Category: English

My son is an adrenaline junkie when it comes to travel. He proposed a trip to the vibrant, enigmatic Crimson Lake. The water there is extremely acidic, exuding a lethal presence. I was uneasy about it, so I accompanied him. But shockingly, my son pushed me into the lake. The water slowly ate away at my body, and I met a tragic end far from home. When I opened my eyes again, it was the day my son had suggested the trip. “Go ahead, my son, don’t worry. Mom’s got your back.” “Look at this, isn’t the scenery amazing?” The entire family was gathered in the living room, admiring the scenic photos my son had found online. That’s when I realized I had been reborn. Reborn on the very day my son suggested we visit the mysterious Crimson Lake in Cyprus. It’s beautiful but perilous; the water is highly corrosive. My mother-in-law glanced at me. She was concerned for my son’s safety too, but didn’t want to spoil his excitement and wanted me to be the one to voice concerns. That’s how it was in my previous life. After I gently advised him, my son and I had a huge argument. This time, I was eager for him to leave as soon as possible. “Son, I support your trip. You’re young, you should explore the world.” “Mom, you’re the best,” my son said, kissing me excitedly. My mother-in-law was surprised by my attitude and pursed her lips in disapproval. “Grandson, going abroad alone is too dangerous.” “Grandma, please, don’t meddle if you don’t understand.” In this house, my son ruled. One word from him, and my mother-in-law was silenced. My husband was glued to his phone, showing no interest in intervening. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll get Ethan the best communication gear, it’ll be safe.” My mother-in-law shot me a dirty look but kept quiet, afraid her beloved grandson might storm out.

I transferred twenty thousand yuan to Ethan to help him buy equipment. My mother-in-law didn’t dare criticize me openly but complained to my husband about my spending in private. Hugo and I started dating in college. We were at the same university but in different programs. We both interned in Beijing, dreaming of making it big in the city. But Hugo was naturally more laid-back. He disliked the fast-paced city life and took me back to his hometown. My mother-in-law believed I ruined her son’s promising future. For years after our marriage, she never treated me well. Things only improved slightly after Ethan was born. Ethan said twenty thousand wasn’t enough, so I immediately sent him another fifty thousand, making my mother-in-law furious. I just wanted Ethan to leave content. The travel companions he mentioned were local troublemakers. In my past life, they robbed me and tried to kill me to keep it quiet. To survive, Ethan followed their plan and pushed me into the lake. This time, I’m not going. Someone else will meet their fate at Crimson Lake. The more extravagant Ethan’s gear, the more likely they are to strike. Within a week, I had transferred nearly a hundred thousand yuan to Ethan. He was so pleased he nearly forgot himself, eagerly applying for his visa to Cyprus. “Your mom said she’s never been abroad and wants to go with you,” my mother-in-law suggested nervously on the day we applied for the visa. Ethan’s smile froze, his affectionate “loving mommy” demeanor vanished. “Ethan, I’m not going. I have to work overtime for the next two months, no time for travel.” Ethan’s expression softened, and he said to my mother-in-law with annoyance, “Grandma, can you stop interfering? I’m an adult now.” “Grandma is just worried about you.” “Worried, my foot. Don’t pretend to understand what you don’t.” Even though my mother-in-law spoiled Ethan from a young age, Ethan didn’t like her. I once thought he resented how she treated me, so he took it out on her. After being submerged in the dark red lake, I understood that Ethan only loves himself.

With my mother-in-law no longer causing trouble, Hugo decided to stir things up. During dinner, he suggested going with Ethan to Crimson Lake. He’s not concerned about Ethan’s safety. His reason for wanting to go is Fiona. Fiona is his junior colleague at the ship manufacturing plant. Although they refer to each other as “senior” and “junior,” their relationship has long exceeded those bounds. Whenever Hugo goes on a business trip, he buys the same local specialties for Fiona as he does for our family. When I asked him to bring me cosmetics, he even asked Fiona if she needed any. Even when Ethan broke his leg climbing and was in the operating room, he was worried about Fiona’s menstrual cramps. Hugo thinks I don’t know these things. But someone has already shown me their chat logs. Fiona can’t wait for me to file for divorce so she can officially be with her senior. Since she’s so eager, let them accompany Ethan to their demise. “I guess your dad’s department is organizing a team-building trip. You can show them around, and once there, you can explore separately.” Before Ethan could object, I quickly came up with a plan for them. This way, Hugo can openly take Fiona along. Ethan won’t resist too much either. “Mom’s at an age where she should also go with Hugo to see the world.” My mother-in-law, worried, naturally didn’t refuse when she heard this. The only one unwilling was Ethan. He still bore a grudge over my mother-in-law’s previous meddling. “Son, you’ll have to take care of dad and grandma. It’s hard work. I’ll transfer another ten thousand yuan to you.” At the mention of money, Ethan’s displeasure vanished instantly. He even promised to take good care of his dad and grandma. I took my mother-in-law to get passports and visas, counting down the days, hoping they’d leave soon.

Ten days before departure, Cora visited. Her face was bruised and swollen, clearly just beaten. She’s Hugo’s sister, married to a wealthy businessman. When she first got married, my mother-in-law bragged to everyone about how exceptional her daughter was and how great her husband was. It seemed Cora’s excellence could only be shown through marriage. Her husband indeed treated her well. He bought her designer bags and cosmetics, spoiling her like a princess. At that time, Cora would mock me, saying my attire screamed “poor.” She even had the maid bring me the trash they cleaned up, saying it was to broaden my horizons. She seemed to forget she was born into this “poor” family. Her father, in his sixties, still worked odd jobs on construction sites. He died in an accident, and the contractor compensated a large sum. That’s how the Aiden family’s life became comfortable. This house was bought with Hugo’s father’s life. “What happened this time?” My mother-in-law applied ice to Cora’s face, heartbroken. “He said I used his money to keep a gigolo.” Cora cried bitterly. She did have a history. Her husband worked long hours, leaving her alone at home. Over time, Cora got restless and indulged in nightclub services. She was caught in the act by her husband, beaten from the club to home. Since then, she’s been abused regularly and comes to my mother-in-law to cry. My mother-in-law, after comforting her, would only tell her to “endure.” This endurance lasted five or six years. During which, Cora was beaten to the point of miscarriage. My mother-in-law still wouldn’t let her divorce. This time, before my mother-in-law could advise her to endure, I quickly interjected. “Why don’t you also come along to relax, Cora?” Hearing she could go to Cyprus, Cora’s eyes lit up but slowly dimmed. “Traveling abroad costs a lot. I don’t dare use his money.” The wealthy lady who once looked down on me now worries about money. “Your sister-in-law has it. She’s very generous. Right, Blair?” The mother and daughter looked at me in unison. “If Cora wants to go, I can give another ten thousand yuan.” “Ten thousand! You gave Ethan so much, but only ten thousand for Cora!” When it comes to her daughter, my mother-in-law doesn’t mind spending money. “If ten thousand isn’t enough, I’ll give fifty thousand.” Go ahead, take it. After all, the money I give isn’t mine.

Landon got drunk and came demanding to take Cora back. Cora didn’t dare go out. My mother-in-law pushed me out the door. This suited my plan. I was afraid Landon would take Cora away, preventing her from going to Cyprus. Landon’s tantrums depend on the person. He only yells at Cora. In front of others, he’s a perfect gentleman. “Landon, Ethan is going on a trip, and Cora wants to go too. Don’t worry, the whole family will be there, Cora won’t act up.” “Is mom going too?” “Yes.” Hearing my mother-in-law would be there, Landon felt at ease. He knew his good mother-in-law would surely persuade his wife to reconcile with him. I easily put Landon into a taxi and sent him home. After dealing with Landon, I opened the door to see Cora with a pale face. Not from being scared by Landon. But because she secretly used my cosmetics. Since her affair, Landon controlled her allowance, forbidding her from buying nice clothes or using any cosmetics. In the past life, after I died, she gleefully rushed into my room, taking all my cosmetics and jewelry. Tonight, thinking she should dress up for the trip, she acted early. He was certain that his mother-in-law would persuade her daughter to make up with him. I easily got Landon into a taxi and sent him home. After dealing with Landon, I opened the door to find Cora with a ghostly pale face. It wasn’t Landon who scared her. She had used my cosmetics in secret. Since she had been unfaithful, Landon controlled her allowance, forbidding her from buying nice clothes or using any cosmetics.

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I grew up showered with endless love and affection. My parents, fearing I might be taken advantage of in the future, specially arranged for three young men to be raised alongside me as potential suitors. However, these three treated me coldly, while showing great enthusiasm towards the daughter of our family’s driver. In my naivety, I believed it was because they felt a sense of distance from me due to my status. Until one fateful incident changed everything. Mia Gray and I were kidnapped together. Felix Foster, the leader of my three suitors, prioritized her safety over mine without hesitation. He coldly stated, “You were born into privilege. Someone will surely avenge you anyway. We’re not needed.” Hearing those words cut through my heart like a knife. It was then that I suddenly realized how terribly mistaken I had been all these years. Once I recovered from my injuries, I took the initiative to approach my father about marrying someone else. “Dad, I want to marry Ethan Young. I’m willing to accept the arranged marriage.” “But his face has been severely disfigured. Are you sure you’re not joking?” my father asked, concern evident in his voice.

Hearing my father’s inquiry, I could only offer a faint smile. “I’m not joking,” I replied softly. “I just suddenly realized that he’s the one I truly like.” “He’s also the one I should marry.” Seeing my determination, my father had no choice but to agree. “As long as you’re happy, I’ll support your decision,” he conceded. “I thought you were so dependent on Felix and the others that you’d choose one of them.” As my father mentioned Felix and the others, I felt a dull ache in my heart. Memories of the recent kidnapping flashed through my mind – their cold indifference as they abandoned me, then blaming me for wandering off with Mia. Perhaps I should have realized sooner that Felix and the others had long since shifted their affections towards Mia. From the very moment they arrived, in fact. Thinking about this, I forced myself to nod, fighting back the bitterness I felt. After finalizing the engagement with my father and Ethan’s family, I left the main house and headed to our villa in the countryside. As soon as my car pulled up to the entrance, I could hear deafeningly loud music blaring from inside. I frowned in annoyance. Pushing open the door, I saw that the originally elegant European-style decor had been transformed into a tacky karaoke setup. And at the center of it all, surrounded by Felix and the other two, was Mia Gray. “Miss White, you’re back,” her sickeningly sweet voice rang out, drawing Felix’s attention to me. His eyes were filled with disgust. “You dare to come back,” he sneered. I opened my mouth to speak but before I could say anything, Lucas Reed, standing beside Felix, let out a cold snort. “Of course she dares. She’s the high and mighty heiress after all. How could she possibly compare herself to us?” “Who knows, she’s probably been complaining to Mr. White about how we abandoned her these past few days!” Even William Hayes, who usually kept quiet, nodded in agreement. Seeing the three of them united in mocking me made me frown in anger. “What do you mean?” I demanded. “This is my home. Why wouldn’t I come back?” “Besides, I don’t have time to complain to my father about you.” Of course, I was also worried about upsetting my father and damaging his health. But my explanation only seemed to fuel their suspicions of guilt. “How do we know if you’re telling the truth or not?” Lucas challenged. “Now that you’re back, hurry up and apologize to Mia.” “I didn’t get a chance to deal with you properly that day because there were too many people around! If you hadn’t dragged Mia out with you, how could she have gotten kidnapped?” Lucas was the first to speak up, with the other two nodding in agreement. But it was clearly Mia who had asked me to go out that day. How had it become my fault? I couldn’t help but try to defend myself. “But that day it was clearly Mia who—” Before I could finish speaking, Mia, who had been playing the innocent bystander, suddenly fell to her knees with a loud thud. Tears immediately began streaming down her face. “Miss White! Please don’t blame Felix and the others. They’re only harsh because they were worried about me.” “It was all my fault that day. I’m to blame. I was the one who asked to go out with you, Miss White. It was all me, I’m so sorry…” she wailed. Her act instantly filled the eyes of the three men with sympathy, while their gazes towards me grew even colder. “Aria White, if you have a problem, you can take it out on me. There’s no need to keep targeting Mia behind our backs!” Felix snapped. “I’m ordering you to apologize right now! Otherwise, none of us three will ever marry you!” Felix’s cold ultimatum made my breath catch. Memories of the humiliation they put me through at my coming-of-age ceremony flashed through my mind. At that grand banquet attended by all the most prestigious families, Mia had been in charge of helping me get dressed. But just before the ceremony was about to begin, she came to me crying, saying she had ruined my gown. I lost my temper and yelled at her. She suddenly collapsed to the ground, dramatically tearing at her clothes. “Miss White, I’m so sorry! Please don’t rip my clothes off!” she cried out. At that moment, Felix and the other two walked in. Without even asking what happened, they immediately forced me to apologize. They even found some ragged clothes for me to wear, utterly humiliating me in front of everyone. When my father asked me about it afterwards, I was afraid the three would be punished, so I lied and said I had suddenly wanted to wear those clothes. Looking back now, I realize how utterly foolish I had been! But I wasn’t going to let them push me around anymore. I raised my head and glared fiercely at the three men, loudly refusing, “I won’t apologize!”

“You won’t?” “You don’t have a choice!” “Someone grab the young miss and hold her down!” Felix ordered, calling for the house security when he saw my refusal. I found myself surrounded, and shouted desperately, “Don’t you dare!” But not a single person paid any attention to me. They simply followed Felix’s orders and forcefully held me in place. I had almost forgotten – for the past few years, I had acted so dependent on these three men that everyone had come to believe all of the White family’s assets would one day belong to them. They no longer showed me any respect. My heart turned cold, and I stared at the three of them with increasing hatred. “What’s with that look? Apologize now!” Lucas demanded. “Listen here, Aria White. Don’t think we won’t dare to do anything just because you’re the young miss.” “You’re going to be relying on us three in the future!” Lucas’s contemptuous gaze swept over me as he spoke mockingly. His attitude was utterly disgusting. Who had given them the right to think this way? I couldn’t understand it at all. I tried to struggle free, but the hands holding me down only pressed harder. They forced me to kowtow to Mia, only releasing me after I hit my head on the ground with a loud thud. “This is just a small punishment for now,” Felix warned. “Be a good girl and listen to us from now on. Otherwise, you can forget about marrying any one of us!” With those threatening words, Felix and the others left, surrounding Mia like she was the center of their universe. I caught a clear glimpse of Mia’s smug, taunting expression as they walked away. I clenched my fists in fury. Just then, my phone began to ring. It was Ethan Young calling. I answered, forcing myself to calm down. “What is it?” I asked coolly. “Nothing much. Just reminding my fiancée not to forget about choosing the wedding venue and dress,” his deep voice resonated in my ear, momentarily making me forget my surroundings. By the time I came back to my senses, he had already hung up. This man sure moves fast! Left with no choice, I got up from the floor and quickly tidied myself up before heading out. I went to redesign the wedding venue I had originally prepared for the three of them long ago. But to my surprise, those shameless men actually had the nerve to show up after being notified.

“Aria White, you really have no shame! Are you that desperate to get married? We just taught you a lesson and you’re already here setting up the venue!” Lucas exclaimed, his face filled with disgust. The others wore identical expressions of contempt. I tried to keep my temper in check, wanting to explain, but before I could even open my mouth, Felix ordered the security guards who had followed them to start tearing everything down. “Get rid of all these disgusting flowers!” he commanded. “Replace them all with white roses – Mia’s favorite.” “Aria White, even if you end up marrying one of us, the wedding will be done according to Mia’s preferences. It’s the least you owe her.” As he finished speaking, the flower arch I had just had set up was kicked down with one swift motion. I was still trying to process what was happening, wondering what exactly I supposedly owed Mia. “Felix Foster! My wedding isn’t going to be with any of you three. You have no right to destroy my venue!” I finally managed to protest. “Not with us three? Who are you trying to fool? The whole city knows how desperately in love with us you are!” Lucas sneered. “Of course it’s—” I tried to explain, but was cut off by another loud crash behind me. I turned to see that the security guards had smashed the area where I had planned to display our wedding photos. The others followed suit, destroying everything else in sight. In the blink of an eye, half of the wedding venue had been wrecked. “Stop it! What gives you the right to destroy my wedding venue? Who do you think you are?” I shouted desperately. “Stop this right now!” But my pleas fell on deaf ears. They continued their destruction without slowing down at all, completely ignoring my cries even as my voice grew hoarse. I could only watch helplessly as the venue I had so carefully prepared was reduced to ruins. Meanwhile, the culprits stood before me, nodding in satisfaction. “Much better! Good riddance to all that eyesore,” Felix remarked coldly. “Let’s go, we still need to help Mia make cupcakes!” Lucas said with a grin as he led the group away. Leaving me alone, silently shedding tears amidst the wreckage. It took me a while to compose myself and get up. I didn’t have time to confront them now. The most important thing was to redecorate the wedding venue and choose a dress. Nothing else mattered. As for what they had done, I silently added it to the list of grievances in my heart. Once everything was settled, I would make sure they paid for it all. It took two more days to set up the wedding venue again. My wedding to Ethan Young was drawing near. I couldn’t control the excitement in my heart. For the first time in days, I had a genuine smile on my face as I headed out to try on wedding dresses. But when I arrived, I found Felix, Lucas, William and Mia already there. The four of them were intimately wrapped up in each other, completely ignoring my presence. And Mia was wearing the wedding dress I had carefully selected. Felix, who was standing furthest out, was the first to notice my arrival. With an impatient look, he berated me: “Why are you here? Did someone tip you off again?” “You really can’t live without us, can you? Still claiming you’re not marrying one of us three, yet this is the exact wedding dress we picked out together!” “Mia wanted to take photos with us but didn’t have anything suitable to wear, so we’re letting her borrow yours for now.” “Consider it a chance for you to make amends.” With that, he turned his attention back to Mia, joining Lucas and William in showering her with praise. Every word they spoke was laced with insults aimed at me. “Our Mia looks so beautiful in this. Much better than certain venomous-hearted people!” “It’s such a shame. If we didn’t have to marry her, I’d want the four of us to be together forever.” Lucas couldn’t help sighing, causing Mia’s eyes to well up with tears as she comforted them. “It’s alright, Lucas. No matter who marries the young miss, the four of us will always be family.” I trembled with rage at the scene before me, gritting my teeth as I spoke, “If you all love Mia so much that you’d casually take someone else’s clothes for her, fine!” “I’ll make sure everyone sees just how shameless you are!” With that, I raised my phone, ready to take a photo of them. Seeing this, Felix angrily called for security to drag me away. “She’s gone mad! This crazy woman – get her out of here now!” I was then unceremoniously thrown out, left to helplessly watch as the wedding dress I had so carefully chosen was worn by Mia Gray. And there was nothing I could do about it.

I stood outside the bridal shop for a full hour, watching them take group wedding photos with Mia. They even did an art-themed shoot, splattering paint all over the dress. With each stain, I felt a pang of regret for my past blindness. When they finally finished, they threw the ruined dress at me. “Go pick another one for yourself. Oh, and the wedding photos we’ll be displaying will be of the four of us,” Lucas taunted in my ear. But I couldn’t hear anything. All I could think was: The wedding dress is ruined. I returned home in a daze and collapsed onto my bed, unable to hold back my tears. Knock knock. A sudden knocking at the door startled me. I opened it to find my mother holding a mysterious box. “What’s this?” I asked. “Open it and see,” she replied with a secretive smile. Following her instructions, I opened the box to find a wedding dress inside. And most importantly, it was adorned with pink diamonds – my absolute favorite. I couldn’t help but caress it lovingly. My mother watched me with a pleased expression. “You know, this was sent over by Ethan. He’s really put a lot of thought into it,” she explained. “And guess what? He designed it himself!” Hearing those words made my heart skip a beat. Suddenly, I felt that my decision to marry him was the right choice after all. I tried on the wedding dress and found it fit perfectly. I could almost imagine what it would be like standing next to Ethan. This man… he certainly knows how to impress. I bit back a smile as I sent him a selfie. His reply came quickly. After that, to avoid running into Felix and the others, I didn’t leave the house at all in the days leading up to the wedding. Soon enough, the big day arrived. At 10 AM, the Young family’s motorcade paraded through the entire city announcing the joyous news, with live broadcasts on various big screens. It was clear how much Ethan valued me. Meanwhile, Felix and the others were drinking with Mia at a club, watching the broadcast with cold smirks. “I’d like to see where she finds a groom without us three,” Felix sneered. “Exactly. We need to teach her a lesson. We can always say we had urgent business if Mr. White gets angry. She’ll cover for us anyway,” Lucas added as he clinked glasses with the others. On the big screen, I was already slowly walking up to the wedding altar. I held a bouquet of Ethan’s favorite lavender, my heart fluttering nervously as I waited for his arrival. “Felix, is what you’re doing really okay?” Mia asked, blinking innocently as she held her wine glass. But inwardly, she was secretly delighted. The men, though feeling somewhat uneasy, stubbornly acted as if nothing was wrong. When it was almost time, Felix stood up first, only to find Lucas frozen in place. “What’s wrong, Lucas?” Felix asked. “Felix… it looks like Aria was telling the truth. The groom isn’t one of us…” Lucas stammered. Felix quickly looked up at the big screen. He froze when he saw the figure walking towards me. “Ethan Young!”

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I was employed by a wealthy family as a scapegoat, under the pretense of a life-saving favor, to marry into the family. My wife, however, despises me for disrupting her plans to marry Phoebe. Despite her immense wealth, she gives me only five dollars a day for living expenses. I’m so hungry I’ve become gaunt, while she changes boyfriends frequently. Once, to amuse her young boyfriend, she drove drunk, crashing into the hospital’s power supply, causing my mother’s tragic death. Afterward, she casually handed me a Black Card: “You actually left your mom in that rundown hospital? Well, someone as greedy as you would do anything.” “Use this card to move Auntie to a VIP Ward, but don’t think about siphoning off any money. I’ll be checking your bills.” I silently discarded the Black Card and arranged my mother’s funeral. She doesn’t know that it was Phoebe who left her at the altar, and I was just hired by her family to console her. Now that my mother is gone, my debt is repaid. It’s time to leave. — “Lydia, the ceremony has started. Where are you?” At my mother’s funeral, Lydia’s mother, Vera, used my phone to call my wife, Lydia. But a man’s voice answered: “Auntie, Lydia went to bed late yesterday and hasn’t woken up yet. I’ll let her know when she does.” “How can she miss her mother-in-law’s funeral?” Vera yelled angrily and hung up the phone. “Jude, I’m sorry. I spoiled her.” She hates me deeply, and I never expected her to come, nor was I heartbroken over it. I handed the scapegoat contract I signed years ago to Vera and said calmly: “Mrs. Song, the seven-year term is up, and the marriage certificate with Lydia is fake. I want to…” Vera anticipated what I was going to say and interrupted, wiping away tears: “When Lydia found a Heart Match for your mom, I thought she would finally recover.” “I never expected that your mom wouldn’t make it…” “Jude, Lydia made mistakes, but the coroner determined that your mom’s death wasn’t due to a power outage. It was suicide.” “Can’t you give her another chance for finding a match for your mom?” Suicide? My mother wouldn’t leave without seeing me start a family. I knew it was just an excuse to absolve Lydia, and I didn’t bother to argue: “Thank you for your help back then, but now, Lydia doesn’t need me anymore. Can I leave?” Vera sighed and slipped a gold-embossed card into my hand: “Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t stop you.” “But it’s just seven days short of the original agreement. Give her some time to adjust.” Having endured seven years, seven days doesn’t matter. I pushed the card back: “You’ve given me enough. I can’t take this money.” Vera forced the card into my pocket, patting my hand earnestly: “If it weren’t for you taking the fall, Lydia and I would have been estranged long ago. This billion is just a token of my gratitude.” “Jude, Auntie asks you to keep our secret.” This was hush money. Knowing she’d be uneasy if I didn’t take it, I reluctantly accepted with a bitter smile. Back then, Lydia defied her family, threatening to die if she couldn’t marry Phoebe. But just before the wedding, Phoebe eloped with a wealthy woman overseas. Afraid of the blow Lydia would suffer, Vera hired me to play a role. She tampered with Lydia’s car, allowing me to marry in under the guise of a life-saving favor. At first, Lydia didn’t blame me. She even wrote a farewell letter to Phoebe and married me. When she learned I injured my hand saving her and could no longer hold a scalpel, she searched everywhere for renowned doctors and remedies. When all efforts failed, she cried in my arms, promising to give me children and a family. Those were happy days for a while. Until Phoebe’s cousin, Asher, appeared with evidence accusing me of orchestrating the car accident years ago. Lydia slammed the abortion papers in my face, speaking harsh words for the first time: “Jude, someone as unscrupulous as you doesn’t deserve to be my child’s father or have a family!” I clutched the papers, my heart aching as tears streamed down my face. That day, Lydia ended our child’s life with her own hands, and any bond between us was severed. All of this was orchestrated by Vera, but with my mother’s life in her hands, I couldn’t say a word. “Stop pretending! If you love acting, keep it up!” She was unmoved by my tears and knocked over the gourmet food on the table: “From now on, your food allowance is reduced to five dollars a day.” “Jude, you love money and aspire to rise above others, but I won’t let you have your way.” She walked away without looking back, hand in hand with Asher, who resembled Phoebe. Around her were people who only flattered her and belittled me. Once Lydia spoke, they disrupted all my work outside. Even when a beggar took pity on me and bought me a bun, they trampled it mercilessly. “This meat bun costs two dollars and fifty cents, half your daily allowance. You’re really extravagant.” They kicked a dog bowl towards me: “Here, leftovers from our dog. It’s cheap for you.” I once thought that life would just drift by until the agreement was lifted. But not long ago, Lydia told me they found a heart donor matching my mom: “I can give your mom the heart, but Asher said his cousin is plagued with bad luck and needs a sincere person to kneel three thousand steps for blessings.” Heart matches are extremely hard to find. She must have worked hard to get one. I thought the three thousand steps were just punishment for lying, that she still cared for me. But after I finished, she glared at me: “Jude, your heart isn’t sincere. He didn’t get good luck and instead got heart disease.” “This heart is his now. Kneel again and pray properly!” She only wanted to mock and retaliate against me. How ridiculous. I actually thought she had a bit of love for me. I stumbled to my feet, ready to kneel again. But a passerby couldn’t bear it and stopped me: “Your legs are so injured. If you kneel again, you’ll die!” Only then did Lydia see my knees, raw and bloody. She turned away, snorting coldly: “Forget it. Insincere hearts only have bad effects. Just eat vegetarian for a month and pray for him properly.” Vegetarian meals were much better than dog food. I even gained some weight after the punishment ended. As soon as I got down the mountain, I rushed to the hospital, intending to ask about the heart transplant, only to find out my mother had been moved to a small hospital. Before I could ask her why, I learned she had passed away. I wiped my mother’s photo over and over, my eyes empty, tears long dried. Lydia was right; I didn’t deserve a family, and now I truly had none. After I finished my work, Lydia’s call finally came, albeit late. “This child, only calling after it’s over.” “But at least she knows to apologize.” Vera mumbled, answered the call, and put it on speaker. Lydia’s cold voice followed: “It’s Asher’s mom’s birthday soon. Handle it.” Embarrassed by this slap in the face, Vera flew into a rage: “Lydia, he’s your husband, not your servant!” “His mom just passed. How can you make him handle someone else’s birthday party?” Lydia was confused: “Isn’t Auntie seriously ill? Where did she go?” I didn’t want any trouble with only a few days left before I could leave. “She went back home.” I vaguely changed the subject and took on the birthday party task. She didn’t ask further, satisfied with my compliance: “Smart choice.” “Once Auntie’s health improves, I’ll throw her a birthday party, let her have her moment.” She didn’t know my mom was already dead. In seven days, I’d be gone, and there would be no future between us. 2 When I was about to go home, Lydia gave me an address and told me to go there. I thought she wanted to discuss the birthday party. But when I opened the door to the private room, all I got was a cold drink from Lydia: “I wondered why you agreed so quickly to handle the birthday. Turns out you took my mom’s money.” “Jude, seven years, and I thought you’d learned, but you’re still a dog that can’t change its ways!” Asher handed me a tissue, pretending to be a mediator. “Sorry, Jude, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have spoken about it earlier, causing you and Lydia to fight.” Then he tugged Lydia’s sleeve, pretending to slap himself a few times, eyes red: “Lydia, don’t scold Jude. It’s my fault. Blame me if you must.” But Lydia held his hand, rubbing his unhurt face with concern: “Don’t hit yourself. I care about you.” “Besides, you did nothing wrong. If not for you, I wouldn’t have known Jude dared to ask my mom for money.” “Tell me, baby, what reward do you want?” Asher propped his chin, deep in thought: “You’ve already bought me a Lamborghini, given me a lakeside villa.” “Regular gourmet food, endless gifts. Last time, I just mentioned wanting lobster, and you bought it and even peeled it for me.” “And the time before, at that auction, I liked a watch worth thirty million. You bought it without blinking and released all the sky lanterns just for me. You’ve spoiled me rotten; my material desires are incredibly low…” “Tell me, darling, what reward do you want?” Asher rested his chin in his hand, thinking deeply: “You’ve already bought me a Lamborghini and gifted me a Lakeside Villa.” “We enjoy gourmet food regularly, and the gifts never seem to stop. Last time, I casually mentioned wanting lobster, and you immediately bought it and even peeled it for me.” “And the time before that, at an auction, I took a liking to a watch worth thirty million. You purchased it without a second thought and even lit sky lanterns for me. You’ve indulged me so much that my material desires have become almost nonexistent…” Asher recounted Lydia’s generosity over the years, and the more he spoke, the colder my heart grew. While I spent decades eating unappetizing meals and living in a dark, damp servant’s room with cockroaches and rats, Asher lived a life of luxury and comfort. Driving luxury cars, residing in mansions, enjoying gourmet food daily, being served shrimp peeled by Lydia, and receiving various gifts from her. And yet, as Lydia’s husband, the most indulgent meal I’ve had in these seven years was vegetarian, and the best place I’ve stayed was a temple. Indeed, without comparison, there is no disappointment… Just then, my thoughts were interrupted by Asher’s words: “Sister Lydia, I know what reward I want! I want to eat an egg yolk pastry from that place we often visit in the east of the city!” He emphasized “often visit,” frequently glancing at me with a provocative and boastful look. I pretended not to notice. Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to Asher’s provocations. While I was lost in thought, Asher sighed and spoke to himself: “It’s such a shame it’s so far, 30 kilometers away. Maybe I should just forget it…” Asher’s deliberately forlorn act made Lydia feel quite sorry for him. In the private room, one of Lydia’s girlfriends suddenly suggested: “Let Jude go get it!” “Yeah, he’s got nothing else to do anyway! Plus, it’s his fault in the first place; this could be a way to punish him for deliberately asking Auntie for money!” Lydia paused for a moment, then nodded slightly in agreement: “That’s actually a good idea.” She turned her head, glanced at me indifferently, her voice ice-cold. “What are you standing there for? Didn’t you hear that Asher is craving egg yolk pastry? Go buy it!” Asher immediately put on a facade of goodwill, came to me and said insincerely: “Brother Jude, 30 kilometers is quite a way. You don’t have a car, right? I can lend you one.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bunch of car keys—Cayenne, Maybach, even a Rolls-Royce Phantom. All kinds of luxury car keys, you name it. Asher dangled the car keys in front of me, eyes gleaming with pride: “Brother Jude, pick whichever one you want to drive.” I knew he was deliberately flaunting, taking the opportunity to provoke me. However, before I could respond, Lydia snatched the keys away, her voice cold: “Do you think you’re worthy of driving?” “Just walk there step by step, it’s only 30 kilometers. Consider it exercise. Are you afraid of a little walk?” I didn’t react as I used to, shouting and resisting. I just nodded silently, accepting it all with calmness and composure. In the beginning, when Lydia deliberately tormented me, I resisted. But it only brought more severe torment. Since the outcome is already decided, why waste my breath and effort? Lydia’s words made her girlfriends’ eyes widen, and they laughed uproariously: “Lydia, you’re really clever.” “Don’t worry, we’ll keep an eye on him for you.” Lydia didn’t expect me to agree so readily. The words she had prepared to counter me got stuck in her throat. She stared at me for a while, feeling that I seemed different these past couple of days. In the past, every time she punished me, I would argue forcefully, accusing her of being unreasonable. But today, I seemed soulless, unusually quiet. But soon she convinced herself that I was using reverse psychology, trying to get her attention. She raised an eyebrow, quickly covering the surprise in her eyes with a cold demeanor, and snorted: “Seven years and you still haven’t learned. You guys must have been too lenient.” “This time, I’ll watch him myself.” Under the scorching sun, I limped along, with Lydia’s car following behind. The fierce sun beat down on the earth, my back soaked with sweat, and large drops of sweat fell like broken strings of beads. Occasionally, a few drops fell into my eyes, stinging painfully. Every time I wanted to stop and wipe my sweat, the car behind would honk sharply, accompanied by the cold ridicule of Lydia’s girlfriends. “Jude, didn’t you eat? Walk faster!” “Yeah, you’re so slow; are you trying to starve Asher?” And Lydia watched coldly the entire time, never intending to speak up for me. I could only endure the pain, dragging my heavy steps forward… We passed through bustling streets and entered a small alley. Suddenly, the car behind stopped. Lydia looked at me, drenched in sweat, and said coldly: “Stay there and wait. Asher wants to eat street skewers. We’ll leave after we’re done.” I didn’t know what else Lydia had in mind, but I obediently stood aside, took out a tissue, and wiped my sweat. Lydia and her friends laughed and joked, walking together toward the street vendors. As I watched their joyous departure, I couldn’t help but lower my gaze, lost in thought. I vaguely remembered when Lydia and I weren’t on bad terms, I also wanted to eat street barbecue. But she pulled me away, frowning in disdain: “Jude, the son-in-law of the Song family eating street food? It’s too embarrassing if it gets out. Don’t tarnish the Song family!” So I had to compromise and give up on eating street barbecue. After that, to be a good son-in-law for the Song family and not embarrass them, I had to attend classes every day to learn Western dining etiquette. But when it came to Asher, he didn’t know how to use a knife and fork for steak. Lydia not only got him chopsticks but also complained to the restaurant, demanding that they provide chopsticks at every table. Now, dressed in tens of thousands of dollars worth of high-end custom clothes, she stood in a place swarming with flies, eating junk food fed by Asher, smiling tenderly and indulgently. Turns out, she could be so down-to-earth. Turns out, she could eat street food, just not with me. The sun was blazing overhead, and my knees had long gone numb from the pain. I felt dizzy, and then everything went black as I lost consciousness. 3 When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital, surrounded by the pungent smell of disinfectant. My pant legs were rolled up, my knee had been treated and bandaged. Lydia sat by the bed, scooped a spoonful of bird’s nest soup, blew on it to cool it, and brought it to my mouth, complaining: “The doctor said you fainted from malnutrition. You’re so stubborn. I punished you by making you eat vegetarian; couldn’t you secretly eat something good? Your health is this poor.” “As for the card issue, mom told me it was for your mom’s medical expenses. I checked your account; you haven’t spent anything.” “Don’t you have a mouth? Why didn’t you explain it to me?” “And about your knee injury, why is it getting worse…” I raised an eyebrow at her, finding it ironic. Wasn’t it her who told Asher to make me kneel for an hour every day? Now she asks why the injury is worsening? This woman is really fickle. As for explaining… Haven’t I explained enough over the years? Back when Lydia wanted to torment me, she reduced my living expenses to 150 a month, only allowing me to spend five a day. Vera couldn’t stand it and often secretly gave me money for extra meals. But when Lydia found out, she was furious. She said I was deliberately angering her because I was eating so well despite her rules. I tried to explain to Lydia, but she never gave me the chance, locking me in the storage room despite my claustrophobia, cutting off my food and water for a week, forcing me to write self-reflections and think over my actions. There were several past conflicts with Asher, where Lydia blatantly sided with him. Asher claimed I deliberately caused a car accident to drive away Wenyan, and Lydia believed it. To punish me, she aborted our child despite my protests, saying a malicious schemer like me didn’t deserve to have a child, didn’t deserve a family. And when Asher tried to drive me away by faking a drowning incident in front of Lydia, he later framed me for pushing him. I repeatedly explained to Lydia, swore it wasn’t me, but she accused me of trying to justify myself, ordering people to dunk me in the cold sea for three hours, saying all the pain Asher suffered had to be inflicted on me until I passed out… All these years, Lydia never believed me, not once. She trusted Asher enough to share the safe’s password but always assumed the worst about me, her husband. Seeing me silent, Lydia thought I was still worried about my mom’s illness. She sighed: “Jude, don’t worry too much about your mom’s illness. I’m still looking for a heart match. I’ll make sure Auntie recovers.” I lowered my gaze, clenching my fist, feeling a pang of bitterness. But… My mom’s gone. She doesn’t need a heart anymore. I was about to speak about my mom. Lydia looked up at me and tentatively said: “By the way, the traffic police issued a notice. Asher’s drunk driving might lead to his license being revoked.” Seeing my silence, Lydia assumed I was still concerned about my mother’s illness. She sighed: “Jude, you shouldn’t worry too much about your mother’s condition. I’m still searching for a heart; I promise to help Auntie get better.” I lowered my gaze, clenching my fists as a wave of bitterness washed over me. But… My mom is gone, and she no longer needs a heart. I was about to mention my mom when Lydia glanced at me again and cautiously spoke: “By the way, the traffic police have issued a notice. It seems Asher might have his driver’s license revoked for drunk driving.” “Jude, you know Asher worked hard for three years to get that driver’s license. He can’t afford to have it revoked.” “Anyway, you have a driver’s license but no car. Why don’t you take the blame for him? If you agree, I can give you 300,000 as compensation.” 300,000? I found it incredibly amusing, and a chill ran through me. One of Asher’s ties costs 3 million. After seven years of marriage, am I worth less than one of Asher’s ties? I must have lived too poorly. Besides, it was because of this car accident that my mom died. And Lydia wants me to take the fall for Asher, the main culprit? My gaze turned cold as I pushed away the porridge Lydia offered: “I refuse. I won’t help with this, so give up.” After I rejected her, a cold glint flashed in Lydia’s eyes. “Jude, why won’t you help? Are you deliberately targeting Asher?” “Besides, it’s just taking the blame, and I’m even offering you money. Is it really that big of a deal?” “Or… do you think 300,000 isn’t enough?” Listening to Lydia’s absurd reasoning left me speechless. But my silence seemed to Lydia like an agreement. Her gaze grew even colder, with a hint of disdain, as if she had seen through my intentions. “Jude, I thought you had learned your lesson, but you still can’t change your greedy nature!” “In the end, it’s all about money. I guess you’re just obsessed with it!” After scolding me, Lydia raised her chin, acting like she was doing me a favor. “Tell me, how much do you want to agree to take the blame?” So, this is how Lydia thinks of me? After seven years of marriage, no matter how sincerely I treated her, even if I was willing to eat dog food for her, even if I acted as a scapegoat to help her move on from a breakup, even if I tolerated her tantrums and unreasonable behavior. No matter how much I did, I couldn’t warm her heart. When facing me, her heart remained as cold and hard as ice. In her eyes, I was just a greedy, malicious, calculating person. She thought I was only with her for the money. But she didn’t consider that if I were truly after money, I would have left as soon as she moved on from her shadow. Instead of staying with her year after year… Suddenly, it felt like a heavy stone pressed on my chest, and I felt exhausted. Perhaps two incompatible people shouldn’t be together. Maybe our marriage was a mistake from the start. I exhaled deeply, looked at Lydia, and spoke calmly: “Lydia, let’s break up.” 4 Lydia was waiting to negotiate a price with me. Hearing my words, she was suddenly stunned: “Break up? What do you mean by that?” I replied to her indifferently: “You said I was after your money, right?” “Anyway, you’ve been tired of me for a long time. We might as well separate, so I won’t be in your way.” Lydia thought I was being petty, mocking: “Back then, you insisted on marrying into my family, and now you’re using a breakup to make me compromise?” “If you’re so bold, why don’t you dare to propose a divorce?” She slammed the bowl on the table heavily, and the spilled bird’s nest soup instantly scalded my hand, causing me to gasp in pain. Hearing my pained cry, Lydia paused for a moment. But soon, she thought I was just trying to gain sympathy and left angrily. Watching her resolute back, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile. Lydia didn’t know that I wasn’t asking for a divorce, not because I didn’t dare, but because our marriage was a sham from the start. But since I’m leaving soon, there’s nothing left to explain. I drifted into a heavy sleep. When I woke up again, Asher came with gifts to see me, speaking coldly: “I heard Lydia offered 3 million for you to take the blame for me? She really loves me, huh.” I closed my eyes, not bothering to respond. He chuckled: “But I didn’t expect someone as greedy as you to refuse?” “The bond between you and your mom is enviably strong.” Seeing me silent, Asher leaned closer, speaking with a sinister tone: “Jude, you still don’t know, do you? Your mom transferred hospitals because of you.” Hearing him mention my mom, I looked at him sharply. “What do you mean?” Asher shrugged nonchalantly: “I just said a few words to your mom, and she immediately agreed to transfer hospitals.” I was even more confused, a bad feeling rising in my heart: “My mom wouldn’t listen to you. What did you do?” Asher, as if nothing happened, continued smiling: “Nothing much, I just showed her the video of you being punished and eating from a dog bowl.” “I told her you were living so miserably because of her. If she truly cared for you, she should end her life immediately and stop burdening you.” “Your mom immediately agreed to the transfer and even planned to end her life when the power went out as a signal.” “Jude, to give you freedom, she suffocated herself with her own hands. Your mom went to such lengths for you, yet you’re still clinging to Lydia like a leech?” A surge of anger rushed through me, and I couldn’t hold back any longer. I pulled out the needle and got out of bed, slapping him across the face: “So it was you who drove my mom to her death! You murderer!” Asher bit his cheek without a care, pulling out his phone to play a video, smirking: “Jude, don’t accuse me of murder. Your mom did commit suicide.” “To avoid being implicated, I set up a camera at the hospital to record everything. This video is the best evidence.” The video showed the entire process of my mom’s suicide. Tears streaming down her face, she suffocated herself. Before her last breath, instinct made her struggle painfully. But for my freedom, she wouldn’t let go, pressing on her nose and mouth until her pupils dilated, and she stopped breathing entirely. By the end of the video, I was already in tears, my heart aching to the point of suffocation. Asher didn’t miss a chance to provoke me: “I just said it casually, but your mom actually took it seriously!” “What a great mother’s love. I’m moved to tears!” “Asher, you beast, I’ll kill you!” In a fit of rage, I rushed forward, grabbing his collar, ready to land another punch. Just then, a clear, cold female voice called out from behind. “Stop!” 5 Before I could react, Lydia came over with a lunch box, quickly stepping between us. She pushed me away, shielding Asher as if afraid he might get hurt. “Jude, who allowed you to bully Asher!” “Asher came to see you out of kindness, but you hit him. Do you think that’s acceptable? Let me tell you, if anything happens to Asher, I won’t let you off!” I, exhausted, crashed into the edge of the bed and fell to the ground. Lydia, however, was busy caring for Asher, not even sparing me a glance, convinced I was faking it. “Had the strength to hit someone earlier, and now you can’t stand up? Who would believe that!” “Jude, your acting is too poor. Next time, have a plan before you lie.” Asher clung to Lydia’s clothes, covering his face and sobbing: “Sister Lydia, don’t blame Brother Jude, it’s all my fault.” “It’s because I look too much like my cousin. Brother Jude has always been jealous of your past relationship, so he hates me because I look so much like him.” “If that’s the case, I’ll avoid Brother Jude from now on…” I struggled to my feet, trying to explain: “Lydia, do you know my mom was killed by him…” Before I could finish, Asher sniffled, deliberately showing the red handprint on his face to Lydia. Seeing the fresh slap mark on Asher’s face, Lydia’s eyes reddened with heartache, and she slapped me, cutting off my words: “Jude! You drove Asher away back then, and now you’re so jealous you can’t even tolerate his cousin!” “Not only that, but you also dared to use your sick mother as an excuse?” Furious, she grabbed my hand, forcing me to slap my own face: “You like slapping people, don’t you?” “Then kneel here and don’t leave until you’ve slapped yourself a thousand times!” She left with Asher, shouting for a doctor as if Asher had some terrible illness. But she didn’t let me off easy, leaving behind two rows of strong men to watch me. If I didn’t slap myself or hit softly, they would do it, slapping my face hard. The crisp slapping sounds echoed continuously in the ward… When my cheeks were swollen and raw, Vera finally arrived, a trace of pity in her eyes. “Stop, don’t hit him anymore!” But the leader raised a hand to stop her: “Ma’am, these are Miss’s orders, please don’t make it difficult for us.” “Lydia! Are you crazy?” Vera anxiously called Lydia, but the line was busy. But she didn’t go easy on me either. She left two rows of strong men to watch over me. If I didn’t hit myself hard enough, they would step in, swinging their arms and slapping my face with harsh brutality. The sharp sound of slaps echoed continuously in the Ward… When both sides of my face were swollen and bleeding, Vera finally arrived, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. “Stop, that’s enough!” But the leader raised his hand to stop her: “Madam, these are Miss’s orders. Please don’t make it difficult for us.” “Lydia! Have you lost your mind?” Vera anxiously called Lydia, but the line was busy. Not until my cheeks were a bloody mess and a thousand slaps were done did the Bodyguards leave. In a detached manner, I raised my hand. Just as it was about to strike my face, Vera caught my hand, her voice choked with emotion: “Don’t wait the seven days, child. Leave today.” “The Helicopter is waiting on the Hospital rooftop. Pack your things and take your mom away. Never come back.” She carefully handed me my mother’s Urn and photograph. Looking at my mother’s kind face. My heart ached unbearably, as if encased in wet cotton. When she was alive, my mother would mend my clothes when they tore, patiently listen to my complaints, and make me my favorite Pickled Cabbage Pie when I lost my appetite. Just one bite of Pickled Cabbage Pie could chase away a whole day’s fatigue, providing comfort and warmth, filling me with energy and determination. In front of her, I was always a child and could forever remain one. But now, my mother is gone. My last family member in the world is gone too. From now on, no one will patiently listen to my troubles and complaints, tolerate me unconditionally, or endure my little tantrums. The saddest part is, my mother sought death just to trade for my freedom. But mother, you were never a burden. You were my reason to live, my hope in life. Without you, my life is only darkness, with no light at all… Thinking of this, I couldn’t hold back anymore and cried out loud, holding my mother’s Urn. After being discharged, I took my mother’s Urn home, going straight to the small servant’s room in the corner. Opening the door, I started to pack. Vera, who came along, was shocked to see the moldy walls, the blackened, rotten Bed, and the rats and cockroaches running around. “Child, you… lived here?” I nodded, managing a weak, bitter smile. “Mom, no, I should call you Auntie now.” “Auntie, having a place to stay that’s sheltered from the wind and rain is already good. Many times, Lydia punished me by making me kneel outside overnight.” “Usually, I’d kneel the whole night. The Bodyguards watched. If I tried to get up, they’d press me down…” I won’t forget how sharp stones pierced my knees with excruciating pain, leaving permanent damage, making me limp at times, with my knees aching after too much walking. Hearing this, Vera’s eyes turned red. She looked at me with sympathy and heartache, wanting to say something but finally staying silent. She knew, without her, I wouldn’t suffer so much. My misery was tied to her. Vera stood there, heartbroken and helpless, watching me. I kept packing. I didn’t have much, just some washed-out clothes, a few documents, and my mom’s Urn, barely filling a small suitcase, even less than what I brought when I married in. After marriage, Lydia and I once had sweet, happy times. At our most loving, Lydia bought me new clothes and many imported trinkets to make me happy. Knowing I liked Lily of the Valley, she set aside garden space for me to plant them. But everything changed when Asher appeared. Lydia believed Asher’s accusations, thinking I drove Phoebe away. She was so angry that she took back her love overnight, reclaiming clothes, shoes, and trinkets for Asher, even replacing the garden flowers with Asher’s favorite Violets. Whether to spite me or because Asher’s resemblance to Phoebe moved her, Lydia favored Asher more and more, even spoiling him endlessly. Our sweet photos were burned to ashes as my heart died for her. After packing, I said goodbye to Vera, then deleted Lydia’s contact information from my Phone. After doing all this, I got on the Helicopter Vera provided, leaving without looking back. Lydia, you find me annoying, and don’t want to see me anymore. Well, neither do I. I’ve been with you for seven years. I owe you nothing now. For the rest of our lives, may we never meet again. … Lydia partied and drank for three days before she realized that the husband who used to endlessly text her “good morning” and “good night,” call her to come home, and regularly send food hadn’t contacted her in a while. She went to the Hospital, asking the Nurse, only to find out her husband had been discharged three days ago. Lydia frowned in displeasure, muttering: “Jude, why didn’t you tell me when you were discharged?” She drove home but found it empty again. Frustrated, Lydia messaged Jude. [Jude, where are you now?] This was the first time in their marriage she had messaged him. She expected Jude to reply instantly as always. But instead of a quick reply, she got a red exclamation mark. Lydia was stunned, shock all over her face. She never thought Jude would delete her! She assumed Jude was still sulking and muttered in annoyance: “Alright, Jude, you dare delete me? Wait till I find you, I’ll make you pay!” Just as she was about to turn off her Phone, Lydia remembered the 99 missed calls from her mother. She thought Jude had complained to her mother and angrily drove to the Old Mansion. “Alright, hiding at the Old Mansion, are you? Just wait!” She drove to the Old Mansion, ready to knock, but heard Asher’s mocking voice at the door: “Auntie, it was my cousin who abandoned Lydia and ran, why be so hostile to me?” “Now, Jude’s mom is dead too. He won’t be back after leaving. I’m your future son-in-law, we should get along.” “After all, I kindly kept your secret about orchestrating the Car Accident to force Jude into marriage from Lydia!” About to knock, Lydia froze, her face turning pale as she heard these words. Her Phone dropped to the ground. 7 “Asher, are you threatening me?” Vera’s voice was filled with anger. “How would I dare? I’m just speaking the truth. Can you deny that what I said isn’t true?” Vera fell silent. Song Zhaoning, standing at the door, felt a chill run through her body. At first, she thought there might be some misunderstanding.

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Aria’s life takes an unexpected turn when her twin sister Luna marries into wealth and they both become pregnant at the same time. But when Luna gives birth to a daughter with a congenital heart defect, she secretly switches the babies. Years later, Luna’s daughter grows up to be spoiled and unsuccessful, while the child Aria raised excels in both academics and career. As Aria travels the world and enjoys a fulfilling life, Luna’s jealousy reaches a boiling point. It’s only then that Aria discovers the truth about the baby switch. Before Aria can explain, Luna, driven mad with envy, stabs her through the heart. When Aria opens her eyes again, they’ve both returned to the day the children were born. This time, Luna fiercely guards her own daughter, refusing to let anyone near her. Aria can only smile coldly. Little does Luna know that in the previous life, her daughter had died of heart failure at just ten years old… Luna had trouble producing enough breast milk. Our mom, always favoring her, eagerly brought me over to nurse the baby as soon as she was out of the incubator. But Luna screamed hysterically: “Aria, get out of here!” She hurled various items at me, including a bottle that broke against my head. Blood trickled down my temple. I retreated behind the door, wincing in pain, my expression darkening. Mom rushed forward and grabbed Luna’s arm. “What’s going on? Did Aria do something wrong?” Luna glared at me with bloodshot eyes, as if I were her mortal enemy. She snarled through gritted teeth: “She’s trying to steal my baby!” “Daisy is my daughter! No one can take her away! She’s a kidnapper, I’m calling the police!” Her eyes were filled with hatred. For a moment, her face overlapped with the twisted, terrifying expression of the Luna who had killed me in my previous life. A chill ran down my spine as I suddenly realized – I wasn’t the only one who had been reborn. So had she. But in the previous life, she was the one who switched the babies, not me! How dare she call me a kidnapper? Ridiculous! Luna and I are twins, but our mom has always favored her. For the first thirty years of her life, everything went smoothly for Luna. After graduating from a mediocre college, she married into an elite family and gave birth to an adorable daughter, living a happy and prosperous life. Meanwhile, I had a child with a congenital heart defect and spent all my savings seeking medical treatment. Who would have thought that later on, the elite family Luna married into would go bankrupt? Without a substantial family fortune to rely on, her child grew up to be spoiled and incompetent. Soon, mother and daughter ended up homeless, forced to scavenge for food. My child, on the other hand, was raised well by me. She graduated from a top university, excelled in her career, and with the wealth I had diligently saved, we quickly acquired several villas and even opened our own studio. While Luna was picking through garbage, I was traveling the world. On my 40th birthday, Luna suddenly burst in, wielding a weapon and lunging at me with eyes full of hatred. She stabbed me viciously several times, then turned to my daughter with a pained expression: “Sweetheart, I’m your real mother! I’m your real mother! How could you not recognize me?” It was only then that I learned the truth – years ago, Luna had switched our babies out of fear of being cast aside by her wealthy in-laws! The spoiled child she raised was actually mine, while the one with the heart condition was her own daughter! Luna plunged the knife into my heart, her eyes wild with madness: “Aria, you stole my life! All of this should have been mine!” Her twisted expression merged with the Luna before me now. I laughed coldly inside, but kept my face expressionless. “Forget it, Mom,” I said. “If Luna doesn’t want me to nurse the baby, there’s no point in pushing it. I’ll leave.” As I turned to go, I heard Luna let out a sigh of relief. She probably thought her happiness was within reach now. After all, in the previous life, her daughter had grown up to be obedient, talented, and filial. All Luna had to do was enjoy the fruits of my labor. But little did she know… That true heiress had died of heart failure at just ten years old. The girl who came after was a child I had adopted from an orphanage after the real Daisy passed away.

Holding my biological child, my heart melted completely. In my previous life, Luna had turned her into a complete hellion – not only was she unfilial to her parents, but she even did all sorts of terrible things to make money, with no regard for her own dignity. She ended up in prison. By then I was already dead, floating in the air, watching her fate unfold with unbearable heartache. Given a second chance at life, I was determined to give her all the love and valuable education she deserved. She suckled contentedly, looking adorable and innocent. It was hard to imagine how Luna had managed to raise such a sweet girl into the mess she became later on. As I was lulling her to sleep, a commotion suddenly erupted outside. Luna was staying in a private room not far from mine. It should have been quiet, but now it was in an uproar. I went to take a look and saw that it was Luna’s wealthy in-laws, the Ling family. Mrs. Ling was looking at the quiet baby girl on the bed with obvious disgust. “Luna dear, does your family have a history of genetic disorders?” she asked. “Otherwise how could the baby be born with a congenital heart defect?” Mr. Ling didn’t even bother to show his face. Jack, Luna’s husband, had a conflicted expression. After some hesitation, he spoke up: “Luna, even if we can keep the child alive for now, we can’t protect her forever. I think it would be better if we had another baby…” Luna’s face turned ashen as she glared furiously at Jack. “What are you saying? Are you suggesting we give up on this child? You want to kill your own daughter!” Jack’s expression also darkened. “Can’t you be more sensible? It’s bad enough she’s a girl, but she also has a terminal illness!” Mrs. Ling chimed in with a nasty tone: “Neither our Ling family nor your Shao family has any history of genetic disorders. Who knows why this child was born with this condition!” Luna trembled with rage as she grasped the cruel implication behind those words. Standing at the doorway, I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. Luna only saw the comfortable life I enjoyed later on. How could she know the efforts I had made to raise that child to ten years old? To treat the child’s illness, I not only spent all my savings but also suffered my husband’s betrayal. In the end, I could only take her north and south by myself, spending day and night waiting outside hospitals, eating steamed buns and drinking cold water, enduring all kinds of hardships with the sky as my blanket and the earth as my bed. But Luna couldn’t see any of that! She only wanted to reap the rewards – how ridiculous! In the end, Luna’s insistence was met with a slap across the face from Jack. Jack exploded in anger: “Our Ling family can’t afford to lose face like this. If you insist on keeping this child, then let’s get a divorce!” To my surprise, Luna actually stood her ground, tilting her chin defiantly: “Fine, let’s get divorced!” Her eyes glinted calculatingly: “Your Ling family won’t last much longer anyway. I’d rather not be associated with you anymore!” I laughed to myself. So Luna’s rare moment of backbone was just a ploy to abandon a sinking ship.

On the day of discharge, my soon-to-be ex-husband Jack came to pick us up. To my disbelief, before my personal belongings were even loaded, my mom had already put Luna’s things in the trunk. Even Jack was being overly attentive: “Luna, you get in first. The wind is strong, don’t catch a chill.” Looking at this man before me, I felt nothing but disgust. I couldn’t help but laugh coldly: “What’s the meaning of this?” My mom, noticing my expression, hurriedly came over to take my suitcase. “Oh, look at my memory! I forgot to tell you!” she said. “You see, your sister has decided to divorce the Ling family for some reason. You know she got married right after graduation and doesn’t have a job or anywhere to go. So I thought, why not let Luna stay at your place for now!” Luna sat in the car, smiling at me: “Aria, I’m still recovering from childbirth. You wouldn’t refuse me, would you?” The two of them were trying to emotionally blackmail me. However, my heart had been hardened by the despair of my previous life. I immediately shook my head firmly: “No, I don’t agree.” My mom’s face fell, but before she could say anything, Jack spoke up: “Aria, how can you be like this?” “Postpartum recovery is so important for women. I know you’ve never liked your sister, but you can’t joke around with her health!” Jack said with a disappointed look. “I always thought you were a kind girl. Who would have thought you couldn’t even accommodate your own twin sister…” Looking at his disgusting face, I couldn’t help but recall my previous life. When I was taking our child around seeking medical treatment, he was fooling around with his assistant. After divorcing me, he married that assistant just two months later. In the years that followed, although he and his mistress didn’t become extremely wealthy, they lived a comfortable middle-class life without facing any real consequences. Given a second chance at life, I was determined not to let him off so easily. An idea struck me. Instead of refusing outright, I said: “If you want to stay at my place, that’s fine. But the rent is $2000 a month, not a penny less.” Luna’s face changed: “You’re taking advantage of the situation!” My mom pulled her aside: “It’s fine, she’s just being stubborn. She won’t really make you pay. Let’s move in first and figure it out later. Don’t argue with her.” Luna gave me a dirty look before sitting down to comfort her fussy daughter. I named my biological daughter Sunny, completely different from her name in the previous life. When Luna heard the baby was called Sunny, she was taken aback: “How come? Shouldn’t your child be called…” She caught herself mid-sentence and coughed, swallowing the rest of her words. But the suspicious look she gave me spoke volumes. I accepted her scrutiny openly. Even if she knew I had been reborn, so what? This time, I hadn’t interfered with her choices at all! Her child was still called Daisy, though the surname had changed from Zhou to Shao. And I remembered that Daisy’s first health crisis in my previous life was about to happen right on schedule. Although, the circumstances were subtly different from what had happened before.

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[I really want to lock her up.] After gaining the ability to hear the thoughts of beast-people, I started contemplating how to escape. Being human in this world of beast-people who extremely hate humans, I would die if my identity was discovered. I tightened the fake fox tail tied around my waist and climbed over the wall. But can someone tell me why the silver wolf, white tiger, merman… are all smiling at me from below? The black hawk embraced me from behind, asking in a low voice: [Isn’t it exhausting pretending to be a beast-person every day?] “I want to lock her up.” When I heard this thought, I was tutoring Lucas in our beast-people academy. My first reaction was that I must be hearing things. I continued solving the math problem on my scratch paper. This was an elite school for beast-people, and I was just an ordinary human. I’m not sure how the original owner of this body got in, but when I transmigrated here, I found myself in a dangerous situation where I could lose my life at any moment. I had no choice but to keep the fake fox tail tightly attached and carefully pretend to be… well, not human. Fortunately, the curriculum here wasn’t too different from my high school courses in my previous life, so I was able to keep up the act of the original owner. Finally finishing the calculations, I looked up at Lucas, the silver wolf. His eyes were wandering, clearly not having absorbed anything I taught! “She looks so obedient and soft… Are all foxes this seductive?” Before I could even get angry, I unexpectedly heard another thought. Lucas was sitting very close to me, his silver wolf tail swaying behind me, almost but not quite touching. “I want to kiss her…” As I watched that handsome face lean closer, the scratch paper crumpled under his arm with a soft rustle. I suddenly snapped back to reality. It seemed I could hear… Lucas’s thoughts? I finally couldn’t take it anymore and leaned back, but that fluffy wolf tail pressed against my lower back, not letting me retreat an inch. Behind me, another beast-student walked by. Lucas frowned slightly in annoyance: “Aria, if you lean back any further you’ll bump into someone. Am I really that scary?” “Does Aria dislike me? How sad… I just want to snuggle her, I don’t have any bad intentions…” Me: “……” I never would have guessed that Lucas, who usually wore a cold expression that kept people at a distance, was such a crybaby on the inside. Criticisms aside, I didn’t dare get too close to him. One way beast-people expressed affection was through mating. Mating… With my fake tail? Did I dare risk that? If the tail fell off, I’d be paying with my life! I swallowed hard and managed to hand him the pen with a trembling hand. Even though I was sitting up straight now, the tail behind me still refused to move away. The soft sensation transmitted through the thin fabric, brushing against the hem of my shirt, with a subtle tendency to explore further. My whole body went rigid. The thin strap holding my tail in place would be visible if my shirt rode up even a little!

Just as I was at a loss for what to do, I heard someone call my name from behind. “Aria, the physics teacher is looking for you.” A boy with fluffy white ears stood in the back doorway, coldly eyeing Lucas and me. Ethan, the white tiger. I breathed a sigh of relief and quickly broke free from Lucas’s hold. Lucas clicked his tongue impatiently, picking up his notebook and pen as he returned to his seat. He couldn’t resist a parting shot: “That big cat is so annoying. One of these days I’m going to beat him to a pulp.” I fell silent at his words. Big cat? I suppose tigers are big cats in a sense. “Let’s go, what are you spacing out for?” Ethan waved his hand in front of my face. Before I could react, he took my hand and led me out of the classroom. The boy’s fingers were long and slender, holding mine loosely with a cool touch spreading across the back of my hand. “Ah, I’m so excited! I’m holding Aria’s little hand, it’s so soft, I want to lick it…” As I listened, I looked up to see the tips of Ethan’s beast ears turning red. He looked so pure and innocent. Me: “……” Bro, what’s with that reaction? You’re not the one being harassed here, why are you getting all shy?! I wasn’t sure whether to pull away or let him keep holding my hand. The whole way to the office, my heart was pounding nervously as Ethan led me along. “Aria.” Ethan suddenly pinned me against the hallway wall, his golden eyes fixed on me like a predator eyeing its prey. “Why haven’t you responded to the love letter I sent you?” Love letter? What? When did he ever give me a love letter? I was dumbfounded, my language system malfunctioning as I struggled to say anything for a long while. Ethan stared at me intently. After a moment, I heard his thoughts: “No, I have to be patient. I can’t scare Aria.” He gazed longingly at my fox ears, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. He seemed to be holding himself back with great difficulty. My heart was racing. I was terrified he might suddenly reach out and touch the ears. Even though they weren’t likely to fall off easily, what if they did? I abruptly pushed him away, hearing a muffled grunt. Without looking back, I turned and rushed into the office. As I closed the door, I caught a glimpse of Ethan’s disappointed face, and… His bright red ears. I fell silent. “What took you so long?” The physics teacher, Mr. Blake, sat on his desk. His smoke-colored glasses perched on his high, straight nose bridge, his narrow eyes sweeping over me with an intimidating aura even when not angry. You could tell at a glance he was an eagle beast-person. The reason was simple – his features were too sharp and striking, extremely distinctive. Mr. Blake was notoriously strict. There was hardly a student who wasn’t afraid of him. I was no exception. I licked my lips nervously as I walked towards him step by step. “Sorry sir, I got held up on the way. May I ask why you wanted to see me…?” Blake closed the book he had been reading and pulled out a form from beside him, handing it to me: “This is the sign-up sheet for the experiment. Fill it out.” He paused, then added: “The research project is confidential for now. The school is very pleased with your grades and personally recommended you.” I was flattered as I took the form. I had just glanced at it and was about to sign when I suddenly heard a voice: “Actually, I was the one who recommended her personally. This is a rare opportunity, I wonder how I can collect some payment from her?” The cool, restrained voice barely contained excitement and anticipation. It was both strange and familiar. “Maybe pat her ears?” “Or hug her, she smells so good…” I was startled, the black pen leaving a long ink mark on the paper. When I looked up, Mr. Blake was still staring at me with an expressionless face, his thin lips pressed into a straight line. There was no hint of emotion. Seeing my mistake, he frowned slightly and pulled out a new form for me: “What’s wrong?” “It’s nothing, I’m just too excited.” I broke out in a cold sweat, my mind in chaos. What was going on? Why could I suddenly hear so many beast-people’s thoughts? And they all seemed to be… Coveting me?!

Just as I was starting to feel anxious, Blake suddenly said: “You can go back now. I’ll let you know when there’s news.” The weight lifted off my chest and I put on a sweet smile again: “Thank you, sir!” As soon as the words left my mouth, a large hand suddenly covered the top of my head, gently rubbing my ears. I froze for a moment and looked up. Blake had already withdrawn his hand, his expression as cold as ever: “Keep up the good work.” He seemed like a genuinely caring teacher looking out for his student. If only I couldn’t hear his thoughts. “Her ears really are soft and tender…” “I want to lock her up in here and hold her while I sleep every night…” I fled in panic. I nearly tripped over my own feet as I rushed out the door. How could Mr. Blake be so different in private too? By the end of the day, I had finally accepted my ability to hear some beast-people’s thoughts. I returned to my apartment feeling dejected, contemplating ending it all as I collapsed on the couch. Just then, I heard the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. I glanced at the fish tank, understanding dawning. I walked over and knocked on the door: “Nolan, are you in there?” The water stopped, followed by a weak male voice: “Yes, sorry… did I disturb you, sis?” I sighed and turned the doorknob. In the bathtub full of water lay a stunningly handsome young man. His sky-blue fishtail, covered in water droplets, gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the window. Only the deep, bone-deep wound on his chest marred his beauty. When I found Nolan washed up on shore, he was barely clinging to life, filthy and battered. As soon as we got back to the apartment, he automatically reverted to his fishtail and slept in the water for half a month straight. “I came to the bathroom to clean my wound. I’ll tidy up afterwards…” Nolan looked pale as he leaned against the edge of the tub. The water beneath him was already tinged a faint red with blood. I shook my head: “Don’t worry about it, just focus on healing.” As soon as I finished speaking, water splashed up. The large fishtail rose from the surface, wrapping around my waist and forcefully pulling me into the fish tank. Caught completely off guard, I fell onto Nolan’s body. My clothes were soaked through, clinging to my skin and outlining my curves. Nolan’s arms held me tightly, his forehead pressed against the crook of my neck. His voice was low, his beautiful eyelashes wet with crystal-like water droplets, as if he’d been crying. “Sis, I had a nightmare. Can I hold you for a while?” I hadn’t even commented on his sudden action, but hearing those words made my heart melt. Nolan came from the Western Sea. He was the fourth prince, but unloved by his parents and nearly killed by his brothers’ schemes. I knelt straddling Nolan’s body, the soft fishtail beneath cushioning my thighs so my knees weren’t too uncomfortable. I stroked Nolan’s wet golden hair, my maternal instincts overflowing. Just as I was about to say some comforting words, an inexplicable drowsiness overcame me. I can’t fall asleep here… Even as I thought this, my eyelids grew heavier and heavier. An increasingly fierce fatigue washed over me, and I collapsed onto Nolan’s chest. Naturally, I didn’t see the flash of jealousy in Nolan’s cobalt blue eyes. He lifted his head from my body, his tongue licking along my neck. No longer the harmless creature he first appeared to be, he now exuded a bewitching aura. “These scents are so unpleasant…” White tiger, silver wolf, eagle… Nolan’s eyes darkened as he decisively removed my fake ears and tail. “Humans should just behave themselves. Otherwise they’re easily coveted…” “Let me clean off these scents for you, sis.”

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When the richest man in the country—my dad—placed four photographs before me, my mind uncontrollably drifted back to the tragic events of my past life. I was once my father’s only heir, unaware of the malice in people’s hearts due to my sheltered upbringing. I treated these four people as true friends, even sharing my jewelry and wealth with them. Declan, however, was a devout Christian who never accepted my generosity; he was always locked away in church, praying, never sparing me a glance. I thought he didn’t love me until I inadvertently opened the church door one day and found him kneeling before a poor female student, kissing her feet with devotion: “Luna, you are my only faith, greater than even the Lord.” Now that I’ve been reborn, I refuse to give them a good life again. Looking at my dad, I said firmly, “Dad, forgive me, but I want the one from the Johnson Family!” Dad was shocked, his eyes wide. “You must be kidding. Everyone knows he’s a complete scoundrel! Plus, he supposedly has some unsavory habits. Are you sure you want someone like that?” Of course, since I’ve been reborn, I must make the best choice for myself. But not long after, this man cornered me, and that’s when I realized he… had also been reborn.

On my twentieth birthday, it was time to choose my new fiancé. In my past life, I joyfully chose Declan, oblivious to the conflict and pain in his eyes. When I opened my eyes again, it was my turn to announce my fiancé. But Declan, holding Luna, sternly warned me, “I will not marry a vile woman like you! Just seeing you makes me sick!” “Adeline, in this life, don’t even think about breaking me and Luna apart!” Everyone watched us. They all knew I had been trailing after Declan, a humble suitor. Now, being publicly ridiculed, everyone was waiting to laugh at me. I clenched my trembling hands, the pain of my past haunting me, and forced a smile. “Rest assured, even if I choose a dog, I won’t settle for you.” Declan’s expression changed, and he looked smugly at me with Luna in his arms. “Sorry, Miss Lin, Declan isn’t the kind of person you can buy with money!” Declan held her tightly and commanded me, “Luna isn’t well. Go serve her well at Seaview Villa.” “Whenever you see her, you should kneel on the ground like a dog! Otherwise, I won’t take over Lin Corporation and work for you!” With that, he left with Luna in tow. Watching his back, a cold smile crept onto my lips. It seems Declan forgot that he isn’t the richest man yet, just a worthless orphan. The banquet ended unpleasantly. My parents, delayed by traffic, were furious after hearing about Declan’s humiliation towards me, ready to confront him. But I held them back. “Mom, Dad, I’m willing to marry Wesley.” My parents were surprised, hesitantly looking at me, “But don’t you like Declan?” I lowered my eyes, hiding my hatred. “Our Lin family is so wealthy, he’s just an orphan, not worthy of me.” My mom wasn’t well, so my parents adopted four boys as candidates for my fiancé to prevent my loneliness. Yet, they felt my adoption severed their hope of finding their real families, treating me with cold sarcasm behind my back. I pitied them, always compromising, which made them see me as weak and easy to manipulate, leading to a tragic end for my entire family. Mom gently advised me, “Adeline, we just want you to be happy.” I held my mom’s warm hand to my face. “Though Wesley is a womanizer, marrying into the Wesley family can still elevate our Lin family.” “Declan is poor and will only be a burden to our Lin family!” My parents exchanged a glance, sighing in the end. “But I heard that Wesley is quite the womanizer and might even have some disease. Are you sure you want to marry him?” Seeing mom’s reluctance, I acted spoiled in her arms. “Any disease can be treated. Besides, if it can’t, I just need his sperm.” “After all, having a child doesn’t necessarily require any contact with him.” Seeing my determination, my parents stopped advising me. They were just inevitably disappointed in Declan. They had already graduated from college, and technically, the Lin family didn’t need to support them anymore. Yet, under the guise of being my future husband, he continued to leech off the Lin family shamelessly. I just asked my parents to cut off their cards. Unexpectedly, they stormed into my house that night, furious.

As soon as the door opened, I was pushed hard, crashing against the shoe cabinet. Declan looked grim, “Adeline, besides using money to control others, what else can you do?” Following him, the three others looked at me with contempt. Griffin openly showed his disdain, “Everyone knows you’re desperate, can’t live without a man since you were young.” Asher rolled his eyes, “Miss Lin, is this another round of your four-choice game? Geez, if you’re itchy, find a tree branch to scratch against. Don’t stick to us, I find it dirty!” Finn, always the most hot-tempered, looked at me with disdain, “Causing us to be burdened by you, not only can we not find our real parents, but we’re also ridiculed for spending a woman’s money!” It seemed, in their eyes, I was despicable and shameless. But they willingly got adopted back then. I fought back tears, “Then why did you come today?” All four of them changed their expressions, looking at me with resentment and anger. Finn clenched his fists, growling at me in discontent, “That’s what the Lin family owes us! If we find our real parents, why would we need to endure the Lin family?” Declan, looking at the other three, warned me in a low voice as if granting charity. “If you don’t want Lin Corporation to go bankrupt, be good.” “Unlock the cards, and maybe I’ll allow you to be a hidden lover if I’m happy.” I just couldn’t understand. If my family hadn’t adopted them, they wouldn’t have even left that orphanage. My parents never stopped them from finding their families. It was their choice not to give up the affluent life with the Lin family. But why do they hate me so much? I was about to tell them the engagement was canceled when I was pushed hard to the ground again. “Miss Lin, sorry, I didn’t mean it. Please, don’t blame me!” Even though I was the one who got hurt, Declan immediately embraced Luna. “Adeline, if you’re angry, direct it at me. Stop bullying Luna.” He glared at me as if I had committed some heinous crime. But I hadn’t done anything. Luna was also a poor student sponsored by the Lin family, transferred to my school three years ago by my parents. To show gratitude, she offered to be my sidekick. I thought she wasn’t adjusting well and transferred her a thousand dollars to buy something for herself. But Declan, gritting his teeth, grabbed me, demanding with red eyes, “In your eyes, do poor people have no dignity?” I never did such a thing. I wanted to clear the misunderstanding with Luna. But as soon as she saw me, she knelt and kowtowed, “It’s all my fault. Miss Lin never forced me to be her toy.” The four of them immediately recalled the label of spending a woman’s money, looking at me with even more hatred. “Take your dirty money and get out!” “Luna is pure and hardworking. Don’t use your tricks to insult her. If you have issues, come at us!” “Besides using money to insult people, what else can you do? Adeline, you’re really disgusting!” I couldn’t bear the false accusations anymore, shouting that Luna was lying. But Luna, in front of everyone, rushed to the rooftop, crying. “Miss Lin, if I jump, can I prove my innocence?” In the end, Declan brought her down from the rooftop. He looked at me coldly, “Adeline, you really disappoint me. Apologize, or I won’t care about Lin Corporation anymore!” Finally, unable to bear Declan’s cold treatment, I tearfully admitted to mistakes that weren’t mine. I thought it would end things. But I didn’t know Luna would use this incident repeatedly to demand my concessions. A recommendation spot, competition eligibility, even a coming-of-age ceremony my parents meticulously prepared for me. As long as she shed tears silently, he would lead the three to isolate me. In this life, I finally understand. I was never the one in the wrong. I retorted angrily, “I’ve never seen beggars with such arrogance. You want money? Fine, kneel and beg me!” Declan sneered, locking onto me like a venomous snake. “Transfer Lin Corporation’s shares to Luna, and I might give you a chance to stay by my side.” I looked at him incredulously, “Are you crazy? Why should I give her shares?” Declan looked at me coldly, “It’s what you owe her, Adeline. If you want to save Lin Corporation, do as I say!”

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National Day, I went home, and Chloe took over my room. My mom said, “Guests are guests,” and asked me to sleep on the balcony. But when the family went to the zoo, Chloe pushed me into the python enclosure. I was partially swallowed by a python. I was rescued but ended up paralyzed from the waist down, confined to a wheelchair. Chloe showed no remorse; instead, she blamed me for being careless and falling in. Feeling depressed, I fell down the stairs and died. Chloe inherited my family’s property and even praised my death. It turned out she had poured canola oil on the stairs, intending to kill me all along. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I returned home for National Day. The clock on the wall showed the date, and I realized I had been reborn. “Adeline, go wake up your cousin,” my mom urged me. It was the National Day seven-day holiday, with many college students taking the high-speed train back home. I had bought a ticket early to celebrate with my family. Last time, I told my mom in advance to help me change the sheets. She agreed, but when I got home, I found Chloe, Daphne, sleeping in my room. Chloe used my cup and toothbrush, and even wrote on my certificates of merit from my childhood. I angrily told her to get out, but she called me petty. “It’s just a broken cup and some old certificates. I have those too, and they’re worthless at home. If you’re that upset, I’ll just print you some new ones. Why make a fuss?” “So noisy!” Those certificates were proof of my hard work from elementary through high school, not just wastepaper. But her dismissive tone made it seem like she had more right to be angry than I did. My mom, stirring up trouble, said Chloe rarely visited, so I should be hospitable and let her draw on more of my certificates. “Adeline, I’ve been wanting to throw these away. If you want to deal with them, go ahead and do it.” Laughing, she pulled me out of the room, made a makeshift bed with a cardboard on the balcony, and told me to manage for a few days. “It’s not cold yet. You can manage until Daphne leaves and you can return to your room.” “You won’t suffer much.” This cousin of mine, Chloe, was spoiled, always acting like a princess and playing the victim. I couldn’t stand her. Having to sleep on the cold floor for her made me even more upset. But I didn’t expect this National Day to be the start of my nightmare. I sat up from the floor, taking in this unusual morning. After speaking, my mom went to the kitchen, happily making Chloe’s favorite food while Chloe lounged in my room. Seeing me not up yet, my mom urged me to hurry before the food got cold. “So annoying! Why get up so early? Skipping a meal won’t kill you!” Chloe, unhappy, threw a ceramic doll from my bedside at my feet. My mom didn’t scold her; she just smiled and patted her head. “Daphne, sweetie, Auntie made your favorite smoked pork sticky rice. You’ll love it!” Chloe glared at me, telling me to clean up the doll pieces, or they’d hurt her feet later. Humming, she washed up at the sink. When I looked, she’d already opened all my brand-new skincare products, squeezing out half and leaving them on the sink. “Why are you looking? You dare keep such cheap stuff?” “I thought it was some imported good, but I had to wash my face again after using it.” She took out samples from her bag, each costing thousands, flaunting them at me. “Stop using those bad things that ruin your face. Use mine.” “But you’re so ugly, it doesn’t matter what you use.” Chapter 2 In my past life, I broke down crying from all the grievances. Even though I tolerated her, she kept targeting me. Looking at her now, I smiled and slapped her hard. “Oh, your precious face still swells with five finger marks from my slap.” I used all my strength, and Daphne fell to the ground. The sink’s bottles and containers fell, hitting her face and body. Her face swelled with blood vessels popping, looking hideous. “You hit me? How dare you?” She held her face, stunned. I sneered. “You sleep in my bed, use my stuff, and talk without a filter. I could spare you, but remember, I’m not a pushover!” My mom rushed over, helping Daphne up, scolding me for hitting my cousin. In my past life, she always manipulated me like this. “Be nice to your sister. Be more cultured. She’s family, how much harm can it do?” When I became disabled, she didn’t even say a harsh word. “Riches are fate, life and death are destiny.” “It was meant to be. Don’t blame others.” With one dismissive sentence, she excused all of Daphne’s wrongdoings. This time, I won’t be so foolish. Coldly, I responded. “Are you deaf or blind? Didn’t you see her messing with my skincare products?” “I saved those for my teacher. If her actions affect my graduate school recommendation, I won’t let her off!” My mom realized this could impact my recommendation and went silent. Daphne, furious, pointed at me. “Kick her out, Auntie! Slap her and make her leave!” I crossed my arms and pinched her chin hard. “This is my house; if anyone leaves, it’s you! Did the mountain confuse you about who’s the host?” My mom brought ice to soothe her face, coaxing. “Daphne, sweetie, your cousin is stressed about her recommendation, acting crazy. Let’s not stoop to her level.” Since that slap, Daphne nagged me daily, and out of guilt, my mom gave her thousands in red envelopes. She took her to local restaurants for authentic cuisine. Daphne flaunted the gifts at me. “What do you think? You don’t have them, right?” “Auntie said I’m pretty and sensible, deserving new clothes. You, the useless kid, get the old ones.” She then showed the zoo tickets featuring a golden python. Her eyes narrowed meaningfully. “Let’s visit the zoo tomorrow. They say there’s a golden python there.” Having lived through this before, I knew her plan. I was ready this time. Due to the National Day holiday, the zoo was packed. The zoo’s main attraction was the “Golden Python Mountain.” The mountain housed over 20 golden pythons, each seven to eight meters long and 20-30 centimeters wide. Each ate at least 20 pounds of meat daily. They’re known for their gentle nature, so the zoo hired handlers, creating feeding and photo zones. Brave visitors could feed them and take photos with the 100-pound pythons wrapped around them. In my past life, Daphne pushed me into the python pool during a photo session. The startled pythons swarmed and attacked me, leaving me disabled. Daphne bought several pounds of raw meat and two golden python hairbands, sticking one on my head. “Adeline, let’s queue for a photo session. It’s cool to take photos with these pythons.” Chapter 3 She even dragged my mom along. But my mom, afraid of such things, quickly refused. “No, Daphne, Auntie really can’t handle this.” “If you don’t come with me, no one will,” Daphne pouted, playing cute. Of course, my mom pushed me to her side, patting my back. “Let your sister accompany you. She has experience taking pictures with pythons.” I shrugged, feigning fear. “No, I’m scared now.” “It’s okay, sister, I can protect you.” Daphne had no intention of protecting me; she just wanted to repeat her trick. We queued for half an hour before it was our turn for photos. In the large python pool, dozens of golden pythons writhed, resembling a giant multi-headed monster. The python handler placed a small python’s tail on Daphne’s lap, letting her hold a chicken leg near its mouth for a photo. Then it was my turn. As the handler brought the python for my photo, Daphne suggested loudly, “Brother, my sister wants a big one.” The handler searched for a large one, warning us not to step forward and disturb the pythons. Daphne agreed but subtly moved behind me, whispering. “Sister, are you really afraid of pythons now, or are you lying?” I looked at her coldly. “What are you implying?” Daphne shook her head innocently, smirking. “Nothing, just curious. You took photos with pythons as a kid, why the sudden fear?” I replied calmly. “People change as they grow.” “You were kind and gentle as a baby. How did you grow into a villain?” Daphne agreed verbally but quietly moved behind me. She spoke softly. “Sis, are you really afraid of pythons now? Or are you just joking?” I shot her a cold glance. “What’s your point?” Daphne shook her head innocently, a playful smile on her lips. “Oh, nothing. Just curious. You used to have photos taken with all sorts of pythons as a kid. How come you’re suddenly scared now?” I replied calmly, “People change as they grow up.” “You were kind and gentle when you were little. How did you become so nasty?” Her smile vanished instantly. She stared at me like an enemy, gritting her teeth. “Since you put it that way, I’ll show you what being nasty really means.” “You slapped my face! Just drop dead already!” Suddenly, she pushed me hard from behind, trying to shove me into the Python Pool. But I was prepared. I hooked her wrist with my fingers and yanked her down beneath me. We both fell into the Python Pool, with me on top. The pythons, startled, made low hissing noises and slithered towards us. I grabbed Daphne by the throat, propping myself up with one arm, and looked at her coldly. “I heard that because there are so many visitors, the zoo didn’t feed them yesterday so everyone could enjoy feeding the pythons.” “These cute snakes must be starving now.” “What… what are you going to do? You evil woman!” Realizing something was wrong, Daphne’s face turned fearful. She tried to push me off and get up. In the next second, I slammed my elbow hard into her arm joints. With two snaps, both her arms dislocated, and she couldn’t get up anymore. “You wicked woman! You dog! Are you trying to kill me? Shameless woman!” Daphne cursed me furiously, but I ignored her. I got out of the Python Pool before the pythons could reach us. “Ah! Someone save me! Help!” Just as she finished yelling, a python opened its mouth wide, drooling, and wrapped its thick body tightly around her. She couldn’t make another sound. ### Chapter 4 The incident caught everyone off guard, plunging the entire zoo into chaos. Many people pulled out their phones to record the scene. My mom was frantic, desperate to rush in and save Chloe herself. Unfortunately, the staff who had come to assist stopped her.

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Husband lied about being able to see everyone’s lifespan to make up for missed opportunities with Adeline. He claimed I had sixty years left, but his idealized love from the past had only seven days. So, during those seven days, he wanted to fulfill the promises he made to her in their youth. He brought her to our home to personally care for her, and they revisited their young love, rekindling their romance. I didn’t make a fuss. He professed his love to Adeline and then organized an extravagant wedding to marry her, making me the bridesmaid. I didn’t argue. Until he decided to break the ultimate barrier with her in our marital home. With guilt in his eyes, he asked me to move out of our house. The maids laughed at me, but I simply smiled and agreed. I then packed my belongings and moved into the guest room next door with my child. Seeing me as compliant as ever, my husband teared up: “I promise, this is the last time I’ll wrong you. Once Addie passes away, I’ll make it up to you.” He didn’t know I had seen through his lies. Nor did he know that it was actually me with cancer, with only seven days left. In three days, I’ll be gone.

“She just moved next door without a fuss? Wouldn’t she be heartbroken, listening in at night?” “What? You want to help? Didn’t you see how much he dotes on Miss Adeline? She’s just a nobody now; you don’t know whom to flatter.” “Indeed, Mr. Lachlan and Miss Adeline are a better match.” I held my child, pushing boxes from our home, moving things next door trip by trip. I looked around for help, but no one responded. On the fifth day after my terminal diagnosis, my husband wanted to share our new home with his romanticized past love. The maids removed our photos, the bedding, and replaced them with red lovebird sheets, Adeline’s personal items, and their wedding photos. Lachlan glanced coldly over everything, not sparing me a look. He knelt by the sofa, feeding Adeline strawberries, full of indulgence: “I promised you everything a bride should have, you won’t lack anything, don’t let yourself suffer, be good, open your mouth…” My daughter sensed something wrong and whimpered, but Lachlan pretended not to hear. His heart and mind focused only on his first love, leaving me and our daughter to be ridiculed. I gently rocked my child, feeling a bitter ache in my heart. I had no choice; I was dying. After dealing with everything, I didn’t want to talk and planned to return to my room. But as I passed the living room, Adeline wouldn’t let me leave. Lachlan coaxed her for a long time before she shyly spoke: “I don’t have many days left and can’t have kids. I just want to borrow the baby for a few days to see what it’s like to be a mom, but I’m afraid of offending you, sister…” Instantly, everyone’s eyes were on me. I stared firmly at Lachlan. He let his mistress enter the house, making me the maids’ joke. Would he really take my child away, not letting me see her one last time before I die? Seeing Adeline’s face full of melancholy, Lachlan felt pity and looked at me earnestly: “Nora, since you can let go of our home, you won’t mind letting Addie take care of the baby, will you?” I almost forgot; Adeline was the one he vowed to marry when he was young. If Lachlan hadn’t loved her so much, willing to break up rather than hinder her future, they would have been married long ago, and I wouldn’t have picked up the pieces. I only became his wife because I was suitable. Besides responsibility, he had nothing left for me. I forcibly held back the dull pain in my head and asked him: “What if I mind? She’s our daughter, only a month old.” Lachlan paused his fruit-cutting, turned back coldly: “I said, just borrowing the child for three days. Addie’s dying and has never been a mom, what’s wrong with that?” “Anyway, you can live so long, you have plenty of time to see her.” “She’s my daughter! Without my consent, no one can take her.” My voice was resolute. I bled heavily for a whole day to barely give birth to her. And I only have three days left. If I don’t see her more now, I never will. “Nora, I didn’t think you’d be so selfish, can’t you wait just three days?” Lachlan frowned, his tone somber. “I really can’t…” But before I finished, he ordered the maids to restrain me and snatched my daughter, handing her to Adeline. I bit my lip, red-eyed, glaring at him, my heart feeling slashed and bleeding. Yet Adeline smiled triumphantly, her gaze full of pride. The pain in my body couldn’t compare to the pain in my heart. I broke free from the maids, pouncing to grab my daughter back. As I grasped the edge of the swaddle, I felt joy, but then saw Adeline’s sinister smile. I was puzzled when she suddenly fell back, loosening her grip. Seeing my daughter about to fall, I quickly reached out, holding her tight. I fell to the floor from inertia, my elbow throbbing with pain. Gasps surrounded me. But Lachlan caught Adeline, and she nestled in his arms, frightened and wronged: “Sister, if you didn’t want to lend me the child, just say so. No need to use her as a shield to push and bully me…” A maid also stepped up to defend her: “Ma’am, you overreacted. Little Miss is so small. If she hit her head on the ground, she couldn’t be saved!” Lachlan was initially moved by my willingness to protect our child, but after hearing this, his eyes filled with disappointment and anger: “Nora, I can’t believe you’re so cruel to use our child as leverage to bully Addie. You don’t deserve to be a mom!” He said, snatching my daughter from the floor. “For these few days, go stay in the maids’ quarters and serve Addie well.” After speaking, Lachlan saw my tears, curled on the ground, hesitating, a hint of concern in his eyes: “Are you unwell?” To the side, Adeline shrugged: “Sister, you didn’t hit your head. Why act like you have a concussion, trying to gain Lachlan’s sympathy?” “The child isn’t crying, but you, an adult, are. That’s not right.” Lachlan’s concern vanished, replaced by disgust: “Don’t act like you’re dying. Your bright sixty-year lifespan is clear. You can’t fool me.” My heart ached with countless pains. He’d been lying to me all along. Thinking of the time after our whirlwind wedding, the close moments with Lachlan, felt like a dream. In the later stages of my pregnancy, he pushed away work, cooked for me daily, and applied oil to prevent stretch marks. He didn’t mind my swollen, unattractive appearance, still hugging and kissing me… But in just five days after Adeline’s return, everything changed. Lachlan protected Adeline, even the maids sided with her. I was isolated, with no support. When the pain subsided, I sat up from the floor, finding the living room empty. Lachlan ordered I shouldn’t see my daughter for these days, even throwing my luggage from the guest room into the maids’ quarters. With my body unwell, I planned to return to my room but was stopped by Adeline. “Sister, I plan to let my Bichon Frise stay here. Maybe you can make do in the basement for a few days.” I gritted my teeth, glaring at Lachlan behind her. Lachlan pursed his lips, finally stopping her from moving me again: “Alright, the guest room next door is for your dog. The maids’ quarters suit her.” Hearing this, Adeline cheerfully ran upstairs to arrange the doghouse, and Lachlan comforted me: “Nora, I just want to make up for her dying regrets. I promise to stay with Addie for three days.” “After three days, we can spend sixty years together. She’s just passing through, you’re still my legal wife, nothing will change.” Lachlan touched my head. “Be good, be generous, and I promise you won’t be wronged again.” He said and walked away. But he didn’t know I had no time to be generous. We had no future. 2 Five days ago, I was diagnosed with brain cancer, only seven days to live. I told Lachlan about the cancer, but he didn’t believe me, saying I was pretending to be pitiful like Adeline. Since he didn’t believe me, I stopped explaining. The pain in my brain left me weak and limp. Dazed, I heard a knock on the door. Opening it, I found Mrs. Chen, sent by Lachlan with a gift for me—a bouquet of eternal gold roses. He also had Mrs. Chen convey that it was compensation for giving up the new house and my daughter. Mrs. Chen was the only one in the villa who truly cared for me now. She smiled, suppressing her distaste for Adeline, and advised me: “Mr. Lachlan is just temporarily blinded by a vixen. Sending an expensive gift shows he still cares for you.” “Maybe it’ll be better in a few days. Ma’am, just bear with it.” I placed the roses in the corner without expression. There were already four identical bouquets of eternal roses there. I nodded perfunctorily. Since Lachlan lied to me, he sent Mrs. Chen with such a bouquet every day. Mrs. Chen couldn’t see, but after three years of sharing a bed, how could I not know? He was just trying to ease his guilt, deceiving himself. Even sending flowers was done secretly; he didn’t think he was wrong. Looking at the eternal flowers in the corner, only two bouquets left. Once they’re gone, I’ll likely be gone too. There’s no eternity for me… Brain cancer is truly torturous. After a night of splitting headaches, I barely slept at dawn. Suddenly, my phone rang abruptly, pulling me from sleep. I pressed my temples hard, answering the call from my attending doctor. Dr. Xavier’s excited voice rang out: Mrs. Chen might not notice, but after spending three years by his side, how could I not see through him? He’s just trying to ease his guilt, fooling himself. Even when he gives flowers, he does it in secret. He doesn’t think he’s in the wrong at all. Looking at the Eternal Flowers in the corner, only two bouquets remain. Once they’re gone, so might I be. Where’s the eternity in that… Brain cancer is truly relentless. After an entire night of a splitting headache, I finally managed to catch some sleep at dawn. Suddenly, my phone rang, startling me awake. Pressing hard on my temples, I answered the call from my physician. Dr. Xavier’s excited voice came through: “Ms. Nora, a new drug that can inhibit brain cancer cells has just been released abroad. Supplies are limited, but I managed to get a bottle through some connections.” “It might help extend your life a bit. If you’d like, come to the hospital to pick it up.” Hearing this, I was overwhelmed with joy. Even if it’s just for my daughter, I need to live a few more days. So I agreed immediately and rushed to the hospital to get the new medicine. Dr. Xavier specifically reminded me that the new drug is precious and needs to be kept safe. He said it could help me survive the next two days and maybe extend my life until the next batch is produced. With tears in my eyes, I paid for the medicine and held it tightly in my hand. But as soon as I left the pharmacy, I ran into Lachlan and Adeline, who were there to pick up medicine too. Seeing the medicine in my hand, Lachlan immediately approached me, nervously asking: “Are you sick? Why are you at the hospital getting medicine?” Lachlan kept turning me around, trying to figure out what illness I had. These days, he’s been wavering between me and Adeline, making me think he still cares about me. I couldn’t help but find it amusing and casually told the truth: “Yeah, cancer, only a few days left to live.” Lachlan froze for a moment, but Adeline reacted first, bursting into tears: “Sister, you know I have cancer and live in pain every day, yet you joke about it with me.” “Yeah, if I die sooner, I won’t burden Brother Lachlan with taking care of me. I’m just a wretched short-lived ghost! Let me die!” She said this and tried to climb out of the corridor window, but Lachlan stopped her instantly. Lachlan was both angry and heartbroken, turning to scold me harshly: “Nora, why do you keep using cancer to provoke Addie? You’re living just fine. Do you know how tormenting illness is?” “You’re so selfish, acting like you’re dying all the time. Even the King of the Underworld wouldn’t take someone like you! You’re blind!” With that, he grabbed the medicine from my hand, speaking angrily: “I want to see what kind of life-threatening disease you really have!” “Don’t touch my medicine!” Knowing how precious the new drug is, I panicked and rushed to get it back. But Lachlan pushed me away, seeing the blank label on the bottle. The drug is still in the trial phase, so there’s no label on the bottle. Adeline sneered at me: “Sister, if you’re faking cancer, at least write something on the prop bottle. How crude. How can Brother Lachlan believe you?” “Brother Lachlan, who knows what’s in there. We can’t let her take it. What if it kills her?” I shot her a cold glance, gritting my teeth: “If I die from it, what… does it matter to you…” Before I could finish, Lachlan had already tossed the bottle out the window with a wave of his hand. Outside the window was the artificial lake!

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The news spread throughout the company that the CEO’s fiancée, whom I risked my life to save, is going to marry her idealized love due to her pregnancy. Everyone assumed that I, as the fiancé, would be furious over her marrying someone else. But even after their child was born, I stayed composed and didn’t cause any trouble. Instead, I took initiative and focused on projects to support the struggling company. The fiancée believed I had finally accepted my role as just a tool to help her manage the company. With a condescending air of self-satisfaction, she promised me, “Since you’re so considerate in earning money for me and the baby, I’ll reluctantly let you stay in the company and give you a chance to continue taking care of us.” However, she was sorely mistaken. I am not working for her and the child; I’m preparing to take over the company next week. From now on, I won’t compromise and be her supportive partner behind the scenes. I’ll replace her and become the new CEO! 1 I had just wrapped up a project discussion with a client and stepped out of the meeting room when I saw Jasper at my desk changing his and Josephine’s baby’s diaper. “Assistant Jiang, you’re really juggling a lot, working and taking care of the baby. Once CEO Shen finishes her postpartum recovery and returns, you definitely deserve a big promotion and raise!” “Yeah, babies born in the Year of the Snake are considered destined for greatness. When they grow up, they’ll surely be exceptional individuals and company pillars, just like Assistant Jiang.” The small five-square-meter room was packed with project team colleagues. This used to be my office, but now it was filled with baby supplies and had become Jasper’s nursery at the company. Even the awards I earned for the company that were on the wall had been replaced with photos of the baby from birth to the first month. Actually, due to layoffs, there have been plenty of empty rooms in the company these years. But Jasper claimed that a master advised him that only my office was suitable for the child’s growth. Everyone could tell it was just an excuse Jasper made up to squeeze me out. Yet Josephine, who usually has a firm belief in materialism, believed it. She even wanted me to move to the small desk by the restroom to block some negative energy for her and Jasper’s child. There was no hint of remorse for breaking the engagement she had with me long ago and marrying Jasper and having his child. Coming back to the present, Jasper noticed the contract I had just signed in my hand and approached me with a smile: “Really sorry, Director Ye.” “I’ve been busy with the baby lately, and Josephine still needs a few more days to finish her postpartum recovery. I’ve been troubling you to run the business, but I’ll definitely tell Josephine about your contributions later!” Although Jasper was polite, his right hand tried to snatch the signed contract from me. Since Jasper joined the company a year ago, taking advantage of Josephine’s favoritism towards him, he had often stolen projects and achievements from me. Before, I always compromised and indulged him because of my feelings for Josephine. But now that Josephine had married him, I had no reason to tolerate it any longer and directly slapped his hand away. “Jasper, you took my fiancée, and now you want the contract I closed?” Before Jasper could respond, our colleagues rushed to defend him: “What do you mean by ‘took’? Director Ye, your words are too harsh!” “Exactly, Assistant Jiang was just too busy with the baby and had to hand over the project he brought in to you. You got an easy win and still complain. You’re just a freeloader with no right to bark here!” I only found it ironic. Yes, Jasper did bring in this project. But to prove himself, he exaggerated the project proposal’s price to 60% of the original during a drinking session with the client. He secured the business without considering its feasibility. In the end, I had to work overtime, optimize the technology, and even use my own money to smooth things over with suppliers to barely reduce the costs. Yet, the credit went to Jasper. Seeing my firm stance, Jasper smiled and said earning money for the company was all that mattered. But when no one was looking, he pinched the baby in his arms. The next moment, the baby started wailing, and poop and pee splattered all over me. Even the contract I had just signed was stained and ruined. “Oh dear, Director Ye, my apologies. It’s my first time being a dad, I’m inexperienced. My hand slipped, please forgive me.” Noticing my dark expression, the nearby colleagues wouldn’t miss the chance to impress Jasper and chimed in: “Ezra, are you seriously arguing with a baby just a month old? Have some shame.” “With that bad temper, no wonder CEO Shen broke off the engagement. You can’t compare to Assistant Jiang’s gentlemanly demeanor.” Hearing them mention the broken engagement, I couldn’t help but laugh coldly. Josephine and I had been together for seven years, engaged, and were about to get married. But a year ago, her ex, Jasper, suddenly appeared. Josephine brought him into the company unusually, and before long, she hurriedly sent me on an overseas trip. When I returned, I heard the news of their shotgun wedding. Rather than a gentleman, “beast in a suit” suits him better. But now I had more pressing matters and no time to bicker with them. I calmly took a file from my drawer and threw the diaper Jasper had intentionally left on my desk back at him. “Sorry, I’ve been working overtime a lot, and my eyes are blurry. I meant to throw it in the trash. My hand slipped too, forgive me.” For a moment, a foul stench rose from Jasper’s expensive suit. His face turned green, but I didn’t give them a chance to criticize me and left with my files, driving to the business registration office to hand the file to a staff member. “Please register the shareholder information update for me.” This was the share transfer agreement Josephine personally signed six months ago before I went abroad for negotiations. It transferred all her shares back to me. Actually, I had founded the company myself, with all the funds and technology being mine, so naturally, the shares were initially mine too. A few years ago, when the company began to succeed, I gave her 51% of the shares to compensate for the hardships she endured with me, fulfilling her dream of being a boss. During these tough times, I intended to take back all the shares to bear the risks myself and not let Josephine fall into debt. I thought it would be difficult and prepared many excuses to persuade her, fearing she’d misunderstand my intentions. But the day before I went abroad, when I approached Josephine, she signed without even looking and urged me to leave the country quickly. At that time, I asked her if she wasn’t afraid I’d con her. But she just smiled while packing my luggage, saying we were about to get married and were one family, so why differentiate between mine and yours. Back then, I thought Josephine loved me deeply and left that night, determined to secure the deal and save the company. After successfully securing the order and returning, I found she had married Jasper and even had a big baby boy with him. Only then did I realize she hadn’t trusted me but was pregnant and eager to marry Jasper, fearing I’d discover her secret, hence the rush to sign and send me away. But now it’s just right; at least the company is still in my hands. After confirming the agreement, the staff suddenly asked: “Mr. Ye, shareholder transfers are significant. Why didn’t Miss Shen come with you?” I calmly shook my head: “She’s still in the postpartum recovery period.” Hearing this, the staff was initially stunned, then congratulated me on becoming a dad and happily proceeded with the shareholder transfer procedures. But I couldn’t smile. Because I’m not the child’s father, nor am I her husband. While waiting for approval and lost in thought, my phone suddenly rang. It was Josephine calling. As soon as I answered, a roar came from the other end. “Jasper just dirtied the contract. Can’t you ask the client to sign again? Why are you acting up at work and scaring the baby?” Before she could finish, the staff handed me the paperwork to sign. “Signing?” “Ezra, it’s work hours. Where are you instead of being at the company?” After signing, I explained: “I’m signing an agreement.” On the other end, Josephine paused, then her tone softened considerably. “That’s more like it. Seeing how eager you are to make money for me and the baby, I’ll reluctantly keep you in the company and give you a chance to take care of us.” But I wasn’t listening to her words. Looking at the new shareholder list, with me holding 91%, making me the true CEO of the company, I couldn’t help but laugh. Josephine, on the other end, misunderstood, thinking I was grateful to her, and smugly said: “Look at you, all smug. Work hard, and when I return from the postpartum care center, I might consider promoting and giving you a raise.” After a few more words, Josephine laughed and hung up. But she didn’t know that in two days, once the review period was over, I’d be the new CEO of the company. I wonder if she’ll still be able to smile then. 2 Having firmly regained my company, I felt a huge relief and went home first, planning to pack my things and completely end things with Josephine. But as soon as I opened the door, a musty smell hit me. Josephine had been in the hospital for prenatal care, then went straight to the postpartum care center after delivery, and I had been away on business trips. This home hadn’t been tended to for nearly half a year. I intended to open the windows to air it out, but as I walked into the living room, I tripped over something. I found a large photo frame on the floor. Lifting it, I realized it was the wedding photo Josephine and I had taken. After our engagement, Josephine had insisted we go to the studio for a photo shoot. She had me try on dozens of suits, never quite satisfied, and it took an entire afternoon to choose a white suit she liked. Though it wasn’t my style, knowing she had spent the whole afternoon choosing it for me, I accepted it willingly. Her serious gaze from that time remains vivid in my memory. Coming back to reality, I dusted off the frame, feeling puzzled. I had always kept the wedding photo in the bedroom. Why was it thrown in the living room? Entering the bedroom, I immediately understood the reason. Above the head of the bed now hung a photo of Josephine and Jasper from their wedding. In the photo, Josephine, with her pregnant belly, was nestled in Jasper’s arms, smiling like a girl who had just won the world. Although it wasn’t my style, knowing Josephine spent an entire afternoon choosing it for me made me accept it with a smile. Her earnest look from that day is still vivid in my memory. Bringing myself back to the present, I wiped dust off the photo frame, feeling puzzled. I always hung our wedding photo in the bedroom, so why was it tossed on the living room floor? It wasn’t until I walked into the bedroom that everything became clear. Above the headboard was a wedding photo of Josephine and Jasper. In the picture, Josephine, with her pregnant belly, was in Jasper’s arms, smiling like a girl who had the whole world in her grasp. They wore the very same wedding dress and suit Josephine had meticulously chosen that day. It hit me why Josephine wasn’t satisfied after trying all afternoon and eventually picked a white suit that didn’t suit me at all. It was never meant for me. Over the years, my skin had tanned due to long business trips outdoors. Josephine chose a pure white suit for me, which naturally looked odd against my complexion. However, Jasper, who always stayed in the company assisting Josephine, was fair-skinned and refined. The white suit made him look like a storybook prince. I chuckled sarcastically, planning to pack my things and sell the house. This house was originally prepared by my parents as a marital home for me. Since the marriage isn’t happening, there’s no reason to keep it; it might as well be sold to alleviate the company’s financial strain. But when I opened the wardrobe, my fists clenched. All my belongings were gone, replaced by Jasper’s frequently worn shirts. I immediately messaged Josephine, demanding to know where my clothes were. It wasn’t until half an hour later that Josephine replied: “Of course, I threw them away. Jasper’s rental is too far from the company, so I let him move in directly.” “Your stuff doesn’t suit his cleanliness, so I tossed it all.” “Besides, you used my salary to buy these things, so technically it’s my money. I can do whatever I want with it, and I don’t need your permission, do I?” I have to admit, Josephine has always been skilled at twisting logic. Seeing that I had no response, Josephine sent another message: “What, feeling sorry for your junk?” “I heard about the company situation this morning. If you hand over the project to Jasper, I’ll get you some high-end stuff and even leave you a storage room to rest.” “No need.” Before Josephine could finish typing, I blocked her on SnapChat and called a junk removal service to clear everything out of the house. Then I contacted a real estate agency to list the house for sale and went to a hotel to rest. The next morning, the junk removal service transferred the money to me. Although it was collected at a low rate as scrap, I still made quite a bit of cash. It showed how much Josephine cared about Jasper, eager to give him the world. Just as I was about to freshen up and get out of bed, Josephine suddenly called. “Ezra, who allowed you to sell the marital home? Where are Jasper and the baby supposed to live now?!” “And what about his designer suits and game console? Where did you throw them?” On the other end, Josephine was so furious she could barely breathe. I found it ironic. My belongings could be casually thrown away, but Jasper’s things were treasures. I replied calmly: “You do realize that was our marital home, right? Since you’re married to Jasper now, what’s wrong with me selling it?” “As for the stuff in the house, I sold it all as scrap.” Josephine was speechless with anger, but soon she let out a disdainful laugh. “Ezra, do you think selling the house is going to stop me?” “Don’t think I don’t know you’re trying to play hard to get, using these little tricks to get my attention.” “Know your place. You’re just a tool working for me, don’t delude yourself with thoughts you shouldn’t have!” With that, Josephine hung up. Almost simultaneously, Jasper updated his Facebook status. It was a photo of him signing a real estate contract with an agency. He even captioned it: “Finally got my own place in this city.” Jasper’s position at the company was just an assistant role, and his monthly salary wasn’t much. Plus, he was a big spender, so buying a house was out of the question. Clearly, Josephine paid for it and bought back the house I just listed for sale. And Jasper intentionally posted on Facebook, obviously to flaunt it to me. But instead of being angry, I almost couldn’t hold back my laughter. Although property prices had dropped over the years, I had bought the place early on, so overall, I still made a profit. Josephine, on the other hand, basically handed me the money the company made over the past two years for a depreciating house that Jasper now treasures like gold. To celebrate, I treated myself to a rare feast. The business registration office also sent a message notifying me that the shareholder information update had been approved. I was ready to return to the company and take over. But as soon as I walked through the door, I ran into Josephine. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to…” Before I could finish, Josephine, with a cold expression, slapped me. “Ezra, as a senior employee, is this how you set an example?” “Absent for two days, you’re nothing but a disruptive influence!” “I didn’t work hard to run this company so you could slack off and draw a salary!” “Starting tomorrow, your performance for the next year is wiped clean. You’re no longer a director; go assist Jasper and learn how to be a proper person.” Hearing Josephine’s punishment, my colleagues around me didn’t even try to hide their mockery. After all, the company wasn’t that big, and with Jasper’s embellishments, I had long become the target of ridicule. However, the absence Josephine mentioned was pure nonsense. I had applied for a week of fieldwork a month ago and didn’t need to clock in. Josephine herself had approved it. It was clear she was just finding excuses to vent Jasper’s anger. Seeing me remain silent, Josephine frowned: “Ezra, I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?” “Don’t you see the baby soiled his diaper? Hurry up and help Jasper clean it, or do you want to stink up the entire company?” Still, I didn’t move. After all, I’m the owner of this company now. Before I could speak, Jasper was quick to play the good guy. “Josephine, don’t be mad. Ezra must be exhausted from running errands the past two days.” “I’m young and energetic; I can manage work and childcare.” But before he could do anything, Josephine stopped him with concern: “No need, you’ve been busy with paternity leave and childcare, and you’ve lost weight.” “Plus, you just got promoted and the project is yours now. Focus on preparing your speech for the release event.” “As for him, if he wants to stay in the company, let him do some hard labor. It’ll teach him not to be lazy and help him realize how hard you’ve had it with the baby.” Watching Josephine’s concern for Jasper, I found it absurd. Jasper was all talk. At work, he’d dump childcare and tasks onto colleagues who fawned over him, while he hid away eating fried chicken and gaming. Meanwhile, due to poor business performance, I frequently had to go out and hustle. I even prioritized a contract meeting over hospital care after a car accident, impressing clients with my dedication. Yet, in her eyes, I was a lazy freeloader. Love or the lack thereof was painfully obvious. Bringing myself back, I looked straight at Josephine, speaking steadily: “I recall the company’s manual clearly states that infants aren’t allowed to disrupt the office.” “Moreover, I applied for fieldwork in advance, so I don’t need to clock in. You have no grounds to penalize me.” In seven years, this was probably the first time I openly defied Josephine. She was stunned but quickly sneered: “Ezra, I’ll admit, you’ve gotten my attention, but you’re going about it the wrong way.” “I’m the CEO of this company. If I say you’re absent, then you’re absent!” “I’ve already backed up all the projects and client info you have. Do you really think you’re irreplaceable?” “HR, prepare the termination papers and notify all our partner enterprises to add him to the employment blacklist.” Before HR could make a move, I stopped them: “No need. I’ve already prepared resignation letters.” Jasper was overjoyed but pretended to be regretful: “Ezra, why put yourself through this?” “Why not apologize to Josephine? She’s kind-hearted; considering you cared for her for several years, she’d surely give you a break and let you clean toilets and unclog drains.” Next to him, Josephine, seeing me stop HR, raised her chin arrogantly. “Didn’t expect you to have some self-awareness.” “Tell you what, since you’ve been a useful tool, if you willingly give up…” Before Josephine could finish, I interrupted, tossing resignation letters to her and Jasper. “Enough, no need for small talk. You’re both dismissed.” Looking at her own resignation letter, Josephine was momentarily stunned, then scoffed. “What right does an employee have to fire me?” I smiled calmly and handed over the shareholder transfer notice. “Miss Josephine, you’ve forgotten something important.” “I’m the CEO of this company now.” “Alright, since you’re nothing but a convenient lackey, if you voluntarily give up…” Before Josephine could finish, I cut her off and tossed two termination letters to her and Jasper. “Enough of the pointless chatter. You both can get out now.” Holding her termination letter, Josephine was momentarily stunned, then sneered with disdain. “What right do you, just an employee, have to fire me?” I smiled dismissively and presented the formal notice of shareholder transfer. “Miss Shen—oh wait, no, Miss Josephine—your esteemed status seems to have made you forgetful.” “Take a good look, I’m the CEO of the company now.” “As for you and Jasper, you’re both fired immediately for violating company policy, disrupting workplace order, and stealing company project secrets.” I’m sorry, but it appears that the specific text you need translated is missing. Could you please provide the text you would like me to translate? “`plaintext 4 As Josephine read the shareholder information update on the notice, her face turned pale.

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My best friend came to me, asking for help. She said she was being harassed by her ex-boyfriend and pressured by her parents to marry. She wanted to have a sham marriage with my husband. I was shocked when my husband agreed and even let her move into our house. Hearing the unsettling noises from the living room every night, I felt like I was falling apart… I’ve been married to my husband, Declan, for three years. He is thriving in his career while I am the lovely and charming presence at home. We are in love and harmonious. But something happened three days ago that left me in turmoil. My best friend Keira insisted on giving me $100,000, saying she needed to marry Declan. Her reason was that she was being harassed by her ex-boyfriend and pressured by her parents to marry. She needed a man to protect her temporarily and provide an explanation to her parents. After this period, she promised to return Declan to me. This was outrageous! Even though she is my best friend, I couldn’t agree to it. $100,000 is insignificant to me; I have countless such amounts. But just as I was about to transfer the money back to Keira, my husband Declan came home. He sighed and said, “Honey.” “Why the long face? Was work difficult?” “No.” He opened Instagram, “Honey, look how pitiful Keira is. A girl being harassed every day, it’s awful.” I saw Keira covered in bruises, and my heart ached. It made me start to struggle with whether or not to help her. Every day after that, Keira called and sent voice messages, crying to me about her miserable life. “Please, you are my only good friend, my best friend, help me. My parents say if I don’t get married, they’ll jump off a building.” “After this period, I’ll get a divorce certificate with your husband. He will always be yours.” Against my better judgment, I agreed. When I saw the divorce certificate with Declan and the marriage certificate with Keira, my mind was still buzzing. It all felt like a dream. The day they got the marriage certificate, Declan came home and gave me a bouquet of roses. “My kind and beautiful goddess, you’ve worked hard lately.” Looking at my affectionate and gentle husband, I suddenly felt calm. All the troublesome things seemed to vanish into thin air. Born into a privileged life, I’m actually easy to appease. That night, Declan and I were intimate and close. Midway through, Declan held my wrists and whispered in my ear. “Wife, I heard Keira is still being harassed. Should we let her stay with us?” I frowned slightly. Why was he bringing up Keira at this moment? “Would she want to? It’s just a sham marriage with you. Don’t make it awkward for her.” “Let’s give it a try.” I thought Keira wouldn’t come to my house, so I made a phone call pretending to invite her. “Really?! Thank you, Phoebe, I’m so happy. I’ll come over tomorrow.” Me: “…” I felt uncomfortable. On Keira’s first night at our house, Declan took us out for fondue to celebrate Keira’s visit. I was a bit jealous. Was my husband being too nice to Keira? I tossed and turned that night, unable to sleep. Declan held me and softly said, “Don’t worry, it’s just a sham marriage with her. Didn’t we agree? After some time, she and I will divorce, and I’ll remarry you. It’s fake with her.” I thought I might be overthinking, but my mind wouldn’t cooperate. I soon noticed Keira being particularly diligent around the house. She always liked talking to Declan and treated him warmly, making it seem like she was the lady of the house. Every time Declan came home, Keira would wear some revealing clothes. Once, I couldn’t hold back and told Keira, “Keira, Declan is my husband. Could you dress more appropriately?” Keira looked at me with wide eyes and admitted her mistake, “I know I was wrong. I won’t dress like that anymore.” Seeing her admit her mistake, I didn’t want to ruin our rare friendship. After that, Keira’s dressing was normal, but her behavior wasn’t. For example, when I was intimate with my husband, Keira would knock on the door, interrupting us. I asked her what was wrong. She sobbed and said, “I had a nightmare.”

Then she looked pitifully at Declan, using a sweet tone, “Declan, I’m so scared, can you stay with me?” I was a bit angry, but Declan immediately reassured me, “It’s okay, don’t worry.” His firm gaze calmed my annoyed heart. I reluctantly told him, “Then go accompany her.” So Declan took Keira to our guest room. Then I heard some strange noises coming from the guest room. I vaguely heard Keira say, “I’m so scared, Declan.” Declan said, “It’s okay, don’t be afraid. In my house, I can protect you.” I immediately pulled the blanket over my head, afraid I would overthink if I listened more, but I trusted Declan’s character. The next day, I thought it over and handed $100,000 to Keira. “Please leave my house, Keira. Leave my husband, and divorce him, okay?” Keira’s tears rolled out in three seconds. She clung to my arm like a kitten, pushing softly, “Phoebe, I swore before that after this period, once I explain to my parents about the marriage, I’ll immediately divorce. You may not believe me, but don’t you believe Declan? If you insist on this, won’t he feel like you don’t trust him?” I felt stifled. I only believed in Declan. But believing in someone doesn’t mean you won’t overthink. I was still anxious. But then Keira told me she wanted to take Declan back to her hometown. After explaining to her parents, she said they could immediately get a divorce certificate. I was thrilled. As long as they got a divorce certificate, that was fine. While adjusting Declan’s tie, I reminded, “Just act natural in front of Keira’s parents, okay?” “Don’t worry, my dear wife.” “Slick talker,” I laughed. I dressed Declan elegantly and personally sent them off to board their flight. After Declan left, I really missed him, so I kept sending him messages. He always replied with a flower and a smiley face, then photos. But a few times, I noticed something odd. He posted many photos of Keira on his feed. Some netizens teased, asking if he had found a girlfriend… Soon, they returned. After they got back, I asked Keira, “Can you get divorced now?” Keira suddenly covered her face, crying and sniffling, “No, Phoebe, I can’t yet.” I got angry in a second, “Why not?” “Because I’m pregnant.” “What?” Did I hear that right? Declan came over and put his arm around my shoulder, “The baby in her belly is her ex-boyfriend’s. Now she’s a pregnant woman, she can’t divorce me.” I couldn’t describe my feelings. I was relieved the baby wasn’t my husband’s. I was disgusted she wanted to keep clinging to my husband, yet my husband didn’t object. Because of this, in the following days, I was distant with Keira, feeling her presence in my house gave me a headache. Once, Keira held my hand and said, “Phoebe, I know you’re upset, but I swear once my baby is born, I’ll definitely divorce Declan. I have no choice, I need a man to give me courage. Declan has always liked you, he treats me like a friend.”

Whenever she spoke to me, she was sweet and cute, making me look like the villain. Seeing her tears, I couldn’t bear to drive her away, so I made peace with her. I even personally made broth for her and ensured she had a nutritious diet. During this time, she indeed kept a respectful distance from Declan, which made me more comfortable serving her. Keira had a healthy pregnancy with my care, turning plump and healthy. Ten months later, Keira went into labor. That day, Declan suddenly took leave and went with me to the hospital. “Didn’t you say there’s a multi-million project? Why come to the hospital?” I didn’t understand Declan’s actions. Declan didn’t look at me but anxiously watched the maternity ward door, brushing me off, “It’s okay, it won’t affect it.” For a moment, Declan felt so unfamiliar to me. While I was full of doubts, Keira’s eight-pound son was born healthy. When the doctor opened the maternity ward and asked who Keira’s husband was, Declan rushed in like a rocket, “It’s me, it’s me, I’m her husband.” “Congratulations, this is your son.” The doctor placed the baby in Declan’s arms for him to hold first. Me: “…” What was I feeling? Like eating something vile. Soon after, Keira was wheeled out by the nurses. Although she had just given birth, because she was young, she recovered well. Keira was soon settled in a private hospital room. Looking at the delicate newborn, I sincerely said to Keira, “Congratulations, this baby looks so much like you.” Keira gazed at the baby with gentle eyes, her tone filled with maternal love, “He not only looks like me, but he looks more like his father.” Then she side-eyed Declan. Did she mean the baby looked like Declan? Yet Declan didn’t deny it and seemed more excited about the baby than Keira. I was very upset. I felt suffocated in this environment, so I went out for some air. Just as I stepped out, I realized I hadn’t taken my bag. When I turned back to get it, I overheard Declan and Keira’s conversation. “Darling, this is our son. Your wife can’t give you a baby, but I can. Are you happy?” I noticed her give Declan a sidelong glance. Was she implying that the child resembled Declan? Surprisingly, Declan didn’t refute it. He seemed even more thrilled about the child than Keira did. A surge of anger rose within me. Feeling suffocated by the situation, I stepped outside to catch my breath. Just as I left, I realized I’d forgotten my bag. When I turned back to retrieve it, I overheard Declan and Keira’s conversation through the door. “Darling, this is our son. Your wife can’t give you a child, but I can. Are you happy?” “Keira, you did such a great job. The boy is absolutely adorable.” “Yes, what a cute child. We have a son now.” Their conversation felt like a knife cutting through me. One was my best friend, the other my husband. I recalled how my best friend had given me ten thousand to “borrow” my husband, and I had actually agreed. Now, the ridiculousness of it all hit me like a slap in the face. I wanted to burst in, scream, and tear them apart. But I restrained myself, taking a deep breath to calm down. I should have known there couldn’t be an appropriate relationship between them, but I trusted Declan’s integrity. Reality, however, proved me wrong. Declan had betrayed me, and Keira was a traitor. I composed myself, pretending nothing had happened, grabbed my bag, and left. That night, I went out to drown my sorrows, drinking until I was a wreck. I drank, vomited, then drank and vomited again. No one knew the depths of my pain, feeling as if I were being torn apart and ground to pieces. Declan, the man I loved most, had always assured me of his character. Yet, he had fathered a child. His integrity was worthless, absolute garbage. That night, I betrayed Declan and ended up in bed with a younger guy. Then I acted as if nothing was amiss, waiting for Keira and their little family of three to return. I watched as Declan personally prepared postpartum meals for Keira. “Keira, the child is born. Can you divorce my husband now?” Hearing my words, Keira held her son, looking pitiful and aggrieved. “But the child is still young. He can’t be without a father…” “Declan isn’t your child’s father. You had a sham marriage.” I pretended to know nothing. Keira cried, holding her child, appearing weak and helpless. Hearing the commotion, Declan rushed in angrily and said to me, “Phoebe, what are you trying to say? Keira is still in her postpartum period; can she afford to cry now? What about the risk of postpartum complications?”

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