Category: English

I fell in love with Lucas Gray, the heir to our company’s biggest rival. We were fierce competitors in the boardroom, and just as passionate in the bedroom. Our trysts left traces in his office, his car, the shower, the balcony – everywhere we could steal a moment together. My birthday was coming up in a week. I decided I would officially announce our relationship at my birthday party. But then I overheard him talking with his friends by accident. “Damn, three condoms? Lucas, you animal. I thought you said this was just for fun? No need to put in so much effort.” “Man, imagine how that old Sinclair geezer would react if he knew his precious daughter was getting it on all over Lucas’ office. Think he’d have a heart attack when he sees the video?” “You’re not going to chicken out of releasing the video, are you bro?” Lucas exhaled a cloud of smoke, pausing before he slowly replied. “Don’t worry, I’m just playing with her. You know Emma’s my fiancée. I’m only with Olivia to humiliate the Sinclair family. That bitch had the nerve to steal my deal – she deserves this.” I clutched the contract in my hand – the $100 million deal I had spent over a month convincing my father to agree to as our first partnership with Gray Corp. Well, it seems the Grays don’t need the Sinclairs’ goodwill after all. I dialed Ethan Morgan’s number. “I have a business proposition for you. And if you’re interested, I have a marriage proposal as well.” 0

My heart turned to ice as I listened to their conversation. Just this morning, Lucas had bent me over his desk and taken me three times. “We can’t, there are cameras in your office,” I had protested. “Don’t worry, I disabled them all. I can’t let anyone else see how beautiful you are, my darling.” I had scanned the room carefully, only agreeing after triple-checking there were no cameras. Now my shoulders still bore the marks of his passion. So he had been lying to me all along. The contract papers scattered across the floor. Their conversation continued in the office. “Lucas, you sly dog. Setting up that incident at the bar, having your guys harass her so you could swoop in and play hero. No wonder she fell for you hook, line and sinker.” “The Sinclairs and Grays have been rivals for years. When Olivia first joined the board and snatched that million-dollar deal from you, you became the laughingstock of the whole city.” “Now once you release that video at her birthday party, Olivia and the whole Sinclair family will be the new joke in town. You’ll have crushed them completely.” “Who’d want to do business with that slut Olivia after that?” … I couldn’t bear to hear any more. So the love I thought was real was just an elaborate scheme. But Lucas, you’ve underestimated me. I may have loved the wrong man, but I can take the loss. If you don’t love me, there’s a line of men waiting to love me instead. Ethan’s voice came through the phone: “Really? You’re finally willing?” “But I thought you said you were announcing your engagement next week? That you loved him…” “That man will be you,” I said firmly. “What?” I repeated with conviction: “That man is you.” I hung up and returned to my own company. I called my assistant in. “Remember that contract I had you working on this month? I need you to draft a new proposal, but change the partner to Morgan Corp.” My assistant hesitated. “But weren’t you and Mr. Gray very close? This deal would give them at least 30% profit. Why give it to the Morgans instead?” “You’ve been working overtime for a month to make this happen. Why…” “That’s enough,” I cut her off. “Personal feelings have no place in business. Besides, Morgan’s offer is lower and they’ve been a trusted partner for 10 years. They deserve it.” “And remember, from now on Lucas Gray and I have no relationship whatsoever. Don’t mention him to me again.” After dismissing my assistant, their conversation echoed in my mind. I scrawled “VIDEO” on a piece of paper in frustration. Video. I needed to delete any compromising footage before I left. Just then, Lucas burst through the door. His assistant followed, carrying gift boxes. Lucas took out a cake. “I picked four flavors I think you’ll love. Try them! Whichever you like best, I’ll have them cater your birthday dessert bar.” I forced a polite smile. “Aren’t you very busy lately? Why bother with little things like this?” He fed me a spoonful. “Olivia, everything about you is important to me. No detail is too small. Oh, and your birthday is in a week – I’ve decided to plan the whole thing myself.” His gaze suddenly fell on the paper with “VIDEO” written on it. My heart skipped a beat in panic. He smiled, pointing at the word. “We should prepare a special video for your birthday party. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s a surprise you’ll love.” Hearing this, my heart plummeted. The cake in my mouth turned bitter. I spoke hoarsely: “It’s just a birthday. We don’t need a video, right?” He stroked my hair affectionately. “No way, how else will your parents see how in love we are? How can they feel comfortable entrusting you to me?” The last shred of hope in my heart was crushed by Lucas’ own hand. I nodded helplessly, my chest aching. “Whatever you say.” 0

Just then, Lucas’ phone chimed. He glanced at the screen, a faint smile appearing. I tilted my head to look, pouting playfully. “Who’s messaging you?” He hastily hid his phone. “It’s nothing, just my assistant reminding me about a meeting.” My eyes darkened. He never used to hide things from me before. I had clearly seen a pink cartoon avatar. Lucas had replaced all his assistants with men to avoid making me jealous. Which woman was making him smile like that? Was it his fiancée Emma? I hid my disappointment, watching him carefully. Noticing my gaze, he broke into a sweat. The phone rang again. He declined the call. He gave me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry Olivia, I have to go. I’ll come see you tonight after I’m done with work.” After Lucas left, I borrowed my assistant’s car and discreetly followed him. My heart raced. I wasn’t sure what exactly I was trying to confirm. At the airport, I donned sunglasses and a hat, trailing about 100 meters behind Lucas. I saw him take out a large bouquet of pink and white flowers, looking around anxiously. Soon I spotted a slender young woman in a white pleated skirt bouncing over. She took the flowers and kissed him passionately right there in the airport. I turned away abruptly, my nails digging into my palms. I told myself: “Olivia, stop hoping. Your true love was just a game. It’s time to quit.” Late that night, Lucas finally came home. When we first moved in together, I wasn’t used to Lucas getting home late from business dinners. I always went to bed at 10pm sharp and woke up at 5:30am to work out for an hour before heading to the office, like clockwork. He’d come home late and try to fool around, leaving me exhausted for my morning meetings. After I complained repeatedly, he promised to always be home by 9pm. Tonight was the first time he had broken that promise. Seeming to sense my mood, he was especially gentle tonight. He silently took my hand from under the covers and clasped a diamond bracelet around my wrist. Then he bent to kiss my fingertips. “Look, do you like the new gift I chose for you?” “I didn’t mean to be late, I swear. We had an important client today. I knew you’d be upset so I had my assistant go to the auction to get this bracelet you loved.” “Will you forgive me just this once?” The diamond bracelet sparkled dazzlingly in the dim light, impossible to look away from. But I felt somewhat weary of it all. I looked at him and said flatly: “You smell like iris perfume. Were you meeting a client or seeing a woman?” He blanched in shock, quickly sniffing his jacket. “The client today was a woman, but she was over 40. No one as beautiful as you.” “Olivia, you’re overthinking again.” Whenever he did something wrong and was trying to appease me, he’d call me “Liv” and pepper light kisses on my nose, collarbone, and stomach until I lost all resistance and surrendered to passion. This time I pulled away. “But my employee saw you at the airport picking up a young, beautiful woman. You even kissed.” His expression cycled through several emotions in the lamplight, more colorful than a painter’s palette. He swore to the heavens: “We didn’t kiss, it was just a cheek greeting. The client just got back from France, it’s a local custom there. Don’t overthink it.” “We’re announcing our relationship in a week, what are you worried about?” “Honey, are you having some pre-wedding jitters? You never used to be so insecure.” I looked at the man before me, still so composed even when caught in a lie. I gritted my teeth. How lovely! I stared at the phone in his pocket. “I don’t believe you. Tell me your phone password, I want to check myself.” He calmly handed me his phone. Then he entered the password in front of me. I checked his messages, social media, photos – nothing suspicious. I couldn’t even find that pink cartoon avatar. For a moment I wondered if I had imagined the whole airport scene. I handed the phone back, my voice choked. “I’m sorry, I must be oversensitive.” He smiled and took the phone back, his warm hand sliding up my calf. I pulled my leg away, clutching the covers. “I was going to say, my period came early. The mood swings are probably from PMS.” He immediately placed a concerned hand on my belly and went downstairs to make me herbal tea. I used to get bad cramps during my period. He took me to see a Chinese doctor who recommended an herbal tea. Ever since, he’d brew it himself each time, watching me drink it and giving me a sweet date to chase away the bitterness. I watched his busy figure, unsure what was real and what was fake about this man anymore. 0

That night, I watched his sleeping face and quietly took his phone. I had once heard a married friend describe how she caught her husband cheating. I learned that some phones have two separate interfaces, requiring a special method to switch between them. I entered the password and successfully found the hidden interface using my friend’s technique. But opening the private space required another password. I tried the phone’s unlock code – no luck. I thought about using his fingerprint, but Lucas was very sensitive to touch. I didn’t dare risk it. As a last attempt, I entered my birthday. I had no real hope, but to my shock it worked. Lucas, if you don’t love me, why use my birthday as your password? I wiped away tears and opened the hidden space like Pandora’s box. I found the pink cartoon avatar in the messaging app, and 1.5GB of videos of me stored in the cloud drive. All our intimate moments that I thought were precious now felt like knives stabbing into me. My trembling fingers checked the camera angle of one video. It seemed to be from a hidden camera on his body. I quickly and permanently deleted all the videos, triple checking I hadn’t missed any. I put down the phone and found the diamond pin Lucas always wore. On the back of the pin, I truly did find a tiny hidden camera. I covered my mouth and collapsed to the floor, muffling my sobs. Crying, I flushed the camera down the toilet. The next day I packed all my things into a suitcase. Lucas looked at me in confusion. “What’s wrong? Where are you going?” I smiled and replied: “I have a business trip in a few days. I’m packing early so I’m not rushed later.” Lucas came over and hugged me. “What’s the hurry? I’ll help you pack when it’s time.” “Are you going to the office today? I’ll drive you.” I pushed Lucas away. “I have a client meeting. I’ll go myself.” Before I left, there was one last thing to take care of – handing over my work at the company. My parents had wanted me to return to headquarters last year, but I had made excuses to stay with Lucas until now. When I called yesterday saying I was ready to go back, they immediately sent a new manager to take over for me. I had just finished briefing him on all the tasks when my assistant burst in. “Ms. Sinclair, there’s trouble! A Miss Lee is making a huge scene, demanding to see you. She’s saying…” She hesitated, looking at me uncertainly. “She’s saying you’re the other woman who stole her fiancé. Of course we don’t believe her, but she won’t leave. What should we do?” I took a deep breath. So Emma Lee couldn’t wait and came looking for me herself. I walked out and heard the commotion by reception. “Olivia Sinclair, come out! If you have the guts to steal someone’s man, have the guts to face me!” Everyone was staring and whispering. I stood in front of her. “You’re looking for me? Let’s talk in my office.” She strutted after me in her Chanel heels, bristling with anger. She looked around my office, eyeing my nameplate. “So the homewrecker even made it to CEO. Did you sleep your way to the top?” I leaned against my desk, turning the nameplate. “Miss Lee, you’ve been out of the country for over a decade and seem unfamiliar with things here. If you had bothered to look into the Sinclair family at all, you’d know exactly who I am.” Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re Olivia Sinclair, the Sinclair heiress? Impossible. Lucas said the Sinclair daughter was his most hated rival – a shrew always meddling in men’s business.” She narrowed her eyes, looking triumphant. “Oh, I get it. Lucas must be pretending to date you just to humiliate you.” “Take my advice and stop chasing after Lucas if you know what’s good for you. We’ve been engaged since childhood. You don’t stand a chance!” I struggled to contain my anger, feigning nonchalance. “Oh? Why don’t you ask your dear Lucas whether I’m chasing him, or he’s chasing me.” When we first got together, he had pursued me relentlessly. Now I’m the other woman? Lucas, you’ve really outdone yourself! Just then, she flew into a rage and grabbed a nearby vase, hurling it at me. “You’re lying! Lucas would never like an old hag like you!” I couldn’t dodge in time. Blood spilled across the floor. By the time Lucas rushed to the hospital, Emma had long since fled. He stood by my hospital bed, looking guilty. “I’m so sorry. Emma is my sister – she’s been spoiled by our family. It’s my fault for not explaining things clearly. Don’t worry, I’ve already scolded her.” I turned away, not wanting to look at him. He grabbed a water glass and smashed it against his own head. Blood streamed down his face as he gazed at me with devotion. “See? Now we match. If you hurt, I’ll hurt with you.” Seeing my silence, he raised the glass to strike himself again. “If you’re still not satisfied, I can do it again. Two times, three times, four times – as many as it takes until you forgive me.” I quickly stopped him. “Enough. Don’t hurt yourself anymore.” He knelt down, reverently kissing my fingertips. “You’ve finally forgiven me?” I nodded. Lucas, I’ll believe you one last time.

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My fiancé was dirt poor. So poor I had to fashion my wedding dress from a mosquito net, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. During our rare vacation, when we’d finally saved enough for a trip, Blake left me in the car while I was sleeping and walked away. Men stuck on the highway took turns, one after another, in the car, but I was completely unaware. When we finally got to the Airbnb, he, usually so reserved and controlled, started playing increasingly twisted games. It wasn’t until he was showering that I saw him sharing photos and videos of me in the car, and in the public restroom near the rest area, in a group chat. Disbelief choked me. I wanted to confront him, but another message popped up in the chat. “Just ten thousand for Young Master Blake’s fiancée? I’ll pay thirty thousand upfront!” “Young Master Blake really knows how to play! Pretending to be poor for all these years, just to get revenge for Scarlett Zhao. Finally, he’s playing for high stakes!” Before I could even process why my fiancé was being called “Young Master Blake,” the man in the shower instantly replied: “Scarlett Zhao only went into the woods with those guys back then to save me. I just want to get revenge for her.” Tears streamed down my face, hitting the screen. It hit me like a lightning bolt. I was the one who went into the woods with those ten men to save him back then…

The chat continued to buzz. “Ten thousand a pop, tsk tsk. Young Master Blake must have made hundreds of thousands these past few days, right?” “You really think Young Master Blake needs money? Did you see Scarlett Zhao’s Ins post? Young Master Blake just gifted her a three-hundred-million villa yesterday!” I vaguely heard a cheerful chuckle from the bathroom. “I was supposed to take Scarlett to France for the May Day holiday, but couldn’t make it, so I just got her a small gift as compensation. It’s fine. At least this island trip let me get revenge for what happened to her back then.” The group members showered him with praise, but one person, seemingly unable to stomach it, asked: “But Young Master Blake, you’ve been pretending to be poor for so many years, and only Harper Su stuck by you. Last time it was your birthday, she even sold blood to buy you a gift. Aren’t you going a bit too far treating her like this…?” It felt like someone had violently squeezed my heart, and my breath hitched. A moment later, Blake replied with an eye-roll emoji and a few sentences: “If it weren’t for her, Scarlett wouldn’t have gone through that, having to leave the country to escape the backlash.” “If it weren’t for her, Scarlett and I would have been together ages ago. Everything Harper’s going through is her own damn fault.” “Harper needs to experience a hundred times the pain Scarlett did. Tonight’s guests won’t be charged. Come on in, everyone who wants a piece of her.” Amidst the cheers of dozens of people in the group, Blake sent the Airbnb’s location and our room number. “Once she drinks the milk, she’ll be out cold. Just take it easy on her.” I wanted to rush in, snatch his phone, and stop him, but my body trembled uncontrollably, my limbs completely unresponsive. Hearing Blake about to walk out of the bathroom, I mustered my last bit of strength, marked all the tablet messages as unread, and then collapsed onto the bed, wracked with pain. “Baby, what’s wrong?” Blake rushed over. Seeing my eyes red-rimmed and tears streaming down, he looked surprised. “Why are you suddenly having an episode?” He knew I had bipolar disorder. Sometimes I’d be tormented by intense depression, wanting to leave this world. Other times, I’d become abnormally manic, practically wanting to grab a knife and kill everyone. When an episode hit, my observations became even sharper. For the first time, I saw it: under Blake’s mask of concern, a flicker of well-hidden disgust in his eyes. Blake’s gaze fell on the tablet, and he probed thoughtfully, “Did you see something?” My throat felt like it was choked with rocks and sand. I couldn’t utter a single word, only shaking my head silently. Blake checked the tablet, confirming the messages were unread before he turned and hugged me with feigned tenderness. “I’m sorry. Have we been doing too much these past few days? Is it too much for you?” “It’s all my fault for being useless, for not being able to take you to a doctor… The medication for bipolar disorder is too expensive. I’m sorry, baby…” A man who could give a three-hundred-million villa as a “small gift” was now telling me he couldn’t afford even a few dozen dollars for medication. My stomach churned. His embrace made me sick. I struggled to break free from his arms. He hesitated for a moment, a hint of struggle on his face. I almost卑微地 thought, if only Blake, you still cared about me, even just a little, if only you’d abandon your plan… In the end. I watched him get up and pour a glass of milk. “Drink some milk and get some sleep. You’ll feel better tomorrow.” Since the May Day holiday, Blake had prepared a glass of milk for me every day. It wasn’t until I saw the messages in the group chat that I understood why I’d slept soundly for four or five hours on the highway, why I slept so deeply every night at the Airbnb, only to wake up with shameful marks all over my body the next morning. I thought Blake had finally opened up, developed a taste for me, but I never expected… The thought of those hundreds of photos with all sorts of different men made me sink deeper into despair. Even with me in this state, having an episode, he still intended to let those men come and take their revenge on me? My hands trembled as I slapped the glass of milk, sending it flying. Blake’s face instantly flashed with a flicker of annoyance. But when he saw me, pale as a ghost and slumped on the floor, wildly hitting my head with my hands, he said nothing, just let out an almost imperceptible sigh and turned to leave. I stared blankly, letting the waves of depression and self-loathing wash over me. I don’t know how much time passed, but suddenly, there was a faint click of the doorknob from outside. Were Blake’s “friends” finally here? One, two, or… how many?

The doorknob gently turned, and a man stealthily crept in. I stared at him in the darkness, my eyes bloodshot. He was clearly startled. “Oh, crap, you’re still awake…” Before he could finish, Blake’s urgent, sharp voice cut him off. “You’re drunk! Wrong room!” Blake forcibly dragged the man out, speaking in hushed tones outside the door. I caught fragmented pieces of their conversation: “She’s having an episode… Go back… there will be other chances…” The man’s voice rose. “I even prepared the little pills! How can I…” I don’t know what Blake said in the end, but the surroundings fell silent. Throughout the rest of the night, similar situations happened twice more. I stayed awake, sitting motionless on the floor. Blake didn’t come in to check on me. I thought blankly, was it worth it for Blake to pretend for ten years, all for this day? I had met Blake even earlier than he thought. I was in the middle of the road, bipolar disorder suddenly striking, rendering me unable to move. Just as the traffic was about to rush towards me, a young man suddenly appeared and saved me. Later, I inquired about him everywhere and found out he was known as the poorest student in school. A gambling father, a sick mother, and him – kind and silent. From then on, my entire youth revolved around Blake. From high school to college, I pursued him for seven long years until we finally got together. When he had no money for food, I would eat cheap buns every day, giving him all my living expenses so he could have proper meals with meat and vegetables. He envied other boys who had the latest sneakers. I endured harassment working at a busy diner for two months, buying him three pairs that made every guy in school incredibly jealous. He was even beaten by ten thugs and almost lost his life. It was me who swallowed my pride and agreed to go into the woods with them so he could escape unharmed. Last year, his mother’s illness worsened, requiring hundreds of thousands. I begged everyone, even kowtowed to my stepfather who used to bully me when I was little, just to raise the money. I thought sharing hardships would lead to undying love, but it turned out to be a cruel prank by a rich man. But why? WHY?! Blake had forgotten to take his tablet, and new messages kept popping up: “Young Master Blake is being so unfair. He said we could come, and now he won’t let us.” “Don’t even get me started, I really want to know what it’s like with a woman having an episode… I heard some get super excited!” “I really want to experience Young Master Blake’s life. He pretended to be poor in high school, had Harper working like a dog, sacrificing everything for him, and also had a beauty like Scarlett Zhao who, to save him, willingly went into the woods with other men. Tsk, tsk, tsk.” “Oh, come on, you playboy, you don’t even have a tenth of Young Master Blake’s devotion. Scarlett Zhao just returned to the country, and Young Master Blake not only bought her a car and designer bags but also purchased an entire piece of land in Grandview Estates, planning to build a mansion there someday. He doesn’t even care if Harper finds out and jumps off a building.” These words were like sharp knives, tearing repeatedly at my already tattered heart. Blake and I, broke and with nothing, crammed into a tiny studio in a sketchy part of town. He once held my hand and said that if we worked hard together, one day we’d be able to afford a subsidized apartment near Grandview Estates. I always thought a bright, clean apartment with one bedroom and one living room was our unreachable dream. It turned out everything was so absurd. I frantically picked up the fruit knife beside me. Just as I was positioning it against my wrist, a sickeningly intimate moan suddenly came from the room next door: “Blake~ Mmm…”

The Airbnb had terrible soundproofing. The woman’s voice was almost a taunt in my ear: “I missed you so much too… Just thinking about you and Harper on your honeymoon here, my depression acts up…” “I’m so sad, boo hoo hoo. I keep dreaming about going into the woods with those men…” I recognized it instantly. It was Scarlett Zhao’s voice. I never thought Blake valued her so much that he’d even bring her to our “honeymoon” and arrange for her to stay in the room next door. Blake’s voice was husky, filled with endless tenderness and heartache: “Scarlett, I’m so sorry for what I put you through.” “Don’t be afraid. The top psychology team from abroad is already on their way. Just get some good sleep, and by tomorrow, the doctors will be here, okay?” After I got together with Blake, I’d had several episodes. Each time, he claimed he couldn’t afford the expensive treatment. I was sensible too, daring not to spend an extra dime. I’d just lock myself in the room, refusing to eat or drink, enduring it until it passed. One time, I almost died. At the last moment, a surge of survival instinct made me dial for emergency help. The doctor said if I’d been a few minutes slower, I would have been gone. Afterward, Blake even blamed me for spending the rent money. I just listened in silence, went and sold blood once, and paid the rent. It turned out that when he loved someone, he could spend a fortune to fly in foreign experts overnight, instead of scolding her for wasting money by going to the hospital. Scarlett Zhao’s voice stretched out, whining, “Blake, seeing Harper have an episode, aren’t you feeling bad for her?” In the long, yet fleeting darkness, I heard Blake softly scoff, “How could I? In this whole world, the only person I truly care for is you.” Scarlett Zhao, with a hint of petulance, giggled and asked him, “You’ve been sleeping here with me every night, listening to other men play with Harper. Don’t tell me you have some kind of kink, you like other people using your wife? If that’s the case, I won’t have anything to do with you.” He said in a low voice, “Scarlett, you know I’m doing all of this to get revenge for you. As for Harper… I won’t marry her. After being used by so many men, she’s not worthy of being the Blake family’s young mistress.” Soon, unspeakable sounds came from next door. My phone lit up with two notifications. One was “3rd Anniversary with Blake,” and the other was “Happy 25th Birthday to me.” The man I had given my entire youth and everything to, the man I loved, was spending my 25th birthday, on our three-year anniversary, while I was suffering terribly from a bipolar episode, indulging in a night of debauchery with another woman in the room next door. My heart shattered completely. I sent a text to my step-brother, Sawyer Hayes: “Sawyer Hayes, can you come pick me up? I don’t want to be with Blake anymore.” He replied instantly: “Okay, wait for me.” A tidal wave of exhaustion washed over me. Amidst overwhelming self-loathing, I slowly drifted to sleep. But I forgot to ask Sawyer how he knew where I was.

The next morning, I was woken again by the sounds from next door. I lay with my eyes closed, letting tears stream down. An hour later, the frolicking next door stopped, and the sound of running water from the shower began. Another hour passed before Blake walked in as usual, though his ears were still unusually flushed. Blake acted as if nothing had happened and took me downstairs for breakfast. Malicious gazes, a mix of curiosity and malice, landed on me. “Is that her? She looks like…” “I remember two days ago when she checked in, she was wearing that mosquito net wedding dress…” “She looks so innocent, but behind closed doors, she’s really…” My body stiffened. The whispers in my ears magnified, growing louder and louder… Did they all know? Had they all seen? Seen me in that ridiculous mosquito net wedding dress, in the back of the car, in the public restroom by the highway rest area, in the Airbnb… like a broken rag doll, used and discarded? My hands trembled violently. My fork clattered to the floor. All eyes instantly and shamelessly focused on me. Cold sweat drenched my back. I squeezed a sentence through gritted teeth: “What… what are they saying…?” Blake shot a warning glare at the people around us, then patted my hand reassuringly. “They’re not talking about you. Don’t overthink it.” How could that be?! They definitely saw it! How much did Blake hate me?! After letting countless men humiliate me, he even uploaded the videos online?! My pupils constricted, and a scream tore from my throat before I even realized what I was doing. Blake looked at me, bewildered, a hint of guilt and unease flickering across his face. My hands instinctively covered my eyes. Overwhelming panic suffocated me, making it impossible to breathe. Through my fingers, I saw Sawyer Hayes striding towards me. Just as I thought I was about to be rescued. Blake looked at him and snapped, his voice sharp and urgent. His words made me plummet into hell instantly: “I told you to come tonight! What are you doing here now!” Sawyer Hayes was my step-brother, only three years older than me. When I was little, my stepfather, right in front of my mom, reached into my shirt. It was Sawyer who grabbed a beer bottle, injured him, and dragged me out of that hellhole.

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Married for five years, my husband and I were always affectionate, until late one night when I received a call from the police. They informed me that Ethan had been involved in a collision with a large truck. When I rushed to the hospital, I was horrified to find Ethan and a young, beautiful woman both pierced through their abdomens by the same steel rod. Witnessing this scene, I instantly realized the nature of their relationship. To take revenge and ensure Ethan faced consequences, I hurriedly signed the form to waive the surgery. The sudden ringing of my phone in the dead of night startled me awake. Groggily, I answered without even asking who it was, only to hear a serious voice on the line. “Hello, this is the local police. Are you Nora?” Although I didn’t know what had happened, the mention of the police made me respond immediately. Once I confirmed my identity, the officer continued, “Your husband, Ethan, encountered an issue while driving and collided with a large truck. His condition is critical, and as a family member, you should get to the hospital as soon as possible.” Hearing this, I sat bolt upright in bed. What baffled me was that Ethan had supposedly left town on business three days ago, so how could he have had a car accident here in the middle of the night? But given the urgency, I couldn’t dwell on it. I quickly hung up and dashed out of the house as fast as I could. The normally short twenty-minute drive felt like an eternity as anxiety nearly brought me to tears.

When I finally reached the hospital, I couldn’t even wait for the car to come to a full stop. I flung open the door and stumbled inside. Gasping for breath in the emergency room, the first sight I saw was Ethan lying on a hospital bed, covered in blood with tubes everywhere. Seeing him like that broke my heart, and I began to cry. Just as I was about to check on Ethan and reassure him that I was there for him, I suddenly noticed a young woman lying behind him. What puzzled me further was that both Ethan and this woman were impaled by the same steel rod in their abdomens, lying in a strange position on the same bed. I couldn’t comprehend why Ethan would be with this woman in the middle of the night or how they both ended up in this accident. As I stood there, confused and unsure how to face the situation, the police officer pulled me aside. After confirming my identity, he explained the whole story: Ethan had violated traffic laws by kissing a woman named Adeline in the car and neglected to watch the traffic lights, leading to the collision with the truck and this tragic outcome. The officer showed me the surveillance footage, and as I watched Ethan and Adeline kissing, my heart felt as though it shattered into pieces.

Ethan and I were college sweethearts. Since our marriage, we were always seen as a model couple, and he was the ideal husband in my eyes. In our five-year marriage, I gave Ethan my utmost trust, never imagining he would betray me and our marriage. “Nora, will you marry me and become my wife? I promise to always be faithful to you…” Remembering Ethan’s proposal now seemed so hypocritical and laughable. After we got our marriage certificate, Ethan wanted to start a business for a better life and more choices for the future. However, his family was too poor to help, and without startup capital, he had to put the plan on hold. At that time, I was the only one who believed in his talent and wanted to help him achieve his dream. So, I swallowed my pride and asked my parents for money to gather the initial startup funds. But starting a business wasn’t as easy as Ethan had imagined. Due to his alcohol allergy, he couldn’t drink with clients, which became the biggest challenge in expanding the business. Later, I couldn’t bear to see him give up halfway, so I decisively quit my promising job to accompany him, meeting clients and negotiating deals. I’ll never forget that during one crucial business meeting, I had to drink high-proof liquor repeatedly to secure the project. Even before celebrating the signed contract, I suddenly felt excruciating pain in my abdomen and passed out.

When I woke up in the hospital, a nurse told me I was pregnant for a month but had a miscarriage due to excessive drinking, leaving my body weak. Hearing this, I touched my empty abdomen in a daze. I never expected this to happen to me, and before I could even feel the presence of this little life, it was gone because of my carelessness. In my grief and despair, it was Ethan who held my hand tightly and said, “Nora, this is all my fault. Blame me if you must. We will have another child in the future. Please don’t let this drag you down; everyone is waiting for you to recover!” At that time, with Ethan’s comfort and my parents’ patience, I gradually emerged from the gloom and returned to working hard. But deep down, I never forgot the child who didn’t get a chance to see the world. That business deal earned us our first fortune, and Ethan’s company officially got on track. Once everything stabilized and no longer needed my help, I retreated to the background. To better care for Ethan and support his career without worries, I became a full-time housewife. I thought Ethan appreciated my efforts and wouldn’t fail me, but in just a few short years, he forgot his vows and sought a mistress behind my back.

When I thought about how I felt sorry for Ethan’s busy work life and made nourishing soups for him, while he used business trips as an excuse to see his mistress, I couldn’t help but feel hatred. Just as I wanted to question Ethan about his conscience, the doctor interrupted me, “Are you one of the patients’ family members? Since they’re both impaled by the same steel rod, we can’t operate on both simultaneously. We need to separate them quickly, so you need to decide who to save first.” Hearing the doctor’s words, before I could respond, Ethan’s painful wails reached my ears. “Honey, I beg you, save me first. I know I was wrong, but I promise I won’t see Adeline again. I’ll make it up to you for all the harm I’ve caused.” Listening to Ethan’s firm promises, I couldn’t help but laugh mockingly. If I hadn’t believed his nonsense, I wouldn’t have been fooled for so long. How could I believe him now? Before I could mock Ethan, Adeline, covered in blood beside him, suddenly shouted. “Ethan, you heartless man! You told me Nora was just a barren hen, and that thanks to me risking my life, you have a son. But now, to save yourself, you say such things? Don’t you want us or our son anymore?”

Adeline’s words froze me in place. I never expected Ethan to say such things behind my back and secretly have a child. After becoming a housewife, I considered having a child, but despite all my preparations, I never got pregnant. With no other options, I went to the hospital for a check-up. That’s when I found out the previous miscarriage had caused irreversible damage to my body, and I might never become a mother. Hearing the doctor’s words, I left the hospital in a daze, barely remembering how I got home. I only remember when I opened the door and looked in the mirror, my face was covered in tears. When I tearfully told Ethan about the results, he was momentarily stunned before replying immediately. Later, with no other options left, I went to the hospital for a check-up. It was only then that I found out the previous miscarriage had caused irreversible damage to my body, meaning I might never become a mother. Listening to the doctor, I was in such a daze that I don’t even remember leaving the hospital. I only recall that when I opened my front door and looked in the mirror, my face was already streaked with tears. When I tearfully shared the test results with Ethan, he was momentarily stunned but quickly responded, “Honey, children don’t define us. Even if we never have kids, what’s there to fear? As long as we love each other and walk through life hand in hand, that’s the happiness I want most.” Back then, hearing Ethan’s response, I couldn’t help but hold him tightly, feeling grateful I hadn’t chosen the wrong person. I silently vowed to take even better care of him in the future. Little did I know that all of this was just a dream Ethan had woven for me. While I placed all my trust in him and was lost in this false happiness, he already had a child of his own. Thinking about how foolishly I’d been played all these years, every sacrifice I made for Ethan felt like a slap to my face. At that moment, the doctor’s urgent voice rang in my ears again, “Family member, the situation is extremely critical now. Please decide quickly who we should save first.” Looking at Ethan’s eyes, filled with the desire to live, and recalling what he had done to me, I painfully closed my eyes and finally made my decision. I understood better than anyone that once trust is broken, it can never be restored. The moment Ethan chose to betray me, our marriage had reached its end, with no chance of reconciliation. I could only thank the heavens for allowing me to discover the truth now. I couldn’t bear to imagine my fate if I waited until that illegitimate child grew up while I aged. Would Ethan kick me out? Would Adeline humiliate me? Or would I die realizing I was just a pawn in someone else’s game? With these thoughts, I clenched my fists in anger. Everyone must pay the price for their choices, and now it was time for Ethan to face the consequences. With that thought, I didn’t hesitate any longer. After casting him a cold glance, I decisively turned to the doctor and made my final choice. “Doctor, I’m Ethan’s wife. I’ve decided to stop his resuscitation. As for that woman, I don’t know her.” Hearing this, Ethan began to scream like a madman, “Nora, you can’t do this! You can’t just give up on my life. I want to live, I want to live!” “Nora, I’m begging you, please, have mercy and save me. I don’t want to die now…” 8 Facing Ethan’s desperate pleas, I felt indifferent. All I could think was, if he had foreseen this outcome, why didn’t he act differently back then?

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Married for three years without having kids, my wife and I decided to try IVF. After a year, we were thrilled to learn she was expecting quadruplets. The pregnancy was challenging. She was nauseous for months, and her belly grew enormous. The doctor recommended reducing the number of fetuses, but my wife was adamant. “Declan, these are all our children. I can’t bear to lose any of them.” Seeing her exhaustion broke my heart. I promised to protect her and our children for the rest of my life. At six months pregnant, my wife and her friends had a playful bet about the babies’ genders. In the end, it turned out to be three boys and one girl, and my wife won a million-dollar bet. Later, I accidentally overheard a conversation between Fiona and her friends. “Fiona, you’ve outdone yourself. You’ve got Declan raising kids for four different men.” Fiona responded calmly, “Since I can’t give them the title of ‘Mr. Shen,’ I had to give them a child. Declan’s in that role, so it’s his responsibility.” A chill ran down my spine. It turns out, none of the four babies my wife is carrying are mine. “Fiona, you’re incredible, solving all problems with four kids.” Cora added, “Yeah, the fathers of these kids are all stunningly handsome. The children will surely be beautiful.” She sighed, “Jasper was such a loss. He was the heartthrob of our school, but who knew he’d succumb to a terminal illness so soon? Thankfully, Fiona is kind enough to leave him a child, just waiting to be born.” “Gideon adored Fiona for nearly twenty years, loved her but never won her heart. He only wanted a child with her.” Another voice joined in, “Too bad Fiona only has Asher in her heart. So she came up with this IVF plan to stay faithful to Asher while giving them all children.” “I wonder how Declan will react when he finds out? None of the babies Fiona is carrying are his. He’ll be devastated, right?” Fiona answered nonchalantly, “What does it matter if he knows? He shouldn’t have taken a role that wasn’t his.” The others chuckled, “True, even if he finds out, he’ll still take care of the kids. After all, they’re Fiona’s children. Declan went through so much to marry Fiona, enduring everything. No matter how upset he gets, he’d rush back the moment Fiona calls.” Their laughter dripped with malice and mockery. Standing behind the door, I felt a cold shiver travel from my feet to my head. What does this mean? The babies my wife is carrying aren’t mine? For months, I’d talk to them every night, pressing my ear against her belly. Her feet were so swollen she couldn’t walk, and I’d spend an hour each day massaging them. She had no appetite and was often sick, so I cooked and made soups just to help her eat more. I felt for her during the pregnancy, caring for her day and night, even quitting my job. But now they’re telling me the babies aren’t mine? The conversation in the living room carried on, but I couldn’t hear any more of it. I knew Jasper. We went to the same school. He was Fiona’s first love. I heard he died of a terminal illness not long ago, and I felt a pang of sympathy. — I never imagined that even after his death, my wife would be carrying his child. It’s so absurd that it’s hard to believe, a fear I can’t describe creeping up my spine. I struggled to control myself, stopping from immediately bursting out. Outside, they began another round of betting on the babies’ genders. Fiona’s voice occasionally pierced through, making me shiver. Four years of marriage, and I never truly knew my partner. I thought of my wife’s belly, so large it seemed it could burst at any moment, with four babies inside. One is Jasper’s, another is Gideon’s. Who are the other two? I also knew Gideon. He and Fiona grew up together like childhood sweethearts. Loved but never had her. Looking at it this way, Fiona is indeed kind. She didn’t give her heart, so she gave him a child. I suddenly laughed, but it looked worse than crying. If Fiona wanted to give them kids, why make me their dad? The funniest part is, none of the four kids are mine. How could she be so cruel… I clenched my fists, my lips bleeding from biting them. I once believed Fiona endured the hardship of pregnancy out of love for me. Turns out, it was all fake. — Outside, voices rose and fell, so lively. “I bet two boys and two girls.” “I bet all four are boys.” Then a clear male voice spoke up: “Why does everyone say boys? I think girls are great. I bet three girls and one boy.” Turning to Fiona, he asked, “Fiona, do you prefer boys or girls?” The voice was familiar, probably Fiona’s secretary. Fiona answered nonchalantly, “I like both. Boys are better, girls are too delicate.” Cora pressed, “So, Fiona, which do you bet on?” “Asher likes girls, so I’ll bet three boys and one girl.” Asher? So it’s him. I managed a bitter smile. They were flirting under my nose, and I had no clue. I don’t know if they acted too well or if I was just blind. Asher’s voice rang out, “Girls need to be raised delicately.” Fiona laughed, taking his hand. “I think you’re more delicate than a girl. You cried when you burned your hand cooking.” “But it really hurt.” Asher added, remembering something: “Oh right, Declan never seemed to cry. Last time, he fell down the stairs protecting you, broke his leg, and didn’t shed a tear. Has he never cried?” Fiona casually said, “Declan’s tough, doesn’t feel pain. He really hasn’t cried. Unlike you, who cries over a scratch.” Cora chimed in, “That’s because Asher has Fiona’s love. With love, you can afford to be fragile. Without, you just have to tough it out like Declan.” “Yeah, Fiona cares for Asher, worried about him being tired and sleepless with the kids. So she tricked Declan into thinking they’re his, making him a proud dad.” “I’ve noticed Declan looks older these days. By the time Fiona has all four kids, who knows what he’ll be like.” Chapter 3 “If you were lying naked on the bed, Fiona wouldn’t even glance at you. But now…” Their words were crude, punctuated by vulgar laughter that nauseated me. I stumbled back a few steps, my face already pale. I’m human too—how could I not fear pain? But knowing Fiona was carrying my child, I endured everything. Even when she hit or yelled at me, I never uttered a sound of protest. Yet all my endurance was met with comments about my thick skin. I still remember the day the IVF succeeded. Holding her hand, I was filled with worry. “You’ve suffered for our child, Fiona.” When she couldn’t eat due to nausea, I fed her spoonful by spoonful. “Be good, don’t trouble your mom.” Turns out, I was concerned about the wrong person all along. I was just a tool to raise these kids. “I heard pregnancy makes you feel more intense, even more than a non-pregnant woman. Fiona, is that true?” Asher glanced at Fiona apologetically. “Really, I’m almost drained by Fiona.” “Well, that’s because Fiona likes you. Look, she’s feeling so bad, yet she still doesn’t want to touch Declan.” “Hahaha, exactly, you’re not appreciating your luck.” I gritted my teeth to suppress the urge to vomit. I closed my eyes, wiping away the tears on my face. Fiona, I’m done with you this time. And I won’t raise the child in your belly either. 3 By the time I went out, Cora and the others had already left. Only Fiona and Asher were in the living room. I deliberately made some noise to give them time to cover up. I couldn’t confront them yet. Asher’s face still carried a dazed look, pretending to report work to Fiona. “Ms. Shen, there’s an urgent meeting tonight that requires your presence. The car is already waiting at the door.” He turned and saw me, pretending to be friendly: “Mr. Declan.” Then his gaze fell on my wife’s belly, with a knowing smile on his lips. “Ms. Shen’s belly looks even bigger. Mr. Declan, you are so blessed to have her pregnant with quadruplets at once.” I looked at his fake face, too drained to respond. Seeing this, Asher proposed to leave, but he glanced back at Fiona as he reached the door. It seemed like a secret signal. Fiona saw me coming from the first-floor room, frowned slightly, and tested the waters with her tone. “When did you come back? Why didn’t you make a sound?” I looked at the water stains still on her lips, my eyes stinging. It was so obvious, yet I was blind before and didn’t see a thing. I mocked myself with a slight curl of my lips, lowering my gaze. “I was too tired when I got back and fell asleep in the guest room. I just woke up.” Fiona seemed to relax, her face returning to normal. “Today’s prenatal check went smoothly. I promised to let you come along, but something came up at work.” “The doctor said the baby is healthy.” Fiona told me in detail because I usually asked thoroughly in the past.

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The day I was taken into the operating room, my family and boyfriend were all with my adoptive sister, watching her competition. That day, my surgery had complications. The tumor in my brain was removed, but my nerves were damaged. I lost the ability to feel emotions like a normal person. I had a tumor in my brain. I initially wanted to tell my parents and boyfriend about it. But my parents were busy buying plane tickets to accompany my adoptive sister abroad for a dance competition. My boyfriend was also working overtime a lot lately. My finger hovered over the message for a long time before I chose to delete it. I knew that anything about me, even if I said it, wouldn’t matter to anyone. After all, in everyone’s eyes, my existence isn’t even a fraction as important as my adoptive sister’s.

My adoptive sister Daphne is the daughter of Dad’s comrade. When she was six, a car accident unexpectedly took her parents’ lives. Daphne was driven away and shunned by her relatives. She ended up dirty and wandering the streets until Dad, who came to pay his respects to an old friend, found her. From then on, she became the second daughter in our family. That year, I was ten, and Daphne was six. Dad and Mom told me, “Nora, you’re already a big kid. You need to learn to take care of your sister.” I wasn’t sure how to take care of a sister. All I knew was that Daphne always seemed so fragile. She didn’t have to do anything but stand there and look at me with her tear-reddened eyes. Everything of mine would become hers. At ten, I lost my bedroom and moved into the guest room. At twelve, my piano lessons were canceled, and the piano at home was sold. The empty music room became Daphne’s dance studio. After fifteen, I never wore new clothes again, always alternating between two school uniforms. My parents didn’t care. They dressed Daphne beautifully and praised her looks to everyone they met. From that time, I rarely went home. The year I was about to graduate from college, Daphne went to another city for university. My parents briefly remembered me. They often called to ask about my life, sometimes sending me job postings from my city. Raising a comrade’s orphan to college was Dad’s greatest achievement. He was in high spirits, saying he wanted to visit me in my city and help me see if my boyfriend of three years was reliable. I no longer had any expectations of them. But I still booked a hotel and restaurant for their visit, not expecting Daphne to show up with them. That day, her smile was as pure as when she first came to our home. She smiled at my boyfriend like that all evening. Later, I saw Daphne’s avatar pinned at the top of my boyfriend Declan’s Snapchat chat.

Before being taken into the operating room, I couldn’t hold back and called my parents. The call only lasted three seconds, with Mom and Dad’s anxious voices on the line: “Nora, we’re about to board. Your sister’s competition is important. Whatever it is, wait until we get back.” I didn’t even manage to say a word before the call was cut off. I stared at my phone screen, dazed. Just then, I saw a new post from my boyfriend Declan. He said he was off to chase his dreams, with a picture of a plane ticket showing the country where Daphne’s competition was. I stared at the screen until Aunt couldn’t stand it and took my phone away. ” Aunt has signed the consent form for you. Don’t worry, whatever happens, Aunt will take care of it,” she lovingly patted my head and sighed, “Brother has been foolish all these years, poor you… Go on, child, I’ll be waiting for you outside.” I was taken into the operating room as the anesthesia gradually took effect. Before losing consciousness, I couldn’t help but wonder if I died in this surgery, would my parents shed a tear for me? And Declan, I thought, once I come out, I must tell him. I knew he had changed his heart long ago. This time, I decided I don’t want him anymore.

The story of Declan and me wasn’t very dramatic, but back in college, it was well-regarded among teachers and classmates. The story started typically. The student council president, who had a great family background and looks, helped an exhausted logistics member who fainted from low blood sugar at an orientation event. The second time we met, he had two candies in his pocket just for me. From then on, keeping candies in his pocket for me became Declan’s habit. He saw me as fragile. He would always look at me worriedly and say, “Nora, I’ve never been so afraid of losing someone.” He said I meant something different to him than anyone else. There was always a special place for me by his side. Just like he always had candies ready for me in his coat pocket. But the last time, after pulling two all-nighters for meetings, I reached into Declan’s coat pocket. All I found was a strange lipstick, Chanel silver tube 116, Daphne’s favorite shade. Silently, I put the lipstick back in his pocket and learned to carry my own candies from then on.

My life changed drastically with ten as the dividing line. From ten, I was trying to get used to living without relying on anyone. I lowered my expectations of everyone. As long as I didn’t have expectations, I wouldn’t be disappointed, nor would I fall into despair when disappointments piled up. But after all, I’m human and can’t be as carefree as I imagined. Declan pursued me for a year and cared for me for the next three. In total, he spent four years gradually moving me, making me feel I had someone to rely on. But stories are always so cliché. Just when I thought I had found someone I could truly trust, he changed his heart. He fell for my adoptive sister. Initially, it was sympathy for her childhood background. Then it was her lively and charming personality, which deeply attracted his attention. Later, listening to Daphne talk about her passion for dance and witnessing her excellence on stage, he realized his true feelings. Declan said he had never seen someone so special, as sincere as a flame. Because of her, he discovered that love should burn passionately. With me, it was more of a familial attachment and a habit in life. This was Declan’s drunken confession. After that, he started preparing to pursue Daphne and break up with me. Of course, I was also preparing for the same thing. I would exit their world, just trying to do it as gracefully as possible. This was something I often did in the first twenty years of my life, getting used to being unnoticed and quietly stepping back. But these thoughts changed entirely the moment I opened my eyes after surgery. I realized it shouldn’t be me who steps back. Aunt was the first to notice my change. She sat by my hospital bed, peeling an apple and sharing stories to comfort me. Then she realized I didn’t seem to need comforting. In her eyes, I was always quiet and rarely expressed my needs. But she could always see from my eyes that I still longed for my parents’ attention, for the complete family affection that should have been mine. But now, that longing was gone.

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The day I was announced as the heir to the family empire, someone stormed the stage, brandishing fabricated leaked documents. They claimed I’d embezzled project funds and colluded with competitors. My father, right there on the spot, tore up the succession agreement and disowned me. On the grand hall’s screens, photos of Blair Sutton, the new heir, cycled endlessly. I stumbled out of the skyscraper, my vision blurring, when a black sedan suddenly lost control and slammed into me. The searing pain brought me to my knees as I collapsed into a pool of my own blood. While I lay unconscious, I overheard a conversation between Liam and his assistant. “Mr. Kincaid, Mrs. Monroe has been completely removed. Why go for the absolute kill?” “She’s too brilliant. Only by rendering her crippled can we ensure she’d never be a threat again.” “Blair saved me from a fire five years ago. She wants the inheritance, so naturally, I have to clear the path for her.” I stared at the burn scar beneath my collarbone, a mark left three years ago when I rushed into that burning building to save *her*. Later, clutching the Medal of Valor from the Fire Department, I burst into the Monroe Holdings press conference. My husband was there, adjusting Blair Sutton’s skirt, tending to his supposed “savior.” I ripped open my dress, exposing the jagged scar. My voice was hoarse, but every word cut through the air, clear as a bell. “Liam Kincaid, you said you’d spend your life with your savior once she recovered—” “But your savior is right here. And you? You’re the one who set the fire.”

Ms. Davies glanced at me, her voice laced with helplessness. “Mr. Kincaid, you already had someone hit Mrs. Monroe. The impact was enough to cripple her legs. Why did you then instruct the driver to repeatedly run over her? Now, her legs are just a mangled mess, requiring immediate amputation.” Liam Kincaid’s eyes were glacial, his tone chillingly indifferent. “I did it to ensure there were no loose ends. What if those guys hadn’t crippled her enough? Skylar Monroe has always been exceptionally capable; it’s not impossible for her to find top doctors across the country to fix those legs.” “If her legs are amputated, she’ll be a cripple forever. She’s headstrong and fiercely proud. Living a lifetime in the agony of her severed legs, she won’t even think about competing with Blair for the inheritance.” Ms. Davies’s pupils constricted, her gaze falling on my bandaged, amputated legs. “But what if Mrs. Monroe finds out? You were at the accident scene yourself. Who knows if she saw you. Even the ambulance was called by a bystander. What if she finds out and blames you for the rest of her life?” Liam took a step closer to me, his slender, well-defined fingers gently caressing the wound on my forehead. “Then we simply won’t let her remember what happened that night. Don’t some shady clinics have nerve inhibitors that can mess with a person’s memory?” “Use it on her. If she forgets, all the better. If not, increase the dosage. It would be best if she can’t even remember who she is.” Ms. Davies clearly felt a pang of conscience, her voice trembling. “Those drugs do exist, but this specific one hasn’t passed clinical trials. It could lead to permanent cognitive impairment, and in severe cases, even incontinence, rendering her completely helpless…” Liam’s impatience was palpable as he listened to his assistant. His eyes suddenly turned bloodshot. “So what? Sacrificing her means securing Blair’s future. It’s all worth it.” “From the moment Blair saved me from the fire five years ago, I haven’t been able to love anyone else. If it weren’t for an arranged marriage for our families’ benefit, why would I have married Skylar Monroe?” “If Blair hadn’t risked her life to save me back then, I might have died in that fire. Now, finally, I have the chance to repay her.” I clenched my wrists so tightly that my palms bled, yet I felt no pain. The man who had been my husband for five years felt like a complete stranger. Five years ago, I risked my life to save Liam Kincaid. The burn scar beneath my collarbone was still there. In five years of marriage, I had never once brought it up. I thought he knew I was the one who saved him. After all, when our families arranged the marriage, he agreed without a second thought. I never explicitly mentioned it, fearing I might trigger painful memories for him. I never imagined that, from start to finish, he had always believed Blair Sutton was his savior. Ms. Davies handed Liam a watch, her fingers trembling. “Mrs. Monroe was clutching this tightly during the accident. Her secretary said it was supposed to be your birthday gift.” Liam stared at the blood-stained watch, gazing blankly for a few seconds. I had specifically spent a fortune at an auction in Italy to buy it. Just because he’d mentioned he liked it, I spared no expense to get it for her, all to make him happy. In the instant of the accident, my mind was consumed only by him. He stroked the chain around his neck with one finger, while his other hand caressed my face. “As long as she’s obedient, not competing or fighting, I can spend my whole life with her. She’ll still be my Mrs. Kincaid, and I’ll still be her Mr. Kincaid.” “Oh, and Blair just took over as heir. We need to celebrate properly. Help me send her that family heirloom jade bracelet.” Ms. Davies’s eyes widened, her voice rising in intensity. “But that’s a Kincaid family heirloom! It should, by rights, go to your wife. After all, she’s your wife, how can you give it to…” Liam immediately cut her off. “Stop with the nonsense. Just go! Blair deserves something this exquisite.” His words sliced me to the bone. Five years, Liam Kincaid, did you have no love for me at all?

After Ms. Davies left, Liam stayed by my bedside. One moment, he was gently wiping my body, the next he was whispering stories of our past into my ear. Every gesture was so tender. If I hadn’t just overheard the cruel truth, I would have believed he loved me so deeply. A short while later, a male doctor, Dr. Alex Reed, whom I recognized as Liam’s close friend, walked in with two reports. Liam glanced at him coolly. “Well? Are the results in?” Dr. Reed handed one of the reports to Liam. He opened it, and his eyes instantly brightened. Even his voice suddenly became cheerful. “I knew it would work! They’re half-sisters, so their kidneys must be a match.” “Prepare for the surgery. The sooner, the better.” Dr. Reed’s face darkened, and he tremblingly grabbed Liam’s hand. “Liam, do you really have to do this? Look at Skylar, she’s already like this. And you still want to take her kidney? Besides, Blair’s kidney isn’t even that problematic. Last time you brought her in for a check-up, it was just a mild infection. A few medications would have fixed it.” Liam pried his hand away, his gaze fixed on my pale face. “You don’t understand. Blair has expended so much energy preparing for the heir position lately. She hasn’t eaten or slept well.” “I saw online that stressing your body like this can cause kidney problems. I can’t gamble with Blair’s health. Only this way can I ensure absolute certainty.” “No matter what, take advantage of this car accident to remove her kidney. When she wakes up, we’ll tell her the crash damaged her kidney and it had to be removed. She won’t suspect a thing.” Dr. Reed tried to reason with him, grabbing his hand again. “But Skylar’s current condition makes her completely unsuitable for this surgery. This car accident caused a blood clotting disorder. Forcibly removing one of her kidneys could lead to shock, even endangering her life.” Liam, however, turned his gaze squarely on Dr. Reed. “Alex, aren’t you the most professional doctor in your hospital? I’m sure you can handle this minor surgery.” Dr. Reed bit his lip, remaining silent, only a series of sighs escaping him. And my tears streamed down my face like a broken string of pearls. My legs had already been amputated, and now, unbelievably, my husband was going to take one of my kidneys for my half-sister. I wanted so badly to rise from the bed and fiercely demand to know why he was doing this to me. But my limbs felt as if they were encased in concrete, rooted to the spot. Dr. Reed handed Liam the other report. “Liam, your physical exam results from last week are also in. Your sperm count and quality are fine. You can try to have children now.” Liam froze, staring at those words on the report for a long time. But the only words I heard from him were a cold, dismissive sentence. “Help me schedule an appointment. I want a contraceptive injection.” Dr. Reed was visibly surprised, his voice laced with confusion. “Liam, you’ve been married for five years, and your family is pressuring you. Don’t you want children yet? Skylar is already like this; without children, she’ll truly lose all hope for living. And you’ve given her so many birth control pills already, her body is damaged. Now you’re getting a contraceptive injection yourself? Do you want to end your family’s legacy?” Liam’s cold hand again gripped mine. With the proximity, his voice pierced me even more. “I never intended to have children when I married her. You know I’ve always loved Blair. If there absolutely has to be a child, that child can only be born from Blair.” He suddenly leaned down and placed a kiss on my forehead, his voice laced with a tremor. “As for Skylar, I’ll compensate her in hundreds of ways.” All the moments of our past flashed through my mind like a movie. For five years of marriage, I had desperately wanted a child, a symbol of our love, but it never came true. I thought there was something wrong with me, so I sought doctors everywhere, drinking countless bitter herbal remedies. Liam had once consoled me, “No rush, we’ll have children eventually.” The truth was, he never wanted children at all.

Dr. Reed had barely left when a nurse walked into the room with a syringe. She inserted the needle into my skin. The little strength I had managed to regain drained away. Liam’s voice beside me was clear, soothing me. “Skylar, it’s okay. It’ll be over soon.” “I’ll wait for you outside. You just have to hold on.” Then, I felt as if I was being pushed into an operating room. Several people in white coats were working with cold surgical instruments. The sensation of my kidney being surgically removed from my body was agonizingly clear, yet I was powerless to stop it. Only bitter tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I don’t know how long I was in the operating room. When I woke again, Liam’s strikingly handsome face was there, right in front of me. Before, seeing his face would fill me with immense joy, but now, only an icy chill remained. Seeing me awake, he seemed to brighten, pulling me into a tight embrace. “Skylar, you’re finally awake! You don’t know how worried I’ve been about you.” “The heir status is gone, who cares. I just want you to be well forever.” Watching the red rimming his eyes, my heart ached. Liam, I could have been well, but now I’m like this, isn’t it all thanks to you? I instinctively looked down at my legs—amputated completely below the knee. The 20-centimeter-long incision on my abdomen still throbbed. I didn’t need to guess; this surgery was for the removal of my kidney. Liam, did you truly not care about me at all? How could you be so cruel? Seeing my indifferent expression, he tentatively asked, “Skylar, do you remember what happened?” I shook my head, saying nothing, but everything that happened that day was already seared into my bones. Hearing my response, he softened his voice, feigning comfort. “Skylar, that day, you were heartbroken after losing your heir status, so you drank too much and got into a severe car accident… your legs were amputated, and one of your kidneys ruptured, which is why it was removed.” “Don’t worry, no matter what you become, I’ll stay by your side. I don’t care about the inheritance or anything else. I only want you.” He dared to say this, probably because he thought the memory-altering drugs had worked, which is why he twisted the facts so brazenly. Listening to his lies, my heart felt squeezed by a giant hand, and even breathing became painful. He didn’t suspect my lack of enthusiasm at all. He just thought it was because I had just been through a car accident and hadn’t fully recovered. He bustled around my hospital bed, a picture of a perfect husband.

A short while later, someone delivered a wheelchair. He quickly put down the fruit he was cutting for me and diligently pushed the wheelchair in front of me. “Blair, try this. I had it custom-made for you. I’m sure it’ll make things much easier for you from now on.” His peach blossom eyes gazed at me, filled with innocence and expectation. Thinking of a lifetime spent in a wheelchair, I hated the woman before me. But I loved her so much that I couldn’t even bring myself to say a harsh word to her. I wanted to open my mouth and demand, *Liam Kincaid, why are you so cruel to me?* I even found myself trying to rationalize it, telling myself he still loved me. That what I’d heard was just an illusion. But the words caught in my throat, eventually reduced to a single word: “Okay.” Perhaps, I really needed to adapt. He pushed me outside to sunbathe, just like our old promises—that when we grew old, we’d push each other to stroll into the sunset. The early autumn breeze carried a chill, making me cough involuntarily. He immediately stopped, crouching down to ask, “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable somewhere? Do you need me to call the doctor?” He quickly stood up, but I grabbed his hand. “No need. It’s just a seasonal cough, an old problem.” He stroked my head, then playfully kissed my forehead. “Skylar, you don’t have to pretend to be strong in front of me. I know everything that’s happened recently has hit you hard.” “You haven’t shed a single tear since it all began. If you want to cry, just cry. Keeping too much sadness inside will break you.” His words showed no hint of pretense; every syllable was concern. In five years together, I had never doubted him. But how could two people who supposedly loved each other so much end up with him becoming the devil who dragged me into the abyss? I tried my best to suppress the pain inside, simply stating, “I want to go home.” He paused, then began to reason with me. “Skylar, you’ve just had surgery. I’m really worried about your health if you go back now.” “How about we wait until you’re a little better before we go home?” Of course, I had to go back. The Monroe Holdings new product launch was in two days. I wanted to give them a big present. I forced a smile, the corners of my mouth tasting bitter. “Don’t worry. Didn’t you say you’d always be with me? You’re my best medicine; with you here, nothing will happen.” “Besides, I really can’t stand the smell of disinfectant in the hospital.” After my repeated insistence, Liam finally relented. Having reached an agreement, he pushed me back towards the ward. Suddenly, his phone rang in his pocket. Blair Sutton’s voice drifted from the receiver. He deliberately stepped away from me to take the call. A moment later, he rushed back to my side. “Skylar, I’m sorry, I have an urgent matter and need to leave. Can you get used to this wheelchair and make your way back to the ward by yourself, please?” He released his grip without hesitation, leaving me alone in the empty hallway. In that moment he turned away, my heart felt like it was bleeding. I suddenly remembered all the times over the years he’d suddenly taken a call and left. Now, it all clicked. Every single time he’d abruptly left, he had been going to see Blair Sutton.

After Liam left, I awkwardly maneuvered the wheelchair, hailed a cab, and went home. I carefully surveyed the house we had shared for five years. Traces of our love were everywhere, but now they seemed incredibly ironic. I went to the study, intending to retrieve the Medal of Valor I’d received for saving him. Instead, in a nearby drawer, I discovered a diary. I opened the cover, and it was filled with his cramped handwriting. “October 2020: Someone rushed into the fire to save me. She was a beacon of light in my life. She gave me my life. In the future, I will marry her.” “July 2016: I finally found my savior. She looks just as I remember, just as gentle and beautiful. I need to find the right opportunity to tell her how I feel.” “October 2016: I can only keep that love hidden in my heart. Because of the arranged marriage for our families’ benefit, I had no choice but to marry her older sister, but the person I truly love is still her.” The diary was filled with Blair Sutton’s photos, and every word expressed his profound love for her. I clutched the book, tears falling onto the pages. Liam Kincaid, I was the one who saved you that day. If you knew the truth, would you feel guilty or regretful? Just then, a message popped up on my phone. It was from Liam. “Skylar, I won’t be home for dinner tonight. Get some good rest.” “Oh, and tomorrow is the Monroe Holdings new product launch. I’d like you to attend. Someone will pick you up tomorrow.”

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The maid’s daughter in our house somehow got her hands on three magic chickens that could swap things. The first one, she used to swap my perfectly healthy baby for her own deformed one. The second, she swapped her identity as the maid’s daughter for my identity as the true heiress. The third, she swapped for my husband, the scion of a powerful elite family. Later, I ended up homeless, kidnapped with my deformed child, trafficked overseas, and eventually died a horrific death. When I opened my eyes again, my sister was bringing me chicken soup. I was still recovering from childbirth. I took it with a cold smirk. Once she left, I poured it out for the cook’s dog, who had just had puppies. “Cassie, this is a special free-range chicken I got from my hometown. It’s been stewing for hours. You just had your baby, you’re weak, so you need to replenish your strength.” I looked at Serena, her face full of fawning sincerity, and scoffed internally. In my last life, I misjudged her. I felt pity for her because her father had died young, and she and her mother came to work as maids in our house. I was exceptionally good to her. I let her and her mom live with us, and we even went to school together. Later, I found her and Julian, my childhood sweetheart, in bed together. I even fought tooth and nail to make sure the pregnant Serena married Julian, abandoning my long-standing affection for him just to right what I thought was a wrong. I never imagined that my pity would cost me everything, leading to unimaginable torment and a brutal death in a foreign land. Heaven must have had eyes for me, granting me this chance to be reborn. How could I ever let you steal my life again? I kept the coldness in my eyes hidden, smiling at her. “Just leave it. I finished my postpartum meal. I’ll drink it later.” Serena hesitated. “Okay, but remember to drink it later.” Finally, she left the room, turning back three times. She didn’t doubt my words; after all, we’d been close for so many years. She just wasn’t entirely at ease not seeing me drink it herself. Once she left and closed the door, I picked up the chicken soup and poured most of it into a cup, leaving only about a third at the bottom of the bowl. Sure enough, Serena came back in shortly after. After I nodded my permission, she pushed the door open, casually glancing at the bowl on my nightstand. Seeing the bowl mostly empty, she visibly relaxed, her mood brightening considerably. “Cassie, rest well. I’m heading off.” She finished, then gave a meaningful look at my baby sleeping soundly in the bassinet next to me. A flicker of triumphant glee flashed in her eyes. In my last life, the first thing she stole was my healthy, safe baby. After she got her wish and married into the Lin family, the child she gave birth to was deformed. Julian’s parents already disliked her because she’d used such a dirty trick to marry into their family. With the deformed baby, her position in the Lin family became even more precarious. Almost no one treated her like a legitimate daughter-in-law. Word spread like wildfire in our social circles. No one wanted anything to do with her; they all ostracized her. She had no one to blame but herself. You can’t force your way into a world that isn’t yours, especially when you’re just looking to steal from others. In the end, you’ll reap what you sow. After she left, I got up and put on my robe. I carried the cup of chicken soup to the backyard and poured it into the dog’s bowl. The dog, who had just delivered puppies, sniffed it out immediately. It eagerly lapped it up, and once it tasted the rich flavor, it quickly licked the bowl clean. Back home, Serena stared excitedly at the deformed child in the bassinet. She was waiting for that baby to magically transform into a healthy one without anyone knowing. But time ticked by, minute by minute, and not only did the baby not change, black fuzz began to grow all over its body. Serena gasped in horror, her eyes wide as she watched the baby sprouting fur. The fur grew more and more, thicker and denser, quickly turning the baby into a dark, shadowy figure that looked truly monstrous. In sheer terror, she let out a piercing scream: “Ah—”

The house staff rushed in, saw the baby, and were equally terrified, quickly rushing out to call for help. Serena snapped back to reality, trying to stop them, but it was too late. Her legs gave out, and she fell heavily to the floor. Julian’s parents arrived, and the sight scared them out of their wits. Julian’s mother fainted on the spot. Suddenly, the Lin household was in utter chaos. I was getting a foot massage when I heard about it. My best friend, Chloe, vividly described the scene to me: panicked parents, a shattered and bewildered Julian, and a hysterical, collapsing Serena. Chloe said with some pity, “That poor child, having a mother like that.” Even though the child was born deformed, Julian’s parents and Julian himself were still very good to the baby. They hired a professional team of postpartum nurses and a medical team to care for the child and assess its condition, planning surgery once its health indicators stabilized. It was Serena, the mother, who, despite appearing decent on the surface, ignored the child behind closed doors, unwilling to even glance at it. The house staff weren’t blind; everyone in the family knew. So their poor impression and attitude towards Serena had a reason. Unfortunately, Serena, fueled by jealousy and imbalance, chose a crooked path. She tried to swap my healthy child for a deformed one, so she shouldn’t blame me for giving her a taste of her own medicine. This incident created quite a buzz in our circles for a while. Everyone said Serena was getting her just deserts. The next time I saw Serena was at my son’s hundred-day banquet. He was the first grandson of the Thorne family, so my in-laws placed great importance on it, hosting a lavish banquet at a prestigious venue in the city’s most exclusive district. They invited all our relatives and friends from the city’s elite circles. Serena followed behind Julian. In two months, she seemed to have aged significantly. Even dressed up, her憔悴 (weariness) was evident. When she saw me, a flash of hatred crossed her eyes, quickly concealed. She followed Julian to my front. Julian, ever since his marriage, had barely met with me outside of major public events to avoid any awkwardness. Seeing me now, the complex emotions in his eyes were undeniable. He spoke with some difficulty, “Cassie, I wish you and the baby health and peace.” As he spoke, he handed over an exquisite box. I smiled, took it, but didn’t open it directly, instead handing it to my assistant, Maya, who stood nearby. Serena’s gaze at me was full of envy and resentment. I ignored it, greeted them, and then continued to entertain other guests. Julian walked directly to the garden perimeter, leaving Serena standing alone. A few ladies gathered around me, showering me with congratulations and compliments. As we chatted, the topic of Serena’s child came up. “Mrs. Thorne, you wouldn’t believe it, that child is covered in fur, it doesn’t look human at all.” A woman lowered her voice slightly. “More like an animal.” “I heard about it too. How could a perfectly normal child suddenly grow fur? It was already deformed, and now it mysteriously sprouted fur all over. It’s so bizarre.” “If you ask me, it must be something the mother did. Retribution on the child.” The woman glanced at Serena not far away. “Don’t forget how she used such dirty tricks to climb into the Lin family.”

Our conversation wasn’t quiet, or rather, there was no need to avoid Serena. So, Serena heard everything clearly, but she couldn’t react. In a setting like this, she had to swallow her pride, no matter how much it burned. She hung her head, trembling with rage, the hatred in her eyes almost materializing, threatening to pierce us. Too bad. If she had that kind of power, she wouldn’t have been forced to endure this humiliation until now. As the banquet was about to end, Serena stepped out for a while. When she returned, she was carrying a thermal container. I smiled faintly, glanced at my assistant, Maya, and calmly waited for her next move. This time, she disregarded everyone’s stares and walked up to me, a gentle smile on her face. “Cassie, you’ve been so busy taking care of guests, you haven’t eaten anything. This is chicken soup my mom specially made for you. Drink it while it’s hot.” “Don’t think everything’s fine just because you’re out of postpartum recovery. A woman needs to take care of herself for a year or two after having a baby…” She chattered on, smiling, her words full of concern for me and her supposed sincerity. Her earnestness almost made me believe her. Everyone watched Serena showering me with care, personally serving me soup, their expressions varied, their minds buzzing with speculation. Serena didn’t care in the slightest now. She handed me the soup bowl. “Drink it while it’s hot.” “That’s very thoughtful of you,” I said, smiling as I took it, but didn’t drink. I looked at Serena, whose eyes were alight with barely suppressed anticipation, and offered an apologetic smile. “I forgot to tell you last time…” “I can’t drink any more, but as you know, I don’t eat reheated leftovers. So I poured it out for the cook’s dog.” Watching Serena’s expression instantly freeze, I smiled again. “She just had puppies, and she drank it all in one go, not a drop wasted.” Serena nearly lost control of her facade. The hatred and breakdown in her eyes were about to spill over. The people around us were enjoying the show. None of them would think there was anything wrong with me giving the chicken soup to a dog. They just found it hilarious how Serena tried so hard to please me, only to have her efforts literally fed to a dog. Serena knew this too. She was both furious and humiliated, forcing a smile that was uglier than a cry. “It’s fine, if she drank it, she drank it. This time, you really should taste it yourself, it’s truly delicious.” I nodded, slowly bringing the bowl to my lips. My assistant, Maya, was quicker than thought. She snatched the bowl from my hand, steady as a rock, not spilling a single drop, and then drank more than half the bowl in one go. Serena gasped in shock, hastily trying to stop her, only managing to knock over the last bit of soup. Maya saw her reaction and pinned her to the ground. “You really *are* up to something!” A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Their gazes at Serena grew increasingly playful. Serena’s face was pressed to the ground, right into the sticky chicken soup. She knew she had failed again, and she had no idea who Maya truly was. She was close to breaking point. My in-laws and Darian saw the commotion and were displeased. They gestured to their staff, who quickly briefed them. After hearing the summary, my in-laws’ faces darkened further. They immediately ordered the chicken soup to be preserved for laboratory testing and had security restrain Serena. The chicken soup itself wouldn’t be the issue. Serena’s problem, however, was huge. She had caused such a scene, not only humiliating the Lin family but also offending the powerful Thorne family. Already a laughingstock, she had now maxed out all her negative stats.

Julian’s parents, rushing over, exclaimed as if the sky had fallen. Their disgust for Serena reached its peak. While placating my in-laws with polite apologies, they desperately wished they could disown Serena on the spot. At the same time, Serena’s identity subtly shifted in everyone’s minds. A daughter of a maid in a prominent household, no matter what, had seen some of the world and held a somewhat better standing than ordinary people. But she had chosen *my* assistant. To be honest, I specifically sought out Maya for this purpose. My recruitment criterion was: someone with a truly miserable backstory. Serena was now portrayed as a woman from a rural area, completely unremarkable, who had manipulated her way into Julian’s bed at a party and leveraged her pregnancy to marry into the Lin family. Everyone’s eyes filled with even more scorn and disdain when they looked at her. They even started openly criticizing her, right in front of Julian’s parents. Serena wept uncontrollably, becoming the ultimate laughingstock. A tidal wave of humiliation and hatred swept over her. She forced herself to look up at me, seeing the playful smirk on my lips. She seemed to understand something. Disbelief flickered in her eyes, and something inside her shattered. Julian, who had just arrived, had a grim expression. After apologizing to my in-laws, he looked at me with deep regret. “Cassie, I’m truly sorry.” “It’s fine by me,” I shrugged. “But I can’t say the same for others.” At my words, Julian’s parents’ faces grew even more sullen. The test results came back: the chicken soup was perfectly harmless. But that didn’t change the fact that this banquet had utterly humiliated the Lin family. Serena’s life was about to get much harder. Serena was effectively placed under house arrest by the Lin family, forbidden from leaving to avoid further trouble. She was smart, too. After admitting her wrongdoing, she genuinely stayed put for two or three months, quiet and compliant. Later, without anyone noticing, she was left largely unsupervised. Soon, she found me. She arranged to meet me using Julian’s name. I arrived on time. The restaurant was empty; she had booked the entire place. I wasn’t surprised to see her, just noted that she looked visibly older. I sat across from her and smiled. “Long time no see.” Compared to my calm, she seemed agitated. “You knew all along, didn’t you!” I smiled, offering no reply, silently confirming her words. “Cassandra Thorne! You are so cunning!” Serena glared at me fiercely. “You pretended to know nothing! And you ruined me like this!” “Wrong!” I interrupted her. “You brought this upon yourself!” Serena slammed her hand on the table, standing up, agitated. “Nonsense! What are you pretending to be so high and mighty about?! You just rely on your family’s status to lord over everyone! Why?! We’re all human! Is it wrong for me to fight for a better life for myself?!” I stood up and slapped her across the face. “This is stealing! I was good to you because I’m kind, not because I’m a pushover you can stomp on.” “You want to steal what’s mine,” I squeezed her chin, then violently shoved her away, “you should have asked for my permission first!” Serena laughed, a little crazed. “I will take what’s yours! What can you do about it? Do you think I’m out of options, hahaha—” Serena looked at me meaningfully and slowly said, “I want to swap partners with Cassandra Thorne.”

A memory, not my own, flooded my mind. It was of Julian and me. We were childhood sweethearts, and when we reached marrying age, we got married. And Serena? She became Mrs. Thorne, the young matriarch of the powerful Thorne family. Only Serena and I knew the real truth. Serena, sensing the shift in identities, was ecstatic. While the Lin family was prominent, compared to the Thorne family, they were worlds apart. That’s why she had gone to such lengths, finding a witch and now using her last chance, sacrificing ten years of her life to swap places with me. Now, she was Mrs. Thorne. She had finally surpassed me. But she hadn’t considered what her situation would be like, given her true identity and past actions, even as Mrs. Thorne. And I had no obligation to warn her. I smiled, genuinely congratulating her. “Congratulations, Mrs. Thorne.” Welcome, Serena, to the Thorne family’s hell. Yes, I call the Thorne family’s mansion hell. I was merely a tool my father used to secure a marriage alliance for the Thorne family. They had searched for a long time and finally settled on me.

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On the eve of the photography competition, Aiden, the impoverished student I’d sponsored for ten years, sent me the best-configured camera lens. He messaged me, wishing me good luck. Touched, I accepted, already planning to buy him a gift with my prize money. But then, on the day of the competition, the lens burst into flames, exploding. I was burnt beyond recognition, my body charred, and rushed to the ICU. My saintly wife cried her eyes out, almost blind with grief, promising to use her entire medical expertise to save me. “Caleb, I only developed feelings for you. If something happens to you, I wouldn’t want to live!” I clung to life, but became a vegetable, with only my hearing and sense of pain remaining. Even then, I was incredibly grateful to my wife. Until one day, I overheard her conversation with a nurse— “Caleb’s on his way out anyway. Once he dies, using his kidney to extend Aiden’s life wouldn’t be murder.” Each cut was a fresh, agonizing stab, the pain searing deep into my bones. But after I was cremated, my wife went mad.

Hearing the voices outside the door, my pupils constricted. What? Serena wants to take my kidney and give it to Aiden?! That backstabbing snake! I couldn’t believe it; I suspected I was losing my mind. But the voices outside continued. Reminding me, this wasn’t a dream! “Dr. Serena, isn’t this too cruel? After all, it was your surgical error that caused him to become a vegetable in the first place.” The nurse’s voice was a little muffled. Serena was silent for a moment, then sighed: “Yes, karma is real, and what goes around comes around. I caused Caleb’s condition, so I should have taken care of him all these years.” “Now, using his kidney to save Aiden… ultimately, I owe him. When my time comes, I’ll apologize to him then.” It felt like a giant hand had squeezed my heart. I was suffocating. I truly believed Serena had fought with every ounce of her being to save me, then dedicated years to my meticulous care. I saw her as my savior, thinking I’d owe her my very soul in the next life to repay her. But all of it was a lie. She was the one who ruined my life! What was even more despairing was that if I had died during that surgery, or fallen into a complete coma, I wouldn’t be suffering this much. But no, I could still hear, and I could still feel pain. The door creaked open, and Serena walked in. “All the readings are getting weaker.” She stared at the tubes sticking out of my body, her voice tinged with a sigh. “I’m sorry, Caleb, but Aiden can’t wait any longer. We need to prepare for the kidney removal surgery tomorrow.” Her usually calm voice was now laced with a complicated mix of emotions. There was guilt, reluctance, but more than anything, grim determination. My blood ran cold. A powerful panic seized me; I wanted to open my eyes, to look at her. Serena, if you found out I was still conscious, would you still go through with it? But my body was paralyzed, I couldn’t do anything. The door chimed again, and someone else entered. “Sister, I’m in so much pain. It’s been getting worse lately.” It was Aiden. What I couldn’t see was him intimately wrapping his arms around Serena, resting his chin on her shoulder. “But don’t be too hasty. I’m afraid Caleb might still be conscious and feel the pain.” What a considerate tone he used. Listening to him, my teeth ached with suppressed rage. Aiden came from an impoverished mountain village. Serena had saved him during an accident. It was *I* who saw how strong and unfortunate he was, and I paid all his expenses from middle school through college. I gave him the chance to escape his village and soar. He once cried, promising he would repay me. I believed he was a good, grateful kid, and I trusted him like a younger brother. I never imagined he would stab me in the back. Now, I wished I could tear that backstabbing snake limb from limb. “No, your illness can’t wait. His vital signs are fading fast. The surgery can proceed tomorrow.” She wrapped her arms around him, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Aiden’s lips curved into a smile, and he kissed her back with passion. I couldn’t see their movements. But I heard the sickening wet sounds of skin slapping against skin.

A wave of nausea churned in my stomach. It felt like my heart was being ripped apart. Once, Serena and I had good times too. Whenever she came home from her night shifts, I’d leave out snacks with a note: ‘To my guardian angel, my heart’s healer.’ When I was exhausted from work, listening to her gentle recitations and the soft click of her meditation beads would calm my spirit, making the hardship disappear. Until one time, during a relief trip to a mountainous area. She saved Aiden, who was buried in the mud. The young man looked up, seeing her as his salvation. “Sister, are you an angel sent from heaven to save me?” Serena’s deeply hidden savior complex was ignited. After returning, she told me Aiden was a good kid worth nurturing, subtly guiding me to sponsor him. I, too, had started from the bottom and worked my way up. From that moment, her heart had probably strayed. One wrong step led to another. So much so that even when Aiden betrayed me, she turned a blind eye. And now, she was willing to stain her hands with blood, taking my life for him. I cursed myself for being so foolish, so blind to the truth. I should have seen their conspiracy earlier. The two were swept up in passion, gradually unsatisfied with just kissing. The rustle of clothes falling to the floor echoed in my ears. There were only two beds in the room, but they didn’t care. Soon, sickening wet sounds of skin slapping against skin filled the air. Listening to their movements, I felt utterly disgusted, my skin crawling with revulsion. I wanted to block it out, but I couldn’t stop the sounds from entering my ears. “Sister, do you think… Caleb might get angry if we do this here?” Aiden panted, his voice broken. Serena closed her eyes, sweat beading on her brow. Her face, usually serene and angelic, was now flushed with raw desire. Like a pure moon dragged into the earthly mire, defiled and no longer an unattainable goddess. “I already owe him too much; I can never repay it. So, I might as well sink to the very bottom with you.” Her eyes darkened, and she pushed down harder. The gasps and moans in the room swelled. I felt like a pathetic joke. How blind had I been to fall for Serena, that sanctimonious hypocrite, and sponsor Aiden, that ungrateful snake? It cost me my heart, and it cost me my life. By the time they finished, I don’t know how long had passed. My consciousness desperately fought to stay afloat, wanting to make a sound, to cause a disturbance. If anyone discovered I still had vital signs, they could stop tomorrow’s surgery. But my body was like it was shackled with heavy stones. I couldn’t move an inch. Perhaps that surgical error was precisely designed by Serena. Precise enough to save my life, yet turn me into a vegetable, utterly devoid of bodily control. This precision was aimed straight at my death. Tears of regret streamed from the corners of my eyes. The sky was black, but I couldn’t find any sleep. Knowing tomorrow was my inevitable end, my heart was filled only with surging hatred and regret. I hated Serena. Why was she so heartless towards me? She was a vegetarian, a devout follower, soft-hearted, compassionate to all living beings. She spoke softly, wouldn’t even step on an ant. Yet, she showed me no mercy or compassion. I hated Aiden even more. He was a worm, living in the gutter. I gave him the chance to crawl out. Who knew, not only was he ungrateful, he stabbed me deeply. He took the person I loved and now wants my life. He won’t even spare my remains. Agonizing thoughts tormented me endlessly. Time stretched infinitely, I could even hear my own heartbeat. When I heard the door open again, I knew my fate had finally arrived.

“Caleb, I’m sorry. I have no choice. If Aiden doesn’t get a kidney, he won’t survive.” Serena took out a toolkit. The cold light from the operating lamp hit my eyelids. Her voice was soft, but to me, she sounded like an executioner wielding a scalpel, sending shivers down my spine. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you the strongest dose of anesthetic. Your soul won’t feel any pain.” Serena said, pulling out a vial of liquid. A sharp sting, and something entered my body. All I felt was mockery. Should I thank her for this? She’s the one doing this, and she’s trying to earn good karma from it. It’s too late for me to turn back now. Ever since that photography competition accident years ago, I’ve been utterly destroyed by Serena and Aiden. The sensation of my skin being cut open was incredibly clear. Intense pain engulfed me like fire. Wait, didn’t she say she’d give me anesthetic? Why was the pain *more* intense? I wanted to struggle, but my disabled body couldn’t move. Like a fish on a chopping block, helpless, subjected to torture. Every second stretched into an eternity. Dimly, I heard footsteps. “Sister, you’ve been operating for so long, you must be tired. Take a break.” “No, this is a critical kidney transplant for you. I’m afraid of something going wrong.” “Sister, actually, I found a suitable kidney a few days ago. I just forgot to tell you.” Aiden’s voice was light and cheerful. But those words struck me like a bolt of lightning. What? He already found a kidney source? Then why was she operating on me?! The bone-deep pain I’d endured felt like a cruel joke. I couldn’t stop myself from convulsing. “Oh, is that so? Caleb truly suffered.” The woman’s voice held a touch of pity. A glimmer of hope flickered in my heart. Since there was already a suitable kidney. Would Serena, out of consideration for our past, spare me? But the very next second, she shattered my illusion. “Having an extra backup kidney source will make you safer. Caleb has already passed away, so what I’m doing isn’t murder.” Saying that, Serena cut another incision into my body. But I couldn’t feel it anymore. The excruciating, soul-crushing pain in my heart was a hundred times worse than the physical pain. So, the beautiful illusion I had built my life upon was nothing but deceit! My entire life was worthless. The last thread of my sanity snapped with a sharp *crack*. My past flashed before my eyes like a dizzying carousel. Dimly, I saw Serena caring for me in the past. All these years I’d been paralyzed in bed, she would boil water daily, wait for it to cool, then carefully use a towel to wipe my body. It was troublesome, but she persisted for seven years. Feeding me food and medicine was also a challenge. Serena would bring spoonfuls to my lips, patiently waiting for my subtle swallowing reactions. Her arms would ache so much she couldn’t lift them, her muscles throbbing, but she’d only gasp softly, afraid I might hear. At night, afraid I wouldn’t sleep well, she would stay by my bedside all night, reading my favorite poetry collections. At that time, I was so moved I wished I could die for her. But now, all of it had become sharp knives stabbing into me. My flesh was peeled back layer by layer. Cold instruments pulverized my blood vessels and tissues. The pain grew more and more intense. My consciousness became increasingly blurry. I was in a daze, barely able to tell if I was suffering torture in the human world or in hell itself. A sickening *rip* – One of my organs detached. My consciousness suddenly grew faint. Even Serena’s voice wasn’t very clear. I only vaguely heard her say something about “it’s done.” After some more time, I felt myself being lifted and placed into something. My vision suddenly darkened, and I knew something was wrong. “Caleb, followers believe that when a person dies, they return to dust, and then their soul doesn’t wander aimlessly.” Serena’s voice remained gentle. “Early cremation is also good for you.” But I wasn’t dead yet! The feeling of blood loss made my entire body cold. Hearing her words, I felt like I’d been plunged into an icy abyss. I desperately tried to muster every last ounce of strength in my body, wanting to make some noise. But no matter how hard I tried, it was useless. I heard Serena close the cremation oven door. Her hand pressed the cremation button. No, don’t!!! Every cell in my body screamed in silent agony. Why did my life have to end at the hands of the person I once loved?!

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Never Cheat on a Billionaire. On the day of our holiday family gathering, my wife, Vivian Hayes, with whom I had signed a prenuptial agreement stipulating a 10,000x payback of my assets if she cheated, took her young assistant, Liam Foster, to my private vineyard. She claimed Liam was away from his family and she wanted to make him feel truly welcome and cherished. So she lavished billions on him right there, splashing out money just to see him smile. As their emotions deepened, fueled by the cheers of the crowd, they linked arms and shared an intimate toast. My assistant sent me a screenshot from Liam Foster’s SnapChat story: “You truly become yourself when you meet the right person.” In the photo, the look in Vivian Hayes’ eyes as she gazed at him was brimming with an unadulterated affection, a fervent tenderness I hadn’t seen in five long years. I smirked, then casually froze her supplementary credit card – the one with a hundred billion dollar limit. “Honey, I’m doing a team-building event with my staff. Why isn’t my card working?” she called, her voice tight. “Everyone’s watching. Don’t make me look bad.” I replied calmly, “Ms. Hayes, have you forgotten who you are?” She hesitated for a moment. “Honey, don’t joke around with me. You’ll spoil everyone’s fun.” “Oh, really? If you love drinking so much, then live stream yourself chugging every bottle in the vineyard. I’ll unfreeze the card instantly.” A minute passed. She hadn’t taken a single sip. I sent her a trending news headline instead: “Hayes Group’s Hundred-Billion-Dollar Company Declared Bankrupt.” Since she loved splurging billions on her little assistant, I figured she should experience a thousandfold payback first!

As Wall Street reeled from a hundred-billion-dollar company collapsing in an instant, Vivian Hayes FaceTimed me. “Honey, stop messing with me! There are tens of thousands of bottles here. How can I possibly drink them all? It’ll kill me!” She looked pleading, yet utterly helpless. I chuckled. “I’ll ask just one question: Drink? Or not drink?” “You only have one minute, by the way! After all, people always have to pay for their actions…” I hadn’t even finished speaking when she hung up. Soon, her colleagues who were there sent me a video. In it, Vivian Hayes picked up bottle after bottle of red wine from the table, chugging them down like tap water. In another corner of the video, the white t-shirt boy was frantically yelling “Don’t drink!” looking ready to fight the person who forced Vivian to drink. With a cold scoff, I grabbed my bag and headed to the vineyard. On the way, my colleagues kept sending me messages. “Mr. Thorne, Ms. Hayes has already had thirteen bottles. Is she really okay?” “Her little assistant is over there, crying pathetically. It’s so annoying! Who does he think he is? I just want to slap him!” “Mr. Thorne, Liam Foster’s resignation letter is ready. When should we notify him?” “Some women get a little power and really start to believe they’re untouchable. Can’t wait to see her downfall!” I let out a soft laugh. It wasn’t that I absolutely had to confront her face-to-face. After all, I rake in millions every minute. She’s not worth even a second of my time. But people have to pay for their mistakes. And this whole spectacle wouldn’t be complete without me, would it? I pushed open the door and walked toward Vivian Hayes, who was sprawled on the couch, clearly drunk. My colleagues, seeing me, nervously tried to pull her up. She irritably shook them off. “What do you want!?” I watched as she lifted her head, her eyes flashing with resentment for a split second before it morphed into a desperate plea. “Honey, is that enough…? I’ve had twenty bottles.” Seeing Vivian’s pathetic act, I squatted down, gripping her chin. With my thumb and forefinger, I forced her lips into a smile. “What’s wrong, darling? Not having fun drinking? Smile for me, or someone might think I, Alexander Thorne, am mistreating you.” Vivian turned her head away in humiliation. I roughly twisted her chin back. “What, already feeling sorry for yourself? Weren’t you having such a blast with that intimate toast earlier?” Vivian opened her mouth, as if to explain, but ultimately said nothing. “You, how could you treat your wife like that? Don’t you see how drunk Ms. Hayes is? Just because you’re rich, you think you can insult people however you want?!” “Hey! Say something!” Liam, in his white tee and jeans, his eyes red-rimmed, puffed up his chest, trying to act tough as he shielded Vivian behind him. I smirked dismissively. But I ignored him, my gaze fixed on Vivian Hayes, who had stopped drinking and turned to meet my eyes. “What? You want to stand up for him?!” Vivian’s eyes were unreadable. She paused, then picked up another bottle of wine and chugged most of it down in one go. A cold smile played on my lips as I slanted a glance at the boy. Our eyes met, and he took two steps back. But then something seemed to click in his mind, and he angrily retorted, “What? Am I wrong? Who treats their wife like this? You have no sympathy!” I laughed, walking toward him step by step. With each step I took, he retreated one, until he was backed against the wall, nowhere left to go. I stood over him, laughing condescendingly. “What? So you *do* know this is someone else’s wife, huh? So, how does it feel to spend someone else’s money?” Liam’s eyes were red, as if he’d suffered a grave insult. He threw his head back and yelled at me, “You, don’t you dare slander me and Vivian! We’re just colleagues. Your own mind is dirty, that’s why everything you see is dirty!” “No wonder Vivian never wants to come home. You’re so controlling and domineering, what woman could stand it?” “Shut up!” Vivian, no longer feigning drunkenness, snapped sharply. I chuckled softly. “Vivian Hayes, so this is the kind of trash you fall for?” “Being brainless is one thing, but he’d look embarrassing as a mere office decoration. Your taste has really hit rock bottom.” Vivian looked up at me, her eyes filled with anxiety. “Honey, I know I was wrong, but there’s really nothing between me and him.” Before she could finish, I chuckled softly. “Don’t bother. I don’t have time for your nonsense. Finish all these drinks and be home by eleven tonight.” On the drive home, the scenery outside the car window flashed by. I never thought things with Vivian Hayes would become so ugly. Five years ago, she came to interview at my company. She wore a simple white dress, elegant and pure, standing out brightly in the crowd. In just three months, she went from one of over a hundred interns to a full-time employee and then my trusted assistant in one go. But she always did things for me that went beyond work, gestures that were thoughtful yet never crossed a line. She’d always have an extra umbrella for me during the rainy season, remembered every tiny preference I had, and would even mischievously give me candy on Children’s Day. Then, when I turned 25, my family started pressuring me. I was about to enter a marriage alliance with another prominent family. She blushed, stammering, “Mr. Thorne, I know I’m not good enough for you, but I’m afraid if I don’t say some things now, I’ll never have the chance…” “Mr. Thorne… can you wait for me? Wait until I can stand beside you as your equal someday…” Honestly, I was indifferent. High-society alliances, after all, are nothing more than mutually beneficial arrangements. But the young woman’s blushing confession did genuinely move me. However, as the CEO of a trillion-dollar empire, a little bit of emotional stirring didn’t stop me from making her sign a prenuptial agreement. If she ever went back on her word, if she ever cheated on me. Then every penny I spent on her would have to be repaid tenfold. For the next three years, I propelled her from behind the scenes to the forefront. I gave her a net worth of hundreds of billions, and her brother became a massively popular movie star. The Hayes family enjoyed unprecedented glory, their influence unmatched. Everyone greeted her with respect, calling her “Ms. Hayes.” But some things, when acquired too easily, don’t seem to be a good thing. ***PAYWALL*** It was 10:50 PM when Vivian Hayes sent another message. “Honey, I’m closing a deal. I’ll be home late.” I scoffed, indifferently going back to my work. “Martha, did you just make hangover soup? Pour it out!” That night, a colleague sent me a screenshot of Liam’s SnapChat story. “At 4 AM, I saw the crabapple blossoms were still awake.” The accompanying picture was a selfie of Liam, in dim light, with Vivian’s wedding ring reflected in a swirling glass of red wine. Immediately after, a friend sent me a video. Vivian, with Liam and a large group of her friends, clinking glasses and having a wild time at a private club. “Isn’t that your Vivian? She’s really soaring these days!” “Mr. Thorne, are you losing your touch with your wife?” I couldn’t help but laugh dryly. These two, either their combined IQ couldn’t hit triple digits, or they were openly rubbing my face in the dirt. They clearly knew that club was owned by my friend. They clearly knew I’d warned her to be home by eleven. Vivian Hayes, I gave you a chance. You just didn’t cherish it. I sneered, opened my SnapChat chat with Vivian, and casually unpinned her from the top of my contacts. “Ms. Hayes, you’re getting quite bold now.” Two minutes passed. No reply. I asked my assistant, “Did she check her phone?” “She glanced at it, then put it face down on the table.” I let out a sharp laugh. When did Vivian Hayes learn to play hide-and-seek with me? “Evading problems won’t solve them, Ms. Hayes. Don’t you understand that?” Casually, I had my assistant send her brother’s script termination notice, along with the Hayes Group acquisition agreement. “Alexander Thorne, you’ve gone too far!” She FaceTimed me directly, her face flushed, brows furrowed. I slowly sipped my red wine. “Heh, this is ‘too far’? Vivian Hayes, is this your first day knowing me?” I set my phone aside and slowly said, “I’m a little unhappy today.” “I’ll give you two choices. Either live-stream yourself slapping your own face, and while you’re at it, call yourself a home-wrecker – make sure you hit hard enough that everyone, even the stray dogs on the street, hears it. Let me check the time… It’s 11:20 PM, isn’t it? If it goes over 1200 seconds, then that’s 1200 slaps.” “Or, you can make that man get on stage right now and perform a striptease.” “Just do one, to cheer me up, okay?”

Friends kept sending me videos recorded live from the White Lily Club. Liam Foster, truly looking like a delicate, wilting flower. His afternoon white tee and jeans were replaced with skimpy clothing, just a few silver chains barely covering his body. He cowered on the stage, his face full of resentment, yet he had no choice but to comply. The audience below went wild. The audience, used to bold, hot male models, were absolutely electrified by this starkly contrasting performance, their restless souls wildly agitated. “Do you know who’s on stage? Ms. Hayes from Hayes Group’s toy boy!” “Apparently, the real boss caught them red-handed, and that’s how we got this amazing show!” “Holy cow, Mr. Thorne, you’ve got quite the entertainment lined up! My club’s revenue today is going to double!” my friend excitedly messaged me. “This is just the beginning.” The next second, I told my assistant to go to the club and scatter a billion dollars on the spot. The entire club floor was covered in red cash, like heaven. “Liam Foster’s dance was great today. Mr. Thorne is in a good mood, so let everyone have some fun.” The cheers from the crowd were deafening, enough to blow the roof off. “Mr. Thorne is a legend! Happier than winning the lottery, that’s what this is!” “But Alex, are you really okay?” my friend asked, a hint of worry in his voice. I scoffed. “You call this ‘something’?” Half an hour later, Vivian Hayes returned, her face haggard, a cold, defeated expression etched on her features. “Alexander Thorne, are you satisfied now?” I held my red wine, scrutinizing this broken, haggard woman, and shook my head. I scoffed and walked directly into the bedroom. “Alexander Thorne, I’m truly so disappointed in you! I never thought you’d treat a young man fresh out of college like this!” “He’s so naive and kind. How will he ever be able to hold his head high after being publicly humiliated by you like that?” Through the closed door, every word of Vivian Hayes’ voice was laced with resentment. I opened the door and leaned against the frame, watching the woman who claimed to have loved me for five years, now gritting her teeth and questioning me with hatred. Instead of getting angry, I laughed. “Naive?” “Vivian Hayes, tell me, is there any part of you that he hasn’t touched? And you call him ‘naive’?” Vivian’s face flushed instantly. “Are you listening to rumors again? Alexander Thorne, I know many people in the company are loyal to you, but do you have absolutely no trust in your own wife?” “Hmph, trust?” “You were practically sleeping with him right in front of my damn face. What? If there’s no evidence, it doesn’t count as cheating, right?” “Well, I’ll tell you what. I just don’t f***ing like him, alright?!” Seeing my indifferent expression, Vivian clenched her fists, wanting to say something, but ultimately remaining silent. “And another thing, Vivian Hayes. If you had reached where you are today purely by your own merit, even if you kept a hundred toy boys outside, you’d still be my wife when you came home. But now, you’re taking my money and spending it on other men? Whose face are you slapping now?” As I spoke, I walked up to her, looking up at her eyes, which, though showing faint lines, were still beautiful. *Pat, pat, pat.* I lightly slapped her cheek, a faint smile on my face. As if suddenly realizing something, she tensed. “Alex, you wouldn’t…” I turned around and took a stack of photos from my bag. “Yes, exactly what you’re thinking.” “Look, they’re all lining up to be Mrs. Thorne. Looks, figure, education – which one isn’t better than you? And they know how to please, they’re good in bed.” “More importantly, they’re all younger than you.” With that, I gave a pitying glance at her increasingly fatigued face. Vivian Hayes deflated like a punctured balloon. “If it weren’t for the fact that you’re my wife, heh.” At the bottom of the stack of photos was that prenuptial agreement, the one with the ten thousand times payback clause. “What happened with your brother and your dad was just a warning. You should know that if I can take you from having nothing to becoming Ms. Hayes, a woman everyone gives face to, I can also make you…” I didn’t say the last few words, just gave her another scrutinizing look. And that single glance caused Vivian Hayes to suddenly lunge into my arms. “Honey, I’m sorry, I… I’ve just been under too much stress lately.” “But I really didn’t cheat. I, I’ve always loved you…” The moment she embraced me, the scent of alcohol, cigarettes, and cheap men’s cologne from her overwhelmed me. A violent wave of nausea surged through me. I pushed her away, perhaps a little too forcefully. She stumbled, hitting the doorknob, but I felt no pity. “Vivian Hayes, why do you think I’d believe a word you say?” *Thud.* Vivian suddenly knelt down. *Slap, slap, slap, slap…* Left cheek, then right cheek, she kept slapping herself. In that instant, I felt absolutely nothing. I got up and walked directly to my study. Only when I opened the door did I turn my head, my tone serious for the last time. “You don’t need to put on this act for me. I’m busy. But I am seriously informing you: this is the first and last time between us. I won’t give you another chance. Think carefully.” “Think about how you got to where you are today. And then give me a satisfactory answer tomorrow.”

The next day, Vivian Hayes fired Liam Foster in front of the entire company. Liam walked out of the company, clutching a cardboard box, tears welling in his eyes, resentment clear in their depths. “Oh, isn’t that the guy who tried to climb into bed to get ahead? What, found another rich woman?” “Beware, green tea boys are on the loose! Watch your wives, everyone.” “It’s only because our Mr. Thorne is so magnanimous and doesn’t bother with him. Otherwise, just for spending other people’s money, he’d be paying it back for three generations!” From that day on, Vivian Hayes indeed behaved herself much more. She worked diligently at the company, came home to massage my legs and wash my feet, and even learned a few new Cantonese dishes to please me. Her brother even came over under the guise of wanting a free meal, representing the whole family to thoroughly scold Vivian. A month later, while I was on a business trip to the US, my trust fund manager suddenly contacted me. “Mr. Thorne, do you still wish to transfer the private island you purchased earlier to Mr. Liam Foster?” I paused, then remembered the prenuptial agreement with the tenfold payback clause. “Just follow my wife’s instructions.” Loyalty or betrayal, the outcome had been decided the moment she made her choice. It seemed she still hadn’t learned her lesson. And I, I needed to make her understand the price of betrayal. “Mr. Thorne, Vivian’s back with that guy again. He’s really arrogant this time, making our servers kneel to him.” “Looks like he wants to reclaim his lost dignity.” “Laughable, no one actually cares.” I scoffed. “That’s where you’re wrong. He’s a returning customer, after all. Don’t you dare neglect him.” In the video my friend sent, Liam Foster had shed his previous rustic image. He was dressed in a bespoke suit, even his tie was a limited edition. But his slicked-back hair looked awkward, and his inexperienced face couldn’t quite carry the sophisticated look. “Vivian Hayes, I truly underestimated you.” I sneered and had my assistant rebook my flight. I flew back to the company the very next day. I had just reached the conference room door when I heard her speaking inside. “Do you really think Alexander Thorne considers you his confidantes? Does a man like him even have feelings?” “From now on, report any of his movements to me promptly. You won’t be shortchanged.” I leaned against the doorway, smiling as I looked into the conference room, meeting Vivian Hayes’ face as she just looked up. Her expression was priceless. “Ms. Hayes, what kind of man am I, exactly?” Several executives, seeing me enter, handed me a voice recorder and a miniature camera. They respectfully said, “Mr. Thorne, all conversations are recorded here.” “Don’t worry, we know who the boss is.” Sensing the shift in atmosphere, they quickly made excuses and backed out. “Vivian Hayes, I’m giving you a chance to explain. Go on.” Vivian had already composed herself, using anger to mask her guilt. “Explain what? I was just holding a meeting with the senior executives.” “What, you rushed back so suddenly? You still don’t trust me?” Vivian went on the offensive, looking utterly disappointed. “Okay, then just sign this.” I tossed a divorce agreement onto the table in front of her. “And these two documents: this is the prenuptial property certificate, and this is the lawsuit for illegal possession of another’s assets. By tomorrow noon, 12 PM, you and Liam Foster will receive court summons. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “Are you insane, Alexander Thorne? What more do you want from me?” “I already fired Liam. I work like a dog at the company all day, and then I have to come home and serve you.” “Not only do you not trust me, you even plant spies around me? Now you want a divorce? Can’t you be less tyrannical!” With that, she slammed the door and stormed out. “I’m a person, not your dog!” Watching her indignant back, I smiled and shook my head. Some dogs, indeed, start to think they’re people. My friend heard I was back in the country and upset by my disobedient lapdog. “Come on, Alex. Tonight, I’m going to ‘light up the night’ for you at the auction! Pick anything you like from the whole place!” As soon as we arrived, I heard someone shout, “Isn’t that Ms. Hayes from Hayes Group? I heard she once spent billions for her beloved’s smile!” From afar, Vivian Hayes was in a bespoke gown, adorned with expensive accessories, every strand of her hair exuding luxury. She had indeed enjoyed a good life for a few years. Liam Foster was also meticulously dressed, showing no trace of his previous disheveled appearance at the club. They both looked at me. Liam’s eyes were full of provocation, and he leaned a little closer to Vivian, their arms brushing, a show of intimacy. Vivian stared at me, her eyes unreadable, carrying a hint of resentment, but she didn’t avert her gaze. When someone complimented them as a perfect couple, she even smiled and nodded, offering no explanation. As the auction began, a gasp rippled through the crowd. “Ms. Hayes is going to ‘light up the night’ for Mr. Foster, buying out the entire auction!” “Holy cow, I’m stunned! I heard Ms. Hayes directly scattered a billion in cash for him before. Today, I’m witnessing true wealth!” “So jealous! I want to be born into a rich family in my next life!” Liam Foster, after all, hadn’t seen much of the world. The joy in his eyes and brows was impossible to hide. When Vivian wasn’t looking, he provocatively raised an eyebrow and smirked at me. My friend couldn’t stand it. He stood up, ready to confront them for me. “That damn dog thinks he’s hot stuff! What a piece of work!” I pressed my friend’s hand down, took out the prenuptial agreement with the tenfold payback clause, and shook my head with a soft smile. “Don’t rush. I want to see how Vivian Hayes plans to ‘light up the night’ today. And how much she can spend?!”

Across half the auction hall, Vivian Hayes sat ramrod straight, appearing confident. Beside her, Liam Foster tried hard to suppress the smile at the corner of his lips, while also deliberately glancing at me. The three parts provocation, seven parts show-off in his eyes were unmistakable. Suddenly, someone hurried towards Vivian, bending down to whisper something in her ear. Vivian clenched her fists, abruptly trying to stand up, but realizing she was at an auction, she merely adjusted her collar and sat back down, saying something to the person. The person bowed and retreated. Vivian looked at me again, still maintaining her forced air of defiance. The host on stage had been deftly changing the subject and smoothing things over for three minutes. The audience below began to whisper, wondering what had happened. Others didn’t know, but I knew very well: forget “lighting up the night,” if Vivian Hayes’ card could even swipe one cent today, then I, Alexander Thorne, was worthless. Just then, the same person scurried back to Vivian, this time with a look of difficulty. Vivian’s face finally turned green. The host on stage grew impatient, but maintained a smile. “Ms. Hayes, are you sure you want to offer one hundred billion dollars to ‘light up the night’ for Mr. Foster here?” “Our staff here have already verified your funds three times, and your qualifications are insufficient.” “How is that possible! There must be something wrong with your machines! Yesterday, I had two hundred billion in my account! What’s going on with you people?” Publicly humiliated, Vivian Hayes’ face was flushed with anger. The staff member was equally impolite. “Ms. Hayes, we’ve verified it five times. Not only do you have no balance in your account, but my colleague from the credit department just said… that your account…” “Said what!” Vivian Hayes snapped impatiently, watching the staff member stammer and cover up. “If you have something to say, say it clearly!” The staff member’s lips moved, and he said in a voice that was neither loud nor soft, “Ms. Hayes, the background check results just showed that your personal account does not have a balance of two hundred billion; instead, it has a debt of two hundred billion.” “And it’s increasing at a rate of 5% per minute.” A ripple of gasps went through the audience. “So this Hayes woman was a fake? And I thought I was going to witness true wealth today!” “You guys don’t know? This Hayes woman married up to Mr. Thorne of Thorne Corp to get her current wealth, but she seems to have upset the real boss recently.” “What? Thorne Corp? Then who’s that guy next to her?” “No need to ask, of course it’s a love triangle.” Seeing everyone around them staring at her and Liam with strange looks, Vivian Hayes finally couldn’t maintain her composure. She looked over the crowd, her gaze fixed on me. “Alexander Thorne, do you have to be so ruthless?” Everyone followed her gaze and looked at me. I felt a little helpless. I hadn’t intended for things to escalate this much today. After all, me, the CEO of Thorne Corp, getting into a public spat with my wife at an auction, was truly undignified. I scoffed. “Ms. Hayes, what’s wrong?” “Why did you freeze my cards? What’s going on with my assets becoming debts?” Of course, she couldn’t say those words aloud. “Are you still angry? Can’t you stop being so unreasonable?” *Clap, clap, clap!* I clapped three times, unhurriedly standing up. Since she insisted on dragging these dirty affairs out into the open, I didn’t need to save her any face. “What do I have to be angry about? Just that my wife wanted to use my money to lavish on her little boy toy?” “Just that my wife, to please her toy boy, gave away my private island without my permission?” “Just that my wife openly brought her toy boy to provoke me right in front of me?” “Vivian Hayes, I actually admire you today. After all, a gutter rat, you managed to drag him into the spotlight.” Despite wearing sunglasses, some people in the crowd recognized me. “Holy crap, it’s confirmed! The real deal is here, confirming the other man!” “The legendary Mr. Thorne! He’s so handsome! Some women are truly cheap. She got tired of the finest delicacies and decided she wanted pig slop instead.” “They used to say Vivian Hayes was crazy for throwing away a rich, handsome man like Mr. Thorne for that guy. Today, I see it for myself. Tsk tsk tsk.” Liam Foster, listening to the whispers and chatter, fidgeted uncomfortably, unsure whether to stand or sit, but ultimately dared not say anything. “Mr. Foster, do you still want this item?” The host smiled as he looked at Vivian Hayes. Vivian bit her lip, gave me one last look, and before she could speak, two uniformed officers entered. “Excuse me, is Vivian Hayes here? And Liam Foster?” “Someone has filed a lawsuit against you for illegal appropriation of property and asset transfer. Please come with us.” The entire hall was stunned, then erupted into boisterous laughter, followed by small groups discussing the event. The protagonists of the entire scene, Vivian Hayes and Liam Foster, watched wide-eyed as the officers entered. “What are you doing? Is it you two? Why are you just standing there? Come with us.” The two of them had lost all their previous dignity and elegance, now looking tense and helpless. Despite the clear displeasure on their faces, they had no choice but to hang their heads and slink away. Vivian gave me one last look. She was always smart; she must have known what was happening. I had been more than generous, after all, I’d warned her yesterday. “Holy cow, instant karma for the cheating duo! So exciting! I heard the last person who went in like that got ten years!” “I think that Vivian Hayes has a screw loose. She had a good life but chose to sing ‘Iron Window Tears’.” … “Didn’t you say you’d get me a gift, huh?” I nudged my friend beside me. He snapped out of his stunned state. “Alex, you’re a real silent operator! You kept this from me, didn’t you?” “This was just a side thing. You promised to bid on three items for me. Today, I’m going to make you pay dearly.” “Forget three! I’ll bid until you’re satisfied, Alex!” Honestly, I hadn’t really intended to do anything to them. It was just that the private island Vivian used to do favors on had a very specific variety of coconut trees, and only that latitude produced the exact sweetness of coconut water I liked, so I was quite annoyed. 24 hours later, Vivian Hayes returned home, looking disheveled and defeated.

*Knock, knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock, knock…* A faint, tired knocking came from outside the door. Standing on the second-floor balcony, I looked towards the entrance. Vivian Hayes stood slumped by the front gate like a pathetic stray dog. Her hair was messy, her makeup smeared, and she was missing one high heel. Beside her were some of her luggage and daily necessities, which I’d had Martha throw out. Seeing that I didn’t open the door for a long time, she finally started to panic. “Alex! Alex!” “Alex, open the door! I really know I was wrong this time, please!” She looked in horror at everything scattered on the ground, finally realizing I was serious this time. She looked up and saw me standing on the balcony, arms crossed. Though only twenty yards separated us, it felt like a galaxy. “Alex, please listen to my explanation. Just give me one more chance, I beg you!” She clung to the large iron gate, shouting at me with what sounded like utmost sincerity. I suddenly found it a little amusing. Vivian Hayes, do you even understand what “chance” means? It’s not about me forgiving you, me indulging you, that makes it a chance. It’s because trust, that kind of thing, is inherently a one-time offer. I smirked, then turned and walked back into the bedroom. In the middle of the night, I was suddenly woken by a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning, but then quickly fell back into a deep sleep. Accompanied by the pattering rain, I slept peacefully that night, not waking until ten the next morning, feeling completely refreshed. “Mr. Thorne? Mr. Thorne?” Martha’s anxious yet cautious voice came from outside the door. “Come in.” “Ms. Hayes… Vivian Hayes has been out there all night in the rain. Now… now she seems to be in a very bad way.” “Don’t worry about her. Go about your business.” When I gave you a chance, you didn’t take it. Now you’re pathetic, who are you trying to impress? I was truly speechless. How does that saying go? Delayed affection is cheaper than grass. After getting ready, I went to the company. “Mr. Thorne, someone from the Hayes family is waiting for you in your office.” “Understood.” Vivian Hayes’ father, Richard Hayes, and her brother, Daniel Hayes, waited restlessly in my office. Seeing me enter, they quickly stood up. “Son-in-law, it’s all Vivian’s fault for being so foolish. This time, I’ll definitely teach her a good lesson! I’ll make her apologize properly to you!” My father-in-law looked at me with an obsequious, expectant gaze.

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My prenatal check-ups had all been cleared. Yet, my child was born with an incurable, rare genetic disease. Only later did I discover that my doctor husband, Julian Hayes, had deliberately concealed the check-up results for his idealized love, Celeste Sterling’s, graduation thesis. He tricked me into giving birth to a ‘guinea pig’ for Celeste’s medical research. Utterly devastated, I jumped from the hospital rooftop, holding my son, who was wracked with pain. I woke up to find myself reborn when I was seven months pregnant… Clutching the prenatal report that confirmed my baby was healthy, I gently stroked my prominently swollen belly. My mind was reeling, still unable to process the shock of rebirth. Julian Hayes wrapped his arm around me, his face beaming with joy. “Honey, this is wonderful! The prenatal results are perfect. Our baby is perfectly healthy!” His eyes sparkled with excitement, showing no trace of pretense. I subtly slipped out of his embrace. “That’s great. I’m heading home now. You can get back to work.” He stood up with me, took my hand, and personally walked me out of the examination room, his voice still gentle. “Remember to call me when you get home. Eat on time, and don’t forget your prenatal vitamins.” Passing nurses cast envious glances my way. “Dr. Hayes is such a devoted husband. Even with his busy schedule, he personally oversees his wife’s diet and daily life. So many expectant fathers come and go in this hospital, but none are as attentive as Dr. Hayes!” “Right? I even heard Dr. Hayes booked a VIP delivery room ages ago. Their relationship, from high school sweethearts to husband and wife, is truly enviable.” In my past life, hearing words like that would have made me feel like the happiest woman in the world. But now, a cold shiver ran down my spine. Julian didn’t care about me at all. His tenderness and meticulous care over the past seven months had only one purpose: to ensure I’d smoothly deliver an unhealthy child to serve as a human observation experiment for his idealized love, Celeste. If I hadn’t accidentally overheard his conversation with Celeste Sterling in my previous life, while clutching my son as he struggled in agony, I would never have believed it. All for a graduation thesis, he was willing to sacrifice his own flesh and blood. I walked out of the hospital in a daze, my mind replaying the moment I discovered Julian’s secret. Celeste had asked Julian, “Julian, don’t you feel any pain watching your own son suffer like this every day?” Julian sighed. “How can I feel pain for someone I’ve never emotionally invested in? I just see him as a guinea pig for the lab. This is his fate…” “Julian, what if Elara finds out—” “Don’t worry, she doesn’t understand medicine. She’ll believe whatever I tell her. Besides, the baby won’t survive past their first birthday. By then, there’ll be no one to contradict me.” “Julian, thank you. Thanks to you, my thesis will create a sensation in the academic world. My advisor has already approved my direct Ph.D. application.” Julian’s voice was filled with excitement. “Celeste, you never have to thank me. I’d do anything to help you…” They embraced, kissed, and exchanged intimate whispers in the dark stairwell. When I learned the truth, my world crumbled. I took my son, climbed to the rooftop, and jumped. When I woke up again, I found myself reborn, seven months pregnant.

I went to several other authoritative obstetrics and gynecology hospitals in the city for check-ups. The results were drastically different from before. All the doctors unequivocally told me. The baby in my womb suffered from an extremely rare congenital genetic disease. Even if born successfully, they would suffer from recurrent lung infections due to organ dysfunction, indigestion, and stunted growth. According to current medical advancements, they wouldn’t survive past their first birthday. I remembered watching my child in the previous life endure one painful treatment after another after birth. I saw them hooked up to countless tubes, the cold needles piercing their delicate skin. Their tiny body struggled in pain, breathing rapid and shallow, each breath a desperate effort. Their normally chubby cheeks turned blue and lifeless. I couldn’t bear to see the child I’d carried for ten months endure such immense suffering. With tears in my eyes, I suggested giving up. But Julian refused. He firmly told me, “Honey, even if this is a hopeless battle, I will not surrender to cruel fate! I will never give up on our son!” Every night, he would scour academic websites for information about the child’s condition, not missing any possible treatment plan. I was deeply moved, believing I had married such a responsible and good man. Netizens, hearing his story, flooded the comments section with praise. “This is a true hero, shouldering his child’s entire world.” “May this unwavering father’s love light up the path of hope for his child’s life!” Julian’s story spread throughout the medical community. The hospital honored and rewarded him, bringing him both fame and fortune. Only now, looking at the thick stack of reports in my hand, did I understand. Why, despite all my prenatal check-ups being perfectly clear, I had given birth to a child with a rare genetic disease. Julian had hidden the three key data points that could have identified the illness! The doctor looked at the results on the report, her eyes filled with regret and confusion. “It could have been detected at three months pregnant. Why did you wait until now to come in? Oh, what a shame. The baby is fully developed now…” Suddenly, I felt the baby in my belly stretch a leg. A sharp, stinging pain shot through my heart, and tears streamed down my face. I endured the pain and told the doctor, “Please help me schedule an induced abortion.” Baby, don’t blame your mother for being cruel. I simply can’t bear to bring you into this world only to see you suffer so much… Walking out of the hospital, all maternal softness left my eyes, replaced by icy resolve. In my past life, when I learned the truth, I cowardly chose to end my life with my child. Fate pitied me and gave me a second chance. This time, no matter the cost, I would not let Julian have his way.

Hate kept me awake all night. The next morning, Julian returned from his night shift and noticed the dark circles under my eyes. He immediately frowned in displeasure. “Elara, were you up late again? I told you to get enough rest so the baby can be born safely!” I lowered my gaze, hiding the resentment in my eyes, and said nothing. Seeing my silence, Julian softened his voice, coaxing me. “Honey, you’ve worked so hard. I promise, we’ll only have this one baby. After this, I couldn’t bear to see you suffer again. Just for me, bear with it for a few more months.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead. His eyes held a depth of love as vast as the ocean, as if I and our child were the most precious treasures of his life. If I hadn’t personally uncovered his secret in my previous life, I doubt I would ever believe this was all an act. I smiled faintly, subtly slipped out of his embrace, and got up to pour him a glass of milk. Due to his profession, Julian was always cautious. Even when catching up on sleep after a night shift, he was a light sleeper. So, I had no choice but to spike his milk. After a few minutes, he fell into a deep sleep. I picked up his phone and unlocked it. The pinned chat on SnapChat was, predictably, Celeste Sterling. I tapped into it. Julian, who always claimed to be too busy, was chatting heatedly with Celeste every day. The chat history made my hands and feet numb, my whole body trembling with rage. Our relationship, from high school sweethearts to husband and wife, spanned ten years, yet I hadn’t realized he was cheating on me with a fellow student right under my nose. I struggled to suppress the overwhelming fury inside me, sliding the screen to start recording. Four months ago, Julian had told Celeste: [Celeste, Elara’s genetic test results are back. The baby might have a rare genetic disease.] [Once she aborts the baby, I’ll propose divorce to her.] [Oh my God… This disease is extremely rare; currently, there are fewer than a hundred known cases worldwide. My graduate thesis is on genetic diseases. If I could get a specific case for in-depth research, my thesis would definitely impress my advisor…] [Julian, are you really going to falsify the prenatal report to trick your wife into having an unhealthy baby for me?] [Celeste, don’t feel guilty. Just consider it my contribution to academia…] [It’s Elara’s and that baby’s honor to fill a gap in current medical research. You could say it’s their proper end.] I thought I had prepared myself mentally, but when the ugly truth was laid bare before my eyes, the flames of anger nearly consumed my reason. If I wasn’t determined to cherish this hard-won second chance at life, I would have rushed into the kitchen immediately, grabbed a knife, and ended the sleeping Julian right then and there. However, for now, I simply collected all the evidence of Julian tampering with the medical reports. Then, I quietly packed my important belongings. The induced abortion was scheduled for two days later. Just as I was fretting over how to evade Julian’s suffocating ‘care’ and constant monitoring, he suddenly looked hesitant and discussed something with me. “Honey, there’s an academic conference in the city, and the hospital is sending me to attend… But don’t worry, I’ll be back as fast as I can.” I suddenly remembered that Celeste Sterling’s birthday was in these few days. As he went into the room to pack his luggage, I secretly called the hospital’s main line. My suspicion was confirmed: he had indeed requested a week of annual leave from the hospital. But this was also a godsend. My top priority now was to escape his sight and successfully undergo the induced abortion. If I lost this opportunity, as the pregnancy progressed, his surveillance over me would only become stricter, and I might well repeat the same tragic fate. As I thought this, my gaze inevitably turned cold. Julian, seeing this, thought I was upset about his sudden trip and quickly embraced me. “Sweetheart, don’t be mad. You must take care of yourself at home alone. I’ll rush back to be with you as soon as I’m done. Right now, you’re the most important thing to me!” Watching his eager departure, I called out to him. “Julian, I heard the nurses at your hospital say you’ve been spending a lot of time with your colleague, Celeste Sterling, lately. Are you going to abandon me and the baby?” His back stiffened. He turned around to reassure me. “Honey, don’t listen to those gossiping busybodies. They’re just jealous of how talented Celeste is. I swear to God, I only love you!” I looked at his feigned affectionate gaze. I barely managed to suppress the urge to vomit my afternoon meal onto his face. Love me? Is loving me disregarding our years of shared history and having an affair with Celeste Sterling? Is loving me concealing prenatal results, tricking me into carrying a sick child for ten months, and then offering them as a human experiment to his mistress? I could hardly believe that the man I had loved so deeply, whose every thoughtful gesture seemed to be for me, was actually hiding such a cruel and horrifying agenda. Julian said many more sweet words to coax me into resting well. After he left, I immediately packed my luggage and checked into the hospital, preparing for the induced abortion.

Two days later, the surgery time arrived. I lay on the hospital bed, being wheeled into the cold operating room. The blinding lights came on, and tears I couldn’t hold back finally streamed down my face. The anesthetic slowly entered my body from my spine. In a daze, I seemed to see that poor child from my previous life. They seemed to have grown a little, reaching out their tiny hands, calling to me: “Mommy…” I grasped their hand and never let go again. When I woke up again, the surgery was over. My swollen belly had deflated, replaced by bandages. I turned my head to look at the fully developed fetus next to me. A barely tolerable pain shot through my abdomen. But this physical trauma was far less than the emotional devastation in my heart. I stared at the ceiling, tears silently falling once more. The doctor in the operating room, seeing my tears, took a piece of gauze and gently wiped them away. She said with sympathy, “An unhealthy child would only suffer if they were born… You’re still young; you can have more children.” The nurse also chimed in, “Don’t cry. You shouldn’t cry during recovery; it’s bad for your eyes.” I weakly nodded. Even strangers showed me compassion, yet my own husband, to please another woman, was willing to make me endure the pain of separation, of losing my own flesh and blood. That night, Julian called me as usual. “Honey, how are you and the baby doing?” “We’re fine,” I said evasively. The intense pain in my abdomen made cold sweat bead on my forehead with every word I spoke. After two days of recovery at the hospital, I checked out and transferred to the hospital’s affiliated maternity center for continued recuperation. Julian’s “business trip” should be over by now. It was time to settle all scores, old and new, between us. So I dialed his number. “Honey, come back quickly! The baby—” Before I could finish, Julian anxiously cut me off, “What’s wrong with the baby?!” I didn’t explain over the phone, just gave him the hospital address and urged him to hurry.

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