Category: English

Just before the 2024 Senior Year Finals, the Department of Education made an explosive announcement. —All high school seniors would get a ten-day break. My classmates cheered wildly, “We’ve been in school for 100 straight days, finally we’re free!” Mom stared at the news, her face blank. “Is a vacation bought with a life really worth it?” Yeah, is it? But Mom had already pushed me to my death. Right before the finals, Mom rallied all the parents to petition the school: absolutely no breaks before the exams. The parents argued, “The finals are around the corner! The kids need to be locked down in school, under strict control!” The school sided with the parents. For a hundred consecutive days before the finals, there were no breaks. Under immense pressure, students started falling ill. Mr. Harrison called an emergency class meeting. “Getting sick now is irresponsible to yourselves.” My stomach pain was unbearable. I secretly went off-campus to see a doctor, hiding it from both Mom and the school. But Mom found out. That night, during evening study hall, Mom burst into the classroom. She slapped me across the face. “You want to rest? Go on, jump off the building if you’re so tough! You can rest once you’re dead!” The words had barely left her lips when I pulled open the window and leaped from the fourth floor. As my consciousness faded, I heard Mom ask Mr. Harrison, “These injuries, they won’t delay her third mock exam review, will they?”

By the time I was being lifted onto the operating table, I had already stopped breathing. The doctors in the ER were performing CPR, but my soul floated over to Mom’s side. Mom looked furious. “I just scolded her a little, was that really worth jumping? Finals are in just a few days, I’m so worried!” Mr. Harrison tried to console her. “Lily is a very diligent student. As parents, you shouldn’t push your child too hard.” Mom’s voice rose. “Diligent? She bails at the first sign of a little illness. Kids these days are too pampered!” My soul hovered nearby, tears streaming down. Mom was an Ivy League graduate who’d come from humble beginnings to make it big in the city, truly climbing the social ladder. In her mind, scores were everything. If you didn’t study until you dropped, you weren’t studying hard enough. So, from a young age, I was cooped up in my room, doing endless math problems while other kids were out playing. I remember in fifth grade, I got my first period. The abdominal pain was unbearable. Mom only ever focused on my studies and had never taught me anything about it. I called Mom, but before I could even speak, her scolding voice blasted through the phone. “Lily, why was your weekly test score so low last week? So, if I don’t supervise you, you just won’t study, huh?” To punish my declining grades, Mom turned on the monitoring camera and made me go to the hallway to recite my lessons. It was freezing, around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and I stood shivering in the chilly hallway in just my thin pajamas. Mom’s voice came through the monitor: “Don’t even think about slacking off. You kids don’t know what real resilience is, not like our generation!” That night, I recited books in the dim hallway, and fresh blood stained my entire pants. From then on, every time I had my period, the abdominal pain was excruciating, and even medication didn’t help. The doctor said it was a childhood illness, hard to cure. But Mom just brushed it off. “You can’t even handle this little bit of discomfort? How are you ever going to get into college?” I clutched my aching abdomen, my head bowed low. Back to the present. Mom was still complaining endlessly to Mr. Harrison. “Lily’s math is weak, so please, Mr. Harrison, give her more attention, more homework. Don’t worry about tiring her out!” “When she becomes a public servant later, I’ll make sure she brings gifts to visit you.” Hearing the words “public servant” made my heart ache. Mom had no idea that because of her, I had long lost the qualification to pursue a public service career. In ninth grade, my deskmate, Chloe, invited me to her birthday party at a karaoke bar. Under Mom’s strict control, I had never watched a movie, played a video game, or even had dinner with friends. Thinking my last mock exam score was decent, I mustered up the courage and accepted Chloe’s invitation. Just as I was happily holding the cake, celebrating with Chloe, Mom burst in. The music screeched to a halt. My classmates exchanged bewildered glances, staring at the furious stranger. Mom, in front of everyone, slapped me more than ten times. Mom’s hysterical shouts filled my ears: “Lily, how could you be so depraved? Now you dare sneak out to play behind my back?” “What kind of place is this? What are you doing hanging out with these losers?! Shameless!” The air fell silent, only Mom’s ragged breathing could be heard. I stood there, embarrassed, wishing I could disappear into the floor. Mom glared at me. “What are you standing there for, dumbass? Get over here, by Mom’s side! First year of high school is crucial for building a foundation. Hanging out with these losers will ruin you, eventually!” Chloe, my deskmate, was upset Mom had ruined her birthday. “Auntie, what do you mean by that? What do you mean ‘losers’? How did we, who aren’t great at studying, ever bother you?” Mom was already fuming, and Chloe’s words were like lighting a fuse. Mom lunged at Chloe, and they started tearing at each other. “Mom, stop fighting!” As I stepped in to break them up, Mom’s swinging elbow hit me squarely in the eye. My vision instantly turned crimson. Seeing the situation spiral out of control, the other students called the police. Mom was detained for half a month for disturbing the peace. The corner of my right eye was ruptured, and my vision decreased. There were vision requirements for joining the police force, and my lifelong dream of becoming an officer was utterly shattered. The day I picked Mom up from the detention center, she said nonchalantly, “If you can’t be a cop, you can go for a government job. It’s the same, working for the government, it’s just as respectable.” I forced a bitter smile. Government jobs required thorough background checks, and Mom’s arrest record had already ruined my future. 2 The doctor placed the defibrillator on my chest, trying to restart my heart. Meanwhile, Dad rushed to the hospital. Seeing the ER light on, Dad lowered his voice. “Eleanor, if you have something to say, say it behind closed doors. You making a scene at school was so embarrassing.” Mom’s eyes widened. “I carried her for nine months and gave birth to her! What’s wrong with scolding her a bit? I gave her life!” Whenever I was disobedient, Mom would use that line to shut me down. In our living room sat a wicker basket, overflowing with broken wooden rulers. Each ruler was as thick as three fingers pressed together, and they stung fiercely when used. From elementary school to high school, whenever I “defied” Mom even slightly, those stinging rulers would come down on me: “I gave you life, so it’s only right for me to punish you!” Dad never stopped her. He’d hide in the bedroom when Mom was hitting me, only reappearing with ointment once she was done. “Lily, your mom had a hard time raising you. You mustn’t resent her; she’s only doing it for your own good.” Dad pulled up my sleeve and applied the ointment to my wounds. “Lily, respecting your parents is a sign of good upbringing. We not only need to study well but also be well-mannered children, right?” I bit my lip, saying nothing. Dad sighed. “You’re such a stubborn kid; you’ll be the death of yourself.” And now, the same judgment echoed. In front of the ER, Mom’s voice rose. “Lily’s such a stubborn kid. If it weren’t for my discipline, she would have long been addicted to entertainment and ruined her future!” Mom’s last words triggered a memory. In eleventh grade, Mom decided I was addicted to entertainment. Teenage girls’ celebrity obsessions were a huge threat in her eyes. When Mom found a few celebrity postcards in my backpack, the air pressure around me dropped several notches. “Your mock exam score dropped by one rank this time—is it because of this?” “What’s the point of obsessing over these celebrities all day? Do they even care about you? A plain Jane dreaming big!” Mom tore the postcards to shreds right in front of me. “So young and already messing up, doing these shameless things. Wouldn’t it be better to spend your time honoring your parents instead of chasing celebrities? You ungrateful child.” I watched those cards, which held so much hope and dreams, turn into scattered fragments, buried before my eyes. In a fit of pique, I didn’t eat for an entire day. At dinner, Mom knocked on my door for a long time. When she got no response, she grabbed a kitchen knife. The violent banging on the door echoed, and I cowered on my bed, trembling with fear. Mom was furious. “I raised you for so long, and now you dare lock the door? Are you trying to fly to the moon?!” Dad anxiously yelled from outside the door, “Quick, apologize to your mom! Apologize, and it’ll all be fine!” I was so cold with fear, not knowing how to react. The door burst open. Mom charged at me, raising the kitchen knife, its sharp blade mere inches from my face. “Lily, apologize now! Why are you so stubborn?!” I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling a warmth spread across my cheek. The sharp blade sliced my cheek. Seeing blood gush out, Mom suddenly froze. “Are you stupid? Why didn’t you dodge?” Warm blood flowed down my cheek to the corner of my mouth, salty and bitter. “See? You’re obsessed with celebrities, so obsessed you don’t even dodge a knife! These entertainment stars are truly harmful!” But Mom, I wasn’t trying not to dodge; I simply didn’t dare. Years of beatings had taught me that dodging only led to harsher punishment. After Mom left, Dad sighed, wiping my wound, still rambling on with his endless lectures. He said, “Your body was given to you by your parents; acting out like this and not eating is disrespectful to them.” He said, “Every family has its struggles, and sometimes things get messy. Kids argue with parents, it’s part of life, and children need to understand their parents’ hardships.” I quietly looked at Dad, swallowing all the words I wanted to say. From childhood, Mom was always the strong one, while Dad just tried to smooth things over. They had never truly listened to my heart. Actually, those celebrity postcards were a reward from my teacher for helping organize homework. My teacher told me she used to be a fan too and understood the meaning of an idol to a person. She said everyone should have their own hobbies, as long as they didn’t affect their studies. But Mom would never understand any of that.

My soul floated in mid-air, watching Dad comforting Mom in front of the ER. “Lily is a very sensible child; once she wakes up, I’ll make sure she apologizes to you.” Mom sighed. “I even quit my job for her studies. If she were really sensible, she wouldn’t have thrown a tantrum and jumped! Finals are in a few days; what if this delays her exams?!” My gaze darkened. I had fallen from the fourth floor, covered in blood and barely alive when the ambulance arrived. Yet, Mom’s mind was still on the finals, still on my studies. I once asked Mom what would happen if I didn’t get into college. Mom reacted as if I’d stepped on her tail, instantly snapping, “If you don’t get into college, your life is over!” “Your cousin got into Harvard this year. I’m not asking you to get into Harvard, but at least a top-tier university, right? Otherwise, I won’t be able to hold my head up in front of our relatives!” Originally, I wanted to tell Mom that I was drawing commissions online, earning my first real money. I wanted to tell her that I loved drawing and asked if I could have an hour a week to draw freely. But seeing Mom’s distorted face, I swallowed all my words. Late one night, I went to the bathroom and heard Mom and Dad arguing. “Lily’s art teacher called me, saying Lily loves drawing and since her grades are poor, she could try the art pathway.” “Her teacher is such an idiot, actually suggesting that because Lily’s struggling with academics, we should respect her hobbies—how utterly foolish and laughable!” “Lily is my child! I’m so smart, my child can’t possibly dislike studying!” Listening to Mom’s words, tears streamed down my face. Mom had never truly cared about what I liked. She simply imposed her own ideas on me. Mom loved spicy food, and even though I hated it, every meal had to be spicy, just the way Mom liked it. Mom was afraid of the cold, and even when I was sweltering in summer, the living room air conditioning was never allowed to be turned on. Mom had changed her destiny through studying when she was young, and even though I loved drawing, she had to stifle my natural talent. Mom had never respected my opinions. She treated me as an extension of herself, an object to carry her hopes. My thoughts were irrelevant. The next day, Mom dragged me out of bed. My art supplies spilled across the floor. And all the drawings I’d done were torn to shreds by Mom. A fierce impact rushed through me, and I felt a sweet, metallic taste in my throat. Overwhelmed by anger, I actually coughed up blood. As my consciousness faded, I heard Mom yell, “Lily, are you trying to kill me with anger?!” When I woke up again, I heard Mom talking to Dad. “I only said a few words to her, and she coughed up blood and fainted. Can you blame me for that?” “She’s so delicate now, what will she do in the future?!” Dad gave Mom a meaningful look. “Lower your voice, Lily’s awake.” Seeing me awake, Mom immediately started pounding her chest and stamping her feet. It seemed she wanted to make me feel guilty; she pounded her chest with a dull thud. “Oh, the misery! My child doesn’t listen, doesn’t study. What’s the point of me living?!” Dad played along. “Lily, look how much you’ve upset your mom!”

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For five years after we got married, Julian Hayes pushed me into compromising situations with his business partners over a hundred times. Every night I spent with those men, he’d bring his little trophy girlfriend home and party all night long. I endured it, over and over again, for the sake of the baby I was carrying. Then, his trophy girlfriend, Bella Stone, decided she wanted to see “the limits of human drinking.” Right after my prenatal appointment, he dragged me from the hospital to a private lounge and forced countless bottles of hard liquor down my throat. Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision, but Bella just pointed and laughed. “Look at her! Doesn’t she look like a pathetic clown?” Blood gushed out from beneath me, flowing down my thighs and onto the floor. Yet, Julian didn’t spare me a single glance. He looked at me with disgust, a sneer twisting his lips. “You’re filthy. Who knows where this filthy vagrant came from?” “Do you bleed like that on other people’s beds too? Hahahahaha, you’re right, she’s a clown.” I watched the blood pour from me, and there was no pity, no guilt in his eyes. Instead, he took his trophy girlfriend to the beach right after, celebrating their pet hamster’s 100-day adoption anniversary. He forgot. Today was my birthday. CHAPTER

I woke up three days later. I stared at the ceiling for a long time before making the call. After a long, drawn-out ring, he finally picked up, his voice still ragged with post-coital gasps. “Julian Hayes, let’s get a divorce.” A clearly impatient voice came from the other end. “Elara, what pathetic stunt are you pulling now?” “Can’t you just go a day without causing a scene? Are you *that* miserable?” My heart felt like it was drowning in bitter seawater, stinging my eyes. Julian never cared about my feelings, nor did he ever care about my health. “Julian Hayes, the baby’s gone.” “I’m stepping aside for your Bella.” Five years. I’d been tormented, body and soul, left bruised and broken. This relationship, which only I was fighting for, I couldn’t bear to continue. Julian clicked his tongue. I could tell he was forcing himself to be patient with me. “Stop being dramatic, Elara. I’ll have my secretary send you a blank check. Just fill in whatever amount you want.” “Julian Hayes, you still don’t understand.” “I want a divorce.” Julian’s patience with me usually lasted for only a sentence or two. I heard him explode into a furious shout. “Elara, don’t push your luck!” “You were always damaged goods, and for all I know, that kid in your belly wasn’t even mine!” “So what if it’s gone? You were so careless with yourself before, ruined your own body; that’s why you lose every baby you conceive!” “Are you trying to pin this on Bella now?!” I felt a moment of suffocating disbelief. I truly thought I had married for love, that I had the best husband in the world. I truly thought I would be happy for the rest of my life. But five years of memories, countless incidents, stung me. “Don’t even think about divorcing me. Even if you die, I’ll make sure your ashes never find peace!” Then he hung up. I slowly lowered my arm, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. This was Julian’s seventh child. Every miscarriage was caused by him, or by Bella Stone’s unreasonable demands. My doctor had warned me repeatedly during my sixth miscarriage. “If you have another miscarriage, your chances of getting pregnant again will be almost zero for the rest of your life.” I had told Julian more than once that we had to protect our seventh child. Just last month, when I brought him my prenatal report, I emphasized that we needed to be extra careful this time. But Julian was always impatient. “Don’t be so dramatic.” “Your pathetic attempts to get attention haven’t changed one bit.” He flung the prenatal report in my face, slammed the door, and stormed off to find Bella. Later, he still didn’t care and insisted on sending me as a “gift” to his business partners. I even held scissors to my neck, threatening my life, but it still didn’t earn me a shred of understanding or consideration from Julian. He had his bodyguards knock the scissors out of my hand and then slapped me viciously. “What’s with all the fuss?” “I think you just don’t want to.” “You’re nothing but a used plaything, so stop acting like some virtuous saint. Who are you putting on this show for?” My eyes bloodshot, I met his gaze. I couldn’t see any emotion in those eyes. They were cold, like he was looking at nothing more than an animal. Every memory connected to him seemed filled with the stench of blood and conflict. A crushing sense of helplessness wrapped around me, dragging me into an abyss, suffocating me bit by agonizing bit. My hands trembling, I booked a divorce appointment for a month later, screenshotted the confirmation, and sent it to Julian. The message was like a stone sinking into the ocean. Or perhaps, Julian saw it. But he probably just thought it was another one of my pathetic tantrums. But this time, I was truly giving up. CHAPTER

The next time I heard from Julian was one evening. “Come take care of Bella. She’s pregnant, and it’s my baby.” I stared at the words on my phone, my mind momentarily blank. Above it was the divorce screenshot I had sent him. I chose to ignore it, just as he had ignored mine. But not long after, the front door was violently kicked open. It was Julian’s bodyguards. They forcibly dragged me all the way to Julian and Bella Stone’s house. Every corner of the house was filled with the bubble-headed dolls Bella loved. Even the wallpaper was Julian’s least favorite pink, yet he’d personally put it up all over the house for Bella. I suddenly wondered, when was the last time Julian came back to *our* house? I couldn’t even remember. All I remembered was Julian coming home completely drunk every time, and without asking my consent, dragging me into the bedroom. It was less like an assault and more like an outlet for his frustration and anger. His tenderness was never for me. Or rather, the tenderness he now possessed, was no longer for me. Julian sat on the sofa, his leather shoes gleaming in the sunlight. He looked like a superior being, not even bothering to look me in the eye. “You’ve carried so many babies, you’re more experienced than any nanny.” “Bella’s daily care and diet will be your responsibility from now on.” Bella skipped out of the bedroom, and Julian immediately stood up to greet her. Bella jumped, and Julian caught her steadily. She clung to him like a sloth, her eyes filled with mockery and triumph as she looked at me, crumpled in the corner. “How are you still acting like a child even though you’re pregnant?” Julian held Bella, gently placed her on the sofa, then turned back to the bedroom to get her slippers, lovingly kissing her pale, tender foot. “Remember to wear your slippers, or you’ll catch a cold, and then I’ll have to take care of you.” Bella pulled Julian’s hand and swung it playfully. Their sweet display stung my eyes. I felt like a rat in a sewer, watching my husband and his mistress. “It’s okay, big sister will take care of me from now on.” As she spoke, Bella blinked innocently at me. She walked up, took my hand, and led me to Julian’s side. “So, big sister, I’ll leave me and the baby to you.” “Julian really loves this baby, so big sister, you can’t be as careless as you were with your own babies, okay?” Julian snorted, his gaze softening completely as he looked at Bella. “She’s not just careless, she’s utterly despicable. She ruined her own body, that’s why she loses every baby she conceives.” Bella pouted. “How can you say that about big sister? She didn’t mean to.” “Oh, by the way, big sister, how many babies have you carried?” CHAPTER

Seven. A bitter wave washed over me, choking me speechless. Julian, seeing my prolonged silence, coldly answered Bella’s question. “She probably can’t even keep track of how many there were.” I choked, struggling to look up at him, my voice raspy. “What about you, Julian Hayes? Do you remember how many I carried?” Julian fell silent for a moment, his face instantly turning ugly. “Hmph, you carried so many, I don’t even know how many were mine. How dare you ask me that?” Bella, sensing the tension, tugged on Julian’s arm, sweetly pouting for him to go back inside and get her a blanket. The moment Julian entered the bedroom, Bella turned to me. Her eyes were sharp, utterly different from the soft, gentle gaze she’d just given Julian. She leaned close to my ear and whispered, “It was seven, right?” She took half a step back, narrowing her eyes as she looked at me, her gaze slowly dropping to my lower abdomen. “Your first, third, fourth, and sixth babies were all miscarried because I deliberately tormented you.” “Julian knew all about it, but he didn’t care at all.” “He doesn’t even know how many babies you’ve actually carried.” “Believe me, Julian won’t care if this one in your belly lives or dies either.” Rage surged through my chest, consuming me. My eyes turned bloodshot, and my body trembled. “You deserve to die!” I clamped my hands around Bella’s throat, putting all my strength into it. Julian, emerging from the bedroom, witnessed the scene. He kicked my lower abdomen, then rushed to Bella, asking about her condition. My body, having just suffered a miscarriage, couldn’t withstand such a brutal impact. The agonizing pain in my lower abdomen nearly killed me. Warm blood seeped out from below, soaking my clothes. “Bella, are you okay?!” Once Bella recovered, she immediately threw herself into Julian’s arms, sobbing. “Big sister didn’t mean to. She just loves you too much and doesn’t want me to carry your baby…” Julian gently stroked Bella’s back, then gave a look to the bodyguards standing nearby. “Since she’s so jealous and so promiscuous, take her to the hospital and cut out her uterus.” “I will only have children with Bella.” “Perfect, you’ll be accompanying clients later anyway, and it saves me from having my cuckold’s horn grow too deep!” I vaguely heard those words. More than the physical pain, my very soul felt ripped apart, making it hard to breathe. As the bodyguards hoisted me up, fresh blood streamed down my legs and onto the floor. Julian looked at the crimson pool, not with pity, but with sheer disgust. “Where’s the maid? Quick, mop the floor. Her blood is filthy.” I forced myself to stand, leaning on the bodyguards, every word I spoke costing me immense effort. “Julian Hayes, you forgot about Arthur…” Julian seemed to be struck by a deep-seated collapse and darkness. He raised his eyes, filled with a brutal malice, and the air around him became chillingly oppressive. “Tell the doctors, no anesthesia. Cut the baby out of her stomach alive to appease Arthur.” I was carried directly to the hospital by the bodyguards, feeling as if all the blood in my body had drained away on the journey. I lay on the operating table, the blinding white light making it hard to keep my eyes open. I had no strength left to resist. Besides, with the bodyguards standing at the door, even if I had the energy to get off the table, I couldn’t escape. As alcohol swabbed my skin, a profound sorrow enveloped me. My mind replayed the five years I’d dedicated to Julian, like a frantic carousel. The operating room was eerily quiet. Tears silently streamed down my cheeks. A cold scalpel pressed against my lower abdomen. At that moment, I couldn’t even utter a sound for help. I thought I wouldn’t make it out of this operating room alive. Dying like this wouldn’t be so bad. Julian Hayes, if there’s a next life, I won’t choose you again.

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Before Jackson’s grandmother passed away, she left one last wish: that Jackson would marry me. So, even when he fell for Chloe, the woman he’d always considered his true love, Jackson still insisted on marrying me. That was, until Chloe deliberately ran over the puppy I’d raised since I was little. Jackson, once again, chose to protect Chloe. This time, I didn’t argue or yell. I simply contacted Professor Davies at a highly classified desert research facility, ready to become a research scientist there. Before I left, I gave myself seven days to tie up loose ends. Day one, I took off the engagement ring that symbolized “forever.” Day three, I handed in my resignation at work. On the day I left, Jackson suddenly remembered the puppy. He actually offered to buy me a new one the next day. Then, he added, “Chloe’s going to the company’s charity gala. Make sure her gown is ready for her.” I smiled and agreed, then vanished from his world forever. Later, every time he heard news about me, Jackson would stare blankly at our engagement ring. It was the love he couldn’t get back, and the puppy he couldn’t give…

I looked at the non-disclosure agreement in my hand and signed my name without hesitation. “Professor, I’m ready to join the rocket development program.” Professor Davies looked at me with a hint of regret. “You know this mission is top-secret. Once you join, you’ll be off-grid for ten years. No one will be able to find you.” “Aren’t you getting married? You should at least discuss it with your fiancé.” Thinking of Jackson’s cold, unyielding face, I gave a bitter laugh and shook my head. “No need.” Professor Davies was silent for a moment, then spoke. “Alright, go prepare yourself. You leave in seven days.” It was raining when I left Professor Davies’s office. I walked home, soaked to the bone. As expected, Jackson still wasn’t back. Chloe had taken my puppy, Lucky, the one I’d raised since childhood, and then he was run over. My arguments with Jackson got nowhere, and he even blamed me. He hadn’t been home in three days since. I took off the ring on my finger and tossed it into a drawer. It was the “forever” ring Jackson had made for me himself, symbolizing our lifelong love, meant to be worn even in the grave. I used to believe, so naively, that we’d grow old together. But everything changed the moment Chloe returned to the country. Jackson stopped remembering my birthday. He stopped caring about my joys or sorrows. I became practically invisible in our own home. I was about to take off my soaking wet clothes when the front door chimed. I opened it, and Chloe stood there, her eyes full of mockery. She kicked something on the ground with disdain. “This stupid animal was disobedient and got hit by a car. It’s dead.” My eyes widened in disbelief as I looked at what lay by Chloe’s feet. Lucky’s tiny body was there, matted with mud and blood. My heart clenched, and tears immediately blurred my vision. Seeing my reaction, Chloe’s mockery intensified. She shrugged dismissively. “It’s just a dog. Do you really have to cry like your mom died?” I couldn’t hold back anymore. I lunged forward and shoved Chloe hard. She shrieked, stumbling backward directly into Jackson’s arms. He’d rushed over, hearing the commotion. Instantly, tears streamed down her face. “Jackson, the dog ran out on its own and got hit. Why are you blaming me?” Before I could say a word, her sobs grew even louder. “I’m so sorry, Vicky… I didn’t mean for this to happen…” I stroked Lucky’s lifeless body, my chest aching so badly I could barely breathe. I couldn’t help but yell at her, “What good is ‘sorry’ now?!” She immediately looked incredibly wronged. “Jackson, I was just trying to be kind, bringing the dog’s body here for her. How could she say such things to me…?” Jackson’s expression grew even more annoyed as he looked at me. “It’s just an animal. It’s dead, so what? What’s the big deal?” “My grandma gave you so much money! You could buy tons of new dogs with that!” With Jackson defending her, Chloe cried even harder, soaking a large patch of his shirt. Perhaps feeling it wasn’t enough, he continued, “Victoria, when did you become so petty and unreasonable? What happened to you?” An animal? I looked at him, my heart aching to the point where I could barely breathe. He knew how important Lucky was to me. It was the only gift my mom left me before she died. He used to sit by my mom’s bedside, promising repeatedly that he’d take care of both me and Lucky. But now, for Chloe, he called my dog an “animal.” It was clear Jackson’s heart had completely turned. I was tired, too tired to argue anymore. Thinking of my decision to leave soon, a sense of calm washed over me. Jackson patted Chloe’s back, glaring fiercely at me. “Are you happy now?!” Then, he gently patted Chloe’s head, his voice filled with affection. “It’s raining outside. Want me to take you home?” Chloe sniffled, tucked into his arm. From an angle he couldn’t see, she smirked at me, a taunting curl of her lips. Watching him hurry away with her, a bitter laugh escaped me. Turns out, the Jackson who’d fallen for me at first sight and pursued me so passionately didn’t actually love me. I was just a distraction for his lonely moments. Chloe was his true love, the one who truly held his heart. Now that his real love was back, of course, I, the stand-in, should just step aside. But none of it mattered anymore. I put the ring and the unsigned pre-nuptial agreement into the drawer. Jackson would never guess that the agreement his grandmother had forced him to sign, giving me half of his assets, was never notarized. I hadn’t even signed it. Chapter

After I had Lucky cremated, I buried him next to my mom’s tombstone. Early on the third day, Professor Davies sent me the exact departure time. I replied with an ‘okay’ and then walked into the HR office. I officially submitted my resignation. They must have always had it out for me, because the entire process was incredibly smooth. As soon as I closed the HR office door, I heard them gathered inside, gossiping. “Just like that, she quit. Must be nice to be the CEO’s wife. I heard Mr. Jackson’s grandma left her half his fortune before she died!” “CEO’s wife? They’re not even close to being married. I bet she quit because Mr. Jackson gave her project to Miss Chloe.” “But wasn’t that *her* project? It’s almost finished! Giving it to Miss Chloe now is just letting her take all the credit!” “So what? Miss Chloe is Mr. Jackson’s sweetheart!” It wasn’t surprising they thought that. As soon as Chloe returned, Jackson gave her a General Manager position. Even though Chloe knew nothing, Jackson would personally hand her projects. He even made me work overtime to revise Chloe’s proposals and attend dinners with Chloe’s clients, drinking until I ended up hospitalized with a bleeding stomach. Yet, he would only say it was something I owed Chloe. Listening to the mocking whispers that occasionally drifted out, my heart was utterly calm. Nothing stirred within me. I just hoped the remaining days would pass quickly. All the paperwork was done. It was time to go home and pack my things. I carried my belongings back to the house, only to see Jackson and Chloe laughing and chatting over breakfast in the dining room. Watching them feed each other bites, my hands trembled uncontrollably. Once, I accidentally used Jackson’s water glass. That very day, he hired a dozen housekeepers to disinfect the entire house, and warned me not to have any physical contact with him. It turned out Jackson wasn’t a germaphobe. He just didn’t want to be intimate with me. Seeing me return, Chloe deliberately tugged on Jackson’s finger, feigning innocence. “Jackson, you gave Vicky’s position to me. Will she be upset?” Jackson scoffed. “I’m the CEO of this company. Does she really need to approve my decisions?” “But Vicky hasn’t been home for days now.” “She’s waiting for me to go coax her. Just ignore her.” Hearing that, Chloe’s eyes gleamed with triumphant satisfaction. She leaned into Jackson’s embrace, pouting as she wrapped her arms around his neck. I said nothing, turning to walk upstairs. Jackson finally noticed me. A flicker of guilt crossed his face, then he angrily threw his knife and fork onto his plate, barking orders at me. “Stop right there!” I kept walking. He rushed over in a few strides and grabbed my arm. “Victoria, what’s your problem? Do you even remember you have a home?” He reached for the box in my arms, but I sidestepped him. “No need. You’re busy!” Jackson’s impatience flared. He was about to speak when Chloe called out to him. “Jackson, I want another fried egg. Can you make it for me?” “Of course.” Jackson immediately turned and walked toward the kitchen. I started to move, wanting to go back to my room, but Chloe blocked my way. “What do you want?” Chloe glanced towards the kitchen. The sweetness vanished from her face, replaced by pure jealousy and malice. “Victoria! You heard it all, didn’t you? Jackson only cares about me. If his old hag of a grandma hadn’t forced him, he never would have married you.” “I heard his grandma left you half his fortune? Don’t be shameless and think that money is yours!” “I advise you to be smart about this. Hand over the property agreement. After all, one word from me, and he’ll kick you to the curb.” She paused, looking at me, then pretended to cover her mouth and laughed. “Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot. Your family’s all dead. You’re like an unwanted stray dog now.” “No wonder you’re sticking to Jackson like glue.” Her tone was contemptuous, her eyes and lips full of amusement. No matter how she insulted me, I wouldn’t care. But she shouldn’t have mocked my family. My blood ran cold instantly. I couldn’t help but snap at her, “Chloe! Say one more word, and I’ll rip your mouth off!” “Victoria! What are you doing?!” Jackson overheard me. He must have feared I’d hurt Chloe, because he immediately barked at me to stop. I froze. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Chloe raise an eyebrow, then exert pressure on my hand. The next second, I was falling backward. My vision spun, and before I knew it, I was tumbling down the stairs, every inch of my body screaming in pain. “Victoria!” Jackson dropped what he was holding and ran over in two steps, trying to help me up. Chloe leaned into Jackson, her eyes glistening with tears. “Jackson, I didn’t mean to… “It’s all my fault, Vicky. I’m so clumsy. I’ve caused trouble again. What should I do…?” Her panic was perfectly timed. Jackson couldn’t bring himself to blame her. He frowned, looking at me. “Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital? Chloe didn’t do it on purpose, don’t blame her.” I shook my head, turning my face away bitterly. I saw my scattered belongings. My resignation letter and the classified documents were clearly visible on top. Chapter

Afraid he’d discover them, I ignored the pain in my body and frantically tried to gather my things. “Let me help.” Jackson knelt down, frowning as he picked up the resignation letter. I stared at the classified documents underneath, holding my breath, terrified he’d notice. Luckily, Jackson’s attention was entirely on the resignation letter. I quickly buried the documents among my other belongings. “You quit?” Jackson’s tone was surprised. “Yeah.” I crammed everything into the box. He looked displeased. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner? I asked you to hand over the project before, and you kept refusing. What changed your mind now?” Perhaps my face looked too bad, because he hesitated, then softened his tone for a rare moment. “It’s fine if you quit. It saves me the trouble anyway. Grandma gave you so much money, you should be content.” “You can just relax and be my wife from now on. Stop competing with Chloe. “She’s kind-hearted, she doesn’t understand your manipulative games.” I bit my lip, forcing back tears, my heart feeling as if countless needles were pricking it. I struggled to get up, wincing from the pain. He reached out to steady me. “Victoria, can you explain the project to Chloe, so those investors don’t give her a hard time?” “She’s not as good at charming people as you are, to the point of getting half the assets.” Not wanting to waste any more time dealing with them, I nodded at Jackson. “Okay.” Jackson seemed very pleased with my obedience. He even offered a rare smile. “That’s better. I haven’t had time to be with you lately, and you’ve been wronged. Once Chloe fully takes over your work, I’ll make it up to you.” “After Grandma’s mourning period is over, we’ll get married. That way, she can rest easy.” I bit my lip so hard it hurt, my heart throbbing with a dull ache. That day would never come. Over the next few days, I quietly packed my bags, wrote out the project proposal for Chloe, and found time to visit Jackson’s grandmother’s grave. I told her my decision. She had loved me dearly when she was alive, and I knew she wouldn’t want to see me suffer Jackson’s abuse like this. On the last day, Jackson didn’t go to work. I felt a little anxious, trying to come up with a reason to leave smoothly. Unexpectedly, Jackson pulled out the old telescope that hadn’t been used in ages. “Chloe wants to go stargazing, so I’m taking her camping today.” “Okay.” I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This was perfect. If I left early, I could avoid running into him. He then added, “There’s also a charity gala tonight. Get Chloe’s gown ready for her.” I thought about it. By that time, I would already be on my way to the desert research facility. Chloe walked over, linked her arm through Jackson’s, and whined with feigned vulnerability. “How could Vicky prepare my gown? Last time, the project proposal she gave me was all wrong, and it caused me so much trouble with the investors.” “Jackson, I can wear anything. I don’t want…” She even shed two theatrical tears. Jackson’s brows furrowed, and he glared at me. “Victoria, if you don’t want to do something, you can just say so! How can you do something like this?! You’ve truly disappointed me!” I was about to leave anyway, and I didn’t want any more conflict with them. I calmly apologized to Chloe. “I’m sorry. My mistake. It won’t happen again.” Then I looked at Jackson. “Don’t worry, I’ll prepare the gown properly.” A flicker of shame crossed Jackson’s face. He hesitated for a long moment before slowly speaking. “Victoria, tomorrow, I’ll take you to buy a new puppy, I promise it’ll be just like the old one.” Before Professor Davies’s car came to pick me up, I ironed Chloe’s gown and delivered it to her. Then, I placed the ring, the one symbolizing “forever,” and the pre-nuptial agreement on the table. I walked downstairs with my luggage. Professor Davies looked at my blank expression and sighed, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. “Since you’ve decided to go, work hard there and strive for results as soon as possible!” “I will!” I got into the car, watching Jackson’s mansion grow smaller and smaller, gradually disappearing from view. In the early hours of the morning, Jackson returned home with a slightly tipsy Chloe. The house was quiet, the lights off. Jackson subconsciously felt annoyed. After all, no matter how late it was, I used to always wait for him on the sofa. “Victoria! Come out and make some hangover soup!” But the empty house offered no reply, only silence. Jackson impatiently switched on the lights, only to suddenly see the documents and the ring on the table. He roared, “Victoria! Who gave you permission to take off the ring?!” Chapter But the empty house offered no reply, only silence. Jackson stood in the center of the living room, unaware that his own heart was trembling.

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In The Onyx Club, the most notorious venue in Veridian City, my younger sister lay sprawled on the central stage, disheveled, like a discarded toy. Below the stage, men clutched blood-stained sheets, arguing fiercely. “It was me last night! I was the one who took her virginity!” “Bullshit! I was clearly the first one in!” “Get lost! It was definitely me!” Lily’s face was ashen, like fragile paper, her eyes fixed in disbelief on her fiancé, Julian Thorne, who sat at the VIP table. “Julian, I’m your fiancée! How could you do this to me?” Julian leaned in and kissed the lips of the delicate woman in his arms, his gaze turning chillingly cold as he looked at Lily. “A woman who couldn’t even keep track of who she slept with last night actually has the nerve to question me?” The woman in his arms giggled, but her eyes held nothing but contempt as she looked at Lily. I sat in a secluded booth, my gaze as sharp and cold as a blade. Just three years since I was last in this city, and someone dared to scheme against the Hayes family?

My chief assistant, Marcus, wiped the cold sweat from his brow, his face a picture of deference. “Madam, I’ll call The Onyx Club’s owner right away and have him give you an explanation.” I let out a cold laugh. “No need. Have our people cordon off this entire club. Not a single soul leaves this place!” Marcus bowed, accepting my order, and retreated. Dare to touch my sister? Then you won’t leave here alive! Lily’s pale face was streaked with tears. “Last night, it was just you and me! How could other men be in the room?” Tiffany Vance snuggled closer into Julian Thorne’s embrace, covering her mouth as she giggled. “Oh, Lily, you’re such a joker. Julian was with me all of last night. How could he have been with you? Looks like you needed a thrill for your first time, Julian alone wasn’t enough, so you invited a whole party, huh?” Lily froze, muttering, “No way… The room key was given to me by Julian himself. We even had a candlelight dinner last night…” Mid-sentence, Lily suddenly looked up, staring intently at Julian, trembling with rage. “It was you? You drugged me, then you called them…” Julian merely raised an eyebrow, ignoring her. Then, a short video clip flashed on the large screen – Lily lying on a bed, barely clothed! Julian Thorne smirked, pulling a USB drive from his pocket and tossing it onto the table. “Alright, alright! For those who bet correctly on who took Lily’s virginity last night, you’ll also get a full video of the entire night!” All the men in the club instantly stared at the screen like hungry wolves, their eyes gleaming with lechery. “Even just this short clip is incredible! I can’t imagine how amazing the full video must be!” “High-class girls are just different. Her screams sound better than any other woman’s!” I watched the video on the big screen, shaking with fury. When Julian Thorne and my sister got engaged, the Thorne family was nothing compared to the Hayes. If Lily hadn’t liked him, my parents would never have agreed. But now, where did Julian Thorne get the audacity to treat my sister like this? I grimaced and sent a message to Marcus, instructing him to investigate everything. At that moment, the men in the club pulled out stacks of bills, slamming them onto the tables, yelling like rabid dogs as they placed their bets. Lily huddled in the corner, her eyes numbly watching it all. “Everyone placed their bets?” Julian Thorne leaned lazily on the sofa, stifling a yawn. “We have, but how are we going to figure out who took Ms. Hayes’ virginity last night?” Manager Davies, who had just finished tallying the bets on stage, asked with a confused frown. Julian Thorne chuckled. “How long ago was last night? There must still be traces inside her. We just need a doctor to check, right?” With that, he clapped his hands. “Bring them in!” A few medics in white coats approached the stage, immediately seizing Lily and moving to strip off her pants. The men in the club craned their necks, eagerly anticipating the depraved show. Terrified, Lily snatched a pair of forceps from one of the medics’ hands, pointing them and screaming, “Don’t come closer! Do you know who I am?! Dare to touch me, and you’ll all be dead today!” Lily looked serious, but to everyone else, it was just a pathetic struggle. Tiffany Vance led the laughter. “Oh, you still think you’re the high-and-mighty heiress of the Hayes family?” Tiffany stepped forward, pinching Lily’s face. Her slender nails dug into Lily’s delicate skin, causing faint streaks of blood to appear. “Your Hayes family’s power is long gone! Besides, this club is my brother, Victor Sterling’s territory. Here, you’re nothing.” Victor Sterling? Victor Sterling was my father’s trusted subordinate. If this club was truly his, would he dare to let my sister be humiliated here? And when did my Hayes family ever decline? Julian Thorne wrapped his arm around Tiffany Vance’s waist, soothing her gently. “Why argue with her about this? The priority is to find out who got to her first last night.” Then, he looked at the medics, his eyes sharp. “What are you waiting for? Get to it!” The medics pressed Lily onto the stage again, pulling down her outer pants. Just as they were about to pull down her underwear, the manager suddenly gasped in alarm. “Wait!”

Everyone froze, and the medics stopped their actions. Manager Davies quickly stepped forward, his hands trembling as he picked up a black card that had fallen from Lily’s pocket. Cold sweat immediately beaded on his forehead. “Is this… a Centurion Black Card?!” At his words, the entire club erupted in a clamor. “What? A Centurion Black Card?” “Only a handful of people in the country own this card! I heard she’s incredibly powerful and mysterious, capable of ruining a family with a snap of her fingers. How did it end up in Lily Hayes’ hands?!” Julian Thorne’s pupils contracted slightly as he stared at the black card, his face instantly darkening. Manager Davies, his forehead glistening with cold sweat, hurriedly dialed the club’s top floor. “Mr. Sterling, I have a guest here with a Centurion Black Card. I request your presence.” Not long after, a woman descended from the top floor. I recognized her – Jessica, Victor Sterling’s secretary. “Mr. Sterling is held up with some matters, so he sent me down to greet this esteemed guest.” Jessica wore a polite smile. She was about to take the black card from Manager Davies when Tiffany Vance interrupted her. “If I’d known this card was so important, I would have pulled mine out earlier.” Tiffany Vance pulled a black card from her bag, holding it between two fingers and waving it in front of Jessica. The moment everyone saw the black card in Tiffany Vance’s hand, they were shocked. Tiffany Vance also held a Centurion Black Card! “I’m the Centurion Black Card holder! How could she possibly have one? It’s probably a fake!” Tiffany Vance looked at Lily with disdain. Jessica stepped forward and took Tiffany Vance’s card. After examining it for a moment, her eyes held a hint of fawning as she looked at Tiffany Vance. “Ms. Vance’s black card is real!” Then, she looked at Lily, her eyes full of contempt. “Ms. Hayes, not just anyone can have a black card. You shouldn’t try to pass off a fake one, even if you’re trying to show off.” Lily shook her head, her voice frantic. “Impossible! This card was given to me by my sister; it can’t be fake!” “My sister is Seraphina Hayes!” Tiffany Vance scoffed. “Seraphina Hayes? Which prominent figure in this city don’t I know? I’ve never heard that name before.” Jessica crossed her arms, standing aside as if enjoying the show. “Since Ms. Vance is this club’s most esteemed guest, Ms. Hayes’ matter has nothing to do with Mr. Sterling. You may continue.” The quiet crowd instantly erupted into a roar again. “Hurry up and check! I bet millions!” “I’m adding another half a million! It’s definitely me!” The medics surrounded Lily again, their hands reaching for the last line of defense protecting her privacy. Marcus hadn’t returned yet, and I couldn’t wait any longer. “Stop right there!” I furiously stood up from the booth, striding quickly to Lily’s side. Taking advantage of the medics’ momentary愣神 hesitation, I pulled Lily off the stage and helped her put her clothes back on. Tiffany Vance stared at me in shock, her eyes full of fury. “Who are you?! Do you know the consequences of causing trouble on Mr. Sterling’s turf?!” I shielded Lily behind me, my lips parting coldly. “Seraphina Hayes, the eldest daughter of the Hayes family.”

When I finished speaking, the crowd erupted in laughter, as if they had heard the funniest joke. “Seraphina Hayes? Don’t make us laugh. That’s a legend in this city, a figure with immense power. But there’s been no news of her for years. We heard she died overseas. You’re not saying *you’re* her, are you?” “Well, now that you mention it, Seraphina has the same surname as the Hayes. Could she really be from the Hayes family?” “No way, the Hayes only have one daughter!” Tiffany Vance also covered her mouth, giggling. “Lily, where did you find this impostor? Her acting is terrible, daring to impersonate Seraphina Hayes.” I looked at her as if she were a dead woman walking. The Hayes family had indeed only publicly acknowledged Lily as a daughter. As the designated heir of the Hayes family, I was secretly trained from a young age for my safety, so very few people knew my true identity. “Lily, haven’t you caused enough embarrassment? Make this impostor get out!” Julian Thorne frowned, looking at my sister and me as if we were disgusting vermin. Lily clutched my sleeve tightly, her eyes filled with worry. I reassuringly patted Lily’s hand, my eyes turning sharp as I looked at Julian Thorne. “You’re not fit to speak to me! Where’s Victor Sterling? Tell him to get down here!” Tiffany Vance scrutinized me from head to toe, then sneered. “You’ve got some nerve acting so powerful. Too bad, if the real Ms. Hayes had returned, it would have rocked the entire city’s elite. How could there be no word of it?” My fury intensified. “I said, you have no right to speak to me. Get Victor Sterling down here, now!” Tiffany Vance rolled her eyes dismissively. “Mr. Sterling isn’t someone you can just summon! Since you’re talking such a big game, don’t blame me for teaching this impostor a lesson!” With that, she looked at the various men in the club. “Grab her too and teach her a good lesson! If I’m satisfied, there’ll be a generous reward!” “Don’t worry, Ms. Vance, we’ll make sure she knows what a man can do!” “Since she claims to be Lily’s sister, let’s make her experience what Lily went through last night!” The men in the club, their faces filled with greed, swarmed forward, vying for first dibs. “Who gave you the guts to touch me?!” My eyes were icy. The hidden blade in my sleeve slashed a deep gash across the lead man’s face. “Ah!” The man I had cut screamed, clutching his face, then roared, “Everyone, get her! Kill this filthy bitch!” Ten men rushed forward at once. One man seized the opportunity, his face contorted in a sneer as he grabbed my neck. “You bitch! How dare you hurt me? I’ll make you pay for that now!” The surrounding crowd pressed in, some even pulling out their phones to record. Lily lunged forward, trying to shield me, but Tiffany Vance yanked her hair. “Still playing devoted sisters with this impostor? Once I’m done with her, you won’t escape either!” Lily’s eyes welled with tears. She tugged at Tiffany Vance’s skirt, pleading in a low voice, “Don’t touch my sister! Let her go, and I’ll let you examine me!” Tiffany Vance kicked Lily to the ground, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “We want to examine you, and we want to deal with this impostor too! Unless…” Tiffany Vance smiled maliciously. “Unless you grovel on your knees for me, until I’m satisfied. Then maybe I’ll consider letting your fake sister go.” Lily turned her head, looking at Julian Thorne, who remained cold and observant. She gritted her teeth and yelled, “My sister is the powerful figure you’re talking about! If you hurt her…” Julian Thorne merely sneered, “Why all the useless talk? Hurry up and kneel! If you don’t, they’ll just deal with your sister right here!” Tiffany Vance looked down at Lily, as if she were an ant. Lily let out a bitter laugh. “Alright, I’ll kneel!” She dropped to her knees, bowing her head to Tiffany Vance, over and over. “Please, let my sister go…” Even as her forehead swelled and began to bleed, Tiffany Vance didn’t tell her to stop. My heart ached. I wanted to stand up and stop it all, but my hands and feet were restrained, unable to move. Every time Lily bowed, it felt like a needle piercing my heart. Lily had grown up under my endless doting. When had she ever suffered such humiliation? Marcus should have been back by now. Why was he taking so long? Tiffany Vance yawned idly. “Alright, alright, stop kneeling.” Lily’s pale face showed a flicker of joy. “So you agree to let my sister go?” Tiffany Vance scoffed, as if mocking Lily’s naivete. “I only said I’d *consider* letting your fake sister go. But now I’ve considered it clearly. Her? I’m not letting her go!” “You!” Lily instantly turned into a furious small beast, trying to lunge at Tiffany Vance, but Julian Thorne kicked her away. “Try touching my sister one more time!” My heart twisted with a sharp pain, and I roared. Tiffany Vance walked closer, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes as she looked at my face. She violently grabbed my neck. “Oh, I’ll touch you first, then!” “No! If you hurt my sister, when Victor Sterling gets here, he won’t let you off!” Lily cried out frantically. Tiffany Vance sneered. “You still think your Hayes family is what it used to be? What right do you have to threaten me?!” Tiffany Vance picked up the small knife I had dropped on the ground, pressing it viciously against my throat. Just as she was about to press down with force, the private elevator door to the top floor suddenly opened. Victor Sterling slowly stepped out of the elevator, followed by a group of men in black. The moment he saw Tiffany Vance holding the knife to my throat, with blood already seeping out, his face darkened to an extreme!

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I didn’t refuse when my husband proposed an unusual arrangement for our marriage. He wanted to split everything 50/50, from living expenses to having children. He even insisted I give birth to quadruplets – two boys and two girls. I agreed to his unreasonable demands for one simple reason: I’m a seahorse humanoid. Not only can I get pregnant, but I can also make men pregnant. The day before we got our marriage license, my boyfriend Ryan suddenly handed me a contract. “Let’s split everything 50/50 after we get married,” he said. “We’ll each pay half for the house, car, and daily expenses. We’ll even alternate days for housework.” “We’ll split all living costs, including raising kids. I won’t buy an engagement ring, and you don’t need to bring any dowry. We’ll just get the license, no ceremony.” I took the paper and skimmed it. It detailed the 50/50 arrangement, from major purchases like a house down to toothpaste. Even for having children, it clearly stated we should have four – preferably two boys and two girls, each of us raising two. This way, it would be fair for both of us. I frowned slightly at the paper, but before I could speak, Ryan continued: “Samantha, this is for your own good. Your family is well-off, but I’m an orphan. I don’t want people to think I’m with you for your family’s money.” “When couples keep finances clear, life goes more smoothly.” Ryan looked sincere, as if this decision was unavoidable. “I’m not disagreeing, but isn’t having four children at once a bit difficult?” I asked. Hearing my partial agreement, Ryan smiled. “I’ve already looked into it. With fertility drugs, multiple pregnancies are possible. If we don’t get four, we can try again. If we get more than four, we can reduce the number.” He talked about terminating pregnancies as casually as buying groceries. I was still concerned. “But carrying so many babies is really hard on the body. This 50/50 split doesn’t seem fair at all.” “Samantha, that’s not right. Don’t all women have children? Even without me, you’d be having kids for someone else,” Ryan argued. “I’m already being generous by proposing to split things. Many men expect the woman to have all the children and pay all the expenses, even for raising kids.” His face was flushed, as if I was getting some great deal. I made a troubled face. Seeing that being forceful wasn’t working, Ryan switched to an emotional appeal. He took my hand tenderly. “Samantha, don’t worry, I absolutely won’t let you suffer. Once you’re pregnant, I’ll take great care of you.” “You know how much I love you. If I could carry the babies myself, I definitely wouldn’t let you go through this.” Hearing this, I suddenly looked up. “What if you could get pregnant? Would you be willing to carry half the babies?” Ryan was stunned for a few seconds, then laughed. “If I could get pregnant, of course you’d carry two and I’d carry two.” I nodded. “Okay, then add that to the contract. For however many children I carry, you have to carry the same number.” Ryan thought I was just being childish, but he actually added it to the end of the contract. We signed two copies. After signing, I suddenly became cheerful. “Ryan, we agreed, okay? When the time comes, we’ll each carry our own babies. No one can terminate the pregnancies.” Ryan clapped and laughed loudly. “Samantha, you’re so cute. I’m a man, how could men possibly get pregnant?” How could they not? We male seahorse humanoids get pregnant. As times have changed, we’ve evolved. Now we can not only make men pregnant, but also get pregnant ourselves. So I thought Ryan was a genius for coming up with the idea to each carry half the babies. My parents originally didn’t like me marrying a human, thinking we wouldn’t have enough children with a human. But this was great – now we could have even more kids.

As agreed, we only got the marriage license without a ceremony. So the next day after getting licensed, Ryan helped me move all my things into our new house. The first thing Ryan did after we moved in was give me two small pills. “What are these?” I asked. “They’re fertility drugs. Baby, didn’t you forget we’re aiming for quadruplets?” I hadn’t forgotten, I just didn’t think Ryan would be in such a rush. I hesitated, “Isn’t it too much pressure to have kids right away?” After all, Ryan and I had just gotten married. We’d bought the car and house in cash, using up all my savings. Moreover, he wanted multiple babies, which would be extra taxing on the body. We seahorse humanoids get pregnant easily. Four babies in one pregnancy is no problem – we could even handle ten. But for humans, carrying so many would likely cause issues. Ryan patted his chest reassuringly. “It’s no problem, Samantha. It’s better to have kids early. If you wait until you’re older, it’ll be harder to recover after giving birth.” “But we can’t take care of them now – we both have to work. Who would watch the babies?” I pointed out. Ryan was an orphan; his parents had passed away when he was 18. According to him, we’d each take care of two children. He had no parents to help, so it would be hard to even rest after giving birth. I was about to try persuading him to reconsider. Ryan’s face darkened. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you? We’ll have to face these issues sooner or later. If you can’t solve them now, how will you solve them in the future?” Faced with his aggressive tone, I narrowed my eyes and agreed decisively: “Fine! Let’s do it then.” Hearing my words, Ryan became all smiles. He held out the pills. “Then take these, wife.” I didn’t take them. “I won’t take those. I’ve heard these drugs have side effects. I’ll ask my mom to prescribe something healthier.” My parents are both doctors, which Ryan knew. He thought for a moment. “That’s fine if you don’t take them, but you’ll have to pay me back for these pills I bought you.” His attitude made me uncomfortable. Even in our seahorse clan, there were no male seahorses who nitpicked like this. But thinking about how he was willing to carry four babies for me, I held back and asked the price, then transferred the money to him. I thought that would be the end of it, but Ryan started calculating other expenses with me. “Honey, you haven’t paid me for moving today.” I was surprised. “You want money for moving too?” Ryan acted like it was obvious: “You have so much stuff, hiring movers would cost at least $1000. I put in all that effort, so $500 should be enough.” He acted like I was getting a great deal, which both angered and amused me. I crossed my arms. “Is there anything else? Just tell me all at once instead of asking bit by bit.” Seeing how understanding I was, Ryan looked pleased. He opened his laptop and typed up an itemized list of expenses for me. As expected of an accountant, the list was shockingly detailed. He even calculated the cost of the A4 paper I was holding to two decimal places. I looked through it item by item, finally stopping at one charge in disbelief: “Ryan, are you that desperate for money? You’re charging me for making babies?” Ryan chuckled. “I’m putting in more effort for that, you know. Hiring someone outside would cost hundreds. I’m only charging you $5 – that’s a bargain.” “Of course, if you put in the effort, I’d pay you too.” Ryan was very handsome – I’d fallen for him at first sight. But even the most attractive face becomes disgusting when filled with calculation. I took out my phone and transferred the total amount. Ryan grinned so widely his eyes nearly disappeared. He kissed my cheek. “You’re the best, honey.” Then he started getting handsy with me. “Now I can provide my services.” I stopped him. “We’ve settled your accounts. Shouldn’t we settle mine now?”

Ryan froze. “What do you need to settle?” I grinned. “You broke one of my glass bottles while moving today. That bottle cost $2000, but $1000 is fine.” “What kind of glass bottle costs that much?” “It was handmade in Italy. If you don’t believe me, I’ll show you the receipt.” I found the receipt – it actually cost $2300. Ryan pouted, clearly unwilling to pay. “Honey, we’re family now. Do we really need to be so exact? I didn’t know the bottle was so expensive.” How ridiculous. He didn’t think we were family when he was charging me for paper, but now we’re suddenly family. I quoted his words back to him: “Honey, this is for your own good. When accounts are clear, life goes more smoothly.” Faced with my firm attitude, Ryan reluctantly transferred the money. Not only had he not made money, he’d lost quite a bit. I took the money, then climbed onto Ryan’s lap with a flirtatious smile. “Now you can service me, honey.” Ryan had just lost money and clearly wasn’t in the mood. But he couldn’t resist my persistent advances for long. Just as he was about to go further, I stopped him again. “Wait.” Ryan was confused. “Wait for what? You’re not going to charge me too, are you?” Look at this man. He was the one who first suggested charging for this, yet he got all sensitive when it was turned back on him. I’m not as petty as he is. I took out a small capsule. “Take this.” “What is it?” “Didn’t you agree to split the baby-carrying with me? This will let you get pregnant.” Ryan was impatient and started kissing me again. “Don’t joke around, honey. There’s no such thing as a pill to make men pregnant. Let’s get to business.” The more eager he was, the more I refused to let him touch me. Ryan had no choice but to swallow the capsule. “There, happy now?” His kisses landed on my body. “I know you’re upset about me suggesting we split everything. I’ll go along with you today, but don’t joke around with cold medicine in the future.” So Ryan thought I was just messing with him. He didn’t know that tiny capsule was our seahorse pregnancy sac. Once he swallowed it, the sac would implant in his belly and grow like a woman’s uterus. Two months later, I still hadn’t gotten my period. When I told Ryan I might be pregnant, he was so excited he started jumping around. He grabbed my hand, insisting we go to the hospital for a check-up. “Honey, my parents said if I’m pregnant, we should go to their hospital for discounted check-ups,” I said. According to our agreement, we’d split prenatal care costs. Hearing there was a discount, Ryan was even happier. When we got to my parents’ hospital and Ryan learned my parents were the directors, his jaw dropped in shock. “Samantha, didn’t you say your parents were doctors and you had a bunch of siblings, with you being the only girl?” I nodded. My parents were doctors, but they’d become so successful they’d opened their own hospital. And it was true we had a lot of kids in the family. Seahorses can have many offspring. I’m called Samantha because I’m my parents’ 39th child. The 38 before me are all brothers who don’t work. Ryan had always assumed my family must be poor after having so many boys. He thought I was the type to support my brothers, and would use his money to help my family. That’s why he insisted on splitting everything – he wanted to distance himself from my birth family. Seeing such a big enterprise, he looked regretful. “Why didn’t you tell me your family was so rich?” “You never asked.” I took Ryan straight to the OB/GYN department. My dad was an obstetrics specialist. We did an ultrasound. It didn’t take long for my dad to confirm. “You’re pregnant.” “How many?” Ryan asked eagerly. “Four.” Ryan asked again: “Boys or girls?” My dad shook his head. “It’s too early to tell.” Even though we didn’t know the genders, Ryan was overjoyed. He hugged me tightly. “You’re amazing, honey! It would be great if it’s two boys and two girls.” I nodded, then reminded him: “Honey, let my dad check you too. Didn’t you say your stomach hasn’t been feeling well lately?” Ryan had been feeling nauseous and having acid reflux the past few days. Learning my dad could check stomach issues too, Ryan lay down on the exam table. My dad pressed on his belly for a while, then gave his diagnosis. “Hmm, also four.”

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After three years as Alpha Darian’s wish-slave, Lyra’s nightmare peaks when he snarls, “Abort the pup—Seraphina’s the only Luna my legacy needs.” Betrayed as a “filthy surrogate,” she’s forced to endure a brutal abortion ritual while he offers her to Kael, her childhood protector: “Take her. She’s just defective Omega trash.” But Lyra claws for freedom: the Blood Moon Pact demands 100 wishes to break free—she’s granted 97. When Seraphina smirks, “Retrieve Darian’s ring from Moon Lake,” Lyra’s resolve hardens: “Three wishes left. Then I’m gone.” Darian sneers, “Prove you’re useful,” blind to her countdown. Kael pleads, “Moonveil awaits—you don’t have to go back,” but Lyra’s trapped in a deadly game: 98 wishes down, two to go. One wrong move, and Darian’s obsession will destroy her. Chapter 1 “For three twilight cycles, I walked beside Alpha Darian Voss, devoting myself to him each twilight as the Blood Moon Pact bound us.” Not until the scent of new life clung to my fur did he concede to the Bonding Rite, oath of eternal devotion echoing in the hollow of my ear. Before the moon could rise again, the pact shattered. Dawn found him dragging me to the Pack Healer’s den, hackles raised as he snarled for the pup extraction ritual. “Erase it,” he commanded, silver pupils cold as the northern tundra. “No Omega-tainted blood will bear my legacy—only Beta Seraphina Moore deserves that honor.” I swallowed the growl rising in my throat, pleading for the life stirring within. The truth emerged like a broken bone: his first love had returned, her scent overriding all else. That was when the insults began—“filthy surrogate,” “a burden he couldn’t shake,” each word a claw to my heart. But he forgot one truth: I was never here for love. The Blood Moon Pact demanded 100 wishes to break free, and I’d already granted 97. Three more, and I could return to Moonveil Pack, where my real life awaited. – “Even if you whelp that half-breed, it’ll be an outcast, unwanted by pack or moon,” the same Alpha who’d vowed starlight and devotion just nights before now bared his fangs in the Healer’s den. “You’ll do as I say, won’t you, Beta?” I studied him, marveling at the madness in his gaze—the same gaze that had once softened at my scent. My mind flickered to the moment I’d told him of the pup, his tail wagging, promises of a shared den spilling from his lips. Shoving the ache aside, I met his stare. “Does this count as Wish 97?” Many of his wishes had been the same—orders to nuzzle his neck, to whisper I belonged to him. I’d once hinted that after 100 wishes, I’d leave, but stayed for the warmth of his fur. Now, my words were a curse. “Spare me the pact nonsense,” he snapped. “You were always Seraphina’s shadow, nothing more.” “Then Wish 97 it is,” I said, voice steady as the moon’s orbit. “I’ll do as you command.” Darian froze, unaccustomed to such easy compliance from the Beta who’d once challenged his every order. On the cold stone slab of the Healer’s altar, I felt the silver-tipped needle pierce my paw, the toxin burning through my veins. The agony of losing the pup was nothing to the betrayal—he stood outside, scent mingling with Kael’s, the Beta who’d always watched over me. “Ensure Seraphina never catches wind of this,” Darian murmured. “She’s the only Luna this pack will ever know.” At six moons pregnant, I could still sense the tiny heartbeat fading. *Why bind yourself to me if your heart belongs to another?* Kael’s voice cut through the den’s silence, sharp as a blade. “And Lyra? You’d destroy a life she’s carried half a year for a she-wolf who left you?” “Seraphina was stolen from me,” Darian hissed. “Lyra’s presence is repayment for those lost years. Now do as I say—erase the evidence.” All knew Kael carried a torch for me, his loyalty to Shadowriver Pack a thin veil for his true allegiance: Moonveil, my birth pack. Darian’s laugh was a low, dangerous rumble. “Keep her if you want. She’s nothing but a defective Beta, reeking of Omega weakness.” Chapter 2 Learning I was a mere substitute tore at my soul deeper than any claw. Every tender moment, every shared howl at the moon—lies, all of it. I was a placeholder, a vessel for his unfulfilled love. As I lay in the Healer’s den, blood staining the straw bedding, he stood outside, offering me as a prize to Kael. “She’s yours, if you’ll have her. Bet she’d follow you anywhere, desperate for a real Alpha.” Once, a single growl from Darian would’ve sent Kael retreating. Now, I was chattel, to be bartered and discarded. Gazing at the tiny, still form beside me, I clenched my jaw. *Three wishes left. Focus on the pact.* The Blood Moon Pact was clear: 100 wishes to break free. Darian had saved me as a cub, and I’d repaid him faithfully, even as my Omega bloodline—hidden, but never forgotten—threatened to surface. After the ritual, Kael placed a warm herb pouch on my brow, his touch gentle, scent calming. “Drink this,” he said, but my eyes were on Darian, already striding toward the den’s entrance. “Done playing your little game, Lyra?” Darian called over his shoulder. “No need to pretend devotion now. Seraphina’s return makes your charade obsolete.” I ignored the herbal brew, rising on shaky legs. “Wish 96 was your demand I attend the den’s gathering. Fulfilled. Now I go.” Darian sneered, but Seraphina’s scent preceded her, sweet and cloying, as she stepped into the den. There she was—the reason for every scar, every broken vow. Her fur was sleek, ears tipped with silver, a perfect mirror of the Beta he’d always wanted. His posture softened at the sight of her, a betrayal more painful than the ritual. “Seraphina, my love—” “Save it,” I said, voice low. “I’ve come to fulfill the wish, nothing more.” Seraphina smirked, eyeing my bloodied paws. “Rough night, Beta? I heard you had an… accident.” Her gaze dropped to my midriff, mock sympathy dripping from her words. “Such a shame. Darian did say you were clumsy with pups.” I turned to leave, but her next words froze me. “Oh, and Lyra—Darian’s family heirloom went missing in the Moon Lake. A little trinket, but dear to him. I’m sure you’d want to retrieve it, being the dutiful pact-bound Beta you are.” Her tone made it clear: this was a test, a display of her newfound power. Darian stepped forward, blocking my path, scent a chaotic mix of guilt and urgency. “Seraphina’s right. The Moonstone Ring—” “Is this Wish 98, then?” I interrupted, too weary for games. He hesitated, then nodded, the Alpha in him refusing to admit weakness even now. “Yes. Retrieve the ring, Lyra. Prove you’re still useful.” I met his gaze one last time, memorizing the silver of his eyes—the same eyes that had once made me believe in forever. Now, they were just another reminder of the lie I’d lived. “Very well, Alpha,” I said, bowing my head in mock deference. “As you wish.” The cold of Moon Lake bit through my fur as I waded in, stones cutting my paws. Below the surface, the ring glimmered, but something else lingered—a faint, familiar scent, like ozone and moonlight, the scent of home. *Almost free.* When I surfaced, ring in hand, Darian’s expression was not one of gratitude, but revulsion. “Stop playing the martyr,” he snapped. “You’re no hero—just a Beta fulfilling her duty.” Seraphina took the ring, smirking as she slipped it onto her paw. “Such dedication, Lyra. Almost makes me jealous.” I said nothing, turning to leave. The pain in my paws was nothing to the clarity blooming in my chest: three wishes left, and then—no more Darian, no more Shadowriver Pack, no more pretending to be something I wasn’t. Kael met me at the den’s edge, offering a steadying paw. “You don’t have to go back in there,” he said, voice low, earnest. “Moonveil Pack awaits you, Lyra. Your real family.” I smiled faintly, though my heart ached. “Not yet, Kael. Three wishes remain. Then… then I can finally breathe.” He nodded, understanding in his gaze—the gaze of a fellow Moonveil wolf, my childhood protector, now offering a lifeline I wasn’t yet ready to grasp. Behind us, Darian and Seraphina’s laughter rang out, a harsh melody of betrayal and delusion. But their voices faded as I focused on the pact’s countdown: 98 wishes fulfilled, two more to go. The moon rose overhead, casting long shadows on the path ahead. For the first time in three years, hope stirred—faint, but unbroken. Soon, the past would be nothing but a scar, and I’d return to the pack where I belonged, where I was more than a substitute: I was Lyra Blackwood, Beta of Moonveil, and no Alpha’s wish would chain me forever. Chapter 3 Darian’s snarl followed me as I emerged from the lake, water dripping from my sodden fur, the Moonstone Ring clutched in my trembling paw. The cold had seeped into my bones, but the burn of his disdain was hotter—*disgust*, not concern, flaring in his silver eyes. “Stop wallowing, Beta,” he snapped, tail lashing. “You’re not a tragic heroine—just a tool fulfilling its purpose.” Seraphina purred as she took the ring, her wolfbone earrings clinking like shattered ice. “Such dedication, Lyra. I almost feel sorry for you.” Her words dripped with false sympathy, but her scent—sharp, triumphant—betrayed her. I dropped the ring into her paw, ignoring the sting of gravel in my wounded pads. “Wish 98 is fulfilled, Alpha.” My voice was steady, but inside, something cracked. *Two wishes left.* Darian’s lip curled, as if my compliance offended him. Once, he’d praised my resilience; now, it was a flaw, a reminder that I wasn’t the fragile Beta he wanted Seraphina to be. The next three sunrises blurred into a haze of pain and silence. I holed up in the Healer’s den, Kael bringing me herbal poultices for my paws, his presence a quiet reassurance. But even his soothing scent couldn’t mask the rumors swirling through Shadowriver Pack: *Seraphina’s past, a forbidden Blood Moon Ritual video, her scent lingering on a Northern Alpha’s fur.* Then came the notification—a grainy clip circulating on PackNet, a she-wolf with Seraphina’s sleek silver fur and telltale earring performing a ritual meant for mated pairs. The comments burned: *“Is that Shadowriver’s future Luna?” “Beta Lyra looks just like her—coincidence?”* Darian burst into the den, scent a storm of panic and fury. “You’ll take the blame,” he ordered, paw slamming into the stone wall. “Claim it’s you in the video. Now.” I stared at him, the man who’d once vowed to protect me from harm. “Is this Wish 99, Alpha?” His jaw clenched. “Yes. Do it, and I’ll make the scandal disappear. Seraphina’s joining the Northern Council—she can’t have this stain.” Kael stepped forward, hackles raised. “You can’t ask this of her, Darian. The scent match is too precise—” “Silence, Beta,” Darian snarled, though Kael was no ordinary Beta. His Moonveil star-marked paw pads glowed faintly, a silent warning, but Darian was blind to anything but his obsession. I stood, steadying myself on Kael’s shoulder. “Very well. But after this, only one wish remains.” The Scent Forgery Ceremony was a violation worse than the pup extraction. In the Pack Hall, under the watch of elders, I let Darian inject Seraphina’s gland secretions into my neck, the toxin burning as my scent shifted to mimic hers. My silver crescent mark throbbed—it rejected the falsehood. Before the assembled pack, I lied: “I am the wolf in the video. I… I betrayed the pack’s trust.” The words tasted like ash, but Seraphina’s smirk across the hall was a blade to my gut. The crowd erupted in growls—*“Traitor!” “Unclean Beta!”*—but Darian’s nod was all that mattered. He’d saved Seraphina, as always.

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My half-sister was reborn, prophesying a zombie outbreak and the end of the world in two months. My husband and entire family believed her. They frantically hoarded supplies, even spending a fortune to transform our suburban villa into an impenetrable fortress. Julian squandered all our savings and even took out high-interest loans. I begged him, clinging to his leg, but a divorce agreement stripped me of everything. Two months later, Julian called, scoffing, “The first infected person is about to appear. If you don’t want to die, come kneel at the villa gates. Blair is kind-hearted, she might let you in.” But on the prophesied day, the apocalypse never came. They finally panicked. **Chapter 1** Waking from a nightmare, I answered a call. “Ms. Cassandra, today is the deadline for your mother’s grave renewal. If you don’t renew, her ashes will have to be moved.” I was on a business trip out of town. My hands trembled as I called my husband, Julian, urging him to renew the lease quickly, to keep those people from disturbing my mother’s eternal rest. Still shaken, I leaned back in my chair, the dream’s images still swirling in my mind. Two months later, a zombie crisis, erupting from City A, was set to sweep the globe, turning the whole world into a living hell. When the crisis hit, our entire family was trapped in the suburban villa. After two months, just as our supplies were running out, the army finally arrived. Overjoyed, I urged my family to get in the car and evacuate with the troops. But my sister, Blair, insisted on finishing her makeup before leaving. As the army’s departure time drew closer, I wanted to drag her out myself. Julian, though, blocked my way. “Blair’s a young woman. What’s wrong with wanting to look pretty before leaving? It’s the army’s job to serve the public; what’s wrong with them waiting a bit?” My dad, Mr. Davies, and my stepmother, Eleanor, also nodded in agreement, sitting back as if they had all the time in the world. I couldn’t believe it, but I had no time to waste with their nonsense. I turned to leave, but Julian grabbed me, saying, “We’re a family, we stick together.” He snatched my car keys. Finally, while Blair was meticulously drawing her eyeliner, the zombie horde suddenly attacked. We couldn’t retreat in time and all died, torn apart by the zombies. The searing pain of zombie bites still seemed to linger on my skin. Now that I had a chance to do it all over again, I absolutely wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes! When my plane landed, a subtle unease gnawed at me. Halfway to my destination, I changed course and headed for the cemetery. To my shock, a brand-new tombstone stood on what should have been my mother’s grave, engraved with an unfamiliar name. The staff member looked bewildered. “After we called you last time, no one renewed the lease. To avoid mistakes, we even notified your father. He explicitly said not to renew and that we could dispose of the ashes however we pleased.” A chill ran through me, my heart aching violently. I frantically searched through every jar and container in the unclaimed storage room until past midnight. Finally, clutching a small urn, I returned home. I hadn’t been home for half a month, and the sight that greeted me in the entryway left me stunned, unable to collect myself. My cozy little home, which I had painstakingly decorated, now looked like a frozen cave. All the appliances and furniture had vanished. My carefully chosen beige curtains were half-torn down, drooping on the dirty floor. My husband, Julian, was directing the maids to take down our wedding photo, which had hung on the wall for three years, and casually tossed it into a corner. “What are you doing?” The scene before me made me wonder if I was dreaming. After a long moment, I finally managed to squeeze out the words. A flicker of panic crossed Julian’s eyes. “Cassie, why are you suddenly back…?” I stared at him, my fingers trembling as I clutched the urn. “If I hadn’t come back early, how would I have known my mom’s grave had been desecrated?” Julian’s usually gentle face showed a hint of exasperation, as if he were looking at a childishly unreasonable person. “You don’t understand, Blair came back reborn from the future! The world is ending in two months, every cent we have needs to be spent wisely. Wouldn’t it be better to use the money for the grave renewal to buy more food? Why are you being so unreasonable at a time like this?” **Chapter 2** It dawned on me then. Blair had also been reborn. But I didn’t let any emotion show on my face. I clenched my fists, my voice filled with anger and disbelief. “You actually believe Blair’s nonsense about the end of the world? You’ve all gone mad!” “Dad’s company landed several big projects thanks to my foresight!” Blair sauntered down the stairs, head held high. “All the money we earned, Dad used to buy an entire warehouse of common medicines. These will be more valuable than gold in the apocalypse.” Her eyes were scornful. She glided into Julian’s arms, her fingers tracing his flat stomach. “I might as well tell you the truth: I’m carrying Julian’s child. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll serve me well. In the apocalypse, I might even spare you a bowl of rice.” My cold gaze flickered between their faces. It seemed they had been illicitly involved long before the supposed apocalypse. Julian suddenly felt a prickle on his skin. “Cassie, we’ve been married for three years, and you haven’t given me a child. I’m an only son; you have to consider carrying on my family name.” Only son? Please. This backwoods bumpkin acts like he’s heir to a kingdom. I scoffed, pulling off the simple band from my finger and dropping it at Julian’s feet. “Since you put it that way, I certainly need to consider your royal lineage. And since Blair says it’s only two months, we should hurry and finalize our divorce before the world ends.” Julian stared intently at the wedding ring I had discarded so carelessly, his brows deeply furrowed. Our family backgrounds were vastly different. After he graduated from college, I willingly gave up everything to help him start his business. We huddled together in a cramped, damp basement for warmth. To earn money, I worked five jobs a day, my hands in icy water washing dishes during the bitter winter, my fingers aching and itching. He used the first money he ever earned to buy me that ring—a simple silver band with only a tiny chip of a diamond embedded in it. Later, he succeeded in his venture, and I, with my top-tier qualifications, secured a position at a leading medical research institute. Yet, I still cherished that ring as if it were priceless. My reaction clearly caught him off guard. Julian could no longer maintain his gentle facade, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. “Cassandra, don’t throw a tantrum! At a time like this, we need to stick together as a family to get through this hardship. In fact, tomorrow, hurry up and ask all your friends and colleagues to lend you some money. You’re well-connected; borrowing a few million shouldn’t be an issue!” I sneered, too disgusted to entertain his absurd words, and walked straight upstairs to rest. To my shock, when I woke up the next day, my room door was wide open, and the entire wardrobe, which held all my gold and silver jewelry and designer bags, was gone. I bit down hard on my lower lip, my voice sharp as I demanded to know where my things had gone. He acted completely unconcerned. “You were sleeping soundly, I didn’t want to wake you. Those jewels and bags were useless anyway. Selling them meant we could buy a few more sacks of rice.” I could barely contain my rage. “What about the gold ring under my pillow? That was my mother’s only keepsake!” Julian’s voice faltered, then he sighed. “Cassandra, your mother passed away so many years ago. But you still have your father, Blair is your blood, and I’m your family too. Can’t you make a sacrifice for your loved ones?” His entitled tone tore through what little sanity I had left. I suddenly burst out laughing, but large tears streamed down my face. His breath hitched. He wanted to say something more, but I pushed him out of the room. I collapsed amidst the chaos, tears flowing uncontrollably, a helpless smile playing on my lips. **Chapter 3** Fortunately, just to be safe, I had secretly sold my most valuable jewelry under the cover of night, leaving behind only the cheap trinkets Julian had bought me and a few flashy designer bags. By the time Julian, wanting not to wake me, personally moved the wardrobe, a full ten million had already been transferred into my bank account. But I never imagined he would be shameless enough to steal my mother’s keepsake and sell it for cash. The hatred from the previous life, when he had personally dragged me into that death trap, surged through me. I silently wiped away my tears, a plan slowly brewing in my mind. Since your whole family is so united in preparing for the apocalypse, how could I not lend a hand? I don’t know how much time passed before my phone rang again. The caller ID showed it was a shareholder from Dad’s company. “Cassie, get to the company immediately! Your father has gone mad! He’s selling all his shares!” My heart tightened. I rushed over, only to find Dad and Blair confronting a group of shareholders. This company was founded by my parents, and its current status as an industry giant was partly due to my mother’s tireless dedication. I wouldn’t let him ruin it like this. Dad’s eyes lit up when he saw me. “You’re here at a good time. Hurry up and transfer your shares too, give me the money so I can reinforce the villa.” Blair arrogantly held her head high, looking at me as if I were already dead. In her eyes, I had neither the good fortune of being reborn nor the willingness to be subservient, destined for a dead end. Their family would stay safe in their impenetrable fortress, laughing at my miserable fate. The shareholders, all long-time company veterans, were caught off guard by Dad’s sudden actions. Fearing he was being scammed, they clamored to dissuade him from doing something foolish. “If you don’t want the company to have problems, there’s another solution,” Julian quickly approached, a refined smile playing on his lips. “You just need to acquire Dad’s shares.” My fingers clenched tight, nails almost piercing my palm, my knuckles white. Julian’s expression was as calm as if he were discussing tomorrow’s weather, but his words were like dull knives, carving into my heart, slice by slice. Blair scoffed, “Her? Want to buy Dad’s shares? Does she even have that kind of money?” Cold sweat trickled down my back. I couldn’t believe my former husband would scheme to such an extent. Dad, desperate for a quick sale, had lowered the price significantly. All my liquid and illiquid assets combined barely scraped by. “Well, Cassandra, even if it means spending every last cent you have, you want to keep this company, don’t you?” Julian whispered gently in my ear, his voice as soft as ever, yet it felt like steel knives piercing right through me. He watched me with keen interest, like a predator sizing up its destined prey. In two months, companies and shares would be nothing but garbage. But now, he wanted to use that garbage to squeeze every last bit of value out of me. Once the apocalypse came, I would have to swallow all humiliation, humbly bowing at his feet just to survive. My gaze was fixed on Julian’s utterly hypocritical face, my own pale and bloodless. “It’s a deal!” The paperwork was processed quickly. My dad, thinking he’d rid himself of a hot potato, had no idea he was abandoning their last lifeline. Ever since my dad remarried, the company shares had been firmly clutched in my stepmother’s hands. She never imagined there’d be a day she’d hand them over to me. Blair triumphantly announced that they had sold all their properties and the entire family had moved into the suburban villa. The cash obtained from selling all their assets was transformed into sacks of rice and instant ramen in the warehouse, and long-lasting potatoes, winter melons, and cabbages in the cold storage. The construction crew was working feverishly at the villa, erecting various illegal structures. Blair smiled proudly. “When the zombies attack, these watchtowers will be the best observation points.” I snorted, about to leave, but Julian wouldn’t let me go. He forcibly dragged me away. A hulking man with a menacing face eyed me up and down, his lewd gaze making me intensely uncomfortable. “This is Mrs. Julian, isn’t she? Quite an alluring woman.” The man rubbed his hands together, placing a contract in front of me. “Mr. Julian is in a hurry to borrow fifty million. We don’t exactly distrust him. But we’d appreciate it if Mrs. Julian could sign too. If anything goes wrong, a wife should naturally help repay the debt, right?” **Chapter 4** Before I could even speak, Julian pulled me aside. “Who’s going to care about these debts in two months?! Just sign it quickly! The stuff we’re hoarding could save lives! When the time comes, even the government will be begging us to sell supplies. What’s this little bit of money compared to that?” He had gone completely insane, even resorting to loan sharks. He was truly courting disaster. I sneered inwardly, but on my face, I put on a pitiful expression, clutching his leg and pleading desperately. “You’ve gambled away all our family’s money! Please, snap out of it! You won’t be able to pay back these high-interest loans!” The loan shark, Vinnie, immediately grew wary. Fifty million wasn’t a small sum. If Julian truly gambled it all away, even tearing him to pieces wouldn’t help. Seeing the money about to slip through his fingers, Julian was enraged. He kicked me away. “Bitch! What nonsense are you spouting?!” Blair nonchalantly stood beside Julian, smiling with pursed lips. “Julian, isn’t Cassandra going to divorce you? How can she still be ‘Mrs. Julian’? I can sign it instead.” Julian glared at me, then immediately scribbled a divorce agreement and tossed it at my face. I could almost laugh from sheer anger. All the clauses stated that all marital assets were unrelated to me – clearly meaning he wanted to strip me of everything. Though, given the current situation, our marital assets were already almost nonexistent. I added a line at the end of the agreement. Julian scoffed, agreeing without a second thought. A month later, clutching my freshly issued divorce certificate, I felt a sense of immense relief, completely disregarding Julian’s furious, dripping-wet face. As time ticked by, the date Blair had been constantly babbling about drew nearer and nearer. Julian and the Davies family, confident they were fully prepared, grew increasingly reckless in their actions. As I browsed the supermarket, several colleagues messaged me, reassuring me to stay calm and that divorce wasn’t such a big deal. It wasn’t until I saw the top story on Ins that I realized what was happening: Julian and Blair had announced their relationship.

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Just before my final exams for college, my roommate suddenly gifted me a ridiculously expensive necklace. She said it was an early celebration, wishing me luck getting into a top-tier Ivy League university. But then, I got a message from Willow, our dorm’s resident mystic. [Chloe, don’t wear that necklace. If you do, you’ll turn into a total blank slate before the exams.] The moment the dorm lights flickered on, my roommate Tiffany held out a shimmering silver necklace. “Chloe, this is a special gift I had made for you when I traveled to Japan. Consider it an early celebration for getting into your dream university.” Tiffany was a true heiress; she spent every break traveling. I was genuinely surprised she remembered my birthday. I quickly took the necklace, thanking her profusely. Right after, my roommate Willow handed me her gift – a bracelet inscribed with ancient, mystical symbols. You could tell she’d made it herself. Willow was always obsessed with spiritual and occult studies. But whether it was expensive or cheap, the thought counts, and that’s priceless. I accepted both. Still, being a girl, I couldn’t help but feel Tiffany’s gift was clearly superior. “Come on, let me put it on for you myself.” Oddly enough, the necklace felt icy cold against my skin, making me shiver. Seeing this, Willow wasn’t to be outdone. She urged me to put on her bracelet too. But Tiffany quickly stopped her. “Maybe not. Our first major mock exam is tomorrow, and that bracelet is covered in symbols. What if the proctor gets suspicious?” Tiffany had a point. I could only apologize to Willow, promising to wear her bracelet as soon as the exam was over. Normally, Willow would insist on having her way. But this time, she just frowned, saying nothing more. Just as I thought my birthday celebration had ended perfectly, right after my shower, Willow grabbed my arm. Her eyes burned into my neck as she said, her voice serious: “Chloe, you can’t wear that necklace. If you do, you’ll turn into a total blank slate before the exams.” Hearing her, I thought she was still upset about the earlier incident. I quickly tried to reassure her. “Willow, don’t be mad. I’ll wear your bracelet right after the exam tomorrow.” “No, I’m not mad. The necklace Tiffany gave you… its previous owner was a complete academic failure. She made a pact with it, and it feeds on *your* essence to give *her* power!” What was she talking about? This was getting ridiculous. “Just listen to me, okay? Take it off, now.” Without a word, Willow spun me around, trying to unfasten the necklace. But Tiffany walked right in on us, having just returned to the dorm. She thought Willow was forcing me to wear her bracelet and instantly lost her temper. “Are you serious? You’re allowed to give gifts, but mine’s no good? Or are you just targeting me?” Seeing the tension fill the air in our dorm, I quickly intervened to smooth things over. “I just have some pimples on my neck, and Willow was helping me put on some cream. Tiffany, don’t misunderstand.” Willow saw my signal and didn’t argue. Instead, she discreetly sprinkled some fine powder near my bed. Before I fell asleep, she kept signaling me with her eyes, urging me to take off the necklace. Lying in bed that night, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Willow’s words kept replaying in my mind. It wasn’t until the latter half of the night that I finally started to feel drowsy. Then, a rustling sound woke me up. It sounded like someone was dragging ill-fitting jeans across the floor. But that didn’t make sense, did it? Willow preferred simple, natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Tiffany came from money and favored designer clothes; she’d never wear anything ill-fitting. My heart pounded in my chest. I secretly pulled back the curtain a crack. Through the faint moonlight from the window, I saw a distorted, shadowy figure of a “person” dragging its limp limbs, twisting eerily across the dorm floor, inching closer to my bed… I woke up, scared senseless. It was just a nightmare, I realized. Still shaken, I lay back down, pulling the covers over my head, and vaguely managed to stay like that until morning.

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At the dining table, I dropped my chopsticks. When I bent down to pick them up, I saw my sister’s foot stretched between my boyfriend’s legs. She remarked, “Your current boyfriend is quite impressive. I’m satisfied.” Later, she got involved with my boyfriend and said to me, “What can I do, Celeste Parker? It seems no man around you can resist me.” I laughed and turned to embrace the man she had loved for five years. My sister broke up with my ex-boyfriend. “We’ve been dating for a month; isn’t breaking up normal?” Genevieve Parker said casually, as if she were merely deciding what to have for lunch. “But when you sent me those intimate photos, you said it was true love and hoped I’d step aside for you.” I sipped my coffee and glanced at Asher Bennett, who was still waiting outside in the heat, and sighed. Asher was the heartthrob of our department. Not only was he handsome, but he also excelled academically, and his family seemed quite affluent. His cool demeanor made him the ultimate campus idol. Many girls at our school were captivated by him, myself included. Though Asher was called my ex-boyfriend, technically he wasn’t. I was just a placeholder to fend off other girls, and our relationship was publicly acknowledged only a day before Genevieve took him away. That night, Genevieve sent me several explicit photos. “I was interested in him because you were, but your choice in men is really poor. Your first boyfriend, and you picked this loser.” Genevieve’s tone was full of regret. I knew Genevieve wasn’t truly interested in Asher; she just wanted to take everything I liked. Even if she eventually discarded it, she wouldn’t let me have it. Since childhood, she was jealous that my presence took away our parents’ love. So, anything I liked, she would find a way to take it. Toys I liked as a child, pretty dresses, and later, my boyfriends. “My taste wasn’t great before, but this time, I’ve found someone truly exceptional.” My eyes sparkled with admiration. Genevieve looked intrigued. “Really? I don’t quite believe this ‘high quality’ you’re talking about. When are you going to introduce him?” “He’ll come to pick me up soon.” As I spoke, I saw Milo Everett’s figure at the entrance of the café. I smiled, “There, that’s my boyfriend.” He wore a black T-shirt, tall and handsome, with a silver necklace around his neck. One hand was in his pocket, exuding a relaxed, carefree attitude. Compared to Asher, this kind of man seemed hard to control. I was enamored with such men, and Genevieve was too. She loved making all kinds of men fall for her, especially taking my men. I saw Genevieve’s eyes light up as she sized Milo up with a knowing smirk. I knew that expression too well. She had found her target. The more nonchalant a man is, the more it ignites a woman’s desire to conquer. Seeing Milo’s eyes fixed solely on me since he entered, Genevieve became even more excited. I frowned in displeasure. The reason I dared to bring Milo to Genevieve was that I trusted him. I’ve known him for two years, and he’s never been the type to be swayed by beauty. In terms of emotions, he’s a very devoted man. But looking at Genevieve’s alluring eyes, I felt unsure. Genevieve knew how to handle men, like Asher, who was so cool at school but lost himself with her. I held Milo’s hand, and he smiled at me warmly. I was confident I wouldn’t misjudge him.

Before leaving, Genevieve’s eyes were fixed on Milo. I watched Milo’s expression; he acted as if Genevieve wasn’t even there, fully focused on me. After leaving the café, I accompanied Milo to the playground. He had plans to play basketball with friends, and I held his jacket, sitting on the sidelines. Milo had a unique masculine charm, distinct from Asher’s. He was spirited and carefree like the sun in June, delightful to be around. Being with Milo was something I had deliberately planned. On the first day of school, I noticed him. He had seen a guy take advantage of a girl in the crowd and pinned him to the ground, beating him up. I still remember him in a black tank top, a silver necklace around his neck, a jacket draped over one shoulder, walking past me indifferently. My first impression of him was that he was carefree, with a roguish charm that deeply attracted me. Genevieve taught me that such men are harder to pursue. Persistence doesn’t work; it’s all about the method. Throughout freshman year, I didn’t make aggressive moves but tried to make myself familiar to him. In sophomore year, I began messaging him more, occasionally asking him out. To understand his likes, I did a lot of research. Gradually, our chats increased, almost becoming a daily good morning and good night, full of flirtation, just a step away from a relationship. Agreeing to be Asher’s fake girlfriend as a shield broke through that barrier. That night, Milo, eyes red, pinned me against a wall, asking why I was with another man. I knew my strategy of playing hard to get worked. After Genevieve swiped Asher away, I naturally got together with Milo. He was an excellent boyfriend. Over the past month, he perfected the boyfriend role. Even my roommates said they never expected someone like Milo to love so deeply. I trusted Milo’s feelings for me, but I didn’t know if he could resist Genevieve’s seductive and mature allure. Cheers erupted around us as Milo scored another basket. After the final shot, he walked toward me, the sun casting a golden glow around his smile. Milo ruffled my hair and asked, “Bored from waiting? I’ll take you out for something tasty.” I looked up and smiled brightly at him. “Sure.” He held my hand as we walked along the track’s edge, warm light enveloping us. I could feel the gentle pressure of his hand holding mine. I wished this moment could last forever.

As I anticipated, Genevieve eventually made her move. Recently, Genevieve’s visits to our school increased noticeably. Milo always picked me up at the dorm, and we had breakfast, attended classes, and went on dates together. But several times, I found Genevieve waiting with Milo downstairs. From a distance, Genevieve smiled brightly, and though Milo seemed indifferent, he’d occasionally respond to her. Genevieve acted like she belonged, inserting herself into our world. One day, Genevieve invited me to dinner, specifically asking me to bring Milo. I knew her intentions, but I still brought Milo along. When we arrived, Genevieve was already waiting in a private room. She seemed dressed to impress, with exquisite makeup. Her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore a tight red mini-skirt. Her long, white legs were eye-catching, and the low neckline revealed her ample cleavage. Such obvious intentions? I brought Milo with a hidden agenda. I wanted to see if he could withstand Genevieve’s allure. “Milo, I heard you’re great at basketball. Can you teach me sometime?” Genevieve’s voice was soft and sweet. Milo replied indifferently, “If you really want to learn, you can hire a coach.” Genevieve wasn’t pleased with Milo’s attitude but seemed even more intrigued. “Why bother with a coach? You’re my sister’s boyfriend; I can just ask you.” I stirred my soup and heard Milo’s cold voice beside me. “You know I’m your sister’s boyfriend, so let’s avoid any misunderstandings.” Watching Genevieve’s face pale slightly, I almost burst out laughing. Genevieve rarely fails with men. This was probably her second time, the first being five years ago. Perhaps I was too obvious in my amusement, as Genevieve rolled her eyes at me. I let go of my spoon and said, “Oops, I dropped my chopsticks.” As I bent down to pick them up, they didn’t have time to react, and I saw Genevieve’s foot hadn’t been retracted. Yes, just now, without my knowledge, Genevieve had extended her foot towards Milo, even between his legs… Milo didn’t refuse. Was it because he didn’t have time, or did he not want to? I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. We finished dinner with mixed emotions. Milo Everett stepped out to take a call, and I waited for her at the door. Genevieve Parker came out after paying the bill and looked at me.

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I’m a foster daughter of the Johnson family. During the time when Gideon was temporarily blind due to a car accident, we had an unplanned night together. I ended up having a child with him, but following his family’s arrangements, I left the baby with the Johnsons and moved abroad. Gideon became a single father without even knowing who his child’s mother was. Five years later, I returned to the country and married him. People say I must be open-minded to take on the role of a stepmother at such a young age. But what they don’t know, not even Gideon, is that I am the biological mother of his son, Finn. At noon in the Johnson Corporation’s Legal Department break room, I stand to the side, making coffee. I overhear some colleagues discussing our top boss, the young CEO of the Johnson Corporation. “Mr. Johnson put on a wedding ring two months ago.” “Did our CEO suddenly get married and settle down?” “Why should a wealthy family’s marriage and children be announced to you?” “Just curious. It wasn’t publicly announced. What kind of woman could win over the cold Mr. Johnson?” “Maybe it’s a marriage alliance.” “But on the other hand, Mr. Johnson’s new wife became a stepmother right away.” Their current CEO, Gideon, is a decisive leader, only twenty-seven, very young and promising. Yet everyone knows he already has a son about five years old. The little boy was once brought to the company by Mrs. Johnson herself to see his dad. His delicate features are almost identical to Mr. Johnson’s, clearly showing their blood relation. Looking at Gideon’s timeline, he graduated from the country’s top university. His son, Finn, was born the same year he finished school. At a very young age, just after graduation, Gideon became a father. The little boy has always been raised solely by Gideon. The existence and identity of the child’s mother have always been a mystery. I heard someone among those people say: “More than being curious about Mr. Johnson’s new wife, I’m more curious about what kind of person the mother of the young master was. To make Mr. Johnson a father at just twenty-something.” Just as I left the break room, the department manager called me: “Nora, come with me to the meeting.”

I returned to the country about three months ago. Just a month after returning, I got registered and married to Gideon. It wasn’t a marriage alliance. Not only was I adopted by the Johnson family, but Gideon’s mother also liked me a lot. She insisted Gideon marry me. Almost no one in the company knows that Gideon and I are married because we keep work and personal life separate. I went upstairs for the meeting. In the spacious and bright conference room, I stood in high heels at the front to present the risk assessment report. Sitting at the head of the table was that man, impeccably dressed in a suit, looking exceedingly handsome and dignified. His raised eyes exuded an aloof aura, making people hesitant to approach or offend him. His gaze did not linger on me, as if we were unfamiliar and unacquainted. However, after work, in the Maybach driving out of the company’s underground garage, Gideon and I sat together in the back seat. Returning home, I didn’t see Finn. I asked the butler, “Where’s the kid?” Gideon, handing his suit jacket to the butler, replied softly, “Mom took him to the family estate. He won’t be back tonight.” Not coming back, huh. In the bedroom late at night, I came out of the bathroom after a shower. Gideon’s tall figure was leaning against the headboard. Unlike his impeccable image at the company, his hair was half-wet, one long leg slightly bent, in a lazy posture. He wore a dark, finely made set of loungewear, with the top button undone. The thin fabric outlined a mature and solid physique. During the day, Gideon in a suit was so proper and abstinent that people dared not look at him for fear of desecration. It seemed that such a cold face could never be associated with desire. I used to think so too, but after two months of marriage, I realized Gideon had desires. He even usually took the lead. Since we’re married, we’ve done all we should. He glanced at me, placing the tablet he held between his slender fingers on the bedside table. On the bed, Gideon leaned over me. He didn’t move at first but asked, “Has Mom been urging you to have a child recently?” My silence was my default. Gideon directly said, “Your body, your choice. If you want to have one, I’m completely on board. If not, I’ll refuse Mom and Dad.” We had never discussed such things so clearly before. A few years ago, I was young, and on weekends, when I returned to the Johnson family, he would ask if I was keeping up with my university courses. Suddenly, Gideon was asking if I wanted to have children with him. The leap was so big it made me uncomfortable. My cheeks heated up, thinking of Finn, so I refused: “I don’t want to yet.” “Okay.” Gideon got up to get a condom. When he was particularly forceful, I tilted my head, biting my lip, but couldn’t help softly calling out that familiar title: “Brother! Please, not anymore.” Gideon paused briefly. He was leaning down, his forehead pressing tightly against my sweat-dampened neck and shoulders, nibbling with his lips. He raised his head, came over to kiss my lips, his breath low as he murmured my name, “Nora,” like it was being rolled and bitten in his mouth. “Don’t call me that. It makes me feel like I’m committing a crime.” Maybe because we talked about kids tonight, afterwards, as Gideon got up to tidy up, he said to me: “You don’t have to put yourself in the role of a stepmother. If you don’t like Finn or don’t get along with him, don’t force it.” I almost instinctively retorted, “I like Finn.” “Oh?” Even Gideon was surprised. I opened my sleepy eyes, tentatively asking Gideon, “He’s very cute. Maybe one day his mother will regret…” “Her existence, to me, is just for giving Finn life.” Before I could finish, Gideon interrupted me. Even in the deep darkness, I could feel the oppressive and restless aura emanating from the man beside me. This was a rare emotion for the always calm and composed Gideon in my memory. Finn’s biological mother was his taboo. “Plotting to have a child with me,” Gideon slowly said, “No matter who she is, she should never appear before me again, never be found by me. Otherwise, even if she’s alive, I’ll make her wish she were dead.”

In middle school, my family went bankrupt. My parents fled abroad, leaving me behind. I was taken in by my mom’s former friend, Mrs. Johnson, and raised by the Johnson family. Gideon is a year older than me. Until the year of his car accident, I’d been calling him brother for seven years. The accident wasn’t serious, but it was an extremely rare case. The doctor said it was nerve compression, causing temporary blindness. Yet, after six months of treatment, his eyes still hadn’t recovered. Gideon grew colder and more volatile. All of Harbor City said the future heir of the Johnson Corporation had become blind. Unwilling to accept reality, he still attended a party, and unlike before, his sharpness was dulled. Gideon was drugged and set up. He didn’t know that the Johnson parents and I, worried, also attended the party. I felt something was off and followed him into the room to check on his condition, only to be pinned down by him. After Gideon’s first ravaging, I was sick with fever for two days. The morning-after pill I took in confusion was thrown up. Upon discovering the pregnancy, the Johnson parents who raised me almost begged me. If Gideon never recovered, this child would be the Johnsons’ current hope for the future. Mrs. Johnson asked Gideon, “Nora is gentle, caring. How about letting her stay with you in the future?” Even though Gideon couldn’t see, he remained exceptionally handsome and outstanding. During that difficult time, his response was firm and powerful: “Mom, our intention in adopting her was never to cultivate her into your obedient daughter-in-law. It was to raise her as a daughter.” “Nora is like a sister to me, nothing more. As for that girl that night…” Gideon’s expression turned unsightly, “Is she still alive?” Gideon didn’t know it was me that night. He only saw me as a sister. Even the Johnson parents didn’t dare tell him that the girl he saw as a sister was having his child. Later, while I was preparing for childbirth, I heard about a young and accomplished female ophthalmologist who had been carefully treating Gideon for months. Gideon even trusted her to perform a highly complex and risky surgery. Thankfully, the outcome was very satisfying. Six months after Gideon regained his sight, I had already flown abroad to continue my studies. Later, although the female doctor was young, she was still seven years older than then 22-year-old Gideon. The Johnson parents were not pleased, so they directly brought the six-month-old Finn to his father, Gideon. Upon learning Gideon had a child, the doctor quickly married someone else. No wonder Gideon hated the existence of his child’s biological mother so much. She directly disrupted his past relationship. As for why he later agreed to marry me, it was probably because Mrs. Johnson pushed us hard. Sure, here is the adapted translation: Fortunately, the results turned out to be quite satisfactory. Six months after Gideon regained his sight, I had already flown abroad to continue my studies. Later, although the female doctor was young, she was still seven years older than the 22-year-old Gideon at the time. The Johnson family parents were not pleased at all and directly brought little Finn, who was only six months old, to Gideon, now a father. After learning that Gideon had a child, the female doctor quickly married someone else. No wonder Gideon was so resentful of the child’s biological mother; she had directly ruined a relationship he once had. As for why he was willing to marry me years later, it was probably because Mrs. Johnson pressured us. On the first night after our marriage, I referred to Gideon as “brother.” He said that since we were married, he would embrace the role change. He wasn’t the kind of man to abstain and definitely wouldn’t stay away from his wife. Finn was sent back early. At the dining table, when I got close to him, the little boy interrupted me and asked, “Are you here to take my dad from me?” “I’ll never like you.” “Apologize.” Gideon stopped eating leisurely, with a father’s authority in his eyes. “What about the manners and upbringing you’ve been taught?” Finn stubbornly refused to speak, so Gideon asked the butler to take him to school. I hurried outside and told the butler, “I’ll take him.” It wasn’t until we reached the preschool entrance that the little boy spoke to me, “If you think I’m bothering you, Vivi and her mom invited me to stay at their house.” I teased him, “Is Vivi the girl you like?” He spoke softly, “I just like her mom.” “Her mom is a doctor, sometimes busier than my dad, but she still picks her up from preschool every day after school…” In the morning at the company, I ran into the deputy director of the Tech Department, who came over to greet me. Gossip spread instantly among colleagues. “Nora, what’s going on with you and Declan?!”

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