Category: English

I discovered that my husband had secretly bought an apartment for his childhood sweetheart right above our home. He was literally cheating on me under my nose. Later, a fire broke out in our building due to faulty equipment. As we were fleeing for our lives, I stumbled upon their dirty secret. They joined forces and pushed me into the raging flames. As my soul left my body, I watched from above as the true colors of these evil people, hidden beneath their human facades, were revealed. Perhaps due to the weight of my grievances, heaven granted me a second chance. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself at my wedding with Jack. The wedding hall was packed with guests. Jack, standing opposite me, said with deep emotion, “I do.” But I hesitated, the bouquet slipping from my hands and falling to the ground. Just a moment ago, I had been floating above my own funeral, watching as my husband and his mistress, who had murdered me with their own hands, plotted to seize my family’s assets. They were even discussing using a jade pendant to suppress my soul. Unable to contain my rage, I had lunged at them, seeking revenge, only to be sucked into the jade pendant. And now, I had opened my eyes to find myself back at my wedding to Jack. The overwhelming sense of unreality made me uneasy. I needed to do something to prove this wasn’t a dream. In the next second, a sharp crack rang out, silencing the entire hall. Against the backdrop of sweet background music, Jack’s face was turned to one side by the force of my slap. Only when I felt the stinging pain in my palm did I dare to believe that heaven had truly given me a second chance. From great sorrow to great joy, I suddenly burst out laughing like a madwoman. Jack, his face slightly swollen from the slap, showed no anger. Instead, he came over to check on me, concern evident in his voice. “Lily, what’s wrong?” My parents rushed up from their seats, examining me anxiously. Seeing my parents again, my heart softened. I hugged them tearfully, choking out an apology. “Mom, Dad, I’m so sorry.” Not understanding the situation, they embraced me unconditionally, trying to comfort me. “Sweetie, if you’re unhappy, we can call off the wedding,” they offered. I almost agreed, but then my eyes met Jack’s. His face was half white, half red, as he stood rigidly to one side. Averting my gaze, I noticed my mother-in-law sitting in the family section, looking equally tense. In the fire, I had sworn that if given the chance, I would make them suffer a thousand times more than I had. For now, I needed to let the wedding continue. I explained to my parents, “It’s nothing. I just realized how immature I’ve been and how much trouble I’ve caused you.” My parents believed me and returned to their seats, reassured by my words. I took the microphone from the officiant. Taking advantage of the tears still in my eyes, I forced a choked voice and explained to Jack. “I was just overwhelmed with emotion. I love you so much that I was afraid this wedding might be a dream. I’m sorry, Jack.” My declaration made Jack relax his tense posture. He wiped away my tears and spoke with gentle magnanimity. “Lily, this isn’t a dream. We’ll be happy together.” I nodded emotionally and said the words he was waiting to hear: “I do.” Jack hugged me excitedly, as if clutching a precious treasure. But now, I knew clearly that I wasn’t his treasure. I was just a stepping stone, a ladder for Jack to climb higher. I would make that stepping stone trip him up, let him climb the ladder only to fall hard from the top!

After the wedding, the three of us returned to our new home. Yes, three of us – me, Jack, and my mother-in-law. In my previous life, Jack and I had planned to buy a house for his mother in the countryside. But after seeing our new apartment, she changed her mind and insisted on living with us. The apartment my parents gave me as a wedding gift was a large luxury flat, more than spacious enough for three people. Unable to withstand my mother-in-law’s fuss, I agreed to let her stay. But that decision nearly drove me to depression. She was incredibly petty, raising her voice to argue with me over the slightest things. Whenever I talked back, she would throw tantrums, using every underhanded trick in the book. She even spread rumors in the neighborhood that I was a terrible daughter-in-law, making it impossible for me to show my face in the community chat group. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, I moved with Jack to the smaller apartment he had bought with his own money. Now that I think about it, I was such a fool. This was clearly a scheme cooked up by mother and son, forcing me to live in a small apartment where I would be cheated on, while my mother-in-law enjoyed the spacious flat. This time around, I planned to deal with my mother-in-law first. “Mother, I’ve been thinking about what you said before. You’re absolutely right – we shouldn’t let outsiders benefit from our resources,” I said sweetly. “From now on, I’ll give you the money we would have spent on a housekeeper, plus some extra for household expenses. You can manage everything.” My mother-in-law agreed joyfully, even praising me for being good with money. I smiled coldly inside, waiting for her to make a mess of things. On my mother-in-law’s first day in charge: For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the meals were far from what I had requested. Breakfast: soy milk and fried dough sticks. I said nothing. Lunch: noodles with sauce. I remained silent. Dinner: plain porridge with pickled vegetables. Still, I kept quiet. The next morning, the cycle repeated. Breakfast: again, soy milk and fried dough sticks, even less than yesterday. I stood at the dining table, looking coldly at my mother-in-law. “Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?” Feeling emboldened by Jack’s presence, my mother-in-law didn’t even bother to feign embarrassment. She was brazenly self-righteous. “Soy milk and fried dough sticks are good enough for breakfast. All that fancy stuff you told me about, I can’t remember it all.” “Back when Jack and I were poor, we ate even worse than this. People should learn to be content.” Ignoring her, I turned to Jack. “Jack, is your mother suggesting that I should suffer along with you? Is that it?” “I married you, and I can’t even have a decent meal. Is that what you’re saying?” Jack looked uncomfortable and was about to explain when his mother cut him off sharply. “You’re just a spoiled princess! What’s wrong with soy milk and fried dough sticks? Didn’t you eat them yesterday? Did they poison you?” This time, I didn’t let Jack speak either. “Fine, I can eat it. But since we’re cutting back on expenses, give me back the extra money for groceries.” At the mention of money, my mother-in-law jumped as if stung, her eyes bulging. “With transportation and labor costs, there’s no extra money!” I crossed my arms and stared at her directly, spelling it out clearly. “Transportation doesn’t cost that much, and labor is your salary, which isn’t included. If every meal is going to be at the level of soy milk and fried dough sticks, you need to return at least $700 to me.” As my mother-in-law tried to argue, Jack suddenly interrupted loudly, “Mom! Listen to Lily.” Jack didn’t understand his mother as well as I did. To her, money was more important than her son’s words. She couldn’t hear a thing he said. Sure enough, my mother-in-law burst into tears, pointing at us and shouting. “I’ve never seen such a daughter-in-law, demanding money from her elders! The woman you married is too much, and now even the son I raised with my own hands doesn’t side with his old mother. What a disgrace to the family!” She waved her arms wildly, crying and complaining as if we had committed some terrible crime. As this farce unfolded, I went to our room to get my bag. Jack stopped me. “Lily, where are you going?” “Home,” I replied. “This is your home,” he insisted. I laughed coldly, giving him a wordless look, then glancing at the old woman who was still wailing nonstop. Jack couldn’t withstand my mocking gaze and let go of me helplessly. Before leaving, I sneaked a glance at my mother-in-law on the floor. Beneath her fake crying, I caught a glimpse of a sly, satisfied smile. Hah, laugh while you can. Your time for real tears will come.

I enjoyed a comfortable life at my parents’ home, eating and sleeping well. The only discomfort came from Jack’s daily phone calls and messages. That evening, I received Jack’s call right on schedule. But this time, when I answered, it wasn’t Jack’s voice – it was my mother-in-law’s. I remained silent, waiting for her to speak first. After some muffled prompting in the background, my mother-in-law started speaking haltingly. “This time… it was my fault. I’ll… give you back the money. I’ll cook better meals from now on. Please come back.” Then Jack’s voice came on the line. “Lily, Mom knows she was wrong. Please come home. It’s not good for you to stay away for so long. My parents already have issues with me, and if you keep this up, they’ll look down on me even more.” The truth was, whether I returned home or not didn’t really matter. What mattered was that Jack was afraid my father would give him a hard time at work. Understanding his ulterior motives, I remained silent, not responding to him. Jack softened his voice, using the approach that had always worked on me before. “Lily, I’ve missed you so much these past few days.” Hearing this, I felt a wave of disgust, goosebumps breaking out all over my skin. Afraid he might say something even more nauseating, I quickly agreed. “Alright, I’ll come back tomorrow afternoon.” The next day, I returned as promised. The table was laden with home-cooked dishes. While certainly not up to the standards of our previous housekeeper, it was a clear attempt at an apology. After the meal, my mother-in-law reluctantly returned the money to me. For the first few days after my return, my mother-in-law did a passable job with her duties. But by the fourth day, she gradually began to show her true colors. Lazy, sloppy, careless. One day, Jack came home with a face as dark as thunder. He went straight to the bathroom and spent a full hour washing up. At dinner, he questioned his mother, “Mom, how did you wash these clothes?” My mother-in-law feigned ignorance. “I wash them every day. What’s wrong?” I saw Jack put down his chopsticks with considerable force, barely containing his anger. “I’ve had a cold lately, so my sense of smell isn’t great. But today, wearing the clothes you washed, everyone at work avoided me. When I asked, they all said my clothes smelled awful. How could that happen if you wash them every day?” I had noticed the smell in the morning, but I hadn’t said anything. My mother-in-law had probably noticed too, but she didn’t dare admit it. Now that the truth was out, she still tried to defend herself. “With so many clothes to wash every day, it’s normal to forget one or two.” Jack gritted his teeth, struggling to control himself. “Mom, stop making excuses! Is it so hard to admit you made a mistake?” I was also struggling – struggling not to laugh out loud. The show of dogs biting dogs was about to begin. My mother-in-law exploded, standing up abruptly. “Fine! So now you’re finding fault with your old mother! When I raised you from a baby, changing your diapers and feeding you, you didn’t complain about how I did things. Now that you’ve grown up, you’re nitpicking everything your mother does…” Jack’s face grew darker and darker as his mother ranted. Spittle flying, my mother-in-law suddenly turned her anger towards me. “And you’re no better! Making me work all day, my back and legs aching. Don’t think you’re some princess! Take a good look at yourself before you start ordering me around. Both of you, ungrateful!” I stepped back to avoid her spray, but still tried to reason with her. “It’s not ordering you around, it’s just work that you’re paid for. If you really can’t handle it, don’t force yourself. I have high standards for my life, and Jack can’t lose face at work. By being so careless, you’re hurting both of us.” My mother-in-law’s face turned the color of a pig’s liver. “I’m hurting you? Jack, search your conscience! Has your mother ever hurt you?” With his mother being so unreasonable, Jack was about to lose his temper. “Mom, I couldn’t hold my head up in front of my colleagues today, all because of you. You’ve really gone too far this time!” This pushed my mother-in-law’s anger to the limit. Before either of us could react, she ran towards the front door. By the time we caught up with her, she was already downstairs in the community. My mother-in-law plopped herself down on the ground and began wailing at the top of her lungs. “Oh, what a miserable life I have! I worked myself to the bone to put my son through college, and now that he’s successful and married, he’s forgotten all his mother’s kindness. He’s ganging up with his wife to bully me!” Her dramatic performance attracted quite a crowd of neighbors. Some were watching from their windows, while others came down for a closer look. Remembering how the neighbors had criticized me in my previous life, I pushed Jack forward, sneering, “She’s your mother, you deal with her. I’m just the evil daughter-in-law, I won’t interfere in your family matters.” With that, I melted into the crowd of onlookers, washing my hands of the whole affair.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296343”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn

As my stepfather grabbed my hair and slammed my head towards the toilet, Zack appeared out of nowhere and kicked him to the ground. My teenage hero was like a gust of wind, blowing through my entire youth. Later, on the eve of confessing my feelings, I overheard his conversation with his friends. “Zack, I heard that Olivia secretly kissed you last week. Tsk tsk, you actually let that metal-mouth kiss you?” Zack’s nonchalant voice drifted from the private room: “Girls like that who are desperate for love will come running with just a crook of your finger. Besides, you have no idea how thrilling it is to get a blowjob from metal-mouth.” As my stepfather slammed my head towards the toilet, Zachary appeared out of nowhere and kicked him to the ground. My teenage hero was like a gust of fresh wind, blowing through my entire youth. Later, on the eve of confessing my feelings, I overheard his conversation with his friends. “Zach, I heard that Olivia secretly kissed you last week. Tsk tsk, you actually let that metal-mouth kiss you?” Zachary’s nonchalant voice drifted from the private room: “Girls like that who are desperate for love will come running with just a crook of your finger. Besides, you have no idea how thrilling it is to get a blowjob from metal-mouth.” I never imagined Zachary could say such things. In my heart, he was almost a heroic figure. But now, the laughter floating out of the room was so sharp and cruel. This conversation full of insults and mockery continued. Zachary’s voice came through, thick with alcohol: “Do you know how metal-mouth secretly kissed me?” He laughed crudely and lightly touched the corner of his lips: “That day I was napping on my desk, and she suddenly leaned down and kissed me right here.” Amidst the clinking of beer bottles, someone hooted: “Ooh, Olivia’s been secretly in love with you for seven years, she finally couldn’t hold back anymore.” “But Zach, you really let her kiss you?” “It’s all the same with your eyes closed.” He let out a satisfied sigh: “Her neck is sensitive though, she trembles at the slightest touch.” My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. I clutched my clothes tightly, afraid my tears would fall. This wasn’t the Zachary I knew. When my stepfather violently grabbed my hair and slammed my head towards the toilet, Zachary had grabbed the back of my stepfather’s neck with one hand and kicked him to the ground. My teenage hero had a thin frame, wearing only a school uniform. But he was left with an eternal scar above his eyebrow. I curled up in the corner, crying and apologizing to him. The setting sun slanted in, but he just raised an eyebrow at me and said carelessly: “You did nothing wrong. You don’t need to apologize to anyone.” Zachary was like a flame ignited in the snow – it only took an instant to burn through a foolish girl’s heart. But now, through the crack in the door, his voice was so clear. “Her parents don’t even want her. Girls like that who are desperate for love will come running with just a crook of your finger.” He chuckled: “Metal-mouth’s blowjobs are really something…especially when she cries and says no…tsk tsk.” The room erupted in raucous laughter. My body suddenly stiffened, and the tears I had been holding back finally fell. That’s right, I had almost forgotten. In the seventh year of my secret love for Zachary, we were still just ordinary friends. But I had kissed him anyway. And he had slept with me anyway.

From our teenage years to working as adults, Zachary had countless admirers over the years. And I was just the most unremarkable one among them all. The only thing worth celebrating was that I was quite persistent. In the seventh year of my secret love, I had at least become his ordinary friend. For me, being friends was enough. Someone as wonderful as Zachary deserved a goddess. My best friend tried to persuade me: “Olivia, are you stupid? Why waste your best years pining after just Zachary?” But she didn’t understand that falling for Zachary was the most natural thing in the world. He accompanied me through dark alleys, and from then on I was no longer afraid of stray dogs barking on the street. He got into fights with those who spread rumors about me, and after that no one in class dared call me “big boobs” or “cow” anymore. He rented an apartment with heating for me, and from then on I no longer feared my father’s fists. There was no one in the world who treated me better than Zachary. Later I would often secretly watch him play basketball in the hallway. I loved the way he tilted his head back to drink water, loved how his sweat dripped down his neck and into his collar. Love was like a raging fire, and I retreated step by step, until I was burned to ashes. Only now do I understand that the fire in a boy’s eyes is not a fixed star. Those scars he got from fighting for me, the hand warmers he secretly slipped into my desk – they were just ashes falling as shooting stars burned out. But in that moment, I truly felt like I had touched the moon. My phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Zachary. I answered, and his voice came through, slurred with alcohol: “Olivia, we agreed you’d come for my birthday today. Why aren’t you here yet?” “Everyone’s waiting for you. If you don’t come, my birthday won’t be any fun.” The drunk man whined at me: “And don’t forget to bring the scarf you knitted for me.” “I don’t care what anyone else gives me, I just want your gift.” I gave a bitter smile. Knitting a scarf as a birthday gift for your boyfriend had become popular on TikTok. At the time, Zachary had tagged me, strongly demanding that I knit one for him. “Come on Olivia, please agree? You know how much I hate the cold.” What cold could a 6-foot-tall man possibly be afraid of? I couldn’t refuse him, and it took me three months to barely manage to knit something resembling a scarf. I used to be best at handicrafts. But it had been so long since I picked up knitting needles, my technique was rusty. But he had forgotten – the video said this was for knitting a scarf for your boyfriend. And Zachary and I were just ordinary friends. I looked at the crooked, misshapen scarf in my hands. “Zachary, I have something to do, so I won’t be able to come celebrate your birthday.” “The scarf turned out really ugly, you probably wouldn’t like it anyway. I’ll just throw it away.” I hung up the phone. I had no home, no family. Back when we took the college entrance exams, I had scored over 30 points higher than him, but I willingly changed my major from fashion design to finance. All these years, I had treated wherever Zachary was as my home. But without love, this city was just too cold. I bought a plane ticket to Paris on my phone. Let’s just say that $1500 bought out my seven years of youth.

Ever since I threw away Zachary’s scarf, he never messaged me again. I knew he was angry with me. In the past, I would have coaxed him at times like this. But this time I didn’t want to bother anymore. Until our mutual friend Jack called me. “Olivia, you absolutely can’t miss this gathering. Listen, Zachary wants to introduce someone to us. As his friend, you can’t refuse to show your face, right?” Friend. Always just a friend. Even though I had secretly loved Zachary for so long, they were still certain that someone like him would never look twice at me. After a while, I reluctantly agreed. Zachary, let this be the last time I see you. I arrived early at the agreed restaurant, but the guest of honor was late to arrive. The restaurant was decorated very elegantly, with cute balloons even stuck to the walls. They had Hello Kitty designs. A shameful flutter of excitement suddenly rose in my heart. All these years, I was the only female friend Zachary had. For holidays and special occasions, he always gave me Hello Kitty gifts. He said I looked just like Hello Kitty, especially cute. But now, his whole group of friends were gathered around, and they had even queued up “Marry Me” to play. I unconsciously clenched my fists. My heart was pounding loudly. Zachary couldn’t be planning to confess to me, could he? “Sorry I’m late, everyone.” A lazy voice drifted over. I instinctively turned to look. The overhead lights shone on Zachary’s neatly trimmed hair as he greeted us, holding a girl’s hand. The girl had a face like a first love – very pretty. She shyly hid behind him. Zachary ruffled her hair and whispered something in her ear. Her face suddenly turned red, and she playfully hit Zachary. “This is my girlfriend, Tessa.” He sat down casually, pulling the girl with him. The private room immediately erupted in teasing shouts. “Ooh, so this is our little sister-in-law? She’s so cute!” I was stunned for a long time, unable to react. Belatedly, a sour feeling welled up in my nose. I was so stupid to think he was going to confess to me. I had thought that the reason Zachary hadn’t dated anyone all these years was at least partly because of me. Even if it was just a tiny part. But I had forgotten – he didn’t like me at all. Jack slammed his beer bottle on the table: “Zach, you’re not being fair! Isn’t this your high school deskmate? Come on, tell the truth, did you have a secret crush on her back then?” The teasing grew even louder. Someone switched the music from “Marry Me” to “Marry You”. Along with the music, Zachary cursed with a red face: “What are you talking about?! If I liked her in high school, why would it take until now to get her?” Someone pushed me. “Olivia, you were closest to Zachary in high school. Tell us, did he like little sis-in-law back then?” The laughter filling the room felt like shards of glass stabbing my ears. I forced my lips into a slight curve: “Is that so? I might not remember clearly. After all, Zachary and I were just ordinary friends.” It felt like a dull knife was cutting into my chest. How could I possibly not remember clearly when it came to Zachary? But back then, it wasn’t Zachary who liked Tessa, it was Tessa who liked Zachary. Unlike me, Tessa was open and direct about liking Zachary. Passing love notes, giving chocolates, causing a stir throughout the class. Zachary found her annoying and warned her off several times. In the end, when he really couldn’t stand her anymore, he used me as a shield. “Tessa, I already like someone.” The boy had one hand in his pocket as he casually put an arm around me. “Olivia isn’t even pretty, what do you like about her?” Zachary’s expression suddenly darkened: “I just like her, okay? It’s none of your business.” Tessa ran back to the classroom crying and never bothered him again after that. In that moment, I thought there must have been a grain of truth in Zachary’s joking words. Otherwise, why use me as a shield instead of someone else? But now it seems that was just thoughtless words spoken in our youth. They could be blown away by the slightest breeze. But I had foolishly taken them to heart. In the private room, they had started playing truth or dare. Zachary had lost several rounds and was drunkenly leaning against Tessa. His eyes were gentle, his expression adoring. He was just like that 17-year-old boy again. He and Tessa were whispering about something, and he leaned down to kiss her cheek. I couldn’t watch anymore and fled the room like a deserter.

I hadn’t gone far from the private room when someone called out to me. “Olivia! Zach says you forgot something!” Zach. She said his name so intimately. I turned around to see Tessa, out of breath from running after me. “Here.” A dirty Hello Kitty keychain lay in her hand. “Zach said to return this to you.” She pouted: “I don’t know why a grown man would have a Hello Kitty keychain on his car keys. It’s so ugly.” She gave me a challenging smile: “But I got him a Hermès keychain instead, and he seems to really like it.” “This one is just too old and tacky.” I stared blankly at the keychain. In high school, when Zachary won an award in the physics competition, he had begged me to make him a little keychain. “Olivia, will you make me a Hello Kitty one?” “That way, when I hang it on my backpack, it’ll be like you’re with me.” Later when his career took off, the keychain moved from his backpack to his car keys. All these years, even as it got worn and damaged, he had never replaced it. But now he had taken it off his car keys. It felt like there was a hole in my heart, with the wind whistling through. I suddenly felt so tired. It was like a reminder – Olivia, your memories with him were just a huge illusion. I pressed my lips together, then suddenly smiled: “It is pretty old. If you don’t want it anymore, just throw it away.” Even though Zachary and I had never actually been together, his home was filled with traces of our life together. My toothbrush, my slippers, my makeup. He said it was more convenient that way, so I could stay over if we hung out late. But now that he had a girlfriend, I should clear out my things completely. As if I had never been part of his life at all. While packing up my things from Zachary’s place, I suddenly found a torn piece of lingerie. Black lace, very sexy. My thoughts drifted back to seven years ago. Puberty had hit me hard, bringing with it pointless mockery and insults. The thin school uniform couldn’t hide my overwhelming insecurity. My mom had run off with someone else long ago, and my so-called father did nothing but yell at me and hit me. I wore my mother’s old bras, hunched over, barely surviving amidst my classmates’ taunts. Until one day Zachary secretly slipped me a box. “I looked it up…you should wear this from now on…” The boy stared at the ground, his face red and uncomfortable. When I got home, I realized what Zachary had given me. It was a training bra. Pink, with Hello Kitty printed on it. Very cute. There was a thoughtful little note attached: “Those guys making crude jokes are disgusting. Olivia, don’t pay any attention to them.” Later when I grew up, I could no longer fit into that training bra. I kept it buried at the bottom of my closet, as if telling me I had finally escaped that damp, miserable adolescence. I grew to love beauty more, got braces, and switched to sexier lingerie. That way I could be a more suitable friend for Zachary. Until that drunken night when I mumbled to him: “Zachary, I really like you so much.” He was asleep, the sunlight shining on the scar above his eyebrow. I gently kissed it. Even now, I still hate that kiss. It broke down some barrier between Zachary and me. Things spiraled out of control after that. Zachary hadn’t actually been asleep at all. He opened his eyes, his gaze dark and intense. My heart dropped. Great, now we couldn’t even be friends anymore. But he suddenly kissed me roughly. That kiss burned away seven years of hurt and resentment, as if trying to make up for all the heartbeats we had missed. Zachary pressed me down, conquering every inch. By the end I could only curl up in his arms, crying softly. He chuckled and stroked my face, saying quietly: “Olivia, you’re so sensitive.” I thought my seven years of unrequited love had finally paid off. Blushing, I asked him: “Zachary, what are we now?” But he just raised an eyebrow carelessly: “Friends, of course.” “Though Olivia, I never realized how soft you were before.”

The memories left a bitter taste. I pressed my lips together and threw the lingerie in the trash. Just as I finished packing, the front door opened. The person who came in was drunk, stumbling towards me. It was Zachary. His face was flushed red as he slurred: “Olivia, why have you been ignoring me lately?” Zachary staggered and crashed into me, dangling a dirty keychain in front of my face. “Look, I picked up the trash you threw away.” It was snowing heavily outside. He had an intricately knit English plaid scarf around his neck. Hand-knitted, very delicate, with a little peach embroidered on it. I suddenly remembered the scarf I had knitted for Zachary. Very crude stitching, hideously ugly. But I had to admit, the scarf Tessa knitted suited him better. Zachary came closer and closer. I could clearly see the scar above his eyebrow. That was a hero’s medal. But only now did I realize that some people’s heroic dreams survive by feeding on others’ sincere hearts. “Tessa was just joking with you. She knows this keychain means a lot to me, since it was the first gift you ever gave me…” He suddenly hugged me, murmuring in my ear: “Sweet Olivia, let me hold you. I’m a bit drunk.” So what was I then? I shoved him away hard, tears falling uncontrollably: “Zachary, you have a girlfriend now. We’ve crossed a line.” He froze, then suddenly gave a mocking smile: “So what if I have a girlfriend? Does that stop you from still liking me?” In that instant, my heart turned upside down. I had always thought my feelings were so quiet and subtle. But it turns out Zachary wasn’t completely oblivious – he knew everything. He just enjoyed my affection for him. Because he knew my love came free of charge. It hurt so much. Too much. “Zachary.” I pried his fingers off one by one: “I don’t want to like you anymore.” I wiped my tears and clutched the boarding pass in my hand. “I won’t be coming back to this so-called home either.”

The boarding gate was crowded. As soon as I turned on my phone, it was flooded with missed calls from Zachary. I closed my eyes for a moment, then turned off my phone. In the past, I was always the one calling Zachary. On the rare occasions when he called me first, I would be overjoyed. Now seeing all these missed calls just irritated me. At 30,000 feet in the air, the light breaking through the clouds stung my eyes. I suddenly remembered altering Zachary’s school uniform when we were 17. He had hit a growth spurt then, and his uniform never quite fit right. After I finished the alterations, he blinked at me, his eyes crinkled with a smile: “Olivia, you were born to be a designer!” Back then he said he wanted me to be his personal designer for life. We let our imaginations run wild, with all of youth ahead of us to paint our dreams. In the blink of an eye, seven years had passed. He was still as carefree and unrestrained as before, but I had lost the courage to keep accompanying him. We had journeyed together for a while, but now I needed to look ahead. I had wanted to go to Paris for a long time. My earliest dreams were buried there. I wanted to create clothing that more girls would love. Designs that wouldn’t make them criticize their own bodies, but help them accept themselves more openly. I spent the happiest month of my life in Paris. The city was vast, with no bitter unrequited love, able to contain all my dreams and ambitions. Practice makes perfect – I quickly got the hang of design and was hired as a junior designer at a company. The design director at the company was very kind to me. Even when my designs weren’t perfect, he would patiently guide me. He was very similar to how Zachary used to be. Equally proud and willful, wild and unrestrained. But Christopher had a gentleness that Zachary lacked. These past few days I had been unsatisfied with the design sketches in my hands. I thought Christopher would make me redo them, but he snatched the sketches from me instead. The mixed-race man leaned against the doorframe, a black turtleneck sweater hugging his long neck: “Narrow this part by two inches.” Christopher’s suggestion hit the nail on the head. I jumped up and grabbed the sketches back from him. “Christopher, you’re amazing!” He snorted with laughter: “Well, the student has to have the talent to understand.” “Sometimes when you’re stuck, don’t force yourself. Want me to help you find some inspiration?” Christopher raised an eyebrow at me. “Sure.” I heard the cheerfulness in my own voice. In an old bookstore by the Seine, he gently turned the pages of a book. A bittersweet feeling welled up inside me. This scene was so beautiful, like being back at age 17 again. At 17, Zachary hated studying but often pestered me to tutor him. But he would always end up falling asleep. Now as Christopher flipped through the book pages, the way the wind ruffled his hair, even the corners of his eyes and brows – it all looked just like 17-year-old Zachary. I pressed my lips together, but Christopher tapped my head with the book. “What are you thinking about so intently?” He suddenly turned his head, his nose almost brushing my ear: “Olivia, all the clothes you design are saying the same thing.” “What’s that?” My voice was a bit hoarse. “You can’t see me.” He smiled and patted my head. An indescribable ache burst in my chest. Just as I was about to say something, my phone rang. I accidentally hit the speakerphone button. A young man’s voice filled the bookstore. “It’s raining in Paris.” It was Zachary. A random statement, but tinged with a hint of grievance. My fingers unconsciously fiddled with the edge of a book page: “How do you know it’s raining in Paris?” Mixed with the sound of rain, his low chuckle came through the receiver: “Turn around.” The stained glass windows reflected a tall figure. Zachary stood in the rain, his voice low on the other end of the phone: “Olivia, you found a new man so quickly?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296360”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic

Everyone believed that my husband, Felix Hastings, was as cold, distant, untouchable as a glacier. But he chased me for ten long years, like a dog on a leash. When I got shoved into a blazing inferno, he ditched his multi-million-dollar assets and jumped in after me without a second thought. Reborn, I was done being the cold-hearted woman who took him for granted. This time, I was going all in to love him. Only problem? He seemed to have come back from the dead, too. “Amelia, you still think you can boss me around like a mutt? Just like the old days?” He cornered me against the wall, hurling the divorce agreement into my chest and saying that he’d never, ever take me back. When I was eleven, someone snapped five of my fingers. From that day on, I swore I’d claw my way to the top, no matter how dirty the tricks got. I ended up doing some seriously messed-up stuff, and it came back to bite me. Then, I got shoved into a blazing inferno. As the fire closed in, my mind went blank. Then, a white figure rushed in and hugged me tightly. It was Felix, my husband, the one man who loved me deeply. He had no flaws, except that I was his only weakness. When we burned to ashes together, I vowed that if there was a next life, I’d give him my whole heart.

“This is the divorce agreement. “Sign it.” The dazzling lights made my head spin. Felix’s eyes dropped, hiding the arctic chill inside. “Felix. “Please don’t.” I reached for his hand, where his blue veins stood out prominently, but he yanked it back sharply. It’d been exactly one hour and forty-one minutes since I’d woken up in this new life. Suddenly, I felt relieved. Finally, he’d seen me for the con artist I was, using him for his money and his heart. He was done with me.

I sat in the bakery, peering through the thin glass at Felix and a girl inside the school across the street. He had no idea I was spying on him. The girl almost leaned against him while he was helping her work through a problem. This time around, he should figure out who was truly good-hearted and innocent. Still, I propped my chin in my hand and fired off a message to the girl. [Debra, why are you trying to seduce my husband?]

Debra Cooper was my younger sister. In truth, she was the family’s biological daughter while I was the adopted one. Her mother found me on a stormy night when I was twelve. Everyone called it a coincidence, but I knew better. To ensure Debra’s mother would take in the pitiful orphan me, I purposely broke my leg. I craved wealth, glory, and status, anything to never again feel that bone-deep shame of poverty. Debra was brought back by the Cooper family at sixteen. She’d always been kind, innocent, and pure. Everything I fought tooth and nail for was handed to her on a silver platter. So, I resented her. Why should she skate through life without ever feeling the sting of the gutter?

Indeed, I was evil. That was why I endured a living hell in my past life. Maybe Debra truly was the goddess-like girl everyone made her out to be. I must have provoked the gods. Now, in this second chance, the only man who ever warmed my cold world has turned his back on me. I was huddled on the sofa, fixated on the divorce agreement on the coffee table. [Felix, will you be back tonight?] Four hours had elapsed, and there was still no response. Felix had always been the epitome of aloofness. His friends constantly joked that he was as cold as ice. But in our previous life, I saw him differently. I treated him like my loyal dog. He’d come running at the mere scent of me, nuzzling up and always eager to hold my hand. Back then, instead of ignoring my messages, he’d respond with tenfold the words I sent. Now, everything had changed. A message popped up. I immediately checked it, assuming it was from Felix. To my disappointment, it was from Debra, accompanied by a picture. [Amelia, I have no intention of seducing Felix.] [I want to assist you in managing my father’s company, so he’s just introducing me to some people.] In the photo, she was beaming, standing beside Felix, and they looked every bit like a perfect match.

I must have called Felix over a dozen times. He didn’t answer any of them and eventually blocked my number. He was terrible at socializing, a pure academic at heart. In our last life, to grab some shares from Debra’s father’s company, I asked Felix to cozy up to people from pharmaceutical firms. He did it without a single word of complaint. I never once considered how he, a professor at a prestigious university who was always so lofty and proud, stooped to begging those people for help. I vividly remembered one incident from the past. I’d clinched a deal, got drunk, and called him to pick me up. The private room was filled with important figures. Lounging on the sofa, I watched the white figure shuffle towards me and called him over with a whistle, as if coaxing a dog. Felix, a highly respected medical professor who’d never bowed to anyone, was being mocked by me in public. I must have felt so smug back then. Everyone thought he’d storm out in anger. But what did Felix do? He approached me, gracefully squatted down, held my ankle, and put my dangling heels on me. Then, he glanced up at me, his handsome face like a work of art. “It’s getting cold at night. Don’t catch a chill. “Amy.”

Felix used to call me Amy. But since we were reborn, he hadn’t uttered that name once. ***** I was a light sleeper, so when Felix came home, I woke up. I lay still, curious to see what he would do when he found me seemingly asleep. But Felix did nothing. He walked past me, not even bothering to cover me with a blanket. I sat up and threw the divorce agreement at his back. He paused, his back muscles taut and his posture elegant. “Don’t damage it. “If I redraft it, you’ll get a lot less.” The moonlight filtered into the room. I spotted Felix’s calm expression and his deep, cold eyes. “I won’t sign.” I glared at him defiantly. He seemed to have expected this, nodding calmly. “Fine. We’ll settle this in court.” “Felix, you’re a damn jerk!” I lunged at him, but he overpowered me with ease. Under the crescent moon, he pinned me down onto the sofa and gripped my neck without tenderness. I bit the soft spot between his thumb and forefinger, but he remained unfazed, as if he couldn’t feel the pain. Then, he suddenly released me, his knuckles brushing gently across my cheek. [You can cry, huh?] With that cryptic, indifferent remark, Felix left me alone in the living room. I pressed my hands hard against my eyes, as if that could stop the tears from welling up. “Don’t leave me.” This was a plea I’d vowed never to say again since I was ten years old.

I refused to sign the divorce agreement. The very next day, Felix pulled out of every single collaboration that involved me. A huge chunk of the Hastings family fortune was tied up in the medical industry, and as a top-notch academic in that field, he had the power to make a big impact. To be honest, in my past life, I married him because I saw the advantages. I knew Felix was done with me, but when I found out he had handed over all those projects to Debra, it still broke my heart. At the same time, I couldn’t really blame him. In our previous life, he was aware that Debra was the innocent one, while I was the one who used underhanded tactics to get what I wanted. But his decision to cut ties with me was like a warning to everyone else in the business. Suddenly, I was left all alone, with no one to support me. ***** I decided to try and win Felix back. [Felix, are you at school?] [I made some lunch. Can I bring it to you?] Never expecting him to fall back in love with me, I just hoped he’d remember the good times we’d had and not be too harsh on me. Staring at my phone, waiting for a reply that didn’t come, I felt so embarrassed. Even after our huge argument the day before, when it came to my own interests, I was still willing to beg him for help. I planned to cook Felix a nice meal and take it to him myself. But then I realized that I had no idea what he liked to eat. He, on the other hand, probably knew every single one of my preferences by heart. After all, in our past life, one of his favorite things to do was spoil me with delicious food. I wasn’t really that picky, but I loved winding him up. “Felix, this spaghetti’s as tough as shoe leather. “Ugh, now it’s mush! No one will like it. “Felix, you know I don’t like spicy food. “Wait, since when did you start cooking such bland food?” Only once did I truly rile Felix up. He fixed me with a grave stare and asked icily, “Amy, do you really think I’ll always be here for you, no matter what?” I looked down at my nails and replied, “Then leave.” And he did. He stormed out into the freezing 32-degree Fahrenheit chill without so much as a coat, proof he was furious. Later that day, I texted: [Felix, I miss you.] The door flew open almost instantly. Felix hauled me into his arms, the bite of the outdoors still clinging to his skin. His face buried in my neck, he murmured, “Yes. I’ll always be here for you.” In my past life, wrapping Felix around my finger had been more effortless than training a dog. ***** After the third time I cut my hand and stared at the charred wreck in the pan, I came back to my senses. It dawned on me that cooking was a talent I’d never inherited. I ordered from Culinary Delights instead and then artfully arranged the food in a lunch box. Felix might not tell the difference between my “home-cooked” meal and takeout, anyway.

Sorry, Amelia. “I had no clue you were bringing Professor Hastings lunch, too. “He’s already digging into what I made…” Debra blocked my path, looking like a deer caught in headlights. “He’s my husband,” I said with a smirk, watching her hand ball into fists inside her sleeves. ***** “Felix.” I planted myself in front of him as he wolfed down his meal. When he ignored me, I snatched the fork from his hand and swapped out his lunch box for mine. He stared at the food for a beat and then at me. “Check it out.” I shoved my bandage-wrapped hand in his face. “Three cuts, all for you. “I spent a long time preparing the meal. At least give it a try?” I met Felix’s calm gaze. But he seemed heartbroken. He sighed, “Amelia, this looks exactly like the stuff from Culinary Delights. Did you copy their recipes?” I played dumb, shooting back, “Felix, just tell me if you’re gonna eat it or not!” I was so used to him caving whenever I got mad. But I’d forgotten that we weren’t the same people as before. Still, he bent his head and started spooning up the clam chowder, gobbling it down like he used to do whatever I asked. After finishing the meal, he watched me as I bent down to tidy up the lunch box for the first time. “Amelia,” he said, his voice as cold as ice water. “I’m allergic to seafood. “Two lifetimes, and you still can’t remember that.” I froze and glanced up at Felix in shock. He held out his wrist, where the blue veins stood out sharply, already covered in angry red rashes. “Will you be happy only when you’ve tortured me to death?” Felix had a life-threatening seafood allergy. Within minutes of his wrist first flushing red, coughing fits wracked him, quickly escalating to labored, gasping breaths.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296378”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

On our fifth wedding anniversary, Emily went hiking and didn’t return all night. It was pouring rain, and I was frantic with worry. After alerting the police, I organized a search party. We discovered her sharing a sleeping bag with her childhood friend, Alex, both enveloped in a close embrace and a kiss. When she saw me, she had an explanation ready. “He has a congenital heart condition, and I was afraid he’d get hypothermia, so I stayed with him!” Alex clutched his chest, feigning distress. “Don’t be angry with her; she was just concerned for me…” I noticed her clothes, including intimate wear, scattered beside the sleeping bag. With a sardonic smile, I taunted them. “You two have been friends since childhood, so is sharing a sleeping bag a big deal? Mind if I join?” When I said this, my friends who had come to search with me couldn’t help but snicker. Despite being soaked by the rain and anxious over Fiona’s disappearance, witnessing their kiss left me feeling hollow. Fiona glared at me, her face flushed with anger, a silver thread at the corner of her mouth from their hasty separation. “Jude, what do you mean by that? Are you doubting me?” I applauded her performance with a cold smile. “How could I doubt you? Why not consider my suggestion?” Beyond witnessing their kiss, I saw Fiona’s underwear among the clothes. Before Fiona could respond, someone came to her defense. “Jude, you can’t talk like that. Fiona is a doctor. She must be worried about Gideon.” It was Fiona’s best friend, speaking as if I were the one being unreasonable. I glanced at her, then stepped forward to pick up Fiona’s bra from the pile, waving it around. Her expression froze, wanting to speak but remaining silent. “I never knew that not wearing clothes is the best way to stay warm.” “Having just me isn’t enough for a woman like you, apparently.” I said coldly, mocking her. Fiona was furious and shouted back. “Shut up! I’m your wife; how dare you speak to me like that?!” She trembled, trying to snatch the underwear from me but failing. Fiona looked at me in disbelief, as if seeing me for the first time. I used to be completely under her control, doing everything she asked because I loved her. But this incident shattered everything, leaving nothing to ignore. “Fiona, don’t be mad.” At this point, Gideon coughed a few times, holding his chest. He emerged from the sleeping bag in his underwear, handing her a jacket. Fiona was all about Gideon, heartbroken by his cough. “Gideon, I’m fine. It’s your health we should be worried about…” Then she rebuked me, “See, I was really worried about Gideon’s health, and you still doubt me!” I felt exhausted, not even wanting to argue anymore. Gideon coughed, and she was heartbroken, but I searched for her for hours in soaked clothes, ignored by her. I used to overlook this double standard, but now I’m curious how I endured it. “Never mind. After we divorce, you’ll have all the time to care for Gideon. How you care for him then is none of my business.” The word “divorce” made Fiona pause and frown at me. “It’s just a small thing; why talk about divorce?” I chuckled, mocking her. “Of course, to make it easier for you to care for Gideon. If he’s a doctor’s family member, it’s more convenient, right?” “By the way, after that kiss, check for STDs.” “Don’t involve me in that mess.” Gideon turned pale and fainted at my words. Fiona ignored everything else, got up, and grabbed the clothes from me to put on. She glared at me, full of hatred, and slapped me. “Jude, if something happens to Gideon, I won’t let you off!” “You’ll be a murderer!” Fiona called 911 and took Gideon to the hospital. I stood there, the sting from her slap making me painfully aware. I laughed bitterly. When we first got together, I had checked on Gideon. He doesn’t have a heart condition; it was all an act. Yet even an act could fool Fiona completely. When I returned home, dawn was breaking. The rain left me dizzy, so I took medicine and slept. Half-asleep, I heard the door open.

Fiona approached the bed, reeking of alcohol. The smell made me wrinkle my nose. Didn’t she take Gideon to the hospital? Why is she back drunk? Before I could figure it out, she pulled me up forcefully. “Jude, what’s gotten into you today? Why did you say those things in front of everyone?” “Why argue with a patient? Don’t you have any empathy?” Fiona’s face was flushed, acting all wronged. She questioned me as if she hadn’t been in a sleeping bag with Gideon. Being yanked from sleep, I naturally wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. Besides, I was done with her, not planning to have any more ties. She was always so proud, thinking I was her loyal dog, no matter how she hurt me, I’d stick around. But seeing her kiss Gideon, my blood froze. I dared not imagine what I’d see if I had come later. Seeing my silence, she angrily pointed at me and shouted. “You almost gave Gideon a heart attack, and you’re playing silent?!” I looked at Fiona and coldly replied. “Aren’t I just helping you two out? You even went hiking and slept together.” “Didn’t you say if he hadn’t left, you would’ve married him? We divorce, I give him the spot, isn’t that good?” Fiona hesitated, not expecting me to bring up the past. “What nonsense! Gideon and I grew up together, there’s nothing like that!” “We slept together as kids, why can’t you let it go!” She angrily threw a gift box at my face. “Even bought you a gift to make up!” The box hit my nose, blood dripping, staining the tie that fell out. I looked at the tie and sighed. I’ve received seven or eight identical ties. Seeing my nosebleed, Fiona panicked, trying to wipe it but I stopped her. Seeing me hurt, she softened her tone. “Jude, I don’t want to fight. Let’s each take a step back and move on.” “I promise, once Gideon is well, I’ll leave him alone.” This was the first time she lowered herself, at the cost of my injury. Hearing her say she’d leave Gideon, I chuckled. “Stop giving him those prescription drugs, and he’ll be fine.” Fiona, as a doctor, secretly gave Gideon illegal prescription drugs with strong side effects and addiction. She knew, but she’d do anything for her childhood friend. I felt utterly drained, unwilling to talk more, packed and headed to work. Before leaving, Fiona quietly pleaded for me to stay. Seeing my resolve, she glared at me. “Jude, you’re so ungrateful! Don’t come back if you leave!” I turned away without regret. She still thought showing weakness would mean I’d forgive her endlessly. But that was based on love. Now there’s none, it’s all empty.

“Mr. Jude, your wife is here.” My assistant rushed into my office. I’ve been staying at the office, but I’d told my assistant not to let Fiona in. I was exhausted, having focused solely on her, I’d neglected work. Taking the reins now, I felt overwhelmed. Before I could respond, Fiona barged in with a cake. Her eyes lit up seeing me, putting the cake down and crossing her arms. “Jude, I missed our anniversary, and you missed my birthday.” “We’re even.” She didn’t wait for my reply, saying it all herself. I was speechless. I’d been so busy I forgot Fiona’s birthday. Since being with her, her birthday was my top priority. I’d always prepare in advance to surprise her. When she saw me, her eyes brightened as she placed the cake on my desk and crossed her arms, looking at me with a sense of superiority. “Jude, I missed our anniversary, and you missed my birthday. So, we’re even now.” She didn’t wait for my response and continued talking on her own. I was left speechless. I’ve been so caught up with work that Fiona’s birthday slipped my mind. Ever since we started dating, her birthday was a day I never failed to plan for, always trying to surprise her. Yet, no matter what I did, she never seemed to care. Meanwhile, Gideon could do the smallest thing, and she’d be touched for days. Last year, I went all out, taking her to her favorite place, buying expensive front-row concert tickets for her favorite singer, and even spending half a month at a temple praying for a peace charm. But none of this made her as happy as the roadside flower Gideon gave her, which is ironic since she’s allergic to pollen. Forgetting her birthday this time felt like a weight off my shoulders, a sign that I was finally moving on. I looked at Fiona’s haughty demeanor, my expression icy. “Do you really think we’re even?” “Maybe I should spend a night with my ex, then.” Predictably, Fiona was furious. She lashed out at me. “Jude, how did you become like this?” “You’re my husband, and you forgot my birthday. Only Gideon remembered!” Her accusation was laughable because she forgot that I had never missed her birthday before. “Fiona, I think I’ve made myself clear. There’s nothing between us anymore.” “We’re getting a divorce, and I’ll make room for Gideon. It’s that simple.” Gideon always enjoyed Fiona’s favoritism, while I naively believed that time would eventually win her over. I was so wrong. Fiona’s expression wavered, as if she couldn’t believe I was serious. She lit the candles on the cake and said, “Didn’t you promise to grant my birthday wish every year?” I frowned, sensing something. “This year, my wish is for you to forgive me.” “Okay?” Unexpectedly, I saw a hint of vulnerability on her face, but I quickly realized it was just a façade. I shook my head and said bluntly, “If you really wanted to be with me, you wouldn’t keep falling for Gideon’s lies.” I looked at her, and all the past emotions were gone. “You’re a doctor and his childhood friend. Don’t you know if he has a congenital heart condition?” That statement ignited the awkward tension between us. Fiona threw the cake at me, nearly hitting my eye with the candle. “You’re still slandering Gideon!” Her chest heaved with anger, her eyes filled with hatred. “I misjudged you. You’re a company owner, so why do you have to be against Gideon?” “How could I not know if he has a heart condition? You’re just ignorant of his suffering to say such disgusting things!” With that, she turned and left, leaving only her determined back. I signaled to my stunned assistant. “Draft a divorce agreement for me.” I thought everything was settled, just waiting for the papers to be signed. But that night, Fiona called, her voice tearful. “Jude, come quickly. Daphne is in trouble!” Daphne is our daughter, spending her summer vacation with my mother. Hearing something happened to her, I rushed home. The only thing holding me back from divorcing Fiona was Daphne. I didn’t want her to grow up in a broken family. Chapter 4 I hurriedly opened the door and saw someone who shouldn’t be there. Gideon was there, holding a sobbing Fiona, comforting her. “It’s okay, it’s okay. We’ve done this so many times, and nothing happened, right?” Their clothes were disheveled, Fiona’s bra hanging loosely. I didn’t understand their cryptic talk and rushed to push them aside, looking at Daphne on the couch. She was foaming at the mouth, unconscious. Panic overwhelmed me, and I went to call 911, but Fiona stopped me. “No, you can’t.” I looked at her awkward expression and shouted. “Are you crazy? Daphne is your daughter too, how can you just let her die?!” Fiona couldn’t hide it anymore and confessed everything. It turns out they found Daphne noisy, so they gave her too many prescription meds. It wasn’t the first time, but this time Gideon gave the wrong medicine, causing an allergic reaction. Fiona grabbed my hand, gritting her teeth. “If anyone finds out I stole prescription meds, I’ll lose my job, and Gideon will go to jail.” She almost begged. “I’m a doctor. I know Daphne’s condition, she just needs some meds.” “You’re the boss, you have money, can’t you find a shady clinic for her? Don’t let anyone know.” I looked at Fiona in silence. She knew she was a doctor. Daphne is only four, and many prescription drugs have strong side effects even for adults, let alone a four-year-old. My heart turned cold, and any last bit of love for Fiona vanished with her words. Even in the wild, animals protect their young, yet she would risk Daphne’s life to save herself and Gideon. Compared to the panicked Fiona, Gideon was calm. He seemed sure I would help Fiona. “Jude, stop wasting time. Hurry and find a hospital to take her.” “Don’t let her die here, it’s bad luck.” He looked at Daphne with disgust, as if she was a piece of garbage he could toss anytime. I couldn’t take it anymore and punched Gideon to the ground. Then pointed at Fiona, speaking clearly. “Fiona, we’re completely over.” I’m sorry, but the input text for translation seems to be missing. Could you please provide the Chinese text that you would like translated? Chapter 5 I called emergency services and reported the situation. Click. I locked the door and gave a steely glare to the two anxious people in the room. “You’re not going anywhere with me here.” The police and ambulance arrived almost simultaneously.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296396”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

Eight months pregnant, I was forced to kneel on the cold marble floor in the snowy night, all because my husband’s childhood sweetheart falsely accused me of killing his mother. Alexander Foster, my husband, was in the glass greenhouse warming the frozen feet of his sweetheart, his expression full of doting affection. I caught a chill and my water broke. I was rushed to the emergency room, but Alexander accused me of acting weak. I suffered severe bleeding and faced a life-threatening situation, yet Alexander callously signed a life-or-death agreement: “As long as the child can be saved, there’s no need to rescue Olivia if she dies.” However, I gave birth to a stillborn child and fell into postpartum depression, while my husband was accompanying his sweetheart for prenatal checkups. To please his sweetheart, on my birthday, Alexander even forced me to eat the placenta raw. “You killed my mother. This is the retribution you deserve.” It turned out that the love and marriage I had been guarding was nothing but my own wishful thinking. Filled with endless anger and humiliation, I decided to seek revenge.

After the delivery, I was extremely weak due to severe blood loss. Lying on the hospital bed, I took the medical notification handed to me by the doctor. The words “No signs of life after the fetus was delivered” jumped out at me, and I was struck as if by lightning: After severe hemorrhaging, I had given birth to a stillborn child?! Struggling to sit up despite the tearing pain in my body, I asked the doctor in a hoarse voice: “Doctor, is my child really dead? Please, let me see the baby one last time…” The doctor, wearing a mask, looked at me coldly and said, “The child is already dead. There’s no need to see it.” Dark red placental tissue was scattered in the cracks of the floor tiles, making me feel nauseous. I held the life-or-death agreement Alexander had signed, and anger gradually filled my heart. During the surgery, when I was barely conscious, Alexander pressed my hand to sign the “prioritize saving the baby’s life” clause. The expression he gave me was unprecedentedly cold, with a hint of mockery in his tone: “Olivia Reed, someone like you isn’t worth saving. The child in your womb is far more important than you.” I left the delivery room alone, only to see my husband Alexander Foster in the hospital’s prenatal clinic. It turned out Alexander hadn’t left the hospital early, but was accompanying his beloved sweetheart, Zoe Summers. He intimately embraced the equally pregnant Zoe, his face full of doting smiles. I had been pregnant for eight months, and Alexander had never shown me any care, but now he was attentive to every need of his sweetheart Zoe. I had been rushed to the emergency room for premature delivery due to severe bleeding. Alexander disregarded my life, signed the life-or-death agreement, and abandoned me to accompany Zoe for her checkup. I tightly gripped the life-or-death agreement in my hand, pushed open the door to the prenatal clinic, and confronted Alexander: “Alexander Foster, you are my husband. What right do you have to be here accompanying Zoe for her checkup?” Seeing me, Alexander looked as if he had seen something dirty, and a look of disgust immediately appeared on his face. Before he could speak, Zoe mockingly taunted me: “Olivia Reed, you vile woman who killed Alexander’s mother, what right do you have to come here and question us?” Again, this baseless accusation. Ever since Alexander’s mother died in an accident, Zoe had used every trick to paint me as a “murderer.” Under Zoe’s instigation, Alexander’s attitude towards me grew increasingly cold, gradually developing into disgust. And at eight months pregnant, it was because Alexander punished me by making me kneel on the cold marble floor in the snowy night that I went into premature labor with severe bleeding. Endless anger and grievance welled up, and tears burst from my eyes: “Zoe, why are you slandering me? Alexander, I really didn’t kill your mother…” But Alexander stepped forward and berated me harshly: “Olivia Reed, you vicious woman, you’re not worthy of being my wife, and you have no right to call my mother ‘Mom’!” With a loud slap, he struck me hard across the face. I looked at Alexander in shock, the slapped side of my face stinging fiercely. “Alexander, you actually hit me…” Zoe’s face bore a smug smile: “Haha, Olivia Reed, you look like a filthy beggar with your disheveled appearance!” Then she looked at my lower body with contemptuous eyes and screamed in fright: “How disgusting, get out of here!” Zoe grabbed a disposable cup from the table and threw it at me, splashing hot water on my face. Her smile grew wider and deeper: “Olivia Reed, look at yourself in the mirror now. You’re like a drowned rat!” Through the mirror in the clinic, I saw my miserable state: My hair was disheveled and soaked with scalding water, and my hospital gown was stained with dark red blood. After the severe bleeding from pregnancy, my body had suffered serious damage, and the postpartum bleeding had soiled my gown. At that moment, grievance and embarrassment welled up, and I ran out of the room in tears. In the hospital bathroom, I was shaking all over in pain. Lochia flowed from my body, dripping onto the floor to form a pool of blood. However, the real pain came from within. Alexander’s cold attitude was like a sharp knife stabbing into my heart. My true love had also been thrown into this pool of blood. Alexander, you promised to love me for a lifetime. Why did you lie to me? I could only cry out loud in the empty bathroom, letting despair occupy my heart.

After giving birth to a stillborn child, I suffered from postpartum depression, feeling gloomy all day, but Alexander was completely unaware. Because he was in the warm greenhouse taking care of the heavily pregnant Zoe. Through the translucent glass, I saw Alexander kneeling on the ground, gently massaging Zoe’s feet. I was supposed to be Alexander’s wife, yet he brazenly brought his mistress home to care for her. The glass greenhouse was Alexander’s wedding gift to me, but now I was shut out. After seeing the death certificate of the child, Alexander not only didn’t comfort me but cursed at me: “Olivia Reed, you’re a jinx. Not only did you kill my mother, but you also caused the death of your own child!” “Evil people get evil rewards. This is the retribution for all your wrongdoings!” Zoe then moved into the Foster home with the air of the true mistress. “Mrs. Foster’s last wish before she died was for Alexander to bring me into the Foster home to take care of.” “I’m the daughter-in-law truly accepted by the Foster family, while you’re just a gold digger who schemed her way into a wealthy family.” In the warm greenhouse, Alexander embraced Zoe and kissed her, both looking intoxicated. And I, because of unfounded accusations, had lost my dignity and love, becoming a “Mrs. Foster” in name only. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I fell into memories. That day, I accompanied Alexander to a family dinner, only to be met with cold stares from countless people. I had always been low-key, dressed simply. But Mrs. Foster looked me up and down coldly, her words full of sarcasm: “Olivia Reed, coming to a family dinner dressed so shabbily, aren’t you embarrassing our Foster family?” In stark contrast to me was Zoe. She walked gracefully behind Mrs. Foster in a pink dress, thoughtfully giving her a massage. “Mom, I brought you some homemade pastries. Please try them.” Mrs. Foster beamed with joy, accepting the homemade pastries from Zoe’s hand, praising Zoe incessantly for her thoughtfulness. Seeing how close they were, I could only smile awkwardly: “Mom, I also brought you some pastries. They’re imported from abroad.” Before coming, I had inquired about Mrs. Foster’s favorite pastry flavors and specially flew abroad to buy imported pastries for her. But Mrs. Foster didn’t even look at me, as if I were invisible beside her. It was the same flavor, yet I unexpectedly lost to Zoe’s homemade pastries… If I had made the pastries myself, Mrs. Foster would probably have accused me of being “stingy” and “unwilling to spend money.” I understood that gifts weren’t about their value, but about the person giving them. The Summers and Foster families were old friends, and Zoe had grown up with Alexander. Naturally, Mrs. Foster would favor her. But such differential treatment still made me extremely uncomfortable. I left the gifts and pastries and departed in distress. Zoe, however, pretended to be understanding behind my back and said: “Mom, after all, this is Olivia’s gesture of goodwill. Why don’t you try a piece…” But halfway through the family dinner, Mrs. Foster suddenly collapsed, foaming at the mouth. Alexander turned pale with fright, kneeling beside his mother to check her breathing: “Call an ambulance quickly!” When Mrs. Foster was sent to the emergency room, it was already too late, and the hospital doctors could do nothing to save her. With her dying breath, Mrs. Foster called Alexander in and, with her last words, instructed him to take good care of Zoe. The hospital’s test results came out – she had eaten pastries containing severe allergens, leading to shock and death. Alexander returned to the family dinner, slamming his fist on the table, his voice full of anger. He pointed at the opened pastries on the table and shouted, “Who brought these pastries?” Everyone present didn’t know what had happened and was too scared to make a sound. I stepped forward and, seeing the opened pastries, turned deathly pale – The opened pastries on the table were actually the imported ones I had brought for Mrs. Foster! “Alexander, these are the pastries I specially bought from abroad for your mother…” Before I could finish speaking, the cold gazes of everyone present fell upon me. Zoe furrowed her brow, walked in front of me, her voice full of disbelief: “Olivia Reed, you’re Alexander’s wife. How could you be so vicious as to want to kill his mother?” “These pastries contain concentrated peanut butter. Mrs. Foster was severely allergic to peanuts. Didn’t you know that?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296412”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

At an extravagant celebration party, my husband Caleb Winters once again ordered me to play the role of a maid. He pushed me in front of the new model his company had just signed, introducing me flippantly, “This is the dog I keep at home. If it weren’t for my mother’s kindness years ago, she’d have starved to death on the streets.” He commanded me to bow and scrape, to massage the model’s shoulders, to serve her with all my skills. Everyone laughed, waiting to see how I would continue to show my gratitude. Instead, I inappropriately brought up divorce. Caleb acted as if he’d heard the most ridiculous joke. He grabbed my neck, snarling viciously, “Aria Sinclair, you dare mention divorce? Have you forgotten who’s keeping your sick mother and paralyzed brother alive?” “If you keep acting up, I’ll cut off all your brother’s medical expenses right now!” Everyone bet that I would immediately cry and beg for forgiveness, saying I’d never let go of this golden opportunity I’d managed to grasp. But they didn’t hear his usually silent uncle, Lucas Winters, the true power holder of the Winters family, whisper behind me: “Divorce him. I’ll take care of you.”

“How dare Aria Sinclair mention divorce?” “Hah, she’s just talking big. Would she really leave? Her paralyzed brother, her half-dead mother, which one of them could survive without the Winters’ money?” “Exactly. Look at how submissive she is to Caleb. That maid outfit really suits her.” “Let’s place bets! I’ll put down a million that she’s just putting on a show today. In the end, she’ll obediently stay.” “I’m in. It’s a sure win.” I clenched the hem of my maid outfit, looking towards Caleb. The girl beside him was Mia Sullivan, a new model his company had just signed. She was now giggling as she poured more wine into his glass. Caleb held his wine glass, looking at me with a mocking smile. “Look at that. The person we Winters raised can’t even serve properly now?” “Who was it that knelt and begged us Winters to take her in back then? What’s this? After being Mrs. Winters for a few years, you’ve gotten too proud to serve?” Mia giggled and stretched her foot towards me. “Mr. Winters, my feet are so sore. Make her rub them for me?” “You heard her,” Caleb tapped my calf with the tip of his shoe. “Get to it.” He always did this, pushing me into the mud in front of everyone, watching me struggle. I crouched down, took off her shoe, and started massaging, one press at a time. His friends burst into raucous laughter, their faces full of schadenfreude. Just when everyone was waiting to see me swallow my pride as I had for the past seven years, I put Mia’s shoe back on, slowly stood up, and met his gaze. “Caleb Winters, let’s get a divorce.” The room fell silent for a few seconds, then erupted into even more unrestrained mockery. Caleb acted as if he’d heard something unbelievable. The casual smile on his face vanished completely. He shook off Mia and strode over to me in one step, his large hand violently gripping my neck. “Say that again?” His voice was low and vicious. “Aria Sinclair, have you forgotten how you begged like a dog at my family’s doorstep, asking my mother to take you in?” “You want a divorce? Fine!” The force on my neck suddenly increased, forcing me to look up at him. “Do you believe I’ll cut off your brother’s medical expenses right now? Let him die along with your half-dead mother!” “What you owe our Winters family, you can’t repay even in your next life!” Tears finally fell uncontrollably. That snowy winter night seven years ago floated before my eyes once again. My father was driving us to pay New Year’s visits when he swerved to avoid a child who suddenly ran into the road. The car lost control and crashed into an oncoming vehicle. In that car sat Caleb Winters’ father. The accident scene was horrific. My father died on the spot, my mother became a vegetable, and my brother suffered a severe spinal injury, condemning him to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. And Caleb Winters’ father couldn’t be saved either. I knelt for a long, long time outside the Winters’ mansion. Snow and blood from my forehead mixed together as I kept kowtowing, begging Mrs. Winters to save my mother and brother who were still in the hospital. I was willing to do anything, to atone for the Winters family for a lifetime. Mrs. Winters finally nodded. She said, “Stay. From now on, take good care of Caleb.” I moved into the servants’ quarters of the Winters house, serving wholeheartedly. One night, Caleb, reeking of alcohol, barged into my room. The smell of liquor and hatred hit me: “Marry me! You have to live under my nose for the rest of your life, watching how I suffer because of your family! That’s how you atone!” To atone, I agreed. To repay Mrs. Winters’ kindness, I endured Caleb for seven whole years. But Mrs. Winters passed away from heart disease six months ago. I could no longer find a reason to endure. This kind of life, I didn’t want to suffer through for even one more day. Just as I was about to pass out from being choked, I seemed to hear a vague sentence float by. “Divorce him. I’ll take care of you.” It must be some bored person playing a prank on me. My vision was blurring, and I had no strength to see clearly.

Back at the Winters mansion, Caleb once again threw me into the servants’ room. “Don’t come out without my permission!” He slammed the door shut with a bang. I slid to the floor. My neck, which had just been gripped, was still throbbing with pain. My heart felt numb. I don’t know how long it had been when my phone suddenly rang shrilly. It was an unknown number. “Is this Ms. Aria Sinclair? This is Central Hospital. Your brother Alex Sinclair has developed post-operative complications. His condition is critical. Please come immediately!” My head felt like it was exploding. I sprang up from the floor, frantically pounding on the door. “Caleb Winters! Open the door! I need to go to the hospital!” “My brother is in trouble! Please, open the door quickly!” There was no response from outside, only faint music. “Caleb Winters! Open the door!” I pounded on the door with all my might. My hands turned red, and my throat went hoarse. After a long while, the door was finally opened. Caleb stood in the doorway, his clothes somewhat disheveled. “What are you making a fuss about in the middle of the night?” Mia was clinging to him, looking at me with seductive eyes and a smile. “What trick is big sister trying to play now? Mr. Winters is quite busy, you know.” “My brother needs surgery! Caleb, take me to the hospital, please!” I rushed forward to grab his arm, but he shook me off in disgust. “Aria Sinclair, haven’t you had enough of this act?” Mia whispered in his ear: “Mr. Winters, I think she’s just trying to get your attention like this. What a manipulative bitch.” Caleb pinched Mia’s chin, smiling. “You’re such a good girl.” When he looked at me again, his eyes were cold as ice: “Weren’t you so good at crawling back then? All the way from my family’s doorstep, making my mom soft-hearted enough to take you in. Now if you want to go to the hospital, you can crawl there yourself.” Mia laughed, looking at me with triumphant eyes. Caleb no longer looked at me. He left with his arm around Mia, slamming the door again. “Caleb Winters!” No matter how I shouted, there was no more movement outside. This won’t do. I can’t wait! I looked around this small room. The windows were sealed with iron bars. The only way out was that door. I found a broken mop handle and tried to pry the door lock with all my strength. The lock was very sturdy. It didn’t budge after several attempts. Time ticked by, and I was frantic with worry. I spotted a fire extinguisher in the corner. Without thinking, I grabbed it and smashed it against the door lock! The loud noise was particularly jarring, but finally, the lock was broken! I rushed towards the main door as fast as I could. The security guards tried to stop me, but I just kept running, heedless. Rain mixed with tears blurred my face, biting cold. Just when I despairingly thought I would run my legs off, a beam of headlights illuminated me. The window lowered, revealing a sharply defined profile. It was Caleb’s uncle, Lucas Winters. “Get in,” he said concisely. I practically crawled into the passenger seat on all fours. With no time for thanks, I blurted out the name of the hospital incoherently. He said nothing more, driving quickly towards Central Hospital. As I got out of the car, Lucas handed me a business card, telling me: “If you encounter any trouble you can’t solve in the future, try contacting this number. Remember, you are your own person first.” My mind was in chaos. I clutched the card and ran out of the car. Rushing into the emergency room, I grabbed a nurse and asked, “Alex Sinclair! How is my brother Alex Sinclair?” The nurse looked at me, her face full of hesitant sympathy. The door of the nearby operating room opened just then. The doctor walked out wearily, taking off his mask. “We did our best.” “The patient insisted on having that surgery himself. The success rate wasn’t high, but he persisted, saying he wanted to stand up, to give his sister a surprise…” The doctor sighed, “This is the letter he wrote before the surgery, asking us to pass it on to you.” The nurse stuffed a letter into my hand. “Sis, by the time you read this letter, I might have succeeded, or… I might have gone to find Dad. Don’t cry, big sis.” “I know how much you’ve suffered for Mom and me all these years. It’s all because I’ve been holding you back. I want to stand up. I don’t want to watch you being bullied by Caleb anymore.” “The doctor said there’s a new surgery. Although it’s a bit risky, what if it works? I want to stand in front of you like a man and tell you that I can take care of you now.” “Sis, none of this is your fault. Don’t blame yourself. If it fails… don’t be sad either. I’m just going to find Dad. He must miss me too. You have to live well, live for our share too.” “Your brother who will always love you, Alex.” I hugged that letter, sitting in the hospital corridor, crying my heart out.

My brother’s ashes were light, fitting into a small ceramic urn. I knelt before my father’s grave, hugging the tombstone, my fingers tracing the engraved words. “Dad, Alex has come to keep you company.” “You won’t be in pain anymore where you are.” I went to the hospital, holding my mother’s withered hand against my face. “Mom, I’ll take care of you from now on.” The money I’ve saved from taking on private jobs over the years is enough to pay for medical expenses. I don’t need the Winters family’s support anymore. Leaving the hospital, my feet unconsciously led me back to our old house one last time. I dug out an old photo album from the corner. There was a photo of Alex when he was fifteen. He was on the green field, wearing a jersey, smiling like the sun. Holding that album, I returned to the Winters mansion. Pushing open the door, it was still the same deafening music and flirtatious laughter. Caleb was slouched in the center of the sofa, Mia nestled against him, surrounded by several young and beautiful female artists, all signed to his company, chattering away. Over the past seven years, I’ve grown tired of this scene. He had made me dress up as a bunny girl, as a snake woman, just to give them more amusement. But today, I won’t play along anymore. I walked over and put the divorce agreement on the coffee table in front of them. “Caleb Winters, sign it.” Caleb picked up those few pages, his gaze falling on the title. He snorted. “Aria Sinclair, you really don’t give up, do you? Coming with this again?” He crumpled the agreement in his hand, contemptuously throwing it on the ground. “Getting smarter now? Forgot how you were begging me to open the door yesterday? Now you’re putting on this act again?” “Want a divorce? I’ll tell you what, in this lifetime, you can forget about it!” I don’t know why, but tears suddenly fell, without warning. Caleb looked at the wet trails on my face. He reached out his hand, almost touching my cheek, then suddenly stopped, throwing his hand back even more forcefully. “Put away this crying act of yours! Who are you trying to fool? I’m telling you, Caleb Winters doesn’t fall for this!” I looked at him, forcing back the tears: “Caleb Winters, it’s been seven years. I’ve used everything I have to atone. Now Alex is dead. This debt, I don’t want to repay anymore.” “What did you say? Alex is dead?” Caleb’s face changed. Mia bent down to pick up the album from the table. She acted as if she had discovered something particularly interesting, speaking in an affected voice: “Is this your crippled brother? He looked quite lively back then.” She then picked up Alex’s letter, “What’s this? Oh my, this handwriting is so ugly! It’s like chicken scratch. He wasn’t illiterate, was he?” The people around laughed uproariously. Mia fanned herself with the letter, her hand slipping, the letter fluttering to the ground. She raised her foot, about to step on it— That letter was written by Alex, using fingers that couldn’t bend properly, painstakingly forming each stroke! I lunged forward, grabbing Mia’s hair, pulling her down and pinning her to the carpet! “Don’t touch that!” Caleb answered a phone call, his face turning ashen as he hung up. He turned back and with one move threw me off. My lower back hit the corner of the coffee table hard, the pain making my vision go black. “Aria Sinclair, have you gone mad?! Seducing me wasn’t enough, you’re even going after my uncle?! Does our Winters family owe you or something?!” He dragged me by my hair like a dead dog: “Shameless! Go kneel in the ancestral hall! Apologize to my father, to Mia!” He kicked away the prayer mat in the ancestral hall, “Kneel properly!” I looked at his twisted face, hunched over as I knelt down, my forehead slowly touching the stone tiles. The ancestral hall was very quiet, with only the sound of my heavy breathing left. I don’t know how long I knelt there. My consciousness gradually blurred, sinking completely into darkness.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296428”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn

When the kidnappers forced Declan to choose between us, he picked me over his childhood sweetheart. But I refused to go with him, knowing he’d regret it. In my previous life, after I was rescued, Cora, Declan’s childhood sweetheart, was caught in compromising photos by the kidnappers and tragically took her own life that night. Declan appeared indifferent and went through with our wedding, but during our marriage, he made me feel the weight of his resentment. Seven years later, I finally got him to agree to a divorce, but on the way to finalize it, he lost control and drove us off a cliff. Even in his dying moments, he blamed me, saying, “This is the price we owe Cora. In this life, we should make amends for her. How can you just live in peace…” This time, I didn’t want to live that way. 1 “Willa, come with me.” When I realized I had been reborn, the kidnappers were pressing knives to both Cora’s and my necks, demanding Declan choose who to save. His gaze flickered between us, and after a moment of intense internal conflict, he made the same choice as before—reaching out to me. But I shook my head decisively. “Declan, save Cora first.” In this life, I don’t want to owe anyone or carry the weight of a life on my conscience. Declan seemed relieved. “Willa, you’re my fiancée, so I should save you first. But since you said so, don’t blame me then.” He quickly took Cora away, anxious I might change my mind. Unlike him, I don’t regret my choices. Last time, he came with the ransom, but the kidnappers demanded more, saying they could only release one person initially. Declan had no option but to choose me. While we struggled to gather more money, the kidnappers began to exploit Cora, taking inappropriate photos. We arrived with the police just in time, but the experience had already shattered her dignity. She returned home in despair and ended her life that night. By the time we found her, it was too late. Declan showed no concern when he heard the news. He calmly managed her affairs and gave her family a substantial sum for consolation. Even when I suggested postponing the wedding, he refused. “Willa, marrying you was always part of the plan. We can’t let others influence it.” Yet, the “outsider” was on his mind throughout our seven-year marriage. Marrying me was merely a way to bind me and atone for Cora. But what did I do wrong? 2 After Declan left, I began thinking of ways to save myself, uncertain if he’d come back. Previously, he discreetly slipped a tracker into Cora’s pocket when he hugged her, allowing us to locate her even if the kidnappers moved her. But this time, he seemed to have forgotten that. I guessed that from the start, the only one he truly wanted to save was Cora. Only because I was his fiancée did he reluctantly choose me, fearing criticism. Our marriage was arranged; our feelings weren’t deep. Cora had been with him through their formative years; they were childhood friends and confidants. His regret in the past life was understandable. This time, he could have what he truly wanted. I was happy for him and didn’t forget to find my own escape route. I knew the kidnappers would pass an auto repair shop when they moved locations. The workers there were tough and formidable. Last time, the kidnappers tried to take over the shop, not expecting the owner to be a hard nut to crack, refusing to give in. A fight erupted, and the kidnappers, not expecting to meet someone fiercer than them, had to flee. Later, when the kidnappers were caught, the shop owner testified against them. 3 Like before, they left one person in the car to watch me while the others went to the repair shop. My hands were tied behind my back, and the kidnapper in the driver’s seat wasn’t paying much attention to me. Taking advantage of his distraction, I used my mouth to open the car door handle. Then I pushed the door open and ran toward the auto repair shop, hoping they wouldn’t ignore my plight. The shop was already in chaos. I spotted the young shop owner immediately. His features were sharp and upright, exuding a sense of integrity. His swift movements made him seem cool. To avoid getting hurt, I crouched low and dashed over, accidentally knocking him over. I fell into his arms, terrified. “S-sorry,” I stammered. “Could you please help me?” He glanced at me, frowning. The next second, he rolled us both several times on the ground. A chair landed where we just lay with a “bang.” If he hadn’t noticed on time, I would have been in serious trouble. Still shaken, I saw that the kidnappers realized I had escaped. What started as a squabble over territory was now a demand for me. The two sides faced off. I looked at the man beside me with pleading eyes and whispered, “If you can save me, I’ll do anything.” But he didn’t reply, only eyeing the kidnappers thoughtfully. Someone behind him couldn’t help but remind him, “Jasper, sometimes less trouble is better.” So he was called Jasper. Not getting any response, my heart sank. Fine, there’s no need to force anyone. As the kidnapper leader called for me the third time, I started to walk towards them. But soon, someone pressed down on my shoulder, stopping me. Jasper stepped forward and said to the kidnappers, “She’s under my protection today.” It seemed even heaven was on my side. Suddenly, motorcycle engines roared outside. A confident smile appeared on Jasper’s face. “My backup is here.” The kidnappers, unwilling, glared at me and left cursing. My tense nerves finally relaxed. I let out a silent breath and felt the rope on my wrist loosen. Jasper had cut it. 4 “I’m Willa Lin, thank you so much for earlier,” I said, extending my hand to him. Jasper kept staring at my wrist, where the rope had left bloody marks, looking alarming. “Let me help you with that,” he said. I shook my head, “It’s just a small injury, it’s nothing.” “Weren’t you the one who said you’d do anything if I saved you?” Without waiting for a reply, he sat me down and took out a first-aid kit. “Bear with it,” he said. I bit my lip, watching him carefully treat my wound. A warmth spread through me. I remembered when I first married Declan, one time he got drunk, and as I helped him to his room, I casually mentioned he should drink less. He flew into a rage, pushing me away. I lost my balance and fell, shattering the jade bracelet on my wrist; the shards cut into my skin. I screamed, clutching my bleeding wrist. Declan just coldly stared and said, “Does it hurt? It should. Cora hurt a thousand times more than you, and now she can’t even say it. If it weren’t for saving you, she wouldn’t have been humiliated by the kidnappers or lost hope…” I sat there, disbelief on my face, feeling my heart grow colder. After a long time, I found my voice. “But the kidnappers took Cora and me to threaten you! You chose to save me first; why blame me now?” Declan, his drunkenness seemingly fading, looked at me with icy eyes. “Willa, I was always against this arranged marriage. If you hadn’t told Grandma you liked me, she wouldn’t have forced me to marry you.” “So, you’re saying if it weren’t for me, you’d only need to save Cora?” I laughed bitterly, “Declan, you’re insane. Blaming me instead of the kidnappers.” I got up and treated my wound alone in my room. After that, no matter how much it hurt, I never told Declan. Now, the man in front of me was gently blowing on my wound, afraid I’d be in pain. My eyes stung, and I closed them, taking a deep breath, asking knowingly, “What are you doing?” Jasper looked up with a genuine smile. “When I was little and got hurt, my mom did this. Does it feel better?” I nodded, “Yes, a lot better.” Encouraged, Jasper continued. But the moment was soon interrupted. 5 “Jasper, I heard someone’s causing trouble at your shop, so I rushed over…” “Whoa! Where did you find such a pretty girl?” A tall man with tattooed arms entered, eyes lighting up when he saw me. “This is rare. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen such a beautiful girl here…” The tattooed guy said, a strange blush on his face. Jasper stepped in front of me protectively. I nodded, “Yeah, much better.” Jasper, reassured, continued with his task, but the atmosphere was quickly disrupted. “Jasper, I heard there was some trouble at your shop, so I rushed over…” “Whoa! Where did you find such a beautiful girl?” A tall man with a tattooed arm walked in, his eyes lighting up as he saw me. “Really unusual, I think it’s the first time I’ve seen such a pretty girl here…” The tattooed guy said, with an oddly shy expression. Jasper noticed and moved to shield me. “Thanks, but it’s sorted now. As for other stuff, it’s none of your business. I’ll treat you to a drink another day.” The tattooed guy paused, then got the hint. “Jasper, now that you have a girl, you’re ditching your buddies?” He turned away with a playful huff, looking slightly upset. Jasper sighed and pulled him aside, whispering, “Can’t you take a hint? Go hang out somewhere else.” “Jasper, is she your girlfriend?” “Does it look like she is?” “Absolutely! You two look perfect together.” “Smart observation.” “I’m not leaving until you give me some wedding candy.” “You’ll get your share.” “…” Not far off, the two of them continued their whispering, but even though they tried to keep their voices down, I could hear everything clearly. Trying to ease the awkwardness, I pretended to be busy, looking everywhere except at them. A few minutes later, Jasper managed to send the tattooed guy away. After he left, Jasper asked me, “Where do you live? I’ll take you home.” Maybe it was selfish of me, but suddenly I didn’t want to go back so soon. My parents are always busy with their own affairs. Even if I didn’t go home for a month, they wouldn’t notice. As for Declan, if I’m right, he might have been reincarnated too. He’s probably eager to be with Cora now. I was married to him for seven years in my past life. He never took me to any events or shared a room with me. When people asked about me, he’d always have a cold expression, turning me into a joke in our circle. This time around, I want to stay far away from him. So I pleaded with Jasper, “Can you let me stay for a few days?” I gently tugged at his sleeve. Looking at both lives, he should be a good person. Plus, he can protect me. If I cling to him, would he refuse? Jasper suddenly leaned close, his gaze intense. “Little girl, if you keep this up, I might take it seriously…” The proximity was so close, I could even smell the fresh scent of soap on him. I swallowed instinctively, about to speak, when a familiar voice came from behind. “What are you doing?” It was Declan… He’d brought the police with him. “Are you okay?” Declan looked at me, genuine concern in his eyes. I shrugged, “Do I look like I’m not okay?” Declan was silent. Cora walked in right after. She glanced around the now normal auto repair shop and bluntly asked: “Willa, how did you escape from the kidnappers? As far as I know, there were six of them. Your hands were tied, and you were unfamiliar with the area. I’m really curious…” What is Cora trying to say? “Everyone knows the Lin family and the Shen family plan an arranged marriage. But they’re also both eyeing that piece of land in the south of the city. The auction is in ten days, highest bidder wins. But right at this crucial moment, this happens, and the ransom is ridiculously high. Willa, it’s hard not to think otherwise.” Is she suggesting I hired the kidnappers? I admit, I’ve never been this speechless in two lifetimes. I truly felt helpless and sympathetic about Cora’s past life. But this time, I practically saved her. And her first reaction after being saved is to accuse me. It’s truly disheartening. I suddenly raised my hand and shouted, “Officer, someone here is slandering me.” And then we were all taken away. While waiting for questioning, Cora wouldn’t let it go. “Willa, why won’t you say anything?” I scoffed, “Why should I tell you? You’re not the police.” Cora was at a loss for words. Declan couldn’t stand it, immediately speaking up for Cora. “Willa, Cora just wants to understand what really happened, so she knows what to say during the questioning.” “What? You plan on lying to the officer?” Declan stood up angrily, pointing at me, “Willa, you’re being unreasonable!” Jasper came out of the interrogation room just in time to see this, and without a word, he stood in front of me. “Put your hand down.” His tone was flat, yet carried an undeniable pressure. I hid behind Jasper, unable to see the expressions on their faces, but I could sense the tension. Declan asked, “Who are you to her?” Jasper turned slightly to look at me, a small smile on his lips. He countered, “What do you think?” I looked up at his ridiculously perfect profile, and impulsively made a heart shape with my thumb and index finger. Declan’s face darkened several shades at the sight. Just then, the police called him in for a statement. After some questioning, things started to clear up a bit. The police identified suspects, but can only proceed further once the kidnappers are caught.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296231”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #重生Reborn

My father made a will. Whoever between my brother and me has a child first would inherit his entire estate. So I secretly poked holes in all the condoms. But unexpectedly, my boyfriend had been secretly replacing my vitamins with birth control pills. Yet I still got pregnant. Only the child isn’t his, and he doesn’t know. My brother and I don’t have much of a relationship. He’s ten years older than me. Because my father was a womanizer, my mother took the money and ran after giving birth to me. My father dumped me on my brother, who in turn dumped me on a nanny. Even when he saw me covered in bruises, he would just pretend not to notice. As for my father, he was rarely home. But after this unexpected addition to the family, he became extra cautious, always careful not to leave any more children behind. I later learned that was because my brother had threatened to throw any more kids my father brought home into the river. My brother always kept his word. As he got older, his intimidation only grew stronger. Sometimes even my father was afraid of him. Recently, my father was diagnosed with kidney disease. This man who had lived a life of debauchery suddenly wanted a grandchild. So he told my brother and me: “Whoever has a child first before I die will inherit my entire estate.” My brother is now thirty-four, already the youngest and most successful CEO in the city. And my father’s assets are probably at least ten times his. My brother isn’t married, but he has many mistresses. I only have one boyfriend.

My brother has better odds than me. I can only get pregnant myself, while he can cast a wide net. My only advantage over him is time. Using the excuse of feeling unwell, I dragged my boyfriend Liam to the hospital and got a full body check-up. As I expected, he was very healthy, with high sperm motility. After all, his stamina was terrifyingly good. As for me, due to long-term lack of exercise, my immune system was weak, so I was prescribed some vitamins. I didn’t plan on telling Liam about wanting a child. He had always been very careful with protection. When I tentatively asked if he was afraid of me getting pregnant, he weighed the pros and cons for a long time. “Aria, my career is on the rise right now. If you have a child at this time, I won’t have enough energy to take care of you.” “Also,” he hugged me and kissed the top of my head, “I want to wait until we’re married and settled down before having a baby.” Liam has a kind of charm that makes everything he says seem sincere. But this also makes him very stubborn. If I told him the truth about the situation, he would definitely drag me to get married right away. Then I’d have no way out. If Liam couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t be able to find someone else. This inheritance would be like handing it over to my brother on a silver platter. That’s impossible. Even if the chances are slim, I have to fight for it. Liam, no matter how hard he works, could never earn half of my father’s assets in his lifetime. The family business, passed down for generations, combined with my father’s business acumen, has expanded overseas. But he’s selfish, never giving my brother or me any advantages. He didn’t even give my brother a penny to start his business. He also knows my brother doesn’t like me. I reasonably suspect that this inheritance competition is just his way of keeping my brother in check. No matter how much he stirs things up, he shouldn’t think about riding roughshod over him. “What are you thinking about so intently?” Liam came out of the shower, his hair half-dried and falling over his forehead. He was wearing thin lounge pants, shirtless, making me feel a bit hot and bothered. Liam smiled and pinched my face, touching his nose to mine. “Thinking about it?” I swallowed hard. Actually, I wasn’t very enthusiastic about doing this. On the contrary, it was Liam who, no matter how busy, wanted to do it at least four times a week. So, how could I inconspicuously increase the frequency on this basis? I wrapped my arms around Liam’s neck, pulling him to the bed, closing my eyes to kiss him. As my hand went to pull at his pants, Liam buried his face in my neck and chuckled softly. “Why so passionate tonight?” He looked up at me. Somehow, I couldn’t see any humor in his eyes. But before I could think too much about it, he reached out and grabbed a condom from the drawer. He flipped me over, my back to him. Hearing the rustling sounds, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Every time I looked into Liam’s eyes, I always felt like he could see right through my little schemes.

The next day at work, I was reporting my brother’s schedule to him. After I finished, he stared at me with an enigmatic smile. “Working hard for the inheritance, aren’t you?” Liam had gone crazy last night, leaving a lot of marks on my neck. Even with concealer, they were still visible up close. “Aren’t you too, brother?” I retorted. He had left work early yesterday to visit his mistress. We weren’t in a secret battle, but an open competition. It’s just that my brother was much more capable than me, having his own big company. I could only be pushed in by my father to be his assistant. “Never thought about trying other men? You trust your boyfriend that much?” “He’s younger than you, brother. You should take better care of yourself.” My brother raised an eyebrow but didn’t get angry. “Good luck to you.” As I was leaving his office, he knocked on the table behind me. “Aria, at five in the afternoon, go pick up Raven.” Raven, a famous model. My brother’s most beloved mistress, with an incredibly hot body. “Understood, Mr. Milo,” I nodded. When I picked up Raven, she greeted me with a warm hug. The first time we met, she thought I was my brother’s new flame. After looking me up and down for a while, she sneered disdainfully: “He likes the innocent type now?” “Can you satisfy him?” Just as she finished speaking, my brother appeared from behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist, his face full of adoration. “What nonsense are you talking about? This is my sister.” Raven didn’t quite believe it, thinking it was an excuse he made up: “Didn’t you say your mother only had you?” “Same father, different mother. My dad brought her back from outside.” “I originally wanted to throw her in the river, but she clung to my legs crying pitifully, so I kept her.” My brother wasn’t lying. When I first came home, he did try to get rid of me by picking me up to throw me away. I cried my eyes out, snot and tears everywhere. So later, no matter how the nanny tormented me, my brother wouldn’t stand up for me. Raven had been with my brother the longest. Later, as she said, my brother did find someone more innocent. She made a fuss for a while, but my brother became increasingly outrageous, having flings wherever he went on business trips, just like our father. Then they broke up, and recently when Raven’s runway video came out, it caused a sensation. My brother watched it for a long time, then went to find Raven every day, coaxing her back. I think Raven must really like him to be able to forgive all that. But this time when we met, the feeling seemed a bit different. After getting in the car, Raven asked flatly, “Where’s Milo?” “He has a meeting, so he sent me to pick you up.” My brother had bought Raven a villa. Raven just made a sound of acknowledgment and fell silent. It wasn’t until I dropped her off that she looked at me, smiling calmly. “Your brother said he wants to have a child with me.” I blinked, gripping the steering wheel tightly. “What do you think about that?” She touched her stomach, “Do you think if I have a child, he’ll settle down?” “Raven, what if he’s saying the same thing to other women?” I didn’t believe for a second that my brother would only pin his hopes on Raven. Raven unbuckled her seatbelt and patted my head. “Aria, I want to believe him one more time.” “He said this time, I’ll be the only one by his side.”

I have to say, my brother really knows how to put on an act. He had me send away all his mistresses except Raven, giving them money, houses, and cars. So when Raven asked me, I could only grit my teeth and nod. I asked her, “Is my brother going to marry you?” Raven was taken aback: “I don’t know, maybe if we have a child, he will. I feel like he’s really looking forward to it.” I watched her smile happily, feeling a bit sorry for her. Wanting a child was true, but marrying her? I didn’t think my brother, with his habitual philandering, would settle down so easily. Sure enough, within a week, my brother had taken on two new girls. There was one he particularly liked, even younger than me, with an air of innocence about her. My brother didn’t hide it from me. Every time, he had me pick them up and take them to his place. His excuse to appease Raven was also very appropriate – the company was expanding its business, so he was genuinely busy. Sometimes, he had me bring the girls directly to the company. My brother wasn’t afraid I would tell on him. Because Liam was his leverage against me. My brother could easily get rid of Liam if he wanted to. The one he particularly liked was called Ivy. Completely different from Raven, with a sweet and innocent look, fair skin, easily embarrassed. My brother dumped all his work on me, leaving me no free time. He himself took advantage of lunch breaks to shut himself in the rest room with the young girl. Hearing those ambiguous sounds, my blood rushed straight to my head. After work, I drove straight to Liam’s company. Seeing me, he was a bit shocked: “Why are you here?” Liam had been avoiding me lately. He even used the excuse of working overtime to not come home. I secretly wondered if I had been too forward. But seeing my brother carrying on like that, I felt inexplicably wronged. I wondered if Liam also had someone else outside. My eyes stung, and tears started to fall. He hurriedly hugged me: “What’s wrong? Did your brother bully you again?” I wiped my tears on his shirt: “Why haven’t you been coming home these past few days?” His voice was gentle: “I’ve been too busy.” “I’m sorry, I’ll come back every day from now on.” Liam’s eyes were full of heartache. I kissed his lips, and he stiffened, grabbing my hands. “Aria, this is the office.” I bit his Adam’s apple, hearing him groan. The kisses continued downward. I slowly unbuttoned his shirt: “Liam, don’t you miss me?” “I do,” his voice was hoarse. He closed his eyes then opened them again. Just as he was about to lose control, he turned his face away with difficulty. “There are no condoms here.” I fumbled around on his body, not caring: “I’m on the pill.” Liam’s breathing grew heavier, his kisses becoming more intense. He still didn’t do it. He patiently took very good care of me instead. When I woke up again, the office was dark, with only light coming in from outside the window.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296247”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance

At the age of ten, after my wealthy parents divorced, I became the unwanted child. It was Lucas Carter who took me in. For ten years, he spoiled me rotten. But when I confessed my feelings for him, he suddenly turned cold: “Sophia Wilson, I’m your guardian!” After that day, Lucas quickly distanced himself from me and even got engaged. At his engagement party, I got into a fight with his fiancée. He scolded me without hearing my side and almost let me drown in the pool, knowing I was afraid of water. “Sophia, this is your punishment. If you cause any more trouble, get out of the Carter house.” He didn’t know that I was indeed planning to leave. I had agreed to my parents’ suggestion to study abroad. The three years in Germany would be the most unforgettable seven years of my five-year life plan. By then, Lucas Carter would mean nothing compared to my degree. When my best friend Chloe brought me to Lucas and Olivia’s engagement party, I finally understood. Lucas had gone to such lengths to keep me away. After more than ten years together, I was the last to know about such an important event. It was truly laughable. “Sophia, your guardian probably didn’t tell you because he was afraid you’d cause a scene,” Chloe said. “But I know you’re sensible, and I think you should know the truth. After seeing him get engaged to someone else, maybe you’ll stop pining for him.” I nodded in agreement. Seeing Lucas’s photo at the entrance, I couldn’t help but recall the day I confessed to him. One moment he was gently stroking my hair, the next he turned cold: “Sophia Wilson, I’m your guardian!” I argued, “You’re only eight years older than me, and we’re not even blood-related. Don’t you like me?” He grew angry and blurted out, “Do you think I’m some kind of monster? How could I like the girl I raised?” “Then why don’t you let me date? Why do you tear up love letters from others? Why don’t you correct people when they say I’m your child bride?” “Sophia, you were young then. I was afraid you’d be led astray, tricked by men,” Lucas said, rubbing his temples in frustration. “As for the child bride rumors, the more I explained, the worse it got, so I just let it be.” I wasn’t giving up. I dug my nails into my palms and stared at him. “You haven’t had a woman by your side for years. And when I was twenty, I clearly saw you holding my photo… Isn’t that enough proof?” Lucas’s pupils dilated, his ears turning red, but he exploded in anger. “Sophia Wilson! I’ve spoiled you too much, letting you speak so recklessly!”

We parted on bad terms that day. After that, Lucas began to distance himself from me. He always made excuses to avoid meeting me and drew clear boundaries when others mentioned our relationship. “Sophia Wilson? I’m her guardian, we’re from different generations.” He even brought Olivia to my twenty-second birthday party. “Sophia, say hello to your aunt.” I had just made a wish, hoping Lucas would show up and surprise me. Since I was ten, he had been with me for countless birthdays. I was terrified he might miss this one. He did come, but at the moment when I was happiest, he delivered a crushing blow. I stared at their intertwined hands, speechless. Lucas wouldn’t let it go. He dropped his smile, his gaze growing cold. “What are you waiting for? Not listening to your guardian anymore?” Of course, I didn’t greet her. Instead, I cried and trashed the place, telling them to get out. After that, Lucas took Olivia everywhere with him. I thought he was just trying to provoke me, unwilling to admit his feelings for me. I never imagined they would reach the point of engagement. I had been deluding myself.

I stood quietly at the back of the crowd, witnessing his happiness with someone else. In my heart, I gradually stripped away my feelings for him. By the less crowded pool, I waited for Chloe to return. I casually picked up a glass of champagne. As I turned around, I saw today’s leading lady, Olivia. Olivia was only a year older than me. So I didn’t understand why Lucas, who thought I was too young, would choose someone his own age. “What are you doing here?” she asked, looking wary, as if afraid I’d ruin her engagement party. “I’m here to witness my guardian’s happiness. Congratulations,” I said. I had no hostility towards her, but since she was with the man I liked, I couldn’t bring myself to be overly friendly. As I was about to leave, she grabbed me: “Sophia Wilson, don’t try to steal him from me.” I lowered my gaze. “Whether you believe it or not, I came today with no ill intentions. I won’t make a scene and embarrass everyone.” Olivia didn’t let go. Instead, she glared at me fiercely. “You think I believe that? Someone as spoiled and willful as you? You’re like a weasel paying New Year’s respects to a chicken, up to no good. “And aren’t you disgusting? Liking your own guardian? “No wonder they say you’re motherless. Clinging to Lucas Carter, aren’t you ashamed?” Before she could finish, my hand had already struck her face. It was all Lucas’s fault for spoiling me so much that I couldn’t take any insults. Olivia held her cheek, stunned for a moment. “As you said, I’m such a willful person, so slapping you isn’t too much, right?” I underestimated Olivia’s fighting spirit. Before I knew it, we were grappling with each other. I had been forced by Lucas to learn boxing and martial arts since childhood, so Olivia was no match for me. In the chaos, she still had the strength to speak: “Sophia Wilson, you’re finished.” It was then that I realized. I had fallen for her trap. Olivia’s hair was a mess, her clothes torn and disheveled. I wasn’t much better off, with bruises where she had pinched me. Still defiant, I said, “So what? Are you so sure Lucas will take your side? “Do you think he’s someone who can’t tell right from wrong?” Olivia’s makeup was smeared, but she still smiled triumphantly. “Sophia Wilson, do you have a misconception about your importance to Lucas?” “What do you mean?” As soon as I finished speaking, she stepped closer, took my hand, and placed it on her chest. Then she fell backward into the pool. “Olivia!” Lucas’s worried voice came from behind.

By the time he jumped into the pool to rescue Olivia, a crowd had gathered around. “I just wanted Sophia to come to the party, but I didn’t expect her to push me in…” Olivia sobbed, clinging to Lucas, soaking wet. “She doesn’t like me, she thinks I stole you away…” “You staged this yourself and jumped in. Don’t slander me. If you don’t believe me, check the security cameras!” I protested. “There are no cameras by the pool,” Lucas said, looking up at me coldly. “Sophia, I’m so disappointed in you.” At that moment, I couldn’t describe how I felt. It was as if someone had squeezed my heart tightly. All my arguments were stuck in my throat, blocked by his icy expression. “It was the same at your birthday party, embarrassing everyone. “This time, I deliberately didn’t tell you about the engagement, but you still came and hit your future aunt. “Sophia, you’re not a child anymore. When you do something wrong, you need to be punished.” Before I could react, Lucas let go of Olivia and kicked me into the pool.

After nearly drowning in our home pool when I was six, I became terrified of water. So when I fell in, I even forgot to struggle. I let myself sink. My lungs were compressed, with no air left. As I was about to lose consciousness from suffocation, I thought: Life is really amazing, how suddenly it can take a turn. Lucas Carter, as you wished. I will never like you again. As my consciousness was fading, I felt someone wrap their arm around my waist, pulling me towards the surface. When I touched the air, I coughed up water. “Little sis, your guardian wouldn’t let anyone save you, so I did. You owe me one now.” As my mind cleared, I called out, “Ethan?” “Good, you’re not too dazed. You know it’s your big bro.” Back on the shore. Lucas held Olivia tightly, wrapped in a towel, and looked at me. “Sophia, this is your punishment. If you cause any more trouble, get out of the Carter house.” He deliberately said such harsh words, no doubt trying to extinguish any feelings I had for him. I stared at him silently, clenching my fists. “I understand, guardian.” He seemed surprised that I called him guardian, his face showing disbelief for a moment. After a while, he returned to normal. “As long as you understand. Now apologize to your aunt.” I didn’t apologize. Instead, I continued looking at him. “Guardian, thank you for taking care of me all these years. Congratulations on your engagement. “I won’t appear in front of you again.” “That’s not what I meant…” Lucas frowned, about to say something more. Olivia leaned into his arms: “Honey, I’m cold.” I didn’t even glance their way. Instead, I turned and left, my clothes dripping wet.

Back at the Carter house, it was cold and empty, not a soul in sight. Everyone was busy with today’s engagement party. I thought for a moment, then called a moving company. Then I started packing. There were too many things here that belonged to me. Each item stirred up memories. At ten, after my parents divorced and abandoned me in a villa to fend for myself, it was Lucas who took me in. At eighteen, when my parents saw I got into college and suggested taking me back, I didn’t want to go. After all, if I went back, it would just be me, without love. At that time, Lucas shielded me behind him, his voice brooking no argument. “I’ve practically raised Sophia. I can’t bear to see her suffer even a little or face any grievances. If she doesn’t want to go back, she can stay at the Carter house. I can afford to raise her.” Over the years, he doted on me to the extreme. At the age when I was just beginning to understand love, falling for him was a natural thing. His favoritism towards me also made me mistakenly believe he liked me. I had never thought about what I would do if one day Lucas stopped liking me. Would I cry, make a scene, or even threaten suicide, refusing to let him go? He once said, “What are you thinking? How could I not like you?” Now he says, “Sophia, if you cause any more trouble, get out of the Carter house.” It turns out that heartbreak doesn’t need any grand, earth-shattering events. Just one action, one sentence, can extinguish years of affection.

I moved into an apartment I had bought. At the same time, I left a new card with the inheritance my grandmother had left me at the Carter house. It was to repay Lucas for the cost of raising me all these years. The next day, my parents sent me to the airport. I had been planning to go abroad since my last birthday party. It was only in the past few days that everything was finalized. Germany, a country they say is hard to return from once you go. But it had the major I wanted to study. As I was about to check in, my mom called out to me. “Sophia, it wasn’t easy for your guardian to raise you. Before you leave, you should say goodbye to him.” After thinking for a moment, I dialed Lucas’s number. The phone rang for a long time with no answer. Just as I was about to lose patience, it finally connected. I was about to call out “guardian.” But I heard Olivia’s voice instead. “Are you really going to make Sophia move out of the Carter house?” After a moment of silence. Lucas’s cold, emotionless words came through the line. “I’ve spoiled her too much. This time, let her learn to behave, not be so willful. It’s for the best. “It’s also good to make her give up those inappropriate thoughts she shouldn’t have.” … I didn’t listen to the end. I hung up. And boarded the plane without looking back.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296263”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance

I was kidnapped by abductors, while my husband spent a passionate night with his first love. In the end, I was brutally assaulted by the criminals and left to die in an unmarked grave. After death, my soul, weighed down by intense resentment, couldn’t ascend to heaven and remained stubbornly attached to my body. Only by finding the murderers could I quell my vengeful spirit. When I dragged my broken body home, my husband accused me of lying. On the seventh day after my death, my husband married his first love, while the video of my assault and dismemberment was leaked online. When the truth finally came to light, I felt a great burden lift from my shoulders as I slowly closed my eyes… “Sophia! I don’t care what you’re doing right now, I’m not coming to see you because I’m going to pick up Olivia!” Alexander’s voice came through the phone, crushing my last hope. As I heard this, my heart turned to ash, and my struggles against my captors gradually weakened. The criminals grinned lecherously, “So we can have our way with your wife then?” Alexander replied carelessly, “Do whatever you want!” “After all, she’s just a loose woman. Her chastity probably doesn’t mean much to her anyway!” With that, he hung up the phone. And I endured twelve hours of inhuman torture. The next day, I opened my eyes to see my own dismembered body. Last night, those men had brutally assaulted me before cutting me into pieces and dumping me in the wilderness. Am I dead… or not? Right now, only my soul was left wandering. So this is what people call the seven days after death when the body dies but the soul lingers. My body was wracked with searing pain, and there wasn’t an inch of unscathed skin left. The memories of last night’s horrors were still vivid. I still forced myself to stand up through the pain and started walking home. Back at the mansion, I knocked several times before someone came to the door. “Who are you?” Olivia appeared at the door with sleepy eyes, her legs barely hidden under Alexander’s shirt. “I’m…” I took a deep breath, “Alexander’s wife.” Olivia’s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at me. Then she waved her hand in front of her face. “What’s that smell? It’s so foul!” But I couldn’t smell anything at all. Because I was already dead, my senses were slowly fading away. Seven days from now, I would completely disappear from this world. From last night until now, I had been dead for eight hours. My body was starting to emit an odor, and black spots were appearing on my arms. “Is it a beggar? Why don’t you just send her away?” Alexander came down from upstairs nonchalantly. Seeing me, he sneered. “See, I told you she was out having fun!” “What kidnapping? It was all a lie!” “She’s the best at lying, after all.” Hearing Alexander’s confident accusations, my heart felt like it was being cut by a knife. He hated me. He always thought it was because of me that he couldn’t be with his childhood sweetheart Olivia. Three years ago, Alexander had sex with me while drunk, mistaking me for Olivia, and then we got married. From that day on, Alexander never trusted me again. And I was only kept by his side as a substitute for Olivia. “Remember what I told you before?” Alexander approached me with a look of disgust, “Now that Olivia is back, you can leave.” My chest tightened, but I still pleaded, “Give me seven days, please?” Seven days later, if Alexander still didn’t realize I was dead, I would automatically disappear. But if he could find my body, I might have a slim chance of coming back to life. “Fine, it works out perfectly. In seven days, I’m moving abroad with Olivia anyway.” “If you don’t want to leave during these days, you can stay and cook for us!” With that, he went upstairs hand in hand with Olivia. Turning back, he said, “After you’ve been out messing around, clean yourself up.” “You’re filthy!”

I came out after taking a shower and saw Olivia cuddling in Alexander’s arms watching TV. The two of them looked more like a married couple than Alexander and I ever did. “Finished showering?” Alexander pointed to the kitchen nearby, “Go make dinner for my Olivia!” “Olivia doesn’t like spicy food, she prefers sweets. Keep that in mind.” I didn’t move, my fingers clutching tightly at the hem of my shirt. “What are you doing? Go now!” Alexander suddenly got angry, his enraged expression not seeming like an act. Olivia tugged at Alexander’s arm and said softly, “It’s okay if she doesn’t want to cook. I’m hungry too.” Hearing this, Alexander looked even more contemptuous, “Doesn’t want to? I told her long ago she could leave if she wanted. Since she’s still here, she might as well make herself useful!” Hearing Alexander threatening to kick me out, I immediately turned to go to the kitchen to cook for them. Behind me, I heard Alexander joking with Olivia, “What a desperate woman! She can’t live without a man!” “See, I told you she’d do anything for me.” With my back to them, I cooked while crying silently. The pain in my heart made my shoulders tremble slightly. “If you feel wronged, we can always eat out!” Alexander stood behind me, frowning as he smelled the odor coming from my body. “Why do you still smell so bad even after showering?” I paused briefly while chopping vegetables. The truth was, my body was slowly decaying. I had already died yesterday. Although I could appear “alive” in front of Alexander like this, My body would gradually decompose over time. I only had seven days left. Seven days later, if I couldn’t find the murderers, I would vanish into thin air and truly die. “It’ll be ready soon.” I forced a smile, trying not to let Alexander notice anything amiss. “You chose to stay here yourself.” Alexander reminded me again, “Now that Olivia is back, you should know your place as a substitute.” I knew he was trying to force me to leave. “Alexander, we’re not divorced yet.” I looked past his shoulder at Olivia on the couch, trying to remind him not to go too far. But he raised his hand and slapped me across the face, “You slut! Who are you to meddle in my affairs!” “Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because Grandma likes you!” I took a deep breath and looked up at him. His eyes held nothing but disgust for me. “But Grandma will find out if you brazenly bring her back to the mansion like this.” Alexander’s pupils constricted rapidly, and his hand on my shoulder gradually tightened. He whispered in my ear, “That’s why if Grandma finds out, you’re finished.” Alexander reached out and gently stroked my hair, “Is this what you’ve been dreaming of me doing?” Before I could nod, he suddenly yanked my hair hard. “Ah!” I gasped in pain. “But too bad… you don’t deserve it!” “Why didn’t those kidnappers just kill you yesterday!”

His vicious curse made me catch my breath, my lips trembling as I spoke shakily. “I won’t tell Grandma.” Alexander forced me to admit it, then let go of me with satisfaction. “That’s a good girl!” With that, he stepped back and left with Olivia to eat out. I looked at the table full of food I had prepared, feeling like a clown. Alexander never intended to eat the meal I cooked. It was just to mock me. He once told me, “A substitute is just a substitute. Sophia, you’ll never be worth even Olivia’s little finger.” In the end, I threw all the food I had made into the garbage. Since I was already dead, I couldn’t eat anything anyway. Even drinking water made me vomit. Gradually, I felt my whole body growing weaker. In the evening, I received a call from Alexander’s grandmother. On the phone, Grandma Rose sounded reproachful. “My dear, I haven’t seen you in so long. Why haven’t you come to visit me?” Last night, when those beasts were taking turns assaulting me, I didn’t shed a single tear. When I saw my own dismembered body dumped in the wilderness, I wasn’t afraid. But now, Grandma Rose’s words of concern brought tears streaming down my face. “Grandma…” I choked up, “I might not be able to come back for a while. My school has an assignment abroad, so I’ve been busy lately. When I have time, I’ll definitely… come see you!” Perhaps my tone sounded too pitiful, because Grandma Rose sensed something was wrong. “Is Alexander bullying you?” Remembering Alexander’s menacing look when he warned me this morning, I quickly denied it. “No, no, I’ve just been too busy lately.” I chatted briefly with Grandma Rose before hanging up. Late that night, Alexander hurried back home. He took Olivia and went straight to the bedroom. As I passed by their door, I heard passionate sounds coming from inside. I couldn’t help but pause. Through the half-open door, I saw two entwined bodies. Olivia was straddling Alexander, her head turned to look at me with blatant triumph in her eyes. I quietly closed the door for them. In the dead of night, violent knocking on my door startled me awake. As soon as I opened the door, I smelled alcohol. Alexander’s eyes were bloodshot. “You…” He pushed me roughly onto the bed. “You still went and tattled, didn’t you?” I shook my head, but it was too late. Alexander flipped me over. “Turn your head away, I don’t want to see your face!” I buried my face in the pillow. The pain of Alexander’s forceful entry made me dizzy several times. “Isn’t this what you wanted me to do to you?” Alexander’s tone held no warmth, only cruelty. “But you don’t deserve it!” He tormented me all night before finally seeming satisfied. He looked at me and said, “After all these years, you’re still like a dead fish. How could anyone be interested!” “Compared to Olivia, you’re not even close!” I lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as the room spun around me. Blood rushed to my head and tears that I could no longer hold back spilled from my eyes. But when Alexander saw me, he only thought I was pretending. Only six days left now. I had hoped to use these six days to say a final, dignified goodbye to Alexander. But now, it seemed there was no need for that anymore. “Alexander… let’s get divorced!”

“Gladly!” Alexander’s tone was full of excitement. “I couldn’t ask for anything better!” “How else could I marry Olivia if I don’t divorce you?” Mustering the last of my strength, I propped myself up on my elbow to sit up. Looking at Alexander, I asked a question I had always wanted to ask, “Alexander, did you ever love me?” Alexander jumped off the bed, about to leave. Hearing my question, he laughed. I laughed too. Because we both knew the answer to that question. “I hate you.” “If it weren’t for you, Olivia and I might have been together long ago. We would have studied art together, fulfilled her childhood dreams. It’s all because of you!” After Alexander left, I slowly closed my eyes. Everything he had just said – those were my wishes, the future I had once shared with Alexander. But he had forgotten it all. I was an orphan, raised in an orphanage from a young age. When I was nine, Grandma Rose took me in as her adopted granddaughter. “I felt a connection with this girl at first sight. I brought her home to grow up with Alexander so they’d have each other for company.” And so I came to live with the Jiang family. But to my surprise, when Grandma Rose introduced me to Alexander, all that awaited me was coldness. Before I was adopted by the Jiang family, I was never popular at the orphanage. Back then, I was small and skinny, completely unremarkable. Every summer, Grandma Rose would bring Alexander to spend the holidays at the orphanage. At that time, I was so afraid of crowds that I always hid in the attic of the orphanage. But each time, I would secretly peek at Alexander playing with the other girls. Among these girls, the most popular was Olivia. Becoming like Olivia was my dream throughout my entire childhood. Like me, Olivia was also an orphan. Unlike us, she always received preferential treatment. Because she was pretty and had blossomed into a lovely young lady at an early age. Every time Alexander came to visit, the orphanage director would dress Olivia in beautiful dresses. The director and teachers’ intentions were obvious – they wanted her to be adopted by the Jiang family. I secretly liked Alexander, but no one knew. I would trace his features over and over on paper. Many times, I wanted to go downstairs to play with him. But I was just too unremarkable. So much so that I never spoke to Alexander during my time at the orphanage. Everyone at the orphanage crowded around Alexander and Olivia. Everyone thought Grandma Rose would take Olivia home. But an accident happened… The summer I was eight years old, Alexander accidentally fell into the pond and nearly drowned. As usual, I was reading on the second floor of the orphanage when I heard cries for help. I looked out the window. Alexander’s body was bobbing up and down in the water, while Olivia was too scared to speak. I dropped my book and ran over, picking up a stick on the ground to reach out to Alexander. After Alexander got to shore, he fainted and lay there like he was dead. I was so scared I stood frozen, unable to speak. The children who came running when they heard the cries pointed at me and shouted, “Sophia! You pushed Alexander into the pond!” In the crowd, I saw Olivia. She stared with wide eyes but said nothing. “Sophia! Did you push Alexander in?” The orphanage teacher roughly shoved me to the side. “I… didn’t.” Usually too timid to speak up, I couldn’t help but defend myself in that moment. But Olivia stepped forward and pointed at me, “It was Sophia, I saw her!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296279”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #狼人Werewolf #现实主义Realistic