utterly pitiful. Watching this teacher and student duo perform their coordinated act, the anger inside me flared up again. Just then, the office door was pushed open. My advisor, Professor Thompson, walked in. Behind him were Officer Miller from campus security and a middle-aged man I didn’t recognize. Professor Thompson’s face was grim. He didn’t even glance at the other two, walking straight to me. “Chloe, come on. We have something to see.” He took my arm and started to lead me out. As we passed Ms. Hayes, he coldly dropped a line. “Ms. Hayes, isn’t it? I hope you’ll still be able to sound so self-righteous in a moment.” We all went to the campus security’s monitoring room. The middle-aged man, who turned out to be Mr. Jones, the Director of Information Center, skillfully operated the computer, bringing up a screen. It was footage of that exact corner of the library from yesterday. The video showed me leaving my spot. A few minutes later, Brittany walked over, unhesitatingly sweeping my books and materials onto the floor, then casually taking my seat. Then, I returned, and we began to argue. The footage clearly recorded how she provoked me with her arrogant tone, how she picked up the coffee and splashed it onto my face, how she ripped my textbook page by page… Every detail was crystal clear, undeniable. Officer Miller stood to the side, cold sweat beading on his forehead, his face paler than paper. “P-Professor Thompson, this… how did this…” Professor Thompson snorted. “How did we get this angle of the camera, is that it?” The truth was, the camera in that area did exist, but Officer Miller had deliberately claimed it was a “blind spot” and deleted the recording to avoid trouble. Professor Thompson had recovered the video through Mr. Jones, the Director of Information Center, from a server backup or with higher access privileges. Officer Miller’s legs buckled, and he nearly fell. Ms. Hayes and Brittany were also called into the monitoring room. When the full video played on the large screen, Brittany’s face drained of all color, turning ashen.

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I was reborn at fourteen. My father, his voice soft, asked me, “Do you want to stay here with your mother, or go abroad, and I’ll give you two hundred million dollars?” In my past life, I cried, “I want my mom.” Then I watched him, clear as day, keep an executive as his mistress, hire a nanny, and have three illegitimate children, all to spite my mother. She spent half her life in misery, couldn’t even get a fair divorce, and walked away with nothing. As for me, I was manipulated, ridiculed, utterly destitute, and died alone in a foreign country. My friends had to pool money just to buy my flight ticket home. This time, I smiled and signed the papers. “Two hundred million dollars, I’m taking it.” It wasn’t that I was heartless. It was that I finally saw the truth: in this family, no one genuinely cared about my mother or me. I refused to be that weak, pathetic girl again. This life, I’d earn the money, I’d protect my life, and I’d orchestrate the whole game myself. My mother? When I’ve won everything, when she no longer needs to beg anyone, I’ll personally bring her home.

I was reborn at fourteen. My father, Richard Vance, had just returned from a board meeting, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, his tie perfectly knotted. He sat on the study sofa in the old Vance family estate, a legal agreement resting on the table beside him. I stood before him, my school uniform wrinkled, my hair a mess. I’d just come back from a late study session, looking like a naive teenager oblivious to the family drama unfolding. “Eleanor,” he said, calling my name gently. “Your mother has been a little emotional lately. You can choose to stay here and be with her, or you can go abroad to the school you like. After graduation, you can return, and a portion of the company’s shares can be given to you to manage ahead of time.” He spoke sincerely and softly, like an understanding father. “I’ve already prepared the living expenses for your time abroad. Two hundred million dollars, transferred directly to your personal account, for your full discretion.” In my past life, when I stood in this exact spot, I was stunned. Two hundred million dollars. Such a massive sum. It was a massive sum, yes, but now I knew, it was just a way to discreetly transfer assets. Mom sat on the living room sofa, saying nothing, her eyes red and raw. I cried as I tore the agreement into tiny shreds, throwing them at my father’s feet, my eyes blazing as I yelled, “I want my mom!” I truly believed I had won then. Looking back now, I was so incredibly foolish. That year, I naively chose to stay with my mother. And what happened? Less than six months later, my father still sent me abroad, packing me off to his executive mistress, Seraphina Hayes’s house in America. He claimed it was to broaden my horizons and groom me as a future successor. I became the only person in that grand villa without a true ally, eventually even the nannies started ordering me around. Seraphina’s boy-girl twins, seemingly harmless, were actually my father’s illegitimate children, utterly spoiled and entitled. They eventually tried to snatch the family inheritance, and to think I once considered them my own siblings. And me? In the end, no one even remembered that I was the eldest daughter of the Vance family. My mother remained here, alone in the old estate, desperately trying to contact schools, learn English, hire lawyers, all to bring me back. She thought she was the legitimate wife, that she still had a right to speak up. Until one day, she received a lawyer’s letter. The house deed was being reclaimed. She didn’t move out. She sat in the empty living room, not even bothering to boil water, eating cold food, bite by bite, saying, “I’ll wait for Eleanor to come home.” I heard the soft clink of pill bottles in her room over the phone, and that’s when I knew she was so depressed she was afraid to sleep. I graduated at nineteen, and my first job was scrubbing floors in a diner in Melbourne. My second was cleaning kennels for a wealthy family. The day my mother was admitted to the hospital, I was handing out flyers in a parking garage. The doctor called me from overseas, “She attempted to jump from the building three times tonight, but we don’t have your father’s authorization for forced treatment.” I stood downstairs from the hospital, my phone pressed to my ear, unable to utter a single word. The last time I saw her was five minutes before her cremation. She couldn’t hear me call her name anymore. It was then I finally understood. She didn’t lose to Richard Vance; she lost because of me. The daughter she spent her entire life protecting simply wasn’t strong enough. This life, the agreement was laid before me again. I didn’t cry. I simply picked up the pen and, with a decisive flourish, signed my name, ‘Eleanor Vance’. My father raised an eyebrow, as if truly looking at me for the first time. “Are you sure about this?” “Completely sure.” I looked at him, my voice calm. I paused, then added, “As your *only* child, I really should go out and gain some experience.” I let the word ‘only’ hang in the air, a subtle challenge. He froze for two seconds, then chuckled softly. “You truly are my daughter, Eleanor. Ambitious.” I smiled too. But my smile was far more knowing than his. He thought I had finally come to my senses, willing to be obedient. But I knew in my heart that sending me away was merely a prelude to him fostering his illegitimate children. By getting rid of me, he could easily divorce Elara and officially legitimize his executive mistress. My mother, tragically, would never understand. She was still living in a dream, believing he would eventually come back to her. She didn’t know that once I signed this agreement, she and I were both completely kicked out of the Vance family game. That night, I returned to my room. The door closed, and the moon outside was cold and distant. I didn’t cry. I just opened my laptop and logged into my exclusive bank account. Two hundred million dollars. Deposited. I stared at the balance for a minute, then pulled open a drawer and took out a notebook. On the first page, I wrote: * Richard Vance’s illegitimate children: Dominic Hayes, Briar Hayes, born in New York. * Richard Vance’s offshore trust accounts: To be investigated. * Elara Vance’s dowry company shares flow: To be investigated. * Goal: Within four years, reclaim everything that belongs to my mother and me. I clicked on a picture of my mom. Her youthful smiling face was still vivid in my mind, wearing a ten-year-old trench coat, smiling so innocently. She later gave that trench coat to a nanny, saying the woman’s family wasn’t well-off. Later, I saw it in the trash, streaked with cake crumbs and smeared with dirty footprints. This life, I wouldn’t believe anything anymore. It wasn’t that I was heartless; it was that I finally saw the truth—in this family, no one genuinely cared about my mother or me. From today on, I, Eleanor Vance, will use these two hundred million dollars to completely dismantle the Vance empire, piece by agonizing piece.

The night I signed the papers, it was very dark, but the living room light remained on. As I went upstairs, I looked back from the landing and saw my mother still sitting there. Her eyes were red and swollen, like she’d been crying for hours, and she clutched the pencil case I used as a child. On it were the stickers I’d used to spell out my name: Eleanor Vance. She looked as though she wanted to say something, then closed her mouth, lowering her head, as if in a daze, or perhaps trying to convince herself of something. I didn’t say a word, turning and going back to my room. The door closed, and silence instantly enveloped me. But my heartbeat roared in my ears. I lay on my bed, eyes closed, counting to five hundred. The moon outside remained still, and she hadn’t slept either. I heard rustling from her room, the soft clink of pill bottles, the sound of a glass hitting the floor, and a whisper so faint I could barely make it out: “She’s changed…” She, of course, had no idea that what changed in me was an entire lifetime of regret and tears. At 2 AM, I crept downstairs. She was still on the sofa, propped against a cushion, eyes wide open, like a doll whose batteries had run out. I walked over and gently draped a thin blanket over her. She seemed startled, lifting her head slightly. “You’re still awake?” Her voice was a raw whisper, barely audible. “Writing applications,” I paused, telling a small lie. She nodded. I looked at her, and she looked back at me, as if searching my face for a hint of softening, a flicker of hesitation. But there was none. The hope in her eyes slowly extinguished, like the final drizzle of a fading summer. “Are you angry with me?” she asked, her voice strained. “No,” I said. She gave a bitter laugh. “Your father didn’t just suddenly offer you two hundred million. He doesn’t want to send you abroad; he wants to send you away.” “I know.” She looked up at me, her eyes frighteningly bright. “Then why did you sign it?” I didn’t answer. Because I couldn’t explain it to her—explain that I’d already lived through how she lost, explain that if I didn’t leave now, it would be too late for everything. She clutched a copy of the agreement, and tears splattered onto the paper, pinning me to the spot. “It’s not that I didn’t try,” she murmured. “I truly fought with all my might, but he never intended to let me win.” In that moment, I truly wanted to hug her, to tell her that this time, I would protect her. But I didn’t move. I just watched her slowly curl back onto the sofa, wiping away tears and biting her lip, living like a child thrown out of their home. My chest tightened. But I couldn’t afford to be soft. I knew, in my past life, it was a hug on this very night that pulled me back into an emotional quicksand. I let her emotions guide me, and the result was her eventually jumping from the building, while I had to work odd jobs to save up for a flight ticket home just to attend her funeral. This time, I couldn’t give in. I turned and went back to my room. At 4:30 AM, she finally fell asleep. But I wasn’t sleepy at all. I opened my email and began preparing my documents for going abroad: transfer applications, visa materials, transfer plans before account freezing, and the Plan B list my mother never knew about: * List of executives for Vance Group’s subsidiary companies; * Records of property transfers; * Contract loopholes; * Offshore asset management trust windows; * And – the future heir training program list, first entry: Dominic Hayes, 3, slated for a prestigious New York prep school. I gently bit the end of my pen, circling “Dominic” three times. Dominic. How utterly pathetic. To think that years from now, the renowned Vance Group, publicly boasting only one child, cherished by its father, would secretly be grooming *him*. It made me want to vomit. In my past life, I watched him join the group, sign contracts, lead projects, and be praised by the media as a young prodigy, all while the public ignored the fact that he was illegitimate. This life, he’d have to deal with me first. At 7 AM, my mom woke up, her eyes puffy, her face a sallow yellow. I finished getting ready to leave, but she stood by the door, blocking me. “Eleanor,” she called, her voice trembling slightly, “It’s not too late to change your mind.” I stopped and turned back. “Not this time,” I said. “I’m going out to win, and then I’ll bring you back.” She looked at me for a long time without speaking. Finally, she nodded, not a single tear falling from her eyes. She simply said, “Then don’t lose.” I smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t.” I closed the door. The moment I stepped out of the Vance family home, the sun was bright, the sky was blue, and the wind was a little cold.

The day I left the country, Richard Vance himself drove me to the airport. My mother was in the car too, sitting in the passenger seat, silent. She’d spent three hours doing her makeup; her lipstick was bright red, her powder too heavy, and her face looked ashen, as if she’d lost blood. She stared out the window the entire time, watching the road she’d traveled countless times, as if sealing herself off into her memories. Richard wore a slightly worn, navy blue suit, his smile perfectly polite. To outsiders, he looked like the ideal husband and father. He gripped the steering wheel, talking to me about the school while turning to tell my mother, “I’ve arranged Eleanor’s accommodation. Seraphina will take care of her. The child will be much more settled at her place.” My mother didn’t respond, only clutching the strap of her handbag, her knuckles white. She, of course, knew exactly who Seraphina was. The youngest female executive at the company, thirty-five years old, with two MBA degrees, beautiful, sweet-talking, and most importantly – she had given birth to Richard’s boy-girl twins three years prior. The Vance Group’s HR even had a nickname for her: the Corporate Crown Princess. My mother wasn’t oblivious; she just pretended not to know. Just like now, she was wearing her most expensive champagne-gold dress, supposedly the first valuable item my father bought her after he made his fortune. Mom sat bolt upright in the passenger seat. She would see me off, and she would do it like a true Mrs. Vance. Even if, after I left, she would become a woman no one remembered. At the airport, my father’s driver was already waiting at the VIP channel, pulling my luggage. My mother held my hand, softly asking, “Did you bring your passport? Do you have any cold medicine? Don’t forget that cashmere scarf…” I nodded, watching her eyes well up. She tried hard to smile but couldn’t keep it up. Her voice was tight, “If it’s cold over there, FaceTime me, and I’ll send you clothes…” My eyes felt a little warm, but I held back my tears. This wasn’t just saying goodbye; it was a parting. My father stepped forward, gently putting his arm around her shoulder, and smiled at me. “Your mother worries so much; she hasn’t slept well these past few nights.” Mom’s eyes widened, clearly disoriented by the phrase “your mother.” Her eyes actually welled up, as if she was being loved again. I looked at her, both angry and heartbroken. This was her. Even knowing she had been betrayed so completely, she still desperately tried to snatch a tiny bit of security from any scraps of false affection. Perhaps it was because her entire youth had been spent by his side. I stood up. Before I entered the boarding gate, Mom suddenly hugged me. “Eleanor…” She buried her face in my shoulder, her voice trembling uncontrollably. “If it’s too hard over there, just come home. Mom will always be here.” I patted her back. “Mom, just wait for me.” “Wait for what?” “Wait for me to come back and take back everything that belongs to you.” I whispered in her ear. She paused, her eyes momentarily blank, then nodded. “Okay… Mom will wait for you.” When I looked back, I saw my father still holding her, looking like an affectionate old couple, reluctantly sending their daughter abroad. Only I knew that in his office drawer, he had a photo of Seraphina and the two children at Disney, smiling more genuinely than in any family photo he’d taken with us. Only I knew that this wouldn’t stop him from giving all his family fortune to his illegitimate children decades later. I entered the VIP lounge. Seraphina sat on a sofa, waiting for me. She wore a camel trench coat, her makeup impeccable, her lipstick a cool rose-red. Her Chanel earrings gleamed, clearly a new design. My dad must have given her quite a lot of money. She stood up, extending her hand with a welcoming smile. “Eleanor, it’s so good to see you again. Your father has told me so much about you.” I didn’t shake her hand, only nodded. “Thank you for going through all this trouble.” She didn’t seem to mind, turning her hand to pick up her handbag. “No trouble at all. From now on, you can think of me as family here in America. Just tell me if you need anything.” I smiled. She thought I didn’t know who she was. In my past life, I lived in her house for four years. I knew which drawer held the children’s vaccination records, which passport was hidden in the safe, how many nannies she’d replaced, and at what time of night she liked to call Richard Vance. I knew everything. She thought I didn’t remember anything. She didn’t know I was back to settle scores. Seraphina took me onto a private jet. The seats were spacious, the flight attendants bowed as they offered water; everything felt like a fairy tale. I sat down and didn’t say a word. I just inserted the new SIM card into my phone, activated location services, internet, recording permissions, and bound my financial accounts to SMS verification. I knew that by leaving, I was completely saying goodbye to my identity as the eldest daughter of the Vance family. They could raise their illegitimate children in peace. But soon, they would realize I wasn’t a daughter sent away. I was a creditor returning to collect.

I landed at 5 AM. The Los Angeles sky hadn’t yet brightened; outside the cabin, it was a quiet, pale blue. I pulled my suitcase, following behind Seraphina. Her smile was gentle, her stride confident, like the perfectly composed caretaker. “Eleanor, you didn’t get much rest last night, did you? We’ll grab breakfast first. Do you prefer American or international cuisine?” She asked affectionately, as if she truly thought of me as her own daughter. I offered a faint smile. “Either is fine, thank you, Aunt Seraphina.” Her eyes flickered, a hint of surprise that I called her ‘Aunt Seraphina’. She didn’t know that ‘Aunt’ was a title I’d forced myself to say for three years in my past life, and it was the first chip I’d play in this life to collect my interest. The car was her own, a black Porsche Cayenne, clean, luxurious. The trunk was neatly organized, already stocked with a toiletries bag, school uniform-style information packets, and a comprehensive lifestyle guide. I got in the car, and as the window rolled up, everything fell silent. Seraphina talked the entire way, asking what color room I liked, if I wanted a tutor, if I was interested in learning horse riding, tennis, or golf. Her words were beautiful, every sentence seemingly for my benefit, but I didn’t believe a single word. She claimed I’d be like her own daughter in her home, but her *real* children were sleeping in the kids’ rooms of her suburban villa, their custom English names on the doors, their rooms filled with thousands of dollars’ worth of picture books and toys. They were boy-girl twins, born in America by Seraphina the year Richard Vance turned forty-two. She did it quietly. They were only three now, too young to bother me, too young to appear on social media, and certainly too young for Elara Vance to ever know about them. Seraphina was a clever woman. She knew Richard Vance wasn’t divorced yet, and she knew Elara Vance still held voting rights on the board. So, she hid everything well—her children, her ambition, and her grand plan for the entire Vance Group to fall into her son’s hands. I was merely a pawn in her elaborate cover-up. She believed I was good in school, soft-spoken, easy to control, and obedient and sensible. Sending me abroad was just Richard Vance finally giving in to her constant nagging. “Your father says you’re very intelligent, not like some children who just bury their heads in books,” she said, studying me with a smile. “I’ll tell you honestly, he thinks highly of you.” I smiled back. “Really? I had no idea.” She paused, then softened her voice. “Don’t overthink it. Your father just isn’t good at expressing himself. Men, you know, their minds are on their careers. You focus on your studies now, and when he sorts things out, you’ll get everything that’s coming to you.” “After all, you’re his only daughter.” I nodded. “Thank you, Aunt Seraphina. I’ll listen to you more from now on.” Her brows relaxed; she seemed to let her guard down completely. “Good girl.” I lowered my gaze, my fingernails digging into my palm. I was just as ‘good’ in my past life, living in her house for four years, as invisible as a shadow. She’d celebrate my birthday every year, inviting a few children of my father’s friends for dinner. Her own daughter was always among them. The little girl looked like Richard Vance. At three, she could already call me ‘Big Sister,’ but she never truly accepted me as one. She just watched the adults laugh at how redundant I was. And my mother, at that time, was already living in a psychiatric ward, repeating my name over and over. This life, I wouldn’t be a ‘good girl’ anymore. But on the surface, I’d pretend to be even better than anyone else. Seraphina’s house was decorated like a showroom, even the dinnerware was a limited edition. She arranged for me to stay in the guest room; outside the window was a pool, and on the French doors, a “Welcome Eleanor” sign, like a meticulously planned grand gesture. I came out after showering and saw that she had already set out my enrollment materials for tomorrow, even thoughtfully printing out the school’s introduction and course schedule. “Get some rest, adjust to the time difference. I’ll drive you to school tomorrow; someone should be with you on your first day,” she said softly. I nodded. “Thank you, Aunt Seraphina.” She smiled, satisfied. At 11 PM, the lights in her room went out. But I sat at the guest room desk, opening the small laptop I’d brought with me, and began synchronizing my memories from my past life with my current plans. I stared at the screen for a long time, until the moon rose outside the window, and the night deepened like still water. This life, I wasn’t here to live under someone else’s roof. I was here to overturn their entire world.

Seraphina knocked on my door promptly at 6:30 AM the next day. I was already awake. “Eleanor, time to wake up. Breakfast is downstairs.” Her voice was gentle, like coaxing a small animal. I sat up in bed and casually opened the door. “Morning, Aunt Seraphina.” She paused, probably not expecting me to be so quick to adapt. “Such a good girl,” she chuckled. “Come down for breakfast. I’ll drive you to school in a bit.” On the table were milk, sandwiches, cereal, and an exquisitely sliced fruit salad. As I sat down, a small shadow darted out from the living room. “Mommy, I want a hug.” The little girl threw herself into Seraphina’s arms, her words saccharine sweet. I looked over. She was wearing pink Daisy Duck pajamas, her hair soft, her eyes a little timid, and there was a bit of milk on the corner of her mouth. It was then I noticed her eyebrows and eyes were quite similar to my father’s. She looked up and saw me, instantly quieting, her eyes darting over me as she softly asked, “Who is she?” Seraphina stroked her hair. “She’s your big sister.” “Big sister?” The little girl tilted her head, then looked at me again. “Why don’t you look like me?” I lowered my gaze and smiled, my voice gentle. “Because my mommy and daddy are different from yours.” She bit her straw, nodding as if she understood, but only I noticed the flicker of displeasure in Seraphina’s eyes. Just then, the little boy came down the stairs, clutching a very cute bunny toy. He didn’t speak, only stood on the steps, watching me, his eyes as wary as a cat’s. I smiled at him. “Good morning, Dominic.” He ignored me, just lifting his bunny a little higher, as if asserting his dominance. Seraphina looked slightly embarrassed. “They’re a bit shy around new people, don’t mind them.” “It’s fine, they’ll get used to it,” I said, still smiling. “They’re still so young.” I spooned some cereal, lowered my head, and took a bite, hiding the turmoil in my eyes. Seraphina wasn’t even bothering to hide it. Did she truly think I was stupid? Both children had Richard Vance’s surname, yet she kept saying their father worked abroad. In my past life, I ate breakfast like this too, watching one call her ‘Mommy’ and the other ignore me. Four years. I went from being a sister to an unwanted Vance, then to a guest, and finally not even a guest. My school enrollment was inexplicably canceled, and I even needed their approval to apply to go back home. Not this time. This time, I’d make them hand over their future themselves. Before Seraphina drove me to school, she didn’t forget to pull the two children closer and say, “Come, say goodbye to your big sister.” “Goodbye, big sister!” The little girl waved cheerfully. The boy didn’t speak, just grunted softly. I looked back at them, smiling and nodding. “Goodbye, good children.” That ‘good children’ was meant for them, and for Seraphina too. I knew she was smart, and highly perceptive. She would notice my every glance, every word, even my posture. So I had to act even more harmless than she did. As she dropped me off at the school gate, she helped me with my bag, then started to fuss again. “The school provides lunch, remember to stay hydrated, Los Angeles is dry. Call me anytime if you need anything…” I watched her, her eyes gentle, her smile perfectly poised, thinking she was a natural-born actress. I pretended to listen intently. “I’ve got it, Aunt Seraphina, thank you.” She nodded, satisfied. Before I walked through the school gates, her last words were almost a whisper, right by my ear: “Eleanor, you need to know that abroad, no one will protect you. You have to rely on yourself.” I paused, then smiled faintly. “Yes, I understand.” I walked through the school gates with my backpack, the sunlight so bright it made me squint. Ahead lay new classmates, new teachers, new courses, and the entirely new game I was meticulously planning. But I wasn’t afraid. Because I wasn’t here to hide from the storm. I was here to lay the mines. At lunchtime, I didn’t go home. Instead, I went to a nearby library to meet a former schoolmate I’d already contacted – a student in accounting who had worked on Vance Group’s North American accounts in my past life. “You’re saying there were false accounts in that Vance Americas acquisition?” I asked in a low voice. He nodded, his eyes darting nervously. “I don’t want to get too involved. I was just asked to modify two invoices; it was definitely a money-laundering channel. I can’t say who…” I pulled out a business card. On it was the logo of the headhunting firm he would seek out in his future. “I know whose desk your future resume will land on, and I know which company you’ll intern at after graduation. Whether you get your career off the ground depends on how much you say today.” His face went pale. “…Who are you?” “I am Eleanor Vance, daughter of Richard Vance of the Vance Group,” I said slowly. “The legitimate, rightful, Elara Vance’s daughter.” He hesitated no longer, sending the two hidden false account documents to my email. As I received the files, I couldn’t help but smile. This life, I was no longer ‘good’. Nor was I slow. I would use every rule they taught me to nail them to the table, one by one. When I returned, I would make Richard Vance, Seraphina Hayes, and her little prince and princess know: I wasn’t a pawn they’d hidden in America. I was a hunter they’d unwittingly raised.

Time flew by in America. I immersed myself completely in my demanding studies. Besides my school courses, I also used my status as the eldest legitimate daughter to learn many things. I had to admit, Seraphina took excellent care of me – at least on the surface. I lived in the guest room she meticulously prepared, the curtains were my favorite cream color, the desk always had fresh stationery and a daily planner, the kitchen fridge was always fully stocked, and she was always at the school gate promptly after dismissal. Just like a real mother. She was also very cooperative with the things I needed to learn. She had to be. After all, according to my past life’s trajectory, I, the capable but naive older sister, was supposed to pave the way for her son. She never gave me a cold shoulder. In fact, she often praised me for being independent, smart, and well-mannered, often introducing me to others as the future corporate successor. Sometimes, I had to admire her acting skills. Even more natural than Seraphina were the twins. They had completely come to see me as their one and only big sister. Every night, the little girl insisted I tell her a bedtime story; the little boy would only go to sleep if I helped him arrange his toys, and he even liked me to carry him to wash his hands. They clung to me like ivy to a tree, cautiously yet with all their might. But I knew it wasn’t out of love – it was because they were still so young. They didn’t know who I was, didn’t know I wasn’t part of their ‘family of three.’ They also didn’t know that as they slowly grew up, Seraphina would personally pull me down from this ‘big sister’ position, little by little, until I was trampled into the dirt. But for now, I wasn’t in a hurry. The more they loved me now, the more it would hurt them later. I drew with them, played the piano, read English picture books, played role-playing games. In their eyes, I was the best, kindest, most thoughtful big sister. They called me ‘Eleanor Big Sister.’ In kindergarten, they even argued with other children, saying, “My big sister is the prettiest, and she protects me.” I always smiled and ruffled their hair. “Of course, I’ll protect you for your whole lives, okay?” I wasn’t lying. I would protect them – until they understood how their mother ‘protected’ my mother. That evening, I was curled up on the sofa doing homework, and a business interview program was on TV. A familiar logo flashed, and the host said enthusiastically: “Today, we’re honored to have Mr. Richard Vance, Chairman of the Vance Group! Welcome!” The camera zoomed in. My father was still in his well-tailored suit, his smile gentle, sitting primly in front of the camera. I stared at his face for a few seconds. It was so familiar it reminded me of watching cartoons in the living room as a child, when he’d stroke my head and say, “Eleanor, you’ll go to an Ivy League someday.” The host smiled and asked, “Mr. Vance, we hear you have a happy and fulfilling family life, with one daughter, Ms. Eleanor Vance. Is it true she’s currently studying in the States?” My father nodded, his smile unwavering. “Yes, I only have one child.” The host teased, “Oh dear, with so many businesses, such a vast empire, Ms. Vance will have quite a lot of pressure to take on all by herself.” My father paused for a moment, his smile faltering slightly. “Hmm… yes, but I believe she can do it.” I straightened up, staring at the familiar face on the screen, a faint smile playing on my lips. This was Richard Vance. In front of the camera, he was as perfect and impenetrable as always. But I saw the flicker of hesitation in his eyes, a trace of… guilt. That subconscious evasion, only I could understand. It wasn’t that he was reluctant for me to take over alone. It was that he longed to tell the world: “Actually, I have a son.” “The true heir isn’t her.” I turned off the TV, sitting in the dark for a long time without moving. Until my phone screen lit up with a reminder from here at home: the quarterly board meeting live stream was about to begin; Vance Group planned to launch its next round of overseas acquisitions. I clicked into the live stream, entering my hidden access password. On the screen were contracts, gambling clauses, fund flow reports, and pages of executive speeches from Vance Group. I scanned the list of executives, and a smile once again touched my lips. —Seraphina Hayes’s name was prominently listed. Her title had been upgraded to Global Strategic Executive Advisor, and she was a core member of the overseas acquisition team. Everything was just as it had been in my past life. She climbed the corporate ladder step by step, pacifying me, pretending to be a benefactor, doing it all flawlessly. And on my end, I, too, systematically pressed the sync button, saving all meeting records to my private cloud drive. Including the internal employee performance evaluation she had submitted last time – signed by her own hand – recommending that my mother’s former nominal shares and voting rights in the group be classified as “historical issues pending resolution.” I laughed. She was acting. And I was acting too. Only our scripts were different. She thought I was a horse, that once I was bridled, she could lead me anywhere. But I was just waiting – waiting for her to run faster and faster, so I could trip her and send her tumbling to the ground. At 2 AM, I sat at my desk, the lamplight falling on my notebook. The screen displayed names, profiles, and timelines. I wrote a line: “Eleanor Vance, now sixteen years old, Vance’s sole legitimate heir, assets in preparation for return.” Four years, not too long, not too short. The sunsets in Los Angeles were still golden, but I knew it was time for me to go. On my college graduation day, I didn’t invite my father. I only invited my mother.

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

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