Category: English

I was the Maddox family’s living good luck charm. If I so much as sneezed, the Maddox Corporation’s giant signboard would fall that very day. If a bracelet dug into my skin while I slept, the Maddox estate’s backyard would mysteriously catch fire that night. So, until I turned eighteen and discovered I was the unknowingly swapped fake heiress, I was cherished by the entire Maddox family, held as if I might melt in their hands, or disappear from their pockets. The Maddox family’s true bloodline was a pair of fraternal twins. On the first day the real heiress and heir returned home, the entire household was in a frenzy. Meanwhile, I was comfortably curled up in a garden swing chair, a premium coffee in my left hand, an ice cream cone in my right, and waved amiably towards their entrance. Helen Maddox caught sight of me, her face instantly darkening. Jane Maddox, seeing this, rushed over and knocked the ice cream from my hand. “A usurper and a fake, you dare to eat our family’s food?” “Now, we are the masters! You should be kneeling to welcome us, then licking that filth off the floor!” I blinked, a little confused. “But Mom and Dad said I never have to do things like that.” Helen viciously pinched my arm. “If you don’t know how, learn! From now on, we make the rules in this house!” As they shoved me towards the cleaning rags, my mother, miles away at the company, felt a sudden pang in her chest, a flicker of inexplicable unease, and turned to my father. “Honey, do you feel… like our company’s stock just shifted?” … “A fake is a fake. Mom and Dad kept you only for the Maddox family’s reputation.” “You stole eighteen years of our lives; making you do some chores is an honor.” Helen sneered in my ear as they shoved me towards the cleaning rags. My steps faltered, but I said nothing. Mom and Dad had specifically warned me before going to the company not to cause any big commotion if I got upset. I was always obedient. Mrs. Higgins, the housekeeper, looked on with a pained expression. “Miss Anna, Miss Helen, Master Jane, Miss Anna is…” “Is what? Do you want to keep your job here?” Jane’s face turned cold. Mrs. Higgins sighed, looking at me. I quietly shook my head at her. Jane’s face only softened when he watched me bend down and meticulously wipe away the ice cream he’d knocked to the floor. He gathered all the servants and announced, “Listen up, now that Helen and I are home, we’re in charge. If anyone dares to speak up for this imposter, Anna, pack your bags and leave immediately!” So, for the entire day, Jane and Helen watched as I poured tea and water, knelt to polish their shoes, and even made me jump into the pool to retrieve a bracelet Helen had deliberately thrown in. “Haven’t you lived in the Maddox house for eighteen years? Can’t you even do this little thing?” I said nothing, merely trembling as I wrapped myself in the towel Mrs. Higgins handed me. Mom and Dad told me that as long as I stayed happy, the “shadow” wouldn’t emerge. By evening, when Mom and Dad returned home, I was still damp, kneeling on the floor, scrubbing. “What’s going on here?” Mom’s voice cut through the silence, and the living room immediately hushed. Dad’s gaze quickly landed on me, his brows slightly furrowed. “Anna, what happened to you?” Before I could speak, Helen rushed forward, hugging Mom and whimpering, “Mommy, does Sister not want us back? Why has she been sulking all day? She even threw a gift I kindly gave her into the pool.” Jane chimed in, “I just asked her to retrieve Helen’s gift, and she acted all high and mighty.” I expected Mom to at least question me, but instead, she pushed Helen’s hands away and quickly walked towards me. “Anna, my sweet girl, you…” Her words trailed off as she spotted the blood seeping from my sleeve. Her face instantly changed. I instinctively tried to hide my hand, but she grasped it firmly, then summoned a servant to bring ointment and bandages, meticulously cleaning my wound. “How did you hurt your hand? Did they bully you?” Helen froze, instinctively retorting, “Mom, it was clearly her!” “Silence!” Dad’s voice was cold. “Before we brought you back, did I not tell you?” “Anna is our lucky star. As long as she’s happy, the Maddox family thrives.” “Anyone who makes Anna unhappy is jeopardizing the Maddox family’s fortune.” Helen’s face went completely white. Jane clenched his fists, emotions churning in his eyes, but he forcibly suppressed them, and was the first to speak to me. “Sister Anna, I’m sorry. Helen and I were wrong.” Helen, seeing Jane speak, quickly apologized to me, her eyes reddening. “I’m sorry…” I nodded, then curled my lips slightly. “It’s alright, I don’t blame you.” After dinner, just as I was about to go to my room to rest, Jane called out to me. “Mom and Dad said to tell you to go up to the attic. It seems they want to give you something special.” I didn’t think much of it and followed him to the attic. I didn’t see Mom or Dad, but he suddenly pushed me inside and locked the door. Jane’s voice, like a spectator, came from outside the door. “Since you’re so important.” “Then I’ll see if the Maddox family can survive without you.” “Jane…” My whole body stiffened, even making a sound was incredibly difficult. The attic was pitch dark, with only a thin sliver of dim light seeping through a narrow crack. The wooden door almost completely blocked out outside sounds, and the air seemed to thin instantly. “You, please open the door, alright?” I tapped lightly on the door, my voice trembling uncontrollably. Jane’s unhurried voice came from outside. “What, scared?” I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself. “I, I have claustrophobia. I was kidnapped as a child, and the doctor said I can’t be in confined spaces.” “Please let me out, alright? I promise I won’t say anything.” Silence fell for a few seconds outside the door. Just as I thought Jane might at least hesitate, he scoffed disdainfully. “Claustrophobia?” “Anna Maddox, you really know how to make things up.” His tone was filled with undisguised annoyance. “Stop with these pathetic tricks to manipulate people.” “I’d like to see if you can really scare yourself to death.” The footsteps gradually receded. I frantically banged on the door, but my throat felt as if it were being choked, my mouth open, yet no sound escaped. My breathing grew increasingly erratic, and my vision began to blacken. I slid to the floor, hugging myself tightly, then completely lost consciousness. When I woke up again, my body felt completely weak. As soon as I opened my eyes, an excited voice reached my ears. “Anna, is that Anna?” Before I could react, a pair of warm hands clasped mine tightly. “Mommy’s here.” Mom’s voice was clearly trembling, her eyes red, as if she was trying hard to suppress some emotion. Dad stood by the bed, his face also grim, but he let out a sigh of relief when he saw me wake up. The doctor beside him said gravely, “Fortunately, we found her in time, otherwise…” “Miss Anna cannot endure any more stress.” I slowly came back to my senses. My gaze shifted, and I saw Helen and Jane kneeling not far away. Mom helped me sit up, then glared at Jane. “Anna, did Jane lock you in? Mommy will make sure he pays.” Helen pouted, her voice very low. “Is it really that big a deal? It was just being locked in the attic for a bit.” “So delicate, it’s just too dramatic.” Jane said nothing, but his expression clearly echoed Helen’s sentiment. Slap! A crisp sound exploded in the room. Helen’s head snapped to the side from the force of the slap; she was completely stunned. Mom’s hand still hung in the air, her gaze coldly fixed on Helen. “Say that again?” Helen clutched her face, looking at her in disbelief. “Mom, I just…” Dad’s voice was heavy with suppressed anger. “Do you two have any idea that Anna almost died?” “If something serious had happened, how would you compensate us?” Jane’s face changed. He couldn’t help but argue. “Dad, isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration?” “Anna is perfectly fine, isn’t she? We’re your biological children! Why are you treating me like this for an outsider?” “Besides, all this talk about ‘lucky stars’ is just…” “Enough!” Dad abruptly cut him off, his eyes colder than I had ever seen them. “I haven’t even settled the score with you for locking Anna in the attic.” “Now, kneel properly. Don’t force me to use the family disciplinary rod.” Jane bit his lip, then suddenly scoffed, his tone clearly defiant. “Dad, Mom, don’t you think this is too superstitious?” “She fainted once, and you’re so anxious.” “But the Maddox family is still doing fine, isn’t it? Has anything specific changed?” Dad didn’t speak again. His phone rang. He looked down at the screen, and then his face visibly darkened, inch by inch. “Maddox Corporation’s stock just dropped three points.” At Dad’s words, Jane’s face also changed. “Dad, that’s just a coincidence. How could it be related to Anna?” He instinctively retorted, but his tone lacked its initial certainty. Dad didn’t answer him, merely looking at the butler. “Bring the family rod.” When the butler returned with the wooden rod, Helen burst into tears. “Dad! You’re biased! Anna is perfectly fine, why are you still bringing out the family rod!” She pointed at me, her voice sharp and vicious. “What right does she have!” “Silence! If you insult Anna again, I’ll beat you too!” Helen’s body trembled, and she finally quieted down, merely sobbing into her hands. Just as I was about to get out of bed and say something, Mom pulled me out of the room. “Our Anna can’t bear to see such bloody things.” I sighed, tugging at Mom’s sleeve. “Mom, I’m safe now, and the ‘shadow’ won’t come out. You don’t have to be so…” “That won’t do!” Mom tapped my nose, leading me downstairs. “Mommy got you the new season’s handbags, and your favorite chocolate cake.” I leaned into Mom, rubbing against her. “I knew Mommy was the best to me.” Sounds of the rod hitting flesh, along with Jane’s muffled groans, came from upstairs. Before I could react, Mom quickly placed noise-canceling headphones over my ears. When I saw Jane again, he had already endured the family discipline, being supported by Helen, walking step by agonizing step towards his room. His face was ashen, and his gaze towards me was like poison. From that day on, they indeed quieted down. But I always had a faint feeling that things weren’t that simple. Jane and Helen no longer openly ordered me around or verbally abused me. They even managed to flash me a strained, almost friendly smile when Mom and Dad were present. But this only made me feel more uneasy. Mrs. Higgins secretly took my hand, her face filled with concern. “Miss Anna, be careful. I always feel like the way those two look at you isn’t right.” I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. “Mrs. Higgins, you know, I’ll be fine.” This uncomfortable feeling lingered for several days. Until I went to the conservatory alone for some fresh air. Drifting in and out of sleep, I overheard Jane and Helen’s deliberately hushed conversation. Helen’s voice even had a whimper to it. “Jane, this can’t go on.” “Mom and Dad only have eyes for her now; there’s no place for us in the Maddox family.” After a brief silence, Jane’s low, cold voice replied. “I know.” “As long as Anna Maddox is still here, Mom and Dad will always focus on her. Everything in the Maddox family will revolve around her.” He paused, his tone unwavering. “So.” “Anna Maddox must die.”

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Everyone in the werewolf circles says I’m the weakest Luna. Alexander, the Alpha of Shadow Fang Pack who I was arranged to marry, cheated on me. His mistress posted a photo of them kissing on social media to provoke me. Not only did I like their post. I even commented: “A perfect match. Congratulations to the newlyweds.” Alexander told me: “Her grandfather is sick. He wants to see her wedding before he dies.” I still smiled and nodded in agreement. Only because in my previous life, unable to bear his infidelity, I ran to the wedding to cause a scene. To punish me, Alexander had a group of Rogues break into Silver Crest Pack and kill my parents. I was also sent to a mental hospital by him, tortured until I became insane. So living again, I no longer hope for his love. Every time he cheats, I transfer a portion of his assets. Soon, he’ll have nothing left. “I trust you.” I looked at Alexander, my tone calm. Hearing this, Alexander scrutinized my expression carefully. Seeing that I truly showed no signs of anger, his furrowed brows finally relaxed. He smiled and pulled me into his arms: “Nina, I’m glad you understand. That human girl just loves to play around, and with her grandfather gravely ill, I really had no choice.” I obediently leaned into his embrace, but inside I sneered. In my previous life, because I didn’t understand his “no choice,” I went and caused a huge scene. To vent Vivian’s anger, he had a group of Rogues break into Silver Crest Pack. My father, the Alpha of Silver Crest Pack, and my mother, the Luna, were both killed in that tragedy. And I was forcibly sent to a mental hospital by him. My wolf was tortured until it was barely alive, and I became a madwoman. Vivian would occasionally visit me, nestling in Alexander’s arms, mocking me like a dog. In the end, I died on a cold winter night. So from the first day of my rebirth, I began planning to transfer the assets under his name. Because my father had long seen that Alexander wasn’t loyal, worried he would betray me. So before marriage, he forced Alexander to sign a prenuptial agreement. As long as Alexander showed any signs of infidelity, I could manage a portion of his assets on his behalf. This agreement was legally recognized. And now, it had already taken effect. Alexander was completely unaware of this, still talking to himself: “Oh right, today is our seventh anniversary.” “I’ll definitely make it up to you. I promise, tonight absolutely no one will disturb us again.” He raised his hand solemnly to swear. I nodded and obediently said: “Okay, I’ll listen to you.” Seeing how understanding I was, Alexander was in a great mood. Over the next few hours, he began preparing intensively. I heard him on the balcony making phone calls, his voice very low. “I want the best seat in the restaurant… yes, one where we can see the city’s night view…” “Is the billboard ready? It must cover the whole city… it’s a surprise for her…” Watching his busy figure, I felt a bit dazed. I almost thought the Alexander from years ago who loved me had returned. Looking away, I took out my computer and opened the operation interface. Because of that social media post, Alexander, you’ve already used up one chance. Within just a few minutes, I received a notification of information changes. All the mansions and vehicles under Alexander’s name. The property rights had all been transferred to the trust fund I had set up in advance. These assets combined were worth over five hundred million dollars. I picked up the coffee on the table that had long gone cold and took a sip. The bitter taste spread through my mouth, yet it made me feel incredibly clear-headed and satisfied.

At seven o’clock in the evening, Alexander brought me right on time to the restaurant he had reserved. The location was indeed excellent. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was the dazzling city night view, with a clear view of the city’s largest billboard. Alexander gentlemanly pulled out a chair for me, smiling as he said: “Nina, eat something first. There’s a big surprise for you later.” I cut a small piece of steak and put it in my mouth. Before I could swallow, his phone rang. Alexander’s expression changed slightly, and he immediately answered. Vivian’s crying voice came from the other end: “Darling, Grandpa suddenly got worse and went into the emergency room. Sob sob sob…” “I’m so scared alone. Can you come keep me company?” Alexander’s hand gripping the phone tightened, and he instinctively glanced at me. I put down my knife and fork, quietly watching him. His eyes flickered, and finally he said into the phone: “Don’t be scared, I’ll come right away.” After hanging up, he stood up, looking apologetic and anxious: “Nina, Vivian’s situation…” “Go ahead.” Before he could finish, I interrupted him. “She’s more important. Don’t keep her waiting.” Alexander was stunned. He had already prepared himself for me to lose my temper and question him. He even furrowed his brow, ready to lecture me. But he didn’t expect me to be this calm, even urging him to leave quickly. He froze for a few seconds, suppressing the slight discomfort and strange feeling in his heart. “I knew my Nina was the kindest.” He leaned down and kissed me hard on the cheek. “You eat first and wait to see tonight’s surprise. It’s specially prepared for you. After you finish eating, I’ll have my assistant drive you home.” With that, he grabbed his coat and left without looking back. I pulled out a wet wipe and expressionlessly wiped the spot he had just kissed. So dirty. I didn’t waste this excellent viewing location and the table full of delicious food. I slowly savored the entire meal, and even ordered another dessert. Eight o’clock sharp. Outside the window, throughout the city, those huge electronic billboards suddenly changed their displays simultaneously. This was the surprise Alexander had prepared for me. All the screens lit up, illuminating half the city’s night sky. However, when the images became clear, the words displayed were: Vivian, I will love you forever. The huge golden words flickered throughout various parts of the city, extravagant and grand in scale. Beta William standing nearby was sweating profusely, sneaking glances at my expression, afraid I would flip the table and explode the next second. But I just clasped my hands together to support my chin, quietly watching the lights outside the window. How beautiful. I remember before, to give me a birthday surprise, he personally designed a whole week’s worth of declarations of love, just so that my eyes could reflect that city lit up for me. Those days he was so busy his feet barely touched the ground, his eyes full of bloodshot veins. Unfortunately, that person no longer exists. Memories flooded in like a tide, accompanied by an indescribable sharp pain. On our seventh wedding anniversary, my mate Alexander was having an affair with a human not far from where I was. No more anger or sadness, not even a ripple. Only relief. Relief that I was reborn and saw this man’s true face. Just then, my phone vibrated. It was a text from Alexander: [Nina, Vivian was overcome with grief because of her grandfather. The girl is innocent and fragile, so I could only temporarily change the billboard message to make her happy.] [Don’t overthink it, and don’t give her any trouble. This was all my idea.] I sneered and didn’t bother replying. I took out my phone. “Second chance.” My finger tapped lightly. “Transferring liquid assets…” “Clearing private investment funds…” At this moment, Alexander, holding his innocent and fragile girl, didn’t know. To make his girl happy, he had just paid ninety million dollars in appearance fees.

Another week passed, and Alexander barely came home. Every time he returned, I was already asleep. On the rare occasions we met, I was gentle and obedient, asking after his well-being, never mentioning Vivian. Recently Vivian had been posting on social media for a whole week, all photos of Alexander accompanying her. I liked every single one and commented blessings underneath. Friends in our social circle were shocked, privately messaging Alexander, saying that the former strong-willed Serena who couldn’t tolerate any betrayal was gone. They congratulated him on finally making his wife docile and obedient, enjoying all the benefits. Looking at those flattering words, Alexander felt extremely uncomfortable. Too obedient. So obedient she didn’t seem like the Serena who loved and hated so clearly. But thinking it over, perhaps this was the power of love. Serena loved him so much that she was willing to be patient for him, willing to understand his difficulties. Thinking this way, he felt at ease again. The next morning, Alexander unusually woke me up. “Nina, get up and get ready. Vivian has something she wants to ask for your help with.” I raised an eyebrow, said nothing, got up, changed clothes, and followed him out. When we arrived, I immediately saw Vivian wearing a crown. That crown, I knew all too well. It was the one that five years ago at our wedding, passed down through Alexander’s family, that he personally placed on my head, symbolizing my status as Luna, the only one of its kind in the world. Now, this “only love” was on another woman’s head. When Vivian saw me, she shyly glanced at Alexander, then walked up to me. “Serena, Alex darling told me you’re especially understanding and supportive of us acting.” “Don’t worry, I promise we’re just acting, there won’t be anything else…” As she spoke, she looked at Alexander, her eyes showing a kind of sorrow. “His heart is still with you.” Hearing this, Alexander clenched his fists, his expression showing restrained discomfort. I didn’t know what to say for a moment. Again, they were treating me as part of their game. Just as I was about to lose my composure, Vivian spoke again: “Because this is sister’s crown, I feel I should ask sister’s opinion, so sister, do you agree to let me have the crown?” The implication was clear. Not just wanting the crown, but wanting to take my position. Before I could speak, Alexander naturally took over: “Of course she won’t mind. After all, this crown just sits in the safe gathering dust, and Serena doesn’t need it anymore.” “Lending it to Vivian to fulfill her grandfather’s wish, you’re doing a good deed. You should be happy too, right Nina?” He turned to look at me, his eyes full of certainty. I sneered silently. I stepped forward, my fingers lightly brushing over the crown’s cold metal and gems. “Of course I don’t mind.” “I heard the wedding is set for next week? I’ll attend on time and definitely give you a generous gift.” “After all, the chance to personally watch my own husband marry someone else doesn’t come often. I’d like to broaden my horizons too.” Vivian was stunned, clearly not expecting me to be this calm. I continued: “But Vivian, this waistline… has it gotten a bit rounder lately?” I looked meaningfully at her lower abdomen. Vivian’s face stiffened, and she instinctively covered her stomach, her eyes showing some panic. My hand reached out and grabbed that crown. Since the heart of the person who gave this crown was no longer there, then this crown was indeed useless. I suddenly yanked it off Vivian’s head and, under everyone’s shocked gazes, threw it hard onto the marble floor! The delicate metal structure instantly deformed, gems scattered everywhere, making a crisp and piercing shattering sound. Vivian screamed, covering her chest and stepping back two steps, tears streaming: “Ah! My crown! Serena, what are you doing? Even if you don’t agree, there’s no need to destroy it publicly and embarrass me!” Alexander also became furious. He rushed over and pushed me aside, protecting Vivian. “Serena! Are you crazy? Bullying even a young girl!” “You’ve already worn this crown, and it would just be wasted sitting there. What’s wrong with letting Vivian use it? How can you be so malicious!” He frowned, impatiently saying: “As punishment, that project your parents’ company is negotiating, suspend the cooperation.” “I won’t be coming home recently either. You reflect on yourself!” With that, he put his arm around the crying Vivian and turned to leave. A sharp pain instantly exploded. I steadied myself against the display case beside me, took a deep breath, and endured the pain from the Mate Bond. Soon everything would be resolved. I took out my phone and performed a series of operations, transferring all assets under Alexander’s name. No cooperation then no cooperation. Anyway, the funds for that project, you can’t come up with them anymore.

The wedding was set at the city’s most solemn cathedral. Although publicly claimed to be acting to fulfill an old man’s dying wish, the grandeur even surpassed my wedding with Alexander back then. Almost all the prominent figures in social circles came. Whether out of curiosity or to watch the drama unfold, in any case, every seat was filled. I wore a black dress, sitting in a front row seat. This outfit didn’t look like attending a wedding, but rather a funeral. The people around me looked at me with eyes full of intrigue and whispered among themselves. “Hey, look at Serena, she actually came.” “Being a wife like this must be so humiliating, right? Her husband is about to marry someone else, and she can still sit here?” “I heard it’s for that woman’s grandfather, supposedly acting.” “Acting? Do you believe that? Look at that jewelry, that grandeur, no less than back then.” “Shh, keep your voice down…” I held my wine glass, gently swirling it, turning a deaf ear to the surrounding gossip. The wedding march began. The doors opened, and Alexander walked down the red carpet with Vivian on his arm. Alexander wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, devastatingly handsome. Vivian wore an expensive dress, a white veil on her head, her face beaming with happiness. It seemed they ultimately couldn’t find a more suitable crown. As Alexander passed by me, his steps paused slightly. He glanced at me, his eyes somewhat complex. I raised my glass in a distant toast to him, the corner of my mouth curling into a cold smile. During the vow ceremony, the entire venue quieted down. Alexander looked at Vivian affectionately, his voice loud: “I do.” Thunderous applause erupted below the stage. Vivian was moved to tears, one hand gently caressing her slightly protruding abdomen. “I have one more piece of good news to share with everyone.” “Alex and I already have the fruit of our love. Today is a double celebration.” As soon as she finished speaking, the entire venue erupted. “My God, she’s really pregnant!” “This isn’t acting, this is taking advantage of the situation to rise in status!” “Serena’s face must be completely humiliated now, right?” All eyes instantly focused on me, waiting for me to rush up like a shrew and cause a scene. Alexander on stage was also somewhat flustered. Obviously, Vivian hadn’t consulted him before publicly announcing this. He instinctively looked at me. I stood up, smoothed out my skirt, and calmly walked onto the stage, taking the microphone. “Congratulations, Alexander, Miss Vivian.” I smiled at them: “Since it’s a double celebration, as his legal wife, let me give you a big gift to help celebrate.” Alexander’s face turned pale, lowering his voice: “Serena, don’t do anything rash! Whatever it is, we’ll talk about it when we get home!” “Go home? Which home?” I looked at him mockingly: “The houses under your name now don’t seem to belong to you anymore.” “What do you mean?” Alexander was stunned. I didn’t answer him, just raised my hand and snapped my fingers. The huge LED screen behind me suddenly flickered. The originally playing images of their sweet wedding photos disappeared. Replacing them were densely packed financial statements, bank transaction records, and scanned copies of asset transfer agreements. The entire venue instantly became deathly silent. Everyone stared wide-eyed at the big screen. In the center of the screen, bold red text was particularly glaring: [Alexander, current total assets: zero.] [Current debt: 2.9 billion dollars.]

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After my miscarriage, I changed all the habits that Pathseekers Pack Alpha Ronan found annoying. I stopped asking about his whereabouts. When he didn’t come home all night, I slept peacefully. Even when I was injured in a Rogue attack and the doctor asked me to notify family, I simply answered calmly: “I don’t have any family.” The nurse recognized me: “You’re Luna Nyla, aren’t you? Alpha Ronan is inspecting the office building next door. Should I go notify him?” I shook my head gently. “No need.” Yet half an hour later, Ronan came anyway. His posture was rigid, his voice cold: “Why didn’t you come to me when you got injured?” I lowered my eyes. “It’s minor. No need to trouble you.” The understated tone inexplicably irritated Ronan. Just as he was about to speak, voices from the Beta guards outside drifted through the door: “Alpha Ronan really cares about Vivian. When she got hurt by Rogues and injured her foot, he called in a helicopter and personally carried her on and off, didn’t even let her feet touch the ground.” Ronan’s heart clenched. From the corner of his eye, he couldn’t help glancing at me, seemingly waiting for me to interrogate and argue like before. But I didn’t even flutter an eyelash. I simply leaned quietly against the bed with my eyes closed, resting.

It wasn’t until I sat in his black SUV that he finally explained in a low voice: “Don’t listen to their nonsense. I was just following protocol. Vivian is the performer I hired for the music festival. Of course I had to take care of her when she got injured.” I murmured a soft “Mm” and said nothing more. Ronan suddenly erupted in anger: “You don’t believe me? Are you still holding a grudge?” “Nyla… I came to the hospital for you. What more do you want?” I looked out the window, didn’t even turn my head. “I just didn’t think it was serious enough to disturb you. Let’s go home.” That phrase again, like an automated response, so dismissive. Ronan slammed his fist on the steering wheel. The harsh honk shattered the silence, startling the music academy faculty and students across the street who had just finished performing at the music festival. One of the girls looked up. The moment moonlight fell on her face, the air in the car froze solid. Ronan couldn’t help but speak: “Vivian… what’s she doing here?” Ronan instinctively looked at me. After all, every time I’d seen her before, I’d lost control emotionally. But I only glanced over indifferently, then withdrew my gaze without a ripple. Ronan gripped the steering wheel tight, but his eyes drifted toward her. In the deep winter night, the girl wore only a thin performance outfit, hugging her arms, her nose tip red from cold. His hand was already on the door handle, concern practically spilling from his eyes. I understood perfectly. I pushed open the door and got out, even giving him an excuse: “If you need to patrol the territory, I can walk home myself.” Before he could respond, I’d already turned and headed for the intersection. Ronan caught up and grabbed my wrist: “I didn’t know she’d be here. Why won’t you believe me?” I nodded. “I believe you. She’s just a girl on her own, it’s not easy. Even if things ended, it’s normal to show concern. I understand.” Ronan stared at my face. No expression, didn’t seem like sulking. He felt something was very wrong. Before, I’d had such a strong need to share and possess him. Even finding a single long hair on his shirt would make me interrogate him until midnight. Now I was truly as he’d wished—no fights, no fuss, understanding and considerate. Yet his heart felt stuffed with soaking wet cotton, so stifling he couldn’t breathe. I pulled my hand back and turned to leave. When I reached the corner, I stopped and looked back. By the SUV, Ronan had already removed his coat and draped it over Vivian’s shoulders. He cupped her face and lowered his head to kiss her deeply. My body and soul felt inevitable pain, but I wasn’t surprised by this scene at all. I should have expected it long ago. And I would never again be like the first time I discovered his affair, questioning him like a madwoman: “Ronan! Have you no shame? I’ve been with you since I was eighteen. When we got married you said you’d love and cherish me forever, and now you’re telling me you fell in love with someone else?” Back then he’d laughed coldly after I drew blood: “You want to talk about shame? If you had any shame, would you have had sex with me the second time we met when you were eighteen? You’re an orphan with no parents. I’m the one who brought you out of the orphanage. You should be grateful to me!” Those words were like a poisoned blade, stabbing our years of sharing hardship together to pieces. My phone vibrated, pulling me from the memory. “Luna Nyla, we’ve confirmed your deceased biological parents were the former Alpha and former Luna of Ashclaw Pack. When would you have time to visit Ashclaw Pack? Your uncle, Ashclaw Pack Alpha Dean, very much wants to see you.” I pulled down my sleeve, covering the scar on my wrist: “Once I sever the mate bond with Ronan, I’ll leave here and go to Ashclaw Pack.” The person on the other end paused: “You and Alpha Ronan have been through so much together all these years. You don’t necessarily have to leave Pathseekers Pack.” I answered calmly: “I don’t love him anymore. I just want to leave here forever.”

When I returned to the residence and opened the door, I saw our wedding photo on the wall. The man in the photo smiled brilliantly, his nose affectionately nuzzling my forehead. That was taken when we loved each other most. I grew up in Pathseekers Pack’s orphanage. When I was eighteen, the director wanted to make me the companion of a violent, widowed old werewolf. While climbing the wall to escape the orphanage, I met Ronan, my fated mate. We fell in love at first sight. Ronan took me away from the orphanage. Back then, he was still the Alpha heir, not yet Pathseekers Pack’s Alpha. But he promised me he’d become Alpha as soon as possible and make me the honored Luna, so no one in Pathseekers Pack would ever dare bully me again. In the first three years after our marriage, Ronan trained desperately. Every time he went on dangerous missions or fought off Rogues, he’d tuck my photo into his breast pocket. I handled the household, being his most reliable support at home. Later, Ronan successfully became Alpha. His prestige grew higher and higher, and all kinds of people started surrounding him. Until I found a lipstick mark that wasn’t mine on the inside of his shirt collar. “A young woman was injured in the leg by Rogues. I helped her to the hospital and it got smudged by accident!” He irritably yanked open his collar. “Nyla, can you stop being so paranoid all the time?” “It’s because I’m afraid of you betraying me! Ronan, we said we’d be together forever, not even one day less!” We began fighting endlessly. I checked his mission records, his communication logs, even secretly followed and monitored him when he went to work. It was as if Ronan did it out of spite—he really started having affairs. He cycled through woman after woman. My body and soul suffered unimaginable torment. At his worst, Ronan deliberately displayed scratch marks left by other women on his back to provoke me. “Satisfied?” he sneered. “Didn’t you want to investigate? Now you’ve found out.” I felt like I was losing my mind. I knew I should let go, but I couldn’t. After all these years with Ronan, we’d already grown into each other’s flesh and blood. Separating would be bloody and raw. Staying together was mutual torture. But a year ago, he suddenly became well-behaved, suddenly changed his attitude, distanced himself from all the women around him, keeping only one young woman. I sent people to investigate. The moment I saw Vivian’s photo, I collapsed. The face in the photo looked exactly like me at eighteen—pure and clear. Ronan would rather love a substitute than love me again. That night, I lay in the bathtub and slit my wrists with a special dagger I’d bought from a witch. When Ronan broke down the door, his fingers were trembling. He held me and rushed to the hospital, his eyes frighteningly red: “Nyla! Have you lost your mind?! We’ll live well together. I promise, from now on it’s only you. I won’t see anyone else!” Lying in the hospital bed, I just felt tired. So tired I couldn’t even cry. And it was that very day that a Beta guard from Ashclaw Pack found me and handed me a yellowed file. “Nyla, we’ve discovered you’re the lost daughter of Ashclaw Pack’s former Alpha and Luna. Years ago, Rogues attacked Ashclaw Pack. Your parents sacrificed themselves protecting the pack. You also went missing in that attack. Later, your uncle became Ashclaw Pack’s Alpha. All these years, he’s never stopped looking for you.” I gripped that file, my fingertips ice cold. After the Beta guard left, I was drawn as if possessed to the window. In the garden below, Ronan was holding Vivian tightly in his arms. “I’m sorry, Vivian. She’s emotionally unstable and has attempted suicide before. She’s been hurt psychologically… I can’t leave her at a time like this.” “But trust me. Once her condition stabilizes, I’ll give you an answer.” The two kissed inseparably, like a pair of star-crossed lovers. In that moment, I felt the connected flesh being torn apart, ripped into a huge hole. The pain was so intense I couldn’t make a sound. On the seventh day lying in that hospital bed, I suddenly understood. I had to leave Ronan and personally sever all of this.

For seven straight days, Ronan didn’t return to the territory residence. I didn’t ask. I just started having someone draft divorce papers and organizing my personal belongings. Ronan and I had several properties. I usually lived in the one on the outskirts. But I had some things stored at the house Ronan and I shared in the city center. I decided to go there to retrieve them, but on the way, I suddenly felt pain. I knew—Ronan was having another affair. When I reached the city center house, I heard a woman’s delicate laughter and a man’s suppressed panting inside. Through the crack in the door, Vivian’s performance outfit was scattered on the floor. Ronan had her pinned against the wall, thrusting violently. The hand gripping her waist still wore our wedding ring on the ring finger. I clenched my palms so hard they ached, slowly exhaled, and closed the door. I didn’t go in. What would be the point of barging in? To tear and claw like a hysterical woman? Or to cry and recount all these years of devotion like a resentful wife? It was meaningless. A man who’d already replaced me in his heart—even if I won him back, it would only be an empty shell. I hurried downstairs, but Ronan, who’d chased after me, grabbed my wrist. His breathing was still unsteady, his collar askew. “What are you doing here?” I pulled my hand back, face calm: “Passing by, wanted to get some things. The door wasn’t open, so I left.” He stiffly made an excuse: “Vivian said she wanted a place to practice piano. I just lent her the key… Don’t overthink it.” I didn’t bother exposing this clumsy excuse and turned to leave. Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass came from inside the house, followed by flames shooting up! Ronan’s expression changed drastically. He clamped my chin, frightening fury burning in his eyes: “You did this?! Nyla, I thought you’d really come to your senses. Didn’t expect you to use this kind of tactic!” “Let me make this clear—I’m the one who let Vivian stay here! If anything happens to her, I absolutely won’t forgive you!” He roughly shoved me aside and rushed into the fire. I was about to leave, but suddenly remembered—the marriage certificate and the belongings of my parents that the Beta secretary had brought me were still locked in the old safe in that house. I grabbed a fire extinguisher from the hallway, smashed the glass, and climbed through the window into the heat wave. Inside, thick smoke billowed. Ronan was carrying Vivian out. Seeing me, his eyes turned cold: “What are you doing adding to the chaos?!” I ignored him and headed straight for the bedroom. Flames had already climbed up the curtains. The safe was next to the burning wardrobe. “Nyla! Are you crazy?! Get out!” Ronan roared from the doorway. I lunged toward the safe and turned the combination. The moment the door popped open, the burning chandelier overhead crashed down with a thunderous crash! Ronan instinctively shielded Vivian beneath him and retreated quickly. I was thrown by the blast. Glass shards cut my skin, blood instantly soaking my clothes. I gritted my teeth and pulled out the document pouch, clutching it tightly to my chest. Smoke choked into my lungs, my vision gradually blurring. Before consciousness sank into darkness, I heard Ronan’s footsteps carrying Vivian out, and the faint sound of sirens in the distance. When I woke again, I was lying in a hospital room. Ronan was opening the document pouch I’d risked my life to protect. Inside was the marriage certificate. “The marriage certificate? You risked your life for this?” I reached out and took the pouch back. Good thing Ronan hadn’t seen my parents’ belongings in the document pouch. As for his question—without the marriage certificate, how could I process the divorce? Ronan looked at me clutching the document pouch tightly, his brows furrowed: “All three of us would have been fine. You had to do this absurd thing to make me choose between you, to prove whether you’re the most important?” “I saved Vivian first because she was closer to me.” I stared at the hospital room’s white ceiling and murmured a faint “Mm.” “Nyla.” His tone softened, trying to explain. “Since I’ve already decided to return to our family, I won’t have any more entanglements with Vivian. Vivian… her family’s struggling. I’m just giving her some help, temporarily arranging housing.” Vivian wasn’t doing well, so he helped her right into bed to have sex. I finally lifted my eyes to look at him. My eyes were like stagnant water, without a ripple, abnormally calm. “I know. I understand.”

This calm was driving him insane. He stood up abruptly, but caught sight of the large burn on my arm. “Nyla, one injury wasn’t enough? You need more injuries to tie me down?” “Not anymore. I won’t be foolish again.” He wanted to say something, but the encrypted communicator rang. He quickly walked to the window to answer. I couldn’t hear the content clearly, only vaguely caught Vivian’s tearful voice. Ronan gave some low instructions, then turned to look at me: “There’s an urgent pack matter. I need to go to work. Rest and recover.” With that, he turned and left. Over the next several days, I stayed quietly in the hospital. Ronan had people send supplements and flowers. The internal phone rang daily too. I always had the duty nurse answer, only saying “Condition stable, no need for visits.” The day I was discharged, I went to settle the bill. Just as I handed over the invoice, an old woman shoved me aside. “My son-in-law is Pathseekers Pack’s Alpha. Let me go first.” I frowned: “Please wait in line.” The old woman shot me a look: “Who are you? My son-in-law is Pathseekers Pack Alpha Ronan! If you delay me getting medicine, can you take responsibility?” Before she finished speaking, Ronan had already rushed over from the other end of the corridor with Vivian. He pulled me aside and lowered his voice: “Vivian’s mother has a bad heart and can’t handle emotional stress. As Luna, you should let her go first. It’s only right.” Vivian supported her gasping mother, eyes reddening: “Nyla, I’m sorry… My mom’s old illness flared up. I was afraid she wouldn’t use expensive medicine, so I said Ronan was my boyfriend… Please don’t blame him. He’s just soft-hearted, can’t stand seeing elderly people suffer.” I quietly looked at the three of them. So because Vivian’s mother was sick, he left me injured and alone in the hospital? Forget it. None of it mattered anymore. I nodded and turned to leave. I’d only taken two steps when I heard Vivian’s tearful whisper: “Ronan, is Nyla angry? Will she do what she did last time again… I’m really afraid of affecting your future…” Ronan’s voice was soft but carried clearly: “Don’t overthink it. She grew up without parents. She can’t understand your feelings.” My fingers clenched suddenly, knuckles white. Step by step, I walked through the hospital corridor. Ronan’s footsteps chased from behind: “Nyla, I’ll take you home.” I didn’t turn back. Instead, I quickened my pace. Suddenly a rushing werewolf burst out and knocked me down. I fell hard to the ground, my arm burn seeping blood again. The fall was brutal. Something in my chest seemed to shatter completely. I bit down hard, nails digging into my palms, but tears rolled down beyond my control. Since childhood, I’d feared Christmas most. Watching the warm light through other families’ windows, hearing the laughter inside—that envy was like a dull knife cutting flesh. Ronan knew better than anyone that this was my deepest wound. But now, to comfort Vivian, he personally tore this scar open again and again. He rushed over and picked me up, voice suppressing anger: “Nyla! Do you have to be so stubborn?!” Before he finished speaking, a thermos flew through the air! Scalding soup splashed across my face. Vivian’s mother stood a few steps away, shaking with rage: “Shameless! Seducing my son-in-law?! I’ll teach you to seduce!” She rushed up and slapped me. I was struck so hard my head turned, falling to the ground. Then the cane came down heavily on my shoulder. A dull thud as bone met impact. Ronan grabbed Vivian’s mother’s cane before she could swing it again: “Calm down! It’s not what you think!” “Then what is it?!” Vivian’s mother shrieked. “This mistress throwing herself at you, you think I’m blind?!” I braced myself against the ground and stood: “Control your daughter! Who’s the mistress is crystal clear!” But Ronan whipped around, using a rapid whisper only we could hear: “She has severe heart disease, she can’t handle stress! Nyla, I’m begging you, don’t make a scene right now!” Then he quickly supported Vivian’s mother: “You’ve misunderstood. Nyla is my friend. She’s had psychological trauma, her emotions aren’t very stable…” He even pulled my medical records from his pocket. Vivian’s mother glanced at them and spat: “Brain problems? No wonder her parents died young, lacks proper upbringing!” Ronan half-supported, half-guided her away. From beginning to end, he never looked back at me once. I sat on the ground, watching their backs, unable to even cry anymore. A kind head nurse helped me back to the ward and rebandaged my wounds. “Luna Nyla,” she asked carefully, “Do you need… to notify the Beta guards?” I shook my head: “No need. Process my discharge.” Back at my home, I started packing. My phone vibrated, the screen lighting up. Vivian had updated her status. In the photo she wore Ronan’s jacket, leaning against his chest, caption: “Meeting you through the smoke of war, worth all the pain.” I calmly swiped past the screen and clicked “Unfollow.” Then I placed the divorce agreement I’d already signed on the table, making sure Ronan would see it the moment he came home. Downstairs, the car the guards had reserved for me had arrived. I got in and gave my destination: “Airport.” The car started, driving out of the residence gates. Just then, a black SUV came from the opposite direction, passing us. The back window was half-down. Ronan was turning his head talking to someone beside him. Vivian leaned on his shoulder, smiling brilliantly. The two cars sped in opposite directions. In the rearview mirror, the home I’d lived in for so many years grew farther and farther away, finally shrinking to a dot. Having sex with him at eighteen, exchanging wedding rings in the marriage hall at twenty, watching woman after woman beside him at twenty-eight… All the scenes flashed before my eyes, then were left far behind. It was all over. Now, I was going to find my parents. I was going to the Ashclaw pack they had protected.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “382321”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

I met Westley when I was fourteen and fell in love with him at eighteen. Ten years of deep affection, yet it couldn’t withstand a few words of manipulation from his new secretary: “Tell me, if you and I both fell down the stairs at the same time, who would Mr. Ford save first?” He indeed saved her first. He believed her self staged setup. He locked me in the freezer I feared most as punishment, where rats crawled all over me. My heart died, and I fled. But he chased me to Paris, and when he saw another man embracing me, he begged. “Celine, do you really not love me anymore?” Celine POV My friends all envied my relationship with Westley Ford. As the CEO of a multibillion dollar corporation, Westley was incredibly busy, always on the go. But during my three years studying in Paris, whenever I sent him a message or called, even if he was in an important company meeting, he would respond immediately. Knowing I was sensitive to cold, he would remind me over and over on video calls to bundle up. Hearing that I was losing sleep from thesis stress, he would sit in his office and talk to me on the phone for hours, even overseas, just to read me the fairy tales I loved as a child to help me fall asleep. When he learned I had a high fever, he abandoned billion-dollar contract negotiations and flew specifically to Paris to personally take care of me. Friends often teased him for being completely devoted to love. Westley would just smile indulgently. “My Celine is so outstanding. If I don’t treat her well, what if she falls for someone else and doesn’t want me anymore?” Hearing these words, I couldn’t help but smile, my heart filled with happiness. So I pulled several all-nighters, working hard to finish my defense early before his birthday this year, completing my studies. When I flew back filled with excitement, wanting to give him a birthday surprise, I overheard his conversation with friends outside a private room at a club. The door was ajar, and his friend’s voice carried notes of intoxication and envy. “Westley, when Celine Sterling finishes her studies and comes back, shouldn’t your wedding be put on the schedule?” After a brief silence, Westley’s voice rang out with obvious hesitation. “The wedding… let’s wait a bit longer.” The private room instantly fell somewhat quiet, everyone exchanging glances. Someone broke the silence. “Westley, are you drunk? Didn’t you used to be afraid she would run off with someone else, always saying that once she returned home, you’d propose to her immediately?” “I was indeed looking forward to it before, hoping she could graduate and return home to get married as soon as possible.” Westley seemed to laugh. “But separated by countries for three years, over a thousand days and nights. Somehow, that anticipation doesn’t seem as intense as it was in the beginning.” Immediately, everyone’s voices fell silent. Someone else cautiously probed. “You… don’t love Celine anymore?” Westley’s slender fingers gripped a glass wine goblet as he lowered his eyes and said softly, “Of course I still love her. It’s just that, somehow, I no longer feel that urgent desire for her to return as I did before.” Outside the private room door, my fingertips turned ice-cold, clutching tightly the birthday gift I had carefully prepared for him. The velvet box pressed deep into my palm, yet it couldn’t match one ten-thousandth of the dull pain in my heart. I had rushed back on his birthday with such joy, wanting to surprise him. Instead, I never expected to hear him say he was no longer so eager for my return. What did that make me, standing here? A self-deluded joke? The extreme embarrassment made my chest feel so tight I couldn’t breathe, my eyes stubbornly stinging with tears. I forced back the moisture welling in my eyes and was about to turn and leave when suddenly I saw a girl in a pale yellow dress approaching. I instinctively retreated into the shadows of a corridor corner. The girl in her early twenties walked into the private room and handed a glass of water to Westley. “Mr. Ford, drinking harms your health. Please drink less.” Westley reached out to take it, naturally brushing the loose strands of hair from her forehead. “Didn’t I tell you to clock out? You didn’t need to make a special trip to bring this.” The girl’s expression was sweet and tender. “Today is your birthday. I was worried you’d drink too much and have another headache attack.” “In that case, stay here and help me deal with them.” Westley’s lips curved slightly, the corners of his eyes and brows rippling with a smile as he pulled the girl to sit beside him. Whether intentionally or not, the girl’s foot twisted and she fell into his embrace. Westley instinctively reached out to steady her waist, catching her firmly. The moment their eyes met, an alluring blush crept across the girl’s fair cheeks, and Westley didn’t immediately push her away, saying something to her with helpless indulgence. That kind of look and manner had only appeared when we were passionately in love. The intimate, ambiguous scene in the private room was like a sharp, pointed needle stabbing straight into my vision. My aching heart suddenly felt like a shattered glass bottle. I stood frozen, feeling cold from head to toe.

Celine POV I recognized that girl. Her name was Sophie Evans. She was an intern secretary in the CEO’s office at Ford Corporation. Initially, when Westley mentioned Sophie Evans to me over video calls, his tone was so bland it bordered on displeased. “The new intern spills half the coffee on documents. I don’t know how the HR department hired her.” At the time, I didn’t think much of it and always advised him to be more tolerant. Later, Westley mentioned Sophie Evans more and more frequently. “This intern may be clumsy, but she’s quite hardworking. She works overtime until late every night. Even when I leave at dawn, I can still see her organizing materials at her desk.” “Sophie is actually pretty good. She even noticed that I get headaches when I drink, and every time I finish entertaining clients, she prepares water for me.” “The coffee Sophie makes lately suits my taste more and more. She really takes this job seriously, and she has quite a lively, interesting personality.” His perception of Sophie Evans gradually changed, and her title went from “the intern” to “Sophie.” Actually, all the signs were there. I just trusted him too much, never imagining that Westley, who loved me so much, would eventually change. I can’t remember how I left the club. I walked aimlessly and dazedly along the sidewalk until my phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. Looking at the caller ID on the screen, I didn’t answer until the call was about to automatically disconnect. “Celine?” Westley’s voice on the phone sounded somewhat nervous and urgent. “I just saw your message about returning home early. Where are you now? Have you already arrived at the club?” In the past, hearing his familiar voice would have made me feel sweet inside. But now, recalling the scenes in that private room. A suffocating coldness spread through my heart, painful as a knife twisting in my gut. My nose tingled as my throat choked up for a long time. All the questions I wanted to ask him finally coalesced into one sentence: “I just got off the plane…” Hearing this, Westley breathed a sigh of relief. His tension and unease dissipated, and his tone softened a bit. “Then wait for me at the airport. I’ll come pick you up.” I forced down my sob. “No need. I’m feeling a bit airsick and uncomfortable. I’ll just take a cab home.” “Okay.” Westley didn’t think much of it. “Then I’ll see you at home.” I hummed in agreement, then paused and added, “Happy birthday.” Westley’s tone became even softer. “Why didn’t you wait for me to get home to wish me happy birthday in person?” I didn’t want to have an unpleasant scene with him on his birthday, so I forced a light smile. “I was afraid your party would end too late, and if I waited until after midnight to wish you well, it wouldn’t mean as much.” “It won’t end too late. No one is more important to me than you.” Westley’s voice was as tenderly indulgent as always. “I’ll be home soon. Wait for me at our new wedding villa, okay?” No one was more important to him than me… If I hadn’t heard those words in the private room with my own ears, if I hadn’t seen with my own eyes that he didn’t push away Sophie Evans when she deliberately fell into his arms, I might have believed him. When the call ended, I stood by the roadside under the dim streetlights, pulling my suitcase. I looked up, about to hail a passing taxi, when I inadvertently glimpsed a black sedan speeding past. In just under three seconds, through the half-lowered window, I still clearly saw Westley’s handsome profile in the back seat, and beside him, a smiling Sophie Evans. My heart trembled violently, as if something had torn it apart viciously. I suddenly remembered three years ago when I was leaving, Westley held me tightly at the airport and said reluctantly, “When you come back, we’ll never be apart again.” Now I had returned, but our relationship could never go back to what it was. After only three short years of separation, that passionate, profound love had already changed. He no longer anticipated my return, and he even let another woman fall into his arms. I forcefully pushed back the tears in my eyes. Then I took out my phone and dialed a number. “Hello, is it still possible for me to accept your company’s job offer now?” “Of course it is.” The male voice on the other end paused, then asked in confusion, “But Miss Sterling, didn’t you say before that you wanted to return home to get married and focus your career domestically to be with your husband?” I smiled bitterly. “He doesn’t need me by his side, and this wedding can’t happen anymore.” The other party was silent for a few seconds. “Alright, can you start in half a month?” “Yes.” “Miss Sterling, then we’ll see you in half a month.”

Celine POV I returned to the villa at Crescent Bay and handed the birthday gift watch to a servant. “When Westley comes back, please give this to him for me.” “Yes, Miss Sterling.” I lay in the bedroom bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Until I heard the sound of a car outside the villa. I picked up my phone to check the time. The person who said he’d be back soon had actually taken over three hours. Then I saw that Sophie Evans had posted a new update on Instagram. “On his birthday, I said I wanted to see the stars, and without a word he left his friends to take me to the observatory. I even saw the legendary Orion constellation. These stars all over the sky are so romantic!” The accompanying images showed a man with his back to the camera, standing before an astronomical telescope, in a nine-grid layout. I curved my lips mockingly and gave her a like. Footsteps came from downstairs, and soon the bedroom door was pushed open. One side of the bed sank down as a pair of strong, powerful arms pulled me into an embrace. “Celine… are you asleep?” Up close, I could smell an unfamiliar perfume on him. A wave of discomfort rose in my chest as I pretended to be half-asleep and murmured. “Honey, I’m really glad you could make it back today.” Westley’s hand roamed over my body, and when he touched a sensitive area, I pressed both hands against his chest, stopping his next move. I frowned. “I haven’t adjusted to the time difference yet. My head is still dizzy and I’m not feeling well.” It was supposed to be a passionate reunion, like newlyweds. He hadn’t expected me to refuse. Westley paused. “We haven’t had sex in so long. Don’t you want to?” “I really don’t feel well today. Next time.” As my words fell, he was silent for a long while. Finally, he seemed to sigh helplessly and kissed my eyes. “Alright, I won’t touch you. Rest well tonight.” Westley showered and changed into pajamas, and when he lay back in bed, he just held me in his arms. In all our years together, apart from playful little spats, Westley and I had never had a real argument. However, I never imagined that our first real fight would happen at the welcome-home party Westley threw for me. And it would be because of Sophie Evans. At the party, friends were playing truth or dare. Westley lost and drew a penalty: kiss the person of the opposite sex to his left for five minutes. And the person to his left was Sophie Evans. Everyone looked at Westley, then at me. The air suddenly felt awkward. Sophie said softly and weakly, “Maybe… we should just skip it. Miss Sterling doesn’t seem like someone who can handle this kind of game.” Westley gently patted the back of my hand, as if explaining. “Celine, this is just a penalty, nothing more. Don’t worry, at most our lips will just touch. I won’t really kiss her.” I hadn’t said a word yet when he turned to look at Sophie Evans. Under Sophie Evans’s nervous yet expectant gaze, he leaned closer and lowered his head to kiss her lips. The others erupted in teasing cheers. Sophie Evans’s expression became increasingly enjoyable and engaged. She even closed her eyes, her cheeks flushed, slightly opening her mouth to respond to his kiss. Westley felt her response, and his dark, bottomless eyes deepened. An ambiguous atmosphere flowed between them, and the scene looked as if they were the deeply loving couple. My eyes stung painfully, a pent-up frustration blocking my chest. I couldn’t help but set down my wine glass heavily. “You all have fun. I really can’t handle this kind of game!” With those words, I stood up and strode away. In the hallway, Westley chased after me and grabbed my wrist. “It’s just a game. Do you really need to be this angry?” I found it laughable. “Just a game?” Westley’s handsome face was tense. “A bet is a bet. Everyone who lost did their penalty. I can’t be the only one lacking sportsmanship and refusing to accept the penalty.” “Westley, do you think I’m blind? She was using her tongue!” Westley’s expression changed slightly. “She just got carried away…” “Carried away?” What a nice excuse. “She got carried away, but what about you? What’s your excuse?” My lips trembled slightly as my nails dug into my palms. “Were you also carried away, or was it sportsmanship that made you not push her away even though you knew she was using her tongue?!”

Celine POV After speaking, I looked into Westley’s dark eyes. In his eyes was a cold, detached clarity I had never seen before. “Today is your party. Do you really have to make such a big deal over a game penalty?” My heart felt scorched by flames, yet I laughed instead. “Fine, let’s not talk about the penalty. Then let me ask you why is Sophie Evans at my party?” Westley’s brow furrowed tightly. “She’s my secretary. This party was arranged and organized by her. Why shouldn’t she be here?” I was utterly astonished. “A secretary can actually sit together with her boss and his friends, playing games with no sense of professional boundaries or hierarchy?” “Secretaries are employees, not slaves without human rights. What boundaries or hierarchy?” Westley’s expression was clearly displeased. “Besides, it’s not working hours now. Letting her sit and play with us. Is that really so hard for you to accept?” But what proper secretary would deliberately fall into her boss’s arms? What proper secretary would have her boss take her to see stars? Would a proper secretary get “carried away” and use her tongue during a penalty game? Why didn’t any of his previous secretaries behave like Sophie Evans? Before I could ask any of these questions, Westley’s cold, hard voice sounded again. “We’ve been separated for three years, rarely together. We finally ended our long-distance relationship. You came back and were cold to me, wouldn’t let me touch you. I respected that.” “But you shouldn’t use dirty thoughts to misunderstand my relationship with Sophie as something inappropriate.” Was I the one with dirty thoughts, misunderstanding them? As I stood frozen, Westley’s thin lips pressed together. He spoke coolly and distantly. “You know how much I love you. Sophie is a good girl. Hardworking, serious, and responsible. She’s not what you think she is.” “Celine, I’m human too. I get tired. Do you know how exhausting it is when you question me over these little things?” I couldn’t describe what I felt at that moment. I only felt his words were like blades slicing through my flesh, leaving me unable to breathe from the pain. In his eyes, all the inappropriate, boundary-crossing ambiguous behavior between him and Sophie Evans was just trivial. My concern and questioning had somehow become my fault, making him feel tired. I remained silent. Westley realized his words had been too harsh. He had never spoken to me like this before. He said irritably, “Let’s both cool down. I’ll stay at the company tonight. You should think about whether you’re being unreasonable.” With that, Westley turned and went back into the private room, not caring about me anymore. Tears slid down my face and into the corners of my mouth. I tasted their salty, bitter flavor. After an unknown amount of time, I took a deep breath. Finally, I left the party alone. Returning to the villa, passing by the entrance, my red, swollen eyes caught sight of the watch in the trash can. It was the birthday gift I had carefully selected and brought back from abroad for him. And now it had been discarded in the trash. I suddenly remembered how when I was abroad, I made no friends, had no social activities, and spent day and night in the library studying. All because he said he looked forward to me returning home early to marry him. Only three years. I thought in those short three years, his feelings for me had never changed. But the truth was, I was the only one still hoping to return home and get married. As for him, not only did he no longer anticipate it, he didn’t even want the birthday gift I gave him… My fingers trembled as I picked up the watch. But just as I lifted it, after thinking for a moment, I threw it back into the trash. Since Westley didn’t care anymore, why should I be reluctant to let go? A relationship that was no longer pure. Even if it tore my heart to pieces, I would rather discard it than keep it. During the two days Westley didn’t come home, through Sophie Evans’s frequent Instagram updates, I learned he was indeed staying at the company. Sophie Evans’s first post: “He drank too much and had a headache. I massaged it for him and he praised my pressure as just right. So happy.” The accompanying image showed Westley sitting behind his desk, rubbing his temples in pain. I smiled coldly and gave her a like. The second post: “Today I accidentally broke his favorite cup. I thought he’d be furious, but instead he patted my head and said it was okay.” The accompanying image showed a ceramic cup shattered into countless pieces. That was a ceramic piece Westley and I had made together at a pottery studio, our first joint craft project. Westley thought it had great commemorative value and had always carefully preserved it, never letting anyone else touch it. I tugged at the corner of my lips and gave this post a like too. The day Westley came home, I was organizing my belongings. Seeing me pack all my things into cardboard boxes, Westley’s expression changed. He strode over quickly and grabbed my hand. “Why are you packing these things?”

Celine POV I pulled my hand from his palm. “These are all old things I don’t need anymore. I want to pack them up and throw them away.” Westley looked at me and nodded. “You’re right. Old things should be thrown away. When I have time, I’ll take you shopping for new things to replace them.” Never again. I would never bring any of my belongings here again. Before Westley came home, I had already donated the precious items he’d given me to charity. What remained were just some unimportant things. “Celine, let’s stop fighting, okay?” Westley’s chiseled face was warm and gentle. “I’ve thought a lot these past two days. I was wrong before. I should have been considerate of your feelings and refused that vulgar game, and I shouldn’t have said those things to you.” His apology sounded sincere, but I knew our relationship was like the ceramic cup Sophie Evans had broken with his permission. Shattered beyond repair. Even if we tried to mend it, we could never return to the past, never restore it to its original wholeness. I opened my mouth. “Westley, let’s break-” Before I could finish the sentence, his phone suddenly rang. Westley took out his phone. I glimpsed that it was Sophie Evans calling. “What is it?” Seeing him answer without hesitation, my gaze dimmed. Without a word, I picked up a cardboard box and turned away. Outside the villa, I threw the box into the trash, as if discarding our years of relationship along with it. Westley walked over at that moment and took my hand. “Before you came back, didn’t you keep mentioning that restaurant in the east part of the city? Come on, I’ve made a reservation.” Thinking we should have a proper ending with some dignity, I didn’t refuse. “Alright. After dinner, I also have something to tell you.” At the restaurant, I wasn’t surprised to see Sophie Evans. I asked nothing, but Westley explained on his own. “Sophie made the reservation. She doesn’t want the incident at the party to cause a misunderstanding between us. She wants to apologize to you in person.” I lowered my eyes mockingly, saying nothing. The table was filled with dishes I liked. Halfway through the meal, Westley stepped away to take a work call. Sophie Evans stood nearby, examining me with an appraising look, then suddenly said, “Looking at you like this, you don’t seem particularly special. What exactly does Mr. Ford like about you? Your face?” I paused in drinking my juice and raised my eyes to meet hers. “He likes me. Are you jealous?” “Me, jealous?” She said contemptuously, “When you weren’t here, I was the one by his side. He’s gotten used to having me around and takes me everywhere. What do you have that I should be jealous of?” Without Westley present, Sophie Evans shed her meek demeanor, becoming haughty and disdainful. She studied me. “By the way, I’ve noticed you’ve been liking all my recent Instagram posts about him, then acting as if nothing happened. What exactly do you mean by that?” Sophie Evans posted those updates specifically to make me see how special Westley was to her. She was deliberately provoking me, yet unexpectedly, I didn’t make a scene. A mocking curve formed at my lips. “Liking them means I’ve seen them. Acting unbothered is because no matter what game you’re playing, I simply don’t care.” Sophie Evans stiffened, her face about to crack. Suddenly, she laughed coldly with indifference. “Really? But you probably won’t be able to stay this calm much longer.” My brow furrowed slightly. Before I could ask what Sophie Evans had done, I felt an unbearable itching all over my body. Then my skin broke out in red hives, and my throat tightened uncomfortably. Realizing something was wrong, I looked sharply at Sophie Evans. “What did you do?” “Mr. Ford mentioned you’re allergic to mangoes.” Sophie Evans smiled innocently. “So I added some mango juice to the orange juice you just drank.” My face changed dramatically as I immediately stood up to go to the hospital. Seeing this, Sophie Evans quickly stepped forward to block my path, grabbing my arms and clinging to me. “I’m sorry, Miss Sterling. If my presence has affected your relationship with Mr. Ford, I…” I was anxious to get to the hospital and had no time for her performance. “Get out of my way!” Hearing the commotion, Westley arrived just in time to see me push Sophie Evans to the ground. His pupils constricted as he strode forward and pushed me aside. “Celine, what are you doing? Have you lost your mind?!”

Celine POV I staggered back several steps, my waist hitting the sharp edge of the table hard. Instantly, I gasped in pain, unable to stand straight. Realizing he’d used too much force and hurt me, Westley guiltily started to come help me up, but then Sophie Evans cried out in pain from the other side. “My… my foot hurts so much.” Westley stopped in his tracks, his attention drawn to her as he quickly turned and walked to her side. “What’s wrong? Where are you hurt?” “I think I twisted my ankle. I can’t move…” Sophie Evans raised her soft, pitiful eyes, crying pitifully with tears streaming down. “Mr. Ford, please don’t blame Miss Sterling. She was just too angry so she pushed me. If it weren’t for my presence causing her to misunderstand, she wouldn’t have done this…” Westley’s emotions were complex and conflicted, his handsome face tense. “Stop talking. Let me take you to the hospital to check your foot first.” I was in so much pain I couldn’t straighten my back, cold sweat pouring down as I tried to call out to him. Looking up, I saw only his back as he carried Sophie Evans away. Sophie Evans smiled triumphantly at me, showing off her victory. That scene was like a sharp blade piercing straight through me, stabbing me until I was bloody and riddled with wounds. Thinking of how he had just apologized to me earlier, saying we wouldn’t fight anymore, the moment now felt extremely ironic. Was I the one throwing tantrums, or had he clearly changed his heart but refused to admit it? My whole body itched and ached, my skin covered in large red hives. The suffocating feeling of the allergic reaction surged like a tidal wave. I tried to take out my phone to call emergency services, but just as I unlocked it, everything suddenly went black. After a spell of dizziness, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was in a hospital room, the smell of disinfectant filling my nostrils. I stared blankly at the ceiling as a nurse’s voice came from beside me. “You’re finally awake. Do you know you went into allergic shock? If you’d been brought to the hospital any later, your life would have been in danger.” I was severely allergic to mangoes and normally wouldn’t dare eat or drink anything related to them. After the nurse left the room, without hesitation, I decisively picked up my phone and made a call. “Hello, I want to report a crime. Someone deliberately tried to murder me.” The person who arrived before the police was Westley. He stood by the hospital bed, his brow furrowed tightly. “I received word that you filed a police report, accusing Sophie of trying to harm you?” I responded with a cold statement. “That’s correct.” Westley’s frown deepened. “I’ve already notified the police station. The police won’t be coming.” His unexpected words reached my ears, and I looked at him in shock. “What did you say?” “Sophie would never do something like this.” Westley’s expression was dark. “Besides, you were clearly the one who pushed her, causing her ankle injury. How can you falsely accuse her first?” I couldn’t believe it. My hands gripped the bedsheet tightly as I couldn’t control my emotions, accusing him, “Westley, she deliberately added mango juice to my orange juice. When I tried to go to the hospital, she deliberately blocked me, so I couldn’t help but push her!” His gaze grew darker with displeasure. “If you didn’t want to accept her apology, fine, but why must you slander her like this?” “I’m slandering her? Then what is this?” I rolled up my sleeves, exposing the skin on both my arms, covered entirely in unsightly red hives. Actually, I had hives on my face too, but he seemed to overlook them. My lips trembled. “Did I deliberately do this to myself just to slander her? You’ll know the truth if you just investigate!” After seeing the glaring allergic symptoms on my body, Westley froze for a long time. His face darkened as he actually went to investigate.When Westley came to the hospital room again, his tone and attitude were clearly more apologetic. “She’s admitted to it. This matter is indeed related to her.” I pressed my lips together, not yet reacting. Westley immediately continued. “But she didn’t do it on purpose.” I laughed. “Not on purpose?”

Celine POV Westley explained unhurriedly. “She just accidentally mixed up the mango juice and orange juice. She didn’t know beforehand that the glass you were drinking was mango juice.” I said incredulously, “Sophie explained it to you like this, and you believed her?” “Otherwise, what could the truth be? She has no grudge against you. She’s kind-hearted and lively. Why would she deliberately harm you? Celine, don’t you think you’re being overly aggressive and thinking too badly of her?” His words, thrown at me one after another, were like knives cutting into my flesh inch by inch. Westley’s tone remained unchanged as he continued. “However, it was her carelessness that caused your allergic reaction, so I’ve already punished her for it.” “What punishment did you give her?” Westley steadied himself. “I docked three months of her salary.” If he hadn’t said it so seriously, I would have almost thought he was joking. Westley walked over to sit by the bed, reaching up to tuck my hair behind my ear. “There. You also pushed her and injured her, and I punished her for you. This matter ends here.” The man who once cared about me with his whole heart, who felt terrible even when I got a small cut on my finger. Now, when I had an allergic reaction so severe I nearly died, he wasn’t worried or anxious. Even his punishment for Sophie was brushed aside. I was exhausted, wrapped in endless fatigue, without even the desire to argue with him anymore. Westley looked at me with an inscrutable gaze. “Celine, you’ll stay by my side forever, right?” I couldn’t help but curve my lips slightly. “What do you think?” Westley didn’t detect the mockery in my tone, taking it for granted that after all our years together, I couldn’t possibly leave him over these recent unpleasantries. He spoke softly and indulgently. “You said earlier that you had something to tell me after dinner. What did you want to say?” I fell silent for a moment. “Nothing. It doesn’t matter anymore.” I had originally planned to part ways amicably with him, intending to tell him truthfully that I had accepted a job offer from a foreign company and would be leaving soon. But now, he didn’t need to know. Hearing this, Westley didn’t think much of it. He lowered his head to kiss my eyes. “Rest well. I won’t go anywhere these next two days. I’ll stay at the hospital with you.” I paid him no mind, lying down and turning my back to him. Westley hadn’t been at the hospital for even two days when Sophie Evans called. On the phone, I didn’t know what Sophie said to him, but his expression grew grave as his eyes hesitantly turned toward me. After hanging up, he opened his mouth hesitantly. “Celine, I…” “It’s fine, go ahead.” Before he could finish, I spoke up. “I don’t need you here anymore.” Perhaps the words “don’t need you” grated on his ears, or perhaps my recent coldness made him vaguely uneasy. Westley explained sincerely. “There’s a problem with a project at the company. I have to go handle it.” “Mm, I understand. Go ahead.” Westley hesitated for a moment, but eventually stood up. “When you’re discharged, I’ll come pick you up.” Leaving those words, he left the hospital room. When the room fell quiet, I pulled my phone from under my pillow and checked the date. Then I opened a ticket booking app and purchased an international flight ticket. On the day of my discharge, Westley broke his promise after all. He didn’t come pick me up from the hospital. Instead, he sent me a message: “The project issue isn’t resolved yet. Go home first. I’ll bring you an apology gift later.” After reading it, I put my phone away expressionlessly and processed my own discharge paperwork. Returning to the villa at Crescent Bay, I packed my suitcase and gathered my passport, documents, and other items. Just as I was about to leave with my suitcase, Sophie Evans suddenly appeared at the villa. “Miss Sterling!” Sophie rushed over with red-rimmed eyes, grabbing my wrist. “I’m so glad you’re okay! I’ve felt terrible about mistakenly giving you that juice…” I coldly shook off her hand. “What game are you playing now?” Sophie’s expression changed instantly, a cold smile appearing at the corner of her mouth. “You’ll find out soon enough.” She stepped back several paces and suddenly flipped over the balcony railing, falling into the pool below. “Help!” The shrill scream attracted Westley, who had just gotten out of his car. He looked up to see Sophie fall with a splash from the second floor into the pool below. “Sophie!!” And I was standing right at the balcony edge at that moment. Westley dove into the pool without hesitation.

Celine POV “Celine! After three years abroad, I never imagined you’d become so vicious, actually capable of pushing someone off a balcony!” After Westley pulled Sophie from the pool, he glared at me furiously, filled with towering rage. “How exactly did Sophie offend you? Why do you dislike her so much that you’d even try to kill her!” My nails dug into my palms. “I didn’t push her!” “I saw it with my own eyes, and you still want to deny it!” Sophie was soaked through, curled up in Westley’s arms like a frightened deer, her slender fingers clutching his shirt tightly. She seemed traumatized, on the verge of tears, trembling as she said, “Mr. Ford, don’t blame Miss Sterling. I was careless before and caused her allergic reaction. She was angry at me, so she accidentally pushed me. She definitely didn’t mean to…” “She’s always had prejudice against you. Whether it was deliberate or not, she knows in her heart!” Westley said darkly. “Celine, I’ve spoiled you too much, indulged you too much, which is why you’ve become so arrogant and presumptuous!” Finally, he ordered the servants coldly. “Lock her in the basement freezer. Let her calm down and reflect!” Several servants immediately stepped forward, holding my arms on both sides, dragging me toward the basement freezer. “I didn’t push her! This was all Sophie Evans’s self-staged act! Westley, what gives you the right to treat me like this?!” I couldn’t believe it, struggling angrily. The servant sneered coldly. “What gives Mr. Ford the right to treat you like this? Because during the three years you were gone, the person by his side was Miss Sophie! And you dared to push Miss Sophie off the balcony. That’s utterly heinous!” I was shoved into the basement freezer, stumbling and falling to the ground. My scraped palm immediately oozed blood, the pain making me furrow my brow tightly. Looking up, I saw those servants carrying a burlap sack, pouring something inside. My pupils constricted violently. “What did you put in here?” “Miss Sophie was afraid you’d be too lonely in the freezer alone, so she had us catch some rats to keep you company!” The servant finished speaking with a cold laugh and slammed the iron door shut with a bang. The basement freezer was pitch black, so dark you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. In the vast space, not only did a bone-chilling cold spread, but there were also sounds of rats scurrying and squeaking. My scalp tingled as I shivered from the cold, hugging my legs tightly as I curled up in a corner. Rats occasionally crawled onto my body. At first, I would scream uncontrollably and swat them away, but after an unknown amount of time passed, my hands and feet grew so numb from the cold that I no longer had the strength to deal with the rats scurrying all over me. Before losing consciousness from hypothermia, I hazily remembered. Westley knew I feared cold the most. During those years abroad when he couldn’t be by my side constantly, he would video call me almost daily to confirm I was dressed warmly enough. But now, for Sophie Evans’s sake, he had locked me in the place I feared most. How laughable. How ironic. I met him when I was fourteen and fell in love with him at eighteen. Until now, a full ten years had passed. Ten years of devotion, yet it was no match for Sophie, who had only been by his side for less than two years. I don’t know how long I was locked in the basement freezer, don’t know how I was rescued, and have no idea how long I was unconscious. When I woke up, I was lying in a hospital room. The space around me was empty, not a single person. I reached for my phone by the bed and opened Instagram. Sophie Evans had posted another update, as expected. “He knew I was traumatized and upset, so he put aside all company business to specially take me out to cheer me up.” The photo showed them walking hand in hand on a beach at sunset. They looked exactly like a couple in love. Tender, sweet, loving, and romantic. My heart grew utterly cold, yet I laughed instead. Laughed until tears came. He locked me in the basement freezer without a care, then turned around to take Sophie Evans out for fun. Ten years, Westley. So this is all ten years of devotion amounts to. After being discharged this time, I went directly to close my bank accounts, then took my luggage, visa, and passport. As I was going through security at the airport, a message from Westley appeared on my phone. “Do you know what you did wrong?” Less than two seconds later, he sent another message. “The custom wedding dress I ordered for you has arrived. I’ll be back tomorrow. Let’s discuss our wedding date and go try on the dress together.” I stared coldly at the two messages. This wedding would never happen. And we would never see each other again. Soon enough, he would receive the “gift” I left for him.

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The day Vivienne returned to the country, I created a deduction system for Holden Prescott in my phone’s notes app. Every time he ignored me, every time he hurt me, I deducted ten points. When all 100 points were gone, I would leave him for good. On my birthday, he claimed he had to work late, but instead had sex with Vivienne in his studio. I stood outside the door, listening to the intimate moans and gasps inside, and calmly deducted the final ten points. Zero points. I turned and walked away without looking back. Not until he finally realized what he’d lost did he kneel outside my office building, crying and begging me to get back together. And there I stood, arm in arm with my new lover, saying coolly, “Holden Prescott, your love means nothing.” Lucia’s POV In the fourth year of our marriage, I created a deduction system. In my phone’s notes app, I recorded every instance of Holden Prescott’s neglect and every wound he inflicted. Each injury cost him 10 points. When all one hundred points were gone, I would leave him completely. The first time, he called out Vivienne’s name in his sleep. Deducted 10 points. The second time, he asked me to grow my hair long because Vivienne liked long hair. Deducted 10 points. The third time, on my birthday, he gave me the leftover mango cake Vivienne had been eating, forgetting I was allergic to mango. Deducted 10 points. The fourth time, he refused to design clothes for me, saying Vivienne was his only muse. Deducted 10 points. When I returned from my business trip to Milan, I took a cab home from the airport, dragging my suitcase behind me. The moment I walked through the door, I saw Vivienne sitting on Holden’s lap. She was wearing a semi-transparent sample garment. Under the lights, her sexy lingerie was clearly visible underneath. When he saw me, Holden froze for a moment, but there was no joy in his eyes. He frowned and offered an explanation. “Lucia, don’t misunderstand. We’re working.” When I didn’t react, he added, “Vivienne is trying on the new design. You know, only she can properly showcase the advantages of my designs.” I nodded in agreement, then asked in confusion, “So trying on clothes requires sitting on your lap?” His displeasure was immediate. His face darkened as he accused me, “Why is your mind so dirty? We’re measuring dimensions up close. My clothes only work when they’re custom-tailored. They’re not like those ordinary things you buy at the mall.” Vivienne also chimed in carefully with an apology. “That’s right, Lucia. Please don’t misunderstand. I’ll leave right now if it bothers you. Just please don’t fight with Holden.” Holden. How intimate that nickname sounded. I smiled faintly. “I guess I did misunderstand. After all, you fashion people are in your own world. As an outsider, I really don’t understand art.” “I was being vulgar, assuming people in your circle just mess around with each other. I didn’t realize you were so pure. My apologies.” They caught my sarcasm, but since I’d apologized, Holden had nothing to say. But he wasn’t planning to let me off that easily. His gaze fell on my suitcase, and he sneered. “You say you’re not upset? Then why are you dragging your suitcase around?” “Running away from home again? Lucia, that trick only works once. Are you addicted to running away?” Vivienne cooed as she tried to mediate between us, saying understanding things. “Lucia, please don’t run away. Holden and I really were just taking measurements. Don’t leave. I should be the one to go…” Vivienne made to leave, but Holden instinctively tightened his arm around her slender waist, his face dark as he turned to me. “Lucia, have you made enough of a scene? Your work is work, but mine isn’t?” “I used to tolerate your tantrums, but I’ve explained everything. What answer are you looking for? Hm?” In the past when we fought, I did like to drag my suitcase around by the door, waiting for him to ask me to stay. But this time. I looked at him, my tone flat. “Holden, I just got back from a business trip. I’ve been away from home for half a month.” “You never even noticed I wasn’t here?” As soon as the words left my mouth, the expression on Holden’s face froze. I hadn’t been home, and he’d never even realized. Probably because for the past two weeks, he’d been busy designing clothes with Vivienne at home. I ignored his shock and dragged my suitcase further inside. Passing by the master bedroom, the door was half open. The bed was piled with lace lingerie and stockings. Those were Vivienne’s things. I didn’t stop walking and turned toward the guest room instead. “It’s inconvenient for Miss Vivienne to commute back and forth. She can stay for the next few days. I’ll give you two the master bedroom so you can focus on your creative work.” I pushed open the guest room door without looking back. “I still have to go back to the office tonight to work overtime, so I won’t be coming home. Make yourselves comfortable.” As I was closing the door, Holden rushed over and grabbed me. He looked at me with a hint of panic. “Lucia, you’ve always wanted me to design an outfit for you, right? When this fashion show is over, I’ll design one for you.” “Your birthday is next week anyway. I’ll give it to you as a birthday present.” He was certain I would be happy. After all, to get him to design something for me, I had once humbled myself to the dust. I gently pried his fingers off. “Sounds good.” I said, “Go back now. Vivienne is still waiting.” His gaze lingered on my face for a moment, confirming I wasn’t angry. He let out a breath of relief and left. After the door closed, I took off my clothes and showered. Coming out of the bathroom, I took out my phone and began recording carefully. “Eighth time: He was busy designing clothes for Vivienne and didn’t notice I’d gone on a business trip. Deducted 10 points.” I stared at the mere 20 points remaining in my notes. When these were gone, I could leave him.

Lucia’s POV To meet my project deadline, I stayed at the office. During that time, Holden didn’t call once. Probably because Vivienne had moved into the master bedroom, and he was busy finding creative inspiration from his muse. He simply couldn’t remember he had a wife. Not until Friday night, my birthday, did Holden send me a text. “Lucia, Vivienne’s sample garment still needs adjustments. I can’t spend your birthday with you tonight.” “I’ll make up your birthday present later.” I wasn’t at all surprised he was missing my birthday. My only surprise was that he actually remembered today was my birthday. In the past, I’d start hinting a month before my birthday, begging him to spend it with me. But what was the result? The first year, Vivienne was in a bad mood, so he left me sitting alone in the restaurant we’d booked and flew to Paris overnight to be with her. He disappeared for an entire week without a single word of explanation. The second year, he took Vivienne to London Fashion Week while I waited at home in front of cold dishes, from dawn until dark. Back then, I called him frantically, demanding to know, “Holden, who’s more important, me or Vivienne?” How did he respond? He said, “Can you stop being so childish? We’re doing this for work. The adult world isn’t just about romance.” Back then, I would cry and make scenes. I’d grab scissors and charge into his study threatening to cut up those clothes. But now, I felt nothing inside. My finger tapped the screen as I replied with one word: “Okay.” Putting down my phone, I went to the convenience store and bought a small mousse cake. Sitting by the window of the convenience store, I stuck a candle in it. The cheap candle’s flame flickered weakly, ready to go out at any moment. I didn’t make a wish. I just blew it out. Taking the first bite, I remembered that painful experience. It was also my birthday. Holden had come home late for once, bringing back half a cake. He said, “Sorry I’m late. I brought this for you.” I was thrilled beyond measure. Even though it was leftovers, I cherished it like treasure and ate it. But after just one bite, I tasted mango. I’m severely allergic to mango. He knew that. I forced down the swelling pain in my throat and asked him, “Why is it mango flavored? Don’t you know I’m allergic to mango?” He froze for a moment, his eyes evasive. “Oh, I forgot. Vivienne likes mango. I bought it out of habit.” That night, an ambulance took me away. My whole body broke out in hives, and I couldn’t breathe. And there at my bedside, all he said was, “Next time remember to remind me you’re allergic to mango.” The mousse cake in my mouth was sickeningly sweet. I swallowed it down and forced myself to finish before taking out my phone. Opening my notes, below the remaining 20 points, I typed another line. “Ninth time: He missed my birthday again to alter clothes for Vivienne. Deducted 10 points.” Looking at the lonely number on the screen. 10 points left. Just one more time. I closed my phone, stood up, and went back to the office.

Lucia’s POV Around midnight, Grayson called to tell me Holden had gotten into a fight at the hospital and his hand was injured. Grayson was Holden’s close friend. I frowned and asked him what exactly happened. He hemmed and hawed on the phone. “Vivienne was being harassed by some creeps at a bar, and Holden was trying to help her… Don’t read too much into it. Holden was just helping Vivienne. The situation is urgent though. You should come to the hospital as soon as possible.” After hanging up, I smiled silently in the darkness. In the past, I treasured Holden’s hands even more than he did. For a designer, how important hands are goes without saying. I got up slowly and got dressed. Looking at my pale face in the mirror, I even added some lipstick. Only then did I leave and take a cab to the hospital. At the hospital, I asked the front desk for the room number. When I reached the hospital room door, it wasn’t fully closed. There was a gap. The conversation inside drifted out in fragments. “Holden, your hands are insured for over a hundred million. You’d waste them just to play hero for Vivienne? That’s way too high a price for rescuing a damsel in distress.” Holden’s voice was lazy. “This little injury is nothing. As long as she’s okay, it doesn’t matter if they’re ruined.” In that moment, my hand froze in midair. I remembered four years ago when I accidentally spilled coffee and scalded the back of his hand. He didn’t speak to me for three whole days, coldly reproaching me for being clumsy. Another voice from inside continued, full of sighs. “Back when Vivienne got a boyfriend overseas, you got blackout drunk and drove on the highway at 120 miles per hour like you had a death wish. You totaled the front of your car.” “Later when you woke up, to get revenge on Vivienne, you turned around and married Lucia. Lucia’s pathetic enough. She’s just Vivienne’s replacement.” “Lucia can really endure too. These past four years she’s devoted herself completely to taking care of you. She probably still thinks it’s true love.” “Talk about brutal. If she knew her four-year marriage was just a tool you used to provoke Vivienne, that she means less to you than a single tear Vivienne sheds, she’d probably collapse on the spot.” A roaring sound filled my head. The softest part of my heart was being viciously twisted. I stood outside the door, my hands and feet ice cold, even breathing felt painful. So that was it. Before, I thought he was just cold by nature, not good with words. I thought it was because I’d stayed by his bedside for days and nights after his car accident that I’d melted his frozen heart. It turned out it was all for Vivienne. For her, he didn’t even care about his own life. Everything I gave over four years. In others’ eyes, I was just a pathetic woman. So pathetic that in the end, I had nothing. I took out my phone, my fingers trembling as I opened my notes. I took a deep breath, steadied my breathing, and as if nothing was wrong, gently pushed open the door. The laughter in the hospital room stopped abruptly. Everyone in the room looked at me, their expressions incredibly colorful. Grayson looked like he’d seen a ghost, stammering, “When did you get here?” His eyes darted around, afraid I’d heard what they’d just said. I smiled. “Just now. What were you all talking about? Sounded lively.” Hearing this, everyone visibly relaxed. They exchanged glances. Grayson smoothed things over. “Nothing much. We were criticizing Holden for being too impulsive. Since you’re here now, we won’t disturb you.” Another person said, “We were just chatting casually, nothing more. Don’t take it to heart.” With that, the group quickly left.

Lucia’s POV Only Holden and I remained in the hospital room. I walked toward the bed. Holden was leaning against the headboard, his hand wrapped in thick bandages particularly conspicuous. Seeing me approach, he instinctively adjusted his position, displaying the injury more prominently. He seemed almost like he was acting cute with me, struggling to lift his hand as he said, “Lucia, it hurts a bit.” In the past, I would have already had tears in my eyes. I would have felt more distress for his hand than he felt for himself. But I just stopped at the foot of his bed and glanced indifferently at that hand. “What did the doctor say?” I asked. Holden froze. He frowned, seeming very dissatisfied with my reaction, his tone growing heavy. “Five stitches. The tendon almost severed.” I nodded. “Then rest up properly.” After saying that, I had nothing more to add. Holden’s expression grew visibly darker. He stared at me, anger creeping into his voice. “My hand was almost ruined, and this is your reaction?” “What else?” I looked at him, finding it amusing. “Do you want me to cry for you? Or go to church and pray for you?” Holden was momentarily speechless, then let out a cold laugh. “I know what you’re mad about. It’s because I got injured saving Vivienne, isn’t it?” “Lucia, can you not be so narrow-minded? Vivienne was surrounded by creeps. The situation was urgent. What was I supposed to do, just ignore it?” “Can you be a little more generous and stop obsessing over these little things?” In the past when I heard this kind of talk, I would rush to explain myself. But now, I just felt tired. “I’m not bothered at all. I think your actions were great.” “Besides, who you choose to save is your freedom. If you get hurt, you’re the one in pain. I can’t feel it for you, can I?” Holden was stunned. I continued, “If you’re still in pain, call a doctor. I’m not a doctor. I can’t make it stop hurting.” He opened his mouth, his eyes full of disbelief. He’d never seen me like this before. His reaction suggested he’d been expecting me to fuss over him anxiously like I used to. But he didn’t like me that way. After all, just last year, he got his hand caught in a door blown by the wind. I was terrified and insisted on dragging him to the hospital for a checkup. He shook off my hand, looking completely impatient. “Can you not make such a big deal out of everything? Does this little injury really warrant this? Going to the hospital would just be embarrassing.” Snapping back to the present, the hospital room door was pushed open. Vivienne came in with red-rimmed eyes, carrying a takeout container. As soon as Vivienne entered, she placed the thermos by the bedside and threw herself at Holden. “Holden! This is all my fault! If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt…” Her voice choked with emotion, crying like a pear blossom in the rain. Holden’s uninjured hand wrapped around her waist. Gently patting Vivienne’s back, “I chose to help you. It has nothing to do with you. Don’t blame yourself for everything.” Vivienne carefully picked up his injured hand and gently blew on it. “Does it hurt? What did the doctor say? Will it affect your ability to draw designs in the future?” Holden’s gaze was indulgent. “This little injury will heal with some rest.” The two clung tightly to each other, gazing deeply into each other’s eyes. As if in that moment, the world contained only these two lovers. And I stood to the side, practically like the other woman. Only then did Vivienne notice there was someone else in the room. She withdrew from Holden’s embrace, looking at me apologetically. “Lucia, I was just so worried about Holden. I couldn’t sleep at home at all, so I bought some soup and brought it over.” As she spoke, she opened the takeout container. The aroma of chicken soup wafted out. “Holden loves this place’s soup the most.” Vivienne ladled out a bowl and held it to Holden’s lips. Holden noticed I was standing nearby. Flustered, he pushed away Vivienne’s soup, his tone a bit awkward. “This soup is too rich. I’m not used to it.” Then he looked at me. “Lucia, I want to eat your cooking.” His tastes were quite particular, and his appetite wasn’t great. To get him to eat more, I used to buy quality ingredients and spend three or four hours in the kitchen. If there was anything about me he was satisfied with, it was probably only that I could make good soup. Vivienne’s expression stiffened uncontrollably. He looked at me, his tone softening a bit. “I don’t eat outside food. This place’s taste isn’t authentic either.” He paused, then added, “Yours is just right.” I checked the time on my phone. It was already 3:30 AM. I had an important project meeting first thing in the morning. This place was still some distance from the office. If I went back now, I could barely get a few hours of sleep. Now I was unwilling to sacrifice my sleep time for Holden. “I don’t have time to cook. Miss Vivienne already brought soup. Don’t let her kindness go to waste.” “I have a meeting tomorrow. You rest up here. I’m leaving.” I put away my phone and turned to leave. “Stop.” Seeing I was really leaving, Holden called out anxiously. Then his slightly suspicious gaze swept across my face, as if confirming something. “You’re not angry? Why have you been so generous lately?” “Usually you cry and make scenes. Why are you so calm now?” I smiled and asked him back, “Isn’t this better?” He was rendered speechless, his expression unpleasant, though he said nothing. Yes, I wasn’t this generous before. I loved him so pathetically. At the slightest disturbance, I’d act like a shrew. Never again. Someone I don’t love can’t stir up waves in my heart anymore.

Lucia’s POV After leaving the hospital, I went straight back to the office. After the morning meeting, I received another assignment for an out-of-town business trip. This time, I still didn’t notify Holden. I worked around the clock at the project site for a week, barely touching the ground. During that time, Holden sent me a few texts asking when I’d come back to cook and where I was. I didn’t reply to any of them. Not until the day I was heading back. I was waiting for my flight at the gate. Bored, I scrolled through Ins. The first post was from Vivienne. The image was a mirror selfie. In the photo, Vivienne wore an extremely thin lace dress, almost transparent. Holden stood behind her, holding a measuring tape, concentrating on measuring her waist. Their posture was suggestive, looking almost like he was embracing her from behind. The caption read: “Holden’s hand just recovered and he can’t wait to take my measurements. Is this what it means to be someone’s exclusive muse?” The comments below were full of envy, all praising how perfect they looked together, with some even asking when they’d get married. Holden had replied with a heart emoji. Looking at this photo, I just found it funny. In the past, seeing something like this would have made me shake with anger. I’d screenshot it and send it to Holden demanding an explanation. But now, I just thought the dress cut made her hips look wide. My finger tapped the screen. I casually liked the Ins post. Then I closed my phone and boarded the plane to sleep. The plane landed in the evening. As soon as I turned on my phone, Holden’s call came through. I answered, and before I could speak, his voice came through suppressing rage. “Lucia, what’s the meaning of that like?” “What meaning?” I dragged my suitcase out while asking carelessly. “Vivienne’s Ins post!” Holden’s tone was agitated. “Did you do it on purpose? Liking it to pretend you don’t care when you’re actually angry inside? Using this method to get my attention?” I paused, almost laughing in exasperation. This man’s self-confidence was truly in his bones. “You’re overthinking.” I said flatly. “The photo was nice, the dress was good, so I casually liked it. What, do you want to control other people’s freedom to like posts too?” Silence on the other end for a few seconds. “Where are you?” He changed the subject, his tone slightly softer. “My hand is healed. I want soup tonight. When are you coming back?” Soup again. Did he think that as long as he asked, I had to make it for him? “I’m at the airport. Just got back from a business trip.” “Business trip?” Holden’s voice rose sharply. “You went on another business trip? Where? With whom? Why didn’t you report it?” I frowned and held the phone away a bit. “Holden, remember when we got back together we agreed not to interfere with each other? I’m very busy. I don’t have time to report my itinerary to you.” “If you’re that bored, go take measurements with Vivienne. Don’t bother me.” With that, I hung up directly. I got home late at night. As soon as I entered, the house was dark with no lights on. I’d just changed my shoes when someone grabbed me from behind. My nose filled with a strong smell of tobacco. I frowned. I hated the smell of smoke. Holden used to go to the balcony to smoke for my sake, or let the smell dissipate before coming inside. But now, he reeked of smoke. “Lucia…” He buried his head in the crook of my neck, his voice muffled. “You’re finally back. I missed you.” As he spoke, he turned my body around and lowered his head to kiss me. His movements were urgent and rough. I felt nauseated and shoved him away hard. “Click.” I turned on the entryway light. The sudden brightness made Holden squint. He looked at me, his face dark, his eyes carrying both shock at being pushed away and anger. “Lucia, what’s your problem?” He wiped his lips, dissatisfied. “We’re husband and wife. Being intimate is normal. Why are you so resistant?” I looked at him coldly. “Holden, go shower. You reek of smoke and that cheap perfume.” “It’s disgusting.”

Lucia’s POV After that day, Holden stopped looking for me. Probably felt his ego was bruised. But I could still keep tabs on his activities. Because entertainment news was full of him and Vivienne. Holden attended Fashion Week with Vivienne in a high-profile manner, the two walking the red carpet hand in hand, being called the fashion world’s best couple. The young women at the office were all discussing it. “Wow, Mr. Prescott and the goddess are such a perfect match!” “I heard they grew up together. This is like a novel come to life!” “Vivienne must be that legendary secret ex-wife. Now they’re back together. So sweet!” Listening to these discussions, I focused on revising my design drafts. At lunch, I’d just taken a bite of salad when my stomach churned violently. I rushed to the restroom and dry-heaved for a long time without vomiting anything. The familiar feeling made my heart sink. That afternoon, I took leave and went to the hospital. Getting the test results, I looked at the confirmed pregnancy and felt no surprise whatsoever. Just a bit ironic. Calculating the time, it must have been that night before Vivienne returned to the country. That day Holden had been drinking. In the heat of the moment, he whispered in my ear, “Lucia, let’s have a baby. I want a child that belongs to us.” I didn’t respond then because I didn’t believe him. I knew these were just arousing words he said in bed. Just like three years ago. Back then, I got pregnant for the first time. I was ecstatic, taking the pregnancy test results home to surprise him. But Holden was working on a design. Seeing the test results, his brows furrowed tightly. He said coldly, “I’m not ready for a child. Get rid of it. A baby will interfere with my creative process.” I cried and begged him to keep the child. He stormed out in frustration, dragging his suitcase and flying abroad. That night, I slipped in the bathroom and started bleeding. I was in agony and called him for help. But Vivienne answered the phone. Before I could speak, Holden’s voice came through, impatient. “Lucia, you’re just trying tricks to keep the baby, aren’t you? I made myself very clear. This child comes at a bad time. Stop calling me. I’m very busy right now!” Then the call was disconnected. He said he was busy. I found out later that night he was busy keeping the newly heartbroken Vivienne company. Later it was a neighbor who heard the commotion and sent me to the hospital. The baby wasn’t saved. I stayed in the hospital for half a month. Holden never came once. Snapping back to reality, I crumpled the test results in my hand and tossed them in the trash. This time, I didn’t plan to tell him. This child was just an accident. Since I’d decided to leave, there was no need to keep this burden. Thinking this, I actually missed a step going downstairs. My stomach hit first, and there was blood everywhere beneath me. This child still wasn’t meant to be. The doctor told me I’d need to come back to the hospital in a few days for surgery to prevent complications from the incomplete miscarriage. After all this, I sent my supervisor Mr. Vance a message requesting two weeks off. Mr. Vance asked if something was wrong and whether I needed help. I just said I was handling some private matters. I went home. I wanted to get some clothes to change into and bring my mother’s veil with me. It was the dowry my mother left me on her deathbed, and the only thing I planned to take with me when I left. As soon as I pushed open the door, the living room lights were glaring. I froze in the entryway. In the center of the living room, Vivienne stood completely naked except for a thin white veil draped over her, posing in front of Holden. Holden held a paintbrush, his expression focused. Hearing the door open, both turned their heads simultaneously. Vivienne cried out and immediately threw herself into Holden’s arms as if she’d suffered some great injustice. “Oh! Why is Lucia back!” Holden reacted extremely quickly, grabbing his suit jacket and wrapping her up tightly. He frowned at me, his eyes full of displeasure at being interrupted. “Why didn’t you make a sound when you came back? Don’t you know to knock?” Vivienne peeked out from his embrace, her cheeks flushed, her voice coy. “Lucia, don’t misunderstand. I’m just helping Holden find creative inspiration. The human body itself is art…” My stomach churned again. So-called art required stripping naked and parading in front of him? I said nothing and walked straight past them toward the bedroom. “Lucia!” Holden called out behind me. “What’s with that expression? Is art that dirty in your eyes?” I ignored him and entered the bedroom, rummaging through drawers and cabinets. My mother’s veil had always been kept in a box at the bottom of the closet. I remembered very clearly. But it wasn’t there. The box was empty. My heart skipped a beat. I turned and rushed out of the bedroom. “Where’s my veil?” I stared at Holden. Before Holden could answer, Vivienne suddenly raised her hand timidly from behind him. “Lucia… are you talking about this veil?”She was holding a ball of white lace in her hand. It was the veil my mother had left me. At that moment, that veil was casually wrapped around her wrist, with part of it even dragging on the floor. My mind went blank with a roar. “Give it to me.” I held out my hand to her, my voice shaking. “That’s mine.” Vivienne looked utterly innocent. “I saw it in the closet and thought it looked pretty, so I took it out to try on. I’ll give it back to you right now.” As she spoke, she held the veil out to me. Just as I reached to take it. Vivienne’s fingers suddenly hooked onto a piece of lace edging and yanked hard. The lace veil tore with a huge gash. Vivienne cried out, covering her mouth. “Oh! I’m so sorry, Lucia! I didn’t mean to! Why is this veil such poor quality? It broke with just one touch…” She was saying sorry, but her eyes were full of provocation. In that moment, all my rationality snapped. I rushed over and shoved her aside, trembling as I picked up the veil from the floor. Vivienne fell to the ground with the momentum, crying with tears streaming down her face. “Holden! That hurt… Why did Lucia push me…” Holden’s face was dark. He strode over, helped Vivienne up, then roughly shoved me. “Lucia! What the hell is wrong with you?” He pointed at the torn fabric in my hands, furious. “It’s so old and you still treasure it like that? If it’s ruined, I’ll buy you a new one. Was it really necessary to push someone?” I touched it, my heart feeling like something was squeezing it tight, unable to breathe from the pain. I looked up, staring hard at Holden. “You know.” My voice was hoarse. “This is something my mom left me. I’ve told you many times how important it is to me.” Holden froze for a moment, as if remembering something, a flash of discomfort in his eyes. But he quickly avoided my gaze, turning to check Vivienne’s knee. “That’s still no reason to push someone. Vivienne is a guest, and she came here to help me.” He looked at me coldly. “You’re so emotionally unstable. Calm down. Don’t act crazy at home. Vivienne doesn’t want to see you.” I looked at him. This man I’d loved for seven years. The last trace of reluctance in my heart was finally extinguished. I folded the veil and put it in my bag. “Fine.” I looked at him, my tone terrifyingly calm. “Holden, let’s break up.” Holden’s hand, which had been rubbing Vivienne’s knee, paused. He had his back to me and didn’t even turn around, his tone full of mockery. “Lucia, you said it. If you’ve got the guts to leave, don’t come back.” He still thought I was throwing a tantrum like before. Every time we fought and talked about breaking up, I was the one who eventually came crawling back to apologize. The one who’s favored always acts without fear. I didn’t say anything more. I turned around, took off the spare key, and placed it on the shoe cabinet. I pushed open the door and the night wind rushed in. Before leaving, I looked back one more time. On the easel in the living room sat an unfinished design sketch. The girl in the drawing wore a gorgeous wedding dress with a platinum necklace around her neck. That was something Holden had specially custom-made for Vivienne. The one around my neck was just a freebie that came with buying a necklace. The drawing wasn’t finished. The girl’s face was blank. But I knew it wasn’t me. I closed the door, shutting those four absurd years behind me. Then I took out my phone and deducted the last remaining 10 points from my notes. Zero points, Holden. There’s nothing left between us.

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Sebastian, the adoptive brother of Callum, heir to the Ash Pack Alpha, committed suicide. After his death, pack guards found hundreds of photos of us together in his study. On the back of each photo, carved in ancient wolf script, were the words “MY LOVE.” So when I was reborn, and my father, the current Alpha of Raven Pack, asked me if I wanted to marry my childhood friend Callum, I shook my head and chose to marry his adoptive brother instead. I have a secret—I’ve been reborn. In my previous life, I chose to marry into Ash Pack, to marry Callum, with whom I had a twenty-year engagement. On our third wedding anniversary, I ended my pack patrol early to surprise him. I opened the door only to see condoms scattered all over the floor. His lover Lillian leaned against Callum’s chest, taunting me. “In Callum’s heart, you’ve never been his mate. Only I can give him the ultimate pleasure. You should leave while you still can.” I lunged at her and we fought. She grabbed a silver blade coated with wolfsbane from the bedside and stabbed it deep into my chest. The wolfsbane burned through my body. I used my last strength to scream at Callum to take me to the hospital. He just looked at me coldly. “Don’t kill the mood, Lucia. Deal with it yourself. We haven’t finished our sex yet.” I was left alone on the cold stone floor, listening to the moans resuming in the room, until I completely lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to that afternoon when my parents asked about my marriage.

“Are you sure you want to marry Callum’s adoptive brother Sebastian? Don’t you love Callum?” My father confirmed once more. I nodded. “I’m sure.” “Alright, as long as you’re happy! Then I’ll contact Sebastian right now to ask his intentions!” After receiving a positive response, my father immediately turned to contact the wedding planning company and book the venue. The phone rang soon after. It was Callum. “Lucia, could you be any more pathetic?” His voice was full of mockery. “I never agreed to marry you, yet you’ve already booked the ceremony venue?” “Callum, the person I’m actually marrying is—” “I don’t care what you want to say.” He laughed coldly, interrupting me. “Lillian is my destined mate. I’ll only marry her. Stop pestering me.” He hung up. I put down my phone. Fine. He’d soon find out the person I was marrying was his brother. My family and Callum’s were old allies. Sebastian was a beta adopted by Ash Pack, and we grew up together. After we came of age, the pack leaders arranged a political marriage between Callum and me. But in my previous life, Callum suddenly wanted to cancel the engagement, insisting on marrying his mate Lillian. I refused no matter what, and we had a huge fight. Though I eventually married Callum with my twenty-year engagement backed by family pressure, he rarely came home after the wedding. It wasn’t until our third anniversary, when I caught him in bed with Lillian, that I understood—from beginning to end, he never wanted this family alliance. He only wanted his destined mate. In the end, Lillian pierced my heart with a silver blade. I begged him to take me to the hospital, But he told me to deal with it myself and continued having sex with Lillian, ultimately leaving me to die on the cold floor. Callum didn’t even attend my funeral. He took Lillian to a tropical island instead. But after my death, Sebastian cried at my grave until he fainted from grief. Three months later, Sebastian ended his life in his own study. Guards found hundreds of my photos in his study, each with “MY LOVE” carved on the back. My parents, overwhelmed with grief, both passed away within a year. With Raven Pack leaderless, all assets and territory fell into Callum’s hands. He and Lillian lived happily ever after. In my previous life, because I clung to that marriage in name only, I died miserably and let down the one person who truly loved me. I looked at Callum’s photo on my phone and sneered inwardly. Callum never knew until his death that to maintain friendly relations between the two packs, the Ash Pack Alpha had once promised my father that whoever I married would become the next Ash Pack Alpha, and I would forever be Ash Pack’s most honored Luna. Callum, I can’t wait to see your anguished expression when you lose your power. This life, I will protect the one who truly loves me.

After the wedding venue was confirmed, my father urged me to finalize the overall plan quickly. To apologize for not being able to help me prepare for the wedding, Sebastian had someone deliver a black card from Geneva. I made an appointment for a consultation at the planning company’s uptown showroom. When I arrived, I found Callum just walking out of the VIP room. “Lucia?” Callum stopped, looking at me in surprise. “What are you doing here?” I said softly, “Finalizing the wedding plan.” “Lucia?” Callum’s expression instantly turned cold. “Are there no other Alphas left in this world? Why do you have to cling to me? When did I ever say I’d marry you?” I looked at him calmly and replied lightly, “Callum, I told you—I’m not marrying you.” His face darkened as he scoffed, “You deliberately chose to come here on this day, and you still say you don’t want to marry me?” He glanced toward the VIP room, his eyes full of affection. “I already told the pack last night to cancel the arranged marriage with you. Even if the whole family disagrees, I’m marrying Lillian! She’s my destined mate!” I smiled politely and said softly, “Then congratulations to you both. I’m getting married to someone else soon too. Our engagement agreement is already void.” I gestured for Callum to move aside, but he stared at me intently, refusing to budge. “Lucia, what game are you playing now? Besides this arranged marriage, who else could you marry?” That’s when Lillian walked out. She called out in surprise, “Callum, what are you two doing?” Callum immediately turned and quickly walked to Lillian’s side, trying to hold her hand. Lillian dodged slightly, and he immediately understood. “I’ll clean my hands right now. Wait for me!” My eyes met Lillian’s. Hers held unconcealed contempt and triumph. Just then, planning director Emily rushed over. “Miss Lillian, the wedding package you wanted to confirm has already been reserved. Please look at something else.” Lillian glared at Emily unhappily. “My fiancé is the heir to the Ash Pack Alpha—he has power and influence! He said I can book whichever package I want. He can afford it all!” Then Lillian turned to look at me with malicious intent. “Besides, even engagements can be canceled, let alone a reserved package.” Emily looked at me, almost in tears. I didn’t want to make things difficult for Emily, and sharing a package with them would be unlucky anyway. I smiled at the staff indifferently. “Emily,” I took out the black card Sebastian gave me. “I remember you designed a private island wedding for Nordic royalty?” “I want a similar plan, but don’t repeat any elements.” Callum came out just in time to hear this. He looked at me coldly. “Lucia, I told you the person I’m marrying is Lillian. I will never marry you. Why are you still pestering me here!” “Also, do you know the price of a private island wedding? One million! What are you going to pay with?” I smiled and handed the black card to the staff. “No need to think about it. Can we sign the letter of intent today?” “Of course! I’ll have the manager come down to personally assist you right away.” Under Callum’s shocked gaze and Lillian’s resentful stare, I turned and left.

That night, while handling pack documents in my study, Sebastian sent a video call request. Though we were about to get married, I still felt nervous. After the video call ended, I stood by the window for a long time. Until the doorbell rang—it was Callum. “Lucia, what was the meaning of today?” He walked straight into the living room. “I said I won’t marry you. You competed with my fiancée for a wedding package. Don’t you feel ashamed?” I’d just had a nice conversation with Sebastian and was in a good mood. Now that he’d ruined it, I was annoyed. “Callum, this is the last time I’m explaining this to you—the person I’m marrying is NOT you!” Callum looked at me with contempt. “Don’t play games with me, Lucia. The person I love is my mate Lillian. I will never marry you.” “If you want to preserve your last shred of dignity, stop appearing in front of me!” I was so annoyed by him that I angrily told him to leave. He flaunted his limited-edition watch and stormed off. His social media immediately updated with a new post: “The 18th of this month, city hall, marrying my destined love.” The photo showed him and Lillian together on a yacht. Coincidentally, that was also the day Sebastian and I had scheduled. I arrived at the marriage registry half an hour early, wearing the custom gown Sebastian had prepared for me. To avoid Callum and Lillian, I specifically chose a 7 AM time slot. I didn’t expect to run into them anyway. At 6:55, Callum and Lillian arrived with a group of friends. When he saw me, his expression froze instantly. “You actually came?” He dropped Lillian’s hand and strode over. “Lucia, I’ve told you so many times—I won’t marry you. What the hell are you doing?” His friends started laughing mockingly. “Callum, your childhood friend is pretty persistent!” “Is she going to object at the ceremony?” “Need us to call security?” Lillian walked over and put her hand on my shoulder. “Blake, do you need me to introduce you to some reliable Alphas?” “I told you,” I pushed her hand away, “the person I’m marrying today isn’t him.” Callum’s laughter was sharp and unnatural. “Then who are you marrying? At this time, in this outfit—” He reached out to touch my dress. I blocked him. “You’re not going to say you’ve been waiting at the marriage registry since 6 AM in haute couture for some other man, are you?” His friends burst into even louder laughter. “Lucia, stop making a scene.” One of the women patted my shoulder. “We all know you and Callum had a twenty-year engagement. But now he’s chosen his mate. You need to learn to let go.” “Yeah, want me to introduce you to some models? Better than making a fool of yourself here.” Callum laughed contemptuously. “A woman like her? Forget it. Boring, rigid. I wouldn’t want her even for free.” Hearing Callum’s insulting words, I could no longer suppress my anger. In my previous life, he used the same tone to tell Lillian, “Her? She’s not my mate at all. She can’t satisfy me.” I took a deep breath. “Callum, can you not understand human speech? I’ve said it—the person I’m marrying was NEVER you!” He laughed instead of getting angry. “Lucia, who would believe that? You’ve accepted our arranged marriage since you were five, even using family pressure to force me into it!” “So tell me, where is this person you’re supposedly marrying? It’s been so long—why hasn’t he shown up?” I glanced at my watch. Seven o’clock sharp. “He’s never late.” Just then, a black SUV drove through the mist. The door opened, revealing a pair of long legs. A tall, well-built man stepped out, his features cool and handsome, yet softening slightly when he saw me. “Callum,” Sebastian’s voice was low and gentle, “why are you making things difficult for my fiancée again?”

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The third floor of this mall was a ghost town when it first opened. I was the first to sign a lease. I toughed it out for two years and built up the entire floor’s traffic. On weekends, the lines stretched all the way to the elevator. When it came time to renew, the property manager handed me the contract with a smile. The rent had gone up forty percent. I said it was too high. Could we negotiate? He leaned back in his chair. “Think it’s expensive? The bubble tea chain next door is offering double what you pay.” “If you weren’t sitting on this spot, they would’ve signed already.” I said my contract still had three months left. He flicked cigarette ash onto my contract. “When those three months are up, you’re out. Move early and I’ll waive the penalty fee. Consider it a favor to an old tenant.” I stared at that ash for five seconds, then stood up and smiled. “Fine. I’ll move tomorrow.” He froze. I grabbed my bag, walked to the door, and turned back. “By the way, my mom’s jewelry store on the first floor, my husband，Richard’s gym on the fourth floor, my brother，Brennan’s cinema on the fifth floor—we’re all moving together.”

“You’re moving tomorrow? Who are you trying to scare?” Marshall leaned back in his swivel chair, his belly shaking with laughter. “Ms. Leon, we’re all adults here. Stop playing these games.” “That crappy shop of yours on the third floor—you sank almost three hundred thousand into the renovations, didn’t you?” “Move tomorrow? You don’t even have another location lined up. Where are you moving to, the street?” I didn’t answer. I pushed open the glass door of his office. Two of the motion sensor lights in the hallway had been broken for two months. No one had bothered to fix them. I walked through the dim lighting toward the elevator. My phone buzzed. A voice message from my shop manager, Carla. Her voice was tearful. “Leon, the power just went out in the store! All the cream in the freezer melted, and customers are demanding refunds!” My hand froze halfway to the elevator button. “How did it go out?” “The property said it’s line maintenance. But I checked—we’re the only shop on the entire third floor without power! Even the empty unit next door has lights on!” I turned and glanced down the hallway toward Marshall’s office. Behind the glass door, he was watching me, raising his thermos in a mock toast. His smile was full of smugness. “Calm the customers down. Double refunds for anyone who wants them.” “But the losses are too big…” “Just do it. I’ll be right there.” I hung up and stepped into the elevator. I pressed the button for the first floor. When the doors opened, the brilliant golden light was blinding. Directly across from the central atrium was the city’s largest gold and jewelry boutique. My mom was sitting behind the glass counter wearing her reading glasses, doing the books. Hearing footsteps, she looked up. “Weren’t you supposed to renew the lease today? Why the long face?” “Didn’t sign.” I pulled over a chair and sat down, pouring myself a glass of warm water. “Marshall raised the rent forty percent.” My mom closed her ledger and took off her glasses. “Is he insane? Who brought the foot traffic to the third floor these past two years? Doesn’t he know?” “He says a new bubble tea brand next door is offering double.” My mom let out a cold laugh. “Burning bridges. So what do you want to do?” “I told him I’m moving tomorrow.” My mom stared at me for a few seconds. The wrinkles around her eyes smoothed out. She picked up her phone and dialed a number. “Chris? Yeah, that new SKY Mall across the street—the double-door shop on the northeast corner of the first floor, is it still available?” “Yes, I’ll take it.” “No need to look. I’ll sign tonight.” She hung up and turned to me. “Richard and Brennan—have you told them yet?” “Not yet.” “Go on then. I’ll handle the first floor.” I stood up and set down my glass. “Mom, the penalty fee on your end might be pretty steep.” “So what?” My mom pulled a black card from her drawer and slapped it on the glass counter. “I was selling gold when Marshall was still in diapers.” I smiled slightly and headed back to the elevator. I pressed the button for the fourth floor. The elevator doors opened to a wall of deafening bass. The two-thousand-square-foot chain gym was packed, the equipment area full of people. My husband Richard, shirtless, was spotting a personal training client doing deadlifts, his back gleaming with sweat. When he saw me, he set down the barbell, wiped his face with a towel, and walked over. “What brings you here? Checking up on me?” “Marshall cut the power to my store.” Richard’s hand stopped mid-wipe. The towel was clenched in his fist, his knuckles slightly white. “I’ll go deal with him.” “Don’t bother.” I grabbed his arm. “I’ve decided not to renew. We’re moving tomorrow.” Richard looked down at me. There was no surprise in his eyes. Only a calm, fierce determination. “Know where you’re going yet?” “SKY Mall across the street. Mom already booked the first floor.” Richard tossed the towel onto a nearby bench. “I’ll call SKY Mall’s leasing office. I want the entire fourth floor.” “What about your members?” “I’ll bring them over. SKY Mall is just across the street—five-minute walk.” Richard turned to grab his phone. “I’ll have people come dismantle the equipment tonight.” I nodded and continued upstairs. The fifth floor was entirely occupied by a private cinema and esports lounge. My brother Brennan was sitting at the front desk with a lollipop in his mouth, hammering away at his keyboard. The clacking was deafening. “Brennan.” He jerked, and his character died on screen. “Leon? How do you walk without making any noise?” “Pack up. We’re moving tomorrow.” Brennan bit down on the lollipop with a crunch. “Moving? Where to?” “SKY Mall across the street.” His eyes lit up. “Holy crap, I’ve been wanting to move there forever! This dump’s internet is slow as hell, and that idiot Marshall keeps charging us equipment management fees!” “I’ll cover the penalty fee.” “Don’t worry about it!” Brennan pulled a cardboard box out from under the counter. “I’ve collected almost a million in membership prepayments these past few months. The penalty fee is nothing.” “I’ll pull an all-nighter dismantling the machines. Need help moving your stuff? I can call some friends.” “No need. Take care of your own shop.” I returned to the third floor. The store was pitch black. Carla and several staff members were using their phone flashlights to clean up melted cream. When she saw me, Carla’s eyes turned red. “Leon, Marshall came by with some people.” “What did he say?” “He said the cables burned out. It’ll take three days to repair. He told us not to open for three days.” I looked at the disaster zone that was the back kitchen. “Lock the door.” Carla froze. “Lock up?” “Yes. Take your personal belongings. You’re off early today.” “But everything in the store…” “A professional moving company will come collect it tomorrow.” I pulled out my phone and sent a message to the staff group chat. “Paid leave for three days. In three days, I’ll take you to the new store.” Carla looked at her phone, tears streaming down her face. “Are we really leaving? We built this store from nothing…” “Staying here, we’ll just get trampled like dogs.” I patted her shoulder. “Go on. Lock up tight.” At eight that evening, I stood outside the mall. The first-floor jewelry store had already pulled down its rolling shutter. The fourth-floor gym echoed with the metallic clanging of heavy equipment being dismantled. On the fifth floor, dozens of computer monitors were being loaded onto trucks. My phone rang. It was Marshall. “Leon, why is your store locked?” “Weren’t you the one who told me not to open?” “I’m telling you, the owner of the bubble tea shop next door is bringing a designer to measure the space tomorrow.” He laughed smugly on the other end. “Get your junk cleaned out fast. Don’t delay a major brand moving in.” “Sure.” I looked at the glittering neon lights of SKY Mall across the street. “I’ll definitely have it cleared out for you tomorrow.”

The next morning at ten. I brought two movers from the moving company and pushed open the door to the third-floor shop. There was still no power. The air was thick with the sour smell of fermenting cream. I directed the workers to dismantle the display cases. The crisp clicking of high heels echoed from outside the door. “This smell is absolutely disgusting.” A nasally voice came from the doorway. I turned. Marshall was bowing and scraping behind a woman in a Chanel suit. The woman wore sunglasses and carried a Hermès bag, looking around my store with disdain. “This is the store?” She took off her sunglasses and waved her hand dismissively. “This decor is so tacky. Marshall, are you sure this location is good?” “Absolutely! Ms. Santos, look—this spot is right across from the escalator. All the foot traffic flows right here.” Marshall pointed at me. “It was just wasted on this low-end shop before. But with your ‘Star Tea,’ it’ll absolutely blow up.” Santos glanced at me, looking me up and down in my casual clothes. “You’re the tenant?” I ignored her and continued speaking to the workers. “Be careful with that coffee machine. Don’t damage it.” Santos, now being ignored, darkened. “Hey, I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?” She clicked into the store on her heels, leaving white marks on the hardwood floor. “This floor needs to be completely torn up too. What awful taste.” She kicked a packing box I hadn’t gotten into storage yet. “Hurry up and get lost. Don’t delay my designer measuring the space.” I turned and looked at her. “This store’s lease has three months left. Currently, this is still my private business premises.” “Please leave.” Santos looked like she’d heard a joke. She turned to Marshall. “Marshall, what did she say? She’s telling me to leave?” Marshall’s face immediately hardened as he walked toward me. “Leon, don’t push your luck. Ms. Santos choosing this location is a blessing for you.” “Didn’t you say you’re moving today? Why are you still dragging your feet?” “Moving takes time, doesn’t it?” “Or is Marshall so impatient he can’t even wait half a day? Want to help me move personally?” “You!” Marshall pointed at my nose, but Santos stopped him. “Forget it, Marshall. Why argue with someone from the bottom rung?” Santos pulled a business card from her purse and tossed it on my table. “Looking at your pathetic state, you probably have nowhere to go.” “Come be a janitor at my new store. Considering you’re giving up this spot for me, I’ll give you three thousand base salary.” She covered her mouth and laughed. “Though you’ll need to wash off that poverty stench first.” The movers couldn’t take it anymore. “How can you talk like that? Ms. Leon has always been so polite to us. Who the hell do you think you are?” “Oh, you brought bodyguards too?” Santos rolled her eyes. “A bunch of manual laborers, and you think you can raise your voice at me?” I held back the movers who wanted to rush forward. “Get back to work. When a dog bites, you don’t bite back.” Santos’s face twisted instantly. “Who are you calling a dog?!” “Whoever responds, I guess.” I swept her business card into the trash. “Marshall, take your distinguished guest and leave. Otherwise I’m calling the police for trespassing.” Marshall’s jaw clenched as he pointed at me. “Fine. Leon, keep acting tough. Let’s see how long you last.” He turned to Santos with an apologetic smile. “Ms. Santos, let’s go to my office for some tea. Once she’s cleared out, we’ll come back.” Santos snorted coldly and clicked away on her heels. On her way out, she deliberately knocked over an advertising board by the door. It crashed against the glass door with a tremendous bang. “What a piece of junk.” The hallway went quiet again. One of the movers sighed. “Ms. Leon, this property management is way too much. Your store does such good business—how can they just kick you out like this?” “It’s fine. Out with the old, in with the new.” I pulled out my phone and sent Richard a message. “How’s your progress?” “Equipment’s dismantled, loading it now. SKY Mall cleared space overnight. We can move in tonight.” “Good.” I put away my phone and looked at the shop being emptied bit by bit. On the wall was still the group photo from our opening day. Back then this place was barren—there wasn’t even a janitor. I’d brought Carla and the others, and we’d wiped it clean ourselves with rags. Now, there was nothing left. At two in the afternoon, most of the stuff was packed. I had the workers push the largest commercial oven toward the freight elevator. I pressed the button repeatedly. The freight elevator door didn’t budge. A white notice was posted next to it. “Freight elevator under maintenance, temporarily out of service.” Signed by Property Management. I looked at that notice and smiled. Marshall was deliberately messing with me. Moving a several-hundred-pound oven down three floors via the stairs was impossible. And it wouldn’t fit in the passenger elevator. I pulled out my phone and called Marshall. “What’s going on with the freight elevator?” Marshall yawned on the other end. “Maintenance. Didn’t you see the notice? The cables are worn out. For everyone’s safety, we had to shut it down.” “When will it be fixed?” “Hard to say. Could be three days, could be two weeks. Parts have to be shipped from out of town.” He lowered his voice, his tone full of mockery. “Leon, I told you—you can’t move that junk. Why not just leave it here? Let Santos sell it as scrap.” “Or, you could come to my office right now and apologize to me and Santos.” “If I’m in a good mood, maybe the freight elevator will magically get fixed.” I hung up and turned to the movers. “Leave the oven.” The workers froze. “Leave it? But this is imported—it’s worth at least tens of thousands!” “Leave it. Just put it here.” I pointed to the middle of the hallway, right in front of the empty unit next door. “Right here.” The workers didn’t understand but did as told. The massive oven sat like an iron tower, blocking the hallway solidly. I dusted off my hands. “Let’s go downstairs.”

In the first-floor lobby, my mom’s jewelry store had been emptied out. Several security guards stood at the entrance, arguing with my mom. “Ms. Vesca, you haven’t paid the penalty fee yet. You can’t take everything.” The head of security held a walkie-talkie, blocking the truck. My mom sat in a wheelchair. Yes, a wheelchair. She’d deliberately gone to the hospital this morning to get a fake medical note claiming her herniated disc had flared up, then rented a wheelchair and rolled over. “Penalty fee? I still have five hundred thousand in deposit with your property management!” My mom’s voice was vigorous as she pointed at the security chief’s nose. “Deduct the penalty from that, and you still owe me two hundred thousand! Now get out of the way and stop delaying my medical appointment!” “Marshall said the deposit process takes three months. The penalty fee must be paid in cash today.” The security chief stood firm. I walked over and pushed him aside. “Three months? The contract says deposits are refunded within fifteen business days after termination.” “That’s for normal terminations. This is malicious breach!” Marshall’s voice came from behind. He approached with several property staff, strolling over leisurely. “Ms. Vesca, Leon, did your whole family plan this together?” Marshall glanced at the emptied jewelry store. “First floor termination, third floor termination. What, trying to pressure me by banding together?” He laughed coldly. “Let me tell you, this mall doesn’t need you small-time tenants. You want to leave? Fine. But the penalty fee won’t be reduced by a cent. The deposit? Wait for the process.” I looked at him. “Marshall, do you think you’ve got us cornered?” “Yes. What else?” He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “I’ll tell you the truth. Santos doesn’t just want the third floor. She wants to use this first-floor spot for her flagship store.” “You leaving is perfect. Saves me the trouble of kicking you out.” “But if you want to leave smoothly, it won’t be that easy.” He pointed at the truck outside. “That truck isn’t leaving the mall gates today without my authorization.” Richard emerged from the stairwell. He wore a tight black T-shirt that stretched over his muscles, followed by a dozen equally muscular gym trainers. “Who says it’s not leaving?” Richard walked to my side, staring coldly at Marshall. Marshall instinctively stepped back and swallowed. “Richard, don’t do anything rash. This is a society of law. If you dare use force, I’ll call the police immediately.” “Call the police?” Richard smiled. He pulled a stack of photos from his pocket and threw them in Marshall’s face. “Take a look at these.” The photos scattered on the floor—all billing statements from property management. “Over the past two years, you’ve charged us equipment maintenance fees, hallway cleaning fees, even air purification fees under various pretenses.” Richard pointed at the photos on the ground. “Which of these went into the mall’s corporate account? They all went into your wife Mary’s private card, didn’t they?” Marshall’s face changed instantly. “You… you’re making this up! These are forged!” “Whether they’re forged or not, let’s call the police and find out.” The fifth-floor elevator opened. Brennan came out with several subordinates, pushing the last batch of computer towers. “I recorded everything.” Brennan waved his phone. “Marshall just blocked us from leaving and extorted cash. That’s blackmail, right?” Marshall completely panicked. He looked at Richard’s muscles, then at the phone in Brennan’s hand. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. “Misunderstanding… it’s all a misunderstanding.” He quickly bent down to pick up the photos from the floor. “We’re all old acquaintances. No need to make this so ugly.” “I’ll waive the penalty fee from the deposit. I’ll have accounting transfer the rest to you tomorrow.” I looked at his pathetic face. “No need to wait until tomorrow. Do it now.” “Now? Accounting is off work…” “Then use your personal money to advance it. You’ve embezzled plenty anyway.” Richard took a step forward. Marshall flinched and quickly pulled out his phone. “I’ll transfer! I’ll transfer right now!” Ten minutes later, two hundred thousand arrived in the account. My mom stood up from the wheelchair and dusted off her pants. “If you’d been this cooperative from the start, we wouldn’t have wasted all this time.” She pushed the wheelchair and swaggered out of the mall. The security guards looked at each other. No one dared stop her. The truck started and slowly drove out of the parking lot. I looked at Marshall. “Marshall, that oven on the third-floor hallway—it’s yours now.” “Keep it to bake Santos some brains to eat.” Marshall gritted his teeth, glaring at my back. “Leon, don’t get cocky. Once you leave here, I’ll watch your whole family crash and burn!”

SKY Mall, a brand-new commercial complex that had just begun trial operations a week ago. The old mall across the street might occupy the prime location, but its facilities were outdated and the property management was terrible. SKY Mall’s leasing director was a woman in her thirties named Rodriguez, sharp and efficient. “Ms. Leon, first-floor jewelry store, third-floor bakery, fourth-floor gym, fifth-floor esports lounge. Your family just delivered me quite a gift.” Rodriguez handed me a cup of coffee. “Rent as we discussed—six months free, then twenty percent off going forward. Property management fees waived.” “Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez.” “Don’t thank me. The traffic you bring is worth that price.” Rodriguez pointed out the floor-to-ceiling window. “At least half the weekend foot traffic at the old mall across the street comes for you. Once you leave, that place becomes an empty shell.” “Though I heard that Santos woman has some serious backing?” I took a sip of coffee. “Just an internet celebrity who slept her way to the top. She really thinks opening a bubble tea shop makes her a real businesswoman.” “She’s been handing out flyers at your old store entrance today.” Rodriguez handed me a tablet. In the video, Santos wore a revealing tank dress, holding a megaphone and shouting at my empty storefront. “The third-floor bakery has closed due to poor management! At the end of this month, Star Tea flagship store grand opening! Buy one get one free on everything!” Next to her was a sign reading: “Drink Star Tea, be high-class. Reject low-end bakeries.” Though my sign had been removed, the outline was still clearly visible on the wall. She’d even had someone splash red paint on the wall, drawing a big X. “This woman is truly disgusting.” Rodriguez frowned. “Let her shout.” I set down the tablet. “The higher they climb, the harder they fall.” I pulled out my phone and opened my store’s VIP member group chat. The group had over five thousand people—all loyal fans built up over two years. I typed a message. “To all our supporters: Due to the original property’s malicious rent increase and power cutoff to force us out, our store has officially relocated. The new store is on the third floor of SKY Mall across the street. To compensate for the wait, for the first month of the new store’s opening, all existing member credits will double, and everything is fifty percent off.” I attached location maps and photos of the renovation progress. The moment I sent it, the group exploded. “Holy crap! No wonder it was closed when I went to buy cake yesterday! The property management is disgusting!” “Raised rent AND cut power? What kind of mafia behavior is this!” “Support Leon! SKY Mall’s environment is way better—I’ve been thinking the other place was a dump anyway!” “I passed by yesterday and saw some Star Tea handing out flyers and trashing Leon’s store. Made me sick. I’ll never drink there!” I watched the messages scroll across the screen and smiled slightly. This was only the first step. I turned to Rodriguez. “Ms. Rodriguez, that huge LED screen on SKY Mall’s exterior wall—can I borrow it for a day?” “What are you planning?” “A relocation countdown.” Rodriguez smiled. “No problem. Use it for free.” The next day, directly across from the old mall. On SKY Mall’s massive several-hundred-square-meter LED screen, a poster lit up. Black background, white text. “3 days until [Leon’s Bakery], [Vesca Jewelry], [Richard’s Fitness], [Brennan’s Esports] all move into SKY Mall.” At the very bottom of the poster, in extremely small font: “Thanks to our former landlord’s mercy in not killing us, allowing us to find a better home.” This street was the busiest section downtown. Once the poster went up, everyone passing by could see it. When Marshall saw the poster, he was drinking tea in his office. According to security, he sprayed a mouthful of tea all over his computer screen. Then he rushed out of his office like a madman.

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At the wedding, I recognized at a glance that the bride in the wedding dress standing before me wasn’t Leah—it was someone impersonating her. But I still went through with the ceremony as planned. Because in my previous life, when I publicly exposed the fake bride, Leah reluctantly came crawling back to marry me. Meanwhile, Michael, who had been kicked out by my parents, jumped to his death from our building on our wedding night. When Leah heard the news of his death, she showed not a trace of sadness. After our marriage, we grew increasingly affectionate. I continuously funneled money from my family to save her company from bankruptcy. But on our first anniversary, she personally tied me up in a helicopter. She dropped her disguise, her eyes filled with madness: “If you hadn’t forced me to come back and marry you that day, Michael wouldn’t have died! Wasn’t it enough that your family kicked him out? You had to drive him to his death!” “What right do you have to be so happy? I’m going to make you feel the same pain he felt when he died!” I was thrown from ten thousand meters in the air and turned into a pile of mangled flesh. This time, I’m pretending not to know, going through with the wedding ceremony with the fake bride. I want to see how she’ll save the crumbling Leah Group without my family’s support.

“Do you, the groom, take this beautiful bride standing beside you, for richer or poorer…” “I… I do.” The woman’s voice came through the veil and mask, muffled and carrying a hint of barely perceptible nervousness. The guests below were all praising how deeply Leah loved me—even with a severe cold and wearing a mask, she insisted on completing this wedding of the century. She was practically the epitome of devoted love among the elite. “Wait a moment.” The woman before me had evasive eyes, fine beads of sweat forming on her forehead. I let out a cold laugh and asked, “Leah, you don’t look well. Did you forget to take your medicine because you were too busy with the wedding?” She coughed nervously twice. “Yes, I…” I signaled the officiant to halt the ceremony and pulled the bride into a private lounge. The phone on the table happened to vibrate—over a dozen unread messages, all from Michael. [Gonzalez, you’ve figured out the bride is fake, haven’t you? Surprise! Michael and I are watching your wedding livestream from the Maldives.] There was even an attached photo: Leah intimately leaning against him, both wearing matching beach couple outfits, their faces radiating sweet happiness. [Oh, I forgot to mention—this was my idea. You stole my position, so I’m stealing your woman. This wedding is just a game she’s playing to amuse me.] I remained expressionless, quickly typing out a response. [Is that so? Well, believe it or not, with just one word from me, she’ll come crawling back like a dog begging me to take her.] The “typing…” indicator on the other end flickered for a long time without producing a single word. Perfect. The fish had taken the bait. I pocketed my phone and turned to look at the anxious substitute beside me. She looked at me awkwardly. “Actually, I… I…” I patted her shoulder. “Presley, don’t be nervous.” She instantly relaxed, her pupils dilating in shock. “You already knew?” After a moment of silence, she seemed to make some kind of decision. Taking a deep breath, she looked at me with intense eyes. “Gonzalez, Leah doesn’t deserve you. Today she’s deliberately conspiring with Michael to humiliate you. If you feel degraded, I’ll take you away right now!” After my death in my previous life, I learned that Presley had secretly loved me for years. When she heard about my death, she was the only one who refused to believe I had committed suicide. Later, she discovered Leah was the killer. Unable to find evidence, she dragged Leah to her death on the anniversary of my passing, taking them both down together. Thinking of her tragic end in my previous life, my fists clenched tight, a flash of fierce determination passing through my eyes. Seeing my cold expression, Presley thought I was forcing myself to stay composed. She reached out worriedly to touch me. I grasped her wrist instead, looking at her seriously. “Presley, listen carefully. This wedding must happen today, but I only want to marry you.” When we returned to the ceremony hall, the officiant wiped away cold sweat and announced with a smile, “Now, will the bride and groom please exchange rings.” I picked up the women’s diamond ring and pushed it onto her finger, but it stuck firmly at the knuckle. She tried awkwardly to force it on, but I pressed down on her hand. The guests below began whispering among themselves. “What’s going on? Is the ring the wrong size?” “How could they get something this important wrong? This is Mr. Wilson’s biological son—is the Leah family really this careless?” Below the stage, Leah’s parents’ faces instantly turned extremely ugly. They exchanged glances, filled with panic. It seemed they had known all along about Leah running away from the wedding to be with Michael, but they conspired to hide it from my family. My mother’s brows furrowed tightly, and my father’s face turned even colder. I gave my parents a reassuring look, signaling them to remain calm. Then, under everyone’s shocked gaze, I lifted Presley’s veil and removed her mask. “Oh my God! The bride isn’t Leah!” “Then where’s the real bride?”

Leah’s mother, Tobias, was the first to react. She rushed onto the stage without regard for appearances: “What… what is going on! Who are you!” Leah’s father, Anthony, his face ashen, shouted at the chaotic guests and reporters below: “Everyone quiet down! There’s been a small mishap with the wedding. We’ll resolve it immediately!” How spectacular. In my previous life, I was the one humiliated on stage. Now it was Leah’s parents. My mother also stood up in shock, looking at me with concern. “Gonzalez, what on earth is happening?” I turned to give my parents a reassuring look. Under the entire audience’s astonished gaze, I took Presley’s hand: “Thank you all for coming to attend the wedding between Miss Presley and myself today. Due to a small oversight, the wedding posters and rings were mixed up.” I paused before continuing. “However, it doesn’t matter. The wedding will continue.” Presley beside me gripped my hand back, her gaze firm, as if declaring her claim. Tobias looked at me, trembling with rage. “Gonzalez, have you lost your mind! Do you know what you’re saying?” Anthony also rushed forward, lowering his voice to say to me: “Gonzalez, stop this nonsense! Call off the wedding immediately!” I ignored them and turned to look at Presley. “Presley, tell everyone why you’re standing here.” Presley and I exchanged smiles, her voice cool and steady: “I’m standing here today because Leah gave me twenty dollars to impersonate her at the wedding, while she herself is on vacation abroad with Michael.” As soon as these words left her mouth, the entire room erupted. This was guaranteed to trend. “Holy shit! Paying someone to substitute at your own wedding? What is this!” “For Michael, who got kicked out, she’s offending Mr. Gonzalez? Is Leah under some kind of spell!” With their shameful secret exposed publicly, Anthony and Tobias’s faces completely lost all color. My father Wilson’s anger was finally ignited. Pointing at Anthony’s nose, he cursed: “What a fine Leah family! You begged for this marriage alliance, and now you’re treating my son’s lifelong matter as a joke! You think the Wilson family is easy to bully?!” My mother Kate was even more decisive, directly announcing to the media below: “This marriage is off! From this day forward, the Wilson family and the Leah family have nothing to do with each other!” “As for that Michael, he was kicked out of our home for misconduct. Whoever wants him can have him!” Seeing the marriage alliance collapse, Tobias completely panicked. “Gonzalez, Leah is just immature, bewitched by that Michael! I’ll make her come crawling back to apologize to you right now!” I shrugged, sneering. “Fine, I’ll give her one more chance. As long as you can get through to her on the phone, I’ll pretend nothing happened.” Presley’s grip on my hand tightened. I whispered to her, “Don’t panic. Leah won’t answer.” Tobias grabbed onto this like a lifeline, frantically dialing Leah’s number. Once, twice, three times… What came through the receiver was always that cold voice: “Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently on another call…” My face turned cold. “It seems Miss Leah doesn’t want to come back.” “Security, escort these uninvolved persons out.” Anthony and Tobias were dragged out by security, countless reporters excitedly snapping photos in their faces. My mother held my hand, asking nothing, only repeatedly saying: “Gonzalez, whatever decision you make, your father and I support you.” Father patted my shoulder. Warmth filled my heart. In my previous life, I insisted on marrying Leah and had a terrible falling out with my family. After my death, they turned white-haired overnight. This life, I would never repeat that mistake. And I wouldn’t easily let Leah, the true culprit, get away with it. After the ceremony concluded, I immediately called my assistant. “Terminate all cooperation with the Leah family immediately and withdraw all the capital we’ve invested. Not a single cent remains.”

The news that I had married Presley didn’t spread quickly. To stabilize their stock price, the Leah family paid to suppress the news. Right after the wedding ended, Presley and I rushed to get our marriage certificate. After registering, Presley said she had urgent company business and needed to go abroad for a few days. On the other side, the oblivious Leah accompanied Michael on the island for several days before belatedly realizing something was wrong. Usually by this time, I should have already pressured her to come back. But now there was no movement at all. Leah absent-mindedly scrolled through her phone. Michael handed her a drink, deliberately provoking: “Leah, Gonzalez isn’t angry, is he? It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t suddenly gotten dizzy, you wouldn’t have stayed with me…” Leah scoffed. “What’s he got to be angry about? You’re someone who lost your protection. He has everything. What’s wrong with being considerate of you?” At this thought, her brow suddenly relaxed. Gonzalez must be playing hard to get. A smile curved at the corner of Leah’s lips. She felt she’d been spoiling me too much. I never expected to run into them at my father’s business gala. Leah noticed me immediately, but when she saw me conversing with other female business owners, her face instantly darkened like storm clouds. Michael saw me too and deliberately wrapped his arm around Leah’s waist in front of me, saying loudly: “Leah, you’ve worked hard networking tonight. Let’s go rest over there.” Leah leaned against him naturally, though her gaze seemed to casually drift toward me. She was probably waiting for me to approach first. Unfortunately, I disappointed her. From beginning to end, I didn’t spare her even a sideways glance. She finally couldn’t hold back. Striding over to our table, she set her wine glass down heavily and spoke: “Gonzalez, are you angry because I had someone substitute for me at the wedding?” I didn’t even bother looking at her, standing up to leave. “The last wedding was because Michael was sick—it was an emergency, so I couldn’t attend.” Michael strode over to block my path, his tone full of righteous indignation. “Gonzalez, don’t blame Leah. Blame me for my failing health that delayed your wedding. As a man, don’t be so petty!” Hearing this, Leah looked at me and laughed in anger. “Gonzalez, I never realized you were this petty. It’s just one wedding!” As she spoke, she matter-of-factly reached out to grab my arm. My eyes turned cold as I directly shook off her hand. “Miss Leah, please show some self-respect.” “Regarding the wedding, didn’t your parents tell you?” Leah froze. “Tell me what?” Seeing this, Michael stepped forward and grabbed my shoulder, warning in a low, vicious voice: “Gonzalez, don’t be ungrateful. You should be honored that Leah is willing to humor you!” His grip was extremely strong, making me uncomfortable. I jerked my hand away and forcefully shoved him back. “Get lost!” Michael stumbled backward unsteadily, his waist hitting the table edge hard. Leah’s eyes blazed with fury as she rushed to protect Michael, roaring at me: “You maniac! Apologize to Michael right now!” I laughed coldly and ordered the security guards rushing over. “Security, throw them out!” Leah’s face turned iron-blue with rage: “Don’t think this will get my attention. If you behave yourself, I’ll go register our marriage with you in a few days.” She took it for granted that as long as she was willing to turn back, I would immediately rush over, grateful beyond measure. I smiled. “But I’m already married.”

The smile on Leah’s face instantly froze. She stood there dumbfounded, her brow tightly furrowed: “What nonsense are you talking!” She stepped forward, her tone arrogant. “You say you’re married, so where’s your wife? Why isn’t she here with you?” A mocking curve formed at the corner of my lips. “My wife is on a business trip. Unlike certain idle parasites who just cling to others like vampires.” Before she could explode, Michael beside her immediately darkened his face and accused sharply: “Gonzalez, how can you say that about Leah! You have no idea how hard she works for the company every day!” He deliberately paused, making Leah look at me with eyes full of disappointment and fury. “Gonzalez, look at yourself now, so mean-spirited. Who else would want you besides me?” “Let me tell you, stop playing these hard-to-get tricks. They only make me despise you more!” I completely lost patience. “Security! Are you deaf?” “Throw these two people out!” Security quickly moved forward, flanking them on both sides. Leah struggled frantically, her face contorted as she shrieked at me: “Gonzalez! How dare you treat me like this! You’ll regret it!” That evening, I received a text from an unknown number. [You think this will steal Leah from me? Surprise—she doesn’t care at all. She’s happily taking me ring shopping right now. You think being the Wilson family heir makes you superior? You still can’t even hold onto a woman.] I didn’t need to guess who sent it. I immediately blocked the number. During this time, Anthony and Tobias tried desperately to see me, but I turned them away at the door. A week later, calculating the time of Presley’s flight arrival, I personally drove to the airport to pick her up. Just as I entered the international arrivals hall, I ran straight into Leah and Michael. Both had gotten a bit tanned, wearing sunglasses with the leisurely air of returning from vacation. Seeing me, Leah’s eyes lit up, her smile full of triumph. “I knew you were just being stubborn. You even checked my flight schedule to come pick me up? Fine, I’ll give you a way to save face.” I looked at her like she was an idiot, not stopping my steps. Michael spoke in a sarcastic tone. “Mr. Gonzalez, since you personally came to the airport, and Leah is magnanimous enough not to hold it against you, as her fiancé, you should hurry and transfer the funds back to Leah Group.” Leah seemed pleased, raising her hand to hook my arm, but I nimbly dodged. She wasn’t annoyed, thinking I was still being proud. “Alright, stop playing around. Once we register our marriage, I’ll give you an even more luxurious wedding. Will that work?” I walked right past both of them and strode toward Presley, who had just emerged. “Darling, welcome home!” Presley caught my embrace, her cool eyes instantly softening as she lifted her head and placed a gentle kiss on my chin. Behind us, the triumphant smile on Leah’s face instantly froze. After a brief deadly silence came Leah’s humiliated roar: “Gonzalez! Haven’t you played around enough!” She rushed forward in a few steps, pointing at Presley and shouting: “To spite me, you even hired an actress? Not bad acting skills—how much did it cost?” “Name your price. I’ll pay you ten times that to get lost right now!” Presley moved me protectively to her side, her eyes darkening, the atmospheric pressure around her instantly dropping to freezing. But I pressed down on her hand, leisurely watching Leah’s twisted face. “Leah, didn’t you always want to meet my wife?” I wrapped my arm around Presley’s waist, smiling brilliantly. “Let me formally introduce you—this is my legal wife.” Leah’s face turned deathly pale. “How can it be you?!”

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The power went out on the very first night I was alone with my arranged live-in fiancé. In the pitch black, I kicked him. “I want to take a bath.” After he drew the bathwater, I lazily tugged on his sleeve: “…Don’t leave. I’m afraid of the dark.” 1 I woke up and realized I was eighteen again. My future husband-of-convenience was helping me grade my practice SATs. Staring at the page full of red Xs, he frowned deeply. “…You really think you’re going to get into Stanford like this?” Ignoring the Stanford comment, I tilted my head, leaned in close, and asked curiously, “Mason, do you have a crush on me?” Scratch— His pen drew a long, harsh line across the paper. Mason stared at me, a mix of shock and embarrassment tumbling in his eyes. After a long moment, he scoffed, “And what if I do?” Tsk. Nineteen-year-old Mason was still too young to hide his emotions properly. I let out a soft “Oh,” buried my head back in my scratch paper, and pretended nothing had happened. As I absentmindedly counted my wrong answers, Mason’s low, strained voice sounded next to my ear, like he had been holding it in for ages. “Stella.” He gritted his teeth, his eyes fierce. “…Stop messing with me.” Hearing this, I turned to look at him, my expression unusually serious. “Mason—” He gripped his pen tightly. Me: “I’m hungry.” Mason stood up abruptly, shot me an icy glare, and then—marched into the kitchen. I couldn’t hold it in; I laughed out loud. 2 The year my dad brought him home, Mason was only fourteen. He was scrawny, wearing a faded, oversized button-down and dirty sneakers. He stood in our living room, pressing his lips together, trying desperately to hide the awkward anxiety in his eyes. I stood at the top of the stairs. We stared at each other for a few seconds before he was the first to look away. Gloomy, sensitive, fiercely proud yet deeply insecure. That was my first impression of him. When it came to his arrival, I wasn’t exactly welcoming, but I didn’t reject him either. As long as he wasn’t my dad’s illegitimate son, everything was fine. Mason was only a year older than me. He should have already started college, but because of me, he held back and repeated his senior year. After we got married, Mason became a man of few words, always busy with work, but incredible in bed. Aside from the lack of romance, you could say we had the perfect marriage. In the tenth year of our marriage of convenience… I accidentally discovered that he had been secretly in love with me for a very, very long time. The day after I found out, I woke up and found myself back in the summer after my high school graduation. So what now? Looking at Mason carrying a slice of cake over to me—standing tall, his profile sharp and handsome—I decided I didn’t want a different husband. I kicked off my slippers and used my toes to hook around his waist. “I’m so tired.” I lounged back in my chair, opening my mouth. “…Feed it to me.” Mason’s eyes were ice cold. We stared at each other for a long time, and he was the first to concede. Halfway through feeding me the cake, Mason jolted, grabbing my wandering foot. His voice was fierce and cold, laced with a heavy warning. “Stella. You better behave.” Fine. I shrugged and pulled my foot back. Mason took a moment to compose himself, then with a stony face, continued feeding me the cake. I pushed his hand away and tilted my head at him. “You eat some too.” Mason paused. His long, strong fingers gripped the fork as he took a bite of the remaining cake. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and a tiny dab of frosting stuck to the corner of his mouth. Looks delicious. And I wasn’t talking about the cake. Smiling wickedly, I looked at him with feigned curiosity. “Mason, you just used my fork… Does that count as an indirect kiss?” Mason gripped the handle of the fork, his face full of restraint. “Stella.” I didn’t let him finish, continuing on my own. “No, it doesn’t.” I leaned over, licked the frosting right off the corner of his mouth, and nodded in satisfaction. “…That is an indirect kiss.” Mason’s spine went completely rigid. A flash of intense embarrassment crossed his handsome face. His self-control was truly impressive. Even after all that, his eyes just got fiercer, but he didn’t react physically. Oh, wait. Actually, there was a reaction. I decided to rein it in a bit, switching to verbal teasing instead of physical. “You’re so mean, Mason.” “You clearly liked it, didn’t you?” Mason’s jaw clenched tightly. “…Is this how you treat me?” “Stella.” His expression looked pained. “I am not your toy.” Tsk. Nineteen-year-old Mason was so fun to tease. I just couldn’t help myself. “Of course you aren’t a toy.” I dropped the playful smile and looked at him seriously. “You’re… my live-in fiancé, obviously.” Perfect. That successfully pissed him off enough to make him storm out. Watching his slightly stiff, awkward gait as he walked away, I finally felt a little better. Honestly, I was still mad. He loved me, yet he never told me. Watching his retreating back, I let out a cold scoff. Fine. Keep holding it in, then. 3 Actually, Mason didn’t need to worry. My SAT scores weren’t as low as he expected; I could absolutely get into Stanford. Having lived through this once, I didn’t change my major either. In my past life, he stubbornly insisted on going to Stanford with me to prove his worth to my parents. But now, I suddenly understood. Maybe he just purely wanted to keep me by his side? On the third day after submitting our college applications, Mason planned to return to his hometown. After all, he had been away for five years and it was time for a visit. Our memories overlapped. But what was different this time was that he had a plus-one. We crossed the country, and I shamelessly tagged along with him to a place called Oakhaven. It was an old, rustic little town. It didn’t have the neon lights or the glitz and glamour of the city. It just had a few narrow roads and dim streetlights. Mason grabbed his luggage and stopped in front of an old house. The house was old but spacious. I knew it belonged to his late grandmother. Because his closest relatives had passed away too early, he was kicked around like a soccer ball when he was little, begging for scraps at other people’s houses. That was why he looked so ragged the first time we met. Mason bustled around, cleaning the old house until it was spotless. I lay on a wicker chair, rocking back and forth, staring at the wooden carvings on the ceiling beams. I, Stella Sterling, had never done a day of hard labor in my life. But Mason was the epitome of a kid who had to grow up too fast. The old house hadn’t been lived in for a long time, which I expected. What I didn’t expect was that the power would go out on the very first night we were alone together. In the pitch black, I couldn’t help but kick him. “I want to take a bath.” Mason knew my habits. I bathed every single day, and a power outage wasn’t going to stop me. He found some candles, lit them, and silently went to heat up water for me. After he prepared the bathwater, he turned to leave. I lazily tugged on his sleeve: “…Don’t leave. I’m afraid of the dark.” Mason’s back, illuminated by the candle he was holding, went stiff. It was incredibly quiet, and faintly, I could hear the sound of him grinding his teeth. “…Stella, do you have any idea what you’re saying?” “I do.” I slipped off my pleated skirt and casually tossed it into the wooden hamper nearby. “…I said I’m afraid of the dark.” The sound of fabric brushing against skin echoed softly. Mason’s breathing noticeably quickened. When he spoke again, his voice carried a heavy warning. “Stella!” Tsk. I hear you, I hear you. Both ears work fine. Yelling so fiercely, yet standing there with his back to me, not daring to move an inch. I gathered my hair up, paying him no mind. I scooped up some water and poured it over my shoulders. Setting everything else aside, Mason was incredibly good at getting the bathwater to the perfect temperature. But hearing the splashing water, he was probably going crazy. Hehe. He probably never expected me to actually go through with it. 4 I admit, I had been bullying Mason quite frequently these past few days. He seemed to be angry every single day. But I was used to it. After dealing with him for so many years, Mason had never smiled at me. Whether it was before or after we got married, he always called me by my full name, “Stella Sterling.” It was genuinely irritating. In the backyard, Mason was sitting by the oak tree, washing clothes by hand. The muscles in his arms were defined but not overly bulky. The soapy suds sticking to his skin inexplicably gave off a domestic, husband-material vibe. He looked healthy, his skin slightly tanned, radiating youthful energy, yet his eyes remained fierce and brooding. The Mason from ten years in the future? I definitely couldn’t outplay him. But the Mason right in front of me was only nineteen. Fresh, green, and radiating awkward youth. He was as stubborn as a wild mustang, and aside from bucking, he didn’t know what else to do. If I were actually the eighteen-year-old Stella, I really wouldn’t have known how to handle him. But I wasn’t. Taking my time, I strolled toward the oak tree. I stopped right behind him and then shamelessly hopped onto his back. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I couldn’t help but complain in his ear: “…Mason, I really, really hate it when you call me by my full name.” I looked distressed. “Why don’t you call me ‘Babe’? Or ‘Sweetheart’? That works too.” Mason’s back was as rigid as a steel board. His right hand tightly gripped a wad of fabric, the veins bulging on the back of his hand. Taking a deep breath, he stood up. “Stella!” Here we go again. I ignored it, dangling off his back and swaying. Nuzzling his cheek, I kept teasing him: “…Mason, call me ‘Honey,’ please? I’ll buy you candy.” Mason didn’t dare touch my legs; he only dared to issue verbal warnings. “Stella, don’t push it!” Stella, stop messing with me. Stella, you better behave. Stella, don’t push it. Those were the only three phrases he ever used with me, recycled over and over again. But I always turned a deaf ear. Hugging his neck, I was relentless. “Mason, you’re not allowed to be so mean to me! I don’t like it!” Mason didn’t respond. See? He was mad again. Mason didn’t even reach back to support me; he just let me dangle there as he marched straight into the house. He pried my hands off with one hand and tossed me onto the bed. Zero chivalry. Dissatisfied, I rolled around on the bed twice. I hooked my finger through the strap of a flimsy piece of fabric on the edge of the bed and tossed it at his chest, my tone entirely entitled. “…Wash this too.” Mason instinctively caught it. Looking at the fabric in his hands, his face turned a chaotic mix of red and pale green. I looked the picture of innocence. “I can’t touch cold water, you know that.” He held it in, and held it in again. Finally, he turned around and obediently walked back out to the yard. “Mason.” I picked up a book from the nightstand and called out to him. Flipping to the page I had dog-eared last night, I didn’t forget to remind him: “…That thing in your left hand. Don’t wash it with my clothes.” I crinkled my nose, looking incredibly serious. “Ugh… the smell of your ‘alone time’ is way too strong. I hate it.” “Stella!” Mason spun around in shock, his neck flushing bright red as he looked at me in disbelief. “Do you have absolutely no shame?!” Oh? Is he embarrassed and angry now? I tilted my head, looking at the bundle of light blue fabric in his left hand. “Actually— “I prefer you in tight briefs.” Even though that style would probably be a bit uncomfortable for him. But what did that have to do with me… right? 5 Mason had been ignoring me for three days. Even though he still acted like a devoted caretaker, willingly bringing me food and water, the moment I opened my mouth, he would turn and walk away. Standing in the yard, he looked as rigid as a small pine tree. After having so many deep, intimate conversations with him in the future, I obviously knew that briefs were definitely uncomfortable for him. Thinking about it, I licked my lips. I was kind of craving him. So I called out, “Mason.” Mason turned and walked away. This time, he walked straight out the front gate. I pouted, slowly walked to the door, and took a look outside. He was nowhere to be seen. I didn’t turn back. Instead, I headed to the yard next door. The little girl with pigtails was doing her homework on a stool. When she looked up and saw me, her eyes instantly lit up. “Stella!” Mason definitely wouldn’t have guessed that if he wouldn’t play with me, I could find someone else. In the few short days he refused to acknowledge me, I had built a deep friendship with the little girl next door. Daisy was adorable, and she loved coming over to play with me. Of course. Only when Mason wasn’t around. It was scorching hot lately, but Oakhaven was near the water and densely wooded, making it much cooler than the city. Daisy was almost done with her homework. She had made plans with her friends to go catching frogs and picking wild blackberries by the creek that afternoon. Seeing that I was bored, she loyally invited me along. Catching frogs? Sounded fun. I accepted the invitation and happily tagged along. I spent the entire afternoon with the kids. We flipped over every rock in the shallows, caught a whole bucket of tadpoles, and picked a massive basket of blackberries, having the time of our lives. When I got home at dusk, I was met with Mason’s wrath. He stood in the doorway, his face ashen, looking like he wanted to eat me alive. “Stella!” Holding two lotus flowers I had picked, I brushed past him, letting my skirt intentionally graze his calf. I carefully placed the flowers in a water basin, my tone careless. “…What?” Mason’s expression instantly darkened even more, but his tone leveled out. “Why did you run off without saying anything? Do you know I’ve been looking for you all afternoon?” Why didn’t I say anything? Because you ran away! If you run, I run. I gave a dismissive “Oh” and kept arranging my flowers. Mason suddenly exploded. Before I could even put the last flower in the water, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me into the house. Stumbling into the bedroom, I was thrown onto the bed. Looking at Mason’s face, my eye twitched, and I didn’t hesitate to scramble toward the corner of the bed. But Mason was faster. He reached out, grabbed my ankle, and pulled me back. Pinning both my wrists with one hand and pressing his knee against my legs, his voice was thick with fury. “…Stella, do you know how high and deep the mountains are out here? Do you know what happens if you get taken by human traffickers?! Do you want to be chained up in a basement and turned into an incubator?!” I squirmed, realizing I was completely pinned and couldn’t break free. I was going to reasonably explain, “I’m an adult, I have my own judgment,” but what actually came out of my mouth was, “None of your business.” Mason let out an exasperated laugh, nodding continuously. “…Stella, you’re really something.” My vision was forcefully spun around. Mason aggressively flipped me onto my stomach before I could even react. Smack— A sharp sting radiated from my backside straight to my brain. One after another. This was the first time in my life I had ever been spanked. I never expected the person to do it would be Mason. He was too strong; I couldn’t break free. I clamped my mouth shut, stubbornly refusing to beg for mercy. His hand was fast and ruthless, refusing to stop. Until finally, it hurt too much to bear, and I cried out his name: “Mason… it really hurts.” My voice was already breaking with tears. I didn’t actually want to cry. But it hurt so much, I couldn’t help it. Mason’s hand stopped. His grip loosened, and I could finally move again. My backside was burning. With my eyes closed, I slowly reached back, my trembling fingers brushing against it. A wave of intense pain shot straight to my brain. Tears dripped steadily onto the bedsheets. Mason didn’t say a word. Furious and terrified, I pulled the blanket over myself, refusing to look at him. “…Get out. I don’t want to see you right now!” My voice was muffled and completely lacked any threat. But Mason actually left. He walked out without saying a single word. An overwhelming wave of grievance washed over me, and I cried even harder. Once I started sobbing out loud, I finally felt a little better. I hadn’t eaten dinner tonight. But I was so exhausted that, crying as I was, I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep. 6 When I woke up the next day, it was broad daylight. I sniffed myself—a faint smell of sweat mixed with a heavy scent of medicinal ointment. I smelled terrible. Frowning in disgust, I grabbed my clothes and headed to the rustic bathroom. Mason wasn’t there, but the bathwater was already prepared. I didn’t refuse. After all, in his eyes, I, Stella Sterling, would never mistreat myself for anyone’s sake. And I couldn’t deny it; it was the truth. The pain was still stubbornly there. I managed to finish my bath with a grimace, finally feeling much better. As I stepped out drying my hair, breakfast was already laid out on the table, but Mason was still nowhere to be seen. I let out a cold laugh. Tsk. Trying to play the silent, devoted house-elf? If Mason thought he could get my forgiveness this easily, he was dead wrong. My parents were business people; they were master calculators. I was their flesh and blood. Did he think I’d take a loss? While I was showering, I had thought it through. Yes, I had taken the joke too far yesterday, but Mason hitting me was crossing a line, and he had to pay for it. Thinking about it, a surge of resentment welled up inside me. How dare Mason spank me—and in such a humiliating spot, too! Continuing to dry my hair, pretending I hadn’t seen the food, I marched angrily into my room and slammed the door shut. Here was my strategy: refusing to eat his food was my declaration of war. For the next two days, I used the bathwater he prepared and wore the clothes he washed, but I absolutely refused to eat the food he cooked, and I refused to speak to him. This wasn’t just throwing a tantrum. This was psychological warfare. Dealing with someone like Mason required extreme measures. Push him into a corner so he had nowhere to run, then give him the cold shoulder, giving him a taste of his own medicine. It was a battle of wills. My confidence stemmed from the fact that Mason cared about me. Sure, my stomach would suffer a bit, but obviously, the results would be highly effective. Mason was the first to break. On the evening of the second day of my hunger strike, he finally appeared before me. “Stella.” He stood there holding a bowl of porridge, suppressing his anger. “…Are you trying to starve yourself to death?” I turned my back to him, lying on my side on the bed, treating his words like wind passing my ears. The room fell silent, leaving only the sound of our breathing—one steady, one erratic. After a long time, Mason’s voice broke the silence again. “Stella.” His voice was very soft, and I heard him say, “…You win, Stella.” I rolled over and lay flat on my back. I gave him a response, but not much of one. Seeing my attitude, Mason simply gave up struggling. He asked in defeat, “Stella, what exactly do you want?” I hid my secret delight, my expression flat. “…Will you give me whatever I want?” After a moment of silence, Mason gave a difficult nod. “Yes. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.” I rolled over again, leaning over the edge of the bed, my tone fierce: “Apologize to me!” Mason: “…I’m sorry.” I was somewhat satisfied. My shoulders instantly slumped, my voice weak. “Hurry up and feed me. I don’t even have the strength to hold the bowl.” This was completely different from the scenario I had envisioned. I originally wanted to string him along a bit more and negotiate terms, but I was just too hungry to maintain the aloof facade. No choice. Food is life. Starving for two whole days was already my absolute limit. Mason pressed his lips together tightly, holding back his temper as he fed me. “…Didn’t you even know how to sneak into the kitchen for a snack?!” “I would never!” I swallowed a large mouthful of porridge, my tone aggrieved yet defiant. “Even if I starved to death, I, Stella Sterling, would never bow down for a bowl of rice!” Thinking about the brutal beating I had endured, seeing Mason made me angry all over again. “…I’m still mad, Mason. How could you be so mean to me!” “You were the one not listening first.” Mason wiped my mouth for me. “And your attitude wasn’t right either.” “Then you still shouldn’t have spanked me!” I emphasized repeatedly, my tone firm. “I am an adult. No one is allowed to treat me like that, and neither are you!” Thinking for a moment, I added, “…Of course, if it’s a little kink while we’re sleeping together, that’s fine, but to be fair, I get to hit you back.” “Stella!” Mason was embarrassed and furious once again. “Shut up!” So boring. I was just making a joke. Mason has absolutely zero sense of humor. Full and satisfied, Mason went to wash the dishes. His movements were fast. By the time I finished showering and came out, he had already cleaned up. At this point, I had regained my usual calm rationality. Lying on my stomach on the bed, I called out without hesitation: “Mason!” He walked over, his tone unhappy: “What?” “Oh, nothing.” I casually lifted the hem of my nightgown, bossing him around with complete entitlement. “Hurry up and apply my ointment.” Mason snapped his eyes shut with lightning speed, veins popping on his forehead. “Stel-la, Ster-ling!” He gritted out my name through clenched teeth, his voice full of anger and warning. Tsk, playing the prude. He didn’t even know how many times he had touched me over the last two days, yet here he was acting all innocent. But I decided not to push him any further. After all, he was only nineteen. Getting mad all the time is bad for your health. “Okay, okay, no ointment then.” Adjusting my dress, I sat up straight, looking as proper as could be. “…Could my man please dry my hair for me?” Mason finally lowered his hands. Perhaps because the title was a bit embarrassing, he looked a little flushed with frustration. “Stella.” He grabbed the hairdryer and walked over to me, plugging it in while muttering, “You need to dial it back!” I just said “Oh” and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Stella!”

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He was my late best friend’s younger brother. I’m no saint, and I certainly didn’t have some grand maternal instinct. I took him in on a whim because he looked like a kicked puppy at the funeral, and I had the space to feed him. I never expected that the skinny kid I dragged home would grow up to be such a wolf. A wolf who currently has me marked as his target. 01 I posted on my Instagram Story: “Thanks for asking. Loved him once.” He replied to my story the very next second: “? That’s not what you were saying in bed last night.” 02 Let’s back up. I was drunk. Friends were egging Caleb on at the bar, telling him to pick his “type” out of the crowd. He lazily peeled his eyes open, pointed a finger dead at me, and said, “Her.” That day marked exactly one hundred days since we broke up. 03 In a blurry, drunken haze, Caleb and I ended up sleeping together. When I woke up the next morning, I let out a scream that could wake the dead. “What are you yelling for?” he mumbled, rolling over lazily. “It’s not like we haven’t done this before.” I kicked out with my leg and shoved him right off the bed. 04 He got pissed. Grabbing my ankle, he yanked me down with him. I rolled over and crashed right into Caleb’s chest. It was rock hard. My face flushed hot. Above me, I heard him ask, “Haven’t felt enough yet?” I bit the bullet and shot back, “More like you haven’t felt enough.” I underestimated Caleb’s shamelessness. He grabbed my hand, pulled me back down, and stared at me lazily like a dozing lion. “Wanna feel some more?” Feel your ass! Unable to win against him, I scrambled up, wanting to bolt out the door, but he caught my wrist. He gave me a look. “Stay here. Don’t run around.” He opened the door, and I heard the sounds of his friends teasing him in the hall. “Morning, alpha. Rough night?” “Who’s in there, man? Why won’t you let us see?” “Screw off.” A breeze swept in, followed by the slam of the door. The noise died down. Once it was completely quiet, I sneaked back to my own room. Maya was already awake, standing by the door. She asked, “Chloe, where did you go?” I clutched my stomach. “The toilet in our suite broke. I had to use the one downstairs.” “Are you… sure about that?” It wasn’t until I reached the bathroom mirror that I realized what a mess I was. My clothes were wrinkled, my hair was a bird’s nest, and my lipstick was smeared all over my face. I looked exactly like someone who had just done something very, very bad. Maya pulled up a chair, sat me down, and said, “Confess and you get leniency; resist and face the consequences. Did you stay out all night fooling around with that dog of an ex?” Just kill me now. 05 On the campus shuttle, I bumped into Caleb again. You could tell everyone was buzzing. Even Maya whispered, “Doesn’t he drive a Beemer? Why is he squeezing onto the campus shuttle with us?” I didn’t know. I found a seat as far away from him as possible and sat down. I pulled out my sleep mask, just wanting to nap, when he walked over, tapped my shoulder, and handed me a box of motion sickness pills. I was stunned. At that exact moment, Brandon, a guy I knew from my marketing class, also walked over and handed me a box of motion sickness pills. I genuinely didn’t know which one to take. In that moment, I deeply understood the awkwardness of a female protagonist in a rom-com. Caleb let out an incredibly low, icy scoff. He grabbed my hand, shoved his pills into my palm, and I shot Brandon an apologetic look. Caleb blocked my line of sight to Brandon, pinched my cheek, and said, “You broke up with me to find a guy like this?” “Chloe, you need to get your eyes checked.” Why the personal attack? Wait, did he just out our relationship? After dropping that bomb, Caleb walked away, looking cool as hell, leaving me completely windblown and panicked. Brandon handed me his pills and gave a bitter smile. “I didn’t realize you two were involved. No wonder you kept rejecting me.” Rejecting you? When did you ever even ask me out? He walked away looking depressed, and I became a human target. Suddenly, I was entangled with two campus heartthrobs, and there was no explaining my way out of it. Maya snapped out of her shock and asked, “So last night… you slept with Caleb?” I’m cooked. I covered her mouth and offered an awkward smile to the rest of the bus. “Don’t believe the rumors, don’t spread the rumors.” Too late. I saw someone already typing furiously on the college Confession Page. Help. I’m going to get assassinated by his fangirls. 06 Do modern college students really have this much free time? We hadn’t even gotten back to campus yet, and my phone was blowing up with people asking me about it. So this is what being a celebrity feels like. I posted on my Instagram Story: “Thanks for asking. Loved him once.” Caleb replied instantly: “? That’s not what you were saying in bed last night.” Lord, save me. I could jump into the ocean and still not wash myself clean of this. That screenshot of my Story, along with a candid photo from the bus, ended up on the campus Barstool page. Great. The comments were incredibly unified. They were all calling me ugly. Turning my grief into anger, I texted Caleb: “Square up. What exactly do you want?” “Get back together, or keep getting hated on. You pick.” “Lmao, you say that as if I won’t get hated on if we get back together.” “Fair point.” “But at least you’ll have a handsome guy keeping you company while you get hated on. It’s a win for you.” Absolute idiot! I blocked him! 07 The reason I didn’t delete his contact entirely… Was because I couldn’t bear to lose our chat history. Even though there wasn’t much of it. Caleb preferred calling. Back then, I used to hide on my balcony and stay on the phone with him all night. Everyone knew I was dating someone, they just didn’t know it was Caleb. They thought I was in an online relationship, or being scammed by some creep. Caleb wasn’t a creep, but he was a player. We broke up because of how he treated me. Even though he constantly argued that he didn’t do anything, I didn’t believe him. I saw it with my own eyes. That girl texted him: “Baby, hop on CoD?” When I broke up with him, he didn’t even try to make me stay. He just asked, “Are you sure?” “I am absolutely, one hundred percent sure.” He never said another word to me after that. Originally, I thought that if he just coaxed me a little, if he just explained himself, maybe I would forgive him. But I forgot. He was Caleb. The golden boy. Why would he ever lower his pride to coax anyone? 100 days. It took me 100 days to finally crawl out of my misery, and now he was messing with me again. He was the worst. 08 I went to sleep as soon as I got back to the dorm. I dreamed of Caleb again. That toxic ex. He was holding hands with another girl, and she was yelling at me: “Ugly freak!” “You’re the ugly freak!” I wanted to scream back, but I couldn’t open my mouth. The sound of my ringtone woke me up. I was drenched in sweat. It was Caleb calling. “What?” “Come downstairs.” “No.” I was about to hang up when I heard him threaten me: “Then I’ll just yell from right here. I’ll yell until you come down.” Who’s afraid of who? “Yell all you want. As long as you’re not afraid of the RA screaming at you.” I hung up. I strained my ears. I actually heard Caleb yelling my name from the courtyard. No way. He’s actually playing this game? 09 I threw on a jacket and went downstairs. Seeing me, he stopped yelling. It was late, and he had already caused a minor commotion. I grabbed his arm and dragged him into the trees near the quad, accidentally bumping into a couple making out. He chuckled low in his throat, lightly scratching my palm with his thumb. “Dropping hints?” I dragged him right back out. Caleb let me pull him along, his temper surprisingly good, until we reached an empty clearing. He glanced around. “You want to do it here? I mean, it’s not impossible.” “Fuck off.” I let go of his hand and crossed my arms. “Spit it out.” He dropped the smirk, handing me the paper bag he was holding. “Mango Frappuccino.” In the past, whenever I got motion sickness, I always craved a Mango Frappuccino. He would always run out off-campus to buy me one. Pathetic, right? A single Mango Frappuccino could make me this happy. I didn’t take it. I looked at him. “Caleb, what exactly do you want?” “Get back together. That’s your only option.” “Is playing with my feelings fun?” He stopped talking. He just looked at me. It was hard to believe that even now, I could still be moved by how incredibly handsome he was. Hot guys are truly terrifying. He saw right through my fake tough exterior. He smiled. “Afraid to look at me?” “Don’t flatter yourself. If you don’t have anything real to say, I’m going back upstairs.” Caleb grabbed my wrist and shoved the bag toward me, forcing it into my hand just like he did with the pills. I refused. We pushed and shoved. The bag dropped to the ground, ripped open, and the drink spilled everywhere. We both froze. He crouched down, a self-deprecating smile forming on his lips. “Is it really… completely impossible?” 10 For the first time ever, Caleb looked vulnerable in front of me. My heart gave a sharp, painful twinge. “Get up first.” “Promise me first.” “…” “Then you can stay squatting.” He grabbed my wrist, stood up, and hugged me tightly from behind, resting his chin in the crook of my neck. “Chloe, I’m miserable.” My heart was pounding. My throat tightened. I tried to ignore his body heat and struggled. “Stop acting pitiful.” “I really am miserable.” I couldn’t break free. He was too strong. “Then what do you want?” “A kiss will fix it.” “…Fuck off.” He reached into my jacket pocket, pulled out my phone, and said, “Or, take me off your blocked list.” Damn it. He unlocked my phone. He probably didn’t expect it himself. He froze for a split second. In that tiny window, I shoved him off. Yeah, I was pathetic. Even though we broke up, I couldn’t bear to delete his Face ID from my phone. I snatched my phone back. “I’m going inside.” Caleb chased after me, not saying a word, following me the whole way. After I got upstairs, I ran to the balcony. I saw him still standing down there, staring blankly at his phone.

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