Category: English

At the final round of the Olympic trials, I held my breath, preparing to execute the most difficult move. My best friend, who was also my biggest competitor, inadvertently revealed during a sideline interview: “Sophia has been taking banned substances to maintain her weight. I’ve tried to warn her…” The camera flashes went crazy, all pointing at me. The head judge raised his hand in a timeout gesture. The whole world thought my athletic career would end today in the most disgraceful way possible. The meaning of my rebirth was to wait for this exact moment. I ignored the head judge and walked straight to the sideline, pulling out two urine test vials from my bag. “One for her, one for me. Let’s go. Head judge, please take us both for testing right now.” A flash of panic crossed Lily’s eyes, quickly replaced by innocence and hurt. “Sophia, what are you doing?” “Didn’t you say I was using drugs?” I held up the two perfectly sealed official urine test vials. “Then let’s both get tested. Now. Immediately. Right this second.” The media cameras shifted from my face to Lily’s, then to the stern-faced head judge and several officials from the anti-doping center. “Sophia! Stop this nonsense!” Coach Harrison rushed over. He grabbed my arm and hissed in a low, angry voice: “Do you know what you’re doing? This is the Olympic trials! Do you want the entire national team to be humiliated because of you?” I shook off his hand. In my past life, he was the first person to stand up and righteously condemn me after I was caught using banned drugs, saying I was a disgrace to the team and a stain on his coaching career. I looked at him and asked back: “Coach Harrison, if I haven’t used drugs, who should be ashamed?” “If I’ve been framed, who should be kicked off the national team?” Harrison was left speechless by my questions. Lily pitifully tugged at Harrison’s sleeve. “Coach, I didn’t… I was just so worried about Sophia. She’s been off lately, and I was afraid she’d take the wrong path…” She cried like a delicate flower in the rain, as if I were the villain bullying her. The murmurs around us began to change tone. “Look at how Lily’s crying. She’s probably genuinely worried about her friend, right?” “Sophia is being way too aggressive. Even if she hasn’t used drugs, she shouldn’t treat her friend like this.” “Exactly. Lily was just trying to help.” Trying to help? In my past life, she used this kind of “help” to personally push me into hell. I died in that dark, damp basement, covered in wounds, with no one caring. And she stepped over my corpse, took the Olympic gold medal that should have been mine, and became the celebrated gymnastics queen. Reborn in this life, how could I possibly let her have her way again? I stopped paying attention to them and looked directly at the anti-doping officials on the sideline. “According to regulations, athletes have the right to request drug testing at any time, correct?” The official nodded. “Yes.” “Good.” I handed one of the urine test vials toward Lily. “Please, my biggest competitor, my best friend.” “Let’s both go prove our innocence together.” Lily looked pleadingly at Harrison, whose expression was extremely unpleasant. He knew Lily’s family background, and he knew how many connections her father had pulled to get her selected this time. “Sophia, stop this! Apologize to Lily right now!” He was still trying to order me around. “Apologize?” I laughed as if I’d heard the world’s biggest joke. “Coach Harrison, did you also drink one of Lily’s special juice drinks? Has your brain stopped working?” “You!” Harrison trembled with anger. Just then, the head judge spoke up, his voice authoritative and fair. “Since athlete Sophia has made this request, and since it’s an accusation made against another athlete in front of a national live broadcast, for the sake of fairness in the competition and for the reputation of both athletes, I agree to conduct on-site testing right now.” “Someone, take them to the testing room.”

In the testing room, Lily kept her head down, her shoulders trembling slightly, as if she’d suffered a terrible injustice. We were arranged in adjacent cubicles for sample collection. I could hear intermittent sobbing coming from her side. Harrison and several officials were waiting right outside. I quickly completed my sample collection and handed it to the staff. When I came out, Lily was also just coming out. Her eyes were red and swollen, and she looked at me like I was her mortal enemy. “Sophia, are you satisfied?” she said in a voice only the two of us could hear. “You want to destroy me, don’t you?” “You were the one who tried to destroy me first.” “I was just worried about you!” She was still being stubborn. “Really? So you secretly taking those sleeping pills every night was also for my benefit?” Lily looked at me in horror, her lips trembling. She’d done this extremely secretively. Even her parents didn’t know. This was something from my past life—after she’d achieved fame and success, during a drunken slip of the tongue, she’d proudly bragged to others about it. She’d talked about how she used drugs to maintain peak performance while using another drug to gradually destroy me. “How… how do you know?” Her voice shook. “I know a lot more than that.” I stopped paying attention to her and turned to leave. The test results would take some time. We were led to a temporary lounge. As soon as Harrison came in, he pointed at my nose and started yelling. “Sophia! You’ve disappointed me so much! Even if Lily said something wrong, you can’t destroy her like this! You’re teammates!” “When she publicly accused me of using banned drugs, why didn’t you tell her we were teammates?” “She just spoke without thinking!” “Coach Harrison, you’re being way too obviously biased. Is it because her dad paid you off?” “What nonsense are you spouting!” Harrison flew into a rage and raised his hand to hit me. A figure blocked in front of me. It was Dr. Smith, the team doctor. “Coach Harrison, talk nicely. Don’t use violence.” Harrison’s hand froze in mid-air and reluctantly lowered. Dr. Smith pulled me aside and asked quietly: “Sophia, what’s really going on? I believe you’re not that kind of person.” In my past life, only Dr. Smith came to see me after my incident. She didn’t believe I would use drugs, but had no evidence. Looking at her concerned eyes, I felt warmth in my heart. “Dr. Smith, don’t worry. I definitely haven’t.” “Then Lily…” “Whether she has or not, we’ll know the results soon.” Dr. Smith nodded and patted the back of my hand. “Okay, I believe you.” Just then, the lounge door was pushed open. Director Morgan from the national team walked in. As soon as he entered, he cheerfully tried to smooth things over. “Oh, what’s the big deal? Two girls having a little spat.” He walked up to me with a paternalistic expression. “Sophia, I know you’re upset. How about this—I’ll have Lily apologize to you, and we’ll consider this matter closed, okay? Don’t let it affect the rest of the competition or damage our country’s image.” Lily immediately got the hint, walked up to me, and squeezed out a few tears. “Sophia, I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have said those things to the reporters. I was just too worried about you. I apologize.” She was about to bow to me. If I accepted her apology, this would really become just a small misunderstanding between friends. She’d get away scot-free, while I, even if I hadn’t used drugs, would still be saddled with a reputation for making a big deal out of nothing and forcing my teammate. Nice try. I stepped aside to avoid her bow. “I don’t need your apology. I just want the truth.”

Director Morgan’s smile froze. “Sophia, don’t be ungrateful. For the sake of team harmony and national honor, this matter must end here.” “Letting a drug-using athlete represent the country in competition—is that your so-called national honor?” “You!” Director Morgan was left speechless. He hadn’t expected that I, who had always been docile and obedient in front of him, would become so sharp-tongued today. “Sophia!” Harrison started yelling. “How dare you speak to Director Morgan like that! So disrespectful!” I was too lazy to deal with them anymore. Birds of a feather, these people had banded together to crush me in my past life. Director Morgan was an old friend of Lily’s father. Harrison had received substantial benefits from Lily’s family. They were grasshoppers tied to the same string. Today, I was going to burn that string in front of the entire nation’s audience. Time passed minute by minute. Outside the lounge, media reporters waited anxiously with various speculations. Inside the lounge, Lily sat restlessly, her face growing worse and worse. Harrison and Director Morgan were quietly discussing something in the corner. I knew what they were thinking. They were wondering, if Lily really tested positive, how to suppress the matter, how to throw all the dirt onto me. Too bad I wouldn’t give them that chance again. After about an hour, the testing room door finally opened. The head judge and officials from the anti-doping center walked in, holding two freshly printed reports. Everyone’s eyes focused on those two thin sheets of paper. The head judge’s expression was serious. He first looked at me, then at Lily. “The preliminary test results for the A samples are out.” “Athlete Sophia, test result: negative.” As his words fell, I saw Harrison and Director Morgan visibly relax. They thought that as long as I was clear, Lily would probably be fine too, and this matter could be minimized. A stiff smile appeared on Lily’s face: “That’s great, Sophia. I knew you were innocent…” Before she could finish, the head judge’s next sentence cut her off. “Athlete Lily tested positive for two banned substances. First, furosemide, a diuretic, S5 class prohibited drug. Second, propranolol, a beta-blocker, P1 class prohibited drug.” The entire lounge fell silent. In an instant, all color drained from Lily’s face. “No… impossible…” She murmured, her body swaying, almost unable to stand. Harrison and Director Morgan’s expressions looked worse than if they’d eaten excrement. Dr. Smith covered her mouth, her eyes showing shock but also understanding. “No! This isn’t true! You must have made a mistake!” Lily suddenly screamed, looking deranged. “It’s her! It’s Sophia framing me! She switched my sample!” Like a mad dog, she lunged at me. Dr. Smith quickly blocked her. “Lily! Calm down!” “How can I calm down!” Lily struggled, her face twisted. “I didn’t use drugs! I never did! It’s her! She’s jealous of me! She wants to destroy me!” Everyone watched this spectacle. Director Morgan and Harrison finally snapped out of it and rushed forward to hold her down. “Lily, don’t get excited. There must be a misunderstanding!” Director Morgan tried to calm her while giving the head judge meaningful looks. “Head judge, could there be a problem with the equipment? Or maybe the samples got mixed up?” The head judge looked at him. “Our procedures and equipment are world-class. There’s absolutely no possibility of error. From extraction to testing, the samples were under surveillance the entire time. There’s no possibility of switching.” His words blocked all escape routes. Lily completely despaired. She collapsed on the floor, wailing. “I didn’t… I really didn’t…” Her performance was enough to make anyone who didn’t know the truth feel sympathy, but unfortunately, everyone present was shrewd. Who was right and who was wrong—the results made it crystal clear. Harrison’s expression kept changing. He looked at Lily, then at me, his eyes extremely complex. He was probably regretting why he’d chosen to believe Lily instead of me. I walked up to Lily and looked down at her. “Now, do you have anything else to say?”

Lily raised her head to look at me, her eyes full of venomous hatred. “Sophia, you’ll die a horrible death!” “That’s what I should be saying to you.” I took out my phone and pressed play. A clear conversation came from the phone. “…Mom, don’t worry. The stuff I’m giving Sophia is the latest type. It metabolizes really fast—can’t be detected. Once she’s finished, the Olympic spot will be mine.” “…For double insurance, I also took a tiny bit of diuretic myself. If anything unexpected happens, I’ll just say she secretly put it in my water. Anyway, she’ll already be disgraced—no one will believe her.” “…That idiot really thinks I’m her best friend. She’ll eat whatever I feed her.” The recording was short, but the information was explosive. Everyone looked at Lily like she was a monster. She looked at the phone in my hand in disbelief, as if seeing a ghost. “You… when did you…” “Last night, when you were calling your mom.” I put away my phone, my tone flat. “I guessed you’d make your move today, so I planted something in your room in advance.” In my past life, this was exactly how she’d set me up step by step. First, she’d given me a drug long-term that made people mentally exhausted and weakened muscle strength, causing my performance to plummet. Then before the crucial competition, she’d added banned drugs to my water. A two-pronged approach that left me unable to defend myself. Reborn in this life, how could I possibly stumble in the same place twice? I’d turned the tables on her. Yesterday, I hadn’t drunk that special juice she’d handed me at all. Instead, when she wasn’t paying attention, I’d poured it into her water cup. And that tiny bit of diuretic she’d taken herself to frame me became the final straw that broke her. “No… this isn’t real… it’s synthesized! The recording is synthesized!” Lily was still making a last-ditch struggle. I looked at the anti-doping center officials. “I’ll submit this recording as evidence to the police and the sports bureau. False accusation and framing, administering dangerous substances—I believe this is no longer just a matter of violating competition ethics. This is a crime.” Lily completely despaired. Director Morgan and Harrison’s faces also became extremely ugly. Although the recording didn’t mention them, once Lily was criminally investigated, she might reveal all the benefits they’d given her to reduce her sentence. Pull up the radish and the mud comes with it—none of them could escape. The head judge took a deep breath. He looked at Lily with nothing but disgust. “Effective immediately, all of athlete Lily’s results in this competition are annulled. A comprehensive investigation into athlete Lily, her coach, and related personnel is being launched.” “Until the final investigation results are out, Coach Harrison’s coaching duties are suspended.” “Now, will all irrelevant personnel please leave. We need to take athlete Lily for B sample retesting and follow-up questioning.” Several uniformed staff members walked in and supported the limp Lily on both sides. As Lily was dragged away, she was still screaming hysterically. “Sophia! I won’t let you go even as a ghost!!”

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I’m a graduate student at a top university, and my advisor, Professor Christie, recently took on a new student named Chloe. He asked me to help her get familiar with the lab project. When I tried to add her on Instagram and get her email to send her project materials, she rejected both requests: “I just want to focus on my studies. I’m not interested in dating, so stop harassing me.” I was about to clear up the misunderstanding when my classmate Marcus sent me a link to the campus forum. It was a post from her: [On my first day, a male student sexually harassed me. I came here to study, not to be hit on.] Attached was a screenshot of my friend request and her rejection. In the comments, she was crying about it: “This guy only met me once and now he won’t leave me alone!” When I saw the post, I was stunned. I’m the only son of Dallas’s wealthiest family, with countless heiresses competing to marry me. Why would I need to chase after her? “This is so unfair. She’s the advisor’s new student. I just wanted to send her materials, and she flat-out rejected me.” I showed Marcus my chat history with the advisor, feeling helpless. “I even noted in my friend request that I was sending her materials, but she still insists I’m trying to date her.” When Marcus learned the truth, his face darkened. “What narcissism! Who does she think she is, some kind of celebrity?” As soon as he finished speaking, we saw the girl walking straight toward us. She looked extremely ordinary. “Are you done yet? I already told you I don’t want to date you. You actually followed me here. Can’t you just leave me alone?” Both Marcus and I were stunned when she opened her mouth. Looking around, we realized everyone was staring at me. I asked in disbelief, “Are you talking to me?” “Stop pretending. I have the records. It was you who added me. I checked.” “What? You do it but won’t admit it? I know I’m beautiful, but that’s no reason for you to harass me.” She looked completely confident and even ran her fingers through her dry, split-ended hair. Marcus leaned close to my ear and whispered, “That’s Chloe? I can’t believe she looks like that. How does she have the nerve? You’re…” I knew what Marcus wanted to say. After all, I’m the only son of Dallas’s richest man, with beautiful women lining up to marry me. I certainly didn’t need this woman I could lose in a crowd. Chloe looked me up and down. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Feeling guilty? Just because you’re slightly good-looking doesn’t mean I have to be with you. My family told me to focus on my studies. I’m not here to date.” I was exasperated. “Chloe, I think there’s something wrong with your brain. I was just following the advisor’s instructions to send you materials. I didn’t expect you to read so much into it.” “Someone like you? I’m really not interested.” I showed her my chat history with the advisor. She hesitated for a moment, then put on a disdainful expression. “To get me to date you, you’d even fake chat records with the advisor? With that kind of persistence, you could succeed at anything.” I immediately shot back: “At least take a look at yourself. If I look at you for even one second, I’d need to rinse my mouth with lemon water.” Chloe trembled with rage. “How can you slander a girl like this? Are you even a man?” “What about you? You’re spreading rumors that I like you. When I ignore you, you call me a pretty boy who’s being kept by someone. So you can say whatever you want, but I can’t talk back? Aren’t you a bit too sensitive?” Chloe was so angry she kept stomping her feet, gritting her teeth as if she wanted to swallow me whole. Being kept? Only an idiot like her would say something like that. My family has billions in assets. What would she use to keep me?

Ignorant, arrogant, and ordinary—my advisor really needs glasses this time. How did he accept someone like this? “Sorry, Chloe, I’m really not interested in you. If it weren’t for the advisor’s assignment, I wouldn’t even bother with you.” I packed up my food and prepared to leave. I had only taken two steps when I heard an unpleasant voice behind me. “Playing hard to get? I’m telling you, no matter what you do, I’ll never accept you!” Just as I got back to my dorm, a fat man blocked my way. He had a cigarette in his mouth and was looking at me sideways. “So you’re the one chasing the girl I’ve got my eye on? I’m telling you, she’s mine. A punk like you? I could take down ten of you with one punch.” “I’d advise you to wise up and stop harassing the person I like, or don’t blame me for not being polite.” I looked at him in shock. “Are you talking about Chloe?” He responded disdainfully, “Who else? Your harassment of her has caused a stir across the whole campus!” I actually laughed. “You two really are a perfect match. If you like her so much, keep an eye on her and stop letting her throw herself at random guys.” I shook my head and was about to leave when he grabbed me. “Oh, so now that you can’t get her, you’re trying to smear her? I’ve seen plenty of men like you. Do you know who I am? I’m interning at the Alexis Group, and my uncle is a supervisor there.” His fierce look didn’t intimidate me at all. “What’s your name?” I asked. “Brown.” Brown was extremely arrogant. I made a mental note. Back in my dorm bed, I found that Chloe had posted more rumors about me online. [The harassment maniac actually verbally abused someone who tried to help me just to get me. I’m so scared. With someone like this at school, what should I do? I just want to study quietly.] The comments below were all from people who didn’t know the truth and had been misled. “How did our school end up with such a scumbag? Does he even know school is a sacred place?” “This guy only thinks about sex all day. Can’t he live without women? If he loves women so much, why even come to school?” I’ve never been the magnanimous type. Since you can’t understand words, I’ll teach you a lesson.

I contacted my family’s butler and had him investigate Brown. Sure enough, the Alexis Group was just one of my family’s mid-sized businesses. Since he was so arrogant, he could forget about his internship. As for his uncle, they could both get out together. Just then, my advisor suddenly messaged me. “Did you contact Chloe?” I helplessly told my advisor about the situation. This task was quite difficult to complete. My advisor sent a question mark emoji. “That can’t be right. I heard she was very quiet and had a good temper. Let me check the school website right now.” At this moment, I vaguely felt something was off. Soon, the advisor finished verifying. The advisor replied, “I just rechecked. The school mixed up the students. My student isn’t Chloe. I’ll send you the correct student information later.” I finally breathed a sigh of relief. I knew it. How could my advisor have such poor judgment? But I still felt something was wrong. I heard that Chloe’s and the other girl’s scores differed by a hundred points. How could they mix that up? Just then, I saw that Chloe had actually applied to add me as a friend, with a message: “I’ll give you one chance. You better really be sending materials, or you’ll regret it.” This time, I directly rejected the request. I thought it was over, but she kept pestering me. There was a facial recognition scanner at the lab entrance. Only people with proper authorization could enter, and the specific application process was all in the materials the advisor asked me to forward. Chloe never got those materials, so there was no way she could get in. When she kept trying and failing to enter, she was almost in tears. And my appearance gave her a target for her frustration. “Are you done yet? I made it here and you’re still following me. Did you tamper with the system so I can’t get in? Using this method to get a girl’s attention—who do you think you are?” “I’m telling you, this is not how you chase a girl. The more you do this, the less I’ll like you, and I’ll never accept you.” “Can you stop messing with me?” She shouted at me, her eyes red. To onlookers, I really did look like I was bullying her. My gaze was cold, without a trace of warmth. “If you have mental problems, go to a hospital, instead of slandering me over and over here. If you can’t get in, it means you’re not the advisor’s student. Also, I suggest you look in a mirror. With your appearance, I really wouldn’t like you.” Chloe’s face twisted with anger: “Even if I can’t get in, there’s no way you can either. I’ve seen your little tricks plenty of times!” The next moment, in front of everyone, I successfully passed the facial recognition, while Chloe standing to the side turned even redder with rage.

“You’ve gone too far! Just to get me, you actually tampered with the facial recognition system so I can’t get in. There’s no way you could get in either. A creep like you couldn’t possibly get in!” “Everyone look! This creep is chasing me, and when I wouldn’t give in, he used this method to try to force me to submit. I’ll never give in. If you dare, let’s make this big and have the advisor give me justice!” After all, there are many people at school, and not everyone knows my situation. Some people started whispering, though not quietly—I could hear them clearly. “This guy is too much. To make things so hard for a girl. Although she’s not particularly pretty, if she’s Professor Christie’s student, she must have something special. Maybe he’s trying to curry favor with Professor Christie through her.” “Right, right. This has happened before. Professor Christie isn’t someone just anyone can suck up to. I heard people who did this kind of thing before got expelled directly.” “Why can’t he just work hard instead of doing this kind of thing? Does he have to be the kind of man who advances by using women?” These people—do they have no brains? They believe whatever comes out of Chloe’s mouth. Don’t they have any judgment of their own? I didn’t bother with them and turned to go in to work on my project. Before long, there was a commotion outside. Experiments require absolute quiet, and I couldn’t make any progress like this. Annoyed by the noise, I walked out frowning and saw Brown kicking the metal trash can at the entrance. When he saw me, he raised his eyebrows with a sarcastic tone. “You’re finally willing to come out. I was wondering how long you could hide. Turns out you can’t take much.” “I warned you last time. I told you so many times not to bully the person I like. Don’t you understand human language?” I saw Chloe pitifully hiding behind Brown, quietly sobbing. “I’m so glad you’re here. When my advisor comes, I’ll definitely put in a good word for you. Without you, I’d definitely be bullied to death by this creep.” When Brown heard the words “good word,” I saw his eyes light up. Too bad he was backing the wrong person. I quietly watched the two of them perform in front of me. When they had said enough, I slowly spoke. “Are you pig-brained? Are you sure she’s your advisor’s student? Have you verified it? What if she’s not?” Brown was shaken by my words. Seeing this, Chloe quickly interrupted me, afraid Brown wouldn’t help her anymore. “Brown, if I weren’t Professor Christie’s student, how would I dare to be so confident? I’ve already sent someone to get the advisor. He’ll come soon to back me up.” Just then, someone said my advisor had arrived. The crowd packed in tight made way. When Chloe saw my advisor, her eyes lit up. She quickly ran over and began crying about her ordeal. “Professor Christie, I’m your new graduate student. This guy sexually harassed me and won’t let me in!” “It wasn’t easy for me as a girl to get into such a prestigious university!” She got more and more worked up as she spoke, standing up very straight. The advisor couldn’t help pushing up his reading glasses and asking in confusion: “Are you sure? You say he harassed you. Do you know who he is?” Chloe insisted I was just a lowly creep. The advisor sighed. “Forget that you’re not my student—even if you were, James wouldn’t be interested in you. He’s the only son of Dallas’s richest family. What are you?”

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I once willingly became his mistress to save my mother, even carrying his child that he had so desperately wanted. I thought it was love, until I was forced to kneel before his wedding and lost my child. He passed me off to others in public, crushing whatever dignity I had left. I left with a broken heart, but he came chasing after me like a madman, saying he only loved me. But by then, I was already in a wedding dress, holding another man’s hand. I watched him break down, and I merely smiled faintly. “You? You dare talk about love?” Aria’s POV In my third year with Julian Ashford, I ran into him and his newly married wife at the hospital. In the obstetrics corridor, Julian wore a haute couture suit that clashed with his surroundings, his arms protectively wrapped around a woman. I heard him say to her. “I can bring any doctor you want to the house. Why must you come to the hospital?” The woman replied coolly. “Isn’t there a top-tier private doctor stashed away in your house? I wouldn’t dare ask you to bring her home.” I knew the private doctor she was talking about was me. Three years ago, I went to Julian’s mother, Helena, and asked to be with Julian without any title or status. To the public, my identity was his private physician. But in truth, I was his mistress. I watched Julian’s lips press into a tight line. “Ours is just a business marriage. Don’t interfere in my business with Aria. We’re already married. I’ll handle her appropriately. She won’t be a problem for you.” The woman’s lips curved upward. “You have one month before the wedding ceremony. You’d better clean up all your loose ends. Otherwise, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” The doctor called the woman’s name, and they walked into the examination room. I stood frozen in place, my entire body feeling as if it had been plunged into ice water. Julian had once sworn to me that he would make Helena accept me into the family, that being his mistress was only a temporary measure. But now, without me knowing, he had not only married someone else but also had a child with her. Helena was right. Julian would love many people. I would never be the special one. Five years ago, Julian was stabbed and collapsed on the roadside. I was still a university student then, and I gave him basic first aid before sending him to the hospital. When he woke up, he began pursuing me with great effort. A wealthy man falling for an innocent medical student became the latest gossip in high society circles. I couldn’t withstand such an offensive and quickly fell for him, accepting his confession. But Helena didn’t accept our relationship. And Julian wasn’t the devoted, infatuated prince I thought he was. Long hairs in his pockets, lipstick marks on his shirts, long periods of being unreachable. Combined with increasingly vicious rumors at school, I eventually chose to break up with him. But no one expected that after the breakup, Julian would become frantic about getting back together with me. He swore he would never be ambiguous with any other woman again, even tattooing my name on his body. Though I was moved and couldn’t let go of our relationship, I knew clearly the gap between us. The biggest obstacle was Helena’s opposition. Until my mother was diagnosed with acute leukemia. With no other options, I went to Helena and offered to become Julian’s mistress, nothing more. This way, I could stabilize him while keeping everything under Helena’s control. Helena agreed to this transaction, giving me a one-time payment of thirty million dollars and promising to send me to a top research institute to continue my studies when I left. Helena’s words still echoed in my ears: “Julian won’t have only you. He’ll love many people. You won’t be the special one. But you’re doing me a favor. Rather than letting him get involved with questionable women, having only you is more reassuring.” “If you can get pregnant with Julian’s child, letting you into the family isn’t impossible.” During these three years with Julian, he gave me promises and favoritism. We were no different from an ordinary married couple. Hope had secretly grown in my heart. Now it seemed I had been overthinking. I raised my phone, took a photo of them walking out of the examination room, and sent it to Helena. “Julian Ashford is already married to another woman and has a child with her. There’s no reason for me to stay. Please fulfill your promise and send me to Dr. Shaw’s research institute.” My mother’s illness had been under control for a year now. My savings could completely support both of us. I had only stayed because I couldn’t let go of my feelings for Julian. The phone screen lit up with Helena’s reply. “Even if you hadn’t discovered this, I would have told you eventually. The family business needs the South family’s support. This is an obligation Julian must fulfill.” “Julian still has feelings for you. You have three days. Find a way to make Julian completely let you go, and you’ll get everything you want.” Just as I finished reading the message, someone tapped my shoulder. “Aria? It really is you. What are you doing at the hospital?” Only then did I remember I had come to pick up my ultrasound report. I was pregnant with Julian’s child. Two months along.

Aria’s POV Hearing my name, Julian’s gaze turned toward me. The instant our eyes met, he quickly withdrew his hand from around Vanessa South’s waist, his brow furrowing. “Aria, she and I aren’t-” Vanessa smiled and stepped forward, cutting off his words. “I’m Julian Ashford’s wife. If I’m not mistaken, you must be the private doctor Julian’s been hiding at home, keeping from me, right?” I didn’t want to engage with her. I knew my position was disgraceful, and I didn’t want to humiliate myself. I turned to leave. But Vanessa grabbed my hand first. “Don’t rush off. I’m quite curious about you. Dr. Aria, coming to obstetrics-you’re not pregnant too, are you? Who’s the baby’s father? I hope you’re not one of those classless girls who becomes someone’s mistress.” She could say anything about me, but she couldn’t insult my mother! My mother raised me alone from childhood. She was my bottom line. I turned back. “I don’t know how old this lady is, but why do you gossip about other people’s business like a nosy neighbor? I’m a doctor. Coming to the hospital is normal work. If you have time, you should manage your own husband better instead-stop letting him drop your hand the moment he sees someone else.” Vanessa’s face darkened, her expression so fierce it looked like a storm was brewing. “You’re just a mistress. How dare you speak to me like this?” I smiled coldly. “Get your timeline straight. Julian Ashford’s obsessive love for me was common knowledge five years ago.” I wouldn’t swallow my anger when someone bullied me. Vanessa glared coldly at Julian. “Julian Ashford, I’m the South family’s pampered daughter. In the business world, my word is law. No one dares speak to me like this. Your mistress has quite the nerve. If she hadn’t made a scene in front of me, I could have turned a blind eye. Today, you must give me an explanation.” Julian stepped forward, his eyes as deep and affectionate as always, but his tone brooked no argument. “Aria, Vanessa’s status is different from yours. Apologize to her.” “I should apologize to her?” I laughed coldly. “First, she provoked me. Second, the person who should apologize most in this whole situation is you, isn’t it? Julian, have you forgotten all the promises you made me these three years?” “Whatever I promised you, Vanessa is now my legally registered wife. You should respect her.” His gaze turned cold and severe, scanning me up and down. “You need to know your place. Apologize to Vanessa.” Know my place? What place is that? His lover? His mistress? Or someone completely insignificant? I bit my lips tightly. “What if I refuse?” Julian raised his hand in a signal, and two bodyguards immediately stood behind him. He pinched my chin, his fingers caressing my face. “Aria, weren’t you always so obedient before? Be good, and I’ll compensate you.” I used to be obedient because I still dreamed of becoming his wife. Now he wants me to be obedient? Vanessa had insulted my mother, crossing my bottom line. I would never bow my head to her. “Then don’t blame me.” Julian’s expression turned cold as he waved at the bodyguards. “Go easy. Don’t hurt her.” The next second, two bodyguards twisted my arms behind my back, kicked hard at my knees, forcing me to kneel on the ground, and pressed my head toward the floor. Sharp pain shot through my knees. I couldn’t help but groan. I saw Vanessa leaning against Julian. “Looks like you still know what’s important. I’m satisfied. The family won’t hear about this. Let’s leave it at that. I hope next time Miss Aria sees me, she’ll remember her place.” After they left, the bodyguards finally released me. I moved my neck, dusted off my knees, and limped toward the examination room to get my ultrasound report. My phone vibrated. It was a message from Julian. “Aria, the family needs the South family’s support right now. I’m sorry you were wronged. I’ll compensate you.” I swiped left and deleted it. I had already decided to leave. From now on, Julian’s affairs had nothing to do with me.

Aria’s POV Outside the examination room, my emotions were too agitated. I slipped and tumbled down the stairs. The baby was gone too. For this child, I’d endured countless injections and treatments, willing to hurt myself just to hold on. But now it seemed some things simply couldn’t be forced. Two hours later, I was supporting myself against the wall, slowly walking through the hospital corridor. The stabbing pain in my lower abdomen kept reminding me of what I’d just been through. When I got home, under the influence of medication, I slept straight through until the next afternoon. Looking at the time, anxiety rose in my heart. Helena had given me little time. I took two painkillers, caught a cab to Nightfall, the club Julian frequented. Watching the men and women dancing wildly on stage, I removed my coat, revealing the sexy outfit I’d deliberately chosen underneath, and walked onto the stage with cash I’d prepared in advance. I snatched the DJ’s microphone and threw the money into the air. “Whoever makes me happy tonight gets all this money.” The venue exploded. Men of all types surrounded me, using every trick they had. I wasn’t sure if Julian was here today, but it didn’t matter. Someone would tell him. Because our relationship was common knowledge in this city. Sure enough, twenty minutes later, Julian appeared, fury blazing in his eyes, and yanked me out. “Aria, are you really this cheap? You can’t live without a man?” I smiled. “Of course. You’re already married-are you really going to control who I find?” My fingers traced circles on his chest restlessly. “Though if Mr. Ashford still wants to sleep with me, I won’t refuse. After all, who would refuse the richest man in the city?” Julian’s eyes turned bloodshot, his grip suddenly tightening. I felt like my hand would be crushed. “Aria, you’ll sleep with anyone who has money? Do you have any shame at all? Being my mistress isn’t enough for you? With your status, being able to be with me is incredible luck. How dare you look for other men behind my back?” His words were like a sharp blade stabbing my heart. He finally stopped pretending and said what was really in his heart. He had always looked down on me. He could give me money, coax me, but he would never respect me. Then Vanessa emerged from behind him, removing his hand from mine. “The butler said you were here, so I came to check.” Vanessa looked at me with arrogant eyes. “People of low birth are like this. Even if they glimpse a higher level of life, they can’t change their inherent inferiority.” Julian was silent for a few seconds, then spoke. “I was wrong about her.” Watching the two of them sing in harmony, I could only find it laughable. Julian had power and wealth, so being with me while marrying someone else was “unavoidable”? Vanessa getting pregnant before marriage and inserting herself into our relationship somehow became “noble”? Julian looked at me holding my head high, refusing to admit fault, seemingly remembering something. Finally, his tone softened. “Aria, I know you’re unhappy that I married someone else, but don’t stimulate me this way, okay? I know you’re not this kind of person. I admit I broke my promise. I can’t marry you. I have responsibilities I can’t escape.” Looking at the hypocritical expression on the man before me, I laughed. “How do you know I can’t live without you? Don’t be so confident. You’re pretty average in bed.” Julian’s face darkened. He took Vanessa’s hand and turned to leave. But then Vanessa suddenly collapsed on the ground in pain. “Julian, the baby…” Julian panicked, holding Vanessa with bloodshot eyes as he looked at me. “You’re a doctor-check on her quickly!” He added another line. “Don’t try anything. If something happens to her, I guarantee every hospital in the city will refuse to treat your mother!” I was angry too. “If you want her well, shut up.” I was a doctor. I would absolutely never do anything harmful to a patient. I quickly assessed the situation. After a simple massage, Vanessa’s breathing became steady. Julian immediately picked her up and rushed toward the hospital. This scene was exactly like two years ago when I had an acute appendicitis attack and Julian sent me to the hospital with bloodshot eyes. “Aria, nothing will happen to you. I won’t allow it.” But now, another woman was in his arms. I left the bar and took a cab to the Ashford residence. I still had some things there. In the car, I received a message from Helena. “You did well, but it’s not enough. You have one more day.” Helena always had people around Julian, monitoring his every move. I put away my phone and got out of the car. As soon as I entered, I could feel the servants looking at me strangely. I walked straight toward my room. Passing Julian’s room, I saw Vanessa half-lying on the bed with Julian pressed against her stomach-the picture of a happy family. “Vanessa, it’s so amazing. I’m going to be a father.” Vanessa stroked his hair, showing a blissful smile. “With a father who loves him so much, the baby will definitely be very happy.” I didn’t disturb them, just silently walked to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and calmed my emotions. Soon this would all be over. My mother’s illness was under control, and I could continue my studies. But the next second. Julian suddenly appeared outside the door, looking at me with confusion. “What are you doing here?” I didn’t answer, but asked instead. “Is Miss South asleep?”

Aria’s POV Julian nodded, then spoke with slight apology. “I’m sorry, I went too far earlier. The doctor told me that without your treatment, Vanessa might have lost the baby.” I shook my head. “Your affairs have nothing to do with me. I just came to pack my things.” “You’re not angry?” He asked. You have to understand-before, I had resolutely broken up with him over his ambiguous behavior with other women. “It’s fine. I respect your choice.” I looked up at him and suddenly asked. “Julian, when did you get together with her? When you were with her, did you feel guilty toward me at all?” Julian suddenly stepped forward and pulled me into his embrace. “Aria, I only love you. My feelings for Vanessa, for that child-they’re just out of responsibility. This is something I must bear being born into this family. You can understand, right?” “But I promise you, besides Vanessa, you’ll be my only woman. I won’t be like those men who have affairs everywhere. Aria, you can accept this, can’t you?” His tone was too matter-of-fact, as if he were stating some universal truth. But he was wrong. I was still the same Aria who wanted one person for one lifetime. I took a deep breath and stepped out of his embrace. The instant I left his arms, I seemed to see Vanessa’s figure by the door, but she disappeared the next second. “I need some time.” Whoever wants to accept this can accept it. I’ll be completely gone the day after tomorrow. “Then will you stay tonight?” He asked. I thought for a moment and agreed. Helena said I hadn’t done enough. I could use this opportunity to talk clearly with Vanessa and get her to control Julian. At 2 AM, I was woken by knocking on my door. Getting out of bed to answer it, I found Vanessa. Before I could actively seek her out, she came to me first. Perfect-it saved me the trouble. “Miss South, if you’re here to talk about Julian, you can rest assured. I’ll be leaving here the day after tomorrow, completely leaving him. In this matter, you and I are both victims. Everything stems from Julian Ashford’s irresponsibility.” I had no issue with Vanessa. From a certain perspective, we were both victims. But Vanessa laughed disdainfully. “What are you to be mentioned in the same breath as me?” Seeing my goodwill trampled, I changed my tone. “Miss South got pregnant before marriage. Quite the scandal. Is this how wealthy families raise their daughters? Well, I’ve learned something new.” “You!” Vanessa flew into a rage and slapped me. I wasn’t one to be bullied-I slapped her right back. “Miss South, instead of arguing with me here, you’d be better off controlling Julian Ashford. Otherwise, without me, there will be others.” With that, I shut the door and returned to bed. I tossed and turned in bed. I don’t know how long it took before I finally fell into a deep sleep. The next morning, before I was fully awake, I was startled by the sound of Julian kicking down the door. The next second, he kicked the door open, strode in, and grabbed my throat. He used such force that I could barely breathe. “What did you say to Vanessa? She already told me she’s willing to accept you, so why would you do this?” Julian’s eyes were bloodshot, the force on his hand gradually increasing. I used all my strength to push against his hand and finally broke free. “I didn’t do anything.” He cut me off. “I thought you really were willing to coexist with her. Turns out you were lying to me all along! You really think I’d still be with you after you’ve done these things? Still won’t admit it? Look at this!” He threw a card at me. On it was Vanessa’s “suicide note.” “Julia, I originally thought my sincerity and this child in my belly could make you love me. But Miss Aria is right. You love her. You caused such a scene over her for the whole city to see. Even if I have the title of Mrs. Ashford, I’ll never have your heart. If that’s the case, our fate has ended. Let’s meet again in the next life. Vanessa.” I never said any of this to her. “I didn’t-” “Still making excuses! If anything happens to Vanessa or the baby today, I’ll make you pay with your life!” Julian wouldn’t listen to my defense. He roughly dragged me down the stairs. My knees were scraped raw and bloody. “My people sent word that Vanessa is on the TV station rooftop right now. You’re going to kneel and apologize to her! If she doesn’t forgive you, you’ll kneel on that rooftop until you die!” He tied my hands and shoved me into the trunk, racing all the way to the TV station rooftop. The bodyguards carried me up with him to the rooftop. There were also TV station staff on the rooftop doing a live broadcast. I was thrown to the ground. Cameras and flashing lights immediately focused on me. I knew no one would come to save me.

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On my wedding day, Ethan Cross bombed the hotel to stop the ceremony. He dug me out of the rubble with his bare hands. Looking at me with my lost memories, he hid the wild joy in his eyes and said in a trembling voice that he was my lover. But Ethan’s devotion to me only lasted five years. That day, he smoothly removed his wedding ring and gently cradled his assistant’s pregnant belly. “Have my child. I’ll give you whatever you want. Just don’t let Aria find out.” But he didn’t know the assistant secretly recorded this and flaunted it to me. “You old hag! Ethan loves me. It’s time for you to step aside!” What he knew even less was that I had recovered my memory. Before him, my true love was named Nathan Kane. That man was gorgeous, but also a crazy mafia boss who never forgot a grudge. And I was just like him. Ethan Cross was finished. Ethan hid his mistress extremely well. Too bad the girl’s courage and ambition were both enormous. This girl named Summer Collins came straight to my door, belly protruding, to provoke me. “Aria, I’m carrying twins. The doctor said they’re boys.” “Their father feels bad that pregnancy is so hard on me. He’s been giving me massages every night lately, and only goes home to his wife after I fall asleep. He can’t wait to meet the babies!” I lifted my eyes with a smile, coldness flashing through them. “Has the father of your children never told you what kind of person I am?” If Ethan was so eager to see the children, shouldn’t I help him out? Half an hour later, an express delivery package was sent to Ethan’s company. While I enjoyed afternoon tea, I watched the company surveillance footage. When Ethan received my package, his cold, stern features instantly melted into gentle spring water. But the moment he opened it, his expression changed dramatically. Inside was a medical certificate for a miscarriage. Along with his and Summer’s children. An hour later, Ethan came home. Summer was lying on a temporary hospital bed. The moment she saw him, she burst into heartbroken sobs. “Ethan, she killed our children! Those were the babies you’ve been dreaming about!” “I want her dead!” Pain flashed through Ethan’s eyes. He grabbed my wrist, his cold, hard voice clearly suppressing tremendous rage. “Aria, she’s just a young girl fresh out of college! Did you really need to be this ruthless?” In five years of marriage, this was the first time he’d been harsh with me. And it was for another woman. I threw my phone in front of him. The chat history was full of intimate videos between Ethan and Summer. Along with messages insulting me and demanding I step aside. “Your mistress sent these to provoke me. As your wife, I was very hurt watching them. Isn’t it okay for me to retaliate?” Ethan froze. He glanced coldly at Summer. Then his eyes softened as he half-knelt before me, holding my hands. “Aria, you misunderstood.” “I just didn’t want you to suffer through childbirth. I planned to bring the baby home for you to raise after she gave birth.” “I swear on my life, the only person I’ll ever love is you, Aria.” I believed what he said was true. Back when we were considering having children, he directly signed up for a childbirth simulation experience. That was the first time I’d seen Ethan cry. He held me tight with heartache. “Aria, how can childbirth be this painful? Let’s not have children, okay? I can’t bear to see you suffer.” But because he couldn’t bear to see me suffer… He had another woman carry twins for me instead? I turned my head with a mocking look, just in time to see Summer’s eyes widen in disbelief, turning bloodshot. I laughed softly. “Ethan Cross, you’re the truly ruthless one, stabbing both of us with a single sentence.” “So now, what do you plan to do?” “In the past, when someone made me angry, you’d ruin them without a second thought and drive them out of the city.”

Ethan’s eyes swept over Summer with cold indifference. But his trembling hands betrayed him. After a long moment, he said: “Aria, I apologize on her behalf.” “What will it take for you to calm down and let me take her away?” A violent energy suddenly surged in my chest. No matter how prettily he spoke or how cold his eyes looked, he was still protecting her! Expressionless, I swept the porcelain in the house to the floor, shattering it everywhere. Without hesitation, Ethan took off his shoes. Barefoot, he stepped on the broken shards. He picked up Summer and walked away step by step. The bright red blood mixed with porcelain white, making my eyes tremble. Though Ethan was crazy, he was an extreme egoist. Since I’d known him, he’d only been hurt for me, only suffered losses because of me. My expression grew colder inch by inch. Ethan still didn’t know I had recovered my memory. What he knew even less was that I might have actually developed some feelings for him. For a few moments, I’d even wondered if I should continue pretending to have amnesia and stay with him forever. But now… A ruined man and a woman who stole my man. I would make them both pay dearly! After that day, Ethan sent me gifts in different ways every day. But he ran to Summer’s place daily. Tonight’s excuse was that he had a last-minute business dinner and would be home a few hours late. The moment Ethan finished lying, Summer’s message arrived. “Ha ha, are you regretting it now, old hag?” “So what if you killed my child? He just feels more sorry for me now. He makes me healthy meals every day.” In the video, a tall man wearing an apron was busy in the kitchen. Ethan never used to cook. For me, he learned from chefs everywhere. Now the dishes he made for Summer were all my favorites. Staring at the food in the video, I could even recall the familiar aromas. My mouth filled with nausea. Damn Ethan! He ruined all my favorite dishes! Summer’s laugh was full of malice and showing off. “He also said he’ll give me another child tonight, while you…” “Old hag, you’re finished.” The moment the voice message finished playing, my car was violently struck. I looked up to see a dozen tattooed, bald muscle men with clubs surrounding me. “So you’re the one who bullied my little sister Summer?” I raised an eyebrow and calmly called Ethan. As usual, he answered after just one ring. “Ethan, Summer called her gang friends. They’ve surrounded me with their men.” His voice on the other end sounded somewhat helpless. “Aria, stop making things up, okay? She’s just a college graduate. How could she…” I smiled and cut him off directly. “I won’t resist whatever they do. Whether you come or not is up to you.” With that, I hung up. The night wind was cool. I counted the traffic lights in a daze. Ethan appeared quickly. He’d encountered traffic on the way and abandoned his car to sprint here. The man was gasping, his chest heaving violently, his shirt vaguely outlining his muscular chest. I stared for a moment, then smiled slightly. Actually, I’d lied to him. The muscle men who’d tried to do something to me were now sprawled all over the ground. Ethan stared at me through clenched teeth. Finally, his gaze fell on my scratched leg. With heartache and defeat, he crouched in front of me. With extreme gentleness, he held my calf and applied medicine. “You’re only acting this way because you know I love you!” He had a thousand complaints in his heart, but this was all he dared to express. In that instant, my heart stirred again slightly. For once, I felt the urge to explain. “This wasn’t staged by me. Summer really did call them here.” But Ethan said without hesitation: “I asked Summer. She swore it wasn’t her. She’s a very innocent girl, not like…” His words cut off abruptly. But I understood. Not like me—vicious and cunning. My expression darkened. I grabbed my phone and called my lawyer right in front of Ethan. “Please prepare divorce papers for me. I’ll come pick them up right now.” I kicked Ethan out of the car and turned it around. He actually stood directly in front of my car. The night wind lifted his hair. His eyes were defiant yet crazed. He gritted his teeth, his voice practically squeezing through his throat. “Aria, if you want a divorce, run me over first!” The bright headlights illuminated his insane expression. I met his gaze and stepped on the gas.

The piercing sound of brakes rang out. I stopped just a few centimeters away. But Ethan didn’t retreat at all, staring at me with hot, crazy eyes. This time it was my turn to grit my teeth. “This lunatic!” I fled in panic, turning to leave in another direction. A few days later, I received another message from Summer. Unexpectedly, her attitude this time was surprisingly humble. “Aria, I’m here to apologize. I really know I was wrong.” “I know I made you angry. Give me a chance to make it up to you, okay?” She sent an address, saying she wanted to invite me to relax. And apologize in person. I went. An enormous rose garden appeared before my eyes. Summer stood in a white dress in front of intensely red rose bushes, waiting for me with a smile. Like a hostess, she used a key to open the estate’s gate. When I glimpsed the huge photograph by the flower bushes, my body stiffened. In the photo, Summer and Ethan held hands, lying in the flowers kissing. The scene was beautiful and warm. And the date it was taken was five years ago. Before I lost my memory. Summer’s pretentiously proud laughter came from beside me. “Aria, actually I knew about you long ago. I even helped Ethan come up with ideas to pursue you.” Only then did I learn that Summer had known Ethan much longer than I had. She was a poor student he sponsored. Ethan brought her out of the mountains. When she had nowhere to live, she stayed at his place. The corridor was filled with photos, every single one of Summer and Ethan together. This rose garden was built by him for her. Listening to Summer introduce their past photo by photo. My palms actually went a bit numb. She smiled as she looked at my wedding ring. “Every gift Ethan gave you, I helped him choose.” “Including this wedding ring—he only bought it because I liked this style.” I knew she wasn’t telling the whole truth, or rather not telling it completely. The wedding ring was something Ethan first selected from dozens of styles. He brought them to me and let me choose personally. But that didn’t stop me from being disgusted. Expressionless, I pulled off the ring and casually tossed it into the rose bushes. Seeing this, Summer’s eyes curved with satisfaction. “Mr. Cross really likes you. I’m so unwilling to accept it.” “But it’s okay. People always get tired, right! I acted understanding in front of him, saying I didn’t want anything, just that when he thought of me, he could spare me a little of the love you didn’t want.” “Guess what?” Summer laughed exaggeratedly, as if remembering something happy. “He took the initiative to sleep with me!” “You, the white moonlight, became a mosquito blood stain after he caught you. He’s tired of you!” “So I advise you to be smart and get lost. Mr. Cross will be mine sooner or later!” I stared at her for a while, then suddenly smiled sweetly. “If you’re this cheap, then I feel relieved.” Summer froze, looking at me suspiciously. I raised an eyebrow and smiled. “This way I won’t feel any guilt.” Under her confused gaze, I kicked over the shelving. Collectible wine shattered all over the floor. I pulled out a lighter. The flickering flame illuminated Summer’s terrified face. The next second, fire engulfed the entire estate. Ethan arrived quickly. Seeing me and Summer in the flames, his eyes nearly split with rage. Summer screamed at the top of her lungs: “Ethan, save me! The fire’s about to reach me!” “I just lost two children for you!” I watched Ethan with interest and mouthed words to him. “Between the two of us, who will you save first?”

The wild, unrestrained fire dragon licked at the sky. Illuminating the man’s struggling expression. He soaked himself thoroughly and rushed toward Summer. At the same time, I heard his anxious voice. “Aria, I know what you’re capable of. You can escape on your own, but Summer can’t!” He scooped Summer up in his arms. Through the rolling flames, I saw Summer turn her head and flash me a triumphant smile. I smiled back at her. Arms crossed, standing still without moving. The flames burned more and more fiercely. Ethan glanced at me not moving and hesitated for half a second before gritting his teeth. In the end, he put Summer down and rushed over to cover me with his wet jacket, pulling me to escape the fire. I stared at him with half disappointment. What a shame. If he’d just chosen to leave me behind, I could have used that as grounds for divorce. As for what the other half of my emotions were, I didn’t want to think about it. After rescuing me, Ethan went back for Summer. After we got out, the corridor’s flower stands collapsed. They fell right on Summer’s leg. When Ethan carried her out, she was crying her heart out. I knew Ethan was angry. As he passed me, he slammed heavily into my shoulder. He ordered coldly: “Take the lady to the hospital with us!” On the hospital bed. Summer’s leg was wrapped in thick bandages. She obediently held Ethan’s hand. “Ethan, don’t be angry. I’m fine.” “I don’t blame Aria for making trouble at the estate, and I don’t blame you for not saving me first. It’s my own fault…” As she spoke, her eyes reddened, but she stubbornly refused to let tears fall. She looked like she’d suffered a great injustice no matter how you looked at her. Ethan’s eyes filled with heartache and guilt. He even ignored my presence and directly cupped her face, kissing and comforting her tenderly. Then he frowned at me. “Aria, you trespassed on Summer’s estate, set fires, and hurt people. Don’t you think you should apologize?!” I smiled provocatively, resolute. “I won’t.” Ethan’s frown deepened. Summer said with false sincerity: “Ethan, don’t force Aria. Don’t fight because of me!” She suddenly smiled at me quickly and operated something on her phone. The next second, media reporters flooded into the hospital room. “Are you Mrs. Cross?” “We heard you won’t let any woman near Mr. Cross. This assistant was just doing her daily work, and you directly set a fire to hurt her. Is this true?” Dense microphones and cameras pointed at me. Ethan’s expression became panicked. Five years ago, to hide me after I lost my memory, he’d gone to great lengths. He spent hundreds of millions creating false leads to lure my lover, who was desperately searching for me, out of the country. He blocked the media, forbidding any reports or public photos showing my face for five years. He took big strides toward me. But at that moment, Summer pretended to be pushed down by the media and cried out in pain. “Ethan, my stomach hurts so much. Did my wound open again?” “Forget it, forget it. You should go check on Aria first. I can find a doctor myself.” “After all… this isn’t the first time you’ve abandoned me for her.” As she spoke, she shed bitter tears. Ethan’s eyes froze. Across the crowded cameras and heads of the media, he looked straight into my eyes. “Again? You arranged these media yourself, didn’t you?” “Aria, I won’t fall for your tricks this time.” “Summer is right. I’ve spoiled you too much these five years. It’s time you learned a lesson!” With that, he picked up Summer and turned to leave. “Summer, I’m sorry. I’ll never let you get hurt because of her again!” Over his shoulder, Summer gave me a flaunting look. This time, she’d finally won. I held my sides laughing until tears came. Ethan desperately hid me for five years. Turns out all it took was one Summer to make him let his guard down. The hospital room door slammed shut. I looked at the camera and smiled as I tucked my hair behind my ear. I knew he would definitely see me. As long as I gave him the slightest clue, he would spare no effort to find me. My former beloved, mafia boss Nathan Kane.

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My best friend was a professional “relationship tester.” She said she was afraid I would get hurt by scumbags, so every time I dated someone, she would disguise herself as their ideal type and seduce them into bed. Every single time, she would send me photos from the bedroom. “Jade! If I was not protecting you, you would have been fooled by another scumbag! I am such a good friend to you!” I was tormented to the point of breaking down. I cut ties with her completely and moved to another city. Later, I met the love of my life, Ethan Rivers. On our wedding day, I saw my best friend disguised as a makeup artist. “Jade, let me test him before you get married!” She drugged me unconscious, put on my wedding dress, and got into Ethan’s bed. I woke up just in time, brought people to burst into the bridal suite, and had her sent to prison. Later, I got pregnant. During delivery, I hemorrhaged severely. Ethan watched me struggle in agony but refused to sign the consent form to save me. “Miranda just wanted to give herself to me before the wedding to fulfill her wish!” “But you sent her to prison and caused her suicide! When she died, she was carrying my child!” “You and that bastard in your belly both deserve to die for her!” Only then did I realize the man I thought was my true love had fallen for my best friend long ago. I died with grievances. He even threw my ashes into a sewer. When I opened my eyes again, I was reborn to the day my best friend disguised herself as a makeup artist and appeared at my wedding.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Miranda Cole’s familiar yet stunning face again. Her foot slipped. She let out a soft cry and fell into Ethan’s arms, her face flushed as she looked at him. “Sorry.” This was her favorite seduction trick. I had witnessed it countless times. In my previous life, when I opened my eyes and saw Miranda like a nightmare before me, when I saw the wedding makeup I had looked forward to ruined by her, when I watched her flirt and use the same old tricks to seduce my husband again, my fear and rage poured out like a flood. I screamed and rushed forward, yanking her away and slapping her across the face. “Get out! You’re trying to seduce my boyfriend again, aren’t you? I won’t let you ! I will not let you succeed!” Ethan quickly called the bridesmaids to hold me down. Miranda cowered in the corner, her face red and pitiful. “I did not. Mrs. Rivers, you misunderstood. This is just a pre-wedding prank.” No matter how I explained that she was a relationship tester, that she had seduced several of my boyfriends and destroyed countless relationships of mine, Miranda just cried in panic. “I really did not. I do not even know you. I am just a makeup artist. Please stop slandering me…” Everyone whispered. “A relationship tester? Has she been reading too many novels? Who does that?” “She thinks everyone is trying to steal her husband. How embarrassing…”

My defenses grew pale under everyone’s mockery and Ethan’s weary gaze. Ethan sighed helplessly and came over to hug me gently. “It is okay. If you do not like her, we will fire her, alright?” “But you should have told me directly instead of misunderstanding her and slandering her…” I thought he, like the other guests, had been deceived by Miranda’s lies and disguise. But it was not until I died that I learned the truth. His heart had already turned toward Miranda. This time, I watched Miranda throw herself into Ethan’s arms with no expression on my face. I did not miss the flash of emotion in his eyes. But the next second, he glanced at me quickly. He pushed the person in his arms away and said coldly, “This joke is not funny. Apologize to my wife right now and remove that makeup properly so you can redo it.” “No need.” I spoke calmly, picking up a makeup remover wipe to clean the marks on my face. Ethan breathed a sigh of relief and patted her head gently. “Are not you going to thank my wife? If she was not so kind and forgiving…” I cut him off. “Ethan, no need to redo the makeup. Let us just cancel the wedding.” Ethan looked at me in disbelief, then laughed after a moment. “That joke is not funny.” “This is not a joke.” I simply took off the wedding dress Ethan had imported and threw it aside like garbage. “The wedding is canceled. We are breaking up.” I quickly put on my coat and walked toward the door. “Jade!” Only then did Ethan realize I was serious. He grabbed my wrist, veins bulging on his forehead as he suppressed his emotions. “You are canceling the wedding just because of a makeup artist’s prank?” He looked at me, his eyes full of grievance and confusion. “Jade! Stop making a scene!” “This wedding we put so much effort into. All our friends and family are here. You cannot…” I shook off his hand, ignoring the pointing and whispering around us, and looked at him with cold mockery. “Ethan, you know perfectly well why we are not getting married.” “I am giving you a chance to be with the person you truly love. Is not that good?” I thought I would see panic on Ethan’s face. But he looked perfectly calm, confused and aggrieved. “Jade, what are you talking about? Everyone knows you are the one I love most.” He pointed at Miranda. “Is it because of her?” He said helplessly, “I did not know she would pull that prank.” “Besides, did not I already say I would make her apologize? If you are still not satisfied, I will fire her.” Miranda ran out crying. Ethan did not even look at her. His eyes were fixed deeply on me. “Is that enough now?” I looked at him with calm eyes, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Ethan’s parents walked in, their tone reproachful as they tried to persuade me. “Ethan has already apologized. Do not push it.” “Jade, you know how good Ethan has been to you. Have you forgotten who arranged your mother’s surgery and follow-up treatment? Do not be ungrateful.”

My heart ached sharply. My mother’s stroke was caused by Miranda. She deliberately displayed photos of herself in bed with my ex at his and my wedding, then publicly eloped with my ex, leaving me as the laughingstock. My mother collapsed in anger and fell into a coma. To get her treatment, I transferred hospitals to Portland and met Ethan Rivers, a neurosurgery expert. Ethan and I gradually fell in love during the treatment process. I understood the threat in his mother’s words. Their family was prominent. If I ruined the wedding today and made them lose face, my mother would be kicked out of the Rivers Medical Center. “Mom!” Ethan cut off his mother’s words with measured firmness. “Jade is my wife. Her mother is my mother-in-law. This is what I should do.” He looked at me, his tone pleading. “Honey, for the sake of me saving your mother, please do not make a scene at the wedding today, okay?” I dug my nails into my palms and showed a wronged expression. “Ethan, do you really not know that makeup artist? But she whispered to me that you deliberately had her make me look ugly to get back at me. That is why I got angry.” As soon as I spoke, the guests who had been displeased with me all showed sympathetic expressions. Ethan’s mouth twitched, then he showed a reassuring smile. “She was talking nonsense, just jealous of your good marriage.” Seeing I remained silent, he promised helplessly, “I will file a complaint against her right now, okay?” Only then did I show a smile and say, “Then you have to make a vow.” “If you really have something going on with her and betrayed me, then we will get divorced.” Ethan coaxed me and raised his hand to make a vow. The guests laughed good-naturedly. “You are worrying too much. Ethan only has eyes for you.” Outside the door, Miranda’s face flashed by, filled with vicious resentment at her failed scheme. I ignored it. After the wedding ceremony ended, just as I was about to go back to the room to change out of my wedding dress, someone covered my mouth and nose. I stopped breathing and closed my eyes, going along with it. Just like in my previous life. Miranda and Ethan were entangled, stumbling through the door of the adjacent guest room. The two fell onto the bed, making intimate sounds. I suddenly opened my eyes, quickly went downstairs, and found my in-laws who were chatting with guests. This time, I did not do what I did in my previous life. I did not mention that Miranda had drugged me and climbed into bed with him. I just appeared worried and said, “Mom, Dad, Ethan seems to have drunk too much and is not feeling well.” The doting Mr. and Mrs. Rivers, along with the Rivers family relatives eager to watch drama unfold, immediately followed me upstairs in a massive group. As soon as we reached the guest room door, we heard intimate sounds from inside. Immediately, their faces turned ugly. They hurried to cover it up, but I pushed the door open directly. “Ethan, are you not feeling well?” The door opened. The two entangled figures on the bed immediately sprang apart, hurriedly pulling up the blanket. Miranda flashed me a triumphant smile through the crowd. In an instant, the people outside the door erupted. “Oh my God, that woman is not that the makeup artist from this morning?” “Looks like what Jade said was all true…” Mr. Rivers’ face flushed red with shame and anger. “Ethan! Look at what you have done!” Mrs. Rivers rushed forward, dragging Miranda from the bed. “It is all you! You must have drugged my son and made him think you were Jade!”

“Son, that is what happened, right? We will call the police! Send this bitch to prison!” At these words, Miranda, who had been so arrogant moments ago, was frightened into tears, shrinking into Ethan’s arms. “Enough!” Ethan roared, fiercely protecting Miranda. He raised his head and looked at me through the crowd. His eyes were dark but showed not a trace of panic or guilt. “Jade, let us talk.” Mr. and Mrs. Rivers cleared everyone out. Only the three of us remained in the room. I did not think there was anything left to discuss between him and me. I was just thinking about why, in this life, when I had not sent Miranda to prison or caused her death there, he could still face me without any guilt. For a moment, I could not tell if my heart felt bitter or resentful. I took off my wedding ring and threw it in the trash. I said flatly, “You made a vow. If you lied to me, we would get divorced.” “Ethan, I will draft divorce papers as soon as possible.” “Jade!” Ethan behind me called out. “I will not divorce you.” I whipped around, looking at him with hatred for the first time. “Then I will file for divorce!” “You can try!” Ethan’s face was obscured in the dim room. “If you dare file for divorce, I will immediately stop your mother’s treatment.” “I guarantee that in all of Portland no, the entire country no hospital will take your mother.” “Ethan!” I clenched my teeth, trembling uncontrollably. I must have looked utterly pathetic and powerless right now because I saw Miranda flash that gleeful smile again. “Why are you doing this to me?” “If you like her, just divorce me! You two can be together openly! Why do you have to drag me into this!” I looked at Ethan through tears. “I have already made way for you. I have never done anything wrong to you! Why will not you let me go!” Ethan said coldly, “You have not wronged me, but you have wronged Miranda.” I widened my eyes in shock. “When did I…” Ethan sneered. “Every boyfriend Miranda ever had were not they all stolen by you?” “It was you who, under the guise of being a ‘relationship tester,’ stole all of Miranda’s boyfriends, slept with them, and stimulated Miranda until she became depressed and nearly committed suicide!” “You stole so many of her lovers. You should feel what it is like to have your man stolen.” “And your mother! Dare you say why your mother had a stroke?” “It is because your mother went to Miranda’s wedding to make a scene, trying to help you steal her man, and got yelled at until she fainted. Your mother is half-dead that is what she deserves.” My head exploded with a roar. Almost instinctively, I rushed to them. I slapped Ethan hard across the face. But when I raised my hand to slap Miranda, Ethan shoved me away. “Enough! Even now you are still bullying Miranda!” I wiped my tears and said through gritted teeth. “I did not do it! I never did any of those things! Ethan! It was Miranda who stole my boyfriends! It was she who eloped with my ex at the wedding and made my mother collapse!” “So many people witnessed these things. So many chat records are still on my phone. You can go check…”

“Enough!” Ethan slapped me across the face, cutting off my words. His face was ugly. “At this point, you still will not admit it! Still will not repent!” “Jade, I never knew you were such a shameless, conscienceless person!” “Will not admit it, huh? Still lying, huh? Then let me see just how stubborn you can be!” He stood up directly and dragged me downstairs. “Ethan! Let me go!” He ignored my struggles and threw me directly into the basement freezer, locking the door. “Let me out! Ethan!” I frantically pounded on the freezer door. His only response was cold and merciless. “You will not admit it, right? Then let us see if your life is tougher or your mouth!” “When you admit it and kneel down to apologize to Miranda, that is when I will let you out!” I desperately pounded on the freezer door, but no one paid attention. The temperature dropped rapidly. I collapsed helplessly on the floor, beginning to lose body heat. I do not know how long passed before the freezer door opened. I looked up to see Miranda coming over with concern to help me. “Bestie, are you okay? Come out quickly! Let us go to the hospital!” Looking at the genuine concern on her face, I only felt torn apart. “Miranda, why are you doing this to me? What did I ever do to wrong you that you would hurt me like this!” My voice choked with sobs. If I hated anyone, I hated Miranda more than Ethan. We grew up together. We were best friends. I took slaps for her when blocking the seniors who bullied her. She once hugged my arm and said she wanted to be with me forever. But this same person kept stabbing me in the heart. Miranda looked hurt and wronged. “I am just afraid you will be deceived by scumbags. I just want to find you a husband who truly loves and trusts you!” “Look! If I had not tested him this time, you would have married a bad man. What if there is a mistress later who makes up lies like I did? Then you would…” I shook off her hand, sobbing. “You are not doing this for my good! You are hurting me again and again!” Miranda blinked her innocent eyes and said to me, “Okay, okay, it is my fault. Let us go to the hospital first.” She forcibly helped up the already unsteady me and pushed me into a car. The car drove all the way to a hotel. I looked at her warily. “What are you trying to do! Where are you taking me!” She just smiled mysteriously, grabbed my weakened body, and led me into a room. The door opened to reveal a group of sleazy-looking burly men inside. She suddenly screamed, tore her clothes, smashed her own head, and ran outside. “I was wrong! I am sorry, Miss White! I will not compete with you for him! I will not compete with you for anything! Do not hit me anymore!” My instincts screamed danger. I barely managed to stand, trying to grab her. Before I could steady myself, the door was kicked open. After Ethan saw me and the sleazy men behind me, his eyes turned red instantly. He slapped me across the face. “Jade! Do you have a death wish?!” “Not only do you refuse to repent for your mistakes, you want to keep retaliating against Miranda?! You even wanted to ruin her! How can you be so vicious!” “I did not!” I bit my lip and shouted. “It was Miranda who opened the freezer and brought me here!” “Enough! Only my parents and I know the freezer password! How could Miranda open it! You clearly sneaked out of the freezer and kidnapped Miranda here!” Ethan said through gritted teeth. “Fine! Threatening your life did not make you yield, so let us see if your mother’s life will!”

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My son got a girlfriend who’s ten years older than him, divorced, and has a five-year-old son. Of course I didn’t approve. I strongly opposed it, but my son went on a hunger strike for a week, threatening to die. Watching my son grow so weak he could barely speak, I gave in. On the day we met the parents, she said arrogantly, “Ethan said he’ll treat my son as his own, and to put my mind at ease, he’s already gotten a vasectomy.” “Of course, if your family treats my son well, I might consider letting Ethan get a reversal surgery.” My son also rushed to declare his loyalty, “Until Jessica agrees, I absolutely won’t have children of my own.” I completely gave up hope. I said calmly, “Whatever you two decide is fine. I have no objections.” When my son brought Jessica home for dinner, I didn’t make things difficult for her or show her a cold face. I received her with a calm heart. She wore elaborate makeup and dressed young, but standing next to my twenty-three-year-old son, you could see the age difference, though it wasn’t too dramatic. I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly and smiled as I made small talk with her. After chatting for about half an hour, I took out an envelope I’d prepared beforehand and handed it to her. Inside was eleven thousand dollars, which by our local standards was already quite generous. When Jessica took it, she thought she was being subtle, but her fingers obviously pinched to gauge the thickness. The corners of her mouth turned down. Clearly she thought it was too little. I’d originally thought that since my son loved her so much, she must have some redeeming qualities I hadn’t discovered yet, and I wanted to talk with her more. Now I’d completely lost interest. I made an excuse about having work at the company, preparing to end this meeting. That’s when Jessica spoke up. “Since Ethan and I are planning to get married, we’ll be family from now on. There’s something I don’t want to hide from you.” “Ethan always says you’re an open-minded mother. I believe you’ll understand.” Hearing this, I had a bad feeling. Sure enough, Jessica’s attitude seemed respectful, but her eyes were full of provocation as she said, “Ethan said he’d treat my child as his own, but words are just words. So to put my mind at ease, he voluntarily got a vasectomy.” I could hardly believe what I was hearing. A vasectomy? Suppressing my anger, I looked sharply at my son. “Ethan, is what she’s saying true?” My son’s eyes flashed with guilt as he explained, “Mom, Andy is still young, at a sensitive age. He often has nightmares at night because he’s scared.” “Not only is Jessica worried, I’m worried too, so I went and… got the vasectomy.” Jessica pretended to comfort me. “This is all temporary. As long as I’m sure your family truly treats my son well, I’ll agree to let Ethan get a reversal surgery.” A surge of anger shot up, burning so hot my whole body trembled. What did she mean by “she’s sure”? “She’ll agree”? But before I could demand an explanation, my son was already rushing to show his loyalty to Jessica. “Don’t worry, I’ll never go back on what I promised you!” “Until you agree, I absolutely won’t have children of my own.” My son’s words were like a bucket of cold water poured over me, chilling me to the bone. In that moment, I completely gave up hope. I said calmly, “Whatever you two decide is fine. I have no objections.”

Ethan took Jessica home, and I collapsed on the sofa, lost in thought. My son Ethan had been obedient and sensible since childhood, did well in school, got into a prestigious university, and after graduation used his own abilities to get into a major tech company. I could say he’d never given me any trouble. But I never expected I’d stumble so badly on his marriage. Jessica was his coworker. Ethan fell for her at first sight. “She’s extremely capable, she’s been involved in so many major projects.” “She has a great personality, everyone at the company likes her.” “There are a lot of factions at the company. If she hadn’t warned me, I would have offended people.” “When we work overtime, she always orders takeout for me.” … This was Ethan’s first relationship. Of course I wanted to bless it, but Jessica was not only ten years older than him, she was also divorced, and even had a five-year-old son! What I didn’t expect even more was that Ethan would go on a hunger strike and threaten to die for her sake. A mother can probably never win against her son, so I gave in and tried hard to convince myself to accept them. But I never imagined that this woman Jessica would encourage Ethan to get a vasectomy! I run beauty salons—my job is dealing with women. I knew her little schemes crystal clear. Ethan’s hunger strike for her gave her confidence. She just wanted to use Ethan to control me. As long as I still wanted grandchildren, I’d have to listen to her. But what made me even angrier was Ethan. I didn’t believe he didn’t know how important the vasectomy was, how angry and upset I’d be when I found out, but he still did it. He was just relying on being my only son, convinced I couldn’t do anything about it. Instantly, a thought I couldn’t control popped up. I was forty-seven this year, healthy—I was completely in time to have another one! When Ethan came home, I was still wildly tempted by that thought. He sat down across from me, somewhat unhappy as he asked, “Mom, today when Jessica mentioned my vasectomy, if I hadn’t interrupted, were you going to get angry?” I stared at him sharply and asked, “You got a vasectomy without saying a word. Shouldn’t I be angry?” Ethan froze and said, “That’s not what I meant.” “Mom, you’ve always opposed us being together. Jessica doesn’t feel secure, so that’s why I came up with the vasectomy idea. Don’t blame her.” I didn’t believe a word of this! But the deed was already done. Arguing now about whose idea it was had no meaning. I looked at him steadily and asked with utmost seriousness, “Ethan, I’m asking you one last time. If I still don’t agree, will you still insist on marrying Jessica?” Ethan suddenly stood up and said emotionally, “Mom, didn’t we already agree? Why are you going back on your word?” “Anyway, she’s the only person I’ll love in this life!” “If I can’t marry her, I’d rather die!” “Mom, don’t make me hate you!” Hearing Ethan say “don’t make me hate you,” I laughed coldly inside and completely let go of that last shred of hope. Have another one. I made the decision instantly. I said calmly, “Ethan, you’re not young anymore, and you’re about to get married and start a family with someone else. From now on, I won’t interfere in your affairs. You make your own decisions.” After a pause, I said meaningfully, “You chose this partner yourself. I hope you won’t regret it.” Ethan’s obsession with Jessica was obvious to the naked eye, but the way Jessica looked at Ethan wasn’t as passionate as how she looked at my Hermès Birkin bag. Unfortunately, Ethan didn’t notice and kept singing Jessica’s praises to me. On the surface I listened attentively, but inside I was already screening candidates to father my child. Over ten years ago, when Ethan’s dad was secretly meeting his mistress, he died in a car accident. After that, I never remarried for Ethan’s sake, but I also had needs, so I dated a few boyfriends. My current one was a company employee. His family had difficulties and I helped them out, then later he got into my bed under the guise of repaying me. He was young and handsome, so I just went along with it. He’d been my underground lover for several years without any official status, never actively asked for anything, never used my influence to suppress anyone, and instead worked hard for the company. Almost instantly, I made my decision. Him it was. I took out my phone and sent him a message. I’m coming to your place tonight to stay over.

After that, in my effort to get pregnant, I was trying almost every day, always getting home in the middle of the night. And Ethan was right in the thick of his infatuation with Jessica, also frequently staying out all night. We clearly lived under the same roof, but we managed not to run into each other, and Ethan didn’t notice at all that I was coming home late. After more than two months of this, Ethan called me, saying he wanted to discuss the wedding. That day, we both rarely came home from work on time. He talked for a bit about his and Jessica’s recent situation, emphasizing how good Jessica was to him, how her son was starting to accept him, and how happy that made him. After going on about this for over half an hour, he asked me, “Mom, what style of wedding do you prefer?” After listening to him talk nonsense for so long, honestly, I was quite annoyed. I said bluntly, “This is your and Jessica’s wedding. Shouldn’t you be asking what she likes?” “I told you, I respect all your decisions.” Ethan was very happy. “I said there’d be no problem, but Jessica insisted I ask you.” He asked again, “Mom, Jessica says the wedding needs eighty thousand dollars. That’s okay, right?” Ethan said with both heartache and emotion, “I think eighty thousand is too little, but she insisted, saying as long as she can marry me, she’d be willing even without a wedding ceremony. Mom, Jessica is so good, I don’t want her to feel wronged.” As he spoke, Ethan’s eyes even reddened. I raised an eyebrow. Looks like Jessica’s ambitions weren’t small. Sure enough, Ethan immediately continued, “Mom, that luxury penthouse you bought me for my marriage—I want to add Jessica’s name to the deed, and then do a prenuptial agreement.” I put my water glass down on the coffee table, a bit heavily—bang. I looked at Ethan and said calmly, “If you bought the house yourself, you could even put only her name on it if you wanted.” “But I paid for that penthouse. Understand?” Ethan was stunned and after a long pause could only squeeze out, “Isn’t it all family money?” I laughed coldly. He knew it was family money! I was too lazy to beat around the bush with him and decided to speak plainly. “I don’t like Jessica, but if you insist on marrying her, I won’t oppose it. I respect you.” “But my things—tell Jessica to stop coveting them!” “And you stop coveting them too!” Ethan’s face turned from red to white. “Mom, I’m your son. Why do you have to be so clear about everything?” He said righteously, “Your things will eventually be left to us anyway!” Though I already knew he thought this way, thinking it and hearing it firsthand were two different things. I said mockingly, “Don’t speak in such absolutes. I don’t necessarily have to leave it to you.” Ethan said impatiently, “Mom, I know you’re angry about the vasectomy, but I’ve already explained. Can you stop being so passive-aggressive!” “Also, don’t think I can’t tell—you’re just trying to use money to control me, to make me break up with Jessica. Let me tell you, I absolutely won’t compromise!” “Just you wait and see—even without your money, we can live well!” After delivering his speech, Ethan slammed the door and left. After that, he started preparing for the wedding. It was very grand—custom wedding dress and diamond ring, five-star hotel, tables at sixty-eight hundred dollars each, the venue decorated entirely with imported fresh flowers. He really kept his word—he never asked me for a cent. But I only had this one son. I’d always been generous with money when it came to him. For holidays I’d give him envelopes with fifty or a hundred thousand dollars. During his university years, his monthly allowance was ten thousand. That only stopped when he started working. His savings must be at least close to a million. At the end of the day, wasn’t that also my money? So when Ethan stood on stage saying something about how no matter how many people opposed him, he had the ability to give Jessica happiness, I only found it laughable. My best friend sitting next to me rolled her eyes and said bluntly, “Your son was raised for nothing.” Thinking of the pregnancy test result from this morning, my smile deepened. “Yeah, so I’m hoping this time I can have a daughter.” My friend froze. “You mean you’re…” Before she could finish her sentence, Jessica’s mother’s shrill voice interrupted, “You’re pregnant?”

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In the restaurant, my wife Alice’s boss poured a glass of red wine over my face and humiliated me: “Who the hell do you think you are? Do you know who I am? I’m giving Alice a chance for promotion. As her husband, you should be grateful to me, thanking me for giving Alice the opportunity to earn money, instead of coming here to stage some cheating drama.” All the guests in the restaurant turned to look at us. Alice’s boss rolled his eyes and continued: “I’ll give you a chance. Ask Alice whether she wants to stay or leave with you.” I ignored what he said and just pulled out a napkin to slowly wipe the red wine off my face. Then I looked at Alice, who was wearing a deep V-neck dress that exposed most of her chest. She looked at me and frowned: “Miles, go home.” “You’re not coming with me?” “We’ll talk at home tomorrow.” “Can’t you come back now? Do we have to wait until tomorrow?” “I’m not coming home tonight.” Hearing this, I smiled. If you’re not coming home tonight, you won’t be able to come home ever again.

A few days ago, I discovered a problem. Alice’s boss kept calling her frequently. After I pressed her about it. Alice finally told me the truth, saying her boss appreciated her and was preparing to put her in charge of a major project alone. If she could successfully complete this project, the performance bonus would be at least two hundred thousand dollars. At first, I didn’t suspect anything. I simply thought Alice was excellent and it was normal for her boss to appreciate her. But things got increasingly wrong after that. Alice started leaving early and coming home late every day, always drunk when she got home. After several days, we were like strangers. Apart from sleeping in the same bed at night, we had almost no communication during the day. Last night was even worse—Alice didn’t come home at all! I gradually realized things might not be as simple as I thought. Alice had the weekend off. Usually, she would stay home with me to cook, watch shows, and chat. But this time she dressed up carefully and deliberately wore a newly bought dress. And when she was looking at her phone replying to messages, her lips kept curling up in a smile she couldn’t suppress. All the signs indicated that Alice might be in love with someone! “Miles, I won’t be home for dinner tonight. Just order takeout for yourself.” After getting dressed up, Alice looked several years younger. Since she usually took good care of herself, she looked like a woman in her twenties. I saw Alice picking up her bag to leave, so I called out to her. “Alice.” “What is it?” Alice stopped and looked at me questioningly. “Who asked you out?” “I just told you, didn’t I? Mira broke up with her boyfriend. Since it’s the weekend, I’m going to keep her company. Mira and I might drink, so if it gets too late, I won’t come back. I’ll stay at Mira’s place. I’m afraid she might do something foolish if she’s alone. Don’t wait up for me tonight—go to sleep when you’re tired.” “Oh, okay.” “I’m leaving.” “Be safe.” “Okay.” Hearing the door close, my heart ached. I knew Alice had a close friend named Mira. Unfortunately, Alice didn’t know that I had heard her entire conversation with Mira in the bathroom. Alice told Mira. If I called to ask, Mira should tell me that she had broken up with her boyfriend. Without a doubt, Alice was making such thorough preparations in advance. Who she was going to see was self-evident. Thinking of this, I got up and left the house. I wanted to see who Alice’s new boyfriend was!

I followed Alice to an upscale Western restaurant. I watched Alice smiling and drinking with an old man. This old man’s perverted hands kept taking advantage of Alice. Seeing this, I was instantly furious. I rushed over and broke up their intimate atmosphere. I didn’t say a word, just glared angrily at the old man beside Alice. The old man was Alice’s boss. His name was Jamal. Jamal put down his wine glass, his other hand still wrapped around Alice’s slender waist. Alice’s expression became slightly unnatural. She frowned and asked me: “Did you follow me?” “I just wanted to confirm my suspicions.” I explained. “And is the result what you expected?” Jamal picked up his napkin and elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth, asking with a smile on his face. “Who is he?” I looked at Alice, asking a question I already knew the answer to. “My boss.” “So this is the old, perverted boss you mentioned.” My words made Jamal’s face change dramatically. Before he could speak. I sneered mockingly again: “You’re already so old, and you still have the nerve to seduce someone else’s wife? To put it bluntly, can you even still perform?” “Miles, I never said anything like that.” Alice hastily explained. At this point, unable to bear it any longer, Jamal suddenly stood up, furious, and grabbed his wine glass. In an instant, the entire glass of red wine was splashed on my face. “Who the hell do you think you are? Do you know who I am? I’m giving Alice a chance for promotion. As her husband, you should be grateful to me, thanking me for giving Alice the opportunity to earn money, instead of coming here to stage some cheating drama.” “Miles, can you stop acting like a child? So many people are watching. Aren’t you embarrassed?” Alice blinked at me, signaling me to leave. Of course, I wasn’t going to leave in disgrace like that. Alice was the one who wronged me. This old man was the third party. I glanced around. Many guests were watching us curiously. I pulled out a chair and sat down, demanding loudly: “How much money did he give you? You’re willing to give up our home and me?” “Miles!” Alice’s face changed dramatically, glaring at me with her whole body trembling. “How much money did he give you?” I pointed at Jamal and asked. “He didn’t give me money.” Alice said through gritted teeth. “Not for money? Then he promised to promote you?” After I asked this question, Alice fell silent. I immediately laughed. “He promoted you, giving you a few thousand dollars more per month, and you’re willing to drink and eat with him, and even sleep with him?” “Miles, stop talking!” Alice bit her lip, trembling with anger. “Why can’t I talk about it?” “If you had money, would I need to sell myself?” Hearing Alice’s question, I suddenly understood. “So after all this, you think I’m poor.” “That’s right, I do think you’re poor. I think you’re incompetent. I think you’re worthless. Compare yourself with any random man—who isn’t better than you?” “Then why did you willingly marry me in the first place?” “I was young and naive. I was blind. I thought all I wanted was love, but after getting married I realized that love is bullshit. Marriage without money and material things, this life worse than a dog’s—I’ve had enough!” “Is this what you really think?” “Yes!” “Fine, I understand.” I got up to leave, heartbroken. But Jamal suddenly called out to stop me: “Wait a minute.”

My gaze shifted to Jamal. “Young man, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance. If you’re capable, call Alice back home. Let’s see whether she wants to stay or go with you.” Looking at the somewhat smug Jamal, I suppressed the urge to punch him. My gaze moved to Alice, watching her lean tipsily against Jamal after carefully dressing up. My heart ached faintly. From dating to marriage, everything had been moving in a beautiful direction. But I never dreamed she would sell her body for money. Originally, I was going to leave directly. But I wanted to see if Alice would suddenly change her mind. “Miles, stop embarrassing yourself. Go home.” Before I could ask, Alice told me to leave. “If you leave with me now, there might still be a chance to salvage things.” I reminded her. “We can talk about anything tomorrow when I get home.” “Tomorrow?” “As you wish.” I said nothing more and turned to leave. “Young man.” Jamal suddenly spoke. “Spit it out if you have something to say.” I frowned impatiently. “Are you interested in watching a livestream tonight?” Jamal paused. “Didn’t you say I’m too old to perform? Then I’ll let you appreciate my prowess.” I didn’t answer. Jamal’s lips curled up, continuing smugly: “Letting you watch your own wife become another man’s plaything with your own eyes—just thinking about it feels especially thrilling.” Hearing this, Alice’s pretty face became somewhat unpleasant, but she said nothing. “Can’t help it. Who told me to have money and power?” Jamal shrugged, looking completely fearless. “Are you very rich?” I raised an eyebrow and asked. “Not much, just tens of millions. Nothing worth mentioning.” Jamal said. Then he changed the subject, becoming even more smug: “Of course, what I have now, you couldn’t earn in a lifetime. If I were you, I’d just accept this, or pretend it never happened. After Alice satisfies me and gets her promotion and raise, you two can still continue living your good life together.” “A mere few tens of millions and you dare to be arrogant in front of me? In a few days, I’ll make you go bankrupt.” I said calmly. “What did you say? Did I hear wrong? You’re going to make me go bankrupt?” Jamal looked at me in astonishment, as if he’d heard the biggest joke ever. “Just wait and see.” I didn’t want to waste words and turned to leave. After I left, Jamal turned to Alice and asked: “Alice, did his head get caught in a door?” “Boss, ignore him. He just likes to brag.” Alice wrapped her arms around Jamal’s neck. “What an interesting young man, too bad his brain doesn’t work well.” Jamal laughed triumphantly, his hand tightly holding Alice’s waist. I stood outside the restaurant, taking in Jamal’s brilliant smile. The next second, I calmly took out my phone and made a call. “Mom, I want to come home and eat your cooking.”

That night, I scrolled through photos of Alice and me, unable to sleep. And Alice didn’t come home all night either. Although I already knew the answer, it would be a lie to say it didn’t hurt. To marry Alice, I had sacrificed so much. It’s just that no one knew about the sacrifices I made except myself, including Alice. After dawn, I simply packed my personal belongings and sat in the living room waiting for Alice to come home. I waited until around ten o’clock before Alice finally came home. After she entered, we made eye contact. She had gone out wearing black stockings last night, but when she returned, the stockings were gone. Thinking about how she had been intimate with that old man in bed last night, I clearly felt what it meant to have your heart ache to the point of suffocation. “You’re back?” I asked calmly on the surface. “Yeah.” Alice just responded faintly, then was about to go to the bedroom. “Sit down. Let’s talk.” “Talk about what?” Alice frowned. “I want a divorce.” I once thought Alice and I would be happy together forever. I never thought the word “divorce” would come out of my mouth. “Miles, are you crazy? You want to divorce me?” Alice looked at me in disbelief. “Yes, divorce.” I said. Alice walked up to me in a few steps, anger appearing on her tired face, asking: “Can you be more mature? Just because of this trivial matter, you want to divorce me?” Hearing this, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I suddenly stood up, my face livid: “You slept with your boss for a promotion. You betrayed me right in front of me, and you still think this is a trivial matter?” “I don’t think it’s a big deal.” Alice retorted. Then she defended her actions: “Jamal and I just made a transaction. He promised to promote me and said he would never touch me again after this. It was just one night. From now on, my salary will increase by six thousand dollars every month, and there’s a big project. If I do well, I could get a bonus of hundreds of thousands of dollars at any time. Such a good opportunity is right in front of me—do you want me to give it up?” I looked at Alice in shock as she spoke so righteously. I always thought I understood her well, but it turned out all that so-called understanding was just my own wishful thinking. “You win.” I gave Alice a thumbs up in despair. “You really want a divorce?” “Yes.” “Think it through. As long as you accept this, our life together will only get better and better from now on.” “Sorry, I can’t accept my woman cheating on me and showing no remorse.” “Fine. You want a divorce, right? I agree. Don’t come crying to me to remarry later.” After Alice finished speaking, she turned to leave. I took the divorce agreement out of the drawer and placed it on the table. Alice didn’t hesitate either, decisively signing her name on the divorce agreement. “As you wish. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other.” After Alice finished speaking, she viciously threw the agreement in my face. At this moment, I suddenly had an illusion that the person who made the mistake wasn’t her, but me. “The house is mine. Pack your things and get as far away as possible. Don’t ever let me see you again.” After dropping these words, Alice turned and left.

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Every year on April Fools’ Day, my boyfriend teamed up with his “bro-girl” best friend to play a sick prank: he would fake a proposal to me. Last year, my heart pounded with anticipation as he slipped the ring onto my finger. But the moment it was on, a hidden spring mechanism in the trick ring snapped shut, crushing my skin. I screamed in agony. My boyfriend and his best friend, Chloe, just erupted into hysterical laughter. They didn’t care that my finger was turning purple and dangerously close to losing circulation. To apologize, my boyfriend, Liam, swore on his life that this year, the proposal would be real. So, when he frantically called me, begging me to meet him at the exact spot of our first date, I believed him. I got a blowout, had my nails done, spent two hours on my makeup, and bought a brand-new dress. I even had the engagement announcement drafted and ready to post on Instagram. But the second I walked through the door, my heart full of joy… a massive, heavy paper plate completely covered in shaving cream and frosting was smashed directly into my face. A bright, loud, feminine laugh exploded from the crowd. “I told you she’d show up! You owe me fifty bucks, Liam! You lose!” Liam stepped up and gently wiped the frosting off my face, using the same tender touch he always had. “You dressed up so pretty today, too. Shame about the outfit.” “I made a bet with the guys on whether we could actually get you to show up today. I bet you wouldn’t. If I won, I was going to propose to you tomorrow. If I lost, I’d propose next year.” “Sorry, babe. Since you showed up, I guess we aren’t getting married this year either.” I stood perfectly still, looking at him through the sticky mess on my eyelashes. “So. Do you even know what tomorrow is?” He smiled casually, brushing it off. “Of course I know. It’s our six-year anniversary. How could I forget?” The heavy, sickeningly sweet frosting clung to my skin. In that exact moment, a profound, suffocating exhaustion washed over me. It was all so pointless. Our anniversary was less important than an April Fools’ joke. Just like I was less important than his “bro-girl” best friend. I reached down and slid off the matching promise ring we had both worn for the last six years. “Then let’s break up.” The sharp clink of the silver ring hitting the hardwood floor silenced the entire VIP room. Liam frowned slightly, looking annoyed. “Stop being dramatic. It’s just a little frosting. I’ll help you wash it off when we get home. You know how Chloe is, she used to go way harder with her pranks. She actually held back for you.” “I went through a lot of trouble to get you out here. Don’t make me look like a whipped, spineless boyfriend in front of my friends.” Chloe immediately put on a pouting, victimized face. “Geez, Elena, it was just a joke. If you hate it so much, we won’t play anymore, okay? There’s no need to threaten a breakup over it.” “I told you guys she couldn’t take a joke, but you insisted on inviting her. Now look what happened.” She crossed her arms and threw herself onto the leather sofa, looking incredibly put out. Instantly, the glares from the rest of the friend group turned cold and hostile toward me. Chloe was the only girl in their tight-knit frat-bro circle. She was the undisputed princess of the group. If she was unhappy, everyone scrambled to coddle her. Liam was no exception. The very first time I met her, she organized a game of Truth or Dare. Everyone else’s dares were harmless, stupid pranks—like singing loudly in the street. But when it was my turn, she dared me to fake an orgasm in front of the entire room. I quietly said I wasn’t comfortable with that kind of inappropriate punishment. Chloe instantly burst into tears and ran out of the bar. The entire group of guys sprinted out after her. Including Liam. What was supposed to be my welcome party ended with me sitting alone at an empty table. Liam didn’t say anything about it afterward, but from that day on, he never brought me to another group hangout unless Chloe explicitly gave him permission. Liam glared at me, his brow furrowed in a stern warning. “Elena, apologize to Chloe.” If this were the past—if I was still desperately trying to fit in, still terrified of embarrassing Liam in front of his boys—I would have swallowed my pride. I would have proactively apologized and explained myself before he even had to ask. But right now, seeing that me threatening to end our six-year relationship carried less weight than Chloe looking slightly annoyed… I finally understood. From the very beginning, my place in his heart was inherently inferior to his “purely platonic” bond with his female best friend. I picked up the expensive trench coat and the designer handbag I had bought specifically to impress his parents later this week. I looked back at their judgmental, scrutinizing faces. “Liam. We’re done. I mean it. It’s over.” I turned and walked out, my brand-new heels clicking unsteadily against the floor. As the heavy door swung shut behind me, I could faintly hear Chloe’s teasing laughter from inside. “Are you really not going to chase after your little stage-five clinger?” Liam let out a cold, arrogant scoff. “She’s just throwing a tantrum to get attention. If I actually chased her, what would happen to you?” “Besides, she doesn’t have anyone else in this city to rely on but me. She’s easy to handle.” My heart, already burning and raw, was sliced wide open. His words were like freezing wind scraping against an open wound. Six years ago, Liam had stood in this exact same restaurant and confessed his love to me, swearing I was the only woman for him. Truthfully, it took a lot of effort for him to win me over. When I was fifteen, both of my parents remarried and started new families. I became the unwanted baggage that neither of them wanted to acknowledge. Because of that, I was terrified of dating. I was terrified of the idea of a family. I rejected him five times. The final time, a creep started stalking me while I was walking back to my lonely, empty apartment at night. Liam appeared out of nowhere and fought the guy off. He took a knife to the arm in the process and ended up in the ER. After the nurse finished stitching him up, his eyes suddenly turned red. “Elena, why do you have to be so fiercely independent? Can’t you just let me protect you?” In that single moment, the ice around my heart melted. I thought to myself: Maybe… maybe dating someone this reliable and gentle wouldn’t be so bad. That very night, he asked me to meet him at that restaurant and officially asked me to be his girlfriend. When I said yes, this usually sophisticated, composed guy picked me up and spun me around like a massive, goofy golden retriever. We spun until we were both dizzy and collapsed laughing onto the floor. He wrapped his strong arms around me, shielding me from the hard ground. We sat on the concrete steps outside the restaurant, and he swore to the moon that as long as he was around, I would never be lonely, and I would never be abandoned again. But tonight, the deepest, most vulnerable wounds I had ever exposed to him—wounds that had barely begun to scar over—were violently ripped open by the exact same man. I let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. I opened my email app on my phone and clicked on an unread message from five days ago. It was a corporate transfer offer to our company’s headquarters on the East Coast. The offer expired at midnight. I typed my reply: [I accept the transfer to the New York HQ.] It turned out those words weren’t actually that hard to type. I looked up at the moon, half-hidden behind thin, wispy clouds. Liam. I’m actually not easy to handle at all. And I don’t need you to handle me anymore. My train ticket to New York was booked for the afternoon of the 2nd. I didn’t have much time left. As soon as I got back to the apartment, I quickly washed the sticky, smelling frosting off my skin and started packing my life away. I didn’t have a lot of things. It was mostly just clothes and a few personal items. I managed to fit everything into two suitcases—one large, one small. At 3:00 AM, I booked a nearby hotel for the night. Just as I grabbed the handle of my suitcase to leave, the front door swung open. Liam stumbled in, completely exhausted from partying. He dumped a blackout-drunk Chloe onto our living room sofa, then handed me a plastic grocery bag filled with fresh pears. “Perfect timing, you’re still awake. She had way too much to drink. Go boil some pear and ginger tea for her hangover, otherwise she’s going to be throwing up all night.” I stood perfectly still, not moving a muscle. When we first moved in together years ago, he came home completely trashed from a frat reunion, throwing up constantly. My heart ached for him. I woke up at 2:00 AM to brew him a traditional hangover remedy on the stove. But the cheap clay pot I was using couldn’t handle the heat. It shattered violently. Boiling water and sharp ceramic shards exploded all over me, burning my arms and chest. When he saw what happened, the alcohol instantly left his system. He looked at my burns with absolute, agonizing guilt. From that day forward, he never let me step foot in the kitchen again. Even when he was sick with the flu and craving homemade chicken noodle soup, he would rather order overpriced delivery than let me turn on the stove. For the last few years, I hadn’t cooked a single meal. He even washed and peeled the fruit before handing it to me. To this day, there was a custom wooden sign hanging on the kitchen door that he had carved himself: [DANGER ZONE: ELENA IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.] I let out a cynical chuckle and tossed the plastic bag of pears directly into the trash can. “Sorry. Not my job. If she wants a hangover cure, she can order it on UberEats.” With that, I grabbed the handles of my suitcases and stepped toward the door. He suddenly lunged forward, grabbing my wrist and shoving me aggressively against the heavy wooden door. “Alright, Elena, enough. It was fine when you were just venting at the restaurant, but packing your bags? I already told you, it was an April Fools’ joke. Stop throwing a tantrum.” “I know you want to get married. I want to, too. Next year. I promise we will officially tie the knot next year, okay?” The smell of stale alcohol washed over my neck as he breathed heavily. But unlike every other time in the past, his half-hearted coaxing didn’t work. I shoved him away with both hands and delivered a sharp, echoing slap directly across his cheek. “Liam, I was incredibly clear. We are broken up. I am never marrying you!” The sharp crack of the slap didn’t just stun Liam; it also managed to partially wake up the drunk girl on the couch. Chloe stumbled to her feet, swaying violently, and charged at me. She raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face. “Who the hell do you think you are?! Who gave you the right to hit Liam?!” “If you want to break up, then break up! There are a million better girls out there! You… you’re literally a nobody!” A burning, stinging pain exploded across my cheek. My eyes turned red with fury. I raised my hand, ready to slap her back into next week. But Liam violently grabbed my wrist mid-air, twisting it and shoving me backward. The small of my back slammed brutally into the metal doorknob. A sharp, paralyzing pain shot through my spine. He stood protectively in front of Chloe, his brow furrowed in deep annoyance. “She’s blackout drunk. Are you seriously going to pick a physical fight with a drunk person?” “Just… get out of here. Go cool off. We’ll talk about this tomorrow when you’re acting rational.” I stared at him in absolute disbelief. He looked so incredibly indifferent, as if I were just some random, unreasonable stranger causing a scene in his home. He didn’t spare me a second glance. He immediately turned his attention back to the slurring, stumbling Chloe, his voice dropping into a soft, gentle whisper to calm her down. He saved every ounce of his tenderness for her. I dug my fingernails into my palms until they nearly bled. I grabbed my suitcases and walked out the door. I checked into the nearest Marriott. I didn’t manage to close my eyes until the sun started to rise. When I woke up, my phone was exploding with notifications. Aside from the generic mass texts about April Fools’ pranks, most of the messages were from coworkers and friends asking why I hadn’t shown up to work, and fishing for gossip about whether Liam had finally popped the question. My heart gave a dull, painful throb. I sent a mass reply saying simply, [We broke up,] feeling a deep, suffocating exhaustion settling into my bones. The ping-ping-ping of incoming texts continued. Some people thought it was a belated April Fools’ joke. Some said it was impossible. Some even told me to stop acting like a spoiled brat just because I was disappointed about the proposal. After all, in their eyes, Liam was the perfect man. Gentle, reliable, and incredibly successful. He was the ultimate safety net. A rare, high-value catch. But they didn’t know the reality of this “perfect man.” For our four-year anniversary, he set up a ridiculously romantic, elaborate proposal fake-out, specifically to lower my guard so his “bro-girl” could drop a realistic, terrifying rubber snake on my lap. For our five-year anniversary, he used a novelty trick ring Chloe had bought online to “propose.” I spent that night in the ER with the fire department using heavy machinery to cut the metal off my finger before it went necrotic. Yes, he had the ability to be an incredible safety net. But I wasn’t the person he was catching. In the past, I had automatically, delusionally blocked out all these massive red flags. I kept gaslighting myself, repeating: Aside from Chloe, he treats me like a queen. But once the fog finally cleared, I realized that a relationship like this—even if it ended in a proposal—was a dead end. I let out a bitter laugh and absentmindedly opened Instagram. Amidst the sea of predictable April Fools’ posts, the most prominent update was a massive photo dump from Chloe. Liam had taken her to a luxury movie theater, won her a massive teddy bear at the arcade, and played laser tag with her. Even though he technically always prioritized Chloe’s April Fools’ prank before celebrating our actual anniversary the next day… He had never, ever taken me to do any of those things. He always told me that arcades and laser tag were immature wastes of time for teenagers. He insisted that taking a pottery class or watching an indie documentary at home was much more “meaningful.” I had genuinely believed that was just his mature, sophisticated personality showing through. So, I actively suppressed all my youthful, silly desires from my first real relationship to match his energy. But now, looking at the photos of him laughing so brightly, so carefree, surrounded by neon arcade lights… I finally realized that those activities weren’t boring. He just found them boring when he was doing them with me. The comment section under Chloe’s post was an endless stream of people saying how cute they looked together. All of our mutual friends had liked the post. It had more likes than the post we made when we officially announced we were dating. Just as I was about to force-close the app, a text message popped up at the top of my screen. It was from Liam. [Don’t overthink the photos. I just took her out to burn off the hangover. If you have time, come back to the apartment. She said she wants to apologize to you.] I frowned deeply, my thumbs flying across the keyboard to type: [Don’t bother.] But suddenly, a delivery notification popped up from Amazon. The anniversary gift I had ordered for him weeks ago had just been signed for. I had used the apartment as the shipping address. I thought about it for a second. It was best to get total closure. I also needed to drop my set of keys on the counter. A clean, definitive break. I threw on some basic clothes and caught an Uber back to the apartment building. But the exact second I unlocked the front door and stepped inside, a massive splash of freezing, chemically-smelling liquid hit me directly in the face. A violent, burning sensation instantly erupted across my cheeks. “SURPRISE! HAPPY LATE APRIL FOOLS’!” Before I could even wipe my eyes, Chloe charged at me. She was holding a rough microfiber makeup remover cloth, aggressively scrubbing and dragging it across my face. The burning sensation intensified exponentially, accompanied by a terrifying, agonizing itch that felt like thousands of tiny insects chewing into my skin. It felt like my face was being physically peeled off. I violently shoved her away. I instinctively reached up to scratch my face, but the second my fingers made contact, a blinding, piercing pain shot through my nerves. “Cough… cough… my face… what is that?!” Liam sprinted out of the kitchen, grabbing my wrists forcefully to stop me from scratching. His voice was laced with genuine panic and fury. “Chloe! You said it was just micellar water! Why is her face breaking out in hives?!” Chloe’s face flushed a deep, guilty red. “I… I don’t know! I just grabbed a random bottle from the bathroom! Besides, she’s always wearing that pathetic, innocent ‘no-makeup makeup’ look trying to compete with me! I hate it! And you told me yourself you didn’t like how it looked, which is why you agreed to let me prank her!” My entire body was trembling uncontrollably. My limbs were going numb, and my airway was beginning to tighten. “And you really thought… she actually wanted to apologize to me?! Liam… you are a psychopathic monster. You don’t even deserve the phrase ‘clean break’!” Gasping for air, I tried to stumble toward the bathroom to wash my face. But after taking a single step, the world violently spun, and everything went black. “ELENA! ELENA, WAKE UP!” When I finally regained consciousness, the sun had already set. The burning, throbbing pain on my cheeks was still incredibly intense. While I was fading in and out in the ER, I vaguely remembered the doctors telling me I had suffered severe chemical burns and required several stitches on my chin and right cheek where the skin had split from the aggressive scrubbing. My shifting on the hospital bed woke Liam, who had been dozing in the chair next to me. “Elena, thank God you’re awake. You terrified me. The doctor said you had a severe anaphylactic shock reaction to an industrial-strength disinfectant.” “She genuinely wanted to apologize to you today. But you know how stubborn and defensive she is. Her actions were definitely out of line, but she honestly didn’t mean to hurt you this badly. Please don’t be too angry with her, okay?” His voice was frantic, tumbling over itself. But in all his desperate words, there wasn’t a single shred of concern about whether I would be permanently scarred, or whether I was in excruciating pain or feeling insecure about my ruined face. All of his energy was focused entirely on exonerating her. I looked at him. I looked at the face of the man I had loved so deeply for six years, and suddenly, he looked like a complete, terrifying stranger. Tears silently spilled over my lashes and slid down my bandaged cheeks. “I’m not angry. I just feel an overwhelming sense of regret. I never, ever should have dated you.” His body stiffened. Just as he opened his mouth to reply, his phone screen lit up on the nightstand. Liam glanced at the caller ID—[The Tyrant]—and instantly swallowed whatever he was going to say. “I need to step out for a second. Get some rest. I’ll be right back.” He practically sprinted out the door. Driven by some dark, masochistic curiosity, I quietly slipped out of bed and followed him. Through the narrow crack of the heavy fire-escape door at the end of the hall. He was sitting on the concrete stairs right next to Chloe. “It’s okay, don’t beat yourself up over it. She’s not going to stay mad. She always forgives us eventually. She always has.” Chloe lightly punched him in the shoulder. “If she can’t even handle this, imagine how nuclear she would go if she found out the only reason you asked her out was because you lost a bet with the guys! And that the only reason you chose April Fools’ Day to propose was because we picked it out as a joke!” In that singular moment, it felt like a flashbang had detonated inside my skull. A deafening, high-pitched ringing drowned out every other sound in the universe. Liam frantically clamped his hand over her mouth, looking around the stairwell in a panic. “SHH! Keep your voice down! That was six years ago! Take that secret to your grave!” My legs completely gave out. It felt as though every single bone in my body had been violently magically extracted. I couldn’t even stand up. The questions that had been haunting me like ghosts for years finally had their answers. Why, when forced to choose, I always lost to Chloe. Why Liam, who claimed to love me so deeply, always enabled and permitted her to abuse me. I had delusionally believed he was just overly loyal to his “found family” of frat brothers. I never, ever imagined that every single thing he had ever given me was a fabricated, toxic lie. Even the moment I thought was the beginning of my salvation… was built entirely on a humiliating, cruel joke. In their eyes, I was never Liam’s beloved girlfriend. I was just a pathetic, entertaining clown they kept around for laughs. In this moment, the last remaining shred of my dignity was completely, utterly annihilated. I pressed both hands forcefully over my mouth to stop myself from screaming. I had to leave. I had to escape this suffocating, artificial nightmare. I called an Uber, grabbed my suitcases from the hotel I had booked the night before, and went straight to Penn Station. I paid an exorbitant fee to change my ticket to the very next Amtrak train heading to the East Coast HQ. Just before I boarded the train, a text from Liam popped up on my phone. [The doctor said you need to be kept under observation. Don’t wander off. Where are you? I’m coming to find you.] Looking at his fake, hypocritical concern, I laughed until tears streamed down my face. I didn’t reply. I permanently blocked his number, and the numbers of every single one of his friends. Liam. I am officially resigning from your sick little April Fools’ game.

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When we got to my boyfriend’s apartment, I stopped dead in my tracks at the front door. “You need to text your mom for the temporary passcode, right? I can sit here and wait…” Liam expertly punched a string of numbers into the keypad. With a soft click, the heavy door swung open. “Why would I need a temporary passcode to get into my own house? Those are for plumbers and dog walkers.” He cheerfully typed the code into my phone so I’d have it. “From now on, you don’t even need to knock. Just let yourself in!” I stared at the numbers on the screen, and I suddenly broke down. Because my entire life, my mother had told me that the code to our front door changed every single day, and she was the only one who knew it. So every time I came home, I had to beg her to text me a temporary guest PIN. If she didn’t see my text, or if she was just in a bad mood, I had to sit on the concrete outside the door, waiting for her and my brother to get back. If I didn’t make it home before the temporary PIN expired, she would lock me out, claiming the app “only lets me generate one code a day.” It turned out, master codes existed all along. She just never wanted me to have it. Mrs. Carter walked out of the kitchen wiping her hands on an apron. She had a naturally stern face. “You’re here? Come on in.” My heart skipped a beat. She looked incredibly intimidating. I forcibly swallowed my tears, took a timid half-step back, and acted as submissive as possible. “Mrs. Carter, do you have any disposable plastic shoe booties?” Her eyes dropped to my feet. She turned around, pulled something out of the shoe cabinet, and dropped it right by my toes. It wasn’t a plastic bootie. It was a pair of brand-new, plush pink slippers. The tags were still on them. “I bought these specifically for you. Whenever you come over, you wear these.” I stared down at the pink slippers, my throat tightening until it ached. At my house, I was only ever allowed to wear cheap, disposable plastic booties. They were paper-thin, squeaking loudly against the hardwood with every step I took. If we ran out, I had to use my own pathetic grocery allowance to buy more. My brother, Tyler, never had to wear them. He was allowed to track his muddy sneakers all over the house. Seeing my frozen expression, Mrs. Carter looked a little impatient. “What’s wrong? You don’t like pink? I don’t have time to run back to Target to buy you another pair!” Liam pouted, about to say something to defend me, but I quickly grabbed his arm and frantically slipped my feet into the shoes. “No, no! I love them!” At the dinner table, I stared blankly at the massive spread of food. Every single dish was my absolute favorite. At my house, Mom only ever cooked the things Dad and Tyler liked. Whenever I asked for something, I was met with a heavy, guilt-tripping sigh. “Anna, I’m just so exhausted. I promise I’ll make your favorite next time…” Mrs. Carter ate her food without paying much attention to me, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw her watching my reaction. She leaned over and whispered to Liam. “Are you sure these are her favorites? If you made me cook all this for nothing, I’m going to kill you.” I immediately started shoveling food into my mouth like I hadn’t eaten in weeks. The two of them stared at me in shock. As soon as dinner was over, Mrs. Carter dragged me to the smart lock on the front door. “Give me your hand.” I held my hand out blindly. She grabbed my index finger and pressed it against the biometric scanner. “Fingerprint is registered. From now on, you come over whenever you want. You don’t need to text me first.” Liam sneakily leaned into my ear and whispered, “This means my mom loves you. She basically considers you her daughter-in-law already!” I stared blankly at the heavy wooden door. I opened my mouth to say thank you, but the tears rolled down my cheeks first. Mrs. Carter jumped in surprise, then delivered a swift kick to Liam’s shin. “You little brat, did you bully her in the car on the way over?!” Liam winced in pain. “I didn’t do anything!” As I cried, I felt even more confused. She looked so intimidating, yet she wasn’t mad at me for crying. My own mother, who always put on the face of a gentle, long-suffering saint, would look at my tears and sigh. “Anna, you give me such a headache when you cry. Can’t you just be a little more mature?” Right at that moment, my phone buzzed. It was my mom. “Your curfew is almost up, Anna. Better run.” The call disconnected. A screenshot popped up in my texts: A six-digit temporary PIN. Below it, an active countdown timer: 29 minutes and 47 seconds. Ever since I was old enough to understand what a door was, getting inside my own house had been a battle. When I was little, we had a regular deadbolt. Mom, Dad, and Tyler all had keys. I didn’t. When I asked why, Mom patted my head with a look of deep, sorrowful apology. “You’re so clumsy, sweetie. If I gave you a key, you’d definitely lose it. It costs five dollars to cut a new one! That’s such a waste.” But Tyler was the one who constantly lost things. He lost his house key three times in the sixth grade alone. Every single time, Mom went to Home Depot the very next day to get him a new one, complete with a brand-new Marvel keychain. Tyler would dangle the shiny key right in my face. “Look, Anna! I’ve got a key! Now I can sneak out to the arcade at night and come home whenever I want!” I didn’t have a key, so I couldn’t leave the house. If I did, I might never get back in. When I was in high school, my parents upgraded to a digital smart lock. It had a keypad and a fingerprint scanner. Mom only called Tyler over. “Tyler, come register your thumbprint so you don’t have to memorize a code.” I stood to the side, my eyes full of hope. She noticed me looking. “Oh, Anna. The scanner only holds one fingerprint. Your dad and I can’t even use it.” I refused to give up. “Then what’s the master code?” Mom awkwardly looked away. “There is no master code. They generate randomly. It’s for security. If I gave you a permanent code, you might accidentally tell your friends, and what if we get robbed?” But Tyler was the one who lost keys! Tyler was the one who brought random friends over! I swallowed the words I wanted to scream, and gave a weak, pathetic nod. Mom was already abused by Dad and disrespected by Tyler. She had it hard enough. I needed to be the easy child. From that day on, every time I wanted to come home, I had to beg her to text me a temporary PIN. I tried to beg them to let me live in the dorms for college. When Mom heard that, her eyes turned red. “Dorms cost thousands of dollars extra a semester! Your father will beat me if I ask for that kind of money! The campus is only thirty minutes away… Anna, can’t you just run a little faster?” I felt incredibly guilty. I never brought it up again. But the temporary PIN was only valid for thirty minutes, and the countdown started the exact second she texted it. My campus was thirty minutes away on a good day. It meant I had to sprint like my life depended on it. When my last class ended, I was the first one out the door, sprinting to the bus stop. If I missed the bus, I ran the entire way home. I ran until my lungs felt like they were bleeding, my clothes soaked in sweat. Even then, there were times I didn’t make it. When the code expired, I would stand on the porch and ring the doorbell. Mom was always conveniently “not home.” Dad and Tyler were inside, but they would never open the door for me. So I would sit on the concrete porch doing my homework. When I got too tired, I would drape my jacket over my shoulders, curl into a ball, and sleep outside for the night. For all these years, I had been lying to myself. What if the person who wanted to keep me locked out… was my mother all along? I decided to stay the night at Liam’s apartment. Mrs. Carter specifically set up the guest room for me. The sheets were brand-new, powder-blue Egyptian cotton, incredibly soft to the touch. The pajamas were new, too. Simple, but the fabric felt like a cloud. It was a violent, jarring contrast to my home, where I slept in scratchy, faded clearance-rack pajamas on a mattress with torn bedsheets. I sat on the edge of the plush guest bed, staring at the wall. Thirty minutes had passed a long time ago. Mom didn’t reach out. No missed calls. No texts. I opened Instagram and posted a photo dump. The massive, beautiful dinner Mrs. Carter cooked, the pristine guest room, and a mirror selfie in my brand-new pajamas. Less than five minutes after I hit post, my phone exploded. It was Mom. “Anna, what the hell is that post?! Where are you?!” “At a friend’s house.” “Which friend?! A boy or a girl?! A young woman staying out overnight?! Get your ass home right now!” Her tone was shockingly frantic. It sounded like something had finally slipped out of her absolute control. I spoke completely flatly. “Didn’t my curfew expire? You want me to come back and sleep on the concrete porch?” “Then sleep on the concrete! That’s your punishment for missing curfew!” The moment she said it, she realized she had slipped up. She quickly pivoted back to her usual act. “I mean, it’s dangerous for a girl to be out all alone at night! Mommy is just worried about you!” “Hurry up and come home! I’ll make an exception and send you one more passcode today. If your dad yells at me, I’ll just take the blame…” I cut her off. “Mom. When I was in high school, there was a serial assaulter roaming our neighborhood. Do you remember?” She froze. “…Why are you bringing that up?” “I was late getting home from school that day. The passcode had already expired. No one would open the door for me. I was so terrified of being seen on the porch that I slept behind the community dumpsters all night.” The line went completely dead silent. “Were you really worried about my safety?” “Weren’t you afraid I was going to be murdered right outside our front door?” Silence. My heart turned to absolute ice. I was about to hang up. But suddenly, I heard the sound of plates violently shattering in the background. Then, Dad’s muffled, enraged roar: “What the hell are you doing?!” Mom’s voice broke into a terrified sob. “Anna, please, help me…” The call was violently disconnected. I shot up from the bed. Liam jumped in surprise. “Anna, what’s wrong?” I grabbed my coat and headed for the door. “I have to go back. I think my mom is in trouble.” Liam immediately grabbed his keys. “I’m coming with you!” “No. This is my family’s mess.” The entire Uber ride home, my heart hammered against my ribs. Childhood memories of Dad beating Mom until she sobbed flashed before my eyes. She used to hold me in the dark, whispering, “Anna, you’re all Mommy has left,” and “As soon as I save up enough money, we’re leaving him.” I believed those words for a decade. Even if I was cutting ties with her, I had to make sure she was okay first! I sprinted from the drop-off point to my familiar front door and pounded on the wood. No response. Not a single sound from inside. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. It rang fifteen times before she finally picked up. “Hello?” Her voice sounded incredibly relaxed. She was actually laughing. I froze. “Mom, are you… are you okay?” “Oh, I’m perfectly fine! I just accidentally dropped a plate earlier and your dad yelled at me.” I gripped my phone. My throat went completely dry. A wave of profound, suffocating exhaustion washed over me. I had been played for a fool. “Are you at home right now?” Her next sentence completely shattered my reality. “No… we’re heading out for a family vacation! Your dad said he’s been super stressed at work and needs to unwind.” “We already bought the plane tickets. We’re in the Uber heading to the airport right now! Oh, and I have your debit card with me, so don’t worry, it’s safe.” The very next second, my phone vibrated. Push notifications from my banking app. Charge: Delta Airlines. Charge: Marriott Hotels. Charge: Uber. I made a decent salary at my corporate job. Over the last two years, I had saved up nearly twenty thousand dollars. Because Mom constantly played the victim, crying about how Dad controlled all the finances and wouldn’t give her a dime, I had secretly given her my debit card so she could buy groceries and things for herself. I never, ever intended for Dad and Tyler to touch a single cent of it. Let alone fund their luxury vacation! I needed to call the bank and freeze the card immediately. But my driver’s license and passport were locked inside my bedroom. I stared at the banking alerts. My breathing grew heavy. “When are you coming back?” “Next week! Gotta go, we’re boarding!” “Wait!” I yelled frantically. “I need to get into the house to grab my ID! Give me the master code!” Mom paused. “Code? What code?” “The front door code!” Mom’s voice instantly morphed back into that pathetic, helpless, victimized tone. “I told you, the smart lock generates random codes. I gave you one yesterday, but the app is glitching today and won’t give me a new one.” “You’re lying! Liam’s house has a permanent master code! Why doesn’t ours?!” Mom’s voice cracked into a fake sob. “Other people’s houses are different from ours!” “Anna, have you been listening to outsiders poisoning your mind against me? Have I not been a good mother to you? I raised you from a baby…” I had heard this exact speech hundreds of times. Right now, I felt nothing but absolute disgust. “Enough. Give me the code.” She snapped, dropping the act entirely. “If I say there isn’t one, there isn’t one! We won’t be back until next week! Figure it out yourself! You have someone else giving you a bed anyway!” With that, she hung up. Listening to the dead dial tone, standing outside the house I grew up in, I felt every ounce of strength drain from my body. For my entire life, I had been lying to myself. Lying to myself that my mother loved me, she just didn’t know how to show it. Lying to myself that she was a helpless victim who needed my protection. But now, the final, pathetic illusion had been completely ripped away. She didn’t love me. She never did. I wiped my face aggressively, pulled out my phone, and Googled local 24-hour locksmiths. A guy in a heavy canvas jacket arrived twenty minutes later. In less than five minutes, the smart lock that had kept me prisoner for a decade was easily bypassed. I walked in, grabbed my ID from my drawer, proved my residency to the locksmith, and handed him a massive cash tip. “Please wipe all the existing passcodes and fingerprints from the system.” “Then, re-program it. Register my fingerprint only, and set a brand-new master code.” The locksmith saw the dead, hollow look in my eyes. He hesitated for a second, but did exactly as I asked. Ten minutes later, the lock was completely wiped and reset. I registered my thumbprint. I set a brand-new master code. A code that only I knew. Next stop: The bank. Freezing the debit card and ordering a replacement was quick. The bank teller noticed how incredibly pale I was and gently asked if I needed any help. I shook my head, signing the final piece of paperwork. By the time I walked out of the bank, the sun had set. I stood on the bustling city street, watching the headlights blur into traffic, and suddenly had absolutely no idea where to go. My phone buzzed. It was a text from Liam: “Anna, how are things? Do you need me to come pick you up?” I stared at the text. My eyes burned. So there was still someone in this world who cared if I had a place to go. When I got back to Liam’s apartment, the dam finally broke. I collapsed into his arms and sobbed hysterically. Mrs. Carter handed me a glass of warm water, while Liam gently rubbed my back. Neither of them interrupted. They just sat with me and let me cry. I don’t know how long I cried, but I didn’t stop until my voice was completely hoarse. Right at that moment, my phone rang. It was Mom. I took a deep breath, hit accept, and put it on speakerphone. “ANNA!” Mom’s voice blasted through the speaker. It wasn’t relaxed anymore. It was vibrating with pure, unadulterated rage. “What the hell did you do?! Why is the card declining?!” “Go to the bank and unfreeze it right now! Your brother wants to buy souvenirs! He found a crystal sculpture he wants, it’s three grand! Wire the money to my account immediately!” I spoke with eerie, absolute calmness. “I reported the card stolen.” The line went dead silent for three seconds before exploding into a hysterical scream, laced with the panic of losing absolute control. “STOLEN?! How did you report it stolen?! Your ID is locked inside the house!” “Want to know how? Come home and find out.” I hung up the phone. I opened my contacts list and permanently blocked all three of their numbers. When I was done, I looked up at Liam and Mrs. Carter. They were both staring at me, their expressions incredibly complex. I forced a bitter, broken smile. “Mrs. Carter. Liam. You’ve seen what a disaster my family is.” “A family that worships their golden-boy son and treats their daughter like trash. If I stay tied to them, my future is just going to be bleeding myself dry to pay for my deadbeat brother’s life.” “If this is too much drama for you guys, I completely understand. I can pack my things and leave right now. I’m sorry for dragging you into my mess.” I lowered my head, biting my lip to stop it from trembling, waiting for the inevitable rejection. Suddenly, Mrs. Carter stood up and marched right up to me. Her normally stern face was flushed red with fury. But it wasn’t directed at me. “What kind of mother treats her own flesh and blood like that?! ‘Temporary passcodes’ my ass! What absolute bullshit!” She pointed a furious finger at my phone, her voice shaking with rage. “Stealing her daughter’s hard-earned savings to fund a luxury vacation, while literally locking her child out on the street like a stray dog?! What kind of psychopathic monsters are they?!” I was stunned. Liam pulled me into his arms, patting my head like I was a startled kitten. “Mom, you’re scaring Anna.” Mrs. Carter got even angrier. “I am furious! Such a sweet, hardworking girl, being tortured by those leeches! It’s a miracle she survived this long!” She glared at Liam. “What the hell are you standing around for?!” Liam let out a quick “Oh!” and pulled his wallet from his pocket. He slid a sleek debit card out and pressed it directly into my palm. I was completely bewildered. “What is this…” Liam looked at me with absolute sincerity. “My debit card. The PIN is your birthday.” “From now on, my money is your money. And your money is your money.” Mrs. Carter chimed in from the side. “My son makes a very solid salary. Adding his income to yours, you guys can easily save up a down payment for a condo in two years. We’ll put the deed entirely in your name. Then you’ll finally have a home that’s truly yours.” I held the plastic card in my hands, looking at the mother and son in front of me. The tears surged up again. So this is what a real family looks like. Mrs. Carter saw me crying and immediately put her stern face back on. “Stop crying! Wipe your tears! Your psychotic parents are definitely not going to let this go. We need to prepare for war.” I nodded heavily and wiped my face. The next day, Liam and I hired a moving company and drove back to the house I had lived in for over twenty years. The master bedroom belonged to my parents. The massive guest room belonged to Tyler. I lived in a makeshift, windowless storage space partitioned off from the living room. It held a twin bed and a cheap canvas wardrobe. Liam looked around the claustrophobic space, his jaw clenching. “You slept here?” I nodded casually. “Yeah. Since middle school.” He clenched his fists, saying nothing. I started packing, but I owned almost nothing of value. I took a few stacks of books, my diplomas, my birth certificate, birthday gifts from my friends, and the very first expensive lipstick I bought with my own paycheck. Everything I owned in the world fit into two suitcases. The movers took my things to Liam’s apartment for temporary storage until I could find my own place. That night, Liam and I sat on his couch, excitedly scrolling through Zillow listings. But right after dinner, a violent, aggressive pounding echoed from his front door. Liam and I exchanged a tense look. A heavy sense of dread settled in my stomach. I told him to call the building security immediately. Sure enough, a familiar, shrill voice screamed from the hallway. “ANNA! GET OUT HERE! I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE!” When we opened the door, Mom was standing there, radiating fury. Dad and Tyler were nowhere in sight. “Anna! What the hell did you do to the smart lock?! Why did my master code of ten years suddenly stop working?!” I let out a cold, sharp laugh. “Ten years? Mom, didn’t you swear to me that the lock didn’t have a master code?”

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This is the story of the day before my boyfriend was supposed to finish his three-year assignment at one of our remote manufacturing plants. I hadn’t told him I was coming; I wanted to surprise him. When I got to the apartment door, I heard him inside, having a dinner party with his colleagues. “Come on, just let Chloe have one glass of wine. Don’t be such a protective tightwad.” “Seriously, you guard her so closely, you might as well just lock her in a tower.” Then, I heard that familiar voice respond. “Stop it, guys. She’s my star trainee. If she gets pissed off, I’m the one who suffers for it.” My heart did a painful somersault. Just yesterday, he had grumbled to me over text: [This trainee is so incompetent. It’s exhausting to teach her! I’m so over it!] But now he was calling her his “star.” I pushed down the instant flash of suspicion, punched the code into the keypad, and opened the door. Chapter 1 The second the door swung open, the laughter inside stopped dead. Several pairs of eyes snapped toward me, filled with shock and defensiveness at my sudden appearance. Blake casually removed his hand from the back of the girl’s chair. He forced a look of absolute delight onto his face at my arrival. “Audrey! What are you doing here?” Around the table, glances were exchanged, followed by a few forced, awkward laughs. I didn’t respond. I just looked directly into Blake’s deep, bright eyes and said, “Aren’t you flying back to New York tomorrow? I came to pick you up.” The room fell silent. Even Blake’s smile faded a little. Then, the sharp sound of glass shattering broke the tension. Someone shouted urgently: “Chloe!” I felt Blake go instantly rigid in front of me. He threw my hand off in a second. “I’ll go check on her.” Half the sentence was lost in the rush of air he left behind. In the blink of an eye, Blake had rushed to the girl’s side. She stood there looking completely helpless, a shattered glass at her feet. Her gaze was filled with suppressed grievance and vulnerability as she gazed adoringly up at Blake, who was checking her anxiously for injuries. A few knowing looks floated my way, tinged with schadenfreude. “It’s fine, it’s just a glass,” Blake said, trying to comfort her. Someone else joked, “Hey, let it break! Breaking glass is good luck, right? Fresh start and all that.” “Besides, it’s just a glass. Your mentor adores you; are you really afraid he’s going to yell at you?” The girl cast a timid glance at me. Blake followed her gaze, looking over. Our eyes met in mid-air. He froze for a second, as if finally remembering I was in the room. He forced a casual chuckle. “I’m always giving her a hard time at work, so she’s a little scared of me. Breaking a glass nearly scared her to death.” “Come, let me introduce you. This is my trainee, Chloe Bennett.” Chloe Bennett. I knew her very well. In Blake’s texts, she was the girl who was incompetent, clumsy, and always getting into trouble. He was always complaining that mentoring her was a massive headache. I felt bad for him and asked if I should call the plant manager—a friend of my father’s—to switch trainees. Blake had refused, saying it was a learning experience and that he couldn’t let my father down. It seemed there was another reason entirely. At the very least, his actual “headache” over Chloe wasn’t one-thousandth of what he’d told me. I ignored his cheerful introduction. I just looked at the pile of shards on the floor. “It’s just a glass. Who cares that it broke?” “Audrey, let’s not make a deal out of this.” Blake’s tone was solemn, as if he were trying to teach me a lesson in manners. “I’m sorry, this is all my fault,” Chloe said, moving to apologize by bending over to pick up the pieces. Blake stopped her immediately. He started cleaning up the mess for her. But the moment his eyes fell on the shards, he froze. The crystal fragments reflected the light beautifully. That was the gift I had given Blake for Valentine’s Day last year. Custom-made, private reserve crystal. Only two in the world—his and mine. I was too proud to say “forever,” so I used the gift to express it. He looked up at me carefully, tentatively. After several attempts to speak, he finally said, “Audrey, it was my fault. It had nothing to do with Chloe—” “It’s fine, it’s just a glass,” I interrupted him, my voice flat. “If it breaks, you get a new one.” In the past, he had treasured every single gift I gave him, not allowing anyone to touch them. Yet today, everyone at the party was using paper cups. Including Blake himself. That single broken crystal glass was the smoking gun of his blatant favoritism toward Chloe. It wasn’t an illusion, and it wasn’t baseless paranoia. Even before Blake had said that sentence, I was trying to rationalize his behavior. I was blaming my discomfort on oversensitivity. But the facts were right there. I couldn’t lie to myself. At the dinner table, his colleagues tried too hard to obscure the truth. They kept telling me stories about Blake’s strictness and hilarious mistakes Chloe had made under his supervision, trying to frame it as a strict-mentor/clumsy-apprentice dynamic. But they couldn’t hide the edge of hostility in their tone toward me. It was as if my appearance had forcibly broken up the perfect couple in their eyes. They tried to run interference for Blake, but couldn’t resist sticking up for Chloe. My blatant coldness caused the party to end awkwardly. After everyone left, Blake had me sit on the sofa in the living room. He knelt down and carefully placed some cozy, pink slippers in front of me, taking off my heels. He made me hot tea and brought over some fruit. Then he rolled up his sleeves to go clean up the mess in the dining room. He was exactly like he used to be—attentive, detailed, taking care of my every need. I looked at the steaming tea on the table and remembered college, how Blake always followed right behind me. I had a bad temper back then. Proud, cold, and unapproachable. Blake was the warm, friendly guy who could talk to anyone. He pursued me relentlessly for four years. He was like a servant who willingly accepted my dominance, ready to follow my commands at a moment’s notice. He wouldn’t let other guys get near me, wouldn’t let anyone else try to do me favors. For anything involving me, big or small, he refused to let anyone else handle it. “You’re my Rapunzel, Audrey. I can only rest easy when you’re tucked away safely in your tower.” I struggled in the memories, almost starting to let go of my reason. Then came the click of the lock. The door opened. Chloe Bennett had come back. She nodded at me but didn’t speak. She walked directly to the shoe rack, opened it, dug around, closed it, and finally, her gaze fell on my feet. Her expression was timid, but her words carried a definite edge of provocation. “Um, Audrey? Those are my slippers you’re wearing…” They were pink house shoes, very cute, but not my style. However, Blake was wearing a dark blue pair. I had assumed Blake had specifically prepared a matching couple’s set for my visit. Hearing her words, I lowered my eyes for a moment, then stood up and took the shoes off. The moment my bare feet touched the hardwood floor, a wave of coldness surged through me, chilling me to the core. I changed back into my own high heels and looked down at Chloe. I was practically laughing from rage. I wasn’t even planning on counting her in this, initially. But how could someone be so stupid as to go begging for a slap in the face? “Audrey!” Blake appeared from behind me. The sound of his rapid footsteps betrayed his anxiety. He didn’t hesitate for a second. He stood directly between me and Chloe, terrified I was going to do something to her. “I didn’t have time to tell you beforehand. I’m living in the factory dorms right now, so I let Chloe stay here temporarily.” “She was afraid you’d get the wrong idea and offered to stay in a hotel.” “But it’s very late now. There are probably no rooms left.” Before Chloe could explain anything, Blake had already found the perfect excuse for her. I remained silent. I just scanned the room briefly, and I already saw many matching couple’s items. The place was filled with traces of two people living together. Blake tried to offer another explanation: “Chloe’s boyfriend comes over occasionally.” “Is that so?” “Yes.” Blake’s gaze didn’t waver. After a brief staredown, a sarcastic laugh escaped my lips. “Fine. Whatever you say.” I looked around the fully renovated, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. “So, how much rent are you collecting from her a month?” Blake froze. “What rent?” Once he understood my meaning, his brow furrowed in annoyance. “She’s just a college grad who only started working a little while ago. How much money do you think she has?” “Do you really have to pick a fight over a few thousand dollars?” I had known Blake for so long, and yet this was the first time I had ever seen this aggressive, defensive side of him. I looked at him silently, feeling completely estranged. “She’s a young girl, living in an apartment rented in your name, and you’re actively paying her rent.” “You’re so thoughtful toward her. Why didn’t you spare a thought for her reputation?” Blake’s favoritism toward Chloe was undisguised. That’s why his colleagues found it normal, and instead felt repulsed by my sudden appearance as the official girlfriend. In their eyes, Blake and Chloe were the couple. Realizing he had lost control of his temper, Blake tried to explain further. But a sob came from behind him. Chloe wiped away tears. “Ment… Blake, I should just go. Don’t fight because of me.” Blake panicked, turning around to grab her tightly. “Do you know what time it is? Where are you going to go!” Chloe bit her lip in grievance, tears flowing down her face. “You don’t need to worry about me. I have my ways.” “If I don’t worry about you, who will!” Blake’s eyes were filled with anxiety. He turned and shouted at me: “Audrey, I’ll find a time to explain everything to you properly, but this has nothing to do with Chloe.” “Don’t take it out on her!” “It’s the middle of the night. Where do you expect a girl like her to go?” I let out a cold laugh. I turned around without a second thought and grabbed my suitcase, which I hadn’t even had time to open. Watching this trashy, melodramatic exchange between the cheating scumbag and his mistress was infuriating, and my breeding wouldn’t allow me to go crazy and scream. I wasn’t going to play Chloe’s games. I was genuinely leaving. Behind me came Blake’s anxious shout: “Audrey, where are you going!” “Wait for me!” Chapter 2 Yet until the moment I got into a taxi to a hotel, I didn’t see him chase after me. I stood on the balcony of the penthouse suite, smoking one cigarette after another. The phone on the table next to me rang non-stop. It was Blake, but I didn’t want to answer. Until the last cigarette burned out, the ringing continued. I picked up the phone and texted him the hotel address and room number. The world went silent. As I waited, I decided to be merciful just once. To be fair, Blake had been amazing to me. Four years of college, three years of grad school, and now three years of work. For ten years, outside of my parents, he was the person who had been the most accommodating to my temper. He had taken care of every detail, covered every angle, been everything to me. I loved him, and I relied on him. If he confessed, told me he had a change of heart, I would accept defeat. Soon, there was a knock on the hotel door. I opened it and saw Blake, completely out of breath. The sweat had soaked the hair on his forehead; he looked like he had just been pulled out of a lake. “I’m just glad you’re okay.” I lowered my eyes and let him in. I couldn’t not have a soft spot for him. He didn’t even bother taking care of himself before he started organizing the room for me, exactly as he always had. I was waiting. Waiting for him to open his mouth first. At 3:00 AM, Blake handed me a cup of warm milk and finally spoke. “Audrey, don’t overthink this.” “The reason I’m good to Chloe is that I feel bad for what she’s been through. She comes from a very poor background, she’s suffered so much…” I felt confused for a split second. I didn’t think that after all this waiting, after all this build-up, Blake would still be talking about Chloe Bennett. He even wanted me to empathize with Chloe’s suffering, to make me feel guilty for my behavior today. “Chloe’s life hasn’t been as smooth as yours. She’s very sensitive. You shouldn’t have gotten angry at her.” The milk went cold, and my patience finally ran out. “Is that what you came here to say?” Blake paused, remembered something, and his gaze shifted away. “There are some issues with the production line. The plant manager told me I need to stay for another week…” Hearing this, I only found it hilarious. The plant manager had just texted me during dinner to congratulations on Blake finishing his assignment, wishing us a safe trip back and telling us it was great to see our relationship finally entering its next chapter. I curved my lips. Fine. I’ll stay with you. Blake hadn’t expected me to stay, and he failed to give an immediate reaction. “What? Are you unhappy about that?” Blake shook his head frantically. “No, I’m happy.” I nodded. “Good. Glad to hear it.” The next morning, I personally dropped Blake off at the factory gates and watched him walk inside. Then, I told the driver to drive to the apartment I had left last night. When the door opened, Chloe was still there. As if nothing had happened yesterday, I asked casually, “Oh, you’re here, Chloe. Don’t you have to work today?” “Blake said he had some things here, and I came to help him pack them up.” As she spoke, I pulled a large suitcase out from behind me. Chloe Bennett went completely pale, staring at it blankly. But I acted as if I hadn’t noticed and continued talking: “By the way, when Blake and I get married, you absolute must come.” Chloe Bennett ran out of the apartment, looking like she had seen a ghost. I put away my fake, sugary smile, took out my phone, and opened the spyware I had installed last night. While Blake was fast asleep, I had put something on his phone. Soon, the voices of the two came over the speaker. Blake was anxiously asking what happened. The only response was Chloe’s sobbing: “Go back and marry Audrey Sterling. We’re over.” Blake was silent. Chloe’s voice was muffled. I could even imagine him pulling her into his arms, pressing her face against his chest. Finally, Blake’s voice came again. It was gravelly, with an edge of tears. “In a few years, I’ll transfer you to corporate headquarters.” “You’ll have an enviable job, a comfortable life. I’ll watch you get married, have a beautiful child, and live a happy life…” Chloe was crying uncontrollably. “I only want you!” My face had turned completely cold. I cannot accept deceit, and I certainly cannot accept being played. I vividly remembered the afternoon my father agreed to accept Blake. The crushing boulder that had been on my chest for years finally fell. I had thrown myself into Blake’s arms, crying. Three years. Just three years. That was my father’s condition for Blake, and my test. I knew three years would be hard, so I worked tirelessly to prove myself, to meet my father’s expectations, and to keep pace with Blake. To see Blake for just one extra hour, I could go three days without sleep, pushing myself to create a proposal that would satisfy my father. And listening to the recording… Blake Vance was mapping out an entire future for Chloe Bennett. Her job, her life, her relationship… they were pouring their hearts out to each other with profound devotion. If I hadn’t shown up that night, if I hadn’t known any of this… Then every future day of my life, I would have been living in this fake, disgusting “happiness.” I pulled out my phone and dialed my older brother in New York. The call was quickly answered by a cheerful voice. “Hey, little sis! Did you pick up your boyfriend?” “Mom and Dad have already arranged the welcome dinner…” The second I opened my mouth, I was horrified to find I was sobbing. “Caleb, Blake’s cheating on me.” I raised my hand and touched my face; it was covered in icy tears. My voice finally calmed down. “Make it happen. I want to ruin them both.” I have never been a patient, forgiving saint. Blake thought he could use me as a ladder. Ruin my life, gain status, and keep his mistress. Keep dreaming. After hanging up, I took a tissue and wiped away my tears. A gaping hole had been ripped in my chest, and a freezing cold wind was howling through it. Like a knife twisting, it was both cold and painful. To say I wasn’t heartbroken would be a lie. They always said Blake was devoted to me, but wasn’t I devoted to him as well? I scanned the apartment. It was vastly different from the place I had seen three years ago. During Blake’s first month here, he casually remarked that he couldn’t sleep well in the factory dorms. I had immediately bought this apartment. Worried that he would refuse it out of pride, and afraid of giving him financial pressure, I had found a reliable real estate agent to rent the apartment to him at well below market value. Over the past three years, I had only come here a handful of times during the first year. After that, I was busy, and Blake said he was busy. Every time I came to see him, we only had a quick meeting outside the factory. So I had no way of noticing his change of heart. But at this point, I didn’t want to obsess over when the rot had started. While Blake and Chloe were out in the afternoon, I had surveillance cameras installed in every room. After confirming the connection was perfect, I went back to the hotel.

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