Category: English

Nights spent on baby duty. I glanced at Scarlett’s phone, the screen still glowing, revealing a distress post: “OMG, my fertility is out of control! My second baby isn’t even three months old, and I’m pregnant again…” My initial thought was, *Wow, how reckless can you be?* Then I looked closer. Wait, was this post… by my own wife? But ever since our child was born, she’d rejected my advances, claiming she hadn’t recovered yet. I kept my poker face, started digging, and the more I dug, the greener my head got. I was being cuckolded. Not only was the kid not mine, but even her parents were fakes! After feeding our son his night bottle and coaxing him to sleep, I was exhausted. The moment my head finally hit the pillow, my mind snapped wide awake. I turned to see Scarlett sleeping soundly beside me, letting out tiny snores like a little piglet. Smiling, I tried to gently move her phone from by her head. In the dark, the faint glow of the screen was blinding. As I went to lock it, my eyes snagged on the open app. It was a distress post: “OMG, my fertility is out of control! My second baby isn’t even three months old, and I’m pregnant again…” I mumbled to myself, *Wow, how careless could someone be?* Because I knew, since our kid was born, Scarlett and I hadn’t had any intimate moments. During her pregnancy, I’d been extra careful, terrified of hurting her or the baby, so I’d always taken care of things myself. Finally, Scarlett’s six-week postpartum check-up came back normal. But she kept saying she needed more time to recover, and I respected that. But then I looked closer. This wasn’t some random post Scarlett had scrolled past; she’d posted it herself! Below the post, the comments were brutal: “‘Fertility out of control’? More like no birth control!” “Then have it! Hope you have octuplets!” “Can’t you just use a shoe? Do you *have* to leave something inside?” “Everyone chill, the blogger’s husband drives a Cullinan! With that kind of money, she can have as many as she wants!” The insults were endless, each one nastier than the last. But for me, at that moment, nothing was more chilling than realizing the poster was my own wife, Scarlett. And we had two kids already. Looking at my sleeping wife, my whole body trembled uncontrollably. My phone almost slipped from my grasp. Right then, only one thought echoed in my mind: *My wife is pregnant.* Fighting down the panic, I forced myself to tap her profile picture and enter her page. What greeted me, besides a flood of ostentatious posts, was her constant bragging about her daily life. And a black Rolls-Royce Cullinan was another ultimate target of mockery in those posts. Given our current financial situation, a Cullinan was clearly more than just “a bit out of reach.” In one photo, Scarlett, in a short skirt and black stockings, had her long legs provocatively crossed in the back seat. The caption read: “A woman who is loved is the happiest.” Great. My cuckoldry even came with a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. I remembered how, to marry Scarlett, I’d built my life from scratch, working tirelessly for three years. For three years, I hadn’t taken a single day off. Every day, I was either at the office or meeting clients. That’s how I finally bought a car and a house, achieving a comfortable, middle-class life. And to earn her parents’ respect and prove I was worthy of their daughter, I’d poured most of my savings into the dowry, just so I could stand tall and propose at their home. After enduring numerous tests and challenges from her family for six months, I finally won her hand. Two kids in three years—that was my limit. Before this, I’d even been proud of my impeccable aim. But now, I had to wonder, *Are these kids even mine?*

The neighbor’s rooster crowed several times downstairs before I finally shook off the shock of the night. Scarlett seemed annoyed by my sluggishness this morning. She frowned and asked, “Liam, what are you thinking about? I’ve called you a few times already. The baby needs to eat; why aren’t you making his formula?” When I still didn’t get up, she shot me a disdainful look, her eyes practically overflowing with contempt: “Honestly, you’re good for nothing but making money.” The old me wouldn’t have even noticed the sarcasm hidden in her words. I would have naively thought she was complimenting my earning ability. No wonder my friends always said I’d changed completely after meeting Scarlett, that I’d become a complete idiot when it came to love. I never denied it, nor did I feel embarrassed or ashamed. In fact, I thought it was just the basic skill a man needed to have for the woman he loved. Turns out, it was all just wishful thinking on my part. Looking at the woman before me, both familiar and strange, I got up and expertly prepared the formula, then gently slipped the nipple into our second baby’s mouth. What exactly did she mean by “useless”? She said she wanted to maintain her figure and refused to breastfeed, and I supported that. She said she needed to recover quickly and couldn’t carry the baby, and I supported that too. Aside from the month she spent at the postpartum care center, whenever I was home, I handled everything for both kids, from feeding to changing diapers. You could even say I was a full-time stay-at-home dad. But now, the thought that these two children might not be mine weighed on me more heavily than the entire world. “I want those croissants from the bakery on Elm Street. Go get them.” Scarlett smiled sweetly, playing with her phone as she gave me orders. I agreed. Secretly, I collected hair samples from both kids. Then, pretending I had an errand, I found my childhood best friend, Leo, who lived not far from me. “Leo, I need a favor,” I said, getting straight to the point. Leo’s sleepy eyes widened instantly when he saw me. “Damn it, you’re actually out! I was wondering if you’d ever leave the house! Seriously, you’ve become unrecognizable, all because of a woman.” His rambling made me smile bitterly. “I think I’m being cuckolded,” I said, my voice hollow. Leo froze for a second, then burst into applause. “Congrats, congrats! You’re finally getting out of this mess!” “All of us guys told you, that woman was no good, but you were like under a spell, completely impervious to reason!” Back when Scarlett and I first met, none of my friends approved. Before we became official, I took Scarlett to meet my friends. Normally, she was impeccably dressed, but that day, she just threw on a wrinkled dress and flip-flops to meet my friends. That outfit, which clearly showed she didn’t care about making a good impression, was one thing. But she also lacked even basic politeness towards them. Back then, I was such a fool, thinking she was just nervous to meet my friends! Later, after Scarlett and I officially got together, she stopped me from hanging out with them. Whenever I said I wanted to meet friends, she’d pick a fight. At first, I resisted a little, but under her constant nagging, the frequency of my meet-ups with friends dwindled from two or three times a month to once every two or three months. Then, it became once every six months, or even a year. Even our wedding invitations didn’t reach them because of her interference; I had to deliver them in person, one by one. Thinking about all those past incidents, my heart grew even more bitter. “Here!” Leo must have seen my gloom; he offered me a cigarette. But I shook my head. “Can’t. Bad for the kids. I quit.” “Idiot,” Leo said, no longer trying to persuade me. He just puffed away at his own cigarette. I pulled out the small bag containing my and the kids’ hair. “Help me out. This is my hair and the two kids’ hair. Can you get them tested for me? And when the results come in, I need you to tell me immediately.” Leo held the “hot potato,” his voice trembling. He stammered, “No way, man, I thought you were joking. You’re serious about this?” “What happened to make things this big? Are both kids not yours?” At that, Leo seemed to remember something. He paused, then took a deep drag. “Could it be I wasn’t mistaken that day? Was that really Scarlett in that car?” “The Cullinan?” I blurted out. He instinctively nodded, then looked at me with sympathy, saying earnestly, “My condolences, buddy. Don’t worry, I’ll get it done for you. One day, I can get you the results in one day.”

After leaving Leo’s place, I returned home feeling hollow. Naturally, I hadn’t bought the croissants Scarlett wanted. For that, she threw a massive tantrum, then stormed into the bedroom, got dressed up, and clacked out the door on high heels, hips swaying. My in-laws once again played the peacemakers, urging me to be more understanding and forgiving. They also said, “That’s just Scarlett’s temper; they’ve always indulged her, and I just needed to put up with it.” I’d heard that countless times, almost brainwashing myself. I didn’t reply. I handed the two kids to them and retreated to my study. I pulled a few strings and looked up the owners of Rolls-Royce Cullinans in our area. And there it was, a name that wasn’t entirely unfamiliar to me: Tyler. Scarlett’s distant cousin. Tyler had struck it rich last year, and ever since, he’d shown up every now and then, always arriving smug and leaving even smugger. My in-laws also treated him with extra care. *Had I let the fox into the hen house?* Most importantly, I knew that Tyler and Scarlett weren’t actually blood-related; he was adopted. The thought that that lowlife might be the bastard cuckolding me sent a furious rage boiling inside me. My hand clenched around the mouse, almost crushing it before I slammed it down. The shattered mouse was a perfect symbol of our broken relationship. Kindness is often mistaken for weakness. Then I remembered Scarlett’s recent constant nagging: “Let’s find a way to get a sham divorce. You transfer the house to my name, and then in half a year, we can remarry, and you can put your name back on it.” “That way I can feel more secure. After all, I’ve given you two children; even if it’s not credit, it’s hard work. I should have something in my name to feel at ease.” “You act like you love me so much every day, but you won’t even give me a bit of your pre-marital property?” These words echoed in my mind, a barrage of endless mockery, slamming into me, one after another. This wasn’t her being娇羞; this was pure calculation. She was meticulously plotting to seize everything I’d worked for. Not to mention the smug look she had when she left, wasn’t that just trampling all over my dignity? I hid in the bathroom, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I finally couldn’t hold it in and turned on the faucet, then burst into tears. My gaze shifted, and I saw a pregnancy test stick showing two lines vaguely visible in the trash can. I felt a wave of nausea, dry heaving. One truth after another confirmed, and I felt a profound sense of disgust. That night, Scarlett sent me a text, saying she was meeting her friends, then directly turned off her phone. And I stayed in my study all night. The computer screen never went dark, and my keyboard never stopped clacking. If she didn’t cherish my love, then she would lose everything…

Just as I was drifting into a light sleep, I felt a pair of plump little hands gently patting my face, a soft voice murmuring: “Daddy! Wake up!” Opening my eyes, I looked at the little face that bore no resemblance to mine, and for the first time, I felt utterly powerless. “Did you eat?” The small face nodded eagerly, saying excitedly: “Uncle Tyler! He brought me McDonald’s!” I froze, instinctively clenching my fist. Tyler again. My eldest son, who still couldn’t speak clearly, adored Tyler. Whenever Tyler was at the house, he would cling to him. Before, I didn’t understand. Now, I just found it laughable. *Damn that twisted bloodline!* “Mom! Take the child! I have to work!” In a flash, I handed the crying child back to my mother-in-law. She frowned, looking reluctant, and shot me a disdainful look, muttering something under her breath as she carried the child back into the room. I suppressed my raging anger. I had no intention of tipping them off just yet. Leo’s email arrived right on time, like a lifeline. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and calmly clicked it open. The freshly printed paternity test report was a brutal punch to the gut. My phone rang. When I answered, Leo’s loud, exclamatory voice dragged my rationality back: “Damn it, Scarlett’s a total bitch! I—I really didn’t expect her to be so shameless! Neither of those kids are yours?!” “Liam, what are you going to do? I’m absolutely with you!” My friend’s support brought a flicker of warmth to my heart, which felt like an ice cave. I had already braced myself mentally, so now, it wasn’t as devastating.

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The year Gabriel Grant loved me the most. During evening study hall, I was accidentally locked in the pitch-black dormitory building. He stood outside the window, singing all night to comfort me. Later, on the day we were supposed to celebrate our anniversary. He abandoned me and rented out a bar. For a private concert dedicated to his childhood friend. Singing the love song he once wrote only for me. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in that night when I was trapped. A bucket of cold water poured down from the window. “Shut up, you sound terrible.” Today was supposed to be the day Gabriel Grant and I celebrated our anniversary. We had invited only our closest friends and family. I forced a smile on my face, wearing an uncomfortably tight dress and high heels. After bustling about for two hours and downing countless glasses of champagne, I didn’t even have time to drink water. Someone whispered quietly: “Tsk, the party’s almost over and the boyfriend is still nowhere to be seen. I feel so embarrassed for Chloe.” “Well, he is a big star now. It’s normal for her to put up with this.” “But this is too much. Who doesn’t show up to their own anniversary party?” They were right. This was a celebration without the other half of the couple. Because Gabriel Grant never showed up from beginning to end. I tried hard to suppress the churning in my stomach, my palms sweating as I kept calling Gabriel. Usually, even if he had a schedule, his manager would contact me in advance. But not today. There had been no word from him all day. More than anything else, I was worried something had happened to him. When it was over, my parents didn’t look too happy. Our family had always cared about face, so they never approved of my relationship with Gabriel from the start. “I really don’t know what you’re thinking, choosing someone like him. You’ve embarrassed our entire family.” Before leaving, my mom held my hand and said earnestly: “Chloe, you know best about your own feelings. It’s not too late to turn back now.” My eyes were moist, but I forced a smile. “Mom, Dad, Gabriel just had something urgent come up. I’ll bring him home another day, and you can scold him then.” After all the guests had left. I called Gabriel’s manager while stuffing leftover food into my mouth. Until the call was disconnected again due to no answer. I took a deep breath, staring blankly at the dark phone screen, my heart sinking heavily. My best friend Jenny Johnson walked over angrily and handed me her phone. “Look at this.”

It was a recorded livestream. In the dim stage light, Gabriel was singing passionately, while only one person’s silhouette could be seen in the empty VIP seats. And it was someone I knew all too well. Jenny’s tone was harsh, her hair almost crackling with anger: “This livestream has already topped the trending list. Now the whole world knows your boyfriend has a girlfriend.” “Chloe Adams, let’s go right now—” “Jenny.” I suddenly interrupted her, my gaze fixed on the screen that was replaying the loop, and said softly: “You know what?” “I was the first person to hear this song years ago.” That’s why I could overlook Gabriel’s repeated mistakes. Because he said this song was written for me. In those years when he was still unknown, he said I was the only listener he wanted to keep. Jenny fell silent for a moment, then took back the phone I was gripping tightly. “So what are you going to do now? The party’s over. Are you going to walk down the aisle alone next time too?” She shook my shoulders angrily: “Wake up! How long are you going to keep up this one-woman show?” I didn’t answer her, just forced myself to stand up. The anxiety that had been building all day finally subsided, leaving only one thought in my mind: At least nothing bad had happened to him. Wrapped in fatigue and discomfort, there was no room for excess emotions. I closed my eyes to calm myself, then sent Gabriel a final message: “What time are you coming home?”

It was already late by the time I finished dealing with the aftermath. I was packing up my clothes backstage. A hotel staff member caught up with me and handed me a thick envelope, saying it was left by a gentleman, along with a plastic bag containing a box of stomach medicine. I casually flipped through it. The envelope said “Happy Anniversary,” stuffed with thick wads of cash, signed only with the name Hughes. I froze for a few seconds, my throat tightening and my stomach suddenly aching as if in response. Before I could think too much about it, Jenny lowered the car window and called for me to get in. “Are you going to find Gabriel?” I closed the car door and shook my head: “Home.” From booking the hotel to everything else, I had been handling it all alone. At this point, I really didn’t have the energy left to go pick a fight. I swallowed a stomach pill and closed my eyes, feeling dizzy and heavy. It was almost ten when I got home. The whole apartment was dark. Clearly, no one had been back. I poured myself a glass of wine, sat by the window, and waited patiently second by second. I had never been this patient before. We moved in here two years ago. At that time, Gabriel had gained some fame with his new album. He often had obsessive fans secretly showing up at our door, so we were forced to move to this high-end neighborhood with better privacy. Clean, orderly, with a cold distance between people. So different from the cozy little nest we once furnished together. It wasn’t just the house we couldn’t go back to.

At two in the morning. The sound of someone entering the passcode finally came from outside the door. Gabriel was clearly startled to see me sitting by the window. The things in his hand fell to the ground with a thud. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?” He knew that in the past, even if he came home late, I would only wait until midnight. Not like today. I put down my wine glass and walked past him to turn on the living room lights. In an instant, the quiet space was as bright as day. Gabriel loosened his tie and casually tossed his suit jacket on the sofa, taking large strides towards me, wanting to hug me. I had a moment of dizziness. Even this suit he was supposed to wear to our anniversary was chosen by me. Yet he wore it to rush to someone else. “Are you tired?” he asked me coaxingly, bringing up the serious topic lightly. I quietly sniffed the alcohol on him and raised my hand to push him away. Gabriel didn’t let go, explaining with complete nonchalance: “I had something urgent come up today. I didn’t mean to miss it. Besides, our families have already met, so these formalities don’t really matter, right?” “It’s so late, can we not fight about this?” Seeing that I didn’t say anything, he suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to pick up the paper bag he had dropped on the ground earlier. “I brought you a small cake. Last time you said this place was really popular and you wanted to try it. I specially went to queue up for it.” He took my hand affectionately. When the box was opened, the cake had been smashed beyond recognition, with most of the fruit filling spilled out. It was only at this moment that I let out a small laugh. Gabriel saw my expression soften and immediately breathed a sigh of relief. “It’s okay, I’ll buy you another one another day.” But I suddenly asked him: “Does she like this place too?” Gabriel froze for a few seconds. “Who?” I looked up and stared into his eyes: “Zoe Quinn.” “You… know?” Gabriel’s voice instantly lowered, then became irritated: “Her mom passed away recently. She was really emotional today, and I was afraid something might happen to her, so I went to keep her company. You know she doesn’t have many relatives. We grew up—” I calmly finished his sentence: “Together, almost like siblings.” Gabriel choked, then continued after a while: “I’ve already had someone take down the trending topic. We’ll release a statement tomorrow.” I said “Oh,” and slowly started cleaning up the cake on the table. “Why don’t you just release a statement saying you’re single?” He frowned in confusion: “What do you mean?” “Gabriel.” The long-delayed sense of bitterness finally began to occupy my eyes. I blinked, trying to prevent myself from losing composure, but my voice still trembled uncontrollably. “I’m allergic to mangoes.”

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Luna Seraphina Hale thought 66 proposals from Alpha Derek Voss meant forever—until his childhood rogue companion, Violet, became his first choice, every time. “Use a card,” he’d dismiss, handing over embossed tokens like they erased his neglect. By the 64th card, fresh from ectopic surgery, he ordered her to apologize for Violet’s public tantrum—while tenderly fixing Violet’s hair. His “gift” that night? Blood-stained sheets, not her favorite pastries: “She can’t touch cold water.” His texts to Violet betrayed indifference: “Lily handles chores.” When he blew off their night with a bored “use a card,” Seraphina shattered their engagement mug—and their bond. “No more cards,” she messaged, attaching divorce papers. This Luna wasn’t begging for scraps. Let him drown in Violet’s lies; she’d stamp the final cards on a future he no longer shared. Chapter 1 Alpha Derek Voss had planned 66 romantic trips to propose to me, Luna Seraphina Hale. On the 67th attempt, beneath the shimmering lights of a rooftop banquet, I finally yielded to the sincerity in his gaze and whispered “yes.” Our wedding day dawned with a vow I thought unshakable—but by nightfall, I placed 66 “forgiveness cards” in his hands, each embossed with the faint scent of moonflowers, a scent only wolves could detect. “Each card is a thread in our bond,” I told him. “Use them wisely.” For six years, the scent of Rogue Violet Crow—Derek’s childhood companion—lingered in our den, each time he chose her over me. With every argument, he’d press a card into my palm, the embossing fading as our connection frayed. By the 64th card, my demeanor shifted. I no longer snarled at their too-close touches or flinched when he canceled pack gatherings for her. When he turned to leave for her den yet again, I simply asked: “If you go, may I mark a card?” His reply was careless: “Do as you wish—plenty remain. ” He failed to notice the tremble in my hand, or that only two cards stayed in the box. The night of the pack alliance banquet fell on the seventh moon after my ectopic pregnancy surgery. Rogue Violet, her eyes glinting with challenge, smashed a honey-caked pastry into Beta Gideon Rhett’s chest—the visiting Alpha of a neighboring pack. Derek’s first growl was for her: “Are you harmed?” Before I could recover from the scent of cinnamon and anger on the air, he turned to me, voice sharp: “Seraphina, apologize.” I stared at him, the pain from my still-healing midriff a dull throb. Gideon’s fur bristled, his Beta status demanding respect, but Violet clung to Derek’s arm, tears pooling in her lashes as if *she* were the injured one. “The one at fault hides behind others,” Gideon rumbled, pawing at his soiled tunic. Derek’s grip on Violet tightened, his Alpha command leaving no room for debate: “Apologize. Now.” He forgot—or chose to ignore—that moonflower tea, not alcohol, should be on my lips, the surgery leaving my body vulnerable to wolfsbane in spirits. Violet’s smirk cut through the air—she knew the power she held, the way Derek’s protective instincts flared for her, the way he’d throw me to the pack’s judgment. “One forgiveness card,” he murmured, low enough for only my wolf hearing. It was a hollow offering, a relic of the man who’d once hunted stars for me. I bowed to Gideon, the scent of humiliation bitter on my tongue, and as I did, Derek’s paw brushed Violet’s hair, a tender gesture he’d not spared me in moons. “Next time, watch yourself—what if you’d struck stone?” Her giggle was a blade: “You’ve always been my shield, Derek.” *Before*—a time when his shields were mine. The wound in my belly ached in rhythm with my wolf’s whimper. *Two cards left*, I reminded myself. *Two chances for him to see me*. After the banquet, Derek dismissed me with a cold glance: “Return home. Violet sprained her paw—I’ll take her to the Healer.” His eyes, once warm for me, now glowed with concern for her. In days past, I might have pleaded, shown him my bandages, demanded he choose. Now, I simply dipped my head, the scent of his indifference heavier than the storm brewing outside. “Be cautious,” he said, softer now, as if soothing a pup. I didn’t tell him caution had died with the 64th card. Chapter 2 No sooner had his words fallen than Violet threaded her arm through his, her frame delicate against his broad chest—*my* Alpha’s chest. Derek’s suit jacket, still carrying my scent, draped over her shoulders as he lifted her into the passenger seat, a care I hadn’t felt in seasons. “Stay still,” he rumbled, before finally glancing my way: “We grew up as pack siblings, Seraphina. You know there’s no bond between us.” I forced a smile, the word “siblings” a lie even his wolf should smell. “You used a card,” I said. “All is… forgiven.” His hesitation was brief, Violet’s whimper drawing him back. The engine roared, and they were gone, leaving me alone under the ironwood tree, its leaves whispering secrets of better days. At our den, I found the forgiveness cards strewn on the oak table—once locked in his Alpha vault, now carelessly abandoned. The 64th card received my mark, and beneath it, the divorce papers—parchment scented with wolfsbane to ward off his tracking—lay waiting. I called Elder Malcolm Thorne, my former mentor, his wisdom a steadying force. “Divorce?” he asked, his voice a low growl of surprise. “You two were the Moon’s favorite tale.” *What happened?* His question lingered as I traced the edge of the last two cards. It had begun with stolen glances at Violet’s den, with nights he smelled of her jasmine soap, with the day I found their paw prints tangled on a forbidden trail. “The bond is broken,” I said. “He forgets I am Luna—not a scribe to tally his mistakes.” Elder Malcolm sighed, a sound like wind through ancient pines. “I’ll send a Pack Law specialist. You deserve better than a mate who treats forgiveness as a game.” Before I could reply, Derek entered, a pastry bag in hand—*my* favorite bakery’s scent, but tainted by jasmine. “Who called?” he asked, eyes narrowing. “Elder Malcolm—research,” I lied. He dropped the bag, his scent turning sharp. “Research at this hour?” I opened the bag, expecting the cinnamon rolls of our courtship, but instead found a blood-stained dress and crumpled sheets—Violet’s. “Her moon cycle—she can’t handle cold water,” he said, voice firm. “You understand, as a Luna.” I stared at him, the irony bitter: I, too, was forbidden cold water, yet he’d never fetched *my* herbs, never asked the Healer about my recovery. “Use a card if you’re annoyed,” he added, already sinking into the couch, oblivious to the way my nails bit into my palms. *One card left*, I thought, watching him scroll through his phone, no doubt messaging Violet. *One chance for him to see*.

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I was thrown by an out-of-control car when I was seven months pregnant, lying in a pool of blood. James rushed me to the hospital with red eyes, spending a fortune to bring in the best obstetrics team, desperately trying to save the baby. When I woke up, the ward was empty. Ignoring the excruciating pain, I got out of bed and stumbled around looking for my child. But outside the ICU, I overheard James talking to the doctor. “Mr. Wilson, the baby still has vital signs. Why are we giving up on resuscitation?” “A bastard child would only be a burden even if it lived.” “Sophie just gave birth to my son. I can’t let anyone threaten his inheritance rights.” So beneath his gentle and caring facade, he was hiding a poisonous heart. The marriage I treasured was nothing but an elaborately designed scam. Since he ruined everything with his own hands, he can’t blame me for leaving him with nothing. I stood outside the ICU, my hands gripping the wall so tightly my nails almost dug into the surface. James’ voice came from inside, each word like a knife carving into my heart: “Change the time of death to during the resuscitation process. Just say we did our best, but couldn’t save it.” The doctor hesitated: “But the baby still has a heartbeat.” “I said, this child cannot live,” James’ voice was cold as ice. “Sophie’s newborn son is the only heir to the Wilson family.” “This doesn’t seem right…” The doctor’s voice was shaking. “One million dollars. This is the down payment. You’ll get another million when it’s done.” The sound of rustling bills was piercing to my ears. My child, the baby I desperately protected, was only worth this much in his eyes? Through the glass window, I saw the doctor’s trembling hands pull the oxygen tube from the incubator. The tiny body began to struggle, twisting painfully like a fish out of water. I wanted to rush in and stop it, but my legs felt nailed to the ground, unable to take a single step. The heartbeat line on the monitor began to fluctuate erratically, finally flattening into a straight line. “Time of death, 10:47 AM,” the doctor’s voice seemed to come from far away. My whole body went cold as James’ past vows echoed in my mind: “Honey, when the baby is born, I promise I’ll be a good father.” “Our child will be the happiest baby in the world.” How laughable, how utterly laughable. Every word of love he spoke was just laying the groundwork for today’s betrayal. I leaned against the wall, inching my way back to the ward. Not long after I lay down, James pushed open the door. His eyes were still red, his face etched with grief: “Honey, I’m so sorry. We did everything we could, but…” I looked at his perfect emotional management and suddenly felt sick. This man could kill his own flesh and blood for someone else’s child. He leaned down to hug me, but I dodged him. “What’s wrong, baby? I know you’re devastated, but we’re still young, we can try again…” “No need,” I cut off his false sympathy. “I’m tired. I want to sleep for a while.” James gently tucked me in: “Alright, get some rest. I’ll be right outside with you.” As he turned away, a hint of a triumphant smile flashed in his eyes. But he would never imagine that the woman he had just destroyed would make him pay a thousand times over. The moment the hospital room door closed, I took out my phone and called my best friend Kate: “Help me investigate Emily’s relationship with James.” “And the birth date of their child.” After hanging up, I closed my eyes, tears silently falling. Baby, I’m sorry. Mommy couldn’t protect you. But Mommy will definitely make those who hurt you pay the price they deserve. Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, shining on my pale face. That night, my heart died. Along with the naive, innocent self who had been full of joy and hope for the future. From now on, I’m just a walking corpse. Until James kneels on the ground, begging me for a quick death. 2. I lay in the hospital bed, watching James busy himself taking care of me. His movements were gentle, his gaze focused, occasionally using the back of his hand to test the temperature of the food. This tenderness was like a knife, carving into my heart bit by bit. “Hungry?” He leaned forward slightly, a doting smile on his lips. “I had the chef make bird’s nest soup, your favorite.” He sat down by the bed holding the bowl, his long fingers gripping the silver spoon. Carefully blowing on a spoonful to cool it, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on me as he brought the spoon to my lips. I turned my head away, my hair lightly brushing his fingertips. “I don’t want to eat.” “Come on,” he sighed, his free hand gently stroking my hair, his voice full of concern. “You just lost the baby, your body needs nourishment. I’m worried about you, please don’t make me more anxious, okay?” What a perfect performance. His brows furrowed slightly, the corners of his eyes tinged red, even the trembling of his fingers was just right. If I hadn’t heard his words with my own ears, I might have believed him. Just then, his phone rang. His eyes flickered for a moment, glancing at the caller ID, his frown deepening: “There’s something at the company. I’ll take this call outside.” I nodded, watching him leave. He deliberately lightened his footsteps as he walked, even closing the door gently. The moment the door closed, his voice came through the crack. His previously gentle tone instantly became light and joyful: “Emily, don’t worry, everything’s taken care of.” His voice carried undisguised affection, completely different from moments ago. “Our child will be the Wilson family’s only heir. No one can threaten him anymore.” As he said this, there was even a hint of pride in his voice. “You just focus on the pregnancy. Once you’re out of postpartum care, I’ll bring you home.” So while I was lying on the operating table fighting for my life, his true love was resting comfortably elsewhere. I touched my empty belly, my fingertips trembling slightly. A small life had once been growing there. But now, there was nothing left. A nurse came in to change my dressing. Her gaze lingered on my face for a few seconds, her eyes full of sympathy: “Mrs. Wilson, my condolences.” I forced a smile, the curve of my lips just right: “Thank you.” She bit her lip, fidgeting with the hem of her uniform, hesitating before finally speaking in a low voice: “Actually… the baby could have been saved at first.” I gripped the blanket tightly, my knuckles turning white, the fabric crumpling deeply in my palm. “I know.” My voice was so calm it scared even me. The nurse was taken aback, her eyes widening slightly, seemingly surprised by my calmness. She glanced around, as if making sure no one was nearby, before leaning closer to my bed. “That Emily, she’s Mr. Wilson’s first love.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, “I heard they broke up years ago because his family opposed it.” Her hands shook slightly as she arranged the medicines on the bedside table: “She came in for a prenatal check-up a few days ago. I attended to her myself.” “She’s six months pregnant.” Six months. I counted on my fingers, my nails unconsciously digging into my palm. It was right when I had just gotten pregnant. No wonder during that time, James was always making excuses about business trips, occasionally coming home with unfamiliar perfume on his suit. So he had been with her all along. I laughed, laughing so hard tears came to my eyes. The nurse nearly dropped the medicine bottle she was holding. “Mrs. Wilson…” She looked at me worriedly, awkwardly offering a tissue. “I’m fine, you can go,” I took the tissue, elegantly wiping away my tears. After she left, I took out my phone, my fingertips lightly tapping the screen, dialing a number. “Hello, Kate.” My voice was frighteningly calm. “Help me investigate Emily’s whereabouts over the past few years.” My fingers unconsciously fiddled with the edge of the blanket. “And every meeting record between her and James.” Hanging up the phone, I wiped away my tears, a cold smile curling at my lips. James Wilson, isn’t the Wilson family’s reputation what you care about most? Then I’ll let the whole world know. That the mighty CEO of Wilson Group is a scumbag who killed his own flesh and blood for his mistress. You love Emily the most, don’t you? I’ll make you watch her crumble under everyone’s contempt. You took away my child, so I’ll leave you with nothing. Outside the ward, the sun was setting. The blood-red twilight dyed half the sky, just like that day, when blood stained my skirt. James pushed open the door, a bouquet of roses in his hand. His steps were light, a gentle smile on his face, as if the phone call earlier had never happened. “Honey, don’t be too sad.” He gently placed the flowers by the bed, his long fingers lightly arranging the petals. “When you’re better, we can try for another one, okay?” I looked at his concerned gaze, at the fine laugh lines at the corners of his eyes, and suddenly wanted to laugh. Unfortunately, you’ll never have that chance again. Because from today on, I won’t give you any opportunity to get close to me. For every bit of pain you’ve given me, I’ll make you pay back tenfold. 3. I scrolled through the surveillance footage on my phone, each frame cutting into my heart like a knife. So while I was struggling alone through morning sickness, James was in another private residence, personally making soup for Emily. His movements were as gentle as if handling a treasure, even testing the temperature of the soup spoon three times. In the footage, he wore a custom apron, smiling at the corners of his eyes: “Drink more, it’s good for the baby.” Emily snuggled into his arms coquettishly: “Your soup is always the best.” Meanwhile, my nutritional meals were always ordered from outside by his assistant. Memories rewound like a movie playing backwards. That day I suddenly craved sour plums and sent him a message. Three hours later he finally replied: ‘In an important meeting, I’ll have my assistant send some over.’ Now looking at the surveillance, I realized he was accompanying Emily to a luxury store to pick out baby items. He crouched down, gently caressing her slightly swollen belly: “This little dress is so cute. If it’s a girl, it would be perfect.” Emily smiled radiantly: “I think it’ll be a boy, handsome like you.” “Boy or girl,” he dotingly tapped her nose, “as long as it’s our child, it’s the best.” My fingers unconsciously dug into my palm. I remembered going to the hospital alone for a check-up, the nurse asking: “Where’s your family?” I smiled and replied: “He’s busy with work.” When the results came out, I excitedly took a photo and sent it to him: ‘It’s a boy!’ He only replied with a simple emoji. So all his tenderness was given to someone else. I opened another surveillance clip. He accompanied Emily for a prenatal check-up, never leaving her side. “Baby, don’t be afraid, I’m here,” he gripped her hand tightly. “If it hurts, just squeeze my hand.” Emily nodded with tears in her eyes: “With you by my side, I’m not afraid of anything.” While during my check-ups, I could only ever hear the cold sound of machines. The most ironic was the day of the gender reveal. He said he was on a business trip out of town, telling me not to worry. But in the surveillance footage, he was lying next to Emily in the examination room, eyes fixed on the ultrasound screen. “It’s a boy!” The moment the doctor spoke, he excitedly kissed Emily’s forehead. “That’s wonderful,” his eyes reddened with emotion. “We have a son.” Emily wiped away tears with a smile: “Do you think he’ll look like you?” “Of course he will,” he gently caressed her belly. “He’s our child after all.” I turned off my phone, looking out the window. The sky was gloomy, as if it might rain. Just like my mood right now. So from the very beginning, I was just an outsider. Every bit of tenderness he gave Emily came from his heart. While what he gave me was nothing but a perfunctory facade. The nurse came in to change my dressing, seeing my expression, she hesitated to speak. “Mrs. Wilson…” “Just call me Sophia,” I forced a smile. From today on, I don’t want to be Mrs. Wilson anymore. She hesitated for a moment before speaking: “Mr. Wilson and that Miss Emily were just in the cafe downstairs…” “I know,” I cut her off. “No need to say more.” I know what they’re doing. No doubt discussing what name to give that unborn child. James will certainly put a lot of thought into it. Just like he once promised me. Too bad those promises were meant for someone else’s ears. I took out my phone and sent Kate a message: ‘Prepare divorce papers for me.’ ‘Also, check their transfer records over the past few years.’ Since he loves Emily so much, let’s see if his true love is as pure as he imagines. Putting down the phone, I touched my flat belly. I’m sorry, baby. Mommy couldn’t protect you. But Mommy will definitely make those who hurt you pay the price.

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My mercenary husband, Caleb, was on a mission when he found himself acting as a ‘cure’ for Sera, a new operative on his team. They explored every intimacy imaginable within that cave. He didn’t return for three full days and nights. He knelt before me, his voice filled with despair and pleading. “Aubrey, it was all for the mission, a matter of life and death. As captain, I couldn’t just stand by.” “But you’re the only one I truly love.” To show his commitment, he removed Sera from the team. He also promised to leave the mercenary life in three years and return as the heir to the Davies family fortune. I cradled the tiny two-month-old life inside me and forgave him. Three years later, having just suffered yet another miscarriage, I saw Caleb Davies at the hospital, when he was supposed to be on a mission. He was holding Sera, who was covered in blood, screaming at the top of his lungs for a doctor. It turned out Sera had taken a bullet for Caleb, the slug missing her heart by mere inches. And her child was already three years old. It was Caleb’s. Caleb knelt before me, his face pale as death. “That time, three years ago, she got pregnant and raised the child alone. I just came to see them, mother and son, because I felt sorry for her, and then… this happened.” “Aubrey, there’s nothing between us. Even if you can’t carry a child, you’ll always be my wife.” Sera, still recovering from her injuries, looked at me, her eyes filled with tears. “Mrs. Davies, please, I beg you, save my child! He has leukemia and needs umbilical cord blood from a full sibling…” Caleb looked at her, his expression filled with tenderness, then turned to me. “Aubrey, you’re the kindest person I know. I can’t just let him die. Don’t worry, we’ll just do IVF.” I stared at him, thinking of the investigation report I’d received. I spoke calmly, “Then while we’re at it, let’s get a divorce. We wouldn’t want the child to be born out of wedlock, that would be too sad…” “Aubrey, I knew you’d understand me perfectly!” Caleb’s face visibly brightened with joy. “Don’t worry, once the baby is born and registered, we’ll remarry.” I ignored him and walked straight out. I pulled out a golden card and made a call. “Your offer, I accept.”

Caleb’s relief was almost palpable when he heard me suggest divorce. He quickly helped Sera to her feet, adjusted her hospital gown, and gently scolded her. “You just healed, and you’re already worrying me. My Aubrey is so kind, stop kneeling all the time.” Sera, her face pale, shook her head. “You don’t understand, only a woman truly understands another woman.” “You see Aubrey acting all calm and composed, but she’s really hurting inside. Promise me, you’ll spend some real time with her.” Every word she spoke sounded perfectly reasonable and compassionate to Caleb. But I knew, she was rubbing it in my face, flaunting the undeniable intimacy she shared with Caleb. Caleb glanced at me, then seemed to realize something. “Aubrey, why are you at the hospital?” I felt the cold ache radiating from my lower abdomen. I hid my trembling hands. I thought of the phone call I hadn’t made, not wanting to distract Caleb from his mission. A self-mocking smile touched my lips. “Just visiting a friend,” I said softly. But Caleb reached for my hand, finding it icy cold. I pulled away as if I’d been shocked. Sera gasped dramatically at just the right moment, diverting his attention. He pulled out a tissue and, with practiced ease, wiped her forehead. “I told you to stay in bed. Everything’s resolved now, let me help you back to rest.” Then he turned back to me. “Aubrey, you can go back by yourself. Sera was injured for me, after all. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t stay with her for a couple of days.” I walked out in silence. Caleb called out to me. “Oh, Aubrey, I’ve already prepared the divorce papers. Remember to sign them.” I hung my head low, stubbornly refusing to let my tears fall. As I walked out of the hospital, I saw Caleb’s parents. Of course, I only knew who they were after doing my own research. Caleb had never introduced me to his family. They were holding onto each other, their voices full of satisfaction and relief. “Last grandchild, you gave fifty million. This time, it needs to be double!” “Right, right! And we need to arrange the wedding quickly. Our grandson’s mother is Miss Kingston, she absolutely can’t be an illegitimate child!” “What illegitimate child? Our Caleb isn’t even married yet.” My hands clenched tightly. So Caleb had never told his family about my existence at all. And he and Sera already had another child on the way. Tears finally, unwillingly, streamed down my face. I raised a hand to wipe them away. The jade bangle on my wrist slipped from my sleeve. Mrs. Davies, sharp-eyed, immediately stepped forward, grabbing my hand, her voice sharp. “Who are you? How dare you steal my daughter-in-law’s bangle!” I was about to protest. But the Davies’ bodyguards stepped forward and restrained me. Mrs. Davies tried to yank the bangle from my wrist, instructing the bodyguards to call the police. Hearing the commotion, Caleb rushed over, panicked. “Mom, Dad, you’ve misunderstood. This is… one of our family’s bodyguards. She’s just helping Sera take her things back.” I stared at him, seeing that familiar plea in his eyes. It was the same look he had when he begged for my forgiveness after sleeping with Sera three years ago. Suddenly, I felt utterly disgusted. I deliberately slipped the bangle off my wrist and placed it in Caleb’s hand. “Mr. Davies, returning what’s rightfully yours.” Caleb’s face went ashen. He lowered his voice, his tone tense. “Aubrey, wait, I’ll explain everything later…” I curved my lips into a cold smile. “No need. Wouldn’t want your family to misunderstand.” Then, without looking back, I left. Once on the street, I pulled out my phone and dialed. “Your offer, I accept.” The voice on the other end was low. “Good. Don’t worry. In three days, you will ‘die’ taking a bullet for Caleb. After that, you will only ever be Mrs. Kingston.” I hung up. A cold laugh echoed in my mind. Caleb Davies, since you choose Sera every single time. This time, I’ll make sure you lose me forever because of her.

Back home. My phone buzzed with a SnapChat friend request. My heart fluttered. I knew instinctively who it was. Sure enough, after accepting, I saw Sera’s profile picture. More precisely, it was a photo of her and Caleb from behind. Her feed was filled with screenshots from the Davies family SnapChat group. Three years ago, after she gave birth, everyone in the Davies family had sent their congratulations. It turned out that after Caleb sent her away back then, she immediately contacted Mr. and Mrs. Davies. She’d used their son to completely charm the elder Davies. Caleb had compromised for his child, again and again. When he lied to me about going on missions, he was actually spending time with them, mother and son. Because of that, he missed both of my miscarriages. He missed every one of my birthdays. Her most recent post was a video. The filming location was the hospital. Caleb was nervously watching Sera as she got her check-up. When the doctor said the fetus was perfectly fine, he let out a sigh of relief. He took the bangle he’d snatched from my wrist and placed it on hers. Sera let him put it on, but protested with her words. “This is Mrs. Davies’s, how can I wear it?” Caleb leaned down and kissed her forehead. “You’re always so considerate. Don’t worry, if I give it to you, you wear it. After all, in Mom and Dad’s social circle, you’ve already been Mrs. Davies for a while.” Sera shook her head. “I know you only love Aubrey. In your heart, only Aubrey is Mrs. Davies.” Caleb looked into her eyes, his voice, warm and melting like the spring snow. “Everything else besides love, I can give to you.” Then he eagerly kissed her lips. At the end of the video, Sera provocatively glanced at the camera, then unbuttoned Caleb’s shirt. I pressed a hand to my chest, but I couldn’t stop the cold wind that seemed to blow right into my bones. I stumbled to my study. With a firm hand, I signed the divorce papers. Our divorce process didn’t require a cooling-off period. I told myself, *only three more days.* In three days, I would never cry for Caleb Davies again. The next day, Caleb called. His voice was deliberately low. “Aubrey, I’m sorry about Mom and Dad yesterday. You know how elders are, they just want grandchildren.” “Since you can’t have children, let Sera and the baby stay with them in the future. It’ll save them from bothering you.” I scoffed. “Mr. Davies, you don’t need to explain. We’re already divorced.” Caleb’s breathing hitched. His voice turned anxious. “Aubrey, are you mad? I told you, once the baby is born, we’ll remarry…” “Wait for me, I’m coming home now.” I didn’t bother listening, hanging up directly. I started clearing out my old belongings. My gaze fell on a blood-stained shirt, and I drifted into thought. Caleb and I met five years ago. I had been dragged into a dark alley by some thugs when a man saved me, even taking a knife for me. In the darkness, I hadn’t seen his face clearly. But when I woke up in the hospital, what I saw was that blood-stained shirt and Caleb sitting by my bedside. My gratitude turned to affection. We spent five years together. Because of his special identity, our marriage was kept secret. He said it was to protect me. I once cherished that secretive affection. Now, it was nothing but a joke. I snapped back to reality and threw the shirt, along with all my other old belongings, into the trash. Who knew, Caleb actually came back.

And he brought Sera with him. Caleb carefully helped her out of the car. Sera saw me and lifted her neck, covered in faint marks. “Sister Aubrey, would you be my bridesmaid tomorrow for our wedding?” I looked at her, utterly bewildered. Caleb’s face looked unnatural as he explained, “Aubrey, Mom and Dad insisted that Sera and I have a wedding. It’s all for the child…” I scoffed. “It hardly seems appropriate for an ex-wife to be at your wedding.” Sera’s eyes reddened at the corners. “Sister Aubrey, you know Caleb only loves you. Please don’t be sarcastic and upset him…” Caleb stepped forward, gently comforting her. “There, there, you have a baby in your belly, you can’t keep crying.” Then he looked up at me, his eyes full of helplessness. “Aubrey, the wedding is just a formality. No matter what outsiders think, you’re the only one in my heart.” I stared coldly at Caleb. Just like that, he was shamelessly standing here. Yesterday, he was begging me to agree to their IVF. Today, he brought pregnant Sera home. He swore up and down he loved me, yet he was marrying another woman and having children with her. Was I truly naive, or was he just deluding himself? Seeing me turn to leave, Caleb’s temper flared. He frowned deeply. “Aubrey, Sera is already being so understanding. Why are you still not satisfied?” “What exactly do you want us to do to make everyone happy?” I closed my eyes briefly. “Fine. I’ll go tomorrow.” *And then leave you forever.* That night, after I showered, Caleb appeared before me. His eyes held that familiar warmth. He reached out to hug me from behind, but I stepped away. He didn’t give up, chuckling softly, his warm breath fanning my neck. He mysteriously pulled a small box from his pocket. Inside was a pink diamond ring. His voice husky, he said, “Aubrey, after the baby is born and we remarry, we’ll go on a honeymoon trip.” “Sera and the baby are just for Mom and Dad.” “She’ll never interfere with us.” He leaned in for a kiss. A knock on the door came at the perfect moment, saving him from the slap I was about to deliver. It was Sera. Her face was pale. “Caleb, my morning sickness is really bad this time. Can you make me the sour plum soup you made when I was pregnant before?” She glanced at me, then covered her mouth, as if she’d said something she shouldn’t have. Caleb peered at my expression. “What are you talking about? I don’t know how to make that!” He slammed the door shut. Blocking Sera’s tear-streaked face from view. I lay still, and soon *fell asleep*. Caleb, who had been restless, finally quietly opened the door and left. Sera’s SnapChat feed updated immediately. The picture showed a steaming bowl of sour plum soup. [Someone scolded me for running around with morning sickness, so he punished me by making me drink two bowls.] [Hmph, he messed up, so he’s punished by having to rub my back.] Then she sent a direct message on SnapChat. [Sister Aubrey, I heard you were the principal dancer in your dance troupe. But why did he say my waist was softer than yours?] I screenshot the message and turned off my screen. I remembered. Three years ago, I heard Caleb had fallen into an icy lake during a mission. I forgot I was pregnant and jumped in after him. After three hours of searching, when I was pulled out, I’d lost the baby. The next day, Caleb returned and held me, crying as if his heart would break, his eyes full of tenderness and guilt. “Aubrey, it’s okay if we never have children.” Only a few days ago, through my investigation, did I discover that he hadn’t participated in that mission at all. He had been taking care of Sera, who was suffering from severe morning sickness. He didn’t care if I could have children. Because he already had one. I laughed at myself bitterly in my mind. *Fool.* Even more foolish for crying over such a liar. As I drifted into a hazy sleep, I felt someone wiping away my tears. When I woke again, Caleb was by the bed, putting on his wedding suit.

“Aubrey, can you help me with my tie?” His voice was intimate and lazy. It gave me a fleeting illusion that we were back to the beginning. But seeing the hair tie on his wrist, which wasn’t mine, immediately brought me back to reality. Just as I was about to refuse, his phone rang. Sera’s voice, sickly sweet, came through the speaker. “Caleb, can you come help me zip up my dress?” Caleb hesitated for a moment, then nodded gently. “Wait for me.” Then he grabbed the silk tie and left without a backward glance. I changed into the dress I wore the day Caleb and I first met. I placed the lucky charm we’d gotten together inside the chest of my dress. I numbly watched Caleb lift Sera into the wedding car. Her long wedding dress didn’t even touch the ground. He turned and saw me. He hurried over. The scent of freesias from Sera’s dress clung to him. He tried to put the ring box into my hand. “Aubrey, when it’s time to exchange rings, bring them up to us.” I looked at him steadily, not taking it. He shoved it into my arms, his face full of impatience. “Aubrey, not now. Don’t make a scene.” I dodged his hand as he tried to pat my head. He awkwardly lowered it. “I’ll come back to you tonight.” I didn’t answer. I glanced around. I wondered where *that person* would appear. Soon, we arrived at the wedding venue. It was an outdoor setting, flowers everywhere. Guests gathered in small groups. Caleb’s family sat on a long bench. The child was held by Mrs. Davies. The family looked happy and harmonious. Only I had foolishly waited for his promise to leave the mercenaries in three years. When it was time to exchange rings, Caleb and Sera’s eyes locked, practically melting together. He didn’t spare a single glance for me, standing right beside them. As the wedding atmosphere reached its climax, the child in Mrs. Davies’s arms suddenly started crying. In the confusion, Caleb rushed off the stage to check on the child. Bang— A gunshot rang out. The crowd erupted in chaos. Sera clutched her stomach, crying out in pain. Caleb rushed back, scooped up Sera, and began to leave. He looked up at me, his eyes darting away. “Aubrey, Sera’s pregnant, hide yourself. I…” Before he could finish, a whistling bullet pierced my chest. Mrs. Davies had pushed me, making me shield Caleb. “Let this bodyguard take the bullet! Son, grab your daughter-in-law and run!” Caleb stared at me in a panic, his voice trembling. “Aubrey, wait for me, I’ll call an ambulance.” I collapsed to the ground, blood gushing from my chest. Though the blood was fake, watching him walk away with Sera without hesitation, The heart that had beaten for him for five years finally died. Caleb Davies, we are over. A few days later, it would be the grand wedding of Miss Kingston and the heir to the Kingston family. ———-此处为截断点———- Caleb placed Sera in the ambulance and was about to grab a nurse to rush back. “Quick, hurry back with me to save Aubrey!”

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Nolan experienced his tenth memory lapse, which unfortunately coincided with the night before our wedding. Just as I had done the previous nine times, I climbed to the thirty-third floor, attempting to call back his spirit. To my dismay, I overheard him talking to his friend, Griffin. It turned out the memory loss was a ruse, and he was planning to bolt from the wedding. Griffin asked, “Aren’t you worried Lydia will be hurt?” Nolan lazily replied after exhaling smoke, “She won’t know.” “Even if she finds out, she won’t leave me.” “Do you think she could make it without me?” “Do you think everyone can be as independent as Aurelia?” Aurelia. Nolan’s girlfriend during his ninth supposed memory loss. They still kept in touch. I felt tears as I touched my face. Instead of taking the elevator down, I walked from the thirty-third floor to the first and back up again. I did this repeatedly through the night until 3 a.m., when the makeup artist bombarded my phone with calls and dragged me back. She informed Nolan that I had a fever and couldn’t walk. Ten minutes later, Griffin messaged me. “Nolan’s memory problem isn’t solved yet.” “But I’ll ensure he picks you up on time.” I sat in a daze as the makeup artist worked on me, clutching my phone. From 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., 8 a.m., and then 9 a.m. The bridesmaids I had hired started to grow impatient, whispering among themselves: “The groom isn’t coming, is he?” “You mean… a runaway groom?” “Impossible.” One bridesmaid firmly refuted. “I was personally chosen by Mr. Nolan. I’ve seen how he cares for Fiona.” “I’d rather believe it’s… an accident on the way.” Perhaps it was an accident on the way. When Nolan first lost his memory, I thought the same. It was my 23rd birthday, and Nolan had just received his first paycheck after graduating college. We planned to have a buffet. I waited at the restaurant entrance, but he never showed up. I called Nolan, but he didn’t answer. He didn’t reply to my messages either. I called all his friends and searched the entire city. I finally found him at an unknown bar. He held a glass, looking at me with a confused expression, and asked, “Who are you?” I could only cry. The hospital couldn’t determine why Nolan lost his memory. A fortune teller claimed it was a lost soul. A close relative needed to climb high and call his name all night; there was a good chance he’d recover. Despite my fear of heights, I climbed to the thirty-third floor, closed my eyes, and called out with trembling legs: “Nolan.” “Come home.” I shouted all night, cried all night. My eyes swelled like walnuts. I couldn’t see clearly and accidentally fell from the thirty-third floor. There was a large platform on the thirty-second floor, and I fell onto it, breaking a leg. Luckily, Nolan remembered me. Later, he lost his memory a second, third, fourth… ninth time. I gained experience and was forced to overcome my fear of heights. But the duration of Nolan’s memory loss grew longer each time. During the ninth time, he even met a new girl. They had a fresh romance. That girl was Aurelia. I was treated as the other woman and got doused in red paint. Aurelia threatened, “If you keep bothering my boyfriend, next time it’ll be worse.” She also posted my embarrassing photos online everywhere. I was cyberbullied, overwhelmed with insults. I didn’t give up. I showed Nolan our wedding photos. “We’re almost getting married.” He only said—dream girl. “Even daring to Photoshop wedding photos.” Aurelia slapped me several times, cut off my long hair, took photos of me naked, and almost posted them online. Nolan’s memory returned just in time. He took me home, held me while I was terrified, and said, “Let’s get married.” I closed my eyes, avoiding the mirror showing my messy hedgehog hair. I wiped away my tears and nodded. It was the fifth time I forgave him. A tear was about to fall but vanished from my eye. I stood up. My overworked legs, after a brief rest, felt even more swollen and sore. I almost lost my balance. I gritted my teeth and persevered. I took off my veil, pulled off my wig, revealing my messy short hair. I told the bridesmaids, “Your task is over early.” For the tenth time, I wasn’t going to forgive Nolan. During Nolan’s fourth memory loss, I knew he was lying. I couldn’t find a reason. I repeatedly told myself, “Just forgive him one last time.” I convinced myself five times. Until last night, when I heard Nolan and Griffin’s conversation. “She’s not as good as Aurelia.” “She’s too boring.” “Only knows how to crochet.” “Tease her.” Until this morning, I waited and waited, but he never appeared. I staggered to find my suitcase and took out two crocheted dolls. They were of an eight-year-old Nolan and me. When I was six, my dad was a long-haul trucker and rarely came home. My mom, unable to bear the loneliness, cheated, and my dad caught her in the act. I watched them fall from a high building, both dying. After a year in an orphanage, Nolan’s parents adopted me. Another year later, Nolan’s parents went mountain climbing with friends. They died from hypothermia in an accident. On the day of the funeral, people surrounded me, looking down. They said, “Jinx.” “Killed your biological parents, and now your adoptive parents.” Hundreds of fingers poked my forehead. I stood there helplessly. Nolan’s eyes were red, silent, staring at me. I instinctively wanted to say sorry. But he took my hand. We passed a photo booth and took a picture together. He stared at the photo for a long time and said, “I’ll take care of you from now on.” That ‘from now on’ lasted until I was twenty-seven. I cut up the dolls. Packed all the crochet needles and yarn into my suitcase. As I was leaving, the bridesmaid who defended Nolan stopped me. “Maybe you should give Mr. Nolan more time.” “He really loves you.” I ignored her, but she persistently blocked me. “I’ve seen the wedding venue Mr. Nolan arranged for you, romantic and luxurious.” “He even custom-made a wedding dress for you.” “Even we bridesmaids were personally chosen by him.” “He said you’re slow to warm up, shy, and reserved, and asked us to take good care of you.” “He’s done so much for you, how could he not want you?” I was silent for a long time. Finally, I raised my eyes and curiously asked, “Why is it that he doesn’t want me?” “And not that I don’t want him?” I took off the custom-made traditional wedding dress. Handed it to the talkative bridesmaid. Left the place and hailed a cab. The driver kept asking where I was going. “Anywhere.” I leaned back against the seat with my eyes closed. My phone kept vibrating. The affluent lady, who frequently ordered crochet dolls from me, transferred money at 4 a.m. At 9 a.m., she inexplicably sent an apology. Followed by: “If you want a change of scenery, come to Bay City.” She sent her home’s door lock code, assuring me she’s not a bad person and I shouldn’t worry about safety. “While you’re here, I won’t return home.” “There are no cameras at home.” “Neighbors can vouch that I’m a good person.” “Or… I can show you my ID.” The sticky and bitter wind blew against my face. I replied, “No need.” Three and a half hours later, I arrived in Bay City. The fatigue was blown away by the fresh air of Bay City. I took two deep breaths and suddenly heard someone calling me from behind. “Miss Fiona, Mr. Asher sent me to pick you up.” The year Nolan got into college, I became a weaver, using crochet to support his studies. At first, I was inexperienced. The dolls with crooked noses and eyes lay on the stall, ignored. In despair, I gave a doll to a boy who was bullied. Later, as my skills improved, more customers came. I ran a stall and opened an online shop. I met the affluent lady through the online shop and added each other as friends. Her profile picture was a silly doll, never used voice messages, and her texts were always polite. She regularly placed orders from me. I assumed she was a woman. Only today did I realize the affluent lady was actually a wealthy young man. The driver wouldn’t say why. Until he parked in front of a villa. I entered the password, and as the door opened, I was captivated by rows of handmade dolls. They were neatly displayed behind glass, warm and delicate. On the coffee table in the middle of the living room was an envelope. Inside were tickets to the hottest male star Asher’s concert. Asher, too familiar. Most customers who ordered dolls wanted his fan merchandise. I crocheted so many, so well, they became more lifelike, and business boomed. Putting down the tickets, I tidied up and sent a message of gratitude to Mr. Asher. Halfway through typing, I received a call from Nolan. The same old routine. He ‘forgot’ again, and his phone notes showed I was his future wife. “So, may I ask, are you really my fiancée?” The voice on the other end was cautious, curious. Early this morning, even three hours ago, I had been hoping for such a call. But now, all anticipation had been crushed into nothing by the high pressure and airflow. I couldn’t help but laugh and said, “You got the wrong person.” Nolan and I grew up relying on each other, without the love of a father or mother. As I matured and learned more about love and how I wanted to be loved, I gave everything I could to Nolan.

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In the fourth year of my involvement with Jasper, my family went bankrupt. His cherished one seized the moment to remark, “It’s the perfect time for her to face some hardships and temper her pampered nature.” Jasper listened to her and abandoned me on a street in a foreign land. Four months later, battered and bruised, I returned to New York. Everyone assumed I would continue to cling to Jasper. Instead, I deliberately avoided him and returned his gifts. I completely severed ties with him. Jasper laughed with his friends, “Finally got rid of that clingy person.” But on the day I left New York, he chased me to the airport, his voice trembling as he pleaded, “Nora, stay, let’s be like we were before, okay?” I smiled and pointed to my slightly bulging belly: “Jasper, look, how can we be like before?” 1 When I returned to New York with all my wounds, Assistant Liam came to the airport to pick me up. When I arrived, the atmosphere in the private room was lively. As I approached, I heard Jasper’s voice, “Seems like Nora has improved, she’s much more well-behaved now.” “Her pampered nature should have been tempered long ago.” “Iris was right, now that Nora’s family is bankrupt, she’s not an heiress anymore.” “If she behaves spoiled like before, who will put up with her?” “Poor Jasper, she’ll cling to you even more now.” Jasper sneered, “Don’t I know? She’s just a clingy person.” At that moment, he saw me pushing the door open. The room, filled with laughter and chatter, suddenly fell silent. I saw shock, surprise, and disbelief in their eyes. Four months ago, I was a radiant, arrogant heiress. Now I was haggard, thin, like a refugee escaping from hell. The always gracious Iris spoke with concern: “Nora, what happened to you? Come in…” But I stood there without moving. I didn’t react as I used to when I saw Iris sitting next to Jasper, writing my displeasure all over my face. Then, getting provoked by Iris’s words, crying in anger, and having a big fight with Jasper. The gatherings always ended unpleasantly, which made many people dislike me. Thinking of these, I found it laughable. “What are you standing there for? Come in already.” Jasper frowned at me, his expression was the familiar disdain and impatience. 2 I lowered my eyes and smiled faintly. “Jasper, thank you for sending Assistant Liam to the airport for me.” “Nora?” “I came today to return this to you.” I took a small box out of my coat pocket and handed it over. It was an ordinary luxury brand necklace. The only birthday gift Jasper had ever given me in all these years. I liked it a lot and cherished it, only wearing it on my birthday. But now, I don’t want it anymore. Jasper didn’t take it, sitting there with a cold face, lips tightly pressed. I hesitated for a moment and placed the box on the table beside him. “Nora, your hand…” A girl nearest to me exclaimed softly. Jasper’s gaze immediately fell on my hand. The back of my hand was full of cracked scars, and my once delicate fingertips had many blisters. They had scabbed over, twisted, deformed, ugly. I pulled my hand back into my sleeve and looked at Jasper again. “Jasper, there’s one last thing I need to do today.” “What is it?” His voice was chilling. “Clinging to you all these years must have been annoying.” I smiled apologetically at him, “I was immature and willful before, I apologize.” “From now on, it won’t happen again.” With that, I didn’t linger and turned to leave. As I stepped out, Jasper called after me. “Nora.” “You better mean it, don’t lie and end up contradicting yourself.” I paused but didn’t turn back. “Okay.” 3 The night my family fell apart, I was still abroad. My beloved dad couldn’t be saved. Soon after, mom liquidated all the assets. She went straight to the United States to seek refuge with my uncle. All she left me was this small apartment. I didn’t blame her for leaving me; I was grateful she didn’t leave me homeless. This bed was small, but compared to squeezing into a basement with seven or eight people abroad, it was so much better. I had the best, soundest sleep in four months. Until the doorbell woke me. Seeing Jasper through the peephole surprised me. But I quickly remembered he had an apartment here too. I opened the door and before he could speak, I said, “Sorry, I’ll move out soon. I’ll list this apartment with a real estate agent.” “Nora, what do you mean?” I don’t know if it was my imagination, but after I said those words, Jasper’s face turned incredibly grim. “I’ll move today, I promise you won’t see me again.” After I said that, I picked up my phone to contact a real estate agent. Just as I dialed, Jasper suddenly grabbed my phone and smashed it on the ground. “You’ve been playing hard to get for four years, haven’t you had enough?” “Sell the apartment, move out? Then end up on the streets in the middle of the night, crying and calling me for help?” “And eventually move into my place, right?” “Nora, can’t you improve a bit, stop playing these tricks?” I looked at my phone shattered on the floor with a pang of heartache. Those months, even filling my stomach was a luxury. This phone was a second-hand one given to me by a kind shopkeeper upon my return. I crouched down, trying to pick up the pieces. Jasper threw his wallet at me, “Go buy a new one, I’ll pay for it.” “So you won’t have an excuse to cling to me again.” With that, he slammed the door and left. Looking at the wallet on the floor, I laughed until tears fell. In the end, I bought the cheapest phone. He was right; it’s best to owe each other nothing. I called Assistant Liam to take Jasper’s wallet. “Miss Nora, I’m sorry, I’m really tied up right now.” “Could you please send the wallet to the company?” I thought for a moment, “Alright, I’ll send it over later.”

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I died the year I loved him most. He said he could let go of his fortune, and he did. He stayed with me as we perished in the flames. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back ten years ago. We had just gotten married, and I despised him. I rushed to his company, saw him for the first time, and choked out, “Jasper, I’m sorry.” After a brief pause, he looked calm, “Tell me, how do you plan to hurt me this time?” 1 When the final explosion happened, I remember Jasper didn’t make it out. Always immaculate, he knelt by my side and said, “Lydia, don’t be afraid, I’ll stay with you.” He was 38 that year. A billionaire who just let it all go. He stayed with me as we perished in the flames. … On a midsummer evening, the sunset outside the window was like blood. A stifling hot breeze blew inside. I awoke from a dream, sitting dazed on the bed. The clock in the corner ticked, the calendar lay quietly on the table. “Madam, Mr. Jasper called earlier, said he won’t be coming home tonight.” Mrs. Taylor’s voice came from the living room, calm and peaceful. I looked down at the brand-new wedding ring on my finger. Closed my eyes. I had truly gone back ten years. The blazing fire before I died, and the warm, strong embrace, felt so real. In the last moment, Jasper was still telling me, “Lydia, don’t be afraid, I’ve waited too long for you in this life, in the next life, I’ll find you early.” Was this a dream, or reality? I pinched myself, a dull pain came from my thigh. The honking outside the window jolted my chaotic thoughts awake. After the shock, a continuous heartache and bitterness followed. An orchestrated misunderstanding made me hate Jasper for many years. During this time, his competitors did everything to suppress him. Making it hard for him to breathe. At home, I was cold to him, so he rarely came back. Jasper’s parents died early, and he had no relatives. Guarding a commercial empire alone, he spent half his life. Later, the misunderstanding was cleared up. We had half a year of happiness, and even had a child. But before I could tell him about the pregnancy, I died unexpectedly. … “Madam, the flowers have been delivered, are you leaving?” Mrs. Taylor came in to ask me. “What?” My mind was still in a state of chaos. “Flowers, aren’t you going to see Mr. Beckett?” Beckett… Hearing this name suddenly, I was stunned. A tangled mess suddenly had a thread. So it was this day. 2 Beckett was my childhood friend. Also a very talented actor. Unfortunately… an “accident” left him severely burned all over, requiring long-term hospitalization. In the previous life, on this day, I took a bouquet of flowers to the hospital. Spent Beckett’s birthday with him, came out of the hospital, saw Jasper sitting in the car, the cigarette in his fingers burned to the end, yet he was unaware. I didn’t want to explain anything, didn’t even want to see him. “Ning Ning.” Jasper noticed me, extinguished the cigarette, got out of the car, his tone desolate. “…Today is my birthday.” I stopped, looked back at him coldly, “So what?” His dark eyes looked at me, saying nothing. I said, “Today is also Beckett’s birthday. To marry me, you used unscrupulous means, ruined his face, broke his future, what more do you want from me?” Jasper opened his mouth, futilely said, “That was just an accident…” “If you hadn’t invited him that day, he wouldn’t still be lying in the hospital. How do you expect me to believe that was an accident?” Jasper was silent, finally said to me, “I’m sorry.” From that day on, my relationship with Jasper plummeted. We began a long and torturous cold war. Later, I found out, that “accident” even Jasper thought was one, was just a plot by some to drive a wedge between us. 3 “The things have already been loaded into the car for you, if you leave later, you’ll hit traffic.” Mrs. Taylor came back to remind me. Outside the window, the sun was half-set, the light dim. I snapped out of it, hastily put on a jacket, and got in the car. Because I suddenly realized, this was ten years ago, everything was still possible. The driver merged into traffic, “The road to the hospital is already blocked, should you call Mr. Beckett and let him wait…” “Not going to the hospital.” I watched the ever-changing traffic lights outside the window, changed my mind, “To the company.” … Actually, I don’t have much impression of Jasper’s company. When I was young, I hated him, never visited once. Later, when I loved him, he was targeted by enemies, surrounded by danger, I didn’t dare to find him. So now, standing at the foot of the towering office buildings, I felt a bit lost. Which one was his office building? Passersby curiously glanced at me: holding a huge bouquet, dressed exquisitely, with makeup on, like a girl ready to confess. Uncomfortably, I pulled out my phone, brought up Jasper’s number. His full name, not even an emergency contact. I pressed the call button, thinking I would have to wait long. But after two short rings, it was picked up. A cool, distant voice came from the receiver, “What’s up?” Hearing his voice again, my eyes suddenly felt hot, my voice choked involuntarily. “Jasper, where’s your office? I can’t find it…” Passersby looked at me even more strangely. A woman who couldn’t find her husband’s office, standing on the curb, wailing. Jasper seemed to be in a meeting, he paused slightly, said, “Let’s stop here for today.” Then he said to me, “Stand on the sidewalk, I’ll come down.” A few minutes later, Jasper walked out of the office building. His tall figure cut through the neon lights, impeccably dressed, dignified. In contrast, the reflection in the mirror showed my eyeliner running down with tears, like the protagonist in a horror movie. Damn, all ruined. “Why are you here?” His tone was very light, almost cold. I turned back. The tall, handsome man was looking at me coldly, his pupils reflecting my messy face, his expression slightly stiff. No matter when, Jasper was always impeccable. Like a flower blooming on a cliff, pure and untainted. “I’m sorry,” I lowered my head, not daring to look at him, “I disturbed you…” “Today…” he only said two words, didn’t continue. I knew what he wanted to say. Today I should be spending Beckett’s birthday with him, not appearing here. This did remind me. I shoved the flowers into his arms, mumbled, “Happy Birthday.” A long silence. I sneaked a glance at him, found him staring at the bouquet, not looking happy. After a long time, he curled a bitter smile, “Lydia, is it what he didn’t want?” “What?” I realized his mood was off, my gaze suddenly fell on the bouquet, my heart sank. Oh no! Frozen blue roses. The floral message is: giving you the stars and the sea. Beckett’s favorite, also the stars and the sea. When I woke up, my memory was too chaotic, I was just focused on finding Jasper, neglecting these details. “I’m sorry, I—” “Thank you for the birthday gift.” Jasper’s tone was almost stiff, “It’s late, let the driver take you home.” He turned and walked away. I quickly grabbed his coat hem, “Wait!” Jasper didn’t expect me to do this, didn’t stop his steps, pulling me to stumble, crashing hard into his back. The back of his tailored suit bloomed into colorful flowers. Jasper turned back, stared at my fingers, silent for a long time. I was stubborn, said, “Jasper, I’m not going back.” He looked serene, “Lydia, how do you plan to hurt me this time?” 4 This question was really hard to answer. In memory, at this time, Jasper and I had just gotten married, I was having a conflict with him. I was 23, he was 28. The quarrels were almost one-sided from me. I’d say the harshest things, even gifts on holidays were meant to stab his heart. I was like the boy who cried wolf, after crying wolf too many times, he didn’t believe me anymore. Remembering the last life, after the misunderstanding was cleared, my method was quite direct and crude, just pouncing on him was enough. This man, despite looking cold, was surprisingly easy to coax. But this method might not work now. Moreover, Jasper had suffered too much hurt and grievance, I wanted to make amends. Thinking it over, I said, “Let me treat you to a meal.” Jasper lowered his eyes, said coldly, “No need, I have work tonight.” “Then order takeout!” I thickened my face, followed him, “I’ll order you something special.” Jasper said nothing, didn’t even acknowledge me. That bouquet, he still held tightly in his hand. Passing by a trash can, I thought he’d throw it in without hesitation, but he didn’t. Followed him all the way, into his office. It was empty. A cold lunchbox was tossed on the desk. Untouched. Was he planning to get through tonight like this? An inexplicable heartache, I opened my phone, ordered him some food. Clear soup, less salt, no green onions. With tomato beef brisket and a few vegetarian dishes, all not spicy. Before, to accommodate me, Jasper would order very spicy food. Later I found out, he had a bad stomach, too spicy, oily, salty food wasn’t suitable. After ordering, I sat on the sofa, not knowing what to say. Anything seemed inappropriate. Jasper was unwrapping the flower’s packaging, intending to put it in a vase. The icy blue roses stung my eyes. Without thinking, I went over, snatched them, and threw them in the trash. Clear soup with less salt and no scallions. For the side dishes, I’d like tomato beef brisket and some mild vegetarian dishes. In the past, Jasper would always order bold-flavored dishes for me. I later found out he had a sensitive stomach and couldn’t handle spicy, oily, or salty foods. After ordering, I sat on the couch, not knowing what to say. It felt like anything I said wouldn’t be right. Jasper was unpacking the flowers, planning to put them in a vase. The icy blue roses stung my eyes. Without thinking, I walked over, grabbed them, and tossed them into the trash can. He paused, looking at the blood bead on his pricked thumb, and sighed wearily, “Lydia, haven’t you had enough?” “No.” I suppressed my frustration, annoyed at how he seemed so meek without any temper. “Forget it. If you don’t like them, I’ll buy you something else.” Jasper took out a tissue, pressed it to his wound, and with a slight droop of his eyes, said in resignation, “Never mind.” I ignored him, picked up the trash, and said, “Wait here.” Then hurried out. On a summer evening, the roadside was filled with vendors selling flowers. But compared to the florist’s expensive bouquets, the quality here was a bit lacking. I rushed around a few stalls, bought all the red roses, and bundled them together with simple wrapping paper. Just then, the Uber Eats arrived, and I carried the large and small bags upstairs. The 19th floor was even quieter than when I first came. Most of the employees working overtime had left. Only Jasper’s office had a small light on. I quietly pushed the door open and entered. He stood with his back to me, looking out the floor-to-ceiling window, his silhouette lonely. The heavy bouquet and takeout box made a thud against the door. Jasper’s back stiffened, and he turned around abruptly, seeing me almost crushed under the weight. “Hey, why are you just standing there? Give me a hand!” I panted. He seemed surprised that I had returned, but after a brief moment of shock, he quickly came over, took the bouquet and takeout box with one hand, and used the other to support me onto the couch. I took a breath, sweating, but still smiled, “For you, I bought all the roses on the street.” Jasper’s handsome face went blank for a moment. Great, now he seemed unable to adapt to the way I treated him. Does he need to be scolded to respond? Seeing him about to eat the cold takeout box again, I exclaimed. Jasper looked over immediately, and I caught a fleeting trace of nervousness in his eyes. I leaned back on the couch, raised my chin, and said impatiently, “Can’t you eat something warm? Watching you eat takeout annoys me.” Jasper: “…” For the next half hour, the office echoed with my complaints. “Do you even know how to eat?” “Can’t you see such a big piece of beef?” “Not eating vegetables? You’re too old to be picky!” “You just slurp the noodles, I didn’t buy them for decoration.” After my determined efforts, a steaming bowl of noodles was finished. I worried Jasper hadn’t eaten enough, so I added two small buns and even gave him the Osmanthus cake I had brought for myself. If I keep nagging like this every day, how am I supposed to live? I talked until my mouth was dry. Suddenly, a glass of water was handed to me. I looked up to see Jasper staring at me, “Moisten your throat before continuing to scold.” His expression softened a lot, though his eyes remained deep and dull, but at least they weren’t cold and guarded. I resisted the urge to hug him and said, “Jasper, let’s live well from now on.” Hearing this, he averted his gaze, silently tidied the dishes, and didn’t directly respond to my words. “Get dressed, I’ll have the driver take you home.” “But I just got here…” He quickly opened the door and went out, as if escaping something. After all, collecting trash isn’t something a CEO should do. To say I wasn’t disappointed would be a lie. Having been reborn, why did it feel that coaxing this man had become even more troublesome… I sat on the couch, planning the next step. Should I just pounce on him, or should we share our feelings first before doing so? A sudden ringtone interrupted my thoughts. Absentmindedly, I answered. On the other end was a distant yet familiar voice. “Ning Ning, where are you?” My originally cheerful mood plummeted, remembering this person still existed. “It’s you…” My tone wasn’t particularly enthusiastic. Beckett’s voice was gentle, “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Didn’t we agree to celebrate my birthday together?” Thinking of everything that happened in the past life, my fingers tightened little by little until my knuckles turned white. “Beckett, we’re… childhood friends, right?” Beckett sensed something was off and corrected me, “Ning Ning, we’re family.” “Family.” I repeated the word, then suddenly asked, “Don’t you have something to tell me?” He paused, sighed, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have eaten the cake without telling you.” See, why is it that the people you care about can lie and joke without a care? While Jasper has to stand behind, enduring everything? I felt cold all over, unable even to force a smile, “I have something to do today, so I won’t be coming. Happy Birthday.” After hanging up, I took a deep breath, feeling stifled. I remembered the call Beckett made before I was kidnapped, asking where I was. I fell into deep thought. He was the person I trusted the most, but what if, from the start, the explosion was a crime perpetrated by someone familiar? Looking up, I saw Jasper standing at the door, his profile hidden in the shadows, expression unreadable. I hesitated for a long time, then asked, “Did you… hear all that?” “Yeah.” “I—” “Let’s go.” His tone was calm, as if suppressing something, “The car is downstairs.” I opened my mouth, unsure of how to explain what would happen in the future. Afraid he’d think I’m crazy. I followed him out, guilt churning inside me. “Jasper.” He slowed his steps slightly but didn’t turn back. “That was Beckett calling,” I spoke quickly, “I did agree to celebrate his birthday yesterday, but today I’m different, I’m from the future—” Jasper suddenly stopped, turned, eyes icy, “Enough.” He closed his eyes for a moment, calming himself, “The meal was good today. I’m glad you could spend my birthday with me.” I stared at him, seeing the pain deep in his eyes. Jasper’s lips were pale, every word like it came from someone in deep agony, trembling as they spoke, “So in the end, you want to go to Beckett, I understand. Because that’s the price.” In the past life, Jasper once told me that every kindness I showed him required a greater pain in return, so he never dared to hope for anything and was always prepared for my departure. These words now felt like a knife, piercing my heart.

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To save my husband, I sacrificed the leg I, a dancer, was most proud of, and the child in my womb. Liam worried I hadn’t fully recovered, so he never slept with me again. That was until I was on a FaceTime call with my best friend abroad and caught sight of him, intimate and affectionate, with the dance academy’s former belle. The girl asked, curious: “She’s lost a leg. Would you still sleep with her?” “Is she as soft as me?” He said, “The thought of her missing leg just kills my desire.” “You’re the softest. I only want to be with you.” My heart hammered with a desperate, sorrowful rhythm in my chest. A sharp sting radiated from my eyes, and tears, utterly defiant, streamed down my face, landing on my hand as I scrolled through the video again and again. “You’re the softest. I only want to be with you.” Listening to Liam’s distinctive, honeyed voice, I watched the recorded video over and over. On a Parisian street, Liam and a beautiful girl walked hand-in-hand under the dappled shade, looking every inch a couple deeply in love. Suddenly, Liam’s phone chimed. It was a text from a contact labeled ‘Transient,’ asking if he was there. I glanced at Liam. He was on the balcony, his back to me, smoking. He knew I hated the smell of smoke. So, he always went to the balcony to smoke. Picking up his phone, I opened the chat. The history was meticulously wiped clean. Only one message remained: “Liam, I miss you.” Just those five words, and my heart clenched painfully. I guessed Liam had, most likely, truly cheated. The hand holding the phone suddenly felt weak and numb. I wiped away the tears that had once again fallen onto the screen. I tapped into the girl’s Ins profile and saw it was indeed the woman from the video. Young and beautiful, with long, fair legs, she looked captivating as she danced gracefully. Seeing her face, I finally remembered. She was Brittany Taylor, a few years younger than me from my old dance academy. After losing my right leg three years ago, I occasionally followed my alma mater’s news when I had nothing to do. Brittany had been named the school belle, praised for her exquisite dance moves, and had represented the school in numerous competitions, winning many awards. I checked her Ins post from two days ago. It was a Chanel bag, captioned: “My Prince Charming just *gets* me. So happy!” I didn’t scrutinize it, just took a quick photo with my own phone. Brittany’s Ins feed had a lot of posts. I scrolled through them quickly, finally stopping on one that left my heart aching for a long time. She said, “I only want $11.99 for the transfer, not a cent more.” Below it was a screenshot of her chat with Liam. Labeled: My Knight In the screenshot, she asked Liam, “Can you transfer me $11.99?” Liam transferred $10,000. She declined it, sending it back. “I only want $11.99, not a cent more.” Liam didn’t say anything, just directly transferred $11.99. Brittany sent a cute emoji and said, “$11.99, because ‘1199’ sounds like ‘forever and ever’ in some online circles. It means I want us to be together for a long, long time, endlessly.” Perhaps my heart was numb from the pain, because at that moment, my face was blank. I simply added Brittany as a friend, then took Liam’s phone and checked his Amazon purchases. I found that over the past two years, he had bought dozens of women’s items. From clothes and shoes to luxury cosmetics and handbags, even women’s lingerie – everything was there. The default shipping address was my old dance academy, and the recipient was, naturally, Brittany. They say it takes a lifetime to find your true partner, to share a bed and a soul. But while I lay in his arms, he was wide awake, his eyes fixed on someone else. The sound of the shower stopped. Wiping away my tears, I took photos of every single order. Even as I exited, I remembered to mark her messages as unread. Then I started packing my luggage. As the bathroom door opened, I looked up. My eyes met Liam’s. SECOND CHAPTER “What’s wrong?” Liam asked, wiping his hair, a puzzled look on his face. Then he saw my half-packed suitcase, and his eyes widened. Snapping out of his shock, Liam quickly came to my side, a strange look on his face. “Scarlett, what are you doing?” “Going home.” He knelt down, taking my hand. “Is it because we haven’t gone to see your mom in a while? Are you upset about that?” “I’m sorry, babe. It’s my fault. I’ve been so busy lately, I completely overlooked it.” “I’ll call the office right away, sort out my schedule for the next few days, and then we can go see your mom together. How about that?” From dating to marriage, Liam had always been meticulously attentive to me, and incredibly devoted to my mom. My friends used to say I’d never find another man as good as him. So, hearing him say “your mom”—that familiar, warm term—my heart softened, and my hands instinctively paused from packing. But then I remembered him saying he was “too busy,” and the image of him strolling through Paris with Brittany flashed in my mind. Until today, I truly believed Liam was devoted only to me. Now, it seemed, it was just wishful thinking on my part. He reached for his phone, preparing to make the call. I didn’t expose his lie. I placed my hand over his. “No need. Your work is more important.” The air hung silent for two seconds. Liam suddenly seemed to remember something. He gently stroked my head, smiling. “I almost forgot something really important.” He stood up and pulled a pair of high heels from his suitcase. I paused, surprised. I’d loved those heels for ages, always wanted to buy them, but could never find a way to get my hands on them. Liam helped me sit on the edge of the bed, then knelt before me, placing my foot on his lap, and personally helped me put them on. My other leg was a prosthetic, and he patiently helped me put that shoe on too, without a trace of annoyance. “Do you like them?” He smiled, a satisfied expression on his face. “When I went abroad, the first thing I did was figure out how to buy these heels. Thankfully, persistence paid off; I finally got them.” I didn’t answer. Instead, I stared at him intently and asked, “Liam, do you remember how we lost our baby?” He froze instantly. His gaze slowly dropped, his eyes gradually turning red. When he looked up again, Liam gently embraced me, his voice thick with tears. “Scarlett, I’m so sorry. It was all my fault.” Three years ago, a truck barreled straight towards Liam. In that critical, heart-stopping moment, I, pregnant and terrified, instinctively lunged forward, shoving him out of harm’s way. When I regained consciousness, I gripped his hand, my first words being, “Liam, promise me, you’ll save our baby…” Liam looked at the stark, horrifying red staining the ground beneath my leg. He clutched his pants tightly, his eyes red-rimmed, bowing his head and sobbing uncontrollably. Just like that, my right leg, and the child Liam and I were going to have, were gone. Escaping from the painful memories, I broke free from Liam’s embrace, speaking in a pleading tone. “Liam, can we try for another baby? Please?” Liam gently wiped away the tears welling in my eyes. “Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet. Let’s wait a little longer.” Though I had guessed this might be his answer, hearing him say it aloud still sent a fresh pang of pain through my chest. Lying on my side, my back to Liam, I was too heartbroken to close my eyes. My phone vibrated, and in the next second, Liam cut the call. But quickly, it vibrated again. Liam gently called out, “Scarlett, are you asleep?” THIRD CHAPTER I kept my eyes closed, not making a sound. Only then did he tiptoe out of bed, open the door, and leave. I opened my eyes, grabbed my phone, and checked the house’s security footage. Outside the front door, the rain was coming down in sheets. A girl stood in the downpour, drenched to the bone. Her delicate frame shivered violently, stimulated by the cold rain, looking utterly pathetic. It was Brittany Taylor? The front door opened. Brittany excitedly stepped forward, calling out joyfully, “Mr. Dawson!” On the monitor, Liam looked utterly shocked. He glanced behind him, his brow furrowed with a mix of anxiety and furious anger. “Who gave you permission to come to my house? Didn’t I tell you not to come here?” “Get out! Don’t let my wife see you. Go now!” His ruthless dismissal, like a bucket of ice water dumped over Brittany’s head, landed squarely on her face. But Brittany seemed completely unfazed. She lunged into Liam’s arms, desperate. “I… I missed you. I’d go crazy if I spent another moment without you.” Liam forcefully pushed her away. “What are you doing?” He said, instinctively glancing back towards the upstairs, his eyes wide with panic. Seeing that I hadn’t appeared, Liam again tried to drive Brittany away. “My wife could wake up any minute. Get out of here, or don’t blame me for getting rough!” Brittany clung to Liam again, then kissed him again. I clenched my teeth, my fingers digging into the comforter. My heart screamed. Liam! Push her away. Push her away. You have a wife! Liam grabbed Brittany’s arm, as if he wanted to push her away. But Brittany wrapped her arms around Liam’s neck, her legs clamping around his waist. She hung onto him, her movements incredibly skilled. Finally, Liam’s expression softened, losing its resistance. He closed his eyes, melting into her embrace, no longer refusing her. He even cradled Brittany’s face, passionately returning the kiss, actively taking control. He reached out and closed the door, then began to pull at her clothes, lifting her in his arms as they tumbled onto the sofa, entwining themselves shamelessly, like two pieces of sticky candy. My phone slipped from my grasp, falling onto the bed. I clapped my hands over my mouth, sobbing uncontrollably in the room. *Boom!* A low rumble of thunder echoed outside the window. Watching Liam take Brittany again and again, my heart felt like it was being repeatedly stabbed, again and again. A tidal wave of pain washed over me, engulfing my entire being. All his past care and tenderness towards me now transformed into blades of betrayal that meticulously shredded my heart into a thousand pieces, leaving me wishing I were dead. I don’t know how much time passed. Suddenly, Liam’s voice came from the phone, cold and distant. “You should go. Remember, don’t let this happen again. Don’t ever come to my house. Otherwise, everything I’ve given you, I can take it all back.” I picked up my phone and saw Liam getting dressed. Brittany was kneeling on the sofa, hugging Liam from behind, her face resting on his shoulder, her expression tender and affectionate. “I want to stay with you a little longer, can’t I?” Liam pulled her hands away, then turned and slapped her across the face. Brittany fell back onto the sofa, clutching her face, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Liam. He pointed at Brittany, his voice sharp with anger. “I’m warning you, don’t you dare scheme any dirty tricks. Scarlett and I are childhood sweethearts; we’ve shared thick and thin for five years. She’s the woman I love most.” “Three years ago, she even lost her right leg and our child to save me. She’s still my wife, Liam Dawson’s only wife for life. No one will ever replace her!” “Not even you!” Seeing Brittany’s face filled with disbelief, I couldn’t help but let a bitter, mocking smile play on my lips. I looked at our wedding photo on the wall. The more I looked, the more ridiculous it seemed. Liam claimed I was his wife, the woman he loved most, yet he was entangled with Brittany right here in our home. What was I to him? What did our past mean to him? And what was this pathetic attempt to feign remorse after getting what he wanted? I exited the security footage, no longer wanting to watch them. Memories of our past flashed in my mind, keeping me awake all night. Around 4 AM, I finally drifted into a hazy sleep. In my dream, fireworks exploded one after another across the sky, showering it with glittering light. Liam walked towards me, holding a large bouquet of red roses, then knelt on one knee, gazing at me with deep affection. “Scarlett, thank you for being by my side all these years.” “Without your companionship and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I swear, not just in this life, but in the next, and the one after that, I will love you endlessly, until death do us part.” “Will you marry me?” I covered my mouth, tears streaming down my face from emotion. Just as I was about to nod. A patch of black suddenly welled up from Liam’s chest. Ink-like liquid spread wildly, quickly staining his entire body black. The sincerity on Liam’s face remained unchanged, but the vibrant red roses in his hand visibly turned black, rapidly shriveling. The petals withered and fell to the ground, emitting a putrid, sickening smell. Liam was no longer the radiant boy he once was. His love for me had festered, turned rotten. From this moment on, I didn’t need it anymore. FOURTH CHAPTER Waking up, I found Liam sitting by my bedside, his face soft and gentle. “Sleepyhead, time to get up. I made you your favorite millet porridge.” He took my hand without a word, leading me downstairs. Helping me into a dining chair, Liam thoughtfully served me a small bowl. He gently blew on a spoonful, then brought it to my lips. I turned my head away. Liam didn’t get angry. He put the spoon down and asked considerately, “Scarlett, you’ve seemed a little down since last night. Can you tell me what happened?” He mused, “Is it because I said we should hold off on having a baby for now? Is that why you’re sad?” Before I could speak. He took my hand in his. “Your body is like this because of me. If I rushed to have a baby before your body was fully recovered, what kind of man would I be?” “Babe, you know I love kids the most. Once you’re fully recovered, and the doctors say it’s okay, we’ll try right away, alright?” Liam hugged me. He gently stroked the back of my head. “I’ll go get the car now. We’ll head to the hospital for your leg check-up in a bit. Wait here for me.” He got up to get the car. I also stood up, noticing that the cloud security footage had been deleted. Then I turned and poured the bowl of porridge into the trash. Liam took me to the hospital for my check-up. While he went to pay the bill, I sat alone on a bench. Suddenly, I saw Brittany Taylor walk past, heading straight for the OB-GYN department. A surge of curiosity washed over me, and I quickly followed. She was arm-in-arm with her friend, chatting about Liam. Her friend looked worried. “I heard Mr. Dawson really loves his wife. Now that you’re pregnant with his baby, are you okay?” Brittany chuckled mockingly. “Mr. Dawson has no love for Scarlett Hayes at all. Otherwise, why wouldn’t he want to touch her? Why wouldn’t he want her to have his child?” “I’m different. Mr. Dawson not only loves me, he comes to see me all the time. If he knew I was carrying his flesh and blood, he’d be thrilled.” Hearing that, I froze on the spot. I couldn’t believe Liam and Brittany already had a child?! Her friend seemed puzzled. “If Mr. Dawson and Scarlett Hayes don’t love each other anymore, why don’t they just get a divorce?” Brittany’s eyes flared with anger, yet also helplessness. “Because Mr. Dawson is still clinging to old memories, burdened by guilt. But those things will fade with time.” “Once the old flame dies and his patience wears thin, do you really think Mr. Dawson will stay with her? Mr. Dawson is so handsome, a multi-millionaire, and the esteemed CEO of a massive corporation. Why would he spend his life with a disabled woman?” She suddenly stopped, smiling as she turned to her friend. “Do you know how many times Liam and I have been together behind Scarlett Hayes’s back? Even on their own bed, Liam and I…” “Ew, you’re so… gross.” Her friend blushed, looking a little disgusted. But Brittany laughed happily. “You don’t understand. Liam loves that. Scarlett Hayes is just a stuffy, disabled old woman who knows nothing. How could she possibly win Liam’s heart?” “So, Liam will definitely abandon her and marry me!” Turning my back on Brittany, I walked away, a self-deprecating smile on my face. Brittany was still lost in her fantasy. How ridiculous. It seemed Liam’s slap hadn’t woken her up yet. I used to believe Liam was a responsible, good man, and I poured my whole heart into him. But what I got in return was ruthless betrayal. Thankfully, my dream was over now. I wouldn’t cling to him for another second. Because, we were done. FIFTH CHAPTER Returning home alone, I started packing my suitcase. The housekeeper, Brenda, saw me dragging my luggage and came over to help, smiling warmly. “Madam, are you going on a trip?”

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Two years ago, Jessica threw a fit and tried to end her life. That’s why my adoptive brother sent me deep into the remote mountains. Two years later, I was finally allowed to come home. And I had completely gotten over Liam. But no one believed me. Their eyes were full of suspicion. “That’s your sister’s fiancé. Do you want to harm your sister and make her try to kill herself again? How could you be so vicious?” “The Carters kindly adopted you, but they raised an ungrateful monster. Why didn’t you just die in those mountains?” “Alice, you don’t deserve to live!” Listening to their barrage of insults, I clutched Pippin to my chest and said nothing. But later, Pippin, who had been with me all this time, suddenly went missing. My already frayed nerves finally snapped. I collapsed to my knees, begging them to give my dog back. “Please, I won’t fight with my sister. I don’t like Liam anymore. Can you please give me my dog back?” My frantic, deranged state didn’t seem like an act, and finally, no one doubted me anymore. Liam pulled me into a tight, heartbroken embrace, his voice trembling: “Alice, don’t cry.” “From now on, I’ll be your Pippin, okay?” But Liam, I don’t need you anymore. I just want my Pippin. … As soon as I came down from the mountains, reporters swarmed me. Their eyes were filled with scorn, as if I had committed some unforgivable crime. “How dare that ungrateful wretch even show her face?” “Weren’t there any widowers in those mountains? Why didn’t one marry her and beat her to death? Or let her die in childbirth?” “At the very least, a car crash on the way back would have been a public service!”

The insults pounded in my ears, but I tuned them all out. I just clutched Pippin, gently comforting him: “Pippin, we’re home now. No one can bully us anymore.” Pippin whimpered softly in my arms, a tiny response. I hugged him tight as I got into the car waiting to take me home. Stepping out, I stared blankly at what used to be my home. A woman draped in jewels and luxury came out to meet me, but I instinctively recoiled, clutching Pippin closer. Her welcoming steps faltered. Her face crumpled in hurt: “Alice, what’s wrong? It’s Mom!” “M-mom…” A dry, raspy sound clawed its way out of my throat, grating and ugly. Mrs. Carter instinctively frowned. Her displeased face merged with the twisted, menacing one from the mountains. I collapsed to my knees in a frantic mess, slapping myself repeatedly, desperately: “I’m sorry, I was wrong. It’s all my fault, I shouldn’t have upset you. I’m sorry… so sorry…” I was lost in my own private hell until Pippin’s little head nuzzled me, bringing me back to reality. Mom was sobbing uncontrollably, covering her face as she left. A servant shakily led me into the house. I heard a furious roar: “What right does she have to blame us?” “Jessica was out there for years because of her, almost ripped away from us forever. And she actually has the gall to come back? If she had even an ounce of gratitude for our years of raising her, she should have just died out there!” “Keep your voice down.” Mrs. Carter tried to soothe him. “Once Jessica and Liam are engaged, and everything settles down, maybe Alice won’t have those inappropriate thoughts anymore.” “After all, we raised her since she was little. I can’t bear to marry her off to some widower.” I hugged Pippin, my body trembling, desperately trying to hold back my tears. The moment they agreed to let Liam send me to those mountains, I shouldn’t have held onto any hope, should I? Pippin’s little tail swept against my chin. I exhaled softly and followed the servant to my room.

At the welcome home dinner, my plate and forks were placed at the very end of the table. I quietly picked them up and went to crouch in a corner. Mrs. Carter frowned at me: “What are you doing?” “Two years in the mountains and you’ve forgotten basic etiquette?” I buried my head in the bowl, gripping the forks tightly: “I haven’t forgotten.” Mrs. Carter sighed, about to pull me up, when Jessica suddenly cleared her throat and announced: “Dad, Mom, Liam and I are planning our engagement ceremony for next week.” Her gaze then shifted to me, a meaningful look in her eyes: “Oh, and Alice, I hope you’ll bless your sister’s engagement. You’ll definitely love the ceremony, it’s outdoors.” Outdoors? A lawn wedding? My spoon paused mid-air. Flashes of memory flickered through my mind, of me blushing shyly in Liam’s arms. “Liam, when we get engaged, I want green grass, a blue sky, and birds in the trees, celebrating with us, okay?” In that memory, Liam’s face was etched with impatience. “Alice, can you be a bit more sensible?” “Can’t you see I’m busy?” I hastily shut up, quickly lowering my head in submission. “I’m sorry. You go ahead and work then.” That topic died before it even began. Later, Liam never asked again, and I never dared to bring it up. Until Jessica came back. My fork clattered against the bowl, a sharp sound that jolted me awake. I quickly grabbed my food and started wolfing it down. When I was done, I presented the sparkling clean bowl to them. “I licked the bowl clean,” I pleaded, trying to please them. “Can I go now?” Mrs. Carter’s smile froze. “Alice, where are you going?” “Tell Mom what you want, and Mom will have someone buy it for you.” She subtly gestured to the maids, telling them to stop me. Watching the maids surround me, my eyes widened in terror. I instinctively fell to my knees, clutching my head, begging desperately: “Don’t hit me, please don’t hit me! I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. Take whatever you want… I’ll never dare again, never again…” “Alice…” Mrs. Carter choked out, rushing to hug me, but I recoiled even more violently. “Mom… Mom will protect me? No… Mom is bad, Mom doesn’t love me…” I mumbled incoherently, my body pressed tightly against the corner of the wall. Everyone at the dinner table had different expressions, but no one spoke. They exchanged glances, then scoffed at me with thinly veiled contempt. She even tried to steal her sister’s fiancé; faking madness to gain sympathy wasn’t really that strange. On the day of Jessica’s engagement, she specifically asked me to be there. She announced to everyone that I was her sister, and no matter how much I hurt her, she would forgive me. So, in the eyes of outsiders, Jessica was the generous, kind sister, and I was the wicked, ungrateful adopted daughter. Stealing her sister’s fiancé, forcing her sister to attempt suicide—it was unforgivable. The old stories resurfaced, and my ears were filled with all sorts of vile remarks. Some cursed me to die a terrible death, others sympathized with Jessica for having such a malicious sister. And some whispered gleefully behind their hands: “I heard she was sent to the mountains for two years. I wonder if she hooked up with any men?” “I heard the men in the remote mountains work the land daily, they’re strong and robust, probably a real treat. She couldn’t have resisted the temptation, could she?” “Who knows? If she hadn’t finally given up on her sister’s fiancé, why would Liam have bothered to bring her back?” These formerly distinguished socialites now spat venom like gossiping hags. I listened to every word, clutching Pippin tighter. Pippin growled restlessly in my arms. I gently stroked his head: “Hush, boy. Don’t cause trouble, Pippin. Causing trouble gets you beaten.” After calming Pippin, I looked up and met Liam’s eyes. Memories washed over me like a tidal wave. My scalp crawled, and my body began to tremble uncontrollably. By the time I reacted, I was already on my knees.

Mr. Carter’s face was grim as he yanked me up. Mrs. Carter blocked the other guests’ view. “Alice, we’ve given you a good life, good food, and good care, and you’re still playing the victim to tarnish your sister’s reputation? How can you be so thoughtless!” Mrs. Carter’s harsh voice startled me. I pulled away from Mr. Carter’s hand and knelt on the floor, trembling uncontrollably: “I’m sorry, I won’t dare again, never again…” Seeing my breakdown, Mrs. Carter softened her tone and held me, soothing me. I finally calmed down. The engagement ceremony continued. The engaged couple went around to toast. When they reached our table, after my parents offered their blessings, Jessica and Liam’s eyes fell on me: “Miss Alice, don’t you have any blessings for your sister and her fiancé?” Liam’s familiar voice echoed above my head. My fingers were tangled in Pippin’s leash, and I dared not move. After a long moment, Liam sneered. “Forget it. Your blessings disgust me.” “Woof woof…” Pippin barked a couple of times, as if comforting me. I whimpered back, then grabbed Liam as he was about to leave. “Mr. Hayes…” “Miss Alice, did I give you permission to speak?” Liam shook off my hand, his face etched with impatience. My parents also looked tense. I mustered every ounce of courage, pulled an aluminum can ring from my bag. “The ring you gave me, returning what’s yours.” Liam and I were childhood sweethearts. Everyone once thought we were a match made in heaven. They all assumed we would naturally end up together. We thought so too. On my eighteenth birthday, Liam, blushing fiercely, handed me an aluminum can ring. He said it was a token of our love, and his early wedding ring for me. He told me not to like anyone else. I listened to him. I never imagined Liam would be the first to betray me. Jessica’s appearance completely stole Liam’s heart. From that day on, all our vows and promises were nothing but a fragile bubble, scattered by the wind. I cried, I threw tantrums. Finally, I understood it was all a cruel, empty dream. Love was a luxury I couldn’t afford. “Alice…” Mrs. Carter awkwardly pulled me back. Liam, however, chuckled softly and took the aluminum can ring. As I watched, he casually tossed it to the ground. “It was just a childish joke. Such a cheap trinket. I never thought Miss Alice would actually take it seriously and keep it for so long?” His words made me feel like a complete joke. My cheeks burned instantly. “Woof woof…” Pippin barked a couple of times, making me quickly lower my head, so I didn’t have to scramble blindly under Liam’s knowing, mocking gaze. After the ceremony, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. I also returned to my old job. To my surprise, my first client was Jessica. She ignored Pippin’s warning growls and stood too close to me. “Little sister, it seems two years in the mountains have made you much more obedient. You actually watched Liam and me get engaged without a fuss.” Jessica’s taunt left me expressionless. Two years in the mountains had taught me that love came at a price. Liam’s love had too high a price; I couldn’t afford it. Seeing no reaction from me, her frustration flared into anger: “Alice, don’t think playing the victim at the engagement party will earn you sympathy. I’m telling you, Dad and Mom will marry you off to some faraway place sooner or later!” “You’d better keep up this act!” I didn’t reply, my gaze fixed on her wrist. There was a faint scar from her suicide attempt. It was because of that scar that I was thrown into the mountains for two years, enduring unspeakable torment. I still remembered Jessica’s suicide note: “Little sister, please don’t torment me anymore. I’m giving Dad, Mom, and Liam to you. From now on, I hope you’ll take good care of them.” By the time I snapped back, Pippin had actually chased Jessica out of the room. As I rushed out, I heard Jessica shriek, collapsing to the ground, clutching her blood-soaked leg.

“Jessica, what happened to you?!” Before I could reach Jessica, Liam rushed in from outside, his face etched with frantic concern, his eyes smoldering with rage. It was the exact same expression he’d had the day Jessica attempted suicide. Back then, I desperately tried to explain, but Liam kicked me away. My head slammed against the coffee table, blood gushing. He didn’t even seem to see it, cradling Jessica in a helpless panic as he rushed her to the hospital. As he left, he warned me: “Alice, if anything happens to Jessica, I’ll make you pay with your life.” When Liam returned, haggard and worn, there was no emotion in his eyes. “Alice, we’ve spoiled you rotten all these years, letting you lose all sense of proportion.” “From today on, you’ll go to the place where Jessica lived, experience the hardships she endured, and hopefully, you’ll become a little kinder.” But Jessica had lived in a village not far from the city. I, on the other hand, was sent to the mountains, thousands of miles away. Thinking of that pain, I bolted. But Liam called out to me: “Alice, don’t you have anything to say?” “Woof woof woof… Woof woof…” I shook my head, retreating in a panicked mess. But Pippin was still next to Jessica. I had no choice but to force myself to call him. “Pippin, come back.” Knowing Liam’s personality, if he found out Pippin had bitten Jessica, he’d surely kill him. I was terrified. I was pulling Pippin away when Liam clamped his hand around my throat, pinning me to the ground. “Still playing innocent?” “It seems two years in the mountains haven’t taught you anything.” “Alice, Jessica is kind and gentle; she’s always spoken highly of you to me. What more could you possibly be dissatisfied with her about?” I’m not dissatisfied with her! It was Jessica who wouldn’t let me go. I frantically pounded on Liam. But he not only didn’t let go, he also had someone restrain Pippin. Furious, I screamed with a sudden burst of courage. “You never believed me!” “I never did anything, but you never believed me!” “Liam, just kill me, please let Pippin go, I beg you!” I was sobbing hysterically. I couldn’t imagine the cost of losing Pippin. Liam, however, put Pippin in a cage and told me with a smile: “If you chase after me, I’ll let him go.” He drove Jessica to the hospital. I ran wildly behind them. Eventually, my strength gave out, and I fainted. When I woke up again, I was locked in a dog cage by Liam. Pippin was perfectly fine, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I knelt, begging Liam to let us go, but he refused. “You’ve hurt Jessica again and again. Do you really think you can get away with it so easily?” Liam was going to punish me again. But Pippin was also trapped, and no one could save me. My heart turned to ash. I couldn’t fight off sleep any longer. In my dream, I was back in the mountains. During the day, I was treated like livestock. Plowing fields, cutting hay, herding sheep—endless heavy, exhausting work. The slightest hesitation earned me a lashing. At night, I was chained up like a dog, guarding doors house to house. The owners would feed me stale, rotten food. The food was impossible to swallow, but I couldn’t complain, or I’d be beaten again. And then there were… some masked men. They would show up when I was resting. “Get away!” “Let go of me, don’t touch me!” “Please, I beg you!” “Don’t hit me!” Outside, dogs barked incessantly. I couldn’t help but whimper, thrashing around. I felt an icy hand on my forehead. My body seemed to feel a little better. Those hateful people also disappeared. Drowsily, I heard someone shout. “If anything happens to Alice, I’ll make you pay with your lives!” Liam also said he’d make me pay with my life. I shivered in fear: “Don’t make me pay with my life!” The voices instantly softened to a gentle murmur, and I relaxed slightly. “How is she? Is she okay?” “This particular illness is mostly gone now.” “But…” The conversation trailed off. “But the old wounds, and the sickness in her heart, are likely hard to heal.” “Mr. Hayes, you’ve been with Miss Jessica for so long, didn’t you see the scars all over her body?” That’s right. My wrists and ankles couldn’t hide them. I instinctively flinched. But then I heard a voice very much like Liam’s, speaking huskily: “These… how were these caused?” The conversation continued, but it seemed to drift further away. I could only faintly hear: “Imprisonment… whippings… burns… chains…” I was terrified. I curled into a tight ball, covering my ears and screaming: “Stop talking! Stop talking!”

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