Category: English

My Stepmother is a famous poison widow. People say my stepmother is a notorious poison widow. I’ve heard she’s responsible for the deaths of her two ex-husbands and my father. When my dad died, she wasted no time in having him cremated. When my father’s mistress showed up with her son to claim inheritance, they were all shocked. My stepmother sat cross-legged on the sofa, counting money with a gleeful smile. “I’ve hit the jackpot! This money will last me a lifetime,” she exclaimed. I hid behind the dining table, not daring to make a sound. When relatives came to adopt me, I was still undecided. Suddenly, floating comments appeared before my eyes. [The plot’s moving so fast! The heroine’s about to be taken away by relatives to be mistreated. I can’t wait!] [These relatives are evil. After getting the money, they’ll sell the heroine to some remote village.] [That’s nothing. All the hardships she endures as a child will be compensated by the male lead’s love later. A pure, innocent flower growing in adversity, meeting her savior when she grows up. So sweet!] Me: ?? Whose story is this miserable? Can I still cling to my stepmother’s leg?

My father recently married a new wife. I hid in the shadows, watching this new stepmother with her charming smile and radiant beauty. I finally understood why my father married her. Even knowing she was rumored to have caused the deaths of two ex-husbands, he still wanted to marry her. Just for that face, it was worth it. These men all thought they were victorious in winning a beautiful wife. Unfortunately, they all ended up dead. My father died just two short months after the wedding. Some people suspected my stepmother was behind it, but they couldn’t find any evidence. They could only attribute it to superstition. They said my stepmother was too toxic, that she brought death to anyone she touched. The day my father died, several women showed up with children, demanding inheritance. My stepmother, the champion of household battles who had defeated these women, went on the offensive. “Uncle Wang, throw these filthy things out!” she ordered. Cutting off someone’s money is like killing their parents. How could these people give up so easily? My stepmother looked delicate, but her words were merciless. She brought out my father’s urn. “Oh my, he’s already been cremated. We can’t do a paternity test now, but you’re welcome to join him down there,” she said with a smile. The women burst into tears. “Are you even human? Robert’s body wasn’t even cold, and you had him cremated.” My stepmother smiled sweetly and said, “I checked. He was cold, very cold indeed.” That smile sent chills down my spine, and I quietly moved further away. In the end, those women and children were dragged away by security, crying and screaming. My stepmother lounged comfortably on the sofa, pouring herself a glass of red wine, in a great mood. “I’ve struck it rich. This money will last me a lifetime,” she said. “Too bad there’s one extra burden,” she added with a frown. I watched her smile and frown, not daring to make a sound. She seemed to view me as a burden. Would I be homeless soon? Thankfully, since my mother passed away, my uncle has been caring for me. He said yesterday he wanted to take me away. Not long after, my uncle and aunt arrived. My aunt was crying all the way here, her eyes red: “Lily, how could your parents leave so early?” “Poor Lily, a girl without parents, what will become of you?” My uncle stroked my head, saying sympathetically, “Poor child, come live with us from now on.” They looked at me with sincere concern. I glanced secretly at my stepmother, who didn’t seem keen on keeping me. Everyone says stepmothers are bad, but I didn’t feel that way. She just treated me like a stranger, just like my father did. I was leaning towards going with my uncle when I was about to speak. Suddenly, floating comments appeared in front of me. [The plot’s moving so fast! The heroine’s about to be taken away by relatives to be mistreated. I can’t wait!] [These relatives are evil. After getting the money, they’ll sell the heroine to some remote village.] [That’s nothing. All the hardships she endures as a child will be compensated by the male lead’s love later. A pure, innocent flower growing in adversity, meeting her savior when she grows up. So sweet!] [This evil stepmother doesn’t look like a good person either. She probably can’t wait to get rid of the girl.]

I couldn’t understand these words. What male lead? What innocent flower? My uncle and aunt, seeing I wasn’t responding, started to get impatient. “Lily? Your aunt is talking to you!” Are the relatives the comments mentioned my uncle and aunt? Will they sell me in the future? I started to hesitate, unable to make a decision. My uncle made the decision for me. “Alright, take Lily with you. I’ll talk to Vivian about this,” he said. My aunt started dragging me towards the door, ignoring my resistance. I started crying helplessly. My stepmother stood up impatiently and said with displeasure: “What’s this? Trying to snatch a child from my house?” I felt like I had grabbed onto a lifeline. I broke free from my aunt’s grip and ran towards my stepmother. Before I could touch her sleeve, she avoided me with disgust. I wrung my hands nervously and finally called out: “Mom… I don’t want to go with them.” This was the first time I called her mom. My stepmother’s face flashed with surprise. She was speechless for a moment: “You…” My uncle grabbed my hand and said to my stepmother: “The child is just being difficult. She’ll be fine once she comes with us.” He turned to glare at me fiercely: “Your parents are dead. I’m your closest relative now. Who else can you go with?” “Don’t bother your mom. Come with us right now.” At this moment, I started to believe those strange comments. Maybe they really would take me away and sell me. I looked up at my stepmother pleadingly. She was my last hope. My stepmother ignored the man’s words. She looked down at me: “Are you sure? If you stay, you’ll be my daughter from now on.” “You’ll have to take care of me when I’m old.” I hesitated, then nodded. My stepmother coldly looked at my uncle: “See? She doesn’t want to go with you.” My uncle laughed dryly: “You’re still young. You can have your own children later.” “This child is skinny and not very smart. She’ll only give you trouble if you keep her.” My stepmother sneered: “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. I’m her legal guardian now. No one can take her away without my permission.” Seeing my stepmother’s firm attitude and the security guards at the door, my uncle didn’t dare to force the issue. He probed: “Well, didn’t her father leave a lot of inheritance? We can help manage it for her, so she doesn’t waste it.” My stepmother nodded exaggeratedly: “Yes, it’s a lot of money.” Seeing my uncle and aunt’s eyes light up, she continued: “But it’s none of your business to manage it.” This really angered them. As my uncle was about to lunge forward, The security guards immediately sprang into action, carrying the two of them away. The floating comments appeared again: [How did the plot change? Is the evil stepmother going to raise the heroine?] [Oh no, what about my male lead? The heroine was supposed to meet him after being sold to the mountains by her aunt.] [Maybe the stepmother plans to sell the heroine herself. Let’s wait and see, everyone.]

After my uncle and aunt caused trouble at home once, Even though I was young, I realized they weren’t good people. If I couldn’t trust them, who could I trust? My stepmother? Would she sell me off like the comments suggested? After my uncle left, I tried to minimize my presence at home, not wanting my stepmother to notice me. I was afraid that one day she’d remember me and decide I ate too much, then sell me off to the mountains. But she seemed very busy, and I didn’t see her for several days. I felt relieved. One day, when I went to the kitchen to find something to eat, my stepmother’s voice suddenly rang out. “What are you looking for? Have you eaten?” I clutched my clothes nervously and said timidly, “I’ve finished eating, Ms. Vivian.” “You little brat, calling me mom when you need something, and Ms. Vivian when you don’t, huh?” She snorted coldly, seeming displeased. “I’ve been busy the past few days. How have you been eating?” How have I been eating? Just like usual, whatever was left after the servants finished eating was my food. I told her honestly. My stepmother opened the refrigerator, looked at the leftover chicken bones inside, and frowned: “So, this is what you usually eat?” I nodded. What else could I eat? I was just one of my father’s many children from outside, lucky enough to be brought back. It was only because my mother fell ill and passed away, leaving me with no one to care for me. After my father brought me back, he ignored me and rarely came home. I was completely forgotten in a corner. The servants were all shrewd. Seeing how my father treated me, they started to neglect me too. If I was lucky, I would have leftover food to eat. More often, I would go hungry for an entire day. After a long silence, my stepmother cursed in a way I didn’t understand, then called all the servants of the villa. In front of everyone, she said: “What’s their status, and what’s yours?” “As my daughter, you eat leftovers? I’d be laughed at if people knew.” “Lily, look at these servants. Who bullied you? Point them out.”

The next day, all the servants I had pointed out disappeared, replaced by a batch of young college student nannies. My stepmother said college students were cheap and worked hard. I didn’t understand. Until I saw the floor being mopped three times a day, and the dining table filled with a variety of delicious foods. I vaguely began to understand. I sat carefully at the dining table, smelling the fresh food aroma, not daring to pick up my chopsticks. My stepmother propped her head with one hand, pushing the food in front of me. “Finish all of this. You’re not allowed to leave until you do.” I swallowed. Was this really happening? I demonstrated a whirlwind eating performance for my stepmother, making her frown. “You need to eat like this from now on, or people will think I’m mistreating you as a stepmother.” I nodded while eating. After eating my fill, I saw the floating comments again. [What is this evil stepmother doing? Fattening up the girl to sell her for a better price?] [This plot is good. Let the heroine feel warmth before cruelly abandoning her. The impact will be greater this way.] [No wonder so many men like the heroine when she grows up. She’s such an obedient little dumpling from a young age.] My stepmother leaned back lazily and said: “Don’t live in that doghouse anymore. It doesn’t look fit for human habitation.” “I’ve had a room prepared for you upstairs. You’ll live upstairs with me from now on.” My stepmother’s way of speaking in bursts made me nervous. Her following words made my heart race even more. I couldn’t help but think of the floating comments that had just appeared. Was it true, as they said, that she was fattening me up to sell me off?

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “295254”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #浪漫Romance #魔幻Magic

Everyone knows Wesley is with me just to spite his true love. Though we’ve been married for five years, he seems like a considerate husband in public. In private, however, he’s extremely cold, constantly asking for a divorce. Later, his true love, Lydia, returned from abroad due to illness. Wesley took care of her tirelessly and threatened me repeatedly: “Lydia’s heart is fragile. If you show up and upset her, I’ll kill you!” Finally, when he asked for a divorce for the hundredth time, I agreed. But Wesley didn’t know I was already pregnant with his child. On the way to finalize the divorce, I got into a car accident, and both my life and my child’s were lost. Wesley didn’t get to divorce me but instead received the news that Lydia had matched with a heart donor. He eagerly returned to Johns Hopkins Hospital, personally performed the procedure, and transplanted the heart into Lydia. Only afterward did he remember the divorce but could never reach me again… As my soul ascended, the unbearable pain finally vanished completely. I floated above, watching the smoking car in the heavy rain. The driver’s seat was severely deformed from the impact, and the person inside was already dislocated all over. Today was our five-year wedding anniversary, also the hundredth time Wesley asked for a divorce. In the past, I begged not to divorce to maintain our fragile relationship. But this time, I agreed. Our relationship was never good over these five years, but he was still somewhat considerate. Until a month ago, his unattainable true love, Lydia, returned from abroad due to illness. Wesley never came home again and stayed by her side day and night at the hospital. Everyone knew he married me back then just to spite Lydia. But, being secretly in love with him for years, I willingly became his bride despite knowing this harsh truth. I never expected… Thoughts returned. The ambulance from Johns Hopkins Hospital finally arrived. The doctors took away my bloody body, and my soul followed involuntarily. Wesley works at Johns Hopkins Hospital; he’s a renowned cardiology specialist in America. Yet, as the wife of a top doctor, I had to see a family doctor for any discomfort. Because on our wedding day, Wesley coldly told me, “I don’t want to see you at work.” “Don’t bother me with trivial matters.” So, he didn’t even know I was pregnant. Thinking of this, I touched my flat stomach, where a once lively life was now completely gone due to the accident. Tears fell like broken beads as a dense pain spread through my heart. That was the child I had been longing for over five years… My bloody body wasn’t sent to the morgue but was taken to the operating room on the fifth floor. Just then, the operating room door opened. Two people walked in one after the other. “Lydia, transplanting a heart without family consent is illegal…” The speaker was Nolan, Wesley’s student. Lydia snorted coldly, walking to my cold body with crossed arms. She glanced down at me, quickly turning her head away, unable to hide the disgust in her eyes. “I’ve waited so long to match with a heart donor. How could I let this opportunity slip?” She turned her head indifferently towards Nolan, saying, “Call Wesley back.” “I want him to personally transplant the heart for my surgery.” Nolan hesitated, looking at her. But Lydia wasn’t in a hurry. She pulled out a bank card from her bag and handed it to Nolan. “There’s fifty thousand in the card. Keep this a secret, and the money is yours.” “Even if the family comes looking afterward, I have ways to deal with it.” Tempted by money and Lydia’s assurance, Nolan took the card and dialed Wesley’s phone. After a series of mechanical rings, Wesley’s voice echoed in the operating room. “What’s up?” Nolan paused, glancing at Lydia before slowly answering: “Dr. Wesley, we found a matching heart donor for Ms. Lydia.” “The body is in the operating room; you should come back.” Hearing this, the once indifferent Wesley sounded like he had won a grand prize, unable to hide his excitement. “Really?! I’ll be right back!” “Lydia finally doesn’t have to worry about this anymore…” Wesley’s extremely excited voice stabbed into my heart like a sharp blade. Tearfully, I looked at my body on the operating table. If Wesley knew it was me who died, would he still be this happy?

In less than half an hour, Wesley returned. He hugged Lydia, who was waiting in the corridor, gasping and saying happily: “Lydia, you’re finally saved.” Lydia couldn’t help but tear up, leaning into his arms and sobbing softly: “Wes, without you, I’d rather give up this heart…” Hearing this, Wesley hugged Lydia tighter, kissing her forehead and promising, “Don’t worry, I’ll divorce Phoebe.” “I only married her to spite you.” Hearing this come from Wesley’s mouth, my heart couldn’t help but ache. So, he loves Lydia that much. So, five years of companionship still couldn’t melt this iceberg. No one cared about my heartache. At this point, Wesley had comforted Lydia and was ready to start the surgery. For Wesley, a heart transplant was a trivial task. But seeing the bloody corpse on the operating table, Wesley couldn’t help but frown: “Nolan, why wasn’t it processed before being brought here?” Nolan was startled, too nervous to meet Wesley’s eyes. He lowered his head and said softly, “Finding a suitable heart for Ms. Lydia is really rare.” “And isn’t it to ensure the heart’s freshness?” Hearing this, Wesley said no more, reaching for the scalpel Nolan handed him. Just as Wesley was about to cut, he paused. Following his gaze, I saw he was looking at my hand, where a diamond ring stained with crimson blood sat on my left ring finger. I had designed this ring myself, and we made a matching one for Wesley when we married. But he disdainfully locked it away and never took it out again. “Dr. Wesley, what’s wrong?” Nolan asked, puzzled. Wesley shook his head, his voice tinged with regret. “She’s pitiful too; her husband must be quite sad, right?” He said as he made the incision, opening my chest. Nolan stood beside him, passing tools and responding: “Yes, it’s quite pitiful. After the examination, this lady was found to be two months pregnant.” This time Wesley didn’t reply, but the atmosphere in the operating room grew heavier. I thought of last winter when I fell seriously ill, too weak to get out of bed. Wesley was at home but was too busy with work. I burned with fever all night and was nearly at death’s door when taken to the hospital. But when I woke, the first thing Wesley did was blame me. “You’re an adult. Don’t you know to take medicine when sick?!” He looked at me fiercely, full of anger, “Or are you trying to attract my attention with this?” I was too weak to argue, even though he had told me not to bother him. I listened, yet why was he still angry? Wesley could feel sympathy for a stranger, but why was he so cold to me, his wife of five years?

The heart was successfully transplanted, beating again after six hours. But this time, in Lydia’s body. Wesley exited the operating room and immediately went to Lydia’s ward. Seeing her in good condition, he finally sighed in relief. After checking on Lydia, Wesley returned to his office. Sitting on his chair, he took out his phone, finding no messages. In the past, I would send him over a hundred messages daily, sharing everything about my day. But today was unusually quiet. Wesley stared at the phone for a while, finally opening his contacts and finding my name. He hesitated before dialing. The mechanical ringtone rang repeatedly before automatically disconnecting. No one answered. Eventually, Wesley lost patience. He opened Snapchat and clicked on our chat, unhappily sending two voice messages. “Phoebe, you agreed to divorce, so why aren’t you showing up?” “Don’t think these games will change my mind about the divorce!” I watched his disgruntled expression, smiling bitterly and murmuring, “Wesley, if you disliked me so much, why marry me in the first place?” But it’s okay. I’m gone now. Wesley will no longer be bothered by me. His messages went unanswered, and I vanished without a trace. But he didn’t look for me, convinced I was throwing a tantrum, unwilling to divorce, hiding somewhere. But I wasn’t hiding. My body lay in the morgue at the hospital where he worked. No one claimed me because I was an orphan. I observed his indignant look, managed a wry smile, and whispered, “Wesley, if you disliked me so much, why did you marry me in the first place?” But it doesn’t matter now because I am already gone. Wesley will never be bothered by me again. Just as I faded away quietly, Wesley’s news vanished without a trace. He never searched for me, assuming I was merely sulking and hiding to avoid a divorce. But I didn’t hide. My body is lying in the morgue of the hospital where he works. No one came to claim me because I am an orphan. Back then, I worked my way from the orphanage to gain admission to a top design school, one of my life’s notable achievements. The other was marrying Wesley. During college, Wesley was not only the most handsome guy in the medical school but also the top student, the dream man in the hearts of many girls. However, back then, Wesley only had eyes for Lydia. Even I, at a neighboring campus, knew about their romantic love story. The first time I saw him was at a joint party between our schools. In the crowd, Wesley stood out in his luxurious, custom-made suit, shining like a star. Later, when a drunk guy harassed me, Wesley stepped in to rescue me. For the first time, my quiet heart felt like it was fluttering with excitement. Yet, I understood that Wesley and I were worlds apart, and he had a girlfriend, so I kept my feelings hidden deep within. It’s amusing how those who strive from humble beginnings often fantasize about unattainable things. I thought that would be my only connection to Wesley. Until he and Lydia fell out, and I happened to deliver custom buttons to his friend. On a perfectly sunny day, he casually looked at me and said, “Do you want to marry me?”

“Phoebe still isn’t answering her phone?” In the ward, Lydia looked pale as she gazed at Wesley. The next second, her eyes reddened, and tears fell as she asked sadly, “Wesley, you’ve been married to her for five years. Did you really never have feelings for her?” “Her disappearance—is it a lie? You never wanted to marry me.” “You’re still blaming me for leaving you back then!” Lydia cried hysterically at the end. Over these days, my emotions inexplicably stabilized, and I calmly watched them from the window. I guessed Wesley would comfort her tenderly. Sure enough, the next moment, he frowned, stood up, and hugged Lydia tightly. “Phoebe agreed to divorce me. I don’t know why she suddenly disappeared.” He patted Lydia’s back to comfort her, then softly said, “But don’t worry, I will divorce her.” “And I’ll marry you.” Just then, urgent footsteps sounded. Two police officers in uniform burst into the ward. Wesley was startled, “Is there something wrong?” Before the police could answer, the door was pushed open again. Nolan appeared, gasping for breath, looking at Wesley with trembling eyes: “Dr. Wesley… Ms. Phoebe is dead…” Hearing this, Wesley froze and looked at Nolan in confusion, “Who did you say died?” “Mr. Wesley, we’re here to inform you of this.” The police naturally took over, sighed, and handed a phone with a video to Wesley: “A week ago, in the morning, your wife Phoebe was in a car accident with a bus.” “The scene was tragic; she… died instantly.” “We sent the body to your hospital, but no one claimed it…” The video played on the phone, and I clearly saw Wesley’s face turn pale. For the first time, I saw such an expression on his face. The ward became deathly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Until Nolan walked to the dazed Wesley, placed a hand on his shoulder: “Dr. Wesley, it seems… you personally examined the body that day, and it was Ms. Phoebe.” “She was pregnant for two months when she died… Her body is still in the morgue…” With a loud thud, the phone fell to the ground. Wesley’s pupils contracted, looking at Nolan in disbelief, “You said that person was Phoebe?” This time Nolan didn’t speak. He looked red-eyed and conflicted. I guess his feelings are complicated, considering he and Lydia took my heart without anyone’s permission. I used to be friendly to Nolan. Without waiting for any response, Wesley suddenly dashed out of the ward like a madman, and Nolan quickly followed. Leaving Lydia looking helpless. The elevator was stuck at the top floor and wouldn’t come down. Wesley chose to take the stairs from the sixteenth floor, running so fast he even stumbled and fell down the stairs. “Dr. Wesley!!!” Nolan hurriedly went to help Wesley up but was pushed away. Wesley hit his forehead, which started bleeding, but he quickly got up and rushed to the morgue on the second basement floor.

I followed them, watching everything coldly. I didn’t understand why Wesley, who clearly disliked me, became so agitated when hearing of my death. Soon Wesley reached the morgue door. He suddenly became calm and slowly walked to a row of cabinets, stopping in front of them. Nolan, who caught up, hesitated several times before finally pointing to one in the middle: “Dr. Wesley… Ms. Phoebe’s… body is here.” I floated beside Wesley, watching him as his hand shook violently on the handle. But he didn’t pull it out immediately, just stood there staring. I looked at his bloodless face and couldn’t help but mock: “What? Are you so happy about my death that you don’t know what to do?” After all, with me dead, no one would annoy him anymore. He could marry Lydia without any obstacles, and the lovers would finally be together. Thinking of this, I couldn’t help but curse. “Wesley! I was with you for five years, longer than you were with Lydia!” “If you don’t shed a tear when you see me, I’ll haunt you as a ghost forever!” I shouted loudly in his ear, but obviously, Wesley couldn’t hear me. With a “click,” the freezer opened. Amidst a burst of cold air, my shattered body finally appeared before Wesley’s eyes. The sight made even Nolan gasp. Wesley suddenly collapsed to his knees, staring at my body, unable to stop shivering, as tears flowed down his face like a flood. I was taken aback. I never imagined Wesley could be this kind of person. Even after my death, he’s still putting on a pathetic display of devotion for others? As I was processing this, Wesley’s trembling hand moved toward my head but stopped just short of touching it. Watching him, I sighed in resignation. It’s no wonder; my skull was completely shattered, and even though it was pieced back together, it still looked uneven and gruesome. Naturally, he couldn’t bring himself to touch it. But then, a heart-wrenching scream tore through the silence of the morgue. “Phoebe!!!” Wesley shouted, clutching me tightly, repeatedly saying, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” My heart skipped a beat, and my eyes inexplicably stung, “Your acting is surprisingly convincing. How did I never notice this talent before?” Seeing the situation, Nolan hurriedly crouched down to pull Wesley, who was overwhelmed with emotion, away. “Dr. Carter! Ms. Taylor’s body was painstakingly restored to this state, you mustn’t touch it!” With all his strength, Nolan managed to pry Wesley away from my body, and sure enough, when I looked again, my once-intact body had fallen apart. Wesley’s eyes filled with tears as he murmured to the person in the freezer, “This can’t be real… you’re just trying to trick me, right?” “I know you always liked using little tricks to get my attention, but Phoebe, could you not joke with me like this?” “Please wake up! Wake up…” Wesley cried desperately, curling up in Nolan’s arms, clutching his shirt as if he might pass out at any moment. Seeing this, Nolan’s eyes turned red, but he still calmly told Wesley: “Ms. Taylor is already gone!” “Dr. Carter… please accept it…” “Impossible!” Wesley shouted, suddenly pushing Nolan away, “She loved me so much, how could she bear to leave me?” “She can’t be dead… this must be a dream…” He said, collapsing to his knees before me, gently lifting my left hand. “Phoebe, wake up.” “I won’t mention divorce again, we’ll live happily from now on.” “I’m begging you…”

Overwhelmed by his emotions, Wesley eventually fainted. I drifted into his hospital room, sitting on a distant sofa, quietly watching him. Strangely, I felt a sense of satisfaction. After the car accident, I wished he would quickly find me and take me home. But when I saw him cut out my heart to put into Lydia’s body, and later act so indifferent to my disappearance. For the first time, I understood what it meant to feel “like a dead heart.” People often say that if you raise a dog long enough, you develop feelings for it, but Wesley truly had no heart for me. Of course, he didn’t love me, so his indifference made sense. Lost in thought, Lydia entered the hospital room, looking worn out and tense, still in her hospital gown as she sat by the bed. Wesley soon woke up. “Wes! You’re finally awake.” Lydia said excitedly, throwing herself onto Wesley, choking up, “I know her sudden death is hard for you to accept.” “But if you think about it, it’s a good thing! There will be no more obstacles between us.” “My illness is cured because of Phoebe’s death, you should be happy for me!” Wesley didn’t respond to Lydia, suddenly pushing her away, getting out of bed, and stumbling toward the door. Seeing this, Lydia quickly got up and grabbed Wesley, crying and asking, “Where are you going?!” “I’m going home…” he mumbled, walking out on his own, muttering, “Phoebe is waiting for me at home.” “If I don’t go back soon, she’ll definitely get mad, and then she won’t talk to me.” Hearing his words, Lydia’s face turned pale, and she let go of Wesley’s hand in shock. … By the time Wesley got home, it was already dark. When he opened the door, he was no longer greeted by a smiling face but by a cold, silent house. I took a deep breath and followed him inside. The home we had lived in for five years looked the same as it did before I left. Everything seemed unchanged. But somehow, everything felt different. Wesley stood at the entrance like a hollow shell, staring at the living room for a long time before forcing a smile at the empty house, saying, “Phoebe, I’m home.” But sadly, no one would ever answer him again. Seeing this, I rolled my eyes: “All those times when I cooked for you and waited at home, you never acted like this.” “What a fake!” Of course, Wesley couldn’t hear my complaints. After standing there dazed for a while, he slowly walked into the living room. In the center of the coffee table, there was still a pregnancy test report lying quietly. I admit, when we first separated, I couldn’t be so calm about it, but I really didn’t have any expectations for him anymore. I just thought he should know about the pregnancy. Wesley slumped on the sofa, confusedly reaching for the report. When he saw the words on it, he unexpectedly covered his face and cried. “I really am a jerk!” His tears quickly soaked the report, and his sorrow echoed through the quiet night.

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I took a day off to take my son, Garrett Rayne, to see a psychologist. However, on our way back, he trashed the 4S store because I refused to buy him a car. I was faced with an astronomical compensation fee, and yet Jenna Rayne, my late husband’s mother, lied about the status of my husband’s death compensation, claiming it hadn’t come through yet. Helpless, I was forced to take on a massive loan. To pay off the debt, I worked eight jobs a day. My fingers were so bent with exhaustion that they could hardly straighten. But Garrett, for only tens of thousands of dollars, secretly took my ID and forced me to marry some old man in a remote village. Later, I ended up being tortured to death by the wicked and backward people there. When I opened my eyes again, I saw my son smashing up the 4S store. I patted the security guard on the shoulder and said, “He’s an adult. You can report him.” It wasn’t until a shard of glass flew at me, slicing my cheek and making me gasp in pain, that I realized this wasn’t a dream. I had returned before everything happened. In my past life, I had taken leave to take Garrett to see a psychologist. On the way back, he spotted an expensive sports car and demanded I buy it for him. When I refused, he grabbed a roadside barrier and charged into the store, smashing everything he saw. I screamed from the outside in desperation, “Stop! Please, stop! I can’t afford this!” However, instead of stopping, he became even more defiant, sitting in every car with a swagger and mocking me with a grin. When the police arrived, he wasn’t the least bit afraid. He pointed at me with a smug look and said, “That old woman outside is my mom. She’s got money, so you should talk to her.” I didn’t have that kind of money. My husband had passed away early, and I had raised Garrett alone while Jenna hoarded my late husband’s compensation money. Desperate, I took on a huge loan and worked eight jobs a day. In the morning, I would work at a bun shop. Midday, I’d be in the office. In the evenings, I’d deliver food, and late at night, I’d drive as a substitute chauffeur. I was so exhausted that my fingers couldn’t even bend naturally. I was squeezing every last drop of life out of myself to make money. Sometimes, I would go back to my parents’ house, begging them for help. In the end, I spent all my savings, taking more than five years to finally pay off the loan. But Garrett’s attitude to me only worsened. He looked down on me, calling me old and poor. “You’re embarrassing me in front of my classmates with your shabby look. “Are you really bargaining over fifty cents? Don’t you have any shame? I really don’t get why my dad ever married you!” I looked down at my faded, washed-out jacket and then at him, decked out in expensive brands from head to toe. At that moment, all I felt was sadness. Soon, he started pretending to be sweet again. Every day, he called me “Mom” with such warmth that I nearly cried. I had never experienced such tenderness between us, and I obeyed him completely. But a few days later, he threw a marriage certificate in front of me. “Since you’re just a burden at home, my grandma and I found you a husband. You can marry him and bring me some money so I can get married.” I struggled to ask him why, and he kicked me to the ground. Then, he covered my mouth and nose with a handkerchief. When I woke up, I was already in a village. The man I married was much older than me. To make money, he pushed me onto other men, using me as a tool for their desires. I kept getting pregnant and losing my baby; it felt like I was draining my very life force. Finally, on the coldest day of winter, I died in the basement, wrapped only in a thin shirt. The noise from the shop snapped me back to reality. I patted the security guard on the shoulder and said, “He’s an adult. You can report him.” Then, without looking back, I walked away. I thought, “Since you never take me like your mother, this time, I will take back the life I had given you.”

As soon as I stepped through the door, Jenna’s shrill voice pierced the air. “My precious grandson is back! I missed you so much!” Seeing that I was alone, her face immediately turned cold and mean. “Where’s my grandson? Why are you coming back alone?” I thought, “You claim to love your grandson so much, but in my past life, I never saw you spend a penny to help him.” Jenna wasn’t a kind person. In my past life, my bad relationship with Garrett was partly her doing. I had taken out a huge loan to bail Garrett out of the juvenile detention center, and she quickly rushed over, wiping away tears. “If it weren’t for your mother dawdling the paperwork at the bank, you wouldn’t have had to stay in that godforsaken place for so long.” At that moment, Garrett looked at me with burning hatred in his eyes. From then on, he grew colder toward me, accusing me of not saving my own son. He thought I was heartless and wished me dead. Meanwhile, his relationship with Jenna became closer. I thought, “Fine, this time, I won’t be there to clean up your mess. Let’s see what kind of ‘family warmth’ you two will have.” I pinched myself hard and pretended to cry bitterly. “Jenna, Garrett’s in trouble! He’s been arrested! What should we do?” Upon listening to my exaggerated account, Jenna reeled, clutched my arm, and hurried me off to the police station. I stopped her. “Wait, Jenna. I need to get some money. Let’s bail Garrett out first.” In the interrogation room, Garrett sat there, appearing arrogant, impatiently answering the officer’s questions. “I just wanted to teach my mom a lesson for not buying me the car. She thinks she’s too good for me! “According to my grandma, women like her deserve a beating. My grandmother told me that if I give her a lesson, she’ll know her place.” Upon hearing the conversation inside, my heart didn’t even stir. I helped Jenna walk in. Garrett kicked his chair aside and charged at me. “You bitch, how dare you leave me behind? Don’t you want to stay in our house anymore?” The nearby police quickly restrained him, slamming him to the ground. Jenna cried in distress, constantly slapping the police officers. “Let go of my grandson! Let him go, you bunch of heartless bastards! I’m going to sue you!” Jenna’s overindulgence of Garrett had blurred his sense of right and wrong. “It’s your fault! You took bad luck to the family. You made my son die, and now you’re ruining my grandson! You should’ve just bought him the car. If you bought that car for him, none of this would have happened! “Now hurry up and get the money to bail my grandson out?” She looked at me as if my money grew on trees. I obediently handed over my card to the store manager and bowed several times in apology. Jenna wrapped her arms around Garrett with a smug look. “You want me to let my grandson rot in jail for such a small amount of money? You are a greedy animal.” The store manager looked like he might punch her but held back at the last moment. “A professional estimate puts the compensation at 1.3 million dollars. Any objections?” “What? 1.3 million dollars? How could that be? Are your cars made of gold?” Jenna yanked my collar and demanded loudly, “How do you have so much money?” “Jenna, of course, I don’t. This is your son’s compensation money.” Jenna froze right there, and taking this opportunity, I pushed her away from Garrett. “Garrett, I’m sorry you’ve suffered. I’m going home to get the money. “If only your grandma gave me the money, you wouldn’t be in this mess.” Tears streaming down my face, I wiped away the fake tears. Jenna stared at me, shocked. She didn’t expect that I also knew how to sow discord. “Well, well. You old witch. You take my father’s money and refuse to let me spend it. You’re pure evil.” Jenna was flustered. She stammered and didn’t know how to explain. Garrett shoved her to the ground and grabbed me to drag me home. I turned, grabbed the card, and smiled at Jenna on the floor. In my mind, I said, “This is just the beginning.”

When we got home, Garrett grabbed my bag out of my hands and started rummaging through it. He was looking for that card. “Garrett, there’s barely any money left on that card.” “How could that be? That person paid my dad millions of dollars. How can there be no money left?!” “Your grandma’s been using that money to gamble, and she lost everything. She couldn’t even pay the ransom to the police. I had to cover it with my own salary. “You can check if you don’t believe me. It’s really not much left.” In the last life, Jenna tricked me into taking out a loan, then used the compensation money to buy multiple properties. She lived luxuriously and always gambled when she had time. “Garrett, your grandmother didn’t leave anything for us! “How are we supposed to live?” The hard object pressed against my waist made me feel pain, but I was overjoyed. I had swapped that card long ago. I just wanted to watch these two fight over money, turning against each other. This time, I was going to make her feel what it’s like to be burdened with debt and have to work for a living. Just then, my phone rang. The robotic voice on the other end sounded jarring in the quiet room. “Hello, do you need a loan? We offer low interest rates and discounts for large amounts.” “Sorry, we don’t…” “Wait! We want a loan!” Garrett snatched the phone from my ear and, without hesitation, rattled off a string of numbers. I knew it was Jenna’s ID number.

“Garrett, I didn’t mean it. I was saving that money for you to get married. How could I possibly do anything harmful to you?” She wore that familiar look of feigned victimhood, eyes lowered as she dabbed at the few teardrops that barely formed. In the past, Garrett would have been furious and tried to defend her. But today, he just slouched on the sofa, glued to his phone, not even bothering to look at her. The incessant noise from the game made Jenna’s plump figure look even more awkward. I tied on my apron, ready to cook, but Garrett stopped me. “Let her do it. We can’t afford to keep a freeloader.” From that moment on, Jenna and I swapped roles in this house. It used to be me doing all the housework, and now it was me watching TV while she did the chores. It used to be her and Garrett eating at the table; now, she was holding a plate in the kitchen while Garrett and I chatted and laughed at the table. Jenna’s eyes were filled with resentment as if I had stolen my place in Garrett’s heart. But I knew all of this was temporary. Whoever benefited Garrett would have a place at that table. In the past, I felt sad because Garrett wasn’t close to me, and I’d try all kinds of ways to please him. I used to dream of sitting at the table with Garrett, happily chatting about the day’s events. But now that I was really sitting there, I only felt bored. I thought, “When did a little brat get to be the one in charge of this house? Why should I have to live my life according to his whims? I wasn’t just a mother; I was myself, too.” I started to throw myself into overtime at work. I took every client file seriously, analyzing their needs, crafting plans, and then shamelessly making one call after another. One day, my manager, Victoria Branson, walked by and gave me a disgusted look, scanning me from head to toe. “Can you at least make yourself presentable? It’s a sign of respect for the clients.” Looking at the woman with big waves in her hair and bright red lipstick, I felt tears well up. In the last life, Victoria had lectured me like that too. But when I was at my lowest, she slipped me tens of thousands of dollars. “You shouldn’t just live for your son. You need to live for yourself, too.” Those were the last words she’d said to me in my last life, but at the time, I still thought Garrett was my everything. I was so happy to take that money and use it for the household, but all I got in return was being stuck in that village. I really wanted to say thank you to her. Seeing my eyes redden, she suddenly looked uncomfortable. “Why are you crying? I didn’t yell at you! “Here, here, take it. Don’t say I’m bullying you.” She shoved something into my hands. I knew it was a tube of lipstick. It didn’t take long before Jenna and Garrett made up. Jenna had a talent for manipulating relationships, and I had expected this outcome. But I didn’t care.

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I never thought my in-laws could be so biased. Three years ago, when I married Silas, they claimed they had no money to buy us a house or contribute to the wedding. So Silas and I just got our marriage certificate and had a simple dinner with friends to celebrate. But the very next year, when Silas’s younger brother Liam got married, it was a different story. My in-laws bought them a spacious three-bedroom apartment and even gave Sarah, Liam’s wife, an expensive gold necklace and a generous cash gift. I was furious. How could they treat their daughters-in-law so differently? When I confronted them, they had the audacity to say, “It’s different. You and Silas fell in love on your own. Liam and Sarah met through an arranged date. If we didn’t provide for them, no one would want to marry Liam.” I was so angry I couldn’t think straight. I had a huge fight with them. Eventually, when they couldn’t argue anymore, they started saying hurtful things. “It’s our money, we can give it to whoever we want. We just love our younger son more. He’s always been more obedient and caring. And you, you’re so shameless, willing to marry our son even without a dowry.” I burst into tears when I heard this. All my efforts to be understanding and accommodating had only made them think I was worthless. I left for my parents’ house that night and didn’t speak to my in-laws again. Silas eventually coaxed me back home with promises. He said we’d live our own life, just the two of us. He promised to make up for everything I didn’t get and ensure I wouldn’t suffer or face any conflicts alone. He vowed to protect and cherish me, never letting me feel wronged again. I was a romantic at heart, so I believed him. Thankfully, Silas kept his word. He truly treated me well, which helped me feel a bit better about the situation. However, I still harbored resentment towards his parents. I didn’t stop Silas from contacting them, but there was no way I would show them any respect or care. Last year, when I gave birth to our daughter, Silas called his parents to inform them. Not only did they fail to show any concern for me, but they also completely ignored their granddaughter. In the end, my mom had to travel from out of town to take care of me during my postpartum period. Later, I found out that Sarah, Liam’s wife, was also pregnant. My in-laws were doting on her, buying the best things for both the baby and Sarah. And of course, they were covering all the expenses. Sometimes, I seriously doubted if Silas was their biological son. How could parents treat their children and daughters-in-law so differently? Eventually, I resigned myself to the situation. I decided that I would treat them exactly how they treated me. 02 But then, my father-in-law fell ill. And to make matters worse, they wanted to stay at our place because it was closer to the hospital. Silas tentatively asked me, “Zoe, we have a spare room. Would it be okay if my parents stayed there?” I refused without a second thought. The house Liam and Sarah lived in was also in the city. The only difference was that their place was an hour away from the hospital, while ours was just half an hour away. Besides, they had a three-bedroom apartment, while we only had a one-bedroom. There was no reason for them to stay with us. Moreover, that spare room was for our nanny. Silas and I both worked full-time, and my parents were too old and not in good health to help with childcare. So we had hired a nanny to look after our daughter while we were at work. If Silas’s parents moved in, where would the nanny stay? And who would take care of our daughter? I certainly didn’t expect them to babysit. I asked Silas, “Doesn’t Liam have space at his place? Why do they have to come here?” Silas hesitated before explaining, “It’s Liam… well, Sarah doesn’t agree. She’s worried about the risk of infection. Their son is only a year old and has a weak immune system.” Little James was Liam’s son. Hearing this, I immediately got angry. “Oh, so their child is afraid of germs, but our daughter isn’t? Silas, don’t forget how they treated us before. Why should we suffer while they enjoy all the benefits? Are we destined to be bullied?” I ranted for a while until Silas begged me to stop and promised he wouldn’t make any decisions without my consent. Only then did I manage to suppress my anger. But I had a feeling this wasn’t over yet. Sure enough, the next day when I got home from work and opened the door, I saw three familiar figures. My father-in-law, mother-in-law, and Liam. At first, I thought I was seeing things. After all, it had been years since I’d last seen them. But upon closer inspection, it really was them. Silas saw me come in and said sheepishly, “Zoe, you’re back. My parents and Liam are here.” I responded with a noncommittal sound, thinking about how to handle this situation. Were they here uninvited? Or had Silas failed to inform me? Should I greet them? As I was pondering, I glanced at my in-laws sitting on the sofa. They looked like royalty waiting for a servant to pay respects. Remembering how they had never shown me any kindness, I turned and went into the side bedroom without a word. Our nanny was trying to put Lily to sleep. When she saw me come in, she started complaining. “Zoe, your in-laws are so heartless. They didn’t even look at their own granddaughter. Lily doesn’t know them and got scared when she saw them. She started crying, and your mother-in-law called her a bad omen. I quickly brought her in here.” “Don’t worry, I’ve disinfected the room,” she added. I hadn’t mentioned my father-in-law’s illness before, so the nanny must have overheard their conversation this afternoon. The nanny looked towards the living room and lowered her voice, “I heard them say they plan to stay here.” Hearing this, I felt even more upset. Just then, Silas opened the door. “Zoe, can you make some dinner? My parents and Liam haven’t eaten yet.” I was already in a bad mood, and hearing that they were waiting for me to come home and cook for them made me even angrier. I snapped, “Let’s just order takeout.” As soon as I said it, I regretted my tone. It did sound impolite. Silas was taken aback for a moment before saying, “Okay.” But Liam wasn’t having it. He started yelling from the living room, “What’s going on? Are we not welcome here? What kind of attitude is this? Coming home with that face, like we owe you something. Is this how a daughter-in-law should behave?” “Bro, you’re too soft. You’re letting a woman walk all over you. No wonder Mom and Dad don’t like her.” I had initially decided not to argue, but hearing Liam’s increasingly disrespectful words, I couldn’t help but confront him. “Who do you think you’re talking about?” I demanded. “You come to our home to stir up trouble? Did I invite you? Who asked you to come? If you don’t want to be here, then leave. Who wants to see you anyway?” Liam got angry. “I’m here to visit my brother’s home. It’s none of your business.” I laughed coldly at his words. “You said it yourself, this is your brother’s home. Your brother’s home is my home. So how is it none of my business?” I was about to say more when Silas intervened. “Zoe, stop it.” Why should I stop? I was about to protest when I saw Silas’s troubled expression and held back. As I was about to return to the bedroom, my father-in-law coughed loudly. “What a disgrace to our family,” he said twice. “Silas, how do you manage your wife? She doesn’t even know how to respect her elders. We’re your parents and brother, not your enemies.” “You clearly don’t welcome us. Fine, we’ll leave,” my mother-in-law said, grabbing her husband’s hand and heading for the door. I was more than happy to see them go and didn’t try to stop them. But Liam was different. He hesitated and said, “Mom, Dad, please bear with it for now. Sarah said the hospital is full of germs. You go there every day, and if you accidentally infect little James, that would be terrible.” “Don’t worry, I’ll come pick you up as soon as you’re better,” Liam promised. With that, Liam left quickly. I watched this scene unfold, finding it ridiculous. Now my in-laws were stuck, unable to move in or leave. In the end, Silas had to drag them back to the sofa. My mother-in-law, playing the victim, said to Silas, “Son, you won’t turn us away too, will you?” She glanced at me as she spoke. Silas quickly assured her they were welcome, and went to comfort them. I turned and went back to the bedroom, out of sight, out of mind. 03 Later, Silas ordered takeout for his parents. I brought a separate meal for our nanny. I had already eaten at the office and wasn’t hungry. Sitting on the bed, I pondered what to do next. I’m not a heartless person. Despite my harsh words, I couldn’t bring myself to turn away sick parents, even if they had treated me poorly. They were still elders, and seriously ill at that. If I forced them to leave, my conscience wouldn’t let me rest, and it might affect my relationship with Silas. Yes, even though Silas’s parents clearly favored their younger son to an extreme degree, and Silas himself felt conflicted about it, blood is thicker than water. He’s soft-hearted and can’t bear to see his parents suffer. But we really didn’t have space in our home. It was only about 800 square feet. We occupied one room, the nanny another. We couldn’t possibly make his parents sleep in the living room. I planned to discuss with Silas about possibly renting an apartment near the hospital for his parents. Of course, we’d split the rent with Liam and his family. I wasn’t going to be the only one footing the bill. But I never imagined that Silas’s father had been diagnosed with kidney failure. I looked it up online. It’s a difficult disease to treat. Time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. He needed dialysis three times a week, four hours each time. And that was just to keep him alive. For a real cure, he’d need a kidney transplant. A transplant would cost at least several hundred thousand dollars, and there was no guarantee of finding a suitable donor. For an average family, it was a catastrophic expense. I had a feeling our peaceful life was about to be disrupted. The day of the diagnosis, Silas was silent for a long time. He smoked on the balcony all night, and finally came to me with red eyes. “Zoe, what should I do? My dad is sick,” he said, tears streaming down his face. It was the first time I’d seen him cry. I didn’t know what to say, so I just held him silently. The idea of renting an apartment for them now seemed unrealistic. I could only discuss with our nanny about coming during the day to look after Lily and going home at night to sleep. 04 After Silas’s father fell ill, he moved in with us. He went for dialysis three times a week without fail. Liam visited a few times at the beginning, but his visits became less and less frequent. He barely showed up after a month. He was clever, though. He’d check in with his parents via SnapChat every day, keeping them happy. But he never mentioned money. His parents didn’t bring it up either. Everyone was pretending not to understand the situation. It had been two months since Silas’s father fell ill, and we had been bearing all their living expenses and medical bills. I calculated that we had spent nearly $100,000. This was basically all the money we had. After all, we had only been married for three or four years, and without any help from family, we had to pay our mortgage, car loan, and the nanny’s salary ourselves. After our daughter was born, we also had to buy formula and diapers. We could barely save any money each month. If this continued, we would soon be penniless. I asked Silas to ask his parents for money, but he was too embarrassed. I told him to ask his brother, but he was still too embarrassed. Seeing Silas’s cowardice, I got angry. “Are you going to ask or not? If you don’t, I will.” “This isn’t right. They left everything to your brother, and now that they’re sick, they come to us.” “Your whole family is playing dumb. Are you all trying to take advantage of us?” Despite Silas’s repeated attempts to stop me, I called Liam. Liam knew I was calling about money, so he immediately started pleading poverty. “Sis, you know our James is only a year old. It’s an expensive time for us. Sarah and I aren’t as capable as you and Silas. Why don’t you cover Dad’s medical expenses for now, and we’ll pay you back when we can afford it?” I had never met such a shameless person. “Liam, that’s not how it works. Your dad has two sons, not just Silas. When you got married, your parents bought you a house and a car. We got nothing. You can’t expect to reap all the benefits and then push all the responsibilities onto us when your dad gets sick.” “Since your dad got sick, you haven’t contributed a penny. It’s always been Silas taking him to the hospital.” “If this is how it’s going to be, I won’t be reasonable anymore. I’ll have Silas drive your dad back to your place tomorrow.” Hearing this, Liam panicked. “No, please don’t, sis. If you send Dad back, Sarah will kill me. Besides, James is still young. Dad goes to the hospital every day, who knows how many germs he’s exposed to. If James gets infected by accident, that would be terrible, you know?” Can you believe what he’s saying? Is this how you talk about your own parents? He’s nothing but an ungrateful brat. And it’s not just their son who matters. My daughter is my precious baby too. Are they saying only their child is valuable? Anyway, my personal principle was clear: if the money didn’t come through, I’d send his father back immediately. Liam had no choice in the end. He transferred $20,000. It wasn’t much, but it helped ease our immediate financial pressure. I thought I had done a great thing. But I didn’t expect to offend Silas’s parents once again. After getting the money, I was quite happy. But Silas’s parents were visibly upset. When I asked why, I found out they were unhappy that I had asked Liam for money. What’s going on here? How did this become my fault? When I got home from work, I saw Silas’s father sitting on the sofa, his face ashen. His mother was muttering beside him. “Oh, poor Liam. He’s already struggling, and now he had to give up $20,000. What will they do?” “They’re not very capable and don’t have stable jobs. Where will they get the money?” “It’s been so long since we’ve seen little James. I wonder how the child is doing.” Hearing her sighs and complaints, I simply ignored them. But my tolerance only made them more overbearing, thinking they could bully me. That evening, because I didn’t have time to go to the supermarket after work, dinner was a bit simple. Two vegetable dishes and one meat dish. Feeling it wasn’t enough, I even cut up a sausage. I thought I had done well enough. But when Silas’s father saw the dishes on the table, he threw his chopsticks away. “If you want us to leave, just say so. No need for this.” I was bewildered. What had I done wrong? “Eating like this every day, there’s no taste in my mouth, no nutrition at all. I think you’re doing this on purpose!”

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Boyfriend’s First Love Fakes Jumping into River, I End Up Abused ### The last thing Aria ever said to me was: “Do you know what’s stronger than true love? Dead true love.” And with a faint, bitter smile, she leapt off the high bridge. By some cruel twist of fate, Tyler and my brother happened to witness the exact moment she jumped. From that day forward, my life became a relentless act of atonement for Aria. Whenever Tyler or my brother thought of her, they would drag me back to that bridge, pressing my head down against the cold, rough pavement, forcing me to apologize for something I could never undo. For five years, I lived in the dust, crushed under the weight of their grief and my guilt. Tyler eventually stopped calling me a murderer. My brother, for the first time in five years, sat across from me at the dinner table. It felt like I could finally breathe again. But then Aria came back. She showed up out of nowhere, tears streaming down her face as she ran toward them, telling them how hard the past five years had been for her. I stood there silently, watching as their anger reignited. When they turned toward me, ready to shove my head down again in the name of her pain, I made my decision. I looked at them, then at the bridge. And just like Aria had done years ago, I jumped. This time, it’s my turn to start over.

On the seventh day after Aria jumped, Tyler and my brother, Brandon, tied a thick rope around me seven times before tossing me aside like a piece of trash. “Brandon,” Tyler growled, “if you hadn’t lied about me while I was drunk, Aria wouldn’t have spiraled into depression!” Tyler’s voice cracked with anger, but Brandon snapped back. “Oh, give me a break! You were the one stringing her along, breaking her heart over and over! I just helped you make a decision!” Their argument raged on, every word cutting through me even though I wasn’t the topic of their blame. My mouth was sealed shut with duct tape, my eyes wide with fear. I could only writhe on the ground, helpless like an insect, letting out muffled cries in a desperate attempt to get through to them. They didn’t know. They couldn’t know. I couldn’t die yet—because I was carrying Tyler’s baby. Finally, their argument ceased, but they both turned toward me with matching looks of hatred. My heart raced as I squirmed faster, trying to crawl away. Tyler grabbed me by the hair and dragged me to the edge of the bridge. My torso dangled over the guardrail, and I froze, paralyzed with terror. Behind me, Brandon took a deep drag of his cigarette, his voice trembling with tears. “Hannah, they still haven’t found Aria’s body. She’s probably lying cold and alone at the bottom of that river. God, I just want to throw you down there to join her!” Tyler’s hand shook as he clung to my hair. His voice cracked into a sob as he shouted at me. “Hannah, I married you! Why couldn’t you just leave her alone? You knew how hard Aria’s life was, didn’t you?!” My head was yanked back, my throat choking on silent screams as tears streamed down my face. I didn’t do it! She called me to that bridge! I didn’t say anything to her! Why wouldn’t they believe me? Suddenly, Tyler released me with a look of utter disgust, shoving me to the ground. “Hannah,” he spat, “I won’t let you die so easily. From now on, every single day you live will be to atone for what you did to Aria.” I curled up on the ground, clutching my stomach. I won’t die. My baby won’t die. We’ll survive this. We have to.

That night, I washed the dirt and fear off my body, then crept into the bedroom, trembling. When Tyler saw me, his eyes narrowed in anger. “Why are you here, you murderer? If I sleep next to you, I’ll probably dream of Aria crying!” I froze, instinctively hiding the pregnancy test behind my back. Tyler smirked and pulled something out from under his pillow—a white dress. He threw it at me. “Unless you put this on, I don’t even want to think about letting you into this room.” I swallowed hard, my hands shaking as I unfolded the dress. Of course. It was Aria’s dress. Is this how the rest of my life is going to be? Living in humiliation under her shadow? I touched my stomach, tears brimming in my eyes as I forced a bitter smile. “Tyler, the dress is too tight. I don’t think it’s going to fit me.” His expression darkened. He grabbed the pillow next to him and hurled it at me. I closed my eyes, bracing for the impact, and when it hit, I finally shouted. “Tyler, I’m pregnant!” The room went silent. For a brief moment, I dared to hope. I opened my eyes, praying to see even a flicker of happiness on his face. Instead, he let out a twisted laugh. “Hannah, is this what you’re bragging to Aria about? That you’re carrying my child?” Then his laughter turned to sobs as he clutched his head in his hands. “I’m guilty too. I killed Aria just as much as you did. And now someone like you is having my baby?” His head snapped up, his face twisted in anguish. His voice turned pleading, though his eyes burned with rage. “Hannah, we can’t keep this baby! It’s already stained with blood!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I stepped back, trembling as he lunged toward me. Tyler grabbed me and dragged me to the edge of the bed, pinning me down. One hand gripped my jaw, forcing my mouth open, while the other rummaged through the nightstand. He pulled out a bottle of pills—birth control—and began shoving them into my mouth. Tears streamed down his face as he muttered under his breath, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. It’s just not the right time.” I struggled, shaking my head, trying to spit the pills out, but he wouldn’t let me. He didn’t stop until the pills were gone, then collapsed on the floor, his body shaking with sobs. I stumbled out of the room, my legs barely holding me up, and shakily dialed a number.

“Brandon, please,” I begged through my tears. “Take me to the hospital. My baby is in danger!” There was a pause, then laughter—cold, drunken laughter. “Hannah, you’re pregnant? And with Tyler’s kid? Do you think that’s fair to Aria, lying at the bottom of that river?” I froze, my heart sinking. I had forgotten—my brother wasn’t the man he used to be. The more he had loved Aria, the more he had come to hate me. I stumbled out into the road, cursing myself for never learning to drive. “You’ll never need to,” Tyler had once said with a smile. “I’ll be your driver for life, my little princess.” The house was far from the city, and it took me hours to catch a ride to the hospital. But just as I reached the nurse’s station, I felt a sharp warmth between my legs. My heart sank, and everything went black. When I woke up, I was lying in a hospital bed. Tyler sat beside me, his face weary and his eyes bloodshot. “My baby…” I whispered. Tyler’s voice was flat, empty. “Hannah, the baby… is gone. It’s gone to atone for us. For Aria.” He tried to sound calm, but his red eyes betrayed him. He had been crying. Was it for Aria? Or for the child we had lost? I pulled the blanket over my head and sobbed silently. I thought he’d be happy. Instead, he killed our baby with his own hands.

After that day, the three of us—Tyler, Brandon, and I—became nothing more than walking corpses, trapped in a cycle of guilt and blame. I could never understand why Aria chose death as her way of punishing us. Brandon had loved her to the point of madness. He even betrayed his own brother, Tyler, by getting him drunk and sending him to my bed. The day I lost my baby, Tyler and I stopped sharing a room. We both saw the other as a murderer, each of us stained with blood, an invisible wall of resentment keeping us apart. Every year, on Aria’s death anniversary, Brandon would lose his mind. He’d come to my house, tie me up, and vent his pain all over again. Tyler would stand in the corner, smoking, watching it all unfold with cold indifference. But on the fifth year, Tyler finally spoke. “Brandon,” he said quietly, exhaling smoke, “Aria was so kind… Do you think she’d want us to live like this?” Brandon froze, his hands gripping the rope, staring at me. My face was numb, as it had been for years. He yanked me close by the collar and growled, “I’m letting you go—not because I forgive you, but because I don’t want to go against Aria’s wishes.” How disgusting. I could barely muster a smile. Aria, kind? Was it kindness when she falsely accused me of breaking her mother’s keepsake, forcing Brandon to make me kneel at her mother’s grave until my forehead bled? Was it kindness when she cried and played the victim, making everyone believe I was bullying her? Ever since the my family adopted Aria, I—their biological daughter—had been treated like an outsider. But for the first time in five years, the three of us sat down at the same table for a meal. Tyler, his eyes red and swollen, raised his glass and muttered, “I’m sorry,” before downing the whole thing in one gulp. For a moment, it felt like a sliver of light had broken through the suffocating darkness. But then Brandon suddenly stood up, his face pale with shock as he stared at the doorway.

“Tyler, Brandon! I thought I’d never see you again!” There she was—Aria. After disappearing for five years, she stood at the door, soaked from the rain, trembling with her arms wrapped around herself. Brandon lost all composure, grabbing his coat and rushing to her side. Next to me, Tyler’s eyes were locked on her, his thoughts swirling so violently that he looked like he might explode. Aria. She was back. Was she even real? Brandon held her tightly as he led her into the house, his lips quivering with emotion. Aria glanced at the table, then at the three of us. “I’m so relieved to see you all doing so well,” she said softly, her voice as gentle as ever. But her words struck Brandon and Tyler like a thunderclap. Brandon flipped the table in a frenzy, shouting, “Aria, every day without you has been nothing but pain!” Aria gave him a faint smile, tears welling up in her eyes as she turned to look at Tyler. The dam holding back Tyler’s emotions broke, and tears streamed down his face. “Aria… you’re really back.” But when her eyes met mine, she shrank into Brandon’s arms, trembling. “Hannah, why did you push me off the bridge?” she cried. “I was hurt, lost my memory, wandered for years… I almost died!” I stood frozen. Push her? Tyler and Brandon’s eyes darkened with hatred as they turned toward me. Before I could say a word, Tyler’s hand lashed across my face. “I thought you were just vain,” he roared. “But you’re a monster!” Brandon tightened his grip on Aria, his expression ice-cold. “From now on, you’re no longer part of my family. I don’t have a sister anymore.” I looked at the three of them and laughed bitterly, my smile twisting into something feral. “Aria,” I said through gritted teeth, “I can’t believe you survived that fall. Why didn’t you just die for real?” Tyler slapped me again. Blood dripped from the corner of my mouth, but I wiped it away and slapped him back, my eyes blazing. “If I killed someone, I’ll turn myself in! But don’t you dare lay a hand on me. You’re no saint, Tyler—your hands are just as bloody as mine!” Tyler stumbled back, stunned by my defiance. Aria stepped forward, her voice soft and pleading. “Please, let’s just move on now that I’m back. Hannah, can’t we be sisters again?” Brandon kissed her forehead and whispered, “You’re amazing, Aria.” How ironic. I scoffed. “A murderer like me doesn’t deserve to be your sister. Why don’t we settle this once and for all? Tomorrow, at the bridge.” With that, I walked out the door. Aria followed me, grabbing my arm and crying. But her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. “No matter what you do, they’ll always believe me. Now that I’m back, you’re nothing. You’ll always be nothing.” I yanked my arm free and glared at her. “I’ve never wanted to fight you, Aria. And I never will.”

The next day, the three of them arrived together. Tyler was the first to speak. “Hannah, what kind of game are you trying to play now?” I ignored him, my voice steady as I asked, “Tyler, on our wedding night, when you said you had urgent business at work, were you really with Aria?” Tyler said nothing, but Aria sniffled and spoke up. “Hannah, don’t be mad. I was drunk that night… I wouldn’t let Tyler leave.” I let out a bitter laugh and turned to Brandon. “And you, big brother. The heir to the Shen family business, throwing it all away for a woman. You don’t even care that everyone knows you’re wearing the biggest ‘green hat’ in town. You really love her, huh?” Brandon’s face darkened. His actions over the years had already drawn the ire of the family. Tyler snapped. “Did you call us here just to stir up trouble?” I shook my head with a weary smile. “We grew up together. When have I ever won an argument? I’ve bowed my head so many times I should be a professional by now.” Seeing their hesitation, I smiled faintly, tears streaming down my face as I turned to Tyler. “Honey,” I said mockingly, “I’m going to join our baby now.” And with that, I climbed onto the railing and jumped. The wind roared past me, and their screams tore through the air. For the first time in years, I laughed. Finally, I was free.

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After My CEO Girlfriend Let Her Assistant Take My Project, I Quit, and the Company Went Bankrupt After securing a big project for the company, I received a ring from my girlfriend, Pamela Carlson. Overjoyed, I posted it on Instagram, thinking that she was finally ready to announce our engagement. But then, my girlfriend’s new male assistant, Russell Burnett, slapped me across the face and flipped my desk. He said, “Scott Hebert, you’re the director for crying out loud! Stealing a gift meant for me from my wife, do you have any shame?” Not only did my girlfriend not defend me, but she also said I wasn’t worthy of my position and publicly announced that her assistant would be taking over the project I had just landed. It was then that I realized. The person my girlfriend wanted to announce wasn’t me but him. Soon, the whole company was watching, phones in hand, enjoying the spectacle. But I wasn’t angry. Instead, I calmly shoved my ID badge into the assistant’s arms. I said, “So, you’re the president’s worthy partner now. I’ll consider the director position as my apology. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.”

Seeing my unexpected reaction, a colleague shocked me by pulling me aside and whispering, “Don’t act impulsively. It’s just one project. We can always negotiate another.” But he didn’t know I wasn’t acting on impulse. The day before, I had overheard my girlfriend’s assistant talking to her in her office. He said, “Pamela, I want to make a name for myself. If you hand me this new project, I’ll make sure it succeeds, and you’ll be impressed.” At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I had been Pamela’s secret boyfriend for seven years. I turned down offers from big companies to help her start this one. I was the one who brought in 90% of the projects for the company, and she knew how hard it had been for me. She was a principled person and would never mess with something as serious as a project. Besides, she had once lost a project to people who used flattery to climb the ranks. She hated that kind of behavior. So, when I received the ring from Pamela, I thought she had finally realized that I was the one for her and was ready to settle down with me. I had no idea that Russell would turn the tables on me, accusing me of stealing and humiliating me in front of everyone. I also never imagined that Russell, who had only been with the company for a few months, could make Pamela abandon all her principles for him. At that point, I figured I had nothing left to stay for there. Pamela still didn’t realize that their childish plan had been exposed. She thought I was just being jealous. She suddenly furrowed her brow and looked at me. “Why are you acting so dramatic?” Ever since Russell came into the picture, she had started looking at me with suspicion. I didn’t bother to argue anymore. I simply said, calmly, “I really did give it to him.” I had given him both my girlfriend and my position. I wasn’t planning to stay any longer. Just as I was about to leave, Pamela coldly grabbed my arm and pulled me into her office. The company was not large, and the office soundproofing was not good, either. As soon as she closed the door, the employees outside, who had been watching, started chatting excitedly, praising Russell and asking when they’d be getting married and having kids. Russell shyly replied, “Having kids is tough on the woman. I can’t decide when that’ll happen.” He acted like he was Pamela’s real boyfriend, and with her tacit approval, the employees believed it without question. Pamela, sensing my silence, paused while pouring water. Realizing that she owed me an explanation, her usual strong tone softened as she said, “Russell’s just kidding. He doesn’t know any better. He was just joking around, don’t take it seriously. He has relatives at Nebula Group, and it’s thanks to him that we got this project.” I looked at her, speechless. What a joke! Nebula Group, the main client, had its own professional technical department and never needed to outsource. From the start, they had rejected the collaboration. It was me, stubbornly insisting and trying everything I could, sending gifts, begging for meetings, that finally got a chance to talk with the project manager. He generously gave me thirty seconds to present our product. After seeing my capabilities, he offered me a high price but couldn’t poach me, which was when he agreed to the deal. I had been working overtime, running around day and night for the project, but she saw none of it. Russell casually mentioned his relatives, and she believed every word. If she had just thought for a second, she would have understood clearly that if Russell really had those connections, he wouldn’t be working as an assistant in this small, rundown company. Or maybe she understood everything but was just pretending to be clueless. Seeing that I didn’t speak for a while, Pamela looked down for a moment and then stood up and made me a cup of coffee. She leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “We’re just acting. The person I’m really going to marry is you.” In the past, every time we argued, when she softened her tone and made promises, I always forgave her. So, she probably thought it would be the same this time. With a casual wave of her hand, she said, “Get back to work. I’ll take care of the project.” But what she didn’t know was I no longer wanted her. I pushed my chair back, stood up, and said, “No need to make a big deal out of it. I’ll just leave.” With that, I pulled out my resignation form, quickly filled it out, and, without hesitation, turned and walked out of the office.

When Russell saw me leaving, he rushed over, blocking my way, and said with a pretend look of grievance, “Scott, I know you’re an expert. You’re right, I’m not fit for the position of tech director. I’ll give it back to you.” He grabbed his ID badge and tried to push it towards me. I just gave him a light push, and he stumbled, falling over the chair and knocking over the computer, causing a commotion among the colleagues around us. Russell quickly got up. Facing the concerned looks from his coworkers, he waved his hand with a smile, saying it was no big deal. Pamela, startled by the noise, hurried over in her four-inch-high heels. After confirming that Russell was fine, she furrowed her brows and glared at me. “Scott, don’t think you can do whatever you want just because you’re an old employee.” The colleagues around us immediately started to chime in, “Yeah, Scott, the changeover is for the company’s growth. Don’t use your seniority to bully the new guys.” The harshest words came from Alan Jordan, whom I had trained. “It’s just a few projects. Do you really think you are the boss now? You’ve gotten addicted to forming cliques, huh? You can’t even respect a genius like Russell?” We had worked together for many years, and I was the top sales performer. In the past, everyone would respectfully call me Scott whenever they saw me. Now, they all watched me with glee, hoping I would leave right away. It didn’t matter. Let them say whatever they wanted. I wasn’t going to play along anymore. I left the company without saying a word. Pamela hurried after me. When she saw that there was no one else around, she rubbed her forehead and said, “You’ve just been working too hard lately. I’ll approve some time off for you. Take a break. Today is the seventh anniversary of our relationship. Stay home and wait for me. I’ve prepared a surprise for you.” As she finished speaking, the elevator arrived, and I stepped in without saying a word. At home, I made myself something to eat. I didn’t wait for her, and she didn’t come back until it was dark. I put on my shoes and tidied up before heading out to meet the client. On the way, I ran into a colleague. The boy was a bit slow on the uptake, so he didn’t distance himself like the others. He greeted me cheerfully. “Scott, you’re going to Mr. Burnett’s promotion party thrown by Ms. Carlson, right? Let’s go together. We’ll split the cost of the ride.” He was excited about not having to take the subway anymore, but I shook my head and said, “No.” He gave me an awkward glance and asked, “Didn’t Ms. Carlson invite you?” I shook my head indifferently and walked away. I faintly heard him muttering, “Pamela really does protect her men.” But I didn’t turn around. She never defended anyone except Russell. For Russell, she would do anything, even stand me up, which wasn’t a one-time thing. When I was hospitalized with pneumonia, she said she would visit after a meeting, but I waited until morning before she finally showed up. She claimed she had been working late, but in reality, she had been watching a movie with Russell. Not long ago, we had planned to take a couple’s photo shoot. I waited in my suit until the store closed, and then she casually strolled in, saying work had delayed her. In fact, she had been shopping with Russell, picking out some clothes for him. There were countless similar incidents. Every time I questioned her, she would scold me, saying, “Work is more important.” This kind of relationship was just exhausting. At the café, the head of the client team looked at the progress I had submitted and couldn’t stop praising it. “Scott, have you ever thought about switching jobs? Your salary could multiply tenfold.” This time, I didn’t refuse. The client head was happy to hear my response and said we could discuss any conditions I had. After the meeting, I went home. Pamela had already packed the food and was sitting on the sofa waiting for me. Once again, she was late. In the past, she would offer excuses, but this time, she didn’t say a word. After a brief silence, she pushed the food box toward me. “You must be tired, don’t cook. Just heat this up and eat.” I looked down at the food. The plastic container held a mix of different dishes, unappealingly thrown together. There were stir-fried and boiled dishes and even a piece of pie soaked in soup. It was obvious that they didn’t finish the food, and she packed it up carelessly. She hadn’t even bothered to pack the food separately, just shoved everything into one big box. It was so unappetizing. I waved my hand. “No need, I’ve already eaten.” Pamela gave me a long, deep look. Her usual coldness gave way to a rare moment of softness as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around my waist. “Sorry. He just got promoted, so I had to make an appearance as his boss. I know you’ve had a tough day, so let’s go get our marriage certificate this weekend.” Ha! It sounded so sweet. But when I got promoted to director, I was so happy that I threw a celebration for myself. I eagerly sat in the private room, waiting as the waiter reheated the dishes five times. By the time the restaurant closed, none of my colleagues had shown up. The messages I sent out were met with silence. Some kind-hearted colleagues quietly asked if I had offended the CEO. I was confused at the time, but later, I found out. While I was away from the office, she coldly scolded every colleague who had planned to attend the dinner. “Is the workload too light for you? Got too much free time? Always thinking about food, drinks, and fun. Are you all that useless? You’re just wasting the company’s money. You’d be better off leaving now!” Thinking back on it, I pushed her hand away from my waist, which had been groping me, and said coldly, “No need for that, Pamela. Let’s break up. ”

The atmosphere in the room instantly froze. Pamela gasped, her controlled emotions finally spilling over. “I’ve sacrificed all this for the company’s growth. Other people’s boyfriends would be happy, but you just don’t get it!” I didn’t bother with her twisted logic. She continued talking about how important the company’s development was, and how, once the company went public, I’d have a place in it. I was sick of hearing it, so I raised my hand to interrupt her. “I don’t need that. I’m packing up and moving out now.” Pamela had been the boss for so many years, and it was the first time her words were interrupted. Her face turned bright red with anger. She glared at me for a long while before letting out a cold snort. “No need. I’ll just leave!” With a bang, she slammed the door behind her. I didn’t chase after her. I quietly packed my things. The client had arranged a free, luxury single dorm room for me, and I could move in at any time. Just as I finished packing, I called the moving company. By the time most of my stuff was moved, I happened to run into Russell dropping Pamela off at home. They walked side by side, fingers interlaced, chatting and laughing. Pamela, usually cold and distant, was now looking down with a soft smile, standing next to Russell with the look of someone who was relying on him, the image of a gentle and obedient woman. Russell was the first to notice me and deliberately tightened his grip. Pamela, sensing something was off, followed his gaze and saw me. She quickly pulled her hand away. She walked up to me, ready to explain as usual, but when she saw me loading my things into the car, she froze for a moment before asking, “Where are you going so late?” Really? Couldn’t she see the moving company’s big sign on the side of the van? I was about to continue moving my things when Pamela blocked my way, suddenly shoving a bag of clothes into my hands. When I didn’t move, she took the clothes back and held them up to me. “I know you’ve been busy and haven’t had time to buy clothes. I passed by the mall and picked these up for you.” Bought for me? I wore XL sizes, but this brand of shirt was an M. On the receipt from the bag, the last four digits of the card used to pay were Pamela’s, and the total came to over ten thousand dollars. This wasn’t just a casual buy, was it? She probably picked it out for me while shopping with Russell. She was really generous. Just two days ago, I bought a 200-dollar shirt and asked her if it looked good. She’d scolded me for wasting money and lectured me for over an hour about how hard it was to make money. She even said no matter how nice my clothes were, they weren’t as important as real ability. So, what was this now? Money was easy to make, huh? I shoved my hands in my pockets and looked at them coldly. “No need. As the saying goes, a person is judged by their clothes, a horse by its saddle, and a dog runs happily with a bell. You can keep such an expensive gift for Mr. Burnett.” Russell paused when he heard this, and after a long moment, he suddenly threw the shirt down in anger. “You dare insult me?” His eyes were red as he glared at me and rushed toward me, ready to strike. I stayed where I was, and with one slap, he fell to the ground. “Not just that, I’d dare to hit you, too.” Russell was as thin as sticks. The only reason he could hit me earlier was because I was caught off guard. Now, I gave him a slap right back. Pamela screamed and rushed to hold Russell her face full of concern. “Scott! Let’s talk this out! Why are you hitting him? If you’re leaving, then leave, but don’t come back!” She didn’t need to say more. I wasn’t planning on returning. I turned around, got into the moving truck, and drove off toward a new life.

After I left, I directly joined the client’s company and was entrusted with an important role. Back at Pamela’s company, as the client, I was welcomed by the receptionist. As I walked into the office area, I saw Russell, now wearing a director’s badge, walking confidently between the employees’ desks, giving orders. “Make this logo a bit bigger but shrink that part. I didn’t say pure black. I meant the kind of iridescent black like a crow’s wings. “After looking at it again, the first version is still better overall. But I like the font from the seventh version, and the color from the sixteenth. Get it to me by the end of the day.” The office was filled with tension and frustration. Someone couldn’t hold back and retorted, “This design was approved by the client a long time ago. The main issue now is the program’s stability.” Russell snorted, “The client is just a nouveau riche. Does he even understand what true art is? I’m the one overseeing this, with my top-tier aesthetic sense. The client will definitely be satisfied. Maybe if he’s happy, he’ll even give us a bonus.” Please! Our company developed a new system just to make life easier for users, not to host an art exhibition online! And besides the colorful, illegible text, were they trying to contribute to the ophthalmology department at the hospital? With Russell’s level of work, it was no wonder the results were getting worse. The program crashed as soon as it started, and the quality had drastically fallen apart. A colleague spotted me, and the hostile glares I once received were now replaced with looks of desperation. As for Alan, the employee I had trained who used to talk big, he had been kicked out of the core team and was now relegated to fetching coffee with his own money. Russell gave me a contemptuous glance. “I guess I should recommend to Ms. Carlson that we need a security position. Otherwise, anyone and everyone will just waltz in.” The receptionist bent over, about to remind him to be careful with his words since I was representing the client. But before she could say anything, Pamela strutted by in sky-high heels, clearly thinking I had come to apologize. She scoffed, “Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Hebert! Realized how tough it is to find a job now, so you’re back, huh?” Russell let out a chuckle and said in a seemingly kind tone, “I’ve always believed in Scott’s abilities. I think we can offer him a supervisory role. If he works under me, it won’t take long before he’ll make a name for himself.” Pamela crossed her arms, looking at me with disdain. “A supervisor? He’s not even close to being worthy of that! He can come back, but he’ll have to start from the bottom as an entry-level employee, with half the salary and no performance bonuses.” The other colleagues gasped, quickly distancing themselves from me, afraid the bad luck would rub off on them. I couldn’t hold back a laugh. Pamela still had no idea that I had transformed into her client, no longer that obedient little follower. Pamela raised an eyebrow, curious. “What are you laughing at?” I quietly pulled a contract out of my briefcase and slapped it onto the table. “Let me reintroduce myself. I’m Scott, the Director of the Technical Department at Nebula Group. I’m here to inform you project suspended, and contract terminated.”

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### My husband, Ethan Carter, was the CEO of a publicly traded company, a man who was admired and envied by many. He traveled for work every month, like clockwork. Everyone knew him as a “wife guy,” someone who spoiled me endlessly and never missed a chance to show his love. Every time he came back from a trip, he brought me thoughtful gifts. This time, he’d been in Charleston for business and returned with a single peach blossom branch. Because he couldn’t take it on the plane, he went out of his way—lugging it onto trains and even the subway—just so he could bring a piece of Charleston’s early spring back to me. As he handed it to me, Ethan spoke softly, his voice as warm as ever. “The spring comes early down there,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to bring it back for you to see.” But just before he walked through the door, my phone buzzed. It was a text from that same unknown number that had been messaging me for weeks: “Your husband and his little assistant took their romantic getaway to Charleston this month.” Attached was a photo: Ethan and his secretary, Emma, locked in a passionate kiss beneath a canopy of pink blossoms. I stared at the picture, my stomach twisting. When Ethan turned away to take a shower, I set the peach blossom branch in the most unnoticeable corner of the room. My hand brushed against my slightly rounded belly as I picked up the phone and made a call I hadn’t dared to make in three years. “Dad,” I said, my voice breaking. “I’ve made a mistake. I’m leaving Ethan.” They say a marriage without your parents’ blessing is doomed from the start. Three years ago, I walked down the aisle against their wishes, thinking love was enough. Now, it was clear: that wedding had been a mistake. It was time to cut my losses and walk away.

“Honey, can you send a file to Jack for me? It’s on my phone,” Ethan said. “Sure,” I replied casually. Hearing my response, Ethan turned on the shower, humming as the water began to run. His phone was sitting on the table, unlocked, as it always was. Ethan never hid anything from me—he’d even joked about handing over his phone if I ever wanted to check it. I entered the passcode, my birthday, and the lock screen opened. After sending the file, my eyes fell on the name “Emma” in his message list. The chat history was clean—just work-related texts. Ethan was meticulous like that. He’d never leave anything incriminating behind. But curiosity got the better of me. I tapped on Emma’s profile and opened her social media. Her latest post stopped me cold. It was a photo of two hands intertwined beneath a canopy of pink blossoms. The caption read: “I told him I loved peach blossoms, so he brought me all the way to Charleston.” The post was clearly hidden from both her coworkers and me, but one mutual friend had commented underneath: “Is it your mysterious, handsome, rich boyfriend again?” Emma’s reply was a simple “Yes.” Two weeks ago, I’d started receiving anonymous texts from an unfamiliar number. The first one read: “Your husband, the man who swears he loves you more than anything, is cheating on you.” Since then, every day, I’d received more and more “evidence.” Photos, locations, details—everything pointed to Ethan and Emma. Apparently, Ethan’s monthly “business trips” were just elaborate vacations with her. They’d watched sunsets on beaches, kissed under the Northern Lights, and held each other in snow-covered forests. I’d even had the photos verified by a professional. They weren’t fake. Ethan. Emma. And me. We’d all been high school classmates, though I’d barely known Emma back then. When Ethan told me a few months ago that Emma had applied to be his assistant, I’d thought nothing of it. In fact, I encouraged him to hire her—after all, it was nice to help an old classmate. Who could’ve known I was hiring my own replacement? Scrolling further through Emma’s social media, I found more posts. Every month, there were photos of trips to different cities, each captioned with romantic lines: “A life well-lived is half mountains and seas, half you.” “The sun is setting, and we’re falling in love.” “Going to beautiful places with the person I love most.” Every destination matched Ethan’s business trips. Every caption matched the anonymous texts. Some of the photos showed a man’s silhouette—his face deliberately cropped out. But I didn’t need to see his face. I knew that figure. I’d recognize Ethan anywhere. There were other photos, too: jewelry, designer bags, luxury items. The gifts Ethan had brought home to me? She had them too. Three years of marriage. Three years of meticulous care, of devotion that everyone envied. The perfect husband, they said. And yet here he was, betraying me. As memories of our life together flashed through my mind—his sweet words, his warm embraces—they all turned into jagged shards, stabbing into my heart. I felt the baby move inside me, and I instinctively rested a hand on my belly. “I’m sorry,” I whispered softly. The next moment, I felt warm arms wrap tightly around me. Ethan was back, holding me close from behind, his head resting in the crook of my neck. “What are you saying to our baby, huh?” he murmured. “I missed you so much while I was away.” I didn’t respond. The thought of him whispering the same words to her just days ago made my stomach churn. “What’s wrong?” he asked, gently turning me to face him. His eyes were full of concern as he noticed my red, swollen eyes. I shook my head and waved a hand in front of my face, trying to explain it away. “It’s nothing. Pregnancy hormones. I’ve just been emotional lately.” Ethan knelt in front of me, his hand resting on my belly. “Hey, little one,” he said softly, his eyes lighting up. “Your mom is working so hard for you, so you better behave in there, okay? No causing trouble.” He pressed his ear against my belly as if listening for a response, then looked up at me with a grin. “Babe, our baby just told me they understand.” His joy, his tenderness—it was all so convincing. How could he love me like this and still hold someone else’s hand under a canopy of blossoms? I gave him a weak smile, and he stood, brushing his thumb across my lips. “You know,” he said, his voice low and husky, “the doctor said we’re past the three-month mark now, so…” He leaned in to kiss me, but I couldn’t take it anymore. I bolted for the bathroom and threw up violently, the nausea overwhelming me. Behind me, Ethan followed, his hand rubbing circles on my back, his voice full of concern. “Babe, this pregnancy is really taking it out of you. Let’s make this the last one, okay? No more after this.” He thought it was just morning sickness. He had no idea that I wouldn’t be having this baby either.

“You’re terminating the pregnancy?” The doctor froze mid-exam, looking at me in disbelief. Outside the room, Ethan stood by the window, scrolling through his phone, a soft, tender smile spreading across his face. That smile—so familiar, yet so foreign—made my chest ache and my stomach churn. “Yes,” I said firmly, breaking my gaze away and turning back to the doctor. “You’re sure? Does your husband know?” she asked cautiously. “I’ve seen him come with you to every appointment. He seems so excited about this baby, even with how busy he must be. Running a company like his can’t be easy.” Ethan Carter—self-made billionaire, founder of a multi-million-dollar tech company at just 30 years old. His face was a regular feature on business channels, and even the doctor had heard of him. He had his share of admirers, women who swooned over his looks, wealth, and the fact that he was madly in love with his wife. “This is my decision,” I said, my tone unyielding. “Please don’t tell him.” The doctor sighed, hesitant, before launching into a string of reasons why I should reconsider. I didn’t hear a word of it. A failed marriage. A child born into a loveless home. Why bring someone into the world only to suffer? Better to give them a chance with a different set of parents. It was Ethan’s day off, and he’d woken up early, thinking I was still asleep. He tiptoed into the kitchen, careful not to make too much noise. But pregnancy had made me a light sleeper, and I lay there, staring at the ceiling as the faint light of dawn crept in. I could hear him tinkering in the kitchen for nearly half an hour. When he finally came back into the bedroom, I quickly shut my eyes. “Time to get up, sleepyhead,” he whispered as he gently pinched my cheek. I opened my eyes to see him standing there, wearing an apron and grinning like he’d just conquered the world. Ethan had started taking cooking classes after I got pregnant—something about making sure I ate well. Since marrying him, I hadn’t stepped foot in the kitchen. He even left work early every day just to cook dinner for me, much to the delight of his employees, who joked that their boss was a “top-tier wife guy.” “Your husband’s cooking hasn’t gotten rusty, has it? I made all your favorites,” he said proudly, gesturing to the table. But before I could even respond, his phone buzzed on the counter. He grabbed it quickly, but not quickly enough. I saw the name flash across the screen: Emma. Ethan’s cheerful demeanor shifted in an instant. He answered the call, his voice calm but serious. “I understand. I’ll be there soon.” Hanging up, he turned to me with an apologetic expression. “Something urgent came up at work. I’m really sorry, but I have to go. Please make sure you eat breakfast, okay? Take a short walk after—it’s good for you and the baby. I probably won’t make it back for lunch, but I’ll have a meal delivered for you. Call me if you need anything. Oh, and don’t forget, we have the high school reunion tonight. I’ll come home to pick you up.” Ah, the reunion. I’d almost forgotten. Before leaving, Ethan walked over to me, smoothing the crease between my brows with his thumb. He kissed my forehead softly, whispering, “Don’t be upset, alright?” You see, his performance was flawless. Not a single crack showed as he smoothed his words over me like silk. Even as he prepared to run into another woman’s arms, he didn’t falter. The door closed behind him, and the sound of it felt like a cue for my tears to fall. I stared at the breakfast he’d made, the food now tasteless in my mouth. My stomach turned, and I scraped it all into the trash. When something no longer tastes good, you throw it away. Forcing it down only makes you sick. People are no different. That evening, Ethan came home to pick me up for the reunion. He knelt down in front of me to help me put on my socks and shoes, as he always did. From this angle, I could see the collar of his shirt—and the faint marks peeking out from underneath. Those weren’t there this morning. Ethan didn’t open the front passenger door for me like usual. Instead, he guided me to the backseat. That’s when I saw her. Emma was sitting in the passenger seat, her lips curling into a polite, almost saccharine smile as I hesitated. Ethan cleared his throat awkwardly. “Emma’s going to the reunion too. I figured it made sense for the three of us to go together.” “She gets carsick,” he added, almost too quickly. “The front seat is better for her.” Emma turned toward me, her head tilting slightly, her voice soft and sweet as honey. “You don’t mind, do you, Jane? You’re so far along now—it’s probably more comfortable for you to sit in the back anyway.” The blue diamond necklace she wore caught the light, sparkling brightly. It was identical to the one around my neck. I said nothing, just nodded and climbed into the backseat. As we drove, I listened to their laughter, their easy banter. My head began to pound, the ache growing worse with every mile. I reached up and unclasped the necklace, slipping it into my purse. I didn’t need it anymore.

“Well, well, look who’s here!” “If it isn’t the golden couple from our class reunion!” The moment Ethan walked in with my hand in his, the room erupted in cheers and playful teasing. Back in high school, Ethan’s pursuit of me had been nothing short of legendary. Everyone, even the teachers, knew about it. But since we were both straight-A students, they turned a blind eye to his over-the-top efforts. Ethan had even changed his college plans to follow me, chasing me all the way to university. By freshman year, he’d started a business from scratch, determined to be “worthy” of me. His persistence became the stuff of school lore. By the time we were about to graduate, I finally gave in. I let myself be swept away by his devotion. I still remember the night I said yes—how he cried so hard he couldn’t even speak, swearing over and over: “Jane, I’ll love you and only you for the rest of my life.” Inside the reunion, three empty seats were waiting for us. Ethan sat between me and Emma, his assistant. He frowned slightly before turning to me, his voice soft and almost apologetic. “Jane, can we switch seats?” That simple gesture earned yet another round of teasing from our old classmates. “Look at Ethan, such a gentleman! Doesn’t even want to sit next to a single woman!” “Jane, what kind of spell did you cast on him? He’s still head over heels after all these years!” “Seriously, you two make the rest of us look bad. Every time I see your posts on social media, I swear my teeth hurt from how sweet you guys are!” Ethan laughed along, pulling me closer as he smiled and said, “What can I say? I just love my wife.” Then he looked at me with the kind of gaze that made everyone else swoon—a gaze full of warmth and tenderness. Everyone believed Ethan adored me. But I knew better. His love, like the gifts he showered me with, had long since been divided into two equal shares. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Emma’s forced smile. Her lips twitched upward, but the way she looked at Ethan—her eyes filled with longing and frustration—gave her away. “Emma’s boyfriend must be treating her well too,” someone chimed in, nodding toward the massive diamond necklace around her neck. “Look at that rock—he must have some serious cash.” Emma touched the necklace, her fingers lingering on the jewel as her eyes flicked to me. “He treats me very well,” she said, her voice tight but filled with pride. “Every month, he takes me somewhere special. Buys me so many things I can barely keep up. Just last month, I mentioned wanting to retire in Florida one day, and he went ahead and bought a house there. Oh, and this necklace? It’s a limited edition—only ten in the world.” Only ten in the world. Eight million dollars each. Ethan had bought two. “Wow, sounds like your boyfriend could give Ethan a run for his money,” someone joked. “When are you bringing him to meet us?” Emma smiled sweetly, her gaze softening as it landed on Ethan. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll all meet him one day.” Ethan didn’t look at her. Instead, he picked up some food and placed it on my plate. Halfway through dinner, Ethan excused himself to take a phone call. Not long after, Emma slipped out too, saying she needed to use the restroom. I waited a moment, then followed. By the time I reached the stairwell, I heard their voices. Emma had her hands draped around Ethan’s neck, her voice laced with a mix of frustration and desperation. “You’re not going to just ghost me, are you? Ethan, it’s been two years. Don’t you dare act like I don’t mean anything to you.” Ethan’s tone was calm but firm, his expression unreadable. “As long as you don’t mess with Jane, as long as you stay quiet and keep your place, I’ll take care of you. You know that. But if she finds out…” His voice dropped, cold and threatening. “If she leaves me, I’ll lose it.” Emma’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but then her lips curled into a small smile. “Fine. Then I’ve got some good news for you: I’m pregnant.” My heart froze. It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over me. Ethan’s expression flickered—shock, then calculation. He tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he reached out to lift her chin. “You’re pregnant? And yet here you are, throwing yourself at me. Aren’t you worried about losing the baby?” Emma bit her lip, her cheeks flushing as she pressed herself closer to him. “I can’t help it. I see you, and I just…” She trailed off, her voice soft and breathy as she leaned into him. Ethan chuckled, his hand moving to the back of her head as he pulled her in. Under the dim stairwell light, they kissed like no one else existed. I stood frozen in place, my back pressed against the wall, my entire body trembling. My phone buzzed in my pocket, snapping me out of my daze. It was a text from my doctor. “Your appointment is scheduled for Saturday.”

Saturday morning. I handed two documents to Ethan, placing them on the table in front of him. “These are two insurance policies I got for the baby. They need both parents’ signatures.” Ethan took my hand, his signature smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “The baby isn’t even born yet, and you’re already getting insurance?” “A friend recommended it. I thought it was a good idea,” I replied with a soft smile. Ethan stared at me for a moment, almost mesmerized. “Jane, you’re so beautiful when you smile. You should smile like this more often.” As he picked up the documents, ready to read them over, I panicked and stopped him. “I’ve already read through them. They’re fine. No need to double-check,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. He ruffled my hair affectionately. “Oh, come on. Let me take a quick look. What if you missed something and got scammed?” My heart raced as his hand moved toward the papers. Just then, his phone buzzed on the table. I was close enough to hear the voice on the other end—it was Emma. Ethan answered the call and walked out onto the balcony, his tone low and familiar. A few minutes later, he came back, his expression tight. “Something came up at work. I need to go deal with it,” he said, grabbing a pen and signing the documents without another glance. “Ethan!” I called out as he was about to leave. He paused in the doorway, turning back toward me. “Yeah?” “Do you remember what you said on our wedding day?” His brow furrowed slightly before his features softened. “If I ever betrayed you, you’d leave me without a second thought,” he recited, word for word. “That’s right,” I said with a small smile. Ethan crossed his arms, leaning casually against the doorframe, his expression full of confidence. “What, are you testing me? Don’t worry—I’ve got every word burned into my heart.” I watched as he turned back to the door, his hand lingering on the doorknob for a few seconds before he hesitated. Then, he walked back to me and wrapped his arms around me tightly. “I don’t know why, but I feel uneasy today,” he murmured against my ear. “I’ve told you before—I’ll love you and only you for the rest of my life. Don’t forget that, okay? Wait for me to come home.” I nodded silently, and only then did he seem reassured enough to leave. When I heard the sound of his car engine fading into the distance, I opened the documents on the table. The bold title at the top read: Divorce Agreement. For a moment, I just stared at the words, lost in thought. Ten years. From high school sweethearts to now, our story had stretched across a decade. But this was where it ended. I packed up my belongings, called a courier to take them away, and donated everything Ethan had ever given me—including the baby items he’d bought. After learning I was pregnant, Ethan had been over the moon. He’d dragged me to baby stores every chance he got, buying everything we could possibly need from birth through toddlerhood. “You’ve bought way too much,” I’d scolded him once, laughing. He waved me off with a grin. “So what? If I can’t spoil my own kid, who else am I going to spoil?” Back then, we had both been so excited for this baby—the perfect symbol of our love. Now, all of it was gone. I left a copy of the signed divorce papers on the couch, grabbed my bag, and walked out the door. On my way to the clinic, my phone buzzed again. It was the same unknown number that had been messaging me for weeks. “Who do you think Ethan loves more—you or the other woman?” Attached was a photo. Ethan was at a doctor’s appointment with Emma. The way he looked at her—soft, caring—was identical to how he used to look at me. Maybe Ethan didn’t even realize it himself, but the scales in his heart had already tipped in her favor. I typed out a reply: “Ethan and I are divorced. The baby will be gone too. Stop sending me these messages. I wish you and him a long, happy life together.” After hitting send, I blocked the number. I’d known from the very first message that it was Emma. No one else would fight so hard to drag their love out of the shadows and into the light. On the day of the procedure, as I was being wheeled into the operating room, I received a text from my dad. He and my mom were waiting to take me home afterward. Just as I was about to enter the room, I saw them. Ethan and Emma were walking out of another doctor’s office down the hall, hand in hand. Our eyes met. Ethan froze, his hand slipping free from Emma’s as panic swept over his face. “Jane!” he shouted, pushing through the crowd toward me.

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A week before our wedding, my fiancée Chloe told me she needed to marry her first love Ryan first, before she could marry me. Apparently, Ryan’s mother had passed away, leaving behind a dying wish for them to get married. “Ryan’s mom always hoped he would settle down. I’m just fulfilling an old lady’s last wish, don’t overthink it,” Chloe explained. But our company had already planned to launch the “True Love” jewelry collection on the day of our grand wedding. She impatiently retorted, “It’s just a billion-dollar project. How can that compare to Ryan’s filial piety? If you’re so keen on making that money, go find someone else to marry.” Faced with her cold words, I understood everything clearly. I turned and dialed home. “Sis, can you help set me up with a new bride?” When I got home, my sister-in-law looked shocked. “You’re calling off the wedding?” “No, she’s marrying someone else.” I gave a bitter smile. To be with Chloe, I had fought tooth and nail against my family’s objections to finally get my parents’ approval. We even scheduled the launch of the “True Love” jewelry collection on our wedding day. But now, it was all for nothing. My sister-in-law was stunned for a long while before saying, “Then I guess Stella is the only option. Her family’s been pressuring her to get married, and she’s been looking for a match recently.” I frowned. Stella was my arch-nemesis. On my engagement day, she had even cursed that my marriage would fall apart. Who knew her words would come true. Time was tight, so I could only say, “Alright, it’s her then. Can you ask about her intentions? If not, I’ll have to find another way.” My sister-in-law spoke quickly, “No need to ask, she’ll definitely agree.” “What?” Before I could ask further, a group of people surrounded me. “Are you Chloe’s fiancé? You’re so handsome!” “Are you here to pick up Chloe after work? You two are so sweet together.” I gripped the steering wheel, lowering my eyes to hide the self-mockery in them. Chloe had introduced me to her colleagues and friends early on. In everyone’s eyes, we were the enviable model couple. But who would have thought, she was about to marry someone else. After saying goodbye to everyone, Chloe got in the car and handed me a toy airplane. “Ryan asked me to give this to you. He said you embarrassed him at the funeral yesterday, so you should apologize when you have time.” The airplane was a miniature version, obviously a freebie that came with buying the real product. I had seen it in Chloe’s shopping cart a couple days ago. I said flatly, “I don’t want it.” Chloe frowned, “What are you upset about now? You barged into the funeral saying I wasn’t his fiancée and embarrassed him. He didn’t hold it against you and even thought to bring you a gift. How can you be so ungrateful?” The Chloe who used to protect me was gone. Now she cherished someone else. Chloe irritably opened the window for some air. After a while, seeing that I wasn’t going to comfort her, she finally said, “Fine, today’s a good day to try on wedding dresses. I won’t argue with you.” This was the first time she had backed down this year. When we arrived at the bridal shop, the attendant greeted us: “Miss Chloe, the 120 custom wedding gowns Mr. Li ordered for you are ready.” But Chloe’s attention wasn’t on the dresses. She was looking down at her phone, her expression slightly urgent. Noticing my gaze, she quickly put away her phone, a hint of apology on her face: “William, something came up with Ryan. I need to rush over there right away. Can you help me pick out a dress? I trust your taste.” With that, she hurriedly hailed a taxi and left, leaving me alone. The attendant came over tentatively and asked, “Mr. Li, will you be selecting the dress yourself?” I looked away and nodded. Of course I would choose a dress. But not for Chloe. After all, there was a new bride now. I drove home, thinking Chloe would be gone all night. But she returned before dinner. She strode over to me, holding a takeout box. “I went all over town to buy this for you – dim sum from Hei Rui’s.” I looked at the box of shrimp dumplings. There were three fewer than usual, and one had a bite mark, clearly eaten by someone. Half an hour ago, I had seen Ryan’s social media post. The photo was of the very meal in front of me. “My wife still remembers to buy me late night snacks. Thanks honey, muah!” I put down my chopsticks with a self-deprecating smile, instantly losing my appetite. “I don’t want it. Throw it away.” Chloe looked at me with displeasure, but held back from lashing out. She sat down next to me and complained: “You have no idea how pitiful Ryan was today. My parents went to his place demanding a bride price. He was so upset he cried.” “Ryan just got back to the country and doesn’t have much money. I was thinking of giving him my bride price first.” She shook my arm, as if trying to act cute. I looked at her sarcastically, “So I’m supposed to pay the bride price for your husband?”

In the past, I cared so much for Chloe that I would give her anything she asked for and do anything for her. But now she had woken me up herself. Thinking back, ever since Ryan returned to the country, everything she did was for him. She had forgotten that I was supposed to be the one spending the rest of my life with her. My response angered Chloe: “What do you mean by that? You’re not willing? You’d better understand this – Ryan is my best friend. You’d better make him happy, or I won’t marry you!” With that, she stormed out, slamming the door. Feeling frustrated, I went down to the park for a run. After just one lap, I got a call from Stella. Thinking of Stella’s perpetual icy expression, I hesitated for two seconds before answering. “Once you’re on my ship, you’re my person. Try to run and I’ll break your legs!” Stella’s first words were a direct hit. I stayed silent, and she continued: “Send me your ID card first so we can get the marriage license.” “I’m afraid you’ll change your mind.” Stella, you’re acting strange. In my mind, I had already imagined thousands of ways she could use this marriage to torment me. In the end, I could only squeeze out, “See you at the wedding, Miss Song.” Just as I finished speaking, Chloe suddenly appeared behind me: “You’re inviting Stella to our wedding? I forbid it!” She glared at me as if facing a formidable enemy: “William, didn’t I tell you not to associate with Stella? Her intentions toward you aren’t pure. If you insist on inviting her to our wedding, don’t blame me for getting upset!” Before I could say a word, she had already laid down her ultimatum. Chloe had always disliked Stella, harboring an inexplicable hostility. When we first got together, she even had a jealous outburst because Stella and I often bantered on social media. After that, I gradually cut off contact with Stella. But she actually said… Stella had impure intentions toward me? I was about to ask further when Ryan suddenly stumbled and leaned against Chloe’s neck. “Chloe, you’re pinching me…” Only then did I notice their intertwined fingers as they walked. Chloe coughed awkwardly twice, but made no move to let go of his hand. Ryan gazed at Chloe tenderly, then turned to me with a helpless expression: “Will, I’m sorry. Chloe and I were just practicing the wedding procedure. Please don’t mind.” “I won’t tell anyone about you hitting me or vandalizing my mother’s grave. But please don’t hurt Chloe. True love can’t withstand tests.” I didn’t want to watch this act, so I turned to leave: “Since you’re so eager, I’ll have someone beat you up tonight and dig up your mom’s grave.” Slap! Chloe slapped me hard across the face. “William, how can you be so vicious?!” Her brows were furrowed, her chest heaving. I’m vicious? She believed someone else’s lies so easily, yet five years of our relationship couldn’t earn me even a shred of her trust. Anger suddenly welled up inside me. I wanted to confront Chloe, but Ryan stepped in front of her: “Will, please. As soon as the wedding’s over, I’ll return Chloe to you.” “Have mercy and don’t hurt the people around me, or Chloe.” As he spoke, he was about to kneel before me. Chloe quickly wrapped her arms around his waist to stop him from kneeling, glaring at me furiously. “William, stop playing your rich boy bullying games!” “You know I hate that the most. If you still want to marry me, stop making trouble!” With that, she warned me not to appear before them again until the wedding. But the very next day, Chloe contacted me herself. She started off with a barrage of scolding: “William, you really went and dug up Mrs. Wood’s grave. I can’t believe you’re this kind of person!” Utterly confused, I called my assistant to investigate, only to uncover a shocking truth. Ryan’s mother… wasn’t dead.

No wonder Ryan could be so heartless as to dig up his own mother’s grave to frame me. It turns out her death was all a scam. I texted Chloe: “Ryan’s mother isn’t dead. The truth is in the email I sent you.” Whether she looked at it or not was no longer my concern. My flight was booked for three days later. Stella had made the reservation herself. When Chloe came back, she saw me packing. Half my clothes were thrown out, with a small portion being shipped to South City. “Why are you packing clothes?” Chloe asked, her expression doubtful. I gave a perfunctory reply: “Moving.” She was silent for a moment, not catching on to anything amiss, and continued on her own: “The Li family company is in South City. We’ll be settling there after we get married, so it’s good to pack early.” Then she fixed me with a harsh stare. “Apologize for Ryan’s mother’s incident as soon as possible. Don’t make things difficult for me. How about on our wedding day?” With that, she tossed down her phone and went to look for her ID. Today was the day she and Ryan were getting their marriage license. She didn’t come back until late that night. I opened my phone to find a message from Ryan pop up. It was a dim photo of a beautiful woman. In the picture, Chloe was wearing a maid outfit, looking at the camera. I closed my eyes, my heart still aching despite myself. I forcefully suppressed that feeling and turned off my phone. Late into the night, the phone by my pillow vibrated every hour. Each time it vibrated, it was Ryan sending me provocative videos of him and Chloe. Until early the next morning, when Stella sent me a message. “Mr. Li, the flowers have bloomed. You may slowly return.” The attached photo showed two red booklets. And a pot of vibrant red peonies. I hadn’t expected her to still be caring for the plant I had casually given her years ago. Inexplicably, a strange feeling welled up in my heart. I replied with a single word: “Okay.” I put down my phone to pack up my work files on the computer. I didn’t notice when Chloe had returned. She was packing her daily necessities: “I’m moving in with Ryan for a few days. He’s too busy preparing for the wedding on his own. Remember to show up on time for the wedding in two days. Don’t be late.” After saying that, she went on a long explanation about how she was just going to help out normally, telling me not to make trouble again. “Mm, I won’t go,” I said, keeping my eyes lowered. After last night, the last bit of affection I had for her had completely dissipated. Seeing my calm demeanor, a nameless panic swept over Chloe. She suddenly hesitated. But thinking of Ryan’s cloying acts of affection, she loosened her grip on her phone. William loved her so much, what could possibly go wrong? Thinking this, she breathed a sigh of relief and stopped arguing with me, disappearing from my sight. I watched her retreating figure and made a phone call. That evening, a helicopter landed in the square. A man walked up to me: “Mr. Li, the helicopter you ordered has arrived. It will safely transport you to South City in half an hour.” I nodded, then handed him an envelope. “Deliver this envelope to the wedding venue tomorrow. It’s my wedding gift for the bride and groom.”

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## My CEO girlfriend betrayed me by cheating with her puppy-eyed assistant. So, I erased myself from her world—completely. Every day, Laura’s driver would drop off a box of fresh fruit for James Wyatt. But there was always one piece missing. James didn’t think much of it until, one day, the driver handed him a single strawberry. Moments later, James received a photo from the driver, Adam Cross. In the photo, Laura lay naked beneath Adam, a crushed strawberry caught between her legs. At that moment, James realized that the home he had dreamed of for six years was nothing but a long-constructed illusion. Today, that illusion shattered for good. James had once told Laura: “If I ever find out you’ve betrayed me, I’ll vanish from your world completely.” And when James disappeared, Laura went mad. “Mr. Wyatt, your identity change package is fully processed. The new papers will take effect next Wednesday. We’re just calling to confirm.” James glanced across the room at Laura. She was surrounded by her bridesmaids, glowing in her wedding dress, the picture of happiness. “I’m certain,” he replied. The employee on the other end remained detached. “Understood. Your new documents will be mailed to your address. Please remember to sign for them.” “Good luck with your new life, Mr. Chase.” James Wyatt had chosen the name Chase Ryder for his new identity. He wanted a name that symbolized moving forward, breaking free, and running toward a life where no one could hold him back. He had decided on it the day he resolved to leave. Hanging up the phone, James turned to see Laura in her wedding dress. Next week was supposed to be their wedding day. Her bridesmaids fussed over her, showering her with praise. “Wow, Laura, you’re really getting married so soon! Whoever’s marrying you is the luckiest man alive!” “Seriously, Laura, the CEO who swore she’d stay single forever is finally tying the knot! Who would’ve thought?” Laura smiled, a mix of shyness and happiness lighting her face. “What can I say? I found the one, my soulmate. I’m the lucky one for finding James. I couldn’t wait to marry him.” She ran her fingers over the embroidered tulips on her dress. One of the bridesmaids noticed the gesture and chimed in, “This design is stunning! Must’ve cost a fortune, right?” Laura nodded, her gaze drifting toward James. Her eyes brimmed with love. “It’s not about the price. This pattern means so much to us—it’s our flower, the tulip. The embroidery took 2,192 stitches, all done by hand. I designed it myself. James’s suit has a matching tulip, too.” “Because,” she added with a radiant smile, “our wedding date marks six years together.” Her bridesmaids erupted into cheers, brimming with envy. To everyone else, James and Laura were a perfect couple, the epitome of true love. They had known each other for ten years and been together for six. James had stood by Laura’s side as she transformed from a carefree young woman into the accomplished CEO she was today. He had waited so long for this wedding. Laura’s happiness wasn’t fake. If James hadn’t discovered Adam Cross, he might’ve believed that their love had truly reached its fairy-tale ending. Laura had hired Adam as her new driver. One evening, after dropping her off, Adam handed James a box of strawberries. The strawberries were flawless, red and ripe, clearly expensive. But the gift box had been opened, and one was missing. James didn’t think much of it—after all, it was just a strawberry. Later that night, James received a friend request on a messaging app. Once he accepted, a photo popped up almost immediately. In the photo, Laura was completely naked, tangled up with a man who held her from behind. Between their legs was a crushed strawberry. Her neck, where she once proudly wore a matching couple’s tattoo with James, was covered in hickeys, bruised with the unmistakable marks of passion. James’s hands trembled as he clutched his phone. The man’s face wasn’t fully visible, but James recognized him instantly—it was Adam Cross, Laura’s new driver. The same man who had dropped her off that evening. James rushed to the bathroom, retching violently as though he could expel the betrayal from his body. Hearing the commotion, Laura ran in after him, wrapping her arms around him in concern. “What’s wrong, honey? Have you been overworking yourself because of the wedding? Or did you eat something bad?” she asked, her voice filled with worry. “I told the housekeeper to be extra careful with everything this week. How could you get so sick? I’ll fire them tomorrow!” Tears welled up in her eyes as she fussed over him. “Do you want to go to the hospital? I’ll call someone to drive us. Please don’t scare me like this, James.” Her concern seemed so genuine, so heartfelt. James glanced at her chest. That night, she wasn’t wearing her usual silk robe, but a high-necked silk nightgown instead. “You don’t like high-neck clothes,” James said flatly. “Why are you wearing them so often lately?” Laura’s hand flew to her neck, her panic betraying her for just a moment before she regained her composure. “Of course I like them! I just want to avoid sun damage before the wedding—you know, I want to look my best for you.” Sun damage? At night? Under the covers? James closed his eyes, despair washing over him. Laura. It seemed he could no longer find the “truth” in her anymore.

The group around James was still laughing and teasing when his phone suddenly buzzed, cutting through the noise. The screen lit up with an unmarked number. James knew exactly who it was—Adam Cross, the man who had been bombarding him with taunting messages over the past few weeks. He hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly pressed the answer button. But instead of a voice, it was a multimedia message notification. As the photo loaded, James felt his chest tighten as if an invisible hand were squeezing his heart. The image was devastating. Adam was wearing his custom wedding suit—the one James had commissioned specifically for the big day. The suit didn’t quite fit, hanging slightly loose on Adam’s frame, but that didn’t seem to matter to him. Adam’s face was flushed, his expression a mix of smug satisfaction and taunting arrogance. His eyes gleamed with triumph, as if he had just won a prize. The background of the photo was a messy bedroom, but none of that registered in James’s mind. All he could see was Adam’s face, with that infuriatingly smug look. The caption was short but cut like a dagger: “Laura said this makes it official—I’ve basically married her already.” The words stabbed into James’s heart, twisting cruelly. A wave of nausea churned in his stomach, rising so violently that he thought he might collapse. How could this have happened? How could she, the woman who once gave up everything for him, who had filled her home with tulips just because he offhandedly mentioned liking them—how could she turn into this stranger? Tulips. They used to be the symbol of their love. Now, they were nothing but a cruel reminder of betrayal. It was years ago when James had casually mentioned, “I’ve always loved tulips, but I read somewhere that keeping them indoors can make your hair fall out.” Laura had laughed, throwing her head back teasingly. “What kind of man likes flowers, huh?” It was just a passing joke. But a few weeks later, Laura had stunned him. She blindfolded him, walked him into her small apartment, and uncovered his eyes. Before he could even take in the sight, the sweet scent of tulips filled the air. When he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by dozens of them—every corner of her apartment bursting with vibrant blooms. “So? Do you like it? Surprised?” she had asked, grinning from ear to ear. James was speechless. “But tulips… they might make you lose your hair. I’d never dare keep so many.” Laura had waved it off, completely unconcerned. “Who cares? I’ve got plenty of hair to spare. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” Every spring, her apartment would be filled with the gentle fragrance of tulips. It became their thing—a symbol of their love, their shared joy, their bright future. Back then, Laura had been so pure, so full of life and hope. Her eyes sparkled with dreams of a future they’d build together. But all of that had shattered today. James’s phone screen still glowed, the image of Adam and Laura mocking him in the dim light. He squeezed his eyes shut, desperate to block out the betrayal, to erase the image from his mind. But the harder he tried, the more vivid it became. And then Laura’s voice broke through his thoughts from behind him, sweet and filled with concern. “James, aren’t you going to try on your suit? We need to make sure it fits perfectly. The wedding’s next week, you know. Everything has to be just right.” Her tone was so natural, so cheerful, as if nothing had happened. James turned to face her. There she was—Laura, the woman he had once loved with all his heart. Her face, once so familiar and comforting, now felt like a stranger’s. He forced a smile, trying to conceal the storm raging inside him. But his voice betrayed him, trembling slightly as he replied, “You go ahead and focus on your dress. I… I’m not feeling well. I’ll try the suit some other time.” Laura’s smile faltered, replaced by a look of worry. Without hesitation, she knelt down beside him, ignoring the awkwardness of her bridal gown. “Are you okay, James? You’ve been looking unwell lately. Please, let’s go to the hospital. I’ll call someone right now. I’m really worried about you.” Her concern, so genuine and tender, only deepened James’s pain. How could someone who still seemed to love him so deeply have done something so unforgivable? For a moment, he wanted to convince himself that Adam wasn’t real—that this nightmare was just a figment of his imagination. And then she said his name again. “James, let me call Adam to drive us to the hospital. He can take us right away. I’ll find the best doctor for you.” Adam. That name snapped James back into reality, like a slap across the face. The very man who shattered his world was still being invited into their lives so casually, so freely. A driver? A personal assistant? A… bed companion? James shook his head, forcing himself to remain calm. He couldn’t let her see through him—not now. “No, it’s fine,” he said, his voice steadier this time. “I just need some rest. Don’t worry about me.” Laura hesitated but finally nodded, her concern still plain on her face. James took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had already decided to leave. There was no point in dragging this out any further. Soon, he would vanish from her world entirely. And when that day came, let’s see if Adam could keep her entertained forever.

James used his supposed “illness” as an excuse to avoid trying on his wedding suit. Though Laura seemed a bit worried, her friends quickly whisked her away, chatting about dinner plans. Laura assumed James’s upset stomach was due to the stress of wedding preparations and his irregular meals. Determined to take care of him, she decided to prepare a hearty dinner to help him “bounce back.” They all headed to a mutual friend’s house for dinner. The meal was meticulously planned, and Laura took charge in the kitchen, personally cooking James’s favorite dishes. Her friends pitched in, helping with the setup while Laura hummed cheerful tunes under the warm kitchen lights. James stood by the doorway, watching her. She looked so serene, her every move exuding warmth. There wasn’t even a hint of guilt or unease in her body language. But the nausea in James’s chest twisted tighter, like an invisible thread pulling taut around his heart. When the meal was finally served, Laura uncorked a bottle of red wine to make the evening feel more romantic. She smiled and gestured for James to sit, her eyes brimming with both expectation and an unspoken apology. Around the table, their friends couldn’t stop marveling. “James, you really hit the jackpot with Laura. She’s amazing—so thoughtful!” one of them gushed. Laura, hearing this, smiled modestly and replied with a gentle laugh, “No, no, I’m the lucky one. James is such an incredible man—I’m just grateful to have him.” Her voice carried sincerity, layered with affection. But for James, her words felt like heavy stones sinking into his stomach. He stared at the table laden with food, but his appetite was nonexistent. Yet he knew he couldn’t let his emotions spill over—not now, not when he was just days away from disappearing out of her life forever. He forced a weak smile and said, “Laura, thank you for all this, but I’m really not feeling well tonight. I don’t think I can eat much.” Laura’s face immediately clouded with worry. “In that case, why don’t we reschedule? We can have dinner another night. You really don’t look good today,” she said, her voice full of concern. “Anyway, we’ve already planned the bachelor party for tomorrow night—we can all catch up then.” None of the friends at the table suspected a thing. They just saw a loving couple, with Laura doting on James and James seemingly unwell. Their comments were filled with admiration for their relationship, calling it “couple goals.” If only they knew the truth. Later that evening, Adam arrived to pick them up. Laura climbed into the passenger seat, explaining, “James isn’t feeling well. Let him stretch out in the backseat so he can relax.” Her tone was casual, almost dismissive, as if the arrangement made perfect sense. Adam, ever the professional during work hours, barely spoke. He kept his eyes on the road, saying only what was necessary. If anyone else saw them, they’d think he was just a quiet, dutiful driver. But James wasn’t naive. From his spot in the backseat, he could see Adam’s eyes in the rearview mirror—the subtle glint of arrogance, the faint smirk hidden behind his otherwise neutral expression. James clenched his fists but said nothing. When they finally arrived home, Adam parked the car, and Laura and James got out together. As they stepped into the elevator, James broke the silence with a seemingly casual suggestion: “Don’t you think it’s a little unsafe having a male driver around all the time? I know someone who’d be a better fit—more trustworthy and easier to rely on. What do you think about switching drivers?” Laura didn’t even flinch. Her voice remained calm and even as she replied, “No need. I’ve gotten used to Adam. He’s attentive and handles everything perfectly—not just driving, but other tasks too. He’s been great.” I’m sure he’s even better in bed, James thought bitterly. But he kept his expression neutral, unwilling to betray the storm raging inside him. Laura, oblivious to his thoughts, walked into the apartment as if nothing was wrong. She turned on James’s favorite playlist, poured some tea, and started chatting about tomorrow’s party plans. Then her phone buzzed. James noticed her glance at the screen. Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. “James,” she said suddenly, her tone shifting to one of apology, “there’s something urgent at work—I need to head to the office. I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to stay with you tonight. Get some rest, okay?” Her voice carried a mix of regret and determination. James didn’t argue. He simply nodded and said, “It’s fine. You go ahead. I could use some rest anyway.” He knew perfectly well there was no “work emergency.” But he didn’t care anymore. He was numb to it all. Once Laura left, James walked to the window. He stood there, watching as she got into the car. Adam was already waiting for her. The car didn’t move right away. Instead, it stayed parked for a long time. James could only imagine what was happening inside. Eventually, the car pulled away, disappearing into the night. Two hours later, James’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Adam. Another photo. This time, it was taken inside the car. The seats were disheveled, the interior a mess. It didn’t take much imagination to figure out what had happened.

Laura didn’t come home that night. It wasn’t until the following evening, at the bachelor party, that James saw her again—and she wasn’t alone. Adam was with her. The sight of them together was like a hand tightening around James’s chest, but he forced himself to remain calm, his expression betraying nothing. Laura, as composed as ever, explained with a cheerful smile, “Since we’re all drinking tonight, I didn’t think it was a good idea to leave my driver waiting in the car. Hope it’s okay that I brought him inside!” One of Laura’s friends chimed in with a teasing grin, “Laura, you don’t have to ask for permission to bring someone. But seriously, where did you find this driver? He’s kinda cute!” Adam’s expression was smug, dripping with arrogance, as if he were silently flaunting his victory. James only glanced at him briefly, his face devoid of emotion, before looking away. Laura noticed James’s indifference and didn’t linger. She brushed off the jokes and left Adam where he stood, making her way over to James. “James, are you feeling okay? You don’t look so great. Are you still feeling under the weather?” she asked, her voice soft with concern. “I’m so sorry about last night,” she continued, her tone genuinely apologetic. “Work’s been crazy lately with the wedding coming up. I had to stay late at the office and ended up crashing in the breakroom. But as soon as I finished everything, I came straight here. You’re not mad at me, are you?” Her words were so sincere that if James had pushed back, he would’ve looked petty. Adam, ever the opportunist, seized the moment. “That’s true,” he said with mock innocence. “She kept telling me to drive faster so she wouldn’t be late to see you.” The words seemed harmless enough, but James knew better. Adam’s smirk said it all. Laura shot him a sharp glare, silently warning him to shut up. Then, turning back to James, she wrapped her arms around his and gave him a playful shake. “James, you’re not mad, right? I promise, after the wedding, I’ll make more time for you. I just need to get through this busy streak, okay?” Their friends jumped in with teasing remarks. “Man, James, how’d you land a wife like Laura? She’s a total catch!” “Forget saving the world—you must’ve saved the entire galaxy to marry someone like her!” Laura blushed, pretending to deflect the compliments, but her smile was unmistakably pleased. She leaned closer to James and said, “Come on, don’t listen to them. I’m just lucky to have you. You’re the one who has me wrapped around your finger.” The party was lively, filled with laughter and games. When it came time for a round of Truth or Dare, the energy hit its peak. Someone asked Laura directly, “Have you ever done anything to betray James?” Without missing a beat, she answered, “Never. I belong to James, and only James, for the rest of my life.” Her voice was firm and confident, like she was making a public vow. The room erupted into cheers and applause, everyone marveling at what a perfect couple they were. But when it was Adam’s turn, the game took a darker turn. As the newest face in the group—and an undeniably attractive one—he quickly became the center of attention. Someone asked him a bold question: “When’s the last time you… you know… hooked up with someone?” Adam smirked and, without a shred of hesitation, replied, “Last night. In a car.” The room burst into laughter, some people whistling and joking about his honesty. But for James, the words hit like a dagger to the chest. The pain was sharp and immediate, but outwardly, he remained composed, his face an unreadable mask. Laura, however, didn’t take it so lightly. Her expression darkened, and she shot Adam another warning look before excusing herself to the bathroom. A few moments later, Adam slipped out as well, claiming he needed to move the car. James hesitated for only a moment before following them. In the dimly lit hallway outside the restroom, James heard their voices. Laura’s tone was sharp, laced with anger and frustration. “I brought you here as a reward, and this is how you act? Dropping hints and making comments all night? Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” Adam, ever the smooth talker, sounded almost pitiful as he replied, “I didn’t mean to, Laura. I swear. I just… I love you so much. Seeing you with him, I just couldn’t help myself…” But Laura wasn’t buying it. Her voice grew colder. “You’d better not be doing this on purpose. If James starts suspecting something because of you, I swear you’ll regret it. James is my bottom line—don’t you dare cross it.” Adam, however, didn’t seem the least bit intimidated. “Fine,” he said, his tone suddenly playful. “Then punish me, Laura. I’ll be a good boy for you. Woof, woof.” Laura’s initial anger seemed to falter. Despite herself, she softened under his sweet words. It didn’t take long for her to forgive him, and within seconds, they were kissing passionately. James didn’t stay to watch. He turned and walked back to the party, his heart a mix of numbness and disgust. When Laura and Adam returned, her lipstick was smudged, and her hair looked slightly out of place. She tried to act normal, but James noticed every detail. He didn’t say a word. Not here, not now. He had no intention of causing a scene in front of everyone. The party carried on, the laughter and games continuing late into the night. But James felt like he was just going through the motions, detached from it all. In his mind, a single thought played on repeat: Just three more days. Three days until the wedding. Three days until he abandoned this façade of a life. Once his new identity as Chase Ryder was finalized, he would leave Laura and Adam behind for good.

The party finally wound down amidst cheers and laughter as the guests trickled out, leaving only James and Laura behind. James didn’t want Adam to drive them home. That car, no matter how thoroughly cleaned, was tainted—filled with the stench of their trysts. The thought made him sick. So, he came up with an excuse. “I ate too much. I think I need a walk to clear my head.” Laura didn’t hesitate for a second. She immediately dismissed Adam and offered to walk home with him. The night was calm, the streetlights casting a soft, amber glow over the empty streets. A cool breeze rustled through the trees, bringing a gentle chill to the air. Side by side, they walked in silence for a while, the quiet broken only by the distant hum of the city. The serene atmosphere seemed to bring them both back to the early days of their relationship. They started reminiscing. “Do you remember, James?” Laura said with a small laugh. “When we first started dating, you couldn’t even hold my hand without sweating buckets.” James smiled faintly, remembering how nervous he’d been on their first date. He also remembered the first meal she ever cooked for him, the long walks they used to take, the quiet moments filled with laughter and love. But those memories were now tainted. The woman who had once blushed at a simple kiss was now sneaking around with another man. The same woman who had giggled at his awkwardness now spent her nights tangled up with Adam in the very car he refused to step foot in. Laura, unaware of his thoughts, was still lost in their shared nostalgia. She looked at James with a kind of earnest affection, her eyes sparkling with conviction. James, feeling the weight of the moment, decided to test her. “I saw this post today,” he began, his voice casual, “about a couple who had been together for years. The night before their wedding, the bride cheated on him.” Laura’s brows furrowed slightly, but she quickly waved the thought away. “That’s ridiculous. I would never do something like that to you, James.” She spoke with absolute certainty, placing her hand gently on his arm. “I love you. I’ll always love you. No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.” Her words were like a dagger wrapped in velvet. James stared at her, trying to ignore the bitter taste in his mouth. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe that her promises were real. But he couldn’t. He’d already seen the truth—the stolen glances, the late-night messages, the lies. She had betrayed him. As she walked beside him, speaking with such conviction, all James could feel was a deep, aching disappointment. “People always say long-term relationships never work out,” he said, his voice low. “That if it’s meant to be, they’d get married sooner.” Laura stopped walking and turned to face him, her expression earnest. “That’s not true for us. We’re different, James. We’re going to be so happy together. We’re getting married in just a few days—what are you even worried about?” She smiled, her confidence unwavering. But James could see through her now, could see the cracks beneath her flawless exterior. “Laura,” he said, his voice unusually serious. “If you ever betray me, I’ll disappear. You’ll never see me again.” The way he said her name—her full name—made her pause. She blinked, surprised by the intensity in his tone. “James, I would never,” she said quickly, almost defensively. “I love you. You’re the only one I’ll ever love.” Her words were rehearsed, smooth, and confident. Maybe she truly believed that as long as she kept her secrets buried, nothing would ever change. It was almost laughable. Halfway through their walk, Laura’s phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen, her brows knitting together ever so slightly before she answered. James couldn’t hear the voice on the other end, but he didn’t need to. He knew it was Adam. Laura’s tone was clipped but calm as she responded. After a few moments, she hung up and turned to James, her expression apologetic. “James, I’m so sorry,” she said, tucking her phone into her pocket. “My assistant just called—there’s something urgent at the office. I need to head over and take care of it. You go ahead and head home, okay? I’ll be back before you know it.” Her explanation sounded convincing enough, but James could see the faint flicker of anxiety in her eyes, the way her fingers tightened slightly around her phone. He nodded, his voice devoid of emotion. “Sure. Go ahead. I’ll see you later.” Laura smiled, kissed him on the cheek, and hurried off into the night. James stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure. He didn’t need to guess where she was going or who she was meeting. He already knew. When James got home, he felt a strange sense of calm. There was no suffocating pain or overwhelming anger. Instead, he felt… free. The past few years of his life—every ounce of love and effort he had poured into this relationship—felt like wasted time. He had been building a future with someone who had been slowly eroding the foundation beneath him. But now, it didn’t matter. He walked over to the desk where all their wedding plans were laid out: the venue contracts, the guest list, the meticulously chosen decorations. It all felt so meaningless now. Picking up the phone, James began canceling everything. The venue, the caterer, the florist—each call felt like shedding a heavy weight. Next, he packed up his custom suit—the one he’d had made specifically for their wedding—and put it in a box to donate to a local charity. These things no longer represented joy or love. They were relics of a dream that had crumbled into dust. By the time he was finished, James felt lighter than he had in years. The pain was still there, lingering beneath the surface, but it no longer consumed him. He had made his decision. In three days, he would leave this life behind, along with Laura and Adam. He would start over as Chase Ryder, free from the lies and betrayal. And for the first time in a long time, James felt like he could finally breathe.

Early in the morning, Laura rushed home, her face filled with anxiety and unease. She had just received a call from the wedding planner, informing her that James had canceled their original wedding venue. A cold fear crept into her chest. The wedding was only two days away. What did this mean? Why would James cancel the venue now? She didn’t dare let her thoughts spiral further. Flinging the door open, she spotted James sitting calmly on the couch, a cup of tea in hand, looking completely unbothered. His composure only amplified her unease. Laura hurried over to him, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, “James, what’s going on? Why did the wedding venue get canceled? I got a call from the planner, and it scared me to death! Please tell me this is some kind of misunderstanding.” James had already prepared a calm, plausible explanation. He glanced up at her with a small smile, his demeanor steady—almost too steady. There was a subtle chill in his eyes, but it was so faint, it was easy to miss. “Oh, that? I found out last night that the venue supposedly has some bad energy—bad feng shui, if you believe in that sort of thing. And, well, I didn’t want to risk it affecting our marriage.” He took a sip of tea and continued, his tone light but measured. “I decided to cancel it and booked another place instead. It’s a surprise, though. I’ll show you on the day of the wedding.” Laura’s shoulders relaxed, her worry melting away. “So that’s it? You just wanted to surprise me?” She let out a relieved laugh, shaking her head. “I was so scared you were upset with me. I’ve been so busy lately, I thought maybe you were angry that I haven’t been spending enough time with you.” She reached for his hand, her smile softening. “After all this craziness is over, we’ll have so much time together. Once we’re married, nothing else will matter.” She had completely forgotten that the venue James had just canceled was the one they had dreamed about since they first got together—the place they had once called their “perfect wedding spot.” To her, this change was just James being thoughtful or practical. So, she nodded and accepted his explanation without further question. But what Laura didn’t realize was that every word James spoke, every measured action, was hiding a deep and bitter pain. Laura sat down beside James, leaning her head gently on his shoulder. Her smile was radiant, her voice filled with genuine happiness. “James, in just two days, I’ll be your wife. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.” James didn’t respond right away. He looked at her, at the woman who seemed so blissfully unaware of the weight of her betrayal. Her happiness almost felt like a cruel joke. How could someone who had so thoroughly betrayed him still sit here, smiling as if their love was untarnished? Last night, another photo from Adam had landed in his inbox. In the picture, Adam was naked, wearing nothing but a pair of fluffy animal ears and a matching tail. He was kneeling on a bed, smirking at the camera. The caption read: “Laura just can’t ever seem to get enough, can she?” James had stared at that photo for a long time, feeling a mix of revulsion and numb acceptance. And now, here she was, sitting beside him, playing the role of the perfect fiancée. As they talked, James’s eyes drifted to her neck. That’s when he saw it—a faint but unmistakable mark just below her collarbone. A hickey. The sight of it made his blood run cold. For a moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off it, his gaze hardening as he stared. The mark seemed to mock him, a silent confession of everything she’d been hiding. Laura noticed his shift in demeanor. Following his gaze, she immediately realized what he was looking at. Her hand flew to her neck, covering the hickey as her face flushed with panic. “It’s not what you think!” she blurted out, her voice unsteady. “I… I got bitten by a mosquito last night. That’s all it is.” The excuse was so flimsy, so ridiculous, James almost wanted to laugh. But he didn’t. Instead, he forced a small smile and reached out to pat her hand reassuringly. “It’s fine,” he said softly. “I believe you.” Inside, James felt hollow. It doesn’t matter anymore, he thought to himself. In just two days, I’ll be gone. Out of her life, out of this mess. She can keep her lies, her secrets, and her lover. None of it will matter to me anymore.

James sat alone on the couch, shrouded in darkness, as if he had melted into the shadows themselves. The faint glow of his phone broke the silence. A new message. It was from Adam. “I know you and Laura are getting married the day after tomorrow, but do you really think a wedding means you’ll own her forever?” “Here’s a fun thought: if I ask her to spend the night with me, do you think you’ll even see her before the ceremony?” James didn’t reply. He leaned back into the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling above him. In his heart, he already knew the answer. The moment Adam’s message arrived, the truth had been laid bare. And yet, some small, fragile part of him clung to hope. Hope that Laura—the woman he had loved for six years—might surprise him. Might prove him wrong. Laura, meanwhile, had also received a message from Adam. She got out of bed, her footsteps soft as she walked into the dimly lit living room. “James,” she said gently, her voice breaking the silence, “I have to go on a business trip for the next two days. I’ll leave tomorrow morning, but don’t worry—I’ll be back in time for the wedding.” “I need to pack a few things,” she added. “You stay home and get some rest, okay?” Of course. James thought to himself. The room remained shrouded in darkness, but James’s eyes burned like embers, piercing through the shadows. For a moment, his gaze was so intense, it was as if he had come alive again—his final surge of emotion before everything inside him collapsed. Before Laura could leave to pack, James stood up. His voice was soft, almost pleading. “Laura,” he said, his tone trembling slightly, “I’ve been feeling so anxious lately. I can’t shake the unease. Can you… can you not go? Just stay with me until the wedding. Please.” He stepped closer to her, taking her hands firmly in his. The desperation in his voice was unmistakable. “Business opportunities come and go,” he whispered. “But these days, these moments—we’ll never get them back. I need you right now.” His eyes glistened with unshed tears, his vulnerability laid bare for the first time. “I need you. Please, just stay with me.” Laura froze, startled by the raw emotion in his voice. She had never seen James like this before—so open, so broken. Without thinking, she reached out and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. “Okay, okay,” she said softly, her voice soothing. “I’ll stay. I won’t go. I promise.” James held her tightly, his forehead pressed to her back, his arms locked around her waist as if he were afraid she might vanish. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to believe that things could go back to the way they used to be. That her warmth, her presence, still belonged to him. But then, Laura’s phone lit up again, the glow cutting through the darkness like a knife. She reached for it, glancing at the screen. Another message from Adam. “Laura, I miss you so much. You’re about to be someone else’s wife, but tonight, can you be mine one last time?” Attached to the message was a photo of Adam, wearing nothing but a provocative costume. His smirk was full of confidence, his words dripping with temptation. “If you come over, I’ll do whatever you want.” James felt it. Her body stiffened in his arms. He could sense the subtle shift in her breathing, the way her skin warmed under his touch—excitement, longing. But it wasn’t for him. Laura gently pried his hands away from her waist, turning to kneel beside him on the bed. She rested her forehead against his, her voice soft but unwavering. “I’m sorry, James,” she said. “This is really important. I can’t skip it.” “But after the wedding, I’ll take some time off. A long vacation, just you and me, okay? I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” She didn’t wait for his response. She stood up, walked to the closet, and began picking out clothes for her “business trip.” James stayed where he was, his arms still wrapped around nothing but air. He leaned forward, forehead pressed to the spot where her back had just been, as if trying to hold onto the warmth she had left behind. But it was gone. And so was she. In that moment, something inside James finally broke. He didn’t cry. He didn’t scream. He didn’t even feel anger anymore. Instead, there was only a stillness—a numb, overwhelming quiet. He wrapped himself in the blanket, no longer caring whether Laura loved him or not. No longer caring about the memories they had shared or the promises they had made. He reached for his phone and opened the notes app, reviewing his plan for the next day. His escape route. His new identity. Chase Ryder. He read through every detail again, committing it to memory.

In a luxurious suite at a five-star hotel, Adam and Laura lay entangled on the bed, their naked bodies entwined in a way that made it hard to tell where one ended and the other began. Laura’s flushed face was still glowing from their passion, her skin marked with deep, violet bruises left by Adam’s lips—a testament to the intensity of their time together. For the past two days and nights, they hadn’t even stepped outside the hotel room. The clothes they brought remained untouched, as if they had no time or reason to wear them. It was as if they were trying to exhaust every last ounce of lust before it was too late. After their latest round, Laura was the first to recover. She sat up and reached for a glass of water, her voice rough and hoarse as she spoke. “Adam,” she began, her eyes fixed on him, “I’m marrying James in two days. I love him. He’s the only man I’ll ever marry, and I need you to understand that.” She paused, her tone growing more pointed. “James is my boundary. You can ask for anything else, but don’t you dare flaunt this in front of him. If you so much as try to mess with him, I promise you’ll regret it.” She narrowed her eyes at him, her glare cutting like a blade. Adam, still sprawled out on the bed, reached lazily for her, pulling her back into his arms. He nodded, but it was clear he wasn’t taking her warning seriously. Laura looked at him, her irritation fading into something softer. Stroking his hair gently, she allowed herself a small, indulgent smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll still take care of you after the wedding,” she said, her voice light, almost playful. “But we won’t see each other as often as we do now. Things will be… different.” For a moment, her thoughts drifted to James, sitting alone at home. Was he lonely? Was he sad? What was he thinking about, so close to the wedding? Her phone buzzed, cutting through her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw James’s name. Her lips curled into a smile. Of course he’s thinking about me, she thought. We’re so in sync—it’s why I love him. She reached for the phone, but Adam grabbed her wrist, pinning it to the bed. “Not yet,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “We’re not done.” Laura hesitated, but Adam’s mischievous grin and the fire in his eyes reignited something in her. The phone fell from her hand as she gave in to him once more. The room filled again with heat and muffled moans, while James sat alone on his bed miles away. He stared at his phone, the screen still lit with the unanswered call. His suitcase was packed, sitting neatly by the door. He didn’t move, his thoughts swirling like a storm. Finally, he let out a bitter laugh and muttered to himself, “She’s probably wrapped up with Adam right now.” When the call went to voicemail, James sighed deeply, as if releasing the last of his lingering doubts. He picked up his suitcase, walked out the door, and climbed into the waiting car. “Take me to the airport,” he said quietly. The car disappeared into the neon-lit night, leaving behind nothing but silence and emptiness in the home they had once shared. There was no love left here. At dawn, Laura caught the first flight back to Harbor City. She had arranged for someone to meet her at the airport and get her to the wedding venue as quickly as possible. She was in a hurry. She couldn’t wait to see the man she had dreamed of marrying for so many years. When she arrived at the venue, dressed in her wedding gown and veil, she was even a little early. Smiling to herself, she glanced at her watch, her heart swelling with sweetness. Today’s the day. I’m finally marrying James—the man I’ve loved for six years. The man I’ve always dreamed of being with. The car pulled up to the location James had promised—the “secret venue” he had mentioned just days ago. She stepped out, her makeup flawless, tears of joy welling in her eyes. Her smile was radiant. She could swear this was the happiest day of her life. But there were no guests waiting for her. No red carpet. No wedding march. No flowers, no tables, no arch, no balloons. Nothing. The summer wind blew across the empty lot, the scorching July sun beating down mercilessly. There was no sign of James. Her heart sank as a creeping sense of dread began to take hold. She rushed back to the car and grabbed her phone, dialing James’s number. The call went straight to voicemail. She tried again. And again. Each time, the same mechanical message played, cold and unfeeling. Her chest tightened, panic rising as she dialed over and over, desperate for him to answer. But he never did. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Laura collapsed to the ground, her phone slipping from her trembling hands. Her vision blurred, her mind spinning. And in that moment, she knew. The man she thought would always stand by her side, the man she thought she had wrapped around her finger… James was gone.

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I Supported My Wife in Her Career, Only to Find Out She Betrayed Me When her grandmother passed away, my wife, Patricia Rowland, claimed she needed to mourn and refused to be intimate with me for two years. She landed a major project in Ganlria and left for six months. The day before my birthday, I noticed a payment record for a maid outfit. I thought it was a surprise for me. Traveling 1,242 miles to see her, I discovered the truth. On her computer’s WhatsApp, a man had sent her a private message: [Baby, wait till you see how I punish you tonight!] A moment later, Patricia replied: [I can’t. Leopold Benton is here today.] He responded instantly: [Such a nuisance!] [Don’t let him touch you!] Patricia replied with a laughing emoji: [You’re such a jealous guy.] I stared in disbelief at the messages. Then, I glanced at the unwrapped maid outfit and the accompanying adult toys. What I thought was my birthday surprise was meant for someone else. I scrolled through their chat history. It was filled with flirty, suggestive exchanges and everyday musings, from work projects to little things like flowers and random musings. I closed my eyes helplessly. Suddenly, I understood why Patricia, once so eager to share her life with me, had grown distant. I thought she was busy with work, but it wasn’t her work keeping her preoccupied, it was another man! I clicked on his profile. His WhatsApp ID was Can’tHelpTeasingYou, while Patricia’s was SweetSurrender. I once thought she chose that name because of me. But the fool here was me. On his Instagram, I found a recent post. The two of them stood on Ganlria Tower, kissing passionately. Patricia tilted her head back, eyes closed, utterly immersed. The image stabbed at my heart. I remembered the first time Patricia and I rode a Ferris wheel. I was so terrified that I was drenched in sweat by the time we got off. She hugged me, promising we’d never ride one again. The woman in the photo seemed like a stranger to me now. I scrolled further. There was a photo of the man holding a new drone with the caption that read, “Birthday gift from my baby!” Last month, Patricia had asked me about the trendiest drones, saying she needed to buy one for a client. I recommended that exact model. Continuing, I saw a picture of her wearing a large diamond ring on her left hand. The man held her hand, kissing it gently. The diamond overshadowed the tattooed ring from our wedding vows, vows which she promised. Her promise from back then still seemed to echo in my ears. “I’ll engrave your name on my finger, so we’re bonded for life.” Now, she accepted another man’s ring, erasing those memories. Their shared life played out in the photos, attending concerts, wearing matching outfits, and adopting a pet together. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply before opening them again. I gritted my teeth. Suppressing the ache in my chest, I calmly recorded everything, their chats, his WhatsApp number, every detail. Then, I carefully wiped my fingerprints off her computer mouse.

When Patricia returned, she came back carrying a cake, her tone cheerful. “Happy birthday, honey!” After lighting the candles, she urged me warmly. “Make a wish, dear.” I smiled, reaching to touch her face. “It’s been so long… How about tonight?” Her expression shifted, and she instinctively stepped back. “Stop it. I’m not in the mood today.” A smile froze on my face, and my expression darkened. Sensing my change, Patricia grabbed my arm. “Don’t overthink it. I’m still mourning my grandmother’s death. You know how close I was to her. She practically raised me while my parents were away. I promised to mourn her for two years.” I sneered, “From what I know, there’s no custom in your hometown about avoiding intimacy during mourning, is there?” “It’s my fault, Leopold. Can you give me a little more time, please?” she said. When she saw my gaze fall on the open package, a flicker of panic crossed her face. She explained, “Honey, don’t misunderstand. This is something Barbara DeLeon bought and sent here. She’s new to dating and shy. I was planning to give it to her tomorrow.” Recalling the messages I had just seen, I clenched my fists quietly. I already knew she’d refuse me, but it still stung. She pulled a box out of her bag and handed it to me. “Here, a birthday gift for you.” It was a pair of ordinary running shoes. When I thought of that drone worth tens of thousands of dollars, bitterness rose in my chest. “Oh, by the way, how long are you staying this time?” she asked. I sneered, “How long do you want me to stay?” She froze for a moment and then smiled, “Of course, I wish you could stay with me forever. But you know, the company’s project is just getting started, and I really can’t take much time off.” She added, “I’m afraid you’ll get bored by yourself. How about this? I’ll take a break tomorrow and show you around Ganlria. That way, you can get back to work sooner, too.” Hearing the distance in her words, I pretended to be considerate and nodded. The next day, she took a cab to work. I installed two cameras, one in her apartment and another in her car. I knew the priority now was to gather evidence. She took a half-day off and spent the afternoon showing me around Golden Park. The whole time, she was busy replying to messages, occasionally laughing softly. When I looked over, she explained it was work-related. At dinner, she meticulously picked the spices out of my food, just as she always did. For a moment, I felt like she was still the woman I once knew. Then her phone rang. She instinctively rejected it. She gave me an apologetic look. “Honey, there’s an emergency at the office I need to handle. “Take your time. I might be back late tonight.” She kissed my cheek before leaving. I swallowed the wave of disgust that rose in me. Not long after, I heard her car start. I hurried to pay the bill and then flagged a cab. The driver asked, “Where to?” “Follow that red BMW,” I said.

Later, I turned on the camera in Patricia’s car. “I told you not to call me today,” she said sharply. The man chuckled, “I missed you.” “Ugh, you’re so smooth-talking,” Patricia replied, her tone playful. “I’m heading to the office. Wait for me there.” “We could go to a hotel,” the man suggested. “It’s too risky. Leopold has friends around here. Fine. I’ll make it up to you later,” Patricia cooed him for a while before hanging up. Her car pulled into the project department. I went to a café across the street and sat in a booth by the window. From there, I could see her in her office through the window. At some point, a man appeared in her office. His face wasn’t clear, but I knew he was the one. Patricia called me. “Honey, are you asleep?” I forced myself to stay calm, and I knew this wasn’t the right time to confront her. “Not yet.” “Ugh, something went wrong with the handover this morning. I’ll have to work late tonight.” “Don’t overwork yourself,” I replied, pretending to be understanding as usual. “Okay, I’ll bring you some late-night snacks when I get back. Go sleep now.” After hanging up, I watched through the window as the man grabbed her phone and tossed it aside. He pushed Patricia against the desk. In one swift motion, he lifted her onto the desk, positioning himself between her legs. Patricia resisted weakly, but the man walked to the window and pulled the curtains closed. Even with the curtains drawn, their silhouettes were cast clearly against the fabric. A sudden clap of thunder shook the sky, and heavy rain poured down. Raindrops pelted against the windows, making a loud, rhythmic sound. My wife was cheating on me with another man on a desk. I sat in a private booth, holding up my phone to record the scene. I wanted to rip them apart! I wanted everyone to see these two despicable cheaters. But I knew that blurry footage wouldn’t be enough. I needed to calm down and plan my next move. As I stared at the glowing city lights outside, my mind drifted back to five years ago.

It was the year the pandemic broke out. I was juggling a part-time job while studying at Moonria University. One day, I got an order to deliver medicine. That was the first time I met Patricia. She was burning with fever, barely able to stand as she clung to the doorframe. I couldn’t ignore her condition. I made her some medicine, but we both ended up quarantined in her house. Patricia was seriously ill. I couldn’t relax for a moment, caring for her around the clock. When the lockdown lifted, we got together. After graduation, I stayed by her side as we started a business in Moonria. We lived in a tiny basement and survived on dry bread and cold water. But I never imagined that one day, she’d betray all we had built together for another man. I first heard the name Brian Ellison in the second year of our startup. Post-pandemic, starting a company was incredibly tough. One day, she came home excited, practically glowing. “Guess what? I met someone amazing today. He gave us a five-million-dollar deal in one go! Our company is saved!” After that, she always prepared gifts for him on holidays. She said it was necessary to maintain a long-term partnership. But I never thought she’d one day offer herself up as part of the deal. They said love without a strong foundation crumbled like sand. I stayed up late coding, building our website, and assembling our core team. I worked hard to study finance, law, and management, all to support her. But against wealth and power, my efforts seemed utterly worthless. I lifted Patricia to new heights, only for her to play the part of a heartless betrayer. I didn’t blame her. I blamed myself for being blind. When Patricia got home, I pretended to be asleep. She set down a late-night snack by my side. “You didn’t eat well tonight, right? I brought you some steak. Try it. I noticed the hickeys on her neck. I smirked coldly. “What happened to your neck?” “Oh, the mosquitoes in Ganlria are so much worse than the ones up north. They’re driving me crazy. I’m going to take a shower,” she said, quickly covering her neck as she avoided my gaze. It was such a poor excuse. Yet it took me until now to see through her lies. I chuckled bitterly and threw the steak straight into the trash. That night, Patricia snuggled up to my arm in bed. I casually turned over, pulling my arm away. The next morning, I packed my suitcase and left early. “I got called back to Moonria for work,” I told her. Patricia sat up groggily. “I’ll take you to the airport.” “No need. Get some more sleep.” She opened her arms for a hug. “Call me when you land, okay?” “Sure,” I replied, ignored my physical discomfort, and played along with her act. I thought of the time years ago when I returned from studying in another city, arriving on a late-night flight. My flight was delayed, and Patricia waited for me outside the airport for five long hours on the freezing winter night. She caught a terrible cold because of it, and I felt guilty for days. After that, I never let her come to pick me up again. As I reached the boarding gate, Patricia texted me. [Are you at the airport yet?] I snapped a photo of the terminal and sent it to her. Then I tore up my plane ticket and called a friend.

My friend Jimmy Andrade was a travel livestreamer with millions of fans, and Patricia’s parents happen to be among his most loyal followers. I asked him to bring Patricia’s parents to Ganlria as part of a special event for his fans. After arranging everything, I sat down in the airport lounge. To avoid raising Patricia’s suspicions, I put my phone on airplane mode. Then, I connected to the surveillance cameras in Patricia’s apartment. I had seen her chat history with Brian before. Today was Brian’s birthday, and Patricia had already planned to celebrate it at her apartment. But my arrival disrupted her plans. Now, I was helping her fulfill them! As expected, Patricia left work early. She came home carrying a large cake along with bags of groceries. She once said cooking would hurt her skin, so I had taken the time to learn and cook for her, always trying new recipes to surprise her. The person I had cared for so much was now happily cooking for someone else. I felt women were truly shameless. Patricia had just set the dishes on the table when Brian entered the apartment. He acted like it was his own home, effortlessly punching in the door code and even slipping into my slippers. He hugged Patricia from behind. “With a lover like you, what more could I want?” “Stop sweet-talking me!” Patricia teased, tilting her head with a playful pout. “Wash your hands and eat.” “No, I want to taste you first!” “Stop it. Leopold left in such a rush today that I still feel uneasy. Let me make a quick call first.” Brian looked annoyed, but Patricia tiptoed and kissed him to calm him down. After that, she picked up her phone and stepped onto the balcony to call me. When she heard the out-of-service message, she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. I checked the time, turned off airplane mode, and called her. “Hey, honey, have you landed?” she asked. “Yeah.” “Alright, then, when you get to the office, could you… Ah!” I watched through the camera as Brian suddenly wrapped his arms around Patricia from behind, his hands wandering all over her. My throat tightened, but I feigned ignorance and asked in a hoarse voice, “What happened?” Through the phone, I heard Patricia’s shaky moan. “Nothing… I just spilled water on my hand. I’ll call you back… Ah!” I called again on purpose, but Brian snatched her phone and turned it off. “What are you doing?” Patricia grabbed his misbehaving hand. “Humph. You care so much about him. It’s making me jealous.” “I’ve already given you my heart and body. Isn’t that enough?” “No, I want you to have my child,” he declared arrogantly. “A child? That depends on whether you’re up to the task.” “How dare you question me? Fine, I’ll make you beg for mercy tonight!” When he mentioned having a child, I thought she would refuse. She once told me she disliked kids and wanted to be child-free with me. I respected her wishes and never pushed her. Now, she wanted to have a child with that scumbag. Listening to their vulgar words, I thought I had grown numb. But why could I still feel the sound of my heart tearing apart? She was blatantly cheating with another man, yet still acted like she loved me deeply. I thought, “How shameless! Since you’ve decided to throw away your dignity, why should I bother preserving it for you?” Jimmy texted me to confirm the plan. Without hesitation, I packaged the footage I had just recorded and sent it to Patricia’s family group chat. Then, I turned off my phone.

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