Category: English

To give my wife a sense of security, once the company was on track, I stepped back and became a stay-at-home husband. For ten years since the company’s founding, she had never once let me attend the annual gala. When the tenth-anniversary gala was scheduled at a five-star hotel, I suggested I should go. She, busy lacing her shoes, didn’t even look up. “You’re my husband. If you come, the employees won’t feel relaxed.” Before leaving, she hurriedly planted a kiss on my cheek. “Be good. After this busy period, we’ll take Sunny to Hawaii.” The door clicked shut. I looked at the scattered Lego bricks and picture books on the floor, my chest aching. My three-year-old son suddenly ran up, holding a black phone. “Daddy! Mommy forgot her phone!” I froze for a moment. This wasn’t the phone she usually carried. “Honey, your gala suit is chosen, twenty-eight thousand. Waiting for your card, okay~.” 1. The sender’s name was saved as: “Sweetheart, Henry.” My breath hitched. Blood rushed to my ears, buzzing. My fingers instinctively slid across the screen. I don’t know if Eleanor was too confident, or simply trusted me too much. The phone had no password. I tapped on “Sweetheart, Henry”‘s chat window. The earliest message was from three years ago, August: “Ms. Castro, the proposal has been revised. I’ve sent it to your email.” That was when I was with her during the hardest times of her startup. She always said she had many engagements, came home late. Eleanor claimed it was a critical period for the company, so she had to sleep at the office. Last Valentine’s Day, Eleanor transferred $520 to me: “Hard work, hubby.” At the exact same moment— “Other people’s Valentines get flowers, I just want a transfer from Ms. Castro [playful emoji]” “Transfer: $10,000.00” “Love you! [heart emoji]” “Same place tonight?” That day, she came home at three in the morning, smelling of alcohol. She said, “For this family, no matter how tired I am, I have to keep going.” For my birthday, she gave me a watch worth two thousand dollars, saying: “Hard work, hubby. I’ll buy you a better one every year from now on.” At the exact same moment, she transferred $8888.88 to “Sweetheart, Henry.” He said, “Thanks, wifey! Much more generous than that old man of yours [smirking emoji]” She replied, “How can he compare to you?” “Old man.” Those two words stung my eyes. Sunny hummed a tune, clutching his toy car, sunlight illuminating the soft golden fuzz on his hair. My son, three years old. And my wife’s lover had been by her side for three years. I continued to scroll up. The last message from yesterday— “Wifey, can we finally come clean that day? [shy emoji]” My world completely crumbled at that moment. Come clean? What was she going to come clean about? Divorce? The lock turned. Eleanor pushed the door open, her gaze sweeping the living room. “I left my black phone at home. Did you see it?” “Sunny found it.” I walked over, pulling out the phone. “How could you forget something so important?” She snatched it, quickly pressed the screen dark, and tucked it into her suit’s inner pocket. The entire process took less than three seconds. “I’m swamped.” She cleared her throat. “Gala preparations, so much to do.” “Well, you’d better go.” She paused, then ruffled my cheek. “I have a dinner engagement tonight. Don’t wait for me.” The door closed. I leaned against the wall, slowly sliding to the floor. The spires of the Lego castle blurred and distorted in my vision. I knew that from today, some paths I would have to walk alone. And the first step was learning not to tremble. 2. A week later, I sat beside her with the household ledger. “Sunny’s extracurricular fees have gone up.” I opened the ledger. “The joint account balance isn’t much. Is the company’s cash flow alright?” “The company’s fine.” She glanced cursorily. “The gala budget was approved long ago. If money’s tight, just use a credit card. I’ll deposit more next month.” “The gala… it’s at the Grand Imperial Hotel?” “Mm, the Starry Sky Ballroom.” Her eyes flickered. “How did you know?” “I saw the advertisement passing by last time.” I lowered my eyes. “I heard it’s quite expensive.” “Ten years for the company, it needs to have the appropriate grandeur.” She hugged me. “After this busy period, I’ll take you and Sunny to Hawaii.” Another promise. “Oh,” I looked up, “can I see the gala schedule? I don’t even know what our company’s gala is like.” A minute later, the electronic version of the schedule and seating plan arrived. “Just look, don’t forward it.” “Got it.” She got up to shower. I opened my phone. Main Table 01: CEO Eleanor Castro Main Table 02: Head of Administration Henry Taylor Head of Administration. So, he was in the company, right under her nose. I took a screenshot, uploaded it to the cloud, and backed it up to an encrypted hard drive. Passing the study, the door was ajar. Her old laptop was on the desk, its indicator light on. I pushed the door open and went in. The computer had no password. The folders were a mess. I clicked on “Work Backup – 2021”. As I exited, my peripheral vision caught a strangely named folder: “L”. I double-clicked it. It required a password. I tried her birthday, my birthday, the company’s founding date—none worked. I typed in “Henry”‘s name. The folder opened. Inside were photos. Dozens, hundreds. Gatherings, business trips, celebrations, hotels. Spanning three years, the male lead had the same face. Young, handsome, with a flamboyant smile. Eleanor’s hand rested on his shoulder, embracing his waist. My fingernails dug into my palm, leaving crescent marks. No pain. I inserted a USB drive and copied the files. The progress bar moved slowly: 1%…5%…10%… The bathroom door opened. Footsteps approached the study. I pulled out the USB drive, closed the laptop, and turned, smiling. “Are you done showering? Your pajamas are on the bed.” She stood at the doorway, hair dripping wet, glancing at the computer. “Why are you in the study?” “Looking for Sunny’s vaccination record. The kindergarten needs it tomorrow.” I shook the small blue booklet. “Your old computer is still on. It’s wasting electricity.” “Forgot to turn it off.” She walked over and pressed the power button. “Don’t touch my computer again. It has commercial secrets.” “Got it, Mrs. Castro.” I smiled, patting her shoulder, and walked out of the study. The USB drive was tucked into the bottom-most secret compartment of the computer desk. Some other items were already stored there: transfer screenshots, recorded chat logs, unfamiliar phone numbers. Not enough yet. A few days later, I met with Laura Vance, a lawyer. A university roommate, now a renowned family law attorney. After I briefly outlined the situation, she was silent for a long time. “Buddy, are you sure you want to file a lawsuit?” “Yes.” I looked at the traffic outside the window. “I want her to pay.” “Alright then.” Laura took out her notebook. “To strike a snake, you must strike its vital point.” “What’s her vital point?” “The company.” Laura’s pen paused. “She’s the founder, but the company’s shares are marital property.” “If she’s found to be at significant fault, you’ll have a decisive advantage in asset division, and it could even affect control of the company.” She looked at me. “But this path is long and dirty. You need to be prepared.” “I am prepared.” “From the day I discovered ‘Sweetheart, Henry’, Leo Lane died.” Laura patted my shoulder. “I’ll help you.” Leaving the tea room, I went to a digital store on the west side of the city. The owner, Caleb Miller, was a university junior who once owed me a favor. “Bro, here’s what you asked for.” He handed me a black velvet box. Inside, a rose gold tie clip, studded with tiny diamonds. “4K high-definition, eight-hour battery life, wireless transmission to your phone.” Caleb lowered his voice. “And this—” A fountain pen. “Side-press recording, extremely discreet. On the day of the gala, I’ll be nearby to help with remote signal reception.” “Thanks.” I put the items away. “I’ll transfer the money.” “Bro,” Caleb’s eyes were complex, “be careful.” I smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m not the one who needs to be careful.” That night, Eleanor came home at two in the morning, reeking of alcohol. I helped her to bed, wiped her face, and took off her shoes. She groggily grabbed my hand. “Hubby… you’re still the best…” “Sleep.” I gently pulled my hand away, pulled the covers over her. As I turned, I heard her murmur, “Henry… don’t be silly…” I turned off the light, closed the door. In the darkness, I opened my phone. Henry Taylor’s social media updated. The photo showed him wearing a Rolex watch, holding a wine glass, with the sparkling dome of the Grand Imperial Hotel’s Starry Sky Ballroom as the backdrop. The caption: “Some moments deserve to be waited for. Three days left.” I “liked” it, using Eleanor’s old phone. A minute later, Henry Taylor sent a private message: “Ms. Castro? Why did you like it? Didn’t you say not to make it public yet?” I replied, mimicking her tone: “Couldn’t help myself. Miss you.” He sent a shy emoji: “I miss you too. The suit fits perfectly, super handsome. That day… will you announce it?” “Of course. I’ll give you the best.” 3. Three days before the gala, I went to the Grand Imperial Hotel under the pretense of checking out a wedding venue for a friend. The hall was being decorated. In the center of the stage, two gilded high-backed chairs, their backs intricately carved with intertwining lotus flowers. A double main seat. “This decor is truly magnificent,” my friend remarked. “Which company is spending so much?” “Indeed,” I said softly. A man walked in from the side door. Black leather shoes, dark grey suit, neat short hair. He held a tablet, confirming details with the staff. It was Henry Taylor. He was even younger than in the photos, tall and well-built, with a confident aura. And I, having spent years tending to my family, had unknowingly gained weight, developing a beer belly. So this was what she meant by, “How can he compare to you?” “Brighten the lights by another 30%. Mrs. Castro said she wants every shot clear that day.” Henry Taylor’s voice was clear and sharp. The staff nodded. “Don’t worry, Mr. Taylor.” My friend whispered, “Who’s that? He’s got a strong presence.” I didn’t answer. Henry Taylor turned, his gaze sweeping over us. He paused for half a second, then a professional smile played on his lips. “And you two are?” “We’re looking at wedding venues,” my friend said. “Is this… your annual gala?” “Yes, the company’s tenth-anniversary celebration.” Henry Taylor walked over, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment. “And you are?” “Mr. Lane.” “Mr. Lane.” He nodded. “This venue is suitable for weddings, but we’ve booked the entire hall.” “If you need, I can recommend other halls.” “No need, thank you.” I smiled. “This venue is beautiful. Your wife put a lot of thought into it.” Henry Taylor’s smile stiffened slightly. It was subtle, but I caught it. “Mrs. Castro put thought into it,” he corrected, his tone gentle. “I’m just helping with the execution.” “Mrs. Castro? Is she single? Booking such a large venue, and with a double main seat, I thought it was prepared for her husband.” The air was silent for a few seconds. Henry Taylor looked at me, his eyes filled with scrutiny, vigilance, and perhaps a hint of subtle triumph. “I’m not too clear on Mrs. Castro’s matters.” He shifted his gaze, telling the staff, “I’m going to confirm the menu. You all continue.” He turned and walked away, his leather shoes clicking crisply. My friend nudged me. “Leo, why did you ask that? It was strange.” “Just a casual question.” I withdrew my gaze. “Let’s go, let’s check out other halls.” We walked towards the elevator. Before the doors closed, I looked back. Henry Taylor stood in the center of the stage, looking down at his tablet. The starry dome light fell upon him, enveloping him in a hazy glow. He looked up, towards the elevator. Our gazes met one last time through the closing doors. He smiled. It was the smile of a victor, full of pity. The elevator descended. “Do you know him?” my friend asked. “No,” I said, watching the numbers tick down. “But I will soon.” That night, Eleanor came home unusually early, looking agitated. “What’s wrong?” I asked, serving her soup. “Nothing.” She rubbed her temples. “The company has a small issue, it’ll be resolved soon.” “That’s good.” I pushed the soup bowl towards her. “By the way, I went to the Grand Imperial Hotel today.” Her movements paused. “What did you go there for?” “Accompanying a friend to look at wedding venues.” My tone was natural. “I saw the Starry Sky Ballroom being decorated. Is it for your annual gala?” “…Mm.” “The double main seat design is very thoughtful.” I looked at her. “Was that your idea?” Eleanor put down her spoon. “It’s the event planning company’s proposal. Don’t overthink it.” “I’m not overthinking.” I smiled. “I just thought, if we were to renew our vows, we could also consider a design like that.” Her expression softened slightly. She took my hand; her palm was warm, but her fingertips were cold. “By the way, yesterday I was tidying the study and saw some photos on your old computer.” I spoke casually. “Was it a team-building event? There was a boy who looked familiar. Was he the one who came to deliver documents to the house last time?” Eleanor’s grip tightened. “Which boy?” “The one with slightly curly hair, quite tall, seemed very capable.” I blinked. “His name was, I think, Taylor?” Silence. A prolonged silence. She let go of my hand, her tone returning to gentle. “That’s Henry from admin. He’s quite capable. Why are you suddenly asking about him?” “I just thought he was quite handsome.” I got up to clear the dishes, my back to her. “With such a capable employee by your side, I feel at ease.” She didn’t say anything more. I carried the dishes into the kitchen and turned on the faucet. The rushing water covered my pounding heart. That night, Eleanor slept soundly. I got up, took the tie clip camera from its hidden compartment, and clipped it to the inside of the black coat I would wear tomorrow.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409179”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My husband’s mistress, Scarlett, was throwing another fit and threatening to leave him. He drowned his sorrows, drinking until he got a perforated stomach and ended up in the hospital. Half-dead, he mumbled, “Only she dares to treat me like this.” Then he grabbed my hand and asked, “Eleanor, you’re a woman too. Tell me, how can I win her back this time?” Indeed, of all his countless affairs, Scarlett was the only one who truly held his heart. My phone vibrated. A message from Scarlett. “Mrs. Hayes! Please control your husband!” “As a woman, do you have no dignity?! Tell him to stop bothering me!” I scoffed, a cynical smile playing on my lips, and, as usual, offered no reply. On the fifth day of Alistair Hayes’s hospitalization, my phone rang off the hook. He was furious. “I’m in the hospital, and you haven’t visited me yet!” “Do you even consider me your husband anymore?!” I calmly replied, “I’m afraid if I go, you might fall in love with me again!” … A scoff came from the other end, as if surprised by my sudden wit. I hung up. My phone chimed with a notification: the three-year mourning period was over. According to the original agreement between the Sterling and Hayes families, I was now free to divorce. Just as I finished instructing my lawyer to begin the divorce process, I saw Scarlett flaunting her love on social media. She’d posted a picture of Alistair in his hospital gown, hooked up to an IV, half-crouching to massage her calf. She sat on the hospital bed, beaming happily. The caption read: “Truly experiencing the phrase ‘even the wealthy can be hopelessly devoted.’ He, a man of such high standing, is just a simp I can’t shake off, no matter how hard I try.” I felt nothing, not even a second glance. My lawyer was surprised by my composure. “It’s truly rare and remarkable to have such a calm client as you, Mrs. Hayes.” I offered a faint smile. She didn’t know that I had once screamed, fought, fallen into depression, and even attempted suicide over Alistair’s infidelity. It was only after my heart died, and then resurrected, that I became the woman I was today. Alistair returned home a month later, in the early hours of the morning. Seeing me asleep, he moved lightly, like a tiptoeing thief. But he didn’t know that I was a light sleeper; the slightest sound would wake me. Having another person beside me felt unsettling. I couldn’t remember how long it had been since Alistair had last slept in my bed. The next morning, I woke to find a necklace, valued at thirty million dollars, on my bedside table. I was used to it. Sure enough, I received another triumphant, provocative message from Scarlett: “Mrs. Hayes! Because of me, you’ve received another thirty-million-dollar necklace. Shouldn’t you thank me?” Every time Alistair tried to appease Scarlett, he would buy all sorts of luxurious items. But Scarlett never accepted a single one. In Alistair’s mind, Scarlett was the purest woman, disdainful of money. She had been with Alistair for three years and hadn’t spent a single penny of his. They split all expenses, and Alistair, who had been born into luxury, willingly lived a commoner’s life with her. Thus, in Alistair’s heart, Scarlett’s love for him was the purest, untainted by any ulterior motive. Only I knew Scarlett was playing a long game, baiting a big fish. Usually, I treated her like air, never replying to any of her messages. But today, I typed back: “Thank you.” A rational woman doesn’t let money pass her by. The reply from her side was instantaneous, as if the sun had risen in the west, and came back in a flash. “Oh, you’re breathing today, are you? You know how to reply now.” Her mouth was as if dipped in poison. Alistair woke up and glanced at my chat history with Scarlett. A smile played on his lips, his voice filled with an undisguised affection for Scarlett. “Scarlett’s little mouth is really… quite amusing!” As he spoke, Alistair naturally reached out and stroked my head. “My Eleanor is more composed now, truly like a big sister.” His words felt like praising a dog. A surge of disgust welled up inside me. Before, I had caused a city-wide scandal over his infidelity. I’d flipped tables in public, and the number of times I’d smashed bottles over his head, sending him to the hospital, was fifteen. Media exposés and other behaviors had cost him countless amounts of face. But he never reined himself in. Each time, he would only tell me: “Go out and look around. Which man in this circle doesn’t have a few women?” “I’m having my fun, but I’m not abandoning you!” He had also said many times: “No matter how many women I have, you are still the head, the older sister to all of them.” It wasn’t until the day my father passed away that I truly woke up. For three years, I had been “blind” and “deaf”! It only earned me his patronizing compliment: “My Eleanor finally acts like a big sister.” For these three years, I had not interfered with him. My presence to him was as if I were air. Even after our son turned two, he still didn’t know I had given birth to a boy for him. The day I nearly died in childbirth, he was with Scarlett, selling street food from a stall. He said he was utterly smitten by Scarlett’s non-materialistic, self-reliant character! I simply offered a faint, cold smile, saying nothing. In my heart, he had long been dead. On my mother-in-law’s birthday banquet, I went through the motions, playing the dutiful daughter-in-law. But as I walked in with my gifts, I saw Alistair and Scarlett standing on either side of my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law was beaming, chatting with acquaintances. “Mrs. Hayes, your hairstyle today is truly beautiful. Paired with that dress, you look simply elegant and unrivaled.” My mother-in-law’s hairstyle was indeed more beautiful than before, elegantly swept up with a retro hair ornament. She smiled gently, patting Scarlett’s hand with approval. “My daughter-in-law styled it for me. She’s very skilled.” So, my mother-in-law had also accepted Scarlett. Scarlett smiled gracefully in response. “Mom, as long as you like it.” Alistair said, “Mom, she loves you the most. She’s told me so many times.” “You being our daughter-in-law is a blessing to our Hayes family.” A cold laugh bubbled up inside me. I refused to stay another second. As I was about to turn and leave, Scarlett’s voice came from behind me. “Eleanor.” Her tone was light, deliberately making others mistakenly believe we had a good relationship. I paused, turned calmly, and offered a slight smile. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes; she must have expected me to either storm out in a rage, make a scene, or disregard my mother-in-law entirely. Never this calm, this composed. “Sister, you look truly beautiful today.” She feigned composure and warmth. “Thank you.” I smiled faintly, accepting the compliment. I had long since dismissed her from my thoughts. Her deliberate acts of hostility were utterly superfluous to me. My mother-in-law naturally said to me, “You two sisters should accompany me in receiving the guests.” A memory suddenly flooded my mind of what my mother-in-law had told me before: “You are my true daughter from now on. I will love you like my own.” “If Alistair dares to cheat, I’ll be the first to break his legs for you.” Those words were as clear as yesterday. Yet, she was the one causing me immense humiliation now. She gently patted my hand, whispering, “Eleanor, Scarlett is a good girl. She’s different from those other women.” I smiled faintly, saying against my true feelings, “You’re right, Mom.” Anyway, I was leaving. Nothing here mattered to me anymore. My mother-in-law smiled with relief. “It’s so good that you’ve come to your senses.” She looked up at Alistair and said, “I told you, Eleanor is a reasonable person.” Alistair looked at me with a relieved gaze, proudly stating, “I trained her myself.” As if I were a cat or a dog. In the past, I would have smashed every table at this birthday banquet. Now, I wouldn’t waste a single emotion or ounce of energy on people who weren’t worth it. ** Scarlett and I stood on either side, accompanying my mother-in-law. Everyone looked at me strangely. Some were even whispering. “Why has Eleanor suddenly changed? This isn’t like her at all.” “In the past, she would have flipped tables by now. Why is she so quiet today?” To everyone’s astonishment, my mother-in-law, beaming, announced, “I have some good news to share with everyone.” “My daughter-in-law, Scarlett, is three months pregnant.” “The family doctor checked, and it’s a boy.” “For our Hayes family, this is a double blessing.” Everyone present offered flattering words and pleasantries. In this circle of wealthy families, this was indeed a common occurrence. But to so openly slap my face as the legitimate wife—only the Hayes family would dare. Scarlett smiled shyly, and Alistair embraced her, his face filled with happiness. I felt like a clown, an added amusement to the birthday banquet. Finally, I spoke. “I had intended to wait until after Mom’s birthday to discuss the divorce.” “Since Scarlett is pregnant, we can’t have her child be born illegitimate, can we?” “So, discussing the divorce on this occasion is quite fitting.” I glanced at my lawyer, who was not far away. She understood immediately and handed the divorce papers to Alistair. Alistair frowned, stunned, his eyes scrutinizing me! “Are you causing trouble again?” I offered a faint, calm smile. “I am very serious. Do you truly love Scarlett by making her a mistress for life?” He was shocked by the unwavering calmness in my eyes. For a moment, his dark eyes were filled with disbelief. The woman he once believed would never leave him, even in death, was now calmly and resolutely proposing a divorce. My words choked him. He loved Scarlett so much; how could he say anything that would hurt her? The entire hall fell silent, waiting for Alistair’s reaction. Scarlett stared fixedly at him. Alistair hesitated for only two seconds, and she couldn’t contain herself, feigning a wronged and compromising tone. “Alistair, you don’t have to make it difficult.” “I know we’re not a match.” “I’ll have this baby aborted. I can be your mistress.” “But truthfully, I don’t want my child to be called a bastard, an illegitimate child.” “So I’ll have this baby aborted.” Alistair panicked, quickly trying to soothe her. “You mustn’t! This is the crystallization of our love, and my first child.” “Who says he’s illegitimate? I will give him a legitimate identity.” I deliberately said with satisfaction, “Now that’s a man! Sign it!” Under the combined pressure from Scarlett and me, Alistair picked up the pen. Without even looking, he signed the divorce papers. He leaned close to me, speaking in a voice only we two could hear. “Once Scarlett has the baby, I’ll remarry you.” “Just bear with it a little longer. I won’t abandon you.” I remained calm, a sigh of relief washing over me. Alistair, I won’t take you back. Never again. Scarlett flashed me a triumphant smile. I, too, smiled with relief. Back at my and Alistair’s residence, the lawyer had already arranged for a moving company to take my valuable personal belongings. Our two-year-old son was still asleep, and I didn’t have the heart to wake him. The lawyer accidentally injured herself when a cabinet fell, so I rushed her to the hospital. Estimating when my son would wake up, I hurried back to pick him up. Before I even reached the residence, I saw thick black smoke, like clouds, billowing from the house. My heart clenched, and I slammed the accelerator to the floor. The closer I got, the stronger the sense of dread grew. My hands trembled on the steering wheel, and I silently prayed that it wasn’t my and Alistair’s house on fire. But when I got out of the car and saw the villa engulfed in flames, my world instantly collapsed. Scarlett was nestled in Alistair’s arms, weeping delicately. “Alistair, I’m so sorry. I never thought setting off fireworks to celebrate would set the house on fire.” “What are we going to do? Waaah…” She looked like a startled rabbit, her eyes wide with terror. Alistair showed no concern for the burning house, smiling as he comforted her. “It’s okay, don’t cry. It’s just a house; it’s nothing major.” “I have plenty of houses. This little loss means nothing to me.” “Don’t cry, you silly girl.” My legs weak, I stumbled forward, screaming desperately, “My son is inside! Put out the fire!” “Put out the fire! Put out the fire!” I lunged madly towards the house. Alistair quickly grabbed me from behind. “Eleanor! Calm down!” “We don’t have a child! Where would a child come from?!” “If you’re worried about the house, I can buy you another one!” Scarlett said sarcastically, “Eleanor, what’s this new trick of yours?” “What child? You’re not hallucinating, are you?” I struggled madly out of Alistair’s grasp and slapped him hard. Trembling, I roared. “It’s our son! He’s two years old! He’s sleeping in there!” I had lost all reason, and was about to rush into the blazing house again. The entire house was engulfed in flames, crackling and popping, about to be completely incinerated. In the distance, the wail of fire truck sirens grew louder. Alistair grabbed me again, shouting angrily, “What are you doing?!” “Are you trying to manipulate me with this?!” “Eleanor, your life is your own!” “If you rush in there today, you’ll only die.” “And a son? When did you ever have a son? How come I don’t know?!” “I think you’ve lost your mind!” Scarlett chimed in, “I think so too. Eleanor, you can’t force feelings. Why are you doing this?” I lunged at Scarlett like a madwoman, grabbing her hair and dragging her towards the flames. “Scarlett, if anything happens to my son, you’ll die in this fire too!” She cried out in pain, struggling and screaming. Alistair rushed over and stood between Scarlett and me, angrily slapping me. “Eleanor, what’s wrong with you?!” He immediately ordered the bodyguards beside him, “Take her to the mental hospital for an examination!” Two burly bodyguards immediately moved to act against me. In utter despair, I was ready to abandon everything and rush into the fire to find my son. Suddenly, a familiar, shaken voice came from behind me. “Mommy, I’m here…”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409180”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I possess a “Rumors Come True” system, where any lie uttered about me manifests upon the slanderer. In high school, a classmate, envious of my generous allowance, claimed I was being kept by someone, selling myself. That very day, she was taken to a sleazy karaoke bar and forced into being a hostess. In college, a male student remarked that my queasy stomach and picky eating must be morning sickness. Immediately, his belly swelled; for ten months, he swelled, only to vomit nothing but sour bile. From then on, no one dared to gossip about me. That is, until my engagement party with my fiancé, James. His childhood friend, Maya, eagerly stepped forward to offer a toast. “Eleanor, darling, even though the hospital records show you’ve had seven miscarriages, I’m sure you and James will have a baby soon!” “And if not, you can always bring home that child you had when you were eighteen. James and I will help you raise it.” … After her little speech, Maya blinked her innocent eyes. “Oh dear, did I say something wrong? I suppose everyone didn’t know about Eleanor’s past, did they?” She regretfully covered James’s ear. “Just pretend I said nothing. Eleanor clearly didn’t tell you these private things because she didn’t want you to know.” She seemed to be trying to cover for me, but her misleading words only fueled the guests’ misunderstandings. Meeting the mocking gazes of our friends, James’s face darkened. He frowned deeply. “Eleanor, did you really get pregnant and have someone else’s child before we were married, and had seven miscarriages?” Hearing his sharp accusation, Maya feigned remorse and looked at me. “I’m so sorry, Eleanor. I thought since you two were about to be married, there wouldn’t be any secrets between you.” “But I don’t regret it. I couldn’t stand by and let James be kept in the dark.” Meeting her resolute stare, I scoffed, narrowing my eyes as I approached her. “I advise you to clear up these rumors immediately!” “Otherwise, it might be difficult to contain later!” Maya timidly hid behind James, her voice trembling with feigned vulnerability. “How could this be a rumor?” “I just wanted to find out what kind of woman James was marrying, and I never expected to uncover such unspeakable details about your past…” At her words, everyone watched like a crowd at a show, waiting for Maya’s next revelation. James’s brow was lined with an even deeper frown. Maya bit her lower lip, looking as if she found it difficult to speak. “These are all Eleanor’s private matters. Can I really say…?” James comforted her gently. “Maya, just say what you know. If she dared to do it, there’s no need to spare her feelings.” Listening to his defense, Maya’s eyes grew steadily firmer. “James is right. Everyone has the right to know the truth!” She blurted out, “The year she turned eighteen, in her freshman year of college, Eleanor was sleeping with several men. And that was the year she gave birth to a child.” The surrounding guests gasped in collective shock. Maya continued to spill the beans. “But she hooked up with so many men, she doesn’t even know who the child’s father is!” “That child has been raised in the countryside ever since. If you do the math, they must be eight years old by now.” The banquet hall immediately erupted in whispers. Scrutinizing glances continuously swept over me. “I can’t believe it! She looks so innocent, but she’s been playing around so much behind our backs!” “From the sound of her insatiable urges, she’s probably cheated on James countless times. Tsk!” I ignored the filthy whispers, calmly meeting Maya’s gaze, a smile playing on my lips. “Sometimes, the rumors you spread come back to bite you in unexpected ways.” “I’m asking you one last time, are you sure everything you’re saying happened to me?” A flicker of panic crossed her eyes, quickly masked, as she feigned composure. “Of course it’s about you! Whose else could it be?!” She adopted a righteous air. “I just want James to know your true character, so he doesn’t regret marrying you for the rest of his life!” But no sooner had she spoken than a small child rushed up to Maya’s leg, crying, “Mommy!” The entire banquet hall was stunned. Maya frantically tried to push her away. “Who’s your mommy? Don’t call me that!” The girl, however, clung to her, sobbing, “Mommy, I haven’t seen you in so long. Why are you trying to send me away again?” Maya’s composure shattered under the guests’ teasing gazes. She gasped in alarm, trying to cover the child’s mouth. I watched her panic, a faint smile on my lips. I told her, didn’t I, that spreading rumors would come back to haunt her? James looked at Maya, a complicated expression on his face. He asked bitterly, “Is she really your child?” Maya instinctively waved her hand in denial. I interjected, “Why don’t we just ask?” I walked toward the girl, but Maya suddenly blocked her. “Why should you ask?” I raised an eyebrow at her. “If you’re innocent, what’s there to be afraid of?” Maya looked at James, tears welling in her eyes. “James, you believe me!” Seeing her tears, James immediately stepped in front of her, frowning with displeasure. “Eleanor, Maya and I grew up together. I know her character better than anyone!” “How could she possibly have a child this old? Don’t spread false rumors!” He hadn’t trusted me, but now that Maya was being questioned, he fiercely protected her. My chest tightened for a moment, then I exhaled lightly. “Someone calling Maya ‘Mommy’ at a banquet will surely tarnish her reputation! If you truly care about her, you should inquire further!” James looked at the suspicious glances around them, clenching his fists. Finally, he pulled Maya aside. “Eleanor is right. For your reputation, we really should get to the bottom of this!” Maya glared at me with resentment. I knelt down and asked the girl, “Little one, how old are you?” “Eight.” “What’s your name?” “Lily Taylor.” I concluded, “She has normal conversational abilities.” Then I pointed at Maya. “Is she your mother?” Maya’s eyes shot daggers, and she glared at Lily. The girl flinched in fear, but still nodded gently. “She is my mommy.” Hearing her confession, the color drained from Maya’s face. “And your father?” The girl looked a bit sad, lowering her head. “I’ve never met my daddy.” Maya saw the shock on James’s face and glared at me with hatred. Suddenly, she shrieked, “It must be you! Eleanor!” “Is she an actress you hired to ruin my reputation?” “Otherwise, how could this child’s story perfectly align with what I said?” Then, Maya tugged at James’s sleeve, tears welling in her eyes. “James, believe me! I really didn’t do any of those things.” “I’m to blame for saying those things that upset Eleanor. She must have deliberately hired an actress to frame me.” James’s friends also came over to speak on Maya’s behalf. “James, you know what kind of person Maya is. Besides, her name is Taylor. What connection could she possibly have with Maya?” “But the child that Eleanor was supposedly found to have is also eight years old. Kids can be easily manipulated; how many truths can come out of their mouths?” I sneered, looking at the speaker. “So, Maya spreading false rumors was also part of my scheme?” James, listening to the argument, roared to interrupt. “Enough, Eleanor!” “Maya isn’t married yet; don’t slander her!” “This girl was probably sent by someone to deliberately frame her. I’ll have someone take her back to her parents soon.” Maya, hearing James say he believed her, began to sob again. Tears streamed from her eyes, and she sniffled. “Eleanor, I never imagined you’d go to such lengths, even hiring an actress to spread rumors about me, just to divert attention.” “Originally, there was some evidence I didn’t want to release, but since you’ve resorted to such underhanded tactics, don’t blame me for exposing it…” She opened her phone’s photo album, and an indecent, lewd sound filled the air. Projected onto the banquet hall’s large screen, everyone clearly saw a person wearing provocative lingerie, twisting their body, with my face prominently displayed. Maya pointed at the video and declared, “During that time, not only were you promiscuous, but you also loved filming these little videos. These are all the evidence your ex-boyfriends sent me!” “What do you have to say for yourself now?” “You want to have a good time before marrying James, but how do you think James’s family will feel about this?” Seeing the intertwined bodies on the large screen, whispers erupted among the guests. “I heard the Sterling and Taylor families arranged this marriage years ago. Eleanor knew about the engagement and still dared to mess around!” “She’s practically slapping the Sterling family in the face!” Maya seemed to fear it wasn’t enough; she played several more videos. Various types of sexy lingerie, and a different male lead in each video. James’s face grew grim. His voice was low and heavy. “Eleanor! I’ve kept my distance from other women since I learned about our engagement!” “But you… how dare you betray me?!” Maya fanned the flames beside him. “Eleanor could have a child out of wedlock at eighteen; it’s hard to say if she filmed these for thrills.” I looked at the furious man before me and suddenly felt utterly fed up. I was his fiancée of three years. Yet, he didn’t bother to question the truth, refusing to hear a single explanation. He had already decided I was a depraved woman. I simply explained, “I didn’t do any of these things. AI face-swapping technology is so advanced these days; it’s hard to say if someone deliberately replaced the person in the videos with my face.” Then, I stared unblinking at Maya. “This behavior has already violated my right to reputation. I have every reason to sue you!” Hearing my almost threatening words, Maya remained unfazed. “I already told you, I bought these from your ex-boyfriends.” She even mocked me. “You found a good man like James and still don’t appreciate him!” “You probably don’t know how many women dream of marrying him!” Her words were tinged with admiration for the man beside her. James clearly enjoyed her words, and his disgust for me intensified. “Eleanor, I cannot marry a woman as impure as you!” “I will inform my parents that I’m breaking off the engagement.” I gave a dismissive smirk. Whatever. It was the Sterling family who had begged for this alliance three years ago anyway. If I broke off this engagement, another Chen or Wang family would naturally come along. Before James left with Maya, I patiently offered one last warning. “Maya, I advise you to apologize for your inappropriate remarks.” “After all, spreading false rumors really does come back to haunt you!” She had just heard what she wanted to hear. She chuckled, her face filled with only defiance. “Eleanor, I think I should be saying that to you.” “I advise you to live a pure life from now on. Otherwise, the next rich man you try to hook, once he checks your background, will know you’re not clean~” Watching her walk away, I nonchalantly raised an eyebrow. Since good advice fell on deaf ears, then let her wait. Retribution might be delayed, but it would never be absent.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409181”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My mother was gravely ill, desperately needing a million dollars, and I was frantically scrambling for money. In my despair, my childhood friend appeared with a million-dollar check, offering help on one condition: he wanted to marry me. Everyone expected me to say yes, but I calmly refused. Because even in my past life, when I married him, my mother still died from a failed surgery. Afterward, I overheard his conversation with a doctor. “Dominic, did you deliberately botch the surgery just to transplant Evelyn’s mother’s kidney to Leona?” “Is it worth it? If Evelyn finds out, you’re finished.” “I just want Leona to live. Besides, marrying a woman like Evelyn, my life would already be over.” Only then did I realize that our marriage was a carefully crafted lie he wove for the woman he loved. 1. “Evelyn, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, your mother will get better soon. I’ll take care of both of you.” I looked up, meeting his eyes that seemed brimming with concern. It was that very gaze that had deceived me for five whole years in my past life, costing even my mother’s life. The surrounding patients and their families started chanting, “Say yes! Say yes!” Dominic and I had grown up together, sharing an unspoken, simmering attraction for a decade. If he hadn’t suddenly become infatuated with Leona, a university student he was sponsoring, we might have married long ago. His proposal then had deeply moved me. I believed he truly cared for me. Only after our marriage did I discover it was merely a marriage of convenience. He had kept himself pure for Leona all along. I tried my best to please him, desperately wanting to maintain the marriage. But I never expected that this marriage, from the very beginning, was a sham. He had deliberately caused my mother’s death to get her kidney for Leona. And I, under the immense blow, got into a car accident and died. Heaven must have had mercy, returning me to the starting point of it all. This time, I only wanted to save my mother’s life and stay far away from their “true love.” I reached out my hand. Dominic thought I was going to take the check, and a triumphant smile touched his lips. The next second, I pushed the check back. “No, thank you. Marriage shouldn’t be so hasty. People who don’t love each other won’t be happy together.” His smile froze. “Evelyn, what are you talking about?” “I’m serious. Don’t you know how I’ve felt about you all these years?” “It’s not necessary. Keep your money. I’ll find a way myself.” Dominic sighed, shaking his head, looking utterly distraught. “Evelyn, why are you being so stubborn? There’s really nothing between Leona and me.” I lowered my gaze, masking the mockery in my eyes. If there truly was “nothing,” why would he be willing to kill and steal a kidney for her, even marry a woman he didn’t love? I asked coolly, “Then can you stop seeing her from now on?” He hesitated for a moment. Just as he was about to speak, a nurse rushed in, flustered. “Dr. Vance, the VIP patient is demanding to see you!” Dominic instinctively shifted his weight, though his face remained outwardly calm. “A patient needs me. I’ll be right back. Think carefully, your mother’s illness can’t wait.” Without waiting for my response, he rushed out. He always prided himself on his image, so his current state of panic could only be for Leona. In my past life, my mind was consumed by my mother’s condition, and I hadn’t even noticed Leona was also hospitalized here. I quietly followed him, arriving at the door of a VIP room. Through the slightly ajar door, I could see Leona lying in bed, her face pale. “Dominic, please don’t worry about me anymore. I’m dying of kidney failure. Just let me die!” Dominic held her carefully, comforting her softly. “Leona, don’t rush. I’ve already found a kidney donor.” “Just wait two more days. For you, I’m willing to marry a woman I don’t love and spend the rest of my life with her.” Leona reached out, stroking his face, her eyes welling up. “No, don’t sacrifice so much for me. I want you to be happy. It’s okay if I die.” Dominic lowered his head, his gaze becoming resolute and desperate. “No, I won’t let you die.” “Just tell me, do you have any feelings for me at all?” Leona’s eyes were red, her words hesitant. “Don’t say such things. Evelyn will be upset…” “I just want your answer. I don’t care about anyone else!” Leona finally stopped struggling, leaning in to kiss him. The two passionately embraced in the hospital room, lost in each other. I raised my phone, capturing this touching scene. In the past, seeing this would have pierced my heart. But now, I felt only numbness and disgust. I turned and left, calling my grandfather. “I’m willing to rejoin the family, but on one condition: immediately arrange the best heart surgery for my mother.” “The lead surgeon and medical team must be top-tier.” My grandfather, on the other end of the line, was ecstatic, agreeing repeatedly. “No problem, I’ll arrange it right away. I’m glad you’ve come to your senses!” In my past life, if Dominic hadn’t proposed to me, I would have contacted my grandfather. I was the illegitimate daughter of the Thompson family in Crestwood City, cast out long ago. Last year, after my father and his legal wife both died in an accident, the Thompson family finally contacted me, begging me to return and inherit the family business. I had always refused, simply because I was the product of my mother’s rape. She had suffered so much to raise me, and I didn’t want to acknowledge that rapist father. But now, for my mother’s life, I had no choice but to compromise. In my past life, Dominic, as my mother’s surgeon, had the means to ensure her death during surgery. Now, with a different hospital and different doctors, it should be foolproof. 2. Perhaps it was the promise he made to Leona, but Dominic became even more attentive. He appeared in the hospital room first thing in the morning. “Evelyn, I bought your favorite crab roe buns. Have some.” I didn’t even look up, continuing to pack my mother’s belongings, my voice cool. “No, thank you. I’ve already eaten.” His eyebrows furrowed slightly. “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been very cold towards me these past two days.” Before, anything he bought, even a bottle of mineral water, would make me ecstatic. My coldness clearly made him uncomfortable. “Nothing. We’re just friends. There’s no need to be so intimate.” The words struck him as particularly harsh. Even though he, too, had always privately defined me as just a friend, he didn’t want to hear me say it out loud. His tone became somewhat displeased. “Don’t be ridiculous.” “I know you’re worried your mother will resent me, but everyone knows you like me.” I looked up, giving him a half-smile. “Didn’t you say that? You said we were just friends.” He had, in the past, repeatedly distanced himself from me, claiming we were nothing more than friends, all to avoid Leona’s misunderstanding. His face turned somewhat unpleasant, and he seemed to recall it. Suddenly, he noticed the empty bed and grabbed my arm, asking anxiously, “Where’s your mother? Why isn’t she in bed?” His grip hurt me, and I couldn’t help but wince. “I transferred my mother to another hospital.” “What?!” “Why did you transfer her? I’m her attending physician. Why wasn’t I notified?” “Evelyn, where did you transfer her?” I stared straight at him, a mocking curve to my lips. “Why are you so anxious?” He was momentarily stunned by my question, then stammered, “I… I’m naturally concerned about your mother’s condition.” “After all, she watched me grow up. I’ve always thought of her as a mother.” “And I’m currently the best cardiac surgeon in Silverwood. How could you transfer her without my consent?” The more he spoke, the more confident he became, his last two sentences even laced with an accusing tone. When he was a child, his parents were often away on business, leaving him to be abused by his nanny. He was so hungry he would come to our breakfast diner to pick up customers’ leftovers. He was so thin and small, looking only five despite being eight years old. My mother had a soft heart and felt sorry for him. She called his parents to discuss the nanny issue. She brought him to live with us, sharing our meals and home. It’s fair to say that without my mother, he might not have grown up properly. But even with such kindness, he showed no mercy when he acted against my mother. He released his grip on my arm, his eyes complex. “Evelyn, have you… been reborn too?” I admitted it openly. “Yes. So stop pretending, Dominic Vance.” He actually breathed a sigh of relief when I admitted to being reborn. “Evelyn, you know, the surgery last time was an accident.” “This time I’ll come up with an even more perfect surgical plan.” “Besides, who else in Silverwood has my skill?” He said, taking my hand, his gaze gentle. “We’ve been together for so long. Haven’t I been good to you?” “Why don’t you trust me?” He had always played the role of a devoted husband. Yet, after marriage, he would refuse my touch, citing “intimacy anxiety.” Secretly, he would give me antidepressants laced with sleeping pills, then bring Leona home for passionate encounters. The moments I vaguely stumbled upon, he would casually dismiss as my hallucinations. I even felt guilty for it, blaming my own mental state. “Dominic, did you ever love me?” I stared directly into his eyes, trying to find even a flicker of genuine emotion. He answered without hesitation, “Of course.” He truly was an excellent actor; it was a shame he became a doctor. “Then what about the ‘meat’ that was in the fridge that you never ate?” The composure on his face finally cracked, and his hand unconsciously gripped the hem of his clothes. I had found that item while cleaning the fridge, tucked away in a delicate little box. The box opened, and inside the lid, it read: To my dearest darling. I wanted to throw it out immediately, but Dominic slapped me, screaming hysterically. “Don’t touch my things!” That was the first time he had ever yelled at me, and the first time I had seen such a distorted look on his face. Later, I secretly asked a doctor friend, and they told me it was placental tissue. Whose it was, was self-evident. I never imagined he would be so reckless, keeping their deceased child’s remains at home. “It was merely a work of art that I, as a doctor, appreciated.” He paused, then adopted a gentle tone again. “Shall we have our wedding in a few days? I know you’ve always wanted to marry me.” “You should transfer your mother back to this hospital.” “Don’t gamble with your mother’s health out of spite. You don’t have enough money to treat her.” He seemed to think that he could simply declare this, and I would obediently comply. I was about to refuse when a weak voice cut in. “Dominic, are you two getting married?” Leona. She stood at the hospital room door, her figure frail, her eyes filled with shattered light. Her fragility made Dominic ache with sympathy. He immediately rushed to her side. “Leona, why are you here? You need to rest.” Leona’s tears fell fast and hard. “It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have come. I just wanted to congratulate you both.” She spoke in broken sentences, her voice filled with grievance and unwillingness. Dominic became even more anxious. “You clearly know that…” He was mindful of me, and in the end, didn’t utter the last few words. I didn’t want to watch this disgusting charade anymore. I grabbed my packed belongings and turned to leave. Dominic grabbed my arm, his voice urgent. “Let’s get our marriage certificate tomorrow.” “I’m not going.” I shook off his hand. “Be a good girl. I’ll pick you up from your house tomorrow.” His tone carried an undeniable authority. I wanted to say more, but Leona “conveniently” fainted. Dominic gasped, holding her and shouting for a nurse. The hospital room instantly descended into chaos. In the midst of the confusion, he didn’t even glance at me again. Only Leona, in his arms, gave me a mocking smile. 3. My grandfather had my mother transferred to Sterling City overnight, and her surgery was scheduled for the day after tomorrow. When I video-called my mother, her complexion had improved, and I, too, felt a sense of relief. I slept soundly that night. In my past life, after my mother’s surgery failed and she passed away. I suffered from sleepless nights, plagued by depression, only able to sleep with medication. When I woke, Dominic’s face was inches from mine, startling me so much I almost leaped out of bed. “How did you get in?” He rolled his eyes, looking at me as if I were an idiot. Only then did I remember he had a key to my house. “Get up, it’s time to go register our marriage. Afterwards, we can go see your mother.” “I wonder how she’s doing.” Dominic urged, seemingly genuinely concerned about my mother. I frowned in disgust, unwilling to continue this charade with him. “In my past life, you deliberately sabotaged my mother’s surgery to transplant her kidney to Leona, didn’t you?” Dominic’s face stiffened, then he adopted a wounded expression. “How could you think that of me? I love you so much, why would I harm your mother?” “Stop pretending. I heard everything you said to your assistant doctor.” “You really went to great lengths for Leona.” His face changed several times, finally giving up the pretense. “Your mother wouldn’t have lived much longer even if the surgery was successful. Wouldn’t it be better to give her kidney to Leona?” “Wouldn’t it be good for Leona to continue living with her kidney?” I was seething, gritting my teeth. “You’re shameless! Despicable! Have you forgotten how good my mother was to you?” Dominic glared back, unyielding. “Didn’t I sacrifice my entire future for you?” “Without me, would you be enjoying a life of luxury?” “With your miserable job, you’d never live in a mansion in this lifetime!” My eyes red, I yelled, “I don’t need it!” “I just want my mother alive! You murderer!” I tried to push him out, but then I saw Leona sitting composedly on the living room sofa. My anger flared even more. I pointed at the door. “Both of you, get out!” Leona set down her teacup, her face full of grievance. “Evelyn, please don’t argue with Dominic because of me. I know I’m not good enough for him…” Dominic stepped in front of Leona, pointing at me and scolding, “Anything you have to say, say it to me! Leona is innocent! Stop bullying her!” Leona hid behind him, defiantly raising an eyebrow at me, her eyes filled with triumph. “I won’t marry you. Now, please get out of my house.” Leona approached, looking innocent. “Evelyn, please don’t be like this. I only came today to witness Dominic’s happiness.” “I heeded your warning and stopped having unrealistic thoughts about Dominic.” She was slandering me again, and this wasn’t the first or second time. But Dominic believed her every time. Sure enough, Dominic became furious and pushed me back. “Evelyn, are you done or not! How dare you secretly warn Leona!” His strength was surprisingly great. I was caught off guard, and my head hit the nail of the calendar hanging on the wall with a sickening thud. A wave of sharp pain washed over me. I reached up and felt my hand covered in blood. Dominic gasped, running over frantically. “This… I didn’t mean to.” I tried to call for an ambulance, but my body slumped, and I groaned weakly. “Hurry… save me…” Dominic was, after all, a surgeon, and he knew the gravity of the situation. He knelt down in a panic, trying to check my injury. Just then, Leona’s voice rang out again. “This looks like a major hemorrhage, doesn’t it? Evelyn seems to be the same blood type as me.” “Her kidney also looks like a good match. If we go to the hospital, maybe I could even get her blood.” Dominic’s hand, reaching out to help me, paused. His eyes flickered, as if he was contemplating something. I stared at him in horror, a chill creeping from my feet to the top of my head. “Evelyn, since you won’t let me touch your mother’s kidney, then yours can go to Leona.” “I already let you enjoy the good life in the past. Now, this will be… repayment to me.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409182”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The upper circles had an unwritten rule. The spouse at home had to implicitly allow their partner to keep lovers outside. I used to think such matters were purely a matter of conscience. Until Damian’s young mistress came calling. She had an innocent, naive look, standing before me. It took her a lot of courage to finally speak: “Although I know this isn’t right, Damian says he loves me, and I love him too.” “I know this sounds despicable, but it’s for your own good. I know the rules in your circle. Please, get a divorce. I’ll make sure he gives you a large sum of money as compensation.” She bowed ninety degrees to me. I suddenly found it very amusing and asked her, “Do you know that between Damian and me, he is the one I keep as my trophy boyfriend?” … “Did Damian ever tell you that the villa you live in, and the luxury car you drive, are all mine?” Seraphina’s lips moved twice, but no sound came out. The courage she had just shown, the kind that throws caution to the wind for true love, quickly vanished, leaving only panic and disbelief. “Apparently not,” I said, casually stirring my coffee. I continued, “If Damian and I divorce, everything he owns and everything he gave you will be taken back. Do you still think your love is so grand?” When Damian returned, the young woman’s face was crimson from my words. He immediately stepped forward to shield her, his eyes filled with a wariness I didn’t recognize. I asked him what this meant. He merely held Seraphina’s hand and said to me, “She’s not like the people in your circle. Don’t make things difficult for her.” My hand, holding the coffee cup, trembled for a moment. Suppressing the rising discomfort in my heart, I tilted my head to look at him. “What if I insist on making things difficult?” His gaze fell on the table behind me. I followed his gaze and saw a box full of pearls. As a meticulously cultivated heir of an upper-class family, I was never short of various high-quality men around me. Similarly, my excellence allowed me to stabilize a vast business conglomerate without needing an arranged marriage. Back then, I was always quite playful and kept many trophy boyfriends. Damian was just one of them. When I first met him, he was still a university student. Unlike those men who only cared about money with me, every time he obsessively sought my affirmation of love. He would cook me a nourishing porridge after my business dinners. I had low blood sugar, so he always carried a chocolate bar with him. One year when I was in a car accident, he knelt for three thousand steps at a temple, praying for a safety charm for me. I looked at his swollen forehead and raw knees and asked him, “Why are you so good to me?” Because at that time, I hadn’t given him much money. He said, “I love you, so I wish you well.” “It would be even better if you could love me a little, too.” Perhaps touched by his sincere affection, I dismissed all the other men around me and gave him official status. On our wedding day, he gave me a box of pearls, which weren’t particularly exquisite. He said, “I don’t have many possessions. This box of pearls was personally retrieved by me from the water. Each one is a piece of my true heart.” “Since you chose me, you mustn’t disappoint me. If you make me sad, I’ll take a pearl. When all the pearls are gone, I’ll leave you and never come back.” At the time, I only found his sincerity and innocence endearing. To reciprocate his feelings, I promised him I would never make him sad. So, all these years later, that box of pearls remains full. Not a single pearl has been taken. Damian walked over and grabbed a handful of pearls from the box. The once full box instantly lost a third of its contents. Perhaps the surprise in my eyes was too obvious, making him think his intimidation had worked. “You hurt my heart today. You should think about it.” After the two left. I sat on the sofa, staring blankly at the box of pearls. The already inexpensive pearls, after years, had long lost their original luster, becoming dull and yellow. Just like Damian’s love, which had turned sour. Before leaving, Damian said, “Don’t make things difficult for young, beautiful girls just because you’re old.” Upon reflection, Damian’s change of heart had been evident for a while. We hadn’t been intimate for a long time. I was thirty-two, an age when desires are still present. But every time I saw a hint of resistance in Damian’s expression, I merely assumed he was tired from work and didn’t press him. It turned out he was saving his energy for someone else. That girl was indeed young and beautiful. I looked at myself in the mirror; in my thirties, I was still radiant, looking as young as someone in their twenties. My entire demeanor exuded the elegance and beauty accumulated by wealth. I wasn’t even a bit inferior to the actresses on TV. I tossed my slightly curled hair. I called a friend. “That young actor you mentioned last time, arrange a meeting for me.” My friend’s laughter came through the phone. “I really thought you were going to stick with that boy toy for life.” “Everyone in our circle has a few on the side. Only you were willing to be faithful to him.” I used to believe that loyalty was the most fundamental principle for a partner. So, in all these years of marriage with Damian, no matter what people outside said, I never had anyone else. “Why the sudden change of heart?” “I just find him rather uninteresting. Don’t want to waste any more time.” “Is one not enough then? Old place tonight. I’ll find you a few more, you can pick.” “Alright.” After hanging up, I had my personal makeup artist give me a head-to-toe makeover, then left the house. In a private room at the Pinnacle Hotel, eight young, handsome men stood. My friend sat beside me, signaling to them, “Hurry up and attend to her. If you get noticed by Ms. Thompson, you’ll be set for life.” The men instantly crowded around me, asking if I needed anything. To be honest, it felt quite good. After three rounds of drinks, I went to the restroom. Passing the private room next door, the door was slightly ajar, and I heard Damian’s voice from inside. His friend asked him, “Your wife is a rich woman, after all. You don’t come home for days, aren’t you afraid she’ll dump you?” “I don’t want to go back and smell her old-lady smell. If you like it, you go smell it.” “I don’t want to. Who would be attracted to an old woman?” “But, you’re relying on her after all…” “What are you talking about? My buddy Damian has that old woman wrapped around his finger. Has she ever found anyone else all these years?” Damian, toying with a discolored pearl in his hand, said, “It’s fine. She’s most afraid of me leaving her.” “She used to have plenty of people around her, but ever since I pulled that countdown stunt with this box of pearls, she’s chased all those men away.” “Damian is awesome. A box of cheap pearls made a rich woman devoted to him.” He slung an arm around Seraphina next to him. “She’s in her thirties now, past her prime. She’s not the pretty sister she used to be. If she keeps making a fuss, I’ll disappear, make her go through hell to get me back, and see if she regrets it.” When I returned to the private room. I sent a message to my secretary. I told her to cancel all of Damian’s credit cards. Spending my money while slandering me with his hangers-on? There’s no such thing as a free lunch. “So, anyone you like?” I finally looked up, carefully scrutinizing the men before me, then pointed to the one in the middle. “You, come here. The others can leave.” The moment I finished speaking, my assistant pulled several stacks of cash from her bag and handed them over. “Ms. Thompson doesn’t like her private life being discussed.” They took the money and left joyfully. “He’s the young actor I told you about. He’s twenty this year, his name is Ethan, just starting out, absolutely clean.” I waved him over. Ethan walked to my side, and I reached out to touch his abs. Very firm, very useful. “Feed me.” My friend discreetly left. He held a shrimp in his mouth, leaned down towards me, his breath filled with youthful pheromones. Damian was right about one thing. When there are younger people, who would want to stay with an old thing? “Please, love me.” “Good boy.” That night, I didn’t stop until dawn, relishing the experience. So much so that I missed Damian’s barrage of calls. This kind of experience was something the 28-year-old Damian could no longer give me. He was old, it was time for a change. As I left, I left behind a card and a phone number. “I’m very satisfied. Let’s keep in touch.” Ethan’s eyes, as he took the bank card, sparkled with excitement and satisfaction. See? As long as I had money, I could find anyone I wanted. Refreshed after a night of pleasure, my complexion was exceptionally good today. At work, my secretary even complimented me on how beautiful I looked and asked me to recommend a beauty salon. Perhaps because of my good mood, the workday felt unusually easy today. This good mood lasted until I came home that evening. In the villa, Damian sat on the living room sofa, his face contorted in anger. I thought he had found out about me seeing other men. But he questioned me, “Why did you have my credit cards stopped? Do you know how embarrassed I was yesterday when I couldn’t pay for dinner with my friends?” “So? What does that have to do with me?” “Rose Thompson, are you making a fuss with me because of Seraphina? She’s just a little sister to me.” “Damian, do you believe that yourself?” “Don’t you dare act like you like to play around outside and assume everyone else is the same. Your accusing me like this just shows you want to go out and play again, doesn’t it?” “Your circle is always so disgusting. You’re not clean yourselves, so you assume everyone else is the same.” I truly never imagined he could be so shameless. If he had openly admitted to having a mistress, at most I would have thought he was a useless moocher who couldn’t even manage his sugar mommy. But he actually shifted all the blame onto me, making me feel utterly disgusted. He grabbed another large handful of pearls from the box. “You’re not young anymore. No one else will love you like I do. Take care of yourself.” Looking at the pearl box, which was now mostly empty, I curved my lips. “Suit yourself.” Seeing my indifference, Damian became somewhat exasperated. “Rose Thompson, you’ve truly hurt me today.” “I won’t be coming home for a while. When you realize your mistake, I’ll return.” Although I never understood where his confidence for arguing with me came from, perhaps he thought a woman over thirty would be anxious about love? Did he believe that my indulgence over the years made him think he had complete control over me? But I still stepped aside from the doorway. “Please do.” During Damian’s absence, he would occasionally return. He told me to buy a car for his girlfriend as an apology, and when I refused, he would come back and take some pearls. He spotted a villa and asked me to buy it for him. When I didn’t pay, he would return and take more pearls. Back and forth, the once full box was left with only a few scattered pearls. In truth, I was quite curious: if all the pearls were gone, would Damian truly leave voluntarily? Thinking this, I had my lawyer draft a divorce agreement. My assets were too vast, and a divorce would take a long time, but my only demand was that he leave with nothing. I had just finished my call with the lawyer when I saw a message from Ethan. “Cartier’s gala invited me. Will you be there?” I asked my assistant, and indeed, Cartier had sent me an invitation. Normally, I wouldn’t attend such sales-driven galas, but I hadn’t seen Ethan for days, and I missed his body. So I replied, “Yes.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409183”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My husband resented our arranged marriage. For three years, he’d never even seen me. Then, he was drugged, and his secretary asked me to help him out. After it was done. He didn’t recognize me and offered me half a million dollars as compensation. My eyes lit up. I felt like I’d found the secret to getting rich. I put all my effort into seducing him. Until he finally decided to keep me as his trophy girlfriend. He said: “Never fall in love with me. It’s impossible for me to love you, much less marry you.” Then, he pressed down on my hand as I reached for his bathrobe. “Hold on, I need to get a divorce first.” The next second, his call rang on my cell phone. 1 Due to a small life-saving favor, my father arranged for me to marry Elias Blackwood, a man of immense wealth. Little did I know, Elias utterly disdained both my father and me. Though he paid my father a hundred million dollars as a dowry, he stipulated that the marriage would be dissolved after three years. And on the day we registered our marriage, he only sent his secretary, Mr. Jones, with the documents. After that, Elias worked abroad. I always thought our marriage would be nothing more than a formality. But just two months before the divorce, Mr. Jones called me to meet Elias at a hotel. I assumed it was important business. Upon entering the hotel room, Elias burst out of the bathroom, his breathing ragged, his voice strained and furious. “I didn’t order a… companion!” “Get out of here in five seconds!” I froze on the spot. First, because of what he said. Second, because of how he looked. His handsome face was flushed, his eyes glistening, the narrow corners red as if painted with rouge. He was drenched, his white shirt clinging tightly to his skin, revealing a faint outline of his muscular abs. He looked like a dangerously alluring male siren. With my extensive experience watching dramas, I realized he had been drugged. I stepped forward and asked, “Can you… handle it?” “If not, I can take you to the hospital.” “Don’t do anything reckless.” Elias looked like he was in extreme agony, his breathing growing heavier with each gasp. I thought about calling Mr. Jones. But he suddenly changed his mind, pushing me against the wall, gripping my neck, and lowering his head to kiss me forcefully. My eyes widened instantly. I hit his scorching body with my hands. “Calm down, calm down! Don’t do this!” He caught my hands, his voice hoarse. “Help me. Whatever compensation you want afterward, I’ll give it to you.” With that, a torrential kiss descended, forceful and possessive… 2 I woke up the next day, and Elias wasn’t in bed. My entire body felt like it had been run over by a truck, aching so much I couldn’t straighten my back. As I got dressed and walked out, I saw him. He was wearing a white bathrobe, sitting on the living room sofa, his posture languid and sated. Our eyes met. Shameful images from last night flashed through my mind. My face instantly heated up, even the back of my neck felt scorching. Just as I was about to say something to break the awkward silence, Elias spoke first, his face emotionless. “I didn’t know it was your first time. You can ask for more compensation.” I was stunned. Compensation for sleeping with my own husband? Thinking about saving money to buy a house, I held up five fingers, silently indicating fifty thousand. A flicker of disdain crossed Elias’s eyes. He handed me his phone. “Enter your card number yourself.” As I typed, I cursed him in my head: Always trying to act generous with money, but when it comes to actually giving it, he looks at me like I’m trash. Later, as he was filling in the name, he asked, “What’s your name?” I froze again. “You don’t know me?” Elias countered, “Should I know you?” I was speechless. On reflection, he hadn’t seen me in nearly three years of marriage. I struggled to suppress a laugh. “Jade Parker. Just Jade Parker.” “Here’s five hundred thousand. Make sure you keep this quiet.” “Huh?” “Is there a problem?” I hadn’t expected him not to recognize me even after I said my name. And I certainly hadn’t expected to get five hundred thousand for sleeping with him! Staring at the deposit notification on my phone, I thought, If I could sleep with him a few more times, wouldn’t I strike it rich? My mind raced, and I smiled faintly. “No problem.” “But if you ever find yourself in this situation again, you can always call me.” Elias’s face instantly darkened. He called Mr. Jones in and instructed him, “Take her to a pharmacy. Watch her swallow the morning-after pill.” Then he warned me, “Don’t ever appear before me again.” Mr. Jones’s eyes widened like saucers. He hesitated, saying, “Boss, you…” Fearing Mr. Jones would reveal my identity and disrupt my plan to get rich, I immediately cut him off. I grabbed his arm and pulled him out. “Don’t say anything. Just take me to buy the medicine.” 3 Outside the hotel, Mr. Jones asked, “Did you and the boss have a fight?” Once I confirmed no one was around, I lowered my voice. “He didn’t recognize me. He thought I was a call girl.” Mr. Jones looked surprised, then quickly understood and tried to comfort me. I smiled indifferently. “Just promise to keep it a secret for me. If he ever needs ‘special services’ again, you can keep calling me.” Mr. Jones looked mortified. “The boss is usually cold and aloof, he never messes around with women. This time, he was drugged at a party. If I hadn’t taken the liberty of contacting you, he would have endured it alone.” I was surprised. Elias’s antics with me didn’t seem like the actions of an abstinent man. But hearing that he generally kept to himself made me feel strangely pleased. “And he’ll eventually find out who you are. Isn’t it bad to keep this from him?” “Bad? This is great! It’s his fault for not recognizing me.” Then I said pitifully, “I was raised in the countryside, unloved by my father, ignored by my mother.” “I thought marriage would end my tragic fate, but your boss hasn’t given me a single penny. I’m worse off with him than without him.” “Just pity me, let me make some money off him. When the marriage contract is dissolved in two months, I’ll be gone, no strings attached.” Perhaps moved by my tragic story, Mr. Jones sighed. “Alright, but if the boss finds out the truth, you have to keep my name out of it.” I patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I won’t get you into trouble. Now, let’s go buy the pills.” “Are you really going to take them?” “Of course. I don’t even like him, and we’re getting divorced soon. It would be a huge hassle if I got pregnant.” 4 From then on, I longed for Elias to be drugged again. After a week with no results, I even suggested that Mr. Jones drug him. Mr. Jones refused, saying the person who drugged Elias last time had their tendons severed. So, I changed my approach. I got Elias’s preferences, schedule, and other details from him. I was determined to seduce Elias into keeping me as his trophy girlfriend. As luck would have it. The day I went to the bar to “accidentally” run into Elias. I saw him fighting with several men. Bystanders said a beautiful woman had taken a fancy to him, and after he rejected her, she got angry and hired people to teach him a lesson. I guess I’m just too kind. When one of the men pulled out a knife and ambushed him from behind, I rushed forward and wrapped my arms around him. “Watch out!” Elias was unharmed. But I was stabbed in my left arm. Elias turned, looking at me in surprise. When he saw my arm bleeding, a flame ignited in his eyes. He cursed, “You’re asking for it,” and kicked the knife-wielding man away. At that moment, security guards restrained the other troublemakers. The manager also rushed over, bowing and scraping to Elias, apologizing profusely. Elias didn’t even glance at him, quickly picking me up and carrying me to his car. After getting stitches at the hospital. He looked at me, his voice serious. “Why were you there?” Huh? Was he suspecting I was following him? “I was just out having fun.” “Why did you shield me?” My mind raced, and I decided to make the most of the situation, my voice shy and demure. “Once a couple, always a kindness. I couldn’t bear to see you get hurt.” A vein pulsed in Elias’s forehead. “It was a transaction. There’s no such thing as a couple’s kindness.” “But you were my first man. It’s hard for me to forget you, you know.” Elias’s ears turned slightly red, his voice a little unnatural. “I’ll transfer five hundred thousand for your injury. From now on, when we meet, pretend not to know me, and don’t interfere in my business.” “Oh, okay…” As if. After he finished the transfer and put away his phone, I suddenly felt my arm injury was well worth it, and a smile involuntarily curved my lips. Elias’s gaze sharpened. “What are you smiling at?” “Oh? Just thinking you’re handsome and generous, a really, really good person.” “Can I add you on social media?” “Why?” “I got hurt for you, didn’t I? When I’m better, I’ll let you know, so you can rest easy.” In reality, I wanted to showcase my positive and vibrant life, to make my presence known to him. Elias scoffed, his sharp gaze seemingly seeing through my little scheme. “Don’t harbor any fantasies about me. I have no interest in you.” “Oh.” If he didn’t want to add me, fine. I had Mr. Jones as my informant anyway. I got up and started to leave. Elias extended his long arm, holding his phone out to me. “What?” “Didn’t you want to add me? Take it and do it yourself.” It was… quite unexpected. I took his phone and added my burner account. I felt like I was one step closer to striking it rich. 5 I had intended to recover from my injury before approaching Elias again. But three days later, my father asked me to deliver a business proposal to Elias for his review. He even offered me fifty thousand dollars as a reward for running the errand. For the sake of the money, I went. That evening, after arriving at the restaurant where Elias was conducting business. I had Mr. Jones deliver the proposal to Elias. While waiting for Mr. Jones to reply, I sat on a flowerbed downstairs, chewing the gum my father had given me. My father placed great importance on this meeting between Elias and me. He had not only hired someone to style me but had even gone as far as to arrange for my oral care. After about ten minutes, I started to feel increasingly warm and uncomfortable. I called Mr. Jones, wanting to ask if he was done. As soon as the call connected, I heard Elias scoff. “Someone like Mr. Smith, who would sell his own daughter for profit, isn’t fit to partner with Blackwood Industries.” “From now on, if he or his daughter try to contact me, don’t let them through. “Lest he think his daughter is some precious treasure to me, to be sold off again and again.” Mr. Jones replied, “Understood,” before asking me, “What’s up?” My throat was dry, my face flushed, my body so hot that my blood felt like it was boiling, as if it would burst through my veins at any moment. A sudden realization hit me: my father wanted me to consummate the marriage with Elias, and the gum he gave me was actually an aphrodisiac. Thinking that Elias and I were married and had already slept together, I asked Mr. Jones to hand the phone to Elias. “I’ve been drugged with something. Can you… help me, like I helped you?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409184”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After ten years of marriage, my husband entered a “sensitive period for order.” I picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, and he saw it, rising to get a new pair from the kitchen. His discarded pajamas were off-limits to me; they could only go to a specific dry cleaner. Our bed was divided in half—pillows, blankets, even the direction of my breath couldn’t cross the boundary. Today, he didn’t touch the breakfast I’d prepared again. The toast was golden-brown, the fried egg perfectly runny, just how he liked it, and the milk was warmed to fifty degrees. But he didn’t even glance at it before leaving for work. I noticed he’d forgotten a contract and hurried after him, only to find his new secretary waiting for him in the basement. She brazenly popped a half-eaten bun into his mouth, and he, indulgent, ate it. A sudden realization struck me. Only children aged two or three have a “sensitive period for order.” For adults, this is called physiological aversion. 1 The underground parking garage was quiet. The young woman chattered animatedly, brimming with an enviable vitality. Jim didn’t speak, but he naturally swallowed the half-eaten bun. The atmosphere was impossibly warm. I was very good at disrupting such atmospheres. “You haven’t eaten pastries in a long time.” I was calmer than I expected. Before Jim could formulate a response, the young woman bounced out. She stuck out her tongue, a mischievous, impish look on her face. “It’s all my fault! I bought the wrong buns today, so…” “I wasn’t asking you.” My voice was soft, but it instantly brought tears to the young woman’s eyes. Jim’s smile vanished, and he instinctively stepped in front of her. “Willow, it’s not what you think.” He sighed, reaching out to take my hand. I instinctively recoiled, and he froze, then casually withdrew his hand. “Beth lives nearby, so she just catches a ride with me to the office. You used to live in a rental too, you know how tough the commute can be.” Yes, back then, we only had one beat-up scooter, all year round. In summer, the seat got scorching hot, unbearable at first. In winter, the cold wind was biting, our breath condensing into white mist. Jim’s voice was carried away by the wind: “Willow, I promise I’ll work hard to buy a car so you won’t have to suffer the wind and sun again.” Actually, he was colder standing in front of me than I was. I looked at his reddened ears and gently placed my hand over them. “It’s not hard. As long as I have you, it’s not hard.” Later, he bought a car. But I never rode in it again. 2 A wave of bitterness washed over me. I blinked, trying to mask my momentary lapse. “Don’t be so tense, I just came to drop off a contract.” Seeing the contract in my hand, Jim visibly, though subtly, let out a breath of relief. “Willow, don’t worry. She’s just my secretary.” He solemnly reassured me, his eyes seemingly holding the familiar affection I remembered. But only I knew, it was different now. I dug my nails into my palm, a sarcastic smirk on my lips. “I never knew bosses needed to pick up and drop off their secretaries daily now.” The young woman behind him lowered her head, looking somewhat embarrassed. Seemingly not expecting me to persist, Jim fiddled with his car keys, his tone somewhat annoyed. “Willow, you don’t need to be so harsh on a young woman.” Harsh? It felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over my head. All those words of accusation were now stuck in my throat, swallowed down with the bitterness. “Just kidding.” I forced a lighthearted laugh. “If others don’t find it funny, it’s not a joke. Apologize.” I stared at Jim, stunned. Once upon a time, he would stand before me just like this, refusing to let me suffer even the slightest wrong. I tried to find a shadow of regret on his face. But I found nothing. Jim just gazed steadily at me, his authoritative stance unmistakable. Not wanting the scene to become any more awkward, I finally spoke: “I’m sorry.” Jim seemed satisfied with my understanding and tact, not hesitating to offer me some small recompense. “Good girl. I’ll have dinner with you tonight.” He spoke from a position of superiority, treating dinner at home as a reward for me. In the past, I might have secretly delighted in it. But now, I simply twitched my lips. “As you wish.” Jim didn’t seem to notice my attitude. He checked his watch and turned to leave. The young woman stayed very close to him, practically following in his footsteps. Then, she skillfully got into the passenger seat. I stood rooted to the spot, silently watching their car. The car slowly drove out of the parking garage. The silence was absolute. I touched my face. Turns out, I couldn’t even shed tears anymore. 3 Something had been wrong between Jim and me for a long time. In the beginning, he simply didn’t hold me after intimacy. “I don’t know why, but I just don’t feel the same way with you as I used to.” He frowned, seemingly frustrated himself. I was distraught, only wanting to salvage things, so the next time we were intimate, I proactively wore a provocative outfit. He was surprised, and he was passionate. It felt like we were back to how we used to be. But it didn’t last. The next time I put on the outfit, he said, “Are you that eager? It makes me feel like I’m completing a task.” I didn’t speak, just quietly went to the bathroom and changed. In the mirror, I looked at my body, tears streaming endlessly. From then on, we stopped being intimate. He seemed relieved. I comforted myself, telling myself it was normal. After all, we were an old married couple. But I didn’t expect that was just the beginning. He said we’d been together too long and needed some space. “Willow, I see you as family now.” Jim said he still loved me. I accepted it, and so I quietly accepted all his rules. I couldn’t touch his pajamas, and at night, we could sleep with our backs to each other. But when I used his chopsticks to pick up a dish and he immediately reached for a new pair, I still cried. After we married, I didn’t cry often. The time before last, I cried tears of joy on the day we got our marriage license. That day, Jim had gently kissed away my tears: “Willow, I love everything about you.” Now, he found the chopsticks I had used too dirty. I cried heartbrokenly, and Jim just watched me coldly from the side. It wasn’t until my voice was hoarse that he finally asked, “Cried enough? If you have, go get some sleep.” 4 His composure made me feel like a madwoman. I began searching online for reasons. It wasn’t until I read about the “sensitive period for order” that I felt some relief. It’s normal, I told myself. He just lacked a sense of security and wanted to maintain his own order. I clung to this hope, intending to patiently see him through this period, back to how things used to be. But I had forgotten. The “sensitive period for order” only appears in young children. Jim could eat a bun bitten by someone else; his “order” was directed only at me. Jim loathed me. It was an uncontrollable, physiological aversion. Jim didn’t come home for dinner tonight either. On the dining table, the same sandwich from this morning still sat there. I numbly put it in my mouth. The cold, runny egg was fishy, and the milk had formed a skin. I instinctively retched, rushing to the bathroom, throwing up until I felt dizzy. I don’t know how long it was before I heard a familiar voice from the doorway. “Sorry, Willow, something at work held me up.” Jim was carrying a bag from my favorite pineapple cake shop. Since he’d hurt his stomach drinking and couldn’t eat pastries, I hadn’t had them in a long time either. Seeing my gaze fixed on the bag, Jim managed a faint smile. “I queued for a long time. Eat it while it’s warm.” The familiar scent and packaging brought me back to when we were newly married. Back then, we still lived in a rented room. Next month’s rent was still uncertain, and I was too sick to get out of bed. Jim worked tirelessly, even taking a part-time job delivering food at night. The landlady was kind, often bringing us food and drinks. That night, just after she’d brought a box of pineapple cakes, I received a call from the hospital. Jim had hit an old woman while riding his scooter. I forced myself to gather all our money and went to the hospital. It was only 836 dollars—a drop in the ocean. I looked at the desperate Jim and knelt before the other family. “Whatever our responsibility, we won’t shirk it. We’ll write an IOU and pay it back. Please, don’t hold him accountable.” Seeing our pitiful state, they sighed and waved us off. At the hospital’s back entrance, Jim and I cried in each other’s arms. Penniless, we ate that box of pineapple cakes for three days. Without that faint sweetness, we wouldn’t have recovered so quickly. Thinking of this, a sliver of hope rose in me again. Was Jim apologizing for this morning? Perhaps things weren’t as bad as I thought. I instinctively reached out to take the bag, then my gaze froze. On the takeaway bag was a strand of hair—light brown, medium length, just like the secretary’s. They had eaten dinner together. My hand trembling, I opened the bag. There were only three cakes inside. “Why is one missing?” I tried to sound casual. Jim’s expression became unnatural. “It smelled too good, so I tasted one. Didn’t you also say earlier that you can’t eat things that are too sweet now? I figured it would be a waste if it wasn’t eaten, so…” Seeing Jim making excuses, I suddenly found it incredibly uninteresting. “Then take the rest to her too.” Jim’s brows furrowed tightly, his face filled with irritation. “What’s wrong with you now? She can’t even eat one piece?” He didn’t understand; this was never about one piece of pastry. He had shared our sweetness with someone else. I closed my eyes, finally unable to endure it any longer. “No. I don’t like it anymore.” Jim gazed steadily at me. “I’ll ask you one last time. Are you going to eat it?” “No.” Before I finished speaking, Jim directly threw the entire box of pineapple cakes into the trash can. “Fine, if you won’t eat it, then it’s gone.” The scent of pineapple cakes still lingered in the air. But now, as our eyes met, only exhaustion remained. “I’ve been working all day; I’m really tired.” Jim ran a hand through his hair and kicked the trash can. “If you want to have a good life, can you please stop causing trouble?” I looked into his eyes, and the aversion he felt for me was so obvious. “Am I the one causing trouble?” I spoke, only to find my voice hoarse. “You’ve been off for a long time.” “What’s wrong with me?” Jim scoffed. “I told you I love you. I would never cheat. Can you not be so suspicious all the time?” I looked at Jim, finding his face genuinely open and honest. I suddenly felt utterly drained, physically and mentally. “It’s not only sleeping together that counts as cheating.” Jim sneered. “Ultimately, you just think I haven’t touched you, don’t you?” He suddenly walked closer, grabbing my wrist directly. “Then let’s do it. You’ll be satisfied once we’ve done it.” With that, he dragged me towards the bedroom. “Slap!” The next second, a crisp slap echoed across Jim’s face. He looked at me, bewildered. The last shred of delusion in my heart also vanished at this moment. “Do you think you’re the only one who finds this relationship disgusting?” In Jim’s incredulous eyes, I finally spoke my mind: “I’ve had enough too.” “Jim, let’s get a divorce.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409185”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The night Annabelle sent out her wedding invitations, I died unnoticed in a corner. She wore an exquisite gown, poised and graceful. Beside her, Liam, the groom, tucked a strand of her hair back, his gaze filled with unwavering devotion. The banquet was crowded with far more distinguished guests than when we were engaged. Liam scanned the room, then casually asked, “Didn’t you invite your close friends? The ones you’re always with?” “They didn’t show today—did you have a falling out?” He finished with a knowing half-smile. “Surely they don’t dislike me?” Annabelle’s face briefly clouded before she forced a smile. “I’ll call them.” Call after call went to voicemail. Liam’s smile faded. Those friends, though exclusive, were fiercely loyal. On such an important day, he’d expected at least a token appearance. And there I stood, openly beside Annabelle—her legitimate boyfriend, as always. But no one could see me. On stage, I saw only the silhouettes of the perfect couple: Annabelle and Liam. I finally saw the signs I’d missed in Liam from the start. He playfully pulled out his phone, screen paused on our chat. [Asher, what’s ten years?] [I always get the woman I want.] [My wedding with Annabelle is in seven days. Dare you come?] I looked down. It was more than a taunt—the malice had always been there. But by the time I understood, it was too late. I could have shown up, but he wouldn’t have seen me. Because I was already dead. The banquet ended. Liam and Annabelle, still tangled together, made their way to the car and tumbled into the back seat. The driver, accustomed to such scenes, raised the partition and started the engine. Liam leaned his face close to Annabelle’s, his liquor-laced breath hot on her skin. Annabelle giggled, turning her face away, then pecked his cheek. “You drank so much.” His voice softened, sounding endearingly docile and childish. “Don’t you dare find me repulsive!” Annabelle chuckled, tugging on Liam’s collar and bringing her lips to his. What followed was a long, suffocating kiss. I suddenly felt the air grow impossibly stifling. I moved through the car and sat on the roof, watching their intimate dance. The summer night wind couldn’t warm my icy soul. Flirting and feigning vulnerability. That was exactly the type of man Annabelle disliked most. In the past, when I occasionally showed her weakness or dependence, she would only say, “A man should act like a man. Don’t be like that; it gives me goosebumps.” By the time I came to my senses, they had already reached their destination. As they entered the villa, an invisible force tugged at me, compelling me to follow. Annabelle, upon entering, casually kicked off her heels by the shoe rack and poured herself a glass of hot water. Liam followed closely, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. “Annabelle, I’m scared…” Scared? Not just Annabelle, even I looked at him, utterly astonished. Since I’d known him, I had never once seen the word “scared” in his words or actions. Annabelle turned, revealing her collar, which had been pulled low due to the warm weather, a generous expanse of skin exposed to the man. “Scared of what?” Annabelle pressed tightly against him, allowing Liam to unzip the back of her dress. “Scared Asher will change his mind.” “Scared you’ll leave me.” “Scared I can’t truly have you.” Annabelle replied without hesitation: “He won’t. Asher won’t change his mind.” Annabelle’s certainty left me in a daze. Once, when we were most in love, Annabelle was just as certain. She said, “Never. This lifetime, I, Annabelle, will only love Asher.” That day, I believed the person I would spend the rest of my life with would definitely be her. Annabelle and I were middle school desk mates, high school classmates, college sweethearts, and then co-founders of a company—sixteen years. We got engaged when our company was well on its way. If nothing went wrong, we should have been married this year. But in our sixteenth year of knowing each other, our tenth year of love, Annabelle changed. When did Annabelle start to change? Probably when she stopped sending me messages to check on me, probably when she sat across from me, glued to her phone, unable to suppress the smile on her lips, probably when she started sending Liam good morning and good night texts every day. Hearts, they change in an instant. So when we broke up, she took all the blame, completely absolving that seemingly distinguished man. I granted her wish and didn’t reveal the evidence of Liam’s later provocations. Initially, when Liam first appeared, I didn’t think much of it. A wealthy business partner’s illegitimate son, looking to gain some experience at our company. To secure that deal, Annabelle came to me for my opinion. She suggested arranging for Liam to be an assistant, doing mundane tasks like serving tea and water, just to humor a young master, making sure he wouldn’t interfere with the company’s core business. I believed her. But I never imagined Annabelle would make Liam her personal assistant, and he remained so for a whole year. And Annabelle, using every possible excuse, convinced me to go abroad to expand the market, where I stayed for another year. When I returned, Annabelle was the future Mrs. Dalton everyone spoke of. I was Annabelle’s ex-boyfriend. Before I could confront Annabelle, she sought me out. She pushed a resignation letter across the table to me, along with a share transfer agreement. “Asher, we once said that if one day we met someone who stirred our hearts more, we would part amicably.” “You remember, right?” When Annabelle and Liam tumbled into the bedroom, I hid in the living room. Thank goodness. Annabelle and I could still maintain a small distance, sparing me from witnessing those dirty, disgusting scenes firsthand. Although Liam had already sent me videos and photos of them. Annabelle’s phone lay on the living room floor, vibrating incessantly. I moved closer; the number displayed on the screen was mine. My mind felt as if it had exploded, and I froze in shock. My fingertips trembled imperceptibly, and the moments before my death played out frame by frame before my eyes. Terror, helplessness. I remembered, I had died an undignified death. After agreeing to Annabelle’s breakup terms, I left the company. Liam found me, wanting to talk. What was there to talk about? I looked at him, but he just scoffed, “Aren’t you curious why I chose Annabelle?” “Why?” I asked, following his lead. Liam took me to a coffee shop near the company. “I just wanted to see how deep Annabelle’s feelings for you were. Turns out, not much.” I didn’t want to waste words with him. But as I stepped out, I was grabbed by several men and shoved into a van. The car bumped along, from the city to the suburbs, from daylight to nightfall. Until the mountain wind howled, and jagged branches scraped my exposed arms. “Liam sent you?” I asked, forcing myself to sound calm. The four men before me were emaciated, their eyes sunken, emitting a peculiar stench. The one in charge took a long drag from his cigarette, looking at me like a lamb to the slaughter. My heart pounded like a drum, but I still desperately sought a way out. “I don’t have any money on me. Let me go, whatever they’re paying you, I’ll double it.” This earned me a chorus of harsh laughter. Their violent faces presaged my impending doom. “Kid, learn your lesson in the next life. Don’t mess with the wrong people.” My knees were shattered by an iron bar, my knuckles crushed by a leather boot, and my face was swollen from repeated slaps. One of them sighed regretfully, “Too bad he’s not a chick; otherwise, we could have some fun.” Another chimed in crudely, “Look at that tender skin; does it matter if he’s a chick?” The first one retorted in disgust, “You think everyone’s like you, a pervert?” Listening to this conversation, my heart turned to ice. Later, someone stripped off my outer clothes. I used all my strength to bite off a piece of flesh, enraging that beast. And then my life, and my suffering, came to an end. Blood gushed onto the ground. When I opened my eyes again, I stood behind Annabelle, watching her hold Liam’s hand, announcing their wedding date. Counting the days, her wedding was on the seventh day after my death. One in the morning, Annabelle walked out wrapped in a bath towel. She picked up the phone from the sofa and, seeing the missed calls, her pupils contracted. I huddled on the sofa, trembling, my mind filled with the images of my death. Liam’s voice came from the bedroom: “Annabelle, what’s wrong?” Annabelle suppressed the emotion in her eyes, deleted the call log, and walked towards Liam, phone in hand, to embrace him. The seamless way she deleted the records reminded me vividly of how she used to be when I rarely returned home to see her years ago. In the early days of my time abroad, Annabelle would always video call me. She would complain about how much work there was at the company, and she’d playfully whine, wishing I were by her side. I’d respond while processing documents. “When did you become so clingy?” “Why are you whining and whimpering like that?” I thought I was just casually teasing her, but I hadn’t expected her face to turn instantly pale. It was only later that I realized. People who spend a long time together inadvertently begin to adopt similar ways of speaking. The next morning, Annabelle left Liam’s apartment. As she left, she gently kissed Liam’s face. “Sleep in, you don’t have to go to the office today.” I found it somewhat amusing. Annabelle used to be very particular about time. Rain or shine, she would always wake up on schedule and wouldn’t allow me to be idle, fearing it would delay the day’s work. For sixteen years, I had grown accustomed to her habits, the ones she made me adopt. But it turned out all her habits could be broken, and that exception was reserved for one particular person. I followed Annabelle to the company. My assistant of three years was pacing anxiously outside Annabelle’s office, clutching a contract. Seeing Annabelle, she spoke with urgency: “Ms. Xu, there was a problem with the contract Mr. Nan negotiated a few days ago during signing.” “The other party insists on meeting Mr. Nan before they’ll sign.” Annabelle glanced at the assistant, seemingly not taking it too seriously, but rather said as if it were obvious, “Then call Asher; he’ll go.” The assistant looked at Annabelle with some embarrassment; her phone receiver only delivered repeated unanswerable tones. Perhaps there were too many unanswered calls, for Annabelle’s brow furrowed deeper, and the contract she was reviewing was slammed onto the table with force. “How long have you been calling?” “You haven’t gotten through since this morning?” Annabelle’s gaze swept to the little assistant standing to the side, impatience written plainly on her face. The assistant flinched slightly, “Yes, Ms. Xu.” I stood by the desk, a little surprised why my phone wouldn’t connect. Clearly, last night, my phone had called Annabelle’s. Annabelle probably thought I was doing it on purpose. I pressed my lips together, sketching a self-mocking smile, and idly scanned the contracts casually strewn across the desk. Many of the clauses in the contract had been changed. Completely different from the terms I had negotiated. Liam’s doing. After all, he had taken my place. Annabelle didn’t speak for a long time, staring intently at her phone screen. On the screen was her chat interface with me; she had sent me a message two minutes ago, “Call me back ASAP.” Annabelle’s jaw was tight, simmering with an anger ready to erupt. Until her best friend, Stella, called her: “Annabelle, Asher he…” “Asher isn’t at the company.” “I’m looking for him too.” “If you get in touch with him, tell him to come to the company as soon as possible.” Stella’s words were cut off by Annabelle. Without waiting for a response from the other end, Annabelle quickly hung up and walked into the conference room. I was pulled along by Annabelle’s swift steps, but a faint, hollow ache resonated in my chest. Annabelle had hung up too quickly. As a result, I desperately wanted to know what Stella had been trying to say, but had no way of knowing. Was she going to say I was missing, or had she already known about my death? How humiliating, such a disgusting way to die. The conference room was silent. I had been negotiating that deal for nearly half a month, and Annabelle broke up with me just as it was about to be finalized. Many people said Annabelle was ditching me after using me. Now, the millstone wouldn’t turn. When Stella arrived at the company, Annabelle was in a furious rage.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409170”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was the Peacock Princess. The year I came of age, every male peacock in the kingdom came seeking my hand. I distinctly chose Carbonell, a noble Green Peacock, yet the child I bore after marriage was a lowly White Peacock. Carbonell, seeing the White Peacock, flew into a rage. He snatched the infant, dashed it to its death, then threw me to be devoured by wild beasts. My sister, who had married a common Blue Peacock, bore a rare Violet Peacock. Her husband, in turn, became the new King of Birds. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day I chose Carbonell as my husband. Before everyone, he rejected me, asking for my sister’s hand instead. I knew then: he had also been reborn. He believed that by marrying my sister, he would father a Violet Peacock. But this time, he wouldn’t even produce the lowliest Black Peacock. … 1 After the Phoenix clan’s demise, we, the Peacocks, ascended as the new rulers of the avian world. Peacocks came in six colors: Obsidian, Violet, Green, Blue, White, and Black. Obsidian was the most mythical; for three million years, no one had seen one, leading many to doubt its existence. Violet Peacocks were exceedingly rare, appearing only once every hundred millennia. Thus, within the Peacock Kingdom, Green Peacocks were the most esteemed, and Black Peacocks the most lowly. In my father’s generation, he sired only female peacocks. To secure the succession, he was forced to seek a son-in-law from outside the royal family. He promised the throne to whoever’s child with his daughter proved to be the noblest peacock. I was Father’s most beloved youngest princess, and his only Green Peacock daughter. So, on my coming-of-age day, every eligible male in the realm gathered outside the palace gates, vying for my hand. After rigorous selection, I chose Carbonell, also a Green Peacock. Father was extremely pleased with Carbonell; he was exceptionally handsome, considered the Peacock Kingdom’s foremost gentleman, and Father’s ideal heir. Father immediately announced his approval of the match, setting a date for our wedding. “Your Majesty, I do not wish to marry Princess Willow. This time, I request to marry Princess Seraphina.” I had just been reborn. Carbonell had released my hand and taken a step back, bowing before Father. A collective gasp swept through the assembled crowd. Even Seraphina looked stunned, though a look of thinly veiled glee quickly spread across her face. Seraphina was ten years my senior and still unmarried. This was because my mother was Father’s only officially wedded Queen, while Seraphina’s mother had been a lady-in-waiting who’d used underhanded tactics to gain Father’s favor. Thus, although Seraphina was also Father’s daughter, few truly treated her as a princess, and no one was willing to marry her. Everyone was perplexed as to why Carbonell, a noble Green Peacock, would choose an ordinary Blue Peacock. Only I knew that Carbonell, too, had been reborn. He chose Seraphina because, in our past life, Seraphina had married a Blue Peacock but had surprisingly borne a rare Violet Peacock. Meanwhile, I had given him a low-tier White Peacock. Faced with Carbonell’s choice, Father’s face darkened. “Nonsense! This is Willow’s royal courtship. If you wish to court Seraphina, you may approach me privately. You came to participate in the selection of a suitor, and Willow chose you, yet you scorn her. Where does that leave my daughter’s honor?” Father, advanced in years, valued his reputation above all else. Carbonell’s actions were undeniably a public slap in the face. Carbonell immediately knelt. “Your Majesty, it is not that I scorn Princess Willow, but because Princess Willow is of ill character. She has concealed her true identity as a Black Peacock and deceived everyone!” He spoke with righteous indignation, pointing accusingly at me. The entire hall fell silent, disbelief etched on every face. “What nonsense are you spouting? My Willow is no Black Peacock!” Before Father could speak, Mother stepped forward. 2 “Oh? If Your Majesty the Queen is so certain, why not let Princess Willow reveal her true form? If Princess Willow is a Green Peacock, then I, Carbonell, will offer my life in atonement.” Carbonell looked at Mother with disdain. “If not, then Princess Willow should offer her life in atonement, how about that?” Mother’s face darkened, her brow furrowed. Father’s expression shifted from shock to suspicion, his face instantly grim. More than reputation, Father valued lineage. He was a Green Peacock, yet his other daughters were merely common Blue Peacocks. So, upon my birth, hearing that my peacock color was noble, he had showered all his affection upon me. Now, hearing Carbonell claim I was the lowest-ranked Black Peacock, he practically crushed the armrest of his chair. Mother remained speechless for a long moment. Carbonell’s expression morphed from disdain to smugness. “It’s just revealing your true form, surely that’s not difficult? Is the Queen’s hesitation because I’m correct?” Mother’s face grew even more distressed. Just as she was about to speak, I stepped directly in front of her, openly admitting, “I am indeed not a Green Peacock.” Mother cried out, “Willow, how could you?” Carbonell was forcing me to reveal my true form precisely because he knew I wasn’t a Green Peacock. In our past life, during childbirth, I had revealed my true form due to complications. That had shocked Carbonell. Because everyone believed I was Father’s only Green Peacock daughter, Carbonell had gone to great lengths to marry me. Peacock eggs match the peacock’s color, so after I laid a white egg, Carbonell was enraged. He not only smashed my egg but also slit the throat of my still-in-true-form self. Not only that, he then tossed my dying body into the back mountains, where numerous wild beasts tore me apart. “Good, good, good!” Carbonell laughed loudly, standing up and unfastening his ceremonial sword, throwing it at my feet. “Since you’ve admitted it, then Princess, please offer your life in atonement.” I said, “But I never claimed to be a Green Peacock. What crime have I committed?” When I was born, there were extraordinary phenomena in the sky. The entire Peacock Kingdom’s sky was filled with a rainbow of colors. Everyone said I was an auspicious omen. Only my mother, who bore me, knew that I was a dull, dark egg. She dismissed everyone and wrapped the egg in cloth. On the day I hatched, only she had seen my true form. From childhood, I had never claimed to be a Green Peacock. In my past life, before marrying Carbonell, I had sought him out and told him I was not actually a Green Peacock. At that time, Carbonell told me he didn’t mind; he loved me for who I was. I was touched by him and happily married him, fulfilling my duties as a wife after marriage. But it was only when I died that I learned. He had thought I was testing him, which was why he said those things. “Even if you never claimed to be a Green Peacock, you also never revealed your true form as a Black Peacock. You’ve enjoyed the royal family’s wealth and glory; this is deceiving the populace.” Although there was no law forbidding Black Peacocks from remaining in the royal family, ever since the third Peacock King, any Black Peacock appearing in the royal family would be banished. Just as I was about to say I wasn’t a Black Peacock either, Father spoke. “Enough, Carbonell. Since you wish to marry Seraphina, I shall grant you both a royal marriage.” Carbonell immediately knelt. “Thank Your Majesty. What about Princess Willow?” “Carbonell, this is my private family matter. How long do you intend to meddle?” Carbonell immediately understood Father’s meaning. “This subject is guilty.” Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Carbonell led Seraphina away. As she passed me, Seraphina gave me a meaningful glance. She whispered in my ear, “You have your comeuppance today.” 3 Back at the palace, Father erupted in a furious rage. He demanded to know why Mother and I had deceived him. Just as I was about to tell him that while I wasn’t a Green Peacock, I was certainly not a Black Peacock, Father waved his hand dismissively. “From today forward, I have no daughter named Willow. After Seraphina’s wedding next month, you are to leave the palace.” Father not only banished me but also placed Mother under house arrest. The news spread like wildfire, further solidifying my identity as a Black Peacock. In just one day, I went from being universally adored to universally scorned. My reputation plummeted, and naturally, no man would ever want to marry me. I accepted everything calmly. My days were spent either in my room or in the royal library. That afternoon, the weather was clear, the sun shining brightly. I called for a handmaiden and asked her to watch from below. I transformed into my true form and flew into the sky, momentarily eclipsing the sun. A few moments later, I landed and resumed my human form. “Princess, it’s just as you said! When you spread your wings, your entire body is a rainbow of colors, absolutely stunning!” The handmaiden praised profusely. “You truly are the most beautiful Black Peacock I’ve ever seen.” I smiled faintly. The handmaiden’s words confirmed my suspicion. Just as I was about to ask her to draw my true form, I heard a scoff. “A Black Peacock is still a Black Peacock. No matter how pretty, it’s still the lowest of the Peacock clan.” After the incident, my palace quarters were exceptionally quiet. Only she, it seemed, would bother to come and mock me. I looked up to see Seraphina, resplendent in elegant attire, standing at the doorway. Having caught the eye of Carbonell, the Peacock Kingdom’s foremost gentleman, Seraphina was basking in glory lately. Her clothing and daily provisions were even more luxurious than mine, the once-favored princess. She finally held her head high, parading her authority throughout the palace. I heard several handmaidens from her palace had mysteriously disappeared. “Little sister, how can you still have the nerve to stay in the palace? Father gave you a month’s grace out of respect for Mother. If you were sensible, you’d leave quickly and stop disgracing our royal family.” Seraphina had never liked me, even when I was a child. Only because she envied my favor. I sneered. “Why has my second sister come to my quarters? Are you looking for your handmaidens? Then you’ve come to the wrong place. They’re probably in the maw of the beasts in the back mountains. Aren’t you afraid their spirits will come to take you away if you wander carelessly?” Seraphina’s face paled, and she gritted her teeth. “What are you so proud of? You’re merely a cast-off of the royal family now, while I’m about to marry Carbonell. He’s the most noble Green Peacock, and he said that our union might produce an incredibly noble Violet Peacock.” I gave her a cold glance. “Is that so? Congratulations, congratulations. Then why don’t you hurry and go make babies with Carbonell? Though I should warn you, Carbonell doesn’t look like he can have children.” “How dare you slander my husband? You’re asking for death!” Seraphina raised her hand, aiming to strike me. But she had never been able to beat me in a fight since childhood. This time, she only managed to get hit. Before I could land a few blows, I was pulled away by a great force. Carbonell had appeared. “Who allowed you to bully Seraphina?” Seeing Carbonell, Seraphina instantly transformed into a delicate damsel, leaning into him, pointing at me and saying in a sickly sweet voice, “Carbonell, you’re finally here. She cursed me, saying I wouldn’t be able to bear your child.” “How could that be? You will definitely bear me a perfect Violet Peacock.” Carbonell gently caressed her face. “As for her, I doubt she’ll ever bear even a White Peacock in this lifetime.” Hearing that, I couldn’t help but let out a cynical “Ha!” “I wonder who won’t be able to bear children.” Carbonell’s face turned cold. Carbonell had a secret, known only to me. He was infertile. In my past life, when I learned this, I had wanted to say that having no children was fine; as long as we loved each other, nothing else mattered. Carbonell, however, didn’t see it that way. To secure the throne, he begged me to take the fertility herb, a plant that induces childbirth. That herb, once ingested, would consume one’s inner essence, draining all vital energy. That was why I revealed my true form during childbirth. Not only that, using this herb had severe side effects. Headaches and nausea were minor; the most unbearable symptom was an itch deep in the bones, no matter how much you scratched, it wouldn’t go away. Perhaps fearing I would reveal more, Carbonell quickly led Seraphina away. After they left, the handmaiden came out with the finished drawing. The moment I saw the portrait, my pupils dilated. This painting completely confirmed my suspicions. I had spent these past days in the royal library, poring over ancient texts. Old records stated that Obsidian Peacocks were inherently dark in color, but under sunlight, they displayed a rainbow of hues. An Obsidian Peacock, after consuming the fertility herb, would lay a white egg, and upon hatching, a violet phoenix would emerge. So, I was not a Black Peacock at all. I was the legendary Obsidian Peacock. And my egg was not a White Peacock, but a high-grade Violet Peacock. Because no one had ever seen an Obsidian Peacock, Carbonell simply didn’t recognize its true value. Knowing this, I told no one. Now, everyone condemned me, and even if I spoke, no one would believe me. To prove myself, I would have to lay an egg and hatch it. Who could I find to lay an egg with? My reputation was ruined; no decent peacock would ever mate with me. There was no choice. I had to buy a husband from the black market. After some careful choosing, I finally picked one that was pleasing to the eye. His appearance was remarkably striking, though he was, unfortunately, a multi-colored rooster. No matter. Ancient texts stated that an Obsidian Peacock could mate with any bird and still produce an auspicious offspring of Violet Peacock or higher. As long as my genes were involved, the child would be perfect. The first day I brought the man home, I started stripping his clothes. His ears were beet-red, and he clutched the ties of his clothes tightly. “Pr-princess, don’t we need to… cultivate some feelings before… doing this?” Cultivate feelings? How troublesome. I released my grip, smiling at him. “How do you think we should cultivate them?” “At-at least we should get to know each other first.” “Oh.” I sat back down. “My name is Willow. What’s yours?” “Zach.” Alright. Done getting to know each other, I immediately pounced. Time for business.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409186”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

1 Seven years after Jackson and I split, we met at the City Clerk’s office. He was picking up his marriage license; I was there for my divorce. Jackson smirked at me. “You went on about love when you cheated. Now you’re here getting divorced?” I replied calmly, “I’ve always been bad at judging people.” His face turned cold for a moment. Then he showed everyone my secondhand app and announced loudly: “Seven years married, and you’re still selling what I gave you — three million six hundred eighty thousand in total.” He snatched my divorce papers, checked the compensation, and sneered: “With the twenty‑five thousand eight hundred and seven cents from your ex, you still owe me three million six hundred fifty‑four thousand one hundred ninety‑nine dollars and seven cents.” “Why seven cents?” his new wife asked.“Discounted iced water,” he said. The crowd laughed at the so‑called gold‑digger’s humiliation. … “Trying to milk money from rich folks, eh? They’re way too shrewd to spend an extra cent on someone not worth it.” “That seven cents must be for her water on the way home, telling her to get lost, hahahaha.” I listened to the ridicule, feeling little ripple within. I silently scanned the code and transferred the money back to him. Still, a pang of disappointment lingered. My appointment for hospice care, it seemed, would have to be canceled. I dreaded pain, you see. The stares from the crowd were too intense, so I retreated to the restroom. The message I’d sent to my husband, Caleb, half an hour ago, remained unanswered. I sighed unconsciously. “He’s still not here?” Jackson’s voice suddenly echoed behind me, startling me. I instinctively recoiled a few steps, my too-thin back hitting the washbasin with a painful thud. Frowning, I tried to evade his probing gaze. “He’s busy. He’ll be a little late.” Jackson raised an eyebrow, proceeding to wash his hands. “Looks like your standards for boyfriends have really dropped.” He spoke with an air of indifference. I was speechless, unsure how to reply. It was true, when I was with Jackson, he never let me suffer the slightest inconvenience. If I wanted fruit, a mere glance from me would have him peeling and slicing it, serving it on a platter. If we had to walk a few extra steps on a date, he’d worry about my legs hurting, and without a second thought for the onlookers, he’d carry me. As for making me wait on a date, that was an absolute impossibility. “Well, the depth of love differs, so naturally, the tolerance varies too,” I retorted, though my fingers unconsciously sent another urgent message to Caleb, “Aren’t you coming? If not, we won’t get the papers today.” “Next time, I’m not sure I’ll even be able to make it to the office…” Before I could finish typing, a signed divorce agreement arrived from him. “Give it to the staff. They’ll handle it.” His words were curt, as if speaking more to me was a chore. Jackson saw it and scoffed, “Back then, you guarded him so fiercely, never letting me know his identity.” “Guess I won’t get to see him today either.” “Mr. Dalton, isn’t it a bit… unseemly for you to be so invested in another woman’s ex? Especially if your wife were to find out,” I said, pocketing my phone and feigning a carefree tone. I looked up to see Fiona, her face beaming. “It’s fine, really. Everyone enjoys seeing a trashy ex getting their just deserts, don’t they?” With that, she forcefully pushed me aside and wrapped her arm around Jackson’s waist. “Honey, you really shouldn’t have been so good to Ms. Annabelle, considering you were the best of her past boyfriends.” “Three million dollars isn’t even enough to buy the bag I’m carrying; it’s quite embarrassing to recall, isn’t it?” Jackson hugged Fiona back, saying softly, “Alright, let’s not bring up my past disgraces.” “Spending three million on someone undeserving, I’d say that’s already too much.” In the three years I dated Jackson, I never asked him for any gifts. But back then, Jackson, who was just starting his career, insisted, “No way. Our Annabelle must have everything other wealthy women have.” Yet now, he stood with another woman, demanding I repay him under the guise of being a gold-digger. “I’ve settled the debt. Since it’s a sore subject, I won’t linger.” I nodded slightly, ready to leave. But Fiona, with a faint smile, held me back. 2 “Annabelle, don’t be upset. Our Jack was also at fault for what happened back then.” “Blame him for being too naive, for being a poor judge of character. With me around, he won’t be tricked again.” “And I’d like to give Annabelle a chance to make amends. We haven’t even taken our wedding photo yet, and I hear Annabelle is an excellent photographer. Why don’t you take ours?” “Make amends?” My fists clenched in an instant. “Fiona, what right do you have to say that? You knew everything.” Fiona froze, seemingly surprised by my bluntness. “Knew what?” My bony hand was suddenly gripped by a large one. For a fleeting moment, I felt like I was back seven years ago, the moment Fiona pleaded with me to save Jackson. But when I looked up, I met Jackson’s bottomless eyes. He seemed surprised by how thin I had become and unconsciously loosened his grip. I snapped back to reality, pulled my hand free, and hid my unsightly hands. Under Fiona’s warning gaze, I smiled and replied, “You know I’m not just any photographer you can hire cheaply.” “My husband made a bad bet, so I naturally need to squeeze more money out of my ex-boyfriend. Ms. Fiona, since you’ve picked up my slack, you wouldn’t be stingy about paying a bit more, would you?” Jackson’s tense face suddenly crumbled, finally giving way to a sneer. “Annabelle, I really shouldn’t have held such unrealistic expectations for someone like you.” Hearing me say that, Fiona also breathed a sigh of relief and casually draped her arm over Jackson’s. Gently stroking Jackson’s back, she said, “There, there, don’t get angry over a woman like this. If she wants money, we’ll just consider it giving alms to a beggar.” Inside the photography studio, through the camera lens, I finally dared to truly look at Jackson. Thankfully, the surgery seemed to have left no lingering effects on him. The exquisitely tailored bespoke suit made him look dashing and distinguished, perhaps even more handsome than he was seven years ago. Suddenly, Jackson lifted Fiona’s veil, swept her into his arms, and gave her a deep, lingering kiss through the veil. My hands, holding the camera, trembled involuntarily, several times lifting and then dropping weakly. My breathing became unconsciously shallow and rapid. Jackson’s disgusted gaze landed on me, his voice laced with sarcasm: “Annabelle, what’s the act? You don’t think I’d still feel sorry for you, letting you snap a few shots and get away with it, do you?” “No, not at all. The customer is always right; it’s my fault.” I tried my best to steady my breath, using all my strength to balance both hands. That day, I took over a thousand photos in one afternoon, my hands shaking so much they didn’t feel like my own. But Jackson and Fiona picked and chose, always finding something unsatisfactory. It wasn’t until the City Clerk’s office was about to close that they reluctantly selected the very first picture I had taken. Hearing this, I almost coughed up blood. As I walked out of the City Clerk’s office, the heavens decided to unleash a torrential downpour. On the ride-sharing app, the number of cars waiting ahead was 99+. My winter boots, soaked from waiting, grew heavy and cold. Jackson’s Cayenne screeched to a halt in front of me, splashing cold water all over me. After a day of turmoil, I was practically collapsing. Fiona rolled down the window, feigning kindness. “Ms. Annabelle, do you need a ride? I can have my Jack drop you off.” Just as I was about to politely refuse, Fiona signaled the driver to push me into the passenger seat. The moment my foot touched the floor, I sensed something amiss. Looking down, I saw it was the scarf I had spent five months knitting for Jackson years ago. The pristine white scarf was now stained and dirty, clearly having been used as a floor mat for a long time. “This scarf, I think it was a gift from you to Jack, wasn’t it, Annabelle? I’m so sorry, Jack said he felt sick every time he saw it. I thought, well, we can’t waste your efforts, so I just used it as a footrest for guests. You don’t mind, do you, Annabelle?” I gave a faint smile. “Of course not. It’s perfectly fitting for useless things to be handled this way.” Jackson impatiently tapped the driver’s back, and the driver immediately accelerated sharply. All the blood rushed to my head in an instant; I felt so nauseous I nearly threw up. Jackson knew I got carsick; he was deliberately trying to get back at me. Midway, Fiona suddenly announced she wanted dessert from North End, and they simply abandoned me on the side of the road. I checked the map, and I was even farther from my destination. Finally, utterly exhausted, I made it back to my ex-husband’s villa in the suburbs, only to find that all my belongings had been packed and sent back to my parents’ house. I had no choice but to brave the rain and return home, but as I reached the doorstep, I saw my luggage piled like trash next to the bins. The housekeeper, who saw me first, said, “Ms. Annabelle, I’m so sorry, but this was the lady of the house’s (my mother’s) instruction. She said your brother is getting married, and your room will be used as a nursery, so you’ll have to move out.” I said nothing, silently picking up the light bag of luggage. But then, I ran straight into my mother who was leaving the house. She looked at me as if I were a plague, her face instantly twisting into an expression of disgust. “Useless thing! You get married and then returned like damaged goods, can’t even help your brother one bit.” “How did I ever give birth to such a loose woman? Jackson treated you so well back then, and you didn’t appreciate it. Now you’ve backed the wrong horse, haven’t you? And you’ve dragged our whole family down with you. Why don’t you just find a place to die somewhere? Why bother coming back?” With that, she grabbed a broom to hit me. Luckily, the housekeeper intervened, giving me a chance to escape. 3 I rented a small apartment near the publishing house I often worked with. Opening my suitcase, I found that over half the items were related to Jackson. There were the paper hearts he’d casually folded for me, candid photos I’d taken of him sleeping, and photos I’d secretly taken of his recovery progress after we’d broken up. There were also news clippings of his various career achievements that I’d collected over the years. Every time I saw these things, I felt that all my suffering had been worth it. The rent almost depleted all my savings. I could only manage one night’s rest before rushing to the publishing house the next day, hoping to inquire about the delayed payment for my new book. After marrying Caleb, he never spent a single penny on me. Writing and publishing books had been my only income these past years. But the moment I entered the publishing house, everyone cast strange glances my way. “That’s her, that’s her! She’s so materialistic, abandoned her boyfriend for money, and then beautified herself as a victim in her book. It’s truly disgusting.” “Not only did she not help her boyfriend when he was sick and bankrupt, she kicked him when he was down and ran off with a rich guy. Classy.” “Do you think she knows she’s offended Mr. Dalton, and still comes to our company because she thinks we’re stupid and easy to bully? How unlucky are we to get stuck with someone like her? Now all our projects are on hold. Oh my god, am I going to lose my job?” “Hah, she even wants to use our channels to clear her name. Honestly, some people’s shamelessness knows no bounds.” “Do you think she’s crying herself to sleep every night now, seeing how successful Mr. Dalton has become?” I’d grown accustomed to hearing such things over the years, so I didn’t pay much mind. I just hadn’t expected Jackson’s actions to be so swift, even implicating the publishing house, which made me feel a pang of guilt. Soon, the editor-in-chief called me into his office and handed me a revised copy of a book. I flipped through it; the general content was not much different from my original version. However, my character had changed. I was now portrayed as the cruel ex who heartlessly abandoned her boyfriend during his toughest times. Fiona, on the other hand, had become the woman who bravely stood by Jackson when his career was at its lowest and he was gravely ill, staying devotedly by his side until his resurgence. Even the author’s name was changed directly to Fiona. “This is my book! Why is it attributed to someone else? And by what right can someone else just casually revise it?” I glared angrily at the editor-in-chief, but he snatched the book from my hands. “Annabelle, get this straight: you were the one who deceived us first. Since it’s a story based on real events, why didn’t you tell us? Why did you hide the truth and twist the facts?” “Let me be frank with you. Your book is excellent, and it won a major literary award. But now Mr. Dalton’s wife wants that award, so you have to give it to her. This is the compensation you owe her, understand?” “And setting that aside, our publishing house needs to survive. In our past collaborations, when did we ever treat you unfairly? You can’t bite the hand that feeds you.” With things laid out so plainly, I knew further argument was pointless. Jackson’s influence was too vast; I couldn’t deny him what he wanted. Dejected, I returned home, still worried about how I’d manage living expenses, only to run into my brother at my doorstep. He was carrying a large bag of my favorite snacks. My relationship with my brother wasn’t particularly good, nor was it bad. Most of our conflicts stemmed from our mother’s unfairness. After entering the house and seeing the room I was staying in, my brother’s eyes welled up. “Sis, actually, Mom and Dad miss you a lot. They’re just stubborn.” “I’ve talked to them. Everyone wants you to come back for dinner on Christmas Eve. What family quarrel can’t be mended over a meal?” With that, he sent me a restaurant address, urging me to attend. Perhaps the impending death made me a little afraid, or maybe Christmas Eve was just too cold, but by some strange impulse, I went. Seeing Jackson, the groom, and Fiona, the bride, in the hotel banquet hall, I finally understood their intentions. My mother was using me to entertain Jackson and Fiona. No wonder I was doused with cold water the moment I entered the hotel. No wonder all three elevators in the hotel coincidentally broke down at the same time, forcing me to gasp and climb twenty-plus floors. 4 Gazing at the man surrounded by the crowd, my fingers clenched. He saw me too, a mocking smile on his face. “You came to my wedding dressed like that?” he said, looking at my soaked shirt and jeans. “What, trying to snag a rich husband at my wedding, too?” “Well, I suppose any man here today, if you latch onto him, would be enough to support you for the rest of your life. You’re certainly clever.” With that, he stuffed a wad of cash into my cleavage. “My wife needs a bridesmaid. Serve her well today, and I’ll give you three million six hundred eighty thousand.” Hearing that figure, my heart twisted in pain, uncontrollably. Three million six hundred eighty thousand—that was everything Jackson had invested in me back then. Now, he intended to return it this way. Taking several deep breaths, I forced back the tears and managed a smile. “Alright, but I’ll need payment upfront. I’m afraid Mr. Dalton might change his mind.” Jackson’s face twisted into an expression of extreme disgust. Gritting his teeth, he scanned the code. Then, with a snap of his fingers, a waiter brought out over a hundred bottles of hard liquor. Two days ago, during my check-up, the doctor said my condition was worsening faster than expected. After downing over 100 bottles of this alcohol, I wasn’t sure if I’d even make it through the night. But thinking of all these years of hardship, I felt death might actually be a release. Jackson, with Fiona in his arms, began to toast. Their friends knew the story of Jackson and me, and they knew how devastated he had been when I abandoned him. He refused treatment, wouldn’t take his medicine, and stood dumbly outside my house every day, demanding an explanation. On my wedding day, his mother, desperate, locked him up, but he smashed a glass window with his bare fists. When he appeared before me, he was covered in blood, but I didn’t even spare him a second glance, only telling him to get lost. Jackson’s friends loathed me, and they mercilessly forced drinks on me, even, at Fiona’s subtle nod, adding shards of glass to my wine glass. I drank until my mouth bled, and I threw up directly. Seeing this, Jackson’s gaze wavered. Just as he was about to speak, Fiona rushed over, steadying me. “That’s enough, all of you! Even though Annabelle betrayed Jack years ago, she’s suffered so terribly all these years that she’s received her retribution. You don’t need to kick her when she’s down.” As she said this, she made to help me up, but whispered in my ear, “Actually, Jack’s illness wasn’t a terminal disease at all. A simple surgery would have cured him. The heart you donated? I fed it to my dog that very day.” In that instant, all the humiliation and painful memories of these past years flooded my mind. My brain buzzed, and all my rationality collapsed. I lunged at Fiona like a madwoman, “Fiona, you deserve to die, you deserve to die!” But before I could even touch Fiona’s collar, Jackson brutally kicked me away. A sharp pain exploded in my ribs; I felt as if every bone in my body had shattered. Jackson held Fiona tightly in his arms, his face filled with anguished concern. Fiona, still shaken, whimpered, “Jack, I was just trying to help Annabelle. Why did she do this to me?” Jackson turned his head to look at me, his face so dark it seemed to drip ink. “Annabelle, you really are rotten to the core!” “Get down on your knees and apologize to Fiona.” When I didn’t move, he kicked my stomach hard, then grabbed my hair and yanked me up. “Don’t even think about leaving here alive until you’ve kowtowed 99 times!” His friends rushed in, forcing my head down, slamming it against the ground again and again. Finally, from sheer exhaustion, I passed out. Just before losing consciousness entirely, I saw my parents rushing towards me like madmen, not to check on my injuries, but to pick up the money that had fallen from my chest. Jackson froze, his gaze at me growing complicated. When the paramedics asked for the patient’s family, my parents and brother all denied knowing me. Jackson was about to say something, but a commotion broke out in the crowd. “The patient’s husband is here, everyone make way!” The moment he saw the man, Jackson’s pupils contracted sharply.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “409171”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel