Category: English

I turned away after witnessing my childhood friend, drugged and burning with desire, drag the principal’s daughter into the bathroom. In my past life, I had rushed in to stop his violent act. But that only put me in danger. By the time the police arrived, my school uniform was torn to shreds. Photos of me disheveled in the bathroom went viral online. “So much for being the cold, top student. She’s just a sl*t who can’t control herself.” My reputation was ruined, and I was expelled from school. My childhood friend married me to save his own reputation. But our marriage was my true hell. I fell into severe depression and mental instability, losing eight pregnancies in ten years. People gossiped that I was promiscuous, that my body was worn out from being used by too many men. My parents, trying to make amends to my husband, poured all their efforts into supporting him. But the first thing he did after gaining full control of my family’s company was to frame my father for financial crimes. My father died of a heart attack in prison. My mother, unable to bear such a huge blow, died in a car accident. When I heard the news, I was devastated beyond words. But my husband of ten years appeared before me, arm in arm with a transfer student: “You b*tch, if you hadn’t interfered back then, Lily and I would have been together long ago. She wouldn’t have been forced by her parents to abort our child.” I coughed up blood and died with my eyes wide open in disbelief. When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day my childhood friend was drugged.

After school, there weren’t many people left in the building. I took deep breaths of fresh air, trying to calm my emotions after being suddenly pulled back from the hatred and fear of my death. Lily was handing Zack a bottle of water. It contained an aphrodisiac that would inflame his desires. In my past life, I had accidentally discovered Lily pouring an unknown white powder into the water. I exposed her on the spot. But Zack didn’t believe me. He insisted on drinking the water anyway. He even asked if I was jealous because Lily was prettier than me, and that’s why I was always targeting her. This time, I didn’t try to stop him. After taking the water, Zack instinctively looked at me. “You’re not going to try to control even my drinking water, are you?” “Do whatever you want,” I said with a wave of my hand. Lily couldn’t miss any opportunity to attack me. She immediately chimed in: “Natalie, your possessiveness over Zack is too much. Doesn’t he even have the freedom to make friends?” With those words, the few classmates who hadn’t gone home yet gave me strange looks. Zack’s face darkened even more. “She’s nothing, just a bookworm,” he muttered. I gripped my pen tightly, hatred surging in my eyes. “Are you two done? I haven’t said anything from start to finish, have I?” I retorted. Zack was taken aback and fell silent, his face stony. Lily continued to stir up trouble. “You might not have said anything, but your face looks very unhappy. I just said a few words to Zack, and you’re already scowling.” Hearing this, Zack shot me an annoyed glare. As if to spite me, he drank the entire bottle of water. In my past life, I had knocked the bottle away, so he only took one sip. But even that one sip was enough to make him lose control. I couldn’t imagine what would happen now that he had drunk the entire bottle. I found myself looking forward to it, in a twisted way. Seeing him finish the water, Lily could barely contain her excitement. She grabbed Zack’s hand. “Zack, walk me home?” Of course, Zack wouldn’t refuse. The two of them left the classroom hand in hand. Ten minutes later, Penny, our class monitor, burst into the classroom, her face flushed red. By then, I was the only one left in the room. Penny stammered, clearly struggling to say something difficult. “What’s wrong? Did something happen to Zack and Lily?” I asked proactively. Penny grabbed my hand: “Yes, yes, it’s them… they… they…” “What happened?” I asked, looking directly into Penny’s eyes and pretending I knew nothing. I used to trust Penny implicitly. She wasn’t just our class monitor, but had been my desk mate for all three years of high school. I thought we were best friends who could tell each other anything. But I never imagined she would stomp on me so hard after the incident. She told everyone that I had a crush on Zack and drugged him myself. She even started a livestream to denounce my actions. “I was her desk mate for three years, I always knew she liked Zack. I just never thought she would actually do something like this.” “Natalie is a sex addict. She… she once called ten male escorts in one night.” “I tried to advise her, but she wouldn’t listen. She also had an unclear relationship with the old widower next door…” This livestream pushed the whole incident to its climax. I was completely cast into the abyss, and the school persuaded me to drop out. Later, I ran into her by chance. By then, she had already climbed to a high position. “Thank you. If it weren’t for your incident, I wouldn’t have been able to take your spot for early admission to the top university and end up where I am now.” As the memories flooded back, I stared hard at Penny. In my past life, she and I had discovered Zack dragging Lily into the bathroom together. I rushed in to stop him, while Penny said she would go call for help. But she just hid to the side to watch and record videos… Seeing that I wasn’t in a hurry, Penny became flustered and incoherent. “Zack dragged Lily into the men’s bathroom. Lily kept crying, Zack… Zack is trying to assault Lily.” “But don’t they like each other? How do you know Lily isn’t willing?” I asked. Hearing me say this, Penny was stunned. Everyone in our class knew that Zack and Lily were flirting, just short of making it official. Penny anxiously grabbed my wrist. “But they’re still students, they can’t do this!” “Come on, let’s go take a look. We can’t just ignore this.”

The calculation in Penny’s eyes was about to spill over. She just wanted to ruin me to get the early admission spot to the top university. I didn’t say anything more and followed her downstairs. On the way, I secretly sent pre-written SOS messages to the principal and other school leaders, as well as contacting some influencers who were livestreaming nearby. Lily was the principal’s daughter, after all. In my past life, when persuading me to drop out, the principal had utterly humiliated me, saying I was damaged goods that had been ridden by thousands. This time, I wanted the principal to get a good look at the show her daughter was putting on. As we approached the bathroom, we could hear ambiguous sounds coming from inside. “Zack, baby, more, I want more.” “Zack, you’re so good.” The woman’s moans and the man’s grunts were nonstop. Penny’s eyes darted around: “Natalie, you go in first to stop them. I’ll go find someone to help.” “No, I can’t go in. Let’s just wait here for the teachers,” I said, shrinking my neck and pretending to be scared. Penny glared at me in annoyance. She forced down her temper and lowered her voice: “If you don’t go in now, they’ll go all the way. Do you really want to let Zack go to Lily?” The bathroom’s outer door wasn’t fully closed. Through the crack, I could see Zack pressing Lily against the wall. Lily was half-undressed, exposing herself. Zack was frantically tearing at Lily’s uniform, biting all over her body. Lily pretended to struggle, but wasn’t actually using any strength. Her coy resistance only made Zack more uncontrollable. I pressed my lips together tightly, pretending to be conflicted: “Okay, you’re right. I’ll go in now.” Just as I was about to push the door open, I turned back to Penny and said, “Hurry and find a teacher. I can’t hold out for long.” Penny nodded eagerly. She turned and ran. But after rounding a corner, she came back. She gleefully took out her phone, started recording, and wedged it into the door crack. Inside was chaotic, with lewd sounds coming out unabashedly. After doing this, Penny finally went to find teachers and security guards, feeling very pleased with herself. When a group of people rushed to the teaching building, the couple inside were still going at it vigorously. Penny covered her face and cried, blocking the principal. “Teacher, I… I don’t know why they’re doing this!” The principal’s face was dark with anger. She didn’t know her daughter Lily was inside. Penny hadn’t clarified who exactly was in there. Penny wanted to ruin not just me, but Lily as well. After all, in her eyes, we were both her competitors. Today, education bureau officials happened to be visiting for an inspection. Now, a group of education officials were following the principal to “catch people in the act”. The scene couldn’t be more dramatic. The principal was shaking with rage. With education officials watching, it seemed her chances for promotion were likely ruined. I guessed the principal probably wanted to kill the adulterous couple inside right now. The principal tried to move forward. Penny blocked the principal again, crying and wailing, “Principal, inside is… is is…” She pretended to be reluctant. The principal grabbed her shoulders, “Who is it?” Penny acted like she had been frightened to tears, and said between sobs, “It’s Natalie.” The principal naturally knew who I was. My grades were always top of the year, and I was the most promising candidate for early admission to the top university. The principal’s eyes bulged with rage. “That sl—” She abruptly cut off the insult she was about to hurl. The education officials were still watching, so the principal couldn’t speak too harshly at this moment. The people inside were still lost in their passion, completely unaware of the commotion outside. The lewd sounds coming from inside grew even more unbridled. Penny covered her chest and cried: “Natalie, how could you be so foolish! Why can’t you control yourself? Are you really that desperate for men?” With those words, the education officials’ expressions turned extremely unpleasant. They considered themselves respectable people and didn’t want to barge in at a moment like this. A group of people with varying expressions waited downstairs, looking at each other awkwardly. “Me? What about me?” I finally emerged from my hiding place in the shadows.

“Why are you here?” Penny cried out in shock. The principal eyed me suspiciously, “It’s not you? Then who’s inside?” I shrugged, “I don’t know. I didn’t see clearly who it was.” Since Penny deliberately concealed it, I naturally had no reason to expose it. At this moment, several influencers who had received my message barged in, ignoring the school security guards trying to stop them. “Wow, the students at your school are so open, having sex in broad daylight.” “Yeah, Principal, aren’t you going to take us for a look?” “Principal, what are your thoughts on this? Chat with the viewers in our livestream.” The principal’s face turned ashen. She clenched her jaw and said nothing. Penny stared at me intently, finally losing it. She grabbed my hand: “Didn’t you go in? Then who went in just now?” “I was scared and didn’t dare go in,” I said, trying hard to squeeze out tears and acting like a coward. Penny was so angry she raised her hand to slap me. Just as her palm was about to hit my face, she stopped herself abruptly, glaring at me fiercely. The influencers’ cameras zoomed in. Comments in the livestream were scrolling rapidly. [666, this is so exciting.] [You can tell how intense it is just from the sounds.] [Streamer, hurry up and go in to record. Let us bros feast our eyes.] The influencer chuckled, “I wouldn’t dare. If I went in, my stream would get banned immediately.” I turned away from the camera and flashed a smile at Penny. She stared at me in shock, her eyes wide. “You…” “What’s wrong, class monitor?” I asked innocently. An education bureau official’s face had turned red. He pointed at the bathroom: “Old Lin, go talk some sense into your students!” This incident could no longer be covered up. The principal was so angry her face was twitching. “Good, good, good. These students are really something.” As the principal charged towards the bathroom, I ran over crying and grabbed her. “Teacher, you’d better not go in.” The principal shoved me away forcefully. “Get lost! Why are you all trying to stop me? What are you up to?” Everyone frowned as they looked at me. Penny had finally reacted by now. She hid in the crowd, staring at me unblinkingly. She must have thought of something, because she suddenly ran over. “Natalie, stop interfering with them. I know you like Zack, but he deserves this,” she said. She acted like she was looking out for me as she pulled me away, her voice full of pain: “We’re just students. We shouldn’t get involved in the teachers’ business.” Seeing that I still wanted to block the way, the principal pushed me aside forcefully. I cried my heart out, wailing to the livestream cameras: “But there are so many people here. If this gets out, what will happen to the people inside?” I pretended to be very concerned about the people inside. On camera, of course I had to act like I cared about my classmates. This time, I was the only one occupying the moral high ground. Hearing this, the principal paused. The education officials also looked troubled. On camera, they couldn’t just barge in to “catch people in the act” like this. If it caused the students involved to do something drastic, they couldn’t bear that responsibility. So the group of people hesitated about 30 meters away from the bathroom in the teaching building. We weren’t very close, but we could still clearly hear the sounds from inside. The influencers tried to get closer to film, but were blocked by the security guards. And so, the group waited outside like cats on hot bricks. It took a full two hours before the noises inside finally died down. The bathroom door opened. But to everyone’s surprise, the satiated-looking man who walked out wasn’t a student from our school. The man was burly and strong, with a scar on his face. Seeing so many eyes staring at him, he spat in disgust. “What are you looking at? Keep staring and I’ll gouge your eyeballs out.” Seeing it was some thug, the principal visibly relaxed. As long as it wasn’t students involved, it would be easier to handle. But then someone cried out in shock, “Holy sh*t, inside…”

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I was known as the frail and unstable heiress in our social circles, with a rare condition that required regular blood transfusions to survive. Dissatisfied with my father’s choice of Aiden as my fiancé, I kept nine men as my personal playthings at home. Whenever Aiden, the wealthy pharmaceutical heir, confronted me with reddened eyes, I just scoffed dismissively. But later, those nine men poisoned my blood supply and ran off with all my assets. As I lay dying, blood pouring from every orifice, Aiden hunted them down and tortured them to death, their blood staining the entire mansion red. He slit his own artery to feed me his blood, tears streaming down his face. “Chloe, my blood can cure any illness. Please, I’m begging you to live!” But despite draining himself dry, he couldn’t revive me. Only then did I realize the depth of his love. When I opened my eyes again, I had been reborn to the day my father chose my fiancé. This time, I sent away all my boy toys, wanting only Aiden. I truly believed we would live happily ever after in this new life. But later, to redeem his cousin Lily who had gambled herself into debt, Aiden and my father conspired to offer me up at the gambling table… 0

At the casino, my body trembled uncontrollably. In my past life, Aiden had been willing to drain his own blood to save me. But just three minutes ago, he had drugged his own blood and forced me to drink it. He sighed regretfully, his warm fingertips brushing away my tears. “Chloe, I’ve replaced everyone at the casino with my own people. They won’t hurt you. You just need to put on an act to soothe Lily’s wounded feelings.” “You ruined one of her dresses yesterday. Consider this as making amends.” Even my doting father chimed in, “Think of it as character building. If it weren’t for you, Lily wouldn’t have run off to the casino heartbroken.” I was stunned speechless, my whole body shaking. I couldn’t believe these words were coming from my formerly overprotective father. Yesterday, Lily had seen my dress at the mall and lunged for it, but she slipped and tore her own clothes, embarrassing herself in public. She blamed me for “causing” her wardrobe malfunction to be photographed. Heartbroken, she had run off to the casino and lost everything. Compared to how these two men had doted on me in my past life, I felt my pupils constrict in shock. Could it be that they had been reborn as well? My body was rigid but my mind razor sharp as tears streamed down my face. Aiden positioned me in a pose that satisfied everyone, casino chips precariously balanced on my barely-clothed body. “Aiden, isn’t that Chloe, the crazy beauty from the Shen family? You’re setting us up… Wouldn’t your cousin be a better choice?” Several wealthy young men leered hungrily while nervously backing away, their clammy hands tentatively reaching for my body. Aiden leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed coldly on the changing room. “Since I brought her, feel free to enjoy. Her blood-nourished body gets wet at the slightest touch.” My whole body shook like a leaf. The Aiden I knew would fret for hours if a mosquito bite left a small bump on his carefully maintained body. Now he was handing me over to strangers without a second thought. Seeing me helpless like a fish on a chopping block, the men rubbed their hands eagerly. As they tore at what little clothing I had left, waves of humiliation washed over me. My heart shattered into a million pieces. In the distance, Lily emerged from the changing room with reddened eyes. Aiden pulled her into his arms tenderly. His doting tone made her giggle coquettishly. Those who had disrespected her earlier now kowtowed in apology. My emotions were a tangled mess. I remembered how in the past, Aiden would viciously punish anyone who so much as looked at me wrong. When Lily’s gaze fell on me, her eyes flashed with vicious glee even as she feigned concern. “Big sis, even if you’re used to being arrogant, you shouldn’t be naked in front of so many men. How embarrassing! You should all get closer to keep her warm.” As soon as she finished speaking, Aiden strode over and covered her eyes with his hand. “Don’t look, it’s dirty.” My fingernails dug into my palms as I trembled in pain, tears falling in big drops. It was June, but Aiden clearly understood Lily’s implications. He was indulging her, backing her up. This germaphobe who had once held my blood-soaked body and kissed me tenderly – why was he being so ruthless this time? Seeing Aiden leave, the men lost all restraint, crowding around the gambling table to play freely. Satisfied, they tossed me aside. The laughter in the room drowned out my heart-wrenching screams. Every breath was filled with the metallic taste of pain. I stumbled home on shaky legs, but froze at the doorway, my breathing nearly stopping. My clenched fists hung limply at my sides. Lily and I shared the same birthday. At that moment, my father and Aiden were celebrating her birthday at the table, countless gifts piled in the living room. Everything that should have been mine in my past life now had nothing to do with me. The three of them laughed and chatted around the dinner table, a warm family scene I had desperately longed for in this life and the last. It turned out Lily could obtain it so easily. I averted my gaze and snuck up to the second floor through the back door. As soon as I closed the door, I could no longer hold back and broke down sobbing. I had changed my personality for Aiden’s sake, but why had he and my father acted so out of character? This time, I wanted to love him properly, but he didn’t even give me a chance. Ashen-faced, I took out my phone. “Big bro, I’m coming to find you guys. I won’t marry him anymore.” 0

The man on the other end sighed, his voice icy. “Little sis, I’m glad you’ve come to your senses. Your second brother will be thrilled to hear this.” After hanging up, I lay on the cold floor sleepless all night. My phone buzzed once, shattering what was left of my frozen heart. A video from Lily. With trembling hands, I pressed play. By the end, my whole body was rigid with shock. “Big sis, did you sleep well last night? I arranged for the baby in your belly to come thank me. I specially chose quality DNA, no need to thank me.” I sat paralyzed, chilled to the bone. Lily had switched out the casino staff… In the final shot, I saw someone injecting something into my body. I rushed to the bathroom and vomited until I was spitting up blood. I scrubbed my skin raw with steel wool, tears and blood mixing together. In my past life, although Lily was adopted, she had behaved herself in the Shen household. But this time, it was like she had become a completely different person. A horrifying thought popped into my head – they had all been reborn. I dragged my battered body to the hospital in a panic, begging the nurse, “Please give me an abortion, I’m begging you.” Just as I finished speaking, the clack of high heels sounded behind me. I looked up to see Aiden striding over, his face dark with anger. “Big sis, you’re pregnant? But why are you asking the nurse for an abortion? Don’t you want Aiden’s baby?” Lily’s voice dripped with false concern. I rushed over and clutched Aiden’s hand tightly. “I’m not pregnant. This isn’t my baby. Lily switched out the casino staff and had them put… into me.” Aiden’s eyes flashed red as he pinned me against the wall, gritting his teeth. “You’re still trying to frame Lily even now? I thought you had improved, but you’re still as selfish as ever.” Even my father, who had rushed over at the commotion, slapped me hard across the face. “You ungrateful child! When will you learn to be as obedient as Lily? This is your own flesh and blood!” Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth as I swallowed the metallic taste. I watched them laugh uproariously, tears silently rolling down my cheeks. The two men who had loved me most had handed me over to the casino without a second thought. They would rather believe an outsider than ask their own daughter what happened. In my past life, I distinctly remembered them putting an entire medical team on standby at our mansion if I so much as coughed once. Helpless tears spilled over as I could no longer hold them back. Seeing me like this, Aiden’s heart clenched. He took a step towards me. But Lily began sobbing at that moment. “I’ve already forgiven big sis, why do you still want to frame me? I’m a victim too, I was almost…” She trailed off at just the right moment, making Aiden shake with fury. Her eyes gleamed with triumph as she looked at me. Rage boiled over and I glared at her venomously. I staggered to my feet and lunged at her. But I had barely touched a strand of her hair when Aiden violently shoved me away. I crashed into a cart, shattering IV bottles everywhere. Pain radiated through my entire body. As blood gushed from between my legs, I saw Aiden gently blowing on Lily’s scalp. While my normally composed father frantically called for doctors and nurses. I smiled as I blacked out. When I came to, I was tightly strapped to the hospital bed, unable to move an inch. My hands and feet were bound to the point of losing circulation. The nurses’ envious words drifted to my ears. “When will I find a man like Mr. Aiden? His fiancée yanked out one of his adopted sister’s hairs, and he called in the top hair transplant surgeon.” “I know right? He’s treating her like a mental patient to prevent her from hurting Miss Lily again. I’ve never seen restraints used like this before!” Their voices faded away. I looked up to see Aiden appear in the doorway. Was that a flash of pain in his eyes as he looked at me? I let out a cold laugh. He noticed my gaze and loosened the restraints, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Chloe, you’re being too unreasonable. Lily said you just got your period and weren’t pregnant at all. Your methods of getting my attention are too clumsy.” My breathing hitched. He so easily believed everything Lily said. “You should apologize to Lily. As compensation, give her your Four Seasons Villa. You don’t use it anyway.” 0

My eyes flew wide open in shock. The Four Seasons Villa was divided into Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter sections. It was the wedding gift my mother had specially designed for me. On her deathbed, she had used her last breath to make sure I signed the deed myself. Aiden had once held me and promised that we would let my mother witness our happiness there. How could he just hand it over to someone else? “I don’t agree!” I said forcefully. Aiden’s expression darkened as he coldly stared me down. “Lily’s health is fragile. The Four Seasons Villa was built with special temperature controls for each season. It’s perfect for her recovery. Don’t be so stingy.” The blood drained from my face, but I refused to back down. “You have a special constitution. If her health is poor, you can use your blood to nourish her.” Aiden’s face twisted. “No! Lily isn’t like you, she can’t stand the smell of blood. It’s decided.” I looked at Aiden with deep sorrow, suddenly remembering my father. That’s right! Father and Mother were so in love, he definitely wouldn’t agree to this! I rushed out of the hospital and home. When I happily approached my father, he slapped me hard across the face, shaking with rage. “Is this how your mother taught you to be so cold-blooded? For the sake of some trinket left by a dead woman, you’d let her suffer with her poor health!” My pupils constricted as my whole body trembled. Mother had been so good to Aiden, managing Father’s company until her dying day. But now the same people only had cold shoulders and cruel words left. I bit my lip until it bled. Aiden flinched at the hatred in my eyes. He was about to say something when Lily waved the deed in front of my face. “Thanks for making amends, big sis. Let’s put our grudges behind us now.” She pulled two tickets for a car race out of the folder. “Big sis, I’m inviting you to watch my race tomorrow. Father and Aiden will both be there.” My hand shook violently as I touched the tickets. I looked at the two men in panic. When I was little, I had been hit by a race car that went off course. I spent two years in the hospital, nearly giving up surrounded by cold machines. “I’m not going!” I tried to escape, but she grabbed me, her nails digging into my flesh like she was tearing off a chunk of me. Lily suddenly fell backwards uncontrollably, too fast to stop. “Ah, don’t push me…” She fell straight into the fireplace behind her. As flames flared up, Aiden pulled her out. She sobbed in his arms. “My hair got singed, what do I do? Big sis must hate me, I never meant to take anything from her.” I raised my eyes. “I said I didn’t do it. Will you believe me?” “Chloe, have you gone mad?” Aiden’s eyes blazed red, like he wanted to tear me apart. I laughed coldly as I looked at him. There was no point in explaining. He knew how terrified I was of cars, yet he still refused to believe me. Lily ran off crying. He raised his hand to slap me viciously. Then he chased after her like a madman. In the dead of night, I curled up in bed, my tears soaking the pillow. “Mom… why didn’t you take me with you…” I vaguely heard someone push open the door and carry me downstairs. When I opened my eyes again, the sharp screech of tires against pavement assaulted my ears. Everything around me was a blur. I bit my lip hard as waves of near-death terror washed over me. Vomit mixed with blood covered my body. I instantly realized Aiden was getting revenge for Lily. This time, I couldn’t even shed a tear. The car door opened and I tumbled out like a sack of meat. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, but I no longer had the strength to struggle. I didn’t understand why everything had changed in this life. Aiden and my father seemed like completely different people. But it didn’t matter anymore. It would all be over soon. I managed a small relieved smile as I slowly closed my eyes. 0

When I opened my eyes again, my body burned with pain. I wasn’t in a hospital, but a dark basement with a cheap bed. I touched my singed, messy hair, my heart shattering. The housekeeper hugged me gently with reddened eyes. “Miss, you’re finally awake. You’ve suffered so much. How could Mr. Aiden do this to you? He knew what you went through…” Tears silently rolled down my face. Yes, he used to personally drive me everywhere, knowing my fear. This time he had someone kidnap and race me around. My prized hair was burned on a whim. I let out a bitter laugh. In my past life he had loved me to death. In this life he loved someone else to death. We were never meant to be together. I had a long dream where my second brother took me away. All four of my brothers showered me with endless love. Just thinking about it made me smile. Aiden’s casually placed hands clenched into tight fists as he struggled to contain his anger. “Consider this punishment a warning. Why do you have to keep going after Lily? She’s not as lucky as you. Can’t you just let her have this?” I scoffed. As if Lily’s misfortune was my fault. Who should I blame for my current situation then? I met his eyes, my own stinging with unshed tears. “Aiden, have you really forgotten how much you loved me in our past life?” He looked dazed for a moment before furrowing his brow and coldly replying, “What nonsense are you spouting? You think we had a past life together?” He stormed off before I could respond. I laughed bitterly as I gathered my things, burning all the wedding supplies before heading to the airport. But as soon as I stepped out the front door, blinding headlights shone on me as a car sped straight at me. BANG! When I came to, Lily and I were tied to chairs. Her face was twisted with malice as she looked at me. “I know you want to leave. As it happens, I know a place where Aiden will never find you.” As she finished speaking, the men from the casino walked towards us. I stared at her in wide-eyed horror. But they walked right past me and went straight for Lily. The next moment, her screams echoed through the warehouse. “Even if you ruin me, Aiden still won’t like you! Please let me go!” Before I could process what was happening, the door was kicked open violently. Aiden strode in backlit dramatically. A small doll covered in needles hit me in the face, drawing blood. I shook my head frantically, face pale. “It wasn’t me…” But his handsome face was contorted with rage, his eyes like he was looking at a dead person. “We found your fingerprints in Lily’s car. What else do you have to say? Chloe, you’re still as disgusting as before!” I stared blankly as he carried Lily away. Every breath tasted of blood. Aiden, goodbye and good riddance. As the casino men swarmed towards me, I closed my eyes in despair with a bitter smile.

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After graduating from medical school, I broke up with James. “Just because I went to her medical lecture instead of your graduation ceremony?” He smirked sarcastically. I nodded silently. “You really never grow up, do you?” He laughed coldly. “Fine, have it your way. But don’t come crawling back to me later.” From age twelve to twenty-five, I had always been chasing after him, so insecure that everyone thought I couldn’t live without him. But this time, I was truly exhausted. He didn’t know that I had already applied to study abroad. In a country far, far away from him. From now on, no one would stop him from doing things for his sister-in-law anymore. 0 “I went to Megan’s medical lecture,” James explained coldly. Megan was his sister-in-law. She once said, “We’re all the same age, don’t call me sister-in-law. It makes me feel old.” So James started calling her “Megan” without hesitation. “I know,” I bit my lip. “You know and you’re still angry?” He sounded exasperated. “Can you stop acting like a child?” “James,” I clenched my fingers, gathering the courage to look him in the eye, “Let’s break up!” James leaned back in his office chair, looking at me coldly: “Just because I didn’t go to your graduation ceremony?” I nodded silently. “You really want to break up?” he asked. “Yes.” “Sophia.” “Hmm.” “I don’t have the patience to play this ‘on-again-off-again’ game with you. Adults should think carefully before they speak.” “Hmm.” “You really never grow up, do you?” He laughed coldly. “Fine, have it your way. But don’t come crawling back to me later.” I nodded: “Don’t worry, I won’t!” As I turned to leave, I ran into Megan coming through the door. “James, want to grab dinner? I have a question…” Megan looked surprised to see me: “Sophia, what are you doing here?” She glanced between James and me. “Did you two have a fight?” “Is it because James didn’t go to your graduation ceremony?” she asked me. Then she explained: “Sophia, don’t misunderstand! This was my first time giving a medical lecture, it was really important to me, so I asked James to stay and help me prepare. I didn’t think it would take so long and make him miss your graduation. I’m so sorry!” Her words were flawless, making me look childish in comparison. This was what I hated most about her. Seeing my silence, she linked her arm with mine: “Come on! Have dinner with us.” She teased James: “Your girlfriend’s here, let’s not eat at the cafeteria today! Let’s get sushi! I haven’t had it in ages. James, you’re treating!” Then she covered her mouth and laughed: “Oh, I forgot, you always treat.” She turned to me: “Sophia, I heard from James that you like sushi too, right?” I froze, glaring at James: “Really? I don’t remember that.” Megan frowned slightly: “Oh, maybe I remembered wrong. But no worries, just tell us what you want to eat. Don’t be shy!” She was treating me like a complete outsider. James didn’t seem to notice anything wrong, and just stood up, calmly taking off his lab coat: “Let’s go. Sushi it is.” I pulled my arm away from Megan: “You two go ahead. I’m going home.” Then I fled. As I left, I heard James say calmly: “Just ignore her. She’s being childish. It’s time she grew up a bit.” 0

That night, I saw Megan’s social media post. It was a photo of James listening to her lecture, head bowed. The caption read: [So glad to have you.] Not long after, she posted a picture of sushi: [Thanks for still remembering what I like.] I threw my phone aside. Hugging my pillow, I felt miserable and couldn’t sleep all night. The next day, Megan updated her social media again. It was a photo of James sleeping. The caption was extremely suggestive: [You worked hard, handsome.] There were no likes from any mutual friends. I guess it was posted just for me to see. My chest felt tight. A while later, James sent me a message. It said: “My mom wants you to try on wedding dresses. Megan has an important surgery today, her first time as lead surgeon, so I need to supervise. I can’t go with you.” I blocked him immediately. When I went downstairs for breakfast, my mom had just gotten off the phone with James’ mom. She smiled and waved me over, saying James’ mom had taken the day off to go dress shopping with me. She said she’d also taken the day off to come along. She went on: “I’ve always liked that James since he was little. My intuition was right, he’s grown up to be so outstanding. Sophia, marrying him is like winning the lottery in your past life.” I bit my lip and gathered my courage to say: “Mom, I broke up with him, so naturally the engagement is off.” Mom’s expression changed instantly. “You’re cancelling the engagement without any notice? Do you think this is some kids’ game?” My body trembled: “I thought James would have told you.” “James is so busy, and he has to put up with you playing these childish games. You really never learn to grow up, do you?” Tears started falling uncontrollably: “That’s right, I can’t grow up. No one ever taught me how, so how am I supposed to grow up?” My usually quiet dad suddenly spoke up: “If you don’t want to get married, then don’t. What’s the big deal?” Then he asked me: “You’re not going to work at his hospital anymore?” I answered: “No, Dad. I want to study abroad for a while.” Mom got even angrier and was about to speak, but Dad silenced her with a look. “If you want to go, then go. This is the first time I’ve seen you be so decisive about something. That’s good. Don’t worry, I’ll handle the engagement cancellation.” Just then, I got a message from my best friend: “Sophia, my brother’s having a heart attack. He’s at your fiancé’s hospital now, but the process is so complicated. I’m worried my brother can’t wait that long. Could you ask your fiancé to help take a look?” On the phone, I was silent for a few seconds. My friend suddenly apologized: “I’m so sorry, Sophia. I’m just too worried. You’ve said before you don’t like this. I’m sorry! I’ll figure something out myself!” I sighed and said: “I’ll head over first!” 0

Ten minutes later, I arrived at the hospital. My friend’s brother’s condition looked quite serious. I asked the nurse why none of the cardiology specialists were available. The nurse grumbled that they had all been called to the operating room by James. Megan was performing her first surgery as lead surgeon, and he wanted to ensure everything went perfectly. Megan didn’t have that kind of authority. I knew this was James’ doing. After all, this whole hospital basically belonged to the Johnson family. I called James many times. But his phone was always off. So I ran to wait outside the operating room. After waiting for a long time, the surgery light finally went off. James came out carrying Megan in his arms. He glanced at me: “Why are you here?” I grabbed his arm: “My friend’s brother is in serious condition…” Before I could finish, James shook off my grip and strode forward. I jogged after him all the way to his office. He carefully placed Megan in his rest area. Then he sat down at his computer, staring intently at the screen. I hurried over: “Dr. Johnson, my friend’s brother is having a heart attack. It’s urgent. Can you please go take a look?” He looked up: “Why are you still here? Isn’t my mom waiting for you to try on dresses?” I emphasized again: “Can you please go check on him?” James sighed slightly: “Megan just finished surgery. I’m worried she might have nightmares.” My heart ached, but I still persisted: “Then can you send another doctor over?” “I can’t. They need to monitor the patients’ conditions. I won’t allow any mistakes.” “James, don’t you have any professional ethics? I’ve told you there’s a critical patient outside. As a doctor, shouldn’t you at least go take a look?” He seemed surprised by my outburst. He frowned and said coldly: “Sophia, how many times have I told you? In our profession, the most taboo thing is having empathy. No matter how serious a patient’s condition is, we have to follow hospital procedures. When it’s my turn to go, I’ll go on time.” My voice softened: “Emma is my only friend left. Please, I’m begging you!” He laughed coldly: “Didn’t you just say yesterday that you wouldn’t beg me anymore?” “This is the last time!” Tears started streaming down my face. James seemed to soften a bit. But suddenly Megan’s voice came from inside: “James, are you there? I’m scared.” James stood up and said coldly to me: “If you really can’t wait, you can transfer to another hospital.”

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I had been in an online relationship with my boyfriend for three years. I was there for him through his darkest days, supporting him every step of the way. When we finally met in person, everything fell apart. The reason was simple – the person I had been dating for three years was also complicit in bullying me. Later, Sean tried to make amends by letting others do to him what he had done to me. He begged for my forgiveness, pleading with me to come back. But some things in this world can’t be settled by simply evening the score. 0 As Sean and his cronies cornered me against the wall, I was in the middle of messaging “Sean baby” on SnapChat. Sunlight streamed through the windows into the dark classroom, illuminating only the young man standing at the edge of the group. He looked like a sliver of light in the darkness. I had just sent: [Something came up today. Let’s play games together tonight instead.] Sean’s phone buzzed. His expression instantly softened. He leaned close to his phone and said in a low, gentle voice: [No worries, sweetie. I actually have something to take care of too. Just message me when you’re free later.] I clenched my fist. As I lowered my eyes, I saw “Sean baby” had sent a voice message. “Sean?” The girl standing next to him called out. Sean ignored her, his fingers tapping out another message on his screen. At the same time, my phone received a new message. I didn’t reply. The air in the room felt suffocating for a moment. Zoe opened her mouth, about to call out to Sean again. But the young man suddenly turned to look at her, his voice cold: “What do you want?” Zoe froze for a second. Everyone else’s eyes turned to her. I kept my gaze fixed on Sean. He stood at the edge of the group, half his face illuminated by the light from outside. The contrast of light and shadow only accentuated his striking good looks. His features overlapped with the photos I had seen before. I felt disoriented for a moment. Half of him was my sweet Sean. The other half was this stranger, Sean. My grip loosened involuntarily. The atmosphere grew tense. Suddenly, the girl’s shrill voice shattered the silence. Her tone dripped with vicious glee, like an icy snake coiling around my body. The smugness in her voice was almost palpable. “Teach her a lesson,” she commanded. “Let her know not to mess with me, Zoe.” Fists and kicks rained down on me, one after another. Every place they struck erupted in pain. Threats and insults poured into my ears, punctuated by Zoe’s triumphant laughter. I desperately buried my face in my arms. I don’t know how long it lasted. When I finally looked up again, the figure at the corner was long gone. 0

I had provoked Zoe. She had always been insufferable, throwing her weight around school just because she had a delinquent boyfriend. On Wednesday, I was lining up for lunch in the cafeteria. Zoe suddenly appeared with her posse, cutting in line right in front of me without so much as a word. Normally, I might have said something. But that day I was starving. I had forgotten to eat breakfast and was famished by third period. So I pushed her. Hard. I forgot how strong I was sometimes. That one shove sent her sprawling on her butt. The sound of Zoe hitting the ground was loud enough to make the whole area go quiet. All eyes turned to us. I don’t think she had ever been treated like that before. Her face turned beet red, like an overinflated balloon about to burst. I was about to apologize when the lunch lady called out to me: “What’ll you have, honey? Don’t hold up the line, there are people waiting behind you.” I froze, completely forgetting about Zoe still on the ground. I rattled off my order to the lunch lady. By the time I got my food, Zoe was gone. I figured we were even – she had cut in line first, after all. As far as I was concerned, it was water under the bridge. 0

That was what I thought anyway. Zoe clearly didn’t see it that way. Otherwise she wouldn’t have asked her boyfriend’s friend to come “teach me a lesson.” And I wouldn’t have been beaten up by my own boyfriend and his gang. When I got back to my dorm, my clothes were soaked and filthy. My roommate wrinkled her nose and asked in surprise, “Lucy, what happened to you?” “I accidentally fell on my way back,” I lied. “Oh.” She looked relieved. “Go take a shower then.” I nodded and took off my face mask. My phone buzzed in my pocket again. [What are you up to, sweetie?] [Are you done with your errands?] [Why aren’t you replying to me? (Crying cat emoji)] [Sweetie?] [Patiently waiting.jpg] I didn’t respond. I turned off the screen and went into the bathroom. 0

Sean and I had been in an online relationship for three years without ever meeting in person. When we first started talking, he called me Lucy. As we grew closer, he started calling me Lulu. Later, after he confessed his feelings, he called me “sweetie.” We had known each other for almost three years. During that time, his grandfather passed away. We talked on the phone five times a day during that period. He would talk about his grandfather until his voice grew hoarse, or break down crying. I cried along with him on the other end, comforting him through my own tears. I knew every detail of his childhood. I listened as he reminisced about those bygone days of his youth, the only times he looked back on fondly. My browser search history was filled with: “How to best comfort someone who lost a loved one.” Sometimes he would call me in the middle of the night. The city would be pitch black at 3 AM. I’d be jolted awake by the ringtone, sit up in bed, and stare into the inky darkness as I kept him company while he cried. Eventually, Sean started to heal. Time proved that companionship truly was the best comfort. Even though we had never met in person. Whenever he needed me, I was there. He told me, [Sweetie, I’m so glad I have you.] When I got that message, my best friend Hazel happened to be next to me and saw it. She scoffed: “I can’t believe you’re so free that you’d comfort a total stranger through a screen.” I kept my eyes on the screen and replied tangentially: “Isn’t it amazing?” “The internet is truly incredible.” Sean’s profile picture was a smiling cat. Just looking at it lifted my mood. “It can turn two people who’ve never met into an intimate relationship by society’s standards.” “Companionship through a screen can become someone’s salvation.” I typed out a message and hit send: [I’ll always be here for you.] “How should I put it,” I smiled at Hazel. “Is this the greatness of love?” 0

The sound of running water in the shower suddenly stopped. I came out wrapped in a towel. My roommate pointed at the phone on the desk: “Lucy, your boyfriend called a few times. I told him you were in the shower.” “Thanks,” I said softly. Her eyes landed on my arm and she gasped again: “How did you fall? It looks pretty bad. I have some bruise ointment, come here and let me help you apply it.” I bit my lip to keep from crying out as she rubbed the ointment on the bruises. I typed out a reply to Sean. [I’m done with my shower.] He immediately sent back a sticker. [Kiss.jpg] [Want to play some games tonight, sweetie?] I thought for a moment, then replied: [Not tonight.] [Today I…] [What happened today?] I hesitated, then continued typing. [I saw someone cut in line today, so I pushed them. They said they were going to get someone to teach me a lesson.] The “typing” bubble on his end popped up and disappeared a few times. Finally, he sent a voice message. I didn’t play it. I just replied: [It’s fine, they didn’t come after me.] [How dare they cut in line and still act self-righteous?] Sean asked. More voice messages from him kept popping up, the red dots indicating I hadn’t listened to them. But my eyes were fixed on that one text reply. I couldn’t help but laugh. “What’s so funny?” my roommate asked curiously. Wiping away tears of laughter from the corners of my eyes, I said, “Just saw a funny joke.” 0

We had never gone a day without talking. Sean had sent me many photos over the years. Brilliant sunsets, clusters of wildflowers by the roadside, skies so blue they looked unreal… There was one of him standing in his family’s garden, smiling at the camera. The hem of his white shirt fluttered in the breeze. He stood tall and handsome, his smile as radiant as moonlight. He had said, Sweetie, I took this photo specially for you. Maybe one day, you’ll be able to recognize me if we pass each other on the street. I said what were the chances of that ever happening. Now I realized I was wrong. There are even more unlikely coincidences in this world. His face was half-hidden in shadow under the streetlights, refined yet cold. His beautiful features overlapped with the boy in the photos. Familiar yet strange. Sean once asked me what kind of person I liked. I asked him back, what are you like? He said, I’m whatever you like. I said I liked righteous, noble young men. The Sean I imagined in my mind was exactly like that. He was silent for a long time after that, only sending back a smiley face emoji. 0

The chat bubbles on the other end of the screen kept popping up. I was stunned for a good 30 seconds before I sent him a message: [Sean.] [Do you want to meet in person?] The next day in the cafeteria, I ran into Zoe again. She was trying to cut in line as usual. I was standing in another line, watching as the guy she cut in front of swallowed his anger and said nothing. Zoe turned to chat and laugh with her friends. The corners of her blood-red lips curled up as she caught sight of me in line. Something seemed to occur to her. Her smirk grew even wider as she pulled her friend out of line and squeezed right in between me and the person in front. Her elbow jutted out, nearly knocking me into the person behind me. I stumbled, barely managing to keep my balance. The person in front turned around, their eyes filled with disdain, as if mocking my foolishness from yesterday. I rarely saw such an ugly side of people. I bit my lip so hard I nearly drew blood, desperately trying to suppress the turmoil inside me. I lowered my gaze to hide my emotions. “Little. Bitch.” She enunciated each word slowly, her tone dripping with mockery and venom. But I heard every syllable crystal clear. My rationality was on the verge of snapping. I tasted blood in my mouth and forcefully swallowed it down. 0 My chat with “Sean baby” was still open to the kiss emoji he had sent me yesterday. [Really, sweetie?] [We’re finally going to meet!] [I’ve been looking forward to this for so long. I can’t wait to see you.] [It’s been almost three years.] [I’ll let you know once I’ve decided on a day.] [Okay!] [I’m so happy we’ll finally meet.] [What if you don’t like me in person?] [How could that be possible!] [I’ll love my sweetie no matter what.] [Kiss.jpg] The conversation ended there. I had finished getting my food and sat down in the cafeteria, scrolling through that exchange over and over. It was like I was trying to glean some hidden meaning from it, but came up empty.

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The day Chloe’s wedding to Julian was supposed to happen, my love jumped from the eighteenth floor. I opened his studio, and it was filled with countless portraits of Seraphina. The strokes were wild and frenzied, almost deranged, yet they pulsed with his overwhelming affection. My friend Maya said, “Julian loved Seraphina for ten years. She was his only light.” When I opened my eyes again, I saw Julian, cornered by the school bully Jax in our classroom. I quietly closed the door. Later, he knocked on my window in the pouring rain, his voice hoarse and desperate. “Chloe, are you… are you giving up on me?” Astrophysics professor Julian recently discovered a new asteroid. During his interview, his exceptionally striking appearance made him an instant trending topic. The public’s focus quickly shifted from the asteroid to his almost otherworldly face. When news broke that the asteroid was named after his beloved, netizens instantly erupted. While praising their picture-perfect romance, everyone started digging to find out who “R.a.n.” was. I hugged my phone, biting back a triumphant grin. At the end of the video, the reporter chuckled, asking, “Professor Julian, is there anything you’d like to say to your beloved, R.a.n.?” Julian froze, his eyes, dark as midnight, trembling slightly. “Happy wedding.” His tone was calm, yet it held an almost imperceptible edge of despair, on the brink of shattering. I instantly stiffened. Happy wedding? What did that even mean? “Oh, come on!” Maya, beside me, playfully nudged me. “Chloe, your Professor Julian seems so stoic, but he’s actually quite the romantic, huh? Celebrating your wedding anniversary like it’s your actual wedding day.” Was that it? Looking at Julian’s seemingly tender eyes in the video, my cheeks instantly flushed. I had been with Julian for ten years. I’d seen him transform from a sullen, almost lifeless boy to the composed, refined professor he was now. Ten years ago, he transferred to my school and became my deskmate. The boy had porcelain skin and features that seemed painted, but he looked at me with pure annoyance. And now, he was naming an asteroid after me, and his usually cold, aloof eyes softened with fondness and tenderness whenever he spoke of his beloved. Today was our one-year wedding anniversary. I cradled my stomach, curled up on the sofa. I planned to tell him the news about my pregnancy the moment he walked through the door. However… The news I received instead was Julian’s death. He had jumped from the eighteenth floor. Clutched tightly in his hand was a single note. “Death is merely a return to the cosmos. Billions of years from now, we will reunite among the stars.”

Accompanied by Maya, I arranged Julian’s funeral. He had left a will, stating that all his assets were to be donated after his death. For some reason, I was eerily calm these past few days. Seeing Maya’s eyes swollen from crying, gritting her teeth at Julian’s memorial picture, yet still trying to comfort me, I almost wanted to laugh. After the funeral, I received a call from his lawyer. “Mrs. Julian, Mr. Julian owned a villa not included in the donation… You can come arrange for its transfer whenever you have time.” The villa was in the suburbs, south of the city. I pushed open the front door, speechless at the sight before me. The main hall was filled with portraits. The strokes were wild and frenzied, almost deranged, like rough sketches from a beginner. But the person in the portraits came alive, made vivid by the overflowing, intense affection captured within them. It was Seraphina, our high school’s ‘It Girl’. Ten years. I had never once heard her name from Julian’s lips. I had no idea his feelings for her were hidden so deeply. I stumbled forward a few steps, steadying myself against a table. Neatly arranged on the table were several amber pieces. Each encased a small fruit candy, a dried flower, and a fragment of a glitter nail. The amber was smooth and rounded, clearly often handled and cherished. Things Seraphina had carelessly discarded, he treated as precious treasures. My wedding ring, which I had personally chosen for him, lay discarded nearby in a dried-up paint palette. My heart clenched with sharp, shooting pains, and tears welled uncontrollably in my eyes. Sitting down, I masochistically opened the notebook on the table. It was a chronicle of Julian’s ten-year unrequited love. On his first day of transfer, he received a fruit candy from Seraphina, the girl who sat in front of him, along with a friendly smile. It was as if a ray of sunshine had pierced his shadowed, inner world. For the gloomy boy, who had suffered domestic abuse and bullying, it was the first pure act of kindness he had ever received. He fell for her then and there. He wanted to lock her away, to possess her, to make her smile only for him. But he couldn’t bear to drag such a bright, vibrant girl into his darkness. R.a.n. wasn’t Chloe. It was Seraphina. It was his wedding gift to her. I flipped through the entire notebook. There were only a few brief mentions of me. “My new deskmate is too nosy, annoying. … Married. A bit regretful, but I must be responsible for her.” All the breakfasts I brought him when he had low blood sugar, the bullies I chased away for him, the time I dragged him by the hand out of the fire his deranged, abusive father started, all these years of my companionship and comfort… he didn’t mention a single one. The only thing he couldn’t forget was Seraphina’s vibrant smile from all those years ago. Each word was a slow, agonizing slice to my heart. I clenched my fists, breathing deeply. The crisp, clean scent of pine, his scent, still seemed to linger in the air. I felt nauseous. Some people are just inherently vile, unworthy of salvation. I pressed my palm to my stomach. He didn’t deserve me bearing his child. Just as I was about to stand, I heard a sound from the doorway. Two figures pushed the door open and stepped inside.

It was Julian’s best friend, Liam, and Seraphina. Liam’s eyes were red-rimmed, his voice hoarse. “This villa… Julian left it for you. You were once his only light. Back then, he was so depressed he almost didn’t make it. It was looking at your photos that helped him get back on his feet.” Seraphina stood blankly, her eyes misted over. “After he received his full scholarship, he didn’t even need to attend classes anymore, but he came every day just to get another glimpse of you…” Liam’s voice trailed off as he finally spotted me behind the bookshelf. He froze. Then, with a disgusted frown, he asked, “What are you doing here?” He strode forward and shoved me hard. “Get out! Don’t you dare defile the only peaceful place Julian had! If you hadn’t clung to him so relentlessly, he wouldn’t have ended up like this!” I stumbled from his push, and a dull ache spread in my lower abdomen. I steadied myself, then swung my hand back and slapped him hard across the face. “What does that have to do with me?! I never forced him to date me, or to marry me! He missed out on Seraphina because he was a spineless, pathetic coward!” Seraphina’s teary voice suddenly cut in. “He… didn’t receive the love letter I sent him?” Liam and I both froze. “What did you say?” “Before the college entrance exam, I put a love letter on his desk, but I never heard back from him…” Her voice was laced with a bitter laugh, and when she looked up again, her eyes held a hint of resentment. “It was you, wasn’t it?” She stared at me, her gaze piercing. “You were jealous of me, so you threw away the letter? You made us miss out on ten whole years… and now he’s gone, and we’re separated by death…” I knew nothing about this. But Liam believed her. “You evil bitch!” He gritted his teeth and lunged at me. My stomach hit the corner of the table with a sickening thud. A searing pain ripped through me, and blood slowly began to seep out. My vision blurred, and I collapsed onto the floor, unconscious. When I opened my eyes again, I was holding a textbook, dressed in my school uniform, standing outside the janitor’s closet.

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On the day I got my acceptance letters from all the top schools, my billionaire dad told me to pick a fiancé from the roster of brilliant young men he’d sponsored. In my last life, I chose Trevor, my long-time crush. Who knew that after we married, he’d sell me to the dark web, where I was brutally dismembered and tortured! My daughter, Lily, begged him on her knees, but he choked her to death right in front of me. “Daisy! If you hadn’t used your dad’s sponsorship to force my hand, I never would’ve missed out on Chloe! She wouldn’t have left heartbroken and died in that car crash out in the middle of nowhere!” “If I had to choose again, I’d throw *everything* away just to never be with you!” Trevor stomped on Lily’s lifeless body, then, amidst my screams, he tossed her into the street, leaving her to be crushed by passing vehicles. The entire process of my torture and murder was recorded, turned into a video on the dark web, and went viral, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day my college applications were finalized, choosing my fiancé. I ignored Trevor’s eager gaze, my finger shooting out to point at Julian, the guy with the absolute worst reputation: “I want him.”

Dad’s gaze swept over the line of men before him, finally settling on me: “Daisy, your old man isn’t getting any younger. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be here to look after you. These are all young men I’ve watched grow up, carefully selected. Their character and capabilities are… *barely* up to your standards. No matter who you choose, your dad will bless your decision.” Everyone held their breath, their tension palpable. If I picked them, it meant a life of unimaginable wealth and influence, a smooth ride forever. I looked at Trevor. The moment our eyes met, my fists clenched involuntarily. The phantom pain of the inhuman torture from my past life still lingered. Just a flicker of that memory in my mind was enough to send shivers down my spine. I scoffed, my gaze shifting to Julian, who stood a little apart. After I died in my last life, Trevor ordered my body to be thrown into a junkyard and completely destroyed. It was Julian who spent a fortune, hiring people to sneak my body out, ensuring I received a proper burial and could finally rest in peace. That kindness, I never forgot. In a single breath, I’d made my decision. I turned, meeting Dad’s expectant gaze with a small smile: “Dad, the person I want…” Trevor was already poised, ready to step forward. After all, everyone knew I’d been relentlessly chasing Trevor for years. My husband, it could only be him. “Is Julian.” My finger landed squarely in front of *him*. “I accept— *what*?!” Trevor’s head snapped up, disbelief etched on his face. My dad, meanwhile, shot straight up from his chair: “Are you out of your mind? Julian? He’s a notorious playboy who’s been caught with girls since his freshman year of high school! How could you possibly choose him?” My expression didn’t falter: “Dad, you said you’d bless whoever I chose.” I already knew the truth about that whole thing. Trevor blurted it out when he was drunk in my last life. Julian never did anything like that. Trevor just got worried that Julian, who was better than him in every single way, would earn Dad’s favor instead. It was all a lie. A nasty rumor. A complete and utter scoundrel. My dad stared at me for so long, I thought he was going to pass out from anger. Finally, he grudgingly nodded: “Fine, fine. It’s just an engagement, not a marriage contract. If you want to have your fun, go for it. Your old man can always bail you out, no matter what.” He agreed! A wave of excitement washed over me. I honestly thought I’d have to argue more. Barely able to contain my excitement, I quickly reached out to give Dad’s shoulders a grateful squeeze. In this life, as long as I could get rid of that lecherous leech, it was a victory.

The moment I stepped out of the mansion, Trevor grabbed my wrist from behind: “Daisy! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” His grip was too strong, making my face twist in pain: “Are you out of your mind?! If you’re having a bad day, go get a rabies shot, don’t come here acting like a rabid dog!” Trevor’s voice was practically spitting through clenched teeth: “Everyone knows you’ve been shamelessly chasing me since we were kids, begging to marry me! Now you have the perfect chance, and you’re throwing it away? Isn’t this just your pathetic attempt at playing hard to get?” I actually laughed, I was so mad. I’d never met anyone so utterly shameless: “I can’t believe your delusions have gotten this bad. I chose Julian because I *like* Julian. I didn’t choose you because the sight of you makes me want to puke, got it?” Trevor, naturally, didn’t believe it. After all, half an hour ago I was still calling him ‘my dearest Trevor’ non-stop. Now, suddenly turning on him like this? Anyone would think something fishy was going on. Just as he was about to say more, I was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace: “Looks like some dogs just don’t understand human words. My fiancée has made it perfectly clear she wants nothing to do with you, yet you’re still clinging on. Your hide must be thicker than a rhino’s.” Because of me, everyone in my household used to treat Trevor with kid gloves, giving him special deference. When had he ever been so utterly humiliated? Trevor’s face flushed crimson with rage: “Do you honestly think she wants to marry *you*? She’s just using you to make me jealous! I saw through her pathetic little games ages ago!” “Daisy, Chloe was right! You arrogant, spoiled rich girls are all just leeches, the scum of society!” SMACK! I swung my arm in a wide arc, my palm connecting squarely with his face. The force sent him stumbling backward: “You dared to hit me?!” It was the first time I’d seen someone’s eyes bug out quite so dramatically, like they were about to pop out of their sockets. I shook out my wrist: “Hitting you? That was the *least* of it. Looking at how lively and energetic you are, you don’t exactly seem like someone who needs charity, do you?” “You’re right, we *are* scum. And naturally, money from the family of scum like us simply *cannot* be used. So, for your future college life, you’ll have to work extra hard, won’t you?” The moment he heard I was revoking his sponsorship, Trevor panicked: “How dare you?! I’m a top scholar!” Julian snorted a laugh: “Oh, right, *county-level* first place is also called a ‘top scholar,’ isn’t it? Such high *value*.” Trevor glared daggers at Julian: “I’m talking to *her*. Do you have a license to butt in?” Julian just flexed his wrist: “Looking for a beating?” Trevor wanted to retort, but then he looked at Julian, who stood a good half-head taller than him. He grudgingly snapped his mouth shut. And stormed away. “So *that’s* the kind of guy you used to like?” The smirk still hadn’t left Julian’s lips. I looked at him, slowly speaking: “Your husband.” ? Julian fell silent. Heh. Go on, laugh. If you mock me again, he’s *your* husband now too. Fair enough, right?

The next day, as I stepped out of the mansion, I spotted Chloe and Trevor at the gates, practically draped all over each other, playing the part of lovesick puppies. Chloe’s eyes were brimming with tears, as if she’d suffered some unimaginable injustice, as she sobbed uncontrollably, nestled in Trevor’s arms: “How could she humiliate you like that? My Trevor is the best man in the entire world!” Trevor sighed dramatically: “Rich people like them are just spoiled rotten. They have no idea how to respect anyone. She’s probably just trying some new trick to get my attention, but I saw through her disgusting little schemes ages ago. She just makes me sick!” Chloe bit her lip, nodding softly: “Trevor, I’m worried she’ll deliberately cause trouble for you… After all, people like them, what *wouldn’t* they do?” Trevor scoffed: “She won’t dare. All I have to do is ignore her for a couple of days, and she’ll come crawling back to beg for my attention.” I leaned against the doorway, casually shattering his little fantasy: “Oh, really?” Trevor heard my voice and, as if on instinct, immediately put some space between himself and Chloe. But seeing Chloe’s stunned expression, he realized his reaction was a bit too obvious. To save face, he snapped at me: “Who told you to eavesdrop on us?!” I raised an eyebrow: “This is *my* house. Do I need to report my movements to an outsider like you? Oh, and by the way, my dad has officially cut ties with your sponsorship. Isn’t it a bit awkward for you to still be hanging around *our* house?” My eyes curved into little crescents as I smiled, instructing the housekeeper to pack up all his *pathetic* belongings and toss them out. The housekeeper initially just put the bag on the floor, playing along, since I’d pulled this stunt plenty of times before when Trevor and I fought. And I’d always ended up meekly helping him carry his stuff back inside. It had gotten so bad that even the housekeeper thought I couldn’t live without him. Trevor glanced at the bag on the ground, frowning: “Why is this all there is? Where are my watches and shoes?” I smirked: “Those? I bought them. What makes you think you have any right to take them? You’re not even worthy.” I had never spoken to him with such venom before. Trevor’s disgusted expression finally wavered, a hint of something else surfacing: “Alright, stop messing around. You’re just upset because you saw me with Chloe, right? Fine, I’ll make her leave.” With that, he started to pick up the bag, intending to go back inside. But I extended my foot, blocking his path. My expression was no longer casual: “I didn’t realize the last name of this house had changed to ‘Trevor.’ Since you’re all so loyal to young master Trevor, you can pack your bags and leave with him.” The housekeeper, hearing she was about to be fired, was too terrified to pretend anymore. She swiftly picked up his pathetic bundle and sent it flying with a kick. Clothes and personal items spilled everywhere. Before Trevor could even react, Chloe couldn’t stand it anymore. She put her hands on her hips, striking a pose of righteous indignation, and demanded: “How can you bully people like this?!” She was half a head shorter than me; I had to look down to meet her gaze. Honestly, such a bother. “Do you really think you have the right to speak to *me*?” That single sentence utterly shattered Chloe’s fragile self-esteem. Right, if it weren’t for Trevor… …she would never have even seen me in her entire life. It was the truth, but she couldn’t handle it. Her big eyes immediately filled with tears: “How could you say that to me…?” So, I’m supposed to baby you now? Idiots truly do attract other idiots, don’t they? Seeing his beloved crying, Trevor felt even more humiliated. He bellowed at me: “How did you become like this? You’re absolutely impossible! Isn’t all this just to make me marry you? Fine! I’ll marry you! Just stop bothering Chloe! I’ll do anything you want!” He looked like a martyr, which utterly melted Chloe’s heart: “Trevor, I don’t want you to give up so much for me…” Trevor gazed at her adoringly: “As long as you’re well, I’m well…” Honestly, it made me want to puke. “Trevor, I don’t recall ever saying I wanted to marry you.” Trevor sneered: “Stop joking around. Don’t I know you? You love me so much, of course you’d marry me. Stop pretending.” I shrugged: “Sorry, but I should warn you, you might want to move.” He reflexively turned his head. And collided squarely with Julian’s fist. His nose bled, gushing a good ten feet. Hah. Spectacular. “Hearing dogs bark first thing in the morning. So annoying.” Trevor lay on the ground, unable to get up, too weak to even retaliate. Julian frowned: “Even more useless than I thought.” Smiling, I took his hand and led him back inside. Once we were alone, he finally voiced the question on his mind: “I know you only got engaged to me to get back at him, but as long as you need me, I’ll be right here by your side. And if… if one day you grow to hate me, I’ll just leave on my own. I won’t make it difficult for you…” What was with that aggrieved look? Like *I* was the one who wronged *him*. Anyone would think I’d betrayed him. I smiled, leaning closer: “What if I never hate you?” His ears instantly flushed red: “Then… then I’ll be with you forever.” My little innocent. He’s quite the sweetheart, isn’t he?

Days later, a phone call shattered my peaceful life once more: “Ms. Daisy, Mr. Trevor has run up a tab here more than three times, totaling over fifty thousand dollars. When can you come settle his bill?” I raised an eyebrow: “What does his bill have to do with me? Didn’t you know he’s been kicked out of my family’s home?” The person on the other end sounded surprised: “But he said to just call you directly for the money, and that you’d definitely pay…” I rubbed my temples: “And you just take his word for it? Do you have *any* critical thinking skills? He was just some hanger-on my dad found for me. Why would he have any right to spend *my* money?” The call was abruptly disconnected. I immediately sent a message to all the shops I was familiar with: Trevor’s bills have nothing to do with me. Do not harass me. Within minutes, Trevor’s call came in. The moment I answered, he immediately launched into an indignant tirade: “Chloe, are you insane?! Why won’t you pay my bills?! I’m giving you an out here, don’t be ungrateful!” An out? As if I needed one. “Are we close? And besides, why would a man of *your* principles ever spend a woman’s money? I’m just looking out for your reputation, aren’t I?” From the other end of the line, Chloe’s voice suddenly chimed in: “Is it settled? Those shops are calling *me* now, demanding payment! Where are we going to get all that money?!” No wonder he’d blown through so much money in just a few days. So he was trying to impress his little girlfriend. Pathetic. Trevor’s voice got frantic: “I don’t care what game you’re playing! I’m ordering you to pay those bills right now! Chloe’s been crying hysterically because of all the debt collectors! You need to buy her some jewelry and go apologize to her immediately!” Jewelry too? How about a good slap across the face instead? Chloe was still putting on her pathetic act on the other end: “It’s okay, Trevor. I know Daisy hates me, and I can understand if she doesn’t care about me. It’s all my fault for dragging you into this.” Trevor sighed again. His voice held a tenderness I’d never heard directed at me. I didn’t want to watch their pathetic little love drama unfold, so I clicked my tongue: “Anything else?” My cold indifference made Trevor’s heart skip a beat. He sensed something was off with me, and he knew it wasn’t a good sign. “Playing hard to get has its limits, Daisy. You’re just going to make me hate you even more.” I honestly laughed out loud. “Then do me a favor and hate me for the rest of your life. And never contact me again. You make me sick.” He tried to speak, but I just hung up. Seconds later, another call came in. I was about to hang up, but then I saw the name on the screen. I immediately changed my mind: “Hello?” “Is this Trevor’s guardian? His tuition hasn’t been paid, and the deadline is fast approaching. Is he still attending classes this semester?” It was an administrator from a top university. Trevor’s tuition used to be covered by my dad. Even though our family paid for all his living expenses—food, rent, everything—my dad still sent him a regular allowance. It wasn’t that he didn’t have money. He just wanted to use the tuition as leverage to make me beg. What a joke. If he didn’t attend school, the only future he’d be ruining was his own. What did that have to do with me? “Actually, we’ve already decided to have him withdrawn. Sorry for the trouble.” The administrator sounded surprised. Trevor was, after all, a promising student. She admitted she’d called Trevor before, but he’d just haughtily declared: “Get the money from the Davis family. If they don’t pay the tuition, I’m not going.” At the time, she thought it was just idle threats. Now, it seemed he was serious about dropping out. The withdrawal paperwork was processed quickly. Meanwhile, Trevor, the clueless idiot, proudly dragged Chloe along on the first day of classes, ready to register. But the admissions officer stared at him for a long moment before finally speaking: “Didn’t you already withdraw?” Trevor froze on the spot. When Trevor was sent packing from the university, looking like a whipped dog, I was having breakfast with Julian, our arms linked.

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After our werewolf father passed away, my mother couldn’t afford to raise my sister and me alone. She made us choose. “Human or wolf?” In my last life, my younger sister, Chloe, chose to be a wolf. She later died miserably, bullied and brutalized by the pack in a wildlife park. I, on the other hand, stayed with our mother, blending into human society. I briefly tasted luxury, only to die later from rabies, a cruel fate dealt by her own bite during one of my visits. Reborn. Now, Chloe glared at me, her eyes spitting venom, and snatched the first slip. “I want to be human!” I watched her, my gaze dropping, my entire body trembling with a strange relief. My dear sister, the cost of being human is far, far greater than anything a wolf faces. My mother held two slips of paper in her hand, one long, one short. She said whoever drew the long one would be human, and the short one, a wolf. In my last life, I was the older sister; I reached out first. The moment I clutched that slip, a mix of desperate hope and gnawing guilt seeped through my fingertips. —I drew the long one. I became human. This time, Chloe shoved me aside, rushing forward, her voice thick with unconcealed eagerness. “Mom, I’m first!” My mother hesitated, glancing at me. “Maybe… let your sister go first?” My eyelashes fluttered, and that dull ache in my heart resurfaced. She always played favorites with Chloe, knowing what it truly meant to be human. Besides, the cruel truth was, both slips were identical – both long. It was always about who chose first, who would be “human.” Before I could even respond, Chloe had already lunged, her fingers clamping tightly around one slip. She yanked it out with a triumphant cry! The next moment, she burst into my room, overturning all the dresses and jewelry my mother had prepared for me, scattering them everywhere. Amidst the crashing sounds, she proudly declared, “These are all mine now!” I watched her in silence. My ears felt hot, and I composed myself, making the subtle throb in my ear cartilage subside. The closer we got to the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, the more my beastly nature, my wolf form, stirred within me. Either completely excise that wildness and live as human. Or surrender to instinct and become a wolf. This was a tradition of our wolf clan. Chloe glided past me, a sneer twisting her lips. “Sister, you look just like a stray dog right now.” “Don’t look at me like that. You’ll have to rely on me to support you from now on. Without me – even if you roll over and beg in the pack, you’ll never eat your fill. Those animals, they have no feelings, tsk.” It was also a wolf clan tradition: the one who chose to be human would enjoy life, but also bear the responsibility of supporting the entire family.

Chloe’s hatred for me had taken root in our previous lives. Back then, when she was sent to the wildlife park, she couldn’t adapt to life there at all. There was no sweet chocolate, no cold ice cream. In that isolated place, food had to be hunted personally. Though we paid caretakers to look after her regularly, it was still a world away from her former life of ease and luxury. I felt so bad for Chloe back then. Every time Mom allowed me to visit, I tried my best to bring her the finest food. But she wouldn’t even look at it. Her ears would flatten, her nose wrinkle, and she’d glare fiercely at my dresses, my long gloves. Her eyes screamed disgust at my pretense. But she didn’t know that those long gloves and dresses concealed injuries. Every time I’d been there for barely ten minutes, Mom’s call would inevitably come through. “Time’s up, darling. The smell in there will ruin your perfume. Our new clients won’t appreciate that scent. Come out.” Each time Chloe saw me about to leave, she’d bare her teeth, whimpering and snarling. I could only softly comfort her, “Just a little longer, bear with me. After some time, I’ll take you with me.” My only reply was her wolf howl and a rigidly drooping tail. Until I visited her after a surgery. She saw the injuries on my hand and my weakened state. Suddenly, she became remarkably docile. She slowly brought her head closer, resting it in my palm. My heart softened, aching with both tenderness and sorrow. “Being human is truly agonizing.” She lowered her head, licking the bruised wounds on my arm. Then she abruptly looked up and bit me, hard. Immediately after, another scrawny wolf rushed out from the shadows. I was torn, dragged, and injured by them. Later, I contracted rabies. The fear of people grew, along with a new terror of light and water. I died a month later, in the spring. The look in Chloe’s eyes now was exactly the same as when she bit me then. I was absolutely certain: she had been reborn too. Now, she wanted my life. But my dear sister, I knew everything about your past. Are you truly sure you want to step into my life this time?

After the choice was made, my mother barely paid any attention to me. Now, her eyes were solely on Chloe. She poured all her remaining money and resources into Chloe. The ten servants and the butler in the villa were all replaced according to Chloe’s preferences. Her diet, décor, clothes, entertainment, and even her education were custom-designed by the most exclusive professionals, ensuring everything pleased her. To ensure her skin was perfect during shedding, she wasn’t allowed to hold anything heavier than a single towel. I looked at her seemingly familiar class schedule and couldn’t help but suggest, “Actually, you could add more physical training or self-defense classes.” Chloe scoffed, her eyes full of disdain. “Me? Need those? You’re the one who needs them, aren’t you?” She glanced at the simple vegetables on my plate, a mocking smile playing on her lips. “In such a hurry to eat that?” She dragged out her words. “You’ll have plenty of time to eat these later. If I were you, I’d be thinking about how to deal with those disgusting animals in the wolf pack.” She was talking about the one-eyed Alpha wolf and those several wolf pups. I knew, of course, but I wasn’t worried. In my last life, I had told Chloe about the weaknesses of each of those wolves, urging her to pull herself together, to be brave, to carve out her own place in the wolf clan. But she just thought I was making fun of her. In the end, she refused to grow strong on her own. She only chose a low-ranking wolf that was utterly subservient to her. Then, for harming a young cub in the pack, she was driven out.

Right now, Chloe had her feet propped up, lounging in the sofa, leisurely flipping through a magazine. The male models and pretty boys on the glossy pages were all as exquisite as display figures in a shop window. She smirked casually, her finger tracing across page after page. “This one, this one, and this one… they all look pretty good, no worse than that popular guy, or your class president, whatever… too bad—” She looked up at me, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction. “My dear sister, you won’t have that chance, will you?” I said nothing. My agonizing experiences from the previous life had already instilled in me a bottomless fear of most people. A beautiful exterior didn’t necessarily hide a human. And beneath those rough, heavy exteriors, lay something even more terrifying. My fingertips unconsciously curled, and I even instinctively touched my neck – it should have had a collar there, but now it was empty. Chloe scoffed again. “Make sure you clean up your room properly. I’m a germaphobe, I hate shedding things.” “What about shedding men?” Chloe rolled her eyes. “Heh. Mom said she’d choose the most excellent partner for me. In the future, I’ll live the life of luxury that should rightfully be mine.” She didn’t even look up, opening her mouth, and an attentive deaf servant promptly delivered a small piece of fruit to her lips. A single such aide, with an average monthly salary of eight thousand, and there were ten of them, plus the butler. Monthly property management, pool and garden maintenance, utilities, meal expenses. Car fuel, maintenance, and facility upkeep. This money was a huge expense, and none of it would just fall from the sky. This money had to be earned by the one who chose to be human.

Meanwhile, I suddenly noticed that a small structure was still being built at the very back of the villa’s garden. From the foundation, it looked sealed off and narrow, and the spare materials were steel pipes for a cage. I cautiously asked my mother. “Mom, the Coming-of-Age Ceremony is soon, should we go see the Safari Park ahead of time?” This was a tradition of our wolf clan. My mother quickly closed the book in her hand, placing it behind her back, and looked up with a radiant smile. “Why go there? The adoption fees are so expensive. You’ll stay home, free and safe. We can look after you anytime.” My heart turned cold. In the last life, for Chloe, she had gone to great lengths to choose the best ecological wildlife park, ensuring Chloe lived without a care. This time, she intended to trap me in that narrow, dark room. Just then, Chloe urged from behind that she would be late for school. Mom immediately rose to greet her. A business card fluttered from the book. She quickly snatched it up. But I, with my heightened senses, sharply caught a glimpse of the title on it.

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My home was about to be submerged by floodwaters, but my rescue captain husband took all his team members to save the woman he’d always pined for – Celeste. That’s when I knew: he’d also been reborn. In my last life, when my husband found out I was in danger, he rushed to save me. Because of that, he missed Celeste’s call. She had a severe depressive episode and ended up taking her own life. But right before she did, she posted online, claiming I’d cyberbullied her for years and stolen her beloved. After her death, I was cyberbullied relentlessly. My husband, Julian, said he didn’t blame me and treated me as he always had. But on the day I gave birth, he broke my limbs and my baby’s. Then, in front of Celeste’s grave, he threw my son and me into a small, portable tub. “I never would have married you if I’d known you’d been bullying Celeste for so many years!” “You can swim, yet you deliberately called me to save you. It’s all your fault Celeste took her own life!” I listened to my baby’s heartbreaking cries, and died in despair. When I opened my eyes again, it was this very day – the flood. This time, let him go save his precious Celeste. …

My house was a cozy two-story home in the suburbs. I’d already run up to the second floor, but the torrential rain was relentless, and the water level was rising incredibly fast, already up to my waist. My baby inside me seemed to sense my fear, moving uneasily too. “It’s okay, baby, we’ll be saved!” I touched my belly, trembling as I climbed onto the desk. This time, I didn’t call Julian. Instead, I called Ben, the deputy captain of the rescue team. But it was Julian who answered. “Enough, Scarlett. This is a critical moment for saving lives. Can you stop causing trouble? You know how to swim, and we have a kayak at home. You’re the least likely person to get into trouble!” He roared in frustration before hanging up. He completely forgot that I’d almost drowned trying to save Celeste before, and since then, I’d had a deep-seated fear of water. As for the kayak he’d given me for my birthday… Celeste had simply said she wanted it, and he’d immediately loaded it into her car. I hadn’t even touched the packaging. But after being reborn, I’d given up on explaining anything to Julian. I called Ben again. This time, he answered himself, but his attitude wasn’t much better than Julian’s. “Seriously, Scarlett, are all you pregnant women this dramatic?” “No matter how deeply Julian feels for you, he can’t handle this kind of trouble. The captain has already taken the other team members to save Miss Celeste. Stop calling; no one has time for your nonsense. You’re just wasting valuable rescue resources!” “You’re only getting away with this because you’re the captain’s wife. Otherwise, I’d curse you out. I hate it when women just cause more problems!” Ben cursed at me before blocking my number. Actually, it didn’t matter if he blocked me or not. Just moments ago, all network communications had crashed. I couldn’t make calls or send messages. Even worse, standing on the desk wasn’t much help. The water quickly rose to my armpits, and I started to feel chest tightness, gasping for air. In about twenty minutes, the water would completely swallow me. I strained to lift my neck, trying to breathe more easily, but tears flowed uncontrollably. In my last life, as soon as the flood reached the second floor, I’d called Julian for help. He was an orphan and had always yearned for his own small family, so he deeply valued the child in my womb. When he received my distress call, he was even more anxious than I was. Julian rushed to save me at top speed, missing Celeste’s call in the process. She then jumped into the floodwaters to take her own life. Before she died, she posted a video, claiming I’d cyberbullied her for over a decade, causing her severe depression. Now, her beloved had also been stolen by me, and she couldn’t bear it anymore. Because Celeste was a well-known anti-depression influencer, this video made me the target of such intense cyberbullying that I had a mental breakdown. I explained I’d never done any of those things, but the internet didn’t believe me. Aside from my family, only Julian stayed by my side. He said it wasn’t my fault, treating me with an unprecedented tenderness and care. I actually felt fortunate, believing I’d chosen the right partner, that I was the happiest woman in the world. However, on the day I gave birth, Julian took us to Celeste’s grave. He made my baby and me atone with our lives in front of her tomb. “You know how to swim, and you had a kayak at home; you wouldn’t have drowned. Yet you insisted on calling me for help… In these ten years, that was the only time I chose you, and it killed Celeste. You truly deserve to die!” But I was his wife, and I was carrying his flesh and blood! Wasn’t it his duty to save us? Julian dragged my hair, cursing me with the vilest, most disgusting words, his eyes bloodshot as if possessed. “If a single strand of Celeste’s hair fell out, I’d feel like I hadn’t taken care of her. How *dare* you bully her right under my nose?” “Does it hurt to watch your own son die? When Celeste died, I felt even worse than you do now!” “Didn’t you lie, saying you almost drowned that day? Then you should also experience what it feels like to drown!” I wanted to say I’d never bullied Celeste. I wanted to scream for help. But I couldn’t utter a single word. I listened to my baby’s painful, sharp cries, as water filled my eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. In the end, I could only die, helpless and despairing, tears streaming down my face.

I didn’t want to go through that agony again, which is why in this life, I sought help from other members of the rescue team. To my shock, Julian had already ruined my reputation within the rescue team, convincing everyone not to save me. I watched my meticulously decorated wedding home being swallowed by the flood, a bitter ache seizing my chest. Julian had once said that his childhood home was a small two-story house with a yard, and that kind of place felt like a true home. So, I gave up buying a house in the city, pouring all my savings into building a small house with him in his old village. Back then, he hugged me, his eyes red, thanking me for giving him his ideal home and promising to love me forever. And I actually believed him… What a joke. As the water reached my neck, I refused to sit by and wait for death. I forced open the highest window and, amidst the howling wind and pouring rain, precariously balanced myself on the sill. Below me, less than two feet away, was rushing floodwater. There was nothing on the roof to hold onto for support. If I lost my balance and fell, I’d surely die. Luckily, I still had some good fortune. Two rescue boats passed by. “Help!” “Help me!” I waved my arms, screaming for help. The first boat heard me and steered closer. It held a middle-aged couple. “It’s a pregnant woman.” “Don’t be scared, darling, we’ll save you now!” Hearing their comforting voices, my eyes stung with tears, and I repeatedly nodded. Thank goodness these strangers were willing to help me. But just as they brought their boat closer, the second rescue boat also approached. Ben was in it, along with several people he’d already rescued. Ben saw someone about to save me and frowned in disgust. “Brother and Sister, you don’t need to bother with her. She can swim, and she has a kayak. Everyone else might get into trouble, but she won’t.” He was Julian’s teammate and best friend; he never questioned Julian’s words. Ben shouted at me, “No wonder Julian always says Miss Celeste is a pampered lady, but kind and generous, while you, an unsophisticated country bumpkin, are selfish and greedy… He really wasn’t wrong about you! Scarlett, you’re wasting rescue resources. Do you know how many lives could be lost because of you?!” With the window open, wind and rain poured into the house, and the water level rose even faster than before. The others listened to Ben’s endless rant, growing desperate. “Are you out of your mind? That’s a pregnant woman! You want her to swim? Would *you* dare to swim in floodwaters?” “She’s a pregnant woman, almost swept away by the flood, and she can’t ask for help? Does she have to die for it not to be a waste of resources?” “Don’t listen to this idiot! Just save her!” Both rescue boats simultaneously sped toward me. But it was already too late. I clung tightly to the window, but the surging floodwaters still ripped me away. I bobbed up and down in the torrent, no matter how hard I thrashed or cried for help, I couldn’t grasp anything to save me. The two rescue boats, which had seemed like my only hope, quickly vanished from my sight. Terror, fear, then finally, despair. In my last conscious moment, I painfully caressed my belly. “I’m so sorry, baby.” “Mommy still couldn’t protect you…”

In a hazy dream, I was transported back to a long time ago. Julian confessed his feelings to me after Freshman Orientation Week. I had never considered dating, but if it was him, I simply couldn’t refuse. We got together. Soon after, rumors reached my ears. Many people said: “Julian’s truly in love with Celeste, but he’s just an orphan who was fostered by her family.” “That privileged lady doesn’t even like him. She was afraid her crush would misunderstand their relationship, so Julian just found a random girlfriend.” “Otherwise, why would Julian, the school heartthrob, ever notice an unsophisticated girl like Scarlett?” I thought Julian wasn’t that kind of person, so I asked him directly if it was true. He said no, and I believed him. After we started dating, Julian was wonderful to me. From high school to junior year of college, our classmates’ relationships came and went, but we remained as if perpetually in love. Even the ones who spread rumors in high school changed their tune. They said they envied us, saying it seemed Julian truly loved me. I always believed that, until senior year, when Celeste returned from studying abroad. “Celeste is sick.” “Celeste is upset.” “Celeste forgot her umbrella.” “Celeste…” My once perfect, attentive boyfriend started to frequently ditch me for another woman. The name “Celeste” became a constant ache in my heart. So, when Celeste actively sent me a friend request, I accepted it. I felt like a thief, sneaking glances at her Ins posts: Turns out, on my birthday, Julian went with her to get her nails done. Turns out, on our wedding anniversary, he was cooking for her at her house. Turns out… There were so many. My eyes stung with tears as I scrolled. My body ached all over. I opened my eyes and found myself in a hospital room. Ben was guarding me nearby. When he saw I was awake, he looked excited, awkward, and guilty. “Scarlett, you’re finally awake. I’m so sorry. Julian said you were just being dramatic and trying to get attention, and I misunderstood you.” “When you were swept away, I was terrified.” “Thank goodness you were lucky enough to be rescued midway, or I really would have regretted it for the rest of my life!” I didn’t respond to him. My stomach was cramping terribly, and crimson blood streamed from between my legs. I tilted my head back, gasping for air, but it felt like I was back in my last life, when Julian broke my limbs and threw me into that tub… The pain was so intense I couldn’t even scream! Ben, terrified, quickly called for doctors and nurses. The doctor came in, holding a stack of test results, his brows deeply furrowed. “The pregnant woman suffered a severe infection in the flood. The baby can’t be saved. We need immediate surgery. Has the patient’s family arrived yet?” “Coming right away, right away!” Ben frantically called Julian. In his haste, he accidentally put it on speaker. Julian’s angry voice blasted from the phone: “Ben, what kind of benefits did Scarlett give you that you’re helping her lie now? And here I thought you were my best friend!” Ben fired back, “Before you speak, lay a hand on your heart! How severe was this flood? Did you really have no clue whether your two-story house would be flooded?!” From Julian’s end, Celeste whimpered, saying she was scared of the thunder outside. Julian’s voice instantly softened with concern: “Celeste isn’t doing well. I need to stay with her. Stop bothering me with calls!” I had always known how much he cared for Celeste. But even now, in this moment, I felt an overwhelming chill. This was the man I had loved with all my heart for over a decade… The medical instruments shrieked, a piercing alarm. The doctor rushed over instantly: “Patient is hemorrhaging, heart rate dropping rapidly! Prepare for emergency resuscitation!”

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For three years of marriage, Olivia and I maintained a polite distance, appearing to be the perfect couple in high society’s eyes. But on our wedding anniversary, as Olivia lay beneath me, the name she called out was that of her first love. In that moment, I realized our contract marriage had reached its end. But I wasn’t ready to let go. I used every connection I had to try and ruin Ethan, but not only did I fail to harm him, I ended up alienating everyone around me. Because of this, Olivia had someone lock me in a dark basement for three days. She knew I suffered from severe claustrophobia. Three days later, when I was finally released from the basement, a divorce agreement was thrown in my face. Olivia looked down at me, nearly driven mad, with contempt in her eyes. “Jack, apologize to Ethan, then sign this!” 0 I lay on the ground, gasping for air, my body drenched as if I’d been doused with water. I’d developed severe claustrophobia after an incident in my childhood. Even now, I needed at least one light on when I slept at night. Olivia knew this. Our mansion even had several backup solar generators in case of power outages. Yet she had locked me in a basement for three days because of Ethan. The first day, I screamed until I lost my voice. The second day, I clawed at the walls until my fingers bled. The third day… I couldn’t bear to remember. Those three days were hell on earth. Olivia frowned, kicking me lightly with her foot. “Jack, stop playing dead. Get up and sign the divorce papers, then go apologize to Ethan!” I struggled to my feet, using all my strength to shout at her. “Olivia, have you lost your mind?! You know I have claustrophobia!” “Three days! I almost died in that basement!” My voice was hoarse and painful, filled with fear and disbelief. Olivia looked at me with disdain, letting out a cold laugh. “Hmph, stop pretending. Ethan told me that someone with real claustrophobia couldn’t last even a second in that environment.” “Besides, you’re not dead, are you?” “Looks like Ethan was right. You’ve been lying to me all these years. But I’m giving you some assets in the divorce out of consideration for our past.” Her eyes narrowed with disgust. “Otherwise, you’d be leaving with nothing!” “So hurry up and sign it, then go apologize to Ethan. My patience is wearing thin.” With that, Olivia turned and left, not sparing me another glance. I knelt on the ground, watching her retreating figure, my eyes filled with disappointment and sorrow. I picked up the divorce agreement from the floor, my emotions in turmoil. Did I love Olivia? The answer was yes, at least before she locked me in that basement. Thinking of this, I hesitated no longer, resolving to sign the divorce papers. Sitting in a chair, I turned on my phone. An overwhelming sadness washed over me. Missing for three days, and not a single person had tried to contact me. How ironic… I shook my head with a bitter smile. Just as I was about to put the phone down, it rang. “Hello? Is this Mr. Lin?” “Yes, it’s me.” The voice on the other end noticeably relaxed, then continued. “Mr. Lin, we’ve finally reached you. Do you remember the physical examination you had at our hospital last week?” “Yes, are the results in?” “They are, but… the situation is complicated. We may need you to come in so we can discuss it in person.” My heart tightened. I asked, “Can you… give me a brief overview of the situation?” There was a moment of silence on the other end, then the voice spoke in a low tone. “Mr. Lin, you… don’t have much time left.” 0

Late-stage stomach cancer. The doctor said I had at most six months left. If I went abroad for treatment, there was a one in a thousand chance of recovery. As I walked out of the hospital, I looked up at the sun, staring until my eyes watered from the pain. This warm sunlight would soon no longer be mine to enjoy. As I stood there, my phone rang. I rubbed my eyes and answered. Olivia’s angry voice came through. “Jack! Where the hell have you been?!” “Didn’t I tell you to come apologize to Ethan right away?” “Get your ass back here now!” Listening to this barrage of words, my heart clenched in pain. “Something came up.” The voice on the other end suddenly fell silent, then her breathing became rapid. A few seconds later, Olivia spoke through gritted teeth. “Fine, fine, fine! You dare to talk back to me now!” “Jack, I don’t care what you’re dealing with.” “Even if you were dying!” “You need to come back right now! This instant! And get on your knees to apologize to Ethan!” [But I really am dying] I didn’t say these words out loud. I didn’t want her to know. Since I had decided to leave, there was no need for any further entanglement with her. I responded affirmatively to the phone, then hung up. On the other end, Olivia stood frozen, listening to the dial tone. She slowly turned to look at the man sitting on the couch, speaking in a disbelieving tone. “He… he dared to hang up on me?!” Crack! Olivia, her face contorted, smashed the phone on the ground, shrieking. “Jack actually dared to hang up on me!!” “How dare he!!” “I’ll kill him! Kill him!!!” Olivia stomped on the shattered phone repeatedly until it was crushed to pieces. Seeing that she had finished venting, Ethan walked over and took her into his arms, gently patting her back. “Olivia, it’s not worth getting angry over someone like him.” “Even if he died, no one would care.” Olivia pouted, snuggling against Ethan. “But I can’t stand seeing him bully you.” Ethan lightly caressed her face, chuckling softly. “It’s alright. I don’t take someone like him seriously.” “How about this – if he apologizes this time, I’ll let bygones be bygones. What do you think?” Olivia breathed in Ethan’s scent greedily, her face flushed. “Ethan, you’re so kind. That’s what I love about you. While that loser isn’t back yet, why don’t we…” 0

I returned to the mansion. As expected, Ethan was there. Olivia was nestled in Ethan’s arms, her face still flushed. Seeing me return, Olivia immediately stood up and walked towards me. Slap! The sound of a slap rang out as Olivia coldly looked at me and said, “Jack, so you finally decided to come back?” “Now get on your knees and apologize to Ethan!” “Let me tell you, Ethan is being generous. After you apologize, he’s willing to let the past go, considering you’ve been by my side for a few years.” “So hurry up! Ethan and I have plans later. Don’t waste our time!” Olivia’s voice was full of disgust, as if what she was saying was some kind of favor to me. I ignored her. From the moment this woman locked me in that basement, any love I had for her began to fade away. I looked at Ethan sitting on the couch and said to him, “Looks like you’re feeling pretty confident now?” “Why wouldn’t I be?” Ethan took a sip of his red wine and said mockingly, “Your so-called friends were only interested in the benefits you could bring them. I can offer more.” “Olivia never loved you. She only saw you as my replacement. But now I’m back.” With each sentence, Ethan took a step towards me. He came close, patted my face, and said, “As for family, you’re just an orphan whose parents are dead.” “I won’t make things difficult for you. Just kneel down, apologize to me, sign the divorce papers, and you can get lost.” Having said this, he sat back down on the couch, swirling his wine glass, looking at me with a victorious smile. I took a deep breath, suppressing my anger. The doctor had warned me not to get upset before I could go abroad for treatment, or it might worsen my condition. If that happened, I might… “Ethan, I’ll sign the divorce papers, but I won’t apologize!” As soon as I finished speaking, a shrill voice came from behind me. “Jack! Who do you think you are to refuse to apologize?!” Olivia looked crazed, a sight that filled me with sadness. She had never been like this for me. She came up to me and slapped me again. I didn’t say anything. When she tried to slap me a third time, I caught her hand. Olivia’s eyes widened in shock. She glared at me and said, “You! You dare to stop me!!!” I looked at her coldly and said, “Why wouldn’t I dare to stop you?” “After that last slap, any feelings between us are completely over.” “From now on, we have no connection whatsoever.” “I hope you won’t bother me again in the future.” “There’s still a week left in the divorce cooling-off period. I’ll sign the agreement after seven days.” With that, I turned and left the mansion. Olivia stood there, stunned by my words. When she came to her senses, her face twisted in anger. She turned to Ethan and said through gritted teeth, “Ethan, I want him to pay!” Ethan narrowed his eyes, staring at the direction I had left. “Don’t worry, Olivia. He will.” 0

Over the next two days, I moved all my belongings out of the mansion and into the house my parents had left me. Olivia and Ethan didn’t cause me any more trouble after that day, but someone I never expected came to see me. “Jack, long time no see.” I looked at the woman standing outside my door, a hint of nostalgia in my eyes. “How did you find me?” Luna, Olivia’s half-sister. Our fathers had been close friends, and Luna and I had known each other since childhood. Five years ago, she went abroad, and I hadn’t seen her since. Luna chuckled and said, “I’ve heard everything. Looks like the five years I’ve been gone haven’t been kind to you.” “How did you…!” I looked at her in surprise, then shook my head resignedly. Of course, my issues with Olivia had become known to everyone around us. With Luna’s connections, it wouldn’t be hard for her to find out. “Weren’t you abroad? Why did you suddenly come back?” Hearing my question, Luna rolled her eyes at me and said, “If I hadn’t come back, you might really be dead by now.” She looked at me reproachfully. “Do you know how many forms I had to fill out to bring you the special medication? It was such a hassle.” I stared at her in shock and asked, “How did you know about my illness?!” She pushed past me into the house and said, “The doctor who diagnosed you is my senior from medical school. He contacted me earlier saying there was a late-stage stomach cancer patient here and asked if I could take over the case. I looked into it and found out it was you.” “I heard you and my sister still have a week left in your divorce cooling-off period. So, I rushed back from abroad to avoid delaying your treatment.” Luna sat on the couch, spreading her hands and looking at me. Hearing what she said, I wanted to thank her, but when I opened my mouth, no sound came out. Seeing me like this, she came over to me, gently caressing my face, her voice soft. “Don’t thank me. If it weren’t for you reaching out to help me when the Yus were in trouble back then, the Yu family would be long gone by now.” “From that moment on, I swore in my heart that I would always stand by your side. It’s a pity you ended up choosing Olivia in the end.” “I…” She cut me off and continued, “But now my chance has come. So, for my sake, please live on.” Even if I had a thousand things to say, in the end, they all condensed into one sentence. “I promise you.” I looked into Luna’s eyes and said firmly. Then I remembered something and told her, “By the way, I left something back at the mansion. I need to go get it. Wait for me here.” … When I returned to the mansion, Olivia and Ethan weren’t there. I didn’t think much of it and went straight to my room. But the moment I opened the door, I lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes again, darkness surrounded me. That familiar feeling of fear instantly washed over me like a tidal wave. My heart started racing, and cold sweat soaked through my clothes in an instant. I immediately felt around, hoping to find the door, but after groping for a while, I realized that I was surrounded by walls on all sides! The fear grew stronger and stronger, and I could feel my strength slowly leaving my body. I started pounding on the walls like a madman. I’d rather die from cancer than in this pitch-black space. Blood ran down my face, my fists were raw to the bone from hitting the walls, and due to the extreme stress, the blood vessels in my eyes burst, causing me to cry tears of blood. But still, no one came. I screamed and shouted until my voice became hoarse, until… I could no longer make a sound. At that moment, I understood. It was Olivia and Ethan. They wanted me dead, but they couldn’t kill me themselves. But who would care about a terminally ill cancer patient who accidentally fell into an abandoned well? Yes, I was at the bottom of an abandoned well, with a stone slab pressed on top. I curled up at the bottom of the well, like a dying maggot, slowly being consumed by fear. One day, two days, three days… My consciousness was slowly fading. In my delirium, I thought I heard Luna’s voice. “I’m sorry, Luna. I broke my promise…”

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They say dreams from deceased loved ones can shield you from harm. After my mom passed away, I dreamt of her three times. The first time, she silently blocked me in my dream, refusing to let me go to work. The next day, I spiked a high fever and couldn’t go in. It was a twisted blessing in disguise; I dodged the massive fire at my company building. The second time, Mom visited my dream again, stopping me from moving into the neighboring complex. A week later, the arsonist was apprehended in that very complex. Each time Mom appeared, her form grew a little more translucent. Eventually, she stopped appearing in my dreams altogether. Until ten years later, when I found a baby in a trash pile downstairs and brought him home. That night, my almost transparent mom suddenly burst into my dream, her face contorted in pure terror. She shook me frantically, screaming with all her fading strength: “Alex, wake up!!” “Run!!!!” I gasped, clutching the duvet, my body slick with sweat, a thick layer of beads on my forehead. My wife, Chloe, stirred awake by my movements. Her voice was soft, sleepy. “What’s wrong, honey? Bad dream?” I’d dreamt of my deceased mom again. The last time I’d seen her in my dreams was ten years ago. She hadn’t visited me for an entire decade. Back in my hometown, there was an old belief that a relative’s spirit, visiting in a dream, could ward off disaster. I didn’t used to believe it, not until I dreamt of my mom twice in a row. The first time was right after I returned from studying abroad and had just started my new job. In the dream, she silently blocked me, locked my bedroom door, hid my car keys, trying every way possible to stop me from going to work. “Mom, stop messing around. I’ll be late tomorrow.” But Mom shook her head. Unlike her usual self, she was adamant, refusing to let me go to the office. I woke up with my head pounding, splitting open, my whole body burning hot. The next day, my body stubbornly gave in to a high fever. I had to go to the hospital for an IV drip, so I called Mr. Harrison, my supervisor, to ask for time off. “I’m sorry, Mr. Harrison, I think I caught a cold last night. I’m running a 102° fever.” Mr. Harrison’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Alex, taking a day off on your very first day? Your attitude… seriously?” I humbly begged for the day off, then slammed the phone down in frustration. As I lay there alone in the hospital, getting my IV drip, I thought about that bizarre dream from last night, and that strange old legend from my village when I was a kid. *Dreams from deceased loved ones can ward off disaster.* Even though my mom had left me a substantial inheritance, she never wanted me to be a slacker, living an aimless life. I knew she wanted me to find work I truly loved. Why would Mom try so hard to stop me from working in that dream? After my IV drip finished at noon, my heart felt heavy. At the subway station, I saw the train heading towards my company building, but I turned and boarded the one going in the opposite direction. I quietly reassured myself, “Well, I’ve already asked for the day off. What’s another half-day?” I murmured, “What if the legend is true?” That evening, as I was having hot pot alone at home, a news alert popped up on my phone, making my eyes widen in shock. “Massive Fire at Financial Tower in City A: Hundreds of Casualties.” The burning building, spewing black smoke, was my company’s office. The fire had just been extinguished. And the fire started on *my* floor. Currently, no one on that floor had survived! I immediately opened SnapChat to call Sarah, another new hire like me, but there was no answer. I went back to SnapChat and messaged Mr. Harrison: “Sarcastic much? I’ve got money to burn, old man! I quit!” Half an hour passed, no reply. A cold sweat instantly broke out on my back, and my hair stood on end. My colleagues were all dead in that fire! That meant if I had gone to work today, I’d probably be burned to ashes right now!

Suddenly, Mom’s dream from last night and that strange village legend swirled in my mind like a kaleidoscope. I looked at a photo on my phone, one where I was hugging Mom. I understood then: Mom had given me a second chance at life. Later, I found a new job I loved, but that day’s events left a deep scar on my heart. My new job was in design, which I loved, but I was lacking inspiration. So, I decided to move to a nice new townhouse. The complex next door was newly developed, and the prices were incredibly good. The night before I was supposed to move in, after signing the contract and finishing the renovations, Mom appeared in my dream again. In the dream, her figure was far more translucent. She looked furious, scolding me. “Alex, why are you wasting money on another house? Buying this house now is a foolish choice!” “How many times have I told you not to waste money? Isn’t that penthouse apartment I left you big enough?!” In the dream, her face was grim, her voice sharp as she pointed her finger at me. “Cancel the contract immediately! We’re not taking this townhouse!” This was a side of Mom I’d never seen. Growing up, she’d always doted on me, supported me, and provided everything I could ever want. She even said she’d disown me if I insisted on moving into the new house. I was heartbroken in the dream, waking up with tears still in the corners of my eyes. Day broke, and the moving truck I’d hired was almost here, but the dream from earlier made me hesitate. Remembering the previous dream, my palms grew sweaty. Was something else about to happen? I put my moving plans on hold and didn’t move into the new complex. A week later, the arsonist was finally caught in the neighboring complex. He was a madman seeking revenge on society, specifically targeting wealthy neighborhoods for arson and murder. This time, he had set fire to a townhouse belonging to a wealthy expat doctor living alone. The man was eventually rescued but suffered extensive burns and disfigurement. He was a trust fund kid, but no amount of money could truly compensate for the damage he’d endured. I read the news, my heart unable to calm down. The victim’s townhouse was right next to the one I’d bought. If I had moved in then… I probably would have been the victim today! Mom had saved me again. This incident solidified my belief in that old legend. I even made a special trip to the cemetery. “Mom, you’ve given me a third life.” I thought Mom would continue to protect me, but after that, she never appeared in my dreams again. Not even when I accidentally scalded my arm with boiling water, or when I broke my left leg in a car accident. Mom didn’t visit my dreams before any of those things. My faith started to waver again. Didn’t they say dreams from deceased loved ones could ward off disaster? Why wasn’t my mom sending me dreams anymore? Remembering how translucent Mom’s spirit had been the second time, I wondered: did sending these dreams cost Mom something? Until today, ten years later, when I brought a baby home, and Mom appeared in my dream once more. By now, she was almost completely transparent, but she was desperately trying to shake me awake, her expression more terrified than I’d ever seen. “Alex, wake up!!” Then, with all her fading strength, she screamed: “Run!” My wife, Chloe, poured me a glass of warm water, soothing me gently. The baby’s cries echoed from the other bedroom, but I shivered.

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