Category: English

My fiancé Hayden Holloway’s legs had finally healed. The first thing he did was have sex with his first love, Seraphina Vale, in our wedding suite. I stood at the bedroom door. It wasn’t fully shut. Their moans drifted out. Their conversation too. “Now that I’m whole again, can we get married?” Seraphina panted, “What about Chloe?” Hayden’s voice was cold. “I never loved her. She was just a substitute for you.” Every word was a knife to my chest. Three years. When he was paralyzed, I stayed by his side. I brought him through the darkest days. Now he’s back on his feet. And he’s throwing me away like trash. My eyes burned. I grabbed my phone. Sent a message to that man. “I agree to marry you.” Chloe POV In the VIP dressing room on the hotel’s top floor, the lighting was dim and intimate. Hayden stood behind me, his warm fingertips grazing my bare back deliberately, making me shiver. He lowered his head, his thin lips against my ear, his breath hot. “This dress suits you perfectly. At tonight’s gala, just stay by my side.” I looked at our overlapping figures in the mirror, my cheeks flushing. Three years. When Hayden’s accident left him paralyzed, when everyone else abandoned him, I stayed. Day and night. I was there through the brutal pain of rehab. I endured his rages, his coldness, every time his condition flared. Now he had finally gotten back on his feet and reclaimed his power. Tonight was his first public gala after retaking control of the family corporation, and he’d brought me along. I thought I’d finally made it through the hard times, that I could finally stand by his side openly. Just as Hayden’s hand slowly slid down along my waistline, urgent knocking suddenly came from outside the door. “Hayden, come out for a minute. We have a problem.” It was Hayden’s best friend, Derek. Hayden’s movement paused, displeasure flashing across his features, but he still pulled up my zipper and coaxed me in a low voice. “Wait here for me.” As the door opened and closed, a thread of cold air from the corridor slipped in. I smoothed out my dress, about to follow him out to hand him the phone he’d left behind, when I heard Derek’s voice through the door crack, suppressing angry fire. “Have you lost your mind? The media outside already has their cameras set up. You’re going to publicly announce your engagement to Seraphina tonight?! Then what did you bring Chloe here for? To watch you put an engagement ring on another woman’s finger?” My feet froze in place, the blood in my body seeming to flow backward in that moment. Seraphina Vale. The woman Hayden couldn’t forget. Three years ago, when Hayden had his accident and doctors declared he’d be paralyzed for life, Seraphina had fled abroad overnight, leaving without a trace. Now that Hayden was wealthy again, she’d come back. The hallway went quiet for two seconds. Hayden’s voice came through the door crack, cold, rational, without a ripple of emotion. “Seraphina just returned to the country, and the Vale family is getting restless. I need to give her a title to stabilize the situation. I owe her this. As for bringing Chloe, it’s to let her adapt in advance.” “Adapt to what? Adapt to being your mistress?” Derek laughed coldly. “All of us brothers know how she’s treated you these past three years! Aren’t you afraid she’ll make a scene?” “She won’t.” Hayden’s voice carried absolute confidence. “I’ll compensate her. That villa in the south district worth three hundred million, plus the jewelry brand under Holloway Corporation, I’ll transfer them all to her name. As long as she behaves, I can give her anything she wants except the title of Mrs. Holloway. She’s a smart woman. She knows how to choose.” Inside the door, I pressed my hand hard over my mouth to keep the sob from escaping. So in his eyes, my three years of devoted companionship were nothing more than a transaction that could be settled with money and property. He wanted to marry his beloved, but still wanted to keep me as a caged canary in the shadows. How cruel. How arrogant. I slowly retreated back into the dressing room, looking at my elaborately dressed self in the mirror, suddenly feeling like a complete joke. I didn’t cry. Because my tears had dried up during those three years, accompanying him through countless desperate nights. I took out my phone and found a number I’d barely ever called, pressing dial. The call connected. Hayden’s grandfather’s authoritative, harsh voice came through. “What, changed your mind?” “Yes.” My voice was quiet but steady. “Mr. Holloway Senior, I accept your deal. I’ll take the money and go. Leave Hayden forever.” He snorted. “Finally you see reason. You’re a broke has-been. Being there for his low point was your good luck. But as his wife? Not good enough. Seraphina is who we chose for him.” “I understand.” I interrupted him. “I only want the money you promised, and also, help me erase all my exit records. I don’t want him to find me.” “The money will be transferred to your account tonight. I’ll give you two weeks to handle everything and leave without a trace.” “Fine.” After hanging up, I took a deep breath and removed the diamond necklace Hayden had just put on me himself, casually tossing it onto the vanity. I pushed open the door, but instead of going to the gala, I left through the staff passage, walking away from the hotel without looking back.

Chloe POV The autumn night was cold. I walked alone through the streets. As I passed the city center’s largest plaza, my steps halted. The plaza’s massive LED screen was live-broadcasting the Holloway Corporation gala. On screen, Hayden wore a bespoke suit, his posture straight, his features composed and noble. Standing beside him in a pure white gown was Seraphina, their fingers intertwined. Under countless flashing lights, Hayden took the microphone, his voice low and pleasant, carrying across the entire plaza. “Thank you all for coming tonight. I’d like to take this opportunity to announce some good news. Next month, I will officially become engaged to Miss Seraphina Vale.” The venue erupted in applause. Seraphina nestled in his arms, smiling shyly, tears of emotion glistening in her eyes. I stood in the cold wind, quietly watching the couple on screen who looked like a perfect match. I noticed the sapphire necklace around Seraphina’s neck called “Tears of the Deep.” That was a piece I’d designed myself. Hayden had bought it at auction at a high price recently. I’d always thought it was the three-year anniversary gift he was preparing for me. Turns out, it was to win another woman’s favor. My phone buzzed. It was a message from Hayden. “Saw the broadcast? Don’t overthink it. Wait for me in the dressing room, I’ll take you home later.” Looking at this brazenly confident message, I smiled bitterly and replied with one word. “Okay.” Then I hailed a taxi back to Mountainview Villa. This was the place where Hayden and I had lived together for three years. Opening the door, the whole house was filled with traces of our life together. The couple’s slippers by the entrance, his favorite cushion on the sofa, and the roses I’d planted myself on the balcony. I didn’t turn on the main lights, leaving only a wall lamp on. I dragged an old suitcase out from storage and started packing. Actually, there wasn’t much to pack. The designer bags, haute couture clothes, and expensive jewelry Hayden had bought me. I didn’t touch any of it. I only took a few of my old clothes and the one photo my mother had left behind. After packing, I threw away the couple’s mugs we’d used, the Polaroid photos we’d taken together, and the rehabilitation diary I’d stayed up late organizing for him, all into the trash. If I was going to leave, I should leave cleanly. At 2 AM, my phone notification chimed. The fifty million Hayden’s grandfather had promised had arrived. Immediately after, a new post appeared on social media. From Seraphina. A grid of nine photos. The center was a close-up of the “Tears of the Deep,” surrounded by photos of them together at the gala, and a candid shot of Hayden lowering his head to kiss the back of her hand. The caption read: “After all this time, it’s still you. He said the position of Mrs. Holloway will always be reserved for me alone.” This post was set to be visible only to me. I liked it, then opened my conversation with the immigration consultant. “For my Australia visa expedited processing, how many days at minimum?” They replied quickly. “Miss Blake, expedited would take about ten days.” “Good. As fast as possible.” I put down my phone and lay on the cold bed, closing my eyes. Ten more days. In ten days, Hayden and I would have nothing to do with each other.

Chloe POV The next morning, the sound of fingerprint unlocking came from the villa’s front door. Hayden walked in carrying a faint scent of alcohol and the morning chill. I sat quietly in the dining room drinking milk, not even lifting an eyelid. Hayden came over and sat across from me, his tone carrying a condescending gentleness. “Why did you come back on your own last night?” “I was tired.” My tone was flat. Hayden looked at my calm face and nodded. “You saw last night’s news. Seraphina’s health isn’t good, and the Vale family needs this ceremony. But don’t worry, the engagement is just for show. My life won’t change. You’ll still live here. That villa in the south district will be transferred to your name tomorrow.” Making infidelity sound so refreshingly innocent. Hayden was truly one of a kind. I swallowed the tasteless milk in my mouth and didn’t argue, just said “Mm” lightly. Hayden looked around, suddenly frowning. “Why does the house feel so empty? Where’s that pair of mugs from the table?” “I accidentally broke them and threw them out.” I didn’t even lift my eyelids. Hayden didn’t press further. After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke. “Chloe, I need your help with something.” I put down my spoon and looked at him. “Seraphina really likes your jewelry design style.” Hayden looked into my eyes, his tone carrying an undertone of non-refusal. “She’s having an engagement party next month. Design an engagement ring for us. You can decide on materials and budget.” The air seemed to freeze in that moment. Having the current girlfriend design the engagement ring for his ex. Hayden, how could you be this cruel? My hands under the table clenched tight, nails digging deep into my palms, using pain to maintain surface calm. I looked at this man I’d loved for three years, suddenly finding him terrifyingly unfamiliar. “Sure.” I smiled. “When Mr. Holloway asks, how could I refuse? But the design fee can’t be skipped.” Hayden paused, then took out an unlimited black card and pushed it in front of me. “Of course. The PIN is your birthday. Buy whatever you want. Don’t shortchange yourself.” I took the black card without hesitation. “Thank you, Mr. Holloway.” After breakfast, Hayden went to the office. I took that black card and went straight to the city’s largest stray animal shelter, donating every bit of the card’s available limit. Since it was compensation, he had no say in how I spent it. Over the next few days, I went to the studio every day on time to “draw designs,” but actually I was liquidating my domestic assets and canceling various memberships and bank accounts. Seven days until departure. That afternoon, I’d just finished confirming my visa progress at the immigration office when I got a call from Derek. “Chloe, Hayden’s got a gathering at ‘Nightfall.’ He wants you to come.” Derek’s tone was somewhat stiff. I wanted to refuse, but remembering that my current identity was still his obedient “canary,” I took a cab to the club. Pushing open the private room door, smoke filled the air inside, packed with the city’s wealthy and socialites. Hayden sat in the main seat with Seraphina leaning against him, the two chatting and laughing quietly. Seeing me enter, the room instantly went quiet. “Miss Blake is here.” Seraphina broke the silence first, standing up with a smile. “Come sit quickly. Hayden said you brought the initial ring design today. I want to see it.” I walked over and took out a stack of random drafts from my bag, handing them to her. Seraphina took the drawings and made a show of looking through them. Suddenly, her hand slipped, and a cup of scalding hot coffee that had just been poured on the nearby table flew straight toward me.

Chloe POV “Watch out!” Along with Seraphina’s startled cry, the cup of scalding coffee splashed entirely onto my right hand. Searing pain instantly struck. I jerked my hand back, watching my pale skin visibly redden and rapidly blister. For a jewelry designer, the right hand is everything. The room instantly descended into chaos. Hayden practically reflexively stood up, pulling Seraphina into his arms and frantically checking her over. “Seraphina, are you okay? Did you get burned?” Seraphina hid in his embrace, eyes red-rimmed, like a frightened rabbit. “I’m fine… Hayden, I didn’t mean to. I just didn’t hold the drawings steady…” “It’s okay, it’s not your fault.” Hayden softly comforted her, only then turning to look at me. Seeing my severely swollen right hand, his brow furrowed tight, but his tone carried reproach. “Chloe, how could you not even dodge a cup of coffee? Seraphina’s timid. Don’t scare her.” I trembled from the pain, my left hand gripping my injured right wrist tightly. I looked at Hayden’s face full of concern for Seraphina, hearing his victim-blaming accusations, suddenly feeling like even breathing tasted of blood. I couldn’t dodge? Seraphina deliberately pushed the cup toward me! The surrounding wealthy people started chiming in too. “Exactly, Chloe. Seraphina just got back to the country. Why are you pulling that face?” “It’s just a burn, not like your face is ruined. Do you have to be so dramatic?” “I think she’s just jealous that Seraphina gets to marry Hayden. She’s deliberately playing the victim.” Every sentence a knife, every word condemning. This was the man I’d loved wholeheartedly for three years. This was the circle I’d once tried so hard to please. In front of Seraphina, even my breathing was wrong. “Hayden, don’t blame Miss Blake.” Seraphina peeked out from Hayden’s arms, looking at me pitifully. “Miss Blake, I’m sorry. Is your hand okay? Should I take you to the hospital?” “No need.” I said. I didn’t look at Seraphina’s fake face, nor did I look at Hayden. I straightened my spine and, forcing myself through the agonizing pain in my hand, walked step by step toward the door. “Chloe, stop right there!” Hayden shouted sternly. “Seraphina is apologizing to you. What’s with that attitude?” My steps halted. I slowly turned around, my gaze calmly sweeping across Hayden’s face. I smiled. “What attitude does Mr. Holloway want from me? Should I kneel down and thank Miss Vale for gracing me with this cup of hot coffee?” “You!” Hayden’s face turned iron. “The ring design is ruined. Miss Vale should find someone else.” With that, I walked out of the room without looking back. The moment the door closed, I heard Derek’s voice from inside. “Hayden, Chloe’s hand looks pretty badly burned. She makes her living with her hands…” “She won’t die.” Hayden’s cold, hard voice penetrated the door and struck my heart. “Her temper’s getting worse and worse. It’s all because I’ve spoiled her. Let her cool off for a few days on her own.” I closed my eyes as tears finally fell. I took a taxi to the hospital alone. In the emergency room, the doctor treated my blisters while giving me stern instructions. “Second-degree burns. This hand can’t touch water for at least a month, and you definitely can’t hold a pen to draw. If it gets infected, it could scar, or even affect the nerves.” “I understand. Thank you, doctor.” After treating the wound, I left the hospital. The night wind cut through me, bone-chillingly cold. I took out my phone and looked at the countdown on my calendar. Five more days. Hayden, you’ll never control me again.

Chloe POV When I returned to Mountainview Villa, it was already late at night. The living room lights were off. I felt my way to the sofa in the dark, about to sit down, when suddenly the sound of a lighter clicking came from the darkness. A ghostly blue flame flared up, illuminating Hayden’s grim face. He sat in a single armchair, a cigarette between his fingers, his gaze fixed heavily on me. “Where were you?” He spoke, his voice hoarse. I ignored him, walking straight to the bar to pour a glass of warm water. Hayden suddenly stood up, striding over and grabbing my wrist. “I asked you a question!” He grabbed precisely my injured right hand. I gasped in pain, and the water glass fell from my hand, shattering on the floor. Only then did Hayden notice the thick bandages on my hand. He froze, instinctively loosening his grip, a flash of panic in his eyes. “Your hand… what did the doctor say?” “Won’t die.” I threw his words from earlier right back at him. Hayden’s face stiffened. He irritably loosened his tie, softening his tone. “I was harsh earlier. But Seraphina didn’t do it on purpose. You embarrassed her in front of all those people. I had to consider her feelings. I’ll have my assistant send over some limited-edition jewelry tomorrow. Consider it an apology.” A slap, then a sweet treat. This was his usual method for taming pets. I looked at Hayden, suddenly feeling very tired. I didn’t even have the energy to be angry. “No need. I’m tired. I want to rest.” I walked past him, heading upstairs. Hayden followed, embracing me from behind, his chin resting in the hollow of my neck, his voice low and husky. “Chloe, stop being difficult. After Seraphina’s matter is handled, I’ll take you to meet my grandfather and make our relationship official, okay?” My body stiffened like stone. Just then, Hayden’s phone on the bedside table rang. A special ringtone. Seraphina. Hayden paused, releasing me and walking over to answer. “Hayden…” Seraphina’s tearful voice came through. “There’s thunder outside. I’m so scared… Can you come keep me company?” Thunder indeed rumbled outside. Hayden frowned, glancing at my silent figure, but ultimately picked up his coat. “Seraphina has claustrophobia. I’ll go check on her. Go to bed early.” He hurried out of the bedroom. The sound of a car engine starting came from downstairs, soon disappearing into the rainy night. I walked to the window, watching that black car melt into the darkness. I smiled. I turned and took out my phone, about to contact the consultant to confirm tomorrow’s flight, but received an email from the airline about a cancelled ticket. Immediately after, a text message popped up. “Miss Blake, your passport status is abnormal. You have been restricted from leaving the country.” My whole body stiffened, blood running ice cold. I quickly checked my bank account and discovered that after I donated the fifty million from the black card that afternoon, Hayden’s assistant had checked my transaction history. Though Hayden had gone to Seraphina’s place, he’d canceled the card and even used his connections to lock down my exit permissions. He was warning me that without his permission, I couldn’t escape even with wings. The airport route was completely blocked. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. I found Hayden’s grandfather’s number and called. “Mr. Holloway Senior.” As soon as he answered, I said directly, “Hayden has restricted my exit. If you still want me to disappear from your lives forever, I need your help.” The other end was silent for a moment, then his cold, hard voice came through. “What do you want to do?” “I need an absolutely safe private flight route, and also, a completely new identity.” I said, “In exchange, I’ll give you a Chloe Blake who’s ‘dead’ and gone for good, guaranteed that Hayden will never find me again for the rest of his life.”

Chloe POV Two days later. My right hand was severely burned, so I could only use my left hand to awkwardly sort through my mother’s belongings. The front door suddenly made the sound of a password unlock. I thought it was the housekeeper and didn’t turn around. Until the sound of high heels clicking against the floor stopped behind me, and a saccharine, affected voice rang out. “Miss Blake, long time no see.” I turned around to see Seraphina. Seraphina wore designer haute couture, surveying the villa like a victor, her gaze finally landing on my face as she covered her mouth and giggled. “Hayden said you’ve been in a bad mood lately, recuperating at home. I came specifically to see you.” “Seen enough? You can leave now.” My tone was cold. Seraphina wasn’t bothered. She leisurely walked to the table and picked up a photo frame. It was a photo of my mother from when she was alive. “Tsk, this is your bankrupt dad who jumped off a building and your mom who died of illness?” A flash of malice crossed Seraphina’s eyes. “A whole family of short-lived ghosts. No wonder you can only cling to Hayden like a dog.” “Shut your mouth!” I suddenly stood up, rushing over to snatch back the frame. But Seraphina simply let go. With a crisp sound, the frame fell to the floor, glass shattering everywhere. My heart clenched violently. I crouched down to pick up the photo. But Seraphina suddenly crouched beside me, grabbing my hand and lowering her voice. “Chloe, you can’t fight me. As long as I shed one tear, Hayden would give me his life. What are you?” With that, she picked up a sharp piece of broken glass and without hesitation drew a long gash across her own pale arm. Blood immediately gushed out. “Ah! It hurts! Miss Blake, why would you do this to me!” Seraphina suddenly screamed, collapsing to the floor, crying with tears streaming down her face. The door banged open. Hayden strode in. I watched him stare at the blood on Seraphina’s arm, then rush forward and shove me aside. Already weak, I staggered backward from his forceful push, my waist slamming hard into the sharp table corner before my whole body fell into the glass-strewn floor. Sharp fragments instantly pierced my left palm and legs. Searing pain struck, my vision went dark, and cold sweat instantly soaked my back. “Hayden, it hurts… I just wanted to see Miss Blake, and she suddenly went crazy…” Seraphina trembled in Hayden’s arms. Hayden covered Seraphina’s wound, turning to look at me with eyes so cold they could kill. “Chloe, you’re getting more vicious by the day! Seraphina came in good faith to see you, and you dared to hurt her?” I lay on the floor, looking at my own blood-soaked hands, then at Hayden’s furious face. I didn’t defend myself. I just smiled, a smile uglier than crying. “Yes, I’m vicious.” My voice was weak but every word clear. “Hayden, why don’t you just kill me.” Hayden picked up Seraphina and strode outside. “You stay here and reflect! Without my permission, no one is allowed to treat her wounds!” The door slammed shut. I lay on the cold floor, looking at the blood everywhere, and took out my phone to call emergency services. At the hospital, the ER nurse was shocked to see my injuries. “Chloe?!” I looked up to see Derek’s sister, Stella. Stella picked out glass shards while crying. “That bastard Hayden, how could he do this to you!” I trembled from the pain but gripped Stella’s hand in return. “Stella, do me a favor. Help me… die cleanly.”

Chloe POV Seraphina was also sent to this hospital. I lay in a regular ward, both hands wrapped in bandages, my body so weak I could barely turn over. Stella suddenly burst into the room in a panic. She told me. To thoroughly torment me, Seraphina had secretly taken excessive blood-thinning medication, then quietly reopened the wound on her arm. Now she was hemorrhaging badly, chaos in her room. The doctor told Hayden she had a clotting disorder to begin with, and now with excessive blood loss and the hospital’s RH-negative blood bank running low, she needed an immediate transfusion! I immediately understood. Seraphina wanted my life! A few minutes later, Hayden kicked open my hospital room door with a doctor. “Mr. Holloway, Miss Blake is injured and extremely weak. Drawing blood now could endanger her life…” Stella spread her arms in front of my bed, shouting angrily. “I don’t care! As long as she’s still breathing, draw it! Seraphina absolutely cannot die!” Hayden roared with red-rimmed eyes, shoving Stella aside. The cold needle pierced my bruised vein. Scarlet blood flowed along the tube, continuously filling the blood bag. I didn’t struggle. I didn’t cry. I just quietly looked at Hayden. “Hayden.” I spoke, my voice as light as wind. Hayden met my gaze. “This 800cc of blood. Consider it my repayment for your three years of shelter.” I looked into his eyes and smiled. “From now on, we’re even. I wish you and Miss Vale happiness.” Hayden’s breathing caught sharply. The nurse withdrew the needle. “Mr. Holloway, that’s enough blood.” Hayden looked at me and coldly dropped a sentence. “You’d better mean what you say. Don’t pull any more tricks.” With that, he took the blood bag and left the room without looking back. The moment the door closed, I shut my eyes. Countdown: final day. The next evening, the hotel blazed with lights. Hayden and Seraphina’s engagement party was being held there in grand ceremony. Meanwhile, at the downtown hospital, night fell. Stella pushed a medical gurney into my room. On the gurney was a corpse from the morgue. An unidentified female body with a build extremely similar to mine. This was arranged by Hayden’s grandfather using his connections. I changed into an inconspicuous nurse’s uniform, putting on a mask and cap. I walked to the bed and removed the cross necklace I’d worn for three years. Hayden had put it on me himself when he successfully completed rehabilitation. Now, I didn’t need it anymore. I placed the cross on the corpse’s pillow and turned to leave the room. At the end of the corridor, the bodyguard arranged by Hayden’s grandfather was already waiting. “Miss Blake, the car is in the underground garage. The helicopter is standing by on the roof.” “Let’s go.” I didn’t look back. Ten minutes later, piercing fire alarms suddenly erupted from the top floor of the hospital’s inpatient building. “Fire! The VIP ward is on fire!” The flames spread with the wind. Thick smoke billowed. Firelight shot into the sky. Ten thousand meters above, a private jet cut through the clouds toward the Southern Hemisphere. I leaned against the window, watching the city lights below shrink into tiny dots. I let out a soft sigh of relief. The night sky was deep. Stars glittered. Finally, I was free.

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I had been with Ethan for twelve years. I stood by him from nothing to the top of his business empire. I thought I should have become his wife long ago. But at Whitmore Corporation’s twelve-year anniversary gala, he publicly proposed to Vivian in front of everyone. My eyes turned red as I confronted him, demanding an explanation. Ethan said coldly, “Vivian’s body is fragile. She can’t handle my needs. For the past twelve years, you were nothing more than a tool for my release. Now get lost.” So I was just a toy to warm his bed. But I had been there for every step of his success. Staying up all night with him to negotiate deals. Even selling my design proposals to bail him out. Now it had all become the biggest joke. I even had a miscarriage. Our first child. Because of overwork. The security guards roughly dragged me out of the gala hall. I fell pathetically into the rain. Trembling, I pulled out my phone and dialed that number. My voice was hoarse but resolute. “I want Whitmore Corporation to go bankrupt. Immediately.”

Lena POV The twelve-year anniversary gala of Whitmore Corporation. Lights blazed, guests dressed in finery. I wore the haute couture gown Ethan had personally selected for me, standing quietly on the second-floor terrace. Everyone knew that billionaire Ethan Whitmore had cherished me for twelve years. From the day ten-year-old me was brought back to Ethan’s Manhattan villa, I became Ethan’s untouchable treasure. When I wanted to study architecture, he built me a private all-glass studio in the heart of Manhattan. When I casually mentioned loving the plane trees in Paris, he could cancel billion-dollar meetings the very next day to fly me to Paris to feed the pigeons. People in our circle were all saying that tonight at the gala, Ethan would officially propose to me. I thought so too. After twelve years together, I had long bound my life tightly to Ethan’s. I loved him, to the bone. “Now, I want to introduce someone very important to me.” In the first-floor hall, Ethan’s deep, magnetic voice spread throughout the venue through the microphone. My heartbeat skipped a beat. I lifted my dress, full of anticipation as I turned to go downstairs. However, the spotlight didn’t fall on me. The beam of light followed someone in the corner of the hall. A girl in a pure white gauze dress with a fresh, water-like presence slowly walked onto the stage. Ethan naturally took her hand, his gaze filled with a tenderness I had never seen before. “This is my fiancée, Vivian.” Boom. My mind felt like it had been struck by a heavy hammer, a sharp ringing in my ears. I froze at the landing of the stairs, the blood in my body completely freezing in that moment. Fiancée? Then what was I? What did these twelve years of companionship mean? Amid enthusiastic applause, Ethan led Vivian off the stage and came straight toward me. He looked at my deathly pale face, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. “Lena, say hello to Vivian.” I bit down hard on my lower lip, tasting blood in my mouth. I looked at this man I had loved for twelve years, my voice shaking uncontrollably. “Ethan… you’re joking, right?” “How could Ethan joke about something like this?” Vivian affectionately looped her arm through Ethan’s, looking at me with a smile. “You must be Lena. Ethan often mentions you, says you’re a genius architect. Perfect timing. Ethan and I haven’t settled on a design for our wedding house yet. Could you help us design it?” I found it utterly absurd. She wanted me to personally design a wedding house for the man I loved deeply and another woman? I looked at Ethan pleadingly, hoping he would refuse this cruel request. But Ethan just looked at me coolly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Vivian likes your design style. I’m comfortable leaving this to you.” In that instant, I heard the sound of my heart shattering. “Fine.” I forced out a smile uglier than crying. “I’ll design it.” I turned and fled hastily, rushing into the restroom, frantically splashing cold water on my face. My phone in my bag vibrated. It was Professor Miller calling. “Lena, that three-year ancient architecture restoration and reconstruction project in Paris. I’ve kept a spot for you. How’s your decision going? If you go, you probably won’t be able to return to New York for three years.” Before, I had refused without hesitation because I couldn’t bear to leave Ethan. But now, looking at my wretched reflection in the mirror, I took a deep breath and slowly said. “Professor Miller, I’ll go. Give me two weeks to wrap things up here.” After hanging up, I walked out of the restroom. At the end of the hallway by the floor-to-ceiling windows, Ethan was draping his suit jacket over Vivian’s shoulders, lowering his head to tenderly kiss away the champagne stain at the corner of her lips. I quietly watched this scene, the light in my eyes extinguishing completely.

Lena POV I don’t know how I made it back to the Manhattan villa. Everywhere held traces of my life with Ethan. The slippers by the door, side by side. The sofa I’d picked out. And that room on the second floor. The private architecture studio Ethan had spent a fortune building for my eighteenth birthday. I pushed open the door and walked wearily upstairs. However, when I reached the second floor, I froze. The door to my treasured studio was wide open. Maids were going in and out, carrying my expensive German drafting table. My rare architecture books. Piles of drawings I’d poured my heart into. Vivian stood in the middle of the room, wearing an oversized men’s shirt. Ethan’s shirt. She held a cup of hot milk, looking at me innocently. “Oh, Lena, you’re back. I’m so sorry. I had the maids clean the room today. These things looked old, so I thought they were trash you didn’t want and had them thrown in the storage room. You’re not upset with me, are you?” “Stop!” My whole body trembled as I rushed over to block the maids. “Who gave you permission to touch my things?!” Vivian jumped in fright, backing up a step, her eyes instantly reddening. “Lena, I’m sorry… I didn’t know this was your room. Ethan said this room has the best lighting and is most suitable for my dance studio…” “This is my studio!” I said, eyes red, like a small beast protecting its food. “What’s all this noise in the middle of the night?” A deep, cold voice came from behind. Ethan strode upstairs, his brow furrowed. Vivian immediately threw herself into his arms like a frightened rabbit, her voice choked. “Ethan, did I make Lena angry? I’m sorry, I don’t want this room anymore. I’ll move out tomorrow…” “Nonsense.” Ethan put his arm around her waist, patting her soothingly, then looked coldly at me. “Lena, Vivian is a professional dancer. She needs a practice room with good lighting and space. Can’t you draw those plans of yours anywhere? Clear out the room for her.” I looked at him in disbelief. “Ethan, have you forgotten how this studio came to be?” My voice trembled. “This was your eighteenth birthday gift to me! You said this was my exclusive space, that no one was allowed to touch it!” A flash of discomfort crossed Ethan’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced by coldness. “It’s just a room. When did you become so selfish and petty? Vivian is my fiancée, and this villa is mine. You’re going to fight with her over these things?” Selfish? Petty? Looking at this familiar yet strange man before me, I suddenly felt utterly ridiculous. He trampled on my heart’s work to please another woman, then turned around and accused me of being selfish. “Fine.” I closed my eyes, swallowing the sourness in my throat. “I’ll clear it out.” I turned around without looking at Ethan again, bending down to pick up the scattered drawings from the floor, one by one. Ethan watched my thin, stubborn back, an inexplicable irritation flashing through his heart. He stepped forward, trying to pull me. “Let the maids clean up tomorrow. You should rest early.” “Don’t touch me.” I avoided his hand, my tone as calm as stagnant water. “Don’t dirty your hands, and don’t dirty my drawings.” Ethan’s hand froze in midair, his expression instantly darkening. “Lena, do you have to speak to me with this strange attitude?” “I wouldn’t dare.” I stood up holding the drawings. “I’m just clearing space for Vivian.” That night, I didn’t sleep. I packed everything from the studio into boxes. I was leaving in two weeks. I wouldn’t leave any of these things behind.

Lena POV The next day, I went to the architecture firm as usual. My colleagues looked at me with sympathy and curiosity. News of what happened at last night’s Whitmore Corporation gala had spread. Everyone knew that Lena, the girl Ethan Whitmore had held in the palm of his hand, was out. I acted like nothing had happened, sitting at my desk organizing my resignation letter and handover documents. At three in the afternoon, the firm’s glass door was pushed open. Ethan walked in wearing a tailored suit, his posture upright. He carried a box from that French patisserie in Manhattan that was hardest to get. Before, he would personally queue up every month to buy me matcha mousse from this shop. Colleagues exchanged glances, thinking Ethan had come to make up with me. But the next second, Vivian emerged from behind Ethan. Ethan opened the box and took out the only strawberry Napoleon inside, tenderly handing it to Vivian. “You said yesterday you wanted to try this place. See how it tastes.” Vivian smiled sweetly, accepting the pastry, then turned to look at me. “Lena, Ethan said you love the matcha mousse from this shop most. He brought some for you too. Let’s all eat together.” I didn’t even look up, staring at my computer screen. “No thanks. I’ve given up sweets.” Ethan’s brow furrowed slightly as he placed the matcha mousse on my desk. “There’s a limit to throwing tantrums. Vivian specially came with me to bring you afternoon tea, and you’re showing attitude? To whom?” My fingers paused on the keyboard. I finally looked up, my gaze calm as I looked at Ethan. “Ethan, this is an office area. If you’re here to show off your relationship, please go outside.” “You!” Ethan’s anger flared at my cold attitude. Just then, Vivian suddenly exclaimed. “Wow, this model is so beautiful!” She walked to my desk and reached for the wooden architectural model inside the glass case. This was my life’s work from my university graduation, which had won the highest-level international architecture student award. Back then, to polish this model, Ethan had stayed up three all-nighters with me, his fingers cut by the carving knife. “Don’t touch it!” I shouted. Vivian was startled by my voice, her hand shaking, her fingertips catching the edge of the glass case. Crash. A crisp sound. The glass case along with the intricate wooden model inside smashed to the floor, instantly breaking into pieces, becoming a pile of scrap wood. The entire office area fell deathly silent. My breathing stopped. I looked at the pile of fragments on the floor, and the tightly wound string in my mind finally snapped. I shot up from my seat and shoved Vivian aside. “I told you not to touch it, don’t you understand?!” Vivian, wearing high heels, fell straight onto the glass-covered floor from my push, her palm instantly cut, blood flowing freely. “Ah! It hurts…” Vivian cried, her face covered in tears. “Vivian!” Ethan’s expression changed drastically. He rushed over and gathered Vivian into his arms. Seeing the blood on her hand, he turned to look at me with eyes as cold as ice. “Lena! Have you lost your mind?!” “It’s just a broken model. Did you really need to be so violent?!” Ethan’s roar echoed through the office area. I stood there, cold all over. A broken model? Years ago, when he held my hand and assembled these wooden pieces bit by bit, he said. “Lena, this is the first ‘home’ we’ve built together. I’ll always treasure it as priceless.” Now, for another woman’s sake, he degraded our past as worthless. I watched Ethan protectively hold Vivian with heartache in his eyes, and suddenly I laughed. I laughed until tears nearly came, but my voice was oddly calm. “Yeah, just a broken model. Ethan is so rich. How do you plan to compensate?”

Lena POV Ethan was infuriated by my indifferent attitude. He sneered. “Fine, I’ll compensate. Name your price. Whatever amount, I’ll pay, just to buy your insanity today!” I looked at him, the last trace of attachment in my eyes disappearing completely. “One dollar.” Ethan froze, his brow knitting into a tight knot. “What did you say?” “I said, pay me one dollar.” I held his gaze, speaking slowly. “Ethan, send me one dollar. For this model. For these twelve years. Consider it even. From now on, we don’t owe each other anything.” “Good. Very good.” Ethan pulled out his phone through gritted teeth and transferred me one dollar on the spot. “Lena, remember what you said today. Don’t come crying to me later!” With that, he scooped up the injured Vivian and left the firm without looking back. Looking at the one dollar that appeared on my phone screen, I didn’t cry. I crouched down, picked up the broom, and swept those fragments that carried my most beautiful youth, bit by bit, all into the trash can. Just like sweeping away my twelve years of ridiculous one-sided love. Returning to my seat, I typed the last word of my resignation letter on the computer and clicked send. Then I called Professor Miller. “Professor, I’ve booked my ticket. Ten days from now, I fly to Paris.” After hanging up, I looked at the overcast sky outside the window and let out a long breath. Ten days. Just endure ten more days, and I could completely leave this suffocating place, leave Ethan. That evening, the sky opened up with pouring rain. I returned to the Manhattan villa and had just reached the front gate when my steps abruptly halted. Outside the villa, by the trash bins, my things lay scattered. My custom-ordered German drafting board. Out-of-print architecture books. The markers and tools I’d treasured for years. All of them soaked in muddy rainwater. Ruined beyond repair. Vivian stood under the villa’s eaves wearing a silk nightgown, holding a cup of hot milk, looking at me with an innocent expression. “Oh my, Lena, you’re back. I’m so sorry. I had the maids clean today. These things looked old, so I thought they were trash you didn’t want and had them throw it out. You won’t blame me, will you?” I stood in the rain, icy water instantly soaking me through. I didn’t fly into a rage or rush up to question her. I just calmly walked over and searched through the muddy water. The books were ruined. The markers were destroyed. I opened a waterlogged sketch book. On the first page, in Ethan’s bold handwriting, were the words. “To my genius little architect, may you soon build the world’s number one skyscraper. Ethan” I stared at those words, rain blurring my vision. Expressionless, I tore the sketch book to shreds and threw it, along with those ruined tools, completely into the trash bin. A black Maybach sped through the rain curtain, screeching to a stop at the villa entrance. Ethan got out with a black umbrella, and seeing me soaked through in the rain, his brow furrowed instantly. “What are you doing out here? Don’t you know it’s raining?” He strode over and grabbed my wrist, trying to pull me under the umbrella. I forcefully shook off his hand. “Don’t touch me.” My voice was colder than the autumn rain. “Ethan, don’t dirty your designer suit.”

Lena POV Ethan’s hand froze in midair. Looking at my lifeless eyes, panic flashed in his gaze. He glanced at the things by the trash bin, his tone softening slightly. “They’re just some rulers and drawing boards. Tomorrow I’ll have someone buy you the most expensive set as compensation. Stop being stubborn with me out here and go inside to shower.” “No need.” I walked past him straight into the villa. I returned to my bedroom, pulled out my suitcase, and packed only a few changes of clothes and important documents. When I came downstairs with my suitcase, Ethan and Vivian were sitting on the living room sofa. Seeing the suitcase in my hand, Ethan shot to his feet, his expression livid. “What are you doing?” “Moving out.” My tone was flat. “Since there’s no place for me here anymore, I won’t stay and be an eyesore.” “Lena!” Ethan rushed over in a few strides, pressing down hard on my suitcase, gritting his teeth. “Try taking one step out that door! You’re moving out over some broken junk?” I lifted my head and looked directly into his furious eyes. “Ethan, I’m not throwing a tantrum.” I gently pushed his hand away. “I truly don’t want you anymore.” I moved to a budget hotel near the architecture firm. The room was small, without floor-to-ceiling windows or soft wool carpets, but it gave me an unprecedented sense of relief. After Ethan discovered I had really moved out, he was completely enraged. He thought I was just deliberately playing games, thought I wouldn’t last three days before coming back crying to apologize. But for three whole days, I sent no word. On the fourth day, Ethan’s call came through. I looked at the name flashing on the screen and pressed answer. “Where are you?” The man’s voice suppressed his anger. “Get back here right now.” “I’m drawing the design for your wedding house.” I tapped on my keyboard while responding in a flat tone. “The hotel is quiet. Good for work.” “Lena, stop using work as an excuse!” Ethan laughed coldly. “You think moving out will make me soften? I’m telling you, if you don’t come back today, don’t ever come back!” “Okay.” I agreed without hesitation. Dead silence fell on the other end of the line. Ethan seemed not to have expected such a straightforward answer, his breathing growing heavier. “Lena, you’ve got some nerve. Do you believe that with one word from me, you won’t be able to work anywhere in the architecture industry!” “As you wish.” I hung up directly and put my phone on silent. I looked at the 3D modeling on my computer screen that was nearly complete. This was an extremely luxurious villa, every detail designed according to Vivian’s preferences. Ostentatious. Ornate. Without a trace of the minimalist style I once loved. This was the last cage I would design for Ethan. My phone screen lit up with an incoming message. The sender was Vivian. In the photo was a messy bed, Ethan’s sleeping profile, and Vivian’s arm draped across his chest. The caption read. “Lena, Ethan says he loves my body the most. Every night he holds me and says I’m his only woman. As for you, you’re just a pitiful orphan he kept out of sympathy. Stop clinging desperately.” Looking at this deliberately provocative photo, my heart was surprisingly calm. No anger, no jealousy, only deep exhaustion and relief. I casually took a screenshot and replied. “Wishing you happiness. He’s all yours.” After sending this message, I exported the last rendering and packaged it into a compressed file. Three days until my flight to Paris.

Lena POV Day three. I received a call from Ethan’s mother demanding I attend Vivian’s wedding dress fitting. Since Ethan had supported me financially for years, I didn’t refuse and took a cab to the most elite haute couture bridal shop in the city center. Inside the shop, Vivian wore a diamond-encrusted train wedding dress, like a princess on high. Ethan sat on the velvet sofa, gazing at her tenderly. That look had once belonged only to me. Seeing me enter, Ethan’s gaze instantly turned cold, with a punishing edge. “You actually showed up? I thought you’d hide in that dump of a hotel forever.” Ignoring his mockery, I walked straight to the coffee table, pulled out a USB drive from my bag, and placed it in front of him. “This contains all the design plans and construction proposals for the wedding house. My work is complete.” Ethan looked at the USB drive, irritation suddenly surging in his chest. He stood up abruptly. “What do you mean? Hand over the designs and think you can leave?” “Lena,” Vivian lifted her skirt and walked over, saying sweetly, “the train on this wedding dress seems a bit long. Can you help me adjust it?” She looked down at me from her elevated position, her eyes full of victor’s pride. I stood without moving. Ethan spoke coldly. “Lena, help her. I’ve funded you all these years. Vivian is my fiancée. Don’t you understand basic courtesy?” I looked at Ethan and suddenly laughed. I obediently crouched down and reached to adjust the elaborate lace train. Malice flashed in Vivian’s eyes as her high heel deliberately stepped forward, the sharp heel aimed straight at the back of my hand. I quickly pulled my hand back. Vivian stepped on nothing, her body tilting, nearly falling. “Ah!” Vivian cried out, looking at Ethan aggrieved. “Ethan, Lena deliberately tripped me…” Ethan caught Vivian, glaring at me furiously. “Lena, are you done yet?!” I stood up, dusting off my hands, my gaze clear and cold. “Ethan, I’ve submitted the designs. The day after tomorrow at the wedding, I will ‘attend’ on time.” I deliberately emphasized the word “attend.” Hearing me agree to attend the wedding, Ethan’s expression eased slightly as he snorted coldly. “Smart of you. You’re the girl I raised. You must be present to witness my wedding.” “Of course.” I curved my lips into a smile devoid of warmth. “I will witness it.” I turned and walked out of the bridal shop, tossing that gold-embossed wedding invitation into a roadside trash bin. October 28th. Today was Ethan and Vivian’s wedding of the century. The ceremony was held at the most luxurious cathedral in downtown Manhattan. I knew that right now the venue must be decorated with tens of thousands of airlifted white roses, numerous guests, extremely extravagant. But I didn’t go. I went to the international airport thirty kilometers away. In a simple trench coat, I wheeled my suitcase through security. The airport announcement came on, a sweet female voice. “Passengers traveling to Paris, please note, your flight is now boarding…” I pulled out my phone and looked at the dozens of missed calls from Ethan. Then I opened the message screen. I typed out one last line: “Ethan, happy wedding. That design is my final gift. From now on, we’ll never meet again.” I hit send. Then I blocked Ethan’s number, popped out my SIM card, and tossed it into a nearby trash bin. After that, I walked toward the boarding gate without looking back.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “392430”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

The whole Moonclaw Pack knew that Alpha Alex had many lovers. But after I appeared, all those women disappeared. The day I was kidnapped, he stormed into the kidnappers’ hideout alone and rescued me. I thought he truly loved me. Until Chloe appeared by Alex’s side. The first day she appeared, they slept together. The seventh day she appeared, he brought her back to what used to be our home. On the twentieth day of her appearance, he decided to hold a Marking ceremony with her. He urged me not to overthink it—he wouldn’t really Mark Chloe. But he didn’t know I had already decided to marry his uncle. Lily POV Today was the once-a-decade Hunting Festival, and also Alex’s first Hunting Festival since becoming Alpha. Alex’s uncle Sebastian wasn’t comfortable leaving things entirely to him, so he asked me to co-host the ceremony with Alex. He said that as the alpha’s fiancée and future Luna of the pack, it was only natural for me to take on these responsibilities. But on the opening day of the Hunting Festival, the bonfire blazed in the center of the square, all Pack members had gathered, yet Alex was nowhere to be seen. The warriors and I split up to search for him. Finally, near an abandoned cabin piled with debris, I heard unusual sounds coming from inside. My breath hitched. I gently pushed open the half-closed wooden door. Alex was on top of Chloe, and their moans pierced my ears one after another. All the blood in my body instantly rushed to my head. Then I threw the lit torch in my hand toward the two people in the room. “Ah—!” I watched as Alex whipped around and used his entire back to shield Chloe, blocking most of the flames. In that instant, my heart felt like someone had seized it viciously. He would actually protect her like this. “Chloe, are you okay?” He quickly patted out the sparks that had splashed onto the hem of her dress, his tone so gentle it almost made me sick. “Alex… I’m so scared…” Chloe trembled as she grabbed his arm—the one licked by flames, instantly reddened but rapidly healing—and sobbed softly. I laughed coldly. “Stop the act. Get out.” Chloe’s face turned deathly pale as she shrank back. But Alex took a step over the burning debris flowing on the ground, blocking her from view. He looked down at me from above, his voice cold as ice. “Apologize.” The Alex I’d known for seven years had never shown me such a cruel expression before. I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white. “In your dreams.” I ground out each word through gritted teeth, then turned and rushed out of the cabin toward the center of the camp. Behind me, the fire in the cabin began to grow, and people shouted as they ran to get water to put it out. The drumbeats continued, but the atmosphere had changed. I forced myself through a brief opening ceremony, but I didn’t rush into the forest with the others. Instead, I returned to the unusually large conference room built beside the square. I sat on the carpet, no longer able to pretend nothing had happened. Tears fell. I never imagined he could be so anxious over someone else too. He betrayed me. On such an important day as the Hunting Festival. When everyone in the Pack was present. And he still wanted me to apologize. I knew he’d been getting close to that woman lately. But she was just an Omega working as a server in a restaurant. I thought he was just playing around. But I was dead wrong. He actually did this with her at the camp during the Hunting Festival… I collapsed onto the floor, tears dropping one by one into the soft carpet. I don’t know how much time passed before the door burst open and someone pulled me up and dragged me outside. I looked up. It was Alex’s cold face. He had changed out of his burned clothes, but he still carried the smell of smoke and fire. “What are you doing?” I asked hoarsely. He didn’t answer. He just grabbed my arm and dragged me to the still-burning bonfire. He picked up the iron fire poker used to stir the coals and smashed it down hard on my arm. “Ugh!” The searing pain made me double over instantly, gasping. “The fire burned her earlier,” his voice was terrifyingly calm. “Such a sudden shock and even a minor injury are serious for a fragile Omega like her. And you—you did it on purpose.” The pain made my vision go black, but I still laughed, my laughter hoarse. “So what? You’re shattering my arm to compensate her now?” He was silent for a long time, then sighed. “Lily, why do you have to target her? I promise you, after the Hunting Festival ends, our Marking ceremony will proceed as planned. But today, you must make amends to her.” “You want me to apologize? I… Bah!” I forced the broken words through my clenched teeth. His expression darkened completely. He grabbed my chin and forced me to look up at him. “Think about your Pack. Think about your mother who’s struggling to hold everything together. Now answer me—are you going to apologize or not?” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. Tears instantly blurred my vision. “You know what I care about most, and you’re actually using them to threaten me?” Yes, my pack wasn’t doing well right now. My father had been framed and thrown in prison. My mother had suffered the blow and had no choice but to shoulder everything alone, barely holding on amid internal and external difficulties. A pack that had lost its powerful Alpha could hardly resist the erosion of ambitious wolves. Even though I tried hard to maintain everything and wanted to become the new leader, I couldn’t do it. That’s why I was here. Alex was the Alpha of the most powerful Moonclaw Pack in the world. My pack needed Moonclaw Pack’s protection. Fortunately, Alex loved me. At least, that’s what I used to think. A flash of complicated emotion crossed his eyes. His tone softened but remained cold. “Lily, Chloe is different from you. She’s a poor Omega who’s been looked down on since childhood. You have everything she doesn’t. Why do you need to make things difficult for her?” “So,” my voice trembled, waves of sharp pain coming from my arm, “I have to give up my own man to her too?” He paused and avoided my gaze. “No matter what I do this month, you’re still my mate. The Luna position will always be yours.” I closed my eyes. Desolation filled them. The sharp pain in my arm and the icy cold in my chest intertwined. “Fine. I’ll apologize.” His large hand gripped the back of my neck with such force I could barely breathe. He didn’t let go until I squeezed out “I’m sorry” through my teeth to Chloe. Only then did he release me with satisfaction. Watching the relieved smile at the corner of his mouth, my heart felt like it had been torn to shreds—a hundred times more painful than my injured arm. If he were my enemy, I would bite through his throat. But he wasn’t. He was my lover. I even had to rely on him to protect my pack. I thought this terrible farce had finally ended. I didn’t expect that the next day, during a break in the Hunting Festival activities, his men would escort me to the medical center. He didn’t even glance at me. He just said to the doctor in the white coat, “Go in.” Before I fully understood what was about to happen, I heard him outside the door, in a tone as casual as discussing the weather, say to the doctor: “Chloe’s body is very unwell after inhaling smoke. She needs your blood as a ‘catalyst’ for the antidote. Lily, this is the price you must pay.” The sharp pain of a thick needle piercing the vein in my arm hit me. I struggled in terror, but was held down firmly. The weakness and icy sensation of blood being rapidly drained from my body spread quickly. Before I could resist or cry out, my consciousness rapidly sank into endless darkness. When I woke up, I was lying in a hospital room in the medical center, my whole body cold and weak. Alex’s beta Evan quickly came forward to help me sit up. “Lily, you’re awake? Thank god. I’ll go get the doctor.” Beta Evan hurried off to find someone, but he forgot his phone on a nearby folding chair. The screen was lit, and it just happened to show a conversation between Alex and some of his close friends in a group chat. “Alex, what’s going on with you and Chloe? Are you really not going to keep Lily? Your Marking ceremony with her is coming up soon after the Hunting Festival.” “I didn’t say I wouldn’t keep her. But Chloe is a type I’ve never seen before. She’s really sweet, really innocent. I soften up the moment I see her.” “Then what about Lily? She can’t tolerate a grain of sand in her eyes.” “Don’t worry. Her Pack is crumbling right now. She needs my protection. She won’t leave me.” I gripped the phone tightly, my knuckles white with force. The cold metal edges dug painfully into my palm. In that moment, the last trace of hope and doubt lingering in my heart was completely shattered. So in his eyes, I was nothing more than someone begging for his protection—someone who could be discarded and used at will. I pulled at the corner of my mouth, wanting to laugh, but my throat felt bitter. Then I took out my own phone and calmly dialed Sebastian Sterling’s private number. The former alpha of Moonclaw Pack had been seriously injured by an assassination attempt. He had no biological children, so he had no choice but to declare his nephew Alex as the new alpha. Even though Alex had never received any proper training. I was sure Sebastian already knew about what happened at the Hunting Festival. “Mr. Sterling,” I tried to make my voice sound weak, attempting to gain his sympathy. “This is Lily Evans. You already know what Alex did.” The person on the other end lazily hummed, his deep voice making my whole body tingle like electricity: “So what do you want to do? Cancel the alliance marriage?” “No, not that.” I suppressed the strange feeling in my heart and quickly answered. “If possible, I hope you can help me switch to a different marriage partner… I don’t want to die at Alex’s hands. He hasn’t learned to respect his partner at all.” There was a long silence on the other end of the line, so long I thought the connection had been cut. Then Sebastian’s cold voice came through, slightly hoarse: “Alright. This is indeed his fault. I’ve been busy with Pack affairs and neglected his education. He hasn’t learned how to properly treat his partner. Fine, Lily. I’ll allow you to choose a different marriage partner.” This response pleased me. At least Sebastian wasn’t as impossible to communicate with as Alex. But I don’t know why—listening to him speak, I found myself asking without hesitation: “Can I choose you?” A wolf’s low growl came from the other end. After a while, Sebastian finally answered: “You should think this through carefully. Don’t make hasty decisions.” The call was cut off. The busy tone rang in my ear. Though he had politely refused me, I felt like I had found the right path forward.

Lily POV I knew that my Evans Pack was now in grave danger. If I lost Moonclaw Pack’s protection, those enemies and rogues who were eyeing us hungrily would be the first to rush in and tear us apart. But besides Alex, could I find a more suitable mate? Sebastian… If Sebastian would agree… I lay in the hospital room, my heart an even deeper hollow of ice. The weakness from blood loss still lingered. Just then, Evan came in with a nurse to check on my condition. No matter how strong a werewolf’s healing ability was, being forcibly drained of large amounts of blood still required time to recover. Without proper rest, recovery would be even slower. The nurse recorded data while chatting casually with Evan. “Hey, that Omega next door is really lucky. She just inhaled a bit of smoke, and Alpha Alex had all the traveling doctors come consult on her case.” “Yeah, making such a big deal out of it. Said he was worried about toxins.” I leaned against the bed, listening to those light, casual remarks, and actually laughed. So Alex knew she wasn’t poisoned at all. He just wanted to punish me and make his lover happy. I couldn’t help but think of a year ago, when Alex and I were still deeply in love. I had gotten a minor injury during a joint hunt. Back then, Alex had done the same thing. He brought in all the doctors in the pack for me, his expression tense, as if I’d suffered some life-threatening injury. At the time, I thought it was funny and sweet. But now, he gave that same anxiety to another woman. After the nurse left, beta Evan seemed to want to say something. I raised my hand to stop him. “Don’t bother. You can go. I’ll rest for a bit.” He hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said softly, “Then get plenty of rest.” After I was alone in the room, I supported myself on the edge of the bed and slowly got up. The weakness from blood loss remained. My steps felt light and unsteady. I had just reached the door, wanting some fresh air, when I heard Evan’s voice outside: “Alpha Alex, shouldn’t you go check on Lily? She’s all alone, it’s kind of pitiful…” “What’s pitiful about her?” Alex’s voice was impatient, as if he was hurrying past. “Chloe is the victim. She’s the perpetrator. What she’s going through now is what she deserves.” I froze in place, my chest tightening. The next second, I closed the door and returned to the room. I didn’t want to hear another word from him. I suddenly remembered the night I fell in love with Alex. Back then, I went to a high-end nightclub to meet with a strange Alpha, trying to find support for my Pack. That guy shamelessly slipped his hand under my skirt. I angrily threw my drink in his face. Just as the bastard grabbed my hair and was about to hit me, Alex appeared. Without a word, he pinned the man to the ground, his fists smashing down again and again, so brutal it frightened me. It also made my heart race. From that day on, I accepted Alex’s help and secured a protection agreement from the Moonclaw Pack he represented. And I also secretly decided in my heart that I was willing to give everything for this man. I knew he liked “innocent” women. So I changed my clothing style, my makeup, my way of speaking. I became what everyone called “the epitome of gentleness.” I became what he liked. Only when I saw Chloe did I finally understand. He didn’t like me. What he liked was the kind of “fragility” that aroused his pity. No matter how much I imitated it, it was still just an act. But her—she was naturally that way. Thinking of this, I laughed. Laughed at myself for knowing it was a trap but still throwing myself into it. If that was the case, letting go was fine too. At least this time, I was the one who said goodbye first.

Lily POV After lying in the medical center for a few days, the Hunting Festival was nearing its end. On the final night, following tradition, the camp held a grand outdoor victory feast. Although no one explicitly invited me, I changed into simple clothes and went out anyway. I needed to show my face. I couldn’t let Pack members think I had completely disappeared. That would make me lose my value to the pack. The feast was brightly lit, the aroma of roasted meat and laughter echoing throughout the camp. I held a wooden cup of light wine, avoiding the center of the crowd, standing alone in the shadows. I watched as Alex was surrounded by people, Chloe following close beside him, smiling sweetly. His face bore a smile in the firelight, a relaxed expression I hadn’t seen in a long time. Only that smile wasn’t for me. I took a sip of wine. It was unbearably bitter. I walked to a corner of the crowd, wanting some air. After a while, Alex came by, his arm around a scantily dressed female guest, kissing her deeply as they walked. His hand had already slipped under the hem of her leather skirt. The female guest let out muffled moans. The flickering firelight barely illuminated their entangled silhouettes, and also lit up Alex’s slightly turned face. Our eyes met for a brief moment in the dim light. His movements didn’t pause for even a second. His gaze swept over me coldly, as if I were just an irrelevant bystander, then he kissed even more deeply. I stood frozen in place, my fingertips cold. The Hunting Festival wasn’t even completely over, the victory feast was still going on, and he couldn’t wait to be here with another woman… How ridiculous. I turned around unhurriedly and walked back to the noisy center of the feast. The place in my chest that once held my heart now only felt numb. I walked to the long table with roasted meat and picked up a plate. At least I needed to eat something. Just then, a drunk warrior staggered over, his hand reeking of alcohol trying to rest on my waist. “Lily, if Alex doesn’t want you, how about you have a drink with me…” I frowned in disgust and warned coldly, “Get your paws off me.” “Oh, feisty!” He laughed lewdly and tried to move closer. I grabbed the meat-cutting knife from the long table and slapped it hard against his approaching face! “Smack!” A dull thud rang out. He screamed in pain and staggered backward, falling to the ground. I looked down at him, baring my fangs, my tone cold as ice. “That’s a warning. Touch me again and I’ll bite through your throat.” The patrolling warriors came and dragged him away. I put down the hunting knife and picked up my wine glass again. The people around me looked at me with a mix of surprise and fear. Cup after cup of wine went down. My consciousness began to blur. Near the end of the victory feast, I saw Alex’s Beta Evan walking toward me, handing me a document envelope. “Miss Lily, this is from Alpha Alex. Some cooperation projects with Evans Pack after the Hunting Festival. He said… consider it compensation.” Compensation? I laughed softly, more bitterly than the wine. At least tonight, I got something tangible. Even if it was bought with dignity and blood. I put down my wine glass and walked alone toward my car outside the camp. I thought I needed to cool down by myself. The night wind hit me and the alcohol surged. I had just reached my car and pulled open the door when I felt a sharp pain at the back of my neck and everything went black— I lost consciousness completely.

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“Riley, I formally reject you.” He held another woman in his arms and threw the diamond ring I’d given him onto the coffee table. After being publicly rejected and slapped by my Alpha Mate, I turned around and sold myself to the rumored impotent tyrant Alpha as a breeder. But when he publicly declared, “She is my Fated Mate, my future Luna”, my ex-Mate went crazy and crashed into my Luna inauguration ceremony, screaming with bloodshot eyes. “Riley! Have you lost your mind? You married him just to get revenge on me?!” And that tyrant everyone mocked whispered in my ear with a low laugh: “Rumors say I’m impotent?… I thought you would have known better by now.” Riley POV Three hours ago, I received a mind-link from Ryker. Tomorrow was the Black Shadow Pack’s Luna inauguration ceremony, and this was the first time he’d actively contacted me after three months of cold war between us. His voice was as cold and noble as always, carrying the undeniable authority of an Alpha: “Riley, come to the Pack house. I have something to tell you.” Then he cut off the connection. He didn’t give me any room to question, taking everything for granted as always, like he was ordering some lowly subordinate in his pack. I’ll admit, in that instant, my heart—that pool of stagnant water that had long since fallen silent—stirred with ripples I couldn’t control. After all, I’d been chasing him for seven whole years. I even stood in front of the mirror, carefully covering the faint dark circles under my eyes with the most expensive concealer, sprayed on the woody perfume he liked best, and changed into that white dress he’d once complimented. Even though I was the most unwelcome illegitimate daughter in the pack, even though my mother was just a lowly Omega, ever since the Mating Ball on my eighteenth birthday when the Moon Goddess designated us as Mates, I’d been full of hope about becoming his Luna. Even though I knew what lay ahead might be another carefully planned humiliation. The car smoothly stopped at the Pack house entrance. The guard saw me and a flash of complexity crossed his eyes. He seemed to want to say something but stopped himself. My heart sank, but I still smiled and nodded at him before walking straight in. In the entrance hall, the air was thick with the sweet scent of an unfamiliar she-wolf. A pair of strange pink high heels lay askew on the floor, with Ryker’s jacket scattered nearby. I stood still. I didn’t cry or make a scene. I didn’t even change my expression. I just walked up to the second floor, step by step. I was intimately familiar with every corner of this main residence. I could find my way to his study with my eyes closed. The study door was ajar. Suggestive sounds came from inside, along with a girl’s cloying complaints. “Ryker, you’re so bad… you wrinkled all my clothes…” I pushed the door open expressionlessly. In the study, Ryker was holding a young girl in his arms. The girl’s face was buried in his broad chest, revealing only a fair, slender neck. Three buttons of his shirt were undone. His usually meticulous hair was somewhat disheveled. A smile I’d never seen before played at the corners of his mouth—one tinged with desire and indulgence. Hearing the noise, he looked up. When he saw me, that smile instantly cooled, turning into impatience and disgust. “Riley, who told you not to knock?” The girl in his arms looked up like a startled deer, timidly raising her head. It was a pure, innocent face with big, round eyes that now held pools of moisture as she looked at me pitifully. I recognized her. Cassandra, the casual fling Omega Ryker had recently brought back to the territory from outside. “Ryker, she is…” Cassandra’s voice was as soft as cotton candy, with just the right touch of fear. Ryker ignored her. He just methodically straightened his clothes, then cast his gaze toward me. His eyes held their usual contempt for my illegitimate status. “Since you’ve already seen it, I won’t hide it from you.” He took a velvet box from the drawer and tossed it onto the coffee table in front of me. “This—I’m returning it to you.” I looked down. Inside the box lay a diamond ring, quietly resting. It was the one I’d prepared with such joy for tomorrow’s Luna inauguration ceremony. Ryker’s indifferent voice sounded above my head: “I want Cassandra to be my Luna. Riley, I, Ryker, Alpha of Black Shadow Pack, formally reject you.” No guilt. No hesitation whatsoever. A piercing pain surged through my chest. I didn’t look at the diamond ring. My gaze fell on my left wrist instead. There was a silver bracelet—the token he’d given me at my eighteenth birthday Mating Ball when he learned I was his Mate. He’d said this bracelet was to be worn for life, just as he would stay with me for life. For seven years, I’d never taken it off. It had long since become one with my flesh and blood, even more familiar than my own skin. I raised my eyes and looked at him calmly. My composure seemed to surprise him. He frowned slightly, then as if remembering something, his tone took on its habitual arrogance and mockery: “What, not going to make a scene? I thought you’d cling desperately like before. Riley, these tricks get boring when you play them too often.” I didn’t speak. I just extended my left hand and began struggling to remove the bracelet. The bracelet had been worn too long. The clasp was difficult to work with, stuck at the bone joint. My skin quickly turned red from the friction, burning painfully. The more anxious I got, the harder it was to remove. Cassandra covered her mouth on the side, pretending to be shocked: “Riley, don’t do this. That’s not what Ryker meant. You’re hurting yourself—he’ll feel bad.” The words sounded like acting, but also like provocation. Ryker’s eyes indeed turned cold. He walked over and grabbed my wrist. His Alpha strength made it impossible for me to move. “Riley, what game are you playing now? Playing hard to get?” I gasped from the pain but laughed. “Ryker,” I called his name clearly, “you’re the one who said you were rejecting me. This bracelet is yours. Isn’t it only right that I return it to you now?” He stared at me intently, as if trying to find even the slightest trace of pretense on my face. But he was wrong. On my face, besides the tears from the pain, there was nothing else. So this is what it feels like when your heart dies—you can’t hear any sound. He finally let go of my hand, his eyes dark and unreadable. I used every ounce of strength I had, enduring the excruciating pain, and finally tore that thin silver bracelet from my wrist. An angry red mark branded itself on my skin, shocking to behold. I gently placed the bracelet on the coffee table, side by side with the diamond ring. “I, Riley of Black Wood Pack, accept your rejection.” I took a deep breath and looked at them. “I wish you and Cassandra a happy marriage and eternal happiness.” With that, I turned and walked out of the study without a trace of reluctance. Driving away from the Pack, I finally couldn’t hold it in anymore. Tears broke through like a dam. Wave after wave of pain made me clutch at my chest uncontrollably.

Riley POV By the time I returned to the Pack, it was already eleven at night. The living room of the main residence was brightly lit. My father—the Alpha of this pack—and that Luna who saw me as a thorn in her side were sitting upright on the sofa, clearly waiting for me. As soon as I entered, the Luna immediately spoke with sarcastic undertones: “Oh, you still know to come back? I thought you’d be clinging to Ryker’s bed tonight, forgetting how lowly your bloodline is.” I was too tired to even lift my eyelids. I ignored her and walked straight toward the stairs. “Stop right there!” My father’s stern shout rang out as he violently threw a tablet at my feet. “Look at this yourself!” On the screen was an official announcement just released by Black Shadow Pack, proclaiming the joyous news that Alpha Ryker and Cassandra would be engaged, and that she would assume the position of Luna. The accompanying photo showed Ryker and Cassandra in an intimate pose. He had his arm around her waist, smiling happily. How efficient, Ryker. Less than three hours after rejecting me, you couldn’t wait to announce it to the entire werewolf society, as if afraid you couldn’t shake me off fast enough and I’d taint you further. “Riley! What exactly did you do? Why would Ryker suddenly reject you?” My father’s face was iron with rage. He never cared about how much I’d been wronged—only whether his ladder to a more powerful pack had been broken. I was too exhausted to say even one word. I just wanted to go back to my room and sleep. Seeing my silence, the Luna mocked from the side: “Alpha, why are you even asking her? What good could come from that lowly Omega mother of hers? She can’t even hold onto a man’s heart. What a waste of the Mate bond. She’s utterly useless!” Looking at these two people with their hideous faces, I suddenly found it all very laughable. “I accepted the rejection,” I said flatly. My father looked like he’d heard the biggest joke: “You? What right do you have? Riley, let me tell you, that sickly slave mother of yours is still in the pack’s backyard living off my charity! If you can’t handle Ryker, tomorrow I’ll have someone throw her out of the territory and leave her to fend for herself!” This trick again. Threatening me with the mother I cared about most. For the past seven years, this was why I’d lived like a dog under the Luna’s bullying and Ryker’s arrogance, compromising again and again. But now, things were different. I raised my head and met my father’s Alpha gaze with calm eyes: “So what? What do you want to do?” My reaction stunned them both. They were used to my submissiveness and hadn’t expected such a calm response. The Luna’s eyes rolled, and she immediately put on a falsely kind smile: “Riley, don’t blame your father. He’s just thinking of the Pack. Since the Ryker path won’t work, we can’t let you waste away like this. Have you heard of Blood Moon Pack? Their Alpha is looking for a breeder…” Blood Moon Pack, the most powerful pack in North America. Blood Moon Pack’s Alpha, Logan. That rumored brutal male lead with terrifying power and a cruel, bloodthirsty nature. Rumor had it he had severe sexual dysfunction. To cure his condition and produce an heir, he went through women constantly. But those women either died from torture or were thrown out before they could even last three months. So this “great opportunity” had fallen to me—a pack illegitimate daughter abandoned by her Mate, with lowly blood. It sounded like I was getting the better deal, climbing up to the strongest Alpha. In reality, they wanted to sell me and squeeze out every last bit of value I had. “If you agree to be Logan’s breeder, Blood Moon Pack is willing to invest three hundred million in our pack.” The Luna’s voice was full of temptation. “And your father guarantees he’ll bring your mother to the main residence and give her the best medical care and protection.” Three hundred million. My Omega mother who’d suffered her whole life. My life. In my father’s eyes, this was my entire worth. Looking at his greedy face, my heart turned ice cold. From one fire pit to another. But at least Blood Moon Pack was far away—far enough that I’d never have to see Ryker again, never have to live in the shadow of the past seven years. At least this time, I was choosing for myself. Trading my body and dignity for my mother’s survival and my own freedom to leave this place. This deal was worth it. Looking at my high-and-mighty Alpha father, I clearly spoke three words: “I agree.” 3 Riley POV Three days after agreeing to go to Blood Moon Pack as a breeder, I arranged to meet my best friend Olivia at a small tavern on the edge of the territory. It was a goodbye, and also a chance to change my mood. Olivia was the only friend in the entire Pack who genuinely cared about me. As soon as she sat down, she grabbed my hands, her eyes red: “Riley, I heard everything. That bastard Ryker—how dare he treat you like this? You’re the Mate designated by the Moon Goddess herself! And that bitch Cassandra!” I smiled and handed her a tissue: “Why are you crying? I’m not the one who should be crying. I asked you out today to tell you I’m leaving the Pack.” Olivia’s crying stopped abruptly. “Leaving? Where to? Did Ryker change his mind? No, wait—if he came back, I’d be the first to bite off his throat!” “It’s not him.” I stirred the lemon water in my glass, my tone as calm as if I were talking about someone else’s business. “I’m going to Blood Moon Pack.” Olivia gasped, her face instantly becoming even paler than mine: “Blood Moon? Alpha Logan! That rumored impotent, violent, cruel tyrant?” I nodded: “Yes, him.” “Riley, have you lost your mind?!” She jumped up, drawing sideways glances from other werewolves in the tavern. “You just escaped the tiger’s mouth and you’re jumping into the wolf’s den! Did your Alpha threaten you? Don’t do anything foolish—worst case, we can escape to the rogue territories together!” I pulled her back down to sit. A warm current flowed through my heart. I knew she truly cared about me. “Olivia,” I looked into her eyes seriously, “this is my own choice. You know my situation in the pack. If I don’t leave, my mother will suffer because of me. Going to Blood Moon Pack, far away from here—at least I’ll be free. And… as long as I agree, they’ll provide my mother with the best medical care and protection.” Olivia fell silent. After a long while, she sighed: “You’re always like this, shouldering everything for your mother. But what about you? Riley, have you ever thought about yourself?” About myself? I hadn’t asked myself that question in a very long time. For the past seven years, my life seemed to exist only for Ryker. In the end, I’d almost forgotten what Riley herself was really like. We were chatting when a familiar figure appeared beside our table. It was Cassandra. She wore the latest Chanel haute couture suit, carried a limited edition Hermès bag—completely different from her pitiful appearance in front of Ryker. Ryker wasn’t with her. “Riley, what a coincidence.” She spoke with a smile, but her eyes were like poisoned needles stabbing straight at me. Olivia was about to explode, but I held her back. I shook my head at Olivia, then raised my head to look at Cassandra, pulling at the corner of my mouth: “Not a coincidence. I specifically picked this remote tavern to avoid people like you.” Cassandra’s face stiffened for a moment, then her smile returned: “You’re so funny. Oh, by the way, tomorrow night is my Luna inauguration ceremony. You must come. After all, without your blessing as the ‘ex-Mate,’ it feels like something’s missing.” As she spoke, she deliberately swept back her hair, revealing the dazzling diamond necklace around her neck. I recognized that necklace. Ryker had bought it at an underground auction. It was his twenty-fifth birthday gift to me. Though my heart was already numb, I could still feel that dull ache. “Cassandra,” I leaned back lazily in my chair and looked at her, “does it feel good to use someone else’s discarded old things?” “You!” Cassandra’s facade finally showed cracks. “What are you talking about! Ryker gave this to me! He said he’s never given such an expensive gift to anyone else!” “Really?” I laughed lightly. “Then do you know what he said when he gave it to me? He said it represented the eternal bond between Mates. But looking at it now, Ryker’s idea of forever has a pretty short shelf life.” Cassandra’s face turned completely white. In her embarrassment and anger, she spoke without choosing her words: “What are you so smug about! Riley, you’re nothing but trash Ryker abandoned! You think I don’t know? Your mother is just a lowly slave Omega, and you’re an illegitimate daughter who can’t even show her face in public! What gives you the right to compare yourself to me?” She lowered her voice but struck at my deepest pain. All the blood in my body rushed to my head in that instant. She continued, her voice full of malicious satisfaction: “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Ryker also said that with your lowly bloodline, you’re not even worthy of bearing his heir!” “Slap—!” A crisp slap echoed throughout the tavern. I stood there, my palm burning. Cassandra covered her face, looking at me in disbelief, her eyes instantly filling with tears. “You… you dare hit me?” I could endure her flaunting Ryker’s favoritism. I could endure her taking my Luna position. But I absolutely could not tolerate her using my mother to humiliate me! 4 Riley POV The commotion in the tavern drew onlookers and also brought Ryker. He arrived so quickly. His powerful Alpha aura instantly blanketed the entire space. He immediately pulled the tearful Cassandra protectively behind him. The look he gave me held a coldness and disgust I’d never seen before. “Riley, what’s gotten into you?” Cassandra hid in his arms, pointing at me and complaining pitifully: “Ryker, I just wanted to invite Riley to our ceremony, and she hit me…” Ryker’s face darkened further. He looked at me, his pupils slightly contracting with an irresistible oppressive force. “Apologize to her.” He commanded. Looking at him, I suddenly felt the man before me was terrifyingly unfamiliar. Seven years, and he’d never once asked why. No matter who I had a conflict with, no matter what the cause or process was, he would always make me back down, make me apologize. Because in his world, I, Riley, an illegitimate daughter with humble status, was meant to be someone who would always obey, always be understanding, always never cause him trouble. “I’ll say it again. Apologize to her.” Seeing no reaction from me, Ryker’s voice took on a warning tone. Olivia stood beside me, trembling with anger despite the high-ranking werewolf’s pressure, unable to help speaking up for me: “Ryker, are you blind? She was the one who used Riley’s mother and background to humiliate her first! She’s the one who should apologize!” Ryker’s gaze swept over Olivia, coldly saying: “You don’t get a say in this.” Then his eyes returned to me, containing only impatience and disappointment. “Riley, don’t make me wear out what little goodwill I have left for you.” What little goodwill remained? So after seven years of pursuit, this was all that was left on his end? I laughed, but tears fell traitorously. I looked at Cassandra protected in his arms, looked at his high-and-mighty expression, and asked him word by word: “What if I say no today?” His brows furrowed tightly. He seemed not to have expected such resistance from me. “Riley, don’t force my hand.” Force his hand? What had I forced him to do? Did I force him to betray his Mate vow? Did I force him to publicly reject me? Did I force him to trample my dignity underfoot? “Slap!” Another crisp slap. Only this time, it landed on my face. The entire tavern fell instantly silent. My cheek burned painfully. I even tasted blood at the corner of my mouth. My ears rang, and I couldn’t even hear clearly the gasps and murmurs of the werewolves around us. I only saw Ryker with his hand raised, a flash of shock on his face, as if he too hadn’t expected himself to actually strike. And behind him, Cassandra’s lips curved into a triumphant smile. This slap—more than being coldly rejected in the study, more than seeing the necklace he gave me on someone else’s neck—made me truly clear-headed. I raised my hand to wipe the blood from the corner of my mouth, then looked at him with complete calm: “Fine. I’ll apologize.” Ryker seemed to relax, thinking I’d finally yielded under his pressure. I turned to Cassandra, looked at her face, and slowly spoke: “I’m sorry.” Then, under everyone’s shocked gazes, I looked directly at Ryker and continued: “Ryker, I apologize for having loved you these past seven years.” “I apologize for giving up myself and losing my dignity for you.” “I apologize for being blind.” Ryker’s face instantly turned extremely ugly. His Alpha pride couldn’t tolerate this kind of public severance. “Riley! You…” “Ryker,” I interrupted him, using all my strength to pull out a smile uglier than crying, “you were the one who rejected me first.” “I promise I’ll never appear before you again.” “Never again, just as you wished.” After saying this, I picked up my bag and, supported by Olivia’s worried hands, walked out of the tavern without looking back. Behind me came Ryker’s roar, suppressed with fury. But I didn’t care anymore. 5 Riley POV The day after agreeing to go to Blood Moon Pack as a breeder, I started packing my luggage. Calling it luggage was generous. There wasn’t much that truly belonged to me in Black Wood Pack anyway, and I had no desire to take any of it. As for the things Ryker had given me—even looking at them was painful. I pulled out the dresses and perfumes I’d bought to cater to his preferences, one by one from the closet, and piled them in the center of the room. Finally, I took a heavy red velvet treasure box from the safe under my bed. This was something Ryker had given me after my eighteenth birthday Mating Ball. Over these seven years, it had filled with jewelry he’d given me for various anniversaries and birthdays. There were the diamond stud earrings he gave me after his first victory leading the pack in territorial war. The antique brooch from our first date. And the sapphire ring he’d promised to his future Luna… Each piece I’d once treasured, believing it was eternal proof of the bond between Mates. But now, they were just a pile of cold stones. I closed the lid and placed it in the cardboard box prepared for returns. I didn’t want to owe him anything anymore, not even a trace of his scent. I called Ryker’s Beta—Zane—gave him the address, and told him to come get the things. Zane’s voice carried the same superiority as Ryker’s, along with contempt for my illegitimate status: “Riley, Alpha Ryker is very busy these days preparing for Miss Cassandra’s Luna inauguration ceremony. I’m afraid he doesn’t have time to deal with your insignificant matters.” “Is that so?” I controlled my emotions. “The box contains everything he gave me before. I don’t need them anymore.” Zane’s tone became impatient, even carrying a hint of mockery: “Riley, I know you’re upset about being rejected by the Alpha, but Alpha Ryker already has a Luna candidate now. Why continue to pester him by returning things? It’s better for everyone’s dignity, right?” He thought I was playing tricks and clinging desperately? I took a deep breath and said in as calm a voice as possible: “Zane, you come get them before five o’clock this afternoon. Otherwise, I’ll throw them all away. The consequences are on you.” Silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds, then he reluctantly agreed: “Fine.” That afternoon, Zane did come. He didn’t even enter, just stood in the entrance hall directing several low-ranking werewolves to move things. “Miss Riley,” he said while watching people move things, speaking meaningfully, “The Alpha and Miss Cassandra are a match made in heaven. Everyone in Black Wood Pack knows this. You’re only making yourself more embarrassed.” I didn’t explain or refute. Arguing with a Beta who would only ever obey an arrogant Alpha was meaningless. I just looked at him and said flatly: “Check the items carefully and take them back to him. From now on, we’re even.” With that, I closed the door without hesitation. 6 Riley POV Three days later, Blood Moon Pack’s car stopped at my door. I carried a small suitcase and, under the complex gazes of my father and the Luna, got in the car heading for North America’s most powerful pack territory. After several hours’ drive, the car entered Blood Moon Pack’s core area. Even the air here was filled with the solemnity and authority of a top-tier pack. A burly man came forward. He was the Beta here, named Elias. “Miss Riley? I’m Alpha Logan’s Beta. Welcome to Blood Moon Pack. The Alpha is at the main residence. Please follow me.” “Hello, thank you.” I smiled in response, trying to suppress the unease in my heart. Following Elias into the castle-like main residence, as soon as I stepped into the hall, a strong smell of blood hit me in the face. I stopped abruptly. I saw two guards dragging a disheveled woman outside. The woman was covered in blood, already unconscious, leaving a shocking trail of blood across the gorgeous marble floor. A chill ran through me instantly. The rumors said Blood Moon Pack’s Alpha Logan was violent and cruel, and none of the endless stream of women around him could last three months… So all those rumors were true! “Dispose of her.” A low, cold voice carrying absolute Alpha authority came from deep within the hall. I raised my head, and my gaze collided with a pair of eyes deep as a frozen pool. That was Logan. He was taller and more imposing than I’d imagined, his entire body radiating a suffocating, icy aura.He wasn’t wearing a jacket. His black shirt hung open, revealing his toned, muscular chest and faintly visible scars. Thick arms wrapped in bandages, blood seeping through faintly—he was injured. “Make sure the next woman the Council of Elders sends isn’t a cunning, scheming whore like this one.” Logan cast a cold glance at the woman on the floor, his tone devoid of any warmth. “Yes, Alpha.” Elias muttered something about “those old bastards in the Council getting more and more shameless,” while crouching down to pry a small vial from the tightly clenched hand of the woman being dragged out. Poison? I stood frozen in place, my brain racing. This woman hadn’t come to serve—she’d come to assassinate or poison him? Facing this scene, I stood rigidly in the center of the hall, gripping my suitcase handle so tightly my knuckles turned white, unsure what to do. Elias pocketed the vial, then seemed to remember my existence. He quickly reported to Logan: “Alpha, this is the one sent from Black Wood Pack… Riley.” Logan’s gaze finally fell on me. In that instant, I felt like prey that had been locked onto. He took long strides toward me, each step carrying intense pressure. The overwhelming Alpha scent mixed with a faint trace of blood enveloped me completely. He stopped in front of me, looking down at me from above. I was so nervous my breathing stopped. He suddenly raised his uninjured hand. Rough fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to raise my head and look directly into his eyes. His gaze was extremely aggressive, filled with scrutiny and icy wariness. I was forced to look up at him like this, my heart pounding like a drum. A few seconds later, he released his grip, as if he’d lost interest in me, and turned around coldly. “I’m not in the mood right now.” With his back to me, he ordered Elias coldly, “Take her downstairs.” 7 Ryker POV My bachelor party was set at the top club within Black Shadow Pack territory. Several close high-ranking werewolves and Alphas from neighboring packs gathered together. The atmosphere was lively and extravagant. But tonight I was distracted. I leaned back on the leather sofa, holding a cigar. Through the smoke, my gaze slowly went blank. “Ryker, what are you thinking about? Tomorrow’s Cassandra’s Luna inauguration ceremony—why do you still look so unhappy?” My friend Zack came over, handing me a glass of strong whiskey. I didn’t take the drink. I just irritably tugged at my tie: “It’s nothing.” Zack glanced at Cassandra in the distance, surrounded by flattery, and curled his lip: “Still thinking about Riley? I’m telling you, Ryker, since you’ve already rejected her, stop thinking about it. She’s just an illegitimate daughter born to a slave Omega, lowly blood—how could she ever match you? Look at Cassandra, she’s so perfect for you.” Riley again. My expression darkened: “Riley and I have already severed the Mate bond. Don’t mention her again.” “Really?” Zack laughed mockingly. “Who believes that? You two grew up together. When hasn’t she been the first to back down? I bet within three days, she’ll use her old tricks again, crying and running back to beg you. Didn’t she slap someone at the tavern in public? That was just her playing hard to get, same old trick.” The wolves around us echoed in agreement: “Exactly. Riley loves you to her bones. She could even bear to give up the Luna position—how could she let go just like that?” “She’s just jealous. She-wolves, you know, throw little tantrums. Just release a bit of your Alpha pheromones and she’ll be fine.” “Ryker, I bet Riley will definitely crash tomorrow’s Luna inauguration!” I raised my glass and took a drink. I was irritated not for any other reason, but because Riley had been too quiet these past few days. Since that unpleasant parting at the tavern, she’d truly disappeared. No frantic calls through Mind-link, no pitifully waiting for me on paths I had to take. Even a trace of her scent had completely vanished from the territory. This was completely different from what I’d expected. According to the usual script, she should be trying everything possible to contact me right now, humbly begging for my forgiveness, even if just to let her stay in the pack as an ordinary servant. But she hadn’t. This complete loss of control made me extremely irritable. I took out my phone and instinctively opened Riley’s chat, only to find it empty. “Damn it!” I cursed under my breath and threw my phone on the table. Seeing me like this, Zack’s eyes rolled and he came up with an idea: “Ryker, if you’re really worried, just have your Beta make a call to test her, right? Say you’re drunk and need her to come take care of you. If she comes, it means she still has feelings for you. If she doesn’t come…” “She wouldn’t dare not come.” I snorted coldly, completely certain. I beckoned to my Beta Zane in the distance. “Go call Riley.” I leaned back on the sofa with an Alpha’s superiority, ordering lightly, “Tell her I’ve had too much to drink. She has thirty minutes to get here.” This was my usual tactic. No matter how late, no matter what she was doing, with just one word from me, Riley would immediately and obediently rush over. Because I was her Mate. Because she loved me so much. “Tell her,” I paused, adding, “whether I let Cassandra be Luna tomorrow depends on whether she comes tonight.” This was an ultimatum, and also my generous charity. Zane acknowledged the order and walked aside to make the call. A few minutes later, Zane returned with a strange, even somewhat terrified expression on his face. “Alpha…” He bent down and reported in a low voice, “Riley’s phone… was answered.” My eyebrow arched slightly, a cold smile of expectation forming at the corner of my mouth. As expected, Riley still couldn’t resist. “What did she say? Is she crying and begging me? Where is she now?” Zane stammered, breaking out in cold sweat: “Riley didn’t cry. She said… she told you to fuck off.” My smile instantly froze on my face.

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When I was about to marry my fiancé Gareth, I found out I wasn’t the biological daughter of the Windrune Pack Alpha. It turned out that Fiona and I had been switched at birth, and I had unknowingly taken over Fiona’s life all this time. Fiona appeared at my wedding, and my family, who had once doted on me, all embraced her with tears in their eyes. Gareth was equally shocked. In the end, the wedding was canceled. Gareth said he would make it up to me with a perfect wedding. But I waited and waited, and what I finally got was the news of Gareth and Fiona’s engagement. The day Gareth severed our mate bond, my parents and brother looked at me with cold indifference and said, “This is what Fiona deserves. You’re nothing but a thief.” I was heartbroken. On the day of their engagement, I had thought about rushing in with explosives and taking them all down with me. But just as that insane thought took hold, my phone kept ringing. I answered. It was the hospital. “Miss Una, you’re pregnant…” I stood there, frozen. Half an hour later, joyful music echoed from the ceremony hall. I went to the airport. From then on, as everyone wished, I disappeared from Windrune Pack. I went to Stonehowl Pack, thousands of miles away. I barely survived and gave birth to my daughter, my own flesh and blood. And I never contacted those people again. Until four years later, one by one, they appeared before me again.

Four years later, I saw Airs again at the preschool entrance. I had just picked up Amy when a mother of another young wolf suddenly came over. “Rhea, look at that person across the street. Doesn’t he look like that singer, that celebrity… what’s his name…” I followed her gesture and saw him. “Airs!” The mother slapped her forehead. “Right, Airs!” I looked away. “Don’t know him.” She seemed surprised. “You don’t listen to music? It’s Airs! The most popular original singer these past few years! Won so many awards!” “Oh my, honestly, his face looks kind of like yours. You’re both gorgeous…” I smiled and shook my head, taking Amy’s hand and continuing forward. “Una.” But from behind me came his voice. I ignored it and kept walking. “Una!” Amy looked up. “Mommy, is that man calling you? Why is he calling you Una?” I shook my head with a smile. “He’s got the wrong person.” But when we reached the parking lot and I was about to open the car door, someone suddenly grabbed my arm. I turned around. It was Airs, out of breath. “Una, you’re… actually still alive?!” His words were as sharp and bitter as ever. Perhaps from running too fast, his eyes had a faint tinge of red. I dropped Amy off at a neighbor’s house. When I came back downstairs, Airs stood there with his hands in his pockets. “How are you living in this dump? Where’s your place? I’ll come up and take a look.” I shook my head. “There’s no need for that.” Four years ago, he had said with his own mouth that his only sister was Fiona. He had also said with his own mouth that calling each other siblings made him sick. When my adoptive brother Slater threw me out of their house and Gareth rejected me, when I had nowhere to turn, I had thought about finding this biological brother. On a snowy day, I stood outside his company building all night, nearly freezing to death. But in the end, all I got was his statement that his greatest wish was to never have had me as a sister. “If you had never been born, Fiona wouldn’t have been switched, and she wouldn’t have suffered so much.” “Sister? How ridiculous. Slater doesn’t want you anymore, so now you’re trying to scam me with blood relations?” “I would never acknowledge someone like you as my sister.” That’s when I realized that no matter how good I was to him, he hated me because of Fiona. At this moment, he still looked at me with scrutinizing eyes, frowning. “That child, is it Gareth’s? Did you run away to give birth to his child?” Gareth. I hadn’t heard that name in so long. He was the Alpha heir of Diremaw Pack. I was his fated mate. We had loved each other so much back then. He said he would love me forever, until Fiona appeared. Later, he asked me to reject the bond. Maybe it was my good physical condition, maybe Amy was lucky, but the rejection didn’t make me miscarry. Snapping out of my memories, I was silent for a moment. “That’s my child. Mine alone.” He smirked. “Una, this kid is his spitting image. Do you think I’m blind?” “You don’t actually think that by secretly having his child, you can win back his heart, do you? You’re such a hopeless romantic…” “How pathetic, how foolish…” “I said, this is my child. Mine alone.” I interrupted him. “I never thought about going back to Windrune Pack, and I never thought about using a child to compete with your sister for Gareth. You can rest assured, and you don’t need to be so aggressive.” “Like you said back then, aside from blood relation, we’re strangers. I’m not interested in your life now, so please don’t tell me what to do.” He froze. “If you don’t have anything else, please leave.” I turned around. “Wait.” He suddenly grabbed me. He opened his mouth, then closed it. “You, you…” I frowned. “What?” “Why… why did you leave back then…” I looked at him quietly. “You’re a pampered young lady who can’t do anything. People just said a few things to you. You were pregnant and you just disappeared.” “If I hadn’t run into you, how long were you planning to live like this? And these four years…” He paused. “How… how did you survive?”

I looked at his eyes, which were turning red again. Probably from anger. He must be very surprised I was still alive. And me being alive was a threat to Fiona’s happy life. How did I survive? Someone traded their life for mine. But I didn’t need to tell him that. The old Una never did housework, like a flower in a greenhouse. But the current Rhea had long stopped crying to others for support. Seeing me silent, he grew anxious. “What’s with you being so tight-lipped now? Did that massive earthquake in Stonehowl Pack a few years ago scramble your brain?” “Running to such a remote corner. You deserved to get caught in an earthquake.” At that moment, a neighbor walked by and greeted me. “Rhea, haven’t cooked yet?” I smiled. “I’m about to.” Airs froze. “You should go now,” I said. But he held onto me tightly. “Why did you change your name? Rhea?! Is that your new name? Why change it? No wonder I couldn’t find you!” “Whatever I change my name to is none of your business.” I brushed off his hand, enunciating each word. “What I’m called, how I’m doing, Airs, none of it concerns you.” Airs was a celebrity. He couldn’t possibly make a scene with me in public. I went upstairs, picked up Amy, and through the hallway window, saw him still standing downstairs in a daze. He had never cared about me before. His confusion now was probably just because he wasn’t used to my cold attitude toward him. After all, four years ago, when I learned of his musical dreams despite his poverty, I had exhausted almost all my connections just to find him a chance to perform on stage. Even his current agency was the best one I had found for him. He was my biological brother. He had suffered a lot. I wanted him to do well. But that sincerity was ultimately twisted into me scheming to use him to isolate Fiona and make her miserable. “Mommy, is that man your family?” I was slightly taken aback, then smiled and touched Amy’s head. “No, why would you think that?” “Just guessing. You look alike.” Family. Slater’s face suddenly appeared in my mind. I used to think that whether or not we were blood-related, Slater would always be my brother. But four years ago, holding Fiona who had fallen down the stairs, he looked at me with fury. “Una, you’ve truly disappointed me.” “From today on, I don’t have you as a sister anymore.” “My only sister is Fiona.” I cried and clutched at his pant leg, saying I wasn’t the one who pushed Fiona, begging him not to abandon me. But he kicked me away and still walked off carrying Fiona without looking back. I shook my head. “That person isn’t Mommy’s family.” She looked a bit disappointed. “I thought besides Uncle, Mommy had other relatives.” I smiled and tapped her nose. “Having you and Uncle is enough for me.” “But Uncle isn’t here anymore…” She pouted. “I miss him so much.” I understood her feelings. But mere disappointment was better than gaining something only to lose it, depending on someone only to be torn away. That kind of heart-wrenching pain. I had experienced it, so I didn’t want my daughter to go through it again. But I never expected it. The next day, I would see Slater.

Amy developed a fever in the middle of the night. I took her to the hospital. The viral infection was quite severe and required hospitalization for IV treatment. I didn’t sleep all night. The next morning, her fever finally broke, but she was listless. I carried her on my back to go home and stopped by a store to buy some food. After paying, the groceries were taken by a hand with distinct knuckles. I froze, looked up, and saw Slater’s face. Lack of sleep left my brain blank. After blankly calling out “Slater,” I realized he had long since forbidden me from calling him that. He had said he was the noble Alpha heir. How could a thief like me address him by name? Windrune Pack was not someone I could afford to offend. After all, back then, to punish me for “bullying” Fiona, Slater needed only one sentence to get many wolves to bully me. “Mr. Slater.” I quickly corrected myself. I was thinking about why he suddenly appeared in Stonehowl Pack, naturally not noticing his face darken in an instant. “Let me carry it for you,” he said softly. “No need.” I hastily reached for the bag in his hands. My posture was unstable, and Amy on my back whimpered. “Don’t push yourself, Una.” He grabbed my arm, stopping me from taking back the bag. “I’ll take you and the child home.” Slater hadn’t spoken to me in such a gentle tone in a long time. My adoptive parents were too busy with work. The old me was practically raised single-handedly by Slater. When he treated me like a real sister, Slater truly spoiled me. Someone once asked him if indulging me like that meant he wasn’t afraid I’d cause trouble. He just half-closed his eyes. “What if she causes trouble? If she wants to cause trouble, let her. No matter how big, I’ll cover for her.” But then Fiona appeared. At first, he still told me I would always be his sister. But facing Fiona’s provocations again and again, he always asked me to be patient. “She’s suffered a lot, Una. Give in to her.” He said we had to compensate her. I didn’t want to make things difficult for him. He had been my brother for over twenty years. I wanted him to be happy. So I gave in, endured it, again and again. Until he unconditionally believed Fiona’s frame-up of me, I finally understood that while I saw him as my brother, he had long stopped seeing me as his sister. And when he withdrew all his kindness toward me, when I fell into the mud and became the target of everyone’s scorn, I realized how foolish I had been to depend on him. The ride was silent. I hadn’t been in a luxury car like a Maybach in so long that I felt a bit uncomfortable. I just hugged Amy and shrank to one side, thinking about why Slater appeared here. Did Airs tell him? Was he afraid I would hurt Fiona, so he rushed over overnight to confirm? What would he do to me? Would he punish me for secretly giving birth to Gareth’s child? I didn’t know, couldn’t figure it out. I just felt my head hurt. I held Amy tighter, not noticing at all the deep longing in his eyes as he looked at me. “Una…” I looked up. There were many more wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. “Four years ago, we all thought you were…” “Thought I was dead, I know.” I continued. “Actually, you can just pretend I’m dead. I gave up the idea of competing with Fiona long ago. Everything belonged to her anyway. Returning things to their rightful owner isn’t bad. You don’t need to be nervous or defensive, and you don’t need to come confirm. I just want to live peacefully with my daughter now.” “Oh, my daughter will only stay with me. She’ll never look for Gareth. I can swear on my life that I will never use my daughter to sabotage Fiona and Gareth’s relationship. Don’t worry.” I looked at him and repeated. “You really can rest assured.” He froze. “I didn’t…” “Then are you afraid I’ll use my identity as the Windrune Pack Alpha’s adoptive daughter to do something bad? Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t. I changed my name long ago…” “Una!” He suddenly interrupted me. His eyes reddened. “I… I want to take you back home…”

I didn’t understand what Slater was thinking. I was no longer a wolf of Windrune Pack. He had announced it himself four years ago. And what would I go back for? To continue being Fiona’s punching bag? I also didn’t understand why someone of his status insisted on following me back to that 50-square-meter one-bedroom apartment. I put Amy on the bedroom bed, walked to the cabinet, and pulled out an instant coffee packet. But then I thought better of it. He probably wouldn’t drink such cheap stuff. After thinking it over, I just gave him a bottle of mineral water. His gaze fell on my right hand, and a bitterness I couldn’t understand appeared on his face. “Your fingers… are they better?” I looked down. Three fingers on my right hand couldn’t move. This stemmed from when Fiona returned to Windrune Pack. Once, we visited a witch’s shop together. She curiously touched one of the potions, and the bottle fell over. The liquid inside spilled right onto my hand and leg. My fingers and right leg felt excruciating pain. It hurt so much I was covered in sweat. Before the accident, I was a young wolf trainer, responsible for cub training. This was the only thing where I was better than Fiona. I wasn’t as good at studying or as capable as her. Only in training skills could I hold my own. When Fiona first returned to Windrune Pack, whenever I did training demonstrations, she would look regretful. “If I hadn’t been switched, if I could have received training from childhood, I’d be a top young wolf trainer now too.” But that potion was toxic. Three of my fingers couldn’t move anymore, and my right leg was no longer agile. I could no longer perform complex training demonstrations. I couldn’t accept it at first and went through a long period of wanting to die. I always felt she did it on purpose, so I couldn’t help but hate her for taking away my only glory. Until she suddenly attempted suicide. After she was rescued, I went from victim to perpetrator overnight. I still remember that day. After Slater came back from visiting Fiona at the hospital, he pinched his forehead and said to me, “It’s just that you can’t continue being a young wolf trainer. It’s just three fingers and one leg. Did you really have to drive her to that? Even if you’re a useless waste, even if you’re not my real sister, didn’t I tell you I’d take care of you for life? Did you really have to do this?” Airs said coldly, “If there hadn’t been a switch, Fiona would have been the young wolf trainer. You just returned what you stole. How dare you make a fuss?” They all told me that my fingers and right leg couldn’t be healed, and making a scene was pointless. But later, I overheard the doctor talking to Slater. “I told you at the time that if Miss Una went abroad for rehabilitation promptly, her fingers and right leg could definitely recover over ninety percent. But you never took her? Now it’s very difficult to recover.” Slater replied indifferently, “It’s fine if Una stops being a young wolf trainer. Fiona wanted to be one since she was young. Seeing Una can’t do it anymore will help balance her feelings.” “I’ll support Una even if she’s useless. Whether she can train or not doesn’t matter.” So my dreams, my future, were just bargaining chips in his mind to balance Fiona’s feelings. When did I start fearing him? Probably from that moment. “I heard you’re working as a young wolf trainer at an organization.” He suddenly said. I froze, eyes widening as I looked at him. “I’m just teaching basic cub training. This kind of training is simple, so I can do it without my fingers. My right leg not being as fast doesn’t matter.” “I have no intention of returning to advanced training arenas. I would never affect Fiona’s mood because of me. I just need this job to support my child. And the doctor said my fingers are permanently damaged. I can never do complex training well in this lifetime. Even so, you won’t allow it?” He froze. “Una, I didn’t…” But whatever he said, I couldn’t listen anymore. The fear of having my life destroyed once before swept over me again. I couldn’t lose this hard-won job because Fiona was unhappy. So I desperately showed him my immobile fingers. “Really! I can’t do it, I really can’t! I returned everything Windrune Pack gave me!” “If you don’t believe me, you can come and try bending them. They won’t move!” “I was your sister for many years after all. Can’t you just leave me a way to survive?” But he stood up in panic, quickly stepping forward to support my trembling shoulders. “Una, don’t be afraid! Don’t be afraid!” “I’ll protect you this time! Trust your brother!” But how could I not be afraid? The life I finally managed to restart. The life Sage traded his own life to give me and Amy. “No!” I pushed him hard. But the more I struggled, the tighter he held me. After staying up all night, I ultimately couldn’t match his strength. And during our struggle, my vision suddenly went black, and I fainted.

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The day I gave birth to my daughter, my Alpha husband Gareth slapped me across the face with a DNA test report showing no blood relation: “Clara, I’ve been so good to you. How could you cheat on me? Let’s get divorced! Break the mate bond! You take this bastard child and leave with nothing. I never want to see either of you again!” I held Mary sleeping in her swaddle and nodded calmly. Just last night, outside the delivery room, I heard with my own ears as Gareth’s adoptive sister Ella took his hand and whined: “Gareth, my dying wish is to spend one year alone with you, to relive the love you gave me as a child. Just let Clara take the baby and leave for a year, okay?” Gareth’s face filled with affection. “Silly girl, you just focus on your heart surgery. For the next year, I’ll only be with you.” I lay on the operating table, tears silently sliding down my temples. He didn’t know that my first love, Alpha Phineas, who had quietly loved me for many years, would come for me tomorrow. Not just one year—for the rest of my life, I would never come back.

Ella had a twisted possessiveness over Gareth. At this moment, Ella was pointing at my daughter, covering her mouth in mock horror: “Gareth, no wonder I found this kid off-putting. Turns out she’s a bastard.” She called out loudly and dramatically, her sharp nails poking an impression into my daughter’s skin. “So ugly, all wrinkled like a little old man. They say daughters look like their fathers. Clara, you really aren’t picky—you’ll take anything.” Gareth’s expression was distant and cold. “Clara, since this isn’t my child, she doesn’t deserve to stay in this private room. Take the baby and leave immediately.” I looked up at Ella’s smug face. She wore haute couture Chanel, and the diamond on her high heels could pay for a hundred private rooms. Then I thought of myself—coming out of the delivery room alone with my daughter, not even a nurse to help. I smiled bitterly. So Mary and I together weren’t worth as much as one of Ella’s whims. Suddenly, Ella stumbled, her whole body falling onto me. The moment she fell, she deliberately pressed hard on the surgical incision on my stomach with her hand. Unfortunately, Gareth was in a blind spot and couldn’t see. He frantically pulled Ella up, asking with concern: “What happened? Are you hurt?” He didn’t notice at all that I was covered in sweat on the hospital bed, my face twisted in pain. Ella’s action had torn open the fine stitches on my stomach, and the wound started bleeding again. I held Mary and struggled to move my legs. With the slightest movement, hot fluid gushed from the wound, staining the bed red. Ella screamed, “Ah—how disgusting! All that filthy blood flowing out, so ugly and smelly. I’m going to have nightmares tonight!” She shrieked and burrowed into Gareth’s arms. Gareth yanked the blanket off with one hand. Cold air rushed into the bed, exposing my body wearing only a postpartum pad. On my stomach was an eight-centimeter incision, blood trickling out continuously, dripping onto the floor. Through the open hospital room door, people came and went. I was so mortified I wanted to disappear, like being stripped naked and thrown into the street. “Cover me up.” My voice trembled with shame. Gareth looked somewhat uncomfortable. He turned to block the view from outside and reached to pull the blanket back. “Enough. Going out looking like this, people will think we did something to you.” He glanced at the bodyguard. “Go get a wheelchair and take her to a regular room.” Ella immediately objected. “Gareth, this is the shameless woman who cuckolded you. You should make her walk out like this, so everyone in the hospital can see what a homewrecker looks like and what price cheating comes with.” “But…” “Gareth! At a time like this, are you still going to protect this woman and her bastard?” Ella’s eyes instantly reddened, her questioning voice sharp and shrill. Seeing her like this, Gareth sighed, his eyes full of indulgent helplessness. “Fine, fine, fine. You’re the most important person to me. Whatever you say goes.” Ella hummed with satisfaction. She swaggered ahead of me, clapping her hands and loudly broadcasting my “affair.” “Everyone come look! This shameless woman had an affair and tried to make my brother raise another man’s child! What a shameless slut. Everyone better keep your eyes open and watch out so she doesn’t seduce your mates!” The stares from people around felt like the sharpest knives, stabbing from all directions. Someone flew into a rage, grabbed their thermos of food, and threw it all over me. The hot porridge was scalding, instantly raising blisters on my exposed skin. Gareth didn’t even look at me. He stayed by Ella’s side, silently kicking away the pebbles under her feet, doing everything to clear obstacles for her. Watching this scene, my heart felt like it was being pressed by water-soaked cotton—suffocating and unbearable. Gritting my teeth, I made it to the regular room, my legs already weak as noodles. Lying powerless on the hospital bed, I curled up with Mary. Mary, you don’t have a father anymore. But it’s okay. After tonight, we mother and daughter will finally have a fresh start.

That night, Mary suddenly burst into wailing cries, her whole body burning hot. I struggled to get up and carried Mary to the door, but was stopped by the bodyguards. “Luna Clara, I’m sorry. Without orders from Alpha Gareth and Miss Ella, you cannot leave this room.” I held Mary tightly and shouted at the bodyguard, “Move! My daughter has a high fever! She needs medical attention immediately!” The bodyguard blocked me expressionlessly. “I’m sorry. Alpha Gareth said until you repay the wedding gifts worth $880,000, you are not allowed to leave this room.” My whole body went cold. Something in my mind exploded in an instant. Wedding gifts worth $880,000? Before marrying Gareth, I was just an ordinary werewolf. Only because Gareth and I were fated mates could I date him, marry him, and become Luna of the Redmoon pack. Everyone said I was incredibly lucky to marry Gareth, that I’d enjoy endless wealth and luxury for life. But no one knew. Because of one sentence from Ella: “Gareth, if Clara really loves you, she won’t spend a penny of your money. Otherwise, what makes her different from those women who only want you for your money?” From our wedding until now, my food, clothing, and expenses were never part of Gareth’s daily spending. The haute couture dresses and expensive jewelry I wore to banquets were all bought with money I earned myself. Even when I rode in luxury cars with Gareth and Ella, Ella would ask me for gas money after the banquet ended. In just three years of marriage, I had already exhausted all the savings from the first half of my working life. I didn’t even have $100 in my account. Where could I get $880,000 to give Gareth? Mary cried herself hoarse from the fever, feeling so miserable. Looking at the bodyguard pleadingly, my tone was as humble as dirt. “I’ll find a way to pay the money back.” “Please make an exception this once. She’s a premature baby. Not being kept in an incubator is already dangerous. If the fever continues, she’ll die…” Three days ago, Ella’s heart condition flared up. The doctor scheduled surgery for three months later, which coincided with my due date. Ella cried until she sobbed: “Gareth, if my surgery happens when Clara gives birth, you’ll definitely abandon me to take care of Clara, right?” Gareth tried to comfort her. But Ella cried even harder. “Gareth! You’ve changed! After marrying Clara, you don’t love me anymore. Your whole heart is with her. If that’s how it is, I might as well die! I’ll go to hell to find my dead father and tell him you bullied me!” She set a fire in the house, and I was forcibly given labor-inducing medication. Gareth wiped the tears from my eyes. “Clara, she’s my only adoptive sister. She’s young and gets jealous easily. I need to put her mind at ease. You understand, right?” “After the baby is born, I promise I’ll make it up to you both.” “Don’t worry. I’ve got everything under control.” But what I got instead was a forged DNA report and a poorly acted melodrama staged for Mary and me. The two bodyguards looked reluctant, but still firmly blocked the door. “We’re sorry, Luna Clara. Alpha Gareth gave strict orders before he left. You must repay the money before you can leave.” In just a few minutes, Mary in my arms became burning hot like a furnace, her cries growing weaker. Just as I was about to put a knife to my throat to threaten the bodyguards to let me pass, Gareth came over with a furrowed brow. His expression was extremely dark. “Clara, this is a hospital, not a marketplace. All this shouting and yelling—did you learn your manners from dogs? You even disturbed Ella’s finger bandaging.” I followed his gaze and saw the Hello Kitty bandaid on Ella’s fingertip, and the twenty-some doctors following behind her. My heart felt like it had been stabbed with a knife. No wonder I’d been calling for so long without seeing a single doctor. Gareth had summoned them all to treat a finger injury. I swallowed the bitterness, stepped forward with Mary, and choked out, “Mary has a fever. Get a doctor quickly.” Gareth’s brow furrowed even tighter, his feet about to move. Suddenly Ella clutched her heart and called out softly in pain, “Gareth, I hurt so much. Am I going to die…” Gareth’s attention immediately focused on Ella. He scooped her up in his arms and shouted at the group of doctors, “Prepare for surgery immediately!” I reached out to grab Gareth, looking at him urgently. “Our daughter…” Ella wrapped her arms around Gareth’s neck, burying her head in the crook of his neck. “Gareth, I’m so scared. This is heart surgery. I won’t die from the pain, will I?” “Please have all the doctors operate on me, okay? More doctors means more security. My biggest regret in this life is not being able to repay you properly. I don’t want to die like this.” Her tone was sweet and clingy. Gareth was coaxed dizzy, his heart soft as cotton. “Alright. I’ll not only have all the hospital doctors on standby, the elite medical team I prepared for you will all arrive within ten minutes. I won’t let anything happen to you.” “What about our daughter?”

My knuckles holding Mary turned white, and I bit my lip until it bled. If all the doctors were on standby, who would save Mary? Gareth glanced at the child in my arms, looking impatient. He turned to the doctors. “Which of you is a pediatrician? Stay and take a look.” “Gareth, hospitals charge fees for consultations. Clara still owes us $880,000—where would she get money?” Ella nestled in the man’s arms and shot me a malicious smile. “But considering our three years together, I can lower myself to help her.” “My surgery involves the heart, so she’ll have to join me.” Ella signaled the bodyguard to kick over the medical waste bin. Needles scattered across the floor, glinting coldly. She looked down at me condescendingly and lifted her chin. “Find them all. I’ll cover this consultation fee for you.” Gareth glanced down at me and instructed his assistant, “Do as Ella says.” He carried Ella urgently to the operating room without looking back once. I knelt on the ground, using my hands to brush and feel along bit by bit. Soon, all ten fingers were covered with needle holes. Bloody and raw, not a patch of healthy flesh. Later, hearing Mary’s even weaker cries, I had no choice but to use my tongue to lick them up. Half an hour later, I held a pile of needles and looked at the doctor. As I spoke, blood continuously poured from my mouth. “They’re all here. Please save my Mary…” After speaking, I couldn’t hold on any longer and completely passed out. When I woke again, my nose was filled with the smell of disinfectant. I instinctively reached out but didn’t touch the expected warmth. “Mary…” I stumbled out of the room and saw Mary’s figure in the doctor’s office. The female doctor who treated her last night was holding her and gently rocking her, feeding her formula. Her expression was full of sympathy. “What a tragedy. She’s clearly the Alpha’s daughter, but because of the adoptive sister’s jealousy, she can’t even drink breast milk. So pitiful.” Her colleague lowered her voice. “Exactly. And the DNA report was forged under Alpha Gareth’s personal supervision. He said after a year he’d pin it on the hospital, saying we mixed up the reports, and he could definitely trick this mother and daughter back. Spending millions to make the whole hospital put on an act—Alpha Gareth really knows how to play games.” “That’s not even the half of it. Even though Ella is the adoptive sister, anyone can see she has feelings for her brother. Last night when I was making rounds, I saw with my own eyes Ella kissing Alpha Gareth on the mouth while he was asleep. Five minutes later Gareth woke up and didn’t say a word.” The two exchanged an ambiguous look and pursed their lips knowingly. I leaned against the wall, my eyes aching painfully. Ella was the daughter of a Beta under the previous Alpha of the Redmoon pack. Her father died saving Gareth’s father during a Rogue attack, after which she was adopted by Gareth’s family. The two became siblings in name. So my jealousy became destructive to their sibling bond, appearing as unreasonable tantrums in others’ eyes. Whenever Gareth said, “If it were as sordid as you think, I would have already made her my mate. Would it be your turn?” I was left speechless. That’s right. He was the noble Alpha Gareth of the Redmoon pack. Of course he couldn’t compare to an ordinary werewolf like me. But then why did he send me tens of thousands of roses, patiently accompany me through the darkness of losing my family, teach a lesson to my boss who made lewd remarks… Even when a car accident came, he shielded me with his body and ended up in the hospital himself. I still remember at our wedding, he swore to the heavens: “Clara, I will love and cherish you forever in this life and never let you down.” But in the end, sincerity changes in a heartbeat, and “forever” is just a word to set the mood. Looking up again, Gareth was somehow standing in front of me. Meeting my bloodshot eyes, he showed unprecedented concern. “You just gave birth. Why aren’t you resting in bed?” A whiff of Ella’s usual perfume drifted over, making me dizzy and nauseous. Avoiding his touch, I took several steps back. “Didn’t you want to break the mate bond? Let’s do it now.” Gareth froze for a few seconds, his expression darkening, a cold smile forming at the corner of his mouth. “Clara, stop being dramatic. You’re penniless. If you leave me, you’ll be sleeping on the streets with your child tonight.” I looked up to meet his gaze and spoke coldly. “The child isn’t yours anyway. Why do you care?” This taunt made Gareth furious with embarrassment. Taking the divorce agreement his assistant handed him, his signature went through the paper. After I also signed my name, we immediately broke the mate bond. Right after the bond was broken, Gareth ignored my body suffering from the mate bond severing and pointed at the hospital exit, veins bulging. “Ungrateful. Get out of my hospital right now!” I forced myself to stand, held Mary, and walked out. Seeing the familiar dark car across the street, I knew—that was the car my first love Phineas sent to pick me up. I couldn’t help but quicken my pace. But before I could take a few steps, two bodyguards suddenly appeared and forcibly dragged me back.

“Did you see the trending topics? Former Luna Clara was forced to divorce, all because of that adoptive daughter.” “She’s absolutely terrible. If it were me, I’d expose her online too.” All along the way, people in the hospital were discussing the same thing. This clearly had Ella’s fingerprints all over it. I didn’t understand why she’d put herself in the eye of the storm. Not until Gareth slapped me without asking any questions. “Clara, I never imagined you could be so vicious. No wonder you were so eager to break the mate bond with me earlier. You’d already calculated to go after Ella, hadn’t you? Using post-birth mate bond severing to gain sympathy, you even manipulated me into it. You’re too malicious.” “The media will be here soon. You must apologize to Ella publicly. Do you know how terrible the online comments are? Ella is still so young. If I hadn’t arrived in time, you would have driven her to suicide!” On the hospital bed, Ella sat perfectly fine. Completely intact, whole and healthy, looking quite rosy. A person pretending to sleep won’t wake no matter how you call. Besides, someone was waiting for me. “No need to go to so much trouble.” I handed Mary to the nurse who had followed and took out my phone to start a live stream. I bowed to Ella. “Miss Ella, I’m sorry. Regarding the false statements online, I sincerely apologize to you. You’re not a manipulative bad sister. I’m the vicious one. I was irrationally jealous of you and your brother’s relationship, deliberately broke the mate bond with your brother, posted online to gain sympathy, and even bought trolls to attack you.” Then I bowed to her again. “Miss Ella, you and Gareth have always been completely innocent, just a normal sibling relationship. I was the jealous one who used disgraceful methods to frame you. Please forgive me.” Every word I spoke was clear and forceful. With each sentence, Gareth and Ella’s faces turned a shade paler. Ella because I had permanently nailed them to the pillar of sibling shame. Gareth looked at me with complex eyes, a trace of imperceptible panic flashing through his heart. Ella glared at me hatefully. Suddenly, she grabbed her hair, her voice trembling like a sieve. “I’m not a bad woman, I’m not a bad woman. It was Clara who cheated, she cuckolded my brother. She doesn’t cherish my brother, so I will. If that’s called sordid and shameless, then just let me die…” Her sudden agitation broke through the brief panic Gareth had finally felt. Gareth pulled her into his arms. “Ella, we’re not blood siblings. Even if you really like me, you’ve done nothing wrong.” As his words fell, the livestream instantly exploded with countless rose emojis. The whole screen filled with congratulations. It stabbed my eyes painfully. A large group of reporters pushed through the door, shoving cameras in my face and snapping wildly. “Clara, does this mean you’re actually the homewrecker?” “Clara, you were just an ordinary werewolf back then. To marry Alpha Gareth, you must have used quite a few underhanded tactics, right? Can you tell us about them?” Flashbulbs jumped crazily across my face. They wanted to brand words like “mistress,” “lowly,” “slut”… all those humiliating labels, red-hot onto my face. In the shoving, I saw the evil smile on Ella’s face. She lifted her head slightly, and a reporter received the signal. He suddenly turned the camera and photographed Mary wildly in the nurse’s arms. “Is this the bastard child? Looking like such a freak—Clara really isn’t picky.” “Like mother, like daughter. You can tell at a glance she’ll be morally corrupt. Take lots of photos, we’ll use them for cutaways later. We’ll call it ‘The Homewrecker’s Heir.’ That’ll definitely make headlines.” Fury burning inside me, I slapped the reporter who said this across the face. I didn’t use much force, but he suddenly fell to the ground, motionless. “Oh no, Jack has a heart condition. He can’t be touched.” “Ah! He’s not breathing. You murderer!” A reporter pointed at me, looking at me like they wanted to eat me alive. “Don’t touch her. If there are any problems, contact my lawyer.” Just as Gareth finished speaking, Ella clutched her heart again, looking uncomfortable. “Gareth, I got too emotional just now. My heart hurts a bit again…” I held Mary and looked helplessly at Gareth. Gareth looked deeply at us, bent down to pick up Ella, and said to me, “Wait for me.” Then his figure disappeared down the corridor. And I was surrounded by angry reporters and put in cold handcuffs. … Three months later, in court. The judge announced: “Clara is sentenced to five years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and must pay $3 million in compensation.”

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I’m a child my parents adopted from an orphanage. They treated me well. Every night before bed, I would pray, begging God not to send me back to the orphanage. Then Mom got pregnant with a baby. I hid under my blanket and cried all night, quietly packing the small suitcase I’d arrived with. But they didn’t send me away. Instead, they treated me even better. The day my brother was born, Mom held my hand and gently stroked my head. “Lily, now you’ll have a little brother to keep you company!” Dad lifted me above his head, spinning around happily. “You’re our family’s lucky star, the most precious treasure to Mom and Dad!” I finally stopped living in constant fear, thinking I’d truly become part of this family. Until that day, when my brother broke my beloved astronaut model. I got so angry that I pushed him. He stumbled and sat down on the floor, bursting into tears. Mom panicked instantly. She shoved me aside and pulled my brother into her arms, asking him over and over if he was hurt. Dad rushed over, gripping my shoulders and pinning me against the wall. His eyes were frighteningly red. “Lily! After raising you all these years, you actually bully your brother? Believe it or not, I’ll send you back right now—”

“Nathan!” Mom stopped him, and Dad’s words remained unfinished. But I already understood. The kids at the orphanage were right. Children like us who were adopted—once the family has their own kids, we’ll eventually be sent back. I was too foolish, thinking I’d be the special one. I bit my lip and said nothing, watching as Mom and Dad comforted my brother and left. The sound of the door closing was soft, but it landed on my heart like a stone, causing sharp pain. I thought I would cry, but my eyes were dry. Nothing came out. I just stood in the living room for a long time, then returned to my room and dragged out that small suitcase from under the bed. Five years ago, I’d come to this home with that very suitcase. I was still very young then, too young to remember what the orphanage looked like. I only remembered Mom crouching down to look at me, her eyes bright, asking, “Would you like to come home with me?” I nodded, and she smiled—a smile more beautiful than anyone’s at the orphanage. But just now, there was no smile in her eyes. When she left holding my brother’s hand, she didn’t even look back at me. Dad didn’t either. I knew they must really be planning to send me back. Rather than wait for them to say it, I might as well take the initiative myself. That way at least… it wouldn’t be too humiliating. I could tell the kids at the orphanage, “They didn’t abandon me. I chose to come back myself.” Though they probably wouldn’t believe me. I gently brushed the dust off the suitcase, pulled open the somewhat rusty zipper, and began packing. I started with some clothes. My favorite pink dress, the sweater Mom knitted last year, and that slightly pilled red scarf… I folded them neatly and placed them in the suitcase. I didn’t dare take too much, afraid they’d think I was too greedy. Then toys. I hesitated for a long time and finally took only two things: a gray stuffed rabbit and a plastic star necklace. The stuffed rabbit was what Mom had tucked into my arms on my first night in this home. She’d said, “Let it sleep with you, and you won’t be scared.” It was already worn and tattered, with one ear crooked. But it was the first gift I’d received in this home. I couldn’t bear to leave it behind. The star necklace was something Dad brought back from a business trip. It even had my name engraved on it. Finally, I took a family photo. It was taken shortly after I first came to this home five years ago. In the photo, I was held between Mom and Dad, smiling so hard my eyes disappeared. I carefully wrapped the frame in the sweater and placed it in the middle of the clothes. That way, when I missed them, I could look at it. After packing everything, I closed the suitcase and zipped it up. The suitcase was heavier than when I’d arrived. I tested lifting it—I could barely manage. Outside, the sky had turned completely dark. I sat on the suitcase, quietly waiting for Mom and Dad to come home. When they returned, if they really wanted to send me away, I would say, “Okay, I’ve already packed.” What if they wanted me to stay? If they kept me, I’d put the suitcase back and pretend nothing had happened. Seven o’clock. Eight o’clock. Nine o’clock. They still hadn’t come back. Were they deliberately giving me time to leave on my own? Perhaps I should be more tactful… At 9:05, I stood up and took one last look at my room. On the desk lay unfinished homework. On the bed was the blanket Mom had aired out just yesterday, still carrying the scent of sunshine. On the windowsill was the succulent Mom and I had planted together. We’d promised to watch it bloom and grow together. What a pity. I wouldn’t be there to see that day. I gently closed the door, dragged my suitcase through the living room, and left home. A cold wind hit my face. I shivered. I pulled the scarf tighter and dragged my suitcase into the night. There were few people in the neighborhood. Occasionally someone coming home late hurried past, but no one noticed the little girl with a suitcase. The streetlights stretched my shadow and the suitcase’s shadow long and thin. Actually, I’d long forgotten exactly where the orphanage was. I just followed vague memories, heading west. By the fourth traffic light, my arms were so sore I could barely lift them. This intersection was very wide. When I was halfway across, the suitcase suddenly got stuck in a depression in the road. I pulled hard but couldn’t move it, so I crouched down, trying to lift the suitcase. Just then, a blinding light shone from the right, so bright I couldn’t open my eyes. I heard the sharp screech of brakes, then something heavy slammed into me. It didn’t hurt. Really, it didn’t hurt at all. I just felt myself flying, light as a feather. Then I saw my suitcase overturned on the ground, its contents scattered everywhere. I fell to the ground. My vision began to blur, my ears buzzing. Many footsteps ran over. Many voices shouted. But they all sounded muffled, as if through thick glass—distant and unclear.

The next time I was conscious, I found myself floating in midair. Looking down, I saw a circle of people gathered on the road. In the middle lay a little girl wearing a red scarf, her belongings scattered around her. Her eyes were closed. She looked peaceful. When I saw her face clearly, I was startled. That was me. The ambulance’s red lights were flashing. The blue lights rotated, illuminating everyone’s faces in flickering brightness and shadow. Medical personnel crouched beside me, doing something. Then they shook their heads regretfully and took out a white cloth, gently covering that small body. The white cloth was quickly stained red at one corner, like plum blossoms blooming in snow. I finally understood. So I’d died. That was fine. This way, the kids at the orphanage wouldn’t have a chance to laugh at me. The crowd gradually dispersed. Police arrived, taking photos and setting up police tape. My suitcase was picked up and placed beside the police car. But where should I go? I didn’t know. But before that, I really wanted to see Mom and Dad one more time. The wind blew, and though I felt no cold, I drifted with it. Drifting to the intersection, I saw a familiar car—Dad’s black sedan, slowly driving past the accident scene. Like grabbing a lifeline, I chased after it, passing through the closed window and landing in the back seat beside my brother. Inside the car was warm, the air conditioning humming. “There were so many people gathered back there,” Mom’s voice came from the passenger seat. “Did something happen?” Dad glanced at the rearview mirror. “Looks like a car accident. I saw ambulances and police cars.” My brother sat beside me, concentrating on playing with a new remote-control car. Its lights flashed on and off—so pretty. “The amusement park was so fun!” My brother suddenly looked up, eyes sparkling. “Mom, can we go again?” Mom smiled at him gently. “Of course. We’ll go again this weekend.” “I want cotton candy too!” My brother swung his little legs. “We’ll buy it, all of it.” Dad smiled at him through the rearview mirror. “Did you have fun today?” “Yes!” The atmosphere in the car was light and happy. Mom scrolled through photos on her phone from today, laughing from time to time. Dad hummed along with the car radio. My brother continued playing with his new toy. I watched the three of them, suddenly feeling a sharp ache in my chest. Sure enough, this family was just fine without me. “Oh, right,” Mom suddenly remembered something and pulled a box from her handbag. “I almost forgot this.” My eyes lit up. It was a brand-new astronaut model, identical to the one my brother had broken! “We searched so many stores. Thank goodness we found the last one,” Mom carefully inspected the packaging. “It’s the same as Lily’s, right?” Dad glanced at it. “Exactly the same. She’ll definitely love it.” “You really shouldn’t have said that to Lily.” Mom’s voice carried a gentle reproach. “She’s still a child. Evan broke her favorite toy—of course she’d be upset.” “I just got carried away in the moment…” Dad touched his nose. “Okay, okay, my fault.” Mom put the box back carefully. “Lily’s probably still sulking right now. When we get home, you take the new toy and make it up to her.” “Got it.” Dad’s voice softened. “Did we get the strawberry cake?” “Got it, from Lily’s favorite shop.” Mom turned to look at the back seat, her gaze tender. “And new hair clips too, the star-shaped ones she likes.” My brother held up the remote-control car. “Does Lily get a new toy too?” “Of course she does.” Mom smiled. “Everyone gets one.” I looked at that brand-new astronaut, at the anticipation on Mom’s face, at the hint of apology in Dad’s eyes. Suddenly, I understood everything. So they weren’t abandoning me after all. So they came back so late not to force me to leave, but because they’d run to several stores just to buy me an identical new model. So they’d also bought strawberry cake and star hair clips, and had already planned what to say to apologize. So… they still loved me. But it was too late.

The car drove into the neighborhood and parked. Mom carried the cake box. Dad carefully held the astronaut model. They went upstairs laughing, discussing how to surprise me. I followed behind them, passing through door after door, returning home. The living room light came on. “Lily, we’re home!” Mom’s voice carried a smile. “Look what Mom and Dad got you!” No one answered. Dad placed the astronaut model on the coffee table, right next to the cracked old one. One old, one new—like twins. “Is she asleep?” Mom said softly, tiptoeing toward my room. I followed her. She gently pushed open the door, speaking softly. “Lily, Mom’s coming in…” The room was quiet, with only the occasional sound of wind rustling the leaves outside. “Lily? Are you asleep?” Mom called again, her voice even softer. She waited a few seconds, receiving no response from me, hearing no rustling of blankets. The room light was turned on. The bed was neatly made, the blanket folded squarely. Mom’s breathing quickened. “Nathan! Come here!” Her voice began to tremble. “Lily’s gone!” Dad came over, glanced into the room, and his expression immediately darkened. “This child is getting more and more out of control!” His voice shook with anger. “Just because I said a few words to her, she’s playing runaway with me?!” “Keep your voice down…” Mom glanced at Evan and tugged at Dad’s arm. “Don’t scare the child…” Dad’s voice got louder. “To buy her an identical toy, we went to three stores! And she has the nerve to walk out over a little criticism? So inconsiderate!” Mom collapsed onto my bed, her hand touching the smooth sheets. “It’s so late… where could she have gone…” “Where else? She’s just trying to spite us!” Dad paced around the room. “Don’t worry, she can’t have gone far. When she gets cold and hungry, she’ll come back on her own.” Evan stood in the doorway holding his remote-control car, asking timidly, “Where did Lily go?” “Your sister was naughty and snuck out.” Dad said irritably. “Don’t worry about her. Let her think things through!” “But…” Mom wanted to say something. “No buts!” Dad cut her off. “You spoil her too much! At such a young age, she dares to run away from home? Ridiculous!” Evan’s voice came from the living room. “Mom, I’m hungry. Can I have cake?” Mom wiped her eyes and stood up. “…Go ahead.” They returned to the living room. Mom opened the cake box. Bright red strawberries were arranged in a circle on the cream. She cut the cake into four pieces, giving one to Dad, one to Evan, then looked at the piece with the most strawberries and said softly, “This piece is for Lily.” I watched them sit at the dining table. Evan ate happily, cream all over his face. Dad ate his cake in silence, his expression still ugly. Mom ate in small bites, but her eyes kept fixed on the front door. “It’s so sweet.” Evan said. “Is Lily’s sweet too?” “Sweet.” Mom touched his head. “We’ll save it for when Lily comes back.” But your sister can’t come back anymore. I wanted to say it, but I couldn’t make a sound.

After dinner, they put Evan to bed. Evan lay in his small bed, holding his new remote-control car. “When will Lily come back?” “Very soon.” Mom tucked in his blanket. “Close your eyes and sleep. You’ll see your sister tomorrow morning.” “Then I’ll let Lily play with my new toy too.” Evan said softly. “Okay, you can share with Lily.” The light went off. Mom gently closed the door. In the living room, the clock pointed to 10:30. Dad sat on the sofa, staring at his phone. The screen was lit, but he wasn’t really looking at anything. He just kept opening SnapChat, closing it, opening it, closing it. Mom paced back and forth in the living room, walking to the window for the third time to look down. “Nathan,” she finally couldn’t hold it in, “let’s go out and look for her.” “Look for what?” Dad didn’t look up, though his voice lacked conviction. “Let her come back on her own.” “But it’s so cold outside… and she’s so small…” Mom’s voice took on a tearful quality. Dad said nothing, but his fingers gripping the phone tightened. The clock on the wall went “tick-tock, tick-tock.” Eleven o’clock. Dad suddenly stood up and grabbed his coat. “Let’s go.” They rushed out the door. I followed behind, watching them search the neighborhood, search the children’s playground, search every path while calling my name. “Lily—! Lily—!” Mom’s voice scattered in the night wind, carrying increasingly obvious panic. Her voice was already getting hoarse, but she kept shouting, call after call. Dad initially kept a stern face, but soon he too grew anxious. He ran to the security office to check the surveillance footage and saw the small figure on the screen dragging a blue suitcase, walking out of the neighborhood gate at 9:08. “She actually took a suitcase?!” Dad’s face went white. Mom covered her mouth. Tears finally fell. They drove out to search, following the western route, street by street. Mom kept her face pressed against the car window, looking outside, murmuring, “Lily… Lily, where are you…” Dad said nothing, but the car went faster and faster. They searched for a long time—long enough for the shops along the road to turn off their lights one by one, long enough for all the pedestrians on the street to disappear. The air in the car grew heavier and more oppressive. After driving through another empty street, Dad pulled the car over to the side of the road. He gripped the steering wheel and stayed silent for a long time. “Let’s call the police.” Mom forced out these three words. Dad nodded and picked up his phone. Before he could dial, the screen lit up first. The ringtone exploded in the quiet car, piercingly anxiety-inducing. He glanced at it—an unknown number. He answered impatiently. “Hello?” I leaned over and heard a calm male voice on the other end: “Is this the parent of Lily Harper? This is Central City Hospital—”

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On the red carpet of the Starlight Awards, my agent ripped off my haute couture shawl in front of millions of live viewers. She pointed at a sweaty delivery driver outside the security barrier. “Let me share some hot gossip, everyone—this scruffy delivery guy is Gianna’s boyfriend!” Camera flashes exploded like crazy. Reporters swarmed toward me like sharks smelling blood. “A wholesome actress dating a delivery driver? How pathetic!” My agent hid behind the cameras, digging her nails hard into my arm. “That’s what you get for stealing Fiona’s lead role at the audition. She’s been so upset she can’t even eat. Consider today’s public humiliation your lesson.” “She has depression. What’s wrong with letting her have the role?” “Don’t worry, I’m just messing with you. Once you go viral from this scandal, the company will release a statement to clear your name.” I looked at the screen flooded with “Gianna should die” comments and laughed coldly. Facing countless cameras, I walked over to that delivery driver and took the takeout box from his hands. “That’s right. This is my husband.” My agent had no idea that this delivery driver was Sebastian Cole, the most powerful capital titan in the industry, conducting undercover market research for his investments. ……

“Gianna, have you lost your mind!” Agent Lisa’s shriek nearly pierced my eardrums. “Look at this yourself! Trending number one! #GiannasBoyfriendIsADeliveryDriver# — it’s exploding!” “The company phones are ringing off the hook. All your endorsements want to terminate their contracts!” “Do you know how much your penalty fees will be? You couldn’t pay them back even if you sold yourself!” I ignored her, just turning my head to look out the window. The man I’d called my “husband,” Sebastian Cole, sat quietly beside me. He still wore that yellow delivery uniform, sweat still beading on his forehead. He wasn’t checking his phone or saying anything, just unscrewing a bottle of water to hand to me. “You still have the nerve to drink water?” Lisa snatched the bottle away and hurled it at the car door. “Let me tell you, Gianna—you’re done. Completely done!” “Fiona says she wants you to disappear from this industry entirely!” I finally turned to look at her. “Lisa, you’ve been with me for three years.” “These three years, seventy percent of the money I earned went into the company’s pocket, and ten percent went into yours.” “I bought you bags, bought gifts for your parents. I treated you like my own sister.” “Just because I earned a lead role on my own merit, you’re going to destroy me like this?” Lisa froze for a moment, then sneered. “Sister? Gianna, don’t be so naive.” “What are you? Just a dog the company raised.” “Fiona is different—her uncle is a major shareholder in the company.” “By stealing her role, you cut off her career path. Of course I had to help you ‘wake up.’” She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a malicious whisper. “Are you actually dating a delivery guy? Don’t you know a singer got torn apart online for dating a farmer!” “Is he just really good in bed? Does he satisfy you that well?” I raised my hand and slapped her across the face. Clear and loud. The car fell instantly silent. Lisa held her cheek, staring at me in disbelief. I shook out my stinging hand. “That slap was payback for when you grabbed me earlier. As for the rest, we’ll settle that slowly.” Sebastian, who’d been silent the whole time, suddenly moved, a slight smile curving his lips. He gently pulled me behind him, then looked down at Lisa: “Which company are you from?” Lisa laughed as if she’d heard the world’s funniest joke. “Oh? A delivery driver daring to use that tone with me?” “What, you planning to cause trouble at our company? Let me tell you, our company is Starlight Entertainment. Someone like you can’t even get through the front door!” Sebastian nodded and pulled out his old smartphone, dialing a number. “Hello, it’s me. The company is called Starlight Entertainment. Fifteen minutes. I don’t want to hear that name again.” Someone on the other end said something. Sebastian made an affirmative sound and hung up. Lisa laughed until tears came out. “Go ahead, keep acting!” “Fifteen minutes? Who do you think you are? The President of the United States or the Prime Minister of the UK?” “A stinking delivery driver putting on airs!” The driver stopped the car in front of my apartment building. Lisa yanked the car door open. “Gianna, the company has decided to freeze all your activities effective immediately. Legal will send you the termination contracts as soon as possible. Take care of yourself.” She finished speaking, slammed the car door, and left. Only Sebastian and I remained in the car. I looked at my phone flooded with curses and mockery, suddenly feeling exhausted. Five years in the industry, I’d been careful and cautious, walking on thin ice. And this is how it ended. “Do you regret it?” Sebastian’s voice was gentle. I shook my head, leaning against his somewhat broad shoulder. “No regrets.” “Just a little hungry.” He took the food container from my hands and opened it. Various types of sushi. I loved Japanese food. He handed me a fork. “Eat up. No matter how busy work gets, you have to eat on time.” I buried my head and started eating in big bites. But tears fell. Sebastian didn’t try to comfort me, just clumsily patted my back. I’d known him for three months. That day I failed an audition and was publicly humiliated by the director. I sat alone on the side of the road crying. He rode by on his bicycle, stopped, and handed me a pack of tissues and a sandwich. He said: “There’s no obstacle you can’t overcome. You need to eat before you have the energy to cry.” After that, he came to deliver lunch to me every day. Rain or shine. A month ago, I got drunk and grabbed him to ask. “Sebastian, would you dare marry me?” He looked at me and nodded very seriously. “I dare.” The next day, we went to get our marriage certificate. No wedding, no ring, just a marriage certificate. I thought I was being ridiculous. But in that moment, I felt an unprecedented sense of security. I finished the last bite of food. My phone rang. It was Lisa. Her voice was full of terror and trembling. “Gianna… Gianna, check the news!” “The company… the company went bankrupt!” “Just now, it was acquired by a company called ‘Universal Capital.’ All the shareholders were kicked out!” “The boss jumped off a building!”

I hung up the phone. Downstairs at my apartment building, reporters had already swarmed. Camera flashes went crazy, aimed at Sebastian and me. “Gianna, are you and this gentleman really married?” “There are rumors that Starlight Entertainment’s bankruptcy is related to you. Is that true?” “Did you already know your husband’s true identity, so you dared to do that on the red carpet?” Each question was sharper than the last. I was pushed and nearly lost my footing. Sebastian pulled me into his arms. His not-particularly-tall frame now felt like a mountain. In his accented English, he said to all the reporters, word by word: “I am Gianna’s husband, Sebastian Cole.” “Whatever she does, I will support her.” “As for Starlight Entertainment, they brought it on themselves.” “Anyone who dares to bully my wife will pay the price.” His words were simple and direct, even somewhat crude. But they instantly calmed my heart. In the crowd, I saw Fiona. She wore exquisite makeup and an expensive gown, her face full of malice as she stared at me. Standing next to her was a middle-aged man in a suit—her uncle, Starlight’s former shareholder. “Gianna, you bitch!” Fiona rushed toward me, trying to hit me. Sebastian blocked me, catching her wrist. “It’s you?” Fiona’s uncle saw Sebastian and his face went deathly pale. His legs went weak and he nearly fell to his knees. “Mr…. Mr. Cole?” Sebastian released Fiona and glanced at him coolly. “Mr. Walker, long time no see.” “You’ve raised your niece well.” Mr. Walker was drenched in sweat, stammering explanations. “Mr. Cole, it’s a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding!” “I didn’t know Miss Gianna was your…” “She’s my wife.” Sebastian interrupted him, his voice not loud but absolutely firm. The entire scene fell silent. All the reporters forgot to press their shutters. Fiona was stunned too, staring blankly at Sebastian. This rough-looking man who in her eyes only deserved to deliver food. Was actually the “Mr. Cole” her uncle had to bow and scrape to. “From today on, I don’t want to see these two people in the industry again.” Sebastian finished speaking, pulled me along, parted the crowd, and walked into the apartment building. Behind us were Mr. Walker’s and Fiona’s desperate cries. Back home, I finally couldn’t help asking him. “Sebastian, who exactly are you?” He took off that yellow delivery uniform, revealing the white dress shirt underneath. The shirt was a bit wrinkled, but clean. He scratched his head, smiling a bit sheepishly. “My name is Sebastian Cole, founder of Universal Capital.” “I was delivering food before to research the local food delivery market.” “I’m sorry, honey. I kept it from you this whole time.” I looked at him, not knowing what to say. The number one capital titan in the industry. A regular on the Forbes list. The legendary mysterious and low-profile Universal Capital CEO who never appeared in public. Was my husband. That delivery driver who brought me dinner every day, riding a bicycle. This was more bizarre than any movie script. “So you bought out Starlight just because they bullied me?” He nodded, his expression like a child who’d done something right, waiting for my praise. “They made you unhappy.” “I don’t want my wife to be wronged.” I suddenly laughed. Laughing and laughing, I cried. I walked over and hugged him. “Sebastian, you big liar.” His body stiffened, then he carefully hugged me back. “Honey, don’t cry. From now on, no one will dare bully you.”

The next day, the entire entertainment industry was rocked. #UniversalCapitalCEOSebastianColeIsMarried #SebastianColesWifeIsActressGianna #Starlight EntertainmentBankruptcyInsideStory Internet users who’d been cursing me to “get out of entertainment” yesterday did a complete 180. “Holy shit! What kind of fairy tale romance is this! A CEO goes undercover and falls for a struggling actress?” “No wonder Gianna dared to stand her ground on the red carpet—she had backup!” “Hey upstairs, Gianna isn’t struggling—she’s really talented, just suppressed by her company!” “That girl Fiona deserves it! Stealing someone’s role and then playing victim!” My phone was about to explode. Major directors, producers, and brands all sent messages, asking after my wellbeing. Their attitudes were completely different from when I was blacklisted. I didn’t reply to a single one. I was in the kitchen, learning how to make sweet and sour pork from Sebastian. He wore a pink cartoon apron, clumsily cutting meat. “Honey, don’t touch anything—the fumes is bad. I’ll handle it.” He pushed me out of the kitchen. I leaned against the doorframe watching his busy figure. This man who commanded respect in the business world was now flustered trying to cook me a meal. Sunlight streamed through the window onto him, warm and bright. I picked up my phone and captured this moment. Then I posted on Twitter. [@GiannaV: My husband, Sebastian Cole. @UniversalCapitalSebastianCole [Image]] In the photo, no designer brands, no luxury cars—just a man in an apron, his back to the camera as he cooked for me in the kitchen. As soon as I posted, the comments section exploded. “Aaaah what kind of fairy tale husband is this! I’m so jealous!” “This is what real wealth looks like—not throwing money around, but loving with your heart.” “Gianna, you have to be happy!” Sebastian’s phone kept ringing too. He hurriedly wiped his hands and answered. “Hello, Assistant Johnson, what is it?” “What? Twitter?” He hung up and looked at me nervously. “Honey, did I cause you trouble?” “Will my identity being exposed affect your career?” I shook my head and walked over, hugging him from behind. “No.” “Sebastian, thank you.” Thank you for giving me a home when I was at my most vulnerable. Thank you for standing firmly by my side when the whole world abandoned me. Dinner was ready: roast chicken with mashed potatoes, a Caesar salad, and creamy tomato soup. All my favorites. We sat at the small dining table like the most ordinary couple, eating together. The TV was playing financial news. “According to reports, Universal Capital recently completed its acquisition of Starlight Entertainment and conducted large-scale business restructuring. Former Starlight artist Fiona and her uncle Mr. Walker have been placed under investigation by police for suspected commercial fraud and unfair competition…” I watched the news, my heart completely calm. Those who do evil will eventually face punishment. “Honey, about that lead role in ‘Palace Walls’—I already spoke with the director.” Sebastian put a piece of pork on my plate. “They’ll hold another audition tomorrow and invite you to participate.” ‘Palace Walls’ was the role Fiona had stolen from me. An S+ tier major production that every actress in the industry was eyeing. I’d earned the female lead on my own merit, standing out from dozens of candidates. But because I blocked Fiona’s path, Lisa had set me up. “No need.” I shook my head. Sebastian froze. “Why? Don’t you really like that script?” “Yeah, I like it.” I looked at him very seriously. “But I don’t want to get a role through your connections.” “Sebastian, I want to earn my place in front of the camera through my own abilities.” “Not have people say I got it because I’m the wife of Universal Capital’s CEO.” Sebastian was silent for a long time. He stared at me, then suddenly smiled. Light shone in those eyes that were always narrowed. “Okay.” “My wife is already the best.” “Then we won’t do that one. I’ll invest in a new production, custom-made just for you, okay?” I couldn’t help laughing. “Mr. Cole, that’s abuse of power for personal gain.” “Is that not allowed?” He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “For my wife, anything goes.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “392425”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

The groom Sebastian lifted my veil in front of everyone at the wedding. After seeing my face clearly, he threw his wine glass on the spot, saying I wasn’t the person he was supposed to marry. He was furious: “Who are you! I’m supposed to marry Swift, what the hell are you! Someone, drag this impostor out of here!” The guests whispered among themselves. I looked at Sebastian: “Are you sure you want to marry Swift?” He sneered: “I’m only forming an alliance with the Taylor family!” He didn’t know his marriage contract specified the eldest daughter of the Taylor family. And Swift, the one he couldn’t stop thinking about, was my younger sister. “What does any of this prove?” Sebastian looked at me. I picked up the marriage certificate from the table, flipped to the second page, and held the words facing his direction. “Eldest daughter of the Taylor family—that was drafted by your Dulles family. See for yourself.” He glanced down, his throat bobbing, but said nothing. The best man beside him leaned over to look and muttered quietly: “Sebastian, it really does say eldest daughter of the Taylor family.” “Shut up.” Sebastian slammed the marriage certificate on the table. “The eldest daughter of the Taylor family is Swift. You’re impersonating someone and trying to use technicalities to save face?” I pulled out a document. “Eldest daughter of Rivers Taylor, Russell, born March 1998. Second daughter of Rivers Taylor, Swift, born November 2000.” I handed the document to him. “I’m the eldest daughter. Swift is the second daughter.” The banquet hall fell silent for three seconds. Sebastian’s mother Rudy walked onto the stage with her handbag, took the document, glanced at it, then looked at me. “Young lady, your name is Russell?” “Yes.” “I don’t care who you are. This marriage was personally arranged between me and Mrs. Taylor. Sebastian is marrying Swift.” “You discussed this with my stepmother?” “Yes.” “Did you confirm it with my father?” Rudy’s smile faded slightly: “Your father gave your stepmother full authority.” “But the marriage certificate bears my father’s personal seal.” I pointed at the page. “One is a verbal promise, the other is a sealed document. Rudy, after all your years in business, you should know which one counts, right?” Rudy’s expression changed. Sebastian glanced at his mother and pulled out his phone. “I’ll call Rivers and ask him directly.” The call connected and he put it on speaker. “Rivers, this is Sebastian. The marriage certificate says eldest daughter of the Taylor family—that refers to Swift, right?” There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. I gripped the notarized document tightly. “Sebastian.” My father’s voice sounded tired. “This marriage, I arranged it with you for Swift.” Scattered murmurs rose from the guests. Sebastian’s lips curved into a smile. My father continued: “Russell grew up away from home, she’s not close to the family. I don’t know how she ended up at the wedding. Sebastian, don’t hold it against her. I’ll have her stepmother pick her up.” “You hear that?” Sebastian put away his phone and looked down at me. “Your own father doesn’t support what you’re saying. Are you still going to stand here embarrassing yourself?” Someone in the audience laughed. I didn’t look at those people. I stared into Sebastian’s eyes. “I heard my dad say this marriage was arranged for Swift. But he didn’t explain one thing.” “What thing?” “Why does the marriage certificate say eldest daughter of the Taylor family instead of Swift?” He paused. “It was written wrong.” “A document with a personal seal was written wrong?” I let out a laugh. “Sebastian, you’re in real estate. Would you dare sign a contract if the name on it was wrong?” He didn’t answer. The air was tense for a few seconds, then the side door of the banquet hall opened. A woman walked in, her eyes already red from a distance. My stepmother, Harrison. She hurried onto the stage and grabbed my hand: “Russell, how did you end up here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” I pulled my hand back. Her eyes flickered, then she immediately turned to the Dulles mother and son, bowing repeatedly: “Rudy, Sebastian, I’m so sorry. This girl didn’t grow up with us, she’s distant from the family. What happened today is my fault for not keeping better watch over her.” Rudy’s expression softened slightly. Harrison turned back to me: “Russell, let’s go. I’ll take you home. This isn’t your place.” I looked at the emerald green jade bracelet on her wrist. That was my mother’s dowry. “Harrison.” I called her name. Her eyebrow twitched. “The marriage certificate says eldest daughter of the Taylor family—was that my father’s decision, or did you make it for him?” “That’s your father’s business, how would I control that?” “You can’t control it, but you told Rudy the bride would be Swift. Do you dare say that again in front of the marriage certificate?” She opened her mouth but no sound came out. Rudy stepped forward: “Alright, as long as Mrs. Taylor is here. Take her away. Our family won’t pursue this matter today.” “Won’t pursue?” I put away the notarized document and spoke unhurriedly. “Rudy, have you looked at clause seven of the marriage certificate?” All eyes fell on me. I enunciated each word: “The party in breach must compensate the other family thirty percent of their assets.” Dead silence filled the hall. Sebastian whipped his head around to look at the marriage certificate. “This clause—did you not notice it, or did you never intend to honor it?”

“You’re talking to me about breach penalties?” Sebastian stared at me. I glanced at him but didn’t respond. Because I didn’t need to. Of the guests present, at least twenty were businesspeople. They were already whispering among themselves. They knew better than I did how big the Dulles family’s real estate empire was. Thirty percent, calculated by market value, was enough to build half a new city. Rudy snatched the marriage certificate and flipped to clause seven. Her face turned white inch by inch. “Did you add this clause?” Her voice went shrill. “I’m just someone marrying in. How would I have the authority to modify the marriage certificate?” I tilted my head slightly. “This was written when both families signed the agreement. Both seals are on it. If Rudy wants to investigate, ask who in your family reviewed it.” Rudy turned to look at a middle-aged man beside her. The man flipped through documents and said quietly: “This was signed between Maximiliano when he was alive and the Taylor family. I wasn’t present at the time.” Maximiliano—Sebastian’s grandfather, the late head of the Dulles family. Sebastian’s fist clenched and unclenched. “Take her to the back.” He didn’t look at me, his voice very low. “We’ll discuss this after the wedding ends.” Two security guards in black suits approached. I didn’t resist. I knew that forcing the issue on Dulles family territory would be meaningless. I’d already shown the cards I needed to. The rest was a matter of time. I was taken to a lounge behind the banquet hall. The door locked from the outside. On the table sat an unopened bottle of water and an untouched plate of pastries. I unwrapped a candy and put it in my mouth. Too sweet, sweet to the point of bitterness. My phone vibrated. A FaceTime invitation on WhatsApp from Swift. I hesitated for two seconds, then answered. On the screen, Swift sat in her bedroom, hair falling over her shoulders, smiling at the camera. “Russell, thanks for your hard work.” “How does it feel being locked up? Does that room have air conditioning? Sebastian hates the cold, the Dulles family always keeps the heat on high.” “You called just to ask if I’m cold?” “Of course not.” She tilted her head. “I wanted to tell you personally that everything today was arranged by me from beginning to end.” I said nothing. She continued: “Dad originally wanted to write Swift on the marriage certificate. But you know, Maximiliano insisted on specifying the eldest daughter before he died. Dad had no choice, so he wrote eldest daughter of the Taylor family.” “But he told Mom that I would still be the one getting married.” “Now guess whose idea it was to have you play the bride first, knowing you’d naturally be rejected by the Dulles family at the wedding?” My throat tightened. She smiled and leaned closer to the camera: “Mine.” “Swift.” “Don’t be angry, Russell.” She waved her hand dismissively. “You know Sebastian only has eyes for me. Even if you cling there with the marriage certificate, he’ll never touch you. Eventually you’ll live alone in that huge Dulles mansion with no one to talk to. How is that different from house arrest?” “Rather than that, why not sign the papers and step aside? You back down, I marry in, everyone’s happy.” “When you say step aside, do you mean you step aside or me?” “You step aside for me, of course.” She said it as if it were obvious. “Russell, you grew up away from home. The Taylor family’s resources, connections, business—I’ve been managing all of it these years. Marrying into the Dulles family is what I deserve.” She raised her left hand to adjust her hair. The string of emerald green jade beads on her wrist flashed across the camera. I recognized it. That was the last thing my mother kept. Dad said that jade bracelet was left to my mother by my maternal grandmother. Mom said before she passed that it should go to her eldest daughter. “Swift, that bracelet on your wrist belonged to my mother.” She looked down at her wrist and smiled. “This? Dad gave it to me. He said there’s no eldest daughter in the family, I’m the oldest.” “His exact words were there’s no eldest daughter in the family?” “Yeah,” she said, tilting her head. “In his heart, you don’t count anymore.” “Happy, Russell? This is my welcome gift to you. Everything your mother left is with me now. If you don’t believe me, come home someday and look around. There’s nothing left.” My hands were trembling slightly, but I didn’t hang up. “Swift, the things you told Sebastian about your childhood—were those your experiences, or mine?” The smile on the screen froze for a beat. “What do you mean?” “I left the Taylor house with my grandmother when I was six and grew up in Los Angeles. You told Sebastian you lived in Los Angeles as a child, didn’t you?” She didn’t answer. “You even showed him childhood photos from Los Angeles. Two little braids, wearing a red dress, standing at the pier.” “The person in that photo was me.” Swift on the video was silent for two seconds. Then she laughed. “Yes, those photos were yours. So what? Sebastian likes the story behind the photos, not your face.” “And that story is mine now.” “Russell, even standing in front of him with the marriage certificate, do you think he sees you, or the shadow of someone else in his mind?”

“Russell, what exactly will it take for you to sign?” The door opened from outside. Sebastian walked in. He’d changed out of his wedding suit and wore a black shirt. He held a new document in his hand, twice as thick as the one the lawyer brought earlier. “One million dollars.” He tossed the document on the table in front of me. “Plus a downtown apartment, the deed in your name. You sign, you leave, and after that the business between the Taylor and Dulles families has nothing to do with you.” From five hundred thousand to one million plus an apartment. That breach penalty clause really did make him panic. “Before you came, did your mother show you clause seven of the marriage certificate?” The corner of his mouth twitched: “You think I’m here to negotiate?” “What else?” “I’m here to inform you.” He bent down, hands on the table, eye level with me. “Russell, don’t overestimate your position.” “You’re a Taylor daughter who’s been eating cold leftovers for twenty years. No backing, no connections. You’ve got a marriage certificate you don’t even know how you got, and you want to sue the entire Dulles family?” “Can you afford it?” I leaned back in my chair. “You should ask your legal team that question. If the Dulles family really wasn’t concerned, why would you be sitting here?” His gaze turned cold. “I’m sitting here to give you one last chance to leave with dignity.” He stood up straight and pulled up a photo on his phone, turning the screen toward me. In the photo, he and Swift stood on a yacht deck. She leaned on his shoulder smiling, his arm around her waist. “Two years.” His voice deepened. “Swift and I have been together for two years. She’s been looked down on in the Taylor family since childhood, carrying the family business alone. She’s had it much harder than you.” “She’s the one I’m marrying. It can’t be anyone else.” I didn’t look at the pose in the photo. I looked at what Swift wore around her neck. An emerald green teardrop-shaped pendant. My back tensed immediately. That was my mother’s relic. The only piece of jewelry she had with photographic evidence. I’d turned the house upside down looking for it, thinking it had been sold or lost long ago. It had been hanging around Swift’s neck all along. “That necklace she’s wearing—do you know where it came from?” Sebastian frowned: “It’s hers. Why?” “It was my mother’s.” “Your mother’s?” His expression looked like he’d heard a joke. “Swift said it was passed down from her grandmother.” “Her grandmother? Harrison’s family ran a clothing wholesale business. Since when did they have heirloom jade?” He was silent for a second. “Russell, are you done?” He put his phone back in his pocket, his patience completely gone. “First you say there’s a problem with the marriage certificate, then with the family register, and now even a necklace has to be traced back to your mother. Just how much are you going to claim as yours?” I was about to speak when the door opened again. Swift pushed in. The moment she saw Sebastian, her eyes turned red. “Sebastian, don’t be angry about this anymore. Russell probably just wanted to marry you so badly, she panicked.” She turned to look at me: “Russell, I don’t blame you. You grew up alone away from home with no one to care for you. Anyone would feel resentful.” Sebastian’s gaze softened noticeably. He reached out and held Swift’s hand: “Don’t upset yourself.” Swift shook her head and walked over to crouch in front of me. Her voice was only audible to the two of us. “Russell, just sign. You can’t win.” “What do you think?” She smiled and stood up, returning to Sebastian’s side. “Sebastian, why don’t you step out. Let me talk to Russell.” Sebastian glanced at me and said “ten minutes” before turning and leaving. The door closed. Not a trace of vulnerability remained on Swift’s face. She walked to the window, opened her bag, and touched up her lipstick. “Russell, I suggest you don’t make this too ugly. Dad will be here soon.” “What’s he coming for?” “To clean up my mess. His eldest daughter made a scene at the Dulles family wedding—he has to come give an explanation.” “When did I make a scene?” “Not signing is making a scene.” She smiled. “In Dad’s eyes, everything you’ve done since childhood has been making a scene.” She put away her bag and turned to leave. When she reached the door, her phone slipped from her bag and fell on the carpet by the door. She didn’t notice. The door was pulled shut by security from outside. The phone’s screen was lit. A message popped up. I looked down at it. The sender’s display name was a heart symbol followed by: Jackson. The message was just one sentence: “Honey, don’t worry about the baby, I’ll handle it.”

“Dad.” I stood in the lounge looking at the man who’d pushed the door open. Rivers Taylor wore a dark gray suit. Harrison followed behind him. The two walked in side by side, like partners who’d worked together for years. I remembered when I was little, the day he sent me to my grandmother’s. He crouched down, touched my head, and said Dad will come get you soon. I was six that year. I waited fifteen years. Until a month ago when he suddenly called telling me to come back, saying he’d arranged a marriage for me. “Do you know what you did today?” He stopped three steps away from me. “I married into the match you arranged for me. The marriage certificate says eldest daughter of the Taylor family—that’s me.” “Ridiculous!” He slammed his hand on the cabinet beside him. “I already told you clearly on the phone! This marriage was arranged for Swift! What are you doing here!” “Then why did you write eldest daughter of the Taylor family on the marriage certificate? Why not write Swift’s name directly?” He froze. Harrison spoke at an opportune moment: “At the time, Maximiliano insisted on following ancient protocol. Your father couldn’t argue, so he wrote it his way. But both families understood the bride would be Swift.” Such smooth words, pushing all problems onto an old man who was no longer alive. “Was the breach penalty in clause seven also Maximiliano’s idea?” Harrison didn’t respond. Rivers Taylor frowned at me: “Don’t think you can strong-arm the Dulles family with a piece of paper. With Sebastian’s temper, if you push him an inch, he’ll make you lose ten times over.” “That’s my business.” “Your business?” His voice rose. “Since childhood, when have you ever been able to handle your own business? Your education was paid for by the Taylor family. Your food, clothing, everything—all Taylor family. What gives you the right to fight with the Dulles family?” “You sent me away. You called me back.” “You told me to marry. I married. Now you say it shouldn’t be me.” “Rivers Taylor, what exactly do you want me to do?” I called him by his full name. His face flushed red. “What did you call me?” “I called you by your name. Since you don’t acknowledge me as your daughter, don’t blame me for not acknowledging you as my father.” The room fell silent. Harrison stepped forward and grabbed Rivers Taylor’s arm: “She has the same temperament as her mother. The more you reason with her, the more stubborn she gets. Better let Swift persuade her.” Same temperament as her mother—that cut deeper than anything else. Because my mother couldn’t stay in this family because of that temperament. “Russell.” Rivers Taylor took a deep breath. “I’m telling you one last time. Sign the papers, go back to Los Angeles. I’ll give you money. You can do whatever you want after that.” “If you don’t sign, you’re no longer part of the Taylor family.” “Why should I sign? The marriage certificate is valid, the family register has my name. Once we walk out that door and go to court, the law is on my side.” He looked at me. That look—not at a daughter, but at someone in his way. He turned and said something to Harrison. Harrison nodded and walked to the door to say a few words to someone outside. Then the door opened. More than a dozen guests poured in, all relatives and friends of the Taylor and Dulles families. They stood on both sides, looking me over. “Rivers Taylor.” Rudy also walked in. “Are you going to control this Russell girl of yours or not?” “Tell everyone clearly whose marriage this is supposed to be.” Rivers Taylor turned around, facing everyone, then looked at me. “I, Rivers Taylor, am putting this on record today.” He began speaking. “This marriage was arranged between me and the late Maximiliano for Swift. Russell is my eldest daughter, that’s true, but she didn’t grow up with us. She no longer has any connection to the Taylor family.” “Her actions today are her own doing. The Taylor family bears no responsibility.” The guests nodded. The reasoning all seemed to be on his side. “Fine, Rivers Taylor. You say I have no connection to the Taylor family.” I held up the notarized document. “Your signature and fingerprint on this document aren’t even dry yet. Tell me, will a judge believe your words or your seal?” His gaze tightened sharply. Then, the next second, he walked toward me. I thought he was going to grab the document. I didn’t dodge. His hand didn’t reach for the document. That slap landed squarely on my face. The force was enough to turn my whole body half a step. My ankle twisted in the high heel. No one in the room made a sound. Harrison covered her mouth, making a shocked expression. Rivers Taylor’s hand was shaking. “If you keep causing trouble, a slap won’t be all you get.” I slowly steadied myself, wiping the blood from the corner of my mouth with the back of my hand. Swift had somehow appeared at the doorway too. She rushed forward and grabbed Rivers Taylor’s arm: “Dad, stop hitting Russell. She’s just immature. Please calm down.” I kept my head down, my eyes on the notarized document I’d crumpled in my hand on the floor. Swift walked to my side and bent down. Her voice was only audible to me: “Russell, still not signing?” I didn’t look at her. I was looking at the last screenshot in my phone’s photo album. The one I’d taken of the message on her phone screen ten minutes ago. Jackson: Honey, don’t worry about the baby, I’ll handle it. I slowly straightened up. Raised my head to look at the room full of Taylor family members, Dulles family members, all kinds of onlookers. “I won’t sign. And I have something I want to ask Swift in front of everyone.” Swift’s smile froze. “Swift, who is Jackson?”

“Russell, what are you talking about?” Swift’s voice was half an octave higher than usual. I ignored her. I opened my phone, enlarged the screenshot, and held the screen facing the room. “Jackson, with a heart symbol before his name in the contact. Message sent fifteen minutes ago: ‘Honey, don’t worry about the baby, I’ll handle it.’” I looked at Sebastian. “This message is from Swift’s phone.” The room fell deathly silent. Sebastian’s gaze moved from my phone screen to Swift’s face. “Swift?” “Sebastian!” Swift’s eyes immediately turned red. She grabbed his sleeve. “She photoshopped it! It’s fake! She’s just trying to break us up!” “Photoshopped?” I placed my phone on the table. “Your phone is in this room. You can open it yourself and let everyone see your chat history.” Swift’s face went pale. Her eyes quickly scanned the floor and table corners. I filled in for her: “Your phone is behind the cabinet by the door. It slipped out of your bag when you left.” Sebastian walked over, bent down, and picked up the phone with the pink case from behind the cabinet. “Sebastian, that’s my phone, you can’t look at it!” He ignored her. The fingerprint unlock didn’t work. He looked up: “Password.” Swift bit her lower lip. “What’s the password?” “Sebastian, you have to trust me.” Her voice began to shake. “This is all a trap she set! She just wants to make you doubt me!” “Tell me the password.” “I won’t.” Rivers Taylor’s expression also changed. He frowned at Swift: “Swift, let him look. If you’re innocent, what does it matter if he sees?” Harrison quickly tugged at her husband’s arm, giving him a look. Rivers Taylor’s frown deepened. “Swift.” His tone grew heavier. “Give Sebastian the password.” “Dad!” “Tell him.” Swift’s lips trembled. “You’re all forcing me. You’re all forcing me.” She suddenly crouched on the floor, covering her face with both hands and crying. “What did I do wrong? Why are you treating me like this?” This trick worked well. Every time she was backed into a corner, she cried. It was the same at home before. As soon as she cried, Rivers Taylor would soften. I looked at Rivers Taylor. Sure enough, his resolve was already wavering. “Forget it, it’s just one message. It’s probably a misunderstanding.” He said vaguely. “Rivers Taylor.” I spoke up. “You slapped me because you said I was causing trouble. Now your daughter is asked one question and won’t even let anyone see her phone. Who do you think is causing trouble?” His mouth opened but no words came out. Sebastian stood there, gripping the pink phone. He looked at Swift for a long moment, then turned to the security guard behind him without a word. “Call Arnold from tech.” Swift’s crying stopped abruptly. “Sebastian!” “If you won’t give me the password, I’ll have someone unlock it.” His voice had no inflection, yet it was colder than any shout. “If you’re really innocent, what are you afraid of?” Ten minutes later, a young man wearing black-framed glasses sat at the table with a laptop, connecting Swift’s phone with a data cable. During the unlocking process, Swift tried three times to rush over and grab the phone. Each time she was stopped. The screen lit up. Arnold opened WhatsApp and searched for contacts with heart symbols in their names. The chat history appeared. I didn’t look at the content. Because Sebastian’s expression already told me everything I needed to know. He scrolled up message by message, very slowly. No one in the room spoke. When he reached a certain message, his thumb stopped. He was silent for ten seconds, then locked the screen. “Everyone out.” His voice sounded like it was coming from far away. “Sebastian?” Rudy called out tentatively. “I said, everyone out.” Rudy glanced at him and led the crowd out. As Harrison pulled Rivers Taylor toward the door, Rivers Taylor looked back at Swift. Swift stood in the corner, her lips blue. The door closed. Only three people remained in the room. Me, Sebastian, Swift. He kept his back to us. His shoulders were as steady as a wall, but the phone case in his right hand had one corner broken off. “Three months.” He finally spoke. “The chat history starts from three months ago. That was when you were telling me you were working overtime.” Swift’s voice was as thin as a mosquito’s: “Sebastian, I can explain.” “Jackson. Mario’s son from Mario Group.” He slowly turned around. “My bidding competitor. What’s your relationship with him?” Tears fell from Swift’s eyes. “He, he’s just a friend of mine.” “A friend? What did he mean about the baby?” “I don’t know. He wasn’t talking about me. You misunderstood.” “Swift.” He walked up to her and held the phone screen in front of her eyes. “Message forty-seven. Read it yourself.” Swift’s body froze. I didn’t know what that message said, but Swift’s expression said it all.Sebastian slammed the phone on the table. He looked at me, his gaze tangled like a hundred knots. “The breach penalty clause in the marriage certificate—what exactly do you want?”

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On the day we got our marriage license, I placed the certificate beside our candlelit dinner, ready to take a photo for Ins. My husband Hendley suddenly spoke up: “Billson, actually, this certificate is fake.” I froze. A woman’s shocked voice came through his phone: “Hendley, why did you tell her so early! This is no fun anymore!” Hendley frowned: “She’s so stupid she still hasn’t figured it out. Is there any point in continuing this act? You win the bet, okay? Cruz!” But I had already posted on Ins. Everyone was congratulating Hendley and me on our seven-year relationship finally coming to fruition. And Cruz, who had bullied me in high school, mockingly commented under my post: “Is this marriage certificate real? When are you inviting me to the wedding?” I thought for a moment and replied: “Next week.” Cruz immediately called Hendley: “You’re not breaking up with Billson?” “Why would I break up? To be with you? You’re about to get married yourself, okay?” Hendley hung up on Cruz and carefully opened the cake box, placing it in the center. Then he lit the candles and beckoned to me: “Billson, come make a wish.” My whole body went numb as I stared straight into his eyes. His eyes were calm and still, without even a trace of guilt. “Was it fun deceiving me for so long?” The smile faded from Hendley’s face. “I wouldn’t call it deception. I’d rather lose to her than keep this from you—I just didn’t want our relationship to have problems. Doesn’t that show how much I value you?” “Besides, we just didn’t get the official license. I never said I wanted to break up with you.” The cake in front of me had seven candles on it. Brazenly announcing that this was the seventh year I’d been played for a fool. The candlelight held little warmth, yet it made the long-healed scars on my arms itch slightly. I never could have imagined that my boyfriend who promised to stay with me forever and the bully who burned me with a curling iron, leaving me covered in wounds… Were actually childhood friends. The fake marriage certificate on the table was painfully glaring. The open page captured my happiest smile. I had thought my life was finally turning around. Tears welled up in my eyes. “Right, you didn’t lie.” I was the fool—stupid enough to think someone would willingly give everything to love someone as broken as me. I picked up the fake certificate and held it over the candle flame. The fire licked at it, and the cover immediately blackened at one corner. Hendley quickly pulled me into his arms. He grabbed a glass and splashed water to extinguish the flame. “What are you doing! You’re most afraid of fire!” He remembered—the aftereffects from my bullying. Every year on my birthday, I would whisper my wish in his ear. He would make the wish and blow out the candles for me. For seven years, I made the same wish countless times. “Billson wants to be with Hendley forever.” Mom remarried, Dad found someone new. More than anyone, I wanted a home with an address that would never change. What was he thinking when he heard these wishes? Was he laughing inside? Laughing at how I’d been played year after year without realizing it? And in the end, he had to mercifully tell me the truth himself? The fire was out, leaving a bloody scar on my finger. Hendley pulled out the first aid kit to apply antiseptic ointment, a flash of complexity in his eyes. “Stop being dramatic. There’s really nothing between Cruz and me. You know she’s about to get married. Whatever you want, I can compensate you.” He picked up his phone, about to show me the gifts he’d selected in his shopping cart. But his expression immediately stiffened. He frowned at me. “You did this on purpose? I specifically told you not to post it. You deliberately hurt yourself just to pressure me into marriage?!” “Billson, are you that desperate to get married?” “Isn’t dating the same thing? I was going to…” His words caught in his throat, interrupted by a phone call. It was Cruz calling, her exaggerated laughter exploding through the speaker. “Everyone knows you’re having a wedding next week! I warned you—people like her have no self-respect. Even after being played, she still desperately wants to marry you.” “She probably found out you have money. Too bad she doesn’t know you promised to protect me forever.” The man’s face darkened as he hung up and ordered me: “Delete that Ins post right now.” “I won’t delete it. Hendley, next week, I’m getting married.” Grandma was very ill. She asked me why, when Hendley and I had such a stable relationship, we still hadn’t made it official. Turns out, he’d already made promises to another woman. Continuing to date me was already the greatest charity. I should be grateful. But why did he think I would want this pity that slipped through his fingers?

“Billson, can you stop being stubborn over these little things!” Hendley slammed the door and left. I sat calmly on the sofa, unwrapped the bandage that had been wound several times around my finger, and replaced it with a band-aid. I should have realized sooner—he and I weren’t from the same world at all. He didn’t even know basic first aid. He could barely cook instant noodles without ruining them, yet he’d handled this entire candlelit dinner himself, saying he wanted to make me something delicious. Australian imported ribeye steak, estate-cellared Chardonnay wine, custom chef-made cake. Probably all ordered from upscale restaurants. Even the most inconspicuous candles were luxury brand aromatics. With one casual flip of the table, Hendley destroyed things worth three months of my salary, leaving them worthless on the floor. Splattered wine stains dirtied the wall. I was even thinking the landlord wouldn’t refund my deposit now. Amid the chaos, I started packing my things and messaged the landlord about terminating my lease. Ding~ The moment I sent the message, a notification sound came from behind me. I turned around. Hendley’s computer was still on—he’d planned to watch a movie with me. In a small group chat of seven or eight people, the group admin Cruz posted a screenshot of my message. “Oh my god, how pathetic. She’s actually asking me about the deposit.” “This is the worst property I own. I feel dirty having her live there.” Cruz was actually the landlord I’d been paying rent to all along. I scrolled up through the chat. Every screenshot in the group chat… Was about my Twitter updates. The matching pajamas I bought Hendley with my first paycheck were mocked as street market goods. The birthday cake Hendley bought me was leftover from Cruz’s pet dog. Every single thing in my life had become their entertainment. On my first day at the new company, someone sent me roses. I’m allergic to pollen. I had trouble breathing and ended up in the hospital. My face swelled up on one side. Hendley affectionately leaned in to take a photo, saying I looked cute. But when I opened the voice message in the group chat… It was Cruz and everyone else laughing shrilly: “Hendley, you actually kissed that pig. You’ve really sacrificed a lot.” “Cruz, this bet of yours has really tortured Hendley.” Hendley only replied flatly: “As long as Cruz is happy.” At those words, everyone teased them ambiguously. Intense suffocation blocked my chest, as if that day’s rose pollen had entered my nose again. Even now, Cruz was using her landlord identity to fake concern for me. “You’re terminating the lease? Where are you planning to live? I have properties in every district.” “Don’t worry about me. Remember to come drink next week.” After I replied, the group chat rolled through several more messages. Cruz said contemptuously: “What’s she acting for? She probably thinks she’s marrying into wealth now, that she’ll get to live in a mansion!” “@Hendley, where are you? Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you really going to marry her?” Soon, Hendley sent a video. “Almost there.” “Of course I’m not marrying her.” He sat in his Maybach adjusting the steering wheel, sunglasses covering his deep-set eyes. “But she terminated her lease. Won’t she have to live at your place?” Hendley instinctively hit the brakes. “What did you say?” Unease rose in his heart. He opened the remote monitoring app on his phone. In the security camera feed at his door… I wore a thin jacket, dragging my suitcase into the elevator. But he’d never told me where his real home was.

I got in a taxi and gave the address. The driver looked back at the shabby neighborhood and said with a knowing expression: “That’s quite a move you’re making.” I glanced out the window briefly, then lowered my head to reply to messages. “Yeah, moving in with my fiancé to prepare for the wedding.” “Well, congratulations! People who live in that area are all big shots.” Without responding further, I revised the ceremony schedule the wedding coordinator sent me and forwarded it out. After getting out of the car, I dragged my suitcase through the villa district for a while. Suddenly, angry shouting and screeching brakes came from behind me. “Billson, how did you find out I live here? Are you investigating me?” Seeing my suitcase made him even angrier. “You actually have the nerve to show up at my parents’ door demanding they acknowledge you? Are you crazy!” I shook my head. “No, I didn’t know you lived here.” His face darkened inch by inch as he grabbed my wrist and dragged me toward the car. “Stop pretending! I never realized you were this calculating before!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Before you said I was stupid, now you say I’m calculating. Hendley, what exactly am I in your eyes?” The moment the car door closed, he pinned me against the window and kissed me. A bloody tearing at lips and teeth, thick with the taste of rust. He lowered his eyes. “Billson, you’re the person I like.” “But marriage takes time. At least, I need to wait until Cruz gets married first. I need to make sure she’s happy…” I laughed through my tears, which dripped onto his fingers. “I can’t wait.” The first moment I got the license, I told Grandma. The old woman’s spirits lifted considerably. She was looking forward to attending my wedding. Now what? Should I tell her… Her granddaughter was played like a dog for seven years? Seeing I wouldn’t back down, he grew angry and punched the window beside my ear, making the glass vibrate. “Billson, no wonder your parents didn’t want you! Who could stand your personality!” “You want a wedding? Can you even invite a single person on your side?” My chest rose and fell with rapid breathing. Once, this man had held me, kissing each of my scars. “Billson, it’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong.” “Don’t think about those people who hurt and abandoned you. Think about me, think about our future.” I slapped him hard across the face. “Get the hell away from me!” His eyes darkened as he opened the car door and pushed me out. “Don’t know what’s good for you. Fine, then we’re breaking up!” I fell to the ground. His wheel nearly ran over my fingers. I chased after him a few steps, stumbling and falling again, shouting his name over and over. Hendley stared at the rearview mirror and sneered. “You never say what you mean.” The sports car didn’t slow down at all. He was determined to punish me, to make me give in. But I just wanted my suitcase back—my ID documents were inside. I needed them to get the marriage license tomorrow.

I didn’t know where Hendley lived, so I had to search through Cruz’s social media accounts. She was beautiful with a good family background, and had quite a following on Ins. Though she usually only posted about makeup, today she suddenly posted a rant video. “This is hilarious! I’ve never seen a woman so desperate to throw herself at someone!” “If I hadn’t paid to get her wedding time and schedule, my childhood friend wouldn’t have believed she was planning a wedding all by herself!” The longer I looked at her face, the more nauseous I felt. I quickly searched through her past location tags. Finally, at the club they frequently visited, I found traces of Hendley. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I could hear Cruz’s exaggerated laughter. “When the time comes, I’ll livestream the wedding. Hendley, don’t go. Let her wait and completely humiliate herself.” Another weak female voice hesitated: “That’s not very nice. Cruz, you have hundreds of thousands of followers. If you really do this, how will she face people?” “Hendley, maybe you should talk to her again and offer some compensation or something.” Hendley was silent for a moment, then scoffed. “Do what Cruz says. Let’s see what kind of joke she can make of herself.” I clenched my fists and turned to leave. For the next few days, Hendley didn’t receive any message from me giving in. But the group chat was lively. Cruz said smugly: “Good thing I pretended to be her landlord so she didn’t block me. I can see all her Twitter updates.” “Look at this wedding dress—such an outdated style. Even for an enemy, I feel sorry for her!” In the nine photos, I wore a conservative wedding dress style that didn’t expose my arms. But the photographer had good skills, outlining the figure by the window as sacred and beautiful. Like a light, floating cloud that could drift away at any moment. Hendley’s voice grew hoarse. He unconsciously clicked to save the original image. He suddenly imagined me in a wedding dress walking toward him. His heart unexpectedly stirred. Cruz in the group chat remained oblivious, still pointing and criticizing. “This idiot even sent me a wedding invitation, saying she invited over a thousand people and hoped I’d come.” “Hilarious. Of course I’m going. I really look forward to seeing her humiliate herself on stage!” The wedding day soon arrived. Cruz continued to relay Twitter updates in real-time. “Grandma can finally witness my happiness.” The accompanying photo showed Grandma in a wheelchair with me in a wedding dress, tears glistening in Grandma’s eyes. Hendley’s friend spoke up: “Oh no, I’m starting to feel bad. What if the old lady has a heart attack on the spot?” “Hendley, are you really not going?” Hendley’s lips trembled. Cruz interrupted first. “It’s only fun if her family is there! That old woman sat at the education bureau for a week with her cane, insisting on reporting me for bullying her granddaughter.” “My daddy confiscated my yacht because of that. I still haven’t gotten revenge for that!” She tested the waters again: “Hey, Hendley, you’re not getting soft-hearted, are you! You promised to help me!” Hendley gritted his teeth. “How could I? If she dared to pressure me into marriage, she should have thought of the consequences.” Cruz relaxed and sent a blowing kiss emoji. “Okay, I’m going to do my makeup for the wedding. Remember to watch the livestream! I specifically paid for promotion. I’m really looking forward to what happens next.” The group chat fell silent for a while, then another Twitter screenshot was posted. “This life, this person.” The accompanying image showed two marriage certificates. Hendley’s friend was confused and immediately @mentioned Hendley. “Hendley, didn’t you say she burned the fake certificate in a rage? What’s this about?” But the message went unanswered for a long time. At that moment, Hendley was driving his fastest sports car at full speed toward the wedding venue. It’s just a ceremony, right? If she wants it, he’ll give it to her. It’s not that big a deal. The certificate wasn’t officially registered anyway, so it wouldn’t violate his promise to Cruz. He rushed to the wedding. The ceremony had just begun. Good, he wasn’t late. Hendley pulled out the wedding ring he’d prepared from his pocket. On a whim, he’d stopped by a jewelry store on the way. It turned out the dimensions of her fingers were already engraved in his heart. Cruz, sitting in the audience, looked a bit green. Hundreds of thousands of people flooded into the livestream. All clamoring to see who was so shameless as to throw themselves at someone. Now Hendley was the first one standing on stage. The wedding march began playing. Hendley looked expectantly toward the end of the red carpet, but the person in the wedding dress still hadn’t appeared. The MC picked up the microphone. “Miss Billson welcomes everyone to this event. Please first watch a video.” Event? Hendley felt an inexplicable strangeness. Maybe it was just an unprofessional MC hired at the last minute. He shifted his gaze to the screen. After just one second, the world spun before his eyes.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “392427”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster