Category: English

I Married the Billionaire’s Sick Son When I found out the billionaire’s son was sickly, I quickly agreed to marry him. I’m not a gold digger, I just want to know when I’ll inherit the billions. Whoa, on our wedding night, the “sickly” husband revealed his true colors. “Do you prefer a boy or a girl?” he asked. “…” I panicked. I got married. To the billionaire’s only son, no less. Filthy rich. The kind of rich where they could install an elevator on Mount Everest if they wanted to. Most importantly, He was supposedly sickly. The type who had signed stacks of dangerous diagnosis papers. Always pulled back from the brink of death with money. When I found out I was marrying him, I was so excited I rolled around on my bed. Just thinking about my future life as a wealthy and beautiful widow made me grin from ear to ear. On the wedding day, the billionaire’s assistant looked at me apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Miss Reed. The young master is in poor health, so you’ll have to complete the wedding ceremony alone.” As he spoke, a million dollars was deposited into my bank account. I nodded vigorously. “It’s fine, it’s fine. I’ll take good care of the young master in the future!” After all, it’s usually the bride who steals the show at weddings anyway. The groom? Take him or leave him. Only my silly sister Tina had the nerve to flit around in front of me. “How pitiful, marrying a sickly man.” “How dare you talk about my husband like that! I won’t allow it!” Is he really my husband? He’s my future sugar daddy! Come to think of it, Tina was originally supposed to be the one getting married. Because I already had a boyfriend. But after Tina threw a huge tantrum and my stepmother whispered in my father’s ear, My dad immediately made me break up and get married instead. And Tina ended up with my ex-boyfriend. Damn, how did all these good things happen at once? I was just thinking about how to break up when someone came along to solve the problem for me. Jack was also at the wedding, his face pale as he looked at my wedding dress. “Don’t worry, this is haute couture. It won’t clash with that family heirloom wedding dress of yours.” I glanced at Jack and walked away. I completed the wedding ceremony alone. Wearing the latest wedding gown, I looked like a princess. When the officiant asked about my feelings for the groom, I immediately launched into an 800-word essay. This heartfelt declaration moved the billionaire to tears, and he immediately transferred five million dollars to me. I received the transfer notification on my way to the mansion. The car stopped in front of an estate. The swimming pool in front and the golf course in back left me speechless. “Young madam, the mountain behind also belongs to us. There’s even a hot spring up there.” I held back tears, thinking about how all this would be mine in the future. How exciting! The servant led me to a room on the second floor. “The entire second floor is for you and the young master. The third floor rooms are vacant. There are call buttons everywhere if you need anything.” I nodded and opened the door. A man was sitting on the sofa by the floor-to-ceiling windows. He was leaning back on the large sofa, holding a glass of red wine in his long, slender white hand. Red wine?! Can he even drink? “You’re Fiona Reed? Come here.” As I walked over, I realized the man before me was breathtakingly handsome. With exquisite features, he looked like a masterpiece sculpted by God. I blurted out, “Hi, husband.” The man was so startled by my words that he choked. He dropped the wine glass and started coughing violently. I rushed over to pat his back, terrified. He can’t die tonight! If he dies on our wedding night, what if his dad thinks I’m bad luck? What if he doesn’t give me any money?

The moment I put my hand on his back, I froze. Are these thick back muscles really what a sickly person should have? “Had enough?” His voice sounded a bit displeased, scaring me into quickly withdrawing my hand. “Want me to take off my shirt so you can feel more?” I was about to shake my head in refusal when I suddenly noticed his ears had turned bright red. I just touched him once, that’s all. Isn’t this the typical reaction of an innocent man? So, as if possessed, I nodded. “Okay, then take it off and let me feel your abs.” On our wedding night, I met my “sickly” husband for the first time. He took off his shirt and leaned back on the sofa, letting me touch his abs. “How do they feel?” I nodded. First-class! “My name is Henry Shaw.” I’m not sure why he suddenly introduced himself, but I nodded anyway. My hands didn’t stop moving. “Is nodding all you can do?” Henry chuckled lightly, looking quite pleased. I suddenly thought of my cat, who also looks satisfied after being petted. “I’m going to take a shower. We can continue when I get back.” Before I could react, he had already stood up and walked towards the bathroom. I also grabbed my clothes and went to another bathroom. By the time I finished washing up, Henry was already lying in bed, patting the space next to him. As soon as I lay down, he turned off the lights. Before I could see clearly, a hot body pressed against me. “Fiona,” he breathed into my ear. “Do you prefer a boy or a girl?” I was so startled I jolted, but as I tried to escape, he grabbed my wrist tightly, preventing me from moving. “Aren’t you supposed to be sickly?” Henry’s face was pressed against mine as he whispered, “Why don’t you find out for yourself?” … That night, I felt like a fish being flipped over and over on a grill. Hearing my description, Henry’s hand resting on my waist gave it a gentle pat. “Then you must be an adorable tilapia.” Liar! What sickly person?! It was all a lie! Compared to him, I’m the sickly one! Henry got up and dressed, while I still lay in bed, struggling to move my waist. “If you can’t get up, just stay in bed. No one will say anything.” He adjusted his tie while looking at me through the mirror. “Rest well. We’ll continue tonight!” Beast! At this rate, even if I drank ten cans of Red Bull, I wouldn’t be able to keep up! Just as I was thinking this, my phone suddenly rang. I struggled to reach for it. Seeing how difficult it was for me, Henry answered the call and held the phone to my ear. My father’s voice came through the speaker. “Fiona, quickly transfer five million dollars over. Your sister wants to buy a house.” “Why should I care?!” I cursed angrily. I don’t know what was said on the other end, but my stepmother’s voice came on next. “Fiona, now that you’ve married the Shaw family’s young master, you don’t need to worry about money. Hurry up and transfer five million over for us to use.” “Did someone crack open your skull? Who do you think you’re talking to?” There was silence on the other end, then my father’s voice came back. “Fiona, how can you talk to your stepmother like that? Your sister is getting married and doesn’t have money. As her older sister, shouldn’t you help out?” “If they don’t have money, why don’t they just not get married? If she had no money, why didn’t she marry rich in the first place?!” As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized what I’d said and looked at Henry. Henry put on a hurt expression. “Well, I didn’t like your sister anyway.” Now everyone fell silent. After a while, my father finally spoke. “Your sister has it tough. Anyway, transfer the five million quickly, or I won’t give you your mother’s things.”

She has it tough? Am I living an easy life? A bunch of heirlooms my mom left behind. He’s hoarding them and threatening me every day! I gritted my teeth in anger. Henry took my phone and answered. “Hello, is this my father-in-law? This is Henry Shaw.” “You need money? Sure, we can discuss it after we visit you.” He dealt with my father in a few sentences, then turned to me with a smug look. “How’s that? Don’t you still need your husband to solve problems for you?” “What are you so smug about! We’ll still get nagged when we visit!” I snorted and lay back down on the bed. Henry sat down beside me, stroking my hair gently. “That’s right, but since I’m in poor health, I probably won’t be able to accompany my wife on the visit. You’ll have to face them alone then.” Poor health? He could go all night! I turned over angrily. “What part of you is in poor health? You seem perfectly fine to me!” “Well, it seems Fiona is quite satisfied with me.” Henry patted my head, the smile suddenly disappearing from his face. “Since we’re married, I won’t hide it from you. My family currently has some enemies, so I have to conceal my true physical condition. Once we leave this bedroom, I’m a sickly person, understand?” I nodded, somewhat confused, feeling like I’d boarded a pirate ship. “Good girl. Let’s go downstairs for breakfast.” Sure enough, as soon as we left the room, Henry seemed to lose all his strength, leaning his body against mine. To think I had to drag a 6’2″ man around! The servants all gathered around concernedly, several of them helping Henry into the dining room. I finally understood what it meant to be treated like royalty. The dining table was practically set with an imperial feast. Who eats abalone for breakfast?! Henry put some abalone in my bowl. “You’ve worked hard. Eat something good to replenish your energy.” I lowered my head and focused on shoveling food into my mouth. Henry suddenly leaned close. “See that person wiping the handrail by the stairs? That’s someone our enemies sent. Find a way to fire her!” I stared at him with wide eyes. “Why don’t you do it yourself?” “It would be too obvious if I did it. They’d just send someone new. You’ve just arrived, so it’s the perfect opportunity to show your authority as the lady of the house.” Is this still the law-abiding society I know? How can there be a spy in the house?! “I don’t want to do it.” “One million dollars!” “Deal!” I excitedly stood up immediately! Instantly, everyone’s attention was drawn to me. Henry’s mouth twitched slightly as he looked at me. After sending Henry back to the room, I pretended to go downstairs for water, then “accidentally” fell at the stairs. Several people rushed over to help me up. I clutched my bottom and shouted, “Who cleaned these stairs? Are you trying to kill me?!” Sure enough, that girl stepped forward. She looked to be only in her early twenties. Is she really a spy? Never mind, for a million dollars, I’m sorry! I gritted my teeth and yelled, “There’s still water on the steps. Are you trying to kill me and the young master?” The girl’s eyes filled with tears as she shook her head repeatedly. “You’re fired. Don’t come back anymore!” The girl wanted to say something, but the butler immediately led her away. As they left, I caught sight of the butler’s discreet thumbs-up. What’s going on? I completed my task and returned to the room, feeling satisfied. My phone immediately pinged with a money transfer notification. “The butler has known me since I was little. You can trust him, but don’t believe anything anyone else says.” I stared curiously at Henry, who was reading a book. “Who exactly are these enemies you mentioned? Why do they want to harm you?”

Henry glanced at me and said softly, “I’ll tell you when the time is right. I’m putting on this act to lower our opponents’ guard.” It seems being a billionaire’s son isn’t easy these days. “What about you? Your father doesn’t seem to like you very much.” I shrugged indifferently. “He married my mom for financial reasons. Later he found a mistress, which angered my mom to death. The mistress became my stepmother and brought along a sister two years younger than me.” I’ve known since I was little that my dad didn’t like me. No matter how well-behaved I was, he never spared me a glance. It wasn’t until Tina came along that I understood. When the person is wrong, everything they do is wrong. When Tina pushed me into the water, he praised her for being strong. When Tina stole my clothes and snacks, he praised her for having personality and knowing how to compete. After all these years, I’ve gotten used to it. “Do you want to get back at them?” Henry suddenly put down his book and pulled me onto his lap. “How?” “Simple. Take me to meet your family tomorrow. Bringing home a rich, handsome husband is worth showing off, isn’t it?” I nodded thoughtfully. “If the husband might die early and leave all his inheritance to me, that would be even more worth showing off.” Henry rolled his eyes. “We’ll see how you perform tonight.” The next day, Henry got up early and carefully chose his outfit in front of the mirror. I was still lying in bed, recovering my energy. In comparison, I felt like I was the one who was about to die. “You should start working out,” he said flatly, taking a box from the closet and handing it to me. “Here, choose one yourself.” When I opened the box, I was nearly blinded. Diamond necklaces as big as pigeon eggs. Emerald green, sapphire blue. I was dazzled. Finally dressed and adorned, I looked at the jewelry on my body, estimating I’d gained about four pounds. “Stop looking. It’s time to go.” I quickly maintained my role as the virtuous wife, supporting Henry as we went downstairs. A car was already waiting at the gate. The string of 8’s on the license plate once again refreshed my worldview. “Now I know why you have enemies.” With so much money, who wouldn’t be jealous! “Don’t worry, it’s our marital property. Half of it is yours.” I immediately felt better. For once, I was welcomed home with fanfare. No need to guess, it was definitely for the five million dollars. Tina looked at me with a smug smile on her face. Until Henry got out of the car, her smile froze. “Where’s your husband? You didn’t bring him for the family visit?” I immediately snuggled into Henry’s arms. “My big husband is standing right here. Can’t you see him?” Tina and my stepmother’s faces instantly twisted. As we entered the house, an array of gifts was displayed on the table, making my father’s eyes light up. “Fiona, Henry, come have some tea.” Henry glanced at the tea on the table and sighed, holding my hand. “Darling, you’ve suffered so much.” I looked at him in confusion. “I can’t believe you’ve been drinking this kind of tea. From now on, I’ll let you drink the good stuff.”

This was my father’s prized Darjeeling tea. He rarely brings it out. I struggled to hold back my laughter and nodded. “Seeing you happy makes me content,” my stepmother quickly regained her smile, excitedly rubbing her hands. “Fiona, about what I mentioned earlier, have you thought about it? Your sister still needs to buy a house.” Henry squeezed my hand. “I heard that Fiona’s mother left some belongings here. Let’s take those first, then we can talk.” “No way.” My father immediately refused. “Since father-in-law said no, let’s leave then.” As Henry was about to lead me out, Tina quickly blocked the door. “You’re not short on money. What’s wrong with giving me a little?!” I clenched my fists and sneered. “I’d rather throw my money in the ocean than give it to you!” “Alright, no need to waste words. Bring out everything. Name your price, and don’t bother us in the future!” My stepmother and Tina’s eyes immediately lit up. “But think carefully. If I don’t accept this price, you won’t have another chance. Fiona won’t give you money anymore, and if I find out about any transfers, they’ll be taken back immediately. After all, it’s our marital property.” Everyone in the room suddenly fell silent. I watched as the three of them huddled together, whispering and calculating how much money to ask for, feeling irritated. Henry patted my hand, a calm smile on his face. “We’ve decided,” my father said. “Don’t rush. Bring out the items first so I can take a look.” My father immediately went upstairs and brought down a box. All that remained of my mother’s belongings were stuffed inside. As I reached out to take it, he quickly pulled it back. Seeing this action, a chill ran through my heart. “Give your sister the money first, then I’ll give you the things.” I remained silent, sitting back on the sofa. Henry put his arm around my waist and glanced at the contents of the box. “How can I be sure these all belonged to my mother-in-law? What if I give you the money and you claim these things are yours?” “We’re not that kind of people!” Tina anxiously replied. Obviously, she was already impatient to get her hands on the money. “What kind of people you are is none of my business. I don’t trust you!” My stepmother and father exchanged glances, and my father spoke up. “Your mother left a will back then. I’ll bring it to you!” You had a will all these years and you still hoarded everything! I wanted to argue with them angrily, but Henry grabbed my hand and shook his head at me. My father brought out the will and placed it in front of me. Henry took it and carefully examined it. “So these are your family members, huh? They had a will but still tried to keep your belongings and ask for money. Isn’t this fraud?” My father’s face turned pale. If it weren’t for my mom giving him money to invest back then, he wouldn’t have his current status. “You’ve seen the things, now hurry up and transfer the money. To my previous account!” Tina raised her chin, looking at me smugly. “What’s the rush! We can transfer the money, but first, let’s call the police.” As he spoke, Henry took out his phone and dialed. “What are you doing?! This is a family matter.” “Well, unfortunately, Fiona is my wife now.” The police arrived quickly. My father began to deny any extortion attempts. Unexpectedly, Henry pulled out a voice recorder, and my father’s voice played: “You give the money to your sister first, then dad will give you the things.” Now my father couldn’t smile anymore. The police separated us to take statements. Tina took advantage of the moment to pull me aside. “What do you mean by this? That’s dad, how could you do this to him?” I looked at her and sneered. “Didn’t you say he was your dad and had nothing to do with me?” Tina was suddenly at a loss for words.

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“Asher and I are together now.” Daphne’s words felt like a bucket of ice water poured over my head. I involuntarily stopped my stretching routine, frozen for a moment before forcing out a smile. “That’s… sudden.” Asher had only been back for five days, and I had introduced Daphne to him just three days ago. Yes, how could I have forgotten? The lady beside me was known as the “straight guy killer” of our performing arts school. Apparently, even the guy I’d been crushing on for five years wasn’t immune to her charms. Chapter One “He’s picking me up for dinner this afternoon. Want to join us?” she invited. “No thanks, I don’t want to be a third wheel on your date,” I refused without hesitation. “He said he wants to thank you. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have met. So you have to come,” she insisted, wrapping her arms around mine and pouting. I gave in and nodded, “Alright.” Daphne had once seen my phone gallery, which included a photo of Asher and me from our high school graduation. “You like him?” she had asked point-blank. Embarrassed at having my feelings exposed, I blushed and defended myself, “We’re just good friends from school.” I don’t know if she believed me, but from that moment on, she started showing an unusual interest in Asher, constantly pestering me for information about him. A few days ago, when Asher returned to the States and asked me out for dinner, Daphne saw the message. What was supposed to be a one-on-one catch-up turned into a group hangout. I never imagined that with just one simple meeting, I’d hand over the guy I’d been crushing on for five years to someone else. That afternoon, Daphne and I walked out of the school gates. In the distance, we saw Asher leaning against his car, waving at us. Daphne immediately beamed and ran towards him. He caught her in an embrace, his smile affectionate. I stood rooted to the spot, the scene before me almost too painful to watch. After two minutes of cuddling, they finally remembered my existence. “Olivia, come on!” he called out, holding Daphne’s hand. I nodded at him and walked over, tactfully getting into the back seat. As soon as I got in, a huge bouquet of roses on the front passenger seat caught my eye. Daphne, true to his expectations, was delighted. She hugged the flowers, happily cooing, “Baby, I love you so much.” So, he was quite the romantic after all. He drove us to the best restaurant in the city. Daphne’s eyes darted around, taking in the luxurious surroundings. Although she tried to hide it well, I could see the longing in her eyes at that moment. “Olivia, thank you for introducing me to Daphne. This is a gift we picked out for you,” he said, pulling out an elegantly wrapped box from behind him and handing it to me. “Olivia, take it. It’s that perfume you like,” Daphne said, hanging on his arm, sounding like a princess bestowing a gift upon her handmaiden. I suddenly felt a sense of time displacement. Just three days ago, I was standing next to Asher, introducing him: “This is my roommate, Daphne.” How did our roles reverse so quickly? I felt like an awkward and out-of-place clown between them. The table was laden with exquisite and expensive dishes, but I could hardly swallow a bite. Chapter Two After that dinner, I didn’t see Asher alone again. Since starting her relationship with him, Daphne began frequently skipping classes and not returning to the dorm. On the rare occasions she did come back, she always carried shopping bags with designer logos, excitedly telling us about the places Asher had taken her. Lucy, our other roommate, expressed her envy. Daphne proudly lifted her chin and with a grand gesture, pulled out a bag from one of the shopping bags. “This one’s for you.” Lucy happily accepted it. “Daphne, you’re so generous!” Then she looked at me. “Olivia, why don’t you pick one too?” I waved my hand in refusal. “No need.” After thinking for a moment, I reminded her, “You haven’t been to the dance studio in a long time. The competition is coming up soon. Shouldn’t you come back to practice?” She smacked her forehead. “Olivia, you’re the best. I’ve been having so much fun lately that I almost forgot about it. I’ll go practice with you tomorrow.” I nodded in agreement. The next day, as soon as we entered the rehearsal room, our instructor’s face darkened upon seeing her. “Daphne Shaw, come out for a moment.” Although they went outside, I could roughly guess what was being said from the snippets of conversation and their expressions. Daphne’s professional performance had always been at the top of our school, and the instructor had been grooming her as the standard-bearer. The upcoming competition, if she won, would secure her a position at the National Dance Company. At a time like this, how could the instructor not be angry about her frequent absences and missed practices? About half an hour later, she returned and plopped down next to me, her face slightly pale. “What happened?” I asked. She sighed, “Ms. Harrison warned me that if I skip any more classes before next week’s competition, she’ll revoke my eligibility to compete.” “Then maybe you should stay in and practice for now. You can go out and have fun after the competition,” I suggested. “But it’s Asher’s birthday tomorrow. I’ve already planned a surprise for him. I can’t not be there.” Words of persuasion got stuck in my throat. That day, Daphne was clearly distracted during class. The next morning, when I woke up, her bed was already neatly made, and she was nowhere to be seen. As expected, when I arrived at the rehearsal room, Ms. Harrison was already fuming. “Olivia, what’s going on with Daphne?” “I don’t know.” “She wasn’t in the dorm last night?” “She was.” “Call her now. Tell her if I don’t see her here in half an hour, her eligibility for the competition is revoked.” I went to my locker, took out my phone, and dialed her number. After a moment, a mechanical voice responded, “The number you have dialed is currently switched off…” Ms. Harrison’s face was filled with disappointment. “Fine, she made her choice. I hope she doesn’t regret it later.” For the next week, Daphne didn’t appear at school at all. But through her Instagram, I knew she had meticulously prepared a perfect birthday for Asher. She posted a photo of them kissing at sunset, and everyone flooded her comments with congratulations. I right-clicked and also hit the like button. A moment later, her message popped up. “Olivia, you’re competing tomorrow?” “Yes.” “Oh, Asher and I will come cheer you on.” I put away my phone without replying. Chapter Three On the day of the competition, backstage, Ms. Harrison handed me my costume. “Olivia, with Daphne absent, you’re the most likely to win. Don’t let us down.” The dance I was performing was one I had practiced for two months. As long as nothing went wrong and I performed steadily, I was confident I could take first place. According to the draw order, I was the third to perform. As I walked out from backstage, I saw Asher and Daphne sitting in the audience from afar. Daphne mouthed “Good luck” to me, but I pretended not to see her and walked straight to center stage. The lights dimmed, and the music began. I twirled, my skirt gradually slowing as the music faded. As I completed the final pose with the last notes, the auditorium fell silent for two seconds before erupting into thunderous applause. Ms. Harrison stood below, giving me a satisfied thumbs up. I knew I had won. I won first place in the competition without any suspense, which meant I could enter the National Dance Company. After the competition, I sat backstage preparing to remove my makeup when Daphne, arm-in-arm with Asher, approached me. “Congratulations,Cora,” he spoke first, handing me a bouquet. “Thank you.” “Congrats,Cora. You can join the company now,” Daphne said, her congratulations sounding a bit stiff. I looked at their tightly clasped hands and felt momentarily dazed. I noticed a small letter tattooed on Asher’s ring finger. Seeing my gaze fixed there, he awkwardly withdrew his hand from Daphne’s grasp. “You got a tattoo?” I asked curiously. “Mm.” “Oh, you mean this?” Daphne chimed in. “It’s the name of his dog, Dobby.” I was taken aback. I knew about Asher’s dog; it was a Bichon Frise he got after going abroad. But in my memory, that dog was called Ruby. Seeing Asher’s unusual expression, I didn’t ask further. “Want to have dinner together later?” he asked. “I can’t today. There’s a celebration banquet later. Why don’t you join us?” Hearing my words, Daphne’s face immediately showed discomfort. Indeed, her presence at such an event now would only be rubbing salt in the wound. Asher must have realized this too. “We’d better not. We’ll celebrate with you another time.” “Alright,” I agreed. After that competition, I started frequently rehearsing with the dance company and gradually participating in some major events. Now Daphne and I had switched roles. I often missed school classes due to company rehearsals or events, while Daphne began attending every class without fail. Before the National Day holiday, I returned to school briefly. As soon as I entered the dorm, everyone was animatedly discussing something. Seeing me return, Lucy immediately held up her phone to show me. “Olivia, a famous director is coming to our school to cast the lead actress for his new movie!” I took her phone and looked carefully. Indeed, it was that internationally renowned director. If one could star as the lead in his film, it would already be a height that many established stars could only dream of. “Are you going to audition?” Lucy continued to ask. “The company is quite busy lately. I’m not sure if the timing will work out.” “Oh, what a shame. I heard Ms. Harrison recommended you and Daphne to the director.” Daphne, hearing her name mentioned, turned her head somewhat uncomfortably to look at me. “Ms. Harrison hasn’t told me the exact time yet. I’ll text you when she does.” I nodded. “Okay, I’ll go if there’s no schedule conflict.” I’m not sure when it started, but even though Daphne and I had never openly confronted each other about anything, the atmosphere between us had become strangely polite. I put down my things and started tidying up on my own. She left the dorm with Lucy, and we all maintained this safe distance with tacit and aloof understanding. Chapter Four Late at night, I opened my phone and scrolled through Asher’s Twitter. He was someone who liked to share his daily life on social media, so he often posted updates. But I noticed that since he got together with Daphne, the frequency of his tweets had significantly decreased. In contrast to his Instagram, where nine out of ten posts were about Daphne, his Twitter feed showed no trace of her. I couldn’t even find Daphne’s presence in his comments. Unconsciously, I scrolled back to the period when he was abroad. A particular person in the comments gradually caught my attention. I clicked into her Twitter profile, and the image that appeared on my phone screen left me momentarily stunned. After a while, I turned off my phone and pulled back my bed curtain to look at the bed opposite. Daphne’s even breathing could be heard. After a moment of struggle, I decided to let it go. The next day, because the dance company had rehearsal in the afternoon, I attended morning classes and then excused myself early. Soon after returning to the company, I received a message from Daphne. “Tomorrow at 11 AM, Building 3, Room 201.” “Okay, thanks,” I replied briefly. “Will you be able to come back tomorrow?” “I have something in the morning, but I can adjust. Besides, it’s not easy to get an interview with Director Wen, so I’ll definitely go for this opportunity.” “Oh.” Looking at Daphne’s text showing no particular emotional fluctuation, I didn’t reply further. I put my phone back and continued rehearsing. On the day of the interview, I woke up early and went to a makeup artist I had worked with before. She did an exquisite yet not overly flashy makeup for me. After finishing, she admired her work in the mirror. “Olivia, with your current state, this year’s newcomer award is yours for sure. When you become famous, you can hire me as your personal makeup artist. I’m not expensive,” she said teasingly, holding her brush. I gently pinched her chubby cheeks. “I’ll take that as a good omen.” Calculating the time, I still had a while before the interview. I went with her to pick out an outfit. When I arrived at school, it was just 10:30 AM. I walked towards Building 3 with my prepared materials, seeing a crowd already gathered at the door from afar. Besides some students who came to watch, there were also a few staff members. I politely handed my materials to a staff member at the door. “Hello, I’m here for the interview.” “Interview?” A man wearing a brown vest, who was organizing documents on the table, looked up at me with a puzzled expression when he heard my words. “Yes, for Director Wen’s movie. My recommender is my teacher, Ms. Harrison.” “Oh, didn’t Ms. Harrison tell you about the interview time?” He suddenly seemed to understand. “Isn’t it at 11 AM?” Hearing my words, he looked at me with a complex expression for a long time, then spoke. “I’m sorry, miss. I don’t know what misunderstanding occurred in your communication, but our interviews started at 9 AM and have already ended. Director Wen has already left the school.” I was stunned by his words. But Daphne clearly told me it was at 11 AM. He might have seen many similar situations, and seeing that I hadn’t spoken for a while, he sighed. “It’s alright, there will be other opportunities in the future.” “Thank you,” I said dejectedly as I took back my materials from his table. Just as I was about to turn and leave, I saw Daphne walking out of the restroom, smiling broadly and dressed in designer clothes. Chapter Five “Can you explain this to me?” I walked up to her, showing her the message where she had informed me of the time. She shrugged indifferently, while using a tissue to wipe off the remaining water on her freshly washed hands. “Olivia, you don’t need to rush to confront me. I don’t owe you anything.” “What do you mean?” “You must be very proud of snatching my position at the dance company, right? After all, I’ve always been a step ahead of you since we entered school. The underdog suddenly becoming the phoenix must be worth celebrating. I understand, so every time you come back to school to show off, I haven’t given you any trouble. I’m just taking back what belongs to me. That position can be my compensation to you. We’re even now, so stop acting like a victim in front of me. It makes me sick.” I was amused by her confusing speech. “Daphne, let’s be clear. When you didn’t go to the competition, it wasn’t because I tied you up and prevented you from going. You’re blaming all the consequences of your love-struck behavior on me. Do you think that’s reasonable?” She shrugged indifferently. “Whatever, think what you want. Anyway, we’ve always had a fake friendship. By the way, you don’t know this, but I’ve never considered you my friend. I’ve disliked you since the first day of school.” This last sentence from Daphne was unexpected. Seeing that I didn’t refute, she leaned close to my ear and whispered, “Oh, I forgot to tell you something else.” She paused deliberately before continuing. “You really like my boyfriend, don’t you?” Bang! My heart suddenly accelerated. I could feel my face burning hot. “What… what are you talking about?” I stammered. “Hahahahaha, why are you stuttering? Let me show you something interesting.” She pulled out a notebook from her bag. My breath caught. I couldn’t be more familiar with this notebook. It was the diary I had been writing since high school, containing everything I had recorded about Asher.

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The new colleague, trying to establish her cute and naive persona, posted screenshots of my and other employees’ Valentine’s Day gift posts from Instagram to the company’s main group chat. “Ladies who showed off their gifts yesterday, time to take your morning-after pills!” she wrote, adding a giggling emoji. The male colleagues immediately followed up with a string of lewd emojis. Afterwards, my coworkers and I faced varying degrees of harassment. Others were forced to resign, while she played the victim, saying, “I’m just a bit straightforward.” As for me, I was stalked and brutally murdered on my way home from work. When I opened my eyes again, the new colleague was still tagging me in the group chat. “Why isn’t Lydia saying anything? Is she too exhausted to get up?” I let out a cold laugh and replied, “I’m busy planning your funeral.” My phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. I snapped back to reality and looked at the messages flooding the company group chat. Chloe, the new girl at the office, had posted a series of screenshots from Instagram. Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, and all the women in the office with boyfriends had posted pictures of their gifts on Instagram. I had also shared a photo of flowers from a good friend. Chloe had compiled all these screenshots and shared them in the company’s main group chat, followed by a message: “Ladies who posted gift pics yesterday, time to take your morning-after pills!” She even added a giggling emoji. Someone immediately jumped in to reply, “Wow, looks like all the pretty girls in our company are taken.” The conversation started normally but quickly veered off in an unsavory direction. Chloe asked in the group, “Why is everyone so quiet?” By “everyone,” she meant us girls who had posted. A male colleague sent a leering emoji with an ambiguous comment, “They must be busy, I guess.” Soon, other male colleagues followed suit, flooding the chat with suggestive emojis. Someone asked Chloe, “Hey Chloe, we didn’t see you post anything on Instagram. We’re all curious about what your man looks like.” Others chimed in agreement. Since joining the company, Chloe had been marketing herself as a ditzy beauty. She would complain to people, pretending to be troubled, about how she had too many admirers in college and no personal space. She claimed guys would constantly confess their love under her dorm building, persisting even after rejection. In her stories, she had always been the prettiest girl in class, often voted as the class beauty. She’d wave her hand shyly and say, “It was just my classmates joking around. Take it as a funny story.” Plus, she was eager to make friends, adding almost half the company on social media, and her Instagram was full of sexy photos. Soon, male colleagues started jokingly calling her “the beauty.” Each time, she’d coyly deflect for a bit before accepting the nickname. Now, when asked about her love life, she sent a shy emoji. “Oh, no one’s pursuing me. Where would I find a boyfriend?” “Chloe, with your figure and looks, you’ll definitely find someone,” someone replied. “Yeah, some lucky guy is going to snag you up one day.” After a round of compliments, she finally spoke up. “Let’s not talk about me. Where’s Lydia? Why isn’t she saying anything?” “Is she still tired from last night?” she added, tagging me. Someone chimed in mischievously, “Lydia’s quite the looker too. I bet her man had a good time last night.” Chloe pretended to be angry, “What are you guys saying? There are ladies present!” Under her guidance, the group chat devolved into a sea of lewd comments, gradually spinning wild tales about us. A younger colleague messaged me privately, almost in tears, “Lydia, what should we do? I just had dinner with my boyfriend, but they’re making it sound so dirty!” Looking back at the group chat, it had turned into a frenzy centered around Chloe. I smirked and scrolled up to reply to the message that tagged me. “I’m busy picking out your grave.” The group chat suddenly went quiet. Two seconds later, Chloe sent a hurt emoji. “Lydia, I was just joking. Don’t be so mean.” “I’ll apologize if I have to,” she added in a voice message, her tone tinged with a sob, sounding quite pitiful. Others immediately jumped to her defense, turning on me. “Chloe was just trying to lighten the mood. Lydia, aren’t you making a mountain out of a molehill?” “Yeah, Chloe’s always been respectful to you. You’re being way too harsh.” “Lydia, that was uncalled for. You should apologize to Chloe.” Seeing how protective everyone was of her, my anger flared up even more. It was because of people like this that I and other female colleagues met such a terrible fate in my previous life. Chloe quickly tried to mediate, “Don’t defend me, guys. It’s my fault for upsetting Lydia. If she wants to scold me, I’ll take it.” “Thanks for having my back, everyone. I’ll treat you all to bubble tea when we’re back in the office,” she added, her voice soft and slightly nasal, dragging out the last syllable like a spoiled child. This made the male colleagues even more hostile towards me, comforting Chloe while criticizing me. “This isn’t your fault, Chloe. Lydia, I call you ‘Miss’ out of respect, but if you’re going to be like this, you’re losing everyone’s respect.” “Chloe didn’t mean any harm, Lydia. Don’t blow this out of proportion. It’s making everyone uncomfortable.” Their self-righteous comments made me sick to my stomach. I had joined the company right after graduation and worked my way up to my current position. Knowing how tough the journey was, I always tried to give new employees some guidance, hoping to help them avoid unnecessary pitfalls. People in the company called me “Miss Liu” not just because of my seniority, but because I had helped most of them in one way or another. But now, with just a few words from Chloe, they were turning on me. Some were even trying to use this opportunity to ask Chloe out. Didn’t they think she was just an innocent, ditzy beauty? Didn’t they believe Chloe’s words had no ill intent? Well, it was time to expose her true colors. “Chloe, everyone was just celebrating Valentine’s Day. Didn’t you and Jack book a hotel room?” “Why didn’t you show off the flowers and engagement ring Jack gave you?” My words sent the group chat into a frenzy, especially those who had been defending Chloe earlier. They seemed particularly agitated. “Chloe, didn’t you say you were single and spent Valentine’s Day alone?” “Jack’s proposing to you? When did you two start dating?” “Chloe, you turned me down when I asked you to hang out, saying you were worried about rumors. Was it because you were worried about Jack?” The most anxious were the male colleagues who had frequently asked Chloe out, only to be turned down with various excuses. Yet, she would still text them “goodnight” every day. Chloe hurriedly explained, “Jack just called me out yesterday saying it was urgent, so I met him briefly. There’s nothing between us, we’re just coworkers.” “You guys know who I’m closest to, right?” she added coyly. Seeing her stubborn denial, I dropped another bombshell. “Oh really? Last Saturday, I saw you two kissing in the stairwell. I thought you’d been together for a while. So you’re just playing around?” I feigned disappointment, “Poor Jack. He really likes you and wanted to propose on Valentine’s Day.” Chloe had always portrayed herself as popular but chaste at work. Despite having many admirers, she claimed to be single. She would always smile and say, “I just haven’t met the right person yet.” If pressed, she would blush and say, “I’m not comfortable with intimate contact with guys.” Playing the role of an innocent flower. This act had both single and married men in the office wanting to pluck this flower. Now, she either had to admit she had been secretly dating Jack, or confess to fooling around, exposing her promiscuous private life. Chloe was cornered, stammering and unable to respond. I understood her dilemma. After all, I knew her type. How could she continue to string along other men if she had a boyfriend? She wasn’t about to give up her harem of male admirers. After a few minutes, Chloe sent a series of messages. “Stop pressuring me. I didn’t say anything before because I was afraid you’d distance yourselves from me.” “I’m new to the company, and you guys are the only ones I’m close to. I didn’t want to lose you as friends.” “I know you probably won’t talk to me anymore after this. Thanks for taking care of me all this time.” After leaving these messages, she left the group chat. She was indeed skilled with words, painting herself as a victim of circumstances, while making the men she had been stringing along look inconsiderate. For a moment, they started blaming themselves for not being gentle enough, driving Chloe away. Watching them scramble to comfort Chloe, I couldn’t help but scoff. When Chloe first joined the company, the other women in our team were quite helpful to her, always ready to lend a hand. Now in her version, those male colleagues who brought her coffee became her only friends. Chloe had been juggling multiple male colleagues, and I had been aware of it all along. I never interfered because it was their personal business. But my negligence towards her behavior led to my tragic death in my previous life. In my previous life, it started just like this. Early in the morning, Chloe was spreading gossip about me and other colleagues in the group chat. I rarely checked the company’s casual chat groups. I just frowned and exited after a quick glance. However, the situation escalated rapidly afterward. Chloe, under the guise of joking, started spreading lewd rumors about me and others with the male colleagues. Soon, I began to feel hostile gazes in the office. Those male colleagues would openly ogle my body, and I could faintly hear their hushed conversations and snickers. “I never noticed before, but Lydia’s got quite the figure.” “I heard from Chloe that Lydia had several boyfriends in college. I guess that’s how she got that body, huh?” “Man, if I had known, I would’ve tried harder to get into Lydia’s college. What a missed opportunity!” Given my position in the company, I caught them and sternly reprimanded them. After that, they didn’t dare to be so blatant. Things seemed to calm down for a while, but then a young girl came to me asking to resign. When I asked her why, she broke down in tears in front of me, insisting on quitting without giving a reason. Seeing her distress, I approved her resignation. After that, more people came to me wanting to quit. Within a month, four employees had left. I finally realized something was wrong. After inquiring with other colleagues, I found out what they had been through. The other employees didn’t dare to act up in front of me, but they were ruthless towards the younger staff. Ever since Chloe started spreading rumors about them in the group chat, they had been constantly harassed. People would add them on social media and pester them, and some would even make lewd comments when they met in the office. Unable to bear it any longer, they locked their Instagram accounts and blocked friend requests, but they couldn’t stop the rumors from spreading. Chloe played a significant role in this, mingling with the male colleagues daily and gossiping about the women in the department. Some even went as far as contacting their boyfriends, discussing their private matters. This led to breakups, and their life at work became unbearable, forcing them to resign. They were all promising employees with bright futures in the company, and just like that, their careers were ruined. When I found out, I was furious and immediately confronted Chloe. However, Chloe put on an innocent face and said, “I’m just a bit straightforward. They asked, and I answered. How was I to know they were so fragile?” I was so angry I could barely contain myself. I sternly warned her that if she dared to spread any more inappropriate gossip in the company, I would fire her on the spot. She pouted and reluctantly agreed. However, that evening as I was leaving work, someone suddenly covered my mouth and nose. The person dragged me into a car parked in a corner of the parking lot. Reeking of alcohol, he tore at my clothes while cursing. “Damn it, we’ve all heard about your dirty little secrets. Stop pretending to be a prude!” He slapped me hard across the face and spat. “You’ve been working here for a few years and think you’re all that, huh? You even dare to scold Chloe? I’m gonna teach you a lesson today and get revenge for Chloe. I’ll show you who you can’t mess with!” Amidst his vulgar words, I realized Chloe had held a grudge against me. That night, she went out drinking with some male colleagues, crying and telling them I had insulted her. One of them, drunk and angry, immediately slammed the table and came to the company parking lot to ambush me, wanting to avenge her. I struggled desperately, but he grabbed my head and repeatedly slammed it against the car window, all the while yelling about getting revenge for Chloe. Amidst the intense pain, I gradually lost consciousness. Remembering my past life, a fire of anger burned in my chest. Chloe, I won’t let you off the hook this time. This time, I paid close attention to the gossip in the company and fired anyone who harassed female colleagues. As a result, no one resigned. There was an afternoon meeting, and other employees had already arrived early. Before entering the conference room, I paused for a couple of seconds at the door. Sure enough, I could hear Chloe’s voice from inside. After this incident, other female colleagues avoided her, afraid of being the subject of her gossip. At this moment, male colleagues surrounded her in the conference room, with Chloe sitting in the center, chatting and laughing. Others were complaining to her about how I had become too harsh lately, unlike her gentle demeanor. “Lydia must be going through menopause. I heard her husband has been out of town lately. It must be tough for her alone, we should be more understanding,” Chloe said. I had never dated, let alone gotten married, yet she spoke as if she knew everything. She smiled mysteriously, and the others immediately caught on. “I’m younger than Lydia, so naturally, I have a better attitude. If you guys get scolded by her, you can come to me for comfort,” she said, winking playfully. “We’re good friends, after all.” Thinking of the photos I had received, I couldn’t help but smirk sarcastically. If only they knew what kind of “good friend” she really was. I pushed the door open, and the room instantly fell silent. I didn’t even glance at them and directly announced the start of the meeting. When it was Chloe’s turn to present, she wore a short skirt that barely reached mid-thigh, and her stilettos made her legs look long and slender. Many male colleagues were staring intently. Chloe blushed and smiled, about to begin. Suddenly, the screen changed. Instead of her PowerPoint, it displayed a series of WeChat screenshots. The screenshots were all conversations between Chloe and male colleagues from the company. “Chloe, how’s your workout at the gym going?” Chloe had directly sent a sexy leg photo in response, “My legs are so sore.” She had sent these kinds of photos to everyone – black stockings, maid outfits, chokers, you name it. There were even videos. In the videos, the camera focused on her upper body, clearly showing her chest heaving. Her words were soft and breathy, perfectly arousing men’s desires. As you scrolled further, whatever the men asked for, she sent. The content became increasingly explicit. She also happily accepted large sums of money transfers from them, sweetly replying “Thank you, daddy.” It was impressive how she could call even 40-something-year-old men “daddy.” Chloe’s face turned pale. She frantically pressed the remote control, trying to turn off these images. However, the projector seemed to malfunction. The more frantically she pressed, the faster the images changed. The later photos were simply unbearable to look at. The conference room erupted into chaos.

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On the third day after my death, Wren Alcott got a call to identify my remains. She was nestled against a man’s shoulder and dismissed it carelessly. “If he’s dead, he’s dead. Just cremate him and let me know.” My body was sent to the crematorium, reduced to ashes, and the staff called her again. She sounded annoyed. “Got it. I’ll be there soon.” …… Content By the time Wren arrived, it was two hours later. Strands of her hair were tangled around her face, a clear sign that she’d just left someone’s bed. Spotting the staff member, she sneered, “Asher Voss’s ashes, right? Aren’t I supposed to pick them up?” Once they confirmed her identity, they handed her the box containing my remains. Wren accepted it, her eyes filled with scorn. “So, these are really Asher’s ashes? You didn’t just fill it with some stray cat’s ashes to trick me, did you?” The staff member, shocked, replied, “Miss Alcott, these are indeed Mr. Voss’s remains. We have a record. Would you like to see it?” She chuckled softly. “No, I believe you.” I felt an odd sense of relief. Even though I was dead, my spirit lingered here. I figured it was because I hadn’t been laid to rest. Now that Wren accepted I was gone, perhaps out of a slight sense of duty, she would eventually bury me. But before I could feel any comfort, Wren gasped. The box slipped from her hands, scattering my ashes onto the ground. She laughed cruelly. “Oops, my hand slipped.” With that, she ground her high heel into my remains, twisting it with vicious delight. I could barely breathe, staring at her smug expression. I opened my mouth but couldn’t utter a sound. My ashes disappeared into the floor, blending with dust. Satisfied, Wren stepped back, ignoring the horrified staff as she said, “Remember to tell Asher—mind games don’t work on me.” “And in a few days, it’s my mother’s Remembrance Day. He’d better come crawling to her grave and beg forgiveness. Otherwise, even if he’s dead, I won’t hesitate to dig him up and desecrate his body.” Her words sent a chill through the room. But I knew she’d do it if it came to that. Suddenly, I felt lucky my body had already been cremated. Otherwise, I could only imagine the humiliation she’d put me through. Before the staff could argue, Wren got a call and left. Strangely, my spirit seemed tethered to her, following as she went. I ended up sitting in the passenger seat, listening as she chatted with the man on the other end. The voice was familiar. Graham Hale, the Alcott family’s ward. Back when Wren and I were still together, he’d confronted me and demanded I leave her. When I refused, he launched a smear campaign against me, sending people to harass me. Wren found out and had someone teach him a painful lesson, warning she’d kick him out of the house if he ever messed with me again. Graham behaved himself after that. When my name came up, Wren’s expression turned cold. “Why even mention him? Bad luck—he’s not really dead, after all.” “But if he were?” Graham’s voice was probing, his tone cautious. A chill ran through me, and I turned instinctively to look at Wren. The old Wren wouldn’t have cared if I’d died. A scratch on my hand would have been enough to bring her to tears. She once said I was her one true love, that she’d never love anyone else. Now, Wren laughed icily. “If he really were dead? I’d throw a three-day party and light up the city with fireworks.”

I stared, stunned. Only now did I realize the depths of her hatred. She’d celebrate my death as if it were a holiday. But Wren, I am dead. You just don’t believe it yet. The car stopped outside a bridal boutique, and Wren stepped out, her heels clicking against the pavement. She hurried inside, almost twisting her ankle. I thought back to the day we secretly got our marriage license, and she dragged me into a boutique like this. She couldn’t wait to try on a wedding dress and show me. Back then, she’d smiled with pure happiness, saying she was the world’s luckiest bride, and I was her dashing groom. Now, that same smile graced her face as she stood beside Graham Hale, who was dressed in a white suit. They looked perfect together, a flawless couple. “Beautiful,” Graham murmured, a hint of admiration in his voice. “I finally have you, Wren,” he whispered, eyes brimming with adoration. I watched, frozen, as Graham leaned in to kiss her. I wanted to stop it, but my hand went straight through Wren’s shoulder. I could only watch helplessly as he slipped a ring onto her finger. How could this happen? Why Graham? He was the one who caused her mother’s death! Wren! My mouth opened, but only a raspy whisper escaped. I felt a hollow ache, standing numb as Graham gently touched Wren’s cheek. “By the way, Wren—he’s really gone, isn’t he?” He didn’t need to clarify who he meant. We both knew. Her face was expressionless, almost irritated. “Why would he be a problem? It’s all just an act,” she replied dismissively. “And for our wedding, should we invite him?” Her lashes lowered, veiling her emotions. Suddenly, she smiled, a twisted grin. “Of course. He’s an important guest.” Realization struck me—Wren wanted me to witness her wedding. The wedding I’d always dreamed of having with her. We had only gotten our license back then because we couldn’t get Miriam Alcott’s blessing for a full ceremony. The wedding became something I longed for but never had. Miriam passed soon after, dying of a heart attack that night. Her last call had been to me. Wren had blamed me for “driving her to her grave.” At her funeral, Wren forced me to kneel by the graveside all night, through a downpour. Her eyes, hollow and filled with loathing, had fixed on me. “Asher Voss, from now on, it’s you and me, life and death.” That was when I stopped being her lover and became her enemy. She tormented me relentlessly, wouldn’t let me go, and even brought other men home. Watching my eyes burn, she would laugh, patting my face mockingly. “Asher, does it hurt? But isn’t this your fault? Who else can you blame?” Every attempt to explain only made her torment me more. She never doubted her conclusions because she knew her mother despised me. Miriam had even declared I’d never set foot in the Alcott household. Wren had fought Miriam on this, severing ties with the family for my sake. But now, the man she adored was the one responsible for her mother’s death. How could she bear it? After Graham left, it was as though Wren remembered me. She graciously took me off her blocklist, tapping the steering wheel while dialing my number. I watched as her calm expression shifted, her brows gradually knitting together. She struck the wheel in frustration. “Asher, if you don’t answer this call, you’re dead meat.” What she didn’t know was that I wasn’t ignoring her calls. I simply couldn’t answer anymore.

Two weeks later, Wren finally returned to Riverside Manor. She stormed through the front door, heels pounding against the floor. “Asher, get out here!” She threw open door after door, searching every room without finding me. Her expression grew darker with each empty space. She ordered her people to find me, muttering, “Asher, if you’re running, you’d better be far away. Because if I catch you, I’ll break your legs.” The man she wanted to punish, though, stood right in front of her. After a while, her phone beeped with a location update. Her face twisted with a frightening intensity. Curious, I looked and saw the address—Cora Dane’s place. “Ms. Alcott, Mr. Voss’s last call was to Ms. Dane. She claims she hasn’t seen him, but we suspect she’s holding him against his will.” Wren sneered. “Against his will? Sounds more like he’s there by choice. I’m on my way.” Wren sped to Cora’s place, her face set in a stormy glare. She pounded on the door—one, two, three times before it finally opened. Cora appeared, her face impassive, dark circles under her eyes. “What do you want?” Wren scoffed, “You’re hiding my husband, and you think I don’t have a reason to be here?” Cora remained emotionless, as though she’d lost all care for the world. “He’s not here. He’s dead. Didn’t the crematorium call you to pick up his remains?” “Oh, you’re helping him play another game? Asher’s really going all out to avoid me this time.” Wren refused to believe I was dead, convinced it was one of my tricks. She looked over Cora’s shoulder, calling out, “Asher, hiding behind a woman? How manly. I’ll count to three. If you don’t show yourself, don’t blame me for what I’ll do.” Three, two, one. Then, Wren shoved Cora, ordering her men to search the house. Cora cried out in pain as she fell, a flash of anger crossing her calm face. “Wren, Asher is dead. You picked up his ashes. Don’t you remember?” “He’s dead. Dead for days now.” Cora, trembling with fury, grabbed Wren by the collar and pushed her against the wall. Wren’s voice was mocking. “You’re still hiding him? You must really be infatuated with Asher, Cora. Too bad he loves me. Maybe when I’m done with him, if you still want him, I could hand him over to you.” “But not yet. He still owes my mother at her grave. He can’t keep you company yet.” Cora’s face flushed with anger, clenching Wren’s collar. “Wren Alcott, you’re a monster.” She slapped Wren hard across the face, leaving Wren stunned. The two of them fell into a vicious fight. My heart pounded, helplessly watching as they struggled. For all her training in Mixed Martial Arts, Wren had Cora pinned down quickly, leaving Cora bruised and battered. I could only watch in anguish, unable to do anything. “Look at you, Cora. Nearly beaten to death over Asher, while he happily hides behind your protection. A weak man like that—is he really worth it?” Cora scoffed, her voice dripping with scorn. “Wren, the real pathetic one is you. Mistaking your mother’s killer for someone loyal to you. Hurting the one who truly cares about you. You live like a stray dog.” “What did you just say?” Wren’s hand rose to strike when someone burst in. “Ms. Alcott, we found the footage from Mr. Voss’s accident. And… his autopsy report.”

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On my birthday, Luke, the university student my wife was sponsoring, posted on Twitter: “Celebrating my 22nd birthday! Even though no one else remembered, my big celebrity sister did!” The location was tagged at a restaurant known for catering to couples. The attached photo showed him and my wife in a selfie, their faces almost touching. The top comment was: “You’re spending your birthday with the famous Nadia! Looking at this restaurant, are you two together?” Luke only replied to this one comment: “Hehe, we’re almost there.” I liked this comment with my main account, but a few minutes later, Nadia called to yell at me: “What’s wrong with me celebrating Luke’s birthday? Did you have to like that comment with your main account? Don’t be so petty, quickly say it was a misclick, fans are asking questions.” I could faintly hear Luke saying in the background: “If getting cyberbullied makes Sean happy, I’m okay with it. After all, he used to be a big star.” I hung up the phone immediately. But today is also my birthday. I’ve supported Nadia for three years, given up my career for her for three years, and we’ve been secretly married for two years. In the eighth year of loving Nadia, I decided to give up on her and make a comeback. …

When Nadia came back, I was playing with my new kitten. Ever since we started dating, she said she didn’t like cats and dogs. After she secretly got rid of the cat I had for five years, I never got close to a kitten again. “Sean, what do you mean? Don’t you know I hate cats?” Nadia’s sharp voice came through. I glanced at her indifferently and continued petting the cat. “Alright, alright, you’re just jealous, aren’t you? Luke just graduated, he needs me right now. Why are you competing with him? I’ll spend more time with you in the future,” Nadia said, pinching her nose, in a tone of condescension. Seeing that I was still ignoring her, Nadia lost her temper. She picked up the cat I had just bought and threw it aside roughly, then pushed me: “Go apologize to him quickly. You’re such a big man, why are you competing with a university student?” The kitten let out a loud cry when it was thrown to the ground, then crawled back to my side and hissed at Nadia. I didn’t expect Nadia to be so strong. My stomach hit the corner of the table, and I felt a spasm in my gut. My face gradually turned pale. My stomach ulcer was acting up again. I originally didn’t eat dinner because I was waiting for Nadia to come back and celebrate my birthday with me. After seeing that Twitter post, I couldn’t eat at all. Now with this external stimulation to my stomach, I was in so much pain I couldn’t speak. I used to be very healthy, but because Nadia said she didn’t like her man being watched and admired by so many women, I gave up my career and focused on getting resources for Nadia. I accompanied various bosses and directors for drinks, and gradually developed a serious stomach problem. Seeing that something was wrong with me, Nadia panicked for a moment: “Where… where’s your medicine? I’ll get it for you.” I clutched my stomach and coldly watched her search around the living room. “I remember it was right here, how…” Nadia’s words stopped abruptly, and an unnatural expression flashed across her face. My medicine box had been taken by her to give to Luke yesterday. I remember yesterday when Nadia rushed back home in a hurry, as soon as she opened the door she asked: “Luke got hurt in a car race! Where’s our medicine?” Without waiting for my answer, Nadia took the box containing my stomach medicine on her own: “Never mind, I’ll take it first.” If it were usual, I would definitely have jealously questioned her, asking if she had taken my medicine to give to Luke, but today, I was tired. Not just physically, but in this relationship, I was tired too. “I… I’ll go downstairs to buy some for you, hold on.” Nadia’s face showed some guilt. She wanted to come closer to help me to the sofa, but was scared away by the kitten. “I don’t know why you bought this damn cat.” Nadia muttered, picking up her keys to go downstairs and buy medicine for me, but just as she was about to leave, she received a phone call. “Sister Nadia… those debt collectors have come to my house again. They said if I don’t pay today, they’ll cut off one of my hands. Sister Nadia, save me.” As soon as Nadia answered, Luke’s tearful voice came through from the other end. “What?! They dare to touch my people!” Nadia’s delicate face showed a panic I had never seen for me. “It’s just some money, I’ll come right away.” “But it’s so late now, won’t Sean be angry if you come over…” Luke continued on the phone. “He wouldn’t dare!” As if hearing these words, Nadia, who was about to step out of the house, suddenly remembered that I was still in the house with a stomach ulcer attack. Nadia gave me a warning look, then hurriedly left. Just before she closed the door, I called out: “Nadia.” “What? Didn’t you hear that Luke is in danger right now? I’ll buy you medicine when I come back.” Nadia replied impatiently, then quickly closed the door. I wanted to say, I want a divorce. I looked at the business card of the international director that Nadia had admired for a long time, which I was clutching in my hand, and tore it to pieces. I had originally planned to give Nadia a surprise on her birthday, but now it seems unnecessary.

I held my stomach until midnight, but Nadia still hadn’t come back. The kitten was licking my hand worriedly, curled up beside me. I knew Nadia wouldn’t come back, but I still couldn’t help but have some expectations. Time passed bit by bit, and I really couldn’t bear it anymore. I called for delivery to bring the medicine over. At this moment, Twitter suddenly popped up with a message. It was another post from Luke. I clicked in to look, driven by some inexplicable force. It was a photo posted by Luke, showing Nadia’s back view. Nadia was confronting the debt collectors, with her arms spread out to protect Luke behind her. Luke said that the debt collectors had already left under Nadia’s threats and money. Luke had suffered some minor injuries and was on the way to the hospital with Nadia. Someone asked in the comments: “Looking at this back view, is it Nadia again? The big star and the young university student are so shippable!” Luke immediately replied: “Thank you for your concern, ship away, there’s plenty of sugar!” My heart ached. Nadia and I had never gone public. She said she didn’t want to affect her career, and I respected her wishes. But now she was appearing in public with Luke again and again, in such an ambiguous relationship. Doesn’t this affect her career? Luke was so concerned about a minor injury, but do you remember a month ago, at the Hundred Flowers Awards ceremony, Nadia won the Best Supporting Actress award through my resource investments and daily humble pleading. When Nadia was accepting the award, I was surrounded by a group of people. “An actor who has already retired dares to compete for resources with the people our boss wants to support?!” The leader kicked me. I knew it was probably because Nadia had been elevated step by step by me, affecting too many other people’s interests. One of them had sent these people to cause trouble for me. “All of you, go up and beat him! Just don’t beat him to death!” As soon as the leader gave the order, more than a dozen people surrounded me and started punching and kicking. Faced with the attack of more than a dozen people, I was powerless to fight back. I could only cover my head and silently endure. Just as I was being beaten, I saw Nadia, who had just received the award, walking past with Luke’s hand in hers, surrounded by stars. “Nadia! Save me!” I shouted. Nadia clearly saw me, but she only glanced at me, then fearfully quickened her pace, pulling Luke’s hand. Because more and more people were gathering, the leader was afraid of making a big scene and withdrew his men. Late at night, I went to the hospital before returning home covered in wounds. “Why are you back so late?” Nadia glanced at me, then was shocked by my appearance, her lips trembling. “Nadia, why didn’t you save me, why didn’t you call the police?” I rushed up to question her. “I… I didn’t know it would be so serious.” Nadia shrank back, her eyes avoiding mine. “You were afraid those people would hurt Luke, right!” My eyes gradually reddened. Nadia was exposed by me and couldn’t speak. Because she knew that as long as these people were causing trouble for me, they wouldn’t bother Luke. “Come with me to report to the police! That place is a blind spot for surveillance, you and Luke clearly saw it, come and testify for me!” I stared at Nadia intently. “Enough! Why report to the police for such a small matter!” Nadia yelled angrily, “Aren’t you fine now? Other than some superficial injuries, what’s wrong with you? You’re not dead or disabled, why is a grown man being so dramatic!” I sneered and nodded. As the night deepened, my disappointment in Nadia also deepened. After Nadia finished speaking, she went back to her room as if nothing had happened, while I sat in the living room, enduring the pain of my injuries, unable to sleep all night. Afterwards, Nadia acted coquettishly towards me again, coaxing me with a few words. She’s always like this, thinking that acting coquettish and saying a few nice words would make everything okay. I also thought it had passed, but seeing Luke’s Twitter post, I clearly remembered everything that happened that day. I closed my eyes tiredly, and when I opened them again, my eyes were clear. I called my former agent: “Hello, I want to make a comeback. Are there any roles available recently?”

When I woke up, Nadia was back, sitting in the living room playing with her phone. Seeing me come out, she imperiously said to me: “I bought you medicine, it’s on the table. Looks like you could sleep without medicine, why pretend to be in so much pain?” I smiled faintly: “Because I had already bought some.” Nadia seemed relieved, then said matter-of-factly: “Since you’re fine now, drive me to the set. My new drama starts filming today. By the way, did you fail to connect with that international director I asked you about last time? I knew you were becoming more and more useless.” I always drove Nadia to her new drama sets because, after all, I was a senior in the entertainment industry. Although I had retired, people would still give me some face. People in the circle also knew about my relationship with Nadia, so they would take extra care of her. Thinking of the international director’s business card I tore up last night, I suddenly felt quite happy. On the way to send Nadia to the set, Nadia complained about wanting to drink ice water. When I went to the back seat to get it for her, I found a pair of men’s underwear on the back seat. Nadia took a sharp breath, looking at me nervously. After all, if it were before, I would definitely have questioned whose underwear this was and asked Nadia to keep her distance from Luke. But now, I just smiled faintly and said nothing. “Luke got caught in the rain once and didn’t bring an umbrella. I went to pick him up, and he changed clothes directly in the car. I didn’t know he even changed his underwear…” Nadia explained, her face a bit embarrassed. “Nadia,” I interrupted her, calling softly, “Did you know that the day of Luke’s birthday was also my birthday?” Nadia was stunned for a moment, her eyes flickering with some guilt: “I… I forgot. I’ll make it up to you next time.” I said nothing, just nodded, handed the water to Nadia, and continued driving. She didn’t know, we had no next time. After arriving at the set, the staff kept looking at me and Nadia, with a look of wanting to say something but holding back. Ouch, it hurts so much, my stomach started hurting again. I took a deep breath, holding back the pain. An actress who was close to Nadia couldn’t hold back anymore. She ran to Nadia’s side and asked: “What’s your relationship with that university student? What about Sean?” Nadia glanced at me cautiously, then said: “One at home, one outside, you know. Besides, young guys are so tender, of course I like them.” The actress looked at me in shock, as if saying she didn’t expect me to be so open-minded, then looked at Nadia admiringly before leaving. After the actress left, Nadia immediately grabbed my hand and explained to me: “You know, Luke just graduated and also wants to enter the entertainment industry. It’s good for him to have you and me to protect him.” I nodded perfunctorily, noncommittal. Watching Nadia act boringly, her acting skills used to be very poor, but I taught her step by step, so that now Nadia can finish a scene without making mistakes. Nadia’s reputation used to be very bad, and I built her image and reputation bit by bit. It wouldn’t be wrong to say she was a rose I personally cultivated. But now this rose is pricking me all over. When Nadia’s most important scene of the day came, Luke suddenly called. Nadia hurriedly went to answer the phone, and the whole crew paused for her. “Sister Nadia, I went to audition for the third male lead role in the TV series you recommended to me, but the people there look down on me and don’t want me to play the third male lead. Can you come over and support me?” Luke’s pitiful voice rang out in the quiet set. “How dare they! Wait for me, I’ll be right there!” Nadia frowned, picked up her bag and prepared to leave. “Miss Nadia, but we haven’t finished here yet…” the director persuaded. You should know that Nadia’s image in the entertainment industry was originally not good, and I had worked hard to correct it bit by bit. If she left like this, there would inevitably be many people saying she was playing diva, one person delaying the progress of the entire crew. Although all of this was true. Nadia rushed out as if she couldn’t hear what the director was saying. I grabbed Nadia: “Don’t forget, if you leave today, your reputation will be completely ruined.” Nadia’s face darkened: “Are you threatening me? Didn’t you hear that Luke needs me?” Luke, Luke, it’s Luke again. “If you dare to walk out of this set, let’s get divorced!” There was uncontrollable disappointment in my eyes. “Threatening me with divorce? Sean, you’re something else! Wait until I come back to talk to you.” Nadia looked at me in shock, but still couldn’t resist her steps to see Luke. Nadia pushed my hand away heavily and turned to run out. My stomach was already hurting, and I couldn’t stand steady. When she pushed me, I fell to the ground, and my stomach hurt even more uncontrollably. “Mr. Sean, are you okay?” The people on the set gathered around and helped me up. Nadia, you see, even some strangers treat me better than you do. So why should I still stay with you? I took out my stomach medicine and ate it, then looked at the director and said: “This drama just started filming, not much has been shot yet, right?” The director nodded. “Then replace all of Nadia’s scenes, I’ll act in them. I can invest a lot of money in you.” I looked at the director seriously and said.

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My dad swapped me out with his first love’s child. He told her, “Our child will have a better future if my wife raises her.” Years later, the illegitimate daughter became the elegant heiress of the Chambers family. And I became the lowest of the low. The illegitimate daughter mocked me in front of others, hinting that they should bully me. Seeing me beg for mercy, she laughed even harder. “A mistress’s kid, huh? You’re really good at groveling.” On SAT Day, she tore up my exam pass and sent a group of thugs to block me in Oakridge Alley. She smirked, “Teach her a lesson.” And that was how I died, on SAT Day, only to discover she was my dad’s first love’s biological daughter all along. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day of the bullying. Content I was cornered by a group of girls in the restroom. Ivory Chambers stood front and center, gazing down at me with a cold, superior detachment. “Leona, when was the last time you showered? You reek, you know that?” Then, as if flipping a switch, she laughed—sweet and harmless. Her doe-like eyes brimmed with innocence. “Don’t worry. They’ll help you clean up just fine.” At her words, the girls around her grinned wickedly and advanced toward me. In my previous life, I had huddled in the corner, trembling. These girls had dumped a bucket of dirty mop water on me and recorded a video of the entire thing. From that day forward, I became their favorite target—bullied mercilessly. All because I was “the mistress’s child.” Ivory claimed my mother had ruined her parents’ marriage, and my very existence was a sin. Later, on SAT Day, she tore my exam pass to shreds and sent a group of thugs to ambush me in Oakridge Alley. “Teach her a lesson,” she had said with a smug smile. That day, I was violated and killed. It wasn’t until after my death that I learned Ivory was the mistress’s child. My dad, Victor Chambers, had swapped us at birth to give Ivory a legitimate identity and a better future. For years, I suffered under his first love’s abuse and Ivory’s bullying. In what should have been the prime of my life, they uprooted me completely. Rage and hatred exploded within me like a wildfire. This time, they all had to pay. I stood up abruptly and grabbed the mop. Swinging it wildly, I struck at the advancing girls. Screams filled the restroom. No one dared come near me. I charged straight for Ivory. The drenched mop smacked her stunned face, leaving her screaming. But it wasn’t enough. Tossing the mop aside, I grabbed a fistful of her hair, dragged her to the bucket, and shoved her head into the filthy water. “Your mouth stinks more than I do. Let me rinse it for you!”

Ivory’s minions froze, too shocked to move. Ivory thrashed and spluttered, but all she could manage was a pitiful “glug glug glug” sound. Drink up! Even mop water was cleaner than her filthy mouth. Just as Ivory was about to drown, I released her hair. She shot upright, gasping for air and collapsing to the floor. Her chest heaved violently like a fish out of water. Pointing at me, she tried to speak but couldn’t form a single word. Her minions, however, snapped out of their stupor and lunged at me, screaming every curse in the book. Fueled by unrelenting hatred, I fought back. In my past life, I was a meek pushover. This time, I hit hard—taking on all four of them without hesitation. Let loose. Fight like hell. Those who wronged me in my past life wouldn’t get away this time. The result of my outburst? I ended up in front of Ms. Sanders. “Leona Brooks, are you insane? Ivory is still throwing up from drinking mop water! How can someone your age be so cruel? “Aren’t you two sisters? Even if you’re not from the same mom, how could you treat her like this?” “Explain yourself!” I locked eyes with her. “They cornered me in the restroom to attack me.” Ms. Sanders opened her mouth to respond, but I cut her off. “I know I don’t have proof, and it’s their word against mine. But I’m not wrong.” Ms. Sanders wasn’t naive. She knew there was no way I could take on so many if I hadn’t been provoked. Her brows furrowed as she sighed. “Leona, I understand your family situation is complicated.” “Your dad and Ivory’s mom are on their way. Apologize. Say something nice.” “I’m not saying this is your fault, but you… You’re back in that family now. You’ll need to survive there. Until you can support yourself, try to endure it. Just finish high school peacefully.” She, too, thought of me as “the mistress’s child,” born with an original sin. Now that my “mom” was gone and I’d been taken back to that house, it was no surprise I couldn’t hold my head high. Being bullied was something I’d have to endure. If she outright encouraged me to rebel, that would only hurt me more. Who wouldn’t want to fight back if they could? I nodded. “I understand, Ms. Sanders. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” Ms. Sanders sighed again. “Stay here for now.”

Within forty minutes, Victor Chambers arrived with Serena Caldwell. His expression was thunderous as his eyes swept the room and landed on me. “Leona, I didn’t bring you back here so you could make trouble,” he hissed, his voice low and cutting. “If you think being part of the Chambers family gives you the right to do whatever you want, I’ll send you away immediately.” Ms. Sanders stood up, trying to intervene. “Mr. Chambers, maybe you should hear Leona out—” Victor cut her off with a cold laugh. “I don’t have time to hear excuses. She’s clearly out of control.” Ms. Sanders glanced at me with sympathy but said nothing further. She was an outsider in this family drama and had no authority to intervene. “Daddy! Mom!” Ivory Chambers entered, supported by her classmates. Her pristine new outfit and freshly washed face radiated elegance. She was every bit the poised heiress. “Ivory!” Serena rushed to her, pulling her into a tight embrace, her concern palpable. Even in moments of distress, Serena exuded calm. Her soft-spoken demeanor made her seem almost incapable of anger. “Mom!” Ivory nestled into Serena’s arms, her teary gaze shifting to me. Though her tears blurred her eyes, I could still see the disdain deep within them. She looked at me like I was dirt beneath her shoes. She had stolen my identity and my rightful place, yet she dared to look down on me, provoke me, humiliate me. The rage burning inside me felt almost unbearable. Serena gently comforted Ivory before finally turning to me. Her expression was icy, her gaze laced with resentment, as though she wanted to say, Your mother destroyed my family, and now you’re bullying my daughter? My patience is at its limit. But with Ms. Sanders present, she held back her words. Victor glanced at Serena, his concern obvious. He quickly stepped forward to calm her. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. I’ll make sure you’re satisfied,” he assured her. “Dad, you really need to give Mom an explanation,” Ivory said, her voice trembling. “Mom’s too kind to say it, but I know she doesn’t want to see Leona anymore. You should send her away.” Ivory would never reveal her true nature under Serena’s watchful eye. She wanted Victor to send me away, knowing that outside this house, I’d be at her mercy. Victor nodded. “Alright, alright. I’ll send her away tomorrow.” Serena’s gaze lingered on me for a moment before she turned back to Ivory. Stroking her hair, she whispered softly, her every move filled with warmth. She truly was a good mother. The kind of mother I should’ve had. Instead, I grew up with a monster who tormented me relentlessly. It wasn’t until she died that I found even a sliver of peace. Back then, I cursed my cruel fate, never realizing my suffering was orchestrated by human hands. Every tragedy in my life was Victor Chambers’ doing. And now, here he was, playing the roles of devoted husband and loving father. This picture-perfect family sickened me to my core. Serena glanced at me once more, her expression unreadable. She gently patted Ivory’s shoulder before walking over to Ms. Sanders. “Ms. Sanders, I’d like to speak with Leona alone.” Ms. Sanders hesitated, then nodded and left the room, her gaze lingering on me briefly.

With Ms. Sanders gone, the room held only four of us. Serena approached me, her cold eyes boring into mine. *”Leona, I won’t hold the sins of the previous generation against you. But if you hurt my daughter, I can’t forgive you. “After the SATs, you’ll leave. I don’t want to see you again.” Her voice was calm, but her words were piercing. I knew she was furious. I had crossed the line by lashing out at Ivory. She had every right to slap me, but she didn’t. For a moment, I wanted to hug her. I wanted to cry out, Mom, I’m your real daughter. But I couldn’t. Ivory was the one she had raised, and no matter what, her feelings for Ivory would outweigh anything she felt for me. I couldn’t risk telling her the truth—not yet. No matter how much I wanted her as my mother, I knew I had to rely on myself. There was still time before the SATs. Enough time. I nodded. “Alright.” Serena turned away, walking over to Ivory and taking her hand. “Let’s go, Ivory.” She led Ivory out of the office without another glance at me—or Victor. Victor watched them leave, then turned his gaze back to me. His expression hardened. “You’ll pay for this,” he spat. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Fine. I’ll be waiting.” Victor’s face froze for a moment as though something dark crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. With a shake of his head, he walked out. Victor, if I were you, I’d kill me right now. You’re the one giving me the chance to destroy you. And I promise, I won’t disappoint. Ms. Sanders didn’t say much else after that, simply telling me to return to class. As I entered the classroom, Ivory’s minions glared at me, their eyes full of resentment. I stared back, unflinching. “What are you looking at? Do you want to drink mop water too? Or should I livestream all the things you’ve done?” They hadn’t expected me to confront them so boldly in front of everyone. One by one, they shrank back, their hostility crumbling. Bullies like them only preyed on the weak. I pointed at them and spoke loudly. “Everyone, be careful around these girls. They’re bullies. Stay far away from them.” Satisfied, I sat down. A few moments later, Ivory returned. I didn’t even spare her a glance, unclenching my tightly balled fist under the desk. The hair was still there. It was from when I’d shoved her head into the bucket earlier. Carefully, I tucked the strand of hair away and pulled out my math workbook.

My defiance had made Ivory Chambers back off. Though she still glared at me whenever she could, she wasn’t reckless anymore. Each time she thought about coming after me, she hesitated, weighing whether she could handle the fallout. She couldn’t afford the consequences if people found out she was a bully. So, for now, she was quiet. But I knew this peace wouldn’t last. Ivory was undoubtedly plotting something, just like in my past life. On SAT Day, she’d try to destroy me completely. This time, I’d be ready—with a gift just for her. During the break, I paid for a DNA test and got Ivory’s results. Now, all I needed was Serena Caldwell’s. No rush. For now, my focus was on studying. When I was little, Diana Monroe—my supposed mother—used to hit me constantly. I thought if I studied hard and did well in school, maybe she’d like me. But every time I brought home a perfect score, she tore up my test papers in a blind rage and slapped me across the face. Eventually, I realized the better my grades, the worse her fury. So I stopped letting her see my real results. From third grade onward, I purposely came in last in every class. By the time I took the entrance exam for this high school, I intentionally scored just high enough to scrape in. I couldn’t understand why she hated my good grades so much. It wasn’t until after I died that I learned Diana wasn’t my real mother. She couldn’t stand that I was better than her biological daughter. Of course, my success made her furious. If she were still alive, I’d throw my perfect scores in her face and tell her just how much of a failure her precious daughter was. With three days left before the final mock exams, I went to the Chambers Manor to ask Victor Chambers for money. Even if he hated me, it was his obligation. He had to provide for me. While no one was paying attention, I slipped into the master suite shared by Victor and Serena. Finally, I found a strand of Serena’s hair in a corner. Just as I pocketed it, Serena walked in. “What are you doing?” Her voice was sharp and cold. I turned to face her, trying to steady my emotions. I knew she was a victim, too. I shouldn’t blame her. But every time she looked at me with those frosty eyes, it felt like a dagger piercing my chest. The pain was overwhelming, mixed with anger. I couldn’t help but wonder how she would react when she learned the truth—that the girl she had ignored and resented was her biological daughter. Would she regret it? Would she be heartbroken? Would she feel even a little guilt for how she treated me? I wanted her to. But I forced myself not to pin my hopes on her, even if she was my real mother. In my past life, no one had loved me, not until the moment I died. In this life, I would love myself. I could only rely on myself. Taking a deep breath, I swallowed the lump in my throat and said quietly, “I was looking for my dad.” Her gaze shifted to my hand. I opened it and said calmly, “I didn’t take anything. You can search me if you don’t believe me.” Her expression hardened further. “Don’t come into my room without permission.” “If you need money, call your dad. He can transfer it to you.” “I don’t want to see you in this house. Neither does my daughter.” I nodded. “Alright.” As I walked past her toward the door, her voice stopped me again. “Leona, everything in this house belongs to Ivory. None of it has anything to do with you. Don’t get any ideas.” “I’ve given you one chance already. If I find out you’ve hurt my daughter again, I won’t care that you’re just a child—I won’t let it slide.” Her words were laced with venom as she added, “You should know your dad only stayed in this house because Ivory needs a father. He’s a guest here, nothing more.” “Got it,” I replied, then walked out. I went straight to the DNA lab and paid for a test. Three hours later, I had the results: Serena Caldwell’s DNA and mine. Perfect.

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After Mom remarried, my younger brother Miles Brooks found out from Dad’s belongings that Grandpa came from a prominent political-military family. Dreaming of becoming a member of high society, he chose to follow Grandpa. But instead of the glamorous life he envisioned, Grandpa made him work the fields, herd sheep, practice painting, and study hard, never letting him appear in public. Meanwhile, I stayed at Brooks Manor with our stepdad, Steven Hollister, becoming his trusted right-hand man and stepping into the world of the elite. Miles only realized his mistake after finishing his SATs, when he learned that I was leaving for Paris with Evelyn Hathaway, the “princess” of the social elite, and that we were planning to marry upon returning. In a fit of rage, he killed me. And then, we both woke up, back at the moment of choice—Grandpa or Mom. This time, Miles hid behind Mom, declaring, “I’m not going with Grandpa. My dad is right here.” I clung to Grandpa’s coat tightly. I had enough of being someone’s lapdog, ordered around like a servant. Content 0

When Dad passed away, he left behind two sons: my younger brother, Miles, and me, Levi Brooks. Mom quickly remarried, devoting all her energy to our stepdad Steven and the unborn child she was carrying. It was then that Grandpa—whom we’d never met—showed up. He wanted to take both of us under his care. Mom, furious, said, “When I married your son, you didn’t pay a penny for our wedding. I’ve never even seen you before! And now you want to take both of my boys away?” “These are my grandchildren too,” Grandpa replied calmly. “Even though you’ve remarried, I can’t just let them go. If you insist I only take one, let’s ask the boys what they want.” Before she could say another word, Miles grabbed Steven’s hand and said sweetly, “Dad, you look tired. Let me make you some tea.” He stood behind Steven, full of admiration, then chirped, “Dad,” his voice bright and tender. He promised to only recognize Steven as his father from then on. Mom was stunned. Miles had been adamantly against Mom’s remarriage, leaving her stressed as she tried to juggle her grieving son, a demanding new husband, and her pregnancy. And now? Miles had suddenly decided to embrace Steven wholeheartedly, even promising to change his last name to Hollister the next day. Mom, who had always favored Miles, was delighted that he chose to stay. Miles clung to Steven and loudly instructed me, “Levi, you’d better take good care of Grandpa!” As I packed my things and left with Grandpa, Miles mocked me openly. “This time, it’s your turn to suffer. Go on and enjoy digging dirt in the fields!” 0

I knew why he was so smug. In our past life, Miles found a medal of valor and Dad’s farewell letter among Dad’s belongings. The letter revealed that Grandpa came from a prominent political-military family. Hoping for a better life—and tired of feeling like an outsider in Steven’s household—Miles eagerly chose to go with Grandpa. But when he got to Grandpa’s home, he was stunned. Grandpa lived in a small house on the edge of Ashworth Hamlet, surrounded by deep woods and far from the conveniences of city life. His income came from farming and gathering herbs in the mountains. If the harvest wasn’t good or the buyers didn’t come, there was no money. Miles quickly learned that Grandpa was strict. He had to wake up at dawn, eat breakfast, and either walk or take the bus to a public school. After school, there was no time to rest. Grandpa made him finish all his schoolwork before overseeing his physical training. Weekends weren’t for relaxation either; Miles had to help collect herbs in the mountains. There were no luxuries, no entertainment. Miles called his life a nightmare. He longed for the comforts I enjoyed: a grand estate with staff to cater to every need, designer clothes, and private schools where he could network with the children of CEOs and politicians. While Miles wore homespun clothes Grandpa had tailored for him, I was out shopping with Steven’s black card, wearing the latest fashion, and receiving boxes of luxury watches delivered to the door. While he drank bitter herbal teas Grandpa brewed for his acne, I underwent orthodontics and worked with a personal trainer to sculpt my body under Steven’s supervision. He claimed he was a forgotten son of the Brooks family, while I shone brightly in the public eye. At just 16, I had already gained recognition among the elite, with influential families eager to form alliances with ours. Following Steven’s guidance, I presented myself as the perfect young gentleman at every major event. I was his pride, the face of the family, and to the outside world, the Brooks’ golden boy. Miles, on the other hand, fell for Evelyn Hathaway, the darling of high society, and begged Mom to introduce him. She refused. Enraged, he protested, “I’m a Brooks too. Why can’t I?” Steven scoffed and said coldly, “Look at yourself. Following your grandfather around, breaking your back in the dirt. You don’t know finance, can’t speak fluent English, don’t even know how to swing a golf club. What qualifications do you have?” Grandpa dragged him back to the Hamlet, telling him to focus on his SATs and forbidding him from returning until his results were out. Miles once tried to use Dad’s medal to confront Grandpa, only for Grandpa to chuckle and say he’d picked it up at a flea market. “Put your energy into something productive,” he told him. While Miles toiled away in Ashworth Hamlet, I performed a piano solo at my coming-of-age celebration. Under Steven’s tutelage, I played with precision and grace, my fingers dancing effortlessly across the keys. When I rose to bow, the dazzling crystal chandelier above lit up the room and the hearts of everyone watching. Rumors spread: “The Brooks have Levi, and Evelyn Hathaway is the jewel of high society.” Miles came back with his SAT results, eager to share his success, only to find out about my engagement to Evelyn and our plans to study abroad together. At that moment, Steven and Mr. Hathaway were discussing our future plans. Miles approached Mr. Hathaway, who greeted him kindly. But as Miles walked away, he overheard Mr. Hathaway sigh, “So your ex-wife brought two sons. One turned out well, but the other… well, let’s just say Levi is polished, composed, and impeccable. That other one? He reeks of poverty.” Miles snapped. He stormed into my room, hands around my neck, screaming, “Die! Die!” I fought back, hitting him over the head with a heavy object. And just like that, we both died on our 18th birthday. When I opened my eyes, I was back at the fork in the road: Grandpa or Mom. This time, Miles clung to Mom and declared smugly, “It’s your turn to rot in the countryside. Go ahead, Levi. Enjoy your life as a rural nobody.” 0

Life with Grandpa wasn’t rich or comfortable, not by any stretch. Mom had never been close with Dad by the end of their marriage. She didn’t think she owed Grandpa anything, let alone support for my care. Even the child support she received? Not a penny of it went to us. The only time she ever came around was during the summer or winter holidays to pick up Miles for a visit. Even then, it felt like she just wanted to check a box, putting on a show for appearances. Frankly, Mom hadn’t treated Dad well when he was alive either. She often complained about him not earning enough, and judging by the timing of her pregnancy, it was clear she’d been with Steven before Dad passed. Grandpa gave me my own room, modestly furnished. Apart from the essentials, there was only a wooden desk neatly arranged with painting tools—brush, paint, and canvas. One afternoon, Grandpa took me to see the fields. It was the middle of summer, hot and sticky. The ground was dry and cracked under the sun. “Remember,” Grandma Martha said as she watered the crops, “this is the path you chose. You can’t back out now.” Grandpa clearly thought I wouldn’t last here after being spoiled at Brooks Manor. In our previous lives, Miles hadn’t lasted long. He called Mom begging to come home, but she refused. After all, in her mind, Grandpa’s home was supposed to be far more prestigious than Steven’s—enough to elevate Miles to the top of society. At the very least, it could maintain her affluent image. I picked up a watering can and joined Grandpa. “I don’t regret it,” I said. “I like it here. It feels alive.” Grandpa paused, caught off guard. After a moment, he murmured, “You’re nothing like your father.” “What was Dad like when he was young?” I asked, curious about the man behind my faint memories of quiet sorrow. Grandpa’s face darkened. He didn’t answer and instead said, “If you’re staying with me, you’ll follow my rules. I’m strict and have little patience. Now go get some rest.” That night, I fell asleep listening to the sound of frogs and cicadas outside my window. 0

The books on my desk towered over me like mountains. Just looking at them made me want to run. Even after two lifetimes, I’d never really learned the basics. Studying and practicing painting didn’t have the instant gratification of socializing or making connections. Public school was no private tutor. I had to rely on my own grit to catch up. I struggled through it all—homework, reading, painting—but Grandpa never let me off the hook. He sat beside me, refusing to sleep until I finished. If I nodded off, he would clear his throat, jolting me awake. “Sorry! I’ll fix it right away,” I’d blurt out, startled. My body reacted faster than my brain, conditioned by years of reprimands. Grandpa looked puzzled. “What’s wrong? I’m not going to hit you. Did someone use to hit you?” I nodded. “Yeah. I got hit a lot.” Grandpa sighed deeply. “Maybe you should call it a night.” I shook my head. “No! If I take a break every time it gets hard, I’ll never catch up. My painting skills will never improve. I don’t believe I can’t do this.” Grandpa studied me in silence before finally saying, “I’ll go deal with those noisy cicadas outside. They’re bothering you.” Even though I was bad at school, Grandpa stuck with me, helping me correct every mistake. The clothes I wore weren’t designer, but he asked the local seamstress to tailor them. The fabric was soft and comfortable, even if it wasn’t flashy. Grandpa didn’t say much, but I could tell he cared. He wished Mom would visit me. After two lifetimes, I no longer expected anything from her. When she did visit, it was only to take photos for her social media, pretending to be a doting mother. Her eyes were always filled with disdain, like she didn’t want to be there. One evening, music floated in from outside. My hands instinctively moved as if to play along. Grandpa stepped in front of me protectively. We went outside to find Miles standing there, playing the violin like a proud, elegant crane. When he finished, his eyes were filled with pride and scorn. Steven and Mom appeared next. Her belly was round, her face glowing as she alternated between gazing lovingly at her unborn child and Miles. But when her eyes fell on me, they were distant, cold. “Uncle,” she said, pretending to notice us. “I didn’t see you there.” Steven, oblivious to everything but himself, said, “Miles, you should’ve played it like this. Let me show you. Levi, Uncle, you can listen too.” Miles tugged at Steven’s sleeve. “Dad, let’s go home. Mom said you’re her first music teacher. Help me perfect my technique.” I almost laughed out loud. First music teacher? More like a man blinded by lust and greed. Apparently, their performances at home weren’t enough—they had to stage a show here too. After sandwiching Mom between them, Miles turned to me. “Levi, can we talk for a minute?” I knew what he was up to. “You saw that medal, didn’t you?” Miles sneered. “It’s fake. Grandpa’s just a country bumpkin.” “Oh, by the way,” he added, smugly displaying a luxury watch, “did you get an invitation from the Marks family?” “No? Oh, I forgot—you’re stuck out here in the middle of nowhere. You’ve been erased from the Lexington social scene. Beg me, and I might let you tag along. But you’d embarrass yourself there.” He waited, hoping to see me angry, regretful, or ashamed. Instead, I asked, “How long has it been since you’ve had food that tastes like something?” That wiped the smug grin off his face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, hick.” He hurried into the car, almost running away. Back at the house, Grandpa awkwardly brought out a cake. “It’s your birthday. Have some cake,” he said. “I don’t know how you used to celebrate at Brooks Manor.” It had been so long since I’d had a birthday. The sweetness of the frosting melted in my mouth, filling me with warmth. Music might require talent, but looks determined fame. Steven firmly believed that with the right face, you could go anywhere. I developed crippling anxiety over my appearance during puberty. Even water retention could earn me a punishment. When hunger kept me up at night, I’d sneak to the fridge. If Steven caught me, he’d make me throw up. Eventually, my stomach learned to reject anything over a certain limit. Steven would dress me in custom suits for performances, and I’d stuff myself with protein powder to fill them out, wrecking my body in the process. When I complained to Mom, she’d only say, “Steven does this for your own good.” I wasn’t a son to them—I was a polished, obedient product. When my little brother Dylan was born, Steven didn’t bother hiding his true colors. “Everything we do is for Dylan. Can’t you be better for his sake? There’s no place for you in this family if you aren’t.” Mom agreed wholeheartedly. “Dylan is our hope. You need to marry someone powerful to help him succeed.” Steven’s wandering eye never stopped, even after Dylan’s birth. Mom wanted to use me to reel him back in.

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Chapter One My wife gave me her male secretary’s underwear as a birthday gift. “Honey, wear it for me when I get back from my trip,” Vanessa said, smirking. Suppressing the nausea that welled up inside me, I snapped a photo of the initials embroidered on the waistband and checked my phone. A notification popped up—Connor Blake had just posted a new update. “My sizzling hot boss insists on teaching me how to swim. Who could resist that?” In the video, Vanessa wore a skimpy swimsuit, clinging to Connor in the pool. Their intimacy was undeniable. I chuckled coldly and left a comment. “So, when does the bedroom yoga lesson start?” An hour later, Vanessa called, fuming. “Ethan Hawthorne, are you looking to get yourself into trouble?” Unbothered, I tossed a divorce agreement her way. She cried. When Vanessa came home, I was in the middle of discussing property division with Julian Scott, my divorce lawyer. She stormed in, slamming the door so hard it echoed through the Tribeca apartment. Kicking off her heels, she peeled off her blazer as she made her way to the bathroom. Moments later, she came out, her face contorted with irritation. She grabbed my phone from the coffee table and threw it down. “Who are you chatting with so intently?” “I told you two hours ago I’d be home. No hot water running? No candles lit? And you didn’t even prepare my pajamas?” In the past, I would have jumped at the chance to cater to her every need. But now, her words sounded like nails scraping against a chalkboard. Perhaps, to her, I was always just an obedient servant she could order around. Swallowing the bitterness rising in my chest, I glanced up. My gaze caught a red mark marring her pale skin—a bold testament to her affair. For ten years, I had loved her faithfully, believing nothing could shake our bond. It was this certainty that allowed her to believe I would never leave her. Realizing my anger, Vanessa awkwardly pulled a blanket from the couch to cover herself. Before I could speak, she offered an explanation, unprompted. “Hotels are full of annoying mosquitoes. I couldn’t stop getting bitten.” I laughed dryly. “Do all the hotel mosquitoes look like your secretary, Connor?” Vanessa’s face turned crimson. She stammered defensively, her voice raising. “What nonsense are you talking about? I was just teaching him to swim!” “Those yoga, cycling, and fitness instructors are men too. Does that mean all of them sleep with their clients?” “Stop filling your head with trash!” she snapped. Watching her panic only amused me further. Tired of the charade, I stood up to pack my things. But Vanessa grabbed my arm, her brows knitting together. “Stop being ridiculous.” “I didn’t forget your birthday. I even got you a gift.” The thought of that “gift” ignited my fury. I put on a pair of gloves, retrieved the underwear from the trash, and threw it in her face. Vanessa screamed, stumbling backward, nearly falling. Chapter Two When she saw the initials “CB” on the waistband, her anger quickly morphed into panic. She stared at me nervously, opening her mouth to speak, but no words came out. I crossed my arms and glared coldly, waiting for whatever excuse she’d come up with this time. The tense silence was interrupted by an urgent knock at the door. Vanessa seemed relieved as she darted to answer it. To my surprise, Connor Blake stepped inside. “It’s pouring out there. What are you doing here?” Vanessa asked, her voice soft and warm as she pulled him in. “You’ll catch a cold wearing that soaked jacket.” Her gentleness made me laugh bitterly. When I was sick with a high fever, she couldn’t even be bothered to get me a glass of water. Instead, she’d complain about how my illness inconvenienced her routine. Back then, I thought it was because she wasn’t used to caring for others. Now, I realized she only reserved her kindness for people she deemed worthy. “Ethan, why are you just standing there like a statue?” Vanessa barked, her tone sharp and impatient. “Get your clothes so Connor can change. Bring a few options so he can pick one.” In the past, I might have exploded in anger. But now, all I felt was icy detachment. I smirked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Why stop at clothes? Take the bedroom. The bed is spacious enough for the two of you.” Ignoring Vanessa’s darkening expression, I headed to the bedroom to pack. Behind me, Connor tried to calm her down. “Don’t be mad. It’s my fault for showing up unannounced. I just wanted to make up for missing Ethan’s birthday.” Vanessa laughed coldly. “Mad? At him? This tantrum is just his way of trying to control me.” Her defiant tone grated on me. At that moment, Julian Scott sent over the finalized divorce agreement. I printed it out, signed it, and handed it to her without a word. Vanessa glanced at the papers dismissively, but when she realized what it was, her arrogant demeanor dissolved. Anger and disbelief flashed across her face. “You’re going all out with this performance, huh, Ethan?” she sneered, crumpling the paper and hurling it at me. “The digital copy is in your email. Print it yourself if you want,” I replied flatly, dragging my suitcase toward the door. Behind me, Vanessa’s voice shook with barely contained rage. “If you walk out that door tonight, don’t ever come back.” I froze, hand on the doorknob. Something clicked in my mind. I turned to face her. Vanessa’s expression shifted—relief mixed with triumph—before she hardened her features again. “This is your last chance. From now on, don’t even mention the word ‘divorce.’” Chapter Three Over the years, every rule in our relationship had been set by Vanessa. I followed them without question, while she took my devotion as a license to break them whenever she wanted. Words like “breakup” and “divorce” were her go-to weapons, wielded at the slightest inconvenience. Last week, I forgot to buy cat food. That was enough for her to threaten divorce and block me on every platform. I resorted to creating multiple burner accounts just to beg her forgiveness. She ignored me for a week, letting her cold shoulder speak volumes. Eventually, I found out the cat food wasn’t for us—it was for Connor Blake. “Stop standing there like an idiot. Go make some ginger tea for Connor to warm him up,” Vanessa snapped, shoving me aside with disdain. I didn’t argue. Instead, I quietly slid off my wedding ring, turning it over in my fingers. It was a ring I’d designed myself—every detail carefully considered. I’d never taken it off, and I’d been insistent that she wear hers every day too. It was the one thing I wouldn’t compromise on, no matter how angry she made me. But this time, it was different. I inhaled deeply and placed the ring in her hand. This time, I was really letting go. Vanessa’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her face turned red, and tears glistened in her eyes. But instead of breaking, she hardened herself, gripping the ring tightly. “Fine, Ethan. I’ll wait,” she said coldly. “Tomorrow, you’ll come crawling back like the dog you are.” She hadn’t realized yet—there would be no tomorrow for us. It was late at night, and the icy wind cut through the streets like a blade. I leaned against my car, fumbling with a pack of cigarettes. Only one was left. Smoke curled around me as my thoughts drifted. When I first moved to New York City to start my career, I didn’t know anyone. My quiet nature didn’t lend itself to making friends, so I spent my evenings in a tiny Tribeca apartment, playing online games to pass the time. That’s how I met Vanessa. She was my support in a team match. Instead of running to safety, she turned back to save me, even though it cost us both our lives in the game. After the match, she added me as a friend and messaged, “Hey, carry me next round, Mr. Pro.” Her sunny, outgoing personality was the complete opposite of my reserved nature. I couldn’t resist her charm. We started playing together every night. Winning matches and listening to her gentle voice as she talked me through her day became the highlight of my life. One night, out of the blue, she said, “What do you think about meeting up?” Chapter Four Her tone was casual, but I could hear her nervous breathing through my headset. Even now, I can still remember her laughter when I agreed. So this is what it feels like to matter to someone, I thought. When we met in person, she took my arm naturally, shaking it playfully. “Who would’ve thought the gaming legend looked this handsome in real life?” she teased, her bright eyes sparkling like stars in the summer sunlight filtering through the trees. The memory lingered as I took a drag of my cigarette. The glowing ember burned my fingers, and I cursed, tossing it to the ground and grinding it out with my shoe. When I looked up, Vanessa was standing in front of me, her cheeks red from the cold. Her wide eyes brimmed with tears, and her expression was full of unspoken hurt. I sighed deeply. After all these years, I had no regrets about the way I’d loved her. So what was she crying for? She had someone else now. If she loved him so much, why not let me go peacefully? Why cling to this broken relationship? “Ethan, don’t look at me like that,” she whispered, tugging at my sleeve. “It scares me.” “I was wrong about your birthday,” she continued, her voice softening. “I should’ve picked out your gift myself.” “Please don’t stay angry, okay?” In all our years together, I’d never seen Vanessa act so vulnerable. She’d always been confident that no matter what, I would be the one to apologize first. But it was too late for that now. She still didn’t understand why we’d reached this breaking point. I brushed her hand away and opened the car door. Her desperation flared. She pressed her hand firmly against the door to keep it closed. “You promised me,” she said, her voice trembling. “Every birthday, you’d grant me one wish. Don’t you remember?” “Well, this is my wish: come home with me.” For a moment, I was transported back to the past—back to when Vanessa used to hold me tightly and say, “You’ll never be alone again. I’ll always be here with you.” Maybe this could be my final act of kindness toward her. I decided I would give her one last moment of happiness before leaving quietly while she slept. Vanessa wiped her tears and broke into a triumphant smile, tilting her chin smugly. “I knew it. You could never leave me.” The moment we walked through the door, a loud pop startled me. Streamers rained down from above, and voices shouted in unison, “Happy birthday!” I froze in the entryway, glancing around the living room. Among the faces were Vanessa’s closest friends, including Brielle Hart, Chloe Monroe, and Miranda Tate. “Do you like the surprise I planned for you?” Vanessa asked, her tone almost pleading for approval. For a brief moment, the warmth of the gesture softened the icy walls around my heart. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone had celebrated my birthday. Most years, I spent it alone or treated it like any other ordinary day. But the smile didn’t last long. My eyes landed on the dining table, where a bright green cake sat. It was decorated with green grapes and surrounded by matching green flowers. “This is my apology to you, Ethan,” Vanessa said sweetly. “I made it myself.” Across the room, Connor Blake smirked at me, his eyes brimming with smug satisfaction. Chapter Five The others crossed their arms and leaned back, amused by the spectacle. Their mocking gazes bore into me, each one like a searing brand. “Don’t just stand there,” Vanessa urged. “Sit down and have some cake.” I couldn’t tell if she was oblivious to the malice in the room or deliberately ignoring it. Still, I wanted to avoid a scene on what would be my last night here. Quietly, I took a seat at the table. A short-haired woman, Quinn Harper, tapped her nails on the table and let out a derisive laugh. “Ethan, let’s be real. You’re not even good enough for Vanessa’s toenails, and yet she insists on staying with you,” Quinn sneered. “Do her a favor and stop acting like a jealous drama queen. If she and Connor had something going on, do you think you’d even be in the picture?” My fists clenched so tightly my knuckles cracked. I turned to Vanessa, hoping for even a shred of defense on my behalf. But she averted her eyes, ladling soup into a bowl and placing it in front of Connor. My anger boiled over. Just as I began to rise, someone shoved me back into my seat. Connor stirred his soup lazily, his voice dripping with mockery. “Ethan’s not all bad,” he said. “Vanessa just told us that as long as she sweet-talks him a little, he’ll come running back like a loyal dog.” Something inside me snapped. All this time, I was nothing more than her fool. Connor stood, grabbed a handful of the green cake, and smeared it across my face. The hard metal decorations cut into my skin. Before I could react, others followed his lead, smearing cake onto my hair and clothes. “Look at him,” Connor jeered. “Doesn’t he look like a green turtle?” The room erupted in laughter. Connor leaned close to my ear, whispering, “Even if I slept with Vanessa right in front of you, what could you do about it?” The noise around me faded into silence, replaced by the thunder of my pulse. With a roar, I flipped the table, sending dishes and silverware crashing to the floor. Vanessa, trembling with rage, slapped me hard across the face. “What’s your problem, Ethan?” she shouted. “They were just standing up for me. Connor spent all day making that cake! Now apologize to him, or I’ll never forgive you.” I let out a bitter laugh. How ridiculous. When they insulted me, she stayed silent. But now, over a cake, she leapt to Connor’s defense. “Fine,” I said coldly. “I’ll apologize.” Pulling out my phone, I dialed a number I’d been holding onto for a long time.

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Grace Lockwood was dying. Her one wish was for her only daughter, Sophia Lockwood, to have a child to call her own. To ease her foster mother’s worries, Jason Danish agreed to her request. He started staying out all night, pressuring me to divorce him. After several heated arguments, I summoned the long-dormant Zenith Interface, “I want to leave this world.” To spare me from pain in my final moments, the system extracted my core emotions. I stopped fighting or arguing, which seemed to please Jason. He eagerly married his foster sister, Sophia. Gradually, Jason began to notice my growing indifference. I even prepared baby clothes for the child Sophia was expecting. It was then that he finally panicked. …… Content Jason Danish and I had another fight. It was the third time, always about his foster sister, Sophia Lockwood. I grabbed his arm, refusing to let him leave. Jason flung me off with irritation. Unsteady on my feet, I caught the edge of the table to keep from falling. His face darkened, brimming with impatience. “Chloe Hartwell, I’ve told you this a hundred times: it’s just for a child. A year from now, I’ll divorce her and remarry you. Why can’t you just be reasonable? Why pick a fight now?” I stared into his eyes, my chest heaving. “She wants a child, but why does it have to be you? She knows you’re married. She’s destroying our family.” “Chloe Hartwell!” Jason’s voice was low, carrying a storm of fury. “Grace raised me. Without her, I wouldn’t even be alive. What family do I have without her?” “Tomorrow at the County Clerk’s Office, I’ll be waiting.” With that, he slammed the door, leaving the apartment complex. At the curb, a petite figure emerged from a Bentley and ran toward him, throwing herself into his arms. I clutched my chest, a bitter ache swelling inside. Seven years together, and this was how it all ended. I summoned the Zenith Interface. “System, I want to go home.” Three years ago, I successfully won over Jason Danish. I should have left then. But Jason had said to me, “Chloe, I finally have a home.” I had teased, “You could’ve just bought a house. Isn’t that the same thing?” Jason frowned, shaking his head solemnly. “It’s not about having a house—it’s about having you. You’re my home.” “Chloe, you are my home.” In that moment, I felt like I was walking on air, floating among the clouds. Because of those words, I stayed. After all, I was an orphan. Where I lived didn’t really matter. But only three years later, Jason dealt me a fatal blow. When Grace was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, she clung to Jason’s hand, pleading with him to take care of Sophia. Tears streamed down her face as she expressed her fears that Sophia, alone in the world, would be vulnerable. “If only Sophia could have a child,” she said. “But she refuses to marry. I know—it’s because she’s waiting for you, Jason. I don’t care about dying, but I can’t rest easy leaving Sophia alone.” To ease her mind, Jason promised to marry Sophia and give her a child. I was there in the hospital room when he made that promise, every word chilling me to the core. When we got home, Jason told me he wanted a divorce so he could marry Sophia. I refused, and we argued. He ended it by slamming the door on me. The Zenith Interface hesitated before speaking. “Host, for the first three months of separation, your emotions will be removed. You’ll become an empty shell. Leaving then will spare you much of the pain.” I agreed. I would do anything to get far away from Jason Danish.

The next day, I didn’t make it to the County Clerk’s Office. It was pouring rain, and I hated going out in storms. Jason called, his tone sharp with frustration. “Chloe Hartwell, the wedding is next week. Can you stop causing trouble?” Rain pounded against the windows, and thunder rumbled in the distance. I clutched the edge of the blanket. “Can’t we do it tomorrow? The forecast says it’ll be sunny.” Jason’s breathing grew heavier, tinged with exasperation. “Tomorrow, I’m helping Sophia try on wedding dresses.” “What about the day after?” “Chloe Hartwell!” When Jason got angry, his voice grew low and weighty. I didn’t need to see him to know his face was stormy, his brow furrowed, convinced I was playing games. I sighed. “Fine. Wait for me.” I hated rainstorms—feared them, even. In my original world, I’d been in a car accident during a storm. That’s how I ended up in a coma and became part of this world through the system. I hailed a cab, but by the time I folded my umbrella, the rain had drenched half my hair. I frowned, irritated. I hated rainy days. Outside the fogged windows, the streets were nearly empty. My phone rang incessantly. All calls were from Jason. I tugged at the corners of my mouth in a bitter smile. He was so impatient he couldn’t wait even a minute. Oddly, I felt nothing. It seemed the separation program was already taking effect. The cab skidded at a corner, the tires screeching against the wet pavement. I was thrown forward, my forehead smacking against the seat in front of me. Jason was still blowing up my phone, but unfortunately for him, I’d been in a car accident. I grabbed my umbrella and prepared to walk to the County Clerk’s Office. The driver grabbed my arm. “Where are you going? The ambulance is on its way.” “Let me go. I’ve got urgent business.” “What’s so urgent? Reincarnation?” “I’m getting a divorce.” The driver froze for a second, then tightened his grip. Maybe he mistook the rain on my face for tears. He gave me a look—equal parts pity and sadness. “Urgent or not, you still need to get checked out first.” I supposed he was right. I was taken to Lakewood Medical Center. After a battery of tests, the County Clerk’s Office had long since closed. Jason stormed into my hospital room, his initial alarm fading into a cold mask as he saw I was unharmed. “A car accident? Chloe Hartwell, you couldn’t have come up with a better excuse? Where are you hurt?” I spread my hands. “Nowhere.” Jason flipped through my test results, his face growing darker by the second. The paper crinkled in his hands. He laughed bitterly. “Chloe Hartwell, are you determined to make my mother die with regrets?” “I told you—I’ll divorce Sophia once she has the child. Can’t you think about me? Do you know how worried I was coming here? And you? You’re fine with lying to me.” Once, I might have been hurt by this, furious even. Why should I understand him when he was ready to tear our family apart for Sophia? Who understood me? But now, I was calm. I didn’t even have the energy to argue. “Jason Danish, I wasn’t lying. I really was in an accident. The driver’s still here in the hospital if you don’t believe me. I just got lucky.” Jason didn’t believe me, but before he could vent further, Sophia called. His stern expression softened. His voice became gentle. He didn’t even bother stepping away. Her playful, sweet tone carried clearly over the line. We weren’t divorced yet, and Sophia was already calling him “hubby.” And Jason? He didn’t correct her. After hanging up, he sighed and turned to me. “Chloe, I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Don’t fight me this time. You know Grace doesn’t have much time left.” Grace’s dying wish was to see Jason and Sophia married. Jason busied himself making it happen. I nodded. “Okay.” “Don’t fight me, Chloe…” “What did you say?” Jason froze, startled. I repeated myself. “I said, okay. Tomorrow, divorce.”

In the past, I wouldn’t have agreed so easily. Not scolding him first would’ve been a miracle. But now, it took no effort at all to say, “Fine.” Jason Danish’s furrowed brow relaxed, and he exhaled in relief. “Then, tomorrow.” Sophia Lockwood was waiting for him to have dinner. He had no time to waste on me. Jason left the hospital quickly, guilt written all over him. After he left, the doctor told me I could be discharged. I went home and cooked myself a bowl of noodles. They were tasteless. I added more salt, but the flavor didn’t change. It seemed my sense of taste was already fading, much faster than I’d expected. I finished the meal mechanically, then methodically cleaned up and washed the dishes. Finally, I lay on the cold, empty bed. I ran my hand over the other side—it was ice cold. Ever since Jason decided to marry Sophia, he’d moved out. The empty house was mine alone. If I left, no one would live here anymore. The next morning, I was woken by the ringing of my phone. Jason’s cold voice came through. “I’m downstairs. Get ready and come down.” I froze for a second. “Okay.” When I opened the car door to the passenger seat, I realized Sophia was there too. Her hair was in soft curls, her makeup impeccable. She smiled at me, almost playfully. “Sorry, Chloe, I didn’t feel like getting out of the car. Do you mind sitting in the back?” I nodded. “Sure.” I climbed into the backseat, staring out the window with a blank expression. In the rearview mirror, Jason’s gaze flitted toward me now and then. He cleared his throat. “Uh, Sophia wants to invite you to be her bridesmaid.” I looked at him, puzzled. Jason coughed again. “If you don’t want to, it’s fine. The wedding’s just a formality. You don’t have to come if you don’t want to.” “I’ll go.” Jason’s expression shifted to one of surprise. “Did you hear me? I said bridesmaid.” “I heard you. I’m not deaf,” I replied. Jason’s face darkened, and he snapped, “Fine. When Sophia picks her dress later, you can pick your bridesmaid dress.” When the seal stamped down on the divorce papers, it marked the end of my three-year marriage to Jason Danish. Jason grabbed his copy of the decree and stuffed it into his pocket without so much as glancing at it. I, on the other hand, took my time, carefully examining every word. The documents were just different pieces of paper, but they ruled most of our lives. I hadn’t finished reading when a large hand snatched the paper from me. Jason’s tone was annoyed. “What’s so interesting about it? It’s not like we’re really divorced.” The stamp begged to differ. Whatever. If that’s how he wanted to see it, so be it. Sophia’s wedding dress was stunning, adorned with diamonds that sparkled in the sunlight. When Jason and I got married, he was fresh out of college and broke. Our wedding had been minimalist, to say the least. He had promised me back then, “When I have money, I’ll throw you an even grander wedding, and you’ll wear the most beautiful dress.” Three years later, he had money, but those promises were long forgotten. I looked at the diamond ring on my finger, then noticed Jason’s hand was bare, leaving only a faint white mark where his ring had been. Calmly, I slipped my ring off and placed it on the counter. Following the store clerk, I began picking out bridesmaid dresses. Each one was prettier than the last. Sophia appeared behind me suddenly. “Chloe, I think this one suits you,” she said, holding up a long-sleeved, nude-toned dress with tulle. It was hideous and outdated. I replied evenly, “Then you wear it.” Sophia bit her lip, feigning hurt. “Chloe, this is a bridesmaid dress. I’m the bride.” I instinctively furrowed my brow. She was on the verge of tears again. Jason tossed the dress to me and wrapped an arm around Sophia, comforting her softly before turning to scold me. “Sophia is the bride. How could you suggest she wear a bridesmaid dress?” “Chloe Hartwell, if you don’t want to be her bridesmaid, just say so. Don’t act all pitiful.” What? I wasn’t doing anything. Jason handed the dress to the clerk. “This one. Wrap it up.” Fine. An ugly dress it was. On the wedding day, balloons surrounded the lawn at Green Ridge Estate, and the area was decorated with countless framed photos of Jason and Sophia. The guests all looked on enviously. Dressed in the hideous bridesmaid dress, I held the rings, waiting for my cue. Finally, it was time for the ring exchange. Step by step, I approached the bride and groom. When I handed Jason the ring, he looked at me, his eyes holding an unreadable emotion. He murmured softly, “Chloe, it’s just an act.” I nodded to show I understood. The emotion in his eyes faded, replaced by a smile as he slid the ring onto Sophia’s finger. Applause erupted, and the officiant announced, “You may kiss the bride!” I stood quietly to the side, waiting for them to kiss so I could finally take off my heels. The ill-fitting shoes had been digging into my feet all day. I lifted one foot to relieve the pain. When I glanced up, Jason’s eyes were locked on mine. He still hadn’t kissed Sophia. Sophia urged him quietly, her voice impatient. The guests stared expectantly. But he didn’t move. His lips quivered. “Chloe, I…”

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After getting married, my husband Ethan William and I have always kept our finances very transparent. He once told his friends, “Ella is independent and capable; she never relies on a man. What I love most is her confident demeanor.” Later, his secretary shared on social media, “I wanted him to set up a more personal payment arrangement, but instead he gave me an unlimited supplementary card. What should I do? The Princess has already fallen for the Dragon Slayer.” The pride of the Little Girl practically radiates from the screen. I sighed as I looked at the joyful posts about her finances every day: “How can I reclaim my share of this marital property? I just wonder if Ethan’s Little Girl will end up in tears.” I looked at the photos Mia posted on SnapChat: a Hermès handbag worth over a hundred thousand, a necklace from G Brand, and clothes and shoes from various luxury brands—each piece was exquisite. The comments below were filled with envy: “Mia, your boyfriend treats you so well!” “Truly, boyfriends like that never disappoint.” “Mia, when will you bring him out for us to meet?” Mia quickly posted another photo. In it, the young and charming Mia, wearing a sexy camisole, was hugging a man’s neck, only his chin visible. A dark red lip mark adorned his Adam’s apple—everyone knew what that meant. Mia captioned it: “My hero wants only me to see him; he’s mine.” The comments continued to brim with envy, but only I recognized the man as Ethan, identifiable by the scar on the side of his chin. That scar was from a winter night in college when we were working part-time. He had ridden a bicycle with me through the snow and, to protect me during a fall, injured his chin. Every time he teased me, he would say, “This is the medal of a hero; our Ella must repay me with her body.” I’d blush and bury my face in his embrace. But now, this boy who once protected me had become someone else’s Dragon Slayer, equally brave and captivating. I liked every one of Mia’s posts and commented on their group photo: “What a happy girl! I envy you for having an unlimited secondary card. When will your hero show his face?” I then selected a few of Mia’s photos and sent them to Ethan: “This style of bag and those clothes are too extravagant; they don’t suit your girl.” When Ethan came home, he bore a look of helplessness as he tore off his tie and sank tiredly onto the sofa. “Why are you competing with a girl? She’s just going to a class reunion, afraid others will look down on her, so she borrowed my secondary card for a photo.” What a flimsy excuse; it felt like a lie. I knew Mia didn’t come from a privileged background; she took out loans for university and only had two work outfits when she joined the company. Yet, her youth shone through—a simple white shirt could keep anyone’s eyes glued to her. But it was this girl who had captured Ethan’s heart. Known in the business world for his integrity, he had fallen into the web of affection spun by her, unable to escape. He continued to explain, “Those things were rewards for her hard work, but her posts were somewhat misleading. I’ve already talked to her about it; I’ll make sure she pays attention next time.” I fixed my gaze on his eyes, and when he looked away, I pointed at the photo and asked, “Ethan, how generous you are! A secretary’s hard work earns her a handbag worth over a hundred thousand and a bracelet worth over ten thousand. If this gets out, applicants will be breaking down the door to Gu’s; you truly are a good boss.” Ethan straightened up, frowning at me. “Ella, enough. I said it’s just a misunderstanding. You don’t need to read too much into it; you know I haven’t betrayed you.” “Your comment on her SnapChat today was excessive.” A sharp pain shot through my heart; he was sitting with a girl, the kiss mark still visible on her neck, and he dared to say I was excessive? I thought back to when we had just married; Ethan had said, “Ella, I will always treat you well, and we will grow old together.” That vow, made just a few years ago, had already scattered like leaves in the wind. I handed him a mirror. “Look at the kiss mark on your Adam’s apple, then tell me you haven’t betrayed me? Ethan, you’ve really disappointed me.” He panicked for a moment, knocking the mirror away, shattering it on the ground. “I felt a bit uncomfortable and pressed on it myself, leaving a mark. Don’t be suspicious, Ella. You’ve always been different from other women; why have you changed now?” He stood up, ignoring my questions, and turned to sleep in the guest room. “I don’t want to argue; you should calm down.” The next day, as soon as I arrived at work, Mia walked in with red eyes and a large bag. In front of all the colleagues, she dumped its contents onto my desk. “I’m sorry, Sister Ella. It’s my fault for being thoughtless and posting those things on SnapChat, which made you misunderstand.” “I shouldn’t have let Ethan’s rewards go to my head and posted those random things on SnapChat; I’m truly sorry.” The colleagues watching had no idea what was happening, whispering and pointing outside. I picked up a G Brand bag and smiled, asking, “What great contribution have you made to the company? A reward of over a hundred thousand? Ask those standing outside; they work hard—have they ever received such rewards?” I tossed the bag lightly onto the ground, landing at her feet. “And a jacket worth several thousand?” “A bracelet worth over ten thousand? Mia, how many good deeds have you done to earn daily rewards?” Mia’s face turned pale, tears welling in her eyes. “I… I work hard; how can you doubt me?” The people outside stared at the luxury items on the ground, murmuring louder: “Yeah, why does she deserve that?” “Didn’t you see her SnapChat? She said her boyfriend bought it!” “Is it her boyfriend who bought it, or is it Ethan’s reward? I’m confused.” “Are you stupid? Ethan’s wife has already spoken; what kind of relationship do you think it is? Isn’t that just a mistress?” The mocking laughter from outside reached Mia’s ears; she bit her lip, looking aggrieved. “What are you all doing? Don’t you need to work?” Ethan entered. Mia looked over, and the tears that had been threatening to fall finally rolled down her cheeks as she gazed at her Dragon Slayer with red eyes: “Ethan.” Her voice was pitiful. Ethan glared at me, looking at the items on the ground. “Ella, I told you yesterday it was just a misunderstanding. What’s the point of making things difficult for a girl?” “You scared her; she came here to apologize early in the morning, and now everything is here. Do you feel particularly imposing and proud, outshining everyone as Mrs. William?”

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