Category: English

I’m the ugly kid in a family of beauties. My whole family treats me like a joke. Mom calls me “ugly child,” and my sister makes me livestream as a clown. Even relatives tease me: “You can’t be their biological kid, right? How can you look nothing like them?” For over twenty years, I’ve had enough of being the family clown. I finally saved enough money for braces before New Year’s. I happily went to book the surgery, only to be told: “Your mother came and made a scene. We had no choice.” “We had to refund the twenty thousand dollars in your account back to her.” I called home in disbelief. Mom said dismissively: “With that face of yours, even plastic surgery can’t save you.” “Better to spend the money where it matters. Your sister needs a nice bag for work, or it won’t match her pretty face.” The dark phone screen reflected my face. I finally understood—being ugly means I don’t deserve to be their daughter… “Miss Gwen, your mother made such a terrible scene, we really couldn’t handle it.” The receptionist looked at me with undisguised wariness, as if afraid I’d make trouble for her. I was still reeling from what my mom had just said. When I turned around, tears started falling. “Don’t come crying to us. Your mother ruined several of our appointments.” “She was shouting at our clients that they were ‘ugly people making a fuss over nothing,’ so who are we supposed to cry to?” She stepped back two paces and rolled her eyes in contempt. I wanted to argue back. But my parents’ words from childhood wrapped around me: “You look ugliest when you’re crying and screaming.” My natural insecurity left me speechless. I could only slink away in shame. On the way home, my sister posted on Snapchat. Heart-shaped face, big eyes, skin as fair and translucent as fresh lychee. Her beauty was so striking that even the exquisite Chanel bag could only serve as an accessory. In the photo, she squeezed between Mom and Dad, smiling happily. She playfully asked in the caption: “Guess who’s the mom and who’s the daughter?” [So the gorgeous girl takes after her parents—the whole family is beautiful.] Among the flood of compliments, my sister precisely selected this reply: [You wouldn’t say that if you met my sister. [We have a genetically mutated little clown in our family~] She thoughtfully attached a photo of us together. In the picture, my sister had her arm around my neck while I looked awkward and uncomfortable. Dull skin, flat nose, puffy eyes, and a slight underbite. Standing next to my sister, I looked like cow dung next to a flower. In our family’s genetic heritage of high nose bridges and big eyes. I was truly an anomaly. Every time we went out, my sister would get praised over and over by strangers: “This child perfectly inherited all your good features. She’s so beautiful, like a doll.” Meanwhile, I would only hear a slightly surprised question: “Is this your younger one?” Mom and Dad’s smiles always fell at that moment. They’d glance back at my face and laugh dryly: “Yeah, we don’t know who she takes after.” “If I hadn’t watched her being born, I’d think she was switched at the hospital.” “We all call her ‘ugly child.’” When I was little, I didn’t yet understand the concept of beauty and ugliness. But I already vaguely felt that I was the only one excluded from this family. “Ugly child, eat less meat. You’re already ugly—getting fat will make you even uglier.” “You want to learn ballet with your sister? You jump around like a toad. It’s hilarious.” “Ugly child, you look tacky and awful in pink dresses. Wear them at home if you want, but don’t embarrass me outside.” Mom and Dad were always like this, casually pointing out my flaws. With teasing, mocking laughter. During puberty, I once secretly bought makeup and got caught. My sister rushed over and took photos of me, laughing hysterically: “You’re wearing makeup with that ugly face? You look like a ghost. Even uglier.” Mom smashed my makeup: “You’re young and already up to no good. No allowance for you next month.” “Your ugly face is beyond saving no matter what you do to it.” Criticism, insults, mockery… After twenty years, I’d had enough. I worked desperately to earn money. I thought I could finally restart my life, but I never expected… The taxi stopped at our front door. My tears still hadn’t stopped. Anger and grievance surged together. I quickened my pace, wanting to rush in and demand an explanation. But laughter came from the half-open front door: “Isn’t it hilarious? Ugly child actually saved up money secretly to get plastic surgery.”

In the living room, relatives were visiting. Mom was cracking sunflower seeds, laughing so hard she was doubled over: “That idiot. Can that face of hers be saved? Even top plastic surgeons couldn’t do anything with it.” “Good thing I discovered her little scheme, or that money would’ve been completely wasted!” The relatives chimed in: “Ugly child usually seems so honest and simple, but her mind is quite active.” “She even thought about plastic surgery. That kind of face surgery is dangerous.” “Right now she’s just ugly—if the whole face gets ruined from surgery, that’ll be the end!” Another aunt waved her hand: “Why is ugly child always thinking about this? Actually, she’s not that bad looking. She’s quite…” The aunt paused, struggling for a long time to squeeze out a few words: “Quite cute, quite honest. She has the look of someone who’d make a good wife!” The living room fell silent. The aunt coughed awkwardly a couple of times. The relatives and my parents exchanged glances, then couldn’t help bursting into laughter. “Haha, this ugly child has been funny since she was little.” Mom laughed so hard she ran out of breath, slapping her thigh. Standing at the door, I gasped. I felt all the blood in my body flowing backward, rushing to my head. Visiting relatives had always followed this pattern since childhood. My sister would be surrounded and praised first, then the topic would turn to me. Relatives would tease me: “How come you don’t look like anyone else? You must have been switched at birth.” My mom would lower her voice and shush them: “Don’t tease her. She knows perfectly well in her heart.” “She knows her sister is pretty and she’s ugly. She secretly cares about her looks too.” “Now when her sister puts her hair in two braids, she has to do it too, without even looking at what she looks like.” My pain, my humiliation, would be dragged out every New Year. Turned into after-dinner entertainment by my mom. I couldn’t hold back anymore and rushed into the living room, shouting: “How I am is none of your business! That’s my money—give it back!” Everyone in the living room turned their eyes on me. Burning hot. Like they were stripping me naked. The insecurity deep in my heart wrapped around my throat like vines. “Oh my, look at our ugly child all grown up. We shouldn’t say too much—she’ll get embarrassed.” Mom covered her mouth and laughed. Her appraising gaze made me suffocate. The relatives gathered around, teasing me: “How does ugly child want to change herself? We older folks don’t understand. Why don’t you tell us about it?” “You can’t just say nothing. What if you get scammed and no one’s there to back you up?” My sister came downstairs humming, and hearing the commotion, she laughed too: “Ugly child thinks her teeth don’t look good and wants orthodontic treatment.” “Braces? Ugly child’s teeth are pretty good though, quite straight. Your sister’s were serious when she was little. Thank goodness your parents discovered it in time and got it corrected, or it really would have been a problem.” The topic shifted to my sister again. The relatives surrounded my beautiful sister with lavish praise. The tears I’d been holding back for so long still rolled down. My voice was hoarse as I asked my mom: “The doctor said my underbite could actually have been treated when I was little. It would have only cost a little bit of money to fix.” But Mom, Dad, why did you never care about me? When my sister was losing her baby teeth, Mom and Dad would panic if even one tooth was slightly crooked. They went to the hospital countless times and spent tens of thousands on orthodontic devices. But they couldn’t spare me a single glance. By the time they noticed, I’d already grown into someone with a crooked face and misaligned jaw. Mom and Dad didn’t feel bad or worried. They only mocked and disdained me: “Why are you getting uglier and uglier?” “Ugly child, ugly child—that nickname really fits.”

The accumulated heartache and grievance overflowed. I wildly wiped at my tears with my hands, but they only came faster. This sight made the relatives panic a bit. They laughed awkwardly: “Oh, our ugly child isn’t ugly at all. She’s beautiful.” “Don’t cry now. Everyone stop talking, okay?” They coaxed me like a child. Exchanging knowing glances with mockery in their eyes, clearly watching a show. Mom got impatient. She clicked her tongue: “Why are you crying? What do you have to feel wronged about?” “Making a scene during New Year’s—who are you trying to show? Isn’t this embarrassing?” “Why… why do you always call me ugly… why do you call me ugly child…” I sobbed, unable to think straight. I just wanted to vent all these years of pain. My mom was stunned for a moment, then laughed. “Aren’t you ugly? You’re this old and still don’t know yourself? Want me to get your sister to bring a mirror so you two can stand together and compare?” She couldn’t hold back her laughter and kept stabbing at my heart. “But really, you won’t hold a grudge against us for just telling the truth, will you?” “We’re helping you have self-awareness. Your taste is terrible too—look at what you’re wearing today. It makes you look fat and ugly.” “Ugly people shouldn’t make a fuss. Won’t people laugh at you when you go out?” My breath caught. My chest hurt like it was blocked. I could only squeeze a few words from my throat: “Yes. I hate you.” I hate your casual criticism and put-downs. Since childhood, Mom and Dad treated my sister like a princess. If my sister just walked two steps, Mom and Dad would have praise: “Our Maya holds her back so straight. She’s as beautiful as a swan.” But me—just sitting there, I had to endure Mom and Dad’s sharp, judgmental gazes: “Look at that. Sitting all crooked. Combined with her wretched appearance, she’s even uglier.” Since childhood, the word “ugly” had deeply shrouded me. During puberty, my sister blossomed into a graceful beauty, the acknowledged campus goddess. By comparison, my face broke out in acne and was constantly oily. When Mom and Dad saw my face, their disgust was written all over: “Oh my god, how did ugly child’s face turn out like this? So gross. What are we going to do if she keeps getting uglier?” “Ugly child, get some bangs to cover that big forehead of yours.” “Just wear your school uniform from now on. The uniform looks better on you.” After hearing Mom and Dad’s words for so long. I became hunched over, always looking down wherever I went, always wearing a mask. I just wanted to hide my face. My puberty years, spent in enormous appearance anxiety, became my most painful period. Those supposedly beautiful school memories—I had none of them. I was like a mouse, avoiding people’s gazes. I felt like everyone was talking about my appearance. Like Mom and Dad, laughing that I was ugly child. Later, when I went to college and got away from my parents, my personality became slightly more outgoing. New friends I made pushed aside my thick bangs and removed my mask. “Where are you ugly? You look fine. You just look a bit tired. Put on some makeup and you’ll be good.” Encouraged, I gathered my courage. I abandoned the bangs my parents made me keep and started learning makeup. But when I dressed up carefully, I always felt people were watching me. The giggling, well-dressed girls in the cafeteria made me wonder if they were laughing at my ugly face, at my over-the-top makeup. That meal felt like torture. That’s when I suddenly realized. My insecurity had already seeped into my bones. I instinctively opened my phone, wanting to delete the edited photo I’d just posted on Snapchat. But I discovered I’d forgotten to block my parents. I couldn’t see my friends’ compliments. I only saw my sister laughing: [Ugly child, that kind of makeup doesn’t suit you at all. How dare you show off like this? Aren’t you afraid people will laugh at you?] Mom was scolding: [You’re living quite the fancy life. Using too much makeup is making your skin worse and your ugly face even uglier.] Later, I threw away my pretty clothes. I obediently put my bangs back down. When I went home, I still couldn’t escape Mom’s mockery: “Oh, why aren’t you wearing those slutty dresses today? Finally realized it’s embarrassing?” My sister laughed too, seeming to give me sincere advice: “Ugly child, you have too much fat. You need to lose weight before wearing those dresses.” “But honestly, clothes are picky about faces. Some faces just can’t pull them off. Better just give up.”

Ugly child, ugly child. Light, casual laughter. Light, casual criticism. Pressing down on little me, it became a mountain. Never letting me straighten my back again. Mom and Dad laughed at me: “Being ugly is one thing, but your personality is so strange too.” “Petty and small-minded. You’ll never amount to anything.” But Mom, Dad, did you ever think about why I became this way? When I smiled with my teeth showing, you said it looked ugly. When I wanted to learn ballet, you said I was clumsy like a toad. When I hosted at school, you said I looked ridiculous in a formal dress and people laughed at me. Time and time again I tried to improve. You dragged me back down into the mud each time. “I hate you!” “I hate that you raised me to be like this!” The words I’d held in my heart for so many years finally came roaring out. Mom froze. She and Dad exchanged a quick glance. Shame and embarrassment flashed across their faces. “Your wings have grown hard, haven’t they? You dare talk to us like this?” Mom screeched at the top of her lungs. Her beautiful eyes furrowed as she pointed at my nose and scolded: “We’re just telling you the truth—it’s for your own good. Who else would be honest with you?” I bit my teeth, fists clenched. Tears dropped one by one onto the floor. “I don’t want to hear your so-called truth!” I wanted to hear your praise too… Even if not about being pretty—hardworking, studious, thoughtful… Any word would do. But Mom and Dad never really looked at me. Mom’s voice was still buzzing in my ears: “Besides, ask yourself—what have we ever denied you since you were little? You had food and drink. How did we wrong you?” I suddenly wanted to laugh. What had I ever had since childhood? My sister was beautiful and precious. Her clothes were bought in sets, filling her closet. Her fruit was peeled and cut, arranged on fancy plates. Even after my sister graduated, Mom and Dad drove her to and from work. At home, they even set out her dishes and utensils. And me? Since elementary school, I went to and from school by myself, just because my sister said, “She’s too ugly. Being with her is embarrassing.” Several times during typhoons, I watched other kids get picked up by their parents. Only I struggled through wind and rain. I’d walked the lonely road for over twenty years. My underbite could have been easily corrected when I was little. My puberty acne scars could have been easily treated. Not only did Mom and Dad not take these things seriously. They became their jokes instead. Many times, watching my sister, I wondered. Why, when we were growing up under the same sky. My side was always raining. Dampness seeping into my flesh and blood, corroding my bones. Her side was always sunny and peaceful. “You’re just biased! Biased toward my sister!” I wailed, hoarsely accusing them: “Why? Just because I’m ugly, you don’t like me? “I want to be pretty too! Give me back my money—my plastic surgery money! Give it back!” The relatives started whispering among themselves. Mom and Dad didn’t expect me to make such an endless scene. They were already getting angry. Mom lowered her voice, warning me: “Get upstairs right now. Stop embarrassing me here!” “I won’t go! Give me back my money! You’re so biased, stealing my money to buy my sister a bag?” Slap. Mom couldn’t take it anymore. She swung her arm and backhanded me across the face. The force was so strong it made me stagger back several steps. My ears started ringing. “How did I raise something like you! Get out!” Her shrill scolding echoed in my ears. I lifted my head in a daze. Mom was a recognized beauty. Even when she looked like a shrew in anger, she was still pretty. Dad frowned beside her, looking handsome even with a cold face. My sister stood with folded arms, laughing lightly, full of haughty disdain. The three of them stood in a row, like there was an unbridgeable chasm between them and me. After a long, long time, I heard my hoarse voice: “Fine. You don’t have to return the money. Consider it compensation for raising me.” “I’ll leave. An ugly girl like me doesn’t deserve to be part of your family.”

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My girlfriend Lester, whom I’d been dating for three years, always looked down on me for being just a designated driver with no ambition. One evening, she went to a friend’s party and still hadn’t come home by 11 PM. I offered to pick her up, but she refused over the phone. Shortly after, I received a ride request. I accepted it as usual, arrived at the location, pulled open the car door, and slid into the driver’s seat. In the rearview mirror was a couple. The woman was drunk, slumped against the man. He had his head lowered, his hand slipping under her skirt. The woman tilted her face up, seeking a kiss, her cheeks flushed. That woman was Lester. The necklace around her neck was the one I’d personally clasped on her three weeks ago, on our third anniversary. She clearly didn’t recognize me. I deliberately took out my phone and called her. A ringtone sounded in the backseat. Her body stiffened for a moment. She glanced sideways at the screen, then flipped her phone face-down on the seat and buried her face back in the man’s neck without even lifting her head. The phone rang six times before it cut off. I called again. It cut off again. The third time, she reached out and hit decline—swift and decisive, like hanging up on a telemarketer. I put my phone back in my pocket and gripped the steering wheel with both hands, my knuckles turning white. The man in the backseat looked up and barked at me, “What are you looking at? Eyes on the road! Twenty minutes for three kilometers—are you deliberately taking the long route?” I didn’t say anything. Lester laughed and patted his chest. “David, I know, right? I don’t know how the platform assigns drivers. They send people like this—drives like a snail.” She paused, her voice not lowering in the slightest. “And he keeps staring at my chest with those creepy eyes. Disgusting.” Her mocking tone made it sound like she was talking about a stray dog blocking the road. David called out to me again. “Turn on the AC. Twenty-six degrees. Can’t you figure that out? Your hands are shaking so much—did you buy your license off the internet?” I adjusted the temperature to 26 and said nothing. “I’m talking to you. Are you mute? Where’s your customer service?” Lester chimed in lazily from the backseat. “What kind of quality can you expect from a designated driver, David? Don’t waste your time on him. These bottom-feeders have no perspective. Just let him drive. Don’t expect him to understand what decency means.” Bottom-feeders. The words came out of her mouth with the same casual tone as saying “it’s a bit cold today.” David smiled with satisfaction, tightening his arm around her waist, his thumb slowly rubbing circles on her side through her dress. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned closer to him. I stared at the road ahead and didn’t say a word as I pulled the car to a smooth stop in front of a hotel. David got out first. He stood there, pulled some loose bills and coins from his pocket, and casually tossed them at my face. The bills hit my forehead and bounced off. The coins clattered against the dashboard, one of them rolling into the gap between the seats. “Go buy yourself a pack of cigarettes and reflect on yourself.” He dusted off his hands like he was shaking off something dirty. “With your skills, you should stick to delivering packages. Being a designated driver is an insult to the profession.” Lester stepped out of the car in her high heels. As she passed my window, she stopped for a moment, bent down, and spat at me. The saliva landed on my sleeve, spreading into a small dark stain. Then she hooked her arm through David’s, and the two of them pushed through the hotel’s glass doors and walked inside. I sat in the driver’s seat without moving. I bent down and picked up the bills from the floor mat one by one, dug the coin out from between the seats, and clutched them tightly in my palm. I opened the dashcam playback and watched the footage from the backseat from start to finish. The quality wasn’t crystal clear, but it was enough—her face, his hand, that necklace swaying in the frame, perfectly visible. I saved the video to my phone. I sent a message to the company’s legal team: Pull up everything on David from the last two years. I want the most detailed records possible. Three years. From the first time she complained that I had no ambition as a designated driver to tonight, when she called me a bottom-feeder in the rearview mirror. I’d been waiting for her to say something different. I never heard it.

The legal team replied the next day, their tone cautious. David had a transfer on his account under the guise of a petty cash fund—a significant amount that had been signed off and sent to a private account. I stared at the recipient’s ID information for three full passes. Lester. I set my phone face-down on the table, went to the kitchen, and poured myself a glass of water. It was cold, but I didn’t really taste it. I sat back down and pulled up every instance over the past three years when she’d claimed to be “working late,” “at a gathering,” or “staying over at a friend’s place.” I opened David’s travel records and cross-referenced them one by one. First match. Second match. Third, fourth, fifth—almost every single one matched, with time differences never exceeding fifteen minutes, as if they’d coordinated it. The “group photos” she’d sent me—I’d never looked closely at the backgrounds before. Now, zooming in, I found one taken in a hotel hallway. The mirror reflected half a figure—a tie, cufflinks, the same suit David had posted on his social media that day. Three years. I saved all the screenshots and created a folder. My father had been pushing me these past few days. The luxury car dealership had expanded to a third city, and Los Angeles needed someone who could make decisions. He called and got straight to the point. “How long are you going to keep running around as a designated driver? Do you have any idea how many things are piling up waiting for you to come back to the company?” I said, “Give me a little more time.” He was silent for a moment. “Are you still hung up on that woman?” I didn’t answer. He sighed, his voice softening. “Your mother said years ago that girl wasn’t right for you. We tried to stop you, but you wouldn’t listen. Are you satisfied now?” I said, “Dad, I’ll come back to handle LA once I’m done here. Send Wesley over first.” He was silent for a while longer before saying, “Fine. I’ll have Wesley there tomorrow.” After hanging up, Lester sent me a message saying she had to work late at the office tonight. She asked if I’d eaten and told me not to wait up for her—it would be very late. At the end, she added, “Be good and wait for me at home,” followed by a kissing emoji. I replied with a simple “okay.” Then I put on my jacket, went outside, hailed a cab, and gave the address of her supposed “office.” When I arrived downstairs, the company entrance was dark. The lights were off. The entire floor was empty. I found a step across the street and sat down. After ten minutes, David’s car turned the corner and stopped by the curb. Lester walked over from another direction, moving quickly, and opened the passenger door to get in. The window rolled up. The car stayed parked there without driving off. I opened my phone’s video recorder and pointed it at the car. Ten minutes. Thirty minutes. A full hour. The car sat there under the streetlight, engine still running. The body rocked gently but steadily, the motion consistent. I saved the video, stood up, brushed the dust off my pants, and took a cab home. She got home at one in the morning, walked in saying “work was exhausting,” tossed her bag on the couch, changed into slippers, and went to take a shower. When she came out, her hair was still damp. She leaned against the headboard, scrolling through her phone, wearing an expression of deep relaxation. Not the kind of relaxation that comes after exhaustion—the kind that comes after satisfaction. She looked up and saw I was still awake. “Why aren’t you asleep yet? Don’t you have rides to pick up tomorrow?” I said, “Can’t sleep.” She hummed in acknowledgment and didn’t say more. She turned off the light, lay down, and within three minutes, her breathing had evened out. How many of those “working late” nights over the past three years had she spent in that car? I sent Wesley a message: Come over tomorrow. I need to talk to you. The next day, Wesley arrived. The first thing he said when he sat down was, “Julian, have you finally made up your mind?” I pushed my phone in front of him. Screenshots from the legal team’s account review, the hour-long video, the dashcam footage—I showed him everything, one by one. When he finished, he was silent for a long time before pushing the phone back. “What are you planning to do?” I said, “At the annual gala. I’m ending this.”

A week before the annual gala, Lester suddenly became unusually attentive toward me. In the mornings before I woke up, breakfast would already be on the nightstand. When I came home from work, the room would be spotless, my clothes folded neatly on the bed, even my slippers aligned and facing the door. In the evenings, she’d lean against my shoulder while watching TV, tracing circles on my chest with her finger, occasionally looking up at me with a smile—exactly like when we first got together three years ago. I knew what she was doing. She needed me to appear at the annual gala with her. She needed me to cooperate. She needed me to look stable, obedient, and not cause her any trouble. She needed me to be what I’d been for the past three years—the person kept in the dark. I played along. I smiled when she handed me water and asked her, “Why are you being so nice to me lately?” She wrapped her arms around my neck, pressed her face close, and said, “Because I love you, of course.” That necklace hung around her neck, glinting under the lights. That weekend, she dragged me to the mall and picked out a shirt for me at a discount store—over eight hundred dollars. At checkout, she told the sales clerk, “He doesn’t usually pay attention to these things. If I don’t keep an eye on him, he’ll just wear those same old T-shirts everywhere.” The clerk smiled without saying much, her eyes sweeping over me with a look I understood—she thought I wasn’t worth Lester spending that money on. On the drive home, she was behind the wheel, reminding me the whole way: speak less at the gala, don’t mention being a designated driver, and if anyone asks, just say “I’m considering a career change.” Don’t randomly chime in at David’s table—”they’re on a different level, you won’t be able to keep up.” Don’t toast people on your own initiative, don’t look around everywhere, just sit properly. Her tone as she said all this was natural—not a discussion, but instructions. Like teaching a not-so-bright child how to behave before going out. Patient, but condescending. I sat in the passenger seat, nodding, saying “got it.” She patted the back of my hand with satisfaction, a smile on her lips, then lowered her head to reply to a message. She angled her phone screen slightly away from me, but I caught a glimpse of the contact name in the reflection of the car window—”D,” followed by a red heart. The night before the gala, she went out, saying she needed to coordinate with the company about the venue. This time, I didn’t follow. I had enough evidence. I didn’t need one more piece. I called Wesley and told him to double-check the documents we’d prepared in advance: the dashcam video, the hour-long car footage, the financial records compiled by legal, the petty cash transfer agreement signed with Lester’s name—everything compressed into one file, with the projection equipment ready. Wesley asked, “Julian, are you sure you want to play this at the annual gala?” I said, “I’m sure.” He was silent for two seconds. “Alright. Leave it to me.” Lester came home in the early morning hours. As usual, she walked in saying “I’m exhausted,” took a shower, crawled into bed, and before sleeping, turned on her side to look at me, her tone instructive. “Tomorrow, wear a tie, don’t wear sneakers, and stick close to me. I’ve already talked to David. Just don’t say anything stupid.” I said, “Okay.” She turned off the light and lay down. Her breathing evened out quickly. On the morning of the gala, she got up very early, put on makeup, wore a new dress, and stood by the door waiting for me. I walked over. She picked up a tie, stood on her toes, and focused intently on tying the knot, her fingers looping it twice before pulling it tight. She looked up to check, adjusted it once more. “There. All set.” She patted my chest and said with a smile, “Don’t embarrass me.” I looked down at her, wanting to say “I won’t,” but in the end, I just nodded. Because today, the one who would be embarrassed wouldn’t be me.

When we entered the banquet hall, Lester linked her arm through mine and walked in quickly, as if afraid of being seen. A female colleague came toward us, her gaze sweeping from the top of my head to my feet, her voice loud enough for others to hear. “So this is your boyfriend? The designated driver?” She wrinkled her nose without hiding her disdain. “Reeks of poverty.” Before Lester could respond, someone nearby laughed and chimed in. “Lester, you’re really something. David thinks so highly of you, and you go and find a designated driver. Aren’t you just degrading yourself?” A few people around us laughed quietly. Lester pulled me along, quickening her pace without saying a word, her fingers digging tightly into my arm—not out of concern for me, but out of fear I’d say the wrong thing. After David finished his speech on stage and came down to make his rounds, he spotted me immediately and stopped. In front of a circle of people, his voice rang out loudly. “Oh, so this is Lester’s boyfriend? The designated driver?” He looked me up and down, shook his head, and turned to the sales manager beside him with a laugh. “Look at this. Lester’s taste is really terrible—finding a designated driver. A top car salesperson doing this to herself? What a waste. And here I thought she was a smart woman.” The manager smiled obsequiously and echoed him a couple of times. David turned back, patting my shoulder with just enough force—the kind of condescending pat from above. “Young man, what kind of future is there in being a designated driver? Life’s too short. Don’t hold Lester back. If she stays with you, she’ll suffer for the rest of her life.” I didn’t say anything. Lester kept her head down and didn’t say a word. Her brother Howard pushed through the crowd with a glass in hand, shouting loudly, “Julian!” He looked around, making sure his voice carried, raised his glass, and said with a laugh, “Everyone, tell me—my sister’s the company’s top salesperson, and she’s with a designated driver. Isn’t she blind?” The room erupted in laughter. Someone muttered quietly, “She really is settling,” while others shook their heads or held their drinks, watching the show. Howard turned to look at me, his smile fading, replaced by open contempt. “Julian, I’ll just say it straight. Are you worthy? What makes you worthy of my sister? What do you have? Money? Connections? All you’ve got is a driver’s license. Designated drivers are bottom-tier trash—the kind who’ll never crawl out of the gutter their whole lives. Don’t you have any self-awareness?” More laughter followed. This time, Lester spoke up, saying, “Howard, that’s enough.” But her voice was as flat as if she were commenting on the weather. Then she picked up her glass and turned to clink it with a colleague nearby. She didn’t look at me once. I sat in that chair, hands resting on my knees, not drinking a sip. I thought about every time over the past three years she’d said, “Can’t you be more ambitious?” I thought about her laughing in the backseat, calling me a “bottom-feeder doing bottom-feeder work.” I thought about the loose change David had thrown in my face. I thought about that hour-long video, the car parked under the streetlight, rocking. I thought about the screenshot from legal showing the recipient’s name: Lester. Lester’s mother stood up at that moment, her voice shrill enough for the entire table to hear. “What can a filthy designated driver give my daughter? Can you afford a big house? Can you afford a luxury car? Your monthly salary doesn’t even match one of my daughter’s car sale commissions!” Her finger was practically jabbing my face. The people around us laughed openly and without restraint. Just then, Wesley walked in through the side door. He didn’t look at anyone. Quietly, he walked to the corner, bent down, and plugged the projection cable into the large screen. The screen lit up. The first image—the business license for the luxury car dealership. In the legal representative column was my name. The second image—the corporate structure chart. David’s name was listed under “General Manager.” My name was above his. The entire room went silent. David’s face turned white in that instant.

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I thought three years of devotion would win Adrian’s heart. When he was paralyzed, I stayed by his bedside, listening to him beg me through trembling breaths not to leave him like his first love did. I gave him my first kiss and my first night. He promised me that once he could stand again, he would marry me. But when his legs finally healed, at his recovery party, he told everyone. “Scarlett? She’s just my housekeeper. She’s not good enough for me.” He pulled his first love close and kissed her right in front of me. That moment, I knew. It was time to leave. But Adrian, tell me. Why did you search the world for me like a madman after I left? Scarlett’s POV I always believed Adrian was special to me. During the three years he was paralyzed, when everyone else abandoned him, only I remained by his side. I’d seen him at his most vulnerable. I’d been there on those late nights when he’d grab my wrist, his voice shaking. “Scarlett, don’t abandon me like she did.” I thought I’d finally melted through his ice-cold exterior. But what came wasn’t a marriage proposal. Instead, at his recovery party, I heard him laugh casually with a friend. “What about Scarlett? The one who stayed with you for three years. What’s she to you now?” The friend asked. Adrian brushed off his sleeve carelessly, his tone indifferent. “She’s just a housekeeper. Why would she need any status?” My mind went blank. The gift box in my hands suddenly felt scalding hot. So this was what my three years meant. I took a deep breath, suppressing the dull ache in my chest, and walked into the ballroom. The moment I steadied myself, a familiar yet strange figure appeared at the entrance. Vivian. Adrian’s ex-fiancée, who had abandoned him three years ago. The moment she appeared, the entire room fell silent. Contemptuous gazes landed on her without reservation. Vivian’s face went pale. She stood there helplessly, her eyes reddening. Adrian cut through the crowd and walked straight toward her. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he took her hand and pulled her to his side protectively. From start to finish, he never glanced at me once. I stood there, watching them become the center of attention, watching him shield her from all those hostile looks. My heart grew colder by the inch. Halfway through the party, I excused myself for fresh air and went to the terrace alone. Soon I heard several women laughing mockingly behind me. “Vivian, you really have some nerve. You left when you wanted, came back when you wanted. The moment Adrian recovered, you showed up. Your timing is impeccable.” Vivian’s voice choked. “You’re misunderstanding…” “Misunderstanding? Everyone knows how decisively you left back then.” Another sharp voice cut in. “Coming back now, do you still think you’re somebody?” Several women surrounded her with cutting words. That’s when Adrian’s icy voice rang out. “Since when do any of you get to criticize my companion?” He had appeared at some point and pulled Vivian protectively behind him. The women’s faces stiffened. They dispersed awkwardly. Adrian looked down at Vivian crying in his arms, his eyes full of concern. But when he looked up, his gaze turned cold as it landed on me. “You were standing here the whole time?” I froze, then nodded. His eyes grew even colder. “They were bullying her like that, and you just watched?” I opened my mouth to explain I’d just arrived. But he didn’t give me the chance. The disgust in his tone was unconcealed. “I almost forgot-you’re both the same type of person. Scarlett, I never thought you’d be like this.” Baseless accusations. I felt coldness creep from my feet, freezing my entire body. “I didn’t-” “Enough!” Adrian cut me off, supporting the trembling Vivian. “Vivian, let’s go.” He turned to leave. I instinctively stepped forward, trying to grab him. “Adrian…” My hand barely touched his sleeve before he violently shook it off. “Don’t touch me!” The force was so strong I was thrown backward. My forehead slammed hard against the sharp corner of a marble pillar. Blood flowed down, blurring my vision. The commotion startled Vivian. She rushed over, but when she saw the blood on my forehead, her face went pale. She let out a short, sharp scream. She covered her mouth, breathing rapidly. “Blood… Adrian, I can’t handle blood. I feel sick…” I struggled to stand, but all I saw was his resolute back. Adrian didn’t look back. He scooped up the swaying Vivian into his arms, his eyes full of anxiety. “Don’t be scared. I’ll take you to the hospital right away.” He carried her and left without hesitation. I leaned against the cold marble pillar and slid to the floor. Blood dripped onto my dress, spreading into dark red stains. My phone rang. It was Adrian’s mother. I numbly answered, forgetting to wipe the blood from my face. On the other end, her voice was gentle yet firm. “Scarlett, thank you for these three years. But Adrian’s wife must come from a distinguished family. You’re wonderful, but not suitable.” “I’ve got you a full scholarship to the psychology master’s program at Zurich University. There’s twenty million on this card. Call it my personal compensation. Let’s part on good terms. Just don’t let him see you again.” Every word was like a knife piercing my heart. I gazed at the distant lights and replied softly. “Alright.” “I agree.” “I’ll never appear before him again.”

Scarlett’s POV I went to the hospital alone. The wound on my forehead required five stitches. Though it hurt, I didn’t make a sound. Holding the payment receipt, I walked out of the treatment room and arrived at the VIP ward area. Through a half-open door, I saw Adrian. He sat by the bed, carefully wiping away Vivian’s tears with a damp cloth. Vivian’s face was streaked with tears. “Adrian, please don’t blame me. My parents fell seriously ill back then. They forced me to go abroad for treatment and wouldn’t let me contact you.” Such a clumsy lie. Yet I watched as the darkness in Adrian’s eyes melted bit by bit under her tears. He raised his hand to stroke her hair. “I know. I don’t blame you.” Vivian sniffled, her eyes glancing timidly toward the door, her voice just loud enough for me to hear. “What about Scarlett? She stayed with you for three years.” Adrian interrupted her, his voice tinged with impatience. “I only see her as a housekeeper.” Housekeeper. I stood there as all the blood in my body stopped flowing. I immediately turned and left, unwilling to hear another word. Returning to the villa, the air still carried the lingering scent of last night’s party perfume. Cold and mocking. I didn’t turn on the lights. In the darkness, I opened my laptop. Opening my email, I found the acceptance letter from Zurich. The cursor hovered over the confirmation button for three seconds. Then I pressed down hard. After finishing, I opened an encrypted folder containing the only photo of Adrian and me together. It was taken after his recovery. He’d picked up his phone and captured it himself. In the photo, he sat in his wheelchair, turning to look at me with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. I dragged the photo to the trash. Empty. Permanently delete. Adrian called as if nothing had happened, his tone matter-of-fact. “Bring that blue emergency file from the study to the office.” I didn’t refuse. I applied light makeup, used my bangs to cover the bandage on my forehead, grabbed the file, and went to Sterling Corporation. At the CEO’s office entrance, I ran right into Vivian. She held a thermos, and when she saw me, a victor’s smile spread across her face. “Scarlett, you’re here too? I made Adrian’s favorite seafood soup.” My heart seized. I pushed open the door and shouted a warning. “Adrian, you’re allergic to seafood! You can’t drink that!” Adrian looked up from behind his desk, glanced at me, then at Vivian standing in the doorway looking on the verge of tears. He frowned. Ignoring my warning, he took the soup bowl and drank a large mouthful right in front of me. “It’s delicious,” he told Vivian. I stood there, speechless. Before long, his allergic reaction began. His breathing became labored, his face flushed red, and small red welts appeared on his neck. Struggling to maintain composure, he waved at both Vivian and me. “Both of you, leave.” I pulled antihistamine pills from my bag, along with a cup of warm water, and pushed them toward him. Then I turned and left. Outside the company building, Vivian blocked my path. The gentleness on her face had vanished, replaced by undisguised mockery. “Scarlett, do you see clearly now?” “You’re just a salaried housekeeper.” “While I-” She smiled slightly. “I’m the lover he’s willing to drink poison for.” I had no comeback. Because it was the truth.

Scarlett’s POV That night, Adrian was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment due to a severe allergic reaction. When his assistant called, I didn’t go. I sat in the villa’s living room, sleepless through the night. It wasn’t until dawn that Adrian dragged his weakened body home. He froze the moment he saw me. I looked at his pale face, watched him harm himself for another woman, and felt only desolation. I said nothing. Just like any night in the past three years, I helped him upstairs, poured him water, and changed his clothes. The next day, Adrian had regained some energy, but made a request. “Vivian has a personal photography exhibition at the art gallery. Come with me.” I didn’t resist. I agreed. At the exhibition, camera flashes sparkled. Adrian spent lavishly, buying all of Vivian’s works, attracting media coverage about his devoted love. Vivian held his arm, basking in everyone’s attention. As she passed by me, she whispered in a voice only we could hear. “See, Scarlett? This is how he loves someone.” I lowered my eyes without speaking. Just then, the enormous crystal chandelier in the center of the exhibition hall suddenly emitted an ear-piercing creak. The supporting steel cable snapped! Screams instantly shattered the party’s tranquility. The scene descended into chaos. The crowd scattered in panic. I was violently knocked to the ground by the rushing crowd. Sharp pain shot through my left arm-it seemed dislocated. Then my ankle was trampled by fleeing people. The pain was excruciating. The pain made my vision go black. I struggled to get up from the floor. But all around me were panicked legs. No one noticed me. I lifted my head. Through flying glass shards and twisted, terrified faces, I saw a familiar figure. It was Adrian. He was fighting through the crowd. In that instant, my heart skipped a beat. Had he come back to save me? I opened my mouth to call his name. But the next moment, reality delivered its cruelest blow. From his mouth came another woman’s name, shouted in panic. “Vivian! Vivian, where are you!” His gaze swept anxiously over the chaotic crowd, searching for his only target. His eyes passed over my direction without the slightest pause. He hadn’t come for me at all. I lay on the cold floor, all strength drained from my body. I watched him find Vivian, who had been pushed into a corner by the crowd, trembling with fear. He immediately shielded Vivian beneath him, using his own back to block any falling debris. Then without hesitation, he scooped her into his arms and rushed out of the danger zone without looking back. From beginning to end, he never once glanced in my direction. Everyone around had fled. The entire exhibition hall held only me, collapsed on the floor, and the shadow of death swaying precariously overhead. I couldn’t escape. The severe pain in my ankle prevented me from standing. My arm was useless. A massive chandelier component with metal supports, mixed with countless glass shards, grew larger in my pupils. With a shrieking whoosh, it plummeted toward my head. When I woke again, I was in a hospital. In the sharp smell of disinfectant, my best friend Riley sat by the bed, her eyes red and swollen. “Scarlett, you’re finally awake!” Riley told me I had a mild concussion, my left arm was fractured, and wrapped in a thick cast. Vivian had only suffered a fright. Adrian had stayed by Vivian’s side the entire time in the adjacent VIP room, providing psychological counseling. Once again. Once again, at a life-or-death moment, he’d abandoned me without hesitation. I lay in the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, and finally cried. Not from sadness, but from liberation. I grabbed Riley’s hand, my voice hoarse but carrying unprecedented determination. “Riley, I got the offer from Zurich. Once I finish the paperwork, I’m leaving.” “I don’t want him anymore.” The moment the words left my mouth, the hospital room door was slammed open. Adrian stood in the doorway, radiating cold fury, his face terrifyingly dark. He stared at me in the hospital bed, his voice as cold as ice. “Who’s leaving?”

Scarlett’s POV Adrian’s gaze bore into me. Riley flinched at his intensity, instinctively moving to shield me. I gently pulled Riley aside and met Adrian’s eyes. I told a lie. “My friend is leaving. She has some family matters.” Adrian’s expression softened slightly, but remained dark. He walked over, looking down at me from his height, his tone stiff. “About the chandelier incident-I’m sorry. The scene was too chaotic. I didn’t notice you.” Didn’t notice. I forced a smile. “It’s fine, Mr. Sterling. I’m just a housekeeper. It would be strange if you had noticed me.” I used such a distant form of address for the first time. Adrian’s brow furrowed instantly. His gaze landed on my cast-covered arm, revealing surprise. “It’s this serious?” He reached out, seemingly wanting to touch the cold cast, but stopped midway. “I didn’t know you were hurt this badly. I’ll stay and take care of you.” His voice finally held a trace of warmth. But my heart had long since frozen. Just then, his phone rang. It was Vivian. Through the phone, Vivian’s tearful voice came. “Adrian, I’m scared. Every time I close my eyes, I see that chandelier falling. I had a nightmare.” Hesitation crossed Adrian’s face. I saw through his struggle. So I made the decision for him, saying softly. “Go to her. She needs you more.” A flash of guilt crossed Adrian’s eyes, but he still turned to leave. “I’ll have someone from home come care for you.” With that, he quickly left. I watched his retreating figure and smiled. On discharge day, Adrian came to pick me up himself. Vivian sat in the passenger seat. He was taking us to a charity gala. Throughout the drive, Adrian and Vivian chatted happily. I sat in the back seat like a ghost. The gala’s auction segment became their stage for displaying affection. Adrian spent lavishly for Vivian, bidding on famous paintings and jewelry. He finally seemed to remember someone sat in the back seat and asked perfunctorily. “Scarlett, is there anything you want?” My eyes landed on a pair of antique cufflinks about to be auctioned. Men’s cufflinks, symbolizing lifelong protection. I looked at those cufflinks for one second. Adrian immediately understood and raised his paddle without hesitation. After several rounds of bidding, he successfully won the cufflinks. Just as I thought this was his small way of making up for my injury, Vivian spoke up sweetly from beside him. She explained the meaning behind those cufflinks: lifelong protection. Adrian’s hand holding the cufflinks instantly froze. He glanced at Vivian, then at me. After hesitating, under everyone’s watchful eyes, he made a decision that turned me into the evening’s laughingstock. He handed the cufflinks, originally bid for me, to Vivian beside him. “These are for you.” Only then did he turn back to me. “Those aren’t suitable for you. I’ll bid on something else.” In that moment, I understood. I didn’t even qualify to be given something symbolizing his protection. I looked at him and gently shook my head. “No need, Mr. Sterling.” “I don’t want anything anymore.”

Scarlett’s POV After the gala, in the parking lot. Vivian, wearing high heels, blocked my path. She stood there with arms crossed, wearing the arrogance of a victor. “Scarlett, do you see your place now?” “The person in Adrian’s heart is me. Three years ago, and now too. A housekeeper like you shouldn’t have delusions. Just withdraw yourself and keep some dignity.” I looked at her. “As you wish.” I said softly. Vivian thought I’d surrendered and curved her lips with satisfaction. But just as she turned to leave, she suddenly let out a sharp scream, pointing at me with fury on her face. “My necklace! You stole my necklace!” Her shrill cry instantly attracted Adrian, who had just walked over. Vivian threw herself into Adrian’s arms, crying. “Adrian, that’s the only memento my mother left me! It was fine just now, but after talking to Scarlett for a few moments, it disappeared!” Adrian’s gaze instantly turned icy. He rushed over and grabbed my wrist-the one with the unhealed fracture. “Why would you do this?!” He demanded harshly, his eyes filled with complete disgust and disappointment. Pain drained the color from my face. Searing pain shot through my wrist as the bones shifted. I said, word by word. “I didn’t steal it.” “Didn’t steal?” Vivian peeked out from his embrace, crying. “Adrian, search her bag. It must be in there!” Without hesitation, Adrian roughly seized my purse with his other hand and dumped everything onto the ground. Lipstick, keys, tissues, and a plane ticket to Zurich for next week scattered across the pavement. Finally, with a crisp clink, a platinum necklace fell from the bag. Caught red-handed. The last trace of warmth vanished from Adrian’s eyes. He didn’t even look at the plane ticket, mistaking it for trash, and crushed it beneath his foot. “Scarlett, you’ve disappointed me so much.” He released his grip and pulled the trembling, sobbing Vivian tightly into his arms, comforting her gently. His gaze toward me turned cruel. “Find your own way back.” With that, he carried Vivian to the car and drove away. Abandoning me alone in this torrential downpour at a suburban estate. Cold rain pounded against my body. I stood motionless, letting the rain soak me through. I slowly crouched down and picked up the ticket from the muddy water, covered in footprints. Alone in the desolate rainy night, I walked with difficulty for a long time before finally catching a ride. When I returned to the villa, I was soaked through and running a high fever. I collapsed onto the bed and fell into a feverish sleep. The next day, I was awakened by the commotion in the living room downstairs. Leaning against the wall, I struggled downstairs. Several movers were carrying suitcases into the living room. Those suitcases belonged to Vivian. Adrian stood in the center of the living room. Seeing me, his face showed no trace of guilt-only cold warning. “Vivian will be moving in from now on.” “Scarlett, I’m warning you-behave yourself. Don’t try any more tricks.” I nodded. I looked at this man I’d devoted three years to, watched another woman about to move into this home, and replied softly. “I won’t.”

Scarlett’s POV Vivian officially moved in. The villa filled with her laughter, her perfume scent, every trace of her. I became the superfluous person in this home. I witnessed firsthand Adrian’s meticulous care for Vivian. When she casually mentioned wanting cake, Adrian would immediately drive across half the city to buy it. When she frowned and said she was bored, Adrian would cancel multimillion-dollar contracts to spend the entire day watching mindless TV shows with her. These were treatments I hadn’t dared imagine in three years. So he did know how to be tender-his tenderness just never belonged to me. My heart had gone numb. I spent each day in my room, reading, researching, planning my life after leaving. Until that afternoon. I went downstairs for water and inadvertently saw Vivian in Adrian’s study. In her hands, she was playing with a bracelet. It was a diamond bracelet-a relic from Adrian’s late grandmother and his most treasured possession. For three years, he’d hardly been separated from it. Without thinking, I rushed in. “Put it down!” Seeing my alarm, a flash of malicious light crossed Vivian’s eyes. Not only did she not put it down, she deliberately tossed it in her hands. “Adrian said as long as I like something, he’ll give me anything. It’s just a bracelet. Look how nervous you are.” With that, she flicked her wrist, pretending to lose her grip. The bracelet fell heavily to the floor. The expensive diamonds immediately scattered. One of them even cracked from the impact, a clear fissure visible. Adrian arrived at the sound. When he saw the mess on the floor and that cracked diamond, his face instantly turned iron-gray. Vivian immediately changed her expression, pointing at me accusingly first. “Adrian, it’s not my fault! Scarlett rushed in and insisted on grabbing the bracelet from me. That’s why I accidentally broke it!” I watched her clumsy performance and said only one sentence. “The study has surveillance cameras.” Vivian’s face went pale. She immediately adopted a pitiful look, admitting it was her carelessness and offering to compensate with money. Adrian’s anger vanished the moment Vivian admitted fault. He didn’t even glance at the diamonds on the floor. Instead, he quickly walked to Vivian’s side, nervously lifting her wrist. “Are you hurt?” I stood aside, watching this scene, feeling my heart hollowed out by an invisible hand. I crouched down and began picking up the scattered diamonds one by one. The cold diamonds rolled across my fingertips. I found the cracked one. I remembered. Three years ago, Adrian’s mother accidentally lost this bracelet. Adrian, with his still-unhealed body, went mad searching for it in the pouring rain that night, sitting in his wheelchair in the garden for half the night. In the end, it was I who accompanied him, drenched in torrential rain, hands frozen red, finally finding this treasure in the muddy soil. Back then, he’d clutched the recovered bracelet in his palm, the treasure in his eyes as if it were his entire world. And now. His most precious possession had been deliberately broken by Vivian, yet he didn’t care-only concerned whether she’d hurt her hand. I picked up the last diamond, along with the cracked one, and held them in my palm. I stood and walked before Adrian, opening my hand. “Your things.” My voice held no ripple. Adrian frowned, seemingly impatient that I was interrupting his comforting of Vivian. He casually took the diamonds without even looking and put them straight into his pocket. Then he placed his hand on Vivian’s shoulder, saying gently. “It’s fine now. Don’t be scared. If it’s broken, we’ll just buy another.” I looked at him, finally giving up completely. Adrian, I truly won’t love you anymore.

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At the company’s new product launch, I stood as Vice President to deliver the speech. “This phone’s camera function is incredibly powerful. Even from three miles away, it can capture a person’s face with perfect clarity.” The entire venue erupted in uproar. Someone questioned skeptically: “That’s impossible. This technology is currently beyond what anyone in the world can achieve.” “If STAR, as a rising tech company, wants people to believe them, they need to show actual results.” I nodded. “Of course. Please look at the big screen.” The next second, images of my wife and the sales manager entering and leaving a love hotel appeared on the large screen. In the photo, Betty’s features were extraordinarily clear. Even the color of her eyeshadow was visible in perfect detail. I began to explain the photo in detail. “Everyone should recognize the people in this photo. On the left is my wife, Betty, who is also the CEO of STAR Tech.” “As for the one on the right, that’s our company’s sales manager, Paul.” People exchanged glances. The venue had fallen so silent you could hear a pin drop. “I took this photo from the STAR Tech building.” “The distance to the hotel is exactly three miles.” Many people glanced toward the corner. A flash of panic crossed Betty’s face before it gradually turned cold. In contrast, Paul beside her quickly stood up to defend himself. “Alex, are you deliberately trying to ruin me?” “Betty and I are completely innocent!” I raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, “When did I ever say there was something going on between you two?” Paul was instantly speechless, while Betty beside him wore a dark expression. She stood up and asked me, “Alex, by showing this photo publicly, aren’t you just accusing Paul and me?” “If you have something to say, say it openly.” “There’s no need to play these petty games behind people’s backs.” Seeing she remained calm, I continued speaking. “You’re right. I do want to take this opportunity to ask clearly what your purpose was that day.” Many people sensed the atmosphere turning awkward. But they all showed expressions of watching drama unfold, enjoying the spectacle at the scene. Some even started making comments. “Could this be some new type of marketing stunt?” “If so, they’re really going all out.” “I don’t think it’s real either. Probably just trying to trend online.” But Betty explained without batting an eye, “What a coincidence. We were also planning to test the product’s performance at the hotel that day.” “It’s just that your results look better.” If I hadn’t obtained solid evidence beforehand, I wouldn’t have believed it either. That the woman I’d loved for five years would go behind my back to a love hotel with the product manager. When I first captured this, I briefly doubted I’d identified the wrong person. However, the company’s new product’s main feature was ultra-long-distance high-definition photography. Never mind facial features—you could even see the pores. Paul quickly chimed in, “That’s right, Betty and I were indeed testing the new product!” Just when everyone thought I would fly into a rage over this. I calmly raised my hand, signaling them not to be nervous. “Do you think I’m an idiot? Testing a new product at a love hotel? Paul, if you like Betty, just tell me directly. I can file for divorce that same day. After that, even if you two sleep your way through every love hotel in America, it’s none of my business.” Paul’s face turned deathly pale as he shook his head frantically. He began shouting his innocence to the surrounding crowd, “Everything I said is true! You have to believe me!” I knew he wouldn’t admit it because he cared about his reputation. And his real objective hadn’t been achieved yet. My public exposure had completely disrupted his entire plan. Betty, wearing high heels, quickly strode onto the stage to confront me. “Alex, do you have no idea how you even got into this company in the first place?” “Without my family’s support, could you have what you have today?” “Now that you’ve grown wings, you want to use these filthy tricks to kick me aside, is that it?!” I smiled as I answered her. “Yes, that’s right. I do plan to kick you out. Either divest your shares, or give me fifty million in cash. Choose one.”

Betty froze for a moment, then instead of getting angry, she laughed. Her eyes were full of disdain for me. She deliberately raised her voice so everyone in the venue could hear clearly. “Alex, what the hell is wrong with you today?” “I won’t choose either of those options!” She paused, then took a step forward. Her tone carried a threat. “By the way, do you know this launch event is being livestreamed?” “Making a scene like this in front of so many people—do you have any idea how much damage you’re causing STAR?” I watched her deliberately change the subject and sneered inwardly. But my face remained calm as I went along with her words. “Of course I know it’s livestreamed.” “I also know that right now, five million people are watching in the stream.” “Perfect timing for them to witness this. I, Alex, take responsibility for every word I’ve said today.” The whispers in the venue turned into loud discussions. Those who had connections with Betty’s family or had received favors from them immediately stood up, pointing and gossiping about me. “STAR Company got where it is today precisely because Betty’s family supported it. What you’re doing is really underhanded!” “Exactly! A man who relies on his wife doesn’t even have this basic awareness?” “Got rich through his wife, and now he wants to bite back.” “Betty’s family is really unlucky. How did they raise such an ungrateful wretch!” Over the years, I’d encountered countless taunts and had long grown accustomed to them. I looked past this crowd and focused my gaze back on Betty. “Have you decided? Which option will you choose?” Betty stared at me with an expression that shifted between light and dark. Then she reached out and snatched the microphone from my hand, shouting. “Get lost!” “From this moment on, you’re no longer the Vice President of STAR Tech.” “STAR no longer has anything to do with you!” Watching her hysterical appearance, I couldn’t help but laugh. Because I’d anticipated all of this. I slowly pulled out a divorce agreement I’d prepared long ago from my pocket. “Since you won’t choose to divest, that means you’re choosing to give me fifty million.” “Sign it.” Betty asked me in disbelief, “You had this prepared all along?” “Won’t you be satisfied until everyone knows about this, until you’ve ruined me and ruined the company?” “I’ll say it one more time—there’s absolutely nothing going on between Paul and me!” I waved my hand, indicating she didn’t need to explain anymore. My tone also carried a hint of impatience. “We’re all adults here. There’s no need for these excuses.” “You just need to pay for your decisions.” Seeing she still wanted to argue, I leaned closer and whispered a reminder in her ear with a smile. “You don’t actually think I only prepared one photo, do you?” “If you want more evidence, no problem. Today I’ll make you satisfied.” “I’ll let everyone appreciate your explicit photos too.” As I spoke, I turned around, intending to grab the remote control, but Betty desperately blocked me. She panicked, glanced at the venue, then questioned me in a low voice. “What exactly are you trying to do?” “Don’t forget, STAR belongs to my family. My father built it up. What right do you have to do this?!” Then she raised the microphone and apologized to everyone. “Today our launch event has encountered a small issue. The livestream ends here.” “Please give us a bit more time. We’ll give you an explanation later.” Having said that, regardless of everyone’s reaction, she immediately shouted to the company security at the foot of the stage. “You guys, throw him out.” “From now on, don’t let him set foot in STAR ever again!” Some security guards wanted to take action but were stopped by their captain. Betty was trembling with rage. “I gave you your job! Do you want to disobey orders?!” What no one expected was that the security captain simply bowed to her and spoke slowly. “I’m sorry, Betty. We don’t have that authority.”

Betty’s body stiffened, as if she’d misheard. Her voice was trembling, mixed with anger. “You… what did you say?” “I’m giving you an order to throw this man out, and you’re telling me you don’t have the authority?” The security captain still shook his head, his tone firm, without the slightest waver. “That’s right. We truly don’t have that authority.” Not only was Betty stunned, but everyone present was stunned. Everyone knew that behind STAR Tech was Betty’s family. Betty was the eldest daughter and STAR’s CEO. Her word was law in the company. How could such a situation possibly arise? Betty quickly recovered and said through gritted teeth to the security captain. “Are you trying to rebel?” “Believe it or not, I’ll fire you right now and make sure you can’t work in this industry anymore?” Watching her bully even the security guard while acting so imperious. I couldn’t help but interrupt. “Enough. Does making a working person’s life difficult give you a sense of superiority?” “Or can you just not understand human speech?” No one expected me to be so assertive. In the past, I’d always restrained myself in front of her. Everyone thought I was afraid of her, but now I dared to publicly humiliate her. So quite a few people whispered privately. “Has Alex lost his mind? How dare he talk to Betty like that? Isn’t he afraid she’ll settle scores with him?” “With Betty’s family’s power, crushing him would be easy.” “I think he’s probably desperate, trying to make a big score while he has this chance.” “This kind of person is terrifying. Betty’s family kindly gave him a hand back then, and he repays kindness with enmity.” Betty seized the opportunity, wanting to use public opinion to ensure I could never recover. She raised the microphone, her tone filled with grievance. “Everyone saw it, right?” “How did my family treat him back then?” “We gave him our hearts, even made an exception to let him join the company leadership, giving him opportunities others could only dream of.” “But what about him? Now he’s turning around to bite us, trying to take over STAR!” Watching her perform so emotionally, I couldn’t help but laugh. “You can play the victim if you want, but be careful about shooting yourself in the foot.” Betty’s face darkened as she looked at me with contempt. “Are you completely shameless now?” Seeing I remained unmoved, she panicked. “If security won’t throw you out, I’ll call the police!” She pulled out her phone, her fingers swiping rapidly. I replied unhurriedly, “Go ahead and call them. I don’t mind.” Betty was so flustered by my response she couldn’t speak, trembling with rage. She pointed at me, struggling for a long time before managing to squeeze out one word: “You!” At that moment, the launch venue’s main door was suddenly pushed open, and urgent footsteps echoed. Betty’s parents rushed toward us. Seeing her parents appear. Betty acted as if she’d found a lifeline and immediately put away the anger on her face. She replaced it with a pitiful expression as she rushed toward them. “Dad, Mom, you’re finally here!” She grabbed her mother’s hand, her eyes brimming with tears. “Alex is an ungrateful wretch. He wants to take over STAR and publicly bullied and humiliated me.” “You have to get revenge for me!” She cried while making accusations. She portrayed herself as utterly wronged, pushing all the blame onto me. But before she could finish speaking, her mother Laurence suddenly raised her hand and slapped her across the face! The slap caught Betty completely off guard. It was fast and hard. The sound was especially jarring in the quiet venue. Betty covered her face with wide eyes, completely stunned. But Laurence pointed at her and angrily rebuked. “Shut up! If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute!”

Laurence’s slap landed solidly on her daughter’s face. Betty, who had been crying moments ago, had her tears instantly knocked back. She covered her face with her mouth open, unable to speak for a long time, her eyes full of disbelief. I stood to the side, also secretly surprised. I knew Laurence too well. She usually cherished Betty like the apple of her eye. She wouldn’t even say a harsh word to her, yet today she struck so hard. In contrast, her father Anderson’s face was ashen as he pointed at his daughter and angrily shouted. “Haven’t you caused enough trouble?!” “The way we spoil you at home—look at yourself today! Is this acceptable?” Betty finally snapped out of it and screamed at her parents. “What did I do wrong? Why are you hitting me?!” “He’s the one trying to steal our family’s assets, trying to seize STAR!” “If STAR gets taken by him, our family is finished! Why don’t you understand?!” She became more agitated as she spoke, tears flowing again, her tone full of grievance and unwillingness. But even with all her crying and defending, the old couple remained unmoved. They exchanged glances, and Laurence was the first to force a smile at me—very stiff, but her tone was gentle. “Alex, you’ve really been wronged today.” I smiled faintly. “Wronged isn’t quite the word. I just don’t want any more involvement with her.” The crowd had long been confused by this dramatic turn of events. A friend who had a good relationship with Anderson couldn’t help but step forward. “Anderson, aren’t you being too hasty?” “What Betty said actually isn’t wrong.” Anderson sighed helplessly, his tone vague. “You don’t understand the situation. Don’t interfere.” His words, openly and subtly, meant he didn’t want outsiders meddling in their family affairs. He even tried to get everyone to leave, clearly not wanting to air their dirty laundry in public. “Don’t do that, Mr. Anderson.” “My innocence hasn’t been cleared yet. If everyone leaves, who will testify for me?” Anderson’s expression turned ugly. He lowered his voice, his tone pleading. “Alex, I’m begging you.” “Whatever we need to discuss, we can talk about it privately as a family. There’s no need to make it known to everyone.” “This isn’t good for anyone. It’s inappropriate.” I looked at him and asked indifferently. “What’s inappropriate about it?” “I gave you a chance back then. You didn’t treasure it and missed it.” “What does that have to do with me?” Hearing this, Laurence’s expression darkened. “Alex, what more do you want?” “I hit my daughter, I scolded her. This matter should be settled now. Don’t push your luck!” I sneered inwardly. Did they think that hitting their daughter once and scolding her a couple of times could offset everything? That it would make me let it go? I slowly shook my head and reminded them word by word. “Some things aren’t settled just because you say so.” Betty was already full of anger to begin with. With my comment, she instantly exploded. “Alex, don’t push your luck!” “I’ll settle this score with you sooner or later!” I looked at her stubborn appearance and suddenly found it rather laughable. Five years—what exactly had I married? “You were deceived. Do you know that?” Betty sneered. “What was I deceived about?” “Oh, I was deceived all right, but the one who deceived me is you, Alex!” “Don’t try to confuse the issue here!” I was too lazy to waste more words with her. I looked toward the corner, at Paul who was trying to sneak away. He’d just taken a phone call and his face had instantly turned deathly pale. He kept his head down and had only taken two steps when I called out to him. “Don’t rush off. Come here, let’s talk.” Hearing my voice, Paul’s whole body stiffened. He hesitated for a long time, not even daring to turn his head back. Betty panicked and blocked Paul, speaking up for him. “Alex, this is between the two of us. It has nothing to do with him!” “What do you want with him?” I looked at her protective behavior and a meaningful smile curved my lips. “You’re not stupid. You’re genuinely foolish.” “How dare you insult me?!” Betty wanted to continue her outburst but I interrupted her. “Are you sure this really has nothing to do with him?” Betty’s eyes flickered, clearly hesitant, but she still stubbornly replied. “That’s right, it has nothing to do with him. Come at me if you have any issues!” The old couple panicked and pulled their daughter back, trying to stop her from speaking. But Betty seemed to have lost her mind. She broke free from her parents’ hands and shouted at me again. “Do you have anything else to say?!” But the moment her words fell, two uniformed police officers burst in, their expressions serious, walking straight toward Paul.

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On the night of our wedding reception, my wife Sophia was secretly having sex with her first love in the changing room. I happened to be in the room next door. I heard every word, every sound, crystal clear. “Scott, this is my first time. It’s the only thing I can give you. Enjoy it!” Then came my wife’s moans of pleasure. I was about to kick down the changing room door and beat that man to a pulp. But then Sophia said something that chilled me to the bone. “Scott, let me compensate you with a baby too!” “Scott, let me compensate you with a baby! He loves me so much, he’d never suspect a thing!” Hearing this, I realized any argument would be pointless. I turned and quickly left the wedding venue. Just as I reached the parking lot, it started pouring rain. I drove far away before pulling over to the side of the road. I stared blankly out the car window, a bitter smile twisting my lips. I reached into the car and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. I’d quit smoking years ago. Sophia hated the smell of smoke, so I quit the day we got together. Now the car filled with choking smoke. I coughed until tears came to my eyes, and finally I couldn’t hold back anymore and broke down crying. All I could think about was Sophia’s seductive moaning. I never knew she had such a wild side. She was calling someone “baby” with such excitement—but it wasn’t me. It was her first love. Three years together. I’d wanted to be intimate with her countless times. But Sophia said she couldn’t accept premarital sex, so every time I held myself back. I never imagined she was saving the most beautiful moment for our wedding day—but giving it to another man. For three years, I worked myself to the bone to give her the best material life. I did all the housework, tolerated all her bad moods, and spoiled her like a princess. And she stabbed me right through the heart! It was all self-deception. My heart felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. The pain made it hard to breathe. I finally saw the truth. Sophia didn’t love me. In that moment, I couldn’t hold it together anymore. I buried my face against the steering wheel and let out agonized sobs. I sat there until dark. Then Sophia called. I hesitated, but hung up. She called again and again. Finally I just threw my phone aside and let it ring. Eventually the ringing stopped, replaced by message notifications. I opened them. Voice messages from Sophia. “Where the hell did you go! Tonight’s our wedding night and you’re not even coming home?” I laughed bitterly to myself. So she remembered tonight was supposed to be our wedding night! I looked up at the night sky through the car window, feeling cold despair spreading through my chest. Sophia quickly sent a second message. “Coleman, are you out hooking up with some old flame you can’t forget on our wedding night!” But she was the one hooking up with someone else on our wedding night! She betrayed me, and now she was turning it around on me. I actually laughed out loud in anger. On the other end, Sophia heard my laughter and started cursing: “You dare to laugh! You have ten minutes to get your ass back here and apologize! Otherwise this marriage is over!” I forced down my rage and said coldly: “You already spent your wedding night with someone else. Why do you need me?” Sophia didn’t respond. I smiled bitterly. If she didn’t love me, then I’d let her have her first love. “Sophia, let’s get divorced. Tomorrow morning at nine, I’ll wait for you at City Hall.” This time, Sophia responded quickly. “Coleman, I just made a little mistake that any woman might make. Can’t you be more generous? I married you, didn’t I? What more do you want?” My heart clenched painfully. Tears fell again despite myself. On our wedding night, wearing her white wedding dress, wearing the ring I gave her, she went behind my back to the changing room at our wedding venue and gave her virginity to another man. And now she was questioning what more I could possibly want! I couldn’t take it anymore. I clenched my fists and pounded the steering wheel furiously. After venting, I still decided to go back. Divorce needed to be settled face to face. Just as I reached the building, I bumped into a man in the hallway who was whistling and dressed flashily. I wasn’t paying attention and stepped on his foot. He jumped up high, howling. “Are you fucking blind! Watch where you’re going! These are my brand new wedding shoes and you just dirtied them. Pay up!” I was in a low mood, running a high fever from the rain, in no state to deal with this kind of sleazy punk. “How much? I’ll pay what they’re worth.” I asked quietly, pulling out my phone to scan and pay him. Seeing I was cooperative, the man looked me up and down. “These shoes are genuine imported leather, real expensive! This won’t be settled without five thousand bucks!” I laughed at myself bitterly. Even trash like this was bullying me now. Did I really seem that easy to push around? Everyone wanted to take advantage of me! When the man unlocked his phone screen, I saw it was on Ins. The most recent post at the top was from Sophia!

I checked my own phone—I hadn’t seen this post. She’d blocked me. I grabbed his phone to look closer. Yes, it was definitely her. Just one line: “Body and heart given to my true love, companionship left for the one who loves me!” The attached photo showed her intertwined with her first love. Though it was only their backs, I recognized her immediately. He snatched the phone back, cursing: “What’s your problem!” I looked at the furious scumbag in front of me—the first love from the photo. Sophia had actually brought him back to our marital home and screwed him in our wedding bed! I punched the man in the face. We quickly started fighting. My rage needed an outlet. I soon had him on the ground, face covered in blood. He grabbed his phone, threatening to call the police. “I’m telling you, this won’t end without a hundred grand!” “All my money is with Sophia. Go ask her for it.” I walked straight upstairs. The man cursed something and ran off. I opened the door. Sophia, sitting in the living room, rushed over and slapped me hard across the face. Already drenched from the rain, I felt dizzy from the blow, my ears ringing. Not satisfied with just the slap, Sophia grabbed a vase from the entrance table and smashed it against my head. Hot blood immediately ran down from my temple. I grunted in pain. “Are you stupid? Don’t you know how to dodge? Coleman, don’t think getting hurt means I’ll let this go. Who are you to talk about divorce with me? If anyone’s dumping anyone, I’m dumping you!” Sophia looked coldly at the blood flowing down my head, not a trace of concern in her eyes. “Coleman, I’m already legally married to you. You won. He can never compete with you. The only thing I could compensate him with was my first time! You’re the one who’ll spend a lifetime with me. You’re not really going to make a big deal over something this small, are you? Are you even a man!” Her voice got louder and louder, ending in uncontrollable anger. As if I were the one in the wrong, and she was generously forgiving me. I laughed coldly, casually wiping the blood from my face with the back of my hand. Seeing I wasn’t responding, Sophia got even angrier and tried to hit me again. I grabbed her wrist and shoved her aside. She stumbled and nearly fell, staring at me in disbelief: “Coleman, you dare to push me!” This was the first time I’d turned on her in three years together. I’d never even raised my voice to her before. My sudden change in attitude was hard for Sophia to accept. She picked up glass shards from the floor and stabbed at me like a madwoman. “Bastards like you need to be put in your place! Let’s see how I teach you a lesson today! Coleman, you’re just a useless piece of trash. I’ve suffered through three miserable years with you, I’m sick of you! The more I look at you, the more disgusting you are!” “You want a divorce? Fine, let’s divorce! At least I won’t have to force myself not to feel sick every night when you hold me! Coleman, you’re the one who wanted this divorce. Don’t you dare regret it!” After speaking, Sophia grabbed her phone and stormed out. I stood there, clearly hearing her call her first love outside the door, telling him to come pick her up. I couldn’t suppress my rage anymore. I punched the door hard, making a huge sound. Three years. I never knew that in Sophia’s heart, I was disgusting trash!

She enjoyed all the good I gave her while despising me at the same time. I respected her feelings and never touched her, not even with a finger. So many nights I endured the desire, just waiting for our wedding day when she would finally truly belong to me. But in the end, I became a joke! She trampled on my sincere love like this. I wanted to tear her apart with my own hands, then end myself. But I couldn’t. I still had my parents. They loved me so much. How could I bear to make my elderly parents worry about me? I couldn’t imagine how heartbroken they’d be if they knew Sophia—whom they loved like their own daughter—was this kind of person. Thinking of this, already running a high fever from the rain, I couldn’t take the shock anymore and collapsed to the floor. My last conscious thought was that the back of my thigh hurt terribly. I must have been pierced by glass shards on the floor. But compared to that, my heart hurt more. I don’t know how long I was unconscious. When I opened my eyes again, I felt completely drained. Sharp pain came from the back of my thigh. I reached down and felt a long, thin glass shard embedded deep in the flesh. There was a large pool of blood on the floor. I tried to stand up but my legs gave out. Between the blood loss and high fever, all my strength seemed to have been drained away. I leaned against the wall and slowly stood up. Even this small movement made me break out in cold sweat. I gritted my teeth and yanked out the glass shard with force, throwing it on the floor. Then I was shocked by the bloody footprints on the ground. From the direction of the footprints, I could tell Sophia had walked right past me. She completely ignored me lying unconscious in a pool of blood. Then I noticed there was even a bloody footprint on my pants. Sophia must have found me lying on the floor in her way and kicked me. What chilled me even more was that besides her bloody footprints, there was another larger set—clearly a man’s! While I was unconscious, Sophia had actually brought her first love back here! I leaned weakly against the wall and laughed bitterly. The laughter turned to tears. The woman I loved with my life ignored whether I lived or died. Even if you saw an injured dog on the street, you’d feel some compassion, wouldn’t you? Let alone for a husband who loved her for three years! In that moment, my heart felt like it was being cut by knives. My throat was dry and painful, my voice trembling as I whispered to myself: “Sophia, I’ll never love you again.” Dragging my sick and injured body, following the bloody footprints, I limped into the bedroom. Seeing the bedroom in complete disarray, like it had been robbed, my vision went black and I nearly passed out again. All the cabinets in the bedroom were open. All the valuables and bank cards were gone. The scene before me made me unable to suppress my rage anymore. My heart clenched painfully, as if gripped by an invisible hand, making it impossible to breathe. The feelings I’d sincerely invested for three whole years—fed to the dogs. I never imagined that three years of love would lose to a suddenly appearing first love. For her first love, she could bear to treat me this way. I was the world’s biggest fool! I fell onto the bed, gasping for air, trying to ease the discomfort in my chest. The phone in the living room rang at that moment. I’d set special ringtones for Sophia and my parents. This call was from my mom. Enduring the pain in my thigh, I quickly walked to the living room and answered. As soon as I picked up, my mom’s anxious voice came through: “Coleman, you finally answered! Mom was so worried!” My mom’s voice was tearful. She was clearly frantic. I exited the call screen and saw that while I was unconscious, my mom and dad had each called me many times. What could have them so worried? “Mom, don’t panic! Tell me slowly what happened.” But what my mom said next shocked me completely. I never would have imagined that in such a short time, Sophia could do something like this!

My mom on the other end of the line heard I was home and paused for a few seconds before speaking. “Coleman, Sophia just came over covered in blood, saying you’d been in a car accident and needed emergency money!” But I was right here at home. My mom realized something was wrong too and asked what had happened between Sophia and me. In their hearts, they still didn’t want to believe Sophia would deceive them. But that was the reality. Sophia had brought her first love back to our marital home and taken all the valuables. Then she ran to my parents, claiming I’d been in a serious car accident and needed money to save my life. The blood on her was actually from my injuries. Sophia had scammed my parents out of their savings and even taken the property deed they were keeping safe. When we bought our marital home, my parents paid for it in full, and the house was registered under both my and Sophia’s names. After we got the property certificate, Sophia had voluntarily left it with my parents for safekeeping. Now she’d schemed to get the deed back, but she couldn’t sell the house privately without my signature as co-owner. She’d need my signature to get a bank mortgage loan too. As expected, Sophia had taken it to a real estate agent for a private collateral loan. After reassuring my parents and telling them I’d handle everything, I hung up. I immediately called a friend at the property office to check. Sure enough, an hour ago, Sophia had mortgaged our marital home to a guarantee company that worked with the agent. At that moment, my head was splitting, my fever wouldn’t break, and my leg wound kept bleeding with every movement. I couldn’t afford to settle scores with Sophia first. I rushed to the cabinet to find the medicine box. The moment I opened it, rage surged through me. The medicine box was empty! Just how much did Sophia want me dead! She watched me collapse from blood loss and did nothing. She even destroyed my only chance to save myself. I laughed coldly. I clearly remembered my phone was on the sofa before I passed out. But just now I found it on the highest wall cabinet in the living room. If the phone hadn’t rung, I wouldn’t have known how long it would take to find it. I walked to the door and tried the handle. As I suspected, it was locked from the outside. At this point, even the last bit of love I had for Sophia had vanished. Now, my heart was filled with hatred. I didn’t want to alarm my parents and have them bring the spare key. These bloodstains everywhere would terrify them. I contacted the property management and a locksmith, then sat down on the floor to rest. After calming down, I called Sophia. The phone rang for a while before she answered. “Coleman, you’re not dead yet! What, we’re getting divorced and you’re still calling me?” Her voice carried suppressed pain, her speech broken and intermittent. I could even hear a man’s panting over the phone. No need to guess what she was doing right now. “If you have something to say, say it quick! I’m busy right now!” Sophia urged. Hearing these sounds again, I didn’t feel the heartache I felt last time. Instead, I found it amusing. “Then I’ll wait until you’re done!” I was about to hang up when Sophia stopped me. “Don’t hang up! He says this makes it more exciting. I think so too. I’ve already switched positions, it won’t interfere with our call!” She suddenly cried out “Ah!” then said, “Scott, be gentle, you’re hurting me!” I didn’t hang up. Fortunately, I’d turned on call recording. This evidence delivered right to my doorstep—how could I refuse? Plus there was a free explicit audio performance to listen to. I couldn’t help cheering them on. Maybe my encouragement deflated Sophia’s first love. He finished hastily. Sophia blamed me for ruining her fun and asked if I wanted to back out. “Coleman, divorce is non-negotiable! It’s no use even if you change your mind!” I scoffed. “Sophia, do you know that right now, you’re not even as good as a whore in a nightclub in my eyes? You should know why I’m calling. I advise you to return what you shouldn’t have taken as soon as possible. Otherwise you’ll regret it!” Sophia and her first love thought they were so clever, taking all the assets. But their cleverness backfired. They’d just given me the perfect reason to take it all back.

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The most celebrated man in New York, Gabriel Stone, fell deeply in love with me. A deaf woman. He learned sign language for me. To marry me, he even accepted his family’s punishment. Everyone said I was the luckiest woman. But when I recovered my hearing after surgery and excitedly wanted to tell him the good news, I overheard him talking to his ex-girlfriend outside his study. “Marry her? It was just to make you jealous.” It turned out our three-year marriage was a lie from start to finish. Jane’s POV The most celebrated man in New York, Gabriel Stone, fell in love with me. A deaf woman. For me, he learned sign language from scratch. He set off fireworks for three nights straight under the night sky. He used over ten thousand drones at the harbor to publicly declare his love. He even planted my favorite orchids all around the mansion where he lived. When he proposed to marry me, everyone thought he’d lost his mind. The Stone family was furious. “Jane is disabled. Have your fun if you must, but she is not welcome in our home.” But he remained stubborn and left them with one sentence: “I will marry no one but Jane.” To marry me, this typically reckless but privileged man willingly accepted punishment-he was whipped ninety-nine times, leaving his back a bloody mess. Watching him lose consciousness from blood loss and get rushed to the hospital, my heart finally melted. Even though Gabriel never minded my disability and insisted on marrying me, I always felt inferior deep down, believing there was an insurmountable gap between us. Fortunately, after three years of persistent treatment, I finally recovered my hearing through surgery. The day I was discharged, I couldn’t contain my excitement and rushed home, wanting to tell him the good news in person. But just as I reached the study, I heard him on a call. “Gabriel, have you really fallen for Jane?” He laughed carelessly. “Everyone in New York knows how deeply I love her.” “Enough. You can fool others but not me. I don’t believe you could love her.” “Claire, three years ago when you rejected my proposal and insisted on breaking up to go abroad, didn’t I tell you you’d better not regret it?” Hearing the name “Claire,” my whole body stiffened. Few people knew that I lost my hearing because of a car accident. And the person responsible was Claire. She hit me while drunk driving and speeding in the wrong lane, then left me bleeding in the street. So… the person who caused my disability was Gabriel’s ex-girlfriend? On the phone, Claire laughed coldly. “I knew it. You deliberately pursued this disabled woman, made it a public spectacle, and endured punishment to marry her. All just to spite me.” Gabriel bit down on his cigarette, his expression half-mocking. “So what if I did?” Claire took a deep breath. “You succeeded. I mind Jane’s existence. Divorce her, and I’ll get back together with you.” Gabriel laughed lazily. “Why should I divorce her for you?” “Gabriel!” “You think you can break up whenever you want and get back together whenever you want? Am I your dog, coming when you call and going when you dismiss me?” “I’ve already come back. Whether you want to get back together or not is up to you!” The call was cut off. Gabriel cursed under his breath. Outside the door, I felt like I’d fallen into an ice pit, trembling uncontrollably. My relationship with him began with a fire. Three years ago, he was drunk at a club when his enemies took the opportunity to set it on fire, trapping him in a private room. Just as he was about to die, I rushed into the flames and saved him. Gabriel fell for me at first sight because of that. After we married, he was impeccable toward me, fulfilling all my wishes, indulging my every request, spoiling me to the point where everyone envied me. Everyone said I was the luckiest woman. But it turned out… he never loved me at all? He went through all that trouble to marry me just to make his ex-girlfriend jealous? How absurd. “Mrs. Stone, why are you standing here?” A servant’s voice suddenly rang out. Gabriel whipped his head around and saw me standing outside the door. Panic flashed in his eyes. But noticing I wasn’t wearing my hearing aids, he relaxed, stubbed out his cigarette, and signed fluently. “When did you get back? Why are you standing outside without making a sound?” I didn’t answer, just looked at him quietly. He walked over, pulled me into his arms with heartache in his eyes, and gently touched my face. “Who bullied you? Tell me, I’ll get revenge for you.” I moved my lips, about to tell him I could hear now, that I’d heard everything he said to Claire. But his phone suddenly rang. After reading the message, his expression changed drastically. He hurriedly signed to me. “I have an emergency. I need to go out. Be good and eat dinner. Don’t wait for me.” Before I could react, he was already striding away. I caught a glimpse of the sender: Claire. I quietly followed him. Eventually, outside a hotel private room, I saw Gabriel drag Claire out. He grabbed her chin and demanded. “Claire, you actually dared to kiss another man?” “Who I kiss is none of your business. Why did you rush over here in such a rage?” “Say that again. I dare you.” “I’ll say it as many times as you want! I’m single, you’re married. I can kiss whoever I want.” He angrily pressed her against the wall and lowered his head to kiss her. “Fine. I’m your damn dog. Let’s get back together, okay?” But Claire dodged his kiss and said proudly. “I won’t be a mistress or a side piece.” He deflated, saying helplessly. “I didn’t marry her.” Claire froze. “What?” I froze completely too. Then I heard him say. “The Stone family would never allow me to marry a disabled woman, so the marriage certificate she and I have is fake. Satisfied now?” Fake? Our marriage certificate… was fake? My mind buzzed. I felt like I’d fallen into hell. So all his love and devotion to me, including those marriage documents, were all carefully woven lies? For three years, he’d been playing me for a fool? Gabriel, was trampling on my genuine feelings fun for you? My chest felt like it was being violently torn apart. The pain was suffocating. Tears blurred my vision. I could no longer see clearly that couple pressed against the wall, kissing inseparably.

Jane’s POV I walked out of the hotel and stood on the street, watching the endless stream of cars on the road. Just as I was lost and didn’t know where to go, my phone buzzed with a notification. I didn’t pay attention to it. Before long, continuous messages bombarded my phone. “Sweetie, have you been going for your ear checkups regularly? What did the doctor say? How much longer until you recover?” “And your husband. He hasn’t made you suffer, has he?” “We miss you so much. When will you come back to see us? Or can we come visit you in New York?” “Talk to me, sweetie.” “Talk to me talk to me talk to me.” All these messages came from the same person. Looking at their concerned content, my chest ached, and my already blurred vision became even more blurry. I unlocked my phone and replied. “I promise I’ll come back.” The response came extremely fast. “Really? When?” “After I settle things here. Within two weeks.” “That’s wonderful! It’s a promise then!” I put my phone away and fought back tears. If my marriage was fake, at least I’d skip the divorce. But Claire caused my accident and my hearing loss. And Gabriel treated me like an idiot. I wasn’t about to let that go. Three days later, Gabriel finally came home. But he didn’t come back alone. Gabriel didn’t know my hearing had recovered yet. He took out his phone and typed for me to see. “This is my friend Claire. She just returned to the country and will be staying with us for a while.” Claire glanced at the text and sneered at him. “You call someone your friend but lock them in a hotel room for three days and nights?” With me present, Gabriel clearly felt guilty hearing this. But seeing I didn’t seem to be wearing my hearing aids, he relaxed again. Gabriel said with his back to me. “Jane can read some lips. Stop making a scene. We agreed-you’ll stay here as a friend first.” Claire turned her face away in displeasure. She wore a high-necked top, but I still caught glimpses of marks on her neck. I felt a bone-chilling cold, my heart aching like it was being carved with a knife. I should have known Gabriel had been with Claire these past few days, but I never imagined he’d brazenly bring her home. Not wanting to hear more hurtful words from them, I turned and went upstairs. Gabriel froze for a moment. Claire frowned. “What’s her attitude? She doesn’t welcome me?” Soon after, Gabriel came to the master bedroom on the second floor. Seeing me standing on the balcony, he picked up the hearing aids from the bedside table and walked over to put them on me. “Baby, are you angry because I haven’t been home these past few days?” Before, when he called me baby, I only felt happiness and sweetness. Now, all that remained was endless irony. Gabriel pulled me into his arms and said ingratiatingly. “It’s all my fault for being too busy and neglecting you. I apologize, okay?” He smelled of a woman’s perfume, making me feel nauseous. I pushed him away and asked knowingly. “What were you so busy with?” He smiled and said. “Work, of course. What else could it be?” I admired how he could still lie without changing his expression. Gabriel’s voice became even gentler. “I suddenly brought Claire back to stay. Are you unhappy about it?” I looked into his eyes. “Should I be happy?” Gabriel paused, then said with guilt. “It was wrong of me not to tell you beforehand. I’ll make it up to you. Don’t be angry, okay?” He intimately lifted my chin, trying to kiss me. Thinking about how he’d been with Claire these past days, how this mouth had kissed who knows where on her body, the nausea in my heart intensified.

Jane’s POV I raised my arm, blocking his descending kiss. Gabriel, who had never been rejected by me before, froze. I turned and walked away. “This is your house. Who you bring back to live here is your freedom.” At dinner, Gabriel kept showing concern for me. “You’ve lost weight lately. These are all your favorites. Have some more.” Claire sat across from us, watching him being so attentive to me. She kicked him under the table in displeasure. Gabriel looked up at her. Claire raised her chin. He sighed helplessly, using his eyes to signal her to stop making trouble. But Claire persisted, taking off her shoe under the table. Her toes traced up along his calf until they reached a sensitive area. Gabriel’s body stiffened. His Adam’s apple bobbed. His eyes darkened, warning her to stop. But Claire smiled triumphantly and became even bolder in her provocation. I wasn’t stupid. How could I not see them exchanging glances, even flirting shamelessly under the table? The nausea churning in my stomach became unbearable. I abruptly put down my fork and knife. “I’m full. You two take your time.” Seeing me get up and leave the dining room, Gabriel panicked and tried to follow. “Jane…” Claire stopped him. “Are you going to comfort her, or stay here and keep me company for dinner?” Her face was cold. Gabriel was helpless with her and ultimately just had a servant bring some fruit up to my room. At ten o’clock that night, I came out of my home studio and happened to run into Gabriel just emerging from his study. He looked at me, seeming to want to say something but stopping himself. Finally, he said. “I have to work late tonight. Go to sleep first. Don’t wait for me.” I glanced at the phone in his hand. The screen was still lit, stopped on his chat interface with Claire. I said nothing and nodded, entering the master bedroom. In the middle of the night, I woke up thirsty. Out of habit, I reached toward the other side of the bed. It was empty and cold, without a trace of warmth. Clearly, Gabriel hadn’t come to this bedroom all night. I frowned and got up to get water downstairs. Passing by the study, I noticed light seeping from under the door. I was puzzled. Just as I was about to push the door open, I heard a woman’s moans coming from the adjacent room. My whole body stiffened. My face instantly went deathly pale. Gabriel’s voice came low. “Don’t moan so loud. Jane will hear.” Claire hummed softly. “What are you afraid of? She can’t hear. Besides, it’s because you’re too rough…” Gabriel chuckled. “I think you’re quite enjoying it though?” The room was filled with panting and the sounds of the bed. I didn’t need to think to know what they were doing. After a while, Claire asked breathlessly. “When do you plan to tell Jane about our relationship?” Gabriel was silent for a moment, his voice low. “Jane saved my life. Three years ago, if it weren’t for her, I might already be dead… At least I need to give her some mental preparation.” So he still remembered I saved him. Was this his way of repaying me? I never wanted to use that favor to bind him. Back then, I even felt inferior because of my hearing loss and rejected him. It was he who pursued me relentlessly, acting like I was the only one for him, finally winning me over. But now I learned it was all fake. He even wanted to continue deceiving me, having an affair with Claire right under my nose. This was his repayment? I pulled the corners of my mouth in self-mockery, turned off the recording on my phone, and silently turned to leave.

Jane’s POV My stomach had been upset for several days. I couldn’t eat anything. At first, I thought it was because Gabriel and Claire’s affair made me sick. Later, when my period was late, I hurried to the hospital for a checkup. “You’re pregnant, about four weeks.” The doctor told me. My mind went blank. “We used protection every time. How could I be pregnant?” The doctor explained. “Contraceptive measures aren’t one hundred percent effective. There are occasional accidents.” I stood there frozen, unable to believe I was pregnant with Gabriel’s child. The Stone family had always despised my disability. Gabriel also said he didn’t want children. Now I understood. He never planned to let me have his child. If that was the case, how was I supposed to carry on the Stone family line? God had other plans. On my way home, I was hit by a car. When I woke up again, the baby was gone. Just like that, without Gabriel knowing anything about it, I lost the child. I returned home weakly, wanting to go back to my room to rest, but found the door to my studio wide open. That was my private space. Even the servants couldn’t enter. Gabriel usually wouldn’t intrude either. Unease surged in my heart. I hurried inside and saw Claire standing there. The next second, I saw the shattered sculpture on the floor. “Sorry about that.” Claire smiled carelessly. “I just wanted to look at this sculpture. Didn’t expect it to be so heavy-I couldn’t hold it steady. You don’t mind, do you?” That was a work I’d spent countless days and nights completing. It had won first place in a sculpture competition and meant the world to me. Now it was a pile of fragments. Rage clouded my judgment. I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face. “Are you insane?” Claire screamed, covering her face. “Who gave you permission to come in? Who gave you permission to touch my things?” I was shaking with anger. Just as I was about to teach her another lesson, my wrist was suddenly grabbed. Gabriel rushed in and roared. “Jane! What the hell are you doing?” He violently shook off my hand. I staggered and fell to the ground, my forehead hitting the broken sculpture. Sharp pain made my vision darken. Warm liquid flowed down my cheek. “It’s just a broken sculpture.” Gabriel looked at me coldly. “Claire already apologized. Did you need to hit her?” A broken sculpture? I remembered on the day I won the award, he looked at me from the audience with admiring eyes. Later, he even held me and said he was proud of me, that I’d used my artistic talent to overcome my physical limitations. Now, compared to Claire, it had become just a broken sculpture. I watched Gabriel leave with his arm around Claire. Blood blurred my vision. Eventually, I passed out from exhaustion.

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My twin sister was obsessed with werewolf novels, always fantasizing about marrying a man like an Alpha. Until one day she saw golden-haired Kael at the ice hockey rink. She screamed. Kael was exactly as handsome and powerful as the werewolf in her fantasies. To live out a real-life epic romance with him, my sister didn’t hesitate to sleep with Kael’s teammates to get insider information, planning to slip him an illegal aphrodisiac at the hockey team’s championship celebration party, then use the one-night stand to force him into marriage. In my past life, I tried to warn her. I told her Kael’s family was too powerful to mess with, that the plots in those novels were all fiction. She eventually called off the plan, but not long after, news broke that Kael was engaged to a noble heiress. Turns out that night, this heiress had drugged Kael, and reporters caught them in bed together. To protect the family’s reputation, Kael was forced to marry her. My sister blamed me for ruining her billionaire fantasy. One night, she broke into my bedroom and smothered me to death. Now, reborn, I’ve returned to the day before Kael’s championship celebration party. This time, I’m not stopping her. In fact, I’ve thoughtfully booked her a luxury suite. But what I never expected was that the world of werewolves actually exists. And it seems this werewolf has set his sights on me.

“This is the good stuff I had someone get for me. At the celebration party tonight, I’m having Tyler from the hockey team slip it into Kael’s water bottle. As long as I can get pregnant with his baby, I’ll be the future mistress of the Hale family!” Stella shook the little pink bottle, her eyes burning with obsession. I looked at her crazed expression and tugged at the corner of my mouth. “Oh. Good luck with that.” Stella froze for a second, then immediately grew suspicious. Her nails dug viciously into my arm as she threatened: “Don’t you dare try anything funny. To get into this celebration party, I slept with those guys on the hockey team multiple times.” “If you mess this up for me, I’ll make Mom and Dad cut off your tuition!” She tossed me a black face mask and a baseball cap, ordering me to follow her to the party as cover. Seeing me obediently agree, she twisted her hips in satisfaction and went back to her room. Meanwhile, at the ice hockey training facility, Kael had just finished extra practice and took the electrolyte drink his second-in-command Jasper handed him. A hint of crimson churned in his gray-blue eyes. Tomorrow was the full moon, and the moon madness triggered by the wolf poison a traitor had given him was already stirring restlessly. Jasper stood beside him, reporting in a low voice using the wolf clan’s secret language: “Stella from the Art Institute paid Tyler on our team to buy illegal aphrodisiacs. She’s planning to drug you at tonight’s celebration party.” Kael’s hand tightened sharply around the water bottle, a cold sneer curling at the corner of his lips. He’d just finished clearing out the traitors trying to seize power in the Pack, and now some clueless human dared to scheme against him. But the next second, something occurred to him. “Isn’t Stella Clara’s sister?” “Yes, Kael.” He looked up, a deep, unfathomable light flashing through his gray-blue eyes. His originally simple revenge plan suddenly took a new direction. “Keep watching them. Let them go ahead with the drug—I have my own arrangements.” He set down the water bottle, gazing into the distance with an amused smile playing on his lips. A few hours later, the hockey team’s celebration party began as scheduled. I wore my mask and baseball cap, hiding in the shadows of the banquet hall like an invisible outsider. Stella wore a tight red spaghetti-strap dress, flitting through the crowd like a butterfly, her eyes glued to the tall, handsome Kael. Before long, I watched Stella pour the drug into an electrolyte water bottle and hand it to Tyler from the hockey team. Tyler winked and gave an OK sign, then carried the water over to Kael. Kael glanced down at the bottle, his peripheral vision landing precisely on the shadows where I was hiding. My heart skipped a beat. The next second, he took the bottle, unscrewed the cap, and tilted his head back for a long drink. About ten minutes later, Kael’s face flushed an unnatural red. His body swayed, his breathing growing ragged. “Kael, are you okay?” Stella immediately rushed over to grab his arm, her voice sickeningly sweet. “Did you drink too much? Let me help you upstairs to rest. I have a room.” Kael didn’t speak, just let out a low, heavy breath and allowed her to guide him toward the elevator. I followed behind. The moment she turned around, I slipped a room key card into her purse and whispered: “Room 8808. Everything’s ready.” Stella glanced back at me, her eyes full of smug satisfaction. “Smart of you. Once I become the mistress of the Hale family, I’ll introduce you to one of Hale’s drivers or bodyguards. Enough to keep you comfortable for life.” “Guard the stairwell. Don’t let anyone interfere, or I’ll tell Mom and Dad.” I nodded, watching her help Kael into the elevator. The moment the elevator doors closed, I leaned against the wall, my heart perfectly calm. In my past life, I tried to stop her, and ended up dead. This time, I personally handed her the room key. I wanted to see just how badly her billionaire fantasy would shatter. A few minutes later, a heavy thud echoed down the hall, and the door to 8808 flew open. Kael staggered out, breathing heavily like a wolf on the edge of losing control. Inside the room, Stella lay unconscious on the floor. I let out a breath of relief and turned to slip away quietly, but suddenly a massive force seized my wrist. The world spun. I was slammed hard against the door of the room next door, scorching heat flooding over me. Kael’s face was inches from mine. His gray-blue eyes had turned terrifyingly red. His nose brushed against my neck as his hoarse voice rasped: “Finally found you, my Fated Mate.” Just as I was about to scream for help, he brushed his fingers across the corner of my eye, his voice low and hypnotic: “Your eyes… they’re beautiful.” The next second, he tore off my mask and lowered his head to kiss me. In my panic, I switched off the room’s lights. Moonlight from the full moon outside filtered through the gap in the curtains, casting silver light across us. I had no chance to escape. It wasn’t until nearly dawn that he finally fell into a deep sleep, holding me. I fought through the aching soreness in my body, scrambling to get dressed, desperate to leave before he woke. The moment I opened the door, I saw the door to 8808 open. The balding old man who’d sold Stella the drugs walked out, pulling up his pants with a satisfied look on his face. I glanced into the room. Stella was still unconscious, completely unaware that the person who’d shared her bed last night wasn’t the Kael she’d been dreaming about. The hatred from my past life surged up. Expressionless, I walked over and gently closed the door to 8808. Sweet dreams, sister.

By the time I got back to the apartment, it was already bright outside. The moment I opened the door, my parents came rushing out of the kitchen, their faces plastered with fawning smiles as they shouted: “My darling Stella! You’re finally back! How did it go last night? Did it work?” When they saw my face, their smiles instantly froze. The joy in their eyes turned to undisguised disgust. “Clara? Why is it you? Where’s your sister?” My mom shoved me aside, craning her neck to look behind me. When she didn’t see Stella, she immediately started shrieking: “I told you to look after your sister! Why did you come back alone? What are you trying to pull?” I couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. I changed my shoes and headed toward my room, tossing out coldly: “I’m here to pack my things. I’m moving to the campus dorms.” “Moving to the dorms?” My mom chased after me, her face twisted with rage. “Dorms aren’t free, you know! Where’s a student like you going to get money for housing fees? All you ever do is spend the family’s money!” I stopped walking and turned to look at her. “If Stella really does become the young mistress of the Hale family, what happens when the Hales see me—her identical twin sister? What if they can’t tell us apart? If you don’t want me ruining things for her, then don’t stop me from moving out.” That hit them right where it hurt. They exchanged a look, then immediately waved me off with disgust, telling me to get lost. I tugged at the corner of my mouth but said nothing more. My tiny back room was dark and cramped, while Stella’s room had its own private balcony, filled with designer bags and makeup. All because some fortune teller once said I was a debt collector come to torment the family, while my sister was here to repay past kindness. So despite being identical twins, we lived completely different lives. As I was dragging my suitcase downstairs, I ran right into Stella limping back home. Her dress was torn and stretched out of shape. Her neck and collarbone were covered in purple bruises. Her legs trembled as she walked. But her face wore a triumphant smile, as if those marks were her ticket into high society. Seeing me with my suitcase, she raised an eyebrow and sneered: “Oh, you’re moving out? Smart of you. Now that Kael and I are together, you’d just be an eyesore.” I ignored her and kept walking. My parents immediately swarmed around her. Stella flipped her hair, blushing coyly as she told them how gentle Kael had been with her last night, how she was the only one who could soothe his condition—basically grafting every werewolf novel trope onto herself. I stood at the doorway, listening, and almost laughed. She had no idea what had actually happened after she passed out. Stella suddenly called out to me, her eyes turning cold: “Clara, fine, you don’t have to move. But your phone stays on 24/7, and when I call, you pick up within three seconds.” “If you don’t cooperate, I’ll have Mom and Dad cut off your tuition.” She waved her phone around, then snapped several photos of the bruises on her neck, smiling sweetly. My parents hovered around her, calling her “the future Mrs. Hale” over and over, as if she’d already ascended to the heavens. I said nothing more. I opened the door and walked out without looking back. But I never imagined their madness would go this far. That very night, Stella called me. She said she was about to marry Kael and become a billionaire’s wife, so she needed a new luxury car. She told me to marry some sixty-year-old man and get some money to contribute to the family. I coldly refused. The phone immediately erupted with my mother’s screaming, and then they showed up at my dorm. In the dormitory lobby, my mom slapped me across the face. “If you don’t marry Mr. Williams, where’s Stella supposed to get money for her new car? Having a small business owner willing to marry you is already your good fortune. Hurry up and marry him while you’re still young—contribute something to this family.” I looked at these two people who were supposed to be my parents, and the last shred of hope in my heart shattered completely. “I’m your daughter too. Doesn’t my happiness matter? Why should I marry a sixty-year-old man for Stella’s sake?” “If you didn’t want me that badly, why didn’t you just strangle me at birth?” My mom looked at me coldly, her words stabbing into my heart like ice picks: “If your sister hadn’t cried and begged us to keep you, you would have been thrown away long ago!” I wiped away my tears, my gaze cold as ice. “I won’t marry him. If you want money, figure it out yourselves. You don’t like me? Fine. I’ll leave.” I turned and went back to my dorm. That night, I drafted an agreement to sever all parental ties. The next day, I had them sign it. They didn’t even read it. They just figured me—the debt collector—voluntarily cutting ties with the family would only clear the path for Stella’s high-society future. They signed their names with a flourish. Holding the signed agreement, I felt nothing but calm. In this second life, I had finally drawn a line between myself and that bloodsucking family.

In the days that followed, the whole school exploded with gossip. Stella started posting anonymously on the campus forums like crazy, leaking details about her “relationship” with Kael. She blended werewolf fiction with reality seamlessly: “Help! What’s it like dating a billionaire heir? He’s 6’4″, the star of the hockey team, usually cold as ice but privately so gentle—only with me. His possessiveness is insane; he gets jealous if another guy even looks at me.” “He has a rare genetic condition. He loses control on full moon nights, and I’m the only one who can calm him down. That night, he held me and said I was his only salvation.” “He said at the Spring Ball, he’s going to make us official. And propose.” The post shot straight to the top of the campus forum. The whole school was trying to figure out which girl had caught Kael’s eye. Stella dropped hints on purpose, and soon, everyone had identified her. Plus, plenty of people at the celebration party had seen Stella helping Kael to a room. Everyone assumed Stella was Kael’s girlfriend—the future mistress of the Hale family. Stella completely lost touch with reality. Everywhere she went, people swarmed around her, calling her “Mrs. Hale.” International students from wealthy families who used to look down on her were now trying to be her friend. Meanwhile, I kept my head down, spending my days in the lab, quietly attending classes and running experiments, as if this school-wide scandal had nothing to do with me. Only occasionally would I feel a burning gaze land on me. When I looked up, all I’d see was an empty seat. I knew it was Kael. I couldn’t figure out why. He’d clearly seen through Stella’s scheme. So why hadn’t he retaliated? Why was he playing along, letting everyone believe they were actually together? This question reached its peak when Stella called me again. Her voice dripped with smugness, mixed with frustration: “Clara, let me ask you something. What’s the deal with Kael’s genetic condition? Why does he lose control on full moons? Is there a way to make him only remember me when he’s out of control?” I replied flatly, “I’m just a sophomore. Not a doctor. I don’t know.” “Aren’t you supposed to be some biology genius? You don’t know something this simple?” Stella exploded. “I’m telling you, I’ve already slept with Kael! But aside from putting on a show with me at school, he won’t even touch me in private! I need to get pregnant fast to lock down my position as Mrs. Hale!” “Help me one more time. Find a chance to drug Kael again—this time, I have to get pregnant! If you don’t cooperate, Mom and Dad will cut off your tuition!” My hands were shaking with rage. I refused coldly: “I’m not helping you. You want to drug someone, do it yourself. Don’t contact me again.” I hung up and blocked all their numbers. But I never imagined their madness would go even further. A few days later, I heard from classmates that my parents were going around Boston’s business circles bragging that their daughter was about to marry into the Hale family. Business people who used to look down on them were suddenly circling around them. Especially a man named Jim, who used to sneer at their little restaurant. Now he’d come to them with a high-return restaurant investment opportunity, saying he was doing it as a favor to the Hale family—helping them get rich together. My parents didn’t think twice. They poured in everything—their life savings from running the restaurant for over a decade, the money from mortgaging the house, all of it. They even took out high-interest loans. The moment I heard this, my heart dropped. The Hale family’s restaurant empire spanned all of Boston. This Jim was almost certainly Kael’s man. I understood immediately. Kael’s false kindness toward Stella wasn’t affection. It was a trap. First, give them a taste of sweetness. Dangle the bait and let them bet everything they had. Then, in one swift move, drag them straight to hell. He wanted to destroy their reputation and bankrupt them completely. Realizing this, a cold sweat broke out down my spine. This man was far more terrifying than I’d imagined. And Stella and my parents were still dreaming of marrying into wealth, completely unaware they’d already walked into an elaborately laid trap.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, the school’s annual Spring Ball had arrived. This was the biggest event of the semester, and all the campus celebrities would be there. This year, all eyes were on Kael and Stella. Half a month ago, Stella had been telling everyone that Kael would make their relationship official at this ball—in front of the entire school. Maybe even propose. The whole campus was buzzing. Everyone was waiting to see the fairy-tale ending between the wealthy heir and the ordinary girl. After all, Kael’s special treatment of Stella over the past few months had been obvious to everyone. Everyone thought this proposal was a done deal. On the night of the ball, Stella wore a pure white couture gown with flawless makeup. She looked exactly like a female lead straight out of a werewolf novel. My parents showed up too, dressed in rented formal wear. They flanked Stella, unable to hide the smugness on their faces. The moment they walked in, they were surrounded by a crowd of flatterers. “Stella, you look stunning tonight! No wonder Kael is head over heels for you!” “Congratulations! When Kael proposes later, you have to say yes! We’re all waiting for the wedding!” “Once you’re the mistress of the Hale family, don’t forget about us old classmates!” Drowning in praise, Stella completely lost her grip on reality. She lifted her chin, striking a pose worthy of the Hale family matriarch, waving her hand with a smile: “Don’t worry, everyone. Once Kael and I are married, I’ll make sure he gets you all internships at Hale Group!” The flattery grew even louder. I stood in a corner of the ballroom, wearing my mask and baseball cap, hiding myself in the shadows. I looked up at the stage. There were plenty of people around Kael, but his gaze cut through the crowd, landing precisely on the corner where I was hiding. The moment our eyes met, my heart skipped a beat. I quickly ducked my head and slipped behind a pillar. When I looked up again, he’d already looked away and was speaking quietly with Jasper beside him—as if that moment of eye contact had been my imagination. Before long, the host walked onto the stage with a smile: “Welcome to Boston University’s Spring Ball! Now, let’s give a warm round of applause for our hockey team captain, Kael, to come up and say a few words!” Kael set down his glass, straightened his suit jacket, and strode onto the stage. He swept his gaze across the audience, his eyes landing on Stella at the very front of the crowd. His lips parted slightly as his deep voice carried through the speakers across the room: “Thank you all for your trust and support of the hockey team. But tonight, I’m not just here to express gratitude. I also want to give Miss Stella a very special gift.” The moment he finished, the entire room erupted! “Propose! Propose! Propose!” “Get together! Get together! Get together!” A spotlight instantly found Stella. Her face flushed crimson, tears welling in her eyes. She covered her mouth with both hands, trembling with excitement. Kael looked at the crowd below, his smile deepening. He extended a hand toward Stella, his voice dripping with allure: “Miss Stella, would you come up on stage and accept my gift?” “Yes!” Stella screamed the word, gathering up her white gown and running toward the stage amid everyone’s cheers. She stood beside Kael, gazing at him with utter adoration, as if she could already see herself as Mrs. Hale. Just as everyone waited for Kael to get down on one knee and pull out a ring, Kael suddenly stepped back, putting distance between them, and snapped his fingers at Jasper backstage. The next second, the massive LED screen behind the stage lit up. When the content on the screen became clear, the cheering instantly died. The entire ballroom fell deathly silent.

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My husband, whom I’ve been in a long-distance marriage with for three years, video-called to report in as usual: “Good morning, honey.” Instantly, I froze. It was currently 11:30 PM. Looking closer at the background of his video, it was clearly illuminated by the morning sun, around seven or eight o’clock. Clinging to a sliver of hope, I tentatively asked, “Are you at home, or on a business trip?” He answered smoothly, “At home, of course. I have classes tomorrow. Plus, without my wife’s permission, I wouldn’t dare run around.” I didn’t say much more, just absentmindedly agreeing with him. After hanging up, I immediately called his university and asked for his itinerary. It was a list for a university-sponsored faculty trip. The destination was Country A. And under Liam’s “accompanying family member” column, the name was Chloe. His female student. Furthermore, for every faculty trip over the past three years, it was the exact same arrangement: one room, one bed. The blood rushed to my head. I immediately bought a plane ticket to Country A. … After getting off the plane, I went straight to Liam’s hotel. The girl waiting for the elevator with me had a student ID from his university hanging around her neck. It read Chloe, the exact same “idiot student” my husband often mentioned giving him endless headaches. I forced down the tremor in my voice: “Monroe University? What a coincidence, my husband is a professor there.” Chloe stepped into the elevator and smiled, striking up a conversation: “Are you here accompanying a family member on the trip too?” “My Professor Hayes brings me here every year. You know how men are, they claim it’s for academic exchange, but really…” Saying this, the girl acted shy. I dragged my stiff legs into the elevator behind her, my heart plummeting in pain. Liam and I had been long-distance ever since we got married. Even seeing each other was a luxury. Many times, feeling bad about how busy he was, I flew to his city, suggesting we finally take the honeymoon we never had. He would always hug me, his eyes full of guilt, and hastily leave me with one sentence: “There will be opportunities in the future, once I finish this busy period.” I believed him. But that “wait” turned into three years. Little did I know, he had the opportunity to take his “spouse” on international trips every year. Unable to hold back my tears, I turned my head away and continued to probe: “Do you know… that he’s married?” Chloe nodded casually. “So what if he’s married? I’m not destroying their family. It’s just a mutual exchange of needs.” “He helps me get a guaranteed spot in grad school by bending the rules. And he constantly complains to me about how vulgar his long-distance wife is. That’s why he hid the fact that he had several opportunities to transfer to her city.” “You can see how annoying that old woman is. I’m different. I’m young.” The girl’s words oozed with a sense of superiority. My reflection in the elevator doors looked incredibly haggard. For three years of marriage, I bore the burden of everything big and small at home entirely on my own. When my father-in-law passed away, my bedridden, paralyzed mother-in-law required my constant, undivided care. When she had a medical emergency in the middle of the night, I dragged my exhausted body—after a full day of work—to take her to the hospital. When I couldn’t handle it anymore, I would call Liam in tears, asking him to talk to the dean about transferring to the branch campus. But he would always massage his temples, looking troubled: “I know it’s hard for you, but job transfers are arranged by the university. There’s nothing I can do.” It turned out it wasn’t that he couldn’t do anything; it was that he didn’t want to. Chloe’s phone ringtone suddenly broke the silence. “Hubby, I brought back so much stuff, come to the elevator to get me~” From the other end came a male voice I was incredibly familiar with: “Okay, okay, just wait there for me.” The next second, the elevator reached the thirteenth floor. With a ding, the doors slowly opened. Seeing Chloe and me standing in the elevator together. The usually calm and composed Professor Hayes lost his smile instantly. But within two seconds, Liam quickly masked his panic, stepping forward to grab my arm first. “Honey, what are you doing here so suddenly?” “My company sent me on a last-minute business trip, I didn’t have time to tell you.” I smiled bitterly, “Is that so? Is she on a business trip too?” “She…” Chloe, standing to the side, turned pale. But the next second, a look of provocation appeared in her eyes: “You didn’t even know Professor Hayes was on a business trip. You should really pay more attention to him in the future. I won’t bother you with my matters.” As soon as she finished speaking, unable to bear it any longer, I raised my hand to slap her. But as Chloe instinctively raised her arm to block it, I noticed the ring on her finger. It looked completely out of place with her young, designer clothes. Once, after returning from Liam’s city, I realized my wedding ring was gone after getting off the plane. I regretted it endlessly. I called the airline over a dozen times but couldn’t find it. Liam stayed up all night video chatting with me: “It’s just a ring. Your health is the most important thing. I’ll just buy you another one.” At the time, feeling bad that he was working overtime, I refused. I never expected to see it again a year later, on Chloe’s finger. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I lost the strength to follow through with the slap. “Chloe, go back to the room!” Liam yelled angrily, and the girl, flushed with humiliation, went into the room. He roughly dragged me into a car heading for the airport. After a long silence, he suddenly became agitated: “Evelyn, are you doubting me?” “I told you Chloe is just my student. I brought her on this academic exchange to broaden her horizons. When did you start checking up on me?” Endless grievances surged in my heart. My heart felt like it was being violently torn apart: “Broadening horizons by exchanging academics all the way into bed!” Liam’s face darkened instantly: “I told you she’s just my student!” “You said you’d understand my work. Why are you being so unreasonable now?” I opened my mouth to retort, but his phone suddenly chimed. He answered it immediately. “Professor Hayes, you must apologize to Mrs. Hayes for me. I misspoke earlier.” “Because I’m your emergency contact at the university, the business trip info wasn’t synced to Mrs. Hayes. I shouldn’t have said that earlier, wuuuwuuu…” Liam quickly offered gentle comfort: “How is it your fault? You’re in the same city as me, it’s safer to leave your number. She’s just making a mountain out of a molehill.” So living apart is my fault now? I gritted my teeth in anger: “I don’t need your apology.” As soon as I spoke, a woman’s scream came from the phone, followed by it hanging up. “Chloe? What’s wrong?” Liam slammed on the brakes. My forehead smashed hard against the dashboard, blurring my vision. “Get out! I need to go see what happened to her.” Under his disgusted gaze, I was kicked out of the car. The car sped away, leaving me standing there in a daze. In the suburbs of a foreign country, I walked for a full hour without seeing another soul. It was midnight by the time I fumbled my way to the airport. Right before boarding, I immediately called my lawyer friend: “Liam cheated on me. Draft a divorce agreement for me.” “And look into how his female student, Chloe, actually got her guaranteed grad school spot.” Quickly, my friend found all the information about Chloe. Clicking on her social media, the first time she posted about “Mr. Hayes” was in August three years ago. But that was exactly when my mother passed away. I couldn’t eat or sleep; I withered away like a ghost. Liam frequently took red-eye flights to come see me, made me late-night snacks, and cried with me: “Mom in heaven definitely wants you to be okay. You have me with you…” But it was precisely during that time that he and Chloe hooked up. My friend sent over the evidence: “Her grad school application materials are basically all forged. The system shows she failed several classes.” He paused: “But these videos might break your heart, maybe you shouldn’t watch them…” Before I had time to process it, a notification popped up on my phone: 【Shocking! Jealous wife of university professor hires hitman to assault beautiful student abroad!】 The comment section was filled with curses: 【Heartless! How can a woman be so vicious to another woman? She doesn’t deserve to be a professor’s wife!】 【Chloe is about to get her guaranteed grad school spot. She must be jealous of her academic success, that’s why she did it.】 【Come out and apologize! Or we’ll all report you to the police!】 … I was just trying to figure out what was going on when Liam burst through the door furiously, followed by a tearful Chloe. “Evelyn, do you know how vile your actions are?!” “You tried to hit her that day. When you didn’t, I thought you’d found your conscience. I didn’t expect you to have a backup plan!” Chloe, covered in scars, knelt pitifully in front of me: “Mrs. Hayes, I don’t know what I did wrong. You can hit me or scold me, but please don’t ruin my future…” I gritted my teeth and said word by word: “I didn’t do it.” After saying that, I made a move to leave. Chloe unexpectedly crashed into me. Immediately after, photos of her completely naked scattered all over the floor. “Ah! These are the photos from when I was attacked! Why does Mrs. Hayes have them?” “Mrs. Hayes, you’re so cruel!” Looking up, I met Liam’s icy, indifferent gaze. “And you still say you didn’t?” “Aren’t these photos ironclad proof? What else do you have to say for yourself!” With that, a slap thrown with full force smashed hard against my face. The taste of blood instantly filled my mouth, and my vision went black. The man who once swore he trusted me unconditionally was gone. Just then, a group of people rushed in holding phones and cameras. The girls leading them were clearly Chloe’s close friends. They shoved their phones in my face: “What grudge do you have against Chloe? Why would you harm her like this!” “Is it just because she’s prettier than you, so you got paranoid and thought she stole your husband? You’re so old, stop acting like you’re the star of a romance novel!” “If you don’t apologize to Chloe today, we won’t let this go!” I clenched my fists in anger. “I didn’t do any of this. But as for what you and your ‘sisters’ did, you should ask her.” Chloe trembled, leaning against Liam’s chest, secretly showing a victor’s smile. The next second, before I could react, they swarmed me and started tearing at my clothes. “Everyone turn on your live streams! Make her strip naked and apologize to Chloe!” “Let go of me!” I struggled desperately. In the blink of an eye, I was almost half-naked on the live stream, every hair on my body standing on end. Suddenly someone yelled in surprise: “There are already three hundred thousand viewers right after starting the stream! Mrs. Hayes, you’re going to be famous!” Piercing mockery and ridicule echoed around me. Trembling all over, I looked at Liam: “Liam, I said I didn’t do it! How can you just let them treat me like this!” The man averted his eyes, but his words were cruel enough: “You brought this on yourself!” “Chloe is about to officially secure her grad school spot. Her commendation ceremony is right after this. How is she supposed to face anyone?” I suddenly started laughing maniacally: “Secure her grad school spot? Do you dare admit exactly how she secured it?” Liam froze, immediately clearing his throat. “Chloe studies very hard, of course you wouldn’t know.” The next second, fists and slaps rained down on me, and they spat at me. “All you know is how to frame people! Chloe’s grades are excellent!” “She frequently stays up late to discuss academics with the professor. Pulling all-nighters is normal for her. What does an old woman like you know?” “Hurry up and apologize!” I gritted my teeth tightly, ultimately not making a single sound. As time ticked by, Chloe was the first to get anxious: “Professor Hayes, let’s just forget it. Mrs. Hayes isn’t going to apologize.” “We should go catch our flight, otherwise we’ll miss the commendation ceremony.” Liam nodded. The last bit of pity he gave me before leaving was draping his jacket over my shoulders. “They were a bit out of line. I’ll apologize to you later.” Watching his hurried departure, my eyes were bloodshot. Liam, I don’t want an apology. I want your reputation destroyed. I changed clothes, put on a baseball cap, and bought the earliest high-speed rail ticket. When I rushed to the commendation ceremony, Chloe was just smugly preparing to go on stage. On stage, Liam, wearing the suit I saved up to buy for him, elegantly and amiably read the announcement regarding Chloe’s guaranteed grad school spot. His gaze occasionally fell on Chloe’s youthful, vibrant face, the corners of his mouth involuntarily turning up. I found a corner and sat down. Whispers drifted into my ears: “Professor Hayes’s wife went too far. How could she spread such rumors about a hardworking student like Chloe?” “Professor Hayes has always been upright. He hates unethical deals the most. But… he does treat Chloe somewhat specially.” “Don’t talk nonsense, that’s just mentorship. After all, Chloe is a top student.” … I sat to the side, seriously listening to the speech of the “upright” Professor Hayes they spoke of: “Chloe’s journey here hasn’t been easy. She’s put in a lot of effort and endured a lot of hardship…” Chloe walked onto the stage with her head held high, preparing to receive her medal. Deafening applause erupted from the audience. “Thank you, everyone. Thank you, Professor Hayes. For all four years of college, Professor Hayes has guided me. Although I’ve faced some hardships, I’m very happy…” “I can testify to that.” I suddenly stood up from my seat in the audience, interrupting her. “Student Chloe indeed endured a lot of… hardship.” Immediately after, in full view of everyone, the large screen behind them flashed on. The venue instantly erupted in an uproar. Seeing the content playing on the screen, all color drained from the faces of the two on stage. The video was pixelated, but the audio was exceptionally clear. Inside a hotel room, Chloe whined pitifully: “I failed several classes this semester. I haven’t eaten all day because I’m so worried about the grad school spot…” Followed by Liam’s confident response: “I’ll handle the grad school spot. How can you not eat? I’ll take you down to the restaurant to eat.” The woman hugged him ambiguously from behind, asking deliberately: “Between me and that woman, who do you love more? If you don’t give me an answer, I’m not going to eat…” Liam smiled indulgently, pulling the woman into his arms. “You, of course. Otherwise, I would have transferred to her city years ago. The reason I kept it quiet is because I want to stay here with you.” The video stopped abruptly. Liam, enraged from humiliation, yanked out the plug, completely losing control: “Where is the staff?! What is all this garbage!” He practically charged off the stage, grabbing my arm, stammering: “Evelyn, listen to me, things are absolutely not what you think…” I violently shook off his hand, my eyes filled with nothing but disgust: “I have the unpixelated version here too. Do you want to share it with everyone?” Liam was completely choked up. A commotion broke out in the venue. Especially among those who firmly believed in Liam and Chloe’s innocence, their expressions were uglier than the last. “So Chloe and Professor Hayes are… in that kind of relationship?” “She used to tell us roommates she wasn’t coming back at night. Turns out she was looking for Professor Hayes…” “And the grad school spot—” Chloe couldn’t bear to listen anymore and lunged forward like a madwoman. “My grad school spot was earned through my own ability! It’s not what you think! You’re not allowed to talk nonsense!” At this moment, the dean’s face had turned as black as charcoal, trembling with anger in the audience. “We will investigate this matter thoroughly! We absolutely will not tolerate this kind of behavior!” “Dean, please listen to my explanation…” Liam chased after him, but it was futile. Just then, a plainly dressed girl stood up in the audience, crying pitifully: “Professor Hayes, I never dared to ask before, but why are all my other grades A’s, and only one is a B? I could have gotten that guaranteed spot too…” The man stood frozen in place, opening his mouth several times but saying nothing. Seeing the girl crying so pitifully—she was probably the legendary student whose spot was stolen—I went over to comfort her: “Don’t worry, the dean will investigate this thoroughly. He’ll definitely get you justice.” I turned to look at Liam, confronting our tragic marriage for the first time. “Is this the normal mentor-student relationship you spoke of? You are truly disappointing.” “Whether as a husband or a professor, I never thought you could be so despicable.” Liam instantly panicked. The usually proud and composed man lowered his stance. “Honey, it was a mistake I made in a moment of confusion. Let’s go home, and I’ll explain everything properly. Let’s go back first…” Saying this, he reached out to grab me. I quickly dodged, not wanting him to touch me ever again. “I’ve had enough of this long-distance marriage. Liam, let’s get a divorce.” After saying that, I handed him the divorce agreement my friend had delivered. “Now, sign it.”

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While waiting for my abortion surgery, I scrolled past a post: “What are your regrets?” My mind immediately went to my boyfriend, who died in a plane crash before we even had the chance to hold our wedding. He loved me deeply; his very last message before he died was to me: “Chloe, you must find happiness after I’m gone. I love you.” Even my mother-in-law had done everything possible, accompanying me to get the abortion and urging me to start a new life. Just as I was about to reply, the top comment on the trending list made my entire body stiffen: “I chased him for ten years to no avail. He even almost married his pregnant girlfriend.” “But luckily, he still couldn’t let me go. He faked his death on their wedding day to end things with her, and even had his mom take that woman to get an abortion.” “Now he’s sleeping right beside me, hehe. My regret has been fulfilled, I’m so happy~” I stared rigidly at the photo she posted. The hand resting on her chest was still wearing a wedding ring. It was the exact matching custom design to the one on my ring finger. ………… The replies under the comment were a barrage of insults: “You’re a homewrecker and you’re proud of it? What about the other girl? Does she deserve to be deceived by you two? Do you have any shame?” “Does anyone know who the other girl is? Quick, tell her the truth!” With trembling hands, I clicked into her profile, and my mind instantly went blank. I had been dating Arthur for ten years, and she had been chasing him for ten years. From high school graduation to now, they had never stopped contacting each other. I remembered this girl; she was the only one who didn’t offer her blessings when we became a campus couple. Red-eyed, she had once blocked Arthur as he was walking me home, stubbornly demanding he break up with me: “I’ve chased you for so long, why don’t you like me? What’s so great about her?” The usually gentle Arthur had a dark expression that day: “Chloe doesn’t need to do anything; I love her just standing there.” “And no matter what you do, I will never love you. Is that clear enough?” Since that day, I had never seen this girl again. I thought that was the end of it. Even when Arthur’s phone later frequently received harassing texts from an unknown number, his dismissive attitude reassured me. I never expected that he had secretly been keeping in touch with her the whole time. He even lied on our anniversary just to go see a movie with her. The impact of the truth left my entire body trembling uncontrollably. “Chloe, it’s your turn. Let’s go, I’ll go with you for the surgery.” My mother-in-law’s gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts. I abruptly looked up, stared at her mild face, and blurted out: “Auntie, Arthur’s seven-day mourning period isn’t even over yet, and you’re this anxious for me to get an abortion?” My mother-in-law froze, the smile stiffening on her lips: “Didn’t I already say? I treat you like my own daughter; I can’t bear to see you raising a child alone.” “Arthur loved you so much when he was alive. Auntie also hopes you’ll live a good life in the future. If you have any difficulties, you can come to me—” “Is Arthur actually not dead?” I interrupted her with a trembling voice, shouting uncontrollably. My mother-in-law visibly froze, a fleeting look of guilt flashing across her face: “Child, what are you talking about?” “I know you’re grieving, but he’s dead, and the living must always look forward—” Without waiting for her to finish, I shoved her aside and bolted out the door. Rushing out of the hospital, I immediately hailed a cab and hurried to the location of Mia’s newly posted comment. She had posted a photo of them holding hands, with our high school track field in the background: “Curse me all you want, but I have no regrets now~” “He said he treated me too poorly in high school, so he specially came here to personally take down his photo with that woman and stroll around the campus with me, hehe~” The next second, my best friend sent a picture: “Chloe, didn’t you say Arthur died in a plane crash?” “Is there a mistake? He just updated his Moments!” “Hey, if I click on his Moments again, there’s nothing there. He probably forgot to block me.” I clicked on the picture, and large tears instantly smashed down. “Walking the wrong path for ten years, only to realize the right person has been waiting for me in the same place all along.” I fiercely wiped away my tears, the anger surging to my heart before the pain did. As soon as I got out of the car, I saw a couple passionately kissing at the entrance to the track field. I rushed forward and gave a hard shove: “Arthur! Do you have no shame!” The guy looked bewildered, and the girl, just about to get angry, cried out in pleasant surprise: “Chloe!” I froze, only then realizing the person in front of me wasn’t Arthur. After hastily apologizing, the girl took my hand, her face full of envy: “Chloe, I was in the grade below you! My boyfriend and I have also been together since high school until now!” “The story of you and Arthur has been circulating for years! The ultimate power couple! Both recommended for admission abroad! Both top of your majors! So amazing!” “Because of you two, the school doesn’t even oppose high school dating anymore. They even tell us dating couples to learn from you!” “Are you also here with Arthur to reminisce about your youth? Oh my god, did you guys get married?!” As the girl excitedly recounted the story, my thoughts drifted back to those most passionate three years. The school heartthrob, Arthur, was a terrible student, but he buried himself in studying just for me. For me, he managed to shoot up to second place in our grade in just one month, and for me, he gave up an admission offer from a prestigious university. He said he didn’t want a long-distance relationship with me, and fought tooth and nail to get the second recommended admission spot. Teachers who always cracked down on high school dating pretended not to notice when they saw us going to the library as a couple. To this day, I still remember the summer of our senior year, when he received an offer from a top foreign university, he held me and spun me around excitedly: “We can finally be together forever!” The cherry blossoms bloomed late that year, falling right onto us. On graduation day, when we gave speeches together, he proudly held me in his arms: “If it weren’t for Chloe, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I will love her forever!” The moment my thoughts snapped back, I saw the girl looking deathly pale at something behind me, her voice very soft: “Chlo-Chloe, is that Arthur?” I turned my head stiffly and saw the man kneeling on one knee in the middle of the track field. Mia’s eyes were red with joy as she sobbed softly. Arthur’s voice was still the gentle one I was familiar with: “I did a lot of things to hurt you before. Please let me spend the rest of my life making it up to you, okay, Mia?” Just a moment before the ring was put on, I called out with a trembling voice: “Arthur?” The man’s broad back stiffened, and his face was deathly pale the moment he turned around. He immediately covered his face in a panic and tried to pull Mia away. I rushed forward and grabbed his arm tightly, my voice rising involuntarily: “Arthur!” “How dare you, how dare you lie to me?” “You—” “Sister, if you want to blame someone, blame me, don’t blame Arthur.” Mia yanked my hand away, standing tearfully in front of Arthur. “It was me, I threatened suicide to make Arthur do this.” “I just love him too much, I can’t live without him.” “You’ve already had Arthur for ten years, you should be satisfied, Sister. Please, give Arthur to me.” As she spoke, she sobbed and revealed the ugly scars on her wrists. The guilt on Arthur’s face was instantly replaced by heartache. He hugged Mia tightly and finally looked at me straight on: “Don’t blame Mia, I wanted to do this myself.” “I originally didn’t want to hurt you, so I put on a play to make you give up. Since you found out, I’ll just say it straight.” “Mia and I are getting married. You’ll give us your blessing, right?” “Mia is right. We’ve been together for ten years, the feelings are long gone. So why not set each other free?” Watching his increasingly self-righteous demeanor, my heart completely died. This scene made it seem as if I were the one who had done something wrong. Before I had time to speak, Arthur’s phone rang. He answered the phone for a moment, his face turning ugly, staring unblinkingly at me: “You didn’t get the abortion?” “Chloe, stop doing meaningless things. I don’t love you anymore, don’t bring a child into this world to suffer!” His cold words pierced my heart. I suddenly realized I didn’t know the man in front of me anymore. He was like a completely different person from the man who was so happy he couldn’t sleep when he found out I was pregnant. I swallowed all the pain, my red eyes instinctively wanting to escape this place. The next second, a heavy force struck my waist, and I fell hard to the ground. Behind me came Mia’s anxious voice: “Arthur, you can’t keep this child!” “Otherwise, what about the baby in my belly?” My lower abdomen slammed into the ground, the pain making my whole body tremble. Feeling a rush of warm fluid pooling beneath me, I instinctively reached out a hand to Arthur: “Arthur, our child—” However, he simply reached out to cover Mia’s eyes, saying in a low voice: “Don’t look, it’s dirty.” My brain felt like it had been struck by lightning. I looked at him in disbelief: “Dirty?” “Arthur, this is our child!” “What did I do wrong that you have to treat me like this?” The man frowned, looking down at me, the heartache in his eyes replaced by disappointment: “Chloe, you have the nerve to ask me what you did wrong?” “You lied to me for ten years. I really thought you were harmless, I didn’t expect you to be so vicious!” “Mia just liked me in high school, and you had someone strip her clothes and film a video to threaten her not to bother me!” “After graduating from college and returning to the country, she just coincidentally applied as an intern at my company, and you sent her to a business partner’s bed!” “What else is there that I don’t know!” “Yes, I admit that lying to you was my fault, but you’re no saint yourself!” I shook my head continuously, tears streaming down non-stop: “I didn’t, Arthur, I didn’t do anything.” “How can you doubt me? Don’t you know what kind of person I am?” Arthur stepped back two paces to avoid my touch, sneering: “Now I finally know what kind of person you are.” “Just like your mistress mother, your head is full of schemes and tricks. It makes me sick!” The blood in my body seemed to instantly freeze. My mind kept replaying the heartbroken look on his face when I told him about my family. He said, being born into such a family wasn’t my choice, I didn’t need to be sad. He said he would give me a normal family. He said I was wonderful. Memories and reality overlapped, and the immense impact made the blood beneath me flow even more heavily. Arthur simply put his arm around Mia and turned to leave: “Don’t drag Mia into your dirty business; she doesn’t know anything.” “Otherwise, I don’t mind telling people that you are a mistress’s daughter.” “After all, you care about your reputation the most, don’t you?” After saying that, he turned and left. No matter how much I cried and begged, he never looked back. Finally, my vision went black, and I passed out from the intense pain. When I opened my eyes again, my best friend, pale-faced, handed me her phone: “Chloe, you’re finally awake, look…” The moment I took the phone, my body felt like it had plunged into an ice cave. The video of Mia having her clothes stripped in high school, and the photos of her going in and out of a hotel with a business partner when she was an intern, had been posted online. Coincidentally catching the momentum of the previous video, she was being cursed out brutally. But Arthur, disregarding the reputation of the Vance Group, released a video using the company’s official account. In the video, Mia was crying hysterically, begging me to forgive her and let her go. And Arthur issued a statement: “Mia is my girlfriend. She has suffered a lot of undeserved harm, and all this harm was brought upon her by my ex-girlfriend, the very ‘poor, deceived woman’ you all talk about.” “Since things have come to this, I won’t hide it from everyone anymore. My ex-girlfriend is the child of a mistress, and therefore she harbors a deep hatred for mistresses. These actions in the video are all things she did because she mistakenly believed Mia was a mistress.” “Mia and I had absolutely no contact before I broke up with my ex-girlfriend. Everything happened after the breakup. She is not a mistress; she is my lover.” “As for the whistleblower, I am already investigating. If it was my ex-girlfriend, even if she has a mental illness, I will not let her get away with it.” “Chloe, I know you will see this video. Please behave yourself!” The last line directly exposed my name. All my social media accounts were flooded by completely biased netizens. They cursed me as a bully who deserved to be cheated on, cursed me as a misogynist who deserved to be a mistress’s daughter. My company also fired me directly, even threatening to hold me accountable for bringing negative reviews to the company. All of this was something I had never anticipated, and for a moment, I couldn’t even process it. My best friend was the first to slam the table in anger: “How could Arthur do this! He knows perfectly well that these things are your trauma, and he actually spoke about them for a Mia!” “And he threw dirty water on you! What bullying? We were inseparable in high school, how come I didn’t know?” “What business partner! Wasn’t I the one negotiating with the Vance Group that day? How come I don’t remember going in and out of a hotel with her? Where did these photos come from, just making up rumors!” “I’m so mad! You had a miscarriage because of him, and he still treats you like this!” “No, I have to go find him and settle the score right now!” Saying that, my best friend got up to go find Arthur. The next second, my phone rang. I pulled my best friend back, gathered my emotions, and calmly answered the phone. Arthur’s cold voice sounded: “You saw the video, right?” “There’s a lot of public outcry online now. I’ve arranged a press conference for you to publicly apologize to Mia and me.” “Otherwise, I don’t mind blacklisting you in the entire industry.” “Chloe, think clearly. You always have to pay the price for doing wrong.” I paused, and gave a self-deprecating laugh: “Pay the price for doing wrong? Then why aren’t you dead yet?” There was silence on the other end for a moment, followed by the man’s cold laughter: “Chloe, no matter how sharp-tongued you are, it’s useless in the face of the truth.” “Tomorrow afternoon at three o’clock. I’ll send you the address.” “Come over, apologize publicly, and give me and Mia your blessing, and this matter will end here.” The phone was abruptly hung up. I gripped the phone tightly for a long while, looked up to meet my best friend’s worried gaze, and smiled reassuringly: “It’s fine.” “I’ll handle it.” That night, I contacted the person I thought I would never contact again in this lifetime. The next day, I arrived as scheduled, walking in gracefully under everyone’s contemptuous gazes. The camera flashes were blinding, but I maintained a smile throughout. Arthur seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and nodded to me in satisfaction. I walked up to the stage, took the microphone, and pressed the play button on the large screen. A mournful crying sound, identical to the video circulating online, played, and the audience erupted: “Isn’t this the video the whistleblower released? Is she beating a dead horse? Won’t Miss Mia be traumatized hearing this? How can Chloe be so vicious!” Arthur also tried to stop me with an ugly expression. I, however, let out a light laugh: “Traumatized? Why would she be traumatized?” As soon as I spoke, the crying in the audio abruptly stopped. What followed was the coquettish voice of a young Mia: “Alright, alright, that’s enough filming.” “Don’t tell anyone I staged this video, or I won’t let you sleep with me anymore!” The noisy venue instantly fell dead silent, all eyes turning to a deathly pale Mia. Arthur also turned pale, glaring fiercely at the dazed woman. “Mia, you actually staged this all along?!” The woman immediately reacted, anxiously grabbing Arthur’s arm and shaking her head continuously: “I didn’t, Arthur, you have to believe me. How could I stage my own video!” “It must be, it must be Chloe who can’t stand seeing us together and is deliberately trying to drive a wedge between us!” “She’s also the one who exposed me online! She’s deliberately spreading rumors at the press conference that I staged it. You can’t let her fool you!” Arthur frowned deeply, turned, and stared at me, his tone softening slightly: “Chloe, did you leak the videos and photos online?” “And what’s going on at the end of this audio today? Explain it to me.” I sneered twice and pressed the play button again. The footage from the audio was displayed. It was a steamy scene between a young Mia and some blonde punk. The reporters were stunned at first, then immediately raised their cameras, reporting while broadcasting live. Mia screamed and tried to snatch the remote from my hand. I dodged nimbly and smiled: “Since you say this is a video I fabricated myself, why are you so anxious?” Mia stomped her feet in anxiety and looked pleadingly at Arthur: “Arthur! Can I explain this to you later?” “There are so many people here now, and reporters broadcasting live. These videos cannot be aired! Otherwise, how can I show my face in the future!” Arthur didn’t speak; he just stared at me unblinkingly, his face full of shock. After the video finished playing, I laid out the evidence that the business partner negotiating with Mia that day was my best friend. At the same time, I displayed the IP address of the online whistleblower, which was located right at the Vance Group. As for who it was, one could easily guess. Then, I provided the source of this evidence— The top overseas hacker, Julian. Now the whole room was completely boiling over: “Julian?! Isn’t he the hacker that even Wall Street giants couldn’t poach!” “Oh my god, Chloe actually knows Julian! Then these documents must be real!” “Mia really messed with the wrong person. There’s nothing in this world Julian can’t find out!” Amidst the clamor, I had already completed my mission and prepared to leave. However, as I stepped down the stairs, I was forcefully grabbed by Arthur. A hint of anger colored his brow: “Chloe, you actually, you actually still have contact with Julian! How did you promise me back then?!” I frowned, gently shook off his hand, and spoke flatly: “Does it have anything to do with you?” “I’m your boyfriend! You promised me you wouldn’t contact him anymore!” Arthur blurted out. Looking completely justified. As if he forgot he didn’t hesitate to fake his own death to break up with me. I curled my lips into a mocking smile: “I’m sorry.” “My boyfriend is already dead, in a plane crash. Didn’t you know?” “Now, who I want to contact is entirely my own right.” Arthur’s face turned completely ashen. His lips trembled for a long time before he spoke with a shaky voice: “There was a reason for that, Chloe.” “You still have our child in your belly. You can’t let my child call another man ‘Dad’!” I threw off his hand in disgust, too lazy to say another word to him. A group of uniformed bodyguards charged through the doors and escorted me out. I heard sounds of shock behind me: “Aren’t those Julian’s personal bodyguards? Chloe really does know Julian!” “Oh my god, what a huge scoop, write it down, quick!” Mixed in with these discussions was a hint of Arthur’s voice, breaking down: “Chloe, if you really leave with Julian, we are completely over!” I paused my steps, then walked even faster. In my heart, the man I loved for ten years was already dead, dead in the plane crash. The current Arthur was just a stranger who shared his name and appearance. Getting into the car, I looked at Julian, whom I hadn’t seen in ten years, my heart filled with mixed emotions. After a long while, I said softly: “Thank you for helping me.” Julian instinctively grabbed a blanket to cover his disabled legs, still smiling gently at me: “I said, no matter what difficulties you have, I will help you, anytime.” “Don’t worry, Arthur’s retribution won’t end just like this. The information I have is enough to make him wish he were dead.” I nodded, feeling no ripples in my heart. I knew the information Julian could uncover was enough to damn Arthur beyond redemption. If it had been in the past, I would definitely have tried my hardest to stop him, not wanting him to hurt Arthur. But now, I just smiled and changed the subject: “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be a good assistant for you.” Julian seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, his handsome eyes shining even brighter: “I thought you would feel sorry for Arthur.” “After all, you liked him so much before, liking him enough to give up the opportunity to study in the US, just so you could be with him.” I paused, then gave a faint smile. Yes, in everyone’s eyes, Arthur was the one who sacrificed the most. Giving up a top domestic university for me to get a recommended spot at a school in Malaysia. But what he didn’t know was that I also sacrificed a lot. I sacrificed my language learning time to tutor him, and rejected a recommended spot at a top US university to go to Malaysia. These things were only known by Julian, who was also recommended for admission to the US at the time. He liked me, but he respected my choice. When Arthur and I were inseparable, he would always sit in his wheelchair, smiling gently as he watched us. I used to think it was a gaze of blessing, but looking back now, it was envy. Seeing I didn’t answer, Julian instinctively shrank back into his seat, trying to cover his legs. I proactively placed my hand on his leg, my voice very light but resolute: “I didn’t choose you back then not because of your disability, but simply because youthful infatuation has no logic.” “To avoid suspicion back then, I couldn’t tell you. Now I want to tell you, a physical disability is just a flaw in a precious jade, it doesn’t matter.” “After all, compared to a physical disability, your mind is very sound, and that’s something Arthur could never achieve.” The man lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes trembling constantly. Finally, with forbearance and restraint, he gently brushed over my hand, his voice filled with relief: “I’m also very happy that you didn’t throw your whole life away because of these ten years.” “Let’s look forward together.” The car sped away, the afterglow of the setting sun falling upon us. We exchanged a smile, and neither of us brought up Arthur again.

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After giving birth, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer. Ignoring my objections, she insisted on breastfeeding. This went on for ten years. For ten years, my nephew was constantly plagued by major and minor illnesses. From coughing and fevers to severe festering and oozing sores all over his body. Miraculously, her breast cancer gradually healed. Until my nephew was ten, multiple organs failed, and he died despite emergency medical efforts. In the morgue. My sister-in-law said nonchalantly, “Raising him for ten years, I’ve fulfilled my duty as a mother. It’s just that the child had no fortune, dying early is a release.” The next day, my sister-in-law suddenly barged into my home and threw a paternity test in front of me. Holding my son, she cried bitterly, “Back at the hospital, the nurse mixed up the names. Kiki is my biological child!” She kowtowed to me, thanking me for the kindness of raising her child for ten years, and then tried to take him away. Later, I investigated and found out she did it intentionally. She found a folk remedy that required someone to suck out the pus long-term for her breast cancer to heal. And the one she chose was my son. I went to her for an explanation but was pushed to my death by her design. “Blame yourself for being stupid, not even recognizing your own son.” When I opened my eyes again, I was back ten years ago. The first thing I did was entrust my child to my own parents. But the next day, my sister-in-law still appeared holding a baby, insisting on breastfeeding. … “Blame yourself for being stupid, not even recognizing your own son.” Before plunging into darkness, my sister-in-law Mary’s shrill voice still echoed in my ears. I wished I could tear her apart bone by bone, skin her alive, but I could only watch helplessly as I fell into a pool of blood. The next second, countless images flashed by, pulling me out of the darkness. “Honey, Mary said her postpartum care center has a two-person group discount, it’s a great deal. How about we just book it with her?” “I’ve been there, the environment, food, and landscaping are all exceptionally well done. When you guys have your babies, you can look out for each other.” My husband’s words sent a cold sweat down my spine. I instinctively glanced at the calendar on the wall. Thank God, I was actually sent back ten years. In my previous life, right before my due date, Mary suddenly visited. Dropping her usual arrogance, she warmly took my hand and chatted about the two-person group discount at the postpartum care center. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I just thought since we were both about to become mothers, it brought us closer, so I agreed. Looking back now, she probably had already been diagnosed with cancer and planned to use my son’s life to cure her disease! I forced myself to calm down and discussed it with my husband: “Last time at the prenatal checkup, the doctor said my baby was in a breech position, and it’s best to be hospitalized early for observation. Having a baby is a huge deal for a woman, and I’m a bit anxious. I want my mom to come and accompany me during the birth. No matter how good the postpartum care center is, it’s not as reassuring as having my own mother by my side.” I knew my husband also cared about me. He was afraid that as a man, he wouldn’t be able to take good care of me, so he wanted to book the postpartum center to make me more comfortable after giving birth. Thinking of how, in my previous life, his hair turned half white from running around gathering evidence to sue Mary’s family after learning the truth, my eyes welled up with tears. Seeing me like this, his heart ached for me, and he quickly agreed. “Okay, okay, don’t be sad. Let’s just have your mom come. I was originally worried about your mom traveling at her age, but since you’ve decided, we’ll give her a big red envelope.” After calming my emotions, he immediately called my mom. After getting her confirmation, he called Mary back. “Mary, something came up at home, let’s forget about the postpartum care center.” I didn’t know what was said on the other end, but my husband’s brow furrowed, tinged with a bit of anger. “At the time, I only said I’d go home and discuss it with Chloe. What do you mean by going back on my word? Chloe giving birth is a big deal, it’s not your place to dictate.” With that, he hung up the phone. He looked at me and let out a long sigh. “Good thing you didn’t agree. Look at how she reacted like a dog getting its tail stepped on, probably plotting something bad again.” She was definitely plotting for my child’s life. And I knew Mary wouldn’t give up so easily. For now, all we could do was be on guard everywhere. Early the next morning, while still asleep, I heard urgent ringing of the doorbell. Woken up like this, I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I followed my husband to the door. As soon as he opened it, Mary and my brother-in-law stood there, holding two bags of slightly wrinkled, cheap apples. Before we could react, they squeezed themselves into the living room and sat down. My husband was about to ask questions with a cold face, but I stopped him. “Let’s hear what they’re here for first, otherwise we won’t be able to guard against whatever underhanded tricks they try later.” My husband nodded and went to the kitchen to pour water. Mary still wore that hypocritical smile, trying to take my hand as she spoke, which I subtly avoided. “Chloe, yesterday Mary spoke a bit harshly, pregnancy hormones got the better of my emotions, don’t take it to heart.” “I heard from your brother-in-law that you need to be hospitalized early due to a breech baby. As your sister-in-law, I couldn’t help but worry, so I had your brother-in-law book a double room for us. We can still have our babies together!” Chapter 2 Hearing this, my heart plummeted. My voice tightened as I quickly said, “Mary, my mom is coming to be with me during the delivery. Mark and I have already agreed to book a double room so my mom can sleep in the other bed.” Mary waved her hand dismissively, disagreeing, “How can we let your mom sleep in the hospital at her age? That’s suffering! I’ll have your brother-in-law book a hotel room near the hospital for her. She can stay as long as she wants.” My brother-in-law quickly nodded in agreement. “Sister-in-law, don’t worry, I’ll definitely arrange everything for your mom.” Hearing her say this, the unease in my heart grew stronger. “No need…” I wanted to say more, but she cut me off. A glint flashed in Mary’s eyes as she said with a dark expression, “Chloe, what do you mean by this? Declining again and again, do you not want to have our babies together?” “Other families want everyone to be harmonious. Two people having babies together is such a great thing, a blessing others beg for. If you don’t agree today, you must look down on me. You don’t need to call me Mary anymore!” Mary’s words practically forced my hand. If I didn’t agree, I’d be accused of destroying family harmony. At this moment, my husband walked out carrying water. He immediately sensed the tense atmosphere in the living room and quickly sat beside me to ask what was going on. With Mary’s barrage of arguments, it was indeed hard to find a reason to refuse. My husband carefully asked me, “Why don’t we just agree? Otherwise, if this goes to my mom, it’ll be another huge mess.” I sighed helplessly. My mother-in-law played favorites. If it really went to her, we’d definitely be the ones to compromise, and we’d still have to spend effort placating them before sending them off. For now, we could only agree and think of another way to break the deadlock later. “Then let’s listen to Mary. We’ll arrange things for my mom ourselves.” Mary’s face instantly bloomed into a smile, unable to hide her excitement. No matter how I looked at it, I felt she must be thinking she had caught a lifeline. “Then it’s settled.” “I see you haven’t gained much weight during this pregnancy, you definitely won’t have much milk. I can help feed the baby then. A child who grows up drinking my milk will definitely be closer to me later on.” I gave a perfunctory smile, feeling utterly disgusted inside. Thinking of the unrecognizable child I saw in the morgue in my past life, a sharp pain shot through my heart. I couldn’t help but touch my belly and silently vow. “Mommy will definitely protect you and won’t let you go through that kind of pain again.” After sending off my brother-in-law and Mary, I threw the apples on the table into the trash can, quickly pulled my husband to sit down, and said seriously: “After I give birth, don’t worry about me. You must keep a close eye on the baby. If you have to step away, my mom must watch him. Do not leave the baby’s side for a single step.” My husband was confused but still readily agreed. “Okay, I’ll listen to you.” Time flew by, and it was the day of admission, two weeks later. I was three days away from giving birth. My husband went to the station to pick up my mom, leaving only Mary and me in the hospital room. Her eyes flickered as she sat on my bed, chatting casually as if it were nothing. “Chloe, you’re almost due. Have you thought of a name for the baby yet?” I was immediately on high alert. She had asked me this in my past life too, and I had told her without thinking much of it. Remembering the day I gave birth in my past life, there were eight babies born in the hospital, yet Mary was able to accurately swap my child. It was hard not to overthink it. “Haven’t thought of one yet. I want to wait until the baby is born and find a master to calculate a good name.” “What era is this to still believe in superstition? It’s just a name, just a way to address someone.” I couldn’t hold back and retorted, “How is this the same? Didn’t you also go to the police station to change your name from Mary Farmer to Mary Gentle?” Chapter 3 Being told off by me like this, the smile hanging on her face instantly froze, and she didn’t continue the topic. A while later, my mom was brought to the hospital. The moment we met, all my feelings of grievance and bitterness flooded back. I hugged her and wailed loudly. Seeing me like this, my mom’s heart ached terribly: “My sweet girl, what’s wrong? Is the pregnancy making you uncomfortable? Don’t be afraid, Mom is here.” In my past life, I was busy with work, taking care of the family, and later seeking justice for my child after the incident. I didn’t even know my mom was bedridden with a severe illness. I don’t even know how heartbroken she must have been after I died. After crying, I used the excuse of wanting to catch up with my mom to book a private room at a restaurant near the hospital. After taking our seats, my tense nerves finally relaxed. “Mom, I suspect Mary wants to swap my baby.” Upon hearing this, my mom turned pale with shock. She finally understood why her usually independent daughter insisted on having her come this time. “Your sister-in-law has targeted you everywhere these past few years and never gave you a good look. I was wondering when I arrived today why she’d be so kind as to want to share a room with you. So this was her plan.” Saying this, she paused, then asked, “Why does she want to swap babies?” My face was calm, but my tone was laced with hatred: “She has breast cancer, already in the mid-to-late stages. I don’t know where she found some folk remedy, but she wants to swap my baby to help her suck out the unclean things. She wants to swap my baby simply because we’re giving birth at the same time, so after swapping, she can still have her biological child living right under her nose.” My mom trembled with anger and spat several times: “This black-hearted, rotten-gutted thing, completely devoid of morality.” “Does your husband know about this?” I shook my head. If my husband knew, he would definitely be guarded everywhere. Mary is shrewd; if she noticed, she might pull some underhanded tricks behind our backs that we wouldn’t see coming, making it even harder to defend against. “Don’t worry, Mom won’t go anywhere when the time comes. I will definitely keep a close eye on the baby.” During these three days, my mom didn’t leave my side, which put my mind at ease considerably. At night, I suddenly felt labor pains, and my mom quickly called the nurse. Seeing this, a look of pleasant surprise erupted in Mary’s eyes, as if she had seen the dawn of hope. She hurriedly called my brother-in-law over too. “Quick, tell the nurse to give me labor-inducing shots. I want to give birth together with my sister-in-law, a double blessing!” Hearing her say this, I started feeling anxious again. My mom held my hand tightly. She patted me gently to comfort me: “It’s okay, Mom is here.” Soon, I was pushed into the delivery room. My mom applied to accompany me in the delivery room. As the pain grew stronger, it felt like it was going to tear me in half. By the time I heard the baby’s cry, I was exhausted and passed out. When I woke up again, I saw the familiar white ceiling. Mary, having forced induction like in the past life, hadn’t come out of the delivery room yet. I quickly grabbed my husband, who was wiping my sweat, and asked, “Where’s the baby?” “Mom took the baby to get registered.” Unable to see the baby, I couldn’t rest for a moment, and quickly pushed him. “Go help Mom finish the paperwork and bring the baby over for me to see.” Ten minutes later, my mom finally returned holding the baby. Seeing the birthmark behind his ear, I let out a sigh of relief. It was my baby, no mistake. Looking at the fragrant, soft little bundle in my arms, I almost cried. The gloom of lying in the cold morgue in my past life was finally dispelled at this moment. Two hours later, Mary was also wheeled back into the room. As soon as she saw the baby in my arms, she quickly sat up and said: “Chloe, quickly bring your baby over for me to see.” My mom quickly took the baby in her arms, slapped her forehead, and said, “I almost forgot, the nurse just notified me to take the baby to get jaundice phototherapy.” With that, she hurried away. Mary’s face instantly looked a bit unpleasant, but she didn’t say much and turned around to sleep. In the middle of the night, I woke up groggily. It was already midnight. I turned my head and saw Mary’s bed was empty, and she wasn’t in the bathroom. My mom stayed at a hotel near the hospital at night; she didn’t stay in the hospital overnight. My husband was also not in the hospital because he went home to pack baby supplies. A sense of unease immediately washed over me. I quickly got out of bed. After opening the door, I saw my brother-in-law supporting Mary as they walked back from the direction of the neonatal incubator room. I caught every word of their conversation. Mary’s tone carried the excitement of getting what she wanted: “Long nights bring many dreams. Tomorrow we must quickly complete the discharge procedures and take the child home first. My illness can’t be delayed any longer.” “Don’t worry, honey. First thing tomorrow morning, I’ll pack our things and take you to my mom’s place. With her watching the baby, everything will be fine.” My heart instantly went half cold, my legs so weak I could barely stand. Why did I guard against everything, yet still fail to prevent this? Is heaven’s will truly unavoidable? The anger pent up in my heart could no longer be contained. Just as I was about to rush out, I heard her say again: “That damn old woman, perfectly good hotel room but won’t stay in it, guarding the baby in the middle of the night instead. She made it impossible for us to make a move. I don’t know whose baby we randomly swapped for. What are their family conditions like? I can’t let my child go suffer in their home.” Chapter 4 When I got up in the morning, I saw my brother-in-law packing their bags. Mary sat on the bed feeding the baby in her arms, and the milk was clearly not a normal color. Seeing this scene, I couldn’t help but frown. Even though I knew the baby in her arms wasn’t mine, it was still an innocent life. I really couldn’t just ignore it. “Mary, does your chest still hurt? Maybe you should ask the doctor before breastfeeding?” Mary dropped her recent enthusiasm, her tone carrying a hint of displeasure. “Is it your place to tell me how to feed my own child?” I was speechless and didn’t say more. Not long after, they packed their things and left. My husband happened to return from buying breakfast. Seeing the empty bed, he asked, “Mary and her husband have already been discharged? Didn’t they say it’s best to stay for seven days?” I pulled him to sit on the edge of the bed and told him everything that happened last night, as well as Mary’s illness and her plan to use my son’s life. “She’s rushing to be discharged now, probably afraid that the longer she waits, the more problems might arise.” My husband trembled with anger, his voice shaking involuntarily: “How could they do something so insane? No wonder you’ve been avoiding her lately. So you knew they had this plan.” “We can’t just watch someone else’s child be ruined either.” My thoughts were exactly the same as my husband’s. I leaned close to his ear and explained the plan in my head. Following my plan, my husband went to the nurse’s station. “That gold chain was still on my baby’s ankle in the incubator room yesterday. It was a gift from an elder and holds special meaning for the child. Could you please check the surveillance footage and help us look for it?” My husband’s tone was sincere. The nurses didn’t make things difficult and quickly pulled up the footage. The video fast-forwarded to midnight. Two figures abruptly appeared on the screen. I feigned confusion and asked, “Why do these two people look so much like my brother-in-law and Mary?” The nurse frowned, her expression turning unpleasant. “So those are your brother-in-law and Mary. Those two threw a fit last night insisting on going in to see the baby, threatening to complain about me if I didn’t let them. It was late, and I didn’t want to disturb the other resting mothers, so I let them in. They stayed inside for a bit and then came out.” “This morning they were in such a hurry to be discharged. Could your chain have been picked up by them?” I didn’t speak, my eyes fixed on the screen. The nurse suddenly gasped and stood up in a panic. “Wait, why did they swap the babies’ positions? Those spots are assigned with bed numbers, you can’t just swap them! The baby they discharged with this morning is the one from the next room!” The nurse had no time to care about our missing chain. She quickly ran to the nursing station to make a call. My husband’s eyes darkened. Even though I had told him about Mary wanting to swap babies, seeing it with his own eyes finally made it feel real. His older brother and Mary actually committed such a heinous act. That was a fresh, living life! Thinking of this, my husband immediately took out his phone to call his brother and confront him. But I pressed his hand down. “The bed next door is a single room. The patient is the wife of the city’s police chief. If you notify your brother now, when things blow up, they will definitely hold a grudge against us. We can’t avoid seeing family during holidays. What if they try to harm our child behind our backs? Let the family handle it according to the law.” In my past life, I searched everywhere for evidence, running to the hospital every day, memorizing every pregnant woman who gave birth that day. The day I died, I had just received confirmation from the chief’s wife that she would help. If I could save her child’s life in this life, it would be considered repaying her kindness. A hint of hesitation flashed in my husband’s eyes. This was his biological brother, after all. But if we hadn’t found out, the victim today would have been his own child. Thinking of this, he finally nodded and agreed. Chapter 5 Things progressed quickly. The day they were discharged, the two took the baby on a high-speed train, then a bus, all the way to the countryside. When they were found, the baby was crying heart-wrenchingly on the heated brick bed with a high fever, his body showing unnatural bruising. This place was my husband’s family’s long-abandoned old house. Besides a few eighty-year-old elderly people with mobility issues, even my mother-in-law had moved away long ago. I didn’t expect them to hide in such a place. My husband and I stood far away outside the village. The police soon came out with the baby. Mary chased after them, wailing loudly. “This is my baby, what right do you have to take him away? I’m going to sue you!” The police officer looked straight at her, his tone stern and cold: “A paternity test will prove whether he’s your child or not. We have the video of you intentionally swapping babies at the hospital. Do you even know whose child you swapped?” “This is the child of our police chief. The evidence is solid. Do you know you are a suspect for child trafficking?” Hearing this, Mary immediately shut up. Panic flashed in her eyes, and her body went limp as she slumped to the ground. “I just accidentally picked up the wrong baby. It’s not that serious. At worst, I’ll just swap them back.” “I haven’t even finished my postpartum confinement yet. If you scare me like this and something happens to me, can you take responsibility?” Seeing her act tough but cowardly inside, a flash of disgust crossed the police officer’s eyes. “Whether you picked up the wrong one or not, we’ll know once you come back to the station with us!” With that, Mary was dragged and pulled into the police car. At the police station. We delayed for a while before arriving. As soon as Mary saw us, she immediately pointed at me and shouted, “I didn’t intentionally take your chief’s child. I originally planned to take my sister-in-law’s. Release me, this is all a misunderstanding!” I laughed out of sheer anger. So my child deserves it, is that it? Seeing I didn’t speak, Mary quickly grabbed me and yelled, “Say something! Didn’t we agree to swap children and raise them for a while? I just accidentally took the wrong one, right?” She blinked at me, trying to get me to play along with her scam. I coldly retorted. “Mary, perjury is punishable by jail time. I can’t jump into this fire pit. You better tell the truth.” Mary’s eyes widened, not expecting me to refuse to buy her story at all. Angered, she argued unreasonably, “Everything I said is the truth. Mom can testify for me.” Just as she was speaking, my brother-in-law rushed in with my mother-in-law. Upon seeing me, my mother-in-law charged at me without a word, raising her hand and slapping me fiercely across the face. A clear handprint immediately appeared on my face, red, swollen, and numb. A metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. She cursed loudly, “Are you trying to kill your sister-in-law? You jinx! Your sister-in-law treated you so well. She knew you were pregnant and wanted to take care of you, and this is how you repay her!” My husband pulled me behind him protectively, angrily saying, “Mom, Mary is the one who did something wrong, why are you hitting Chloe?” My mother-in-law spat. “Ever since this little bitch married into our family, there hasn’t been a single day of peace.” She turned to the police, acting arrogant, “This is a family matter. We indeed agreed to swap babies for a while, but there was a misunderstanding. Can you release my daughter-in-law now?” The police officer, with a dark face, said coldly, “This is a police station, not a wet market for you to haggle. Everything requires evidence. The child your daughter-in-law took is currently lying in the hospital. You better ask her what she did to the baby first.” Guilty, Mary took a step back, her face turning red and white. She argued, “The temperature in the countryside is low, the baby just caught a cold. It’s nothing serious.” Her eyes darted around, and she immediately lay down on the floor, clutching her chest and crying in pain. “I’m a sick person. Keeping me locked up here delays my treatment. You’re committing murder!” My brother-in-law also reacted and hurriedly pulled medical records from his pocket. “That’s right, my wife has cancer. What if you delay her treatment by keeping her locked up here!”

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