Category: English

After the company fire, I placed the only rescue rope I had in my husband Orlando Parker’s hands. He suddenly ripped the smoke mask off my face and turned to put it on his female secretary, Isabella Johnson. Orlando successfully escaped using the rescue rope, and Isabella remained unharmed because she was wearing the mask. Only I passed out from inhaling too much toxic smoke and was struck in the abdomen by a falling pillar, with blood pooling beneath me. When firefighters lifted me onto the ambulance stretcher, Orlando suddenly yanked me down. “Lilith Stewart, why are you lying on a stretcher with such minor injuries? Isabella needs to go to the hospital first. Her condition is serious and requires a complete examination!” The firefighters and doctors were shocked. They looked at me with my dress soaked in blood, and at Isabella who was sobbing over the blisters on her burned hand. Colleagues kindly reminded him, “Mr. Parker, Mrs. Stewart’s injuries are clearly more severe!” Orlando said through gritted teeth, “Enough! I’m Lilith’s husband. Don’t you think I know her condition? If Isabella’s treatment is delayed today, none of you will face the consequences!” I covered my slightly swollen belly with my hand, nodded, and agreed to let Isabella board the ambulance first. Orlando, from now on, neither I nor this unborn child owe you anything anymore. … After I gave in, Orlando let out a cold, knowing snort. “Lilith, I knew you were just pretending to be pitiful! These old tricks to get attention are truly disgusting!” He raised his foot and kicked me hard in the stomach, trying to push me away from the ambulance stretcher so Isabella could lie down on it. My abdomen, already struck by the pillar, now suffered extreme pain once again. I was in such agony that I couldn’t speak. My body convulsed involuntarily as I trembled and curled into a ball. With his back to me, Orlando didn’t hear my cries of pain and mocked, “One kick and you behave yourself. You’re truly pathetic!” I felt blood continuously flowing from my body, my heart shattered as I sank into despair. My unborn child had become nothing but a mess beneath me. The child’s father was carefully and gently helping Isabella lie down on the stretcher. “Isabella, be careful, don’t hurt yourself anymore.” Isabella was crying so bitterly she could barely speak. She held up her burned finger, looking particularly pitiful. “Mr. Parker, my finger feels like it’s about to fall off. I’m so scared! What if I lose my hand? Would you despise me for being disabled?” Orlando’s eyes filled with concern as he pursed his lips and blew gently on her blistered finger. “Let me blow on it. It won’t hurt after I blow on it.” “Silly girl, how could I ever despise you? Don’t worry. I’ll immediately call the best burn specialist in the country to examine you. I promise your beautiful fingers won’t have even the slightest scar!” The firefighter stared in shock, speechless. He pointed at my pale face, reminding Orlando. “Mr. Parker, this lady stayed in the fire scene the longest. She’s the most severely injured victim!” Only then did Orlando cast an indifferent glance at me. He confidently told the firefighter, “Sir, don’t be fooled by this dramatic woman!” “Lilith is my wife, and I know her best. She may look pitiful now, but she’s just pretending! She’s jealous and deliberately acting miserable to get my attention.” The firefighter’s jaw nearly dropped in shock. He couldn’t comprehend how Orlando, my husband, could pull me off the ambulance stretcher only to help another woman lie down on it. After speaking, Orlando roughly yanked me up from the ground, forcing me to turn around to show everyone. “See? She’s perfectly fine!” My entire body was in so much pain that I’d lost all feeling. My face and neck were covered in cold sweat as I let him manipulate me like a puppet. The nurse beside us was stunned, pointing at my blood-soaked dress, stammering, “Can’t you see? Your wife’s dress is covered in blood!” Orlando suddenly laughed and said, “Young nurse, you clearly don’t understand. This is all fake blood that Lilith deliberately applied to act out her drama!” He released his grip, and having already exhausted all my strength, I collapsed directly onto the ground. I let out a cry of pain, but this didn’t evoke the slightest sympathy from Orlando. He touched my dress, his fingertips covered in sticky blood, yet Orlando just laughed. “Lilith, tell us where you bought this fake blood prop. It looks quite realistic.” Because Orlando had taken away the protective mask that should have been mine and given it to Isabella, I had inhaled toxic smoke that had poisoned my throat. Faced with Orlando’s humiliation, I shook my head, unable to say a word. I struggled to crawl away from the stretcher where Isabella was lying. If Isabella wanted to go, then let her go. I wanted to get as far away from these two people as possible. I crawled toward another ambulance using both hands and feet, which were cut and bleeding from the broken stones, leaving trails of blood on the black ground. Behind me, Orlando was still shouting, “Lilith, don’t think that acting so convincingly will help you escape punishment. Today you must apologize to Isabella. Her hand was burned because of you!” In the past, hearing such words would have made my heart ache like it was being twisted by a knife. I would have cried and explained to Orlando, begging him to believe me. But now, I didn’t want to do that anymore. I touched my gradually flattening belly, tears in my eyes, and shook my head. Orlando, this time, neither I nor our child owe you anything anymore.

The doctor from the neighboring vehicle jumped down and saw me crawling on the ground, covered in blood. Her voice trembled with fear. “Have you all gone mad?! There’s someone here with severe injuries—why isn’t anyone helping her?” My entire body felt weak, my limbs powerless as I collapsed heavily onto the ground. Due to excessive blood loss, I could barely hear the sounds around me, and my eyes were about to close. Orlando strode forward, confidently telling the female doctor, “Doctor, there’s no need to worry. She’s perfectly fine. This is all just an act this wretched woman is putting on for my benefit.” The doctor’s eyes widened in disbelief, nearly popping out of her head as she exclaimed, “She’s barely hanging on, and you’re telling me not to help?! I’m a doctor—don’t you think I can tell whether she’s faking or genuinely ill?” Her loud outburst attracted the attention of others nearby, causing them to gather around. Everyone at the Police Department knew I was Orlando’s wife. Being surrounded and stared at by so many people made Orlando, the company CEO, feel humiliated. He kicked me lightly with his foot and said, “Lilith, enough. You’re taking this act too far. Don’t be ungrateful!” “Don’t think that just because you’re my wife, you can defame my company like this. If you continue, I’ll have my lawyers sue you!” Seeing no response from me, Orlando crouched down and pinched my face, forcing me to look up. He commanded, “Lilith, speak up! Tell them the truth!” “Otherwise they’ll think I’m mistreating you!” When Orlando saw my eyes slightly closed, appearing lifeless, he lost his patience and slapped me across the face. On the verge of fainting, I was forcibly awakened by Orlando’s slap. After the stinging pain spread across my face, the first words I heard were: “Talk, Lilith! Say you’re faking it, say you’re naturally despicable and just love putting on a show!” I shook my head, unable to speak. My hand unconsciously touched my stomach. Maternal instinct made me think first of protecting my child in moments of danger. Orlando followed my hand with his eyes, and seeing me still touching my stomach, he snorted coldly, “You’re really committed to this act. Don’t tell me you’re going to claim you’re pregnant?” Hearing him say this, I could no longer control myself as tears rolled down from my reddened eyes. Yes, Orlando, we had a child. But he had already left me just now. Seeing me cry, Orlando rolled his eyes with contempt. “The tears come out so quickly, huh? With acting skills like yours, it would be a shame not to win an Oscar.” He raised his head, addressing the female doctor and the crowd gathered around, “See? I wasn’t wrong. She’s just performing! She’s feeling guilty now and doesn’t dare to speak!” “Alright, alright, everyone disperse.” The doctor became frantic and pushed Orlando away. “You’re insane! Can’t you see she’s had a miscarriage and is hemorrhaging badly? If she doesn’t get to a hospital, she’ll die!” Orlando fell backward onto his rear from the push. His first reaction wasn’t to look at me but to furiously question the doctor, “Did Lilith pay you to say this?!” By now, even the colleagues watching from the sidelines couldn’t stand it anymore. They shouted, “Mr. Parker, Mrs. Stewart is your wife! You’ve been married for ten years—why don’t you believe her?!” Orlando sneered, “If Lilith really is pregnant, then the child should be aborted anyway.” His eyes darkened as he said, “I haven’t been intimate with her for years. A woman carrying another man’s child has no right to be my wife.” Hearing this, I closed my eyes in despair. Indeed, since Isabella appeared, Orlando rarely shared a bed with me and barely even came home. But that night, drunk on whisky, he mistook me for Isabella and forced himself on me. Orlando, if you knew that the child I miscarried was yours, would you feel even a hint of regret? At the same time, I silently vowed to myself. If I survived this, I would sever all ties with Orlando. The kind female doctor pulled me up with the help of a nearby nurse, intending to place me on a stretcher and into the ambulance for emergency treatment. Just as I thought I had a chance at survival, Isabella came running over. Pointing at me, she shouted, “Doctor, don’t save her! She’s committed unforgivable sins—even death wouldn’t be enough to atone for her crimes!” “Because this fire was started by her!”

Isabella picked up her phone and displayed the video for everyone to see. The footage showed me carrying a cardboard box into the storage room. Shortly after, a fire broke out inside. Soon, the flames spread rapidly, trapping all company employees in the office. Isabella pointed at me and shouted accusingly, “It was her! She secretly started the fire in the storage room, causing such massive damage to the company and dragging all of us innocent employees into this mess!” Upon hearing this, Orlando forcefully pushed aside the doctors and nurses who were trying to treat me. He violently grabbed my collar, his face contorted with rage, and said, “Lilith, I gave you a job out of kindness, and this is how you repay me!” “You knew perfectly well that I built this company with my blood and sweat, yet you still set it on fire! How dare you even take an ambulance? You should be going straight to jail!” As he spoke, he kept yanking my collar, dragging me away. While pulling me, he shouted loudly, “Firefighters! I’ve found the arsonist! Arrest her and throw her in prison!” “Legal team! Where’s the company’s legal team?! Start drafting documents immediately for a lawsuit. I’ll make sure this foolish woman Lilith pays for what she’s done!” Orlando’s rough handling tightened my collar around my neck, nearly suffocating me. Finally, my subordinate Stella couldn’t bear to watch anymore. She rushed over and pried Orlando’s hands away, allowing me to breathe again. Due to the suffocation, my face had turned bluish-purple, and I began coughing violently. Stella protected me forcefully, tears streaming down her face out of concern. “Lilith, why did you have to do this…” Orlando said with obvious displeasure, “Stella, you’re my employee. Are you planning to speak up for Lilith now? If you dare say even one word in her defense today, don’t bother coming to work tomorrow!” Upon hearing this, everyone immediately closed their mouths and remained silent. Who would dare interfere in the company president’s family matters and willingly lose their job? I also pushed Stella gently, urging her to leave quickly. However, Stella didn’t leave. Instead, she turned to Orlando and shouted, “Mr. Parker, Isabella’s video alone cannot prove that Lilith committed arson. As the company president, don’t you even have that much judgment?” Orlando snorted dismissively. “Lilith had no reason to carry a box into the storage room. Isn’t that suspicious enough! And after the fire broke out, she had both an escape rope and a smoke mask to protect herself. If she didn’t start the fire, how would she have these items?” Feeling indignant on my behalf, Stella cried while speaking passionately, “Yes, Lilith is the administrative supervisor and shouldn’t need to personally move things to the storage room.” “But for the past two years, as company performance declined, she’s been moving goods herself for a long time to save on transportation costs!” “As for the fire safety equipment, she prepared those beforehand. Lilith noticed fire hazards in the company long ago, so she distributed escape kits to each of us.” Orlando’s expression changed instantly, and he said sternly, “You’re talking nonsense! If everyone had one, why didn’t Isabella and I receive any?” With reddened eyes, Stella pointed at Isabella and said, “You should ask her about that! Where did she put all the things Lilith distributed?” Isabella’s body suddenly trembled, and she nervously waved her hands, saying, “Mr. Parker, I didn’t, I didn’t misappropriate anything!” Isabella’s voluntary confession made Orlando’s face darken. When Stella looked at my stomach, tears fell like raindrops. She sobbed and asked me, “Lilith, the baby, is the baby gone?” Orlando shuddered violently, then quickly asked, “Baby? What baby?” I shook my head, signaling Stella to stop talking. Orlando sensed something was wrong and rushed over to demand answers, but at that moment, the police arrived. “We heard someone mention catching an arsonist. Who is the arsonist?”

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My sister Eudora Ruskin had a physical examination at my hospital and was diagnosed with leukemia. My bone marrow happened to be a perfect match. Driven by a mischievous impulse, I told my family that I was the one who was sick. They unanimously objected. “Donating bone marrow is risky; we can’t let Eudora take that chance.” “Don’t drag your sister down with you. Life and death are in the hands of fate; you must accept your destiny.” Eudora herself flatly refused, using her pregnancy preparations as an excuse. The already fragile family bond was stripped of its last pretense. In that moment of painful clarity, I left the test results behind and severed ties with my family once and for all.

My husband’s parents, Oscar Cox and Maria Cox, died in a car accident. I immediately called my husband, Sam Cox, who works as a medical examiner. Sam was completely indifferent and said, “You know perfectly well that Susan hit two stray dogs and was traumatized. I’m comforting her right now, and you deliberately made up this lie about my parents being in a car accident to make me come home. My parents have always been so good to you, how can you be so ungrateful?” With that, Sam angrily hung up the phone. After the call ended, my heart was filled with unease and trepidation, and I decided to find him. However, I saw Sam holding his first love, Susan Morgan, gently comforting her: “Don’t be afraid, I’ll protect you.” It turned out that what Susan had hit weren’t stray dogs, but people. To help her escape legal consequences, Sam used his professional skills to destroy the evidence and dispose of the bodies. But he didn’t realize that the two bodies he destroyed were his own parents. After Sam hung up, I couldn’t reach him again, so I had to go to the hospital alone. Oscar and Maria had been killed instantly in the hit-and-run. Their bodies were now in the hospital morgue waiting for me to identify them. The moment I lifted the sheet, I collapsed in utter devastation. This didn’t look like a car accident at all! Oscar and Maria’s limbs had been severed with precise cuts, and all their internal organs had been removed. If not for the birthmark on Maria’s arm, I would never have believed these unrecognizable bodies were Oscar and Maria. “No!” I couldn’t accept the reality and let out a soul-crushing wail of agony. Just yesterday they were chatting and laughing with me, and now they were cold corpses. My breakdown moved the doctors around me to sympathy. They patted my shoulder and said gravely, “The victims were found by an ambulance on Blue Ridge Parkway. The bodies were already severely damaged when discovered, initially determined as death from a serious car accident. However, since the surveillance footage on that road was damaged, we can’t track down the perpetrator yet. I suggest you report this to the police immediately.” The doctor’s words still echoed in my ears as I stumbled out of the room, completely shattered and disoriented, covering my face as I cried. I had been married to Sam for ten years. Oscar and Maria knew I had lost both parents at a young age and had always treated me like family. They had given me their very best. Thinking about this, my heart ached so badly I felt numb. I instinctively tried calling Sam again, but he hung up once more. As I wandered helplessly in the hallway, I heard voices coming from a hospital room. My attention was drawn there. To my shock, the next second, I stared in disbelief at that room. “Susan, don’t worry. You just hit some small animals, that’s all. I’ll take care of it. Later, I’ll take you to my mother’s birthday party.” Sam was holding Susan tightly, speaking tenderly, with undisguised affection in his eyes. She was curled up in his arms, trembling and crying. “Sam, I’m so scared. Please stay with me, okay? Maria doesn’t like me. You’re all I have…” Standing outside the door, my mind was in chaos. Oscar and Maria had died so tragically, yet he was still on a date. I kicked open the door and, before Sam and Susan could react, slapped her several times across the face. “Skylar! Have you lost your mind?” Sam forcefully pushed me away, holding Susan protectively in his arms. I was so furious I could barely see straight, my head spinning with rage as I pointed at the door. “Your parents are dead! And you still have the heart to be here dating. You’re a complete bastard!”

Sam completely ignored what I said and kept pressing the call button on the hospital bed. “Skylar, stop acting crazy! My parents have been so good to you, and here you are cursing them! Now you’ve even hurt Susan. If you keep making these unreasonable scenes, I’ll divorce you!” I was so angry I couldn’t speak for a moment. Just as I was about to open my mouth, the doctor walked in and interrupted me. Sam put his arm around Susan and anxiously said, “Doctor, she hit some stray dogs on Blue Ridge Parkway and got scared. She already has depression. Will her condition get worse now?” When I heard “Blue Ridge Parkway,” I suddenly looked up at Sam and asked, “You’ve been to Blue Ridge Parkway?” Sam frowned, his eyes full of impatience. “What are you trying to do now? Susan isn’t feeling well, and I don’t want to deal with you!” I ignored whatever Sam was saying and lunged forward, grabbing Susan’s shoulders. “Was it you who killed someone on Blue Ridge Parkway?” Her face instantly turned pale. Sam yanked my sleeve and forcefully pushed me against the wall, shouting, “Skylar, this is a hospital! Stop acting crazy! Even if Susan hit someone, it would have been an accident. Besides, she only hit some stray dogs. Accusing her without evidence is defamation.” I stared blankly at this man I’d lived with for ten years, feeling like he was a complete stranger. With trembling hands, I pulled out the death certificates I’d obtained and said, “I have proof right here.” Sam grabbed the death certificates and tore them to pieces. “Stop playing these games. Skylar, can’t you survive without a man? Don’t try to get my attention with these tactics.” I called in the doctor who had identified the bodies with me to testify. “Sam, I’m not lying to you. Oscar and Maria are really dead!” Sam glared at me angrily and said, “Susan is traumatized. Stop making a scene.” Our commotion had drawn quite a crowd. Susan kept crying, looking pitiful. She said, “Skylar, I know you’ve always misunderstood me. But Sam and I are just good friends. He’s only angry because he’s worried about me. Please calm down and let me rest.” The people around us, not knowing the truth, began criticizing me for being malicious. The doctor who was testifying for me said, “Mr. Cox, since you’re the son of the deceased, you should report this to the police immediately.” “No!” Sam’s face turned red with anger. “Where’s your hospital director? You have no professional ethics! Why are you spreading rumors about my parents? I’ll sue you all!” After his threats, he stepped on the torn death certificates and prepared to leave with Susan. Just as I was about to chase after them, I received the latest update from the Police Department. They showed me the surveillance footage from Blue Ridge Parkway. The images were very blurry due to damage, but I immediately recognized Susan, and Sam. So Sam knew from the beginning that Susan had killed people, not stray dogs! Sam was a forensic pathologist, and the wounds on Oscar and Maria’s bodies were extremely precise—something only someone with professional knowledge could achieve. I felt a chill run through my body, and my gaze toward Sam filled with terror.

I rushed forward, blocking their way, and grabbed Susan by the collar while looking at Sam. “The people she killed were Oscar and Maria, right on Blue Ridge Parkway. Sam, do you still want to protect her?” At that moment, I didn’t care about my dignity; I was just heartbroken for Oscar and Maria. I held up my phone with the surveillance footage, trying to show it to Sam, but he pushed me away. “Skylar, do you have to make a big scene out of this? Let’s get divorced right now! Marrying you was the worst mistake of my life,” he said. I never imagined Sam would go this far for Susan—helping her cover up the truth, possibly even destroying evidence, and now wanting to divorce me. I felt an overwhelming wave of grief. I should never have married such a man. Seeing that I had fallen silent, Sam scoffed, “If you weren’t acting crazy, I wouldn’t be asking for a divorce. Susan and I are just friends. Your thoughts are disgusting. Call Mom and tell her I’ll throw Susan a makeup birthday party once she’s feeling better.” I laughed coldly, unwilling to argue with him anymore. “Maria is already dead. You don’t need to celebrate her birthday anymore.” My ashen face seemed to disgust Sam. He waved his hand dismissively and announced loudly in front of everyone, “Fine, since you claim my parents are dead, take me to see their bodies. If you’re lying, I will never forgive you!” Sam was convinced I was lying. After all, in his eyes, I had always been narrow-minded, nothing compared to Susan. Just a week ago, I had found love letters he’d written to Susan in his desk drawer. We had a huge fight about it. Sam followed the doctor to the morgue. I trailed behind him, closing my eyes, unable to bear remembering Oscar and Maria’s tragic state. I wondered if Sam would lose his mind when he realized he had been trying to destroy his own parents’ bodies. Just as Sam was about to open the body bag, Susan suddenly started retching beside him. “Sam, I’m scared. There are so many dead people here…” she said. Sam patted her back with concern. “Susan, don’t be afraid. This will be over soon.” He lifted the body bag, glanced casually at the body, and then turned away with disgust. “This isn’t my parents at all,” he said. My heart was racing. Oscar and Maria’s bodies had been destroyed by Sam’s own hands—how could he not recognize them? “Sam! These are Oscar and Maria! Have you abandoned all human decency for Susan?” “I’ve seen the bodies. I would recognize my own parents. Skylar, stop making a scene!” Sam’s voice was ice-cold, freezing the blood in my veins. I realized he must truly love Susan to lie in front of his own parents’ bodies. I laughed bitterly, my body trembling uncontrollably. “I’ve already called the police. This is the surveillance footage they sent me.” I showed him the video he had refused to look at earlier, holding it right in front of his face. It clearly showed him and Susan, even matching the model of the car. Sam, who had been about to explode in anger, froze the moment he saw the video.

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“Ms. Moreau, are you sure you want to terminate this pregnancy?” The doctor’s repeated questioning snapped Lena Moreau out of her daze. She widened her eyes, seemingly unable to believe what was happening. Only when the doctor prompted her again did she realize with shock that she had been reborn. On this very day in her previous life, Lena had discovered she was pregnant and subsequently made a choice that cost her dearly. The child in her womb belonged to Robert Ashford, her uncle with no blood relation, the CEO of Ashford Group. When Lena was seven, her parents died in an explosion while negotiating business abroad. The Moreau family had once helped Robert, so he took her in and raised her himself. As a child, Lena was well-behaved, so he personally attended to all her needs. He raised a seven-year-old girl into a seventeen-year-old young woman. Among all the Ashfords, Lena was only close to Robert, always clinging to him alone. With the onset of puberty, she couldn’t help falling for the man who had redeemed her. On her eighteenth birthday, she confessed to him with the courage from alcohol, then stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. Robert was usually disciplined, but that day, strangely, he felt feverish and dizzy after just one drink. Lena’s kiss made him lose all reason. When he woke up and saw the mess on the bed, he pushed her away harshly. For the first time, Lena felt Robert’s hatred as he lost his temper badly. But she didn’t understand what had happened. She had only kissed him impulsively, and their intimate encounter was purely accidental. Yet he thought she had deliberately schemed it all. “Lena, what have you done? I’m your uncle!” Lena tried to explain, but Robert wouldn’t listen. He kept emphasizing that he was her uncle and that they shouldn’t be together. For the first time, Lena argued back, “But you’re not my blood uncle. We have no biological connection.” This was their first argument. Furious, he moved out of Ashford Manor. Lena didn’t see Robert again until a month later. She was pregnant, and his grandfather, Zachary Ashford, forcibly summoned him back to Ashford Manor to discuss their marriage. Under family pressure, Robert reluctantly agreed to marry her. Lena thought her life would be happy from then on. They had a child and were about to get married. But her married life was miserable. On their wedding night, Robert stayed with the woman he loved, Colette Wilson. The next day, he moved all his belongings out and never returned. He and Colette loved each other for life, while Lena stayed home raising their daughter alone. Robert despised her and, by extension, the daughter she bore. Even the daughter Lena had raised came to hate her when she grew up, blaming Lena for bringing her into a world where she couldn’t receive a father’s love. After Lena’s death, her daughter immediately went to Robert and accepted Colette as her mother. Recalling these memories, Lena’s face was drenched with tears, the pain still fresh in her heart. The doctor, accustomed to such scenes, patiently prompted again, “Ms. Moreau, are you sure you want to terminate this pregnancy?” “Yes!” This time, Lena’s answer was unwavering and resolute, her voice trembling not with uncertainty but with determination. This time, she would not repeat her previous mistake. She immediately scheduled the abortion, deliberately ignoring the doctor’s contempt. “Where’s your family member? Call him to sign the consent form.” “Doctor, I have no family left. I’ll sign it myself.” The doctor wasn’t surprised and muttered under his breath, “These young girls nowadays, no self-respect at all. Getting an abortion at barely eighteen, completely reckless with your health.” As Lena lay on the cold operating table, she knew that this time, she and Robert would never be together. She thought, “This time, let him be with Colette! He’ll never know that I once carried our child.” After leaving the hospital, Lena didn’t hesitate to call her mentor, Jane Murphy. “Ms. Murphy, I’ve made up my mind. I accept the offer to study in France.”

After returning from the hospital, Lena went straight to Ashford Manor. She had already submitted her advanced study application. In ten days, she would be flying to France. As soon as Lena stepped through the door, Zachary called her over. Only then did she notice that several Ashford family elders were also present. She glanced around. As expected, Robert was nowhere to be seen. Ever since their accidental intimate encounter, he had been avoiding her. Even though he eventually agreed to marry her under family pressure, his attitude toward her was never the same as before. When the elders saw Lena, their kind gazes unconsciously fell on her abdomen. “Lena, come sit beside me. Tell me what kind of wedding you’d like. I’ll have Gideon and Diana make the arrangements.” Zachary took out an old wooden box. “This is the emerald bracelet my wife wore. She said I should personally give it to Robert’s wife someday. Lena, try it on!” Lena was about to decline. She was leaving soon. This emerald bracelet was meant for Robert’s wife, and she couldn’t accept it. Just then, Robert pushed open the door and walked in. Their eyes met, and she noticed a beautiful woman standing behind him—his lover, Colette. Zachary, already irritated by Robert’s gloomy expression, grew even more displeased when he spotted Colette. “I called you back to discuss your wedding with Lena. Why did you bring an outsider?” Colette blushed with embarrassment and timidly tugged at Robert’s sleeve. He gave her a reassuring look, and she followed him inside. “You can decide about the wedding yourselves. Why did you insist I come back? I was in the middle of discussing something with Colette, but your urgent calls forced me to bring her along.” Facing the elders’ angry stares, Robert weakly explained, “Colette and I are just friends.” Zachary snorted, then proceeded to discuss Robert and Lena’s wedding right in front of Colette. Robert pretended to listen indifferently, but Lena clearly noticed the intimate gestures between him and Colette under the table. Colette had hooked her foot around his and was caressing it repeatedly. Lena suddenly recalled scenes from her previous life, when Robert would occasionally bring Colette around after their marriage, flaunting their relationship in front of her. Just like now, they would make these disgusting gestures in her presence, with Colette deliberately showing off kiss marks. If this had been the old Lena, she would have felt utterly repulsed, but now she felt nothing. Zachary called her name several times before she snapped back to reality. “Lena, don’t worry. Though time is tight, I’ve discussed it with Gideon and Diana—the wedding will have every necessary ceremony!” Robert’s brother, Gideon Ashford, asked Lena which members of the Moreau family she planned to invite, saying he would send invitations tomorrow. Gideon’s wife, Diana Ashford, smiled as she took Lena’s hand, carefully advising her about precautions during early pregnancy. Zachary deliberately cleared his throat, finally drawing Robert’s attention. “Robert, your wedding with Lena is set for the tenth! These days, you’ll stay home and help Gideon and Diana prepare for the wedding. Did you hear me?” Zachary struck his cane firmly on the floor, his expression severe. Only then did Robert reluctantly withdraw his leg and softly agree. Hearing their wedding was scheduled for the tenth, Lena was surprised. That was the same day she was supposed to leave for her advanced studies in France. She thought, “This time, everyone will know I won’t be marrying him.”

When Lena saw Robert and Colette flirting under the table again, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen. She had just undergone an abortion and was physically very weak. After spending so much time chatting with the Ashford family, her back was already aching unbearably. Since Zachary had nothing more to discuss with her, she excused herself, saying she was tired and needed to rest in her room. Lying on the bed, Lena looked at every decoration in the room, feeling a wave of sadness. Every corner had been personally arranged by Robert. He once took care of her meticulously, but now their relationship had grown increasingly distant. Tears were about to fall from her eyes. Not long after, Robert pushed the door open without knocking. Lena was surprised. Since he had moved out, they hadn’t spoken for a long time. Even when they occasionally met at home, he wouldn’t spare her a glance. Now, she only needed to look up at him once to know he was furious. Sure enough, Robert said sarcastically, “Congratulations, Lena! You finally got what you wanted! I just never imagined that at such a young age, you could be so calculating. I kindly threw you a party for your eighteenth birthday, and you deliberately put aphrodisiacs in my coffee! Now you’ve achieved your goal! You schemed to sleep with me for one night, then got pregnant with my child. Finally, you used family pressure to force me to marry you. Your methods are truly impressive! Lena, is this what I taught you all these years? You completely disregarded ethics! I’m your uncle! I’m ten years older than you!” Robert angrily accused Lena, then kicked the bedroom door in frustration, causing the crucifix hanging on it to fall and shatter on the hard floor. This symbol of peace had been hung there by his own hands. He once said he asked for nothing else but for Lena to be safe and happy. Now, he seemed not to notice the broken crucifix on the floor. “Lena, you’ve won! Out of responsibility, I will marry you! But my love will always belong to Colette, so stop dreaming! After the wedding, I’ll move out and live with Colette. Didn’t you use the child in your belly to force me to marry you? Then you’d better take good care of that child and stay obediently in this house with the baby, guarding this status you obtained through despicable means!” After his vengeful speech, Robert stared at Lena, waiting for her to break down and cry. But she said nothing, her face showing no expression at all. Robert felt momentarily confused, but quickly regained his composure. He thought Colette was right—if Lena could come up with something as underhanded as drugging him, her unusual behavior now must also be deliberate. She was probably plotting against him again. This time he needed to be on guard. What Robert couldn’t possibly know was that Lena had indeed given up on him, because their child was already gone. In her previous life, she had loved this child as much as she loved him. But in the end, she paid a terrible price for that love. Fortunately, this time she wouldn’t repeat the same mistake. Lena wouldn’t appear at their wedding, because she had already bought a ticket to France. In ten days, she would leave this place and him behind. Dragging her weakened body, Lena got up and walked toward him, pointing to the living room where Colette was waiting for him. “Uncle Robert, are you finished? If so, please leave. Don’t keep her waiting. I’m tired and need to rest.” But Robert stood motionless, looking at Lena in disbelief. They hadn’t seen each other for just a few days, yet he felt she had somehow become a stranger. Lena now felt waves of pain in her abdomen. She forced herself to push him out despite the pain and was about to close the door. Just then, the abortion receipt fell out of her pocket. Robert frowned darkly and asked, “What surgery is this? Are you having surgery?” The moment the surgery form fell, Lena instinctively picked it up and quickly tucked it away. But sharp-eyed Robert caught the words “surgery form.” Lena’s heart pounded in her chest. She felt extremely nervous, almost hearing the echo of her own heartbeat. After stammering for a while, she finally came up with a reasonable excuse. “It’s nothing. I have a minor dental issue that requires a simple procedure. The doctor said it’s best to address dental problems in early pregnancy, otherwise it could become complicated later.” Lena deliberately mentioned pregnancy, and as expected, Robert became displeased and stopped questioning further. His brow relaxed slightly, but his face remained cold as he said distantly, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to the hospital for another check-up.” “That’s not necessary, Uncle Robert. You should go back to work. I—” Lena waved her hands in refusal, clearly flustered. “I said we’re going to the hospital. Didn’t you hear me?” Hearing Robert’s tone turn serious, Lena meekly followed behind him and kept quiet. As they passed through the living room, he suddenly stopped and truthfully explained the situation to the elders who were still discussing wedding plans. Lost in thought about what would happen if the truth was discovered at the hospital, Lena accidentally bumped into Robert’s back. Her chest pressed against his back. An unusual feeling rose within him, and he awkwardly cleared his throat. The elders sitting on the sofa were pleased with his concern for her, but only one person noticed his subtle discomfort. Colette’s gaze darkened as she secretly clenched her fist. Robert had planned to drop Colette off on the way, but she suggested accompanying them to the hospital. “Robert, Lena is a young woman after all. It might be inconvenient for you at the hospital. I can help.” Lena didn’t want Colette to come along. Sitting in the same car with her was uncomfortable enough. But she couldn’t show her emotions too obviously. Robert knew very little about pregnancy. Colette was different. She was a woman. It would be trouble if she noticed something amiss. Lena sat in the back seat, lost in thought. Colette, in the passenger seat, had fallen silent, fidgeting with the car ornaments. Robert was a neat freak. His car always smelled clean and fresh, with minimalist interiors. Lena, on the contrary, loved small trinkets and always wanted to redecorate the cold, sterile car. But Robert never agreed. He stubbornly refused to even change the car’s air freshener. Once, when Lena was suffering from low blood sugar, she had just opened a packet of cookies in the car when Robert snatched it and heartlessly threw it out the window. “No eating in my car.” Lena had to endure her low blood sugar symptoms, rummaging through her bag hoping to find a candy. In the end, she found nothing and barely made it home without fainting. Yet now, Colette had redecorated the car interior to her liking and even changed the fragrance. So this was the stark difference between love and indifference. Lena felt a sharp pain in her heart. She placed her hand on her chest and turned to look out the window. It had started raining when they left, and now it was pouring harder. Large raindrops pounded against the car with loud thuds. As the car headed toward the hospital, Lena felt panic rising again. At that moment, Colette, sitting in the passenger seat, suddenly exclaimed, “Oh no! Robert, what should I do? I forgot to close the window! That potted plant you gave me is still on the windowsill. It’s raining so hard, I’d be devastated if it gets ruined! That’s the one you planted with your own hands on my birthday. It’s my hope for survival. It’s what helps me get through every night when my depression hits. I value it more than myself!” Through the rearview mirror, Lena noticed Colette’s gaze landing directly on her. She suddenly realized that Colette was doing this deliberately. Robert responded without hesitation, “I’ll turn around and take you back right now!” “Thank you! Robert, you’re the best!” Colette couldn’t hide her delight, but she quickly glanced hesitantly at the back seat a few times. She added uncertainly, “Robert, this means Lena will have made this trip for nothing. Won’t this delay her doctor’s appointment?” The car screeched to a halt at the roadside, and Robert coldly pointed at Lena, “Get out. Go to the hospital yourself. There’s an umbrella in the trunk.” She was stunned for just a moment, then simply replied, “Okay,” and quietly opened the door. As soon as Lena stepped out, Colette said, “But Robert, this new dress I’m wearing is also the one you gave me on my birthday. What if it gets wet?” So Robert started the car and drove away, giving Lena no chance to get the umbrella. “I need the umbrella. I can’t give it to you.” The car splashed water high from the puddles, and Lena stepped back to avoid it. When she looked up, she caught a glimpse of Colette’s delicate face in the car, along with her smug expression that she hadn’t managed to hide in time. Lena sighed helplessly and quickly took shelter under the eaves of a roadside shop. The rain was pouring down heavily, and she was already soaked from just stepping out of the car. She was shivering from the cold. The recent abortion had left her weak. She crouched down powerlessly, hugging herself. Usually, it was easy to get a taxi here, but today’s sudden downpour had turned the normally smooth roads into congested ones, with available taxis being scarce. Lena glanced at the people next to her constantly refreshing their ride-hailing apps. It seemed unrealistic to get a taxi home today. Fighting through the cold that gripped her body, she forced herself to stand and walk in the rain. But she hadn’t gone far when sharp pain and waves of coldness shot through her abdomen. Lena hadn’t eaten all day. She hadn’t even had a moment to rest after her abortion procedure that morning. Now she couldn’t hold on any longer and collapsed in the heavy rain. When she regained consciousness, she saw white walls and Robert’s gloomy face. Startled, Lena quickly jumped off the bed, only to realize she had an IV in the back of her hand. She anxiously touched her abdomen, thinking, “I hope they haven’t discovered my abortion.” “Why are you getting out of bed? Go back and lie down! You’re already eighteen, and you still forget to eat. Don’t you know your hypoglycemia has flared up again?” Hearing about hypoglycemia, Lena finally relaxed. Under Robert’s watchful gaze, she obediently returned to bed. Only then did she survey her surroundings and realize she wasn’t in a hospital but in Colette’s home. “Uncle Robert, didn’t you take Ms. Wilson home? How did you…” Robert impatiently cut her off, “How did I come back to pick you up and bring you here? Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused me? Grandpa gave me a severe scolding because of you!” Lena then learned that when she fainted, she had accidentally touched her phone, calling her emergency contact, Zachary. He had initially suggested that she set him as her emergency contact, saying that while everyone else in the family might be busy, he was always free and could answer her calls 24/7. This time, Lena had accidentally called Zachary. When he answered but received no response, he quickly called Robert. Upon learning that Robert had abandoned her halfway, Zachary became furious. Robert immediately turned back after hanging up. He didn’t even hear Colette’s questions. His mind was filled with thoughts of Lena. He thought, “She can’t be in trouble, or Grandpa will kill me!” Robert soon found Lena unconscious not far from where she had gotten out of the car. He knew about her chronic hypoglycemia. Just as he was about to take her to the hospital, Colette mentioned that the hospital was still some distance away and the roads were congested. She suggested they go to her place first and call a family doctor to examine Lena. So Lena ended up in the guest room at Colette’s house. She hadn’t expected things to turn out this way. “I’m sorry, Uncle Robert, for causing you trouble. I’m feeling much better now, so I won’t impose on you and Ms. Wilson any longer.” Lena sincerely apologized to Robert, wanting to give him and Colette space. In her previous life, she had argued with him too many times because of Colette. He had always accused her of being unreasonable. But now that Lena was being compliant, he seemed even angrier. “You’re unwell, and you still have the energy to worry about others?” Although Lena wanted to leave immediately, she didn’t want to argue with Robert, so she had to follow his instructions and continue lying down. She said softly, “Thank you, Uncle Robert.” Robert’s cold gaze fell on Lena’s face. He felt that she seemed different from before. In the past, she loved sticking close to him and would talk non-stop whenever she saw him. If she had encountered today’s situation before, she would have already been crying to him about her grievances. Moreover, it had been a long time since she called him Uncle Robert. He couldn’t remember when she had started calling him by his first name. Thunder continued to rumble, and the heavy rain kept falling. Lena obediently received the IV nutrition under Robert’s supervision. “You…” Just as Robert was about to ask her what had been happening lately and why she had become so well-behaved, a scream came from next door. With a grave expression, he instinctively rushed out. “Colette must have been frightened awake by the thunder. Her depression is acting up again. I need to be with her.” Lena nodded silently, tears falling from her eyes. Although she knew Robert didn’t love her, when he abandoned her at that moment, she couldn’t help feeling sad. But soon, a large hand landed on top of her head. “Be good. I’ll be back soon. You sleep first. Later, I’ll take you home.” Robert didn’t know why he unconsciously turned back after just stepping out of the bedroom door. He felt a sense of unease, as if Lena might disappear at any moment. Then, he rushed back to the adjacent room, picked up the suffering and frantic Colette, and took her to the safe room in the basement. In Lena’s previous life, Colette would occasionally have episodes, and Robert would accompany her in the so-called safe room. They wouldn’t come out for days until she returned to normal. Lena remembered when her daughter was six months old and had a high fever with convulsions in the middle of the night. Terrified, she had no choice but to call Robert, begging him to take her daughter to the hospital. But he cursed her for being selfish, saying Colette was having a depressive episode and couldn’t be without him, telling her to figure it out herself. But Lena had just given birth to her daughter not long ago, and she had no resources. She had no choice but to brave the severe cold and snow, carrying her daughter to hail a taxi. She didn’t even have time to put on a coat, wearing only her pajamas and slippers. After falling many times in the snow, she finally found a car to take them to the hospital. At the hospital, her daughter was given a critical condition notice. Lena was only nineteen at the time and had never experienced such an emergency. She was so frightened that her hand trembled as she signed the forms. She called Robert many times from outside the ICU, but he never answered once. Afterward, he even blamed her and demanded that she not disturb them with such trivial matters when Colette was having a depressive episode. A knock on the door brought Lena back from her thoughts. “Colette wants clam chowder from Epicurean’s Haven. I’m going out to get it for her. Could you keep an eye on her for me?” Lena hesitated. She had planned to send Robert a message and leave this place. But under the circumstances, she had no choice but to agree. Just a few minutes after Robert left, Colette walked out of the safe room. She looked at Lena with disdain and smirked, not at all like someone suffering from depression who needed constant companionship. Lena could immediately tell that Colette was faking. In her previous life, Lena had suffered from severe depression herself, so she knew what a real depression patient looked like. “Even if you threaten him into marrying you by getting pregnant, what good will it do? He loves me, and that’s something you can never change.” This time, Colette failed to provoke Lena as she had in the past, leaving her feeling frustrated. But suddenly she smiled and said, “Lena, he will come to despise you just as much as he once liked you!” Lena looked at her in confusion. Colette laughed loudly as she returned to the safe room in the basement. Soon, agonizing screams came from inside. Alarmed, Lena rushed to the basement as fast as she could. Lena prayed that nothing would happen to Colette. After all, she had just promised Robert she would help look after her. She was about to leave this place and didn’t want to get involved in any unnecessary conflicts. If something happened to Colette, Robert would surely punish Lena by locking her in the isolation room at Ashford Manor for reflection. Lena trembled at the mere thought of that room. The day her parents died unexpectedly, she stayed home alone for a night before Robert came to take her away the next day. No one knew how she survived that night. She hid in a dark closet, too afraid to sleep, and had suffered from severe claustrophobia ever since. Robert knew this, which was why he never dared to leave Lena alone at home. But in her previous life, after they got engaged, Colette frequently provoked her, and Robert locked her up several times to appease Colette. Even though it was always Colette’s fault, Robert only believed her words. Most importantly, Lena had many things to do before going abroad for further studies, so she couldn’t afford to be confined. Just as Lena reached the basement door, her heart skipped a beat. Colette stood with her back turned, surrounded by a large pool of blood. “Colette, calm down!” Lena rushed to Colette’s side, only to be horrified by what she saw! Colette was holding a bloody mass in her arms, turning to look at Lena with a sinister smile. Then, she shoved the bloody mass into Lena’s hands and screamed, “Lena, why did you kill my dog? That was my emotional support dog of seven years. How could you be so cruel? Aren’t you afraid your child will suffer karma?” Lena finally realized that what she was holding was Colette’s emotional support dog. The earlier screams had come from it, and Colette had tortured it to death herself. Lena instantly understood what was happening, but it was too late. Before she could throw away the dead dog, Colette firmly gripped both her hands. “Give me back my dog! Give it back!” Colette’s grip was so strong that Lena couldn’t break free. Just then, Robert appeared behind her. Furious, he shouted, “Lena, what are you doing?” Robert felt his blood freeze. The corn chowder in his hands crashed to the floor, splattering everywhere. He had only been gone for a short while, and such a terrible thing had happened. Colette was now sobbing hoarsely in his arms. “Robert, my dog has been with me for seven whole years. It kept me company every night as I fell asleep. How can I go on without it? I might as well die with it!” He held her tightly. “Colette, don’t talk nonsense. Seeing you like this worries me to death! You still have me. From now on, I’ll stay with you every night, okay?” After saying this, he immediately turned to meet Lena’s gaze. Without giving her a chance to explain, he scolded, “Lena, I asked you to look after Colette, but instead you killed her emotional support dog. “Do you think her depression isn’t severe enough? Are you trying to drive her to death? “You’re so young, yet your thoughts are so malicious. I must have spoiled you too much! “Apologize to Colette right now, and don’t stop until she forgives you!” Lena felt helpless. She saw Colette smirking at her, silently saying, “I won.” But Lena couldn’t worry about that now. She just wanted to calm Robert’s anger quickly and explained, “Uncle Robert, it wasn’t me! She did it herself…” Before she could finish, a heavy slap landed on her face. Lena’s ears rang, and she tasted blood. “You dare to make excuses! Are you suggesting Colette tortured her own emotional support dog of seven years and framed you? “You’ve always lied to slander Colette. I thought you had improved after getting pregnant. Clearly, that was just my illusion. You’ve never changed! Go back to Ashford Manor right now and reflect in that room!” Lena’s heart sank. She was going to be locked in the isolation room she feared most after all. Lena couldn’t remember how she got through that night. She felt like she was reliving the night her parents passed away unexpectedly. Only when the first ray of sunlight shone through in the early morning did she feel a hint of life returning to her. She then noticed that the sheets beneath her were torn from her grip, and her arms and palms were covered with bloody marks where her nails had dug deep into her skin. Robert had assigned people to watch over Lena. Her daily routine was arranged according to pregnancy standards, with nutritious meals delivered to her room three times a day. Her phone had been confiscated. The people watching her would simply drop things off and leave, never willing to say a word to her. Lena felt anxious. She couldn’t contact Jane, and her phone and important documents were all in her confiscated backpack. A week before the wedding, Robert had someone bring her a wedding dress to try on, but he still wouldn’t let her leave. She didn’t miss this opportunity and tried to get the person to relay a message to Robert. “Ms. Moreau, Mr. Ashford is currently out of the country. All these arrangements are being handled by his assistant. I can’t help you deliver any messages to him.” Lena thought, “He’s abroad? The wedding is just around the corner, why would Zachary let him leave the country at a time like this? And I haven’t been back to the Ashford Manor for three days, why hasn’t Zachary asked about me?” After answering, the staff member stepped aside to make a phone call. After a brief report, he handed the phone to Lena, gesturing for her to answer. She thought it was Robert and immediately began to admit her mistakes. She was running out of time—she had only seven days before flying abroad, and she needed to leave this place before then. But the person on the other end wasn’t Robert; it was his assistant, Ethan Davis. “Ms. Moreau, Mr. Ashford instructed before he left that if you acknowledge your mistakes, he will return to the Ashford Manor on the morning of the wedding to pick you up and fulfill his marriage commitment.” Lena didn’t care about the wedding; she just wanted to get out quickly. “Where is he? Can you let me speak to him?” she pressed. Ethan paused, then apologetically said, “Mr. Ashford said if you asked about his whereabouts, I should tell you the truth. Ms. Wilson’s depression has worsened because of your actions, so he took her abroad to help her recover. Mr. Ashford also mentioned that he’s already told everyone at the Ashford Manor that since your belly will grow larger with the pregnancy, he’s taken you abroad for an early honeymoon. He emphasized repeatedly that when you return to the Ashford Manor, you shouldn’t say anything wrong, or he’ll confine you again and keep you in the villa until you give birth.” Lena’s heart ached sharply, as if pierced by a blade. But she quickly dismissed those painful emotions that had once tormented her. She needed to find a way out. Lena had considered pretending to have stomach pains. After all, everyone thought she was still pregnant, and those guarding her wouldn’t want anything to happen to her. But once a doctor examined her, the fact that she had already miscarried would be exposed. Robert might become angry and confine her for even longer. She couldn’t take that risk and could only continue to wait. Over the next few days, Lena behaved obediently, causing her guards to lower their vigilance. With Robert’s consent, she was allowed to move freely within the villa. The day before the wedding, many staff members came to the villa to prepare for the next day’s ceremony. Lena was cooperative and then asked Ethan to return her backpack so she could use her phone to invite Jane to the wedding. He returned her backpack and watched her dial Jane’s number before turning away. Lena quickly hid the important documents from her backpack under the folds of her wedding dress. She was relieved to learn that Jane, unable to contact her, had already taken care of all the necessary procedures for her. Then, she asked Jane to help her contact a lawyer to transfer the billion-dollar villa Robert had given her to Colette. After hanging up, Lena glanced at the door. Ethan had given her some privacy and hadn’t yet taken her phone back. Lena opened Instagram, not having time to check unread messages, and went straight to Colette’s account. Colette had posted many intimate photos of her and Robert vacationing abroad, with provocative captions. Lena knew these photos were only visible to her; Colette was just trying to provoke her. She smiled slightly, taking screenshots of all these images. Then, she packaged all the previously saved pictures along with the photo of her miscarriage medical record and scheduled them to be sent to Robert’s email, setting the delivery time for when she would be boarding her flight. Lena looked out the window. She had spent the entire day familiarizing herself with the various aspects of the wedding ceremony, and now, after all that work, night had fallen. Having finished everything, she handed the phone back to Ethan. Just then, the phone rang. She nervously glanced at the screen, her heart pounding. Lena had just discussed with Jane her escape plan for when she was taken back to the Ashford Manor in the morning—that would be the best opportunity. When she saw Robert’s name on the screen, her panic subsided. “Lena, be good and wait for me to pick you up tomorrow morning,” his voice was much gentler than usual. “Okay.” Lena hung up and followed Ethan back to the Ashford Manor, waiting for Robert to pick her up early the next morning. As dawn broke, everyone began bustling about. While it was still dim outside, Lena secretly changed into a maid’s outfit and slipped out through the back door. Jane was already waiting for her with a car at the street corner behind the door. Lena hurried toward the corner. Before getting into the car, she turned back for one last look at the mansion. She thought, “From now on, I’m free! Robert will disappear from my world. Goodbye to everything here. Goodbye, Robert.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MyFiction” app 🔍 search for “397736”, and watch the full series ✨! #MyFiction #B×G

The first thing Lilith Harper wanted to do when her hearing returned was to share the good news with her fiancé, Ryan Mitchell. She rushed to Ryan’s company without delay, eager to share this news with him. Lilith had already imagined his delighted expression and even decided which restaurant they should go to celebrate. But at his office door, she overheard him discussing with his friends how men could play around. Ryan, unaware that she was outside or that her hearing had returned, said, “I’ve been keeping a mistress behind my fiancée’s back… I’m meeting her at a hotel today. My fiancée can’t hear, so I even flirt with my mistress right in front of her.” Ryan’s words reached Lilith’s ears clearly, leaving her mind blank and her blood frozen. His friends in the office immediately erupted in exclamations, giving him thumbs up and praising his audacity. Sitting in his office, Ryan smiled slightly at his friends’ compliments. Just as he was about to raise his glass to celebrate with them, he noticed Lilith standing at the office door. His face darkened instantly, but then remembering that Lilith couldn’t hear, he calmed down. He put down his glass, walked to the door, and signed to Lilith: “Why did you come by yourself? Didn’t I say I’d pick you up to look at wedding dresses? Why didn’t you respond to my messages? I was so worried something had happened to you.” His face showed genuine concern, not seeming fake at all. Lilith recalled how Ryan had fallen in love with her at first sight when she was eighteen, pursuing her passionately for two years. He sent flowers, bags, and jewelry, checked on her daily, and surprised her with different gifts on every holiday and birthday. When Lilith’s adoptive parents passed away, he stayed by her side constantly, caring for her and helping her through her darkest times. Only after his 500th confession did she finally agree to be with him. Three years ago, she lost her hearing while saving Ryan. Heartbroken, she tried to break up with him several times. But Ryan refused to let her go, holding her and begging her not to abandon him. He learned sign language for her and stayed by her side whenever she struggled with her hearing loss. Even when the Mitchell family strongly opposed their relationship, he knelt in pouring rain for three days and nights, fasting the entire time. In the end, he was beaten by his father, Daniel Mitchell, with family discipline, leaving him covered in wounds with fractured ribs. Ryan was sent to the hospital unconscious and couldn’t leave his bed for three whole months. Before losing consciousness, Ryan had said that if the Mitchell family wouldn’t accept their relationship, he would cut ties with them. Daniel finally gave in, having no other choice. Lilith had held him tight, crying, asking why he was so foolish. Ryan had simply wiped away her tears and gently signed “I love you.” When Ryan proposed, he did it grandly, decorating an ancient castle elaborately. The place was filled with her favorite pink roses, and he had acquired the “Heart of True Love,” a diamond ring worth over a hundred million dollars that had once belonged to European royalty. As he knelt down, Ryan—usually decisive and ruthless in business—trembled nervously with reddened eyes. He was terrified she might refuse him. When she said “I will,” he jumped up in joy, tears streaming down his face—something he never did. He held her tightly for a long time, like a child who had finally received his most treasured toy. The day after their engagement, she was accidentally bumped while going out and hit her head. Miraculously, her hearing returned. After hospital checks confirmed everything was normal and her hearing had indeed recovered, Lilith was overjoyed. She had thought having Ryan’s unique love was enough happiness. She never imagined her hearing could return. But when she wanted to share this good news with Ryan, she overheard about his affair. No wonder he had been frequently working late for the past month, claiming the company was busy. It turned out he had been “working” on another woman. He had promised never to betray her. How could his heart have strayed to another woman in just a few short years? She didn’t understand. But she knew this relationship had cracked, and he had changed. Pulling herself back to the present, Lilith watched as Ryan continued signing: “Were you too eager to see the wedding dress that you couldn’t wait for me to pick you up?” After their successful engagement, Ryan had been impatient to start a family with her, eager to fulfill his dream of marrying her. Their wedding was just a month away. But Lilith knew there would be no wedding in a month. From the moment she discovered his infidelity, she had decided to leave him.

Lilith didn’t want Ryan to know she had regained her hearing. She gave a slight nod. Ryan sighed with relief when he saw Lilith nod. Although he knew Lilith couldn’t hear, Ryan was worried his friends might say something inappropriate, so he held her hand as they left the office. He continued using sign language with her. “Come on, I’ll take you to look at wedding dresses right now…” When they reached the Maybach parked outside the office building, Ryan was about to open the passenger door for her. But Lilith saw that her usual seat was occupied by a beautiful, striking young woman. Lilith recognized this woman—Abigail Hayes, Ryan’s junior schoolmate who had recently returned from abroad. Ryan was also startled to see the girl in the passenger seat, then remembered he had arranged to meet Abigail at the hotel today. He had assumed Abigail would arrive later and was surprised she came so early. Ryan felt awkward but forced himself to explain to Lilith, “Abigail also happens to be going to the bridal shop, so I’m giving her a ride…” “Is she getting engaged too?” Lilith signed to Ryan. Before Ryan could answer, Abigail nodded and glanced at Ryan as she spoke. “Yes, I’m getting engaged too…” As soon as the words left her mouth, Ryan’s expression became strangely uncomfortable. He pretended to casually check his watch, then said to Lilith, “It’s getting late, we should hurry to see the wedding dresses.” Then, as if remembering something, he pointed at Abigail. Ryan carefully signed to Lilith, “Abigail gets carsick. Is it okay if she sits here for now?” Lilith remembered Ryan once saying that only she was worthy of sitting in his passenger seat, and he had ruthlessly turned away anyone else who tried. Apparently, she was no longer his only exception. Lilith nodded indifferently and climbed into the back seat. After the car started, the two in front, believing Lilith couldn’t hear, chatted and laughed freely. “Ryan, the couple’s menu at Moonlight Restaurant yesterday was delicious, though it’s a bit far. Next time I want to have a candlelit dinner with you.” Abigail smiled brightly, glancing at Lilith through the rearview mirror—a silent challenge. “I’ll take you anywhere you like, no matter how far,” Ryan replied with a faint smile, gripping the steering wheel. “I knew you cared for me the most!” Abigail’s eyes sparkled with spoiled delight, like a pampered little girl. In the past, Lilith would have innocently assumed they were just making small talk, thinking nothing more of it. But now, with her hearing restored, she heard everything crystal clear. The two were shamelessly chatting in front of her, believing she had no idea. Every word they spoke cut through her heart like a blade. Especially when Abigail mentioned Moonlight Restaurant, a trendy couples’ restaurant. Two weeks ago, Lilith had mentioned wanting to go there, but Ryan said he was too busy and would take her another day. He never brought it up again after that. He had no time for Lilith, yet he made time for his childhood friend. No wonder the man who once insisted on eating three meals a day with her had recently been claiming he was tied up with clients. Apparently, the “client” keeping him busy was someone else entirely. Wind blew in through the car window, and Lilith found it irritating. An hour later, the car stopped at the bridal shop. Inside, the staff lined up to display one hundred of the latest high-end wedding dresses. Ryan’s gaze was tender and doting as he signed to Lilith. “Which designer do you like? I’ll have them fly over to custom-make one for you. Lilith, I’ll make sure you have the most beautiful wedding dress in the world and become the most beautiful bride.” As he finished, the nearby staff members looked on enviously. “Ms. Harper is so fortunate. We’ve seen so many couples, but only Mr. Mitchell can identify Ms. Harper’s favorite styles and perfect measurements.” After seven years together, he did know everything about Lilith inside and out. Whether it was her clothing size or the dates of her period, he remembered them more clearly than she did herself. But only she knew that this relationship, which appeared perfect to outsiders, was completely rotten beneath the surface. Showing little interest, Lilith casually pointed to a mermaid-style wedding dress and walked into the fitting room. She stared at herself in the mirror. Since her adoptive parents passed away, her greatest wish had been to build a happy family with him. Once, she had dreamed of wearing a pure white sacred wedding dress to marry Ryan. Now, she felt nothing but bitter disappointment and heartache. Just as she was about to leave, she heard their voices from outside. “Ryan, you tore my lingerie last time, so I bought a new one in your favorite color—black lace. Come to my place tonight at eight.” Abigail’s voice was seductively sweet as she placed her hand on his chest. “Lilith is still in there, don’t mess around.” “What are you afraid of? The staff went to get coffee, and Lilith can’t hear. Or are you saying you don’t want it? Hmm?” Abigail’s final syllable was drawn out and alluring. Ryan chuckled softly and kissed her. “You’re such a temptress, but I still prefer how you look with nothing on.” “You’re so bad.” Their flirtatious laughter drifted in from outside. Realizing they had been flirting right under her nose countless times while she remained oblivious like a fool, Lilith felt nauseated and couldn’t stay any longer. She quickly changed out of the wedding dress. When she emerged, her expression was grim. Ryan immediately stood up, looking concerned and worried. He approached her and signed, “Lilith, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Is it your stomach acting up again? I’ll take you home.”

With that, he picked her up and carried her out, ignoring Abigail calling his name behind them. Back at their villa, Ryan busied himself finding medicine for her and preparing herbal medicine coffee. Lilith watched him rushing back and forth, her heart filled with mixed emotions. He had once been a spoiled young master, accustomed to having everything done for him—expecting food to be served and clothes to be laid out, never doing anything himself. After being with her, he washed clothes, cooked meals, and handled all household chores, becoming a full-time house husband. When she lost her hearing, he even learned sign language just to communicate with her. Whenever friends teased him about being a “wife’s slave,” he didn’t mind; instead, he took great pride in it. He said taking care of and loving his woman brought him immense satisfaction. After Lilith developed stomach problems, he meticulously researched various stomach-friendly meals. Not trusting the housekeeper, he personally prepared all three meals, determined to nurse her back to health. He had once loved her to the bone. Yet now he was cheating on her. Thinking about this, Lilith felt a sharp pain in her heart. His love had truly changed in an instant. After drinking the herbal medicine coffee, she slept for a while, waking up close to eight o’clock. Ryan had been watching over her the entire time, ready to respond immediately if she felt unwell. Seeing her awake, he promptly brought her a glass of water, tenderly helping her drink it. Just as he was about to say something, his phone rang. “Abigail, don’t worry, I’m about to leave. Be good, wash up and wait for me.” He answered the call with his back to her, his voice filled with pleasure. Lilith looked at him, her heart aching. She couldn’t bear to think how many times he had shown her care one moment, only to casually flirt with his childhood sweetheart the next, right in front of her. She wondered, “Who is more important to Ryan?” In that moment, Lilith desperately wanted to know his answer. So she tugged at his sleeve and asked, “Ryan, will you stay with me tonight?” Ryan smiled affectionately, stroked her hair, and signed: “Baby, be good. My company has important matters, and clients really need me. I’ll come back to you as soon as I’m done. Text me if you need anything.” Then he put on his clothes and left. Lilith’s heart instantly turned cold. In the past, at just one word from her, he would drop billion-dollar business deals without hesitation, just to be with her. But now he could abandon her without a second thought for another woman. Fine. Then she didn’t want him either. Lilith found the phone number of her biological parents, whom she hadn’t contacted in a long time, and called them. After the call, Lilith browsed information about Australia on her phone, familiarizing herself with her future home. Just then, Ryan’s call unexpectedly came through. She was very surprised; since she lost her hearing, Ryan had never called her, worried it would upset her. She answered in confusion, only to hear passionate moaning that made her blush. “Ryan, who makes you feel better, me or Lilith?” Abigail’s seductive voice came through. “You, of course,” Ryan replied without hesitation, his breathing heavy. “I knew you liked me more. After all, you said she’s boring in bed. Ryan, only we are the perfect match. Only I can give you the most pleasure.” “Yes. You adorable little troublemaker. Why do you keep mentioning her today? Wait… did you call Lilith?” Ryan’s voice suddenly rose, with hints of tension and anger. “She can’t hear anyway. Isn’t this more exciting?” The call abruptly ended. Lilith gripped her phone tightly, her knuckles turning white. Though wrapped in blankets, her body felt colder than ever before. She found it utterly ridiculous that her injury had become part of their illicit excitement. When Ryan returned the next morning, he tried to give Lilith his usual good morning kiss. She subtly avoided it, nauseated at the thought of his lips having kissed another woman the night before. Ryan paused, about to ask what was wrong. Lilith wrinkled her nose and said, “You haven’t changed your clothes. You smell.” The mixed scent of intimacy and strong perfume made her stomach turn. He seemed to understand, smiling as he signed: “I talked with clients too late last night and fell asleep in the office. I accidentally called you.” He was lying about last night. Lilith didn’t care anymore. She was leaving anyway and couldn’t be bothered to expose him. At the breakfast table, he had bought mini lobster pies, once Lilith’s favorite. But she had no appetite for them. That shop was in the opposite direction from his company, but close to Abigail’s home. Just that morning, Lilith had seen Abigail’s Instagram post. Abigail had shared photos of mini lobster pies from that shop with the caption: [He says he’s willing to wait in line for two hours as long as I like it!] Ryan had quickly liked her post. Many people commented asking if it was her boyfriend, and she responded with a coy emoji. One photo showed a man feeding her, and though his face wasn’t visible, his slender fingers had a crescent-shaped scar. It matched Ryan’s exactly. That scar had formed when he was learning to cook for Lilith and accidentally burned himself. “Don’t you want to eat? What would you like for breakfast? I’ll make it right away. Have some milk first, it’s good for your stomach.” Seeing her lack of appetite, Ryan thoughtfully went to warm some milk for her. “I’m not hungry. Don’t bother. I need to go to my studio.” Lilith flatly refused and took a taxi to her workspace. She had loved painting since childhood and opened her own studio after graduation. At noon, after finishing her last painting and thinking about her imminent departure, she decided to sell the studio. She found a previous real estate agent on her phone and sent a voice message. “Hello, I need to transfer my shop to someone else, preferably within this month.” Just as she finished speaking, Ryan appeared at the door, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Transfer? Why are you transferring it?” Ryan realized Lilith couldn’t hear him, so he asked again using sign language. Lilith replied nonchalantly, “I’m planning to move somewhere else, so I’m selling this place.” Ryan’s expression relaxed, and he resumed his usual doting smile. “You should have changed it sooner. With your talent, you deserve a bigger place. Just focus on your art, and I’ll help you find the largest and best studio in San Francisco. Don’t worry about these little things.” Lilith didn’t respond. She was indeed planning to move, but not to stay in San Francisco—she was going abroad. “Why are you here?” she asked. Since Abigail’s return, he hadn’t visited her studio once. “Didn’t you mention wanting to try that couples’ restaurant? I happened to have some free time at lunch, so I came to take you there.” His face was full of tenderness as he reached for Lilith’s hand. She discreetly pulled away while organizing her art supplies. She initially wanted to refuse, but feeling hungry, she nodded in agreement. As soon as they sat down at the restaurant, a server eagerly approached and politely asked, “Mr. Mitchell, will you and your girlfriend be having the couple’s steak special again today? We just received the freshest cuts by air freight.” Ryan’s hand froze, and a flash of guilt crossed his face as he instinctively glanced at Lilith. She was still looking down at the menu, seemingly unaware. Only then did Ryan respond, smoothly ordering several dishes, all specifically chosen as Lilith’s favorites. He even made sure to request the steak be cooked medium-well, just as Lilith preferred. The server’s familiarity with him made Lilith realize that Ryan had probably been here with Abigail more than once. While waiting for their food, she didn’t feel like talking to him, so she excused herself to the restroom. When she returned, a server was presenting a bottle of wine, saying, “Mr. Mitchell, to celebrate you and your girlfriend dining with us for the 99th time, our restaurant would like to offer you this complimentary bottle of wine. We wish you both an enjoyable meal.” Ryan’s gaze moved past the server to Lilith’s expressionless face. Though he knew she couldn’t hear, Ryan still felt instinctively panicked. Maintaining his composure, he waved the server away. Lilith sat down and glanced at the wine before deliberately asking, “I don’t like red wine, and you can’t drink while driving. Why order this?” Ryan forced a smile and signed, “I didn’t order it. The restaurant gave it to us.” Lilith responded with a cold “Oh” and said nothing more. So all those days he claimed to be with clients, he was actually dining with Abigail. When the food arrived, Ryan cut the steak into small, manageable pieces for her, thoughtfully placed them in front of her, helped serve her other dishes, and repeatedly asked if everything was to her taste. He was clearly anxious about her enjoying the meal. Lilith only responded perfunctorily. Ryan watched the woman across from him cautiously. In the past, she would photograph everything she ate and take selfies with him to post on Instagram. But this time, she did none of that. She just ate with an indifferent expression, filling him with an inexplicable unease. “Is the food not good here?” he signed. She shook her head. “It’s fine.” The food was actually quite good, but Ryan had ruined her appetite. After quickly finishing her meal, Lilith said she needed to go home. In the car, she gazed out the window, bored with the passing scenery. Ryan’s phone rang. He glanced at it and quickly hung up. But the caller persisted, calling again and again. After rejecting the call three or four times, he finally answered. Abigail’s flirtatious voice filled the car. “Ryan, I’m at your office. Come find me.” Though he thought Lilith couldn’t hear, Ryan still lowered his voice. “What are you doing in my office?” “We’ve tried the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, and car. Didn’t you say you wanted to try the office too? I’m here to fulfill your wish. I’m wearing that professional outfit with your favorite lingerie underneath. You have thirty minutes to get here, or I won’t wait. I might just find someone else!” Her voice was seductive and alluring, enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Ryan’s expression shifted slightly, his eyes darkening. He seemed to recall something, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. “You wouldn’t dare! You little minx. You’re my woman. Wait for me—I’m coming back to teach you a lesson.” In their years together, he had always been gentle with Lilith in intimate matters, always considerate of her feelings. She never knew he was someone who craved such excitement. Ryan quickly ended the call, pulled over to the side of the road, and gestured to Lilith. “I’m sorry, baby. There’s an emergency at the office. I need to go back immediately. Would you mind taking a cab from here?” He looked apologetic, completely oblivious to Lilith’s clenched fists. This was a remote area where taxis were hard to find, yet he was willing to abandon her here for another woman. She stared at him calmly and said slowly, “Actually, I have something to do near your office. Let’s go together.” Ryan froze for a moment, a flash of panic crossing his eyes, but he continued driving. When they reached his office building, she added, “It’s been a while since I visited your office. I’d like to see it today.” Ryan’s face changed instantly, his gestures becoming frantic. “I’ll be very busy. I’m afraid I won’t have time to show you around. Let me take you another day when I can properly accompany you.” She smiled back, “I’ll just look around on my own. You can focus on your work.” Ryan couldn’t find a reason to refuse and had to accompany her to the office. The entire way, his face betrayed his anxiety, his gaze shifting nervously. Lilith followed him to his office. As soon as the door opened, a petite figure rushed toward him. “Ryan, I’ve been waiting so long! I missed you!” Ryan abruptly pushed the woman away, his face turning pale. Abigail was about to playfully scold him when she noticed Lilith standing nearby. A flash of displeasure crossed her eyes as she pouted, “Ryan, why did you bring her? I was all ready for you. What a mood killer!” “Be quiet. Let me get rid of her first. Be good and don’t cause trouble. I’ll reward you later.” Lilith turned to Ryan with a composed expression. “What are you saying to her?” Ryan quickly signed to her, explaining, “She was just passing by and wanted to see me since it’s been a while. Darling, you know she’s been abroad and is naturally affectionate. Don’t take that hug to heart.” Lilith was well aware of Abigail’s enthusiasm toward Ryan. When Lilith had accompanied Ryan to pick up Abigail at the airport, she had hugged and kissed him. They claimed it was just customary. Though she felt uncomfortable, she didn’t make a big deal of it. Until later gatherings, when Abigail’s physical contact with Ryan clearly crossed the boundaries of friendship. She would drink from his glass, eat from his plate, and frequently touch his hands and legs, constantly leaning against him. Back then, Ryan always maintained a proper distance from her with principled restraint, showing good judgment. So she never questioned their relationship. Little did she know they had been sleeping together behind her back. Lilith’s expression remained neutral as she nodded. “I’ll head back now.” Ryan eagerly escorted her downstairs and called a car for her. As soon as she got in, Lilith clearly saw him rushing back into the company building through the rearview mirror. She couldn’t help but give a mocking smile. She thought, “They really can’t wait.” Back at the villa, Lilith went to the studio on the first floor. The studio was filled with paintings of Ryan. During their passionate early days, he had been Lilith’s exclusive model, and she loved painting him. Each painting was infused with the deep affection she felt at the time. The largest one in the center was a portrait of them together. Back then, they were young, leaning against each other, with eyes only for each other. Now, she was no longer the only one in his eyes. Like sand slipping through fingers, he had changed, and she decided it was time to discard him. She decisively carried Ryan’s paintings to the garden and threw them directly into the fire pit. The crimson flames quickly devoured each sheet of paper, burning away her former feelings for Ryan. Finally, she threw in their portrait together. “Lilith, what are you doing?” Ryan had returned without her noticing and saw her burning their paintings. Without thinking, he rushed forward, risking danger to rescue the portrait from the fire. But no matter how fast he moved, he couldn’t outpace the flames. Only his half of the portrait remained. She looked at him coolly and said, “These paintings were deteriorating, so I decided to burn them.” Just like him—he had deteriorated. And she no longer wanted him. Ryan, enduring the pain from his reddened burned hand, gestured: “You still shouldn’t burn them. Didn’t you say this was your favorite painting?” Lilith’s eyes flickered slightly. It once was, but now it was just the most irritating painting. She remained silent, just staring at him. Lilith couldn’t understand what he cared about. He was already involved with another woman. Were these paintings really worth getting burned for? Ryan probably thought she was going to get angry, so his expression softened, becoming serious. “Please don’t do this again, okay? These paintings represent your love for me. It breaks my heart to see you throw them away.” His face showed undisguised sadness, with a hint of panic in his heart. Lilith nodded indifferently. There wouldn’t be a next time. She would paint new paintings, but they would have nothing to do with this man from her past. When Lilith woke up in the morning, Ryan brought her a dazzling red dress. “Sweetheart, my company has an anniversary celebration tonight. Try on this gown I specially commissioned from a foreign designer for you.” She remembered there was indeed such an event, but felt little enthusiasm for it. Just as she was about to decline, Ryan’s phone rang, giving her no chance to speak. He gestured to her while answering the call. “There’s an emergency at the company. I’ll come back to pick you up tonight.” With that, he hurried out the door. When Ryan returned to the villa to pick her up, he had already changed into a suit. Looking at Lilith in the dress, his eyes filled with amazement and delight. “Honey, you’re the most beautiful woman in the world. Look, I deliberately chose a red tie today to match your dress—like a coordinated couple’s look.” He gave Lilith a pleasing look. But she only glanced at him briefly, saying nothing. At the banquet hall, not wanting to accompany Ryan as he mingled, she used the excuse of getting food to retreat to a corner. Abigail approached her with several girlfriends in tow. Tonight, Abigail wore a golden spaghetti-strap gown with a cinched waist, featuring large cutouts in both front and back that showcased her impressive chest and smooth back—sexy and alluring. She had attracted countless stares along the way. When Abigail saw her, she merely gave a cold, sidelong glance without greeting her. “Abigail, why are you dressed so provocatively today? So many men are staring at you. Aren’t you afraid your man will get jealous?” one of her friends asked with a smirk. “Ryan spent the whole day helping me choose this dress. He insisted I wear this one, saying it would be convenient to take off tonight and that it makes him desire me.” Abigail curved her lips smugly, deliberately glancing toward Lilith. “I told you Ryan still likes you best and only pities that deaf woman. You should secure him soon and drive that bitch away.” “I’ll definitely win Ryan over. It’s just a matter of time.” Her friend covered her mouth with an exaggerated, artificial laugh while raising an eyebrow at Lilith. “That deaf woman is so stupid. We’re talking about her right to her face and she can’t hear a thing. She’s probably still dreaming about marrying into wealth.” Everyone in the group displayed mocking smiles. Ryan, having found a moment to break away, came over and pulled Lilith along to greet his friends. One of his buddies teased with a mischievous grin, “Ryan, you lucky man. Look at Abigail’s curvy figure—if she were mine, I wouldn’t let others see her like this.” “We can only look, but Ryan gets to look and taste.” The group erupted in laughter. Abigail feigned shyness, casting seductive glances at Ryan. Everyone exchanged knowing looks, their eyes darting between the two. Lilith had thought they were having a secret affair, but apparently everyone around them knew. She was the only one kept in the dark, made a fool of. Indeed, if she hadn’t recovered her hearing, who knows how long they would have continued deceiving her. In fact, she might not have discovered her partner’s infidelity even after they were married! Beneath her calm exterior, her heart turned cold. Ryan maintained his composed expression, as if they weren’t talking about him. But when he spoke, his voice carried an unmistakable heaviness. “I told you not to talk about this in front of Lilith. If she finds out, I’ll make you all regret it.” His cold gaze swept over the group discreetly. They reluctantly fell silent. Abigail, however, couldn’t hide her dissatisfaction and said in a sickeningly sweet voice, “Ryan, you’re being too cautious. What’s there to worry about? She’s just a deaf woman. She can’t hear us.” As soon as she finished speaking, everyone’s expressions changed. Everyone knew Ryan hated people mocking his girlfriend for being deaf. Anyone who said such things would face his violent rage and even have their business sabotaged, leading to bankruptcy. Years ago, his best friend made one such comment while drunk, and Ryan beat him so severely he was bedridden for a month and ended their decades-long friendship. This had become taboo in their social circle. Now, everyone exchanged uneasy glances. Some tried to intervene but were held back by others. Lilith also waited to see how he would react. Would he defend her unconditionally as he had done before? After hearing those words, Ryan’s smile vanished, his eyes darkening. After a long pause, he finally said slowly, “Don’t say things like that again.” He didn’t lose his temper or get physical. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Abigail was secretly delighted, convinced that Ryan cared for her and was merely infatuated with an orphan girl. She believed that given time, she could replace Lilith. They were from similar backgrounds, and Abigail couldn’t believe she was inferior to Lilith. So Abigail backed down gracefully, saying softly, “Alright, whatever you say.” The atmosphere became lively again. Lilith held her wine glass, silently watching this farce unfold. Abigail clearly had a place in his heart. Ryan still wanted to hide it from her, unwilling to expose this affair. Lilith wondered, “What expression would he have if he found out I’ve regained my hearing? Would he remain as calm and composed as he is now?” Lilith suddenly became curious. The gala reached the speech segment. Ryan delivered an impassioned address on stage, and finally invited Lilith to join him. In front of thousands of guests, he began to profess his love to her, accompanying his words with gestures. “Lilith is the only woman I’ve ever loved and will ever love. She means more to me than my own life—without her, my existence would be meaningless. I promise here and now to cherish her forever.” Thunderous applause erupted from the audience, with everyone envying Lilith. Yet Lilith felt nothing stir within her heart. She was only wondering how Ryan managed to speak so tenderly while lying through his teeth. If she hadn’t known the truth, she too might have believed herself to be the happiest person in everyone’s eyes. Ryan’s gaze was intense, his eyes filled with affection so deep it seemed impossible to dissolve. He had expected the woman before him to either break into a delighted smile or be moved to tears. In the past, whenever he made such heartfelt declarations at these events, she would always lose control of her emotions, playfully scolding him for making her cry and ruin her makeup. But this time, Lilith merely gave a faint twitch of her lips that resembled a smile. Yet Ryan sensed an inexplicable coldness in her eyes. As the earlier incident flashed through his mind, he felt an unexplained sense of unease. After the banquet, Lilith asked if he wanted to go home together. He smiled, about to agree. Suddenly, his gaze lingered somewhere for a moment, then he gestured with his hands. “I’m sorry, I need to entertain some clients tonight. You go ahead—don’t wait up for me.” Lilith nodded indifferently and turned to get into the car. Ryan grabbed her arm, his expression serious. “Once this busy period is over, after the wedding, I promise to make it up to you. I’ll spend all my time with you.” She smiled dismissively, giving him a meaningful look before closing the car door. In the rearview mirror, she watched Ryan get into a red sports car. The license plate looked familiar—she had recently seen it on Abigail’s Instagram. Sure enough, that night Abigail updated her Instagram. She posted bedroom photos with Ryan, still not showing his face. But Lilith immediately recognized who that bare-chested man was. Their bodies were covered with intimate red marks. Abigail captioned it: [Someone couldn’t stop all night long, such incredible stamina. He says he only feels insatiable with me.] She added a shy emoji. Lilith had expected her heart to ache. But in this moment, she felt surprisingly calm—perhaps this was what it felt like to finally let go. The next morning, coming downstairs, she found Ryan and Abigail chatting in the living room. Seeing her approach, he carefully explained to Lilith, “Abigail’s place is being renovated, and she’d like to stay with us temporarily. Is that okay? If you’re uncomfortable with it, I’ll find another solution.” He looked at her with both hope and anxiety. Lilith glanced at the several suitcases nearby. Abigail had clearly already decided to move in. If she refused, she’d likely be labeled difficult. Besides, it was his house—he could invite whoever he wanted to stay. She would be leaving soon anyway. “Whatever,” she replied flatly. Ryan’s expression relaxed. He knew Lilith was always reasonable, but for some reason, her indifferent attitude made him vaguely uneasy. But he didn’t dwell on it. He immediately helped Abigail carry her luggage upstairs. Abigail followed behind him, looking delighted. “Ryan, I can finally live with you. It’ll be so much more convenient for us now.” “That’s enough. Don’t say these things in front of Lilith.” “What are you afraid of? She can’t hear us.” Abigail deliberately looked back at Lilith, her eyes filled with challenge and triumph. Lilith met her gaze, calm as still water. In the middle of the night, Lilith woke up to find herself alone in bed. Feeling thirsty, she got up to get some water from the kitchen. As she reached the doorway, she suddenly heard strange noises coming from the next room. She stepped out and noticed that Abigail’s door wasn’t fully closed, with faint light seeping through the gap. “Keep it down, you little minx,” came Ryan’s husky voice, accompanied by deep, heavy breathing. “You said she sleeps like a rock and won’t hear us anyway. Besides, don’t you love it when I’m vocal? It drives you wild every time,” Abigail replied in a coquettish tone. “Darling, don’t you find this especially thrilling? She’s right next door while we’re in here. You clearly enjoy it too—your reactions are getting more intense. Your body doesn’t lie,” she giggled softly, her voice filled with certainty. “You’ll be the death of me!” Ryan groaned, his face flushed with desire as he gripped her slender waist tightly, not denying her words. The next moment, intense sounds of passion filled the room, accompanied by the woman’s increasingly fervent cries. Lilith stopped the recording on her phone, turned around expressionlessly, and went back to her room. Ryan didn’t return all night. The next morning when she went downstairs, Ryan had already prepared breakfast. On the table, besides the stomach-friendly meal specially prepared for her, there was also oatmeal—something she had never enjoyed eating. Lilith quickly realized it was made for someone else. Ryan had once said he would only cook for her in this lifetime. Now all his special treatment was being shared with someone else. She suddenly felt incredibly cheap. Soon after, Abigail came down for breakfast as expected. With a rosy complexion, she took a sip of coffee and complained coyly, “Ryan, you wore me out last night. My back and waist are so sore I can barely walk.” Ryan’s expression remained neutral as he replied, “You’re being dramatic. You seemed to enjoy yourself plenty last night. You said you wanted oatmeal this morning, so I made it to help restore your energy. Don’t tell me tonight that you don’t want more.” Abigail’s lips curved into a smile, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “I’ll want more in the future. Much more!” Ryan gave her a meaningful look without responding, then stood up to ladle some vegetable soup for Lilith. “I made vegetable soup especially for you this morning. I’ve tested the temperature—it’s just right.” “Eat more, it’s good for your stomach. You’ve lost weight recently. I haven’t been taking good care of you.” “Once I get through this busy period, I’ll spend more time with you.” He placed the soup in front of Lilith with tender care, looking every bit the perfect boyfriend. Lilith lowered her eyes. She would be leaving soon and didn’t need his companionship. The fragrant breakfast before her didn’t stir her appetite at all. She hastily drank a glass of milk. “I have something to do. I need to go,” Lilith said. “Lilith, please eat something. I’m worried about your stomach,” he said with concern, grabbing her hand. Lilith quickly pulled away and left without looking back. “No need. I don’t feel like eating.” Ryan stared at her retreating figure, unsettled by her cold attitude. Lilith had never treated him this way before. She used to love the food he made. Ryan wondered what he had done wrong. Perhaps he hadn’t been spending enough time with her lately. She was probably just being moody. He thought, “It’s fine. She’s easy to please. Once this busy period is over, I’ll buy her some gifts to make her happy, and she’ll be back to her old self.” With this thought, Ryan felt relieved. Lilith did have somewhere to be—she was going to the studio to sign the transfer contract. The signing process went smoothly. The agent smiled and asked, “Ms. Harper, where are you planning to move? We have the most comprehensive property listings in San Francisco, guaranteed to satisfy you.” She politely shook her head. “I’m leaving San Francisco.” With just a few days left before her departure, she arranged to meet her best friend, Audrey Henderson, for dinner. Lilith told her about her hearing recovery and her plans to leave the country. Audrey was both surprised and happy for her, though she felt Ryan’s behavior was inexcusable. “Lily, as long as you’re happy, I’ll always support you.” Lilith felt deeply touched. The two spent the entire day together. When Lilith returned to the villa that evening, Ryan was sitting on the sofa with a somewhat gloomy expression. He was holding a courier package. “Lilith, what’s this?” Lilith looked closely and saw it was her passport from the visa office. She calmly walked over and took it from his hand, saying casually, “It belongs to my friend. She’s on a business trip and asked me to receive it for her.” The doubt in Ryan’s eyes immediately vanished. He stepped forward and hugged her. “Baby, you almost scared me to death. You can’t leave me, or I’d die from the pain.” He made a dramatic gesture, half-joking and half-serious. “By the way, I need to go on a business trip for a week tomorrow. Will you be okay at home by yourself? I’ll be back the day before our wedding.” Ryan looked at her somewhat anxiously, afraid she might object. Lilith stared quietly into his deep eyes and said flatly, “Maybe we shouldn’t have the wedding.” Ryan immediately became agitated. “No way! Lilith, what’s wrong? Don’t you want to get married? Or are you worried I won’t make it back in time? Don’t worry, I promise I will.” Concern and fear rose in his eyes as he gripped her arms tightly. Lilith pushed his hands away and replied perfunctorily, “Hmm, I believe you’ll make it back.” Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief. “Darling, wait for me. I’ll have a surprise for you when I return.” Lilith’s face remained expressionless. She thought, “Ryan, I stopped waiting for you long ago. In a week, you’ll be the only one at the wedding. There is no ‘us’ anymore.” In the morning, Ryan and Lilith said goodbye reluctantly. Shortly after he left, Lilith planned to go to her room to pack her luggage. As she passed by the guest bedroom, Abigail stopped her. Assuming Lilith couldn’t hear, Abigail said, “Lilith, do you know your fiancé fell in love with me long ago? We’ve done it many times. Has he ever done that with you?” Lilith looked at her calmly, pretending she couldn’t hear. Convinced that Lilith was deaf, Abigail continued her provocation: “A disabled person like you doesn’t deserve Ryan! Only I am worthy of him. Let me tell you honestly, Ryan and I are going to the Maldives for vacation. You think he loves you? That he’ll marry you? Stop dreaming! He enjoys being with me the most. The body’s response can’t be faked, and you’re nothing! He only accepted you out of pity because you’re deaf. An orphan from a humble background like you could never be good enough for him!” Abigail furiously unleashed her frustration on Lilith. Lilith laughed quietly to herself. No wonder Ryan suddenly said he had a business trip. In the past, he would avoid business trips whenever possible, and when he couldn’t, he would take her along. He used to say he couldn’t bear to be apart from her, that even one day without seeing her would drive him crazy. Now he could calmly lie to Lilith and take Abigail on vacation. “I can’t hear what you’re saying,” Lilith said with an indifferent smile, her expression calm. Abigail sneered, “You really are deaf! No matter how much I say, you can’t hear! I hope you stay deaf forever!” She spat out these words viciously and stormed downstairs with her suitcase without looking back. During that week, Ryan sent Lilith messages every day, expressing his love and longing for her, saying he couldn’t wait to finish work and fly back to her side. Meanwhile, Abigail frequently updated her Instagram with photos of her vacation with Ryan. She even provocatively sent the photos directly to Lilith. There were photos of them kissing on the beach, mirror selfies in the bathroom, and pictures of Ryan sleeping shirtless. There were even images of wet sheets and torn underwear. Every night, Abigail deliberately disgusted Lilith by describing the intimate details of their bedroom activities. Lilith didn’t look at any of Abigail’s messages. She spent her days packing her belongings. She meticulously removed every trace of her existence from the house, as if she had never been there. On the day she left for the airport, she left behind a box as a final special gift for Ryan. What expression would he have when he saw this gift upon his return? Whatever his reaction might be, it was no longer her concern. They were worlds apart from this moment, and this was their final goodbye.

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On the eve of my wedding, I married a condom salesman I had just met. Just an hour ago, my sister Molly Craig posted a pregnancy confirmation on Instagram with the caption: [Brady is amazing, the doctor says it’s twins.] My ex-fiancé Brady Lambert commented: [Sweetie, you’re incredible, you’re our little hero!] My biological parents commented: [Our little princess and prince are coming soon!] I stared at it for a long time before liking and commenting: [Congratulations, wishing you happiness.] The next second, Brady called me. He yelled, “Norah Craig, how can you be so vicious? You know Molly has mental health issues, yet you deliberately provoke her. She’s your sister! Besides, you share the same blood with those children—they’re practically your own!” I let out a cold laugh, went home and posted my marriage license on Instagram with the caption: [Married.] A few minutes later, I received a call from my mom. She scolded, “Enough! Aren’t you ashamed? You’re Brady’s fiancée—this is an insult to him! Delete that photo right now!” So they still remembered I was Brady’s fiancée after all. I admired the photo of my newly acquired marriage license in my hand, seeing it juxtaposed with Molly’s pregnancy confirmation below, and found it ironic. Her Instagram was filled with congratulations from our parents and Brady, while all I got was their anger. Mom habitually snapped, “Stop trying to get attention with these tactics. If you don’t delete it, don’t bother coming home again!” She hung up without giving me a chance to speak. In the past, whenever she threatened to cut ties with me, I would immediately give in. But now, listening to the dial tone, I felt completely calm. When I refreshed Instagram, I saw Molly had posted again. She stood in the middle of a bridge, teary-eyed, with the river glistening below—quite an aesthetic photo. There was also a pregnancy diagnosis form and a bipolar disorder consultation form. The caption read: [I’m so tired. Was I asking for too much? I’ve tried my hardest but still don’t deserve love. What’s the point of living?] Brady immediately commented: [Sweetie, you deserve all the love in the world. I’ll love you forever, and so will the babies in your tummy!] This was followed by comments from our parents and mutual friends. They all comforted her while criticizing me for being too harsh on someone who was both ill and pregnant. Watching this drama unfold, I could only find it ironic. This wasn’t the first time Molly had threatened suicide, but in reality, she had never been hurt at all. Every time she cried about being depressed and wanting to die, they would rush to surround her with comfort. Then Molly would naturally calm down and receive even more care and protection. Time after time, no one ever questioned her act. Soon, I received another call from Brady. He shouted, “Norah! Come apologize to Molly right now! If anything happens to Molly and the children, I’ll never marry you!” I couldn’t help but remind him, “I’m already married. Didn’t you see the photo?” Brady fell silent instantly. Molly’s tearful voice came through, “Brady, it’s all my fault. Otherwise, Norah wouldn’t have stolen images online to pretend she’s married. I should be the one apologizing to her. Don’t pressure her.” As soon as she finished, Brady angrily said, “Molly, don’t blame yourself. This is clearly her fault. You’re too kind-hearted, which is why she bullies you. I’ll make sure justice is served for you!” Listening to them defend each other, I closed my eyes briefly, then hung up without hesitation.

When Molly and her group returned, I was packing my things in my room. This was the marital home Brady and I had bought together, each of us paying half of the down payment. During every excited discussion about decoration, I had looked forward to moving into this home that belonged to us. But as soon as the renovations were complete, Brady let Molly move in. Only then did I realize that every decoration suggestion Brady made wasn’t because he liked it, but because Molly did. I wasn’t even sure whose marital home this really was anymore. There was no point in me staying here any longer. I’d only met my husband once at City Hall when we got our marriage license. Apart from knowing his name was Gideon Barnett and that he sold condoms for a living, I knew nothing about him. With that profession, his salary probably wasn’t high enough to afford an expensive house in Los Angeles. But my original goal was simply to escape this suffocating family. I quickly rented a place outside and would figure out the rest later. Brady kicked my door open, his face dark with anger. “Norah, why haven’t you deleted that Twitter post yet? Are you playing dumb? Molly was finally feeling a bit better, and now because of you, she wants to kill herself again!” he demanded. I ignored him and continued packing. Brady finally noticed what I was doing and asked coldly, “What are you doing? Moving out?” Before I could answer, he sneered, “First you begged me to buy this place and move in early, and now you’re making a scene about leaving. What game are you playing?” I looked up, truly looking at Brady for the first time this month, and calmly said, “Brady, I’m married now, so naturally I need to move in with my husband.” He grabbed my wrist painfully and smirked, “Norah, you think this will threaten me? Molly is pregnant and needs care. We don’t have time for your attention-seeking drama. Even if you end up on the streets, I won’t stop you! Whether I marry you or not is my decision. Don’t try to manipulate me, or I’ll postpone the wedding date even further!” I irritably shook off his hand and continued packing my things from the desk. I had very few possessions, just essentials. Growing up, Molly had pretty dresses and dolls, while I wore patched-up old clothes and wasn’t allowed to develop any hobbies. Only the design competition trophies on my desk had moved with me from place to place—they were my most precious possessions. I carefully wrapped a trophy and placed it in the box. Suddenly, Molly rushed over and grabbed the trophy from my hands. “Norah, I’m really sorry, please don’t hate me. I’ll move out of your home right now and give Brady back to you.” She sobbed as if she’d suffered some terrible injustice. I hardened my expression and pulled back forcefully. “Let go!” With a crash, the glass trophy fell to the floor, shattering into pieces. I quickly bent down to pick up the pieces, but Molly came over and forcefully pushed my hand down, letting out a sharp scream. Brady rushed to support her as Molly cried in his arms. “I’m fine, Norah didn’t mean it, don’t blame her.” She opened her palm to reveal a tiny cut. Brady shouted at me, “Norah, who do you think you are? How dare you hurt Molly?” I curled my fingers, blood flowing from the cut on my palm that Brady completely ignored. The sight of blood seemed to trigger something in Molly. She began frantically smashing things, grabbing my trophies from the desk and throwing them to the floor like a madwoman. I panicked instantly and lunged forward, but could only touch the scattered fragments. “Molly Craig!” I slapped her hard across the face.

In the next moment, Brady grabbed a porcelain doll and smashed it against my head, leaving a purple bruise on my forehead. This was a handcraft we had made together—one for each of us—which took an entire month to complete. He once said these dolls represented us and promised to cherish them forever, yet now he hurled it at me without hesitation. I looked down at the white porcelain fragments on the floor, feeling my heart shatter along with them. Brady couldn’t care less and continued comforting Molly. He wasn’t worried about my broken possession but feared she might hurt her hand. At that moment, my parents rushed upstairs, drawn by the commotion. Seeing Molly crying, my mom didn’t even ask what happened before slapping me twice across the face. “Norah, how dare you hit your sister!” My dad approached and berated me, “How could I have given birth to such a vicious daughter? Molly’s condition is flaring up because of you!” I was shoved backward, bumping into a box from which my permanent residence certificate fell out. I instinctively picked it up, only for Brady to snatch it away. He snarled, “Norah, faking a marriage with photoshopped pictures is one thing, but you even made a fake permanent residence certificate?” I coughed a few times and looked at Brady mockingly. “Can’t you tell whether it’s real or fake? I’m already married, and that’s my husband in the photo. He’s much more handsome than you.” His face darkened, and forgetting about Molly, he walked over and gripped my throat tightly. “You wouldn’t dare!” Molly exclaimed in surprise, “Norah, even if you’re angry with me, you can’t just marry some random man! Your wedding with Brady is tomorrow—you’ll humiliate him!” I sneered, “I’m giving him to you. Aren’t you happy?” Molly fell silent, avoiding my gaze. Brady continued to roar in rage, his reaction intense, but my situation was deteriorating rapidly. Suddenly, I found it difficult to breathe. My throat itched, and I couldn’t stop coughing, as if my internal organs were about to come out. I collapsed to the floor, only then noticing that my mother had brought up a bouquet of flowers, which now lay beside me. They had forgotten again that I had asthma and couldn’t be around pollen. I frantically searched through drawers and boxes, struggling to find my asthma medication. But all I found were empty bottles—the several inhalers I’d kept in my room had vanished. Molly feigned surprise, saying, “I saw some trash on Norah’s desk a few days ago and threw it away. It wasn’t your asthma medication, was it?” Brady immediately defended her, “Norah leaves her things everywhere. You were just being helpful by cleaning up. You did nothing wrong!” As if suddenly remembering something, my mom walked over to pick up the flowers. “I almost forgot, I need to put Molly’s flowers in water before they wilt.” I felt a ringing in my ears as the sounds around me gradually faded. I desperately searched for my phone to call an ambulance. Before losing consciousness, I heard Brady’s cold laugh: “Stop pretending. It’s just a few flowers. She’s such a nuisance! Let’s go!” When I woke up, I smelled the antiseptic scent permeating the air and saw nothing but white all around me. Nearby, nurses were whispering among themselves. “Did you hear about those two women who came to the hospital last night? They’re both Craigs, apparently sisters. One was in shock when the ambulance brought her in, while the other just had a small cut on her palm. Yet her parents and husband were completely freaking out. So dramatic…” I felt sad hearing this but remained silent as I struggled to sit up. Seeing me move, a nurse quickly came over to help prop me up with a soft pillow, looking at me curiously. “That man who paid your hospital bills last night—was he your husband?” I froze, thinking of Brady, then quickly dismissed the thought. It couldn’t be him. The nurse continued, “He was very tall and thin, wore glasses, and was quite handsome!” I frowned, still trying to figure out who this person could be, when Molly’s voice came from the doorway. “Norah, did Brady come by last night? You’re sick, and he’s not even by your side. Don’t tell me you two had a fight and you got fake-married just to spite him?” Her face was all innocence, but every word dripped with malice and provocation. My mother immediately flared up, rushing over to slap me hard on the head, hitting exactly where Brady had struck me earlier. My head started ringing. She shouted, “Norah, how did I end up with such a shameless daughter? You were so jealous of your own sister that you went and married some random man? You have no dignity!” “Call that man here right now. He needs to provide proper engagement gifts. The mortgage on the house you and Brady bought isn’t fully paid off yet—he can pay it all at once. That way, your sister and Brady can live there without worries.” My mother spoke with complete self-righteousness. Even though I’d always known she didn’t consider me her daughter, I still felt disappointed. Molly secretly smiled, pretending to calm her down. “Mom, is that appropriate? If her husband is poor, it would put Norah and Brady in an awkward position.” Brady glared at me darkly. “Well, she chose him herself!” This only emboldened my mother. “Exactly! She ignored our advice. Even if that man beats her to death, she deserves it!” She didn’t care that I had just woken up from being sick, nor that we were in a hospital. She grabbed my hair, demanding I call my new husband immediately. The man and I were complete strangers—I couldn’t possibly drag him into this. Gritting my teeth, I said, “He’s just an ordinary person. He doesn’t have money to give you!” My mother’s grip tightened. My body hadn’t fully recovered, and as I struggled, something fell from my pocket. Molly quickly picked it up and exclaimed, “A condom salesman? Norah, why do you have this kind of business card? Don’t tell me this is your husband I’ve never met?!” With each word she spoke, Brady’s face grew darker. “Norah, all these years you’ve been acting cold with me, but behind my back, you’ve been this desperate? A condom salesman? Is he better at satisfying you than I am?” The spot where Brady had hit my head throbbed with pain, leaving me unable to respond. Meanwhile, my mother was already urging Molly to call my husband. I struggled to stop them, but Brady gripped my wrist tightly. His face was dark, yet he smiled and said, “You really like this husband of yours that much? You’re so protective of him?” I stared at him hard, then suddenly smiled. “Indeed. After all, he’s a thousand times better than you! Are you jealous now?” Brady’s expression changed, but before he could speak, the call Molly had placed connected. “Hello.” Molly glanced at me, then quickly said, “Hello, is this Gideon? I’m Norah’s sister. My mother and I just found out about your marriage to Norah, and we’d like to meet you.” The man paused briefly, then replied, “I’ll be right there.” They arranged to meet at a restaurant near the hospital. Although I didn’t want to spend time with them, especially facing Brady’s gloomy and sharp gaze, this situation had dragged Gideon into it, and I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. However, when Gideon walked in, I barely recognized him. His features were the same, but his entire aura was completely different. The first day we met, he was wearing just an ordinary shirt and slacks, pushing a cart selling condoms in the mall. Though he was handsome, he didn’t have this noble air about him that he had now. That’s precisely why I had the courage to approach him and ask if he wanted to get married. As soon as Gideon entered, he walked straight toward me, sat down beside me with remarkable ease, put his arm around my shoulders, looked at Molly and the others across the table, and whispered in my ear, “Honey, why don’t you introduce them to me?” I was stunned by his natural familiarity in both gesture and term of endearment, and just as I was about to speak, Molly jumped in first. She stared at Gideon’s face with obvious jealousy for a moment, then feigned innocence while asking a question dripping with malice: “Gideon, I heard you sell condoms…” Gideon nodded. “You could say that.” Molly’s expression grew even more smug as she affectionately wrapped her arm around Brady’s. “Gideon, let me introduce you to Brady. He’s a director at Solaris Group. Sales must be tough these days, right? Since we’re going to be family, you could ask Brady for help.” Brady stared at me and sneered, “As it happens, Solaris Group collaborates with Apex Group—you know Apex Group, right? The domestic leader in all product categories, even ranking first in the condom business. If you beg me, I could throw a small contract your way—enough for you to make some serious money!” I couldn’t take it anymore and reached for the water on the table, ready to splash it in his face. Gideon stopped me by holding my hand, his face still wearing that gentle smile, as if he wasn’t the one being humiliated. Then he made a phone call. “Mr. Walsh, does a mere director from Solaris Group dare to bully Apex Group? My wife is very angry right now, and if you don’t handle this properly, I won’t let Solaris Group off the hook!” Molly’s laughter stopped abruptly, her eyes filled with shock and panic as she looked at Gideon. Brady’s eyes also flashed with momentary panic, but he quickly composed himself and smirked at me: “Norah, if you’re going to hire an actor, at least find someone convincing—not someone wearing cheap clothes pretending to be a CEO!” As Brady spoke, he casually flashed the luxury brand logo on his jacket with a contemptuous expression. “He can only afford cheap suits—must have just finished meeting with clients, right? Norah, when did your taste become so poor? If you just admit this is all an act, our wedding can proceed as scheduled!” Molly’s smug expression froze as she looked at Brady in disbelief. “Brady!” I found it both ironic and amusing. “Who are you to look down on honest work? Brady, don’t think too highly of yourself. I’d choose a homeless person off the street over a hypocrite like you—someone who pretends to be decent while secretly sleeping with his fiancée’s sister and getting her pregnant!” “Norah!” Brady was furious with embarrassment and raised his hand to slap me. Gideon effortlessly caught his hand and smiled. “Hitting people isn’t appropriate, is it?” The commotion attracted attention from nearby diners, and many glances were cast our way. “Isn’t that the Barnett from Apex Group…” “Yesterday’s financial news…” Fragments of conversation drifted over, and Brady frowned. His company collaborated with Apex Group—more accurately, even a small contract from Apex Group would cover their entire year’s profit. However, he sized up Gideon standing before him. He thought to himself that while Apex Group’s CEO also had the surname Barnett, that CEO was reportedly a decisive middle-aged man, while this man before him was clearly a nobody. He sneered, “Don’t think you’re special just because you share a last name with Apex Group’s CEO. Want to bet that with just one word from me, you won’t even be able to work as a salesman anymore?” Gideon raised an eyebrow. “Does your boss know how arrogant you are outside the office?” Brady’s expression grew even more mocking. “You think you can intimidate me by mentioning my boss? You’re not worthy! Apologize to me now, and I might still forgive you!” “Brady, who do you think you are?” My anger flared, and for the first time, I realized how poor my judgment had been. Gideon gently restrained me, his face still wearing that unchanging smile. “Mr. Lambert, I think you should start packing up for unemployment.” Molly stirred the pot from the side, crying, “Norah, we were just trying to help. It’s one thing if you don’t appreciate it, but why insult Brady?” Hearing this, Brady’s expression darkened further. The next moment, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, Brady quickly answered, his tone extremely fawning: “Mr. Cortez, what can I do for you…” Before he could finish, furious shouting erupted from the other end, loud enough for everyone to hear. “How dare you offend Mr. Barnett from Apex Group? Because of you, Apex Group is withdrawing their investment—a hundred-billion-dollar project gone! Brady, you’re fired!” Brady froze, his face turning ashen. Finally seeming to grasp the situation, he looked at Gideon in disbelief: “You’re the CEO of Apex Group?”

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After my parents’ fake daughter Hallie Klein attempted suicide yet again, my husband Marco Reeves secretly started seeing her behind my back, but Marco warned her that I must never find out about their relationship. “I can be with you, but Diana is my everything. She can never know about us.” Hallie pretended to agree, then sent me videos of Marco living with her, along with our son. Her message read: [No matter what, Marco will never leave me. Don’t bother trying to compete with me.] What she didn’t know was that I had no intention of competing with her. In one month, I would board a flight to Norway and disappear from Marco’s life forever. Marco called, his voice gentle and husky. “Honey, I’m a bit busy at work today, so I won’t be coming home. Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. I’ve booked a candlelit dinner at Island Garden. Let’s take our son there in the evening.” I listened halfheartedly while opening my WhatsApp chat history with Hallie. Just an hour ago, she had sent me a video of her and Marco passionately kissing in a bedroom. [Diana, this is my anniversary gift to you.] Hallie was the adored princess of the Klein family, while I was their biological daughter who was only brought home at sixteen. My mother couldn’t bear to send Hallie away and insisted on keeping her in the Klein family, continuing to spoil her. She even announced to everyone that I was the Klein family’s newly adopted daughter to prevent Hallie from being mocked. When I was at my most vulnerable, I met Marco. He was a classmate of mine and Hallie’s, from the renowned Reeves family in Boston. Hallie and he had grown up together, and she had liked him for a long time, but he ignored her advances and fell for me, the transfer student, at first sight. During those innocent high school years, he stayed by my side for three years. He once promised to chase away all the bad people around me. “If everyone else takes Hallie’s side instead of yours, having just me on your side will be enough.” He proved those words with his actions for many years. All these years, only he loved me, giving all his love to me alone. I never imagined that one day, Marco would be the one to betray me. The truth is, everyone falls in love with Hallie. Everyone abandons me. My heart felt like it was being stabbed, but I couldn’t cry out. “Diana? Are you listening?” Marco asked with urgent concern. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” After a long silence, I finally sighed. “Marco, will you leave me someday too?” “I won’t,” he said firmly. “I will never leave you.” I scoffed. What an ironic, false lie. I really don’t understand why I asked such a stupid question. From his end of the line came a woman’s soft laugh. Though faint, I caught it. Marco glared at Hallie for laughing, but she just shrugged and sent me another message. [I didn’t mean to laugh out loud, Diana, but Marco looks so cute when he lies. Your question was really stupid. How could you even ask that? No one would ever choose you. Give up this foolish idea. With just a little effort on my part, Marco dotes on me too.] Marco was still making excuses. His tone carried a hint of panic. “That was just my assistant watching a TV show. I’ve already reprimanded her. Diana, we’ve been together for over a decade. How could I possibly leave you? Have you heard some rumors lately? Don’t believe any of them. Just trust me.” “Okay, I believe you. See you tomorrow,” I said. Only then did he relax. “Honey, get some sleep. See you tomorrow.” After hanging up, I quickly purchased a ticket to Norway and began preparing the necessary visa documents. Once everything was arranged, I collapsed on the sofa, tears falling. In my life, I’ve been abandoned by my parents and my husband. No one has ever firmly chosen me. If that’s how it is, this time, I’ll be the one to abandon them first.

The next day, I didn’t dress up or put on makeup. I just wore my casual home clothes and went to Island Garden. When I walked into the private room, Marco had already been waiting for some time. He looked up at the door with excitement, but his expression froze for a moment when he saw me. He revealed a hurt look. “Darling, today is our wedding anniversary…” I smiled. “We’ve been married for so many years now, why bother with these formalities?” After I sat down, our son Kade Reeves took a seat next to Marco, his eyes avoiding mine when he looked at me. I knew why. Hallie had already told me that my husband had secretly made her Kade’s godmother when he was born. Marco was obviously unhappy, I could tell, but I no longer had the desire to care about what he thought. Since returning to the Klein dynasty, I had lived cautiously for years, afraid of upsetting anyone, afraid they would abandon me. I had been abandoned for more than ten years and truly just wanted a family. But now, I felt relieved. It turned out that after choosing to let go, I could live so freely. After hesitating for a while, Marco said, “Darling, if I’ve done something wrong, I can change. On our previous anniversaries, you weren’t like this. I feel like something about you has changed…” “Have I changed? Perhaps. I want to live for myself for once.” I chuckled lightly as I picked up a piece of steak. “Since returning to the Klein dynasty, they taught me etiquette, requiring me to maintain proper manners at all family events. After marrying you, your family was even stricter in this regard. All these years I’ve felt constrained. Now I just want to live freely for once. Will you deny me even this right?” Marco held me tightly. “I’ll give you everything you want, just don’t leave me.” He seemed to sense that something was about to slip completely out of his control. The meal was unpleasant, with everyone lost in their own thoughts. Before leaving, Kade tugged at Marco’s sleeve, making faces. Marco cleared his throat, saying, “Diana, Kade wants to stay at his grandmother’s house tonight. I’ll take him there.” Kade said, “Mom, Grandma bought me a huge cake, and I want to go eat it.” What a transparent lie, but I didn’t expose it. Half an hour later, Hallie updated her Instagram. She posted a photo of a large cake with the caption: [Celebrating that I now have a ‘little son’ too.] “Fine, you two go ahead,” I said, forcing a smile despite my sadness. “Come home early.” From that day on, Marco and Kade never came back home. Every day they had different excuses, and each time I would only reply with “I understand.” As I looked at the empty house, my heart gradually hardened and sank into a desolate silence. As the days passed, my permanent residence certificate was also processed on an expedited basis.

The day I went to get my visa, my mother, Lila Klein, called and asked me to come home. I thought since I was about to end everything, seeing my birth mother one more time wouldn’t be so bad. It could be my way of repaying her for raising me all these years. When I arrived home, she first asked how I’d been doing lately, and I answered all her questions. “You must have had a difficult time these years. I’m sorry we couldn’t let others know you’re our biological daughter,” she said, pretending to care as she stroked my hair. “You know Hallie has severe depression, and I was truly afraid something might happen to her…” Yes, just because she had “severe” depression, I was forced to give up my husband to her. My mother knew about Marco and Hallie, yet she was still hiding it from me. Even that day when Hallie threatened suicide at home and begged Marco to come see her, it was my mother who called and asked Marco to go over. As we were talking, there was a commotion outside the door. “Mom, I’m home!” My mother instantly panicked. I turned around to see Hallie and Marco in his trench coat. When he saw me, he froze, quickly distancing himself from Hallie. My mother anxiously said, “Didn’t I tell you not to come home today?” Hallie feigned innocence. “I missed you.” She looked up and noticed me, then smiled. “Diana, you’re here too? Marco and I ran into each other, so we came together.” How ridiculous. I smirked, looking at Marco. “Ran into each other? You wanted to come here too? Why?” I always liked asking questions I already knew the answers to, enjoying the pain of reopening wounds. It kept me clear-headed. Marco hurriedly explained, “I came to get something from Lila, that’s all.” My mother immediately backed him up. “Yes, that’s right. Marco, I’ll get it for you now.” She signaled to the housekeeper, who promptly went upstairs and returned with an envelope. “Here you go, Marco.” Marco nodded and took my hand. “Diana, let’s go home.” But Hallie interjected, “Diana, Marco rarely comes home. Why don’t you both stay for dinner?” Marco’s face darkened. He was about to refuse when I stopped him. “Since that’s the case, let’s all have dinner together.” After all, after this meal, I would have nothing more to do with any of them. Marco cleared his throat and said, “I need to use the bathroom.” He stared intently at Hallie, signaling her to follow him. I watched this little drama unfold silently, then secretly followed them after they both left. They went to the garden of the Klein family mansion. “Did you do this on purpose today?” He glared at Hallie, gripping her hand tightly. “You deliberately brought me back because you knew your sister would be here!” Hallie’s eyes reddened. She said pitifully, “How could I possibly know Diana was coming? Didn’t you see me trying to cover for you in front of her?” “Cover for me? Don’t think I can’t see through your little scheme!” He abruptly released Hallie’s hand and said with disgust, “Hallie, let’s break up. I can’t bear the consequences if Diana finds out about us.” Now Hallie truly panicked. She clung to Marco desperately, refusing to let go. Crying, she said, “No, Marco, I was wrong. I’ll never do this again. I’ll behave myself and absolutely won’t let Diana discover our relationship.” Marco replied coldly, “It’s really over. You went too far today. I’m taking Diana and leaving, and we shouldn’t contact each other anymore.” Marco pushed her away. As he was about to leave, Hallie said through gritted teeth, “Fine, leave me, but what about your own child?” “Kade won’t see you again either. I’ll take him with me!” Marco said. “No, I’m not talking about Kade.” Hallie revealed a cruel smile as she caressed her stomach tenderly. “I’m talking about your child still in my womb.” Marco’s lips trembled. Hearing this, I felt sick to my stomach, wanting to vomit but unable to bring anything up. “When did this happen?” He seemed to realize something and suddenly looked up. “Was it that night?” I should have known—when a man no longer loves his wife, he naturally sleeps with other women too. I ran away, not wanting to hear any more. Back inside the house, my heart was still pounding. My mother, seeing my state, anxiously asked, “Diana, are you okay? Did you see something?” I looked at my mother, who was still protecting Hallie, and slowly shook my head. Marco and Hallie returned one after another. Hallie secretly smiled at me and mouthed, “You saw everything, didn’t you?” So she knew I was there all along. I put down my cutlery and picked up my coat from the sofa. “I’m leaving now.” Marco stood up. “Diana might not be feeling well today. We should go.” After leaving, Marco silently followed behind me. When he tried to hold my hand, I subtly avoided his touch. Shortly after, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, his expression changed, but he answered anyway. “I understand.” After hanging up, Marco looked at me, his expression slightly flustered. “Honey, there’s an emergency at the company. I can’t take you home. You go ahead first.” With that, he hurriedly left. At that moment, my phone screen lit up. It was a text from Hallie. It contained a picture of her wrist cut and bleeding profusely. [Diana, do you think Marco will abandon you when he hears I’m threatening suicide while carrying his child?]

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My husband Colin Owens spent $100,000 on a custom-made doll that accidentally killed my good friend’s son, Ollie Mays. The day he brought the doll home, he told our daughter Ellen Owens, “This is specially ordered from abroad for you. Don’t let any other children see it, not even Ollie, in case they damage it.” I thought Ollie was too young to care, so I didn’t take it seriously. But that evening, as the children fought over the doll, Ollie fell down the stairs and died instantly. My good friend Marissa Mays pointed at me, sobbing hysterically, “You deliberately instructed your daughter to kill my son! Why would you do this?” Even Colin blamed me: “I never paid attention when you said you hated Ollie before, but how could you harm a child!” They posted the video online, triggering massive cyberbullying. Before I could clear my name, my daughter and I were hit and killed by an enraged internet user in the middle of the road. Shortly after my death, Marissa married Colin and moved into my mansion. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back on the day Colin brought the doll home. As I heard Colin and Ellen’s playful voices, I snapped out of my daze. “Ellen, this is a handmade doll specially commissioned from abroad. You can’t let other children see it, they’ll take it away, especially Ollie.” These familiar words instantly cleared my mind. I realized I had been reborn. In my previous life, I thought Ellen was too young to remember what Colin said, so I didn’t pay attention. My carelessness resulted in our tragic deaths. Our bodies were so mangled they couldn’t even recover all the pieces. Recalling how Ellen’s skull was crushed by a truck, her brain matter splattered everywhere, I trembled with hatred. Suppressing my rage, I turned to Colin and said, “Colin, Marissa said she’s bringing Ollie over tonight. I’ll prepare dinner now, why don’t you go pick them up?” I didn’t miss the flash of joy in his eyes as he turned to leave. I went to the kitchen and clenched my fists tightly, the pain reminding me to stay calm. I knew it wasn’t time yet to expose their true faces. That’s when the truth was revealed to me. In my previous life, after my death, Marissa moved into my mansion, spent my money, and slept with my man. She even mocked me in my own bed: “Leah was such a fool. So what if she could make money? Now everything is mine!” Colin rolled on top of her, breathing heavily, “Don’t mention her when we’re having such a good time!” He reached over to turn off the lamp, leaving only the sound of their moans in the room. That’s when I realized they had been together behind my back all along. They had set a trap, causing Ellen and me to die tragically because of Ollie. They seized my property and lived a carefree life! Hearing Colin humming cheerfully as he left, I smiled bitterly. He had shown his true colors early on, but in my previous life, I had focused all my attention on my daughter and ignored Colin’s behavior. An hour later, the doorbell rang. “Leah, we’re here.” I opened the door to find my neighbor Katy Mueller standing there with her daughter, smiling. Her daughter Erin Mueller was Ellen’s playmate. Their timing was perfect; I had just finished preparing the house. After they came in, I handed the doll to Erin. “Do you like it? It’s for you. No other children have one, so take good care of it.” Erin happily accepted the doll, and she went upstairs with Ellen to play. Then, I sat down with Katy and sincerely said, “Katy, I’d like to make Erin my goddaughter – a spiritual daughter I would guide and protect. We’ll be family from now on.” I thought she might hesitate or decline, but to my surprise, she agreed immediately. After chatting with her briefly, I got up to serve the food from the kitchen. In my previous life, everyone accused and insulted Ellen and me for being vicious. Only Katy and Erin cried at our graves, saying they didn’t believe we would harm anyone. This time, I deliberately invited them over to witness what would happen. This way, Colin and Marissa wouldn’t be able to blame Ollie’s death on Ellen and me.

The food had just been served when the fingerprint lock beeped. The three of them came in. I pretended not to notice the intimate gestures between Colin and Marissa, and asked them to wash their hands before dinner. Colin noticed Katy, a flash of surprise in his eyes, but he didn’t say anything. Marissa deliberately pulled me aside and whispered accusingly, “Why did you invite someone else to dinner? The house is such a mess! Is that the custom-made doll Colin ordered in that little girl’s arms? What if she damages it? What will Ellen play with then?” Looking at her pretending to care about Ellen, I felt nauseated and wanted to slap her. “Katy helped solve Ellen’s kindergarten enrollment issue. I’m just thanking them with a meal. Is that a problem? Besides, I’ve already given that doll to Erin. We should show gratitude when someone helps us.” She blurted out, “That’s unacceptable! What about Ollie?” Realizing her slip, she quickly explained, “I mean, Colin bought it specifically for Ellen. How could you just give it to someone else? What if Colin gets angry? Besides, even Ollie hasn’t played with that doll, yet you gave it away. And you claim to care about her.” I gave a cold laugh, but before I could respond, there was a loud crash from the staircase. Katy cried out, “Watch out!” But it was too late. Ollie had tumbled down the stairs and hit the floor hard. Colin and Marissa immediately rushed over to check on Ollie, the concern on their faces appearing genuine. The two little girls, seeing the blood on the floor, burst into tears. Katy hurried to comfort them while I called 911. “Don’t move him! The doctor said moving him could cause secondary injuries. Wait for the paramedics!” But Marissa wouldn’t listen and insisted on picking Ollie up. “Leah, how can you be so cruel? My son is badly hurt, and you want him to lie on this cold floor? I need to hold him.” Colin interjected, “It’s already hard enough for Marissa raising a child alone. How dare you stop her from holding Ollie? Get out of the way!” He shoved me aside and lifted Ollie into Marissa’s arms. I clearly saw the challenge in Marissa’s eyes, but I just smiled. In my previous life, I had also warned them not to move Ollie and to wait for the ambulance. But they insisted on picking him up, taking turns holding him. By the time the doctor arrived, they could only shake their head, saying a rib had punctured too deeply into Ollie’s lung, and he couldn’t be saved. I didn’t fully understand then, but seeing them now, I finally did. Witnessing this, Katy angrily said, “Falling from such a height, he absolutely should not be moved! Why do you insist on holding him? You’re hurting him! I’ve never seen a mother like you!” Hearing her words, they finally stopped, which gave Ollie a chance to hang on until the ambulance arrived. Afterward, we all went to the hospital, with Katy staying behind to look after the two little girls. While Ollie was still in emergency care, Marissa was already eager to blame me.

Marissa pointed at me, cursing through her tears. “Leah, we’ve been friends for over a decade. Why would you kill my son? It was just a doll—couldn’t Ollie even look at it?” Colin supported her while glaring at me with disgust. “You often complained about Ollie at home. I thought you were just venting. How could you be so cruel to a child!” Despite being mentally prepared, hearing these words still hurt deeply. I gritted my teeth and asked Marissa, “You claim I killed your son. Where’s your evidence?” She hadn’t expected me to be so direct, abandoning all pretense of courtesy. Sobbing, she buried herself in Colin’s embrace. Colin actually had the audacity to hold her with one arm while raising the other to strike me. “Marissa has struggled as a single mother for so many years. Hasn’t she suffered enough? How can you be so vicious!” I blocked his hand and slapped him across the face. “You’re well aware she’s a single mother—anyone watching might think you’re her husband!” I scoffed coldly. Colin held his cheek, staring at me in disbelief. “You’re impossible!” Having hit a nerve, they awkwardly separated, maintaining some distance between them. Seeing I wasn’t going to be manipulated like before, Marissa quickly changed tactics. She fell to her knees, pleading, “I’m begging you, please leave us alone. I promise Ollie will never fight with your daughter over dolls again…” Noticing the growing crowd of onlookers, I smiled contemptuously. Then, I announced loudly, “Marissa, we’ve known each other for over a decade, yet you’ve been sleeping with my husband. Why would you do this?” She had intended to use these people to shame me into submission. But having died once, I was no longer the weak person I used to be. If she thought she could still manipulate me, she was dreaming. Hearing my words, Marissa jerked her head up. “That’s not true! You can’t just slander me because I’m vulnerable. Is a single mother supposed to be looked down upon?” She was really good at twisting concepts. I had never looked down on her—I’d actually helped her considerably. When she gave birth, I was the one who accompanied her at the hospital and paid her medical bills. Calmly, I walked to the emergency room door and pointed inside. “Do you dare to have Ollie take a paternity test with my husband? I’ve asked—results can be ready in as little as two hours.” She rose shakily, visibly panicked. “Ollie is fighting for his life! Have you lost your mind? You’re just bullying us because we have no one to protect us!” Colin grabbed my arm roughly, trying to drag me away. “Stop making a scene! Come back with me!” Just then, the emergency room doors swung open, and a doctor rushed out. “The child has intracranial bleeding and needs immediate craniotomy. Who’s the guardian? We need your signature right away!” Marissa stumbled forward, desperately clutching the doctor’s arms. “How is my son? If you operate, will he survive?” The doctor winced in pain from her grip and frowned. “Without surgery, he will certainly die. With it, there’s a chance he might be paralyzed, but he’ll live.” Hearing this, Marissa nearly collapsed, steadying herself against the wall while glancing at Colin. I could see the reluctance in her eyes, but there was even more resentment. Colin gave a slight nod, and Marissa finally broke down, wailing uncontrollably. The doctor urged her again to sign the consent form. Instead, she snatched the document and tore it to pieces. “No! I refuse to consent to the surgery!” I broke free from Colin’s grip and gave Marissa a cold stare. I thought to myself, “Is she giving up already?” The doctor was stomping her feet in frustration, scolding Marissa with tears in her voice, “I’ve never seen a parent like you! You tore up the consent form without even asking questions. Your child could fully recover after the surgery! Why won’t you save him?” Colin stepped in front of the doctor, blocking her. “What’s it to you? You just said he might be bedridden for life. Are you going to take care of him?” I raised my hand and slapped him again. “How can you say such a thing? Weren’t you just heartbroken about Ollie, accusing me of killing him?” He was speechless, only able to glare at me hatefully. “You’ll pay for this!” Ignoring him, I took the doctor’s hand and gave her a bank card. “Please bring another surgical consent form. I’ll sign it. This card has no PIN. Please do whatever it takes to save him.” The onlookers around us started murmuring. “Is she the boy’s biological mother? A real mother wouldn’t refuse to save her own son.” “This is such a dramatic scene!” “Those two are supposed to be the girl’s good friend and husband. How shameless!” I sighed helplessly. One was my husband, the other my good friend. Yet they were trying to destroy me and my daughter. Even though I was now saving their son, they still treated me like an enemy. Marissa sneered, “Because of a doll, you manipulated your daughter into pushing my son down the stairs. Stop pretending to care about him. Even if he survives the brain hemorrhage, he’ll be disabled. What gives you the right to make decisions for me?” Colin chimed in, “Leah, Marissa has no one to rely on. I never thought you’d push her to the edge like this. What did she ever do to wrong you?” I let out a cold laugh. “No one to rely on? You’ve told that lie so many times you believe it yourself.” “Me, manipulating Ellen to hurt Ollie? Next you’ll say I wanted to kill Ollie for revenge because I discovered your affair.” “That’s ridiculous. If that were the case, wouldn’t it be easier to just kill you both?” Several bystanders applauded me, praising me for exposing their shamelessness. Marissa’s face turned pale, her hateful eyes looking like she wanted to flay me alive. They thought I didn’t know that as long as Ollie was alive, their scheme couldn’t succeed. In this lifetime, I would never let them have their way! Suddenly, I heard a police officer’s voice behind me. “Excuse me, someone reported an attempted murder?” Colin immediately perked up, rushing over with his phone in hand. “I have evidence—a video of Leah instructing my daughter to push Ollie!” After watching it, the officer turned to me. “Are you Leah? Do you have anything to say in your defense?” I shrugged, completely unfazed. “No.” Under everyone’s incredulous stares, I dialed Katy’s number. “The police are here. Are you ready? You can come over now.”

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My husband, Harry Mullen, asked me to print sixty documents. He told me they contained private information about his students and instructed me not to look at them or show them to anyone else. After printing them, I put them in a folder without even glancing at them. Even when my best friend was curious and wanted to see them, I followed Harry’s instructions and didn’t show her. I sealed the folder and personally delivered it to Harry. A week later, I became the target of cyberbullying and was trending online. People called me vicious, sent messages insulting my parents, and vandalized my home. Only then did I discover that the “confidential documents” Harry had me print were actually photoshopped nude pictures of a female student in his class. Later, those photos spread online, and the girl, unable to bear the public pressure, jumped from a building and killed herself. When I tried to defend myself and brought Gina to testify for me, she publicly accused me instead, claiming I was narrow-minded and jealous of every woman who had contact with Harry, even his students, and that I had photoshopped those images to spread rumors… I was thrust into the center of the controversy. The victim’s enraged family found me and threw sulfuric acid on me. I was stabbed 18 times and died on the spot. Harry issued a statement of forgiveness to my killers, saying I was malicious and deserved to die. When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day Harry asked me to print those documents. ***** “Janice, why are you being so secretive? What’s in that folder you’re copying?” My best friend Gina Riddle’s familiar voice reached my ears. I suddenly came back to my senses, focusing on the folder in my hands. I reflexively touched my neck, the phantom pain of my decapitation still lingering. Looking at Gina, who was questioning me with ill intent, I glanced down at the folder in my hands and realized I had truly been reborn. I had returned to the day Harry asked me to help print those documents. In my previous life, because the printer in Harry’s faculty housing was broken, he asked me to help print 60 copies of what he called “private student documents.” When he asked me to print them, he emphasized that these documents contained student privacy and instructed me not to peek at them or show them to anyone else. I obediently followed his instructions. Even when Gina was curious and wanted to see, I didn’t open the folder or reveal a single word to her. But I never expected that one week after I handed the folder to Harry, I would become the target of cyberbullying and trend online. That’s when I learned that what Harry had me print were sixty student exam papers. On the blank back of each exam paper was printed a suggestive bedroom photo of a female student. Though blurry, the students still recognized it was their classmate, Tabitha Moore. These photos printed on the back of the exam papers were photographed by students and spread online. Rumors spread rapidly. Many perverted men began harassing Tabitha. Her classmates labeled her a “slut” and other terrible names. Unable to withstand the online abuse, Tabitha jumped from the school building and took her own life. Eventually, they discovered I was the one who printed the exam papers. They believed I was the culprit who spread rumors about Tabitha. I couldn’t defend myself, so I brought Gina, who was staying at my house that day, to testify for me. Unexpectedly, Gina, also a teacher, stood up and accused me instead. “Janice often complained about that girl to me, calling her a vixen who dressed provocatively to seduce her husband. It’s the 21st century—people have the freedom to dress how they want. I never thought she could be so malicious.” “Also, Janice was indeed secretively printing many documents that day and wouldn’t let me see them. I suspect she had already printed those photoshopped nude pictures on the back of the exam papers!” “She killed an innocent child because of her jealousy. It’s absolutely vicious!” She posted this video accusing me online. When the victim’s family saw it, they were furious. They found me and threw sulfuric acid on my face. The pain left me unable to resist as they took a knife to my neck. They had to hack at my neck 18 times before my head was finally severed… Instead of seeking justice for me, Harry wrote a letter of forgiveness for my killers, joining the online mob in saying I deserved to die. Thinking about all that had happened, I carefully examined the folder in my hands. Without a doubt, those exam papers already had the photoshopped bedroom photos of the female student printed on the back. But I couldn’t understand why Harry, as a high school teacher, would want to harm Tabitha. I couldn’t figure out why both Gina and Harry kicked me when I was down after I was framed. I began to suspect that I was their real target all along. I turned on my phone’s voice recorder and looked at the preoccupied Gina with a smile. “These are student private files Harry asked me to print. He told me not to look, so I don’t know what’s inside.” Gina looked a bit nervous. “If he told you not to tell, should you really be telling me?” “What’s there to worry about? We’re best friends, aren’t we?” I replied with a smile, weighing the documents in my hand. I believe that since heaven has given me a second chance, I can definitely avoid the tragedy of my previous life.

Gina laughed awkwardly and headed to the guest room with a strange look on her face. To prevent them from framing me again, I opened the folder in the middle of the night and completely destroyed the female student’s photos, replacing them with intimate pictures of Gina and Harry that only showed half of their faces. The next day, I handed the folder with sixty documents directly to Harry. I felt secretly smug, thinking the events from my previous life wouldn’t repeat themselves. A week later, Tabitha, the female student from their school, still committed suicide and became a trending topic. This time, Tabitha didn’t jump from the school building. Instead, she chose to jump into the river late at night. Due to the rapid currents, her body still hadn’t been found downstream. The police only discovered her shoes, a suicide note, and surveillance footage of her jumping at the riverbank. That afternoon, there was an urgent knocking at my door. A group of people and several police officers stood at the entrance, with Harry and Gina among them. Harry approached me with a grim expression and accused, “You spread rumors and caused someone’s death.” “I never thought you could be so vicious!” Just like in my previous life, Harry blamed me without distinguishing right from wrong. I said with certainty, “You were the one who asked me to print those exam papers. You know I’m being wrongfully accused, so why are you slandering me?” “At a time like this, you’re still making excuses? The police are here, and you still won’t confess?” Gina, standing nearby, chimed in, “That’s right. You know what you did. If you admit your crime now, you might still be forgiven.” Gina clung to Harry’s arm, leaning against him, her gaze toward me full of defiance. In my previous life, I suffered tremendously because of the testimonies from these two people who were closest to me. I coldly retorted, “Where’s your evidence? Be careful, or I’ll sue you for defamation!” This was the first time I didn’t show any courtesy to the two people in front of me, and they were stunned. Gina glared darkly and complained to Harry, “Look at her, she even dares to threaten us…” Harry exploded in anger, “Janice, you dare threaten us! You killed someone, and you’ll definitely go to prison!” I couldn’t be bothered to argue with these people again, so I turned to the police, “Officer, I’ve never spread rumors or slandered Tabitha. Please investigate thoroughly.” The visiting officer asked, “Your husband and this lady testified that you printed the exam papers…” After thinking for a few seconds, I countered, “Don’t you find it suspicious? Their printer was broken, but every office at their school has a printer. Why did Harry specifically ask me to help him print? And coincidentally, on that very day, Gina made an excuse to stay at my house. I have reason to suspect they conspired to frame me.” Seeing the police officer seriously considering this point, Harry and Gina, standing nearby, became anxious. At that moment, Tabitha’s mother, Amanda Moore, pushed through the crowd and rushed toward me, her face contorted with rage as she shouted, “You’re so evil. How could you print my daughter’s photos on the back of exam papers… “You must compensate us! Looking at how grand your place is, give me 500 million dollars, and I’ll drop the matter.” Hearing these outrageous, morally manipulative words, I couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing me laugh, Amanda seemed to have caught something, and accused me with a venomous, mocking tone, “You deserve a horrible death! How dare you laugh at a time like this!” I looked at her with contempt and said, “I’ve seen those photos. They’re blurry and unclear. As a mother, you don’t care about your daughter’s reputation and readily admit those are her photos. You really love her, don’t you? “Or is it that you don’t care about your daughter’s life at all and want to exchange it for money to buy your son a house?” Amanda, as if I had hit the nail on the head, immediately retorted, “You’re talking nonsense!”

I opened my phone and pulled up that photo. “Take a good look. Is this your daughter? “Although this photo is blurry, does your daughter also have a mole at the corner of her eye? Why do I feel like this photo resembles Gina more than Tabitha?” When Gina heard this, she quickly glanced at the photo. In her panic, she immediately tried to snatch my phone, but I swiftly dodged her. She glared at me, her eyes full of resentment. “Janice, don’t go too far! How dare you claim this is my photo. Stop your slander.” “Isn’t killing Tabitha enough? Now you want to ruin my reputation and drive me to suicide too? Is that it?” I gazed at her performance with indifference. “Well, your mom’s just a masseuse, so of course you don’t care about reputation. But we’re different—our parents have respectable jobs…” With that simple taunt, she struck my most hidden secret. I immediately slapped her across the face. “Gina, do you think you have any right to say such things?” Gina and I were neighbors, and we had played together since childhood. That day, when Gina’s house caught fire, my father ran in without hesitation and rescued her. Yet Gina kept crying and screaming for my father to go back in to save her kitten. As a result, my father never came out again… Having lost the pillar of our family, my mother could only earn money by giving massages at home. Even though Gina had caused my father’s death, neither my mother nor I ever blamed her. I never imagined that today, the way my mother made a living would be turned into a knife to hurt me. When Harry saw me slap Gina, he immediately pulled her into his arms, his face full of concern. “Janice, if you dare hit Gina again, we’re getting divorced. A vicious woman like you should leave with nothing. You don’t deserve to be my wife! “As a teacher, I certainly can’t have a murderer for a wife. Why don’t you pay compensation and then die in prison?” Although I had already seen through this man, it was only at this moment that I truly felt disgusted. Just a country boy who’d climbed the social ladder—nothing worth holding onto. Fighting back the pain in my heart, I coldly looked at the onlookers. “I’ll say it again: I had nothing to do with Tabitha’s death, and I didn’t spread any rumors. Either show me concrete evidence, or get out.” Seeing my strength and fearlessness, everyone was intimidated by my demeanor. As the crowd began to hesitate, Gina stepped forward. She took a deep breath and said, “Actually, Janice has badmouthed Tabitha in front of me many times. She even said Tabitha dressed provocatively, was a seductress, and was always running to Harry’s office—implying they had something going on… “She once asked me for Tabitha’s photo, and I gave it to her without thinking. Now I realize she wanted it to photoshop. After Tabitha died, she told me more than once that Tabitha deserved it.” Her words caused an uproar among the crowd. Hearing this, Amanda gained confidence and began to brazenly negotiate a price with me. The police officer standing nearby now looked at me with scrutiny. Seeing everyone’s indignation, Gina continued to fabricate lies. “Although Janice and I grew up together, I can’t betray my conscience. “I never imagined my good friend would be someone with such malicious intentions.” She pretended to wipe tears from the corner of her eye, looking at me with satisfaction. I calmly replied, “Don’t you understand what ‘concrete evidence’ means? You think your words alone can prove I’m guilty? “Don’t be ridiculous.” Seeing that I wasn’t bothered at all, she gritted her teeth and said emphatically, “I’m just telling what I’ve seen and heard. I don’t want everyone to be deceived by you. You killed Tabitha—that’s a fact! You’re a murderer!” I let out a scornful laugh. “Well, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I’m not a murderer.” Then, in front of the police and everyone present, I called toward the inner room. “You can come out now.” A thin figure emerged from the bedroom at the far end. When the police and the crowd saw this person’s face, their eyes widened in shock, trembling and speechless.

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After completing the discharge procedures and returning to the ward, I witnessed my husband, Gary Carter, walking into the nursery. Confused, I was about to push the door open when I saw him switch my daughter’s incubator with the one next to it. At that moment, I heard a woman’s sweet voice. “Gary, I’m so grateful. I promise I’ll take good care of your daughter from now on.” Gary looked at her lovingly and vowed, “From this moment on, Laura is my baby girl. I’m her father. I’ll definitely treat her as my own daughter and give her the very best. As for the baby in your arms, send her to the countryside for your mother to raise.” Outside the room, I trembled with rage. Nicole Phillips was Gary’s childhood friend. To give her a complete family, he was willing to sacrifice my daughter. Since he treated us this way, I decided to fight back. Inside the ward, Gary put his arm around Nicole and said, “Nicole, trust me. When Laura grows up, I’ll make sure she accepts you as her mother!” Looking at the two of them embracing and crying, I clenched my fists in fury. How could Gary be so heartless? Suddenly, a baby’s cry from a nearby ward interrupted my thoughts. I turned and slowly walked toward the room, but didn’t comfort the crying baby, just standing coldly to the side. Hearing the cries, Gary burst through the door. Seeing me standing by indifferently, he shoved me to the floor. “Why didn’t you comfort her when she was crying? As her mother, how could you just stand there watching her cry?” Gary gently picked up the baby, the disgust in his eyes instantly replaced with tenderness. But I clearly remembered that he never liked children before. He had repeatedly urged me to get an abortion. When I refused, Gary had angrily told me, “If you insist on having this baby, then you’ll raise it yourself. I won’t take care of it!” Nicole quickly followed him into the ward. With reddened eyes, she hurried to Gary’s side and took the baby from him, cradling and soothing her. The baby’s cries gradually subsided, and soon she fell peacefully asleep. Gary sneered, “See? Nicole got the baby to sleep right away. You’re useless.” Then he turned to Nicole, his face full of concern. I watched it all silently, laughing bitterly to myself as I swallowed this pain. I struggled to my feet, wanting to leave, but at the doorway I collided with a nurse carrying a baby. The nurse said, “Ms. Phillips, your daughter has a high fever. Please come check on her!” The baby’s face was sickly pale, wrapped only in thin, tattered cloth. I stood frozen, tears streaming down my face. This was my real daughter, Anne Carter!

I whipped my head around to look at Gary, curious about his reaction. However, Gary seemed as if he hadn’t heard a thing, focusing only on Nicole and the baby in her arms. I felt nothing but disappointment. His blatant favoritism toward Nicole was so obvious, yet I hadn’t noticed it at all before. Nicole showed no intention of leaving either. Gary said, “Newborns have weak immune systems. It’s perfectly normal for them to catch minor illnesses.” He impatiently ordered me, “Nicole is busy right now. Go help her by taking the baby.” At this point, I was too worried to care about them anymore. Anxiously, I took Anne into my arms. As soon as I got close to her, I could clearly feel Anne’s abnormal body temperature. Holding back my anger, I said, “Nicole, please look at your daughter. If this continues, her condition will only get worse!” Gary scolded me, “You’re so useless. Don’t order Nicole around. Get out of here before you make things worse!” Before I could respond, he rushed over, snatched Anne from my arms, and roughly tossed her onto the nearby bed. Anne hit the bed hard and burst into tears. Gary reached out and covered Anne’s mouth, deliberately lowering his voice as he reprimanded her, “Shut up! Don’t disturb others who are sleeping!” Anne’s face turned bright red, only able to make muffled sounds. My heart ached, but I felt powerless. Eventually, Nicole found Anne too noisy and had to take her back to her own hospital room. Gary went back to taking care of Laura. Deeply concerned about Anne, I seized the opportunity to sneak to Nicole’s hospital room door. Anne had been carelessly placed aside by Nicole, curled up and shivering. Nurses came in and out, checking Anne’s temperature several times, while Nicole didn’t even glance at her. Nicole sat nearby, casually talking on the phone: “Mom, I’m preparing to leave the hospital. Come tomorrow and take this child away! I don’t want to deal with her anymore. Do whatever you want with her.” I thought with surprise, “Why is she in such a hurry to send Anne away?” I absolutely couldn’t let Anne be sent to the countryside to suffer abuse! For Anne’s future, I had to switch these two babies back as soon as possible! The next morning, I deliberately tore Laura’s baby clothes and smashed her bottle as well. Seeing the mess, Gary lost his temper and yelled at me impatiently. “How can you be so clumsy? Nicole is always so careful!” Just then, Laura woke up and started crying loudly because she was hungry. Gary quickly turned to comfort her. To prevent Laura from going hungry, he had no choice but to go out immediately to buy emergency supplies from a baby store. Before leaving, he warned me harshly, “Take good care of her. If I come back and find any more problems with my daughter, I’ll be very angry!” Then Gary left with Nicole. Watching them walk out of the hospital arm in arm, I didn’t have time to think twice. I avoided the nurses and quickly switched the two babies back. But I kept worrying that Gary and Nicole would discover what I had done. Just as I was thinking this, I looked up and saw an elderly woman pacing back and forth outside Nicole’s hospital room. She muttered to herself, “Nicole asked me to come pick up the baby. Why can’t I find her?”

I immediately recalled what Nicole had said on the phone yesterday. I guessed that the elderly woman before me must be her mother. In a flash of insight, I took the initiative to link arms with the elderly woman. “You’re here to pick up Nicole’s daughter, aren’t you? I’m her friend. She had to step out for an emergency and asked me to hand the child over to you.” As I spoke, I enthusiastically led the elderly woman into the hospital room and without hesitation handed Nicole’s child to her. The elderly woman took Laura, examined her briefly, and thanked me repeatedly with a smile. As she was leaving, I heard her mutter to herself: “This girl is so adorable, she’ll definitely fetch a good price.” After watching her leave, I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew Nicole’s mother wasn’t a good person either. By the time Nicole and Gary returned, I had already taken care of everything. Gary rushed into the hospital room and began frantically searching for the baby. “Where’s Anne? Where has Anne gone?” Seeing me sitting motionless on the hospital bed, he frowned and said harshly: “Why are you sitting there again? Don’t tell me you’ve abandoned Anne somewhere again?” I held Anne in my arms and turned slightly, blocking Gary’s view. “Anne is already asleep. Don’t wake her up.” I gestured for him to lower his voice. Only then did Gary notice Anne sleeping in my arms, and reluctantly closed his mouth. Meanwhile, Nicole received the news that Laura had been picked up by her mother. They both firmly believed that the real Anne had been sent to the countryside, completely unaware that the two babies had been switched. In the days after we left the hospital, Gary showered Anne with care and gave her the very best of everything. He did everything possible to get Anne into the top local private school. On Anne’s tenth birthday, Gary even bought her a luxury apartment. At first, Nicole would sneak into my home to visit Anne when I wasn’t around, using my things and sleeping in my guest room. I pretended not to notice until she became increasingly presumptuous. She frequently came to my house for meals, hypocritically holding my hand and expressing her desire to be Anne’s godmother, while constantly saying things to drive a wedge between us. I ignored Nicole and Gary’s little movements under the table and their provocative glances. But she genuinely cared about Anne, bringing many gifts each visit, wanting to give Anne everything. With their contributions, my burden was considerably lightened. I thought life would continue peacefully this way, until one day a relative visiting for dinner casually remarked: “Anne looks more and more like her parents!” I froze, catching a glimpse of Gary’s face suddenly changing color. From that day on, his attitude toward Anne gradually cooled. I tried to fabricate lies to cover the truth, but as Anne grew older, similar comments became more frequent. The truth eventually came to light. One day, after picking Anne up from school, I had barely stepped through the door when Gary violently pushed me to the ground. He grabbed my collar and roared furiously: “This isn’t my daughter! Give me back my daughter!”

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