Category: English

While negotiating with an important client, I had my phone on silent all day. Who knew that when I got back, I’d be stopped by my fiancée Livia’s male secretary, Parker: “You didn’t reply ‘received’ in the work group chat today. That’s a five-thousand-dollar fine!” I assumed he didn’t know about my work schedule and paid him no mind. The next day, Livia actually kicked me out of the company, with Parker fanning the flames on the side. “The company has long had a rule that you must reply to work messages within two minutes. You’re using your high position to break the law yourself—isn’t that setting a bad example?” Livia actually spoke up for him too: “You’re showing contempt for the rules! You’re suspended. You’ll stay suspended until you pay up!” I looked down at the materials I’d worked so hard on for the bidding project and laughed. Then I called my eldest sister, Porter. “I’ve got a fifty-million-dollar winning bid project to give you. Also, I’m accepting that job offer you made before. I’ll start at your company in three days.”

“What’s this? You’ve finally come around? Didn’t you refuse to come back even when I offered you a million-dollar annual salary?” Porter’s tone was full of teasing. Thinking of how Livia had made me leave the company because of Parker, I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. “Don’t even mention it. As long as your company doesn’t have rules like ‘get fined if you don’t reply received in the work group within five minutes,’ that’s good enough. I’ll report to your place in three days.” “Then it’s settled. You can’t back out this time!” Not long after I finished talking with Porter, Livia called me. “I left the bidding documents in my car. Come get them for me.” Parker’s deliberately amplified voice came through. “Ms. Livia, these tasks are what I, as an assistant, should do. How can we have Mr. Joseph do them? Mr. Joseph already resents me after being fined today. Let me go instead…” That stern female voice didn’t even think twice before comforting him. “It’s so hot out, and you have a weak constitution—you’re not suited for running back and forth. Besides, he showed contempt for company rules. You were just doing your duty by giving him a friendly reminder.” “Joseph, I’m only giving you ten minutes. If I don’t see those documents, pack up your things and leave the company!” The call was hung up mercilessly. I stood there stunned for a long time, then laughed at myself mockingly. My fiancée had scolded me without question for the sake of another man. She’d even made me take over what should have been someone else’s task because she felt sorry for him. I still went to get the documents—after all, I still needed to hand things over for my resignation. Livia took the documents. I was about to bring up resigning when, without even looking at me, she handed the documents directly to Parker. “I’m announcing something now. Because Joseph showed contempt for company rules, I’ve decided to demote him.” “From now on, Parker will take over Joseph’s position. Joseph will be demoted to assistant to support his work.” Parker looked at her with flattered surprise. “I… Ms. Livia, you’re so good to me!” “It’s just a bit hard on Joseph. But you’ve been Vice President for several years now and had enough leisure time. You should work as an assistant for a while to get some proper training.” Listening to Livia heap praise on him, my heart felt as if it were being strangled by a pair of hands—for a moment, the pain left me unable to breathe. Everyone at the company knew I was Livia’s fiancé, but under her management, I’d never received any special treatment because of that relationship. On the contrary, she was even stricter with me than with ordinary employees. I started from the bottom, drank until I ended up in the hospital, secured countless projects—all just to make it to Vice President. She always said, “I don’t want you to be treated differently because you’re my fiancé. This is how I’m tempering you.” But when it came to Parker, her principles could bend again and again. Parker’s face was full of smugness as he pulled out several reimbursement forms. “Joseph, when you’re in a position, you do the work. So I’ll have to enforce the rules. These are receipts from the hotels you stayed at on previous business trips.” “The company has long said we need to cut costs, yet you still stayed at five-star hotels. You’re just an assistant now—these expenses can’t be reimbursed.” Livia snorted coldly and praised him. “You’ve just taken over and already know how to create profits for the company. My judgment really is excellent.” My fingertips dug deep into my palms as I forced myself to stay calm. “You can give the Vice President position to whoever you want, but I won’t accept this assistant position.” “I came here specifically to resign. And Livia, let’s cancel our engagement.”

[Your onboarding procedures are all set. Just come report for duty the day after tomorrow.] I received Porter’s message while I was packing my luggage, preparing to leave what had once been our wedding home. Livia came back with Parker. Seeing me at home, she frowned. “Why are you here?” My hands paused in their movement. I couldn’t help but reply sarcastically. “You must have forgotten—this is my home too.” She seemed not to have expected this attitude from me, who had always been so compliant. After a moment of surprise, she softened her tone. “Parker’s neighborhood has had security issues lately. He’s now the company’s Vice President with significant authority. As his superior, I should naturally show concern.” “So I’ve decided to let him stay at our place for the time being, until he’s saved enough money to move out.” This was clearly an announcement, not a request for my agreement. Parker stepped forward with fake sincerity. “Joseph, I don’t want to intrude on your and Ms. Livia’s life either, but Ms. Livia was so worried about me being alone that she insisted I stay here.” “She even said that you’re older and more tolerant, so you wouldn’t mind these things.” Over these years, I’d heard countless provocative remarks like this, but this time my heart was already unmoved. I picked up my luggage and said coldly. “Do as you please. I already said the engagement is cancelled. Who you want to bring into this room has nothing to do with me.” Near the entryway, Livia suddenly grabbed my hand, saying with displeasure. “A whole night has passed and you still haven’t calmed down? Yesterday you embarrassed me in front of so many people and I didn’t even make an issue of it. What exactly are you trying to pull?” “Pull?” I laughed mockingly, pressing down all the questions I wanted to ask her and Parker. Looking at this carefully decorated wedding home, I suddenly felt pathetically foolish. In this house, she had once knelt on one knee to propose to me. “Joseph, I promise you—I’ll never let you suffer even a little bit ever again.” In the past, whenever we had even the slightest conflict, she would immediately put down her work to comfort me. But now, knowing full well that I was upset, she dealt with it by giving me the cold shoulder for a night to “calm down on my own.” I shook off her hand and said flatly. “I’m serious about cancelling the engagement. I’ll have you submit my resignation letter for me.” Parker suddenly rushed forward to block me, bowing and apologizing profusely. “Joseph! This is all my fault! I shouldn’t have come here and made you think I was taking your place!” “I’ll resign right now and never appear in front of Ms. Livia again!” With those words, he rushed out the door. Livia clenched her fists tight, pushed me away hard, and roared furiously. “Joseph! Won’t you be happy until you’ve driven Parker to his death?! The whole company has been talking about him because of yesterday’s incident. He only fined you to set an example for everyone else!” “If he doesn’t live and travel with me, he’ll be ostracized by everyone at the company! This is me atoning for your sins! There’s nothing between Parker and me—can you please put away those filthy thoughts of yours!” I crashed into the cabinet by the door, my lumbar vertebrae nearly breaking. And she left with a slam of the door, not even looking back once.

I prepared my onboarding documents to go to Porter Group, but just before leaving, Livia’s secretary called me. “Mr. Joseph, Mr. Parker hasn’t approved your resignation letter. He wants you to come to the company in person. This is also Ms. Livia’s instruction.” Ms. Livia’s instruction—this was clearly forcing me to go back. Without the resignation procedures completed, the bidding project would still be with Livia’s company. That project was something I’d negotiated by humbling myself countless times. Now that it had finally won the bid, I had to take it with me. Parker looked down at me condescendingly and threw the resignation letter on the ground. “Sorry about that, Joseph. You were Vice President for so many years and you still can’t write a proper resignation letter? You didn’t even clearly write out the project handover. I can’t approve this.” Looking at the resignation letter that had been revised dozens of times on the floor, I clenched my fists and laughed mockingly. “Deliberately targeting me? Parker, I just don’t bother competing with you. Otherwise, with your qualifications, how would you even deserve to sit in the Vice President’s seat?” I picked up the letter and looked at him coldly. “Speaking of which, you did remind me. The projects I’ve worked on over the years all involve the company’s lifeblood. It really isn’t your place to approve them.” Parker arrogantly blocked my way and stuffed a lacy lingerie nightgown into my hands. “Oh, you’re going to see Ms. Livia? Perfect. Help me return this nightgown to Ms. Livia. Last night, Ms. Livia saw I was in a bad mood and insisted on wearing this to cheer me up.” “Let me tell you, never mind firing you for not replying to a message. Even if I said you entered the company with your left foot first and that was wrong, Ms. Livia would listen to me and tell you to get lost!” “Oh, I almost forgot—this outfit got dirty last night when we both got a bit excited. Joseph, wash it for me before you return it. You’ve done plenty of laundry and cooking anyway.” Rage surged from my feet to my head. I could no longer hold back and swung my fist at his face. “Parker, you’re actually proud of being a homewrecker?!” The force clearly wasn’t that great, yet he fell to the ground with a thud, covering his face and crying out in admission of fault. “Joseph, I was wrong, but the resignation letter must follow proper procedures! Hitting me won’t help—anyone would have to follow this process!” Following his words came an aggressive sound of the door being kicked open. Livia looked at him on the ground and, without a moment’s thought, raised her hand and slapped my face. “Joseph! You actually dared to hit Parker!” A burning pain spread across my face. Looking at Livia’s bone-chillingly cold eyes, it took me a while to realize what had happened. “Apologize.” She spoke icily, looking at me with eyes like ten-thousand-year-old ice, piercing me until my whole body went cold. “Won’t you even ask what happened?!” My eyes reddened. I felt my head splitting with pain. I could barely stand steady. “You hit Parker and you still think it’s Parker’s fault?! You’re being completely unreasonable now. Get out of my way! I need to take Parker to the hospital!” She pushed me aside impatiently. With my ears ringing and head dizzy, her push actually made me fall to the ground. She paused while holding Parker’s hand, about to come help me up, when Parker suddenly cried out. “Livia, what do I do? My head feels so dizzy. I don’t know if Joseph’s punch just now injured my brain!” Anxiety filled Livia’s eyes. She looked at me, then at Parker, and finally let go of me. Before losing consciousness, what echoed in my mind was still that deafening slap. And that hard-to-believe yet unavoidable truth. The woman who used to make me breakfast every day had actually raised her hand against me for another man’s sake.

When I woke up, I found myself carried to Livia’s office, lying on the cold floor. Parker was lying on the couch while Livia tenderly disinfected the minor scratches on his face. Hearing me regain consciousness, she turned around, her tone unfriendly. “The doctor already came by. Your punch almost gave Parker internal injuries. Parker is kindhearted—he’s waiving the medical fees.” “You should apologize to Parker.” Parker’s eyes were full of smugness. “Joseph, I really can’t speak up for you this time. The whole company knows you hit me. If there’s no response, how can I establish my authority in the future?” “I’m not asking you to do much—just apologize. Tomorrow I’ll post the video of your apology to the employee group chat, and we’ll consider this matter closed.” I struggled to get up and handed the resignation letter to Livia. “You really don’t need to humiliate me like this. I won’t apologize. Sign it.” She glanced disdainfully at the resignation letter and sneered. “Still trying to use this tactic to threaten me? Where could you possibly go after leaving my company? Don’t think I don’t know—you just don’t want to apologize, so you’re using resignation to scare me.” “Joseph, this is your last chance. If I really sign this, you’ll regret it when it’s too late.” “Apologize!” Anger had already colored her face, but my attitude remained firm. My hand holding out the resignation letter hung frozen in midair. She suddenly laughed coldly twice and snatched the resignation letter, signing it. “Fine! Let’s see where you’ll find another place that lets you live such a life of luxury after leaving me!” “Get out!” Under the watchful eyes of everyone at Livia’s company, I packed up my things and left without looking back.

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My girlfriend Lillian’s entire family was taken hostage, and as SWAT team members, we headed out together for the rescue. During the firefight, I took a bullet while covering Lillian. Just as I was relieved that I was wearing a bulletproof vest, I noticed blood seeping through where I’d been shot. Upon inspection, I discovered that the bulletproof vest Lillian had given me was actually just a cotton vest. Faced with my pained and confused gaze, Lillian said coldly, “I swapped your vest and gave it to Carmen. He’s a rookie—his reflexes aren’t as sharp as yours. He needs to wear two vests to be safe.” Clutching my wound, I demanded furiously, “Didn’t you think I could die from getting shot?” Lillian’s face filled with anger after hearing this. “How can you be so inconsiderate of a rookie? It’s just one bulletproof vest, isn’t it?” “Besides, it didn’t even hit anything vital. What are you screaming about?” I knew arguing was pointless. After bandaging my wound, I sent a message to my dad, Chief Johnson, asking for backup: “I’ve been shot and need rescue. Also, this rescue mission needs to be temporarily canceled.”

Soon after, Lillian, as team captain, received orders from the chief to cancel the mission. She grabbed me by the collar, her eyes blazing. “You’re the one who filed that report, aren’t you?” “Don’t you realize my family is in the terrorists’ hands right now? Every second we delay puts them in more danger.” “You actually requested to cancel the mission—are you trying to get them killed?” When she yanked me like that, my freshly bandaged wound tore open again, blood spilling onto the ground. I pressed hard against the wound on my ribs, enduring the pain as I responded, “We were ambushed midway, which proves the enemy was prepared. Going to rescue them now would be walking into a trap.” “And I’ve been shot—is there something wrong with requesting backup?” Before Lillian could respond, Carmen cut in with a sarcastic tone. “Jones, I hate to say it, but you’re part of the SWAT team. You want to retreat over a little flesh wound?” “I’m embarrassed for you!” “Besides, the hostages we’re rescuing are Captain Lillian’s family—your future family too. You think you can just decide not to save them?” “Are you just a coward, or does Lillian not mean enough to you?” With his instigation, the other team members started criticizing me too. “Jones, if your skills aren’t up to par, you need more training. Running away will only make everyone look down on you more!” “We have a tradition of light wounds not leaving the front line. You want backup for a little scrape? The other teams will laugh at us.” The searing pain was unbearable, and my teammates’ mockery pushed me over the edge. I released the pressure on my wound and pointed at the blood gushing from it. “Are you all blind, or have you lost your conscience? You call this a flesh wound?” The other team members fell silent after seeing my injury, except for Carmen, who still wore a mocking, disdainful expression. “Are you proud you got shot? Showing it off like some kind of honor display.” Lillian walked up with a look of contempt. “Why is everyone else fine except you got shot?” “It’s because you slack off during training, so you’re useless in real combat. And you have the nerve to complain?” I wanted to defend myself, but the piercing pain made me not want to say another word. As I continued losing blood, my vision grew increasingly blurry, everything before me swaying. Fortunately, I had sent out that distress signal in time, or the consequences would have been unthinkable. Just when I thought Lillian would order a retreat, I heard her command everyone to keep moving forward. “Everyone, move out. While the terrorists aren’t on alert yet, let’s take down their hideout in one strike and rescue the hostages.” I struggled to my feet, gritting through the pain. “You… you want to disobey orders?” The corner of Lillian’s mouth curled as she said coldly: “I’m the field commander for this operation. I have final say!” “I won’t let some coward interfere with the smooth execution of this rescue!” Seeing her crazed state, I knew arguing was pointless and stopped trying. “Lillian, I understand you’re desperate to save them, but I’ve been shot. I can’t keep moving with you all. I can only wait here for rescue.” “No way!” Before Lillian could give orders, Carmen spoke up first. He looked at me sinisterly. “If we leave him here, he’ll definitely tell the chief that Captain Lillian deliberately disobeyed orders.” “To clear herself of that charge, we have to take him with us!” “If he dares talk nonsense, we’ll pin the whole disobeying orders thing on him!”

The other team members, intimidated by Lillian and Carmen’s authority, echoed their agreement. I looked at the ice-cold Lillian and said emotionally, “Lillian, counting today, I’ve saved you four times.” “The first time was four years ago. I dug you out of a pile of corpses and carried you for three days and nights to get out of the desert.” “You were so moved you cried, saying you’d spend your life repaying me, vowing to never betray me.” “I know I don’t matter to you anymore, but I hope you can give me one chance to escape, for the sake of how many times I’ve saved you.” Hearing this, Lillian seemed slightly moved and was about to speak when Carmen interrupted. “Lillian, you can’t be too soft-hearted.” “Leaving him here will ruin everything!” “The rescue operation might get canceled because of one word from him.” At this, Lillian’s brows furrowed as she looked at me coldly. “Don’t try to blackmail me with those things. That’s all in the past.” “For this operation, you’re the only one familiar with the enemy’s terrain. If you don’t go, how can we rescue the hostages?” “That’s right! Jones has to go. Don’t think you can play dead here!” Carmen quickly chimed in. Looking at these two disgusting people, I knew reason wouldn’t work, so I played my last card. “Don’t mess around. Police Chief Johnson is actually my dad. If you treat me like this, he won’t let you get away with it!” “Ha ha ha…” Carmen laughed maniacally. “That’s hilarious! Jones, I never thought you’d be such a coward that you’d claim random people as your father just to save your life.” The others mocked me too. “How could Chief Johnson have a son with a completely different surname?” Lillian even slapped me hard across the face. “Jones, I’m ashamed to have a boyfriend like you!” “If you spout one more word of nonsense, I’ll blow your head off!” With that, she actually pressed her gun to my forehead. I knew they were determined to take me along, so I stopped explaining but made one request. “I’ll go with you, but you have to make Carmen return that bulletproof vest to me.” “I’m injured and can’t move easily…” “Shut up!” Before I could finish, Lillian cut me off sharply. “You’re injured, so naturally you have no combat capability. Why waste a bulletproof vest?” “I’ll say it one more time—Carmen is participating in combat for the first time and has no experience. He must have two bulletproof vests to be safe!” Watching Lillian speak these biased words with such righteousness, I couldn’t help feeling heartbroken. I never imagined that my girlfriend, who once had eyes only for me, would disregard my life and death for another man. Ever since Carmen joined the team, she’d been acting possessed, her eyes constantly following him. Before, I thought she just enjoyed looking at handsome guys, just eye candy, nothing more. After all, we’d survived life and death together many times—she couldn’t possibly betray our years of feelings. Now it seemed I was terrifyingly stupid. Seeing I still wasn’t moving, Lillian clicked a round into the chamber with a loud snap and pressed it against my forehead. “Don’t think I won’t shoot. Get up now. Move!”

Left with no choice, I clutched my wound and struggled to my feet. “I’ll help you, Jones.” Carmen walked over with a fawning expression. Before I could refuse, he viciously struck my wound with his gun butt, making tears stream down my face from the pain. I endured the pain and shoved Carmen away hard. “Get lost!” Carmen let out an exaggerated cry and fell dramatically to the ground. Without a word, Lillian came forward and shoved me hard. “What are you doing? Carmen was trying to help you, and you push him?” Carmen took the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. “I wore Jones’s bulletproof vest, so it’s normal he’s angry. I don’t mind taking some abuse if it helps Jones calm down and properly lead us to rescue the hostages.” Hearing this, Lillian’s eyes blazed with fury. She came forward and slapped me twice across the face. “Don’t think you can bully him just because Carmen is kind-hearted. I won’t allow it!” “If you dare hurt him, I’ll make you pay back double!” She used all her strength with those slaps, making my ears ring and my face burn, but my heart hurt even more. I had no energy to explain, nor did I want to. “I can walk myself. I don’t need his help.” “You don’t need my help—you just want to take the chance to run away.” Carmen looked at me maliciously, speaking in a sarcastic tone. Lillian glanced at me with disgust. “Jones, you keep causing trouble. If you delay my rescue, I definitely won’t let you off!” Then she turned to Carmen. “Watch him. If he makes any suspicious moves, execute him on the spot.” “Anyway, we’re in a combat zone right now. Any accident can be explained away.” I knew she said this deliberately for me to hear, and I knew she was capable of it. These team members were all trained by her. Even if she really did something terrible to me, they would definitely take her side. A wise man doesn’t fight when the odds are against him. I just hoped the rescue team would arrive soon. After Carmen helped me up, he dragged me forward at a run, completely ignoring that my wound was bleeding more and more. After a violent sprint, my breathing became increasingly difficult, my vision darkening, as if my heart would stop beating at any second. Just then, several dark figures flashed through the alley ahead. Lillian called out in a low voice, “Take cover. Suspicious persons ahead.” Before Lillian finished speaking, Carmen shoved me forward hard, throwing me right into the intersection of two alleys. At the same time, the clicking sound of a machine gun being loaded came from not far down the alley. I knew if I hesitated another second, I’d be turned into swiss cheese. I used what little strength I had left and threw myself toward the wall corner. Unexpectedly, when I crashed into it, the wall collapsed with a crash. As the wall fell, gunfire erupted by my ears. Fortunately I dodged quickly, or I’d be dead. Taking advantage of their engagement, I crawled over the collapsed wall and hid in a small dark room. I used my locator to send another distress signal, hoping the rescue team could find me soon. The gunfire outside rang out for a while before stopping quickly. Looked like they’d encountered a small force that retreated after exchanging fire. Hiding in the little dark room, I didn’t dare breathe heavily. My enemies weren’t just the terrorists, but also those teammates who wanted me dead. I stared at that door missing a corner, both hoping the people coming to save me would push through soon, and fearing that whoever came through would be there to harm me. Just as I was torn with anxiety, the door creaked open.

A tall, thin figure pushed through the door with a sinister smile. When I fully made out his features, my heart sank. Damn, it was that bastard Carmen. I tried to curl myself into as small a ball as possible, praying in my heart he wouldn’t see me. “Stop hiding, Jones. I can see you.” I looked up to find the bastard was already right in front of me. I forced out what breath I had. “What are you here for?” Carmen smiled darkly. “To rescue you, of course, my good teammate.” “Get away from me. I’d thank God if you just didn’t harm me.” “Don’t be so proud. I found a bottle of iodine to disinfect your wound.” With that, he reached out to tear off my bandage. I tried desperately to push him away, but having lost too much blood, my hands were powerless and couldn’t stop him at all. After he ripped off the gauze, he actually stuck his finger directly into my wound and tore it viciously, ripping my wound into a gaping hole as blood gushed out. “Ahhh…” The piercing pain made me scream involuntarily, and then I kicked Carmen flying, sending him crashing into the wall. That kick used all my remaining strength. Carmen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, brushed the dust off his backside, and smiled coldly. “I just performed a little surgery on you. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine soon.” “I have no grudge against you. Why do you have to harm me…” “No grudge? You…” Just then, Lillian burst through the door with others. Seeing people arrive, Carmen immediately fell backward, clutching his chest and wailing. “Jones, I was just trying to bandage your wound. Why did you kick me?” Hearing that I’d kicked Carmen, Lillian immediately rushed over to kick me, but Carmen grabbed her. He probably feared Lillian would see my torn-open wound. “Forget it, Lillian. I can’t blame Jones for being angry at me. If I hadn’t worn his bulletproof vest, he wouldn’t have been injured. It’s normal for him to hate me.” “Carmen, you’re just too kind. But you have to choose who deserves kindness. Someone like Jones—no matter how well you treat him, he won’t appreciate it.” “Today I’m definitely going to teach this ungrateful bastard a lesson for you!” With that, she shook off Carmen and charged at me furiously. Just as she lifted her foot to kick me, her expression suddenly changed and she froze completely. “You… how are you hurt this badly? You only got shot in the ribs—how are your intestines hanging out?” I used my last bit of strength to point at Carmen. “He… it was him…” “He means I was the one who bandaged him.” Before I could finish, Carmen interrupted me. Carmen looked utterly righteous. “When I found Jones, he was already like this. He probably caught his wound on something while escaping and tore it open.” At this point, he looked around slowly and said, “Looking at it now, Jones’s injury is beyond saving. It’s time we made a decision.” Lillian asked worriedly, “You mean…” “Exactly. He’s in this condition now—we definitely can’t take him with us. If he falls into the terrorists’ hands, he’ll inevitably reveal our whereabouts.” “Better we end his suffering now. It’ll let him go peacefully and prevent the risk of our location being exposed.” Carmen spoke with such righteousness, as if he was doing this entirely for my benefit. Hearing they wanted to make a move on me, everyone looked hesitant. Seeing their hesitation, Carmen continued, “If you’re not afraid of Jones leaking information and getting everyone killed here, just pretend I didn’t say anything.” Hearing this, Lillian finally took a stance. “Let’s do as Carmen says. This way we’re helping Jones reduce his suffering.” Hearing the captain had spoken, the others could only agree. Carmen had someone bring over a basin of water and took out some paper towels. “We each take a paper towel, soak it in water, then press it over his face. In just a few minutes, he’ll stop breathing.” “This way we all have a part in it, so no one will dare report us.” Hearing this, everyone lowered their guard and started soaking paper to cover my nose and mouth. After several sheets were placed over my face, my breathing became increasingly difficult. Just as I thought I was about to die, suddenly a team burst through the door, the leader shouting sternly, “Stop!” Everyone froze when they saw who had arrived.

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My younger sister Ella had a rare disease. The slightest touch would leave her covered in bruises, and a fall could shatter her bones completely. She was our family’s “porcelain doll.” Growing up, the words I heard most often were that I had to protect Ella at all costs. So when she fell down the stairs right in front of me, I didn’t hesitate to throw myself beneath her. Ella was fine. But I broke my leg and would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. After that, the words I heard most often changed to: “Anna, Ella will be grateful to you.” My parents’ praise made me even more devoted to protecting Ella. But after I protected Ella yet again, strange text appeared before my eyes. [Actually, Anna is pretty pitiful. She’s protected Ella for so many years, and she’ll die still believing Ella really is a “porcelain doll.”] [This is her fate—destined to be nothing but a tool to protect Ella!] I didn’t believe this nonsense. Until the day Ella fell and there was no swelling, no bleeding. She got up like nothing happened and sighed: “How much longer do I have to keep up this porcelain doll act!”

My deformed fingers unconsciously gripped the wheelchair armrest. That was from when Ella was three and ran into the street to grab a toy. I saved her but got run over by an electric scooter. Three of my fingers were nearly crushed and could never bend again. But even then, I hadn’t protected Ella well enough. Her knee scraped against the gravel road, blood flowing freely. When my mother arrived, she didn’t even glance at me, rushing Ella straight to the hospital. By the time she remembered me, the doctor said it was too late. My fingers would never bend again. Even so, my mother punished me when we got home. “Anna, can’t you put more effort into protecting Ella!” I don’t remember what the punishment was. My mother had too many different ways to punish me. But that disappointed shout and the pain of my broken fingers remained crystal clear in my memory. After that, I protected Ella even more recklessly. My gaze moved from my twisted fingers to Ella in the distance. At home, she always sat quietly on the sofa. Couldn’t run, couldn’t jump. Carefully playing her role as a “porcelain doll.” But now she was jumping freely to reach the leaves overhead. Chasing butterflies back and forth. Her pale arms scraped against tree branches. No bruises. No bleeding. Just a faint red mark that quickly disappeared. Ella had said, “How much longer do I have to keep up this porcelain doll act?” So she really was like those comments said—she wasn’t sick at all. [To get Anna’s protection, Ella has really suffered.] [Playing “porcelain doll” at home every day must be suffocating.] I lowered my eyes. So this was what Ella called suffering? When I looked up again, a familiar figure appeared beside Ella. I couldn’t help but sit up straighter. Did my mother know Ella was faking? The next second, I saw my mother gently tap Ella, her tone reproachful: “What if Anna sees you like this?” My breath caught. Ella pouted impatiently: “I’ve been pretending for fifteen years.” “I’m so tired. Can’t you just stop having Anna pick me up from school? I can get home by myself.” She clung to my mother’s arm, acting cute. In the past, my mother always gave in when Ella acted cute. But this time she shook her head, her tone leaving no room for argument: “No. There are too many dangers on the way to and from school. Anna must protect you!” I looked down at my broken body. Ella’s muttering drifted over: “I’m not really a porcelain doll. Can’t I just relax for this little bit of time?” My mother rarely put on a stern face, even her tone becoming heavy: “I said no and I mean it. You’re a porcelain doll in my eyes, and you can’t get hurt at all!” Their voices gradually faded into the distance. I stood behind the tree, almost turning into a statue. Only when their figures disappeared around the corner did I slowly move my eyes. So it was all fake. They’d lied to me, tricked me into recklessly protecting Ella for fifteen years.

When I got home, cheerful laughter drifted hazily from inside. The moment the key entered the lock, all sound stopped. I struggled to wheel myself through the door. Despite being extremely careful, I almost fell to the floor. I’d begged my mother so many times to have someone remove the threshold at the entrance. She always said okay, okay, okay. But no one ever came. Yet the foam padding on every corner of the house was replaced within a minute if even a single piece was missing. Thinking of what I’d just witnessed, I opened my mouth, my voice hoarse as I called out, “Mother.” No one answered. When I looked up, I found my mother staring coldly at me. She demanded: “Why didn’t you pick Ella up just now?” “Do you know Ella almost got hit by a car on her way home! If I hadn’t happened to be there, Ella would be in the hospital right now!” I looked at my mother’s face, flushed red with anger. I thought inappropriately that my mother really understood me well. Every time she said something like this, I would protect Ella even more carefully out of guilt. Even those floating comments knew it. [This trick of my mother’s never fails. Brilliant!] [After she says this, I feel like Anna would use her life to protect Ella next time.] Once a habit forms, it becomes automatic. I was stunned by my own “I’m sorry.” But my mother’s lips curved with satisfaction, seeming pleased with her tactic. “Since you know you were wrong, go bring Ella’s dinner over right now!” For the first time, I stayed rooted in place. I opened my mouth, wanting to ask why they lied to me. But I never dared to speak. Finally, I said softly: “I’m not feeling well. I want to go to my room to rest…” My mother froze. This was the first time I hadn’t obeyed her. After recovering, she furrowed her brow and raised her voice: “Go bring Ella’s dinner over, then you can rest!” Their eyes both fell on me, the cripple. Various chaotic emotions tangled together. I ignored my mother and turned my wheelchair around to head to my room. But my mother grabbed me. Her expression was ugly: “Anna, what’s wrong with you today!” “You didn’t pick up Ella, and now I ask you to bring Ella her dinner and you won’t do it. Are you trying to kill her!” My gaze swept across the distance from the living room to the kitchen—less than thirty feet. Even if Ella really was a “porcelain doll,” what could possibly happen? My mother followed my gaze and said coldly: “Have you forgotten how Ella got that scar on her head!” I hadn’t forgotten. Of course I hadn’t forgotten. That was the first time I came home in a wheelchair after breaking my leg. Ella went to get her own dinner and tripped. I couldn’t reach her in time. Ella’s head hit the floor, bleeding profusely. My mother and father nervously took her to the hospital. They were gone for half a month. I was forgotten. I could only sit in my wheelchair, struggling to make food for myself. I slept in my wheelchair for that entire half month. But when they came back, the first thing my mother and father did was blame me for not protecting Ella well enough. I raised my head, my eyes filled with a calm close to death: “I’m really tired.”

The pulling force disappeared. My mother instinctively let go. It wasn’t until I returned to my room and closed the door that her dissatisfied muttering drifted over faintly. [Anna is really strange today.] [Could she have found out that Ella being a porcelain doll is fake!] I ignored the shocked comments. My gaze swept across mine and Ella’s room. Bunk beds. She had the bottom, I had the top. Because my mother was afraid she’d be in danger climbing the ladder. I rubbed the thick calluses on my palms. All these years I’d relied on these hands to climb up and down. At first, I fell countless times. I’d asked my mother many times to change to two single beds, but it always came to nothing. It seemed like my requests were never fulfilled. The comments paused for a moment. [Don’t you think Anna is kind of pitiful?] [Pitiful? She’s just a tool to protect Ella. That’s her mission.] I smiled bitterly. The front door opened and closed. My father was home. His first words were usually to ask about Ella. Then, after noticing I wasn’t shadowing and protecting Ella as usual, he’d ask about me. It wasn’t hard to guess what my mother would tell my father. The bedroom door was soon knocked on. “Anna, come out. I have something to say to you.” I didn’t respond. My father quickly lost patience. The door was pushed open forcefully, slamming into the cabinet behind it. That was the only space in the entire room that belonged to me. From the impact, the dance costume and shoes hanging on the cabinet fell to the floor. My father didn’t even look before stepping on them. It lay quietly on the ground. Just like me. “Anna, what kind of tantrum are you throwing today?” my father’s voice was heavy. He was truly angry. My mother snorted coldly behind him: “This girl must be resentful because we keep making her protect Ella!” My father immediately put on a stern face, looking at me disapprovingly: “Anna, you’re the older sister. Isn’t it natural for you to protect Ella?” “What’s more, Ella is a porcelain doll!” What about my father? Did my father know Ella’s illness was fake? The question was almost on my lips, but my father’s voice drowned everything out. “Your mother says you’re tired. What’s so tiring about sitting in a wheelchair all day?” My heart suddenly felt hollow. The answer didn’t seem to matter anymore. I pressed my lips together, silently enduring my parents’ barrage of accusations. Finally, they seemed tired of talking and looked at me with confusion. Probably wondering why I’d suddenly changed. My mother’s eyes were ice-cold: “Fine, be stubborn. You don’t get any steak either!” Being denied food was too normal a punishment. After going hungry enough times, I guess I got used to it. They turned and left the living room without closing the door. The three of them laughed and chatted happily at the dinner table. The comments weren’t as active as before. [Anna’s silhouette is making me cry.] [It’s okay, it’s okay. Tomorrow Anna’s nightmare as a tool will end. After she saves Ella on stage and ends up bedridden, my parents will feel too guilty to make Anna protect Ella anymore.] I stared at the comment before me for a long time, then laughed. Was it because of guilt? It was clearly because I’d be bedridden and unable to protect Ella anymore.

The next day was the anniversary celebration at Ella’s school. This wasn’t my first time attending an event at her school. In fact, I’d been to every one. Whenever Ella went on stage, I had to be by her side. Because my parents worried there might be danger on stage. And because my broken leg forced me to drop out of school. So I was always especially happy to hear I could go to Ella’s school. On the way there, I used to excitedly ask Ella all kinds of questions. But I only ever got perfunctory answers. Today I was unusually silent. My mother glanced at me through the rearview mirror: “It’s been a whole night, Anna. Have you figured it out?” My father’s sharp eyes also locked onto me through the mirror: “If you still haven’t come to your senses, your mother and I will just pretend we don’t have a daughter like you!” I looked out the window, taking a long time before responding. “I’ve figured it out.” I seemed to hear all three of them sigh with relief. They automatically assumed I meant I’d continue protecting Ella properly from now on. My mother turned around with a beaming smile: “I knew my Anna was the most obedient!” My father’s gloomy expression also brightened: “That’s my good daughter!” “In a while, I’ll change those bunk beds in your room to single beds.” So the reason they’d refused to change the beds all along was for today. To reward me after I became their tool once again. Ella ate the snacks my mother had made for her and smiled sweetly. “Then thank you in advance, Anna.” In the past, I would have ruffled Ella’s hair and told her it was no problem. And secretly been pleased by my parents’ praise. But today I only managed a stiff twitch of my lips before turning to look out the window again. At school events, Ella usually performed ballet. After I broke my leg, my mother immediately signed Ella up for classes. Under the stage lights, Ella was like an elegant white swan. Her skin was smooth and fair. Not even a tiny scar anywhere on her body. Below the stage, besides the amazed gazes falling on Ella, there were also disgusted glances occasionally cast my way. “They’re from the same mother—how can the difference be so huge?” “The ugly duckling and the swan, literally!” “Why does Anna have to be on stage? To be laughed at?” The disdainful comments stabbed into my ears like little knives. Just like every time before. Except before, my mind was full of protecting Ella, so I never took these hurtful words to heart. I looked across the distance at my parents. They heard them but acted as if they didn’t. Their proud gazes remained fixed only on Ella. Never once speaking up for me. The comments before my eyes suddenly began scrolling frantically. [Here it comes, here it comes! The chandelier is about to fall!] [Anna, get ready! You have to save Ella!] I looked up at the dazzling chandelier overhead. Sure enough, just like the comments said, it was swaying slightly. And Ella, taking her bows on stage, was directly beneath it. I slowly turned my wheelchair amid my parents’ applause and cheers. The next second, the chandelier fell. I looked up and met my parents’ horrified expressions.

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After three consecutive months of receiving bed photos and videos from my Alpha husband’s lover, I publicly posted all the intimate footage on werewolf social media. My husband’s mistress cried her heart out, screaming that she had no face to show in any Pack anymore. The next second, Logan’s call came through, his voice cold as ice: “Delete it.” I didn’t delete it. Ten minutes later, all my accounts were deactivated. The entire operation—Logan only needed ten minutes. Three days later, he came to me with divorce papers, his fingers caressing the back of my neck as he coerced me softly: “It’s just a trick to placate the little omega. Play along.” I nodded and signed my name. He thought I would cry and beg him to come back like I had countless times before. But he didn’t know—I had long stopped wanting to be the Luna of the Blake Pack. Half an hour after signing the contract. Logan would never know how malicious the thoughts of his innocent, harmless lover truly were. Even though I had already signed the divorce papers, she still hired three Rogues to ambush me on my way to my father’s grave. Claws laced with wolfsbane tore open my abdomen. I couldn’t save my child—the last blood tie between Logan and me was severed. The communicator shrilled just as I came down from the hospital operating table. The anesthesia had barely worn off. The twisting pain in my abdomen and the burning sensation from the wolfsbane forced cold sweat from every pore. I answered through the pain. Logan’s icy voice came through: “Ella, move your things out of the main house.” “Okay.” I agreed readily. Five years as mates, and he’d kept one omega after another on the side. To avoid interfering with his trysts with his lovers, he had his deputy arrange a solitary cabin for me in Black Oak Forest, at the very edge of Blake Pack territory. He said: “When I want to find you, I’ll naturally send someone to fetch you. Without my permission, you’re not to step one foot outside Black Oak Forest.” The last time he knelt before me, forehead pressed against the back of my hand, begging me to move back to the main house. He said he’d reformed, that we’d live well from now on. I foolishly believed him and moved back to what should have been my home. But one week later. At Blake Pack’s Blackstone Club, a young omega server accidentally spilled red wine all over Logan. The omega stumbled to his knees like a startled fawn, apologizing with glistening eyes that happened to catch Logan’s gaze. I stood in the shadows on the second floor and saw the way he looked at her. I knew—he’d fallen again. That night, he took that server to the penthouse suite of the club. The news spread throughout the Northern Wolf Alliance overnight. Once again, I became the laughingstock of all the packs. This omega seemed truly special. For a whole year, Logan never tired of her. Recently, she’d grown even more brazen, sending me photos and videos of her with Logan for three months straight. Every word dripped with her ambition to replace me. Until three hours ago. For the first time, Logan placed the divorce parchment before me, his fingers stroking the top of my head: “It’s just for show. Be good, don’t make me angry.” My eyes reddened as I hesitated to put pen to paper. No matter how outrageous his behavior before, this document symbolizing complete severance had never appeared. But now, he stroked my head methodically, as if soothing a bristling kitten. I knew better than anyone the consequences of angering Logan. Just like this time—with a flick of his fingers, he could solve all the troubles for that omega named Mia. So I signed my name, leaving only one word: “Okay.” Returning to the main house, I didn’t see Logan or Mia. Old Mabel, the housekeeper, immediately approached when she saw me: “Miss? How was the prenatal checkup? Is the baby alright?” My face turned ashen as I shook my head. I had originally planned to tell Logan tonight that I was pregnant. But in just a few short days, I had lost this child. “I was attacked.” Under Mabel’s shocked gaze, I slowly spoke, “Even if I hadn’t been attacked, this child wouldn’t have been born into happiness.” Before Mabel could respond, the main house door was kicked open. Mia wore Logan’s black trench coat, carrying a pile of luxury gift boxes, with a dozen bodyguards behind her also laden with packages. Seeing me, Mia showed no surprise. She lazily leaned against my chair, smiling sweetly, though her words were laced with poison. “I’ve never understood—Logan treats you like this, yet you still won’t leave. What are you clinging to?” “Yesterday I said I wanted strawberries, and he braved a blizzard to run fifty kilometers to pick them for me. Have you ever received that kind of treatment?” I fell silent for a moment. Yesterday was the memorial day for my father, the former Alpha of Blake Pack. When I contacted Logan, he told me he was too busy. Turns out, he was busy picking strawberries for Mia.

I clenched my clothes tighter. Once upon a time, Logan was the person who loved me most, aside from my parents. He was my father’s most trusted Beta deputy. Since I was ten years old, he had always stood silently behind me. He said: “My duty is to protect Ella.” When I was a child with a fever of 104 degrees and the pack doctor was helpless, he carried me thirty kilometers through a rainstorm to find the best physician, staying by my bedside all night. When our territory was attacked by a bear pack, he shielded me with his body, letting bear claws tear open his back, blood soaking through his clothes. He endured the pain without a sound, still gently comforting my terrified self. On my coming-of-age ceremony, my father gave us his blessing. He placed the black wolf fang necklace symbolizing Blake Pack’s authority around Logan’s neck. “If you ever change your heart, I won’t hesitate to take her away. My daughter has never lacked for people to love her.” Logan clenched his fists and solemnly promised he would never change. He said: “I want to make you the happiest person in the world.” Our relationship was the envy of the entire Northern Wolf Alliance. One year after our marriage, my father died accidentally during a hunt, and Logan took over all Blake Pack affairs. Pack business was overwhelming. He collapsed into the hospital several times from exhaustion after taking office. I felt so sorry for him that I learned to cook, hoping to ease some of his fatigue. And every time he returned from a hunt, he would bring me a bouquet of my favorite lilies, saying these were flowers filled with love. He would watch the stars with me and hold me as I fell asleep. When exactly did everything change? I think it was probably after he completely transformed into the unquestionable Alpha of Blake Pack. He began having endless social obligations, spending every day at the Blackstone Club. When he came home, he reeked of pungent, unfamiliar perfume. Facing my questioning, he smiled and explained: “It rubbed off from people the cooperating pack leaders brought. Don’t overthink it.” He used one clumsy excuse after another, wearing down my unreserved trust time and again. Until he completely controlled Blake Pack’s power and subdued all the elders who opposed him—then he stopped bothering to pretend. And I foolishly remained immersed in the prison of love he wove for me. The first time I caught him cheating was at the full moon hunt victory banquet. At the feast, he was nowhere to be seen for a long time. Pack members had already started gossiping, so I had no choice but to check his location and discovered he was at the pack headquarters. All along the way, I grumbled about him not taking care of his health. When I pushed open the office door, I was still holding a cake I’d made myself. But on his desk sat the remains of a candlelit dinner, and clothing was scattered all over the floor. When I kicked open the door, Logan’s face showed not a trace of panic. He gently covered the person beneath him with a blanket, casually wrapped a towel around himself, and when he looked up at me, his eyes were as cold and indifferent as a block of ice. “Close the door. If you have no shame, she still does.” His composure made me look like a pathetic clown. I rushed forward like a madwoman to drag out the mistress, but Logan slapped me so hard I saw stars. In the chaos, I saw clearly the woman on the bed— it was the omega nurse who had changed his bandages the last time he’d collapsed into the hospital. The little nurse was terrified, tears streaming down her face: “Luna Ella, don’t misunderstand. I only came to deliver healing herbs. We had some drinks, and in our confusion…” Logan pressed his lips together, his cold eyes fixed on me: “Ella, I’m warning you, don’t lay a finger on her.” So his lilies filled with love were nothing more than casual compensation after his wild revelries outside.

From then on, the women around him changed one after another. He no longer cared about anything to do with me, finding even my existence annoying. It seemed only business profits and different omegas to bed could make him feel the meaning of life. I gradually became numb in the enormous sense of loss. Until one day, I no longer expected him to appear before me. I ignored Mia’s cold mockery and sarcasm, turned to go upstairs to get my black wolf pendant and documents, then hurried back down. Coming downstairs, I saw Mia rifling through the bag I’d left on the sofa. My breathing hitched as I rushed forward and snatched the bag back. Mia spread her hands and rolled her eyes: “Nothing valuable anyway. Why so nervous?” I felt for the hospital report at the very bottom of the bag and breathed a sigh of relief. Mia walked up to me and suddenly grinned: “I heard you encountered a Rogue attack yesterday. You’re really lucky to be alive. You look perfectly fine.” Looking at her smug face, I was about to step forward and teach this lowly omega a lesson, when Logan returned. He glanced at me, his tone casual: “Did you drop something?” I smiled and smoothly tucked the documents back into my bag: “Nothing.” Logan fell silent for a moment. Just as I lifted my foot to leave, he pulled out two black cards and held them before me. “Border Fortress Hotel presidential suite. Stay there for now. Yesterday… I really was busy.” Busy? Busy picking strawberries for Mia counted as business? At this moment, I only found the man before me utterly disgusting. I smiled sweetly, and the next second, delivered a resounding slap across Logan’s face. I shook my numb palm, my smile unchanged: “Logan, you’re truly disgusting. A Beta deputy who rose through the old Alpha’s favor, who by chance took the Alpha position—have you forgotten how you once begged me to help you stabilize the opposing forces?” I had never spoken words so cutting to him before. Logan didn’t strike back, but his expression darkened instantly, his gaze growing ominous. Before he could react, Mia grabbed the ashtray from the table and smashed it hard against my head. Warm blood flowed down from my temple. My head spun, and the living room lights suddenly became unbearably bright. Mabel rushed forward to support me, shouting anxiously at Logan: “Alpha Logan, don’t you know that Luna Ella she…” I stopped Mabel. “Mabel, I’m fine.” The man before me showed no reaction, only casually glancing at Mabel, his voice cold and cutting: “Mabel, remember clearly whose servant you are. Since she’s already divorced me, she’s no longer Blake Pack’s Luna.” Mabel looked at me anxiously. I gently shook my head. Saying anything to him now was meaningless. He was no longer the Logan who would smile and bend down to listen to me. Logan nervously held Mia’s slightly trembling hand, his tone tender enough to drip water: “Does your hand hurt from hitting her? Did any glass cut you?” Mia sobbed softly and shook her head: “It doesn’t hurt… I just couldn’t stand seeing someone bully you…” The light illuminated the gentleness in his eyes as he looked at Mia: “Silly girl, bullying me doesn’t matter, but I can’t let you be wronged.” Hearing this, Mia immediately became smug, her eyes full of provocation as she looked at me: “For that slap just now, I’ll return it to you tenfold.” Seeing Logan say nothing, Mia shook his arm coquettishly: “You’re Blake Pack’s Alpha. If word gets out that you were slapped, how humiliating would that be? How could you command respect?” Logan still didn’t relent. Seeing this, Mia stood on tiptoe and whispered something in his ear. Logan finally smiled with satisfaction, wrapping his arm around Mia’s waist and kissing her lightly on the lips: “Alright, I’ll listen to you.” I staggered back several steps, staring at the two people before me in disbelief. The bodyguards immediately shoved Mabel aside roughly and stepped forward to grip my wrists tightly. I began struggling frantically, but was frozen in place by Logan’s fierce gaze: “Logan! You…”

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At eight months pregnant, I accidentally discovered that my husband, Ethan Smith, was having an affair with my adoptive sister who had come to take care of me. When I caught them, his tone was flat: “So you saw everything? Actually, I started sleeping with her when you were three months pregnant. Every night for the past few months, I’ve been with her… Who told you to always refuse me during your pregnancy?” I couldn’t help but raise my hand and slap him. “You bastard! She’s my sister!” But Stella knelt before me, tears streaming down her face. “Natalie, don’t blame Ethan. I was the one who initiated it…” My head was buzzing, my body swaying, and Ethan caught me in his arms. I shoved his hands away. “Why?” Stella bit her lip, struggling to speak. “I’ve always liked him…” I slapped her across the face. Ethan pulled her behind him, his eyes cold as ice: “I’m a man. I have needs. Isn’t this arrangement better? She’s your sister—we’re all family. Would you prefer I cheat with someone else?”

I stood frozen, my throat feeling like it was stuffed with cotton. Ethan sighed helplessly and gently wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes. “Natalie, your pregnancy hormones are just making you overthink things. Don’t get so upset—it’s bad for the baby.” The familiar features before me suddenly seemed like a stranger’s. So he did remember I was pregnant after all. Stella scrambled to her feet and headed for the kitchen, her legs still trembling as she walked. “Natalie, what would you like to eat? I’ll make it for you…” Their eager expressions made me wonder if everything I’d just witnessed was a dream. “When did this start?” Ethan frowned. “January 25th. That day you went for your prenatal checkup and asked Stella to deliver some documents to me. I couldn’t control myself…” The bright red hickey on his neck stabbed at my eyes. The baby in my belly kicked again. My lower back ached so badly I couldn’t straighten up, and tears fell in heavy drops onto the floor. So it was that day. I had taken a taxi to the hospital alone—waiting in line, getting my number, going through the checkup. I’d asked Ethan if he could come with me, but he said he had work. I’d asked Stella if she could help me, but she said after delivering the documents, her school advisor needed her assistance. My legs were swollen from pregnancy. Someone bumped into me at the hospital, and I nearly had a miscarriage. Meanwhile, my two closest people were tangled together on his office desk. I had made excuses for him, thinking he was just too busy. I never imagined he was busy in my sister’s bed. I was the only fool. Ethan suddenly crouched down and rubbed my legs. “If you hadn’t found out, you wouldn’t be upset. Wouldn’t it have been better to just play dumb?” Nausea surged in my stomach. I kicked him in the chest. “Ethan Smith, you disgust me!” But he used the momentum to help me onto the sofa. “If this makes you feel better, you can kick me a few more times.” As I struggled, my hand touched something on the sofa. I looked down. A pair of torn stockings. The blood in my veins seemed to freeze. Ethan hesitated, wanting to say something but holding back. Stella came out carrying soup. When she saw what was in my hand, her face went white. She rushed forward anxiously to explain. “Natalie, it’s not what you think…” Ethan calmly took the stockings, his tone casual. “No need to make such a fuss. Yesterday you said your stomach hurt, so I went to sleep in the study. Actually, I just tried it with Stella on the sofa. You didn’t even notice. It was quite thrilling.” Tears blurred my vision. I bolted up and rushed to the bathroom, retching violently. Outside the door came Stella’s worried voice. “Natalie, are you okay? Ethan was just talking nonsense. Don’t get worked up—your health is what matters. You still have a baby to think about.” The nausea only deepened. I stared at my swollen belly in despair. Why did it have to be at eight months? Why did it have to be Stella? All my life, I’d given way to her in everything. So she could go to college, I dropped out early to work. When she needed a place to stay in college, I let her move into the home Ethan and I shared. The thousand-dollar tablet in her hands—I bought it without blinking. The dress she wore, even those stockings—last week while shopping, she casually mentioned her legs weren’t smooth enough, and I bought them for her. I opened the door and stared hard at Stella. “Haven’t I been good enough to you?” Stella ingratiatingly handed me a bowl of soup, her voice careful. “Natalie, eat something first. We can talk after you’ve eaten, okay?” I knocked the bowl from her hands. The scalding soup splashed onto the back of her hand, leaving it bright red. “I don’t need your fake kindness!” Stella’s eyes instantly reddened. “Natalie, how can you say that about me!” Ethan’s expression darkened, glaring at me with displeasure. “Take your anger out on me if you must. Stella cares about you. Is there really a need to make such a big deal out of nothing?” He rubbed his temples while gently wiping Stella’s tears. “See? I told you we absolutely couldn’t let Natalie find out. Your parents were right—Natalie has such a difficult temperament. Now that she knows, this house is going to be turned upside down.” Stella looked at me with tears in her eyes, the picture of grievance. My throat tightened. It had always been like this since childhood. “I’m taking Stella to the hospital. You stay home and reflect on yourself!” The door slammed with an earth-shattering bang. I collapsed weakly into a chair, but soon a strange smell came from the kitchen. In their rush, they hadn’t even turned off the gas… I struggled to move my body toward the door, only to discover that Ethan had broken the lock when he slammed it. I desperately called Ethan’s phone. Ring after ring, he hung up every time. Finally, on the last call, he answered, his voice laced with impatience. “Can you stop being so paranoid? Because of you, Stella cried her voice hoarse, asking me over and over if you really hate her. She genuinely cares about you.” I dragged my heavy pregnant belly, my whole body weak and powerless. “Ethan, I…” “I’m still trying to comfort Stella. If there’s nothing important, I’m hanging up.” The dial tone sounded in my ear. The smell of gas had nearly filled the entire house. I finally despaired. Ethan Smith, I won’t love you anymore.

When I woke up, my mother was lying by my bedside. From extreme grievance and fear, I instinctively hugged her, my voice choked. “Mom…” “Ethan is having an affair.” My mother cut off my tearful complaint. My heart felt like it was being crushed by a giant hand. “Over such a small matter, do you really need to act like you want to die? Which man doesn’t cheat?” My emotions surged. “But the person he cheated with is…” Her tone was calm. “I know.” I looked up in disbelief, staring into my mother’s clouded eyes. Not a trace of guilt, only dissatisfaction with me. I grabbed my mother’s arm, my voice breaking. “You knew? You knew and you still…” “Men have work stress and need an outlet. It’s bad enough that you as the wife don’t understand.” “Women outside would cost money. Your sister is clean. Isn’t it good that she’s helping share your burden? What are you making a fuss about?” Her mouth opened and closed, every word criticizing me for being unreasonable. My mind went blank. Even though I’d long known her favoritism had no bounds. Even though I’d long known Stella was the apple of her eye. I still couldn’t comprehend it. I screamed and questioned her in despair. I thought she could at least show some concern for me, but instead she said, “When I gave birth to you, my body was ruined because of you. Since you were little, you’ve been an ungrateful wretch, always fighting with Stella over things. Now you even want to fight with Stella over a man!” My fingertips nearly drew blood. My phone chimed with a special notification. Stella had updated her social media: “Feeling down, so Ethan swept the whole claw machine arcade for me.” I was lying in the hospital from gas poisoning. My husband was accompanying Stella to check out the newest Western restaurant, playing at claw machines with her, taking her to Disneyland. “If you can’t hold onto your man’s heart, who’s to blame?” My mother’s light mockery made my red-rimmed eyes seem especially pathetic. When Ethan and Stella returned, I was still in the hospital waiting to give birth. “Natalie, I’m sorry. When I was cooking, I forgot to turn off the gas. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have…” Stella cried like a pear blossom in the rain, but I didn’t even bother to look at her. She cried harder. “Ethan, is Natalie mad at me? I’m so stupid—I can’t even handle such a simple thing.” Ethan gently comforted her. “It’s not your fault.” He looked at me, seemingly displeased with my attitude. “Natalie, Stella is apologizing to you. Are you deaf?” I suddenly felt like laughing, but tears fell traitorously instead. Ethan realized his tone was too harsh and softened it, pulling out two plush toys. “I know this scared you. I asked the doctor—you and the baby are fine. Stella is still young. She even brought you the dolls you like.” The necklace around Stella’s neck was blindingly conspicuous. It was the wedding gift I’d asked Ethan for over an entire year. To this day, my neck remained empty. Was I only worthy of these cheap dolls? I nearly bit through my lip. “In what capacity are you speaking up for Stella? Ethan? Her lover?” Ethan’s expression darkened bit by bit. He laughed coldly. “No wonder your mother doesn’t like you.” “Stella is sunny and cheerful, unlike you—petty and small-minded. If I were your mother, I would also…” I looked up in disbelief. Ethan’s eyes showed panic. “That’s not what I meant…” From my earliest memories, my mother had disliked me. Even with two chicken drumsticks, she’d give both to Stella. When I was little, every friend I made would be drawn to Stella and become her friend instead. Every late night, I hated myself for not being as likable as Stella. It was Ethan’s appearance that told me even if I wasn’t perfect, he would always stand by my side. But now, even he stood on Stella’s side. My tears poured out like a broken faucet, uncontrollable. I grabbed things and threw them at him, breaking down. “Get out! Just get out!” Over the next few days, perhaps from guilt, Ethan and Stella came to the hospital to see me every other day. Baby diapers and supplies, all kinds of pregnancy nutrition meals appeared endlessly. “Natalie, didn’t you always say you really liked this necklace? I specially bought it for you.” The necklace I’d wanted for so long was placed in my palm by Ethan, yet it felt cold to my heart. One year and three months. He knew I liked it but never thought to buy it for me. I raised my head and finally spoke the words I’d been holding in my heart.

“Let’s get divorced.” We spoke in unison. I looked up in shock, only to see a flicker of joy in Ethan’s expression. “That’s great—Natalie, you know about it?” Confusion crossed my face. Ethan had already pulled out divorce papers. “Here are the divorce documents. If everything looks good, just sign.” “After all, you and I have wronged Stella. I’ll get a marriage license with her, and you can give her the spousal work assignment quota. Consider it compensation.” “Don’t worry, you’ll actually still be my wife. Anyway, I’ll support you. Being a housewife from now on isn’t so bad.” By the time I finished signing, I finally registered what Ethan had said. “Ethan Smith, do you remember what you promised me?” Ethan paused, as if trying to recall. Clearly, he’d forgotten. Back when I’d been trying to conceive for two years, gave up my position in the capital, took countless ovulation injections to have this child, he’d promised me, “You’ve sacrificed so much for me. Even after you have the baby, I’ll make sure you have work.” Now he wanted a divorce and to give the spousal quota to Stella. The door opened, and Stella walked in. “Natalie, are you feeling better?” Ethan warned me with his eyes not to say anything. I smiled through my tears. “How can I be better with a homewrecker like you around? Seducing my husband isn’t enough—now you want to steal my work quota too. Stella, you’re shameless beyond belief.” Her face went deathly pale. Tears fell like broken pearls. Ethan’s face darkened. “Natalie!” “Am I wrong? She’s barely twenty and already knows how to climb into her brother-in-law’s bed! Isn’t that slutty?” I raised my voice. People around us looked at her with mockery. Ethan shielded her in his arms and sneered at me. “Who’s sluttier than you? At eighteen, you worked part-time at a bar, got drugged, and when I took you to the hospital, you refused. You insisted we do it in the woods…” Contemptuous jeers rose around us. My face flushed red and white with shame and anger. I rushed forward to hit him. Stella suddenly blocked him and took the slap. “Natalie, blame me if you want. It’s all my fault. Ethan already works so hard.” “Natalie, what’s gotten into you!” Ethan’s eyes flashed with heartache as he pushed me back hard. My belly slammed into the corner of the table, and blood pooled beneath me. Ethan shouted for a doctor in shock. Stella cried and hit him. “Natalie, I didn’t mean to. Please don’t let anything happen to you…” Ethan cried as he watched me being wheeled into the operating room. In the darkness, the surgical forceps opened, tearing pain. I cried my heart out as my life flashed before my eyes like a movie. It was eighteen-year-old Ethan on the grass, fingers intertwined with mine. “Natalie, I’ll be good to you for a lifetime.” A lifetime turned out to be only seven years…

The baby was premature and went into the incubator. Ethan grabbed my hand guiltily, eyes reddening. “Natalie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push you. After this summer ends, I’ll make Stella leave our home.” I turned away, tears flowing silently. After being discharged, Ethan locked me in the house. He even hid my phone. The first day, they only brought me three meals. I held my newborn baby and cried myself hoarse. The second day, I smashed everything in the room and cut my hand. The third day, Ethan finally came to see me. I demanded hysterically why he wouldn’t even give me the freedom to move around. He frowned as he bandaged my hand, his eyes helpless. “Your emotions are too volatile right now. I’m afraid you’ll go out and ruin Stella’s reputation. She’s still a young girl. We can’t destroy her life over your momentary impulse, can we?” Stella beside him cast me a sympathetic look. “Natalie, don’t worry. I’ll do that job well, and I’ll maintain your friendships for you too.” My heart felt like a piece of flesh had been carved out. I was disheveled and deathly pale. “Ethan Smith, what gives you the right to let someone else replace my life! Is this what you call love?” Ethan froze for a moment, his patience exhausted. “When you learn how to be a magnanimous mother, I’ll naturally let you out.” He wanted me to learn to be a magnanimous mother, yet he stripped away my marriage, my work, my freedom. Meanwhile, under his protection, Stella enjoyed everything that should have been mine. I covered my face, laughing until tears streamed down. The baby beside me suddenly began wailing. I touched the child’s burning forehead, and my heart twisted like a knife. “Ethan Smith, let me out! Nathan has a fever!” I beat frantically on the door, my nails leaving bloody streaks. The crying finally brought Ethan. He frowned. “What are you making a fuss about now?” I begged without dignity. “Ethan, look at Nathan! He’s your son! He’s really going to die!” Hesitation and conflict flashed in his eyes. “But…” My mother suddenly entered. With one glance, she said lightly, “Making a mountain out of a molehill. You had fevers when you were little too. Just give him some fever medicine. You’re making such a scene—could it be because… Stella got confirmed in her position today, and you want to go ruin her work?” Ethan’s expression instantly darkened. “Natalie, enough is enough. When did you become so unreasonable? You’re even using your son as an excuse.” I laughed, my whole body trembling. “I’m unreasonable?” He didn’t understand. “Stella is your sister. Why can she accept all this, but you can’t?” It seemed my breakdown and helplessness were nothing in Ethan’s eyes. He answered a call, his face breaking into a smile, and left without looking back. “Mom, Stella’s promotion report is starting. Let’s go.” I looked at the child in my arms with his flushed face, feeling no pain as I desperately kicked the door open. But I was covered in blood. Passing drivers didn’t dare let me in their cars. When I finally got a taxi, I discovered Ethan had confiscated my phone—I had no money for the fare and was thrown out by the driver. By the time a kind stranger got me to the hospital, the doctor shook his head helplessly. “Why didn’t you bring him in sooner? The baby was already premature. As a mother, you’re too careless.” Holding my child’s cold body on the way home, I was dead inside as I lit a fire. In the firelight, the drone of a helicopter was especially jarring, and a figure slowly walked toward me… “Sorry. I came late.”

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After ten years of marriage, I finally got pregnant with the heir to the Sawyer family. On the day of my prenatal checkup, I caught my husband accompanying his first love through childbirth. An hour later, Ethan Sawyer ordered someone to abort my baby and gently coaxed me, “Be good, Aria. Madeline’s health is fragile. Can you let this one go, just this once?” When I didn’t respond, my mother, Clara, slapped me across the face. “Haven’t you caused enough trouble? If it weren’t for you back then, Madeline and Ethan would never have broken up. Think of this baby as your way of atoning to her.” Afraid I’d disturb Madeline during her postpartum recovery, Ethan had my mother take me away. I was sent to the old house in the southern district. The place was chosen specifically because snakes, insects, and rodents frequently appeared there—and I was terrified of these cold-blooded creatures. After Ethan left, my mother sneered coldly. “Your father killed Gabriel. You stole Madeline’s man. Both of you deserve to die.” Watching my lips turn purple, my mother remained unmoved. I struggled to call Ethan for help, but he said, “Aria, you don’t need to do this. You’ll always be my wife, but Madeline—I’ll always owe her.” Ethan didn’t believe me. My mother ignored me. At that moment, I finally understood the destructive power of first love. Not just on Ethan, but on my mother too. I thought, this is fine. Ten years—any debt of gratitude should be repaid by now.

When I woke up, I was already in the hospital. The nurse told me, “Lucky thing someone passing by found you, otherwise you would’ve lost that leg.” Just as I was about to thank her, my mother’s call came through. “Who gave you permission to leave? Aria, are you scheming to harm Madeline again?” My mother’s hysterical voice sounded like she hated me to the bone. Before I could respond, she scoffed coldly. “Aria, you forced my hand.” I didn’t know what my mother would do, but I knew she wouldn’t let me off. Before, for Madeline’s sake, my mother had directly destroyed my father’s grave. She’d said, “Your daughter deserves to die. Now you can atone for her first.” Thinking of this, I quickly called back, only to discover I’d been blocked. I stared helplessly at my phone, still unable to understand. My mother used to treat me well, but ever since I married Ethan, she changed. I still remember how my mother had said, “If you insist on marrying Ethan, I’ll kill myself.” It was only after Ethan talked to her that she reluctantly agreed to our marriage. After the wedding, my mother rarely contacted me. Instead, she grew close to Ethan. It wasn’t until Madeline returned to the country that I understood why. That day was also my birthday, but they both stood me up. Later, they all appeared on Madeline’s social media. That’s when I learned that Madeline was Ethan’s first love, and she was also the daughter of my mother’s first love. How wonderful to be someone’s first love. But me? I was nothing.

My phone suddenly rang, interrupting my thoughts. It was a call from Rose’s nursing home. (My grandmother, Rose.) That uneasy feeling instantly peaked. I quickly answered. “Is this Mrs. Spencer’s family member?” “Yes, I am, I…” “Please come to the nursing home immediately. Your grandmother is dying.” Ignoring the doctor’s warnings, I took a cab straight to the nursing home. But I was still a step too late. Rose had already left me. At that moment, I felt my life was hopeless—until the caregiver showed me the surveillance footage. I saw Ethan bringing Madeline to see Rose. They said, “Aria deliberately framed Madeline and tried to secretly give birth to my child. She deserves to die. It’s all your fault, you old thing, for failing to raise her properly.” My grandmother kept kowtowing. But Ethan remained unmoved. When Madeline said, “Your granddaughter sleeps with old men every day,” Ethan even nodded along. That’s what drove my grandmother to her death. I cried until I was exhausted, until I had no voice left. Ethan, how dare you? Don’t you remember at all? My grandmother watched you grow up. I know I was wrong. Crying, I dialed a number I knew by heart. “You saw everything, didn’t you? My child is gone. I really can’t handle Ethan anymore. Please let me go. My grandmother is dead. I really can’t hold on anymore.” “Yes, your family saved my father and grandmother back then, but now both my father and grandmother are dead because of your family. The debt is repaid, isn’t it? I won’t hold Ethan accountable, but I want a divorce.” Margaret Sawyer (Ethan’s mother) kept apologizing to me. But what good were apologies? My grandmother would never come back. “Alright, I agree.” She booked me a flight for ten days later and promised to help me divorce Ethan. Satisfied, I hung up and sent my mother a message. After all, Rose had passed away—surely she should attend the funeral. For three days, my mother didn’t call once. I was even cursed out on social media. In a mother’s tone, she tearfully said, “I never imagined my daughter could be this kind of person—stealing someone’s beloved, causing her own father and grandmother’s deaths. Can I really keep someone like this? Can you tell me what I should do?” My mother fabricated a perfect lie, with a clear chain of evidence to support it. I wanted to cry but had no tears left. After doing all this, watching me trend on social media, my mother sent me a message: [Hurry up and divorce Ethan. Don’t stand in the way of Madeline’s happiness.] This time I replied: [Fine.] My mother didn’t believe I truly wanted to divorce Ethan. She called to curse at me, saying I was playing hard to get. “Your grandmother is dead. Do you really think anyone will support you now?”

“Clara, you’re my mother. My grandmother was your mother-in-law. Today is her funeral, and she was literally driven to death by Ethan and Madeline. You…” “Enough. If anyone’s to blame, it’s you.” I could imagine my mother’s teeth-gritting expression even through the phone. She said a whole string of things, every sentence stabbing at my heart. I thought, fine. This is it. My mother’s love for me was truly gone. “Clara, if you get Ethan to attend Rose’s funeral, I’ll divorce him.” “What are you scheming now?” My mother still didn’t trust me. She started cursing me, saying I’d die a horrible death, that I’d never bear children. “If Ethan doesn’t come, I’ll never divorce him, even if it kills me. That way, your precious Madeline will be a mistress forever.” I said all this expressionlessly, then hung up. I knew my mother would make Ethan come, because she cared so much about Madeline. Sure enough, halfway through the funeral, Ethan appeared. It wasn’t that I insisted he come. I just wanted Rose to leave with dignity. At the funeral, I was the only family member. Everyone else was pointing and whispering. “Doesn’t the old lady have a daughter-in-law?” “Why didn’t she come?” “Yeah, I heard this granddaughter has a husband too. What’s going on?” “Tsk, abandoned in her old age.” I knew my mother wouldn’t come. Even if she did, she wouldn’t treat my grandmother kindly—she’d probably condemn her in front of all these people. After all, she’d done it before. When Rose discovered my mother treated Madeline better than me, she was furious. She pointed at my mother and demanded, “Why? She’s your biological daughter! Have you lost your mind?” “Yes, I have lost my mind—to have married your son in the first place.” That’s what put my grandmother in a wheelchair. “Aria, Rose…” Ethan seemed shocked that Rose had truly died. Seeing the shock in Ethan’s eyes, I couldn’t help but laugh mockingly. “What are you pretending for? Didn’t you and Madeline go to the nursing home together? Said all those horrible things and drove my grandmother to her death—didn’t you expect this?” “Enough, Aria. We didn’t expect things to turn out this way. Besides, don’t you have any fault in this yourself?” It was still my fault. My fault for trusting my mother. My fault for loving you. “Fine. This is my grandmother’s funeral. I don’t want to argue with you. After this is over, I’ll divorce you.” “I don’t want to divorce you. Stop making a scene. Madeline is still heartbroken. Go back and apologize to her properly, and all this will pass.” “Apologize?” What did I do wrong that I need to apologize? “Those things your mother posted online—even though they’re not true, they still involved Madeline. Now people suspect Madeline is a mistress. How can she not be upset?” “Isn’t she though?” Sleeping with my husband, bearing my husband’s child—if that’s not a mistress, what is? *Slap…* Ethan, as if pushed to his limit, slapped me across the face. “Aria, for Rose’s sake, I didn’t want to make things difficult for you. Do you have to do this?”

At that moment, I felt no pain—only the increasingly strange looks from people around me. I was wrong again. How could I pin my hopes on Ethan? I looked at Rose’s smiling portrait and apologized over and over. I’d messed everything up. Seeing my silence, Ethan finally came to his senses. He wanted to apologize, but I stopped him. Ethan didn’t stay with me for the rest of the funeral because Madeline called saying something happened to the baby. Ethan left in a rush without even telling me. That day when I returned home, I discovered I couldn’t get in. I tried for a while but couldn’t open the door. Then my mother came out from inside. “Get lost. Madeline is living here now. She doesn’t want to see you.” “I bought this house!” I demanded loudly. My mother sneered coldly. “So what? It’s under your father’s name now. We’re married. If I don’t want you living here, you can’t.” Then my mother threw my things out. She said, “If you’re smart, hurry up and divorce Ethan.” That was the last thing my mother said to me. Helplessly, I dragged my suitcase away. Suddenly I didn’t know where to go. As soon as I reached the street, a group of people blocked my way. I didn’t know these people, but they punched and kicked me. They called me a demon, said I deserved to die. From what they said, I knew they were Madeline’s fans. Madeline was a minor influencer with many supporters online. They said, “Divorce Mr. Sawyer right now, and maybe we’ll let you off.” I pulled out the divorce agreement. “I’ve already signed it. I won’t cling to Ethan.” “Smart move.” That day they also filmed a video. My disheveled appearance was posted online and mocked by countless people. Ethan’s company was affected as a result. I knew this was Margaret’s doing. She’d called me before coordinating with the trending topic. “I wanted Ethan to sign the divorce papers without knowing, but he discovered it, and he doesn’t want to divorce.” “But now, for the company’s sake, he’ll definitely compromise first. He’ll probably propose a fake divorce. Agree to it—I’ll make it a real divorce. Though you’ll suffer some grievances.” “Just rumors and gossip. It’s not like I haven’t faced them before. As long as I can divorce Ethan, I’ll do anything.” “I’m sorry, child.” She really was sorry. Back then, when Madeline left Ethan for fame and fortune, Margaret found me and asked me to help Ethan through the darkest period of his life. Later, when Ethan moved past his heartbreak, he held me and said, “Even though my love with Madeline was unforgettable, I only want to be with you now. I want to be with you for the rest of my life.” Unfortunately, men’s promises are like farts—gone once released. That night, Ethan found me looking dejected. “I’m sorry, Aria. I didn’t expect things to turn out this way.” “Let’s get divorced, okay?” “Okay.” Seeing my agreement, Ethan quickly explained, “It’s a fake divorce. Once the company gets through this period, it’ll be fine.” “Okay.” I chose to play along with Ethan. He held me and made a passionate confession. But I turned a deaf ear. That day we filed for divorce. This way the process would be faster. Looking at the proof confirming our divorce, I smiled wistfully. Finally—finally free of this man. For the rest of my life, I never wanted to see him again. I cursed him—may he never meet anyone better than me for the rest of his life. Let him be continuously hurt by Madeline, the woman who hurt him once before. That day, Margaret transferred a large sum of money to me. I transferred part of it to my mother with a note: Retirement fund. I sent my mother a message: [According to government-mandated support, I’ve given you more than enough. This money is the last connection between us as mother and daughter. Take care of yourself from now on.] I visited my father and grandmother one last time, then went to the airport. Before boarding, I posted the presentation I’d compiled during this period online. Why should I sacrifice myself to make them comfortable? Since Ethan always thought Madeline was such a wonderful person, I had to let him know exactly what kind of goods he’d fallen in love with. The moment the plane took off, Madeline’s name hit the trending searches. When Ethan’s assistant found him with his phone, he was playing with the baby. Seeing the trending topic, he nearly dropped the child to the floor. “How is this possible?”

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“Five million dollars. Keep tabs on Mia, and tell me the second she breaks down.” Gideon pushed the check across the desk toward me, his eyes filled with calculation. I picked up the check, verified the amount three times, and slipped it into my bag. “Don’t worry, Gideon. Last night Mia cried her eyes out in the bathroom over you. She even said she’d transfer that oceanfront villa under her name to you as a birthday gift.” Gideon smiled with satisfaction. Walking out of the office, I pulled out my phone and hit save on the recording. Mia would indeed stop breathing. But not until three years from now, when Gideon would have her committed to a psychiatric hospital and killed by electroshock therapy. I looked at the balance in my account and dialed Mia’s number. “Hello, Mia? Your husband just paid me five million to be his spy. How should we split this money?” Evelyn’s POV My name is Evelyn. I’m a scholarship student sponsored by the billionaire Lancaster family, and Mia’s personal assistant. To the outside world, I’m Mia’s lapdog. I bite whoever she points at, with no dignity, driven purely by profit. But they don’t know that just moments ago, when Gideon threw that check at me, a set of memories that don’t belong to me flooded into my mind. In those memories, Mia would be stripped of her entire fortune by Gideon, a man with ulterior motives. Gideon would team up with Lydia, Mia’s father’s illegitimate daughter from an affair. Together, they would gradually drive Mia insane and have her committed to a psychiatric hospital. Eventually, to claim the inheritance, they would stage a not particularly clever medical accident. And I, as Mia’s only loyal ally, would end up crushed to pulp by an out of control truck while trying to expose the truth. Standing outside Gideon’s company building, I stared at the five million dollar check in my hand. It was the largest denomination of paper currency I’d ever seen in my life. I used to think money was everything. Now I think staying alive is. Gideon’s disgusting face still lingered before my eyes. He didn’t just want me to spy on Mia. He also wanted me to slip something into Mia’s food and drinks when he told me to. Gideon called it a sedative, but I knew it was a hallucinogen. One that could destroy her mind. I didn’t refuse outright. I even haggled with Gideon and squeezed out an extra fifty thousand in hush money. Because I knew that in these billionaire family power struggles, so-called loyalty without the weight of financial incentive wouldn’t be believed by anyone. If I hadn’t taken the money, Gideon would have found someone else, or found a way to make me disappear. I hailed a taxi and headed straight to Mia’s luxury apartment in the city center. When I opened the door, the room reeked of alcohol. Mia wore a silk robe, slumped on the carpet, still clutching half a bottle of red wine, her eyes red and swollen from crying. In this state, she really did look like a woman on the verge of a breakdown. If I didn’t know that Mia had just been on a hunger strike yesterday because Gideon hadn’t replied to her messages, I might have actually thought she was mentally unstable. “Evelyn, you’re here.” Mia’s voice was hoarse when she saw me. “Did Gideon reply? Is he still busy? Am I being too unreasonable?” I didn’t answer. I walked over and snatched the wine bottle from her hand, slamming it down on the coffee table with a bang. “Gideon didn’t reply. He’s busy plotting how to get you committed to a psychiatric hospital and swallow your entire fortune.” Mia froze, then flew into a rage. “What are you talking about! Gideon isn’t like that! He just has strong pride and doesn’t like my family looking down on him!” “Is that so?” I pulled out my phone, opened the recording, and turned the volume to maximum. Gideon’s refined yet sinister voice echoed through the empty living room. “Evelyn, I know you need money. Five million, as long as you obey. That crazy woman Mia has been very emotionally unstable lately. Keep an eye on her for me. Also, if Mia does anything extreme, make sure to record it and send it to me. This isn’t just for me, it’s for Mia’s own good. After all, mental illness can hurt people if it’s not treated early.”

Evelyn’s POV Mia’s face instantly turned deathly pale. She stared at my phone as if it were a monster. “This… this must be fake, right? Evelyn, do you need money? Just tell me if you need money. Why would you make something like this to deceive me?” Mia was still being stubborn, but I could see her hands were trembling. I played another segment, the part where I haggled with Gideon. “Gideon, isn’t five million a bit low? After all, Mia’s been good to me. If I betray her, I won’t be able to survive in this circle anymore.” “Five hundred fifty thousand. Not a penny more. Evelyn, know when to be satisfied. Once I gain control of the Lancaster family, you’ll have your share of benefits.” When the recording finished, I slapped the check on the table. “This is the down payment from Gideon. The rest he said he’d give after the job is done. Mia, do you still think Gideon’s just protecting his pride?” Mia picked up the check with trembling hands. After seeing the signature and seal clearly, she suddenly let out a scream, grabbed the wine bottle, and rushed toward the door. “I’m going to kill Gideon! That bastard! I’m going to kill him!” I grabbed Mia around the waist and dragged her back, throwing her onto the sofa. “What can you do besides get yourself killed if you go now? If you charge into Gideon’s office with a wine bottle, you’ll just prove you’re mentally unstable! Gideon already has a draft of the psychiatric evaluation ready. He’s just waiting for you to make a scene!” Mia collapsed on the sofa, sobbing. She cursed while crying, cursing Gideon, cursing herself. I poured Mia a glass of warm water and watched her vent with cold eyes. “Are you done crying? If you’re done, listen to me.” I sat across from Mia. “Gideon dares to do this because he has someone backing him. That Lydia? You think she’s just Gideon’s assistant at the company? She’s your own father’s illegitimate daughter, born just a few months after you.” Mia’s head snapped up, disbelief written all over her face. “My father… that’s impossible! My father loves me so much!” “Your father loves you? If he loved you, would he make you marry a fraud like Gideon? If he loved you, would he keep you away from the core business all these years? Wake up. In your father’s eyes, you’re just a tool for marriage alliances. Now that the tool isn’t useful anymore, he wants to replace it with a new one.” I had to be harsh, or Mia would never wake up. Mia sat there in a daze, her eyes vacant, as if her entire worldview had collapsed. “Then… what should I do? Evelyn, help me. I can’t let them succeed!” Mia finally grabbed my hand, her nails digging into my flesh. It hurt, but I didn’t shake her off. “Listen. Starting today, you need to cooperate with me in putting on an act.” I leaned close to Mia and lowered my voice. “Gideon wants you to play crazy? Then you’ll go crazy for him. But you’ll do it under my control.” “This five million. I’ll take half, and the other half is your investment capital.” Mia looked at me, the fear in her eyes gradually transforming into ruthlessness. She wiped away her tears and picked up the check, kissing it fiercely. “Fine, Evelyn. I’ll listen to you. Keep all five million. As long as you can destroy them, you can have everything I own!” I smiled and put the check away. “I don’t need everything. Fair compensation for work done. Now go wash your face and change your clothes. Gideon will be back tonight. Your show is about to begin.”

Evelyn’s POV Gideon did come back. He brought Mia’s favorite mousse cake, wearing that nauseating mask of devotion on his face. “Mia, I’m sorry. I’ve been too busy with the company these past few days and neglected you.” Mia sat on the sofa, holding a pair of scissors, cutting up the designer bags Gideon had given her. The floor was littered with scraps of leather. Gideon’s eyelid twitched. He put down the cake and tried to rush over to grab the scissors. “Mia, what are you doing? Don’t hurt yourself!” Mia looked up, her eyes somewhat unfocused yet carrying a strange excitement. “Gideon, you’re back? Look, there seem to be bugs in these bags. They keep making noise. It’s giving me a headache. I cut them open and the bugs ran away.” This was the script I’d taught Mia. A touch of neurosis, but not too exaggerated. Gideon froze for a moment, then turned to look at me standing in the corner. I gave Gideon a slight nod and mouthed the words “having an episode.” A flash of barely concealed pleasure crossed Gideon’s eyes, but he hid it well, immediately putting on an expression of distress. “Mia, have you been under too much stress lately? It’s okay, I’m here. Evelyn, go call Dr. Hayes. Have him come check on Mia.” Dr. Hayes was Gideon’s college friend, now a psychiatrist at a private clinic. In the original timeline, it was Dr. Hayes who repeatedly issued false diagnoses for Mia, calling normal anxiety bipolar disorder and insomnia a precursor to schizophrenia. I’d been waiting for Dr. Hayes to make this move. “Of course, Gideon. I’ll contact him right away.” I turned toward the kitchen, pretending to make a call, but actually pulled out a packet of powerful laxatives from my bag. Dr. Hayes arrived quickly, carrying his signature silver medical case, wearing gold rimmed glasses, the very picture of a refined scumbag. “Gideon, how is Mia’s condition?” “Not good. She was just cutting bags, saying there were bugs inside. Dr. Hayes, please take a look. Has that illness gotten worse?” Gideon spoke while giving Dr. Hayes meaningful looks. Dr. Hayes understood perfectly. He sat across from Mia and began the diagnostic routine he’d rehearsed countless times. I walked over carrying water I’d just poured. “Dr. Hayes, thank you for coming. Have some water.” I deliberately handed the doctored glass to Dr. Hayes, my movements respectfully flawless. Dr. Hayes took the water without suspicion and drank a large gulp. “Miss Lancaster, have you been hearing strange voices lately? Or seeing things other people can’t see?” Mia hugged her knees, trembling. “Yes, many people are cursing me, saying I don’t deserve to live…” Her acting skills. Such a waste she wasn’t winning Best Actress awards. Gideon put his arm around Mia’s shoulders with false concern. “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. Those are hallucinations.” Less than ten minutes later, Dr. Hayes’s expression began to change. Sweat broke out on his forehead. He clutched his stomach, his face contorting. “Um… Gideon, may I use the restroom?” “Over there.” Dr. Hayes practically waddled into the bathroom with his legs squeezed together. While Gideon went to the balcony to take a call, probably reporting the situation to Lydia, I quickly walked to Dr. Hayes’s medical case on the coffee table and opened his laptop. I knew Dr. Hayes’s password. In the previous timeline, when he was on trial in court, this password was made public as evidence. It was his first love’s birthday. The computer booted up quickly. I rapidly located a folder named “Patient Files.” Inside was a medical record for Mia that had been prepared in advance, brazenly stating “severe bipolar disorder with violent tendencies, recommend involuntary hospitalization.” Besides Mia’s, there were several other false medical records of billionaire wives. Dr. Hayes was apparently a repeat offender. I pulled out a flash drive and copied the entire folder as fast as I could. The progress bar crawled agonizingly slowly. I kept my eyes on the screen while listening for sounds from the bathroom and balcony. The toilet flushed, followed by the sound of the door handle turning.

Evelyn’s POV I yanked out the flash drive, closed the laptop, and retreated to my corner, the entire process smooth as silk, though my heart was pounding like it would burst through my chest. Dr. Hayes emerged weakly, his face sallow. “Sorry, I must have eaten something bad.” He sat back down, not daring to drink any more water, and after asking a few cursory questions, pulled out a document. “Gideon, based on Mia’s current symptoms, she does show tendencies of severe bipolar disorder. I recommend starting with medication to control it. If the situation deteriorates, it would be best to send her to a professional treatment facility.” Gideon took the diagnosis, his hands trembling slightly from excitement. “Good. Whatever Dr. Hayes says. As long as Mia can be cured, money is no object.” Mia sat with her head down, shoulders shaking as if crying, but I knew she was trying not to laugh. Gideon locked the diagnosis in his safe, where he considered most secure. But I touched the burning flash drive in my pocket and smirked inwardly. That was nothing but waste paper. The real bomb was in my hands. After seeing Dr. Hayes off, Gideon was in high spirits, even giving me an approving look. “Evelyn, you did well today. From now on, make sure Mia takes the medication Dr. Hayes prescribes on time. Understood?” “Don’t worry, Gideon. I’ll make sure to watch her ‘carefully.’” I emphasized the word “carefully.” Those pills would go straight down the drain, every last one. Gideon moved faster than I’d expected. The day after obtaining the fake diagnosis, he brought Lydia home. “Mia, this is Lydia. She just returned from abroad and has nowhere to stay temporarily. You haven’t been feeling well lately, so Lydia can keep you company and cheer you up.” Lydia wore a white dress, her long hair flowing over her shoulders, that harmless smile on her face, carrying a basket of fruit. “Miss Lancaster, hello. Gideon’s mentioned you often, saying you’re beautiful and capable. Meeting you today, I see he wasn’t exaggerating.” The greeting sounded sweet, but I clearly saw the ambition and provocation hidden in Lydia’s eyes. Mia sat in a wheelchair. This was also my suggestion. If you’re going to play sick, go all in. Looking frail couldn’t hurt. Mia looked at Lydia, the pillow in her hands twisted out of shape. Last night I’d shown Mia Lydia’s file. This woman’s private life abroad had been an utter mess. She’d returned home to take over the Lancaster family business and snag Gideon, the scheming man. “If she’s Gideon’s friend, then let her stay. Evelyn, show Lydia to the guest room.” Mia’s voice was soft, sounding weak and breathless. Gideon nodded with satisfaction, seemingly surprised and pleased by Mia’s compliance. “Lydia, make yourself at home. If you need anything, just tell Evelyn.” I led Lydia upstairs. The moment she entered the guest room, the smile dropped from her face. She ran her finger disgustedly along the desk. “What kind of dump is this? So much dust. Is this how you people serve guests?” I stood in the doorway, expressionless. “Miss, this room was cleaned just yesterday. If you find it unsatisfactory, you’re welcome to clean it yourself.” Lydia turned around and looked me up and down, her eyes full of disdain. “You’re Evelyn? I heard you’re a dog Gideon bought with money? Since you’re a dog, you should act like one. Don’t bark at your master.” She pulled out a stack of bills from her bag and threw them in my face. “Take the money. From now on, you do whatever I tell you to do. Got it?” Bills scattered across the floor. I bent down and picked them up one by one. Why not take free money? This was emotional distress compensation. “You’re absolutely right. I’ll be obedient.” Lydia snorted and turned to unpack her luggage, muttering under her breath, “What a cheap bitch.” I pocketed the money, closed the door, and headed to the surveillance room.

Evelyn’s POV Yesterday, I’d already installed pinhole cameras in various corners of the Lancaster house, especially at the stairwell, living room, and Mia’s bedroom. I knew someone as scheming as Lydia would never behave herself. The first thing she’d do here was assert dominance over Mia and stage another sob story for Gideon. Sure enough, before dinner, the show began. Gideon hadn’t returned yet. Mia was reading in the second-floor sitting room. Lydia walked over carrying a cup of hot coffee, her steps deliberately swaying. “Mia, reading? Have some coffee to perk up.” Lydia approached Mia, deliberately stumbled, and the entire cup of scalding coffee flew toward Mia’s face. Mia was prepared. She dodged to the side, and the coffee splashed onto the sofa. “Oh my, I’m so sorry, Mia! I didn’t mean to!” While apologizing, Lydia took the opportunity to viciously pinch Mia’s arm. Mia cried out in pain and instinctively pushed Lydia. The push wasn’t forceful, but Lydia acted as if she’d been struck by a sledgehammer, her whole body flying backward and rolling straight down the stairs. “Help! Mia’s trying to kill me!” At that moment, the front door opened. Gideon happened to walk in. He looked up to see Lydia rolling down like a broken doll, landing at his feet with a gash on her forehead, blood flowing out. “Lydia!” Gideon dropped his briefcase and rushed over to cradle Lydia. Lydia leaned weakly against Gideon, pointing at Mia upstairs, tears streaming down her face. “Gideon… Mia… she said I was trying to seduce you… she pushed me… my head is so dizzy…” Gideon’s head snapped up, his eyes glaring viciously at Mia. “Mia! Have you lost your mind? Lydia is my friend. How could you be so vicious!” Mia stood at the top of the stairs, face pale, trembling all over. This wasn’t an act. Mia was genuinely furious at this scene and hurt by Gideon’s look. “I didn’t… Lydia did it herself…” “Shut up! I saw it with my own eyes! What excuse do you have?” Gideon stood up holding Lydia and strode outside. “I’m taking Lydia to the hospital for an examination! Mia, if anything happens to Lydia, I won’t let you off!” Mia tried to chase after them to explain, but I stopped her. “Don’t go.” I pulled Mia back to her room. “Let Gideon go.” “But Evelyn, Gideon misunderstood me! That woman did it on purpose!” Mia stamped her foot anxiously. “I know Lydia did it on purpose. Gideon probably knows too, but he just wants an excuse to blow up.” I opened my phone and pulled up the surveillance video from earlier. The footage clearly recorded how Lydia deliberately spilled the coffee, and how she deliberately used the force of Mia’s light push to jump backward and roll down the stairs. Especially that little adjustment Lydia made before rolling to protect herself. A perfect fake fall. “Look, this floor really is too hard. Lydia should wear knee pads next time she performs, or those knees are going to bruise.” I pointed at Lydia’s somewhat awkward posture on the screen and sneered. Mia watched the video and gradually calmed down, the tears in her eyes receding. “Should we… send this video to Gideon now?” “No. If we send it now, Gideon will just become angry from embarrassment and might even destroy the evidence.” I put away my phone. “We need to wait for the right moment. Like when we can slap Gideon in the face in front of everyone.”

Evelyn’s POV That night, Gideon stormed back. As soon as he entered, he slammed a diagnosis of “mild concussion” on the table. “Mia, you’re absolutely unreasonable! Lydia is such a pure and kind girl, and you could actually hurt her? Starting today, you stay in your room and reflect. Without my permission, you’re not to step one foot out!” Mia sat on the sofa holding a cup of coffee, surprisingly calm. “Gideon, are you sure I pushed Lydia?” “Of course! If not you, then who? Did Lydia roll down by herself?” “Perhaps.” I walked forward at the right moment, holding a tablet. “Gideon, to ensure the house’s security, I installed surveillance at the stairwell a couple days ago. It was meant to prevent thieves, but it captured something interesting.” Gideon’s expression changed instantly. I tapped the video and played it. In the footage, Lydia’s clumsy acting was laid bare, even capturing the look she snuck at the door to see if Gideon had come in. After watching the video, Gideon’s face turned from blue to white. What a sight. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but no sound came out. “Gideon, does this count as… faking a fall for fraud?” I asked with a smile. Gideon took a deep breath, crumpled the diagnosis into a ball, and stuffed it in his pocket. “This matter… perhaps Lydia accidentally slipped. She was just frightened and spoke nonsense. Mia, since it’s a misunderstanding, let’s move on. Don’t be too petty. After all, Lydia is a guest.” That’s it? Moving on? Not even an apology? Mia was about to explode when I gently pressed her hand. “Gideon’s right. We all live under one roof. Why hold grudges? But Lydia’s balance really is concerning. She should hold the railing when using stairs from now on. Otherwise if she falls again next time, the surveillance might not always be running.” Gideon glared at me and went upstairs to Lydia’s room. I knew he was going to comfort that schemer, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was that the seed of doubt had been planted in Gideon’s mind. Though he was protecting Lydia, someone as selfish as Gideon would never tolerate being played for a fool. Lydia’s sob story not only failed to hurt Mia, but actually made Lydia lose points with Gideon. This was my welcome gift to Lydia. Lydia’s fall didn’t manage to hurt Mia but left herself bruised and swollen, hiding in her room for several days without daring to show her face. But this didn’t make Gideon settle down. Soon, the Lancaster Corporation’s annual charity gala was about to begin. This was a major event in elite circles and a key step in Gideon’s plan to transfer assets. Two days before the gala, Gideon came to Mia with a thick document. “Mia, we need to set an example at this gala. I want to establish a charitable trust fund in your name and donate part of your shares in Lancaster Entertainment specifically to support education in remote areas.” It sounded noble. I stood nearby pouring water and glanced at the document. On the surface it was a charitable trust, but the terms hid traps. Though the actual controller and beneficiary were written vaguely, after layers of investigation, everything ultimately pointed to an offshore shell company belonging to Gideon. Once Mia signed, those shares would vanish into the fund, never to be seen again, while Gideon would get the reputation of a “philanthropist.” I sneered. Perfect. Using this “document,” Mia and I would prepare a surprise for Gideon.

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On my wedding day, my fiancé was taken away for raping a female student. I chased after him in my wedding dress, wanting to clear his name. Only to learn that he had turned himself in voluntarily. He said to me apologetically: “Lily’s family found out she was raped and forced her to marry the rapist. I couldn’t bear to see her end up like that, so I came forward to take the blame.” “Lily’s family said if I agree to marry her, they’ll drop the charges. Just handle the school’s inquiries and the public opinion for me.” “Lily and I agreed it’s a fake marriage for three years. After three years, I’ll make it up to you with a proper wedding. Will you wait for me?” I calmly turned and left. Casually removed my veil and placed it on a stray dog by the roadside. Ethan Miller, what makes you think I’ll wait for you? Ethan told me to return to the wedding venue immediately to appease the school leaders and calm the rumors. But I only did two things. First, I notified his school that I was withdrawing my investment in his project and closing his laboratory. Second, I left the wedding venue directly and went back to our apartment. I wiped away my tears and cleaned out every trace of Ethan from the house, one item at a time. The matching couple’s mugs we made together in our pottery class, the matching pajamas we wore every night… And the wedding photos we’d just received yesterday, carefully framed… I threw everything into the bathroom, lit them with a lighter, and watched them burn beyond recognition. Watching the flames rise, I called the wedding hotel. “I’m not getting married. Ask the groom’s side to settle the balance. Please send my things stored at the hotel to my house.” But the hotel manager’s surprised voice came through the phone. “But the groom just said the wedding is still on, just postponed by one day? He also said we got the photos and bride’s name wrong, and asked us to change the bride’s name to Lily Smith.” A sharp pain pierced my heart. That wedding was something I’d spent ten years planning, piece by piece. Whether the flowers or the decorations, everything was handmade by me over six months. Ethan clearly knew this was our dream wedding. Yet he wanted to give it to his female student? I took a deep breath, suppressing the pain in my heart, and said: “Whatever. Just send my things back. Especially the bracelet in the safe.” The manager sounded even more surprised: “But the groom already took the bracelet from the safe. He said he wanted to give it to the bride as a wedding gift.” My head exploded with a thunderous sound. I immediately hung up and frantically called Ethan. Every call I made was rejected by him. Finally, on the eighteenth attempt, he answered. With a hint of helpless irritation, he said: “Didn’t I already say not to contact me recently? I need to accompany Lily and play out this fake marriage properly. I was just chatting with Lily’s parents and almost slipped up.” My throat tightened as I hurriedly asked: “Ethan, did you take my bracelet?!” He paused, then laughed: “Yes. Lily’s mother said their custom requires a bracelet among the wedding jewelry. I thought your bracelet was heavy enough and beautiful, so I took it to give to her as a wedding gift.” But my heart still felt like it was being torn apart in pain. “Ethan Miller!!” My voice became shrill, breaking: “That was my mother’s keepsake! How dare you give it to your mistress!” 2 “Give it back! Right now! Send it back to me! Or I’ll call the police! I’ll have you both get married in prison!” I was trembling all over with rage, my words sharp as thorns. Ethan was startled by me, then became angry himself: “What are you saying! I told you it’s just acting! I’m only borrowing it! I’m not keeping it from you!” “I was planning to buy you several similar ones tomorrow as an apology gift. I didn’t expect you…” Rage surged through me. I didn’t want to hear his voice for another second. I hung up and immediately left, took a cab, and gave the driver Lily’s address. I also brought Ethan’s luggage with me. On the way, my phone kept dinging. Text messages from Ethan came through. “I got a bit anxious just now and spoke harshly. Emma, I apologize.” “How about this—I’ll return the bracelet tomorrow, but you need to come to the wedding as Lily’s bridesmaid.” “After all, we were about to get married, but suddenly I’m getting a marriage license with Lily. This doesn’t look good for the young lady’s reputation.” “If you come as a bridesmaid tomorrow, everyone will naturally not think Lily destroyed our relationship. If anyone asks about us tomorrow, cover for me… just say… you cheated and fell in love with someone else, that you wanted to break up with me for a long time. Anyway, don’t implicate Lily…” Reading his messages, I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity. But as I laughed, tears had already soaked the hem of my coat. The driver saw this and silently handed me a tissue. I thanked him softly, opened the car door, grabbed the suitcase, and rushed upstairs. I pounded on Lily’s door. The door shook with earth-shattering sounds. Hurried footsteps came from inside, and soon the door opened. “Who is it! At this late hour!” Ethan stood there wearing a pink apron, with flour still on his forehead. My eyes instantly reddened. I had loved Ethan for ten years. I’d witnessed his journey from a poor student to a respected professor. The deepest scar in his heart was from when he worked part-time in a restaurant kitchen during college. Rich kids at school, jealous of him, pinned him to the ground and poured leftovers over his head. “A useless cook dares to steal someone else’s woman.” Since then, he hated cooking with a passion. Even when I was engaged to him and brought him home to meet my gravely ill mother, I only asked him to help bring dishes from the kitchen, and he left with a cold face, slamming the door. Leaving my sick mother heartbroken for me, yet even then, I forced a smile to defend him. From then on, I was even more careful to protect him. I, who never knew how to cook, burned my hands countless times learning to cook for him. I never expected that his scar had already been healed by another woman. The moment Ethan saw me, he froze, then instinctively tugged at his apron guiltily. “Emma, why are you here…” Lily appeared behind him, her small face looking at me nervously: “Miss Carter, why are you here?” She stood in front of Ethan with tears in her eyes: “Miss Carter, if you want to vent, just beat me to death. Professor Miller only did this to help me…” Ethan looked at her with heartache, then yelled at me angrily: “Emma, how can you be so heartless? Lily was being forced by her family to marry the thug who assaulted her. I’m just helping her avoid that fate. Can’t you show some understanding?” 3 “No!” My voice trembled with fury: “If she’s pitiful, that’s a problem between her parents and the person who hurt her! She can refuse! She can call the police and have those people arrested! Why should I sacrifice my marriage and happiness!” “Unless…” My voice was already choking: “Actually, she was never assaulted at all! You two were fooling around and…” Before I could finish, my face was struck hard by a slap. Ethan raised his hand, his face full of anger: “I won’t let you talk about her like that! I already said it! Lily and I are in a fake marriage! Why must you think so maliciously of others?” Our argument drew neighbors from upstairs and downstairs to watch. Someone asked Lily and Ethan: “Lily, who is this? What’s her relationship with your husband?” Lily stammered: “She’s his… ex…” Seeing her hurt expression full of implications, the neighbor understood immediately, looking at me with disgust and even pushing me: “They’re about to get married, and you’re still clinging to her husband—that makes you the mistress! You look decent enough, but have some shame!” “Exactly! Take her picture! Post it online!” I laughed bitterly and threw the suitcase at their feet: “Ethan Miller, tell them who the real mistress is!” The suitcase popped open, but Lily screamed and crouched down. Ethan looked at the fingernail-sized red swelling on her leg. His expression changed instantly: “Emma Carter! Are you done yet! I already got a marriage license with Lily! Who are you calling the mistress!” I looked at him in disbelief and smiled bitterly: “Ethan Miller, this is what you call a fake marriage? Getting a marriage license is fake too?” Knowing he’d misspoken, Ethan guiltily changed the subject: “Over a broken bracelet, you came here to hit people!” “Emma Carter, this is the first time I’ve realized how selfish and cold-blooded you are!” My eyes widened as I watched Ethan storm back into the room in rage. He came out with the bracelet I treasured so dearly and smashed it to the ground. “You want your bracelet, don’t you! Take your junk and get out!” “No!” I screamed and lunged forward to catch it, but I was too late. I watched helplessly as the bracelet shattered on the floor. I looked up sharply, glaring at Ethan with hatred. This was the first time he’d seen anything other than love in my eyes. Even in his anger, there was a moment of panic. But the next second, Lily cried out: “Professor Miller, my leg hurts so much. Could it be fractured?” Ethan immediately snapped back, picked her up, and rushed downstairs past me. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll take you to the hospital.” He left so forcefully and hastily that he knocked me aside as I crouched on the ground. I tumbled down the steep stairs and crashed heavily onto the floor. Amid everyone’s screams and my weak cries, Ethan left without looking back. Before my eyes closed, all I saw was Lily leaning on Ethan’s shoulder, giving me a triumphant smile. In that moment, the sound of my heart breaking was as clear as shattering jade. … Once, Ethan used to protect me the way he now protected Lily. When I was being followed and harassed by those rich kids, terrified, he rushed out to stand in front of me, boldly telling them to get lost. He grabbed my wrist and broke through their encirclement. 4 Later, I learned he was targeted and made things difficult by those spoiled brats because of this. I found him with red eyes to apologize. He just smiled and patted my head, saying: “It’s okay. I just can’t stand to see you cry.” The man who once panicked just seeing my red eyes could now ignore my pain for another girl’s tears. When did Lily start coming between us? Perhaps it was from the day she became Ethan’s graduate student. When he talked about this girl, he said she reminded him of his younger self. But his eyes were full of affection. Or perhaps it was when she called Ethan in tears, saying male students at school were blocking her way to confess their feelings. Ethan, usually calm and rational, actually got into a fight with the male student like a hothead. When I went to bail him out, looking at his swollen lip, I felt bitterness for the first time. He explained to me: “Emma, when I heard about her situation, I thought of how you were bullied before, and I lost my head…” But… When I was in such a predicament before, he only led me away… … When I woke up, I was already in the hospital. The doctor told me worriedly that fortunately I was brought in time. I’d hit the back of my head, causing cerebral hemorrhaging. I’d almost not woken up. I thanked him softly, got my wounds treated, and left the hospital. As soon as I reached the entrance to my building, several sleazy men followed me. “You’re that bitch from online, right?” “You look decent, but you’re so vicious inside. You even hired thugs to bully a female student. Since you like finding men so much, today we brothers will let you experience it too!” They laughed menacingly and rushed at me, tearing at my clothes. I screamed desperately, kept backing away, but they still tore my clothes and pinched bruises all over my body. It wasn’t until the building’s security guard arrived and called the police that they scattered. I knelt on the ground, trembling uncontrollably. The security guard looked down at me with contempt in his eyes: “You deserved it. Who told you to be so malicious and bully an innocent young lady?” I looked up sharply, my voice trembling. “What did you say?” The security guard sneered and left. My head buzzed and exploded. I quickly pulled out my phone to check. Sure enough, I saw a clarification post from Ethan. “Sorry for wasting public resources. Regarding my assault on a female student, it was a misunderstanding. My ex, Emma Carter, hired thugs to assault my student out of jealousy, causing her to be forced to marry that beast!” “I felt sorry for her and came forward to take responsibility to protect her. But I didn’t expect her to have such a bad attitude. Not only did she not repent, but she got worse, so I decided to expose everything.” “I will also take responsibility and marry my student, taking care of her for life!” Lily commented below: “With you here, I’m not afraid of anything.” Blood rushed to my brain. I felt like I’d been struck hard. Below this post were all blessings and horrifying curses. My photos were photoshopped into various obscene images, and some said they’d dox my address to teach me a lesson. My phone was filled with vile, abusive messages.

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On the day my terminal illness took a turn for the worse, I went online and bought the cheapest succubus available. Because she didn’t cost much, the little succubus I received, despite her stunning beauty, had an exceptionally bratty temper. “I will not serve you, I will not kiss you, I won’t do that with you, and I certainly won’t love you.” “If you dare lay a finger on me, I’ll slap you to death, you filthy man—” Her voice abruptly cut off the moment she saw my face. She demanded, “You’re a woman? What does a woman want with me?” I curled my lips into a gentle smile. “That doesn’t matter.” As the real daughter of a wealthy family who had been despised and rejected for twenty-four years, I no longer expected anyone to love me. She snorted, full of disdain. “Do you know how many times I’ve been returned and complained about? I excel at abandoning humans.” But later, she didn’t abandon me. She even worked three jobs a day, desperately trying to save me. Right up until the day I died. 01 The little succubus was still thrashing around inside the crate, throwing out vicious threats: “I’m vicious! I’ll bite your junk right off, chew it up, and swallow it—” I pressed my lips together. I opened the velvet box on top and took out the key. The moment the lock clicked open, the metal lid of the crate was shoved up by a pair of pale, pristine hands. A girl with exquisite features glared at me menacingly. I could tell she was trying her hardest to look intimidating, but she had these beautiful, watery, almond-shaped eyes with slightly upturned corners. Even her fury looked like a cute pout, making you want to reach out and ruffle the soft hair on top of her head. When she got a clear look at my face, the curses dying on her lips. She stammered, questioning me: “Y-You’re a woman? Why did you buy me?” I gave her an apologetic smile, speaking gently: “I’m sorry. I don’t have the required anatomy for you to bite off.” She immediately retorted, flushed with shame and anger, “Even if you are a woman, don’t even think about making me serve you…” I didn’t interrupt. I listened patiently as she listed all her rules, and when she finished, I said softly: “None of that matters.” She blinked, a momentary look of confusion crossing her face. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve been returned and complained about? I excel at abandoning humans.” “Then abandon me.” I reached out my hand to her, offering to help her stand up from the crate. “Tabby cats are also very good at abandoning humans. I heard succubi usually get new names from their owners. Can I call you Tabby?” It was such a coincidence. Eight years ago, I also wanted to adopt a little tabby cat. Unfortunately, I had to fight for the cat, and I couldn’t fight my parents for it. Now, here was a living, breathing, talking Tabby standing right in front of me. The girl stared at me, unmoving, complex emotions swirling in her eyes. She suddenly turned her head away and muttered, “If I stand up, you might not want me anymore.” I didn’t pull my hand back. I shook my head and said, “I won’t.” The girl stayed silent for a long time before she finally dragged herself up, leaning against the edge of the crate. She was wearing very revealing clothes, her skirt extremely short. Other than that, there was nothing unusual about her. Her skin was flawless, her face as beautiful as a blooming flower, her figure impeccable. I looked at her, puzzled. She lowered her eyes coldly and turned her back to me. My pupils constricted. I understood. This little succubus… was a succubus with a severed tail. 02 I messaged customer service: [Is this succubus the cheapest because of her cold and stubborn personality?] The rep replied with a laugh: [Haha, of course not! That personality is actually exactly what a lot of clients want. They love buying the stubborn ones; breaking them gives them a thrill of conquest and domination.] [Dear client, this succubus was discounted because she has a physical defect.] [We implant tracking chips into their little heart-shaped tails. Once a succubus is reported lost and passes through public transit scanners, her tail sets off an alarm, and everyone pitches in to catch the runaway~] [This particular succubus ran away many times. The last time, after realizing the chip was in her tail, she actually chopped her own tail off just to escape.] My hands unconsciously balled into fists: [Didn’t you guys give her any medical treatment?] They had dressed her in a pretty new skirt, completely spotless. Yet her tail was a bloody, mangled mess, with absolutely no signs of being treated. [Dear client, a succubus is basically just a high-end sex doll, isn’t it? As a tool bought for a premium price to vent desires, what right does she have to freedom? The loss of her tail is a lesson that needs to be carved into her bones so she remembers never to run away again.] … I collapsed backward onto my bed. Outside the window, the distant mountains were a hazy blue, birds were chirping, but the air in my room was dead silent. I raised my arm to cover my eyes, feeling a sting of tears. Maybe because this succubus was a girl, it was easier for me to empathize with her resistance and feel pity for her stubbornness. I sat up, walked out of my bedroom, and knocked on the bathroom door. “You’ve been showering for an hour. Soaking too long isn’t good for you.” The sound of running water continued from inside, but there was no response. I kept talking: “Your tail can’t get wet, or the wound will get infected. After you change, take my phone and go to the hospital to see a doctor.” “I won’t go with you.” It was as if I had triggered a switch. The door whipped open right in front of me. The girl looked guarded. “You’re trusting me to go out alone? You aren’t coming?” “No, I’m not coming.” My eyes fell on the object the girl was clutching tightly in her hand. It was probably the sharpest weapon she could find after scouring my bathroom. An eyebrow razor. The girl pressed her lips together: “Why aren’t you coming?” I answered casually, “I don’t like the smell of hospitals.” But that wasn’t the real reason. It was because I suffered from a severe immunodeficiency disease. This disease made my body like a fortress without walls; any pathogen could march right in. If I went to the hospital, I’d probably catch another infection. In the final moments of my life, I just wanted the physical pain to be as light as possible. As I watched the girl leave, She took my phone and cast a complex, indescribable look back at me. I curled my lips into a smile and told her to “come back soon.” Her slender silhouette slowly disappeared from my view. I stood there in a daze for a while before walking toward my art studio. With a paintbrush in hand, the pristine white canvas remained untouched by any pigment. Suddenly, a sour feeling hit my nasal cavity, and that familiar tickle washed over me like a tide. I sneezed three times in a row. I hunched over, covering my mouth, broken coughs slipping through my fingers, every breath wrapped in pain. Tears involuntarily welled up in my eyes. What was it this time? A cold? Bronchitis? Pneumonia? A gastrointestinal infection? I thought I could hold out a little longer this time. I hadn’t even gone outside, yet I was infected again. It was miserable. My head was spinning, yet strangely, the thought of calling the hospital never crossed my mind. Just dying and getting it over with… seemed like a pretty good option. Buying that little succubus cost me a hundred grand. I didn’t have any money left for treatments anyway. Truthfully, I could tell that the little succubus wanted to run away, which is why I gave her my phone. When I died from my illness, there would be no one to report her lost. She could be free. She wouldn’t have to cut off her own tail as the price for her freedom ever again. Just then, the spare phone beside me erupted with a piercing ringtone. I forced myself to look over. The screen flashed with the word: “Mom.” 03 In my hazy state, I wondered, Is this the last phone call I’ll ever answer? My trembling fingertips swiped to answer. Before the other side could speak, I said calmly, “Mom, because I saved Mia, I got hurt. My condition is worsening, and I’m going to die soon.” Mia… was the nanny’s granddaughter, the girl who had been swapped with me at birth. When I was fifteen, I was brought back to the Vance family from a poor rural town. I didn’t face the rejection I anticipated; my parents and Mia were all very nice. To welcome me home, the four of us even shared a harmonious dinner. However, that very night, Mia left a note and ran away from home. My parents were frantic and called the police, but security footage showed Mia being roughly dragged into a van by a man. Mia had been kidnapped. From then on, no matter how clumsily I tried to please my parents, that incident stood like an invisible wall of ice between us. A year later, Mia was found in a pigpen in a remote mountain village. My parents cried their hearts out. “Don’t be afraid, Mia, Mom and Dad are bringing you home.” But Mia, crying silently in their arms, suddenly looked up at me, her voice filled with sorrow: “She’s back… I don’t have a home anymore… Where am I supposed to go?” I froze instantly. Without meaning to, I had become the villain who ruined their perfect family. Desperate for my parents to just look at me with an ounce of affection, half a year ago, during an accident, I chose to save Mia. But after I was resuscitated, the doctor looked at me and sighed heavily: “You have massive burn wounds on your back. The immune barrier that was already fragile has completely collapsed. Chronic inflammation and recurrent infections will easily destroy your body.” I asked, “Can it be cured?” The doctor looked away, visibly uncomfortable. And I understood. It couldn’t be cured, and I was going to die a very painful death. I no longer demanded my parents’ love, but surely Mia, the girl I saved, owed me at least a “thank you,” right? “…” A heavy, awkward silence stretched over the phone line. Then, a cold female voice came through: “Chloe, haven’t you played the victim long enough over these past ten years?” …? My breath hitched. “If you really had Bipolar Disorder, why wouldn’t the psychiatrist officially diagnose you?” “Even when making up excuses, you can’t make them sound believable… Saying the Vance family wouldn’t take care of you, saying Bipolar Disorder would ruin your future career—it just makes you sound stupid and malicious.” “Mom genuinely hopes you can be as understanding as Mia. When she heard you were coming back, she silently ran away from home just to make room for you, unlike you… always fighting and grabbing for things… and now, threatening Mom and Dad with suicide.” I let out a bitter laugh. So, she thought my mention of “dying” was just me faking a manic episode to threaten suicide. 04 Back in high school, out of kindness, the psychiatrist refused to officially diagnose me with Bipolar Disorder. She had said, “Sweetheart, Bipolar Disorder isn’t like regular depression. It’s classified as a severe psychiatric condition. Once you get an official diagnosis, it goes on your permanent medical record. After that, a lot of doors will close for you.” “You won’t pass the background checks for government jobs or military service. HR departments will heavily scrutinize you during background checks. You might not even be able to get a driver’s license, or if you have one, it could be revoked.” The Vance family was wealthy; they had more than enough to support me. But none of my family members liked me, and I couldn’t convince myself to hand over the rest of my life to them. I wiped the uncontrollable tears from the corners of my eyes and whispered: “Thank you. Then please don’t diagnose me.” But later, this became ammunition for Mia to attack me relentlessly. She would press her lips together and speak softly: “Mom, Dad, Chloe is fed and pampered at home. What kind of mental illness could she possibly have?” “Did she… pay the doctor to tell you she has Bipolar Disorder? Otherwise, why wouldn’t the doctor give her an official diagnosis?” I asked the doctor to explain it to my parents, but they just frowned and said coldly: “We get it.” They didn’t get it. They never believed me for a second. 05 After a moment of silence, I softly explained: “Mom, you misunderstood. I’m not talking about Bipolar Disorder, I’m talking about…” “Chloe.” My mom suddenly called my name gently. I stopped instinctively: “Yes?” The next sentence followed immediately. She said flatly: “I don’t want to hear it.” That one sentence brought tears straight to my eyes. It felt like a knife had been plunged into my chest, twisting the blade. I said, “Then don’t hear it.” The line went dead immediately. Why was the sunlight streaming through the window so blinding? The air in the art studio felt like ice again. Tears blurred my vision. I curled up on the floor in exhaustion, then quietly closed my eyes. Every breath tugged at the sharp pain deep in my chest. But everything was becoming blurrier and more distant. Until an anxious, clear voice broke into my ears: “Human, why are you on the floor!” 06 After hanging up, Mrs. Vance kept frowning in silence. Until Mr. Vance looked up and asked, “What did Chloe say? Isn’t she coming to Mia’s birthday party?” “I was so mad I forgot to bring it up! That girl has been faking Bipolar Disorder for nine years! I couldn’t bear to expose her, and she actually plans to keep up the act! Oh, and that excuse about the Vance family not taking care of her—it’s absolutely ridiculous.” Mia, standing nearby, pursed her lips and chimed in timidly: “Dad, Mom, I transfer money to Chloe via Venmo every month. I showed you the transaction history, right?” “Yes!” Mrs. Vance huffed in frustration. “Tens of thousands of dollars, isn’t that enough for Chloe to spend?” Mr. Vance rubbed his temples and sighed. “She just thinks we favor you, Mia, and insists on provoking us like this. But she’s so immature. Half a year ago, she actually dared to push you into the fire, leaving you with a burn scar on your arm. A girl’s appearance is everything.” Mia obediently massaged her father’s shoulders. “Dad, let’s not talk about that. I never wanted to fight Chloe for anything…” The pity in Mr. and Mrs. Vance’s eyes deepened. After a long silence, Mr. Vance suddenly said: “In a blink of an eye, Chloe is almost 25, and she still refuses to get close to us. As parents, constantly battling with our child isn’t a solution.” Mr. and Mrs. Vance exchanged glances, their expressions softening. “In July, on the day of Chloe and Mia’s shared birthday… let’s go find her, give her a surprise, and coax her a little.” “And we should make her apologize to you, Mia. Mia, what do you think?” Mia’s fingernails dug into her palms as she forced a smile: “Sure.” 07 When I opened my eyes again, the smell of disinfectant filled the air. I turned my head slightly and saw the little succubus curled up in a chair beside my hospital bed. My throat was parched, and I asked her hoarsely: “You… you didn’t abandon me.” The girl awkwardly turned her head away, the tips of her ears turning pink, but she blustered a defense for herself: “If I kept running, I’d just get caught again. Cutting off a tail hurts a lot, and there’d be no one left to pay for my medical bills.” I really should have just died. Now look, I didn’t have enough money to treat both of us. “Cough.” I covered my mouth and coughed lightly, pulling back the covers to get out of bed. “Let’s go back. I can’t afford to stay here.” Before the words fully left my mouth, the girl pushed me back onto the bed in disbelief: “Are you crazy? You can afford me but you don’t have money for medical bills? If you don’t want treatment, just say so.” “I don’t like hospitals. I’ve been here too many times.” I wearily lowered my eyelids, staring blankly at the snow-white sheets. After a moment of silence, the girl’s muffled voice suddenly sounded: “Fine, let’s go back and I’ll serve you, but let’s get one thing straight.” “I hate people bossing me around. If you want me to help you, you have to say a lot of nice things. If someone is rude, I’ll literally dump a bowl of food on their face.” I was slightly taken aback and said softly, “Actually… you don’t have to go out of your way to take care of me.” Over all these years, I had long gotten used to taking care of myself. I often came down with random respiratory infections; I was a regular at the hospital. Registering, paying, waiting… all by myself. I knew the routine by heart. Except for that one time. Right after I registered and turned around, I saw my biological parents and my adoptive parents clustering around Mia—who just had a common cold—like she was the center of the universe. They didn’t even have to wait in line; they went straight in to see the doctor. I clutched my thin registration slip tightly, barely able to breathe. Because I even had to earn my own money for medical bills. Living was so exhausting. I often thought about just giving up and dying out of spite. But… an unloved child dying doesn’t hurt their family in the slightest. Now I was truly dying. This was probably what they had been hoping for all along. 08 The scenery outside the car window rolled past at a steady pace. Our small suburban town wasn’t big; a ten-minute drive brought us from the hospital to my doorstep. After that fire, I moved back to the small town, to the house my grandmother used to own. This modest little suburban house made it seem like the $100,000 I spent on the succubus was fake money. “Human, you… why do you live in such a poor place?” The people who could afford succubi were usually insanely rich or powerful. By comparison, my house looked extra pathetic. However. I squinted slightly at the girl helping me out of the car: “This is the second time. Why do you call me ‘human’? It’s weird.” The girl looked around guiltily and mumbled, “…I don’t want to call you ‘Master.’” I sighed: “Tabby, I don’t need you to call me that. You can just use my name, Chloe.” “…” Tabby froze. The hand supporting my arm tightened silently. Because the fight had gone out of me, I had become completely indifferent. Along with that, I lost the desire to take my medication. I hate bitter things. I’m actually terrified of pain and absolutely loathe taking pills. I’d rather swallow ten flavorless capsules than let a single bitter pill touch my tongue. Seeing me like this, Tabby panicked. She dashed into the kitchen like a gust of wind, returning shortly with a bowl that she shoved in front of me. “If you mix it with sugar water, the pills won’t be as bitter, right?” I lowered my eyes. In the bowl, the white sugar sediment was slowly dissolving in the water. It felt like something gently nudged my heart—sour and soft. In the past, my grandmother used to force me to take medicine by pinching my jaw and pouring it down my throat. But after she died, no one in the world cared whether I took my medicine or not. Trying to shake off those thoughts, I shook my head. “Don’t bother, Tabby. It might… mess with the medication’s effectiveness.” I paused. “Besides, I’m a weirdo. I hate bitterness, but I don’t really like things too sweet, either.” The girl standing in front of me remained silent for a moment before suddenly leaning in close. Her breath brushed against my face. Instinctively, I tried to pull back, but she firmly grasped my shoulders. “Don’t move.” Those beautiful eyes stared straight into mine, carrying a strange, captivating allure. “This is a special succubus ability, called ‘Infatuation’… If I stare at you long enough, you’ll be charmed.” Under my astonished gaze, Tabby raised her index finger and gently tapped my forehead. A subtle, pale pink aura instantly gathered around her fingertip. Tabby ordered with a cold expression, “Chloe, be a good girl and take your medicine.” The next second, as if under a spell, I actually reached out and took the pill and the glass of water she offered. I put the bitter pill in my mouth, and magically, it tasted faintly sweet. As Tabby pulled her finger back. That little bit of pink aura vanished as if it had never existed. Just then, the girl’s voice suddenly broke the silence, carrying a hint of imperceptible awkwardness. “Chloe, I… I just formed a contract with you for exactly one minute. Since you took your medicine, I cancelled it.” She glared at me, aggressively emphasizing, “No human can form a contract with me! I will never be bound to anyone! Don’t even dream about it…” The sunlight streamed through the window, falling on her cheeks, which were flushed red from embarrassment. I suddenly couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Thank you…” Tabby glanced at me, stunned, then quickly lowered her head and started fiddling with the hem of her shirt. Trying to look incredibly busy. But I clearly saw the corners of her mouth quietly, swiftly curve upward. Suddenly, she looked up again, her dark, beautiful eyes staring unblinking at me: “Right, what disease do you have that requires so much medicine? It’s not cancer, is it?”

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I was secretly married to a Hollywood A-lister for five years. He was constantly surrounded by rumors and scandals, yet he was never willing to acknowledge me publicly. On a reality TV show, everyone was prying into my love life. Even he smiled and chimed in: “Josephine, I know a lot of reliable guys. Should I set you up with someone?” In both my past life and today, I was so furious I almost pulled out our wedding ring. Then, his current rumored flame, the rising pop star Chloe White, ran out crying. Liam didn’t say anything on camera, but afterward, he grew increasingly cold towards me. In my past life, when I was rushed into the operating room due to a severe hemorrhage during my pregnancy, he didn’t even ask about me. Instead, he was celebrating Chloe’s birthday at a Michelin-starred restaurant. When the thugs Chloe hired ruined me and I begged him for help, he just watched with an indifferent expression. It was only then that I realized I was nothing more than a dirty secret, a hidden ornament in his life. Reborn into this life, I just smiled: “I’m already seeing someone. He’s not in the industry. We’re getting married at the end of the month.” 01 Gasps echoed around the room. No one expected me to announce my relationship on a live broadcast. Liam’s face instantly darkened. The paper cup in his hand was crushed out of shape. He opened his mouth to say something, but Chloe, sitting next to him with a bright smile, blinked her big eyes and beat him to it: “Wow! Josephine, you hid that so well! If you hadn’t lost this round of Truth or Dare, were you planning to keep it a secret forever?” This was a live-streamed reality show, and Chloe’s words instantly set the chat on fire. [Josephine’s fans must be devastated! Your idol ditched you to go date someone!] [Hehe, our Chloe is the best. Focused on her career and moving up! Men, step aside!] [??? Why would we be devastated? Josephine is an actress. She conquers us with her acting skills and has won every major award. So what if she’s dating? Unlike a certain Chloe who still hasn’t achieved anything of substance!] [Besides, our Jo has said before that when the time is right, she would find someone.] I smiled faintly: “Even if I hide it well, I’m still the main chick.” In my past life, I always thought Chloe didn’t know about my relationship with Liam, that she was also being deceived. But it wasn’t until right before I died, when Chloe flaunted Liam’s devotion to her face, that I realized she knew from the very beginning. Chloe’s expression faltered, but the other guests didn’t notice. Instead, they curiously pressed for more: “Jo, who is it! Do you have a picture we can see?” “Someone outside the industry who’s worthy of our Josephine? I’m so curious!” I smiled: “He prefers to keep a low profile. Maybe I’ll introduce you guys when there’s a chance.” Just as I finished speaking, a scoff rang out. Chloe raised an eyebrow, looking at me provocatively: “Josephine, maybe this guy doesn’t even exist. Are you just making this up? After all, you’re not getting any younger. It would be pretty embarrassing to admit you don’t even have a close friend by your side. Right, Liam?” Chloe blinked at Liam and playfully stuck out her tongue. I clenched my fists. The next second, I heard Liam perfectly play along with an “Mhm.” Chloe’s smile grew even wider. I laughed at myself inwardly. Just a moment ago, I had still been hoping for something. The other guests quickly tried to smooth things over: “Don’t be mad, Jo. Chloe loves to joke around!” “This is Josephine’s private life. We shouldn’t pry too much.” I was about to speak when a male voice came from the doorway: “Excuse me, is Jo here? I’m here to pick her up from work.” 02 Everyone turned toward the voice. A young man was standing outside the door, one hand casually in his pocket. His neat, dark hair curled slightly over his temples. His brow bone was sharp, and his face was pale and strikingly handsome. When our eyes met, I froze for a second. He smiled at me: “Jo, time to clock out.” The live chat exploded. [Holy shit! Holy shit! This guy is so hot! Is this Josephine’s non-industry boyfriend?!] [Damn, I thought Josephine was lying! I can’t believe her boyfriend actually came to pick her up from work!] I stood up from my chair and waved to the people around me: “I’ll be going now.” From the moment I stood up, I felt a piercing gaze fixed tightly on me, but I didn’t look back. Just as I was about to walk out the door, Liam called out to me coldly: “Josephine!” I paused, turning to look at him: “Yes, Liam?” His face was dark, his eyes swirling with dissatisfaction. Chloe curled her lips into a smile: “Today is my birthday party, and Liam is throwing it for me. Are you not coming, Josephine?” I glanced at Liam, who remained silent. “No.” I looked away and walked out: “Happy birthday. I have other plans.” 03 That piercing gaze followed me until I got into the backseat of the car before it finally disappeared. I looked at the man beside me and thanked him: “Thank you, Arthur.” Arthur replied: “Don’t mention it, senior. I was just watching the live stream and happened to be passing by.” I smiled faintly and didn’t press further. He didn’t ask many questions either, simply saying: “Where are you heading now? I’ll drop you off.” I gave him my home address. We arrived quickly. Before I got out of the car, Arthur took out his phone and waved it at me: “Senior, let’s exchange numbers.” I hesitated for a moment, and he let out a light laugh: “You never know, I might need your help with something in the future.” Hearing this, I nodded and took out my phone: “Sure.” After adding each other’s contacts, Arthur drove off. I turned and walked into my house. This house was bought by Liam and me before we got married. It wasn’t very big, but it held all our memories. Before, when we didn’t have a packed schedule, we used to always cuddle in this house, playing video games and binge-watching TV shows. After we got married, I didn’t want to move to a new place. But now, Liam rarely came back here. As soon as I walked through the door, my manager’s call came in. “Jo, look at Twitter!” 04 [Liam x Chloe White, Official Relationship Announcement!] [What a perfect match!] I originally thought that having lived a second life, my heart would be as still as a stagnant pool of water. But the few short lines on the screen still stung my eyes. [Liam V: Let me introduce everyone to my girlfriend, my one and only. @ChloeWhite] [Chloe White: The days ahead are long. I want to walk them all with Liam~] Liam and I dated for five years and were married for five years. I waited ten years for a public announcement. Now, Liam effortlessly gave it to someone else. My manager’s voice continued on the phone: “There are rumors online saying Chloe is the other woman! Liam is doing this to protect her! “It’s so infuriating! Isn’t Chloe the actual homewrecker here? You’ve been married to Liam for so many years, and he never…” “Erica.” I interrupted her, asking softly: “When will my visa be ready?” Erica fell silent for a moment. “Have you really decided to leave the industry and go abroad?” I nodded. Ten years ago, I gave up my dreams for Liam. Now, I won’t let him delay my life any longer. 05 Liam and I were childhood sweethearts. We grew up together. When I was little, my parents passed away. I was introverted, living with relatives, and constantly bullied by the neighborhood kids. Liam always stood in front of me, protecting me, and fighting back for me. Until the year he turned fifteen. His parents’ company went bankrupt, and they jumped off a building, leaving him all alone with a massive mountain of debt. He suffered a tremendous blow and tried to end his life several times. I was the one who held him, comforting him. We were each other’s light in the darkness, relying on each other to survive. Until the year I turned eighteen. I received an acceptance letter from Stanford University, the school I had dreamed of going to. That day, Liam didn’t say anything. He just held my hand, his eyes red, and stood there all night. After that night, I rejected the acceptance letter, turned around, and accepted a talent scout’s offer to enter the entertainment industry. I wanted to pay off Liam’s debts. He was still young. He had a long road ahead of him. He couldn’t be dragged down by debt. But the entertainment industry was tough. I went to auditions, acted in minor roles, and took every gig I could get, day and night. I drank so much at networking dinners that I ended up in the hospital with stomach bleeding. Finally, in my fifth year since debuting, thanks to a hit TV show, I successfully paid off the Sterling family’s debts. People close to me asked if it was worth it. Back then, watching Liam cook for me every day and stay by my side, I felt it was all worth it. But now… The notification sound on my phone interrupted my thoughts. I looked down. It was a call from Liam. I thought for a moment and pressed the answer button. His voice was cold: “You’re pretty capable, aren’t you? Found another man to put on a show just to make me angry? “But you miscalculated. I know better than anyone how much you love me. I wasn’t angered by you at all.” I gripped my phone and said nothing. A familiar female voice came through the phone: “Liam, hurry up and cut the cake for me!” Liam responded: “Coming.” Then he said to me: “You know that Chloe and I have a new show coming out soon. Once the show finishes airing, I’ll break up with her. Don’t overthink things. “Wait for me at home tonight. I’ll bring you your favorite food.” 06 My memories drifted away. Liam was discovered by a director while visiting me on set, which led to him entering the entertainment industry. At the time, I immediately objected. Because Liam’s dream was to do scientific research. If he started acting, he would be completely disconnected from the scientific community. But to my surprise, Liam secretly went to find the director himself. Afterward, he hugged me, his eyes red as he looked at me: “Jo, I don’t want you to live a hard life with me. I want to make a lot of money so your life can get better and better.” From then on, Liam gave up his dreams for me and focused entirely on the entertainment industry. Our communication also became less and less frequent due to our busy schedules. When his first scandal broke, he took a five-hour flight overnight to come to my side. He hugged me, apologized, and said it was a misunderstanding. He said he would handle it well and told me not to overthink. I suggested we announce our marriage. He said he was afraid it would affect his career and break his fans’ hearts. The timing just wasn’t right yet. But he promised me that his wife would always only be me, and the only person by his side would be me. Ultimately, thinking of his career, I didn’t push it further. Until later… Chloe White appeared. She was almost subjected to the casting couch at a banquet. In her attempt to escape, she fell into a pool, and Liam appeared and saved her. She seemed like a pure, innocent little flower. Soaking wet, she lay in Liam’s arms. That night, the two of them trended on Twitter. Gossip blogs hyped it up wildly. That time, Liam didn’t say a single word. 07 When I snapped back to reality, Liam had already hung up. I didn’t dwell on anything else. Instead, I contacted my lawyer and drafted a divorce agreement. Before I went abroad, I definitely needed to resolve everything with Liam. But what I didn’t expect was that when Liam came home that night, he brought Chloe with him. Chloe peeked her head out from behind Liam, her face flushed. She ran towards me, giggling: “Ta-da! Josephine, hehe, we packed the leftovers from my birthday party for you. Eat up!” Liam stood there, saying somewhat helplessly: “Slow down, you’re drunk. Be careful not to trip.” After he finished, he paused and looked at me: “Chloe had too much to drink today. It’s not safe for a girl to go back alone, so she’s staying here for the night.” “Oh right, you’re pretty good at making hangover soup, aren’t you? Make a bowl for Chloe.” I stood frozen, feeling a buzzing in my ears. My hands trembled uncontrollably. It was bad enough that Liam cheated, but now he was brazenly bringing her to our home?! And asking me to make her hangover soup?! “A young female celebrity, where is her assistant?!” Whenever Chloe went out, she was always followed by three or four assistants. How could she possibly be alone! And even if she was, she could stay at a hotel! Liam frowned: “Jo, when did you become so petty?” My voice trembled uncontrollably: “This is my house! Get the hell out!” Seeing my eyes red with anger, Liam softened his tone: “Okay, Jo. I’ll contact someone right now to come pick her up.” Liam took out his phone to make a call. But the next second, a scream pierced the air. Chloe tumbled straight down the stairs! Liam’s face paled dramatically! He dropped his phone and sprinted towards Chloe! He was frantic, completely losing his usual calm demeanor. “Chloe!” Chloe lay in Liam’s arms, her eyes tightly shut. Liam’s face was dark, his eyes brewing with a turbulent storm as he glared at me. My heart skipped a beat, and I instinctively spoke: “It wasn’t me…” But the next second, Liam’s slap had already landed across my face. “Josephine, are you saying Chloe threw herself down the stairs just to frame you? She’s a celebrity! You know better than anyone how much she cares about her face!” That slap left me reeling. It also completely extinguished the flickering, fragile light at the bottom of my heart. As Liam picked up Chloe and was about to rush out, I called out to him. “Wait a minute.” I handed the divorce agreement to him: “Sign this, or don’t leave.” Liam glared at me furiously. In the past, whenever we fought, I would always cling to him, asking him to buy me things, making him sign the credit card bills just to coax myself. Now, without even looking at what it was, he just signed his name. Then he strode out, carrying Chloe. In a spot where Liam couldn’t see, Chloe curled the corners of her lips into a smirk at me. 08 The news of Chloe’s hospitalization shot to the top of the trending topics. In the photos, her forehead was wrapped in gauze. She lay weakly in a hospital bed, while Liam attentively took care of her. The internet was flooded with posts praising their deep bond. Erica had been my manager since my debut. As for the situation between me and Liam, others might not know, but she was fully aware. She cursed Liam out in front of me. “Is the visa ready, Erica?” Erica nodded: “We should have it in three days.” During these three days, I just needed to tie up some loose ends. But what I didn’t expect was that on the third day, another post would top the trending list. [BREAKING! Best Actress Josephine interferes in Liam and Chloe’s relationship!] [BREAKING! Josephine’s attempted murder of Chloe White!] I clicked on the trending topic and saw numerous gossip accounts frantically resharing two photos. One was a photo of me coming home the night before last. The other was a photo of Liam and Chloe, hand in hand, returning shortly after me. The comments underneath exploded. [Holy shit, what’s going on? Why did all three of them go into the same house?] [Fuck! That bitch Josephine! I work in the industry, and I found out that Josephine sneaked into the actor’s house last night. Chloe’s injury was caused by Josephine!] [??? Why would Josephine go into his house? This phrasing is so weird! I don’t understand!] [What kind of nonsense is this! Why would our Jo sneak into someone else’s house!] The internet was fiercely debating. Just then, a top comment surged to number one. [Josephine never had a non-industry boyfriend, she made it all up! She’s always been a delusional fangirl of Liam’s, harboring a crush on him for years! When Liam and Chloe announced their relationship, Josephine got jealous, secretly broke into his house beforehand, and pushed Chloe down the stairs! I have proof, look at the pictures I posted! Josephine used to be Liam’s biggest superfan!] When Liam first entered the entertainment industry, he didn’t have many fans. I visited him on set, created burner accounts to boost his metrics, and defended him against trolls. I did these things with extreme secrecy. Besides Liam and me, no one else knew. But now, the “evidence” photos posted by this user hit me right in the eyes! Trembling, I called Liam. He only answered on the fifth ring. “Liam, was this you…” Besides Liam, I couldn’t think of anyone else who could have released those pictures! The other end of the line was silent for a moment. After a long while, I finally heard Liam speak: “Jo, this is what you deserve. “Your words on the reality show misled netizens into thinking Chloe was the other woman, damaging her reputation and subjecting her to cyberbullying. Me going public with her wasn’t just because of our new show, it was more about salvaging her reputation and making up for your mistakes. I originally thought you would show remorse, but you pushed her down the stairs.” Liam’s words almost made me laugh until I cried. All for my sake? “So what if she’s the other woman? She’s playing the innocent, pure victim now?” “Josephine, you are being incredibly unreasonable!” Liam shouted, interrupting me. “Things have reached this point, and I don’t want the conflict between you two to deepen. You apologize to Chloe, and I’ll have her publicly state she forgives you. We’ll put this whole thing behind us.” Just put it behind us? He made it sound so easy. So easy it was as if Liam had never spent a day in the entertainment industry. I tilted my head up, refusing to let the tears fall. I wanted to say something to Liam, but then I heard another person’s voice on the line. “Mr. Cross, Chloe is awake. She wants to see you.” “I’ll be right there.” Liam replied hurriedly. When I looked at my phone again, the call had been disconnected. 09 Liam rushed towards Chloe’s hospital room. Halfway there, as if remembering something, he stopped and instructed his assistant beside him: “Did you buy the necklace I told you to get a while ago? The one Jo mentioned in passing, the one she liked.” The assistant nodded. “Have it sent to Jo.” Liam knew that Josephine had her pride. Making her bow her head to Chloe would definitely make her feel wronged. But there was nothing to be done about that. When you do something wrong, you have to accept the punishment. Good thing Jo was easy to coax. In the past, whenever she was angry, buying her a little something would fix it. “Oh right, wasn’t there a matching bracelet? Give that to Chloe.”

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