Category: English

My wife had an affair and ended up pregnant. Her parents smiled and asked me to be understanding. The other man moved into my house, slept in my bed, and expected me to keep footing the bills. They called it family. So I agreed. I swallowed my pride, signed nothing, and said yes to everything. Because they didn’t have a clue— I wasn’t forgiving them. I was setting the stage to burn it all down and walk away clean. After Clara gave birth, her parents, David and Margaret, spared no expense booking her into a luxury postnatal recovery center. She stayed until she was fully healed, only coming home a month later. By then, I’d finished my pre-deployment training and wrapped up all the paperwork. One night, I was lying in bed, ready to crash. Then I heard voices outside the door. “Oh, look at that little nose. Just like Clara’s!” Margaret cooed. “And those eyes? Definitely Nathan’s.” “Such a perfect blend. You did amazing, sweetie,” David chimed in. “It was nothing,” Clara replied, her voice sweet. “I’m just happy I could give Nathan this gift.” They walked in, beaming like one big, happy family. Clara, her parents, and Nathan all gathered around the baby, passing him around on the couch like some prized trophy. “This baby just had to be Clara and Nathan’s,” Margaret declared. “Such a handsome man and a beautiful woman. The perfect match!” “Absolutely,” David agreed. “Can you imagine if Clara had Luke’s kid? Disaster! Dark, stubborn, and homely as a mule.” I stepped out of the bedroom just as he finished. The laughter died instantly. They all stared at me like I was a ghost. “Luke!” Clara gasped. “What are you doing here?” “You nearly gave me a heart attack! Why didn’t you make any noise?” Margaret scolded, clutching her chest. I scanned their faces—a twisted mess of guilt and annoyance. These were the same people who once bragged about having me as a son-in-law. Clara and I met on a blind date, the kind set up by relatives who thought they knew best. It was old-fashioned, sure, but it felt promising. We hit it off from the start. Hobbies, life goals—we agreed on everything, like fate itself had planned it. Her parents were thrilled. They loved my career. Margaret would gush about me to anyone who’d listen, her face lighting up whenever she said my name. To Clara, I was more than a husband. I was her rock, the one who made her feel safe. Back then, I bought it all. But now, watching them huddle on the couch like their own little perfect circle, I knew I didn’t belong. “Well, you’re here. I assume you know the situation. You’ve been quiet so far, so I take it you’re on board.” David cleared his throat, using his best patriarch voice. He looked around the room, silently urging the others to back him up. I let out a dry chuckle but didn’t answer. Clara bristled. “What’s so funny, Luke? Got a problem?” she snapped. “You’re so selfish! Nathan has kidney failure. After all he’s done for us, giving him a child was the least I could do. It’s only right!” Right on cue, Nathan coughed weakly, gripping Clara’s arm for support. “Clara, please, don’t get upset because of me,” he murmured, putting on a shaky, exhausted voice. “Your health comes first.” His act was flawless, pulling sympathy from everyone in the room. But I saw right through it. He showed none of the real fatigue or desperation of someone who’s truly sick. Clara, glowing with that new-mom softness, leaned into Nathan. Her voice turned sharp as she glared at me. “See how considerate Nathan is? Why can’t you be more like him?” Margaret stepped in to play peacemaker. “Luke, you’re always away on work. Never home. Clara is our only daughter. This family needs a man present.” She gestured to Nathan. “Nathan has always been here for us. He grew up with Clara. He’s like a son to us. Now that he’s sick, how could we not help?” The irony was almost painful. Since when did their “son” have a baby with their daughter? They’d formed their perfect little loop, and I was the loose thread messing up the picture. Nathan coughed again and offered an apology. “Luke, I get why you’re upset. This is my fault… I’m sorry for causing all this trouble.” The room simmered with irritation. My presence was clearly wearing on them. Clara waved a dismissive hand, her tone biting. “Luke, we’ve said all there is to say. Next week, we’re having a reception to introduce the baby to the family. Everyone will be there.” She pinned me with a look. “If you’re smart, you’ll tell everyone the baby is yours. Make a scene, and you’ll only humiliate yourself.” I did the math. Next week was my flight out. By then, I’d be gone, fully committed to my new life with the International Extreme Rescue Team. But before I left, I could give them a memory they wouldn’t forget. I shrugged, keeping my face blank. “Sure,” I said, my voice calm. “No problem.”

If I was leaving, I’d leave nothing behind. I started packing my things in silence. Every item held a memory of Clara and me, tucked away in drawers like artifacts from a life I thought we had. Maybe I was the only one who thought we were happy. My eyes passed over shared souvenirs, carefully saved gifts, movie tickets from all our dates. Once, these things warmed my heart. Now, they felt like shards of glass. Three months ago, on a cold, fateful night, I came home after weeks on an international rescue op. Exhausted but eager, I was craving the warmth of home and Clara’s embrace. But when I opened the door, I saw another man in my bed. I knew him. Nathan Sullivan. Clara’s childhood best friend. My chest tightened, the betrayal like a punch to the gut. And Clara’s pregnant belly was the final blow, a hammer of brutal finality. I didn’t need to ask. The kid wasn’t mine. “Hey, Luke! You’re back!” Nathan said, lounging in my pajamas like he owned the place. “Come on in!” Rage blurred my vision. I lunged at him, fists clenched. Before I could connect, Clara jumped between us, whacking my back hard with a broom. “Luke, what the hell are you doing?!” she screamed, shielding Nathan like a lioness. “You touch him, and you’ll regret it!” Her voice cracked with fake outrage. “Nathan is sick! Kidney failure. I had to give him a child. You have a problem, you take it up with me!” My love for her shattered right then, into pieces too small to ever fix. David and Margaret showed up soon after, turning the scene into a circus. David grabbed my arm, his face red. “What’s wrong with you?! Can’t you see she’s pregnant? You come home and start a fight? You’re an embarrassment!” Margaret even started crying. “This is a tragedy! Luke, why can’t you be understanding? Don’t you see how hard this is for Clara? You’re so selfish!” They hurled accusations like I was the one who’d betrayed them. I stood there alone against their tidal wave of hypocrisy, my heart completely numb. That’s when I knew nothing was left for me here. The next day, I signed up for the international rescue team and buried myself in training. Now, back in the present, a knock on the door snapped me out of it. Clara stood there, her gaze ice-cold. “Glad you’ve come around,” she said. “The baby’s done with the postpartum period. Since this is my room, I think Nathan should move in here. It’s practical.” I searched her eyes for any trace of the woman I once loved. From the living room, David’s voice boomed. “This house is in Clara’s name! She decides who stays where. That’s her right!” The arrogance was almost funny. I listened to their selfish logic, my heart completely empty. Arguing was pointless. I didn’t care enough anymore. I picked up my suitcase and headed to the storage room. It was dark and damp, smelling of mildew. Surrounded by junk and broken things, I set my suitcase in a corner and sat on it. The silence was a relief, a haven from the memories. No shared moments, no laughter. Just dark and quiet. I lit a cigarette, letting the smoke curl around me. Through the haze, bits of happier times flickered in my mind. From the living room, their carefree laughter rang out. “I’m getting the baby a protection charm,” Margaret said. “What should we engrave?” “How about ‘C&N’? It’s their child, after all!” David suggested lightly. Clara added, “I think we should use ‘Sullivan’. He’ll take Nathan’s last name.” I took a deep drag, the smoke burning my throat. I imagined breathing out all the pain in one long, bitter exhale. The confidentiality rules of the International Rescue Team were like invisible chains, cutting me off from my old life. As part of my final prep to leave the country, I had one last task—to officially erase myself from the national records.

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On the day my husband welcomed another woman into our home, my sons stood beside her—and watched me fall into the river without stopping me. For eighteen years, I held this family together. I changed a man’s fate, raised children not born of my body, and sacrificed everything to keep them from destruction. Yet the moment she returned, my devotion became a crime, and I was cast as the villain who deserved to disappear. When everything finally collapsed, the System told me I was allowed to leave this world. I leaned forward, letting myself fall into the icy, bone-chilling river. I was a strategist, tasked with saving the antagonist and his family from tearing themselves apart over the heroine. What was tragic was that once the original male lead was gone, my husband and sons were eager to bring the widowed heroine into our home. The System’s voice chimed in: [Master, the mission has failed. Once your physical body in this alternate universe perishes, your real-world body will awaken. However, your time there is running short. Are you sure you want to leave here?] I nodded slightly. With the little time remaining, I just wanted to spend it with my family and friends. But the expected suffocation didn’t come. A strong hand grabbed my arm from behind and pulled me up. “What are you doing? Today is Sister Serena’s special day, and you’re pulling this stunt?” I turned around to see my stepson, Ethan, panting heavily, his bright eyes aflame with anger. He was one of my targets in this world and later became the most fervent antagonist in the story. He would become obsessed with the heroine, turn against his family, and ultimately become someone everyone shunned. When I became Victor’s second wife, Ethan was just six years old. His birth mother had passed away, and his father was always busy with work. As a child, he caused trouble in the streets, seeking attention but often ending up bullied. I brought him home, cleaned him up, and planned his future. Ethan wasn’t interested in studying, so I encouraged him, saying a man could achieve great things in business. For the first time, young Ethan had a dream. His eyes reddened, and he asked, “Can I call you Mom? They all laugh at me for not having a Mom, saying I’m a wild child…” With my permission, he hugged me gently. “Mom, when I grow up and make a lot of money, the first thing I’ll do is buy you a big house and give you a good life.” But when he actually achieved his dream, his first request was to make Serena his new mom. He stopped calling me Mom. He even hated me because Serena said it was my fault she got kidnapped by bad people and couldn’t come back to see him. The handsome young man in front of me overlapped with the child who used to call me Mom, but his eyes were now filled with coldness. “Stop pretending. You’re just trying to get our attention, right? If you really wanted to die, why choose the road where I’d be coming home from work, perfectly timed?” I was speechless. I just wanted to find a not-too-ugly way to leave, in a place with a nice view. I never expected to run into Ethan. Seeing that I didn’t reply, Ethan mocked, “If you really want to die, find a place further away. Sister Serena loves this river. She takes walks here when the weather’s nice, so don’t…” He suddenly stopped. I quickly dashed to the other end of the broken bridge and jumped off. Serena likes this river, right? Then I hope she never comes here again. Every time she does, I hate it more.

My body grew heavier, and in a daze, I heard the instruments ticking in the hospital room. Dad, Mom, wait for me! Your daughter will be home soon! Just when I thought I would succeed, a powerful force dragged me back to the shore. Ethan was soaked, his eyes misty with tears or water, I couldn’t tell. Looking at Ethan, I jokingly teased him, “You don’t want me dead, huh?” Ethan’s face twisted awkwardly, “You’re overthinking it. Whether you live or die has nothing to do with me. Even if you want to die, I wouldn’t stop you, but not today! I don’t want Sister Serena thinking of you and being unhappy on her anniversary!” Of course, it was for Serena. Seeing I didn’t respond, Ethan dragged me home. “Let’s go back. Today, you can’t die. If you really want to, find a place further away, at least where I won’t see you!” Ethan was strong, and I couldn’t break free. When we reached the Victor Family’s door, we ran into my biological son, Lucas, in this world. He wore a neat suit, looking incredibly handsome. He had rushed back from school, and upon seeing Ethan and me drenched, he gave me a quick glance but greeted Ethan, “Big Brother.” Ethan nodded in response. Lucas then remarked, “Why are your clothes wet? Be careful not to catch a cold. Big Brother, change your clothes quickly. Sister Serena and Dad’s wedding is about to start.” Throughout, he didn’t look at me once, as if I wasn’t his real mom but a stranger on the street. In the original story, Lucas was lost by the original character at birth and grew up in an orphanage, developing an extremely gloomy personality. The heroine would be the only light in his life. But now that I’m here, I gave birth to him myself, and I have high hopes for him. In my vision, he and I were connected by blood, not merely characters in a story. He didn’t need me to “strategize” him, he would naturally be on my side. I cherished Lucas like my own eyes, afraid he might get lost like in the book. I did everything myself to ensure his safe upbringing. Lucas indeed grew up to be a cultured gentleman, unlike the delinquent in the book. He was humble, respectful to his parents, cared for his brothers, and even became a school leader. I never doubted I could handle my own son. But once Serena appeared, my always considerate Lucas turned into a different person. He began doing all the things I disapproved of to show his dissatisfaction and rebellion against me. “Why does Mom always have to go against Sister Serena? Clearly, Mom is in the wrong!” I never expected that after reading so many books with Lucas, all those principles would become weapons he used against me. “Mom is jealous of Sister Serena, so she let her be kidnapped by bad people, showing no kindness. How can you be my Mom?” At the time, I stood there holding the nourishing soup I had gotten up early to make for him, feeling like I didn’t recognize the son I raised. He knocked the soup from my hands, saying he’d never eat anything I made again. My heart ached beyond words, and I slapped him. His eyes turned on me with hatred. Since then, we haven’t spoken a word to each other. Hearing Lucas’s question, Ethan looked uncomfortable. “Just now… she really jumped.” Lucas’s handsome brow furrowed slightly, his cold voice devoid of emotion. “Big Brother, don’t be fooled by her. With you there, how could she die? She’s just using women’s tricks, seeking death because Sister Serena is entering the family. Do you think she could really give up the wealth and prosperity here…” Before Lucas finished, I slammed my head against the doorpost. I sighed inwardly, hoping to die with some dignity, but these two boys were too noisy. Hot blood ran down my cheek, and the world went black. Before my consciousness completely faded, I seemed to hear someone scream “Mom” in agony.

When I opened my eyes again, my forehead throbbed. Above me was a modern and luxurious chandelier. I realized I had once again failed to leave this world. Every night, I teetered on the brink of death. This meant my time with my family in the original world was growing shorter. Time was incredibly precious to me. I stared at the chandelier, wondering if I could use it to end everything. Just as I moved, a hand tightly gripped mine. “Elena, stop fooling around, okay? Luckily, you’re weak, so you didn’t hit too hard. Otherwise, you’d have scared the two kids to death.” The speaker was my husband in this world, the company CEO, Victor. At this moment, his brow was furrowed, his eyes locked on the bandage wrapped around my forehead. His gaze was deep, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking. In the original story, Victor was the heroine’s most passionate admirer. Unable to attain his love, he eventually turned dark, even betraying the company and harming others to get closer to the heroine. When I first arrived, I drugged Victor to prevent him from pursuing the heroine, cutting off the source of his later crimes. Victor woke up wishing he could end me right there. I knew the story inside out, so I was sure the heroine wouldn’t be harmed. In the original story, Victor was the heroine’s most ardent admirer. Unable to win her love, he eventually succumbed to darkness, even betraying the company and harming others just to be near her. The first thing I did upon entering this world was to incapacitate Victor with a drug, preventing him from pursuing the heroine and cutting off the source of future crimes. When Victor woke up, he was furious, wishing he could end me on the spot. I knew the plot of the book inside and out and was confident the heroine would not be harmed. It wasn’t until he saw the heroine and the male lead happily together that Victor began to let go of his resentment towards me. He tried to understand me, cared for me, and even stood up for me during a difficult time when he mistakenly thought I was being bullied. During those challenging days, our hearts quietly drew closer. Later, I softened my demeanor, managed household affairs for Victor, cared for the family, and raised the children. Victor, like any ordinary husband who loves his wife, stayed by my side, promising to be together in the next life. The system informed me that the strategist’s favorability was steadily increasing and that my mission was nearing completion. At that time, my terminal illness in the real world would be cured, and I could choose to pause time in the real world to accompany the Victor family through this happy life. However, an unexpected change came without warning. One stormy night, the heroine returned alone. She threw herself into Victor’s arms, weeping and recounting the inhuman torment she had suffered over the years. Usually calm and composed, Victor was moved to tears. When he learned of my actions that had maliciously hindered him, pushing her into a predicament, the Victor family was furious. They carefully tended to Serena at home and ignored me. On Lucas’s birthday, I prepared a table full of dishes that the family loved, but no one returned even late into the night. It turned out they were out entertaining a despondent Serena, just to cheer her up. When I gave birth to Lucas, I endured pain all night before delivering. At that time, Victor promised to celebrate with the children every year because I hadn’t left them. But now, they’ve all broken their promises. When the Victor family returned, they merely said, “Serena doesn’t like the dishes you made, so there’s no need to make them again.” Recalling these events, I coldly withdrew my hand from Victor’s grip and calmly said, “I’m not being unreasonable. I just don’t want to live anymore…” Victor suddenly became somewhat annoyed, leaning over to hold me tightly. I couldn’t break free, so I just let him. After a moment, he finally spoke, his tone tinged with helplessness. “Elena, stop saying things like that, and don’t use death to threaten me and the kids. Our feelings won’t change, and I’ll discipline the boys. You’re forever the mistress of this house.” Victor’s words sounded sincere, as if he still loved me as before. But then he cautiously observed my expression and mentioned Serena. “I’ve already promised, Serena won’t take your place. You were unfair to her before; now she just wants a place to stay… So, where did you hide her? Tell me, and we can pretend nothing happened and continue living our simple life, okay?” I laughed coldly inside. Serena has disappeared again? Victor still thinks I did it? Seeing me laugh, Victor could no longer feign indifference, his tone becoming urgent. “Elena, stop pretending. I’ve searched, and Serena’s jewelry is clearly hidden in your room’s closet. Both of you disappeared early this morning… Tell me, where did you hide Serena?” It seems Serena can’t wait to drive me away, even using her wedding as a ploy. After all, as the heroine, she craves attention and can’t share a man with another woman. What she wants is to be the only one in the hearts of the Victor family. I suddenly burst into laughter, “Ha, yes, I did it. Serena is dead! I’m just jealous of her, so I killed her. Do you want to avenge her? Then kill me unless you can’t bear to.” Victor would do anything for Serena. As long as he kills me, I can go home. Victor was clearly enraged and lost his mind, gripping my neck with his hands. “Elena! How did you become like this… Serena has suffered enough, why do you keep tormenting her?” In reality, it wasn’t me who changed, but them, the father and sons. I didn’t resist, letting my breath gradually weaken. Finally, everything will end. The door was suddenly pushed open, and Ethan and Lucas helped Serena inside. 4. “Dad, Sister Serena is fine.” This sleep felt like it lasted a long, long time. I vaguely thought I was lying on a hospital bed, waiting for mom to come with a thermos to wake me up, gently saying, “Elena, come have some porridge. I made your favorite flavor.” But when I opened my eyes, what I saw was Victor’s red-rimmed eyes, Ethan and Lucas’s bewildered faces, and Serena looking particularly pitiful behind them. Unfortunately, these were the people I least wanted to face. Seeing me awake, Victor first sighed in relief, then furrowed his brows again, “Elena, quickly apologize to Serena!” Serena hid behind Ethan, tears falling like broken beads. “Sister, I just want a complete family, nothing else. Please don’t let anyone treat me like this anymore…” Lucas had clearly reached his limit, shouting at me, “How long are you going to pretend to be innocent? Do you think pretending to commit suicide to make us feel guilty will offset what you did to Sister Serena?” I was completely confused by what Serena said. Seeing my unresponsive look, Victor slowly said, “Elena, you lured Serena to a secluded place, intending for those bad guys to bully her. Luckily, someone passed by and saved her. This time, I must give Serena an explanation.” In my exclusive view, Serena was defiantly winking at me, unable to hide her smug smile. What a well-staged act, and the Victor family just falls for it. Ethan, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, “It’s impossible that she did it. She wouldn’t use such methods to take revenge on a woman, and you all saw it. She genuinely wanted to end her life today.” Hearing this, Serena’s expression instantly became uncomfortable. I looked at Ethan in surprise. He remembered I told him as a child that a woman’s dignity is important and using such means is the lowest. But what difference does it make if he remembers? This time, Serena’s scheme just happened to hit a small crack in Ethan’s memory, and he forgets even more. As long as Serena performs a new act, he might fall into it again. Lucas sneered disdainfully, “Big Brother, you business people are so single-minded. When did she ever succeed in dying with us watching? But the harm Sister Serena suffered is real, and so many people outside were talking about Sister Serena! If you trust her, how can you face Sister Serena?” Ethan fell silent. Whenever it involves Serena, the Victor family always unconditionally sides with her. But this time, Ethan’s persistence surprised me a little, “Mom, I’ll call you mom one more time. As long as you apologize to Sister Serena, I’ll still acknowledge you as my mom.” Lucas didn’t speak but didn’t refute either, and his eyes showed a hint of hope when he looked at me. I laughed coldly. Now it’s not that you don’t acknowledge me, but that I have no interest in this “family” anymore. “I won’t apologize, not even if I die.” Suddenly, a loud shattering sound echoed in the room. Victor had smashed our family photo. Those four smiling faces representing me, Victor, Ethan, and Lucas used to be displayed in the most prominent place in my room. Now they’ve become a pile of shattered pieces on the ground, lying quietly. “Elena, you’ve let me down too much. Reflect on your actions until you realize your mistakes, then come out of this room.” The Victor family left with red eyes, and the door was locked tightly. From that day on, I refused to eat. Victor sent my favorite meal, which was delivered and taken back untouched every day. Until the fourth day, when the maid opened the door to deliver food, her scream echoed through the room. 5. Blood started to gush continuously from my nose and mouth. The young maid pushed the door open, and when she saw me lying in bed covered in blood, she was so scared that her soul almost flew away.

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The night I found some other woman in my pajamas, sleeping in my bed, I just stopped coming home. I stopped replying, stopped taking his calls, and moved in with my bestie instead. When I finally came back on the fourth day, Jason was standing in the living room, his face dark. “Where have you been?” The bedroom door opened behind him. Chloe walked out slowly, rubbing her shoulder. “Emma, I wasn’t feeling well. Jason insisted I stay.” Jason didn’t look back at her. He looked at me. “Can you stop being so oversensitive?” I slipped off my shoes, glanced at the two of them, and said calmly, “Don’t mind me. Carry on.” 1. When Jason left me alone in the hospital, I had a fever of 103, I didn’t kick up a fuss, I just waited for him to get off work so we could celebrate my birthday together. I waited all night, but all I got was Chloe’s Instagram post. Jason was standing next to Chloe, with a three-tiered cake between them. [Someone who truly loves you will always make time to celebrate your birthday with you, no matter how important their other commitments are.] I immediately called him and we got into it. “Don’t be ridiculous, Chloe wasn’t feeling well and needed me to keep her company because she was emotionally unstable.” “I just see her as a little sister, can you stop being so paranoid?” He hung up on me and didn’t contact me for days, saying the company had an emergency and he’d celebrate with me once he wrapped it up. I had a high fever for days that wouldn’t break, but my mind was unusually clear. I started to think about our relationship and whether it was really worth sticking around for. This wasn’t the first time we’d fought because of Chloe. Every time, Jason would use the same excuse: “I just see her as a sister. Don’t make a big deal out of it.” Every time, I’d be the one to cave first, but these past few days, I found I didn’t miss him at all. I wasn’t anxious or on edge. I slept like a baby. Maybe because I wasn’t making any moves to patch things up, Jason called me first for once. “I’ll come pick you up from the hospital this afternoon.” “No need to trouble yourself, I can grab a cab home.” This was the first time Jason had taken the initiative to make up, but I didn’t bite. I wasn’t glued to my phone, just catching up on sleep. 2. I was a good girl, packed up my things and took a cab home by myself. Jason still wasn’t back. I didn’t call to ask where he was or nag him to come home like usual. I just whipped up something to eat, had a decent meal, showered, and hit the sack. With no one on my mind to fret over, I slept like a log and had sweet dreams. Early the next morning, I heard the keypad lock beep. Jason pushed open my bedroom door. “Emma?” “Hmm? You’re back?” I didn’t jump up to greet him all happy like usual. I just rolled over and went back to sleep. He stood in the doorway. “Chloe had another episode yesterday. I was worried she might do something stupid, so I got held up. Sorry.” “Mm.” My tone was flat. Jason tried to explain, “I know you’re pissed, but Chloe really needed someone there.” I laughed and glanced at him. “Pissed? What’s there to be pissed about? A brother looking out for his sister—isn’t that normal?” Jason was quiet for a moment. “Emma, I know I’ve been slacking lately…” “Go get some sleep,” I cut him off. “I need to catch up on my rest too.” Jason felt weirdly irritated. I’d never been this ice-cold to him before. When I woke up, I saw a table full of breakfast spread. Jason had cooked it himself. I was pretty surprised. In the past, I’d always bug him to cook for me, but he’d brush me off. “Emma, do you really have to have something I cooked? You’re not a kid anymore. Can’t you just make your own food?” “I’m wiped out from work every day.” But he, who was even more wiped out, could still dash to Chloe’s place to cook her a feast with one call. So it wasn’t that he was too tired—he just didn’t want to cook for me. “Emma, I made all your favorites. Hurry up and wash up.” “Mm, thanks for going through the trouble.” After washing up, Jason personally dished out rice and soup for me—treatment I’d never gotten before. Jason put a piece of eggplant in my bowl. “Emma, this is the eggplant you love. Have more.” I smiled and put it back in his bowl. “I’ve never liked eggplant. It must be Chloe who likes it. You got us mixed up.” 3. “But you used to…” Jason stared at me, stunned. I peeled some shrimp and started eating on my own. Every time we went out to eat, Jason would always order eggplant. It wasn’t my thing—I just pretended to like it because he served it to me, and I’d polish off the whole plate. A call came in. Jason stood up anxiously. “Emma, I can’t stay for the meal. Chloe’s having another episode.” “Go ahead, it’s fine. She’s more important.” I kept my head down, focused on eating, not bothering to look at his face. Every mealtime, Chloe would pull the same stunt to get Jason over. The clever Jason was always game. After eating my fill, I packed the leftovers and stuck them in the fridge. After a few sick days, I finally went back to work under Olivia’s constant nudging. Olivia came to me with a transfer order. “Emma, are you sure you don’t want to develop your career at headquarters in Beijing? The resources there are way better.” I’d turned her down multiple times before. “Beijing is too far from home. I’d get homesick.” Actually, I was scared of leaving Jason. I often daydreamed that if I went to Beijing, he’d be heartbroken without me. But now, I realized he probably wouldn’t be. I’d waited all these years to marry him and have our own little family, but he’d never brought up marriage—always excuses. “Emma, I’m not settled enough yet. Once I’m stable, I’ll go ask your family for your hand.” “Olivia, I’ve thought it through. I want to go to Beijing.” Olivia was surprised. “What? You’re willing to leave Jason now?” I shook my head with a smile. “I’ve decided to broaden my horizons.” Sophia called and asked me out for drinks. I agreed—it had been ages since I’d hung out with friends. Sophia slung an arm around my shoulders. “That’s more like it. You need to let loose sometimes.” We drank till late, and I crashed at her place. When I woke up, I had over a dozen missed calls and texts from Jason. I called him back. His voice had an edge. “Emma, where did you go? I called you all night. You never used to stay out all night before.” I yawned, acting casual. “I went out drinking with Sophia. It got late so I crashed at her place.” “Emma, what kind of attitude is that? Do you know how worried I was all night?” Even through the phone, I could feel his anger. In the past, when he’d get wasted and stay at Chloe’s, I’d wait up all night, calling and texting. All I’d get was, “Why are you so worked up? It’s just one night I didn’t come home.” I stretched lazily. “Jason, why are you so worked up? It’s just one night I didn’t come home after drinking.” “Alright, I’m heading back now.” Jason’s tone softened. “Emma, I’ll pick you up. Let’s grab a bite together.” “Okay.” I waited outside Sophia’s building. Cabs passed by. “Miss, need a ride?” I shook my head. “No thanks, someone’s coming to get me.” It was only a 15-minute drive, but I waited over half an hour before seeing Jason’s car. Chloe was sitting shotgun. The window rolled down. Chloe poked her head out. “Emma, I’m sitting in front. You don’t mind, right?” I got straight into the back. “Of course not.” “The power went out at Chloe’s place. I figured since three people eating is the same as two, I’d invite her along,” Jason said, glancing in the rearview mirror. I shrugged. “That’s fine, the more the merrier.” Jason frowned slightly—he couldn’t read me anymore. In the past, I’d have thrown a fit. Jason peeled shrimp for Chloe. Chloe gave some to me. “Emma, don’t be mad. Jason always thinks of me first.” I smiled faintly. “Why would I be mad? You two have such a good sibling bond.” Jason awkwardly peeled some for me too, but I didn’t touch them. The waitress looked at Chloe enviously. “Wow, miss, you’re so lucky. Your boyfriend is so attentive.” Jason frowned, but Chloe seemed pleased. “Emma, you’re not upset, are you?” she prodded. I just focused on eating. “Why would I be upset? You two look pretty good together.” Chloe sighed. “It’s a pity. If I hadn’t gotten sick, maybe Jason and I would have already…” Jason cut her off. “Chloe! Watch your mouth!” He slammed down his chopsticks. Chloe turned pitiful. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come. I’ll go.” She covered her face and cried. Jason gave me a troubled look. “Go after her. Don’t let her do anything dumb,” I said proactively. He stood up. “I’ll go see. I’ll come back to take you home in a bit.” “Mm, thanks for the trouble.” I kept eating. After finishing, I took a cab home myself—I knew Jason wouldn’t be back. As soon as I got home, he called. “Emma, where did you go?” “I came home,” I said flatly. “Didn’t I say I’d pick you up?” His tone held resentment. “I figured you wouldn’t be coming back, so I grabbed a cab. I had nothing else going on anyway.” In the past, he’d always make excuses: “Why can’t you just get home by yourself? Can’t you see how swamped I am?” Silence on his end. I hung up and put on a face mask. As predicted, Jason didn’t come home all night. I slept like a rock. When I woke up, he’d made breakfast. “You’re up. Come eat.” It was rare for him to cook so often. I drank some porridge as he watched me with a complicated expression. “Emma, do you know what time I got home last night?” I shook my head. “No, why?” In the past, I’d call if it was past 10 p.m. Now, I didn’t care. Even when he smoked a whole pack at home, I’d only mildly say, “Smoking is bad for you.” Sometimes I didn’t even notice. Jason felt all out of sorts. “Emma, we’re both adults. If you’ve got something to say, just say it. Don’t be like this.” I finished eating. “What is there to say? I’m full. I need to head to work.” “I’ll drive you,” he offered for the first time. In the past, he’d say, “How can you compare yourself to Chloe? She needs me to drive her because of her health. I’m already so beat. Can’t you be more considerate?” “Okay, thanks.” “Emma, why did you suddenly become…” His expression was complicated. I’d become very polite, more reasonable—but it gave him a sense of loss. I sat in the back seat. He’d opened the front passenger door and stared in shock. “Emma, why are you sitting in the back?” I smiled. “What’s the difference?” In the past, I’d argue: “Why can Chloe sit there when I’m your girlfriend!” He’d respond wearily, “Do you really have to fight over this with Chloe, who’s sick? Can’t you be more understanding?” At the office, Jason called out, “Emma, there’s a company dinner tomorrow. Plus-ones are welcome.” “Oh? That’s nice.” I stretched indifferently. “Plus-ones are welcome, Emma. You can come with me.” In the past, I’d never miss such chances—eager for everyone to know I was his girlfriend. He rarely brought me before. “Okay.” I nodded and went in. Olivia handed me the transfer notice. “Are you really sure?” “I’m sure. I want to go to Beijing.” I signed without hesitation. I hadn’t told Jason, but there was no need anymore. 4. I got into Jason’s car and saw Chloe. “Emma, you don’t mind, do you? I begged Jason to bring me along. I’ve never been to these things before.” She linked arms with him, and he didn’t shake her off—as if I was the third wheel. “It’s fine. Why don’t you two go then? I’ve got paperwork to wrap up,” I said faintly. Jason frowned. “Emma, you already agreed. Now you’re not going…” “Isn’t Chloe going with you? That’s fine. She’s your sister, so she counts as your plus-one too.” I checked the time. “Just drop me off at the entrance.” He drove irritably to the office. I went in without looking back. “Jason, is Emma upset?” Chloe leaned on his shoulder. “Whatever,” he snapped. I leaned back on the sofa. My phone buzzed—a notification from my close friends list. Chloe had posted on Instagram: a photo of her leaning on Jason’s shoulder. [Caring is always being willing to bring me along, no matter when.] She loved posting; I’d followed her to keep tabs. Now, I casually unfollowed. She’d posted for me to see, but no one liked it. Everyone waited for my reaction. I didn’t care—soon it wouldn’t matter. “Emma, Jason got drunk and passed out at my place,” Chloe called using his phone. “Mm, then I’ll leave it to you to look after him.” She was just rubbing it in. Chloe and Jason were childhood sweethearts—his first love. She got sick, and his mom wouldn’t allow them together. She became the one that got away. I wondered if he’d been with me just to placate his mom. I showered, watched movies, and slept. In the middle of the night, Jason called. “Emma, I’m wasted.” “I know. Chloe will take good care of you.” Hearing no response, I hung up and slept. In the past, I’d immediately pick him up, no matter how late, and tell him off for drinking. He’d complain to friends, “She’s so annoying, tries to control everything. Not like Chloe—she’ll party with me and never holds me back.” 5. To get ready for Beijing, I had to finish all my work and hand it off. For days, I was slammed at the office. Sophia dragged me out for drinks. “Take a break, will you? You’ll work yourself to the bone.”

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My fiancé was playing a kissing game with his childhood friend, Scarlett, and I ripped into him for it. To get back at me, he uploaded our intimate videos online and started selling them. When I confronted him, he just shrugged, completely unbothered: “Scarlett and I were just playing a game. You called her shameless, humiliated her in public.” “Now you’re exposed for everyone to see. Seems fair, right?” My fiancé was playing a kissing game with his childhood friend, Scarlett, and I ripped into him for it. To get back at me, he uploaded our intimate videos online and started selling them. When I confronted him, he just shrugged, completely unbothered: “Scarlett and I were just playing a game. You called her shameless, humiliated her in public.” “Now you’re exposed for everyone to see. Seems fair, right?” My face went ashen. Facing his and his buddies’ sneering mockery, I dialed 91 1 Lucas hadn’t spoken to me in two days. Ever since he tongue-kissed Scarlett during a game of Truth or Dare, and I’d slapped him and chewed Scarlett out, he’d been giving me the silent treatment, furious. Today was the third day, and he finally contacted me, asking me to pick him up at a bar. After some thought, I decided it was best to clear things up in person. So I went. The moment I reached the private room, I heard unrestrained bursts of laughter from inside! “Lucas, you’re seriously generous! HD, uncensored footage, you really uploaded that?!” “Tsk-tsk, priced at just a dollar, and over a million sold! You could make a fortune off this, man!” “If Chloe found out, she’d absolutely lose it! That was her first time, for crying out loud, exposed to the whole internet!” “And damn, she sounds wild!” I peeked through the crack in the door, staring at the screen they were all watching, and all the blood drained from my face! It was *our* intimate video, Lucas and me. He’d said he wanted to record our moments back then, but I told him no. He still filmed it in secret. And now, it was right there, on display, for them to pick apart and comment on. Tears instantly gushed, and I trembled with rage! Lucas scoffed. “She didn’t have to be so rude, calling Scarlett shameless!” “Now we’re even!” “Lucas, after something like this, you’re still going through with the wedding?” I looked up at Lucas. He lit a cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke before speaking: “I’m looking for a wife, not some celebrity who’s always in the spotlight!” The room erupted in laughter. My body swayed, and I almost collapsed. Gathering every ounce of strength to calm myself, I dialed Lucas’s number. The room instantly fell silent. “Lucas, I’m not feeling well.” “If you’re not feeling well, don’t come. Get some rest. Goodnight.” Lucas didn’t even notice the tremor in my voice. He ended the call abruptly. “She’s not coming. Still mad, huh? Just wait. When she sees these videos, she’ll come crawling back, begging me!” “Lucas, don’t let us miss the show! We have to witness it together!” “Yeah, I want to see what she’s like in person versus on screen!” Their words made my mind go blank. I took a few deep breaths, then quickly backed away. I pulled a mask from my bag and put it on, then stumbled out. Then I pulled out my phone and searched online. When I saw my face clearly displayed, I nearly fainted! The buyer comments were even worse. “Hot stuff! My man’s so generous!” “Selling off her first time? The seller’s a real bastard, but I like it!” “Selling? Local meet-up?” “Haha, you’re so smart, dude. You’re not in any of the shots yourself. What do you see her as, anyway?” Among the many comments, Lucas only replied to one: “What else? She practically threw herself at me, why wouldn’t I take advantage?” My heart tore in half. I struggled to steady myself, my gaze falling on the ring on my finger, and I burst into uncontrollable sobs. The man I’d loved for five years, the one I’d bravely asked for his number – in his eyes, I was just a cheap, easy hookup, someone who threw herself at him. Chloe, you were so blind! I returned home in a daze, looking at photos in my album—five years of Lucas and me. He called me his free, convenient comfort toy. I touched my face, finding it wet. Unaware, tears had streamed down my face. I pulled out all the photos, ripped them to shreds, and burned them. Then I sat on the floor, staring at my phone. A blizzard of texts and missed calls flooded my phone and inbox. This was Lucas’s gift to me. 2 I put my phone on do not disturb, then leaned against the sofa, spending a sleepless night. The next day, when Lucas came looking for me, he looked somewhat moved by my bloodshot eyes. But Scarlett, trailing behind him, annihilated any trace of guilt he might have felt with a single sentence. “Chloe, are you okay?” “Lucas said you wanted to apologize to me for that night. Honestly, it’s no big deal, we always mess around like that. Guess you just can’t handle it, Chloe.” “But wow, you’re pretty wild yourself, aren’t you? With such explicit videos of you and Lucas out there, how can you call *me* shameless?” Lucas glared at her, and Scarlett immediately clapped a hand over her mouth, sticking her tongue out playfully. “Oops, sorry! You’re not mad at me, are you, Chloe?” I looked at Lucas, shoving my phone, with the video playing, right in his face. “Was it you? Why?” Lucas was nonchalant. “You called Scarlett shameless! I was just following the principle of fairness.” “And you don’t need to take it so seriously. So what if people saw? They can look, but they can’t touch!” Even now, Lucas could say something like that. I raised my hand and slapped him hard, snapping his head to the side! “Chloe, you’re insane!” “I am insane! I can’t believe I wasted five years on a piece of trash like you, Lucas! Get out!” Scarlett grabbed his arm tightly. “Lucas, did I make her mad? But she started it, calling me names! Why’s she hitting people?” “You get out too! Say one more word, and I’ll hit you both!” She feigned innocence, shrinking behind Lucas, who grabbed my wrist. “Chloe, have you caused enough drama?!” “Scarlett cried all day because of what you said! She came here specifically to comfort you, and this is how you treat her!” “Apologize!” “Not just apologize to her. Get down on your knees and apologize properly!” Lucas held my hand in a death grip, refusing to let go, and I naturally resisted. But the strength difference was too great, and he started dragging me out. In that moment, I fought back with all my might, screaming for help and digging my nails into him. Soon, neighbors heard the commotion and came out. Seeing me being dragged out by a man, they immediately intervened. “What are you doing?! Let her go!” “Let go right now, or we’re calling the police!” Lucas was furious. “She’s my girlfriend!” I struggled desperately, seizing the chance to kick him hard, finally breaking free. But before I could even steady myself, Scarlett shouted from the side: “Chloe, Lucas was just looking out for you! You’re about to get married, how can you be making those kinds of videos?!” “Lucas is mad because you’re so shameless!” Scarlett’s phone screen was blatantly displayed, and the neighbors immediately looked at me with strange expressions. Several of the men nearby flushed crimson. A wave of fury washed over me, and I slapped Scarlett, grabbing her hair. “Yes, I’m not just shameless, you’ve driven me absolutely insane!” “You pushed me to this point! I’ll take you all down with me!” Scarlett screamed. Lucas exploded in anger, grabbing my wrist and shoving me hard to the side! “Are you crazy?! You filmed that disgusting stuff yourself, and now you blame others?!” I lay sprawled on the floor, my forehead throbbing where it hit the wall corner. Dizziness overwhelmed me, and blood blurred my vision. The people around us backed away. I looked up at Lucas, my heart tearing. “Did *I* film it? Lucas, tell me, did *I* film it?!” Lucas froze, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. “I…” “Lucas, I hurt so bad!” Scarlett clutched her face, sobbing pitifully. Lucas immediately dismissed his guilt, putting his arm around Scarlett and looking at me coldly: “Chloe, the wedding is off. We’ll talk about marriage again when you realize your mistake!” 3 Lucas, with Scarlett in tow, walked away. The neighbors looked at me with open contempt. “Such a loose girl, no wonder her boyfriend dumped her!” “Didn’t realize she had a decent body. These days, girls really have to be trashy to get ahead. Hey, sweetheart, how much an hour?” “You tramp, trying to hook up with my husband right in front of me!” They cursed and insulted me without restraint. Some even took the chance to grope me. I furiously grabbed anything I could find and threw it at them! They eventually backed off, calling me crazy. Someone called the police. When the police arrived, I was lying on the ground, covered in blood, my face swollen. My clothes were practically torn off me when they took me to the hospital. Downstairs, a huge crowd had gathered. Even with my eyes closed, I could hear the murmurs outside, and not a single word was kind. Lying in the hospital bed, I called my mom. “Mom!” “Mom’s on her way, darling. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of those videos.” “But, about you and Lucas’s wedding…” “Mom, I don’t want him anymore. I’m not getting married.” While I was recovering in the hospital, someone, I don’t know who, uploaded a video of me being beaten by the neighbors. The caption read: “She brought it on herself! Women who don’t respect themselves deserve whatever they get!” “This kind of woman doesn’t belong in our neighborhood. Kick her out!” I was subjected to a public lynching online, my video going viral. That’s when Scarlett popped up. “Lucas said the engagement is off.” “Chloe must be so upset. Everyone, please don’t be too harsh on her.” Her words led some netizens to praise her for being beautiful and kind. Scarlett even posted old photos of her and Lucas, deliberately misleading everyone. “You two are a couple! So why was Chloe engaged to Lucas?” Scarlett shrugged carelessly: “Don’t even ask! Our bond is unbreakable!” Her ambiguous words once again threw me into the eye of the storm. I became the internet’s most hated mistress. Netizens even sent funeral wreaths to my hospital room. I broke down. My already frayed nerves finally snapped. The sight of my phone made me tremble every day. Just then, Lucas arrived. Seeing me in the hospital bed, bruised and battered, he held a bouquet of flowers and looked somewhat moved. “Chloe, I’m sorry. I was wrong to treat you like that.” “Don’t worry, the wedding is still on. I’ll take responsibility for you.” “I’ve also found people to delete the videos online. Everything’s over now.” He gently held my hand, reassuring me that everything would be okay. I clung to him, as if he were a lifesaver. But I knew it was all an illusion. Lucas and I shared cloud storage and accounts. Half an hour ago, I’d seen his chat logs with his friends. “Lucas, if you cancel the wedding with Chloe, that’s no fun!” “This whole thing’s blown up, Lucas. Aren’t you worried you won’t be able to control the damage?” Lucas scoffed. “She’s so humiliated now, who else would she turn to but me?” “If I can’t control it, I won’t. I’ll just livestream the wedding. Then Scarlett will really get her payback!” Lucas, you are utterly vile! He showered me with concern, bought me gifts, brought me food and soup. He played the part of a perfect gentleman, an absolute angel. I suppressed my disgust and saved all the evidence. On the day I was discharged, Lucas said: “Chloe, I’ve arranged a dinner for you. Just a small gathering with friends.” “Okay, I’ll go change. You can go ahead and wait for me.” He didn’t suspect a thing. After all, for a week, I’d acted completely dependent. After he left, I got into Mom’s car and went straight to the police station. “I want to report someone for malicious dissemination of my private videos for illegal trade!”

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My wife Chloe’s adopted sister, Sophia, had taken her own life. Before she died, hundreds of photos of me and her were found in her study. Behind each photo, the words “MY LOVE” were scrawled. So when I got a second chance at life, and my mom asked if I wanted to marry Chloe, my childhood sweetheart… I shook my head. Instead, I chose her adopted sister. I had a secret: I had been reborn. In my previous life, I chose to marry the true heiress of the Winters family, Chloe, the woman I’d loved for over twenty years. On our third wedding anniversary, I came home early, hoping to surprise her. I opened the bedroom door only to find condoms scattered all over the floor. Her first love whistled mockingly, provoking me. “She said you couldn’t satisfy her in bed. Might as well give up now.” I lunged at him, and we got into a brawl. He picked up the switchblade from the bedside table and plunged it into my chest. With my last ounce of strength, I begged Chloe to take me to the hospital. She just looked at me with cold indifference. “Don’t ruin the mood, Lucas. Deal with it yourself. Our sex isn’t over yet.” I was left alone on the cold floor, listening to the moans resume from the room until I completely lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to that afternoon when my parents asked me about my marriage.

“Are you sure you want to marry Chloe’s adopted sister, Sophia? I thought you loved Chloe?” My mother confirmed again. I nodded. “I’m sure.” “Alright, as long as you’re happy! I’ll go ask Sophia right away!” After getting my confirmation, Mom immediately turned to contact wedding planners and book the venue. My phone rang shortly after. It was Chloe. “Lucas, could you *be* any more pathetic?” Her voice was full of sarcasm. “I haven’t even agreed to marry you, and you’ve already booked the wedding venue?” “Chloe, the truth is, I’m marrying—” “I don’t care what you want to say.” She cut me off with a cold laugh. “I love Marcus Davies, and I’ll only marry him. Stop bothering me.” She hung up. I put my phone down. Good. She’d find out soon enough that the person I was marrying was her sister. My family and Chloe’s had been close for generations, and Sophia was her family’s adopted sister. We grew up together. Once we were adults, our parents had always expected Chloe and I would marry. But in my previous life, Chloe suddenly wanted to call off the engagement to marry someone else. I refused vehemently, and we had a huge fight over it. Although I eventually married Chloe, the woman I’d loved for over twenty years, she rarely came home after we were married. It wasn’t until our third wedding anniversary, when I saw her in bed with her first love, Marcus Davies, that I realized she’d been cheating on me for three years. In the end, her first love stabbed me through the heart, and I begged her to take me to the hospital. But she told me to deal with it myself and continued having sex with Marcus. Ultimately, I died on the cold floor. Chloe didn’t even attend my funeral; she took Marcus on vacation instead. But after my death, Sophia cried at my grave until she fainted. Three months later, Sophia ended her life in her study. The police found hundreds of photos of me in her study, each with “MY LOVE” written on the back. My parents died of grief within a year, and the entire family business fell into Chloe’s hands. She and Marcus lived a loving life together. In my previous life, marrying Chloe led to my tragic death and made me betray the one who truly loved me. This time, I would protect the person who truly loved me.

After the wedding venue was confirmed, my mother urged me to finalize the overall plan quickly. To apologize for not being able to help with the wedding preparations, Sophia sent me a sleek black card from Geneva. I booked a consultation at the wedding planning company’s Upper East Side showroom. When I arrived, I found Chloe walking out of the VIP room. “Lucas?” Chloe stopped, looking surprised. “What are you doing here?” I said softly, “Here to finalize the wedding plan.” “Lucas?” Chloe’s expression instantly turned cold. “Are there no other women in the world? Is that why you *have* to marry me? When did I ever say I’d marry you?” I looked at her calmly and replied blandly, “Chloe, I told you, I’m not marrying you.” Her face fell, and she scoffed. “You *deliberately* picked this exact day to show up here, and you’re still claiming you don’t want to marry me?” She glanced towards the VIP room, her eyes full of affection. “I told my family last night that I’m canceling our engagement. Even if everyone disagrees, I’m marrying Marcus!” I offered a polite smile and said softly, “Then I wish you both well. I’m marrying someone else very soon. Our engagement is off.” I motioned for Chloe to move, but she stared at me intently, refusing to budge. “Lucas, what game are you playing now? Who else could you possibly marry besides me?” That’s when Marcus Davies walked out. He exclaimed in surprise, “Chloe, what are you two doing?” Chloe immediately turned, hurried to Marcus’s side, and tried to take his hand. Marcus flinched away, and she immediately understood. “I’ll just wipe my hands clean. Wait for me!” Marcus and I met eyes. His held undisguised disdain and smugness. Just then, Emily, the planning director, walked over quickly. “Mr. Davies, the wedding package you wanted to confirm has already been booked. Please take a look at other options.” Marcus glared at Emily in annoyance. “My fiancée is the eldest daughter of the Winters family; she’s loaded! She said I can have any package I want, she can afford it all!” Saying that, Marcus turned to me and said ominously, “Besides, engagements can be called off, let alone a mere booked plan.” Emily looked at me, almost on the verge of tears. I didn’t want to make things difficult for Emily, and choosing the same plan as them would leave a sour taste anyway. I smiled nonchalantly at the staff. “Emily,” I said, pulling out the black card Sophia had given me. “I recall your company designed a private island wedding for a certain royal family?” “I want a similar concept, but nothing repetitive.” Chloe, who had just come out, overheard this. She looked at me coldly. “Lucas, I told you the person I’m marrying is Marcus! There’s no way I’ll marry you, so why are you bothering me here?!” “And do you even know the price of a private island? Ten million! How will you afford that?” I smiled, pulled out the black card, and handed it to the employee. “No need to consider. Can we sign a letter of intent today?” “Absolutely! I’ll immediately have our CEO come down to personally assist you.” Under Chloe’s shocked gaze and Marcus’s resentful one, I turned and left.

That night, as I was dealing with documents in my study, Sophia sent a FaceTime request. Even though we were about to get married, I still felt nervous. After the video call ended, I stood by the window for a long time. Until the doorbell rang—it was Chloe. “Lucas, what was that all about today?” She walked straight into the living room. “I told you I wouldn’t marry you, and you tried to snatch the wedding plan from my fiancé? Don’t you feel ashamed?” I had just talked to Sophia and was in a great mood. Now that she’d ruined it, I was really annoyed. “Chloe, this is the last time I’ll explain this to you: I’m not marrying you!” Chloe looked at me disdainfully. “Don’t play games with me, Lucas. The man I love is Marcus; I would never marry you.” “If you want to keep any dignity, then stay out of my sight!” She was driving me crazy, so I angrily told her to leave. She swung her limited-edition handbag and stomped out, fuming. Her Ins status updated shortly after: “The eighteenth of this month, Marriage Registry Office, marrying for love.” The accompanying picture was of her and Marcus on a yacht. Unfortunately, Sophia and I had also scheduled that day. I arrived at the Marriage Registry Office half an hour early, wearing the custom suit Sophia had prepared for me. To avoid Chloe and Marcus, I had specifically chosen 7 AM. Unexpectedly, we still ran into them. At 6:55 AM, Chloe and Marcus arrived with a group of friends. When she saw me, her expression instantly froze. “You actually came?” She pulled her hand away from Marcus and strode over. “Lucas, how many times have I told you I won’t marry you? What are you doing?” Her friends started to snicker. “Winters, your childhood friend is really persistent!” “Is he planning to crash the wedding?” “Need us to call security for you?” Marcus walked over, his hand resting on my shoulder. “Blackwood, need me to introduce you to some decent dates?” “I told you,” I pushed his hand away, “today, I’m not marrying *her*.” Chloe’s laugh was sharp and unnatural. “Then who are you marrying? At this hour, dressed like this,” She reached out to touch my suit lapel, but I blocked her hand. “You’re not seriously going to say you’re waiting for some other woman, dressed in haute couture at 6 AM outside the Marriage Registry Office, are you?” Her friends burst into louder laughter. “Lucas, stop messing around.” One of the men patted my shoulder. “We all know you’ve loved Chloe for twenty years. But now she’s chosen Marcus, you need to learn to let go.” “Yeah, how about I introduce you to some models? Definitely better than being a laughingstock here.” Chloe smirked disdainfully. “Him? Please. Boring, rigid, can’t even crack a smile—I wouldn’t take him even if he was free.” Listening to Chloe’s insulting words, I could no longer suppress my anger. In my past life, she had used the same tone to tell Marcus, “Him? His size can’t even satisfy me.” I took a deep breath. “Chloe, do you not understand plain English? I told you, I was *never* going to marry *you*!” She laughed, unangered. “Lucas, who would believe that? You’ve wanted to marry me since you were five, even resorting to forcing an engagement!” “So tell me, where is the woman you’re dressed up like this to marry? It’s been so long, why hasn’t she shown up yet?” I glanced at my watch. 7:00 AM. “She’s never late.” Just then, a Rolls-Royce glided through the morning mist. A clear, yet gentle voice rang out. “Chloe, why are you bothering my fiancé again?”

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My husband, Julian Sterling, is a genius painter, but he suffers from a severe emotional disorder. Even when I fell down the stairs, pregnant, and pleaded for his help, he just asked indifferently, “Why are you always crying?” I used to think this was just how geniuses were – unique and detached. That was until I saw his studio, filled with nude portraits of another woman. I confronted him in anger, but he remained cold, retorting, “She’s my muse! A housewife like you wouldn’t understand art!” Finally, I agreed to his divorce request. “Go live your life with your muse, then.” On the divorce papers, I asked for nothing else. Only one thing: Julian had to continue paying my mother’s medical bills. After the divorce was finalized, Julian’s expression remained as cold as ever. “What will you do now?” I knew it was just a polite formality, not genuine concern for my future. Julian had always been heartless and emotionless towards me. I gave a vague answer. “Travel.” He didn’t ask anything further. Chloe Davis linked her arm through his, smiling at me. “Thank you for setting Julian free.” I instinctively looked at Julian. He suddenly spoke. “Traveling costs money. I’ll transfer some to you.” His tone was still flat, indifferent, as if he were speaking to a stranger. I didn’t get much money from this divorce. Julian and I had signed a prenuptial agreement from the start, so I couldn’t claim any of his assets. Our elder son, Leo, had health issues and was a high-needs child. I had quit my job years ago to focus entirely on caring for him. So, this divorce meant I was practically walking away with next to nothing. Chloe pursed her lips, cutting him off. “Julian, Audrey must have her own savings. Aren’t you looking down on her by saying that? Besides, our exhibition is about to open, and we need the money.” Julian turned to look at her, his gaze softening. “You’re right.” Chloe smiled at me. “Audrey, where are you going to travel? Won’t it be unsafe for you alone?” Julian frowned. “What could possibly be unsafe?” I was used to his nonchalant attitude. Julian had an emotional disorder. Over a decade ago, at his grandfather’s funeral, Julian didn’t shed a single tear. Everyone called him a monster. Fearing he might be upset, I covered his ears and tried to comfort him. “Julian, they’re not telling the truth. You just aren’t good at expressing your feelings.” But Julian looked at me seriously and said, “Why should I be sad? Everyone in this world has to leave one day, don’t they?” I was stunned. A young me didn’t understand why Julian would say something like that. Later, Julian’s condition worsened, to the point of self-harm—he didn’t love anyone, including himself. But only when he saw me did his condition seem to improve. The Sterling family, desperate to save him, offered to cover my mother’s medical bills if I married Julian. Julian even pleaded with me with eyes like a wounded puppy. “Audrey, you said you’d always stay with me, didn’t you?” I was moved by him. We even had a period of relative affection. During that brief time, I became pregnant with our elder son. With our son’s birth, my life gradually revolved around him. Without realizing it, Julian and I drifted further apart. Julian was the most renowned genius painter, with a large fan base. Many fans, upon learning I was just a housewife, declared online that I wasn’t worthy of him. 【How can a genius painter’s wife be just a housewife?】 【Heard it was a marriage of convenience. The poor genius painter.】 I broke down crying, seeking his comfort. But Julian looked at me with a strange expression. “Why bother with them? You’re really odd. And they’re not wrong, you are a housewife.” Should I blame him? Everyone told me Julian was just sick; he was simply incapable of love. As his wife, I should be understanding. Countless times after that, I used that excuse to console myself. Our son’s health was fragile. One moment of inattention, and he’d have a high fever that wouldn’t break. I couldn’t sleep all night, watching over his bedside, even while carrying our second child. Meanwhile, Julian, as his father, remained completely absorbed in his paintings. I confronted him, distraught, asking why he didn’t care about our child. He looked up at me. “I’m not a doctor.” In my overwhelming grief, I fell down the stairs. A large pool of blood gushed out beneath me. —I miscarried.

I pleaded for his help. Julian simply asked, “Why are you always crying?” Then, he stepped over me with his long legs and strode away. In that moment, for the first time, I truly felt that “Julian was a monster.” He was utterly indifferent to me. But with his assistant, Chloe Davis, it was different. In front of Chloe, he was like a normal person, a person with flesh and blood. Julian once said at a press conference that Chloe made his barren soul bloom with life. —”Her presence made me feel the sun’s warmth, the captivating scent of flowers.” That day I went home, I smashed everything in the house like a madwoman. I asked him, “Do you know what you’re doing? Are you cheating on me?” Julian’s expression didn’t change. “Cheating? You shouldn’t use conventional standards to define my relationship with Chloe.” With that, he continued working on his painting. His studio was filled with sketches—all portraits of Chloe. There were even nude portraits of Chloe… Every brushstroke seemed to pour out all his tenderness and devotion. As I pushed the door open to leave, Julian suddenly spoke. “Audrey Stone, you and the children have always been mere passing guests in my life. Chloe, however, is my source of inspiration, the core of my artistic creation.” I suddenly stopped all thoughts of arguing with him, feeling only extreme exhaustion and helplessness. It turned out Julian wasn’t emotionally incapable with everyone. I thought my life was already desperate enough. But I never expected that later, Even my son, for whom I would have sacrificed everything, wanted Chloe to be his mother. My son, mimicking his father, fawned over and flattered Chloe endlessly. “Chloe, you’re so beautiful. I wish you were really my mom. My mom is just a common housewife.” … I snapped back from my memories, smiled, and turned to leave. “Goodbye, Mr. Sterling.” If I could, I never wanted to see Julian again in my life. But my wrist was grabbed with force. Julian stared at me, his eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment. “Let go.” I tried to pull free but was powerless against him. Chloe glanced at me, then softly coaxed Julian. “Julian, could you please let go of her?” Julian, however, seemed not to hear, his brows furrowed even deeper. When he spoke again, his words were still clumsy. “Is it because of the miscarriage last time? But I… didn’t I already give you a child?” I laughed bitterly, pulled my hand away, and looked at Julian coldly. “Stay away from me.” Julian had never been treated this way by me before. He stiffened slightly, seemingly unaccustomed to it. Chloe linked her arm through Julian’s, looking a little helpless. “Audrey, don’t be angry. Julian just has an emotional disorder; he doesn’t know how to express himself.” Julian nodded, clearly agreeing with Chloe. I let out a laugh. How utterly boring. “Julian, goodbye.” I waved my hand and walked away, my steps firm. Julian stood rooted to the spot, his fingers trembling unconsciously. Chloe, oblivious, tugged at his arm. “Come on, my great painter.”

Many people came to talk to me after they heard about our divorce. Even Mrs. Sterling, usually so proud, came to find me with Leo. At the time, I was packing my luggage. Mrs. Sterling grabbed my hand, a smile in her eyes. “You don’t need to move out. You’ve been a housewife for so many years without working; how will you support yourself if you move out?” Mrs. Sterling pulled my hand, leading me to sit on the sofa. Leo, standing nearby, pouted at me, muttering under his breath. “She’s just petty. She’s just jealous we like Chloe more.” Mrs. Sterling feigned anger and scolded Leo for a few moments, then continued holding my hand and speaking. “I know you’re upset. You know Julian; he doesn’t mean any harm. He just has an emotional disorder.” I pulled my hand away. “Didn’t you want him to divorce me all along?” Mrs. Sterling let out a few dry laughs. “How could I possibly want you two to divorce?” She seemed earnest, as if she truly hated to see me go. But I hadn’t forgotten that not long ago, after my miscarriage, she had visited me and casually tossed out, “How useless, can’t even keep a child.” Privately, she often told people, “Audrey Stone doesn’t deserve my son at all.” I gave Mrs. Sterling a cold glance. Sure enough, the next second, I heard her say: “Julian’s career is on the rise right now. If news of your divorce gets out at this time, what will people think of him?” With that, Mrs. Sterling’s tone shifted, hardening slightly. “So, for now, please don’t publicly announce the divorce. Can you do that?” Before I could reply, Leo pushed me. “Hey, hurry up and agree! Chloe was right; you’re just selfish, always only thinking about yourself.” Leo’s words were like a sharp knife, piercing my heart precisely. I stared at him, stunned. The old Leo used to cling to me the most, repeating over and over, “Mommy is the best person in the world, I love Mommy the most.” But… he had Julian’s blood flowing in his veins after all. He was just like Julian, able to abandon me and side with Chloe so easily. My face grew cold. “Leo!” Leo jutted out his neck, not thinking he had done anything wrong. Just then, the door opened. Chloe and Julian walked in side-by-side. Leo’s eyes instantly reddened, and he ran to Chloe. “Chloe, I hate that woman! She yelled at me. Can you help me kick her out?” Chloe crouched down, gently comforting Leo. Only then did she look up at me, her eyes filled with disapproval. “Audrey, you’re going too far. A mother who abuses her child like this should have her parental rights revoked.” Julian stood beside her, his displeased gaze falling on my face. “Audrey, why are you becoming so unreasonable?” I rolled my eyes at him and slammed the door as I left. As I got into the elevator, Chloe chased after me. She clutched her stomach, looking at me provocatively. “Audrey, you won’t be coming back, will you? I’m pregnant. It’s Julian’s baby.” I gave a bitter smile. Everything was as I expected. How could she truly just be a muse? In that studio, he certainly wasn’t just painting her nude portraits. Chloe coughed awkwardly. “Julian just hopes my genes can be passed on…” “It has nothing to do with me. Julian and I are divorced.” My expression remained unchanged. Chloe leaned closer, lowering her voice to provoke me further. “He also said that only with me did he truly experience passion between a man and a woman. With you, it was utterly boring.”

With that, she slowly backed away, giving me a sinister smile. Then, she stumbled backward. The next second, I was knocked over by a force. I saw Julian rush over like a madman, trying to grab Chloe. But it was no use. “Bang!” Chloe fell down the steps, the blood gushing from below her waist stinging my eyes. My whole body trembled. Not long ago, I had just experienced something similar. Behind me, Leo’s heartbreaking scream suddenly rang out, “Chloe!” “Chloe, you can’t be hurt, you can’t be hurt…” Julian roared in despair. He knelt in the pool of blood, helplessly holding Chloe, his voice almost cracking. “Don’t be scared, I’ll take you to the hospital. You’ll be alright.” Julian lifted Chloe into his arms, struggling to press the elevator button. It took him several tries to succeed—his hands were trembling violently. Before getting into the elevator, Julian suddenly looked back, his eyes filled with hatred. “Audrey, I won’t let you get away with this.” Leo quickly chased after them, turning back to glare at me fiercely. “Bad woman, you hurt Chloe! I don’t want you anymore!” The moment the elevator doors fully closed, I clearly saw Julian press his forehead against Chloe’s. That deep, bone-marrow level of cherish and pity was something I had never received in the nearly thirty years I’d known him. Julian’s retaliation came swiftly. That night, I received news from the hospital. My mother’s medical payments had been cut off. “Ms. Stone, you must understand that a VIP room costs a hundred thousand a month. If you can’t pay, we’ll have no choice but to…” My hand trembled as I held the phone. A hundred thousand a month for medical bills was an astronomical sum for me now. I had no choice but to beg Julian. I rushed to the hospital. In the corridor, Julian leaned against the wall, a cigarette held between his fingers. Amidst the swirling smoke, his expression grew even colder. “Want to beg me to save your mother?” “Yes. According to the divorce agreement, you should continue to pay for my mother’s medical expenses.” My voice was tight. He scoffed, offering no reply. I explained, almost groveling, “I didn’t push her. If you don’t believe me, you can check the surveillance. There’s a camera at that spot…” I was somewhat incoherent. Julian stubbed out his cigarette, approaching me step by step, his tall figure casting a shadow over me. His tone was utterly cold. “Does it matter?” “What?” “Does it matter if you pushed her?” Julian looked down at me, with a superior, judgmental gaze. “No matter the truth, she lost her baby because of you.” I stared at him, stunned, the last string in my mind snapping. I screamed in despair, “So, you’re going to watch my mother die? That’s a human life!” “Using your mother’s life to pay for the life of Chloe’s unborn child. Sounds fair to me.” Julian’s lips curled into a nearly cruel smile. I felt as if I had plunged into an ice abyss. I had no other option; I knelt before him, bowing my head. “Please, I beg you, for the sake of our past, let my mother go. I’ll even die to atone for it, I’m willing to die…” Julian’s expression didn’t soften in the slightest. He looked at me as if I were a lunatic. “Audrey, you’re just like a dog wagging its tail, begging for scraps.” … That night, no matter what I did, I couldn’t change Julian’s mind. My mother’s respirator was unplugged that very evening. Before dawn, the hospital called. “Ms. Stone, please accept our condolences. Your mother has passed away.” Boom— My world plunged into utter darkness. I arranged my mother’s funeral simply, then walked to the ocean with her ashes… Meanwhile, Julian was at the hospital with Chloe. Chloe looked at his worried face and suddenly asked. “Are you worried about her?” Julian shook his head. Chloe linked her arm through his, coaxing gently. “Don’t worry, nothing bad will happen. That was just Audrey’s way of faking it for sympathy. Her mother’s illness was already cured; she just wanted attention.” Julian hummed softly, but his heart still felt unsettled. Until Mrs. Sterling burst into the hospital room, speaking incoherently. “Julian, quickly, go… go clear things up! Say Audrey Stone’s death has nothing to do with you, that you didn’t force her to die.”

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My CEO boyfriend of five years suspected my loyalty. He demanded I collect 10,000 messages of goodwill from strangers before he’d even consider marrying me. Yet, his ex, Seraphina—who had dumped him three times—just had to ask him during a game of truth or dare if he’d marry her, and he immediately plastered their official announcement all over the city’s giant screens. My mom, who had just arrived in the city to meet her future son-in-law, saw the announcement and was so enraged she suffered a heart attack and collapsed, ending up in the hospital. I rushed to the public announcement site, fell to my knees, begging Julian to give me back my savings for her medical bills. But he frowned, claiming that once my money was given to him, it was his. He had no obligation to fund my family’s problems and told me to figure it out myself. Then, he turned around and used my savings to order a luxury car for Seraphina. Because I couldn’t pay the medical fees on time, Mom missed her crucial treatment window and tragically passed away in the hospital morgue. With tears in my eyes, I arranged her simple burial, then accepted a job offer from a big overseas tech company and applied for my resignation. Julian, though, just thought I was playing games. He nonchalantly said:”At your age, where else would you go without me? Stop playing hard to get. Later, I’ll take your mom out for a couple of days, just doing my duty as a son-in-law.” But then, when he saw me at the airport, why did his eyes turn red, begging me on his knees for forgiveness?

After my visa was approved, I went home to pack. The moment I opened my closet door, Julian Sterling, my boyfriend, jumped out, startling me. “Ava! I’m the hunter, and I’ve caught my prey!” He was beaming, his cheeks flushed, laughing heartily. I knew he’d been using a “business trip” as an excuse these past two days, but he was actually traveling with Seraphina Hayes to avoid me. The old me would have greeted him with a smile, doting on him and asking how he was doing. Now, I just shoved him aside and started rummaging for my clothes. Julian stood there, looking a bit helpless. After a moment, he said: “Ava, what’s wrong? Are you still mad about me not lending you money that day? I was trying to complete Seraphina’s dare; we’re friends, after all, and she was about to fail in fifteen minutes. I didn’t have time to transfer money. Didn’t I eventually relent and ask HR to approve your salary advance?” I let out a self-deprecating laugh, fighting back the sting in my nose as I continued to stuff clothes into my suitcase. That day, Mom had just arrived in the city when she saw her future son-in-law on a giant billboard, holding another woman’s hand and making their relationship official. She collapsed on the spot. I rushed to the scene, falling to my knees in front of Julian, begging him to return my savings for Mom’s medical bills. It would have taken less than three seconds to pull out my bank card from my bag. But he shoved me away with an indifferent look, telling me to figure it out myself. Then, he drained my account and bought Seraphina a luxury car. Later, when I went to HR for the advance, Brenda, the HR rep, rolled her eyes at me: “Ava, you think you’re Cinderella trying to snatch a prince? Seraphina and Julian Sterling are the perfect couple.” She deliberately dragged out the process. I ran around the company, completing eighteen different procedures, spending three grueling hours just to get a $200 advance. Brenda just shrugged, saying it was Julian’s instruction and there was nothing they could do. By the time I rushed to the hospital, Mom had already passed away. Julian saw I wasn’t speaking, snatched the clothes from my hands, and threw them onto the bed: “So what if I spent some of your money? Do you have to get so angry and pack your bags?” “That’s what I hate about people from your background, so provincial. You hand over a few hundred thousand, and then you’re constantly trying to claw it back. Honestly, buying Seraphina that sports car was to make sure you stop thinking my money is yours!” My heart felt like it was squeezed hard. I took a deep breath. I thought if I was just sincere enough, if I gave him all my salary, Julian would eventually let go of his suspicions. But I never expected he’d still think I was a gold-digger. Seraphina and he had an on-again, off-again relationship three times. Every single time, he’d win her back with luxury cars and mansions. Why was it suddenly my fault for being “provincial” when it came to me? I finished packing, grabbed my suitcase, and forced a sarcastic smile: “You won’t have to worry about that anymore. You can keep all your money for Seraphina.” Julian’s eyes widened. He grabbed my arm. Crash! A storage box was knocked over, and countless slips of paper with messages of goodwill fluttered to the ground, like a sudden snowfall. These were all the blessings I had begged endlessly for, stopping people on the street one by one. He had told me he’d suffered too much heartbreak, and unless I collected 10,000 messages of goodwill from strangers to prove my sincerity, he wouldn’t marry me. The ten-thousandth blessing was from my mom. She’d asked a fellow passenger on the train coming to the city to write it. When she handed it to me, she wished Julian and me a long and happy marriage, filled with enduring love. But Julian still went public with Seraphina just because of a single word from her. All my boundaries, all my expectations, were a joke. Julian picked up a slip of paper, his handsome eyebrows relaxing as he sighed: “Alright, Ava, stop throwing a fit. I’ll give you another three hundred. Take your mom to get some nice new clothes and buy some good food. Then I’ll take her on a trip later, fulfill my filial duty as a son-in-law.” The old me would have gladly accepted his apology and praised him for being a good husband. But now, my heart was heavy with resentment, and I couldn’t swallow my anger. I placed my hand over his payment transfer screen and said coldly: “No need. You’re not her son-in-law. We’re breaking up.” My words were swallowed by the sound of a key turning in the lock. “Julian, I’m here to pick you up. Weren’t we going out to dinner to celebrate?” Seraphina walked in and looked surprised: “Ava, what are you doing at Julian’s place?” Julian coughed and pulled away from me: “Ava’s mom needed some money, so she just asked if she could get an advance on her salary.” We had been in a secret relationship for five years, and he always kept me at arm’s length. I couldn’t even post about him on Ins. I thought he just disliked office romances. Turns out, hiding it from everyone was just to hide it from one person. Seraphina put on a righteous face and sharply scolded me: “Ava, don’t be so excessive! I didn’t say anything when you caused a scene at the announcement, but you have hands and feet. Just because Julian is kind, you can’t treat him like a cash cow and demand money!” Julian frowned, about to speak. I forced a smile. “You’re right, that’s exactly what I think. So I’m leaving now.” With that, I picked up my suitcase and walked past Julian, heading downstairs. He took a step as if to follow, glanced at Seraphina, then casually said: “Be careful on your way.” As I stepped out of the building, Julian sent me a SnapChat message: “Ava, don’t worry. This is the last time I’m helping Seraphina out. In a couple of days, I’ll make time to take your mom on that trip, and we can discuss our wedding plans and fast-track the ceremony.” I scoffed, opening the chat window with William, the HR from the overseas company: “William, my visa is approved. Flight’s tomorrow afternoon. See you then.”

I hailed a cab to the company to pick up my files, but Brenda, the HR rep, looked completely annoyed: “Julian has been deliberately delaying your resignation application. Come back next Monday to ask again.” I tried calling Julian, but it just went straight to voicemail. It was always like this whenever he was with Seraphina. I should have made him approve my resignation before I left. Frustrated, I frowned and left the company. Behind me, a burst of mocking laughter erupted: “When Seraphina and Julian made it official, she was there singing and dancing, then she kneeled and begged Julian for money! So embarrassing!” “You should have seen her face just now when Julian didn’t pick up his call! If I were him, I’d block such a clingy nuisance too!” I was already used to these taunts. My phone chimed with a notification. It was Seraphina, sending a message to gloat. The photo showed the slips of paper, meant for goodwill, stuffed into a filthy garbage can filled with slop. “One word from me, and Julian threw away your 10,000 blessings. I heard you spent a year collecting them; how tragic. So much effort for nothing.” “What good was five years of dating? The moment I came back, you were swept aside. He’s with me eating dinner right now, peeling shrimp for me. His hands are covered in sauce; you’ve never seen him do that, have you? If you’re curious, come to the restaurant’s private room. You can watch all you want.” My grip tightened on my phone. Ever since she returned to the country, I’d seen plenty of messages like this—Julian, who was such a clean freak and so arrogant, would now wash her clothes, cook for her, wash her feet, and make her bed. Usually, I dreaded Seraphina’s messages, yet I’d morbidly watch Julian’s special treatment of her. I even tried to tell myself it was all Photoshopped, that she was just trying to stir up trouble, and that by not seeing the truth, I could continue to delude myself. This time, I went. Not out of jealousy, but only to make Julian sign my resignation so I could finally be rid of him. Half an hour later, I arrived at the restaurant, only to hear Julian arguing with someone by the staircase. I instinctively hid around the corner. “Julian, are you insane? Seraphina dumped you three times, each time worse than the last. She even tricked you into going to a cliff and almost got you crippled! How could you go public with her? Ava was with you for five years, and you never gave her a title. Don’t forget, she almost died saving you once!” It was Leo, Julian’s closest friend. I touched the uneven scar on my forehead. A year ago, Julian and I were in a car accident during a business trip. To protect him, I was impaled by shards of windshield glass. I had more than a dozen steel plates implanted in my body, and a scar above my left eyebrow disfigured me, turning my previously gentle eyes into something fiercer. Colleagues secretly whispered “Scarface” behind my back, avoiding me and even spreading rumors that I was beaten by creditors. Julian, however, never bothered to set the record straight, always too worried about appearances. The next second, Julian’s reply hit me like a lightning bolt: “It’s because she had that car accident, and the scar near her eye… she doesn’t look like Seraphina anymore.” Leo was furious: “So you were still using her as a stand-in! No wonder when she proposed, you set an impossible task for her. Ten thousand blessings? Even if you asked thirty people a day, it would take a year! If you didn’t want to marry her, you didn’t have to play games with her! What kind of spell has that rotten Seraphina cast on you?” “Enough!” Julian barked. “Don’t you dare slander Seraphina like that! She said she’s turned over a new leaf. I’m just making up for past regrets. Give me two more days, and I’ll break it off with her.” Leo was speechless: “Aren’t you afraid Ava will truly give up?” Julian sounded completely confident: “I got Ava her job, she lives in my apartment, she has nothing without me. I’ll take responsibility for her. We’ve been out too long; Seraphina will get anxious. Let’s go back.” Watching their retreating backs. I stood there for a long time, then collapsed to the ground, hugging myself. When my mom first fell ill, I brought her to the city for treatment. Desperate because we had no money, Julian was the one who approached me, inviting me to work at his company. He was gentle and compassionate, like a god, and I fell for him completely. Looking back now, I remember wearing a face mask at the time, only my eyes visible. And his eyes, they were filled with the joy of finding something lost and finally recovered. Whenever he spoke of his ex, Julian always spoke through gritted teeth, a mix of love and hate. Then he would bury his face against my chest, sighing how grateful he was to have me. After Seraphina returned, he would deliberately “bump into” her several times, confronting her, but it was just an excuse to argue and subtly express his longing. No wonder Julian suddenly grew distant after the car accident. I, foolishly, thought it was because Seraphina was back and he was torn. Turns out, the original had returned, and I, the stand-in, was no longer needed, so he came up with the impossible task of 10,000 blessings as an elaborate excuse to turn me down. After a while, I took a deep breath and pushed open the private room door. Inside, everyone was already tipsy, clapping and cheering: “A dramatic reunion! An epic romance! I’m totally shipping them! Julian, you have to kiss Seraphina!” Julian kissed Seraphina’s lips openly. His long lashes fluttered, betraying a flicker of emotion. After an unknown amount of time, he realized the cheering had stopped and opened his eyes in confusion. He saw me standing behind Seraphina, my face utterly blank. He jolted upright, his face pale: “Ava, I can explain everything! It’s not what you think!” His clumsy attempt to cover it up made it all the more ridiculously absurd to me. “Julian, let’s break up.”

The next second, I pulled out my resignation letter: “Also, please sign this so I can resign.” Julian stood there, dumbfounded. Everyone present had a mix of shock and amusement on their faces; some hesitated, wanting to intervene. But then, Splash! Seraphina swept the wine and fruit platter off the table, as if she’d been utterly humiliated: “You two are a couple?!” “Julian, I told you, the love I want is one where your eyes are only for me! If you have a girlfriend, just say so! There’s no need to try and get revenge on me like this!” She stormed out of the room. Julian snapped back to reality, then, losing all composure, slapped me across the face: “Who told you to cause a scene in front of Seraphina?! Why did you expose our relationship? Don’t you know she’s too sensitive to handle this kind of shock?” My head was flung sideways, my eyes cold and empty. The burning rage in his eyes suddenly died down, replaced by a flicker of pain. The hand that had struck me trembled violently. He turned his head away and said sharply: “You just want to force me to marry you, but your plan failed. I’d like to see how you’re going to cause trouble for Seraphina without the job I gave you!” He snatched my resignation letter and signed it. The next second, he shouted “Seraphina!” and sprinted after her. I traced the crumpled paper, then, with a sense of relief, walked out amidst the bewildered stares of the crowd. Now, only one thing remained. After Mom’s death, I decided to take her away, so I’d only arranged a simple funeral and a symbolic tomb. Tomorrow, I needed to go to the hospital to pick up her ashes and belongings. The next morning, I arrived at the hospital right on schedule, planning to grab Mom’s things and head straight to the airport. As I passed a medical room, I heard a doctor call out Julian’s name. “You young people are crazy for love. Now your chest skin is inflamed, ulcerated, and bleeding. It could easily get infected internally! You can’t keep doing this!” I involuntarily slowed my steps. Then I heard Seraphina’s sugary voice: “Julian, I was just saying yesterday, out of spite, that I’d only forgive you when your heart was completely full of me. How could you actually tattoo my name all over your chest?” Julian’s voice was full of devotion: “For you, it’s nothing.” I turned my head and saw Julian’s open collar. His chest skin was red and festering, and I could faintly make out Seraphina’s name tattooed densely across it, each letter seeping with blood. But before, when I had just bought a pair of matching couple’s rings, he had reamed me out, saying I was deliberately trying to claim him and tie him down, restrict his freedom. Turns out, when it came to love, everyone was equally pathetic. I continued towards the morgue. Seraphina had already spotted me and deliberately picked a fight: “Ava, Julian said you’re just a persistent stalker. What do you want now?” Julian, however, didn’t seem annoyed at all. He quickly buttoned his collar, smoothed his hair, and a slight smile played on his lips: “Ava, I know you came to find me on purpose. As long as you promise not to overstep again, I can still let you come back to the company. I heard your mom is in our city recently. I can be generous and take her on a trip.” My eyes were full of sarcasm. What exactly counted as “not overstepping”? Continue to be his secret lover, smilingly bless him and Seraphina, then wait until he’d had his fill and settled down, gratefully marrying him? He still didn’t know that Mom had died long ago, and her last words were for me to find someone who truly loved me. The nurse, however, couldn’t wait. She rushed out to find me, handing me Mom’s ashes and belongings: “Ava, I have other families to attend to. Just sign here, and you can take your mother’s ashes.”

Julian’s smug expression froze: “What ashes?” The nurse shot him a puzzled look: “Ava’s mother passed away two days ago because she couldn’t afford the medical bills.” Julian was speechless, finding his voice only after a long moment: “How could this be? Ava, didn’t you use the money I gave you for your mom?” I lowered my head to sign the ash claim form. Seraphina frowned, then suddenly spoke: “Julian, I suddenly feel a bit unwell. Could you ask the doctor to check me? Ava and I are both women, maybe I can comfort her properly.” Julian hesitated, then finally called out to me: “Ava, stay right here! Wait for me to get the doctor, then we can talk properly!” The moment he left, Seraphina’s eyes filled with malice. She swept her hand across the table, knocking over my mother’s urn. She whispered mockingly: “Ava, you really are a persistent ghost. It was me who deliberately told HR not to give you the funds. Your mom died because you didn’t know your place. And Julian said he’s going to give your old position to me. If you’re smart, you’ll get lost!” My pupils constricted. So, my mom’s death was her doing! Filled with fury, I didn’t hesitate to slap her. She immediately crumpled to the floor, shrinking into the corner, groaning in pain, begging repeatedly: “Ava, don’t kill me! I’m so sad your mom died too!” Bystanders, unaware of the full story, all assumed I was just venting my anger. They had all seen Julian and Seraphina’s public announcement video, and now they were indignant: “Her own mom died, and she’s taking it out on another patient? Where’s security? Get this person out of the hospital!” “Don’t you know that’s Mr. Sterling’s fiancée? The Sterling family is loaded; you’ve messed with the wrong person! It’s not too late to get on your knees and apologize now!” My face was numb as I knelt to pick up the shattered ceramic pieces of my mother’s urn. The sharp edges of the fragments cut my fingers, leaving streaks of blood, but I felt no pain. As everyone condemned me, Julian finally rushed back with the doctor. They spoke over each other, trying to take credit: “Julian, your fiancée is being bullied! Aren’t you going to stand up for her?” Seraphina, looking smug, weakly cried out: “Julian, I’m fine. Ava didn’t mean to hit me. I was just kindly helping Ava with her mom’s ashes, and I accidentally dropped them. She didn’t intentionally push me or slap me. I’m okay; I probably didn’t break anything.” Julian took three steps and was suddenly in front of me. I didn’t even lift my head, just gathered my mother’s ashes. He’d probably just say a few words to me, nothing more. But to my surprise, the next second, he knelt directly in front of me, carefully cradling my hands and asking: “Does it hurt?”

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After our driver’s daughter moved in, Blake-my already resentful adoptive brother-grew to hate me even more. She looked like him. That, in his mind, was proof enough: I was the impostor, and she was the real heiress. Frankly, I couldn’t be bothered to argue. Then came my eighteenth birthday. Blake showed up with the driver’s daughter to stake her claim. He turned to our parents, expecting a standing ovation. “Mom, Dad, this is your real daughter, my real sister! Avery’s the fake.” Then he threw a DNA report in my face. “You’ve stolen my sister’s life for eighteen years. Get out of this house!” Behind him, Sierra’s eyes welled up with practiced tears. “I only want…my real family.” A collective gasp tore through the room. Mom and Dad stood frozen. But as I stared at the report that confirmed they were siblings, a cold, sudden laugh rose in my chest. “What if… you’re the fake son?” I’m Avery Maxwell, the heiress to the powerful Maxwell family. Tonight was my eighteenth birthday. My parents had booked the grandest ballroom in the city and filled it with every important person they knew. I stood at the center of it all, radiant in a custom gown, the undisputed star of the evening. What I never expected was for my brother, Blake, to try to burn the whole party down. “Avery is a fraud! She has no right to be here!” Blake marched into the center of the room, dragging our driver’s daughter, Sierra, behind him. He looked at me with pure contempt, as if I were something he’d scraped off his shoe. Sierra shrank behind him, her eyes already glistening with unshed tears. My parents stared, completely bewildered. My mother gestured subtly for him to stop. My father’s voice was low and stern. “Blake, you’re late to your sister’s birthday, and now you make a spectacle? Explain yourself.” “Blake, sweetheart,” my mother tried, her voice pleading. “You and Avery quarrel, but tonight is her night. Please, have some respect.” Blake ignored them. He raised a finger and pointed straight at me, his voice hard. “Avery is not a Maxwell. She was switched at birth. A fake. The real Maxwell daughter is Sierra!” He pushed Sierra forward, presenting her to our parents like a winning trophy. “Mom, Dad, this is your real daughter. My real sister. Look at her. She even looks like me. That’s all the proof you need.” Blake’s words detonated in the room, shredding the polite chatter to pieces. Eyes darted between the three of us. Whispers spread like a current. “You know…the Maxwell siblings never did look alike.” “But Blake and that girl… they look like twins.” “Do you think it’s true?” “Well, this party just got interesting.” Mom and Dad exchanged a shocked glance, muttering, “Blake and Sierra do look alike…” Blake soaked in the whispers and pointed fingers directed at me, his eyes gleaming with hatred and triumph. I just watched him, my expression unreadable. “Blake, have you been binging too many ‘swapped at birth’ stories? You say I’m fake, and that makes it true?” I knew Blake had hated me since we were kids. Maybe it was because I was the older sister, and I’d stolen half of Mom and Dad’s affection. Or maybe because I outshone him in everything, always stealing his thunder… Whatever the reason, he always looked for ways to put me down, wishing I wasn’t his sister. After he got hooked on those ‘fake heiress’ web novels, he became absolutely convinced that I was swapped at birth and that Jim’s daughter, who looked like him, was the true Maxwell heiress. So, Blake pulling this stunt today? Honestly, it wasn’t much of a surprise.

Blake, seeing I wasn’t at all scared of being thrown out, became agitated. He sneered, “Avery, you’ve got some nerve! Let me tell you, you’re not leeching off my family any longer. If you know what’s good for you, just pack your bags and leave!” Before I could even respond, my parents, who had finally recovered from their shock, spoke up. Dad sternly reprimanded Blake, his voice harsher than I’d ever heard it. “Blake! Where are your manners? Avery is your sister! How can you say something so incredibly disrespectful?!” Mom quickly agreed. “That’s right, Blake. You and Avery can bicker all you want on a normal day, but this is Avery’s big moment. Show some decency!” But Blake seemed not to hear them. Instead, he yelled back at Mom and Dad. “Avery isn’t my sister! Sierra is my sister! You should be worried about all the suffering Sierra endured these eighteen years, not fussing over Avery, the imposter!” As Blake finished, Sierra nervously twisted her dress hem, her shoulders trembling with quiet sobs, her voice barely a choked whisper. “I just want to come home… If you don’t like me, I can leave…” She said, timidly glancing up at Mom and Dad, then quickly dropping her gaze as tears streamed down her face, looking utterly heartbroken and wronged. Mom couldn’t stand it. She tried to comfort her. “Sweetie, we haven’t figured things out yet-” But before Mom could finish, Sierra’s tears intensified, and her sobs grew louder. Seeing Sierra’s pitiful, wounded display, Blake’s heart twisted with sympathy. He pulled Sierra behind him, declaring with a fierce protectiveness, “Don’t worry, Sierra. I, Blake Maxwell, only recognize you as my sister. You belong to the Maxwell family!” The crowd erupted again, even more agitated. They started pitying Sierra, and their gazes, once admiring, now held a flicker of disdain for me. “That poor girl, her real parents are right there, yet she has to endure this.” “The Maxwells are so biased, how can they favor the swapped child over their own flesh and blood for eighteen years?” “Avery is truly wicked, enjoying someone else’s wealth for eighteen years and now refusing to give it up!” Mom and Dad’s faces flushed from white to red under the weight of these whispered judgments. And me? Listening to them champion Sierra’s supposed injustice, I just found it laughable. I coolly scanned the room, then let out a sarcastic laugh. “Nothing’s been confirmed yet. Don’t be so quick to show your true colors!” Before this ‘fake heiress’ drama began, they’d all fawned over me, the Maxwell heiress. Now, without a single piece of hard proof, they were already scrambling to cozy up to the ‘real’ one. They were sharp. They heard the ice in my voice. Their smiles tightened, but out of respect for the Maxwell name, they held their tongues. Then I turned to Blake, my voice sharp. “Blake, you’re making a spectacle of the Maxwell name and our parents over nothing but a passing resemblance. Show me the proof. Or you and your friend can leave!” Blake had been chastised by me countless times growing up, and he already harbored resentment. Now, being lectured in front of so many people, his face turned beet red with fury. Blake glared at me, then yanked a document from his pocket and slapped it against my cheek with a sharp crack. “Avery, open your goddamn eyes, you leech! You’re the one who needs to get out!” It was a DNA paternity report. “I was going to let you keep some dignity. Clearly, you don’t deserve it.” At the same moment, the report flashed onto the giant LCD screen behind us. Test result: Sample 1 (Blake Maxwell) and Sample 2 (Sierra Jim) confirmed sibling relationship.

“See for yourselves!” Blake waved the report overhead. “My DNA test with Sierra proves we’re siblings!” He paused, his gaze deliberately finding me before he drove the point home. “The evidence is right here. Sierra is the real Maxwell heiress. Avery…she has no blood tie to this family at all” He was shouting now, as if I were standing across a field. My parents stood frozen, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief. Dad’s brow furrowed. “This report… Blake and Sierra are truly siblings?!” Mom’s voice trembled. “How can this be…?” The room erupted. The whispers now were louder than before. “The results are in! Avery really is the fake!” “The Maxwells must be sick. Their own daughter suffered for eighteen years while they spoiled a stranger.” “Did you see how high and mighty Avery was acting? Talk about karma.” “Exactly. Prancing around in a stolen life. Let’s see her talk her way out of this.” … I went from being the pampered heiress of a wealthy family to a fake heiress everyone could scorn. Blake lifted his chin smugly and gave me my marching orders. “Avery, nothing to say now, huh? Get out, quickly!” Sierra tugged on Blake’s sleeve, timidly saying, “Blake, maybe… maybe we should just let it go. After all, Mom and Dad did raise Avery for eighteen years.” Her ‘kind and magnanimous’ act only made me seem like a monstrous villain. I watched their little performance quietly, with no intention of leaving. “Blake, the Maxwell family isn’t yours to command!” Blake scowled, then directly signaled the bodyguards to drag me out. “You’re out of line, Avery Maxwell! Today, I’m going to make you realize who the true owner of this family is! A common nobody doesn’t deserve designer clothes-strip her of that dress and throw her out!” Several bodyguards moved to grab me, but before their hands could even touch me, Dad’s cold voice stopped them. “Stop! Who dares lay a hand on my daughter?!” Dad’s voice carried an unquestionable authority, and Mom quickly stepped forward, shielding me. The bodyguards froze instantly, exchanging nervous glances, not daring to advance. Seeing this, Blake’s eyes turned red. He couldn’t believe that even with the DNA report right in front of them, Mom and Dad were still protecting me, an outsider. He lost control, roaring at Mom and Dad. “Dad! Mom! Have you gone senile?!” “Sierra and I are the real Maxwells! How can you ignore your own flesh and blood and pour your hearts out to Avery, this imposter?!” Mom and Dad’s expressions were complex. After a long moment, they simply said, “Avery is a Maxwell.” Their voices weren’t loud, but they carried an unshakeable resolve. In that moment, a warmth spread through my chest. No matter what happened, Mom and Dad would always be my shield.

Blake, however, was like a lit firecracker, his face contorted with resentment and fury. Sierra, too, began to sob dramatically, her cries heartbreaking, as if she’d suffered the greatest injustice. “It’s all my fault… If I hadn’t shown up, I wouldn’t have made Mom and Dad so difficult, wouldn’t have made Blake so miserable… I really shouldn’t have come back…” She spoke, then stumbled, as if about to run out, embodying a martyr. Blake immediately grabbed her, comforting her. “Sierra, don’t run! This is your home, Avery is the one who should leave!” Sierra looked at Blake through tear-filled eyes, then timidly gazed at Mom and Dad. “I truly don’t want to cause you trouble. I just want to return to my real mom and dad. Why is it so hard?!” Just then, Jim, the driver, pushed through the outer edges of the crowd. As soon as he entered, he knelt down with a thud before Mom and Dad. “Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell, both children… we truly wronged you! That year at the hospital, my wife, in a moment of confusion, swapped the two babies!” Jim wept, his old eyes flooding with tears, his remorse complete. “Now I have only one wish: for Sierra to come back to her real family. Avery has taken eighteen years of her life. Our conscience can’t bear it any longer. Sierra is a good girl. Please, I beg you, give her the chance to come home. As for Avery…she will come home with me.” Hearing this, Mom and Dad looked at each other. Their faces grew even more solemn. “Jim, is what you’re telling us about that year the complete truth?” Jim nodded vigorously. “Every word of it, Mrs. Maxwell! My wife…she’s lived with the guilt every single day. We never would have had the courage to come forward if Sierra hadn’t started looking so much like Blake. It’s all on us-please, blame me. Just don’t take it out on Sierra.” Jim’s words corroborated Sierra’s claim, making Blake even more arrogant. He stepped forward, pointing at my nose, his spit almost flying onto my face. “Did you hear that, Avery?! Even Jim admitted it himself! You were maliciously swapped at birth!” “With witnesses and evidence right here, you imposter, get out of the Maxwell mansion, now!” Jim stood up, reaching for me, but I swiftly dodged his hand. Sierra, fearing I wouldn’t leave, frantically urged me. “Avery, I know this is sudden for you, but our intertwined lives are a fact. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Mom and Dad in the Maxwell house. You can come back anytime you want. The Maxwell mansion will always be your second home.” Her voice was still choked with tears, but a hint of barely perceptible triumph laced it. I shot her a cold glance, my malice undisguised. “Who do you think you are, to talk about taking care of my parents for me? My parents have me, they don’t need you telling them what to do!” My obstinate attitude once again drew a fresh wave of condemnation from the guests. “How ill-mannered! Her biological father comes to pick her up, and she refuses to go.” “Eighteen years of someone else’s wealth isn’t enough for her? Her skin is thicker than a fortress wall!” “The Maxwells wasted eighteen years raising such an ungrateful wretch!” Then Blake slapped me hard across the face. “Avery, you shameless bitch! Who gave you the right to talk to my sister Sierra like that? A fake heiress should know her place! Don’t push your luck.” My head snapped to the side, my cheek burning. Mom and Dad moved to step forward, but I gently pressed their arms and stopped them. I bent down, picked up the scattered DNA report from the floor, and found the line confirming their sibling relationship. I smiled. “What if, Blake, you’re the fake son? What if you are the one who needs to get out?”

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To clear my girlfriend’s debts, Mom and I worked ourselves to the bone. It cost Mom her life – she got lung cancer. When I rushed to the hospital with the money to pay for her treatment, I found her gone. She’d taken her own life, leaving only a single letter: “Kolt, don’t waste money treating me. Use it to pay off Scarlett’s debts. She loves you. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.” Clutching Mom’s ashes, I handed Scarlett the sixty thousand dollars Mom had left. Back at the office, I walked in on her talking to a few creditors. It wasn’t what I expected. “Scarlett, Kolt has passed all your tests. What’s next on your agenda?” Scarlett’s assistant, Brandon, suddenly spoke up: “Scarlett, he might be able to tough it out with you, but we still need to see if he can handle prosperity.” Scarlett pursed her lips: “Next, I need to know if he’s truly sincere. If he doesn’t covet my money once he knows who I really am, I’ll marry him.” I looked at Mom’s ashes, dissolving into a weeping mess. My girlfriend’s pre-wedding ‘test’ cost my mother her life. And I? I swear, you’ll all pay for this!

Leaving Su Corp. I sat on the curb, clutching Mom’s urn. Mom had asked for her ashes to be placed in the simplest, most unadorned container, just to save every last penny for Scarlett’s debts. Suddenly, Scarlett’s face appeared on the giant screen in the plaza. The news anchor reported: “Just moments ago, Scarlett, the CEO of Su Corp, who had mysteriously disappeared for three years, attended a gala with her fiancé, Brandon.” I stared at the screen, at Scarlett, radiant with confidence. Tears streamed down my face. So all those years Mom and I poured our hearts and souls into working, just to pay off her debts… It was all just a lie. I sat there for what felt like ages, until Scarlett called that evening. Her voice was just as soft and gentle as always: “It’s so late. Why aren’t you home yet? Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.” I instinctively opened my mouth, but no words came out. Just silence. Before, I would’ve probably been a little annoyed, complaining that she was interrupting my work again. But now, that intimate tone… I couldn’t bear it. Scarlett’s voice held a hint of urgency: “Kolt, where are you right now?” “Working.” Scarlett froze, as if just remembering that I’d been working tirelessly until late every night, all to pay off her debts. She’d promised to marry me once the debts were cleared. And to settle down, build a real life with me. Just as Mom had hoped. Today, she was supposed to reveal her true identity to me. “I… I have something to tell you. I’m actually the heir to Su Corp.” “I… I’m coming to pick you up right now…” I hung up, hailed a cab, and left. I had no expectations left for Scarlett. When I finally snapped back to reality, my own tears were reflected in the car window. On my phone, Scarlett’s messages popped up, one after another. I didn’t look. I didn’t want to. Today was supposed to be the start of our new life together. But her lies had turned my mother’s suicide into a cruel joke. Five years of struggle, all for a ridiculous truth. Scarlett, I’m not marrying you.

That night, I didn’t go home. I checked into a hotel. Scarlett messaged me all night, called countless times. I didn’t check. I didn’t answer. The next morning, I arrived at the company early. To prepare my resignation letter. The company was a subsidiary of Su Corp. And I was just an ordinary accountant. Five years ago, I first met Scarlett when she joined the company too. After we started dating, I introduced her to Mom. Mom approved of our marriage. As we were planning the reception, Scarlett told me she was deep in debt and had been fired from her job. To help her pay it off, I took on every side gig I could find. Mom also worked herself to the bone. Her already worn face grew even older, etched with more lines. I never imagined this company… it was *hers*. I let out a bitter laugh, mocking myself. Just then, Scarlett walked in. I calmly pulled out the resignation agreement I’d already printed. Scarlett came to stand beside me. Under her watchful gaze, I calmly signed the resignation agreement. She looked at me, her voice gentle: “Are you done?” “I’m done.” Scarlett bit her lip slightly, seemingly unaware of the change in me. She cleared her throat. “Kolt, could you come with me for a moment?” The moment Scarlett called me away, my colleagues immediately started whispering. “Oh my God, have you guys seen the news? Scarlett is the CEO of Su Corp!” “Kolt’s practically the CEO’s husband now, but his expression…” “You don’t get it. It’s just a lovers’ quarrel, they’ll patch things up.” Everyone thought I was about to become the CEO’s husband. But they didn’t know I just wanted to leave, forever. In the office, Scarlett reached out as if to grab me. I took a step back. “Ms. Scarlett.” Scarlett frowned. “Why didn’t you come home last night? Are you still mad at me?” I shook my head. “I went to see Mom.” I didn’t go back because I didn’t want Mom to ever see her again. She could have lived if she’d just gotten treatment. But she chose to end her own life, just so she wouldn’t be a burden. Scarlett seemed to sense a strange shift in me. After a moment of silence, she spoke: “Tonight, let’s go see your mom together.” As she spoke, she seemed to remember something, and her gaze became hesitant. She slowly handed me a card. “There’s a hundred thousand dollars on it. Get your mom some new clothes, consider it…” I stared at the bank card, but I didn’t take it. What she owed us couldn’t be repaid with money. Seeing my silence, a flicker of panic crossed Scarlett’s eyes. She was about to speak when a ringtone interrupted her thoughts. Scarlett pulled out her phone, glanced at me, hesitated for a moment, then left. I knew this was probably another one of her ‘tests’ for me. Testing my sincerity, testing if I was after her money. But I no longer cared. After that, I submitted my resignation. Mr. Davies didn’t seem surprised by my sudden resignation request. “Kolt, you’re leaving? Did Ms. Scarlett make other arrangements for you?” I bit my lip, feeling a surge of bitter irony. Everyone thought I was about to become the CEO’s husband, stepping into high society. They all envied my ‘luck’. They had no idea I’d lost my mother forever because of it. If I had a choice, I’d rather have never met Scarlett. As I was leaving the company, I saw Scarlett with her assistant, Brandon. Catching my eye, Scarlett instinctively began to explain; “This is Brandon, he’s my…” Before she could finish, Brandon wrapped an arm around her. “Fiancé.” I stayed silent. Then, Brandon spoke again: “Excuse me. Could you move aside?” A glint of challenge flashed in Brandon’s eyes. I silently took a step back, clearing the way. Scarlett looked at me, hesitation in her eyes, as if she wanted to say something. But Brandon pulled her away before she could. That evening, I went to church to pray for Mom. I stayed until my prayers were done. Scarlett never showed up. She never even asked. I didn’t care. Whether she knew about Mom’s death or not, it didn’t matter anymore. I figured Mom, in heaven, if she knew the truth, wouldn’t want to see her either. Five years of misplaced trust. It all ended right here, right now.

In the early hours, I returned home. Scarlett wasn’t back. I didn’t care. As I was packing my bags, the news was reporting on the Su Corp CEO, Scarlett, attending a gala with her fiancé, Brandon. I watched the ‘perfect’ couple, feeling nothing. Bags packed, I was about to leave. The door opened, and Scarlett appeared. The moment she saw me, Scarlett rushed over, grabbing my hand. “Where were you last night? Why didn’t you answer my calls?” I stiffened, then pulled my hand free from Scarlett’s grip. “Last night, I was with Mom. I didn’t want to disturb her rest, so I turned off my phone.” At the mention of Mom, Scarlett remembered what she’d said that day, and a look of guilt crossed her face. “I’ll arrange for the best doctors to take care of your mom.” Then, she pulled out a box and pressed it into my hand. “This is what I promised to give your mom.” I opened it instinctively. Inside was a bracelet. It was the genuine version of the bracelet Mom had cherished so carefully. I froze. Once, Scarlett had held Mom’s hand, and promised with utmost sincerity that one day, she’d give her the priceless original. Mom’s eyes had been full of laughter then. She didn’t care if the bracelet was real or fake. As long as it came from Scarlett, from the daughter-in-law she approved of. She would be happy. But I thought, *that was before*. I closed the box and handed it back. “If you get the chance, give it to her yourself.” Scarlett frowned slightly. Every time, I used to make the choice she expected, the one she hoped for. But my politeness now felt alien to her. A flicker of unease crossed her face. She grabbed my hand, squeezing it slightly. “Your mom’s health…” Just then, Brandon appeared, wrapping an arm around Scarlett’s shoulder. “Scarlett, I want to stay in this room!” She was pointing at *my* room. “This room is taken.” Scarlett said, then quickly explained to me: “He’s a friend. He’s just staying for a bit because of work.” As she spoke, Scarlett stared intently at me, as if expecting me to refuse. But I just nodded, agreeing without a second thought. “Let him have the room. I need to go stay with Mom.” Scarlett froze for a moment. Brandon, not giving me a chance to reconsider, immediately rushed into the room. Only then did she notice the luggage in my hand. She bit her lip, holding my hand tightly, refusing to let go. The guilt in her eyes deepened. Finally, urged on by Brandon, she spoke: “Tomorrow, I’ll go see your mom.”

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When Ronnie Miller’s mistress showed up pregnant for the third time, I remained strangely calm. I even had the leisure to admire the wedding photos they’d taken behind my back. Ronnie frowned, his expression cold, subtly shielding Briar Stone. “I know I promised you I wouldn’t have children with anyone else.” “But Briar has been with me for so many years. Her body is already fragile after two abortions. This child *has* to stay. If anything happens to her, I won’t hold back.” After speaking, he stepped back a few paces. He probably expected me to lash out like a madwoman, just like before. But not this time. Three days ago, I’d already accepted his proposal. I raised an eyebrow, glancing at Briar’s hands, clutching the wedding photos so tightly her knuckles were white. “Nice wedding photos, but that dress doesn’t really suit you.” If she hadn’t deliberately sent me the ultrasound, I wouldn’t have even known she was pregnant again. Over the years, I’d grown used to her provocations. The first time she confronted me, I felt like I’d been thrown into sub-zero water. My entire being felt torn in half, my heart spasming with pain. My eyes bloodshot, I’d shattered an ashtray over Ronnie’s head. He merely licked the blood from his lip, looking at me with an exasperated yet protective gaze directed at her. “Honey, you’re a real firecracker, aren’t you? So quick to ignite.” “But I truly care for her. Don’t lay a hand on her, and everything will be fine. Was one hit not enough? Want to hit me twice to blow off some steam?” Back then, my world crumbled. I lost handfuls of hair, suffered sleepless nights, tormenting myself until I looked like a ghost. But now, I felt nothing at all. Ronnie paused, then stared at me with a half-smile. “Honey, new tactic?” “But you know, even if you try to stop me, it won’t end well for you.” He was right. I agreed wholeheartedly, nodding. “I won’t stop you. Do whatever you want.” Seeing my lack of tears or drama, Ronnie finally let out a sigh of relief. A flicker of guilt crossed his eyes. “Whatever you want to buy, just use my card.” With that, he walked off, cradling Briar in his arms, as if worried she might tire. Watching their retreating figures, I felt a strange sense of unreality. After I first discovered his cheating, I exposed him, laying it all bare for our friends and family to see. I wanted him to back down, to come back to me. But to my shock, the very next day, he doubled down, openly introducing Briar to everyone. Someone spoke ill of Briar, and he knocked out their teeth. Someone else mocked Briar, calling her a homewrecker, and he broke their leg. Everyone instantly stopped disrespecting Briar. I screamed, utterly devastated. “Ronnie, what am I to you?! You swore you’d love me forever!” “Let’s get a divorce!” Ronnie chuckled, then kissed my lips. “Honey, can you really bear to leave me?” “I didn’t say I don’t love you anymore. It’s just been a while, and things get a little… stale. Just be a good girl, okay?” “Divorce? Where would you even go?” All my words caught in my throat. It wasn’t until I learned Briar was pregnant that I completely lost it. Before Ronnie was officially recognized by the Miller family, he was just a street kid, running with gangs. When he was sixteen, he got into a fight, and I stepped in front of him, taking a knife wound that damaged my uterus. I was told I’d likely never have children. After we married, his mother used to verbally abuse me, calling me a barren chicken. To protect me, and spare me further pain, Ronnie got a vasectomy. So, when I found out Briar was pregnant, I tracked her down, slapped her twice, dragged her to the hospital, and forced an abortion. When Ronnie found out, he had people desecrate my grandmother’s grave. In that moment, I felt like I died. My heart felt pierced by countless needles, each beat bleeding. My face was ashen, like a ghost, as I asked him if he was insane. When he was at his lowest, hadn’t my grandmother given him food? Would he even be alive today without her? Before she passed, my grandmother treated him like her own grandson. She split her life savings, half for me, and half to help him start his business. She believed he would make sure I had a good life. But she never imagined that ten years later, Ronnie would bring people to dig up her grave. I laughed, a sharp, bitter sound, coughing up blood. Ronnie remained unmoved, casually smoking on the sofa. “Honey, you’re the one who laid hands on her first.” “I warned you, but you just wouldn’t listen.” After that day, Ronnie never came home again. He spent weeks by Briar’s side, doting on her. I withered away at home, like a dying flower. Watching the news report that Ronnie had rented out an entire auction house for Briar, I slit my wrists. Life drained from me, little by little, the sounds around me slowly fading. A bone-chilling cold consumed me. I felt only relief, and slowly closed my eyes.

But I didn’t die. When I opened my eyes again, Ronnie was beside my bed, his eyes bloodshot. He clutched me tightly, swearing to me. “Honey, you scared me to death.” “I won’t get anyone pregnant again, I promise you.” But people, once they break a promise the first time, will break countless promises for the rest of their lives. The second time Briar got pregnant, Ronnie smoked all night. I knew he was torn. He felt for Briar, but he was also bound by his promise to me. Briar came knocking on our door. Before I could say anything, she collapsed. The baby was gone. That was the first time I saw Ronnie in a fit of uncontrolled rage. He grabbed my throat, demanding I pay with my life. “I already promised you! I was going to make her get rid of it! Why couldn’t you just leave her alone?!” That was the second time I faced death. My lungs burned as if they would explode, air slowly stripped away. Just as I thought I was going to die, I was flung aside like a broken doll. Seeing the undisguised disgust in his eyes, all my explanations caught in my throat, stuck there, making me sick and wretched. Ronnie moved out of the home we’d lovingly decorated together. After that, whenever I needed to reach him, I had to get Briar’s permission before he would answer my calls. Two months later, I found out I was pregnant. The doctor called it a miracle, likely my only chance to ever have a child. I texted Ronnie, but Briar showed up instead. Briar came to our house to corner me. “Do you really think this baby will make Ronnie come back to you?” “Don’t be naive. Do you know what Ronnie said on my bed last night? He said just seeing your old hag face made him sick. If you hadn’t saved him back then, he would have kicked you to the curb ages ago.” Before she left, when I wasn’t looking, she poured hand soap onto the bathroom floor. I slipped when I went to the bathroom, and the gush of blood on the floor stained my vision red. I called Ronnie, but his line was constantly busy. On the tenth call, he only replied with four words: *Briar won’t let me.* The ambulance was slow to arrive. The blood was already cold. The baby was gone. I lay in the hospital bed, staring numbly at the ceiling, unable to understand how Ronnie and I had come to this. I thought, *this is it*. Maybe the baby knew it shouldn’t come into this world. It would only face constantly fighting parents. This is better. Let it be. From that day on, I think I stopped loving Ronnie. Even now, seeing their backs together, there wasn’t a ripple in my heart. The ringtone of *his* special song broke my reverie. I answered the call. “Yes, the divorce papers are ready. I’ll give them to him tomorrow.” “You can pick me up the day after tomorrow.”

I cleared out the old belongings in the house, throwing all the unimportant items into the trash. That night, Ronnie finally came home. In the end, the divorce papers I’d drafted weren’t needed. Ronnie beat me to it, handing me his own divorce papers first. “Honey, Briar feels insecure. She doesn’t want our child to be born a bastard.” “Let’s get divorced first, then after she gives birth, we’ll remarry.” No wonder. An hour ago, Briar had texted me, telling me to expect a surprise. She was trying to provoke me, to make me fight with Ronnie again. Unfortunately, I no longer loved him. Even arguing felt like a waste of energy. I calmly scanned the terms of the agreement. It was generous, and fair. Almost all of Ronnie’s assets were split equally with me. Without hesitation, I signed my name. After signing, I drank the lukewarm water on the table and prepared to go back to my room. Ronnie hadn’t expected me to be so decisive. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. He stood up, instinctively grabbing my wrist. “What’s wrong?” I turned, my gaze distant and cold. “What’s wrong? Is there anything else?” Ronnie glanced uneasily at my bedroom, pondered for a moment, then walked in. He collected all the sharp knives and objects from my room. He then prepared to call the nanny from his family estate. He was afraid I would try to kill myself. I chuckled. “No need to go to all that trouble. I won’t kill myself.” His phone rang. It was Briar, urging him to come home. He nodded dismissively at me, then rushed out the door. Early the next morning, Ronnie urged me downstairs to go to the civil affairs office for our divorce certificate. His car was covered in stickers he used to deem childish. It was Briar’s aesthetic. I sensibly went to the back seat. He paused, then instinctively asked. “Why aren’t you sitting in front?” I gazed out at the rapidly receding scenery, answering distractedly. “Isn’t that Briar’s designated seat?” Ronnie fell silent. Several times, he tried to catch my eye in the rearview mirror, opening his mouth repeatedly without speaking. After registering our information, the staff told us we could come back to finalize the divorce after the cooling-off period. I breathed a sigh of relief. Ronnie stood rooted to the spot, his expression complex, emotions I couldn’t decipher swirling in his eyes. “I’ll drive you home.” I was about to refuse. Briar appeared out of nowhere, jumping to kiss Ronnie’s cheek. Ronnie hastily steadied her. “Careful with the baby!” The moment Briar appeared, all his attention was on her. He didn’t even notice when I left.

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