Category: English

Both I and the impoverished student I had sponsored were reborn, yet she had the audacity to come to me for money, dragging her childhood sweetheart along. In my past life, I had dedicated all my assets to catapulting her to the zenith of the business realm. But she, in her conceit, mistook it for her innate good fortune to be wealthy. She even haughtily commanded me to pay off his money in return for her to be my girlfriend. In an instant, I froze her bank card and handed her a bottle of sleeping pills, leaving her to carry on daydreaming of being the richest businesswoman. At noon break, Raina Simmons showed up, her arm entwined with that of her childhood sweetheart, striding towards me to demand money. She slammed the slip of paper with the account number written on it onto my desk and declared, “Starting today, wire 50 thousand dollars to Marlowe Bradley’s account as his monthly allowance.” In the classroom, all the students turned their heads and shot peculiar glances our way. It seemed that no one had witnessed such an audacious impoverished student before. Here she was, asking for money without even bothering to conjure up a plausible pretext. I gave a scornful laugh and inquired, “Why?” She spun her head in my direction, her countenance filled with astonishment bordering on disbelief, and uttered with contempt, “Just 50 grand. Do I need a reason for that? It’s not even enough to buy me one bag.” Almost instinctively, she reached up and patted the empty spot on her shoulder, as if a designer backpack ought to be dangling there. However, it was plain to see that her outfit was street-market wares. That faded denim jacket of hers was so worn out that the edges were practically fraying. In the past life, she had long grown accustomed to being a domineering female president. So much so that she had completely forgotten her humble origins as a poverty student, who used to scrimp and save even when dishing up food in the cafeteria. Back then, I poured in investments and lent unwavering support, painstakingly propelling her all the way to the top of the business realm. Yet, instead of showing gratitude, she took all that success for granted, as if it were an innate privilege. She even started bossing me around. Without me by her side, what would she amount to? Where would she be? I responded with a counter-question, “Fifty grand for a bag? Raina, are you out of your mind? If I hadn’t been bankrolling you, you couldn’t even afford a burger.” I crushed the paper into a little ball and chucked it into the bin. Right after that, I went on, “Besides, why the hell should I give him money for living? I’m not his father.” Her complexion went ashen with anger, her rage simmering just beneath the surface and on the brink of erupting. Right at that instant, Marlowe darted in front of her, assuming a protective stance, and exclaimed, “Forrest Gibson, how can you say things like that? It’s just petty cash for you, but it’s what we spend in a whole month. You’re loaded. Isn’t it the least you could do to help us out? Why do you humiliate people like this?” With that, he feigned a pitiful look and sobbed as he said, “Raina, even if I wind up homeless on the street, I won’t let you throw away your dignity for my sake.” Seeing that he was on the brink of tears after being picked on by me, Raina’s heart clenched with pain. Without hesitation, she enfolded him in her arms and delicately patted his back as she murmured soothing words. In the last life, Marlowe donated a kidney for Raina, and she was so certain that it was an act of true love. Consequently, she saw me as nothing but an obstacle, a stumbling block in their relationship. But the truth was, that very kidney was actually procured by me at an exorbitant cost. Marlowe tried to rip me off by upping the price. It was precisely this underhanded maneuver that paved the way for their reunion. And later on, when Raina went as far as embezzling public funds to lavish him with luxurious mansions, swanky sports cars, and to settle his father’s gambling debts, I bit my tongue and bore it all. Now that she had come back to life through rebirth and wished to reignite the flame with him, I wouldn’t interfere. However, it really took her some nerve to even think about using my money to reciprocate Marlowe for donating a kidney. Why should I allow that? Did she seriously regard me as some kind of fool? With a disdainful snort, I fished out my phone, fully intending to revoke her funding. However, before I could even make a move, she beat me to the punch and blurted out, “Forrest, I don’t need your charity. I can manage just fine on my own.” What was with this superior air she was putting on? Like she thought granting me the honor of helping her was some huge favor, and she even anticipated me being deeply touched with gratitude? Looking back at my past life, I couldn’t believe I was actually attracted to a woman like her, someone with a princess syndrome but without an ounce of a princess’ real charm. I must’ve been completely off my rocker. I brought up the transfer records of the past two years and hissed through clenched teeth, “Raina, if you still have a bit of conscience, pay me back the money you blew. I’ll cut you some slack. Let’s just call it half a million dollars and leave it at that.” “Just half a million dollars. Wait and see. In fifteen years, I’ll let you know what real strength is.” She said with a scornful expression, “Forrest, let me give you a friendly heads-up. This is your last shot. Miss it, and don’t blame me for being cruel.” I had been wracking my brain, yet still couldn’t fathom where on earth she got such audacious confidence. Seriously, did she honestly believe that she alone could scale to the pinnacle of the wealth rankings within a mere fifteen years and effortlessly smash my family’s business foundation to smithereens? It was downright ridiculous. She fancied herself as some self-made business magnate? Without my family smoothing the path and forging connections for her, a nobody like her wouldn’t even find a way. Even if one provided resources and connections to a cat, it could make a name for itself. It was one thing that she was ungrateful, but it was too much to expect me to fawn over her like those sycophants. Gazing at her smug look of saying, “If you don’t curry my favor now, you’ll be in for a world of trouble down the road”, a wave of nausea washed over me. Without a moment’s delay, I instructed the bank to freeze her account and fetched a pen and paper to jot down a debt note. She was so enraged that her face went pale. After stamping her fingerprint, she didn’t hold back and shouted out, “Mark my words.” After that, she linked arms with Marlowe and strode off, looking all high and mighty. I was seething with regret, kicking myself for having nurtured such an ungrateful brat in my past life. And on top of it all, I was fretting that she might renege on her promise and come hounding me again.

After school, I called my driver to come and pick me up. Just as I was on the verge of getting into the car, someone shoved me violently from behind. Had it not been for a kind passerby who reacted swiftly and caught me in time, I would surely have ended up eating dirt. With great difficulty, I reined in my fury and looked back, only to find that it was Raina. She was stuffing Marlowe, with his eyes all red and swollen, into the car. Right after that, she climbed in herself as well. And before slamming the car door shut, she still managed to throw out a taunting remark, saying, “Marlowe’s father got beaten up by the debt collectors and was sent to the hospital. It’s really bad, and his life is in danger. You’ll have to find your own way back.” Then she turned to the driver and ordered, “Go now. To the hospital.” Alfred glared at her as if she were some kind of lunatics. Without uttering a single word, he immediately reached for his phone, ready to call the police. Flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, she lashed out and gave the front seat a violent kick before snarling, “Hurry up and drive. If this holds up the treatment and something goes wrong, do you think you can take the blame?” Alfred remained calm and composed. Without any haste, he took out his phone and started filming to collect evidence. After that, he promptly switched off the engine and locked the car doors, confining the two of them within the car. Then he called the police, saying, “Two crazy guys just barged into my private car and wrecked the seats. They gave us a real fright. I’ve got them pinned down here. Officer, please come quick and sort this out.” I couldn’t hold back my laughter and just let it out. Standing there with calm, I watched as she put on a show, playing the role of the overbearing president. However, without my support propping her up, she was merely a clown, making a fool of herself. Marlowe was crying his eyes out in the car, his sobs urgent and desperate, and it tore at Raina’s heartstrings, making her ache with distress. She took a deep breath, pivoted towards me, looking every inch the tragic love-struck heroine, and said, “Forrest, I can go on taking the cash from you. But don’t expect me to have any feelings for you.” “No. I can’t sit back and watch Raina take all this crap and sell herself short.” Marlowe jabbed his finger in my direction and said with a torrent of invectives, “Forrest, you actually threatened her with money? That’s so low. I’m not gonna let you humiliate her like this. No freaking way.” Raina interrupted, “Stop it, Marlowe. As long as I can be of help to you, I’ll take whatever comes my way.” What? Why was it that no one seemed to care about my feelings? All I did was undertake my social responsibility by lending a hand to those impoverished students. What exactly did I do wrong? Moreover, it would still be three years from now that I would develop feelings for Raina. So, why were these two people staging such a melodramatic and heartrending performance, as if they were currently experiencing a tragic parting of life and death? Just then, the police officers arrived. Without hesitation, they asked the two of them to step out of the vehicle. Raina, her face flushed with embarrassment, fixed her glare upon me and launched into a stinging interrogation. She asked, “Forrest, what the heck are you up to? Pulling these tricks to get my attention. You’re really being ridiculous.” I subtly gestured towards the police, mimicking the sign for “mentally unstable”, and whispered, “They don’t seem quite right in the head. It’s better to send them to a specialist clinic for a check-up.” After that, I beamed at Raina and said with a warm smile spreading across my face, “Nothing special. I just got the cops to give you a ride to the hospital.” The police officer scrutinized them with a skeptical eye. Observing that, despite their simple and unadorned clothing, they carried themselves with an air of haughty arrogance, he couldn’t help but feel that something was indeed amiss and inquired, “You’re going to the hospital?” “Yes.” “Then get in the car. I’ll take you there.” As to which hospital they were dispatched to, I was completely in the dark. In the dead of night, I was roused from sleep only to be greeted by the sight of 56 missed calls and a deluge of over 99 unread messages from Raina, seemingly intent on blowing up my phone. Right then, it dawned on me that wherever they had ended up, it sure as hell wasn’t ordinary hospitals. Twenty minutes back, she fired off one final threatening text. Raina: [Pick up the call in three minutes. Or bear the consequences yourself.] It seemed that her “princess syndrome” had flared up again. With a yawn, I powered off my phone without a second thought and drifted off to sleep.

The following morning, while I was walking past the cafeteria, my eyes happened to land on Raina and Marlowe, who were seated there, tucking into their breakfasts. Word had it that they had been confined to the psychiatric ward throughout the night and it was only after the school administration intervened that they were fetched and released. Owen Miller inched closer to me with an air of mystery, then leaned in and murmured softly into my ear, “These two look all right. How come they went nuts just like that? Last night, Raina blasted a group text to our whole class, bragging that she would be the richest person throughout the country. She was begging for a grand to tide her over, swearing she would pay back a hundred times over. It was crazier than that scammer who pretended to be a celebrity locked up and hitting folks up for cash.” Those words hit me like a bolt from the blue, catching me off guard and sending me into a coughing fit as I spewed out the water I had just sipped. Evidently, the number of victims was far greater than I had ever imagined. Last night, not a single department head in the company escaped a call from Raina. She was on the line, spieling about some big business opportunity, vowing that if they would just spring her from the psychiatric ward, she would make them all rich beyond their wildest dreams. My father was so spooked that he hauled the top into an emergency meeting under the cover of night. He couldn’t help but wonder whether it was a rival fishing for company secrets. Otherwise, how on earth could a mental patient have gotten hold of so many internal phone numbers? In fact, it was not entirely fair to pin all the blame on Raina. Having grown up without a single soul to lean on, save for Marlowe, her childhood companion, she was truly alone in this world. Marlowe’s family was in an even more deplorable state, with a father who frittered away his days at the gambling table. Penniless and desperate, they inevitably turned their attention to me, seeing it as their only way out. I had firmly resolved within myself to keep a wide distance from them for as long as I lived. I was on the verge of making my exit when Owen suddenly seized my arm, urging me to stick around and witness the spectacle that was set to play out. Raina’s mental condition relapsed. There she was, cradling a glass of lemonade in her hands, theatrically swirling it around and taking delicate sips, as if what she held was a vintage and costly red wine. Her eyes flicked over to the plate of pasta on the table, and with a disdainful look across her face, she spoke up, “Are you kidding me? This is crappy. Even the stray cats on the street wouldn’t bother eating it.” “Raina, this cheap crap isn’t fit for you. But you’ve been starving all day. You gotta eat something.” “I’d starve to death before eating this kind of junk.” The owner of the cafeteria had always been hot-tempered. With a resounding smack on the chopping board, he bellowed in rage, “You guys used coupons to grab the cheapest pasta and had the nerve to ask me for more tomatoes. Now you’re being all picky. Eat it if you want, or just scram.” Raina snapped with a thundering voice, “Who the hell do you think you are? Talking to me like that. You better watch your back. One call from me and your lousy stall won’t last another day.” Marlowe hastened to intervene and chimed in, “Stop it, Raina. It’s just a small business for them. They’re having a tough time.” Owen, who had been observing the whole affair like a spectator, finally couldn’t contain his amusement and burst out laughing. That sudden chortle instantly caught Raina’s ear. As her eyes darted in our direction, I felt every single hair on my body stand bolt upright, as if an icy wind had just blown through.

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Tommy, my stepson, was being held hostage by drug dealers. They demanded to negotiate only with my wife. Meanwhile, she was at an amusement park with Daniel, her crush who had just returned from abroad, and his daughter. She accused me of putting on an act. “Chuck, I finally got a day off after cracking a big case. I’m at the amusement park with Daniel and Lila. Can you stop this act? Using our son to threaten me? Are you even a man?”Kara hung up before I could explain. When I called again, her phone was switched off. That day, my stepson was held by a drug dealer who jumped off a building with him. Tommy died on the spot. … “Chuck, the situation is critical. Contact Captain Thompson immediately! The drug dealer is unstable and could harm the hostage at any moment!” Officer Mike shouted desperately from the doorway, his gun aimed at the drug dealer. “Ask the captain where she is. If she doesn’t come to negotiate soon, it’ll be too late!” Panicking, I quickly dialed my wifeKara’s number. Fortunately, she picked up this time. “Chuck, aren’t you tired of this? I finally get a day off, and you won’t stop bothering me?” I hurriedly explained, “Tommy’s been taken hostage. They say they’ll only negotiate with you…” Before I could finish, the line went dead. I tried calling again, but her phone was off. My eyes turned bloodshot as I frantically dialed her number over and over. Off. Still off. Tommy is my wife’s biological son and my stepson. In the years since our marriage, I’ve always treated Tommy as my own. I couldn’t bear to see his life threatened. I clenched my fists so hard that my nails dug into my palms, drawing blood. The pain forced me to stay calm. My wife had mentioned that Daniel, her crush, lived in M District, and there was an amusement park nearby. When I arrived, I found my wife and Daniel playing with his daughter. They sat side by side, with Daniel’s daughter on their laps, looking like a happy family of three. The situation was dire, so I had no time to dwell on it. I rushed over in a few quick strides. Emma’s face darkened when she saw me approach. “Chuck, are you stalking me?” “Don’t you know what I do for a living?” She scolded me harshly, her eyes full of disgust. It was as if I shouldn’t have appeared here, interrupting their family time. “Our son is being held hostage by drug dealers. Come with me quickly. The dealers specifically asked to negotiate with you. Otherwise, our son will die!” She blocked my hand and looked at me with contempt and impatience. “I dropped our son off at kindergarten half an hour ago. If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.” Emma didn’t believe me at all and thought I was making a fool of myself. Daniel smiled and stood betweenKara and me, chuckling lightly: “Emma, it’s okay. It’s normal that Chuck doesn’t want you to accompany my daughter. After all, we’re just outsiders.” “You should go back. I’ll comfort Lila later.” Emma frowned, glaring at me coldly. “There’s no need. I’m here for Lila. Even if she’s not my daughter, what’s wrong with using my day off to provide psychological counseling for a child I saved?” She glanced at me and continued: “Chuck, you’re beyond help. How dare you use our son’s life as a prop for your act. Get out of here right now!” I didn’t care how my wife saw me. I just wanted to save our son. “Every word I’ve said is true. Our son was taken hostage right after you left. He’s on the rooftop now, in a standoff with your colleagues! If you don’t believe me, call Officer Mike and you’ll know!” Thinking of our son crying out, my heart felt like it was being cut by a knife. I just wanted to dragKara to the scene. Daniel frowned and pretended to persuade me: “Chuck, I’ve been there. It’s normal for couples to have conflicts, but it’s going too far to joke about a child’s life. Even if Tommy isn’t your biological son, there’s no need for this, right?” “Listen to me, talk it out withKara properly. Any conflict can be resolved through communication, rightKara?” As he spoke, he took my wife’s hand and patted it gently. Seeing this, I almost exploded with anger and finally couldn’t hold back: “Let go of her, you bastard! Say that again if you dare!” Daniel retreated a step, hiding behind my wife. “I’m just telling the truth. There’s no need to react like this, is there? Look, being selfish is one thing, but there should be limits. What if something really happens to Tommy?” Emma’s face darkened, and she slapped me hard. “What are you trying to do? Are you jealous of Daniel and have to drag our child into this? Is there no end to this? Have you lost all sense of decency?” My voice was hoarse as I clenched my fists without retaliating. “Emma Thompson, think carefully. Tommy is your flesh and blood. He’s in the hands of drug dealers right now, his life hanging by a thread. Only you can save him!” “Are you really going to ignore your own son’s life just to play with someone else’s daughter at an amusement park?” Emma’s face turned cold. She was about to say something when Daniel suddenly spoke up: “Emma, it’s our turn for the next activity. Didn’t you say you wanted to do the parent-child game with Lila? Leave the observation to me. I’m her father, so I’m more attentive to these things.” My wife’s fleeting doubt instantly vanished. She said decisively: “No need to pay attention to him. Let’s go find Lila. I’ll observe the child’s psychological state myself.” I grew desperate and grabbed my wife’s arm, begging, “Emma, I’m begging you. Our son’s life is really in danger. He’s the child you carried for ten months. You can’t just watch him die…” Daniel pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes mocking as he said: “Looks like Chuck is determined to see this act through. We don’t need to expose him.Kara, you should go back with him. I’ll be fine here.” I was so angry I nearly ground my teeth to dust. Thinking of our son’s life hanging by a thread, I made up my mind and fell to my knees with a thud. “Emma Thompson! Come with me! I’m begging you! If you don’t go, our son will die. He’ll really die!” Emma was stunned, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face. Seeing this, Daniel became truly anxious. “A man’s knees are worth their weight in gold. I can’t believe I called you ‘Chuck’. How embarrassing!” “It’s one thing to lose face for the sake of an act, but kneeling in public? Who are you trying to pressure? Don’t you care aboutKara’s reputation? Even I, an outsider, can’t stand to watch this!” He pointed at me self-righteously and continued to rebuke me, “We’re both men. I understand you might not care for your stepson, but that’s no reason to use a child’s life as an excuse to deceive people!” Daniel spoke with such conviction that people around us started to look over. Seeing the gazes of onlookers, my wife’s eyes filled with disappointment and disgust. “Chuck Wilson, get out of here. I don’t want to see you again. This is an amusement park. Don’t scare the children.” With that,Kara took Daniel’s hand in one hand and his daughter’s in the other, turning to walk deeper into the amusement park. My heart sank, and I felt my vision darken. Before I could catch my breath, Officer Mike called. “Chuck, where’s Captain Thompson? The drug dealer is losing patience. Where are you guys?!” My hands and feet turned ice-cold. I scrambled to my feet and drove straight to the scene. Just as I arrived at the building, I heard a gunshot. The drug dealer fell from the building, holding my son. I rushed over like a madman, kneeling in the pool of blood and holding my son. “Tommy, you’ll be okay. Daddy’s here, daddy’s here.” Tommy raised his small hand, his face pale, breaking my heart. “Daddy, don’t blame mommy. Mommy is a great hero. She must be catching other bad guys. Tommy won’t cry. Tommy is the bravest.” I watched his little hand fall lifelessly and held my son tightly, opening my mouth in a silent roar, unable to make a sound. Blood stained my chest red. I was like a walking corpse, my body convulsing from the immense pain. I was taken to the hospital by other police officers, then went to the funeral home in a daze with the death certificate. When I came out of the funeral home holding my son’s urn, the once lively and talkative Tommy was now contained in this small box. I didn’t know how to explain to Tommy why his mother hadn’t come. I couldn’t forgiveKara, nor could I forgive myself. I took the urn home and sat on the sofa all night. For the entire night,Kara didn’t come back. I silently got up and changed into a black suit. Tommy died at the age of five. According to our hometown customs, he should be buried in the southeast direction. I needed to find a burial plot. Just as I went downstairs, I saw Daniel’s car parked at the entrance. Emma got out of the car. Seeing me standing there, she walked towards me with a cold face. “Chuck, you…” She was about to scold me when she saw the urn in my hands. “What is that?” I looked at my wife’s face, my vision blurring. I seemed to see the person she once was. We were middle school classmates, then happened to be in the same class in high school. You could say we went from school uniforms to wedding dresses. Back then, my family had an accident. My parents died in a car crash. I couldn’t accept it and became withdrawn.Kara was always there to help me. I felt the world had no meaning, and she told me to make her my reason for living. I took it seriously, and she told me she would definitely try to be my reason for living. Even when we met again after college graduation and she had a child, I still chose to stay with her without hesitation and married her. I thought our family of three would live happily ever after, but everything changed when her crush Daniel returned from abroad. She often didn’t come home at night, saying she was too busy with work. But I knew it was because Daniel was in a bad mood and drinking, so she kept him company. She couldn’t make it to our wedding anniversary because Daniel wanted to watch the sunrise on a mountain. I didn’t confront her, but she became even more blatant. Because ofKara’s indulgence, Daniel even dared to call my wife in front of me, asking her to leave. No matter what she was doing, she would drop everything and rush over. I still didn’t say anything, just became more and more disappointed in her. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to speak up, but because of our son Tommy, I kept enduring. Even though Tommy wasn’t my biological son, I always treated him as my own. I thought that as long as Tommy was here,Kara would eventually come to her senses. I even thoughtKara’s existence was to lead me into this family, to make Tommy and me father and son without blood ties. After marriage,Kara was no longer my only reason for living. Tommy was too. As long as Tommy was here, we had a home. Now, Tommy, who wasn’t my biological son but was as good as one, had died. She had destroyed my other reason for living with her own hands. I came back to my senses and looked at her face, feeling waves of hatred surging in my heart. I raised the urn and sneered: “Emma Thompson, how can such a capable police captain not recognize this? How can you not guess?” She was stunned for a moment, then stared intently at the urn in my hands. Her gaze then fell on my face, as if observing those criminals, trying to see any flaws or traces of lying on me. Unfortunately, I disappointed her. The expression on my face was as still as the air around us, like a dead pond without a single ripple. After a while, she couldn’t help but ask, her expression angry: “Chuck Wilson, even if I didn’t come home last night, you shouldn’t use our son’s life to make a point. You’re getting more and more disgusting. How dare you bring out an urn to curse our son!” Emma pushed me aside and hurried towards our son’s room. “Tommy, Tommy…” Her calls were met with dead silence. Of course, Tommy wouldn’t run out laughing and hug her, calling her mom anymore. Our son had become this small box in my hands. WhenKara didn’t hear Tommy respond, she simply pushed the door open and rushed in to search. But what could she find? A moment later, she finally panicked, grabbing my arm and shaking it, demanding: “Chuck Wilson, where’s our son? Tell me, did you send him to play in the park?” I didn’t want to answer her self-deceptive questions. Thinking that our son was indirectly killed by her, the anger in my heart couldn’t be suppressed. I directly raised the urn and shouted: “Our son?Kara Thompson, are you blind or is your heart blind? Our son is right here, open your eyes and look carefully! Can’t you really see?”

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I was the fake heiress, blessed with stunning beauty, pursued by countless wealthy heirs. She was the true heiress, cursed with an unattractive face, treated like a plague by the man she loved. When she was reborn, she finally got her wish—stealing my identity and flaunting her newfound beauty arrogantly. But little did she know, a life built on beauty alone is a life in hell. “According to the will of Mr. and Mrs. Grant, all of their assets are to be inherited solely by Chloe Grant,” the lawyer announced, his words sending shockwaves through the room. “What?! They left everything to the adopted daughter? The Grants must have been out of their minds!” I listened to their gossip with a cold expression. I am Chloe, the adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Grant. The contents of the will didn’t surprise me—I’d already known about it the night before their tragic accident. I glanced at my “sister,” the biological daughter of the Grants, standing beside the pastor and sobbing uncontrollably. Her red, swollen eyes were fixed on me, blazing with hatred. I knew that at this moment, her resentment toward me had reached its peak. After the funeral, she asked me to meet in a quiet place to talk. I didn’t refuse. “Chloe, now that Mom and Dad are gone, it’s just the two of us. We need to stick together,” said Eliza Grant, her voice trembling. She stood there with her hands behind her back, her bloodshot eyes devoid of warmth. Though she was the same age as me, she looked far older—her skin coarse, her hair streaked with gray. She forced an awkward smile and stretched out her arms. “Come here, Chloe. Give me a hug, won’t you?” We were never close, but seeing her like this, I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of pity. Just as I began to lift my arms to embrace her, a sharp blade pressed against my neck. “You bitch! Do you think I’d ever want to play the role of a loving sister? The only reason I humored you was to get close enough to kill you!” she snarled, her eyes wild. She pressed the cold blade against my skin, her twisted smile growing wider. “You’ve gotten so much in this life just because of that face of yours. Let’s see how far you get without it.” The knife slashed across my cheek and cheekbone, leaving deep, bloody gashes. I staggered back, clutching my face, staring at her in horror. She reveled in my pain, gripping the bloodstained knife as she slowly approached me. “Everyone always called you a goddess, didn’t they? Well, let’s see how you like going to hell with that hideous face of yours!” She shoved me against the wall, pinning me in place as the blade plunged into my abdomen. I felt the hot rush of blood pouring from my ruptured artery, spraying uncontrollably like a broken faucet. My body grew colder by the second, and a heavy drowsiness pressed down on my eyelids. In my final moments of consciousness, I saw her face—a mask of madness and triumph.

When I opened my eyes again, I was in an unfamiliar room. “Eliza, did you have a nightmare?” The voice came from a woman sitting beside me—her face familiar. It was the face of my birth mother, the one I’d barely had time to reunite with in my past life before Eliza drove her out of Cedar City, leaving her to disappear without a trace. I rubbed my eyes and glanced at the reflection in her pupils. What I saw wasn’t me. It was Eliza Grant. I had been reborn, but this time, I was in Eliza’s body—the true daughter of the Grants. As memories of my past life flooded back, my chest tightened. I thought of the way the Grant family had “cared” for me, and I thought of the love my birth mother, Sarah Monroe, had for her daughter despite everything. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I threw myself into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “Mom!” “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Is school stressing you out?” she asked, her voice full of concern. “No, Mom, I’m fine. I’m just tired… Can you make me some of your wontons?” Sarah was startled by my sudden request but nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Of course, honey. If that’s what you want, I’ll make you all the wontons you can eat.” She stroked my head gently before heading to the kitchen. I followed her, watching as she rolled out dough and prepared the filling. She glanced back at me, puzzled. “Eliza, is there something you need to tell me? Is something going on at school?” “Nothing’s wrong, Mom. Everything’s fine. I just wanted to watch you make wontons,” I replied with a smile. Her hands paused, and she turned away to wipe her eyes. When she turned back, her smile was full of love. In my previous life, Eliza had spent her early years desperately trying to prove herself, fueled by a desire to rise above the people who mocked her appearance. She studied relentlessly, not for the love of learning, but for the power to crush anyone who looked down on her. But after being welcomed back into the Grant family as their biological daughter, she began to despise Sarah, her birth mother, for being poor and uneducated. She never visited her, not even once. Worse, she paid people to vandalize Sarah’s fruit stand, forcing her to leave the city she’d called home her entire life. Eliza never realized that the unconditional love she rejected was the very thing I had always longed for. As I wiped away my tears and savored the wontons Sarah had made for me, a plan began to form in my mind. This time, no one would control my fate.

The next day, I arrived at school to find a crowd gathered outside the classroom. Sitting at my desk, one leg crossed over the other, was Chloe. “Eliza Monroe, get over here,” she called out. The moment she spoke, the onlookers scattered like frightened sheep, clearing a path for me. Chloe’s eyes swept over me with disdain before she pinched her nose dramatically. “Ugh, you reek of poverty. And that face—absolutely revolting.” “Maybe you should watch your mouth,” I said calmly. In my past life, I knew she was obsessed with appearances, especially when it came to comparing herself to me. But I hadn’t expected her jealousy to twist her into this hateful version of herself. “You think you’re worthy of speaking to me, Eliza?” she sneered before slapping me hard across the face. The sting caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily stunned. But when she raised her hand to hit me again, I caught her wrist mid-swing. Without hesitation, I flipped her over my shoulder, slamming her onto the floor. A collective gasp erupted from the crowd. “She really just fought back against Chloe?” someone whispered in disbelief. “She’s done for… totally done for…” “Shh! Keep your voice down, or she’ll hear you!” Though the whispers were hushed, Chloe and I could hear them clearly. Her face flushed with embarrassment. “Chloe, have you had enough?” I asked coolly. The bell had already rung, but no one dared enter the classroom. Teachers and students from other classes had gathered to watch the drama unfold. It was humiliating. “You’re going to regret this, Eliza!” Chloe spat, yanking her hand free and storming off toward the office. I didn’t care. Nothing was more important than focusing on my studies. But I underestimated just how far her hatred for me would go. Fifteen minutes into the next class, our homeroom teacher appeared at the door, his face dark with frustration. “Come with me to the principal’s office,” he said sharply. “What on earth were you thinking, picking a fight with her?” His scolding continued as we walked down the hallway. “Do you have any idea how much her dad donates to this school? Even the principal has to tiptoe around her. If it were anyone else, I’d try to smooth things over, but this time… you’ve gone too far. When we get there, you’d better apologize, do you hear me?” He gave me a pitying look. “With grades like yours, you have such a bright future. Don’t throw it all away over something so stupid.” When we entered the office, the principal and the head of the grade were already there. “Principal, Mr. Thompson, Eliza understands what she did wrong,” my teacher said with an apologetic smile. “Eliza, apologize to Chloe right now.” “I didn’t do anything wrong,” I said firmly, lifting my head to meet everyone’s gaze. “I didn’t start this. She hit me first. Why should I apologize?” “Eliza !” my teacher snapped, his anger evident. The principal and the head whispered to each other for a moment before the head finally spoke up, smiling as if trying to smooth things over. “Kids will be kids. If you don’t want to apologize, fine—we’ll just call your parents instead.” At the mention of involving parents, Chloe’s face darkened. “Principal, my parents are really busy. Let’s not bother them over something so trivial,” Chloe said quickly, flashing her signature “gracious” smile. “But… since she refuses to admit her fault, how about this: take away her scholarship and make her run laps around the track as punishment. Let’s just leave it at that.” The head nodded. “That sounds fair. Eliza, you’re lucky Chloe is so understanding. Now go run those laps, and don’t even think about slacking—we’ll be watching from the windows.” The sun was brutal that afternoon. I ran for an entire class period, my legs trembling by the time I finally collapsed onto the scorching track. Chloe strutted over, her head held high, and prodded my shoulder with the tip of her shoe. “Do you understand what happens when you cross me now? If you know what’s good for you, transfer to another school. Stop showing up with that hideous face of yours—it’s disgusting.” I glared up at her, hatred burning in my eyes. “You think I have to do whatever you say?” “You—” She pressed the sole of her shoe into my back, grinding it down with a smirk. “You’re not the heiress anymore. I am. I’m the one everyone loves now. If you don’t leave, I’ll make sure every day here is hell for you.” When I got home that evening, my mother, Sarah, noticed the dirt and shoe prints on the back of my white school uniform. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gently brushed her fingers over the stains. “Eliza, they’re bullying you too much! I’m going to the school to demand an explanation,” she said, her voice trembling with anger. “Mom, it’s okay,” I said softly, trying to reassure her. But Sarah wiped her tears and pulled me into a tight hug. Chloe didn’t give up on making my life miserable. Under her pressure, teachers and classmates avoided me like the plague, terrified that even speaking to me would bring Chloe’s wrath upon them. But I didn’t let their cold-shoulder treatment get to me. Instead, I doubled down on my studies. By the end of the semester, I scored first place in the entire grade. What I didn’t expect was for my biological parents to show up out of nowhere. That day, after school, I hadn’t even reached the gate when I saw a massive crowd gathered outside. My biological parents were standing there, along with the mayor and a swarm of reporters. The moment I stepped out, my biological mother rushed toward me, tears streaming down her face as she pulled me into a tight hug. “Oh, my baby! Come home with Mom!” she sobbed. I responded with a cold smirk. Did they really think I didn’t know what was going on? Did they think I hadn’t already figured out that the “switched-at-birth” fiasco was orchestrated by them in the first place? Did they assume I’d fall for the web of lies they were now spinning under the guise of familial love? But I raised my head and played along, letting the charade continue. “Mom—” I said, my tone soft and obedient. I didn’t even have time to notify Sarah. The moment the public reunion ended at the school gates, I was whisked away by my biological mother, Catherine Grant.

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I disappeared on the day of my daughter’s kidney transplant surgery, despite being a perfect match. No matter how much my mother-in-law begged on her knees, I refused to return to the hospital room. While she was panicking, my wife was rushed to the same hospital by ambulance after a severe car accident. When I heard she might become brain-dead, I didn’t hesitate to sign the form to give up treatment. My series of shocking actions made me the target of public outrage. But as the situation escalated, I smiled. Perfect. This was exactly what I had been waiting for… Today was supposed to be the day I donated a kidney to my daughter Lily. But just before the surgery, I decided not to go through with it. I lit a cigarette and sat on a bench near the hospital’s flower bed, starting to play a game on my phone. Just as I began a new match, a shrill female voice rang out: “Jack Wilson! Your daughter is lying in the operating room waiting for you to save her life, what are you doing hiding here?” My mother-in-law, Margaret Johnson, rushed up to me, her face contorted with anger as she berated me. I ignored her, focusing only on my game. Our mid-laner quickly got ganked, and I couldn’t help but turn on voice chat to curse: “Is mid lane playing with their feet? Even an elementary school kid could play better than you!” Feeling ignored, Margaret grabbed my phone from my hands. When she saw I was hiding to play games, her eyes turned red with fury. She smashed my phone on the ground and screamed: “What time do you think this is? Lily is still lying on the hospital bed waiting for you. How can you be so heartless as to abandon her here and play games!” I looked up at her irritably. The usually elegant and sophisticated lady now looked like a ferocious beast. I couldn’t blame her for being so angry. After all, Lily was the apple of her eye. Unfortunately, at just eight years old, Lily had developed severe kidney failure and would die without a transplant. And I, the only person with a matching blood type, had suddenly disappeared from the hospital room an hour before the surgery was scheduled to begin. “Come back with me right now!” Seeing that I was still unmoved, she reached out to grab my arm, barely containing her rage. However, the difference in strength between a man and woman was too great. With a light brush of my hand, she fell to the ground, unable to get up for a long time. Seeing me push down a woman in her sixties, a crowd of onlookers quickly gathered around us, pointing and gossiping: “Young man, you should talk things out properly. You can’t treat elderly people like that!” Margaret, emboldened by the crowd, began to shout: “Everyone, please be the judge! My granddaughter urgently needs a kidney transplant. My son-in-law is a perfect match, but he disappeared on the day of the surgery. What kind of father does this?” “I won’t do it. I’ve changed my mind. The transplant will affect my normal life. If Lily dies, so be it! Emily and I can always have another child!” I replied coldly, arms crossed. Hearing this, Margaret sat on the ground and began to wail. “Jack Wilson, Lily is your own flesh and blood. How can you casually say such things about letting her die!” She pounded the ground with her fists as she cried out: “My poor Lily! It’s all Grandma’s fault! If only Grandma could be a match for you, I’d give you both my kidneys if I could!” The onlookers joined in criticizing me: “This man is too cruel! Donating a kidney won’t kill him, yet he’s unwilling to save his own daughter!” I turned and snapped at them harshly: “Don’t try to guilt-trip me! Donating a kidney won’t kill you? Why don’t you try getting tested to see if you’re a match? Maybe you could donate instead!” The crowd was momentarily silenced by my retort, glaring at me with hostility. I checked the time and clicked my tongue impatiently: “Do you have anything else to say? If not, I’m leaving. I have a pile of work waiting for me at the company!” With that, I made to step around Margaret and leave the hospital. But I was stopped by her assistant who had been standing by her side: “Mr. Wilson, you’ve always been the person Lily trusts and relies on the most. Even when you’re too busy with work to play with her, you’re still the person she loves most. If you walk away today, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!” He pulled out a glass jar from his bag, filled to the brim with colorful paper cranes. Seeing the jar, I was momentarily stunned. I recognized it as the Father’s Day gift Lily had given me recently. I remembered how she had looked like a little rabbit with her red eyes, carefully handing me the glass jar: “Daddy, this is my Father’s Day gift for you. I know you’re very busy, but can you please open it and take a look?” Her face had been full of hope, but I had carelessly placed the jar on the shoe rack, saying: “I know, Lily. Daddy will look at it when he’s not busy.” After that, I had been so caught up with work that the inconspicuous glass jar had been left to gather dust on the shelf… Robert randomly unfolded one of the paper cranes and began to read what was written on it: “Daddy, you promised to come to the parent-teacher conference, but you broke your promise again.” “Mom said you’re busy with work and told me to understand. I know you’re working hard to buy me more beautiful princess dresses. Even though I cried secretly, I can understand, Daddy.” “Daddy, Chen Le in my class said she’s never seen my father and that I’m a child without a dad. I got into a fight with her. How could I not have a father? My daddy is the best daddy in the world!” “Daddy, I heard Grandma say I have a very serious illness and might die. I don’t know what dying means, but I’m really scared I’ll never see you again…” He read several notes, and as I listened, my eyes gradually reddened. I had married into the Johnson family, and after the wedding, my mother-in-law had entrusted me with running the company. To prove that I wasn’t just living off my wife’s family, I had worked tirelessly without allowing myself any slack, terrified of ruining the company. The time I spent at home was indeed very little. But Emily had never said a word of complaint, taking meticulous care of all my needs. Our daughter Lily had always been well-behaved, never disturbing me when I was working. I owed both mother and daughter a great deal. The onlookers sighed with emotion: “What a sensible child, what a considerate wife! How can this man not know to cherish them!” Robert, seeing the wavering in my expression, continued to reason with me: “Mr. Wilson, even if your health isn’t as good as it is now after the surgery, the Johnson family’s money is enough to ensure you’ll never want for anything!” “Yes, you’re right, but I still don’t want to do the transplant.” Unfortunately, my hesitation only lasted a few seconds. Thinking about the impact on my health, I said no more and pushed past him to leave. Seeing me about to leave, Margaret crawled forward on her knees, grabbing my pant leg. She kowtowed as she begged through her tears: “I’m begging you, Jack Wilson. As long as you’re willing to save Lily’s life, I’ll give you anything you want!” Afraid I wouldn’t believe her, she took out her phone and called her lawyer: “Make an inventory of all the assets under my name. As long as the surgery is completed successfully today, I’m willing to give all my assets to my son-in-law!” I snorted coldly: “Who knows if you’ll go back on your word after the surgery!” Margaret gestured for her assistant to bring pen and paper: “I’ll write up an agreement right now. As long as you’re willing to do the surgery, I’ll take you to handle the paperwork as soon as you’re discharged!” She hurriedly wrote out the agreement, signed it, and pressed her fingerprint on it, carefully handing it to me. I glanced at it disdainfully, then tore the agreement into pieces and threw them in her face: “No amount of money can buy my health. I said I won’t do it, and I mean it!” The onlookers all criticized me: “Even tigers don’t eat their cubs. How can you be so selfish!” A burly middle-aged woman next to us spat on my suit, cursing as she helped Margaret to a nearby chair: “This man has a heart of stone. It’s no use kneeling to him, old lady.” Just as everyone was indignantly condemning me, a woman suddenly shouted: “Doesn’t anyone think this scumbag looks familiar? I feel like I’ve seen him online before!” “Ah! I remember now! I saw a few days ago that the new boyfriend of rising starlet Sophia Evans looks just like this man. He’s the CEO of Sincere Fortune Company!” someone immediately chimed in. After shouting this, she took out her phone to show everyone. It was an entertainment news article from a few days ago, showing me walking intimately with a female celebrity. In another photo, we were walking into a hospital hand in hand with a little boy between us, laughing and talking. Margaret was thunderstruck, swaying as if about to collapse: “No wonder, no wonder you’re unwilling to save my granddaughter. You’ve already betrayed my daughter and even have your own love child!” Robert also looked at me in disbelief: “The 17th? I remember Lily’s condition was very bad that day, she even had to be rushed to emergency. I stayed with Mrs. Wilson at the hospital all night. I can’t believe you were meeting someone else under the guise of working overtime!” A huge shitstorm descended on me, but I just smiled and nodded: “That’s right, I admit I was with Sophia that day. I saw Emily’s text, but I’m not a doctor. What use would I be if the child fainted?” Some of the men, seeing my nonchalant attitude, were already rolling up their sleeves, ready to beat me up. As they flexed their muscles around me, I raised my chin: “My company has the best team of lawyers. If you dare to touch me, be prepared to go to prison!” As we were arguing, an ambulance came wailing into the hospital. The doctor pushed a blood-covered woman towards the emergency room, shouting for us to make way. The woman on the gurney was covered in blood, but I recognized her at a glance as my wife, Emily. Margaret and Robert clearly recognized her too, and hurriedly dragged me along as they ran towards the emergency room. Emily was quickly pushed into the operating room. I grabbed a passing doctor and learned that Emily’s car had suffered a severe accident on the highway due to brake failure. Her condition was extremely critical. Margaret collapsed to the ground as if all her bones had been removed, mumbling: “My poor daughter, how could you get into a car accident…” Robert’s eyes were also red with anxiety, pacing back and forth like an agitated lion. Only I, feeling my legs ache from standing too long, casually found a chair and sat down. After the surgery, the doctor told us with regret: “The patient has severe cerebral hemorrhage. We’ve done our best, but now it’s up to her own resilience.” Margaret, who had heart disease, fainted upon hearing that her daughter was in such a state. The nurses hurriedly carried her to a ward for emergency treatment. Seeing that I was still calm, the doctor continued: “Do you want to transfer the patient to the ICU? The patient still has breathing, and transferring to the ICU can maintain her for a period of time. In the best case scenario, she might become a vegetative patient in the future, but there’s also a risk of losing both life and money.” Robert quickly grabbed the doctor’s hand: “No problem, we agree to transfer the patient to the ICU. No matter how much it costs, I’m willing to save her!” I clicked my tongue impatiently: “Robert, you’re just my mother-in-law’s assistant. What kind of family member are you? You have no say in this!” Shaking off his hand grabbing me, I shook my head at the doctor: “No need, doctor. I choose to give up treatment!” Just then, Lily, who had somehow heard the news, ran barefoot to me and hugged me, begging: “Daddy, please save Mommy! I don’t want to be a child without a mother!” I frowned impatiently: “Mommy is very seriously injured. Daddy can’t do anything. You should go back to your hospital bed!” “Daddy, are you afraid there’s not enough money to treat Mommy? I don’t need my surgery anymore, let’s use all the money for Mommy. Daddy, please don’t give up on saving Mommy!” Lily cried until she was almost fainting. Robert threw himself on the ground, shouting angrily: “Jack Wilson, the Johnson family is so rich, money is just a number to you. Why won’t you save Emily!” The doctor quickly prepared the consent form for giving up treatment and handed it to me. “Sir, if you decide to give up treatment, the patient can only hold on for at most half an hour. Are you sure you want to give up treatment?” I nodded and, ignoring Lily’s cries, picked up the pen and signed my name. The doctor took the consent form and sighed: “We’ll bring the patient out now. If you have anything you want to say to her, do it quickly. She could stop breathing at any moment!” Soon, Emily was wheeled out. Robert struggled to crawl to the bedside and held her hand, weeping uncontrollably. Lily also threw herself by the bed, crying out: “Mommy, please open your eyes and look at me one more time! I’m so scared!” Margaret, supported by a nurse, walked out of the emergency room, calling Emily’s name over and over. Unfortunately, in just five short minutes, Emily stopped breathing completely. Suddenly, the air was filled with heart-wrenching wails. Only I not only didn’t shed a single tear but began to calmly arrange the funeral affairs. The onlookers told Margaret what had happened in a jumble of voices. When she heard that I had signed to give up treatment, she rushed at me and slapped me hard across the face several times: “Jack Wilson, are you even human! You were just a poor boy from the countryside. If you hadn’t married into the Johnson family and taken over the company, how could you possibly be living the life you have now!” “My family has treated you well, and now my daughter has been in a car accident, yet you’re not even willing to save her life!” Robert also knocked me to the ground, punching me in the face again and again: “You heartless bastard! Emily really had the worst luck marrying you! You won’t save your wife or your daughter. I see you’re trying to wipe out the Johnson family! I’ll make sure you’re ruined today!” Unfortunately, Robert was no match for me, and he was quickly thrown to the ground. As the commotion grew louder, the scandal of Sincere Fortune Group’s CEO abandoning his wife and daughter and beating his mother-in-law quickly attracted reporters from a well-known local TV station and a social media influencer with millions of followers. As the TV station reporter’s camera focused on us, they held the microphone towards me: “Mr. Wilson, you’re a well-known local entrepreneur and one of the Ten Outstanding Youths, always presenting an image of philanthropy and moral excellence to the public. Do you have anything to say about this situation?” “I have no obligation to explain my motives to anyone. I can only say that if I had to do it all over again, I would make the same choice!” I declared firmly. Seeing the influencer excitedly start a livestream, Robert sneered at the camera: “Aren’t you arrogant, Jack Wilson? I’ll expose you today! Let everyone see what kind of beast in human clothing you are!” He supported Margaret as they both began to tearfully recount my actions. My daughter Lily also cried out: “Daddy, why are you doing this to Mommy? If you don’t want to save Lily, Lily can die! But Mommy loves you so much, she’s given you everything! How can you be so heartless as to not save Mommy!” Margaret and Lily hugging each other and crying moved countless people. But I just stood with my arms crossed, sneering: “Which law says I must donate a kidney to my daughter or save my critically injured wife! If you have the ability, take me to court or send me to prison!” My attitude infuriated everyone. The comments in the livestream were scrolling by rapidly, all condemning me. “Is this even human? He’s worse than an animal!” “Jack Wilson, why don’t you just die! Damn it! This makes me so angry!” “My God! If I were this old lady, with all my loved ones harmed by this scumbag, I’d rather go to jail than not stab him to death!” Just then, the police shouted for people to make way as they pushed through the crowd, and my expression finally showed a hint of change. “We received a report that Mrs. Emily Wilson’s car accident was not an accident but man-made. We’ve examined the car, and there are indeed signs of tampering with the brake pads. Mr. Jack Wilson, you need to come with us to the police station for questioning!” Robert grabbed my collar: “You had the car serviced just a few days ago, and the brake pads were newly replaced. Did you tamper with them? No wonder you wanted to sign to give up treatment!” Margaret also knelt before the police, begging: “Officers, you must help me punish this beast in human clothing. I’m an old woman with poor health. My son-in-law killed my daughter and now won’t save my granddaughter! He must be trying to wipe out the Johnson family!” The influencer continued livestreaming: “Everyone, there’s a new twist! It turns out Emily’s car accident was man-made, and the biggest beneficiary, Sincere Fortune Group’s CEO, has become the police’s first suspect!”

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I Have Cancer, But My Boyfriend Doesn’t Know He once gave up his dream university for me. He also rushed to another woman at a car accident scene, leaving me injured behind. I died on the day he was setting off fireworks abroad with his female secretary. On the day I found out there was a tumor in my brain, Lucas proposed to me. My mind was in chaos. For a moment, I suspected he knew everything. After hesitating for less than thirty seconds, he stood up from the ground, put the ring box back in his pocket, and glanced at me with an indifferent look. “It’s my parents’ request. If you don’t agree, forget it.” I felt a sense of relief. As expected. He was always fond of joking with me. I guess this time he also thought I was using his parents to pressure him into marriage. So he came up with this proposal to humiliate me. I silently put down my outstretched hand and smiled at him, “What if I agree? Will you marry me?” He looked at me without saying a word. The answer couldn’t be clearer. To be honest, it was quite hurtful. “If you don’t marry me now, you might not have the chance in the future,” I said huffily, suppressing the heat in my eyes. Lucas was unfazed. He took off his jacket and placed it on the back of the sofa, with a hint of sarcasm at the corner of his mouth, “Are you sure that day will come?” He was always prophetic. Indeed, I wouldn’t live to see that day.

At night, I sat on the bed lost in thought. Lucas closed his laptop, closed his eyes to relieve his sore eyes for a moment, then got up and lifted the covers to get into bed. He habitually turned his back to me, leaving enough space between us to fit a pillow. Sleeping posture never lies. We’ve been together for eight years, yet he still can’t get used to sleeping in the same bed with me. I’ve always been thick-skinned in front of him. Even if he’s unwilling, I would sneak over when he’s asleep, press tightly against his back, and hug his waist. Even our first time was something I begged for shamelessly. At that time, I was twenty years old. I vaguely remember it was raining heavily that day. The dense raindrops pattered against the window panes, and the air was cold and damp. I took off my little jacket and slowly walked towards him… Hugged him. And he stood still without moving. The waist under a man’s white shirt was so thin and narrow. Unlike me, his body temperature was very high. I was trembling all over with shame, thinking that if he rejected me, I might just want to die. I looked up and smiled at him with all my might, but tears blurred my vision. At that time, I was so afraid of hearing words like “shameless,” “cheap,” or “disgusting” from his mouth. After all, I was still a young girl, with mindless courage but no ability to bear the consequences. He looked at me coldly. As if he would push me away the next moment. I fumbled with his buttons with shaking hands, my legs trembling so much I could barely stand. “What are you doing?” he asked. I stammered, unable to speak. He lowered his head and kissed me, with a bitter taste mixed with tears, “You don’t even know how to seduce someone, silly.” I smelled a faint scent of alcohol. His girlfriend had moved on to someone else, and he was in a bad mood. I took advantage of the situation, and from then on, he had a piece of flypaper he couldn’t shake off. In the pitch darkness, I stared at the vague outline of the chandelier on the ceiling. Perhaps when death is approaching, one’s mindset becomes more peaceful. The person I once wasted my youth chasing after, the feelings I once tore my heart out for, now seem less important than whether I can see tomorrow’s sunrise.

When I woke up the next morning, the early sunlight fell on my face, causing me to feel a bit confused. The doctor said the tumor might be pressing on my optic nerve, so it takes me a while to focus when I look at things now. Lucas was leaning against the headboard reading a financial magazine. In the past, when we lazed in bed together on weekends, I would cling to him like a koala, with at least one of my limbs on his body. This was an unconscious reaction of my body. Lucas looked down, “Awake?” I smiled at him, “Good morning.” He glanced at my shoulder, with an indecipherable look, “You slept quite obediently last night.” I still smiled. He suddenly frowned slightly, “What nonsense were you talking about in your dream just now?” I touched my face, it was wet. Did I cry? Worried that he would delve deeper, I sat up halfway and looked at him seriously, “I dreamed that I went to Norway and saw snow and the Northern Lights.” “I really want to go.” “Can we?” I looked at him pleadingly, with a hint of begging. Lucas ignored me, “No time.” I opened my mouth, then slowly smiled, “Alright then.” Perhaps my reaction was too calm, he turned his head and looked at me for a while, then said indifferently, “How about next March? I can’t make time this year.” I nodded. We should still have time.

Actually, I dreamed of twelve-year-old Lucas. He wasn’t like this before. He used to be a very good brother. I was born picky with food, disliking this and that, but afraid of being scolded by adults. He could eat what I left without any disgust. Unlike now, when he won’t touch a water glass I’ve drunk from. When I was bullied at school, had my hair pulled, and my homework scribbled on, he was always the first to stand up for me, beating up those annoying boys, explaining to the teachers for me, and giving me his new notebooks. I was very introverted as a child, and from a single-parent family. Without his protection, I probably would have been severely bullied. Later, when my mom died, I cried until I nearly fainted. I said, “No one wants me anymore.” He said, “That’s not true.” I repeated, and he repeated. I sat on the ground crying all night, and he comforted me all night despite his toothache. The next day, his whole cheek was swollen. After that, I told him I liked him and threw myself at him half-naked. His face was cold. He said I was being cheap.

On Monday at work, Lucas left his spare phone at home, so I went to his company to deliver it to him. On the way, someone called. I looked at the contact name: Z Z. How intimate. All these years, he has only ever called me by my full name. Vivian, Vivian. When my mom named me, she probably hoped I would live a peaceful and worry-free life. Regrettably, I got brain cancer before turning 30, failing to live up to her expectations. Come to think of it, my family has a history of tumors. My mom, my aunt, and my great-grandmother all died of cancer, and they all passed away very young. When I arrived at the company, Zoe stopped me, distant but polite, “The CEO is in a meeting, please wait for a moment.” Zoe was his university classmate and became his secretary after graduation. She handles all of Lucas’s affairs, big and small. The two of them spend more time together every day than I do with Lucas. What bothers me is that they dated briefly during university. Although it wasn’t for long, it has always been a thorn in my heart. In Lucas and my shared social circle, everyone thinks I’m willful and possessive in front of him, not allowing any girl to get close to him. But I don’t dare to even suggest firing Zoe. I still vividly remember how reluctant Lucas was to break up with Zoe. At that time, Lucas was utterly dejected, looking at me coldly with an expression I had never seen before, “Do you only know how to use my parents to force me?” His voice was hoarse, and I even thought I saw tears in his eyes. Did he like her that much? That time, I was stunned for a long while. He’s usually so reserved, I had never seen him care about someone so much before. In the past, I might have thrown a tantrum, waiting until the meeting was over to see Lucas come out, then deliberately show affection in front of Zoe. But this time, I handed the spare phone to Zoe, asking her to return it to Lucas after the meeting. I nodded slightly to her and turned to leave. There was a hint of surprise on Zoe’s face.

Lucas’s parents moved back to their quiet old house after retirement. I go back to see them every month. But Lucas is reluctant to go. “My parents have always liked you more than me,” he said casually while reading a contract. “You can go by yourself.” My mom got pregnant before marriage, and I don’t know who my father is. Lucas’s mom and my mom were best friends. After my mom passed away, they raised me. I’m very grateful to them and have always tried to be well-behaved. You could even say I was trying to please them. Pleasing Aunt, pleasing Uncle, pleasing Lucas. Lucas doesn’t have a good relationship with his parents, and I’m a big part of the reason why. He doesn’t know that I’m actually the one who’s dependent on others. Back then, Lucas’s parents didn’t approve of him being with Zoe because they found out Zoe was being kept by someone at that time. When the photographic evidence was presented to Lucas, he didn’t care. Zoe had her reasons, he said. So Aunt, exasperated, pointed at me, “Rather than letting you go for those unsavory girls out there, why not choose Vivian? At least she’s a pure and innocent girl!” Lucas smiled faintly, “If you like her so much, why don’t you marry her yourselves?” Snapping out of my memories, I coaxed him, “Let’s go together, they’ll be happier.” Lucas’s tone remained unchanged, “As long as you’re happy.” I gave in. After looking at him for a while, I got up and took my bag, “There’s food in the kitchen, remember to eat.” He didn’t look up, “Okay, be safe on the road.” It takes a three-hour drive to get to the old house. I’m good with words, and within a few sentences, I had the old couple laughing heartily. I helped Aunt loosen the soil and fertilize, sowed radish seeds, and set up frames for the pea shoots. I worked up quite a sweat and unknowingly fell asleep on the stone table in the vegetable garden. When I woke up, it was already dusk. Uncle’s jacket was draped over me, and my arms had several mosquito bites. The sunset was as fierce as fire, carrying warmth. After dinner, it was time to leave. Aunt asked me to take good care of Lucas. I said I would. Uncle said, “Take care of yourself too, you look a bit haggard.” Sometimes tears can be triggered by such a casual show of concern. I held back the lump in my throat and smiled, “I won’t stay up late next time.” On the way back, I realized that I probably couldn’t drive alone anymore. The headaches were becoming more and more frequent.

Ryan is my attending physician. He suggested I be hospitalized for treatment, as the frequency of headaches might increase in the later stages, and some people even experience persistent epilepsy. I shook my head, “By that point, I would have probably taken my own life. You know I can’t stand suffering.” He frowned at me for a while, and finally sighed. I didn’t dare to drive, so he sent me home. On the way, Ryan looked at me through the rearview mirror, “He still doesn’t know?” He, obviously referring to Lucas. I made a sound of agreement, “I haven’t figured out how to tell him yet.” He was silent for a moment, “I can hardly imagine his reaction.” I laughed, “He’d probably be relieved that he’ll be free for the rest of his life.” The biggest regret in Lucas’s life must be touching me in his sophomore year. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been held responsible for me by both me and his parents. Ryan glanced at me and shook his head, “When I lied to him that you got drunk and agreed to be with me, and I happened to have your clothes from the night before on my arm, he misunderstood that something had happened between us and was furious.” I said, “He was angry because his parents were forcing him to break up with Zoe.” Ryan clicked his tongue, “Whatever you say.” The sky gradually darkened. As we passed by the sports square, a group of energetic young people were sweating it out on the basketball court. There was a moment of blankness in my eyes. “Stop for a bit,” I said to Ryan, “I don’t want to go back yet. Don’t you play basketball? I want to watch.” “Me?” Ryan hesitated, “I play table tennis, but I haven’t touched a basketball in years.” After my soft persuasion, Ryan rolled up his sleeves and reluctantly joined the game. He’s tall with long arms and legs, and after a bit of getting used to it, he didn’t drag the team down. A beautiful three-pointer, and I couldn’t help but cheer. Ryan wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to look at me proudly. Not far away, I saw a familiar figure. He was wearing a shirt and trousers, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, looking at the basketball court with a bland expression. I knew that on the outside of his arm, there was a long, ugly scar. That was left when he saved me in a car accident. A 20-centimeter wound, broken bones, steel pins. After that, due to nerve damage causing impaired finger movement, he could no longer play his favorite baseball or basketball. He couldn’t even hold a glass of water steady.

That hand once blocked a fatal flying stone that had broken through the windshield for me. I felt guilty about it for a long time. One game ended, and Ryan high-fived his teammates, walking towards me drenched in sweat. I handed him his jacket, “Let’s go.” He pouted, “We won, and I don’t even get a sip of water?” “I only have what I’ve drunk from.” He reached out, “Give it to me.” Lucas had left at some point. I hesitated, “Let’s go buy you some water.” When I got home, Lucas had already showered and was lying in bed wearing his pajamas. I showered, got into bed, and he turned off the lights. We didn’t speak all night. The next day, our planned weekend date suddenly had an extra person. “The company is planning to do an amusement park project, I’m bringing Zoe along to check out the site,” Lucas explained indifferently. I didn’t say anything. We walked for a while, and Zoe seemed to have caught a cold, coughing incessantly. Lucas frowned, “Why didn’t you say you were sick?” Zoe smiled, “I’ve had this cold for several days. I thought it would be fine after taking some medicine, but coming out in the wind made it worse.” Lucas took off his jacket and handed it to her. Zoe wrapped herself tightly in the jacket, “Thank you for your concern, boss.” It was an overcast day, and the wind was strong, showing no signs of letting up, making my face sting. Lucas found a coffee shop, but unfortunately, it was full at lunchtime with only seats by the door left. He let her sit in the seat against the wall, out of the wind. Perhaps due to the cold wind, my head started to ache again, and I broke out in a cold sweat all over. My legs went weak, and I instinctively grabbed Lucas’s arm. He looked down at me, “Are you sick too?” His tone couldn’t be described as caring. If anything, it had a hint of mockery. I struggled to stand steady, letting go of his arm, “I didn’t eat much breakfast, just a bit of low blood sugar.” He didn’t say a word. I said, “I’m going to the restroom.” He made a sound of acknowledgment. I turned around, took a deep breath, the headache making it almost impossible to think rationally, and something hot flowed out of my nose. A few customers coming towards me looked surprised. I had a nosebleed. I quickly covered my nose and mouth, lowering my head as I hurried to the restroom. After locking the bathroom stall door, I called Ryan to ask for treatment advice. The call went unanswered for a long time, and a wave of nausea came over me. I bent over the toilet and vomited until I was dizzy. The stomach acid burned my throat. After throwing up, my head didn’t hurt as much. I leaned against the wall, taking quite a while to recover. I splashed some cold water on my forehead, washed my face, and left through the coffee shop’s side door. When I came back, I found Zoe coughing quite badly, with Lucas gently patting her back. My eyes suddenly felt a bit sore. Probably out of jealousy. I walked over and put some ambroxol and cough syrup in front of her, “I asked at the pharmacy, they said these might help with the cough.” Zoe took them with some surprise, “Thank you, Miss Wu.” Lucas’s gaze remained focused on her, not sparing me even a glance. “You… don’t look too well either?” Surprisingly, it was Zoe who noticed something was off with me. Lucas’s gaze finally turned to me, slightly scrutinizing. I smiled, “My stomach’s a bit uncomfortable.” He said flatly, “Let’s go home early after we finish our snacks.” I nodded. In the car, Ryan called me back, “Sorry, I was just getting lectured by the chief and didn’t have my phone. What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” I glanced at Lucas in the driver’s seat and said softly, “Just a bit of stomach discomfort, wanted to ask you what medicine to take. It’s fine now, already better.” Ryan was silent for half a second, “Let’s talk when you get back then.” I couldn’t help but smile a little. He’s always been so smart. Lucas turned to Zoe, “I’ll take you to the hospital for an IV drip.” Zoe hesitated for a moment, then agreed. Lucas then looked at me through the rearview mirror, “What about you? Do you need to go to the hospital for a check-up?” I shook my head, “Just drop me off, I’ll take a cab home.” He had no reaction, “Suit yourself.” I looked out the car window at the passing scenery. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder, if Lucas knew I was dying, would he regret treating me this way? But then I immediately realize, what does it have to do with him? It was my choice to keep it from him. A few minutes later, Lucas dropped me off at an intersection. Zoe looked at me with a slightly apologetic expression. The car quickly drove away. I stood there for a while, then hailed a cab.

I didn’t go home. I bought a pack of beer from a convenience store and went to the riverside, drinking in the river breeze. I didn’t intend to torture myself, only drinking half a can, holding the rest in my hand. Because I was afraid of the cold, I also bought a shawl from a roadside clothing store. Ryan once asked me why I didn’t tell my family about my illness. Before my mom died, I had been taking care of her. Her appearance on her deathbed, emaciated, with atrophied blood vessels, unable to even insert a needle, became my deepest impression of her. Whenever I recall it, it’s like a dark cloud pressing on my heart. In the middle of the night, that sense of despair and desolation of watching a loved one being tortured by illness lingers. My death doesn’t have to be like that. Rather than having them accompany me through futile treatments, witnessing me gradually becoming weak and unsightly, It’s better to let them remember me as healthy and beautiful. After that, Ryan can tell them that I passed away with dignity, that modern medicine is advanced, and that I didn’t suffer much. I stayed alone for a long time, hugging my knees and dozing off for a while. Before I knew it, it was almost dark. I opened my phone to find many missed calls. I randomly chose one to call back. Lucas’s tone was angry, as if he wanted to eat me alive, “I called you so many times, why didn’t you answer?” I was stunned for a moment before coming to my senses, instinctively feeling I had missed something, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” He was silent for a while, his breathing heavy, as if trying to control his emotions, “Where are you?” I looked around, “Lakeshore Pier.” He said, “Stay there, don’t move. I’m coming to get you.” I wrapped the shawl tightly around me, obediently waiting for him where I was. Lucas arrived faster than I expected. After parking the car, he walked quickly to me, his gaze rapidly scanning me for any issues. After realizing I was fine, he calmed down. “What are you doing here?” he asked. I was about to answer when I sneezed. His expression darkened as he took off his jacket and wrapped it around me. I actually didn’t want it, considering this jacket had been on Zoe’s shoulders at noon. Faintly, I could still smell Zoe’s perfume. I followed behind him, secretly taking off the jacket. Lucas opened the car door and suddenly turned to look at me, frowning, “What’s wrong?” I said softly, “Zoe wore it.” I don’t want anything she’s worn. Call me petty if you want. I’m dying soon anyway, so I don’t need to be so understanding anymore, right? “Who said that?” He grabbed the jacket and wrapped it around me again, his brow relaxing, “Even if she did wear it, you still have to. Isn’t your body bad enough already?” In the car, he turned on the heater. I said, “It’s hot.” He said, “Serves you right.” 9 After that car accident, Lucas became very cautious when driving, taking over ten minutes to drive five kilometers. As we were entering the house, he suddenly grabbed my hand and lowered his head to smell the alcohol on me, “How much did you drink?” “One can.” He clearly didn’t believe me. I wanted to explain, but as soon as I opened my mouth, I sneezed several times in a row. He put his palm on my forehead to check my temperature, “Do you have a fever?” Maybe it was because I sneezed too hard, but something started flowing from my nose again. Lucas frowned, “What’s wrong with you?” I shook my head, covering my nose with my hand, “Maybe it’s just inflammation.” The blood gushed out like a poorly closed faucet. Lucas’s expression changed abruptly. He told me to tilt my head back and pinch my nostrils tightly, then went to the bedroom to find some medical cotton balls to stuff into my nostrils. He stared at me intently, his movements gentle and careful. The nosebleed gradually stopped, but my face and neck were sticky with blood. Lucas brought a warm towel to wipe me clean. When he wiped my chest, his hand paused slightly. I tugged at his sleeve, where there was a blood stain about the size of a spot, “It got on your clothes.” He didn’t mind, focusing on my face, his brows furrowing again, “You get a nosebleed just from sneezing, are you made of porcelain?” I nodded, frankly admitting, “I’m just relatively weak.” I was telling the truth. He looked me over, “Have you lost weight?” He could still remember my weight? Lucas went to the kitchen and cooked a fragrant bowl of noodles. Then he watched me eat the entire bowl. I hadn’t been this full in a long time. My belly was even a bit rounded, so full I couldn’t move. He brought pajamas and crouched down to change my shoes. As he lowered his head, his bangs covered his eyes, making him look patient and gentle. For a moment, I thought we had returned to the past. Back then, when I was malnourished due to being picky with food, he no longer indulged me and forcibly corrected my eating habits. Actually… there are many things I want to ask him. Back then, he had such good grades, he could have gone to a top five university in the country. Why did he stay at our mediocre school? At that time, he said it was because it was far from home, so he wouldn’t be bothered by his family. Was that the truth? Or was it because he was afraid I would be bullied if I went to school in another city alone? But in the end, I didn’t ask. Lucas received a phone call. He stood up and walked to the side, his tone and demeanor very gentle, “Mm, she’s been found.” Some things are destined by fate. If he hadn’t come to our school, he wouldn’t have met Zoe. Although Zoe later couldn’t withstand the pressure and ended up with another guy, after all these years, these two are still kindred spirits. Lucas, I don’t have much time left. After you accompany me through this last stretch, you’ll be free.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “295841”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #魔幻Magic #重生Reborn #校园School #惊悚Thriller

To pray for our sick child, my wife fell into a snow cave while climbing a mountain. Her fate was unknown. Meanwhile, I stood by calmly, taking in the scenery. A few minutes later, Ryan, our guide for this trip, ran over in a panic. “Jack, your wife fell into a snow cave. You’re the only one with rescue experience. Come with me quickly to save her!” He looked at me with an extremely anxious expression. After all, I was the most experienced captain of the mountain rescue team. No matter how dangerous the situation, I could always rescue people successfully, never failing. But looking at the blizzard outside, I calmly said: “In this weather, the rescue fee would be $500,000.” “Jack, are you crazy? The one who needs rescuing is your own wife! And you’re asking for money?” Ryan looked at me in disbelief, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. “Even for family, we need to be clear about money. Since it’s my wife, it’ll cost more! $1 million!” I shrugged, smiling shamelessly. “Jack, Amber came to climb this mountain to pray for your child’s safety!” Lily, my wife’s best friend, said angrily. “A life is worth more than money. No matter how greedy you are, you can’t joke about your wife’s life!” “Amber and I are like sisters. I’m begging you, please save her!” After her anger subsided, realizing that only I could save Amber, she started to kneel down to plead with me. I looked at the gloomy sky outside. To them, I was just a poor guy. Risking my life for rescue shouldn’t require payment. “I’ll pay! Just go and save her!” A flicker of an unclear emotion flashed in Ryan’s eyes. He quickly glanced around at the other climbers and said firmly. At this point, I pointed to my twisted leg and said with a smile: “It’s too late to pay now. I can’t rescue her because my leg just broke.” Lily was stunned for a moment, her eyes immediately filled with doubt: “How could someone from a rescue team get injured so easily? Are you making this up because you don’t want to save Amber?” “That’s the person you swore to love for a lifetime in there! How can you be so cold now?” “Are you going to let her die slowly in that snow cave?” Lily cried hysterically as she spoke. Obviously, she couldn’t accept that her best friend might die so close by. Hearing this, the other climbers looked sympathetic, feeling distressed. I just smiled helplessly and said calmly: “A blizzard is coming. Life and death are up to fate. The child can’t lose both mother and father.” After saying this, I looked back at the falling snow outside. From my years of experience, I knew that not only would there be a blizzard, but also strong winds. In this familiar environment, I felt strange and cold. “Thud!” Seeing my cold attitude, my wife’s brother Tom also begged me: “Brother-in-law, my sister came to the mountain for your child. I’m begging you, please save her!” “Even if you can’t go down yourself, you can at least give some advice on site!” Some of the climbers who came today couldn’t stand by anymore and stood up to speak for Lily and Tom. “Jack, you’re the only one here from a rescue team. Even if it was a stranger in danger, you’d have a responsibility to save them!” “Let alone your own wife. If you can’t even protect your own wife, what kind of man are you?” “Without timely rescue, the death rate for snow cave accidents is 100%! Are you really going to watch your wife die just for some rescue fee?” Hearing this death rate, Lily and Tom turned pale and both collapsed to the ground. “It’s hard to make money these days. If you want money, fine, I’ll give you all my money! Just go and direct the rescue for Amber!” After hearing about the death rate, Lily quickly said. “That’s right! If you want money, I’ll give you our family’s house and car too!” Hearing Lily’s words, Tom seemed to wake up a bit and also anxiously promised. “This is bad, Amber is about to get hypothermia!” Before I could respond to them, one of the climbers ran over and said anxiously. He was sweating profusely from anxiety. “Jack, have you made up your mind? You really won’t go save Amber?” A trace of anxiety and hatred flashed across Ryan’s face. As he spoke, Lily grabbed my hand, trying to drag me away. Looking at my twisted leg, I shook off Lily’s hand and said coldly: “I’m not going.”

Lily couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into tears. “Amber loved you so much. When you wanted to start a business, she gave you all of her dowry. No matter how we tried to persuade her to keep something for herself, she wouldn’t listen.” “She said she wanted to share joys and sorrows with you for life, to weather storms together. And now you won’t even save her…” “If I had known this would happen, even if it meant ending our friendship, I would have urged her to be with Ryan, her childhood sweetheart from a similar background, instead of you, this ungrateful bastard!” Lily’s heartfelt crying made the surrounding climbers even angrier. “Captain Jack, even if you’re injured, you can still direct the rescue! Your wife loves you so much, how can you bear to do this?” “That’s right! You’re the only one here with rescue experience. If you go, the chances of saving her will be much higher!” “The startup funds for his business all came from his wife’s dowry. Now that his wife is in danger, he won’t even try to save her. What an ungrateful bastard!” “His wife sacrificed so much, and he’s still so cold. There must be something wrong with this guy…” The people around went from trying to persuade me to gradually getting angry. The accusations grew louder, and some hot-tempered guys were getting ready to beat me up. I stared at the snow outside, motionless, like a cold, hard stone in a latrine. Tom knelt on the ground with a handwritten IOU, gritting his teeth as he said: “I only have one sister. As long as you’re willing to save her, all the family property will be yours in the future! This is the IOU I wrote. Everyone here can be my witness!” I took the IOU from Tom’s hand and looked at it carefully. It indeed represented the total assets the family could liquidate. “Alright, I can go rescue her.” Tom and Lily’s faces lit up with joy, and Ryan also looked relieved. “But you need to find a lawyer to sign a liability waiver. You can’t blame me if anything goes wrong.” My words made everyone’s expressions change. Where could they find a lawyer here? “The situation is urgent now. Where can we find a lawyer? Isn’t it enough for everyone here to be witnesses?” Tom couldn’t hold back anymore and grabbed my collar, about to hit me. But he didn’t follow through. The situation in the snow cave was tricky, and I was the only one capable of rescuing her. “I’ve even written an IOU. Isn’t that enough sincerity? What else do you want?” Tom roared. I removed his hand from my collar. Helplessly but firmly, I said: “Without a lawyer’s notarization, everything you say is just empty words.” Just then, a climber rushed over and said: “It’s bad! Amber has lost consciousness!” “Before she passed out, she asked me to tell you not to force Jack to save her. She knows Jack isn’t afraid of death, but afraid that the child would be left without a father to care for them.” Lily cried until she fainted, and Tom also collapsed to the ground, devastated. He regained a bit of consciousness and quickly kowtowed to me, his forehead bleeding after just a few bows. “Brother-in-law, my parents have always treated you like their own son. As long as you try your best, we definitely won’t blame you. I’m begging you!” Seeing Tom like this, I hesitated for a moment. Ever since I got together with Amber, her whole family had treated me like one of their own. Ryan’s parents had originally wanted to form a marriage alliance with Amber’s family. At that time, I had just started dating Amber and thought her parents would look down on me, a poor boy from a mountain village. But to my surprise, they firmly rejected Ryan’s parents, willing to marry Amber to me even without a bride price. I didn’t want Amber to suffer or lower her standard of living, so I started my own business. The early days of the business were tough, but Amber gave me all of her dowry to support me. Her parents helped me build connections, and Tom would come help out whenever he had free time. During Chinese New Year, when Amber’s relatives looked down on me, calling me a “phoenix man” (a poor man who marries a rich woman), The four of them – Amber and her family – all protected me. “Jack is capable and filial. He’s truly outstanding.” “If you keep mocking him, we won’t associate with you anymore!” I was so moved at the time that my eyes turned red. I silently vowed to treat Amber well for life and never do anything to betray the trust of anyone in her family. I was grateful for their acceptance of me, their respect for my background, how they protected and loved me. And now… I looked at Tom’s anxious face, his eyes revealing disappointment and anger. I didn’t dare meet his gaze, silently looking at my twisted legs. It hurt, but I couldn’t tell if it was the pain in my legs or the pain in my heart. Ryan helped Tom up from kneeling before me and angrily berated me: “Jack, Tom has always treated you like a real brother. You refuse to save a life for money and even push Tom to this state. Are you even human?” “Indeed, men who marry above their station are all ungrateful bastards! How can you face Amber and her whole family?” After saying this, he turned to face everyone and said loudly: “He’s afraid to die and won’t save her, so I’ll do it! I’m willing to risk my life to save her! Not because I’m trying to show off, but because I have a conscience!” Ryan’s words made everyone admire him, with some even shouting that he should be named the most admirable rescue worker. I just smiled calmly. “Good luck to you.” Before leaving, Ryan glared at me fiercely, then turned and walked towards the snow cave. I could no longer bear the pain and felt my vision go black as I passed out.

When I woke up again, I was already in the hospital. My assistant, who had been watching over me by the hospital bed, excitedly said, “Boss, you’re finally awake!” “You’ve been unconscious for a day. You really scared us!” I felt a splitting headache and knocked on my head a few times. With a hoarse voice, I asked: “How is Amber doing?” The assistant hesitated, seemingly unsure whether to speak, but finally answered me. “Ryan insisted on not letting others take risks. He conducted the rescue alone for 3 hours, and the boss’s wife was successfully rescued…” I couldn’t tell if I felt relieved or depressed. After all, a snow cave can truly take a person’s life… I picked up the crutches by the hospital bed, preparing to go out. “Boss, don’t go!” The assistant stopped me, his face full of conflict and anxiety. “It’s all over the internet now. They’re saying you built your career on your wife’s back and then abandoned her in a life-or-death situation. Everyone online is calling you a modern-day scumbag…” I interrupted his words, ignoring his well-intentioned warning, and went directly to Amber’s hospital room. By now, quite a few people were already standing by Amber’s bed to visit her. Amber’s parents were gratefully praising Ryan, while some investors and judges for the Outstanding Youth Award stood around. “Ryan, your selfless act of saving a life this time truly sets an example for all the youth in our city! I think you must be the National Outstanding Youth this time!” Seeing me come in, everyone went quiet for a moment. Amber, with a pale face, managed to speak, “Your leg is injured. Why aren’t you resting properly?” “Jack, your recent reputation is not good. You should lay low for a while. The investment in your company will have to wait.” Investor Wang coldly and stiffly said to me when he saw me. At this moment, a reporter who had come to get first-hand material for the Outstanding Youth award Silently turned the live broadcast camera towards me. I noticed but didn’t stop it. After all, I had once rescued countless people on snowy mountains and was an undisputed candidate. And now, embroiled in scandal, the heat was even higher… I curled my lips into a smile and repeated the investor’s words. “Recent reputation not good?” “Are you referring to me abandoning my wife in danger? Or that I’m after my wife’s family’s wealth?” Sure enough, the viewers who had been angry at me when they saw me exploded after hearing my words. They started passionately typing in the comments, not even minding that this was an official media account. “He still has the nerve to come? He wouldn’t even save his own wife. Was all his past rescue work just for show?” “A man more disgusting than a scumbag deserves to be cut into a thousand pieces!” “Without the support of Amber’s family, what is he? How dare he treat their daughter like this!” Hearing my calm words, Tom could no longer contain his anger. Amber held back the impulsive Tom who wanted to come hit me. She looked at me with tears streaming down her face like broken strings of pearls. “Jack, I don’t blame you for not saving me in the face of life and death.” “Ryan saved me. He’s our family’s benefactor. How can you not even show the most basic gratitude?” The number of people in the live broadcast room was growing rapidly, with the hashtag already reaching the top of the trending list. I looked at the popularity and smiled with satisfaction. “Of course I’m grateful to him.” “Not only am I grateful, but I also have a surprise for you all.”

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My Wife’s Ex-boyfriend Has Severe Depression and Self-harms Whenever He Sees Me To keep her ex-boyfriend safe, she sent me and our six-month-old daughter away to my rural hometown. Five years after I was abused to death by multiple people, her ex-boyfriend was diagnosed with kidney failure. The doctor said blood relatives had a higher chance of being a match for kidney donation. Only then did she remember me – his older brother. She hurriedly called, ordering me to come back immediately. My five-year-old daughter timidly said, “Ma’am… my dad… he passed away a long time ago.” Fiona frowned, her tone full of impatience: “Whose child is this? Where’s Lucas? Put Lucas on the phone!” Zoey stammered, “You… you wait a moment.” She put down the phone and ran to find the village chief: “Grandpa Johnson, someone’s looking for Dad.” Mr. Johnson slowly walked to the phone, his back hunched with age. He picked up: “Is this Mrs. Thompson?” “Finally, you…” Hearing an elderly male voice, Fiona’s face immediately darkened. She pressed her temples, took a deep breath, and when she opened her eyes again, her face betrayed barely contained rage. “Where’s Lucas? What, is he so afraid to talk to me?” “First you have a child answer, saying he’s dead, now you have an old man answer, planning to say he’s dead again?” “He just wants me to come get him in person, doesn’t he?” “Fine, for Ethan’s sake, I’ll come get him myself!” With that, she hung up without waiting for a response. The next day, Fiona drove to the rural hometown. She looked at the half-collapsed old house before her. The door was ajar, with no furniture inside. Wooden planks and bricks were scattered everywhere, cobwebs covering inside and out. The glass windows were broken. She frowned deeply. She glanced up at the young man who had led her here, her eyes full of impatience: “Where’s Lucas? Tell him to come out and see me.” “As long as he’s willing to donate his kidney to Ethan, I’ll take him back.” The young man looked troubled and spoke hesitantly: “Mrs. Thompson, this, I, you, maybe you should wait for Mr. Johnson to arrive?” She narrowed her eyes, seemingly forcing herself to stay calm. Just then, Mr. Johnson arrived, leaning on his cane. “Mrs. Thompson, hello.” Fiona glanced at him coldly and said, “Where’s Lucas?” Mr. Johnson put one hand behind his back, “Lucas, he can’t come out to see you…” Hearing this, Fiona laughed coldly: “What, are you going to say he’s dead?” “Tell him to stop throwing these little tantrums, I won’t indulge him!” “Tell him to come out and see me right now. I’ve come all this way to get him myself, what more does he want?” What do I want? I don’t want anything. I just wanted to live, to be there for my daughter as she grew up. But I couldn’t even do that. At this moment, my soul was standing nearby, staring at her in shock. Five years ago. Not long after my daughter and I were sent to my rural hometown, Ethan sent people to find me. He was jealous that I had married Fiona, and even more jealous that Fiona had given birth to my child. So he first sent thugs to wreck the old house, then had them harass me there daily. Then, he ordered people to abuse me to death. Finally, he threw my broken, mangled body into the mountains, leaving it for wild dogs to tear apart and devour. It was Mr. Johnson who noticed I had disappeared. He sent people to search everywhere, finally discovering my body in the mountains. He gave me a proper burial.

Mr. Johnson stroked his beard, his eyes filled with sadness. He sighed deeply: “Lucas has been dead for five years now.” Fiona’s lips curled into a mocking smile, her expression growing colder. “Mr. Johnson, do you think I’m a three-year-old?” “Someone like him, how could he bear to die?” Her hawk-like gaze swept over everyone present, then she barked orders at her bodyguards: “Even if you have to dig three feet into the ground, find me a trace of him!” I floated in the air, watching as the bodyguards violently knocked on doors, then rudely pushed past the villagers who opened them, searching inside for any sign of me. The villagers were frightened and came out of their homes. The whole village gathered around, but Fiona still couldn’t see me. Her expression grew increasingly grim. She strode up to Mr. Johnson, agitated. She grabbed his collar and demanded: “Tell me, where have you hidden Lucas?” “If you tell me now, I can still be civil with you. Otherwise, don’t blame me for getting rough!” Mr. Johnson stuck to his story. Fiona finally lost her patience. She glanced at the nearest bodyguard, signaling with her eyes. The bodyguard stepped forward and with a light squeeze, broke Mr. Johnson’s hand. Mr. Johnson cried out in pain. A little girl rushed out from the crowd. The girl wore clean clothes and had two braids. Though fear flickered in her eyes, she ran to Mr. Johnson’s side and asked tearfully: “Grandpa Johnson, are you okay?” Fiona was stunned. She frowned, looking the little girl up and down, feeling she looked familiar. Zoey angrily ran up to Fiona and bit her leg hard. Fiona reflexively kicked her away. Zoey fell to the ground but struggled to get up again, glaring at her. “You bad person! Grandpa already said Dad is dead, why are you still bullying Grandpa?!” In an instant, Fiona’s expression changed dramatically. She stared at Zoey with a heavy gaze. Fearing she might hurt my daughter, I instinctively floated in front of her, trying to shield her from Fiona. But I was just a soul. Fiona walked straight through my spirit, coming face to face with Zoey. She grabbed Zoey and lifted her up, examining her closely. Zoey struggled, her feet kicking in the air. Fiona stared at her face, so similar to mine, and said through gritted teeth: “You’re that child from back then!” Suddenly, she gripped Zoey’s neck, her voice laced with fury: “Tell Lucas to come out right now, or I’ll strangle this child!” Watching my daughter struggle, I shouted: “Fiona, I’m here, I’m right here, let Zoey go!” But no one responded to my cries. Zoey’s face grew redder, her breathing more labored. I forgot I was dead in my panic, rushing at Fiona to bite the hand choking Zoey. But I passed right through her hand, biting only air. Seeing Zoey about to lose consciousness, Mr. Johnson fought through his pain and called out with difficulty: “Mrs. Thompson, Zoey is your…” Before he could finish, a bodyguard kicked him to the ground. He let out a pained groan. Fiona suddenly released Zoey, coldly scanning the surroundings and threatening: “Lucas, if you don’t appear in three days, I’ll kill that child!” Looking at the suffering Mr. Johnson on the ground, and my daughter’s bruised neck, my hatred for Fiona reached its peak. At the same time, I deeply regretted ever loving her. But souls can’t feel these emotions.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed. This time, Fiona brought Ethan with her. As arrogant as he had been coming to my hometown five years ago, he was now just as weak. Fiona gazed at Ethan with eyes full of tenderness, helping him out of the car and into a wheelchair. She carefully draped a thin blanket over him, her eyes brimming with concern. All of Fiona’s gentleness was reserved for Ethan. For me, she had only coldness or impatience. Mr. Johnson and I waited at the entrance early. Of course, no one could see me. Seeing no one behind Mr. Johnson, Fiona barely contained her anger and said: “Seeing Ethan so weak, is Lucas really so heartless he won’t help his own brother?!” “Mr. Johnson, if you just hand over Lucas, if he’s willing to cooperate and be tested as a kidney donor, I’ll have roads built for the village and help improve the villagers’ living conditions.” “I’ll also take Lucas back, let him continue living a life of luxury as part of the Thompson family.” “That child, I’ll treat her like my own daughter.” Fiona felt she had already made huge concessions. If they still didn’t cooperate, they couldn’t blame her for getting nasty. But Mr. Johnson still didn’t give her the answer she wanted. “Mrs. Thompson, when Lucas returned to his hometown five years ago, he was often harassed by thugs from nearby.” “I’m not sure exactly how he died.” “When I realized he was missing, I mobilized the whole village to search for him. We found his battered body in the mountains.” “I gave him a proper burial on the hill behind the village. If you don’t believe me, go see for yourself.” Fiona laughed bitterly, her eyes full of disbelief. “Do you think you’re talking to a three-year-old?” “If he really died, how has that child grown so big?” Mr. Johnson looked troubled and sighed heavily: “Lucas died so suddenly, we couldn’t just abandon the child, could we?” Hearing this, a flash of surprise and viciousness crossed Ethan’s eyes. Ethan knew better than anyone how I had died. That day, I had left Zoey with Mr. Johnson and was heading out to find work to support myself and my daughter. Just as I stepped out the door, Ethan arrived with three men. Before I could react, they covered my mouth and nose, dragging me into the house and holding me down. Ethan started beating and kicking me viciously. As if that wasn’t enough to vent his anger, he ground his foot into my five fingers. The pain made me cry out. “Lucas, you bastard!” “Why were you born first? Why did you get to marry Fiona?!” “Fiona was supposed to love me!” I struggled to look up at him, trying to speak. But he seemed determined to unleash all his fury on me, pressing my head down and slamming it against the wall repeatedly. I tried to protect myself, but the men he brought held my arms down tightly. In the end, I lay on the ground, barely breathing. Ethan leaned down to my ear and said: “Just thinking about you sleeping with Fiona, her having your child, it makes me hate you so much, my dear brother!” “Lucas, you dared to steal my woman. Even if you are my older brother, you must die!” “Brother, weren’t you the cool, aloof heartthrob before? I’ve got a gift for you, I’m sure you’ll love it.” As soon as he finished speaking, the three men started roughly tearing at my clothes, subjecting me to unspeakable abuse. I don’t know how many times it happened before I finally died. After I died, I watched helplessly as he ordered them to dump me in the mountains. Karma comes for everyone in the end. Now, five years after my death, Ethan’s retribution had arrived. The only relative who could save him had been killed by his own hand. So he knew that no matter what Fiona did, it was all in vain. I would never come out to see her.

Ethan weakly raised his hand, trying to grasp Fiona’s sleeve. Fiona, who had been full of rage moments ago, instantly became gentle and attentive again. She quickly bent down to hold Ethan’s raised hand, saying softly: “What’s wrong, Ethan? Are you feeling unwell again?” Ethan smiled weakly, shaking his head slightly: “Fiona, is my brother really so cruel?” “Watching his own daughter fall to her death before his eyes, his heart must be made of stone. I really underestimated him.” “I… I want to apologize to him. I was wrong… I shouldn’t have… pursued you…” “But I… really want to live. I want to grow old with you, Fiona.” Fiona gently kissed his forehead, comforting him: “Don’t worry, Ethan. I’ll definitely save you.” A flash of viciousness passed through her eyes. My heart suddenly clenched, and I immediately guessed her intentions. I shouted loudly: “No! Zoey is your daughter! Don’t hurt her!” But the voice of the dead cannot reach the living. Fiona’s bodyguards dragged Zoey out from the cellar and headed for the roof. The self-built houses in the village were about 23 feet high with two stories. Mr. Johnson stood up anxiously, his voice trembling: “Mrs. Thompson, what are you doing?!” “Let Zoey go, she’s your child!” Fiona’s face was cold, her eyes hiding a hint of hatred: “Hah, my child? Is that what Lucas told you?” “We never even slept together, how could I have his child?!” “This is the bastard he had with some woman behind my back.” “If it weren’t for Ethan begging me back then, I would have gotten rid of this child long ago. She wouldn’t have lived to see today!” Seeing the hatred for me in her eyes, my thoughts were suddenly pulled back to that night six years ago. It was Fiona’s birthday party. Ethan had drugged my drink, intending to send me to another woman’s bed to ruin my reputation and make Fiona divorce me. Fortunately, I noticed in time and ran away. But I had still been affected by the drug he slipped me. When I woke up the next day, I clearly saw it was Fiona lying next to me. Watching my daughter fearfully calling out “Grandpa”, I floated despairingly in front of Fiona, questioning her: “Fiona, if you never loved me, why did you marry me back then?!” “If you could never let go of Ethan, why didn’t you just go abroad to find him?!” “He didn’t leave the planet, you could have easily taken a plane to find him overseas!” Fiona suddenly looked up, our eyes meeting. If souls could feel emotions, I would probably have become a vengeful ghost long ago. Just as I thought she could see me, she said coldly: “Lucas, I’ll give you ten minutes. If you don’t come out, I’ll throw your daughter off the roof!!!” My pupils constricted in shock: “No!” “I’m here, I’m right here!” “Don’t hurt my daughter!” No one responded. I floated up, trying to save my child. But countless attempts to touch her passed right through. Mr. Johnson knelt at Fiona’s feet, begging her to spare Zoey. But Fiona ignored him, looking down at her watch to count the time. I cried out helplessly. In a corner no one was paying attention to, Ethan’s lips curled into a secret smile, his eyes full of satisfaction and vindication. I rushed over, trying to hit and kick him. But it had no effect. “Ten, nine, eight, seven…” Fiona began counting down mercilessly. I fell to my knees in despair, watching helplessly as Fiona ordered them to throw my daughter off the 23-foot high roof. I floated over to catch Zoey, but her body passed right through my hands. At the critical moment, Mr. Johnson scrambled over recklessly, trying to catch Zoey. But just as he reached out, a bodyguard kicked him to the ground. He coughed up blood, lying there barely breathing. I stared blankly as Mr. Johnson’s eyes slowly closed. There was a loud thud. Zoey hit the ground. I watched blood trickle from her mouth as she mumbled painfully: “Grandpa… Daddy…” In that moment, I cried out in anguish: “Zoey!! Mr. Johnson!!” Just then, a young villager ran over with a DNA test report, shouting: “Mrs. Thompson, Zoey really is your daughter, look…” At the same time, a bodyguard called out: “Madam, we found the sir’s…”

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My son, Liam Renshaw, hated me. To him, I, Isla Ellington, was the one who took his father away. I begged him to stay and celebrate my 60th birthday with me. But he turned his back on me and left without hesitation because he was in a hurry to be with my husband’s mistress, Daisy Whitmore. What he didn’t know was that this would be my last birthday. I had cancer. The doctor said I didn’t have much time left. Liam answered a call and cast me a fleeting, indifferent glance. “I have something urgent to take care of. I need to go out for a bit.” His phone screen was still lit, and the caller’s name was clearly visible. My heart sank with a bitter smile as I watched him turn to leave. Panic surged through me, and I grabbed onto his sleeve. “Liam, today is my birthday. Just today, can you stay and celebrate with me? I’ve never asked you for anything. Just this once.” I silently prayed that he would change his mind. “Mom, stop acting like a child.” He brushed me off and was about to leave, but I refused to let go. His phone rang again, urgent, insistent. I saw the impatience flash across his face before he wrenched his arm away from me, his force stronger than he intended. I lost my balance. Stumbling backward, I crashed into the dining table, my body landing face-first into my birthday cake. The cake was topped with a bright red peach, a traditional symbol of longevity. But all I saw was a blur of red. A gasp rippled through the guests. “She’s bleeding!” Dazed, I looked down at the cake. A small decorative support, meant to hold up the peach, had pierced my skin. The blood on my face mixed with the dark red frosting, making the whole scene both ridiculous and pathetic. I heard muffled laughter. Some of the guests were struggling to hold back their amusement. “Mom, I’m sorry. I’ll have Zane take care of you. But Daisy needs me more right now.” And just like that, Liam walked away without looking back.

After tending to the wound on my forehead, the last of the guests finally left. Then my phone buzzed a text from an unknown number. I didn’t need to check. I already knew who it was from. [So what if it’s your 60th birthday? Your husband couldn’t win against me. Your son couldn’t either. One phone call from me, and Liam abandons you without a second thought. What do you have to fight me with?] I let out a bitter laugh. I should be used to this by now. A sharp pang of hunger reminded me that I hadn’t eaten all day. I picked up my forks and stared at the lavish feast before me. But my appetite was gone. Tears welled in my eyes because every dish on this table was something I hated. Yet, they were all carefully chosen favorites of another woman. A woman my son and my husband’s mother, Nova Renshaw, regarded as family. The same woman who had been my husband’s mistress. “Why aren’t you back yet? Daisy has acute gastroenteritis and is in the hospital. She specifically asked for your chicken soup. Do you think you’re some kind of big deal just because it’s your birthday? You’re not dead yet!” The voice belonged to Nova. She was in her eighties, yet still as sharp and overbearing as ever. I let out a quiet scoff. So that was Daisy’s excuse to drag Liam back to her side. Did they even stop to consider how absurd it was? How could someone with acute gastroenteritis still crave chicken soup in the middle of the night? “I’m not going. Find someone else to take care of her. And don’t call me again.” Nova was perfectly fine. I was the one who was dying of stomach cancer, with one month left at most. This world had its own sense of justice. It punished those who didn’t take care of themselves. “You ungrateful wretch! Have you forgotten who held this family together when we were struggling the most? Have you forgotten that it was you who killed my son? It should’ve been you who died back then!” Nova’s voice was sharp and relentless, hurling accusations at me over the phone. These words had weighed on me for decades, pressing down so hard that I could barely breathe. But none of it mattered anymore. I was dying. And I still didn’t understand. My husband was the one who cheated. He was the one who got exposed and humiliated by his enemies. He was the one who chose to end his life rather than face the consequences. Yet, somehow, the world blamed me. Nova blamed me for his son’s death. Liam resented me for taking his father away. Even Daisy, the mistress, found joy in crushing me under her heel. And yet, to both Nova and Liam, Daisy was the one they called family. “She’s gotten worse because of you! If you don’t bring that soup to the hospital before sunrise, pack your things and leave. Liam is grown now. This family doesn’t need you anymore.”

I calmly hung up the phone. Before long, it rang again. Feeling exhausted, I simply turned it off. My stomach started aching again. Maybe it was because I hadn’t eaten. I found a can of instant food in the corner of the room and took a desperate bite. But before I could swallow, nausea overtook me. I rushed to the bathroom and threw up. The toilet was streaked with blood. I let out a bitter laugh and shook my head. At first, I thought it was just a stomach problem. Ever since the father of my child passed away, I have been working on construction sites, shoveling dirt, and moving from one site to another. I hadn’t had a proper meal in years. Sometimes, to save money, I simply didn’t eat. When hunger became unbearable, I’d stand by a faucet and fill my stomach with water. If I had known better, I would have treated myself a little kinder. Maybe at least I bought myself a sandwich. I still wanted to live. But the pain in my stomach kept me up all night. I endured until morning, then took my medical records and headed to the hospital for a follow-up. And that was when I ran into the last person I wanted to see. Nova was in the hallway, pushing Daisy into a wheelchair. Not long after, Liam walked over, holding a medical report, his expression light and relaxed. The three of them chatted in hushed voices, occasionally laughing. They must have been celebrating Daisy’s recovery. I thought, “What a happy family.” If Nova hadn’t noticed me, pointed at me, and started yelling while striding over, it would have been a peaceful scene. “Now you’re scared? Coming here now? Too late. This family doesn’t need you anymore. Get lost!” Ignoring the surprised looks from passersby, I pushed past Nova. I just wanted to go home and rest. Nova’s eyes widened in disbelief. Realizing I was completely ignoring her, she flew into a rage. “Are you deaf? I’m talking to you! Since you’re here, it’s perfect timing. Daisy’s getting discharged today. Liam went to get the car. You, carry Daisy to the hospital entrance!” “Oh no, that’s too much trouble. I can do it myself. No need for her to do this,” Daisy said, struggling to get up with the help of the armrests. But before she could straighten herself, she lost her strength and collapsed back into the chair. Her forehead was slick with sweat from the effort. She clutched her stomach in pain but still gritted her teeth, forcing herself to endure. Nova immediately leaned down, fussing over her with concern. I couldn’t be bothered to play along with their act. Without a word, I walked past them. My stomach twisted with pain. Nova panicked. Seeing how I kept disregarding her, she rushed forward in small, quick steps and grabbed my arm forcefully. My arm ached. My stomach ached. My whole body ached. Frustration swelled in me. I just wanted to get away. By the time I snapped back to reality, Nova was already on the floor, wailing dramatically. Liam’s eyes burned with fury as he glared at me. Daisy watched with a smug expression as if enjoying the show. “The only reason I ever called you Mom was because you raised me,” Liam said coldly. “But if you think that gives you the right to walk all over everyone, then I’d rather not have a mother at all!” I thought those words would hurt. But honestly, I didn’t care anymore. “Alright,” I said. “What did you just say?” Liam stared at me in disbelief. I looked at him carefully, the son I had struggled to raise. He was much taller than me now. His sharp features resembled his father’s. He wore an expensive suit, a sign of his success in the business world. I reached out, wanting to touch his face. Liam flinched away instantly, his disgust plain as day. “Liam, I don’t want to be your mother anymore either,” I said quietly. “I’m tired. Let’s cut ties.” Liam was too stunned to respond. He just stood there, staring at me. Nova had even forgotten to fake her pain, frozen in shock. Daisy was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered. She smirked and said, “Oh, don’t listen to Isla’s nonsense. She’s just mad about last night’s birthday party. Liam, go and talk some sense into her.” Liam came back to his senses and sneered, “God, you’re always so dramatic.” “You’ve lost your mind,” Nova snapped. “I’m still alive, and you think you can just do whatever you want? Well…” She stormed up and grabbed my collar. People around us started whispering, pointing at me like I was some kind of spectacle. I felt dizzy. My vision blurred. “If I carry Daisy out, will you all finally leave me alone?” Nova’s eyes gleamed with calculation. “That’s right. As long as you do as I say, I’ll forgive you for what happened today!” “Oh no, how could that be.” Daisy covered her mouth and giggled smugly while Liam stood to the side, his expression cold and unreadable. I stepped forward and struggled to lift Daisy from the wheelchair onto my back. Afraid of falling, she finally stopped making a fuss. I staggered toward the hospital doors, my legs barely holding up under the weight. Liam seemed uneasy. He stepped forward, ready to take over, but Nova grabbed his arm. “Leave her be. Think about what she did and said today. If she doesn’t get a little punishment, she’ll be impossible to deal with.” Liam’s face darkened. After a moment of silence, he took a step back. His car was parked not far away, yet it felt like miles to me. I forced one foot in front of the other, dragging myself toward it. Sweat dripped onto the floor, and the pain in my stomach grew sharper. I bit down hard on my lip, swallowing back any sound of pain. I thought, “So heavy. So painful. Just like the weight I’ve carried on my shoulders all these years.” But at least it was almost over. After hearing today that treatment was hopeless, all I felt was relief. I finally got Daisy into the car before collapsing onto the ground, completely drained. Clenching my fist, I pressed it hard against my stomach, trying to dull the pain. “Ignore her. She’s just putting on an act.” The car lingered beside me for a moment before driving away. “Are you okay? We can help you to the infirmary,” a passerby offered. I refused their kindness, propping myself against the wall as I slowly walked away. I didn’t go home. Instead, I checked into a small motel nearby, where my luggage was already neatly packed in the corner. After sending out a pre-written text, I switched my phone to silent and fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow.

Perhaps it was because I was too exhausted. Or maybe I was dying. I dreamed of many things from the past. When Jaxon was still alive, we had a brief period of happiness. He was a teacher at the school, and I was just a factory worker. But he said he loved my smile, and despite his parents’ objections, he married me. There were some rough patches along the way, but I always believed we were a happy family. Then came that day. I was at work when my supervisor suddenly approved my leave. The principal of Jaxon’s school came to pick me up in person. At the police station, I saw him covered by a white sheet. I hadn’t even had time to process his death when the officer hit me with an even more shocking truth. Jaxon had taken his own life to escape punishment. Someone exposed his affair with a female student, and he was about to be fired. Ashamed, he chose to end it all by jumping into the sea. His suicide note was filled with apologies to me. But in the end, all he left behind was a mountain of debt. Because he took his own life and had already been dismissed, the school gave us nothing. Nova was convinced I had known all along. She was sure I had pushed him to the edge. Those days were a blur. My mind was a chaotic mess. But reality didn’t wait for me to grieve. The electricity and water at home were cut off. The school dormitory gave us one month to move out. Jaxon was gone, but life had to go on. I quit my job at the factory and picked up a hoe to join the ranks of migrant laborers. I fought for work, once even arguing with a man who had a mental disability. In the heat of the moment, he swung his hoe and struck me on the head. Even with my head wrapped in gauze, I still had to work. The wound never healed properly, leaving behind an ugly, raised scar. But even in hardship, there were moments of warmth. When I came home, Liam would bring me a basin of warm water to soak my feet. He would gently touch the cracks on my hands, blowing on them as if to ease the pain. “Mom, when I grow up, you won’t have to work so hard anymore.” I smiled and nodded. “Okay.” Liam helped with whatever chores he could manage. Nova, despite her complaints, understood the weight I carried. One day, I returned home to find Liam and Nova holding a tiny birthday cake, no bigger than a palm. He was smiling and saying sweet words. The frosting had already started melting. But that night, we shared it, laughing and celebrating together. Then Daisy appeared, and everything started to change.

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I Died Three Years Ago, But My Husband Wants to Marry His First Love Three years after my death, my husband was preparing to marry his terminally ill first love. He came to my house and asked my mother to sign the divorce papers. My mom told him I was already dead. But my husband impatiently retorted: “What nonsense is this? She’s still playing these childish games!” “Olivia is dying. What’s wrong with me wanting to be with her in her final days? Why is Emily being so selfish?!” “Tell her if she doesn’t come out, I’ll cut off your medical expenses, old woman!” He was trying to use me to force my mother to reveal my whereabouts. Little did he know, my mother had already given up on treatment long ago. She was holding on only to see my husband’s regret. Three years after my death, Jack finally remembered me. But now he was a celebrated business tycoon, while I was just a cursed spirit, unable to move on. He stood at my family’s doorstep, scanning the empty room, and coldly said to my mother, “Tell Emily to get out here!” My mother’s frail body trembled as she replied numbly, “My daughter is dead.” Hearing this, Jack sneered, “Dead? How could someone as selfish as Emily possibly die?” “I get it now. It’s because Olivia is terminally ill and I want to be with her, so Emily’s putting on this act?” He laughed coldly and barged in, searching every room. But he couldn’t find any trace of me. My mother said, “Emily really is dead. If you want to find her, go look in her grave.” Jack’s face darkened. “You think these tactics will work? Let me tell you, if your daughter doesn’t come out and divorce me, don’t blame me for cutting off your medical expenses, old woman!” Seeing my mom remain silent, Jack laughed angrily and threw down the divorce papers: “Stubborn, aren’t you? But it’s useless.” “Make her sign within three days, then contact me immediately to finalize the divorce at the registry office. If you can’t do that…” At this point, Jack’s eyes showed a coldness I’d never seen before, “You might as well be dead.” He slammed the door as he left, leaving my heart in pieces. To divorce me, he would even threaten my mother’s life. But in my mother’s eyes, I saw a tenderness I’d never witnessed before. She calmly watched Jack leave, then turned and took out my childhood photos from a drawer. As she caressed my young face in the picture, I heard her whisper, “Emily, dear, Mommy will be with you soon.”

Naturally, I couldn’t divorce Jack. As expected, a few days later, he cut off all of my mother’s medical expenses. My mom was elderly with serious heart problems, along with high blood pressure, diabetes, and various other ailments. With continued treatment, there was still hope for improvement. But only I knew that three years ago, my mom had stopped using Jack’s money entirely. And her illness had already progressed beyond hope. Mom had wanted to join me long ago, but she couldn’t let go. She couldn’t bear the thought of her daughter, who had given her whole heart, being abandoned and trampled upon. So, until the moment Jack showed regret, she was determined to keep living in this world. A week passed, and my mom showed no signs of backing down. Jack finally lost his patience. He called my mom and sneered, “Your daughter is really heartless, isn’t she? To avoid divorcing me, she’s even using you in this ploy.” “I’m warning you, even if you die, I won’t feel an ounce of sympathy! Tell Emily to sign the divorce papers obediently!” My mother looked at my photo in her arms, her fingers digging into her palms, “Jack, I’ve already told you, my daughter is dead.” Jack scoffed, “Looks like you’re asking for trouble. You think your daughter can hide from my search? If she won’t come out, I’ll find her myself!” A bitterness spread through my heart. You want to find me, Jack? I really wish you could find me. But I hope you won’t regret it when you do. Just then, a weak female voice came through the phone, accompanied by some coughing, “Jack, dear, is there any news about Emily?” “Is she angry? Does she want to wait for me to die?” Jack quickly put down the phone to comfort her, “Rest easy, don’t worry. I’ll definitely divorce her and marry you.” But Olivia shook her head, her voice choked with emotion, “I know Emily must feel wronged and probably resents me now. I understand. I’m not trying to steal you from her, I just want you to be with me in my final days.” Her words were full of sincerity, but every sentence pointed the blame at me. As if I were the homewrecker. And I knew that Jack would never take my side. “Olivia, how could you think that? I love you. What right does Emily have to compete with you? Don’t worry, even if I have to search to the ends of the earth, I’ll dig up her bones to sign the divorce papers.” He seemed to deliberately raise his voice, making sure my mother could hear on the other end of the line, before hanging up abruptly. Listening to the dial tone, I could feel my mother’s heart turning to ice. She struggled to her feet, wiping away a tear. With a smile, she said, “It’s alright, daughter. Mommy will be with you soon.”

To find me, Jack mobilized all his connections in the city. I laughed bitterly to myself. This was probably the most attention I’d ever received from him. But it was useless. I watched as he turned the city upside down, even filing a missing persons report with the police, only to be told there was no record of me. Before I died, my mother had transferred my household registration to our hometown. I no longer had any official ties to this city. In his office, Jack flew into a rage. “Useless idiots! You can’t even find one person! Have you all been eating dog food?” His secretary stood trembling nearby, finally mustering the courage to speak, “Mr. Zhao, we’ve looked everywhere possible. Miss Emily is no longer in the city.” “Her mother is still here, where else could she have gone? She couldn’t survive without me and this city!” Jack furiously swept everything off his desk. Watching his self-important display, I couldn’t help but smirk. So he always saw me as a parasite in their family. No wonder he looked down on me and my mother. “Perhaps… we could check the hospitals. Miss Emily was hospitalized after a car accident three years ago. There should still be records,” the secretary suggested quietly. Jack’s mind cleared for a moment, but he quickly realized something was off. “Hospitalized? When was Emily in a car accident? Why don’t I know about this?” The secretary was about to continue when Jack’s phone rang. “Jack, my heart feels uncomfortable. I think I’m having a rejection episode. Can you come see me?” Olivia’s voice was urgent and helpless, and Jack’s heart melted. He immediately dropped everything, sending the secretary to investigate my situation, and rushed to Olivia’s side. My eyes stung with unshed tears. Once upon a time, Jack and I had shared such loving moments too. But now, none of that belonged to me anymore. Perhaps these things were never meant to be mine, and I shouldn’t have coveted them. In truth, Olivia had my heart. After three years in her body, it had likely adapted to its new host and wouldn’t have any rejection episodes. She just didn’t want Jack to be distracted by my affairs, taking away the love that belonged solely to her. Jack hurried to the hospital, and hearing from the doctor that Olivia was fine, he breathed a sigh of relief. Olivia’s eyes lit up when she saw Jack, “Jack, you’re here.” Seeing Olivia in good spirits, Jack realized she wasn’t in any real danger. He had been irritable lately due to not being able to find me, and Olivia’s constant demands were starting to grate on him. He couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed. “Next time, if it’s not serious, it’s better to check with the doctor first.” His tone was still restrained, but the displeasure was evident. Olivia was stunned for a moment, but quickly put on a tearful expression, “Jack, I was just so bored in the hospital and missed you terribly. You’ve been so focused on finding Emily lately, you rarely come to see me.” “I don’t have many years left to live. I just wanted to see you as much as possible while I’m still alive.” This tactic always worked on Jack. He immediately felt guilty, “I’m sorry for not considering your feelings. I’ve let you suffer alone in the hospital.” “It’s all Emily’s fault. Even at this point, she’s still playing hide-and-seek. She’s completely heartless!” I smiled wryly. I truly was heartless. My heart had been given to Olivia three years ago. Finally, Jack’s secretary found my hospital records from three years ago. [Emily Johnson, female, 27 years old, died from injuries sustained in a car accident despite resuscitation attempts.] When he submitted this information to Jack, Jack’s entire body began to shake.

He flipped through the pages with bloodshot eyes, refusing to accept the reality. “This is all nonsense! It must be fabricated by the hospital!” Like a madman, he tore the documents to shreds, but the news of Emily’s death in a car accident was already deeply etched in his mind, impossible to erase. “How could this happen? Why did I never know about her car accident?” Jack tightly gripped his secretary’s collar, shaking him violently, “Why didn’t anyone tell me?!” The secretary reluctantly informed him, “Miss Emily was already on the brink of death when she was brought to the hospital. That day, you were busy preparing blood supplies for Miss Olivia. The hospital called you several times, but you didn’t answer any of them.” “The hospital said that due to a lack of suitable blood, Miss Emily died from excessive blood loss.” “How could there be no suitable blood source?! Doesn’t the hospital have a huge blood bank? Did they feed it all to dogs?!” Jack shouted angrily. The secretary could only reveal the cruel truth to him, “Miss Emily and Miss Olivia both have Rh-negative blood. You had taken all the Rh-negative blood from the hospital’s blood bank, so there was no blood available for Miss Emily. She could only wait for death.” Jack’s pupils constricted sharply. He painfully covered his ears and curled up on the ground, “How could this happen?!” “I didn’t mean to take all the blood from the bank. I didn’t know Emily had been in an accident that day. I didn’t mean to take all the blood! I didn’t!” The secretary sighed, “Mr. Zhao, what’s done is done. Please try to accept it and grieve.” He was about to help Jack up when Jack suddenly stood up as if remembering something. “Emily’s mother! She knew everything! It was her! She deliberately concealed it from me! You’re all lying to me. Emily can’t be dead. I must confront her!” Jack’s frenzied state made me feel both unfamiliar and amused. I never thought that one day, my death would drive him to this state. But even at the moment when the truth was revealed, he was still constantly shifting blame. Truly beyond help. Jack found my mother in our hometown. In the vast countryside, my mother had built a grave for me with her own hands. She was piously burning incense for me when Jack violently interrupted, knocking the incense from her hands. He stared in disbelief at my memorial tablet, angrily questioning my mother, “What are you doing?! Tell me what you’re doing?!” My mother ignored his shouting and calmly picked up the broken incense, placing it back in the incense burner in front of my grave. She spoke evenly, “Can’t you see?” “I’m burning incense for my dead daughter – your wife, Emily.”

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I was reborn on the day my sister and I were adopted. She eagerly chose to go home with the wealthiest couple in the city, ready to live out her lifelong fantasy of becoming a billionaire’s daughter. Of course, I supported her choice. After all, in my previous life, I was the one who became the wealthy heiress. And only I knew the darkness and decay hidden beneath the glamorous façade of that life. So, Peyton Monroe, are you ready for what’s coming? My sister and I were sent to an orphanage when we were six years old. We spent two years there before being placed with prospective adoptive families. The couple who came to adopt me looked plain and ordinary, while the couple taking my sister were dressed to impress—polished, glamorous, and full of charm. She thought she’d won the jackpot, that she’d been chosen by a wealthy, powerful family. What she didn’t know was that her new parents were nothing more than shallow influencers, obsessed with fame and appearances. They adopted her purely for the attention, with no intention of truly being parents. My adoptive parents, on the other hand, turned out to be the richest couple in Larkspur City, traveling incognito to avoid drawing attention. They brought me home, changed my name, and spent millions on my education, hiring the best piano instructors to teach me. It was around that time that my sister’s attitude toward me started to change. She envied me for leaving the orphanage and becoming a billionaire’s daughter. She envied me for gaining fame as a piano prodigy at just thirteen, for winning international awards at fifteen, and for standing on the world’s grandest stages at eighteen during my global tours. She used to say, over and over: “The Sinclairs wanted me, not you. You stole my life.” She told herself this lie so many times that she eventually believed it. She conveniently forgot that she had turned down the Sinclairs because she thought they looked too ordinary. She chose her fate. But the seed of jealousy planted in her heart grew, until it fully consumed her when I turned twenty. That’s when she killed me. It was the night of my national tour’s finale. I had just stepped out of the airport when a truck veered off course and slammed into me. The truck didn’t stop. It kept going, running over me again and again until I died. My soul floated above, watching my crushed body and the twisted, hate-filled expression on my sister’s face as she sat in the driver’s seat of the truck. “You deserve this,” she hissed. “You stole my life. You deserve to die.” In that moment, I felt a bitter mix of emotions. She had never reflected on her own choices, never taken responsibility for her life. Even after killing her own sister, she refused to admit that her misfortune was the result of her own decisions and constant blame-shifting. Meanwhile, I, who had fought tooth and nail to survive under the control of my psychotic adoptive parents, became the victim of her jealousy and incompetence. Yes, the Sinclairs—the wealthiest couple in Larkspur City—were controlling maniacs. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day we were adopted.

My sister, Peyton, had already pushed past me and was standing in front of the Sinclairs, eagerly answering their questions. “I love music… Yes, we couldn’t afford lessons before… My sister has long, pretty fingers, but she’s completely tone-deaf.” The Sinclairs’ interest in me immediately disappeared. In my previous life, Peyton had been unimpressed with the Sinclairs’ plain clothing and had shoved me forward when they started asking questions. I had stood there awkwardly, letting them inspect my hands as they praised my “beautiful fingers.” I didn’t understand what they meant at the time. I only kept glancing at Peyton, who was chattering away with the influencer couple, completely ignoring me. I hadn’t wanted to be separated from her. But she couldn’t wait to leave me behind. This time, I made my choice. I turned my back on the Sinclairs and avoided the influencer couple altogether. Without sparing Peyton a glance, I walked over to the White family, who were preparing to leave. The Whites had originally been the ones slated to adopt one of us. Childless and longing for a family, they had spent months preparing for parenthood, learning how to provide a loving home. But when the Sinclairs showed up, their application was pushed aside. In my last life, I remembered the Whites’ disappointed expressions as they left the orphanage empty-handed. I also remembered seeing them later, in the audience at one of my piano concerts, holding flowers and clapping enthusiastically as I took the stage. “When we went to the orphanage, we’d already prepared a room for a child. Even though things didn’t work out, we were so happy to see you thriving,” they told me once. Their support had been one of my greatest motivations to keep moving forward. This time, I wasn’t going to let them leave without me. “Auntie, I love the flowers you’re holding,” I said, flashing my most genuine smile as I looked up at the younger, hopeful faces of the Whites. Their eyes sparkled with surprise and joy. Unsurprisingly, I was the one they brought home. As I left the orphanage with the Whites, I saw Peyton one last time. She was holding hands with the Sinclairs, practically skipping as they led her to a waiting taxi. The smile on her face was one of pure excitement, even brighter than the smug grin she’d worn in my last life when she mocked me for being adopted by “commoners.” At that moment, I realized something: She had also been reborn. But what she didn’t know was that her smile wouldn’t last. She’d stop smiling very soon. 2 Just like in my previous life, the day after the Sinclairs brought me home, they hosted an extravagant party to introduce their newly adopted daughter. She was now mingling effortlessly with the upper-class elites she had once dreamed of joining. Her smile was radiant, and she basked in the endless compliments from the guests. She adored the attention. This was the life she had fantasized about countless times. Draped in a luxurious princess gown, she played the part perfectly, as if she had been born into this world of wealth and grandeur. But what she didn’t see coming was what lay beyond the glitter and lights. That night, after the last guest had left, the kind and gentle mother, Evelyn Sinclair, brought her upstairs to the piano room. “Jenna, do you know what my life’s greatest dream is?” Evelyn’s tone was warm, but her gaze was distant and commanding, just as it had been in my previous life. “My greatest passion is playing the piano,” she continued, smiling down at my sister. “But due to an accident, I never achieved my dream of winning an international award. It’s my one regret in life. Can you help Mommy fulfill her dream?” Evelyn’s shadow loomed over her, swallowing her whole. My sister tilted her head, sensing something was off, but the achievements from my previous life were burned into her memory. She was desperate for that kind of glory. She smiled confidently and nodded. “Of course, Mom. Not only will I win international awards, but I’ll also do world tours. After all, I’m your daughter!” Evelyn’s smile widened as she gently stroked her hair. “I knew you were my good girl… my perfect daughter.” Her unfocused gaze lingered on my sister. But her words? They seemed meant for someone else entirely. No one knew that beneath the Sinclair mansion, deep in the basement, there was a girl who had gone completely mad. Meeting Again The next time I saw my sister was years later, in high school. By then, I had fully adjusted to my new life with the Whites. I had friends, a routine, and a peaceful existence. I had almost forgotten the suffocating days of being forced to play piano endlessly. That is, until the day my sister transferred into my class. I froze when I saw her. “What’s wrong? You don’t look happy to see me,” she said smugly, approaching me during the break. I instinctively stepped back, putting some distance between us. She didn’t seem to care. Instead, she looked me over from head to toe, clicking her tongue in mockery. “Look at you—so pathetic. Don’t try to act like you’re related to me. Stay far away from me. I don’t want to be associated with someone like you. Got it?” Her condescending tone didn’t bother me. My gaze dropped briefly to the faint red marks peeking out from under her sleeves before I looked away. “Got it. Don’t bother me, either.” To me, studying was a dream come true—something I had been denied in my previous life. Back then, Evelyn Sinclair would stroke my face with a loving smile and say, “Our baby only needs to play piano. We can afford to support you for life. You don’t need to be like those poor kids who study just to survive. You’ll always be Mommy’s precious girl. Let’s skip school, okay?” Her words, delivered with a sweet smile, were impossible to refuse. And so, my right to an education was stripped away. This time, I didn’t know what my sister had done to earn the right to attend school, but I cherished every moment I had there. I consistently ranked in the top three of my class and threw myself into extracurricular activities. In my previous life, my sister had envied my success, blinded by the reputation I built. She never understood that my achievements came at the cost of loneliness and suffocating control. But in this life, my new parents noticed my social struggles early on and proactively took me to therapy. I made progress. I became the class representative for cultural events, earned the trust and admiration of my peers, and formed genuine friendships. My sister, however, couldn’t stand any of it. By her second day in our class, news of her identity as the Sinclair family’s heiress had spread. For an entire semester, she was the center of attention, surrounded by admirers, constantly flaunting her status in front of me, hoping to provoke a reaction. She wanted to see jealousy on my face—the same envy she had felt in our previous life. But she never got what she wanted. When she showed off her luxury pen set, I focused on solving math problems. When she flaunted her new diamond hair clip, I was busy winning first place in a speech competition. When I topped the grade rankings, she bought the entire class expensive desserts, ensuring everyone fawned over her for a day. While she reveled in the shallow praise money could buy, I quietly cherished the freedom of living life on my own terms. The Talent Show We finally had to interact during the school’s annual talent show. The event was a big deal, emphasizing the school’s commitment to well-rounded education. Months of preparation went into it every year. My sister often bragged in class that she had a piano teacher who charged millions per hour and that she had performed in over a dozen recitals. She claimed that she only attended school because her parents didn’t want her to feel lonely at home. I didn’t believe a word of it. But based on popular opinion, I let her take the role of piano soloist for the show. I was curious. In my previous life, Evelyn Sinclair had forbidden me from attending school and poured all her efforts into perfecting my piano skills. What had changed this time? My sister eagerly accepted the role, confident in her abilities. She practiced constantly, surrounded by admirers. Even the school’s piano teacher couldn’t stop praising her. But to my ears, every missed note told a different story. It became clear to me that this version of the Sinclairs was hiding something far more intriguing.

Right before the talent show, my sister, Peyton, came to find me. That day, she walked through the campus like a swan among ducks, surrounded by classmates who had been charmed by her money and fawned over her status as the Sinclair family’s heiress. When she saw me walking with my desk mate, it seemed she had conveniently forgotten her previous command to “stay away from me.” The first thing out of her mouth was: “Are you jealous of me?” I looked at her, confused. She wasted no time listing all the supposed ways we were different. “Your dad is just some low-level office worker. Your mom runs a tiny flower shop. Your family’s entire annual income couldn’t even cover one hour of my piano lessons. That bike you ride home? It wouldn’t even pay for a single scratch on my Maybach. And now, just because you got first place on one test, you think you’re too good to even speak to me? If it’s not jealousy, then what is it?” It wasn’t jealousy. It was disgust. It was loathing. It was contempt. I looked at Peyton quietly, my gaze lingering on the dark circles under her eyes, barely concealed by the layers of foundation she’d applied. Then, it hit me. I knew why she was here. Her piano skills weren’t as good in this life as they were in my last. She was at the bottom of the class academically, far from the shining star she thought she’d be. Even the thing she prided herself on most—her wealth—didn’t seem to impress me. And that’s why she was unraveling. In the sea of adoration she had come to expect, I was the one person who didn’t care. That drove her mad. My desk mate, Gwen, couldn’t stand it any longer. She stepped in front of me protectively, facing Peyton head-on. But Peyton shoved her to the ground. “Gwen, right?” Peyton said, her tone dripping with disdain. She tilted her chin up and smirked. “I know you’re at the bottom of the class, too. Why waste your time sucking up to someone like Eliza? She’ll only step all over your pride. Why not hang out with me instead? Here, take this.” With that, Peyton casually slipped off her Bulgari watch—a five-figure accessory—and tossed it onto Gwen’s lap. She didn’t just want to humiliate me. She wanted to take everything and everyone away from me. But Gwen wasn’t having it. Furious, she scrambled to her feet, her eyes blazing like a little lion cub. She picked up the watch between two fingers, like it was trash, and flung it aside. “My pride isn’t made of glass,” Gwen shot back. “It doesn’t shatter that easily, unlike yours. And what’s this supposed to mean, huh? You think we’re at the bottom of the class together, so you can buy me off? Or are you trying to say I’m not worth anything without your pity?” She grabbed my arm and started pulling me away, glancing over her shoulder at Peyton with a look of pure contempt. “If you’ve got the guts, take first place yourself. Eliza’s talented, kind, and smarter than you’ll ever be. So stop whining about sour grapes just because you’re a failure.” Her words hit Peyton like a slap in the face. And that’s when Peyton snapped. She lunged forward, grabbing Gwen by the collar and yanking her necklace out from under her shirt. For a moment, she froze, staring at the delicate red bunny pendant shimmering in the sunlight. Then, she slapped Gwen hard across the face. “You thief!” Peyton shrieked. “You stole my necklace, you filthy little thief!” The slap was loud and sharp, echoing across the courtyard. Everyone nearby froze, stunned by the scene. Even those who had admired Peyton’s wealth and status were shocked—none of them had expected this kind of behavior. It took Gwen a moment to process what had just happened. Then, without hesitation, she slapped Peyton back. Twice. “Are you insane? Go get your head checked. Your family’s so rich, they can’t afford a doctor to fix whatever’s broken in there?” The little bunny pendant swayed on Gwen’s chest, catching the light with a soft red glow. Peyton’s eyes filled with tears of rage. She reached out, trying to grab the necklace again. “You trash!” she screamed. “That necklace is worth three million dollars! You stole it! I’ll have you arrested—I’ll have you thrown in jail for life!” Her accusations were ridiculous. Gwen’s pendant wasn’t worth millions. It was a birthday gift from her dad when she turned twelve—something she cherished and kept hidden under her shirt most of the time. Peyton was grasping at straws, trying to turn the situation to her advantage. I’d had enough. I grabbed Peyton’s wrist before she could touch Gwen again. “Peyton, that’s enough. Whatever issues you have with me, leave them here. Don’t drag anyone else into it.” I wasn’t the same person I had been in my last life. No longer powerless, no longer unable to protect myself or those I cared about. Thanks to my adoptive mother, I’d been taking taekwondo lessons for years. My grip was strong, and Peyton quickly realized she couldn’t break free. She stopped struggling, glaring at me with her flushed, tear-streaked face. “Oh, and you,” she spat. “You’re the one behind this, aren’t you? You won’t get away with this—you’re both going to pay!” Her outburst drew a crowd, and someone called over the patrolling teachers. The teachers handed us over to the principal, who immediately summoned all three sets of parents. It was going to be a long day.

My adoptive mother, Lily White, was the first to arrive. The moment she saw me, she asked if I was hurt. Then, without hesitation, she went straight to my desk mate, Gwen, pulling out an ice pack to help with the swelling on her face. “Mr. Hughes,” she addressed the teacher firmly, “I heard everything over the phone. I do not believe for a second that my daughter or her desk mate stole anything. Have you conducted a proper investigation? Can you provide evidence that they committed theft? If not, this is defamation, plain and simple.” Lily White may have been a humble florist, but when it came to me, she was fierce and unyielding. Back in elementary school, when I was still struggling with my communication issues, my classmates often bullied me. The moment my mother found out, she marched straight to the school, demanding accountability. By the end of it, not only did the bullies apologize, but their parents did too. Now, seeing Gwen injured, she stood in front of us like a mother hen protecting her chicks. The principal, however, didn’t take her seriously. He smirked condescendingly and said, “Mrs. White, I think you need to understand the situation. The person accusing your daughter is the Sinclair family’s eldest daughter—the heiress to the wealthiest family in Oakridge. This necklace is worth three million dollars. She has no reason to falsely accuse your daughter or her friend. If anything, it’s your responsibility as a parent to teach your child to own up to their mistakes. If you don’t, this incident will be recorded in their permanent files under theft.” “My daughter did not steal anything!” my mother snapped, refusing to back down. “If you want to accuse her, show me the evidence!” Peyton, meanwhile, was lounging nearby, sipping on a fancy bubble tea she’d ordered and looking utterly bored. With a roll of her eyes, she turned toward the door and said, “Lower-class people will always be lower-class. They mess up, refuse to admit it, and just make a scene. Anyway, my dad’s on his way now. You can explain everything to him.” 9 In my previous life, my adoptive father was a pot-bellied man who liked to say that businessmen all looked like him. This time around, he looked sharper, more put-together than I remembered. Back then, he had only adopted me to satisfy Evelyn Sinclair’s controlling tendencies, so he practically ignored my existence. But this life, it was different. He treated Peyton entirely differently. For the sake of a necklace, he personally came to the school, standing by Peyton’s side and shielding her without hesitation. “If these two troublemakers aren’t expelled,” he announced loudly, “the Sinclair family will pull all its funding from this school!” The school leaders paled at the threat, clearly terrified. They wasted no time doubling down on Lily, pressuring her even harder. At the door, a crowd of students watched the scene unfold, their understanding of Peyton’s privileged position deepening with every word her father spoke. Especially when Peyton crossed the line further, demanding that I kneel before her. “Get on your knees!” my adoptive father snapped at me. “When this goes to the police station, you’ll have even more to cry about!” Lily was furious, barely able to get a word in before he cut her off. He coldly listed my parents’ workplaces—the flower shop my mother owned and my father’s small office job. He threatened to shut down the shop and have my father fired, leaving my family with nothing. That’s the power of the wealthy. Just a single sentence, and they can make life impossible for ordinary people. To him, we were nothing but ants. I felt the old bitterness from my past life bubbling up, mixing with the burning anger I felt now. I suddenly remembered the evidence I had nearly exposed in my last life—proof that could have toppled the Sinclair family empire. I had come so close to freeing myself from their control, only to be sabotaged by Peyton at the last moment. In this life, I had planned to stay far away from them, to live a quiet, peaceful life. But now they had pushed me too far. At that moment, my mother’s warm hand rested on mine. “My dear,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “If you didn’t do it, then you didn’t do it. I trust you. We won’t bow down to them.” Gwen, standing beside us, handed Lily her phone back after borrowing it. “It’s fine,” she said. “The necklace was a gift from my dad. And he just texted me—he’s already outside the school.” Among the crowd of students watching from the doorway, some of my dormmates recognized the necklace Gwen was wearing. They knew exactly what had happened and decided to go to Peyton’s desk to search for the box her so-called necklace came in. If the necklace existed, the box should be there too. If not, her story was a complete lie. But before they could move, one of Peyton’s lackeys visibly paled, their expression giving everything away.

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