Category: English

My wife Naomi Chase sent me to a mental hospital just because her beloved Robert Dalton needed test subjects for his drug research. I had just finished surgery, but she didn’t care. They shocked me until I drooled and convulsed, and yet, she simply covered Robert’s eyes, clearly disgusted. “Disgusting, don’t look.” Due to this experiment, Robert was nominated for an award, and Naomi celebrated by lighting up the whole city with fireworks in his honor. Meanwhile, I, Lincoln Booker, lay in the freezing cold of a winter night, having my right leg amputated due to excessive electric shocks. To cover it up, Robert arranged for a prosthetic leg and threatened me not to tell Naomi the truth. He claimed my leg had been injured during the experiment. I numbly placed my amputated leg in a freezer. Seven days later, at Robert’s award ceremony, it would be presented as a gift in Naomi’s hands… Chapter 1 I begged the caregiver, Ian Flynn, to help me with this task, my eyes swollen from crying. Since I came here, Ian was the only one who treated me kindly. He mentioned having an older brother who looked like me. But of course, he couldn’t fight Robert and wasn’t able to rescue me. Seeing me holding my prosthetic leg and crying uncontrollably, he hesitated before agreeing to help. He held the freezer box, ready to leave, when he ran straight into Naomi. The smell from the freezer made Naomi cover her nose. She watched the nurse walk away before finally lowering her hand, frowning. But nothing seemed to be able to ruin Naomi’s good mood. She looked as if she had just returned from a victorious battle. Her voice was light and carefree as if she were talking to herself. “Robert’s experiment was a huge success. “His dream is finally coming true.” Since Naomi entered the room, her gaze had been fixed on the bright night sky outside the window, offering no sympathy for me. It wasn’t until she realized I hadn’t spoken a word that she glanced at me with a cold stare and furrowed her brows. “Lincoln, Robert came back just to ask you for this small favor. You’ve been recovering at home after your surgery for so long, with nothing to do. Why not come here, make some friends, and help him out? There’s no need to look so miserable.” I thought, “Let me think about it. The old lady came into my room and harassed me. The old man who strangled me and accused me of stealing his money. The one who kicked me to the ground, claiming I stole his woman. This was Naomi’s idea of friends.” I had been drugged by Robert and shocked repeatedly, causing my right leg to die. The doctor who treated me said that if I had come to the hospital earlier, I might not have had to lose my leg. But I had no freedom, so how could I expect treatment? Seeing my eyes red and my gaze still on the ground, Naomi finally leaned in to question me. “Lincoln…” But she barely got my name out before her attention shifted to her buzzing phone. The moonlight from the window illuminated her face, which held a truly happy expression, so much so that Naomi stayed in the room for over 20 minutes without noticing my abnormal right leg. Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, Robert’s alumni came in to deliver my medication for the day. When I thought about my empty right leg, I spilled the pills all over the floor. She froze for a moment, then walked quickly to my bedside without hesitation, placing the pills near my mouth. Her cold voice filled my ears. “This is part of Robert’s experiment. If you don’t take it, how is he going to write his report?” I turned my head away, tears in my eyes, but she grabbed my chin and forced the pills into my throat. Naomi seemed ready to say something, but her phone buzzed again. She glanced down, then quickly left the room, not even taking her coat. I could guess why she left. I checked Instagram, and the first thing I saw was Robert with tissue stuffed up his nose, looking both silly and cute. [After watching fireworks all night, I caught a cold. I took an extra cold pill… hope I’m not going to die from it, right?] The comment section was filled with Naomi’s concerned messages. [You caught a cold? Why didn’t you say anything earlier?] [You’re such a mess! Get checked out at the hospital. Wait for me.] Chapter 2 That night, Naomi didn’t come back. After midnight, I silently wished myself a happy birthday. I remembered the days before I ended up in the mental hospital when Naomi still accompanied me to my check-up. The doctor had said my stomach cancer surgery was healing well, and she had been so excited. “Your recovery will coincide with your birthday. We’ll have a big celebration that day!” But time had passed, and she had set off fireworks all over the city for Robert just to celebrate a nomination that wasn’t even real. The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke, Ian brought me a small cake about the size of a palm. “I remember you said today’s your birthday, but… your leg…” Ian hesitated, unsure of what to say, but still lit the candle for me. Through all these inhuman days, I was grateful for his care. I closed my eyes, made a wish, and was about to blow out the candle when someone appeared at the door. Naomi stood in the doorway, her brow furrowing as if suddenly remembering something. “Oh, today’s your birthday,” she said. Flustered, she rummaged through the pocket of her coat as if she could pull something out to give me as a gift. But to my surprise, what she pulled out was half-used rubber products. She awkwardly stuffed it back into her pocket, stammering, “Maybe… maybe someone was messing with me. “I’ll get you a proper gift later.” I blew out the candle with a sharp exhale, responding without thinking. “No need.” As soon as I spoke, Naomi’s face darkened, and she impatiently shoved her hands into her pockets. “Are you really making a big deal over a gift? “I’m the one who paid for your father’s treatment when he was seriously ill. And now you’re throwing a tantrum just because of a stupid birthday? Don’t you think that’s unreasonable?” I just bit my lip and quietly listened as she finished speaking. Because she wasn’t wrong, she was the one who saved my family. I felt like I could never repay her, not in a lifetime. Ian, who had been sitting beside the bed, couldn’t take it anymore. As he stood up and walked out, he accidentally bumped into Naomi’s shoulder. Naomi stumbled, her expression growing even uglier. She shot me a resentful glance, then turned to leave but bumped into Robert, who was entering the room in his lab coat. Underneath his white coat, there were faint red marks on his neck. Naomi’s anger seemed to disappear for no reason, and she hurried over, speaking gently. “I told you to rest at home. Why did you come back?” Robert sneezed and waved it off, saying, “Yesterday, you took your clothes off to warm me up. I’m much better now.” He quickly realized there were others in the room and looked away. He flashed me a smile. “I’m here today for an important experiment. I need Lincoln’s help again.” My heart skipped a beat. I looked at Naomi desperately, shaking my head, silently pleading with her not to agree. But she gave Robert a bright, gracious smile and said lightly, “It’s fine. He’s been doing nothing anyway.” At that moment, the weight that had been hanging over me finally fell. Robert smiled back at her and then turned to me, adding, “This one might hurt a bit more, but if you can handle it, it’ll be fine. Lincoln’s helped so many times before, I’m sure he’ll manage.” A sense of dread crept into my chest. Chapter 3 Naomi had poured a huge amount of startup funds into opening Robert’s lab. She let Robert feed his experimental drugs to live subjects and even went as far as to allow him to use his bottomless methods of electric shock therapy. Every time, Naomi was the one cleaning up the mess. And she seemed to enjoy it. But I never imagined that one day, Naomi would stand by and let Robert torture me like this. I didn’t resist strongly because I owed her far too much. But once the experiment was over, I hoped I’d finally be able to repay that debt. The silence was broken by a few slaps from Robert, and a group of doctors with various tools rushed into the room. Once all the equipment was in place, Robert suddenly took Naomi’s hand and whispered close to her. “Naomi, I’m a little worried. What if this experiment fails?” She seemed to shudder, her heart aching as she grasped Robert’s hand with tenderness. “It won’t fail. Let’s step outside first, and then we can get the data later.” Inside the room, I lay on the cold hospital bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as they bound my limbs. The light blurred into a mess, and my consciousness became more and more hazy. As the voltage increased, my body grew numb, but my mind occasionally stayed sharp. In a daze, I could hear people scrambling around and the sounds of objects clanging together. “Ugh, what are you doing? You can’t even control the voltage.” Then came the spasms, and I vaguely heard someone shout. “Hurry, get him to emergency! There might still be time!” I didn’t struggle, almost as if I’d been knocked out by a blunt force. When I opened my eyes again, I was in a new and unfamiliar hospital room. Before I could speak, a man’s voice sounded in my ear. “Thank you so much, Lincoln. This is your payment for your hard work.” Robert flashed me a mocking grin, then pulled out a bill from his bag and placed it on my pillow. He turned around and ran into Naomi, who had just entered. Immediately, the sinister expression on his face disappeared, and he looked down with a furrowed brow. “It’s my fault. I was too stupid. That’s why Lincoln passed out. I’ve already apologized to him.” Naomi barely glanced at me, then lovingly stroked Robert’s face. “You didn’t mean to. There’s no need to apologize.” But then she paused for a moment, as if remembering something, and walked over to my bed. “The doctor said there’s something wrong with your leg. Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?” I stayed silent. At the time, she’d been busy watching fireworks with Robert, and I’d sent her countless messages, none of which got a reply. Ian, who had been by my side, was about to explain, but Robert quickly stopped him, giving him a threatening look before turning to Naomi and saying. “It’s my fault. There was an unexpected issue with the experiment, and I was too busy handling it to tell you about Lincoln’s leg injury.” “How could I blame you? He’s fine now. It’s okay.” Without me saying anything, Naomi casually forgave me. To prevent Ian from letting anything slip, Robert nudged him away. Naomi turned to look at me, showing a hint of guilt. “You’ve been holding it in all this time. Tonight, I’ll take you to a restaurant to celebrate.” Not waiting for my consent, Naomi dragged me straight to a clothing store to buy a suit. When she saw the bruises on my back, she stopped as she handed me the clothes. But in the end, she didn’t say anything. She just made an excuse to wait for me outside. Did she really think she’d feel guilty seeing me like this? It was laughable. Wasn’t all of this her doing? At the dinner table, Naomi’s eyes never left her phone. She even disappeared to the bathroom for over twenty minutes during the meal. When she returned, she finally remembered to ask the waiter for the menu. But Naomi was completely absent-minded, pointing casually. The waiter was totally confused because Naomi had pointed at the restaurant’s address. With a sigh, I took the menu, ordered our food, and handed it to the waiter. A while later, just as the food arrived, Naomi hastily stood up and grabbed her coat. “Robert’s being bullied at the party. I have to go now.” Chapter 4 Naomi was about to step out but paused for a moment, her tone cold. “Let’s go together. There won’t be any cars at this hour anyway.” On the way, Naomi had no intention of talking to me, occasionally glancing at her phone, worried she might miss some messages. We hurriedly arrived at the location Robert had sent, but the private room was buzzing with excitement. When Robert saw me, his smile disappeared in an instant, but he quickly adjusted his expression, looking down with self-reproach. “I didn’t know you were together. I only called you here because I lost a dare.” Naomi, rushing into the room, still out of breath but showing no sign of anger, said. “It’s no big deal. It’s just a meal with him.” As soon as she finished speaking, all eyes turned to me. I looked down, fiddling with my fingers, wanting to put an end to this farce. “I’ll leave if there’s nothing else.” But just as I turned to go, Robert suddenly stopped me. “Lincoln, my experiment isn’t over yet. You can’t go home now. You should stay a little longer in the hospital.” At that moment, a voice from the crowd mocked. “So he’s Robert’s lab rat? No wonder he’s covered in scars.” Another voice chimed in. “Scars are normal, but wearing such an expensive suit with a limp? What a waste, it looks ridiculous!” I turned away, squeezing the webbing between my thumb and index finger, trying to hold back the bitterness in my throat. Naomi, as if she hadn’t heard, continued defending Robert. “Robert’s right. You can’t give up now. Stay in the hospital for a while longer.” I gritted my teeth and endured it, but just before I could leave the room, I got a call from the hospital. “Mr. Booker, your father’s condition is critical. If you can, please come back and say your final goodbyes.” My mind exploded with shock. I tried to rush out, but I was stopped by a few large men who seemed to be bodyguards. I couldn’t break free. Red-eyed, I looked back, silently pleading with Naomi, but she only showed irritation. “Robert’s worked so hard to get to this point, and now you want to make trouble at the last moment?” Seeing me silent, she gave no room for negotiation. “You have to go back to the psychiatric hospital today.” At that moment, I couldn’t hold back any longer. I desperately tried to explain. “My dad is dying. I have to go see him!” Naomi showed a flicker of emotion, but Robert immediately tugged at her sleeve, looking pitiful. She quickly changed her tone and scolded. “Your dad’s hospital account has plenty of money. What good would it do for you to go now? “Robert’s been nominated, and the award will be presented in a few days. Can’t you just let him be happy for once?” My throat tightened, and a chill ran through my body, but Naomi’s face grew more impatient as she raised her hand. Seeing this, the bodyguards at the door grabbed me and forcefully dragged me outside, tossing me into a car sent by the psychiatric hospital. It was a long journey. I was locked back in a cold, dark room. Until I saw the devastating news from the hospital… In that instant, countless images spun in my mind. It felt like falling into an ice cellar. For the next few days, no matter how Robert tortured me, I was like a walking corpse, no longer resisting. On the last day, Naomi accompanied Robert to the awards ceremony, the flashing cameras focusing on them. And I regained my freedom. I got the plane ticket Ian had bought for me, carrying the heavy urn with my father’s ashes, along with my bruised body, back to my hometown. As soon as I got off the plane, my phone was filled with missed calls. All from Naomi. After thinking for a moment, I replied with just one message. [Naomi, let’s divorce.] Then, I blocked her and walked into the bustling crowd. Back in the dilapidated neighborhood, I finally let out a sigh of relief. I was halfway through packing when I received a call from Ian. “The city’s news channels are all reporting…”

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Breakup Year Four: My ex-girlfriend, Nora, finally located my home after a long search. Back when her mother passed away, her father remarried, and her stepmother made her life unbearable, I left her. She resented me deeply for it. But when she opened the door, it wasn’t me she saw—it was my daughter. Nora assumed I had anticipated her visit and was hiding, so she vented her anger on my daughter, hitting and yelling at her. My daughter suffered an asthma attack and was barely hanging on. Meanwhile, Nora stood there with the inhaler, laughing hysterically. “Theo, if you don’t come out now, your little bastard is going to die!” What she didn’t know was that I had been dead for four years. Nora was trying on wedding dresses when she got the call. Without looking back, she got into the car. “Drive faster! Even faster!” The fury she had suppressed for years surged with every press of the gas pedal. Today was supposed to be the day she and her childhood friend, Finn, took their wedding photos. But a phone call pulled her away, leading her to a grimy alley in the north part of town. Despite the scorching summer heat, Nora ignored the unbearable stench, letting her pristine wedding dress brush against the filthy garbage. She stood before a rusty iron door, and before she could knock, it swung open on its own. It was my seven-year-old daughter, Hazel. Hazel timidly held a bag of cans and asked, “Pretty Auntie, who are you looking for?” Nora brushed off Hazel’s question, barged in, and accidentally knocked over the cans. After searching in vain, she seized Hazel by the collar, her eyes blazing with anger. “Where’s Theo? Where is he? Tell him to come out and face me.” Hazel’s face flushed red as she struggled to break free, especially after hearing my name. I was desperate to stop it all but couldn’t do anything. I forgot—I was dead, just a wisp of a spirit now, helpless. Seeing the face of the woman I once loved now twisted by hatred was like a knife to my heart. “Bad Auntie, why are you looking for my dad?” Hearing this, Nora released Hazel’s collar, shocked, before bursting into laughter at Hazel’s face. “Dad?” “So you’re the little bastard Theo had with another woman behind my back.” “I’m not a bastard! I’m not!” Hazel cried out. Hazel was young but very sensible. I found her by chance in a park when she was only three years old. She had big eyes and sat quietly, watching people pass by. Seeing how pitiful she was, I insisted on adopting her. I tried to give Hazel the best of everything, but everything changed after I died. Now Hazel wore a dirty floral dress, her face smudged like a little flower cat, and she reeked from collecting cans to exchange for money. After a while, Finn, Nora’s impeccably dressed fiancé, showed up at the door. “Nora, this place is filthy. Why are you here? Let’s go back.” “Let go of me! After four years, I’ve finally found Theo. I must see him today!” Finn shook Nora’s shoulders, his tone filled with exasperation. “Why are you still thinking about him? Have you forgotten what he did to you? Why bother seeing a heartless jerk like him?” Yes, the heartless jerk they’re talking about is me. Now Nora is a renowned designer in the jewelry world, but behind her glamorous facade lies a past she can’t erase. I broke up with her when her mom died, her dad remarried, and her stepmother was making her life hell, using my infidelity as an excuse. Luckily, she made it through the tough times. Now she wants to find me, humiliate me, and crush me underfoot, making me regret my past decisions. After all, she hates me to death.

“Get Theo out here to see me!” Nora kicked over a kettle on the floor, scalding Hazel’s arm with hot water. I floated in front of Hazel, trying to shield her, but it was futile. “Brat, if you don’t tell me where Theo is, I’ll beat you to death!” “Does he dare to do what he did but not face it now?” Hazel cried out in pain, pushing Nora hard, shouting, “You’re a bad person, go away.” The child’s heart-wrenching cries made my heart ache. Nora tightly gripped Hazel’s arm, scoffing, “Bad person?” “The bad one is your cowardly dad. Even a dog would protect its owner, but Theo just screamed at me.” Hazel’s big, round eyes widened, her little mouth stubbornly retorting. “Bad Auntie, don’t insult my dad!” “When your dad was with me, he cheated and had you, a little bastard. Do you think your family is any good?” “Look at what you’re wearing, where you live. It’s karma. No wonder he doesn’t want to see me.” Standing in the shadows, listening to Nora’s insults, I knew she would hate me, but I didn’t expect it to be so deep. Listening to Nora’s disdain, Finn’s smile grew wider. He pulled Hazel aside, adding, “Nora’s right. Cheating bastards like Theo deserve nothing good.” “He won’t face you because he’s ashamed. Even if he’s dead, he deserves to be in hell.” That moment, I regretted teaching Hazel to be so sensible. She could partly understand such horrible words. But Finn’s shove triggered Hazel’s asthma. The little girl clutched her chest, gasping, and staggered back inside. Meanwhile, Nora laughed maniacally, holding the asthma inhaler from the table, “Theo, if you don’t come out, your little bastard is going to die soon.” Hazel struggled to stand, trying her best to get up. “Is this child stupid? Having an attack and not thinking to use the inhaler.” Following Hazel’s gaze, I saw a painting hanging in the hall. I felt a lump in my throat. Panic made my ethereal spirit tremble violently. Watching Nora get closer to the painting, Finn stepped in front of her. “Nora, it’s getting late. I don’t think Theo will come out. Let’s just go back.” She stopped advancing, turning her gaze to Hazel, who was gasping on the floor. Hazel’s small face was unnaturally pale, her head hitting the hard cement floor with a thud. Nora kicked Hazel once. “Brat, stop playing dead.” With no response in the room but the ticking of the clock, she finally panicked. She picked up Hazel, carrying her outside. I spun in circles in the air, desperate. Hazel needed to get to a hospital immediately. As Finn walked, he tried to block the way. “Nora, she’s Theo’s daughter. He doesn’t care if she lives or dies, so why save her?” “I’m keeping this brat alive. I don’t believe Theo will abandon her. It’s my business; stay out of it!” Hazel was placed in the back seat, and I floated into the car. Just as Nora was about to get in, Finn held her back. He looked at her, his voice hoarse, “Nora, today was supposed to be our wedding photo shoot.” “I hired the best photographer, spent months preparing custom suits and dresses, and invited our parents to witness this beautiful moment.” “Nora, come with me. Theo and this child have nothing to do with you now.”

Suddenly, I found myself dazed. My thoughts dragged me back five years. “Nora, I’ll get the best photographer, buy you the most beautiful wedding dress, and let everyone witness our happiness.” When I said this, Nora cried uncontrollably. She hugged me, saying, “I do.” But I never fulfilled my promise to her. Now someone else could make her happy, and I watched her with anxiety. The pain and bitterness made me not want to listen anymore. But she said nothing, pushing Finn’s hand away, speaking calmly: “Let’s reschedule the wedding photos. It doesn’t have to be today.” “Nora, what do you mean?” “I need to keep this brat alive. Theo has to pay for what he did to me.” She didn’t give Finn a chance to speak, immediately closing the car door. Outside the emergency room, the doctor angrily said, “This child not only has asthma but is severely malnourished. How do you take care of her as a parent?” “I’m not her parent,” Nora replied, awkwardly. “Not her parent? Then get the parent here.” A nearby nurse interjected compassionately, “I’ve seen this child around, often picking up bottles in the area. She seems like an orphan.” A child, only seven years old, living alone. After paying for the medical bills, Nora returned to the ward. Hazel was out of danger. Seeing Hazel’s heartbeat stabilize, Nora finally relaxed. She noticed the IV needle in Hazel’s malnourished arm, which was indeed pale. Nora scoffed, “Theo, you really are heartless. You’d rather abandon your child than face me.” “I’ll see who can endure more.” I floated helplessly, a bitter smile on my face. Nora, you got it all wrong. A Seven-Year-Old Living Alone After settling the medical bills, Nora returned to the hospital room, feeling relieved that Hazel was out of danger. Seeing Hazel’s heartbeat stabilize, Nora finally felt at ease. She accidentally noticed the IV in Hazel’s arm, which showed signs of malnutrition with a bruise. Nora scoffed coldly. “Theo, you really are heartless. You abandon your own child just to avoid seeing me.” “Let’s see who can endure this longer, you or me.” I drifted with no strength, a bitter smile forming at the corner of my lips. Nora, you misunderstood. It’s not that I don’t want to see you. On the contrary, I miss you so intensely, it’s maddening. But sadly, my journey ends here. I can only be with you for so long. For the time that followed, Nora stayed by Hazel’s side, not daring to leave for fear of missing my secret appearances. On her way back from fetching water, a shadow slipped out of the ward. Just as she attempted to follow, the person had already entered the elevator. Nora quickly grabbed a passing nurse to ask. The nurse said, “The visitor was a young woman, asking mainly about the child’s condition. From her tone, she seemed like a relative.” A young woman? Nora immediately suspected that the woman was the one I had an affair with back then. Seeing Hazel sleeping soundly on the bed, she angrily tossed the hot porridge into the trash. Even though the porridge stained her designer dress, she didn’t care, her eyes filled with hatred. “Well done, Theo. You love her so much, yet neglect your own daughter, allowing that shameless woman to step in.” “You love her, but treat me like a plague.” I watched as her eyes reddened, a tear falling heavily to the ground. I approached, wanting to gently wipe away her tears, but then overwhelming hatred overflowed from her eyes. “Theo, I will not let you go!” “I won’t forget the humiliation you’ve put me through. The pain I endured because of you will be returned a thousandfold.” “I want you to regret it. I want you to live in pain, never finding peace!” I’m just a lingering soul. But the dull pain in my heart is no less than when I was alive. But Nora, I’m already dead…

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It wasn’t until the fifth year of my relationship with Jason that I discovered he had a one-year-old child. At the first birthday party, his family was the picture of happiness. When Jason saw me, he smirked dismissively: “Don’t worry, no one will call you the other woman.” I smiled and turned to leave. He was certain I’d be easily placated, until the heir of Zhou Corporation sent out a wedding invitation. On a rainy night, Jason frantically pounded on the door of the Zhou family mansion. I opened the door and looked down at him with contempt, like a defeated dog, and said impatiently: “Sorry, I don’t deal with cheaters.” At the lively family dinner, an adorable and delicate baby sat in the center. My boyfriend of five years, Jason, sat to the baby’s left, beaming with joy. An elegantly dressed woman sat on the other side, spoon-feeding the baby. Jason’s parents were also present, the whole family laughing and chatting intimately. I stared at this heartwarming scene of three generations, feeling a bit dazed. “Miss, who are you looking for?” asked a waiter, noticing me standing at the door of the private room. Suddenly, the entire room fell silent, all eyes turning to me as I stood there, unsure what to do. It wasn’t until the elegant-looking woman let out a soft laugh that Jason leisurely stood up and pulled me outside the room. He smirked, unfazed by my discovery of his infidelity: “That’s Sophia, the only daughter of the Wang family. Our families are old friends.” “You know how it is for people of our background. We can’t just marry whoever we want.” “You’ve always been understanding. You should be able to get this.” Jason and I had been together since college, for five years now. He was a rich heir, the type who could have any girl he wanted. Even after getting together with me, he was constantly surrounded by rumors and was an unrepentant playboy, causing me endless embarrassment and criticism. As for why he was with a poor girl like me, he said it was because I was understanding, knew my place, and looked like I could take good care of the family. I laughed bitterly: “When did this start?” Jason raised an eyebrow: “Does it matter? Probably about two years ago. The kid just turned one, you know.” I took off the necklace he had given me just two days ago. “This is the only thing you’ve ever given me. I’m returning it. I’ll pack up the rest and send it to your house.” Jason took the necklace, twirling it around his finger, and raised an eyebrow: “I never said I wanted to break up with you. Don’t worry, no one would dare call you the other woman.” I replied coldly: “From now on, you can be your rich heir, and I’ll be an ordinary citizen. Let’s not cross paths again.” Jason’s expression changed slightly, “Emily, you’d better know what you’re saying.” “I know exactly what I’m saying.” With that, I turned and left, feeling a sense of liberation in my heart. I had wanted to say those words for a long time. “Jason, what’s so great about this Emily? She’s ungrateful!” I heard Jason’s mother coming out of the private room from a distance. “Mom, I’m already married to someone else and have a child. It’s only natural for Emily to be angry. But I’m sure in a couple of days, when she calms down, she’ll come back on her own.” “Don’t lose sight of what’s important. Sophia is your real wife, and we need her family’s influence to open up that project in the west.” “I know, Mom. We already have a child together. What father-in-law wouldn’t help his son-in-law?”

I wandered aimlessly on the streets for a while before ending up in a bar. It would be a lie to say I wasn’t hurt. My nonchalant attitude was just an act. I ordered a whiskey and sat alone at the bar, sipping slowly. In just one short hour, no less than ten men came over to chat me up. None of them caught my eye. Either they weren’t as handsome as Jason, or their voices weren’t as pleasant. Jason. I tried to control myself not to think about my ex-boyfriend. But the more I drank, the more I thought about him. Back in college, my mom had a heart problem and needed surgery. We were short $15,000. That’s when Jason appeared. $15,000. Sometimes, I felt like I had been sold to him. “Emily, is that you?” I looked up, squinting at the tall, slim man standing in the light. I couldn’t see his face clearly. He was wearing a cool-toned shirt with a few buttons casually undone at the collar, revealing a delicate collarbone. A narrow waist tucked into dress pants, leading down to long, straight legs. I swallowed hard. I’m single now, might as well have some fun. “Do you… know me?” I swirled the drink in my glass. “Are you drunk? You don’t even recognize me? I used to chase after you in school.” The man leaned in closer. That’s when I recognized him as Alex, a junior from college. I slowly took a sip of my drink, licked my lips, and gazed at him with hazy eyes. Alex’s Adam’s apple bobbed. I curled my lips into a smile: “Want to come over to my place?” We’re both adults in our twenties, some things don’t need to be spelled out. Alex’s eyes darkened, as if absorbing all the light. For a moment, we were silent. I started to regret my abrupt invitation. I must really be drunk. “I’d be delighted.” Just when I thought he would refuse, he softly replied, with a hint of barely noticeable pleasure.

….. The house was empty when I woke up. I checked my phone and saw a message from Alex: [You looked so peaceful sleeping, I didn’t have the heart to wake you. I’ve gone to work. Remember to eat lunch when you get up.] I smiled. Was Alex still some inexperienced kid? No need for any after-sales service. I was about to doze off again when someone knocked on the door. I forced myself to get up and put on some clothes, despite my fatigue. When I opened the door, it was Jason. This small apartment I rented was a two-bedroom, one-living room place. Jason knew the address but had never visited before. This was his first time here. “What a rare guest,” I said, only then realizing how hoarse my voice was. Jason asked suspiciously, “Did you just wake up?” “What’s it to you? Jason, we’ve broken up.” “Still angry, huh? Don’t tell me you went out drinking last night because you were heartbroken, and that’s why you’re just getting up now.” I smiled, “Yeah, and with a handsome guy too.” With that, I slammed the door shut with a bang. Seeing an ex-boyfriend first thing in the morning, how unlucky! “Emily, explain yourself clearly!” Jason shouted, seemingly flustered at being shut out for the first time at my place. “Stop pretending. I know you too well. You’re just trying to provoke me and make me jealous, right? That’s all you women know how to do.” Jason was still the same Jason, looking down on others from his high horse. “I’ll take you to a hot spring resort in a few days. Stop making a fuss. That’s enough.” Jason continued muttering to himself outside the door for a while before leaving, not knowing where he got the confidence that I was just throwing a tantrum.

I went back to sleep and didn’t wake up until evening, roused by the smell of food. “So you finally decided to get up.” I opened my eyes wide, unable to believe the scene before me. Alex was busy in the kitchen, wearing an apron, occasionally turning his head to give me a slightly reproachful look. On the dining table were two dishes and a soup, still steaming — the source of the aroma that had woken me up. “Here, drink some water first.” Alex came over with a glass of warm water, handed it to me, and thoughtfully smoothed my messy hair. Uh… I couldn’t quite process what was happening. “Are you still thinking about Jason? Their family’s marriage alliance with the Wang family has been an open secret in our circles for a long time.” So it wasn’t a secret. “Huh, looks like I was the last to know. His friends never told me, always calling me ‘sister-in-law’.” Alex frowned, his expression turning serious: “I thought you knew all along and stayed with him because you loved him. I didn’t realize…” I laughed self-mockingly and skillfully lit a cigarette. Alex’s frown deepened: “I came too late.” “What?” It was an abrupt statement, and I didn’t catch it clearly. “Jason doesn’t deserve you. Would you consider me? I’ve liked you since college, senior.” “I can cook, do housework, and I’m pretty good in bed too, aren’t I?” Alex was more than a head taller than me. Now he was closing in on me, his hands on either side of me, his dark eyes staring down at me. For a moment, I felt like prey in a hunter’s sights. Nervous, but exciting. Love is exhausting. Maybe being loved wouldn’t be so bad. “You mean… marriage?” My voice was shaking uncontrollably when I spoke. “I’m up for it,” Alex replied quickly. The next morning, we came out of the civil affairs bureau holding red marriage certificates. Alex even bought me a bouquet of roses from a small stand outside the bureau. Two days ago, I went from being the main girlfriend to the other woman, and today I’m marrying a man I thought was just a one-night stand. It feels like I’m in a dream. “Alex, don’t you feel it’s unfair?” I asked him hesitantly, looking at the red booklet in my hand. “It’s too late to say anything now.” Alex tapped my head with the red booklet. “You’ll have to make it up to me in the future.” Later, I found out what he meant by ‘making it up’. We took a month off, supposedly for a honeymoon on an island, but in reality, we spent most of our time in the hotel. Every time, Alex would look at me pitifully. What could I do? I had to indulge him.

The honeymoon passed quickly. It had been a long time since I’d had such comfortable and pleasant days. One day, as we were surfing on the sun-drenched beach, I unexpectedly received a call from Jason’s mother. “Emily, come to the Wheat Family Restaurant tonight. I have something to discuss with you.” Mrs. Chen’s arrogance was just like Jason’s, always speaking to me as if addressing a servant. “Auntie, do you have something to say? You can just tell me over the phone,” I replied coldly. I knew she had never accepted me in all these years. Mrs. Chen seemed surprised by my cold tone and paused before saying: “How long are you going to keep up this breakup act with Jason? He’s eating less because of you, he’s lost weight.” Pfft. I couldn’t help but laugh. “What do you mean?” Mrs. Chen’s tone darkened. “Auntie, I’m not Mrs. Chen, taking care of Jason isn’t my responsibility. I shouldn’t overstep my bounds, right?” My mood was light. The gloom of Jason’s betrayal had long since dissipated in Alex’s daily sweet words and actions. “Emily, I can understand your dissatisfaction. Any woman would feel upset when betrayed by the one they love,” Mrs. Chen’s tone softened. “But you know, in families like ours, it’s impossible to let someone with no background like you into the family.” “However, my husband and I aren’t that harsh. Since you’ve been with Jason for so long, we can’t just kick you out.” “How about this, if you give Jason a son, I’ll accept you as my daughter-in-law.” This time, I really laughed out of anger. “Auntie, you’re really… generous. You’re willing to share your precious only son between two women, just so your Chen family can have a grandson?” It seems that even though Sophia is the only daughter of a wealthy family, she hasn’t given the Chen family a son, so she still doesn’t please Mrs. Chen. “Auntie, I left of my own accord. I wouldn’t dare trouble you to kick me out.” I’m glad I didn’t marry into such a family. But what are Alex’s parents like? As I was lost in thought, Mrs. Chen suddenly brought up an old matter: “Emily, don’t push your luck. If it weren’t for Jason giving you $15,000 back then, your mother wouldn’t even have been able to have her surgery.” This was true. But with five years of selfless dedication, five years of silently enduring despite knowing he was fooling around outside, I think I’ve more than repaid that debt. “Auntie, I’ve already transferred that $15,000 back to Jason’s account with interest a few days ago. Jason deals with large sums in his business daily, so he might not have noticed. You can remind him to check his text messages.” “Also, I’ve kept everything he’s given me over the years because I knew there would be a day to return them. I’ll ask a friend to send them back to him as soon as possible.” “Emily, think carefully! This is your closest chance to enter high society!” She’s crazy. “Hmm, I’m not interested. Don’t call again.” I hung up the phone directly, then blocked the number. Alex had been quietly listening to my phone call nearby. His gaze carried a hint of sadness: “If only I had been there at that time.” I smiled without saying anything. “But, I’m from a wealthy family too,” Alex suddenly said as he embraced me. Huh? I only knew that Alex was well-off, but I had never seen him surrounded by beautiful women or hanging out with questionable friends. “Who says rich heirs must have a lot of shady friends and girlfriends? You think everyone is like Jason?” Alex smiled helplessly, nuzzling the top of my head with his chin. “The Chen family doesn’t know how lucky they could have been. From now on, you’ll be the daughter-in-law of our Zhou family.”

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The year Adrian Foster was severely injured, I called him a burden and broke up with him decisively. He was devastated, fell into despair, and even contemplated suicide. Years later, he became a renowned surgeon, determined to make me pay for what I did. Until someone begged him to restore a badly damaged body. He didn’t know that I had already faced my comeuppance. When the police found me, heavy snow was falling from the sky. They brought tools to a wasteland outside the city, digging three feet into the earth before they finally uncovered my dismembered limbs. My mother knelt beside the crime scene, crying hysterically. My best friend, Jack, stood next to her, his hands on her shoulders. “Why… why is life so unfair?” my mother wailed. “Lily, my baby…” she sobbed. Not long ago, I was a living, breathing person. Now, all my mother could see were these broken remains of her child. She was inconsolable, fainting several times. Jack took care of her until she regained consciousness. Jack scrolled through my phone, finding it filled with news about Adrian Foster. His photos, our conversations – I had kept everything. His hands trembled, and his eyes dimmed. After a long moment, tears fell onto the screen, blurring his vision. “Lily… how could you be so foolish? To go this far for him!” He knew that my greatest wish in life was to be with Adrian. He also knew that Adrian was probably the person I wanted to see most before I died. But I would never see him again. That familiar face, which now held nothing but hatred for me. I had lost my chance forever.

Adrian Foster had become an exceptionally skilled doctor. Over the years, he had established his own private hospital and become a rising star in the medical field. However, he seemed to have never truly smiled during these years, except when dealing with patients. To everyone else, he was cold and distant, maintaining an unapproachable demeanor. But in my memories, he was so different. When I first met Adrian, he was at his lowest point. I pulled him out of that dark place, only to push him back in when he was at his peak. He spent years searching for me, to no avail. Now, he remained alone. When I was alive, I had been working hard to become an excellent lawyer, fulfilling my childhood dream. Back then, I firmly believed that good deeds would be rewarded and evil punished. After my death, my soul couldn’t leave, lingering around those familiar to me. I watched as Jack, pale-faced, slowly gathered my belongings and… what was left of me, entrusted to him by my mother. Even though my body was in such a state, Jack remained loyal. He took photos of my incomplete remains with his phone. “Lily, I’m going to take you to see him,” he said. For years, I had been hiding. My parents had aged overnight, moving from place to place with me. Now that I was gone, they were struggling mentally. The only one still holding on, still fighting, was Jack. Adrian returned home late at night. Someone was standing under the streetlight in front of his villa. He wasn’t interested and drove past. Just as his car was about to enter the parking lot, the figure appeared again. The man looked haggard, hardly resembling a young person. “Who are you?” Adrian asked, maintaining his distance from this unexpected visitor. Jack, looking bitter, took out his phone and showed him the horrifying photos. “Mr. Foster, I know you’re a gifted surgeon,” he said. “If you’re willing to help, I’ll pay any price.” Adrian sneered. “Why should I help?” “You know I’m a surgeon, not a mortician.” He glanced at the photos on the phone with disgust before looking away. Jack’s expression became panicked. “Dr. Foster, you know Lily Thompson.” Hearing my name, his cold facade finally cracked. “This person… has a significant connection to Lily Thompson.” As he finished speaking, Adrian finally took a closer look at the photo. Having spent so many years with me, how could he not recognize my face? His eyes darkened, and his expression became frantic.

Unfortunately, the photo was incomplete, making it difficult to see my original appearance clearly. But the body type and other features were undeniably similar. The parking lot lights were dim. Besides shock, it was hard to discern any other emotions on Adrian’s face. After a long silence, his expression returned to its previous disdainful look as he coldly examined Jack. “Why should I help you?” he asked. “Or rather, why should I help Lily Thompson?” “Who are you to her? Why are you here begging on her behalf? Why isn’t she here herself?” “It’s disgusting.” I had disappeared for so many years, only to suddenly reappear in such a manner. He couldn’t accept it, thinking it must be some kind of sick joke. As he was about to drive away, closing the car window, Jack stuck his hand in, getting it caught. “Please, I’m begging you,” Jack pleaded. “I’ll do anything if you’ll help. Please, restore this body!” Jack had always been a bright person. But now, he was willing to repeatedly beg an unrelated person for my sake. This man who hated me, who probably wished I was dead, and Jack was bearing his anger without a word of complaint. “You’ll really do anything?” Adrian asked. At this point, no amount of conditions could sway him. Jack, unwilling to further taint this relationship, could only repeat his plea. Adrian suddenly had a change of heart. With a hint of mockery, he rolled down the window. “Fine,” he said. “Make her kneel before me and beg for forgiveness.” “I want her on her knees.” “I want her to pay for her past mistakes!”

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I, Nina Reed, was running around taking care of everything while my son, Lucas Reed, was seriously ill in the hospital. While I was waiting in line to pay the bill, a man suddenly bumped into me. The woman behind me helped me up. “Sorry! My son is sick, and my husband’s a bit anxious.” I looked at the figure, and surprisingly, it seemed a bit familiar. When I focused, I realized it was my husband, Zachary Reed, whom I hadn’t seen in years! But his return ticket was supposed to be for next week… “What are you doing here? Are you coming to see those people again? “I’ve told you so many times, stay away from the orphanage. Who knows what kind of viruses those people might have?” Before I could speak, I was hit with a barrage of scolding. I struggled to hold back my anger and hurt, trying to stay calm. But my voice trembled uncontrollably. My heart raced, and I felt a chill all over my body. “I haven’t even asked you yet. What are you doing here? “Weren’t you still in Rivendale? Didn’t your flight leave next week? “And who is this?” Zachary’s brows furrowed tighter. “This is Madeline Hayes. She’s…” As Zachary struggled to figure out how to introduce the child Madeline was holding, the child suddenly called out, “Daddy, when can I see the doctor? My tummy hurts so much.” Zachary’s whole face softened, a look I had never seen before, one that neither Lucas nor I had ever experienced. He gently soothed the child. “I’ll talk to the lady for a moment, and then we’ll go see the doctor, okay?” My mind went blank. After three years, my husband suddenly had such a big child. So, who was I? And who was Lucas, the one waiting for me in the ward? Madeline, the woman, gave me a provocative look, extended her hand to me, and flashed a beautiful smile. “I know you. You’re that orphan who has been in love with Zachary for years, right? I really sympathize with your situation, but love and sympathy aren’t the same thing.” I looked directly into Madeline’s eyes. I didn’t back down. “I’m an orphan, but I haven’t been in love with him for years. Let me introduce myself. I’m Zachary’s legal wife, Nina Reed.” I made sure to emphasize the word legal. She just smiled and covered her mouth. “Nina? I don’t believe that’s your name.” “Names are given by parents. Ms. Hayes, show some respect!” No sooner had I finished speaking than Zachary quickly stepped in, pulling Madeline behind him to shield her. “Why are you yelling? “Madeline grew up abroad. She has a more open mindset. She doesn’t care about these things, unlike you. “Forget it. There’s no point trying to explain to you right now. Just go back.” After saying that, he took the child in one arm and Madeline by the hand, and they turned and entered the doctor’s office. If this had happened before, I would have chased after them to demand answers. After all, this was the man I was supposed to spend my life with. But today, I only stood there for a moment, sneering ironically. Then I turned and went upstairs to Lucas’ ward.

“Lucas, your mom is really good to you. When you grow up, make sure you treat her well. “Your dad has been overseas for years. It’s all thanks to your mom that the family has been managing. You and your dad are really lucky.” The others in the hospital room were teasing Lucas. I gave an awkward smile. My mind wandered back to the argument Zachary and I had before he left for his trip. I had just given birth and was supposed to be resting after delivery. He mentioned there was a paid opportunity for further training at his company, something rare and valuable. I cried and complained. “I’m still recovering from giving birth, and you’re already leaving for overseas. “And you’ll be gone for years. How are we supposed to live without you?” At first, Zachary tried to patiently calm me down. But soon, his patience wore thin. He grabbed a pillow and threw it hard onto the floor. “You women never understand! I can’t stand being controlled! “I’ve already missed so many opportunities because of you. If you keep being so difficult, I might as well quit my job! “Damn it. How did I end up marrying a woman like you?” Lucas’ laughter snapped me back to the present. “Mom, when is Dad’s flight next week? After he comes back, I want him to take us on a trip! “Mom, you’ve been working hard. I’ll give you a kiss.” For the past few months, since Lucas fell ill, I’d been the only one taking care of him. During the day, I had to work, so I hired a nurse. I had once complained to Zachary, asking why his mother couldn’t come and help. He yelled at me for being unreasonable. “My mom’s an intellectual. How could she do something as dirty as taking care of a child? “Handling poop and pee, doesn’t that disgust her? “Figure something out yourself.” So, I had no choice but to hire help. But then Zachary was upset about that, too. “I only make so much money in a year, and you spend it all!” What he forgot to mention was that he stopped sending money home a long time ago. He said there were plenty of places to spend money overseas, and he needed to save it for emergencies. Even so, I still didn’t want to go against his wishes. So, I lied to Lucas, who wasn’t even three yet. “Mom and Dad both have to work, so there’s no one to take care of you during the day. “But Dad says he trusts you. You’re a man now. You can take care of yourself, right? “If you need help, you can always ask someone.” And that was how we made it through. Finally, we heard the news that Zachary was coming home. But I never imagined we’d be reunited under these circumstances. That evening, Zachary brought Madeline and her child back to our house. I was about to head to the hospital to stay with Lucas when I ran into all three of them. Even Zachary’s mom was shocked. Madeline gave Zachary’s mom a warm hug and then grabbed her son’s hand, asking him to call her grandma. Zachary stood there, smiling and watching. I didn’t have time to admire their harmonious scene. I pushed through the crowd. “Excuse me.” Zachary stopped me. “Where do you think you’re going? You’ve been avoiding us ever since we arrived. Who are you acting all cold to? “Go serve them some food. Madeline doesn’t eat basil, thyme, or anything spicy. See if we need to cook a few more dishes.” I awkwardly smiled and mocked him, “Should I make you a feast while I’m at it? “Why should I bother cooking for you?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, both of their faces turned ugly. Madeline opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but after glancing at Zachary’s mother and Zachary, she held it back. Zachary raised his hand as if to slap me, but maybe out of guilt, he finally lowered it with a frustrated sigh. “Don’t mind her. She just loves to get jealous. She thinks every woman I talk to is somehow involved with me. “Not like you, who knows how to be understanding.” I spent three years abroad, taking care of Zachary’s mother and son, working hard to support the family. And now he came back with another woman and a child. And he still said I was the one who didn’t understand. When I watched the way they were so loving with each other, my heart ached. Just when I reached the bus stop downstairs, Zachary chased after me. Before I could even react, he slapped me across the face. “There were others around earlier, so I spared you. “But remember this. Madeline is my benefactor. I will never allow anyone to target her.” I covered my face and stared at Zachary, unable to gather myself for a while. He turned and walked away, not saying another word. I touched my swollen face, then looked at his well-built figure as he walked away. I swiftly took off the cheap wedding ring from my fourth finger and tossed it into the trash can nearby. I spent a sleepless night at the hospital. The next morning, Lucas was scheduled for some tests, and the nurse came to take him. The nurse noticed my sunken eyes and dark circles and told me to go home and get some rest first. “Lucas will be fine with us. Don’t worry. You’ve been through so much alone. “I heard Lucas’ dad is coming back. You and your son will finally have a good time.” Tears filled my eyes, but I showed a bitter smile. I didn’t want to respond to the nurse. Back at home, I found Zachary still asleep. I changed clothes and lay on the far side of the bed, as far from him as possible. But somehow, he suddenly pulled me into his arms. His warm body pressed against mine, his breath brushing against my ear. “Baby, it’s been three years. Did you miss me?” If it were before, I would have gently turned to him, wrapped my arms around his neck, and told him how much I missed him, silently letting my tears speak for my longing. But now, all I felt was disgust. How could he call me his wife while having a child with someone else? I pulled away from him with all my strength, not saying a word. He let out a low laugh. “Still angry? It’s not what you think. The child is mine, but Madeline and I are just friends. “She helped me a lot while I was abroad, and I’m very grateful to her.” “So, to repay her, you gave her a child?” I said with disdain. “What century are we living in? You’re still making such a sacrifice?” “What are you talking about? We’re really innocent. The child was conceived through IVF. Nothing happened between Madeline and me,” his eyes turned red, and his voice was filled with grievance as he looked at me with sincerity. “Her parents are never around, and she’s been living alone. It’s lonely and hard, so I agreed to donate sperm. “Nina, I swear I never betrayed you.” The sincerity in his voice reminded me of when we first started dating. “Nina, I will love you and protect you forever.” But it had only been five years of marriage, and everything had already changed. What kind of woman would agree to have a child for a man? I didn’t believe that Zachary didn’t understand. Maybe he was just pretending not to understand. He and Madeline were testing my limits. I closed my eyes, and Lucas’ cute smile flashed in my mind. I sighed. “Zachary, let’s get a divorce.” Zachary’s face twisted with disbelief as he yelled angrily. He shook my shoulders roughly. “What right do you have to talk about divorce? Don’t forget. It was my parents who adopted you. If not for them, who knows where you’d be now! “You married me out of gratitude to my parents, so why can’t I give Madeline a child out of gratitude to her? “I’ve told you, it was IVF. There was nothing more to it. Can’t you stop being so petty? “People with a dark heart really see dirt in everything!” As I looked at the man in front of me, his face contorted with rage, I felt so unfamiliar with him. Zachary was practically ranting, his words coming in quick succession. But I felt nothing. After all, I had heard these words countless times before. What I couldn’t understand was why I ever agreed to marry him in the first place. And I couldn’t understand why his views were so completely unreasonable! He even thought it was my fault for not being able to accept this!

It wasn’t until he slowly calmed down that I spoke. “Zachary, I’m not joking. Let’s get a divorce. “I didn’t marry you out of gratitude for your parents. I married you because I loved you.” He seemed momentarily stunned. Then, his tone dropped without him realizing it. “Okay, don’t be mad. It’s just a kid. I won’t deal with them anymore. “I’m back now. I’ll treat you and Lucas well.” But when I heard his words, I only became more certain that divorce was the right choice. He could give Madeline a child out of gratitude yet casually say he wouldn’t deal with them in the future. He knew full well that Madeline had ulterior motives, but he still basked in her admiration, enjoying the ambiguous relationship and not wanting to leave it. A man like Zachary… in the end, he only loved himself. It was so pathetic. I got out of bed, pulling the blanket off. I wasn’t going to argue with him anymore. I simply repeated for the third time, “Zachary, let’s get a divorce.” Soon, Madeline arrived. She mocked me, “You always talk about being a good wife and mother, but now that your husband’s back, you’re not taking care of him. Instead, you’re causing all this trouble at home. “Really, I don’t know what Zachary sees in you. “You’re such a waste.” I didn’t respond. I took a few steps forward and slapped her across the face. I put all my strength into it, and her fair face quickly became marked with five clear red handprints. She covered her face and cried as she threw herself into Zachary’s arms. I coldly watched them, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction in my heart. Madeline sobbed, “How could you hit her? Don’t you know you should use words, not fists?” I replied with an emotionless expression, “Oh? What kind of words? Words in bed? “Madeline, don’t think just because you went abroad early, no one will find out about everything! Do you remember Lily Bennett?” The moment she heard that name, Madeline’s face turned pale.

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After my mom woke up from a nap, she became a completely different person. Before, she always doted on my sister, fulfilling her every wish. As for me, she was always critical and harsh. But now, everything has flipped upside down. She started demanding that my eight-year-old sister take care of the whole family’s daily needs, often beating and scolding her, claiming it was to toughen her up. Meanwhile, she began buying me pretty dresses and delicate cakes that I’d never had before, calling me her little princess. Under Mom’s treatment, my sister grew more sullen by the day, which only led to harsher punishments from Mom. But only I knew the truth: Mom had traveled back in time. Interestingly, so had I. “How did I end up with a child like you? Eat, eat, eat, that’s all you do. You see food and can’t control yourself. Were you a starving ghost in your past life?” I had just opened my eyes when I heard Mom yelling at my sister Rachel downstairs. Soon after, Rachel’s earth-shattering cries filled the air. I had lost count of how many times Mom had found an excuse to beat and scold Rachel like this. I waited until Rachel’s cries subsided a bit before slowly getting out of bed and heading downstairs. The moment Mom saw me, her fierce expression instantly melted into a smile. She hurried over to greet me, glancing at my feet before turning to yell at Rachel again, “Are you blind? Can’t you see your sister isn’t wearing slippers? Hurry up and get her a pair!” Rachel, still sitting on the floor, wiped her eyes roughly before reluctantly getting up to fetch my slippers. By then, Mom had already carried me to the dining table and set me in a chair. In front of me was an elaborate breakfast, though I noticed the plate of cherries was considerably depleted. Connecting this with Rachel’s scolding earlier, it wasn’t hard to guess that Rachel had been caught sneaking some cherries. Ever since Mom woke up from her nap last week, Rachel hadn’t had the chance to eat any fruit. Even for regular meals, she only got leftovers after everyone else had finished. I poked at the food on my plate with my fork, smiling silently to myself.

Last week, after Mom woke up from her nap, she started acting strangely. She came downstairs to find Rachel riding on my back, making me mop the floor while pretending to be her horse. Mom’s face immediately darkened. In the past, Mom would have praised Rachel for being clever. But this time, she rushed over and knocked Rachel to the ground, slapping her several times and scolding her for bullying her sister. Shocked by the sudden slaps, Rachel wailed loudly, which only earned her more punches and kicks from Mom. Then Mom scooped me up in her arms as if I were a precious treasure. Ever since Dad died in a plane crash, Mom had given all her love to Rachel, who resembled Dad more. She always treated me with coldness and quick temper. It seemed like my only purpose in life was to please and serve my sister. Feeling Mom’s warm embrace after so long, I instinctively tried to pull away. But Mom held me tighter, and I heard her muttering to herself. “Never again… This time I won’t make the wrong choice. I won’t spoil that ungrateful brat anymore, never again.” Hearing Mom’s words, I understood the reason for her change in attitude. In my previous life, Mom had given all her love and attention to my sister. She indulged Rachel’s every whim, no matter how outrageous. If Rachel had asked for the stars in the sky, Mom would have moved heaven and earth to get them for her. Under Mom’s pampering, Rachel became increasingly selfish and willful. She treated me, the unloved younger sister, just as badly as Mom did, often hitting and scolding me. “I’m Mom’s favorite child. If you make me unhappy, I’ll tell Mom to throw you to the beggars and let you have a bunch of beggar babies!” Rachel would say. Rachel slapping me and pulling my hair in front of Mom had become a regular occurrence, and Mom never batted an eye. At school, Rachel bullied me without restraint, even spreading rumors about my supposedly improper behavior, claiming it caused her and Mom a lot of trouble. With me as a foil, Rachel became known as the beautiful and kind older sister. Later, Rachel tricked me into going to a bar late at night to pick her up, only to watch with a smirk as I was drugged and kidnapped by human traffickers. During the police investigation, Rachel just cried crocodile tears, insisting that I was promiscuous and would go off with any man I saw. She claimed there was nothing she could do about it. Mom chimed in, fabricating numerous stories about my “past misconduct.” But Rachel, who had grown up so spoiled by Mom, ran off with all the family’s money when Dad’s company started going downhill. When Mom finally found her, Rachel tricked her onto a boat in an industrial park and sold her for a few thousand dollars to maintain her lavish lifestyle. It wasn’t until the very end that Mom realized she had raised an ungrateful child. As she was beaten by thugs in the industrial park, she cried and wished she could start over, vowing not to love the wrong child again. Her wish came true. She traveled back in time. But what she didn’t know was that I had also traveled back in time, just an hour before her. She came back with hatred for Rachel, while I returned with hatred for both of them, back to when I was six years old.

“Mom, I’m full. I need to go to class now,” I said, putting down my knife and fork and looking sweetly at Mom. After realizing Mom had also traveled back in time, when she frantically tried to make it up to me and asked what I wanted, I pointed at the TV and said I wanted to learn ballet and enter math competitions. I told her I wanted to become a daughter she could be proud of. Mom’s eyes filled with a kind of frenzy when she heard that. In my previous life, under Mom’s doting, Rachel never cared about studying. She often got Mom called to school because of her poor grades. If she couldn’t even handle basic schoolwork, forget about any extracurricular activities. While kids from similar backgrounds all had one or two special skills, Rachel only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun. I knew that even though Mom never said it out loud, she secretly envied other people’s children. So, if that’s what she wanted, I’d become that child she envied in others. After all, knowledge belongs to whoever learns it. As Mom and I finished getting ready and were about to leave, Mom suddenly turned to look at Rachel standing alone behind us, her face filled with undisguised disgust. “Clean up the house before we get back! All you do is eat and sleep all day, like a pig. How did I end up with a child like you?” Turning back to me, Mom’s voice became extremely gentle. “Sweetie, after your class, how about Mom takes you shopping for clothes? That brand store just got a lot of new styles in. They’ll look perfect on our little princess!” I hugged Mom’s neck and thanked her sweetly. My gaze fell on Rachel’s bruised face behind Mom, and I couldn’t help but smirk. You think this is unfair? This isn’t even a tenth of what you and Mom did to me in my past life! Just you wait, the real suffering is yet to come.

The better I performed, the more enthusiastic Mom became towards me. Correspondingly, Rachel faced the same nightmarish treatment I had endured in my previous life. The only difference was that I wouldn’t do to her what she had done to me. Interestingly though, people are different. In my past life, I endured endless abuse, still foolishly hoping for the day Mom would love me. But in this life, faced with the same situation, Rachel had already started trying to threaten me. On my eighth birthday, I won the children’s ballet championship. Mom threw a grand party for me, never once mentioning that she had another daughter. After we got home, I casually brought up what Mom had said at the party. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rachel’s expression grow increasingly twisted. After Mom went upstairs to rest, I was about to return to my room when Rachel violently pushed me to the ground from behind. The next second, she was on top of me, grabbing my hair. “You little bitch! You stole Mom from me! What’s so great about being able to dance? I’ll cut your tendons and see how you dance then, you bitch!” Rachel raised a piece of broken glass, her face a mix of excitement and ferocity, about to stab at my ankles. “Sister, no!” I cried out in feigned panic, trying to struggle. But I clearly heard Mom’s hurried footsteps coming from her room. Three, two, one… Before Rachel could react, Mom kicked her away. The next moment, Mom held me in her arms lovingly, glaring at Rachel with fury. “You little demon! What were you trying to do to your sister?!”

Of course, Rachel didn’t get the chance to do anything to me. After making sure I was okay, Mom put me down and started beating Rachel. I slowly got to my feet, watching coldly as Mom grabbed Rachel’s hair and slammed her head against the wall repeatedly. She still held the broken glass Rachel had prepared, now using it to slash at Rachel’s body. Rachel cried and tried to dodge, but being only ten years old, she was no match for an adult no matter how hard she struggled. It wasn’t until Rachel’s head was visibly bleeding and her body covered in cuts that I timely let out a yawn. “Mom, I’m tired. I want to go to sleep.” My voice immediately snapped Mom back to reality. She instinctively looked down at Rachel, disgustedly throwing her aside. “You’re disturbing Lily’s sleep. I’m warning you, if you dare bully your sister again, I’ll break your legs!” Turning around, Mom beckoned to me lovingly, saying that since I’d been frightened today, she would tuck me in. But before we could enter my room, we heard Rachel’s weak sobbing. “Mom, why? Why are you doing this?” Rachel raised her head pitifully, her face a mess of tears, snot, and blood. She struggled to open one eye. “You used to love me the most. Why are you being so mean to me now?” After Rachel’s words, a fleeting look of confusion and struggle crossed Mom’s face. She seemed to remember how close they had been as mother and daughter in the previous life. But then… Mom seemed to recall how her beloved daughter had betrayed her in the end. Her face suddenly turned cold, and she patted my shoulder. “Lily, dear, go to bed first. Mom needs to have a talk with your sister.” I nodded obediently, but as soon as I went inside, I immediately pressed my ear against the door. I heard the sounds of Mom abusing Rachel again. At first, Rachel was wailing, but her voice grew weaker and weaker until it stopped completely. Is that all? I lay back on my bed comfortably. It’s not enough, far from enough! But to my surprise, the next day, Rachel gave Mom and me a big “gift.”

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I lost my voice to save Zoe, my childhood sweetheart. When I finally regained the ability to speak, I held back my excitement, wanting to surprise her. But just before our wedding, I caught her fooling around with a college guy in our new home. Through the crack in the door, I saw her lying on his abs, her face flushed. She spoke about me with utter contempt. “He’s just a mute who can only communicate with his hands. How could he possibly be worthy of marrying me?” She promised the guy, “I’m only marrying him to save face for our families. You’re the one I love, and I’ll never leave you.” But later, at the wedding venue, Zoe frantically searched for me, insisting on marrying me. This time, though, I’m the one who’s going to leave her behind. I coldly shut the door, blocking out their disgusting scene. After regaining my ability to speak, I had practiced for days, hoping to recite wedding vows at the ceremony as a surprise for Zoe. Now, it seems I’m the one who ended up looking like a fool. Zoe had said she wanted the most unique wedding in the world, so I worked tirelessly on the venue, personally overseeing every detail, no matter how small. Back at the wedding venue, I destroyed everything I had prepared with my own hands, then went home and fell into a deep sleep. When I woke up, my phone was flooded with messages and missed calls from Zoe. [Ryan, the hotel told me you trashed the wedding venue. What the hell are you doing?] [Why aren’t you answering my calls? What’s with the attitude?] [Do you even want to get married? If not, forget it!] … [Ryan, are you still mad at me? I really didn’t mean to stand you up…] Perhaps this is Zoe’s true nature. First, she slaps you silly, then when she’s in the mood, she offers you a piece of candy to make up for it. Keeping you firmly under her control. Yesterday, she had asked me to meet her at a restaurant, but I waited until the place closed, and she never showed up. She didn’t answer my calls or texts. Worried something had happened to her, I searched everywhere she might have gone, only to find her in our new home, engaged in that passionate affair. She had grown accustomed to me wagging my tail at her beck and call. But I’m tired of it. I looked at her messages but didn’t reply. The door to my apartment opened, and Zoe rushed in, her high heels clicking on the floor. Seeing me, she demanded, “You were home? Why didn’t you reply to my messages? You made me look like an idiot sending all those texts.” Looking at her face, flushed with anger, I felt like laughing. Was she only now experiencing the pain of sending a bunch of messages without getting a reply? I had endured this for eight years, with her disappearing without a trace. I coldly signed, [I was asleep. Didn’t hear anything.] Zoe came forward and swatted my hands, growing angrier. “I told you not to use sign language. I can’t understand it!” In the eight years since I lost my voice, my parents and close friends had all learned to understand at least some basic signs. But Zoe, the very person I had saved, couldn’t understand. Whenever I tried to communicate with her using sign language, she would get irritated and give me the cold shoulder. To this day, she couldn’t even understand the simplest sign for “thank you.” I had no desire to sign anymore, nor did I want to tell her the truth about my restored ability to speak. Zoe threw her bag on the table and crossed her arms. “We’re getting married in a week. Why did you destroy the wedding venue?” Simply put, I don’t want to get married anymore. I’m tired, weary, and fed up. I typed out a message on my phone: [I just wasn’t satisfied with how I had arranged it.] Hearing this, Zoe’s tense expression softened. She took my arm and leaned gently on my shoulder. “You must be exhausted. Let’s leave it to the wedding planners.” Her phone rang abruptly, and she immediately let go of me, sneaking away to answer the call. Through the door, her words were all too clear. “I know you miss me. I’ll be with you tonight, baby.” “Him? Just thinking about sleeping next to him after we’re married makes me sick. How could he compare to you?” “The food was good last time, so I’ll have him make it for you again.” The call ended with Zoe blowing a kiss, and she walked out of the room. I couldn’t help but recall Zoe’s behavior these past few days. Indeed, she had been coming home very late for many nights, and I would only hear the heavy sound of the door closing in the early hours of the morning when I was half-asleep. I may have lost my voice, but I wasn’t deaf. Each time I was woken up by the noise, I found it hard to fall back asleep. I had asked Zoe what she was so busy with, coming home so late every day. She always brushed me off impatiently, “Work, of course. Writing proposals with clients. What else could it be?” I would make her hangover soup, and she would mutter behind my back. “You can’t even get a proper job yourself, and now you’re trying to control me.” Most of the time, I pretended not to hear. So, her recent strange behavior was because she had found a man she cared about outside. Abandoning me to be with someone else. “Make some food for me to take away,” she said. Then she added, “The same dishes you sent to my office before, but spicier this time.” So, the carefully prepared stomach-friendly meals I had made for her had all gone into another man’s mouth. She had a sensitive stomach, and even though I used to love spicy food, I was willing to eat bland meals with her. But now she was thinking about someone else’s tastes, using the food I made to please another man. How ridiculous. I didn’t cook for Zoe. Instead, I went to my parents’ house.

“Mom, Dad, I don’t want to marry Zoe anymore.” Seeing me speak, their eyes immediately welled up with tears. Mom hugged me, sobbing uncontrollably, asking over and over if I had fully recovered. My parents had never wanted me to follow Zoe around since childhood, let alone marry her, so they readily agreed to my request. Although I had practiced hard for a long time, my voice was still hoarse and strained. My parents immediately contacted doctors abroad. I nodded in agreement, “I’ll go abroad for treatment in a week, after I’ve sorted everything out.” Years ago, when I saved her, I was nearly choked to death by the enraged kidnappers in an abandoned warehouse. When I woke up, I couldn’t make a sound. Zoe was crying heavily by my side, her tears falling like broken strings onto the hospital bed, soaking the sheets. After years of unsuccessful treatment, Zoe grew discouraged. Not wanting her to exhaust herself, I simply gave up. Zoe said, “Ryan, don’t be afraid. I won’t look down on you.” When I returned home, there was no sign of Zoe. It seemed she had left eagerly as soon as I was gone. My friend William sent me a message with a video attached. [Ryan, is this Zoe?] [Why is she cuddling with a guy in a bar? Aren’t you two getting married soon?] [The guy looks familiar. I think he’s Xavier Quinn, the new intern at the company.] In the dimly lit, flashy bar, it was the same young college student from last night. Zoe and he were dirty dancing in the crowd, kissing passionately. Her slender arms climbed up his shoulders, emotionally embracing his neck. In the past, she had never even deigned to give me a kiss. At our engagement party, I was only allowed to kiss her hand. She told me she preferred to take things slow, and that we should wait until the wedding for a real kiss. But with him, whom she had only known for a short time, she could hug, kiss, and sleep together. I was truly a complete fool. Zoe had never liked me for a moment. Back in school, she was the adored princess, ignoring my feelings for her. It was only after I was injured saving her that she deigned to give me a glance. As she said, she was willing to marry me just to settle a debt. She just didn’t want to be seen as ungrateful. I contacted William and met with him, bringing the share transfer agreement. He looked at me in surprise, utterly confused. “Ryan, wasn’t this supposed to be your wedding gift to Zoe?” In the company we three founded, William and I each owned 33% of the shares, while Zoe had 34%. I had always planned to gift my 33% shares to Zoe at our wedding, as a token of my sincerity in marrying her. But now, it was no longer necessary. After some consideration, I spoke, “She doesn’t need it anymore. I’m transferring these shares to you at the lowest price. From now on, you’ll have veto power and won’t be controlled by her anymore.” William stared at me in shock as my mouth moved, unable to react for a long time. His voice trembled with joy, “You… you’re better? Ryan, you can speak!” I nodded and signed my name on the share transfer agreement. William is my best friend, and I feel confident leaving the company in his hands. In the past, because of my love for Zoe, I often turned a blind eye to her unreasonable actions in running the company, ignoring William’s complaints and accusations. But that won’t happen anymore. The company will surely develop better under William’s management.

The next day, Zoe returned home and threw her expensive bag at my face, furious. “Why did you fire Xavier?” My cheek stung, but I didn’t move, just rubbed it gently. Yesterday, I had asked William to fire the college student, and he had acted quickly. Zoe grew anxious, “He’s just an intern, doesn’t earn much. How is he supposed to survive now that you’ve fired him?” Every word she spoke betrayed her fondness and concern for Xavier. [Do you care about him that much?] I typed. Seeing my words, Zoe hesitated for a moment before speaking again, “No, I just… I just feel sorry for him. His family is struggling financially.” I didn’t say anything more. Seeing my unhappy expression, Zoe tried to speak more patiently. “The wedding is just a few days away. Let’s not fight, okay? You’ve always listened to me, haven’t you?” Fight? I hadn’t even said a harsh word. This was just her venting one-sidedly. I did listen to her, to the point where I let myself be cheated on. [I looked at his resume. His major doesn’t fit our company’s needs. He’s not suitable.] Zoe exploded, her shrill voice echoing through the room. “I own 34% of the company shares. I have the final say. And you, a mute, what right do you have to judge him!” You, a mute. Her words stabbed at my heart. Did I want to become mute? Did I choose to lose my voice? Over the past years, countless times of ridicule and disdain, and I had always turned a blind eye. Zoe’s hurtful words were as harsh and cutting as ever. Why had it taken me until now to see clearly? She called HR, insisting on keeping Xavier’s job, only to be regretfully informed that it was William’s order. I showed her the share transfer agreement with William, and she immediately understood everything. “Why did you transfer your shares to him! I’ve been talking to you about the shares for so long, and you never agreed to give them to me.” Her voice took on a crying tone. I just looked at her coldly. [Zoe, if you despise me for being mute, we don’t have to get married. I’m not forcing you.] Zoe saw what I had typed, snatched my phone, and smashed it on the ground. “How am I supposed to explain if we don’t get married! Ryan Sullivan, you never truly loved me.” I did love her, but did she love me? She had already completely disregarded my feelings and self-esteem, brazenly using the word “explain” to humiliate me. As Zoe was crying, she received a call from Xavier. Over the phone, I heard Xavier’s pitiful voice, “Sis, my stomach hurts so bad.” It seemed Xavier had been drinking at a bar, forced to down several bottles. Zoe was extremely worried about him, no longer caring about me. She hurriedly left. This made me feel even more like a clown. In the past, I always put Zoe first, prioritizing her above everything else. In school, when she was bullied, I stood up for her and got my leg broken in the fight. The very next day, she was laughing and chatting with the guy who had bullied her. I advised her to stay away from such a bad guy. But she stubbornly refused, blaming me for bruising the face of the guy she had a crush on during the fight. I still can’t forget Zoe’s cold face, her moist eyes glaring at me fiercely as she scolded me for meddling. Thinking of my foolish past self, I find it utterly laughable. I was truly able to endure, following her despite being humiliated in countless ways. Was my brain kicked by a donkey in the past? Putting aside those memories, I calmly entrusted the high-priced house I had bought to a real estate agent to sell at a low price. I never want to set foot in that house again. It was the home I had bought with high hopes for our marriage, choosing the best location, personally overseeing the renovation. Every piece of furniture, even the pots and pans, every flower and plant in that house, I had personally bought and brought in. But now, none of that matters anymore. I want to sell it, along with all the dirty memories it holds, and expel them from my life. Three days before the wedding, Zoe came to find me. “I won’t hold the share transfer against you. After we’re married, you can get them back from William.” Before I could say anything, she affectionately took my arm and blinked her eyes. “The wedding venue is all set up. Shall we go take a look?” I did want to see how the wedding venue I had destroyed had been restored in such a short time. Stepping into the familiar wedding venue again, everything seemed unfamiliar. Zoe was very satisfied and brought a man with her. “Ryan, our wedding venue was personally decorated by Xavier. Look at his hands.” I lowered my gaze to see his fingers covered in blood stains. “For this sea of flowers, his hands were pricked and torn by thorns.” Xavier ruffled his hair, smiling brightly like an eager-to-please puppy. “As long as sis and brother Ryan are happy, it doesn’t matter what happens to me.” Zoe looked at Xavier’s hands with concern, unable to resist gently holding them. I thought of my own hands. During the wedding preparations, Zoe had never come even once, so naturally, she couldn’t see my hands covered in wounds, cut by wooden boards, pricked by thorns, healing only to be injured again, leaving my hands in a sorry state. Yet when I held Zoe’s hand, she was disgusted. She looked at my scarred hands with disdain, complaining that they were too rough for her delicate skin. Xavier was young, sunny, and knew how to act cute. Seeing Zoe’s concern for him, he pouted and whined, calling her “sis” in a sticky voice. Zoe told me to sit and rest while she went to go over the wedding procedure with the planner. She probably thought that since I was mute, there was no need for me to go along. As I watched Xavier and Zoe enter the same floor of the hotel one after another, I couldn’t help but smirk coldly. In the corridor, urgent gasps could be heard. Before they even entered the room, their tongues were already eagerly intertwined. Zoe was pressed against the wall by Xavier, kissed until her eyes were misty. I heard Xavier say, “Sis, you marrying him really breaks my heart.” “Decorating the wedding venue for you was like killing me. Sis, do you want me dead?” Zoe wrapped her arms around his neck and chuckled softly, “I only want to kill you in bed.” They entered the room, and ambiguous sounds continuously leaked out. After going downstairs, I called the police to report prostitution at the hotel.

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After I started dating Zachary Goodwin, I overheard his twin brother say: “Bro, let me pretend to be you and play with Lily for a bit.” Zachary carelessly replied, “Sure.” I pretended not to know and dated the fake Zachary. But when Zachary saw the marks on my neck, he went berserk. Grabbing his brother’s throat, he demanded: “Who gave you permission to touch her?!” That night, just after I finished showering, Zachary sent me a message. It was the address of a high-end nightclub. I gripped my phone tightly, not replying. Zachary sent another message: “Don’t keep me waiting too long, Lily.” I sighed and replied, “Coming right away.” I quickly got dressed and as soon as I left the bathroom, I saw my stepfather standing outside the door. His cloudy eyes were filled with a nauseating desire. “All covered up after a shower? Are you going out?” My stepfather approached me, smoking a cigarette. I stepped back, keeping my distance: “Zachary wants to see me.” Hearing those words, my stepfather stopped in his tracks, seemingly afraid. I took advantage of this moment to quickly move past him and open the door. “Shameless girl, you think finding Zachary as your protector means I can’t touch you? Using him to threaten me.” My stepfather spat viciously behind me. I turned back and gave him a cold look, “Would you dare?” Then I slammed the door shut. The sound of the door closing mixed with my stepfather’s curses reached my ears.

When I arrived at the nightclub, I noticed how luxuriously it was decorated, with all the guests dressed in expensive clothes. In my hoodie, I stood out like a sore thumb. As the waiter led me to the VIP room on the top floor, I could already hear voices from inside. “Bro, I heard Lily’s been really good to you?” “Let me pretend to be you and play with her for a bit.” As soon as these words were spoken, a chorus of jeers erupted: “Damn, Harrison, you’re openly trying to steal your brother’s girl!” “You don’t get it, Lily’s so pure. She makes soup for Zachary, coaxes him to take medicine, who could resist that kind of tenderness?” “But would the great Mr. Goodwin be willing to share?” “Don’t be stupid, Zachary and Harrison are so close, it’s not like they haven’t done this before.” … After the teasing died down, Zachary’s deep voice finally sounded: “Sure, consider it my welcome home gift to you.” His voice carried a carefree laugh. The jeering grew louder. The waiter stood there, looking at me awkwardly. As the person in question, I didn’t show any emotion. I smiled at the waiter and pushed open the door to the VIP room. When I first approached Zachary, it was only to gain the Goodwin family’s protection. So I wouldn’t be bullied at school or coveted by my stepfather at home. As for who exactly I was getting close to, I didn’t care.

As I entered the room, the young men inside whistled at me. Quite the playboys. I wore a gentle smile as I walked towards the center of the sofa. Zachary and Harrison sat together, looking at me with ambiguous gazes. Like predators waiting for their prey to enter the trap. They had identical faces. The same pale skin, both extremely handsome. “Lily, you’re here.” A hand reached out to me, pulling me to his side. I looked at that face, inwardly sneering. Although Harrison and Zachary looked the same, their auras were completely different upon closer inspection. Zachary exuded a gloomy, oppressive air. Harrison was arrogant and wayward. But it didn’t matter to me. I didn’t care if he was Zachary or Harrison. As long as he could let me finish my exams safely and leave that rotten home, it was fine. I naturally took Harrison’s hand, as if I really thought he was Zachary. Harrison was pleased with my action, and after interlocking our fingers, he pointed to the person beside him: “My brother, Harrison.” I saw Zachary frown at this introduction, but he quickly composed himself and nodded at me. As if we were really meeting for the first time. I also greeted him politely, then turned to Harrison with a loving gaze: “Zachary, I bought some hangover medicine on the way. Would you like to take one first?” I had said this to Zachary many times before. Every time he drank, I would prepare hangover medicine for him. After sending him home, I would make him a warm soup for his stomach. Harrison looked at the medicine in my hand, his eyebrows twitching slightly as he smiled: “Sure, why don’t you feed it to me?” From the corner of my eye, I saw Zachary holding a cigarette but not smoking it, lost in thought. I brought the medicine to Harrison’s lips, feeding it to him.

After drinking in the VIP room, someone suggested playing a game. “The people with the 3 of clubs and 6 of clubs have to kiss for thirty seconds.” One of the guys shuffled the cards and gave the order. Harrison and I revealed our cards at the same time. “Oh, looks like we’ve got a couple here.” The guy was a good friend of the Goodwin brothers and knew about this boyfriend-swapping game. He now looked around nervously. Harrison held my chin and was about to kiss me. A dull thud sounded from beside us. Zachary had violently kicked the coffee table in front of him. He stood up, looking down at us: “I’m tired. Let’s call it a night.” Harrison paused at my lips, his eyes turning cold. After a moment, he let go of me and stood up: “You’re right. I forgot Harrison just got back today. Let’s end it here then.” Harrison looked at the grim-faced Zachary, continuing the act. Before we left, I gently zipped up Harrison’s open jacket: “It’s windy outside and very cold. You just recovered from a fever, don’t catch a chill.” As I said this, Zachary was standing right behind his brother, staring at me intently. He had a fever a few days ago, and I went to his house to take care of him, coaxing him to take medicine, making him soup and porridge. “Zachary, let’s go home.” Harrison was stunned for a few seconds before gently embracing me. As we were leaving with Harrison, the silent Zachary finally spoke: “Lily.” I stopped and turned back, looking at him like a stranger. Zachary’s brows furrowed, his voice deepening: “Who do you like?” I smiled at him mockingly, then looked up at Harrison who was holding me: “It’s Zachary. The person I like is Zachary Goodwin.” Harrison’s expression gradually cooled at my words. Yet he still insisted on continuing the act.

Zachary thought I loved him deeply. Everyone around him thought I loved him deeply. But they didn’t know that this was just an elaborate scam I had planned exclusively for Zachary Goodwin. I was just trying to survive, to leave my suffocating home. If illness hadn’t taken my father away, I would have been a girl who grew up in wealth and love. Although I lost my mother when I was very young, my stepmother had always been good to me. She would make me sweet cookies, tell me stories, and cover for me when my dad scolded me for being lazy. I thought I would grow up happily like this. But on my 12th birthday, My dad collapsed at home and was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. After a year of treatment, he still left us. I remember that day in the hospital, my dad held my hand and wiped away my tears: “It’s all Dad’s fault, I couldn’t let Lily have her 12th birthday cake.” “This year for your 13th birthday, Dad won’t be able to be with you. You won’t be mad at Dad, right?” I was crying so hard I could barely breathe, I could only shake my head. I didn’t want a birthday cake, I only wanted my dad. If I could, I would trade all my future birthday cakes for my dad to be healthy and safe. But the heavens didn’t hear my prayers. At that moment, his last words to me were: “You must live on well, Lily.” Later, my dad passed away. My stepmother tried to do business with the inheritance my dad left, but ended up being scammed out of everything. I became the biggest burden. My grandfather didn’t want me. My maternal grandparents had long passed away. The only person I could call family was my stepmother, who no longer loved me.

After my dad passed away, my stepmother often scolded me. “What are you looking at? I’m not going to raise you. It’s all because your dad was short-lived!” My stepmother pushed me away as she berated me, getting into a taxi without looking back. Ignoring my scraped knees, I got up and chased after her, crying: “Mom, please don’t abandon me. I’ll be good, I’ll eat very little.” I don’t know how long I chased, but the car finally stopped. I saw my stepmother’s eyes were red, filled with hatred and helplessness. And so, I began to rely on my stepmother for survival. Later, she remarried. The man was ten years older than her. This marriage became my hell. On the first night we moved in with my stepmother, the man opened my locked room door with a key. When I ran out to tell my stepmother, I received a slap. “Don’t spread lies here. He was just worried you might kick off your blanket and catch a cold. If you dare ruin my marriage, get out!” After that, every time I returned to my room, I would push the desk against the door. Then at midnight, I would stand by the bed, holding scissors, watching the door being pushed. Once, twice, three times. Only when the person outside finally gave up would I dare to sleep. At that time, school became my only sanctuary. No disgusting stepfather, no cold stepmother. But this sanctuary also became hell after a mock exam. I had just happily gotten first place for myself. The next second, I was dragged into the bathroom and doused with a bucket of cold water. I was held down and couldn’t fight back. The mastermind was a pretty transfer student, I remember her name was Chloe Lambert. “Lily, it’s all because of you that I only got second place this time. Do you know how many beatings I got at home?” Chloe gripped my chin, looking at me like a rat. As the slaps fell, I heard someone beside Chloe counting. It was long and torturous. When I told the teacher about this incident, I only got one response: “Chloe is an excellent student, she wouldn’t do such a thing.” “When there’s conflict between classmates, you need to be understanding and forgiving of each other.” At that moment, I realized it wasn’t that Chloe wouldn’t do it, but that the Lambert family was too powerful, and they didn’t dare to intervene. As I was leaving the office, I saw a boy walking towards me, surrounded by people. Judging by everyone’s reactions, They all seemed to be afraid of him.

When I returned home in wet clothes, I saw the man who was supposed to be on vacation with my stepmother. He looked at me lecherously. It made me sick. “Lily, why are you in this state?” “Don’t call me that!” I growled, searching for any sign of my stepmother. “What are you looking for? That woman isn’t home, she’s on vacation.” “I told her there was a problem with the business at home that needed to be dealt with, so I asked her to wait for me at the destination.” The man stood up and walked towards me step by step. I fumbled for the new craft knife in my backpack. “Lily, you’re getting prettier and prettier.” The man’s gaze deepened. As if he couldn’t resist anymore, he lunged at me. I slashed the knife hard, blood gushing from his forearm. “You little bitch!” The man roared in pain. “Touch me again, and I’ll kill you. I don’t care if I have to fight to the death with you.” I put the knife back in my backpack and ran out. I had lied to the man. I did care about my life. Because I had promised my dad that I would live on well. Suddenly, I thought of the boy I had brushed past earlier that day. I think I heard them call him Zachary Goodwin. I had a new idea.

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My boyfriend of five years finally proposed to me. Filled with joy, I celebrated a bit too much that night. The man I knew to be calm and considerate seemed to have vanished. He accused me of lacking self-control and left me alone and intoxicated by the roadside. Battling a headache, I wandered the chilly streets by myself for what seemed like an eternity. When I got home, I found him in our new house, embracing another woman. “I regret it. If you come back, I’m willing to call off the wedding for you.” Watching him shower her with the tenderness I once knew, I suddenly felt regret as well. To prevent him from canceling the wedding, I ran away on the day of the ceremony. No one expected that after I left, the man who was usually so confident and composed would search for me frantically everywhere. Through the window of our new home, I saw two familiar figures locked in a tight embrace. I slipped off my high heels. Theo Brooks had given them to me as a proposal gift. I liked them, but they were uncomfortable and had rubbed my feet raw. So now, I’d rather walk barefoot than endure the pain any longer. I dialed a familiar number. “Sis, I’m not getting married. I want to come find you.” My sister paused, “Alright, little sister. You’re always welcome here whenever you’re ready.” I choked back tears as I answered. Then I heard a sigh from her side, “I thought he was different… I didn’t expect you’d get hurt.” “Nora, don’t cry. You’re still young. There’s more to the world than love, so many beautiful things for you to discover. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.” Until tonight, I thought Theo Brooks was different too. He was mature, steady, and always caring. He kept a respectful distance from other women. Even when busy with work, he made time for me. But tonight, at the celebration, he saw Lydia Harris, who showed up uninvited. For the first time, he lost his composure and knocked over a glass. For the first time, he exploded over something trivial and left me alone by the roadside. If Theo Brooks had seen someone else, I might have thought it was all a misunderstanding. I might have given him another chance. I would have been willing to spend another five or ten years quietly by his side. But the woman in the room was Lydia Harris. The Lydia Harris who bullied me for years, who took so much from me. The Lydia Harris I could never forgive. When I saw Theo Brooks bring Lydia Harris home, I gave up on him completely in my heart.

Yet, for some reason, I couldn’t help but check the home surveillance. On the screen, Lydia Harris was wearing my nightgown, lounging in our new house. Theo Brooks, who never did housework and always criticized me for drinking, was in the kitchen making her a hangover soup. Lydia looked up at him, “A stand-in, are you really going to marry her?” Theo didn’t reply, instead bending down to massage Lydia’s foot. “You don’t have to say it, I know you’re doing all this to upset me. The proposal party was just to make me show up.” “You can’t forget me. This room is decorated to my taste, the wedding ring is the style I like, the cake has our initials, even the shoes she’s wearing are ones I didn’t want.” With that, Lydia pressed her foot against Theo’s chest. “The one you love has always been me.” Theo remained silent. After a moment’s pause, he suddenly embraced Lydia. He poured all his love into a passionate kiss. Watching this, tears streamed down my face. I remembered our five years together, every time I wanted to kiss him, he’d find an excuse to avoid it. I thought he was just shy. I never imagined he reserved his deepest affection for Lydia. For five years, his body was with me, but his heart belonged to another woman. I took a deep breath, ready to leave. But Theo, somehow, was downstairs, calling my name. When I turned around, he instinctively let go of Lydia’s hand. “Lydia drank too much tonight. I was worried about her walking alone, so I brought her home.” “She’s considerate, worried you’d misunderstand, she insisted on leaving first.” Theo, usually a man of few words, seemed to have endless things to say about Lydia. And every word was in her defense. I looked at the man in front of me, suddenly feeling he’s a stranger. Clearly, I’m the girlfriend who has known him for years. Clearly, I’m the fiancée who’s been through so much with him. Why, in the end, did I become just a substitute? I held back my heartache, took a deep breath. “An offspring of an affair is still an affair.” Hearing my words, Theo suddenly got angry. “Nora Harris! How can you say that about Lydia? Apologize to her now!” “No wonder no one cares about you since you were little, no wonder no one likes you. Your sharp tongue makes me sick, you deserve to be unloved!” As if afraid I’d hurt Lydia, Theo pushed me aside to protect her. The soft moonlight fell on Theo’s face. That concerned look overlapped with the warm figure in my memory. Many, many years ago, when we were young. Theo would protect me like this. He said, “Nora, you’re the kindest girl. Even if everyone ignores you, I’ll love you forever and ever.” Growing up, I always kept Theo’s words close to my heart. I worked hard, wanting to create a beautiful future with him. But whenever I brought it up, he’d always brush it off with “We’ll talk about it later.” And now, Lydia Harris appeared. He didn’t even bother with excuses anymore. With “You deserve to be unloved,” he stabbed my deepest wound.

I turned my head away, unwilling to look at him. Yet my eyes reddened uncontrollably. Theo’s eyes trembled slightly. I don’t know if he realized he’d gone too far or noticed my bleeding feet. He sighed, “Tonight, I’ll pretend you were talking nonsense while drunk. From now on…” “There will be no ‘from now on’.” I spoke calmly. “What?” Theo was puzzled, wanting to ask more, but then he saw Lydia running away in tears. He could no longer care about his doubts, hastily chasing after her. He left so quickly, he didn’t notice the bracelet falling from his pocket. I picked up the bracelet, recalling the small tattoo on Lydia’s wrist. All the details I ignored connected at that moment. Childhood bonds couldn’t withstand a sudden love. Our so-called five years of love was just my wishful thinking. Given that, there’s no need to cling to an undeserving man. As I turned to head home, I received a message from my sister. She booked me a flight to leave. The timing was just half a month later, on our wedding day. The wedding countdown in the living room now became my countdown to leave. I let out a bitter laugh, discarding all new house decorations and couple items. With destiny’s will, I’ll use this last half month to bid farewell to my past.

After dawn, Theo’s call woke me up. “Nora, are you awake? I ordered your favorite breakfast. I won’t be back today, there’s an emergency at the company, let’s reschedule the wedding photos.” “Don’t worry about last night, I apologized to Lydia for you.” “Alright.” Theo didn’t expect me to agree so easily. Awkwardly, he added, “The wedding is just a formality, our relationship is so strong, we don’t need to prove anything with this, let’s keep it simple.” “Alright.” Keep it simple. This wedding had no marriage certificate, no wedding photos, no emcee, and no bride. After hanging up, I used a marker to cross off “wedding photos” on the calendar. Theo was busy with work, rarely having time for me. So I wrote down all the things I wanted to do on the calendar. I planned to fulfill all my wishes during the wedding period. Unfortunately, one by one, those wishes got covered by thick marker strokes. They became unspeakable regrets. I no longer focused on Theo. After submitting my resignation, I met up with some friends to say goodbye. In the following days, I slowly contacted my friends here, informing them that the wedding was canceled. “Actually, we all guessed…” A friend opened Theo’s social media for me to see. “During this time, Theo has been with Lydia.” “People who don’t know might think the person in his posts is you, but we recognized her immediately.” Theo, who never posted a photo of me, now had his profile filled with images of Lydia. They watched movies together, dined at restaurants, strolled in parks. His love for Lydia was blatant. Yet he blocked me from seeing it. My friend looked at me with concern. “Nora, don’t be too upset. Lydia can’t compare to you. If Theo knew her true colors, he would definitely regret it.” “Theo has been spending all his time with Lydia lately.” “People who aren’t familiar with them think it’s you in his social media posts, but we can tell otherwise.” Theo has never shared a single photo of me. Now his feed is filled with Lydia. They go to movies, dine out, and stroll in parks together. His affection for Lydia is on full display. Except, I’m the one who’s blocked out. My friend gives me a worried glance. “Nora, don’t be too upset. Lydia can’t hold a candle to you. Theo will realize his mistake once he sees her true colors.” “It’s alright. I’ve stopped caring long ago.” I gaze out at the street. In a few days, I’ll leave this place for good. I don’t have the time or energy to be heartbroken over Theo. So when Theo finally returns after being away for days, I remain indifferent. 5. Upon his return, he keeps responding to messages, barely looking around. “Why is the house so empty? Didn’t you pack?” “You said to keep it simple.” Theo falls silent, his eyes landing on the countdown showing “7.” “Time flies. Our wedding is just a week away.” I tear off two pages. “Our wedding is in five days.” These pages had wishes like “go to the beach together” and “stargaze together.” But Theo will never notice anything about me. Just then, my sister calls, and I step out to the balcony for a brief chat. When I return, Theo is still on his phone. “What’s up? I thought I heard something about a plane ticket.” “Nothing, just work stuff.” “Okay, just don’t plan a honeymoon. I’m too busy.” “I know.” Since Lydia returned, he hasn’t wanted to be apart from her for a second. Trying to ease the awkwardness, I hand Theo the bracelet. His calm eyes light up immediately. “So it was with you. I’ve been searching everywhere for it.” “I know. I saw your high-priced lost and found post online.” Ten thousand for a simple bracelet. Our entire wedding costs only five thousand. I look at Theo and suddenly ask, “Where’s your wedding ring?” He pauses, only realizing then his finger is bare. “Not sure when I lost it…” Theo tries to explain, but another message arrives on his phone. It’s Lydia’s special notification sound. He glances at it, then stands to kiss my forehead. “Sorry, babe. I’ve been so busy lately. Please take care of the wedding details.” “Once things settle, I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world.” Theo, usually so quiet, suddenly knows how to sweet-talk. In the past, I would have been moved. I’d have felt like I warmed that icy mountain. But now, I wash my face with disdain and continue my own tasks. Time slips by. Soon it’s the day before the wedding. The calendar’s wish is “have dinner together.” It’s been my biggest wish for years. But I know it will never come true. My sister won’t forgive the one who hurt me. And I won’t forgive Theo. I went to the beach myself, watching the stars by the sea. The starry sky envelops this familiar land, and all memories seem to fade with the sea breeze. Meanwhile, Lydia posts a new update. A big family dinner, everyone is there. Theo is beaming as he serves Lydia food. The caption reads, “Both families meeting, discussing final wedding details.” I don’t feel angry, just amused. Whose wedding? Mine or Lydia’s? I block and delete Lydia, trying to compose something to Theo, but I can’t send it. Just as I’m about to head home, Theo calls. “Where are you? Why aren’t you at home?” “Send me your location. I miss you.” 6 Theo arrives quickly. Once in the car, I notice a pillow on the passenger seat. I move it aside and find an opened box of condoms. Hesitating, I choose to sit in the back seat. Theo’s eyes remain glued to his phone, oblivious to my discomfort. He casually asks, “Why the beach? Is everything for the wedding done?” “Almost.” “I remember you always wanted to go to the beach. When I have time, I’ll take you for a proper trip. I didn’t mean to interrupt today, but my mom wanted to see you.” In Theo’s eyes, the wedding is solely my responsibility. He only thinks of me when he needs me. I don’t respond; my eyes sting from the wind. At the old house, only leftovers remain. Dad is chatting with Aunt Hazel. Aunt Hazel warmly takes my hand. “Nora, I really like you. You’re sensible and well-behaved.” As she says this, her eyes flicker to Lydia. “Though with Theo’s conditions, he could find someone better. But I advised him to cherish what he has.” “But you’re not young anymore. After the wedding, maybe stop working, have a child soon, and focus on taking care of Theo.” I respond perfunctorily. When I look up, Theo is already by Lydia’s side. He brings bridal and bridesmaid dresses for us to try on. “Knowing you’re busy, I let Lydia choose. She has better taste than you.” The old yellowed dress even has a tear. Meanwhile, Lydia, in a white dress, looks more like the bride. Theo seems anxious. “It must be a store mistake, nothing to do with Lydia.” “It’s too late to change. I’ll figure something out tomorrow.” “It’s fine.” I calmly want to change out of the bridal dress. But Lydia suggests taking a big group photo. She squeezes me to the side, standing next to Theo. As the shutter clicks, she nudges me. The final photo is so blurry, I can’t be recognized. Theo suggests retaking it. I smile, “Maybe another time. It’s late.” The wish for a group photo has already been crossed off my list. Lydia, with teary eyes, apologizes to me. “Sis, don’t be mad at Theo. I’ll scour the city tonight to find you a dress you’ll like.” With that, she runs out crying. Theo glares at me and chases after her. I feel bored and leave with the tattered dress. Anyway, tomorrow, everything will be over.

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On the night of the Valentine’s Day, a big scene unfolded at the entrance of our neighborhood when seven luxury cars suddenly lifted off the ground. My brother was yelling at the blown-off manhole cover, “Thanks for the rocket, bro!” The property manager shoved the security footage at me: “Which one of you threw fireworks into the septic tank causing the methane explosion? The repair cost for the Rolls Royce Cullinan is 2.8 million!” At the police station, my mom was in tears, pinching my arm, “Phoebe, just say it was you. Your brother can’t have a blemish on his record!” I glanced at the family group chat filled with messages like “A sister should protect her brother.” I suddenly burst into laughter. This time you can handle it yourself, dear brother—Logan “the Ground King.” 0 My brother Logan, known online as “Logan the Ground King,” is a minor TikTok streamer, often performing awkward antics. He couldn’t have picked a worse day—on Valentine’s Day, he managed to blow up a manhole cover. That’s real talent. “Thanks to our top supporter for the rocket! Thanks, everyone!” His altered voice, sounding like a raspy duck, was giving me a headache through the phone. The camera focused on the dark manhole cover, while colorful comments filled the screen. “Wow, thrilling!” “This city knows how to play; even manhole covers can explode!” “Why isn’t the streamer showing his face this time? Is it really him?” “Folks, today we’re challenging ourselves to blow up a manhole cover! Thanks for the support! Double tap, mwah!” His irritating altered voice came through the phone, making me want to reach through the internet and slap him. In the live stream, I saw him light a string of firecrackers and toss them into the manhole. The comments section erupted. Before I could react, the screen shook violently, followed by a loud “boom.” A flash of white light filled the screen before it returned to normal. In the camera, the manhole cover was gone, replaced by a deep, dark hole. A few brightly colored sports cars suddenly appeared in the frame. The nearest Cullinan had half a firecracker stuck on its starry roof, still smoking. Another flashy Lamborghini had some yellow, unidentified object dangling from its undercarriage, fluttering in the wind. The comments exploded. “Cullinan owner: Thanks a lot!” “Lamborghini: What did I do to deserve this?” Seeing the familiar car logos on the screen, my hand shook, nearly dropping the phone. Were those Mr. Wang and Mr. Li’s cars? And my recently acquired Cullinan client’s car? The phone rang incessantly, displaying “Manager.” I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm: “Manager, happy holidays” “happy holidays my foot! Phoebe! Look at what your wonderful brother did!” “There are seven supercars at the community entrance! All of them got blown up! The Cullinan’s starry roof is gone! Your client’s cars! They’re all your responsibility!” “I… I know, Manager, I’m dealing with it now.” I hung up, my hands shaking. Seven supercars, all my clients, and all with full damage coverage? My mind buzzed, filled with emptiness. My work group chat had over 99+ notifications already. My boss’s voice was cold: “Initial estimate, six million in losses! All have full damage coverage! Phoebe, tell me, who will pay for this?” At this point, the family group chat was in an uproar. My parents’ calls were incessant, so I took a cab home. Upon opening the door, everyone in the family was waiting in the living room. The atmosphere was as heavy as a memorial service. 0

My parents sat in the center of the sofa. My brother Logan stood beside them with his head down, looking like a wilted eggplant. My Aunt Lydia was sitting next to them, vividly recounting something to my mom. When she saw me enter, she immediately switched to a “devastated” expression. “Phoebe, you’re finally back!” Aunt Lydia rushed over first, grabbing my hand with tears in her eyes. My mom joined in, looking distressed: “Phoebe, be honest with your mom. Was this your doing?” Was it me? I quickly realized they wanted me to take the blame again. At 12, Logan set the community’s electric meter box on fire, and my parents had me take the blame, apologize, and get scolded. At 15, Logan threw his classmate’s backpack into water, ruining the latest tablet inside, and I got blamed for not teaching my brother properly. At 17, Logan acted up during a hot pot meal, pouring a whole bottle of industrial alcohol, almost causing a manslaughter case, and my parents made me pull strings and spend a fortune to settle it. I’ve always been Logan’s personal scapegoat, on call 24/7, dealing with emergencies at my own expense. But this time, I didn’t want to be their blood bank anymore. “Mom, what did I do?” I feigned confusion. My dad coughed heavily, pointing at a piece of paper on the coffee table. It was a notice from the police station. “Look for yourself! The police called, saying they need our cooperation for an investigation! The surveillance footage clearly shows someone throwing firecrackers into the manhole!” “Dad, did the footage show who threw it?” I deliberately asked. My mom, realizing I didn’t want to admit to this black pot, immediately cried harder. “Phoebe, your brother needs to take the civil service exam! If he has a criminal record, his life is over!” Aunt Lydia chimed in, “Yes, Phoebe, you’re the older sister, always so mature. Help your brother this time.” “Help him?” I raised an eyebrow, “How?” My parents exchanged a glance. My mom cleared her throat and started babbling: “You see, Logan didn’t show his face. The footage is dark; no one can tell who it is.” “Besides, you’re the sister. Isn’t it your duty to cover for your brother?” My mom said, giving me a look. I almost laughed out loud. This familiar manipulative talk, I’ve heard it all my life, and it’s still the same old song. “Mom, you mean go to the police station and admit it was me who blew up the manhole?” My parents nodded vigorously, and Aunt Lydia chimed in, “Phoebe, just say you were messing around. Young people make mistakes, right? Be polite, and maybe the police will go easy on you.” “Besides, once your brother becomes a civil servant, he’ll be part of the state, unlike you who work a regular job. You need to understand what’s best for our family.” My dad frowned at me. “Exactly, just say it was you. You don’t need to take the civil service exam anyway.” My mom quickly added. Looking at them, a chill ran through my heart. “And what about the repair costs? 2.8 million for the Cullinan, plus the other supercars, it’s over six million, right? Who’s paying?” I asked calmly. My mom hesitated, stammering: “Well… well… doesn’t insurance cover it?” Aunt Lydia’s eyes lit up, scooting over, “Yes, Phoebe, don’t you work at an insurance company? You’re a claims adjuster; you must have a way. Just help out, pull some strings, and have the insurance company cover it.” I couldn’t believe my ears. They wanted me to abuse my position to commit insurance fraud? “Aunt Lydia, what are you saying? Insurance claims follow a process. It’s not up to me to decide. This is clearly human-caused damage. The insurance company won’t cover it.” I said coldly. “Why can’t they cover it? You’re a claims adjuster. Can’t you handle this little thing?” Aunt Lydia looked incredulous. “Yeah, Phoebe, you’re the most accomplished in our family, and you won’t even help with this?” My mom started piling on the guilt. Looking at them, it was both laughable and pathetic. “You want me to take the blame and also fake claims to defraud the insurance company? You really think highly of me.” I retorted sarcastically. “Anyway, the situation is already out. What’s one more blame? If you end up in jail, your brother, once he’s a civil servant, can help you out.” Aunt Lydia said, trying to mediate. “Phoebe, didn’t I buy your brother an accident insurance policy before? He got injured yesterday. You can also have the insurance company pay thirty or fifty thousand for his recovery.” I looked at them coldly, saying nothing, feeling utterly disheartened. 0

Seeing the hard approach wasn’t working, my mom switched to a softer tactic. She took out a bank card, where I’d deposited almost 80% of my salary in the “family account.” My mom actually said my brother planned to use this money to buy me an apartment, hoping I’d be grateful enough to take the blame for Logan? I picked up my phone, walked over to the credit card machine, “Insufficient balance.” I frowned, checking the transaction details, seeing a long list of expenses on the screen. Luxury boutiques, fine dining, bars, karaoke, game top-ups… Thirty-eight thousand, already spent. I wanted to slam the door and never return to this home again. But today, if I didn’t admit to this, it seemed I wouldn’t be able to leave. I came up with a plan. “You want me to take the blame? Fine.” I suddenly laughed, tears almost coming out. “After all, I’m just a useless daughter. Our family is still counting on my brother to bring glory to the family name. For our family’s legacy, I admit it!” I pretended to be tearful, the more broken I appeared, the more easily they’d fall for it. My mom and Aunt Lydia exchanged a satisfied look, thinking they had me where they wanted. “That’s right, we’re family. It’s good you understand.” But today, if I don’t take responsibility for this, it seems I won’t be able to leave the house. A plan started to form in my mind. “You want me to take the blame? Fine.” I suddenly laughed, tears almost spilling over. “After all, I’m just the useless daughter. Our Logan family is still waiting for my brother to bring honor to the family. For the sake of the Logan lineage, I’ll admit it!” I deliberately acted more desperate, knowing the more I played the part, the more likely they were to believe me. My mom and Aunt Lydia exchanged a glance, satisfied smiles on their faces, thinking they had me cornered. “That’s the spirit, we’re family after all. It’s good you understand.” “But, Mom, Aunt Lydia, I’ll take the blame, but I need to know the full story: what explosives were used, and… why did Logan blow up the manhole cover?” I asked, fixing them with a piercing gaze. “Well, it’s nothing much. Logan, that kid, wasn’t he live-streaming, trying to add some excitement? He wanted some explosive effects to attract followers,” Aunt Lydia finally confessed, though she downplayed the situation. Then my mom reluctantly recounted the sequence of events. Just as I suspected, Logan had planned a “Valentine’s Day Extravaganza” for his TikTok stream to draw attention. He bought some fireworks, not realizing there was a septic tank under the manhole cover. “Mom, you’d better be honest with me. Whether I can ‘successfully’ take the blame and ‘pull strings’ with the insurance company depends on it.” I emphasized “take the blame” and “pull strings” to make sure they knew I was “playing the role.” “Alright, actually… it was a little ‘homemade bomb,’ like those kids play with during the New Year, just with a bit more power.” I didn’t plan to probe any further; I already had the gist. Next, I needed to get the explosives report to see what they really used. The next day, I excused myself, saying I needed to check the “details” of the insurance claim, and returned to work. When I saw the words “nitroglycerin” and “glycerin,” I couldn’t help but smirk. Logan, that kid, really had nerve. To become an internet celeb, he dared to possess and use explosives. This wasn’t just a simple public safety matter anymore; it might escalate to a criminal issue. Back home, I acted nonchalant, continuing the charade with them. Logan was in the living room, live-streaming with his “top fan sis,” oblivious to my little actions. I discreetly unlocked his phone, opened the PayPal account, and began reviewing recent transactions. Logan, that kid, bought so many highly dangerous fireworks. What infuriated me was he used my account to buy these dangerous goods, clearly trying to drag me down with him, making me the fall guy. It was clear Logan had planned everything: from buying explosives, orchestrating the stream, to shifting the blame afterward—every step meticulously calculated. Such a schemer! Since that’s the case, there’s no need for me to be polite anymore. “Logan, you brought this on yourself,” I thought coldly to myself.

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