Category: English

After the Earthquake, My Boyfriend Refused to Save My Mom. He Wanted to Save His Childhood Friend’s Dog Instead After the earthquake, my boyfriend Dax Fairley asked me, Talia Winslet, to help lift a concrete slab to rescue a Pomeranian. Suddenly, a stream of comments flashed before my eyes. [Talia doesn’t know yet, but her own mom is trapped under the other end of that slab. Once she lifts it, her mom will be crushed to death.] At the same time, Dax kept urging me, “Hurry up! If anything happens to Maeve’s therapy dog, don’t even think about marrying me.” [Here it comes. Talia, the love-blinded fool, is about to sacrifice her mom.] [Dax didn’t know someone was under there. Later, out of guilt, he couldn’t face the heartbroken Talia and broke off the engagement. Guess that was his way of atoning.] [Thank God we have Maeve in the end. She and Dax healed each other. I love them together.] I stared blankly at the scrolling comments. I thought I was hallucinating. The collapsed area was Dax’s house. A massive concrete slab had fallen over it, with only one edge barely able to lift. Dax was clearing rubble on the right side, his engagement ring scratched and dulled. He was shouting impatiently at me, “Why are you zoning out?! Fluffy’s been whining under there for twenty minutes. Hurry up and help!” I heard it. A faint whimper of a little dog came from under the debris. I thought, “But what about my mom?” I stumbled to the other side and pressed my ear to the ground. I thought, “God, I hope those comments weren’t true. My mom was supposed to be in the neighboring province. There’s no way she’d be here.” But then, I heard a muffled knocking sound from beneath. It was faint, but it shook me to the core. “We can’t lift it,” I said, my voice trembling. My face turned pale as I looked at Dax in despair. “My mom is under this side!” [Wait, what? How did Talia know that?] [No, Maeve’s Pomeranian is a certified therapy dog! If it dies, she’ll spiral again! Don’t do this!] I thought Dax would immediately rush over to help. Surely, between saving a person or a dog, he’d know what to do. But Maeve’s face twisted. She clutched her bleeding arm, cut by the rubble, and said with teary eyes, “Talia, I know you don’t like me, and I get that Fluffy accidentally peed on your wedding dress… but that doesn’t mean you should make up such a lame excuse just to deliberately kill him, should you?” My chest tightened. I was so angry and panicked. I could hardly breathe. Maeve was Dax’s childhood friend and neighbor, a real manipulative piece of work. Last time, when Dax and I went to pick up my custom wedding dress, she saw it and clung to Dax’s arm, whining, “I wanna try it on too. Dax, can I? Just one photo?” My face immediately went cold. But she acted like she didn’t see it, pouting, “You used to say you’d marry me, remember? I just want to wear a matching dress for one photo. Just to fulfill a little dream.” Dax chuckled awkwardly and turned to me for permission. I bit my tongue and calmly said it was a custom dress. If Maeve wore it, it could get stretched or ruined. Maeve froze, then turned and ran off, eyes red. The next day, she came over with Fluffy. And, of course, the dog peed right on my pure white gown. Dax remembered that incident. So now, he assumed I was still holding a grudge that I was deliberately trying to stop him from saving the dog. He lowered his voice and said, irritated, “How can you be this cruel? Are you really throwing a tantrum at a time like this?” My head pounded. I couldn’t help but grab his wrist, trying to drag him toward the other side. “I’m not messing with you, okay? I don’t care what happened between you two. I just want to save my mom!” But before I could even take steps, he yanked his arm away and twisted mine so hard it felt like my bones would snap. “Talia, are you done throwing your little fit?” He grabbed my jaw and forced me to look at Maeve. “You know she has depression, right? And now you’re picking a fight? You want her to lose Fluffy, too?” Maeve stared at me like she wanted to say something, then bit her lip and said, “If this is about your anger, I promise, once Fluffy’s safe, I’ll stay far away from both you and Dax.” Then, she couldn’t hold back anymore and started crying, “Fluffy didn’t do anything wrong. Please, don’t hurt him too.” [Maeve, don’t cry! Stupid Talia, just save the dog and let your mom die already.] [She’s had that dog for five years. It’s the only thing that helps her cope with depression. And it got trapped trying to save her. I’d pick the dog too.] My mind was spinning. I thought, “What were they even saying? That’s my mom!” My voice cracked, choked with panic and fear. “Please… I’m begging you. Just believe me for once, okay?” I fell to my knees, nearly groveling, tears mixing with dust on my face. “Dax, my dad is gone. My mom raised me all by herself. I can’t lose her too!” My dad was a soldier. When I was little, he’d lift me up high and spin me around like I could fly. Later, during a flood, he lifted up so many others until he was too tired to swim and got swept away. My mom almost cried herself blind. If it wasn’t for me, she would have killed herself for my dad. She raised me alone, giving me double the love. She always said all she wanted was for me to grow up happy and healthy. I thought, “If something happened to her now, how could I possibly go on?” Dax grabbed me by the collar and yanked me to my feet. His eyes were filled with confusion. “So what, now you’re competing with Maeve over who’s suffered more?” My mind went blank. “What?” He suddenly pulled out his phone and showed me a folder of photos of Maeve growing up over the years. His voice dropped. “I didn’t want to say this, but Maeve saw her parents die in a car crash. That’s why she has depression. I promised I’d protect her. “But I chose you. That’s why you owe her… Fluffy’s all she has left.” I staggered back, suddenly realizing I didn’t recognize this man anymore. I thought, “So conflicted, so unable to prioritize anything… Why did he even pursue me? All his words were soaked in guilt for someone else. Was that why he proposed to me? So I could spend the rest of my life making up for Maeve, too, letting her walk all over me?” The comments exploded again. [Dax finally admitted it. Choosing to marry Talia makes him feel so guilty towards our Maeve.] [When Talia was trying on her wedding dress, were you thinking about your future life together? Or whether Maeve would be sad?] [Stupid Dax! Look at Maeve’s teary eyes. She clearly still loves you! You can spend your whole life with her!] The flood of words and literal dust were drowning me. I shouted, my voice raw and shaking, “So what?! Just because she’s had a rough life, I’m supposed to let my mom die for her dog?” Dax’s face twisted in frustration. “God, you’re impossible. Even a dog knows how to be considerate. You just can’t stand Maeve being happy, can you?” He didn’t believe a word I said. He dragged me to the right side and gave a final order. “We’ll save the dog first. We’ll talk about your mom later. I’m done with this tantrum.”

As Dax pried at the rubble, small pieces began to fall. I couldn’t bear the thought, “How much pain would my mom be in if that slab came down?” I lost it. I shoved Dax away with all my strength. Rubble scattered everywhere. He stumbled, caught only because Maeve rushed in to steady him. His eyes darkened instantly, veins bulging on his forehead. “Talia! Don’t push me…” Before he could finish, he stared in disbelief as I slammed my head hard against a rock. Blood poured from my forehead, covering half my face in red. I screamed, “You don’t believe my mom is under there? Then I’ll bet my life on it!” Pointing to the slab, tears and blood streaming together, I shouted, “Just listen! She’s knocking, begging for help! Why won’t you believe me?!” My vision went black from the blood loss. I collapsed, gasping for air. Dax rushed over, looking stunned, and pulled me up with a conflicted expression. A moment later… Maeve pouted, then sighed softly, “Well, since it’s come to this, Dax, you should go check.” She bit her lip and turned her head away. “Fluffy’s strong. He can wait.” Dax opened his mouth, then reached out to stroke her head gently. “You really are the kindest.” He gave me a cold, annoyed glance before reluctantly going to the other side. He crouched down and pressed his ear to the slab. I let out a deep breath, holding back my dizziness. I moved to help lift the slab with him, silently praying, “Please hang in there, Mom.” But the moment I reached his side, a force shoved me hard, slamming me face-first into the concrete. My arms and face were instantly shredded by exposed steel wires. From behind, Dax roared, “Listen for yourself! Do you hear anything?!” [Dax is so alpha. Can’t wait to see how he pushes Maeve onto the bed later. That’s gonna be hot.] [Talia’s mom must’ve passed out by now. Looks like she’s not making it.] [She’s just a side character anyway. Everything exists to serve Maeve and Dax’s happiness.] Panic surged inside me. My head throbbed so badly. I couldn’t hear a thing. There really was no sound anymore. On the other side, Maeve suddenly started whimpering, looking tearfully at Dax, “Dax… Fluffy’s crying is getting fainter. Is he dying? What do we do?!” Dax immediately started to walk towards her. “No!” I grabbed his hand. “My mom’s passed out. We can’t wait any longer. Please help me save her!” My voice was shaking so badly from fear that I could barely form words. Dax paused, then laughed in disbelief. “Talia, you’ll say anything just to fight with Maeve, huh? If your mom was really down there, she’d be screaming for help.” He slammed my head against the slab. Leaning close, his breath hot on my ear, he whispered, “Maybe your mom just can’t scream. Did the old hag lose her voice?” He stood up, checked his watch, and scoffed, “I’ve wasted ten minutes on you. If Fluffy dies because of you, you can forget about marrying me.” Then he stormed off to Maeve, gently wiping her tears. “Don’t worry, Fluffy’s gonna be okay.” Maeve nodded hard, looking up at him like he was her savior. “Don’t blame her, Dax. It’s my fault. I upset her and dragged Fluffy into this…” I stared numbly at the blood and tears on the concrete. My mom’s gentle face flashed in my mind. She once held my hand, so full of love. “Talia, you’re grown up now. Whoever you choose to marry, as long as you’re happy, that’s enough for me.” I thought, “No. Without her, I’m not happy at all. God, I regret everything. I regretted being so blind, only seeing their true colors now. I wish I could hold my mom.” “Mom… just hang on, please. I’ll get you out of there. Don’t leave me. I’m begging you.” I was out of my mind, blinking furiously through the tears. I dug with both hands, even when they were raw and bleeding. When Dax finally brought some villagers over, they saw me kneeling there, clawing at the rubble with my bare hands, carving a hole with nothing but sheer desperation. My fingernails were torn halfway off, barely hanging by a thread of dead skin. My hands were mangled beyond recognition.

A villager clicked his tongue and said, “Do you really have to go all out just to save a dog? The woman you engaged sure has a kind heart.” As he spoke, he waved for others to come help. Dax’s face darkened, and he stepped forward to block them. “Leave that lunatic alone. Maeve’s dog is trapped on the right side.” I heard the commotion and turned around to see a group of people approaching. With all their surprised eyes on me, I didn’t hesitate. I dropped to my knees and kowtowed, choking back sobs. “Please save my mom. She’s trapped underneath, but he won’t believe me. He insists on moving the slab on the other side!” “What’s going on here?” Dax took a deep breath, pinched the bridge of his nose hard, and interrupted me sharply, “So a dog’s life doesn’t count anymore? Even if you’re trying to get back at Maeve, is this the time and place to throw a tantrum?” He turned and raised his voice, commanding attention. “Everyone knows Maeve and I are close. But Talia? She’s just bitter. She can’t stand seeing Maeve happy and is using this as an excuse to try and kill her dog. “Maeve has depression. That dog is the only reason she’s still holding on. I can’t just stand by and do nothing.” His words stirred everyone up. After all, Dax was one of their own, born and raised in the village, so his version of things seemed more believable. Maeve staggered into Dax’s arms, sobbing like a poor, helpless soul, “It’s my fault. I must’ve been in Talia’s way. I’ll move out… Fluffy was the last hope my parents left me. Without her, I really can’t go on.” Everyone in the village knew Maeve’s parents had passed away. So, as soon as she said that, people believed her completely. “What a sin!” Linda Murphy, holding a shovel, spat in my direction. “Outsiders have no empathy. A dog’s life matters too! You think a few words can justify letting it die? If your mom knew, she’d die from rage!” Maeve let out a perfectly timed whimper. Dax pulled her close to comfort her. Surrounded by all those accusing glares, I couldn’t stop shaking. My vision darkened, and my limbs went numb. “You don’t believe me either…” I kept swallowing hard, fighting the nausea rising in my throat. [I know it’s the plot, but Talia really looks pitiful.] [Oh boy, we got a saint or something?] [Just accept it, Talia. Your mom’s already in her 60s. Saving her won’t give her many more years anyway.] But I didn’t want to give up. I carried my mother’s hopes. I held up my bloody hands. The pain was intense like my ten fingers were about to break off completely. My voice trembled as I cried out, “You think I’m evil, that I made all this up? Why the hell would I go this far just to lie about a dog?!” Dax scoffed, unimpressed, “Still acting, huh? What now, want us to get on our knees and beg you to be merciful?” He stepped closer and questioned me coldly, “You keep saying your mom’s under there? Then answer me. Your mom said just yesterday that she was in the next province. So how the hell is she at my house today, conveniently crushed under some slabs?” [Dax is making sense!] [Yeah, how did Talia know?] [I remember she didn’t react at first. Then, all of a sudden, she knew her mom was in trouble.] [Wait… could she see our comments or something?] I said nothing because he was right. If I said I figured it out from the comments, they’d all think I’d gone insane. Then, my mom would have no hope of being rescued. Seeing me freeze, Dax sneered coldly, “If you behave now, the wedding’s still on. But push me any further, and I will find someone else.” He thought that threat would scare me into submission. He walked up, grabbed my chin, and smirked, “A woman like you, already used by me? No one else would want you. Not like Maeve. She hasn’t even had her first kiss yet.” Still, I stayed silent because I just saw a comment scroll past. [Stupid Talia, go borrow someone’s phone and call your aunt Nola Granger. She’ll tell you your mom went to see you.] I immediately jerked free of Dax and ran toward a villager holding a phone. “Let me make a call.” Without waiting for a reply, I snatched the phone hastily. Thankfully, the phone didn’t have a passcode. My bloody, dusty fingers kept hitting the wrong keys. When the call finally connected, I put it on speaker and shouted, “Nola, is my mom home? Did she go to my place today?” Everyone turned to look. Dax looked annoyed as hell by my persistence. Just as he started storming toward me, Nola’s voice came through the speaker. “Huh? No, I think she went out to buy groceries. Wait. Are you at your boyfriend’s place? Just stay there and…” Before she could finish, Dax snatched the phone away, hung up, and handed it back to its owner. He stared down at me, fuming. Then he grabbed my hair and roared, “You heard that, didn’t you?! You really had to make a scene for everyone to laugh at?!” Free Point [Haha, Talia really can see the comments? Got tricked, didn’t you?] [Silly Talia, your mom really is trapped under the slab. Your mom asked Nola beforehand to tell you she was coming to give you a surprise. That’s why Nola helped lie to you.]

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In the third year of our marriage, my wife sent me to a remote island. This was all because her idealized love claimed I had caused his blindness. My wife was furious with me and insisted I spend time on the island to reflect on my actions. Instead, I was bitten by a poisonous snake, which left my legs permanently damaged. When I finally left the island, my wife arrived with her idealized love. As she cursed me, I felt nothing. To my surprise, when I asked for a divorce, she lost her composure. She cried and knelt, begging me not to leave… “Mr. Evan, Ms. Harper sent us to fetch you. You can leave here now.” Seeing a group of bodyguards arrive on the island, my first instinct was to tremble. Even after they explained their purpose, I remained curled in a corner, trying to cover the festering wound on my ankle with my hands, desperately trying to make myself unseen. I had been trapped on this island for three years. For three long years, Harper never once came to see me. Whenever I closed my eyes, I could recall all that I had endured during those years. With no food on the island, I had to beg and endure suffering just to get a little sustenance. Not long ago, I was bitten by a poisonous snake, which left my legs useless. Noticing my prolonged silence, the lead bodyguard frowned, “Mr. Evan, you can come with us now.” I blinked in a daze and pointed at my swollen, discolored ankle, “I can’t walk.” There was a moment of silence. The bodyguards seemed unprepared for this and hastily called for a wheelchair, placing me in it. Once I was seated, I silently let them take me away. When I was wheeled to the front of Harper’s villa, I couldn’t stop trembling once more. A few seconds later, I saw Harper as expected. She was in a high-end outfit, holding onto Ezra’s arm, looking starkly different from my pitiful state. Seeing me in the wheelchair, Harper seemed slightly displeased. “Why so delicate? After all these years of reflection, and you can’t even walk?” Her tone was dripping with sarcasm. Over the years, Harper hadn’t bothered to ask about my situation, so she naturally didn’t know that my legs were crippled. As the bodyguards moved forward to explain, I remained emotionless in the wheelchair. Harper seemed surprised by my condition and frowned as she approached me. As she got closer, I recoiled sharply! “Please… please! I was wrong, I was wrong, I deserve to die…” It was almost an instinctive reaction. I hunched over, beginning to apologize frantically. Harper was taken aback. She stopped, seemingly puzzled as to how the once-proud me had become like this.

Harper appeared as though she wanted to approach me, but Ezra, standing beside her, held her arm more tightly. “Yanyan, my eyes hurt.” I lifted my head slightly, noticing Ezra’s unfocused gaze. Harper’s expression changed instantly. Ignoring me, she instructed the bodyguards to lock me inside the villa first, as she needed to accompany Ezra to the hospital. As they passed me, Harper didn’t spare me a glance, while Ezra smirked mockingly, as if laughing at my helplessness. My hands, gripping the wheelchair, trembled incessantly. Years ago, it was because of Ezra that Harper banished me to the remote island. I was an eye surgeon, and Ezra was my patient. During surgery, his eyes inexplicably lost sight. Despite numerous doctors testifying that it wasn’t the surgery’s fault, Harper insisted I was a villain trying to harm Ezra and exiled me to the island for reflection. Years apart, Harper and Ezra were closer than ever. There seemed no place for me here. The bodyguards seemed ready to push me into the villa, but I quickly stopped them, quietly begging for some food. The bodyguard hesitated; perhaps I looked too frail, so he complied. When I was wheeled into a nearby convenience store, I heard a surprised voice. “Dr. Evan? How are you here?” I hunched over, trying hard to minimize my presence. No one had called me a doctor in a long time. On the island, those who brought me food would humiliate me daily, saying I wasn’t worthy of being a doctor. Now, hearing the word doctor made me tremble. How could I ever pick up a scalpel again? “Dr. Evan?” She called a few more times. Maybe seeing no response, she walked toward me. But I could only keep my head down, constantly denying. “You’ve got the wrong person. I’m not Dr. Evan. I’m worthless. I shouldn’t harm people. I’m not worthy of being a doctor…” Hearing my words, she was stunned. The next second, she suddenly held my shoulder: “Calm down, Evan. I’m your former patient. Do you remember me?” She repeated it several times before I slowly looked up. Seeing this familiar face, I finally remembered. It was Stella. She had an eye infection before and nearly went blind. I saved her eyes after a day of emergency treatment. Chapter 2 After that, Stella was always very grateful to me. Sweat still beaded on my forehead, but my heartbeat finally calmed down. Stella looked at me in shock, seemingly unable to believe how much I’d changed. I breathed heavily, unable to utter a single word. There were still bodyguards around. Stella glanced around, as if realizing something, and whispered if I wanted to leave with her. Once I finished eating, I’d be taken back to Harper’s villa. What awaited me could be more humiliating punishment. She always treated me like a criminal, and there was no way she’d let me off easily. I clutched Stella’s wrist tightly, nodding with tears in my eyes. Taking advantage of the moment when the bodyguards were buying food, Stella abruptly pushed my wheelchair and took me out of the convenience store. Footsteps immediately sounded behind us! Stella calmly hid me in a nearby alley. After they split up to search, she took me to her car. She currently lived in a high-rise apartment. Once at Stella’s home, my numb nerves finally relaxed a bit. She warmed up some food for me and asked what had happened. I just shook my head, unable to say a word. On the island, I endured inhuman torment. But what was the point of speaking about it? Everyone thought I was the sinner who caused Ezra’s blindness. Harper was eager for my death. What was the point of saying anything? Seeing I wouldn’t talk, Stella didn’t press. She just gave me a key, telling me I could stay as long as I wanted. “Just stay. I can afford to support you. We can talk when you’re ready to leave.” She playfully patted my shoulder. I was somewhat grateful. Judging by my appearance, I must have gone through something awful, but Stella didn’t pry since I wasn’t willing to share. So, I stayed at Stella’s place. But I knew it was only a matter of time before Harper found me. She was incredibly powerful. What couldn’t she do? Sure enough, within a few days, Harper broke down Stella’s door and dragged me out.

That day, I was on the balcony watching the clouds outside. Suddenly, there was a loud banging on the door. I got startled and instinctively hid to the side. In a few seconds, the door collapsed. Harper, in high heels, immediately spotted where I was hiding and came over to grab my hand. “Evan, you are still my husband. Who gave you permission to hide here?” Faced with Harper’s scolding, my face turned pale as if drained of blood. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m worthless… I’m wrong…” Her grip on my wrist was so strong, it felt like she was pulling me back into those dark days. I closed my eyes, replaying the scenes of others tormenting me in my mind. Harper was startled by my reaction and stepped aside: “Evan, what’s wrong with you?” I said nothing, so she assumed I was angry and frowned, telling me not to throw a tantrum. “You harmed Ezra. I didn’t send you to prison, just punished you a bit. And you act like this? Do you know how much Ezra suffered because of you? He’s an artist, but his eyes can’t see now! I know you hate him, but how can you be so cruel!” “I honestly wish it was you who went blind. You’re as useless as a cripple anyway.” I kept my head down, silently enduring Harper’s insults. Eventually, Harper got tired of cursing and rolled her eyes, forcibly dragging me up and handing me to two bodyguards. I was dragged to the ground floor and into Harper’s car. Afraid of angering Harper, I tried my best to shrink into a corner to diminish my presence. I didn’t speak the entire way. Harper didn’t start any conversation either. Occasionally, when she looked at me, her eyes were full of impatience. When I was pushed out of the car and saw our destination, I collapsed, kneeling before Harper, begging her not to take me inside. She was taking me to the hospital where I used to work. Why go there? To show my colleagues what I had become? In the past, I was the most famous doctor in ophthalmology, performing countless complex surgeries, and received numerous honorary banners. Now, I was like a dog. Harper mercilessly ordered the bodyguards to place me in a wheelchair. I continued sobbing uncontrollably. A few seconds later, Harper frowned again: “Evan, what’s wrong with you now? I’m just bringing you to the hospital to treat your legs. You are my husband. I can’t just leave your legs crippled.” Here we go again. She always claimed I was her husband. So she had the right to discipline and punish me on behalf of Ezra, to bully and control me in the name of being a wife, to strip away everything from me. Once inside the hospital, several young nurses recognized me, looking at me with a mix of disbelief and pity. Harper brusquely ordered the bodyguard to put me in a wheelchair. I was still crying uncontrollably. Seconds later, Harper frowned, “Evan, what’s wrong with you now? I just brought you to the hospital to treat your leg. You’re my husband, and I can’t just ignore your injury.” Here we go again. She always calls me her husband, as if that justifies her disciplining me, retaliating on Ezra’s behalf, and controlling every aspect of my life. As I was wheeled into the hospital, a few young nurses recognized me, their eyes filled with disbelief and pity. I avoided their gaze. Their pity felt worse than death. As Harper was about to take me upstairs, I spoke up. “Harper.” She looked annoyed when she heard her name, “What do you want now? Can you stop being dramatic for a moment?” I took a deep breath. After a moment, I finally gathered the courage to say what I’d been wanting to say. “Harper, let’s get a divorce.” The hallway fell silent. Harper suddenly looked down at me, “What’s your problem?! Are you trying to act pitiful now?” I really wanted a divorce, but she thought I was playing some psychological game. Harper then hurriedly wheeled me into the department. A few orthopedic specialists were already waiting inside. After taking X-rays and running a series of tests, a specialist who seemed about sixty hesitated before speaking, “Ms. Harper, Mr. Evans’ injury… there’s nothing we can do.” I numbly lifted my head. It meant I was beyond saving. I should have seen it coming. “If it had been caught in time, we could have done something… but it’s been too long, and Mr. Evans didn’t treat the wound at all… the infection is too severe,” the specialist sighed, looking at me with deep regret. After being bitten by a venomous snake, there was no medical kit on the deserted island. I begged the guards for help, but they ignored me. I could only endure for several days, suffering high fevers, until I somehow improved, but the injury left me unable to walk. Harper’s face looked terrible. She waved her hand and brought in another batch of doctors, but the diagnosis was the same—they couldn’t restore my leg. Suddenly, Harper slammed her hand on the table! She pointed at me, speaking slowly, “I’ll figure something out for your leg. As for the divorce, don’t even think about it. You’ll stay in the hospital for now.” Harper gave her order as if it were nothing. A nurse then knocked on the door, informing Harper that a woman named Stella was looking for me and threatened to call the police if she couldn’t see me. Hearing that name, Harper slapped me across the face. “Evan, I can’t believe you’re still fooling around even with a broken leg!” Looking at Harper’s furious face, I covered my injured cheek and lifted my head. “Stella is not like you. Don’t think everyone’s like you.” At this point, I was completely disillusioned with Harper. She wanted to say something, but I continued, “You know very well what your feelings for Ezra are.” Perhaps feeling a bit guilty, Harper didn’t say anything further and just had someone take me to an adjacent room. Probably because I was too tired, I fell asleep as soon as I lay on the bed. There were guards outside the room, but I heard footsteps. I opened my eyes and saw Ezra’s face. It was like muscle memory; seeing him made me tremble involuntarily. He just chuckled calmly, waving his right hand in front of me, “Awake?” I saw the wedding ring on his ring finger. Harper had originally spent millions to customize it for me, but after I was abandoned on the deserted island, she took it back. I thought she had thrown it away, but she had given it to Ezra. Sensing my fear, Ezra chuckled, “Look how obedient you are now, huh? I should have let Harper leave you there a bit longer. Weren’t you always so proud? How does it feel to be broken?” He knew everything. I pointed to the door, telling him to leave. As soon as I finished speaking, Harper appeared at the doorway. “Evan, how can you talk to Ezra like that?” Ezra didn’t have a cane but stumbled towards Harper’s voice, standing by her side. Harper’s eyes were filled with such deep affection for Ezra it was almost tangible. Facing me, Harper’s tone turned cold again, “I should have left you there for another year.” Hearing this, I rolled off the bed with a thud, crawled to Harper’s feet, and kept begging, even as my forehead was covered in blood, “Don’t send me back there… please…” Harper was shocked, quickly telling Ezra to leave, saying she needed to talk to me. But I was too traumatized, only knowing to keep pleading. Just as Harper was about to help me up, a doctor walked in. He looked seriously at Harper, “After conducting an investigation over the past few days, we’ve found something odd. The snake that bit Mr. Evans shouldn’t have been on that deserted island, and it was too coincidental that it only bit Mr. Evans’ ankle… so we believe…” “Mr. Evans being bitten was likely due to human intervention…” Harper’s face turned pale, seemingly in disbelief. She took the investigation report from the doctor’s hand. My numbed nerves finally had a bit of reaction. Human intervention? Meaning someone deliberately hurt me… It seems the text you wish to translate is missing. Could you please provide it? ### Chapter 4 Harper suddenly turned to me. “Evan, tell me everything that happened to you during those years on the deserted island.”

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My mom has severe OCD. Because I weighed three ounces more than my twin sister at birth, she disliked me from the start. I would cry from hunger, but my mom would store my sister’s leftover milk in the fridge. She’d feed her eight times a day. Eventually, both my sister and I ended up in the hospital – me for malnutrition, her for consuming spoiled food. But that wasn’t enough. She kept feeding my sister until she became chubby, while forcing me to eat fatty meat that I was allergic to because she couldn’t stand how thin I was. It led to my death by suffocation. After death, I found myself back in my mother’s womb… 0 I died. Forced by my mom to eat fatty meat I was allergic to, my throat swelled up, and I suffocated when I couldn’t breathe. But after death, I suddenly felt the warmth of being surrounded by amniotic fluid again. It was the only maternal love I had ever experienced in my life. The next moment, I heard, “Doctor, is there any way for both my children to be born at the same time?” “Mrs. Song, that’s impossible. The cervix can only dilate so much. How could two babies come out simultaneously?” When this familiar conversation started, it was like lightning struck in my mind, igniting a spark. Sure enough, the next line I remembered came: “I don’t care, you must make my children come out at the same time.” “Otherwise, I’ll report you for sexually harassing a patient.” … It was my mom’s voice. As her words matched my memories one by one, I finally confirmed – I had been reborn. Reborn back into my mom’s womb, while she was on the operating table giving birth. In my previous life, she had specifically chosen what she believed to be an auspicious time for childbirth, wanting to have a lucky baby. But fate had other plans. She was carrying twins – me and my sister – so it was impossible for us to be born at the exact same time. And I, as my mom would say, always had to be first at everything. So the moment I appeared, I was labeled as the unlucky one. My sister was fortunate. She was born right at the time my mom had calculated. So when the doctor told my mom that I was three ounces heavier than my sister, she didn’t even look at me. Frowning, she immediately put me on a “diet order.” I didn’t even get to have a single sip of breast milk before being forced to wean. This led to malnutrition from an early age. Later, no matter what I ate, I couldn’t absorb nutrients properly, always remaining weak and frail. My mom, having given birth to twins, had an abundance of milk. She would store my sister’s leftover milk in bowls in the refrigerator. She’d feed her eight times a day. In the end, she successfully sent both of us to the hospital – me for malnutrition, her for consuming spoiled food over a long period. 0

At this moment, threatened by my mom, the delivering doctor was furious. But seeing that she was determined, he had no choice but to continue working while suppressing his anger. This time, however, I resisted with all my might, absolutely refusing to be born first. “It’s a difficult delivery!” “It’s a difficult delivery!” “Patient’s family, we recommend switching to a C-section. Please sign the consent form immediately.” “No way! Babies born by C-section are stupid. We can’t do that. It must be a natural birth.” This shrill voice was my grandmother. If my mom was the executioner, she was the one handing her the knife. The two of them often worked in tandem, making my dad too afraid to speak up. So my mom endured the pain, risking severe bleeding to deliver me and my sister naturally. Of course, she no longer had the energy to falsely accuse the doctor of harassment. This time, neither of us was the “lucky baby.” We started on equal footing from birth. But I still weighed three ounces more than my sister. “Mom, go buy ten more scales. I don’t believe this. They’re twins, how can they have different weights?” My mom frowned, her voice agitated after weighing me and my sister eight times. Grandma, who was domineering outside but a docile old baby in front of my mom, immediately went to do as she was told. Unfortunately, my sister’s and my weights were different on every single scale. My mom broke down, pointing at me impatiently. “Take her away. She must have been greedy and strong-willed, stealing nutrition from her sister in my womb.” “Starve her for a few meals. That’ll teach her.” In my previous life, this was where the hidden danger of my stomach problems began. Living again, I was determined not to let the tragedy repeat itself. But crying in front of my mom had no effect; it only made her more annoyed. So I deliberately waited until four in the afternoon, when my dad came home, and started wailing at the top of my lungs. The sound was as heart-wrenching as possible, scaring my dad so much that he ran in without even changing his shoes. Just as my throat was about to break from screaming, my dad finally found me in the washing machine drum. 0

Yes, I had been put in the washing machine drum. Because my mom told Grandma to starve me, but I would crawl away looking for food whenever she wasn’t paying attention. Grandma got fed up with me and simply threw me into the washing machine drum. Out of sight, out of mind. “Karen, how could you put the child in there?” My mom was shocked when she saw me. She was so stunned that she didn’t immediately start scolding my dad, but turned to Grandma instead. “Mom, why did you put her in there?” “Didn’t you say to make her lose weight? Shaking around in the washing machine, isn’t that weight loss?” Grandma justified her actions matter-of-factly. My usually quiet and reserved dad couldn’t take it anymore and contradicted her for the first time. “Mom, the washing machine is for tumbling clothes. What if something had happened to the child?” “What could happen? I’ve eaten more salt than you’ve eaten rice. Don’t you think I know whether something would happen or not?” “How dare you talk back!” Seeing that my dad dared to contradict her, Grandma’s face turned red and blue. She exploded, yelling at him. But this time, my dad was truly angry too. He didn’t back down no matter how much she scolded him. In the end, my mom couldn’t stand it anymore and stepped in to stop them. “Jack, my mom is your elder. Why are you arguing with her?” “The child is fine, isn’t she? What’s there to make such a fuss about?” My dad had been poor when he was young. It was my mom who didn’t look down on him and stayed with him while he built his business to where they were today. So my dad was always very accommodating towards my mom. Now, as soon as my mom spoke, my dad’s anger, no matter how great, subsided. He only muttered resentfully, “It would be too late if something had happened,” before carrying me to his study. I tried to make him understand I was hungry, so I gnawed on his hand for a while. He finally understood what I meant and carried me to find my mom to breastfeed me. But my mom coldly chased my dad out. “She’s already three ounces heavier than her sister. What more does she need to eat?”

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When I met Blake Pearson, he was broke. I stood by him as he built his business from scratch, helping him become a shining star in the business world. Just when I thought our love was finally bearing fruit, I saw him proposing to another girl with utmost sincerity. Standing at the doorway, I heard laughter erupting from the private room. “Mr. Pearson, we all thought you’d marry Zoe Chapman. Why are you marrying Lily White now?” Blake slammed his glass on the table. “Don’t mention that clingy bitch! It’s been 7 years, I’m sick of playing with her!” The people around burst into laughter, echoing his sentiments. “I always thought Zoe Chapman looked so high and mighty, turns out she’s just a hypocrite!” Blake downed another drink. “You guys don’t know the half of it. She used to ask me when we’d get married every day, like a desperate puppy!” Seven years of unwavering devotion, shattered in an instant. Applause thundered around me as I gently pinched the base of my ring finger. There was a pale mark there, left by a makeshift ring Blake had crafted from a guitar string. I turned to leave but someone grabbed me. “Zoe!” Blake slowly descended from the stage. He wore the navy blue suit I had carefully ironed for him. The bowtie was a birthday gift from me, and even his hair was styled the way I had spent hours perfecting this morning. He gripped my wrist with surprising force, dragging me onto the stage without a word. Then, with practiced ease, he adjusted my collar. His hot breath brushed against me, his eyes brimming with joy. He cleared his throat and spoke solemnly. “This is my best friend, Zoe Chapman.” “I wouldn’t be where I am today without her…” My smile froze on my face, ears ringing. The strange looks from the audience below felt like knives stabbing my face. Fighting back tears, I remember forcing a smile for what felt like an eternity before quietly leaving the stage. In a daze, I returned home and made myself a cup of instant noodles. I stared blankly at the bowl. There was a chip on the edge of the bowl, from when Blake had smashed it in a drunken state last week. The image of Blake placing his pinky ring on Lily White’s finger kept replaying in my mind. Before I knew it, tears were mixing with the noodles in the bowl. I should have never gone out for that walk. The small room was dimly lit, with a thin layer of cobwebs on the window outside. The house was in a crowded old neighborhood, a birthday gift from Blake three years ago. During the early days of his startup, when he was poor, I accompanied him in this tiny rented apartment. Back then, he had blushed as he gave me this house filled with our memories, then held my hand and promised. “Zoe, thank you for staying with me all these years. In the future, I’ll buy a bigger and better house, and you’ll be the lady of that home.” Three years had passed. Blake could now afford bigger and better houses, but it seemed I was no longer the intended lady of the house. After finishing my tear-seasoned noodles, I numbly cleaned up the dishes when suddenly I heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. Blake was back. I quickly wiped my tears with my sleeve and turned my back, pretending to be busy. He didn’t seem to notice anything amiss, naturally hugging me from behind. The familiar scent of his cologne mixed with alcohol wafted over me. “Zoe, why are you eating instant noodles again? It’s not good for your health to eat too much of that.” His tone was as intimate as ever, as if the man who had just proposed to someone else was a different person entirely. I wriggled out of his embrace, my voice trembling. “Now that you have a fiancée, you should keep your distance from other women.” Blake’s confused voice came from above my head. “What do you mean by ‘other women’?” I turned to face him, only to see him pull out a box from behind his back as if performing a magic trick. Inside the box lay a plain women’s ring, the kind often seen in mall clearance sales. He took my hand and slipped it onto my ring finger. “Zoe, you’ve been with me for so many years, I really don’t know how to repay you.” “I saw this ring and thought it would suit you perfectly. I hope you like it.” Looking at the ring on my hand, tears spilled from my eyes. I raised my hand and wiped them away forcefully, managing a strained smile. “If you don’t know how to repay me, why don’t you marry me then?!”

Blake’s smile froze on his face, his voice dropping to a whisper. “What are you saying… you’re my friend.” I forced out a smile uglier than crying, dodging his attempt to touch my hand and yanking off the ring to throw at him. “Blake Pearson, what do you take me for?” “Which friend would sleep with you? Which friend would give you so much money to start your business?!” Blake’s expression changed, his voice filled with disbelief. “Zoe, how can you think of me like that?” He took my hand, raising it to swear to the heavens. “All these years, I’ve been sincere to you, I swear.” This was how Blake always coaxed me whenever he did something wrong, and this time was no different. I pressed down on his hand, persisting with my question. “Then when are you going to marry me?” Blake’s lips pressed into a thin line, and after a long while, he finally spoke. “Zoe… you’ve already enjoyed my best years. All my firsts were yours, you already have so much.” I stood there stunned, unable to believe my ears. He looked up, ruffling my hair as if to appease me. “Don’t be angry… I’ll make it up to you, okay?” “I have to meet a client tomorrow, have you ironed my clothes?” Tears finally broke through the dam, and I bit my lip hard, keeping my head down to avoid looking at him. He pushed me, forcing me to look up. Seeing my expression, he suddenly frowned deeply. “Tsk, what are you crying for…” “Zoe Chapman, I’m not going to marry you.” “You’ve been by my side for so many years, aren’t you satisfied yet?” With that, Blake left in anger, pausing to wipe his leather shoes that had been dirtied by the wooden door – those shoes were the birthday gift I had given him last month. My mood was far from good, so I slumped down on the floor, examining the ring on my hand. It was the simplest women’s ring, without even a diamond, probably worth less than a hundred dollars. Yet Blake had just closed a million-dollar deal a few weeks ago. Perhaps… in his eyes, this was all I was worth. My phone kept buzzing. I saw the company group chat exploding with congratulatory messages. “Congratulations on Mr. Pearson’s successful proposal!” I opened the video to see Blake kneeling before Lily White on a yacht deck covered in rose petals, holding out a ring. It wasn’t a diamond ring. It was the pinky ring he had worn for seven years. His voice trembled with tenderness. “Because I met you, I finally realized…” “It wasn’t that marriage couldn’t bring me happiness, but that I hadn’t met the right person.” I stared at the screen many times until my eyes stung. On my birthday during our senior year of college, I had secretly tried on that pinky ring while Blake was asleep. He had suddenly woken up and snatched the ring back. “Don’t touch this, it’s very important to me.” So it was because I wasn’t the right person. I lowered my gaze, casually placing the ring aside. The sound of metal rolling on the floor rang out crisply. All these years I had accompanied Blake, sharing my connections, taking care of his daily needs, paying attention to his hobbies. In return, all I got was a statement that we were just friends. Initially, it was a bet with a friend that sparked my interest in Blake. Who knew that one bet would last 7 years.

In college, Blake was a special recruit. With his good looks, he was adored by many girls. But from the start of school, he wore a simple pinky ring, declaring himself a believer in staying single, telling others not to get close to him. Friends often said Blake would surely end up alone for life. But I took a particular interest in him and secretly approached him. Unexpectedly, Blake didn’t reject me alone, and even actively stuck to me. I was skinny, so he would work at the cafeteria window I liked, always giving me extra meat. I had trouble waking up, so he would run far every morning to buy my favorite breakfast, coaxing me to get up and eat in various ways. It was my first time falling in love, and I naturally fell for his caring gestures. We often appeared as a pair on campus, and although he never explicitly stated our relationship, I was content. I felt sorry for him and often used money from home to supplement his living expenses while we were in school. After graduation, I was even willing to break ties with my parents to be with him. Thinking back now, I feel very resentful. Resentful of my years of dedication, but what’s done is done, and I don’t want to continue anymore. Blake was a believer in staying single, and I had asked him many times when we would get married. Now, I guess I’ve finally got my answer. Since that’s the case, I don’t need to dwell on it anymore. It’s better to cut your losses on a mistake early. As I walked out of the Pearson Group building, the sunlight was so bright it hurt my eyes. In my bag was the newly signed equity transfer agreement. As the daughter of the Chapman family, I always kept my word. Back then, I had a big fight with my family to be with Blake. But parents always have a soft heart despite their harsh words, and they had been secretly sending me money over the years, so I had some savings. In the afternoon, Blake’s call came through, his tone unpleasant. “Zoe, what’s going on? People in the company say you’ve resigned?” “That’s impossible, don’t joke around.” “And why did Mr. Lee suddenly cancel? Go smooth things over quickly.” Blake’s tone was rushed, but still composed. After all, no matter what happened before, I would always clean up his messes. But not anymore. I brushed Blake off with a few vague responses and hung up the phone. Looking at the files sent to my computer, they contained the information of Pearson Group’s core employees, with several names highlighted in red – these were the backbone staff who had joined the company because of my abilities. I took a sip of coffee and the screen showed that Blake had recently hired a female assistant with zero work experience, but her monthly salary was higher than that of department managers. My phone lit up again, this time with a message from an unknown number. “You think it’s over just because you left? Mr. Pearson says you’re just a dog that comes when called and leaves when told!” The attached image was of Blake kissing Lily White. A dense, sour feeling spread through my heart. I took a deep breath and blocked the number.

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My sister called me nine times before she took her own life, and I didn’t answer. Everyone blames me for her death, even my fiancé. The person who once stood by me during my battle with depression now looks at me with contempt. “You don’t deserve happiness,” he told me, his words cold as ice. But when my depression returned, and I was ready to end my life to bring her back, they regretted their words. When I left the hospital, a light rain was falling. The doctor, a compassionate middle-aged woman, reviewed my results on the computer and gently advised, “Lin Yue, given your current condition, I recommend staying in the hospital.” I pressed my lips together, saying nothing. She continued, undeterred, “If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I’ll prescribe more antidepressants. Your real issue is with your family. If possible, try to have a good conversation with your mother.” I instinctively squeezed my hand. As I was leaving, she remarked, “You have a wonderful partner who’s always by your side. Love and companionship are the best medicine.”

But the doctor was unaware. That wonderful partner seems to have stopped loving me. Kieran and I have been together for a year and engaged for three months. Two years ago, I missed my sister’s call, which led to her suicide. My mother accused me of being a murderer, throwing things and screaming curses, wishing me a terrible fate. The year I was diagnosed with depression, I met Kieran. I broke down crying in front of a convenience store, and while passersby gave me strange looks, he stood in front of me with an umbrella, offering a tissue and a warm smile: “A pretty face like yours shouldn’t cry.”

I called Kieran multiple times, but he didn’t answer. The repeated mechanical voice was frustrating, so I hung up and took a cab home. When I arrived, the door was open. I thought Kieran was back and was about to call out to him, but the words caught in my throat. The house was in chaos, everything overturned. I was about to call the police when I locked eyes with someone coming down the stairs. It was my mother, whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. She was holding a photo frame and, upon seeing me, paused before hurling it at me with force. It landed at my feet, the glass shattered into pieces. She lunged at me, pulling my hair and hitting me, her voice a chaotic repetition of bitter accusations: “You still want to get married?” “Do you deserve it?” “You killed your sister!” “You should go to hell!” “You don’t deserve happiness!” “Why—why wasn’t it you who died?!” I didn’t dare fight back, only shielding my head, as her venomous words pierced my heart. Overwhelmed by negative emotions, I could only cover my ears and mutter to myself. I can’t die. I promised her.

I don’t know how long she hit me until the neighbor heard the noise and pulled us apart. A woman knelt beside me, asking if I was okay. I snapped out of my daze, trembling as I searched my bag for medicine but couldn’t find it. A pair of feet stopped in front of me. White pills fell to the floor like pearls. I was stunned and looked up. Kieran stood over me, holding an empty medicine bottle, his smile cold and malicious: “Take it.” 4 When I got engaged to Kieran, my condition was nearly stable. At my worst, I locked myself in my room, refusing food and water, clawing at my skin with my nails. Kieran felt sorry for me and took time off work to take me on trips, from warm Hawaii to frigid Iceland. He proposed in a lavender field in Provence, kneeling on one knee, his profile devout as he slipped a ring onto my finger. “Adeline, I’ll be with you for a lifetime.” I once saw Kieran as my lifeline. When I was teetering on the edge of the abyss, he was the only salvation I could cling to. During the times when self-harm and the will to survive tore me apart, he broke that balance. He appeared in the darkest time of my life, like a savior, delivering me from suffering.

I ended up taking the pills from the floor. Kieran let go of the bottle, and it clattered to the ground, rolling away. I scrambled to pick it up, gathering the scattered pills back into the bottle. The neighbors had quietly left, leaving behind a semblance of decorum. He just watched me coldly. “I never knew you were such a disgusting person,” he said. “Ruan Lin Yue, you killed your sister. You brought this on yourself. You deserve to be in pain.” I didn’t look up, numbly continuing to gather the pills. I can guess when Kieran found out. I never talked to him about my inner struggles. But after we got engaged, he kept hinting that I should introduce him to my parents. My relationship with my mother wasn’t good; childhood rifts still existed, and she already hated me. Later, Kieran stopped mentioning it. A week ago, he disappeared for a day, and when he returned, his attitude toward me changed. Three days ago, he brought his assistant home. They were entangled on the sofa. I’m a light sleeper; the noise downstairs woke me. I thought he was working late. Just as I was about to ask if he was hungry, I was frozen by the scene in front of me. Kieran’s assistant was beautiful, her long hair draped over his chest, leaning down to kiss him. Kieran didn’t dodge, allowing her to leave a pretty lipstick mark on his face. Then he pulled her into his arms. The assistant exclaimed, coyly said, “Don’t be like this, Mr. Kieran, your girlfriend is still here.” But her tone was full of unabashed pride. The smell of alcohol was strong in the living room, so strong that I wanted to use it to deceive myself. But Kieran saw me. His gaze fell on my face, contemptuous and disdainful, like a knife dipped in poison. “Don’t worry about her,” he said. “She doesn’t deserve it. If it weren’t for that face…” I didn’t hear the rest. The symptoms of depersonalization came quickly, nausea, a burning sensation rising from my stomach. I stumbled into the bathroom, gagging. As tears fell, I remembered the words he said the first day we met. Don’t cry. Crying makes you ugly. When I couldn’t vomit anymore, Kieran appeared in the doorway, his words devoid of warmth: “Can’t handle this? But isn’t the most disgusting—” “You.”

I don’t know when Kieran left. By the time all the pills were back in the bottle, I was alone in the room. I sat amidst the wreckage, dazedly looking at the photo frame not far away, picking it up too. The sharp shards cut my hand, red blood falling on the photo of me. The picture was a candid shot taken with Kieran in the ancient town’s street. He bought candied haws, squinting with a smile, coming toward me, while I was looking at lanterns with my back to him. The bustling crowd became the backdrop. Only the young man buying candy for his sweetheart and his love watching the lanterns were the leads. The girl who took the photo gave it to me, wishing us, “A long-lasting relationship.” Back then, Kieran held my hand, fingers interlocked. He whispered in my ear: “Get better soon, Adeline. We’re meant to last.” I really wanted to get better. So I actively sought treatment, took medication. In the past, I was the only one hanging on, relieving my mental anguish with physical pain when despair hit. As long as I didn’t die. As long as I didn’t break my promise to her. That was enough. Later, when Kieran appeared, I started seeing a doctor. When I was one step away from escaping the abyss, the hand reaching out to me pushed me back. I fell into darkness again.

Kieran barely came home. My mom’s texts bombarded me daily. Calling me a beast, a whore. Asking why it wasn’t me who died. I didn’t dare look much. My unstable emotions were like a bomb; if it went off, I might really lose control. I hired someone to clean the house. The broken pieces couldn’t be put together, and the cleaning lady asked if I wanted to throw them away. I stared at the things in her hands for a while, then shook my head. After seeing her out, I went out to meet a friend. Saylor was in town for a business trip and invited me to dinner. We booked a restaurant. Piano music played continuously, Saylor hugged me as soon as she saw me. Letting go, she looked me up and down: “Why are you so thin? I thought your Mr. Kieran would have you well-fed and chubby.” I didn’t say anything. She quickly sensed my mood: “Is he treating you poorly?” I changed the subject: “It’s rare for us to meet, let’s not talk about him.” When the food arrived, Saylor chatted about her recent life, complained about her colleagues, making me laugh. I was smiling, using a fork to stab a piece of steak, but before I could eat it, my smile froze. This restaurant is perfect for couples. The atmosphere is ideal. But, it shouldn’t be Kieran and his assistant. The man gentlemanly pulled out a chair. The pretty woman thanked him with a smile. The roses on the table were vividly beautiful. I remained silent. She quickly picked up on my mood. “Is he treating you poorly?” I changed the subject. “We don’t get together often, so let’s not talk about him.” The food arrived. While eating, Saylor filled me in on her recent life, venting about her colleagues and making me laugh. I was smiling as I lifted a piece of beef to my mouth, but my smile vanished. This restaurant is perfect for couples. The atmosphere is wonderful. But it shouldn’t be Kieran and his assistant. He pulled out a chair for her with exaggerated politeness. The woman thanked him with a smile. Roses adorned the table, vibrant and fresh. The diamond ring on her finger caught the light from the chandelier, making my eyes ache. I must have stared for too long because Kieran noticed. When our eyes met, he gave me a smile devoid of warmth. Moments later, I watched him reach over to gently tuck a strand of hair behind his assistant Nora’s ear. The gesture was intimate and suggestive. When Saylor followed my gaze, she saw the same scene. She instantly grew furious, grabbed the wine glass from the table, and stood up. “Don’t go.” I held her hand, almost begging, “Don’t go.” She looked into my tear-filled eyes, hesitated for a few seconds, and then sat back down. I fumbled through my bag, took out a medicine bottle, and with trembling hands, unscrewed the lid. My stomach churned with pain. It wasn’t until I swallowed the pills that I felt relief from the overwhelming suffocation. But I couldn’t eat anymore. As Saylor and I left, we passed by Kieran and Nora. Saylor couldn’t contain her anger, and her bag knocked over a wine glass, which crashed to the floor. The red liquid spread across the table and dripped onto the floor. Nora frowned, ready to argue with Saylor. Saylor shrugged, saying, “Sorry.” Nora was about to retort, but when she saw me next to Saylor, her expression softened into a smile: “This restaurant is perfect for couples.” “You like it?” Kieran chuckled, “I’ll bring you here often.” I didn’t look at them. I just stared at the dark liquid on the table, watching it drip to the floor. Sensing something was wrong, Saylor quickly shielded my view and led me away.

Sitting in the passenger seat, I instinctively reached for the bottle cap. But my hand slipped, and the medicine bottle fell to the floor. I didn’t pick it up. Instead, I dug my nails into my skin. Forcing myself to stay present at the brink of a breakdown. “Adeline.” “Adeline!” Saylor called my name louder, bringing me back to reality. “Why don’t you break up with him?” “After all, it’s just an engagement.” I didn’t respond. “I know he was there for you before, helped you get better, and I’m thankful to him.” “But he cheated.” “Adeline.” The flickering light outside cast shadows on Saylor’s face, her tone leaving no room for argument: “Break up with him.” Silence filled the car like a heavy cloud. After a long while. I finally heard myself speak. I said, “No.” The car came to a sudden stop by the roadside. The seatbelt pressed against my chest. Saylor hit the steering wheel, turned to speak, but fell silent when she saw my face. It took a while. Then I heard her ask: “What is it that’s holding you back?” I didn’t answer. She looked at me, determined to get an answer. What’s holding me back? I closed my eyes. The red liquid still flowed, dripping. Like it would never stop. What’s holding me back are the familiar words. The hand that once tried to pull me out of the abyss. What’s holding me back is the guilt from two years ago. I have no sister anymore. I have no family anymore. I opened my eyes, even though they hurt, no tears fell. With red eyes, like a wounded cub, Pathetic and laughable. “Saylor.” I murmured, repeating it again. “I have no family anymore.”

When Saylor left, she hugged me, didn’t say much, just reminded me to see the doctor on time. I nodded. But the moment the door closed, the emotions I had suppressed erupted, more intense than ever. The home that my aunt had neatly organized was once again thrown into chaos by me. I went mad, smashing things that were perfectly fine to the ground. The sound of glass shattering was piercing. But it wasn’t enough. Perhaps because I had suppressed it for too long, the impulse was stronger than ever. The devil whispered in my ear. Urging me to take the fruit knife and press it against my wrist. But I stopped short. The door suddenly opened. Kieran’s hand froze in mid-air, meeting my eyes. Previously, whenever I picked up a knife, he’d panic. He wouldn’t let me touch anything sharp. But this time. He just stood there, his expression cold and detached like a spectator. The ticking of the clock on the wall was distinctly audible. “Do it.” He looked at me, sneered, and repeated: “Cut yourself.” I didn’t move, like a puppet, staring blankly at him. He snorted, his gaze sharp. “You don’t dare.” “You’re just trying to gain sympathy.” “Why wasn’t it you who died?” His tone was innocent yet heartless, as if it were a simple question. I used all my strength to restrain my trembling. “Adeline.” “You don’t dare to die.” He said it almost word by word. Indeed, I don’t dare. Caught between medication and promises. I can’t die. But I can’t live either. The knife clattered to the floor, landing at my feet. Despair wrapped around me like vines, making me finally cry out. In the past, whenever I cried, Kieran would hold me in his arms, his cold demeanor softening, speaking gently to comfort me. Just like. Just like— That person. Always using a handkerchief scented with gardenias, gently wiping away my tears, then holding me close, whispering to comfort me: “Little Moon, don’t cry.” “Crying isn’t pretty.” Such a cliché phrase. But I heard it for over a decade, and never got tired of it. In this world, No one will comfort me like that anymore.

I sank deeper into the mire. Sometimes forgetting to take my medicine. Other times swallowing a handful in one go. I started cutting my arms again. New wounds on top of the shallow scars that were almost healed a year ago. But not fatal. Later, the medicine bottle was empty. I don’t know how I got through it. In a daze, I made it to my sister’s death anniversary. That day, the weather cleared. I got up early, tidied my messy self, and bought a bouquet of flowers. But when I got there. Someone had already arrived before me. Mom stood there, the grave covered with various offerings. Expressionless, I walked up, placed my flowers down. Just as I turned to leave, something heavy hit my head. I staggered, almost falling. The flowers I had carefully wrapped scattered, strewn all over the ground. Her voice was filled with deep hatred, hysterically yelling at me: “What are you doing here?” “Aren’t you a murderer? How dare you show your face here?!” But as she cursed, she started crying: “The one who should’ve died was you!” I didn’t turn back. My head felt dizzy, as if I were standing on the edge of a cliff. I clenched my hand, forcing myself to stay calm and leave. Sitting in the car, I saw the doctor’s message. She asked why I hadn’t come. I stared at her profile picture, took a long time to type out a reply: —Sorry, something came up. Her response was quick. —I’ll reschedule, when can you come? Forget it. The cursor in the input box blinked. In the end, I didn’t send anything. —Let’s schedule next time. Kieran came home early for the first time in a while. It wasn’t Nora who brought him home, but another male subordinate. When he got back, I was squinting at the empty medicine bottle. It’s been empty for a long time. The male subordinate helped Kieran onto the sofa, politely said goodbye to me.

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At 28, I took a huge gamble on Nathan Quinn. Six years. I waited for him to graduate, supported his startup, watched him become a tech mogul showered with glory. At the celebration party, he sneered drunkenly, “Sophia Chen? Just an old woman.” Amidst the knowing laughter of the men, I calmly left. Late that night, I returned to the hotel where the party was held. My assistant asked groggily, “Ms. Chen, didn’t you go back to Sapphire City?” “On second thought, I’ll wait until the contract is finalized,” I replied coolly, not letting her detect the trembling and loss of control in my voice. A month later, the deal was done. Back at the company, everyone teased me for losing my edge. But using a month to lick the wounds of 6 years was already my limit. After the new product launch, the company expanded rapidly. Nathan also got a new secretary. She was a bright and lively young woman, very popular at the company. Through bits of gossip, I quickly learned her identity – Olivia Harper, daughter of the CEO of Harper Industries. “Can I call you Sophie? I heard you started as Nathan’s secretary too. Please teach me!” she said cheerfully. Hah, if only she knew I was much more than just a secretary. The girl’s smile was dazzling, almost blinding. My gaze grew distant. “Sophia Chen? Just an old woman.” The words echoed in my mind like a curse. Nathan came over and patted my shoulder, frowning slightly. “What’s wrong, Sophia? Too tired from the business trip? Go home and rest.” “Hmph, you must be exploiting Sophie too much,” Olivia pouted, playfully punching Nathan’s arm. “Mind your manners,” Nathan chuckled, flicking her forehead. Their easy intimacy made my 6 years of companionship seem like a joke. It was as if I was the one who didn’t belong.

Coming out of the restroom, I found Olivia waiting by the sinks. I turned on the faucet. Her voice and the sound of running water mingled. “Nathan’s agreed to date me. He doesn’t want to hold you back anymore.” Hold me back? When Nathan and I first met, he used to hold me and say that often. He hadn’t said it out loud in nearly two years. Hearing it from Olivia’s mouth was certainly novel. “Let him tell me himself,” I said, turning to leave. The girl quickly moved to block my path, eyebrows raised high. “Sophia Chen, don’t be obtuse. You’re 6 years older than him, almost 40. Do you really think you’re still good enough for Nathan?” “Miss Harper, you seem quite knowledgeable. Surely you’re above using age as an argument,” I replied. “You’re all washed up but still acting tough. If 6 years ago you had—” I laughed, looking into the girl’s bright eyes: “If 6 years ago I had followed the normal path of marriage, I might be divorced with kids by now.” “Or a nagging housewife begging my husband for money.” “Now I have a successful career and enjoyed Nathan’s most vibrant 6 years.” “Miss Harper, toughness isn’t about words.” Olivia’s eyes widened, at a loss for words. I gently pushed past her and walked away. I don’t deny her youthful vitality. But she shouldn’t presume to challenge my composure and calm. At my age, grace is etched into a woman’s bones. Still. Nathan Quinn, oh Nathan Quinn. If you want to break up, why go through this charade? Didn’t we agree that even if we parted, we’d give each other dignity? I am a gambler, true. But I have no regrets about my bet, and I’ll bear the consequences. I thought you understood that.

Nathan’s business engagements grew more and more frequent. He didn’t even react when I moved back to my small apartment. Perhaps he truly didn’t know. Or maybe he just didn’t care. It seems waiting for him to come talk to me is unlikely. I returned to our home, still dark and empty. After asking around, none of our colleagues knew Nathan’s whereabouts. I made some inquiries and finally learned he had gone to a dinner organized by Olivia. It made sense – newly successful, he was eager to join high society circles and expand his network. Olivia was the perfect secretary to give him the best entry ticket. I pushed open the door to the private room. The pulsing music and interweaving lights inside made me catch my breath. A group of young men and women were dancing, singing, playing drinking games, shouting. It was absolute chaos. Olivia and Nathan were dirty dancing on a small stage, with the crowd below cheering and clapping. Nathan saw me first. He stopped, rubbed his nose awkwardly, looking quite uncomfortable. “Sophia, you’re not asleep?” He waved at me, then quickly smiled as if nothing was wrong. “Hey Quinn, who’s that? Your girlfriend? Doesn’t look like it. Don’t tell me it’s your housekeeper,” one of the men jeered drunkenly. There was clear malice in his tone. I instinctively looked at Nathan. His hand was on Olivia’s shoulder, but his eyes looking at me were unfocused. Dark and deep. In the end, he didn’t speak up to clarify my identity. Olivia clung to his arm, tilting her head to look at me. “Sophie, women over 30 really shouldn’t stay up late. It’s hard to recover the next day. Nathan will be home soon.” With that, she waited expectantly for my reaction. I just smiled and calmly looked at Nathan. “It’s the weekend tomorrow. You’ll be home, right?” “Mm,” he grunted in response. I nodded and turned to leave without hesitation. The moment the door closed, I immediately heard Olivia’s disgruntled voice. “Ugh, what an act. I really hate that high-and-mighty attitude of hers.” “Nathan Quinn, is that your type? You have strange taste. What were you thinking?” someone loudly chimed in. “Oh please, Nathan just feels obligated to her. If I were Sophia Chen I would’ve left long ago. I don’t know what she’s thinking, coming here to embarrass herself!” Having been shut down by me last time, the young girl was eager to get back at me. That competitive spirit was truly laughable. But walking down the dim hallway of the club, I paused to look at my reflection in the mirror on the wall. It vaguely showed my face – no cracks, no grimaces, no shame or anger. Just a hint of disappointment amidst the calm. I was disappointed. Nathan had become a stranger to me. No longer the fresh-faced smile, no longer the familiar gaze. He had gained the worldliness and reticence of a mature man. I glanced back at the private room one last time. He still hadn’t come out. He had probably truly forgotten that today was our 6th anniversary. I had hoped to part ways amicably today, while also secretly wishing for a chance to reconcile. Perhaps Olivia was right – I was being stubborn after all. What did 6 years matter? When a woman clings to old sentiments rather than dreaming of a beautiful future, It already says everything, doesn’t it?

On Sunday, I went to our home as agreed, carrying a large suitcase. But it was Olivia who opened the door. With a victorious attitude. Nathan was in the kitchen wearing an apron, cooking breakfast. The aroma filled the house. “We knew you were coming, so Nathan and I went grocery shopping early. Look, are these the dishes you like?” Olivia pointed at the table. But I was scrutinizing her, trying to decipher the deeper meaning in her words. Wearing pajamas, her clothes from last night in a pile, cartoon slippers, early morning grocery shopping. All these details unmistakably revealed: They had slept together last night, and it wasn’t the first time. Though I had expected it, my heart still ached uncontrollably. Nathan had finally taken that step. And despite knowing I was coming over, he flaunted his new relationship in the home we had shared for 6 years. He was determined not to give us a chance to talk privately. I set down my suitcase and asked directly, “Nathan Quinn, I know our accounts are complex, but this isn’t necessary. What, are you afraid I’ll eat you alive?” He didn’t used to be like this. Once bold and unstoppable. Now all that remained was weighing pros and cons. He frowned, looking displeased. “Sophia, when did you become so confrontational and petty? Olivia drank too much last night and was afraid of getting scolded by her dad if she went home, so she crashed here.” I took a deep breath and said calmly, “Fine. We need to talk. Is Miss Harper sober now?” Olivia looked shocked, pointing at herself. “Are you kicking me out?” I didn’t speak, just looked at Nathan. “Let’s eat first. There’s too much for just us,” Nathan finally suggested as a compromise. “I won’t! It’s just a breakup, what’s there to discuss? Sophia Chen, what are you trying to do?” Olivia angrily spoke first. She turned and plopped down on the sofa in a huff. “I really don’t understand. Why make this so complicated? Sophia, couldn’t you just pack up and leave quietly? Why create trouble for us?” “I swear, is this what all you older women are like? Pretending to be calm while clinging on endlessly. If you want something, just say it outright!” Nathan’s face darkened. “Enough!” he snapped. “You’re yelling at me? What’s enough? Look at what she’s doing! If you can’t handle losing, don’t play! You’re just taking advantage of his guilt! When will this ever end?!” Olivia seemed to have a belly full of grievances to vent. Her voice was loud and shrill, her eyes reddened. She glared defiantly at Nathan with wide eyes. Youth is wonderful – even anger and scolding seem like displays of affection. From our first meeting, her fighting spirit has been strong. Again and again she launches fierce attacks against me. I almost started to doubt if I truly was being unreasonable and annoying. I crouched down to gather some old items from the coffee table, speaking calmly. “Miss Harper, it’s been 6 years. I want to say a proper goodbye to Nathan, to settle things. I don’t think that’s unnecessary.” “Hmph, still pretending. I know exactly what you’re up to,” she scoffed. I smiled slightly. “Even with pets, there are feelings. When they die, I would bury them and hold a ceremony.” “Sophia!” Nathan yelled angrily, coming over to grab my hand. I continued, “I may not be a qualified current partner, but I’m certainly a qualified ex. It’s better to speak face-to-face and clear things up. You wouldn’t want Nathan and I to keep entangling endlessly, would you?” Olivia’s expression fluctuated as she looked at us, finally biting her lip and sitting down reluctantly. “Fine! I hope you keep your word!” Fighting back the sourness in my heart, I began going through things with Nathan point by point to draw clear boundaries. From emotions to belongings to financial interests, from company shares down to a single sock, I made detailed and clear divisions. Cutting off all excuses for either of us to look back. Ever since he said those words – “just an old woman” – I had been going through our 6 years of memories one by one in this unfamiliar city, severing each tie. Just waiting for this day to face Nathan. Back then I was willing to risk everything for Nathan Quinn. Now I can also cut my losses and set sail anew. I looked calmly at Nathan. “I suppose I should say that for 6 years, I’ve been preparing at every moment. Nathan, I should thank you for never lulling me into complacency.” “Sophia Chen, you—!” Nathan exploded in anger, grabbing me roughly and even raising his fist. Olivia also looked at me in shock. I stood my ground against Nathan, not giving an inch. But in a hidden corner of my heart, a storm was raging. I won’t bow my head, I won’t submit, I won’t act like someone who’s been abandoned. That’s the only dignity I have left after choosing to be a gambler! I knew deep down that I didn’t have the courage to try again. Nor did I have the capital to cling on endlessly. Leaving gracefully was the most perfect ending I could give to this relationship. As for the guilt that Olivia kept emphasizing Nathan felt towards me, hah. I really don’t need it. Accompanying Nathan to where he is today won’t change because I shed a few more tears or showed a bit more reluctance to part. I let out a soft snort and pushed Nathan away, going to the bathroom to gather my toiletries. I had already moved the larger items like clothes and shoes back to my small apartment. The furniture and decor I had added to the home I had already had the moving company take away. These small items were just my last excuse to come back. Now I didn’t need that anymore. The bathroom door suddenly closed and Nathan barged in, holding me tightly. He whispered in my ear, “Sophia, do you really have to leave?” The smell of alcohol on him made me uncomfortable. I turned my head away, using my elbow to keep distance between us. “No need to feel guilty. The company shares will let me live very comfortably for the rest of my life.” “Six years, though we didn’t reach our destination, I’m still free. I’m still grateful that you rescued me from arranged dates back then.” Nathan tried to say something but I covered his mouth. He looked at me dejectedly, finally saying, “Alright, it’s my fault. I’ll attend the dinner with your parents as we agreed. I won’t make things difficult for you.” I stared at him steadily. How could he say that with such a tone of bestowing grace? “Nathan, you no longer have the right to sit at my family’s dinner table.” I swept the cosmetics off the counter with a clatter and turned to leave. “Then how will you explain to your parents? Wait for me, okay Sophia?” He grabbed me reluctantly, his tone meaningful. But I just found it laughable. In our 6 years together, he had never said “wait for me.” Now that he’s successful and famous, he asks me to wait for him. “I’ve already left my resignation letter on your desk. Let me know soon whether you’ll pay out my dividends or buy me out.” That elaborate meal ended up going cold and uneaten. Just like my relationship with Nathan Quinn. All that effort to prepare, and in the end we didn’t even get to enjoy it. Going downstairs, I realized it was pouring outside. Thunder and lightning raged.

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The wolf clan was in decline. Zane, the wolf prince, had lived for a thousand years. Though feared throughout the beast realm, he remained aloof and disinterested in romance. The Wolf Queen was beside herself with worry. Beautiful maidens from various clans lined up outside the wolf king’s cave. I’m Lily, a human who accidentally fell into the beast world. In my original life, I was just a poor girl from a modern city. After crossing over, I somehow stumbled into the wolf king’s bedroom by mistake. On the day of his engagement to the tiger princess, I ran away carrying a belly full of wolf cubs. Years later, as I was busy feeding meat to eight little wolf pups, he pushed open my courtyard gate, looking as pitiful as a droopy-eared puppy. “Lily, have you really given up on me?” The great beast war shattered the barrier between the human and beast worlds. I accidentally fell into this strange realm. I had only intended to help my grandmother pick wild ginseng in the mountains back home. Who knew I’d slip and fall, waking up to find myself in a world of beasts? This place was full of half-human, half-beast creatures. Before I could come to my senses, a pack of wolf patrol guards surrounded me. They were about to dispose of me when Grandma Leopard stepped in and brought me into wolf territory. I had grown up in the mountains with my grandmother, relying on each other. Apart from her and the villagers, I had hardly met anyone else. So I knew almost nothing about the outside world. At first, I thought I could treat these beast-people like the small animals in the mountains. Just as I was about to pat their heads and ears, their fierce expressions scared me back. They were even more intimidating than the Tibetan mastiffs kept by old Mrs. Wang at the village entrance! But Grandma Leopard was kind to me, just like my real grandmother in the human world. She initially wanted me to help with cleaning and odd jobs, but unfortunately, I was clueless about this beast world. Not only was I unhelpful, but I also caused quite a bit of trouble. I tore up beast-skin scrolls while organizing bookshelves and nearly burned a hole through half the floor when I knocked over some potions… Grandma Leopard was exasperated by my antics. In the end, she brought me before the Wolf Queen. The Wolf Queen, seeing my curvy figure and good looks, was very pleased. She kept whispering to her maid beside her. “This little human would make a good breeding vessel. She looks a bit simple-minded and naive though.” “That’s fine. She’s just for trying as a surrogate. It’ll be easy to deal with her once we have a new princess.” Words like “breeding” and “new princess” were all foreign to me, so I paid no attention. I only cared about what Grandma Leopard said – that if I slept in the wolf king’s bed for one night, I’d be allowed to live here. And so, I was happily led to Prince Zane’s courtyard. As soon as we arrived at the entrance, I saw a group of wolf beauties gathered there. They were clearly unhappy about my arrival. A silver wolf beauty even deliberately threw my luggage into the most remote corner of the courtyard. It wasn’t until evening that I first met the wolf prince. He had a pair of fluffy wolf ears on his head, but his face was so handsome it was hard to look away! “You… you’re so handsome…” I blurted out. Zane was taken aback, seeming to develop some interest in this human girl. He leaned in to sniff me, then looked me up and down thoughtfully. This scene infuriated the other wolf beauties in the courtyard. From then on, they bullied me even more viciously. If they weren’t threatening to tear my throat out with their sharp fangs and claws, They were putting all sorts of bugs in my food, leaving me unable to eat a proper meal for days. The wolves mostly ate raw meat, which I really couldn’t stomach as a human. When I was so hungry I couldn’t stand it anymore, I remembered what Grandma Leopard had said. If I just slept in the wolf king’s bed for one night, I could live on and have good food to eat. So, I snuck into the prince’s chambers late at night when all was quiet. The room was empty, so I climbed straight into bed and under the covers. Before long, Zane pushed open the door. He walked in while undressing, heading straight for the bath. Through the misty steam, I could only make out his muscular waist and the smooth lines of his muscles. This was the first time in my life I’d seen a naked man! I watched with a red face and pounding heart. Suddenly, he turned around. I quickly ducked under the covers. I don’t know how much time passed. He stood by the bed, looking down at the small hill formed by the blanket. “Come out.” The voice from outside the covers was extremely intimidating. I timidly poked my head out and patted the pillow beside me. “Prince, shall we… shall we sleep together?” Zane raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. “What’s your name?” “Lily,” I answered honestly. As he spoke, he seemed to be staring only at my mouth, his breathing gradually becoming heavier. Then he turned and walked back to the bath, emerging again moments later. His eyes were even redder than before, his breath ragged as if he was struggling to suppress something. “I… I’ve been injured recently. There’s an evil energy in my body that’s hard to control.” “Lily, I want you now. Is that okay?” Want me? What did he mean? I was a bit dazed by his burning gaze. “If I say yes, will you give me food? Will I be able to live?” He chuckled softly and nodded. Hearing there would be food, I immediately perked up. “Then hurry up! I want to eat after you’re done!” The next second, I was pinned to the bed. His kisses came like a storm, leaving me dizzy and feeling like I was melting into a puddle. In my hazy state, he tore off all my clothes. Suddenly, intense pain jolted me back to reality. I pushed against him hard. “It hurts! I don’t want to anymore. I don’t need food!” He gently kissed away my tears, whispering comforting words, but his movements only grew more fierce. My words and struggles seemed to become his outlet for release. “Be good, just bear with it a little. Relax and it’ll feel better.” I sobbed in pain, but he seemed to have developed a taste for it, pressing down on me and going at it for a long time before finally stopping. Afterwards, I clung tightly to his arm. “You promised. I want food.” Zane stroked my head indulgently, looking thoroughly satisfied. He immediately called for a table full of delicious food to be brought in. And just like that, I, a human who had only arrived a few days ago, Inexplicably became the first person to sleep with the wolf prince.

When I woke up the next morning, my entire body was covered in Zane’s scent. What this meant in the beast world, I still had no idea. The group of wolf beauties in the courtyard huddled together, their eyes practically shooting flames at me. In just one night, I seemed to have become the target of everyone’s resentment. I was assigned to a special room. It was said to be designed specifically for humans, with strange charms hanging on the walls. This place was very close to Zane’s chambers, but guards were posted everywhere. But Grandma Leopard was right after all. After sleeping with the wolf prince, I no longer had to go hungry, and no wolf dared to threaten to tear me apart. Zane was very good to me, sending me all kinds of cooked food and desserts every day. Although some things were indeed strange and exotic, it was better than having nothing to eat. People outside all said Zane was aloof and disliked women, but I now had first-hand experience— Those words were utter nonsense! Since that night, he seemed to be addicted, grabbing me as soon as he returned to his chambers. From the bed to the bath to the desk, nowhere was spared. Every time I came to my senses, it was already dawn outside. Even when he was handling official business, he often held me on his lap, kissing and nibbling. I was sore all over from his treatment, but didn’t dare to speak up. In the end, I could only secretly go to the kind Grandma Leopard to complain. After hearing my description, a knowing smile immediately appeared on Grandma Leopard’s face. She patted my hand and said earnestly, “Silly girl, the prince is marking you! In our beast clan, this is a huge blessing!” “When you become pregnant with wolf cubs, you’ll have a bright future ahead! By then, you’ll be a great contributor to the wolf clan, and never have to worry about food or drink for the rest of your life.” I listened in a daze, suddenly thinking of a serious question. “What if I give birth to a human baby?” This time it was Grandma Leopard’s turn to be troubled. She frowned in deep thought. That night, curled up in Zane’s arms, I mustered up the courage to ask him. “Prince… if we have a baby, will it be a little wolf cub or a little human?” Zane’s hand paused in my hair, then he casually said, “You’re still young. Don’t think about children yet.” But from the next day on, after every time we were intimate, he would feed me a strange fruit. He said it was good for my body, so I didn’t think much of it and just swallowed it. It wasn’t until much later that I understood – it was a contraceptive fruit used by the beast clan. Clearly, Zane had never intended for me to bear his heir. On normal days, as long as Zane was in the territory, he liked to keep me by his side. In his leisure time, he would teach me the beast language and beast writing. I have to say, the beast clan’s writing was even harder than human writing. My characters looked like they had been chewed by dogs. But Zane was very patient, always guiding my hand as he taught me. I loved writing his name in beast script the most, stroke by stroke, feeling sweet in my heart. Zane understood my tastes well. Every time he came back from a trip, he would bring me some strange and exotic beast clan delicacies. Sometimes it was glowing berries, sometimes mushrooms with peculiar textures, and even the legendary “beast god’s nectar”. Without realizing it, my heart grew stranger and stranger. When I couldn’t see Zane, I was always thinking about him; when he was by my side, even if he was busy with official duties, I would just quietly stay nearby, my heart full of happiness. Soon it was time for the beast clan’s annual “Full Moon Festival”, which required a journey to a distant holy land. As the wolf prince, Zane had to attend. The night before he left, he pinned me down in various places, frantically taking his fill, as if trying to make up for a month’s worth. I was also upset, not wanting him to go. That night I was unusually proactive, exciting Zane so much that his beast tail materialized. The big fluffy tail swayed back and forth, showing he was in a good mood. After he left, I wilted completely. Even my favorite roast chicken wings didn’t taste good anymore. Suddenly I remembered a beast clan proverb Zane had taught me. “A lone wolf gazes at the moon, its solitary shadow unable to sleep.” I didn’t understand it at the time, but now I could relate. I, who had been single since birth, only now realized that this must be love. Without noticing, it had already been etched into my bones. The day Zane returned, he dragged me into the room without a word. I thought he wanted me, but he mysteriously pulled out a glowing fruit from his robes. “Try this. It’s a fruit from the Beast God Tree. I managed to secretly pick it.” I was so moved that tears almost fell. The Beast God fruit was a treasure of the beast clan. It was said that even the Wolf King was reluctant to eat it, yet Zane had secretly brought one back for me. Taking a bite, a strange energy immediately flowed through my entire body. I felt light as a feather, as if I could fly. At that moment, I even thought that if I could stay with Zane like this forever, it wouldn’t be so bad to never return to the real world. Unfortunately, I forgot that I was just a “surrogate”, how could I dream of growing old together with the wolf king? Not long after, news of the wolf clan’s alliance marriage with the tiger clan spread throughout the beast world. The tiger clan’s young lady was coming to stay in wolf territory, with all the airs of a future queen.

The wolf beauties who had always looked down on me now took the opportunity to mock me even more. “A mere human, how dare you think you could monopolize the prince’s favor forever?” “The real deal has arrived. You little thing who hasn’t even grown fur yet, get lost!” We lined up in two rows to welcome the arrival of Zane and the tiger princess, Roxanne. When they walked in hand in hand, my heart skipped a beat. Zane exuded the powerful aura of a beast king, while Roxanne’s beauty was elegant yet wild. They made such a good match. My heart was instantly flooded with sourness. Thinking of the long years ahead, where I might have to watch them be a loving couple, I found it hard to breathe. In the days that followed, Zane accompanied Roxanne on tours around the territory. They admired the moon together and hunted together. Some onlookers even used illusion magic to capture their sweet moments, deliberately showing them to me. I pretended to be calm, saying I didn’t care. But every night, I couldn’t control my tears, which fell like rain. Zane hadn’t summoned me for many days. He returned very late at night, and I couldn’t even see his shadow. Perhaps, as the other beasts said, I was just a plaything he took interest in for a while. His previous doting was probably just a way to pass time when he was bored. Suddenly one day, the Wolf Queen summoned us to the great hall. It turned out that Zane was busy with official duties and feared Roxanne would be lonely, so he asked us to keep her company. Roxanne walked towards me with a smile, intimately linking her arm with mine. “I heard you’re close to Zane. It must be hard work taking care of him, right?” When we were alone, her expression immediately changed. She violently flung my arm away. “How dare a human like you stay by Zane’s side?” “I heard you consider yourself his bedmate? Guess who’s more important to him, you or me?” Alarm bells rang in my head, but before I could escape, I saw her rip off the protective charm hanging around her neck and throw it into the nearby miasma-filled forest. At that moment, Zane happened to walk into the courtyard. Roxanne immediately threw herself into his arms, tearfully complaining. “Zane, this human in your courtyard is so ill-mannered. I just wanted to chat with her, but she insulted me and threw the protective charm my mother gave me into the miasma forest!” I hadn’t seen Zane for a long time. The man I once spent day and night with now had a cold face, his gaze so unfamiliar it made me panic. He gave me a cool glance, his eyes devoid of any warmth. “I didn’t…” I tried to explain, but was cut off. Zane lowered his head to softly comfort Roxanne in his arms. “Don’t be afraid, I’ll send someone to find it right away.” But Roxanne pouted, pointing at me. “She lost it, so she should go find it!” Humans have the weakest sense of smell among the beast clans. I had no way to navigate in the miasma. Zane knew this. He used to tease me, calling me a “noseless fool”. But at this moment, he coldly ordered me. “Go find it!” I stumbled into the miasma-filled dense forest. The acrid smell made me dizzy, and the poisonous gas burned my skin. I stumbled around, feeling my life force slowly draining away. After searching for who knows how long, I finally touched that cursed protective charm. Covered in wounds, I crawled out of the dense forest, trembling as I handed it to Roxanne. The Wolf Queen had arrived at some point. She glared at me, fuming with anger. “How outrageous! You’re a disgrace to our wolf clan!” “Stay in the dense forest for a day and night to reflect on your actions!” Zane didn’t even look at me, leaving with his arm around Roxanne. As the night wind blew, I shivered. At this moment, I finally understood the vast difference between a surrogate and a queen. Here, I didn’t even have the right to speak. Roxanne, on the other hand, could easily control my life and death. I, who had once been intoxicated by the sweetness with Zane and attached to this wolf clan territory, thought about leaving for the first time. I couldn’t hold out for long in the miasma forest before passing out. In my hazy state, I seemed to catch Zane’s scent. He carefully licked my wounds with his tongue, his movements uncharacteristically gentle. Sobbing, I asked him, “Do I have a place in your heart?” But he remained silent. When I fully regained consciousness, there was no one around. I shook my head with a bitter smile, thinking I must have been hallucinating. Suddenly, a familiar set of footsteps approached. Zane entered, his face gloomy. A glimmer of joy rose in my heart. “Prince, why have you come?” He sat down by my bed, staring at me with a complex expression. “Lily, Roxanne has contracted beast soul atrophy from losing her protective charm. Her condition is critical.” He paused, his gaze becoming determined. “The shaman doctor says we need human essence blood as a catalyst for the medicine. You’ve always been understanding… can you help her?”

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I was working part-time at a high-end karaoke bar when I ran into my supposedly poor boyfriend. He was dressed in expensive clothes, wearing a luxury watch, and shouting, “I’m picking up the tab for everyone tonight!” I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was the same guy who insisted on splitting the bill when we shared a bowl of pasta. Then the girl in his arms called out his name. “Alex, you said you were pretending to be poor and dating that bitch to get revenge for me. How long are you planning to keep up this game?” Alexander pecked her lips. “Of course, until she loves me the most. Then I’ll reveal everything and humiliate her just like she humiliated you…” My nails dug into my palms. But I had never wronged him… Hearing Alexander’s words, the mask I wore made it hard to breathe. My hands trembled uncontrollably, making it difficult to pour drinks. My whole body felt cold. I was still in disbelief. At that moment, Alexander lit a cigarette. “You don’t know, that bitch is head over heels for me now. She brings me water, washes my feet every day, and willingly lies in bed to serve me. Even when I hit her, she still shamelessly tries to comfort me… She’s utterly despicable!” He waved his hand dismissively. “If it weren’t for wanting to get revenge for Scarlett, I’d lose my appetite just looking at her greasy face!” Someone chimed in, “Exactly! How dare such a lowlife hurt Scarlett and almost get her assaulted.” He turned to Scarlett and raised his glass. “We’ll all stand up for you!” I stood still, suppressing the chill that kept rising in my heart. It turns out that when you suddenly discover the truth, you can’t react immediately. Someone nearby shamelessly approached Alexander. “How about we all have some fun with that bitch too?” Alexander casually took out an intimate video he had tricked me into making. “Sure, take a look. Anyone interested? When the time comes, I’ll make up an excuse about needing money. She might even let you guys do whatever you want with her for my sake.” Hearing this, my hand shook violently. It felt like a huge hole had been torn in my heart, letting in a gust of cold wind. I did know Scarlett, but I truly had no idea when I had ever hurt her. And it turns out this rich young master had gone to great lengths to pretend to be poor, deceiving both my body and my heart. Some of the alcohol I was holding splashed onto Scarlett. She gave me a strange look, as if she had noticed something, and then started screaming. “Watch where you’re going, you blind idiot!” Alexander’s dangerous gaze turned towards me, his eyes darkening. “Oh, looks like someone’s upset Alexander’s precious darling,” the crowd jeered. Alexander twirled his wine glass, his gaze lingering on my face before he spoke coldly. “You’re so clueless, you can’t even be a good dog. As punishment, get down on all fours and bark like a dog,” he said, scattering money from his hand. “Crawl around this room five times on your knees!” “However much of this money you can catch in your mouth, you can keep!” The intense humiliation rushed to my head. If it weren’t for the mask covering my face, I’m sure I would have looked paler than the mask itself. Was this really the same gentle, kind-hearted man who would roll up his sleeves and say he’d stand up for me when I was treated unfairly? I stood there, motionless. Scarlett turned her head and clicked her tongue a couple of times. “Aren’t you desperate for money? Why pretend to have dignity now?” She draped herself over Alexander’s neck and said in a deliberately coy voice. “Speaking of needing money, I saw that bitch Olivia getting pretty close to some rich guy the other day. I bet she’s trying to climb the social ladder…” Others laughed, “Tsk tsk, even a lowlife like her is trying to move up in the world!” “Haha! If she knew that Alexander is the son of the richest family in the city, I wonder how much she’d regret it!” “We’re all looking forward to seeing the look on her face when she finds out the truth!”

I stood there rigidly, feeling like everyone’s gaze was piercing into my body like needles. That rich guy they mentioned was my childhood friend. After my family went bankrupt, he was the only one who didn’t look at me differently. I had gone to him to ask if he could help Alexander find an easier, more respectable job. “Hurry up and crawl! Bark like a dog!” Those spoiled rich kids were used to toying with people for fun. Seeing me frozen in place, Alexander viciously kicked my knee. I felt a sharp pain in my bones. My head hit the coffee table hard. Blood spilled everywhere. “How disgusting!” Alexander saw that I stubbornly refused to move and gave up his malicious gaze. Scarlett extended her high-heeled foot and ground it into my hand. The pain made me break out in a cold sweat, but I clenched my teeth to avoid making a sound. Alexander finally lost patience. He carelessly tossed a wad of cash into my shirt collar and had someone throw me out of the room. I quickly treated my wounds and stumbled home. Looking at the simple, familiar furnishings in my rented apartment, I felt dazed. Just this morning when Alexander left, he had kissed me and said he would love me forever. Now, coming back here, it felt like the beautiful world had shattered, revealing dark fangs. I started packing my things. Late into the night, the door opened and Alexander walked in. “Baby, I’m done with work. Look, I bought your favorite cake with my bonus.” I noticed the obvious signs that someone had tampered with the cake, and silently avoided his embrace. He kept rambling about how much he had sweated and been bullied by others just to buy this cake for me. I glanced at my phone and saw Scarlett’s new post on Instagram. The photo showed the same cake, but she had many pieces spread out on the floor. The caption read, [Craving cake… The one who loves me will always bring what I want right away… (heart emoji)] As I listened to Alexander’s words, I looked straight into his eyes. “Alex, do you really love me?” Alexander was taken aback for a moment, then quickly put on his trademark pitiful expression and tried to hug me. “I love Olivia, I’ll love Olivia forever.” I looked at him, remembering what he had said at the karaoke bar not long ago… “When the time comes, I’ll make up an excuse about needing money, and she might even let you all have your way with her!” “Just looking at her face makes me want to vomit!” I couldn’t help but tremble and stepped back, bumping into the table. The wad of cash he had stuffed into my shirt fell out. Alexander’s almond-shaped eyes narrowed dangerously, once again looking like the young master from earlier. “Well, well, Olivia! So you really have hooked up with some rich guy. How shameless can you be?” “How did I end up with such a slut!” Seeing his expression, I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. He raised his hand as if to slap me. I flinched and stumbled into the bedroom. He followed me in and saw the luggage I had packed all over the floor. He paused for a moment, then folded his arms and blocked the door, his mouth curving into a deep sneer, his eyes sinister. “Planning to elope with someone else, are you? Do you look down on me that much? Is it just because I don’t have money?” I wanted to explain. He slammed the door shut. Alexander also cut off the power to the room. He knew full well that I had claustrophobia.

The darkness rushed towards me like a tidal wave. I felt like I was drowning, gasping for air but still suffocating. After what seemed like an eternity, I heard voices outside. “Alex, baby, aren’t you worried that poor bitch will get jealous if you bring me here?” I could hear the sound of passionate kissing. Alexander’s voice was full of suppressed desire. “Don’t worry, she can’t make trouble. She can’t get out. She’s probably just wailing in there right now.” So he knew about my suffering. At that moment, I could almost see him lifting Scarlett’s lingerie, just like he had at the karaoke bar. His low whisper hit me like a hammer, making my brain reel. “Besides, don’t you think her screams make it more exciting?” My throat was already hoarse from begging. It felt like I had swallowed a huge block of ice in my chest. I could barely move my body. In my hazy consciousness, images from the past floated before me. I first met Alexander on a sweltering summer day. I was wearing a heavy mascot costume, handing out flyers, when a group of kids started chasing and hitting me with sticks. My body swayed, and I nearly fainted. “You can’t bully people like that!” It was Alexander who stopped them and chased them away. Then he handed me a bottle of ice-cold water, saving me from heat stroke. He sat down beside me and said gently, “I’ve handed out flyers in the heat before too. I know how tough it is.” Then he told me that he came from a similar background as me. My heart pounded like a drum, and the world seemed to go silent except for the sound of my racing heartbeat. After that day, we naturally got together. We rented a small studio apartment together and slept on a narrow twin bed. But he was good to me, bringing me gifts every day after work. When I burned myself while cooking, he would kiss my fingers with tears in his eyes. “Olivia, thank you. You don’t know how much I love you.” Due to family troubles, I developed a sleepwalking problem. He would thoughtfully put foam padding on the corners of tables and cabinets, afraid I might bump into them. I thought he cared about me, but that day at the karaoke bar, I clearly heard him tell others, “That bitch even sleepwalks. It’s disgusting how she wanders around in the middle of the night!” I fell into a deep sleep. My last impression was of Alexander’s contemptuous and arrogant face at the karaoke bar that day. That scene pierced my heart like a sharp sword. I woke up gasping for air, to find Alexander staring at me intently. His eyes were deep, his thoughts unreadable. Seeing me lower my head submissively, he said, “Done throwing a tantrum? That’s better. I’ll take you out for our anniversary.” He dragged me to an upscale restaurant. Alexander lied without blinking an eye, “I saved up for a whole year to bring you here.” I sneered inwardly. One meal here probably cost less than what young master Alexander spent on drinks in a single night. Alexander expertly pulled out a chair for me and prepared the cutlery. “I’ll spend time with you properly today, to celebrate us making up.” “From now on, I’ll accompany you here for every anniversary. It’ll be our special secret.” He whispered in my ear. My heart fluttered slightly at these sweet words. Seeing his sincere and doting gaze, I felt a bit dazed. Was he just too good at acting, or had he started to believe his own act? Maybe he did have some genuine feelings… Just then, Alexander’s phone started ringing. Scarlett’s coquettish laugh came through. “Alex, baby, I need you for something.” Alexander didn’t hesitate for a second. “I’ll be right there.” I watched Alexander impassively. “I have to go.” The person across from me left without a second thought, completely forgetting his promise to spend our anniversary with me. Watching his cold retreating figure, the last flicker of emotion in my heart was completely extinguished. I saw Lucas and greeted him. Just as I was about to leave, Scarlett walked in through the door. “Well, well, I was wondering why this restaurant smelled so bad. Turns out it’s the stench of poverty from someone here!” She had brought a group of her friends. Before my family went bankrupt, these people used to flock around me. I straightened my back and stood up, not wanting to cause trouble. I tried to leave through the side. “Excuse me, I have somewhere to be.” But Scarlett had her friends block my way. “What could you possibly have to do? Go seduce some rich man?” “Or have you already picked your target and can’t wait to strip naked and throw yourself into his bed? So eager… Olivia, how can you be such a slut?” “Is this really the daughter of the Reed family, one of the richest in the city? What would your parents think if they saw you like this?” Scarlett covered her mouth dramatically and raised her eyebrows. Her friends laughed along on cue. “Don’t go too far!” I glared at her angrily, suppressing my fury. My family had always helped her, but for some reason she kept targeting me and my family.

Hearing my angry rebuke, Scarlett laughed even more arrogantly. “I’m going too far? I can go even further…” Scarlett yanked the tablecloth off, sending all the dishes crashing to the floor. “You must be really short on cash right now,” she signaled with her eyes, and two people came over to grab me. “If you eat all the food off the floor, this money is yours.” She took out a wad of cash and patted my cheek with it. “I won’t!” I struggled as they twisted my arms and pushed my head down into the spilled soup on the floor. The pain in my arms felt like they were being torn apart. The jeering laughter of those people exploded in my ears like an evil curse. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, a voice rang out. “What are you doing?” Alexander stood in the doorway, frowning as he looked at me. Maybe it was my imagination, but I thought I saw a hint of heartache in his eyes. I opened my mouth, wanting to speak. But Scarlett beat me to it, clenching her fists. “Alex, baby, your girlfriend was trying to seduce rich men. I was teaching her a lesson for you!” Alexander helped me up and handed me a napkin to wipe the soup off my face. I took a deep breath, looking at Scarlett’s coquettish smile. Anger surged within me. “Aren’t you the one seducing my boyfriend?” Whispers rippled through the crowd of onlookers in the restaurant. People had been speculating about my relationship with Scarlett. Scarlett’s face paled, and she threw herself into Alexander’s arms. “Alex, baby, why don’t we tell her the truth? She really thinks she’s your girlfriend…” She shot me a coy glance. But Alexander dodged her embrace and said in a low voice, “What truth?” I suddenly felt it all so pointless and turned to leave the restaurant. Alexander chased after me. “Scarlett means well. She’s just looking out for me. Who told you to smile at other rich men…” I was surprised. “So you knew?” Alexander nodded. “I went to find Scarlett and saw it on the security cameras.” “So you saw Scarlett ordering others to torment me? And you… you waited so long to come…” My lips curved into a bitter smirk. “You must have enjoyed seeing me in such a miserable state, right?” Alexander choked. “I…” I turned to leave, but Scarlett chased after us. “Olivia, to show how sorry I am, I’d like to invite you to a party. You won’t refuse, will you?” Looking at her malicious eyes, I felt like a cold snake was staring at me. I was about to refuse when Alexander answered for me, “She’ll be there.” I looked at Alexander in shock, my chest aching. My voice was already choked with tears. “Don’t you know how she humiliates me every time?” But Alexander was unmoved. “Scarlett means well. You must have done something to upset her.” “So you need to go and apologize…” Alexander forcibly dragged me to the party. The crowd was wildly dancing, champagne spraying everywhere. It was a celebration for a bunch of rich brats. When they saw me arrive, their eyes lit up with malicious glee. All eyes turned to Scarlett, as if waiting for something. Sure enough, Scarlett walked over with a thin piece of cloth in her hand. “Olivia, I heard you’re short on cash. If you put this on and do a striptease for us here, we’ll all give you some money.”

The crowd started jeering. I knocked the cloth out of her hand, my face rigid with shame and anger almost overwhelming me. But Scarlett leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I know it was you at the karaoke bar that day. Should I tell all your old friends to go take care of your ‘business’?” The color drained from my face, and a chill ran through my body. Before my family’s bankruptcy, they had treated me like a princess on a pedestal. Now, I’m sure they’d be more than willing to watch me fall and be humiliated. I instinctively wanted to escape. I looked around, seeking help. But Scarlett curved her lips into a smile. “Let’s play a game. If you can find someone willing to save you, we’ll let you off today.” My hands shook as I took out my phone, barely managing to dial Alexander’s number. Into the phone, I pleaded desperately, “Alexander, I know you’ve found out the truth about why you approached me, but I really never bullied Scarlett.” “For the sake of all I’ve given you these past three years, please save me! They want me to do a striptease… They’re really going to assault me!” I was on the verge of kneeling, looking completely broken. Those people watched me with amused expressions, as if enjoying a show. I touched my earlobe, making sure that object was still there. Thankfully, ever since the last humiliation, I had prepared something special for them, just in case. Before I could finish speaking, Alexander’s impatient voice came through, “Now that you know my identity, you’re trying to butter me up? Using our relationship to threaten me? I never had any real feelings for you!” “Just do whatever they tell you to do.” “I saw with my own eyes how badly Scarlett was hurt. Just as Scarlett said, you’re nothing but a liar! You owe Scarlett this much. She has a soft heart; if you apologize sincerely, she won’t make things difficult for you.” The blood vessels in my head throbbed, and I could barely make out what he said after that. Seeing Scarlett’s triumphant smile, I lowered my head. …No one was going to save me. Scarlett waved her hand and announced into a microphone, “Come on, strip her clothes off and let her give us a striptease show today!” “We’re all looking forward to the great Olivia Reed’s striptease performance!” I tried my best to dodge, but grabby hands came at me from all directions. Seeing that I wouldn’t comply, someone grabbed a fork and stabbed it into my hand. Blood sprayed everywhere. Someone else kicked me hard. I crawled on the ground, my mouth filled with the taste of blood. Suddenly, Scarlett came over and tried to rip open the buttons on my chest. I dodged to the side. I grabbed the microphone next to me and smashed it towards Scarlett’s head. A hush fell over the crowd. Following the crowd’s gaze, I saw Alexander standing in the doorway. He walked over to Scarlett with concern, checking her injuries. Her hand was only red from the impact. The blood on it was actually mine. “Alex, baby, I was just trying to help Olivia fix her clothes. Look what she did to me…” She pouted, looking wronged. Alexander looked at Scarlett’s hand covered in my blood, then glared at me angrily. “And here I was worried about you, coming to check on you.” “You really are the same as always, just betraying people’s trust.”

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My cousin Sophia, who I grew up with, slept with my husband Alexander and got pregnant. Am I angry? Not at all. In fact, I want to pop open a bottle of champagne to celebrate. Because I orchestrated this whole thing. Sophia has always liked to take what’s mine. So I’m giving her Alexander, that scumbag. To help Sophia succeed, I put in quite a bit of effort behind the scenes. After all, Alexander was supposedly so devoted and faithful. Sophia sat across from me, tears streaming down her face as she confessed how much she loved my husband and how sorry she was. “Olivia, I’ve wronged you terribly. You can yell at me all you want, but I’m pregnant now. For the sake of the baby, can you please let us be together?” I stared at the pregnancy test results on the table, not saying a word. Sophia got up and crouched in front of me, clutching my arm as she continued to plead. “Olivia, I never meant to steal your husband. I just couldn’t control my feelings for him. I was planning to leave, I swear.” “I never thought I’d get pregnant. I don’t know how things ended up like this.” Sophia’s face was pale as she cried, her pupils trembling. I helped her back into the chair and handed her a glass of warm water. I had worked so hard to get to this point. Nothing could go wrong with the baby Sophia was carrying. I collected myself and asked in a tone of disbelief, “When did this start between you two?” I stood up and laughed coldly. “Well done, both of you. One claims to love me so much, the other is my closest cousin. I never expected you’d stab me in the back like this.” Sophia grabbed my arm, trying to say more. “I can’t stand to look at you right now. Move out,” I said. Sophia lowered her head without arguing. “Alright, I’ll go.” I quickly packed a small suitcase and left, checking into a hotel near my office. I ordered an extravagant meal I usually couldn’t afford, opened a bottle of wine, and sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, raising my glass to the night sky. To be honest, I wasn’t angry or shocked at all about Sophia’s pregnancy. Because I had planned the whole thing. I wanted them to go to hell together.

When I was a sophomore in high school, my parents died in a car accident. My grandparents were in poor health, so as a minor, my aunt and uncle became my guardians. Those years of living under their roof were a nightmare I can’t shake. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have rushed into marriage so young, desperate for a family of my own, only to fall from one pit into an even deeper one. My aunt and uncle took control of my parents’ compensation money, claiming they were just “safeguarding” it until I came of age. But they quickly used it to buy a new house. Despite how big the new house was, there wasn’t a single bedroom for me. For those two years, I had to sleep on the couch, going to bed last and waking up first, with no privacy or dignity. I transferred to Sophia’s high school. She turned the other students against me, saying I was ungrateful – that her parents had kindly taken me in, feeding and clothing me, but I showed no appreciation and even tried to steal her things. What others didn’t know was that everything I used was Sophia’s hand-me-downs. I had no money to buy anything new, and my aunt and uncle never bought me anything either. My reputation at school got worse and worse. No one wanted to be my friend. I got nasty nicknames, was mysteriously locked in bathroom stalls, found chalk dust in my water bottle, had homework disappear. I went to the teachers, but they said I should be grateful anyone was willing to take me in. That I wasn’t like other kids and had no right to complain. After that, I threw myself into studying. I was desperate to escape, working myself to the bone to get into a good college. But when I succeeded, my aunt and uncle told me there was no money for tuition – apparently I had used up all my parents’ compensation during high school. Yet somehow Sophia was able to attend an expensive private university and even go to grad school. I wonder how much of that money was actually spent on me.

I woke up with a hangover headache. After a shower, I saw dozens of SnapChat messages from Sophia. I muted the conversation without reading them. Checking the date, I realized Alexander was due back from his business trip in three days. He hadn’t sent me a single message since yesterday. I wasn’t sure if he knew about Sophia’s pregnancy yet, but either way, I couldn’t act rashly. The more calm I remained, the more frantic they would become. I went to work as usual for the next few days, ignoring all calls and messages. On the third day, Alexander showed up at my office, saying he wanted to talk. “Let’s go home and talk together,” I said, closing my eyes to rest in the passenger seat, not giving him a chance to speak. At home, Sophia and I sat facing each other at the dining table, with Alexander next to me. “We’ll get rid of the baby tomorrow. I’ll give you $20,000,” he said. Sophia’s tears started falling again as she asked in disbelief, “You don’t want our baby?” “It’s an illegitimate child that should never have existed. My children will only be born from my wife,” Alexander replied coldly. I had guessed Alexander wouldn’t divorce me at this critical point in his career. At his young age, he was already an associate professor at a prestigious university and on track for a full professorship. Sophia’s face turned ashen. She stood up from her chair, her voice full of resentment. “So if your wife can’t have children, you’d never divorce her? You’d stay childless forever?” Alexander looked at Sophia in surprise, then turned to look at me. I pretended to be flustered and yelled at Sophia, “What nonsense are you spouting?” “Olivia, you’ve never shown Alexander your medical reports, have you?” Sophia turned to Alexander. “You two have been married for so long – haven’t you wondered why you don’t have kids yet?” Sophia went to her room and came back with a medical report, throwing it on the table. It had my name on it, with a clear diagnosis: Infertile. Alexander stared at the report for a long time without speaking. Finally, he only said to Sophia, “Don’t get rid of the baby for now.” Then he went to his study. Sophia had a victorious look on her face. “Olivia, I didn’t want things to turn out this way. But you brought this on yourself by being so stubborn. If you had just gracefully stepped aside, I could have given you some compensation, sister to sister.” Watching Sophia’s retreating back, I smiled to myself. Sophia, since you love taking what’s mine so much, as your sister I naturally want to indulge you. I just hope you can handle it this time.

From the moment Sophia first laid eyes on Alexander, I knew she would fall for him. But getting Alexander to accept Sophia took quite a bit of effort on my part. Alexander was never an ordinary man who thought with his lower half. On the contrary, he was very principled. Even after we got married, there were plenty of women throwing themselves at him, trying to replace me. But he never gave me any reason to worry in that department. He would firmly reject those women with ill intentions. “I’m sorry, I’m married and very much in love with my wife,” he’d say. He would openly talk about me in public or during his lectures. His students praised him for being handsome and devoted, the ideal man in many female students’ eyes. My friends and coworkers who met him envied my good taste in finding such a perfect husband. I used to believe that too. I met Alexander when I was a senior in college, during my internship. One day, an important work task wasn’t completed because a coworker didn’t do her part. She told our boss it was because I hadn’t properly communicated with her. But I had talked to her, right at her desk, and even reminded her later. Since it was just a verbal exchange, I had no proof. So I ended up taking the blame. Because of this incident, my chance at a full-time offer was delayed and I lost out on a bonus. I had worked overtime for a month on this project, and in the end all I got was unfair blame. I sat on some steps, sobbing, as the rain poured down harder and harder, soaking me through. That’s when I met Alexander. He gave me his umbrella and a pack of tissues, without saying a word, then left in the rain himself. Later I ran into him at the company again and learned he was one of the shareholders. I was too intimidated to approach him, but he greeted me first. To thank him, I invited him to dinner and told him about that day’s incident. He advised me that in the workplace, all important matters should be documented in email. After that, my full-time offer wasn’t delayed and I received my bonus as normal. I suspected it was his doing. As we got to know each other, I discovered he was very knowledgeable. No matter what questions I had, he always gave the most reasonable advice. I started secretly visiting his university to see him. He took me to try all sorts of delicious food. It was the most peaceful time I’d had since my parents passed away. After graduation, we started dating, and got married six months later. He was a wonderful husband – he would drive me to and from work, prepare surprises for holidays, take on household chores, maintain appropriate distance from other women, didn’t smoke or drink, had no bad habits at all. When I told him about my high school experiences, this 30-year-old man’s eyes reddened. He held me close and said, “It’s all in the past now. I’ll make up for everything you’ve lost.” If I hadn’t discovered that secret, I might have remained trapped in the dream he wove for me.

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The day I was diagnosed with a terminal illness, my wife Emily was at the hospital taking care of her first love. The woman I had cherished for ten years was now cooking and caring for another man. She was even willing to risk her career to have his child. On the day she asked for a divorce, she questioned if I was afraid of dying a miserable death. I calmly replied, “Then let me die a miserable death.” What she didn’t know was that I was already dying. The day after Ryan Thompson returned to the country, the news reported that my wife Emily had suddenly left the international stage and rushed to the hospital. I sat on the couch, clutching a medical diagnosis report in my hand. I had originally planned to tell Emily about my condition today. But I never expected Ryan to come back. Emily’s decade-long obsession finally had an outlet. With one last hope, I dialed her number. But I couldn’t get through. After the long busy signal, the call was disconnected. I didn’t give up and kept calling. Twice… three times… five times… Finally, on the seventh try, the call connected. “Jack! Why don’t you just put a tracker on me! Please, give me some space, will you?” “You’re like a leech stuck to me every day. Don’t you have your own life?” “Stop calling me. I’ll contact you later.” Emily’s voice on the other end was anxious but quiet. The surroundings seemed silent. She must have already arrived at the hospital. “Can you come home for a moment? I have something important to tell you.” As soon as those words left my mouth, I regretted them. Sure enough, Emily’s patience on the other end had reached its limit. “Ryan is in the hospital. He just got back and doesn’t know anyone here. Can you stop causing trouble? Can’t whatever you have to say wait?” As soon as she finished speaking, a nurse could be heard calling out on the other end. “Is Ryan Thompson’s family here?” “Yes, I’m coming right away.” Then, the mechanical tone of the call being hung up sounded. The phone slipped from my palm as I leaned back on the couch, powerless. Tears gradually blurred my vision. In five years of marriage, she had never shown such anxious emotions for me. My devotion had become a huge joke. She watched me like an indifferent bystander, trapped in the dream I had woven, unwilling to wake up. I was wrong. I thought if I just stayed by her side… Her heart would eventually settle. I took a photo of the medical report lying next to me and sent it to her. “Emily, I’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Can you come back and stay with me?” She quickly replied. “Jack, when will you ever stop? How can you be so selfish at a time like this? Ryan and I are just good friends now. He’s in the hospital with a stomach ulcer and needs someone with him. We were classmates after all, don’t you have any compassion?” Her words were full of impatience, making me seem petty. At the same time, a text from my doctor popped up. “If you choose conservative treatment, you can have family members accompany you for hospital admission in these last two months.” Family members? She seems more like Ryan’s family now. I collected myself and replied: “Thank you doctor, but there’s no point. I won’t be seeking treatment.” It was a double entendre, also telling myself. Everything I had done for her was meaningless now too. We had known each other for ten years and been married for five. These last two months would belong only to me. Suddenly, an intense wave of pain washed over me like a tide. The uncontrollable pain engulfed all my thoughts, making each breath feel like a blade piercing my brain. With difficulty, I took out some pills from my suit pocket and swallowed them. Then I dozed off on the couch, drifting into a hazy sleep. In my dream, I saw 17-year-old Emily. She had argued with her family about persisting with dance and ran out into the pouring rain. We ended up sitting under the same awning to escape the rain. At that time, my parents had just died in a car accident. When she learned of my situation, she put on a brave smile to comfort me. It was at that moment her appearance shone into my heart like a gentle moonbeam. Only I didn’t know then that her heart already belonged to someone else. Later, I became her shadow. I witnessed her subtle, shy crush in high school from afar. After graduation, she confessed and was rejected. Ryan went abroad to study, and I accompanied her as she drank herself into oblivion. We spent an less-than-ideal night together. It was then that Emily began to hate me.

I especially remember that drunken morning. Her tear-stained eyes were full of disgust and hatred towards me. It turned out she had promised Ryan she would wait for him. And after that night, she felt she was no longer worthy. She blamed me for ruining her future with Ryan. Later, she had a falling out with her family over college applications, so I used my parents’ compensation money to support her dream. But that was far from enough. I gave up my own dream of painting and changed my major to finance instead. As soon as I entered university, I desperately started looking for part-time jobs. Sometimes two bread rolls and a glass of water was my entire meal. But I was happy, because Emily was well taken care of. She achieved her dream and became the center of attention at school. As time passed, after so many years together, she no longer despised me as much. But she still didn’t love me. After graduating, Ryan didn’t return. That day, Emily got drunk again. I carefully helped her home and was about to leave after helping her clean up. But she looked at me with hazy eyes, her expression numb. “Jack, let’s get married.” I knew it was just drunk talk. But I still couldn’t refuse her request and agreed. “Okay, let’s get married.” The next afternoon, Emily appeared before me. Holding our household registration booklet. Skipping dating and proposals, just like that, we got married. Her face was expressionless, as if completing a most ordinary task. I thought my waiting had finally gained meaning. But I didn’t realize this was her way of closing the chapter on her youth. Much later I found out that morning she had tattooed an “R.T.” on her shoulder. Not for Jack Wilson, but for Ryan Thompson. On our wedding day, she sent Ryan a photo of the tattoo. “Even if we can never meet again, I can still feel you by my side.” “Goodbye, my youth.” After marriage, she was often away from home, but I didn’t mind. Because no matter how long it took, she would always come back. I just needed to wait like I had for the past few years. That was what I was best at. Snippets of our time together flashed before my eyes like a film, finally fading into a white light. When I came to, I found my soul floating in mid-air. Outside it was bright daylight. The digital clock on the wall told me it was already the next day. While “my” body lay on the couch, face unnaturally pale. I had died before the two months the doctor predicted, so quietly. So what I just saw wasn’t a dream, but the flashbacks before death. The phone rang. It was Emily calling. But now I was just a soul, unable to answer her call. A minute later, her text came through. “I’m waiting for you at the courthouse. Hurry up. Ryan needs someone with him.” “Don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind. I gave you a chance.” About 15 minutes later, the phone rang again. But still no one answered. My soul couldn’t leave this room, only float in the air silently watching the phone ring over and over. I felt a bit dejected. During my school years I was busy with part-time jobs. After graduation I was busy with work. My whole life revolved around Emily. If no one discovered my body, I’d probably rot here. The last shred of dignity as an adult was gone too. Emily would probably be even more disgusted when she saw my body. Fortunately, the landlord came by in the afternoon to read the electricity meter and found me on the couch. The moment my soul floated out of the house, it was pulled by a powerful force. When I came to my senses, I was already floating in mid-air not far from Emily. She sat beside Ryan’s bed, peeling an apple for him. But her technique was clumsy, nearly cutting herself several times. Ryan watched her with gentle eyes. “Jack didn’t show up today?” Her hand paused briefly as she replied, “Don’t worry about him. I’ll contact a lawyer for a contested divorce once you’re discharged.” I smiled bitterly. It seems she truly had no feelings for me all these years. Then Ryan asked, “Since you and Jack are getting divorced, can I ask you for a favor?” She looked up at Ryan with a coquettish gaze, pouting in displeasure, “Do we need to use such formal words between us? It’s too distant. If it weren’t for you, I probably would have died in that fire long ago.” I was stunned. What fire? Seeing her reaction, Ryan reached out and ruffled her hair affectionately. “It’s been so many years, how have you not forgotten? Even if I hadn’t saved you, the firefighters would have rescued you.” “It’s not the same.” “Come on, tell me, what is it?” Ryan seemed to steel himself, looking at her intently. “Can you… have a child for me?”

Hearing those words, I sharply inhaled. Because I knew Emily had dedicated everything to dance. I had brought up having children a few times after marriage, but was always firmly rejected. The impact on her figure and career after pregnancy was too risky for her to take. Sure enough, Emily frowned slightly. “Why?” Ryan lowered his gaze, his eyes a bit forlorn. “I’ve been so busy with work abroad all these years, and have decided to dedicate my life to scientific research. My family doesn’t want our lineage to end, so they came up with this idea. I know it’s an unreasonable request, but I don’t want to have a child with just anyone.” “Emily, if I hadn’t gone abroad that year, maybe we would already be married with kids by now.” The words were ambiguous, inviting speculation. Sure enough, a hint of hesitation flashed in Emily’s eyes. Her movements became careless, and she accidentally cut her finger with the fruit knife. She hurriedly grabbed a tissue to press on it, making an excuse to find a nurse and left the room. I floated in the hospital room, scrutinizing Ryan with my gaze. I didn’t believe a word he said. As far as I knew, Ryan had an older brother who was already married with children. The excuse of continuing the family line was too flimsy. The phone rang and he smiled slightly seeing the caller ID. “Honey, I’m fine.” “I haven’t finished things here yet, I’ll probably have to stay a few more months. I’ll come back to see you once she agrees.” “Be good, I miss you too.” As soon as he hung up, Emily walked back in. She seemed to have made some kind of decision, taking a few steps closer. “Ryan, I understand your dedication to your dreams. I’m willing to have your child, but we need to wait until I’ve finalized the divorce, okay?” A gentle smile returned to Ryan’s handsome face. “Of course.” I froze for a moment, feeling awful. So the child I had begged for, Ryan could get with just a few words. She was even willing to risk her career for him. Thankfully, we didn’t have children together. Otherwise, how pitiful would a child be with parents like this. “I can be discharged in a couple days. Once the paperwork is done I’ll move in with you.” Emily looked confused. “What do you mean move in together?” Ryan teased her, “Didn’t you agree to have my child? How are you going to do that if I don’t move in? You can’t make a baby by yourself, you know.” Her face flushed with embarrassment. After a moment’s hesitation she spoke, “We don’t have to live together. We can do IVF at a hospital.” Ryan paused, his words considerate, “I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to. But a child conceived naturally is generally healthier than one through IVF. For the baby’s sake, please think about it some more.” Her expression was complex as she picked up her phone to call me again. Still no answer. I had never gone so many days without contacting her. Faced with a request from the man she had loved for years, she instinctively felt guilty towards me. Perhaps remembering our days and nights together all these years made her unable to make an immediate decision. When she got home, she didn’t immediately notice anything amiss in the house. It wasn’t until she opened the fridge and found her favorite juice missing that she realized the reminder note on the fridge was from a week ago. “Honey, they’re out of the lime juice you like. I got you orange juice instead. If you don’t finish it in a couple days, remember to throw it out.” I floated in the air, back in our familiar home. This place once held all my love, and witnessed every sleepless night. Emily took out an unopened bottle of orange juice and took a sip before setting it down. Seems she didn’t like the taste. She turned and walked into the bedroom, only noticing something was wrong when she opened the closet. The men’s pajamas that usually hung next to her silk nightgown were gone. She turned and went into the study, finding that my Lego sets had disappeared too. That was the only gift Emily ever gave me. I treasured it dearly. She paused, disbelief in her eyes, then started searching the house for any traces of me. But I didn’t have many belongings to begin with. Everything had already been moved to the rental apartment. Half an hour later, she finally accepted the fact that I had truly left. She picked up her phone and dialed my number one more time. This time the call finally went through. She frowned instinctively and commanded: “Jack, I don’t care what game you’re playing, but my patience has limits. If you don’t show up by tomorrow, I’m getting a lawyer for a contested divorce.” The other end was silent for a few seconds before speaking. “Hello, this is the police station. Your husband Jack Wilson passed away in a rental apartment a few days ago. Please come to the station to claim the body.”

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