Category: English

My entire family forced me to divorce because the girl they raised as their own fell in love with my husband. Six years later, I ran into my brother and ex-husband at the park. My ex-husband was holding my seven-year-old daughter, and he asked me: “Now that you’re back in the country, why didn’t you reach out?” I looked at him, cold as ice: “Want to buy a painting? Twenty dollars a piece.” My brother Blake came over and kicked my easel, sending it flying: “Stop acting innocent! Felicia already forgave you for causing her miscarriage. Now she’s been outed as a homewrecker, and it’ll mess with her chances for the award. Come back with us and clear her name, and I’ll let you come home.” I sneered: “Home? That stopped being my home a long time ago.” My ex-husband, Ryan, pointed to the daughter in his arms and said: “Are you really going to abandon your own daughter?” Before I could answer, Lily spoke up, her voice dripping with disgust: “I don’t want this mommy! Her hands are so creepy!” Ryan’s gaze lingered on my scarred wrists. He took a step closer, as if to reach out and touch me. “Enough, Aria, stop with the drama. You used to adore kids.” A bitter taste filled my mouth. Lily didn’t even recognize me anymore. My brother, Blake, frowned, kicking over my change box. His voice was laced with impatience. “Why are you even talking to her? Just drag her away.” “If we weren’t worried about the PR nightmare affecting Felicia’s award chances, who’d want to come to this dump?” Blake’s arrogance, the kind only old money breeds, was seeping from him. I bent down to pick up the change box that had rolled into the mud, my voice calm and steady. “I’m not going back.” At that, Blake exploded like a lit fuse, and it tore through me. “Aria, don’t you dare push your luck. Are you shacked up with some guy here? Can’t bear to leave him?” Hearing that, Ryan’s previously mild expression darkened instantly. He seemed to agree with Blake. He grabbed my wrist with one hand and started dragging me out of the park. A sharp, throbbing pain shot through my wrist. The change box clattered to the ground, ten and fifty-dollar bills scattering across the dirt. “Ryan, let go of me! I’m not going back with you!” He ignored me completely. Blake strode forward, stepping on the bills on the ground, grinding them into the mud. “Meow!” An orange blur darted out from the bushes. It lashed out with sharp claws, scratching Ryan’s arm. Seizing the chance, I managed to break free. But as I turned, Blake kicked me in the knee. With a soft thump, I fell to my knees. Here I was, knocked down by Blake. There, the little cat was sent flying several feet away. I scrambled to get up, large tears splashing onto the ground. “Little One!” I took one step, but Ryan and Blake caught me together. They dragged me forward. My struggles were useless. My stray cat lay in a pool of blood. The money I’d saved for a burial plot lay in the mud. Just like I had six years ago.

I was hauled into that familiar SUV, my daughter Lily strapped into her car seat. The moment they tossed me into the back seat, she started wailing. “Daddy, I don’t want to sit with this ugly stranger! She smells awful!” Ryan glanced at me in the rearview mirror, then put on a show of sternly scolding Lily. “Lily, that’s not polite. This is your mommy.” Lily scrunched up her nose and sniffed. She mumbled under her breath: “She’s not my mommy. Only Aunt Felicia deserves to be my mommy.” Her voice wasn’t loud, but it reached everyone in the car. Blake snorted at me with disdain. Ryan’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. He offered an explanation. “Lily’s just not used to you, but she’ll get used to it.” I turned my head to stare out the window, my voice flat. “It’s fine. I was never her mother, wasn’t that what you said yourself?” Six years ago, in this very car. When Lily was barely a year old, Ryan himself had said to me: “Aria, do you think you’re fit to be a mother in your current state?” “Lily is just a child, what does she understand? If she wants to call Felicia ‘mommy,’ let her. Do you really need to cause a scene in front of her?” Ryan’s furious expression flashed in my mind. We drove back to the house in silence. The home I had once meticulously decorated was now unrecognizable. The rose bushes I’d planted in the garden were gone, replaced by endless roses. The swing under the tree was gone, and even the tree itself had been cut down. Everything had changed beyond recognition. My gaze swept over everything with cold indifference before I lowered my eyes. I followed them inside. Ryan opened the door to a room tucked away in a corner. It was covered in dust, with cobwebs in the corners. He coughed, covering his nose, and waved away the dust in front of him. “Your old room was turned into Felicia’s music room. You’ll have to make do here for a while.” “Once things settle down…” I cut him off before he could finish. “No need. This is fine.” My final resting place would soon be a handful of ashes. The quality of the room made no difference to me. Blake couldn’t stand my indifferent attitude, as if we were all bullies. He rolled his eyes at me and scoffed. “Ryan, if she wants to stay here, let her. All these years, she still hasn’t gotten rid of that overly dramatic habit.” Ryan sighed, but didn’t contradict him. “Stay wherever you want.” I hummed in response and closed the door. I couldn’t read the expression in Ryan’s eyes. Wasn’t he the one who drove me out of the country all those years ago? What was with this look of guilt now? I couldn’t figure it out, so I stopped trying. My body went limp as I collapsed onto the narrow twin bed. Excruciating pain ripped through me. My face went pale, and cold sweat soaked the pillow. “Knock, knock.” A knock on the door woke me. I forced myself up and opened it. Blake stood there. He held a thin blanket in his hand. “Who are you trying to play pitiful for, looking like a ghost?” He blurted out, seeing my ashen face. Then he tossed the blanket at my feet. “Here, so you don’t get sick and blame Felicia again.” “And let me warn you, no funny business. Don’t go bothering Felicia. You know why we brought you back.” Familiar words fell on my ears. I’d heard these threats countless times. From initial resistance to eventual numbness, I already knew how to respond. “Got it.” With a “bang,” I shut the door. Turning, I lay back on the bed, the blanket still lying on the floor. A dying person wouldn’t fear sickness. 3. I was woken by a banging on the door in the morning. “Ms. Aria, are you up yet? Still think you’re some high society lady?” The hard wooden bed and unfamiliar room meant I hadn’t slept well. “I’m up.” Opening the door, I saw Mrs. Davis’s familiar face. Her face still held an expression of disgust, her tone icy. “If you’re up, go eat. You really think you’re a young lady, making everyone wait for you.” Six years had passed, and she still didn’t like me. Mrs. Davis had looked after Felicia since she was little. Having no children of her own, she treated the two children of the Williams family as her own. When I was first found and brought back, she had thrown dishwater on me in front of everyone. She believed I should have just died out there when I got lost. Why did I have to come back and snatch Felicia’s place? I couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. The pain from my cancer surged through my entire body. Every breath felt like a knife slicing through me. Walking into the dining room, Felicia sat between Ryan and Lily. Her face flushed red as she ate the sandwich Ryan fed her. “Ryan.” Seeing me, her eyes darted nervously. “Aria, you’re back.” “Are you blaming me? I had no choice but to marry Ryan back then.” “If…” “Screech!” The sound of a chair scraping across the floor grated on everyone’s ears. “No. Didn’t you say you two were true love? Why would I blame you?” As soon as the words left my mouth, Felicia’s eyes welled up. Ryan slammed his knife and fork onto the table, his face clouding over. “Aria, if you don’t want to eat, then don’t.” I curved my lips into a mocking smile. I sat down, my face cold, ignoring the others. The moment I bit into a sandwich, the overly sweet taste of tomato sauce made my stomach churn. I abruptly pushed my chair back and ran to the bathroom, dry-heaving. “Aria, are you… pregnant?” Felicia’s questioning voice came from behind me. I let the icy water splash on my face, sending shivers through me. She was still so good at twisting the truth. Jealous of my talent, she’d severed my tendons. Afraid of her position being affected, she accused me of being pregnant. Her methods were clumsy, but someone always believed her. Sure enough, hearing her words, Ryan frowned, a hint of disgust in his eyes. “Aria, a woman should still have some self-respect.” I laughed bitterly inside. Did “self-respect” even apply to me anymore? When they threw me into that club, letting me be humiliated, why didn’t they talk about self-respect then? “It’s none of your business.” Ryan scoffed angrily, then walked away after a final word. “Whatever.” Returning to the dining table, I sat back in my seat. “Aria, since you’re back, why don’t you perform with me at my concert in a few days?” “We used to be called the Twin Violin Stars.” Felicia looked at me with an expectant face. My expression froze, and my gaze became somber as I stared at my hands, perpetually wrapped in bandages. These hands would never hold a violin again. Before I could hide the sadness in my eyes, Lily’s clear voice rang out. “Aunt Felicia, that ugly lady isn’t good enough to play music with you. I saw her last time, her hands are so, so ugly.” The innocent child’s voice pierced my heart like a needle.

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The day I found out Kevin, the head of our crime syndicate, had cheated for the first time, I filed for divorce. But he locked me in our bedroom for five days and four nights, going through two boxes of condoms. Afterward, he wore a look of utter helplessness as he explained: “Our rivals set me up, drugged me, and forced me into a one-night stand with Serena. You have to forgive me.” The second time, I saw him with Serena at her prenatal appointment. Again, I brought up divorce. He pushed me against the wall, his voice laced with menace: “Audrey, you want a divorce? Over my dead body. You need to trust me. Serena is a plant from our enemies. I have to keep her close, it’s a deep cover operation. Once she has the baby, I’ll get rid of her immediately.” But then Serena had a miscarriage, and everyone suspected I was behind it. Serena lunged at me, her hands clamped around my throat like a madwoman: “Hate me all you want! Why would you hurt my baby?!” Even Kevin looked at me, his eyes filled with disappointment: “I told you to wait, why would you touch *my* child?” With that, he ordered me to be locked in the basement. “You’ll stay down here until you’ve truly reflected on what you’ve done.” Curled in the corner, I sent a message on my phone: 【Erase all records of my child’s birth. Once the paperwork is complete, arrange for me and my child to leave.】

The blood-soaked basement door finally opened just as I was losing consciousness. Kevin scooped me up, pulling me into a tender embrace, his voice filled with concern: “You almost ruined our syndicate’s counter-scheme, I had to punish you like this to give the crew a proper explanation.” “You know I love you the most. Once my plan involving Serena succeeds, we can go back to how things were.” And his “plan involving Serena” meant getting her pregnant with his child again. He claimed it was the only way to keep Serena controlled and our enemies in the dark. I watched him put on his act of deep affection, my heart a barren wasteland. But Kevin, we could never go back to how things were. There would be no future for us. And he would never know that he already had a child, a child with me. The day he became the syndicate boss, he witnessed a subordinate’s child being held hostage by their rivals. The subordinate’s wife, in a surge of maternal instinct, died tragically in a hail of gunfire, protecting her child. From that day on, he would often tell me, haunted by the memory: “Let’s not have children. I don’t want a child to become your weakness, and I can’t bear the thought of losing you.” I agreed. But as I saw his eyes light up with joy, time and again, looking at other people’s children, I secretly wanted to give him a surprise. That year, Kevin went to Mexico for a mission and told me to stay away for a year. It was during that time I found out I was pregnant with his child. Afraid he’d worry, I kept it from him until the baby was born. Later, because of a premature birth, the baby was weak and had to stay in the hospital. And that’s when Kevin brought Serena into my life. My surprise never made it to him. Instead, Kevin handed me a massive surprise of his own. My phone vibrated, pulling me from my thoughts: 【Your expedited divorce papers are almost ready. The process will be complete in a week. Then, we’ll get you and Hugh out of here.】 I managed a faint smile. Good. In a week, Kevin and I would be nothing to each other. After that, Kevin started juggling his time between Serena and me. Afraid I’d be upset, he sent carload after carload of gifts. The latest jewelry, limited-edition handbags—all the things I used to love. “Trust me, we’ll be back to normal soon. I love you.” I’d lost count of how many times he knelt before me, proclaiming his love and his helplessness. It was laughable. He slept with Serena every night, yet he was terrified of upsetting me. Four days before the divorce was finalized, Serena, whether intentionally or not, suddenly showed up with a huge bouquet of sunflowers. I had a severe allergic reaction to pollen and was rushed to the hospital. Kevin, upon hearing the news, ripped into Serena. “If this happens again, you’re out!” Serena’s eyes reddened as she apologized, then covered her face and ran out. That night, Serena disappeared. Kevin and his men searched all night before finally finding her. When they did, she was covered in allergic rashes. She kept her eyes down, not daring to look at me, and stammered nervously: “I deserve this punishment. After all, I accidentally caused Ms. Audrey’s allergy.” I was utterly confused, but Kevin gave me a meaningful glance. It wasn’t until I overheard him talking to the doctor in private that I realized the truth. “Add Audrey’s allergen to her IV drip. Wait a night before treating her.” “She made Serena suffer, so she’ll get a taste of her own medicine.” I froze solid, my heart felt like it had been violently smashed to the ground, crushed repeatedly, making it impossible to breathe. 2. The next day, Serena and I were both discharged. Kevin drove us himself. I didn’t want to ride with them, but Kevin practically shoved me into the car. We hadn’t driven far when the steering wheel suddenly failed, sending the car careening directly toward the roadside barrier. In that critical moment, Serena suddenly lunged, shielding me. She slammed hard against the car seat. By the time Kevin reacted, he saw Serena protecting me. His hand instinctively shot out toward Serena, but then his gaze landed on me, and he snapped back to reality. “Audrey, thank God you’re okay.” He didn’t spare Serena another glance until she was taken away by the ambulance. But in the deserted hospital room, Kevin pinned her beneath him, his eyes seething with suppressed fury. “Who told you to jump in front? Don’t you know you’re pregnant?” “Are you trying to kill yourself? Is that what you want?” The next second, Kevin kissed her fiercely. She was pregnant again. My heart felt completely numb. I quietly backed out of the room. Kevin didn’t come home that night. It wasn’t until the next morning that he stood by my bed, his eyes full of disappointment: “I had that car checked. Someone tampered with the steering wheel.” I looked up, incredulous: “You suspect me?” Kevin sighed: “I told you, I’m only using Serena. Once I’m done with her, I’ll send her away. She’s no threat to you. She even risked her life to protect you. Why can’t you just accept her?” It was summer, but I felt bone-chillingly cold. Kevin actually didn’t believe me. In the days that followed, he deliberately started freezing me out. But I didn’t care anymore, because in two days, I would be leaving with Hugh for good. The day before I left was my fifth wedding anniversary with Kevin. I expected him to continue neglecting me, but instead, he chartered a luxurious yacht to celebrate. Yet, the moment we boarded the vessel, his subordinate informed him that Serena had disappeared again. That night, Kevin scoured every inch of New York, but still couldn’t find a trace of Serena. He smashed a vase, and shards scattered at my feet. “Audrey, tell me, where is Serena?” I shook my head: “I don’t know… I really don’t know…” It wasn’t the first time he’d suspected me because of Serena, but my chest still tore open with pain. Someone handed him Serena’s phone from before her disappearance. The last call was to me. Kevin rubbed his pounding temples: “Audrey, the evidence is right here. Are you still going to deny it?” I scoffed: “Just because of one phone call, you’re convinced I had someone kidnap Serena?” I remembered the call Serena made to me before she disappeared— “My allergy was self-inflicted. I intentionally messed with the steering wheel too. I knew I wouldn’t actually get hurt, I just wanted to put on a show for you, diving in front of you.” “A man’s pity and guilt are the strongest chains. I want Kevin to soften towards me, to compensate me, little by little, until I completely replace you.” Her ambition on the other end of the line was clear as day. “Audrey, I know you and Kevin have a child. Want to make a bet?” “Let’s bet whether you and your son are more important to Kevin, or if I and the baby in my belly are.” So Serena’s disappearance was a setup, all her doing, but Kevin wouldn’t believe a word I said. He looked at me with disappointment: “Audrey, Serena is crucial to the plan. Can you please stop messing around!?” 3. Minutes ticked by, the men he’d sent out still had no news, and Kevin completely lost his patience. “Serena told me you adopted a child from an orphanage.” My spine stiffened instantly. Kevin raised a hand, and someone dragged in a canvas sack. Something alive was squirming inside. He picked up a steel pipe nearby, his expression turning vicious: “Audrey, last chance. If you don’t tell me where Serena is, this child won’t make it.” “Hugh!” My eyes immediately turned bloodshot. I lunged forward, but someone held me back with an iron grip. Kevin raised the steel pipe high and brought it down with brutal force. “No!!” My pupils contracted, and the world dissolved into a blur of red, as if the blow had landed on me. A whimper escaped the sack. The person inside bounced, then fell heavily, becoming still. A dark stain of blood bloomed from the sack’s opening. “Ah!!!” I completely broke down. My entire world turned red. The second blow was raised again. “Stop it! That’s your child in there! It’s your own flesh and blood, Hugh!” I was tugged and pulled, screaming hysterically. Tears mixed with blood ran down my face, my eyes filled with shattered despair. Kevin’s hand, holding the steel pipe, paused: “Audrey, stop playing games. We agreed not to have children. Why lie to me about something like this?” I no longer cared about anything else. I struggled, crawling to his feet, my face drenched in tears as I pleaded: “He really is your child, he’s your Hugh… Please… let him go, call a doctor, save him…” Kevin bent down, pinching my chin: “Be a good girl, tell me where Serena is, and I’ll let him go.” I shook my head frantically, tears flying: “I don’t know, I really don’t know! Let the child go, please let him go!” Kevin’s eyes instantly turned cold, and the second blow came down fiercely. A muffled groan came from the sack, then absolute silence. “Ah… no…” I coughed up a mouthful of blood, my body convulsing violently. The third blow, the fourth blow… Ten blows in all. There was no sound left from the sack. “Hugh…” Seeing the stillness in the bag, the ground stained crimson, I collapsed to my knees, my body rigid as if electrocuted, yet shaking uncontrollably. I vomited another mouthful of blood, staining the ground before me. Kevin stepped forward, his black leather shoe sinking into the blood, and ground it into the sack. “Audrey, still not going to talk?” He stomped down again with brutal force. The sickening crunch of bones was sickeningly clear. “Hugh!!” I screamed in anguish, crawling forward but being held back with an iron grip. I roared hoarsely: “Kevin, I curse you! You’ll never have another child in your life!” Kevin’s body stiffened abruptly. Just then, someone rushed in: “Boss, we found Ms. Serena.” Kevin’s hand, which had been stroking my hair, paused: “Tell me the exact location!” He immediately stood up and rushed out without looking back. Not long after Kevin left, two men came in, intending to snatch Hugh from my arms. I snapped awake, pulling Hugh closer: “What do you want?” “Boss said to throw him into the sea to feed the sharks.” The men were merciless, forcibly ripping Hugh from my arms, disgustedly stuffing him back into the sack, and turning to leave. “Hugh!!!” I chased after them, my heart tearing apart, but they brutally locked me inside the cabin. When Kevin returned with Serena, he found me slumped on the floor, staring blankly. “Did you order Hugh’s body to be thrown into the sea to feed the sharks?”

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**Nova Hayes POV** Everyone in New York knew I was head over heels for Ronnie Thorne. He was my brother’s best friend, six years my senior. Eight years ago, when I was just sixteen, trapped by some thugs, he appeared and shielded me. That’s when I fell for him. Hard. I followed him around, too scared to let him know how I felt, until my eighteenth birthday when I finally mustered the courage to confess. He leaned against the hallway wall, a cigarette glowing between his fingers. He stubbed it out, a lazy smirk on his face. “Little one, what do you know about love?” I got a bit anxious. “I’ll grow up!” He chuckled, then casually said, “Alright, fine. When you turn twenty-four, if you still like me, I’ll give you an answer.” For that answer, I chased him for eight years. My entire youth was written with his name. Today, I finally turned twenty-four. I baked a cake with my own hands, ready to go to him and claim the answer that was eight years overdue. But as I reached the private room on the third floor of the club, I heard a baby crying inside. I froze. The laughing voices of men inside drifted out clearly. “Ronnie, that’s a seriously messed up move.” One man laughed. “Fake marriage, even get a kid involved? Nova’s gonna go insane!” Ronnie’s voice chimed in, with his usual lazy tone and a hint of impatience. “If I don’t go all out, will she ever let go? In these eight years, have you ever seen her give up?” Another voice echoed. “True, that woman sticks to you like glue, can’t shake her off. But wow, you really went to great lengths to get Iris Miller.” Ronnie let out a soft laugh, his voice laced with the arrogant confidence of someone who always gets what they want. “Iris is kind; she always feels sorry for Nova. I need her to see clearly that unless we cut ties completely, we can’t start anything.” “So you paid Iris to act out this whole charade with you? Even ‘borrowed’ a baby, all just to give Nova a surprise on her birthday today?” “Solving two problems at once.” Ronnie’s voice was cold as ice. “It’ll make Nova give up completely, and it’ll show Iris my determination. I’ve already sent her the invitation; today’s just a heads-up.” “Haha, that’s hardcore, Ronnie! If Nova actually shows up and makes a scene on the wedding day, it’ll be a show!” “She wouldn’t dare.” Ronnie’s two words hit me hard. So, the answer I’d waited for with all my heart was a meticulously planned humiliation. So, for another woman, he could be this cruel to me. The cake box in my hand slipped and crashed to the floor. I watched as cream and fruit splattered everywhere, a complete mess. The voices from inside the private room abruptly stopped. The door was yanked open. Ronnie stood there, his eyes showing no surprise when he saw me. His friends peered out from behind him, their faces eager for a show. I stared at him, the man I had loved for eight years. “You heard everything?” His tone was flat. I didn’t speak, just kept looking at him. “Good that you heard it. Saves me the trouble of explaining.” Ronnie pulled out a cigarette pack from his pocket and lit one. “That’s how it is. Iris and I are getting married. Nova, stop bothering me from now on.” I turned and ran into the pouring rain. I didn’t cry. I didn’t even look back. The icy rain drenched me, and my mind felt clearer than ever before. All my eight years of devotion, in his eyes, were just an annoyance. My eight years of waiting, in his eyes, were just a nuisance. I felt like such a clown. I stopped, wiped a hand across my face. I pulled out my phone and called my brother, Ben Hayes. On the other end, Ben’s voice was full of concern. “Nova? Where are you? Why are you breathing so heavily?” I took a deep breath. “Ben, I’ve figured it out.” “…What?” “What you said before, about me going to Paris to study design? I agree.” There was a few seconds of silence on the other end, then Ben’s excited voice rang out. “Really? That’s great! You finally came to your senses!” “And,” I looked at the blurry neon lights in the distance. “That friend you mentioned introducing me to last time? Arrange it. I want to meet new people.” “No problem! Nova, whatever you do, I’ll support you!” After hanging up, I let out a long breath. I gave him eight years; that was enough. I returned to my empty apartment, peeled off my soaked clothes, and stepped into the shower. Hot water cascaded over my head, washing over my body. My phone pinged. It was a message from Ronnie. It was a photo: a cute baby nestled in a blanket, beside a gold-embossed wedding invitation. [Next month, on the eighteenth. Don’t forget to come.] I stared at that photo for a long time. Then, I typed two words and sent them. [Okay.] Only after doing all that did I stand up and drag a heavy box from under my bed. It contained all of Ronnie’s things I had collected over the past eight years. The jersey he wore playing basketball, I secretly picked up and washed clean. The pen he’d carelessly used, I’d treasured until now. Our only photo together was from graduation; I stood in a corner of the crowd, while he was center stage. I took out each item, one by one, and tossed them into the giant black trash bag beside me. Finally, I picked up the graduation photo frame. The boy in the photo was dashing and brilliant, full of youthful vigor. I once naively believed that if I tried hard enough, I could get closer to that light. Now I understood. Some people are just meant to live in the shadows. I let go, and the frame dropped into the trash bag with a muffled thud. I knew then: my eight years of secret love ended here.

**Ronnie Thorne POV** I was drinking with my friends in the private room when I received her reply. I stared at the two short words on my phone screen—”Okay”—and couldn’t help but frown. She was too calm. Too calm to be the Nova Hayes who would wait five hours in a snowstorm just to see me. “Ronnie, what are you looking at?” My friend next to me leaned over, glanced at my phone, and scoffed. “Oh, Nova replied? What’s her game now? Giving up?” Another friend analyzed. “No way. She definitely heard everything outside earlier. That woman is cunning. She probably knows that a frontal assault won’t work, so she’s planning new tricks.” “Good point! She’s probably trying to act like she doesn’t care, to make us drop our guard, then pull a big stunt at the wedding!” Everyone chimed in, and soon, a “reasonable” explanation for Nova’s behavior was found. I stubbed out my cigarette and smirked. Exactly. I knew Nova wouldn’t give up that easily. Fine, I’ll play along. I’d like to see what kind of games she can come up with. I tossed my phone onto the table and told everyone, “Alright, stick to the plan. The show must go on.” Everyone chuckled, understanding. Just then, the private room door was pushed open, and Ben Hayes walked in, radiating cold fury. “Ronnie, step outside. We need to talk.” Ben’s voice was thick with suppressed anger. I slowly poured myself another drink, not looking at him. “Talk about what? Your sister?” “You know I’m not kidding!” “Neither am I.” I swirled my glass. “Ben, control your sister. Don’t let her bother me anymore.” Ben’s fists instantly clenched, veins popping on his hands. But I couldn’t be bothered to even glance at him. I grabbed my jacket and stood up. “I have plans with Iris. No time to waste talking to you.” I walked directly past Ben, shoulder-checking him hard. Leaving Ben standing there, trembling with rage.

**Ben Hayes POV** Today was my birthday party. As the host, I was worried, constantly glancing towards the entrance. Nova had promised to come, but she still hadn’t shown up. The banquet hall buzzed with cheerful guests. Suddenly, a stir at the entrance. Ronnie had arrived. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, Iris Miller clinging to his arm in a flowing white gown. Iris gently held his arm, while Ronnie carried a baby in a blanket. The picture of a happy family of three captured everyone’s attention. **Ronnie Thorne POV** I ignored everyone’s stares and walked directly towards a figure in the corner. Nova had arrived sometime earlier. She wore simple jeans and a white T-shirt, bare-faced, holding a glass of juice, as quiet as an outsider. She had lost weight; her chin was so sharp it hurt to look at. A flicker of an unfamiliar emotion crossed my mind, but it was quickly replaced by annoyance. She was playing these disgusting games again. I walked up to her, deliberately shifting the baby in my arms closer to Iris. Iris spoke softly. “Nova, long time no see. I know you’re hurting, but you can’t force feelings. Ronnie is a family man now; you should let go.” **Nova Hayes POV** Ronnie’s friends immediately surrounded me, chanting in unison. “Exactly, Nova, you’ve chased him for eight years, haven’t you faced reality yet?” “It was one thing when he was single, but now he has a kid. If you keep clinging to him, you’ll just be making a fool of yourself.” “You should know your place. Don’t make things awkward for everyone.” Each mocking word, each sneering laugh, felt like countless needles piercing me. And Ronnie, he just stood there, watching coldly. I knew he was waiting. He was waiting for me to break down, to cry and make a scene, just like I had countless times before. But I just lifted my eyes and looked at them. I looked at the smiling Iris, then at the baby in Ronnie’s arms. Finally, I looked at Ronnie’s cold face. I smiled. “Is that so?” “Then I wish you both,” I raised my glass of juice towards them. “May you grow old together.” With that, I drained the juice in my glass, then turned and walked towards another group of people. Ronnie’s smile froze. Iris’s expression was also a little bewildered. The friends around them exchanged glances, no one speaking another word. 3. **Ronnie Thorne POV** A surge of indescribable irritation swelled within me. I hated this feeling of losing control. Nova shouldn’t have reacted like that. She should have cried, she should have screamed, she should have demanded to know why I was doing this to her. Then I could have thrown all my harsh words at her face, making her disappear from my world forever. But she didn’t. She just calmly wished us well, then walked away. “Ronnie, this…” The person next to me was at a loss. Iris gently tugged my sleeve. “Ronnie, did I say something wrong? Nova looks really upset.” I suppressed that flicker of unease and scoffed. “Upset? She’s faking it.” Even as I said that, I couldn’t help but watch her. Nova walked to the other end of the banquet hall. Ben immediately went to her, murmuring something to her with a worried expression. Nova shook her head, even offering a reassuring smile. That smile infuriated me. Ben suddenly looked up, glaring at me furiously. He shielded Nova behind him and stormed over. “Ronnie!” Ben’s voice was laced with towering rage. “It’s my birthday today. What’s with you bringing people here to put on a show?” I held the baby. “I came to wish you a happy birthday. What’s the problem?” “Don’t you dare pretend with me!” Ben was so angry he spoke without thinking. “Don’t think I don’t know what you did to Nova! What kind of person are you?” “What did I do?” I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “I just let my fiancée and baby meet everyone in advance, so some people don’t cling to unwarranted fantasies. I’m helping your sister, making her face reality sooner.” “You—” Ben raised his hand, ready to throw a punch. “Ben!” **Nova Hayes POV** I quickly walked over and grabbed his arm. Looking at my brother, I gently shook my head. Seeing this, Iris quickly stepped forward, clinging to Ronnie’s arm, and softly said to Ben, “Ben, don’t be angry, it’s all a misunderstanding. Ronnie didn’t mean any harm.” As she spoke, she seemed to stumble, her body swaying. The red wine glass in her hand accidentally slipped, spilling the entire contents perfectly onto my white dress. “Ah!” Iris cried out in surprise, quickly pulling out tissues to wipe the wine stain from my chest. “I’m so sorry, Nova, I didn’t mean to. Please don’t blame me.” I felt her hand, seemingly wiping, but actually tugging hard at my clothes. The more she “wiped,” the dirtier my dress became. I slapped Iris’s hand away. “Don’t touch me.” Iris was pushed back a step, her eyes instantly reddening. She looked at Ronnie, wronged. “Ronnie, I…” Ronnie’s anger flared. He handed the baby to someone nearby, shielded Iris behind him, and sharply barked at me, “Nova, what the hell is wrong with you? Iris apologized, what more do you want?” I looked at him, feeling only absurdity. I said nothing, turning to leave this place. The moment I turned, a sound came from above. Everyone instinctively looked up. The giant crystal chandelier in the center of the banquet hall was plummeting from the ceiling! Right below it were Iris and I! I saw the terrified screams and scattering figures of the people around me. I saw my brother, Ben, rushing towards me in a panic. I saw Ronnie. I saw him move. His movements were decisive, he rushed towards Iris without hesitation. He pulled her tightly into his arms, turning his back to the danger, shielding her perfectly. In that moment, in my world, there was only Ronnie’s resolute back. Turns out, in such a moment, I didn’t even deserve a glance from him. “Nova—!” Ben’s heartbreaking cry was drowned out by a colossal crash. A sharp pain struck me from above. The second before my consciousness was swallowed by darkness, the last thing I saw was Ronnie, looking down, anxiously and gently comforting a startled Iris in his arms. My vision went black, and I completely lost consciousness.

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I had been secretly married for five years when her best friend mentioned it casually. “She was planning a big, public wedding.” Overjoyed, I immediately called my wife Chloe. But she told me she was out of town for a business trip and not to bother her. Three days later, at the wedding venue, I watched my wife slide a ring onto her childhood sweetheart’s finger. I watched them kiss. My work, credited with his name. My wife, marrying another man. I was a complete joke. I stood up. The moment she saw me, her face instantly blustered with panic. “What are you doing here?” A cold smile touched my lips. “I came to give you two my blessings. And to tender my resignation!” I drained my glass, set it down with a final click, and walked away. Just as I’d predicted, Chloe didn’t follow. No call. No text. The next time I saw her was past midnight. The front door swung open, and she brought in the night’s chill, along with the thick, cloying scent of expensive bourbon. For years, I had grown accustomed to waiting for her at home. Chloe would always unleash all her fury on me, and tonight was no different. But I wouldn’t blindly indulge her like I used to. “Liam.”Her voice was sharp. “What the hell were you doing there today? That wasn’t your place. You’re a junior analyst. People saw you. They’ll talk.” “Brandon and I are only pretending to be married. It’s all he’s ever wanted, and we’ve known him forever. How could I say no to one little performance?” I forced a bitter laugh. “So, tomorrow, everyone at the company will know you married Brandon. That kind of ‘misunderstanding’ is perfectly fine with you?” Chloe’s brows furrowed instantly at my words. “What is your problem? I explained it. It’s a charade for Brandon. Why are you so obsessed with optics? I’ve been married to you for five years, what more do you want?” “If it weren’t for Brandon, I never would have married you in the first place.” I fell silent. I’d met Chloe in my sophomore year, and it was love at first sight. Back then, I’d never been in a relationship, not even had a crush. To make Chloe fall for me, I brought her breakfast every day, attended the same classes, and engineered all sorts of “chance encounters.” She accepted all my kindness, and I thought it was proof she was falling for me. I spent my days immersed in the illusion of an impending romance. Until one day, I saw Chloe practically begging Brandon to accept a slice of cake. That’s when I knew she loved Brandon, not me. Brandon was the campus heartthrob in our major, her dream guy. But what Chloe didn’t know was that Brandon was secretly a huge playboy. Because of Brandon, I could never break through that final emotional barrier between Chloe and me. The year we graduated, Chloe approached me. If I gave her my meticulously prepared graduation project, she’d agree to be my girlfriend. I was ecstatic, believing she had finally seen through Brandon’s true colors. But on the day of the graduation defense, I watched Brandon confidently present my design on stage. Thanks to my design, Brandon not only won “Outstanding Graduate” but also landed a job at a top-tier company. I wanted to ask Chloe for an explanation, but I was afraid it would hurt our relationship, so I let the matter go unresolved. Not long after graduation, Chloe again proposed marriage to me, on the condition that I join her family’s company and all my work copyrights would belong to her. For me, it was a massive surprise, something I’d always dreamed of. But after we married, Chloe not only refused to let me touch her but also rarely came home. Later, I learned that marrying me and having me join her family’s company were all Brandon’s demands. After graduation, Brandon struggled to adapt to his new company and couldn’t produce the programs they required, so he set his sights on me. By having Chloe marry me, he would secure a stable ghost-coder. And Chloe agreed to the marriage because Brandon promised to always love her, and people who loved each other should help each other. “If it weren’t to help Brandon’s career, I would never have married that clueless nobody.” Chloe herself said this to her best friend one night when she was drunk on her birthday. I was standing right outside the door that night. I always thought that if I tried hard enough, she would eventually love me. I always thought that if I did enough, she would recognize Brandon’s incompetence. But as time went on, I remained nothing more than a tool in her eyes, filled with unrequited affection. With my help, Brandon’s reputation soared in the industry, and the Davis family’s company grew bigger and bigger. Yet I was just a junior employee in her company, at her beck and call. Now, my last shred of love for her had been extinguished by that wedding.

Looking at Chloe, I wanted to argue, but the words died on my lips, leaving only a sense of helplessness. “Chloe, let’s get a divorce.” Her face instantly shifted from anger to cold indifference. “Divorce? What right do you have to suggest divorce? This marriage, only I can decide to end it.” “You know what to say and what not to say at the company tomorrow. And send me the new program as soon as you’ve finished writing it.” Her condescending attitude stemmed entirely from my years of unwavering compliance. But I’m not a machine; I have feelings too. “Tomorrow, I’m going to the company to resign. I won’t be doing this anymore.” A flicker of fury crossed Chloe’s face. She hadn’t expected me to resist. “How long are you going to keep this up? I’ve already explained about the wedding. Haven’t things always been this way for years? Stop being so dramatic.” “I’ll give you one more night. We’ll talk again tomorrow once you’ve adjusted your emotions.” Chloe always had this attitude, believing I could handle anything on my own. The cold wind and heavy rain outside the window mirrored my mood. In my heart, I drew a final line under this relationship. The next morning, I went to the office with my resignation letter in hand. I hadn’t even reached my desk when Mike, a colleague, sidled up to me, eyes wide with vicarious excitement. “Liam, man! You’ve been holding out on us! How did you keep your connection to Ms. Davis so quiet? The whole floor is talking about it!” “Someone saw you at her wedding yesterday. Giving your blessings. You don’t do that for just anyone. Come on, what’s the real story?” I kept my expression neutral. “There’s no story, Mike. I was passing by, saw the display. Ms. Davis is gracious. She insisted I come in as a guest, a gesture to the staff, she said.” “Oh! That makes perfect sense. For a second there, I thought you were actually somebody.” At this company, everyone knew I wasn’t favored by Chloe. So, no one treated me like a friend. They all assumed I’d be fired soon. During work, I not only had to develop two separate programs for Chloe and Brandon but also helped colleagues with many of the mundane, arduous tasks they didn’t want to do. “Ms. Davis and Mr. Reed are here!” I followed the sound and saw Chloe and Brandon walking in, hand in hand. For years, Brandon had walked into this company as if it were his own. “Let me reintroduce everyone. This is my husband, Brandon Reed. We just had our wedding yesterday.” “Congratulations!” I shouted along with everyone else. “As for Liam, I just happened to run into him at the entrance yesterday, so I let him come in. We have no relationship whatsoever, so please don’t misunderstand.” This was the first time Chloe had mentioned me at the company-to introduce her dream guy and to prove she was absolutely not involved with me. Yesterday, she was flustered when she saw me, but today, she could openly accept everyone’s blessings right in front of me. Chloe, how many layers of disguise do you have in front of me?

During lunch break, Chloe texted me to come down to the underground parking garage. Perfect. I also needed to give her my resignation letter. When I arrived at the garage, Brandon was also in the car, and they were feeding each other. “You’re just in time. My mom’s birthday is the day after tomorrow. You don’t need to come. I’ll bring Brandon instead.” Mrs. Davis was a typical snob. Her first priority was money, and her second was her daughter. Over the years, as Brandon’s career improved, her mother had constantly urged her to divorce me and marry Brandon. She had always looked down on me, a mere company employee. When I first married Chloe, I had to win over not only her but also her mother. Mrs. Davis would often call me during work hours, asking me to pick up her newly ordered designer bag from the mall. Such things could easily be handled by a driver, but to win my mother-in-law’s favor early on, I personally handled it for five years. “Stop putting on that pathetic act. Brandon and I have already had our wedding; it’s perfectly reasonable for me to bring him home. Not to mention, he’s now the company’s Vice President. Unlike you, just a company employee, bringing you home would make my mom lose face.” I tightened my grip on my phone. “You don’t need to tell me that. I already told you yesterday that I want a divorce.” Brandon, who was beside her, instantly tensed at my words. “Liam, don’t be so impulsive. Chloe and I aren’t really married. Chloe and I will discuss this again. I’ll ask Chloe to promote you.” Chloe’s eyes widened when she heard this. After a long pause, she reluctantly spoke, “I’ll make you Technical Director. Are you satisfied now?” “No need. I’ll be leaving the company this afternoon. This is my resignation letter.” With that, I stopped looking at their reactions, got out of the car, and returned to my cubicle. As soon as I had gotten into the car earlier, I had installed a listening device in the backseat. I had intended to record some of their flirtatious conversations as evidence for my divorce case. But I never expected to record something truly unexpected. I guess I absolutely had to go to Mrs. Davis’s birthday party the day after tomorrow.

On the day of Mrs. Davis’s birthday, I arrived at the Davis family villa right on time. I was greeted by the scorn and disdain of Chloe’s relatives. My status in the Davis family was even lower than that of a housekeeper; before, I often helped with chores when I came over. The Davis family company was initially founded by Mrs. Davis herself. After divorcing Chloe’s father, she started her own business. The company’s current success had always been her pride. In the living room, not far away, Chloe and Brandon were gathered around Mrs. Davis, talking about something, looking utterly harmonious and happy. “Why are you here? I didn’t ask Chloe to inform you, did I? Since you’re here, go take out the trash.” Mrs. Davis spoke first. “It’s your birthday today, and I’ve come to give you a grand gift,” I said slowly. “A gift? How much money do you have to give me a gift? My daughter runs such a big company; there’s nothing I don’t have. Do I need anything from you? I’d rather you send my daughter and Brandon into the bridal chamber.” “Mom, what are you saying?” Chloe blushed shyly. I looked at their harmonious scene. Back then, if it weren’t for Chloe’s insistence, I would never have passed her mother’s approval. Her mother looked down on my background and my job. We were from the same university and major, but Brandon went into a leading corporation while I had to rely on Chloe to enter their family company. Brandon was her ideal son-in-law. “I’m here today, first, to give you a grand gift, and second, to tell you that Chloe and I have decided to divorce.” Upon hearing my words, her mother’s eyes instantly lit up. “Really? Don’t expect to take a single penny from our family after the divorce. My daughter has worked tirelessly all these years to support you, never complaining. You’re an ungrateful wretch.” “So, what’s this grand gift you’re bringing me?” Mrs. Davis eagerly asked. “Don’t be so impatient.” I opened the voice recorder on my phone. Chloe and Brandon’s voices clearly filled the ears of everyone present. “Chloe, you absolutely can’t divorce Liam! If you divorce him, who will help me with all those programs?” “Brandon, you’ll manage. We’ve played this charade long enough. I want my real life with you to start now.” “No! What about my career if he leaves? Are you willing to flush my career for a feeling?” “Then we’ll find another ghostwriter. If it makes you secure, take it. My shares. The transfer is drafted. What’s mine is yours.” “Really? All of it? I can’t bear to see you compromise for my sake.” “Every share. It’s my company. I decide. Don’t you trust me? Then sign it.” The scratch of a signature. Then, the fervent kisses, the muffled moans. The entire room fell silent. Mrs. Davis’s face was flushed with anger. She abruptly stood up. “Chloe! What is the meaning of this?”

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The third year into our marriage, my husband started coughing up blood. It’s cancer, he said. I didn’t leave him. I stayed and took care of him.. Then, one day, I overheard him talking to his mother. “Mom, I’m out of options. Willow is almost due, and my wife still won’t divorce me!” “Then make her leave. Tomorrow, soil the sheets. Make her clean them by hand. A woman has her pride.She’ll break.” “And when she finally breaks, make sure she signs everything over to you.” I froze for a second, then looked at the medical report in my hand. A smile touched my lips. My dearest husband, you actually do have cancer. I got home from work, and the moment I pushed open the door, I saw my husband devouring Buffalo hot wings, sweating profusely. He looked up. A flash of annoyance, then defiance. “Derek! The doctor said no spicy food, why are you doing this again?!” He snapped. The fork clattered against the plate as he slammed it down. “Cassidy! What do you want from me?! You won’t even let me eat?” He yelled at me. “You come home so late. Is this your plan? To starve me?” “You know Brenda only cooks spicy! If you won’t be here to cook, what am I supposed to do?!” It wasn’t enough. In a sudden fury, he shoved the table. The plate of wings flew, hitting the floor with a sickening crash, sauce and chicken scattering across the tiles. “Fine, If I can’t eat, no one eats! Let me starve! I have cancer! I’m dying anyway!” Derek’s back heaved with rage. I set my bag down slowly, the fight draining out of me. “I’m sorry, Derek.” I said, my voice carefully soft. “I’ll go make you something right now.” Brenda stood by, arms crossed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Cassidy, are you tired of our Derek?” “If you are, just say it. There’s no need for this… passive starvation. It breaks a mother’s heart to watch.” I quickly explained. “No, Brenda. I had to work late. It was just today. I didn’t intentionally starve Derek.” Two weeks ago, Derek had been rushed to the ER, vomiting blood. The diagnosis was final, brutal: advanced lymphoma. He opted for conservative treatment, going for chemotherapy every week. Perhaps it was the effects of the chemo, but his temper had grown increasingly volatile. But it was okay. I would stick by him, no matter what, until his very last breath. I brought out baked salmon and placed it in front of Derek. He took one bite and immediately threw it on the floor. “What is this crap?! Are you trying to poison me?!” “It has no flavor at all! How do you expect me to eat this?!” I sighed, took the plate back to the kitchen, and started over. I remade it three times. Each time, Derek was unsatisfied. The last time, Derek flipped the table again. He pointed a finger at my nose and swore at me. “Cassidy! What are you trying to do?! If you don’t want to cook, then don’t!” My eyes welled up, and I quickly crouched down to clean the scattered food from the floor. “I’m sorry, Derek. Tell me what you want. I’ll make anything.” Derek turned his head away. “I’ve lost my appetite. Thanks to you.” Brenda stepped forward and rubbed his back, blaming me. “He’s sick, Cassidy. Have some compassion. This stress is toxic for his condition.” “If this burden is too much for you, just divorce him!” I froze, and a shard of plate accidentally cut my palm. “Brenda, that’s not what I meant. Derek is like this; how could I ever abandon him?” Brenda rolled her eyes at me, arms still crossed. “You say you don’t mind, but deep down you do. If you really want to make it up to Derek, then leave all your money for his treatment.” I thought Brenda was saying this on purpose for me to hear, so I quickly promised, my hand over my heart, that I wouldn’t abandon him and would stay by his side. But Derek only got angrier hearing my words. He pushed his wheelchair and started to leave. “Just looking at you annoys me. Brenda, push me to the park for a walk!” Brenda snorted, her nose practically in the air. “With a daughter-in-law like you, my son will die of anger sooner or later!” “This illness was probably caused by you!” Then, with a bang, she slammed the door and left.

After they left, I finally noticed the dull ache in my palm. I silently cleaned up the mess on the floor, my eyes burning. I understood Derek. It was the cancer that had changed him. I would stay with him until the very end. When they returned that night, Derek was humming a tune. His mood was clearly much better. I noticed a smear of grease at the corner of his mouth. I couldn’t help but ask. “Derek… did you go out? Did you eat something you weren’t supposed to-?” “Cassidy!” He exploded, cutting me off. “Mind your own business!” “Is that what you want? For me to waste away until I’m nothing? I had one bite! One! And you’re on me like a prison warden!” I felt a little wronged. When you’re sick, you need to watch what you eat, especially with cancer. Brenda impatiently pushed Derek into the bedroom. “Alright, Derek only ate vegetables, nothing the doctor forbade.” “Hurry up and bring some water in for his foot bath!” I tested the water temperature, and just as I put the basin down, he kicked it over. Hot water splashed all over me. “Cassidy, what are you doing?! My legs are weak, not numb?!” “First you try to poison me with your cooking, now you want to scald me to death with a foot bath?!” I changed the water five times. Each time, he kicked it over. My clothes were completely soaked. He sneered, then flopped back onto the bed. “Forget it, I’m not washing my feet. Just clean up the water in the room. It’s too damp to sleep.” I stood rooted to the spot, clutching the cleaning rag, trying to calm my anger. After cleaning everything up, Derek yelled again that he needed to use the restroom. I went to help him up, but he pushed me to the floor with one hand. “I’m a patient?! How much do you want me to walk?!” “Didn’t Brenda buy a bedpan? Bring it over for me to use!” “My legs hurt, don’t you understand?!” Brenda rushed in, wiping away tears as she furiously berated me. “Are you trying to break my son like this?” “If you don’t want to take care of him, then divorce him! So both of you don’t suffer!” As she spoke, she shoved a bedpan into my hands. A pungent, disgusting stench assaulted me. I almost couldn’t catch my breath. That’s when I noticed Brenda was wearing a mask. Brenda glared at me. “What are you waiting for? Hurry up and serve Derek!” “Either that or divorce him. You choose.” I gritted my teeth and held my breath. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

The next day, I left the house with heavy bags under my eyes, having barely slept a wink. Derek kept wanting water, then food, then to use the restroom, then to look at the scenery. There was no moment of rest. I felt a mix of irritation and heartache. At noon, I received the medical report that had been mailed to me. This was from a check-up two months ago. I opened it with a sliver of hope, but my heart still plummeted. The report clearly stated the word “cancer.” But there was good news. Derek was still in the early stages of cancer. With proper treatment, there was a chance of recovery. I silently cursed the previous hospital. Such incompetent doctors. They’d misdiagnosed early-stage as late-stage. I raced home the second my shift ended, the report burning a hole in my bag. I wanted to surprise them. But no one was home. I called, only to be told they’d gone to the park again. He said my cooking was so bad he couldn’t stomach it. So he didn’t want to see me. The line went dead before I could speak. They didn’t come back for dinner. So I went to them, clutching the report. I was eager to tell them the good news. But when I arrived at the park, I saw Derek embracing a woman.

Brenda sat tapping her leg on a bench next to the wheelchair. Derek had his arm around a woman, walking behind her. The woman’s belly was slightly rounded, and she giggled as she leaned into Derek’s embrace. Under the moonlight, I clearly saw the woman’s face. It was Willow Green, Derek’s first love. I gripped the hem of my shirt, frozen to the spot. Brenda sighed, clasping their intertwined hands. “You two are truly a perfect match. Back then, I should never have let Cassidy marry into our family!” Derek sneered. “So what if she married in? However she wormed her way in, she’ll crawl her way out.” Willow stroked her belly and asked. “But Cassidy still won’t divorce him, what should we do?” “I’m six months along, almost due, Derek, sweetie. You can’t let our baby be born without a daddy, can you?” Derek frowned, looking at Brenda. “Brenda, what do you suggest we do?! Willow is almost due, and that woman still won’t divorce me.” “I can’t believe she wouldn’t divorce me, even after I faked cancer. What a stubborn act.” Brenda pondered for a moment, then slapped her thigh. “Alright, tonight, just make a mess in the bed and make her hand-wash it. I don’t believe she won’t divorce you then!” Derek hesitated. “That’s…a bit too disgusting.” Willow immediately pouted. “What’s wrong, Derek, sweetie? You don’t want to divorce her?” “If you don’t make Cassidy disgusted with you, how will she agree?” “Exactly! Willow’s right! Derek, you have to go all out!” “And that woman needs to leave with nothing! Not a single dime! The house needs to stay for you two as your wedding home.” Watching their repulsive expressions, my blood ran cold, inch by inch. I crumpled the medical report in my hand. Suddenly, a bitter laugh escaped me. A laugh born of pure rage. Derek, you have no idea, do you? You actually do have cancer. The insurance medical exam was two months ago, and we went together. So this report is real. They seemed to have made up their minds, triumphant smiles plastered on their faces. Perhaps thinking of their blissful future, Derek actually picked up Willow and spun her around. “Come on! Let’s go get some barbecue!” “Cassidy is such an idiot. I told her I had cancer, and she believed it. She keeps making me plain oatmeal. It makes me want to puke.” Willow lightly punched him. “Cassidy is so annoying, sweetie. From now on, you should have every meal with me, Derek.” Their laughter faded as they walked away. II stood there for a long time before the feeling returned. A sharp, sick pain twisted in my chest. I touched the wet corner of my eye, then turned and went home. If that’s how it is, Derek, then you can just wither on your own. This medical report was useless now. Back home, I tore it into shreds and flushed every last piece down the toilet.

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The day my five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease, I heard my husband talking with his mother. “It’ll cost a fortune, and there’s no cure. What’s your plan?” Judy, my mother-in-law, asked. “I never intended to treat her,”Liam replied, his tone devoid of emotion. “She’s going to die regardless.” A considering pause. “True. If the illness takes her, it’s just fate. You should file for divorce from Sarah soon. Serena is pregnant now. Your heir is secure. She’s waited for you all these years. Don’t disappoint her.” Serena? Judy’s adopted daughter? I forced my hands steady, pasted on a calm face, and walked back into the living room as if I’d heard nothing. Don’t be afraid, my Lily. Even in the deepest dark, Mommy is here. I sat on the living room sofa, replaying the day’s events in my mind. My five-year-old daughter had suddenly fainted at kindergarten. When I rushed to the hospital, a doctor delivered a sentence instead of a diagnosis: a rare genetic disorder. Back then, Liam had held me, his voice a pillar of false strength. “Sarah, we’ll get through this. Together.” “If she’s sick, we treat her. Our savings will be enough to cover Lily’s treatment.” If I hadn’t overheard that conversation tonight, I might have still believed him. I might have still loved the man I’d shared a life with for seven years. From Judy’s tone, it sounded like Liam had been cheating for years. How utterly laughable. Lost in thought, Liam’s voice sliced through the silence. “Sarah? You’re back? I thought you were at the hospital.” I looked up at the sound, catching the fleeting flicker of guilt in Liam’s eyes. I forced a faint smile. “Just grabbing a few things for Lily.” His gaze scanned my face, searching. Finding only exhaustion, his shoulders loosened a fraction. Just then, Judy walked out of the other room. “Sarah, you’re back just in time. There’s something I wanted to discuss with you.” My heart sank, bracing myself for what Judy would say next. “Look, Liam and I consulted a specialist today. The chances of curing this disease are slim, and it’s going to cost a lot of money.” “You’ve scraped together what, a few hundred thousand? Tossing it into a black hole for a chance isn’t practical. It’s financial suicide.” “Think of your future. What if you pour everything into this…and still lose her? You’ll be left with nothing but debt and grief. Could you live with that?” I didn’t answer Judy, just looked directly at Liam. “Is this what you think too?” Liam looked a little embarrassed but still sat down beside me, feigning tenderness. “Sarah, I’ve thought about it. Mom isn’t wrong.” “Lily is only five. Even if we beat this, what about ten years from now? A bottomless pit.” “We’ve worked so hard for our stability. There’s no need to-” I couldn’t stand to hear any more. I stood up and walked towards the stairs. “Liam, that’s your daughter! How can you talk about her like a ledger entry? Do you even hear yourself?” “If you won’t treat her, give me the money. Every cent is marital property. Half of it is mine by law.” “As long as there’s even a sliver of hope, I will not give up on my daughter!” At my words, Judy instantly flared up, blocking my path. “Yours? What is yours? What the hell have you ever contributed?You haven’t earned a red cent in this marriage!” “You want to waste our future on a lost cause? Fine. Liam will divorce you!” “You couldn’t even give him a son. You owe this family, and this is how you repay us?” I ignored Judy and tried to walk past her, heading upstairs. “Then we divorce.” “And Liam leaves with nothing.”

My words finally broke through Liam’s pretense. He shot to his feet, flanking his mother. “Leave with nothing? Sarah, don’t be absurd!” “And…and it was Mom’s idea to divorce, not mine! Why are you so eager to agree?” “Unless…are you seeing someone else?” Liam’s audacity almost made me laugh. In the ruins of our life, with our daughter fighting for hers, he was trying to turn the tables on me. But Lily was waiting. I didn’t want to waste any more time with them. I packed my things and left the house. For the next three days, Liam didn’t call or text me once. His family never came to the hospital to check on Lily. As for his so-called adopted sister, Serena, she even posted her ultrasound scan results on SnapChat. The scan clearly stated: “Serena Miller, 11 weeks pregnant.” Her caption read: “Before you even arrive in this world, Mommy and Daddy already love you.” As I was looking at it, my daughter was wheeled out of the treatment room, and I quickly put away my phone. Lily lay weakly on the hospital bed after her radiation therapy. “Mommy, did you and Daddy fight? Why hasn’t Daddy come to see me?” “Does my illness cost a lot of money?” “Mommy, why are you crying? Don’t cry, Lily doesn’t hurt.” My daughter said, reaching out to wipe away my tears. I fought back the lump in my throat and gently held her small hand. “It’s okay, it doesn’t cost much. Mommy has money, and Mommy will definitely make Lily better.” “Mommy isn’t crying, and you shouldn’t be scared either.” “With Mommy here, I’ll definitely get better.” Lily tried to say more, but after the treatment, she was too weak and soon fell asleep again. Looking at my daughter’s sleeping face, I felt as if a giant hand was squeezing my heart, making it almost impossible to breathe. When Liam and I started our company, we navigated countless client meetings and networking events together, securing one order after another for him. Once the company was stable, Liam didn’t like me being out in the public eye, so I focused on taking care of the home for him. For all these years, Liam and I were seen as a loving couple by outsiders. If it weren’t for Lily’s illness this time, I would never have known that my husband had already been secretly having an affair with someone else, even disregarding our child’s life. Thinking of this, I dialed my sister Luna, who was a lawyer. “Luna, how are things going with what I asked you to look into?” “Good. The trial might be in a few days.” “Please help me.” That night, after Lily fell asleep, I asked the nurse to keep an eye on her for a bit. I took her clothes home to wash and also to pack some more things. But the moment I stepped through the door, I was stunned by the sight. The living room coffee table was covered in wine glasses and various alcoholic drinks, and empty bottles were scattered all over the carpet. Dozens of people were having a party in my living room, and the air was thick with a nauseating, sour smell of alcohol. If it weren’t for the familiar furniture and decor, I would have thought I’d walked into a club VIP room. The moment they saw me, there was a brief silence in the living room. I looked at Liam, pointing at the crowd of men and women in the living room, and demanded, “Our daughter is still lying in the hospital, and you’re in the mood to bring all these people here to party?” “Liam, you truly are an animal!” Hearing my blunt words, everyone in the living room started explaining to Liam’s defense. “Sarah, don’t blame Liam. We heard about Lily and worried he was upset, so we came to keep him company. Don’t be mad at him.” “Explain what? The illness isn’t Liam’s fault. If not for his company, would she be living the good life? The sick child is her problem, not his.” another one said. “I heard you’re even divorcing Liam and want him to leave with nothing? That’s just laughable.” Serena also stepped forward at this moment, apologizing to me with a look of guilt. “Sarah, if you really have to blame someone, blame me. I was worried Liam would do something reckless, so I thought of inviting some good friends to be with him.” “We didn’t expect you to come home suddenly. If you’re unhappy, we’ll leave right now…” I sneered at Serena, finally letting my gaze settle on her still-flat stomach. “Didn’t your SnapChat say you’re pregnant? I suppose you can’t drink alcohol then?” “What? Is the baby’s father not here with you? Oh, right, when are you planning to get married? Liam and I would love to send you a big gift.” Liam pulled Serena behind him. “That’s enough, Sarah! Stop being so snarky.” “I know you’re upset because of Lily, but what does any of this have to do with Serena?” I let out a cold laugh, ignoring everyone present, and walked straight towards the upstairs bedroom. My daughter was waiting for me at the hospital; I couldn’t be bothered to waste time with these trashy people. When I came downstairs with my packed things, the living room was empty, save for the empty liquor bottles and countless glasses scattered everywhere. I pretended not to see them, grabbed my things, and prepared to leave. But as I passed the guest bedroom downstairs, I heard indecent sounds. A man’s voice, hoarse with suppressed desire. “You’re not three months yet. The doctor said we shouldn’t.” “And she’s still upstairs. If she hears us, we’re done for.”

The woman’s voice was so alluring it could make your bones melt. “Don’t worry, just be gentle. It’ll be fine.” “Besides, she’s packed her things and left. Right now, her mind is completely focused on her dying daughter. She won’t care about anything else.” “And I closed the door. Your house has such good soundproofing; she won’t hear us.” “It’s been so long, don’t you want me?” The next second, the man and woman on the guest bed were entwined, and the air was thick with the scent of their passion. I pulled out my phone and, through the slightly ajar door, captured the scene. Just as I put my phone away and prepared to leave, Serena, beneath Liam, shifted her gaze, and our eyes met across the room. In that moment, what more was there for me not to understand? Serena had said she closed the door, but it was clearly open a crack. Serena did it on purpose. She left the door just so. Orchestrated the scene for my eyes alone. We are both women. How could I not understand her intentions? …… The next morning, I was at the hospital’s payment counter, ready to renew my daughter’s hospitalization fees. But the staff member, after checking, looked at me in confusion. “Lily? She’s already been discharged. No more fees are needed.” At those words, my head buzzed. I lifted my leg and ran towards the chief doctor’s office. The moment I reached the doctor’s office door, I heard Liam’s voice. “I am Lily’s biological father; I am her legal guardian. I have the right to refuse treatment.” “Alright, Dr. Lee, I just don’t want the child to suffer. Look at how much she’s already suffering…” I couldn’t bear to listen anymore and burst into the doctor’s office. Liam was sitting opposite the doctor, with a “Do Not Resuscitate” order in front of him. Every rational thought left me. I snatched the form, crushed it in my fist, and hurled the crumpled paper at his face. “Liam, what kind of monster are you?” “Refusing treatment means sending Lily to her death! Do you deserve to be a father?” Liam gave the doctor an awkward smile, then looked at me. “Sarah, what are you saying? I’m doing this for Lily’s own good.” “Just now, Mom and I went to see Lily in her room. Look how worn out she looks! Isn’t this just pure suffering?” “I think you’re just selfish. Just because you can’t bear to part with the child, you…” Before Liam could finish, I suddenly remembered. That’s right, Judy! I turned and rushed to Lily’s room. The scene before me as I entered the room made my heart shatter. Judy was dragging my daughter, still lying in her hospital bed, cursing her out with vile words. “Get home now! Do you know how much it costs for you to stay here even one day?” “Girls are just a bottomless pit for money! She’s only a few years old and already knows how to spend so much!” “Come with me now! Don’t think I won’t hit you just because we’re in a hospital!” My daughter was crying uncontrollably. “Grandma, let go of me! Don’t take me away.” “I want to wait for Mommy to come back. I want to wait for Mommy to come back.” I rushed forward and pushed Judy away, tenderly pulling my daughter into my arms. “What are you doing? The child is already sick, and you’re treating her like this!” Judy stumbled from my push, almost falling. Liam, who had followed me, quickly caught her. “Sarah! That’s my mother! How dare you lay a hand on her?” Judy also pointed a finger at me, her expression as if she had suffered some enormous grievance. “Oh, you dare to hit me!” “Divorce! I demanded my son divorces you! I demand it!”

I held my daughter tightly in my arms. “Get out! This is a hospital. Don’t make a scene here.” Liam tried to pull his mother back, but Judy shook him off. “You both have to leave! Do you think I don’t know? You’ve blown through nearly ten thousand dollars here in just a few days!” “That’s ten thousand dollars! Do you think money grows on trees?” My gaze was ice as it settled on Judy. “For ten thousand? I’d spend a million. I’d spend every last cent if it meant saving her.” “And you, Liam, if you ever sign another DNR behind my back again,” “I swear,I will burn our entire world to the ground!” Judy was so enraged by my last sentence that she almost fainted, her finger pointing at me trembling uncontrollably. “You, you, you, you wretched woman! You’re cursing my Thompson family!” “Fine, fine, fine, you want to treat her, then treat her, but don’t expect us to pay another cent. I’m making Liam divorce you right now!” I was about to say something when Lily tugged at my sleeve. “Mommy, Lily doesn’t want treatment anymore.” “Don’t argue with Daddy and Grandma.” I hadn’t felt like crying when the old woman was yelling curses in my face. But my daughter’s thoughtfulness now made my nose sting sharply. I gave Lily a reassuring look, then turned to Judy. “Divorce is fine, but as I said, Liam leaves with nothing!” Liam, who had been silent, was now breathing heavily, enraged by my words. “Sarah, if you want a divorce, fine, but leaving with nothing is a bit much, isn’t it?” “You’ve never worked a day since you married me. Every penny in this house was earned by me. What right do you have to make me leave with nothing?” “Sarah, why are you so aggressive now?” Liam’s words almost made me laugh in disbelief. He hadn’t even cleaned up his own mess, and he was calling me aggressive? Seeing that I remained silent, Liam took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and spoke each word slowly. “Sarah, I’ll ask you one last time. Are you absolutely set on divorce?” I stared at him with a half-smile, offering no reply. Liam slammed a piece of paper fiercely at my feet. “Then let’s divorce!” “But you’ve been eating my food and using my money all these years. You’re the one who should leave with nothing, not me!” I picked up the divorce papers from the floor and looked at the clause demanding I leave empty-handed, finding it utterly ridiculous. Seven years of marriage, and Liam wanted everything from this union. Except for me and our child. “You know perfectly well who the at-fault party is in this marriage. And whether your company reached where it is today solely by your efforts, you also know.” “Liam, don’t make me sick to my stomach.” The instant my words fell, Judy could no longer hold back. She grabbed the bag in her hand, intending to hit me over the head. “We never should have married a jinx like you! You wretched woman, are you trying to say my son is the one at fault?” “Let me tell you, either you leave with nothing, or we’ll see each other in court! I will absolutely not let you take a single penny from my son!” I grabbed Judy’s bag. At the same time, her words made my heart lighten. Going to court was exactly what I wanted; I was afraid Liam wouldn’t agree to it. A week later, Liam and my divorce case finally opened. The trial was public. The courtroom was packed with Liam’s family and friends. Before the hearing, Liam and Judy cornered me in the hall. Their eyes were red-rimmed with rage. “You dream of taking my son’s assets? Never!” “A barren wife demanding money? The law doesn’t reward failure!” Serena stood beside Liam, a triumphant expression on her face as if victory were already assured. I walked past them without a word. Once proceedings began, the judge reviewed Liam’s filings. After a long moment, he looked at me, his expression impartial. “Mrs. Thompson, a child’s illness is a tragedy, not a fault. A parent’s refusal of treatment, while morally complex, is not in itself unlawful.” “You may file for divorce from Mr. Thompson.” “However, you cannot use this reason to demand Mr. Thompson leave with nothing.” I stood up and faced the judge directly. “Your Honor, I have new evidence.”

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My fiancée fell for the mute man who saved her life. She wanted to break off our engagement. I, in my foolish good nature, warned her: “The Sterling family will never accept him. You should really think this through.” Feeling utterly humiliated, the mute man took poison and ended his life. Ten years later, the first thing Seraphina did after seizing full control of the corporation was to utterly dismantle the Bennett family and orchestrate my demise. “This is what you all owed Leo.” I opened my eyes again, back to my twenty-third birthday party. Mr. Sterling asked me about my greatest wish. “Since Seraphina and Leo are so deeply in love,” I said, “Please, let’s unite this couple.” I died on a bitterly cold winter night. I thought I could hold on until spring warmed up, but Seraphina couldn’t wait. No anesthetic. The surgical blade slowly, meticulously cut into my chest. Blood erupted, gushing forth like a torrent. She still wasn’t satisfied. She raised her arm, plunging the icy, sharp blade into my heart. The agonizing pain stole my breath. I struggled to gasp out: “Why?” I simply couldn’t understand. We’d grown up together since childhood; our families had always been close. For years, my father had catered to Sterling Corp, helping her climb to power. Even after she took control, we never once tried to take advantage. Yet, she manipulated the stock market, fabricated scandals, and drove my family, the Bennetts, to ruin. “Why, Seraphina?” I desperately clutched at her collar. Seraphina glared at my eyes with such venom, it was chilling. She was the killer, yet her face twisted with an accusation so sharp, it was as if I had betrayed her. “This is what you all owed Leo.” She leaned closer, her voice colder and sharper than the winter wind outside the window. Leo? The memory was too distant. It took me a moment to recall the name. And that delicate, pale face. I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. Ten years. So Seraphina had never forgotten him. And she blamed his death on me, on the entire Bennett family. “Seraphina, you’re just a— ” You utter fool! The last two words died in my throat as Seraphina pulled out the surgical blade. Crimson blood spurted out, blurring my vision. It hurt so much.

“Julian, another headache?” No bitter cold cellar. No biting wind. The room was warm, filled with the clinking of glasses and hushed chatter. Outside, neon lights shimmered, and cars streamed by. I stood on the balcony of the luxurious hotel, looking down at the sleepless city. This was my twenty-third birthday party. I,Julian Bennett, was reborn. Not only alive and well, but five years younger. This year, Bennett Industries had just completed a major multinational acquisition and successfully gone public. This year, I hadn’t yet become Seraphina Sterling’s husband. “Why wouldn’t he have a headache?” A sharp whisper came from behind me. “Seraphina has been releasing statements in major media outlets for three consecutive days, announcing her intention to dissolve the engagement with the Bennett family.” I stopped Ben, my assistant, who was about to retort. The situation was far more complicated than just breaking an engagement. This year, Seraphina had been on a corporate outreach trip in a remote area when her car went off a cliff. She was rescued by a local guy. The young man, delicate and frail, had accidentally ingested some poisonous herbs while trying to save her, rendering him mute. Seraphina, deeply moved, brought him back to her family estate. Counting today, she had publicly declared her intentions in the media for three consecutive days. She swore she would marry no one but him. She wanted him to be the future spouse of Sterling Corporation’s CEO. “Julian, don’t listen to those rumors. You and Seraphina have been together since childhood, all these years of… affection.” I gently shook my head, declining Ben’s comfort. I knew exactly what he was going to say. Three days ago, I woke up at the Bennett estate. Three days were enough for me to piece together my past and present lives. “Julian.” Ben suddenly brightened, whispering, “Seraphina’s here.”

I turned. Seraphina, dressed in a sharp suit, strode purposefully through the crowd, surrounded by admirers. The murmuring instantly died down. Seraphina and I grew up together. Our engagement had been arranged long ago by our elders to cement our business alliance. When we were kids, if anyone spoke ill of me, she was the first to defend me. If she made a mistake and got scolded at home, I was the first to plead her case. Until today, no one would have doubted that I was Seraphina’s one true love. The future son-in-law of the Sterling family. But today, at my twenty-third birthday party, she brought another man. Leo wore an expensive suit, his figure tall and slender, yet he looked like he was trapped in an ill-fitting shell. He followed Seraphina closely, seeking her protection. Seraphina stood on her tiptoes, whispering something in his ear, her eyes filled with doting affection. Leo looked at me, his expression instantly changing to one of panicked unease. He walked towards me. With a sickening thud— He dropped straight to his knees.

Even the stubbornness in his eyes was identical. In my previous life, I was so utterly duped by his pathetic, helpless act that I genuinely gave him and Seraphina advice. As the heir to the Bennett Corporation, I wasn’t desperate to marry Seraphina. Even if his appearance made me uneasy, I wouldn’t lose my composure. When Seraphina wanted to break the engagement, I didn’t argue. Instead, out of years of shared history, I offered a few sincere pointers: “Mr. Leo is new to Avelon City and has lost his voice. Even though he saved you,” “I doubt Mr. Sterling would agree to him becoming the Sterling family’s son-in-law, even if you swayed every board member. It would only bring him trouble.” “Seraphina, why not take a step back? Let him join the company as an intern first. The rest can follow your wishes later, can’t it?” Those few words, intended to clear the immediate hurdle for him, instead brought a mountain of trouble down on me.

Slap! Slap! Slap! In my previous life, the moment I saw Leo kneel, I rushed forward to help him up. This time, I merely watched, cold-eyed, as he mercilessly slapped himself several times. One after another, sharp and resounding. Ben tugged at my sleeve. With so many guests present, many had already pulled out their phones, ready to capture the scene. Ben wanted to intervene. I gently placed my hand on his. What’s the rush? “Leo!” Seraphina’s expression was already darkening. In just a few seconds, Leo’s cheeks were swollen and red. Coupled with his repressed tears, he looked utterly pathetic. He glanced back at Seraphina, then at me, and continued his self-punishment. I calmly took a sip of my drink. Suddenly, I really wanted to know, just how far could his act go?

Yes. Leo was acting. His muteness was an act, his pitiful and frail image was an act, and even his “suicide by poison” in my previous life was an act. Outside a secluded private club’s VIP room, I had personally overheard his hushed voice. He was sobbing, pleading with a doctor: “Doctor, I’m just a poor, helpless soul. If I don’t stage a calculated theatrical display of suffering, how could I ever get through the Sterling family’s door?” “Please, give me a drug that will temporarily induce a coma-like state!” “Doctor, I truly love Seraphina. Given my background, becoming her lover is already punching above my weight.” “But Seraphina has already promised to marry me. I need to orchestrate a bit more drama to ensure she always feels indebted to me.” “Please, help me!” “If I can just fake my death once, Seraphina will remember she owes me forever!” What a brilliant scheme. He fooled Seraphina. He fooled me. He fooled all the powerful elite and celebrities in Avelon City. I once asked Seraphina why she was so captivated by Leo. “I was born the Sterling family heir; everyone always tried to please me, to flatter me.” “They respected me, admired me, but only because of my status as the Sterling family’s heir.” “Even you, Julian, if I weren’t the Sterling heir, would you still love me?” Her words had stumped me then. If she hadn’t been the Sterling family heir, there wouldn’t have been an engagement between us, we wouldn’t have grown up together, so how could there be love or not love? “Only Leo, when he didn’t even know my identity, was willing to sacrifice his life for me.” “How could I not be moved by such pure love?” I was almost convinced by her. As an heir to a prominent family, I had always been thoughtful and strategic. I had to consider my parents, my family. I truly wouldn’t easily sacrifice my life for one person. We both overlooked another possibility. Even if Seraphina was unconscious from the car accident, her custom-tailored suit and Patek Philippe watch alone would have screamed her affluent status. Whether she was a rich girl, a business elite, or a corporate heir. Leo had made up his mind from the very beginning. He was going to climb that high branch of high society.

“Enough!” Seraphina suddenly barked, her voice sharp. Silence instantly fell over the room. Leo trembled, then carefully looked up, his eyes wide with a pitiful gaze directed at me. His meaning was crystal clear. He had sabotaged my engagement, made me the city’s laughingstock, and he felt immensely guilty. If I didn’t speak up, he would absolutely not stop. Fine. Let’s see. I casually raised an eyebrow, sipping my champagne. Leo gritted his teeth, about to bow down and slap himself again. Seraphina suddenly strode forward. Smash! She slapped the champagne glass out of my hand. “Julian, you’re going too far!”

“Julian, do you have no decency left?!” Seraphina stared at me, her eyes blazing with fury. She turned, helping Leo up, tenderly caressing his swollen cheek: “Julian, apologize.” “Apologize to him right now, in front of everyone, and we’ll consider this matter closed. I won’t hold it against you.” I almost burst out laughing. I was too naive back then. After discovering Leo’s scheme, I immediately sent Seraphina a message, detailing everything I had seen and heard. I warned her to keep a close eye on Leo. The next day, Leo was “dead by poison.” But it wasn’t a fake death. He was truly dead. The media was abuzz, claiming he had committed suicide due to the overwhelming public pressure. Seraphina replied with a voice message: “Thanks to Julian’s reminder, anyone who wrongs me will be severely punished.” After that, the matter was closed. For years, I believed that after he confronted her, she forced him to take real poison. After all, she was always someone who was clear about her grievances and always sought revenge. It wasn’t until my dying moments that I learned the truth. The “anyone who wrongs me” she referred to, was me. Julian, do you understand?” “Leo did nothing wrong. It was my decision to marry him.” “It was I, Seraphina, who wanted to break off our engagement with you.” I looked at Seraphina, a mocking curl forming on my lips. I must have been blind. To have always thought she was a clear-headed business elite. “Ben, are the heads of the four most powerful families all on the top floor?” I turned to my assistant. Ben nodded dumbly. I straightened my suit and walked towards the elevator. Seraphina followed closely: “What are you doing?” “Mr. Sterling and the others are here privately today; they haven’t announced their presence.” Of course, I knew that. A birthday party for a rising business star like me wouldn’t be enough to gather the heads of the four most powerful families.

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I bought an apartment four years ago, never even moved in or furnished it. Two years later, I suddenly got a collection notice for overdue utility bills. Completely baffled, I went back to check it out. And found strangers living there! After work, my phone buzzed with a utility bill collection notice. I stared at the unfamiliar apartment number on my screen; it took a while for my brain to catch up, but then I remembered – oh, right, I actually owned an apartment with that number. It was an apartment I’d bought years ago, saving up for the down payment and taking out a loan after I started my career. But then I’d made a last-minute decision to study abroad, so the apartment had been sitting empty ever since it was renovated. A flicker of doubt sparked in my mind. Logically, no one should be living there. So where were these utility bills coming from? A knot of confusion tightening in my gut, I headed for the complex, following the route etched in my memory. … Standing before the apartment door, I frowned. The developers had originally installed a drab, industrial-looking door, but this one was brand new, sleek, and black. I double-checked the number, just to be sure. “808. Yeah, this is it…” The starkly different black door, combined with the faint scent of perfume wafting from beneath it, sent a chill of dread through me. Without hesitation, I called a locksmith! The locksmith arrived quickly, his gaze sweeping over me, sizing me up. “This your place?” I quickly pulled my apartment deed and ID from my bag, handing them over. “Of course. Here are the papers, check them out.” The locksmith took the documents, studied me carefully, but still seemed hesitant. Desperate to get inside, I quickly said: “I’m in a hurry. I can pay extra. How about a hundred bucks?” He finally handed the papers back, crouched down, opened his toolbox, and muttered under his breath: “That’s weird. Wasn’t a young lady living here last time?” “What was that?” I didn’t quite catch it. Just as I was about to ask again, a shrill voice cut through the air behind me: “What are you doing?! What in the world are you doing?!” My shoulder was roughly shoved. A stylishly dressed young woman stormed over to the locksmith, pointing a finger at his nose and unleashing a torrent of abuse: “Oh, you actually dared to break in, right in broad daylight! You’re trying to rob my home!” As she spoke, she reached out, trying to grab the locksmith’s tools! The locksmith, caught off guard, pointed at me: “I’m not a thief! This has nothing to do with me! She’s the one who asked me to open the lock!” The girl’s face whipped around. Her eyes raked over me, then snagged on the watch on my wrist, a greedy glint flashing in them! She stomped towards me, muttering curses under her breath: “You psycho! Trying to break into my place in broad daylight? I’m going to teach you a lesson you won’t forget!” With that, she lunged at me! I frowned, instinctively stepping back a couple of paces. The girl missed, her eyes darted around, and the next second, she plopped herself onto the ground! “Oh, help me! In broad daylight, a big man is not only trying to break into my home but also bullying a poor, defenseless girl like me…” Her voice was like a siren, and within moments, neighbors were peeking out of their doors, drawn by the commotion. I’d never encountered such audacity in my life. I felt an urge to retreat. Seeing the crowd gather, the girl wailed even louder, reaching out and grabbing onto my pant leg: “You’re not going anywhere! You just pushed me to the ground, and now I can’t move! You have to take responsibility!” What?! I hadn’t even touched her! “Ma’am, you need to be careful with your accusations! I haven’t laid a hand on you! The locksmith can back me up!” My pleading gaze landed on the locksmith, but he just averted his eyes, not daring to look at me or say a word! A flicker of triumph crossed the girl’s face. She tightened her grip on my pant leg. “See? Anyone with a conscience wouldn’t testify for you. You better just pay up, honestly!” Her eyes were fixated on my watch, greed practically screaming from them. Her motive was crystal clear! Realizing no help was coming, I took a deep breath, calmed myself, and let out a cynical chuckle. “So, how exactly do you want me to compensate you?” The girl’s eyes lit up. She pointed directly at my wrist. “I can’t even stand up! A hospital visit will cost at least ten to twenty thousand! But I’m a really kind person, so how about you just give me that watch on your wrist as compensation, and we’ll call it even!” I nodded. “Alright. But before I do, can you answer two questions for me?” Her eyes practically gleamed at the mention of money. She nodded without a second thought. “What do you want to ask?” I gestured towards the black security door, a faint smile playing on my lips, and asked: “Is this your home?” “Duh! Of course, it’s my home!” the girl blurted out without thinking. I continued: “Oh, really? Then why is the apartment I bought suddenly your home?” Her face froze. She stammered out: “You… what do you mean? I don’t understand!” “Exactly what it sounds like. Why are you living in my apartment?” A flash of guilt darted through her eyes. She jutted out her chin, snapping back: “What do you mean, your apartment? This is clearly my boyfriend’s apartment! I live here! What proof do you have that it’s yours?!” “Of course I have proof!”

Slowly, deliberately, I pulled the apartment deed from my bag, opened it to the first page, and pointed to the owner’s line. My name was clearly written there! Behind me, the neighbors’ murmurs suddenly grew louder: “It can’t really not be her place, right?” “That girl comes and goes every day, I thought she was the owner…” “She looks so young, but the apartment isn’t hers?” … Hearing the whispers, the young woman’s face flushed with rage. She lunged at me, trying to snatch the deed! I quickly raised my hand, holding the deed high, and looked at her with a wry smile. “Couldn’t stand up, remember? Is this some kind of miracle recovery?” The girl realized she was indeed standing. She shoved me hard, snarling: “I’ve lived here for ages, so it’s my apartment! Who even are you, just showing up out of nowhere?!” I almost laughed, it was so absurd. “So, according to you, nobody needs to buy an apartment anymore? Everyone just moves into someone else’s place, and poof, it’s theirs?!” “The apartment I live in is mine!” Amidst the shouting, a young man in a security guard uniform rushed over. The girl’s eyes lit up. She immediately burst into a dramatic wail: “Ben, you’re finally here! This guy came to break into my place and said my apartment is his! Tell him off!” Ben, the security guard, immediately shielded her, his eyes bulging as he glared at me: “How did you even get in here? Do you know where you are? How dare you harass an owner here?!” I thrust the apartment deed at him, declaring loudly: “Look closely! Who’s the real owner here? I am the owner of this apartment!” Ben’s face instantly froze when he saw the deed. Noticing the other residents giving him strange looks, he lunged to snatch the deed from my hand! Having learned my lesson moments before, there was no way I was just going to hand it over. I quickly dodged back. “Hey! What are you doing? I’m holding it right here for you to see!” Ben fumed, enraged: “Who knows if your deed is real or fake?! You think you can just show up with a forged document and try to steal an apartment?! Get out of here, now!!” He moved to push me, but the girl behind him seized the opportunity, quickly pulled out a key, and unlocked the apartment door! The moment the door opened, a nauseating mix of perfume and old takeout odors hit me. Through the crack in the partially opened door, I saw unfamiliar furniture and women’s belongings everywhere. “Ah!” I feigned a startled gasp! Before I could react, the girl had already slipped inside, slamming the door shut! Just as I was about to rush over and knock, Ben, towering like a wall, blocked my path, brandishing a riot stick. “Still here? Believe me, I’ll force you out!” Perhaps feeling a pang of guilt for his earlier silence, the locksmith, still standing nearby, kindly warned me: “Don’t bother knocking. That girl, Tiffany, is Liam’s girlfriend. And this security guard, Ben, is her brother. We’re all scared to get involved with them; there’s no reasoning with her!” He said, then hurried off with his toolbox! Staring at the hulking figure of Ben, I had no choice but to swallow my anger and leave for now!

As soon as I left the complex, I rushed straight to the police station. To my astonishment, Tiffany and her brother Ben were apparently already ‘well-known’ regulars there. The officer who greeted me looked utterly helpless. “This is tricky for us. The security guard is her brother, and he insists it’s his sister’s apartment. We can’t just forcibly remove her…” His words were diplomatic, but I easily read between the lines. Essentially, the siblings were notorious for causing trouble, and the police couldn’t do much. The officer offered a sympathetic suggestion: “At most, we can mediate. For this civil dispute, you can choose to sue, and the court can issue an eviction order…” A court-ordered eviction? How long would that even take?! The thought of the disgusting mess I’d glimpsed in my apartment made my stomach churn. Tiffany was practically turning my place into her private territory! I took a deep breath, a sudden idea flashing through my mind. I turned back to the officer. “Officer, it’s not illegal for me to enter my own apartment and clean out my belongings, right?” The officer cleared his throat. “If there’s no rental agreement, then no, it’s not illegal. Just make sure no one gets hurt.” Well, isn’t that just perfect! Armed with that clear answer, a surge of clarity and determination coursed through me. I strode out of the police station. Just outside the station, I spotted Tiffany down the street, on her phone, with Ben standing beside her, holding her shopping bags. I paused, then quickly moved closer, hiding behind a storefront sign. Their conversation drifted to my ears. “Ben, that guy showed up. They’re not actually going to take the apartment back, are they?” “Don’t worry. Next time, I won’t even let him set foot in the complex!” Well, well, well. No wonder Ben’s attitude was so strange. They were clearly in cahoots, ripping people off from the inside! Their conversation continued: “He has the deed! What if he calls the police later?!” Ben thumped his chest, boasting: “No problem. Next time, I’ll find an opportunity to just snatch the deed and tear it up. Then he won’t have any proof!” A muscle in my cheek twitched. These two clueless idiots were almost making me laugh out of sheer exasperation! Did these legal illiterates really think tearing up a deed would make it disappear?! Gazing at my phone screen, which displayed “Video Recording Ended,” a chilling smirk spread across my face.

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On my 24th birthday, my father asked which of the Sterling brothers I’d choose. But I shook my head, refusing both. Last time around, I spent forty million dollars to buy Liam the land parcel he’d always wanted, intending it as my wedding proposal. Yet, he publicly ripped up the contract, trampling the papers underfoot, and spat: “I promised your father I’d marry you, but don’t expect me to love you!” Under the mocking gazes of everyone present, I turned away, humiliated, and shoved the engagement ring onto his brother Noah’s hand. The wedding went ahead as planned. But no one knew that for three years of marriage, he never once touched me. He also seized my assets and gifted them to that wretched woman I’d sponsored. Reborn, facing the same question, I told my father: “I remember the Vance heir is quite handsome. Why not him?” My father gasped, a sharp intake of breath. “Julian Vance? He was framed by his illegitimate half-brother and has been in a vegetative state for ages. You want to choose him?”

“That illegitimate half-brother is ruthless. I can’t possibly trust you with him. Julian has been paralyzed for three years; only his eyeballs can move. He’s not suitable either. Why are you suddenly so set on the Vances?” “Your mother has been seriously ill and unconscious. If she wakes up and sees I haven’t taken good care of you, how will I explain it to her?” I nodded, my tone casual. “A low-class illegitimate son? Of course, I wouldn’t choose him.” “I was talking about Julian, the one in the vegetative state.” “He’s been paralyzed for three years, and his half-brother still hasn’t successfully taken over. Do you really think he’s completely useless?” My father sighed deeply. “What I think doesn’t matter; it’s what outsiders think. The Sterling brothers… Didn’t you say you wouldn’t marry anyone but Liam before? And Noah, your relationship with him isn’t bad either. Either of them would be better than stepping into the Vance family’s mess!” But I shook my head firmly. “It has to be Julian. No one else is an option.” “Someone who’s been to hell and back like him? If I lend him a hand, his gratitude alone would solidify the Hayes family’s standing for decades to come.” My father’s eyes widened as if he didn’t recognize his own daughter. “Are you saying… Julian’s illness can be cured?” I didn’t respond, but my silence was an answer. Before my father left, I spoke softly: “Since the Sterlings are useless to us, we can stop our collaborations with them. We’ve lost enough money over the years; cutting our losses now is the best strategy.” Actually, there was more I didn’t say. It wasn’t just that I no longer loved Liam Sterling. I actually hated him. In my past life, I pursued him relentlessly for ten years. When I heard the news of the Sterling family’s downfall, my first instinct was to beg my father to intervene. Considering Liam’s pride, I asked my father to structure it as a collaborative project. Over ten years, the Sterling family profited from us by at least a billion dollars. It’s fair to say that the later Sterling Corporation was sustained by me. Everyone in our city’s elite circles knew me as Liam’s doormat. I thought my efforts would eventually move Liam. And he did promise my father he would marry me. After marriage, he was to manage the Hayes family affairs. But when I proposed, he brutally crushed my self-respect for another woman. Unwilling to back down, I turned and chose Noah. I thought I could at least save some face. Who knew Noah was even worse than his brother, if that was even possible? For three years after the wedding, he never once stepped into my room. Until my mother suddenly fell gravely ill and passed away. At her funeral, he presented me with divorce papers. I had people investigate and secretly overheard their scheme. My mother’s treatment plan had been personally altered by Noah. All to get back at Seraphina. Even though I had done nothing wrong. He used cunning tactics to force me out, penniless, stripping the Hayes family of all its assets. Then he turned around and gave everything to Seraphina to make her happy. It was then I realized that both men I had loved harbored feelings for the same woman. How could I endure such humiliation again? As I stood up to leave, I unexpectedly ran into Liam just outside the door. The moment he saw me, his eyes instantly hardened. “You’ve been talking about the wedding with Mr. Hayes again?” “I’ve already agreed. Are you that desperate? Can’t you wait a single day?”

Today was my birthday, yet he offered no blessings, only accusations the moment he saw me. Noah followed close behind him upstairs, his expression equally displeased. “I just tried to say hello to Mr. Hayes, and he completely ignored me. Have you been talking trash about my brother again?” “You, Aria, living in your ivory tower, don’t understand how hard we work. Liam never said he wouldn’t marry you, so what’s all this fuss about? You just cause trouble every single day!” Liam finally remembered it was my birthday. “Company meeting, lost track of time. Sorry for being late.” Noah scoffed. “Liam, you say you’re busy with work, and Aria will instantly offer you a blank check.” He mimicked my past self perfectly, dramatically handing an imaginary check to Liam. “Just wanting you to spend time with me! How much is your project making? I’ll double it, okay?” Then, his face turned cold. “Aria, we have our own work to do! Money isn’t everything!” Recalling my past doormat behavior, I took a deep breath. “If you’re so unhappy with me, you didn’t have to come today. There’s no need to make yourselves miserable, and I’m not so dense as to not notice.” Noah clutched his chest, his expression exaggerated. “Oh, please, Aria! If we dared not celebrate your birthday today, Mr. Hayes would cut off our funds tomorrow! What are we, chopped liver? Do we look like we have that kind of guts?” Liam, not wanting to completely burn bridges, softened his tone. “Aria, I know you like me, and I’m willing to marry you. I just hope you won’t use the Sterling family to threaten me anymore.” “Noah is my only brother. I’m begging you.” “Liam… don’t say that…” Liam’s smile was bitter. “Do you have any other choice?” “It’s fine. I’m your brother; sacrificing for the family is my duty.” Listening to his self-sacrificing words, one might think my family was some kind of monstrous threat. It was laughable how ten years of my devotion earned me this look of suffering indignation. A bitter ache filled my heart. I didn’t want to argue anymore and headed straight downstairs. As I reached the grand hall, Seraphina approached, clutching a jar of handmade paper stars, carefully offering it to me. “Aria, this is a gift I made myself. It’s not expensive, but it’s from my heart. Happy Birthday.” My gaze fell on her. The designer outfit she wore, worth thousands, had been bought with my secondary credit card. I’d supported her for two years, and for my birthday, she gives me this worthless trinket, all while secretly trying to steal my fiancé. My face instantly darkened. “No thanks. I sponsored you for two years; you can find your own job after graduating. You don’t need to stay with the Hayes family anymore. Or perhaps—” Before I could finish, Seraphina’s eyes reddened, and she clutched her clothes meekly. “Aria, have I done something wrong? I apologize. Please don’t be angry…” The Sterling brothers immediately rushed forward, shielding her behind them, glaring at me. “What do you want now? Seraphina only came to celebrate your birthday today!” Since meeting Seraphina, they’d said the same thing countless times. Two years ago, I took them to a community center to volunteer. Liam spotted Seraphina in the crowd. Having experienced his family’s bankruptcy, he saw her as a kindred spirit and immediately felt sympathy. He couldn’t afford to sponsor Seraphina, so he subtly probed me. “Aria, don’t you think that girl reminds you of me back then?” “She’s an orphan, but her determined expression is just like mine.” “She’s just not as lucky as I was to find someone to help her.” Liam was in a low mood then, and it was rare for him to talk to me so much. To cheer him up, I immediately decided to bring Seraphina home and cover all her university expenses. Soon after, she hand-folded a thousand paper cranes, saying it was to repay my kindness. I was touched and displayed them in a glass cabinet. My housekeeper, thinking the items were worthless, was about to throw them into the trash. I stopped her just in time, but Liam snatched them away. “What are you doing? Seraphina gave you these! Are you going to throw them away? How can you be so ungrateful?” “Are worthless things just trash in your eyes? Are Noah and I also the same?” Seraphina witnessed everything back then. I waited for her to explain for me. Instead, she meekly said, eyes brimming with tears: “It’s okay. Aria uses all designer brands; my small gift is indeed too cheap.” I was about to question her when she suddenly knelt, sobbing uncontrollably. “Aria, I’m already so grateful you helped me with my tuition. Please, don’t argue because of me.” The more she explained, the more Liam disliked me. “Just because your family is rich, you can act so high and mighty?” “You sponsored Seraphina, but she’s your equal, not your servant!” I immediately lost my temper. I pulled Seraphina up, wanting her to clarify things. But somehow, the jar of paper cranes in my hand suddenly dropped and shattered. I didn’t see, and stepped right on a piece of glass. The thin sole of my shoe was pierced, and blood gushed from my foot. Seraphina instantly stood up, as if suffering immense humiliation, and shouted at me, her neck stiff: “Even if you’re rich, you can’t just trample on my feelings like this! I’m a person too!” Then she ran out crying. Liam’s face was darker than I had ever seen it. “Are you satisfied now that you’ve caused such a scene?” “Aria, you truly disgust me!” Noah stood beside me, his eyes also filled with disappointment. “What else do you have besides your dirty money?” “Compared to Seraphina, you’re not even worth a single strand of her hair!”

Now, I stared at Seraphina’s all-too-familiar, wronged expression, my voice suddenly turning cold. “What did I say? Did I tell her to pay back the money and get out of the Hayes family? Or did I force her to kneel and apologize to me?” Liam snapped back without thinking: “You didn’t say anything, but isn’t that exactly what you were planning to do?” “Haven’t you bullied Seraphina enough these past two years? Don’t think I don’t know!” Before I could respond, Seraphina started crying again, pulling at Liam’s wrist. “Liam, please don’t argue because of me. I’m really okay. I’m just an outsider. I’m already so happy to be able to go to school and live in such a big house.” “Aria, I’m willing to kneel and apologize to you. As long as you’re happy, please don’t make things difficult for Liam!” In front of everyone, she knelt, her face filled with humiliation. She quickly knocked her head three times, her forehead bleeding. Liam couldn’t bear to watch and pulled her up. “Enough!” “You don’t need to bow to her. You haven’t done anything wrong. She’s the one who looks down on us!” “In her eyes, all three of us are the same—dogs kept by the Hayes family, living only to amuse her!” “Did I tell her to kneel? Are you deaf?” Just as the words left my mouth, I spotted a familiar ring on Seraphina’s hand as she wiped her forehead. I lunged forward and grabbed her wrist. “What’s this?” “Why is my ring with you?” That ring was something I had started preparing a year ago. I had spent a whole month painstakingly drawing the design myself. All to give to Liam on our wedding day. The ring was supposed to arrive last month but had been delayed. And now it was on Seraphina’s hand! Liam pulled her behind him, stating righteously: “I gave it to her.” “You have so many jewels and accessories; you won’t miss this one.” “Seraphina just graduated college and needs to present herself well for job hunting, so I gave it to her. If you have any grievances, direct them at me!” Noah maintained his usual playful demeanor, his words dripping with sarcasm. “It’s just a ring, isn’t it? Tell us, how much? I’ll pay you ten times the price.” His condescending attitude almost made me believe he earned that money himself. Using my Hayes family money to pay me back? What audacity! I took a deep breath, about to speak. The guests around us were already whispering. “I always heard the Hayes heiress was bossy. Today, I see it’s true.” “The Sterling family was saved by the Hayes family after bankruptcy. I thought they’d found a benefactor, but it turns out they’re just Aria’s dogs.” “How pathetic! If I were to marry such a woman, I’d rather jump off a building!” My nails dug sharply into my palms, and I squeezed out a sentence from my throat: “Do you think your money wasn’t given by the Hayes family?” “You’re very comfortable taking advantage, aren’t you?” Noah instantly bristled. He was about to retort when Liam held him back. “Fine, then no money. I’ll pay with myself. Is that enough?” “Is this the result you wanted?” Seraphina yanked off the ring, knelt, and offered it to me with both hands, her voice trembling with tears. “Aria, please don’t make things difficult for Liam. It’s all my fault. I don’t want the ring; I don’t want anything.” “If I had known this ring was so precious and would cost Liam his entire life to repay, I never would have accepted it. I’m giving it back to you!” Liam tried to help her up, but Seraphina stubbornly pushed his hand away. “Liam, please don’t worry about me. This is between Aria and me. I can’t drag you into this!” Feeling utterly sarcastic, I pointed to the clothes she was wearing. “Your clothes are mine too. Why don’t you return those as well?” “This bag, this dress, these earrings, and…” Before I could finish, Seraphina stood up and began forcefully tearing at her clothes. “Fine, I’ll give them to you! I don’t want any of it!” “Liam, please don’t worry about me. Your happiness is more important than mine!” The dress was torn into rags and thrown onto the floor. Seraphina ran out, almost naked.

Liam could no longer contain himself and roared: “Are you satisfied now?!” “I told you I’d marry you!” “Do you really have to push Seraphina to her death to be content?! How can you be so malicious?!” My face hardened. “You say you’ll marry me. Did I say I want to marry you?” “If you don’t marry me, who else would you marry? Everyone in this city’s elite circles knows you’ve been dreaming of marrying me!” His angry eyes burned me, leaving me speechless, bitterness slowly engulfing my chest. Liam took a deep breath, seemingly finally resigned. “Let’s just leave it at this. I’m truly exhausted.” With that, he and Noah swiftly left the hall. Watching their retreating figures, I murmured softly: “No more drama. Never again.” In this life, I will have nothing more to do with you. Liam and Noah left for three days, with no word. I had the housekeeper pack up their belongings and Seraphina’s from their rooms and mail them to the Sterling family’s old estate. My father informed me that the Vance family had been contacted. The wedding was set for four days later. The haste was because Mrs. Vance was eager to use the Hayes family’s influence to get rid of the illegitimate half-brother. Hearing the date, I paused for a moment. It coincided with the date of my original planned wedding. Perhaps it was fate. That night, I was at home trying on my wedding dress. The Sterling brothers, who hadn’t been seen in days, suddenly burst in. Liam slapped me across the face. I was stunned. “Where have you hidden Seraphina?!” “I already agreed to marry you, and you’re still making trouble for her!” Noah was even more furious. “Aria Hayes, if marrying my brother isn’t enough, I’ll marry you too! As long as you don’t mind the scandal of having two husbands! Seraphina is just a young girl; she has no family, no background. Why do you have to keep hounding her?!” But I hadn’t even seen Seraphina! I clutched my stinging cheek, coldly staring at them. “You said it yourselves; Seraphina is just an ordinary person. Is she even worth my targeting?” “She doesn’t even qualify.” “As for you two, what right do you have to break into my house and lay hands on me?” Noah immediately flared up. “You finally said what you truly think! In your heart, none of us are worthy, are we? It’s our blessing from three lifetimes to even be in your presence to polish Aria’s shoes, isn’t it?!” Liam’s face was chilling. “If not you, then who?” “Besides us, Seraphina only knows you!” “You’d better pray she’s okay, otherwise…” “Otherwise what?” Before he could finish, his phone suddenly rang. He glanced at it, and the coldness in his eyes immediately dissipated, replaced by the joy of rediscovery. “Thank goodness Seraphina is okay!” Noah immediately rushed out of the house. Liam turned to look at me, his eyes filled with complex emotions. “I said I would marry you, but you’ve repeatedly caused trouble for Seraphina. I can’t trust you.” “So?” “So after the marriage, all of the Hayes family’s companies will be taken over by me. If you want me to maintain this superficial marriage, you’d better not mess with Seraphina!” With that, he turned and left, without a backward glance. I laughed sardonically. I had pampered him so much all these years; it truly made him forget who helped the Sterling family get to where they were today. He wants to demand charity while standing tall? No way! I immediately called my father. “Has the collaboration with the Sterling family been terminated yet?” “It must be completely handled before the wedding.” The wedding day arrived in a flash. The Sterling brothers never reappeared during that time. However, Seraphina’s Ins feed was constantly updating. She was in a hospital room, a constant stream of luxury goods being delivered to her. Chanel today, Hermes tomorrow, one boastful caption after another. I watched, sneering. This was the “white lotus” they claimed didn’t care about money or power. I was rather looking forward to Seraphina’s reaction once the Sterling family collapsed. I turned off my phone, preparing to listen for the officiant’s cue to enter. Suddenly, the doors to the chapel burst open. Liam appeared, gasping for breath. “Aria! I’m here! Don’t terminate the partnership!”

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My mom, Eleanor, showed up still in her cleaner’s uniform after a front-line rotation. My boyfriend, Derek, took one look and lost it. “Anya, You told me your mom was a high-powered executive. So what’s with the janitor getup?” I was about to explain, but Mom grabbed my hand. “There is dignity in all honest work, Derek.” Derek rolled his eyes and dumped me. The next day, he gave my promotion to the new intern, Chloe. When I cornered him in his office, he sneered. “Fairness? I dated you because I thought your family had connections. Now I find out your mom mops floors? You think you still belong here?” “I’ll report you for this.”I warned. He tossed the intern’s resume onto my desk. “Report me? Her father is the Chairman. I suggest you quit.” I froze. My mom founded this company. A new Chairman. A sister I never knew. How? Seeing me frozen, Derek mistook it for fear. His tone softened to a mockery of sympathy. “Anya, you need to accept your station. Some are born with silver spoons. Others, like you, in the mud. If you want to blame someone, blame the family you were born into.” He leaned forward. “I’m willing to let your…outburst slide. But you owe me a lesson.” A hotel key card slid across the desk between us. “I have a dinner with Mr. Harrison tonight. You will attend. And you will personally ensure he gets back to his room.” My blood ran cold. Everyone knew Mr. Harrison’s reputation as a lecherous creep who treated business dinners as a prelude. Taking him to his hotel wasn’t a courtesy. It was a delivery. Derek was making me part of the deal. I scoffed, snatching the key card. His smile started to form, then I slapped him across the face with it. Smack! Surprise flashed in his eyes, then burned into pure rage. “Anya, you dare refuse my generosity?” I crossed my arms, my voice glacial. “Who’s truly shameless here?” “Derek, asking me to ‘escort’ Harrison? We both know what that means. Don’t make me say the ugly part out loud.” He was about to speak when the office door swung open. Chloe, dressed in a frilly Lolita outfit, skipped in, one hand clutching a bag of greasy fries, the other a bubble tea. As her team lead, I’d told her repeatedly that costumes weren’t work attire. Derek had always overruled me. Now I understood. He wasn’t just humoring her. He was currying favor with who he thought was the CEO’s darling daughter. “Derek, I got us the most amazing-” Chloe’s cooing cut off as she spotted me. Her eyes narrowed into slits. “Anya, you bitch, what are you doing in Derek’s office?” “Tell me, are you secretly trying to seduce my boyfriend behind my back?”

Her voice was piercing, and busy colleagues craned their necks to look, whispering amongst themselves. This was the twentieth time today I’d been gawked at like a monkey in a zoo. Ever since she and Derek suddenly declared themselves a couple this morning, Chloe had been like a radar, constantly tracking me. When I felt cold and changed into a red jacket, she shrieked in anger: “Anya, have you no shame? You know Derek loves red, so you wear red? You’re trying to get his attention, aren’t you? How pathetic can you be?!” I just called her “nuts” and kept working. When I got up to use the restroom, she suddenly blocked my way. “I won’t let you go! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. You only went because Derek just went to the restroom!” “I’m telling you, he said he’ll never get back with you, he loves me! Going there won’t change a thing!” I really had to go, so I pushed her aside, but she still followed me, chattering incessantly. “My man already warned you off, and you still went to the restroom to hook up with him? Do you know what home-wreckers like you would face in the old days? Public shaming, humiliation!” I locked the door and took a quick pee, but her mouth still didn’t stop. “Just give up, Anya. A man as amazing as Derek will only ever be mine. Your mom’s a cleaner, you’re trash, you…” I couldn’t stand her craziness anymore and decided to text my mom, asking when my junior-level internship would end so I could be transferred. She appeared out of nowhere, snatched my phone, and read my message aloud. Seeing that I’d saved my mom’s contact as “CEO,” she clutched her stomach and burst into mocking laughter. “Your cleaning lady mom, and you saved her as ‘CEO’ in your phone? That’s hilarious!” “Anya, remember this: you and your mom are trash. You belong in a dumpster, wasting space, wasting air. You should just die, die soon…” I slapped her across the face. My team members also spoke up for me. “Chloe, your mouth is spewing pure sewage! Did you forget to eat, or is your breath always this foul?” “Yeah, it’s like a garlic bomb went off, so gross…” Seeing everyone on my side, she reluctantly returned my phone. After two hours of blessed quiet, her “affliction” apparently returned. I didn’t want to stoop to her level; she seemed like someone with serious mental issues. But her incessant badgering was too much. I held up three fingers and swore to the heavens. “Chloe, relax, nobody’s trying to steal that loser from you. No, let me be clearer: I wouldn’t take him even if he came with a bow on top.” “But if you slander me again, I’m calling the police.” I thought she’d back off, but instead, she snarled and threw her bubble tea at me. The sticky, sweet drink splattered all over me. The culprit, however, screamed like the victim. “Anya, you bitch, who are you trying to fool?” “You say you don’t want to hook up with Derek, then tell me, where did that hotel key card on the table come from?”

At her words, colleagues outside the office widened their eyes. A chorus of whispers erupted. “No way! iIs Anya really that desperate? Trying to keep him with her body?” “Playing the victim after causing the scene. No wonder Chloe snapped.” “I heard he dumped her because her mom’s a cleaner. Chloe’s the CEO’s daughter! Anya’s just swinging from the corporate ladder to the… other kind.” A few voices rose in my defense, but they were swallowed by the tide of speculation. If I didn’t clear this up today, my reputation would be ruined. But before I defended myself, I had to get revenge for that bubble tea! I grabbed a cup from the table and splashed it over Chloe. She looked like a drowned rat, her makeup smeared and running, like some kind of ghost. Derek, who had been watching the whole spectacle, played the knight in shining armor, grabbing her and glaring at me to defend her. “Anya, that’s enough! You’re harassing a colleague, disrupting the office, and insubordinate.” “Apologize to Chloe, or clear your desk!” Seeing him abuse his petty power like this, I was filled with regret. Two months ago, the Director of Sales position had opened up. It was a bloodbath. Derek hadn’t even made the GM’s shortlist. I was the one who vouched for him. It took a week of pleading with my mother just to get Derek in the door. The condition was simple: his team’s performance had to double within three months of his promotion, or he was out. I agreed without hesitation. With my client portfolio and connections, hitting his target would be easy. Just yesterday, I’d closed a fifty-million-dollar deal with a personal contact. I was about to hand him that victory and then he saw my mother in her cleaner’s uniform. His whole demeanor shifted. He dumped me on the spot. The next day, he stole my promotion and handed it to Chloe, the intern I couldn’t stand. So much for the deal. Let him pack his bags and get out. He’s earned his failure. A faint, humorless laugh escaped me. I met his gaze. “Is that your final decision?” Derek’s ego couldn’t tolerate being questioned. His temper ignited. “You heard me. Apologize or get out.” Since the day I joined, I’d been desperate to prove I was more than just the founder’s daughter. Dating him only doubled the pressure. I’d poured everything into propping him up. The truth was, I was exhausted. And suddenly, profoundly done. “Fine. Tell HR to prepare my paperwork.” Ignoring him, I walked out of the office. Back at my desk, my friend Grace gave me a thumbs-up. “Whoa, girl, you’re fearless! That was so satisfying to watch.” But soon, her face clouded with worry. “It was satisfying, but with the economy being so tough, jobs are hard to find. Aren’t you being too impulsive? Will you regret this later?” I smiled meaningfully. “Don’t worry, I’m not the one who’ll be regretting anything.” After changing into clean clothes in the restroom, I bumped into Chloe. She smirked with schadenfreude. “Serves you right for being so prideful and ticking off Derek. HR is already in the office, you know. Even if you regret it now, you can’t stay.” I couldn’t be bothered to engage her, but she followed me. “Hey, actually, staying might not be impossible. If you begged me on your knees, maybe I’d be nice enough to ask my CEO dad to let you stay. How does that sound?” I had no respect for this clown, but her repeatedly impersonating me crossed a line. Now she’d see what I was truly capable of. I stepped closer, staring her down. “Chloe, are you really the CEO’s daughter?”

Her pupils dilated, a flicker of panic in her eyes before she quickly regained her composure. “Of course! If I’m not the CEO’s daughter, then are you?” She jingled a set of car keys. “See this? It’s a Porsche 911 key. My dad just gave it to me for my birthday!” I initially thought it was a fake, but then I saw the “XY” engraving on the key and my eyes widened. Wasn’t this the 25th birthday gift Mom gave me last month? She said it was custom-made, one of a kind in the world. I’d sent it to the dealership for repairs a few days ago. How did it end up in her hands? I grabbed her arm, my gaze icy, ready to kill. “Tell me, who gave you this key?!” “If you don’t tell me the truth, I’m calling the police right now!” Chloe, stung by my piercing stare, grew even more flustered and couldn’t meet my eyes. Just then, a crowd of people came into the restroom. She pushed me, snatched the car keys back, and ran off. Watching her retreating back, I immediately called Mr. Davies, our butler. The phone connected, and several jarring music notes blared. I instinctively frowned and moved the phone away from my ear. When I put it back, the music had been replaced by Mr. Davies’s hurried breathing. “Miss Anya, I’m just helping the gardener tidy up the grounds. What can I do for you?” Something felt off, but I couldn’t quite place it. “Is the car I sent for repairs ready? I need to use it.” He paused, stammering, “It’s… it’s fixed. When would you like to use it? I’ll bring it over.” I told him a time and hung up. But it still felt wrong. My mom likes quiet; there would be no music at the villa. And Mr. Davies was always so composed; this was the first time he’d ever stammered. After thinking it over, I texted a friend at the dealership to ask about my car. He sounded surprised: “Your car was repaired three days ago! Your butler picked it up.” “Though, he did have a young girl with him at the time.” I clicked on the surveillance footage he sent me. Seeing the familiar Lolita outfit, I confirmed it was Chloe. So, what exactly was the relationship between Mr. Davies and Chloe? I instructed Assistant Miller, my mom’s special assistant, to investigate, then absentmindedly returned to my desk. Just as I sat down, a document was slammed onto my table. I looked up, meeting Ms. Jenkins’s disdainful gaze. “Sign it quickly, and get out.” I opened the contract and laughed in disbelief at the clauses. “I confirm that during my employment, I disclosed company core secrets and engaged in irregular project operations, and voluntarily waive all unpaid wages, year-end bonuses, and non-compete compensation.” “I agree that I will not join any competitor in the same industry within three years of my departure. If I violate this, I will pay the company 5 million dollars in liquidated damages.” “I voluntarily assume all economic losses caused to the company by my irregular conduct, totaling 800,000 dollars, to be settled in full on the day of my departure.” … Even an idiot could tell Derek had HR deliberately screw me over. Did he think I had no connections and would just swallow this bitter pill? Why should I? These sycophantic, spineless leeches really needed to be dealt with. I opened the contract, taking photos of each page and sending them to my mom. “Mom, your daughter is about to be fired. Look at these ridiculous, one-sided clauses from HR. Don’t you think the company needs a serious overhaul?” No sooner had I sent the message than my desk was violently slammed. Derek glared at me impatiently. “Anya, stop stalling. It’s useless. Just sign the contract and get out!” I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair, calm and composed. “Are you sure you want me to sign? I’m afraid you’ll regret it later, you know?” Derek scoffed, his tone even more contemptuous. “Regret?” “If I ever regret this, I swear to God, I’ll go on live and eat shit!” I was intrigued. I pulled out my phone, started recording, and prompted him to say it again. He took my actions as a challenge, shrugging indifferently and repeating himself. Finally, he didn’t forget to humiliate me. “I’ll just wait and see if you come begging me first, or if I’ll regret it first!” It would definitely be him regretting it first. A message from my mom lit up my phone just then. She was taking me out tomorrow for a formal introduction and a “branch office reorganization.” In other words, Derek was going to be eating his words on live television tomorrow. And I meant that almost literally. With that pleasant thought, I signed the termination papers with a flourish. The moment the contract was in his hands, Derek’s bravado returned. He beckoned over a few colleagues who’d never liked me. “Watch her like a hawk while she packs. If she so much as touches a company pen, call security.” They nodded, forming a loose circle around me like vultures. I didn’t have much to take, just a few family photos. As I reached for the last one, a hand shot out and snatched it from my grasp. It was Mr. Peterson, the GM. He was staring at the photo, his face pale. “How do you have photos with the Chairwoman? Who are you to her?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “312723”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic