Category: English

I fly home early to surprise my parents, and there’s some random woman in our house. She’s wearing my pajamas and my mom’s jewelry, and she’s screaming in my face. “Did you even clean yourself before coming in? I’m pregnant with the Winchester heir, the richest family’s grandson, and trash like you doesn’t get to come near me!” “Butler! Get the disinfectant and spray down this girl and whatever cheap food she brought!” I stare at this complete stranger, and it takes me a solid minute to even get words out. “This is Alaric Winchester’s house, right? I’m in the right place?” Her eyes go huge, and she slaps me across the face. “Another gold digger who tracked down my husband to seduce him! Throw her out right now!” They literally throw me onto the street. I sit there for a second, then I pull out my phone and call my mom, Lily Winchester. “Mom, get home now. Dad’s cheating on you. He didn’t just have a kid, he’s about to have a grandkid too.” *** I hang up and walk straight back into the villa. I grab the woman by her hair and kick her out the front door while she’s screaming and trying to fight back. “You keep saying you’re pregnant with the Winchester heir? Let me tell you something right now. The richest man in this city doesn’t have a son. He has one kid. Me. Nicole Winchester. His daughter!” She doesn’t believe me at all and tries to slap me again while she’s screaming, “Everyone knows the Winchesters are the perfect couple! They announced they’re leaving everything to their kid, and Mr. Winchester even got a vasectomy to prove he’s a devoted father!” “No normal person would do all that for some worthless daughter! The Winchester heir is a son, and that’s my husband!” I roll my eyes and look at her. “Fine. Call your husband right now and we’ll see who’s right. I want to know who had the nerve to steal my position!” She pulls out her phone looking all smug and confident, but then she stops. Her eyes narrow, and she looks me up and down before she starts smirking. “Wow, home-wreckers are really getting creative these days.” That catches me off guard, and I freeze up. She sees my reaction and nods to herself, looking even more sure of herself now. “You’re just some slut Cyrus picked up, and now that you heard I’m pregnant, you’re deliberately causing a scene to drive us apart so you can steal my place!” She’s so ridiculous it almost makes me laugh. “I already told you. I’m Alaric’s daughter, Nicole. The Winchester family never had a son.” “If you don’t believe me, go upstairs to the sunroom on the second floor. That’s my room. There’s a hidden compartment in the walk-in closet, and the password is my birthday, 1011. Inside there are photo albums from when I was growing up.” “And if that’s still not enough proof, call all the staff out here and ask them whether they recognize me, the real heiress, or you, the idiot who got conned into a fake marriage!” The woman looks rattled for a second, but she recovers fast. “Cyrus and I had an engagement party with both our parents there as witnesses, and we’re getting married today!” “At the engagement, Cyrus’s father, Alaric, personally gave me a black card loaded with eight million dollars. How could any of this be wrong! Everyone, come out here! Does anyone recognize this girl?” My heart sinks when she says that, and it confirms what I suspected from the start. If these people aren’t the problem, then the problem has to be my dear father, Alaric. The household staff rush out when they hear the noise, and after looking at me closely, they all shake their heads. “Sorry, Mrs. Winchester. We’ve never seen her before.” I look at each of them one by one, and my blood runs cold. All the staff who raised me are gone. These people are complete strangers. Replacing an entire household—only one person had that kind of authority. When the staff confirm they don’t recognize me, the woman straightens, looking smug and triumphant. “Since no one here knows you, you’re guilty of breaking and entering—and slander on top of that! Get her! Teach this bitch a lesson!” People immediately rush at me, and punches and kicks start coming from every direction. I can’t fight them all off, and they beat me until blood’s streaming down my face. Right then, the front door swings open, and a panicked voice calls out. “The butler said some criminal showed up causing trouble. Emma, are you okay?”

I look hard at whoever just walked in, but no matter how much I rack my brain, I don’t recognize him at all. Cyrus Winchester sees me covered in blood, and his voice turns angry. “You’ve got some serious nerve!” “I’m Alaric Winchester’s only child, and you just attacked my wife and our unborn baby. You’re going to pay for this!” He ranted furiously, looking as if he wanted to tear me apart on the spot. I, on the other hand, stay composed and speak coldly. “You say you’re the Winchester heir. Where’s your proof? This is my home. You broke in and openly impersonated me. I want to know—Where do you get the nerve?” Cyrus stares at me like I just slapped him, then he starts laughing like he can’t believe what he’s hearing. “Are you insane? You’re saying you’re the Winchester daughter? Everyone knows Alaric Winchester made a vow the day his child was born to give all his love to that one kid. Who would leave billions to a daughter? That’s ridiculous.” “You’re not here to claim you’re family. You heard my wife is pregnant, and you’re trying to get my attention. Well, let me tell you something right now. My wife is having a boy, and nobody’s taking her place!” Emma looks so touched and cuddles up to Cyrus. “Baby, you’re so good to me.” Looking at this shameless couple, rage burns through me. “I already told you. I’m the only Winchester heir.” Cyrus loses it and pushes Emma aside, then he slaps me across the face. “My dad is a public figure, and he kept me out of the spotlight all these years to protect me, not to give some crazy person like you the chance to steal my identity!” “I’m calling my dad right now, and we’ll find out if he had a son or a daughter!” He pulls out his phone right in front of me and puts it on speaker. I see that familiar number, and my heart sinks. A second later, I hear Alaric’s voice coming through the phone. “Hey there, son. Dad’s at the venue setting up for your wedding. What’s going on? Is something wrong?” Cyrus gives me a smug look. “Dad, nothing serious. I just wanted to ask you something. Do I have any brothers or sisters?” On the other end, Alaric sounds amused. “What are you thinking about, kiddo? I got a vasectomy for you. How could I possibly have another child? When I’m gone, everything I built will be yours. Don’t worry about it.” The rage inside me hits its breaking point, and I blurt out Alaric’s name. But Cyrus already hung up, and he slaps me again. “I get it now. You’re not after me, you’re after my dad!” “My parents have been happily married for over 20 years, and some home-wrecker like you isn’t going to ruin that. Someone, grab her! This trash is spreading lies and slandering my family. Rip out her tongue!” I’m not stupid enough to stick around for that, so I turn and run, but Emma grabs my hair from behind. People rush at me from all sides. Someone slaps my face hard and grabs my throat, forcing my mouth open, and they’re actually going to cut out my tongue! I try to push them away but someone kicks me in the stomach over and over. “You bitch, you messed with Mr. Winchester’s only heir, and now you’re going to hell!” Tears sprang to my eyes as someone clamped down on my tongue, sending a sharp, searing pain through my mouth. Blood rushes down my throat and chokes me. Right when I’m about to suffocate, the doorbell rings. It has to be Mom coming to save me after I called her! I use every bit of strength I have left and shove the servants off me, then I run for the door. Cyrus’s face changes. “Everyone should be at the wedding venue waiting right now. Who would show up here?” My tongue is split open and bleeding but I glare at both of them. “The person who’s going to end you!” I yank the door open, but when I see who it is, my heart sinks. The man at the door looks shocked when he sees blood all over my face. He sounds uncertain when he speaks. “Miss Nicole, what happened to you?” My tongue hurts so badly I can barely talk, so I just grab his arm and look at the people inside. “You don’t know me, but you should know the Winchester family’s former butler!” I turn to him and try to get the words out. “Brian, tell them who I am!” By the time I finish that sentence, tears are streaming down my face from the pain. Cyrus rolls his eyes and walks over with his arms crossed, looking at the former butler, Brian Phillips. “So Brian, you know this person?” Brian looks at me, then at the wedding photo hanging in the middle of the living room, and suddenly, he laughs. “Nope. Who is she?”

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/202606196kndWnUife 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni482127”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

My name is Tabitha Wat, and my boyfriend is Remy Black. He has a girl friend named Elara Moore. Through careful maneuvering, she has schemed her way into marrying into a rich family in Briarwick, a prestigious clan. During the wedding reception, the young heirs of Briarwick bring out all sorts of props, ready to play pranks on the bride. The usually tough girl now stands with tearful eyes, casting a pleading glance at Remy. And the next thing I know, he pushes me forward. “Who cares who we play with? Don’t mess with the bride. Let’s play with the bridesmaid!” He whispers, trying to coax me. “Elara’s an internet celebrity marrying into a wealthy family. Anything posted online could ruin her reputation. You can take her place for a bit, and I’ll have her give you a big reward later.” “It’ll be more than you make in months delivering food.” Elara chimes in with a sycophantic smile. “Gentlemen, I know you love to have fun, and I won’t spoil it for you. Here’s my friend’s girlfriend, a delivery girl.” “Feel free to use all your props on her. Don’t waste them.” But she doesn’t know who I really am. I’m a big player in Briarwick. The delivery job is just a bet with my grandpa. I’ve taken down so many spoiled rich kids that they could start a parade. *** Among the groomsmen, Orson Creed, with a lip piercing, steps forward and scrutinizes me for a moment. “I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before.” Of course he feels that way. After all, the Briarwick brats used to bully ordinary people. And I took them all down. But now, my once fiery red hair has turned gold, and my blazing red lips have faded to bare, unpainted skin. My leather jacket is swapped for a white dress. My dark glasses, and my sun-tanned skin from food deliveries. No one can recognize their old nightmare. Elara smiles awkwardly. “She’s just a delivery girl. Maybe she’s delivered food to you before.” Orson sneers and points to a black device behind him that is emitting electric currents. “A lie detector that can make someone lose control of their bladder and bowels.” He says, blowing a smoke ring. “Delivery girl, why don’t you give it a try?” I turn to Remy, my voice calm. “On our first day together, you said you’d always stand in front of me and protect me. Now this?” He averts his gaze, looking guilty. “Tabitha, Elara is pampered, while you work in the sun and rain. You’re tougher. Just take her place for the pranks.” Fine. I was blind to see him for who he really was. I try to ignore the sting in my heart. I press my tongue against the roof of my mouth and raise an eyebrow. “Gentlemen, enjoy your fun. I’m out of here.” I stride towards the door. Elara screams. “Remy, who will take my place if she leaves? No!” Remy quickly blocks my path. His face is stern. “You can be a little difficult sometimes.” “But now, with all these wealthy young men here, if you just walk out and offend them, what will happen to Elara? And what about my family?” I look up at him. It’s still the same handsome face. But it feels so unfamiliar. I give no response. Remy grabs my hand and says firmly. “Tabitha, if you don’t take Elara’s place today, we’re done.” He looks confident. Elara covers her mouth and giggles, explaining to the groomsmen. “In the past year, every time Remy threatened to break up, Tabitha would give in. She really can’t live without him!” “I understand, though,” she adds, her eyes filled with disdain as she looks at me. “For a nobody like you, snagging Remy is like winning the social lottery.” I sigh and check my phone. I’m genuinely trying to negotiate. “Remy, can we break up in an hour?”

I add, “One more hour and it’ll be our one-year anniversary.” It’s a matter of the successor test, and I have to give in to keep him. Remy looks like he had expected this. “I knew you couldn’t bear to break up with me. Babe, I can’t bear it either. What I said earlier was just a way to get you to comply.” He smiles, takes my hand, and places it on his chest. “Even though I’m helping Elara today, my heart is only with you.” “I promise, as long as you help Elara with this little favor, I won’t break up with you.” No wonder he’s so confident. Last week, Elara kissed Remy in front of me while drunk. She even told me smilingly that she had once snapped Remy’s dick when they were very young. She said, “If I had feelings for Remy, we would have been together long ago.” And he said, “Tabitha, we are just friends. No romance.” I didn’t break up with him at the time. Everyone thought I was head over heels in love with Remy. Thinking of this, I curse my grandpa all over again. I have to admit I regret agreeing to that bet. “Come on.” Orson loses his patience and kicks the crystal centerpiece in the middle of the hotel room. His fierce expression makes everyone’s heart tremble. “Have you decided yet? Who will play these games?” Elara tugs at Remy’s sleeve, on the verge of tears. She doesn’t even need to ask now. Remy hands her a tissue in distress, his glance warning me. “Tabitha, you go and play the games for Elara right now. If you delay for even a second, we’re done!” I can’t lose the bet at the last moment. When I look up again, there’s only a fake smile of submission on my face. “Okay, I’ll do it.” Elara breathes a sigh of relief and turns on the live broadcast. “Hey everyone, I’m live-streaming my wedding for you!” “Yes, that’s the Creed heir, the one who loves thrilling games the most.” “He’s so hot, isn’t he? Well, our other groomsmen are also powerful and good-looking!” “That’s why my bridesmaid is so eager to play those games!” The comments are all negative. “Isn’t this girl the one who appeared in Elara’s live broadcast last time, Mr. Black’s girlfriend?” “I remember she was a food delivery girl. Wasn’t it enough to seduce Mr. Black? Now she’s trying to steal the spotlight at Elara’s wedding.” “Well, that’s what gold diggers do, but she’s picking the wrong person this time. Mr. Creed is famous in the circle for only loving games and not beauties, and he’s cruel.” “She should have hooked someone else, not Mr. Creed, who doesn’t flinch at the sight of blood!” I glance at the comments and then at Orson. I can’t associate him with the person who used to cower in front of me. I sit down on the chair casually and reach out. “Go ahead and test me!” The bodyguard connects the lie detector to me. Elara suddenly speaks up. “Mr. Creed, you don’t know her well. Will you let me ask the questions?” She turns her back to the screen and lowers her voice. “After all, you also want to see her lose control and soil herself from the electric shock, right?” Orson, with a cigarette in his mouth, leans lazily on the sofa. He waves his hand in agreement. Elara smiles sweetly. “The first question.” “Have you ever killed an animal? A pet, that is.”

I think for a moment and then nod, admitting it readily. “Yes, I have.” The comments section erupts with criticism. “This woman is ruthless! She killed a pet!” “And look at her expression. She doesn’t care at all!” Remy’s eyes are full of disappointment. “Tabitha, I never expected you to be so ruthless.” Orson, on the other hand, seems intrigued. “Why did you kill it?” I reply, “To save someone.” Orson presses on. “What kind of pet was it?” It was a wolf, legal to keep abroad. I brought it home to the manor with great joy, only to find it trying to attack the delivery guy on its first day. I slashed its neck without hesitation. But I can’t share that detail. If I did, Orson might start to suspect my true identity. *** After my 16th birthday, I was sent abroad to expand the family business. I passed the heiress’s test with flying colors. But since I’d once caused chaos in Briarwick, my grandpa still thought I was too unpredictable. Around that time, I was dating Remy and working as a food delivery driver, getting a taste of life along the way. He proposed an extra challenge. “If you don’t break up with him within a year and no one discovers your real identity, you win.” “Only then will you be qualified to be the successor of our family.” *** A year has passed. I’ve been gentle and considerate with Remy, fearing he might break up with me. He and his friends all think I’m head over heels in love with him. I did like him once, but a man who’s rotten to the core doesn’t deserve a place in my heart. I shake my head. “I won’t go into the details.” Elara, with her eyes red, is stirring up trouble. “Even if a cat or dog bites, that doesn’t give you the right to kill it. How could you be so cruel? Tabitha, you’re completely heartless!” In the live broadcast, the audience is furious. “Expose her!” “I can’t stand this. If she’s a delivery girl, would she retaliate against society for bad reviews?” “Expose her! I’ll go to her doorstep and throw manure!” I can see Elara’s deliberate provocation and Remy’s subtly hurt gaze. And I understand instantly. Elara has schemed her way into a wealthy family, but she can’t stand to see Remy and me together. She’s using this chance to tarnish my image. But she doesn’t know that I’ve long stopped caring about this relationship.

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/20260619APXpV71z9w 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni541879”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

I poured all the freshly boiled herbal medicine into the toilet. With a whoosh, it was all gone. Mom rushed in, trembling with anger, and slapped me hard across the face. “Fiona! We bought the medicine with the money that your father earned from selling his blood! Are you crazy?” My face burned with pain. I clenched my teeth and didn’t cry. I had to act worse, so that when I died, they wouldn’t be too sad. This morning, I saw the ultrasound report. It was twins. How nice. Our family could only afford two kids, not three. I was the extra one. “The medicine is too bitter! I hate it! I hate you two!” I shouted, shoved Dad away, and crawled into bed. Under the blanket, I pressed my hand over my mouth so I wouldn’t make a sound. It hurt again. Something inside me was biting and chewing, and I couldn’t stop it. It was okay. Ferryman had already come once. In a few days, they would be able to raise those two little babies. “Good night, Dad, Mom. This is the last time I make you angry.” *** The bathroom was full of the smell of herbal medicine, bitter and astringent. The dark liquid ran down the white porcelain and was finally swept away by the water. Mom stood at the door, breathing heavily, still holding the empty bowl. “Fiona, do you know how much this bowl of medicine costs?” I lowered my head and looked at the hole in the toe of my shoe. I’d worn these shoes for three years. My big toe always poked through. “Two hundred.” Mom slammed the bowl to the ground. The bowl broke, and one piece cut across my calf. Blood seeped out, warm and sticky, but I barely noticed. Nothing could compare to the agony twisting inside my stomach. “Your father works at the construction site and even sells blood, all just to keep you alive!” Mom rushed over and grabbed my shoulders, shaking me. She was five months pregnant. Her belly bulged, trembling under that old sweater from anger. “I’m not drinking it!” I lifted my head and tried to make my eyes look fierce. “It tastes awful, like pee!” Mom slapped me again. This time she slapped me on the other side of my face. Both sides were swollen now, perfectly symmetrical. “You heartless ingrate!” The door was pushed open. Dad came back. He was wearing dusty work clothes, holding two steamed buns. When he saw the spilled medicine and broken pieces on the floor, he froze. His eyes were bloodshot. “Bella, what happened?” Dad’s voice was hoarse, completely drained. “She poured the medicine away.” Mom burst into tears and pointed at the toilet. “Freshly boiled, all poured away. She said it tasted awful.” Dad walked over. The smell of sweat and cement rushed into my nose. That smell reminded us of his fighting desperately for this family. He looked at me. His gaze went from fatigue, to disappointment, and finally to anger. “Fiona, I was drawn 400 cc today.” He rolled up his sleeve. There was a bandage in the crook of his arm, needle marks everywhere, bruised blue and purple. “In exchange for this batch of medicine.” He squatted down so his eyes were level with mine. “You poured it away?” I looked at his bruises, my heart twisting in pain. I wanted to ask him to stop selling blood, because the doctor said I was about to die soon, and no medicine could save me. I wanted to tell them that they had to save money for the two new babies. But I couldn’t say that. If I said it, they would go borrow money again, beg people again, sell their lives again. I had to be a bad, ungrateful child. “Yeah, I did.” I lifted my chin stubbornly. “I don’t wanna take the medicine bought with blood-selling money. TV says selling blood isn’t allowed.” Dad raised his hand. That hand was rough, full of calluses and dirt. I closed my eyes and waited. But the slap never came. Instead, he punched the wall beside me. Bang! A bloody mark was left on the wall. “Get lost.” He pointed at my room. “Get back to your room! Don’t let me see you.” I turned around and ran into the storage room that was less than five square meters. That was my bedroom. I closed the door and slid down against it. My stomach churned violently. I coughed up blood into my palm and quickly wiped it away with my sleeve. I couldn’t let them see. Outside the door came Mom’s sobbing and Dad’s heavy sigh. “This child is ruined. We can’t raise her right.” “We still got two babies on the way. Gotta educate them properly. Can’t raise another kid like her.” I curled up under the blanket, tears flowing into my mouth. It was salty. That was exactly what I wanted. I wanted them to hate me and despise me. And when I died, they wouldn’t be sorry. In the corner stood a tall uncle in a black suit, his face pale, holding a notebook. He was the Ferryman, guiding souls to the other side. Only I could see him. “Fiona, three days left.” “I know.” I pulled the blanket over my head. “Can you make it faster? I wanna leave tonight.” “No. The time hasn’t come yet.” Ferryman closed his notebook and disappeared into the corner of the wall. The pain gnawed at my stomach again. I bit the corner of my pillow and swallowed my sobs. Three days left. In these three days, I had to make them completely give up on me.

The next morning at breakfast, there were only two steamed buns on the table, a plate of pickles, and two bowls of steamed egg custard. I quickly finished the bowl in front of me and then stared at Mom’s bowl. “I want more!” Ever since my illness was diagnosed, all the family’s money had gone to buy medicine for me. Our food got worse and worse, and any good food was saved for me and my pregnant mom. Dad stopped eating and frowned at me. “Your mom is carrying your younger brother. She needs the nutrition.” “I want more!” I stood up and reached out to grab that bowl. “Fiona!” Dad shouted. I ignored him and stuck my hand straight into the bowl, grabbing a handful of egg and stuffing it into my mouth. It was hot, very hot. But I chewed desperately, smacking my lips, oil dripping all over my mouth. Then I deliberately tried to knock the bowl over. Mom reacted quickly and caught the bowl, but the soup spilled all over the table, and she burst into tears from anger. Dad stood up and grabbed me by the collar. “You think we won’t hit you?” “Hit me then!” I kicked my legs and spat the egg scraps in my mouth onto his face. “Beat me to death and you won’t have to spend money on my medicine! Perfect, you can raise those two little brats!” Dad’s hands were shaking. He threw me back onto the chair. The chair overturned. I fell to the ground, my tailbone aching terribly. But I quickly got up, dusted myself off, slung on my backpack, and ran out. “Fine! I’ll go buy snacks at school!” Dad shouted behind me, “Stop! Where did you get the money?” The moment the door closed, I heard the sound of bowls and plates shattering, and Dad’s desperate roar. “This must be punishment for something I did in the past. What kind of sin did I commit?” I actually had no money. In my pocket was only that crumpled photocopy of the diagnosis report. The last time at the hospital, I secretly took it from the doctor’s desk. It said late stage and already metastasized. I tore it up and threw it into the trash. Ferryman appeared again, floating beside me. “Why bother doing this? Making them hate you, you won’t feel at peace when you go.” “What’s the use of peace?” I kicked a small stone on the roadside. “If they love me, they’ll cry sadly when I die.” “If they hate me, when I die they’ll just curse me and then go on with their lives.” When I passed by a bun shop, I wanted to eat one, but I couldn’t. If I ate, I’d keep vomiting. I walked to the school gate but didn’t go in. I didn’t want to study anymore. I wouldn’t be able to take exams anyway. I sat on a park bench all day, watching other kids run around, watching other parents wipe their children’s sweat and feed them water. It seemed so nice. In the future, my younger brother and sister could live like that too. When I got home in the evening, there was a thick stack of money on the table. It was Dad’s wages for the day, and borrowed money. Dad said while smoking, “We’ll go to a big hospital tomorrow. Let’s get you checked again. Even if we have to sell the house, we’ll treat you.” Panic shot through me. I couldn’t go—if I did, the money would be wasted. That money should be used on my little brother and sister, for their milk, their survival. I walked to the table and grabbed the stack of money. “What are you doing?” Mom looked at me warily. “I want a new phone. Everyone in my class has one except me.” “Are you crazy?” Dad crushed out his cigarette and rushed over to grab the money. “This is life-saving money!” “I don’t want treatment! It won’t work anyway!” I hugged the money tightly and ran toward the door. “I just want a phone! I wanna play games!” “Fiona!” Dad caught up and kicked the back of my knee. I fell to the ground. My knee hit the floor hard. The money was scattered everywhere. Dad pinned me down and slapped me. This was the first time he’d ever hit me this hard. “I’ll beat the crap out of you, you ungrateful brat! I sell blood and risk my life, and you just wanna play games?” “Do you know your mother won’t even buy herself a new piece of clothing?” It hurt, but I laughed out loud. “Hahahaha! That’s because you’re useless!” “Why have children if you’re so poor? You give birth to us just to suffer!” Dad stopped. He looked at me, his voice trembling. “What did you say?” “I said you’re useless. You deserve to be poor!” Dad slowly straightened up—then, in that single moment, he seemed to age ten years. His back bent, his shoulders sagging under an invisible weight. “Fine. From today on, you’re not my daughter!” He bent down and picked up the money one bill at a time, wiping each one clean. Mom sat on the sofa, holding her belly, her eyes hollow. She didn’t even have the strength to curse me anymore. I struggled up, limped back to my room and then closed the door. I took out a hundred-dollar bill hidden in my sleeve. I’d secretly slipped it in during the chaos. I pressed it under my pillow. This was the meeting gift I left for my brother and sister. It wasn’t much, but I did my best. Ferryman stood at the bedside and looked at me. “Two days left.” “Alright.” I curled up and gently rubbed my knee. That kick really hurt. But I was okay with it. This way, you wouldn’t feel sorry for me two days later.

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/20260619JDPbxBbbuy 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni061999”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

On the day of my Luna Coronation, the low-ranking Omega Healer living in my mate’s packhouse appeared before the entire assembly—clothes torn, hair disheveled—screaming that I’d hired Rogues to defile her. The guests turned on me instantly, their fingers pointed at my face like claws. “Poisonous bitch.” “Unworthy Luna.” The Omega wailed louder: “I only stayed in the packhouse to heal the sick! There was never anything between the Alpha and me—never! If the Luna hates me so much, just banish me! Why destroy my life?” To save face for both our bloodlines, I swallowed my pride. Through tears I didn’t mean, I accepted blame for a crime I didn’t commit. At my own mating ceremony, I agreed to let her become his second Luna—a co-equal mate. My Alpha looked at me with such theatrical pain as he grabbed my right hand. The snap of bone echoed through the hall. “Sage saved my life,” he said, cradling my shattered hand like it was nothing. “This is the only way she’ll forgive you. The only way we can have peace.” My reputation destroyed, I had no choice but to endure. I served his family. His mother. His pathetic pack. Day after day, year after year. Until my body gave out. Until I died alone, unwanted. But before my last breath, I learned the truth: there were no Rogues. My mate and his precious Omega had orchestrated everything. They’d planned it together—to steal my title, my wealth, my life. When I opened my eyes again, I was back. Back to the morning of my Luna Coronation. This time, I didn’t hesitate. “Lock down the entire packhouse,” I commanded my warrior maidens. “Bind every male within a fifty-mile radius. Every. Single. One.” But Sage still claimed someone violated her. Impossible. … “Raina, what is the meaning of this…” I ripped off my ceremonial veil myself and tossed it to a maiden. Walking into the ceremony hall with my head held high, I smiled—a predator’s smile. “Alpha Donovan, don’t panic. I had a nightmare last night—a vision of Rogues disrupting our sacred day.” “I merely increased security. Surely you understand.” Donovan’s face went rigid. “Isn’t this… excessive? The High Council is watching…” “Let them watch.” I cut him off, my gaze sweeping the assembled guests. Those who’d been whispering fell silent the moment my eyes found them. I am the Grand Luna’s niece. The daughter of the High Alpha bloodline. The Alpha King himself declared me Princess of the Northern Packs. No one dares challenge me. In the ceremony hall, Donovan’s mother sat in the place of honor, ready to receive our oaths of fealty. One look from me, and my maidens moved. They hauled her off the throne. I walked past her trembling form and sat down myself. Donovan’s mother stumbled backward, her finger shaking as she pointed at my face: “Outrageous! You think because you’re a pureblood princess, you can disrespect your Alpha’s mother?” “I haven’t even accepted you yet, and you’re already acting like this? Have you no shame?” “Careful, Elder.” I examined my nails, bored. “The ceremony hasn’t begun. The mating bond hasn’t formed. Technically, I’m not part of your pack yet.” I looked up at Donovan with a cold smile. “Isn’t that right, Alpha?” But Donovan wasn’t listening. His eyes kept darting toward the back gardens. Sweat beaded on his forehead, running down his temples. I knew exactly what he was waiting for. In my first life, this is when Sage would have been “attacked.” But now the packhouse was on lockdown. He couldn’t check on her. Couldn’t confirm if his little scheme had worked. “Raina is right,” he said finally, voice tight. “The ceremony… we still have a few minutes.” His mother’s face went purple with rage, but my bloodline kept her silent. That’s when it happened. A scream—raw and devastating—tore through the air from the back gardens. “HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME!” The guests jumped to their feet, necks craning toward the sound. “Something’s happened!” “The back gardens—” A woman stumbled into the ceremony hall, her dress torn, her hair wild, her eyes red from crying. Sage. She collapsed in the center of the hall, her sobs echoing off the marble. “Princess! How could you be so cruel!” “I’m just a Healer—I only stayed here to serve the Alpha! You’re jealous, so you hired Rogues to—to—” She threw herself toward a pillar. “I can’t live like this! I have no honor left!” Several pack women caught her before she could crack her skull open. “Miss Sage! Please don’t do anything rash!” “Think of your patients!” The scene unfolded exactly like my first life.

“Raina! How could you be so heartless!” Donovan’s voice cracked with fake anguish. He rushed forward, stripping off his ceremonial Alpha’s cloak and draping it over Sage’s trembling shoulders. “Sage saved my life when I was poisoned by silver! She’s served this pack faithfully, healing our warriors without complaint!” “If you can’t accept her, I’ll send her away—but hiring Rogues to defile her? You wanted to destroy her!” His performance was Oscar-worthy. The High Council members—those pompous purebloods in their expensive suits—looked at me like I was filth. “A princess with such a poisonous heart.” “She looks so refined on the surface, but her methods are disgusting. How can she be Luna?” I sat perfectly still on the throne, listening to their insults. In my first life, I’d been so ashamed. So desperate to prove my innocence that I’d crumbled under the weight of their judgment. But now? I lifted my teacup and took a slow sip. “Are you finished?” The porcelain clinked as I set it down. My eyes locked on Sage like a wolf cornering prey. “You claim I hired Rogues to violate you. Fine. Then show me these Rogues. Where’s your proof?” Sage’s crying hitched. She pressed herself against Donovan’s chest. “It was—it was a Rogue, Princess. He said you paid him to—to hurt me…” “I fought him off, and he ran. I’m just an Omega—I couldn’t stop him alone…” “He ran?” I cut through her rambling with a laugh sharp enough to draw blood. “I sealed the packhouse before dawn. Not even a stray mosquito could get past my warriors. So tell me—how did this Rogue get in and out?” “You have no witnesses. No evidence. Yet you dare accuse a pureblood princess of such crimes?” Silence fell over the hall. The guests exchanged nervous glances. She’s right, their faces said. If the princess really locked everything down, where’s the Rogue? Sage’s face went pale, but she recovered fast. From inside her torn dress, she pulled out a jade pendant and held it high. “I have proof! The Rogue dropped this when he ran!” Someone in the crowd gasped. “That’s the Princess of the Northern Packs’ personal pendant! She wears it every day!” “Oh goddess, the princess isn’t wearing hers—” “This is solid evidence!” The accusations came at me like a tidal wave. Donovan shook his head, his expression heavy with disappointed righteousness. “Raina. The proof is right there. Why keep lying?” He stepped closer, looking down at me with those fake sympathetic eyes. “Just apologize. I’ll let this go.” “But Sage saved my life, and because of you, she’s lost her honor. She needs… compensation.” He paused, as if the next words pained him. “Let her join our bond as co-Luna. Give her a title. Consider it your way of making amends.”

Co-Luna? In his dreams. I rose slowly from the throne, my heels clicking against marble as I approached Sage. “You say this is my personal pendant?” Sage flinched backward but held the jade higher, her voice shaking. “Yes! It has the royal crest—it can’t be fake! This is proof!” I reached out with two fingers, using a silk handkerchief to pinch the corner of the pendant like it was covered in filth. Holding it up to the light, I let my lip curl in disgust. “The crest is real. But this thing…” I flicked my wrist. The pendant flew from my fingers and smacked Sage across the face with a sharp crack. She yelped, red blooming across her cheek where the jade struck. “This cheap piece of garbage is supposed to be mine?” I turned to my head maiden. “Snowcloud. Show them what a real royal pendant looks like.” Snowcloud stepped forward, her spine straight with pride. She pulled a silk pouch from her dress and opened it for all to see. Inside lay a pendant identical in design—but the craftsmanship was incomparable. This one glowed with an inner light, flawless and radiant. The jade was the color of moonlight on water, worth more than Donovan’s entire pack estate. Donovan’s face went white as death. Sweat poured down his temples. “That’s not—you were supposed to—” He bit his tongue so hard I could smell blood. Of course he couldn’t finish that sentence. The pendant in Sage’s hand was the one I’d given him before our mating ceremony—a token of my love, my trust. He’d used my gift to frame me. In my first life, I’d screamed the truth about that pendant until my voice broke. No one believed me. But I learned my lesson. This time, before I even arrived at the ceremony, I’d sent Snowcloud back to my estate to retrieve a better pendant—one that made his little prop look like a carnival prize. “My pendants are carved from moon jade, gifted by the Western Wolf King himself. They glow in darkness. They’re priceless.” I pointed at the sad little trinket on the floor. “That thing?Shoddy workmanship—just a cheap knockoff. I wouldn’t even give it to my lowest-ranking omega servant.” “Sage,” I said, my voice dropping to something cold and deadly, “you forged a royal artifact and used it to frame a pureblood princess. Do you know what the punishment is for that?” Her face crumbled, tears streaming as she shook her head frantically. “No—no, that’s not—this is yours! The Rogue had it, I swear—” “Enough.” I didn’t give her time to spin more lies. “Seize her. Beat her to death with silver chains.” My warrior maidens moved like a strike force, their hands already reaching for their weapons. “I’d like to see you try!” Donovan’s mother threw herself in front of Sage, her face twisted with rage. “Raina! You’re not even officially mated yet, and you’re ordering executions? You think you can ignore your Alpha’s mother?” At the same time, several Council members—clearly bought and paid for by Donovan—stood up with practiced outrage. “Princess, have mercy!” “Miss Sage’s assault hasn’t even been investigated properly—” “We must petition the Alpha King to strip you of your title! Such cruelty, such arrogance!” My maidens had their blades drawn. Donovan’s family and their pet politicians stood opposite, shouting about morality and tradition. Sage cowered behind Donovan’s mother, sobbing dramatically: “Princess, what did I do to deserve this? Please—just let me leave! ” Her pathetic performance stirred the crowd’s sympathy. The guests whispered that I was a tyrant, crushing the weak beneath my pureblood heel. Donovan stepped forward, his voice low and threatening. “Raina. This has gotten out of hand. You can’t prove your innocence anymore.” “Just apologize. Accept Sage into the bond. We can still salvage this.” Salvage this. Like I was the problem. Like I was the one who needed fixing. I stared at his lying face, my wolf howling for blood beneath my skin. I was half a second from giving the order—consequences be damned—when— A high, formal voice rang through the hall: “THE GRAND LUNA ARRIVES!”

Relief flooded my chest. When I’d arrived at the packhouse, I’d sent a maiden to the High Council chambers with an urgent message. I hadn’t expected the Grand Luna to respond this quickly. The crowd parted like water as she swept into the hall, her entourage of advisors and guards flanking her. The Grand Luna’s eyes—cold and ancient—scanned the room. Every single person dropped to their knees. Even Donovan’s arrogant mother pressed her forehead to the floor. “I heard,” the Grand Luna said, her voice like frosted steel, “that someone has been threatening my niece.” I let my eyes well up—just enough—and walked to her side. “Aunt…” She took my hand, her grip warm and reassuring. “Don’t be afraid, child. I’m here.” Her gaze swept over the kneeling crowd like a blade. “I granted this mating bond myself. Who dares disrupt a ceremony I personally blessed?” Donovan and Sage stayed pressed to the floor, trembling. Donovan crawled forward on his knees, his forehead touching marble. “Grand Luna, please—I would never—” “The princess is consumed with jealousy! She hired Rogues to destroy Miss Sage’s honor, and when we confronted her, she tried to execute an innocent Omega!” “I only wanted to protect the pack’s dignity—” “Silence!” The Grand Luna’s hand slammed down on the arm of her chair, the sound echoing like thunder. “I raised Raina from a pup. I know exactly what kind of wolf she is.” “If she truly wanted someone dead, she’d give the order openly. She has the authority. She doesn’t need to hire Rogues.” Her voice dropped to something dangerous. “But you—all of you—you reek of deception. You’ve tried to humiliate a pureblood princess at her own mating ceremony.” Donovan’s face went from white to gray, sweat dripping from his nose. I thought the worst was over. I thought we’d won. That’s when Sage’s head snapped up, her eyes wild with desperation. She knew—if she couldn’t make her lies stick, she was dead. “Grand Luna, please!” She slammed her forehead against the floor over and over, blood welling from the impact. “I’m just a lowborn Omega! The princess wants me silenced because I know the truth!” “Is there no justice for wolves like me?!” She lurched to her feet, swaying. “If this is how it ends—I’ll die with honor!” She threw herself at a marble pillar—hard. “Stop her!” The sickening thud of skull against stone. Blood sprayed across white marble. Sage collapsed, half her face painted red, convulsing on the floor. Donovan let out a strangled cry, cradling her broken body. “Sage! Why—you didn’t have to—” The guests stared in horror. Even the Grand Luna’s expression tightened. A death at a royal mating ceremony—the scandal would be catastrophic. “Someone get a Healer!” The tension in the room was suffocating. Just as the crowd began to turn against me again— Footsteps thundered from the back gardens. A packhouse servant stumbled into the hall, gasping for air. “Alpha! We found him—we found the Rogue!” “He was hiding in the old den beneath the garden!” My blood turned to ice. No. That’s impossible. I’d locked down every entrance. I’d bound every male within miles. Where the hell did they get a Rogue? I spun toward Donovan. His face—for just a split second—showed triumph. Did they really manage to conjure a man out of thin air? Even in this second life, am I still trapped in their game?

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/202606199HE1QYuM9J 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni559924”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

I was eating in the company break room. Suddenly, something hit my face hard. The pudding I had placed in the office fridge that morning somehow ended up on my face, splattering all over my lunch. Daisy Forrest, a colleague who was currently breastfeeding, was glaring at me furiously. She snapped, “Skye, who gave you permission to put that disgusting thing in the fridge? I told you — this fridge space is for my breast milk only. No other food is allowed.” “Don’t you know dairy spoils easily? If my breast milk gets contaminated and my baby gets sick, who’s going to be responsible?” I instantly felt my blood boil and decided to confront her head-on. Iris Bloom, another colleague, quickly grabbed my arm. “Don’t lose your temper. Her husband is Caspian Drake, CEO of Drake Group. Even Mr. Locke plays nice with her. You really want to mess with her and risk your job?” Her husband? CEO of Drake Group? I froze. Caspian was holding me close just this morning, not letting go. How was he suddenly Daisy’s husband? *** While I was stunned, Daisy obviously overheard Iris. A smug look crossed her face immediately. “Now you are afraid? That cheap dessert you picked up from some random corner shop? How dare you put it next to my breast milk?” Cheap? Caspian had trained under a world-renowned pastry chef. He woke up at 4 a.m. to make that dessert just for me. I pulled free from Iris’s grip and stood up to face Daisy. “Daisy, this is a shared fridge, not your private property. I can put whatever I want in here. It’s not your place to boss me around.” “Besides,” I added, “the company has a dedicated lactation room with its own fridge just for you, but you’re using it to store snacks and drinks.” ”Now you’re trying to hog the shared fridge. That’s just shameless.” Some coworkers nodded quietly, clearly fed up with Daisy for a long time. The intern, Anna Crane, even had tears welling up in her eyes. Last week, when Anna put her lunch in the fridge, Daisy threw the whole box at her head and screamed at her without mercy. I wanted to defend Anna back then, but the other colleagues stopped me. I wondered how everyone could put up with so much. It turned out Daisy used Caspian’s name to intimidate them all. Daisy showed no shame. In fact, she got even more arrogant. “So what? Listen up. Even the fridge in Mr. Locke’s office is mine. He never even dares to say no to me.” “What do you think you are, daring to challenge me here? Go ahead. Complain and see who ends up kicked out.” As soon as Daisy spoke, the murmuring colleagues immediately bowed their heads, too afraid to say a word. “What’s all this noise about?” a stern voice cut in. It was the boss, Zephyr Locke. “Iris, what happened?” Zephyr said. After hearing the gist of the situation, Zephyr frowned. He didn’t blame Daisy at all. Instead, he looked annoyed. “It’s not worth making a big scene over such a small matter.” “Skye, Daisy is breastfeeding right now. Someday, you’ll have a baby, too. Can’t you try to be a little more understanding?” “Why don’t you apologize to Daisy and pay her two thousand dollars? Then we can move on.” I nearly laughed in disbelief. “Apologize? Pay money? Mr. Locke, are you serious?” Zephyr’s face darkened. He gave a look to his assistant, Ethan. Ethan immediately pulled me aside and spoke in a friendly tone. “Skye, take my advice. Don’t be stubborn.You really can’t mess with Daisy.“ ” Her husband is Caspian, and Mr. Locke is counting on her connection to the Drake family.” I sneered, “How can you be so sure her husband is Caspian?” Ethan pulled out his phone and showed me Daisy’s Instagram. “Look. She’s been posting about it for a whole month.” The screen showed Daisy’s recent posts featuring luxury bags, jewelry, and other expensive items. Each post included a photo of two older people, captioned: “Another day being spoiled by the whole family. Grateful to have married the right person to know what it feels like to be truly valued.” Those two older people were Caspian’s parents. They were once power players in the business world, with connections everywhere. Without a second thought, I called Caspian. The phone rang for a long time, but he didn’t answer. Just then, I heard hurried footsteps behind me. I turned around. Daisy was grabbing her bag and rushing out. I looked at Iris in confusion. “What’s going on?” I asked. She whispered, “Daisy just got a call. Sounds like something happened to her child.”

The moment I heard the child was in trouble, I fell silent. Daisy might be crazy and hateful, but the kid was innocent. Still, I needed to get to the bottom of the things mentioned in Daisy’s posts. So I kept texting Caspian, but by 3 P.M., he still hadn’t replied. Then, the work chat exploded with messages. I opened it and saw Daisy going ballistic again. She posted a photo showing a tiny red spot on her son’s cheek, and typed: “Skye, it’s your filthy stuff contaminating my breast milk that caused this rash on my son’s face.” “My son carries the Drake family bloodline. If anything happens to him, you and your whole family won’t be able to afford to pay for it. Just you wait. I won’t let go.” I looked at the photo and saw that the spot was so small that it was almost invisible. I couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief. I replied, “Daisy, I suggest you get yourself checked at a psych ward ASAP.” Almost immediately, Ethan messaged me. “Skye, get some flowers and gifts ready. You and Mr. Locke are going to visit Daisy’s son at the hospital, and you’ll cover the costs to show good faith.” There was no way I was spending money on gifts for someone smearing me. I texted back, “I’m not going.And I won’t pay a penny for something I didn’t do. ” Ethan replied, “Mr. Locke said if you don’t go, don’t expect to see your salary or bonuses again.” I snorted. Did they really think labor laws meant nothing? Besides, I didn’t care about that money. I replied, “Fine.” Right after, I suddenly remembered those photos on Daisy’s Instagram. I had to figure this out. I asked Ethan, “Is her husband at the hospital, too?” Ethan quickly answered, “Of course, he is.” “Mr. Locke only went because of that.” I was curious to see who Daisy’s husband really was. I messaged, “I’ll go, but I won’t buy flowers or gifts.” – At the hospital, I didn’t see Daisy’s husband anywhere. Zephyr looked even more disappointed than I was. When Daisy saw me, her eyes turned into poisoned knives. She ignored the flowers Zephyr offered and gave a look to the maid beside her. “Take the kid outside for some fresh air. Don’t let him get contaminated by dirty people.” Then she fixed a cold glare on me and ordered the two bodyguards at the door. “Hold her down.” Before I could react, my arms were tightly grabbed. I was frozen, unable to move. “Daisy, what are you trying to do?” I shouted. Zephyr stood silently nearby, lips moving but not uttering a word. Daisy stepped in front of me. “What am I doing? Teaching you a lesson.” Before she said more, she raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face. A burning pain exploded on my cheek. “I want you to remember this slap forever. Watch your mouth from now on. You talk big in the group chat, but in front of me, you’re nothing.” I slowly turned my head, locking my eyes on her face. “Daisy. You’re finished.” At that moment, my phone rang. The caller ID said honey. Daisy snatched the phone from my pocket. She looked at the screen, her eyes darting, then a sinister smile spread across her face. She beckoned to Ethan, who was stunned nearby. “Come here.”

Ethan walked over, clearly confused. Daisy whispered a few quick words in his ear. Instantly, Ethan’s eyes widened in shock and anxiety. Daisy’s glare turned sharp and intimidating. Ethan nervously glanced at me, then reluctantly nodded. He pressed the answer button and switched to speakerphone. At the same time, the bodyguards clamped a hand tightly over my mouth. “Honey,” came Caspian’s voice from the other end. “I was just in a board meeting and had my phone on silent. I saw your messages. Something about a colleague’s child? I honestly don’t know what’s going on—” “Your wife just went to take a shower,” Ethan interrupted loudly, following Daisy’s instructions. “Man, your wife’s amazing. She is very eager. She even says you can’t satisfy her as I do. Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her for you.” Caspian abruptly hung up. Daisy laughed gleefully, “Heard that? It’s so funny. Even your man won’t want you. A bitch is a bitch.” I closed my eyes in despair. She was finished, completely finished. Caspian and I grew up together. I know him too well. He had definitely figured out my situation by now. If anyone hurt me, he’d go insane, ruining them utterly, bankrupting families, destroying lives. And he was definitely on his way to the hospital now. He had secretly installed a tracker on my phone—I’d just been pretending not to notice. After her laughter died down, Daisy told the bodyguards. “Alright, I’ve had enough fun. Strip her and toss her out.” “Stop. You dare!” I struggled desperately, scanning the room with fierce eyes. “I’m Caspian’s wife. Who here dares touch me?” I shouted. The room fell deathly silent. “Oh really? “ ”You’re Caspian’s wife? Skye, are you crazy? Dreaming in broad daylight,” Daisy sneered. “I’m the real Mrs. Drake,” I added. Zephyr leaned in with a serious tone. “Skye, stop making things up. Just apologize properly to Daisy. Maybe this will all blow over.” “Apologize?” Daisy cut him off sharply. “I’m not accepting that bitch’s apology. Today, I’m stripping her naked and tossing her out on the street so she knows what happens when she messes with me.” With that, the two bodyguards pinned me against the wall and began ripping at my coat and shirt collar. I struggled with all my might. But the strength gap was too great. In the midst of this chaotic moment, a voice rang out. “Stop!”

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/202606197oplmx3jjQ 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni542238”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

I was sleeping soundly under the blanket when suddenly I heard a snap. The light was turned on, and everything went blindingly bright. Startled, I jolted awake and saw a tall figure standing by the door, a cold expression on a handsome face behind silver-framed glasses. I blinked before realizing this was my husband, Norman Geller. His voice was steady, without a trace of emotion. “Why are you sleeping in the guest room?” I sat up wrapped in the blanket and gave a fake smile. “I just got my memory back. I’m not used to it yet.” “Let’s sleep separately for a while so I can adjust.” He nodded indifferently. “Suit yourself.” Then, as if casually, he asked, “You didn’t call me today.” I looked puzzled. “What? I didn’t have anything to talk to you about today. Why would I call you?” He frowned and said, “Before, if I came home after ten, you’d keep calling me.” Thinking of my past behavior made me feel really awkward. “Sorry, I won’t do that anymore.” Looking back at those memories was as embarrassing as public nudity. I was hypnotized into amnesia just because at midnight, I had called one of Norman’s patients. I cursed Celina Baker, called her a slut pretending to be depressed to seduce my husband, told her that if she was really sick, she should take medicine instead of stripping and climbing into a man’s bed. Celina cried hard from my scolding. Norman took the phone, his voice still calm, and told me he’d be back right away. I smugly thought I had chased off the mistress. But when Norman came back, he told me, “I’m taking Celina to live in the forest for three months, to get close to nature and do psychological healing.” Our son Henry raised his hand happily beside him. “I’m going too! I’m going too! Celina gave me candy last time. I also wanna go keep her company!” I couldn’t believe it. “Then what about our anniversary trip? I’ve been preparing for half a month. We agreed to go when Henry has his vacation.” “It’s off the table. Celina’s mental condition is serious. I have to accompany her for treatment.” “I wanna go to the forest, I don’t want to travel with Mom. It’s boring. I like Sis Celina more.” Of course I said no. We fought hysterically. He impatiently shoved me away, and Henry rammed me with his head. A burst of pain, and bright red blood surged from beneath me. I lost the child I had been carrying for half a year. And because he feared I would make more trouble, he forcibly used an immature experimental hypnosis on me, erased my memory, and left me in the hospital. I promised again and again that I would never casually call to harass him anymore. But Norman’s expression only grew darker. After a long while, he said coldly and firmly, “Jane, you’re sulking?” Then he turned and left another sentence behind. “Whatever. Just remember to tidy up my study.” I hesitated, then took out my phone, yawning as I searched for a suitable nanny. I thought to myself, “I can’t do this. I really can’t.” I didn’t know how I made it through. Every morning at six, I would get up to carefully prepare breakfast for my son who had countless allergies, then at seven prepare another breakfast for Norman with his fragile stomach. After hastily eating a little myself, I would start cleaning the entire house, because Norman had a cleanliness obsession and wouldn’t allow any mess, especially in the study, which had to be spotless. Today I tried to copy my past self and nearly fainted from exhaustion. While organizing the study files, I stuffed things randomly. Probably because of this Norman specially came to remind me. I fell asleep groggily. A few minutes later, loud banging on the door woke me up. “Why aren’t you up making breakfast? I’m gonna be late for school!” My son Henry shouted impatiently. It was time to make breakfast. Luckily, I had prepared in advance. “I ordered timed delivery. It’ll arrive soon.” After saying that, I fell back asleep, vaguely hearing Henry angrily kicking the door. “Dad shouldn’t have brought you back. Celina always makes me breakfast. You’re completely useless!” I woke again when Norman roughly dragged me out of bed. “What did you let Henry eat?” I looked completely confused. He dragged me in front of Henry, who was covered in red spots and struggling to breathe. “Even if you’re angry, you shouldn’t take it out on our son. He’s severely allergic. If I’d found this any later, he would’ve suffocated to death.” The ambulance quickly took our son to the hospital. I chased after them, explaining frantically. “I really don’t know why this happened. When I ordered the custom breakfast, I sent all his allergens and confirmed carefully. They promised to be meticulous. I truly didn’t expect Henry to have an allergic reaction.” Norman glanced at me irritably. “Drop your act. You previously chased away the two nutritionists I hired and forcibly controlled Henry’s diet. He was just uncomfortable and said a few words favoring Celina, so you deliberately punished him like this.” “No, that was because…” “Enough. Don’t make me regret restoring your memory.” My explanation was cut off coldly. I had always kept a strict watch of Henry’s diet just because he had a special constitution and he was allergic to so many foods. I couldn’t just let him eat randomly. As for those two nutritionists, they both quit voluntarily after less than a week because it was too troublesome. I just stopped explaining, because he wouldn’t even listen to me. Once the new nanny arrived, these things would no longer concern me.

The doctor said it was a honey allergy. He hadn’t eaten much, so it wasn’t serious. Just one IV drip would make him fine. I called the shop. The manager said it was an extra free gift, clearly marked as an allergen with a warning label. It seemed Henry had eaten it out of greed. He always liked sweets, but he was allergic to honey and chocolate. I Back then, I had kept a strict watch, so nothing ever happened. This time, since I wasn’t there, an accident occurred. “Jane!” Just as I was about to turn and speak to Norman, a soft, warm girl suddenly hugged my leg. “Bella? What are you doing at the hospital?” Surprise washed over me. I crouched down and pulled her into a hug, smiling. She had been my little companion during the time I lost my memory. During that time in the hospital, I was panicked and confused. My heart felt as if a huge hole had been dug out of it. All day I was muddle-headed and dazed, like duckweed battered by wind and rain, not knowing what I should do. I didn’t even understand many basic things. It was Bella who stayed by my side, patiently teaching me, guiding me, almost the way you would a kindergartener, so that in that cold hospital, I no longer felt quite so alone. “She was playing and fell off the swing, hit her head, so we came to the hospital to have it checked.” Bella’s uncle, Jack Thomas, spoke up. When he saw me, his eyes lit up, as if he were a little happy. “Oh dear, are you okay? Does it hurt?” I touched Bella’s little head in a hurry. She hugged me and rubbed her cheek against mine. “It doesn’t hurt. I really miss you, Jane.” “I miss you too.” Jack looked at us gently, and then he frowned. “Why are you in the hospital? What happened? Is it serious?” “I’m fine. My son is here because of an allergy.” He let out a breath and said, “That’s good. Oh, I didn’t mean that. I mean, is your son okay?” I laughed and said, “He’s fine. Just needs an IV drip.” He was about to say something else when Norman’s angry voice rang out. “Jane White!” I turned my head. Norman stopped looking at Jack and found I was actually smiling. Then he frowned and said, “Henry is crying.” I hurriedly turned to Henry. The swelling on his face had gone down by half. Maybe the allergy had been too uncomfortable, so his eyes were full of tears. As he cried, he pointed at Bella, angry and anxious. “Who is she?” “This is Bella. You can take her as your sister. She was the one who accompanied me in the hospital before.” “Don’t cry. Tears will make you more uncomfortable. And as her brother, you should behave and set an example for her.” As soon as I said this, Henry got kinda angry. He cried and shouted, “She’s not my sister! You go away! I don’t want you to take care of me!” He had never liked me, and this wasn’t the first. Seeing him so agitated that blood was flowing back into the IV tube, I hurried out. However, after I left, he cried even harder.

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/20260619JRm9j1NAuJ 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni405041”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

My lawyer husband sent his mistress of two years to prison for me. But when the judge asked for his final testimony, he looked me in the eye and changed everything. “I’m testifying on behalf of Chloe Martinez.” His voice carried across the courtroom. “The person who killed my in-laws wasn’t Chloe. It was my wife, Aria Bennett.” Six years. That’s what the judge gave me for manslaughter I didn’t commit. I screamed my innocence until the bailiffs dragged me out. Julian wouldn’t even look at me. He kept his eyes on Chloe, who dabbed at fake tears with a designer handkerchief. Prison changed me in ways that can’t be undone. They took my left eye with a rusted spoon in the shower block. My leg snapped in three places when they threw me down the stairs, the bone jutting through skin. The knife that carved up my face was dull, and they made sure I stayed conscious for every stroke. I tried to appeal. Filed motion after motion until Julian’s people made it clear that wouldn’t be tolerated. “Boss says to tell you—shut up or the six years becomes your whole life,” the guard said before she held my head in the toilet and flushed. I lived like something less than human. When Julian picked me up from the gates two months early, he draped his arm around my shoulders like we were still in love. Like I wasn’t half-blind and limping, my face a roadmap of scars. “Chloe’s young,” he said, casual as weekend plans. “Her youth shouldn’t be wasted behind bars. You’re different. You can handle it.” “Six years flew by, didn’t they?” He smiled. It didn’t reach his eyes. “As long as you don’t cause trouble for Chloe anymore, I’ll treat you right. We can move past this.” I pulled out my phone with shaking hands and typed a message to the number I’d memorized in my cell. *I**’**ll marry you. But first, you help me kill two people.* The response came within seconds. *Names.* *Julian Hart. Chloe Martinez.* *Done. I**’**ll collect you in one week. Their heads will be your wedding gift.* I shut off the phone and shoved Julian away. His expression darkened. “Aria, I know you’re upset about the testimony, but Chloe couldn’t survive prison. She’s too fragile.” “You’ve risked your life for me before. I didn’t even ask you to take a bullet this time—just six years. Why are you being difficult?” My fingernails cut crescents into my palms. He knew exactly who Chloe had killed. Not strangers. Not random victims. The couple who raised me from nothing, who gave me a name and a home when I was three years old and alone in the world. On our wedding day, I told him the truth—I was an orphan. If my foster parents hadn’t taken me in, I wouldn’t have survived, let alone married someone like him. He cried. Actually cried. Held me and swore on everything holy: “I’ll take care of you the way they did. They are my family now. I’ll make you happy for the rest of your life.” Then my parents drove to pick me up after one of our fights. Chloe’s car hit them doing ninety in a forty zone, drunk off her ass. She dragged their bodies two hundred yards before she noticed. Julian promised justice. Promised the person responsible would face consequences. Then he found out it was Chloe and threw me under the bus instead. “Julian.” My voice came out raw. “Chloe killed my parents.” “You were my defense lawyer. You turned on me in open court, twisted the narrative until everyone believed I was a murderer, and shielded the real killer. Six years. Don’t you feel even a shred of guilt?” Hearing the accusation in my voice, Chloe quickly tucked herself into his embrace, tears already streaming. “Aria, I know you hate me for the accident, but I never meant to hurt anyone. Your parents walked right in front of my car. What was I supposed to do?” She pulled a knife from her purse. Pressed the blade to her wrist. “If you still blame me, I’ll just end it right here.” Julian tore the knife away and crushed her against him. When he looked at me, his eyes could’ve frozen blood. “Chloe’s suffered just as much as you these past six years. She became a vegetarian to atone for your parents’ deaths. She’s prayed for their souls every single night. Do you have to be so unreasonable?”

His words scraped against the raw wound where my heart used to be. I was the one who lost my parents. I was the one who rotted in a cell for six years. But somehow I was unreasonable. Did he forget what his people did to me inside? Every time I tried to appeal, the punishment got worse. They used that rusted spoon on my eye because it hurt more than a clean blade. The steel plate they broke my leg with had nails embedded in it. The knife that carved my face was dull as a butter knife. They held me down and made me drink from the toilet while the ringleader spit on me. “Boss says you need to learn when to shut up. Keep filing appeals and he’ll make sure your six years turns into forever.” I’d curl into corners where the guards couldn’t see me, shaking. Not just from the pain in my body, but from the agony in my chest. Four years I stood by Julian’s side. Chloe showed up for two months and erased everything. One word from her about being scared, and he fabricated evidence to bury me. One word about not wanting him to visit, and he abandoned me for six years straight. I wanted to die so many times. But the hatred growing in my chest wouldn’t let me. If I died, I couldn’t avenge my parents. Couldn’t clear my name. I walked up to Chloe and slapped her hard enough to leave a handprint. She shrieked and grabbed her face. Julian seized my wrist, his grip brutal. “Aria, have you lost your goddamn mind?” “An apology means nothing unless she’s dead.” My voice came out flat and terrible. He backhanded me across the face. I hit the ground, tasting copper. My vision swam, but I forced myself to look up at him. “Six years wasn’t enough punishment,” he snarled. “You think you can put your hands on Chloe now?” “Remember—I got you out two months early. I can send you right back.” He scooped Chloe into his arms and walked out without a backward glance. I stayed on the ground. My right eye started going dark too. The vision in it had been getting worse for weeks. That night, I drafted divorce papers. I found Julian’s estate from memory and pushed through the front door. A birthday party was in full swing. Everyone turned to stare when I stumbled in with my cane. “Oh my god, isn’t that Julian Hart’s wife? The one who killed her own parents?” “She looks like hell. One eye gone, limping around. What happened to her?” “Karma. She murdered her parents and framed that poor Chloe girl. Didn’t expect Julian to expose her in court, did she?” “People like her get what they deserve in prison. Bet the other inmates taught her a lesson.” Chloe covered her mouth, eyes sparkling with glee as she approached. “Aria! You should’ve called ahead. Julian just threw me a little birthday party. You’re not upset, are you?” Her smugness was obvious. But I couldn’t stop staring at what she wore. The custom gown cost more than most people’s cars. While Chloe draped herself in haute couture, I’d been trading manual labor for thin blankets in the prison laundry. Six years passed. Chloe looked radiant. I’d lost a leg, an eye, both parents, and any semblance of the person I used to be. All courtesy of Julian Hart. I dropped the divorce agreement on the table. “Julian, sign this. We’re done.” He laughed. Actually laughed. “Aria, are you stuck in the past? Look at yourself.” “You’re half-blind, you limp, and you murdered your own parents. Who else would accept you besides me?”

I’d heard worse. Much worse. Years ago, when a defendant’s family took Julian hostage, I went alone to get him back. They stabbed me through the uterus with a hunting knife. The doctors said I’d never have children. Julian asked me why I risked my life. I told him he was family—the only family I had besides my parents. Family knows exactly where to stick the knife for maximum pain. My scars weren’t armor. They were ammunition he used against me. “I didn’t kill anyone, Julian. You know that better than anyone.” My voice cut through the murmurs. His expression darkened. He rushed to correct me before the gossip could spread. “The judge convicted you. You did it. Or are you planning to lie about that too?” Hearing my accusation, Chloe grabbed my hand, tears already forming. “Aria, I know framing me for the accident didn’t work out the way you wanted, but Julian only threw this party because he felt sorry for me. I’m alone in this city, working so hard. If it bothers you, I’ll leave. Please don’t fight with Julian because of me.” Her words hit the crowd like a grenade. “That bitch is even worse than we thought. She’s bullying Chloe right in front of us!” I ignored their judgment. I was staring at Chloe’s wrist. At the bracelet catching the light. My father worked three jobs for four months to buy me that bracelet for my eighteenth birthday. He had my initials engraved on the inside. I wore it every day until it vanished right before my arrest. Now it gleamed on Chloe’s wrist. I grabbed her arm. “Where did you get that? It’s mine. Give it back.” She dropped to her knees, sobbing. “Please stop tormenting me! You can have anything else, but this bracelet is special. Julian gave it to me for my birthday.” I whirled on Julian, voice shaking. “That was the last thing my father gave me before he died. You had no right to give it to her!” Julian looked uncomfortable. For half a second, guilt flickered across his face. Then Chloe screamed and threw herself backward. Her head cracked against the edge of the coffee table. Blood poured from her scalp. Julian lost it completely. He lunged forward to help her, then kicked my broken leg. “It’s a bracelet. Does that justify attacking Chloe?” He snatched up the divorce papers and scrawled his signature. “You want a divorce? Done.” “But don’t come crawling back like a dog when you realize your mistake.” I collapsed, vision blurring red. Julian threw the signed papers at my face. The irony cut deeper than any of the prison beatings. I’d tried to divorce him dozens of times during those six years. He refused to sign every single petition. But one injury to Chloe, and suddenly he couldn’t get rid of me fast enough.

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/20260619XJyL0twL3K 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni753757”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

The Alpha I’d been mated to for ten years finally became Alpha King. But the woman crowned Luna Queen wasn’t me. Pack members whispered their sympathies. Ten years of loyalty. All for another woman’s throne. I sat unbothered in my new quarters, slowly sipping water. Because I’m not really from this world. I’m a System User. My mission was simple: help Alaric become Alpha King, then die by his hand. Play the perfect unimportant role. Do that, and I go home with a hundred million dollars. I know this water is laced with Wolfs bane. The new Luna Queen slipped it in. But the water was a gift from Alaric. So this counts as dying by his hand, right? Perfect. I can finally go home. With a hundred million dollars. Back to my world. — Pain exploded through my body. Darkness crept into the edges of my vision. The metallic taste of blood flooded my throat. I gripped the table’s edge, but a grin pulled at my lips anyway. Finally. It’s finally ending. I crashed to the floor, swallowed by darkness. But the System notification I’d been waiting for never came. I forced my heavy eyelids open. Above me—the familiar silver-threaded canopy. The Luna’s Quarters. I was still in the Luna’s Quarters. I blinked. Was I hallucinating? Had the System glitched? “Elara! You’re awake?” A sharp voice cut through my confusion. Alaric’s face came into focus, leaning over me. He still wore his ceremonial robes from the coronation—black silk embroidered with gold thread. A few strands of dark hair had escaped his crown. Clearly, I was still alive on his mating day to Seraphina. Seraphina. The White Wolf. Alaric’s first love from his youth, who’d been claimed by his late father, the previous Alpha King. Their forbidden romance, now tragically sanctioned. To hide his shame, he’d mated with me instead—convenient, disposable me. Now that he was Alpha King, his first act was retrieving Seraphina from the Sanctuary of the Moon and making her his Luna Queen. I coughed weakly, finding my voice. “I didn’t die?” “Of course you didn’t die! A servant found you in time. You didn’t drink much Wolfsbane, and the Pack Healer’s antidote worked. You’re going to be fine.” Alaric’s brows were drawn tight. “Oh. That’s… unfortunate.” I mumbled. There went my hundred million dollars. Alaric gripped my hand, his voice dropping lower. “Elara, don’t worry. I’ll find whoever did this. I’ll make them pay.” Before I could respond, hurried footsteps echoed outside. Seraphina swept into the room. “Alaric, we found out who it was.” Alaric released my hand instantly, turning to her. “Who? Who dared?!”

Seraphina hesitated. “Perhaps you should question him yourself. I… I don’t know what to say.” An male omega servant was dragged in by guards and thrown to the floor. He prostrated himself immediately. “Alpha King, mercy! Luna Queen, mercy! She ordered me to get Wolfsbane from outside and mix it into her water. I was only following orders, Alpha King!” He slammed his forehead against the floor. Silence crashed through the room. Seraphina let out a theatrical sob and rushed to Alaric’s side. “Sister… today is my mating day with Alaric. I know you’re upset, but you can’t hurt yourself to win his attention.” Alaric’s body went rigid. He turned slowly, his gaze locking onto mine. “Elara. Is what he’s saying true?” I shook my head instinctively. “I didn’t. I—” “Enough! The evidence is clear. You still want to lie? Elara, I always thought you were just cold. I never realized you were this vicious. You wanted to die? I’ll make sure you live a long, miserable life instead. Maybe you’ll learn something.” He took a breath, then snapped out orders. “By my command as Alpha King: Elara is guilty of deception. Effective immediately, she’s confined to the Luna’s Quarters. No one enters or leaves without my direct permission. Remove all her privileges—food rations, healers, everything. Let her reflect on her sins.” He didn’t look at me again. Just wrapped his arm around Seraphina’s waist and strode out. At the threshold, Seraphina glanced back. She was pretending to wipe tears, but I caught the smirk curling her lips. The door slammed shut. I collapsed back onto the bed. Fine. No healers. No food. That works. If I slowly starved to death like this, wouldn’t that still count as dying by his order? After all, it was his decree. Maybe the System would accept it. I would got that a hundred million dollars and got back to my world. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to ignore the lingering pain in my body, and waited for death to come again. But I underestimated this werewolf body’s resilience. Day after day, I suffered. But somehow, impossibly, I started to heal.

When I could finally stand without collapsing, I stumbled outside, desperate for sunlight. The Pack House was decorated everywhere—banners, flowers, ribbons. Almost obscenely festive. I grabbed a passing omega maid. “What’s… what’s the celebration for?” My voice came out raspy. She yanked her arm away irritably. “Mistress Elara, have you lost your mind locked up in there? The Luna Queen is pregnant! The Alpha King is overjoyed—he’s pardoning prisoners across all territories and throwing a feast in the gardens tonight! I’m busy collecting my bonus, so don’t hold me up!” She fled like I had a disease. I stood frozen. Then an unexpected surge of excitement rushed through me. This was perfect. A territory-wide celebration feast. If I caused a scene—attacked the Alpha King in front of everyone—he’d kill me for sure. Grinning to myself, I turned to head back and prepare. But just outside the Luna’s Quarters, Beta Silas appeared, bowing low. “Mistress, the Alpha King’s orders: in consideration of your years together, you’re permitted to attend tonight’s feast. He’s sent you clothing and jewelry. Please dress appropriately.” Behind him, two servants carried forward several boxes. I stared at the fabric they unfolded. A memory crashed into me, unbidden. Years ago, during a pack hunt, I’d taken a blade meant for Alaric. As I bled out on the forest floor, he’d knelt beside me, fingers tracing the wisteria embroidery on my torn dress. “Elara, hold on. Just hold on. When you wake up, I’ll give you everything you love. Everything.” I ran my fingers over the embroidery now. So he remembered. Too bad. Too late. I didn’t want to remember anymore. After changing into the dress, I slipped a small silver dagger up my sleeve. The feast hall blazed with light and noise. Seraphina sat in the Luna’s seat, radiant in gold. When she saw me enter, something dark flickered in her eyes. But she plastered on a smile. “You came! Quickly, prepare a seat for Mistress Elara.” I took my place below the high table, hand wrapped tight around the dagger hidden in my sleeve, scanning for the right moment. Then Alaric arrived. I tensed, ready to lunge. Ready to end this. But everything went wrong in an instant.

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/2026061928VY7WUpBT 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni851613”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

Half a year after I died filled with hatred and resentment, my ex-girlfriend Sophia and her childhood friend Chris both died one after another and arrived in Hell. Chris shielded Sophia’s trembling body behind him, screaming hysterically at the Gates of Hell. “How could we have fallen to a place like this?” “All these years we’ve helped the poor, donated to schools, contributed to disaster relief. We’ve done countless good deeds! After death, we should have ascended to Heaven!” “It must be that bastard Julian playing tricks! Even in death, he’s dragging us down with him! Call him out here-I want to confront him face to face!” The Wardens flipped through the Book of Judgment and laughed mockingly. “Julian? He ascended to Paradise long ago. He’ll never enter the cycle of reincarnation again!” “Julian is in Paradise? How is that possible? That beast didn’t go to Hell?” “Your Honor, the records in this Book of Judgment must be wrong!” Sophia, nestled in Chris’s arms, cried tears streaming down her face. “We were devoted to charity in life and never committed evil deeds. You must investigate this thoroughly!” The surrounding thousands of dead souls were drawn by the commotion, and discussions rose one after another. One ghost glared with wide eyes. “I know Julian! To embezzle his parents’ inheritance, he personally murdered his own biological parents!” “He was jealous of his younger brother Chris’s successful career, so he bribed hackers to alter company accounts and spread rumors that Chris had fled with the money, causing a thriving enterprise to nearly go bankrupt overnight!” “Sophia funded the elderly and orphans, and founded Hope Elementary Schools-she’s a well-known philanthropist!” “Good people are wrongly punished while evil people roam free in Heaven-is there any justice left in this world? We must get justice today!” In hell, I was also quite the notorious villain, so these newly arrived ghosts all knew about my deeds. Seeing the crowd growing increasingly agitated, the Wardens sighed softly. “Since you all claim injustice, then let’s watch Julian’s testimony left behind in Hell.” As light and shadow shifted, a mirror suddenly appeared before everyone. The skeletal, emaciated me sat quietly in the judgment seat, playing with the faded red cord wrapped around my wrist. What follows is my testimony. Sophia and I had known each other since childhood-everyone acknowledged us as childhood sweethearts. In middle school, when thugs cornered Sophia in an alley, I grabbed a wooden stick from the roadside and charged forward. The stick eventually broke, leaving a deep gash on my hand. On my eighteenth birthday, she personally wove me a red cord bracelet, saying she would always stay by my side. In college, when she had acute appendicitis, I set up a cot in the hospital corridor and stayed by her side day and night. When she was afraid of injections, I’d tell her jokes in every way I could think of to coax her. When her business venture failed, I secretly sold my beloved car and rushed the money to her overnight. Those days were hard, but just seeing her smile made everything worthwhile. Speaking of these memories, a hint of a smile appeared on my originally dim face. We used to be so beautiful, so happy. We were a model couple that made others envious. Everyone was certain we would be together forever, until we grew old together. Outside the mirror, Sophia seemed to also sink into those beautiful times, her eyes reddening as she watched the scene. Chris’s face grew increasingly ugly. He gripped her hand tightly and forced a smile. “Sophia, if I’d known you two were this close, I shouldn’t have confessed to you. I should have buried this love in my heart.” “It’s all in the past. Besides, I fell in love with you first. You did nothing wrong. Don’t take all the blame on yourself.” Sophia leaned into his embrace, comforting him with heartache. They kissed recklessly, while I continued narrating my short-lived life.

That year in late autumn, Father brought home a young man, saying he was an illegitimate son who had been separated from the family twenty years ago. His birth mother had died last month in a small town. The boy inherited the family’s asthma condition and came looking for us as a last resort. Mother smashed the cup in her hand, hysterically questioning him about years of deception. But when she saw the boy’s paper-white face as he curled up in the entryway coughing violently, she eventually softened. She turned and silently prepared the guest room. This young man named Chris became my brother from that day on. When he first arrived, he always wore a T-shirt washed until it was nearly white. He always kept his head down when speaking. I felt pity for him and shared half of everything I owned with him. Even when servants spoke harshly to him, I would stand up for him. Later, I brought Chris to meet Sophia for the first time. He accidentally knocked over a coffee cup. The coffee splashed onto Sophia’s skirt. Chris frantically wiped it with his sleeve, his eyes welling up with mist as he kept apologizing. Seeing his pitiful appearance, Sophia didn’t know what to say. Later, the three of us often went out together, and Sophia gradually grew accustomed to it. She would proactively bring Chris limited edition snacks. When we hiked mountains, she’d carry his backpack for him. She even prepared matching couple’s watches for both of us on my birthday. I watched her gentle profile as she tied Chris’s shoelaces, and my heart felt like it was stuffed with damp cotton. Sophia laughed helplessly. “You petty. you’re jealous even of this? We’re taking care of a sick person, isn’t that okay?” Until Mother suddenly died from a heart attack due to overwork. On the night, I held Mother’s portrait and sobbed uncontrollably. Sophia held me in her arms, softly comforting me. But when I went to get Mother’s favorite silk scarf, I stumbled upon a suffocating scene in the storage room- Sophia had Chris pinned against the wall, her burning kiss falling on his pale lips. “Sophia… Julian is still outside…” Chris’s hoarse voice trembled. “I can’t wait anymore.” Sophia gripped the back of his neck. “Tomorrow I’ll tell him. What I’ve always wanted… is you…” The bronze lamps in Hell flickered bright and dim. The Judge’s gavel fell heavily. “Breaking vows, cheating, defilement before the deceased-three crimes combined!” Sophia raised her head, her eyes defiant. “A promise from ten years ago was just childish talk! Meeting Chris made me realize what soul mate is. Should I trap three people’s lives for the sake of so-called responsibility?” Chris also began defending himself. “Why should people who truly love each other suffer this punishment? Your Honor, have you ever experienced the pain of loving someone you can’t have?” The spectating ghosts began whispering among themselves. “It’s normal for young people to change their hearts. Life is so long-who can be certain the person in front of them is the one they’ll spend their life with?” “Moreover, Sophia loved the wrong person to begin with. If she’d kept loving Julian, who knows how he would have abused her!” “Right, cheating is wrong, but compared to the unconscionable things Julian did later, this little mistake is nothing.” In the dim underworld, the sounds of condemnation gradually drowned out the Judge’s reprimands.

The Judge paid no attention to them, merely having the Wardens continue playing my testimony. It was a dusk of pouring rain. I had not only lost my only support-Mother-but was also personally pushed into the abyss by my most trusted girlfriend, Sophia. Despair rose like a tide, flooding over my head. I became volatile and obsessive. Facing Father who had suddenly brought home his illegitimate son Chris, I sneered and mocked him all day long. When Chris shed crocodile tears in front of me, I directly overturned the tea table and told him to get lost. Even Sophia, who once said she would protect me forever, had now become a traitor in my eyes. The chaotic scenes at home quickly became known to everyone. Neighbors pointed at my spine, saying the Sterling family had produced a arrogant devil who thought himself above everyone. Looking back now, Sophia’s words really hit a nerve-I was indeed like a beast raised in an iron cage. I’d never even stepped onto a real battlefield, yet thought baring my fangs and claws made me fierce. I was nothing more than a tiger with its claws pulled out, floundering pathetically in the mud. Mother’s seventh day memorial had barely passed when Father grandly held a recognition banquet for Chris at a luxury hotel. That day, Chris wore an Italian custom suit and greeted to the guests holding champagne-every bit the most proper heir of the Sterling family. I was locked in the attic, watching the brilliant lights outside the window, smashing every piece of porcelain I could get my hands on. Just then, Chris appeared leisurely. He dangled the jade signet ring Mother had left for me, sneering that I was just lucky to have been born well. “If it weren’t for your mother interfering back then, my mother and I should have walked through the Sterling family’s front door openly long ago.” He suddenly released his grip. The crisp sound of the ring hitting the floor startled me back half a step. Then he staggered and rolled down the spiral staircase, his pale face flushing with an unnatural redness. He clutched his chest, gasping violently, calling out intermittently: “Julian… stealing the ring is one thing, but why… why did you push me! My asthma medication… is upstairs…” When Father rushed in, I had no way to defend myself. He gripped my wrist until his veins bulged, saying Chris had suffered from severe asthma since childhood-this was deliberate murder of my own brother. Sophia, her eyes red, pinned me against the wall, her nails digging deep into my arm. “Julian Sterling, if Chris die today, I’ll make you pay with your life!” That night, Sophia somehow gathered a group of thugs and cornered me in a dark alley. They pressed my head against the wall, fists and feet raining down on me like hail. Sophia stood under the streetlight watching coldly, occasionally kicking me twice. “That’s for bullying Chris! Do you know how much he suffers when his condition flares up? Beat him to death-I’ll take responsibility if anything happens!” I curled up on the ground, feeling like my ribs were about to be kicked in. Warm blood flowed from the corner of my mouth down my throat. They only left cursing when I passed out. Lying in the hospital, I stared at the fluorescent lights on the ceiling and suddenly remembered what Mother had said: The most terrifying thing in this world isn’t demons-it’s the human heart. Your Honor, if there’s truly justice in this world, can you see the buried truth?

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/20260619dtm5jyEInm 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni975111”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix

The night before the wedding, my fiancé Ryan brought his sick first love, Chloe, home. “Evelyn, I’m only staying with her for three days. Three days, and then I’ll be your groom—yours and no one else’s.” He told me it was a “farewell tradition” where he was from—that before a man got married, he had to live with his first love for three days. And I was expected to accept it. I let out a short, derisive laugh. No screaming, no tears. Just one calm word. “Fine.” Over those three days, I watched every intimate moment play out on Chloe’s social media. When the three days were up and the wedding was about to begin, Ryan showed up with Chloe on his arm. “You’ve already put up with these three days—so just let Chloe have the ceremony. It’s only a formality.” “After it’s over, you’ll still be my wife.” Then came the wedding night. Ryan strode into the bridal suite surrounded by his friends, only to find a stranger lying on the marriage bed. As every jaw in the room hit the floor, I settled myself in the man’s arms and smiled faintly. “Oh, I forgot to mention—my family has a tradition too. On the wedding night, the bride sleeps with her first love right in front of her husband.” . . . . . . Eight years ago, I’d turned my back on my family for Ryan. I’d made him my entire world. We’d been together eight years, and we were finally talking about marriage. The day we traveled to his hometown to discuss the wedding details, his mother brought a woman to meet me. She wore a champagne-colored gown, red hair spilling over her shoulders, and when she smiled, she looked like a rose cultivated with painstaking care in a greenhouse. Ryan’s mother held the woman’s hand, her tone as warm and familiar as if she were introducing her own daughter. “Evelyn, this is Chloe Bennett. She and Ryan were inseparable growing up. She was his first love.” I froze. Then his mother continued: “We have an old tradition here. Before a man gets married, he spends three days alone with his first love. A proper farewell to the past.” I thought I’d misheard. “I’m sorry—what?” Ryan’s mother’s smile didn’t waver. “Don’t be nervous. It’s just tradition. After three days, Ryan will come back to you with a clean slate.” It was so absurd it was almost funny. I looked at Ryan, waiting for him to object. But all he did was frown slightly, as though I were being difficult. “Evelyn, we’re just living under the same roof for three days. Don’t make it into something dirty. Chloe came back from overseas specifically to see me get married. She’s not well. I don’t want her to leave with regrets.” “So?” I asked. Ryan stepped closer and lowered his voice. “You’re always telling me you love me. Then respect my family. Respect how things are done here.” On cue, Chloe let out a delicate cough, her eyes reddening at the corners. “Evelyn, if it bothers you, I can leave right now. I probably shouldn’t have come back anyway.” Ryan’s head snapped toward her instantly. “Don’t be ridiculous. This will always be your home.” Then he turned back to me. The tenderness he’d shown Chloe vanished in an instant, replaced by impatience and warning. “Evelyn, you’ve been with me for eight years. This is a small thing. You can handle it, right?” A small thing. He called this a small thing. I stood in that living room draped with white tulle and floral garlands, my gaze sweeping over the engagement photo on the mantelpiece and the wedding invitations scattered across the coffee table, and suddenly the whole thing felt like a fever dream. In that moment, I understood. This wasn’t tradition. This was a humiliation they’d designed just for me. Everyone was watching. Ryan’s relatives, his friends—and Chloe. She tilted her head slightly, studying me with something close to pity, a faint smile playing at the corner of her lips. They were all waiting for me to break down. Waiting for the tears, the hysterics, waiting for me to lose my mind and demand answers like some unhinged woman. But I just smiled. “Fine.” Ryan looked genuinely stunned. “You’re agreeing to this?” “You said it’s tradition.” I held his gaze. “Of course I should respect that.” Ryan let out a breath of relief. He even reached up and stroked my hair. “I knew you’d be the reasonable one.” Reasonable. For eight years, that word had been a collar around my neck. Because I was reasonable, I’d cut ties with my family for him. I’d stood by him through the worst days of building his company. Because I was reasonable, he’d pushed me to give ground again and again. And now he wanted me to hand my fiancé over to another woman’s bed with my own two hands. That night, Ryan didn’t come back to the hotel with me. He took his luggage and went to Chloe’s villa. Before he left, he kissed my forehead. “I’ll be there on time for the wedding. Don’t overthink things.” I nodded, still smiling. “Okay.” What he didn’t know was that I had a phone call to make too. When the line connected, a low, deep voice came through the receiver. “Evelyn?” I gazed at the darkening sky in the distance. “Sebastian, you once told me that if I ever needed you, you’d be there.” Two seconds of silence on the other end. Then he said: “I always have been.” I closed my eyes. “Then come to my wedding.” Over the next three days, Ryan didn’t call once. Didn’t send a single text. Not one. We’d been together eight years—more than two thousand nine hundred days and nights. There was a time when even a single day on a business trip meant three phone calls home, terrified I wasn’t eating well or sleeping enough. Now he was living in another woman’s house, and he couldn’t spare me so much as a goodnight. For three full days, I didn’t exist. The night before the wedding, I tracked them down at a private bar. Before I even pushed open the door to the private room, the noise spilled through the cracks. “Ryan, you’ve really got it made, don’t you? Reliving the glory days with your first love before the wedding, then going home to the wife afterward—best of both worlds!” “Chloe’s been back three days and Ryan looks ten years younger!”

I pushed the door open. The laughter cut off like someone had flipped a switch. Ryan was half-reclined on a leather banquette, Chloe nestled in his arms, her finger hooked around his tie—the easy intimacy of lovers drunk on each other. When she saw me appear, Chloe didn’t so much as flinch. She just lifted her eyelids lazily. Ryan sat up a little straighter, though his expression held less alarm than annoyance—the look of a man whose evening had been interrupted. “Evelyn? What are you doing here?” His brow creased almost imperceptibly. I stood in the doorway, my voice flat. “Did I kill the mood?” Chloe immediately straightened up, her eyes reddening with perfect precision. “Evelyn, I’m sorry—are we making you uncomfortable?” One of Ryan’s friends jumped in to smooth things over. “Evelyn, don’t get the wrong idea. Ryan and Chloe are just catching up—it’s the tradition here. A formal goodbye to the past so he can fully commit to the new marriage.” Another one chimed in with a grin. “Besides, this pre-wedding farewell thing is actually pretty romantic. Once you’re married, Ryan’s all yours!” I looked at Ryan. “Is that how you see it too?” Ryan took a sip of his drink. “Evelyn, don’t embarrass me here.” I smiled. So the one who’d humiliated me was afraid I’d embarrass him. Chloe spoke up softly. “Ryan, is tonight the last time we’ll get to relax like this?” Someone immediately started egging them on. “Last night together—come on, one kiss! When you two broke up eight years ago, we all thought it was such a shame.” The whole room erupted. Ryan glanced at me. I stood there, expressionless, making no move to stop anything. So he smiled, turned his head. Chloe leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck. The two of them kissed right in front of me. Tongues intertwining, breath mingling, as if I simply didn’t exist. The room exploded with whistles and cheers. I cut through the spectacle. “Ryan, I came to remind you—the wedding is tomorrow. Be there on time.” I turned and walked toward the door. Behind me, one of Ryan’s friends shouted loud enough for the whole building to hear: “Ryan, Evelyn’s got to be the most easygoing woman alive! She watched you kiss another girl and didn’t even make a scene?” Then I heard Ryan’s voice—dripping with the kind of smug, careless satisfaction that turned my stomach. “Well, obviously. Evelyn’s been with me all these years. She was even willing to go through a sterilization procedure for me. A little scene like this? She can handle it.” I stopped in the doorway, my spine rigid. The deepest, most painful scar of my life—reduced to a boast over drinks. In eight years, I’d lost too much for Ryan. I was once the only daughter of the Carter family. My father had already chosen the most suitable match for me. But I’d torn my family apart for Ryan. Back then, he’d held me and said: “Evelyn, I’ll make sure you never regret choosing me.” Later, I got pregnant three times. The first time, we were still in college. Ryan said the timing was wrong. I gritted my teeth through the pain and went to the clinic. The second time, his company was on the verge of bankruptcy. I spent every waking hour helping him court investors, and the baby slipped away during my most exhausted days. The third time, it was ectopic. Massive hemorrhaging. I was rushed to the ER and lost a fallopian tube permanently. The doctor said my chances of conceiving again were slim. Ryan had wept by my hospital bed, nearly inconsolable. He’d said: “Evelyn, I just need you to be alive.” But now, he was using my scars as proof of how devoted I was. A woman who could no longer bear children—what choice did she have but to stay by his side? What other man would want her? He was certain of this. His friends’ laughter still echoed behind me as I walked out of the bar. Back at the hotel, I got a call from Ryan. “You’re not actually mad about what happened at the bar, are you?” His tone was breezy, almost teasing. “No.” “Evelyn, this sudden obedience of yours—I’m almost not used to it.” He laughed, then shifted gears. “Relax. Chloe is the past for me—” His words were cut short by a breathy moan. “Ryan—” It was Chloe’s voice, the final syllable stretching out, soft and lingering. “You promised tonight was the last indulgence. Don’t get distracted.” Ryan quickly lowered his voice. “All right, Evelyn, I have to go. Be a good girl and wait for me tomorrow. I promise I’ll be on time.” The line went dead. I didn’t cry that night. I didn’t even lose sleep. When I picked up my phone the next morning, I saw that Chloe had posted a Story. “Eight years apart, and he says my body still drives him crazy. We didn’t stop all night.” The photos left nothing to the imagination—tangled legs, sheets twisted into a thousand wrinkles. I looked at it, then calmly locked the screen. Then I got up, did my makeup, and put on my wedding dress. As I was about to leave for the venue, my phone lit up again. A text message. [I’m here.] I replied: [See you in the bridal suite.]

On the day of the wedding, Ryan didn’t show up until twenty minutes before the ceremony. And when he arrived, Chloe was right behind him. My maid of honor, Mia, stood beside me, trembling with rage. “Evelyn, has he lost his mind? He brought that woman to your wedding?” I said nothing. His pack of friends immediately swarmed him—hugs, backslaps, catcalls. “Ryan, word is you went all night… Think you’ve got any energy left for Evelyn tonight?” The knowing looks and suggestive tones of men speaking in code sent a flush across Chloe’s face, and she ducked behind Ryan. Ryan laughed right away. “All right, that’s enough.” The group erupted again, loud enough to shake the rafters. Ryan and Chloe exchanged a smile, and only then did his gaze drift past the crowd to find me. He paused, just slightly. “Evelyn, you look beautiful today.” He walked toward me and reached up to brush a stray hair from my temple. I stepped back half a pace. His hand hung in the air for a moment, then dropped naturally to his side, as though nothing had happened. “Ignore them—nothing happened last night.” He lowered his voice. “Chloe had a stomach thing this morning, it took a while to sort out. That’s why I’m late.” I didn’t respond. Chloe followed him over. Only then did I see that she’d done herself up with meticulous makeup and a tailored white dress—she looked more like the bride than I did. She came toward me smiling, looping her arm through Ryan’s, her tone so familiar she might as well have been the star of the show. “Congratulations, you two! I came specially to witness your happy moment.” When I said nothing, Ryan stepped in to explain. “Chloe insisted on coming to see the venue this morning. Don’t worry—the three days are done. From now on, we’ll keep our distance.” Keep our distance. He actually had the nerve to use those words. That was when Chloe turned her attention to my wedding dress. “That gown really suits you. Very… simple.” She paused, as if the thought had only just occurred to her. “Although… I remember Ryan used to say that if he ever got married, he’d give his bride the most extravagant wedding the whole city had ever seen.” She looked at Ryan with a smile. “I guess people really do change.” The air around us went quiet. Ryan cleared his throat awkwardly. “That was just talk. We were young.” I didn’t call him out. This entire wedding had been arranged by Ryan’s family. They said the budget was tight. They said there was no need for extravagance. They said if I really loved Ryan, I shouldn’t care about appearances. But I knew money wasn’t the problem. They just didn’t want to spend it on me. Before the ceremony, a slideshow began playing on the big screen—photos of Ryan and me. From college to now, eight years laid out like a long-overdue reckoning. Chloe watched the screen for a while, then her eyes reddened right on schedule, her voice trembling with practiced precision. “Ryan, I’m so envious of Evelyn.” She wasn’t looking at him. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but pitched just loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. “The doctors say I have lupus. I might not have much time left. The biggest regret of my life is that I never got to wear a wedding dress. Never got to marry the man I loved most.” Ryan whipped around to look at her, his eyes overflowing with heartache. “Chloe…” She shook her head. “I’m fine. Today belongs to you and Evelyn. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Ryan was silent for a few seconds. Then he turned to me abruptly. “Evelyn.” He gripped my hand, his voice edging toward a plea. “Chloe might never get the chance to be married. Why don’t we… let her take your place for the ceremony today?” Mia couldn’t hold back any longer. She shot to her feet. “Ryan, are you out of your mind? This is your wedding to Evelyn! You can’t just hand it to someone else! Are you marrying Chloe or are you marrying Evelyn?” Ryan frowned. “It’s just the ceremony. Legally, the woman I’m marrying is still Evelyn.” He looked at me with the certainty of a man who’d never been told no. “Evelyn, Chloe is seriously ill. I just want to help her fulfill a wish.” I held his gaze, and in that moment I wanted so badly to ask him— What about my wish? I wanted to marry a man who respected me. A man who loved me. Had he fulfilled that wish? Ryan grew more and more uneasy under my stare. Then Chloe spoke up. “Forget it, Ryan.” She hung her head, showing only the tear-streaked curve of her profile. “Don’t make Evelyn upset because of me.” “After all… I’m dying anyway…” Ryan caved instantly. He squeezed my hand, practically swearing an oath. “She’ll just walk through the motions, but I promise—tonight, on our wedding night, it’ll be you. Evelyn, you made it through these three days. What’s one more hour?” Ryan’s voice was coaxing, but in those eyes I saw no remorse, no unease—only certainty. He was certain I’d say yes, just as I had every single time over the past eight years. The guests were already murmuring among themselves, watching me with a mix of pity and amusement. I looked down and smoothed my skirt. Then I smiled. “Fine.” Ryan exhaled with relief, and something that might have been genuine guilt flickered in his eyes. “Good girl. Thank you. You’re the best wife I could ask for.” “Go wait in the room for me. I’ll come find you as soon as the ceremony’s over.” He leaned in to embrace me. I kept my smile and pushed him away. “Don’t mention it.” Because from this moment on, this wedding had nothing to do with me. If he wanted so badly to complete the ceremony with Chloe, then I’d give them the whole stage. I turned and walked into the bridal suite, the train of my gown trailing behind me, and shut the door. I picked up my phone and sent one message: “You can come now.”

Watch👉 https://cps-front.novelix.live/app-api/ext/new/20260619gCyn6sNZH4 🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “Novelix” app 🔍 search for “ni540302”, and watch the full series ✨! #Novelix