Category: English

Finn is a top-tier celebrity in the entertainment industry. He promised me that he would officially announce our relationship today at 5:20 PM. I checked Finn’s first trending topic right on time. It wasn’t the announcement I expected; instead, it was about him being caught on camera. The other person in the photo with him was a female artist named Daphne. Under the trending topics, she responded to netizens: “Thank you all for your blessings.” My hands trembled as I took a screenshot and sent it to Finn: “Is this what you meant by an official announcement?” I didn’t receive a reply until I had finished packing all my belongings. Finn finally responded: “Phoebe, please wait. I’ll explain everything.” 0 “Finn, let’s end things.” After sending the message, I tossed my phone aside and took one last look at the home Finn and I shared. We had been together for five years, but our relationship was always kept a secret. We were childhood friends, growing up together. After graduating from Media Arts College, we confirmed our relationship and embarked on our careers in the entertainment industry. At first, we were happy, taking on small roles. We didn’t earn much, but we were content. Then he participated in a variety show and skyrocketed to fame, becoming a top-tier celebrity. It’s easy to lose oneself in the allure of fame and fortune. He started having more and more women around him. Daphne wasn’t the first to be rumored with him. I gradually lost my sense of security. I begged him to make our relationship public on social media. I wanted to stand by his side openly. But his words made me feel unworthy of him, so I worked hard to prove myself. He said female artists need discipline to look good on camera. Even though I’m 170 cm, I maintained a weight of 90 pounds for years, afraid to eat more than one meal a day. Once he became famous, many paparazzi followed him. I lived cautiously with him. When visiting him on set, I had to wear a mask and cover myself completely. The snacks I made, he used to cheer Daphne up. It wasn’t until I saw the news of him and Daphne entering a residential building late at night that I realized how foolish I was. In his eyes, I was insignificant. I had questioned him about Daphne before. He said, “Daphne is on the rise in her career and has a bright future. Denying the rumors would greatly impact her.” “But you’re different. You’re just a non-notable performer who can’t make waves. Phoebe, don’t be so selfish.” I was wrong. I overestimated my place in his heart. I was preparing to leave when I heard the sound of the password being entered at the door. It opened. It was Finn. He looked at me with my luggage, frowning. Behind him were Daphne and their agents. 0

He actually brought Daphne back home. How ironic. When we bought this house, Finn said it would be our refuge, our little nest, with no outsiders allowed. On any other day, I would have been furious. But this time, I didn’t care. “Hello, I’m Daphne. And you must be Phoebe, right?” Daphne stepped forward, smiling at me. “Move,” I said, trying to maneuver my bags around them. “Don’t stand in the way.” “Where are you going?” Finn blocked my path, snatching my things and throwing them on the ground. “Phoebe, that night I was just reading the script with Daphne. Don’t overthink it.” He grabbed my hand. “I told you, I’ll explain everything.” I looked at him coldly. “Your explanation is bringing her home.” Daphne quickly approached, gently holding my hand. “Phoebe, don’t be mad. I’m not feeling well today, and Finn didn’t want me to catch a cold in the SUV, so he let me come up and rest.” “If it upsets you, I’ll leave right away.” She looked at Finn with teary eyes, appearing pitiful. I shook off her hand hard, and Daphne staggered backward, looking fragile. “Phoebe, what are you doing?” Finn glared at me, his tone harsh. He rushed over, catching Daphne from behind, helping her sit on the sofa, and poured her a cup of hot water. He used his own cup. “Don’t you have any sympathy? Being so rough? Daphne isn’t feeling well, I asked her to come.” Finn showed some impatience. Then he gently said to Daphne, “Daphne, just rest here. No one has the right to make you leave.” Watching them act like a couple made me agitated. I turned to leave. “Phoebe, stop right there!” 02 As Finn comforted Daphne, I was already at the door. “Finn, I told you, we’re done.” I said coldly. Finn seemed shocked by my indifference. “Don’t be like this. There are paparazzi outside. If you go out and get photographed, what will happen to Daphne?” Finn quickly caught up and pulled me back into the living room. Watching them, I suddenly felt exhausted. Daphne leaned on the sofa, holding Finn’s cup, smiling weakly at me. “Phoebe, I’m forced into this too.” Daphne’s soft voice chimed in again. “Replying to the netizens’ blessings was also Finn’s idea.” Her tone even had a hint of provocation. I took a deep breath, trying to hold back my emotions, but my eyes still reddened. “What about me? You clearly promised me we would go public today.” I said, my voice choking, looking at Finn. “It was an accident. It was the company’s decision. Can’t you let it go?” Finn’s impatience showed. “I came back to ask you to send some of the photos you took of me to Daphne as official announcement photos.” Hearing his words, my heart sank. I had a habit of documenting moments through photos. Finn would occasionally post my photos on social media. Fans called it a “girlfriend’s perspective.” Seeing my cold expression, he explained, “Our agents discussed it and found the online response pretty good. They want us to try being a promotional couple. It’s just promotional.” Hearing Finn say it’s just promotional, Daphne looked slightly displeased. “Phoebe, you should think about the bigger picture. Daphne and I are on the same level. You can’t ask Finn to give up his career for you, can you?” Her words were sincere, and to outsiders, it seemed like she was just promoting. “So, this is your decision too, right?” I stared at Finn, wanting to hear him say it himself. “Alright, it’s my fault this time.” He didn’t answer directly. “I’m about to join Director King’s film crew. I’ll make sure you get a small role.” Since Finn became famous, every time a tabloid rumor emerged, he would appease me by “getting” me an insignificant role in the crew, saying it was compensation. I was foolish before. I believed they were just acting. He would apologize, and I would easily forgive him. But not this time. “Finn, you’re heartless.” I broke free from Finn’s grip and left the house. 0

I wandered aimlessly on the street, eventually turning into a bar around the corner. I remember ordering almost every drink on the menu, sitting at the bar, drinking one glass after another. The next morning, I woke up in a hotel suite. I immediately checked myself. Thankfully, my clothes were intact. Then, a man walked in from outside the room. “Awake?” “Declan?” I looked at the attractive man in front of me, rubbing my eyes. “Miss Phoebe, we meet again.” Declan, who shot to fame just five years after debuting, is now a household name, an Oscar-winning actor, and Finn’s biggest rival. I met him by chance on a film set. He was the male lead, and I played a minor role. We were two people with no connection. Apparently, he graduated from the same college as me, but he majored in directing. Once, when some scandal about me broke online, I was stalked by an obsessive fan and had nowhere to go. He saved me, taking me on a high-speed drive to shake off the paparazzi. Afterward, I said I wanted to thank him. He joked, “Why not marry me?” I ignored him, and he slipped a note into my bag, asking me to consider being with him, promising a bright future. I didn’t respond, got out of the car, and told him I had a boyfriend who wasn’t much different from him. He didn’t contact me after that. After all, he’s Finn’s archenemy. As Finn’s girlfriend, how could I be friendly to Declan? Listening to Declan recount the previous night’s events, I blushed slightly. He said he found me on the street and brought me to the hotel to rest. And I jumped on the bed, ranting about how Finn was a jerk, even punching him a few times. “You had a breakup, Miss Phoebe.” Declan sat on the sofa, relaxing, looking at me with a slight smile. “So, how about it? Consider my offer? What I said before still stands.” My face turned red as a shrimp. I grabbed my things and fled the hotel. My phone was filled with missed calls from Finn, none of which I answered. I hurried home, planning to move my things to a new place. He told me he found me on the street and brought me to the hotel to rest. But I jumped onto the bed, cursing Finn as a jerk and even threw a few punches at him. “You’ve just gone through a breakup, Miss Phoebe,” Finn said, lounging back on the sofa with a lazy smile as he watched me. “So, what do you think? Are you considering my offer? What I mentioned last time still stands.” My face burned with embarrassment, and I grabbed my things and fled the hotel. My phone was filled with missed calls from Finn, none of which I answered. I rushed home, intending to pack my things and move to my new place. As soon as I opened the door, I saw Finn sitting on the sofa, his expression dark as he glared at me. “Phoebe, are you really breaking up with me over such a trivial matter?” Finn came over to block me. “I’ve explained it to you. What more do you want?” Seeing me not come home all night, a trace of panic finally appeared on his face. Trivial? Last night, after I left, I saw Finn escorting Daphne downstairs from my building, wrapped in my favorite plush blanket. He helped Daphne into the SUV, and Daphne even kissed him on the cheek. Then he got into the car as well, and the door closed, cutting off my view. Last night, I refused to give them the photos I took, but Daphne posted a picture of her and Finn on social media, captioned: “May we always be us.” Finn replied: “It’s great having you.” I stopped arguing, didn’t want to say another word, and with all my strength, moved out everything that was mine. When I left, Finn was still standing there, confused. He didn’t understand why this time, I meant it. Because my heart had died. 0

Maybe it was fate’s way of compensating me; while I was unlucky in love, I found success in my career. I actually landed the lead female role in Director King’s new drama. When my agent Vera brought me the good news, my first reaction was disbelief. Director King is known for being notoriously strict in the industry. It felt like my luck was turning… And since that day, Declan kept sticking around, claiming he saved me and wanted to take me on as his student. He said I was about to join Director King’s crew and needed to seriously hone my acting skills. I thought it made sense, plus Declan was handsome, wealthy, and fun to be around. The thing that troubled me the most was probably his frequent requests for me to be his girlfriend. But I knew deep down that to him, I was probably just a passing fancy. One day, while we were seriously rehearsing a scene, I said, let’s give it a try. I wanted to escape the shadow Finn cast over me. I once asked him why he liked me. He patted my head and wouldn’t tell me, saying he’d tell me the day I was willing to marry him. I didn’t believe he wanted to marry me. Soon, it was time to join the film crew. In two days, the filming ceremony was set to begin, and the actors had already checked into the hotel arranged by the crew. “Knock, knock, knock!” There was a knock at the door; it was Declan. As soon as I opened the door, Declan scooped me up and carried me straight into the room. He placed me on the bed, leaning in close, his lips inching toward mine. Just then, there was another untimely knock on the door. “Phoebe, open up!” I shivered at the sound; it was Finn. “You, hide quickly!” I shoved Declan off me, trying to get him to move. “Why should I?” Declan didn’t budge, “You two have broken up, and now I’m your boyfriend.” “No way, he can’t find out about us!” I was frantic. If Finn found out and spread the word about me and Declan as revenge, it would ruin me and affect Declan’s career. After all, he was a male star with zero tabloid rumors since his debut. “Then just make us public, okay?” Declan didn’t move a muscle, even leaning closer, leaving my mind blank. “No, no way.” With great effort, I pulled Declan off the bed and dragged him into the bathroom. I pretended not to see his angry and aggrieved look. “Be good. I’ll think about it.” Only then did he stop opposing me, closing the bathroom door. “Phoebe! Have you no shame? Hooking up with your lover in the film crew?” As soon as I opened the door, Finn stormed in angrily. “What are you doing here?” “Lover? Where?” I asked innocently, waving my hand. “I saw a guy walk into your room with my own eyes!” My heart skipped a beat. I hadn’t expected Finn to see Declan come into my room. Finn looked around my room but found no one. Finally, he walked to the bathroom door. My heart leapt into my throat. “You think I’m that easy to fool?” Finn sneered when I didn’t admit it, “Your lover must be hiding in the bathroom!”

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The day before I was due to give birth, my home was invaded. By the time the police got me to the hospital’s operating room, I was too weak to open my eyes. Amidst the fog of pain and confusion, I heard the voice of my husband, Asher White. “Do you have confidence?” “Yes, but are you absolutely sure about your decision? We can still save the baby if we operate quickly.” “No, remove the uterus too. That way, Freya’s son will be the only heir to the White Corporation. As for Adeline… being Mrs. White is enough to guarantee her a smooth and worry-free life.” It was then I realized that everything had been a meticulously crafted deceit. The man I loved was the one wielding the knife. If that’s the case, I don’t need him anymore. As the anesthesia wore off, I slowly regained consciousness. I tried to open my eyes but heard Asher White’s voice again. “Dr. Wesley, how did Adeline’s surgery go?” “Mrs. White’s uterus has been completely removed. She just needs to rest now.” Dr. Wesley paused before cautiously asking, “Mr. White, are you sure you won’t regret this?” “I saw the little girl. Her thick eyebrows and big eyes looked just like yours.” “It’s a shame she couldn’t see the world before she left.” “There’s nothing to regret,” Asher said calmly. “She was an obstacle for Little Finn, and I had to remove her myself.” “As for Adeline…” Asher paused. “In a while, I’ll arrange for someone to bring Little Finn back from the orphanage. Then Adeline can be a mother.” “But Little Finn looks so much like you. Won’t Ms. Adeline…?” Dr. Wesley hesitated. “Don’t worry, all babies look alike. Adeline won’t notice. Besides, she trusts me. She’ll never suspect anything.” With that, Asher sat by my bed, tightly holding my hand. His touch was warm, but I felt cold down to my core. This was the man I had loved for ten years. He was willing to sacrifice my child’s life for his and Freya’s illegitimate son. He even stripped me of my chance to be a mother. Worse, he expected me to raise the child who was the reason for my daughter’s death. I was overwhelmed with grief, my heart aching painfully. If only I had been more careful and avoided that robber. Just then, Asher’s phone rang. “Is everything taken care of?” “Transfer him to the furthest prison, and as for his family…” “Pay them to leave City A.” “Do it cleanly, don’t let Adeline find out.” Hearing this, a chill ran through me, freezing my blood. I had wondered how a robber could get past the tight security of our neighborhood in City A. It turns out my husband orchestrated the whole robbery. He went to such lengths for Freya and his illegitimate child. I felt a sense of hopelessness. I couldn’t have avoided the robber, no matter what. If that’s the case, I’ll let Asher have his way. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at the man in front of me. “Adeline, when did you wake up?” Asher looked uneasy. “Just now,” I said, trying to control my grief, but tears still fell. “Adeline, what’s wrong? Is your wound hurting?” Asher looked worried and anxious. “I’ll get the doctor.” “Don’t…” I gently pulled Asher back. “I’m not in pain. I’m just surprised I’m still alive.” “Adeline, don’t say that!” Asher’s face hardened. “As long as I’m here, no one will hurt you again.” Hearing this, my heart ached with bitterness. All the harm was brought by Asher. There’s no future for us. Asher didn’t notice my change. He picked up a damp cotton swab and gently wiped my dry lips. “Adeline, you can’t drink water yet after the surgery. Please bear with it.” I nodded, feeling even more sorrowful. Why? If he never loved me, why pretend to be so caring? Afterward, Asher tucked me in and said, “Adeline, there’s something I need to tell you.” “Our child is gone, and your injuries are too severe. You won’t be able to…” Asher hesitated. Seeing his troubled expression, my heart stung. Asher was truly an actor. Fine. Let me end this myself. Just as I was about to speak, Asher continued, “Adeline, the White Family needs an heir.” “Let’s adopt a child.”

Hearing this, I was stunned. I thought Asher would continue to lie to me, but he straightforwardly suggested adopting a child, using the excuse of needing an heir. Asher was truly impatient. Suppressing my sorrow, I nodded. “Okay.” Asher was overjoyed. “I’ll have someone look for a suitable child right away!” Then, realizing his behavior was inappropriate, Asher looked at me awkwardly. “Honey, don’t be mad.” “I was just… worried you’d be heartbroken over losing our child, so I wanted to find a child to ease your pain.” “Don’t worry, I’ll never have another woman in my life. Once we find a child, we’ll treat him like our own son.” Hearing this, my heart ached with bitterness again. My child was killed by the robber Asher sent. And my future hopes of having a child were destroyed. Asher still wanted me to raise his and Freya’s child. He was truly cruel. Overwhelmed with grief and anger, I clenched the bedsheets tightly, my fingertips turning white. “Honey, what’s wrong? Is your wound still hurting?” Asher looked concerned. I shook my head. Just then, a video call came through. Asher looked uneasy. “Honey, there’s something at work I need to handle. Rest well.” With that, Asher hurried out of the room. Watching his back, I was filled with immense hatred. I picked up the tablet he left behind, unlocked the screen, and opened SnapChat logged in on both his phone and tablet. Freya’s chat window appeared before me. [The current video is being answered on another device.] Seeing this short line, I gave a bitter smile. Sure enough, it was Freya calling him. With my bandaged hand, I scrolled through their chat history. “Honey, the baby kicked me today.” “Honey, the doctor said our son is healthy.” “Honey, the baby learned to smile today.” “Honey, how do you plan to bring the baby to the White Family?” … Most of the time, it was Freya talking to herself and sending pictures of the child. Asher rarely replied, but every night there was a video call lasting four to five hours. No wonder he was furious when I entered the study to bring him tea. “Why are you in here?” “This room is full of computers and other electronic devices. The radiation could harm our child!” “You’re a mom now. Can’t you think things through?” Now I realize Asher wasn’t worried about me and my child. He didn’t want me to interrupt his nightly sweet video calls with Freya. I felt guilty for a long time, thinking I was stupid. I coldly looked at the chat history on the screen, feeling like I had swallowed a bitter pill. Just then, Asher’s mother sent a message. “Asher, today Freya and I took Little Finn for a check-up. He’s very healthy.” “Did you tell that fool Adeline? When will Little Finn officially get a place in the White Family?” I was stunned, feeling as if all the blood in my body had frozen. Even my mother-in-law knew about this! My heart ached to the extreme. After getting married, I quit my beloved job to take care of this family because my mother-in-law said she didn’t like housekeepers. I treated her like my own mother, yet she helped Asher deceive me. I was suddenly filled with disappointment. Maybe this family never truly welcomed me. I decided to leave. I took out my phone and booked a flight to Maple Country for a week later.

On the day I was discharged, Asher said he was busy with work and told me to go straight to my mother-in-law’s house. However, when I got home, the living room was empty. I went up the stairs to the second floor. Passing the first room, I heard the faint cries of a baby. After hesitating for a few seconds, I pushed open the door. A very cute baby was lying in the crib. Seeing me, he stopped crying, his big eyes full of curiosity. “Ahh…” The little one babbled something I couldn’t understand. If my child had been born smoothly, they might have been like this too! 3 The day I was discharged from the hospital, Asher White told me he had some business at the company and asked me to go directly to my mother-in-law’s house. However, when I arrived, the living room was empty. I made my way up the stairs to the second floor. As I passed the first room, I heard the faint cries of a baby. After a moment of hesitation, I pushed the door open. Inside the crib was an incredibly cute baby. Seeing me, he stopped crying and looked at me with wide, curious eyes. “Goo goo ga ga…” The little one was babbling something. If my child had been born without complications, he would be like this now! But… his own father denied him the chance to see this world. The thought of it brought tears streaming down my face, and my heart ached unbearably. Just then, I heard soft moans coming from the next room. “Asher, you… you’re amazing!” “Asher, am I better than Adeline?” “Oh… Asher, you’re so naughty!” … I froze in place! So, Asher’s so-called business at the company was actually fooling around here with Freya! My face turned pale, and I felt as if the blood in my veins had frozen. It was as if countless arrows had pierced through me, and the pain was excruciating. What an irony! Just a few days ago, they killed my child with their own hands, took away my ability to have children, and now they brazenly brought the mistress into the house? I crouched down, buried my head in my arms, and cried in agony! At that moment, a shadow rushed into the room and hit me hard on the head with a broom! “You bring bad luck!” “What are you doing here alone?” “Are you trying to harm my grandson?” The figure shouted while beating me mercilessly. It wasn’t until she was exhausted that she stopped. I looked up and saw it was my mother-in-law. “Mom…” I tried to hold back the grief in my heart and the burning pain in my body, attempting to explain, but my mother-in-law cut me off! “Don’t call me Mom!” “You lost my eldest grandson! And you still have the nerve to come back!” Hearing this, a sharp pain pierced my heart! She knew the whole truth but blamed everything on me. For the first time, I felt my mother-in-law was so hypocritical, hypocritical to the point of being a stranger. They conspired to stage a play to kill my child! I lost my ability to bear children, and yet they still humiliate me like this! I couldn’t help but clench my fists, my fingertips turning white from the pressure. At this moment, Freya and Asher from the next room also heard the commotion. They came over. “Mom, what’s going on?” Asher looked at me, then at his mother, frowning. There were still traces of their recent intimacy on his neck. It was extremely galling to me. “Son, look at this wretched woman you married. She just tried to harm Little Finn when no one was around!” “I didn’t!” I quickly said. “Adeline, how could you be so cruel? Little Finn is just a baby!” Freya said as she rushed to the crib, picking up the child and checking him carefully! “Adeline, you can’t just kill Little Finn because your own child didn’t survive!” “Little Finn’s neck is all red from your grip!” “You’re lying, I didn’t touch him!” I rushed forward to see the child in Freya’s arms. However, Asher grabbed me! “Adeline, you actually laid hands on a baby. I really regret marrying you!” “You deserve to be without children for the rest of your life!” “Today, I’ll strangle you, you wicked woman!” Asher said, stepping forward to choke me, his eyes filled with malice! A wave of suffocation instantly overwhelmed me. I wanted to plead for mercy but couldn’t get a single word out! As I was about to lose consciousness, I used the last of my strength to grab a vase nearby and smashed it hard on Asher’s head!

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The day after our engagement, my future mother-in-law told me she was pregnant. When I considered calling off the engagement, she aborted the baby. Little did I know that after our marriage, she would bring it up during every argument: “I aborted my baby for you back then, what more do you want?” I kept giving in, but it only made them more aggressive. After one heated argument, my husband and mother-in-law pushed me down the stairs. My unborn child and I died together. When I opened my eyes again, my future mother-in-law was holding my hand, asking, “Should I keep it or not? I’ll do whatever you say.” Faced with this life-or-death question, I knew I had to let her keep the baby and then make my escape. “Lily, you might laugh, but… I’m pregnant again,” Mrs. Wilson said, her tone gentle but her expression troubled. I pinched my thigh hard. It hurt, but compared to the pain of being pushed down the stairs and dying with my unborn child, it was nothing. I realized I had been reborn. Remembering the hatred from my past life, my eyes blazed with fury. Mrs. Wilson, oblivious to my change, held my hand and asked, “Should I keep it or not? I’ll do whatever you say.” Just like in my past life, she was pushing the responsibility of the decision onto me. If she kept it, she was older now with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, not to mention the dangers of pregnancy. Their family wasn’t well-off, so the burden of raising the child would fall on the younger generation. If she didn’t keep it, I’d be blamed for the cruel act of ending a life. It was a clever trap, all calculated. In my past life, I hadn’t directly answered her question. After thinking it over, I felt they had deliberately deceived me. They could have told me earlier, but they waited until after the engagement. I started to consider breaking off the engagement and became distant with Jack. Soon after, I was told she had aborted the baby and was asked to visit her in the hospital. Looking weak and sad, she said, “I’ve aborted the baby as you wished. Please stop being angry with Jack.” Then she started crying, as if I was the villain who had robbed her of motherhood. Suddenly burdened with this huge guilt, I felt suffocated and didn’t dare mention breaking off the engagement again. This time, I would let her keep it. After all, raising the child would have nothing to do with me. I composed myself and turned to her with a smile, “You’re pregnant? That’s wonderful news. Congratulations, Mrs. Wilson. You’re going to be a mother again!” “You’re okay with me keeping it? You don’t mind?” she continued to probe my attitude. I feigned surprise and asked, “Mind what? Unless… you don’t want this baby? You should think carefully about this, Mrs. Wilson. It’s a life we’re talking about.” Seeing that I wasn’t upset, she relaxed and expressed her concerns, “I was worried you wouldn’t accept it. If you didn’t like the idea, I’d definitely not keep it for your and Jack’s sake.” “How could I not like it? I’m a teacher, I love children,” I said, clenching my fist as I thought of my unborn child from my past life, letting my nails dig into my palm. Hearing my words, Mrs. Wilson’s face lit up with joy. Mr. Wilson also looked delighted. It seemed the couple really wanted this child. Jack, however, remained silent, his expression not entirely pleased.

That evening when I got home, I immediately told my parents about the situation. They both looked serious. Mom asked, “What do you think about this?” In my past life, I hadn’t told them to avoid worrying them. They only found out after the abortion. At that time, my parents felt Jack’s family wasn’t a good match and suggested I reconsider. But Mrs. Wilson kept saying she had aborted the baby for my sake. My parents, both lifelong teachers, cared deeply about their reputation. How could I let them bear the stigma of breaking off an engagement? “I want to cancel the engagement with Jack,” I answered firmly, clearly having given it much thought. Hearing my response, my parents visibly relaxed. Mom said, “Making you decide about this is clearly a calculated move. We thought they were decent people, but they’re more cunning than we realized.” Dad added, “Indeed. If they’re like this now, it’ll only get worse after marriage. Whatever you decide, your mom and I will support you. People get married and divorced all the time. Breaking off an engagement because it’s not right is no big deal. Don’t feel pressured.” Hearing their reassuring words, my eyes welled up. They were more clear-headed than I had been. Looking back, my concerns in my past life seemed so foolish. “We should wait a bit before canceling the engagement though. She’s pregnant now and shouldn’t be stressed,” Mom cautioned. I nodded in agreement. In my past life, whenever we had conflicts after marriage, my mother-in-law would always shout, “I aborted my baby for you back then, what more do you want?” And my husband and father-in-law would join in, accusing me of being heartless and cruel, a murderer who had ended a life. This time, they wouldn’t get the chance to smear my name!

After a few days of not seeing each other, Jack asked me out for dinner. At the table, he was sighing heavily, clearly troubled. I kept my head down, focusing on my food. Even looking at him made me feel sick, let alone caring about what was bothering him. Seeing I wasn’t reacting, he finally spoke up: “Lily, honestly, what do you think about my mom’s pregnancy?” “What do you mean, what do I think?” I pretended not to understand. He asked, “Do you really think it’s a good thing for my mom to have this baby?” “Isn’t it?” I countered. “It’s not that it’s not good, but she’s so old now. I’ve heard it’s very dangerous for older pregnant women,” he said, putting on the act of a filial son. “That’s true. So what should we do?” I asked. “Why don’t you try to persuade my mom?” he suggested. He didn’t specify what to persuade her about, but it was clear he wanted to avoid the responsibility while getting rid of the potential problem. Looking at it now, in my past life, he must have misrepresented my words to his mother, making her think I had threatened and forced her to have an abortion. He had benefited from staying in the background, and even used it to criticize me and make me feel guilty, forcing me to give in on various issues. The last argument before my death was because I discovered he had cheated on me multiple times while I was pregnant. When I confronted him with evidence, he actually said, “I cheated because you’re too cruel. I feel cold sleeping next to you. You made me lose a family member, so you deserve this as karma for your actions.” My mother-in-law even cheered him on: “That’s right! You made me lose my baby. You think you can have a good life in our family? Dream on! So what if my son cheated? It’s because you, you little slut, can’t keep your man in check.” When I said I wanted a divorce and left the house, someone pushed me down the stairs from behind. As I lay in a pool of blood, they stood by coldly watching me beg for help. My mother-in-law snarled, “Want a divorce? We can’t let you take away the Zhang family’s bloodline. It’s better if the baby dies too. It can go keep my baby company.” I closed my eyes, life ebbing away in helplessness, despair, and hatred. “Lily, are you listening to me?” Jack called out, pulling me back from my thoughts. I curled my lips into a mocking smile: “Sure, I’ll go talk to your mom.” Since he didn’t want to state his purpose directly, I’d naturally go about it based on my own understanding.

The next day, I bought two large bags of nutritious food from the supermarket and went to visit my future mother-in-law. As soon as I entered the neighborhood, some ladies who knew Mrs. Wilson saw me and asked, “Lily, bringing so many things to your future in-laws? Tsk tsk, you’re so generous. The Wilsons are really lucky.” Their words were dripping with sarcasm, but I pretended not to notice and politely replied, “Yes, Mrs. Wilson needs to boost her nutrition recently, so I bought a bit extra.” Hearing this, they curiously asked, “What’s wrong with her? Is she sick? I saw her yesterday and she looked fine.” “It’s not an illness, it’s good news,” I said deliberately, leaving them hanging. “What good news?” “Well… I shouldn’t say. You’d better ask her yourself,” I said, walking away with the bags, leaving them to speculate. In my past life, whenever they talked about children, my mother-in-law would tear up and mention the baby she had aborted. Public opinion always favors the weak, so I was criticized for being a heartless teacher, often pointed at and gossiped about in the neighborhood. I wondered what they would say this time about someone her age trying for a second child. Mrs. Wilson did look better than before, radiating a maternal glow. Seeing me bring so many good things, she couldn’t stop smiling. She pulled me aside to tell me how well-behaved and easy this baby was, with no morning sickness at all. She also talked about how difficult her pregnancy with Jack had been. I happily played along, “This child must be here to repay you then. They say babies like this grow up to be smart and filial.” Hearing me say this, she was overjoyed and started sharing her parenting experiences. Seeing that we had been chatting for so long without getting to the point, Jack coughed lightly nearby. I looked at him as he was making meaningful faces at me. I asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Do you have a cold?” He awkwardly explained, “No… just a sore throat.” “If you’re not feeling well, you should stay away from your mom. Don’t want to risk infecting her,” I reminded him. “Didn’t you say you were going to talk to mom about something?” Jack finally brought it up. Mrs. Wilson, hearing about me talking to her, visibly tensed up. “Talk… talk about what?” she asked. “Oh my, how could I forget such an important thing?” I pretended to suddenly remember. “Jack told me he’s worried because you’re an older pregnant woman and there might be risks during childbirth. I thought about it and he’s right. So…” I deliberately paused, seeing her swallow hard several times. I was secretly delighted, imagining how anxious she must be, fearing I might suggest she abort the baby. “So I specifically looked it up online. In your situation, you absolutely must go for regular prenatal check-ups and follow the doctor’s advice. The most important things are to eat well, sleep well, and stay in a good mood. You can’t overexert yourself. “Leave the housework to Jack. If you want to eat something, have him buy it for you. Before the birth, you should just enjoy being treated like a queen at home.” Mrs. Wilson smiled, while Jack’s face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. Not only had I not persuaded her as he wanted, but I’d also assigned him chores. In my past life, he had acted like a perfect househusband before marriage, but in reality, he was extremely chauvinistic. He wouldn’t even pick up a fallen oil bottle at home, justifying it with, “A gentleman stays out of the kitchen,” as if it was beneath him to do any housework.

On the way back, Jack drove me home with a gloomy face, as if someone owed him money. “Lily, do you really not understand what I wanted you to persuade my mom about?” He finally broke the silence. “I don’t,” I replied. This time, he didn’t bother to pretend anymore and spoke his true thoughts: “I don’t agree with my mom’s pregnancy. They’re both getting on in years, living on just a few thousand dollars of retirement money each month, barely making ends meet. How can they afford another child? “They’re old and think raising a child now is the same as when they raised me, just needing to provide food. But we young people know how expensive kids are these days, from clothes to gadgets. Not to mention all the tutoring and extracurricular classes when they start school. Looking even further ahead, what about when the kid gets married? It’s all money. But my parents don’t have much savings, so it’ll all fall on us. I’ve checked, and in my parents’ situation, we’d have legal responsibility to support the child. “When we get married, we’ll have our own family to worry about. With mortgage and car payments, the pressure is already high enough without having to raise this child. Moreover…” Jack suddenly took my hand, looking at me with apparent deep affection: “We’ll have our own baby too, and we’ll want to give them the best we can afford. So I have to be ruthless about other children.” His analysis of pros and cons and apparent consideration for our future was quite deceptive. If I didn’t know his true nature, I would have surely been fooled by his manipulation. Suppressing the urge to pull my hand away in disgust, I sighed lightly: “Ah, what you say makes some sense, but what can we do about it?” “I’ve thought of a solution, but it might inconvenience you a bit,” Jack said, his eyes gleaming. “Oh?” I was curious to see what devious plan he had come up with this time. “My parents won’t want to get rid of the baby directly, so we need a reason that forces them to do it. We could say your parents think having another child would be too much of a burden in the future, and they’re forcing you to break off our engagement unless the baby is gone. What do you think? “My mom likes you so much, she definitely wouldn’t want us to break up.” Looking at Jack’s hypocritical, disgusting face, I really wanted to spit in it. Not content with using me as a pawn, he was now targeting my parents. I frowned, my tone unfriendly: “Jack, what are you implying? Making my parents the bad guys to take the blame? You’re quite the schemer, aren’t you!” “No, it’s not scheming. I’m just thinking about our future,” Jack hurried to explain. I snorted, “Hah! Our future? If we really used your method to force your mom to abort the baby, wouldn’t she hate me? The relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is already difficult to maintain. If she resents me before I even join the family, how could I have a good life? “My parents have worked hard all their lives to build a good reputation. For your family’s mess, they’d have to bear the infamy of forcing someone to abort a child. You really know how to come up with ideas. “Jack, if you’re a real man, go talk to your mom yourself. Don’t act like you want to have your cake and eat it too. You say it’s for our future, but you’re only thinking about yourself. I can’t believe how two-faced you are. Disgusting!” With that, I got out of the car. I couldn’t risk upsetting the old woman with a baby in her belly. But there was no need to be polite with this scumbag of a man. He deserved to be scolded and confronted.

After that argument with Jack, he apologized profusely on social media every day. I set his messages to “Do Not Disturb.” Not having to face that scumbag made my world instantly more peaceful. However, I kept a close eye on what was happening with his family. Jack had taken his mom to the hospital once to inquire about abortion procedures. The “filial son” clearly hadn’t given up. If he thought he could frame my family again, he was dreaming. Using my connections, I found out the date of Mrs. Wilson’s scheduled abortion. My parents and I waited outside their building with generous gifts in hand. We ran into them just as they were coming out. In just a few days, Mrs. Wilson’s eyes had become red and swollen. She must have cried a lot, reluctant to give up the baby. Seeing me, she lacked her usual enthusiasm, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes. Jack nervously and suspiciously asked, “Uncle, Auntie, why… why are you here?” Mom smiled and said, “Your uncle and I heard about your mom’s pregnancy, so we came to visit her.” “What visit? You’re here to gloat, aren’t you? I’ve already agreed to abort the baby like you wanted. What more do you want? Are you here to make sure I go through with it?” Mrs. Wilson, forgetting she was pregnant, angrily rushed up to my mom, looking ready to hit her. “Mom! Calm down!” Jack hurriedly tried to pull his mother back, afraid she might say too much.

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On the day Adeline gave birth to my husband’s child, my in-laws hired ten bodyguards to stand guard outside the delivery room to prevent any disruption from my side. But I never showed up, not even after the delivery was over. My mother-in-law held Adeline’s hand and reassured her, “Adeline, as long as we are here, Olivia won’t be able to harm you or the baby!” My husband was by Adeline’s side during the delivery, wiping her sweat tenderly. “Don’t worry. Dad has people at the hospital entrance. If Olivia tries anything, we’ll have her removed!” After not seeing me, he finally relaxed. He couldn’t understand why I would cause a fuss when he was just trying to fulfill Adeline’s last wish of becoming a mother. Watching the nurse cradle the newborn, he smiled contentedly, thinking that if I came to apologize the next day, he would forgive everything and even let me be the child’s mother. What he didn’t know was that I had just submitted a report to the United Nations. In a week, I would renounce my citizenship and become a doctor with Doctors Without Borders, never to see him again.

The day Liam helped Adeline out of the postpartum care center, I had just finished my shift at the hospital. As I approached the entrance, I heard laughter and joy from inside. “This baby is so beautiful, and his thick eyebrows look just like our Liam’s,” my mother-in-law cooed, playing with the baby in her arms. Meanwhile, Liam brought out a steaming bowl of pork rib soup from the kitchen. “Adeline, you’ve worked hard. I made this soup myself for you. You’re weak and need to regain your strength,” he said tenderly, sitting by the bed and feeding Adeline with a gentle smile, the picture of a happy family. My father-in-law shook a rattle to entertain the baby, grinning widely. “This kid is as charming as his mom. Thank goodness he doesn’t take after Olivia, who was always so serious. Having a doctor for a mom would have been worrisome.” My grip on the door handle tightened. I remembered when I first met my father-in-law, he proudly patted my shoulder, saying having a daughter-in-law who was a doctor made him proud. But now, he claims doctors don’t belong in a family. I had only been abroad for a year for further study, yet there was no longer a place for me in this home. I lowered my head, a bitter smile on my lips. I married Liam three years ago, and we once had a child. But due to an accident, I lost the child and suffered uterine damage, making me infertile for life. Upon hearing this news, I was devastated. Liam held me and comforted me, promising he would have children only with me for the rest of his life. For me, he even chose not to have children. Yet now, he has broken his promise to fulfill Adeline’s last wish, shattering his own principles. I still remember the day I went abroad for further study. He cried like a child, holding me tightly, unwilling to let go. For this whole year, we spoke on the phone daily, sharing our lives. Even my colleagues teased us for being like newlyweds despite three years of marriage. But just a month ago, I finally managed to get a vacation to come home. Even after a nine-hour flight, I didn’t complain about being tired. I rushed home, only to see Liam and Adeline holding hands, taking a walk in the neighborhood, and Adeline was obviously pregnant. My train of thought was interrupted by Adeline’s voice. “Olivia, when did you get back? Why are you standing at the door and not coming in?” Hearing her voice, everyone inside turned toward the entryway. When my mother-in-law saw the resignation letter in my hand, her brow furrowed deeply. “Why did I agree to let Liam marry such a jinx? Resigning from your job, are you planning to live off Liam?” My father-in-law chimed in, “You can’t even hold onto a secure job. What can you do? If I had known you were useless, I wouldn’t have let you in the door!” “Adeline is precious now. She and the baby need money everywhere. You’re not helping Liam but causing trouble. Is this how you act as a wife?” I found it laughable. “And what about Liam? He got someone else pregnant while I was furthering my studies. Is that how a husband should act?” “Enough, Olivia. I’m doing this for your own good,” Liam snapped, his eyes icy. “You can’t have children, so I let Adeline have a baby for you, letting you experience motherhood. Why can’t you understand my good intentions?” “Besides, it’s a win-win situation. It fulfills Adeline’s wish and lets you be a mother without the pain. I don’t get why you’re angry!” “Two years ago, if it weren’t for Adeline saving me from a car accident, I would have died. She’s an orphan now and has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. In a while, no one will remember her.” “As a woman, shouldn’t you sympathize with her? Why are you always against her? Or do you think I’m just a despicable man?” Adeline gently tugged on Liam’s hand, looking at me with a face full of sympathy. “Olivia, please say less. I know it’s all my fault. I promise not to appear in your life from now on. But don’t let me affect your marriage, okay?” Looking at the four of them united against me, I found it hilarious. So, this is what a real family looks like. Suddenly, Liam spoke up, “Olivia, my patience has limits. If you target Adeline again, don’t blame me for not being polite!” “If you want to keep living with me, behave yourself. At next week’s full moon celebration, I can publicly acknowledge you as the child’s mother in front of family and friends.” Next week? I glanced at the sleeping baby in the stroller. Next week, I’m leaving for abroad. But before I go, I don’t mind giving them an unforgettable surprise.

I nodded calmly. “Alright.” With that, I ignored their reactions and went back to the bedroom to pack my things. Since I’ve decided to leave completely, I don’t want to leave any trace here. In the living room, the laughter seeped through the door. My hands paused slightly as I folded clothes. “Adeline, let’s name the baby Liam Adeline, so even if he calls someone else mom in the future, he won’t forget you as his biological mother.” Even without seeing it, I could imagine Liam saying this with a face full of affection. My heart was already riddled with wounds from him. I suddenly remembered last month when I rushed home, carrying souvenirs I had bought for Liam abroad. But at the doorstep, I saw Liam and Adeline returning from a walk, hand in hand. Unlike Liam’s look of horror, Adeline looked at me with confusion, asking if I had the wrong house. “Did you get the wrong door? This is my home.” I said nothing, staring at Adeline’s pregnant belly. Ten months away, and my husband moved his beloved into our home, and she’s pregnant. What happened is obvious. Liam hurriedly stood between us, introducing me to Adeline. “This is my wife, Olivia.” I thought Adeline would back down hearing this, but she acted the perfect hostess, even inviting me inside. As we passed each other, she whispered so only we could hear, “I heard you’ve been married to Liam for three years? A stand-in will always be a stand-in, unlike me, the real deal!” “Once I came back, didn’t you obediently give up your place?” Anger surged, and I couldn’t hold back. I swung my hand, slapping her face, all my longing for Liam over the ten months turning into fury. Until neighbors heard the commotion and called the police. We were both taken to the station, but since it involved family matters, they couldn’t intervene much and let us go home. Back home, my in-laws, who had rushed over, berated me relentlessly—accusing me of making such a scene upon my return and embarrassing us in front of the neighbors. They said I’d wasted all those years of education by hitting someone and if anything happened, they wouldn’t forgive me. They had always known about Liam and Adeline, even supporting them wholeheartedly. In just a year, Adeline had become their ideal daughter-in-law. I was the only one left in the dark. My mouth tasted bitter. Liam, with teary eyes, approached to grab my hand, trying to persuade me. “Olivia, I never meant to betray you. But Adeline’s health is poor. The doctors said she has at most six months to live, and her only wish is to be a mother, to have a child of her own.” “She’s my savior. I couldn’t bear to let her die with regrets…” “I wanted to discuss it with you, but you were abroad. I was afraid it would disrupt your studies. I thought I’d tell you once you returned.” “If you’re willing, we could raise this child together, okay?”

Such a big matter, yet he spoke about it so casually. I packed the last piece of clothing into my suitcase. Just then, my mother-in-law entered, seeing the suitcase by my feet with a look of ‘finally, you know your place.’ “After all, she saved my life. I can’t let her leave this world full of regrets…” “I wanted to discuss this with you earlier, but since you were overseas, I didn’t want to interrupt your studies. I thought it best to wait until you came back.” “If you’re open to it, how about we raise this child together?” Such a significant matter, yet he spoke of it so nonchalantly. I tucked the last piece of clothing into my suitcase just as my mother-in-law walked in. Her expression said, “Finally, you’ve come to your senses.” “Since you weren’t here, I let Adeline use your room. Now, the study has been converted into a nursery, so you’ll need to sleep in the living room tonight. If you don’t like that, feel free to check into a hotel.” I was genuinely exhausted and didn’t have the energy to find a hotel, so I nodded, ready to make do on the sofa for the night. But in the dead of night, the sound of a crying baby came from the bedroom. I turned over, about to put in earplugs, when I heard Adeline’s frustrated voice. “Liam, can you do something about the baby? He’s been crying non-stop.” Then I heard Liam chuckle softly. “Aren’t you my darling? Just take care of yourself. Let the kid cry a bit more; it’s good for his lungs.” I pulled the blanket over my head, trying hard to ignore their laughter. But when I closed my eyes, I still saw Liam’s face from when he first confessed his love to me. Back then, he was lively and full of energy, with his whole world revolving around me. But that version of him no longer belonged to me. I drifted into a restless sleep, and by dawn, I was out the door with my suitcase. At City Hall, I canceled my household registration and processed my papers to go abroad. With all the necessary documentation, everything was handled quickly, and the staff didn’t ask many questions. Just as I was leaving, one of the staff handed me a piece of fruit candy. “May all your wishes come true.” I gave her a grateful smile and found a nearby hotel. After setting down my luggage, I went out to find something to eat and unexpectedly ran into Liam and Adeline with their family. Adeline, wearing a Patek Philippe bracelet, looked smug, showing no sign of someone gravely ill. “Olivia, I thought I recognized you from afar. Liam insisted you couldn’t possibly be here.” Her gaze fell on the job flyer in my hand, and she smiled knowingly. “So you’re job hunting? But why would you settle for a waitress position?” “Even if you’re upset with Liam, there’s no need to make things hard on yourself.” I stayed silent. A young girl had handed me the flyer on the street, and I took it because I felt sorry for her working in the cold weather. Seeing my silence, Adeline’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, and her smile widened. “If you’d told me you were looking for a job, maybe I could’ve helped.” “We’re family. If you’re doing well, Liam and the child will have support, and I can feel at ease.” At that moment, my silence was almost an admission. Liam’s previously confused expression turned harsh. He frowned deeply, his lips forming a hard line, and looked at me with disdain. “What’s there to recommend? She insisted on leaving such a good job as a doctor. Now, even if she starves on the street, she doesn’t deserve sympathy.” “Olivia, I can’t believe you’d go to such lengths to force me to give up the child. You’ve really disappointed me!” Staring at his familiar face, I felt like he was a stranger. I remembered when we were first married, how internal competition at the hospital made me want to resign and switch careers. Liam held me in his arms and gently comforted me: “We’re a team. No matter what you decide, I support you.” “Resigning is no big deal, honey. I’ll always be here for you.” But now, he allowed another woman to humiliate me. He forgot what he once told me and the deep feelings we shared. Even my in-laws shook their heads in disdain. “Olivia, you’re like a hen that can’t lay eggs and always out of the house. How can you compare to Adeline?” “It’s only natural for Liam to look for someone else. Blame yourself for not being attractive.” Their words grew more exaggerated, and passersby began to glance our way. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, nails digging into my skin. Just as I was about to speak, Adeline stepped forward. “We’re about to take a family photo, Olivia. Why don’t you join us? I’ll count on you to look after Liam and the baby in the future.” I glanced at her, saying nothing. Liam immediately objected, shielding Adeline in his arms and sneering at me. “Adeline, you’re too kind, but she might not appreciate it.” “Olivia, who are you giving that face to? Go or don’t go. Your presence would just lower our family’s standards.” With that, he took Adeline and headed toward the photo studio. “We’ll leave now. Don’t let us stop you from looking for a job, Olivia~” Before leaving, Adeline gave me a meaningful look. Watching them walk away, I felt no waves in my heart. To the outside world, they seemed like such a harmonious family. If that’s what Liam wants, then why not let them have it? 4. Three days before leaving, I received a message from the director. He said the expert I had asked him to contact was in the country for a forum and could help check on my mother-in-law’s asthma. She had been dealing with asthma for years. Although it was under control, it still sometimes flared up, and she’d been to the hospital in emergencies before. So, while studying abroad, I asked colleagues to collect related cases for me. No matter what, the years of relationship still meant something. Once I finished this, we’d be even. But when I told her I wanted to take her to the hospital, her face changed instantly. “Why go to the hospital for no reason? Are you cursing me just because I criticized you?” “Olivia, you’re so malicious. The last time I had a check-up, the doctor said I was healthy. What’s there to check?” “There’s a top expert on asthma in the country today. You could see him, just as a follow-up…” Before I could finish, she threw a water cup at me. “Sounds great, but could a jobless person like you really schedule with a top expert? All you do is brag! Remember when Adeline stayed up late to book my appointment? Where were you then?” She compared me to Adeline at every turn, her attitude clear. No matter what I did, it was wrong. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t compare to Adeline. With this thought in mind, I just smiled bitterly. “Fine, if you don’t want to go, we won’t.” Maybe I’m just meddling where I shouldn’t. Soon, it was time for the baby’s Full Moon Celebration. I arrived late, seeing the banquet hall packed with relatives whose names I didn’t know. For a moment, I felt dazed. The event was even grander than my wedding to Liam. And right by the entrance, there was a family photo of the five of them. As for me, from start to finish, I was just a joke. Relatives and friends whispered when they saw me, and I could guess the gist. Soon, Aunt Fiona grabbed my arm, making small talk. “Olivia, when did you return? Liam never mentioned it. And when did you have a baby?” “I heard you’re being promoted to Chief Medical Officer at the General Hospital after your studies abroad. Your future’s so bright!” I didn’t say anything, just nodded politely. But I could see the disdain in their eyes. After all, I wasn’t in the family photo. And it wasn’t me standing by Liam at the banquet. Someone pointed at the woman feeding Liam dessert and asked. “Olivia, who is that?” I smiled faintly. “Liam’s new wife.” The gossiping aunts nearby widened their eyes, then huddled together, whispering again. Since Liam’s family didn’t care, why should I cover for them? Just then, Liam took the stage and grabbed the microphone. “I’m so glad everyone could come to my son’s Full Moon Celebration.” “Before this, I never considered becoming a father or believed I could play the role well.” “But when I heard the baby’s cries, I realized the responsibility and duties of fatherhood.” The aunt next to me shouted, “Let the baby’s mother come up and say a few words! Where’s the mother?” The banquet hall’s atmosphere froze for a moment. Everyone’s eyes darted between Adeline and me. The answer was obvious, but the aunt’s question seemed to urge Liam to admit it himself. “I never really considered becoming a father before now and certainly didn’t think I could handle the responsibility.” “But when I heard the baby’s cries, the weight of fatherhood hit me.” Aunt Hazel loudly interjected, “Let the child’s mother come up and speak! Where is she?” The room fell silent. Eyes darted between me and Olivia. The truth was all but spoken, but Aunt Hazel seemed intent on hearing Liam Bennett admit it himself. Locking eyes with Liam, I slowly made my way to the stage. He was dumbfounded as I took the microphone from him. “What are you doing? Don’t you dare say anything reckless,” he hissed, panic flickering in his eyes as he grabbed my sleeve, but I brushed him off without looking back. A clear conscience fears no accusation. I began speaking calmly, “First, thank you all for traveling here for this celebration.” “Many of you witnessed Liam Bennett and me getting married, and have supported us with your blessings. You might have seen our family photo at the entrance earlier.” Liam’s face paled at this. He charged toward me, trying to snatch the microphone. I quickly sidestepped, holding the microphone firmly as I continued: “Honestly, I was shocked too, but more so when I returned from a year abroad to find Liam Bennett with another woman. They even had a child.” “They tried to convince me it was for my own good to accept the child as mine. But I refuse to bear that burden or swallow that lie.” “Liam Bennett, I want a divorce.”

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I never thought my wife Emily would drug me just to help her crush Jack secure a position in our company. Her actions made me miss an important meeting with a major client, losing us the contract and damaging my reputation in the industry. All my hard work ended up benefiting her precious Jack. “Since you’re so keen on helping this freeloader steal what’s rightfully mine, I wish you both a happy life together!” I spat out, handing in my resignation and throwing the divorce papers at her before walking away. Emily always thought she was capable enough to make it big without me. But she forgot that without my help, she wouldn’t have even gotten into this company in the first place. Not to mention that her dear Jack’s investment portfolio was full of holes. With their half-baked skills, they were bound to end up with nothing! I woke up groggy and disoriented, calling out, “Emily?” But there was no response. It felt like I had been sleeping for ages, and my head was pounding. I checked my phone and broke into a cold sweat – it was already 11 AM, and I had a meeting with our big client, Mr. Anderson, at 10 AM to discuss a deal. I quickly got ready and rushed to the meeting venue, trying to call both Emily and Mr. Anderson repeatedly, but neither answered. When I finally arrived, I found Emily chatting and laughing with Mr. Anderson. Seeing me, Emily smiled and said, “Mr. Anderson, I’m so sorry you had to witness this. My husband can’t even remember such an important appointment. He’s clearly not capable of handling such a big account.” Mr. Anderson looked me up and down, grunted, and said nothing more. I tried to explain, but Emily pulled me outside the room. She coldly asked, “What are you doing here?” Confused, I replied, “I’m here for the meeting, of course!” Emily sneered, “How come you’re awake now?” Suddenly, I remembered the glass of milk she had given me last night. It had tasted strange, but thinking it was a rare gesture of care from her, I had drunk half of it despite the odd flavor. Now I realized… that strange taste must have been sleeping pills! “You drugged me!” I exclaimed. Emily looked at me with disgust, “Not as stupid as I thought.” “Why would you do this? This deal is crucial for the company. How does this benefit anyone – the company, you, or me?” “Benefits?” Emily tilted her head and smiled maliciously. “Of course there are benefits.” I was about to press further when Jack’s voice came from behind, “Emily, I’ve printed out the contract. Should I give it to Mr. Anderson now?” Jack looked at Emily tenderly, then pretended to just notice me, feigning surprise, “Oh, Lucas is here too? I thought we wouldn’t see you today.” He turned to Emily with a pitiful look, “Emily, now that Lucas is here, are you going to let him steal my deal?” Anger surged through me. What did he mean by me stealing his deal? I had been working on this account all along. Now, because Emily had drugged me and made me late, it had suddenly become his? Before I could argue, Emily was already comforting Jack, stroking his head with a tenderness I hadn’t seen in years. “Don’t worry, Jack. What’s yours will always be yours.” Emily glanced at me, “Whoever closes this deal becomes the Director. Now, you should address Jack as Director, Deputy Director Lucas.” “Have you lost your mind? Is this the benefit you were talking about? Helping Jack secure his position in the company?” “What else?” Emily replied. She then turned away from me in disgust, went back into the room, and handed the contract to Mr. Anderson. “Mr. Anderson, please sign here. I’m confident your assets will double under Jack’s management!” I stared at her in shock, “Emily, are you crazy? It’s impossible for investments to double in just six months!” Jack scoffed, “Lucas, just because you can’t do it doesn’t mean others can’t.” I looked at Mr. Anderson earnestly, “Mr. Anderson, we’ve known each other for a long time. You know my capabilities. I admit the investment climate has been good lately, but doubling assets in such a short time is just a pipe dream!”

Seeing Mr. Anderson hesitate, Emily glared at me and said to him, “Mr. Anderson, I can’t bear to see you being deceived any longer!” “All the investment plans Lucas previously provided to you were plagiarized from Jack! As his wife, I’ve tried to talk him out of it countless times, but he never listened. I couldn’t stand by anymore, which is why I’m using my own reputation as a guarantee for you to sign with Jack today!” “Emily! Do you realize what you’re saying?” I was stunned. Jack stepped forward, tightly holding Emily’s hand. “Emily, thank you. Without you, I don’t know how much longer I would have been plagiarized!” I was so angry I couldn’t speak. Emily was willing to slander me like this for Jack’s sake. Didn’t she know this would ruin me? Was Jack really that important to her? Seeing Mr. Anderson still hesitating, Emily continued, “We can offer you a better deal. If you sign the contract now, we’ll reduce the service fee by 10% compared to before!” Mr. Anderson no longer hesitated and quickly signed the contract. He then looked at me apologetically, “Lucas, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but… even your wife is saying this.” Watching Mr. Anderson leave, I turned to Emily, “Why are you doing this?” Emily held Jack’s hand tightly, “For Jack, of course! And for the company!” “You’ve been in the Deputy Director position for so many years without advancing. Doesn’t that prove you’re not capable enough?” “Now that there’s an opportunity, you’re trying to snatch it based on seniority. But isn’t Jack more suitable? If you were capable, you would have been promoted long ago!” I stared at her intently, “Do you know what impact your words today will have on me?” “You won’t be able to work in this industry anymore? It’s not like you were doing that well anyway. What’s wrong with paving the way for Jack?” I watched her constantly mentioning Jack’s name, looking at him with adoration, and felt like I didn’t know her anymore. No, perhaps this was how she had always been. I first met her in college. On the basketball court, she was bringing water to Jack, but he mocked her for bringing the cheapest mineral water. As Jack left with water from a rich girl, Emily cried on the spot. I handed her a tissue then. Her eyes were watery and clear, seeming to look right into one’s soul. Later, when Jack tried to trick her into taking out a predatory student loan to buy him a phone, I stopped her and explained the rights and wrongs to her in detail. I believed she wasn’t inherently bad, just a naive girl. I couldn’t stand by and watch her future be ruined. After understanding, she thanked me gratefully, and we became closer, until Jack started dating a rich girl. That day, Emily drank a lot and even tried to cut her wrists. I saved her and comforted her constantly. She grabbed my hand and asked, “Lucas, do you think no one loves me?” Listening to her tragic childhood story – an abusive father, a weak mother, a poor family – and watching her cry with tears in her eyes, I felt pity in my heart. To give her hope to live on, I held her hand and made a lifelong promise. “I will love you.” But now it seems she only agreed to be with me because she couldn’t have Jack. Now, after I’ve helped her achieve success, Jack is back in her life, and she thinks all that happened before doesn’t matter anymore. I should have seen this clearly long ago. My heart ached as I watched Emily clutching the contract defensively. I said, “Don’t worry, I won’t try to take this contract.” I don’t know if it was the effect of the sleeping pills, but I felt so tired, wanting to lie down right there, almost overwhelmed by despair.

Back at the company, I silently deleted all the investment plans and formatted my computer. The market changes rapidly. Although the market situation has been improving recently, this is only temporary, mainly due to the country’s expansionary fiscal policy. Once the market cools down, the overall market growth will become steady, but some aggressive investors will suffer huge losses. Among these people, Jack would obviously be included. He barely got his college degree, and in the three years he’s worked at the company, he hasn’t successfully completed a single project. If it weren’t for Emily begging me to clean up his messes time and time again, he wouldn’t have lasted here. But he’s incredibly full of himself, thinking that every failure was due to me sabotaging him, believing his skills are superior. His investment strategies have always been aggressive, sometimes as reckless as a gambler. The investment portfolio in the contract isn’t the optimal market portfolio at all, but rather a few stocks he blindly chose because they were performing well. But industry insiders know that these stocks will soon fall. After returning to the company, Emily eagerly took Jack to the boss’s office, demanding a promotion for him. The boss looked at me awkwardly, “But… Lucas, haven’t you been following up on this account all along?” Before I could speak, Emily jumped in, “Boss, this kind of thing should go to the most capable person, and Jack is much more capable than Lucas!” Seeing the boss’s hesitation, Emily used her trick again: “Boss, all the investment plans Lucas previously provided to Mr. Anderson were plagiarized from Jack!” The boss looked at me in surprise, “How… how is that possible!” “Boss, I’m Lucas’s wife. How could I lie about him?” I laughed coldly, “I’ve been working at this company for five years and have been cooperating with Mr. Anderson for five years. Jack has only been here for three years.” “How could I have plagiarized Jack’s plans for the first two years?” Emily was suddenly at a loss for words, stammering and unable to explain. Seeing the boss wavering, Jack stepped forward and said: “Boss, Lucas really did plagiarize my plans. He’s been suppressing my performance all these years, which is why I haven’t been able to get promoted. But every time, he would clean up my messes because he was afraid the company would fire me and he’d have no one to provide him with plans.” The boss looked at me in shock, even more hesitant. Jack seized the opportunity and said, “Boss, if you give me the Director position, I won’t take any commission from Mr. Anderson’s account this time. It will all go to the company!” The boss was immediately convinced and decided, “Alright, then Jack is promoted to Director!” He then looked at me guiltily, wanting to say some words of comfort, but I took off my work badge and said calmly, “No need for comfort. I quit.” Emily exploded upon hearing this, “Quit? How can you quit! What about me and Jack if you quit!” So she did know about Jack’s amateur skills. But how could she think that Jack could take the money and the promotion, while I was left with nothing? What was I in her eyes? What about the seven years we’ve been together? Was I just a fool to her? I forced a smile, “Emily, I don’t care anymore. Let’s get divorced!”

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I landed a multi-billion-dollar deal for the company, but at the celebration party, the CEO’s wife gave all the credit to a new assistant who’d only been with the company for six months. I turned to my wife for some support, but she only looked at me with frustration. “Brandon is the heir to the Johnson family from the state capital. Building a good relationship with him will benefit the company’s future. You’ve been here a long time; can’t you step aside a little?” “Besides, if you were a rich heir from some big family, would I need to be so deferential to others?” Later, the assistant was promoted and received a huge bonus. My wife snuggled into his arms for a picture. They gazed into each other’s eyes sweetly, like a real couple, receiving everyone’s blessings. I sat quietly in the audience, watching it unfold. Everyone expected me to be insanely jealous. But I just smiled and called the family butler. “Mr. Fortune, let’s hold off on that multi-billion-dollar investment.” As soon as the meeting ended, the CEO’s assistant, Brandon Johnson, who’d been with the company for just under six months, became the center of attention. “Oh my goodness, Assistant Johnson is incredible, casually negotiating such a big contract.” “Yeah, no wonder he’s the heir to the Johnson family from the state capital. His demeanor is unmatched; even his elegance is different from ordinary people.” “Assistant Johnson’s clothing style is also impeccable. That must be a custom-made designer piece.” Brandon just smiled silently at the flattery, but his eyes showed his pride. My wife, Sophia, stepped in to defend him. “Come on, don’t bother Brandon anymore. He just landed such a big order for the company. He needs to rest.” I was about to stand up when her words stopped me cold. Because that order was something I begged my family to help with. When did it become Brandon’s achievement? Also, I’d never heard of a Brandon Johnson from the Johnson family in the state capital. In my confusion, Sophia pulled out a bank card and a Porsche key, handing them to Brandon. “Brandon, thank you for your contributions to the company.” “There’s a million on the card. Let me know if it’s not enough.” “And here’s this car. You always say your commute is too far. I’ll get you a house near the company soon…” I stared blankly at my wife. Her eyes were full of warmth I’d never seen before. Subtle laughter echoed around us, and some employees who knew about my marriage to Sophia looked at me mockingly, whispering to each other. In the past, I’d have been overwhelmed with jealousy, rushing to confront Sophia. But now, I just wanted the truth. I picked up my jacket and left, planning to call my family to get some answers. Someone suddenly noticed, “Hey, isn’t Vice President Ethan’s jacket the same as Brandon’s?” I paused and realized they were very similar. But my jacket was a custom birthday gift from an overseas designer who had since retired and vowed never to design clothing again. So my jacket was the only one of its kind in the world. As for where Brandon’s jacket came from, I had no idea. Brandon nonchalantly waved it off, “No worries, it’s just a jacket. I just bought it on a whim. If Vice President Ethan likes it, I won’t wear it tomorrow.” Everyone praised Brandon for his generosity. Brandon even had the nerve to lecture me, “Vice President Ethan, I’m glad you like my style, but I hope you find your own style instead of imitating others.” Laughter erupted. “People rely on clothes; horses rely on saddles. Even with the same clothes, it depends on who wears them. Vice President Ethan, have you heard the story of the ugly duckling?” “Wearing the same outfit isn’t scary; it’s embarrassing if you’re the ugly one!” The taunts were sharp, but I didn’t want to argue about clothes. I just wanted to sort out the investment issue. Just as I was about to leave, Sophia blocked my way, her expression cold. “Take off the jacket!” Her gaze was as sharp and cold as a knife, piercing through my shell and stabbing into my heart. I looked at her, unfamiliar. “You don’t even believe me?” Sophia was full of doubt. “The designer of this jacket is Roly from Australia, worth at least hundreds of thousands. Do you think I don’t know how much you’re worth?” “Where did you get the money to buy such an expensive jacket?” With Sophia saying this, others were even more convinced I was imitating Brandon. They urged me, “Vice President Ethan, just take it off. It’s embarrassing.” “Yeah, even if the crow is dyed white, it can’t become a swan.” Brandon kindly shook his head, “Vice President Ethan, if you really like it, I’ll give you mine.” “You keep wearing knock-offs. Even if you don’t feel embarrassed, we all feel embarrassed for Ms. Sophia!” Sophia’s expression darkened at this, and she ordered sternly, “Ethan, I command you to take off the jacket now!” I knew Sophia was genuinely angry now. In the past, I’d have taken it off immediately, begging for her forgiveness. But now, I just stubbornly looked at her, “What if I don’t?” Sophia was taken aback. I’d always been obedient to her, accepting even her most unreasonable demands without hesitation. But today, why was I defying her in public? She felt a bit embarrassed, biting her lip. Then, she pulled a box cutter from her pocket, threatening me fiercely, “If you don’t take it off, I’ll tear it apart!”

The room fell silent. Everyone stared, not daring to make a sound. I couldn’t believe Sophia was making such a fuss over a jacket. Brandon stepped forward with fake concern, breaking the silence. “We’re all family here. No need to make a scene. If Vice President Ethan likes this jacket, I’ll just give him mine.” He smiled as he took the box cutter from Sophia’s hand, then removed his jacket and handed it to me. I could tell at a glance that his jacket was a knock-off, so I pushed him away disdainfully. “Get lost!” Brandon’s eyes flashed with malice. Before I knew it, he lunged at me, the box cutter in hand. Not only did he tear my jacket, but he also slashed my arm, leaving it bloody. The pain made me gasp. But before I could speak, Brandon was on the ground, crying, “Vice President Ethan, I was just trying to help you, and I even offered my jacket. How could you push me?” His poor acting convinced some. Sophia rushed over, cradling Brandon, and shouted at me, “Ethan, are you crazy?” “Brandon even gave you his jacket, and you pushed him? Are you even human?” “Apologize to Brandon right now!” Her blatant favoritism was too obvious, stabbing at my eyes. I stood my ground, “I won’t apologize. He pushed me first. If you don’t believe me, check the surveillance.” The truth was just a glance away. But Sophia’s expression was cold, “So many people saw you push Brandon. How dare you argue?” “If that’s your attitude, I don’t think you need to be vice president anymore.” She held her head high, looking down on me. Whenever she made that face, it was a sign for me to admit my mistakes. But this time, I wasn’t wrong, and I wouldn’t admit it. I coldly laughed, tore off my ID badge, and threw it on the floor. “Fine, then I quit.” My attitude froze Sophia’s expression. “Ethan, what do you mean by this?” “Come back and explain!” “Ethan!” Sophia kept calling after me, but I ignored her and walked away. I thought I’d feel upset, but as I stepped out of the company, I felt like a bird freed from its cage. My heart was calm and light. Taking a deep breath, I called the family butler, Mr. Fortune. Within seconds, he answered, “Young Master.” “Mr. Fortune, have you ever heard of a Brandon Johnson from the Johnson family in the state capital?” Mr. Fortune paused, then replied calmly, “Never heard of him.” I smiled, “Good, then I know. Mr. Fortune, please investigate this Brandon Johnson’s identity.” After a pause, I added, “Oh, and hold off on that multi-billion-dollar order.” “Everything is as you command, Young Master.” The call ended, and I looked up at the darkening sky, my emotions mixed. Once, I was blinded by love, wanting to give Sophia the best of everything without reservation. But now, I’ve woken up, questioning if Sophia is worthy of handling a multi-billion-dollar order. I didn’t go home. Instead, I took a cab to a nearby bar. After three years of marriage, my world revolved around Sophia. Now, I wanted to give myself a break, to relax. I partied until late, stumbling home in a haze. But when I got there, the lights were on, and surprisingly, Sophia was waiting for me. The call ended, and I gazed up at the darkening sky, overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions. There was a time when I was so smitten that I wanted to give Sophia everything without hesitation. But now, clarity has set in, and I find myself questioning whether Sophia is truly capable of handling the responsibility of a billion-dollar deal. Instead of heading home, I hopped into a cab and went to a nearby bar. Three years of marriage had me revolving around Sophia, but now I needed a break, some time to unwind. I stayed out until midnight, returning home in a daze, only to find the lights on and Sophia waiting, which was quite unexpected. She was sitting on the couch with her legs crossed, a chilly expression on her face. “Do you even know what time it is, coming home this late?” I didn’t answer her directly. Instead, I asked, surprised, “Isn’t tonight Brandon’s celebration party? Why are you back early?” Since Brandon showed up, Sophia seemed to cling to him every chance she got. On a night like this, I thought she’d stay out. Sophia looked disheartened. “Tonight wasn’t just Brandon’s celebration; it’s also our anniversary!” “I ended things early to bring you a gift and spend time with you, but you forgot such an important day. Do you even care about me as your wife?” In the past, I meticulously planned every anniversary, booking the best restaurants. But each time, she’d leave me alone at a table for two, watching the food go cold. This time, I didn’t plan anything and instead spent the night at a bar. Sophia pushed a gift toward me. “Try it on; I picked it out just for you.” I glanced at it. The so-called gift was just an oversized t-shirt from the supermarket, priced at $39.50, with the tag still attached. Sophia rarely gave me gifts. Once, I wanted a watch priced under $500, only to get a scolding from her. “Ethan, do you think money grows on trees?” “Since when did you become so materialistic?” “I provide for you; do I need to give up my life too to make you happy?” Yet, she didn’t hesitate to give Brandon a million-dollar bonus and a brand-new Porsche. My voice turned hoarse as I said, “Just get to the point.” Sophia’s face turned tense, and she awkwardly said, “I was wondering if you could transfer your shares to Brandon?” 3 Boom! It felt like a storm had erupted in my mind. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. These shares were something Sophia had begged me to accept. “Ethan, without you, the company wouldn’t be what it is today. These shares symbolize our love. If you don’t take them, you don’t love me.” I had no choice but to accept them, with the promise that I could return them whenever she needed. But I never imagined it would end like this. Seeing my dark expression, Sophia immediately complained, “What’s your problem?” “You know today was Brandon’s celebration, and you made a scene and left early, embarrassing him.” “I had to comfort him for ages and promised to transfer your shares to him so he’d forgive you. I did it all to cover for you…” Brandon again! Just hearing his name made my blood boil. I brushed past Sophia and headed straight for the bathroom. Sophia blocked my way, her face full of resentment. “Ethan, what’s wrong with you today? I just want you to apologize to Brandon. Is it that hard?” A lump formed in my throat. Sophia sniffed, noticing the smell of alcohol and smoke on me. Her face turned displeased, “You drank?” “You promised me that after marriage, you’d never go to such places.” “I ended the celebration early to spend our anniversary with you, but you were out partying?” “Is that fair to me?” Seeing her so aggrieved felt like a bitter irony. Back then, against my family’s wishes, I gave up everything to be with her. She wanted to start a company, and I used all my resources to help her secure funding. When she failed and lost millions, I begged my family for money to cover the loss. I gave everything silently. And she, in turn, gave my credit to Brandon. Even our wedding anniversary was just an excuse to negotiate terms to please another man! Now she had the audacity to accuse me of being irresponsible. Thinking about it, I couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly, “Yes, I do owe you. If someone else suits you better, go find them.” My words seemed to ignite a ticking time bomb. Sophia, tears in her eyes, shouted at me, “I get it. You’re just jealous of Brandon, mad that I’m too good to him, right?” “But who am I doing all this for?” “It’s for this family, for our future!” “Brandon is an heir from the Johnson family in the state capital. Being close to him helps the company’s future. You’re a veteran of the company and my husband. Instead of thinking for me, you just get jealous and argue with me all day!” “If you were an heir from a big family, would I have to lower myself like this?” Her words left me breathless. I finally understood why Sophia was drifting apart from me! Because I had no money, I wasn’t the heir of a big family! I clutched my phone tightly, my knuckles whitening. On it was the real information about Brandon, which I had planned to share with her. But now, I didn’t see the point. For a moment, I felt dazed, as if I was back three years ago. After arguing with my grandfather, I ended up on the streets, destitute, until Sophia appeared like an angel, giving me food and a temporary place to stay. Her clear eyes made me fall head over heels, willing to give up everything for her. But over time, harsh reality stained those beautiful eyes with a worldly stench. What was once pure had become murky and filled with self-interest. All I wanted was simple happiness, but Sophia drifted further away without realizing it. “Sophia, let’s get a divorce.” I croaked out the words, ignoring the stunned Sophia, dragging my exhausted body to the bedroom, and collapsing into sleep. In a half-awake state that night, Sophia climbed into bed, hugging me from behind, whispering softly in my ear, “Honey, let’s have a baby. Then you won’t always be overthinking.” The familiar tenderness made my heart skip, but the next second, I caught the unpleasant whiff of cheap men’s cologne I despised. The scent made me nauseous, and I pushed her away in disgust. Sophia was hurt, slamming the door as she left, “You’ll regret this!” 4 I thought she’d run to Brandon that night. But the next morning, as I woke, Sophia came out of the kitchen smiling. “You’re up, come have breakfast.” The table was filled with heavy, greasy foods like fried dough sticks and buns. I preferred a light breakfast, and the smell made me nauseous. I forced down the urge to gag, frowning, “I’m not hungry. You eat.” Just then, Brandon came out of the kitchen with a pot of soup, grinning, “Breakfast is served!” A wave of gamey steam wafted over, and I turned pale, covering my mouth, “What is that?” Sophia smiled slightly, “Weren’t you jealous? After finding out, Brandon offered to reconcile. He made you lamb offal soup this morning.” “Have a taste.” But she knew I never ate organ meats and that even looking at them made me sick. “Take it away!” I stifled my nausea, speaking lowly. All I wanted was to escape the house and breathe some fresh air. But Sophia, with a cold face, served me a big bowl of lamb offal soup, threateningly whispering, “Brandon gave you an out. Don’t be ungrateful.” “Drink this soup and apologize to Brandon…” Before she could finish, I couldn’t take it anymore and rushed to the bathroom to vomit. Instead of being concerned, Sophia stood outside, looking disgusted, scolding loudly, “It’s just a taste, and you’re acting like this?” “You’re wasting something so good. Do you appreciate Brandon’s effort?” After scolding me, she turned to apologize to Brandon, “I’m sorry, Brandon. How embarrassing. He’s like a boar that can’t handle fine feed.” “I’ll join you for breakfast.” She then happily linked arms with Brandon, sitting at the table, chatting and eating with him, blushing at every casual touch. Completely ignoring me as I continued to vomit. By the time I managed to stop and came out of the bathroom, Brandon had already left. Seeing me, Sophia’s face turned cold. “What a way to start the day. Someone treats you to a meal out of kindness, and you just keep throwing up. It’s revolting.” “Don’t you realize that if we could connect with the Johnson family from the state capital, our future would be secured? You almost ruined such a golden opportunity!” “Thankfully, Brandon is generous enough not to hold this little mishap against you. You should call and apologize to him later.” I stood there, staring at her. This version of Sophia felt completely unfamiliar to me. Seeing my lack of response, Sophia shouted, “I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?” I took a deep breath, calmly retrieved a divorce agreement from the drawer, and said, “I’ve already signed it. I’m leaving everything—company, house. I don’t want a cent from you.” Sophia froze, staring at me in shock. I gently pushed an open pen toward her. “Sign it.” I expected her to quickly sign and then rush off to Brandon. Unexpectedly, Sophia looked hurt, tears welling up in her eyes. “Is it just because I gave Brandon slightly more benefits than you that you want a divorce?” “I did it all for your future, the company’s future, for this home.” “Do you think you deserve all my years of devotion?” “You promised to love me forever. You’re a liar! A liar!” I couldn’t comprehend why she accused me. Seeing her unrepentant, I shook my head and silently picked up my packed luggage, leaving this home. Some people never change, and some words are better left unsaid. After leaving, I called Uncle Felix. “Cancel the billion-dollar order for Sophia’s company and open it up to all businesses in Johnson City. I’ll lead this investment conference.”

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My so-called best friend tricked me into coming to her house and pushed me onto her husband’s bed. She cried and said, “I’m pregnant and can’t satisfy him. You’re the only one who can help me!” The next day, she waved explicit photos of me in front of my face, threatening to send them to everyone I knew unless I came running every time her husband wanted me. I snapped. Grabbing a kitchen knife, I slashed at them—again and again. The last slash was for myself. When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the moment I knocked on her front door. A second chance. “Jenna, what took you so long? I’ve been waiting here for half an hour!” Cassie was standing in the doorway in a pastel pink maternity dress with little bunny patterns, looking as sweet and innocent as ever. She’d pointed it out on one of our shopping trips, saying how much she loved it, so I spent half my paycheck to buy it for her. Her smile back then had made it seem worth it. That’s what best friends are for, right? At least, that’s what I told myself. All the clothes, makeup, and bags she flaunted—most of them were gifts from me. And what did she give me in return? A spot in her husband’s bed. Oh, and let’s not forget the photos. A whole night’s worth of explicit, high-definition evidence of me and her husband. She waved them in my face, threatening to send them to my friends if I didn’t crawl back every time he wanted me. Best friend? Sure. Some best friend. If I’d been given just one minute’s warning before that day, I never would have knocked on her door. But now that I’ve been given a second chance, they can both prepare for hell. I smiled faintly and held up a bag. “You said you were craving hot wings, right? I stood in line to get some for you.” Cassie’s face brightened a little at that, and she pulled me inside, pointing to the groceries piled on the counter. “Jenna, didn’t you say you had a craving for braised pork and lamb stew? I bought all the ingredients, so you can cook it up for us. That way, when my husband gets home, we’ll all have something nice to eat.” I glanced at the sink, still piled high with dirty dishes, and a flicker of mockery passed through my eyes. This was her usual trick. She’d pretend I wanted something, then guilt-trip me into coming over to wash dishes and cook meals for her and her husband. That’s exactly how it had gone the first time around. I’d been so naive back then, thinking it was just another one of her schemes to get me to play housemaid. I never saw it coming when she fed me aphrodisiac-laced food and sent me straight to her husband’s bed. Not this time. This time, I smiled and nodded, playing along. “Cassie, what would you do without me?” I said, my voice dripping with affection. Cassie giggled, her tone sugary sweet. “Even if I didn’t have my husband, I could never live without you!” I smirked slightly. Oh, don’t worry—I’ll make sure you get exactly what you deserve. While Cassie was distracted in the living room, munching on her hot wings, I picked up the stack of dirty dishes from the sink and smashed them—one by one—onto the floor. The sound of shattering porcelain echoed through the house. Cassie craned her neck, staring at the mess in shock. “Jenna, what the hell?! Why did you break all the dishes?” Putting on my best innocent expression, I pouted. “What’s wrong with you guys? These dishes are so greasy I couldn’t even hold onto them. They just slipped right out of my hands!” Her face turned red with rage. “Those dishes were imported! Do you know how expensive they were?!” She ran into the kitchen, crouching down to pick through the shards in search of anything salvageable. She wasn’t careful, though, and her hand slipped, leaving a deep gash. As she stood up, her foot caught on another shard, slicing her skin open again. Blood quickly seeped through her pink bunny dress, staining it a deep crimson. Honestly, the red looked much better on her than the pink. Cassie shrieked, panic and anger mixing in her voice. “I’m bleeding! I’m bleeding so much—oh my God!” She reached out to grab me, her bloodied hand stretching toward me like some grotesque horror movie scene. I took a step back, wrinkling my nose in disgust. “I’m squeamish about blood,” I said, pretending to feel faint. “It’s making me nauseous. I’ll wait for you in the living room.” Without a second glance, I strolled over to the couch and plopped down, ignoring her cries for help. Watching her stumble around, helpless and furious, was an absolute delight.

Not long after, Cassie’s husband, Ethan, came home from work, carrying a few bottles of red wine. The moment he spotted me, a strange smile crept onto his face. “Jenna, I knew you’d be here for dinner, so I went out of my way to grab some wine for us.” I gave him a faint smile. “How thoughtful. Now, why don’t you head to the kitchen and help Cassie with dinner? Make sure the pork is braised until it’s nice and tender—I like it that way.” Ethan’s face darkened, his brows furrowing. “Weren’t you two already cooking? Why do I have to do it?” I almost rolled my eyes right there. Back when Cassie announced she was marrying Ethan, I was the loudest voice against it. He was the walking embodiment of everything wrong with a man: broke, unattractive, stingy, and loaded with an ego the size of Mount Everest. Now, though, I had to admit—they were a match made in heaven. Lock them together forever, please. Cassie poked her head out of the kitchen, her face a picture of wounded innocence. “Ethan, Jenna broke all the dishes while washing them, and I cut myself on the shards. My hands and feet are bleeding!” Ethan set the wine down and walked over to the kitchen. The sight of the greasy mess on the floor mixed with blood was enough to make anyone gag. His face twisted with anger. “How old are you? You can’t even handle something as simple as washing dishes? What’s the point of having you around?” “Other men’s wives have dinner ready and waiting when their husbands get home. You’re just lazy as hell. If you weren’t pregnant, I’d have taught you a lesson right now.” The veins bulging on his forehead, the fists clenched at his sides, and Cassie’s trembling body told me all I needed to know—this wasn’t the first time he’d blown up at her like this. Of course, Cassie never mentioned it to me before. Probably because she was afraid I’d tell her parents, who’d either beat Ethan to a pulp or force them to divorce. Neither outcome was something Cassie wanted. Ah, love. The logic of the hopelessly infatuated is truly beyond comprehension. Cassie tried to soothe him, her voice meek and apologetic. “I swear I’ll do better next time, Ethan. Let’s just focus on cooking for now, okay? Jenna’s probably starving.” Ethan shot me a sleazy glance, his eyes lingering on me far too long before he let out a grunt. “Fine. For Jenna’s sake, I won’t make a big deal out of it today.” Cassie exhaled in relief, but her moment of peace was short-lived. As soon as Ethan turned back around, she threw me a venomous glare, jealousy written all over her face. I caught the whole thing in vivid detail thanks to the mirror hanging on the wall. Despite all his grumbling, Ethan didn’t forget to add his own little twist to the meal. I watched as he pulled a small vial from his pocket and began slipping something into the food—carefully lacing every dish with drugs. At one point, Cassie stopped him. “Ethan, if you spike everything, what am I supposed to eat? If I don’t touch any food, Jenna’s going to get suspicious.” Ethan snorted. “Fine. I’ll leave the salad alone for you.” Cassie beamed at him, her eyes practically sparkling. “I knew you loved me the most.” Listening to this exchange, I nearly burst out laughing. Cassie had started gaslighting herself now. Incredible. Then, as if the scene couldn’t get any more absurd, Ethan pulled out a bottle of Viagra from his pocket and popped two pills into his mouth. Cassie, seeing this, pouted like a jealous teenager. Ethan smirked, reached over, and gave her a firm smack on the butt. Her mood instantly flipped, and she giggled, blushing like she’d just won the lottery. Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.

The dining table was packed with food—four dishes and a soup. Cassie eagerly placed a lamb rib on my plate, while Ethan poured me a glass of wine, both of them beaming with over-the-top hospitality that left no room for me to decline. “Jenna, I remember lamb ribs are your favorite. Don’t hold back—eat as much as you like.” “And I know how picky you are about wine. This one’s over $200 a bottle, so drink up,” Ethan added with a smirk. I responded with a soft smile but didn’t touch my plate. Instead, I grabbed a piece of pork from the platter and placed it on Cassie’s plate, my tone playful and indulgent. “Cassie, do you remember back in college when we used to grab pork knuckle rice from that food truck near campus? You’d always steal my pork knuckles. So today, it’s only fair the first bite goes to you.” Cassie’s smile faltered for a second before she forced it back into place. “I’m pregnant now, Jenna. I’m avoiding greasy food.” I pouted, feigning childish annoyance. “If you’re not eating, then neither am I!” Ethan jumped in to mediate. “Cassie, just have a bite. It won’t hurt.” Reluctantly, Cassie picked up the pork knuckle with the thickest layer of skin—the part that had been spiked with the most powder—and took a big bite. Afraid I’d notice anything suspicious, she exaggerated her reaction, chewing quickly and forcing a smile. “It’s really good, Jenna! You should have some too!” she said, piling several pieces of pork knuckle onto my plate with an almost vindictive enthusiasm. I smiled sweetly. “Cassie, you’re giving me all the tendons and leaving Ethan nothing to go with his wine. What’s he supposed to drink with?” With that, I picked up the pork from my plate and dropped it into Ethan’s bowl, giving him a playful wink. “You’re not going to tell me off for not using serving utensils, are you?” Ethan, taken aback by my sudden friendliness, stammered, “Of course not!” He immediately dug in, shoving a piece into his mouth. “This is amazing—so soft and tender!” he said, stuffing more into his mouth between compliments. Cassie, watching this little exchange, grew visibly annoyed. Her voice turned sour. “Ethan, since when do you love pork knuckle so much?” I laughed lightly and, just to provoke her, added more food to Ethan’s bowl. “What’s the matter, Cassie? Don’t tell me you’re jealous of me giving Ethan some food? In that case, I’ll just have to serve him even more!” “And not only am I going to load his plate, but I’m also going to drink with him after dinner. My alcohol tolerance is no joke—I’ll probably have Ethan passed out under the table in no time.” I turned to Ethan, flashing a challenge. “You’re not going to chicken out, are you?” Ethan, always the vain and self-centered type, couldn’t resist. He puffed out his chest and smirked. “Me? Back out? Not a chance. But don’t come crying to me when you can’t keep up!” With that, he polished off the food I’d given him and raised his glass to toast me. I was careful, though. I only drank the wine I’d opened myself. While Ethan was busy trying to outdrink me, I sipped cautiously, knowing full well what kind of people I was dealing with. As a sales professional, drinking was practically in my job description. Knocking back ten Ethans wouldn’t be a problem for me. The more we drank, the more Ethan focused on pouring glass after glass, desperate to get me drunk. He’d forgotten all about convincing me to eat. Meanwhile, Cassie sat to the side, seething with jealousy, her expression twisted and ugly. Cassie wasn’t just a hopeless romantic—she was also incredibly paranoid. Back in college, she had two other close friends from our dorm. We used to hang out and eat together all the time. But one day, during a casual dinner, one of them complimented Ethan’s looks out of politeness. Another got a compliment from Ethan on her figure. That was all it took for Cassie to cut ties with both of them, spreading rumors behind their backs that they were “homewreckers” trying to steal her man. The only reason she stayed close to me was because I’d always made it clear how little I thought of Ethan. My disdain for him was what kept her trust intact.

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Title: My Husband Took My Heart to Save His First Love. At Their Engagement Party, He Cried Over My Photo. After my death, my husband personally performed the autopsy on my body. He took my faintly beating heart and gave it to his childhood sweetheart, Sophia Reed. The five-month-old baby I was carrying was removed and cremated without hesitation. It was then I realized: I was nothing more than a temporary vessel for a heart he had always intended to give Sophia. But three months later, on the day of their engagement, I saw him hiding in the dressing room, crying his eyes out over my picture. The cold blade of the scalpel sliced through my pale skin. I hovered above, watching everything unfold. As a ghost, I couldn’t feel pain anymore. Yet, when Steven Anderson opened my chest cavity, my soul trembled violently. The tiny, blood-covered baby lay curled up, lifeless. That was the child I had fought so hard to conceive after my miscarriage. Steven had wanted a child so badly. I thought he might at least feel a flicker of grief. But when he saw the baby, he turned his face away, uninterested. Instead, his trembling hands eagerly cut into my chest, extracting my warm, beating heart. His excitement was palpable—his shoulders shook as he worked, so much so that he accidentally knocked over a glass container on the surgical table. The sharp crash echoed through the room, shattering the sterile silence. A nurse assistant rushed in after hearing the sound. “Dr. Anderson, is everything okay?” she asked nervously. I lowered my gaze to the operating table, staring at my own mangled, unrecognizable face. It brought back the memory of the accident—glass shards from the shattered windshield piercing my eye socket, the deformed car crushing half of my skull. I had worked so hard to carry this child, hoping it would bring Steven and me closer. In the end, it cost the baby its life. “Prepare the heart for transport,” Steven instructed, his voice steady and emotionless. “Get it into the preservation container and take it to OR 3 immediately. Sophia Reed in Room 315 is ready for surgery.” He removed his bloodstained gloves, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses with his usual detached composure. “I’ll perform the surgery myself. Make sure every nurse and assistant is on standby—I won’t tolerate even the slightest mistake.” He was so… in love. Sophia Reed, his childhood sweetheart with congenital heart disease, had been rushed to the hospital three days earlier when her heart began to fail. And five days ago, I had been in a car accident. The engine had been tampered with. I remembered the thick black smoke pouring from the hood, far too dark to be normal. I knew it was Sophia who had orchestrated it. She hated me more than anyone else in the world. She needed my heart to survive. And she wanted Steven to be hers forever. “What about your wife’s body?” the nurse asked hesitantly, glancing at the lifeless baby still cradled in my abdomen. “There are no other family members to claim her remains,” she added. “According to protocol, the body can’t stay in the morgue for more than a week.” Steven adjusted his glasses, his expression unreadable as always. “Call Lila Harper,” he said. “She was her closest friend from the orphanage.” I didn’t understand. I didn’t know why. My lifeless body lay exposed, chest cavity wide open, utterly vulnerable. Steven didn’t even think to hold me one last time. I was always afraid of the cold. I was always afraid of pain. Now, even as a disconnected soul, I felt a searing, tearing ache when I looked down at the gaping hole where my heart used to be. The nurse sighed and shook her head, zipping up the body bag to preserve the last shred of dignity I had left. She pushed my body into the cold, dark drawer of the morgue. The darkness I had always feared swallowed me whole. Steven didn’t look back. He was already rushing to save Sophia, the love of his life, with the heart he had stolen from me. I wanted to ask him: In our three years of marriage, was there ever a moment when you loved me? If you knew Sophia had been behind the accident that killed me and our baby, would you feel even a flicker of anger? Would you shed even a single tear for me? But his right hand—the one that once wore a wedding band—no longer bore any mark of commitment. He had taken off his ring within an hour of my death. He couldn’t wait to rid himself of the burden I had become. I couldn’t find the words. I realized then that even a soul could cry. Transparent tears fell from me, vanishing into the air before they could touch the bloodied operating table. Steven Anderson never loved me. I had known that all along.

My husband never loved me.Our three-year marriage was something I shamelessly begged for. In a way, I have Sophia Reed to thank for that. Her congenital heart disease meant she could never bear children for the Anderson family, giving me the perfect opportunity to swoop in. I still remember the first time I met Steven Anderson. It was at a shopping mall. I had been so busy with work that I skipped meals, and the low blood sugar hit me hard. Just as I was about to collapse at the edge of an escalator, a pair of hands pulled me back in time. He was wearing a crisp white shirt, the faint scent of rubbing alcohol lingering on his sleeves. Even his hair was neatly combed. “I’m a doctor. Let me help you,” he said, his deep eyes framed by gold-rimmed glasses. Later, I ran into him again at a late-night diner. He was drinking heavily while picking at a bowl of ramen. The owner looked worried—it was almost closing time, but Steven’s table was crowded with empty sake bottles. His neck was flushed from the alcohol, his glasses lying forgotten on the table. His lashes trembled under the dim, flickering light. “I know him,” I lied to the owner. “I’ll make sure he gets home.” In truth, I didn’t even know where Steven lived. I ended up dragging his drunken body into a cab and taking him back to my apartment. That night, one thing led to another. When I woke up the next morning, Steven was gone. The sheets were neatly made, as if nothing had happened. Only the marks on my skin served as evidence of what had taken place. Later, I found $5,000 transferred to my bank account with a note: “Sorry. Consider this compensation. If this feels inappropriate, I’m open to discussing further reparations.” I didn’t touch the money, nor did I reach out to him. But soon after, I found out I was pregnant. When I told Steven, his face turned ice-cold. Without a word, he furrowed his brow and prepared to take me to the clinic to terminate the pregnancy. But his father, Mr. Anderson, intervened. Their argument erupted in the hospital office. “This is the bloodline of the Anderson family. It must be kept, no matter what!” Mr. Anderson shouted. “If your mother were still alive, she’d want to see you settle down and start a family. I’m getting old—I can’t wait until I’m seventy to hold a grandchild!” “But Sophia has a heart condition,” Steven argued. “No matter how much I care about her, she can’t give us children. It’s better to hold onto this… temporary solution.” “And what about the woman?” Steven retorted, his voice rising. “How can I ask an innocent person to bear all of this for our family?” “You think I don’t know you don’t love her?” Mr. Anderson snapped. “But what is a marriage without love compared to the continuation of our family name?” Steven had already told me he didn’t love me. But in the end, he gave in to his father’s demands. I suppose my willingness to overlook everything also played a part in this hasty, transactional marriage. But the child didn’t survive. The second argument I overheard—outside Steven’s study—sealed my fate. He told his father that after I gave birth, he would give me a large sum of money and send me away from the Anderson family. Shaken, I lost my footing on the carpet and fell. That fall killed my first child. Looking back, I wonder if that was the moment I should have left. If I had walked away then, I might still be alive. I might have lost love, but at least I would’ve kept my life. But I didn’t take the hint. Steven fed me a spoonful of rice porridge after the miscarriage, and all my heartbreak evaporated in that single moment. I was stupid enough to think I could try again—to bear him another child. “The surgery went well,” Steven said, turning around. His surgical mask was splattered with blood. On the operating table lay Sophia Reed, her eyes closed, her breathing steady. The heart transplant had taken five long hours. In those five hours, I’d relived every humiliating moment of my life as if it were a tragic comedy. As the lights in the operating room dimmed, Steven walked toward his office. But before he could get far, Lila Harper stepped out of the shadows. Without a word, she punched him square in the face. “What the hell did you do to Ginger?” she shouted. “What’s with the stitches on her body? Where is the baby she was carrying?”

“The baby ?” Steven Anderson wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his thumb, his expression cold as ever. “Medical waste,” he said, his lips curving into a faint, mocking smile. “Of course, it was sent to the incinerator for disposal.” My child… burned to ashes? After the miscarriage, my health had never recovered. I could feel Steven growing more distant by the day. During that time, Sophia Reed had several health scares. Every time, Steven would leave in the middle of the night after getting a call, returning hours later, utterly exhausted. He didn’t even have the energy to offer me an explanation. I’d met Sophia twice. The first time was at the hospital. She had just survived yet another brush with death, her pale face twisted into a triumphant sneer as she looked at me. “Ginger, you’re just Steven’s consolation prize, the substitute he settled for because he couldn’t have me,” she said with a cruel smile. “Now that you’ve lost the child, what else do you have to keep him?” The second time was at Mr. Anderson’s birthday banquet. The thoughtful gift I had spent weeks picking out was set aside, forgotten. Sophia took the stage and sang a song. It left the old man beaming with joy, and, for the first time, I saw Steven smile. So, he could smile. “I’m just not a man who smiles much,” Steven had told me once, in a tone I would never forget. “Don’t waste your time trying to make me happy.” It wasn’t that he couldn’t smile. He just didn’t want to smile for me. That was when I finally understood—his heart had never been mine. But I needed another child. If I wanted to have any place in the Anderson family, I had to make myself useful. I endured injections and medication, working to heal my body. In the end, all I achieved was becoming a lifeless corpse alongside that unborn child. Lila Harper stormed forward, grabbing Steven by the collar. “She risked her life to carry that child for you!” Lila shouted, her voice shaking with rage. “Do you even know how much Ginger suffered? She went through so many treatments that her muscles were wasting away!” Steven shoved her off with ease, his expression indifferent. “I didn’t know,” he said flatly. “And I don’t care to know.” “Give Ginger her heart back!” Lila snarled, her voice breaking. “Give her a whole body to bury! What you’ve done is illegal!” Steven tossed a donor card onto the table. My signature stood out in bold letters. The heart transplant had been authorized by me—three months ago. So it had all been planned. That day at the mall, when a volunteer had approached me about signing up for organ donation, Steven had stood beside me, coaxing me with words about “selfless love” and “helping others.” It hadn’t been a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had already decided back then that my heart would belong to Sophia. How ridiculous. And yet, I couldn’t help but wonder—had he also been involved in the car accident? The commotion drew the attention of hospital security. They restrained Lila, pinning her to the ground as she fought and screamed. Her hair was disheveled, the dark circles under her eyes making her look like a ghost. She slumped to the floor, whispering in a daze: “Why? Why? Ginger was afraid of pain, afraid of the dark, afraid of blood. She suffered so much growing up in that orphanage.” “She thought meeting you was the start of a brighter future.” “But instead, you dragged her into an even darker hell.” “She had no one in this world but you.” Steven smoothed out his rumpled collar, ignoring Lila’s accusations as if they didn’t exist. But I heard every word, and my heart ached. It was true. I had spent eighteen years in the orphanage and five years struggling to survive in the world. I thought I had seen every kind of darkness. When Steven appeared, I thought he was my light—a miracle I had traded all my luck for. But I was wrong. The security guard asked Steven if he wanted to press charges against Lila for assault. Steven shook his head. “Let her go. She can take care of Ginger’s burial arrangements. I have more important things to do.” “That’s your wife, Steven Anderson!” Lila screamed, her voice raw. Steven turned his head slightly, his tone as calm as ever. “Correction: she won’t be for much longer.” “And three months from now, at my engagement party with Sophia, you’re welcome to join for a drink—if you can behave yourself.”

I never thought i’d attend my husband’s engagement party—with another woman.He was marrying the very person who caused my death. At the engagement party, Sophia Reed wore a stunning white mermaid gown adorned with pearls, her skin glowing with a rosy hue that radiated health. My heart was beating in her chest, and she was clearly satisfied with it. So was Steven Anderson. He stood tall in his impeccably tailored suit, nearly identical to the one he wore at our modest wedding three years ago. The only difference now was the smile on his face—a wide, unrestrained joy that he didn’t even try to hide. They danced together in the center of the room, hand in hand, stealing the attention of every guest. It was a moment of adoration I had never dared to dream of for myself. In the center of the stage stood a three-tiered cake, the one Sophia had personally picked out, paid for by Steven. I remembered the moment vividly—I had been there, floating unseen, when I overheard their exchange. “Get whatever size you want,” Steven had said with indulgent affection. “Don’t worry about whether the guests can finish it. I’ll help you eat it.” But I knew for a fact that Steven didn’t eat sweets. How could I forget? On our third wedding anniversary, I had surprised him with a cream cake. His expression had been awkward, almost uncomfortable, as he took a small bite. “I don’t eat sweets,” he said flatly. “Don’t waste your time making these again.” I stood there, frozen, the frosting still smudged on my face. “I’m heading back to the hospital,” he added, handing me the untouched plate. “Just throw it out, and don’t bother with this next time.” I had convinced myself that it was my fault for not learning his preferences sooner. But now, it was clear: his preferences depended entirely on the person. Everything I had tried so hard to attain, Sophia had achieved effortlessly. She took my heart, my husband’s love, and perhaps even secured her family’s financial support for the hospital. After the engagement party, her parents announced they would significantly increase their investment in the hospital’s research programs. Steven was the happiest man in the room. He drank so much that he had to excuse himself to the dressing room to change and sober up. The door closed behind him, and I felt my soul being pulled along, following him inside. I watched as he staggered to the couch, slumping down heavily. He loosened his tie with a sharp tug, his earlier smile suddenly replaced by a frozen stillness. Then, he pulled out his phone, unlocking a private photo album with facial recognition. Inside, there was only one picture. It was an image of him posing with a patient who had just been discharged from the hospital. There were no photos of us—no memories of the life we had shared. But when he zoomed in on the corner of the photo, the blurred face of a passerby came into focus. It was me. I had been caught in the background, an accidental fragment of the moment. “Ginger… Ginger…” He murmured my name under his breath, and his broad shoulders began to tremble. When he looked up again, his eyes were bloodshot, tears pooling and spilling over. What was this? I was already dead. He had never cared for me when I was alive, never once said he loved me. So who was this display for now? Or… could it be that some part of him truly did feel sorrow for me? “Ginger, I’ll avenge you,” he whispered, his voice shaking. “For our child, I’ll make the one responsible pay in blood.” I froze, stunned, wondering if I had misheard. But before I could process his words, the dressing room door suddenly swung open.

The one who entered was sophia reed.She had come looking for Steven Anderson, who had been absent from the party for too long. But she didn’t see the photo on his phone, nor did she notice the tears he had quickly wiped away. By the time Sophia arrived, Steven had already returned to his usual calm and composed self, offering her a mechanical smile. “Steven, what’s taking so long to change? The guests are waiting for us. Let’s go back out!” She reached out to pull him up, but he subtly dodged her touch. Using the haze of alcohol as a shield, Steven pressed his hand to his temple, squinting slightly. He managed to stand briefly, only to collapse back onto the sofa. “I’m still too drunk,” he said, his voice low. “I’ll need another couple of cups of sobering tea. You go ahead, I’ll join you in a moment.” The phone tightly clutched in his hand caught Sophia’s attention. Curious, she picked it up and began flipping through it. She scrolled through his folders, even opening his private album, but found nothing—no trace of me. “What’s wrong?” Steven asked, feigning indifference. “Nothing,” Sophia replied, handing the phone back. “I thought maybe you were still holding onto thoughts of that dead woman, Ginger.” Steven let out a bitter laugh. “How could I possibly still think about her? She was nothing more than the donor I found to give you a healthy heart.” What was he doing? The same man who had just shed tears over my photo was now speaking such heartless words. Which version of him was the truth? “Good,” Sophia said with a satisfied smile, her lips curling upward. She pressed her hand to her chest. “Thanks to her heart, I can stand here by your side today. And soon, I’ll officially be your wife.” Sophia left the room, her heels clicking against the floor, completely unaware of the change in Steven’s demeanor behind her. The smile faded from his face, replaced by an expression of cold, dangerous intensity. His trembling hand, which had just been hiding behind his back, deleted the photo from his phone. His fingers shook as he pressed the button, the redness in his eyes returning as if it had never left. His clenched fist turned white at the knuckles, and though I was nothing more than a soul, I could hear the low, guttural sob that escaped his chest. “Ginger,” he whispered, broken and raw, “this is my fault. If I had just loved you a little more, maybe we wouldn’t be separated like this—between life and death.” I couldn’t understand him anymore. I wanted to reach out and hold him, to comfort him, but my hand passed right through his body. I grasped at nothing. The only thing I touched was the fabric of his collar, the way I used to straighten it for him every morning before he left for work. Steven froze for a moment, his eyes widening. He turned his head slightly and, for a brief second, his gaze seemed to meet mine. There was confusion in his eyes. And sadness. “Ginger…” he murmured my name, almost like a prayer. “I’m here,” I wanted to scream. “I’m here. I’ve always been here.” But he couldn’t hear me. The only response was the flickering light in the dressing room and the muffled buzz of celebration outside. The joy from the engagement party stood in sharp contrast to the desolation in Steven’s chest. He let out a bitter laugh, wiping his tears away with the back of his sleeve. Then he drained the glass of sobering tea in one gulp. Straightening his tie and squaring his shoulders, he walked out of the dressing room with purpose, heading back to the battlefield that awaited him. Once again, I had been wrong. My husband… it seemed he did love me. He loved me deeply.

Steven Anderson drank until he was completely unconscious. As the party wound down, Sophia Reed helped Steven into the car, intending to take him home. But before they could drive off, Steven suddenly grabbed her wrist with surprising force. “Sophia, you’ve had a long day. Go home and get some rest,” he said, his voice hoarse but steady. “But I… I want to take care of you,” Sophia stammered, her cheeks flushing red. Her lips parted with a soft whimper. “I’ve been out of the hospital for so long, but you’ve barely spent any time with me.” Her slender fingers trailed up his chest, her face leaning in close to his. Steven’s stomach churned violently. The next moment, he turned his head and vomited, the foul mix of bile and alcohol splattering all over Sophia’s face. The stench soaked into her hair and dress. “I’m sorry,” Steven muttered, furrowing his brows in pain. “You should go home and clean up. Don’t worry about me.” Embarrassed and frustrated, Sophia clenched her fists. After hesitating for a moment, she opened the car door and left, not forgetting to remind Steven’s father to ensure Steven got home safely. But there was something she didn’t know: Steven could hold his liquor remarkably well. Even an entire table of sake hadn’t been enough to completely knock him out. And his father didn’t know either. Mr. Anderson helped Steven to bed, wiping the vomit from his face with a damp towel while muttering softly to himself. “I know you’re happy, but you didn’t need to drink like your life depended on it!” “With today’s engagement, the hospital’s funding from the Reeds is locked in for at least the next decade. All my efforts to win them over have paid off.” “I’m getting old, son. My health’s deteriorating. I don’t have many years left to look after you. Seeing you settle down and build your future… your mother would finally be at peace.” Steven’s eyes snapped open. “Don’t mention my mother!” he roared, his voice sharp and filled with venom. “You have no right to talk about her!” He sat up abruptly, his movements swift and purposeful—nothing like a drunk man. Mr. Anderson froze in shock, stumbling back onto the chair beside the bed. “What a joke,” Steven said, his laughter cold and bitter. “You love bringing her up, don’t you? The woman who died because of you?” “You knew she had a heart condition, but you insisted she get pregnant. And when it came down to the final moments, you chose to save the baby instead of her.” “I wouldn’t have been born motherless if it weren’t for you!” Mr. Anderson’s face turned ashen, his trembling lips unable to form a coherent response. “How… how did you find out?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Were you afraid I’d learn the truth?” Steven sneered. “You schemed to let my mother die so you could take her inheritance and dowry for yourself. Every move you make is for your own benefit, but you dress it up as noble sacrifice. Doesn’t it make you sick?” Steven didn’t wait for an answer. “You’ve been using me to cozy up to the Reeds. When you found out Sophia needed a heart transplant, you started looking for a match. You knew exactly who Ginger was from the start.” Steven reached over and unlocked the drawer by the bed, pulling out a stack of papers. He tossed them onto his father’s lap. They were my bloodwork results, taken after I fainted and was admitted to the hospital for low blood sugar. The report confirmed I shared the same rare blood type as Sophia. “My mother died waiting for a heart donor,” Steven said, his voice sharp. “You were so sure I’d support organ donation because of what happened to her. And you were equally sure Ginger loved me enough to agree. So, in the three minutes I stepped away, you sent in a prearranged hospital volunteer to trick her into signing the donor card.” It all came flooding back to me. That day, the volunteer had told me: “As the daughter-in-law of the hospital director and the wife of Dr. Anderson, it’s only fitting for you to support medical advancements.” I had thought it was Steven’s idea. But it wasn’t. He hadn’t known. In fact, he was the one standing up for me now, demanding justice. Beside the bloodwork was another report—a DNA test. “You knew,” Steven said, his tone icy. “You knew Ginger was the youngest daughter the Reed family abandoned. They left her at an orphanage because she was born deaf in one ear.” I instinctively touched the hearing aid I wore. It had long since become a useless decoration. I had forgotten so much, confused my memories. I thought Steven was the one who made me sign the donor card. I didn’t remember how he spent sleepless nights finding the perfect hearing aid for me. I only remembered his cold words, not the quiet love hidden beneath them. “Eat less greasy food—it’s bad for your heart.” “Don’t ride roller coasters or do anything too intense.” He always said these things with a stern face. I thought he was just annoyed with me. But now I understood. Steven had been worried I might have the same heart condition as Sophia—or worse, that I might die suddenly like his mother. He told me that if I gave birth to the child, he’d give me a large sum of money. I thought it was to send me away, but it wasn’t. It was compensation—a way to protect me from his father’s schemes and the Reeds’ ambitions. Steven must have seen through his father’s plans long ago. He wanted to get me out of that abyss. But he hadn’t expected Sophia to strike first. For the first time, Mr. Anderson’s expression cracked, his usual arrogance replaced by fear. Steven let out a hollow laugh. “The Reeds abandoned their own daughter. You killed her to gain their favor. But I was her husband—I won’t abandon her.” “So tell me… what do you think I’m going to do?” Steven’s laughter grew wild, unhinged. I felt a pang of worry and rushed toward him.

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I thought a man with “three legs” was too much trouble, so I married a “two-legged” husband instead. My husband was impotent and had a volatile temper. He was cold and heartless to everyone else, but gentle only to me. I was the only one who could soothe his irritable moods. I thought we were the perfect platonic couple. Until a week before our wedding, I discovered he had been keeping an 18-year-old girl on the side. The girl came to me with a list of hotel check-ins and a stack of condom receipts. 99 check-ins, 693 condoms. “Sister, you must know how strong and powerful my darling’s ‘third leg’ is, right?” she smirked. “The unloved one is the mistress. Evelyn, my darling can’t even get it up for you, can he?” I looked across the table at this young girl with a ponytail, wearing a pure white dress. She looked exactly like me when I was eighteen. I lit a cigarette and took a drag, feeling a sharp pain in my lungs. The girl kept chattering away. “It’s too sad to marry someone who doesn’t love you, Evelyn. You should find someone who loves you. That’s the only way you’ll be happy in the future.” I slowly exhaled, forming a smoke ring. Listening to her words, I couldn’t help but laugh. The girl’s expression crumbled a bit. “What are you laughing at?” “Evelyn, your fiancé told me he loves me in your marital home. Shouldn’t you be reflecting on yourself instead of laughing? Don’t you believe that with just one phone call, my darling will do anything for me?” I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes. I couldn’t help coughing a couple of times before saying, “I believe you.” I stubbed out my cigarette and looked at the girl. “Derek doesn’t know you came to see me, does he?” The girl froze, a flash of embarrassment crossing her face. I was already thirty years old. Teenage girls wear their thoughts on their faces. However, she only paused for a second before speaking, “Even if he knew, he wouldn’t do anything to me.” Saying this, she seemed to call Derek out of spite. Hearing the ringing tone, I felt a glimmer of anticipation in my heart. When the call connected, the girl began speaking coquettishly, “Darling, do you love Evelyn?” Derek replied almost without hesitation: “I love her.” My heart sank, but he continued, “Or at least I used to. Now I love you the most.” The girl asked sweetly, “If I got into a fight with Evelyn, whose side would you take?” The voice on the other end of the phone was full of indulgence: “Yours, of course, my little princess. But you’ll have to help me out tonight too.” I gripped my cup tightly, my face expressionless.

From a young age, I lived with my grandmother in a dilapidated, unfinished building. My mother ran off with someone else, complaining about our poverty. My father went to work on ships to earn money for my grandmother and me. He disappeared on his second trip out. His death benefits barely supported my grandmother and me. I was always either studying or working part-time jobs. The day I met Derek, I was being mugged by some thugs. He appeared like a guardian angel, but even he couldn’t fight off so many attackers alone. Derek was kicked in the groin. Fortunately, the police arrived in time, but I still found out about his… functional impairment. From then on, my goal of working hard to provide for my grandmother gained another purpose: To repay Derek, and to seek revenge for both of us against those who had attacked us. But I never expected those people to come directly to my home. My grandmother was pushed while trying to protect me, and she became paralyzed. It was Derek who appeared again to save me. He helped me take my grandmother to the hospital and paid for her hospitalization and medical expenses. He even hired a caregiver to look after my grandmother so I could focus on my studies. Unfortunately, despite the enormous amount of money that I couldn’t repay, my grandmother still died in the hospital. Before she passed away, she said that Derek was a good person, but we shouldn’t take his kindness for granted. The hospitalization costs must be repaid. After burying my grandmother, I became Derek’s assistant. I worked for Derek, keeping only $500 for living expenses and sending the rest to him to repay the debt. I also learned self-defense for free, partly to prevent being attacked again, and partly to take on the job of Derek’s bodyguard. The salary from that job also went straight into Derek’s account to repay the debt. Secondly, I had to avenge my grandmother. As I got busier, the little white dress I used to love became a hindrance. I took off the dress, and to make my bright appearance look more intimidating, I had my entire back tattooed with a dark pattern. Two years passed. I got my revenge, and the debt was cleared. But no matter what treatment method was tried, Derek’s “third leg” remained useless. He became a man with the tool but unable to use it. I stayed by his side like I was atoning for a sin, ready to do whatever he asked. It wasn’t until he confessed his feelings to me that I realized it wasn’t atonement – I loved him. I had been with Derek for eleven years, from a loyal subordinate to a girlfriend, and then to a loving fiancée. With my assistance, he became an underworld kingpin in the city. Our life was peaceful. Although Derek couldn’t use his “tool,” he liked to hold me in bed at night. He would press my head against his chest and repeatedly stroke my hair that never seemed to recover from its dryness. “Evelyn, I still prefer how you used to be.” I always answered him, “Isn’t this still me?” It wasn’t until this 18-year-old girl showed up that I realized what he meant. The “me” he was referring to was the one who hadn’t taken off the little white dress for him. The one who couldn’t escape poverty and needed him to shelter her from the wind and rain. Now, this me who shielded him from the bloody storms of the underworld, who was called “Big Sister” by a group of subordinates – he didn’t like this version of me. I always believed what my grandmother said, that Derek was a good person. But this good person’s affection had stopped at my 18-year-old self.

After parting ways with the young girl, I went to inspect the port before heading home. But I ran into Derek, who was just about to leave. He saw me and frowned, “Why are you back so late?” I sidestepped him and said, “I had some business to take care of.” Derek nodded, not asking further, “I need to go to the port to receive a shipment. I won’t be back tonight.” “Be good at home, honey.” He leaned in to kiss me but stopped at arm’s length. “Why do you smell so strongly of cigarettes?” “Didn’t I tell you to smoke less?” The man’s furrowed brow and expression showed a hint of disgust. Looking at his reaction, I remembered the young girl’s smug smile earlier: “Sister, Derek loves the milky scent on me.” I suddenly felt a bitterness in my heart. But wasn’t it you, Derek, who gave me my first cigarette? Standing in the darkness, I forced a smile, “Derek, why don’t we break up?” Derek’s face changed instantly. “Evelyn, are you going through menopause or something? What kind of nonsense is this?” “Break up? Who else would want a wife like you who smokes, drinks, and has tattoos?” “Look in the mirror. Do you still think you’re eighteen?” As he was berating me, his phone rang. He picked it up, glanced at the screen irritably, but didn’t hang up. Instead, he muted it. Then he impatiently tossed a sentence at me: “The port is urging me. Stop having these ridiculous thoughts. Be good and don’t give me trouble.” I remained silent, watching him leave. Only when Derek’s figure had completely disappeared did I lean against the wall and start vomiting. Seeing the streaks of blood in the vomit, I laughed bitterly. I had just come back from the port. How could I not know whether there was a shipment tonight?

Back in my room, as if possessed, I opened my tablet. Looking at the surveillance software on it, I hesitated. When we were renovating our marital home, I was afraid of being cheated by the workers, so I installed hidden cameras in every corner of the house. It was originally for monitoring the construction. Involuntarily, I opened the software. The quiet scene made me breathe a sigh of relief. But before I could close it, the sound of a door opening came through the monitor. Derek and the young girl in a school uniform urgently entered, kissing passionately. My gaze involuntarily fell on Derek’s “tool” that he said couldn’t be used. Although it was partially blocked by the girl’s body, in the moments when they were frantically removing each other’s clothes, I saw Derek’s erect, engorged state. The two had only half undressed before they urgently began their primal dance. I felt a lump in my throat and almost couldn’t breathe. Covering my mouth, I coughed more severely. But my eyes were glued to the tablet, unable to look away. “Baby, you smell so good. Not like my wife, she reeks of cigarettes.” “Derek, when are you going to come clean with her? I can’t satisfy you all by myself.” “What’s the rush? Don’t you think a 30-year-old virgin is more fun to play with?” “…” My chest ached sharply. Even though I had already decided to give up on this relationship when the young girl came to see me, seeing these scenes still made my tears fall uncontrollably. On the screen, the two had already started another round. They were on the sofa I chose, the carpet, the bed, in the bathroom… Derek held the young girl again and again. “Derek, do you love me?” “I love you to death, my dear Aria.” “Then can you not touch that old woman after you’re married?” Derek responded with actions: “I won’t touch her, it’s all for you…” I remember when Derek and I first confirmed our relationship, he asked if I would mind not having a sex life in the future. I said I wouldn’t. I was even afraid he might feel insecure, so I never held his hand or initiated kisses. I was afraid of hurting his pride. On so many nights, he would hold me, crying, saying, “Evelyn, I really want to have you. I only want you.” I had tried various degrading ways to help him get aroused. But it was all in vain. And now. The young girl in his arms only needed one kiss, and he was ready for action, again and again. I hugged the tablet. They went at it all night. And I watched all night. Until dawn, when the two fell asleep on my marriage bed. Only then did I close the tablet, my eyes sore and my heart in too much pain to breathe.

When I woke up again, Mrs. Wilson was standing by my bed, looking anxious and apologetic. “Ma’am, you’re awake? I’ve called Mr. Song many times, but I assume he must be busy.” I nodded, and suddenly a familiar figure appeared at the door – it was my attending physician. I found an excuse to send Mrs. Wilson away. “Miss Evelyn, have you still not quit smoking?” “Do you know you could die like this? You’re at risk of suffocation at any moment.” After a long silence, I suddenly spoke up. “Dr. Thompson, I don’t want to suffocate to death.” I’ve heard that in the final stages of lung cancer, people die from suffocation. Dr. Thompson was taken aback, then took a deep breath. “I have a friend at a hospital in the Netherlands. If you’re willing, I can help you with the paperwork for…” Just then, Mrs. Wilson suddenly ran over with a phone. “Ma’am, Mr. Song is calling.” She handed me the phone. I hesitated for a moment before answering. But a woman’s voice came from the other end. “Hello? Who are you? Why do you keep calling my husband?” I recognized this voice all too well. It belonged to the girl who had met me at the cafe yesterday and then appeared on the surveillance footage. Mrs. Wilson’s expression became conflicted for a moment. Soon, the sound of an argument came from the other end of the phone. “Aria, why are you using my phone?” “Derek, someone keeps calling you! Do you have another woman?” The man laughed. “What are you talking about? You’re my only baby. This is the housekeeper’s number.” Then the man spoke into the phone, “Mrs. Wilson, is my wife throwing a tantrum again?” “Just make up some excuse. I won’t be coming home for a couple of days, I’m spending time with my baby.” Mrs. Wilson’s expression clearly showed she wanted to stop him, but Derek had already spoken. “I’ve got to go. Oh, and send over that white lace nightgown from the guest room. My baby looks good in it.” With that, Derek hung up. I glanced at Mrs. Wilson. She had been with me for ten years. As long as I had been with Derek, she had been with me. I didn’t say anything, just returned the phone to her and looked back at the doctor. “Please help me with the paperwork.”

After staying in the hospital for a day, I was discharged. I returned home to find the villa still empty and cold. Derek hadn’t come back. I looked at the tablet on the table but didn’t want to open it again. “Mrs. Wilson, please help me pack my luggage.” “Ma’am, Mr. Song, he… he still loves you in his heart, and you’re about to…” As Mrs. Wilson was speaking, my phone screen lit up. I glanced at the euthanasia application form sent by Dr. Thompson and smiled, “Mrs. Wilson, if you still have any regard for our relationship over these years, please don’t tell him about this.” Mrs. Wilson’s words caught in her throat. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I… I really have no choice.” But I had already started packing. I took out all the clothes Derek had bought for me from the wardrobe. Only then did I realize they were all in dull black and gray colors. As if in his heart, I could only wear such colors. I thought of Aria again. Her clothes, jewelry, bags, all came from Derek. But over the years, Derek had never bought me a single piece of jewelry or a bag. He would say, “What do you need those things for?” I packed them all into a large box, planning to donate them to a charity before I left. Halfway through packing, Derek came back. He saw me holding several large boxes in the living room and frowned, “What are you packing for?”

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After failing to save Declan on the operating table, my wife, Nora, harbored a lifelong resentment towards me. She terminated her pregnancy with our child, her eyes blazing with anger. “You did it on purpose because he was my first love, didn’t you?” Yet later, when an aggressive patient’s family came to confront us, she shielded me from a lethal attack. I did everything to save her, but she chose to let go of life. “At last, I can be with Declan…” Her father barred me from seeing her one last time in the morgue. His eyes were bloodshot, and he yelled in agony. “You bring misfortune, wasn’t taking one life enough? Now you’ve taken my daughter too!” No one stood up for me, as if I was the source of all misfortune. Returning to the past, I set down the scalpel and quietly said. “Transplant my heart to Declan.” This time, I stepped aside for their happiness. When I declared that my heart should be given to Declan, everyone in the operating room was stunned. The head nurse was incredulous. “Are you out of your mind? If you give your heart to the patient, what about you?” I replied steadily. “Declan can have my heart; I’ll receive an artificial one.” She tried to dissuade me. “Artificial heart technology isn’t mature; it has many side effects. We wouldn’t even recommend it for patients.” I shook my head, cutting her off. “Don’t say anything more. I’ve made my decision. Arrange the surgery for us now.” This time, I would ensure Declan survives. In the previous life, I spent 32 hours in the operating room, and when I emerged exhausted, I was met with a fierce slap from Nora. Her eyes were red, and she stared at me, demanding answers. “Why? Why couldn’t you save Declan? Aren’t you the best doctor in the city?” Facing her disappointed gaze, words failed me, and I fainted from exhaustion. When I awoke, I was hit with devastating news. Nora had aborted our child. Her eyes were filled with hatred as I questioned her, “You let him die on purpose because he was my first love, right?” “Someone as vile as you doesn’t deserve a child!” Thinking of that unborn child, my heart twisted in agony. Nora had a thin uterine wall, and during the abortion, she hemorrhaged, leaving her unable to have children ever again. I knew how much she loved children, and it became her eternal pain. This time, being reborn, I aimed to make up for all her regrets. Declan, the child, and… The marriage she always wanted to escape. The green light came on, the surgery was successful, and Declan and I were both wheeled out of the operating room. As soon as the door opened, Nora rushed in, anxious. She looked at Declan, still unconscious, tears streaming down her face. “Declan, how are you? Please don’t die, don’t leave me alone in this world, okay?” “Where’s Theo? He’s the best doctor in the city; why couldn’t he save you?” She looked up, searching for me. The head nurse, holding back anger, spoke coldly. “The patient isn’t dead; the anesthesia hasn’t worn off yet, so he’s still unconscious.” She pointed to the other stretcher, frustration in her voice. “Theo is here. Do you know, he…” Facing my pleading eyes, the head nurse kept her promise and didn’t reveal that I had given my heart to Declan. She paused, annoyed. “Theo collapsed in the operating room for Declan’s sake, and you’re his wife. Don’t you feel any sympathy?” Only then did Nora notice my pale, barely surviving self. The anger in her eyes faded, leaving a trace of guilt. Nora bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, and then softly said. “Theo, thank you for saving Declan.” I forced a smile and gestured for her to come closer. Nora was puzzled but walked to my bedside. I looked at her, pleading. “Nora, no matter what, please don’t terminate the pregnancy, okay?” This was the second thing I wanted to do for her. To preserve her chance to become a mother. Nora’s expression was slightly stunned, a complicated look flashing in her eyes. “Declan and I are not what you think. I won’t divorce you because of him, nor will I terminate this pregnancy. Don’t worry.” I didn’t speak; in our previous life, she didn’t divorce me either, but in the end, we became estranged, and she harbored resentment for a lifetime. This time, I didn’t want to repeat that mistake. I was about to suggest a divorce when there was a noise from the bed next to me. Declan’s fingers twitched, as if he was about to wake up. Nora stood up abruptly, not looking back as she rushed to his side. Watching her decisive back, a bitterness welled up in my heart. No matter how many times I was reborn, Declan was always the most important person to her.

I lay on the hospital bed for several days; Nora came to see me a few times when she had time. She said impatiently. “How come you’re weaker than Declan? Anyone would think you were the one who had surgery.” After saying this, she showed a hint of regret on her face, apologizing with a touch of guilt. “Anyway, you’re like this now because of Declan. He just told me that when he’s better, he wants to throw a big party to thank you.” “I know you’ve always had issues with him because of our past, but we’re married now.” When she mentioned marriage, there was a barely noticeable crease in her brow; she paused before continuing. “Things between him and me are over. Don’t overthink it; let’s live our lives.” With that, she reached out and gently held my hand. Feeling the warmth from the back of my hand, my heart ached. If it were in our previous life, hearing these words would have made me forget everything in joy. But after experiencing all that, I knew she still had Declan in her heart. Her promises now were only out of loyalty to the marriage. I withdrew my hand, looked at Nora quietly, and said softly. “I know you still have Declan in your heart, and I’m willing to let you go. Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to my parents.” But I didn’t expect that as soon as I said this, Nora’s face turned ugly. She stared at me, her voice slightly panicked. “Theo, what nonsense are you talking! I said, my past with Declan is over!” “What do you mean by this? Are you accusing me of betraying you? Theo, can you stop having such vile thoughts!” I quickly got up, trying to grab her sleeve to explain. But as I did, a sharp pain shot through my chest, and I fell back onto the bed. Seeing my pale face, Nora spoke coldly. “What are you acting? You’re not the one who had surgery; haven’t you rested enough in bed?” “Declan was right; you’re pretending to be sick to make us feel guilty, aren’t you?” “Theo, you’re a doctor. Saving lives is your duty; don’t use it to blackmail us!” Her words, “us,” once again reminded me that I was the villain who broke them apart. I wanted to laugh bitterly but could only manage a slight twitch of my mouth as the pain in my heart almost made me faint. Seeing the cold sweat on my forehead, Nora sensed something was wrong, her voice trembling slightly. “Theo, stop acting; I won’t believe you!” “What’s wrong with you? Someone! Help! Is the nurse here?” The head nurse rushed in with others, quickly starting to check on me. Nora was pushed outside, forced to watch through the glass. Seeing her worried expression, my mood didn’t improve at all. Maybe she was more worried that if something happened to me, Declan would owe me even more. Thanks to the medical staff’s efforts, my condition finally improved. The head nurse sighed deeply, helplessly. “I told you, switching to an artificial heart would have aftereffects, but you wouldn’t listen!” “Look at your body now! If it hadn’t been for the timely rescue, you’d be dead!” Nora entered just in time to hear the last part, unable to help but speak up. “Dead? Wasn’t he just exhausted from a long surgery? How come he hasn’t recovered yet?” Her eyes darted between me and the head nurse, as if questioning if we were hiding something from her. The head nurse snapped. “Ask him yourself!” I forced a weak smile and said softly. “I was overworked from the surgeries; I just need to rest for a while.” Seeing me still hiding the truth, the head nurse had nothing more to say. Nora didn’t speak, standing still for a moment before stepping forward to change the water in the vase. Seeing her place a bunch of calla lilies with dew, I was slightly surprised. “How did you know my favorite flower is the calla lily?” Nora bit her lips, not looking at me, and said softly, “You mentioned it before.” I remembered when we first moved into the new house, my in-laws suggested putting some fresh flowers and plants to bring life to the new home. I casually mentioned it then. “I’ve been undergoing several intense surgeries lately, so I’m really exhausted. I just need some time to recover.” Seeing that I was still hiding the truth, the head nurse had nothing more to say. Nora didn’t say anything but stood still for a moment before stepping forward to change the water in the vase. I was slightly surprised when I saw her place a bunch of calla lilies with dewdrops in the vase. “How did you know that calla lilies are my favorite flower?” Nora pressed her lips together and didn’t look at me, replying softly, “You mentioned it before.” Only then did I remember. When we first moved into the new house, my in-laws said we should place some fresh flowers and plants to liven up the place. I had casually mentioned it back then. I didn’t expect that Nora would remember from that one time. Looking at the white flowers, I felt a complex mix of emotions. Finally, I asked the question that had been buried in my heart for what felt like two lifetimes. “If Declan had returned before we got married, would you still have married me?” Hearing this, Nora’s hand trembled. She didn’t answer directly but frowned in confusion. “Why are you asking this? We’re already married. There’s no point in asking now.” I pressed on, staring intently into her eyes. “I want an honest answer from you. Can you answer me sincerely?” A trace of conflict flashed across Nora’s face, and she turned away. After a while, I heard her softly say, “No.” The sword hanging over my head finally dropped, shattering the last bit of hope I had hidden. Seeing the bitterness on my face, Nora’s tone unexpectedly held a hint of panic. She bit her lip. “You said it yourself—it was an ‘if.’ The fact is, we’re already married. Those hypotheticals don’t exist, and I won’t leave you to reunite with Declan!” She hurriedly stood up and tucked the blanket around me. “Focus on getting better. Once you’re well…” She paused, a hint of determination flashing in her expression. “We’ll move to the neighboring city. I won’t have any contact with Declan after that.” Saying this, her shoulders slumped, and she turned and left the room without looking back. I watched her departing figure and pressed the call button on the bedside. The head nurse looked at me, puzzled, as I softly spoke. “Could you print me a divorce agreement?” If there’s no love, I’m willing to let go completely. This is the last thing I’m doing for Nora.

After a few days of rest, I was finally able to get up. The first thing I did was go looking for Nora. As expected, she was in Declan’s hospital room. During this time, to take care of Declan, she had applied to stay by his bedside, watching over him 24/7. In the room, Declan said something that made her laugh. I watched quietly through the glass window. In front of me, Nora rarely smiled. When we were together, it was either silence or arguments; she seldom had such moments of joy. Perhaps separating was the right choice for us. I knocked on the door, startling the two inside. When Nora saw it was me, she panicked and stood up, seemingly wanting to explain something. But just as she opened her mouth, Declan’s coughing fit drowned her out. For a moment, Nora was too busy to care about me, concerned with pouring Declan a cup of hot water and gently encouraging him to drink. Facing Declan’s provocative gaze, I felt calm, waiting silently on the side. Once Nora finished helping him drink the water, I handed over the document in my hand. “This is the treatment plan for Declan; it needs a signature.” Declan had congenital heart disease, and his parents, seeing him as a burden, had long cut ties with him. Recently, Nora had been the one signing his surgery papers. Nora took the document, glanced through a few pages, and quickly signed it. Watching her sign the last page, the weight in my heart finally lifted. “Nora, could you step out for a moment? I need to talk to Declan.” Nora hesitated but eventually left and closed the door. Once the door was closed, the gentleness on Declan’s face vanished. He scoffed. “What? Are you here to persuade me to leave Nora?” I shook my head, responding calmly. “No, I’m the one leaving. Nora and I are already divorced. I hope you can take good care of her from now on.” Declan was taken aback, looking at me incredulously. “You’d actually be willing to divorce Nora? I thought you loved her too much to ever let go.” A wave of bitterness washed over me. What good is love? I’ve realized that forcing things won’t lead to a good outcome. Thinking of something else important, I urged Declan. “Nora is pregnant now. Her uterine wall is thin, and a miscarriage could cause severe bleeding. For her health’s sake, I hope you keep the child if you two end up together.” Declan was momentarily stunned, then let out a mocking laugh. “Are you crazy? Do you expect me to raise another man’s child?” I frowned, adding, “I’ll cover child support. If you two don’t want to raise the child, I can take care of it myself without you paying a cent.” “All this is for Nora’s health.” In my past life, Nora lost her ability to have children due to a miscarriage. I won’t let that happen again. Declan coldly replied, “What does her body have to do with me? If you want her to give birth, you can take the child yourself.” “But you’ll have to pay me some money, as a sort of compensation for my troubles! If you want me to take over, you need to show some sincerity!” Hearing this, I was dumbfounded. Declan had always seemed so devoted to Nora in front of her, which was why I was willing to let them be together. But I never expected Declan to be this kind of person! I couldn’t help but ask, “You’re only with her for the money?” Declan glanced at me, sneering. “What else? Where else am I going to find a sucker willing to pay for my treatment?” Furious, I stepped forward and grabbed Declan by the collar, just as the door lock suddenly clicked. “Bang!” Declan flipped off the bed, landing awkwardly on the floor. “What are you doing, Cloud?” Nora rushed in and pushed me aside. Declan covered his face, sobbing, “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have met with you again.” She stood protectively in front of Declan, glaring at me with hostility. “Nora, I didn’t touch him…”

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