Category: English

I was discreetly escorting a criminal suspect onto a plane. Mid-flight, a flight attendant approached the suspect and started chatting him up. I subtly warned her of the danger and requested a secluded corner away from other passengers for us. To my surprise, the flight attendant scoffed at me. “Hey, is this your private plane? You think you can sit wherever you want? I’m just talking to a handsome guy, what are you so jealous about?” Seeing her unreasonable behavior, I called the chief flight attendant to intervene. But the flight attendant started crying, claiming I was bullying her, which drew sympathy from other passengers. I was utterly speechless. What she didn’t know was that this suspect wasn’t an ordinary criminal; he was extremely dangerous. During our argument, the suspect suddenly erupted, grabbed the flight attendant, and demanded the plane turn back. I’m a female detective, and I’d spent three months undercover, pouring all my energy into finally capturing a nationally notorious criminal named Florian. Per my superior’s orders, I was secretly escorting him back to state headquarters. Before boarding, my director repeatedly emphasized the need for complete discretion, under no circumstances revealing Florian’s identity to avoid panic among passengers. I tucked away my badge and handcuffs, then sat down next to Florian. While warning him to behave and not pull any stunts, my gaze swept alertly over everyone in the airport, not daring to relax for a second. As soon as the plane entered the stratosphere, a young intern flight attendant in uniform, her face still bearing a trace of childishness, pushed a meal cart down the aisle. When she saw Florian, her eyes locked onto him, unable to move away. The intern flight attendant deliberately slowed her pace, bypassed me, and leaned over to Florian. Her voice was syrupy sweet: “Handsome, what would you like to drink? Water, coffee, or juice?” Florian looked up at her, a cold smirk playing on his lips, and my heart instinctively tightened. I immediately answered for him: “Thank you, he doesn’t want anything. We’re trying to rest, please try not to disturb us.” But the intern flight attendant completely ignored my presence, glancing at me dismissively. She leaned back towards Florian, her tone even more coquettish: “Handsome, are you feeling unwell? Do you need me to get you some medicine?” I suppressed my surging anger, my voice a few shades colder, deliberately emphasizing the “no.” “I said, we need to rest. Can’t you understand not to disturb us anymore?” I looked around the half-empty cabin and added, “Also, please arrange for us to sit in a corner, preferably away from other passengers. I’m sensitive to noise.” To my surprise, the flight attendant instantly flared up as if I’d stepped on her tail. She slammed the water cup in her hand onto the tray table, splashing water on me without a hint of apology. “Ma’am, I’m talking to this gentleman. What business is it of yours? Did I ask you?” “Did your family build this plane? You think you can sit wherever you want? Why don’t you sit on top of the plane then?” My brows knitted together, and I patiently said, “I’m with him. Is it okay if I answer for him? He’s not eating or drinking anything, please don’t ask again.” I tried to subtly hint with my eyes, gesturing towards the silver handcuffs hidden under our jackets, but she didn’t get my meaning. Instead, she raised her voice, even more arrogant: “Stop pretending! Are you that desperate for a man in real life, getting so worked up just because I said a few words to a handsome guy!” Her voice was so loud it drew the attention of many nearby passengers. “Plane seats are fixed. Do you think you’re the queen, just changing seats as you please?” My eyes widened; I couldn’t believe these words were coming from a professional flight attendant. After speaking, she turned to Florian, her voice tinged with grievance: “Sir, look at her. I just wanted to show some concern, and she’s being so hostile towards me.” “If she tries to complain about me after the flight, you absolutely have to put in a good word for me, okay?” Florian looked at me playfully, then slowly said, “Gorgeous, don’t worry. You’re so pretty, how could I let you be reported?” The intern flight attendant lowered her head with a shy smile, immediately pulling out a notepad from her pocket to write down her name and contact information. “Here, this is my Twitter. My name is Claire. Remember to add me!” I took a deep breath, gritted my teeth, and said firmly, “I said! Change our seats!”

Claire, however, stuck out her neck, a look of smug confidence on her face: “I’m not changing your seats! You can die in this seat today if you want!” I was trembling with rage, my full fury no longer contained: “Go get your chief flight attendant! I want to ask her, is this Delta Airlines’ standard of professional conduct?” Claire scoffed: “See? Women really are jealous, always running to their boss at the slightest thing.” “Go ahead and call her! Do you think I’m scared of you?” Whispers erupted around us, and a surge of irrational anger rushed to my head. I’d been a detective for eight years, personally apprehending countless heinous criminals. But I had never encountered someone so ignorant and foolish. She had no idea that the “handsome guy” she was so desperately trying to charm was a criminal with blood on his hands. The chief flight attendant quickly arrived, speaking humbly: “Ma’am, how may I assist you?” Just as I was about to explain the situation, Claire stepped forward and cried out, “Aunt Levitt!” Then she immediately covered her face and burst into tears, drawing the full attention of the entire cabin. “Aunt Levitt, this woman is bullying me! I was just doing my job, and she randomly yelled at me, forced me to change her seat, and threatened to report me!” She deliberately shouted “bullying” and “report” extra loud, appearing fragile and delicate. Uninformed passengers in the front rows were instantly stirred, standing up and looking our way. Some even pulled out their phones to record, their voices filled with sympathy for Claire. A middle-aged man frowned, pointing at me and loudly declared, “I say, you’re going too far, lady! What’s wrong with a young girl working as an intern? Do you really need to threaten to report her?” A middle-aged woman next to him nodded in agreement, her voice tinged with disdain: “Exactly! You look so put-together, yet you’re so vicious! You’ll have children someday, can’t you be more understanding?” “Some people just can’t stand to see others young and pretty. It’s pure jealousy, plain and simple.” “Don’t worry, little girl, if she reports you, we’ll all write letters to the airline to vouch for you.” Another professional-looking woman impatiently took off her eye mask, glancing at me: “Can you be quiet? Are you so miserable in your daily life that you have to complain about every little thing?” I was trembling with anger from the baseless accusations: “Are you all blind? Or is there something wrong with your brains?” “This is completely twisting the facts! She completely ignored my repeated warnings and kept bothering him! I merely asked her to change our seats, and she turned it around on me, claiming I was bullying her!” Seeing people taking her side, Claire cried even harder, choking out: “Thank you, everyone. The public sees clearly… I’m not twisting the facts, I’m just doing my duty! She’s targeting me!” Saying this, she feigned a bow to me: “Ma’am, let’s just say it’s all my fault, okay? I apologize to you, please don’t report me! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” Again, sounds of “tsk tsk tsk” rippled through the cabin. “Flight attendants are people too! Look at what she’s reduced her to!” “When will some people understand that everyone is equal? Does she really think she’s above others?” Ms. Levitt’s face instantly darkened. She pulled Claire behind her, her gaze at me turning chillingly cold. Her earlier humility was completely gone.

“Ma’am, please speak with respect. Our flight attendants are not born inferior.” “Professionally, she is my subordinate. Caring for passengers is her job, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” “Personally, I’m her aunt. I’ve watched her grow up since childhood. I know her character better than a stranger like you.” She paused, then raised her voice: “It’s 2026! We’re all women, why are you so male-gaze-centric and anti-woman? Please spend more time online and less time being difficult with your own kind!” “Me? Male-gaze-centric and anti-woman? Me, being difficult with a woman?” It’s true that when you’re speechless, you sometimes just laugh. I said, word for word: “You have the nerve to say that? You’re blindly taking your niece’s side without bothering to understand the truth. Isn’t that also being difficult with your own kind?” “She’s an intern, I won’t argue with her, but you’re a chief flight attendant, in charge of the entire cabin! Didn’t you receive notification about a VIP passenger? Do you know how much responsibility you’ll bear if you disrupt my work?” The discussions grew louder. “Hmph, VIP passenger! Who does she think she is? If she’s so important, why isn’t she in first class? The airline would naturally prioritize her there.” “She really thinks she’s the queen, huh?” “Laughable! Sounds like it’s her first time flying. Just stop talking, I’m embarrassed for you.” Claire, hiding behind Ms. Levitt, secretly flashed a triumphant smile and even gave me a provocative look. Ms. Levitt was stunned by my words, her face immediately turning even paler: “Don’t you dare try to pressure me with this ‘VIP passenger’ talk! I’m telling you, I have all the information about everyone on this plane, including yours!” “If you don’t want me to cause trouble for your workplace, you’d better quiet down. If you continue to be unreasonable, I’ll call the air marshals to handle it!” Just as we were at a stalemate, and my fingertips touched my badge. Another flight attendant rushed from the rear cabin, leaning in to Ms. Levitt’s ear. She spoke quickly in a low voice: “Chief, I just checked the crew notice. There is indeed a very important passenger on this flight who needs our special attention and full cooperation. We absolutely cannot neglect them!” Ms. Levitt and Claire’s faces changed. Their earlier arrogance vanished. Ms. Levitt picked up her tablet, her fingers swiftly scrolling the screen.

Claire also leaned in, her eyes fixed on the notice on the screen. Her triumphant expression completely disappeared, but the next second, a smirk of schadenfreude appeared on her lips. A moment later, Ms. Levitt closed the tablet, calmly looking up at me. She said coldly, “You’re right, there is a very important passenger on this flight, but that person isn’t you!” She paused, then continued, “It’s Professor Richards, our nation’s top heart specialist. He’s on his way to Washington for an urgent conference. We were specifically told by upper management to ensure his travel is safe and comfortable, without any disturbances!” As soon as she finished speaking, a burst of laughter erupted in the cabin. “She scared me! I thought she was some powerful figure, but it turns out she was just blustering.” “Didn’t you hear the chief flight attendant? Professor Richards needs rest. You’ve been making a ruckus for so long, what if you’ve disturbed Professor Richards?” Claire instantly regained her confidence, rolling her eyes dramatically at me, then looking at Florian with concern. “Sir, I think the lady next to you might have some mental issues. For your safety, I’ll arrange for you to go to first class. That way, no one will disturb our conversation.” She started to lead him away. I completely panicked. All my forbearance shattered in that moment. I could tolerate misunderstanding and humiliation, but Florian was a criminal. I absolutely would not allow him to leave my sight. I pulled out my badge and shouted loudly, “I’m a detective, and I’m on duty!” Before I could react, she snatched the badge from my hand. Without even a glance, she ripped it to shreds. “I can buy a whole box of these online! I’d sooner believe I’m the President than believe you’re a detective!” She immediately put on a “righteous” facade: “Don’t you know that handcuffing him like this is restricting his personal freedom, it’s unlawful detention! I have to save him today!” Saying this, she grabbed the silver handcuffs connecting Florian and me, pulling with both hands, desperately tugging them apart. She kept repeating, “Let him go! Quick, let him go! You psycho!” I struggled to block her, my fingertips digging into the handcuffs: “Don’t touch the handcuffs! You’ll get everyone killed! He’s a criminal, he can’t be let go!” Just as we were struggling, Click! The silver handcuffs snapped. I stumbled backward from the sudden release. Looking up, Florian’s wrist was free. Only half of the cold handcuff remained, still tightly locked to my wrist.

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After maternity leave, I was heading back to work, scrambling to find a reliable nanny. Then, my mother-in-law, Brenda, suddenly walked in with her luggage. “Audrey, I’m here to help you with the baby. No outsider can be as careful as I am.” My eyes teared up with gratitude. I was about to prepare her something to eat when she stopped me. A printed price list for childcare services was taped to the fridge. “I’m not asking for much, just market rate for a nanny: fifteen hundred dollars a month.” “Also, I’m giving up my card games, so you owe me a one-time compensation of three thousand dollars for my mental distress.” Seeing my stunned expression, she rolled her eyes. “Too expensive? This is already a discounted price, just because it’s for my grandson!” “If you don’t want to pay up, then quit your job and stay home as a full-time mom. Let’s see who supports you then.” I looked at her shameless face, stifled my anger, and smiled. “Alright, then. Since it’s an employer-employee relationship, we need to sign a proper contract.”

Husband Kevin quickly stepped between us, reaching to pull the price list off the fridge. “What are you doing? Why are we talking about money when we’re family?” Brenda slapped Kevin’s hand away, protecting the paper. “Even close family members need to be clear about money! I practically wiped your butt when you were a baby, and now I have to take care of your wife and child. What’s wrong with me asking for some hard-earned money?” Kevin turned to me. “Audrey, Brenda was just kidding around. Don’t take her too seriously; just go along with what she says.” I avoided Kevin’s hand and turned towards the study. “I’m not taking her too seriously. I think what Brenda said makes a lot of sense.” I opened my laptop, pulled up an “Advanced Nanny Employment Contract,” and started modifying the clauses. Ten minutes later, I spread the contract flat on the table and pushed it towards Brenda. “Brenda, these are the service standards for a $1,500 monthly salary. Please take a look.” Brenda picked up the contract, mumbling. “Don’t give me any of that nonsense. I can read just as well as you can.” I pulled out a chair and sat down. “First clause: working hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM. During this time, you must ensure the baby’s feeding, sleep, and basic early education.” “Second clause: as per nanny standards, you need to record the baby’s milk intake, bowel movements, and temperature changes daily.” Brenda slammed the contract onto the table. “Are you trying to catch me doing something wrong? I’ve raised more kids than you’ve ever seen!” I maintained my smile. “Brenda, you’re asking for a nanny’s price, so naturally, you’ll be held to a nanny’s standards.” “Third clause: if the baby falls ill or gets injured due to improper care, the medical expenses will be borne by Party B — that’s you — and twenty percent of your monthly performance bonus will be deducted.” Kevin panicked, grabbing the contract. “Audrey, are you out of your mind? This is Brenda! You want her to pay for damages?” I turned to Kevin. “Kevin, Brenda was the one who voluntarily proposed an employment relationship. As her employer, setting up performance indicators is perfectly reasonable.” I looked back at Brenda, pushing the inkpad closer. “Brenda, as soon as you sign, I’ll transfer the three thousand dollars for mental distress straight to your account.” Brenda’s eyes lit up at the mention of three thousand dollars. She pushed Kevin aside and snatched the pen from the table. “Sign, then! My own grandson, how could I mess him up? Transfer the money to me now!” She signed her name on both copies of the contract and then pressed her thumbprint. I picked up one copy of the contract, checked it carefully, then pulled out my phone. “PayPal notification: three thousand dollars deposited.” Brenda’s face crinkled with a wide smile. She casually stuffed the contracts under the table and turned to coo at the baby in the crib. “Oh, my precious grandson, I’m going to buy you some goodies right now.” I stood up and locked my copy of the contract in the safe in my study. Kevin followed me into the study, closing the door behind him. “Do you really have to make our home feel like a company? Couldn’t you just give Brenda some pocket money if she wanted cash?” I looked at Kevin’s face and replied calmly. “Kevin, pocket money is a favor; a salary is an obligation.” “Since she’s taking a salary, she has to follow the rules.”

The next morning, before I left for work, I pointed to the white, dome-shaped device in the living room corner and instructed Brenda. “Brenda, this is the baby monitor I installed last night. I can check on the baby anytime, so please don’t touch it.” Brenda rolled her eyes. “What do you need a monitor for? Are you afraid I’ll abuse your son? That’s completely pointless!” I ignored her comment. “Brenda, don’t forget to fill out the baby’s daily record sheet. I’ll check it when I get home from work.” With that, I opened the door and left, heading straight to the office. At 10 AM, I was in a meeting, and during a break, I opened the monitoring app on my phone. On the screen, the baby in the crib was crying loudly, kicking his arms and legs. Brenda wasn’t nearby. The scene shifted, and three unfamiliar middle-aged women were sitting on the living room sofa. Brenda threw down a pair of cards, then shouted towards the crib. “What are you howling about, you little terror!” I immediately dialed the home phone. It rang over ten times before Brenda’s impatient voice answered. “Who is it? Are you trying to rush me to my grave?!” “Brenda, it’s me.” “Clause four of the contract states that bringing outsiders into the house is strictly prohibited during working hours, and engaging in recreational activities is also not allowed.” “You violated the rules today. According to the penalty details in the contract addendum, five hundred dollars will be deducted from your salary this month.” There was a second of silence on the other end, followed by Brenda’s furious curses. “Audrey, you little hussy! How dare you deduct my money?” “What’s wrong with having a few friends over? You really treat me like your servant!” I held the phone away from my ear, waiting for her to finish cursing before bringing it back. “Brenda, you signed that contract yourself.” “I’ve saved the security footage. If you continue playing cards, your afternoon pay will also be deducted.” With that, I hung up. When I got home from work that evening, as soon as I pushed open the door, a throw pillow flew at me. I dodged it. Brenda was sitting on the floor, slapping her thighs, sobbing uncontrollably. “I can’t live like this! I work so hard taking care of your child, and this vicious woman monitors me and deducts my pay!” Kevin crouched beside her, anxiously handing her tissues. Seeing me enter, Kevin stood up and pointed a finger at me. “Audrey, you’re going too far! How can you treat an elder like this?” I changed into my slippers, walked to the table, and picked up the blank baby’s daily record sheet. “How many ounces of milk did the baby have today? How many bowel movements? What was his temperature?” I looked at Kevin and slapped the record sheet against his chest. “She’s taking a $1,500 salary from me, and she hasn’t even done her most basic job. I’m deducting $500 for breach of contract. How is that going too far?” Brenda scrambled up from the floor, rushed to me, and pointed her finger at my face, cursing loudly. “You heartless wretch! Kevin makes so much money every month, how dare you withhold my hard-earned pay!” She became more agitated as she cursed, flailing her arms in the air. Suddenly, her palm landed heavily on my left cheek. The living room fell silent. I felt a burning sting on my cheek. Kevin was terrified and quickly pulled Brenda back. “What are you doing? Why did you hit her?!” Brenda’s eyes darted around, then she stuck out her neck defiantly. “I… I didn’t mean to! Why was she standing so close to me?!” I calmly looked at Brenda, pulled out my phone from my pocket, and turned on the recording function. “Brenda, that slap you just gave me, it was an accident, right?” Brenda, seeing that I wasn’t angry, became bolder. “Yes! It was an accident! What’s wrong with an elder teaching a younger person a lesson, hitting you once?” I nodded and pressed the save button. “Alright, I’ve noted that.” I turned and walked into the nursery, picking up the baby, whose cries had become hoarse. Kevin followed me, his voice pleading. “Audrey, Brenda didn’t mean to. Please don’t hold the contract over her head. Just give her the five hundred dollars back, I’m begging you.” I prepared formula for the baby, answering without looking up. “Kevin, rules are rules.” “Once you break one, that contract becomes a piece of trash.”

For the next two weeks, Brenda seemed to have learned her lesson. She no longer brought people home to play cards, and she’d put a few checkmarks on the record sheet daily. However, whenever I returned home from work, she would speak to me in a sarcastic, passive-aggressive tone. “Oh, look, the big boss is back. We servants must attend to her properly.” I pretended not to hear. As long as she fed and changed the baby on time, I wouldn’t interfere. Until the night before payday. Brenda suddenly put down her fork at the dinner table and cleared her throat. “Tomorrow’s payday. You might as well just give me next month’s fifteen hundred dollars in advance.” Kevin asked. “Do you need money urgently? I can transfer some to you.” Brenda glared at Kevin. “You shut up! This is between me and my employer.” She turned to me, holding out her hand. “I’ve seen a therapy device I like, and it costs over a thousand dollars. If you settle next month’s salary now, I can pay the remaining balance.” “An advance is fine, but it has to follow proper procedure.” I transferred fifteen hundred dollars to her account right in front of her. In the transfer notes, I typed “Advance payment for next month’s nanny salary.” “The money’s transferred. Check your account.” Brenda heard her phone notification and smiled contentedly. “At least you’re sensible.” That weekend, I was strolling with the baby in his stroller around the neighborhood. Mrs. Davis, who lived downstairs, came up to me and mysteriously pulled my arm. “Audrey, there’s something I don’t know if I should say.” I stopped. “Mrs. Davis, please tell me.” Mrs. Davis looked around, lowering her voice. “A couple of days ago, I went to the flea market to sell some cardboard, and I saw your mother-in-law there, selling empty baby formula cans.” “Selling junk isn’t a big deal, but yesterday, I went to the supermarket and saw her buying several bags of cheap, low-quality formula that cost only a few dollars.” Mrs. Davis pointed to the can of imported hypoallergenic formula in my baby’s stroller. “Your baby drinks the expensive five hundred dollar kind. Why would your mother-in-law buy that cheap stuff?” The smile on my face slowly disappeared. “Thank you for the heads-up, Mrs. Davis. I understand.” Back home, Brenda was sitting on the sofa watching TV. I walked to the baby supplies cabinet and picked up the opened can of imported formula. The seal on the can showed signs of having been pried open and re-sealed. I scooped a bit of the formula onto my tongue and tasted it. The taste was off. It was gritty, not the fine texture of the original. I took the formula can and walked to Brenda. “What’s going on with this formula?” Brenda’s eyes darted nervously, then she raised her voice. “What do you mean, what’s going on? It’s just the formula you bought!” I slammed the formula can heavily onto the table. “I bought deep-hydrolyzed formula. This can clearly contains regular whole milk formula.” Brenda stood up, hands on her hips. “You’re full of it! Which eye saw me switch the formula? You bought a fake product yourself, and now you’re blaming me? You heartless woman!” Kevin rushed out of the study, hearing the argument. “What now? Can’t we have one quiet day?” Brenda threw herself onto Kevin, weeping melodramatically. “Kevin, look at the wonderful wife you married! She’s accusing me of stealing my grandson’s food!” “What’s the point of me living? I might as well just bash my head against the wall!” As she spoke, she lunged towards the wall. Kevin hugged her tightly. “Audrey! Can you stop being so suspicious all the time? How could Brenda possibly harm her own grandson?” I looked at the mother and son, feeling no anger. I simply pulled out my phone and, in front of them, opened a shopping app. “Every can of formula I buy has a traceability code. Whether it’s fake or not, we’ll know with a quick scan.” “As for how the formula in this can became… spoiled…” I looked up, meeting Brenda’s evasive eyes directly. “You’d better pray the baby doesn’t have any problems from drinking this cheap formula.” “Otherwise, according to the contract, you’ll not only have to compensate for medical expenses but also bear legal responsibility.” Brenda’s crying stopped abruptly. She glared at me, gritting her teeth. “Don’t you dare threaten me with contracts! I’m his grandmother! The court can’t arrest me, can it?!” I ignored her, turned, and poured the fake formula into the trash can. Kevin sighed. “Audrey, do you have to turn our home into a battlefield?” I looked at Kevin. “Kevin, this isn’t a small matter. It could have serious consequences.” “I’m simply upholding my legitimate rights as a mother and an employer.”

Two weeks later, my worst fear came true. That afternoon, I was in a company meeting when Kevin called. “Audrey, hurry to the City Hospital ER! The baby’s vomiting and has diarrhea, and he’s covered in a rash!” When I rushed into the emergency room, the baby was lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV, his little face pale, his cries weak. Brenda was sitting on a bench in the hallway. Seeing me run over, she showed no remorse, just rolled her eyes. “What’s the rush? It’s normal for kids to have a little diarrhea and a rash. You’re just being overly sensitive.” I ignored her and went straight into the consulting room to find the doctor. The doctor handed me the lab results. “The child has an intestinal infection complicated by an allergic reaction.” “How are you feeding him? Did he eat something contaminated, or drink an incompatible formula?” I clutched the lab results tightly. “Doctor, the baby has always had deep-hydrolyzed formula. Recently… it might have been switched to regular formula.” The doctor gave me a stern look. “That’s reckless! How can a child with allergies be switched formulas so casually? If you had brought him in half a day later, he would have been severely dehydrated and in shock!” I walked out of the consulting room and approached Brenda. “The doctor said it was an allergic reaction and intestinal infection caused by eating the wrong formula.” Brenda stood up and pointed a finger at my face. “Don’t you dare try to pin this on me! It’s clearly your own bad genes, having a child who can’t eat this or that!” “When I raised Kevin, what kind of rice water and vegetable purees didn’t I feed him? Why is *he* so problematic?” Kevin ran back from the payment counter, sweating profusely. “Audrey, the medical bill’s paid. Over two hundred dollars.” Brenda immediately jumped up when she heard “over two hundred dollars.” “Over two hundred dollars? Is the hospital ripping us off?!” She grabbed Kevin’s arm. “Kevin, we can’t pay this! It’s Audrey’s fault for buying bad formula, she should pay for it herself!” “And, I’ve been taking care of the child here in the hospital, scared out of my wits. She has to give me an additional five hundred dollars for emotional compensation!” I looked at Brenda’s greedy face, then at Kevin, who remained silent beside her. “Kevin, do you also think I should pay this money, and give her an extra five hundred dollars?” Kevin scratched his head. “Audrey, no one feels good when the baby’s sick. Brenda is getting old, and it’s not easy for her to stay in the hospital, so don’t argue with her.” “Why don’t you… just quit your job and stay home with the baby? You can’t stand Brenda’s temper anyway, and I’ll support all of you.” Listening to Kevin’s fence-sitting, I quietly started packing the baby’s diapers and bottles. Kevin thought I had given in. “Audrey, why are you packing? The doctor said we need to stay for two more days of observation.” I turned around, pulling the “Advanced Nanny Employment Contract” from a compartment in my bag. Looking at Brenda, who was standing outside the door. “Brenda, prepare to pay up.”

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I’d been Liam’s secret girlfriend for seven years, even carrying his child, only to hear he was proposing to his first love. For a fake scratch on her arm, he shoved me, sending me crashing into the corner of a table. I lost our baby, and almost bled to death. He slapped me, his voice chilling. “You’re a truly wicked woman. I must have been blind to ever love you.” Later, swayed by his first love’s lies, he drove my mother to her death and let my brother suffer such severe bullying that he jumped from the school building. And I was locked in a mansion, consumed by a raging inferno. Everyone thought I was dead. Until three years later, I returned with a new identity, arm-in-arm with my fiancé. He knelt in the pouring rain, begging for my forgiveness, offering me his life and his entire fortune. I barely glanced at him, then turned and took my fiancé’s hand. “Mr. Maxwell, your life or death means nothing to me.” SUMMER’S POV I was backstage at Maxwell Group’s 10th Anniversary Gala, in the lounge. I was half-kneeling, meticulously smoothing the wrinkles from Liam Maxwell’s suit hem. This custom-tailored suit? I’d spent three sleepless nights hand-stitching it for him. Liam looked down at me, his deep eyes filled with tenderness. He reached out, gently cupped my chin. His thumb brushed over my lips, his voice low and husky. “I’m skipping the celebration party tonight. Wait for me at the apartment, okay?” My cheeks flushed, and I nodded obediently. I instinctively touched the thin paper in my pocket. The pregnancy test results I’d gotten this morning. Seven years. I’d been Liam’s secret girlfriend, hidden from the world, for seven long years. Today, I could finally claim my rightful place in his life and build a family with him. “Mr. Maxwell, everything’s ready. It’s time for your speech.” Adam, his assistant, respectfully urged from outside the door. Liam leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss on my forehead. “Be a good girl and wait for me.” Watching his tall figure disappear behind the door, my heart swelled with sweetness. I walked to the corner where a broadcast screen was set up, watching the radiant man on stage. Liam stood under the spotlight, delivering his speech calmly. The room below was packed with business elites and media reporters. As his speech neared its end, the host joked, “Billionaire Mr. Liam, the rumors say you’ve been single for seven years, a true workaholic. With the joy of our 10th anniversary, perhaps you could share a little about your personal life?” It was meant to be a lighthearted joke to lighten the mood. But Liam on the screen suddenly fell silent. His intense gaze swept past the sea of faces, landing precisely on the VIP seat in the very front row. His usually stern lips softened, curving into an incredibly tender smile. “It’s true, I’ve been single for seven years,” Liam said into the microphone, his voice deep and firm, echoing through the entire hall. “Because I’ve been waiting for someone.” Backstage, I froze, my heart pounding uncontrollably. What was he saying? Single? Wasn’t I his girlfriend? “For these past seven years, I’ve longed for her return every single moment. Fortunately, I finally found her.” Liam snapped his fingers. The lights plunged into darkness, save for a single spotlight that dramatically illuminated the woman in the white haute couture gown in the front row. The woman slowly stood up, turning her head to reveal a pure and radiant face. It was Scarlett Davis. Liam’s high school classmate and his passionate first love. “Scarlett, welcome home.” Liam walked off the stage. Under the shocked gazes of the entire audience, he knelt before Scarlett, pulling a dazzling, ‘pigeon-egg’ sized diamond ring from his pocket. “Will you marry me?” Scarlett covered her mouth, tears of joy streaming down her face, and nodded emphatically. Thunderous applause erupted, flashbulbs exploded, capturing the romantic scene of this once-in-a-lifetime proposal. But backstage, I felt all the blood in my body turn to ice. I stared at the screen in disbelief, my fingertips digging into my palms, my body trembling like a leaf in the autumn wind. How could this be…? Memories of the past seven years flashed wildly through my mind. He refused to post about me on social media, refused to introduce me to any family or friends. Every time I brought up making our relationship public, he would hold me, soothing me with a helpless tone. “Summer, my circle is too complicated. I don’t want those people bothering you. I want to keep you safe.” I believed him. I thought it was deep love, protection. Turns out, he was just biding his time, waiting for another woman’s return.

SUMMER’S POV The gala ended, and the backstage area gradually emptied. The lounge door opened, and Liam walked in, loosening his tie, a lingering smile still on his face. Seeing me standing in the shadows, he paused, then his brow furrowed, returning to his usual cold demeanor. “You saw it all,” he said calmly, as if discussing something trivial. I stared at him, my eyes red, my voice trembling uncontrollably. “Liam, what about me? What was I to you?” Liam walked to the sofa and sat down, pouring himself a glass of water. “Summer, I was going to tell you this tomorrow. Scarlett is back, and I’m going to marry her.” “What about my seven years?!” I couldn’t control myself anymore, screaming hysterically. Liam put down his glass, his eyes turning cold. “Don’t make a scene. Even after I get married, nothing between us has to change. I’ll buy you a house in the upscale neighborhood, complete with a driver and housekeeper. As long as you don’t bother Scarlett, you can buy whatever you want; you can use my credit card as much as you like.” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning, staring in disbelief at the man I had loved for seven years. “You want me to be your kept woman?” Liam’s frown deepened, seemingly displeased by the term. “With me around, no one would dare say that to you. Scarlett’s health is fragile; she can’t handle any stress. Be sensible.” I suddenly laughed, tears streaming down my face. I reached into my pocket, feeling the crumpled pregnancy test results. “Liam, you disgust me.” The air in the lounge seemed to solidify. Liam’s face instantly darkened. He shot up, grabbing my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would shatter. “Summer Miller, have I indulged you too much, made you forget your place?” I gasped in pain, but stubbornly lifted my chin, biting my lip to keep from begging. Just then, the sound of heels approached from outside the door. “Liam, are you in there?” Scarlett’s sickly sweet voice floated in. Liam’s expression shifted. He immediately let go of me, giving me a warning glare. “Keep your mouth shut.” The door pushed open, and Scarlett walked in, adjusting her dress. Seeing me, she feigned surprise, covering her mouth. “Oh, my, who is she?” “Backstage staff,” Liam lied without a flicker of expression, pulling Scarlett into his arms. His voice instantly became incredibly gentle. “Why didn’t you wait in the car? It’s chaotic backstage, don’t trip.” Scarlett leaned into his embrace compliantly, but her gaze flickered over his shoulder, landing on my pale face with a triumphant smirk. “This young lady doesn’t look well, is she sick?” Scarlett’s lips curved into a malicious smile. My stomach churned, and I couldn’t stand another second. I turned and stumbled out of the lounge. Returning to the apartment we’d shared for five years, I moved like a ghost, mechanically pulling out a suitcase and starting to pack. Everywhere were traces of our life together. Our matching coffee mugs, the sofa we’d picked out together, his razor still in the bathroom… Each item now felt like a knife twisting in my heart. I didn’t take anything but a few of my old clothes and my identification documents. The next morning, as I was about to leave with my suitcase, the apartment door lock suddenly turned. It wasn’t Liam who entered, but Scarlett. She strutted in on ten-centimeter heels, like a victor surveying the apartment, finally letting her gaze fall on my suitcase, and let out a sneer. “Glad you know your place and when to leave.”

SUMMER’S POV I looked at her coldly. “How did you get in?” “Liam gave me the code, of course,” Scarlett said, walking to the sofa and sitting down, playing with her freshly manicured nails. “Summer Miller, you don’t actually believe Liam loves you, do you? You were just a placeholder, a plaything to keep him amused when I wasn’t around.” I clenched my fists. “Are you done? If so, get out.” Scarlett’s face changed. She shot up and walked toward me. “How dare you speak to me like that? Do you think I can’t ruin you in this city with a single word?” “That’s your problem. Move!” I didn’t want to argue with her. I grabbed my suitcase, ready to leave. But Scarlett grabbed my arm, her eyes suddenly turning wild. “You think you can just walk away? Not so fast!” She suddenly picked up a fruit knife from the coffee table and, without hesitation, slashed a long cut on her forearm. Blood instantly welled up. I was stunned. “Are you insane?!” Just then, the apartment door opened again. Liam strode in. “It hurts! Liam, save me!” Scarlett immediately dropped the knife, clutching her bleeding arm, and collapsed to the floor, sobbing dramatically. Liam’s eyes blazed with fury at the sight. He rushed over, shoving me aside. “Summer Miller, you’re dead!” Liam shoved me with all his might. Already weak, I lost my balance and fell backward with a heavy thud. Thud! My lower abdomen slammed violently into the sharp corner of the marble coffee table before I hit the floor. A searing, tearing pain ripped through my abdomen, as if something was being forcefully ripped from my body. “It hurts so much…” I curled up on the floor, cold sweat instantly soaking my clothes. I felt a warm liquid trickle down my thighs, staining the white carpet red. “Liam… the baby… save our baby…” I trembled, reaching out, trying to grab Liam’s pant leg. But Liam didn’t even spare me a glance. His eyes were fixed on the wound on Scarlett’s arm. He carefully scooped Scarlett into his arms, his voice trembling. “Scarlett, don’t be scared, I’ll take you to the hospital right away!” He carried Scarlett, stepping right over my body, and rushed out the door. “Liam…” I stared desperately at the door as it slammed shut, my vision gradually blurring. More and more blood flowed from beneath me, like blooming red roses. I completely succumbed to the darkness. The hospital, the harsh smell of disinfectant. When I woke up, the room was empty, only the stark white fluorescent light above pricking my eyes. A nurse came in to change my IV, and seeing my eyes open, she sighed. “You’re awake. The kind person who brought you in has left. Summer Miller, you must be strong. The baby didn’t make it. You hit too hard, and your uterus was severely damaged. In the future… it will likely be very difficult for you to have children.” The nurse’s words struck me like a thunderbolt, shattering me to pieces. I stared blankly at the ceiling, not crying, not screaming, just feeling as though my entire heart had been hollowed out, every breath tasting like blood. Seven years of my youth, exchanged for a dead child and a broken body. I reached for my phone on the bedside table. The screen was clean. Liam hadn’t called, hadn’t sent a single message. I tapped open our chat on Snapchat, my fingers trembling as I typed a single sentence: “It’s over.”

SUMMER’S POV After sending the message, I immediately blocked Liam’s number and all his contact information. After three days in the hospital, I discharged myself against the doctor’s advice. I couldn’t collapse. I’m a fashion designer, and next month is the final round of the “Golden Apex Award,” the industry’s highest honor. My collection, ‘Phoenix Rising,’ which I’d poured my heart and soul into for three years, was my only chance at a comeback. If I won the Golden Apex Award, I could secure top-tier funding, launch my own independent brand, and completely break free from my past. I dragged my weak body back to my studio, opened my laptop, and logged onto the Golden Apex Award’s official website to check the finalists’ list. However, the moment the page loaded, my blood ran cold. The very first entry on the list prominently featured my signature design. But the name beneath the artwork wasn’t Summer Miller. It was Scarlett! My mind went blank, and all the blood rushed to my head. I frantically searched for my design drafts, locked in the safe. It’s empty! Completely empty! The only other person who knew the safe’s combination was Liam! My eyes burned with fury. I hailed a taxi and sped straight to Maxwell Group Headquarters. Ignoring the security guards’ attempts to stop me, I stormed up to the top floor and kicked open Liam’s office door. Liam was sitting behind his large desk, reviewing files. Seeing me burst in, his brow furrowed, and he waved away the security guards who were about to intervene. “Are you done making a scene?” Liam’s voice was impatient. “Blocking me, and now running to the office to cause chaos. Summer Miller, your tactics are getting desperate.” I rushed to his desk, bracing my hands on the surface, my voice raw, like sandpaper. “Why did you give my ‘Phoenix Rising’ designs to Scarlett?!” Liam paused, his hand still on the files, then looked up, his eyes devoid of any warmth. “Scarlett just returned to the country, preparing to enter the fashion industry. She needs a prestigious award to make a name for herself.” He spoke flatly, as if he’d merely taken a piece of my clothing, not three years of my life’s work. “That’s my work! I spent countless nights drawing those designs!” My body trembled, and tears finally streamed down my face. “Liam, this is theft! This is plagiarism!” Hearing the word “plagiarism,” Liam’s face completely darkened. “Watch your tone,” he said coldly. “Scarlett’s hand was injured because of you; she can’t even hold a pen now. I gave her a few of your rough sketches to use, consider it your apology to her.” “Apology?” I laughed, a harsh, tearing sound, tears streaming down my face. “She cut herself, and you want me to apologize? Liam, do you know that day I…” I miscarried. Our baby was gone. The words died on my lips. What was the point of telling a heartless bastard like him? He only cared about the small cut on Scarlett’s hand. “I won’t let you get away with this,” I gritted out, word by word. “I’ll submit all my creative records and original materials to the committee. I’ll expose Scarlett for plagiarism!” Liam’s eyes narrowed. He shot up, grabbing my chin, forcing me to look up at him. “Summer Miller, I’m warning you, don’t play hard to get. As long as you keep quiet, you can fill out this check however you want.” He flung a blank check at my face. “But if you dare lay a finger on Scarlett, I promise, you won’t survive in this city!” The check fluttered lightly to the floor. I looked at this familiar yet unfamiliar face, and suddenly felt utterly disgusted. “Liam, I’ll see you in court.” I roughly slapped his hand away and turned, walking out with unwavering resolve.

SUMMER’S POV I returned to my studio and copied all my ‘Phoenix Rising’ inspiration, fabric procurement records, and scanned first drafts from my computer onto a flash drive. I would take these irrefutable proofs directly to the Golden Apex Award committee headquarters. Just as I walked out of the studio building, a black, unmarked van suddenly screeched to a halt in front of me. The sliding door burst open, and several burly men in masks rushed out. Without a word, they grabbed the bag from my hand. “What are you doing! This is robbery!” I struggled, but one of the men shoved me hard to the ground. The contents of my bag scattered. The man precisely picked up the flash drive, then respectfully handed it to a woman who stepped out of a Porsche behind the van. Scarlett, wearing sunglasses and high heels, looked down at me, sprawled on the ground. She played with the flash drive in her hand, a mocking smile on her lips. “Summer Miller, you’re truly naive. Did you really think Liam would let you hand these things over?” My palm was scraped, oozing blood. I glared at Scarlett. “Give it back to me!” “Give it back to you?” Scarlett sneered, then threw the flash drive on the ground, grinding her sharp heel onto it. Snap! The flash drive shattered into pieces. “Here, Liam is power. You think you can fight him? You’re practically asking to die,” Scarlett said, taking off her sunglasses, her eyes vicious. “Not only will I take your designs, but I’ll also ruin your reputation, making you a pariah who can never recover!” With that, she turned and got into the Porsche, driving away. I knelt on the ground, staring despairingly at the scattered shards. I had underestimated Liam’s cruelty, and Scarlett’s shamelessness. Less than two hours later, the online outrage exploded. Scarlett’s PR team launched a pre-emptive strike, playing the victim, publishing a lengthy post across all major social media platforms. In the post, Scarlett tearfully accused an unknown designer named “Ms. Shen” of long-term stalking and harassing billionaire Liam, delusional about marrying into wealth. Now, this “Ms. Shen” was reportedly twisting the facts, attempting to steal her painstakingly created ‘Phoenix Rising’ design series. To add credibility, the post included a few blurry photos. In the photos, I was seen “bothering” Liam outside Maxwell Group headquarters, while Liam’s face was cold and indifferent. Maxwell Group’s official X account retweeted the post, with a single word: “Investigate.” This was essentially an official stamp on my “crimes.” In an instant, the entire internet erupted. “Oh my god, this woman is shameless! Failed mistress now trying to steal someone’s work?” “Scarlett is a brilliant graduate from a top international university, why would she need to plagiarize some nobody from a no-name school?” “Doxx her! Get this wicked woman out of the design world!” My personal information, phone number, and even my studio address were dug up in less than half a day. My phone vibrated incessantly, bombarded with vicious hate messages, every call filled with obscenities. The glass door of my studio was smashed by extreme netizens, red paint splattered inside, and the walls were covered with blood-red graffiti like “Die, mistress!” and “Plagiarist scumbag!” I hid in my unlit apartment, trembling uncontrollably. Just then, my brother Ethan called. As soon as I answered, his choked sob came through. “Summer… is what they’re saying online true?”

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With a hand that once wielded a scalpel, I saved Nathan’s life. In five years, he turned me from his wife into a shell of my former self. On the anniversary of my brother Ryan’s passing, he brought his new lover home. I knelt on broken glass, slapping myself, begging him for money to save my parents. All I got was a check that bought out my dignity. It was too late. Unable to afford medical bills, my parents died tragically in a foreign country. When the fire consumed everything in the villa, I finally understood. Loving him was the greatest surgical error of my life. Later, he went blind, became a wreck, and knelt, begging me to come back. I walked past him in my heels, not even blinking. The Alicia who died in that fire was the one who loved him. The one who survived would never look back. Alicia POV Nathan Harrison didn’t come home on the fifth anniversary of my brother Ryan’s death. I sat in the empty dining room of the villa, staring at the dinner that had long since grown cold on the table. The wall clock ticked, its hands already past midnight. I didn’t call him frantically like I used to, nor did I hysterically smash things. I just sat there quietly, like a puppet drained of its soul, my breaths barely audible. Until the sound of the password lock unlocking echoed from the main door. Nathan walked in, carrying the chill of late autumn. His impeccably tailored black bespoke suit accentuated his tall figure, and his eyes were deep. But those eyes, which once held only me, were now filled with fatigue and impatience. Seeing me sitting in the darkness, he frowned, loosening his tie. “Why aren’t you in bed yet? Didn’t I tell you I wouldn’t be back tonight? The company has an urgent PR crisis to handle.” I lifted my gaze, my eyes settling on the woman behind him. She stood there, dressed in a sharp white professional suit, wearing seven-centimeter heels. Her red lips were striking, and her eyes held an undisguised sharpness and arrogance. That was Seraphina, Nathan’s highly-paid Chief PR, and now his most capable right-hand woman. “Today is Ryan’s death anniversary,” my voice was barely a whisper, hoarse as if scraped over sandpaper. Nathan’s hand, unbuttoning his shirt, froze. A flicker of quick annoyance crossed his eyes, but it was swiftly masked by righteous indifference. He walked over, habitually trying to appease me with his condescending manner. “I apologize. The PR department was busy suppressing several damaging trending scandals tonight. It completely slipped my mind. Tomorrow, I’ll have my assistant buy more flowers to send over. Be a good girl, don’t throw a tantrum.” “Don’t throw a tantrum?” I forced a smile, one uglier than a cry. How Nathan used to dote on me. Five years ago, I was the brightest genius surgeon in the medical world. To save Nathan, who was trapped in the driver’s seat during a multi-car pileup, my right hand was completely crushed by the twisted car door, making it impossible for me to ever hold a scalpel again. Back then, Nathan knelt by my hospital bed, his eyes red, kissing my bandaged hand. He swore he would cherish me like a rare treasure for the rest of his life. He built this all-glass conservatory villa for me, hired top chefs and staff, and even personally fed me water. With a nearly pathological possessiveness, he clipped my wings, turning me into a canary dependent solely on him. But now, he found this canary too quiet, too boring, too unreasonable. “Nathan’s time is worth millions a minute. Him taking the time to stand here and explain to you is already a huge concession,” Seraphina suddenly interjected. She stepped forward, her gaze critically sweeping over my faded loungewear, a smirk playing on her lips. “Alicia, people can’t always live in the past.” “You spend every day in this mansion, shielded from the elements, never facing media cameras or internet trolls. Of course, you have plenty of time to wallow in self-pity.” “But Nathan can’t. He has tens of thousands of employees waiting to be paid. The PR department saved billions in market value tonight. That’s what truly matters.” Seraphina paused, her eyes growing even more contemptuous. “Since you’re already useless and can’t help him, you should at least learn to keep your mouth shut and stop being a stumbling block on his path to success.” The word “useless” pierced my heart like a sharp knife. I instinctively hid my right hand, covered in grotesque scars, behind my back, trembling all over. I looked at Nathan, hoping he would, as he used to, throw out anyone who dared to speak ill of me. But Nathan didn’t. Not only did he not get angry, but he even gave Seraphina an appreciative look. Then he turned to me, his tone condescending. “What Seraphina said is harsh, but it’s true. Alicia, you truly are out of touch. What else do you do every day besides watching for when I come home? Can’t you be a little more mature, a little more independent, like Seraphina?” I felt as if I’d been struck by lightning. Turns out, he didn’t just forget the anniversary; he truly had changed his heart. He had fallen for Seraphina, who could fight alongside him in the arena of fame and fortune, resolving all his public image storms. And he had grown weary of me, whose wings he had personally clipped and caged. I suddenly felt utterly disgusted. I took a deep breath, suppressing the metallic taste of blood rising in my throat, and calmly looked at him. “Nathan, let’s get a divorce.” Nathan paused, then let out a cold laugh. In these five years, due to my insecurity, I had brought up divorce countless times. Every time he neglected me even slightly, I would use this tactic to make him back down. He must have grown used to it, and annoyed by it, by now. “Fine,” Nathan didn’t even bother to humor me anymore. He took off his suit jacket and tossed it on the sofa, his tone dismissive. “Draft the agreement however you want. My lawyer will sort out the assets; you won’t be treated unfairly. But I’m tired tonight, and I don’t have time to play these hysterical games with you.” With that, he turned to Seraphina, his voice instantly softening. “The guest room is upstairs, first left. It’s too late tonight, so you can rest here. We’ll head to the company together tomorrow morning for the press conference.” They walked up the stairs side by side, their backs a perfect match. I stood there, neither crying nor making a scene. I just felt a painful dryness in my eyes. I took out my phone and dialed my lawyer. “Lawyer, please draft a divorce agreement for me. I want nothing. Just the quickest possible signing.” The lawyer on the other end was stunned. “Alicia, are you sure? Before, you always demanded an additional clause that Nathan had to spend two hours with you every day.” “No need,” I interrupted him, my voice as cold as ice. “Just one, and the sooner, the better.” Because this time, I was truly leaving.

Nathan POV I came out of the shower and habitually headed for the master bedroom. Pushing the door open, I found it empty. The bed was neatly made, without a trace of warmth. I frowned, a strange feeling flickering within me. Whenever we argued before, Alicia would wrap herself in a blanket and cry silently, waiting for me to hold her, to comfort her. Her injured hand would ache on rainy days, and she couldn’t sleep without my soothing presence. But tonight, she wasn’t there. I irritably rubbed my temples, then went to the study. I thought Alicia might be waiting there for me to console her, but pushing that door open, it was also empty. I scoffed, thinking Alicia’s playing mind games had gone a bit too far this time. Too lazy to search further, I lay down directly on the study sofa. Anyway, in less than three days, she would come back to me like a stray dog that couldn’t live without me, wagging her tail. How could a useless woman who couldn’t even hold a scalpel survive without me? The next morning, I was woken by the piercing sound of an electric drill downstairs. I immediately rushed down and pushed open the door to the storage room on the first floor. The scene inside made my pupils contract sharply. The floor was covered in blood and broken glass, a truly horrifying sight. Seraphina stood there, pale-faced, while Alicia lay in a pool of blood. I didn’t hesitate, stepping over Alicia on the floor, and pulled Seraphina into my arms. “What happened? Are you hurt?” I anxiously scrutinized Seraphina. Seraphina immediately put on a wronged expression, her eyes slightly red. “Nathan, I just wanted to help you clear out the storage room to make it a media room. A big news story is about to break.” “I didn’t know that old tape recorder was so important to Alicia. She suddenly rushed at me, trying to hit me. In a moment of fear, I pushed her in self-defense… I really didn’t mean to.” My face instantly darkened. I turned, looking down at Alicia, who was lying in a pool of blood, desperately trying to piece together shattered tape. My eyes were filled with disgust and disappointment. “Alicia, haven’t you caused enough trouble?!” I roared, “Seraphina is a key asset to the company. She pulled several all-nighters to suppress negative news.” “What’s wrong with me asking her to turn this into a workspace? Not only do you show no consideration, but you act like a madwoman and resort to violence! Look at you now, so hysterical. Where’s the decorum befitting high society?” Alicia froze. She slowly raised her head, looking at me. Blood dripped from her fingertips onto the floor, a gruesome sight. But in my eyes, there was only Seraphina’s fright. “She smashed Ryan’s belongings,” Alicia’s voice was as light as a breeze, yet filled with bone-chilling despair. “Nathan, that was Ryan’s last voice, the last thing he left me.” I paused, my gaze sweeping over the pile of junk on the floor, a flicker of irritation in my eyes. “It’s just a broken tape recorder, isn’t it? If it’s broken, it’s broken. I’ll have someone buy you a hundred new ones tomorrow! Is it really worth all this trouble, making a mess of the house and hurting Seraphina, over such a trivial thing?” “A hundred new ones,” Alicia suddenly laughed, tears streaming down her face. She swayed, rising to her feet, her right hand still bleeding profusely. She looked at me, the last flicker of light in her eyes extinguished completely. “Nathan, you’re disgusting.”

Alicia POV I was sent to the hospital. The wound on my right hand was deep; glass fragments had severed the nerves that had just begun to heal. The doctor sighed repeatedly as he stitched me up. “Alicia, this hand of yours was already severely traumatized. Now, with such an injury, you’ll struggle even to hold heavy objects in the future, let alone perform delicate movements. Why don’t you take better care of yourself?” I stared at the ceiling. The anesthetic dulled the pain, leaving only a deep numbness. “It doesn’t matter,” I murmured. “Anyway, I won’t be needing it anymore.” After the stitches were done, I sat alone in the hospital room. No family, no one to stay with me. Until that afternoon, the door to the room opened. It wasn’t Nathan who walked in, but Seraphina. She was dressed in a black designer gown, her makeup flawless. She carried a fruit basket, walking to my bedside like a victor. “Alicia, does your hand still hurt?” Seraphina casually placed the fruit basket on the bedside table, a hypocritical smile on her lips. “Nathan was going to come see you, but the company had an impromptu media appreciation event, and he couldn’t get away. So he asked me to check on you for him.” I closed my eyes, too weary to even glance at her. “Get out.” Seraphina didn’t get angry. Instead, she pulled up a chair and sat down, meticulously smoothing her skirt. “Alicia, I actually feel sorry for you. You ruined your hand for Nathan, thinking that would tie him to you for life. But you forgot, men are always drawn to strength. Nathan is an eagle. He needs someone who can face media cameras with him, who can battle it out in the public arena. Not a broken bird that just sits in a cage and weeps.” I snapped my eyes open, staring coldly at her. Seraphina flinched under my icy gaze but quickly regained her arrogance. “Nathan said you’ve been home for too long these past few years, completely out of touch with society, which is why you’ve become so sensitive and hysterical. To help ‘cure’ you, he’s decided to have you attend the Harrison Group’s charity gala tonight.” My brows furrowed. “I won’t go.” “That’s not up to you,” Seraphina chuckled, leaning closer to my ear. “Nathan said if you don’t show up tonight, he’ll immediately cut off all funding for your parents’ care at the Swiss sanatorium, including the life-support ventilator. You know he always means what he says.” I shuddered, my hands gripping the bedsheet tightly. Nathan, he was actually threatening me with my parents’ lives! That evening, I was forcibly taken to the Harrison Group’s gala by bodyguards. I wasn’t seated at the main table, nor was a gown prepared for me. Seraphina tossed me a server’s uniform, pointing to the beverage area in the corner of the ballroom. “Nathan said that since you need to re-integrate into society, you should start with basic service. Tonight, you’re responsible for serving drinks to the VIP guests. This is also part of a PR strategy, to showcase the Harrison family’s humble side.” I looked at the cheap uniform, then at my right hand, wrapped in thick bandages. I used to be a genius who gave speeches at international medical forums. Now, I was being forced to serve drinks here. This was Nathan’s “punishment” for me. I didn’t resist. I numbly changed into the uniform and picked up the heavy tray. The weight of the tray pressed down on my injured right hand. With every step, the wound felt like it was tearing open, and cold sweat broke out in layers. The ballroom glittered with well-dressed guests, buzzing with conversation. Nathan stood in the center of the crowd, impeccably handsome in his bespoke suit. Seraphina held his arm, smiling brightly, effortlessly engaging with various media outlets and business moguls, a perfect match. Many guests who once knew me recognized me, casting shocked and disdainful glances my way. “Isn’t that Alicia? The former genius surgeon, how did she end up serving drinks?” “I heard she ruined her hand for Nathan. He supported her for a few years, but now he’s probably tired of her.” “How pathetic. Look at her poor state; she can’t even compare to a single finger of Seraphina, who is the Harrison Group’s PR Queen.” Those whispers were like poisoned darts, piercing my ears relentlessly. I clenched my teeth, desperately trying to control the trembling in my right hand as I carried the wine glasses towards the VIP section. Just as I passed Seraphina, she suddenly stuck out her foot. I was already struggling to walk and had no time to dodge. I stumbled forward, crashing down. The massive champagne tower was knocked over by me. Hundreds of glasses shattered instantly, and expensive wine splashed all over me. I fell heavily onto the floor covered in broken glass. My already injured right hand was severely re-pierced by the glass, and blood immediately stained my white uniform. The entire hall fell silent. Countless media flashes instantly lit up, frantically capturing this humiliating scene. All eyes were on me, as if I were a ridiculous clown.

Alicia POV “Ah!” Seraphina gasped, dramatically taking two steps back. She frowned, looking at the splashes of wine on her skirt. “Alicia, even if you have a problem with me, there’s no need to intentionally cause trouble in front of so many media, is there? Do you have any idea how much negative impact this will have on the company’s public image?” Nathan’s face instantly darkened to an extreme. He strode over, not even glancing at me, trembling and lying in a pool of blood. His first action was to take off his jacket and drape it over Seraphina, shielding her from the media’s cameras, asking nervously, “Are you hurt anywhere?” Seraphina shook her head, biting her lower lip with a wronged expression. “I’m fine, but it’s a shame about this dress you custom-ordered for me. Tomorrow’s headlines probably won’t look good.” Nathan turned, his gaze like a knife, cutting into me. “Alicia, how long are you going to be insane?!” His voice was laced with extreme suppressed fury. “I brought you here to learn how to be a normal person, not to make a spectacle of yourself! Apologize to Seraphina immediately! Apologize to the media present!” I lay on the glass-strewn floor, my right hand already numb with pain. I slowly lifted my head, my pale face devoid of color. I stared intently at Nathan. “I didn’t intentionally cause trouble; she tripped me,” my voice was weak, yet unusually firm. “Enough!” Nathan cut me off sharply. “What is Seraphina’s position? She’s the Harrison Group’s Chief PR. Does she need to resort to such despicable methods to deal with you? Look at you now, full of lies, consumed by jealousy! I’m so disappointed in you!” Disappointed? I let out a bitter laugh. I had given him my life, and all I got in return was his disappointment. “Since you refuse to apologize, then clean this mess up,” Nathan gave the cruel order. “Use your hands to pick up every single piece of broken glass. If you don’t finish, you’re not allowed to go home tonight.” The surrounding guests gasped. Making a bleeding person with a severely traumatized hand pick up broken glass was nothing short of torture. But no one dared to plead for me. I looked at Nathan’s cold, merciless face and suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity. Was this really the man who once knelt, kissed my scars, and vowed to protect me for a lifetime? I didn’t cry, nor did I beg for mercy. I simply lowered my head, extended my blood-soaked right hand, and began picking up a piece of broken glass from the floor. The sharp edge cut my skin again, and blood dripped onto the clean marble floor. One piece, two pieces, three pieces… Nathan instinctively wanted to step forward and stop me, but Seraphina gently tugged at his sleeve at that moment. “Nathan, I feel so dizzy. I might have been startled. My panic attack is acting up again, and the media are still filming.” Nathan’s attention was instantly diverted. He scooped Seraphina into his arms, casting a cold glance at me. “You stay here and reflect properly!” With that, escorted by bodyguards, he carried Seraphina and left the ballroom without looking back. I heard his receding footsteps, but my hands didn’t stop. Until excessive blood loss and intense pain completely overwhelmed my consciousness, my vision went black, and I collapsed heavily into the pile of broken glass. When I woke again, I found myself back in a hospital bed. The room was empty, save for an expensive designer bag on the bedside table and a note left by Nathan. “The bag is your compensation. I was impulsive last night, but you’re also at fault. I’ll be with Seraphina in New York for the next few days to handle an urgent PR crisis. Recover well in the hospital, and don’t cause any more trouble.” I looked at the note, my eyes calm as a still pool of water. I didn’t tear the note, nor did I throw the bag away. I simply pressed the call button and summoned a nurse. “Please throw this bag in the trash, thank you.” The nurse looked shocked. “Alicia, this is a limited edition, worth tens of thousands of dollars! Mr. Harrison’s face was terrifyingly pale when he brought you in; he waited outside the ER the whole time. If Seraphina hadn’t had a sudden panic attack and needed the emergency room, he definitely wouldn’t have left. He still cares about you…” “Just throw it away. It’s dirty.” I closed my eyes, cutting off the nurse. I took out my phone and opened Instagram. The first post was Seraphina’s, half an hour ago. In the photo, Seraphina reclined in a first-class airplane seat, holding a glass of champagne. In the background was Nathan’s profile, looking at documents. The caption: “Even a small fright means someone is willing to drop everything and fly halfway across the globe to clear my mind. It feels good to be loved.” I scrolled past the post expressionlessly, then dialed my lawyer. “Lawyer, is the divorce agreement ready? Send it to me; I’ll sign it.”

Alicia POV I didn’t stay long at the hospital. My right hand was re-bandaged. The doctor warned me that if I injured it again, the hand would truly need to be amputated. I merely nodded faintly and completed the discharge procedures. I didn’t return to that glass villa, which felt like a prison. Instead, I took a taxi to the cemetery, where my brother Ryan rested. By the time I left the cemetery, dusk had fallen. A fine, bone-chilling rain began to fall. I stood by the roadside waiting for a car when a black, unmarked van suddenly screeched to a halt in front of me. The door slid open with a whoosh, and two burly men in ski masks rushed out. Before I could react, one delivered a chop to the back of my neck. My vision went black, and I completely lost consciousness. I don’t know how much time passed, but I was woken by a bucket of ice water. The biting cold made me shiver violently. I opened my eyes to find myself tied to a rusty metal chair in an abandoned factory. The air was heavy with the smell of machine oil and decay. “Awake?” A man with a scar across his face walked up to me, toying with a sharp dagger. “Alicia, long time no see.” I forced myself to calm down. “Who are you people? If it’s money you want, name your price.” “Money? I want blood!” Axel suddenly grabbed my hair, snarling. “Nathan, that bastard. He had his PR department spread rumors that my products were toxic. Drove me to bankruptcy.” “My wife jumped with our child. He destroyed my whole family. Now I’ll make him taste losing his loved ones too.” I gave a bitter smile, finding it ironic. “Then you’ve got the wrong person. I’m not his loved one; Seraphina is.” “Cut the crap! Who in New York doesn’t know Nathan protects you fiercely!” Axel didn’t believe me. He pulled out his phone and started a video call with Nathan. The phone rang for a long time before it was answered. Nathan’s stern face appeared on the screen; the background seemed to be a high-end conference room in New York. “Nathan, look who this is.” Axel aimed the camera at me. On the other end of the screen, Nathan’s pupils contracted sharply. He abruptly stood up. “Alicia! What do you want? Don’t touch her!” “Feeling sorry for her?” Axel burst into manic laughter. “Nathan, you’ve got it coming! Listen, I want you to immediately issue a public apology through the Harrison Group’s official account, admitting that your PR department maliciously smeared my company! You have ten minutes, otherwise, I’ll make your wife suffer slowly, bit by bit!” Nathan’s face instantly turned ashen. I knew what he was thinking. If he issued such an apology, the Harrison Group’s reputation would be completely ruined, its stock price would suffer a devastating blow, and it could even face massive breach of contract penalties and legal lawsuits. “Calm down. I can give you money, whatever amount you want. But that statement is impossible,” Nathan said through gritted teeth. “I don’t want money!” Axel roared, and the dagger in his hand plunged into my thigh. I let out a muffled groan, biting my lip hard to suppress any sound. Blood immediately stained my pants. “Alicia!” Nathan’s eyes were bloodshot, his hands gripping the table, veins bulging on the back of his hands. We had years of history. He couldn’t possibly let me die. It looked like he was about to compromise. However, just as he was about to speak, Seraphina suddenly burst into the frame. I closed my eyes.

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My Omega stepsister, Rebecca, suddenly got pregnant, but no one knew who the father was. I was furious and about to send people to investigate, but my father, Alpha Arthur Hayes, stopped me. “Ava, this is your child too!” My Mate, Jason Miller, the Alpha of the Stoneclaw Pack, stood silently beside my father, tacitly agreeing with his words. I understood. Rebecca’s child was Jason’s. Seeing my silence, Jason defended himself: “You don’t want to have children anyway. Rebecca is your sister, just an Omega. Her having a child won’t threaten your position as the Luna of the Stoneclaw Pack.” In their eyes, I never said no to them. But they didn’t know I had already fulfilled my promise to my mother. Now, I was returning to my grandfather, the Alpha King. Jason’s hand was still resting on Rebecca’s swollen belly. The sight stung my eyes. “Ava, don’t be mad at Jason.” Rebecca lay on the bed, a harmless smile on her face. “The doctor said I’m not well. Alpha Jason was just afraid something might happen to me and the baby, which is why he kept it from you.” “We’re both doing this for your own good. You’ve been Luna for so many years without a child; many people are already unhappy about it.” She said this, then intimately patted the back of my hand. “When the baby is born, you can be his stepmother and let him call you Mom, okay?” My father, Alpha Arthur Hayes, cleared his throat, adopting the stern, authoritarian posture expected of Silverfang’s Alpha. “Ava! Once this child is born, we’ll merge the two Packs! He’ll be our heir! Your sister is unwell, yet she’s helping you and your Mate. Aren’t you grateful? Why the sour face?” Jason finally took his hand off Rebecca’s stomach and walked towards me. He tried to take my hand, but I pulled away. His arm froze in mid-air. “Ava, after all these years as Mates, don’t you understand me? Everything I’m doing is for you, for our two Packs. I can’t let others say you’re a Luna who can’t bear children. And I certainly can’t let our two Packs be without an heir.” I looked at him, unable to say a word. When I considered the current situation of both Packs, I had once suggested merging them. But they both disagreed. Alpha Arthur Hayes said that since I was already the Luna of the Stoneclaw Pack, I shouldn’t be greedy for the Silverfang Pack. And Jason said he was responsible for revitalizing the Stoneclaw Pack and couldn’t merge. So, I handled the affairs of both Packs by myself. Those two Alphas, however, only cared about indulging in parties and leisure, and spending time with Rebecca. Now that Rebecca was pregnant, they suddenly agreed to merge the Packs. It turned out there was no other reason from beginning to end; it was simply because I was an outsider. Seeing I was unmoved, Jason’s patience wore thin, and he tugged impatiently at his tie. “Alright, stop this. I’ve already had David Lee prepare dinner to celebrate. As Luna, you should at least make an appearance.” He turned to help Rebecca, his movements more gentle than I had ever seen him with me. “Becca, what do you want to eat? I’ll have the kitchen make it for you.” Rebecca leaned weakly into his embrace, whining, “I want caviar, and I want you to feed it to me yourself.” “Okay, anything for you.” Before, they had kept their secret relationship from me because they were worried about Rebecca. Now that Rebecca was pregnant, they no longer cared about my feelings. The pain of my Mate’s infidelity made it hard for me to stand. I leaned against the sofa, watching them flirt openly, as if I weren’t even there. Just then, the Pack doctor walked in, carrying his medical bag. He smiled broadly and pulled a check-up report from his bag. “Alpha Jason, Alpha Arthur, good news!” He handed the report to Jason, his voice booming. “Miss Rebecca’s fetus is very stable. The examination shows it perfectly inherited the powerful Alpha bloodline! Congratulations, Alpha Jason, you have an heir!” Jason kissed Rebecca hard. Alpha Arthur Hayes was also flushed with excitement. The doctor turned to me, a hint of pity in his smile. “You shouldn’t be too sad. Since you can’t get pregnant, having Miss Rebecca help you have one is the same. After all, she also has Silverfang Pack blood.” The room filled with laughter, like sharp needles, piercing my ears again and again. I clutched my phone, my nails digging into my flesh. Jason held up the report and walked towards me. “Ava, look how adorable he is. From now on, he’ll be our child.” Alpha Arthur Hayes quickly added, “But Ava, even though the child will be registered under your name, he’ll still call Becca ‘Mom.’ We can’t forget the birth mother.” They were as persistent as ever, believing I would agree to all their requests. Just like soon after my mother’s funeral, my father brought home a stepsister who was only half a year younger than me. He said she was the daughter of a deceased friend, but her face was ninety-nine percent like his—I later found out she was the daughter of his Omega mistress. Just like when Jason said he wanted a child, I tried countless methods. Even though I had told him before we Mated that it would be difficult for me to have children. This was because seven years ago, I had made a solemn vow at my mother’s deathbed. I swore to help my weak father support the Silverfang Pack and to pave the way for the declining Jason. At that time, our two Packs had just formed an alliance. My mother hoped that my Mate Bond with Jason would solidify the fragile alliance and bring prosperity to both families. For my mother, my father was her love, and Jason’s father had saved her life. But for me, my father never treated me like his daughter, and Jason disliked my strong-willed nature. They desperately wanted a new heir. A powerful Alpha bloodline that had nothing to do with me. Especially my father, Alpha Arthur Hayes. He thought my powerful strength came from his bloodline. But he forgot that my mother was the Alpha King’s daughter. Now, the seven-year agreement was up, and it was time for me to leave.

I turned, shutting the room full of family joy behind the door. Walking to the deserted balcony, I dialed Marcus Collins, the Alpha King’s assistant. “Marcus, seven years are up.” The other end of the line was silent for a moment, then a sigh came through. “Miss Ava, the Alpha King has prepared everything. With just your word, all funds injected into Arthur Hayes’s and Jason’s companies will begin to withdraw within twenty-four hours. We expect all funds to be pulled out in six days. Afterwards, the Alpha King will send warriors to reclaim most of the Silverfang Pack and Stoneclaw Pack territories.” “Good, begin.” Hanging up the phone, I felt the shackles that had bound me for seven years finally loosen. Jason had walked over at some point, frowning as he looked at me. “Who are you on the phone with so mysteriously? Ava, I’m warning you, don’t take my money and waste it outside.” He lectured me as if it was his right, completely forgetting that I was the one managing all his companies. I ignored him and walked straight to the dining room. The long dining table was laden with dishes, all of them Rebecca’s favorites. Jason meticulously deboneed fish for Rebecca, completely oblivious that I hadn’t even touched my forks. Alpha Arthur Hayes was red-faced from drinking. “Ava, transfer all the company shares under your name to Rebecca’s child. Consider it a welcoming gift for the future Alpha.” I looked up at his calculating face. I nodded. “Okay.” My immediate agreement surprised them all. Jason was the first to react, a satisfied smile on his face. “I knew Ava was the most reasonable. The shares in my company that you hold, transfer those too. For our child, I’m sure you’ll be willing.” Rebecca leaned into Jason’s embrace, feigning worry as she tugged on his sleeve. “Jason, don’t be like that, Ava will be unhappy.” Alpha Arthur Hayes scoffed. “How could she be? She’s very happy! Right, Ava? Come on, propose a toast to Becca and say a few words of blessing.” Jason picked up a glass of red wine and handed it to me. “Propose a toast to Becca and say a few words of blessing.” His tone brooked no argument. I looked at the glass of wine but didn’t take it. Jason’s face instantly darkened. “You don’t want to? Before, to fight for territory, you led the charge, how many scars did you get, how long were you unconscious? Why didn’t you say ‘no’ then?” Alpha Arthur Hayes chimed in, his tone mocking: “Exactly. Back then, when you were carried back gravely wounded, we thought you were done for. Now, for the continuation of the bloodline, we ask you to say a few words of blessing, and you’re unwilling?” All these years, one of them, though weak in character, tried to maintain an Alpha image, while the other, though weak in strength, still projected an Alpha’s authority. Tasks that required risking one’s life to defend the Pack naturally fell to me. Six days left, I counted in my mind. Then, I took the wine glass Jason had practically shoved against my mouth, and turned to Rebecca. Her face held an ill-concealed triumph. I raised the glass, speaking each word clearly. “I wish you, may all your wishes come true.”

That night, faint sounds came from the next room. I lay in bed, staring into the darkness. The subtle noises, like sharp stings, pierced my ears again and again. Rebecca’s delicate laughter, Jason’s low responses, and the faint creak of the mattress. But even sharper was the blurred sensation transmitted through the Mate Bond—ripples of pleasure, the intertwining of their scents. The spot where Jason had left his Mark began to burn with excruciating pain. I clutched the sheets, my nails digging into my palms. A sharp agony erupted from the depths of my soul, instantly spreading through my limbs. My Alpha, my Mate, was at this moment, in my house, next door, entwined with another woman. I rushed into the bathroom, dry-heaving, but nothing came up. In this vast mansion, they were just a wall away. I grabbed my jacket and drove to the lakeside villa. It was a home my mother had left me. I wasn’t sure if this distance would stop the pain from the Mate Bond, but at least here, I wouldn’t feel sickened by their affair. Sitting by the cold lake, the night wind made me shiver, but it brought a slight relief to the burning in my chest. I felt a little dazed. Once, if I merely turned over in bed, Jason would immediately wake up, pull me into his arms, and ask, “What’s wrong? Had a nightmare?” If I said I couldn’t sleep, he would get up to warm me a glass of milk, or simply chat with me until I felt sleepy again. I also remember the year my mother first died, my wolf soul was often restless. He would wrap me in his scent, patiently comforting me. He truly loved me then. But that love had still vanished. Perhaps I was too busy, too busy to respond to his every approach. I remember the last time Jason and I argued. It was when I had worked for several days straight on a project and missed a long-planned trip. He lashed out at me for the first time, calling me a cold-blooded work machine, saying I only cared about work, didn’t need a partner, and wasn’t worthy of being his Mate. I was somewhat bewildered then. I was just trying to make things better for them, to make our two Packs stronger, just like my mother did. What was wrong with that? Isn’t that what a competent Luna does? Supporting two Packs was busy and exhausting. Everything left no room for me to overthink. By the time I came back to my senses, everything had become like this. My phone vibrated; it was a message from Jason: “My father and I took Rebecca on vacation to relax. Transfer six million over to me.” I replied “Okay,” as I always had. Then I messaged Sarah Jenkins, the financial assistant for the company, giving them unlimited spending authority. Since I would no longer be the company’s manager, whether they spent all the money was no longer my concern. The night wind was cool. I hugged myself. From now on, I would only live for myself.

I stayed at the lakeside villa for a few days. Jason didn’t call once. Only Sarah Jenkins, the financial assistant, called me cautiously. “Luna Ava, Alpha Jason… their spending at the Kingdom’s overseas resort has already exceeded ten million. If this continues, the company’s cash flow will be cut off.” That resort was the Alpha King’s property. They wouldn’t dare default, so they had to use company money to cover it. This was the Alpha I’d been loyal to for years. Stupid, incompetent. I leaned against the headboard, looking out at the gray lake. “Let them be.” Sarah Jenkins on the other end grew anxious: “But Luna Ava, the first payment for the southern project is due soon. If that money is touched, we’ll default on the contract! According to the rules, we might lose the mining rights to that territory!” “Do Alpha Jason and Alpha Arthur Hayes know about this?” Sarah Jenkins spoke with difficulty: “They said it’s fine, that with you around, you’ll take care of it.” I chuckled softly: “Then let them default.” I hung up the phone and started packing. Today marked the seventh anniversary of my mother’s death. It was also the last day of my promise. I bought a bouquet of white roses, my mother’s favorite, and went to the cemetery on the west side—the traditional family burial ground of the Silverfang Pack. But standing before that familiar headstone, I froze. The photo on the headstone was unfamiliar. The name carved on the epitaph was Lillian Wright. Rebecca’s biological mother. All the blood in my veins instantly solidified. Behind me, I heard Jason and Rebecca’s laughter. “Ava, you’re here so early.” Jason carefully pushed Rebecca’s wheelchair, afraid of even the slightest bump. I pointed at the cold stone tablet, my voice trembling. “Where’s my mother?” Jason frowned, seemingly displeased with my attitude. “Ava, keep your voice down, don’t scare Becca.” He shielded Rebecca behind him before slowly explaining: “Becca dreamed a few days ago that Lillian said she was lonely on her own there.” “I had someone check, and your mother’s grave site has good feng shui and energy, so I had Lillian moved here. After all, your mother has been gone for so many years.” Alpha Arthur Hayes followed behind, his expression one of complete justification. “Your mother never liked these formalities when she was alive. A grave is a grave, it’s all the same. Now it’s perfect, giving it to Lillian gives her a good final resting place.” I looked at the three of them as if watching an utterly absurd scene. “So where is my mother?” I asked, enunciating each word. “Her ashes have been moved to the public cemetery in the back,” Jason said dismissively. “Don’t worry, I arranged everything, your mother won’t be without a place.” Rebecca peeked out from behind him, timidly saying, “Ava, don’t be angry. My mom is also your elder, and now she’s my baby’s grandmother. She’s part of both our Silverfang Pack and the Stoneclaw Pack. Taking care of her fulfills your mother’s last wish.” “That’s right, Ava.” My father, Alpha Arthur Hayes, tapped his cane on the ground. “You promised your mother you’d protect both the Silverfang and Stoneclaw Packs. Now Lillian is part of our family too; you can’t play favorites.” They used the promise I had upheld for seven years to force me to accept this outrageous act. I looked at the unfamiliar headstone for a long time, and then, suddenly, I laughed. I didn’t argue with them anymore. I turned and walked towards the public cemetery in the back. Following the administrator’s directions, I found my mother’s small niche, so small that her name hadn’t even been carved on it yet. I cradled the cold urn and walked out. As I passed them, I didn’t stop. Jason probably thought I had finally given in. His tone softened. “Ava, stop acting like a child. Come home tonight, we’ll have a nice family dinner.” “Becca even brought you a gift.” What a grand blessing. I walked faster. Leaving their sickening voices behind. I placed the signed divorce papers on the bedside table in the master bedroom. Ensuring that I had no further legal ties to the Silverfang and Stoneclaw Packs. Then I returned to my grandfather’s—the Alpha King’s—territory. They didn’t know that my grandfather had disowned my mother because she insisted on marrying my father. But he adored me. He promised me that if I was willing to cut ties with them, he would appoint me as the Alpha Female of the powerful Moonshadow Pack. This meant I would become the only female Alpha in the Kingdom. … Back home, Jason suddenly felt uneasy. He frowned and asked Alpha Arthur Hayes: “Father, isn’t today Ava’s mother’s death anniversary?” Alpha Arthur Hayes replied indifferently: “It’s just missing one memorial. I’ll have the servants make it up tomorrow.” But just then, David Lee rushed in. “Alpha Jason, Alpha Arthur, it’s bad! The company’s cash flow is gone, and a dozen projects have all defaulted!” “Our partners on the projects have all sent notices, saying if we can’t produce the money, they’ll take Pack territory in exchange!” Alpha Arthur Hayes frowned and yelled: “Where’s Ava! Tell her to get over here and deal with this immediately!” David Lee cried urgently: “Luna left a message and then became unreachable.” Jason grew even more uneasy: “What did Ava say?” “Ava said, Your problems are no longer my problems!”

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On the eve of my wedding, Kael, the Alpha of Shadowfen Pack, took me to his hunting celebration. His deputies whistled and hooted: “Alpha Arthur’s eldest daughter from Frostveil Pack is truly pure. Our Alpha Kael is so lucky.” Kael lowered his head and kissed my hair, his pride impossible to hide. “My Elara is, of course, the best. Not like those wild sluts out there.” I went to the woods to clear my head after drinking too much. As I walked back to the door, I heard Kael’s mocking voice from inside the room. “Purity? What’s that worth? She’s stubborn as a rock, like a dead fish in bed. If she couldn’t help me take over Arthur’s territory, and if she didn’t have the same face as Sera, I wouldn’t even bother touching her.” My blood instantly froze, and I felt my wolf howling wildly. Sera, my twin sister, Alpha Arthur’s youngest daughter from Frostveil Pack. The next day, my wedding to Kael proceeded as planned. All members of Frostveil Pack and Shadowfen Pack gathered at the ceremony altar. I wore a gown embroidered with white wolf totems, waiting to complete the ceremony with him. Just as we were about to exchange rings, Sera, with her visibly swollen belly, walked towards us, surrounded by a group of wolf guards. Kael stepped forward to shield her, his eyes devoid of any guilt as he looked at me. “Elara, Sera is carrying my heir. Shadowfen Pack needs her as my Luna. This engagement ends here. Please, let us be.” I looked at my own sister, my flesh and blood, and at the fiancé I had loved with all my heart, and then I smiled. I brutally tore off the necklace around my neck, which symbolized the alliance between our two Packs. Holding up the hem of my gown, I walked step by step towards the man sitting in the shadows. Killian, the Beta of Shadowfen Pack, a broken wolf who couldn’t shift, his hind leg injured by silver seven years ago. The entire Pack gossiped that this crippled wolf had watched over me for seven years. I knelt before him and whispered, “They all say you like me. Now, I’m single. Do you dare marry me?”

“Elara’s lost her mind!” “She actually chose a cripple? A broken wolf who can’t shift!” “Frostveil Pack’s reputation is ruined because of her! The Alpha’s daughter, marrying a crippled Beta who can’t shift!” Piercing laughter erupted from all directions, each sound like a claw tearing away my last shred of dignity. My mother, Eleanor, rushed down the aisle like a madwoman, gripping my arm tightly. “Are you insane? Spiting Kael isn’t worth ruining your entire life over a Beta?!” On the altar, Kael wrapped an arm around Sera’s waist, a sneering smile on his face as he watched the drama unfold. “Tsk, I underestimated Elara. She’s certainly got guts.” Sera let out a delicate chuckle, deliberately caressing her pregnant belly, her eyes brimming with provocation. “Guts? I think she’s gone mad. Elara, are you really going to spend your life with a broken wolf who can’t even stand properly? He can’t even protect you.” My heart felt like it was being ripped apart by wolf claws. I thought tearing up the engagement would free me from my cage, but instead, it led to even more profound humiliation. Just then, Killian stood up. His right leg was weak, and he stumbled as he rose. Every step he took showed he was enduring immense pain. Compared to the triumphant Kael on the altar, Killian was in the mud, Kael in the clouds. I suddenly regretted it. Impulse is a devil. Why did I choose a broken wolf who couldn’t even walk normally? Was I really going to marry him and be mocked by the entire North American wolf community for the rest of my life? Killian stopped in front of me and pulled a ring from his pocket. The band was polished from one of his own shed wolf claws, with only a small, dull moonstone embedded in it. It couldn’t even compare to a fraction of the diamond earrings Kael casually gave Sera. The laughter from the crowd grew louder. “Hahaha, even the wedding ring is pathetic!” “Elara, are you truly willing? Following him, you’ll even lose your inheritance rights to Frostveil Pack!” My eyes almost welled up with tears. I was Alpha Arthur’s eldest daughter of Frostveil Pack, born at the top of the pack. When had I ever suffered such humiliation? But the next second, Killian reached out and gently took my hand. His hand was warm, steady, calloused from years of holding weapons, yet incredibly gentle. “I do.” Two words, deep and firm, without a hint of hesitation. Those two simple words instantly calmed my restless heart. My throat tightened. “Are you sure? Right now, I’ll only bring you endless trouble.” “I’m not afraid.” He looked into my eyes, not flinching. The laughter from below turned into furious growls. Someone bared their fangs at Killian. “Two failures, a perfect match!” “A cripple with a madwoman, truly a match made in hell!” Kael strode down from the altar, looking down at me with an air of condescension. “Elara, don’t be childish. Come back. The child in Sera’s belly needs a father, and you need an Alpha who can protect you.” Listening to his words, a coldness spread through my heart. Kael played with my feelings, got my sister pregnant, and this philandering man still had the nerve to say he’d protect me? I looked at Killian. His leg might be broken, but his heart wasn’t rotten. “Yes, I will.” I extended my hand, and Killian slipped the smoothly polished wolf claw ring onto my ring finger. The ring fit perfectly, as if it had been custom-made for me seven years ago. The crowd erupted in an uproar, wolf howls echoing everywhere.

The sneering expression on Kael’s face instantly vanished, replaced by pure fury. He lunged forward, grabbing my wrist with a force that almost crushed my bones. “Elara, you’d rather choose a cripple to spite me than lower yourself to beg?” Before I could struggle free, my father, Arthur, rushed over. I thought he was coming to pull Kael away, to protect me. But he raised his hand and slapped me hard across the face. “Slap!” The sharp sound echoed piercingly in the quiet woods, silencing all whispers. My cheek instantly swelled and turned red, and I staggered back two steps from the force of the blow. The entire scene fell silent for a moment, then erupted into even louder murmurs. “You’ve brought utter disgrace upon Frostveil Pack! Get back here immediately!” Father’s eyes held no hint of tenderness, only raging fury and undisguised disgust. I covered my face, tears nearly spilling out. Not from pain, but from the bone-chilling disappointment. My own father would rather watch his daughter be betrayed by her fiancé than jeopardize the alliance between the two Packs, to preserve his ridiculous reputation. Sera then came over, pretending to intervene, reaching out to pull us apart. “Daddy, please don’t be angry. Elara is just acting on impulse.” As she spoke, she deliberately bumped me hard with her shoulder, and I stumbled and fell to the ground. The wolves below began pointing and scoffing disdainfully. “This Frostveil Pack’s upbringing, tsk tsk…” “The elder daughter is a lunatic, but the younger one is much more sensible.” “Good thing Alpha Kael chose the right person, otherwise Shadowfen Pack would be in chaos with that madwoman.” Sera proudly caressed her pregnant belly, her eyes filled with the triumph of a victor as she looked at me. Killian tried to rush to my aid, but Kael’s two guards held him back firmly, pinning him in place. “What are you? A broken wolf, daring to touch the future Luna of Shadowfen Pack?” Kael sneered, looking down at me. I lay on the ground, watching Killian’s anxious but helpless face, a despair deeper than any physical pain welling up inside me. Was this the man I chose? He couldn’t even get close to me, couldn’t protect me. Kael knelt down, reaching out to help me up, his voice laced with false tenderness. “Do you see now? This is your choice. How can a broken wolf who can’t even stand protect you? Come back. I can let bygones be bygones, as if none of this ever happened.” This man, who just last night mocked me as a “dead fish” in a separate room with his friends. Now he was acting all tender and loving. Disgusting. I used all my strength to violently swat his hand away. “Get lost!” Kael’s face instantly darkened, the killing intent in his eyes almost overflowing. “You’re ungrateful.” He stood up and kicked the hem of my gown by my side, tearing the fabric instantly. “Since you’re so cheap, go live with your cripple. But don’t you dare regret it!” Seeing this, Arthur rushed forward again, raising his hand to strike me once more. “Why aren’t you apologizing to Alpha Kael?!” Eleanor also rushed over, weeping, pulling my arm and shaking it. “Elara, are you mad? Are you going to ruin your whole life just to spite him?”

The laughter from the crowd never stopped, like they were watching a meticulously choreographed farce. “Elara really is crazy.” “To choose a broken wolf out of spite, she must be really desperate.” “Frostveil Pack truly is cursed, to have a daughter like that.” Sera opportunistically walked over, proudly displaying her belly, looking down at me, her words full of false concern. “Elara, calm down. Even if we had a misunderstanding, Kael truly cared for you. Look at Killian, he can’t even protect you. Is he truly worth entrusting your life to?” Every word she spoke stabbed at my heart. I lay on the ground, feeling the malice surrounding me. Had I, indeed, made the wrong choice? Just then, Killian suddenly burst out. He used all his strength to break free from the two guard wolves’ hold. Even though he trembled with pain, he limped towards me. He knelt down and carefully helped me to my feet. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to suffer like this.” Then he turned his head and looked at the triumphant Kael. “You’re right, I can’t protect her right now.” My heart instantly sank to the bottom. Even he, was he going to abandon me? But the next second, he looked up, his gaze sweeping over all the wolves present. “But at least, I won’t hurt her.” “You mock her for being crazy, mock her for choosing me, a broken wolf, out of spite. But have you considered? What exactly pushed an Alpha’s daughter of Frostveil Pack to tear up her own engagement at her wedding ceremony with her own hands?” The entire crowd fell silent instantly. “It was betrayal. It was deceit. It was harm from her own flesh and blood.” “My leg was injured by silver, I can’t fully shift into my wolf form, but my heart isn’t rotten. I can’t give her the position of Luna of Shadowfen Pack, I can’t give her countless treasures, but I can give her absolute loyalty. Not like your Alpha, who got Elara’s twin sister pregnant before the wedding.” Kael’s face turned ashen, and his full Alpha presence instantly erupted, pressing down on Killian. “Stop being so dramatic! What right do you, a broken wolf, have to speak here?!” “What right do I have?” Killian interrupted him, meeting his dominance without an inch of retreat. “I have the right to love her and protect her. What about you? What right do you have?” “Stop talking nonsense!” Kael roared furiously, ordering the guards behind him. “Throw this broken wolf out! Never allow him to step foot into the territories of our two Packs again!” Several guard wolves swarmed over, grabbed Killian, and, ignoring his struggles, dragged him forcibly out of the venue.

At that moment, my mother, Eleanor, clutched my arm tightly, pulling me up from the ground. “Let go of me! What are you doing!” I struggled desperately, but her grip was too strong, making me powerless. “Shut up! You’ve embarrassed us enough!” She dragged me, pulling me towards Frostveil Pack’s underground silver cage in the woods. I was thrown into the underground cage, crafted from pure silver. Just getting close to it brought an agonizing burning sensation. “Bang!” The heavy iron door slammed shut, followed by the sound of a key turning in the lock. I rushed to the door like a madwoman, pounding on the silver bars. “Open the door! How dare you lock me up! Open it!” Kael’s voice drifted from outside. “Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse the little interruption earlier.” “Now, my discarded ex-fiancée is reflecting in the silver cage downstairs. How long do you think it will take for her to come to her senses and beg me?” A deafening roar of laughter erupted from the crowd. “Alpha Kael is truly amusing!” “This is more exciting than watching wolves fight!” “That woman deserves it! Serves her right for being so ungrateful!” I became the publicly displayed joke of this grand ceremony. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a SnapChat from Mom. “Elara, stop making trouble. The child in Sera’s belly is the future of our alliance. Her happiness is what matters most. Kneel and apologize to Kael, and this whole thing will blow over.” I stared at the words on the screen, feeling a chill run through me. Sera’s happiness matters most. What about me? Doesn’t my happiness matter? Doesn’t my dignity matter? Do I deserve to be betrayed, humiliated, and locked in a silver cage, made a laughingstock for the entire Pack? Music started playing outside. Kael and Sera were dancing at what was supposed to be my wedding, the applause from the guests growing louder and louder. And I, like trash, was locked in this dark, cold silver cage. My phone buzzed again. This time, it was a SnapChat from Sera. “Elara, I know you’re angry right now. But think about it, Kael is so amazing, what’s wrong with him having a few people he likes? Just be magnanimous, give me the Luna position of Shadowfen Pack, and I’ll ask Daddy to let you out.” I slid down the cold silver bars, curling into a ball on the ground. The burning pain in my body, my family’s betrayal, my lover’s humiliation, Everything, like a tide, engulfed me, pushing me into a bottomless abyss. The sound of a key turning came from outside. The iron door opened, and dazzling moonlight streamed in. Kael stood at the doorway, followed by a group of curious pack members, all holding their phones, their cameras pointed at my disheveled self. “Elara, what have you decided? Ready to apologize?” I looked up at his hypocritical face, about to speak. Suddenly, from the direction of the ceremony grounds, a thunderous wolf howl erupted, Followed by dense, murderous howls, one after another, growing closer and closer.

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The day SAT ended, my class decided to throw a party. At one point, someone suggested we play a “love compatibility game.” When it was Liam’s turn, the party room went quiet for a moment. Four words flashed across the screen: “Total softie for love.” The entire class erupted. Someone joked, “I always thought Liam was a total ice-king, but he’s actually a softie for love?” Liam was my secret boyfriend of three years. I was about to open my mouth and say Liam was anything but a softie for love, but Chloe spoke first. “You guys found out.” She said, then linked her arm through Liam’s. “He really is a softie, so clingy. He even insisted on going to the same university as me.” Liam smiled gently and tightly clasped Chloe’s hand. Chloe smiled, looking around. “I didn’t mean to keep it from you all, but before the SATs, I was worried it would affect Liam’s studies if we went public.” She leaned her head on Liam’s shoulder. “And our families have known each other forever. We’re childhood sweethearts. My mom said as soon as the acceptance letters come in, she’s throwing us an engagement party!” Liam didn’t push her away. He just took a sip of his ice water, his face devoid of expression. The whole room was silent. Someone in the corner whispered, “I won! I told you Chloe and Liam were a thing, and you guys didn’t believe me.” “Seriously? They kept it so quiet!” “Didn’t you notice? Liam only ever lent his study notes to Chloe. When he played basketball, Chloe was always in the front row handing him water. Even for college applications this time, Liam applied to the same city as Chloe!” Everyone exchanged glances, cheers rising in waves. I sat in the farthest corner, holding a glass. My fingertips felt numb with cold. All those details they talked about made me incredibly uncomfortable. He didn’t have time to organize his study notes; I stayed up three nights copying them for him. The soda he drank during basketball games? I saved half a month’s breakfast money to buy cases of it and had someone carry them to the court. Even college applications… He had said, “Aurora, romance affects studies. We’ll talk after the SATs.” He had said, “Aurora, I want to go to New York with you.” Because of that sentence, I gave up my original college applications. It turned out he wasn’t cold to everyone. I thought we’d meet at the top together. It turned out he was just enjoying having an all-in-one caretaker manage everything for him, and the only person he truly loved was his childhood sweetheart. The students’ cheers grew louder: “Liam, say something! Is that a yes?” Liam finally moved. Not only did he not deny it, but he clasped Chloe’s wrist, lowering his voice, “Stop it.” His tone was full of indulgence. Then, he looked up, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, landing on me. But it quickly moved away, as if I were just an insignificant passerby. Chloe smiled even sweeter, adding, “Our families have even picked out our wedding home. Everyone has to come to our wedding, okay?” The entire room erupted again. I suddenly felt it hard to breathe, as if all the air had been sucked out of the party room. I stood up, not looking at anyone, and walked straight to the door. “Hey? Where’s Aurora going?” someone asked. “To the restroom,” I said, without turning my head. The moment I closed the party room door, I heard someone inside say, “Aurora’s been chasing Liam relentlessly. She’s getting what she deserves now!” “Please, with her pathetic, desperate act, does she even deserve him?” I rushed into the restroom, locked myself in a stall, covered my mouth, and silently cried. Three years of hidden devotion, three years of a secret relationship — in his eyes, it wasn’t even worth a joke. My phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a message from Liam: “Let’s talk later, don’t throw a tantrum.” I forced a smile, typing a few words on the screen: “Liam, we’re over.” A hot summer breeze hit me, but I shivered from cold. When I reached the intersection, I turned my phone back on to call a ride. The screen lit up. There was no plea from Liam, only a text from an unknown number: “Aurora, right? I want to talk to you about your college applications. I’m Liam’s mom.”

The next morning, at a coffee shop downtown. Eve, Liam’s mom, sat across from me, elegantly sipping her tea, not even bothering to look at me directly. She pushed over an agreement and a bank card. “I know about you and Liam,” she said, her voice cold, with a condescending sneer. “Aurora, it’s important to know your place.” I sat frozen, my fingers tightly gripping the hem of my shirt. “Your grades were good enough to get you into a top school like Stanford, but to go to the same city as Liam, you intentionally chose Columbia University in New York. Am I right?” I didn’t speak. Eve sneered. “Too bad, Liam and Chloe already got into Cornell University. Even if you go to New York, you’ll only be at a step-down school like Columbia. Did you really think you could cling to him in the same city?” My head spun. Liam had never told me! It turned out he’d always had a backup plan, while I foolishly gambled my future for him. “There’s two hundred thousand in this card,” Eve tapped the table. “Sign this agreement, promise never to contact Liam again, and this money will be my charity to help you pay for college.” “I don’t want your money.” I gritted my teeth, my voice trembling. Eve’s eyes narrowed. “Your dad’s struggling factory? Half of its orders this year come from our company’s patronage. If you don’t know what’s good for you, your family’s going to have a very hard time for the rest of the year.” My blood instantly froze. Just then, the coffee shop door opened. Liam strode in, wearing a well-tailored white shirt, still looking as neat as he had for the past three years I loved him. I shot up, a final flicker of hope igniting in my eyes. He glanced at me, then walked to Eve’s side: “Mom, I’ll handle it.” Then, he turned to me, his gaze colder than I’d ever seen it: “Aurora, just sign it.” “What did you say?” I couldn’t believe my ears. “Chloe has a delicate heart; she can’t handle stress. If she knew about you and me, she’d get sick.” Liam frowned. “Columbia University isn’t bad. For the tuition… I can have my mom compensate you.” “Liam.” I heard my voice tremble. “You want me to sign an agreement, admitting I was the one harassing you?” “What else?” he retorted, his self-righteousness chilling. “These past three years, you willingly acted as my assistant, allowing me to use you, didn’t you?” I looked at the man before me, feeling utterly alien. I didn’t take the card. Instead, I grabbed the agreement from the table, tore it to shreds, and threw it hard in his face. “Liam, you disgust me.” I turned and stormed out of the coffee shop, not looking back. A few days later, our class reunion dinner. The homeroom teacher explicitly called me and made me go. Pushing open the party room door, Chloe and Liam were clearly the center of attention. Someone asked me, “Aurora, where did you end up getting accepted?” I looked down: “Columbia University.” Chloe covered her mouth, exclaiming in “surprise”: “Oh, that’s too bad! You almost got to be classmates with Liam and me at Cornell. But Columbia University is good too! Liam said we’re all classmates, and he’ll look out for you in New York.” Hearing this, Liam said indifferently, “Honey, eat. Don’t worry about other people’s business.” Everyone around them laughed and agreed, every word praising how perfect they were for each other, every word mocking my presumption. When the dinner ended, I stood alone by the road, waiting for the bus. A brand-new BMW pulled up in front of me. The window rolled down, revealing Liam’s unreadable face. It was the car his family rewarded him with for his summer job. “Get in, I’ll drop you off.” His tone was like an act of charity. I stepped back, shaking my head. The rear window immediately rolled down, and Chloe poked her head out, smiling sweetly. “Aurora, don’t be shy. Liam just seems cold, but he’s really warm-hearted. He takes good care of old classmates. Come on up.” Looking at them, my stomach churned. Just then, my phone rang. “Dad” flashed on the screen.

As soon as I answered, my father’s hoarse, tearful voice came through: “Aurora, something happened at the factory… That most important order was canceled. We have to pay a penalty… I’m so sorry, I might not be able to afford your college tuition anymore…” What does it feel like when your world collapses? I didn’t know before, but now I did. That crucial order for my father’s factory was with a company under Liam’s family. They unilaterally canceled the contract, citing “substandard quality,” and demanded a massive penalty. Our family’s economic pillar instantly crumbled. My mother, overwhelmed by stress, suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage that night and was rushed to the hospital. The machines in the ICU beeped, “drip-drip,” burning through money every second. I frantically ran around like a madwoman, humbly knocking on every relative’s door. “Aurora, it’s not that I won’t lend you money, but your dad’s hole is too big, we can’t fill it.” “Did your family offend some bigshot? We can’t get involved.” I was met with cold shoulders and couldn’t borrow a single dollar. College tuition and my mother’s medical bills weighed on me like two crushing mountains. Just when I was at my wit’s end, Chloe contacted me. In a coffee shop across from the city hospital, Chloe, in an elegant dress, pushed a thick envelope toward me. “Aurora, I heard your mom’s in the hospital? Take this money for emergencies.” “I know you like Liam.” I stared at the envelope, not moving. Chloe sighed, leaning closer, her eyes holding a hint of condescending disdain and malice. “Oh, by the way, you probably don’t know why everyone in class suddenly turned against you that day at the dinner party, do you?” She lowered her voice and chuckled. “Before the SATs, I secretly looked at Liam’s phone. I picked a few segments of your chats where you actively sought him out and took screenshots. Now, everyone thinks you’re a persistent, clingy tramp willing to be a mistress.” My blood instantly rushed backward, and I glared at her. No wonder! No wonder the whole class was laughing at me! “Don’t be stubborn. You know Liam has a soft spot.” Chloe sat up straight. “This money… consider it peace of mind for you. Don’t bother him and his mother anymore, and don’t try to use your dad’s bankruptcy to gain sympathy, okay?” I abruptly stood up and splashed a glass of ice water directly onto her face. “Take your money and get out.” Chloe shrieked, drawing stares from everyone in the coffee shop. Shortly after returning to the hospital, Liam’s call came in. As soon as I answered, his furious voice exploded: “Aurora, are you crazy? Why are you taking it out on Chloe! Was that sweet, obedient girl act all fake?” I leaned tiredly against the wall: “She went to you to complain?” “She kindly brought you money, and not only are you ungrateful, you splashed water on her?” Liam’s voice was full of impatience. “Let me tell you. My family doesn’t owe you anything. Your dad’s factory issue is a business problem; he didn’t do his quality control properly. Don’t blame my family. Chloe isn’t well, don’t keep bothering her!” “Business problem?” I laughed, tears streaming down my hand. “Liam, do you dare swear your mom didn’t pull strings behind the scenes?” “Aurora, you’re absolutely unreasonable.” He coldly threw out one last sentence, “If you keep acting like this, no one can save you.” The call ended. At eleven PM, the nurse station called: “Family of Room 3, if you don’t pay the fees tomorrow, we’ll have to stop the medication.” I crouched in the cold hospital hallway, looking at the mere ten-odd dollars remaining on my bank card. Despair washed over me like a tide. Trembling, I dialed Liam’s number. This was my last time bowing to him.

The phone rang for a long time. The moment it connected, Chloe’s soft, drowsy voice came through the receiver: “Who is it… Liam’s already asleep. Is something wrong this late?” After a while, she chuckled softly: “Oh, it’s Aurora. Are you short on money? Let’s talk tomorrow, don’t wake him up…” The call was immediately disconnected. I scrolled through my contact list, hundreds of names, but I couldn’t find a single person to ask for help. Finally, my gaze stopped on a familiar name—Ethan. A transfer student in senior year, always skipping class and getting into fights, with the worst grades, but seemingly from a very wealthy background. He always teased me. Once, he handed me a crumpled business card, grinning mischievously, “If you’re in trouble, call me.” With trembling fingers, I dialed the number I thought I’d never call in my life. “Where are you?” The moment the call connected, Ethan didn’t waste a single word. Half an hour later, a black Aston Martin screeched to a halt in front of the hospital. Ethan, in a loose black T-shirt, with messy hair, but sharp eyes, rushed straight to the payment desk without a word. He paid all the overdue fees with his card, and even pulled strings to get the best neurosurgeon from out of state transferred overnight. He still had that playful, rebellious look, leaning against the hallway wall, twirling his car keys. “Don’t look at me like that. This money is a loan, and there’ll be interest.” I cried in front of him like a broken mess, and he just handed me a pack of tissues. “Alright, someone taller will bear the weight if the sky falls.” With Ethan’s help, my mother’s condition temporarily stabilized, and I finally got a moment to breathe. To repay the money and earn college tuition, Ethan asked me to do a short-term internship in one of his company’s project teams. Although it was mostly running errands and odd jobs, the pay was surprisingly generous. A few afternoons later, I walked out of Ethan’s company building, carrying a stack of files. A familiar BMW was parked at the bottom of the steps. Liam got out of the car and blocked my path. “Aurora, are you really going to stoop this low?” I looked at him coldly: “Move.” “For money, you’ll throw away all your dignity, and hang out with trash like Ethan?” Liam gritted his teeth, “After leaving me, are you only fit to be a plaything for people like him!” I found it utterly ridiculous and couldn’t be bothered to explain anything to him. “Does it concern you what I do?” I walked around him. Liam grabbed my wrist: “I offered you money, but you refused! Now you’re here selling yourself? Are you being fair to your parents?” I swung my hand back and slapped him hard across the face. “Don’t talk about my parents, you’re not worthy.” I shook off his hand and walked away without looking back. However, the very next day, several candid photos suddenly went viral in the class SnapChat group. The photos were blurry, but clearly showed me getting into Ethan’s car, and also a picture of me and Ethan talking outside a fancy restaurant, from an extremely ambiguous angle. The caption was vicious: “No wonder she used to follow Liam, and now she’s not. Turns out she’s latched onto a richer branch. Pretending to be so pure, but still just a plaything for rich men.” I looked at the messages in the group, my hands and feet turning cold. Immediately after, Chloe Snapchatted me privately. She sent a screenshot of her chat with Liam. Liam: “She’s changed. She’ll do anything for money. I really misjudged her.” Chloe replied: “Forget it, Liam. To each their own. I just didn’t expect her to be so eager. It’s only been a few days since her mom passed away, and she’s already in the mood to hook up with a rich guy…” What? My mom was clearly still in the ICU, and Chloe was cursing her like that behind my back! Just as I was about to be crushed by this overwhelming malice, my phone rang with a jarring sound. It was the hospital. “Aurora! Come to the hospital immediately! Your mother suddenly developed severe complications and urgently needs brain surgery! You need to pay eight hundred thousand for the surgery right away, or she won’t make it!” I rushed to the hospital like a madwoman. Ethan’s phone was temporarily unreachable. He had gone out of town with his father to handle an urgent project. The whole world seemed to shrink to just me, rapidly plummeting into the abyss of despair. Just then, my phone screen lit up. It was a text message from Liam. It contained a picture and a sentence. I trembling clicked on the picture. In the photo, my father was kneeling on the ground, humbly before Eve, holding a pen, ready to sign an agreement that waived all claims and accepted the exorbitant penalty. Liam’s message said: “Beg me. Or, let your dad go to jail.”

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My husband, Ethan, recently became obsessed with miniature landscapes. He set up a massive ecosystem tank in our master bedroom and strictly forbade me from touching it. One night, getting up to use the restroom, I thought I heard faint panting coming from the tank. As I leaned closer, a mechanical voice suddenly echoed in my mind, followed by a torrent of frantic messages: [OMG, Aurora still thinks he’s raising ants in there.] [Ethan got a shrinking potion just to get off with Chloe by Aurora’s bed. So wild!] [Having sex in the ecosystem tank right in front of his wife, Ethan sure knows how to find thrills!] I’m Aurora, and Chloe is Ethan’s distant cousin. I looked at the two rice-sized figures, frantically having sex in the tank, then turned and walked to the kitchen, grabbing a can of bug spray. “What are you doing, standing in front of my ecosystem tank with bug spray in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?” Ethan’s voice suddenly cut through the silence from behind me, laced with clear panic and suppressed fury. I turned around. He stood barefoot in the bedroom doorway, wearing nothing but boxer briefs. His chest heaved violently, his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat, and even his hair was soaked. I looked at the bug spray in my hand, then at him. “We have bugs,” I said. “If there are bugs, just kill them! Why are you spraying bug spray into my tank?” He strode over, snatching the plastic bottle from my hand. I looked up at his disheveled state. “Weren’t you sleeping in the guest room?” I asked. “Why are you covered in sweat?” His eyes darted away, and his voice immediately rose. “Can’t I get up at night? I just did a set of burpees in the living room. What’s wrong with a little sweat?” “Two-thirty in the morning, doing burpees in the living room in your boxer briefs?” “I’ve been stressed lately, can’t sleep. Working out helps release some energy. Got a problem with that?” He slammed the bug spray onto the nightstand. “The moss and miniature plants in this ecosystem tank are expensive imports. Even a drop of chemicals will ruin them. Stay out of the master bedroom from now on, and don’t you *dare* touch my tank.” So *that’s* what your tank is for, huh. The mechanical voice in my head chimed again, accompanied by frantically scrolling messages. [OMG, OMG, I almost died of fright! Aurora was actually going to spray bug spray!] [Good thing Ethan reacted fast, instantly using the ‘Grow Bigger’ and ‘Teleport’ functions, or he and Chloe would’ve been poisoned to death in there.] [Ethan’s excuse is so lame, burpees in the middle of the night, LOL.] [But Aurora totally bought it, because in the original story, she’s just a blindly devoted fool when it comes to Ethan.] [Poor Chloe, she was just getting into it, then Ethan suddenly disappeared. Now she’s naked and shivering behind the miniature rock formation in the ecosystem tank.] I lowered my head slightly, my gaze sweeping over the five-foot-long giant ecosystem tank. The tank was adorned with a realistic miniature rainforest, complete with miniature rock formations, a flowing stream, and intricate vines. Behind the rock formation in the far corner, I vaguely saw a tiny, unnatural fleshy spot. It was minuscule, only the size of a grain of rice, and it was trembling slightly. So the mistress was still in there. “What are you looking at?” Ethan took a step forward, blocking my view. “Nothing,” I retracted my gaze. “Just thinking the landscaping in this tank is quite unique.” “It’s unique, but it’s none of your business.” He scowled and pointed towards the door. “Get out, I’m going to sleep.” “I thought you had insomnia?” “Just worked out, now I’m tired.” He pushed me towards the door. I walked out, yielding to his force. “Fine, then get some good sleep,” I said. The door slammed shut in front of me and was locked. I stood in the hallway, listening to the faint sounds from inside. The messages continued. [Ethan is so manly, he kicked his wife out just to protect Chloe.] [Hurry, hurry, Ethan, change back! Chloe’s waiting for you behind the rock formation.] [Tonight’s thrill isn’t over yet, keep going!] I turned around expressionlessly and walked back to the guest room. Ethan is a partner at an architectural design firm, always impeccably dressed in suits, looking every inch the respectable professional. We’ve been married for two years, and he’s always touted himself as a man of principle, a perfectionist with a clean freak obsession. He’d even frown and spend ages vacuuming if I dropped a single hair on the couch. Now, to pursue so-called “thrills,” he was shrinking himself down to roll around in a tank full of dirt and moss with another woman. I lay on the bed in the guest room, staring at the ceiling. Bug spray would be letting them off way too easy. Since they loved the miniature world so much, and loved seeking thrills… then I’d let them experience what *true* thrill was like in that tank.

“Aurora, don’t look at me like that, you’re scaring me.” The next evening, I pushed open the front door after work and heard that sugary sweet line. Chloe sat on the living room sofa, wearing an oversized men’s white dress shirt, with the collar open, revealing her collarbones. I recognized that shirt; Ethan had bought that limited edition last month. Ethan came out of the kitchen, carrying a bowl of cut fruit, which he placed in front of her. “Aurora, you’re back.” He glanced at me, his tone flat. “Chloe just arrived in the city looking for a job, she has nowhere to stay, so she’s crashing with us for a few days.” Chloe took a bite of an apple and flashed me a sweet smile. “Aurora, you don’t mind, do you? Ethan and I are like siblings.” “Like siblings?” I walked over, staring at the shirt she was wearing. “Do siblings share clothes now?” “Aurora, please don’t misunderstand. I just arrived, and my clothes got dirty, so Ethan lent me this.” Chloe turned and tugged on Ethan’s sleeve. “Ethan, maybe I should just go. I don’t want to cause trouble between you and Aurora.” Ethan immediately stood up when he heard that. “What do you mean, go? This is your home.” He turned to me, his brows tightly furrowed. “Aurora, can you stop being so petty? Chloe’s a young woman out on her own, what’s wrong with me looking out for her?” “I just asked about the shirt.” “Even asking isn’t allowed! Your tone is just dripping with sarcasm.” Ethan slammed the fruit bowl onto the coffee table. “It’s bad enough you act like a boss at work, but you come home and put on airs for my cousin too? Who do you think you are?” Seeing his self-righteous expression, I actually found it amusing. The messages floated across my mind right on cue. [Hahaha, Aurora’s speechless, isn’t she?] [Chloe played that retreat-to-advance card perfectly, Ethan’s practically melting with sympathy.] [Wearing Ethan’s white shirt? So hot. Later, when they shrink, they should totally do it in his shirt pocket.] [Yes, yes, right under Aurora’s nose, in Ethan’s shirt pocket, just thinking about it is thrilling.] I averted my gaze, pulled out a dining chair, and sat down. “Fine, if she’s your cousin, she can stay.” I picked up a glass of water and took a sip. “Which room?” “The guest room,” Ethan said. “Then where do I sleep?” “You’ll sleep with me in the master bedroom,” he said, as if it were obvious. I raised an eyebrow. Last night he kicked me out of the master bedroom, and today he wants me back? Looks like he has some new tricks up his sleeve. “Alright,” I agreed readily. Dinner was takeout Ethan ordered, all Chloe’s favorite spicy Mexican dishes. I have a sensitive stomach; we usually cook very light meals at home. I couldn’t eat any of it. “Aurora, why aren’t you eating?” Chloe picked up a large chili pepper and put it in my bowl. “Are you saying the takeout isn’t clean?” “I have a sensitive stomach; I can’t eat spicy food.” I picked the chili pepper out. “Oh, you’re so fussy,” Chloe pouted. “Ethan used to love spicy food. He hasn’t had a proper, satisfying meal in ages, just to accommodate you.” She turned to Ethan, her face full of concern. “Ethan, you’re so pathetic. Getting married and losing your freedom to even eat what you want.” Ethan sighed, his eyes filled with helplessness and indulgence. “Can’t be helped, I married her after all. You eat more, don’t mind her.” I put down my forks and quietly watched their performance. After dinner, Ethan couldn’t wait, practically dragging Chloe into the master bedroom. “Chloe, didn’t you say you were interested in miniature landscapes? I’ll show you the ecosystem tank I just set up.” “Oh yes, yes, Ethan, you’re amazing, you can do anything.” The door closed in front of me, but it wasn’t locked. I walked to the bathroom and turned on the faucet to wash my face. The messages in my mind were already practically flooding the screen. [Here it comes, here it comes, the main event!] [Chloe has already drunk the shrinking potion, Ethan is taking off his clothes.] [Tonight’s script is sex on Aurora’s pillow! So wild!] I dried my face, then casually picked up a half-empty bottle of disinfectant from the counter and unscrewed the cap. “Since you’re going to play on my pillow, I’ll disinfect it for you.”

When I pushed open the master bedroom door, the room was quiet. Ethan sat on the rug in front of the ecosystem tank, holding a pair of tweezers, seemingly focused on trimming the moss. Chloe was gone. Or rather, the normal-sized Chloe was gone. “What are you doing in here?” Ethan asked without looking up, his tone very impatient. “I came to get something.” I walked to the bed, my gaze sweeping over my side of the pillow. On the white pillowcase, there was an incredibly tiny indentation. If you weren’t looking closely, you’d never notice it. The messages were flashing frantically. [OMG, Aurora is here! Right next to them!] [Chloe is lying right in the folds of the pillow, and Ethan’s finger is on her.] [This angle is insane; Aurora’s huge face leaning over, the pressure is so strong.] [Stay calm, Ethan, don’t let her find out.] I looked at Ethan’s left hand, resting on the edge of the pillow. His index finger was subtly rubbing the folds of the pillowcase at an almost imperceptible rhythm. His breathing was heavy, and though his eyes were fixed on the ecosystem tank, his peripheral vision kept darting towards the pillow. “What are you getting?” His voice was a little hoarse. “Disinfectant,” I said, holding up the bottle. “What are you doing with disinfectant?” He turned, his eyes wary. “I think the room smells a bit off.” I twisted the nozzle. “Maybe it hasn’t been aired out properly lately; even the pillows smell musty.” I aimed the nozzle at my pillow. Ethan’s face instantly changed. “Stop it!” He lunged forward, snatching the disinfectant from my hand with such force that he shoved me two steps back, my lower back hitting the nightstand. “What the hell are you doing?” he roared at me. “I’m disinfecting my own pillow, why am I going crazy?” I steadied myself, looking at him confused. “The smell of this disinfectant will get into the tank! How many times have I told you, miniature plants are delicate!” He threw the disinfectant directly into the trash can. “If you think this room smells bad, then go sleep in the guest room!” Watching his fingers tremble slightly from tension, I chuckled internally. The messages had already exploded. [I almost died of fright! Almost got sprayed with disinfectant!] [Aurora must be doing this on purpose, right? Has she figured something out?] [Nice one, Ethan, that’s how you put her in her place and make her leave.] “Fine, I’ll leave.” I didn’t argue, turning to walk out. “Wait.” Ethan called out to me. He walked to the nightstand, picked up a jewelry box, and threw it at my feet. “Take your stuff, it’s an eyesore.” The jewelry box hit the floor and popped open. A crystal bracelet rolled out, cracking into three pieces with a sharp snap. It was something my mother left me before she passed away last year. I looked at the shattered jade on the floor and felt my heart being brutally squeezed. “What are you doing?” I looked up, my voice trembling.

“How was I supposed to know it would fall out?” Ethan’s tone softened a little, but quickly hardened again. “It’s just a cheap old bracelet, isn’t it? Such poor quality, how much could it be worth? I’ll just get you a new one tomorrow.” “My mom left this to me.” “So what if your mom left it to you? Whose fault is it that you didn’t put it away properly?” He waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, don’t stand there looking so mournful. Clean it up and get out. Don’t disturb my landscaping.” Mom told me when she gave me the bracelet that if I married the right man, I wouldn’t need to wear it. But if I married the wrong man, this bracelet would be my last resort, my ultimate security. I had smiled then, saying, “Ethan is so good, how could I possibly marry the wrong man?” He really was good back then, so good that I thought having him was all I needed for this life. I squatted down, picking up the broken jade piece by piece. The broken pieces were sharp, cutting my fingers, and blood welled up. I didn’t feel the pain. I just felt that the idea of spraying them to death with disinfectant earlier was far too merciful. “Alright, I’ll clean it up.” I stood up, put the shattered jade back in the box, and turned to walk out of the master bedroom. That night, I sat at my computer in the guest room all night. I didn’t cry, and I didn’t make a scene. I simply ordered a few extremely tiny pinhole cameras online, along with an industrial-grade temperature control system. Ethan, you like miniature worlds so much, don’t you? You think nothing in this world is more important than your thrills, right? Then I’ll help you make that world a little more perfect. “I hope you two enjoy your stay in this tank,” I said softly, looking at the order confirmation page on my computer screen.

That weekend, Ethan said he was throwing a welcome party for Chloe and invited a few colleagues from his company over for dinner. I didn’t want to join the commotion, but he insisted I attend, claiming it would “look bad” if I wasn’t there to greet everyone. At noon, colleagues began to arrive. The living room was bustling. Chloe, in a floral dress, moved through the crowd like a diligent hostess, serving drinks and laughing flirtatiously. “Chloe is so thoughtful, Ethan is lucky.” “She really is, her cooking is better than restaurant food.” Several male colleagues complimented her without reservation. Ethan sat in the center of the sofa, beaming. “Of course, Chloe has always been skilled with her hands, unlike *some* people who, even after marriage, won’t even step foot in the kitchen.” He glanced at me, pointedly. I sat quietly in a corner armchair, sipping plain water, pretending not to hear. “Aurora, dinner’s ready!” Chloe walked out with the last dish, warmly calling to me. Everyone sat around the dining table. Chloe specifically pushed a plate of peanut butter fried chicken in front of me. “I made this just for you. See if you like it.” I frowned slightly. “I’m allergic to peanuts, don’t you know that?” The atmosphere at the table instantly chilled. Chloe immediately covered her mouth, her eyes welling up with feigned grievance. “I’m sorry, I… I really forgot. I just remembered Ethan loves this dish the most, so I just made it.” She looked at Ethan for help. Ethan, as expected, did not disappoint her and immediately scowled. “Aurora, what’s wrong with you? Chloe worked so hard to make all this food, why are you being so nitpicky?” “I’m just stating a fact; I can’t eat peanuts.” “If you can’t eat it, just pick it out! Do you have to be a killjoy when everyone’s having a good time?” Ethan slammed his fork onto the table. “If you don’t want to eat, then don’t! Go back to your room.” Several colleagues exchanged glances. “Ethan, she’s allergic, let it go,” someone tried to mediate. “What ‘body type’? She’s just being dramatic!” Ethan snorted. “Aurora, my bad, really. Here, let me get you some soup as an apology.” Chloe offered a bowl of soup. To leave quickly, I drank it. Less than a minute later, my throat started to tighten, and my breathing grew shallow. Large red rashes quickly broke out on my skin, itching terribly. “Aurora, what’s wrong with you?” Chloe called out, feigning surprise. I clutched my chest, gasping for air, trying to stand up from the chair, but my legs buckled, and I tumbled to the floor. “Aurora, what are you faking now?” Ethan sat in his chair, not moving an inch. “How serious can a bowl of soup be? Don’t embarrass me in front of my colleagues!” My airway was already seizing up; I couldn’t even get out a full sentence. The colleagues around finally realized something was seriously wrong. “Ethan, she really looks bad, her face is turning purple!” “Call 911!” The scene devolved into chaos, some rushing to help me, others grabbing their phones to call. Only then did Ethan stand up and walk over, looking down at me. “Such a pain, can’t even eat a meal in peace.” He didn’t help me up, nor did he come with me to the hospital. When the ambulance arrived, he merely asked a female colleague to accompany me. “I still have guests to entertain. You go with her, and I’ll cover the medical expenses,” he said dismissively, standing at the doorway. I lay in the hospital emergency room for four hours. After an IV drip and an anti-allergy shot, my breathing gradually stabilized. At midnight, the colleague had already gone home, and I was alone in the hospital room. I leaned against the headboard, took out my phone, and opened the home surveillance app. The footage from the master bedroom was crystal clear. Ethan and Chloe stood in front of the ecosystem tank. “Ethan, where should we play tonight?” Chloe’s voice came through the wiretap. “To her hospital room.” Ethan’s face was twisted in a wicked grin. “She’s probably half-dead in that bed right now. We’ll try it out right on her hospital bed; she’ll never know.” Messages instantly flooded the screen. [OMG, in a hospital bed? Ethan is so wild!] [Chloe’s poisoning move today was brilliant. It got Aurora out of the way so they could go find thrills in the hospital room.] [Hurry, hurry, I can’t wait to see them having sex right under Aurora’s nose.] I looked at the screen, a cold smile playing on my lips. On the screen, Chloe tilted her head back and drank a small bottle of blue liquid, instantly vanishing from the spot. Ethan vanished too. I put down my phone and glanced at the thermos of steaming hot water on the nightstand. “Alright, I’ll wait for you.”

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Six years ago, I saved a girl named Scarlett in a remote mountain village. I sponsored her education, and we became the best of friends. Yet, because she fell in love with my husband, Ethan Miller, she drove a car and ran me over. To escape responsibility and prevent my body from being identified, she crushed my head with the tires. She framed me as a fugitive wanted for highway robbery. Ethan Miller, the city’s top forensic expert, protected Scarlett. He personally fabricated the scene, intending for me to take the fall for her. The police launched a massive manhunt, determined to apprehend me. But no one knew. My body lay right there, before all of them. After I died, Scarlett immediately called Ethan. He rushed over. Upon seeing the death scene, he instinctively frowned. “How did it end up like this?” Even a seasoned forensic expert rarely encountered such a gruesome scene. The body lay twisted there. The entire head was gone. The road was covered in bloodstains and bone fragments. Faced with Ethan’s question, Scarlett chose to answer with tears. She sobbed, throwing herself into his arms, and after a long moment, managed to say, “I’m scared…” That one sentence melted Ethan’s resolve. He sighed softly. While comforting Scarlett, he began examining the crime scene. My death was truly hideous. Ethan had to first collect my bone fragments. He put on gloves and, with tweezers, painstakingly pieced together what remained of my skull. He frowned, examining it closely. “The victim’s head was run over multiple times, and her limbs are twisted.” “Her fingernails are torn from extreme force; she must have endured immense pain before death.” Based on his professional forensic skills, Ethan immediately sensed something was wrong. His frown deepened. “This death wasn’t just an accident.” I nodded frantically, wanting to scream and tell him. Scarlett deliberately ran me over. She was jealous of my happy life and tortured me brutally before I died. She then crushed my head to prevent my body from being identified. Alas, the dead cannot speak. But Scarlett’s tears easily won Ethan’s trust. She looked up, sobbing and gasping for air. “I didn’t mean to, it was this robber. Lily paid him to threaten me.” “I was so scared, I accidentally stepped on the gas instead of the brake.” Ethan silently watched the bone fragments in his hands, speaking in a calm tone. “Involuntary manslaughter usually carries a sentence of three to seven years in prison.” “Given the victim’s initial aggression, it could be argued as self-defense, potentially reducing the sentence to around three years.” Scarlett’s body trembled, and she shook her head vigorously. “No, I don’t want to go to jail, I don’t want to be separated from you.” “Ethan, please help me, won’t you?” “Don’t let my unborn child lose its mother!” Ethan’s frown deepened further, as if in contemplation. Scarlett started crying again. Her hands tightly gripped him, her last hope. Her flowing tears ultimately pierced Ethan’s heart. He remained silent for a long moment. Then, he gave my body a profound glance. “I’ll reconstruct the scene and make Lily take the blame for you.” “From now on, you need to remember every word I tell you.” I was stunned. Years ago, when Ethan and I first started dating, I accidentally took a photo of a crime scene. Usually composed, Ethan had a furious outburst at me. He said it was a desecration of the deceased, a disrespect for the body. “Lily, you’re a doctor, you should understand my professional ethics.” “These poor victims deserve respect, just like anyone who puts their trust in a medical professional.” “I won’t allow anyone to challenge my professional boundaries, not even you.” It took me a long time to calm Ethan down. From then on, I was cautious, never daring to cross that line. But now, he had met Scarlett. He not only abandoned all his professional ethics for her but was also willing to risk his entire future. Scarlett lowered her head, desperately trying to hide the smirk on her lips. Her voice was still so innocent. “But wouldn’t that be unfair to Lily?” Under the moonlight, a surgical scalpel glinted with a cold, menacing light. Ethan changed gloves. He took a scalpel from his car. “There’s nothing unfair about it. Lily is different from you.” “She has a successful career and a loving family.” “She can still live a good life after getting out of prison.” “You’ve come so far from that mountain village, it hasn’t been easy. I absolutely won’t let you fall back into the struggles you escaped.” “Lily… let’s just say I owe her. I’ll do my best to make it up to her when she gets out.” My shattered heart, though long ceased to beat, still felt an agonizing pang. A tear slipped in the night. I closed my eyes and silently said, Ethan, I admit you have the cunning to pull off such a deception. But this time, things won’t go your way. I won’t take the blame for Scarlett, as you wish. Because I’m already dead.

Ethan didn’t speak again. He lowered his head, intently focusing on my body. When he got to my hands, he suddenly paused. My heart lurched; I thought he’d seen the diamond ring on my finger. But he just calmly looked at Scarlett. “Did you two fight?” “Yes.” Scarlett nodded. She lowered her eyes, as if deeply wronged. After a long moment, she spoke with reluctance. “She said Lily told her to ruin my face.” “I was too scared, so I had no choice but to fight back.” A flicker of disdain crossed Ethan’s stern face. He scoffed, his doubts vanishing instantly. “So many years have passed, and Lily’s spoiled princess attitude hasn’t changed a bit.” “It might do her good to suffer a harsh lesson in prison.” “Maybe then she’ll wise up.” Saying this, he used forceps to pry open my stiff fingers, one by one. He was looking for any lingering traces hidden within the body. The nail on my index finger was gone. The other fingers were twisted to varying degrees. The diamond ring on my ring finger was caked in dried blood. If Ethan had paid a little more attention. He would have seen that the ring was engraved with our names. He had personally placed it on my finger. But he didn’t. His complete focus was on Scarlett. He carefully removed the skin tissue from beneath my fingernails. As if handling a work of art. Piece by piece, erasing Scarlett’s traces. I watched his focused, patient profile. Suddenly, I remembered our wedding day. That day, he had also looked so serious as he placed the ring on my hand. And together, we had vowed to be with each other through life and death. Now, to exonerate Scarlett. He broke his vows, abandoned his ethics. And personally desecrated my body. The skin tissue from beneath my nails was quickly cleaned. Ethan then turned his gaze to my slightly swollen abdomen. “Repeatedly driving over the victim goes far beyond the scope of self-defense.” “I need to re-examine the victim’s internal organs.” “Scarlett, if you’re scared, just close your eyes.” Scarlett nodded timidly. But her eyes held an unmistakable excitement. I sighed helplessly, marveling at Ethan’s naivety. Why would she be scared? She’s the one who killed me! She was the one who smashed my head with a roadside stone. And when I was barely clinging to life, she drove over me. I believe that with Ethan’s professional skill, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine the scene of my death. But he didn’t care. He didn’t care if the dead felt pain. He didn’t care how heartbroken I was when I found out about his affair. The evening breeze swept through. Clouds drifted, obscuring the moon. Scarlett held up her flashlight. Ethan positioned the scalpel toward my lower abdomen. At this moment, I stared wide-eyed, shaking my head repeatedly. “Ethan, no, don’t do it!” “You’ll regret this, you’ll definitely regret this!” I screamed at the top of my ethereal lungs. But no one could hear the cries of a soul. The blade sliced, and Ethan cut through my skin. The standard Y-incision, the very one I had personally taught him. After eight years together, Ethan had memorized all my habits. The way he held the knife, the decisiveness of his cuts. Even the details of the sutures were indistinguishable from mine. He truly was the genius forensic expert his professors always raved about. But… such a brilliant man. He failed to recognize that the body beneath his hands was me. Processing internal organs required utmost concentration. Ethan held his breath, the knife gliding over my body. Fat layer, muscle layer… Finally, the uterine wall. When the last cut was made. Ethan, who had been so calm and composed, finally broke. His hand trembled, and the knife skewed slightly. Ethan quickly regained his composure. But his voice was filled with shock. “She’s pregnant.” “How could a wanted fugitive be pregnant?” I closed my eyes in despair, unable to watch. “Ethan, because that was your child.” Our little life, expected for so many years, dreamt of day and night. Finally conceived.

This morning, I wasn’t feeling well. I went to the hospital for a check-up and found out I was three months pregnant. I placed the ultrasound report on the bedside table and prepared a candlelight dinner. I wanted to surprise Ethan when he came home from work. After dinner was ready, Scarlett called. She said she had something important to tell me. As soon as I arrived, I was hit by her car and sent flying. Scarlett, wearing high heels, stepped out of the car. She grabbed my hair and dragged my barely clinging body to the side of the road. She cursed through gritted teeth. “Lily, I know you were good to me.” “But only if you die can I become Mrs. Miller.” “Blame your bad luck for getting in the way of Ethan and me!” Only in my dying moments did I realize. My beloved husband had long been having an affair with my best friend. While I was working tirelessly, putting in endless overtime for our future. He was with Scarlett, having an affair in our bed. While I was pulling strings and calling in favors to help Scarlett find a decent job. She was lying in Ethan’s arms, laughing at my stupidity. I wanted to cry. But the pain in my body overshadowed the agony in my heart. The primal instinct to survive propelled me to crawl forward. I wanted to find a glimmer of hope for myself, for my unborn child. Even as my fingernails tore and bled, I dared not stop. Like a cat toying with its prey, she savored my agony. She drove her car, closing in on me. Slowly, she tortured my very soul. “Did you know, Ethan and I were already together in college?” “We were together for six years; I gave him my virginity.” “He told me he only loved me, and that he was with you to gain your family’s connections.” “Now that his career is stable and successful, he no longer needs you.” “So let me be the one to make this decision for him!” The car ran over my legs. I could distinctly hear the bones shattering. Then, my body, my head… After I was finally released from the pain. All I saw was my gruesome corpse. I desperately wanted to rush forward and take Scarlett down with me. I wanted to ask Ethan why he betrayed me. But I could do nothing. A helpless, ethereal soul. A pathetic woman betrayed by her husband. Could only drift alone in the silent night, weeping. I watched Ethan desecrate my body for Scarlett. Watched my closest, most trusted people conspire to frame me. Watched my poor child exposed to the air. Perhaps it was the unspoken bond of blood. I saw a flicker of hesitation in Ethan’s eyes. Scarlett’s lies were full of glaring inconsistencies. This blood-related child finally sparked a subtle doubt in him.

The next second, Scarlett grabbed Ethan’s hand, her voice agitated. “If the victim is pregnant, will that extend the sentence?” “Ethan, this child can’t be discovered.” “Lily taking the blame for me is already sad enough.” “We can’t let her entire life be ruined in prison!” Worry overshadowed doubt. Ethan’s attention returned to Scarlett. He composed himself, nodding gently. “You’re right.” “Three years in prison is already long enough for Lily.” “I’ll take care of this child.” He carried the tiny embryo to the riverbank. Silently, he let go. The swift current instantly swept it away. I tried to reach out and stop him, but my hand passed directly through Ethan’s body. And that tiny life was gone, leaving no trace. It was so small. So small it had no discernible weight. So small it couldn’t leave any lasting impression on Ethan’s heart. My tears were nearly spent. I thought at the end of my life, at least I would have this child by my side. Now, it had been brutally torn from my womb. With the body dealt with. Ethan continued his finishing touches. He cleaned the bloodstains, rearranged the body. He placed a scalpel I often used near the corpse. After ensuring everything was perfect, he calmly dialed 911. “Chief Miller, on my way home, I discovered a hit-and-run case.” “I’ve already examined the scene.” “Preliminary assessment suggests the time of death was 9:30 PM, near Greenwood Lane.” “The hit-and-run perpetrator… could very likely be my wife, Lily Miller.” After the crime scene photos were sent, they immediately drew high-level attention from the senior officers. The police promptly issued an arrest warrant. The continuous wail of police sirens echoed throughout the city. My photo, as the top suspect, appeared on the news headlines. Alongside mine was Ethan’s. Facing the interview cameras, he was composed and articulate, handling the situation with ease. “I love my wife very much, but I have my principles and unwavering professional ethics.” “After she’s released from prison, I will steadfastly stand by her side for the rest of our lives.” “But as a forensic expert, I will never distort or conceal the truth for anyone!” His striking appearance and emotional performance earned Ethan widespread praise. People expressed sympathy and regret. Such a good man, yet he was married to such an unworthy woman. Ethan called me many times, but there was no answer. He thought I had gotten wind of the investigation and fled. He didn’t realize I had been dead for quite some time. Suddenly, public outrage quickly escalated. The hospital where I worked immediately revoked my medical license and fired me. My parents published a notice disowning me. Saying I was a disgrace to our family, a stain on our name. Unworthy of their years of upbringing. Everyone around me condemned and reviled me. Wishing they could instantly distance themselves from me. Only Ethan was pleading for me. He gathered information on the robber Scarlett claimed to have encountered. He compiled it into new evidence and submitted it. “Chief Miller, while a hit-and-run is inexcusable, Lily’s actions were not without cause.” “The victim was a wanted fugitive robber; Lily acted in self-defense.” “Based on this, shouldn’t she receive a lighter sentence once she’s found?” The recipient took the information and looked it over, raising his head in confusion. “Professor Miller, could you be mistaken?” “That particular robber was apprehended three days ago and is currently serving time in our county jail.” “How could that be?” Ethan looked at the sheet-draped body in disbelief. His voice trembled with fear. “If the deceased isn’t that robber, then who could it be…?” Just as he spoke, the office door was pushed open. A junior officer rushed in with a file. “Chief, the DNA match results are in.” “The deceased… the deceased is Professor Miller’s wife, Lily Miller!”

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On my wedding day, Ethan and his twin brother, Noah, appeared at the same time. They wore identical wedding suits and had the same hairstyle. “Lily, can you tell which one is me?” In my past life, I recognized Ethan at a glance. He smiled, took my hand, and walked onto the wedding stage, vowing to love me forever in front of our family and friends. After the wedding, he treated me like a queen, and I thought that was happiness. Until Chloe, Ethan’s old classmate, died in a tsunami while on a cruise. He went crazy and pushed me from a tall building. “If you had only picked the wrong twin on our wedding day, I could have traveled the world with Chloe, and she wouldn’t have died! Lily, why did you have to recognize me that day?!” When I opened my eyes again, I was back before the wedding began. This time, I didn’t hesitate. I threw myself into Noah’s arms and whined playfully, “How could I possibly not recognize you!” Ethan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. But he didn’t see Noah’s arms tightening around me, or the ambition in his eyes.

“You guessed right.” Noah’s eyes darkened, and the hand on my waist tightened. “Lily, the ceremony is about to start.” Ethan urged. “You two go ahead. I’ll change out of this suit.” With that, he shot Noah a triumphant look. I pretended to be oblivious and walked out of the dressing room, arm in arm with Noah. As we pushed open the door, we bumped right into Chloe. Her gaze slid past me and landed on Noah’s face. After a few seconds of intense staring, a flicker of glee appeared in her eyes. “Lily, congratulations to you and Ethan on your wedding!” Her blessing was dripping with sarcasm, Chloe was mocking me for picking the wrong groom. But in my past life, she had run off in tears. Back then, Ethan explained that Chloe was emotionally unstable due to trouble at work. I believed him and didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t until Ethan pushed me from that tall building that I learned he and Chloe had made a bet. If I hadn’t recognized him on our wedding day, he would pretend to be Noah and travel the world with Chloe for three months. This was to make up for the regret that they couldn’t be together. After three months, he would switch back with Noah, pretending nothing had happened. This time, I decided to fulfill their wishes. I looked at the unmistakable triumph in Chloe’s eyes and gave her a bright smile. “I wish you all the best too.” Before she could react, I pulled Noah toward the wedding stage. As the music started, the wedding ceremony officially began. On the large screen in the background, our names — Lily Evans and Ethan Robert — were displayed. But he and Chloe were sitting below the stage, cuddled together as if no one else was there. It was as if this wedding had nothing to do with him from beginning to end. The ceremony reached its final step when the officiant announced, “Now, please, for the groom and bride to embrace each other and feel each other’s warmth.” Leaning into Noah’s embrace, I turned my head and glanced at the guests. Suddenly, I remembered how, in my past life, Ethan had secretly kissed my earlobe while embracing me, whispering, “Lily, I finally married you.” But now, he was holding another woman below the stage. Catching my eye, Ethan subconsciously loosened his grip on Chloe’s hand. But when he saw Noah next to me, he realized they had already swapped places, and he nervously rubbed his nose. Chloe looked at her hand, which had been pushed away, her eyes darkening. She suddenly stood up and shouted toward the stage, “Hugging is so boring! Why don’t the groom and bride kiss!” As her voice faded, the guests present started to cheer them on. “Kiss, kiss!” “You’re married, what are you shy about?!” Ethan caught his breath, stood up, and pulled Chloe back to her seat, roaring at the cheering crowd, “They don’t like public displays of affection! Stop messing around!” A month ago, when reviewing the ceremony with the officiant, Ethan had specifically insisted on canceling the kissing part. Now it seemed he had already prepared for Noah to stand in for him. Thinking this, I reached out and grabbed Noah’s tie. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. “Lily!”

Ethan furiously kicked his chair over and vaulted onto the stage. Under the astonished gazes of everyone, he pulled me away from Noah, shouting angrily, “Lily! Are you crazy? How could you kiss him?!” I blinked, looking innocent and wronged. “How is it crazy for me to kiss my husband at my own wedding? And why are you so angry?” Noah pulled my hand, shielding me behind him. “I know you’re upset about me getting married, but she’s Lily, your sister-in-law, you should respect her.” He said, licking the lipstick stain from the corner of his mouth, as if savoring something. Ethan’s eyes blazed red with anger at the sight. “Get this straight…” He had barely started speaking when Chloe, who had rushed onto the stage, interrupted him forcefully. “Enough!” Chloe leaned close to Ethan’s ear and whispered, “Ethan, whatever it is, talk about it after the wedding, off stage. Don’t you see all the guests and media watching you?” Ethan looked down at the audience. Hundreds of eyes were staring at him. The reporters hired by the Robert Group also had their cameras pointed at him. He then realized how reckless his behavior had been. If the media found out that he, the heir to the Robert Group, had an arranged marriage with the Evans family but let his twin brother stand in for him, it could jeopardize the entire Robert Group. Seeing Ethan calm down, Chloe explained to the guests and media on his behalf. “Noah is just overjoyed that I’m getting married, and he’s had a bit to drink, so he’s a little emotional.” “Everyone, please enjoy yourselves, don’t mind this little interruption.” The officiant also chimed in to lighten the mood. “It seems the two young masters of the Robert Group truly share a deep brotherly bond. Please welcome the renowned singer Laila to serenade the newlyweds with a blessing…” Before Ethan left the stage, he shot Noah a furious glare. “You little punk, just you wait!” Noah wore a faint smile, but his eyes were icy cold. The wedding hall was filled with happiness and joy. The lounge, however, was a different scene. Ethan slammed the wine glass in his hand onto the floor at Noah’s feet, and the splashing shards cut Noah’s cheek. “Noah! I told you to stand in for me, not to actually marry her!” “Lily doesn’t know the truth, but you do, don’t you?!” “Why didn’t you refuse her when she kissed you? Were you actually enjoying it?” Noah raised a hand to wipe away the blood trickling down his face. “And risk headlines tomorrow screaming, ‘Robert family unhappy with Evans alliance’?” “Or ‘Robert Group heir resists arranged marriage at his own wedding’?” Seeing the sarcasm and mockery in Noah’s eyes, Ethan stepped forward and grabbed his collar, his voice barely containing his rage. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re really up to!” “I knew you wouldn’t just agree to help Chloe and me. You never gave up on Lily!” “Don’t think you can swoop in and steal her away!” He slowly let go of Noah’s collar, his gaze growing colder. “I’ve arranged a project for you in France, for three months. Your flight is tonight.” “In three months, everything will go back to normal.” “I am the heir to the Robert Group, and the one marrying Lily can only be me.” Just outside the door, I heard every word clearly. But Ethan got one thing wrong. Who I married, and who would be the heir to the Robert Group.

Grandpa Robert had initially asked me to choose between Ethan and Noah for an engagement. The three of us grew up together as childhood sweethearts, and I knew they both had feelings for me. What finally made me decide on Ethan was an accident. When I was eighteen, I was kidnapped by a rival family of the Evans. Just as the kidnappers were about to silence me, Ethan appeared, took the knife for me, and saved my life. After I was discharged from the hospital, I told Grandpa Robert my answer: Ethan. That day was both my engagement day with Ethan and the day the Robert Group announced its heir. The life he saved, I had already paid back with my own life in my previous existence. This time, we were even. As footsteps approached the door, I quickly walked away, took out my phone, and made a call. “Can you arrange for me to meet Grandpa Robert alone?” That night, Noah didn’t listen to Ethan and take the plane. Instead, he came to the bridal suite. When he opened the door and walked in, I was lying on the couch, sipping wine. A flicker of surprise went through me, then I stood up, poured a glass of wine, and offered it to him. “Want some?” Noah took the glass, his intense gaze fixed on the lingering wine stain on my lips. “That’s not all I want to drink…” His Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice hoarse. “Lily.” As his shadow fell over me, he cupped my face and kissed me. Perhaps it was the wine getting to my head. I didn’t refuse; instead, I stood on my tiptoes and returned his kiss. Noah seemed emboldened. He grew bolder and bolder. From the living room to the bedroom, from the couch to the bed, until the very end. He suddenly stopped. “Lily, do you know who I am?” He raised his hand and caressed my cheek, his complex eyes filled with barely restrained desire. I hooked my arms around his neck, tilted my head back, and whispered into his ear. “Noah.” Before the word was fully out, he pressed down on me. Moonlight streamed through the window, our shadows merged in the moonlight. Silence only fell over the room as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon. The next day, I was woken by Noah’s phone ringing. “The project manager told me you never got on the plane to France yesterday.” “Noah! Where are you right now?!” Ethan’s furious roar came through the phone. Noah rubbed his temples, answering lazily, “Where else would I be on my wedding night?” His voice was husky. The next second, Ethan’s voice on the other end suddenly got louder. “Noah! This joke isn’t funny! Get on a plane to France right now.” “I’m on a yacht right now, I’m about to lose signal.” Woken by the noise, I couldn’t help but mumble, “So loud.” The other end of the phone was silent for a few seconds, then a trembling voice spoke, “Is that Lily’s voice?” “Is she with you? Did you sleep with her?!” Before Noah could answer, the call suddenly dropped. Ethan’s phone must have lost signal. Waking up to that call so early, I couldn’t fall back asleep. I felt his burning gaze on me. Thinking of the absurdity of last night, my face instantly flushed crimson. Noah suddenly asked, “Lily, did you know it was me from the start?” I nodded. “Growing up, I never once mistook you two.” Even though they had identical faces. I only needed one glance to know who was who. “Then why did you choose me yesterday?” Seeing the subtle expectation in Noah’s eyes, I answered truthfully, “Because the groom I chose, was you.” Noah was startled at first, then let out a soft chuckle. “So Ethan thought he was so clever, thinking he had tricked you, but in the end, he was the one who got played.” But that same afternoon, Ethan, who was supposed to be on vacation with Chloe on a yacht, suddenly appeared in the bridal suite. He grabbed Noah’s shoulder and dragged him into the bathroom. “Noah, quickly, switch clothes with me! I need to get back to my own identity!”

At the same time, Chloe rushed in, ignoring the butler. She walked past me to the bathroom door and knocked. “It’s my birthday today. Please, can you spend this birthday with me?” Her voice had a hint of a sob. “This was my birthday wish last year. We promised, didn’t we? Just indulge me one last time.” Exactly a year ago, I was rushed to the hospital after a car accident. At the time, Ethan used a business trip abroad as an excuse for not being able to come back to be with me, but he was actually celebrating Chloe’s birthday. The bathroom door opened. Out walked Ethan. He saw the tears in Chloe’s eyes, and his heart aching, he pulled her into a hug. “Don’t cry. I promise.” Chloe nestled into his embrace, her shoulders trembling slightly. “I knew you couldn’t bear to leave me.” Noah glanced at the two of them indifferently and walked toward me. “Lily.” Ethan finally noticed that I had been sitting on the couch, quietly watching them. A flicker of internal struggle crossed his eyes, then he spoke, “Since it’s Chloe’s birthday today, why don’t the four of us go celebrate together? Chloe is your classmate, isn’t she? You shouldn’t mind.” He looked at Noah, a warning in his eyes. Noah ignored him and turned to me instead. “Honey, what do you think?” I stood up, took Noah’s arm, and shook my head, refusing. “No, we’re going to get our marriage license this afternoon.” In my past life, Ethan, fearing Chloe would be unhappy, used the excuse that a marriage license was a burden on marriage and kept delaying getting ours. But Noah was different; he wanted to get the marriage license to make our marriage official. The next second, Ethan’s eyes suddenly widened. “You’re getting your marriage license?!” His face fell, but only for a moment, then he recovered, a smile playing on his lips. “Since you two are going to get your license, then we won’t keep you.” Before leaving, he slipped his ID card into Noah’s pocket. He leaned closer to Noah, avoiding my gaze, and whispered instructions. “I know you’re standing up for Lily, and you deliberately used that fake audio to make me angry this morning.” “But I never betrayed Lily. I just wanted to be a friend and help Chloe fulfill her dream of traveling the world.” “I promise you, after today, we’ll switch back. I’ll make it up to Lily, I swear.” “You get the marriage license for me, and I can overlook your actions.” After they left, Noah took Ethan’s ID card from his pocket and tossed it into the trash can. Seeing this, I understood. Ethan still thought Noah was just playing along. So full of himself. He didn’t know that his former fiancée and the Robert Group would soon no longer belong to him. At the registry office, Noah and I quickly processed our marriage license. The names on the two columns read Lily Evans and Noah Robert. Just then, Ethan’s message popped up on my phone. “Noah, did you get the marriage license with Lily yet?” “Quick, send me a picture.” “You’re really helping me out this time. When I inherit the Robert Group, I’ll split everything with you.” Noah took two photos of the marriage license and sent them. The next second, Ethan’s call came through.

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